November 2026

Letter from the President

Dear Members and Friends of Temple Israel,

This week we read Vayera, an action-packed Torah portion including the destruction of Sodom, the banishment of Hagar, and the Binding of Isaac. The reading features a panoply of intelligent and articulate characters. In the months ahead, our bimah will feature a similarly powerful variety of talented clergy and educators.

This weekend (6-7 Nov), our Shabbat services will be led by Rabbi Micah Friedman. We miss his erudition on the weekends that he is in Ithaca – Don’t miss the opportunity to pray and learn with him on the Shabbatot that he is here! Rabbi Friedman is  also in Vestal most Tuesdays and Thursdays, teaching and counseling adults and youth of our synagogue.

Next weekend (13-14 Nov), our JTS Student Rabbi Intern Sheindl Spitzer-Tilchin will return to lead our Shabbat worship. Those of us who were in shul for Sheindl’s debut on our bimah in October enjoyed her energy and musicality, so we hope you can share in that experience next time.
The following weekend (20-21 Nov), Our Hebrew College Student Rabbi Idan Erez will return to the Temple Israel pulpit.

We were privileged last Saturday to hear her beautiful drash on the theme of the power of tears and individual action portrayed in Vayera, and we look forward to her return.

This pattern of rotating talents will repeat each month, ensuring expert service leadership to supplement our capable cadre of lay daveners. If you would like to host one of the visiting clergy, please contact me. We are actively seeking overnight and meal hosts for future visits! It is a great way to engage with the next generation of Jewish leaders. Watch the TI website, on-line calendar, and the weekly “Upcoming” email for info about who will be on our bimah each week.

In parallel, our RabbiSearch Committee is working assiduously to find our next full-time Rabbi. We have been screening resumes and conducting interviews. As likely candidates surface, we will bring one or more of them in for a demo weekend, and seek your feedback at that time. TI Religious Education is on offer, too, for children and adults.
So with fresh leadership on offer every week, we are sure that you’ll find something to like – join us for services, or classes on Tuesday and Thursday.

Don’t look backwards and risk being turned into a pillar of salt! Look forward, and find your place in our synagogue. And remember – your Dues and Donations keep it running. We might not wash your feet, but we welcome you with open arms!

L’shalom!

Art

Arthur B. Siegel
President – Temple Israel