June 2025

Letter from the President

Dear Members and Friends of Temple Israel,

Once again, I must begin by taking note of ongoing antisemitic atrocities in the US and elsewhere. In addition to the 56 hostages and hostage remains still held by Hamas since October 2023, the Pennsylvania (Jewish) Governor’s mansion was firebombed, two young diplomats were gunned down in Washington, DC, and a dozen peaceful demonstrators were severely burned in a flamethrower attack in Boulder, CO, this week. We condemn these savage attacks, and recommit to enhancing the Safety and Security at Temple Israel, as well as support broader efforts across our Southern Tier community and beyond.

Your Safety and Security Committee continues to take actions to improve safety at Temple Israel. In the absence of grant monies from Federal or State sources, your Board of Trustees approved a plan to apply some Endowment earnings to get started on security-related capital projects over the next three years. We just replaced the video surveillance computer, and we will continue to retain hired security officers for large functions, especially if these are advertised publicly and if we expect many unknown guests. There are many small improvements behind the scenes, as well.

Spring seems to be hurtling toward summer as the flora of our Temple Israel grounds is now in full bloom. The transition from grey to green to a panoply of color somehow resonates with our congregational experience. A number of dear friends and relatives, some true pillars of our community, have passed away over the past year and we grieve these losses. Even as we mourn for those we have lost, our hearts are lightened by a number of simchas in our Temple Israel family. The B’nai Mitzvot of Zohar Friedman and Micah Yarkoni are each on the calendar in June, and we just celebrated the wedding of Rabbi Talia Laster to Temple Israel Rabbi Micah Friedman.

As we navigate these myriad emotions around these life cycle realities, we are fortunate to have Reb Micah as our spiritual leader. In the past year we have maintained spirited participation in our Shabbat, Weekday, and Holiday Services; delivered a strong calendar of Adult Education with the Rabbi and other teachers; and organized diverse and fun programs such as the Lag b’Omer Picnic and the Artist in Residence Weekend with Zach Mayer, to name just a few.

We will be working over the summer to plan for the High Holidays and a full calendar of events for next year. Won’t you join us? Please participate in the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 17th at 7:00pm at Temple Israel and via zoom. In addition to the elected Officers and Trustees, we have plenty of room for volunteers to serve on the Committees which are vital to fulfill every aspect of our synagogue life. The only way to ensure that Temple Israel will be here to fulfill your needs, and the needs of your friends and family, is to be part of the team. Perhaps you’d like to buy a leaf on the Simcha Tree or sponsor a Shabbat kiddush to celebrate a simcha?

Finally, a reminder that we rely on your Annual Dues and Donations to sustain our professional staff, pay our bills, and deliver our services, classes, and programs, so please give as generously as you can.

Best wishes to all for a healthy, happy summer!
Art

Arthur B. Siegel
President – Temple Israel