From the Reb's Desk...
 
Reb Irwin Huberman
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October 3, 2008
"Feeding the Hungry; Clothing the Naked"
This Thursday, we will recite one of the most important passages in our entire tradition.
And this passage has already inspired dozens of congregants, through "Project Isaiah," to bring shopping bags of food to CTI to feed the hungry in Glen Cove and the surrounding area.
This Thursday, as we read the Haftorah following the Torah reading, we are reminded that it is not enough to fast and look out for our own spiritual welfare. Indeed, we must supplement those good intentions with real and meaningful actions.
The prophet Isaiah reminds us to: "Offer your bread to the hungry; bring the wandering poor into your home. When you see someone naked, clothe them..."
Bringing food to CTI to donate to the Interagency Nutrition Network (The INN) is a wonderful way to put Isaiah's words into practice while performing a significant act of charity during this time of repentance.
If you would like a "Project Isaiah" brown bag mailed or delivered to you, please call the synagogue office (676-5080), or feel free to bring in filled plastic bags, or boxes.
Also, "Project Isaiah" is not limited to kosher food. We will accept all food, however take note of the expiration dates on each item before bringing it in.
The "Project Isaiah" campaign will close the Sunday following Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur: Seats and More...
CTI is currently gearing up for the close of the High Holidays. Kol Nidre, next Wednesday night, begins at 6:15pm sharp.
Yom Kippur services start at 9:00pm and we expect a break at about 2:15-2:30pm. Yizkor will be recited after the Torah reading and sermon, and will occur some time after 11:30am. The blowing of the shofar will take place at 7:10pm.
As well, we have a number of new members and visitors looking for seats for the High Holidays. If you plan on spending Yom Kippur with family or friends outside of Glen Cove, please let me know.
We prefer to assign newcomers, who are potentially searching for a new shul, to reserved seats rather than direct them to open seating at the rear of the hall. Please e-mail me if you will not be here and are willing to provide your seat for reassignment.
The Big Blow: Part 2
There will be two significant family moments on Thursday as we work hard to make services meaningful, not only for adults, for also for children.
Cantor Gustavo and Hebrew School teacher Liliana Halac will be leading a special family service which will begin at 10:30am.
As well, at the close of Yom Kippur, we will be inviting our children on to the Bimah with candles to celebrate Havdalah as we mark the transition from Holy Day to every day.
And as we prepare to end Yom Kippur, we will ask all those children who manufactured Shofarot during our recent Shofar Workshop to come forward and create one huge Tekiah Gedollah (big blow) with our Shofar maestro Ken Donow.
It will be a blast.
Priestly Blessing (Duchanin)
At about 2:15pm on Thursday, for the second year in a row, those of "Priestly Descent" will be coming forward to provide the congregation with the ancient Priestly Blessing.
"Duchanin," as it is known, is one of the most ancient of Jewish traditions, and this year we will be including "Bat Kohanim" (daughters of Kohanim.) This is actually the final step as CTI completes to move to full egalitarian services.
Please contact me if you are a son or daughter of a Kohane (a descendent of the priestly tribe.) There will be a one hour training session on Tuesday at 7:30pm.
Gifts, Wrapping Paper, Bags, and Candies
With many secular and religious holidays around the corner, CTI's Nursery School has a fund raising project to provide all sorts of things to enhance your celebrates.
There are envelops available at the shul office packed with photos and order forms for holiday gifts, candles, bags, and wrapping paper.
Come by the shul office, or we can send you an order packet in the mail.
Odds And Ends...
Daniel Gordis' book, "Coming Together, Coming Apart: A Memoir of Heartbreak and Promise in Israel" will be discussed on October 29, at 7:30pm as part of SAJEs' third annual regional "book read." You can pick up a copy of the book in the shul office.
A number of you have asked me to reprint the e-mail address of Thanksgiving Coffee, the on-line clearing house which
provides socially responsible Kosher coffees. Those coffees include "Mirembe Kawomera," produced by Uganda's Jewish
community, in a cooperative venture with local Muslims and Christians. It is the coffee of choice at the Huberman house.
Click to visit Thanksgiving Coffee.
Stay tuned next month for news of a theatre group starting up through CTI. And don't forget to mark you calendar for November 15 as CTI celebrates its 111 anniversary with a gala dinner and dance.
The Cantor and I, with CTI's Bikkur Cholim (visiting the sick) committee do our best to ensure no one feels alone or isolated this time of the year. Please contact us if you know of anyone who would benefit from a phone call or a visit.
We also have complimentary tickets available for anyone who does not have a synagogue to go to this Yom Kippur. Those facing challenges, or who are spiritually searching this time of year, do CTI a blessing by attending our services. Please contact me if you know of anyone still in need of a seat.
On behalf of Patte and me, and our entire family, we wish everyone at CTI and beyond a G'Mar Tov, that is, good results and a good judgment during this time of introspection. Best wishes for a Shannah Tovah.
Shabbat shalom.
Reb Irwin Huberman
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