MAY 2013 | NISAN / IYAR 5773
INSIDE:
! Life is Holy
! Our Kehillah Project
VOLUME 79
RABBI’S NOTES
by Rabbi Michael Mishkin
Life is Holy
! Mr. Picture Perfect
! Yom Ha’Atzmaut at
Religious School
! Shavuot is Approaching
CELEBRATE THE
CONFIRMATION
OF
HAYDEN QUIGLEY
& SAM REISMAN
WEDNESDAY,
MAY 15
6:45 PM SERVICES
Shalom Friends,
I write today with a heavy heart. As I write this bulletin article, it was just a few
days ago that the horrific and cowardly attack took place at the Boston Marathon.
The detonation of the two bombs—which caused severe damage, injured over 100
people, and killed three human beings—is an egregious violation of human decency and an attack on the freedom in our society, which we hold dear, and which
helps makes our country so great. Then, a few days later, the United States Senate
was unable to muster 60 votes in support of a ban on semi-automatic weapons
and large-capacity bullet clips. Even more astounding and shameful was the fact
that more than 40 Senators voted against a universal background check. I cannot
imagine a gun control law that is more necessary, responsible, and reasonable than
a universal background check. And yet, somehow 65 Senators voted against it.
Crafting and implementing sensible gun control laws should be at the top of everyone’s list. But it is not. It is obvious why these laws are so important. We have a
gun violence epidemic in our country. According to a study by the National Center
for Health Statistics, in 2010, there were 19,392 firearm-related suicide deaths,
and 11,078 firearm-related homicide deaths in the United States. The loss of life
on this level is very difficult to comprehend. This gun violence screams out for our
attention—yet, for most of us—including the Federal Government—the response
is silence. It seems the Federal Government won’t change and won’t make a meaningful contribution to solving this problem until more citizens in our country get
continued on page 10
This issue of the TBI Tablet
is sponsored by
This issue of the TBI Tablet
is sponsored by
DEBBIE & JACK
MISHAN
HILLARY & SAM
FOX
in honor of
the Bat Mitzvah of
their daughter
in honor of
the Bar Mitzvah of
their son
CHELSEA
ELIJAH
Visit us online at www.tbiport.org
This issue of the TBI Tablet
is sponsored by
SUSAN ORENSTEIN
& ANDREW
SOLLINGER
in honor of
the Bar Mitzvah of
their son
JESSE
Contact us at 516-767-1708
Temple Drive, Port Washington NY 11050-3915
T: 516-767-1708 F: 516-944-6461
www.tbiport.org
Rabbi
Michael Mishkin
Hazzan
Baruch Blum
President
Gail Mancher
Executive Vice President
Louise Cooper
Vice Presidents
Stephanie Berger
Lisa Palmer
Rita Schweitzer
Mindy Tashlik
David Volpe
Treasurer
Suzanne Grabiner
Financial Secretary
Bart Steinberg
Recording Secretary
Joan Hulkower
Corresponding Secretary
Andrew Abramowitz
Trustees
Jon Ain
Sandy Albert
Alan Bergman
Debra Comer
Marc Damsky
Sim Ezratty
Denise Faltischek
Dale Gindi
Hersh Gottesman
Julie Greenblatt
Ken Kadin
Dan Kamensky
Edie Katz
Scott Lobel
Jayne Ritholz
Jonathan Satovsky
Susan Stein
Michelle
Witman-Blumenfeld
Trustees Emeritus
Elkan Abramowitz
Joel Greenblatt
Saul Muchnick
Immediate Past President
Jay Silverman
Sisterhood President
Ilyse Wofse
Men’s Club President
Michael Levine
Religious School Principal
Alice Talmud
Nursery School Director
Susan Martin
Synagogue Administrator
Lisa Naiburg
TBI Tablet is published monthly by TBI.
Submissions must be received by the tenth
of the month prior to the issue in which they
will appear.
PAGE 2 | TBI TABLET
Our Kehillah Project
Thank You
Our Kehillah project is a success thanks to the generosity of all those who sponsored or bought a brick. With great anticipation we will watch as the space outside
of our social hall where we have located our Sukkah will be transformed into a
beautiful 2200 square foot open space for us to share a lifetime of memories.
Leslie & Andrew Abramowitz
Susan Isaacs & Elkan Abramowitz
Dina & Philip Adsetts
Judy Aiges
Beth & Jonathan Ain
Sheryl & Christopher Albanese
Sandra & Herbert Ash
Debra & Marc Ausfresser
Lisa & Larry Barshay
Cindy & Alan Bergman
Jessica Braginsky & Howard Berman
Carin & David Blejwas
Barbara & Leonard Blum
Cantor & Gerri Blum
Claire & Ted Brezel
Deborah & Jon Brooks
Lynn & Justin Capuano
Fern & Hersh Cohen
Nancy & Mitchell Cohen
Merle Colchamiro
Louise & David Cooper
Laurie & Adam Cotumaccio
Amy Sugarman & Marc Damsky
Paula Davis
Susanne & Seth Diamond
Albert Dicker
Robyn & Alan Doubert
Helena & Steven Eilenberg
JoAnn & Mark Engel
Harriet Englander
Beth Hisler & Bob Epstein
Nancy & Jay Feldman
Dori & Michael Fishbin
Hillary & Sam Fox
Alison Kent-Friedman &
Alan Friedman
Sandy & Stephan Garber
Sandy Albert & Bob Gass
Wendy & Steven Gelman
Susan & Jack Genicoff
Dale & Steven Gindi
Carolyn & Steve Glassberg
Betsy & Howard Golan
Donald Goldblatt
Denise & Seth Goldman
Cheryl & Dan Gordon
Karen Bernstein & Hersh Gottesman
Stacey & Adam Gould
Suzanne & Peter Grabiner
Julie & Joel Greenblatt
Susan & Sheldon Greenbaum
Jaime Lewis & Jack Habert
Gil Hammer
Beverly & Stephen Hazelkorn
Alina & Mark Heller
Joan & Bernie Hulkower
Naomi & Robert Jackman
Halona Gropper & David Jaffe
Heidi & Michael Jaffe
Ken Kadin
Amy Blumenfeld-Kamensky &
Dan Kamensky
Annette & Dan Kasle
Eden & Katy Kasle
Jeremy Kasle & Shoshana Levine
Ellen Doft & Alex Katz
Marnie & Robert Keane
Lisa Naiburg & Dan Kisch
Stacey & Joel Kitay
Doris & Bob Kleinman
Joan & Daniel Konas
Jill Mindlin & Robert Konoff
Amy & David Kornblau
Iris Kubel
Lisa Lanzkowsky
Patricia & Stephen Latzman
Rosalie Silver & Mark Lazarovic
Susan & Richard Levin
Deborah & Michael Levine
Ellen Levine
Janet & Avery Lipman
Lisa Rynston-Lobel & Scott Lobel
Gail & Mark Mancher
Sandy & Stephen Marcus
Susan Martin
continued on page 3
MAY 2013
JOIN US AT
TBI’s Annual Gala
honoring Susan Isaacs & Elkan Abramowitz,
recipients of the Shem Tov Award
and Allison & Jonathan White
recipients of the Kehillah Kedoshah Award
June 9, 2013, 5 PM
Cocktails will be served on our beautiful new outdoor patio!
continued from page 2
Janet & Daniel Mermel
Sylvia Mermel
Rachel Andron & Ray Mills
Mindy Mintz
Debbie & Jack Mishan
Tamara Noble & Rabbi Michael Mishkin
Michelle & Seth Mondschein
Allison & Andrew Muller
Shula & Henry Mustacchi
Lisa Novick & Myles Nachamie
Heidi & Robert Nachimson
Leslie & Jeffrey Naschek
Amy & Jamie Nash
Janie & Bob Nathanson
Doris & Mark Novick
Gloria Lack & Nathan Offen
Marilyn Oser
Ronnie & Don Peshkin
Robin Gitomer & Michael Plofker
Sherrie & Michael Pollack
Jackie & Adam Popper
Pre-K Graduating Class
Liz & Steve Reisman
Jayne & Barry Ritholz
Stephanie & Barney Rosen
Caryn & Lee Rubenstein
Estelle & Arnold Rynston
Stacey & Jon Satovsky
Julie & Robert Schachter
Zadia & Russell Schaub
Alisa & Bruce Schindler
Alexandra Trinkoff & Jeffrey Schor
Rebecca & Andrew Schwartz
IYAR / SIVAN 5773
Gail & Ed Schwartz
Rita & Mel Schweitzer
Eva & Henry Seegers
Catherine Seel
Natalie & Lon Seidman
Renee Prager & Dan Seidman
Lisa & Scott Shevrin
Bari & Jeff Siegel
Ilene & Steve Silberstein
Beth & Louis Silfin
Karen & Andrew Silver
Robin Serinsky & Jay Silverman
Linda Galler & Murray Singer
Judy & Morton Sloan
Mary & Michael Small
Susie Orenstein & Andrew Sollinger
Susan & Peter Stein
Susan & Bart Steinberg
Eileen Stone
Barbara & Bert Taffet
Alice & Jake Talmud
Mindy & Scott Tashlik
TBI Sisterhood
Reina & John Teeger
Ellie & Barry Tuch
Aren & George Tung
Lori & David Volpe
Sim Ezratty & Ian Weinkselbaum
Ilene & Eric Weintraub
Joan & Sandy Weintraub
Allison & Jonathan White
Ilyse & Adam Wofse
THANK YOU to Dan Kasle for once
again running the NCAA pool. All
of the winners were TBI folk! They
are: Zoey Kornblau (Joel’s baby!),
Don Goldblatt, Eric Fishbin, Stuart
Braman, Michael Pollack, Jon
Satovsky, Julia Satovsky, and Ken
Schachter. GO TEAM!
YASHER KOACH to Stephanie
Berger, who created the
communications survey all of you
received. The lucky survey prize
winners were: Ilana Engel, Joan
Hulkower, and Barry Tuch! The
highlights of the survey results will
appear in the June Tablet.
BRAVO to Ilyse Wofse for once
again bringing the Sisterhood Spring
Book Club to fruition. This past
month, Once We Were Brothers was
discussed at this well attended event.
THANK YOU to Mindy Tashlik for
organizing a pre-Shorashim meet and
greet for our current pre-K children.
The children enjoyed some time in the
Shorashim class and the parents had
time to chat.
If you have some special news to
share, please let us know!
Roofing • Gutters
Leaders
23 Blake Avenue
Lynbrook, NY 11563
1-800-346-0913
www.abrahamroofing.com
Lic # H18F9880000
TBI TABLET | PAGE 3
BAR MITZVAH OF
MAZALTOV! Elijah Fox
New babies!
Pamela Schindler-Thomsen and
Dennis Schindler-Thomsen have a
new baby boy, Axel Jude.
New grandbabies!
Anita and Chas Goldsmith have a new
granddaughter named Charlotte Rose!
Special Anniversaries:
Stephanie & Barney Rosen
Alexandra Trinkoff &
Jeffrey Schor
Rachel & Marty Bialer
Robin Gitomer &
Michael Plofker
Leslie & Jeffrey Naschek
Julie & Joel Greenblatt
Elyse & Bob Yedid
Darlene & Jay Ledner
Suzan & Jon Flamm
Judy & Dan Golub
Annette & Dan Kasle
Jane & Dennis Helfman
Sandy & Steve Marcus
Susan & Sheldon
Greenbaum
Eleanor & Bob Juceam
Maja & Jerzy Nowakowski
Special Birthdays:
Aidan Seiden
Noah Seiden
Emma Brezel
Ross Balaban
Rebecca Castar
Leah Feldman
Rebecca Greenblatt
20 years!
21 years!
22 years!
25 years!
25 years!
26 years!
26 years!
27 years!
33 years!
36 years!
37 years!
39 years!
40 years!
42 years!
43 years!
45 years!
13!
13!
18!
21!
21!
21!
21!
Guess who is 5?
Joshua Engel
Sydney Schindler-Thomsen
Leo Schwartz
Guess who is 10?
Molly Abramowitz
Samantha Fried
Janey Lituchy
Did we miss your special
event? Please let us know. Only
chldren’s birthdays are listed.
PAGE 4 | TBI TABLET
On April 30th,
2000 when Elijah
Henry Fox was
ready to join us,
there was no
stopping him.
Labor was just a
few minutes and
then his big 18
month old brother Jonah had to make
room. His baby years were spent in
Manhattan, with summers at Lido near
Grandma Deli until the Fox family
moved to Port Washington. His preschool years were divided between
Community Synagogue and
Reconstructionist Synagogue so by the
time he joined TBI (and then onto
middle school) he had the opportunity
to meet almost every Jewish kid in Port
Washington.
Elijah has always been a busy guy
with passionate, inquisitive energy. As a
toddler he rarely napped, so he wouldn’t
miss out on anything. Most of the time
he is talking, singing or dancing, unless
he is working hard not to (school has
necessitated this skill). His interests are
eclectic but always begin with basketball. To know Elijah is to know his late
Uncle Davey is in the Basketball Hall
of Fame and played for the original
Celtics. His late Poppa Joe played for
Hofstra and his dad… most know him
as the coach who burns 5000 calories
to get his team’s attention. Back to
Elijah as this is about him. As beloved
Grandma Judy used to say…”Elijah will
not be forgotten”.
When off the court, he can be found
practicing bass guitar, discovering the
latest alternative rock bands, practicing with his soccer team, playing Xbox
live (he excelled at social studies this
year due to the history he learned on
Assassins Creed), playing board games
or reading Greek Mythology. He is
also just as happy making up games
with paper clips or rubber bands. He
just loves to play. He looks forward to
each summer away in the Berkshires
with his brother and cousins at Camp
Taconic where he’s been lucky to find
extraordinary friendships and fabulous
memories.
Most importantly, Elijah is thoughtful. Every day he asks “How was your
day so far”? He loves spending time with
his friends and cherishes time with his
family – every cousin, aunt and uncle…
and even his brother is so extremely
important to him, and the best is when
we all get together for holidays. He loves
watching football and playing poker with
Pa, though will never walk away with
Pa’s money. He was adored by all of his
grandparents – Grandma Deli, Grandma
Judy and of course Poppa Joe and Poppa
Phil who passed away this past year.
For his mitzvah project, he wants to
honor his family by helping his beloved
Aunt Laurie find a cure for Lupus. He
is raising money and will be walking in
The Walk to End Lupus Now on May
18th.
We wish to thank everyone at TBI
for making Elijah’s special day possible.
We would especially like to thank Alice
Talmud and the Religious School staff
for helping to enrich his Jewish identity
and appreciation for Judaism, Cantor
Blum for his tireless patience while never breaking a sweat, Rabbi Mishkin for
his inspiration and guidance on his Dvar
Torah and Lisa Naiburg whose help
made it possible to bring it on home!
TBI Office Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9 am–4 pm, Friday: 9 am–3 pm
Appointments with the Synagogue Administrator are available before and after
office hours.
MAY 2013
BAT MITZVAH OF
Chelsea Mishan
Chelsea Amanda
Mishan was
scheduled to be
born on April
20th, 2000 but
clearly decided
that she couldn’t
wait and came
into the world 10
days early. We are pretty confident that
this was the first and last time Chelsea
has ever been early for anything. In fact
being on time is also not one of her
strong suits! Along with her early arrival,
Chelsea was born with a full head of red
hair and the calmest demeanor any
parent could dream of.
Chelsea was named after her great
grandfather Charles who was the most
wonderful man to ever grace our lives
and her grandfather Avner who is one of
the brightest, most accomplished men
you could ever want to meet. We would
love to tell you that Chelsea is as kind
and accomplished as her namesakes
today, not quite, but we think she has
potential!
Chelsea is easygoing, laidback and
lets most things roll right off her shoulders. She seldom lets anything get to her
and when it does she tends to easily forgive and forget. We have often said that
if we could be assured of having another
baby as good as Chelsea we would have
had another ten. However, as Chelsea
has now entered these “entertaining”
tween/teen years we are glad we don’t
have another nine behind her.
Chelsea is an avid sports player and
fan. She enjoys soccer; basketball and
most recently joined the crew team.
Along with playing, Chelsea is a huge
fan of the NY Giants, Yankees, Islanders
and of course the English soccer team
Chelsea.
Chelsea is a typical thirteen year
old, texting and #instagramming and is
content to spend her free time reading
sci-fi, watching her favorite show Once
Upon a Time or just hanging out with
her friends.
Five months ago, Chelsea’s life took
an unexpected turn resulting in a weeklong stay in the ICU. Throughout her
stay she was always positive, kept her
quick wit and managed to corrupt most
of her night nurses by teaching them to
play Grand Theft Auto. While the ultimate result is positive, it was her ability
to not let anything bother her, not
the tubes; needles; drugs; the constant
monitoring and mothering that revealed
the person she is today and who she will
become.
We thank Rabbi Mishkin, Lisa
Naiburg, Alice Talmud and most
especially Cantor Blum for preparing
Chelsea for this special day.
We especially thank our family and
friends who constantly surround us with
love, support and laughter.
The next day the duck comes back into
the bar and again asks the bartender: “Got
any grapes?’
The bartender, now slightly annoyed,
replies: ‘No, I told you yesterday, I don’t
have any grapes!’ Again, the disappointed
duck leaves the bar.
The duck, undeterred, walks back into
the bar the next day and once again asks
the bartender: ‘Got any grapes?’
The bartender, now very annoyed,
snaps at the duck: ‘No, I still don’t have
any grapes, just like I told you yesterday
and the day before that. And if you come
in here and ask me for grapes tomorrow,
you stupid duck, I’m going to nail your
beak to the bar!’ The dejected duck quacks
and waddles out of the bar.
The next day the duck comes back
into the bar. The surprised bartender can’t
believe his eyes.
The duck sidles up onto a barstool and
asks: “Got any nails?’
‘No!’ snaps the gobsmacked bartender.
‘I don’t have any nails!”
‘Good,’ says the relieved duck, smiling.
‘Got any grapes?’
Whether getting off a ride at an
amusement park, traipsing down a city
street in a complete downpour, or rushing to class, Jesse’s usually skipping and
wearing a grin. And he wants to make
sure you’re wearing one too. You’ve
probably seen him in your kids’ bnai
mitzvah photos, doing the “running
man” in the middle of the dance floor.
Jesse loves a party.
continued on page 6
BAR MITZVAH OF
Jesse Sollinger
A duck walks into
a bar, and asks the
bartender: ‘Got
any grapes?’
Thus begins Jesse’s
favorite joke,
which he learned
while listening
to the Kol Nidre appeal at TBI when
he was seven years old. He retold the
joke the next day and countless times
since to the delight of anyone willing
to listen. We definitely got our money’s
worth from that year’s pledge, since the
joke is more like a short story:
‘Sorry, I don’t have any grapes’, replies
the perplexed bartender to the duck. The
sad duck then walks out of the bar.
IYAR / SIVAN 5773
TBI TABLET | PAGE 5
Pomegranates Return For A
Wonderful Evening At The Library
by Bob Epstein
The Pomegranate Guild of Judaic
Needlework-Long Island Study Group
Chapter returned to the TBI Library with an
entirely new presentation on April 11th for
an audience that filled the library to capacity. The Library Committee was particularly
delighted, for the first time, to co-sponsor
an event with the Sandsport-Shoshana
Haddasah Chapter. We look forward to more opportunities to partner with
Hadassah in the future. Thanks to Leslie Browne, Hadassah President, and Sue Kass
for helping to make this happen. And of course, many thanks as well to our Library
Committee.
This was the third presentation by the Pommies. You may recall the moving
and inspiring “George Wall Hanging Project” commemorating the remarkable life
of Shula Mustacchi’s Uncle George Leisner and an unforgettable presentation of
individual members visual interpretations on the theme of Shir Ha Shirim.
This most recent presentation was introduced by Rabbi Carol Goldblatt,
President of the Long Island Study Group Chapter. Each guild member displayed
entirely new pieces and told us about her works content and meaning. The presenters also explained their approaches to creating these unique works of fabric-art.
Several of the presenters are members of TBI including
Barbara Taffet, Shula Mustacchi and Rabbi Carol. Also
exhibiting was Port resident Lenny Holland who incidentally has designed three beautiful tapestries for our
temple. In addition, guild members Sydel Sheingold,
Sylvia Rothenstein and Ellyn Sheidlower made presentations. And Gilda Hecht’s work was displayed although
she was unable to attend. Later in the program everyone
who attended was given an opportunity to participate in
a workshop and learn how to create their own Judaic ritual articles with no experience or artistic talent required! Our thanks to the Pommies for treating us to a fun
and inspiring evening.
▪ Parenting
▪ Caregiving
▪ Marital Concerns
▪ Separation/
Divorce
▪ Bereavement
▪ Geriatric Care
▪ Cancer Wellness
▪ Career
▪ Legal
▪ Financial
A caring place to turn to find
support and guidance during life
changes and challenges.
Contact Partners In Caring for
counseling, support groups, general
information or referral services.
Our warm line is staffed by caring,
professional social workers. Phone
calls are always free and confidential.
Partners In Caring Staff
Susan Broxmeyer, LCSW, ACSW, PIC
Supervisor
Audrey J. Bernstein, LMSW
Randy Hight, LMSW
Margy Ringelheim, LMSW
CALL 516.484.1545, ext. 196
Jesse Sollinger continued from page 5
Jesse’s high spirits go beyond having
a good time. He’s got an empathetic
heart and a strong moral compass. He’s
as giving of his time to a little kid who’s
keen to play with the big boys as he is to
a lonely older adult who wants to share
a story with someone younger after
receiving the tzedakah of a kosher meal
from the TBI kitchen. Jesse is kind and
considerate at his core…unless you’re on
the other side of his ping-pong table or
Connect Four game.
PAGE 6 | TBI TABLET
The essence of Jesse is “slow but
fast,” says little brother Noah. Jesse
takes his sweet time making selections
in a store or restaurant, and likes to
air dry after each shower. But once he
puts his shoes on and ties his laces, you
can’t catch him…until he has to stop
and tie his laces again. If you’ve ever
raced Jesse in a Thanksgiving 5K or in
Cross Country or track, you know from
whence Noah speaks. Jesse has learned
from hard experience that this life is
precious and there’s no need to rush
through it just because he can.
Jesse is exceptionally well organized, and we never worry whether he’s
prepared for an upcoming test, project
deadline or Haftorah lesson. He loves
math and is attracted to logic. If he
hears the adults talking about something adult-like, he’ll weigh in with his
own measured view, and it’s usually a
conversation finisher.
continued on page 11
MAY 2013
Mr. Picture Perfect: Showcasing the Jewish Community
Through the Historical Candid Lens of Photographer
Roman Vishniac
By Mark A. Schneider
It seemed forever. We stared at the
photograph of a loving grandfather and
his devoted granddaughter like we were
watching a long, totally engaging movie.
Picture this: The photographic setting is Warsaw during the late 1930s.
You can almost overhear their conversation. Looking at the two of them
in black and white contrast, one can
almost imagine hearing them talk about
the difficulties each faced: the challenges
of finding work in their troubling times;
their contemplation of the ongoing
struggle to make a living during the
Polish anti-Semitic boycotts. Not surprisingly, the picture is just one of this
photographer’s most celebrated images.
If one picture is worth a thousand
words, then the photographic exhibition at the International Center of
Photography by Roman Vishniac is a
page turner: a masterful document of
world class
stature.
Hundreds
of Vishniac
photographs—
including
many
celebrated and reproduced images—
spanning five decades from the 1920s
through the 1960s have been showcased
at ICP for the last few months.
From documenting oppression during
the rise of Nazism in Eastern Europe
during the 1930’s to his pre and post war
look at Jewish communal and immigrant
life, from the Holocaust survivors he photographed to his commission work with
the American Jewish Joint Distribution
Committee, Jewish life as seen through
the camera lens of photographer Roman
Vishniac is one remarkable journey. The
breath of work from Vishniac on display
is simply stunning.
IYAR / SIVAN 5773
In one gallery, one learns that
Vishniac simply stood in doorways and
building foyers in Berlin documenting daily life as an unseen observer in
Eastern Europe during 1935 through
1938. Couples stroll by. Mothers push
baby carriages. Children playfully
pass through the streets. Hiding in a
building doorway allows the candid
camera-like photographer to capture his
creative images.
Vishniac’s development as a photographer coincided with the Nazi rise
to power. But the picturesque world
of Vishniac was anything but picture
perfect as we discover with such regularity. Yet there were happy endings
as we see. There’s one photograph of
Nettie Stub, an 11 year old in a Polish
detention camp. In 1983 she was living
in the Bronx as Nettie Katz when she
noticed the picture of herself in one
of Vishniac’s books called “A Vanished
World.” Nettie contacted Roman to
thank him because she believed it was
the Vishniac photo of her led to her
rescue from the camp by the Red Cross.
Then there’s the sad photo of a 7
year old boy David Eckstein taken at
a cheder—a Jewish elementary school.
Vishniac is quoted in the exhibition
as saying, “I watched the little boy for
almost an hour and in this moment I
saw the whole sadness of the world.” We
learn that Eckstein survived 5 concentration camps including Bergen-Belsen,
Auschwitz II and Birkenau. He came to
America in 1950 via Israel and settled in
Woodstock in upstate New York. Video
excerpts from a touching interview are
alongside the emotional Vishniac photo.
As you stroll from gallery to gallery at ICP, you pause and can almost
hear the powerful message emanating
from each image. There’s the young girl
returning from the store with a pot of
soup and a bottle of milk. Is she inviting you to join her family for a meal?
There’s a man praying in a detention
camp. Can’t you just imagine hearing
him daven?
The ICP has placed on view a
diverse collection of Vishniac’s work
including a number of more recent
photographic discoveries and rediscoveries. There’s even what one could
perceive as some lighter photographic
moments. He was commissioned by the
Educational Alliance to be a freelance
camp photographer at Camp Surprise
Late in Cold Spring New York because
he was particularly skilled at photographing children. His camp photos
from the 1950s of summer fun-loving
underprivileged Jewish boys from the
NYC’s Lower East Side tenements are
wonderful. By the way, the over 100
year-old camp is still in existence and
counts Eddie Cantor, Jerry Stiller and
Neil Diamond among its illustrious
alumni.
While in New York, Vishniac hoped
to establish himself as a portrait photographer. He actually contacted Albert
Einstein who agreed to a portrait sitting.
Einstein loved the results.
As if all that wasn’t enough for one
photographer’s career, Roman Vishniac
even photographed private Jewish events
including covering at least one Bar
Mitzvah. Back in 1948, he put together
a two volume set of photos from the Bar
Mitzvah of Michael Spiegel at the Forest
Hills Jewish Center in Queens. The
photos marked a fitting conclusion to
one remarkable four star exhibition.
Roman Vishniac’s camera spoke well
of the Jewish life it uncovered. His ICP
exhibition in New York City is worth a
rediscovery before it ends soon.
Questions or comments? Email me
at [email protected].
TBI TABLET | PAGE 7
TBI’s Chocolate Seder
Nursery School
Community
Helper Week!
Our nursery school children were
treated to an exciting week of meeting a
variety of people in the community, and
learning about what they do.
Pictured below from top to bottom: The
three year old classes donated their
tzedakah to the North Shore Animal League
when they brought Cleo to visit. Firefighter
Michael Zofchak who taught us many
important fire safety tips. He was a highlight
of the week! Thank you to Val from Tori’s
Place. What fun to play hair salon. Dr. Mindy
taught us how to take good care of our
teeth.
Some of our Youth Group members roasting s’mores at the Chocolate Seder.
Yom Ha’Atzmaut at TBI Religious
School
On Tuesday, April 9th, Amit Shuker presented
a program of “Gadna” (Israeli Army boot camp
style exercises) to the Religious School children.
The students had a blast while being drilled
in the basic training commands (in Hebrew),
formations and obstacle course. In addition to
the “Gadna” program, our 6th and 7th graders
also participated in an “Israel Achievements”
seminar. This actively engaging session encouraged our students to master their topics and then present them to their peers. What a wonderful way to celebrate Israel’s
65th Birthday! Special thanks go to Cantor Blum for providing the funding for this
wonderfully enriching event.
PAGE 8 | TBI TABLET
MAY 2013
Shavuot Schedule
THE COMMUNITY SYNAGOGUE,
RECONSTRUCTIONIST SYNAGOGUE
OF THE NORTH SHORE,
TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL,
PORT JEWISH CENTER, AND
CHABAD OF PORT WASHINGTON PRESENT
Tuesday evening, May 14:
• Shavuot Services, 7:30 PM
• Study Session with Rabbi Mishkin,
8:00 PM
MACCABIAH
YOUTH SPORTS DAY
Wednesday, May 15:
• Shavuot Services, 9:30 AM
• Shavuot Services & Confirmation,
6:45 PM
Thursday, May 16:
• Shavuot Services, 9:30 AM
SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2013
12:00 – 4:00 PM
MANORHAVEN PARK
LOGO
158 MANORHAVEN BOULEVARD
PORT WASHINGTON
PICNIC AREAS 1 AND 2 AND SPORTS FIELDS
The Jewish communities in and around Port
Washington join together for a fabulous day
of outdoor fun, food and sports for children
(and adults) of all ages – a perfect way to
celebrate spring together! Rick Recht in
concert will wrap up the afternoon with music
and song.
Soccer, softball, T-ball, flag football, basketball
for kids from kindergarten through 8th grade
(games organized and supervised by adult
coaches). Badminton, volleyball and Frisbee
open to everyone throughout the day. Special
events just for pre-schoolers, including
relay races, obstacle course, face painting,
parachute play and more. Adult co-ed softball,
men’s basketball, and teen softball games
add to the fun!
Enjoy a picnic barbecue with hot dogs and
hamburgers (glatt kosher, of course!) with all
the fixin’s, along with veggie burgers, salads,
chips, snacks and desserts.
featuring RICK
IYAR / SIVAN 5773
Logo T-shirts and give-aways for
all kids.
Exciting raffles for an IPad Mini
and other terrific prizes.
1 for $5.00
3 for $10.00
8 for $20.00
ALL ARE WELCOME. KIDS…
REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR
PARENTS, YOUR SNEAKERS AND
YOUR FRIENDS!
Feel free to bring blankets and
beach chairs to picnic and watch
the concert in comfort.
THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR
THIS EVENT!
RECHT in Concert
Did You Know???
Our college students receive Chanukah
and Purim packages every year. Our
wonderful member, Sherrie Pollack,
has taken this lovely responsibility on
for many many years. She selects the
packages, and ensures that they go
out on a timely basis. We are all very
grateful to Sherrie for her ongoing commitment to our college age children!
Join Us at
Our May
Congregation
Meeting
Tuesday evening, May 28
7:30 PM
The agenda will include:
▪ Vote on the slate of officers for
2013/2014*
▪ Vote on budget for 2013/2014
▪ Year End Update
TBI TABLET | PAGE 9
Rabbi continued from page 1
SUPPORT OUR
ADVERTISERS
involved and speak up on this issue.
This month, beginning at sundown, on Tuesday, May 14th, we will celebrate
the holiday of Shavuot. Shavuot, “The Festival of Weeks,” has an agricultural component. It marks the beginning of the harvest of the wheat crop. But this festival
also has a very important historical component. Shavuot celebrates the giving of
the Torah, on Mt. Sinai, to the Jewish People. One of the central messages of the
Torah is that human life—a single human life—is of infinite value. At the very
beginning of the Torah, it says that God created human beings in God’s image. This
means each of us has God within us, each of us is Godly. Reflecting on the story of
the creation of Adam (of Adam and Eve fame), our Sages learn some very powerful lessons. They ask: If, when God created all the animals, God created swarms
and packs and flocks, why, when God created humanity, did God begin with one
human being—Adam? They answer: “Therefore humanity was created from one
person to teach you that whoever destroys a single life, is considered as though
he destroyed an entire world; and whoever preserves a single life, is considered as
though he preserved an entire world. Furthermore, [Adam was created alone] for
the sake of peace among people, that one might not say another: ‘My father was
greater than yours”… Also, [Adam was created alone] to teach the greatness of the
Holy One, Blessed be He; when a human being casts many coins from a single
mold, they all resemble one another, but the Supreme King of kings, the Holy One,
Blessed be He, fashioned each person in the mold of the first man [Adam], yet not
one of them resembles another,” (Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5). This teaching provides
us with two more reasons why each human being is of infinite value. First, like
Adam, each person through his or her descendants and their descendants etc. etc.,
has the potential to create a whole world of people. Second, no two people in the
world are exactly alike. Each person is unique.
One of the central messages of the Torah is that
human life—a single human life—is of infinite value.
The Kotzer Rebbe, the great Chassidic master, summarized these ideas in the
following teaching. The Torah teaches us: And God created Adam in His image,
in the image of God, He created him. Male and female, He created them,” (1:27).
The traditional understanding of this verse is that God created Adam (and humanity) in God’s image and that since this is such an important idea, the verse says it
twice. According to this understanding, the verse reads: “God created Adam, in
His (God’s) image, in the image of God, He created him…” However, the Kotzke
Rebbe reads this verse differently. He says that the Torah is not repeating itself
in this verse, rather the Torah is saying two distinct things about human beings.
According this understanding, the verse reads: “And God created Adam in his
(Adam’s unique) image, [and then] in the image of God, He created him…” Thus,
according to this verse, when God creates a human being, God creates that person
in that person’s unique image first, and then God gives that person a divine quality. We are all unique and created in God’s image. All human beings are of infinite
value. Let us do something, let us speak up, let us be political to protect the holy
gift of other human beings.
B’shalom,
Rabbi Michael Mishkin
[email protected]
PAGE 10 | TBI TABLET
MAY 2013
Sisterhood Contributions
Would you like to honor someone’s simcha, express sympathy, or wish someone well? Make a contribution to a Sisterhood
fund of your choosing and a card will be sent on your behalf. Choose from the Building Beautification Fund (BBF), the
Flower Fund (FF), the School Equipment Fund (SEF), the Torah Repair Fund (TRF), and/or the Women’s League Torah Fund
(WLTF). Minimum contribution per listing is $10.00. JNF Tree certificates are also available and require a minimum contribution of $18.00. Please send your listings and contributions (payable to TBI Sisterhood) to Deborah Brooks, 48 Summit
Road, PW, 11050; or email [email protected]. If I don’t know about it, I can’t include it!
Sincere sympathy to Lisa MenassePalmer on the loss of her beloved father
Sam Menasse
Board and Officers WLTF
Joan and Bernie Hulkower BBF
Annette and Dan Kasle TRF
Debbie and Michael Levine JNF Trees
Sisterhood WLTF
In honor of Barbara Taffet for her many
years of dedication and service
The Rosh Chodesh Group TRF
Refuah shlema to Amy Kornblau
Board and Officers WLTF
Annette and Dan Kasle TRF
Sisterhood WLTF
In loving memory of Inge Ringel
Steve and Sandy Garber FF
Mazal tov to Susie Orenstein and
Andrew Sollinger on Jesse becoming a
Bar Mitzvah
Board and Officers WLTF
Eleanor and Victor Himel FF
Joan and Bernie Hulkower BBF
Sisterhood WLTF
Mazal tov to Anita and Chas Goldsmith
on the birth of their granddaugher
Charlotte Rose Goldsmith
Board and Officers WLTF
Sisterhood WLTF
Jesse Sollinger continued from page 11
Sports are Jesse’s passion, and he starts each day with the NYT sports section and Sportscenter. He loves nothing better than spending a day at the New
Meadowlands watching the Jets, at Citifield with the Mets or at the Coliseum at
an Islanders game. This kid is a true fan of the underdogs! He can often be found
shooting hoops or playing football with friends at Pine Street Park. He comes home
after dark every Friday night, exhausted from an afternoon and evening in the park,
smiling ear to ear.
Jesse is constantly analyzing the globe and maps in his room, imagining his next
global adventure. He’s currently zeroed in on Machu Picchu. On the way home
from vacation his favorite question is “where are we going next?” Jesse is as up for
carving the mountain with his snowboard on the coldest days of winter as he is for
boating on the windiest day of the summer.
We’d like to thank the TBI community for helping inspire Jesse to embrace
Judaism. The voice of Cantor Blum has filled our home (and i-Thingys) with beautiful Hebrew song for several wonderful months, and we’re very grateful to Rabbi
Mishkin for his help in preparing for Jesse’s special day.
When we moved to Litchfield Road 11 years ago, we were more focused on
walking to the LIRR than walking to shul, nursery and religious school. But
TBI has taken us on a far more rewarding journey than the LIRR ever could (ok,
perhaps a low hurdle). TBI is where Jesse met his lifelong best friends. So did his
parents.
Please join us to celebrate our persistent duck at his service and Kiddush luncheon on June 1.
IYAR / SIVAN 5773
Mazal tov to Hillary and Sam Fox on
Elijah becoming a Bar Mitzvah
Board and Officers WLTF
Eleanor and Victor Himel FF
Joan and Bernie Hulkower BBF
Sisterhood WLTF
Mazal tov to Debbie and Jack Mishan
on Chelsea becoming a Bat Mitzvah
Board and Officers WLTF
Eleanor and Victor Himel FF
Joan and Bernie Hulkower BBF
Sisterhood WLTF
In loving memory of Fannie Sverdlik
Ellen Doft and Alex Katz TRF
Are You Buried
in Paper?
Most of us are at this time of year
– and throughout the year! Bag all
your unwanted paper that needs
to be shredded and bring it to TBI
on:
SUNDAY, MAY 5
10AM-NOON
Lower parking lot
All documents will be shredded
in the professional mobile shredding truck, while you watch! $10
donation to TBI for up to 3 boxes
or bags.
TBI TABLET | PAGE 11
Donations
BAM
Rita and Mel Schweitzer:
• wishing a speedy recovery to
Barbara Taffet.
• with thanks to Lisa Levine and
Louise Cooper.
Allison and Jonathan White:
• in honor of the 25th anniversary
of Lisa and Lane Palmer.
• in honor of Mara Rubenstein’s
graduation from Dean College.
• in honor of Jeremy Kasle’s
engagement to Shoshanna Levine.
• in honor of Rachel Silberstein’s
marriage to Loic Chappoz.
Dori and Michael Fishbin:
• in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of
Nathan Abramowitz.
• in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of
Maddie Tashlik.
• in honor of of the Bar Mitzvah of
Aaron Cotumaccio.
• in honor of Allison Kleinman’s
engagement to Steven Morris.
• in memory of Sidney Buchman,
father of Elissa Broad.
CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY
FUND
Sylvia and Neil Blumstein in loving
memory of Sylvia’s mother, Hannah
Hochberg.
Rita and Mel Schweitzer:
• in memory of Doris Bergman,
mother of Cindy Bergman.
• in memory of Dr. Alan Brooks,
father of Jon Brooks.
Steven and Leslie Leventhal in loving
memory of Penny Gilbert.
Doris and Mark Novick:
• in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of
Aaron Cotumaccio.
• in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of
Nathan Abramowitz.
• in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of
Jesse Sollinger.
• in honor of David Volpe, for his
act of kindness.
PAGE 12 | TBI TABLET
Letty and Jerry Roberts, with thanks
for making Emma’s Bat Mitzvah so
beautiful.
Dee Glick in loving memory of Elias A.
Messinger.
Pam and Scott Ollendorff:
• in honor of Nathan Abramowitz
becoming a Bar Mitzvah.
• in honor of Aaron Cotumaccio
becoming a Bar Mitzvah.
Barbara Heitner in honor of Cantor and
Gerri Blum, in grateful appreciation
for their warm friendship.
Irene and Fred Molod with
congratulations to “Nate the Great,”
Nathan Abramowitz, on his Bar
Mitzvah.
Eva and Henry Seegers:
• in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of
Gideon Berman.
• in memory of Dr. Alan Brooks,
father of Jon Brooks.
• in memory of Sam Menasse,
father of Lisa Menasse Palmer.
• in memory of Doris Bergman,
mother of Cindy Bergman.
• in honor of Jeremy Kasle’s
engagement to Shoshanna Levine.
• in honor of Jesse Lazarovic’s
engagement to Jerome Loman.
• in honor of Jason Silver’s
engagement to Jessica Poris.
• in honor of Ruth Kleinman’s
engagement to Steven Morris.
• in honor of Mitch Shuckman’s
engagement to Meredith AroutyMacPhail.
Nancy and Stuart Braman, with wishes
for Ron Harris’s good health.
Patricia and Stephen Latzman in loving
memory of Jack Miller.
CULTURAL ARTS FUND
Ken Kadin in memory of Sam Menasse,
father of Lisa Menasse-Palmer.
Rob and Julie Schachter in honor of
Aaron Cotumaccio becoming a Bar
Mitzvah.
EDUCATION FUND
Jackie and Adam Popper in memory
of Sam Menasse, father of Lisa
Menasse-Palmer.
Louise and David Cooper in memory
of Sam Menasse, father of Lisa
Menasse-Palmer.
Dori and Michael Fishbin:
• in memory of Sam Menasse.
• in honor of Jeremy Kasle’s
engagement to Shoshanna Levine.
Deborah and Jon Brooks in memory of
Sam Menasse.
Gail and Mark Mancher in memory of
Sam Menasse.
Janet and Andy Lavin in memory of
Sam Menasse.
GENERAL FUND
Joan Levine, with thanks to all who sent
her Shalach Manot.
Marcy Todd:
• in memory of Joe Clair, father of
Eva Seegers.
• in memory of Ruth and Sidney
Lindenbaum.
Susan and Jack Genicoff:
• in loving memory of Jacob
Genicoff.
• in loving memory of Alexander E.
Kleine.
Gloria and Ira Slutzky:
• in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of
Noah Silverman.
• in memory of Doris Bergman,
mother of Cindy Bergman.
Jeffrey Berman, Carole Berman &
Family in honor of Howard Berman.
LIBRARY FUND
Rita and Mel Schweitzer in honor of
Ken Kadin’s new apartment.
Susan and Richard Levin:
• Mazal Tov to Barbara Taffet on
an excellent recovery and on her
birthday celebration.
• in loving memory of Iris Kadin.
• in honor of Jeremy Kasle’s
engagement to Shoshanna Levine.
MAY 2013
• in honor of Ruth Kleinman’s
engagement to Steven Morris.
• in honor of Rachel Silberstein’s
marriage to Loic Chappoz.
• in loving memory of Isadore
Levin.
• in loving memory of Jesse Menzer.
• in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of
Aaron Cotumaccio.
• In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of
Nathan Abramowitz.
• Mazal Tov to Marilyn Oser on the
publication of Rivka’s War.
Joan and David Miller in celebration of
Faye Sloan’s birthday celebration.
Nancy and Jay Feldman:
• continued good health to Alan
Bergman.
• in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of
Aaron Cotumaccio.
• Mazal Tov to Barbara Taffet on
her honor by the National Braille
Association.
Beth Hisler and Bob Epstein:
• continued good health to Barbara
Taffet.
• in memory of Sam Menasse,
father of Lisa Menasse-Palmer.
• in honor of Nathan Abramowitz
becoming a Bar Mitzvah.
• in honor of Aaron Cotumaccio
becoming a Bar Mitzvah.
Nancy and Stuart Braman, with wishes
for Barbara Taffet’s good health.
SUPPORT OUR
ADVERTISERS
NURSERY SCHOOL FUND
Anita and Chas Goldsmith:
• in loving memory of Ida Rose
“Skipper” Feingold.
• in loving memory of Leo
Feingold.
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Irene and Fred Molod in honor of
Nathan Abramowitz becoming a Bar
Mitzvah.
Letty and Jerry Roberts in memory
of Sam Menasse, father of Lisa
Menasse-Palmer.
Sam Chiel, with appreciation for the
honor given to him.
Sandy and Herb Ash:
• in loving memory of Sidney
Engel.
• in loving memory of Mollie Ash.
Dori and Michael Fishbin:
• in memory of Doris Bergman,
mother of Cindy Bergman.
• in memory of Julius Fleischer,
father of Elyse Yedid.
• In memory of Dr. Alan Brooks,
father of Jon Brooks.
Sometimes We All Need a
Little Help…
From carpools to shopping for food, a drive to the doctor or picking up medicine or a Shabbat dinner, Helping Hands provides support to congregants
who need assistance taking care of their daily needs.
If you are ill or know someone who is and could use some help or just a
friendly visit, Bikkur Cholim is here to provide our congregants with that
help.
If you need assistance call:
Louise Cooper, 516-944-3857, [email protected]
Susan Stein, Helping Hands, 516-944-1710, [email protected]
Edie Katz, Bikkur Cholim, 516-883-7780, [email protected]
IYAR / SIVAN 5773
TBI TABLET | PAGE 13
Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Port Washington, NY
Permit No. 253
Temple Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050-3915
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Join us at at Annual Gala
on June 9!
May 2013
SUNDAY
Iyar/Sivan 5773
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
1
5
25 Iyar
6
26 Iyar
7
27 Iyar
Minyan 9 a.m.
Shred-a-thon 10-12
12
3 Sivan
Ritual Meeting
13
Minyan 9 a.m.
RS closed
MOTHERS DAY
19
10 Sivan
4 Sivan
Board Meeting
20
11 Sivan
14
21
17 Sivan
Minyan 9 a.m.
12 Sivan
28 Iyar
2
22 Iyar
15
22
6 Sivan
NS closed
Services
9:30 a.m.; 6:45 p.m.
Confirmation
SHAVUOT
13 Sivan
9
29 Iyar
Ladies’ Night Out
16
7 Sivan
NS closed
SHAVUOT Services
9:30 a.m.
YIZKOR
23
14 Sivan
18 Sivan
MEMORIAL DAY
28
19 Sivan
Congregation Meeting
7:30 p.m.
29
20 Sivan
3
23 Iyar
30
10
1 Sivan
6:45 p.m. services
C.L. 7:43 p.m.
ROSH CHODESH
Bar Mitzvah of Elijah Fox
17
8 Sivan
6:45 p.m. services
C.L. 7:49 p.m.
Nursery Shabbat &
Dinner 5:45 p.m.
24
15 Sivan
6:45 p.m. services
C.L. 7:56 p.m.
Bat Mitzvah of
Chelsea Mishan
Ed. Meeting
27
FRIDAY
6:45 p.m. services
C.L 7:35 p.m.
Scholar in Residence
Dinner
YOM YERUSHALAYIM
RS closed
EREV SHAVUOT
Services 7:30 p.m.
Minyan 9 a.m.
RS Moving up day
Maccabiah Games
26
5 Sivan
8
21 Iyar
THURSDAY
21 Sivan
31
22 Sivan
6:45 p.m. services
C.L. 8:02 p.m.
Bar Mitzvah of
Jesse Sollinger
SATURDAY
4
24 Iyar
9:30 a.m. services
MM
Scholar in Residence
11
2 Sivan
9:30 a.m. services
MM/JC
Bar Mitzvah of Elijah Fox
18
9 Sivan
9:30 a.m. services
MM
25
16 Sivan
9:30 a.m. services
Bat Mitzvah of
Chelsea Mishan
1
23 Sivan
9:30 a.m. services
Bar Mitzvah of
Jesse Sollinger