1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

The
Shofar
Temple Or Elohim serves the surrounding communities
of Jericho, Syosset, the North Shore and beyond.
“Temple Or Elohim’s Eleventh Annual
“Shabbat Across America and Canada”
Friday, March 13, 2015 at 7:30 PM
On Friday evening, March 13th, 2015 Temple
Or Elohim will join hundreds of synagogues
across North America and Canada to take
part in an historic national Jewish event to
celebrate what unifies all Jews as one
people — Shabbat!
Everyone is invited:
singles, couples, families — all ages.
“Shabbat Across America and Canada” is an annual Shabbat
program devoted to people who want to experience Shabbat.
Rabbi Abramowitz plans on sharing many stories of why this
Shabbat is special and how every Shabbat is really a “Shabbat
Across America and Canada.” Our Monday Fast Forward fifth
and sixth graders will help lead the service. Finally, Cantor Katz,
along with the Temple band, “Nishamah,” will add beautiful
melodies. The evening will conclude with a delicious Oneg.
If you would like further information about the National Jewish
Outreach Program, they can be reached at 1-888-SHABBAT.
Coffee House
Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 8 PM
Take a break from your hectic life and
mellow out with friends listening to
classic songs from the 60's and 70's.
Hear live acoustic music from the
Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel,
Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan, Billy
Joel, and many more songs you will
remember, in an intimate coffee
house style setting.
Munchies will be served. Coffee, tea, soda and mixers will be
provided, so don't forget to BYOB!
Saturday, February 7th from 8:00 PM until...
Cost is $20 per person.
For more information, please call the office at (516) 433-9888
ext. 14 or e-mail [email protected]
February 2015
Volume 37 No. 5
Shevat - Adar 5775
Temple Or Elohim
Jericho, NY 11753
www.templeorelohim.com
Comedy Night
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Dinner begins at 7 PM
Men’s Club is once again sponsoring
Comedy Night on Saturday, February
28th at 7:00 PM.
A delicious buffet dinner will be followed
by 90 minutes of stand-up hilarity,
featuring 4 top NY comedians.
Scheduled to appear are headliner Teddy Smith joined by
Dr. Harry Freedman, Maria Walsh, and Scott Schendlinger.
The evening will end with dessert and coffee. Ticket prices
are $49 by February 24, 2015 and $54 after or at the door.
Please RSVP by February 24th to the temple office at (516)
433-9888 ext.14 or e-mail [email protected]
You certainly will not want to miss this event, so save the
date for an evening of laughter and good food.
Last Call for the Wall of Honor
Many thanks go to all of the
generous donors to the
2014-15 Kol Nidre Appeal.
We would like to offer one last opportunity for you to
make a donation to the Kol Nidre Campaign. If you
still want your name to appear on the Wall of Honor,
please send in your pledge before the names are
sent out to be etched for the Wall on March 16th,
2015.
In an effort to conclude our Kol Nidre Appeal, we
ask that you please send all pledges to the Temple
at 18 Tobie Lane, Jericho, NY 11753. Attn: Kol
Nidre Appeal.
Thank you,
The Kol Nidre Committee
Temple Or Elohim
Vol. 37 No. 5
Temple Or Elohim
Rabbi’s office hours are:
4 — 6 PM
Wednesdays & Thursdays
Temple Fax
(516) 681-6126
Rabbi Harvey Abramowitz
Marvin Antosofsky, Rabbi Emeritus
Cantor David Katz
Deborah Tract, Director of Education
Howard Pastolove, President
Nancy Marshall, Temple Administrator
Goldie Brandl, Temple Secretary
The Shofar
Office Hours
18 Tobie Lane, Jericho, NY 11753
Temple Office
(516) 433-9888
5775
ext. 11
Cantor’s office hours are:
4 — 6 PM
Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays
ext. 12
ext. 15
Director of Education’s office hours are:
1:00 — 6:30 PM
Mondays & Thursdays
2:00 — 8:30 PM
Tuesdays
If any of the above office hours are inconvenient,
please call to arrange an alternate meeting time.
ext. 13
ext. 14
Executive Committee
President.……………………………...……….….….Howard Pastolove
Vice President…………………………………………...…....Laurel Fried
Vice President……………….……………....…...…...Michael Wilner
Vice President………………………………….…….…...……Deena Yaris
Treasurer……...…………………………….…….........David Schwartz
Asst. Treasurer…….………………………………...….Roslind Vermut
Recording Secretary…….……………………...……......Gail Mayer
Immediate Past President.………….…….…....…Marc Wiener
Chairman of the Board………………………………..Bob Feinstein
Advisor to the President…………………….Susan Bloomberg
Yarmulkes
Do you need yarmulkes for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Wedding?
Satin 6-panel
Suede
Suede (with trim)
Embossed Suede
$21.00/dozen
$28.00/dozen
$32.50dozen
$34.00/dozen
$10 shipping and handling charge on all orders.
Gold or Silver imprint is free on orders of 5 dozen or more.
If more than one color is ordered, or if orders are
less than 5 dozen, there is an additional fee.
Please call Susan Bloomberg (516) 932-7112
Catering Information
Board of Trustees
Amy Adler
Susan Bloomberg
Jodi Breslin
Bob Feinstein
Jeff Feltman
Jill Karp
Tara Kass
Ronald Langman
Susan Levine
Neil Miller
Steven Finkelstein Mike Mogavero
Robin Grossman Donna Wolff
Larry Jacobs
Gilda Balesh
Sheila Zimmerman
Sisterhood
Co-Presidents
Artie Mayer
Men’s Club
President
Editorial Corner
We encourage our members to submit articles, photos
and simchas for us to include in future issues.
We also welcome suggestions for future articles/columns.
Please contact Gail Mayer at:
(516) 935-1626 or e-mail: [email protected]
Rabbi Requests Information
We commemorate the lives of those we have loved and
lost. It is also appropriate to commemorate events in the
lives of those we love in the here-and-now.
I’d like to announce happy events in your lives: birthdays,
anniversaries and special occasions that bring joy to you.
Please forward all such information to [email protected]
or contact the temple office at (516) 433-9888 ext. 11.
Our expanded and redecorated Temple can accommodate
your celebrations, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Kiddushes, Havdalahs,
Luncheons, Weddings, Bris, and all other parties.
Please contact Hasson Caterers to consider having your
simcha at Temple Or Elohim.
Shawn and Scott will be happy to help you plan memorable
occasions for your family.
Hasson Caterers
(516) 937-0120 or 0121
Sponsor an Oneg
A special way to celebrate your family's simcha is by
sponsoring a Friday night oneg. Sponsorship is not only for
Bar/Bat Mitzvah families. You can celebrate an anniversary,
birthday, aufruf, bris, special birthday, graduation, becoming
grandparents or anything else.
The price for an oneg following a traditional Friday night
service with an event attached to it is $250 with fruit and $200
without fruit. The cost for an oneg following a Friday night
service without an event is $100. Your sponsorship will be
acknowledged in the pamphlet and will be announced from the
Bimah.
You will not only be making a wonderful gesture on behalf of
your family but will be helping out your temple as well.
Please call Deena Yaris at (516) 433-0771
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Committee Chairpersons
B/M Liaison, Changes
B/M Flowers
Babysitter Connection
By Laws
Temple Attorney
Building & Housing
Caring Committee
Catering
Entertainment Books
E-mail Blasts
Amy Adler
931-6030
Contact temple office 433-9888
Susan Bloomberg
932-7112
Roz Vermut
822-2246
Neil Miller
681-9263
Howard Pastolove
433-9007
Susan Bloomberg
932-7112
Deena Yaris
433-0771
Janet Weinberg
922-1160
Laurel Fried
932-5410
Gail Mayer
935-1626
Finance
Bob Feinstein
681-5113
Laurel Fried
932-5410
Internal Controls
Roz Vermut
822-2246
Kinder Club
Arlene Isserles
718-631-9822
Membership
Rose Bruy
749-1958
Laurel Fried
932-5410
Men’s Club
Artie Mayer
935-1626
Publicity
Laurel Fried
932-5410
Religious School
Korri Frampton
364-6511
Jill Karp
390-5691
Ritual Chairperson
Michael Wilner
822-7057
Shofar Editor
Gail Mayer
935-1626
Sisterhood
Gilda Balesh
933-3749
Sheila Zimmerman
935-1533
Sisterhood Showcase
Susan Bloomberg
932-7112
Social Action
Susan Levine
931-2550
Strategic Planning
Larry Jacobs
759-3229
Star of David, Tree of Life, Wall of Light
Toby Suroff
433-6618
Yarmulkes
Susan Bloomberg
932-7112
Webmaster
Gail Mayer
935-1626
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Schedule of Services, February 2015
Fri. Feb. 6
Musical Shabbat Evening Service
Sat. Feb. 7
Shabbat Shalom
Fri. Feb. 13
Shabbat Evening Service
Sat. Feb. 14
Shabbat Shalom
Fri. Feb. 20
Shabbat Evening Service
Sat. Feb. 21
Shabbat Shalom
Fri. Feb. 27
Shabbat Evening Service
Sat. Feb. 28
Shabbat Shalom
7:30 PM
7:30 PM
7:30 PM
(If God forbid, there is a death or illness in the family)
CALL AND TELL US
Daytime—Call the temple office
(516) 433-9888 or (516) 433-9587
Call the Rabbi
at (631) 424-6632 or (516) 510-9931
Call the Cantor
at (516) 849-1332
Honor the occasion of your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah
Consultation with the Rabbi before final scheduling
of services will help ensure his availability.
Give them a “Leaf “on the Tree of Life or a
“Star” on the Star of David.
Both are located in the temple lobby.

Please call the temple office at (516) 433-9888, ext. 14


Now is the time to order bronze Yahrzeit plaques to be
mounted on the Memorial Tablet in the sanctuary.
These plaques offer the opportunity to memorialize the
names of our departed loved ones.
7:30 PM
Keep Handy for Reference
Honor the Occasion
Order Memorial Plaques
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SERVICES PROVIDED BY TEMPLE FOR MEMBERS:
Shiva services at home for up to 3 evenings.
E-mail notice will be sent to our membership informing
them of the loss in your family, if requested.
Whenever Kaddish is said during services:
Names read for Temple Members—11 months
Near relatives of Members—30 days.
Thoughts and Prayers
Each year upon the anniversary of their passing, a light is
kindled beside their name and at the Memorial service on We want to acknowledge those of us who have had an illness
or are in need of healing (mind, body and soul).
Yom Kippur.
To order, call the Temple office at (516) 433-9888, ext. 14
We offer our prayers of healing and heartfelt thoughts.
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From the Rabbi
Wow, snow! Of course, it is winter and that is expected, but
the cold at this moment is really close to a deep-freeze; the
outside cat’s water bowl not only froze but shattered.
Our adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah class is progressing nicely. Folks
who began just a few short months ago by learning the
Alef-Bet (the Hebrew alphabet) and recognizing the
characters and the sounds they produce have all made
great progress due to their own diligence and perseverance.
I am pleased to inform you that they are starting to read
Hebrew and are now working on prayers in Mishkan T'fillah!
What a great joy it is, teaching students who want to learn.
The children in our Hebrew School are making great strides
in their Hebrew studies, all while maintaining high averages
in their secular studies.
Our kids give me great
encouragement and a very positive outlook for future
generations of Jews here and everywhere else.
I hope you are planning to attend our musical service, to
listen to, our guest speaker Commander Risa B. Simon
(USN) discuss Jewish life in the US military. Commander
Simon is the daughter-in law of Janet Weinberg.
This month, we again had a flurry of activities that began
with the Men’s Club organizing our first annual Super Bowl
party here at Temple Or Elohim, featuring a movie, dinner,
raffle prizes and contests that made for a fun family event
and “of course” there was that football game! Comedy Night
will be another wonderful reason to venture out into the cold.
Scheduled for Saturday night, February 28th, this event has
proven to be an evening of fun and laughter enjoyed by all
who attend. Try to be there this time around.
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In school, our kids are learning about the
Jewish approach to nature and ecology with
their study of Tu B’Shevat. Purim is coming in
early March and it is a holiday that is especially fun for our
children, featuring music, costumes, activities and games.
Adults too are welcome to get into the spirit of the day, so
come on and take a walk on the “wilder” side of things.
While the cold gives us many compelling reasons to stay
indoors, TOE provides exciting reasons for venturing out to
the center of our Jewish community to share the warmth, the
fun and the unity that makes us such a viable entity.
Our teens have discovered that coming to temple brings
them activities many of us never had as kids: Krav Maga
class is one such program that our children have really
taken to and enjoyed greatly.
While we are in the grip of winter, I remind all of you to be
very careful while driving. Please, please do not text while
driving nor use any hand-held devices that could distract
you. Remember, when you’re moving at 60 miles per hour,
you are moving at 88 feet per second! Just a couple of
seconds of distraction can be disastrous.
Stay warm, please stay especially attentive to your winter
driving and check the calendar in the Shofar for our next
musical Shabbat service and the many program
opportunities we provide for you and your whole family.
See you at temple. Shalom.
Rabbi Harvey Abramowitz
[email protected]
(516) 433 - 9888, ext. 11
Notes from the Cantor
The month of February offers us, as Jewish individuals and
a community, a very special opportunity. This opportunity
can be found in the holiday and celebration of Tu B’Shevat.
The holiday of Tu B’Shevat falls on the evening of February
3rd and the day of February 4th and is celebrated on the 15th
day of the month of Shevat.
What in the world is Tu B’Shevat, you may be asking? The
actual meaning of the holiday in a literal sense is explained
by the Hebrew word "Tu" which stands for Hebrew letters tet
and vav, and together have the numerical value of 9 and 6,
adding up to 15. Thus “The 15th day of Shevat.”
The English interpretation of the holiday has been referred
to as “The Holiday of the Trees” or “The New Year of the
Trees” or the “Jewish Arbor Day.” Tu B’Shevat also is noted
as the date for calculating the beginning of the agricultural
cycle for the purpose of biblical tithes for the Jewish people.
So you can see that Tu B’Shevat is quite a holiday!
Tu B’Shevat has become a “green” holiday for Reform Jews
around the world. Many take the day to try and help the
environment in any way they can. Some do this by planting
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a tree in Israel for themselves or a family
member. Others walk to work if possible or
take public transit on this day to reduce carbon
emissions. Regardless of what you do, maybe this year you
can do something big or small to connect yourself with the
Tu B’Shevat holiday, help the environment and enhance
your connection to Judaism.
This holiday also reminds us of the many benefits that trees
and plants bring to us and how we could not survive without
them. Gratitude, once again, becomes a predominant
theme in the Jewish holiday cycle.
How lucky we are to have all that we have, including this
wonderful planet, our home, which is our responsibility to
take care of and heal. I encourage you to try your best and
take one small step towards celebrating Tu B’Shevat. You
may feel better and help our world all at the same time!
Cantor David Katz
[email protected]
(516) 433 - 9888, ext. 12
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Torah Notes
How We Can Make a Difference
February 7, Yitro, Exodus 18:1 –20:23
The Israelites are in the Sinai desert. Jethro, Moses’
father-in-law, introduces a system of graduated law courts
for justice to be properly carried out. Moses prepares the
people to receive the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai and
they become a covenanted people.
It is the end of another year and the mystery of what 2015
will hold in store for us, lies ahead.
I recently saw a show on CNN featuring “Heroes of the
Year“. Each story unique, each hero changing a life a little
bit at a time; from a young girl of 10 who watched her
grandfather struggle with Parkinson’s and designed a
special cup with handles so he could hold a drink and be
more independent, to the Rabbi who holds a black belt in
Jujitsu and lost a young child to cancer and found a way to
pass that power and strength to other children battling the
pain of treatment. A musician who found his way to Walter
Reed Hospital and formed a band with Our Wounded
Warriors, gave back to them some of the joy they had lost
and a new purpose in life. Then there were the heroes that
went into dangerous neighborhoods and taught children that
there is more to life than a gang war and finally the hero who
built a special gym for handicapped people to work out and
socialize in.
February 14, Mishpatim, Exodus 21:1 – 24:18
An explanation of the many laws that are to be observed by
the people of Israel. The purpose of these laws is to assure
justice for all, whether they are strong or weak, rich or poor.
Justice (mishpat) is achieved by carrying out the laws
(Mishpatim).
February 21, Terumah, Exodus 25:1-27:19
Detailed instructions are given in this portion for the
materials to be used in the construction of the sanctuary that
will house the altar, the ark and the Tablets. The list is quite
specific, as are the details of construction. Moses is
instructed to call upon the Israelites to donate all the
necessary materials.
It was difficult to view and think about all the things that can
be done by just a kind word to a lonely person, giving books
to those who want to learn to read and just thinking about
small things that can change a person’s life even for just a
day.
February 28, Tetzaveh, Exodus 27:20-30:10
Instructions are given for the kindling of the eternal light, the
Ner Tamid. Also discussed are the priestly garments of the
kohanim (priests): the breastplate, ephod, robe, headdress,
sash, etc. Mentioned as residing inside the breastplate were
the Urim and Tummim, oracular devices upon which much
speculation has centered.
As a travel agent, about 20 years ago, I started helping
people arrange transportation to pick up their adopted
children in different places.
It was a time when
nonrefundable tickets did not allow them the freedom to
change tickets without incurring charges even though the
couples never knew how long they would have to stay in a
specific region before coming home. I can remember one
rainy Christmas Eve, begging American Airlines to waive all
the penalties and fly a couple to Dallas to pick up their new
baby girl. There were no seats available in coach just first
class. I said I wouldn’t hang up till they gave me the flights
and since it was Christmas, we had to make this dream
come true. I told the airline that the couple could pay for half
and asked the airline to donate the other half. After
speaking to multiple people and authorities, a very small
feat made two people very happy.
The point I am trying to make is that I had the resources and
the know-how. I know so many people have the resources
to reach out and touch some one’s life. We are given a life
and world to live in, what we do with our time might be
remembered by someone in years to come.
We welcome new members to the
Temple Or Elohim family
So as 2015 begins, for some it will be a real beginning and
with our resources we can make that difference happen.
Sonia and Shawn Brown and Family
George and Elinor Haber
Wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year
Sheila Zimmerman
Paul Rosenfeld
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Dear Friends!
We are midway through the year in our Religious School.
While we are still in the winter months of cold weather and
snow, flowers are beginning to bloom in our Jewish
homeland, Eretz Y’srael. Tu B’Shevat begins on the
evening of February 3rd, 2015 - or on the 15th day of the
Hebrew month of Shevat. We will celebrate the “New Year
of the Trees“ in our Religious School with activities that
teach about the Israeli Arbor Day, the magnificent trees that
fill the land of Israel, and teach environmental awareness.
Our Hebrew curriculum, an essential part of our Jewish
education, is progressing and our students are beginning to
prepare for their individual grade Friday evening Shabbat
service.
Purim is around the corner!
Fifth graders will be
participating in our own Madam Esther’s Living Wax
Museum on March 8th, 2015. In conjunction with our Jewish
hero curriculum, our students are learning about famous
Jewish people who have contributed to society. This is a
must see! Our students will choose an individual who has
inspired him/her and will represent their Jewish role model in
the museum.
Youth groups for 3rd-7th grades continue to bring in new
participants. This is a great way for Temple Or Elohim
children to socialize and make new friends! Still unsure?
Come to an event and try us out!
Our Teens are meeting on a regular basis, with discussions
and programming that meets the needs of our young adults
in grades 8-12. Our teens continue to engage a in a
monthly Krav Maga (Israeli self-defense) seminar. This
program is led by a certified instructor who teaches Israeli
self–defense, a great resource for our teens to know and
carry with them.
Ms. Laurel Fried’s class. Tzedakah box fun!
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Our students have been generously donating
Tzedakah. During the months of January and
February, all money collected will be donated to
the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Our
Religious School will join the Pennies for
Patients fundraising efforts, along with many other schools
throughout the country. Our involvement will help to fight
against blood cancers that affect both adults and young
children.
Wishing all of you a great winter-break. Any questions or
concerns regarding Religious School for the 2015/16 school
year, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to seeing all of you at our upcoming Religious
School Friday evening services.
Deborah E. Tract
Director of Education (516) 433 - 9888, ext. 15
[email protected]
Dates to Remember
Tuesday, February 10
8th - 12th Grade Teen Program from 6:30 to 8 PM
Week of February 16 - February 20
No Religious School or Skype
Monday, February 23
Religious School Resumes
Tuesday, February 24
8th - 12th Grade Teen Program from 6:30 to 8 PM
Thursday, February 26
3rd– 7th Grade Youth Group from 6:30 to 8 PM
TOE Youth Group enjoys an evening of fun and
cycling with Just One Wheel!
Chanukah fun in our Religious School!
Miracles do happen at Temple Or Elohim Religious School!
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Contributions January 2015
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Jeffrey and Jan Scherr
CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
PRINCIPAL’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
CHOIR FUND
Elaine and Mike Hauptman
In memory of Howard Bertan
James and Lana Math
In loving memory of Anne Blick
In loving memory of Nathan W. Math
David and Roz Vermut
In memory of Howard Bertan
HONORIAL AND MEMORIAL
Maria and Dean Alexenburg
In loving memory of
Josephine and Vincent Mirabella
Bernice and Marvin Baiman
In loving memory of Flora Shimberg
In loving memory of Lester Shimberg
In loving memory of Celia Baiman
Laurie and Mitchell Beller
In loving memory of Beatrice Beller
Steven Boral
In loving memory of Henry Boral
In loving memory of George Rand
Neil, Kimberly and Chase Brodsky
loving memory of Anne Waco
Rose Bruy
In loving memory of Mark Wallfield
In loving memory of Harriet Wallfield
In loving memory of Vincent Bruy
Elyce and Ron Burger
In loving memory of Richard Unger
Alan and Bonnie Chodosh
In loving memory of Benjamin Vandow
Taryn Cloonan
In loving memory of Ralph Schier
Arlene and Allan Cohn
In loving memory of Bess Miller
In loving memory of Samuel Miller
Andrew and Marilyn Edson
In loving memory of Herbert Edson
Roberta and Richard Feinstein
In loving memory of Anne Feinstein
Jeff and Cathy Feltman
In loving memory of Ann Feltman
Judith Freudenthal
In loving memory of Ted Freudenthal
In loving memory of Otto Friedlander
Mark and Laurel Fried
In loving memory of Kurt Gluckselig
Stanley and Lita Friedman
In loving memory of Henry Friedman
Alan and Susan Geller
In loving memory of Julius Geller
Jess and Len Gerschitz
In loving memory of Harry Gerschitz
Phyllis and Frank Gladstone
In memory of Robert Magdalin,
father of Bonnie Garfinkel
Cheryl and Robert Goldberg
In loving memory of Phyllis Cohen
Lisa and Lon Goldstein
In loving memory of J. Stanley Shaw
Steven and Sharon Goldstein
In loving memory of Eli Goldstein
Ruth and Abraham Gottlieb
In loving memory of Blanche Gottlieb
In loving memory of Sidney Gottlieb
Howie and Arlene Isserles
In loving memory of Mae Isserles
In loving memory of Sandra Rose
Larry and Pearl Jacobs
In loving memory of David Jacobs
Bari and Marty Kaye
In loving memory of Jerry Saunders
Harold and Felice Kestenbaum
In loving memory of Murray Kestenbaum
Ed and Judy Kislik
In loving memory of Donna Kislik-Lazer
Carol Knecht
In loving memory of
Eunice and Harry Schroder
Thomas and Pam Lecher
In loving memory of
Muriel and B. Douglass Lecher
Reyna and Douglas Lederman
In memory of Robert Magdalin,
father of Bonnie Garfinkel
Erna and Barry Leff
In loving memory of Alice Leff
Victor and Rena Levy
In loving memory of Ann Grossman
Jeffrey and Andrea Lomasky
In loving memory of Milton Lomasky
Philip Levy and Risa Beck
In loving memory of Anna Levy
Jay and Janis Lieberman
In loving memory of Herbert Lieberman
Louis and Tammi Lipsky and Family
In memory of Robert Magdalin,
father of Bonnie Garfinkel
Elaine Loewy
In loving memory of Joel Blank
Susan and Cliff Maldow
In loving memory of
Helen Kimack Doernis
Pearl Goldwyn, Sharon Mark, Bernard Mark
In memory of Lisa Rubin
Shelley Green and Ed Marut
In loving memory of Joseph Green
In loving memory of Emil Marut
Neil and Laura Miller
In loving memory of Carl Miller
Abe and Marilyn Milstein
In loving memory of Sandra Liebeskind
In loving memory of Sol Milstein
Dennis and Joanne Myrah
In loving memory of Ellen Vader
In loving memory of Norman Vader
Frederic and Bonnie Oliver
In loving memory of William Oliver
In loving memory of George Mitchel
Joan Ritter and Mark Osnowitz
In loving memory of Shirley Osnowitz
Joel and Judy Pastolove
In loving memory of Ruth Braunschweig
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Linda and Phil Peller
In loving memory of Jack Becker
Hetti and Robert Perlmutter and Family
In loving memory of Ronald Speero
Leslie and Bruce Pollack
In loving memory of Toby Marx
In loving memory of Werner J. Marx
Steve and Marilynn Rose
In loving memory of Mildred Kahn
In loving memory of Edward Rose
In loving memory of Murray Fox
In loving memory of Herbert Rose
In loving memory of Werner Gutkind
Sylvia Rosen
In loving memory of Melvin Rosen
Richard and Judi Rosenberg
In loving memory of Jean Wolf
Iris and Stanley Rothstein
In loving memory of Sally Kipness
Howard Rubin
In loving memory of Eugene Rubin
The Milton and Marilyn Safenowitz Family
Foundation In honor of
Susan and Alan Levine and Family
Saul Schulman
In honor of Larry Jacobs
Michael and Deborah Singer
In loving memory of Eugene Singer
Natalie and Boris Sklar
In loving memory of Adela Silbiger
In loving memory of Morris Sklar
Richard and Sharon Stangel
In loving memory of Arthur Stangel
Susan and Howard Strauss
In loving memory of Lewis Gold
Roz and David Vermut
In loving memory of Joseph Vermut
Ed and Janet Weintraub
In loving memory of Eva Brownstein
In loving memory of Shirley Weintraub
Leslie Weintraub
In loving memory of Anna Weintraub
Amy and Gary Weiss
In memory of Robert Magdalin,
father of Bonnie Garfinkel
David and Gayle Wengrover
In loving memory of Bernard Wengrover
Murray and Lorette Wilensky
In loving memory of Bertha Wilensky
In loving memory of Marie Ettinger
Jacques and Carole Wolfner
In loving memory of Rebecca Stoller
Deena and Harvey Yaris
In loving memory of Edward Wisotsky
CARING COMMITTEE
Thank You!
Contributions continued - Page 10
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The
TheShofar
Shofar
Yahrzeits—February 2015
Presidents Message
Week of February 6
Helen Bukzin, Abraham Friedman, Irene Schefren, Abraham
Sternfeld, Charles Fielding, David Israel, Edward Rose,
Leon Strauss, Toddy Blidner, Morris Ginsberg, Freda
Goldman, Irving Leventhal, Irving Antosofsky, Michael
Lehner, Selma Steinbach, Louis Strell, Rose Jacobson
Entman, Sandra Finkelstein, Anna Orange, Frederick
Rosenberg, Kate Ross, Gertrude Blackman, Louis Cohn,
Harry Danis, Mary Eisenberg, Murray Forster, Joseph
Harris, Pauline Serota, Rose Yaglom, Phyllis Besserman,
Morris Glickman, Jacob Grumet, Shirley Silpe
As the year 2015 begins, I am somewhat sad as I
realize that my Presidency is almost over. My
experiences these past four years have not only been
eventful, but educational. I have learned a lot about myself
and our Temple community at large. We are one very
special group and I must say that I am very happy I was
President of our congregation for four years. I thank all of
you for this wonderful opportunity I had and for the life
challenge.
Week of February 13
Lisa Antosofsky, Sally Cohen, Stanley Gold, Harry
Ritterband, Lillian Rosenthal, Martha Fagen, Nathan Franco,
Goldie Hans, Helen Hollander, Shep Siegel, Jerome Sobel,
Gussie Adler, George Auerbach, Bessie Bernstein, Elsa
Board, Robyn Garfinkel, Jennie Rosenberg, Joseph Spieler,
Samuel Deutschman, Joseph Jackman, Robert Jedeikin,
Daniel Pollack, Ben Kanter, Herbert Koenigsberg, Nancy
Saunders, Bernard Keller, Pauline D. Levine, Roberta Rudin,
Harold Abrams, Roberta Bilfeld, Irma Bloch, Hilda Leventhal
Week of February 20
Marion Saltz, Frank Allen, Harold Bachrach, Beverly Herling,
Harold A. Levine, Phillip Montak, Max Sobel, Mildred
Frampton, Charles Wisotsky, Louis A. Berkman, Maxwell
Gaffin, Nathan Nadelman, Bruce Unger, Gunter Wolff,
Bernard Gottfurcht, Stephen Herman, Joseph Passaro,
Julius Barcham, F. Blake Cloonen, Lila O. Fried, Pearl Neier,
Sylvia Ring, Harriet Cole, Rose Fern, William Newman, Mary
Polatnick, William Shanken
Week of February 27
Aaron Ackerman, Rebecca Cohen, Ethel Bloom Herman,
Harry David Nathanson, Rose Obornik, Joseph Rosenberg,
Pearl Sklar, Rose Goldfarb, Rita Rosenstein, Celia Sklar,
Emil Winzelberg, Gussie Belkin, David Brown, Donald
Gerome, Arleen Kaye, Samuel Rodin, Beatrice Saltz,
Herman Resnick, Birdie Grumet Russo, Bertha Schatzki,
Arlene Abrams, Belle Becker, Sidney M. Blumenthal, Helen
Potashnick, Marta Schlachet, Alfred S. Wolfner, Leon Blick,
Sylvia Feinstein, Norbert Neumann, Jack Walter Siegel
Every one of you has interests and needs of your own and
we are here to try to satisfy those needs and desires.
Whether it was the Progressive Dinner with appetizers and
cocktails at my house, dinner at someone else's house and
then dessert at the home of the Yaris family or Family Movie
Day with popcorn and other activities, we are a diversified
community. There is also the caring side of Temple Or
Elohim and that is where our Clergy and Caring committee
come into play. Please note that both the Rabbi’s and Cantor's contact information is always listed on page 3 of this
publication.
One of our big events is now in the planning stages and we
need your help. The Purim Carnival is on Sunday, March
8th. There will be events for kids of all ages. In addition to
Arcade games, we will have a Wax Museum, an inflatable,
singing, food and much more. Who knows there might even
be a presidential dunk tank. Please watch out for e-mails
asking you for your suggestions or to volunteer.
Hello and goodbye. What I mean by this is we recently had
to say goodbye to our custodian Ken Scott. Ken was with us
for quite a few years but has decided to retire. Ken, on
behalf of our congregation, we say thank you very much for
all that you have done for our building and congregation and
we wish you well. Now, we say hello to Rich. Rich has
joined our staff and has been with us for a few months now.
Rich, we welcome you to our Temple family and look forward
to a long relationship together.
As always, I remind you to watch your e-mails, our Facebook
page, the temple website and flyers for more information on
upcoming events. Remember, we have events for all ages
and please, if you have an event you would like to share with
us, tell us. We are open to all ideas.
Howard Pastolove, President
[email protected]
We sorrowfully mourn the death
In loving memory of Howard Bertan,
congregant and beloved husband of
Marilyn Bertan
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Sisterhood News
The pages on the calendar continue to turn, bringing us
into the year of 2015. Individually, we create our
personal challenges and fresh hopes of what we wish to
accomplish as this New Year unfolds. Some of us face
our seemingly perpetual issues of difficulty (i.e. the
dreaded task of losing weight) and some of us are
encountering brand new situations, some nerve-racking
and some quite exciting. It’s up to us to use our resolve
to make the choice to reach the goals of our heart’s
desire. Let’s make a promise to ourselves to look upon
each day as an opportunity to do something truly
meaningful and different, something to celebrate the gift
of each day that we are presented with.
Although the month of December is behind us, the
lingering remembrances from our Shopper’s Day and
Chanukah party will surely carry us through the year until
these events will be upon us once again.
On Sunday, January 25th, we stepped into a “blast from
the past!” Our meeting was followed by a visit from
author, Steven Griffel. who recently penned the novel,
“Grand View”. He presented us with an enjoyable
nostalgic view of our childhood jaunts to the Catskills.
We have much to look forward to in the coming months.
Our March 11th meeting will take place at Panera Bread
in Plainview at 7:00 PM, as we launch into another game
night. Bring on the Scrabble, Backgammon, Pictionary,
Mah Jongg, etc., etc., etc.
Sunday, March 29th, we will journey into Manhattan to
see a fabulous Broadway play called “My Son The
Waiter”. See the flyer inserted into this Shofar edition for
details.
April is our Sisterhood “foodie” month, showcasing our
favorite foods at our April 15th meeting, and our annual
Sisterhood Luncheon, which will take place on April 26th
at Andrea’s 25.
I ask that you always keep in mind that what makes each
of our events extra special is sharing them with each one
of you. The camaraderie of our Sisterhood is priceless,
and our Temple family remains second to none.
Once again, we hope each of you have an extraordinary
2015, and may we all wish each other’s dreams come
true, as we progress through this New Year.
Always, with love,
Sheila Zimmerman & Gilda Balesh
Sheila Zimmerman
[email protected]
Gilda Balesh
[email protected]
Sisterhood Co-Presidents
5775
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The
TheShofar
Shofar
Men’s Club
On behalf of Men’s Club, best wishes for a good year ahead.
We hope that your New Year’s was enjoyable and that you
are ready to partake in everything that Temple Or Elohim
offers you, spiritually and otherwise.
I first must thank the Chanukah Party committee, composed
of members of our Religious School Committee, Men’s Club
and Sisterhood, as well as the many other volunteers and
custodians who made this year’s party a big success. We
had music, activities, a wonderful inflatable, the Pet Den
presentation featuring some very cool animals and, of course,
great food. Love those latkes! Our attendance for this and
other parties has increased each of the last two years and our
temple is trending in a very positive direction.
Those of us who grew up in the ‘60s, and those who did not,
enjoyed the appearance of e-book author Steven Griffel,
whose book Grand View took us back to the world of the
Catskill’s bungalow colonies and the angst of being a young
teenager, always self-conscious and feeling awkward.
I relived the breaking-in of my baseball glove, the endless
rides up Route 17 to “the mountains” and those family
picnics.
At Men’s Club, we cannot take much of a break. As soon as
the ball dropped in Times Square, our Super Sunday
committee led by Neil Miller, who championed this
undertaking, was at work on what was a successful first-ever
Movie-Super Bowl event. With the lead-in Marx Brothers’
movie “Horsefeathers” followed by a great buffet dinner and
The Game, with all of its hype, commercials and half-time
show, coupled with our trivia games and dessert, Super
Sunday was enjoyed by everyone. This was a true family
event, with the children just as welcome as their parents.
As if all of this should be enough, we are only a few weeks
away from our Men’s Club Comedy Night which takes place
Saturday evening, February 28th. If you haven’t done so, get
your tickets for this perennial favorite that features an Italian
buffet dinner, a full show with four professional comedians
and dessert that follows the show. For information or tickets,
call the temple office at (516) 433-9888, extension 14.
In closing, for the gentlemen in the congregation who likely
did not make this a major new year’s resolution: be daring
and join us at a Men’s Club meeting! You can have a voice
as we work on other upcoming events throughout the year.
Come grow with us!
Artie Mayer
Men’s Club President
[email protected]
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Social Action Committee
Are you interested in getting more involved at Temple Or
Elohim, but don’t want to make a huge commitment? Do
you enjoy helping people? The Social Action Committee
needs you. We are looking for new members and new
ideas. Why don’t you join us at an upcoming meeting and
learn about the many wonderful things we are doing? We
look forward to seeing you at an upcoming meeting:
The meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM.
February 3, March 3, April 14, May 12
The
TheShofar
Shofar
Baskets on the Bimah Program
A great way to honor a simcha is by sponsoring a basket on
the bimah. Proceeds go to assist local needy families.
Any congregant can have a basket displayed on the Bimah
for a non-Bar Mitzvah Shabbat by bringing a minimum of
$36 to the temple office, at least one week in advance.
A great way to honor any simcha you may be celebrating!
Contributions continued from Page 7
What is the Adopt-a-Family Program?
Through Social Action, the Temple currently has one
“adopted” needy Jewish family. The family is assigned
through F.E.G.S., a subdivision of UJA. For discretion
purposes, a contact person acts as the liaison to the family
to protect their privacy. However, the family is adopted by
the entire congregation and the contact person (Susan
Levine) is the one that make the contact and deliver items
donated by the congregation.
Please remember our adopted family during the cold winter
months. Any donations would be much appreciated and
surely warm the hearts of this special family. While waiting
on line at the register at Target, Stop and Shop, Wal-Mart,
Waldbaums, CVS, etc. think about picking up a gift card to
donate to the family.
Please also e-mail Susan with any ideas, suggestions and
charity information. Thank you.
Susan Levine Chair, Social Action Committee
[email protected] (516) 931-2550
GENERAL CONTRIBUTION
Amy Stein and Michael Moskowitz
In memory of Malcolm Zimet
Erin and Danny Muskat
In memory of Robert S. Magdalin,
father of Bonnie Garfinkel
David and Enid Portnoy
In memory of Bernice Cohen,
Adoph Cohen and Ann Portnoy
Saul Schulman
Cheryl and Robert Goldberg
In memory of Robert Magdalin,
father of Bonnie Garfinkel
FOOD BASKETS
Steven and Stacy Finkelstein
In celebration of Jessica’s Bat Mitzvah
Scott and Sandi Kamber
In celebration of Sam’s Bar Mitzvah
MARVIN DUBIN CHILDREN’S LIBRARY FUND
Robin, Jack, Stephen and Sydni Grossman
In loving memory of Eileen Dubin-Cohen
Evy and Norm Heilweil
In memory of Eileen Cohen
SCHOOL & EXPANSION FUND
SOCIAL ACTION
SPONSORED ONEG
Steven and Stacy Finkelstein
In celebration of Jessica’s Bat Mitzvah
Scott and Sandi Kamber
In celebration of Sam’s Bar Mitzvah
Shirley Singer
In honor of her new great grandchild
Michael and Lucy Wilner
Mazel Tov
Congratulations to Dave and Carol Berg
on the birth of their grandson, Jacob Alexander Hayes
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Celebrations
Club Night 2015
It is appropriate to commemorate the lives of those we have
loved and lost. It is equally appropriate to celebrate events in
the lives of those we love in the here-and-now.
If you were there, you are why it was the best CLUB
NIGHT ever!!!!!
If you missed it, please join us next year!
February Birthdays
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Karin Arlin
Adam Gluck
Ronald Koeppel
Esther Reich
Shaun Landman
Marilyn Milstein
Andre Strumer
Adrianne Lebensbaum
Boris Sklar
Lauryn Fried
Jeremy Martin Friedman
Robin Grossman
Linda Jankowitz
Tara Kass
Arielle Koeppel
Ashley Koeppel
Leslie Rosner
Larry Jacobs
Allison Salti
Jean-Pierre Strumer
Evan Beller
Mitchell Beller
Daniel Berg
Stephanie Drew Katz
Max Mogavero
Michael Mogavero
Melissa Pollack
Sylvia Rosenberg
Edward Weintraub
Robert Appel
Amy Chodosh
Jason Haber
Samantha Mender
Amanda Weiss
Tyler Corey
Alexa Goldstein
Harlye Greenberg
Benjamin Kestenbaum
Steven Blidner
Katherine Synnott
Thomas Synnott
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Donna Jacobs
David Kleinman
Jared Lichten
Emma Mayer
Seth Jared Wactlar
Abraham Gottlieb
Michelle Hirsch
Joe Hoenig
Jerome Krantz
Jeffrey Lomasky
Sona Yaglom
Jeff Fried
Charles Goodman
Riley Leavitt
Madison Birnbaum
David Samuel Friedman
Edward Kislik
Richard Krause
Jennifer Liebman
Rachel Debra Ross
Samantha Wolff
Jeffrey Scherr
Noah Adler
Jeffrey Delott
Catherine Feltman
Michael Leff
Bonnie Leitstein
Caryn Mark
Jeanette Aronowitz
Laurel Fried
Seth Fried
Lori Lampert
Mrs. Debra Pastolove
Bryan Peress
Daniel Green
William Sobel
Matilda Wolfson
Andrew Bernstein
Robert Feinstein
Jessica Gerschitz
February Anniversaries
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The
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Shofar
Harold & Marilyn Finkelstein
Mordechai & Laura Cohen
Sheldon & Matilda Wolfson
David & Michelle Komatsu
Michael & Lucy Wilner
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The
TheShofar
Shofar
Temple Or Elohim Happenings
Familyhood Purim Event
Join the Mitzvah of Gift Giving at Purim
Familyhood is excited to kick off Purim with fun activities for
all! We will be spreading happiness and cheer during Purim
with a ‘Make and Bake Family Hamantaschen party! All
familyhood members are invited to this hands-on cooking
experience. There will be a small cost to cover supplies.
The date/time will be confirmed shortly. The website, e-mail
blasts Facebook posts and flyers will provide the details.
The Sisterhood of Temple Or Elohim presents the Shalach
Manot event. From the book of Esther comes the tradition
of Shalach Manot. Let us help you fulfill the mitzvah of
“sending portions” to all your Temple Or Elohim friends.
The goal is to send happiness, cheer and a sense of
communal solidarity.
Each Purim bag will include
hamentashen and other delicious treats!
Please see the enclosed flyer and order form for more
information.
Don’t miss out on participating in this
wonderful tradition of gift giving at Purim.
Please send in your order forms as soon as possible, as
they must be received by Wednesday, February 25.
Robin Grossman
[email protected]
Purim Carnival is Coming
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Sunday, March 8th, at 11 AM, we will begin to celebrate
Purim with our wonderful Wax Museum. The social hall will
then turn into a carnival haven for kids who will have a
chance to show off their game skills with challenging games
for all levels, fun prizes to be redeemed at the prize booth
and raffles to be won. Our food court will be open for lunch
with snacks and drinks. The fun will continue until 2 PM.
This is a major fundraiser for the Religious School. All
proceeds go towards the great cultural, arts and educational
programs that the Religious School provides.
At this time, we are seeking NEW merchandise as raffle
prizes. Suggestions include: video games, gift certificates
from pizzerias or family oriented restaurants, sports
equipment, arts and craft kits, anything child and family
oriented, etc. Kindly put your name on your donation so that
we may thank you properly. Send all raffle gifts to the
Temple office.
If you wish to volunteer, contact the Temple office at (516)
433-9888 ext. 14 or e-mail [email protected].
You may also contact Jill Karp, Purim Carnival Chairperson
at (516) 642-1179 or e-mail [email protected].
We look forward to your enthusiasm and your attendance.
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The
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Shofar
Tidbits from Temple Or Elohim Member
Larry Jacobs
Spivack Brothers
Development Corp.
BUILDERS OF FINE HOMES
(516) 883-2110
99 Karol Place
Muttontown, NY 11753
Paul Spivack
Steven Spivack
Jewish fashion designer, Diane Von Furstenberg, is
leading a project to restore and preserve the Jewish
ghetto in Venice, Italy.
Diane Von Furstenberg was born in Belgium in 1946 as
Diane Simone Michelle Halfin. Her father was Jewish
Romanian and her mother was Jewish Greek. Her
mother survived thirteen months in both the Auschwitz
and Ravensbruck concentration camps.
This Venice ghetto is believed to be the first European
Jewish ghetto ever built. It was constructed in 1516. It
remained that way until the republic fell to Napoleon in
1797, ''who tore down its enclosing walls”. Today the
former ghetto remains the heart of Venice’s small Jewish
community. The project will also restore the city's five
synagogues, with its Jewish museum. It is expected to
be completed in 2016. The former ghetto will be
designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
(Temple Member)
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New Country Deli
(formerly Jagermeister)
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The
TheShofar
Shofar
Temple Or Elohim
Vol. 37 No. 5
5775
The Shofar
Temple Or Elohim
18 Tobie Lane
Jericho, NY 11753
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Jericho, NY 11753
Permit No. 3
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
The deadline for the March 2015 Shofar
is February 5, 2015
Shofar Advertising Rates based on 1 yr (9 issues)
(Can be prorated)
Business Card Size
$150
1/4 Page
$250
1/2 Page
$500
Full Page
$1000
For up to date calendar information
please visit www.templeorelohim.com
February 2015
Sun
Mon
1
2
Men's Club Movie
& Super Bowl
Party 3:45 PM
8
Roundtable Rap
11:00 AM
Tue
3
Wed
Thu
5
4
9
10
11
12
Men's Club
Teen Program
Sisterhood
Meeting 7:30 PM Grades 8 thru 12 Meeting 7:30 PM
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Fri
Sat
6
7
Musical Shabbat Coffeehouse
Service 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
13
14
Shabbat Evening
Service 7:30 PM
Social Action
Meeting 7:30 PM
Ritual Meeting
8:00 PM
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16
No Religious
School
17
No Religious
School
18
No Religious
School
19
No Religious
School
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21
Shabbat Evening
Service 7:30 PM
26
Youth Group
Grades 3 thru 7
6:30 - 8:00 PM
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28
Shabbat Evening Comedy Night
Service 7:30 PM 7:00 PM
Executive
Committee
Meeting 8:00 PM
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25
Religious School Board of Trustees
resumes
Meeting 8:00 PM
Religious School Teen Program
Committee
Grades 8 thru 12
Meeting 7:30 PM 6:30 - 8:00 PM
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