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Congregation Sons of Israel
CONTINUING THE VISION — BUILDING OUR FUTURE
FEBRUARY 2015
12 Shevat - 9 Adar 5775
FEBRUARY DATES TO REMEMBER:
DON’T MISS
CSI’S 15th
ANNUAL WRAP!
Feb. 1, 9:00am
Feb. 7, 10:30am
World Wide Wrap
Family Shabbat Service with
Musician Brian Gelfand
Feb. 7
USY Shul-In
Feb. 8, 9:00am
Gimel family program
JOIN OTHER MEN’S CLUBS FOR
Feb. 8, 3:00-5:00pm Nursery School Open House
THIS WORLDWIDE EVENT!
Feb. 15-22
NO NS OR RS. PRESIDENTS’ WEEK
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1.
Feb. 16
OFFICE CLOSED-PRESIDENTS’ DAY
MORE INFO ON PAGE 9!
Feb. 28, 10:00am
Dalet Class Service and Lunch
SOCIAL ACTION WINTER COAT DRIVE
(hats and mittens, too!)
BRING YOUR CLEAN, GENTLY USED WARM COATS to
CSI during the month of February. Coats in any size
for men, women, and children are needed. Hang
them on the specially marked coat rack in the lobby
(bins for the hats and mittens below). They will be
donated to IFCA (Interfaith Community Action) in
Ossining. Casual jackets and ski parkas are preferred,
but any warm coats are acceptable. Let’s help assure
that everyone in our community is bundled up and
warm during these cold days.
Important Message from
The Treasurer
From The Rabbi
Kol Nidre Pledges (cont’d)
Cantorial Notes
This Month’s Bar Mitzvah
Religious School News
World Wide Wrap
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Babysitters
Mazal Tov and Condolences
Recent Donations
Calendar
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Sisterhood News
Nursery & R.S. News
From our Rabbinic Fellow
Join Rabbi Adam for CSI’s
second Family Shabbat!
On Saturday, February 7,
at 10:30 am, join us for an
abbreviated, family-friendly
and musical service! We're
thrilled to have renowned Jewish musician, Brian Gelfand,
join us and lead us in song.
Everyone is welcome!
Bring your friends!
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Miss Chocolate Order Form
Social Action Committee
Caring Community
Advertisements
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PLEASE SUPPORT
OUR ADVERTISERS
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Congregation Sons of Israel
Congregation Sons of Israel
1666 Pleasantville Road
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
Phone: (914) 762-2700
Fax:
(914) 941-3465
www.csibriarcliff.org
[email protected]
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
(adopted 1999, revised 2007):
Congregation Sons of Israel is
an egalitarian, Conservative
synagogue
dedicated
to
imparting Jewish values and
traditions from generation to
generation in a welcoming
participatory
environment.
We are a caring community
committed to lifelong Jewish
learning, the observance of
mitzvot, meaningful prayer
and charitable deeds. We
promote spiritual, cultural and
social connections within our
community, to the State of
Israel, and to Jews worldwide.
Rabbi Steven C. Kane
[email protected]
Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz
[email protected]
Educational Director:
Roni Shapiro Ben-David
[email protected]
Synagogue Director:
Ellen Green Johnson
[email protected]
School Admin./Office Mgr.:
Doreen Gioio
[email protected]
OFFICERS:
Jack Zinn, President
[email protected]
Steven Bender, VP
Aaron Gershowitz, VP
Lisa Goodkin, VP
Roberta Kay, VP
Bob Margolies, Treasurer
[email protected]
Eric Nadler, VP, Secretary
Andrew Kagan, Past President
Bulletin Editor:
Jolie Levy
[email protected]
Bulletin Printer:
February 2015
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE TREASURER, BOB MARGOLIES:
Are You a “Member in Good Standing?”
Section 4 of the CSI Constitution, "Privileges of Membership" clearly
defines the benefits and advantages enjoyed by “members in good
standing” without really defining what it means to be such.
An uncomplicated definition as it relates to elective synagogue
membership is: "paying your bills on time and in full." With this
reciprocal agreement in place, we provide continuing sources of
study, worship, and social and cultural events in and near our
facility so that we can maintain the essence and vitality of our
Jewish community.
In order for us to meet our financial obligations, which are transparent and approved by the congregation annually, we request that
members, as well as non-member school families, pay one third in
September, a second third in December and final payment in March.
For this fiscal year, July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, we are operating with a very tight balanced budget, $1,649,950 in income and
expense. In each of the past two years that I have been Treasurer,
our income and expense have been right on budget.
This means that we were diligent in the preparation of our budget
and we kept our expenses within that amount. It also means that
you paid your bills in a timely manner and generously met or exceeded the budgeted line items that are not dues and fees, namely
our fundraising efforts over the course of each year. As of today,
about three weeks before you read this, 65% of you are “in good
standing.”
The rest of you, 35% (or 171 families) are not. Some are in arrears
from previous years.
A health club can stop you at the door if you do not pay your bill. A
cell phone provider can suspend service. A bank can charge late
fees. CSI would not do any of this under any circumstances.
All we can do is encourage you to be a “Member in Good Standing."
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you
would like to discuss this further or would like more information
about our finances.
Bob
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IN THE
MARCH BULLETIN IS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10.
February 2015
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 3
FROM THE RABBI
Steven C. Kane
February is a very strange month on the calendar.
There is very little activity on community calendars
due to the possibility of bad weather. Even the
Jewish calendar is empty, with Purim this year
coming in March. Sports seem at a low point, with
the Super Bowl over and the winter sports of hockey
and basketball at mid-season breaks. Yet, for those
of us who are baseball fans, February can mean only
one thing—that Spring Training has begun and
hopes are being nurtured for a new year of
possibilities.
programs or Jewish holidays to write about, I had
written about the example that some professional
athletes set with their generosity. One of those
people was Mark McGwire, who had set up a
foundation to help abused children with a milliondollar gift. As she was reading this article, she
looked up, and there was Mark McGwire! She told
him what I had written about, and he smiled. Some
time later one of the people working there delivered
her a note, to be sent to me. It was from Mark
McGwire, saying, "Giving is hitting a home run."
With that in mind, I want to relate to you a story
that occurred many years ago. I received a personal
note from Mark McGwire, one of the greatest
baseball players of his era. His note, which is
featured prominently in my office, says "Giving is
hitting a home run. All my best, Mark McGwire."
Each year the entire Gimel class comes into my
office for a "shmooze with the rabbi," and I often
show them this autograph. What I point out to
them (after teaching them who he is!) is that not
only is Mark McGwire generous to those in need, he
sees the act of tzedakah as even greater than
winning at sports. To me, in spite of some of the
controversy surrounding his career (having played in
the so-called "steroid era” of baseball), he is a true
hero for his values and his generosity.
Why did Mark McGwire send me this note? What
did he mean by "Giving is hitting a home run?”
It was February, and one of our members was away
at a resort over the school break. She had brought
along some reading material, including CSI's
February bulletin. In that bulletin, with no major
As we move into February, I hope that you are more
taken up by the spirit of Spring Training than the
doldrums of winter! I hope too that you will find
some of your own heroes and share their values
with your family, people who understand that
"Giving is hitting a home run."
L'hitraot,
In the past, 10-15 CSI members have joined me at this incredible three-day event. Many times parents have come with
their teenage children to give them a taste of "democracy in
action" while at the same time gaining a greater understanding of Israel's challenges. Others come as individuals looking
for a way to express support for Israel. I would love to double
the number of attendees this year! You can register by going
to www.aipac.org/pc. (Anyone from Westchester who enters
the promo/discount code WESTBOB when they register
online will receive $100 off the cost of registration.) I hope
you will consider joining me and others who have found AIPAC to be the next best thing to a trip to Israel.
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Congregation Sons of Israel
February 2015
KOL NIDRE 5775
Help us reach our goal of 100% participation!
Every contribution helps us to meet our annual operating budget.
Thank you to those whose donations were already received.
We will publish more names as they come in.
Percent participation as of January 10: 52% of our membership.
(*) denotes a donation of $500 or more.
Drs. J. Allen & Andrea Britvan
B. Ashley & R. Weinreb*
Mr. & Mrs. Howard Berkower
Mr. Richard & Dr. Audrey Birnbaum
Mrs. Judith Boehr
Steven & Bonnie Bromberg
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Crosswell
Mr. & Mrs. David Daly
Ms. Sharon Davis
Mr. Alan Fox & Ms. Resa Mestel
E. Fuhr & M. Pine
Mr. R. Gans & Ms. S. Propp
Mr. Jonathan Gellman
Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Ginsberg*
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Gold*
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Goldheim
Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Gordon*
Ms. Marcy Gray
Mr. & Mrs. Neal Haber
Mr. & Mrs. Craig Jampol
Jeff & Cindy Kabat*
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Kagan*
Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Kahan
Mr. & Mrs. James Kahn
Mr. & Mrs. Joel Kazin
Dr. Michael & Mrs. Margery Kirsch
Mr. Scott Kornberg & Dr. Milana
Flusberg
Mr. & Mrs. Burton Koyner
Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Krooks
Mr. Richard Langeloh & Ms. Helen
Chuckrow
Dr. Gregg Lanier & Ms. Linda
Boucai-Lanier
Jonathan & Jill Lerner
Mr. & Mrs. David Levine*
Barry & Karen Malmet*
Dr. Kevin & Mrs. Sonia Mathisson
John & Helene Miller
Konstantin Millerman &
Ekaterina Milchtein
Andrew & Susan Morris
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Mortman
Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Neider
J. Parker & D. Kittay-Parker
Mr. & Mrs. Barry Perlow*
Mr. & Mrs. Neal Rechtman
W. Drucker & R. Rosenbaum
Jordan & Laura Russin
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Slutsky
Alan & Joanne Suna*
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Sunberg
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Sweedler*
Adam & Marnie Tihany*
Mr. & Mrs. B. Michael Thrope
Mr. & Mrs. Jason Wolin
David & Lisa Zimmerman
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Zuckerman*
2014-15 Board of Trustees
Jack Zinn, President
Trustees 3 years:
Steven Bender, V.P.
Robin Ginsberg
Aaron Gershowitz, V.P.
Daniel Levine
Lisa Goodkin, V.P.
Barbara Palefsky
Roberta Kay, V.P.
Neil Schluger
Robert Margolies,
Fred Schulman
Treasurer
Mara Weissmann
Eric Nadler, V.P., Secretary
Andrew Kagan, Immediate Past President
Trustees 2 years:
Antony Anisman
Doron Bar-Levav
Ira Eisenstein
Pamela Schumacher
Lawrence Smoler
Mark Wancier
Trustees 1 Year:
Lauren Benjamin
Annleah Berger
Michael Casper
Josh Diamond
Jonathan Gellman
Daniel Silvershein
February 2015
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 5
CANTORIAL NOTES
Hazzan Jeffrey Shiovitz
Not too long ago, it was the custom for most Jews to
attend the synagogue regularly, to fulfill the mitzvah of prayer and to meet and communicate with
other Jews. Nowadays, we all feel the process of
too many obligations, and the synagogue stands a
little emptier. Besides, we may say, God hears our
prayers even when we are alone, for we are indeed
Jews at heart. Yet the synagogue provides an added
dimension to the prayer experience which no one
can possible feel in solitary prayer. That dimension
is the music of synagogue song.
How fortunate we are that great rabbis, cantors and
poets have composed works of inspiration which
were included in our prayer book. But we all know
that much of our service consists of prayers repeated from other times, or even from earlier in the
same service. It is the music of our prayers which
raises our consciousness to new heights. It is the
traditional nusach — the varying yet comforting
melodies; the ancient cantillation of the Torah and
Haftarah; and the joyful sound of song which turns
the printed page inward toward our hearts. It is,
after all, only within our hearts that we can feel the
majesty — yet the closeness — of God.
Who says that we cannot pray at home? But do
we? And, if so, can the silence of privacy substitute
for the voice of the Jewish soul? No, the sound of
our fellow Jews in prayerful song is the real voice of
the Jewish soul. Just as the Sabbath is said to give
the Jew an added soul, so too do the prayer chants
of our synagogue raise our sensitivity, our collective
consciousness and our souls. Let us return to the
synagogue. Let us once again raise our voices in
song — and open our hearts to God.
See you in shul!
FEBRUARY’S BAR MITZVAH
February 28
ern Wall! It was so interesting seeing Jewish culture
Hi, my name is Brian Baretz and I am in 7th grade at and having most people there be Jewish. It was cool
Seven Bridges Middle School. I live in Millwood with to see Shabbat and Hanukkah being observed everymy mother Jodi, my father Lewis, older brother Alex where.
and dog Lola. Although they can be annoying at
My mitzvah project is playing basketball with chiltimes, they are always there for me, and supportive. dren with disabilities. I work with a kid named Jake.
I was on the Cross County team in the fall, and now I It feels good to teach someone how to play basketplay tennis and basketball. I play on the Westchester ball. Even though he does not speak, I can communiJewish basketball league, and our team name is the cate with him. I hope I can continue to help him with
“Kippas.” I go to Camp Silver Lake in the Catskills
basketball and learning skills.
and sometimes see my friends on other Jewish teams I would like to thank Rabbi Kane, Cantor Shiovitz,
at the games.
Roni Shapiro, and especially all the Hebrew School
Our family just returned from Israel, and it was an
amazing experience and very educational. We visited a school that housed Ethiopian Jews whose parents could not take care of them. They build their
self-confidence and give them a safe place to live
with people that care. We went to an archeological
dig and found ancient pottery, in addition to visiting
the Dead Sea, Masada and Golan Heights. We even
did a pre-bar mitzvah ceremony for me at The West-
teachers that had to deal with me and my friends
misbehaving during class. I really do appreciate all
your patience and support. I would like to thank my
mom, dad and brother Alex for helping me get to this
special day and putting up with me. I am excited to
become a Bar Mitzvah because it means I am a man,
and will have to take on more responsibilities.
Brian
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Congregation Sons of Israel
February 2015
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL NEWS
Roni Shapiro, Educational Director
The Religious school is looking for volunteers on Sunday, February 8 from
9:30-10:30 to volunteer at the Gimel class family program on Jewish heroes.
We are creating a living museum of Jewish heroes.
Volunteers should choose one personality from the list below and dress up
as that character. Roni will provide you with information about your hero.
When families visit your exhibit, you will tell them who you are and what you
contributed to society.
Jewish heroes:
Levi Strauss
Bess Myerson
Golda Meir
Natan (Anatoly) Sharansky
Sally Becker
Hank Greenberg
Moe Berg
Luis de Santangel (?-1498)
Irving Berlin (1888-1989)
Henrietta Szold (1860-1945)
Lillian Wald (1867-1940)
Gertrude Belle Elion
Emma Lazarus (1849-1887)
Jonas Salk (1914-1995)
Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
Béla Schick (1877-1967)
Louis Dembitz Brandeis (1856-1941)
JUNIOR CONGREGATION
KADIMA SERVICE
A special learning service for Alef, Bet and Gimel
A special learning service for 6th and 7th graders
Saturday, February 7, 28
11:00-12:00
YES! SERVICE CREDIT IS GIVEN!
Saturday, February 28
10:30-12:00 (Upstairs)
YES! SERVICE CREDIT IS GIVEN!
(put your service card in front of the box)
Service is led by Tami Drucker
(put your service card behind the tab that says
“Shabbat Morning Attendance behind here”)
Service is led by Sheera Zuckerman
Future Junior Congregation Dates: Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, Apr. Future Kadima Service Dates: Mar. 21; Apr. 18
18, 25; May 2, 16
PLEASE REMEMBER that both Junior Congregation and Kadima Services take place on Shabbat. Children, as well
as anyone else coming inside the building on Shabbat, should be dressed appropriately. Shabbat is a “special”
and holy time, and children should wear “special” clothing. No sweatpants, jeans, sports uniforms, etc.
February 2015
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 7
$3 and 45 minutes of your time…
On Sunday, February 1st, CSI will participate in the 15th annual "World Wide Wrap." Co-chaired by Jason Eidlitz and
Elliott Barish, it is a day when men, women and teenagers are encouraged (but not required) to wrap tefillin in support
of Jews around the world.
We are seeking donations to support CSI’s USY group, as well as for the purchase of tefillin to be delivered to
Conservative/Masorti congregations in Latin America.
So please, come on the 1st, wrap tefillin (if you don't have a set, we do) and donate a minimum of $3 (cash or checks
made out to CSI) for this worthwhile cause.
“Wrapping” (we will teach you how to wrap) begins at 9:00 AM, followed by a short service. Breakfast is included!
RSVP to:
Elliott Barish [email protected] or Jason
Eidlitz [email protected]
Thanks, and we are looking forward
to hearing from you!
Jason & Elliott
WANT TO JOIN THE CSI CHOIR?
If you sing tenor or bass and would like to
sing with the CSI Choir, please call either
Judy Boehr (762-1984) or Cantor Shiovitz
(923-0175).
Adults to work with students on Tuesday, Wednesday or Sunday: These volunteers help in
classrooms or work one-on-one with our children. You do not have to be fluent in Hebrew,
but a basic knowledge of reading Hebrew is necessary. Drop-in volunteers are welcome too.
Teenagers interested in a paying job or community service working with children in our Lev
program on Sundays from 9-11 AM: These volunteers help in classrooms or work one-on-one
with our special needs children. Working with these special needs students is a wonderful
mitzvah and looks great on your college application. Work opportunities for our teens are also available on Wednesdays, and community service is available on Tuesdays. Please contact Roni Shapiro.
PLEASE JOIN THE CSI WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB!
MEETING DATES: MAR. 1
APR. 19
The meetings are all at 7:00 PM at Roni Shapiro’s home: 26 Pocantico Road, Ossining
Books include: Jerusalem Maiden by Talia Carner (Jan. 25), The Nazi Officer’s Wife by Edith Hahn Beer,
The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich, The Other Half of My Soul by Bahia Abrams, The Fruit of Her
Hands: The Story of Shira of Ashkenaz by Michele Cameron, The Girl in the Green Sweater by Krytyna
Chiger, and Women’s Minyan by Naomi Ragen.
OUR MEETINGS ARE FUN AND ENLIGHTENING! MAKE NEW FRIENDS!
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Congregation Sons of Israel
February 2015
Have a friend or neighbor interested in synagogue life?
Ask them to contact one of the following:
Roberta Bar-Levav, Membership Chair, at [email protected]
or Ellen Johnson, Synagogue Director, at [email protected].
We welcome inter-faith families!
Interfaith parents are full participants in all life cycle
events, programs, and classes and are welcome
to serve on CSI's committees.
Every Child Deserves A Jewish Education!
Please Support our Lev Program!
Donations are needed to pay for our Lev program for the 2014-2015
school year. Lev means “heart.”
CSI believes that all children, regardless of their developmental,
emotional or cognitive challenges, should receive a Jewish education. These special children are mainstreamed into our classes, or, if
necessary, are placed in a self-contained special Lev class.
Many people in the past few years have given generously to support
our Lev program. Without their support, we could not have given
children with varying emotional, behavioral and learning needs the
opportunity to join our Religious School program. We help children
who range from developmentally delayed to autistic. Thanks to your
generous donations, they, too, can have a Jewish education. Please
make donations to the Mitzner Family Tuition Assistance Fund indicating they are to be used for the Lev Program.
The Gift Shop of CSI, Matanah, is open
during Sunday Religious School hours.
Come take a look at the wonderful gifts
available, some of which are imported
from Israel. For assistance outside of
Matanah hours, please send an email to
[email protected].
February 2015
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 9
Mazal Tov to:
Sid & Joan Schneider on the engagement of their daughter, Beth,
to Brad Rosen.
Kathy Eisendrath Levin & Len Levin on the birth of her grandson,
Dean Nathan Kalnit.
Meredith & Craig Sofer on the birth of their daughter, Julia Devon.
Condolences to:
Donna Yellen & Adam Rude on the loss of their father, Herb Rude.
Len Stahl on the loss of his mother, Faye Stahl.
Amy Horowitz on the loss of her father, Norman Friedman.
James Kahn on the loss of his father, Warren Robert Kahn.
We mourn the death of CSI member Lewis Cohen, partner of Judith Rosof.
Get Well Wishes to: Annleah Berger, Eleanor Frey, Donna Hannan, Diane Myers,
Judy Rosof, Ann Studen
KATYA DIDONATO
SARAH DOLGIN
KATIE KATZ
LILY WOOLF
DANIEL BIRNBAUM
MARISSA LEWIS
WALTER HOLZBERG
ZOE SCHEIER
8TH GRADE
8TH GRADE
9TH GRADE
10TH GRADE
11TH GRADE
11TH GRADE
11TH GRADE
11TH GRADE
Briarcliff
Briarcliff
Chappaqua
Chappaqua
Briarcliff
Croton
Ossining
Ossining
If you would like to contact one of these
capable babysitters or would like your
name added to our list, please contact the
CSI Office at 762-2700 or email us at
[email protected].
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Congregation Sons of Israel
CONTRIBUTIONS
February 2015
(received by January 10, 2015)
ABRAHAM COHEN/FRED STARLER MEMORIAL TZEDAKAH FUND
In memory of Fred Starler
Gail M. Starler
Thomas Magnani
In memory of Archie Goldstein
Jewel, David & Julia Weiss
BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS FUND
In memory of Walter Lowenstein
In memory of Joyce Silvershein
CANTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In memory of Carol M. Kahn
In memory of Herb Rude
Mazal Tov on Josh Sirota's Bar Mitzvah
In honor of Cantor Shiovitz
In memory of Robert Klurfeld
In honor of Sharon Richter and HaMishpacha Luncheon
In memory of Adolph Jacobson
Thank you to Cantor Shiovitz
In memory of H.H. Kleinman
CARING COMMUNITY
In memory of Rita & Gabriel Sherr
In memory of Herb Rude
The Mathisson family
Barbara Palefsky and family
Barbara & James Kahn
Geraldine Rude
Yellen & Rude families
Dale & Neil Sirota
Adam & Jackie Moskow
Ruth & Sam Papa
Ruth & Sam Papa
Bella & Bernie Jacobson
Penina Aviram
Paul Kleinman
In memory of Faye Stahl, mother of Len Stahl
Stuart Sherr
Jewel, David & Julia Weiss
Barbara Weiss
Joan Weinstein
Yellen & Rude families
Annleah Berger
Michael & Eleanor Frey
Jill & Joel Greenstein
Barbara & Alan Aronson
EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In memory of Chana Ben-David
The Makaron family
The Fairman-Zinn family
Faye Dittelman & David Perelman
Bette & Gary Slutsky
The Mathisson family
Jolie Levy
Ruth Jablansky
Judy & Alan Duke
The Silvershein family
Mara & Greg Mortman
Barbara Weiss
Daniel & Nancy Cohen and family
Hank & Sue Hartman & family
In memory of Blossom Jacobson
In memory of Iris Shapiro
In memory of Faye Stahl
Jane Kavy
Iris & Joel Kazin
The Palefsky family
Judy Rosof
Lisa & Robert Josephberg
Murray Rottenberg
Sonia, Paul, Jackie & Alex Kleinman
Susan & Michael Thrope
The Barish family
Jewel & David Weiss
Susan & Peter Diamond & family
Kathy & Len Levin
Esther Schwartz
Bella & Bernie Jacobson
The Mathisson family
Susan & Peter Diamond & family
Thank you to Rabbi Kane
In honor of all who assisted during Shiva
In memory of Anna Markowitz
In memory of Lewis Cohen
(Continued on page 11)
February 2015
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 11
(Continued from page 10)
ETZ CHAIM - TREE OF LIFE FUND
In memory of Bernard Eisenstein
In memory of Louis Jablansky
In memory of our parents
In honor of Dan Levine
In honor of Neil and Leona Schluger
In memory of Narkis Tzoar
Ira & Ellen Eisenstein
Ruth Jablansky
Mark & Elise Mottel
Adam & Jackie Moskow
Adam & Jackie Moskow
The Crosswell Family
IRA KESTENBAUM BEAUTIFICATION FUND
In memory of Chana Ben-David
In memory of Lewis Cohen
Malvina & Bruce Browne
Malvina & Bruce Browne
JEFFREY DITTELMAN/ROBINOV CAMP RAMAH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In memory of Herb Rude
Rabbi Steven C. Kane & family
In memory of Irving Luban
Rabbi Steven C. Kane & family
In memory of Faye Stahl
Rabbi Steven C. Kane & family
In memory of Lewis Cohen
Rabbi Steven C. Kane & family
Mazal Tov on the birth of Dean Nathan Kalnit, grandson
of Len & Kathy Eisendrath Levin
Rabbi Steven C. Kane & family
Mazal Tov on the engagement of Sid & Joan Schneider's
daughter, Beth, to Brad Rosen
Rabbi Steven C. Kane & family
In memory of Norman Friedman
Rabbi Steven C. Kane & family
In memory of Lewis Cohen
Nan & Allen Banks
In honor of Sean Kowlessar
David Perelman
In memory of Paul Raskin
Sharon Dittelman
In memory of Jack Hanover & Leona Fields
Ron Hanover
KIDDUSH FUND
In memory of Margie Goodman
In memory of Jack Hanover & Leona Fields
In memory of Rachel Greenstein
In memory of Joan Rottenberg & David Rottenberg
In memory of David Mervis
Alan & Debra Goodman
Ron Hanover
Harvey Grosberg
Jill & Joel Greenstein
Murray Rottenberg
Barbara Weiss
MEMORIAL GARDEN FUND
In memory of Martha Maier
In memory of Arthur Baer
In memory Lewis Cohen
In memory of Morris Roffman
Ruth Baer
The Baer family
Irma & Larry Shapiro
Dean, Elizabeth & Samantha Brown
MINYAN BREAKFAST FUND
In memory of Lewis Cohen
Murray Rottenberg
MITZNER FAMILY SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS FUND
In honor of The Zinn Family
In honor of Ian Zinn's Bar Mitzvah
In honor of Mel Mitzner
Greg Pepe
Barbara & Eric Beroff
Jason & Diane Eidlitz
Dr. Sheldon Travis
The Palefsky family
Richard & Sheera Zuckerman
Erica, David & Jon Kolbrener
Rosalyn Mitzner
(Continued on page 12)
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Congregation Sons of Israel
In honor of the birth of Rachel Catherine Schoenfeld,
granddaughter of Barbara & Henry Schoenfeld
Jill & Joel Greenstein
PRAYER BOOK FUND
In memory of Joan Rottenberg
In memory of David Rottenberg
In memory of Iris Shapiro
In memory of Deborah Wadsworth
In memory of Maxine Charney
Murray Rottenberg
Murray Rottenberg
Marc & JoAnne Shapiro
Nan & Allen Banks
Richard & Stacy Charney
RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In memory of Alice Wendy Goodman
In memory of T.Rae Lyons
In memory of Carol M. Kahn
In memory of Annette Duke
In memory of David Cotel
In memory of Herb Rude
Thank you to Rabbi Kane
Appreciation for the Congregation
In honor of Rabbi Kane
In memory of Lewis Cohen
In memory of Irving Saperstein
February 2015
Alan, Debra, Jason & Brandon Goodman
Eleanor Kaufman Miller
Barbara & James Kahn
Alan Duke
The Palefsky family
Diana Schutt
Yellen & Rude families
Geraldine Rude
Penina Aviram
Robert Rubenstein
Adam & Jackie Moskow
Richard & Lynn Saltz and family
Karen & Allen Saperstein
RACHEL GREENSTEIN CHILDREN'S RESOURCE LIBRARY FUND
In memory of Rachel Greenstein
Jill & Joel Greenstein
Harvey Grosberg
In memory of Chana Ben-David
Jill & Joel Greenstein
Marilyn & Bob Margolies
Mazal Tov on the birth of Dean Nathan Kalnit,
grandson of Len & Kathy Eisendrath Levin
Jill & Joel Greenstein
RHODA & MEL MILLER TUITION ASSISTANCE FUND
In memory of Joseph Glassberg
In memory of Sonya Alpert
In memory of Herb Rude
In memory of Mel Miller
Iris & Joel Kazin
Sherman & Amy Alpert
Debra & Alan Goodman
Gayle & Jay Waxenberg
Marsha Landsberg
SAMANTHA SILVERMAN YOUTH ACTIVITIES FUND
In memory of Bernard Kaufman
Ros, Amy & Martin Reichgott
STUDY IN ISRAEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In memory of David Leider
Sylvia & Susan Eisenstein
ZUCKERMAN/CHARLOTTE HERING RAMAH DAY CAMP FUND
In memory of Herb Rude
Richard & Sheera Zuckerman
Marcy Gray, Ella & Tal Mintz
In memory of Chana Ben-David
Richard & Sheera Zuckerman
CSI gratefully acknowledges all donations.
We strive to list donations completely and accurately.
If we have missed any, simply let us know and we will make a special acknowledgment immediately!
Your understanding of any inadvertent, human error is very much appreciated!
February 2015
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 13
CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL
NURSERY SCHOOL & SUMMER CAMP
OPEN HOUSE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 from 3 PM – 5 PM
Parents & Children - come and see for yourself
what CSI’s School & Summer Camp offer!
MEET the directors and our wonderful teachers.
VISIT our classrooms, play games and do art & crafts.
EXPLORE the school’s beautiful facilities and outdoor grounds.
HEAR about our special programs; music, art, sign language, movement,
nature, cooking and holiday celebrations.
LEARN about our SUMMER CAMP program filled with fun and exploration.
ASK about an extended day at Kids Karousel: [email protected]
At CSI, 1666 PLEASANTVILLE RD., BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY 10510 (914) 762-2700
RONI SHAPIRO BEN-DAvID, EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR *AIMEE AXELROD, CAMP DIRECTOR
EMAIL: [email protected] - WWW.CSIBRIARCLIFF.ORG
Page 14
Congregation Sons of Israel
February 2015
February 2015
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 15
February 2015 / Shevat-Adar 5775
COLOR KEY:
NURSERY SCHOOL
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
YOUTH
IMPORTANT NOTE
will only be open
Sunday, February 8,
during Religious
School hours.
Sun
1
Mon
12 Shevat 2
9:00am-Group B Bar/
Bat Mitzvah Class
9:00am-World Wide
Wrap
9:15am-Minyan
10:00am-Learn to
Chant the Haftarah
10:30am-Adult Bar/
Bat Mitzvah Class
11:00am-Heh & High
School Tu B’Shevat
11:00am-High School
8
15
Wed
14 Shevat 4
NS Bubblemania
RS Tu B’Shevat
11:15am-Jews in
the News
12:30pm-Yiddish
Club
7:00pm-Caring
Community
Thu
15 Shevat 5
16 Shevat 6
Fri
Sat
17 Shevat 7
18 Shevat
Yitro
7:30pmEducation
Committee
NS Nature of
6:00pm-Kabbalat
Things
Shabbat
9:10am-Service
7:15am-Minyan
10:30am-Family
9:15am-Playgroup
Shabbat Service
with musician
Brian Gelfand
Tu B’Shevat
USY Shul-In
CL: 4:59
20 Shevat 10
7:15am-Minyan
11:00am-Women’s
Torah Study
7:30pm-5 Things
about 5 People…
Rabbi Menachem
Mendel Schneerson
8:45pm-Talmud
21 Shevat 11 22 Shevat 12
NS Hide & Seek
Drill
NS Sign Language
11:15am-Jews in
the News
4:15pm-PJ Library:
Bagels from Benny
9:30am-NS
Dinosaurs
Rock
7:30pmSisterhood
Knitting
23 Shevat 13
24 Shevat 14
25 Shevat
Mishpatim
NS Challah Making 6:00pm-Kabbalat
Shabbat
7:15am-Minyan
9:10am-Service
9:15am-Playgroup
During Kiddush:
The ZOHAR
10:30amHaMishpacha
Discussion Group
CL: 5:08
26 Shevat 16
9:15am-Minyan
13 Shevat 3
7:15am-Minyan
11:00am-Women’s
Torah Study
7:30pm-Sisterhood
Executive Board
7:30pm-Men’s Club
8:45pm-Talmud
19 Shevat 9
9:00am-Group B Bar/
Bat Mitzvah Class
9:00am-Gimel family
program
9:15am-Minyan
10:00am-Learn to
Chant the Haftarah
10:30am-Adult Bar/
Bat Mitzvah Class
3:00-5:00pmNS OPEN HOUSE
Tue
SHABBAT ends
one hour after
candle lighting time.
27 Shevat 17
9:15am-Minyan
OFFICE
CLOSED
Presidents’ Day
28 Shevat 18 29 Shevat 19
11:15am-Jews in
the News
12:30pm-Yiddish
Club
7:30pm-Executive
Committee
30 Shevat 20
7:15am-Minyan
1 Adar 21
2 Adar
Terumah
6:00pm-Kabbalat
Shabbat
9:10am-Service
CL: 5:16
NO SCHOOL—PRESIDENTS’ WEEK
22
3 Adar 23
9:15am-Minyan
NO SCHOOL
4 Adar 24
5 Adar 25
6 Adar 26
7 Adar 27
8 Adar 28
9 Adar
Tetzaveh
7:15am-Minyan
9:30am-NS Dentist NS Music
7:15am-Minyan
6:00pm-Kabbalat
9:10am-Service
7:30pm-Sisterhood Visit: CSI member, RS Hamen9:15am-Playgroup Shabbat
10:00am-Dalet
Dr. Jewel Weiss
Mah Jongg
taschen mak- 10:30amClass Service
11:15am-Jews in ing
8:45pm-Talmud
HaMishpacha
10:30am-Kadima
the News
Discussion Group
11:00am-Jr.
7:30pm-Board of
Cong.
Trustees
Purim Carnival
Setup
5:15pm-Mincha
CL: 5:24
BAR MITZVAH
OF BRIAN
BARETZ
Page 16
Congregation Sons of Israel
February 2015
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
February 2015
The following children are celebrating birthdays during the month of December
and will be called to the bimah to receive a blessing on Friday, March 20, during
our 7:00 PM Gimel Family Night/Shabbat Rocks service. Only the names of
those present will be called. Please take your name card out of the “birthday
box” in the front lobby and present it to a Ritual Committee usher.
Charoltte Baer
Brian Baretz
Mia Benjamin
Daniel Casper
Leah Falah
Yael Falah
Jack Fogel
Justin Greenfeld
Abbey Hertz
Frankie Janos
Henry Kessler
Madeleine La Fleur
Alex Lanoff
Alyssa Mathisson
Ian Matias
Brooke Ramer
MAZAL TOV to our members
who are celebrating
anniversaries during the
month of February:
Date
Years
Spencer Ramer
Tristan Rutman
William Cedar Shulman
Dylan Siegel
Jacob Silvershein
Chaes Thompson
Noah Thompson
Maddie Venezie
Remember to join Sisterhood!
We started our new fiscal year on July 1.
Sisterhood Membership 2014-2015
1
Barry & Greta Seidel
29
2
Benjamin & Sara Levin
56
4
Asher & Susan Banks
47
6
Steven & Linda Kavee
28
12
Henry & Barbara Schoenfeld
39
17
Michael & Bryna Sweedler
52
18
Peter & Susan Diamond
36
Name_____________________________________________
19
Mark & Elyse Kovler
32
Phone____________________________________________
Richard & Jane Taffet
31
21
Andrew & Julie Peskoe
28
25
Martin & Eleanor Friedman
42
29
Russell & Danielle Primack
19
Please send your $36.00 check for dues
payable to: CSI Sisterhood
and return it with this form to:
CSI Sisterhood
1666 Pleasantville Road
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
Address___________________________________________
Email_____________________________________________
For questions concerning membership or to sign up for
a Sisterhood committee, please call Annleah Berger,
762-5312, or email [email protected].
February 2015
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 17
SISTERHOOD NEWS
By Marion Jablansky, Secretary
Sisterhood member movie night was a big hit! The social
hall was transformed into a theater, smelling like popcorn, with candy and wine as well as popcorn for the approximately over 35 women who attended. The movie,
Arranged, was humorous, enjoyable, and entertaining. A
fun night for all.
Back by popular demand: Knitting Night—Wednesday,
February 11! We will have two projects you can work on:
a beginner’s project and an advanced beginner’s project.
We will provide a list of supplies for both projects so you
will know what to bring. Or, if you prefer, bring a project
you are working on and come for the camaraderie, support and any help you might need. Additional information will follow.
Mah Jongg nights continue to be popular even through
the cold dark nights of winter. If you have always wanted
to learn how to play, now’s the time, as there really is a
beginners’ table. The next Mah jongg game will be
Monday, February 23, 2015 at 7:30 at CSI. The only
requirements are Sisterhood membership and the willingness to have fun. If you have any questions, please
contact Cheryl Katz at [email protected].
Also during February, Mishloach Manot information will
be sent to the congregation. Mishloach manot are gifts
of food that Jews send to each other during the holiday
of Purim. “Mishloach manot” means the "sending of portions" in Hebrew. The mitzvah of Mishloach Manot is
meant to ensure that everyone has enough food to enjoy
the traditional Purim feast. It is also seen as an opportunity to strengthen relationships among people, as a
counter to Haman's assertion that the Jewish people are
characterized by strife and disunity. The custom comes
from the biblical Book of Esther, where the Purim story is
recounted. Esther 9:22 reads: "as days of feasting and
gladness, and sending portions of food to one another,
and gifts to the poor." By participating in Sisterhood’s
Mishloach Manot program, you fulfill the mitzvah of
Mishloach Manot as well as support Sisterhood in its
fundraising efforts.
February is also the time that we prepare for Sisterhood
Shabbat, which will be taking place on Saturday, April
11. All Sisterhood members are invited to participate,
and all congregants are invited to attend. You should
have received an email with instructions on how to participate. Please email Roberta Bar-Levav at rbarlevav
@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Wednesday, March 11, at 7:30 at CSI is Sisterhood’s first
Bunco night. Bunco is a social dice game involving 100%
luck and no skill (there are no decisions to be
made), scoring and a simple set of rules. The object of the
game is to accumulate points and to roll certain combinations. During the 1920s and Prohibition, Bunco, a gambling game, was often associated with a speakeasy, so
law-enforcement groups raiding these parlors came to be
known as "Bunco Squads". Bunco as a family game saw a
resurgence in popularity in the 1980s.
There is a lot more to look forward to for Sisterhood.
There’s Mishloach Manot, Sisterhood Shabbat, and an
author’s visit. There’s more Rosh Chodesh with Roni and
the monthly Mah jong games. And there’s always surprises ahead.
As you can see, there is a lot going on at CSI Sisterhood.
Please don’t forget to pay your dues. You don’t want to
miss out on any of these or future activities.
The CSI bulletin and the CSI website are great sources of
information. Continue to read future bulletins, as well as
check the website for future Sisterhood programs.
Also, we are always looking for new ideas, so if you have
any suggestions or wish to lead or help with an activity,
please let us know. Our officers/chairpersons are always
open to new ideas.
President:
Robin Ginsberg
Treasurer/ Financial Secretary:
Sharon Richter
Recording Secretary:
Beth Levine
Corresponding Secretary/ Bulletin:
Marion Jablansky
Membership:
Annleah Berger
Mah Jongg Chair:
Cheryl Katz
Gift Shop:
Annleah Berger/ Robin Ginsberg
Jill Greenstein/Marion Jablansky
Sharon Orenstein
www.WLCJ.org = the website for Women’s
League for Conservative Judaism, the organization to which your Sisterhood belongs.
Log in and check it out today!
Gift tip: For family time, try playing Apples to Apples.
The game is lots of fun, and the gift shop carries both a
youth and adult version.
Page 18
Congregation Sons of Israel
February 2015
February 2015
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 19
Hope your 2015 is off to a great start!
PJ Library is getting ready to celebrate National Bagel Day!!!!! We will be having a Bagels From Benny program on February 10 based on the amazing book by Aubrey Davis (who I got to meet at The PJ Library Conference in April.)
We will read the book, eat bagels, and complete the mitzvah of tzedakah all while celebrating a tasty
National Holiday! You really can have your bagel and eat it too (as long as you share it!).
I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful tzedakah boxes that were sent out from PJ Library for the
holidays!
Stay Warm and Read On!
Merrie
…
JUST FOR YOU AT CSI
Join us for the Gimel Class Family Program
Come and learn about “Who is a Hero?”
It’s NOT a day off from school;
It IS a day to learn WITH your children
Sunday, February 8, 2015 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
In the CSI Social Hall
Breakfast sponsored by our PTA.
See you then!
Page 20
Congregation Sons of Israel
February 2015
FROM OUR RABBINIC FELLOW & YOUTH DIRECTOR
Adam Zagoria-Moffet
February 1, join the CSI Men's Club for the World Wide Wrap. Come at 9am to pray with the
Men's Club and enjoy a free breakfast!
Then, from 11am to 1pm we'll have the incredible educators here from Eden Village to do a
special program for Tu B’shevat. We'll learn how to take raw wheat and transform it into
bread - everything from threshing, winnowing, baking, and enjoying it! Come for a fun,
hands-on, activity and leave with delicious fresh bread!
On February 7, we'll
have our second
CSI Family Shabbat! On
Saturday, February 7th
come at 10:30am for an
abbreviated, familyfriendly, and musical
service! We're lucky to
have renowned Jewish
musician, Brian Gelfand,
to be joining us and
leading us in song.
Everyone is welcome!
The service counts for
Kadima and Junior
Congregation as well!
Then, the evening of
February 7 we'll have
our annual USY Shul-In.
Beginning at 8, we'll
take over CSI with fun,
food, and games. Our
theme will be Murder
Mystery. See if you can
find the killer before the
sun comes up! $10 for
USY Members; $15 for
non.
February 2015
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 21
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Congregation Sons of Israel
February 2015
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
By Judy Boehr
This year’s dinner at the First Presbyterian Church in Ossining was a beautiful and successful event. Eighty
CSI families participated by cooking, serving, shopping, and donating. It was truly an intergenerational effort.
A special thank you goes to co-organizers Sheera Zuckerman, Susan Code, Susan Diamond, and Debbie Kittay
-Parker and to the kitchen crew, all of whom kept things running smoothly throughout the day.
Each year, as I reflect on the day, something always stands out as special and positive. This year, it was the
children from CSI. Kids of all ages were there, but the joy and comfort among the 8-12 year olds, many of
whom were new at this, was a sight to see. They really engaged with our guests, personalized the service,
and had a great time participating in a new kind of tzedakah project. I am so proud of all of them (and their
parents, too!)
These words from a facebook message to the synagogue from a longtime attendee at the dinner reflect the
spirit and gratitude in the room. It is the best way to say “thank you” to all of you who shared the day.
Dec 25th, 7:05pm
Words can not express the heartfelt gratitude toward all of you, today. You made what was
one of the most difficult Christmases of my life, into a memorable bright shining star, and
brought me a smile to know that there are kind and caring people out there.
CARING COMMUNITY
By Merrie Daitch
A long-time member recently told me that he had never heard of the Caring Community before we called his
home concerning an illness. Truly, this committee has been around CSI for many, many years. We contact
our congregants when we hear about a particular need or a congregant who might need a little TLC. But we
never move unless the shul office is contacted. So, please do call and let CSI know what is going on with you
and your family.
You might hear from:
Judy Boehr, who will call or write if we hear that you have an illness, accident, surgery, etc. She sends cards
for life events such as engagements and weddings, births of grandkids, or other major events. If Judy finds
that food is needed for an incapacitated congregant, she calls.
Susan Hodara, who will call you to set up that service. Our Caring Community has a group of members who
will cook for those who are unable to do so for a limited period of time.
Resa Mestel-Fox, who takes care of baby presents for parents/children .
Roberta Freilich, who brings special gifts to our shut-ins for holidays. At the present time, we have a very
small list of people on Roberta’s list. If you know of anyone who fits this description, please let the shul office
know.
Margery Kirsch, who takes care of our taxi service. If you are a member who is 65 or over and live in the
Town of Ossining, you may get free taxi tickets which you can use to come to and from shul. Call the shul
office to get the ball rolling.
Emily Sack, who distributes left-over “event” food.
Merrie Daitch---I call you after a loss in the family. We offer bereavement bags or Shabbat dinners to our bereaved members. FYI: There is nothing that is perishable in our bereavement bag.
Additionally, I want to thank our AT-LARGE committee members who come to meetings and lend their expertise with issues that arise within the committee. They are Larisa Paulmeno, Norma Katz, Jill Greenstein,
Ruth Speier, and Dr. Michael Teitlelbaum.
February 2015
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 23
DINOSAURS ROCK
is coming to the
CSI Nursery School
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015
9:30 AM
ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US!
Dentist, Dr. Jewel Weiss
Visits the Nursery School
Our friend and neighbor, Marilyn Hill, who passed
away a few weeks ago, requested that her cat
“Rusty” be placed in a loving home. To honor her
request, we are looking for a special home.
Rusty is a five year-old Maine Coon, weighing in at
about 35 pounds. He has been neutered,
declawed , has a microchip and is up to date with
all his shots. Rusty is very friendly and just wants
to be loved and be part of a warm, loving family.
If you are interested or know someone who may
be interested in Rusty, please contact Annleah
Berger at (914) 762-5312.
Thank you!
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
2’s 9:30 – 9:50
3’s Michelle & Tami 9:55 – 10:15
3’s Sue & Faith 10:20 – 10:40
4’s Aimee & Maris 10:45 – 11:05
4’s Lori & Elizabeth 11:10-11:30
Page 24
Congregation Sons of Israel
February 2015
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
4:15 – 5:30 pm
Come join us as we read “Bagels From Benny”
and make individual bird feeders to take home!
FREE! OPEN TO ALL! BRING YOUR FRIENDS!
KID FRIENDLY DINNER WILL BE SERVED
R.S.V.P. to [email protected] by Feb.9
The PJ Library ® at CSI is underwritten by many generous CSI members, The Rachel Greenstein Children’s Resource Library Fund, the
CSI Membership Committee, the N.S. PTA, in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, the Michael Steinhardt Foundation
and The Jewish Education Project.
CSI ● 1666 Pleasantville Road ● Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
February 2015
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 25
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Congregation Sons of Israel
February 2015
February 2015
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 27
Make Your Move steps in when
you're feeling overwhelmed by a
move to a more manageable space.
Allow us to guide you or a family
member through this difficult process.
Visit our website or call
for more information.
CSI Website Photographer
Congregation Sons of Israel
1666 Pleasantville Road
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
www.csibriarcliff.org
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
White Plains, NY
Permit No. 10086
Current Resident Or:
David E. Weiss, D.D.S.
Jewel A. Weiss, D.D.S.
General & Cosmetic
Dentistry for Adults
and Children
Come see our new
state-of-the-art office!
61 Sunset Drive
Briarcliff Manor, NY
Hi-tech Dentistry
with a Caring Touch!
(914) 941-1890