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Welcome to Jerry Herman, New COO of USCJ
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is proud to announce that we have created a new position, chief operating officer, and that Jerry Herman, who is uniquely positioned to fill it, has agreed to join our staff on June 1.
 Jerry, a business executive and lawyer, has spent more than 30 years in the corporate world, mostly as principal or CEO of public and private companies in the hospitality industry. During that time, he developed expertise in putting together the people and resources required for meeting strategic goals, inspiring corporate cultures that allow employees to deliver high-quality products effectively and efficiently, transforming struggling businesses into successes, and developing the camaraderie, trust and teamwork in the workplace that lead to enhanced results. [read more]
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METNY Annual Dinner 2011
Monday Night, June 6 @ Park Avenue Synagogue
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Only two days left!
RSVP and send in your ad today:
RSVP by May 27, 2011
Deanna Miller, Chair
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United Synagogue Youth
Latest News
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Regional* Convention Recap
Excerpt from outgoing METNY President's Address by
Sivan Rinat, METNY USY President 2010-11:
 "I can recall the precise moment I fell in love with USY. I had been to three Kadima Encampments and had a wonderful time at all of them, but this particular moment took place at 8th Grade Experience. I was sitting with two friends, just sitting around not doing anything. I wasn't used to not doing anything, but I remember feeling so happy and comfortable, and realizing how strange it was to just sit around doing absolutely nothing, not even talking, and being so content. And realizing that USY is just that: an indescribable feeling. Feeling happy and content and comfortable around old and new friends, without needing to use words. And so began the love of my life and the best part of my next 4 years.
"From the moment I stepped off the bus at my sixth grade Encampment until right now USY has been my life. Over these past seven years, USY has given me so much -- has given all of us so much.
"Being a part of this region is a feeling like no other. Maya Angelou said, 'I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.' I have found a home in METNY, where I always feel comfortable and confident to be myself. And this past year, it has been a privilege and an honor to serve as regional president and to be a part of so many amazing things we have all done together."
*Please note that USY still operates with "regions". USCJ currently has "districts".
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Congratulations to Teri McGuire (New City JC USY) for winning an iTunes gift card for participating in the Regional Convention Seniors survey, and Yasher Koach to Samantha Wertheim (Orangetown JC USY) for winning an iPod Shuffle for participating in the Regional Convention Evaluation!
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March with METNY USY at Celebrate Israel Parade
All METNY congregations are invited to march with METNY USY at the "Celebrate Israel" parade in honor of the 63rd anniversary of the state of Israel on Sunday, June 5th, 2011.  Meeting spot: 54th Street, Between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue Meeting Time: 1:45 pm. Estimated Step-off time: 2:30pm-3:00pm. For More Information: Contact Tamar Schwartz, METNY Regional Youth Director, at 212-533-0800; or Stephanie Nelson, METNY Israel Affairs Vice President. |
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US Homeland Security Grants Update
A Message from SYNERGY:
Grant documents released, due June 9th
Get more info at: http://www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants
including these specifics:
- Timing for New York
- Webinar transcripts
- Eligibility
- Non-recipients will have an advantage
- No local match required this year
- Equipment
- Citizen Corps Council
- New Investment Justification form
New York State applicants should rely on the official application package published by NYS DHSES.. For further information contact Dov Horwitz at horwitzd@jcrcny.org. You may obtain FY2011 guidance from the JCRC at www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants and the Jewish Federations of North America at: www.jewishfederations.org/homelandsecurity
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The Schechter Sector
Latest News from METNY Area Schechter Schools
& the Schechter Day School Network
Dr. Cindy Dolgin, the current principal of the Solomon Schechter of Nassau County elementary school, will take on a new role as the head of school [read her letter of introduction]. Mazel Tov on this new chapter of the school!
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Become a JNF Affiliate
An Opportunity to Earn $$$ for Your Synagogue
 The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and Jewish National Fund have developed a wonderful new joint program to help your congregation earn new income simply by doing what comes naturally - connecting to the land and people of Israel.
Through the JNF Affiliate program, a special link or button will be placed on your congregation's website. This link will take the user to a unique JNF-USCJ web page. When trees are purchased and/or donations are received through this web page, your congregation will receive 20 percent of the total purchase. JNF will send a check quarterly to your congregation. (Please note that your congregation will receive its portion of the funds paid only through the link on your website, not to donations made directly to JNF's own site.) PLUS, JNF will also send 5 percent of all funds received through the link to United Synagogue to support United Synagogue's Israel programs.
Become an Affiliate Today!
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Synagogue Leadership Transitions
Brukha HaBa'ah to Alice Kintisch, the new president of Congregation Sons of Israel, Upper Nyack. Thank you to outgoing president, Nina Iser.
Brukha HaBa'ah to Diane Okrent, the new president of Congregation Or Zarua. Thank you to outgoing president, Andrew Frackman.
Brukhim HaBa'im to Joe Fox, the new president, of Forest Hills Jewish Center. Thank you to outgoing president, Mark Raphael. FHJC also welcomes Mara Silver, their new youth director.
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 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.
Click here to download the form for 2011-12
Please email it to metny@uscj.org or fax it to 212-533-0400. The form can also be mailed to 820 Second Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10017.
If your congregation is looking 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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District Happenings
Upcoming Events Around METNY
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Orangetown Jewish Center Presents:
A Memorial Day Concert
Neshama Carlebach singing together with the Green Pastures Baptist Church Choir will be performing for the entire Rockland County community. Together with her incredible band, she works together with Reverend Roger Hambrick and the Green Pastures Baptist Church Choir of Bronx, New York.
Thanks to generous anonymous donors, all proceeds from this concert will be donated to Jewish War Veterans and Vietnam Veterans of America as a tribute to the power of a united community on Memorial Day.
Monday, May 30, 7pm.Tickets are $10 in advance. At the door, tickets will be $15. Purchase online here. Please contact Gabi.Lewy@theojc.org for more information.
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Synagogue Milestones
Kane Street Synagogue is celebrating 155 years!
Congregation Agudas Israel, Newburgh, is celebrating 125 years!r125ears!
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Congregation Tifereth Israel, Glen Cove Presents:
My Life as a Jew in the Military
Memorial Day Weekend, Sunday, May 29 at 10:15am. This Memorial Day Weekend, Rear Admiral Herman A. Shelanski, one of the highest-ranked officers in the U.S. Navy, brings the story forward for CTI members and guests. Admiral Shelanski, who commands eight ships, including the carrier, Harry. S. Truman, and has 6,500 troops serving under him, discusses how he has maintained his Jewish identity through such activities as dedicating a Holocaust Torah aboard one of his ships and participating in Israeli Independence Day. [more info]
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UJA-Federation of New York Presents
The Book of Ruth: Rejection and Revelation
A Shavuot Session with Rabbi Michael Paley
Ruth was the ultimate "other" -- the wrong gender, the wrong tribe, the wrong nationality, the wrong inheritance, and bad luck to boot. But we love her anyway. During this beit midrash session, we will investigate this odd and marvelous book of the Bible, trying to answer the question of why we read it on Shavuot. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to learn with friends and colleagues! The event will take place on Wednesday, June 1, 5:30 - 7:00pm. There is no cost and the program is open to everyone. To register please contact Rebecca Russo at russor@ujafedny.org or 212-836-1661.
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METNY on the Road
 Last Thursday, May 19, through Sunday, May 22, Rabbis Charles Savenor, Moshe Edelman, and Paul Drazen attended at SULAM 39 @ the Pearlstone Conference Center in Riesterstown, Maryland. Yasher koach to METNY participants (see photo, above):
On Wednesday, May 25, Rabbi Edelman and Tamar Schwartz ran the Keter Torah awards at Midway Jewish Center.
We are grateful to our host congregation!
On Wednesday, May 25, Rabbi Savenor met with the Long-Range Planning Committee of the Little Neck Jewish Center, Steve Aronowitz, president; Neil Garfinkel, past president; Jeffrey Bass, board member; and Rabbi Gordon Yaffe to discuss strategic planning (see photo, at right).
On Wednesday, June 1, Rabbi Edelman will meet with the leadership of Jericho Jewish Center to develop their HAZAK program.
On Wednesday, June 1, Rabbi Savenor will participate in Think-Tank on Leadership Development at UJA Federation NY.
On Thursday, June 2, Rabbi Edelman will attend the Long Island Principals Dinner at Shelter Rock Jewish Center.
On Thursday, June 2, Rabbi Savenor will meet with the leadership of Forest Hills West Middle Village. |
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Yasher Koach Corner
 Yasher Koach to Stan Hochauser, who will have the honor of blowing the shofar at the Celebrate Israel Parade for the 14th consecutive year!
Yasher Koach to Temple Beth Sholom, Roslyn Heights, on winning a Lomed Grant from the Jewish Education Project.
Yasher Koach to Rabbi Ronald Androphy, East Meadow Jewish Center, on earning a DHL degree last week from JTS.
Yasher Koach to New City Jewish Center and and Orangetown Jewish Center for sending 10 8th Graders each to METNY USY Regional Convention! Orangetown Jewish Center also had the highest number of USYers at 34 attendees.
Yasher koach to Rabbi Charles Savenor on his recent article in CJ Magazine entitled "The Healing Power of 'The King's Speech'". Click here for the article. |
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Celebrating Yom Yerushalayim
A Message from MERCAZ USA
On Wednesday, June 1, the Jewish community in Israel and  around the world will be celebrating "Yom Yerushalayim", the day on the Hebrew calendar which marks the capture of the Old City of Jerusalem by Israel during the course of the Six Day War in 1967. In the current situation, where once again, so much of the world's attention is on the Middle East and the future of the Arab-Israeli conflict, let us take this opportunity to celebrate our historic connection to Jerusalem as the eternal center of the Jewish people. Announcing publicly our connection to Jerusalem is separate from the political negotiations that will need to take place between Israel and the Palestinians over the future status of Jerusalem. There are legitimate differences of opinion as to whether Israel needs to maintain control over every neighborhood that was incorporated after 1967 into the expanded Jerusalem municipal borders or what arrangements should be in place to guarantee freedom of access for all worshippers. But there should be no question or doubt  about our people's historic connection with Jerusalem dating over 3000 years.
MERCAZ Olami prepared a special service for Yom Yerushalayim a couple of years ago to mark the 40th anniversary of the Six Day War. Please go to http://www.mercazusa.org/pdf/Yom-Yerushalayim-2009.pdf and download a copy of the material. Feel free to forward information of the service to your respective congregation/organization.
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Memorial Day
Articles and Happenings Around Town
A Prayer for America's Military Personnel
The Shabbat before Memorial Day is a most appropriate time for us to remember those who are serving in the armed forces. We are pleased to provide this text, A Prayer for America's Military Personnel, written by Rabbi Gerald Skolnik with the hope that it will be a part of services on the Shabbat before Memorial Day, if not every Shabbat. [read the prayer]
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Finding Home: The Art of Siona Benjamin
At the Laurie M. Tisch Gallery, on view May 18-July 29
In the vibrant world created by Indian Jewish artist Siona Benjamin (originally from Bombay, now living in the US),  Biblical characters appear as blue angels faced with problems and dilemmas of the contemporary world. Her artwork embodies the many cultural and artistic influences embedded in her biography, such as Indian miniature paintings and Sephardic icons, as well as the contemporary styles of pop art and multi-media installations. Find out more about Siona Benjamin.
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U.S. House approves Jewish chaplains memorial
(JTA) -- The U.S. House of Representatives voted to authorize the construction of a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery for fallen Jewish chaplains.
The bill was approved Monday night and now moves to the Senate.
Dozens of national and locally based Jewish and veterans groups, led by the Jewish Federations and the Jewish Welfare Board Jewish Chaplains Council of the JCC Association of America, have been working for nearly three years to establish a memorial for Jewish chaplains in Arlington National Cemetery alongside those for Protestant and Catholic chaplains. [read more]
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Memorial Day Note: METNY USCJ raised over $10,000 for Solo Seder to support our troops! Thank you for your donations! |
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Responding to the Recent Natural Disasters
 All of the recent natural disasters are mind numbing. It is difficult to fathom the destruction caused by the Japanese earthquake and the wave of super tornadoes striking our country. We have to work hard to remember that each disaster affects 1000's of individual lives. On Sunday afternoon there was a town in Joplin, Missouri. On Monday morning there was the devastation pictured on the left. Everything literally wiped out.
We are asked to give money to many worthy causes. Perhaps we should use some of what we donate for natural disasters. If we give some (even if it is just a little) after each disaster, it may help us with the disaster fatigue.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City has also set up a fund to help with relief in Joplin: http://www.jewishkansascity.org/
May God be there for all those experiencing lost and may God strengthen the hands of all of the people helping with rescue and relief.
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Shabbat/Holiday Times
Candle lighting:
This week: 7:58pm
This week's Torah portion is
Parashat Bemidbar
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| Israel & the Middle East
A Word About 
the "1967" Borders
From MERCAZ USA
Many world leaders and journalists have been talking about the "1967 Borders" as the basis for the future division of the historic territory between the State of Israel and a new State of Palestine. With or without land swaps to accommodate for the changes in demography that have taken place since 1967, we should be vigilant to point out that THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS THE 1967 BORDERS! [read more]
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AIPAC Conference
In a resounding show of support for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, thousands of AIPAC activists from all 50 states ascended Capitol Hill on Tuesday to conduct more than 500 lobbying meetings with members of Congress and their staff. The appointments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint session of Congress in the morning. [read more]
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| Programs and Resources
Ramah Galil Ride 2011 Raises over $207,000
Riders from US, Canada and Israel pedal through the Galil on a five-day trek to raise awareness and attract needed funding. Read blog posts and check out photos from the ride.
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Solomon's Mosaic: Remembering the Miracle 20 Years Later Solomon's Mosaic will be an online collage honoring Israel and Ethiopian Jewry. The Mosaic will be a virtual ingathering of individuals, organizations, businesses, schools, federations, youth groups, camps, museums, synagogues, newspapers and more, assembled together as a virtual mosaic in tribute to Operation Solomon's 20th Anniversary. [more info]
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Jewish Multiracial Network Annual Retreat! June 17-19, 2011 at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center in the Connecticut Berkshires. Earlybird registration extended to May 31, 2011. [more info] |
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