October 2024
Letter from the President
Dear Members and Friends of Temple Israel,
We could not have imagined at Rosh Hashanah 5784 last year, that our New Year 5785 would mark the one-year anniversary of a horrendous terror attack against Israel, and the kidnapping of hundreds, over a hundred of whom remain imprisoned or feared dead. While Israel has rescued or negotiated the release of some hostages, and the IDF has eliminated many of the terror leadership and much of its infrastructure, it has come at a great cost to Israel itself and eroded international support. We all grieve for the humanitarian crisis precipitated by the October 7th attack. Israel faces committed enemies on several borders and beyond, and we pray that it will be successful in defending itself, cool heads will emerge on all sides, and ultimately a lasting peace will be achieved.
Despite our angst, we have much to celebrate. A hearty Mazel Tov to our Rabbi Micah Friedman and Rabbi Talia Laster, who have announced their betrothal! We gathered last week at Shabbat services and offered a blessing for their future union, and celebrated along with their parents at a special kiddush. We continue to enjoy Rabbi Friedman’s scholarship and spirituality as he leads us into a second Jewish New Year. Thanks to his enthusiasm, we are seeing some new faces at services and at classes and programs. I hope we’ll see yours over the High Holidays and beyond. Rabbi Friedman kicked off our season of repentance with a very meaningful Tisha b’Av observance, jointly led by Temple Concord’s new Rabbi Leah Moser. Our rabbi also taught several classes over the past few weeks to orient us to the new Lev Shalem Machzor.
Thanks to each and every one of you for doing your part to support the financial needs of our synagogue. We rely on your dues, donations, and personal participation to deliver services, classes, and programs at the level we all expect. We are also pursuing grant funding for major security improvements, and the Safety and Security Committee has continued to implement essential procedures and provide training to prevent or deal with emergencies that may arise. I hope that you have attended relevant emergency response training sessions sponsored by the Jewish Federation.
Our Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services will be led by Rabbi Friedman, and feature Joel Nathanson as our Cantor. An experienced chazzan, Cantor Joel is coming to serve us from Baltimore with his wife Maureen. We are looking forward to a highly participatory service. Our lay daveners will also take many roles in our services, and we appreciate them. Services will be streamed on Zoom at the usual TI Services Link. The costs of delivering these services will be underwritten by the Rozen Foundation. PLEASE WATCH EMAIL for details and any updates.
Sweet nectar has arrived! By now you have each received your Temple Israel Honeygram packed with a honey bear cub and tea. Thanks to our many sponsors and all others who ordered these seasonal greetings. This has been a successful fundraiser and has taken its place alongside the Yahrtzeit Plaques, Simcha Tree, Yizkor Book, and other donation fixtures on which we rely. Our Lev Shalem Machzor fundraiser over the summer was also very successful, and this new High Holiday prayer book will enhance our services this season. Thanks to all who sponsored at any level, and we appreciate the major contribution of the Community Foundation for South Central New York – David and Virginia Eisenberg Fund, which sent an additional Rosh Hashanah donation as well. Our grounds are maturing beautifully, and we thank Fred & Sandra Weitsman for funding, and performing, ongoing maintenance of our flora, along with Arlene Osber, Larry Hurwitz, and several generations of the Rozen family.
In the year ahead, let’s work together to provide fulfilling spiritual, educational, and social experiences for our community. Several musical programs are in the planning, and we have a schedule of Adult Ed offerings throughout the year. If you have needs, or ideas, please reach out!
From Suzanne and myself, and on behalf of the Officers and Trustees of Temple Israel:
L’shanah tovah umetukah; may you be inscribed and sealed for a healthy and sweet New Year !
b’shalom,
Art
Arthur B. Siegel
President – Temple Israel
