NHC Bulletin Dec 2020

NANUET HEBREW CENTER AFFILIATED WITH THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM 411 S. LITTLE TOR ROAD, NEW CITY, NY 10956 (845) 708-9181 Visit us at: http://www.nanuethc.org E-mail address: [email protected] December 2020 Kislev—Tevet 5781 Volume 50, Number4 HAPPY HANUKKAH! Hanukkah menorah set up at the Western Wall on December 17, 2019 The preparations for Hanukkah at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem kicked off on Tuesday with the installation of the traditional massive menorah, which will be lit every night during the holiday. The menorah is made of bronze, reaches over two meters high and is about two meters wide, according to a statement by The Western Wall Heritage Foundation, a govern- mental body established in 1988 to preserve and run the Wall and its tunnels. The artifact weighs about one ton and took seven months to make. (www.jpost.com) December Calendar Inside, p. 37

Nanuet Hebrew Center Please let the NHC office know of all important life events & occasions, including births, Published monthly by the Nanuet Hebrew Center weddings, etc., illness and deaths. CLERGY Rabbi Office: 845-708-9181 [email protected] Paul Kurland Cantor SERVICES 845-623-0407 [email protected] SHABBAT Barry Kanarek Friday evening Shabbat services at 6:00 p.m. [email protected] The 1st Friday of each month is Family Shabbat Gail Kaiser EXECUTIVE BOARD Co-President Saturday morning services at 10:00 a.m. Please call the office the Wednesday before Jeffrey Schragenheim Co-President Shabbat if you would like an aliyah on Saturday David Katz Vice President Andrew Toplitsky Vice President Nathan Schlanger Treasurer MINYAN Sunday thru Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. Jeffrey Tepper Financial Sec'y NOTE: Shivah Minyan begins at 7:45 p.m. Charyl Zweigbaum Corresponding Sec’y Jay Jaffe ARMS Recording Sec’y Wendy Spelman Ritual Comm. Chairperson Please try to attend minyan as often as possible to enable mourners and those who are observing John Fogelman Ritual Co-Chair Emeritus yahrzeits to say Kaddish. Mitchell Spiegel Men’s Club Co-President Eric Zweigbaum Men’s Club Co-President Donna Smith Sisterhood President Other Departments/Contacts Rebecca Bernstein Educational Director [email protected] Cynthia Schneider, Peggy Tepper Catering Candle lighting times (New City area) Dates Starts Ends [email protected] Estelle Eisenkraft Tree of Life/Stones Frieda Levitas Chair, Comm. of Education Esther Spiegel HAZAK December 4-5 4:10 5:13 December 11-12 4:10 5:14 Flora Silver Chesed Committee Co-Chair December 18-19 4:02 5:16 December 25-26 4:15 5:20 Marion Fuld Chesed Committee Co-Chair Gift Shop [email protected] Judy Friedlander [email protected] NOTE FROM THE EDITOR—All articles, photos, OFFICE Hours: ads or other info contributed for publication in the Bulletin must be received by the 15th of the month, Closed during the current crisis. We may be to be published the following month, subject to space reached by email or you may leave a message availability and editor's approval. Contributed on the machine. material may be edited as necessary. Please email your attached word documents, PDF files, or JPG photos as attachments to an email with the Subject line: BULLETIN.” Page 2 NHC Bulletin Kislev—Tevet 5781 December 2020

In This Issue: Tips for Zoom Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 20 From Co-President Gail Kaiser. . . . . . . . . . 4 Life Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 29 Makom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Tzedakah . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .33 USY/Kadima . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 December Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Hazak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Some Zoom Info and Instructions .. . . . . . 18 Getting Together, with Zoom It is encouraging to see so many participating with Zoom in Synagogue meetings and events over the last few months, including the Rabbi’s Monday Study Group, our daily minyanim, pre-Shabbat gatherings, programs for children, USY/Kadima programs, and our new Macom Hebrew School with Montebello Jewish Center. We have been able to attend funerals to mourn with our friends. This is to acknowledge the extra effort of those who have not been particularly comfortable with meeting this way, whether with computer, tablet or cellphone, and are still in the learning curve (present company included). Since on-line meetings will no doubt be an indispensable part of our activities in the short term (and who knows how much in the long term), those of you who are not yet connected are invited to join up and download the program, at Zoom.us. There is plenty of information out there, if you google Zoom, including YouTube tutorials and the like. In this issue find a page of general instructions published by the University of California and a handy page of Zoom ‘Etiquette’ for any occasion supplied by Jeff Schragenheim. If you would like someone to walk you through the download, you may call the office. Once you have the program, it is so easy: You just click on the link provided in your invitation from Rabbi Kurland at the time specified, join the meeting, et voila! December 2020 Kislev—Tevet 5781 NHC Bulletin Page 3

From the Co-President Chanukah always begins on the 25th of the month of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar, and lasts for 8 days as we well know. The story of Chanukah chronicles the four-year war which took place between 167 B.C.E – 163 B.C.E. as oppressed Jews struggled under the rule of Antiochus IV of the Syrian-Greeks. Jews were forbidden to follow their ritual observances, and pagan worship was introduced into their sacred Temple. It is also about a civil war between those Jews who aligned themselves with the Greek-Syrian ways and the Maccabees, a small group of Jews who resisted such assimilation. The holiday culminates in the re-taking and rededicating of the Temple in Jerusalem, and re-lighting the seven-branched candelabra that was always supposed to remain lit. The long-ago story of Chanukah offers lessons for all people who are wrestling with challenges today. We have all experienced dark periods in our lives. Sometimes that darkness stems from an individual struggle, like the loss of a job, a loved one, or a sense of purpose in one’s life. At other times, it’s a collective darkness, like the kind we all experienced on Sept. 11, 2001 and in its aftermath, or during this horrendous pandemic which affects all of us now. When darkness spreads, it can lead to despair and hopelessness, and it’s important to recognize that place before we can transcend it. Sometimes the situation call for outward action, while at other times what’s needed is inward reflection. When the Maccabees revolted against the darkness they faced as a result of the increasingly harsh treatment imposed upon them and their freedoms, they chose outward action, When it came time to rededicate both themselves and the Temple, they called upon inward meditation to take the first step of faith in using the tiny amount of available oil to reignite the sacred light of the Temple and rekindle their souls. As the story of the miracle of Chanukah goes, they only had enough sacred oil to last for one day, but the oil burned for eight days, long enough for the time needed obtain and purify new oil. During Chanukah, the shamash is used to light an additional candle each night culminating in eight burning flames and reminding us that by simply lighting one candle, we have the opportunity to light many candles. In that lighting we can see that our own light is never diminished when we share our light with others. The celebration of Chanukah shines light into the darkness and teaches us to rededicate ourselves to kindling the flame of hope. The Festival of Lights is also a story about seeking freedom in times of tyranny. Though small in number against a powerful group, the Maccabees fought to regain their rights, and in the end were triumphant as they reclaimed their Temple. These were ordinary people with extraordinary courage and commitment to fight for their freedoms. Today, we see people both at home and abroad who are oppressed and marginalized. We are reminded that it’s incumbent upon us, ordinary men and women, to fight for justice where we see injustice and for liberty where we see oppression. We must recall Hillel’s famous words, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” Page 4 NHC Bulletin Kislev—Tevet 5781 December 2020

The concept of assimilation figures large in the story of Chanukah. How does a community or a group maintain its identity in relation to the culture at large? How much will it resist these outside influences and how much will it embrace those influences? When the Maccabees revolted against the Syrian-Greeks, they were also revolting against a Hellenistic culture and philosophy. Yet, as a result of living within the culture at large, Judaism moved from being philosophically illiterate to becoming a systematical and coherent faith. From the Greeks, and later the Romans, they learned the principles of legal interpretation which became the method of interpreting Jewish law in the Talmud. Many of the words that are central to Jewish faith, such as synagogue, Diaspora, Sanhedrin, and even the word Judaism are Greek words, and are still prominently used today. Just as it is important to find the balance of retaining one’s culture and tradition while also being open to the gifts of the larger community, so, too, must we find the balance in our personal relationships. How do we connect with others without losing ourselves? Chanukah offers an opportunity to find the balance in retaining our identity while still being connected to and involved with people and communities outside of ourselves. Every day we are fighting daunting tasks: solving the deficit and the homeless problem, fighting discrimination, high unemployment and the loss of businesses and jobs, ending wars, finding solutions to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and enhancing the production and distribution of viable vaccines, seeking a more peaceful, ecologically sound, and sustainable world. It can feel overwhelming just thinking about it – let alone figuring out where to begin. As the story of Chanukah goes, when the Maccabees returned to the Temple after the war, the first thing they needed to do was to re-light the eternal flame. Only finding one small, unspoiled jar of oil, it would have been easy for them to despair. After years of fighting to regain the Temple, and now realizing that they were lacking the resources to move forward, they took a first step, recognizing that the eternal flame had been extinguished for way too long. Despite having only enough oil for one day, they committed themselves to rededicating themselves and the Temple and lit that one jar of oil. Whether it is factually true or not, we celebrate the fact that the oil miraculously burned for eight days until additional oil could be made and purified. But the miracle only happened after people committed themselves to taking that first step. We each have a role in creating a better world by taking that first step, and the next, and the next, and so on. The idea of miracles surrounds us this season. We, as Jews, celebrate the miracle of the oil that was only meant to last for one day and yet burned brightly for eight days. When the Chanukkiah is lit, we are provided with an opportunity to tap into that miracle of light shattering the darkness and opening to a world of possibilities. This time of year is about the movement from darkness to light in both the spiritual and material world, and is strengthened by one’s own faith while recognizing and acknowledging the faith of others. December 2020 Kislev—Tevet 5781 NHC Bulletin Page 5

We reignite the flames of awe for the miracles before us every day when we open our eyes and our hearts. We celebrate the miracle of friends and family whom we love and are loved by; the miracle of arising another day, giving us the chance to experience and learn some- thing new or revisit something joyful, the miracle of connecting with G-d through our ac- tions and words. As you kindle the candles during Chanukah, may love and the light of faith fill your home and heart, and may the lights of the Chanukkiah usher in a better world for all humankind. From me and my family, from Jeff, and the rest of the Board of Directors at NHC, we wish you and yours a very happy, healthy, safe, and meaningful Chanukah. Gail Kaiser, Co-President, Nanuet Hebrew Center Page 6 NHC Bulletin Kislev—Tevet 5781 December 2020

The students of Makom Religious School MJC/NHC have been learning so much! Each grade has been immersed in Torah learning, Hebrew, Israel and holidays. The students enjoyed learning about the Torah portions and were engaged in thought provoking questions. Each week they played an online game together called, Kahoot. It’s a fun quiz that adds to their knowledge and reinforces what they have learned. It was very exciting for everyone! The teachers and teaching assistants are working hard to help the students achieve their prayer goals; review letters and sounds, and learn a tune for each prayer. As a school all the students have learned about Havdalah. They really enjoyed making their own Havdalah candles. In addition, we experienced a beautiful Family Havdalah Service on Nov. 21. We are proud of our students who led the prayers in Hebrew (Jacob Santiago, Noah Levitas and Julianne Harbus). In addition, we are proud of the students who shared readings explaining the beautiful aspects of the ceremony (Olivia Santiago, Hailey Benner, Joseph Petrocelli and Aaron Santiago). It was especially enjoyable to have Cantor Barry Kanarek join us along with his guitar to lead us in Havdalah songs to the tunes of Debbie Friedman and Jeff Klepper. Our sixth and seventh grade students have started the Jewish Escape Rooms. They are moving at their own pace and sometimes share their screens on Zoom to help each other solve each challenge. Preschoolers and Kindergarten students are having a great time thanks to our talented music specialist, Morah Jody Prusan. They made their own Tzedakah boxes, ate Alef Bet cookies together, sang Jewish songs, made a Mitzvah tree, learned to say body parts in Hebrew, and how to say blessings over foods at snack time. As Chanukah is soon approaching, we will be celebrating together with USY visitors, on Zoom with Menorah making, decorating and playing with dreidels. All the best and Happy Chanukah! Rebecca Bernstein, Educational Director December 2020 Kislev—Tevet 5781 NHC Bulletin Page 7

USY/Kadima News Rachel Benner, Youth Advisor This month USY hosted Kadima and Makom for a s’mores night. We were lucky enough to get AMAZING 70 degree weather. We got together at Montebello Jewish Center to enjoy each other’s company before the cold, and s’mores of course! We had a fantastic turnout of ages ranging from 5 to 17. After the USY Board ran some ice breakers, we played a very large game of FLASHLIGHT TAG! This is a game where instead of making contact with someone, you flash a light on them when found. This game permits social distancing and fun! After that we played toothpaste. Later in the month the USY Board got together at Nanuet Hebrew Center to plan the next few months of events. Page 8 NHC Bulletin Kislev—Tevet 5781 December 2020

PLEASE NOTE THE UPCOMING EVENTS: December 6th — we will have a virtual game night. December 13th — USYers will team up with Makom to do virtual crafts during their Channukah event December 20 — Virtual Channukah event January 9th — Virtual Escape Room with NCJC and OJC WATCH FOR OUR ANNUAL SNOWTUBING EVENT December 2020 Kislev—Tevet 5781 NHC Bulletin continued Page 9

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REMINDER — TEA and PEANUT BUTTER Multiple synagogues help with the Rhoda Bloom Kosher Food Pantry and provide different types of food. NHC's responsibility is to supply TEA (boxes of tea bags) and PEANUT BUTTER to the Food Pantry families. Please drop off Kosher peanut butter and tea at the box outside of the NHC office. We are always looking for additional volunteers to support the Rhoda Bloom Kosher Food Pantry and distribute food at the JCC-Jewish Family Services. While NHC's turn to provide extra volunteers is every February, you are welcome to participate other months as well. For more information, please contact Susan Saffar at 352-1711 or [email protected]. Thanks for your help in supporting these 200 families! December 2020 Kislev—Tevet 5781 NHC Bulletin Page 11

Especially during our unsettling environment, why go to a store to buy greeting cards? For just $3.00 each, you can have a personalized, handwritten Leagram sent to a member of our congregation, a relative or a friend. These can be sent for any occasion including, birthdays, anniversaries, Mazel Tovs for weddings, engagements, special events such as Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, get well and condolences. Each month, when the Bulletin is e-mailed, an additional message is sent which includes a Leagram list for the following month. If you don’t have an e-mail address, you can contact the NHC office to have a list mailed to you. Just circle the ones that you would like sent, enclose a check for the total amount and follow the instructions on the bottom of the Leagram list. In addition, you can also send Leagrams to non-members. Just write the name and address to whom it should be sent and the type of message you’re requesting. Please keep in mind that this is an NHC Sisterhood fundraiser which helps support our synagogue. You don’t have to be a member of Sisterhood to participate. Thank you and stay safe. Best regards, Diane Fishman, Leagram Chairperson Page 12 NHC Bulletin Kislev—Tevet 5781 December 2020

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HAZAK We actually had our first HazakZoom get-together on November 5th. Special thanks to our President, Estee, for setting it up. While on the Zoom, we ran into some technical difficulties. Thanks to the quick thinking of our Office Manager, Kari, she was able to get us back on Zoom so that we could continue our get-together. Looking forward to seeing everyone again at our next Zoom get-together on December 3rd. This month’s “Meet the Members of Hazak” is Allen Reiter, Hazak Treasurer. Allen was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to the Bronx at the age of fifteen. He served in the Army Reserves for six years from 1962 to 1968. During that time he got married on June 6, 1964 to his lovely wife Sheila. He worked as an Accountant/Auditor for the State of New York and retired in 2002. He now spends his time as a volunteer for the Orangetown Historical Museum and Archives. Here is some advice for you to eat healthy: Can’t eat Beef…………………..….Mad Cow Can’t eat Chicken………………… Bird Flu Can’t eat Eggs……………….…….Salmonella Can’t eat Fish……………….……. Heavy Metal Poisons in Water Can’t eat Fruits & Veggies………..Insecticides and Herbicides Hm’m’m’m’m’m!!! That leaves Chocolate and Ice Cream! Remember – “STRESSED” spelled backwards is --- “DESSERTS”!!!! Have very Happy, Safe and Socially Distanced Chanukah. Arthur Fishman–Chief Senior Staff HazakWriter Page 14 NHC Bulletin Kislev—Tevet 5781 December 2020

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Zoom Meeting Etiquette With this new era of video conferencing and online meetings, many have found that there are a new set of guidelines to follow. Let’s face it: attending meetings and minyanim from home is difficult. So here are some suggestions, compiled from Zoom’s own website as well as other sources, which will help you navigate your way through this new technology. Use the video option when possible. It lets people see you and confirm you are not some computer-generated voice. This is particularly important if you are the one hosting the meeting or a speaker, and slightly less so if you are an attendee, Dress appropriately, or Do not wear your pajamas. Times are tough for those sequestered at home, and wearing sweatpants all day, every day is one of the few silver linings. But if you are in a position where you can put on something you would usually wear;it is probably a good idea. You might also find it makes you feel a little more normal. Stage your video area. Keep in mind that people are not just seeing you, they are also seeing whatever the camera is pointed at behind you. Maybe arrange it so that your camera is not facing towards a pile of unfolded laundry? More light is better. Video quality is dramatically improved with more lighting. And don’t you want everyone to see your beautiful face, now that you have gone to all of the trouble to put on actual clothes and stuff? An extra nearby lamp is usually helpful. Just make sure the light is in front of you, not behind you - being backlit makes you harder to see. Try to look into the camera. If you are speaking to the group, looking into the camera will give the appearance of eye contact with whoever you are talking to. It is also definitely better than being forced to stare at your own face and realizing how badly you need a haircut. Do your own tech support before you start. Make sure you do a test run at some point, and that you are aware of your audio and video settings before you start. Most video conference services allow you to see a test of what your camera is recording before you start broadcasting it to everyone else, so have it arranged the way you want it. Zoom, for instance, has a feature that lets you test your settings before your meetings begin: just go to zoom.us/test. You can also usually decide if you come in with audio hot or muted before you accidentally broadcast whatever is on the TV in the next room. And speaking of sound … Stay on mute if you are not talking. Background noise can be really distracting. If you are not sharing anything at the moment, go ahead and hit mute until you do. That way, no one has to listen to the car alarm that goes off in your neighborhood or your neighbor’s perpetually barking dog. Do not eat during the meeting. It can be a little gross to watch other people eat sometimes. Or listen to them chewing, for that matter. Hold off if you can, or if not, maybe turn off the video and audio. Do not do other private things while on a meeting. Having a side conversation with someone in your house, especially if you are unmuted, can be a enormous distraction to others. Stay focused. Keep unnecessary conversations to a minimum. It can get very hard to be productive when several people are all talking at once, and even more so when overlapping audio and shuffling video screens are involved. For more details on how Zoom operates, check out their website and their FAQ page. December 2020 Kislev—Tevet 5781 NHC Bulletin Page 19

In Our Mailbox Dear NHC Members, We want to thank you for all your good wishes and donations in honor of our great grandson, Aden Black, It is very special to see my daughter and son-in-law become proud grandparents. As well as enjoying our grandchildren become parents. John and Ilse Lang Dear Rabbi Paul Kurland, I’m writing today simply to say THANK YOU... Thank you for being part of the ADL community as we stand united against those that wish to divide us. Because of you, we’re winning battles against antisemitism, bullying and hate of all kinds. We’re identifying extremists who wish to do us harm before they can strike so that law enforcement can intervene before tragedies occur. We’re teaching children that their schools and communities should be no place for hate. On January 2020: ADL and coalition partners led a solidarity ‘No Hate, No Fear’ rally in NYC after a series of violent attacks on the Jewish community. Though we know the world will continue to change and challenge us, ADL’s entire community — our team, our partners and supporters like you — will remain steadfast in the tireless pursuit of our mission. Thank you for being a part of ADL’s vital work! May you and your loved ones take the time to appreciate the blessings in your lives, and have a peaceful, safe and happy holiday. Best wishes from the entire ADL team, Jonathan Greenblatt EO and National Director ADL Dear Rabbi Kurland, In this special season when we count our blessings, I want to start by thanking YOU! You’re a vital part of the caring community of Friends of Karen supporters who make it possible for our critically ill children and their families to receive essential financial assistance and emotional support to stay strong and able to cope at an incredibly difficult time. Chase’s mom speaks on behalf of all of us… \"I can't thank you enough for your care and support. It is truly heartwarming what you all do!! I feel so blessed to have found you!\" From the Friends of Karen family to yours, we send our heartfelt thanks and warmest best wishes for a safe and healthy Thanksgiving holiday. Judith Factor Executive Director Page 20 NHC Bulletin Kislev—Tevet 5781 December 2020

Dear Jeff, Gail & Rabbi Kurland, As we have all dealt with six months of challenges related to Covid19, we want to thank you for your leadership through the high holidays. Although they were different for all of us, Nanuet Hebrew Center was there for the community. We are grateful for your continued efforts to strengthen our community and positively impact each person you touch, Additionally, we are thankful for always being supportive of the JCC. Enclosed is a donation from JCC Rockland. May we all find a way in 5781 to work through this pandemic and strengthen our community together. LShalom, David A. Kirschtel Jeffrey Degen CEO President Dear Rabbi Kurland, Thank you for including The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous (JFR) in your philanthropic giving, especially during this difficult time. We know that you have many choices when it comes to charitable giving, and we are incredibly grateful that you have chosen to support the JFR. Your contribution has made it possible for the Foundation to continue to provide financial support to aged and needy Christian rescuers who need our help. The Foundation will also be able to continue its education program that teaches teachers the history of the Holocaust, its relevance for these times and the significance of altruistic behavior for our society. Sincerely, Stanlee J. Stahl Executive Vice President Dear Friends, These are trying times for all of us and especially challenging for the women and families who depend on Sharsheret. COVID-19 is disrupting lives everywhere and poses an increased health risk to cancer patients who are immunocompromised. With your critical support, thousands are benefiting from Sharsheret’s free and confidential emotional support and mental health counseling. Hebrew for “chain”, Sharsheret provides women and families with confidential culturally-relevant support, from before diagnosis through treatment and beyond. At Sharsheret, we know that a cancer diagnosis affects the entire family. Whether the diagnosis is early stage or later stage, we offer services, support, and resources for those affected by cancer, their partners, children, parents, and friends. We educate health care professionals about our unique concerns. With your critical support, Sharsheret will continue to grow its life-enhancing programs and resources for thousands of young women and families facing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Sincerely, Elana Silber Galit Reichlin Executive Director Director of Development The Jewish Breast & Ovarian Cancer Community December 2020 Kislev—Tevet 5781 NHC Bulletin Page 21

Dear Rabbi Kurland, We acknowledge, with deep appreciation, your very generous donation. This donation is a true chesed shel emet (act of loving kindness). Your support helps provide funerals and burials for indigent Jews. We ensure that they are buried with peace and dignity, in the traditional Jewish way, sparing them the fate of anonymous mass burials in city cemetery. Thank you for your meaningful support. Very truly yours, Amy Koplow Executive Director Dear Nanuet Hebrew Center, Please accept my sincere thanks for your recent contribution to the Center for Jewish History. Your generosity enables the Center to fulfill its mission of preserving the history of the Jewish people during this challenging time. The Center for Jewish History illuminates history, culture, and heritage. The Center provides a collaborative home for five Partner organizations: American Jewish Historical Society, American Sephardi Federation, Leo Baeck Institute, Yeshiva University Museum, and YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. The Partners’ archives comprise the world’s largest and most comprehensive archive of the modern Jewish experience outside of Israel. The collections span 5,000 years, with more than five miles of archival documents (in dozens of languages and alphabet systems), more than 500,000 volumes, as well as thousands of artworks, textiles, ritual objects, recordings, films, and photographs. We are grateful for your help in ensuring that the stories of the Jewish past live on for future generations. With best wishes, Ryan Sutton Development Manager Dear Rabbi Kurland, Thank you very much for your kind gift, for which we are most grateful. As in many places, Covid-19 has increased substantially in Israel. The schools are only now reopening. When it is safe, the Limudiah classes will resume. They will be more urgently needed than ever. Because now the Ethiopian Israeli children not only need the extra support, but they are even further behind because most could not participate in the previous on-line learning (no computers or internet in their homes). In Ethiopia, the Jews are not only facing the coronavirus, but also terrible poverty, primitive living conditions, additional diseases, scarce food, water, and soap, and a shortage of doctors and nurses. In both Israel and Ethiopia, it is friends like you who are making the difference in our ability to save lives at this critical time — physically and educationally. You are truly a blessing. Sincerely, Barbara Ribakove Executive Director Page 22 NHC Bulletin Kislev—Tevet 5781 December 2020

Dear Rabbi Kurland, Thank you so much for your gift for Yad Sarah, We are grateful for this vital financial support and for your confidence in the work of Yad Sarah and its volunteers. Yad Sarah is indeed building and growing and we have generous friends like you to thank for helping to strengthen the organization. Your gift will go directly to purchase new wheelchairs, patient hoists, breast milk pumps and other equipment for distribution through our extensive volunteer-staffed Lending Service, to bring outreach services to an isolated and frail older person, to enable victims of terror and trauma to revitalize their lives through life-enriching programs and therapeutic activities, and to open the world to the physically challenged through accessible transportation. Now, more than ever, people in Israel’s large cities and small towns alike are turning to Yad Sarah volunteers for help and support, and your generosity enables our network of branches to respond, embodying the promise that all Israel is responsible for one another. Thank you again for this special gift to the people of Israel Warm Regards, Adele Goldbeg Executive Director Dear Rabbi Kurland, On behalf of the special children whose lives will be changed by your donation, I would like tb extend a personal note of thanks for your response to our mailing with your generous contribution We are heartened by your continued support. Your friendship means that Chai Lifeline can continue to remain relevant by creating innovative responses to the emotional and social challenges facing ill children and their families. It enables us to anticipate tomorrows needs and plan for a growing caseload. In short, you are the key to our survival and ability to make a difference in peoples lives. Sincerely, Rabbi Simcha Scholar Chief Executive Officer Dear Rabbi Kurland, Please accept our sincere appreciation for your recent contribution to AIPAC. In the months ahead, we look forward to working with you on many new initiatives to further strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship and to provide for a safe and secure state of Israel. Your support will allow AIPAC to continue our work with Congress to: • Secure vital U.S. security assistance for Israel, including $3.3 billion in security assistance, plus $500 million for missile defense programs like Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow. • Strengthen U.S-Israel strategic cooperation through legislative initiatives that declare Israel a major strategic partner and lay the foundation for expanded collaboration in missile defense, homeland security, energy, cybersecurity, medicine and more. Sincerely, Betsy Berns Korn Howard Kohr President CEO December 2020 Kislev—Tevet 5781 NHC Bulletin Page 23

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Please tell our Carlson Craft, Checkerboard New Trends, Pioneer and others advertisers you Acrylic Sign-Book or Board, Favors saw their ad in Kipot, Wedding Gown Heirloomed the Bulletin. Their generous support helps pay for about 80% of the cost of the Bulletin. Page 28 NHC Bulletin Kislev—Tevet 5781 December 2020

December Yahrzeits /‫יזכור‬ 1 Charles Krantz 14 Helen Plazure 25 Abraham Bernanke Edith Wineburgh 15 Sonia Reiff Karl Page Philip Helman 2 Sarah Fromowitz Judith Priesel Henry Weiss Otto Kaufman Sonia Reiff Betty Kahn Iris Mandelbaum 16 Harry Lieberman Emanuel Pozensky Clara Berkman 26 Esther Cosnowsky Joseph May Lillian Klein 3 Regina Newman Neil Seidenstein Ezra Kaplan Enid Trotiner 27 Pauline Schwartz 17 Minnie Goldberg Esther Drachman 4 Arlene Russin Harry Blecher David Sayer Lillian Feinberg Shirley Rubin Irene Nathan 18 Sara Atias Hasson Solomon Weingast 5 Joseph Bernanke Minna Kaufman Solomon Weingast Florence Helman Stanley Ezra Kurt Schragenheim Adolf Katzburg Fanny Chernoff Herman Schuman Nathan Blum 28 Eliezer Young 19 Charles Scheiner Audie Dorfman 6 Martin Luchton Blanche May Ricca Rosental Judith Kantor 20 Shimon Kats Esther Sussner 21 Mary Bernanke Ronnie Rudnick 7 Gladys L.Blassberg Joseph Rifken Jack Millman Anne Frank Heilbronn 29 Dorothy Frieman 22 Isidore Vogel Joseph Frieman 8 Charles Gerbitz Florence Gaffen 9 Edith Katz Israel Geffen 30 Ruth Kowlowitz David Cahn Maurice Reichner Jerome Leon Carl Himmelbrand Gerry Toplitsky Lenny Zakim Samuel Sussner 10 Harry Studnitzer 23 Estelle Laufer 31 Saul Maayani Mortimer Kass Eva Sklaver Saul Asinofsky 11 Shirley Levine 24 Elsie Savitt Simon Spiegel Esther Harap Shaul Zucker 12 Howard Zweigbaum ✡✡✡✡✡ Lillian Rifken Jacob Ross Anna Kriesberg Howard Zweigbaum Kate Wisman 13 Rita Carlino Bernard Knippel Fanny Rubin Condolences/ íéîåçðú Kari Warren on the death of her broth-in-law Russell Fitzpatrick Dave Leon on the death of his mother, Myra Leon December 2020 Kislev—Tevet 5781 NHC Bulletin Page 29

December Anniversaries Mazal Tovs / ‫מזל טוב‬ 2 Philip & Cynthia Schneider 10 Mordechai & Judith Friedlander Daniel & Judith Hoffman Seymour & Phyllis Reiner 6 Steven & Stacey Borenkoff 23 Linda & Mark Housman 7 Floyd & Ellen Gloskin 25 Werner & Henrietta Neuburger Barry & Linda Russin Engagement Mazal Tovs / ‫מזל טוב‬ Elinor Kantrowitz on the engagement of her granddaughter Alana Poser to Yuval Haramaty Marriage Mazal Tovs / ‫מזל טוב‬ Miriam Edelstein & John Hecht on their marriage Bar/Bat Mitzvah Mazal Tovs / ‫מזל טוב‬ Rachel & Matthew Ammer on the B’nei Mitzvah of their children Isabella & Jacob Speedy Recoveries/äîìù äàåôø ✡✡✡✡✡ Susana Yarjovski Jeff Kleinberg Steven Saffar $1,800 $2,500 Page 30 NHC Bulletin Kislev—Tevet 5781 December 2020

January Yahrzeits /‫יזכור‬ 1 Rachel Mori 12 Bessie Adler 25 Arlene Rymer Louis Kaplan Laura Kaiser Hy Haleo Rose Postrion Louis Kaplan 13 Morris Borenstein 26 Barry R. Warren Harry Goodman Ann Rubin 2 Harold Pilavin William Meltzer Max Leffler 3 Dr Leo Bernanke David Warren 14 Ada Guthman Gottschalk Ida Stupay Frieda Aarons 27 Arline K. Vogel Celia Weiss Lynn Zeichner Darvin Theodora Fenster 15 Albert Ashkenas Louis Klein Harry Lieberman 16 Isaac Yarjovski Shirley Oberman 4 Sigmund Gottschalk Clara White 5 Harry Katzenberg Isaac Yarjovski Esther Goodman Sandra Chook David Kezner Alan Schulman 6 Michael Gardner Isaac Yarjovski Morton Metz Jerome Zweigbaum 17 Ruth Tepper 7 Brendt B. Altneu 18 Mary Ackerman 28 Albert Sperling Bernard Cozewith 19 Sandra Borenkoff Samuel Didner Helen Neuberger Harriet Richtol Sophie Reutlinger 20 Helene Cader 29 Emil Judd Helen Hudesman 21 Sarah Stupay 30 Robert Brandenburg Theodore Fierman Jonas Vogel Evelyn Leftkowitz Barnett Blumenthal Stuart Landsman Audrey Raff Irving Yatchie Herbert Steingart 8 Sally Kane Henry Taraboulos 31 Elias Kupchik Phillip Becker Marvin Sontag Harriet Malkin 9 Louis Rosenberg 22 Mae Hirsch Elias Kupchik Ruth Gerstein Norma Steinberg Anna Rosenberg 10 Debbie Moore 23 Miriam Schreier Phil Weber Jack Katz Rose Berkman Max Binenfeld 11 Inge Wanger 24 Albert Harap Margit Berger Genia Stolerman Morris Reiff Julius Kaikow Greta Didner Edza Winer Morris Reiff Dennis Roitman January Anniversaries Mazal Tovs / ‫מזל טוב‬ 9 Mark & Ingrid Sheiman 24 Herbert & Esther Spiegel 11 Zach & Natali Gabai 24 John & Ilse Lang December 2020 Kislev—Tevet 5781 NHC Bulletin Page 31

Now you can pay your membership dues using VISA, MasterCard American Express [email protected] Teaching Is Available Upon Request Don’t forget — You can help support the Synagogue at no cost to you — PURCHASE SCRIP — It’s easy: Contact NHC Office @ 708-9181 E-mail - [email protected] Mail - 411 South Little Tor Road, New City, NY We have gift cards for Shop Rite • Stop & Shop • DeCicco Wegmans You can make purchases by cash or check. Page 32 NHC Bulletin Kislev—Tevet 5781 December 2020

Tzedakah / ‫צדקה‬ Tzedakah received and recorded by the 10th of the month or the first business day after, will be acknowledged on these pages. If the office is closed because of holidays falling on these days, only donations received before the holiday will appear. Please also note that acknowledgment or lack thereof on these pages does not constitute an official receipt of your donation by the shul. In the event that acknowledgment of your donation does not appear, please let the synagogue office know and we will print it in the next issue of the Bulletin. Planning Ahead Now is the time to start the planning that enhances the work of the congregation by raising the necessary funds so dues need not be raised. Our ongoing fundraisers include the Rabbi's Walk and the Tree of Life. To reserve a brick on the Rabbi’s Walk or reserve a stone or a leaf on the Tree of Life, call Estelle Eisenkraft in care of the office at 845-708-9181. Donations to General Fund Ruth Berg In memory of father, Abraham Sass Ellen Blecher In memory of mother, Lillian Feinberg Ronnie Drachman Condolences to Kari Warren Kleinberg on the passing of her brother-in-law, Russell Fitzpatrick Get well wishes to Brandon Kleinberg Get well wishes to Jeff Kleinberg Get well wishes to Steve Safran Mazal Tov to Kari Warren Kleinberg for receiving the KenieMittlemanEshetChayil Woman of Valor Award Judy & Stuart Fenster Get well wishes to Rabbi Kurland Mazal Tov to David Rubinstein, NHC’s Men’s Club “Man of the Year” Diane & Arthur Fishman Get well wishes to Brandon Kleinberg Get well wishes to Jeff Kleinberg Get well wishes to Rabbi Kurland Mazal Tov to Ken Benjamin in honor of his birthday Marion & Milton Fuld Condolences to Kari Warren Kleinberg on the passing of her brother-in-law, Russell Fitzpatrick Get well wishes to Jeff Kleinberg Yona Geffen In memory of father, Adolf Katzburg Ann Gross In memory of mother, Muriel Hellman In memory of grandmother, Hannah Estreich In memory of aunt, Helen Van Wickle December 2020 Kislev—Tevet 5781 NHC Bulletin Page 33

Arlene Hecker In memory of mother, Matilda Krantz Sarah & Leo Horowitz In honor of Peter Farkas In memory of Bruce Pollack's mother, Violet Pollack Elinor Kantrowitz In memory of husband, Norman Kantrowitz Joan Kaufman In memory of father, Otto Kaufman Michelle Kezner Mazal Tov to Kari Warren Kleinberg for receiving the KenieMittlemanEshetChayil Woman of Valor Award Helene & Ira Kornstein Mazal Tov to Miriam Edelstein and John Hecht on their marriage Ruth Meller Condolences to Susan Karpfen on the passing of her husband, Leo Karpfen Elisa Moskowitz In honor of my father, Sid Moskowitz Eliott Newman In memory of father, Isadore Newman Rhoda Patsner In memory of father-in-law, Samuel Patsner Sheila & Allen Reiter Mazal Tov to David Rubinstein, NHC’s Men’s Club “Man of the Year” Mazal Tov to Zachary Spiegel, NHC Men’s Club “Youth of the Year” Serge Rotjan In memory of father, Charles Rotjan In memory of mother, Rebecca Rotjan Adrienne Rubinstein In memory of mother, Miriam Posner David Rubinstein Condolences to Kari Warren Kleinberg on the passing of her brother-in-law, Russell Fitzpatrick Get well wishes to Brandon Kleinberg Get well wishes to Jeff Kleinberg Susan Saffar& Paul Van Alstyne In memory of father, Raymond Hausmann Bruce Schnur In memory of mother, Lily Schnur Tillie Schwartz Mazal Tov to Adrienne Rubinstein in honor of her birthday Mazal Tov to Judith & Mordechai Friedlander in honor of their anniversary Mazal Tov to Henrietta and Werner Neuberger in honor of their anniversary Mazal Tov to Cynthia & Philip Schneider in honor of their anniversary Page 34 NHC Bulletin Kislev—Tevet 5781 December 2020

Flora Silver Mazal Tov to Kari Warren Kleinberg for receiving the KenieMittlemanEshetChayil Woman of Valor Award Mazal Tov to David Rubinstein, NHC’s Men’s Club “Man of the Year” Mazal Tov to Zachary Spiegel, NHC Men’s Club “Youth of the Year” Peggy & Jeff Tepper Mazal Tov to Kari Warren Kleinberg for receiving the KenieMittlemanEshetChayil Woman of Valor Award Marilyn Wechsler Mazal Tov to Kari Warren Kleinberg for receiving the KenieMittlemanEshetChayil Woman of Valor Award Mazal Tov to Sybil and Joe Weingast on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Cooper Kurland Rita Zowader In memory of husband, Herman Zowader In memory of niece, Joyce Lengio Cantor’s Discretionary Fund Helene Gottlieb In memory of grandmother, Sarah Fischer New Building Fund Phyllis & Kenneth Benjamin Condolences to Kari Warren Kleinberg on the passing of her brother-in-law, Russell Fitzpatrick In honor of Nate (Nacham) Schlanger (The Super Agent) for his davening and humor at NHC minyans In honor of Nir Kantor for his davening and humor at NHC minyans In memory of Ronnie Drachman's mother, Sonia Drachman Mazal Tov to Kari Warren Kleinberg for receiving the KenieMittlemanEshetChayil Woman of Valor Award Mazal Tov to David Rubinstein, NHC’s Men’s Club “Man of the Year” Mazal Tov to Sybil and Joe Weingast on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Cooper Kurland Hana Gottschalk In memory of father, Manny Binder Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Phyllis & Kenneth Benjamin Todah Rabbi Kurland for your efforts and organizing of services for minyan, Shabbat and holi- days Estelle & Allan Eisenkraft Condolences to Kari Warren Kleinberg on the passing of her brother-in-law, Russell Fitzpatrick Mazal Tov to Ilse and John Lang, and family, on the birth of their great grandson, Aiden Alexander Black Mazal Tov to Rachel and Adam Kurland on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Cooper Mazal Tov to Sybil and Joe Weingast on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Cooper Kurland December 2020 Kislev—Tevet 5781 NHC Bulletin Page 35

Susan Saffar& Paul Van Alstyne In honor of our grandson, Liam Samuel Saffar Mazal Tov to Kari Warren Kleinberg for receiving the KenieMittlemanEshetChayil Woman of Valor Award Mazal Tov to David Rubinstein, NHC’s Men’s Club “Man of the Year” Mazal Tov to Zachary Spiegel, NHC Men’s Club “Youth of the Year” Ingrid Sheiman In memory of grandmother, Hertha Samuel Sybil Weingast In memory of mother, Ann Silver Shabbos Club Nir Kantor In memory of mother, Zipora Zuckerman Tillie Schwartz In memory of brother, Jacob Meltzer High Holiday Prayer Book – Mahzor Lev Shalem Phyllis & Ken Benjamin In honor of Nathan (Nachom) Schlanger, Chief of in-house and Zoom minyans Minyan Prayer Book Phyllis & Ken Benjamin In honor of Zoom Minyanaires (2) Please be sure to visit, like and share Nanuet Hebrew Center's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/nanuethc This page is open to all NHC members, family, friends and potential new members. We also welcome you to post information and photos on this page that are appropriate to Nanuet Hebrew Center. Page 36 NHC Bulletin Kislev—Tevet 5781 December 2020

Rotate Counter-Clockwise December 2020 Kislev—Tevet 5781 NHC Bulletin Page 37

Page 38 NHC Bulletin Kislev—Tevet 5781 December 2020

Information Rockland-NY Connects is the first point of contact for Rockland residents to connect to health and human services, County government and municipalities. Contact 845-364-2020, Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM and speak to a Call Specialist about your specific needs or visit www.informationrockland.com. Calls are taken confidentially. Language translation services are also available. Please share this valuable resource with family and friends!! Did you know? Cantor Kanarek posts many of the prayers that we sing every weekend online. Go to www.nanuethc.org. Select “From the Bimah” then “Cantor” and then “Music and Prayer Page.” Please be sure to visit, like and share Nanuet Hebrew Center's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/nanuethc This page is open to all NHC members, family, friends and potential new members. We also welcome you to post information and photos on this page that are appropriate to Nanuet Hebrew Center. December 2020 Kislev—Tevet 5781 NHC Bulletin Page 39

Nanuet Hebrew Center Non-Profit Org. 411 S. Little Tor Road U.S. POSTAGE New City, New York 10956 Paid RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Monsey, NY Permit No. 5409 DATED MATERIAL Do not delay 845-356-8600 15 State Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977