Shul News & Notes
‘Lunch and Learn’ Continues Jan. 3, And First Monday Of Every Month
You are invited to Zoom at noon on Monday, Jan. 3, to join guest presenter Warren Goldstein for a thoughtful program based on his personal experiences in an unusual interfaith marriage. Warren Goldstein is the Jewish spouse of the Rev. Donna Schaper, pastor of the Orient Congregational Church. Aspects of his talk will include efforts to honor both religious traditions, the b’nai mitzvot of their children, the religious education of their grandchildren, the family name issue from Luria to Goldstein, and interfaith life today.
Warren Goldstein is professor of history emeritus at the University of Hartford, the author or co-
author of six books, and a widely published essayist.
Join Lunch and Learn on the first Monday of every month for programs that inspire and amaze.
[At a special Zoom at noon Lunch and Learn on Monday, Jan. 17, Rabbi Gadi will host a Tu B’Shevat Seder.]
Other News From The Dec. 19 Board Of Directors/Congregation Meetings
At the Dec. 19 Board of Directors and Congregation meetings, the following items were reported:
- Treasurer Alan Garmise reported that 90 participants had contributed to this year’s High Holiday Matching Gift campaign. The generosity of members and friends has resulted in a successful campaign that has exceeded the goal, he said, noting that fundraising for the year, which included the JDD virtual silent auction, the JDD virtual journal, and the High Holiday Matchings Gift Campaign, has put the synagogue in a good position to meet its operational expenses and programming needs.
- Susan Rosenstreich, chair of the Nominating Committee, reported that the committee, which includes Miriam Gabriel and Rochelle Garmise, will continue to prepare a slate of officers to present to the congregation in May 2022. Voting on the slate will take place at the annual Congregation meeting in June.
- Alan Garmise, chair of the Negotiating Committee, reported that letters of intent to negotiate a contract had been exchanged between Rabbi Gadi Capela and the committee, which includes Sara Bloom and Judith K. Weiner. The rabbi’s current contract expires Dec. 31, 2022.
- The president reported that technology updates in the sanctuary have facilitated improved sound and picture quality for those attending services in-person and also on Zoom. The president also reported that she had represented our shul at the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s General Assembly meeting.
Shul Limits Sanctuary Attendance as Covid Variant Omicron Escalates
Moving quickly to respond to Omicron, the Covid variant now escalating in Suffolk County, the shul’s Board of Directors has voted to keep the synagogue open but is limiting in-person sanctuary attendance for all services and events to 5 people — 4 plus Rabbi Gadi. In this way, streaming on Zoom will continue to offer worshippers the sacred backdrop of our sanctuary with Rabbi Gadi in the pulpit without exposing our vulnerable population to the risk of disease.
The new restriction goes into effect for Shabbat services this weekend, Friday, Dec. 24, and will continue through Saturday, Feb. 1, at which time the situation will be re-evaluated.
This decision was reached after consultation with medical professionals and after protracted discussion at Sunday’s meeting of the Board of Directors.
Those wishing to attend in person must be vaccinated and masked, and must sign up in advance by emailing our office assistant at ctigreenport@gmail.com . You will be notified if space is NOT available. Although Suffolk County is not yet requiring booster shots, they are strongly recommended for in-person participation.
We thank you for your patience as we endeavor to provide meaningful spiritual experiences without risk.
The Board of Directors
Judith K. Weiner, President
Lunch and Learn Returns
Zoom at Noon on Monday, Dec. 6
First-Rate Programming On The First Monday Of Every Month
Lunch and Learn is returning with another lineup of first-rate programming, this time on the first Monday of every month. We’re starting with a fascinating program by a guest presenter, Brad Kolodny, whose book Seeking Sanctuary: 125 Years of Synagogues on Long Island, responds to our interest in the history of synagogue buildings, considering the rich history of our own building, which dates from 1901. Yet, we were not the first. The story behind the first synagogue building is quite a saga. Bring lunch, and learn.
For an advance look at what Lunch and Learn will offer, you might want to visit the Suffolk County Historical Society Museum, 300 West Main Street in Riverhead, which has mounted a special exhibit in honor of the anniversary of the first synagogue to be built on Long Island. The images on display at the museum and those planned for Lunch and Learn are architecturally significant, aesthetically interesting, and culturally important.
Brad Kolodny has photographed more than 600 synagogues in 13 countries over the last 30+ years, including images of synagogues here on Long Island. He is president of the Jewish Historical Society of Long Island in Setauket. His second book, The Jews of Long Island 1705-1918, published by SUNY Press, is due out in March 2022.
Zoom at noon, Monday, Dec. 6. Bring curiosity. Bring questions. Bring lunch.
Oculus: Eye On The Arts/A Communal Activity
We are encouraged that the Covid pandemic has lessened. As we reflect on the challenges of the past year, we are reminded of the Shehecheyanu blessing (who has sustained us), the traditional prayer of thanks for bringing us to this moment. In that spirit comes the Shehecheyanu Curtain, a Judaism and the Arts group project to encourage each of us to reflect on our Covid experience and, perhaps, our reordered priorities.
All shul members — from youngsters to seniors — are invited to express their Covid thoughts and observations in paintings, drawings, calligraphy, collage, poetry, storytelling, photography, handwork, etc. Each submission will be displayed on a 20’-by-6’ canvas now mounted on the south wall of the community room. This kind of activity, sometimes called mural art, is designed to echo the life of the community — our community, our shul family community, what we, as individuals, can contribute to the collective experience.
To guide those needing help expressing their thoughts, J&A members will arrange art-project days, providing art supplies and supervision. As each submission is mounted on the Shehecheyanu Curtain, a thoughtful picture of our communal response to a global emergency will emerge. The J&A group invites your contributions to the Shehecheyanu Curtain and your views of the project as it develops and flourishes.
What did you see? What did you learn? What did you feel? What has changed?
For more information, email the shul at ctigreenport@gmail.com, with a message for Saul Rosenstreich, who has initiated the project as chair of the J&A group.
Judaism and the Arts members, from left, Saul Rosenstreich, Hedy Campeas, and Judith Weiner mount the Shehecheyanu Curtain in the shul’s community room. Photo right, Saul Rosenstreich adds the first submissions to the curtain — two panels painted by Hedy Campeas that represent her interpretations of scriptural prayers depicting entry through The Gates of Mercy, top, and a prayer for healing. Graham Diamond photos
Get Social