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Congregation Sons of Israel
CONTINUING THE VISION — BUILDING OUR FUTURE
NOVEMBER 2014
8 Cheshvan—8 Kislev 5775
The First Annual Frederick
Jelinek Memorial Lecture
“Is Peace Possible in Our Lifetime?
An Insider’s Analysis of The
Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process”
Featuring David Makovsky
November 16, 2014
See page 15 for more details.
Co-sponsored by The Rabbi’s Circle at CSI.
NOVEMBER DATES TO REMEMBER:
Nov. 1:
Nov. 4:
Nov. 7:
Nov. 8:
Jewish Music Through the Ages
NO SCHOOL-ELECTION DAY
Shorashim/Chagigat Hatorah
Babysitting Night
sy
k how ea
...AND...
Nov. 8:
Nov. 11:
Nov. 12:
Nov. 15:
Loo
ade it!
we’ve m
Comedy Night (see page 17)
NO SCHOOL-VETERANS’ DAY
NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
TEACHER-IN-SERVICE
Rick Recht Concert
NOVEMBER 1—MIDNIGHT RUN!!
Midnight Run is a program where volunteers from
CSI bring clothing, food and some companionship to
New York City’s homeless population. We need your
help by sending in food, or money to purchase food,
and by volunteering your time. This is not only a
mitzvah, but a rewarding experience as well. See
page 6 for more information, and thanks!
Did you know…?
Our “Adult Learning, Family and Youth Programs”
booklet is available on our website, as is each
month’s Bulletin. Visit us at www.csibriarcliff.org.
Nov. 16:
Nov. 26-30:
Nov. 27-28:
Check out our facebook page!
It is new and improved. Like us!
[our website is being updated too!]
Todah Rabbah from CSI
From The Rabbi
Cantorial Notes
Religious School News
Todah Rabbah (cont’d)
News from the NS P.T.A.
Babysitter List
Mazal Tov and Condolences
page 2
page 3
page 5
page 7
page 8
page 9
page 10
page 10
From the President
Recent Donations
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Comedy Night Flyer
Calendar
This Month’s B’nai Mitzvah
Sisterhood News
From our Rabbinic Fellow
First Annual Frederick Jelinek
Memorial Lecture
NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
THANKSGIVING BREAK
OFFICE CLOSED-NO SCHOOL
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON
THESE EVENTS
page 11
page 13
page 16
page 17
page 18
page 21
page 23
page 25
David Makovsky Lecture
Donation Form
Advertisements
page 25
page 31
page 32
PLEASE SUPPORT
OUR ADVERTISERS
Page 2
Congregation Sons of Israel
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
1666 Pleasantville Road
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
Phone: (914) 762-2700
Fax:
(914) 941-3465
www.csibriarcliff.org
info@csibriarcliff.org
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
(adopted 1999, revised 2007):
Congregation Sons of Israel is
an egalitarian, Conservative
synagogue
dedicated
to
imparting Jewish values and
traditions from generation to
generation in a welcoming
participatory
environment.
We are a caring community
committed to lifelong Jewish
learning, the observance of
mitzvot, meaningful prayer
and charitable deeds. We
promote spiritual, cultural and
social connections within our
community, to the State of
Israel, and to Jews worldwide.
Rabbi Steven C. Kane
rabcsi@aol.com
Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz
jshiovitz@aol.com
Educational Director:
Roni Shapiro Ben-David
...to all those who made food donations for Operation Isaiah! We
will publish the names of all those who helped “schlep” in the
December Bulletin.
...to Elliott Barish for being awarded
the Pesichas Neilah Honor;
...to Jill Greenstein for being awarded
the Kalat Bereshit Honor; and
...to Bob Davis for being awarded the
Hatan HaTorah Honor.
MOR
E INF
O
ON P
AGE
9.
ronishapiro@csibriarcliff.org
Synagogue Director:
Ellen Green Johnson
ellen@csibriarcliff.org
School Admin./Office Mgr.:
Doreen Gioio
education@csibriarcliff.org
OFFICERS:
Jack Zinn, President
president@csibriarcliff.org
Steven Bender, VP
Aaron Gershowitz, VP
Lisa Goodkin, VP
Roberta Kay, VP
Bob Margolies, Treasurer
treasurer@csibriarcliff.org
Eric Nadler, VP, Secretary
Andrew Kagan, Past President
Bulletin Editor:
Jolie Levy
jolie@csibriarcliff.org
Bulletin Printer:
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES FOR THE
DECEMBER BULLETIN IS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10.
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 3
FROM THE RABBI
Steven C. Kane
Each year I have tried to bring to our community a
leading voice on the subject of Israel. Those who are
familiar with the names of writers, journalists and
people in the media whose specialty is the Middle
East will recognize an all-star line up of people who
have spoken at CSI. Khaled Abu-Toameh, Peter
Beinart, Daniel Gordis, Linda Gradstein, Jeffrey
Goldberg, Yosi Klein Ha-Levi, Ambassador Michael
Oren and Ari Shavit are among those who have enlightened us over the years.
This year is no exception! Our guest speaker this
fall is David Makovsky, the Zeigler Distinguished
Fellow and Director of The Washington Institute's
Project on Arab-Israeli peace. Mr. Makovsky is often
a featured commentator on Arab-Israeli affairs
for the PBS' Newshour and has appeared in many
major newspapers and publications including The
New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and Foreign Affairs. Most interesting are
his 2011 maps on alternative territorial solutions to
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which were reprinted
by the New York Times in the paper's first interactive
treatment of an op-ed. His widely acclaimed September 2012 New Yorker essay, "The Silent Strike," focused on the U.S.-Israel dynamics leading up to the
2007 Israeli attack on Syrian nuclear facilities.
Last year I had invited Mr. Makovsky to be our
Scholar-in-Residence and was looking forward to
listening to him. Then, in November he was asked by
Every Child Deserves A Jewish Education!
Secretary of State John Kerry to join the U.S. team of
negotiators trying to forge a peace agreement
between Israel and the Palestinians and had to back
out of his commitment to us. After almost a year as
the Secretary of State's Special Advisor, he stepped
down in September and resumed his work at the
Washington Institute. He immediately contacted me,
saying "he owed us one," and agreed to be our
featured speaker this fall. His talk, on Sunday,
November 16, at 5:00 p.m. is entitled "Is Peace
Possible in our Lifetime? An Insider's Analysis of
The Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process."
I am so pleased that this year's talk has been
made possible by the Jelinek family, in memory of
Frederick Jelinek a Holocaust survivor and a pioneer
in the field of artificial intelligence. His son and
daughter-in-law, William and Melissa Jelinek, and
their children, Sophie and Benjamin, have chosen a
beautiful way to memorialize him.
As with all of our major lectures, this program is
free and open to the public. Please join us for what I
am certain will be a fascinating first-hand report and
analysis of the events in the Middle East.
L'hitraot,
SEE PAGE 12 FOR MORE INFORMATION
ON THIS LECTURE.
Please Support our Lev Program!
Donations are needed to pay for our Lev program for the 2014-2015 school year. Lev means “heart.”
CSI believes that all children, regardless of their developmental, emotional or cognitive challenges, should receive a
Jewish education. These special children are mainstreamed into our classes, or, if necessary, are placed in a selfcontained special Lev class.
Many people in the past few years have given generously to support our Lev program. Without their support, we
could not have given children with varying emotional, behavioral and learning needs the opportunity to join our
Religious School program. We help children who range from developmentally delayed to autistic. Thanks to your
generous donations, they, too, can have a Jewish education. Please make donations to the Mitzner Family Tuition
Assistance Fund indicating they are to be used for the Lev Program.
Page 4
Congregation Sons of Israel
November 2014
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 5
CANTORIAL NOTES
Hazzan Jeffrey Shiovitz
For 27 years, CSI has hosted some of the Jewish
music world’s biggest and best performers. We have
seen and heard Debbie Friedman, Safam, the
Klezmatics, Theodore Bikel, Shlock Rock, Shuly
Natan, Yoel Sharabi, Frank London, Jack Mendelson
and Andy Statman. On Saturday evening, November
15th, we are thrilled to present one of today's top
Jewish Rock n' Rollers-Rick Recht!
Rick Recht is the top-touring musician in Jewish
music today, playing over 150 concerts a year in the
United States and abroad. He is widely recognized
for his appeal to youth and family audiences not only
as an exceptional musician, singer/songwriter and
entertainer, but also as a role model for involvement
in Jewish life. Rick is the national music spokesperson for the PJ Library and the Director of the Song
Leader Boot Camp. I attended his boot camp two
years ago and knew that I wanted to bring him to
Ha Mishpacha
With Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz
Tuesday, November 11, 12:30 p.m.
(LUNCH WILL BE SERVED)
“The Man in the White
Sharkskin Suit”
By Lucette Lagnado
Book review
by Dr. Ellen Weiser
Ha Mishpacha means “the family.” This is a group
for couples and singles over 65. Each month, a
different musical, cultural, social or educational
program will be presented. We meet the second
Tuesday of each month, but please check the CSI
calendar just to be sure.
More info: call Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz at 923-0175
GREET OLD FRIENDS & MEET NEW ONES!
CSI. He is energetic, enthusiastic and lots of fun!
Rick is also the founder and Director of Jewish Rock
Radio, the first high-caliber 24/7 Jewish rock internet
radio station.
He has played before every major Jewish organization in every Jewish movement. Before shifting to
Jewish music in 1999, Rick opened concerts for
national acts such as The Guess Who, Chris Rock,
America, Three Dog Night, The Allman Brothers and
more.
I know that you will not want to miss this upbeat and
great concert. He is especially known for engaging
his audiences and encouraging participation. I hope
to see you on the 15th. It promises to be another
great evening of music at CSI.
The first program of this year’s Jewish Music
Through The Ages will take place on Saturday
evening, November 1st, at the home of Lisa and
Eric Nadler. The topic for this year will be a threepart series entitled “CSI’s Top 100 Jewish Songs
(According to the Cantor!).”
If you are interested in attending, please contact
Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz at 923-0175 or
jshiovitz@gmail.com. The program, which begins
at 8:00, will include dessert too. This is the 27th
year for this program. You will be surprised at
some of the selections!
PLEASE JOIN US!
WANT TO JOIN THE CSI CHOIR?
If you sing tenor or bass and
would like to sing with the CSI
Choir, please call either Judy
Boehr (762-1984) or Cantor
Shiovitz (923-0175).
Page 6
Congregation Sons of Israel
Shorashim Parents:
Friday, November 7, your child will
be officially welcomed into the
Religious School and the beginning of
his/her formal Jewish studies. At
this Shabbat service, the Shorashim class will be
blessed under a tallit on the bimah by the Rabbi and
Cantor. They will sing Shabbat songs, perform a skit
and each child will receive a certificate and a miniature
Torah of his/her own. (SHH! This part is a surprise!)
Students go to their classroom (Room 14) at 6:15 for
the procession into the sanctuary. After the service,
at 7:30, there will be a special oneg in their honor. We
ask that children be in Shabbat clothing. We look
forward to seeing you on November 7th, at 6:30PM for
the service. Please remember that it is Shabbat and no
picture taking is allowed.
November 2014
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 7
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL NEWS
Roni Shapiro, Educational Director
I always knew why I should be part of a synagogue
and part of a Jewish community. I knew it deep in
my heart. What I find hard to do is to show others
why. How can I explain to a prospective family how
their children learn ethics and Jewish values at our
Religious School? How can I demonstrate that every
curriculum area—bible, Israel, history, holidays
and Tzedakah—is taught through recognizing the
Jewish values that are reflected or brought out
through the practice or study of that curriculum
area? What words or story can I use to show that
we are a single community that would really touch
them and show them the feeling that I have in my
heart?
When my mother died on September 4, my CSI
community immediately reached out to me. My
children were driven to their activities. Food, prayer
books, chairs, and kippot were delivered. My house
was cleaned. Plans were made, notifications went
out, and both the Rabbi and Cantor were there for
me. Congregants with children in the school, with
children that graduated from the school years ago,
and those that never had children in the school, and
some that I didn’t even know well, came to support
me and make sure that my family’s needs were
being met.
I wasn’t ready yet to jump back in right after shiva
was over, so the synagogue gave me more time.
When I returned to CSI a couple of days after shiva
was over, our students gave me hugs and told to me
how sorry they were for my loss. The older children
have been helping me continue saying kaddish in
our school prayer session. As a Jewish mom, I was
proud of these children and how they reached out
to me. It proved to me that our values are being
passed to our children, both at home and at our CSI
Religious School. I’m sure that their Jewish education helped to give them the tools and the understanding to be the mentches that they are.
That same week that I returned, Nursery School,
Religious School and High School/Youth Programs
were being launched. Not only did my synagogue
community reach out to me, but CSI was there to
help several other families at the same time, helping
some families mourn and giving financial help to
others. When someone joins the synagogue, it
makes it possible for us to help so many others that
are in need and to provide programs and services
for all of us. While you might not think belonging to
CSI gives back to you every day, I am asking you to
trust me. When you need us, we will be there.
I’m overwhelmed and proud to be part of such a
community, and I know now what to tell someone
next time when I need to tell them how important it
is to be part of the Jewish community and to give
their children a Jewish education in a synagogue.
I want to thank our entire congregation for its support during my time of need, and know that we are
there for you.
JUNIOR CONGREGATION
KADIMA SERVICE
A special learning service for Alef, Bet and Gimel
A special learning service for 6th and 7th graders
Saturday, November 8
11:00-12:00
YES! SERVICE CREDIT IS GIVEN!
Saturday, November 1
10:30-12:00 (Upstairs)
YES! SERVICE CREDIT IS GIVEN!
(put your service card in front of the box)
(put your service card behind the tab that says
“Shabbat Morning Attendance behind here”)
Future Junior Congregation Dates:
Nov. 8, 22; Dec. 6, 13; Jan. 10, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 28; Mar. 7,
14, 21, 28, Apr. 18, 25; May 2, 16
Service is led by Sheera Zuckerman
Future Kadima Service Dates: Nov. 1, 8, 15; Dec. 6, 13;
Jan. 10, 31; Feb. 28; Mar. 21; Apr. 18
PLEASE REMEMBER that both Junior Congregation and Kadima Services take place on Shabbat. Children, as well
as anyone else coming inside the building on Shabbat, should be dressed appropriately. Shabbat is a “special”
and holy time, and children should wear “special” clothing. No sweatpants, jeans, sports uniforms, etc.
Page 8
Congregation Sons of Israel
November 2014
...TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED MAKE CSI’s 5775 HIGH HOLIDAYS
SO MEANINGFUL FOR SO MANY PEOPLE. NO MATTER HOW
BIG OR SMALL YOUR CONTRIBUTION WAS, WE GREATLY
APPRECIATE YOUR EFFORTS. IF WE’VE OVERLOOKED ANYONE,
WE APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE.

Rabbi Steven Kane and Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz for another terrific year of their leadership and for
making our services meaningful and enjoyable for everyone
 Roni Ben-David Shapiro for organizing the Children’s Services and to the service leaders:
Toni Band
Tamar Drucker

Robyn Shiovitz
Sheera Zuckerman
Susan Palefsky
Jacob Roth
Sam Roth
Joseph Schluger
Arielle Schutt
Jade Schutt
Zohra Shaukat
Talia Shiovitz
Harrison Singer
Sarah Teitelbaum
Lily Woolf
Andy Kagan
Dan Levine
Neil Schluger
Claude Tusk
Marty Weinberg
Helen Chuckrow
Josh Diamond
Sharman Gans
Andy Kagan
Ronnie Kent
Emily Sack
Suzy Silverman
Nathan Holzberg
David Kolbrener
Mark Kovler
David Leibert
Maya Levine
Marissa Lewis
Those who lead High Holiday Prayers:
Bob Davis
Jack Freeman

Michelle Korzen
Tova Shapiro
High Holiday Torah/Haftarah Readers:
Bennett Ashley
Sarina Cohn
Bob Davis
Jonathan Gold
Julia Goodkin
Rebecca Handsman

Noam Gilboard
Faith Kavy
The CSI Choir:
Sharon Alpert
Rochelle Auslander
Judy Boehr













The Custodial Staff
Everyone who volunteered to be an Usher
The High Holiday Babysitters
The Security Staff
Chair “setter uppers”
Michael Teitelbaum for organizing the Sukkah-building volunteers
Sukkah Builders (see the picture on page 23)
The Office Staff
Bette Slutsky for her continued help with the Memorial Booklet
The teens who helped put out the Prayer Books and Adult Learning Booklets
Ellen & Steve Weiser for the new Ben Gavra Torah cover
Our High Holiday silver-polishing crew
Our younger Shofar blowers: Max Hertz, Lea Levine, Maxwell Parker-Blue, Caleb Schumacher, Jonah
Schumacher (with special thanks to Cantor Shiovitz for teaching them!)
 Our not-as-young Shofar blowers: Andy Kagan, David Fishkin, David Shiovitz, Claude Tusk
Yasher Koach!!
Family Shabbat Service - Nov 1
Join Adam Zagoria-Moffet, our new Rabbinic Fellow and Youth Director, for a family Shabbat service on
November 1st, open to all children and families in 1st through 7th grades! The service will begin at 10:30 am
in the Social Hall and will conclude with kiddush with the rest of the congregation. The service will be
abbreviated, adapted, and highly musical - so bring your family and your ruach! Questions?
Email Rabbi Adam at RabbiAdam@CSIBriarcliff.org.
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 9
NEWS FROM THE NURSERY SCHOOL P.T.A.
Fall is always busy in the nursery school, with the children celebrating all the
holidays and the parents enjoying the first parents' events of the year. Last
month the moms had a night to themselves, and coming up on November 15th is
the annual cocktail party for the moms and the dads. Everyone is looking forward to the Thanksgiving Feast, held the day before Thanksgiving. We're never
sure which activity the kids enjoy more - the baking or the eating!
Delivery of the delicious Zomick's challahs has begun, but if you haven't yet placed your order, don't
worry - you still can! Order forms are available in the office or on page 6 of this Bulletin. The PTA
appreciates your support!
The PTA is sponsoring a Holiday Gift Boutique on Thursday, December 4th, from 6:30-9:30 pm. We
are looking for vendors to participate. Anyone interested in setting up a table and selling your products should contact Lauren Lucht at laurenlucht@gmail.com. We welcome everyone to come shop, enjoy some wine and snacks, and take a chance at winning one of our fabulous raffle prizes. Feel free to
bring a friend with you!
Adults to work with students on Tuesday, Wednesday or Sunday: These volunteers help in
classrooms or work one-on-one with our children. You do not have to be fluent in Hebrew,
but a basic knowledge of reading Hebrew is necessary. Drop-in volunteers are welcome too.
Teenagers interested in a paying job or community service working with children in our Lev
program on Sundays from 9-11 AM: These volunteers help in classrooms or work one-on-one
with our special needs children. Working with these special needs students is a wonderful mitzvah and looks great on
your college application. Work opportunities for our teens are also available on Wednesdays, and community service
is available on Tuesdays. Please contact Roni Shapiro.
PLEASE JOIN THE CSI WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB!
MEETING DATES: DEC. 14
JAN. 25
MAR. 1
APR. 19
The meetings are all at 7:00 PM at Roni Shapiro’s home: 26 Pocantico Road, Ossining
Books include: The Goodbye Cookie by Marcia Meislin,* Jerusalem Maiden by Talia Carner, The Nazi
Officer’s Wife by Edith Hahn Beer, The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich, The Other Half of My Soul by
Bahia Abrams, The Fruit of Her Hands: The Story of Shira of Ashkenaz by Michele Cameron, The Girl in the
Green Sweater by Krytyna Chiger, and Women’s Minyan by Naomi Ragen.
OUR MEETINGS ARE FUN AND ENLIGHTENING! MAKE NEW FRIENDS!
*Marcia Meislin is coming to speak at the November 23 Rosh Chodesh.
We have made applesauce, shook the lulav, marched with torahs, had an
animal parade, and that's not all! PJ Library has had a fun time celebrating all of the holidays with our friends!
The year kicked off with a Rosh Hashanah All About Apples program. Kids chomped all different colors of
apples and decided which was tastiest. They also created cards and a banner. We read a book that
taught us how to make applesauce and of course we finished with dinner. It was a busy afternoon!
Sukkot was celebrated with flair! We built edible sukkahs, swirled sand art, and took time to smell the
etrog! The morning was a buzz with activity!
Simchas Torah and Noah's Ark Shabbat involved parades- because, everyone loves a parade! Rainbows,
animals, torahs, and cute kids made these events memorable! Of course what would these events be
without stories and snacks? We heard the story of Noah's Ark and gobbled some animal crackers!
Be on the lookout for our Chanukah program details! Time is going quickly for PJ Library!
Page 10
Congregation Sons of Israel
November 2014
Have a friend or neighbor interested in synagogue life?
Ask them to contact one of the following:
Roberta Bar-Levav, Membership Chair, at rbarlevav@gmail.com
or Ellen Johnson, Synagogue Director, at ellen@csibriarcliff.org.
We welcome inter-faith families!
Interfaith parents are full participants in all life cycle
events, programs, and classes and are welcome
to serve on CSI's committees.
NEW MEMBER SHABBAT
AND DINNER
Friday, December 6
DO YOU RECOGNIZE THESE TALLIT CLIPS?
They were found in the sanctuary after the High
Holidays. Please let the office know if they are yours.
WALTER HOLZBERG
ZOE SCHEIER
KATYA DIDONATO
SARAH DOLGIN
KATIE KATZ
DANIEL BIRNBAUM
MARISSA LEWIS
LILY WOOLF
Mazal Tov to:
Our Condolences to:
Get Well Wishes to:
The Gift Shop of CSI, Matanah, is always
open during Sunday Religious School hours.
Come take a look at the wonderful gifts
available, some of which are imported
from Israel. Chanukah will be here before
you know it!! For assistance outside of
Matanah hours, please send an email to
giftshop@csibriarcliff.org.
BABYSITTERS 2014-15
11TH GRADE
11TH GRADE
8TH GRADE
8TH GRADE
9TH GRADE
11TH GRADE
11TH GRADE
10TH GRADE
373-4186
703-1183
787-0465
267-7079
406-3913
845-418-0684
886-5871
874-7352
The Graham Family on the arrival of Alexander Edward Graham.
Daniel Silvershein on the loss of his mother, Joyce.
Steve Katz, on the loss of his father, Hyman.
Joan Birnbach, on the loss of her father, Sherwin Gmora.
Barbara Nackman, Dan Singer, Ann Studen.
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 11
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Jack H. Zinn
What’s your favorite Jewish holiday? We just went
through a whirlwind of them. Our saddest day of the year,
Tisha B’Av, leads up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Only five days after Yom Kippur we celebrate Sukkot and
Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah. With those in the past,
we start looking to our next holiday, Chanukah. Not long
after is Purim, and it feels like just a week or two
afterwards is Pesach. Shavuot is seven weeks after that,
with Lag B’Omer in between.
I had always assumed that our kids liked Chanukah the
best. It’s certainly less cleaning and cooking than Pesach,
though finding so many presents for everyone can
increase the stress of Chanukah quite a bit. It turns out,
though, that around here it’s Sukkot, ending in Simchat
Torah. While Chanukah has presents, Sukkot is just more
fun. The year that Ian was born, CSI was encouraging
Sukkah building, and we picked up a flyer for a kit at the
synagogue. At that time, the quick-snap metal ones were
not that popular or had not been developed yet, but we
decided to take the plunge and buy the kit. We shopped
for wood and brought all the materials home. We
measured and cut the wood, and screwed the brackets
onto the planks. Soon our Sukkah took shape. We invited
friends and family to come and have a meal or bite to eat.
Each year since then, we have reconstructed the Sukkah
on our deck, right outside the kitchen door. It’s much
easier after the first year, as there’s no cutting and the
brackets stay attached on one end. Over the years
though, something special happened: it became not only
a tradition for our family, but also the highlight of the High
Holiday season. Our kids soon realized they loved to use a
power drill, stand on stepstools, and build the Sukkah
together. There is a lot of lifting and even a hint of danger
as the planks go overhead. They even like schlepping the
wood from the garage up to the deck.
I usually try to spread the task of building the Sukkah
over four days; one to take the wood out and pile it on the
deck and another to assemble, which is definitely their
favorite. On a third day, we unravel the vinyl weave green
“wall,” wrap it around, and fasten it with Velcro ties on
the top and bottom. On Erev Sukkot, we find branches
and other greenery to cut, and we drag it up to the deck
and make the roof, topped off with some trellises to
secure everything. They really get into each step, and they
are proud to have created a “building,” even if temporary.
We try to eat out there when we can, weather permitting.
A few years ago, we started to regularly purchase a
lulav and etrog set from the synagogue. Growing up in a
large JCC in Rockland County, I recall that two or three
congregants and the Rabbi and Cantor would have them
and would parade with them. At CSI, there were more
than 40 congregants who paraded with their sets on the
first day of Sukkot. It’s a wonderful site and a good feeling
to participate with so many others. It’s a strange ritual,
but one that dates back thousands of years and connects
us to our roots in a way that no other ritual really does. If
you have never experienced it, come next year – we have
congregational sets, and other congregants will gladly
“gift” theirs to you for you to use as well.
Like a fireworks finale, Sukkot ends with Simchat Torah.
On Erev Simchat Torah, CSI has a fantastic band (many
thanks to our incredible band members!). There’s great
music and lots of dancing with the Torahs. Weather
permitting, we open the walls and celebrate outside as
well. After dancing, the adults form a large circle around
the outside of the seats in the sanctuary. The Rabbi
unrolls the entire Torah, and the adults hold it vertically so
we can all see it. The kids then go on a walking tour of the
Torah, compressing the history and the stories into just a
few minutes. Seeing the entire scroll at one time, spanning around almost the entire sanctuary, is an amazing
site. You can really see the special areas, like Shir Ha’Yam,
the Song of the Sea, which is sung by the Israelites after
the Egyptian army is swallowed by the sea. The first line of
this section is also found on the wall above our ark, and
has our name, “B’nai Yisrael,” right in the center.
So why is this our favorite holiday? We really have to
work for it, building it with our hands. There’s something
to show for it. And then we can feel the peace of sitting in
it—Sukkat Shalom. We can smell the etrog’s beautiful,
lemony scent and wait to write a date on it after the
holiday and put in the jar with the others from previous
years – the etrog doesn’t rot, but instead just shrivels and
turns brown, so you can keep a collection of them. We
can have family and friends share a meal, and it’s a time to
visit with others. And then we end with a big celebration
with live music and dancing, and hopefully meeting a few
new friends. Ours is Sukkot & Simchat Torah. What’s your
favorite Jewish holiday? Let me know at
president@csibriarcliff.org.
2014-15 Board of Trustees
Jack Zinn, President
Trustees 3 years:
Steven Bender, V.P.
Robin Ginsberg
Aaron Gershowitz, V.P.
Daniel Levine
Lisa Goodkin, V.P.
Barbara Palefsky
Roberta Kay, V.P.
Neil Schluger
Robert Margolies,
Fred Schulman
Treasurer
Mara Weissmann
Eric Nadler, V.P. Secretary
Andrew Kagan, Immediate Past President
Trustees 2 years:
Antony Anisman
Doron Bar-Levav
Ira Eisenstein
Pamela Schumacher
Lawrence Smoler
Mark Wancier
Trustees 1 Year:
Lauren Benjamin
Annleah Berger
Michael Casper
Josh Diamond
Jonathan Gellman
Daniel Silvershein
Page 12
Congregation Sons of Israel
November 2014
&
Have teamed up with
and need
TEENS (in Grades 8-12) to do a Mitzvah….
Here’s how you can help:
Drop off food* - Today through November 26th in
the CSI lobby; monetary donations to the Office.
Then…teens join us on…
November 27, Thanksgiving morning, at 9:15 am at
CSI for breakfast. Teens will sort and pack food
then they will travel by bus to Neighbor’s Link and
distribute 150 large grocery bags of food! We will
return to CSI about 12:00 noon.
For more info, email Adam at RabbiAdam@csibriarcliff.org
*Canned vegetables, canned fruit, beans, rice, pasta, boxed cereal, canned tuna,
peanut butter or money to purchase these items.
Ahavat Ha-Beriot – “Love of All of God’s Creations” is sponsored by
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 13
ABRAHAM COHEN/FRED STARLER MEMORIAL TZEDAKAH FUND
In memory of Helen Houtkin
Gail & Norman Starler
BUILDING IMPROVEMENT FUND
In memory of Bernard Horowitz
CANTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In honor of Joshua Balog's
engagement to Lisa Sommer
Thank you to Cantor Shiovitz
In memory of Iris Shapiro
In memory of T. Rae Lyons
Thank you to Cantor Shiovitz
CARING COMMUNITY
In memory of Harry Litwen
In memory of George Donneson
Thank you to all the ladies that
moved and set up Belle Feldman
In memory of T. Rae Lyons
In memory of Sarah Leider
In memory of Inge N. deHerzenberg
Amy & Philip Horowitz
Gilbert & Sharon Balog
CONTRIBUTIONS
OOPS! We’re very sorry.
These contributions were
inadvertently overlooked
in the October Bulletin.
Susan Eisenstein
Susan Wattenberg
Ally & Rudy Masry
Patty, David, Andrew & Julia Stiffman
Roberta Freilich
Adele, Lauree & David Feldman
Roberta Freilich
Judy & Alan Duke
Rochelle & Marc Auslander
Adele Feldman
Joanne & Bill Roddy
Sylvia & Susan Eisenstein
The Kleinman Family
CONTRIBUTIONS
(received by October 10, 2014)
ABRAHAM COHEN/FRED STARLER MEMORIAL TZEDAKAH FUND
In memory of T.Rae Lyons
Gail and Norman Starler
CANTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In honor of Hannah & Madeline
Rosenberg's B'Not Mitzvah
In memory of Iris Shapiro
In memory of Shirley Szlechter
CARING COMMUNITY
In memory of Paul Balog
In memory of Jeanne White
In memory of T. Rae Lyons
In memory of Elinore Thaler
Speedy Recovery to Etti Cziment
In honor of Joyce & Bert Koyner
Mark & Marnie Rosenberg
Sheera Shapiro
Henry & Barbara Schoenfeld
Gilbert Balog
Selma Sherman
Selma Sherman
Jill & Joel Greenstein
Leon White
Judy & Alan Duke
CSI gratefully acknowledges
all donations.
We strive to list donations
completely and accurately. If
we have missed any, simply
let us know and we will make
a special acknowledgment
immediately!
Your understanding of any
inadvertent, human error is
very much appreciated!
EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In memory of Iris Shapiro
Barbara & Norman Block
Robin & Sam Ginsberg
Milton & Blossom Glassman
Mara & Greg Mortman
The Zaretzky Family
Ruth Baer
Susan & Peter Diamond & Family Barbara Weiss
The Schiffman Family
The Baretz Family
Deane, Abbe & Eliza Marcus
Joanne Suna
Bette & Gary Slutsky
Class 3C at Solomon Schechter Westchester (Tova Shapiro's Class)
Nursery & Religious School Teachers, Office Staff & Custodial Staff
Page 14
Congregation Sons of Israel
ETZ CHAIM - TREE OF LIFE FUND
In memory of Roger Marc Baretz
Thank you
The Baretz Family
Miriam & Hyman Mendelowitz
GILBERT KAVY MEMORIAL BUILDING FUND
In memory of Marie Goldstein
Alice & Stanley Goldstein
IRA KESTENBAUM BEAUTIFICATION FUND
Just because…..
In memory of Iris Shapiro
In memory of Elinore Thaler
Malvina & Bruce Browne
Ryna & Naftali Lustig
Ryna & Naftali Lustig
November 2014
JEFFREY DITTELMAN/ROBINOV CAMP RAMAH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In memory of Elmer White
Leon White
Elliott Barish
Speedy Recovery to Barbara Nackman
Rabbi Steven C. Kane & Family
Dan Singer
Mazal Tov on the engagement of Marian
Rabbi Steven C. Kane & Family
& Seth Natter's son, Benjamin, to Ruth Martinez
KIDDUSH FUND
In memory of Albert Cohen
In memory of Bertha Banks
In memory of Shirley Szlechter
Daniel & Nancy Cohen
Nan & Allen Banks
Henry & Barbara Schoenfeld
MINYAN BREAKFAST FUND
In memory of Manuel Brodsky
Mara & Greg Mortman
MITZNER FAMILY SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS FUND
In memory of Joel R. Krooks
Bernard & Robin Krooks
Mazal Tov on Ian Zinn's Bar Mitzvah
The Schumacher Family
Stephanie & Michael Casper
Bob & Marilyn Margolies
PRAYER BOOK FUND
In memory of Bertha Banks
Nan & Allen Banks
RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In honor of Dustin Lea
In memory of Shirley Szlechter
In honor of The Schutt family
In memory of Jack Rappaport, T. Rae Lyons
& George Donneson
SAMANTHA SILVERMAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In memory of Lella Britz & Iris Shapiro
STUDY IN ISRAEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In honor of Dan Levine reading Shacharit
on Rosh Hashanah
Francine & Robert Goldstein
Henry & Barbara Schoenfeld
Gale Kaufman
Rosalyn Rappaport
Suzy Silverman
Ryna & Naftali Lustig
CSI Rosh Chodesh Sisterhood Presents
Coming Out Of The Cupboard:
Women, Jews, And Food
R.S.V.P.
A Workshop By Marcia Meislin
Congregation sons of Israel
November 23, 2014
7:00-8:30pm
to
education@csibriarcliff.org
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 15
Page 16
Congregation Sons of Israel
November 2014
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
November 2014
The following children are celebrating birthdays during the month of November
and will be called to the bimah to receive a blessing on Friday, November 7,
during our 7:00 PM Family Night/Shabbat Rocks service. Only the names of
those present will be called. Please take your name card out of the “birthday
box” in the front lobby and present it to a Ritual Committee usher.
Sarina Cohn
Oliver Fijman
Sarah Fishkin
Max Hertz
Samantha Kilman
Gabrielle Kogan
Jacob Kronethal
Joshua Markowitz
Sophie Nadel
Abigail Nass
Emily Newman
Tyler Plank
Benjamin Raphael
Ethan Schwartz
Zara Singer
Emma Smoler
Abigail Sofer
Marley Stern
Benjamin Sternschein
Matthew Sternschein
Sarah Teitelbaum
Aidan Wohl
Ryan Wohl
George Wrubel
Matthew Zaretzky
Ian Zinn
MAZAL TOV to our members who are celebrating
anniversaries during the month of November:
Date
Years
34
1
Bruce & Barbara Silverstein
4
Barry & Libby Spitzer
30
Adam & Helene Rude
24
5
Paul & Renee Horowitz
26
6
Michael & Stephanie Casper
15
7
Jason & Dara Mirsky
15
9
Alan & Daphne Crosswell
28
11
Corey & Emily Ginsburg
14
12
Daniel Silvershein & Judy Schwab
20
13
Calvin & Phyllis Neider
26
Jonathan & Wendy Gottlieb
Date
20 Howard & Libbe Pavony
Michael & Anna Orientale
Years
37
20
22 Mark & Elise Mottel
Lewis & Jodi Baretz
28
23 Richard & Sheera Zuckerman
Benjamin & Jennifer Pergament
28
David & Marion Kessler
17
12
11
25 Mathew & Carolyn Linett
26 Peter & Randi Schonfeld
14
51
20
28 Louis & Barbara Wachtel
David & Debra Silberman
Bernard & Robin Krooks
28
Victor & Mary Sternberg
16
Jordan & Laura Russin
6
33
16
Joseph Craig & Pamela Roth-Craig
9
29 Michael & Marion Jablansky
30 Donald & Susan Weisstuch
17
Jeffrey & Beverley Wizwer
23
15
20
22
56
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 17
All of the fun of going to a NYC comedy club without the hassles of driving,
come join us at CSI for an evening of comedy on
Saturday Night, November 8, 2014 at 7:30 PM
starring
Robin Fox
Winner of the Ladies of Laughter Competition 2012 @Gotham Comedy Club
and Winner of Gilda’s Club 11th Annual Laugh-off 2010
The evening will also feature wine and desserts.
Tickets cost $30 per person
Please make your reservations early so that we can adequately plan for refreshments. Payments can be made by check payable to CSI or at the door on the evening of the event.
Any questions, please contact Ellen Weiser at ellen.weiser@gmail.com or
Debra Young at deb55515@gmail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Name__________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________
Phone number _________________________________________________
Number of Tickets ____________________________________________
Page 18
Congregation Sons of Israel
Sun
Mon
9 Cheshvan 3
9:00am-Group A Bar/ Bat Mitzvah Class
9:15am-Minyan
10:00am-Megillat Esther Trope Class
10:30am-Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
11:00am-High School
11:00am-Teen Book Club
9
16 Cheshvan
9:15am-Minyan
9:00am-Kristallnacht Program
10:00am-Megillat Esther Trope Class
10:15am-Poetry of Yehuda Amichai
10:30am-Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
Tue
COLOR KEY:
NURSERY SCHOOL
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
YOUTH
IMPORTANT NOTE
is open every
Sunday during
Religious
School hours.
2
November 2014
10 Cheshvan 4
7:15am-Minyan
NS-Fire Drill
11:00am-Women’s Torah
Study
7:30pm-Men’s Club
7:30pm-Sisterhood Executive
Board
8:45pm-Talmud
11 Cheshvan
NO NURSERY OR
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
NS Parent/Teacher Conf.
11:15am-Jews In The News
12:30pm-Yiddush Club
7:00pm-Caring Committee
7:00pm-Education Committee
10
17 Cheshvan 11
18 Cheshvan
7:15am-Minyan
11:15am-Jews In The News
11:00am-Women’s Torah
12:30pm-HaMishpacha
Study
Luncheon
7:00pm-USY & Kadima @
NO NURSERY OR
Grand Prix
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
7:30pm-Five Things You
Always Wanted to Know…
8:45pm-Talmud
16
23 Cheshvan 17
24 Cheshvan 18
25 Cheshvan
9:00am-Bet Family Program
7:15am-Minyan
NS-Sign Language
9:00am-Group A Bar/ Bat Mitzvah Class
8:00am-NS Staff Meeting
11:15am-Jews In The News
9:15am-Minyan
7:30pm-Sisterhood Mah Jongg 12:30pm-Yiddush Club
10:00am-Megillat Esther Trope Class
8:45pm-Talmud
Heh class trip to cemetery
10:00am-Men’s Club Music Through the Ages
7:30pm-Executive
10:15am-Poetry of Yehuda Amichai
Committee
10:30am-Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
11am-Cookie Club
11am-High School
5:00pm-First Annual Frederick Jelinek
Memorial Lecture featuring David Makovsky
23
1 Kislev 24
2 Kislev 25
3 Kislev
8:15am-RS Staff Meeting
7:15am-Minyan
NS-Thanksgiving cooking
9:15am-Minyan
NS-Thanksgiving cooking
11:15am-Jews In The News
10:00am-Megillat Esther Trope Class
NO TALMUD CLASS
7:30pm-Board of Trustees
10:15am-Poetry of Yehuda Amichai
Sunday 30
8 Kislev
11:00am-High School
11:00am-Teen Book Club
9:15am-Minyan
11:15-Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
NO SCHOOL
7:00pm-Rosh Chodesh with Roni
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
Wed
Thu
Page 19
Fri
Sat
1
5
12 Cheshvan 6
13 Cheshvan
NS-Nature of Things 7:15am-Minyan
5:30pm-Farm to
NS-Challah Making
Table
9:15am-Playgroup
12
19 Cheshvan 13
20 Cheshvan
NS-Music
7:15am-Minyan
NO RELIGIOUS NS-Challah Making
SCHOOL
9:15am-Playgroup
RS WAHS Teacher-in10:30am-Ha MishService
pacha Discussion
5:30pm-Farm to
Group
Table
8 Cheshvan
Lech Lecha
9:10am-Shabbat service
SHABBAT ends 10:30am-Family Service
one hour after 10:30am-Kadima
candle lighting 5:30pm-Mincha/Havdallah
BAT MITZVAH of ASHLEY GOLDSTEIN
time.
8:00pm-Jewish Music Through the Ages
8:30pm-MIDNIGHT RUN
15 Cheshvan
7
14 Cheshvan 8
Vayeira
6:30pm-Shorashim
9:10am-Shabbat service
Chagigat Hatorah/
BAR MITZVAH of ALEXANDER MARSHAK
Shabbat Rocks/Family 10:30am-Adult Learning
Night
10:30am-Kadima
11:00am-Jr. Cong.
11:00am-Bereshit & Bagels
During Kiddush: The Zohar
5:30pm-Babysitting Night
CL: 4:25
7:30pm-C0MEDY NIGHT
14
21 Cheshvan 15
22 Cheshvan
Chayei
Sarah
6:00pm-Kabbalat
9:10am-Shabbat service
Shabbat
10:30am-Kadima
4:15pm-Mincha/Havdallah
BAR MITZVAH of JACOB KRONETHAL
8:00pm-RICK RECHT
CONCERT
19
26 Cheshvan 20
27 Cheshvan 21
28 Cheshvan 22
29 Cheshvan
Toldos
NS Hide & Seek Drill 7:15am-Minyan
6:00pm-Kabbalat
Shabbat
9:10am-Shabbat service
9:15am-Playgroup
BAT MITZVAH of ZARA SINGER
11:00am-Jr. Cong.
4:15pm-Mincha/ Havdallah
BAR MITZVAH of JACOB AFRAMIAN
26
4 Kislev 27
5 Kislev 28
6 Kislev 29
10:45am-NS
9:15am-Minyan
5:00pm-Kabbalat
Thanksgiving feast 9:15am-Neighbor’s Shabbat
Turkey Drop-Off
Link
NO
NO SCHOOL
NO SCHOOL
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL OFFICE CLOSED
OFFICE CLOSED
7 Kislev
Vayeitzei
9:10am-Shabbat service
B’NEI MITZVAH of
BRETT & EMMA SMOLER
3:45pm-Mincha/Havdallah
BAR MITZVAH of IAN ZINN
Page 20
Congregation Sons of Israel
November 2014
BULLETIN ADVERTISING
CSI has made a few changes to its bulletin advertising procedures beginning October 2014:
All CSI Bulletin advertisers will be able to place COLOR ads. This will give our sponsors the opportunity
to publish eye-catching ads that will pop off the pages.
 One-month advertising options are available.
 The on-line bulletin posted on CSI’s website will now include advertisements!
CSI’s monthly bulletins reach over 600 homes. If you shop at an advertiser from our bulletin, please remember to tell them that you saw their ad in our bulletin!
Are you interested in placing an ad of your own? Do you know of a local business you frequent or new store
in town which you think would benefit from placing an ad with us? Jolie Levy, Bulletin Editor, will be glad to
answer any questions and send you the new ad rates. Jolie may be reached at 762-2700 or by emailing her
at jolie@csibriarcliff.org. Our local businesses need our support.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS.
Make Your Move steps in
when you're feeling overwhelmed by a move to a
more manageable space.
Allow us to guide you or a
family member through
this difficult process.
Visit our website or call
for more information.
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 21
TO NOVEMBER’S B’NAI MITZVAH
My name is Ashley Goldstein and I am being called to
the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on November 1, 2014. I
live in Briarcliff Manor with my parents Jill and Eric and
brother Jason. I attend Briarcliff Middle School in the
7th grade and in my spare time love to play basketball
and lacrosse. For my Bat Mitzvah project, I volunteered at the Westchester Food Bank where I packed
fruits, vegetables, and other food products that were
then delivered to communities in need. There were
many different people that I met while volunteering
and even though we had just met, we all worked happily packing food as a team for a great cause and to
make a difference. Even before I had to do a Bat Mitzvah project it deeply upset me to see homeless people
on the streets of the city and think of their situations
and that they might not have food or shelter. I was
curious to know what happened in their lives to make
them homeless and wondered how I could help. After
working at the Food Bank, I truly feel as though I made
a difference and I helped people that weren’t as fortunate as I am. I will continue to work at the Food Bank
after my Bat Mitzvah. I am so proud to become a Bat
Mitzvah because I have done so much work to reach
this point. I would like to thank Rabbi Kane, Cantor
Shiovitz, Roni Shapiro and everyone who has supported me to reach this special day in my life.
* * *
My name is Jake Kronethal. I live with my dad, Steven, my mom, Andrea, my brother, Brandon, and my
dog, Gabby, in Pleasantville. I attend Briarcliff Middle
School where I am an 8th grader this year. I am excited
to say that my Bar Mitzvah is coming up soon on November 15, 2014. At school, I play multiple sports such
as basketball, soccer, and baseball. I also enjoy spending time with my friends after school. I take part in
many travel sports teams and CSI basketball. I attend
Tyler Hill Camp, a sleepaway camp in Tyler Hill, Pennsylvania. I look forward to returning for my sixth summer.
For my mitzvah project I participated in helping out at
The Mercy Center in the Bronx. The Mercy Center is a
place where underprivileged families can go for many
purposes and services. One activity I take part in is a
turkey drive, where we raise money to purchase and
deliver turkeys to The Mercy Center to distribute to the
families. Last year we had raised enough money to buy
175 turkeys! This year we hope to buy raise enough to
buy 200 turkeys! I also visited for Valentine’s Day and
we baked cookies and brought them to the kids and
helped them with their homework. This year will be
my fourth year doing this kind act.
I attended CSI in preschool, as well as Hebrew School,
so this milestone is very special to my family and me. I
would like to thank my nursery school teachers as well
as my Hebrew school teachers, Roni Shapiro, Cantor
Shiovitz, and Rabbi Kane for helping me prepare for my
special day and getting me here.
* * *
Shalom, my name is Zara Singer, and my Bat Mitzvah
will finally arrive on the 22nd of November, 2014. I live
in Briarcliff Manor with my two brothers Harrison and
Jared, my parents Jill and Danny, and our golden doodle, Indiana. I attended Solomon Schechter day school
from kindergarten to seventh grade, and recently
transferred to Pocantico Hills Middle School. For as
long as I can remember, I have been involved in performing arts like acting, singing and dancing. I do participate in a few theater clubs at school and I attend
Belvoir Terrace Performing Arts Camp in Lenox, Massachusetts. Also, I have recently taken on writing. I’ve
always loved reading all kinds of books, from biographies to romance, and sci-fi, but it wasn’t until a few
months ago that I found out that I also enjoy participating on the other end. I especially like to write poetry. For my Mitzvah project, I am volunteering as a mentor to a challenged child at the Edenwald Center, which
is a home for children and teenagers with behavior and
cognitive issues. I’m so thankful to be able to contribute and help these kids, and maybe put a smile on
someone’s face. Considering what these kids have
been through, I’m really glad that I get to be someone
that they can talk to or just hang out and play games
with. Also, my family and I are planning a bat mitzvah
for me in Israel to celebrate with our family there, and
it will actually be taking place on Thanksgiving Day.
While in Israel, my family and I are going to participate
in an organization called Leked. Leked is a not-forprofit organization that helps distribute food to those
in need. We will be picking up food at one of their
farms, as well as distributing leftover cooked food to
the homeless on a Shabbat evening. I would like to
thank Cantor Shiovitz, Roni Shapiro, and Rabbi Kane for
helping me prepare for my bat mitzvah, all of my
teachers at Schechter who taught me so much of what
I needed to know to prepare for this day, my friends
for being so excited, my brothers because I don’t want
to leave them out, and of course my parents who not
(Continued on page 22)
Page 22
Congregation Sons of Israel
only pushed me really, really hard to practice, but also
for supporting me and providing me with this amazing
opportunity.
* * *
Hi my name is Brett Smoler and my B’nai Mitzvah is on
November 29, 2014. I am glad to be sharing the big day
with my sister Emma! I live in Briarcliff with my parents
Jodie and Lawrence, my sister Emma and my dog Riley.
I have lived here for eleven years. I am in 8th grade at
Briarcliff Middle School. Last year I received a Regional
Award for my grade for the Briarcliff Middle School Reflections contest for my art submission.
I play modified baseball for Briarcliff Middle School and I
also play baseball in a league for 13-16 year olds in Ossining. I play second base and outfield for both teams.
In the winter, I play on CSI’s basketball team which my
father coaches, and also play tennis year round. Mostly,
I enjoy hanging out with my friends, being outdoors and
playing X-box. In the summer I attend Camp Lokanda in
the Catskills and I really love it! I have been going for 5
summers and I am looking forward to going back this
summer.
For my mitzvah project I was a “Buddy” for a program
called the Miracle League of Westchester where I
helped to teach kids with autism and/or with physical
disabilities to play baseball. It made me feel great to
spend time with the kids, so I guess it did it as much for
me as it did for them. I plan to continue this beyond my
Bar Mitzvah and have been offered a paid job supporting the program.
I’d like to thank my parents for motivating me when I
was studying, I would like to thank my teachers for
teaching me Hebrew, and lastly, I would like to thank
the Cantor and Rabbi for helping me to learn my Torah
portion, songs, and prayers.
* * *
Hi, my name is Emma Smoler. I will be called to the torah with my brother Brett, on November 29th to recite
the portion Vayeitzei as a B’nai mitzvah. Alongside me
on the big day will be my brother Brett, my Mom Jodie,
and my Dad Lawrence. My family and I currently live in
Briarcliff Manor where I attend Briarcliff Middle School.
I am in 7th grade where I play the clarinet in the school
band. During my free time, I play on three soccer teams
where I play goalie as well as midfield. I also play tennis
and lacrosse. During the summer I attend Camp Lokanda. This year will be my 5th summer! At Lokanda I met
many great friends and have made memories that I’ll
never forget!
For my mitzvah project I have been volunteering at the
SPCA. Here I have taken part in a program where I clicker train dogs. The goal of this program is to train dogs,
mostly pit bulls, to behave appropriately, that way when
people come by, the dog will not bark, and hopefully
this will make the dog look more adoptable. I decided to
November 2014
volunteer because of my dog Riley. When we “rescued”
him from a dirty, disgusting pet store, he was lost and
needed love. Once we gave him the love and care he
needed, Riley stepped out of his shell and started be
active. Riley is currently 5 years old, and will be turning
six the day of my Bat Mitzvah! My personal goal with
this mitzvah project is to train these dogs to behave, so
they will get adopted into the loving home they need.
With my B’nai right around the corner, I’m excited and
anxious to become a Bat Mitzvah. I would like to give a
special thanks to all my teachers at CSI, as well as Rabbi
Kane and Cantor Shiovitz because none of this would be
possible without them. Also, I would like to give a special thanks to my Mom and Dad. Without them I would
have never had the opportunity to celebrate this occasion. Again, everyone has been amazing in helping me
make my way to the bimah!
* * *
Ian Joseph Zinn will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on November 29, 2014. Ian lives in Croton on Hudson with his mother Darlene Fairman, his father Jack
Zinn, and his sister Rebecca. He also has a dog named
Guinness and a cat named Harley. Ian is in eighth grade
at Westlake Middle School in Thornwood. Ian has been
coming to CSI since he started nursery school in the
“twos class” and attends Hebrew School in CSI’s Lev
class for children with special needs. Ian has an Autism
Spectrum Disorder. As his mitzvah project, Ian helped
Judy Boehr in various social action committee projects
by, for example, helping to deliver food to the Ossining
Food Pantry for Project Isaiah, stacking chairs and
sweeping floors after the CSI sponsored Christmas dinner at the First Presbyterian Church in Ossining, and stapling flyers for this year’s food drive. Here is what Ian
had to say about his Bar Mitzvah:
I wear a suit. A handkerchief is in the pocket of
my suit. I wear a tallit and a kippah. I can read
the Torah. I can read Hebrew. Do Havdallah
when you turn off the lights. It gets dark. Light
the candle, smell the spices, drink grape juice.
After the words you say, they sing Shavuah Tov!
I see the Peanuts Gang decorations and food
and drinks and tables and chairs and balloons. I
want to see the Zinns, Fairmans, Rothsteins,
Saatis, and hundreds of people singing and
dancing, “We Are Family,” a musical message
for all. Eat some cake and say, “Mazel Tov!”
Every Bar Mitzvah is a joyous event, a great blessing not
only to the child’s family, but to the entire Jewish community as it welcomes another Jewish adult. But the
Bar Mitzvah of a child with special needs is also a great
testament to the community itself. A hearty Mazel Tov
to Ian for his accomplishments, and to the entire CSI
family for the group mitzvah of opening its hearts and
minds to a special child, helping him to reach this occasion.
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 23
SISTERHOOD NEWS
By Marion Jablansky, Secretary
The first mah jongg night was well attended. As always,
there was a beginners’ table. If you have always wanted
to learn how to play, now’s the time! The next mah jongg
game will be Monday, November 17, at 7:30 at CSI. The
only requirements are Sisterhood membership and the
willingness to have fun. If you have any questions, please
contact Cheryl Katz at cabkatz@hotmail.com.
Also, we are always looking for new ideas, so if you have
any suggestions or wish to lead or help with an activity,
please let us know. Our officers/chairpersons are always
open to new ideas.
President:
Robin Ginsberg
Treasurer/ Financial Secretary:
Sharon Richter
Recording Secretary:
Beth Levine
The gift shop is open for business. Chanukah will be here Corresponding Secretary/ Bulletin:
Marion Jablansky
before you know it. There are lots of wonderful gifts, as Membership:
Annleah Berger
well as candles and menorahs, to make your holiday
Mah Jongg Chair:
Cheryl Katz
brighter. And as you know by now, many products are
Gift Shop:
Annleah Berger/ Robin Ginsberg
from Israel. Please stop by on Sundays when Religious
Jill Greenstein/Marion Jablansky
School is in session, or send an email to
Sharon Orenstein
giftshop@csibriarcliff.org to make an appointment.
www.WLCJ.org = the website for Women’s
There is a lot more to look forward to for Sisterhood.
League for Conservative Judaism, the
There’s Mishloach Manot, Sisterhood Shabbat, and an
organization to which your Sisterhood
author’s visit. There’s Rosh Chodesh with Roni and the
belongs. Log in and check it out today!
monthly mah jongg games. And there are always surprisGift tip: Kiddish cups, challah knives and candlesticks to
es ahead.
brighten your Shabbat table. The gift shop has lots to
As you can see, there is a lot going on at CSI Sisterhood.
choose from!
Please don’t forget to pay your dues. You don’t won’t to
miss any of these or future activities.
The CSI bulletin and the CSI website are great sources of
information. Continue to read future bulletins, as well as
check the website for future Sisterhood programs.
Remember to join Sisterhood!
We started our new fiscal year on July 1.
Sisterhood Membership 2014-2015
Please send your $36.00 check for dues
payable to: CSI Sisterhood
and return it with this form to:
CSI Sisterhood
1666 Pleasantville Road
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
Name_____________________________________________
Phone____________________________________________
Address___________________________________________
Email_____________________________________________
For questions concerning membership or to sign up for
a Sisterhood committee, please call Annleah Berger,
762-5312, or email Annberger@optonline.net.
Thank you to our Sukkah Builders!
Back row, l-r: Sarina Cohn, Josh Diamond, Sarah Teitelbaum
Middle row: Michael & Laura Teitelbaum, Michael &
John Palefsky, Ricardo Ayoya
Front row:
Segundo and Carlos Ayabaca
Page 24
Congregation Sons of Israel
November 2014
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 25
FROM OUR RABBINIC FELLOW & YOUTH DIRECTOR
Adam Zagoria-Moffet
Six Weeks and Six Holidays In
Well, I've been at CSI now for six weeks - which means I'm just about at the stage
where I've stopped needing to have to mentally correct 'Crime Scene Investigation' to
'Congregation Sons of Israel.' It also means that I've started to see more of the community and the lovely people who make it a kehilla kedosha, a sacred congregation.
Being a kehilla kedosha is a lot more than being a synagogue - which is a term reserved
for the place where the congregation meets. In six weeks, I've seen that CSI is a great
synagogue (I mean, who doesn't love garage doors on the sanctuary), but it is an even
better kehilla kedosha.
In the six weeks I've been here, there have been six significant holidays. I don't know
about you, but it's usually right about this point in the Jewish calendar where I'm finding the prospect of
more divinely mandated dinner parties somewhat frightening. This is all to say, I've only really seen CSI
function in holiday-mode, and that's shown off some of its best features. However, I'm looking forward to
the return to normalcy that follows Simchat Torah, to the slow decline of temperatures and light levels as
we approach winter, and to the consistency of Shabbat after Shabbat, not inundated with holidays.
I'm looking forward to teaching and learning more with all of you, especially the secrets of the universe
(yes, we're doing that - check out my Zohar class the second Shabbat of each month). I'm looking forward to
the warm and vibrant family service that I'm hoping to cultivate, starting on November 1st. Mostly, I'm just
looking forward to growing more comfortable, getting to know more faces, and slowly forgetting that I ever
thought those three letters had anything to do with forensics.
Moadim l'Simcha,
Adam
PS. My family is looking to purchase a used car. We're looking for something reliable and safe, ideally 4x4 or
AWD and we have about $3500 to spend. If you have something on the market or know of someone selling
a trustworthy used car, please be in touch at rabbiadam@csibriarcliff.org or 762-2700.
The First Annual
Frederick Jelinek Memorial Lecture
“Is Peace Possible in Our Lifetime?
An Insider’s Analysis of The
Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process”
Featuring David Makovsky
David Makovsky just served as senior advisor to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and was a member of the
Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiating team in 2013-14. He is the Ziegler Distinguished Fellow and the Director
of The Washington Institute’s Project on Arab-Israel Peace. He is also an adjunct lecturer in Middle Eastern
Studies at Johns Hopkins University’s Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Mr.
Makovsky’s commentary on the peace process and the Arab-Israeli conflict has appeared in several publications including Foreign Affairs, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall
Street Journal, Financial Times, Foreign Policy and National Interest. He appears frequently on television and
radio and serves as a regular commentator on Arab-Israeli affairs for PBS’ NewsHour.
5:00 PM Talk, followed by Q & A.
Special Thanks to the Jelinek Family for their sponsorship of this lecture in memory of Frederick Jelinek.
Page 26
Congregation Sons of Israel
November 2014
THE CSI RELIGIOUS SCHOOL P.T.A. NEEDS YOUR HELP
Please contact Roni Shapiro if you can help out and volunteer.
The Religious students and teachers need your help. The following programs happen for your children and
teachers through your dues and by you supporting our PTA fundraisers. When you register your children
for Religious school, please send in an additional check for $36 payable to RS PTA dues.
PTA sponsored activities:
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First day of school snack for all students
First day of school breakfast for teachers
Open house informational meeting and coffee
High Holiday Volunteers
Apples and honey for students for Rosh Hashanah
Sukkot snacks to eat in Sukkah
Family Bingo afternoon
Chanukah Zimriyah, Tzedakah Fair, Latke making,
Sufganiot making, Chanukah treats for Dreydel, Lego
Kristallnacht Holocaust Speaker
Israeli soldier visits, Israeli soldier Gadna program
Breakfast for family Sunday morning learning programs, Shorashim, Prozdor 1, Prozdor 2, Lev, Alef, Bet
and Gimel
Special art projects for Shorashim, Prozdor 1, Prozdor
2 and Lev
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Bar Mitzvah workshop
Tu-Bishvat snacks
Purim Carnival food, Hamentachen baking
Israeli dancing
Alef Siddur cover workshop
Israel Independence Day snacks
Yom Hashoah Holocaust speaker
High school graduates gifts
Last day of school snacks
End of year teacher gifts and celebration
Staff development training
Computer games
Subsidize class trips to Lower east Side, Tolerance
Center
When we have extra funds, big programs like the Israeli scout’s concert and Israel Defense force choir are
able to come to CSI.
In past years, we have had story tellers, authors and special educational shows.
In addition to your dues, we need volunteers to help at programs. You should have received a PTA volunteer form. Please let us know if you need one. Please help; it is only through your support that we can
create an experience for your children that encourages a love of Jewish learning, Israel and culture.
Thank you to Jenean Eichenholtz and Ivy Lewis for all that they do for our PTA. In Addition, thank you to
Beth Roth and Sonia Matthison, our Education Committee chair people, for all that they do to make our
school great.
We are only getting better!
Dear Rabbi Kane,
It is hard for me to describe exactly what emotions I
My name is Danielle Tobias. I am a lone soldier in the feel when I read these letters for the first time - it is
IDF from Houston, Texas living in Ein Dor - with your amazing.
daughter, Tamar.
While this specific Jewish community does not know
A few days ago when coming back to the kibbutz for me personally, I feel such an immense sense of
affection and love from them, and I feel that they
the first time after a week in the army, I was
truly do care for me, as a lone soldier.
surprised to see a large envelope addressed to the
Garin as a whole. When opening the letter, I was
While to you the letters may seem like a simple
incredibly pleased for what I found inside - dozens of gesture, I can promise you - it is so much more than
beautiful, heart-filled handwritten letters.
that.
Not only did we receive letters written by the children On behalf of Garin Ein Dor, and all of lone soldiers,
of your schul - but they were actually personalized to I thank you and your community so much for your
us specifically!
kindness.
I now have four beautiful cards with MY name on
All the best,
them written with so much love and affection from
amazing people back in America hanging on my wall. Danielle Tobias
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 27
C
kies
for Kid’s Club (C.K.C.)
Families of children join the C.K.C. at CSI as we do a
mitzvah. Come bake cookies for families that have
children who are sick and draw pictures for the
children in the hospital.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
11:00-12:00am
At Congregation Sons of Israel
1666 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor
(914) 762 – 2700
RSVP to Education@csibriarcliff.org
 Cookies & pictures will be brought to the
Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY
 PLEASE BRING 1 SMALL COOKIE DECORATION
ITEM (I.E. SPRINKLES)
 OPEN TO CHILDREN/FAMILIES OF 2 YEAR OLDS – 7
YEAR OLDS – Bring your friends.
 Looking for volunteers to deliver.
Page 28
Congregation Sons of Israel
November 2014
Don’t forget…
November 8 is
Comedy Night at CSI!
CSI appreciates you sharing your children
with us. We want to say thanks by offering
parents a chance to enjoy a night out.
TWO DATES:
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Saturday, January 10, 2015
MOVIES
GAMES
PIZZA DINNER
...and MORE!
5:30—9:00 PM
This is FREE for all children ages 2-11
registered in any CSI program.
Please R.S.V.P. to education@csibriarcliff.org by
the Mondays preceding these dates so we can plan
a fun evening for your children.
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
Page 29
CSI Nursery School & Religious School Turkey Drive
Dear Nursery & Religious School Parents,
As you know, on November 26, we will be collecting turkeys that will be brought to
the Star of Bethlehem Church in Ossining for distribution among those who need them.
Our goal this year is 115 turkeys. Last year, many families brought turkeys while others
gave us money to buy turkeys. Either way, our nursery & religious school community did
a wonderful mitzvah of feeding the hungry.
This year, if you are planning on giving money for turkeys, instead of bringing one
to the parking lot that morning, we are asking you to please bring the money to the
school office, by November 24th. We will be able to order turkeys and get the best prices
instead of being forced to purchase the most expensive ones and travel to many stores to
get them. Believe it or not, some of our local stores run out of turkeys.
Please fill out the bottom of this sheet, so that we know how many turkeys we need to
order.
Thank you all in advance for participating in this mitzvah. Happy Thanksgiving!
You Can Do A Mitzvah…!
___________________________________________________________________
Name of children ____________________________________________
_____Yes, I will bring in a turkey on 11/26
Enclosed is $__________money to buy a turkey (please drop off by 11/24).
Please make checks out to CSI with “Turkey” in the memo.
Page 30
Congregation Sons of Israel
November 2014
CSI NURSERY SCHOOL
MOMMY AND ME PLAYGROUP
2014-2015
For infants to children up to 23 months
Come with your little one and make new friends while we:
 Sing songs
 Play parachute games
 Create projects and listen to stories
Or be more active and help your child:
 Climb through tunnels
 Slide down slides
 Jump on the trampoline
 Play on the mats
 Or Bounce in the Jumpy castle
Thursday mornings from 9:15-10:15
October 23, 30
November 6, 13, 20
December 4, 11, 18
Minimum enrollment is 5.
Cost is $152.00 Checks are made payable to CSI Playgroup. Sign up now! If you have any
questions, please call 762-2700 email:education@csibriarcliff.org
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name of child ________________________ Birthday ________________
Address ________________________________ Parent name _____________
Phone number ______________________ Email ________________________
November 2014
Congregation Sons of Israel
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Congregation Sons of Israel
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Congregation Sons of Israel
November 2014
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Congregation Sons of Israel
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Congregation Sons of Israel
1666 Pleasantville Road
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
www.csibriarcliff.org
Current Resident Or:
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
White Plains, NY
Permit No. 10086