JUNE's THEME: SHAVUOT

How Do You Celebrate the Torah, Your Jewish Education, and/or The Choice to Participate Actively in Jewish Life?

As A Community!

RABBI RANDY SHEINBERG

The Gift of Torah

• This month we will celebrate Shavuot, the Festival on which we mark the moment of revelation on Mount Sinai and the gift of Torah that we received as a result of that revelation.
• What is the Torah and why does it play such a central role in the Jewish faith? For sure, it is valuable for its history. Although it never pretends to be factual (indeed, if you were to try to use it as a history textbook, you would fail miserably), it does offer some insight into the formation of our faith and the ways that our ancestors lived. The Torah is also valuable for its teachings. In its words are many of the foundational ethical concepts of Judaism, and indeed of much of western civilization. We can learn much from the Torah’s teachings about how to treat one another, care for the needy, protect our planet - and much more. The Torah is also a great connector - it has kept the Jewish people together, despite our differences, and has created sacred community around the globe and across time.
• In addition to all those reasons, Torah has a hold on us that is difficult to put into words. Ask anyone who has come close to the Torah, and they will likely tell you that the experience of approaching the Torah for an Aliyah or putting a yad to the parchment to share its words, is powerful beyond logic. Call it spiritual, call it mystical, call it revelation, call it God - it is a gift that belongs to all of us, and connects us to the generations who preceded us and those who will follow us.
• The power of revelation and Torah is expressed beautifully in this poem, by Stacey Zisook Robinson, z’l:

This Shavuot, may you find your way to Torah, and may we together experience its power.

TEMPLE PRESIDENT:

- LISA LUPO -

It is Hard to Believe It is Already June!

• In June, we celebrate Shavuot which commemorates Israel’s receiving the Torah at Sinai. The holiday is typically associated with Torah study and Jewish education. So, it is fitting to say a few words about the wonderful learning that goes on at Temple Tikvah and to say a few thank yous to the congregants that make it all happen.
• I enjoyed attending our traditional last day of school BBQ last month ... Thank you Brotherhood for your wonderful cooking skills, which was preceded by some fun team games ... Thank you Joni Gehebe for organizing the activities. As I watched the parents and students socializing, I couldn’t help but think how blessed we are to have to have such a wonderful religious school community.
• To our religious school families ... Thank you for sharing your amazing children with us, as well as ... Thank you for your active participation in our school. We could not provide all the great experiences for our students without your volunteerism! A special shout out to Julie O’Donnell and April Heron for leading our Religious School Committee. You both rock!!
• None of what we do for our families would be possible without the leadership of Sharon Fricano, our Religious School Director, and her staff of teachers and tutors. Sharon is our master cook that balances the optimal amount of Torah, Hebrew, Jewish history, special events, and fun to create a positive learning environment.
• Children are not the only ones who learn at Temple Tikvah. Thank you to Meryl Root, for organizing our Lifelong Learning Programs, which are enjoyed by many Temple members, including me. Shout outs also to Jack Zaffos and Barbara Silberman, respectively for leading our Writing and Reading Groups, and Helaine Schachter for leading our Wise Aging Group. We are always open to more learning groups, so let us know if you have a special interest that you would like to pursue.
• And of course, our clergy ~ Rabbi Sheinberg and Cantor Friedlander ~ teach us every week at our Shabbat Services, Torah Study, and through special classes throughout the year. This year they led a group of 10 adult congregants in learning to chant Torah, culminating in a very Special Saturday Morning Torah Service.
• And the year is not done! On Saturday, June 8th at 11:00am, our last Lunch & Learn of the year will be a screening of the film - Hummus! The Movie, a documentary about the unifying power of food and of course to be followed by lunch.
• Please also join us on Tuesday, June 11th at 7:30pm at Temple Beth El in Great Neck, where several congregations are joining together for a special Tikkun Learning Service.
• And on Friday, June 14th, we will hold our year-end Family Shabbat Celebration of Learning Service and Congregational Dinner. Our Kol Simkha Choir will perform, and all are invited!
• Our Annual Congregation Meeting will be Monday, June 3rd at 8:00pm in the Beber Auditorium and on ZOOM. We hope you can attend, however if you can’t, please remember to send in your proxy.
• Other notable June events are the Brotherhood Dinner & Auction on Saturday, June 1st and Sisterhood’s Year End Dinner honoring Terry Lepzelter on Thursday, June 6th. Please come out and show your support for our wonderful affiliate organizations that do so much for our community.

I wish everyone a wonderful summer filled with family, fun, and sun!

REMEMBER TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS: * The Temple Book Club will next meet on Monday, June 10th at 7:30pm to review The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar. The latest from the author of Honor is a page-turner about family secrets revealed and the realization that our loved ones are often all too human and as such, all too flawed. Written with gorgeous prose and threaded with universal themes, it’s perfect for readers of Lisa Ko or Chibundu Onuzo...Barnes & Noble

*PLEASE NOTE: The Afternoon & Evening Book Clubs have merged to one meeting per month. The meetings will be the second Monday of each month. The ZOOM LINK will be in the Weekly Update and will be the same LINK for the entire year.

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The next Temple Writing Group meeting is on Tuesday, June 11th at 7:30pm.

Sisterhood

Shavuot

• Shavuot, originally a harvest holiday, has become known as the Festival of the Giving of the Torah. It symbolizes the 49 days following Passover and in Leviticus 23:21 the Torah commands ”and you shall proclaim that day to be a holy convocation”. After the temple was destroyed, the Talmudic rabbis reframed the holiday and ascribed Shavuot to the story of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. The commandments were written on two tablets which were to be given to the Israelites and they set the date as the 6th day of the month of Sivan. The holiday remembers its agricultural roots, but we celebrate the Torah, education, and the wisdom of Jewish teachings.
• As many of you know and hopefully witnessed, the Temple Tikvah Torah Project participants recently chanted from the Torah. They read verses from Parshat Acharei Mot and Parshat Kedoshim, Leviticus from 18:26 to 19:37. Those portions represent the Holiness Code. God gave instructions to Moses to convey to the people of Israel, as individuals and as a community, what to do in order to enjoy a close and ongoing relationship with God. The Ten Commandments provide the basic laws by which the people are instructed on how to live a Jewish life, according to God.
• However, as we learned from the Torah readers - each person is able to read, interpret, and explain what the Torah means to them individually and how each person has their own personal connection to the Torah. “It is a tree of life to all who hold onto it and all its paths are happy, its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace”. (Proverbs 3:17-18) Coming from a medical background to me the Torah is like the lungs, it is the source of life and gives breath to all we do. Its stories touch on science, history, philosophy, ritual, and ethics. The study of Torah is ongoing and changing therefore, it can be an intellectual adventure or a spiritual journey.
• Sisterhood is a special sacred community within Temple Tikvah. Everything we do is for the betterment of the Temple, its members, the community, and the Jewish people. Our sisters all share Jewish values and strive to make this a very special place. Our Sisterhood Shabbat was a wonderful and spiritual service thanks to Lynn Moser, all who participated, and it was my privilege to chant from the Torah. The Golden Age Luncheon was a wonderful event led by Sandy Portnoy as we reached out to the community, after a long pandemic pause.

Please join us on June 6th as we celebrate Terry Lepzelter as our Woman of the Year, we Vote on Our Slate of Officers/Trustees for 2024-2025, and we celebrate all of our Sisters on a hardworking and successful year.

As May Wraps Up and June Arrives, Brotherhood is Still as Busy as Bees

• I would first like to acknowledge this month’s Tikvah Times Theme: Shavuot - How Do You Celebrate the Torah, Your Jewish Education, and/or The Choice to Participate Actively in Jewish Life? Shavuot begins on Wednesday, June 12th. This is the time of year when our tribe celebrates receiving the Ten Commandments and the Torah. As an ancient ritual, it is not surprising to me, that Shavuot focuses on the community and our faith’s journey in our individual spiritual lives both inside and outside of our synagogue. Brotherhood is all about this!
• On Sunday, May 19th Brotherhood held their annual BBQ for the last day of Religious School. We had a nice turnout of our “boyz” that helped cook and serve the food. Thank you to those who participated!
• On Friday, May 31st Brotherhood held its Shabbat Service. We BROKE A RECORD! Twenty men volunteered to participate in the service. Thank you!
• On June 1st Brotherhood will be hosting OUR BIG EVENT - An Auction, Dinner and Live Show. The Auction will be our first one since Covid entered our lives. This will also be the third time The Chimenti’s have entertained us. Come one, come all!
• And last, yet never least - Brotherhood’s End of Year Dinner on Wednesday, June 12th at 7:00pm will be at Fillmore’s in Flushing. All Brotherhood members are welcome to attend for the 4 course meal for only $30. Just simply send your check to Brotherhood of Temple Tikvah and you are in!

Until September ... Have a Super Summer!

LIFELONG LEARNING

The Solace of the Season

• Lifelong Learning: June is such a beautiful time of the year. It seems like every tree is in bloom, as are the faces of our children as they finish the school year and yearn for summer fun. This year we celebrate Shavuot on Wednesday, June 12th and it too celebrates the joys of Spring, both food for the body and a gift for the mind and heart, namely the Torah. It blooms this time of year – after all, it is the tree of life. There is so much in it to learn from and debate about. Isaac Newton discovered gravity while sitting under a tree. Jonah was much relieved by the tree that grew up overnight to protect him from the sun outside Ninevah. Think what solace and understanding you can gain by immersing your self in Torah; and there is nothing better than doing that with others, which leads us to…
• Torah Study: Weekly Torah Study with Rabbi Sheinberg continues every Saturday morning. We will finish up the last chapters of the Book of Leviticus and continue with the Book of Numbers thereafter. All sessions are on ZOOM, beginning at 9:00am and last 1 hour-ish. However, on some Saturdays there is a Torah Study Plus. These usually meet at least one Saturday per month and is both in-person at the synagogue and on ZOOM. These Torah Study Plus sessions typically begin at 9:30am and last about 90 minutes. (And usually include bagels!) No experience required. Be sure to check the Calendar at the end of this Issue or the Weekly Update for start times and the ZOOM connection.
• Movie Time: • •In addition to our Lunch and Learn Event on June 8th, we have a Bonus Movie followed by a discussion for everyone, entitled: Egypt, A Love Song a couple of days before on Wednesday, June 8th. Please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, June 5th by clicking on the LINK below. This is a ZOOM ONLY event. See flyer below. ••More Food for the Mind: Come taste the wonders found in Hummus! the Movie. It’s a story of faith, community, and growth as told through the lens of a dietary staple and superfood, hummus! Restaurateurs, musicians, politicians – everyone loves hummus. This documentary shows how food can bring people together. On Saturday, June 8th, beginning at 11:00am, we will watch the film in the Harris Beber Auditorium. It will be followed by lunch and a tasty discussion. If you want, you can watch the movie at home (available for free with ads on freevee, pluto.tv, and tubitv.com), then join us by ZOOM for a discussion around 12:30pm. Watch for updates and ZOOM links in the Weekly Update. Join us for a delicious time.

As We Learn and Create, More Insight and Involvement Takes Place

SOCIAL ACTION

It is Crucial That Our Voices be Heard

• As this issue of the Tikvah Times goes out to the congregation, we are preparing to celebrate Shavuot, the Festival of the Giving of the Torah. We have been asked to reflect on how we choose to participate actively in Jewish life and that question could not be more significant less than six months away from our national elections. There is so much at stake, and yet as a country we have a low participation rate in the elections that determine what core values are likely to be incorporated into meaningful policies and then defended when attacked.
• In 2020, the overall percentage of eligible voters in our country who participated in a presidential election was 66.7%. In New York State it was even lower, 63.57% according to Ballotpedia. We ranked 42nd in the nation! Well behind New Jersey, (75.27%) for those of us who like to occasionally poke fun at the Garden State. The statistics in 2022, a so called “off year” in which crucial local and federal offices were filled, were significantly worse - 46.76% nationally and 42.2% in NY.
• In addition, in states where voter suppression is most egregious, communities of people of color end up being particularly underrepresented as registered and/or participating voters. That brings us to an important collaboration between The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and the Center for Common Ground which are non-partisan, Black and women-led voting rights organizations. It works in states where more than 20% of voters are people of color – Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. The goal is to ensure every voter knows their voice and their votes matter. Thoughtful messaging designed to address the needs of specific communities is delivered by volunteers across the country through post carding and phone banking.
• Here is how the RAC explains why this campaign is so reflective of Jewish values - “Our Jewish tradition is clear: ‘A ruler is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted’ (Babylonian Talmud Berachot 55a). We want a strong democracy and a community where everyone - whatever our color, background, or zip code - belongs. Democracy thrives when every voice is heard and every vote is cast and counted. But today, forces of division are spreading racism and antisemitism while restricting the freedom to vote, reproductive freedom, and more. We can create a safe future for ourselves and for all people by working together to strengthen our democracy. Join our nonpartisan campaign to ensure all have an equal say in decisions that impact our lives.”
• If you are looking for meaningful ways to have an impact between now and Election Day, please check out the RAC LINK below and sign up to attend ZOOM informational/training meetings and/or to get started on writing postcards. The Campaign Launch ZOOM Meeting of Every Voice, Every Vote will be held on Wednesday, June 5th at 7:30pm. Information for this event is also available in the LINK below.

• In addition, if you would like to form a group at Temple Tikvah to do some of these things such as post carding together, please send send us a message by clicking on the LINK below.

The Time Has Come to Renew Our Commitment

DONATIONS:

• ADULT EDUCATION FUND: Susan Schall in memory of Ronald Nistler, Joan Sunshine, David Konstan, and Lew Wiener • Lynn Fox in honor of Hayley Di Rico’s Torah Reading
• CARING COMMUNITY FUND: Arline & Jack Cazes in memory of Lew Wiener • Roberta Hoffer in memory of Lew Wiener
• KEHILLA FUND: Micky Josephs in memory of David Konstan
• RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND: Linda & Ron Coll in memory of David Konstan • Jack Zaffos in appreciation of Rabbi Sheinberg
• SIMCHA FUND: Brotherhood in honor of The Torah Project • Samara Rothchild in appreciation of Cantor Leslie Friedlander for the Bar Mitzvah of Braden Rothchild • Barbara Silberman in honor of Asher Samuel’s Bar Mitzvah
• TEMPLE TIKVAH MEMORIAL FUND: Florence Baravarian in memory of Jules Herlitschek • Brotherhood in memory of Lew Wiener and David Konstan • Doris Brown in memory of Steven Philip Brown and Esther Platt • Arline & Jack Cazes in memory of Lotte Herz • Terry (Hood) Curiale in memory of Richard & Ian Howard • Merle Fishkin in memory of Miriam Fishkin • Dean Hernan in memory of Joseph Hernandez • Micky Josephs in memory David Konstan • Carole Kaplan in memory of Mathilda Abzug and Zoey Kaplan • Nancy Kiss in memory of Max Kiss • Gloria & Lawrence Konstan in memory of Lew Wiener and Irma Schustek • Esther Krichevsky in memory of Sol Krichevsky, Esther Cantos, Shirley Cantos, and Abraham & Sarah Cantos • Cheryle & Stephen Levine in memory of Laura Passariello, Jack Leitenberg, Paul Passariello Sr., Lew Weiner, and David Konstan • Mark & Robin Mandell in memory of Lew Wiener • Lois Marcus in memory of Philip Marcus • Joseph & Barbara Massey in memory of David Konstan • Joyce & Joel Mensoff in memory of Lew Wiener and David Konstan • Lynn Moser in memory of Lew Wiener • Susan & Kent Moston in memory of David Konstan • Donald & Lori Panetta in memory of Rose Schoener and Evelyn Freeman • Sandra & David Peskin in memory of Carolyn Alexander, Lew Wiener, and David Konstan • Sandy Portnoy in memory of Irving Portnoy, Frances Rabinowitz, George Margolin, and Jeff Portnoy • Phyllis Richards in memory of Lew Wiener • Helaine & Ed Schachter in memory of Samuel Levine • Charla Schnupp in memory of Steven Putzer, Morris Jemal, and Mary Jemal • Marilyn Schwartz in memory of Lt. Marvin Newman and Janet Newman Schwartz • Barbara Silberman in memory of Lew Wiener and David Konstan • Stuart & Judy Weinstock in memory of Giselle Weinstock • Jeff & Teresa Weisbrot in memory of David Weisbrot and David Konstan • Carolyn & Daniel Weissfeld in memory of Yetta Weiss • Joan Wiener in memory of Bernard Kolman • Irene & Stanley Zorn in memory of David Konstan

HEARTFELT NOTES OF GRATITUDE:

• Marie Brown ~Thank you to everyone who sent me birthday wishes.

• Beverly Oscrow ~ Thank you for the birthday wishes that I have received, past & present. I so appreciate everyone's thoughtfulness.

• Joan Weiner ~ Thank you to everyone for your thoughtful calls, your lovely emails, and the beautiful cards that were sent to me on the passing of my beloved son, Lewis Wiener.

YAHRZEITS

• SATURDAY, JUNE 1st - FIRST DAY OF LGBTQ+ & PRIDE MONTH / *Torah Study at 9:00am ~ ONLY ON ZOOM (LINK in the Weekly Update); Hecht Baby Naming at 12:25pm; and Brotherhood Auction & Dinner at 7:00pm
• MONDAY, JUNE 3rd - Annual Congregational Meeting at 8:00pm
• TUESDAY, JUNE 4th - Writing Group at 7:30pm
• WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5th - Choir Rehearsal at 7:00pm
• THURSDAY, JUNE 6th - On the Marc Sports Talk with Marc Gold at 4:00pm & Cardio, Core and More! with Lori from 5:00pm to 6:00pm; and Sisterhood Year End Dinner at 6:30pm
• FRIDAY, JUNE 7th - Tikvah Tots Celebrates Shabbat with Pizza at 6:30pm & Shabbat Services at 7:30pm (Shabbat Candles Lit at 8:07pm)
• SATURDAY, JUNE 8th - *Torah Study at 9:30am ~ IN-PERSON; Lunch & Learn at 11:00am; and Liebling Baby Naming at 1:30pm
• MONDAY, JUNE 10th - Brotherhood Meeting at 7:00pm & Book Club Meeting at 7:30pm
• TUESDAY, JUNE 11th - Tikkun Learning Session at Temple Beth El of Great Neck at 7:30pm
• WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12th - SHAVUOT / Shavuot Service at 10:30am & Brotherhood Year End Dinner at 7:00pm
• THURSDAY, JUNE 13th - Wise Aging at 11:00am; On the Marc Sports Talk at 4:00pm with Marc Gold; and Cardio, Core and More! with Lori from 5:00pm to 6:00pm
• FRIDAY, JUNE 14th - FLAG DAY / Congregational Dinner at 6:00pm & Family Shabbat Service (Celebration of Learning) with a Performance by Our Kol Simkha Choir at 7:00pm (Shabbat Candles Lit at 8:10 pm)
• SATURDAY,  JUNE 15th - *Torah Study at 9:00am ~ ONLY ON ZOOM (LINK in the Weekly Update)
• SUNDAY, JUNE 16th - FATHER’S DAY
• WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19th - JUNETEENTH / Choir Rehearsal at 7:00pm
• THURSDAY, JUNE 20th - On the Marc Sports Talk with Marc Gold at 4:00pm & Cardio, Core and More! with Lori from 5:00pm to 6:00pm
• FRIDAY, JUNE 21st - Shabbat Services with Choir & Board Installation at 7:30pm (Shabbat Candles Lit at 8:12pm)
• SATURDAY, JUNE 22nd - * Torah Study ~ ON ZOOM ONLY at 9:00am (LINK in the Weekly Update)
• THURSDAY, JUNE 27th - On the Marc Sports Talk with Marc Gold at 4:00pm & Cardio, Core and More! with Lori from 5:00pm to 6:00pm
• FRIDAY, JUNE 28th - Shabbat Services at 7:30pm (Shabbat Candles Lit at 8:13pm)
• SATURDAY, JUNE 29th - Torah Study at Temple Beth El at 9:30am ~ In-PERSON & ON ZOOM (LINK in the Weekly Update) ~ Tefilah at 10:30am ~ Kiddish Luncheon at 11:30am

* PLEASE REFER TO THE WEEKLY UPDATES & THE LINK BELOW (CLICK ON NEW EVENTS, THEN CALENDAR) FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION *

OUR LEADERSHIP

TIKVAH TIMES STAFF

Editor - Alene Schonhaut / Assistant Editor - Madeleine Wolf / Jay Beber - Cover Design & Consultant