From the Rabbi's Desk...
 
Rabbi Irwin Huberman
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January 15, 2010
By now, we have all seen the deeply shocking and disturbing scenes of devastation from Haiti. As both Jews and citizens of the world, we ask ourselves what we can do.
I have contacted volunteer agencies throughout the United States and Canada asking how we can best assist. Patte and I have expressed interest in volunteering there. The answer we repeatedly received is, "donations are what we need at the moment, and as soon as possible."
Water, food, and temporary shelter must be provided to the residents of Haiti, and there are a number of agencies on the ground that need our help. Our synagogue office yesterday sent an update from the Conservative movement on the situation in Haiti, and a
link to donate.
Mazon,
the Jewish initiative to feed the hungry, has set up a special fund. As well, the Red Cross and World Vision are good choices.
If you have trouble navigating these sites, then please drop by or call in a donation to the synagogue office, and we will forward those funds immediately to the proper agencies. If you have a cell, phone you can do something this minute. If you text the word "Haiti" and send it to 90999, ten dollars will be directed to the Red Cross, and you will be billed on your next cell bill.
The great second century rabbi, Ben Azzai, when asked what the most important line in the Torah is, disputed the idea that it is "Love thy neighbor as yourself." Rather, Ben Azzai noted that while loving our neighbor is vital, there is something more important which comes from Genesis 5:1that it "we are all descendents of Adam." In other words, we all come from the same stock and are responsible for the welfare of each other.
Please assist in any way you can.
Israel 2011
I am currently in conversation with a good friend from Israel regarding Congregation Tifereth Israel's next trip to Israel.
This friend is one of Israel's most eminent archeologists and has served as our personal guide when our family visited Israel in 1999. She has since come to be known as one of Israel's most esteemed experts on history and archeology. We are now speaking about a tour of key archeological sites which will include a side trip to Petra, Jordan in summer of spring 2010. The tour will also include all Israel's "must sees," so this will be a trip that will be perfect for both first timers and those returning. I will keep you up to date.
Plot Against America
Many of you noted last week's comments regarding the precarious position of Jews in America referred to in the 2004 Philip Roth book, Plot against America, the book that just happens to be CTI's next book club selection.
The reference was coincidental, but the timing is perfect. In our weekly Torah reading, the book of Exodus discusses the plight of the Jewish people in Egypt and, of course, this is the basis for the Passover festival.
Philip Roth's book, which will be discussed on Wednesday, February 3, presents a similar scenario. Charles Lindbergh becomes president of the United States in 1940, and turns the Jewish people into second class citizens.
It will be an interesting discussion. You can purchase Plot Against America from
Amazon.com.
A portion from all Amazon purchases made through our site (as well from Wal-Mart, J&R Music and Computers, and Overstock.com) are donated to CTI.
Gays And Lesbians Within Orthodox Judaism
How does an Orthodox gay or lesbian reconcile their sexual orientation with the community that surrounds them?
This will be the topic of CTI's next movie of the month, Trembling Before God, the 2001 documentary to be presented this Wednesday at 7:30pm.
Over a period of years, Director Sandi Simcha DuBowski interviewed Hasidic and Orthodox Jews in New York, California, Florida, Britain, and Israel, all individuals struggling with their feelings. One man has undergone therapy for more than 10 years in an attempt to "cure" his homosexuality. Some have undergone therapy, others remain anonymous and many have been ostracized by their families and communities.
Please don't miss this important and thought provoking movie. As usual, the movie is free, but a donation is suggested.
Classified Requests:
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There is a family in our community in need of a new or used refrigerator. Please contact the office if you can help.
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There is a family in our area in need of an apartment or bedroom to rent. The family's rent has been increased by 80 per cent and they can no longer afford to remain.
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Please do not forget our synagogue's ongoing need for supermarket gift cards.
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Adult Baby Naming
I will be in the office this Sunday from 10:00am to noon for anyone wishing to discuss receiving a Jewish name. This is a wonderful way to ensure that the spirit of important people in your life, or role models, continues to live in you.
On Saturday, February 6, we have an official naming Shabbat. Please contact the Cantor or me if you would like to know more.
This 'n That
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This Sunday, from 2:30pm and 5:00pm, the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County will celebrate the grand opening of its new exhibit, "A Visit to the Past that Impacts Our Future." The center is at 100 Crescent Beach Road in Glen Cove.
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Men's Club's next Wellness program is set for Tuesday at 7:00pm. Guest speaker will be pediatrician Dr. Catherine Screnci. This is an important program of particular interest to young families. Everyone is welcome.
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CTI's next Drumming Circle is Sunday, January 24 at 10:15am. No drums or prior experience necessary. This is a monthly event led by Kyle Essex.
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A Tot Shabbat and dinner will be held Friday, February 5 from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Children will receive a special Shabbat book and CD. Cost is $10 for a family. Please call the office to reserve.
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I Want to Share With You...
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Earlier this month, we were blessed with another new family who joined our congregation. we are told that one of the reasons is that during their first week visiting us, as they were entering the synagogue, someone said "welcome, good Shabbos." That simple sentence sent this couple a clear message: this is a welcoming community.
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This week, during the CTI Board meeting, a plastic container was passed around the table in an impromptu effort to raise money for Haiti. More than $225 was raised.
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Congregants, and in particular our Limud Hebrew school students, are involved in ongoing efforts to feed the hungry and needy in our community. Brown bag lunches for the homeless are being prepared on an ongoing basis by our congregation, supported by young hands and the donations of congregants.
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Cantor Gustavo frequently spends his Monday nights sleeping at the Glen Cove homeless shelter, assisting those in need.
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While shopping at a local department store this past month, one of our young students noticed a swastika carved into a recliner which was on display. The young man and his parents called this to the attention of store officials and persisted until the chair was taken off the floor. The young student of our Limud program told his father "what if a Holocaust survivor were to see that swastika. How would it make them feel?
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Within these words and actions rests further evidence of how this holy congregation continues to grownot as much in numbers, but in its performance of mitzvoth, the welcoming and caring for those in need, and its overall care and kindness..
In our compassion not only for our neighbors, but for all humanity, we carry forward the spirit of Ben Azzai. All of humanity is bound together under Torah and the performance of gimiluch chassidim (acts of lovingkindness). Let us continue to go from strength to strength.
Cantor Gustavo and a number of our "regulars" are out of town this Shabbat attending the Limmud educational conference in the Catskills. We could use some extra voices and musicians tonight as we bring in and celebrate Shabbat.
Shabbat shalom, v'kol tuv,
Rabbi Irwin Huberman
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