/comsynrye

200 Forest Avenue, Rye, NY 10580 • 914-967-6262 • www.comsynrye.org • info@comsynrye.org

September 2019 Elul 5780 Volume 71, Number 1

CONTACT US

Main 914-967-6262 ECC 914-967-7698 CJL 914-967-7598 Fax 914-940-6552

www.comsynrye.org info@comsynrye.org

Community Synagogue of Rye is a caring Jewish community that seeks to add meaning and purpose to your life.

Inspired by Jewish teachings and traditions, we seek to be a center for spiritual transformation; to foster the creation of sacred relationships; and to give people the tools and resources to be God’s partner in healing the world.

This vision is guided by our commitment to the Jewish values of :

Worship (T’filah) Lifelong Learning (Talmud Torah)

Community (Kehilah) Loving Kindness (Hesed)

Repairing the World (Tikkun Olam) Love of Israel (Ahavat Yisrael)

Mazal Tov to Stephanie Hascoe Slotnick and

Mark Slotnick on the marriage of their son

Michael to Priscilla Guardia Ianhez

Mazal Tov to Claire and Rafael Steinberg on

the birth of their son Joshua

Mazal Tov to Donna and Bill

DeLynn on the birth of their grandson

Caleb Ryan

Mazal Tov to Iris and Bob Praid on the birth

of their granddaughter Scarlet

Condolences

When cherished ties are broken, our burden of sadness is made lighter by the sympathy and comfort of friends.

Michael Nathan Kaminsky, father of Andrew Kaminsky

Betty Olbrys, mother of Peter Olbrys

Gordon Chesy, husband of Robin Blum, father of Eli Chesy

Barbara Janicek, friend of Robin Blum

Robert Redmerski, long-time member, father of

Lauren and Emily Redmerski

Elliot Barkan, father of Ari Barkan

Betty Valk, mother of Cindy Valk-Danish and grandmother of

Natasha Valk. 2 www.comsynrye.org

Community Synagogue of Rye is a caring Jewish community that seeks to add meaning and purpose to your life.

Inspired by Jewish teachings and traditions, we seek to be a center for spiritual transformation; to foster the creation of sacred relationships; and to give people the tools and resources to be God’s partner in healing the world.

This vision is guided by our commitment to the Jewish values of Worship (T’filah), Lifelong Learning (Talmud Torah), Community (Kehilah), Loving Kindness (Hesed), Repairing the World (Tikkun Olam) and Love of Israel (Ahavat Yisrael).

CLERGY AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF Rabbi ..................................... …...Daniel B. Gropper Cantor ................................... …...Melanie Cooperman Rabbi Emeritus ..................... ..….Robert A. Rothman Executive Director .. ............. ...…Glynis Conyer CJL Director ......................... …...Amy Rosenbaum Director of Youth Engagement….Yael Farber ECC Director ........................ …...Dale Oberlander SAJE Coordinator ................. …...Brenda Wilkin Rabbinic Intern………………...Jeffrey Dreifus

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Officers President ............................... Susan Zeitlin Executive Vice President. ..... Irene Metz Vice President ....................... Jackie Kabot Vice President ....................... Jeff Cammisa Vice President ....................... Michael Bertisch Treasurer ............................... Shara Kimmel Financial Secretary………….Seth Rosenfield Recording Secretary .............. Michele Fredman Immediate Past President ...... Laurie Frolich Trustees Josh Broitman, Felicia DePaola, Stephen Fisch, Andrea Atkins Hessekiel, Abby Katz, Pam Kerlan, Heather Cabot Khemlani, Deborah Lewis, Lloyd Mallah, Jeff Moroch, Jamie Schutzer, Mark Singer, Ben Slavin, Danielle Tagger-Epstein, Diana Tapper, Cindy Valk-Danish, Lauren Wolman, and Dana Zimmerman

COMMUNITY NEWS STAFF Editor………………………….………....Joanne Steinhart Layout and Design……………………....Jeff Frumess

WRJ/Sisterhood Leadership Brianne Goldstein and Janet Meyers

SEPTEMBER 2019 CALENDAR

3 www.comsynrye.org

Alissa & Daniel Levine

Gavin & Ryder

Rye Brook, NY

Amy & William Sherman

Leah & Hailey

Harrison, NY

Jenny & Evan Schiffman

Kylie & Bodhi

Rye, NY

Ilana Grossman–

Rosenbluth & Avi

Rosenbluth

Natalie & Jonathan

Rye, NY

Jocelyn & Zachary Kolkin

Joshua

Rye, NY

Mike & Rachlin Bernardo

Sophie & Noa

Harrison, NY

Stacy & Erik Van Gunten

Jack & Elosie

Rye, NY

Rhonda Barnat

Rye, NY

Victoria Goldin-McCarthy

& Darren McCarthy

David

Rye, NY

Welcome New Members

Monday, September 2

All Day Labor Day Office Closed

Thursday, September 5

11:30 am SAJE 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

Friday, September 6

7:00 am First Friday Torah Study—Offsite, Le Pain Quotidien 6:30 pm Shabbat Service with Birthday Blessings

Saturday , September 7 8:45 am CJL Grades 3-6, First Day Torah Study service 11:15 am Jake Sammon, bar mitzvah Monday, September 9

11:30 am SAJE 6:15 pm CSR Teens Kick-off and 7th Grade 8:00 pm Board of Trustees Meeting

Wednesday, September 11 4:00 pm CJL Grades K-7, First Wednesday 7:00 pm Hadassah Meeting—A Tour of Synagogues Around the World with a Taste of Cuisine from Each Locale. 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm Band Rehearsal Thursday, September 12

11:30 am SAJE

Friday, September 13

6:30 pm Shabbat Service

Saturday, September 14

8:45 am CJL Grades 3-6 Torah Study service 11:15 am Eli Kerlan, bar mitzvah

Monday, September 16

11:30 am SAJE 6:15 pm CSR Teens and 7th Grade 8:00 pm Ritual Committee Meeting

Sunday, September 29

8:00 pm Rosh Hashana Evening Services— Onsite, CSR

Monday, September 30

All Day ECC, CJL, Office CLOSED 9:00 am Rosh Hashanah Services with young children Offsite, Purchase College 10:00 am Rosh Hashanah Services— Offsite, Purchase College Babysitting & Youth programs for Grades K-7 Offsite, Purchase College 11:00 am Family Worship (Parents & Children Grades 3-6) Offsite, Purchase College 4:30 pm Tashlich—Offsite, Oakland Beach, Rye

Wednesday, September 18

4:00 pm CJL Grades K-7 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm Band Rehearsal

Thursday, September 19 10:00 am Weekday Torah Study 11:30 am SAJE Friday, September 20

6:30 pm Shabbat Service

Saturday, September 21

8:45 am CJL Grades 3-6 J-Life 3rd Grade Torah Study service 11:15 am Ella Piacente, bat mitzvah 7:00 pm Selichot Service Offsite, Westchester Reform Temple

Sunday, September 22

10:00 am Kever Avot Service —Offsite, Sharon Gardens

Monday, September 23 6:15 pm CSR Teens and 7th Grade 8:00 pm Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, September 25

4:00 pm CJL K-7 Grades K-3 Taste of Camp 7:30 pm Choir & Band Rehearsal—Offsite, Purchase College

Thursday, September 26

11:30 am SAJE 7:00 pm Mah Jongg

Friday, September 27

9:15 am ECC Shabbat 6:30 pm Shabbat Service Saturday, September 28 8:45 am CJL Grades 3-6 Torah Study service

ENGAGE WITH COMMUNITY SYNAGOGUE OF RYE BY VOLUNTEERING

High Holy Day Ushers Help us make the move back into our building for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur evenings and Yom Kippur afternoon, Y izkor and Neilah as seamless as possible. Be an usher at CSR–it’s a great way to start the new year and meet all of our members. We appreciate any time you are able to volunteer.

CSR Archive working group It is time to digitize and better organize our historical documents. This is a great opportunity to be a part of a working group. Enthusiasm and patience are the only skills you need.

To volunteer, please contact Glynis at gconyer@comsynrye.org or 914-967-6262

INSIDE COMMUNITY SYNAGOGUE OF RYE

4 www.comsynrye.org

Rabbi Daniel Gropper • dgropper@comsynrye.org

A New Year Brings Old Memories

I recall my father once commenting to me how it took him a very long time to adapt to seeing the New Year as beginning in January instead of September. As a rabbi, I am fortunate. For as long as I can remember my year began–and continues to begin–in September. As a child, it was the start of school. As a parent, it is the start of school. As a rabbi, it is Rosh Hashanah–the Jewish New Year–that truly begins my year. Just as Rosh Hashanah puts forth the sobering notion that all souls are judged on this day–what with being written into the mythical book of life, of blowing the shofar to both alert God to our presence and to wake up our own souls to Teshuvah, of imploring God with Avinu Malkeinu (our Parent, Our Sovereign) to be merciful on our souls–it also serves as an opportunity for Cheshbon HaNefesh (accounting of the soul). This

then provides the opportunity to look forward and backward. Forward, towards moments of anticipation in the year ahead: a new child, a daughter’s bat mitzvah, a son’s graduation, a grandchild’s wedding, a significant birthday. And backward, not only reflecting on the year that was–on successes and challenges–but also farther back, to recall other celebrations of Rosh Hashanah. Each year at this time, I find myself reflecting on memorable Roshei (plural for Rosh) Hashanah. Half of my Roshei Hashanah have been as a Jewish professional; however, I probably have as many, if not more, memories from before that. Here are some that stand out for me:

An early fuzzy memory. I am being held by my mom or dad. We stand on the balcony (of what I later learned was the Unitarian Church at 49th and Oak in Vancouver) and I look down. I see someone dressed in white. They are blowing something that I find both engaging and frightening. As I stood on my own two feet, I recall standing alongside my Zaida (grandfather) playing with the silky tassels on his tallit.

Years later, I recall walking home with my mom on a cool autumn eve. It was a time just with her, and an opportunity to share my thoughts on life, on Judaism, on world events. She just listened…patiently.

It is the first Rosh Hashanah after our synagogue, Temple Sholom was firebombed. We are in the auditorium of the JCC. It is standing room only. Being in the presence of a congregation whose passion seems to know no bounds is energizing. The rabbi tells the Chasidic story of the rabbi who told the congregation that if all you know is the aleph-bet, then say the aleph-bet. God will do the rest by stringing the letters together into the prayers God wants to hear.

Finding my way to synagogue in Istanbul Turkey during my junior year of college. Even though I understand little, I feel completely at home. It is strange yet comforting at the same time.

In Lake Tahoe, where I presided as a student rabbi, the chair of the ritual committee dropped a needle onto a recording of Johnny Mathis singing Kol Nidre (!). I took care of the rest of the service.

As Rosh Hashanah fell so close to September 11, 2001, it felt like the ink on the pages was still wet.

My sister Naomi was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in July 2004. It was my second High Holidays at CSR. What stands out is watching my father, sitting in our congregation with tears in his eyes as I spoke about my beloved sister and a vision to create a congregation of caring and love. Sadly, my sister died that spring.

It was 2016. I was on crutches. Rabbi Frankel was on maternity leave. Rabbi Mary Zamore was pinch hitting for us. I gave my sermons from a padded seat. At the end of services we announced the birth of Judith Sage, Rabbi Frankel’s newest child. There was a lot of love in the room that year.

These are but a few of my memories from Rosh Hashanah throughout the years. They sustain me. They allow me to come into this new year knowing that I am part of my own story, decades in the making; part of a Jewish story, millennia in the making; part of a communal story, where each and every one of us carry into that sanctuary our own stories of Roshei Hashanah from the past, hopes for the New Year that is upon us and dreams for what the years ahead have in store for us and for our families. It is said that God created human beings because God loves stories. I want to hear your stories, of Roshei Hashanah that stand out for you. Please drop me a note or give me a call. May this New Year of 5780 bring us blessings. May we, in this year ahead, work to create the world as we want it to be instead of accepting the world as it is.

Tamara, Elijah, Shai and Noa join me in wishing you and your families a sweet new year.

L’Shalom, Rabbi Daniel B. Gropper

INSIDE COMMUNITY SYNAGOGUE OF RYE

5 www.comsynrye.org

Cantor Melanie Cooperman • mcooperman@comsynrye.org

High Holy Day Selfie

In 2013, the word “selfie” became an official word when it was entered into the Oxford English Dictionary. “Selfie” was also named “Word of the Year” the same year. So, we’re more than half a decade into this “selfie” era, and how are we doing? We’ve all seen the “social media is running everything” headlines and imagined a future without any needless human interaction. Unless you can order human interaction from Amazon Prime. I mention this not to condemn it or to stand in the path of technological progress but, rather, to ask a simple question: How does our “selfie” culture contrast with what is asked of us during the High Holy Days? Regarding these Days of Awe, Rabbi Richard Sarason writes: “We are challenged to reevaluate our lives in light

of what really matters: our ultimate values, our relationships to others and to God (however we understand the Divine), and our own limitations of both time and ability. We must honestly confront those things that we most regret about ourselves; our mortality, our failures, the hurt that we have caused to others and the harm we have done.” In other words, even though we are in a “selfie” era, one in which self-improvement and even self-reflection play a large part, we are asked to put our outer self-focus on pause and to consider our inner life and our relationship to others, to our community and our planet. May these High Holy Days be a time to look inward, to see what is, reconnect with who we are at our core, and move toward tikkun—repair and healing so that we can find a place of shalom, peace and wholeness in 5780.

Cantor Melanie Cooperman

When I was young, we spent the High Holidays at Congregation Habonim in New York City. This is the congregation that my father joined when he immigrated to New York and it was where many of the German Jews attended. The services were at Lincoln Center and they felt grand and very formal. Something about that venue made services very special, differentiating them from the services we attended at our local synagogue in New Jersey throughout the year. It was also a “homecoming” for many of my grandparents’ and parents’ friends, who also were immigrants or children of immigrants. It was something we looked forward to every year. The feeling of the holidays’ grandeur continues with me today and I recently discussed this with my 91-year-old father. For both of us, it is a serious time of reflection. It is a time to talk inwardly and privately with God about what has transpired over the past year. And it is a time to think about where we and our family might be

in another year. My father and I have often attended Neilah services together and listened to the closing blast of the shofar together; it has been a beautiful way for us to end the days of awe and this period of inward thought. While the holidays do not feel quite as formal as they did when I was growing up, I try to find ways of continuing some of the feelings I had as a child at this time of the year. I dress more formally, typically in a new outfit, as I did when I was young, which to me symbolizes a new start. I also look forward to family time and, of course, our family’s special recipes, including my mother’s zwetschgenkuchen (plum cake). And I look forward to gathering and worshipping with friends from our community. I wish all of you a Shana Tova, a year of prosperity, and an observance of the holidays in a way that is meaningful to you.

Susan Zeitlin, CSR President

Susan Zeitlin, President • president@comsynrye.org

The Shofar’s Blast

We are excited to be coming home to 200 Forest Avenue

for the evening services of Rosh Hashanah and Yom

Kippur, and for Yom Kippur afternoon, Yizkor and Neilah.

Additional details to follow.

Interested in helping with Programming for Women? Join us for a planning meeting on September 19 from

8:00 pm—9:00pm. For more information contact Cantor Cooperman—mcooperman@comsynrye.org

HIGH HOLY DAY INSIGHTS

6 www.comsynrye.org

Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah–Like Opening Day for the Year By Jeff Cammisa For the past decade, I’ve attended opening day at Yankee Stadium. The temperatures can be remarkably low for late March, feeling more like football season in mid-December. But one of the most remarkable feelings at that first game of the season is glancing up at the Jumbotron and seeing the new starting lineup–each player beginning the season with a clean slate. For baseball fans like me, opening day serves as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings–yes, much like Y om Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. It embodies a newness and chance to make good from last season. It fosters the excitement and anticipation of doing your best in the season(s) ahead. Even some of the baseball rituals can feel a little like services; the pausing to remember players and staff who passed; the rising for the Stars and Stripes–and not to mention the seventh inning stretch–which might be a nice touch to the High Holy Day services. The Jewish New Year is a reminder to me that it is time once again to renew our commitment to be our best, both on the field and off. Yes, we each carry with us our lifetime statistics. Each year presents the opportunity to start anew–raising that batting average even higher.

A Blessing in my Life—Joining CSR By Lois Blume As the High Holidays approach, we reflect on the last year and plan for a new beginning. Joining Community Synagogue of Rye has been a blessing in my life this year. I moved into the Atria in Rye Brook, knowing nobody at Atria or in Westchester County. Rabbi Rothman was conducting Friday evening services at Atria. I told him I needed to be part of a temple community that was friendly to newcomers, offered education and was an active part of a community. He told me Community Synagogue of Rye met all these criteria. Wanting to belong to a Jewish community, I called Glynis Conyer the next day. Six months later, I am a devotee of everything the temple has to offer. In my reflections about this past year, I am most grateful for the welcome received from members wherever I met them. People volunteer to provide a ride home after a class or Friday services. During refreshments after services or a class people approach me, we talk, and I feel the warmth. The Clergy and Glynis see to it that I have a ride, affirming the mission that no one will be prohibited from attending because they can’t get there. The Atria is my new home. It is a wonderful place to live, enjoy new friends and activities, and even Friday evening services. Community Synagogue of Rye has given me the opportunity to feel like part of the larger outside world. I am thankful to you. By your attitude, you create and nourish the community. As the New Year approaches, I hope I can make a continuing contribution to Community Synagogue of Rye.

What the High Holy Days Mean to Me By Laurie Frolich Of all the dates on the Jewish calendar those of the High Holy Days are the most meaningful to me. I look forward to them, with anticipation, as they herald the arrival of a New Year and provide an opportunity for personal reflection, renewal and more than a little soul searching…as well as a new pair of shoes. When I was younger, preparations for the High Holy Days usually coincided with the beginning of the school year and that meant shopping for fresh notebooks and school supplies, getting a “back to school outfit” and those wonderful new shoes. Putting on a fresh, unworn pair of shoes let me know how special I was and how important this holiday was to me and my family. I realized even then that not every child had the privilege of starting off the year with all those “new” items. But how does that

knowledge inform the holidays now that I’m an adult? It means that once a year, at the very least, when I hear the clarion call of

the shofar, I reflect on the prior year and how I can improve in the days ahead. I consider where I’ve fallen short of the mark and

how I can commit to be a better person in the coming year. And then, when I put on those new shoes, I remember with love and

gratitude the many High Holy Days that I shared with family and friends, as I step forward into this New Year with renewed

hope for a better tomorrow.

Setting Goals for the Year Ahead By Tobie Bertisch I enjoy the High Holy Days because I get to spend time with my family. We all get together for big dinners where we can all catch up and I get to see my little cousins. These holidays remind me of the importance of having close family and friends that you enjoy spending time with. The High Holy Days also mark the beginning of a new school year. For me, this is a time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the year ahead. I also like to see our family friends, and some of my Jewish friends who I don’t go to school with, at services. I also have had the opportunity to chant from the Torah at some services. This is always very exciting and it freshens up my Hebrew. The High Holy Days are very important to me and I hope to keep celebrating them for the rest of my life.

HIGH HOLY DAYS SCHEDULE

7 www.comsynrye.org

7:00 pm

8:00 pm

5:00 pm

6:00 pm

8 www.comsynrye.org

A Service of Memory Sunday, September 22, 2019

10:00 am at Sharon Gardens

273 Lakeview Ave,

Valhalla, NY 10595

HIGH HOLY DAY EVENTS

Sushi Under the Stars Sunday, October 13, 2019 - 6:00 pm

@ CSR—Sukkah

Please join us for a special Sukkot gathering for women of all

ages (including teens!)

We’ll enjoy sushi and other delicious fare as we celebrate the

feminine aspects of the fall harvest festival. We’ll also raise a

glass—of sake or cider—-and toast to the New Year.

The cost of dinner has been generously offset by the Kol

Nashim Fund. Please bring a Tzedakah contribution to support

JWI (Jewish Women International) - https://www.jwi.org/.

(Suggested donation is $18 or multiples of 18, cash or a check

made out to WRJ.)

To help us plan for enough food, RSVP to our clergy assistant,

Jon Rekedal, by October 7 at clergyassistant@comsynrye.org.

Spirits in the Sukkah Thursday, October 17, 2019 - 7:30 pm

@ CSR—Sukkah

Come celebrate Sukkot in the Sukkah

as the men of CSR connect and

socialize over spirits and other

refreshments.

Emily Walshin is a rising senior at Bard

College, with joint majors in Global and

International Studies and Middle Eastern

Studies. Emily has a deep love for Reform

Judaism, including the lifelong meaning

and relationships embedded in community

and in joyful song. Her love for

songleading and the Jewish community

flourished at URJ Eisner Camp, where she

spent 7 summers as a camper and the last 4 awesome summers

as a Songleader and general counselor. She also served as

Regional Head Songleader of NFTY-NAR for two years during

her junior and senior year of high school.

She looks forward to working as a Civic Engagement Fellow

for the SUSI Civic Engagement Summer Intensive through

Bard this summer, and is very excited to join the CSR

community for the High Holy Days!

Meet our Youth Service Leaders for the High Holy Days

Jeffrey Dreifus

Starting in September 2019, Jeff Dreifus, a 4th year rabbinical student at HUC-JIR, will join our congregation as our rabbinic intern. Jeff will be with us for 15 hours a week, teaching in our CJL, leading adult learning sessions, assisting Rabbi Gropper and Cantor Cooperman on Shabbat and helping to create other engagement opportunities for our congregation.

For the past two years, Jeff has served as the Student Rabbi for Congregation Sukkat Shalom in Juneau, AK. Prior to his rabbinical studies, Jeff worked as a Senior Analyst, and as VP of Strategic Initiatives for a green tech startup. Jeff co-founded the TI Fellowship, a summer program in Memphis that provides Jewish students with internships, professional development, and Jewish communal engagement.

Jeff will lead High Holy Day youth services together with Emily.

Emily Walshin

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

9 www.comsynrye.org

The ECC believes the purpose of our early childhood program is to provide a sensory rich environment where

children feel safe to explore, experiment and ask questions. We also recognize that in today’s world it is crucial

that we offer technology-free experiences that feed the senses and support creative thinking.

We are very excited to unveil our new and improved “Blue Rug” play area this September. Thanks to the fund-raising efforts of our wonderful Parents Association, we have purchased innovative equipment and materials specifically designed to encourage children to think about physical science concepts while engaging in gross motor play. This new equipment will inspire problem solving and collaboration as children, along with their teachers, interact with ramps, conveyor belts, weaving walls, wind tunnels and large construction pieces. We can’t wait to

see how the children play in this new space. Equally exciting is that the ECC staff will be receiving training and support for this new equipment, which should inspire a lot of discussion and new approaches to learning.

Dale Oberlander, ECC Director • doberlander@comsynrye.org

The Blue Rug Playground

Photos courtesy of Kodo Kids

Sept 5 Parent Orientation Night 4s & Pre-K 5:30—6:30 pm 2s & 3s 6:30—7:30 pm Cocktail Reception 7:00—9:00 pm

Sept 6 Classroom Visiting Day and Playground Popsicle Party

Sept 9 School beings for 3s, 4s and Pre-K Home visits begin for Twos

Sept 16 First Day of School for 5 Day 2s

Sept 17 First Day of School for 4 Day 2s

Sept 18 First Day of School for 3 Day 2s

Sept 23 Enrichment and Lunch Service Begins

Sept 27 BOO BOO BRUNCH 2s Families 9:30 am First Friday morning Shabbat of the school year

Sept 30 ECC Closed for Rosh Hashanah

ECC Important Dates

THE RABBI ROBERT A. ROTHMAN CENTER FOR JEWISH LEARNING

10 www.comsynrye.org

There’s a special energy that comes with the beginning of a new year in September. The summer is a time for dreaming and planning, and when the CJL opens, we can really begin. Rabbi David Marcus points out that the Hebrew word shanah (year) comes from the same root as shinui (change). As we begin a new year at the CJL, we’re excited about the changes that this year will bring. Learning spaces An ongoing project at the CJL is creating spaces for our learners that are engaging and support collaborative learning experiences. NorvaNivel, designers of innovative classrooms, recognize that creative

spaces spark imagination, nurture creativity, and support diverse learning activities. To this end, we continue to add flexible furniture, including couches, floor cushions, and lap desks, to our CJL classrooms. New 7th grade curricula for both our Monday evening and Wednesday afternoon programs, designed to answer the question: What do our 7th graders need? The new curricula respond to developmental needs of early adolescents and the particular challenges and opportunities of the b’nai mitzvah year. Monday evenings will begin with a core Jewish literacy component, designed to give our 7 th graders basic tools and knowledge to navigate the adult Jewish world comfortably. The evening will end with community building designed around the principles of SECD (social emotional learning and character development), mixing fun activities with exercises that build social skills, respect, and kindness. On Wednesday afternoons our 7th graders will continue to have the special opportunity to build meaningful relationships with Rabbi Gropper, Cantor Cooperman, and our new rabbinic intern, Jeff Dreifus. These relationships are invaluable, a chance for the clergy to provide support as learners navigate the stresses of the b’nai mitzvah year. Wednesday afternoons, our 7th grade will have the opportunity to share authentic Jewish experiences with the clergy, from doing tashlich at Rye Beach to preparing and sharing a Shabbat meal. Transforming CSR’s library ECC Director Dale Ober lander and I have reimagined how CSR ’s underutilized library could become a magical space for children and families. Our goals are to highlight CSR’s exceptional children’s collection and create a space that is especially welcoming for children and families, with flexible furniture and functioning technology that reflects the collaborative, experiential way that children learn today. Transforming the library is a work in progress, and we’re excited about the opportunity for ECC and CJL children to take full advantage of the library when the project is completed. All of these are shinui l’tova–change for the better–that expand what learning looks like at the CJL and support our priorities of developing kindness and empathy along with Jewish literacy and skills. Our goal is for children to enter spaces that are welcoming and engaging and have learning experiences that are joyous and meaningful. The education team at the CJL sees a new year as a new opportunity: to welcome and celebrate our learners and their families, to plant seeds for life-long learning, and to create powerful, positive Jewish memories in the children we are privileged to teach.

Amy Rosenbaum PH.D, CJL Director • Arosenbaum@comsynrye.org

New Beginnings

Happy fall! As we return to the regular hustle and bustle of the school year, I am still dreaming of the 10 weeks I spent at URJ Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, MA. As Limud Director, I had the honor of working with our visiting faculty to teach

campers of all ages, from 2nd-10th grade, through various lenses. At the end of the summer, we culminated 2nd session with Maccabiah, or color

war. In addition to the sports, arts, dance, drama and spirit that the teams work on, each of the four teams received a Jewish value that was part of the larger Jewish theme. Using a text found in our morning liturgy, our entire camp community cheered their way to victory through the quote “God guards over all who love God” (Psalm 145:20). Each of the teams were assigned a guardian: Shmirat HaGoof (Guardians of the Body), Shmirat HaNefesh (Guardians of the Soul), Shmirat HaAdamah (Guardians of the Earth) and Shmirat HaTorah (Guardians of the Torah).

These four themes that had campers screaming and cheering at the top of their lungs during tug ‘o war, fight songs, and alma maters can provide the foundation for what our teens do

throughout the year. Through our Monday night electives, social justice trips, Social Action Sundays, and engagement in Jewish life, our teens are learning what it means to be guardians in these four categories. As we look to 5780, I encourage all of us to find ways in which we can be guardians whether it is of the body, soul, Earth, or Torah.

It is never too early to start thinking about summer camp! If you’re interested in learning more about our URJ Northeast Camps, email me at yfarber@comsynrye.org.

Yael Farber, Director of Youth Engagement & Informal Learning • Yfarber@comsynrye.org

Camp Lessons for All Ages

THE RABBI ROBERT A. ROTHMAN CENTER FOR JEWISH LEARNING

11 www.comsynrye.org

OUR B’NEI MITZVAH

Eli Kerlan

My name is Eli Kerlan and I will be called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah on September 14. I am an eighth grader at Rye Middle School. My parents are Pam and Mike Kerlan and I have a younger sister, Charlotte. I enjoy

playing baseball, basketball and soccer. One of my other passions is playing the trumpet. My Torah portion is Ki Teitzei from the Book of Deuteronomy. In his last days, Moses was committed to telling all of the rules to his

people so this portion includes 74 of the Torah’s 613 commandments. In Ki Teitzei, Moses highlights the importance of helping others. This is the reason that I chose to volunteer at Bread of Life for my mitzvah project.

At Bread of Life, I stocked shelves, carried packages and distributed food to community members in need.

Ella Savannah Piacente

My name is Ella Piacente and I will be called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah on September 21. My parents are Jackie and Victor Piacente. I have an older sister Siena. I am in the eighth grade at Blind Brook Middle School.

I enjoy playing tennis, and spending time with my friends and family. My Torah portion is Ki Tavo from the Book of Deuteronomy. My portion is about the time when the Jews are about to enter into the promised land of

Israel. Moses makes a speech reminding them to follow the Commandments and the teachings of the Torah. For my mitzvah project, I am working with the Sharing Shelf, which is part of Family Services of Westchester. I

helped to fill new backpacks with school supplies to give to children in Westchester when they begin the new school year. I also donated clothing, which will be distributed to teenage girls in various communities. In the fall I will be spending time helping to sort and organize donated clothing for all ages of children, to provide to low

income families in Westchester.

Jake Sammon

My name is Jake Sammon and I am the son of Barbara Waldman and Robert Sammon. I have an older sister named Julia. I am an eighth grader at Rye Middle School and I will be called to the Torah on September 7. My

Torah portion is Shoftim from the Book of Deuteronomy. This Torah portion explains the time when the Israelites were about to enter Israel after wandering in the wilderness for forty years. Moses knows that he will not be able

to make the trip with them, due to old age. He reminds the people of laws that God gave them in the past. He stresses the importance of fair judges and officials to carry out justice in the society. For my mitzvah project, I

have tried to bring joy to the elderly. I organized a group of very talented kids and teens to visit and perform variety shows at Nursing Homes. We had dancers including tap, lyrical, Irish, and jazz, as well as singers,

violinists, pianists, guitarists, and contortionists. Many of the residents commented on how nice it was to see young people around for a change. I deeply enjoyed seeing the smiles on their faces and I hope to organize more

visits in the fall.

Walkway to Worship

Become a permanent part of CSR

Celebrate special moments by being a part

of our walkway. Purchasing bricks is a unique

way to create a lasting tribute to family and

friends and celebrate the passages and

milestones of our lives.

Questions? Please contact:

Donna DeLynn

ddelynn@optonline.net

(914) 937-0648

https://www.comsynrye.org/walkway-to-worship.html

THE RABBI ROBERT A. ROTHMAN CENTER FOR JEWISH LEARNING

12 www.comsynrye.org

MINI Mitzvah Day

October 26

Knit & Sip For a Cause

Kick Off Thursday, October 30, 2019 7:30 pm @ CSR

RSVP to clergyassistant@comsynrye.org

As we sip and knit for baby boxes, Jane

Levy will share information about the Open

Door Foundation and its work with mothers

in need.

All levels and ages welcome.

Join the CSR Delegation!

McCormick Place, Chicago

Join thousands of Jews from across

North America and around the world

to learn, pray, share ideas, dance and

sing, hear from inspiring speakers and

the leaders of our Movement, reunite

wi th old f r iends , create new

connections, and make decisions

about the policies of the Reform

Movement.

For more information, contact our president

Susan Zeitlin at szeitlin@comsynrye.org

https://www.urjbiennial.org/

Brunch & Speaker Marti Michael

10:45 am—11:30 am

Event Activities

11:30 am—1:30 pm

Event Activities

Outdoor Clean up

Cook a meal to donate

And more

What's Happening with Asylum Seekers Released by ICE

A Volunteer's Personal Experiences

Marti Michael has been volunteering near the

Arizona border (Tucson and Phoenix) as asylum

seeking families have cleared their “credible fear”

interview and are released to local churches with

their children, having not bathed, wearing dirty

clothes, hungry, confused and afraid. Hear their

stories and see photos of their release and the trials

of their journey to their sponsors in the US to await

their asylum hearing.

She has also just returned from working with the

Overground Railroad in Ohio, helping the released

families as they transit to their sponsors.

Marti will speak, and show photos, about what she

has seen and learned, and then open the program

up for questions and discussion.

THE RABBI ROBERT A. ROTHMAN CENTER FOR JEWISH LEARNING

13 www.comsynrye.org

Monday September 9 County Executive George Latimer Join us with our County Executive for an update of our Communities.

Thursday September 12 Paul Hicks, a great wr iter , histor ian and long, longtime Rye native and researcher extraordinaire will be presenting a history of the Slavery in Rye.

Monday September 16 Project Dorot staff Jodi Becker , LMSW and Linda Walter , LCSW will speak on Dorot ’s mission in Westchester and ask us to write cards and messages they will share with clients. Please join us to learn how to help reduce social isolation in seniors and better equip ourselves to successfully age in place.

Thursday September 19 Antiques Tour & Lunch–off site. Visit the home of SAJE member Gary Taplin, whose lifetime work was restoring pre and early 20th century coin-operated penny arcade and music machines for collectors around the country. Come learn about this by-gone era and see, hear and play a few of these fun machines. Address and parking instructions will be provided when you RSVP to Bwilkin@comsynrye.org.

Monday September 23 Growing Up as a Jew In Russia. Photographs and well-researched presentation by CSR member, Michael Yalovitser, who came to the USA in 1977. Michael will share what life was like in Russia for himself, his parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.

Thursday September 26 Nathan Reiff discusses Three Tenors: Enrico Caruso, Beniamino Gigli and Jussi Bjorling. He will present the story of three legendary singers with film and expert narration on their preforming style and history.

Monday September 30--No SAJE Rosh Hashanah

SAJE (SENIOR ACTIVITIES IN A JEWISH ENVIRONMENT)—ADULT PROGRAMMING DURING THE DAY, ALL ARE WELCOME!

Brenda Wilkin• SAJE@comsynrye.org

ADULT LEARNING

First Friday Torah Study

SEPTEMBER 6, 7:00 AM—Offsite, Le Pain Quotidien

The monthly Torah study sessions are designed to allow working members of the synagogue to squeeze in some Torah study before the start of the workday.

They are held on the first Friday morning of the month and last roughly an hour. Torah texts are also available for use. We hope you can join us (no RSVP required, just come).

WEEKLY TORAH STUDY SELECT THURSDAYS AT 10:00 AM

Study Torah with Rabbi Gropper as your guide. Learn life lessons that have been passed down from generation to generation for the last 5,000 years. For more information please email clergyassistant@comsynrye.org

INSIDE COMMUNITY SYNAGOGUE OF RYE

14 www.comsynrye.org

DONATE WINTER CLOTHING

Our dedicated bins are back in the lobby!

The Sharing Shelf seeks donations of winter clothing for infants, children and teens.

Please bag items and place them in the marked bins.

All sizes, from newborn through adult XXL are accepted but sizes 3T-14 for boys and girls as well as casual clothing for

teen boys is critically needed.

Donations of new socks & new underwear are greatly appreciated but we do not accept used ones.

CLOTHING SHOULD BE IN CLEAN, WEARABLE CONDITION FREE OF RIPS, STAINS AND TEARS

READY FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION TO CHILDREN IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.

If you have any questions or would like to help, please contact Carrie Nagel at carrienagel1203@gmail.com

October 17, 2019 - 6:00 pm

@ Community Synagogue of Rye

Snacks & drinks provided

Suicide can be prevented. This presentation will

cover what we know about this leading cause of

death, the most up-to-date research on prevention,

and what we can all do to fight suicide. Participants

will learn the common risk factors for suicide, how to

spot the warning signs in others, and how to keep

ourselves, our loved ones and those in our

community safe.

CONTRIBUTIONS Joan & Ron Cohen in memory of Gordon Chesy and in honor of Rhoda Levine RELIGIOUS SCHOOL ENRICHMENT FUND Jackie & Lee Freund in honor of Rabbi Frankel Jaclyn & Jason Feinberg in honor of Rabbi Frankel for officiating the baby naming of Josie Jennifer & Jeffrey Kohn SENIOR ACTIVITIES IN A JEWISH ENVIRONMENT (SAJE) FUND Ellen & Howard Deixler in memory of Albert Deixler Leonard August Erna Kahan Caryl & Gilbert Weinstein in honor of the High School graduation of their grandchildren,

Julia and Jordan Goodman, and in memory of Gordon Chesy Susan & Gary Taplin Miriam Rothman & Rabbi Robert Rothman in memory of Ariel Silberstein Caryl & Gil Weinstein in memory of Gordon Chesy SOCIAL ACTION FUND Amanda & Matt Witheiler in appreciation for Rabbi Frankel Carrie, Gary, Lanie & Harlan Ratner in honor of Evan Levitan’s bar mitzvah In memory of Gordon Chesy

Debra Nanus Harry C. White

SYNAGOGUE FUND Amanda & Matt Witheiler in appreciation for Rabbi Frankel Helen & Tom May in memory of Helen’s parents, Herbert and

Mildred Nash and Tom’s parents, Eleanor and Bill May and brother, Walter May

Louise Lieblich in memory of James K. Lieblich In memory of Gordon Chesy Susan & Gary Taplin Shari & Amos Balaish

Janet Babbitt and Family Ellen & Howard Deixler Karen & Michael Stolzar Esther & Howard Blumstein Liz & Jim Warburton Alexis Peterson

Arlene Leiter in memory of Cecele Frankel and to honor the past presidents

YAHRZEIT FUND Cindy Valk-Danish & Les Danish in memory of Tze-Ning Chen Jill & Jim Feldesman in memory of Walter Feldesman Tanya & Michael Yalovitser in memory of Holocaust survivor and member of the Jewish

Resistance Joseph Yalovitser Susan Singer in memory of Eugene Martin Singer Tish Richard in memory of Norman Alper Miriam Rothman & Rabbi Robert Rothman Lauren Nauser in memory of Gordon Chesy Jeri Levine in memory of Betty Valk FOR THE YOM KIPPUR MEMORY BOOK Leonard August

BEAUTIFICATION FUND Jayne & Harris Maslansky in memory of Charles Gevertz CANTOR COOPERMAN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Felicia & Bruce DePaola in memory of Eileen & Richard Goldstein Brianne & Sandy Goldstein in appreciation for ceremony at the

wedding of their daughter Toby to Gil Pinsberg Julie, Seth & Justin Schuster in memory of Glen Schuster Renay & Paul Becker in memory of Gordon Chesy EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER ENRICHMENT FUND Maurice Amado Foundation upon the recommendation of Amy Hanson Leah & Larry Baker and family in memory of Aaron and Jean Feinzeig HESED Rabbi Daniel Gropper Leslie Phillip-Kellman & Michael Kellman in memory of Irving Phillip Debra & Stephen Sherman in memory of Murray Sherman Rosey & Stuart Rudnick in memory of Gerald Rudnick In memory of Gordon Chesy Jenny Syversen Barbra Goodstein & Dennis Wolf KADIMA CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Roberta and Peter Gottlieb in memory of Milton R. Gottlieb and David Philip Gottlieb Jerry & Carol Cohen in memory of Elaine & Harry Siegel, Sarah & Morris Cohen, Frank Cohen MARILYN ZELMAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND Sidney & Gayleen Kaplan in honor of Marilyn and Bill Zelman’s 50th wedding anniversay MICHAEL GINSBERG MEMORIAL LIBRARY FUND Fern & Howard Bindeglass in memory of Ruth Bindelglass Marjorie & Gabriel Laury RABBI FRANKEL’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Brianne & Sandy Goldstein in appreciation for ceremony at the

wedding of their daughter Toby to Gil Pinsberg Debbie, George & Rachel Weltman in memory of William Weltman Debbie, George & Rachel Weltman in memory of Jerome Kroll RABBI GROPPER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Scott Gurfein in memory of Dorothy Wolf Brianne & Sandy Goldstein in appreciation for the ceremony at

the wedding of their daughter Toby to Gil Pinsberg Steven Steinberg in memory of Moe Steinberg Susan Sayle in memory of Robert B. Sackheim Patty & Michael Kaplowitz Jean & Eric Loeb in memory of Henny & Charles Loeb Lauren & Emily Redmerski in memory of Robert Redmerski Ricki Fisher in memory of Jonathan Fisher, Carol & Morris

Fisher, Seymour & Ruth Gardner and Debbie & Lenny Niekrie

Stephanie Hascoe-Slotnick and Mark Slotnick in appreciation for the ceremony at the wedding of

their son Michael to Prescilla Guardia Ianhez REFORM JEWISH COMMITMENT (RJC) FUND

15 www.comsynrye.org

Community Synagogue of Rye has a variety of funds which are used to enrich our congregation. You may wish to make a contribution in honor or in memory of someone or to celebrate a joyous occasion (birth, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Confirmation, wedding, anniversary). The funds are listed on the right.

I (We) wish to make a special contribution of $ to the Fund.

In Honor of Occasion

In Memory of Relationship Donor’s Name (s) Donor’s Address Donor’s Phone Donor’s Email Please send an acknowledgement note to: Name Address

Your gift is tax deductible to the extent of the law. Please mail and make checks payable to Community Synagogue of Rye.

YOU CAN NOW MAKE YOUR DONATIONS TO CSR ONLINE

To make a donation to the synagogue or any of its fund using a credit card, please go to https://www.comsynrye.org/donate.html.

Endowment Funds David & Iris Sampliner Youth Leadership Development Fund Etz Ha Dorot Endowment (Special Projects) Fund Goodkind Scholar-in-Residence Fund The Obrasky (Elder Transportation to CSR) Fund Pond & Beyond (Grounds Improvement) Fund Reform Jewish Commitment (RJC) Fund Victor & Marjorie Wolder (Annual Adult Education Program)Fund in memory of Herbert Millman Victor & Marjorie Wolder Joy of Living (Annual Joyous Community Event) Fund

Restricted Funds Adult Education (Cecele Fraenkel Memorial) Fund Beautification Fund Cantor Cooperman’s Discretionary Fund Camp/Israel Trip Fund for Teens Early Childhood Center Enrichment Fund Grayer Teen Initiative Fund Hesed (Caring Community) Fund Israel Action Fund Kadima Capital Campaign Fund Kol Nashim (Women’s Programming) Fund Marilyn Zelman Early Childhood Center Scholarship Fund Michael Ginsberg Memorial Library Fund Prayer Book Fund Rabbi Gropper’s Discretionary Fund Religious School Enrichment Fund Religious School Special Education Fund SAJE (Senior Activities in a Jewish Environment) Fund Social Action Fund Steven Harry Klein Membership Fund Synagogue Fund Yahrzeit Fund Learn more about these funds at comsynrye.org/csr-funds

NONPROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE PAID WHITE PLAINS, NY

PERMIT NO. 1062

Address Service Requested