JULY-AUGUST 2015 TAMMUZ ~ AV ~ ELUL 5775 WWW.BETHELNR.ORG
A MESSAGE FROM OUR RABBI, DAVID A. SCHUCK Dear Friends, Earlier in the summer, I was honored to share in the celebration of Rabbi Sirner’s decades of leadership, and I was deeply moved by the myriad ways that he and Lenore have touched so many people. The evening was a testament to the warmth, love, and respect that Rabbi Sirner has generated through his rabbinate. I feel extremely fortunate to begin my leadership with the benefit of the forty-three years of service that Rabbi Sirner dedicated to this synagogue. I am blessed that he warmly welcomed me to Beth El and made this transition smooth. I look forward to learning from his wisdom and example. Yet even in the best of circumstances, transitions are invariably challenging. Think about our people’s transition from slavery to freedom. A mere three months after the Israelites fled Egypt, they found themselves standing at the foot of Mt. Sinai. The moment was full of the promise of a new beginning; the Voice that would change the world forever was about to reveal the Decalogue, the Ten Commandments. Yet in that moment of promise the Israelites were scared. They knew that everything was about to change. Rashi, quoting an earlier midrash, suggests that Moses sensed their fear and thus normalized their feelings. He says: “,uae ,ukj,v kf” “All beginnings are difficult.” Like a parent comforting a
nervous child, Moses puts his arms around their shoulders and reassures them that they must take those first steps into the unknown even though they are frightened. As is always the case, Moses is teaching all of us. When we face a new beginning with openness and optimism, with faith in God, ourselves, and one another, not only Rabbi will we persevere, but we will each grow and David A. Schuck our community will thrive. Moses does not pretend that it will be easy—All beginnings are difficult—but he believes that people will rise to the challenge. His words resonate thousands of years later as we stand on the precipice of this new beginning at Beth El Synagogue Center, and I have no doubt that we will all rise to the challenges that we will encounter. All beginnings are difficult. Many people have asked me about the changes that I want to make. Others have encouraged me to consider changing something that they want to see done differently. I want to be clear about my approach to this transition: this is a special time at Beth El, a time of inquisitiveness and [continued, page 4]
5 1 0 2 s ’ l E h t e B s e i r e S m l i F l e Summer Isra
Remember to fill out the Summer 2015 sur vey at b e t h e l n r. o r g / youthcommunity so we can be in touch with your children over the summer! Ever yone who fills out the form w i l l re c e i v e a handwritten note from us or an inperson visit!
New Officer, New Staff Position........ page 3 Tisha B’Av......................................... page 6 President’s Message.......................... page 5 Inclusion Confusion.......................... page 7
Shabbat Shaboom........................... page 14 Religious School Registration.......... page 15
ONE SYNAGOGUE - MANY SERVICES Beth El Synagogue Center 1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804-2190 (914) 235-2700 www.bethelnr.org
A Conservative synagogue affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rabbi David A. Schuck Hazzan Jamie Gloth Associate Rabbi Joshua Dorsch Associate Cantor Uri Aqua Rabbi Emeritus Melvin N. Sirner Cantor Emeritus Lawrence Avery, z”l Hazzan Emeritus Farid Dardashti Executive Director Erica Leventhal Controller Olivier Vogel Day Camp Director Julie Rockowitz Nursery School Director Ronnie Becher Dir. of Youth & Family Engagement Jen Vegh Special Projects Director Linda Newman Maintenance Director Milton Sinclair
OFFICERS President Executive Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Treasurer Financial Secretary Recording Secretary
Samuel E. Berger Geralynn C. Reifer Daniel Burton Sandy Gruenberg Mark Seidenfeld Joseph Wygoda Debbie Young Jayne Peister
AFFILIATE OFFICERS Sisterhood President Barbara Horowitz Men’s Club Co-Presidents Robert Levine Steven L. Young Religious Sch. Parent Organization Ellen Barlis, Rachel Casanova, Marci Marcus
BULLETIN COMMITTEE Editor & Production Assistant Editors
Linda Newman Michelle Levy Blaustein Jack Gruenberg Steven L. Young
EDITORIAL BOARD Rabbi David A. Schuck Samuel E. Berger Hazzan Jamie Gloth Erica Leventhal Steven L. Young
The Bulletin Vol. 97, No. 11
July/August 2015 Tammuz ~ Av ~ Elul 5775
Please visit the Beth El Synagogue Center website, www.bethelnr.org for the most current information on meetings and events. To send us a message, e-mail info@bethelnr.org.
Youth Service Schedule For each Shabbat in July and August, we will have: 9:30 am Shabbat SPACE 10:15 am Pre-Service Oneg 10:45 am Combined Youth Service Birthday Shabbat July 11 August 8
Services take place in the Bess and Nathan P. Jacobs Library from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon. Participants gain a better understanding of the Shabbat morning service through study and discussion of individual prayers and the weekly Torah portion. Other relevant topics are also discussed. Contact: Jack Gruenberg jackgruenberg@gmail.com JULY 18
ShabbaTunes August 1, 12:45 pm
Shabbat Discussion Group
Ice Cream Desserts are back!!
Every Shabbat in July and August, following Kiddush lunch! Visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/ BethElSynagogueCenter An American Sign Language interpreter will be provided upon request.
Daily Minyan Beth El maintains morning and evening services every day of the year. Contact Associate Cantor Uri Aqua, 914-235-2700, ext. 222.
Shacharit
Saturdays – 9:00 am Sundays – 8:00 am Mondays and Thursdays – 6:55 am Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays – 7:00 am
Evening Minyan Times Mincha and Maariv July 1 – 31 8:00 pm August 1 – 6 8:00 pm 8 – 20 7:45 pm 22 – 31 7:30 pm PLEASE NOTE: Friday evening services are held at 7:00 pm through the spring and summer months. 2
I n S h a b b a t S . P. A . C . E . (Synagogue Play Activities Children’s Environment), offered weekly on Shabbat, children are supervised by child-care providers in a safe and fun environment, be with their friends, and play with Shabbatfriendly games and toys. No food is allowed in Shabbat S.P.A.C.E., allergy-aware snacks and water are available. If your child has any allergies, please alert the supervisor in the Kasakove.
Stay abreast of the latest news from Beth El Synagogue Center Provide us with your e-mail address and let us know if your e-mail address changes. Send your e-mail address to info@bethelnr.org.
Visit www.bethelnr.org. On Shabbat and Yom Tov, the telephone in the main office is available only for physicians answering electronic pagers, and not for other purposes.
Cemetery Grave & Plot Availability Beth El Synagogue Center has sections at Mt. Eden and Sharon Gardens Cemeteries (both in Valhalla), in which graves and plots are available for members and their families. (A plot is made up of four graves.) For information, call the office, 914-235-2700, ext. 223/226.
MEET JAYNE PEISTER, BETH EL’S RECORDING SECRETARY Jayne Susan Peister was born in Valley Stream, N.Y., and grew up on the South Shore of Long Island in a charming (read “small”) home in which her mother still resides. She and her two siblings attended Valley Stream public schools. Jayne received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in biology from Cornell University in 1988. After having an incredible Jayne S. Peister post-college summer in Israel and Europe, she set her career in motion at Eli Lilly and Company as a pharmaceutical sales representative. Over the years, she has promoted medications to specialists in various fields, such as Pulmonology/Critical Care, Cardiology, Ob/Gyn, Endocrinology, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine doctors. Remarkably, she has remained at Lilly since then (totaling twenty-seven years this October), achieving the highest rank of “Senior Executive Sales Representative,” while switching sales divisions within the company every five years or so to keep things interesting. While her career is rewarding, family has always come first for Jayne and the flexibility of this career path has worked very well. It has enabled her to be very active in her children’s education and extra curricular activities. Jayne was the PTA President of the Davis Elementary School for two consecutive years and led the parent volunteers for the Albert Leonard Middle School play for four years. Both capacities were nearly full-time jobs! Cultural Judaism has always been an important part of Jayne’s life. This was set in motion by her parents, who took the children to services every Friday night at Temple B’nai Israel in Elmont. As a teenager, Jayne was very active in the Reform Movement’s teen youth groups. She was president of her temple’s youth group for several years and then, during her senior year in high school, she was elected president of LIFTY (Long Island Federation of Temple Youth). She
attended summer camp at Camp Eisner in Great Barrington, M.A., from age six through her college years, and going from camper to counselor. This left an indelible mark on Jayne’s Jewish identity. Jayne met and married her husband, Darren (the Video Dude), in 1993. Neither of them knew much about Westchester County and they initially rented an apartment in Mamaroneck to get a feel for the suburb scene. In 1996, while riding their bicycles and house hunting in the North End of New Rochelle, they found and purchased their home from a man out walking his dog. They went shul shopping, saw the lunch spread at Beth El’s kiddush, and joined shortly after. Darren and Jayne have two teen-aged daughters, Emma (19) and Sophia (16), both of whom have been very involved in Beth El since kindergarten. Jayne has served on the shul’s Religious School Board for ten years and chaired it for three of those years. In addition, Jayne has been a Board of Trustees member during the “Lacher, Klee, and Fleishaker dynasties” and now during the “Berger years.” She has also served on several Dinner Dance Committees, Youth Shabbat Committees, and helped to create the new and vibrant Religious School PTA, which is off and running on its own now! Jayne is also, for the past year, co-chair (with Lisa Patchen) of the Membership Committee. Israel also plays significantly in the fabric of Jayne’s identity. She went there for six weeks during high school through the NFTY program, and then again several years ago with her family on a Beth El group trip. She and her family went yet again this past December to visit Emma, who was spending a gap year there through Young Judea’s Year Course program. She and Darren were also undeterred and resolute in sending and keeping Sophia there last summer during the fifty-day Gaza war, as she traveled around with a NJY Camp Teen Tour. These experiences have made both daughters staunch supporters and defenders of our beloved homeland. Jayne and her family love that Beth El is their second home, where they can always find a friend “who knows their name.” She is really excited and humbly honored to be appointed to Recording Secretary of the Executive Board. Beth El has a very special place in her heart and she will do everything she can to help support its success for all in our community!
Rebekkah Gold, Assistant Director of Youth and Family Engagement Rebekkah (Bekkah) Gold has worked at Beth El Synagogue Center since September 2012. She works closely with youth, parents, lay leaders, and staff in order to further develop youth engagement in the Beth El community. Growing up in New Rochelle and at Beth El Synagogue Center, Bekkah has been a participant and an educator in the Youth Community, the Religious School, and METNY USY, and is eager to further expand her role in the community. Bekkah is entering her final semester in a masters degree program in Jewish Education from the Davidson School of Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS). She will be completing her final class during the Fall semester of 2015. Bekkah is also obtaining a masters’ concentration in Israel Education through the iCenter. Previously, Bekkah has engaged in professional roles with Hillel at Binghamton University, Moving Traditions, and the UJA-Federation of New York, and currently serves on one of UJA-Federation’s task forces as a lay leader.
Prior to attending JTS, Bekkah graduated from Binghamton University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development. It was at Binghamton University that she realized her passion for Jewish education and communal life, guiding her back to her roots at Beth El, where she continues to pursue her career and expand opportunities for the learning and growth for youth and families at Beth El. Rebekkah Gold 3
RABBI’S MESSAGE (continued from cover) listening; it is not a time for instituting policy changes. Before any successful rabbi implements any changes, s/he has to first understand the culture of the synagogue. As such, I want to focus my energy and attention on getting to know you. What are your dreams for your life and for this community? What has energized your Jewish life and what is a struggle for you? This is the time for me to discover who you are and focus on what you want to see. To this end, the Board offered to move my office from the lower level to the first floor near the coatroom, a location in which there is more foot traffic. It’s a wonderful idea and symbolizes my desire to be located in a place where people can swing by, say hello, and chat for a few minutes. I hope that you will do this. In addition, we have set up a number of parlor meetings throughout the year. These will enable me to
meet people in small groups, and share a bit about myself and my vision as well. One of the things that I am most excited about is joining the Beth El clergy team. I am thrilled to have an opportunity to work intimately with other clergy who share a similar vision for synagogue life. Each one of them offers the community something compelling and unique, and through a collaborative atmosphere, we will work hard to meet the needs of the congregation. I am also extremely excited to work with the professional staff of the shul. Everyone has been so welcoming and warm, and I have been impressed by their talents and commitment to this community. From the moment that I expressed interest in this position, I encountered a cadre of deeply invested lay leaders who love Beth El with a sincerity that inspired me. I am so grateful
to join this leadership team, from lay to professional. Under Rabbi Sirner’s leadership, Beth El has become an extraordinary community. I am humbled that you have trusted me to build on his legacy together with our professional staff and lay leaders. I am practically bursting with excitement to discover what lies around the corner for this synagogue, and I am honored to guide you along this path in whichever ways you will allow me to walk alongside you. Let us commit to approaching this journey with openness, and may we all extend a generosity of spirit to one another as we take these first steps into this new beginning. oukak
Rabbi David A. Schuck
NOTES FROM THE HAZZAN Summer is finally upon us, and already things seem to be different. At this Hazzan Jamie Gloth season each year, the pace at which we live seems to change. For some of us, things get a little more relaxed— school is out, the sun is shining, the pool is open, and we have fewer commitments each day. I am always amazed when a Bar or Bat Mitzvah student, after waking up each morning at 6:00 am during the entire school year, complains that our 10:00 am lesson is “too early.” For others, summer means a time of increased excitement and opportunity. This is the most common time of the year for vacationing—long family car trips (my family is crazy enough to attempt this later this summer), short day and weekend trips, and family reunions. Many of our kids go to Jewish camps, other day camps, overnight camps, sports camps, and band camps, to list only some. And, organized group trips, like USY on Wheels and teen trips to Israel are especially popular with high school students in the summer. Perhaps it is because of this annual change of pace that many people believe
that the synagogue shuts down somewhat during the summer. If you stop by Beth El this summer, however, you will see that we are very much an active, happening place. Daily minyan continues every morning and evening, every day of the year. We will be offering several programs throughout the summer, including our Israeli Film Festival and BabyU, both of which will run several sessions, as well as a trip to the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game (sponsored by Men’s Club), and our annual Summer Drivein-Movie in August. And, of course, our hallways and ‘cabanas’ will be packed with excitement as our Beth El Day Camp kicks into full gear all summer long. Of course, this summer, there will be an added cause for excitement as we welcome our new rabbi and his family, Rabbi David and Tali Schuck, to our community. Rabbi Schuck’s reputation of being a caring and down-to-earth leader precede him, and we are extremely lucky that he is now part of the Beth El family. Excitement is in the air. I very much look forward to working together with him as part of a clergy team. On behalf of Bina and our children, I want to formally welcome the Schucks to New Rochelle and to Beth El Synagogue 4
Center. We are an incredibly welcoming community, and I know that starting this month, all of you will join me in welcoming them as well. I hope that whatever your summer plans may be, Beth El will in some way be a part of them. I look forward to seeing you at Beth El. ~Hazzan Jamie Gloth
Saturday, August 1st 12:45 pm Join Hazzan Gloth for an informal get together. We will sing old Shabbat morning favorites as well as some new tunes. No registration or sign up. You do not need to have a good voice or be fluent in Hebrew. Anyone can come! You just have to love to sing.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
We had an Epic Year…Congratulations to Everyone…. Let’s Keep the Positive Momentum Going Forward into the Coming Year! Dear Friends, This is the first article of my second year as president of Beth El. It seems like it was just yesterday when I sat at my desk last July writing my first article for the Bulletin. I described the super progress made over the years by the previous presidents at Beth El and hoped that we could keep the positive momentum going forward. So much has happened during the last twelve months. The following are just a few of the events—the Sukkah walk, the great turnout on Simchat Torah, the start of BabyU (a new program for moms/parents of babies under one-year-old), the Jewish Day School and Camp Fair, the Hanukkah Shabbat Dinner and Comedy Show, the Hanukkah After Party on December 25th, the Nursery School Game Show Night, Men’s Club Monday Night Football, our Shanok Scholar-in-Residence with Rabbi Ethan Tucker, the Choral Shabbat, the Purim Spiel and Video, the Sisterhood Torah Fund Brunch, Pasta Palooza, the Bobby Doowah Concert, the Kallah Weekend, the Tzofim, and the Sisterhood Gala honoring Anita Better. Wow, what a year. I would love to describe each event in detail but there is not enough space in the Bulletin. So please allow me to highlight in more detail just a few events, starting with the Beth El Kallah. This year’s Kallah was one of our most successful ever, with twenty-five families and singles spending a relaxing and casual Shabbat together at beautiful camp Louemma, in Sussex, New Jersey. It was a wonderful opportunity for people to get to know each other better—empty nesters, families with small children and children of different ages, long-time and new members—all interacting and connecting at this multigenerational Shabbaton. The weather was absolutely perfect, and the weekend was full of ruach, camaraderie, and fun. There were many activities for all ages, including Shabbat dinner, learning, games, sports, and relaxation. The amazing new swimming pool with water slides was a highlight of the weekend, with almost everyone soaking up the sun on Shabbat afternoon. There were discussions led by our own Jack Gruenberg and Laura Lewis, and Shabbat services throughout the weekend, including a new, interactive Shacharit service where participants had a chance to share their own prayer reflections. Family activities included softball, ultimate Frisbee, a nature walk, and pickup basketball. Members battled it out during the Amazing Race and matched wits at the energetic Kallah Family Feud. There was also a moving Havdallah service, followed by dancing, roasting marshmallows, and singing songs together by the campfire, led by Lori Weber with her guitar. Sunday morning included a “hike and pray” service in the woods, followed by canoeing, pedal boats, and kayaking on the lake. Kol HaKavod to Hazzan Gloth, Rabbi Dorsch, Jen Vegh, cochairs Lauren Freeman-Bosworth and Talia Swartz Nagar, Abby Wise, and to all that helped make the Kallah a great success. We are already looking forward to next year’s Kallah. Of the long list of fantastic programs this year, I would submit, in my humble opinion, that the most meaningful and emotional happenings of the entire year were the celebrations surrounding the
retirement of Rabbi Melvin and Lenore Sirner after forty-three years of service to the shul. The festivities were kicked off Samuel E. Berger in the beginning of May with “The Rabbi Melvin Sirner Panel Discussion on the Condition of American Jewry,” hosted by our own Jack Wertheimer. Over 200 people attended this distinguished panel discussion that was even recorded by the Jewish Broadcasting Service. Our Gala Weekend Celebration took place on May 30th and 31st. On Shabbat morning, we had over 700 people attend services recognizing s’machot performed and celebrated with Rabbi Sirner during the last four decades. Aliyot were assigned by decade—70s, 80s 90s, 00s, 10s—with people coming up onto the Bimah in droves to mark weddings, b’nei mitzvah, brisim, and baby namings for each decade. Hazzan Ellen Arad led our own Beth El Choir, Shirat El, in a beautiful rendition of an original piece of music she composed especially to commemorate the occasion. Rabbi Sirner gave an emotional sermon and meaningful comments were made by their children. We had lots of fun when Hazzan Gloth presented Rabbi Sirner with gifts from the shul in the same style that the Rabbi has used over the years for so many of our B’nei Mitzvah celebrants. All of this was then followed by a Kiddush luncheon with great food, schmoozing, and dancing accompanied by the Shalom Orchestra a capella group. We laughed and we cried—it was a really emotional and spiritual event for all those present. If that were not enough, we then had a Gala Celebration on Sunday evening, with over 500 people in attendance. We had an extensive cocktail party, followed by another emotional and joyous program hosted by MC Aaron Fleishaker, honoring the Sirners for their contributions to the shul and our community. Speakers came from far and wide, including past Beth El Assistant Rabbis, Government dignitaries, and the Dean of the Rabbinical School. Ari Sirner presented a top ten list about his parents, and the rabbi made us all laugh and cry again. There was also a funny and moving video about the “alternative career paths” the Rabbi might have taken if not becoming our rabbi. It was an amazing weekend that made us all proud to be Beth El members. A big and well-deserved yishar koach to the co-chairs of the entire Gala Celebration, Hazzan Ellen Arad, Aaron Fleishaker, and Jack Gruenberg, along with the entire committee that worked so hard to make everything just perfect. I am also happy to report that through generous contributions by many of our members and others, we collected almost $855,000 for the Rabbi Melvin and Lenore Sirner Fund for Jewish Inspiration before deducting the necessary contribution to the Beth El’s General Fund and expenses. Those contributing $7,200 or more will be recognized on a specially designed plaque to be hung in the main lobby of the shul. Fundraising for last year’s Kol Nidre Appeal and the Sirner Fund for Jewish Inspiration generated over $1.1 million. A gigantic todah rabbah to everyone who participated. In the midst of all this excitement this year, I have to give a shout out again to our superb Rabbi Search [continued, page 6] 5
Tisha B’Av Observed Saturday Evening, July 25th, and Sunday, July 26th
“Drive in Movie” on the outdoor jumbo screen Tuesday, August 4th SMART people BBQ and Klezmers Tuesday, August 11th (see page 12, bottom)
Tisha B’Av (the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av), the anniversary of the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem and a day commemorating subsequent Jewish tragedies, will be observed on Saturday evening, July 25th, and Sunday, July 26th, as a traditional day of fasting and mourning.
Summer Nursery School Playdate Sunday, August 16th
President’s Message, continued from page 5
Committee, led by Marc Klee and Mark Seidenfeld, that worked hard to find and recommend to the congregation the next senior rabbi for Beth El, Rabbi David Schuck. There will be many opportunities to meet Rabbi Schuck and his family over the summer and into the fall. Please look for announcements soon describing the “meet and greet” sessions that will be taking place. I also would like to wish Rabbi Sirner and Lenore the best as the rabbi takes a one-year position as interim rabbi at Congregation Shearith Israel, in Atlanta, Georgia. A wonderful by-product of this interim position will be that the Rabbi and Lenore will be in very close proximity to their new grandson Lev, and to Lev’s parents, Gabby and Morris!! I have heard that the Rabbi has been practicing and learning how to say “ Shabbat Shalom Y’all.” Last but not least, I also want to thank my fellow officers for the past year—Executive Vice President Geralynn Reifer; Treasurer Joe Wygoda; Vice Presidents Mark Seidenfeld, Dan Burton, and Mark Silver; Financial Secretary Debbie Young; and Recording Secretary Sandy Gruenberg. They all work hard, meet regularly, talk on the phone, text and e-mail day and night, and most importantly, always act as an integrated leadership team, a team that shares responsibility and takes action together. As of June 30th, Mark Silver stepped down as a vice president because our constitution mandates a term limit of six years as vice president. Mark has been a valuable member of the officer team, working hard and never refusing and, in fact, always volunteering for the assignments that are critical, but perhaps the least favorite to do. I am confident that Mark will stay active and involved in shul activities. The other changes include Sandy Gruenberg becoming a vice president (from Recording Secretary) and welcoming Jayne Peister as our new Recording Secretary. Jayne has been a member, along with her husband Darren (of Beth El video fame) and their two teenage daughters, for nineteen years. She has been a member and chair of the Religious School Board, served on several Dinner Dance Committees, and is now co-chair of the Membership Committee. When not at Beth El, Jayne works full time as a sales representative for Eli Lilly and Company. To learn more about Jayne, please turn to page 3 of this Bulletin. I hope everyone gets some well-deserved time off this summer to spend time with family and friends to recharge your batteries. We have had an epic year and let’s keep the positive momentum going forward into the coming year. B’shalom and see you in shul, Sam
Saturday night services will begin with Mincha at 8:00 pm. The service continues with Maariv and includes the chanting of the traditional book of Eicha, the Biblical Book of Lamentations. Sunday morning services will be held at 8:00 am, without tallit and t’fillin. Mincha services, with tallit and t’fillin, will be held at 1:00 pm. The regular Mincha service will be recited at 8:00 pm, followed by Maariv, which will bring the day to a close. We pray that we may soon see a true peace in the united city of Jerusalem, in Israel, and throughout the world. Best wishes to you and your family for an enjoyable summer.
6
Inclusion Confusion . . . Several of you have asked me to explain the difference between the new committee, BeTzelem Elokim (“Image of God”), and the Keruv (“Closeness”) Committee—and where Ruderman fits in. If you search “Inclusion” on the Beth El website, you’ll find the Betzelem Elokim Committee, the Inclusion Committee, and a list of other committees, including Access/Special Needs, Chesed (kindness), and “Keruv,” defined there as “inclusion.” No wonder you are confused! This is my humble attempt to elucidate. The original Access/Special Needs Committee, with its own fund, accomplished a great deal, including bringing large print prayer books, individual amplification devices, and the elevator to Beth El. Keruv began over five years ago as a committee to help make Beth El more welcoming to intermarried Jewish families, but expanded its mission to engaging and addressing the needs of any potentially marginalized group within our community. Keruv programming has addressed interfaith, LGBT, senior, single, and special needs families, and discussed racial and cultural diversity within our Jewish Community. The many
overlapping committees at Beth El try to cooperate and work together. The Ruderman Family Foundation, based in Boston, is dedicated specifically to improving access for individuals with disabilities to Jewish learning and communal participation. Last year it granted the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) funds to create a nation-wide “inclusion action community.” Mark Silver, a former member of the Keruv Committee, applied for Beth El to participate, beautifully documenting our efforts at inclusion. As a result, we were one of sixteen congregations chosen. The grant required that one clergy member (Rabbi Dorsch), one lay leader (Vice President Debbie Young), and one ordinary human being (me) represent the congregation. USCJ hosts conferences and conference calls for the community. Each congregation is charged with setting and completing a concrete goal to improve inclusion at our respective sites by November, when we are expected to present our experiences at the USCJ National Conference. We were instructed to create a small steering committee of not more that six to eight members to direct this project. So, we brought what we learned from
the Ruderman Inclusion Action Community back to the Keruv Committee, but then created a subcommittee, the off-shoot “Steering Committee,” which we re-named BeTzelem Elokim. It seems to me that a six to eight member sub-committee can seem exclusive—the last thing one wants when addressing inclusion. In fact, several people have expressed interest in our work, and we welcome your input! First, please complete our Inclusion Questionnaire if you have not already done so (www.bethelnr.org/ BeTzelemSurvey). The deadline is early July. Based on the response to that questionnaire, we will be channeling our efforts towards specific concrete projects and will be looking for volunteers. Contact us to volunteer or to make other suggestions by sending an e-mail to Rabbi Dorsch at jdorsch@bethelnr.org. Also, Keruv needs more members. Contact Bob Sussman at rbsuss@optonline.net to join the larger committee. Finally, feel free to contact me personally, any time, by e-mail at elisekrichman@gmail.com. By the way, you should know that Rabbi Schuck has heartily endorsed this effort and we have the support of all our clergy and professional staff. Elise Richman, BeTzelem Elokim Chair
MEMORIES TO GO: OUR STORIES ABOUT THE TWENTIETH CENTURY by Sheila Mignone Rock Hill Summer Camp
“Dear Mom. I am sick. Please, please, please, please come get me.” She didn’t come so I formulated an alternate plan. Take out all the money, two dollars, that she had left for me at the trading post, hike down the path to the main road, hail a taxi, and then home! I was eight-years-old and miserably homesick. Rock Hill Girl Scout Camp was not noted for luxury accommodations—six little girls in a tent, no floors, and a wooden orange crate for each inhabitant’s personal possessions. I was tired of ironing my t-shirts by placing them between the mattress and the springs. I didn’t want to share my cot with my suitcase when it rained and a river trickled through the tent. I wanted my mommy and my daddy, not some twentyyear-old counselor. I was truly miserable— the first week. There was swimming in the same lake as a little black snake. There were the wonderful songs in the dining hall all about the cannibal king with the big nose ring who fell in love with the dusty maid, there were cook outs and sing-a-longs, and sleeping in a
field under the stars. By the time my parents showed up on the second week, I had no intention of leaving. “Please, please, please promise me that I can return next year.” In July 1959, I couldn’t wait for the return. Mom, Dad, and I piled into our Chevrolet and off we went to Mahopac, New York. I was fortunate to have bought two tubes of toothpaste because, although we never took a bath, and we never brushed our teeth, we were always hungry and ate all the toothpaste. We squirreled away our food, and we never ever made our beds. We lived in complete squalor and utter happiness. I had my bugle for the large camp pow-wows, where I played Taps at the close of the ceremony. That was the summer I learned the names of native birds and local trees. It was the summer of special events—a Hawaiian night for which we defoliated all the nearby trees and cleared all the local vegetation in our quest for the perfect grass skirt. It was the summer of “Backwards Day,” when we all tripped into the dining hall backwards and ate ice cream before 7
the main course. The month seemed to last a mere day, and at the final party at the lake, even the little snake came to say, “goodbye.” Similar to the sequel of a movie, it is never quite as good as the pre-quels. The following summer I was ten, almost eleven. Surviving a month in a floorless tent wasn’t quite as charming. Sleeping outside in an open field was cold and clammy in the morning dew, and the thin mattress on the springs of the cot wasn’t quite as comfortable. An orange crate for all my possessions gave me splinters, and the cannibal king was fat, ugly, and never took the dusty maid further than the bamboo tree. Even the little black snake had grown into a medium-sized disgusting reptile. “Dear Mom,” I wrote, “Gail and I won the blue ribbon for the cleanest tent.” That was when my mother realized that I was not having a good time and that the charm of rustic had worn thin. I had grown; we were more interested in the boys’ camp across the lake than capturing a grease-covered watermelon in the water. It was time to go home.
SUMMER ISRAEL FILM SERIES All films are $8/person, including “movie refreshments.” All films are in Hebrew with subtitles.
Ma’aleh Film School of Jerusalem presents Three Award-Winning Short Films Hosted by Nadav Lazare – Ma’aleh graduate and director of the film Revival Monday July 6th • 7:30 pm Award winning films from Ma’aleh presented by Nadav Lazare, including Revival, which he wrote and directed. Revival is a coming-of-older-age story. Hemi, a sixty-year-old Orthodox Bible teacher, discovers that the punk band his wife belonged to thirty years ago is getting back together. The echoes of the wild past, and the threat of its return shake up their marriage and force him to reassess the prejudices of the religious community in which he lives. The Divide (HaMavdil) Kobi has joined the army despite his parents’ opposition. He returns to his home in the hills of Samaria for Shabbat just before he is to be given the award for Outstanding Soldier at an upcoming IDF ceremony. To his surprise, he discovers that the army has given the order for his family’s eviction and his house is intended for destruction. Kobi must choose between his family and his ideal of serving in the army. Nadav will select a third film to be shown focused on topics of audience interest.
The Farewell Party (Mita Tova) Thursday, July 16th • 7:30 pm Nominated for 12 Israeli Academy Film Awards 2014 Winner: Best Actor, Ze’ev Revach, and Best Cinematography This provocative black comedy is all about friendship and love; it also captures the challenges faced by a group of friends at a Jerusalem retirement home. Yehezkel (played by famed comedian Ze’ev Revah) jokingly “masquerades” as the Almighty on the telephone to encourage an ill friend to take her medicine. But he is deeply torn when a friend asks him to play “God” in earnest and help end the suffering of her terminally ill husband. Showcasing some of Israel’s top acting veterans, THE FAREWELL PARTY has been extolled by critics for embracing a challenging subject with a skillful balance of compassion, laughter and a healthy dose of audaciousness. Premiering this past year at the Venice International Film Festival, The Farewell Party won the People’s Choice Award with a 97% positive vote and a cast that is a “Who’s Who” of top Israeli actors. 2014 Film, starring Ze’ev Revach, Alisa Rosen, Ilan Dar, Levana Finkelstein, Raffi Tavor, Hanna Rieber Critic review by Stephen Holden, New York Times The Farewell Party steers a careful course between humor and pathos while playing down overtly political and religious arguments for and against assisted suicide. 8
SUMMER ISRAEL FILM SERIES Questions? Contact Joyce Wechsler at joywechsler@gmail.com, or Alan Greenberg at agreenberg2@aol.com..
The Wonders (Plaot) Monday, July 27th • 7:30 pm “One of the greatest Israeli movies ever. Highly recommended” – Walla “Full of mystery, humor and indeed, wonder. A cinematic gem” - Maariv This wildly original film tells the story of a bartender/artist/slacker who gets mixed up in Jerusalem’s criminal underground. A box office hit in Israel, THE WONDERS combines mystery, comedy, psychological thriller, political intrigue, and romance to create a unique and compelling movie. This was an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival. Arnav, a graffiti artist in Jerusalem, witnesses the kidnapping of a mysterious stranger. The captive, Rabbi Shmaya Knafo, is believed to be a modern-day prophet. Arnav is determined to find out what is going on. Is Rabbi Knafo a prophet, or just a clever con man? And who is this mysterious woman who seems to be involved? This is a visually stunning, quirky ride full of twists, turns and shocking revelations. “A brilliant, elegant, very original mystery” – Jerusalem Post “A great movie – Clever, moving, thrilling” – Channel 10 “An extraordinary mind bender. Highly recommended” – Pnai Plus
Like a Fish Out of Water Thursday, August 6th • 7:30 pm Screened at more than 50 Film Festivals world-wide Winner of numerous audience awards, including Beijing, Bucharest, Venice, Jerusalem, New York, and St. Petersburg Like A Fish Out of Water is a romantic comedy about a new immigrant from Argentina and his relationship with his Hebrew teacher at the Absorption Centre. Marcelo is a secular young man, an actor and single parent to his eleven-year old daughter Lucy. He is desperately looking for someone to help him improve his Hebrew accent so he can pass the auditions for an Israeli soap opera. Anat, his religious teacher, is probably the best solution, but it seems that she hates soap operas, and is not so fond of her pupil either. In fact, she has her own problems, mainly her mother, Bruria, an energetic, not to say pushy lady, frantically seeking a perfect match for her daughter who has, in her eyes, clearly passed the proper wedding age. Starring: Esteban Gottfried, Tal Lifshitz, Fira Kantor, Abraham Mor, Dana Reiter, Clara Stav, Vladimir Fridman and Gilat Ankor Directed by Leonid Prudovsky
9
Kanner-Kurzon Museum The current exhibit of Chinese Watercolor by Norma Wasserman and friends continues through July 19th. Children in the Day Camp this summer will exhibit their artwork from Friday, July 24th, through Thursday, August 13th. Next, through September 6th, the Beth El Sisterhood will display items which were not sold during their last Tag Sale. You can obtain these pieces for the tagged price or with the best offer. Please contact the office, 914235-2700, ext. 223, if interested.
Attention parents of College-Age Children: Register your child with the College-Age Committee so that we can send them packages! We will be sending an e-mail this summer for you to register your child with the College-Age Committee. Please register your child(ren) so we can send them packages for the Jewish holidays. We send packages for the High Holidays, Hanukkah, Purim, and Passover. Questions? Contact Debra Ackerman at Acker5family@gmail. com, or Lori Schwartz at Oreomets13@yahoo.com.
Save the date for our first packing—Thursday September 10th. Thank you.
Beth El Celebrates July and August Birthdays Beth El Synagogue Center would like to extend a “Happy Birthday!” to its members with a birthday in the months of July and August. Please join us for a birthday celebration at Hazzan Ellen Arad Talia Friedman Cindy Arkow Mindy Friedman Richard Aronow Lawrence Getzler Lynn Avni Faye Gingold Richard Barnett Aaron Ginsberg Abraham Bartell Elissa Glickman Ronnie Becher Jeffrey Glickman Trisanne Berger Brian Goldberg Aby MarcoJulian Goldberg Bernstein Joshua Goldberg Caralyn Bierman Leon Goldberg Alana Bierman Mark Goldman Mitchell Bierman David Goldman David Blaustein Howard Goldstein William Bloom Mildred Gordon Priscilla Bloom Benjamin Gotian Brian Bosworth Jerome Gottlieb Dina Brot Rachel Grandwetter Terry Cohen Phoebe Gross Billy Collens Brenda Guber Andrew Collens Ira Gulker Susan Solow Dubin Michael Haber Barbara Ehudin Sheldon Haber Arielle Felberg Aaron Hallac Michael Ferder Edward Halperin Marcelline Fischoff Karen Hauptman Adam Fleishaker Melinda Herman Sabrina Fleishaker Edna Hoffer Jonathan Forman Loretta Holland Paul Freedman Hagit Hope Bernard Freedman Keith Hope
our Kiddush lunch on July 11th and August 8th. If you have a July or August birthday, but your name does not appear on the list, we are sorry for the omission and we ask that you contact the synagogue at info@bethelnr. Perry Jacobs Arthur Margolin Jason Jakoby Diane May Harry Kamel Danielle Medin Robin Kaphan Rebecca Meisler Solomon Kaplan Susan Meisler Nancy Kaplan Scott Mellis Elaine Katz Esther Mildner Harold Kaufman Robert Mishler Jonathan Keltz Sydney Mitchell Steven Kessler John Morris David Keusch Robert Morris Alfred Klein Selma Moses Matthew Klingsberg Manfred Moses Stephanie Klingsberg Ernest Mukamal Jonathan Klonsky David Myssiorek Lillian Kreig Ofer Nagar Maya Kremins Gaby Newfield Alan Kurlander Andrew Newman Frank Levin Andrew Nitzberg Sarah Levine Michael Novoseller Michael Levine Deborah Olstein Richard Levine Robert O’Neill Arthur Levison Neil Orans Patricia Levites Sophia Peister Celia Levitz Emma Peister Gary Liebstein Lisa Platek Eugene Linett Merrick Platzner Eliot Locitzer Gary Pomerantz Barbara Locitzer Alicia Popper Eric Maidenberg Angela Porcelli Ofri Maliniak Lucas Portnoy 10
org so that we can update our records. Please contact us if you do not wish to have your name appear on our birthday list. (The list reflects our adult members and post-bar/bat mitzvah children up to the age of 21.) Dylan Portnoy Jodi Silverman Hillary Portnoy Louise Silverman Roberta Pravda Susanne Simchowitz Marvin Price Victoria Smith Alanna Reid Jessica Smith Jake Reifer Abby Smith Scott Reiner Ilyse Spertus Andrew Reis Bridget Stack Wendy Rosenberg Ari Starkman Adam Rosenstein Justin Stein Howard Rosenstein Nicola Stein Les Rothenberg Mark Stein Sharon Rozansky Ted Stricker Francine Rubenstein Rebecca Stricker Valerie Rudolph Sheila Tanenbaum Gary Salmo Joan Tannen Taylor Salomon Ruth Treiber Donald Salomon Joshua Troyetsky Barry Salter Daniel Troyetsky Corey Scheinfeld Ethan Turkewitz Robert Scheinfeld Daniel Urbas David Schlecker Peter Wasserman Paul Schneiderman Robert Weber Sharon Schoenholtz Jesse Weinberger Joe-Victor Shammas Sylvain Weinberger Lloyd Sherman Ira Weiner Itai Shoffman Claire Wolkoff Maxine Siegel Norbert Wolloch Gitta Silberstein Claudia Ziser Eliana Silk Elizabeth Ziser Candace Silver Anita Zoldessy
THE SYLVIA AND ROBERT SCHER CHESED COMMUNITY of Beth El Synagogue Center
is pleased to announce a new partnership with NEW ROCHELLE CARES AIP a local chapter of the national Aging-in-Place movement
Our mission is to enable New Rochelle residents to remain independently in their homes as they age. New Rochelle Cares AIP will provide its members: • Free transportation through our affiliate WestFair Rides to medical appointments, religious services, and visits to friends • Free transportation through New Rochelle Cares AIP for shopping and other errands, visits with friends, and rides to services. • A single point of contact for services and programs for seniors in New Rochelle and Westchester • Names of reputable, vetted, and licensed contractors • Discounts with local merchants • Cultural and social events New Rochelle Cares AIP was established by a Task Force led by Frankie Shahar, 914-632-5549 or frankie7378@ yahoo.com; and Arleen Zuckerman, 914-632-4559 or aphz@aol.com. Contact either of them for more information. Amazing opportunities are available for volunteers to help in our Beth El community and greater New Rochelle. Please join us as a volunteer and/or a dues paying member! The Chesed Community is excited to work with New Rochelle Cares AIP.
Put your feet up pool side and come for a night of food, fun, and friends! POKER, POOL, & PAINT NIGHT Tuesday, July 14th
6:00 pm Beer and Cocktails 6:30 pm Your Pick—Volleyball or Poker* or Paint** * Instructional poker available or we will set up a game for you. ** No painting experience necessary, all supplies provided, fee $18. Receive step-by-step instruction from a professional artist! 7:30 pm BBQ Register at Bethelnr.org/poker&paint
Cost: Before July 10th, $13 members, $18 community members After July 10th, $20 members, $25 community members Questions? Contact Julie Rockowitz at jrockowitz@bethelnr.org.
Planning team: Erica & Larry Epstein, Phoebe & Peter Gross, Michael Meisler, Barbara & Lawrence Orans, & Geralynn & David Reifer 11
A Note from Your Men’s Club . . . It has been quite a year for the Men’s Club. We have one event scheduled this summer—Jewish Heritage Day with the Brooklyn Cyclones on Sunday, August 2nd, at 1:00 pm. Tickets are only $18 each and include a Cyclones cap. Please contact Rob Weber at 1topgum@gmail.com to reserve your tickets now. The officers of the Men’s Club, like the entire Beth El community, are bittersweet about the retirement of Rabbi Sirner. We are equally excited to welcome Rabbi Schuck and his family, and look forward to an exciting year of programs serving the spiritual, communal, and social needs of our members. Please join the Men’s Club by paying your Men’s Club dues when you receive your synagogue bill, and plan on participating in our events. Our first meeting of the year will be on Sunday, September 13th, 9:00 am. Please join us for a bagel and shmear and share your thoughts and ideas.
We want to share with you our regard for Rabbi Sirner and the highlights of this past year. The following is our letter from the Gala Journal:
2015 Gala Men’s Club Message (Gala Journal, May 2015) The men of Beth El Men’s Club welcome you to this Gala honoring Rabbi Melvin Sirner and Lenore Sirner. While the annual Dinner Dance is always an important event for the synagogue, both as a fund-raiser and as a way to bring our entire community together, we are especially pleased to participate tonight when we honor and pay tribute to a couple who have been the foundation of our community for so many years. Words cannot express our appreciation for the support Rabbi Sirner has provided to the Men’s Club throughout his tenure at Beth El. We thank you for your support of and participation in this important event, and hope you enjoy the evening’s festivities. Our Men’s Club’s objectives are to create and implement programs to involve men in Jewish life and to provide support to the entire synagogue. We had a full program of events this year, designed to bring a strong sense of identity, spirituality, camaraderie, and service to the men of Beth El, their families, and the greater community. During the past year, we sponsored numerous social (Steak and Scotch in the Sukkah, minor league baseball trip, Monday Night Football Barbecue, Cocktails and Karaoke), service (Blood Drives, sponsorship of kiddush for Rabbi Search Committee, purchase of new TV for the Youth Lounge) and spiritual (World Wide Wrap, Men’s Club Shabbat, Yom Hashoah yellow candles) programs for our members and the entire Beth El Community. We also partner with the Sisterhood, PTA, Youth Community, Israel Affairs Committee, and more, on a variety of events to enhance the sense of community in our shul. But, most importantly, we have fun doing it! If you have not joined us, we encourage you to become a member, attend our events, and help us plan for the future. May we go from strength to strength. Enjoy the evening! Robert Levine and Steven Young, Co-Presidents
Join your Beth El Friends at the
Brooklyn Cyclones Jewish Heritage Day Sunday, August 2nd @ 1:00 pm $18 per person r.s.v.p. to Rob Weber, 1topgum@gmail.com
Retirees Club Honors Founders Over sixty-five Beth El members gathered for a luncheon honoring Jonah Atlas, Jerry Gottlieb, and Dr. Lester Zimmerman for their many years of volunteer work in organizing and implementing programs for the Retirees Club, an important and valued Beth El constituency. [By the way, this was the largest event that Ben’s Deli had attempted since it opened just a few months ago.] This was a wonderful afternoon for all, and especially its deserving honorees. It attracted one of the largest groups of Beth El retirees in recent memory, and which bodes well for the future of this group, now under the direction of Julie Rockowitz, that is so integral to Beth El both historically and at present. Noah Rockowitz Photo credit Noah Rockowitz
BBQ, Klezmer, & Knishes at Beth El
Tuesday, August 11th • 6:00 pm Join the SMART* people
(*Senior, Mature, Adult, Retired, Together);
the 60s and Single group; and Kenny Green, famous Klezmer musician!
SMART People at 9/11 Memorial
R.S.V.P. to Julie Rockowitz is a must!
JRockowitz@bethelnr.org, or 914-235-2700, ext. 256. By August 6th: $10 members, $15 community After August 6th: $18 members, $25 community Check payable to Beth El Synagogue Center
Photo credit Jonah Atlas 12
SISTERHOOD Sisterhood Scene Summer may mean vacation for many of us, but throughout July and August, Beth El Sisterhood Officers, Board, and Committee members will be working hard to prepare for a busy fall and winter schedule. We will also be sending out membership information during August and I encourage you to respond. It is hard for me to understand why all the women of Beth El are not dues paying members of Sisterhood in view of all of the things we do to support our synagogue and enrich Jewish life for our community. Not only do we raise funds that add significantly to the synagogue’s income and support the welfare of members, but also we provide activities and programs that are open to all. We are proud to be affiliated with
Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, the world’s largest network of synagogue women. By joining Beth El Sisterhood you add your voice to an international organization committed to repairing the world in which we live and networking to engage, enrich and empower Jewish women. Sisterhood promotes friendship and provides programming that is educational, religious, cultural and civic minded. Sisterhood is dedicated to enriching the lives of its members through living, learning, linking and sharing. We are eager to serve our members, our congregation and the needs of the Jewish community. There are so many talented women at Beth El who have a lot to contribute. Join us—you will be glad you did! Barbara Horowitz. President
Summer Programs WALKING CLUB meets every Monday at 9:30 am for a nice easy walk—not a jog. Everyone is welcome! BAGELS & BOOKS BOOK CLUB meets at 9:30 am. Join us on Monday, July 27th for The Sisters Weiss, by Naomi Ragen, and on Monday, August 31st for In Sunlight and In Shadow, by Mark Helprin. QUESTIONS? Contact Arlene Salman, aesalman@aol.com, or 914-235-2485.
As of July 1st, Risë Stern will be handling the Sisterhood Mitzvah Fund. She can be reached at 914-761-5645, or rskstern@verizon.net. Checks should be mailed to 59 Bayne Place White Plains, NY 10605
WOMEN OF BETH EL SYNAGOGUE CENTER Look for your Sisterhood Newsletter and Membership envelope in the mail this summer. Join Beth El Sisterhood and join the fun, the creativity, and the excitement!
Watch for the grand re-opening of the SISTERHOOD BAUM JUDAICA GIFT SHOP Great Items! Huge Markdowns! Find what you need in unique giftware and Judaica and support Beth El. Before you shop elsewhere, shop here first and see what we have for you! For more information, call Carole at 914-576-6617, Ellen at 914-632-4658, or Wendy at 914-563-9000. 13
Sisterhood honored past president, Anita Better, at its annual Gala on June 18th. Also pictured, Joan Atlas, left.
ers n ssio memb e s per th El $20 for Be $15
BabyU Every Wednesday in July 10:45 11:00
am am
SCHMOOZE – 12:00 pm PROGRAM
July 1: Baby & Me Yoga, with Beth Gibney Boulden, a certified yoga teacher and founder
of Creation Yoga. This class will help parents bond with their babies, while enjoying a good stretch and laughter too! Beth will specifically release common aches of parents, such as “cute baby syndrome”—neck and shoulder pain caused by staring down at your adorable little one. You’ll increase core strength as you learn to lift and move with proper alignment. The class is geared towards babies who are not yet crawling. Wear comfy clothes for movement. No yoga experience is necessary!
July 8: Baby & Me Fitness, with Leslie Horowitz, owner of Leslie H. Fitness, and a ACSM Certified Personal
Trainer, ACE Pre/Post Natal Certified Fitness Professional, and AASDN Certified Nutrition Specialist. She offers in-home training for individuals and small groups, online/virtual coaching, nutrition coaching as well as overall health/wellness coaching. In this workshop, we will use strollers and our babies for added weight/resistance. We’ll strengthen, lengthen and tone our muscles while incorporating our little ones and meeting new friends as we go!
July 15 – Happiest Baby on the Block, with Cathy Collyer, OTR, LMT. A licensed pediatric occupational
therapist with 20+years of experience, and a nationally certified Happiest Baby on the Block educator specializing in sensory integration. Learn about and practice the most effective techniques to calm newborns 0-12 weeks old. Learn how to use white noise for calming and sleep, safely swaddle for all seasons, safely jiggle and rock baby to calm, and more. Parents-to-be are also welcome for this workshop as we’ll have dolls available.
July 22 – Baby Gymnastics, with Elliott Cortez, founder of Elliott’s Classes, movement education classes that
have been improving the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children in New York City since 1992. Baby Gymnastics with Elliott is for new parents and introduces babies to stimuli, including sounds and movements through the usage of music, bells, hoops, and vivid colors. This class will help new parents develop a sense of community and gain early insight into the development and needs of their babies. Attendees will learn how communication and movement, even at this early stage, can shape a baby’s world!
July 29 – Your Choice! Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll find the perfect practitioner! Contact Ronnie Becher, Beth El Nursery School Director, at 914-235-2700, ext. 250, or nursery@bethelnr.org.
14
NURSERY SCHOOL NEWS will be passing the baton to Rachel Messinger, our new Nursery School Board president. We thank the many individuals who have contributed so generously to the Bernice Feldman Nursery School Fund. These monies are used for scholarship aid, special programming for the school, and enhancement of facilities that directly benefit the children. Throughout the summer months, we will be offering a summer session of BabyU for parents of babies in their first year. In addition, be on the lookout for news related to TODDLER TIME, a Friday morning playgroup for families and caregivers of children born in 2014. We will continue to register children in classes for the 2015-2016 school year. Please call us for further information at 914-235-2700, ext. 250. We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone an enjoyable and healthy summer. See you in the fall! Ronnie Becher, Director
It’s hard to believe that our school year has come to an end. It has been a full and exciting time of learning and growth for our children. Our end-of-year celebrations were festive and varied. Parents, grandparents and caregivers joined their children in their classes for hands-on activities and goodbyes. Our teachers have put their hearts and souls and so much love into their work with the children this year. Our last official event was a Staff Appreciation Party at the home of Judi Scher, a threes teacher. We extend many thanks to Judi for her gracious hospitality and also to the Board for sponsoring this event. The Nursery School Board, chaired by Alyssa Erber, continued to be a strong advocate for the school. They worked tirelessly to insure successful projects that helped to supplement and enrich the lives of our children. Their thoughtful guidance and sound judgment were invaluable to the effective functioning of our school. Alyssa
Photographs are not available for web viewing.
At left, Beach Day. At right, Fun with Cars
Save these dates! The USYers Are Coming! From November 13-15, Beth El will host the METNY USY Fall Kinnus. We will be welcoming 300 teens and seventy-five staff members to our community. This is an “all-hands-on-deck” kind of weekend, in which we will need everyone to pitch in to help with housing, food serving, supervision, and welcoming our guests. More information will be coming soon, but make sure you mark your calendar for this exciting, inspirational weekend!
Registration Open for Religious School 2015- 2016 We are excited to announce that registration for the Beth El Religious School and the Tichon (High School) is now open for 2015-2016. We offer our 3rd-6th graders the choice of a three-day or two-day per week option. We will also continue our work with the third year of the Westchester Jewish Teen Learning Initiative, in conjunction with the Jewish Education Project and several other Westchester synagogues, to offer engaging, creative, and meaningful Jewish education to our teens on weekdays. For information on these and other changes in our Religious School, be in touch with Jen Vegh, Director of Youth & Family Engagement at jvegh@bethelnr.org, or 914-235-2700, ext. 247. With an exciting curriculum in the elementary school and interesting new classes in the Teen program, this is a year you won’t want to miss! Gan (Kindergarten) Sunday, 9:00 am – 11:00 am Alef & Bet (1st & 2nd grade) Sunday, 9:00 am – 11:00 am Thursday, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Gimel – Vav (3rd-6th grade) Sunday, 9:00 am – 11:00 am Thursday, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Optional: Hebrew through Cooking(Club), Tuesdays 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Homework Space available 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Gesher (7th grade) Sunday, 9:00 am – 11:00 am Thursday, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Olim & Tichon (8th-11th gr.) Sunday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Optional: Tuesday, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Teen Philanthropy To register, visitbethelnr.org/learning/religious-school. 15
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL AND YOUTH NEWS RELIGIOUS SCHOOL GRADUATION The Tichon Teen Learning Program Graduation took place on Tuesday evening, May 26th. At the graduation, six high school juniors were honored, and eight high school seniors were recognized for completing the Educational Leadership Institute (E.L.I.). The graduates of the Tichon (High School) Class of 2015 include Adam Ackerman, Hannah Bartell, Samuel Burton, Brandon Klee, Nathaniel Platzner, and David Rosenstein. Adam Ackerman received the Nat Goldman Memorial Award, which is given to the graduate of the Tichon Teen Learning program, who, in the opinion of the faculty, over the preceding four years has exhibited most consistently the qualities of character, initiative, scholarship, and humanitarianism to the highest degree. Samuel Burton received the President’s Award, which is given to the graduate who has exhibited strong leadership skills: a commitment to the future of the Religious School, a willingness to listen and offer feedback, initiative and a strong love of the Religious School. This individual has regularly attended and contributed to his/ her Religious School classes. Brandon Klee and Nathaniel Platzner received the Max and Sabrina Bialo Award, which is given to outstanding graduates of the the Tichon Teen Learning program who have participated in and contributed constructively to the Religious School and the synagogue. David Rosenstein received the Isaac, Gertrude, and Edgar Moses and Sylvia & Jack Markman Memorial Award for ethical Jewish behavior and a positive attitude towards Jewish values, which is given to the graduate who has shown by precept and example that he or she has adhered to
the principles of Jewish ethics in his or her everyday life. Hannah Bartell received the Rabbi’s Award, which is presented to the graduate who has exhibited commitment to the larger Jewish community, without diminishing his/ her dedication to Beth El Religious School. He/she is involved in youth programming, Israel advocacy, social action, prayer, and Jewish learning. The eight teens who participated in the year long Educational Leadership Institute were recognized for their commitment to developing their pedagogic skills, learning to build lesson plans that focus on meaningful Jewish learning, and helping in our Religious School classes. Mazal tov to Aaron Afran, David Herskowitz, Michael Herskowitz, Matthew Krasik, Jordan Reid, Jake Reifer, Paige Selber, and Kayla Sullivan. We also continued our tradition of honoring our Mezinke parents, those who are graduating out their last child from the Religious School. Yishar koach to Edward and Debra Ackerman, Dan and Jody Burton, and Richard and Randi Klee.
Photographs are not available for web viewing.
Elementary School End of Year Showcase This year our elementary school families gathered on May 21st for a new model for our end of year celebration. Beginning with a photo montage (available for viewing on the Religious School Facebook page), the evening focused on celebrating the meaningful learning in which our children engaged over the course of the year. Each child prepared a portfolio of his or her work from the year. The class brainstormed three questions parents could ask them that would highlight their learning. At the Showcase, parents toured around, meeting children from each class, asking them the guiding questions, and viewing their portfolios. The room was buzzing with excitement as children enthusiastically shared their learning and parents demonstrated just how impressed they were with the knowledge, insights, and excitement that the Religious School children displayed. The evening concluded with a brief reflection and a pizza dinner, sponsored by the Parent Organization. 16
Big News from the Religious School and Youth Community We are excited to announce two exciting changes regarding our Religious School and Youth Community staff. For the past four years, Jen Vegh has enthusiastically served as our Religious School and Youth Activities Director. After careful review by our Officers, Human Resources Committee, Religious School Board, and involved Youth Community parents, Jen’s title has been changed to more accurately reflect her overall work and goals. Her title will now be Director of Youth and Family Engagement. In this capacity, Jen will continue to serve as the Director of our Religious School, Director of our Youth Community, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Institute Coordinator, and will continue her ongoing work to meet the needs of our kindergarten through twelfth grade families. We are thrilled to have found a title that better reflects the full scope of her work. In connection with the review that led us to Jen’s title change, we also re-evaluated our allocation of resources and personnel in these departments. We are excited to announce the new position of Assistant Director of Youth and Family Engagement. We are further delighted to announce that Bekkah Gold has been hired to fill this fulltime position (see page 3). In Bekkah’s role as Assistant Director of Youth and Family Engagement, she will work closely with Jen to fulfill the missions of both the Religious School and Youth Community. In addition to administrative tasks, Bekkah will focus much of her time and energies on engaging and building connections with the 6th-12th grade populations in both the Religious School and the broader Youth Community. Bekkah will continue to serve as Beth El’s Kadima and USY advisor, as well as leader of the Rosh Hodesh, It’s a Girl Thing program. She will also continue to facilitate the Teen High Holiday services. Please join us in welcoming Bekkah when she begins this position on August 1st. You can reach her at rgold@bethelnr.org, or at 914-235-2700, ext. 221.
follow the Religious School on Twitter! @bethelrelschool
MAZAL TOV
JULY & AUGUST YAHRZEITS
The yahrzeit of the following deceased persons permanently inscribed on our Memorial Walls are observed on these dates:
Newsmakers . . . Mazal tov to:
July Benjamin Raber Rubin Scheinkman Ida B. Shimm Myron Penn Aviva Berger Rabbi Kenneth Berger Milton Honig Mollie Sirner Ruth Sobel Sam Kavarsky Sam Zuckerman Eva Bernstein William Bloom Ida Grandberg Yetta Halpern Michael Lichtenstein Leo J. Springer Frances B. Sussman Isadore Kaplan Norma Osofsky Jack Einhorn Eva Greenberg Everett Kalb Lester Kellman Ruth Rosenblatt Robert P. Schustack Zelda Wagner Barry Evan Librett Taube Sokol Sarah Hanchrow Bessie Getzoff Robert Heimowitz Rudolph Kahn Bernard Schwartz Hyman Bolnik Malvina Faerber Fried Gerson T. Margolish Jacob Markman Art Rivel Elayne Rubinoff Albert Pearlman Freda Rosenfeld Hyman Wolfson Sadie Bitter Betty Cohan Benjamin Gabriel Sylvia Geller Rose Sherman Adolph Mandel Morton Zuckerman Joseph Cohn John Olshansky Arby A. Halpern
George and Gaby Newfield upon the birth of grandson Jackson Henry, and to parents Emily and Andre Newfield; Aron and Talya Davidowitz upon the birth of son Gabriel Natan; Phoebe and Peter Gross upon the engagement of their daughter Claire to Sam Stampfer; Ellen and Moshe Gelboim upon the birth of grandson Jesse Asher Gelboim, son of Avi Gelboim and Meri Horn.
A Warm Beth El Mazal Tov to One and All!!
Kiddush The Kiddush of June 20th (updated) was sponsored by Jill and Daniel Efron in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter Maddy Efron; by Barbara and Mark Goldman in honor of their special wedding anniversary; and by the Shanok, Shahmoon, and Lawi families in honor of the upcoming marriage and aufruf of Noah Shanok to Sharon Lawi. The Kiddush of June 27th was sponsored by Barbara and David Horowitz in honor of their fortieth wedding anniversary; and by Barbara and Harvey Katzeff in honor of their fortieth wedding anniversary and the fortieth wedding anniversary of Robin and Mitchell Kaphan.
Summer Kiddush Sponsors Needed Call Alise Liquorie in the synagogue office, 914-235-2700, ext. 223, or e-mail aliquorie@bethelnr.org.
Welcome to the Beth El Community The Wachs Family of Ardsley Ken and Jennifer Wachs Zachary, 15; Jacob, 13; Chewie, 10; Lauren, 8; Emily, 6 [August]
CONDOLENCES We record with sorrow the losses suffered by our members and friends and extend to them our deepest sympathies. Condolences to: David Herzog upon the loss of his mother, Minnie Herzog; Dalia Fenster upon the loss of her sister Cila Ganz; Kelly Mamaysky upon the loss of her grandfather Dr. Edmond Edelson; Linda Mazursky upon the loss of her father, Jerome Agular; Les Rothenberg upon the loss of his father, Bernard Rothenberg; Robert Mishler upon the loss of his father, Leonard Mishler. 17
1 1 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 11 13 14 14 14 14 15 15 15 15 15 15 16 16 16 17 17 17 17 17 18 18 19 19 20
Murray Kahn Sadie Neubauer Sarah Sperber Betty Grabel Ralph Kramer Anna Root Jack Fashing Helen Funk Miriam Lerner Sylvia Scher Elsie Stillman Joan I. Schustack Hindel Bryna Eichner Yetta Schnipper Abraham Abrams Dina Goldman Robert Gordon Anna Rubenfeld Beth Suzanne Siegel Jacob Bernstein Morris Wasley Lucy Fischler Helen Levinthal Lyons David Gingold Joseph Hanchrow Jack Ginsberg Doreen Lewis Hy Feingold Jack L. Patchen August Eugene Bergman Ruth S. Teichman Leo Moskowitz Herbert Polow Barbara Gordon Minnie Simpson Samuel Streisfeld Joseph Klein Irving Grabel Harry Greenstein Jacob Levine Jacob Greenwald Herbert Pusick Max Baumzweig Nathan Bernstein Dr. Saul W. Brustein Jeanette Greenspan Maks Kooper Adolph Patchen Max Herrman Gail Harary Mozes Hyman Shapiro Janie Gottesfeld
20 20 20 21 21 21 22 22 22 22 22 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 31 1 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 6 7 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 11
continued, page 18
CONTRIBUTIONS YAHRZEITS, cont. from pg. 17 Joseph Salpeter Aaron Adolph Schlachtor Minnie Trugman Harry Wilk William Goodman Muriel Begleiter Harold Goldfarb Max Golub David Locitzer Sadye Brustein Eugene Mandel Louis Shanok Marshall Gottlieb Sidney Silberman Herb Weintraub Ruth Lapin Bruce Merrit Reich Max Kellman Muriel Bogash Mary Heligman Goldie G. Kalish Alice Lopatin Florence Falk Marion Jacobs Anna Harris Marilyn Metzger George Schneidman Arthur Cohen Samuel Goldstein Ida Gordon Goldie Klein Benjamin Lichtenstein Joseph Rimsky Abraham Galuten Melvin W. Nova Anne G. Elowsky Kurt Hamburger Nathan Lesser Edith Margolish Marcos Rojkind Robert Scher Irving Mansfield Bertha Batkin Rhea Greenstein Annie Langbert Richard B. Paushter Mary Rubin Betty Cohen Betty Glick Cohen Ralph Hanchrow Solomon E. Shahmoon
11 11 11 11 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 15 16 16 16 17 17 18 20 20 20 20 21 21 22 22 22 23 24 24 24 24 24 25 25 26 26 26 26 26 26 27 28 29 29 29 29 30 30 30 30
IN HONOR OF:
GENERAL FUND
Herbert Rudnick, beloved father of David Rudnick, from Phyllis and Harvey Jay.
The wedding of Stephanie Millman to Rabbi Josh Dorsch, from the Schepp family, Lois Kohn-Claar and Gary Claar, Susan and George Morris, Barbara and Bob Cohen, Mindy and Stanley Patchen, and Mila and Michael Greenberg.
Cantor Avery, beloved father, grandfather and Cantor Emeritus of Beth El, from Muriel and Leon Geller, Jane Perry, Rita and Martin Schiller, Debbie and Art Kaplan, Shari and Marvin Chinitz, Hilary Grad Goldberg and Rick Goldberg, Rosalind and Richard Kaufman, Linda and Sol Haber, Rabbi and Mrs. Norman Cohen, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Lieberman.
Jonah Atlas, Jerry Gottlieb, and Lester Zimmerman for their dedication and service to the Beth El Retirees Club, from Mary Ilardi. Lenore and Rabbi Melvin Sirner, from Richard S. Simon, Debbie and Art Kaplan, and Jane and Ken Friedland. Lynn and Jeff Lowin on the marriage of their daughter Joanna, from Rosalind and Richard Kaufman. Laurie and Eric Roth on the birth of their granddaughter Zoe Danielle, from Rosalind and Richard Kaufman. The college graduation of Diana Gruenstein, daughter of Drs. Lynn and Steven Gruenstein, from Shari and Marvin Chinitz. Rosalie Cristofalo on her retirement after fifty years of outstanding service to the Beth El community, from Muriel and Leon Geller, and Mila and Michael Greenberg. The anniversary of Lynn and Steve Gruenstein, from Mila and Michael Greenberg. Jacqueline and Avi Einzig on the engagement of their daughter Shanah Einzig, from Barbara and Marc Klee. Anita Better on her Sisterhood Gala honor, from Mary and Tony Ilardi. RECOVERY OF: Michael Wechsler with wishes for a refuah shleimah, from Shari and Marvin Chinitz, and Phyllis and Harvey Jay.
SPECIAL NEEDS FUND IN HONOR OF: The college graduation of Lauren Conrad, granddaughter of Blanche Fried, from Florence and Herbert Joffe. IN MEMORY OF: Cantor Lawrence Avery, beloved father and grandfather, from Louise and Jason Silverman, Bettina Graf and family, and Wendy and Alan Rosenberg.
IN MEMORY OF:
Hy Harary, beloved husband of Judy Harary, from Louise and Jason Silverman, Elaine and Martin Levitin, Laura Penn, Rosalind and Richard Kaufman, Bettina Graf and family, and Linda and Sol Haber.
Jerome Agular, beloved father of Linda Mazursky, from Dina Brot.
Our grandfather the Reverend Morris J. Rosenberg on his yarzheit, from Wendy and Alan Rosenberg.
THE BERNICE FELDMAN NURSERY SCHOOL FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
A generous donation was received from Diane and Eugene Linett.
18
Our beloved parents on their yahrzeit, from Carol and Laurence Gross. Reuben Hoppenstein, from Mila and Michael Greenberg. Rowena Dorsch, beloved grandmother of Rabbi Josh Dorsch from, Barbara and Bob Cohen, Susan and George Morris, and Mila and Michael Greenberg. Hy Harary, beloved husband of Judy Harary, from Shari and Marvin Chinitz, Barbara and Hal Shulman, Gail and Jerry Robinson, and Betty Grad-Gross. Cila Ganz, beloved sister of Dalia Fenster, from Phyllis and Harvey Jay, and Mary and Tony Ilardi. Lenore Cheskin, beloved mother of Elise Schepp, from Judy, Ed and Lisa Schwartz; and Phyllis and Harvey Jay. Janet Felsher, beloved mother of Candace Silver, from Judy, Ed and Lisa Schwartz; and Phyllis and Harvey Jay. Mollie Eisenberg, beloved mother of Ellen Hollander, from Phyllis and Harvey Jay. Jerome Agular, beloved father of Linda Mazursky, from Mary and Tony Ilardi.
YAHRZEIT/YIZKOR DONATION Marc Zoldessy, Elise Schepp, Barbara and Sheldon Haber, Eric and Elizabeth Alderman, Alfred Fayer, Lynn and Mark Hirsh, Norbert and Claudia Wolloch, Arthur and Barbara Margolin, Dr. and Mrs. Donald Salomon, Julius and Ann Oestreicher, Martin and Lois Morgenstern, Ira and Andrea Lippel, Joyce Wechsler, Ray Fein, Kathy and Howard Seiden, Phoebe Gross, Rita and Bruce Gilbert, Marjorie and Lester Zimmerman, Dina and Jeffrey Stahl and family, Judy Harary, Ronnie and Mitchel Kaplan, and Thomas Cohen.
ELEANOR G. BAUMWALD PRAYERBOOK FUND IN MEMORY OF: Cila Ganz, beloved sister of Dalia Fenster, from Cynthia and Fred Neufield. Rowena Dorsch, beloved grandmother of Rabbi Joshua Dorsch, from Michelle and Eric Maidenberg. Cantor Lawrence Avery, beloved father and grandfather, from the Hodara family, and Barbara and Hal Shulman.
CONTRIBUTIONS SISTERHOOD MITZVAH FUND IN HONOR OF: Rabbi Josh and Stephanie Dorsch, mazal tov on your marriage, from Carole and Jeff Graham. IN MEMORY OF: Florence Rossard, beloved sister of Marianne Sussman, from Carole and Jeff Graham, and Rosalind and Richard Kaufman. Lenore Cheskin, beloved mother of Elise Schepp, from Carole and Jeff Graham, and Rosalind and Richard Kaufman. Gertrude Davison Weisbrod, beloved mother of Irwin S. Davison, from Carole and Jeff Graham. Mollie Eisenberg, beloved mother of Ellen Hollander, from Carole and Jeff Graham, and Rosalind and Richard Kaufman. Cantor Lawrence Avery, beloved father of Lisa and Adina, from Joyce and Michael Wechsler, Blanche Fried, Miriam Rabin, and the Beth El Reading Group. Cila Ganz, beloved sister of Dalia Fenster, from Carol and Paul Freedman, and Miriam Rabin. Hy Harary, beloved husband of Judy Harary, from Naomi Raber, Blanche Fried, Miriam Rabin, and the Beth El Reading Group.
SELMA AND STANLEY BATKIN RELIGIOUS SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN MEMORY OF: Hy Harary, beloved husband of Judy Harary, from the Hodara family.
SYLVIA AND ROBERT SCHER CHESED COMMUNITY FUND IN HONOR OF: The marriage of Stephanie Millman to Rabbi Josh Dorsch, from Janet Yoskowitz. Rabbi Sirner, from Deena and Josh Davis. IN MEMORY OF: Cantor Avery, beloved Cantor Emeritus of Beth El Synagogue Center, from Janet Yoskowitz. Cila Ganz, beloved sister of Dalia Fenster, from Janet Yoskowitz. Mollie Eisenberg, beloved mother of Ellen Hollander, from Deena and Josh Davis. Our parents on their yahrzeits, from Harriet and J. Leonard Schwartz. Rowena Dorsch, beloved grandmother of Rabbi Josh Dorsch, from Sol and Linda Haber.
Herman Gordon, beloved husband of Yvette Gordon, Rosalind and Richard Kaufman.
Our parents, Ruth and Seymour Sobel, from Hanita and Paul Schneiderman.
HAZZAN DISCRETIONARY FUND
PTA LIBRARY FUND
Arlene Kamer in honor of her granddaughter Sophie Kamer becoming a bat mitzvah. Lois Kohn-Claar and Gary Claar on the marriage of Rabbi Josh Dorsch and Stef Millman.
IN HONOR OF: Rosale Cristofalo on her retirement, from Elaine and Jack Katz. IN MEMORY OF:
Norma Wasserman in memory of Cantor Lawrence Avery.
Lenore Cheskin, beloved mother of Elise Schepp, from Elaine and Jack Katz.
Eric and Laurie Roth in memory of Cantor Lawrence Avery.
Herman Gordon, beloved husband of Yvette Gordon, from Elaine and Jack Katz.
In memory of Hy Harary, husband of Judy Harary.
Mollie Eisenberg, beloved mother of Ellen Hollander, from Elaine and Jack Katz.
In memory of Minnie Herzog, mother of David Herzog.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES FUND
PTA ISRAEL TRAVEL STUDY FUND IN HONOR OF:
IN HONOR OF: The wedding of Stephanie Millman to Rabbi Josh Dorsch, from Jacqueline and Avi Einzig.
The wedding of Stephanie Millman to Rabbi Josh Dorsch, from Erica and Larry Epstein, the Ackerman family, and Linda and Sol Haber.
ANDREW SHAPIRO MEMORIAL FUND
TEEN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE SHOLRSHIP FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
IN MEMORY OF:
Herman Gordon, beloved husband of Yvette Gordon from Mindy and Stanley Patchen.
Hy Rottman, my beloved husband, on his yahrzeit, you will always be in my heart, from Dana Rottman.
Hy Harary, beloved husband of Judy Harary, from Mindy and Stanley Patchen. My cousin Andrew Shapiro, from Richard Brown.
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Mitchell and Annette Fogelman in memory of Mollie Eisenberg; Sheila Tanenbaum in memory of Mollie Eisenberg and Rowena Dorsch; Fred and Judy Bomback in memory of Mollie Eisenberg; Helene and Gary Liebstein in memory of Lenore Cheskin; Margo Lampert in memory of Lenore Cheskin; Steve Bosalavage (Classic Caterers) in honor of Jonah Seidenfeld’s Bar Mitzvah; Barbara and Donald Kotler in honor of the birth of their grandson; Bernie and Shirley Katz in honor of Lenore and Rabbi Sirner; Phyllis Cole in memory of Mollie Eisenberg; Caryl Fuchs in memory of Cantor Avery; Bob and Elise Schepp in honor of Rabbi Dorsch’s marriage; Jeff and Susan Mittleman in memory of Janet Felsher; Josh and Deena Davis in memory of father, Abe Griff upon his yahrzeit; Bob and Elise Schepp in honor of Julian Gingold graduating the M.D./ Ph.D. Program from Mt. Sinai Hospital and in honor of Josh and Stephanie Dorsch’s wedding; Phyllis Cole in honor of the birth of Gaby and George Newfield’s grandson Jackson; Barbara, Ben, and Ted Davis in memory of Moses Harary; Annette and Mitchell Fogelman in memory of Cantor Avery, Cila Ganz, and Moses Harary; Paula Lester in honor of Rabbi Sirner; Rabbi Amiel Wohl in honor of Rabbi Sirner; Shari and Marvin Chinitz in honor of Lenore and Rabbi Sirner and Rosalie Cristofalo; Melvyn and Priscilla Bloom in memory of Lillian and William Bloom; Loretta and Arthur Holland; Marilyn and Robert Sofer in memory of Aaron Sofer.
THE JEREMY SCHEINFELD MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR OF: Phoebe and Peter Gross on the engagement of their daughter Claire Gross, from Judy, Ed, and Lisa Schwartz. Jacqueline and Avi Einzig on the engagement of their daughter Shanah Einzig, from Judy, Ed, and Lisa Schwartz. Dr. Lynn Chinitz for going above and beyond, from the Jablansky family. IN MEMORY OF: Cantor Avery, beloved Cantor Emeritus of Beth El Synagogue Center, from the Jablansky family. Mollie Eisenberg, beloved mother of Ellen Hollander, from Geralynn and David Reifer. The beloved mother of Michael Lewis, from Joy and Steve Rotker. Lenore Cheskin, beloved mother of Elise Schepp, from Liz, Eric, Sara, and Jeremy Alderman.
Cantor Lawrence Avery, from Dana Rottman.
Abby Wise’s beloved grandmother, from Geralynn and David Reifer.
Hy Harary, beloved husband of Judy Harary, from Dana Rottman.
Cila Ganz, beloved sister of Dalia Fenster, from the Jablansky family.
19
20
eat big. LIVE LARGE.
SIGN UP
FOR MORE SAVINGS, BIG FOODS, AND FRESH TASTES TEXT “FAIRWAY” TO 313131
TO SAVE BIG
FAIRWAYMARKET.COM 21
22
23
24
T H E B R I S TA L A S S I S T E D L I V I N G • W H E R E E V E RY D AY M E A N S M O R E ®
R E S I D E N T S O F T H E B R I S TA L
After 91 years, here’s what I know for sure...
Look for the good in everything.
For many years, I resisted moving back up north. The cold always kept me away. But I rarely saw my great-grandson. What good was that? Now I see him every week, and it warms my heart to show him off to my friends at The Bristal. My life is so much better here than I thought it would be. Fuller. I use the computer every day, win at canasta, attend lectures, go shopping, or take in a show or concert. Everything I enjoy doing. Only now with new friends. Exceptional lives. Extraordinary living. ARMONK | 90 Business Park Drive | (914) 432.8200 | mowens@thebristal.com WHITE PLAINS | 305 North Street | (914) 681.1800 | hscheier@thebristal.com
THE BRISTAL.COM LICENSED BY THE DEPT OF HEALTH • ELIGIBLE FOR MOST LONG TERM CARE POLICIES • QUALITY COMMUNITIES BY THE ENGEL BURMAN GROUP
25
Where Your Child Comes First Comprehensive Care from Birth to Age 21 Convenient on-site parking Extended evening and weekend hours
State of the Art Pediatric Office Spacious child-friendly waiting area Most insurances accepted
Susan H. Meisler, M.D. • Hilary S. Smith, M.D., Lisa Mandelker, D.O., • Debra Etelson-Mayblum, M.D.
145 Huguenot Street, Suite 200, New Rochelle, NY 10801 Telephone: (914) 235-1400 Fax: (914) 235-1534
www.pasw4kids.com
Helping Older Adults Live Forward Since 1917
Meet RiverSpring Health™ For nearly a century, the Hebrew Home at Riverdale has been helping older adults live the fullest lives they can. Today, we’ve grown from our award-winning nursing home into RiverSpring Health, a new brand offering a full range of care solutions including managed long-term care, independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and much more. Learn more about how we can help you live forward at 1.800.56.SENIOR or by visiting riverspringhealth.org.
26
Don’t “Overlook” These Stunning Homes On One of the Most Sought-After Streets in Wykagyl Park
290 OVERLOOK ROAD, NEW ROCHELLE The home of dreams. Stately brick seven bedroom, five bath Colonial perched on one of the largest and most breathtaking lots in all of New Rochelle. Stunning architectural details and endless space for entertaining. WEB# NS1108291 asking $2,495,000
237 OVERLOOK ROAD, NEW ROCHELLE The ideal fusion of charm 213 OVERLOOK ROAD, NEW ROCHELLE Spectacular, renovated of a classic Tudor and all the brand-new luxuries and efficiencies of a 2015 dream home. Completely gutted and rebuilt to perfection. Still time to customize with visionary Builder. Incredible lot with room for pool if desired. WEB# NS1121659 asking $2,375,000
staggered Colonial with high-end conveniences and finishes at every turn. Thoughtful attention to detail is the hallmark of this custom haven. Master bedroom, hide-away features, vaulted ceiling and two private balconies. Walk to all. WEB# NS1143693 asking $1,895,000
Jocelyn Burton Real Estate Salesperson
Ranked #1 Agent in New Rochelle Listing Dollar Volume
Mobile 917.693.3557 | JBurton@houlihanlawrence.com New Rochelle Brokerage | 914.636.6700 ext. 309 27
Steven Guggenheim, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Specializing in counseling adults regarding:
• Aging and physical illness
…Westchester’s Outstanding Day Camp… in Scarsdale, NY
• Caring for sick loved ones
A SUMMER TRADITION FOR 87 YEARS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 3-13
• Coping with everyday problems Provider for Medicare & most insurance plans. (914) 714-4426
FOR INFORMATION, CALL (914) 949-8857, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.CAMPHILLARD.COM One Family
Four Generations
Est. 1929
2039 Palmer Ave. Larchmont
George T Davis Jewish Ad3_625x4_75_Ad 12/11/13 4:24 PM Page 1
George T. Davis Funeral Home
Providing quality services at affordable prices. Graveside Service
Chapel Service including traditional orthodox casket
$5,385
including traditional orthodox casket
$4,790
Vincent Fasano, Manager 14 Le Count Place New Rochelle, NY 10801 914-632-0324 The price of the recommended caskets in the above offerings which include caskets is $795. The caskets included in the above offerings are recommendations only. You are not required to purchase these or any other casket or container as part of this offering. All of the components of these offerings may be purchased separately if you prefer, and pricing will be the same whether purchased separately or as a component of one of these groupings.
tion c e l e s e g e a lar foods! v a h e W ared p e r p f o
Everyt
hing y
ou nee
d!
Specializing in a complete line of Kosher Meats, Provisions, Cooked Foods & Specialty Groceries. We have a full-service catering department for all your party needs.
1066 Wilmot Road Scarsdale, NY 10583
SEASONSNY.COM Place your order online and either pick it up in the store or have it delivered to your home! E-mail scarsdaleorders@seasonsny.com. 28
Tel: 472-2240 Fax: 472-2215
Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont and NOEL GREENSTEIN invite you to see our
Luxury Sedans & SUVs
RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL CHAPEL WESTCHESTER: 21 West Broad Street Mount Vernon, NY 10552
914-664-6800
Just off Exit 7 of the Cross County Parkway East
The Source of Support for the Jewish Community since 1897 www.riversidememorialmountvernon.com Charles S. Salomon • Joel E. Simon
1435 Boston Post Road Larchmont, N.Y.
Continuing to maintain the high service standards of the Rosenthal, Grossberg, and Alpert families
Pretty Paper
(914) 833-5000 ngreenstein@raycatena.com
Law Office of
& Polka Dots
David Lacher Providing experienced legal representation to individuals and the business community Real estate sales & acquisitions • • Wills & estate administration • LLC & corporate formation; buy/sell agreements • Land use & real property development • Governmental relations, lobbying & regulatory affairs • Domestic & international commercial transactions chase bank building
270 north avenue, 8th floor new rochelle, ny 10801 29
914-355-5900
www.lacherlaw.com
JULY 2015
TAMMUZ/AV 5775
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
18 TAMMUZ 6
19 TAMMUZ 7
Summer Israeli Film Festival 7:30 pm
Israeli Dance 10:00 am Walking Club 9:30 am
3 AV 20
19
4 AV
Israeli Dance 10:00 am Walking Club 9:30 am
26
10 AV 27
TISHA B’AV
16 TAMMUZ 4
17 TAMMUZ
20 TAMMUZ 8
21 TAMMUZ 9
22 TAMMUZ 10
23 TAMMUZ 11
24 TAMMUZ
BabyU 10:45 am
PINCHAS 8:11 pm
Israeli Dance 8:00 pm
27 TAMMUZ 15
28 TAMMUZ 16
Beth El Bk Club 1:30 pm BabyU 10:45 am Poker, Paint, Pool 6:00 pm Israeli Dance 8:00 pm Torah on Tap 8:00 pm (off-site)
21
5 AV 22
Beth El Book Club 1:30 pm Israeli Dance 8:00 pm
11 AV 28
29 TAMMUZ 17
Summer Israeli Film Festival 7:30 pm
6 AV 23
Shabbat Shaboom 12:00 pm
7 AV 24
BabyU 10:45 am
Rosh Hodesh
8:07pm
18 AV
Israeli Dance 10:00 am Walking Club 9:30 am Men’s Club Cyclones Game 1:00 pm (off-site)
24 AV 10
Israeli Dance 10:00 am
16
25 AV
Day Camp 7s Awards Ceremony 8:45am Walking Club 9:30 am
1 ELUL 17
TUESDAY
2 ELUL
4
13 AV 30
WEDNESDAY
19 AV 5
Beth El Bk Club 1:30 pm METNY Meeting 6:00 pm Israeli Dance 8:00 pm Outdoor Movie 8:30 pm
14 AV 31
15 AV 7:55 pm
THURSDAY
11
26 AV
20 AV 6
FRIDAY
18
9 ELUL 25
21 AV 7
Summer Israeli Film Festival 7:30 pm
12
27 AV 13
Beth El Book Club 1:30 pm BBQ & Klezmer 6:00 pm Israeli Dance 8:00 pm
FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, VISIT BETHELNR.ORG, AND FACEBOOK.COM/ BETHELSYNAGOGUECENTER
SATURDAY
10 ELUL 26
4 ELUL 20
22 AV 8
23 AV
Shabbat ends Day Camp Festival 8:49 pm 3s 9:05 am EKEV Birthday Shab. 2s 11:00 am 7:47 pm Shabbat Space 9:30am Shabbat Shaboom Comb. Yth Svc 10:45am 12:00 pm
28 AV 14
Day Camp Staff Banquet 6:00 pm
3 ELUL 19
Mahjongg 12:45 pm Israeli Dance 8:00 pm
15 ELUL 31
Shabbat Space 9:30am Comb. Yth Svc 10:45am
Shabbat Space 9:30am Comb. Yth Svc 10:45am ShabbaTunes 12:45 pm
METNY Encampment Walking Club 9:30 am Israeli Dance 10:00 am Canasta 12:45 pm
30
9 AV
Shab. ends 9:06 pm
Shab ends 8:59pm
Mahjongg 12:45 pm Israeli Dance 8:00 pm
8 ELUL 24
DEVARIM
1 VAETCHANAN 16 AV
Nurs Sch Playground Walking Club 9:30 am Playdate 9:30 am West. Jewish Music & Canasta 12:45 pm Art 12:00 pm (off-site) Rosh Hodesh
23
SPACE 9:30am Shab Disc Grp 10:30am Comb. Yth Svc 10:45am
EREV TISHA B’AV
12 AV 29
JOIN US EACH SHABBAT IN AUGUST FOR: Shabbat Space at 9:30 am Combined Youth Services at 10:45 am Ice Cream Desserts at Kiddush Lunch Daf Shevui at 1:00 pm
9
Shabbat ends 9:13 pm
AV/ELUL 5775
MONDAY
17 AV 3
Birthday Shab.
2 AV
MATOTMASEI
8 AV 25 8:02 pm
Shabbat ends 9:18 pm
Shabbat SPACE 9:30am Comb. Yth Svc 10:45am
1 AV 18
AUGUST 2015
2
Shabbat ends
Day Camp Open 9:21 pm BALAK Synagogue 8:13 pm Shabbat SPACE 9:30am Offices Closed Comb. Yth Svc 10:45am INDEPENDENCE DAY OBS. INDEPENDENCE DAY
Sis. Bagels/Bks 9:30 am Day Camp 4s Festival Camp 4s Festiv 9:05 am Day Camp 6s Festival Walking Club 11:30 am BabyU 10:45 am 9:05 am 5:00 pm Summer Israeli Film Beth El Bk Club 1:30 pm Day Camp 5s & 7s Sis. Wine & Cheese Festival 7:30 pm Book Club 7:30 pm Festival 5:00 pm Israeli Dance 8:00 pm
SUNDAY
SATURDAY
15 TAMMUZ 3
BE Book Club 1:30 pm
26 TAMMUZ 14
25 TAMMUZ 13
FRIDAY
14 TAMMUZ 2
Day Camp 2-year-old opening day BabyU 10:45 am
Walking Club 9:30 am
12
THURSDAY
1
JOIN US EACH SHABBAT IN JULY FOR: Shabbat Space at 9:30 am Combined Youth Services at 10:45 am Ice Cream Desserts at Kiddush Lunch Daf Shevui at 1:00 pm
5
WEDNESDAY
Last day of Day Camp
5 ELUL 21
29 AV 15
RE’EH 7:38 pm
Shabbat Space 9:30am Comb. Yth Svc 10:45am Rosh Hodesh
6 ELUL 22
SHOFTIM 7:28 pm
11 ELUL 27
12 ELUL 28
16 ELUL 31 continued
13 ELUL 29 7:17 pm
30
7 ELUL
Shabbat ends 8:28 pm
Shabbat Space 9:30am Comb. Yth Svc 10:45am
KI TETZE
Israeli Dance 10:00 am Sis Bagels/Bks 9:30 am Canasta 12:45 pm Walking Club 11:30 am RS Bd Mtg 8:00 pm
30 AV
Shabbat ends 8:39 pm
14 ELUL
Shabbat ends 8:16 pm
Shabbat Space 9:30am Comb. Yth Svc 10:45am
Carmel Academy
The Trustees, Faculty and Families at Carmel Academy Congratulate Our Class of 2015 and Wish Them B’hatzlacha, Much Success in High School! Our Graduates Were Accepted to the Following Schools:
We Also Wish a Mazal Tov to Carmel Academy’s Alumni Class of 2011 on its Graduation from High School! Our Alumni’s post-graduation plans include: Barnard College • Cornell University • Drexel University • Eastern Connecticut State University •Hobart William Smith College • Lev HaTorah • Pennsylvania State University • U.S. Marine Corps • University of Delaware • University of Toronto
Abraham Joshua Heschel High School Avenues: The World School The Frisch School The Harvey School Jewish High School of Connecticut Ramaz Upper School SAR High School Solomon Schechter School of Westchester Torah Academy of Bergen County Westchester Hebrew High School A private school for children of all Jewish affiliations serving Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Let Your Good Deeds Exceed Your Studies
270 Lake Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 • (203) 863-9663 • www.carmelacademy.com 31
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE CENTER 1324 NORTH AVENUE NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10804-2190
Non Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID White Plains, N.Y. Permit No. 925
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
SHERY ROSENSTEIN Sales Associate
To advertise here, please call Linda, 914-235-2700, ext. 246.
Personalized attention to you and your needs.
B: (914) 723-8228 C: (914) 420-8556 E: s.rosenstein@yahoo.com W: www.clairedleone.com
29 Wilmot Road Scarsdale, NY 10583
“A GENUINELY HAPPY PERSON IS ONE WHO HAS RENDERED OTHERS HAPPY.” DAISAKU IKEDA
JOCELYN BURTON – RANKED #1 AGENT IN NEW ROCHELLE LISTING DOLLAR VOLUME Proud Beth El Member and New Rochelle Resident
GAY ROSEN
As Real As Real Estate Gets
Licensed R.E. Associate Broker ABR, CBR, CDPE, CRS, GREEN, GRI, SRES c: 914.907.2645 • gay.rosen@juliabfee.com gayrosen.com Larchmont Brokerage • 1946 Palmer Avenue Each office is independently owned and operated
Jocelyn Burton
Real Estate Salesperson
jburton@houlihanlawrence.com Mobile: 917.693.3557 NEW ROCHELLE BROKERAGE 1 5 Quaker Ridge Road New Rochelle, New York 91 4.636.6700 ext.1 9309 HGMLS, 1/1/14–12/31/14, All Property Types, Total Listed Dollar Volume by Agent, New Rochelle School District.