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New City Jewish Center December 2020
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NEW CITY JEWISH CENTER Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism,
Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs and United Synagogue Youth and Kadima.
Office: [email protected]
Beatrice L. Snyder Reading Room: [email protected]
Senior Rabbi David I. Berkman ........................................ [email protected]
Rabbi Rabbi Daniel Graber ....................................... [email protected]
Rabbi Emeritus Cantor Emeritus Rabbi Henry A. Sosland (z"l) Cantor Hal Rifkin
Executive Director Jessica Trokel ......................................................... [email protected]
Youth & Adult Education Director Lynne Diwinsky ..................845‐638‐9600 ext. 115, [email protected]
Hebrew School Rabbi Allison Berlinger ... 845‐638‐9600 ext. 110, [email protected]
Director of Youth and Family Programming Lara Epstein ......................... 845‐638‐9600 ext. 116, [email protected]
Early Childhood Director Jackie Binstock .................. 845‐638‐9600 ext. 117, [email protected]
President Mike Backelman.................................................................. 845‐639‐6241
Executive Vice‐President Harry Baker ......................................................................... 845‐638‐2361
Administrative Vice‐President TBD
Financial Vice‐President Ian Boschen ......................................................................... 516‐835‐8508
Membership Vice‐President Jocelyn Feuerstein .............................................................. 914‐450‐4158
Comptroller TBD
Recording Secretary Andrew Alper ...................................................................... 845‐638‐4634
Corresponding Secretary Jeffrey Degen ...................................................................... 845‐709‐6247
Chairperson of the Board of Education Janna Goodman .................................................................. 845‐323‐8534
Sisterhood Co‐Presidents Gabrielle Haber ................................................................... 914‐772‐2141 Jenn Litvak .......................................................................... 845‐243‐3104
Men’s Club President Eric Litvak ............................................................................ 845‐327‐0090
Hazak President Steve Shear ......................................................................... 845‐300‐5117
Fundraising Vice‐President Don Arnstein ...................................................................... 914‐481‐7154
Programming Vice‐President Sheila Offman Gersh ........................................................... 914‐772‐0173
HAKOL
As always, Hakol welcomes items
from members of the congregation
and synagogue affiliates. All publicity
must be sent by email to the office
and the editor. Please do not send
original photographs. This allows for
higher quality when printed.
Editor: Robbin Sicherman
Email: [email protected] Please put “Hakol” in subject line of all emails
SERVICES
Shabbat shabbos morning live stream link
https://venue.livecontrol.io/watch/ncjc
Friday evening 6:00 pm (see newcityjc.org or Friday Email for Zoom Link)
Saturday – Havdalah (see newcityjc.org or Friday Email for Zoom Link)
Daily Prayer Services (see newcityjc.org or Friday
Email for Zoom Link)
Sunday ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐8:30 am‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐7:30 pm
Monday ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐8:30 am‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐7:30 pm
Tuesday ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐8:30 am‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐7:30 pm
Wednesday ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐8:30 am‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐7:30 pm
Thursday ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐8:30 am‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐7:30 pm
Friday ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐8:30 am‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐6:00 pm
Synagogue Telephone: 845‐638‐9600
Web: http://www.newcityjc.org
Email: [email protected]
The deadline for January is December 22, as always
articles can be early.
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LUACH Tuesday, December 1, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm TaShma Talmud: 8:00 pm Wednesday, December 2, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Hebrew School: 4:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm Thursday, December 3, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Torah Class: 2:30 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm Friday, December 4, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Kabbalat Shabbat: 6:00 pm Candle Lighting: 4:10 pm Saturday, December 5, 2020 DYLAN CHERNICK Parashat Vayishlach Morning Services: 10:00 am Mincha/Ma’ariv/Havdalah: Check Newsletter for time Sunday, December 6, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Hebrew School: 9:00 am NCJC Family Programs: 4:30 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm Monday, December 7, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Lunch & Learn: 12:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm Tuesday, December 8, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm TaShma Talmud: 8:00 pm Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Hebrew School: 4:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm Thursday, December 10, 2020 Chanukah: 1 Candle Morning Services: 8:30 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm Saturday, December 12, 2020 Parashat Vayeshev Chanukah: 3 Candles Morning Services: 10:00 am Mincha/Ma’ariv/Havdalah: Check
Newsletter for time Flashlight Tag (3rd – 5th Grades): 5:30 pm Sunday, December 13, 2020 Chanukah: 4 Candles Morning Services: 8:30 am Hebrew School: 9:00 am NCJC Family Programs: 4:30 pm Evening Service: 7:30 pm Monday, December 14, 2020 Chanukah: 5 Candles Morning Services: 8:30 am Lunch & Learn: 12:00 pm Evening Service: 7:30 pm Tuesday, December 15, 2020 Chanukah: 6 Candles Morning Services: 8:30 am Evening Service: 7:30 pm TaShma Talmud: 8:00pm Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Chanukah: 7 Candles Rosh Chodesh Tevet Morning Services: 8:30 am Hebrew School: 4:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm Board of Trustees Meeting: 8:00 pm Thursday, December 17, 2020 Chanukah: 8 Candles Morning Services: 8:30 am Torah Class: 2:30 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm Friday, December 18, 2020 Chanukah: 8th day Morning Services: 8:30 am Kabbalat Shabbat: 6:30 pm Candle Lighting: 4:12 pm Saturday, December 19, 2020 Parashat Miketz Morning Services: 10:00 am Mincha/Ma’ariv/Havdalah: Check Newsletter for time Sunday, December 20, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Hebrew School: 9:00 am NCJC Family Programs: 4:30 pm Evening Service: 7:30 pm
Monday, December 21, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Lunch & Learn: 12:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm Tuesday, December 22, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm TaShama Talmud: 8:00pm Wednesday, December 23, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Hebrew School: 4:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm Thursday, December 24, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm Friday, December 25, 2020 Office & ECC Closed Morning Services: 8:30 am Kabbalat Shabbat: 6:00 pm Candle Lighting: 4:16 pm Saturday, December 26, 2020 Parashat Vayigash Morning Services: 10:00 am Mincha/Ma’ariv/Havdalah: Check Newsletter for time Sunday, December 27, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Hebrew School: 9:00 am NCJC Family Programs: 4:30 pm Evening Service: 7:30 pm Monday, December 28, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Lunch & Learn: 12:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm Tuesday, December 29, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm Ta Shma Talmud: 8:00 pm Wednesday, December 30, 2020 Morning Services: 8:30 am Hebrew School: 4:00 pm Evening Services: 7:30 pm Thursday, December 31, 2020 Office closes early Morning Services: 8:30 am Evening Services: 7:30 pm
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MESSAGE FROM RABBI GRABER
This time of year, I often see articles and lectures with titles like, “The Real Story of Hanukkah”.
They describe the Maccabean revolt against the Assyrian-Greeks, a small guerrilla army
fighting against the Hellenization of Judea under Antiochus IV. After the Jewish people are
forbidden from celebrating Shabbat, performing circumcision, and having the Beit Hamikdash
filled with idols and swine, a family of Kohanim leads a revolt that eventually leads to the
ousting of the foreign empire and its idols. Invariably, these retellings of the “real” story of
Hanukkah either do not mention the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days, or dismiss it as a
rabbinic fairytale.
It makes sense that modern people might prefer a tale of military victory to one about
miraculous oil. We know what war looks like. We know what political strife looks like. We have
less firsthand experience of Divine intervention and miracles.
Yet to separate the parts of Hanukkah, the human from the Divine, is a great mistake. It is a
mistake because Hanukkah epitomizes the ways in which the Divine can work through human
beings. During Hanukkah’s eight days we add the al hanisim paragraph to our Amidah prayers
and Birkat Hamazon, in which we give God credit for strengthening the few over the many, the
righteous over the wicked.
As Jews we understand the capacity of human beings to be the miracle. When our Early
childhood center collected over fifty pounds of food for local families, or pajamas and
storybooks for children in shelters, for those who receive those items it can seem like a miracle.
When dozens of donors came to our blood drive, it is a miracle for those who need lifesaving
transfusions. As we continue to collect food for the Kosher food pantry, coats hats and gloves
for the homeless, toiletries for women’s shelters, and reach out to those living most isolated
right now, we share the Maccabees’ capacity to be each other’s miracles.
The miracle of the oil lasting for eight days is a capstone on the Hanukkah message that people
can step up to free each other from unfair limitations and replace it with increasing light that
drives out darkness. That’s the real story of Hanukkah.
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MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT MIKE BACKELMAN Like most kids, I always loved Chanukah. I can’t say that it was my favorite holiday (I’ll write about my favorite in a future Hakol article), even though my siblings and I received a present each of the eight nights. Yes, that was great - except for the nights when I would get a pair of socks or jeans, instead of the toy I really wanted! But as they say, those were “first world problems,” and I knew then, and am even more keenly aware now, how lucky I was.
So, what did I like so much about Chanukah? Well, for one thing, it always came at a great time of year. As kids, we timed our lives by the school calendar, and so Chanukah always meant that winter break was right around the corner – our first long vacation period of the school year. And that always put everyone in a good mood. Well, at least us kids – not sure how our parents felt about having to have us home for such an extended period of time! Additionally, it usually falls around Christmas time, which meant that the rest of the world around me was also in a festive, upbeat mood. And while I don’t consider myself a fan of cold weather, there is something to be said for a nice snowfall – always a chance around Chanukah – which makes everything outside look so beautiful. Add a nice warm fire in the fireplace, and you can certainly understand how the timing of Chanukah makes it an easy holiday to like. But I think what I like most about Chanukah is the lighting of the candles. As a kid, I could stare at
the flames dancing across the top of the colorful candles for what seemed like hours (it was probably only a few minutes, if that long!). On the first night, with only the 2 candles burning, it was less of a thrill. But by the time we got to the other side of the menorah (the fifth night), there were enough candles burning to really make it look impressive. And OK, yes, I admit it – I really liked getting presents too! As an adult, what I enjoy most is watching the faces of my kids lighting the candles themselves. I
realize that their excitement comes not simply from lighting the candles. I’m sure the smiles were because they hoped they were going to get a present afterwards (we gave our kids something most nights, but not every night). And the look of hope on their faces, the anticipation of what might come, made me think in broader terms. Will my kids someday be watching their kids light Chanukah candles? Will they see the same smiles on their children’s faces as they lit the candles and hoped for something afterwards? And will they eventually come to understand, as I have now, the joy in being part of a tradition that has been passed down for generations? Will they feel the same sense of belonging to a community that has passed down traditions like this for generations? And will they feel the same obligation to continue these traditions with their families’ years from now?
For me, the hope of getting a present after lighting the candles has morphed into the hope that my children will pass on our traditions, and get to feel the warmth from their children’s smiles as they light their own Chanukah candles. I guess I’ll have to wait and see….and hope. I wish our entire NCJC community a very happy, festive, and hopeful Chanukah! Mike
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CHESED CALLERS
What does it mean to be a part of a “caring community” and how can we create this type of community within our synagogue? In responding to these questions, the Gemilut Chesed Committee is pleased to be launching a new response team called the “Chesed Callers”. Our Chesed Callers are a group of people who make phone calls with compassion and love for those members of our congregation who could use a little kindness.
If you, yourself, would benefit from the helping hands of our team, or know someone else who would, please be in touch with us! We thank you, in advance, for the opportunity to do such an important mitzvah!!
You can reach us at NCJC ‐ Chesed Callers ‐ 845‐638‐9600
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HAZAK PROGRAM
Hazak Program Description
Many of you know Alexandra Weiser as a Shaliach Tzibur… but did you know she is also a theatrical producer? On December
6th, join us for a special and uplifting Hazak program where Ms. Weiser will virtually take you on a trip to Broadway!
Ever wonder what makes Broadway “Broadway” or how a show even gets to Broadway in the first place? Not to mention,
what do synagogue and Broadway have in common?! While our beloved cultural institutions are on an extended
“intermission” around the country, what better a time to gain perspective on this beloved NYC fix. As an added bonus,
you’ll get to sing along as Cantor Weiser performs the classics by your favorite Jewish Composers including Irving Berlin,
Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Richard Rodgers, and Oscar Hammerstein. See you there!
Bio Alexandra “Xan” Weiser is a New York City based cantorial soloist, concert soloist, and theatrical producer.
A classically trained soprano, Ms. Weiser spiritually uplifts congregations across the US and Canada as a Shaliach Tzibur and currently serves Congregation B’nai Sholom Beth David (CBS‐BD) in Nassau County as its first female cantor. She also maintains an active schedule performing at various concerts and fundraisers in the greater Metro area; select NYC venues include: 54 Below, The Plaza, and Tribeca Rooftop.
As a theatrical producer, she calls upon an extensive creative and executive skill set to bring theatrical stories from ideation to fruition. Her most recent work includes the New York Times Critic’s Pick A Christmas Carol on Broadway as well as the acclaimed Off‐Broadway comedy romp Rule of 7x7.
She holds a Masters degree from Columbia School of the Arts and Bachelors from Brandeis University. Her vocal training includes Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute and the Metropolitan Opera’s Bel Canto Institute, where she was selected to train in Florence, Italy as one of 20 emerging vocalists globally.
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ECC EVENTS DEC. 2020 Jackie Binstock, Director Chanukah is a time of re-dedication. If you ask any child in the pre-school, they will say Chanukah is a time of presents, but it’s a time of presence, of re-dedication. The rededication of the Temple and the miracle of the oil are the central themes of Chanukah. A lot of the time, this message gets lost in the hustle and bustle of this season, and is subsumed by the culture of gifts and parties and decorations. There is nothing wrong with celebrating, and we should do so joyfully, but it should also be a time of reflection, of re-visiting our values and of re-commitment. My oldest grandson put on tefillin for the first time recently. His bar mitzvah will actually take place on Chanukah. The young rabbi at our synagogue helped him with the wrapping and with the brachot. When it came to wrapping the tefillin around the fingers, the bracha is very interesting and a little odd. It says “Thus says the Lord: I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you with righteousness, with justice, with love and with compassion. I will betroth you to me with faithfulness, and you shall love the Lord”. The rabbi explained that by using the words in the context of a wedding, G-d helps us to understand the level of commitment that we are dedicating ourselves to when we put on tefillin. Yes, we are dedicating ourselves to G-d, but how are we doing this? By dedicating ourselves to righteousness and justice and love and compassion and faithfulness, by dedicating ourselves to family, to community, to making the world a better place. It is about believing and standing up for those beliefs. When we bind ourselves, quite literally, to G-d, we are committing to being a better person in our relationships with our fellow person, and therefore in our relationship with G-d. It is an understanding that our presence in the world makes a difference and that’s G-d’s presence is an integral and overarching part of that. So this Chanukah, when the world seems a darker place than ever, let’s re-dedicate ourselves to bringing the light. In school, we will light candles together every day and sing joyfully. We will continue to do tzedakah work with the children and their families, and re-commit to transmitting the values and practices that are so central to our mission. It’s not hard to do at home. It just takes presence, a little forethought, and a sense of commitment. Lighting the menorah is such a symbolic act – we CAN be the light that this world needs so badly right now.
ECC EVENTS by Jackie Binstock, Director
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We would like to thank all of our members who have made a generous
pledge in support of New City Jewish Center
High Holiday Appeal - 5781 (2020) as of November 17, 2020
Bonim (Builders)
Jill and Jeffrey Degen
Rochelle and L. Paul Brief
Amudim (Pillars) Tzadikim (Benefactors)
Roberta and Mark Aaronson Beth and Gary Israel Janice and Don Arnstein
Wendy and Alan Backelman Marsha and Warren Sherman Marilyn and Robert Derector
Lisa and Michael Backelman Phyllis and James Strauss Beth and Marc Kaweblum
Cathy and Bert Distelburger Howard and Freya Wiener
Sue and Arnie Garelick Shelley and Steve Yablon
Chaverim (Friends) Tomchim (Supporters)
Libby and Paul Becker Alyse and Andy Alper Michelle and Steven Kanner
Eszter and Peter Friedman Roberta and Stanley Ast Ruth and David Kestenbaum
Susan and Lee Krochmal Cecile and Marvin Benjamin Rebecca and David Kraushaar
Susan and Adam Sahn Stacy and Justin Blash Arlene and Harvey Lander
Eileen and Michael Sokoloff Janet and Melvin Borg Rebecca and Rabbi Jeremy Ruberg
Marilyn and Harry Soffer Cynthia and Norman Chatzinoff Susan and Bruce Sicherman
Esther and Arnold Tanowitz Barbara and Ronald Federman Robbin Sicherman
Jessica and David Trokel Denise and Monte Goldstein Sonia and William K. Stern
Cheryl and Michael Turkel Susan and Isaac Hersly Joan and Jeffrey Tarson
Barbara Hilfman Linda and Phillip Thau
Sandra and Jeffrey Zimmerman
Donors
Barbara Adelson Phyllis and Mitchell Held Arthur and Florence Rosen
Harriet Alpert Myrna and Allan Hirsch Rhona and Mark J. Rosen
Susan Ball Marlene and Alan Hochstadt Arlene and Stan Rosen
Bonnie and Charles Berger Deborah and Jeffrey Horowitz Robert Rosen
Shari Berk Paula and Melvin Katz Roni and Marc Rossman
Linda and Ronnie Bing Joan Klein Harold Rubin
Sheryl and Neal Blackstein Judith and Allen Klopfer Lois and Abraham Sassoon
Susan and Jack Bloom Sharlene and Richard Knel Francine and Michael Satran
Amy and Mark Blumenfeld Susan and Jacob Kohenak Linda and Steve Schulner
Alysse and Ian Boschen Susanne Kolodny Sharon and Edwin Schuman
Geri and Stuart Buxbaum Gayle and Bruce Lander Charlotte and Jay Shaffer
Rachelle Bregman Sandra and Arthur Landes Iris Sharon
Sandra and Murray Cohen Randi and Ira Lapp Carol and Barry Silberfarb
Michele and Richard Davis Linda and Daniel Lehrfeld Sharon and Howard Silverbrand
Continued on next page
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Marilyn and Dennis Drayer Felice Leifer Marla and David Slater
Cindy and Mark Einstein Ann Letzter Roberta Spanier
Tova and Avi Epstein Nancy and Edward Levy Zoya and Boris Stal
Rosalie and Stuart Evans Jennifer and Mathew Levy Bernhard Storch
Cindy Fleisher Harriet and Ernest Lieman Frieda and Max Strauss
Vicki and Brent Fleisher Judith and Walter Litvak Gail and Warren Suna
Adrienne Fletcher Karen Londin Florence and Lewis Tannenbaum
Miriam and Herbert Friedman Frieda and Larry Luxenberg Elaine and Arnold Van Deuren
Irving Friedman Beth Malowitz Joy and Norman Weber
Sheila and Howard Gersh Steven Madell Judy and Aron Weber
Helene and Steve Gold Linda Masia Ronna and Robert J. Weiner
Jaclyn and Jonathan Goldberg Judith and Phillips Meshberg Sheila and Bruce Weiss
Eileen Goldblatt Ellen Model Carole Weiss
Robin and Gerald Goldsmith Debra and Clifford Pattick Rochelle and Norman Welsh
Susan and Arthur Goldstein Rhonda and Bennett Pine Bonnie and Steven Winograd
Janna and Joseph Goodman Hannah and Arthur Price Audrey and David Worman
Kim and Brian Gorsky Vivian and Ellis Reemer Karen and David Zatz
Jessica and Jeremy Griffel Rita and Ira Reiss Rosalyn and Maynard Zucker
Debbie and Sam Greenbaum Stephanie and Jon Ripps Seymour Zucker
Gabrielle and Jason Haber Freida and Bernard Robins
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Torah Fund News Hi Ronna,
My name is Risë Stern. I am the Torah Fund Chair for the Hudson Valley Area of MetroNorth Region of
WLCJ. I'm writing to tell you about our region Torah Fund Event for this year. It is like no other event we’ve
ever held. This year we will be going virtually on a trip to the Zacharias Frankel College. This is the Masorti
Rabbinical School in Potsdam Germany where, through Torah Fund, we support the training of our future
Jewish leaders. On Sunday, December 20th at 10 AM join us for presentations by a current student at the
college and a recently ordained Rabbi. We are asking for a minimum donation of $18 to Torah Fund to attend
this special program.
At this event we would also like to recognize the special woman from New City Jewish Centerwho you have
chosen to honor this year as a Torah Fund Honoree. Please also consider including the woman who was
supposed to be honored at our event last spring that was cancelled due to COVID-19. Your honoree will be
listed in our virtual program and spoken about at the Sunday morning program.
If you already know the name of your honoree please email it to me: [email protected] along with a picture
and a paragraph or two about why this woman is your honoree.
I look forward to hearing from you soon. If you have any questions please feel free to call me at 914-761-5645.
Be well,
Risë Stern
Torah Fund Chair
Hudson Valley Area of MetroNorth Region of WLCJ
From: Mindy Steinholz <[email protected]>
Date: November 6, 2020 at 11:41:29 AM EST
Subject: Important Torah Fund News
Good Morning
I have wonderful news about Torah Fund for everyone!
First- Thank you all for your continuing efforts on behalf of Torah Fund even during these challenging times.
Second- Our region Torah Fund event will be held on Sunday December 20th via Zoom. It will be a "Brunch
time" virtual event and we will "travel" to the Zacharias Frankel College in Germany. This is the newest
Conservative/Masorti Seminary and they just ordained two new rabbis at the end of October. This should be a
really interesting event and will follow a different format than we are used to but will be a good fit for the
platform.
More information, including a flyer and how to register will be coming out shortly but please do at least put out
"Save the Date" information.
There will be an $18 minimum donation to Torah Fund for all as this event does not include a couvert for a
meal.
You Sisterhood/WL is welcome to submit an honoree for this event. This could be the honoree you had
planned for the spring. We will be putting together a program which will be available as a PDF to include the
information on the honorees.
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MEN’S CLUB
While we are closing on 2020, I would like to take the time to extend a special Thank you to our Mensch and Youths of the Year. Yanny Hecht has done so much for our Synagogue over so many years and he has been so well deserving of the Mensch of the Year Award, we were so Happy to Award it to him this year. As for the Youths of the Year, we cannot say enough about the class of kids who have graduated. Jenny Backelman, Chana Berkman, Naomi and Solomon Fox, and Adam Shinder have been so special to New City Jewish Center. They have led services, organized multiple Youth Events, Educated and Cared for the younger children at the Synagogue, and so much more. We wish them well in their future pursuits, we know they will be successful, and we look forward to seeing them when they come back to visit. Please join us on December 17 at 8pm for an Awesome Trivia Night. Bring your A Game because we will be Awarding Prizes. We will provide more information as we get closer to the date. Please look for an email from the Men's Club and on our Weekly Newsletter. Good Luck to all and we hope to see you there. We wish for everyone to stay warm and healthy, this Season. As we approach the Festival of Lights, the future looks much brighter. There are now two Vaccines that have tremendous promise and additional peace treaties between Arab Countries and Israel appear to be on the Horizon. So, enjoy your 8 Zoom Lightings with Family and Friends, Eat Your Donuts and Latkes, open your Presents, and look forward to an Amazing 2021!
Sincerely, Eric Litvak
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A MESSAGE FROM SISTERHOOD
A Message from Sisterhood Presidents: Hope everyone is well! Thanks for those who participated in our Paid-Up Sisterhood Membership BINGO Event. We had forty three attendees and congratulations to the winners who won fun prizes! Some upcoming events are: Virtual Chanukah Boutique on Thursday, 12/3 Latke Night Live on Sunday, December 13th following the Community Chanukah Candle Lighting. Shabbat To Go--December 18th January, we have a virtual discussion on the Amazon Prime Series the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel We were proud to cosponsor the Holocaust Museum and Center for Tolerance and Education's Event with Father Patrick Desbois.
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TRIBUTES AND DONATIONS
YAHRZEIT AND YIZKOR Linda Masia in memory of Aaron Masia In memory of David Masia Barbara & Richard Blumenthal in memory of Sam Edelman In memory of Mildred Edelman In memory of Seena Pappas Marilyn & Robert Derector in memory of Phillip Lazar
Wallach Sharon & Allen Gendler in memory of Irving Goldman Frances Fink in memory of Adele Klein Judith & Allen Klopfer in memory of Herta Klopfer Lois & Leonard Applebaum in memory of Tova Applebaum In memory of Bea Kramer Rita & Richard Ticknor in memory of Abraham Tiknor In memory of Genia Selinger Denise & Michael Fleisher in memory of Leonard Dermer Lorraine & Scott Hazan in memory of Irene Kalvin Rosalie & Alvin Bomzer in memory of Irene Boxer Adrienne Fletcher in memory of Miriam Fletcher Rosalie & Stuart Evans in memory of Vera Volin Phyllis & Henry Stein in memory of Bella Benenfeld Marcia Napach in memory of Michael Feinman In memory of Leonard Napach Evelyn Seltzer in memory of Herman “Cy” Seltzer Denise & Michael Fleisher in memory of Leonard Dermer Rhona & Mark Rosen in memory of Milton Rosen Ann Letzter in memory of Sadie Letzter Ruth & Walter Zimmerman in memory of Morris
Zimmerman In memory of Esther Rebotsky Rita & Jeffrey Wiesen in memory of Shulim Zaife In memory of Luba Zaife Phyllis & Ed Rabinowitz in memory of Sylvia Rabinowitz Beth & Mark Kaweblum in memory of Chana Geller Adrienne Fletcher in memory of Bud Fletcher Madeline Feinsilver in memory of Gilbert Feinsilver Judi & Darryl Elberg in memory of Sarah Oliff Roberta & Kenneth Kaplan in memory of Gary Kaplan Joan & Arthur Dash in memory of Sylvia Dash Sharon & Howard Silverbrand in memory of Julius
Grobgeld Cynthia & Norman Charzinoff in memory of Philip
Chatzinoff Andrew & Bonnie Kaplan in memory of Carl Jacobs Fredi & Bruce Rodin - Yizkor donation In memory of Leo Wexler In memory of David Rodin Roni & Alan Goldman in memory of Marshall Goldman Marsha & Warren Sherman in memory of Sylvia Grossman Elaine & Arnold Van Deuren in memory of Eric Zorn
Sandra Staub in memory of Pauline Staub Suzanne Kolodny in memory of Libby Gruber Jerrold Sholtz in memory of Morris Mirman Bonnie & Andrew Kaplan in memory of Barry Jacobs Sharon & Howard Silverbrand in memory of Lillian Grobgeld Haren & Steven Haber in memory of Dennis Drayer Judy & David Malina in memory of David Roth Eileen Goldblatt in memory of Rebecca Goldblatt GENERAL DONATIONS Rosalyn Mintz in memory of Samuel Spector Mazel Tov to Rabbi Berkman & Carol King-Berkman’s
children on their recent marriage Mazel Tov to Rabbi & Carol King-Berkman on the birth of
their first grandchild Barbara Jedig – Donation Jessica & David Trokel in memory of Dennis Drayer Beth & Gary Israel in memory of Dennis Drayer Alyce & Michael Kitt in memory of Dennis Drayer In memory of Dorothy Eisenberg In memory of Suzsanne (nee Winkler) Virag In memory of Kim Isenberg In memory of Arthur Ward Levine Wendi & Bill Karasik in memory of Dennis Drayer Amy & Mark Blumenfeld in memory of Helen Wasserstein Melissa & Akiva Friedman in memory of Dennis Drayer Randi & Ira Lapp in memory of Dennis Drayer Phyllis & Robert Stone in memory of Dennis Drayer Lorraine & & Harvey Kleinman in memory of Dennis
Drayer Rita & Richard Ticknor in memory of Dennis Drayer Susan & Lee Krotchmal in memory of Henrietta Morin Barbara Reich in memory of Dennis Drayer Florence & Arthur Rosen in memory of Dennis Drayer Sandy Ritz in memory of Dennis Drayer Elaine & Arnold Van Deuren in memory of Marsha
Rabinowitz In memory of Arthur Levine Cathy & Bert Distelburger in honor of Yanny Hecht, 2020
Men’s Club Man of the Year In honor of Jennifer Backelman, 2020 Men’s Club
Youth of the Year In honor of Chana Berkman, 2020 Men’s Club
Youth of the Year In honor of Naomi Fox, 2020 Men’s Club Youth of
the Year In honor of Solomon Fox, 2020 Men’s Club Youth
of the Year In honor of Adam Shinder, 2020 Men’s Club Youth
of the Year
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Eileen Goldblatt in memory of Dennis Drayer In memory of Seymour Dubbs Barbara & Ronnie Federman in honor of the birth of
Maureen & Ken Rowin’s grandson Jackson RABBI BERKMAN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Maxine Leano in memory of Emanuel Rosenthal Rebecca Drayer in memory of Dennis Drayer Friends of Marilyn Drayer in memory of Dennis Drayer Alexis Kriedman in memory of Priscilla Kriedman Elaine & Arnold Van Deuren in honor of Shira Berkman’s
wedding RABBI GRABER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND ADULT EDUCATION FUND ALIZA CAPLAN PLAYGROUND FUND Caren & Murray Caplan in memory of Dennis Drayer Rhona & Mark Rosen in memory of Milton Rosen BIKKUR CHOLIM Linda & Ronnie Bing in memory of Dennis Drayer Friends of Marilyn Drayer in memory of Dennis Drayer Jeffrey Aizer in memory of Leib Velvel Ben Josef, Leonard
William Aizer CAMP RAMAH SCHOLARSHIP CHESED FUND (Previously Shiva/Chesed/Bikkur Cholim Funds) EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER FUND FRIEDA & MAX BERKOWITZ MEMORIAL FUND HEBREW SCHOOL HOWARD BREGMAN MEMORIAL FUND KADDISH FUND LUNCH AND LEARN
MAZEL TOV FUND Gail DeCina in honor of Shane Levine’s Bar Mitzvah MERLE & BYRON ZABUSKY SELICHOT FUND MINYAN FUND NURSERY SCHOOL FUND PRAYER BOOK FUND Susan Ball in memory of Mildred Silverman
RHODA BLOOM KOSHER FOOD PANTRY Shlomit & Mike Hirsch in memory of Sheldon Grossman SECURITY FUND SEUDAH FUND SIMCHAT TORAH LUNCHEON FUND SISTERHOOD STAY AND PRAY FROM HOME FUND THE TARSON/NADEL FUND
TED LEVINE MEMORIAL FUND Denise & Michael Fleisher in memory of Arthur Ward
Levine TREES FOR ISRAEL Michelle Tarson in honor of Ryan Levi’s Bar Mitzvah Fran & Michael Satran in memory of Irma Schenkman Denise & Joel Fried in memory of Irma Schenkman YOUTH COMMUNITY WITH OUR MEMBERS OUR CONGREGATION EXTENDS ITS DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO: It is with sadness we announce the passing of: Dennis Drayer, loving husband to Marilyn, father of Rebecca, brother of Barry (Barbara), Gerald (Felisa) and Carole Irma Schenkman, loving wife to Selwyn z"l, mother of Joel and Beth Berkenfeld Ruth Grupper, loving wife to Edward z"l, mother of David, Jonathan and Adam. Kay Shear, Daughter-in-law of Steve and Arlene, loving wife of Robert, mother of Rachel, Andrew, Mollie, sister of Sam, sister-in-law of Nadine (Richard), aunt of Sam and Leah Bernhard Storch, Beloved husband of Ruth Storch z"l, father of Gita Helen Morris and Larry Gerald Storch, grandfather of Rebecca Storch, Josh Storch and Robert (Lya) Morris, and Uncle to Daniel (Linda) Lehrfeld and Rita (Ira) Reiss.
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If you don't see this in your in‐box weekly please log on to NCJC's website (newcityjc.org), scroll down about half‐way,
and on the left side of the page click on "Join our Email List", and complete the required information. Ensure you join
the “General Interest” email list. Please note that we are not able to subscribe you; you must do this yourself. There are
known issues with aol.com addresses. If you have both an aol and another email address we strongly suggest you
subscribe with other than an aol address. If you have a problem please call the office at 638‐9600.
SEUDAH NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Unfortunately, some of our “seudonians” are
leaving for warmer southern climates. We
need help preparing and shopping. Can you
share some of your time and help us out?
Please call the office and leave your name and
number. IT WOULD BE A MITZVAH!
Thank you ‐ The Seudah Committee
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What is blue and white and NOW, green all over?
NCJC is!
Help us recycle by putting
your paper and plastic bottles
in the proper containers.
CEMETERY PLOTS AVAILABLE THROUGH NCJC
“It is an ancient Jewish custom to purchase a gravesite during one’s lifetime and to own it outright prior to burial. The Bible states explicitly that Abraham brought a grave for Sarah. Likewise, Joseph was buried in the family plot that his father Jacob had acquired in the city of Shechem”. (from the Jewish Way in Death and Mourning by Maurice Lamm)
Have you put off arranging your final resting place because you just don’t want to deal with the details? Allow us to assist you making this an easy process with minimal hassle. New City Jewish Center currently has numerous plots avail‐ able for purchase at Gates of Zion Cemetery located at 670 Saddle River Road in Monsey. Additionally, in comparison to other area cemeteries the cost is more reasonable and the check is made payable to NCJC.
For further details or to make an appointment to schedule a personal tour of available plots please call our cemetery chairperson Jay Shaffer at 845‐634‐5697.
WHAT’S NEW IN YOUR LIFE?
The rabbis, the cantor, and your
congregational family want to
know
about your simchas, as well as, sad events.
Has someone: had a baby ‐ become
engaged or getting married ‐ taken ill ‐
passed away
Please call the synagogue office at
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