October 2014 Shofar - Tishrei/Cheshvan 5775 by Otir

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

Jewish Family Congregation www.jewishfamilycongregation.org

October Shabbat and Holiday Services Yom Kippur

Youth Group having fun in the youth lounge.

October 3

7:30 pm

Kol Nidre

October 4

10:00 am

Morning service

10:30 am

Youth service

2:00 pm

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service

3:00 pm

Music and Meditation service

4:00 pm

Concluding service

Shabbat Chol Hamoed Sukkot October 10

7:30 pm

Shabbat service

October 11

10:30 am

Shabbat service including

Bat Mitzvah of Andrea Shulman

Simchat Torah October 15

7:30 pm

Simchat Torah Service

Shabbat Bereshit, Genesis 1:1 -6:8 Religious School back in session.

October 17

7:30 pm

Shabbat service

Free babysitting October 18

10:30 am

Shabbat service

Shabbat Noach, Genesis 6:9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:32 October 24

7:30 pm

Shabbat service

October 25

10:30 am

Shabbat service

Shabbat Lech Lecha, Genesis 12:1 -17:27

Gabe Zuckerberg and Ruth Ossher perform during Religious School services.

October 31

7:30 pm

Shabbat service

November 1

10:30 am

Shabbat service

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

From the Rabbi’s Desk Advocating for Reform Jewish Principles in Israel Few arenas in the world exist where we can successfully advocate for and promote Reform Jewish values. Since its founding in 1897 in Basel, Switzerland, the now-named World Zionist Organization (WZO) has enabled Jews around the world to have a say in helping to fulfill the dreams of the founders of the Zionist Movement. Through its meetings, Jews from all backgrounds and observance levels take part in the World Zionist Congress (WZC). After the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, the WZO changed some of its operating principles, and now only organizations can vote instead of individuals. In October 2015 -- one year from now -- the next World Zionist Congress will convene in Jerusalem. (These meetings now occur every five years.) Once again, critical issues will be debated, and ARZA will help advance Reform Jewish ideals at that time. (ARZA is the American Reform Zionist Association, a member of the Union for Reform Judaism organizational family.) ARZA will select delegates for the WZC based on the proportional outcome of the WZC elections conducted by the American Zionist Movement (AZM). The composition of the WZC has both financial and policy implications in Israel, as resources are directed to recipients based on the number of seats a party holds, and the policy positions of those parties. In short, there is much at stake if we want to determine that the values we hold dear will become reality in the Israel that we love: religious pluralism, the growth of Reform Judaism in Israel, women’s equality in all areas of life, democracy, a solution to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, and so much more.

Due to our success in previous elections: We hold a plurality in the American delegation. (ARZA’s goal this time is achieve a majority). Through the force of our delegation we are able to ensure that over $4,000,000 a year ($20 million over 5 years) of financial support goes to our partners in Israel: the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ), Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), our Kibbutzim and HUC-JIR. We determine appointments for key professional positions to carry out our Reform Jewish values within the WZO and affiliated agencies. We join with Israeli political parties to influence Israeli society in matters of Conversion, Equal Rights for Women, Marriage and Divorce, Religious Pluralism (such as at the Kotel), and urging laws against racism and hate crimes as well. Please look for ways to register for the upcoming elections at JFC. We will have materials available very soon, and I hope that most of our membership will participate in this important election. In this way, you can help influence the outcome of representation of liberal Jewish principles and ideals when they are most needed.

ARZA, representing Reform Judaism, has prepared an extensive campaign plan, as the formal elections will be held January 15-April 30, 2015.

Presidents’ Message--------------Page 3

Ritual Committee---------------- Page 7

Cantor’s Corner------------------- Page 4

Social Action ----------------------Page 8

Religious School-------------------Page 5

Ask The Rabbi-------------------- Page 9

Early Childhood Center-------- Page 6

3 Page Jewish Family Congregation 111 Smith Ridge Road P.O.Box 249 South Salem, NY 10590 Phone: (914) 763-3028 Fax: (914) 763-3069

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

From The Presidents

by Glenn Kurlander and Hal Wolkin Co-Presidents’ Message

September is a month of change. Summer leaves us, and fall arrives. In the Jewish calendar, on the 1st day of Tishrei, this year corresponding to the 25th day of email: office@jewishfamilycongregation.org website: www.jewishfamilycongregation.org September, we mark Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of a New Year, and enter a period of reflection and evaluation, punctuated by new resolve and new com----------------mitments. The High Holy Days are in some fundamental way about change: Rabbi about undertaking a commitment to change the way we think and act; about Marcus L. Burstein, D.Min. aspiring to do better; about taking a higher path. rabbi@jewishfamilycongregation.org Cantor Kerry Ben-David cantor@jewishfamilycongregation.org ---------------Director of Education Leslie Gottlieb lgottlieb@jewishfamilycongregation.org

In last month’s message, we wrote that the JFC Board had spent a good deal of time over the last several months asking where, as a community, we should be going. We noted that the Board’s still emerging vision would emphasize greater connectivity; deeper engagement; enhanced relevance; more energy.

By the time you receive this issue of the Shofar, you will already have seen our letter dated September 8 advising that, as part of the effort to formulate this vision, a small group of Board members has begun conversations with the Administrator leadership of Temple Shearith Israel (TSI), our Reform neighbors in Ridgefield, Kathleen Sakowicz ksakowicz@jewishfamilycongregation.org to explore a range of opportunities for our two congregations to collaborate in ways that would be beneficial for each and to the Jewish community. Early Childhood Center Director Jane Weil Emmer jemmer@jewishfamilycongregation.org

-------------------Glenn Kurlander Co-President Hal Wolkin Co-President president@jewishfamilycongregation.org Josh Blum, First Vice –President Polly Schnell, Second Vice-President Robyn Cohen, Treasurer Suzanne Sunday, Secretary executive@jewishfamilycongregation.org Karen Conti, Trustee Jon Glass, Trustee Mindy Hoffman, Trustee Robi Margolis, Trustee Paul Storfer, Trustee Bonnie Wattles, Trustee Richard Mishkin, Ex Officio board@jewishfamilycongregation.org Shofar Editor Bryan Wolkin Shofar Printer Copy Stop Royal Press

We’ve emphasized that these conversations are preliminary and exploratory. We’ve also emphasized that any proposal for collaboration with TSI that the Board might formulate (other than simple cost sharing of purely administrative functions, for example) would be just that: a proposal, with the congregants of JFC making the final determination about the path we should take. Yet, we realize that the mere announcement of these conversations, necessary as they are, may concern some of our congregants. Even in a season of change— or perhaps especially in such a season—change is hard for us to accept. We embrace the things that are comfortable, valuing them highly, at least in part, because they are familiar, because they’re ours. The scientists who work in the field of behavioral finance have a name for this human tendency, which their experiments have proved time and again beyond any doubt. They call it the “endowment effect.” And they attribute the strength of the endowment effect to another human characteristic: loss aversion. Their experiments prove that once we own something, foregoing it feels like a loss, and one thing humans certainly are is loss-averse. But in life, the only constant is change. “Everything changes and nothing remains still,” the classical Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, wrote; “you cannot step twice into the same stream; it’s not the same stream, and you’re not the same person.” The world, Jewish and otherwise, is changing at a pace that seems to accelerate every day. In such a world, all institutions must work to remain relevant, and synagogues are no different. Indeed, synagogues all over the country are coming to the conclusion that traditional models no longer resonate with an Continued on page 11

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

Cantor’s Corner

By Cantor Kerry Ben-David

Now that you heard the JFC Choir, under the direction of Kathy Storfer, sing Psalm 150 at the Rosh Hashanah Morning Service in Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller’s amazing setting, you experienced the full glories of our wonderful and spirited ensemble. But, the brilliance of our choir and instrumentalists does not come without an extensive period of preparation. Each year our choir has a full schedule of rehearsals as they prepare to lift our hearts and souls during the High Holy Days! This year we are thrilled to have both Kathy Storfer and Amanda Goodman not only sing, but conduct, our High Holy Day melodies with the remarkable accompaniments of pianist, Barbara Orwick. Kathy is a recipient of the “Shomeir Shirah Award” by the Guild of Temple Musicians for her tireless efforts to further Jewish music and performance. In addition to singing in the choir, David Kane and Paul Storfer bring powerful instrumental accompaniment to many of our beloved melodies. Without the tireless efforts of Debbie Lavin, who has coordinated all aspects of the choir’s schedule and rehearsals, the extraordinary musical leadership of the JFC Choir would not be possible. Special thanks go to the other members of our choir: Martie Gordon, Carrie Kane, Debbie Lavin, Sandi Auerbach, Abigail Gabor, Lisa Papernik, Laurence Furic, Michael Gordon and Curt Shulman. We are all recipients of their passion and love of Jewish music! For 5775, our congregation will have a new innovation on Yom Kippur afternoon we will have a music and meditation service at 3pm. We look forward to hearing gifted musicians from our own congregration including: Eve Chipman, Adam Cohen, Richard Mishkin, Emily Wein and Gabe Zuckerberg. Please join us for this moving experience.

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

From the Religious School By Leslie Gottlieb

It is at this time of year, for the past decade or so, that one could find me in the JFC High Holy Day tent sitting next to someone who looks a lot like me. I do not refer to my own child here. I am talking about my twenty –five year old niece, Emily, my brother’s daughter. Her father joined JFC years ago after attending several HHD services and realizing that if he became a member, he would be helping his family connect to his heritage--as well as providing the JFC community with needed support. He made the right choice, and the impact has changed his daughter’s life as I see it. JFC can do this to people… bring them into the fold and offer a transformative experience. It happened to me about twenty years ago thanks to an invitation to teach here by JFC member, Dafne Sanchez-Aldama, a former Director of Education. As far as the HHDs, together for many years now my brother and I have wheeled my father into the tent; Dad has also been a member of the synagogue. My father has been unable to walk due to Parkinson’s disease for many years, but we were always able to seat him near the tent entrance with the help of our wonderful Ritual Committee Chair, Michael Salpeter—year after year. Now he is no longer comfortable getting in and out of a car, one not specifically outfitted for his needs—and has spent the last three Yom Kippur afternoons in the hospital. Sadly, we have chosen not to bring him to JFC this year-- for his own comfort. Two years ago we took him directly from services to Northern Westchester Hospital because his breathing was labored during the latter part of the morning service. Last year we broke our fast in the ER. The High Holy Days, for me, have taken on new meaning due to his ongoing brushes with death. Hospice has now come on the scene to support our family but at the moment, his condition although weak, is somewhat stable… but who knows what this season will bring? It’s funny; my father always told me that only the very righteous are taken from us during the Days of Awe and that in a way it is an honor to die at this special time on the Jewish calendar. He is surely toying with us each year, bringing us close to the precipice-- and then springing back to his compromised state of being. My father-in-law’s sixth yahrzeit was on the first day of Rosh HaShannah this year. When he passed away dur-

ing this holiday six years ago, I kept thinking back to the wisdom my father had imparted to me as a child--and you can guess that I was more than typically reflective because of his teachings related to “who shall live and who shall die,” during these holy days. Now, as we move through September again, I wait anxiously to see if our family will pass through this holiday period with my father pulling through for more time with us. As you can see, our entire family has leaned on the support of JFC and its membership for so long now. My mother’s funeral was held here almost fifteen years ago. If these walls could speak they would have so much to say for me-- and others. As I write this in early September, my niece Emily is on a Birthright trip with a co-worker… two young attorneys on a ten day trip in the midst of a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. Hopefully that peace holds up for everyone’s sake. What is interesting is that Emily did not take a traditional path to her affection for Judaism. She went to a CCD program in Connecticut where her mother worshipped. Jewish holidays for my niece and nephew were spent, when they were little and before their affiliation with JFC, with my brother doing the best he could to share special related experiences that would make his children feel Jewish. But I am convinced that it wasn’t until his relationship with JFC that Emily’s attachment to her Jewish half really took hold. I never fail to recognize that my brother’s foray into synagogue life, although not early on, made all of this possible for her. Sitting together for most every HHD service, she would stay the course and not ask to leave early before the end of the Torah service. She was there to meet me for every erev service… the two of us huddled under blankets wearing gloves for some very brisk evenings. Over the past few years, she and I would run up to Steve’s in Ridgefield to get our bagel order for the break-fast and return to my father’s in Oak Ridge to set it up for our hungry guests. It has been a real privilege to see her blossom under the wing of JFC… and that she wanted more than anything to go to Israel, even during a war, meant something very special to me as her aunt. I am proud of her for so many reasons. Whether or not my children come to synagogue for the HHDs each year is a separate issue for me when I Continued on page 12

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

From The Early Childhood Center by Jane Emmer

He will learn when he is ready. She will write when it is time to write. He will learn to love the process, but it will happen organically without worksheets and homework and dotted lines to be signed. Perhaps she will not be aware that she is learning, yet she will read, eventually. The teachers in our Early Childhood Center want our students to absolutely love their experiences at school. Our wish for our children is to grow and develop surrounded by patience and nurturing as they move through their childhood. We always remember that childhood is a journey not a race.

The Race by Shel Silverstein If you rode a turtle And I rode a snail And we raced To the equator One of us would come in last And one would come in later Does it matter if he comes in last? Does it matter who comes in later? Certainly not, especially if he remembers to enjoy the walk along the way, chasing butterflies, walking beneath rain-cloudy skies, settling in under star lite nights, listening to his breath and minding his thought. We hope that our children enjoy this journey, and that we make sure that we don’t rush them away from the magic and rapture that childhood holds. It’s so easy to forget to just let our children bloom. Happy New Year.

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

From The Ritual Committee By Michael Salpeter, Chair

As I write this column in August, I came to the realization that during this same week in 1998 we first became members of Jewish Family Congregation. To see what was happening 16 years ago, I decided to search the internet for facts related to that year. Here is some of what I realized I did not remember: Gasoline was $1.03/gallon The European Union announced a new standard currency called the Euro would begin distribution Jim Fassel was NY Giants head coach Netanyahu and Arafat signed the Wye peace accords Google was launched Dow Jones hit 8000 Pentium II 233mHz processor was introduced Taliban forced foreign aid workers to leave Afghanistan 2,000,000 websites existed Well, today it is estimated that there are about 260,000,000 websites. It should be obvious that some of the items presented have gone through little change, while others have varied dramatically. By the same token, there have been a number of important changes at JFC during this period of time. We have been through a change of clergy, professional staff, teachers, and lay leaders. A new prayer book was incorporated; a website was created, rebuilt, then rebuilt again. Our building was refurbished, and new school programs were developed. The most important aspects of JFC, however, have not changed -- the sense of community and the wonderful ruach (spirit) to which we have all grown accustomed. This ruach is a direct result of the dedication we have shown to our congregation and the selflessness of our members. We are now approaching a time of some significant potential changes, but the spirit and caring nature of our membership will always be a constant. The members of the ritual committee continuously evaluate our ritual practices. We encourage you, our congregants, to let us know which aspects of ritual you would like to see maintained and which aspects which you believe could be improved through modification. Regardless, the great spirit we have developed throughout our history will continue. We wish that you and your loved ones are sealed in The Book of Life for the coming year.

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

From the Social Action Committee By Debbie Lavin

Please see page 20 for information about our upcoming Midnight Run on Saturday, December 6. We have scheduled our Blood Drive for November 11. We will need volunteers to donate blood! Plus, we will need help notifying previous donors by phone, email, or written cards. We will also need help putting up posters in the surrounding towns the week before. This is also a great Mitzvah project for a Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nai Mitzvah student. All volunteers, please send email to DebbieLav@aol.com

Babysitting is available for children 8 and under on the first and third Friday of the month from 7:30 - 8:30 pm. Please contact the office with any questions or to sign up.

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

Ask the Rabbi What is Simchat Torah, and How can I Make it Meaningful? Simchat Torah is the last of the Tishrei holidays. After gathering for Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, it is a final “Hurrah!” at the beginning of the Jewish year. Good thing that the holiday focuses on “Rejoicing (with) the Torah,” because we might not have the energy for another holiday, if it were not an all-out party! As you know, on Simchat Torah we traditionally conclude the reading of the Torah cycle with the last words of Deuteronomy and begin again with the words of Genesis. Although not traditional, some congregations purposefully end the last words of Torah and begin the first words without taking a breath, symbolizing the continued study of our most important and treasured text. (The traditional way of celebrating is that there is a “Chatan Torah” [Bridegroom of Torah], who recites the blessing before and after the reading from Deuteronomy, and a “Chatan Bereshit” [Bridegroom of Bereshit/The Beginning]. In egalitarian congregations, there can be a Kallah Torah or Kallah Bereshit, a Bride of Torah and a Bride of Bereshit.) Many congregations allow every single attendee at the service to have the honor of an aliyah to the Torah on the morning of Simchat Torah, and often a Chuppah (Jewish wedding canopy) is suspended over the Torah reading table. In addition to the special liturgy for the holiday, we dance with the Torah scrolls for seven rounds, symbolizing the complete cycle of creation. JFC will be celebrating Erev Simchat Torah at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, October 15. It is our tradition that we unroll the entire Torah scroll, wrapping our young inside it. We will also be chanting a few verses from the end and the beginning of the Torah, so we encourage you to join us for this special and moving ritual. If for some reason you will not be able to join us to celebrate Simchat Torah, below are a few creative ways to mark the meaning of this holiday: 1. Reread a Jewish book in your bookcase at home, or use it as an opportunity to buy yourself a Jewish book. 2. Spend time looking at old family photographs. 3. Make a festive meal at home, or even go out to eat at a restaurant that has special meaning to you. 4. Buy a loved one or friend a copy of one of your favorite Jewish books. 5. Do something to renew your relationships with those you love. By celebrating our tradition as a community and as individuals, we keep our heritage alive and vibrant. Chag Simchat Torah Sameach! May you have a Happy Simchat Torah!

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

increasingly diverse Jewish community, one where fewer people join synagogues and attend services. We’ve been forthright in telling the congregation for quite some time that JFC is not on a sustainable path: that it will have to grow membership dramatically, or pursue other structural alternatives. We do not believe that JFC can experience enough organic growth to become sustainable before it consumes its endowment fund in the next two or three years. Thus, exploring structural alternatives is the only prudent and responsible path for the Board to take; it is obligated to try to find the direction that holds the best hope for securing the future of the congregation. While JFC will have to change in some ways if it is to be placed on a sustainable path, it’s likely we all would agree that there are some things we don’t want to—we can’t—change. These are the things that define our essence; our uniqueness. We may all have different ways of expressing these attributes, but for us, the unique JFC qualities are our sense of family; our connectedness; our informality and lack of pretense; our commitment to our children’s education; our affection and respect for our clergy; our emphasis on music and song in our worship. But even families change. Some might say the good news about families is that they do change. Families are dynamic, not static; they grow and evolve, adapting to meet challenges successfully; they give each other the strength to change, the resolve to face challenges head-on and the energy to persevere. While we’re at the most embryonic stage in our exploration of modes of collaboration, and obviously neither of us possesses a crystal ball, we believe passionately that JFC must change in order to remain robust and vital. But we know just as surely the things we don’t want to change: our shared culture; the ways we connect with one another; the support we give each other; the care we expend; the relationships we treasure. As the discussions with TSI continue, we invite you to join us in exploring where JFC needs to go in order to change with the world around us, find a sustainable path and ensure that the reach of our community expands, our relevance increases and our impact grows. After the High Holy Days, we will hold congregational meetings so that you can share your perspectives and ask the important questions that concern you. In addition, congregants will be asked to offer their assistance and expertise in connection with the tasks associated with evaluating the collaborative opportunities our evolving discussions with TSI may uncover. In that regard, it’s worth reflecting on a meditation from our prayerbook: “. . . the winding way to [the promised land] passes through the wilderness. [And] there is no way to get from here to there except by joining hands, marching together.” Glenn Kurlander and Hal Wolkin

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

Continued from page 4 speak of Emily. All three had a solid Jewish education here at JFC through high school (including confirmation, mentoring and then teaching positions for two of them) and feel very connected to their Jewishness—but not always in a traditional way. They feel, as adults, that they have arrived at a place in where they can each decide what part of their heritage they want to incorporate and pursue. I am proud that through education, their choices have become responsible ones. In June, our oldest son was married under a chuppah and that alone was incredibly special. For Emily, once she was exposed to the culture at JFC, she became self-motivated. When many of her peers were canceling their Birthright trips to Israel due to the war this summer, she held firm to her decision. The El Al attendant checking her in at the gate at JFK had her more than a little nervous as she was peppered with questions asking about her middle name, her mother’s maiden name, and if, why and how she considered herself a Jew. Almost all of the kids get this kind of grilling on their NFTY and Birthright trips (and many times on the phone calls leading up to these trips) so I wasn’t too concerned but she was surely intimidated until she was given clearance. It meant everything for her to go and I greatly admire her commitment and perseverance. She has taught me as much as I hope I have taught her. So for this Yom Kippur, as many of you will do, I will focus on family-- and my responsibility to this idea of a group of people sown together for life, my JFC family, too. I will think about tikkun olam and tikkun midot—the mizvot of helping the outside world-- and helping me intrinsically to repair… myself! I am thankful for what I have and grateful for the chance I have been given, for these past fifteen years, leading your children and teens to find their connection to their Jewish roots. Educating someone, to me, means more than the transmission of ideas and facts; it means turning someone into a curious lifelong learner who has found new meaning and passion for something previously unknown. I hope that I can continue this journey for it is the driving force of my life-- and I thank you, once again, for this opportunity. Yom huledet sameach, Emily! Oh, to be twenty-six again….

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

Notes by

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Nancy Silberstein Invitations and stationery at discount prices tel/fax: 914-232-0835 e-mail: notesbynancy@aol.com www.notesbynancyinvitations.com

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

Donations Caring Committee Randee & Albert Sigal - In memory of Arthur Zucker The JFC Staff - In memory of Helga Allen Early Childhood Center Bobbie & Rick Cohlan - In honor of Jane Emmer & Stu Tygert’s wedding General Fund Robi Margolis - In memory of Rose Margolis Molly & Gregory RSSF John & Karen Conti - In memory of Helga Allen Rabbi Discretionary Fund Jolie Levy - In memory of Helga Allen Religious School Discretionary Fund Bobbie & Rick Cohlan - In honor of Dylan & Lee Gottlieb’s wedding

October Shabbat Oneg Hosts 10/10/2014 Richard Bersch and Amy Selig Bat Mitzvah of Andrea Shulman Eric and Michelle Sherr 10/17/2014 Kenneth Aufsesser Harold and Ruth Ossher 10/24/2014 Gordon and Polly Schnell Adam and Robyn Cohen Richard and Cathy Mishkin 10/31/2014 Gail Ascher Rick and Bobbie Cohlan

Use the Shofar to say...

Happy Birthday, Get Well, Thanks, or I Remember... Sanctuary Chair Plaque $150 Leaf on Simcha Tree $180 Memorial Board Plaque $450 General Fund Building Fund Caring Committee Fund Social Action Fund Ground Beautification Fund JFC-URJ Camp Fund Molly and Gregory RS Scholership Fund Rabbi Discretionary Fund Music and Choir Fund Religious School Director Fund Early Childhood Center Fund

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JFAB

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

Jewish Family Alliance for a Better-World Community Action Group

Community action group for parents, children, family and friends Monthly meetings at Jewish Family Congregation First meeting: Thursday, October 2, 4:30-5:00 PM Thursday meetings during RS will take place regularly for those interested! Come to the meeting, share your thoughts and get involved!

How can we create a better world? Become an upstander Prevent bullying Prevent anti-semitism & hate Build relationships with other communities Work with the Junior Newtown Action Alliance Work on gun safety issues Make social media safe for everyone

Adult Chairs: Leslie Gottlieb, Dawn Kessler, Karen Blum, Michele Auerbach Youth Chairs: Heather Sherr, Elyse Sherr (Adults & Teens Welcome to Join!!!)

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

Judaism and the Five Senses

Echoes of the Borscht Belt: Contemporary Photographs by Marisa Scheinfeld Sight Saturday, October 18, 8 pm Location provided upon RSVP This multi-congregational event is open to the public. In this series of beautiful, richly textured, large scale images, Marisa Scheinfeld documents the dramatic degradation of some of the most famous Borscht Belt hotels. The images reveal ghostly remnants of the glory years of the era, as well as powerful evidence of natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s claim on the resorts and their landscapes, and new uses to which the spaces have been put in recent years. To learn more about this artist, visit her website at www.marisascheinfeld.com Suggested donation of $10 per person For location and to RSVP contact the office by phone 914-763-3028 or by email office@jewishfamilycongregation.org by noon, Monday, October 13 Jewish Family Congregation, 111 Smith Ridge Road, PO Box 249, South Salem, New York 10590

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

Roadside

Cleanup

Help us clean up Route 35 Sunday, October 19 9:15 am sharp Meet at Bagel Nosh Café at the Cross River Shopping Center 

The cleanup is a rain or shine event so please dress accordingly.



Please wear bright colors if possible (we have a few orange vests but probably not enough to go around).



It is very important that all participants wear long pants and long sleeves. Hats are a good idea. Gloves (a heavy pair) are extremely important.



If any minors are participating their parents have to watch them carefully since Route 35 is a very busy road.

Since it has been approximately six months since we did this last and our section of Route 35 was spotless when we finished in April, there is quite a lot of trash along our route. It usually takes 2 hours give or take to complete the task.

Please RSVP to roadside@jewishfamilycongregation.org if you can participate Please also encourage others to join us as well. This event is open to current and former JFC members.

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

Jewish Book Fair Jewish Family Congregation Help your family create a Jewish library at your home. Titles include picture books, adult fiction, non-fiction & cookbooks. Located in the Garden Room, the Book Fair will be open during Religious School and Early Childhood Center hours: Early Childhood Center

Religious School Sunday, October 19

9:00 –12:00 pm

Monday , October 20

9:00—9:30 am

Monday, October 20

4:00 –6:30 pm

Tuesday, October 21

9:00—9:30 am

Thursday, October 23

4:00—6:30 pm

Sunday October 26

9:00—12:00 pm

11:30—12:15 pm Wednesday, October 22 9:00—9:30 am Friday, October 24

9:00—9:30 am 11:30—12:15 pm

Please contact the office if you are able to volunteer at the book fair for a few hours.

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Tishrei - Cheshvan 5775/ October 2014

Presented by Mrs. Judi Arum Please Join us at the Sisterhood Fall Dinner Date: November 2, 2014 Time: 6:00pm Location: Bernards 20 West Lane Ridgefield, CT 06877 Cost: $40.00

Please RSVP: jfcsisterhood@gmail.com

Judi Arum was Executive Director of the Human Relations Institute for 13 years, which provided workshops for parents, teachers, administrators and business executives in all areas of personal and professional development. She also served as Vice President and Training Director for Synovate, a global marketing research firm, for 18 years. Synovate conducted qualitative, quantitative and syndicated research for Fortune 500 companies. Judi is now retired and lives in Tarrytown, NY, with her husband, Michael. When not traveling, they love spending time with their nine grandchildren. Her daughter, Amy Fishkin, is a member of JFC.