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New City Jewish Center May 2020

A Look Inside

Helpbene itNCJCwithyoureverydaypurchases.SupportourHakoladvertisers.

Religious Services ............................................. 2

Calendar of Events ........................................... 3

Message from Rabbi Graber .......................... 4

Message from Pres. Michael Satran ............. 5

Hebrew School News ....................................... 6

Purim the way it was ....................................... 7

Hazak .................................................................. 8

Life & Legacy ................................................9‐10

Age of Social Distancing ................................ 11

Hakol Poland/Israel Trip ......................... 12‐13

ECC Events ....................................................... 14

NCJC’S 12th Golf Ou ng .......................... 17‐19

Torah Fund ...................................................... 21

B’nai Mitzvah .................................................. 25

Men’s Club / Allstars ................................ 26‐27

Sisterhood / Photos / Stars ................... 28‐30

Tributes & Dona ons ............................... 31‐33

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Senior Rabbi David I. Berkman ................................................. [email protected]

Rabbi Rabbi Daniel Graber ............................................... [email protected]

Rabbi Emeritus Cantor Emeritus Rabbi Henry A. Sosland (z"l) Cantor Hal Ri in

Execu ve Director Jessica Trokel ....................................................................... [email protected]

Youth & Adult Educa on Director Lynne Diwinsky ....................... 845‐638‐9600 ext. 115, [email protected]

Hebrew School Rabbi Allison Berlinger ... 845‐638‐9600 ext. 110, [email protected]

Director of Youth and Family Programming Lara Epstein ................................ 845‐638‐9600 ext. 116, [email protected]

Early Childhood Director Jackie Binstock ....................... 845‐638‐9600 ext. 117, [email protected]

President Michael Satran .................................................................................... 845‐638‐4343

Execu ve Vice‐President Michael Backelman .......................................................................... 845‐639‐6241 Administra ve Vice‐President Harry Baker ........................................................................................... 845‐638‐2361

Financial Vice‐President Neil Luria (z"l)

Comptroller Ron Arfin ................................................................................................ 845‐634‐4472

Recording Secretary Andrew Alper ....................................................................................... 845‐638‐4634

Corresponding Secretary Jeffrey Degen ....................................................................................... 845‐709‐6247

Chairperson of the Board of Educa on Debbie Horowitz ................................................................................. 845‐638‐2348

Sisterhood Co‐Presidents Jill Degen ............................................................................................... 845‐893‐1556 Jenn Litvak ............................................................................................ 845‐243‐3104

Men’s Club President Eric Litvak .............................................................................................. 845‐327‐0090

Hazak Presidents Bonnie Winograd .......... 845‐825‐6170 Steve Shear ......... 845‐300‐5117

Fundraising Vice‐Presidents Sheila Offman Gersh.......................................................................... 914‐772‐0173 Don Arnstein ........................................................................................ 914‐4817154

HAKOL

The deadline for June is April 30, as always ar cles can be early.

As always, Hakol welcomes items

from members of the congrega on

and synagogue affiliates. All publicity

must be sent by email to the office

and the editor. Please do not send

original photographs. This allows for

higher quality when printed.

Editor: Robbin Sicherman

Email: [email protected]

Please put “Hakol” in subject line of all emails

SERVICES

Shabbat

Friday Evenings ‐ 6:30 PM

Saturday ‐ 9:00 AM

Daily Minyans

Sunday .................. 8:30 AM ......... 7:30 PM

Monday ................ 6:45 AM ......... 7:30 PM

Tuesday ................ 7:00 AM ......... 7:30 PM

Wednesday ......... 7:00 AM ......... 7:30 PM

Thursday............... 6:45 AM ......... 7:30 PM

Friday..................... 7:00 AM ......... 6:30 PM

Synagogue Telephone: 845‐638‐9600

Web: h p://www.newcityjc.org

Email: [email protected]

NEW CITY JEWISH CENTER

Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conserva ve Judaism,

Women’s League for Conserva ve Judaism, Federa on of

Jewish Men’s Clubs and United Synagogue Youth and Kadima.

Office: [email protected]

Beatrice L. Snyder Reading Room: [email protected]

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LUACH Friday, May 1, 2020 Morning Services: 7:00 am 22nd Day of the Omer 2nd Grade Torah Siyum: 5:00 pm M&M Shabbat: 5:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat: 6:30 pm Candle Ligh ng: 7:35 pm

Saturday, May 2, 2020 23rd Day of the Omer Parashat Achrei Mot‐Kedoshim Morning Services: 9:00 am Family Service: 10:30 am Mincha/Seudah/Ma’ariv: 7:06 pm

Sunday, May 3, 2020 24th Day of the Omer Morning Services: 8:30 am Hebrew School: 9:00 am Father Patrick Desbois Holocaust by Bullets: 10:00 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm

Monday, May 4, 2020 25th Day of the Omer Morning Services: 6:45 am Lunch & Learn: 12:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm

Tuesday, May 5, 2020 26th Day of the Omer TLC 2A Spring Session Morning Services: 7:00 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm TaShma Talmud: 8:00 pm

Wednesday, May 6, 2020 27th Day of the Omer Morning Services: 7:00 am Hebrew School: 4:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm Men’s Club Mee ng: 8:00 pm

Thursday, May 7, 2020 28th Day of the Omer TLC 2B Spring Session Morning Services: 6:45 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm

Friday, May 8, 2020 29th Day of the Omer Pesach Sheni Morning Services: 7:00 am Shul‐wide Shabbos Dinner: 5:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat: 6:30 pm Candle Ligh ng: 7:43 pm

Saturday, May 9, 2020 30th Day of the Omer Parashat Emor ETHAN HEYDT Morning Services: 9:00 am Mincha/Seudah/Ma’ariv: 7:13 pm

Sunday, May 10, 2020 31st Day of the Omer TAYLOR JACOBS Morning Services: 8:30 am Hebrew School: 9:00 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm

Monday, May 11, 2020 32nd Day of the Omer Morning Services: 6:45 am Lunch & Learn: 12:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm

Tuesday, May 12, 2020 33rd Day of the Omer Lag BaOmer TLC 2A Spring Session Morning Services: 7:00 am Men’s Club/Sisterhood Bring the Heat Cooking Contest: 7:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm TaShma Talmud: 8:00 pm

Wednesday, May 13, 2020 34th Day of the Omer Morning Services: 7:00 am Hebrew School: 4:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm

Thursday, May 14, 2020 35th Day of the Omer TLC 2B Spring Session Morning Services: 6:45 am Torah Class: 3:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm

Friday, May 15, 2020 36th Day of the Omer SARAH WEISSMAN Morning Services: 7:00 am Shabbat 2Go Pickup: 3:45 pm Kabbalat Shabbat: 6:30 pm Candle Ligh ng: 7:50 pm

Saturday, May 16, 2020 37th Day of the Omer Parashat Behar‐Bechukotai EVAN AGRANOFF Morning Services: 9:00 am Mincha/Seudah/Ma’ariv: 7:20 pm

Sunday, May 17, 2020 38th Day of the Omer Morning Services: 8:30 am Hebrew School: 9:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm

Monday, May 18, 2020 39th Day of the Omer Morning Services: 6:45 am Lunch & Learn: 11:30 pm Sisterhood Mee ng: 7:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 40th Day of the Omer TLC 2A Spring Session Morning Services: 7:00 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm TaShma Talmud: 8:00 pm

Wednesday, May 20, 2020 41st Day of the Omer Morning Services: 7:00 am Hebrew School: 4:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm Board of Trustees mee ng: 8:00 pm

Thursday, May 21, 2020 42nd Day of the Omer TLC 2B Spring Session Men’s Club at Boulders Morning Services: 6:45 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm

Friday, May 22, 2020 43rd Day of the Omer Yom Yerushalayim Morning Services: 7:00 am M&M Shabbat: 5:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat: 6:30 pm Candle Ligh ng: 7:57 pm

Saturday, May 23, 2020 44th Day of the Omer Parashat Bamidbar AVA MARCHFELD Morning Services: 9:00 am Mincha/Seudah/Ma’ariv: 7:27 pm

Sunday, May 24, 2020 45th Day of the Omer Rosh Chodesh Sivan Morning Services: 8:30 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm

Monday, May 25, 2020 Memorial Day Observed ECC & Office Closed 46th Day of the Omer SHANE RIPPS Morning Services: 8:30 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 47th Day of the Omer TLC 2A Spring Session Morning Services: 7:00 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm Ta Sh'ma Talmud: 8:00 pm

Wednesday, May 27, 2020 48th Day of the Omer Morning Services: 7:00 am Hebrew School: 4:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm

Thursday, May 28, 2020 49th Day of the Omer Erev Shavuot TLC 2B Spring Session Morning Services: 6:45 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm Candle Ligh ng 8:00 pm

Friday, May 29, 2020 Shavuot I ECC & Office Closed Morning Services: 9:00 am Evening Services: 6:30 pm Candle ligh ng: 8:01 pm

Saturday, May 30, 2020 Shavuot II Morning Services: 9:00 am Evening Services: 7:33 pm

Sunday, May 31, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm

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MESSAGE FROM RABBI GRABER

Dear Friends,

The last weeks have been a period of immense change. In spring, when usually we emerge from our

houses to be outside and together, instead we have sequestered ourselves in social distancing. It has

meant the closing of our synagogue building, the inability to hug mourners at Shiva, and a Passover

which was different from every other night. The places where we gather are a physical form for the

rela onships that we have. Our synagogue building especially is like a body that embraces us when we

come and carries the spirit of our community in it, even when it is empty.

As Jews we understand that while the body is important, we also have a soul. In responding to COVID‐19, our community

has shown the magnificence of its soul. Before the staff could organize to make calls to the congrega on, people reached

out first to be part of our Chesed Callers, checking in with families and individuals out of concern for your wellbeing. Many

who are able have gone grocery shopping for those who were less able to leave their homes. Women around Rockland, and

especially in our shul have been sewing masks for the heroes in helping professions who have put themselves at risk to care

for the sick. One mother in our Early Childhood Center organized a campaign to place rainbows around town to add joy to

our lives, especially for young children.

And while the synagogue is closed, we have brought Jewish prac ce and study the place where it belongs most, the home.

While we have not gathered on Shabbat mornings, our Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat is a weekly source of joy where dozens

have gathered to sing and pray. Through technology we have con nued to have services twice a day, classes each week, and

mes to comfort the bereaved. Even as Passover was different, with many small Seders, the tradi on endured in new and

crea ve forms. As the Jewish people have done for thousands of years, we have encountered adversity and responded with

dedica on to Torah, mitzvot, and chesed ‐ loving‐kindness.

I share with you a poem by NJ Senator Cory Booker, who I think has captured the resilience of our community’s soul, indeed

the soul of humanity.

We can’t touch

But s ll we reach out

We hunker down

But s ll we rise up

Our bodies are a acked

But our spirits fight back

The enemy is invisible

But so many of our heroes are now seen

Weeks and weeks of isola on

But s ll infinite and invincible determina on

We are distant

But we stand together

And together

We shall overcome

With love, and longing to be with you, and hope that we will soon be together,

Rabbi Daniel Graber

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MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT MICHAEL SATRAN

When I accepted the job and responsibility of the Presidency of this synagogue I

love, I thought I might have to write a Hakol ar cle with some uncertainty as it is

done one month in advance. But on April 2nd I have no idea where we will all be

in four weeks when published. I just wish for everybody to be careful and healthy

and observe the safe spacing and good cleanliness protocol.

Our building, so necessary for our faith and inspira on, for the first me ever the

Shul is shut down. Three weeks ago, I never heard of ZOOM now I am in these

mee ngs five mes a week. As we try to maintain a normalcy "virtual" is our

reality. And we are trying‐ We have virtual services, and virtual Hebrew School

and Virtual Torah learning and virtual Early Childhood. Everybody has chipped in as we are ALL in this

together. It should be easier doing things where we don't have to meet or interact on a personal basis; but it

is five mes as hard. The easiest tasks like paying bills and financial monitoring are very difficult.

I know for a fact that the Rabbis have never worked harder. And more than ever before we need your

support and backing.

Passover will be here next week‐ guess what, we're having a virtual Seder with children and grandchildren.

Why is tonight different from all other nights?

I'm really hoping and praying that next year at this me things will be normal and we can have a real Seder;

with more than five allowed in a room.

I look forward to the me when I can actually see all of you again. It will be with a new apprecia on for the

things I think we all took for granted.

Mike

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HEBREW SCHOOL NEWS: RABBI ALLISON BERLINGER

It was March 13th and the decision was made that we would not have Hebrew School the coming Sunday.

Instead, we would have a professional development day for the teachers. As a Hebrew School, we could see

what would be coming shortly, school would be cancelled and we quickly needed to figure out how we would

con nue to teach our students.

In 48 hours, our Hebrew School teachers began to learn to operate Zoom, assembled packets for the next

few weeks of classes, created lessons for online learning, and most importantly, they made sure to be there

virtually for our students to remind them that we are here; their Jewish community is here, their friends and

teachers are here‐just in a different way.

The courage of our teachers reminds me of the Midrash of Nachshon ben Aminadav. Just as the Israelites

stood facing the Sea of Reeds, and the command was given to move forward, each of the tribes hesitated,

saying, “We do not want to be the first to jump into the sea,” Nachshon saw what was happening—and

jumped into the sea. At that moment Moses was standing and praying. God said to him, “My beloved ones

are drowning in the stormy seas, and you are standing and praying? Moses replied, “Master of the world,

what am I to do?” Said God, “You li your staff and spread your hand over the seas, which will split, and

Israel will come into the sea upon dry land.” And so it was. Following Nachshon’s lead, the Israelites entered

the sea and were saved.

I could not be more proud of our Hebrew School staff. Each of them has gone above and beyond personally

and professionally. Each of them is a Nachshon, leading the way, showing strength, courage and faith. I am

honored to work with each of them.

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HAZAK

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What will YOUR Legacy be? How will you assure Jewish tomorrows?

NCJC has partnered with the Harold Grinspoon Founda on and Jewish Federa on to create a LIFE AND LEGACY PROGRAM. This program promotes a er life me giving to benefit NCJC (among other Jewish ins tu ons in Rockland County if you so desire). Your life is already connected to the Jewish community and I am sure you already support Jewish charitable organiza ons in Rockland County. NCJC’s legacy donors will be members like you who make a promise to our children, grandchildren, and future genera ons. In order that that there will con nue to be a thriving Jewish community we are ini a ng this program for you to help NCJC and other organiza ons when you are no longer here. Joining our LEGACY PROGRAM offers you an opportunity to do something significant during your life me. It demonstrates your love, devo on and connec on to our congrega on and community; it ensures our long‐las ng future success. Giving back, feeling united with those of similar values, recogni on, making a difference, commemora ng loved ones. This is our opportunity to help future genera ons experience with what has been so beneficial for us without cos ng you anything now. Leaving a legacy gi is simple. Some op ons include: Gi in a will or trust Gi of life insurance Gi of re rement funds

As Rabbi Hillel said, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when?” Please contact Michael Satran (845‐638‐4343 or [email protected]) or Bert Distelburger (845‐548‐8400 or bert@georgetowninves ng.com) or the NCJC office for more informa on. A le er of intent form may be found on page 9 of this issue of Hakol.

With gra tude,

Michael Satran David Berkman Michael Satran, President Rabbi David Berkman

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USY is all about connec on. Connec on to Judaism, each other and the world. In the fall this was showcased through an all Rockland shul‐in. The event was planned by NCJC teens with the three as‐pects of connec on in mind. To kick off the event and end Shabbat we gathered as a group to do Havdalah‐ the ruach filled service set the mood for the rest of the event. The evening was laid out to include a mix of structured and less‐structured ac vi es in order to allow teens who were new to USY to have me to get introduced and feel at home in our shul community. While the majority of the night was designated for having fun and bonding we couldn’t let the night go by without thinking about how we could give back. With that in mind, our Social Ac on and Tikkun Olam VPs planned ac vi es that allowed us to give back and also to recognize the good deeds of others. We made dolls for children to be donated to RJFS and Hakarat HaTov (recognizing the good) bags to be handed out to Hebrew school children upon doing a mitz‐vah. This shul‐in was planned to be a part of a seasonal series with one shul‐in happening during each season of the school year at different synagogues across the county. Although with everything happening in the world in‐person program‐ming has been put on pause indefinitely. With social distancing being the buzz word at the forefront of it all it might seem that what we do here at NCJC USY is being put on pause too, but fortunately, that is not the case. Since Mid‐March the board has been having weekly Zoom mee ngs. During these mee ngs, we work on crea ve ways to keep our community engaged during this me. In tandem with USY chapters across North America, the NCJC board has been planning Zoom events to be held throughout the month of April. During the first week of April, we will be hos ng a Bob Ross pain ng night. The goal of this event is to create a laidback crea ve environment for teens to be able to get their minds off everything that is happening in the world. While we might not be physically together for this event we s ll plan on crea ng a sense of togetherness by star ng the night off with fun icebreaker ac vi es to create a sense of community. As there is no end date in sight for social distancing, the ques on of how to stay connected for Passover comes up. For this, the board has decided to host a series of virtual game nights over chol hamoed to engage our community. Each game is designed to be a short Pesach themed ac vity that will allow for both educa onal opportuni es and entertain‐ing experiences. During this me of uncertainty, we hope that by con nuing to create programming for our USYers we will be able to create some sense of normalcy.

PROGRAMING IN AN AGE OF SOCIAL DISTANCING by Naomi Fox

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con nued on next page

HaKol Poland‐Israel Trip by Solomon Fox

On February 16th, myself and around 70 of my classmates had the opportunity to travel through The Leffell

School (formerly Solomon Schechter School of Westchester) to Poland and then to Israel. Myself and two

other NCJC teens, Naomi Fox and Adam Shinder, spent around 5 meaningful weeks in Poland and Israel

before our program—like most gap years and Israel programs—was cut short due to the Coronavirus

outbreak and looming restric ons and closures by the Israeli government.

Although our me on the program was cut short, the memories and things I experienced with my class will

truly be some of my most cherished moments. We visited so many different places in both Israel and Poland,

making it difficult to recap our trip, but below are some highlights and takeaways from my personal

experiences.

Poland and the Revival of Jewish Life

Before myself and my classmates visited Poland, our expecta ons were varying and for the majority,

influenced by our Shoah (Holocaust) educa on. When we arrived in Poland and toured for around a week,

we witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust. We visited loca ons where people perished and their names

were forgo en. Places visited by thousands of tourists where the message of “Never Forget” is at the center

of their visits. But, we also witnessed a different Poland. A modern country filled with large buildings and

bustling tourist centers. On Friday night, our group walked through the town to visit the JCC Krakow. The

center is a storied building with floors filled with Jews. People who found out they were Jewish last month,

individuals who moved to Poland to help revive the community, and those who knew they were Jewish their

en re lives. We ate a delicious Kosher meal and heard from the Director and Rabbi of the JCC and I was

personally inspired by their stories and the work they’re doing. A Jewish community like the one I witnessed

in Krakow inspired me for the future. Their kehilah is a model of engaging people who are interested in our

tradi ons and engage people in a culture that might seem foreign, while remembering the past. That pride of

being Jewish carried on beyond Poland, and manifested itself in many ways. As we completed the wrap‐up of

the Poland por on of our trip, Rabbi Harry Pell, my educator for the week and Associate Head of School,

reiterated that we won’t see the effects of our experiences immediately. But, Pell told us that we all had a

“debt to pay back.” Not something monetary like the cost of the trip, but rather a debt to future genera ons

to educate and to tell of our experiences, which personally s ll s cks with me in my daily life. Jewish life in

Poland will hopefully con nue to grow but eventually, those who can tell of the past will be gone and our

debt will have to be paid to the future, like students at Leffell who will hopefully travel to Poland, in a world

with no living survivors to share their tes monies.

We’re All Tourists Going Somewhere

One of the fears I had going into the Israel por on of the trip was that our group would be viewed as

‘different’ and just as another tourist group visi ng Israel for a certain amount of me. Were we tourists?

Yes—we visited sites throughout the day, stayed in guest hostels, and (most of us) didn’t have an Israeli

13

passport. I viewed the word as a limi ng part of my iden ty on the program. If I was a tourist, my connec on

to the land and my Hebrew ‘skills’ (for lack of a be er word, of course) didn’t have as great of a value as a

na ve of the Land. What I began to realize was throughout my me in Israel was that—although it’s cliche—

we are all tourists. Israel is made up of Russian Jews, Ethiopian Jews, Mizrachim, Americans and others who

made Aliyah, and countless different groups. If I had con nually let the facade that I put up of a tourist ‘just

visi ng’ influence my trip, I wouldn’t have had the experiences that I ended up having. Tiny moments like

helping a Charedi man carry a stroller down the never‐ending stairs descending to the Western Wall,

connec ng with an English teacher and school group who were studying Jews in the Diaspora, or the

countless conversa ons and interac ons I (tried having) in Hebrew, all happened independent of the barrier

of ‘tourist.’ When I stopped trying to hide my tourist iden ty, but instead embrace it—as someone genuinely

trying to learn about and respect Israeli culture—my perspec ves and experiences greatly changed for the

be er.

Situa ons Can Change in a Moment’s No ce, Bringing People Together

As I men oned before, it was truly a shame that our trip was cancelled. A er doing havdalah we were told

that our trip could be winding down within a week or so. News quickly changed and on Monday night, the

16th of March, we le to fly back to the United States. As we ate on Ben Yehuda Street Saturday night, Prime

Minister Netanyahu was announcing new regula ons. Hostels and hotels were to close down, all business

non‐essen al were ordered to close, and tourists were ordered out of the country essen ally. Seeing how

quickly everything changed made me appreciate the me we did have in Israel and the fact we were able to

safely return home.

Our flight was a chartered El Al plane that transported over 200 North American Jewish young adults back to

New York. It was a miracle that leaders of our programs were able to pull off the flight and had the financial

means to charter a plane of that size in that short amount of me. Although the me of my trip, along with

countless other programs was cut short, the communal feeling in the airport and on the flight that we were

leaving Israel that night, but definitely coming back in the future, gave me hope. While we won’t be back for

long, the theme of l'shana haba'ah b’Yerushalayim (next year in Jerusalem) certainly is on my mind, around

this Passover season.

If you have any ques ons feel free to email me at [email protected] or message me on Facebook

because I’d love to show you pictures or share stories.

Todah Rabah,

Solomon Fox

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I am NOT a Disney princess. Nor am I a superhero. Just in case you didn’t know that

before. And not being either of those two things, it makes it pre y difficult for me to

compete with them on a small screen. Yet here I am, trying to do just that, story book

in hand, trying to keep the a en on of squirmy two, three, and four‐year‐olds who

appear in li le boxes on that same screen. How did we all get to this strange new

world? And how did we get here literally overnight?

Two days a er Purim, on March 12, the ECC had parent‐teacher conferences. We were hearing major

rumbles about schools closing, so on March 13 the teachers came in and prepared packets of materials to be

sent to the children, believing we would be closed for a me, but having no idea for how short or long. And

here we are, weeks later, with no end in sight. We never even got to start teaching Passover in school ‐ Purim

had just ended! We had no idea how to proceed. Within a few days, we held a virtual staff mee ng on zoom,

which I myself had just learned the basics of, and we did a training of sorts, more trial and error than

anything. This for a school of mostly middle‐aged (and older) women who weren’t par cularly interested or

comfortable with technology! We allowed a few days to figure things out, gather whatever materials anyone

had at home, had each team plan together, and we jumped into virtual learning with both feet.

We set up a schedule of regular classes, including music, yoga, a daily Story me and Shabbat. We had the

children bring Show and Share, or wear their favorite pajamas, or whatever else the teachers could think of

to keep the children engaged. We created finger puppets for stories, and other visual aids to keep the

children’s a en on on the screen. We quickly learned where the “mute all” bu on is, so the children didn’t

talk over one another and the teachers, and how to unmute one at a me so they could par cipate. We

learned that the children were s ll listening, even if they were jumping on the bed or having a snack during

class. And we learned that we ma er very much in their lives. My favorite moment so far, a both beau ful

and heartbreaking moment, was the first me one of our two‐year‐olds saw her teacher on the screen, and

hugged the computer. In this me of social distancing, the excitement and joy of the kids seeing each other

on the computer screen shows us all how important the connec ons we make with each other mean more

than anything.

Right now, everyone is doing the best they can. We are living in an upside‐down universe, where almost

everything we thought we knew is not applicable. So we taught the story of Passover with finger puppets and

songs and ac ng out and story books, and we call or Face me every family to check in with them. We send

on‐line resources and encouraging e‐mails and texts. And whatever the children know for seder (or any other

topic) will be just fine. The most important lesson they, and we, will learn from this is that kindness and

caring and connec on mean more than anything in this world. And that maybe their teachers really ARE

superheroes! And that we are all in this together.

Hoping everyone remains safe and healthy during this difficult and strange me, and keep trying to find the

good.

Jackie Binstock

Director

NCJC ECC

ECC EVENTS byJackieBinstock,Director

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Want to stay in shape? Looking for good conversa on or just have me to kill. You can accomplish all these

objec ves by joining us in walking Rockland Lake each morning. Like life the only requirement for joining is just

showing up. We meet at the large parking lot near the north pool at 8:30 am each week day morning. If you want

addi onal informa on you can call 845 634‐4857. We would also like to honor the person who ini ated a walking

group of members of NCJC Don Mason. So please join the Don Mason Rockland Walkers. We welcome anyone who

would like to join.

Howard M. Balogh

Memorial Scholarship Fund

Janet and Richard Balogh have established a college

scholarship in memory of their son Howard, who

passed away in December 1984. This scholarship is an

annual award, in Howard’s name, in the amount of

$750.00 given to a High School Senior who most

exemplifies the kind of concern and devo on that

Howard Balogh himself represented. Contribu ons of

me and effort to community, leadership, commitment

to the welfare of people, school ac vi es, and other

service within our Hebrew school, synagogue, youth

group, or other areas of the Jewish community will be

considered. Student grades and individual financial

needs will be par cipant factors in awarding the

scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to a

deserving student, whose family belongs to the New

City Jewish Center, by the trustees of the Howard M.

Balogh Memorial Scholarship Fund. The deadline for

submission is April 15, 2020. It is the inten on of the

trustees to award the scholarship in June of this year.

If you are in your senior year of high school and are a

member of the New City Jewish Center and would like

to apply for the scholarship, please contact Lynne

Diwinsky, Director of Youth/Adult Educa on, for the

applica on form. For more informa on Lynne Diwinsky

can be reached by email at [email protected] or

by leaving a voicemail at (845) 638‐9600 ext. 115.

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NCJC 12th GOLF OUTING, AUGUST 3, 2020 AT THE NEW YORK COUNTRY CLUB

Yes it is winter but spring and golf are just around the corner. A er a five year hiatus, we

are bringing back this popular event. In the past, the ou ng has raised over $500,000 for

the synagogue. We want to con nue this legacy so here is how you can help.

Please look at all of the sponsorships. There are many. Talk with your colleagues or

business owner. See if they would be willing to help sponsor a hole or take a golf

sponsorship. Maybe they would even sponsor lunch or dinner?

This year we will have prizes for a hole‐in‐one that could include a car, trips, golf packages

and more. We will also have the $15,000 hole‐in‐one shootout at the end of the ou ng.

Even if no one scores a hole‐in‐one, you could s ll win $1,000, $500, or $250. Not bad for

just one shot.

We will also have a 50/50 raffle and will sell 100 boxes similar to the super bowl. Just pick

a box and fill in your name and you are in. You could even win a trip for 2 for 4 days and

three nights to Las Vegas or Puerto Rico. All you need to do is by a raffle cket.

There will be a silent auc on where you can purchase sports memorabilia or other

pictures. If you have sugges ons for these items let us know.

If you do not play golf, no worries, come for dinner and cocktails. We will have an open

bar, pass rounds, and surprises.

The money we raise will help fund programs for our Hebrew School and our Nursery

School. The money raised will be earmarked specifically for these two programs. Please

join us. You will feel be er and so will NCJC.

Thank you,

The Golf Commi ee

22

If you don't see this in your in‐box weekly please log on to NCJC's website (newcityjc.org), scroll down about half‐way,

and on the le side of the page click on "Join our Email List", and complete the required informa on. Ensure you join

the “General Interest” email list. Please note that we are not able to subscribe you; you must do this yourself. There

are known issues with aol.com addresses. If you have both an aol and another email address we strongly suggest you

subscribe with other than an aol address. If you have a problem please call the office at 638‐9600.

SEUDAH NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Unfortunately, some of our “seudonians” are

leaving for warmer southern climates. We

need help preparing and shopping. Can you

share some of your me and help us out?

Please call the office and leave your name and

number. IT WOULD BE A MITZVAH!

Thank you ‐ The Seudah Commi ee

24

Help us recycle by putting your paper and plastic bottles

in the proper containers.

What is blue and white and NOW, green all over? NCJC is!

WHAT’S NEW IN YOUR LIFE?

The rabbis, the cantor, and your

congrega onal family want to know

about your simchas, as well as, sad events.

Has someone: had a baby ‐ become engaged or

ge ng married ‐ taken ill ‐ passed away

Please call the synagogue office at

845‐638‐9600 or email at [email protected].

CEMETERY PLOTS AVAILABLE THROUGH NCJC

“It is an ancient Jewish custom to purchase a gravesite during one’s life me and to own it outright prior to burial. The Bible states explicitly that Abraham brought a grave for Sarah. Likewise, Joseph was buried in the family plot that his father Jacob had acquired in the city of Shechem”. (from the Jewish Way in Death and Mourning by Maurice Lamm)

Have you put off arranging your final res ng place because you just don’t want to deal with the details? Allow us to assist you making this an easy process with minimal hassle. New City Jewish Center currently has numerous plots avail‐able for purchase at Gates of Zion Cemetery located at 670 Saddle River Road in Monsey. Addi onally, in comparison to other area cemeteries the cost is more reasonable and the check is made payable to NCJC.

For further details or to make an appointment to schedule a personal tour of available plots please call our cemetery chairperson Jay Shaffer at 845‐634‐5697.

25

B’NAI MITZVAH

Please submit all b'nai mitzvah photos digitally to allow for higher quality.

Sarah Weissman, daughter of Debra and Andrew Weissman, sister of Hannah and

Kate Weissman, and granddaughter of Sandra and Fredric Ingerman, Rita Weissman

and Robert Weissman will become a Bat Mitzvah on May 15th.

Evan Lawrence Agranoff, son of Marci and Jeffrey, brother of Sarah, grandson of

Peggy and Jeffrey Tepper and Susan and Barry Agranoff will be called to the

Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on May 16, 2020.

Mazel Tov

Ava Carin Marchfeld will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on May 23, 2020.

Ava is the daughter of Melanie and Sco Marchfeld, sister of Samanth and,

granddaughter of Carole and Marty Zlotogura and Carin Marchfeld (z"l), and

great‐granddaughter of Pearl and Norman (z"l) Perlman.

Shane Zachary Ripps will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on May 25 (or September 7). He is the son of Jonathan and Stephanie, brother of Ethan and Adam, and grandson of Rachelle and Ellis(z”l) Gruber and Ina and Stephen(z”l) Ripps.

26

MEN’S CLUB

Our hope as we write this is by the me you read it, a vaccine has been devised, and human tes ng will begin

shortly, or poten al drugs have been confirmed to minimize the effects, and help those who become

infected recover.

If we are s ll in our unusual status quo, we hope for our community’s health and safety, and want you to

know we are here to help in any way we can. We understand being locked in our homes and social distancing

has been difficult. It also made Passover unique, keeping families physically apart, but hopefully, virtually

together (some used Houseparty, Zoom, etc.) like mine, we were s ll able to have our Seders and celebrate

one of the most fun Holidays of the Jewish Year.

This is the reason the Yom HaShoah Program had so much greater meaning this year, because while "locked"

in our homes, it gave us a small sense of what our Ancestors had to endure. Yet we s ll had the freedoms to

be seen, pray, laugh, and celebrate as we chose. Hopefully, this gave greater meaning to us all.

As we push through, we hope we can con nue to bring programs before the end of the year, like the

Boulders Baseball game, Year‐end Dinner, and celebrate those going off to College, and our Bnai Mitzvot.

Mazel Tov to all of them and hopefully we can Party together soon.

Events that we have pushed and hope to see everyone at, are our Mensch of the Year, we will hopefully

celebrate in the Fall, and our Grand Event, our Golf Tournament on August 3.

We are excited at the possibility of seeing everyone soon at many special events.

Eric

CHESED CALLERS

What does it mean to be a part of a “caring community” and how can we create this type of community within our synagogue? In responding to these ques ons, the Gemilut Chesed Commi ee is pleased to be launching a new response team called the “Chesed Callers”. Our Chesed Callers are a group of people who make phone calls with compassion and love for those members of our congrega on who could use a li le kindness.

If you, yourself, would benefit from the helping hands of our team, or know someone else who would, please be in touch with us! We thank you, in advance, for the opportunity to do such an important mitzvah!!

You can reach us at NCJC ‐ Chesed Callers ‐ 845‐638‐9600

28

A MESSAGE FROM SISTERHOOD

We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy in this very uncertain me. We miss

seeing everyone in person! Thank you so much to Stephanie Ripps for running an

amazing virtual workout class via Zoom. It really li ed everyone's spirits!

Since many of our upcoming events have been cancelled, we thought it would be nice

to take a look back at the Sisterhood events we enjoyed over the past few months:

NCJC Welcome Back BBQ ‐ Everyone enjoyed our refreshing pineapple, banana, & strawberry concoc ons.

Pink Challah Bake ‐ Sheryl Yomtov gave an emo onal (and at mes, hilarious!) speech about her experience

as a two‐ me survivor of breast and ovarian cancer. Dr. Suzanne Flapan presented on the myths and truths

about breast cancer, and the importance of being proac ve about your health with regular check‐ups and

exams. The night finished off with Rochie Pinson, Master Challah Baker, teaching the art and significance of

challah braiding. The challahs not only looked pre y, they tasted delicious as well!

Paid‐Up Membership Dinner ‐ We had over 60 women in a endance enjoying a delicious dinner from

Evergreen, shopping at our various vendors, winning raffle prizes, and ge ng beau ful henna ta oos. The

highlight of the evening was a Bollywood dance performance from Sonalee, based on a beau ful blend of all

Indian dance styles, including classical, folk, and the more current hip hop.

Chicken Soup Cooking Event ‐ We were able to prepare over 20 batches of chicken soup from scratch to be

delivered to those that fell ill over the winter months. Sara Kansky did a great job teaching us how to make

delicious, homemade chicken soup!

One Crazy Night! ‐ We had a lot of fun reminiscing about our college days and playing games. Thank you to

Jenn & Eric Litvak for organizing such a great event!

Women on the Bimah ‐ In honor of Interna onal Women's Day, Gabrielle Haber, Jenn Litvak, Sheila

Gersh and Maureen Rowin organized a beau ful and inspiring annual event.

Hamantaschen Bake ‐ Jennifer Javer and Jacklyn Goldberg organized a fun baking event for our NCJC

children. Every child was able to roll out their own dough, fill them with yummy toppings, shape them into

triangles, and take them home to bake!

Hope to see everyone soon!

‐‐ Jill & Jenn

31

TRIBUTES AND DONATIONS

YAHRZEIT AND YISKOR

Gary & Rochelle Katz in memory of Natalie Barsky

Michael & Shari Stopler in memory of Nathan

Stopler

Aron & Sabena Beriy in memory of Eugenia Beriy

Boris & Zoya Stal in memory of Frida Tilis

Jeffrey & Sandra Zimmerman in memory of Regina

Dorfman

Murray & Sandra Cohen in memory of Mildred

Berman

In memory of Anna Bronstein

In memory of Solomon Smith

In memory of Nathan Cohen

Rachel Korn Wasserman in memory of Aaron Korn

In memory of Saumel Rosch

Sam & Debbie Greenbaum in memory of Dora

Greenbaum

Andrew & Bonnie Kaplan in memory of Freida

Kaplan

Fred & Ethel Kirschenbaum in memory of Harry

Kirschenbaum

Susan Nanus Levine & Larry Levine in memory of

Helen Resnick

Alan & Roni Goldman in memory of Mary Goldman

Carol & Steve Schulman in memory of Victor Blitzer

Beth & Michael Mendick in memory of Edward

Davidson

Bernard & Ellen Komorsky in memory of Louis

Eckhaus

In memory of Gussie Eckhaus

Harrie e & Donald Fink in memory of Richard M.

Bluver

Harold & Beverly Frisch in memory of Bella Frisch

Debra Pritzker in memory of Margaraet Pritzker

Kenneth & Sandra Greenbla in memory of Gilbert

Greenbla

In memory of Lenore Greenbla

Susan & Lee Krochmal in memory of Paula Krochmal

In memor of Lillian Morin

In memory of Abraham Morin

Marilyn & Dennis Drayer in memory of Philip

Norman Frankfater

In memory of Rose Frankfater

Sheldon Grossman in memory of Dorothy Grossman

Marla & David Slater in memory of Florence Glickel

Sy Alter & Rita Glass in memory of Ben Weitzman

In memory of Murray Rosen

Joyce & Richard Greenwald in memory of Dorothy

Gardner

In memory of Michael Gardner

Arlene Ashkinazy in memory of Rose Ashkinazy

In memory of Jack Ashkinazy

Joyce & Myron Rogow in memory of Hy Black

In memory of Abbe Rogow

Arthur & Sandra Landes in memory of Linda Sadin

Alan Reiman in memory of Ellen Samberg Reiman

Helayne & Yitzhak Shedletzky in memory of Neil

Luria

Eileen & Michael Sokoloff in memory of Gabriel

Silverstein

Barbara Hilfman in memory of Pearl Hilfman

Ed & Sharon Schuman in memory of Rose Schuiman

In memory of Celia Olitsky

Seymour & Pearl Dubbs in memory of Delores

Shaner

Martha Katz in memory of Pauline Feld

Cheryl & Alfie Schloss in memory of Lee Kalter

Elaine & Arnold Van Deuren in memory of Rachel

Van Deuren

Marilyn Silberglied in memory of Jack Silberglied

In memory of Lena Mishkin

Bertha Mann in memory of Ruth Kesner

Bill & Rochelle Greenberg in memory Fay Greenberg

Bernice Dworkin in memory of Regina Chasar

Susan & Joel Resnick in memory of Theodora

Pomerantz

Leonard & Brenda Greenberg in memory of Sophie

Greenberg

Roberta & Kenneth Kaplan in memory of Eleanor

Kaplan

32


Esther & Arnold Tannowitz in memory of Paul

Kalikstein

In memory of Philip Kalikstein

Jerrold & Debbie Sholtz in memory of Sylvia Mirman

In memory of Bessie Stein

Louise Mason in memory of Herman Mason

Sco & Lorraine Hazan in memory of Jack Hazan.

Freida & Max Strauss in memory of Molly Strauss

Eleanor & Jeffrey Schwartz in memory of Lester

Schwartz

Judy & Henry Judka in memory of Fay Panczuch

Rosalyn Mintz in memory of Norman Spector

Cecile & Marvin Benjamin in memory of Harry

Benjamin

In memory of Jack Makadok

Miriam & Mordechai Golan in memory of Charles

Singer

Barbara & Douglas Cypes in memory of Harry

Palansky

Arlene & Lawrence Ashkinazy in memory of David

Goldberg

William & Stella Margolies in memory of Bernard

Zalma

Mar n & Carole Zlotogura in memory of Abraham

Zlotogura

Mark & Rhona Rosen in memory of Jean Rosen

GENERAL DONATIONS

Marilyn Silberglied in memory of Terry Manowitz

Abe & Margaret Moritz in memory of Neil Luria

David & Elaine Kanef in memory of Gabe

Weingarten

In memory Nathan Bornstein

In memory of Joel Samson

Shira & Mordy Steinfeld

George Vetrovec in memory of Roslyn Ellenbogen

RABBI BERKMAN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

Cheryl & Alfie Schloss in memory of Murray

Jacobson

Suzanne Kolodny in honor of the birth of Rabbi

Berkman & Carol King Berkman’s grandson

Sheldon Grossman in memory of Hazel Grossman

Sy Alter & Rita Glass in honor of his grandchildren

gradua ng from College.

Amy Nicole Miller graduated from Vassar

College and

Jacob M. Miller graduated from Lafaye e

College

Marilyn & Harry Soffer in honor of Jennifer

Backelman being named 2020 Youth of the Year

In honor of Adam Shinder being named 2020

Youth of the Year

In honor of Chana Berkman being named

2020 Youth of the Year

In honor of Naomi Fox being named 2020

Youth of the Year

In honor of Solomon Fox being named 2020

Youth of the Year

Rosalyne and Maynard Zucker in honor of the birth

of

Rabbi Berkman & Carol King Berkman’s

grandson.

Cheryl & Michael Turkel in honor of the birth of

Rabbi Berkman

& Carol King Berkman’s grandson

Nancy Goshin in memory of the birth of Rabbi


Fran & Marty Petersel in honor of the birth of Rabbi


In honor of Ron Federman, Harry Baker and

Susan Sicherman being on honored at the

Past Presidents Ball.


Ruth & Jack Baum in memory of Alfred Mendel

In memory of Magarete Mendel

ADULT EDUCATION FUND

Barbara & Ron Federman in memory Neil Luria

Mazel tov to Cliff and Debbie Pa ck on their

new home.

33


ALIZA CAPLAN PLAYGROUND FUND


Wishing Mike Hirsch a speedy recovery

CHESED FUND (Previously Shiva/Chesed/Bikkur

Cholim Funds)

Fran & Michael Satran in memory of Joel Samson

In memory of Louise Linkoff

In memory of Neil Luria

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER FUND

Bill & Sonia Stern in memory of Dr. George Menken

In memory of Celia Sirota

In memory of Eileen Gellerman

MINYAN FUND

Aron & Judy Weber in memory of Neil Luria

In memory of Ricky Weisman

In memory of Joel Samson

In memory of Murray Jacobson

Gerri & Allen Zabusky in memory of Neil Luria

Susan & Doug Negrin in memory of Dr. Jerome

Goldfischer

Cindy & Larry Geisinger in memory of Neil Luria

THE TARSON/NADEL FUND

Arlene & Harvey Lander in memory of Gussie

Lander

In memory of Louis Lander

In memory of Frances Mannheimer

TREES FOR ISRAEL

Sy Alter & Rita Glass in memory of Neil Luria

In memory of Sam Alter

In memory of Lillian Alter

Carol & Barry Silberfarb in memory of Miriam

Davisberkman

Jake & Susan Kohenak in memory of Yakov Karako

Sheila Leventhal in memory of Rabbi Adam Feldman

In memory of Helen & Al Murray

In memory of Rabbi Henry Sosland

In memory of Sophie Itchov

OUR CONGREGATION EXTENDS ITS DEEPEST

SYMPATHIES TO:

It is with sadness we announce the passing of

Murray Jacobson, husband of Rosalind, father of

Eve (Chanan) Kessler, Marian Yael (Stuart) Selip,

Janice (David) Ramos, Richard (Elise) Jacobson,

brother of Jonah (Barbara) Jacobson, grandfather of

Penina Yaffa, Yusef, Bren, Emily, Sarah and Ben


former congregant and founding member

Connie Spector wife of Aaron Spector z"l, mother of

Marty (Barbara), Randy (Stacey), Donald (Janice),

Carl (Susan), and E a Spector, grandmother of 12

and great grandmother of 2


Be ye Neuwelt, wife of Howard Rubin z"l, mother

of Mona z"l (Barry) Weiss, Bonnie (Michael) Wofsy,

Ron Wofsy, Richard (Jill) Wofsy, grandmother of

Michael (Rebecca) Weiss, Andrew (Lisa) Weiss,

David Weiss and great‐ grandmother of Nathan,

Lexi, Marshall and Ramona Weiss

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Ruth

Shapiro, mother of Carol (Myles) Schiller, Deborah

(Patrick) Gordon, Ellen (Barry Brown), Robert (Julie),

and Elizabeth, grandmother to Zachary, Abby,

Gabriel, Benjamin, Jesse, Elysse, Ethan, Jenny, Max,

Daniel, Rachel and Jacob, great grandmother to 8.

125B - New City Jewish Center, New City, NY Pg. 1

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