astoria center of israel bulletin · 2015-11-20 · rose ratnoff & the kaplan family, lenny...

Rabbi Jonathan Pearl, Ph.D. Cantor George Lindenblatt

Astoria Centerof Israel

BulletinThe only conservaTive synagogue in theastoria—Long island city—Woodside area

Volume LXXXIX January-February 2015 No. 5-6Candle Lightings: 4:22, 4:28, 4:36, 4:44, 4:53 10 Tevet 5775 5:01, 5:10, 5:18, 5:27

FROM THE RABBI’S STUDY

Love is in the air – at least it’s supposed to be on February 14th, Valentine’s Day. Wait! Is a Rabbi supposed to speak about Valentine’s Day?A little background may help put this in perspective. Long before there ever was a ‘Valentine’s Day’ there was “Tu B’Av” – the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Av. This day of matchmaking and love was described by the Talmud as among the most joyous in Israel. But it went deeper. On this day the unmarried girls of Jerusalem dressed in white garments and went out to dance in the vineyards, exclaiming: “Young man, lift up your eyes and see what you choose for yourself. Do not set your eyes on beauty but set them on good family. Grace is deceitful and beauty is vain. But a woman that fears God, she will be praised.” In other words, courtship, relationship, and ultimately marriage were based not on superficial matters, but on things more thoughtful and lasting. Tu B’Av is about looking deep into ourselves and our intended, and making this endeavor a profound shared experience between two people in love.

Can these Jewish values find life in the midst of winter, in a celebration called Valentine’s Day? It has been suggested, based on the teachings of 16th century Rabbi Moshe Isserles, that “if the practice is beneficial and logical, not done just out of religious decree, and widely followed independent of religious practice, then it is permissible to partake— as long as it is consistent with the Jewish faith.” Thus, it seems that at least the love and chocolates components easily meet these criteria.

May your winter be warmed by the blessings of love and the indulgence of chocolates!

Rabbi Jonathan Pearl

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Schedule of Servicesmake SaTURDaY aCI mORNING — wORShIp TOGeTheR wITh YOUR famIlY

januaryFriday, january 2 Candles .....................................4:22 pm Potluck Dinner .........................6:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service ........7:00 pm

Sabbath Morning ServiceSaturday, january 3 Services ....................................9:30 am

Weekly Portion: vayechiTot Shabbat, 10:45-11:30 am

Sabbath ends ............................ 5:31 pm

★★★

Friday, january 9 Candles .....................................4:28 pm


Weekly Portion: shemoTLunch ‘n Learn, hosted by thePearl Family, follows services

Sabbath ends ............................5:37 pm

★★★



Weekly Portion: vayera Sabbath ends ............................5:45 pm

★★★



Weekly Portion: Bo Sabbath ends ............................5:53 pm

★★★



Weekly Portion: BeshallachTot Shabbat, 10:45-11:30 am

Sabbath ends ............................6:02 pm

FebruaryFriday, February 6 Candles .....................................5:01 pm Potluck Dinner .........................6:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service ........7:00 pm

Sabbath Morning ServiceSaturday, February 7 Services ....................................9:30 am

Weekly Portion: yiTroLunch ‘n Learn, hosted by

Cynthia Groopman, follows services Sabbath ends ............................6:11 pm

★★★

Friday, February 13 Candles .....................................5:10 pm

Sabbath Morning ServiceSaturday, February 14

Shabbat Shekalim Services ....................................9:30 am

Weekly Portion: mishPaTim

Sabbath ends ............................6:19 pm

★★★

Friday, February 20Rosh Chodesh

Candles .....................................5:18 pmSabbath Morning Service

Saturday, February 21 Services ....................................9:30 am

Weekly Portion: Terumah

Tot Shabbat, 10:45-11:30 am Sabbath ends ............................6:28 pm

★★★

Friday, February 27 Candles .....................................5:27 pm

Sabbath Morning ServiceSaturday, February 28

Shabbat Zachor Services ....................................9:30 am

Weekly Portion: TeTzaveh

Sabbath ends ............................6:36 pm

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Report from...SPECIAL EVENTS & OUTREACH COMMITTEE

J a n u a r y- Fe b r u a r y 2015 H i g h l i g ht s

Thanks and Recap:Our gratitude to the Markowitz Family for sponsoring the delightful December

Lunch-‘n’Learn to celebrate Steve Markowitz’s birthday. Rabbi Pearl led an in-triguing and novel session of “Riddles in Jewish Sources.” Thanks also to Jessica & Chris Winquist for hosting a delicious kiddush lunch following the Shabbat morning baby-naming of their daughter Dahlia Miriam. And we much appreciate the delicacies prepared and shared at various kiddushim by Beryl Rosendorf and Alona & Shlomo Shevach, to mark special dates & anniversaries in their lives.

Judy Markowitz & Judy Pearl,Events/Outreach Co-Chairs

Schedule for ACI’s Synagogue Kids & Youth Education Program (SKYEP):• Older Children (8-13): Shabbat, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 21, 28; 10-11:30 am.• Younger Children (4-7): Tuesday, Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 24; 3:30-5:30 pm.• Tot Shabbat: Jan. 3, 31, Feb. 21; 10:45-11:30 am.

Potluck Dinner & Kabbalat Shabbat Service: Friday, Jan. 2, Feb. 6; 6:15 pm dinner (bring a kosher dairy or pareve dish to beautify our bountiful buffet), 7:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service.

Conversion Class: Monday, Jan. 5, 26; Feb. 9, 23; 7:30-8:30 pm.

Adult Ba’alat Mitzvah Graduate Seminar: Tuesday, Jan. 6; Feb. 3; 6:30-7:15 pm.

Adult Hebrew Class: Tuesday, Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; 7:00-8:00 pm.

Board Meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 6, Feb. 3; 7:30 pm. Open to all members.

Lunch ‘n Learn: Jan. 10, Feb. 7; following Shabbat services.Jan 10: Hosted by the Pearl Family to thank the congregation for their thoughtfulness and caring over this past year of Judy’s recuperation, and to celebrate the Pearl boys’ 3 winter birthdays and Ayelet’s move to her new apartment in Astoria.Feb. 7: Hosted by Cynthia Groopman in memory of her grandmother Rebecca Groopman.

Blood Drive: Sunday , January 25, 10:30-4:30 pm. See box on p. 4.

Game Time: Monday, Jan. 26, 6:00-8:00 pm; Sunday, Feb. 22, 3:00-5:00 pm. Calling all ages to come play ping pong, Scrabble, and an assortment of other games. $5 suggested donation or bring a game to share. Dairy/pareve snacks provided.

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We are in wintertime at the beginning a secular new year: 2015. With it come new hopes and aspirations and we trust a wonderful moving forward for our shul.

I will host the February Lunch ‘n Learn to mark my grandmother Rebecca’s yortzeit. She taught me the beautiful Hebrew song Aynk Eloheynu, and when I sing it and hear it sung I picture Rebecca of blessed memory.

The Chanukah lights are in my mind as well now. Their radiance and warmth and strength will last through the winter. I wish each of you a warm two months and a happy and healthy 2015.

Blessings to all,Cynthia Groopman

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PEN

POEM OF THE MONTHIT’S YOUR DUES that keep us in the green,to meet any challenge in 2015.

S t a y c o n n e c t e d & c u r r e n tw i t h A C I O N L I N E !

Visit our website atwww.astoriacenter.org;join our e-mailing list;

become a fan on Facebook(facebook.com/astoriashul)

& add us as a friend;and follow us on Twitter

(twitter.com/yourastoriashul)

FAMILY NEWSRoad to Recovery Speedy get well wishes to Mark Sohmer.

(Please inform us of milestones that we may share with your ACI family.)

NewmemBeRSwelCOme

always

>

DOA

MITZVAH

SAVE THE DATE ACI Blood Drive:Sunday, Jan. 25, 10:30 am-4:30 pm

Do a mitzvah and help save the lives of fellow New Yorkers!Volunteers are needed to donate blood, to assist in other supportive roles that day, and to help post & distribute flyers in advance of the event. Contact the ACI office at 718-278-2680 or chair Phylis Hochberg to help in any of these ways. It is prefer-able to sign up in advance so that the day can be better organized, but walk-ins are also very welcome! Last year’s Blood Drive helped over 100 people. Blood Do-nors must be between ages 16 and 75; age 16 must have written parental permis-sion (please request form prior to donation); 76 & over need dr.’s note. Minimum weight 110 pounds.

ALL DONORS WILL RECEIVE2 FREE TICKETS TO A METS GAME THIS SPRING

Words from the Wise“I think that I shall never seea poem as lovely as a tree.”

—Joyce Kilmer

The BulleTin Page Five

Ira r. GreenberG, esq.

45-29 47Th sTreeTwoodside, n.y. 11377Phone: 718.729.0986Fax: 718.729.0623

manhaTTan oFFice226 w. 26Th sT., 8Th Fl.

new york, ny [email protected]

oF counsel

leaviTT & kerson, esqs.

Tu B’Shevat is February 4…

PLANT A TREEIt is traditional to plant a tree in Israel at Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of the Trees—also known as Jewish Arbor Day--to either honor or memorialize a loved one. ACI has a special account with the Jewish National Fund, so you may order trees through the office. You will be helping the Center and the State of Israel at the same time!

CENTER FUNDSWe are grateful to our friends for their contributions

Center FundSusan Cohn-Get well to Mark Sohmer &

Jeanne Siegel; best to Sally & Ed Constain on their FL move.

edward & Sally Constain-In memory of Sophia Sue Pasteelnick.

Sydelle diner & Family-In memory of Sharon Raphael’s brother.

berton n. Frank-In memory of grandfa-ther Bernard D. Klein.

dani & Hanna Harel & Family-In memory of Erin Smith’s father; happy birthday to Rabbi Pearl, Eitan Pearl, Judy Markowitz.

Steve & judy Markowitz-In memory of Lawrence Kerben; happy birthday to Mark Sohmer & Rabbi Pearl; continuing good health to Judy Pearl.

Paul & arthur Meyers-In memory of Maurice Meyers.

rose ratnoff & the Kaplan Family, Lenny & beryl rosendorf-Get well to Mark Sohmer.

beryl rosendorf-On yortzeit of father Joseph Kamlet.

Sylvia Steinberg-In memory of brother Meyer Friedman.

rabbi’S diSCretionary Fundellen & bruce Katz-To thank Rabbi

Pearl & the congregation for the beautiful baby-naming of Dahlia Winquist.

Cynthia Groopman-Happy birthday to Jeanne Siegel, Eitan Pearl, Noam Pearl, Norman Schmukler, Judy Markowitz; on yortzeits of cousin Sammy Rubin & grand-mother Rebecca Groopman.

IMPORTANT: All donations must include, along with your check, a separate sheet giving full info on what/who your donation is for, so that we may list it properly. Thank you.

Yortzeit Anniversaries

Jan. Tevet 1 10 Elsie Fassler Paula Neuberger Celia Risik Gertrude Rubin2 11 Dora Arian Hinda Kopelman Jennie Friedlander3 12 Harry Finkelstein Joseph N. Redisch4 13 Ruchel Kisslinger Benjamin L. Markowitz Leon Geslewitz5 14 Samuel H. Greiff Max Miller Jennie Diner Abraham Gedalia Cohen Norman Kempin6 15 Morris Alterman Norman Weinberg7 16 Elsie Flatow8 17 Bessie Ostrov Joseph Mendel Schwartz Edward Gunsberg Samuel Citron Hon. Nathan A. Goldenthal10 19 Risa Hirschler David Shraberg Moses Mendel Leon Flatow Dr. Joseph Kosowsky11 20 Leib Hammer Irving Nadel Claire Reisman Rae Wilson Anna Bernstein12 21 Betsy Gottlieb Marion Stransky Max Tobias Selwyn Stanley Mischel13 22 Jacob Frankel Moses Friedman Fanny Kaplan Julius E. Leichter Maurice Meyers Rosalind Moss Shirley Wigler14 23 Libbie Goldstein Paul M. Kronowitz Minnie Leichter Samuel Ziesk Samuel Leinwol15 24 Rose Aptakin Jeannette Bronstein Bernard Weinbaum Ida Neckin Lena Schechter

The following names will be read from the pulpit immediately preceding the kaddish at our sabbath services.The families of the dear departed ones are invited to attend our services and participate in the kaddish prayer.

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16 25 Dina Rosenthal Ada Firestone Diane Bernstein Abraham Schipior17 26 Henry Hennelis Libby Lehrman Roberta Saltzman18 27 Elsie Baer Annie Marcus Jennie Silver Gertrude Reich Jared Benyamin Har-El19 28 Tillie Weiner Benjamin Moss Sylvia Feinberg Isidore Dickstein Dora Helene Gang Samuel Rubin20 29 Morris Friedman Shevat21 1 Arthur Hirschler Morris Weissberger Margaret Pechter Klein22 2 Bella Bernstein Anna Golubock May Herman23 3 Jennie Grossman Pearl Rosenwasser Harry Wasserman Hermine Zacks Stross Ethel Diller24 4 Fanny Kusnetz Morris Heller25 5 Lena Sklarofsky Dora Nagel Bea Blas26 6 Benjamin Greiff Max Nashoffer Jennie Goldstein27 7 David Blumenthal Sydney Snyderman Irving J. Pomerantz Ruth Rifka Golding28 8 Samuel Pantiel Israel Ratner Bertha Rosenfeld Betty Schwartz Ralph Yohai29 9 Harry Aptakin Abraham Goldenthal Julia Moss Rose S. Robinson Sidney Young Irving Sipes30 10 Isaac J. Moss31 11 Isadore Bienstock Hyman Friedman Bertha Friedman

continued

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Yortzeit Anniversaries

Feb. Shevat 1 12 Maxwell Sager Ignatz Wohl Samuel Richman2 13 Anna Pack Benjamin Pack3 14 Dora Baer Karl Herrscher Max Schreiber Abraham A. Turoff4 15 Frances Bard Thomas W. Shaw Sarah Dubrofsky Louis Felkin Morris Badian6 17 Oscar Golden Clara Klein Moritz Kline Tamara Leah Ratner Samuel Lehrman Rose Zipes Gussie Kadetz Rebecca Groopman7 18 Samuel Levine Cantor Richard Cohn Ben Halpern Isidor Seiden8 19 Lester Rosenthal Joseph J. Leinwol Dora Sklarofsky9 20 Nathan L. Gunsberg Lena Bailis10 21 Nathan B. Cohen Jacob Schawelson Max Kemp Gertrude Schoenfeld Jan Opoliner11 22 Fannie Kupersmidt Elsa Meyer Sarah Friedman Betty Rothstein12 23 Amelia Eisenberg Millie Miller Bella Segal Isador Sipes Lt. Clyde Stats Mae June Siegel13 24 Abraham Bernstein Emma Weiner Edward Saunders14 25 Anna H. Fox Abraham C. Gottlieb Dora Goldsmith Leonard L. Bernstein Dr. Alan A. Livingston15 26 Moses M. Birnbaum Isaiah Bronstein Dora Rubinstein Michael Freeman16 27 Yetta Kronowitz Bertha Lehrman Terry C. Finch

17 28 Louis Elias Reinstein Meyer Rubinstein18 29 Morris Fruchter19 30 Samuel W. Aron Rebecca Goldenthal Joseph A. Leichter Isaac Silver Adar 20 1 Barnet Richman Yetty Tuttman Max Schwartz Charlotte Saslow Ethel Steiger Jacob Louis Steinberg Robert Rosenberg Dr. Charles Rabinowitz21 2 Mollie Fruchter Jennie Schnee Lena Mandel ReneeIreneGriffler22 3 Jacob Gang Max Ostrovsky Abram Holtzman23 4 Morris Kaplan Reba K. Newman Jenny Wegner Rebecca Wahl Bella Mickel Rebecca Krasno Morris Lazar Jacob Wortman24 5 Dr. Jacob Feinberg Manfred Malsch Anna Wasserman Freda Wax Betty Friedman Rosa Hauptman Regina Streim Hyman Albert25 6 Louis Brettschneider Balbina Levy Ann Schawelson Blanche Jackson Joan L. Huttner Nisonoff Florence Eppsteiner26 7 Morris M. Mushlin Rebecca Rosenbaum Dr. Paul Strasser Dr. Herman Altman Annie Friedman27 8 H. Chaim Goldstein Sarah Nelkin Mintz Mary Newman Rose Kamlet Joseph Greenberger Fredda Keller Clementine Crell28 9 Sophie Wortman Dr. Samuel Rosen Reuben Schulman David Marcus

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astoria Center of israel27-35 Crescent Street

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astoria Center of israel bulletinis published monthly except February,

July & Augustby Astoria Center of Israel

27-35 Crescent Street, L.I.C., NY 11102(718) 278-2680

website: www.astoriacenter.orgemail: [email protected]

Annual Subscription $10

Cynthia Groopman and Judith Markowitz .....................................................Co-PresidentsHanna Harel ...................................Vice PresidentSteven J. Guralnick .......... Chairman of the Board

Elaine Lindenblatt ....................................... Editor

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astoria center of israel bulletin · 2015-11-20 · rose ratnoff & the kaplan family, lenny...

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