January 2025

Letter from the President

Dear Members and Friends of Temple Israel,

     Nays Gadol Hayah Sham – A Great Miracle Happened There! The four Hebrew letters on the dreidel (Nun, Gimel, Hay, and Shin) serve as a mnemonic to recall our antecedents’ triumph over the Syrian Greek invaders in our homeland, and the miraculous long-lasting lamp oil. As we celebrate Chanukkah and spin the dreidel, we hope that it lands on the letter Shin, and we can claim the pot. Even Hay would be okay, as we would win half the pot.

While we usually only play dreidel for a week, our Temple Israel Lottery Fundraiser offers hundreds of chances to win – six days a week all year long! TI Lottery tickets only cost $25 each, and if the number you choose is selected in the NY State Lottery, you win! These make great gifts, and it has been an effective fundraiser for our synagogue, as well.

As you know, dreidels in Jerusalem are engraved with different letters (Nun, Gimel, Hay, and Pay) representing the sentence: Nays Gadol Hayah Po – A Great Miracle Happened HERE! This reminds me of the great miracle that happened here in Vestal a decade ago. Our Temple building collapsed, and miraculously , no one was injured. As a further miracle, we were able to rebuild and reconsecrate our own synagogue. With the support of each and every one of you, we have been able to pray, study, and enjoy this institution, carrying on the traditions of our ancestors in a modern, egalitarian manner.

Your continued financial support and personal participation are essential to keep this miracle alive. I remind you that Annual Dues are due in full by the end of December. Please also consider celebrating a simcha with an engraved leaf, or memorializing a loved one with a yahrzeit plaque, or donating to any one of our various funds.

In 2025, under the leadership of Rabbi Friedman, we are planning numerous opportunities to fulfill your needs. After a busy December, 2025 is off to a great start with a stimulating Adult Ed program on January 12th featuring Professor Dina Danon, and planning is underway for an exciting Musician-in-Residence Weekend with Zach Mayer in March. Your participation and program ideas are most welcome.

A number of our regulars are away during the Winter months, so your participation in our Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday services (in-person or on zoom) is greatly appreciated. Come on in from the cold and enjoy the warmth of our services and programs. We look forward to seeing you.

Best wishes for a healthy and fulfilling 2025,
Art

Arthur B. Siegel
President – Temple Israel