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Shabbat Candle Lighting Times for New York
Candle Lighting: 4:20pm
Torah Portion: Parashat Vaera
1-Click Shabbat Copyright � 2010 Michael J. Radwin. All rights reserved.
Shabbat Shalom!
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| Click here for the Fall Issue of USCJ Leadership News. |
| Publicize your event on the METNY Community Calendar. Please email
metny@uscj.org to have your event posted.
Click here to view the calendar. |
| Follow METNY on the Web! | 
Click here to become a fan of
METNY USCJ on Facebook!
Twitter
@CharlieSavenor
@MetnyUSY
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METNY Contact Information
| | 820 Second Avenue, 10th Fl.
212-533-0800 (p)
212-533-0400 (f)
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 Check out the new leadership bibliography on the METNY site for great gift ideas!
Just added:
Open Leadership
by Charlene Li
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Check out all the METNY Biennial Convention pictures, workshop information and synagogue awards on our website. ed |
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Today's Israel is out for Fall 2010. Click here to share it with fellow congregants family and friends. You'll find subjects of interest, from two articles about Lone Soldiers, to NATIV , to Nefesh B'Nefesh, to information about USCJ's exciting May 2011 Mission to Israel, to articles about Israel and more.
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As a member of a METNY USCJ
synagogue you receive discounts on Kosher.com for all your Kosher needs. Click here for more! |
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Wanted:
Old issues of United Synagogue Review (1950's-1990's) for exhibition on Jews and food. Will pay postage.
Rabbi Michael Strassfeld mstrassfeld@aol.com 212-724-7000
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Torah Topics for Today: An Innovative Family Resource
By Yossi Hoffman, METNY USCJ
"Most Hebrew schools eventually encounter the same problem," says Fred Claar, a former Metropolitan New York (METNY) United Synagogue district board member. "That is, the problem of reaching the parents." His latest project, Torah Topics for Today (TTT), could provide a practical solution to this concern.
Claar argues that motivating parents to reinforce Jewish practices in the home is one of the biggest challenges facing Hebrew schools today. He claims that "80 percent of non-Orthodox Jews have very little Jewish content in their home on a regular basis."
Featured on MyJewishLearning.com since March, 2010, TTT provides weekly Torah-portion-based blog posts designed to "empower parents of all levels of Jewish knowledge and commitment." Each week's entry includes a brief description of one theme or section of that week's Torah portion, which is then connected to a relevant life lesson. The blog then concludes with a series of questions to ask children of all ages. The idea is to empower parents with a limited Jewish background to have a 30-second discussion with their kids that is meaningful, practical, and fun.
Rabbi Steven Wernick, Executive Vice President and CEO of United Synagogue, raved, "A wonderfully easy, deeply enriching and modern tool for families of all ages to share in the timeless value of Torah!"
One of Claar's main goals with TTT is "reaching busy people, giving them moral values that are relevant, and connecting it to Torah." His own connection to Torah began in 1971, when he and his wife, Joyce, realized that they needed more family time. At that point, they decided to start observing some parts of Shabbat. Initially, their observance consisted of Friday night dinners with candle lighting, Kiddush, and Motzi. Claar soon realized that while it was a good start, it was not nearly enough. So he turned to storytelling.
Claar began by telling Talmudic and Biblical stories, which inevitably turned into discussions about practical and moral values. His two kids loved it, and soon even neighbors' children were stopping by to participate in the Claars' Friday night family discussions.
The realization dawned on him that his family's model could be used by others. His Torah-infused discussions ultimately led to the creation of TTT. Claar soon hired Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses, a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary, as a writer. He also brought on his wife, Joyce, and his daughter in law, Lois Kohn-Claar, as editors. They've since launched their own website, Torahtopicstoday.com, where they've posted videos, resources, and their weekly blog.
"Torah Topics for Today has endless potential. Mr. Claar's visionary project is not just an amazing resource for parents, but also for Jewish educators and schools," said Rabbi Charles Savenor, Director of the METNY. METNY is promoting this program to over 100 Conservative synagogue and religious schools, as well as through its early childhood program, "Building Our Jewish Home."
Fred Claar has spent the last four decades of his life immersed in Jewish texts for 1-2 hours every week. How far can one really get with only 30 seconds of Torah study each week?
With Torah Topics for Today, Claar has made the answer clear: very far.
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A D'var Torah on Parashat Bo by Rabbi Moshe Edelman, METNY Associate Director
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From late in the first Torah portion of Exodus and throughout the rest of the Torah, Moses and his older brother Aaron are linked in countless verses. In this week's Parsha Bo, the brothers appear before Pharaoh for the final three plagues.
Jewish history has shown two models for leadership. There is the leader who serves as a peacemaker and will reconcile for peace. This person, driven by hesed, compassion, does not abide by divisiveness and sees unity as the ultimate goal. We have been blessed with leaders for peace with a generous spirit.
There is a second leadership style driven by justice and truth and a sense of righteousness. Ethical standards for Jews and morality for society.
We need both types of leaders, but can they get along?
These leadership approaches in Exodus involve Moshe and Aharon. When Moses walked amongst the camps of labor in Egypt he saw what others seemed not to see or to care about. The children of Israel were living in less than human conditions with an unreasonable expectation of daily production. His sense of justice caused him to react by killing an Egyptian who was beating an Israelite. Moshe was motivated by truth and justice.
Aaron, on the other hand, lived among the people of Israel and tried to keep the peace. His goal was a unified people. When there was strife Aaron would seek to make peace. As Pirkei Avot teaches, he was " ohev shalom v 'rodef shalom" -- he loved peace and actively pursued peace... [Read More]
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 Dear METNY Synagogue Leadership,
Jews are known as the people of the book. In the technological age, we have become "the people of the e-book."
In order to effectively serve your congregation's needs, we must have current and accurate lists of synagogue officers, clergy, board members and chair people, including their correct addresses, zip codes, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses.
We would therefore appreciate your filling out the three-page Synagogue Leadership Form and returning it to us as quickly as possible.
Send in your Synagogue Leadership Form by Monday, January 10th, 2011, and your synagogue will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a Kindle! What a great addition to your synagogue library.
We want to remind you to send back your Membership Reporting Form (MRF) at your earliest convenience. The form must be completed, signed and returned as soon as possible. This completed form enables the Dues Department to bill your congregation based on the most recent and accurate information we have available. Please contact us with any questions. We can be reached at 212-533-0800 or via email at nckoro@aol.comor savenor@uscj.org. We thank you in advance for completing these forms quickly and accurately, and again, we want to remind you that without this information it is difficult to service your congregation properly. We look forward to your response. B'shalom, Norman Korowitz Rabbi Charles E. Savenor Chair Executive Director PS - Please remember to add METNY USCJ to your bulletin list so we can know all of the information and events happening at your synagogue. |
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Don't be left out...
These synagogues have already sent in their Leadership Forms:
(they will be entered into the raffle automatically)
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Bellmore Jewish Center
Beth El Synagogue Center (New Rochelle)
Beth Emeth Synagogue
Congregation Sons of Israel (Briarcliff)
Congregation Sons of Israel (Nyack)
Congregation Sulam Yaakov
Congregation Tifereth Israel (Glen Cove)
Dix Hills Jewish Center
East 55th Street Conservative Synagogue
East Meadow Jewish Center
East Northport Jewish Center
First Hebrew Congregation of Peekskill
Hewlett East Rockaway Jewish Centre
Hollis Hills Jewish Center
Huntington Jewish Center
Israel Center of Conservative Judaism
Jericho Jewish Center
Jewish Center of Kew Garden Hills
Kane Street Synagogue |
Lake Success Jewish Center
Little Neck Jewish Center
Merrick Jewish Centre
Midway Jewish Center
Nanuet Hebrew Center
North Shore Jewish Center
Pelham Jewish Center
Shaarei Tikvah
South Baldwin Jewish Center
South Huntington Jewish Center
Temple Beth El of Bellmore
Temple Beth Israel (Port Washington)
Temple Beth Shalom (Mahopac)
Temple Gates of Prayer
Temple Hillel (Valley Stream)
Temple Israel South Merrick
Temple Sholom (Greenwich)
Temple Sinai (Middletown)
Town and Village Synagogue |
Enter the Kindle Giveaway Contest by sending in your Synagogue Leadership Form:
(and don't forget to send in your MRF as well!) |
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GRANT for ISRAEL Programming
The United Synagogue Israel Commission is excited to announce an exciting program
aimed at involving congregations in the process of deepening their connection with
Israel. You are invited to submit an online application which will describe your proposal
for a grant of up to $3,000.
Programs should include Israel & Zionist education and/or Israel experience, as well
as Aliyah as an option. Grants are to be utilized for programmatic expenses, with
extant professionals and/or volunteers within the synagogue taking responsibility for
development and implementation, working together with your District/Regional Office,
USCJ Israel Commission and Nefesh B'Nefesh.
Applications should take into consideration movement interests such as the Fuchsberg
Jerusalem Center, MERCAZ USA, MERCAZ Canada and Masorti. Creativity and
uniqueness will be taken into consideration.
Your District/Region has set up a committee to review all applications. There is potential
for additional monies for programs that aim at the young adult population.
The deadline for receipt of applications online is February 25, 2011.
Click here to apply today! |
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"SOLO SEDER PLUS"
Now in our 21st year!
This Passover, as you and your family and friends gather around the Seder table, we ask you to remember three special groups of people.
SOLO SEDER - Our Jewish military personnel serve at United States military installations across the globe in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Bahrain,Qatar, Korea, often isolated from the organized Jewish community. For more than 90 years, in times of peace and in times of war, JWB Jewish Chaplains Council has provided for the religious, educational, and morale needs of Jewish men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces, and your generosity helps fulfill that sacred commitment. Today with more military serving throughout the world and several war fronts, we reach out to you to become a sponsor so that every Jewish serviceman and servicewoman in our armed forces will receive a Passover Package.
PANTRY FUND - In these hard economic times, with an increasing number of people, including Jews, out of work, more of our people depend on community food pantries to feed themselves and their families, the need is greater than ever. We reach out to you to help support these critical needs in the METNY community so that every Jewish family can celebrate Passover appropriately.
YOUTH FUND - Families are faced with tough choices today. While some may view youth activities like USY and Kadima as extras, we strongly believe that it's fundamental to the present and future vitality of the Jewish people and Conservative Movement. We ask you to contribute to the METNY USY Scholarship fund, so our youth will have opportunities to strengthen their Jewish identities.
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Return this form with your payment by: March 28, 2011
Please make check(s) payable to: METNY United Synagogue, Attn: Solo Seder
820 Second Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10017
_____Yes, I (we) will sponsor ______Passover Package(s) for Jewish Military Personnel
_____Yes, I (we) will sponsor ______Passover Package(s) for Kosher Pantries
_____Yes, I (we) will support ______ our METNY Youth Scholarship Fund.
Enclosed is a check for $ _____.00 for ___ "Solo Seder Plus" Gift at $18.00 each
Name: _______________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________
Please include a personal note on this form: _____________________________________________________________
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The Nonprofit Security Grant Program
Congress passed a temporary stopgap spending measure that will keep the federal government funded through March 2, 2011 (which accounts for the first five months of the fiscal year that began on October 1st). However, we do not expect that DHS will start the application process and release funds for the FY2011 nonprofit security program until Congress completes the homeland security appropriations for FY2011 and DHS is certain about the funding level they will receive for the program.
At this point, we do expect that an additional round of nonprofit security grants will be made available, and that the funding level should be close to the $19 million secured for the program in FY2010. We will update this site as Congress takes action to complete FY2011 appropriations early next year. |
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Please join us for the 7th Annual Kane Street Brooklyn Israel Film Festival. Our shul has built a reputation as one the best venues in the country for great Israeli movies, and this year is no exception. Here's the line-up:
Thursday, January 27th at 8:00PM
Srugim (Season 2)
Five young Jewish singles living in the hip Katamon neighborhood of Jerusalem navigate the frequently contradictory worlds of contemporary Israeli romance and traditional observance.
Three episodes of this popular Israeli TV series will be followed by an opening reception with food and wine for everyone, and then a "Stay & Schmooze" get-together for 20- and 30-somethings!
Saturday, January 29th at 8:00PM
The Matchmaker
In this coming-of-age story set in 1968 Haifa, a teenage boy learns about love and gets an unusual summer job, working as a detective for a mysterious Holocaust survivor who makes ends meet by brokering marriages. Nominated for 7 Israeli Oscar awards, including best picture.
Sunday, January 30th at 7:00PM
Blood Relation
An Israeli filmmaker uncovers a secret: a relative who disappeared long ago became Muslim and was cut off from the family. This film documents her attempts to reunite her Palestinian relatives with the rest of her family--including her uncle, the former military governor of Ramallah. Winner of 5 Best Documentary awards.
Tickets are $12 per film or $30 for entire series and can be purchased at www.kanestreet.org/iff or at the door.
For more information, visit www.kanestreet.org/iff, facebook.com/brooklynIFF, or Twitter@Brooklyn IFF.
This festival was made possible in part through a grant from Ma'alot: A Joint Project of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism's Israel Commission and Nefesh B'Nefesh
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The Reverend Dr. James Alexander Forbes Jr. to Speak at JTS
He Will Deliver a Lecture on Preaching the Gospel of Martin Luther King Jr
 The Reverend Dr. James Alexander Forbes Jr. will give a lecture at The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), 3080 Broadway (at 122nd Street), in New York City on January 19, 2011. The lecture is entitled "Preaching the Gospel of Martin Luther King Jr.," and is being presented under the auspices of the Louis Finkelstein Institute for Religious and Social Studies of JTS. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is free; however, reservations are required.
Email publicevents@jtsa.edu or call (212) 280-6093 to make a reservation. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow sufficient time for registration, and have a photo ID available.
For more info, click here.
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 The Solomon Schechter Awards Program
The Solomon Schechter Awards reward extraordinary characteristics and certain unusual and outstanding aspects or achievements that go beyond the expected norms. Award winners deserve recognition for the originality and quality of their programs, for their presentations and achievements. We congratulate them, as well as the many other synagogues that continually strive for excellence. The selection process is not an easy one, and we applaud the efforts of all who submitted entries to the program.
Applications are due on Monday, May 2, 2011.
To find out more click HERE. |
Tu BiShvat: How Green is Our Judaism?
Rabbi Daniel Goldfarb, Director, Conservative Yeshiva, Jerusalem
This E-shiur was mad possible by a grant from Temple Zion Israelite Center, Miami, Florida.
It is dedicated to the memory of the 44 people who lost their lives in the Carmel Forest fire.
CY Tu Bishvat E-shiur Source Sheet (pdf)
CY Tu Bishvat E-shiur 2011 (pdf, printable version of this webpage)
 The 15th of the month of Shvat, Tu BiShvat, has enjoyed a real growth in popularity in recent generations. It is probably "celebrated" on a wider scale today than ever before. Jews all over the world, many totally secular, will eat a variety of fruits and nuts, 15 if possible, or even take part in Tu BiShvat Seders. Every Jewish child in Israel has a Tu BiShvat program at school. The Jewish National Fund arranges for tens of thousands of saplings to be planted in Tu BiShvat activities every year.
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Dvar Torah for Tu Bishvat
by Naomi Freedman
Shlichat Aliyah for the Conservative Movement
Are trees of the field human? (Deuteronomy 20:19). The Bible asks this question with regards to laying a siege on an enemy city and whether it is permissible to cut down trees to facilitate the building of the siege wall.
But the question about whether trees are like humans can also be asked on a personal level: do we identify with trees in general or with specific trees? For example, in Israel, it is common for parents to use names of trees for their children: Alon, Erez, Ilan, Eshel, Dekel, Rotem, Shaked, Tomer.
Maybe we Israelis use such names because we believe that trees resemble human beings, like in the poem by the Israeli writer Nathan Zach: "For Man is a Tree of the Field". Do we know tree names? We have our favorite color and our favorite song, but does each of us have also our own favorite tree? Do we feel any special connection to a specific tree?
On a national level, the question of identifying with trees is also relevant. Many countries have trees as the symbol of their country, like the maple tree for Canada or the cedar for Lebanon. We Jews might even say that the Torah is our tree of life, based on Proverbs 3:18, as we sing when we return the Torah Scroll to the Ark.
Before the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, the Chinese asked each country to send a tree and flower to represent them at an exhibit. Israel did not yet have a national flower or tree, so the Nature and Parks Authority of Israel asked the public to vote and decide which tree and which flower would represent Israel.
How do you choose the tree that would represent Israel? What kind of nation are we? What kind of nation do we want to be? What does the tree say about our character?
I want to share with you some of the kinds of trees that got to the final round of the competition:
ALON - Oak:
Represents rootedness. The Alon grows in the Galilee and in the mountains around Jerusalem. It is a very rooted tree and can live for many years.
Sh'kediya - Almond:
Represents renewal. The leaves of the Sh'kediya fall in the autumn, but it is the first tree that wakes up in the winter just before Tu Bishvat.
Shita - Acacia: Represents toughness and persistence. The Shita grows in the Negev where not many trees can survive.
Zait - Olive:
Represent peace, as with the olive leaf that the dove brought back to Noah. The Zait tree grows in the Middle East, one of the "Sheva Minim" - (seven species) with which Israel was blessed.
Tamar - Date:
Represents ecology, since unlike other trees, every part of the Tamar is used, as noted in the Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 41:1): the trunk, the branches and the fruit. Like the Zait, it is one of the "Sheva Minim".
I encourage you to discuss this question as to which tree should represent Israel with your congregation. It is not so important which tree wins in the end. Rather, it is important to do some research and read about these trees and see how we feel about them, For as we read in the Book of Proverbs (3:18), "she is a tree of life for those who grasp her".
Happy Tu Bishvat
Naomi Freedman
Shlichat Aliyah for the Conservative Movement
naomif@jafi.org
For more information in Hebrew: http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3454946,00.html#n
(The tree that was chosen: Olive 41%)
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METNY DISTRICT
Scholar In Residence 2011
- Could your synagogue benefit from a "free" adult education program?
- Would your Sisterhood and Mens Club co-host a lecture by a renowned scholar that would not affect your budget?
- Is there a Shabbat weekend in early March 2011 when a series of presentations would attract both members and your extended community?
- Would the local Hebrew High, Solomon Schechter Day School (Jr or Sr High) students and USY chapter enjoy a change of pace for a stimulating study session with a former USYer who made aliyah?
- Is there a HAZAK/Seniors program in the community ready for an hour of learning...and refreshments?
Then METNY United Synagogue has the answer.
 Presenting Dr Josh Kulp, co-founder of the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem and METNY's first ever District Scholar in Residence.
A service of the METNY District for its congregations in good standing, our wider communities, our schools, leaders, and clergy.
Here's a chance for several synagogues to co-sponsor an event. Are you in: Westchester, Rockland, Orange, South Nassau, North Nassau, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, or Manhattan? Are you an RA/CA region? Are you a Council of Jewish educators or executive directors?
Would you like Dr. Kulp to speak in the Morning? Afternoon? Evening?
How about Shabbat of March 4-5 or March 11-12?
He's also available on weekdays: March 3, 6,7,8,9,10, 13.
More information to follow. "Tzay U'lmad" - Go and Learn; METNY can help.
*We are grateful to the "Temple Zion Israelite Center of Miami Florida Scholar Program", a gift of the Conservative Yeshiva of the United Synagogue, for making these learning experiences possible. |
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and Jvillage Network
are proud to present a webinar:
Bringing Your Synagogue Website into the 58th Century In this webinar, Jvillage president Mike Kanarick will share insider tips and tricks for transforming your synagogue website from informational to interactive. Learn best practices for how to better engage and grow your membership community by: � Presenting a vibrant, warm and welcoming website experience � Maintaining an up-to-date website through easy content management � Creating an intuitive navigation structure � Using an interactive calendar that allows for online RSVPs and event payments � Encouraging and accepting online donations and dues payments � Connecting and communicating through social media You will take away learning that will allow you to get your community participating, volunteering, fundraising and more!
Thursday, January 27, 2011; 3:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. EST
To register for the webinar, click here. If clicking on the above link does not work, copy and paste this address into your web browser: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHBpa0dPYzFmbTlZdV93X3NnQTN3LUE6MQ You will receive information on how to logon to the webinar 24-72 hours prior to the presentation, so be sure to check your email the week of January 24, 2011. |
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Celebrate the 20th anniversary of New York's preeminent showcase for world cinema exploring the Jewish experience. This unrivaled selection of riveting dramatic features and fascinating documentaries includes world, US and New York premieres.
Screenings, unless otherwise noted, are at:
The Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center, 165 West 65 Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue, upper level.
SCHEDULE
......full descriptions ..l .. chronological by date
Ticket Information prices, schedule and options
Download the NYJFF 2011 program brochure
Download the print source list
Sign up for the film e-news |
Yasher Koach Corner
|  Yasher Koach to Fred and Joyce Claar, members of Sulam Yaakov, Their daughter-in-law Lois Kohn-Claar, a member of Beth El Synagogue Center of New Rochelle, and Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses, a JTS graduate, on their visionary project, Torah Topics for Today. (See above for full article). |
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 How to Reduce Your United Synagogue Dues
United Synagogue has joined with Premier Merchant Processing to present your congregation with an opportunity to save money on your synagogue's credit card processing and reduce your synagogue's United Synagogue dues at the same time. Here's how it works:
� If your synagogue partners with Premier, 20 percentof the profit from your synagogue's processing fees automatically will be applied toward next year's United Synagogue annual dues. This 20 percent will continue to go toward your United Synagogue dues for as long as your synagogue continues its partnership with Premier.
� When performing a savings analysis, Premier shows a savings between 15 and 30 percent for 98 percent of our potential clients. Premier guarantees that your synagogue will not pay any more than it is paying now for this service. In fact, it is likely you will pay significantly less.
� Premier offers a virtual terminal that allows your synagogue to process a wide variety of credit card transactions easily. You can process credit cards via the internet! Schedule one-time or recurring payments from congregants automatically with terms you set. Whether it is a monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, biannual, or annual payment plan, you can set the payment terms and let the automated system work its magic. To find out more about our LUCY™ virtual terminal, go to our website. You even can test the program to ensure that it is right for your organization!
� Premier offers your synagogue the ability to accept checks with guaranteed deposit. Funds are deposited automatically. You no longer have to bring checks to the bank.
To receive your FREE cost savings proposal and tips on how to
improve your credit card processing procedures, please call or email:
Greg Goldfeder
National Sales Manager
Premier Merchant Processing
Office: 866-725-8500 x104
Fax: (516) 706-4011
E-mail: gregg@processpremier.com
Ruth V. Deane
Program Developer
Premier Dues Reduction Program
Cell: (516) 319-5531
Fax: (516) 706-3187
E-Mail: rrgnjd@hotmail.com
Please feel free to email United Synagogue directly about this program at creditcardprocessing@uscj.org
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METNY at USY International Convention:
METNY USY won the Coin Challenge at this year's International Convention.
CLICK HERE to watch them cheer as the winner is announced.
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Wintertime Ideas for Your Kehilla
Three Faiths Exhibition at the New York Public Library (at Bryant Park)
Over the millennia, Jews, Christians, and Muslims have each created a rich body of founding texts and interpretive underpinnings for their respective faiths, each of which derives from the teachings of Abraham. This exhibition treats these three great Abrahamic religions, setting forth in splendid and historic detail the complementarities and differences among them, explaining their development, and exploring their lived experience through public and private prayer.
Please use these ideas at your synagogue this year, next year and beyond!!
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Please click here to learn more about the upcoming Sulam 38 and Sulam 39. |
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Touching One'sSoul
How can we know if we have touched the soul of another human being?
I was privileged to witness such a moment in Kfar Vradim recently.
 Amir Shemesh, age 13, was a premature baby, who weighed only 800 grams at birth. Amir is blind and neurologically impaired. Just two weeks ago, months after beginning to prepare for his bar mitzvah, he finally agreed to wear a kippah, wrapped himself in a tallit (which he enjoyed wearing), and sang the "Sh'ma" in a loud and confident voice. His prayer sent shivers up and down the spine of all who were present. Although the staff of our program has experienced this in the past at other ceremonies, for Amir's parents and family, this was the realization of a dream.
Dr. Ronit Levinger, Amir's aunt wrote:
"We were all moved, and we still find it hard to believe that we saw Amir sing and pray. It reminded me of the Y.L. Peretz story about the boy who whistled in the synagogue during Yom Kippur, and the Rabbi who defended him and maintained that because of this boy the gates of heaven were opened to the prayers of the other worshipers in the synagogue. You gave Amir and all who love him the gift of a lifetime."
Our program, which is the only one of its kind, began 15 years ago and now reaches special  education schools throughout the country. It was established to allow youngsters with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, and Down syndrome to participate in a Judaic enrichment program and experience an aliyah to the Torah just like every other child their age.
The program is sponsored by the Masorti Movement, but reaches youngsters from all streams of Judaism. One can find families from national religious and secular backgrounds sitting together at a weekday Shacharit service. Even an ultra-orthodox family from Bnai Brak came to Hod V'Hadar, the Masorti synagogue in Kfar Saba to celebrate their daughter's bat mitzvah! Almost unbelievable!
Your support enables us to reach additional youngsters and their families and allow them to experience what is perhaps the only life-cycle event which they will celebrate and hear the words "Mazal tov"!
For more information: bbmsc@masorti.org +972-8-6108366.
Link to 5 mi. film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKcZ28cbCEo
Zivah Nativ
Program Director
Bar/Bat Mitzvah for Children with Special Needs
The Masorti Movement
zivah@masorti.org
www.masorti.org
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Staff Spotlights: Lead professional Staff
Click on a name to read the full bio:
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Save the date for the METNY Spring Leadership Conference on March 15th, 2011
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Do we know who's who in your congregation?
METNY USCJ would like to keep all of your synagogue board members up to date on 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 for 2010-11.Please email, fax or mail to metny@uscj.orgor 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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