Shul News & Notes
New JTS Course Coming in January; Rabbi Gadi To Lead The Discussion
Coming in January, the shul will offer a provocative new course, “Beyond Dispute: Debates That Shape Jewish Life.” The course, developed by the Jewish Theological Seminary and facilitated by Rabbi Gadi, probes philosophical, spiritual, ethical and cultural questions at the heart of Jewish life. Some of the topics to be discussed are: Do we need to mean what we pray? When can we legitimately modify tradition? Are religion and reason compatible?
JTS has programmed 11 sessions, but some topics may require more than one, Rabbi Gadi said. The first unit of five sessions will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Mondays, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, followed by a short break before the remaining units are scheduled. Each session will begin with a short video by a JTS faculty member whose experience mirrors the topic. Relevant source materials distributed by JTS to each registered participant (or downloaded) prior to the start of the course will suggest areas for study and discussion.
The course will be offered as a hybrid — in person and on Zoom. “Face-to-face discussion during a previously-offered JTS course titled ‘The Ethical Life’ added greatly to everyone’s experience,” said Ann Hurwitz, administrator of the Marshall S. Hurwitz Fund For Special Programs and Projects, the sponsor of both JTS courses for our shul. Tax deductible fees are $18 per member household and $36 for nonmembers. Signup information will be provided as the start of the course nears.
For questions, email the shul at ctigreenport@gmail.com in attention of Ann Hurwitz.
The Gift Shop Is Open For Business
The shul’s Gift Shop is open for business — Hanukkah business. Get your candles (tall and stately or short and colorful), your dreidels and chocolate coins, and maybe a new menorah to welcome the Festival of Lights to your home this year.
To take a tour of the Gift Shop offerings, call the shul and leave a message for Sara Bloom. Remember, Hanukkah starts on Nov. 28 — yes, November. Are you prepared?
GEM Honors North Fork Heroes, Sunday, November 14 @ 3:00 P.M.
Greenport Ecumenical Ministries Honors and Thanks
The North Fork Heroes of the Pandemic
Sunday, November 14, 2021
3:00 p.m.
The First Presbyterian Church of Southold
53100 Main Road
Southold, New York 11971
Please invite any first responders / essential workers you may know.
Join us in honoring and thanking our essential workers:
The North Fork Heroes of the Pandemic
Music
Prayers of Thanks
Guest Speakers
Reception in the Church Social Hall to Follow.
One small ask – please wear a mask
Shul Reinstates Menorah Lighting Ceremony In Mitchell Park, Nov. 28
Meet Our New Members At A Hanukkah Party
A Hanukkah alert: Fair warning, shul members and friends. Hanukkah comes this year only three days after Thanksgiving Day. Are you processing that? Here are the particulars: Thanksgiving is on Thursday, Nov. 25, and the first Hanukkah candle will be lighted on Sunday evening, Nov. 28.
But here’s some nice news to accompany the shock. Greenport has given us the green light this year to plan a menorah lighting in Mitchell Park. Last year’s traditional Mitchell Park event was cancelled to avoid the risk of Covid. This being an outdoor event on what is likely to be a chilly evening, those fully vaccinated with masks and social distancing observed will be safe to welcome the Festival of Lights in the park, at 5 p.m. Rabbi Gadi will lead us in lighting the public menorah and the ritual prayers and songs. Shul president Judith Weiner and local officials will welcome us.
Greet our honored guests, the shul’s new members
Before the menorah lighting, we will head west on Front Street to the shul on Fourth Street, where Sisterhood will host a Hanukkah party — again, for those having filed proof of vaccination to ctigreenport@gmail.com — where we will greet and get to know our honored guests, the shul’s new members, enjoy an array of refreshments, and participate in a group menorah-lighting event. All of that will start at 4 p.m., in the social hall.
Sisterhood is inviting us to bring our own menorahs to the shul and share stories associated with how those menorahs came into our possession. [For instance, this writer’s official menorah was purchased following the birth of the first daughter, 56 years ago.] Or, the shul will provide menorahs and candles aplenty, plus dreidels and chocolate coins for the holiday.
It promises to be two joyous, fun events, made even more celebratory with your attendance.
Deaths of two long-time, highly revered shul members
It is with profound sadness that The Shofar reports the deaths of two long-time, highly revered shul members. Gayle Kaplan died on Oct. 2, 2021. Thelma Novick died on Oct. 7, 2021. The Shofar joins the membership is expressing deepest condolences to the families. May they be comforted by an outpouring of love and respect from all those whose lives they touched.
The Shofar has learned also of deaths in the families of two shul members. Stanley Goldman, brother of Phil Goldman, died Oct. 18 in Massachusetts. Myrna Kroff, beloved aunt of Madelyn Rothman, died Oct. 19 at San Simeon. May their memories be a blessing.
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