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New Class with Rabbi Friedman
Hebrew with the Weekly Parsha
This class will be a unique chance to intertwine language, learning and meaningful engagement with the stories and commandments of the Torah. Whatever your background, you will gain new knowledge in the Hebrew language as well as explore new layers of the Torah.
Mondays, beginning January 12, 2026, 6:30pm, TI Chapel
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Tuesday Torah in our Times Discussion
Tuesdays, 4:30 PM, TI Chapel
(prior to Minyan service at 5:30pm)
This is an evolution of a space for conversation, learning, and community-building that Rabbi Friedman has been facilitating on and off over the past 15 months. The goals are tri-fold: to bring Torah into conversations with issues and topics that are relevant in current events, to build relationships and community through substantive conversation about Torah and contemporary issues, and to move beyond the polarized and partisan tone and tenor of public discourse about current issues through grounding ourselves in ancient Jewish teachings.
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March 2026
Letter from the Rabbi
Dear Temple Israel Community,
We welcomed March with joyous celebration of Purim! Thanks to everyone who participated in a full day of celebration with readings of the Megillah, costume, hamentaschen, raising money for Tzedakah, and a collection of comedy! When we come together, we can persevere through difficult times and find great joy and light – like our ancestors who were saved from near destruction in the days of Mordechai and Esther!
The rest of March will be a unique month for our community. At the beginning of April, we will celebrate Pesach, so March will be a season of preparations. On Shabbat March 28th, Shabbat HaGadol, I will offer a special learning opportunity over kiddush to prepare ourselves for the celebrations and practices of Passover. Leading up to April 1st, you will have the chance to authorize me to sell your hametz on your behalf.
In March, Temple Israel will also have two critical opportunities to meet two candidates to succeed me as Rabbi of Temple Israel. I hope everyone will make an effort to join these events and get to know two kind and capable recent musmakhim (rabbinic ordainees) who have been selected by the search committee.
Nissan – the month when we celebrate Pesach – is the first month of the Jewish calendar according to the book of Shemot (Exodus). With Spring on the horizon, we can feel this sense of the renewal of the year. Purim and Pesach, each in their own way, offer us opportunities to be renewed and embrace a new period of vitality. May we build upon the joy of Purim as we prepare for a joyous and liberatory Pesach!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Micah R. Friedman
הרב מיכה שמחה פרידמן
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March 2026
Letter from the President
Dear Members and Friends of Temple Israel,
At this writing, the Middle East is once again embroiled in hot and widespread conflict, and innocents are paying a high price. We pray for a peaceful resolution and an end to human suffering, and our hearts are particularly with the victims and their families. The Prayer for Peace in our Shabbat worship has never been more apropos than it is today.
As you know, we are seeking a Pulpit Rabbi to succeed Rabbi Friedman when his contract ends at the end of June. Our Rabbi Search Committee has solicited and reviewed applications and resumes, conducted interviews with the most qualified candidates, and have narrowed the field down to two finalists who possess the qualifications and qualities to be our next Rabbi. They are looking forward to engaging with us and getting to know us better. I urge you to participate in these visits so that you can have a voice in this process and give the candidates a favorable impression of us.
One of our finalists, Rabbi Alex M. Hamilton, is a Navy Chaplain currently stationed in Japan, so we will conduct a virtual visit over zoom. Please plan to join us (at the usual link for Temple Israel Services) on Sunday evening, March 8th, from 6:00pm-8:00pm.
The other finalist is Max Ari Davis, who will come to Vestal the weekend of 20-22 March. A Hebrew College candidate for ordination this Spring, Max will lead our Shabbat services on Friday and Saturday, and participate in our Adult Ed program on Sunday.
More background information, and a schedule of events, will be forthcoming from the Search Committee. Please join us!
Thanks to all of you for your support and participation, your Annual Dues, and your generous donations to our standing funds and fund-raisers. We appreciate your donations of any size. They all add up to sustain your synagogue.
Chag Purim Sameach! Celebrate Purim!
Art
Arthur B. Siegel
President – Temple Israel