| USCJ Dues 2010-11 |
Please note that the rate upon which dues are calculated for 2010-2011 will remain the same. Your synagogue's dues may change based upon the size of your congregation. Please contact Rabbi Charles Savenor with any questions at 212-533-0800 or savenor @uscj.org. |
| Publicize your event on the METNY Community Calendar. Please email
Kimberly Bastin at bastin@uscj.org to have your event posted.
Click here to view the calendar. |
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FREE BOOKS!
METNY USCJ has an extra set of Encyclopedia Judaica. If you are interested in attaining this set for your synagogue library please contact Rabbi Charles Savenor at savenor@uscj.org. |
| Contact METNY |
| 820 Second Avenue, 10th Fl.
212-533-0800 (p)
212-533-0400 (f)
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METNY USCJ is proud to announce that we have scholarships for incoming 9th graders to the Solomon Schechter High Schools of Long Island and Westchester in 2010-2011.
For more information, please contact Rabbi Charles Savenor or Jack Topal at (212) 533-0800 or metny@uscj.org.
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Parshat Ki Tisa - "Facing Shame Head On"
March 5, 2010/ 19 Adar, 5770
Rabbi Charles Savenor, METNY District Director
Parshat Ki Tisa contains one of the most challenging episodes in the Torah. Only weeks after leaving Egypt and hearing God's voice at Sinai, the Israelites do the unfathomable. They make an idol, the egel hazahav, the golden calf.
Chapter 32 begins with: "And the nation saw that Moses was late." The text uses the word "boshesh" to inform us that Moses was delayed in returning from his commune with God.
How late was he? The Midrash tells us that the verb boshesh contains a clue, for it can be read as "bo shesh," or he came six hours late.
The Hebrew word boshesh has another connotation besides being late, namely booshah, shame. Everett Fox, a contemporary scholar and translator of the Torah, merges these ideas when he translates boshesh as "shamefully late." That the Hebrew root for being late and shame share the same letters underscores the sheer embarrassment associated with the Israelites' transgression.
Why do we hear about this episode? The Midrash tells us that God permitted this event to take place to teach us something for all time.
At Passover we declare that the redemption commences with disgrace and ends with praise. Our commentators explain that this "disgrace" refers to our ancestors' years of slavery, experimentation with idolatry and missteps on their way to the Promised Land. By contrast, through repentance and great effort, the Israelites reach Israel, an event that evokes joy, praise of God and celebration.
The Torah is not a history book, rather the religious and moral code of our people. This week's parsha teaches us that embarrassment does not need to be a roadblock. As long as we learn from the experience and have the courage to move forward, a joyous new beginning awaits us.
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To listen as an MP3 recording, please click here. This Dvar Torah is part of the KOACH's "2 Minute Torah" series. We encourage you to subscribe to this brief, yet meaningful learning experience. |
USCJ
& HAYOM ANNOUNCE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF JOINT STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS
In a precedent-breaking move, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism has
initiated an ambitious effort to reshape itself into a powerful and effective
international entity to strengthen congregations identified with Conservative
Judaism.
United Synagogue and Hayom, a coalition of Conservative rabbis, cantors, and
congregational leaders, together have created a blue-ribbon strategic planning
commission composed of lay and professional leaders drawn from United Synagogue
leadership and of congregational leaders and rabbis representing synagogues of
all sizes from across the continent. The commission is chaired by Professor
Jacob Finkelstein, a congregational leader from Rochester, New York, and Rabbi
Ed Feinstein of Encino, California, and includes United Synagogue's president,
Richard Skolnik, and Hayom's chair, Rabbi Michael Siegel. Other members of the
commission include Rabbi Menachem Creditor, Rabbi Gilah Dror, Ned Gladstein,
Dr. Raymond Goldstein, Richard Helfand, Hylton Jonas, Dr. Alisa Rubin Kurshan,
Alan Weissman, Dr. Marilyn Wind, and Rabbi Steven Wernick, CEO of United
Synagogue.
The commission has engaged Ukeles Associates, Inc. to direct the analytic work
that will support its deliberations. The president of Ukeles Associates, Dr.
Jacob B. Ukeles, a highly regarded strategic planning consultant, and Professor
Steven M. Cohen, one of the leading Jewish social policy researchers in the
United States, will lead the UAI team. Over the past four decades Dr. Ukeles
and Professor Cohen have conducted many planning and policy research studies
and they are deeply knowledgeable about the Jewish community, Conservative
Judaism, Conservative congregations, and United Synagogue. Dr. Ukeles and
Professor Cohen have outlined an ambitious and comprehensive work strategy that
will lead to a draft of a strategic plan for United Synagogue by the late fall
of 2010. The strategic planning process follows a major change in the senior
leadership of United Synagogue, with the appointment of Rabbi Steven Wernick as
its new executive vice president, as well as a transformation of its
organizational structure.
"The work of the commission is the next logical step in the process of
re-making United Synagogue into an organization that enables Conservative
synagogues to realize their potential for connecting the generations and
building communities that welcome and develop Conservative Jews everywhere,"
Dr. Finkelstein, United Synagogue's vice president for strategic planning,
said. "We understand that this process will be challenging but recognize that
it is critical in enabling United Synagogue to articulate its vision of the
future and to learn how best to realize it."
"We fully recognize the challenges facing Conservative Judaism today, but we're
committed to doing whatever is necessary to enable Conservative synagogues to
lead a revival of the critical central hub of American Judaism," Professor
Cohen said. "We are committed to helping the commission face tough choices and
plan bold directions, even if it results in a thorough re-imagining of United
Synagogue and its mission," Dr. Ukeles said.
Established in 1913 by Solomon Schechter, United Synagogue serves about 670
Conservative congregations across the United Synagogue, Canada, Mexico, and
Latin America, and it is affiliated with Conservative congregations in Israel
and Europe. "Solomon Schechter viewed United Synagogue as his greatest bequest
to the American Jewish community because he saw in the synagogue the most
fertile place to nurture Jewish life and learning in America," Rabbi Feinstein
said. "With this process, we intend to rekindle that spirit."
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Update on Chile
Masorti Olami - Chile Earthquake Relief Fund
March, 2010 | Adar 5770
Dear Friends,
On Friday night at 3am, an earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale struck Chile. This was the most severe earthquake in Chile for 50 years, and one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded. So far, more than 700 people are known to have died.
Chile is home to more than 25,000 Jews, among them 6 Masorti kehillot in Santiago, Vina del Mar, and Concepcion. We have contacted the Rabbis in each of these kehillot, and have sent words of support and encouragement in this time of great need.
You too, can play a part in supporting our Masorti kehillot in Chile, helping them, and others in their cities, to recover from this disaster and to rebuild their lives. Please make a donation to Masorti Olami's Chile Earthquake Relief Fund, and 100% of your donation will help provide for the immediate and long-term needs of recovery. You can make a tax deductible donation online by selecting Chile Earthquake Relief Fund in the program designation.
While many of us still have Purim celebrations fresh in our mind, please spend a moment to help our fellow Masorti Jews get through this tragedy.
Thank you for your support.
Rabbi Tzvi Graetz
Executive Director, Masorti Olami
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Mah Nishtanah: New Alternatives for New Times
A Conference for New York Synagogue Clergy, Professionals, and Lay Leaders
Sunday, March 14, 2010
11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
UJA-Federation of New York
Seventh-Floor Conference Center
130 East 59th Street (between Park and Lexington avenues)
New York City
Findings of the recent New York synagogue economic survey reflect not only the challenges of recessionary times, but also synagogue resiliency and innovation in attending to the needs of the distressed community and the well-being of the synagogue itself. This conference will draw on the wisdom of scholars, consultants, and New York synagogue leaders to offer new alternatives in membership outreach, fundraising, collaboration, engaging and working with volunteers, and mergers. Please join us.
Cost for participation is $36 per person.
Learn about the program.
Register and select your workshops by Monday, March 8, 2010.
For more information, or to request an assisted listening device, please contact Gayle Bloom at 1.212.584.3346 or bloomg@ujafedny.org.
Dietary Laws Observed
Assisted listening devices are available in UJA-Federation's Conference Center.
This program is made possible in cooperation with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation New York/New Jersey Region, the Metropolitan New York Region of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the Orthodox Union, and the Union for Reform Judaism.
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Spring Workshops at the Weiner Educational Center
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The
Wiener Educational Center invites you to join our learning
community, in which high standards of excellence ensure relevant, valuable
learning experiences. We are committed to maximum quality at an affordable
cost to your agency. Workshops cover a wide variety of topics necessary for
professionals to be successful.
At
Wiener Center programs, you will meet colleagues from Jewish community
centers and councils, mental-health clinics, nursing homes, hospitals,
camps, synagogues, day schools, and other Jewish communal service
organizations that have a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. The
mix makes for exciting exchanges of ideas.
The
Fundamentals of Successful Presentations Skills
Monday, March 15, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This workshop introduces professionals to tools for reducing anxiety, cultivating
stage presence, developing compelling content, and using your voice and
body to make your message stick.
Learn More
Taking
Your Online Presence to the Next Level: An Advanced Social Media Workshop
Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Professionals experienced in working with all aspects of social media are
invited to develop increasingly complex media strategies. Learn
More
Greening
Seminar: Funding Opportunities for Your Agency Greening Initiatives
Monday, March 22, 2010, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
As someone who cares deeply about your agency's greening initiative, you'll
hear about ways to find support for greening your building or for green
programming, and what funders are looking for. Learn
More
Beyond
Acronyms: An Interactive Approach to Understanding Jewish Communal Life and
Institutions
Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
This new, creative, and interactive curriculum is designed for
professionals who want a greater understanding of the Jewish community from
a national perspective - its history, structure, and institutions. Learn
More
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Grammatical Problems and How To Overcome Them
Monday, April 19, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
In this workshop for professionals with a basic knowledge of grammar,
you'll learn about the most common grammatical errors in business
communications and become better able to catch them in your own work. Learn
More
Working
More Effectively With Difficult People
Thursday, April 22, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
This workshop offers practical tips on how to deal with difficult people
and strategies for identifying, understanding, and resolving workplace
conflict more quickly. Learn
More
Synagogue
Seminar
Everything Counts: Creating Inspired Customer Service in Synagogues
Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Hear from an expert about ways to examine your customer-service oversights,
identify aspects of your synagogue in need of repair, and engage others in
the process of implementing solutions. Learn
More
Effective
Donor Recognition Without Journals
Thursday, April 29, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
If your organization is still using a paper journal to recognize your
honoree and other donors, this workshop will provide a donor-friendly, cost-effective,
environmentally sensitive alternative: the scroll of honor. Learn
More
Budgeting
for Non-Financial Managers
Monday, May 10, 2010, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Participants are offered the basics of how to develop and use financial
information and budgeting to successfully manage nonprofit programs and
services and create budgets for proposals. Learn More
Prospect
Research to Achieve Philanthropic Success
Thursday, May 13, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
In this workshop, participants are introduced to best practices in prospect
research - online, on paper, and in person. Learn
More
Strategic
Storytelling to Recruit and Inspire Donors and Volunteers
Tuesday, May 25, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Back by popular demand - and this time held on Long Island - this workshop
helps you design and deliver stories that grab the attention and inspire
action of those you wish to attract to your agency, synagogue, or cause. Learn
More
The
Stages and Choreography of Face-to-Face Solicitation
Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Designed for professionals without formal solicitation training, this
workshop provides a basic, practical framework for face-to-face
solicitation of existing and prospective donors. Learn
More 
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Rabbinic study group at JTS, March 10 and 17 - LEARNING SESSION FOR RABBIS
 Please join the JTS Rabbinic Study Group preparing for Pesach on March 10 and 17 at JTS. JTS Professor Eitan Fishbane will explore the theme "Mystical Texts on the Meaning of Pesah." Study with colleagues and prepare for the hag with an inspiring and dynamic teacher.
The shiurim will be open only to rabbis and will be on an advanced level. This program is co-sponsored by JTS and the RA, and will take place in the Eisenfeld/Duker Beit Midrash at JTS.
For more information please contact Rabbi Josh Cahan at ajcahan@aol.com. |
METNY USCJ Cooperative Purchasing Initiative
WINE FOR PESACH!!!
METNY in partnership with central USCJ is delighted to present a variety of cooperative purchasing opportunities to enable our affiliated synagogues to save money and maximize their resources. Our cooperative purchasing plan is a wonderful way for us to leverage the size of our district.
Please be aware that we can only provide you with the vendor's name and the arrangement they have made with USCJ based on our buying power. It is your responsibility to determine whether you want to use this vendor, this the best price for your synagogue, and if you want to initiate the purchase and make the order.
These offerings will be updated as more opportunities present themselves.
Wine - Skyview Wines and Spirits in Riverdale is offering a reduced price to METNY synagogues either for a fund raiser or as a discount for their members. There will be no tax and they provide free delivery to your synagogue. Moreover, they are prepared to do wine tastings at your synagogue. Please call Gary Wartels at (888) SKY-VINO and mention United Synagogue.
Light Bulbs - For light bulbs and energy saving lamps, you can contact 1-800 NY Bulbs. The contact person is Mr. Richard Berman. He can be reached at (516) 569-0973 or email at rrb1022@aol.com. In addition to supplying the latest in energy saving bulbs, Mr. Berman would be happy to do a free, no obligation survey of your building and show you how to increase lighting while reducing energy costs.
Credit Card Processing - For credit card processing, contact Rob Appel, Vice President of Automated Merchant Services. He can be reached by telephone at (516) 887-1797 or email at rappel@amsprocessing.com. He will apprise you of the latest low rates as well as other advantages to using their services.
Printed Paper Goods - Cadett Marketing is offering a 10% discount off any published price on their website (www.cadettmarketing.com) You must mention the code "uscj" when placing an order. The representative, Dan Metzger, can be reached at (973) 546-5005 or email at dan@cadettmarketing,com. Minimum quantity requirements and set up charges will apply.
Kosher.com - In addition to the many exclusive offers available to USCJ members throughout the year, including 20% off the 1st order and 5% off of all additional orders, Kosher.com will donate 5% of every order placed by USCJ members back to METNY USCJ.
Please follow these simple steps:
1) Visit www.kosher.com.
2) When creating an account enter KOSHERUSCJ into the "Synagogue ID" box and 5% of every order will automatically be contributed to the USCJ.
3) Fill your shopping cart with all your desired items.
4) While checking out, enter the promotion code USCJ1ST into the box that says "Enter Promotion Code" to receive the 20% off your first order. When you return for your next order, enter the promotion code USCJ2ND to receive an additional 5% off of all future orders!
What can be simpler than ordering the finest kosher foods from the comfort of your home and having it delivered right to your door?
SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS!
· We are working with national USCJ develop and refine opportunities for savings on insurance and fuel oil purchasing,
· If you have not yet sent us your fuel survey or have any questions or suggestions please contact Rabbi Charles Savenor at the METNY office by telephone at (212) 533-0800 or email to savenor@uscj.org , or Norman Korowitz, METNY 1st VP, at nckoro@aol.com.
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2 MINUTES OF ISRAEL - For your next meeting...
Mashiv HaRuach, u'Mored HaGeshem
David Helfand
After a very standard week studying at the Conservative Yeshiva I decided to blog about something that has happened many times since I have been in Israel. Since I have been in Israel, from the beginning of September, it has rained here in Israel more then it has rained in years past. The funny thing about it all is that the rain is earlier then it usually is. Traditionally, Israel gets a little rain on Rosh Hashanah and doesn't see it until December/January time. However, that has certainly not been the case this year. I have seen rain from heavy downpour to light drizzle at least 5 or 6 times. It is an absolutely incredible thing to see.
People often talk about how neat sunrises, scenic views such as cliffs overlooking valleys, and nature inspire their praying - all of those are creations and powers of God. Likewise, we recognize at the beginning of the Amidah, when we say "mashiva ha-ruach u-morid ha-gashem," that God has great power in allowing it to rain. It was also shortly before I said the prayer "v'tein tal u-matar livracha," asking God to let it rain for the good, that it began to rain. When it rained tonight, I was praying in the midst of God's great power. Rain in Israel is a huge blessing, and I hope that the prayers of all of Israel will be a source of blessing just like the rain God provides for us.
In Israel, people care a lot about the rain, more so then they do in the United States. Rain is a precious thing in this country that we constantly ask for it and don't get it. However, this year I have a feeling that we will be shocked to see how much rain we will get. Being on Nativ means that we get to take advantage of the Jerusalem surroundings and since we are American and Canadian we play basketball. We had our weekly NBA(Nativ Basketball Association, games and as we arrive at Gan Ha'Pa'amon to play, we stretch out and take the court, I notice some drops coming from the sky. I say to my team, play smart it's going to get wet and slippery, which it certainly was. We ended up playing basketball in a very constant and heavy rain for about an hour and a half. It was one of the coolest things I have ever done. Growing up and throughout high school it was a normal occurrence for it to rain while playing soccer games or at practice. But, I had never ever played basketball in the rain.
Generally speaking, I don't praise the rain or any of the natural wonders that come to us, however now that I am in a country that celebrates and enjoys rain as much as they do, I have a new found appreciation for the rain. Since October, Israel has had significant rain in the south. It was the first time in many years that their was severe flooding in the south which in turn was a enormous factor to the favorite Nativ event of the Negev/Southern Tiyul.
Every time it rains in Israel, I think back to my prayers that I say everyday and think about the amazing miracles that God performs for the Jewish people and especially those that take place in Israel. May we continue to see much rain in the country for the remainder of my year and continue to get wet while just merely walking down the street in the middle of the day!!!
David Helfand of Kansas City is a participant on Nativ: The College Leadership Program in Israel. He is a former Regional Vice President and Regional President of Emtza Region USY and a former International President of USY.
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Recounting An Incredible Experience at the
Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center - Conservative Yeshiva
by Michael Bronfman, President, Hillcrest Jewish Center, Queens, NY
Shalom,
I'm the president of Hillcrest Jewish Center in Flushing, New York. This past Fall, when our Rabbi Manes Kogan told me he was going back to Jerusalem in January to continue his studies at the Hartman Institute, I told him I wanted to go with him to study as well. I was not surprised when he embraced the idea. His first thought was to set me up with a few rabbinic friends to study with me privately. He later suggested that I also study at the Conservative Yeshiva - and I am so very glad that he did so.
From the moment we arrived at the yeshiva on Thursday afternoon, I felt the warm and welcoming atmosphere. I was greeted enthusiastically by Rabbi Daniel Goldfarb, who welcomed my participation. I went over the schedule I was provided and selected a series of classes which both Rabbi Kogan and I thought would interest me. When I began my studies that Sunday, I quickly discovered how special the students and the rabbis were. The thirst for knowledge and the depth of their quest for understanding was both palpable and infectious. I finally began to understand why Rambam called study for the sake of study the highest calling, since that is what goes on at the Conservative Yeshiva.
The classes I took, with students in their twenties from all over the world, in Liturgy, Pirke Avot, Halacha Le Maaseh Women and Halacha, and Chumash were both challenging and rewarding. The continuing education classes in Tanach and in Archeological History were interesting and informative. What struck me most compellingly is the feeling that Conservative Judaism will be safe in the hands of the young people I met. I know that if they become the future leaders, they will carry on in the best tradition of Jewish life and thought. I look forward to my next learning experience with them.
Michael D. Brofman
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SAVE THE DATE!
The Salute to the Israel Parade is on Sunday, May 23, 2010.
Click here to learn more and have your synagogue march!
**METNY is considering a movement marching group.
Is your community interested in participating?
If so, please email Rabbi Charlie Savenor at savenor@uscj.org at your earliest convenience..
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Yasher Koach Corner
Jordana Bickel, METNY's Executive Assistant, is taking a six month leave of absence to study in Jerusalem. Her last day in the office will be this Friday, March 5. We wish her all the best during this exciting opportunity. Lehitraot!
Gila Drazen will serve as an administrative assistant during these months ahead. Gila can be reached at gdrazen@uscj.org. We welcome her to METNY! Barucha Haba'ah!
Finally, yasher koach to Jack Topal, METNY Board Member, for organizing a successful lecture last night for METNY congregations. The lecture about Spinoza attracted over 100 participants!
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PASSOVER IS COMING! PASSOVER IS COMING!
Pesah Guide 5770
The Pesah Guide for 5770 is now available on the home page of the public section of RA website, www.rabbinicalassembly.org. The guide has been extensively revised by Rabbi Barry Starr, Rabbi Paul Plotkin, and Rabbi Ashira Konigsburg.
3 New CJLS Teshuvot
In its meeting last week, the CJLS passed three new responsa. Links are below:
Kol Dichfin - Passover 2010 - All Who Are Hungry, Let Them Come and Eat Project Reconnect, the alumni association of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and NAASE are working together to serve college students and unaffiliated young adults. Last year, more than 250 synagogues in North America, Israel, and around the world, participated in Come Home for the (High) Holidays and Kol Dichfin (Passover). If you have a community Seder and are willing to open it to college students and unaffiliated young adults or if your congregation has families willing to host, please contact Paul Freedman at Project Reconnect, freedman@uscj.org or visit http://www.projectreconnect.org/outreach/program?program_id=5. Please put those who come to you through the Kol Dichfin program on your mailing list and let them know about services and upcoming events. When people are ready to affiliate, they go where they feel comfortable - we want that to be your synagogue. With your ongoing support, if we all pay attention to the words of the Haggadah when it says "Kol Dichfin.... All who are hungry, let them come and eat" we will continue to bring pride to our movement and to ourselves as Jews. Project Reconnect has more than 20,000 people have registered, and the list grows constantly. Your participation in this necessary and important initiative will help to reinforce us as the movement with neshamah.
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Upcoming Transitions in YOUR Synagogue Leadership
METNY USCJ would like to keep all of your synagogue board members up to date on the METNY programs and information. When your synagogue elects new board members please fill out the Synagogue Leadership form and send back to the METNY office so we can include your leadership on our lists. Please click here for the form.
Please email, fax or mail to metny@uscj.org or fax to 212-533-0400. The form can be mailed to 820 Second Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10017.
Furthermore, many of our congregations are currently in search for professional and spiritual leadership. METNY is here to help. Please contact any of our staff with questions. We wish our congregations success in this sacred enterprise.
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