From the Rabbi's Desk...
 
Rabbi Irwin Huberman
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March 6, 2009
Rock on for Purim
It's Purim, the time of the year when we let our hair down, dress up, and turn the world upside down.
This is the classic Jewish holiday, like many others in our tradition that feature the theme, "they tried to kill us; we won; let's eat."
We begin our celebration Saturday night with a children's preview: costumes, crafts, and music. There will also nosh and prizes.
Our main Purim event will take place on Monday night with the reading of the Megilla at 6:30pm. It is a mitzvah to hear the story of Purim, as we recite this historical narrative that has sustained the Jewish people in exile for millennia.
Purim Shpiel
The reading of the Megilla will be followed at 7:30pm with CTI's theatrical event of the year.
This year, CTI's all star cast will don poodle skirts and leather as we retell the Purim story through a 1950's theme Purim Shpiel that director Rochelle Bordwin titles "Magilla Around the Clock."
Come have a great time, and sing along with the lyrics flashed on the wall.
Graggers for the Food Bank
We will also be performing a unique mitzvah on Monday night.
While we will have graggers on hand, we are also asking you to bring a box of "Mac and Cheese" to use as a noisemaker. When we are finished reading the Megilla, please drop it into the food bank bin that is now located in the lobby.
Our tradition reminds us that even during times of joy and mirth, attention should be paid to those less fortunate.
From now to Purim please bring any sealed food items, kosher or not, for CTI to donate to the INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network.)
Helping the Planet
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that CTI was speaking with the JNF (Jewish National Fund) to designate a tree planting area in Israel for our congregation.
Those plans are now complete with a bonus.
JNF has designated the "Congregation Tifereth Israel Grove" in northern Israel. From now to summer, 2010, it is our hope to purchase one thousand trees.
Each tree will cost $18 of which five dollars will go to pay for the tree, and thirteen dollars will be donated to CTI.
Here's the bonus: When we reach one thousand trees, under a special Stewards of the Land program, JNF will turn back 20 per cent, that is $1,000, to the congregation for the purchase of a solar panel or other earth friendly item.
Certificates will be printed for each tree bought. A dozen have already been purchased.
If you wish to mark a simcha or other life cycle event this way, please call or e-mail the CTI office.
Hockey Night on Long Island
CTI will return to the Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, April 2 as the team of my childhood, the Montreal Canadiens, come to town to battle our hometown New York Islanders.
Not only will the Islanders try to avenge their loss last time against the Canadiens -- the Reb will be given an opportunity to follow through on his promise to buy kosher hot dogs for everyone. (The kosher hot dog stand was closed last time.)
The Islanders have discounted $70 tickets by more than 40% and are offering them to us for only $40 each.
Please contact the office or Phil Essex this week to book your ticket.
This and That
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There is a change regarding the Sunday morning service time. We will now begin at 9:30am as opposed to 9:15am. Hebrew school has been using the chapel for prayers beginning at 9:00am, and students require a bit more time. Sunday morning adult services will now run from 9:30am to 10:15am.
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As I mentioned last week, on December 14 CTI will be cooking meals for 20 residents of the Glen Cove shelter. A number of you have volunteered, and more are welcome. Funds to purchase the meat, vegetables, and other foodstuffs will come from the rabbi's discretionary fund which you have been strongly supporting. The meal will cost about $300, and donations to the fund will be gladly accepted.
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Services on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings will begin on time at 8:00pm and 9:00am respectively.
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The first of CTI's open meetings to discuss plans to renovate the synagogue took place on Wednesday night. The topic was education. Stay tuned for the date and time of the next meeting.
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Last night, CTI's program and committee chairs met to plan our calendar from now to June 30. There is hardly a day when something is not planned.
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Because some of our adult students were out of town this week, the first session of CTI's Adult Hebrew for Beginners class will begin next Thursday at 6:00pm. The cost is $60 for five sessions. Newcomers are welcome.
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CTI's Journeys class reconvenes Sunday at 7:30pm (following the final Purim Shpiel rehearsal.) The topic will be Purim. The Journeys class is tailored for those who are considering conversion or for those members of the congregation who are looking to learn the basics of Judaism.
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CTI is looking for more bookshelves to help stock our new library. Please contact Susan Freelund or the office if you can help. We pick up.
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Please contact the office if there is a name of someone you would like added to our Shabbat morning Misheberuch "blessing" list.
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Also, please call or e-mail the office if you would like to be removed from our "phone tree" funeral advisory. You will still receive this information by e-mail.
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A reminder that Thursday is my open office day. Come talk. Times can be arranged by e-mailing me or contacting Esther at the synagogue office.
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Please remember to send in your forms for our Passover/Shavuot Book of Remembrance. If you did not receive or have misplaced yours, please contact the synagogue office.
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Shed Your Worries
Last week, 53 congregants and friends attended our weekly Kabbalat Shabbat musical service.
If you need a bit of a lift, please try this service out. Indeed, this service is more of a joy than a burden. Tonight, there will be at least ten children in attendance and we will launch a short parallel children's service.
Come shed your worries and welcome Shabbat with song and joy.
We begin at 8:00pm.
Bikkur Cholim
Please contact the Cantor or me if there is anyone you know, congregant or not, who would benefit from a phone call or a visit. We are there to help.
Best wishes for a relaxing and peaceful Shabbat.
Kol tuv,
Rabbi Irwin Huberman
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