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TEMPLE BETH EL of ONEONTA www.templebetheloneonta.org September 2016

The Shofar

Friends, Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, the first Ashkenazi Chief rabbi of pre-state Palestine, wrote the following in his work “Orot HaKodesh,” The Lights of Holiness”:

The Fourfold Song “There is a person who sings the song of his soul. He finds everything, his complete spiritual satisfaction, within

his soul.

There is a person who sings the song of the nation. He steps forward from his private soul, which he finds

narrow and uncivilized. He yearns for the heights. He clings with a sensitive love to the entirety of the Jewish

nation and sings its song. He shares in its pains, is joyful in its hopes, speaks with exalted and pure thoughts

regarding its past and its future, investigates its inner spiritual nature with love and a wise heart.

There is a person whose soul is so broad that it expands beyond the border of Israel. It sings the song of

humanity. This soul constantly grows broader with the exalted totality of humanity and its glorious image. He

yearns for humanity’s general enlightenment. He looks forward to its supernal perfection. From this source of

life, he draws all of his thoughts and insights, his ideals and visions.

And there is a person who rises even higher until he unites with all existence, with all creatures, and with all

worlds. And with all of them, he sings. This is the person who, engaged in the Chapter of Song every day, is

assured that he is a child of the World-to-Come.

And there is a person who rises with all these songs together in one ensemble so that they all give forth their

voices, they all sing their songs sweetly, each supplies its fellow with fullness and life: the voice of happiness

and joy, the voice of rejoicing and tunefulness, the voice of merriment and the voice of holiness.

The song of the soul, the song of the nation, the song of humanity, the song of the world—they all mix

together with this person at every moment and at all times.

And this simplicity in its fullness rises to become a song of holiness, the song of God, the song that is

simple, doubled, tripled, quadrupled, the song of songs of Solomon—of the king who is characterized by

completeness and peace.” Orot Hakodesh II, p. 444

I am happy to say that our congregation is actively nurturing each of those songs.

In our shared worship and study we sing the songs of our souls. Many of you participate in study and/or

worship on a regular basis. I am so happy to have gotten to know you in these ways, and want to reiterate

that there is always room and welcoming for those of you who would like to join one or both of these

activities.

We will start our Mussar work together in September; it will be the subject of our Lunch and Learn program

for the year, beginning on Saturday September 10th

, as usual from noon – 2:00 PM. Mussar will help us to

better sing the songs of our souls, and, at the same time, help us to sing the song of our people, humanity,

and all creation. This Jewish practice helps us to be the best versions of ourselves, and to find ways to heal

the broken parts in ourselves and become more of the solution to a troubled world.

(continued on page 3)

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President’s Column

In my third term as president of Temple Beth El, I continue to focus on making our members happy, our

rabbi feel supported, our building functional, our programs, services, and religious school successful, our

finances sound, and our community relations stronger. As I have mentioned in the past, our membership has

slowly but consistently grown over the past two years and I continue to receive periodic emails and phone

calls from prospective members. This remarkable growth is the result of an engaged and committed

congregation that shares a desire to be together as a community. We are supported by a devoted and

involved rabbi who inspires our spirituality, intellectual lives, and compassion. I think an important reason

we attract new members is because our Jewish community is happy and thriving.

I remember how worried the Board of Trustees felt when Rabbi Roberts gave notice of his retirement and we

were faced with the task of finding a new rabbi and filling many vacant positions. In the midst of that

stressful period I addressed the congregation at a community meeting about our challenges. After the

meeting, Howard Joseph, a long-time member of our synagogue, approached me smiling and told me not to

worry because everything always works out in our synagogue. I didn’t believe him, but I must admit that,

now, almost three years later, he was right. We continue to move from strength to strength.

On August 11, Howard Goldberg, a representative from United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism (the

national organization for Conservative Judaism), met with the Board to discuss our long-term planning

goals. During that meeting he was very impressed by our accomplishments, particularly for a small, rural

congregation. He told us that there are much larger synagogues that would envy our successes. While we are

proud of the work we do (adult education, volunteering at The Lord’s Table, a knitting group, Men’s Club,

religious school, connections to Hillel and Chabad, partnerships with the NAACP and other houses of

worship, services at Focus, monthly potluck dinners, Israeli film series, special event/programs, and a

welcoming environment to all Jewish people and their loved ones), we still have bills to pay. This past year,

our growing congregation did not collect dues sufficient to cover our very basic costs. That is why we kicked

off the Chai to Life campaign, asking every family to donate $18.00 per month for one year. If members do

this, we will close our $10,000 deficit. The results in July and August have been very encouraging, but we

need everyone to participate. The costs of running our synagogue are modest, but we have still fallen short.

An additional $18.00 per month ($216.00 per year) will close the gap. I will be reaching out to members to

maintain support for this campaign. This is not a campaign to buy a Torah or fix a roof; it is about simply

paying for the basics such as the gas and electric bill, building maintenance, and Rabbi Karp’s salary so that

she can continue to spend time with us twice a month. A special thank you to those members who paid Chai

to Life in one payment and those who are paying dutifully each month. Your generosity is appreciated and

helpful.

Howie Goldberg’s reaction to the vitality, pride, and strong sense of community in our synagogue was very

encouraging. At this time, all we need to do is continue being who we are – a dynamic, spirited, engaged,

and loyal small synagogue deep in the Diaspora – plus, a little more generous in order to pay the bills. While

I have faith in Howard Joseph’s belief that Temple Beth El will always survive, I would like us to thrive. We

are in now in our third year of a very exciting renaissance and need your continued support. Please

participate in synagogue life. There are so many ways to be present in our little Jewish community.

Regardless of your religious or spiritual beliefs, in this region of New York, we are all we have. Let’s

dedicate the coming year to being together more often!

Ken

ksider@hotmail.com or 432-8480

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Rabbi’s Message continued from page 1

The Statement published by our President, Dr. Ken Sider, in this edition of the Shofar will help us to sing the song of humanity, and open the walls of our congregation and hearts by making us more inclusive of folks who until now may not have felt welcome in our shul. Coupled with the “Safe Space” sticker by our front door, this lets folks who do not necessarily fit the “hetero-normative” pattern that they are welcome and safe among us as they are, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. They, too, will find our Temple a place where they can sing the songs of their souls. In our ongoing efforts to “sing the song of humanity”, I am proud and grateful that we were able to host guests from Islamberg, a neighboring community who is becoming our new friend. Our guests came to meet us and to learn about Judaism. For well over an hour they listened attentively while I taught them “on one foot” an introduction to the origins and history of Judaism, the forms of Judaism in America, and our views of Jewish and shared concerns. I learned something that I did not know about our guests: as American-born Muslims, they do not feel the animosity towards Jews and Israel that Arab-born Muslims often feel. I came to understand the double discrimination they experience in America as blacks and Muslims, as well as the fact that the women of their community feel triple discrimination as black Muslim women. I look forward to visiting Holy Islamberg to learn more about our new friends. Torah Study will meet on Saturday September 10th and 24th. Coffee and Schmooze starts at 9:00 am; we begin our studies at 9:30. Shabbat Services will take place on September 9th at 7:30 PM, and at 6:00 PM on the 23rd, followed by our potluck dinner at 7:00 PM. We are in need of more “potluck people” to participate in set-up and clean-up. Please let Ken know if you can participate.

As always, you can reach me with questions and concerns at rabbimollykarp@gmail.com. I look forward to seeing you soon!!

Kol tuv (wishing you all goodness), Rabbi Molly Karp

Religious School News

It is back to school season and that includes Temple Beth El’s religious school. We are excited to announce our teachers for the 2016-17 year: Faye Munson, Jeff Gelbsman, Bob Garfield, and Hollie Jaffe. Oneonta High School students Jade Ackley and Lennon Gelbsman have signed up as volunteers to help with our youngest students. Rabbi Karp, in addition to her other duties, has designed the curriculum, ordered the books needed, and is overseeing the school. We are grateful to Rabbi Karp and our religious school educators who generously volunteer their time to educate our synagogue’s children. We are indebted to this group of teachers and wish them well in the coming school year.

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MEMBER NEWS The Temple Beth El community sends our heartfelt condolences to Gail Feuer whose mother, Caroline Graben, passed away August 11, 2016. The Feuer family is in our thoughts.

THANK YOU FOR DONATIONS TO TEMPLE BETH EL

Theresa Adler Lana Alkes Stephanie & Michael Bauer Alex Bauer Jim Bercovitz and Alice Lichenstein George & Regina Betts Seth & Linda Blocker Carole Blumenkrantz Linda Burkhart Ron Feldstein Steve & Gail Feuer Stan & Joan Fox Leslie Friedman Howie & Joyce Gelbsman Sidney & Harriet Goldman Ernest Goodman Anne Green & Bob Garfield Judith Insigna in honor of Marni’s Bat Mitzvah Hollie Jaffe Howard & Bunny Joseph in memory of John Relethford’s brother Howard Kaminsky Ivan, Sharon and Raelle Koota Alfred & Marilyn Lubell Debra Marcus Barry and Lois Perlman Gary & Lynda Preiser Donald & Barbara Roberts in memory of Joan Fox’s sister Ken & Heidi Sider Richard Sternberg Irene & Rick Weinberg Jerel & Amy Zoltick

Men’s Club Breakfast

Men’s Club Breakfast will be held Sunday, 10 am Sept 18th in the downstairs social hall.

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Social Action at Temple Beth El

Temple Beth El and its members recently participated in three rallies. On May 16th, many of our members went to Islamberg near Hancock, NY to protest and to stand up against hate and violence. A group known as the American Bikers United Against Jihad had planned an anti-Islamberg rally. Interestingly enough, 400 people were in attendance to support the Muslim community and only 5 bikers showed up.

On June 16th, our President, Ken Sider, spoke at a vigil at Muller Plaza in Oneonta in response to the events in Orlando, FL where there was a mass killing by gunfire directed at a club patronized by members of the LGBT community. We are so proud that many of our members were in attendance for this vigil.

On Thursday, July 14th, Temple Beth El, hosted a community vigil for the victims of gun violence across the United States and to mourn the recent loss of lives of police officers and young black men. In cooperation with the NAACP, our sanctuary was filled to capacity with citizens from the area, clergy, community leaders and law enforcement officers. Included in the list of speakers was: Oneonta Mayor, Gary Herzig; Oneonta Police Chief, Dennis Nayor; Joanne Fisher and Michelle Osterhoudt of the Oneonta NAACP; as well as members of local clergy, Reverends Cynthia Walton-Leavett and Elsie Armstrong Rhodes. We were also honored to hear the voices of local talented singer, DJ Wooden, and opera singer, Helen Brown of the Glimmerglass Young Artist Program. While there was a diverse group in attendance, including many members from Temple Beth El, there was also a strong sense of community and the feeling that said, “GOOD JOB TEMPLE BETH EL”.

-Steve Feuer

* NEW SHABBAT POTLUCK DINNER SCHEDULE *

Once a month we have a Friday night potluck to celebrate Shabbat as a community. Since so many of us enjoy the time we get to spend together eating and talking, we will try a new schedule that will also enable families with children to attend Friday night services. Our new Potluck Schedule is: 6:00 Service 7:00 Dinner

September Potluck dinner will be held on Friday, September 23rd. Please RSVP to Stephanie Bauer mbauer@stny.rr.com or 547-6231 to let the hosts know that you are coming and what non-meat, non-shellfish dish you will share.

If anyone would like to volunteer to host the Oneg Shabbat on Sept. 9th, or would be willing to help Hollie, please contact her at hjjaffe@hotmail.com or call her at 433-4745

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DONATIONS TO TEMPLE BETH EL Making donations to honor or remember friends and family is a custom in every synagogue that we seem to have gotten away from. Please send a donation to Temple Beth El when you or someone you love has good news to share or to recognize a death or remember a yahrzeit.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

Members will soon receive their tickets for the Holy Days in the mail. Until then, please note the dates and times for your own reference. As is our tradition, we are making a concerted effort to begin Yizkor no later than 1:00 on Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah Sunday, October 2 Evening Service at 7:00, followed by Oneg Monday, October 3 Morning Service at 9:30, and Tashlich at 1:00 Tuesday, October 4 Outing at Wilber Park. Meet at the large pavilion, at noon. Yom Kippur Tuesday, October 11 Kol Nidrei at 6:30 Wednesday, October Morning Service at 9:30, Minchah at 4:00, Havdalah at 7:30 Break-the-Fast Dinner, immediately following the shofar blast

More information about the Holy Days (including babysitting) will be mailed to members with their tickets and posted on our website. Non-members are welcome to attend our services with the purchase of a ticket ($100.00) that can be applied toward membership. Students are free.

Oneonta Refugee Resettlement Coalition

Temple Beth El members Deb Marcus and Ken Sider serve on the Oneonta Refugee Resettlement Coalition (ORRC), a community group dedicated to bringing a refugee family to Oneonta. A recent article in the newspaper highlighted this effort and detailed the process underway to help a family start a new life in America. The resettlement process includes a two-year vetting process to ensure immigrants are truly deserving of entering the United States. The family coming to Oneonta is assigned to us and could be from any region in the world. ORRC is working to coordinate services with city government, local non-profit agencies, houses of worship, the business community and interested citizens to host a family.

If you are interesting in working with us, please contact Deb Marcus (debramarcus@gmail.com) or Ken Sider (ksider@hotmail.com).

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YOU CAN EARN MONEY FOR TEMPLE

BETH EL BY SHOPPING AT AMAZON.COM

Every time you shop at Amazon.com, Temple Beth El receives a percentage of that sale with no cost to you. You still pay the same Amazon prices as usual and Amazon donates a portion of that sale to our Temple. It’s EASY. All you have to do is go to the Temple’s webpage at this address: http://www.templebetheloneonta.org/ Once at our website, click on the AMAZON tab at the top of the page (second tab from the right)

Then, click on the Amazon.com link and shop as you normally do.

For everything you buy, Amazon will donate to the Temple. It’s as simple as that. Two extra clicks (first, go to the Temple’s website, then, click on the Amazon Tab and Amazon link) and you’re ready to donate, just by shopping. It really helps and it really adds up. Remember us when you shop. You have to do a few extra steps but then it’s shopping as usual and we reap the benefits.

Just continue buying what you would buy anyway, and the Temple makes money.

How great is that?

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Chesed Committee

The Chesed Committee provides help and support to Temple members in times of need and in times of joy. Anne Green and Bernadette Winters Bell are available to offer support.

Bernadette Winters Bell b15lola@aol.com Home # 607.432.6278 cell # 607.267.8610 Anne Green la0130@stny.rr.com Home # 607-433-1203

Like to knit, crochet, craft? Want to learn?

Please join the Sisterhood (men invited as well) for 2 hours of knitting, crocheting or other craft handiwork. Amy Zoltick and Stephanie Bauer will host on the 1st Sunday of the month in the social hall from 10-noon. Total novices (and anyone wanting to learn) to experienced fiber people are welcomed. Stephanie will describe sock knitting May 1st as many people expressed an interest. If you want to learn to knit socks some previous knitting skill is necessary. Please bring appropriate sock yarn and double pointed needles. If you want to learn to knit or crochet please bring a skein of LIGHT COLORED yarn and appropriate knitting needles (or crochet hook). Look for yarn and needles (or corresponding crochet hook) in the 6-8 size range (crochet hooks are in letters) as they are the easiest to work with. RSVP: Amy Zoltck at amysays@gmail.com

ISRAELI FILM SERIES

On Saturday, September 10, at 7:00, we will screen Hunting Elephants, an Israeli comedy. Sir Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The Next Generation) and an impressive cast of Israeli top talent give bravura comic turns in a bank heist caper and coming-of-age tale. At the bank where his father works, 12-year-old Jonathan watches helplessly as his father succumbs to a sudden heart attack while testing a new high-tech security system. In a cruel double blow, the bank manager refuses to pay the father’s pension. In the aftermath, widow Dorit leaves her son in the care of his cantankerous grandfather Eliyahu and friend Nick, both former Zionist freedom fighters now barely existing in a nursing home. Guilt-ridden over his father’s death, and mortified when his mother begins dating the bank manager out of financial desperation, Jonathan and the aging misfits hatch a plot to rob the bank that wronged his family. Nominated for seven Israeli Academy Awards including Best Film, Hunting Elephants is a delightful concoction of jocular hijinks and tender moments sure to leave audiences smiling. Donations for admission and snacks are appreciated.

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A Note About Jewish Values and Inclusion

Until very recently, many Jewish communities and synagogues have not only been unwelcoming to

lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Jews, but also hostile. Historically, Jewish people

who identified as LGBT were mostly invisible in our synagogues or they stayed away completely in

order to avoid being made uncomfortable or worse. Recent court rulings that established marriage

equality have served to educate Americans about the struggles and rights of the LGBT community.

Because of this troubling history, Jewish organizations and synagogues are now making efforts to be

inclusive and welcoming specifically to this group. Temple Beth El is joining many other major

Jewish movements including the United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism (and a larger secular

movement) to be certain our members, prospective members, and guests know we are a welcoming

and inclusive synagogue. We have a rainbow colored Jewish star at our front door to welcome the

LGBT community and to serve as a reminder that Judaism values respect, solidarity, peace in our

shul, guarding of our language, and communal responsibility. While some of our members believe a

sign at Temple Beth El's door is unnecessary, I am afraid they are mistaken. We do, in fact, have

cause to take these actions. If you or someone you know prefers a gender-neutral bathroom, please

note that we have one by the social hall and another by the religious school classrooms. Temple Beth

El is a welcoming and inclusive synagogue.

For more information about Jewish values and inclusion, please visit: www.keshetonline.org or

www.uscj.org

Ken

Intercultural Dialogue by Bob Garfield In May, Anne and I joined with other TBE members to support the Islamberg community in Hancock. We were warmly welcomed and generally left with a positive impression of this minority religious community. However, we also heard expressions of anti-Zionist sentiment, which troubled us. Our synagogue chose not to ignore these issues, but instead made outreach to Islamberg leaders, inviting them to meet with us and talk things out. On August 28, our synagogue hosted a dozen members of the Islamberg community, including Muhammad Gardner, their public relations director (who came all the way from Virginia for the occasion!), mayor Rashid Clark, and Tahirah Clark, legal counsel. A proclamation, signed by our president, Ken Sider, and by Mr. Clark, affirmed the goal of our communities to support and learn from one another, while acknowledging the potentially divisive issues that might make us uncomfortable. Rabbi Karp then made a presentation and answered questions about Jewish history, our religious practice and customs, and yes, the strong conviction most of us have for Israel to continue as a Jewish state. We then joined our guests for coffee and snacks in the social hall. Anne and I shared a table with Mr. Gardner, the public relations director, and his two children. Our conversation was as informative as it was enlightening and entertaining. In general, I feel it would be fair to summarize Mr. Gardner's views as moderate, well-reasoned, and respectful to all. Members of the TBE community should be proud of the efforts our synagogue has made to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue in our community. Mr. Gardner told me that he and his colleagues wish to continue the discussion, and will invite us back to Hancock later this year. Anne and I think this is wonderful. We will be there.

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The Lord’s Table

So many thanks to Linda Burkhart, Elliot Cohen, John Relethford, Sheila Birkett and Gail Feuer for

helping out at Lord's Table on July 14th. You may recall it was our usual 2nd Thursday of the month

volunteer slot. Some of our usual volunteers were busy at the rain-location vigil held at the same time

in Temple, following the terrible shootings of 2 African American men and 5 Dallas police officers,

and these great volunteers filled in. And it's no small effort in 90 degree humid weather to work in a

kitchen. Great work, and thanks for your service.

The Lord's Table Community Feeding Program was well served to have our great volunteers, Gary &

Lynda Preiser and Linda Burkhart, and also Gary & Lynda's friends Gary & Joan Orton of Franklin,

help out on August 11th, another sweltering summer Thursday. I had to leave after an hour, but they

all stayed to the end. My thanks to them for this community service.

Hollie

Our shift is the 2nd Thursday each month.

Please call or e-mail Hollie at hjjaffe@hotmail.com (433-4745) to volunteer.

We could use a few more volunteers. Its only once a month for a few hours, and very satisfying. It’s a

great community service, and we stand with many churches and community organizations in taking a

monthly turn at feeding the hungry.

Rabbi Molly Karp’s Adult Education Classes following 9:30 am Torah Study

Torah study is interactive – No preparation required – we read the weekly portion together

September “Lunch and Learn”

Sept 10th and Sept 24th 12:00 – 2:00 pm

Mussar will be the subject of our Lunch and Learn program for the year, beginning on

Saturday September 10th. This Jewish practice helps us to be the best versions of ourselves, and to find ways to heal the broken parts in ourselves and become more of the solution to a

troubled world.

Please bring a dairy or vegetarian brown bag lunch or a dish to share.

Please contact Rabbi Karp www.rabbimollykarp.com for information.

Shabbat Torah Study: at 9:30 am, following 9 am “coffee and schmooze” on Saturday mornings.

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In case of emergency

Rabbi Karp is not reachable via email on Shabbat and festivals. To reach her in the event of a rabbinic emergency, or in the case of an urgent need on Shabbat, please contact Temple Beth El's President, Ken Sider at 432- 8480 or ksider@hotmail.com. At all other times, you can reach Rabbi Karp at rabbimollykarp@gmail.com. In the event of a death, please contact Steve Feuer, at 988-6654.

Yahrzeit List for September 2016

Sept 1 – 8 (28 Av – 5 Elul) Clarence (Larry) Platt

Cynthia Puritz

Isador Lefor

Daniel Ben Segal

Sarah Cohen

Rose Levine

Arnold Rothman

Sept 9 – 15 (6 – 12 Elul)

Dora Goldfarb Cohen

Louis Berkowitz

Rhoda Neger

Abraham Cheitkin

Phillip Granett

Sept 16 – 22 (13 – 19 Elul)

Mary Krawitz

Jacob Rosen

Jeanette Dawid

Irving J. Roberts

Harry Puritz Arthur Gancfried

Sept 23 – 30 (20 – 27 Elul)

Louis Davis

Jerome Peyton

Ruth Platt

Herbert Rapp

May they be remembered for a blessing

CHAI to LIFE

Please remember to send in your $18.00 Chai to Life payment for September. Every donation helps us pay the synagogue’s bills and maintain Rabbi Karp’s visits to Oneonta. Thank you for your on-going support.

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MEMBER AND SUPPORTER BUSINESSES

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www.templebetheloneonta.org

TEMPLE BETH EL WEBSITE ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Please email TBEOneonta@gmail.com for more information about this FREE service for

members.

Thanks, Dr. Neal Schultz!

Purchase any products from BeautyRX. The profits from all

purchases from Temple members will be donated to the Temple.

Just go to www.beautyrx.com redeem it by applying code "tbeth"

in the shopping cart or checkout page. Or call 1-855-beautyrx -

that’s 1-855-232- 8897, thank you.

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Temple Beth El Shofar published by

TEMPLE BETH EL PO Box 383

83 Chestnut Street

Oneonta, NY 13820

www.templebetheloneonta.org

Rabbi Molly Karp 607/432-5522 (synagogue)

www.rabbimollykarp.com

Rabbi Emeritus Donald Neil Roberts

September 2016 Av/Elul 5776 _____________________________________________

OFFICERS Ken Sider President

Howie Gelbsman Vice President Hollie Jaffe Secretary

Anne Green Treasurer Immed. Past Pres.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rick Weinberg Susan Carbone

Robert Garfield Stephanie Bauer

____________________________

Steven Feuer

Men’s Club President

Irene Weinberg/Joyce Gelbsman

Sisterhood

SAVE THE DATES ... and times.

Shabbat Services: September 9th at 7:30 PM September 23rd at 6:00 PM followed by our potluck dinner at 7:00 PM

If anyone would like to volunteer to host the Oneg Shabbat on Sept. 9th, or would be willing to help Hollie, please contact her at hjjaffe@hotmail.com or call her at 433-4745.

Shabbat morning Torah study starts at 9:30am on Saturday Sept 10th and 24th, following coffee and schmooze at 9:00am, with the monthly “Lunch and Learn” from 12-2. Bring your own meat-free, shellfish-free lunch or a dish to share.

Israeli Movie Night will feature Hunting Elephants on Saturday night, Sept 10th at 7 PM.

Temple Beth El PO Box 383 Oneonta, NY 13820