From the Rabbi's Desk...
 
Rabbi Irwin Huberman
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March 27, 2009
Fiddler on the Roof Night
I sometimes think that in addition to the Torah and the Talmud, the most influential piece of writing in our tradition is "Fiddler on the Roof."
If you think I’m kidding, seeto read some famous "Fiddler" quotes that have made their way into our tradition.
March marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of "Fiddler’s," author
Sholom Aleichem and we will be celebrating the event by showing the 1971 Academy Award winning movie starring Topol.
There are many CTI congregants who played parts in the local Theater II production a number of years ago. Led by our local Tevya, Seymour Kary, we’re encouraged to dress up as a "Fiddler" character and sing along with the songs.
We will have song books.
This will begin after Havdallah at 7:30pm. There is no charge for the movie, but donations will be accepted.
We want everyone to feel welcome. But we need to cover costs.
"True? True."
Women’s Group Meeting
What makes your Seder special?
That will be the central topic of the next Women’s Group meeting set for Sunday morning, March 29.
The group will meet at Irene Helitzer's home, 72 Dubois Avenue, Sea Cliff to share Pesach ideas, and to gather new Seder enhancing ideas from others.
The group will also meet to discuss future plans and projects.
Irene is a well known potter who has created many beautiful pieces that enhance the celebration of Jewish holidays and life events. She'll explain how similar items can help create our own traditions. The group will also visit her workshop.
The program begins at 10:15 am.
Israel Tourism and Shewarma Night
CTI is currently planning its next trip to Israel, currently scheduled for early July, 2010.
To help get you in the mood, CTI will be joined by Daniel Ehrlich, Educational Director for Keshet: Educational Tourism.
Keshet helped us organize our last trip to Israel, and although we haven’t committed to a touring company for 2010, Danny will be here to show a video and talk about Keshet, Israel, and tourism
There’s additional incentive. At 6:30pm on Monday, we will serve a light hot dinner provided by Humus World in Roslyn consisting of shawarma, falafel, humus, pita, and na na tea.
Even if you can’t join our next trip to Israel, let us bring Israel to you.
Case for Israel
CTI will be hosting a showing of the movie A Case for Israel" on Wednesday evening, April 1.
The information contained in this Alan Dershowitz movie is vital. With the increase of propaganda and anti-semitism in the world, movies such as this are vital for every Jew, and for that matter any person who wishes to engage in the Israel discussion with hard facts and credible historical information.
After the movie, a discussion will be led by noted scholar and human rights activist Dr. Phyllis Chesler.
A light dinner will be served at 6:30pm.
Jack Ain Breakfast
On Wednesday morning, April 1, CTI will welcome an old friend and past
president to the synagogue for morning services and a breakfast.
Past president Jack Ain will visit CTI and host a breakfast at 9:30am to meet
old friends and new, and to talk about memories.
Jack currently lives in Massachusetts and will be in town the previous evening
as the Ain family sponsors the annual Seder at the AHRC for those with
developmental and other disabilities.
Morning services will begin at 8:30am. Breakfast begins at 9:30am.
Although you are welcome to drop in, it would be helpful if you could reserve
by calling the synagogue office or
by e-mailing.
Canadiens Versus Islanders
I have good news and bad news regarding next Thursday’s CTI hockey night at the
Nassau Coliseum.
The good news is that there are still tickets available through the synagogue
office. The bad news is that many of those who have already bought tickets are
Montreal Canadiens fans, and we are a very loud group.
Come even the scale in favor of the Islanders by buying your $40 ticket. These
are $70 tickets discounted by the Islanders. I will be arranging kosher hot dog
for everyone.
No matter which team wins, we will all cheer when the name Congregation Tifereth
Israel is flashed on the scoreboard. The game begins a 7:00pm.
CTI Community Seder
Our shul office is currently finalizing the list of who plans to attend our
Passover Seder, to be held the second night of Pesach, April 9.
The Seder is free for members. Guests are welcome to attend at cost, that is
$49.
Although the Seder is free, contributions of $36 are welcome but no compulsory.
We believe in following the tradition of "all who are hungry come and eat."
And although we have sponsors to cover most of our costs, we’ll need a bit more
support to complete this mitzvah. We need to know now how much food to order.
We want to have enough food for everyone, but it would also be a shame to waste.
Patte and I will be sponsoring the Oneg tonight in honor of the conversion in Manhattan yesterday of our son John.
On a global level, this was a landmark conversion, being one of the first times that a person with autism has been converted into the Jewish covenant.
On a personal level, this was an extremely emotional experience for our family as John went to the Mikvah and participated in the blessings.
It is always a wonderful occasion when someone confirms their faith and affiliation. There are many who have either completed or will soon complete their conversion to Conservative Judaism.
But speaking personally as a parent, John’s conversion was a wonderful moment in time.
We would like to share this event with the congregation, and we hope to see you tonight as we celebrate our weekly musical Kabbalat Shabbat. "Shiru L’Adonai Shir Chadash." Let us sing a new song to God.
Shabbat shalom, v’kol tuv
Rabbi Irwin Huberman
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