T h e W r i t t e n W o r d

Temple Beth-El of City Island

“Your Shul by the Sea” _

Kislev - Tevet - 5769 480 City Island Avenue, City Island, NY Vol 6.2

Happy Chanukah To All \ It’s tradition! Temple Beth-El of C.I. shares its menorah lighting with the community each year at Hawkins Street Park. State Senator Jeffrey Klein is seen here with Rabbi Shohama Wiener and City Islanders.

75^th Anniversary Events Committee Hosts Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration With the theme of “Social Justice”, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his birthdate, Thursday, January 15^th,at 7:30 pm, all ages are welcome to “your shul by the sea”. “Especially since many Jewish citizens participated in the civil rights movement in the 1960’s, we know that civil rights requires constant vigilance,” said Michael Eiron, committee chairperson. “Thus we’ve planned a program that will include special guest speakers and the Dance Ministry of the Canaan Baptist Church.” This event at the Temple is designed to foster good will, include multiracial members of the community, and continue developing relationships with our community. Because we expect a crowd that evening, RSVP to reserve a seat. (718) 792-3709 or email MichaelEiron@optonline.net

Musical Note: Cantor Elaine composed a new song which “rocked the house” at the Interfaith Healing Service at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church last month.

Hear the song at services on Friday, December 12^th, when Rabbi Shohama talks about God’s angels in the lives of our ancestor Jacob and in our lives as well.

See you at 7:45 pm that night.

Special Events Set for Dec. & Jan. First, our Kabbalat Shabbat service to welcome the Sabbath on Friday, Dec. 12th will start at 7:45 pm – a bit later than usual – so that we can enjoy dining with Rabbi Shohama at one of the yacht clubs on City Island. Call 885-3098. Next, our Rabbinic Intern, Molly Karp starts Chanukah festivities on the first night, Sunday, December 21, at Hawkins Street Park, followed by our celebration at the Temple. Come to the park on City Island Avenue, across the street from Exotiqa International Arts at 6 pm. After lighting our big menorah and singing, we return to the Temple for fun, food, music, and games. Bring your menorah and friends! “Rabbi Molly” conducts January Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday, January 9^th and 23^rd. Also, she leads another exciting Torah study session on Saturday, January 10th at 10:30 AM. Hebrew explained and discussion is in English! Potluck “nosh” afterwards. Then, Molly presents a series of 3 Sunday classes on “Jewish Views of the Afterlife” January 18, 25, and February 1 from 7pm to 8:30 pm. Members free, or $15 per session for non-members. Families and community members are invited to enjoy our program on January 15^th to honor Dr. King and his legacy of civil rights and social justice. Guest presentations include the Dance Ministry of the Canaan Baptist Church, invited speakers and a photo gallery. Donations to benefit civil rights organizations. RSVP tickets in advance to assure adequate seating: MichaelEiron@optonline.net (718) 792-3709.

Photo by Bob Berent    On Sunday, November 23, the 75th Anniversary Events  Committee  hosted a brunch at the Temple. Michael Eiron,  chairperson, pleased  with the excellent turnout, thanks the  Committee, Joe Stern, Pat  Cuesta, & the Berents for its  success. Also, “I wish to thank Joshua  and Anke  Davidowitz for their help with the event.” Michael (above  right) is about to introduce our Rabbinic Intern, Molly Karp.

For Your Calendar:

Fridays: Congregation led Shabbat Services 7:30 pm followed by a Kiddush. We welcome fresh fruit or a simple dish to share.

Musicians may accompany Bob Berent’s accordion on Dec. 19, 26, Jan. 2, 16, 30.

Friday, Dectember 12: Kabbalat Shabbat

Welcome the Sabbath with music and prayer led by Rabbi Shohama Wiener.and Cantor Elaine. 7:45 pm. Tonight features Elaine’s

original composition played on our wonderful piano (gift of Juanita & Barry Goldman).

Dine with Rabbi Shohama at 5:30 pm at Harlem Yacht Club (417 Hunter Ave.), call Bob ASAP (718)885-3098.

Chanukah – Sunday, Dec. 21: Hawkins Street Park 6pm!

Friday, January 9 & 23: Kabbalat Shabbat

with Rabbinic Intern Molly Karp. 7:30 pm. All ages welcome. Kiddush after services. Prayerbook is primarily in English, large print,

with transliteration of Hebrew.

Saturday, January 10: Torah Study Session with Molly Karp at 10:30 am. Readings and discussion are in English. Lively and enlightening.

Potluck lunch (dairy and vegetarian) afterwards.

Thursday, January 15: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration 7:30 pm. RESERVATIONS MichaelEiron@optonline.net or tel. (718) 792-3709

Sunday, January 18, 25 & February 1: How Judaism Views the Afterlife, 3-session seminar by Molly Karp, 7pm – 8:30 pm.

Members free, non-members $15 per session. “Jewish Views of the Afterlife” text by Simcha P. Raphael.

Sunday, February 8, Tu b’Shevat

Seder planned, details next month!

This newsletter will include a series of remembrances about our Temple. If you have a fond memory attending an event,
write me at Temple Beth-El of City Island, Attention Yehudit Berent, PO Box 188, Bronx, NY 10464.

            REMEMBERING YEARS PAST
     An interview with Connie Davis Cantor

    Before there was a Temple Beth-El building, my family had just moved to City Island in 1936 or 1937.  It was New
Year’s Eve and my parents were invited to a Temple party in a store that is Focal Point Gallery today.  I was so young,
I was brought to the Berkhardt apartment at  Carroll Street. I woke up after midnight, somehow walked down the stairs,
out the door, and walked three blocks to the party! I shocked my parents.

    I remember the names of the people there, and you can read their names on the Memorial Board at the Temple:
Shirley and Sam Bierman (whose pharmacy had an apartment above it at Fordham St. which is now Connie’s Market),
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Fridkis of Bay Street, my parents, Annette and David Davis, George and Sonia Gladnick, Tillie Stark,
Dr. and Mrs. Frederick Gordon, Florence Shafer Chernoff (then 16), Mr. and Mrs. Harry Holzberg, the Hoffmans,
the Greens, and Mr & Mrs. Harry Chernoff.

    The first Sunday school met in Trinity Methodist Church. The second school met on the left of the Raymond Theatre
(City Island Market now).  That school sometimes met at the Bierman apartment. What a wonderful time when Sam’s
daughter “ran the show”

    Finally, when we had a building (dedicated in 1957),` I taught the third Sunday school for seven years.  With a class
from 6 to 9 children, the program included Hebrew Music, Jewish History, Holidays, acting and singing, games and art
programs. When I was the teacher, we had old wooden chairs.  I got a donation to buy new chairs.  They didn’t last long
because we had a flood that wiped out everything downstairs
.
    We moved off island when I became pregnant and returned. There was no school then, so the children went to the
Pelham Parkway Jewish Center. Later, I was asked to teach again.—Connie Cantor.

Save the Date – Saturday, 3/28/09

75^th Anniversary Dinner/Dance

FOCUS ON THE BOARD A Conversation with our President, Mort Ellis   Mort  and Violet Ellis came to City Island and opened Midtown Antiques in June, 2002.  Sitting in sunset light, at an antique desk and surrounded by glowing colors, Mort spoke of coming to the Temple, serving on the Board and being elected President in 2006.  Many of us at the Temple know he’s quite a baseball fan (since the NY Giants world series game in 1954).  He’s also known for his sincere caring for others and dedication.  Mort helped several adults to learn to read Hebrew, and proudly we add, three of whom became bar mitzvah last spring. He’s known for his joyful dance during Kabbalat Shabbat services. Now there is another story.  We are sure Mort and his wife Violet will be enjoying the wonderful dinner dance this spring.  We hope you will too! Photo by Bob Berent

Temple Beth-El of City Island

“Your Shul by the Sea”

The Written Word is published by

Temple Beth-El of City Island

An All-inclusive and Welcoming Congregation

Shohama Wiener…….………………………..Rabbi

Molly Karp……….....………….Rabbinic Intern

Mort Ellis….………………………President

Nan Kaplan…….……1^st Vice President

Stephen Slotnik……2^nd Vice President

Bob Berent…….Editor & Secretary

P.O. Box l88

City Island, New York 10464

Tel. 718 885-2820

Visit: www.yourshulbythesea.org

Tel. 718 885- 2820

Visit: www.yourshulbythesea.org

Happy Anniversary & "Welcome Aboard" to our newest members-

Tom and Rhea Parsons Riker  

Save The Date --- 3/28/09

Celebrate with us!

Temple Beth-El of City Island's 75th Anniversary Dinner/Dance at the Lido.

Honoring Saint Mary Star of the Sea Church, Grace Episcopal Church,

Trinity United Methodist Church and The Leonard Hawkins American Legion Post

for their help in establishing our Temple on City Island.

  $75/pp includes cocktail hour, pasta, choice of entrees, dessert, open bar, parking and a D.J. for great dancing.

  If you would like to receive a formal invitation, please drop off the mailing label at Exotiqa Int'l Arts, 280 City Island Avenue

  any day between 11am and 8pm, until 1/31/09 . Thank you.

Return to top of this page Return to Home Page See Previous Newsletter (9/08)