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518.438.7858 - June/july 2016 - Iyyar/sivan/tammuz 5776 - WWW.TIALBANY.ORG Featured Articles What’s in a Name? Rabbi David M. Eligberg Page 2 About My Professor Cantor Rogerio Marx Page 3 Summertime President Samuel P. Morris Page 4 Trip to Israel! Nursery Director Amie Bloom Page 6 What’s in a Name? By Rabbi David M. Eligberg The Torah describes Shavuot in purely agricultural terms. As it says in Exodus 34:22, "The Pilgrimage-Festival of Weeks you are to make for yourselves, of the first-fruits of the wheat cutting..." Shavuot, one of the three pilgrimage festivals, has a variety of names, each of which capture a different aspect of the celebration through the ages. This multiplicity of names has always struck me given that Shavuot is the briefest of these three festivals and often perceived as the one most limited in symbols and seemingly bereft of ritual. Shavuot often gets overlooked because it is unlike Passover with its Seder, symbols, foods and structure, or Sukkot with its beautifully decorated Sukkot and the pageantry of parading the four species. Shavuot, the most familiar name of the festival, is the Hebrew word for "weeks" and the festival occurs on the fiftieth day (seven weeks plus one day) after the second night of Passover. Each night, from the second night of Pesach to Shavuot, we count day by day, week by week, for seven weeks. By counting each day, we recall the biblical custom of the daily offering of an "Omer," a sheaf of barley, brought from the early spring harvest until the time of the ripening wheat. This countdown, or more correctly, "count-up" takes us from the days of our slavery in Egypt, through the waters of the Sea of Reeds to freedom, and culminating as our ancestors stood at Mount Sinai at the moment of revelation. As we replicate the counting of the days of the “Omer” we make our own spiritual journey of preparedness. Thus we have, Chag Hashavuot, The Festival of Weeks. The kohanim offered two loaves of leavened wheat bread in the Temple to mark the end of the "omer" period and the beginning the new agricultural season. Families brought 'bikkurim," first fruits, to the Temple from the species listed in the Torah: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. These agricultural elements were captured in the Torah with the names Chag Hakatzir, The Festival of Reaping and Chag Habikurim, The Festival of the First Fruits. During the second Temple period, as part of the process of democratization of Judaism initiated by Ezra and furthered by the nascent rabbinic leadership, an historical aspect was added to the agricultural aspects of the holiday. In an effort to encourage each person to see him/herself as having been liberated from Egypt and then a recipient of Torah, Shavuot became the celebration of the marriage contract between God and Israel; the entering of a covenantal agreement represented by the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. 2 Following the destruction of the Second Temple, and the consequent loss of the agricultural and cultic aspects of the festival, the historical meaning of the holiday became very significant. Thus Shavuot’s emphasis becomes Z’man Matan Torah, the Time of Receiving the Torah. In the Talmud (Shabbat 86b-88a) the Ten Commandments were given on the 6th of Sivan, coinciding with the culmination of the counting of the “omer”. The Talmud also gives the festival its fifth name, Atzeret, The Conclusion (Mishnah Rosh Hashanah 1:2, Bavli Pesachim 68b). Shavuot is the now seen as the conclusion to the holiday of Pesach much like Shemini Atzeret is the conclusion of Sukkot. This Pesach to Shavuot connection enables the sages to give additional purposefulness to liberation as the beginning of the journey that leads to the elevation of Israel at Sinai to be GOD’s partners. It is this covenantal moment that we re-enact and celebrate most commonly on Shavuot. With the renewed observance of elements of the Torah’s expectations for agriculture in the land of Israel and a greater awareness of our connection to the earth as humans and as Jews, we should renew our focus on the agricultural reasons and observances of our festivals. Shavuot becomes an opportunity to relearn how to live in greater harmony with the earth and with her cycles. It also allows us to experience anew the simplicity and joy of the original meaning of the celebration as experienced by the ancient Israelites. Shavuot By Cantor Rogerio Marx “Weeks” is the translation of the word Shavuot, and it is also the name of the Holiday we will be celebrating starting on June 11. Shavuot is NOT one of the most celebrated holidays in our calendar. According to the Torah, it took 49 days, or seven weeks, for the ancient Israelites to travel from Egypt to the foot of Mount Sinai. The Torah commands: "And you shall proclaim that day (the 50th day) to be a holy convocation!" (Leviticus 23:21). Shavuot symbolizes the end of this seven-week journey. In the ancient past as well as now, the biblical holiday was not as popular with the masses as Pesach, Sukkot, or Rosh Hashanah were, so the rabbis increased its relevance by associating Shavuot with Moses’ receiving the Torah from God on Shavuot; Chag Matan Torah: The Holiday of the Giving of the Torah. I heard this explanation some years ago, “like the wheat that ripens during the Sfirat Ha-Omer period, so the Children of Israel had to "ripen" after the Exodus from Egypt on Passover before they became worthy of receiving the Torah.” Of the three pilgrimage festivals in the Torah, only Shavuot has no specific date affixed to it. It is the 50th day from the second day of Passover. Shavuot is also known by other names: Chag Habikkurim (the Feast of the First Fruits), and Chag Hakatzir (the Festival of Reaping). Yom Ha-Bikkurim : The Day of the First Fruits – From Shavuot until Sukkot the ancient Israelite farmer would bring the first fruits of his harvest (only from the Seven Varieties wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and (date) honey) as an offering to the Temple in Jerusalem. Chag Ha-Katzir: Festival of the Harvest – Shavuot is the start of the wheat harvest in Israel that can last for many weeks in different parts of the country, small as it is. In modern times, Jews can no longer bring the first fruits of their harvest to the Temple in Jerusalem, and thus there are no particular mitzvot associated with Shavuot. There are, however, several rituals that are traditional components of celebrating the holiday. On Shavuot, many participate in all-night, or at least several hours, of Torah study as part of the celebration of the holiday. Traditionally, the Book of Ruth, or Megillat Ruth, is read during services on Shavuot. Ruth is a young Moabite woman who married an Israelite man. When her husband died, she followed her mother-in-law, Naomi, back to Israel and adopted the Jewish faith and people as her own. To feed herself and Naomi, she gleaned in the field of Boaz, a rich man. Boaz is taken with her, and eventually they marry. Among their descendants is the famed King David who built the first Temple. The theme of Ruth’s conversion to Judaism is central to this story. In Ruth 1:16–17, she states: “Entreat me not to leave you or to return from following after you. For wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. Thus and more may God do to me if anything but death parts me from you.” Ruth is often considered to be the model of all who “choose” or convert to Judaism—accepting the Torah, just as Jews accepted the Torah at Mt. Sinai—and this passage traditionally has been understood as her conversion statement. The Reform movement has held its Confirmation ceremony, for high school students who have continued their studies and Jewish involvement beyond b’nei mitzvah, on or near Shavuot. Just as the Jewish people accepted the Torah on Shavuot, so do confirmands reaffirm their commitment to the covenant and adult Jewish life. For early Zionists, who deemphasized the religious elements of Judaism to focus on its cultural aspects, observed Shavuot by restoring its biblical format. For years, First Fruits Festivals were held on kibbutzim, featuring elaborate pageants and parades, displays of fruits, tractors and babies, and joyous singing and dancing. As a dairy loving person (as well as meat), I enjoy the fact that one of the Shavuot traditions is the consumption of dairy products. The explanation for this custom is not as straightforward. There are all sorts of attempts to explain it, Gematria, different word associations, parabolic analogies, stretches of the imagination, and stretches of Jewish law. The simplest explanation comes from Song of Songs (Shir ha'Shirim) 4:11: "Like honey and milk [the Torah] lies under your tongue." The explanations vary according to its origin. In summary, if you are not lactose intolerant, eat dairy! Blintzes, cheese, cheesecake, and more. I hope to see you this Shavuot during services. There are many different opportunities to participate during Shavuot services. Please let me know if you want to read Torah, Haftarah, Services, or Megillat Ruth. I will be happy to help you reach your goal. 3 Summertime Hadar Gift & Book Shop By President Sam Morris “Summertime and the livin’ is easy” – George Gershwin I think that sums up everyone’s thoughts these days. After winter, a cool spring and the spring holidays, we’re all ready for the relaxing days of summer. While some feel that a synagogue is or should be dormant between Shavuot and Rosh HaShanah, that is not the case here. Our summer hotspot is of course Camp Givah, where you can still register your children or grandchildren for one to eight weeks of the best of swimming, hiking, sports, dance, arts and music in a Jewish experience unparalleled in the area. Even if you don’t have someone at Givah, you are most welcome to come for the wonderful oneg on Friday afternoons. It really is a terrific time. For the younger ones not yet ready for Givah, our summer Nursery program will include a July Fourth celebration, trips to the Bach library and a firefighter museum in Hudson. Why I’m going to the office is beyond me. “ Closer to home, we have again our series of Fun Fridays; different activities, snacks, games and beverages for all ages leading into our relaxed and inviting Friday evening services. We will be having a couple of our very popular Shabbar-be-ques as well. And don’t forget that we still maintain our daily minyans and Shabbat services, all made possible by your participation. Of course, there’s a little bit of work to be done in the summer. On June 30 we’ll be having our annual meeting. So come over and take part in the running of our congregation. Shmooze. Have some ice cream. Later in the summer, we will be hosting the return of the Temple Israel Garage Sale on August 21. So save the items that you would like to donate for this event. And if you have a college student in need of furnishing a dorm or apartment, or an eye for some retro clothes or household items, stay tuned for this event. So I wish everyone an easy summer, and encourage you to make your synagogue a part of your summer. 4 Shop at Hadar Gift Shop for beautiful jewelry from Ayala Bar, Michal Golan, and Christophe Poly from Crono Designs. Tallit from Gabrieli, glassware from Lily Art, Judaica from Metal Lace and Jillery, colorful glass Judaica from Gary Rosenthal, children’s puzzles, Chanukah and Shabbat activity sets from Pigment & Hue, wedding and Bat Mitzvah gifts from Sara Beames and many more beautiful items. Having a Simcha? Ask how Hadar Gift Shop can help – inscribed kippot, benchers, tallit, gift registry. In addition to its Judaica treasures, Hadar Gift Shop has many gift items from beautiful jewelry to items to beautify the home. Hadar Hours (New Hours Effective Sunday, June 26, 2016) Sunday 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Monday 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Tuesday 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Thursday 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Evenings by appointment, call the synagogue office, 438-7858, ext 112. Soup Kitchen Help Needed There is a SOUP KITCHEN on Sunday, 6/26. Please contact Amy Krenzel at 518-472-0138 or 516-319-6880. E-mail [email protected]. Please bring grocery bags & plastic containers for people to take food home with them. Thank you. JUNE 2016 – Schedule of Services Date Candle Lighting Shabbat Morning Shabbat Mincha Shabbat Ends 8:10 PM Friday Eve Kabbalat Shabbat 7:00 PM June 3 – 4 9:00 AM 7:45 PM 9:11 PM June 10 – 11 8:14 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 AM See Shavuot Schedule1 June 17 – 18 8:17 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 AM 7:45 PM 9:18 PM June 24 – 25 8:19 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 AM 7:45 PM 9:20 PM Friday Night Fun Schedule of Events June 3, 6:30 PM National Donut Day – Usher in Shabbat with a holey experience! Debate: Freihofer’s versus Entenmann’s Donuts June 10, 6:30 PM Superman Days & National Iced Tea Month – Celebrating the Man of Steel with Green, Red and Black Kryptonite Tea. Super snacks & surprises! June 17, 6:30 PM Chardonnay on Shabbat – Ease into Shabbat with Wine & Cheese Mornings Sundays, June 5, 19, 26 8:30 AM Mondays, June 6, 20, 27 6:45 AM Tuesdays, June 14, 21, 28 7:00 AM Wednesdays, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 7:00 AM Thursdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 6:45 AM Fridays, June 3, 10, 17, 24 7:00 AM Evenings (Except as noted otherwise below) Sundays – Thursdays 7:00 PM Special Dates Sunday, June 5 Yom Yerushalayim 8:30 AM Tuesday, June 7 Rosh Chodesh Sivan 6:30 AM Shavuot Saturday, June 11 Mincha & Tikkun Leil Shavuot1 7:30 PM Sunday, June 12 Shavuot 9:00 AM & 8:15 PM Monday, June 13 Shavuot 9:00 AM & 8:15 PM 1 Shavuot begins – Tikkun Leil Shavuot includes dairy dinner and desserts 5 JULY 2016 – Schedule of Services Date Candle Lighting July 1 – 2 8:19 PM Friday Eve Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 PM* July 8 – 9 8:17 PM July 15 – 16 Shabbat Morning Shabbat Mincha Shabbat Ends 9:00 AM 7:45 PM 9:20 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 AM 7:45 PM 9:18 PM 8:13 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 AM 7:45 PM 9:14 PM July 22 – 23 8:08 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 AM 7:30 PM 9:09 PM July 29 – 30 8:01 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 AM 7:30 PM 9:02 PM Friday Night Fun Schedule of Events *July 1, 6:00 PM Kick-Off National Grilling Month with a Shabbarbecue! July 8, 6:30 PM Celebrate National Ice Cream Month July 15, 6:30 PM Sports Cliché Week Crash Davis: You're gonna have to learn your clichés. You're gonna have to study them, you're gonna have to know them. They're your friends. Write this down: "We gotta play it one day at a time." Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: Got to play... it's pretty boring. Crash Davis: 'Course it's boring, that's the point. Write it down. July 22, 6:30 PM July 29, 6:30 PM Avengers Assemble for Comic Con(troversy) Monty Python’s World Lumberjack Championships Mornings Sundays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 8:30 AM Mondays, July 11, 18, 25 6:45 AM Tuesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26 7:00 AM Wednesdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27 7:00 AM Thursdays, July 14, 21, 28 6:45 AM Fridays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 7:00 AM Evenings (Except as noted otherwise below) Sundays – Thursdays 7:00 PM Special Dates Monday, July 4 8:30 AM Wednesday and Thursday, July 6 and 7 Sunday, July 24 Rosh Chodesh Tammuz Fast of Tammuz Observed 6 6:30 AM 7:45 PM The Nursery School Takes Off on a Trip To Israel! By Amie Bloom At the Archeological Dig the children worked with Jodi Eligberg to find pieces of “ancient” pottery to help put together a pot. They dug in the dirt and explored until they found the 4 pieces that put the pottery back together. I loved seeing the children try to fix the pot as they rotated the broken pieces around and around until they fit. It would be impossible to take a group of 80 preschoolers on a real trip to Israel, so the Nursery School has done the next best thing…….On May 12, Yom Ha’atzmaut, we boarded our imaginary plane and set off for the land of Milk and Honey! With our sites set on seeing a Kibbutz, a Shuk, the Kotel and an archeological dig site, we knew we were in for a busy day. The Tzahal Army was a riot! Hadas Gartiez took the children through the paces of an obstacle course Tzahal style! Jumping Jacks, crawling under obstacles, jumping over cones and more were all a part of the exercises that the children learned as they went through a Tzahal orientation in the run around room! At the Kotel Rabbi Eligberg guided the children as they wrote notes to put in the wall. From wishes and hopes to things they were thankful for, each child sent a different message to God and placed it in the Kotel. What I love about preschoolers is that even though we told them clearly that they would be home right after lunch time, many of them were still very concerned that we were taking them to Israel without their parents. It was only after they were reassured that we were only going on a pretend airplane ride that they agreed to pack their suitcases and make their passports and come along on our adventure. The kibbutz was alive as Cantor Marx taught the children to milk the cows, and Vicki Kirchner showed the children the orange trees and helped them pick and squeeze oranges to make orange juice. This was a paid position for the children and they earned shekel to use when they shopped at the shuk. We also had a kibbutz where the children were responsible for chopping cucumbers and tomatoes for Israeli salad! I loved watching how excited the children were when they tasted the Israeli salad! "Different than our salad” said one of the 3 year olds, , “even more yummy!” was another comment we heard repeatedly. Finally, the highlight of the trip was shopping at the shuk! The children had to dicker with the shop keepers of the shuk to purchase different items. There is nothing funnier than watching a 4 year old try to explain to a “shopkeeper” why an item should be a pink shekel instead of a blue shekel! So much fun and so much learning occurred as we took our imaginary trip to Israel!! Summer Camp Registration is in full swing for the Herman and Libbie Michaelson Early Childhood Center. We are very excited for a summer full of outside play, field trips, and so much more! There are limited openings for children ages 4 and 5. If you would like more information about our summer camp program. Please contact Amie Bloom,438-7858 x120. 7 Sunrise, Sunset – Bridging the Gap Between Two Generations By Ruth Malka, Mifgash Director Teens from Mifgash Jewish Community High School Program’s Better Together course have embarked upon an exciting new intergenerational journey this year, along with seniors of The Massry Residence. This community service course alternates between weekly visits to the Massry Residence and classroom learning and discussions about the senior community and the needs of this particular stage in life. Utilizing the curriculum, prepared by Ruth Malka, Mifgash Director, segments from the movie, Fiddler on the Roof serve as a springboard to stimulate topics of Jewish interest in which the students and seniors share their own values, opinions and personal experiences to connect with one another. These sessions have successfully fostered relationships that have bridged the generational gap. Some of the many themes include finding one’s voice, talking to God, gender roles, assimilation, immigration, prejudice, intermarriage, prayer, family hierarchy, respect, Shabbat, and tradition (of course!) - the list goes on. about how I make challah with my mother every Friday before Shabbat. Someone else in my group said that they sing songs after lighting Chanukah candles. I really enjoyed comparing traditions with people of another generation. It showed me how little age matters in having a good time. Young people and elderly people can both have a good time. Age doesn’t matter.” Eden Weinstein, junior, Mifgash student: “I ended up having a very fun and educational experience. We often watched parts of Fiddler on the Roof together, and used them to discuss things like Judaism, the purpose of traditions, and miracles. I got to know the people at the Massry, and began to see their different personalities and look forward to meeting with them every other week. Through our discussions about family, Israel and Jewish identity, I was able not only to understand them more, but also to learn more about myself.” Claire Filler, sophomore, Mifgash student: “We were discussing how we express our Judaism and how important it was to let people know we were Jewish. It was unanimous among the students that Judaism is an important part of their identity and that we are full of pride when we tell people we are Jewish, but it wasn’t always like that.” Through this course, our Mifgash students have developed more compassion towards, understanding of, and a deeper appreciation for the older generation as well as recognition that there is much to be learned from the seniors and their life experiences, according to Stephanie Fisher, facilitator of the course. The seniors have also been provided with new and engaging activities, connections to the younger generation, and meaningful friendships. This wonderful opportunity has created a bridge between the generations, focusing on the students’ and seniors’ similarities while also learning to appreciate their differences. Shira Siegel, junior, Mifgash student: “Growing up as children, we are all expected to know that we should respect and obey our elders. It’s in the 10 commandments, meaning it is something that G-d told us that we are required to do. I have come to realize that while there are so many physical and mental differences between myself/my peers and the elderly, there are also a lot of similarities that I had never realized before. It has been exceptionally interesting being in the Better Together program, because of my experience of having the opportunity to interact and converse with the seniors one on one.” Here is what some of our Mifgash students had to say about the course: Lauren Heller, sophomore, Mifgash student: “The first day we went to the Massry started off a chain of good experiences. We sat down in groups of three or four. We watched a clip from Fiddler on the Roof, Tradition. We then talked about traditions that we enjoy. In my group, I talked 8 Article Continued on Page 11 YOU Can Help Bingo Today! By Eric Schwartz A rabbi, a minister, and a priest were playing poker when the police raided the game. month at a Monday night BINGO. You can work the sales Turning to the priest, the police officer said, "Father tables, walk up and down Murphy, were you gambling?” the aisles hawking cards and Turning his eyes to Heaven, the priest whispered, specials, or serve food from "Lord, forgive me for what I am about to do." To the our kitchen. You can work as police officer he then said, "No, officer, I was not often or as little as you like gambling.” because every little bit helps! We especially The officer then asked the minister, "Pastor Johnson, appreciate our regulars, were you gambling?” though, who come on a Again, after an appeal to Heaven, the minister replied, scheduled basis to work a "No, officer, I was not gambling.” specific job, like cooking in the kitchen, doing the banking, or even calling the games. As they say, many hands Turning to the rabbi, the officer again asked, "Rabbi make light work. Goldstein, were you gambling?” And the work isn’t even hard. On the contrary, it’s fun. Our BINGO games are like a community of neighbors. Our players are regulars who all know one another. And our workers are from our own Temple Israel family; out for fun and a good laugh. We greet our customers with a smile, trade news with them, celebrate their life events, and commiserate with them when they are low. All the while doing business. And when things slow down, taking a break to schmooze over free drinks, Kosher hot dogs, pretzels, and popcorn from our kitchen. Shrugging his shoulders, the rabbi replied, "With whom?” So what does this story have to do with BINGO? Well, every one of those clergymen probably has a BINGO operation running in the Social Hall of their establishment. You see? The job even comes with side benefits. What a deal! Our BINGO needs your help if it is going to continue helping to keep our dues low by contributing a fresh income stream to our Temple's budget. We need your effort, your smiling face, and even a good joke every so often (like Norm Rosenthal who comes loaded with a dozen jokes and a twinkle in his eye every night). Not that they frequent the games themselves. But I’m sure that they are all happy for the great revenue that such games generate for their establishments. Finding people to play isn’t hard (even the clergy like a good game once in a while). It’s finding people to work the games that’s hard, even here at Temple Israel where, often, one person has to cover two or three jobs to help get us through a night. And it’s getting worse as the folks who have worked BINGO regularly for years have gotten older and can’t be with us as often if at all. Please lend a hand and support our BINGO. Call Jeff Lurie or Linda Young in the Front Office and let them know you would like to help. If you want to hear more about the games, how they work, and what the different jobs are like, please let Jeff or Linda know and they'll have one of the BINGO Committee members (Audrey Ellowitz, Rocky Rockowitz, or myself) get in touch with you. Here at Temple Israel, our BINGO operations on average contribute $40,000 each year to our operating budget. To put it another way, without BINGO, based on our congregation’s current size, membership dues would have to increase 14% to replace the lost revenue. We’d love to chat with you and help you find a job and a time that suits you best. There’s an added bonus about BINGO revenue: it comes from a source outside of our synagogue family. As my father would say, “Gefinineh gelt.” "It’s like found money!" Who can resist such a gift? All any of our volunteers need to do to help BINGO remain a viable revenue stream is to spend about an hour or so once a 9 Thank you! By Ruth Malka, B’Yachad Principal This year marked a very special time in my professional life, as I was fortunate enough to meet and hear Educator, Author and Professor Howard Gartner present his views on education and his Theories of Multiple Intelligences at Union College. His approach to education is based on the premise that each person learns differently and can excel in specific areas based on interests and abilities. He confirmed my premise that we must approach our students by teaching to their various strengths and thus enabling them to succeed via different pathways. I am very appreciative that in addition to focusing on their curricular goals, the B’Yachad teachers really identify their students’ own unique skills and talents. Some are artistically gifted, some are strong in communication skills, some have solid analytical skills and some have well developed interpersonal skills and naturally gravitate towards helping, giving and sharing with others. Regardless of the individual personalities and strengths of the students, our teachers have been effective in creating cohesive classes and that is ultimately what makes B’Yachad such a success. I admire their work and dedication. Together (B’Yachad!) we are a cohesive group of educators who are focused on bringing the love of Judaism to our next generation. I would like to take this opportunity to announce that I will not be returning as Principal in the fall. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to have worked with this talented team these past 3 years! I feel fortunate to see how they have embraced and integrated all of our new students, how they are flexible and willing to adapt to a vibrant and fluid schedule, and how much effort they invest in preparing thoughtful, creative and stimulating lessons each week. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for their support and friendship. I’ve learned a great deal from them and will miss their company. I would also like to thank the clergy for participating in and supporting the curriculum with Family Education programs, Tefillah and Rap with the Rabbis. Finally, the highlight has been in getting to know the many wonderful students and their families. They come in with such enthusiasm, energy and big smiles on their faces! They are a special group of children and I will definitely miss them! I wish B’Yachad success in the future. May you go from strength to strength! Mifgash continued from Page 9 When asked to share her thoughts about the program, Gladys Slone, a resident of The Massry Residence and Better Together course participant said, “It is very uplifting to see these teenagers so very interested in learning about our backgrounds.” Another Massry resident and course participant, Agnes Faust had a personal message for the Mifgash students, “It was wonderful meeting you all. I wish you all good things for your future.” The highlight of the year was the culminating event – a lively and interactive celebration on April 17th at The Massry Residence. The seniors and students were musically entertained by “Tevye” aka Mark Burgasser, local area performer, who along with his musical director, Dale Zurbrick, performed “If I Were a Rich Man” and directed the group of over 50 residents and Better Together students and families, in the singing of “Tradition” and “Sunrise, Sunset”. Even after the performance was over, the energy in the air was high, smiles abounded everywhere – some residents even spontaneously got up and danced! Following the performance, the Better Together course participants continued the celebration with an exchange of gifts. Students gave the seniors hand-painted potted plants as they thanked them for a wonderful year. The seniors gave the students journals to use as they continue in their journey of life. To top it all off, before partaking in a wonderful dinner together, the group was entertained by a magnificent video montage that showcased their year’s events, capturing the learning, sharing and connections that transpired throughout. Indeed, the Better Together program has proven to be a wonderful, meaningful, educational and significant experience for all involved. As Lois Thomson, resident, The Massry Residence said, “I was very happy to be with intelligent young teenagers, hearing their thoughts and enjoying their youth.” 10 INCLUSION ACTION COMMUNITY Temple Israel Joins the USCJ Ruderman Inclusion Action Community By Miriam Adler Temple Israel members and clergy have formed a Committee, based on the recommendation of the Board of Directors, to work with the guidelines and support of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s Ruderman Initiative to create an Inclusion Action Community. Our vision is to: create an inclusive environment in which our synagogue community inspires the religious and spiritual life of its members with sensitivity to their diverse physical, emotional, and social realities. We will be meeting twice a month on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm through August to complete the task of doing an analysis of our congregation, assessing our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Our goal is to prioritize the recommendations and develop an implementation/action plan. Engagement, communication, and networking are key to our success. We invite members to participate in this effort by joining the committee and/or by participating in any surveys, focus groups, or meetings. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Co-Chairs, Miriam Adler at [email protected] or Barbara Wachs at [email protected]. On Sunday May 29th , 2016 the Temple Israel Cemetery Committee will be having its Spring Clean Up Day. We will also assisting the Jewish War Veterans putting out the flags on veterans' graves for Memorial Day. What a great Mitzvah! The event will start at 10:00 AM and go to 11:30 AM WANTED! Sunday, August 21, 2016 Save any of your treasures you want to donate to this summer's garage sale. Donations will be accepted beginning the week of August 15, 2016 (please do not drop off anything before) If you would like to join the Garage Sale Planning Committee, please contact Jeff Lurie, 438-7858, ext. 110 or [email protected] Our cemetery is located on Western Ave in Guilderland across from the main entrance of Crossgates Mall. Please be sure bring a few of the following items: - pair of gloves - rake - lopping shears or clippers Neil Rosenstrauch, Jonathan Carp, and David Ginsburg will be organizing and leading this event. Contact office for additional information and to volunteer! Camp Givah's acrostic theme for the summer, spells out Machaneh Givah! At Camp Givah this summer, each Hebrew letter of the words "Machaneh Givah" begins a different word that comprises the theme for that week. In week 1, the letter "mem" represents "mishpacha" (family). This week, we focus on building our camp community as we gather together and launch another magical summer. In week 2, the letter "chet" represents "chagim" (holidays), as we blend secular and Jewish holidays. We start the week celebrating July 4th with a barbecue, then enjoy a Chocolate Seder, Purim Ball, Iron Chef Latka and more. The outline of these two weeks gives you a taste of the special summer in store for campers. It's not too late to register for camp! Please visit campgivah.org, call TI or email [email protected]. 11 Acknowledgements Of Contributions May 2016 Contributions to a Temple Israel fund will be acknowledged and published upon receipt of payment. The donations listed below were received from April 26 – May 23, 2016. We greatly appreciate all contributions made in honor of a special occasion or in memory of a beloved one. Herman & Libbie Michaelson Early Childhood Center Mrs. Dale Crisafulli in appreciation of Amie Bloom and the Herman & Libbie Michaelson Early Childhood Center Drs. Scott & Diane Tenenbaum in memory of Stanley Cantor Rabbi Discretionary Fund Mr.& Mrs. Alfred Landess for the yahrzeit of Samuel Landess Mrs. Aileen Sternfeld for the yahrzeit of Fay Wolkoff Mrs. Leona Eligberg in honor of Yonatan, Sarah & Jodi Eligbergs' birthdays; in memory of Fred Eligberg Drs. Scott & Diane Tenenbaum in honor of Dr. Gavin & Karen Setzen receiving the Circle of Humanity Award From his parents, Eileen & Harvey Greenfield, in memory of Stephen Greenfield Temple Israel Higher Education Fund Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Fisher in memory of Anatoly Mishiev Jules Olshein Camp Givah Scholarship Fund Mr. & Mrs. Alan Silverman in honor of Dr. Gavin & Karen Setzen receiving the Circle of Humanity Award Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Morris in honor of Linda & David Ginsburg's new grandson Sarah Ainspan Memorial Israel Scholarship Martin Ainspan for the yahrzeit of Sara M. Ainspan Janice Rosenthal Memorial Fund Ira & Diane Rubtchinsky in honor of birth of Dr. Jonathan Huz & Sarah Koblenz's son Ira & Diane Rubtchinsky in honor of the birth of Meghan & Gary Ginsburg's son Gardner & Harriet Lerner in memory of Elsie Shapiro Louis & Clara Weinstein Scholarship Mrs. Rita Bell in honor of the anniversary of Nancy Bell & Eli Taub Dr. Abraham H. & Edythe Levine Fund Mrs. Charlotte Fainblatt for the yahrzeit of Harold Altus Tilman Kallet Kallah Mrs. Shirley Cohen for the yahrzeit of Abram Altman Dr. Steven Huz & Ms. Sharon Flom for Mazel Tov to Millie & Dan Grossberg on their wedding anniversary and Mazel Tov to Stan & Valerie Zalen on the birth of their grandson Cemetery Fund Mrs. Rhoda Lavine for the yahrzeit of Morris Kaplan Camp Givah Future Fund Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Berkun in honor of the birth of Meghan & Gary Ginsburg's son The Rudnick Family in honor of the birth of Meghan & Gary Ginsburg's son Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Morris in honor of Gary & Meghan Ginsburg's new son Mrs. Ida Leberman in memory of Lynne Scein, sister of Carol Leberman Herman & Libbie Michaelson Music Fund Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Morris in appreciation of Micki Groper & her tremendous dedication to our nursery school Dr. Steven Huz & Ms. Sharon Flom in honor of Micki Groper Judith Karpen Mazel Tov to Micki Groper on her retirement Mr. & Mrs. Eric Fried in honor of Micki Groper 12 The Pozner Babysitting Fund Mr.& Mrs. Louis-Jack Pozner for the yahrzeit of Bette Podell & Joseph Judkowitz Amy Szlamowicz Higher Education Memorial Fund Mr. & Mrs. Robert Neudel in honor of Karen & Gavin Setzen receiving the Circle of Humanity Award Siegfried & Stefanie Isser Fund Dr. & Mrs. Stanley Isser for the yahrzeit of Morris Siegel Perry Wolfson Camp Givah Aquatics Fund Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Morris in honor of Peppy & Harris Sanders new great grandson General Fund Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Holland Donation Mitzvah Day Mr. Martin Scher & Mr. Paul Scher for the yahrzeit of Ethel Goodman Scher The Rudnick Family in honor of Carol Oko's special birthday Mr. & Mrs. Neil Rosenstrauch in memory of Frances Levy, mother of Stephen Levy Mr. Robert Crystal in honor of the birth of Meghan & Gary Ginsburg's son; in memory of Helen Levine Spiro, mother of Marsha Strosberg Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Basloe Mazel Tov Steve Huz & Sharon Flom on the birth of their grandson; Mazel Tov to Barry & Naomi Reiss on the birth of their granddaughter Ms. Nancy Bell & Mr. Eli Taub in honor of Gary & Meghan Ginsburg’s new baby Dr. Gavin & Karen Setzen Mazel Tov to Meghan & Gary Ginsburg on the birth of their new son; Mazel Tov to Linda & David Ginsburg on the birth of their grandson; Mazel Tov to Peppy & Harris Sanders on the birth of their great grandson Friedman Building & Grounds Fund Dr. Steven Huz & Ms. Sharon Flom for the yahrzeit of Mildred Flom & Max Flom Nathan & Mollie Sagan Scholarship Rona & Jerry Renstrom for the yahrzeit of Mollie Sagan, Nathan Sagan & William Sagan Grace & Julius Rosenblum Givah Memorial Scholarship Eileen, Harvey & Marc Greenfield in honor of Karen & Jerry Greenfield for all you have done for us Leonard & Ruth Briskman & Barbara Silverman Sunshine Fund Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Mintzer for the yahrzeit of Charlotte Burg Dance Fund Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Cohen for the yahrzeit of Lorice Chenfeld; in memory of Milton Isaac Baer, father of Eve Cameron; Mazel Tov to Steve Huz & Sharon Flom on the birth of their new grandson Mrs. Joyce Teitelman in honor of Steve Huz & Sharon Flom's new grandchild Dr. Steven Huz & Ms. Sharon Flom in memory of Milton Isaac Baer, father of Eve Cameron Franco Mr. & Mrs. Eric Schwartz in memory of Milton Isaac Baer, father of Eve Cameron Franco 13 YAHRZEITS June 2016 6/1/2016 (24 Iyyar) 6/2/2016 (25 Iyyar) 6/3/2016 (26 Iyyar) 6/4/2016 (27 Iyyar) 6/5/2016 (28 Iyyar) 6/7/2016 (1 Sivan) 6/8/2016 (2 Sivan) 6/9/2016 (3 Sivan) 6/10/2016 (4 Sivan) 6/11/2016 (5 Sivan) 6/12/2016 (6 Sivan) 6/13/2016 (7 Sivan) 6/14/2016 (8 Sivan) 6/15/2016 (9 Sivan) 6/16/2016 (10 Sivan) 6/17/2016 (11 Sivan) 6/18/2016 (12 Sivan) 6/19/2016 (13 Sivan) 6/20/2016 (14 Sivan) 6/21/2016 (15 Sivan) 6/22/2016 (16 Sivan) 6/23/2016 (17 Sivan) 6/24/2016 (18 Sivan) 6/25/2016 (19 Sivan) 6/26/2016 (20 Sivan) 6/27/2016 (21 Sivan) 6/28/2016 (22 Sivan) 6/29/2016 (23 Sivan) 6/30/2016 (24 Sivan) Susan Davis, Nathan Pinkert, Hilda Rosen Dora Dickerman, Inna Mikhaylova, Sylvia Steiner, Murray Talanker Sally Cheren, Leo Fliegelman, Abraham Goldenberg, Milton Levine, Morris Phaff, George Swyer Mitchell H Creeger, Morris Eiss, Rose Wilcove Sheina Freed, Stella Wagner Gold, Meyer Sohnen Harry Pozner Samuel Gottesman, Rachel Hames, Meyer Kaplan, Edward Lee Rossman, Max Schaefer, Shirley Segal, Anna Della Shogaun Nelson Atkin, Bessie Cohen, Harvey Nash, Harold Taub, Shirley Sandee Weiss Joseph Greenstein, Joseph Schatz Harry Arcus, Bertha Einstein, Max Flom Maurice Cohen, Isadore Galitz Simeon Einstein, Samuel Jackson, Martin Michaelson, Faye Rothschild, Rose Schaefer, Rose Silberstein Louis Rabinowitz, Karen Shapiro, Max Taub Norma Bell, Sam Kamenezky, Julius Kaplan, William Leventhal, Hyman Zima Bernard Gordon, Max Karp, Rebecca Leah Nachamkin Ida Bachman, Katherine Corman, Sophie Grossberg, Hyman Rothenberg, Freddie Strumza Mildred Goldberg, Rose Goodman Hyman Buff, Molly M. Buff, Ida Goldstein, Sophie Sanders, Judge Harold Segal Cynthia C Altus, Susan Roth Sherman, Minnie G Squire, Harry Thompson Fay Butler, Lottie Carp, Freda Asch Paul, Ethel Schner Chaya Riva Singer, Hyman Yanklowitz Ruth Cohn, Fay Goldman, Fay Hantman, Jay Stern Linda Cohn Brauner, Jacob Cohen, Bertha Goldblum, Eileen Kommit, Abraham Sherer Sarah G Cohen, Dorothy Margolius, Ruth Isabelle Minick Clara Diamond, Louis Hantman, Miriam Justa, Sara Rabinowitz, Robert Merrill Schwartz, Yiskurk Vasselman Mordechai Eson, Iossif Gourevitch, Ruth Minick, Harold Schwebel, Theodore Spatz, Mrs. Ruth Zalen Helen Klein, Frank Larner, Sarah Schaffer, Eunice B Sherer Nathan Ainspan, Elias Weinberg Ian Arcus, Ida Chazan, Jack Rubin, Celia Shapiro, Judge Meyer Tobias 14 Thank you to everyone who has signed up for our green initiative to receive the monthly bulletin online only. This reduces our costs greatly as well as saves the amount of paper Temple Israel uses. If you would like to sign up for this initiative please contact Sierra Lynch at 438-7858, ext. 112 or [email protected] Bingo Help Needed Friendship Dinner Thursday, June 23 Call 438 438--7858 7:30 PM Hosted by the Turkish ext 117 Cultural Center 15 Temple Israel of Albany 600 New Scotland Avenue Albany, NY 12208 NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #73 Albany, NY Contact Jeff Lurie at 438-7858, ext. 110 or [email protected] 16