The Shofar “Worship Together In The Quiet of G-d’s House”

November-December 2016

The Shofar “Worship Together In The Quiet of G-d’s House”

Dairy Pot Luck Dinner

Join us for a Potluck Dinner on

Friday, November 4 and

Friday, December 2 6:30pm

We will have a dairy dinner followed by a service. Please bring your favorite dairy dish along with a

beverage.

HCS CLOSINGS: Please listen to WHUD (100.7FM) or visit www.whud.com for information on weather-

related Hebrew School closings and services/activities cancellations.

Shofar Sponsors: Jill Dayan Harvey and Gail Katz Andrew and Roberta Carnaghi Fischer Family Susan and Jeff Gilberg Diane and Steve Karsch Marilyn and Larry Kaufman Albert and Stephanie Lasher Ellen and Alan Most Amy Post and Peter Scurlock Family Vicki and Les Prusnofsky Nancy and Gary Rikoon Leonard Staub Linda Worthman and Robert Kleinman Web Page Sponsors: Jill Dayan Harvey and Gail Katz Andrew and Roberta Carnaghi Fischer Family Diane and Steve Karsch Marilyn and Larry Kaufman Ellen and Alan Most Albert and Stephanie Lasher Vicki and Les Prusnofsky Nancy and Gary Rikoon Leonard Staub Linda Worthman and Robert Kleinman

The Shofar 2

From Rabbi Halina The film Denial, now playing in local theaters, may not be a great work of art, it even tells us a story whose end is well known; the film is about the trial of American historian Deborah Lipstadt, a respected Jewish history university professor who in a book about World War II accuses British historian David Irving, of being a Holocaust denier. Irving accuses her of libel and Lipstadt has to defend herself in a British court. The movie, however, is wonderful in its unfolding and disclosing the way in which lies can be twisted and constructed to appear factual truth. This movie could not be more appropriate for the times we are living right now: a time of blind belief in lies and of political entities that support and perpetuate them.

Lately I find myself at times deeply saddened, other times my chest tightens with worry and it is not about my children, or my family; it is about my country and about Israel and about the world. I am deeply concerned by the sad fact that not only millions of people are persuaded by lies but also that there is nothing to dissuade the believers. Not even the truth.

In the last month a drama has been unfolding in Paris. I am talking about the latest UNESCO resolution that condemns the Israeli government’s stewardship of Jerusalem and decries the renovation of “so called Jewish ritual baths” and the alleged creation of “Jewish fake graves” (quotation marks are from the document). In the resolution sites are either referred to by their Arabic or English names, or, in the case of the Western Wall Plaza, the holiest site where Jews can pray, are put in quotation marks. The resolution, which refers to the Temple Mount solely by its Muslim name of Al-Haram Al-Sharif – ostensibly eliminates its connection to both Judaism and Christianity.

Temple Mount Sifting Project co-founder and archeologist Dr. Gabriel Barkay dismissed the ballot as an affront to science and history. Citing volumes of evidence of the First and Second Temples in the Bible, Mishnah and by historian Flavius Josephus, Barkay said every synagogue in the world faces the direction of the Temple Mount, which, due to Jordan’s intervention, has become an “archeological black hole.”

“I think that it is a deplorable decision that is over-politicized, while ignoring historical and archeological facts” said Dr. Barkay …”it also undermines the connection of Christianity to Jerusalem, something that was overlooked by the media around the world… It is a disgrace to anybody who thinks of themselves as a civilized, intelligent person.”

So, what are we to make of the fact that while ISIS is destroying in Syria and Iraq historical sites that document our rich human cultural heritage, UNESCO is busy condemning Israel’s work of recovering history?

The hate and abhorrence of Arab nations towards Israel is such that they cannot condemn the destruction of their own cultural heritage in their own territories by a homegrown common enemy. The Arab nations that introduce resolutions such as this are supported by many in a world that ignores history in favor of political alliances that disguise anti-Semitism with anti Israel policies and polemics.

Indeed, we are caught in political wars that dwarf our intentions to maintain our love for facts and history. I think we should watch the movie Denial, and then we should think of where we are, right now, and become even more determined than ever not to let lies become our newest religion.

The Shofar 3

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT Let's look forward to a new year together. First, I would like to thank the congregants who gave their time to HCS. Working backward, the Break-Fast was orchestrated by Audrey Sherman and Ellen Most with the help of Sisterhood. Rachel Ives and her helpers lead a wonderful junior service. Rabbi Halina led a committee that polished the Torah crowns and plates. They included Diane Karsch, Irene Herz, Doug Chuney, and Bob Fischer. Mindy Kahn and Audrey Sherman ironed the Talllitot after Audrey dry-cleaned them. Oscar Soza (our caretaker) joined Bob Fischer and I as we vacuumed, polished and dusted the rugs, benches and Ark in the sanctuary. I want to thank Rabbi Halina for leading us in a meaningful High Holy Days journey and cantor Ruth Ossher for sharing her voice through song. I want to thank the congregation for their generous pledges. Please mail them back with your dues payments. The Hebrew Year is a cycle of events that provide the stability of our congregation. Every SHOFAR I share these events. I ask that you become part of them. Our biggest event of the year (after the High Holy Days) is our Sisterhood Hanukkah turkey dinner. This year it will be held on Friday, December 16th at 6:00. Sisterhood will be organizing that delicious event at the next meeting, which is November 20th at 9:30 in the kitchen. For Friday and Saturday Shabbat services and all our events, please check our web-site at Hebrewcongregationofsomers.org Your president, Mary Wolchan

The Shofar 4

From our Youth Group Advisor

Hayden Carnaghi Birthright was one of the most unique experiences I have had in my life so far. Although I had talked to friends and family members who had been to Israel before, I still had relatively no clue what to expect going into this Journey. The trip was for 10 days, which I found to be the perfect length of time. I did notice, however, that trip extensions were mentioned multiple times and they were highly encouraged by the group leaders and my peers. This was one of the aspects of the trip that made me feel extremely welcomed in Israel. If there is an over-arching feeling that I got from my time in the country, it was that of hospitality and pride. A local shop owner told me that just 30 years ago there was hardly running water in the country. Now you can fill up your reusable water bottle with clean tap water on the beach in Tel-Aviv. The technology and infrastructure is advancing very quickly and the people are so proud of it. On the trip, we had seven soldiers from the Israeli Defense Forces with our group the whole time. This wasn’t necessarily for security reasons, but really more of a cultural experience for us and them. They applied to go on the trip just as we did, and at the end they were just as glad as we were that they had done it. I think one important factor that contributes to the sense of pride in Israel is that citizens are required to serve in the IDF. The IDF is unique because it’s not just a military. Their job is to specifically defend and protect Israel. It is important to recognize the conflict that is going on in Israel right now and in the past. It is something that everyone is aware of, and a subject that I learned about at length. The point I would like to make is that I felt safe during my time there. The Israelis were born into this situation and they seem to be used to it. Perhaps even a little desensitized. But the vibe that I felt from the Israelis I interacted with was one of strength, resilience, and security. I recommend this trip to every Jewish young adult. There are several different organizations, but the one I went through was called Shorashim. From the application process to getting back home, every staff member was helpful and polite. This trip made me feel a powerful connection to my Jewish heritage. I felt a stronger sense of identity with Judaism. It was enriching and fulfilling.

The Shofar 5

Join Us for a Special Shabbat Service on Saturday, November 12 at 9:30 AM

to Honor Our Veterans Jewish War Veterans Post 46

JWV Post 46, will host this Shabbat’s kiddish.

The Shofar 6

The Shofar 7

The Shofar 8

HCS Sisterhood

Get more out of your experience at Temple by joining the Sisterhood

We are a group of women of all ages who come together to share interests in Jewish culture, traditions, social action, and participate in cultural and social events. The Sisterhood plays an important role in many Temple events. You will find friendship, support & lots of laughs through this amazing group of women!

Some Upcoming Sisterhood Activities • Congregational Hanukkah Dinner

• Ladies Night Out…Winter Outing

• Fundraising Projects

• Organizing Trip into NYC with the Hebrew School

And Much More!!!

JOIN OUR NEXT MEETING SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20th 9:30 AM

COME FIND OUT WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT! For more information or any questions contact Amy Post Hcssisterhood@gmail.com

The Shofar 9

The Shofar 10

The Shofar 11

The Shofar 12

The Shofar 13

The Shofar 14

Adult Education at HCS

Join Rabbi Halina Rubinstein and

fellow members most Sunday mornings at 10:30 in the Social

Hall. She leads a fascinating discussion with plenty of time for Q&A. Check the HCS calendar to confirm dates/times. Bonus: no

homework, no tests and - of course - always something good

to nosh on.

Tree Of Life Sponsors

Mazel Tov to:

Elizabeth Grunkorn on her Bat Mitzvah!

Jill Dayan Fischer Family

Diane and Steve Karsch Harvey and Gail Katz

Marilyn and Larry Kaufman Albert and Stephanie Lasher

Ellen and Alan Most Vicki and Les Prusnofsky Nancy and Gary Rikoon

Leonard Staub Linda Worthman and Robert Kleinman

Shofar Sponsorship Are Still Available Sponsor for Shofar-$10 per year Tree of Life in Shofar-$10 per year Memorial in Shofar-$10 per year per box Sponsor of the Web Page- $10 per year Please send your check, payable to Sisterhood HCS, with instructions Hebrew Congregation of Somers PO Box 40 Shenorock, NY 10587 Attention: Sisterhood

Need A Ride to Services at HCS?

A member of HCS would like to provide transportation to a member of the congregation who is unable to drive to HCS for services. Please contact Audrey for more information (914) 245-7596.

New Year’s Greetings Jill Dayan Roberta and Andrew Carnaghi Susan and Jeff Gilberg Audrey Sherman and Robert Fischer Marilyn and Larry Kaufman Gail and Harvey Katz Nancy and Gary Rikoon Diane and Steve Karsch Ellen and Alan Most Amy Post and Peter Scurlock Family

The Shofar 15

High Holiday Donations

James Bryan & Andrea Eisenberg Aimee & Joel Feerst Marsha Behrens Eleanor & Steven Skolnik Betty Ross Elliott & Sharon Sherwin Paul & Leila Weissman Lawrence & Marilyn Kaufman Roberta Levine Carneghi Bernie Landman Bill Farkas Arlene & Barry Brown Robert & Joanne Schneider Leonard Staub Steve & Diane Karsch Adreinne Stone Paul & Denise Hahn Howard & Donna Hirsch Susan Gilberg Robert Kleinman & Linda Worthman

Yahrzeit Donations

Ira & Shirley Nitzberg for Alfred Heller Rhoda Greifer for Sarah Greifer Rhoda Greifer for Molly Gold Patricia Carlin for Jeanette Strauss Patricia Carlin for Minnie Carlin Bill Farkas and the Schofield Family for Ruth Farkas Karen Goldstein for Jill Goldstein LaFrance and Major Ivan H Bernstein Roberta Levine Carneghi for Claire Levine Sandra Steinman for Benjamin Steinman Nancy & Gary Rikoon for Erika Ross and Howard Rikoon Florence Bell for Bertha Walzer Arlene & Barry Brown for Ida Kaufman Leonard Staub for Anna Staub Arlene & Barry Brown Lunch & Learn Bill Farkas

Board Minutes from September We welcome several new families to HCS and are happy to have them join our congregation. Diane Karsch and Irene Herz have been busy working on publicity ads and our website to let the community know more about our synagogue and encourage membership. Several members have volunteered to participate in workshops sponsored by the Westchester Jewish Council, which focus on security issues. Several of these measures are being implemented to enhance safety and security. We have officially renewed our tax exempt status as a religious organization. We look forward to seeing you at services and invite you all to our lunch and learns on Saturdays. If you would like to sponsor a lunch, there is a sign up list in the lobby, or you can contact Mary Wolchan directly.

The Shofar 16

LUNCH AND LEARN, RELAX AND REFLECT

SATURDAY MORNINGS at the

HEBREW CONGREGATION OF SOMERS

Following Shachrit services, which begin at 9:30 am, join Rabbi Halina and the HCS community for a light lunch and discussion of the week’s Torah portion (at about 11:30 am).

If you are interested in sponsoring a Lunch ‘n’ Learn, please fill out the sponsorship form and return to HCS or contact Mary Wolchan at 914-433-2423

The Shofar 17

God Bless These Birthday People,

Let Their Day Bring Joy and Cheer

November 1 Tal Hadani-Pease 4 Leonard Staub

5 Robert Kleinman 7 Justin Eisig

8 David Stromes 10 Hannah Most

11 Robert Wolfson 12 Lorraine Stromes 13 Paul Weissman 13 Mindy Kahn 17 Sarah Siegel

17 Robert Leffler 25 Gail Katz

25 Evan Most 26 Joel Ossher

28 Joshua Sampson December 1 Mario Recine

4 Ian Manzares 8 Keith Motelson 8 Arlene Brown 9 Steve Levine

10 Ellen Sampson 10 Jessica Sampson

10 Melissa Greenspon 11 Mary Wolchan

13 Peri Tarr 16 Janet Weinrib

18 Danielle Greenberg 18 Joel Steibel

22 Russell Greenspan 22 Charlie Reiner

22 Jeremiah Finkelman-Mahoney 23 Raymond Kohn 30 Rachel Summer

Happy Birthday to our Junior Congregants:

November 1 Ayelet Greenspan

12 Joshua Feldman

27 Hannah Murphy

December 2 Genesse Kortick

7 Ryan Lurye

27 Isabelle Reale

27 Hanna Fragoso

29 Tahlia Koenig

Come Grow Old With Me... The Best Is Yet To Be

November 4 Sidney & Janet Eisig 27 Roger & Clare Kaufman December 9 Robert & Donna Wolfson 24 Jay & Alexandra Langner 31 Peter & Mindy Kahn

The Shofar 18

In Memoriam

Do you have a name for our misheberach list? Should we escort someone out of our misheberach list? Do you have a relative or friend in military active duty?

Send Rabbi Halina a message with the names to 914-420-8015 Do you have a question or concern that you want to share? Milestones? Accomplishments (Naches)? Sick visits? Emergencies?

Please let Rabbi Halina know Call her at 914-420-8015

Rabbi Halina is in the synagogue building on Wednesdays

Please visit or schedule a time to meet

Joseph and Josephine Fisher

Joseph Kaufman

Ida Kaufman

Michael Prusnofsky Henry Prusnofsky

Lillian Stein Louis Stein

Julius Funk

Arthur Sherman

Celia Funk

Alexander & Rosalyn Katz

Martin Staub Shirley Staub Anna Staub Claire Staub

Paul Staub Irving Lasher Ida Lasher Ian David Lasher

Lila Bernstein

Pearl and Hyman Levy

Jerry and Erika Ross

Estelle and Seymour Charton Gertrude Worthman Paul Kleinman

Jean Prusnofsky

Florence Neumann

Edith Simon

Melvin Katz

Steven Post Hershel Post

Patricia Scurlock

Paul Grossman

Howard & Helen Rikoon

G. Michael Merns

The Shofar 19

November Yahrzeits 11/1/16 Joseph Cohen 30 Tishrei 11/2/16 Ida Friedman 1 Cheshvan 5769 11/3/16 Meyer & Miriam Spokny 2 Cheshvan 11/3/16 Jenny Porges 2 Cheshvan 11/4/16 Sarah Carmel 3 Cheshvan 11/4/16 Louis Rifkin 3 Cheshvan 11/4/16 Samuel Kaufman 3 Cheshvan 11/6/16 Murray Adler 5 Cheshvan 11/7/16 Murray Schneider 6 Cheshvan 11/8/16 Leo Kohn 7 Cheshvan 5775 11/8/16 Selwyn Schoenfeld 7 Cheshvan 11/8/16 Louis Schwartz 7 Cheshvan 11/8/16 Irving Stobin 7 Cheshvan 11/10/16 Leo Tessler 9 Cheshvan 11/10/16 Anna Staub 9 Cheshvan 11/12/16 Ethel Weiskott 11 Cheshvan 11/12/16 Morris Jacobson 11 Cheshvan 11/12/16 Arno Ucko 11 Cheshvan 11/13/16 Israel Stoller 12 Cheshvan 11/14/16 Bernard Seid 13 Cheshvan 11/15/16 Harry Barishman 14 Cheshvan 11/15/16 Henry Eisig 14 Cheshvan 11/15/16 Rae Most 14 Cheshvan 11/16/16 David Rubin 15 Cheshvan 11/17/16 David Frank 16 Cheshvan 5772 11/17/16 Lizzie Dolowitz 16 Cheshvan 11/18/16 Esther Steinman 17 Cheshvan 11/19/16 Yale Ossher 18 Cheshvan 11/19/16 Patricia Scurlock 18 Cheshvan 5772 11/21/16 Jack Bergson 20 Cheshvan 11/21/16 Leona Ford 20 Cheshvan 11/22/16 Joseph Portnoy 21 Cheshvan 11/22/16 Ida P. Kaufman 21 Cheshvan 11/23/16 Morris Birren 22 Cheshvan 11/24/16 Rivka Robinson 23 Cheshvan 11/24/16 Pauline Grossman 23 Cheshvan 11/24/16 William Sallman 23 Cheshvan 11/26/16 Sidney Finkelman 25 Cheshvan 5772 11/27/16 Hermine Bernstein 26 Cheshvan 11/30/16 Jacob Wolosky 29 Cheshvan

December Yahrzeits 12/1/16 Fannie Omin 12/2/16 Moe Sobel 2 Kislev 12/2/16 Mary Kramer 2 Kislev 12/4/16 Morris Wright 4 Kislev 12/4/16 Lea Frank 4 Kislev 12/4/16 Jack Wishnew 4 Kislev 12/7/16 Joseph Monaco 7 Kislev 12/7/16 Marilyn Fisher 7 Kislev 12/7/16 Sidney Wexler 7 Kislev 12/7/16 Goldie Rosenfeld 7 Kislev 12/7/16 Rebecca Steinberg 7 Kislev 12/8/16 Enid Karch 8 Kislev 5740 12/8/16 Jerome Ross 8 Kislev 12/9/16 Dorothy Stromes 9 Kislev 5749 12/9/16 Freda Ossher 9 Kislev 12/9/16 Ellen Rinker 9 Kislev 12/10/16 Harriet Kohn 10 Kislev 12/12/16 Sarah Komisar 12 Kislev 12/12/16 Ilana Munzer 12 Kislev 12/12/16 William Rosenfeld 12 Kislev 12/13/16 Annie Harris 13 Kislev 12/13/16 Shirley Plattner 13 Kislev 12/14/16 Lee Krisky 14 Kislev 12/15/16 Janet Greenspan 15 Kislev 5765 12/15/16 Alice Landman 15 Kislev 12/15/16 Jack Zimet 15 Kislev 5765 12/16/16 Ethel Alter 16 Kislev 12/18/16 Muriel Brown 18 Kislev 12/19/16 Edwin Zabonik 19 Kislev 5744 12/19/16 Rae Fife 19 Kislev 12/19/16 Stanley Plattner 19 Kislev 12/19/16 Bertha Kohn 19 Kislev 12/21/16 Reva Hochhauser 21 Kislev 5774 12/21/16 Philip Schlisselberg 21 Kislev 5772 12/21/16 Phillip Schlisselberg 21 Kislev 12/22/16 Sarah Wouk 22 Kislev 12/22/16 Theodore Sturz 12/23/16 Dora Levine 23 Kislev 12/23/16 Sam Komisar 23 Kislev 12/23/16 Sara Rosenthal 23 Kislev 12/24/16 Morris Brown 24 Kislev 12/25/16 Irving Mones 25 Kislev 12/27/16 Frieda Jainchill 27 Kislev 12/28/16 Joseph P. Kaufman 28 Kislev 12/28/16 Marcus Kleinfeld 28 Kislev 12/29/16 Yetta Wohl 29 Kislev 12/30/16 Sam Tanklow 1 Tevet 12/31/16 Hyman Levy 2 Tevet 5766

The Shofar 20

Our Advertisers

The Shofar 21

The Shofar 22

The Shofar 23

The Shofar 24

November 2016

The Shofar 25

December 2016

The Shofar 26 The Shofar Sisterhood Hebrew Congregation of Somers PO Box 40 Shenorock, NY 10587

Hebrew Congregation of Somers

Rabbi Halina Rubinstein President: Mary Wolchan

Financial Secretary: Melissa Greenspon Hebrew School Chairperson: Melissa Greenspon

Hebrew School Principal: Tal Hadani-Pease Membership Chairperson: Open

Sisterhood Coordinator: Amy Post/Emily Siegel Shofar Editor: Audrey Sherman

Hebrew Congregation of Somers Telephone Number (914) 248-9532

Web Site: http://www.hebrewcongregationofsomers.org

info@hebrewcongregationofsomers.org