Temple Israel, Vestal NY

September 2026

Letter from the Rabbi

L’Shanah Tovah Temple Israel Community,

As we begin September and kids prepare to return to school, we look forward to Rosh Hashanah right around the corner. I have been hard at work preparing for our celebrations together over Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Working once again with Cantor Joel Nathanson, I expect our High Holiday services to be full of song, spirit, and inspiration for a good year ahead! While we’re still working to finalize the details of plans for services and celebrations over Sukkot and Simchat Torah, I hope you will plan to join us for more connection, song, and community in the weeks to come.

From the start of the month of Elul which precedes Rosh Hashanah through Simchat Torah, it is traditional to add Psalm 27 to our daily prayers. The Psalm begins “To David, the Eternal is my Light and Salvation, whom should I fear?” and ends “Place your hope in the Eternal, strengthen your heart and hope in G-d.” Yet, many communities often sing aloud two verses in the middle of the psalm: “One thing do I ask of the Eternal, this is what I seek: to sit in the house of G-d all the days of my life, to gaze upon the pleasantness of Hashem and be a regular in G-d’s temple.” I have found these words moving for years now for their directness and simplicity in expressing a foundational spiritual insight that is challenging to internalize: the greatest blessing we can hope for in life is to be able to cultivate a consistent relationship with G-d.

However, these words have taken on new meaning for me this Elul as I have been recovering from a torn Achilles tendon that has prevented me from walking, driving, or getting to shul these past few weeks. I realize anew the privilege it is to be able to physically get to shul – and am grateful for the way that shul can came into our homes through Zoom. At the same, these words prompt us to remind ourselves that wherever we are and whatever we’re struggling with, we can glimpse the beauty and pleasantness of the Eternal Source of Life.

My prayer for all of us in the new year is that even – and especially – when we find ourselves dealing with difficult circumstances we can find openings to appreciate the splendor of life and love – and that we can continue to cultivate our own personal relationships with G-d. Looking forward to a year of learning, community, prayer, song, healing, and celebration!

L’shalom,

Rabbi Micah R. Friedman

הרב מיכה שמחה פרידמן 

September 2026

Letter from the President

Dear Members and Friends of Temple Israel,

We are humbled by the force of nature which wrought a terrible human toll in Asia this past week. For me, as an engineer, it was especially poignant to see how the very structures man has conceived to control nature have been torn asunder in a matter of moments. We pray for the survival of those who may still be trapped and the recovery of the many injured, and send healing blessings to the families who suffered terrible losses.

Healing is a strong theme at Temple Israel year-round, but especially as we gather for the High Holidays. With antisemitism at our doorstep, and our national and international discourse so fractious, we all desperately need a safe space for dialogue. I hope that you find Temple Israel to be such a haven. Whether you find solace in our ancient traditions and rituals, or stimulation through classes with our Rabbi, there is something for everyone.

On the subject of healing, we wish Rabbi Friedman refuah schleima – speedy and complete recovery – from his sports injury. He will be back on the bimah soon, and will lead our High Holiday services, albeit with some limited mobility. Meanwhile, he is leading classes and conducting a full schedule of activities over zoom, while preparing for the High Holidays.

We plan to supplement Rabbi Friedman’s monthly Shabbat officiating with monthly visits from each of two rabbinic student interns who will participate in service leadership at Temple Israel. We are in the process of detailing these arrangements, and expect to introduce them to you in October. Your presence at our weekday, Shabbat, and holiday services is strongly encouraged and much-appreciated. You really may be the “tenth person” to make the minyan and enable your friends to say kaddish. This will also be a way to meet the interns, who may be future candidates for our congregational Rabbi position!

After transitioning-in our interns (and after the holidays) our Rabbi Search Committee will resume recruiting for a full-time candidate, with a target to secure our next such Rabbi in Spring 2027. Until then, Rabbi Friedman will continue to provide Rabbinic support and teach classes in-person on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We hope you will take advantage of these well-appreciated opportunities to engage with our Rabbi.

We welcomed several new members over the Summer, and are looking forward to a great year ahead. Hearty yasher koach to all who participated in the Celebration of Ten Years in our New Building. Thanks to each of you for meeting your Annual Dues commitments, and special thanks to those who voluntarily increased their Annual Dues Level. A small step from each of us can add up to ensure continued financial health for the institution we cherish.

L’shanah tovah umetukah – Wishing you a good and sweet New Year!
Art

Arthur B. Siegel
President – Temple Israel