News You Can Use

BREAKING NEWS... 

USCJ Partners with Alban Institute Consultancy Will Help USCJ Develop Leadership Program


Robert Leventhal

Rabbi Steven Wernick, chief executive officer and executive vice president of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, announced an innovative partnership with the Alban Institute of Herndon, Va., that will bring the expertise of Robert Leventhal, an Alban Institute senior consultant, to a United Synagogue team working to create a new continent-wide leadership development program... [read more


SAVE THE DATE...


What's Mine is Yours, What's Yours is Mine

METNY Synagogue Mergers Program

   

Everything you need to know about synagogue mergers, collaborations and joint programming. Sunday morning, June 12, at Plainview Jewish Center.   

 

When is the right time to collaborate or merge with a neighboring congregation? How do we begin? We will talk about combining programs and starting buying groups. We will share detailed information regarding planning a merger or consolidation. We will look at the pros and cons, how to overcome obstacles and resistance and advise you of the legal and financial implications.  

 

While there is no charge to attend, please RSVP by June 6 (also the day of the METNY Annual Dinner) to Sloane Rosenberg, METNY Executive Assistant, at [email protected] or 212-533-0800. [more info to follow]   

 

Brought to you by the Merger Advisory Committee of the METNY District, chaired by Beth Berman and Joel Cutler.

 

Schechter Consortium Brand Launch

Tri-State Schechter Consortium Launches Rebrand

 

 

On Wednesday, May 11, the Tri-State Schechter Consortium launched a complete re-brand, including a new logo and name for the organization formerly known as the Solomon Schechter Day School Association.  

 

Download the program from the brand launch event. 

 

Read more about the process of remaking the Schechter network image

METNY Annual Dinner 2011

Monday Night, June 6 @ Park Avenue Synagogue

Introducing This Year's Honorees:

Rabbi Moshe Edelman is the Associate Executive Director of the Metropolitan New York (METNY) District of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). He assumed this role in September 2009 after being the Director of Leadership Development for the USCJ from 1992. Rabbi Edelman, as the director of the USCJ Committee on Congregational Standards, guided the work of lay and professional leaders to write documents dealing with Outreach to Intermarried Couples and Families (Al HaDerekh: On The Path 2005)... [read more]

 

Steven Katz is a versatile and accomplished operations and general management executive who brings to the table a powerful blend of academic training, consulting, legal, financial, and business management experience. Steve has a uniquely broad educational background that includes an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law, MBA's in Finance and Accounting from Fordham University Graduate School of Business, a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law, and a B.A. in Psychology from Brandeis University. He holds a CPA from the State of New York, and admission to the Bar in New York and Connecticut...[read more]

 

Sharon Steinberg is the immediate past president of the Metropolitan New York (METNY) District of United Synagogue. Under her leadership, METNY reached new heights in programming, quality content and engagement with affiliated synagogues.

Before serving as METNY President in 2008-2010, Sharon was Vice President and chaired the Committee on Commitment and Observance. She possesses a passion for education that informs here approach to leadership and community...[read more


[Download the invitation] [RSVP for the dinner and/or place an ad]

United Synagogue Youth 

Latest News 

  

USY Photo Hunt 

 

We at USY60 headquarters are on the hunt for photos (and videos) depicting USYers and alumni over the years while caught in the act of participating in USY. [click here for more info on how to send in your photos

 

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Achshav: The official Magazine of USY

   

The Spring 2011 issue's theme is healthy earth and healthy you. The topics include everything from personal health to environmentalism. [download the Spring 2011 issue

 

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Regional Convention: This Weekend! 


We're excited to report that over 400 USYers and 8th graders will be participating in METNY Regional Convention this weekend. Yasher Koach to Tamar Schwartz, METNY Regional Youth Director, Ashley Lehrman, METNY Youth Program Coordinator, and Rebecca Kane, METNY Kadima Coordinator. Special thanks to Andrea Moskowitz for organizing the bussing.

"Rabbis Engaging With Israel"

A Mission Sponsored by the WZO & Israel's Foreign Ministry

   

A pilot group of 30 rabbis - 10 from each of the three major streams of Judaism - will be arriving in Israel on Sunday from the United States. This is a five day mission (May 15-20) for them to grapple with all the major issues in Israel from security to peace, from religious expression to the Jewishness of the Jewish state.  

 

Read a sermon by Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin about the upcoming trip.

B'Hatzalachah to METNY area rabbis selected to participate:

District Happenings

Upcoming Events Around METNY

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Temple Beth El of Bellmore Presents:

Harry & Eddie: The Birth of Israel


This fascinating and unique play explores the relationship between U.S. President Harry S. Truman and fellow World War I veteran Eddie Jacobson from 1915 to 1948. The performance will be followed by a talk-�back session with the cast and director. Thursday, May 19, at 7:30pm. Tickets: $12 in advance; $15 at the door. For ticket information call 516-781-2650 or email [email protected]. Presented in celebration of Yom Ha'Atzmaut ~ Israel Independence Day. [more info]

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Hillcrest Jewish Center Presents

Celebration 2011


Hillcrest Jewish Center is proud to present our annual concert, Celebration 2011, starring our own Cantor Moti Fuchs, the talented and versatile Israeli singer Magda, and Isaac Steiner, a composer and improvisationalist.  Celebration 2011 will be held on Sunday, May 22 at 7:15pm, doors open at 6:45pm. [more info]


METNY on the Road

  

On Monday, May 9, Rabbi Moshe Edelman celebrated Yom Ha'Atzma'ut with Merrick and Bellmore congregations

 

On Tuesday, May 10, Rabbi Charlie Savenor met with Rabbi Steve Axelman and Sharon Samet, his wife and lay leader, of Whitestone Hebrew Centre. (see photo, below) We appreciate Rabbi Axelman having served as a judge for Hidon HaTorah for the last 8 years!! 

 

 


Also on Tuesday, May 10, Rabbi Edelman was at the meeting of the Rabbinical Assembly @ the Jewish Theological Seminary, for NYC rabbis.

 

On Wednesday, May 11, Rabbi Savenor met with Saul Skolnick, the new executive director of Shelter Rock Jewish Center.

 

Rabbi Savenor represented METNY USCJ at the Israel Consulate's Yom Ha'Atzma'ut party on Wednesday, May 11.

On Wednesday, May 11, Rabbi Edelman attended a meeting for the Israel Bonds Rabbinic Cabinet, which is chaired by Rabbi Craig Scheff of Orangetown Jewish Center, and directed by Rabbi Marty Pasternak. Dr. Jack Wertheimer spoke on "Linking Jewish Youth with Israel." METNY Rabbis Scott Hoffman, Alan Lavin, David Lincoln, and Marvin Richardson were also in attendance.  

 

Also on Wednesday, May 11, Rabbi Edelman attended the Schechter Tri-State Consortium Brand Launch @ JTS. Speakers included Dr. Elaine Cohen, Executive Director of the newly-named Schechter Day School Network, as well as Rabbi Steven Wernick, Executive Vice President and CEO, USCJ.

 

This weekend, May 13-15, Tamar Schwartz and Rabbi Savenor will attend METNY USY Regional Convention. Mindy Liebman, METNY Youth Commission Chair, will also attend along with Norman and Carole Korowitz. (Did you know that participation at the convention is up by nearly 20%?)

 

On Tuesday, May 17, Rabbi Edelman will attend a meeting of the Long Island Conservative Principals Council at the Woodbury Jewish Center.

 

Next Thursday-Sunday, May 19 -22, Rabbis Savenor and Edelman will be at SULAM 39 @ the Pearlstone Conference Center in Riesterstown, Maryland.

High Holiday Hiring

From the Jewish Theological Seminary


Interested in hiring a rabbinical or cantorial student from the Jewish Theological Seminary for High Holiday services at your congregation? Rabbinical and cantorial students can deliver sermons, lead davenning, run children's programs, and more. 

For further information, contact Catharine Clark, Director of the Rabbinical & Cantorial Student Placement Service at JTS, for more information at 212-678-8000. Her email address is [email protected].


Synagogue Assist Teams


METNY District is reaching out to all of our synagogues to offer valuable support and advise to our member kehillot. In addition to, and in conjunction with, our outstanding professional staff, experienced lay leaders will consult with you, privately and in confidence to assist and work with you in the areas
1) finance and 2) management.

Take advantage of this available assistance by contacting Rabbi Savenor, Rabbi Edelman or Norman Korowitz, District Chair, at [email protected] or 212-533-0800. 

 

We are here to help. 

Yasher Koach Corner

 

We are excited that Naomi Snider, METNY District Council Member, is being honored by the Westchester Jewish Council with the Julian Y. Bernstein Distinguished Service Awards.The Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:30pm at the JCC of Harrison.

The WJC will also recognize the following members of METNY USCJ Synagogues and Affiliates:

  • Jill Goldenberg, Pelham Jewish Center 
  • Meryl Moser, Shaarei Tikvah, the Scarsdale Conservative Congregation 
  • Liz Landau, Solomon Schechter School of Westchester
    Lynn Michaels, Temple Beth Shalom - Mahopac

 

Todah Rabbah to Temple Sholom, Greenwich, CT for lending sifrei Torah to METNY USY for use at Regional Convention this weekend. 

 

 

Yasher Koach to the outgoing METNY Regional Board:

  • President Sivan Rinat (H2I
  • Mem/Kad VP Rachel Tallis (Farmingdale/Wantagh Jewish Center) 
  • Rel/Ed VP Rachel Samuels (Shelter Rock Jewish Center
  • SA/TO VP Michael Fingerman (BEAST)
  • Communications VP Julia Liebergall (Orangetown Jewish Center)  
  • Israeli Affairs VP Elan Weinberger (New CIty Jewish Center) 
  • Chazak Divisional President Dani Hauser (BEAST) 
  • Kiryah Divisional President Anna Bessendorf (Town and Village Synagogue) 
  • Koach Divisional President Marisa Kelly (Orangetown Jewish Center) 
  • Rakevet Divisional President Rafi Chesler (Temple Beth Chai, Huappauge) 

Stay tuned for the results of this year's elections!

Shabbat/Holiday Times  
Candle lighting:  

This week: 7:46pm 


This week's Torah portion is
Parashat Behar


Programs and Resources

 

 

9th North American Chevra Kadisha and Jewish Cemetery Conference

Chicago, IL - North Shore DoubleTree Conference Center. June 12-14, 2011 - Sunday 1pm to Tuesday. [more info]

 

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Gift Book Bundles

USCJ Book Service is offering three Gift Book Bundles geared toward new families in your shuls and schools. [more info]

 

Upcoming Programs
From USCJ & its Affiliates

 

 

BQLI Region, Women's League for Conservative Judaism's
Spring Conference 2011: May 17 and 18, 2011. Register today! 

[register for the conference]

[purchase a journal ad]

 

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USCJ Teleconference
Through a Jewish Lens:
The Hows and Whys of Choosing a College, Jewishly
With Rabbi Elyse Winick, Associate Director, KOACH/College Outreach. Wednesday, May 18 at 3pm or 8 pm. To register for this teleseminar click here.  

 

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USCJ Teleconference
Is Your Kehillah in the Relationship Business? Sarah Gladstone, co-founder of Pogstone Inc Thursday, June 2 at 3pm. To register for this teleseminar click here.   

 

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Camp HAZAK 2011

Join us for this exciting week
with your friends from USCJ
HAZAK. [more info]  

  

METNY USCJ

 

   

820 Second Ave., 10th Floor 

New York, NY 10017 

 

Phone: (212) 533-0800

Fax: (212) 533-0400 

 

Email: [email protected] 

Web: metny.uscj.org  

FB: facebook.com/metnyuscj 

Twitter: @CharlieSavenor 

RSS: metny.uscj.org/feed  

 


 

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