TSTI Blog

NCJW Elects Linda Slucker President, Launches Campaign to Defend Reproductive Freedom

2011-03-25T15:18:00.000-04:00

We wish a huge Mazal Tov to TSTI member Linda Slucker on her recent election of President of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW)

March 11, 2011, New York, NY — The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) concluded its 45th national convention with the installation of Linda Slucker as its president for the 2011-2014 term. The convention, held in Dallas, Texas, set policy for the next three years, elected officers, and recognized national leaders who have championed issues of concern to NCJW. They included House Democratic Majority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA); filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi; Terry O’Neill, president of the National Organization for Women; Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL); and Hannah Rosenthal, US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism.

NCJW CEO Nancy Kaufman delivered the keynote address. Noting that “change only happens when we are part of a community that knows how to build and access power,” Kaufman called on NCJW members to double the number of NCJW activists — “to organize ourselves and our friends and allies to take action” to save reproductive rights and fight for NCJW’s progressive agenda.”

The convention launched an emergency NCJW campaign, “Voices for Reproductive Choices,” which will combat efforts pending in Congress to severely restrict women’s access to abortion, contraception, and even much-needed preventive healthcare, such as mammograms, pap smears, and HIV and STD testing. The campaign will mobilize NCJW’s membership and the broader pro-choice Jewish community to reach out to Congress and to the general public in defense of women’s reproductive choices.

In her acceptance speech, Slucker noted that NCJW members “are inspired by our Jewish values, but more importantly, we are empowered by them.” She added that, “Through our continued commitment to social justice, peace, human rights, and individual freedoms we can make the difference we so firmly aspire to achieve.” Slucker also noted the critical role of NCJW’s sections (chapters), of building broad coalitions, and of backing up action with resources.

An NCJW member for more than 35 years, Slucker has held many posts in NCJW and in the wider community. She resides in West Orange, NJ.

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.

Upcoming at TSTI...

2011-03-25T11:42:00.000-04:00

*** SAVE THE DATE ***

The 5th Annual TSTI Dinner Dance Fundraiser
and Golf Tournament

Will Be Held

At the Prestigious Mountain Ridge Country Club
On Thursday, May 19

Come Celebrate this Year's Honorees
For Service to our Temple:

Mimi Braun
Barbara and David Stoller
Breena Fishback

Attention Parents of 10th and 11th Graders:

RESCHEDULED - Partnering with your Teen through High School and Beyond, now on Tues., Mar. 29, 7pm-9pm, during Hebrew High. Pizza, salad and dessert will be served. For questions or to RSVP, email Tracy Horwitz.

Preparing 12th graders for College (STUDENTS ONLY): Join Rabbi Miller and Tracy Horwitz as they discuss "Staying Safe and Connected at College" on Tues., Apr. 5, 7pm - 8:30pm, during Hebrew High. For question or to RSVP, email Tracy Horwitz.

Shabbat, Scholar and Supper: Join the congregation on Fri., Apr. 8 at 6pm for worship with Anita Diamant, award-winning author and journalist, as she speaks about "Day After Night: Reflections on Resiliency". Then continue the learning at the Shabbat dinner following the service. All are welcome at services. Registration and fee required for dinner - $25 member; $36 non-member. Registration due by April 1 to Tracy Horwitz.

Attention 8th -12th Graders: Your friends at STISY are going to... THE WILD N' WACKY GAME SHOW on Sun., Apr. 10, 11am - 3pm, leaving from the circular drive on Scotland Road. $25 for members; $30 for non-members; or special for incoming freshmen only - $43 for this event and 2011-2012 STISY membership (usually $36). Price includes pizza lunch, dessert, powerhouse fee and transportation. RSVP to Tracy Horwitz by Mar. 27.

Jewish Peoplehood Project: Please join David Leit, VP of Education, and other members of the Peoplehood Project on Mon., Apr. 11 at 7:30pm to learn more about their efforts and how you can be involved. For more information, click here.

Attention 8th Graders! Are You Smarter than a Hebrew High Student? Please come Tues., Apr. 12, 7pm - 8:15pm, during the 8th grade Religious School program, to learn about the many opportunities available to high school students and play the game. If you do not currently attend our 8th grade program, please RSVP to Rivka Nelson.

Camp 2011 / Preschool 2011-2012 Enrollment NOW OPEN at TSTI's Iris Family Center, including a new Transitional Pre-K "Explorer's" program. For registration forms or more information, click here or contact Carol Paster, Preschool Director, via email or call 973-763-4600.

The Temple Judaica Shop has all of your Passover needs. It is open during Religious School hours or by appointment with Marcia - 973-364-0301.

SCHEDULE FOR SHABBAT

2011-03-25T11:40:00.002-04:00

Fri., Mar. 25

Shabbat Service and Scholar Ruth Messinger 6pm

Sat., Mar. 26

Torah Study 8:15am

Minyan Service- Gross Bet Midrash 9:15am

Shabbat Service Celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of Joshua Bergman   10:30am

MEETINGS AND PROGRAMS

2011-03-25T11:39:00.002-04:00

Sun., Mar. 27

Preschool Pizza Party 5pm

Mon., Mar. 28

STISY Board Meeting 7pm

Wed., Mar. 30

Jewish Meditation Group 11am

Adult Education Committee Meeting 7:30pm

TEMPLE FAMILY NEWS

2011-03-25T11:38:00.000-04:00

Condolences to...

Florence Kaplan on the death of her husband Julius Kaplan

Jane Decter on the death of her father Emanuel Yeskel

Mazel Tov to...

The Bergman family on the Bar Mitzvah of Josh Bergman

Share your family's news with our Clergy and with members of Caring Community. Please let us know of your family's life cycle events or if you or someone you know is ill or in need of assistance from Temple. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU, BUT PLEASE DO NOT ASSUME THAT THE CLERGY HAS HEARD THE NEWS! Contact Sunny Seglin at 973-763-4116.

Do you have a new address, phone number, email? Let us know so we can stay in touch.

SEND A TSTI TRIBUTE TO ACKNOWLEDGE LIFE CYCLE EVENTS

Call 973-763-4116 or email
tributes@tstinj.org tributes@tstinj.org for information on the Funds available and for Acknowledgment Cards to be sent. It's an easy way to show you care!

LOOKING AHEAD...

2011-03-25T11:36:00.000-04:00

Women's Connection Intergenerational Seder: Join your friends, mothers, daughters and sisters to celebrate Passover on Thurs., April 14, 6pm-9pm.

Please join us for the
Tenth Annual Intergenerational Women’s Seder Sponsored by the Women’s Connection
Come together with your mothers, daughters, sisters and friends for a uniquely feminine perspective of the Passover holiday. Together we will dance, sing and tell stories of women’s contributions to this sacred and beautiful celebration of freedom.

Thursday, April 14th, 2011 6-9pm at Temple

The cost of the evening is $25 for members of Women’s Connection and their guests, $40 for non-members. All girls12 and under are $12.

Look for your invitation in the mail or the “tear-out” invite form in the March bulletin. Questions? Email Lori or Anne

Holocaust Memorial Service on May 1 at Temple Beth El: If interested in participating in the Children's Choir, please come to the one rehearsal at Temple Beth El on April 27 at 7 - 7:30pm. Our Religious School students are already learning the song.

SAVE THE DATE - Hike the South Mountain Conservancy with the Women's Connection in conjunction with the Green Team on Fri., May 13.

WEEKLY PARASHA

2011-03-25T11:33:00.000-04:00

Parasha Shemini
Leviticus 9:1-11:47

This week's parasha begins on the eighth and final day of the ceremony ordaining Aaron and his sons as holy priests. The occasion begins joyously, but ends with the tragic deaths of Aaron's two eldest sons, Nadab and Abihu. After the sacrifices on the altar have been properly burned in God's presence, Nadab and Abihu bring a "strange fire" to the altar. The two are destroyed by the flames, apparently because they acted on their own and not in conformity with their priestly obligations.

God instructs Aaron and his remaining sons not to drink any intoxicating drink before entering the Tent of Meeting so that they may always be able to distinguish between the "sacred and the profane" and the "pure and impure." The parasha provides a lengthy description of dietary laws and laws regarding ritual purity.

The Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief (JCDR)

2011-03-15T08:54:00.002-04:00

Japan Earthquake ReliefIn the wake of the earthquake that struck Japan on March 11, 2011, a number of North American Jewish organizations have come together to form the Jewish Coalition for Japan Relief. This Coalition is serving as a coordinating body for its member agencies and sharing information about needs on the ground. Funds collected by the Coalition will be dedicated towards relief and recovery efforts in the affected region.

Donate Now!

Join Us for the Purim Extravaganza this Sunday March 20th

2011-03-14T11:06:00.000-04:00

UJC opens mailbox for Earthquake/Tsunami Relief Effort

2011-03-11T14:13:00.000-05:00

UJC opens mailbox for Earthquake/Tsunami Relief Effort

United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of many lives and enormous property damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan and other nearby countries. The tsunami also threatens the U.S. shores in Hawaii and along the entire west coast. In response to this situation, we have opened a mailbox to provide emergency relief to the many victims of this terrible natural disaster.

The Community Relations Committee (CRC) responds to emergency and disaster situations around the world and works to galvanize support from the MetroWest community. Funds raised are distributed through the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, our overseas emergency relief agency partner.

Click here to make your donation to the relief effort.

All contributions are fully tax deductible. 100% of proceeds will go to emergency relief. Contact the Community Relations Committee at (973) 929-3064 or crc@ujcnj.org with any questions.

The Story is Ancient: the Hagaddah is a Work in Progress

2011-02-25T16:17:00.000-05:00

For the past few years I have used a different Passover Haggadah each time I led the family seder. Of course it is easy to find a new Hagaddah since there are a tremendous number of different versions available from a wide variety of publishers. And each brings its own perspective. For example, there are haggadot that are more gender inclusive, there is a haggadah that is intended for vegetarians (the Hagaddah of the Liberated Lamb), and there is even a haggadah for those who are seeking spiritual enlightenment. Each begins with the traditional biblical text, but then interprets it in its own unique way.

Upcoming...

2011-02-25T08:25:00.000-05:00

Total Soul: Join us for an evening of Motown Fun at TSTI's 2nd Annual Mid-Winter Dance Party on Sat., Mar. 5 at 7pm. For more information and the ticket form, click here.

Film Series - The Band's Visit: On Sun., Mar. 6 at 7pm, enjoy snacks and a movie, followed by an interactive discussion moderated by Dr. Eric Goldman. Free for members; $5 for non-members. To RSVP click here.

Guys...Come on out for March Madness on Wed., Mar. 16 at 7:30pm. Raise $$ - Win $$. Admission of $50 goes half toward play and half as a donation to Temple. For more information, to sign up or help out, to email Andy click here.

Taste of Junior Youth Grouping for 8th Graders: On Tues., Mar. 1, 7pm-9pm during 8th grade religious school, enjoy a fun, active, educational program followed by great dessert. If you do not attend our 8th grade program, to RSVP please click here.

Are you from the Golden Generation? If so, please join others at a luncheon with lively discussion and entertainment by Mazel Tov on Mar. 7 at 11:30am - 1:45pm. $3 per person. RSVP to Cantor Finn at ext. 243.

Opportunity for 11th Graders: Explore thoughts and issues regarding college preparation on Tues., Mar. 8, 7pm-8:30pm, during Hebrew High but open to all. RSVP to Tracy Horwitz please click here.

TSTI's 12^th Grade College Program Schedule Change

(FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS)

The February and March 12th grade college program sessions will be combined and are scheduled for Tuesday, March 15 from 7-9pm. Participants will explore family values, traditions and expectations as our teens prepare to leave for college. to RSVP please click here.

Adult Ed. - Bible: Fact or Fiction: Learn how Midrash evolved and stories that teach us valuable lessons and truths became intertwined with the original biblical sources. Taught by Rabbi Cohen on Mon., Mar. 14 at 7pm. To RSVP please click here.

Camp 2011 and Preschool 2011-2012 enrollment now open at TSTI's Iris Family Center, including a new Transitional Pre-K program "Explorer's" for children who miss the cut-off date for Kindergarten or have already completed a 4's program. If you would like more information about these programs please contact Carol Paster, Director her or call 973-763-4600.

Free Trip to Israel through Birthright Taglit:

Free 10-day trips for 18 to 26 year old Jewish youth. Registration deadlines are soon.

Click here and select "MetroWest" or contact Justine Reuben at 973-929-3054 or click to email.

TEMPLE FAMILY NEWS

2011-02-25T08:17:00.000-05:00

Condolences to...

Richard Giles on the death of his sister Jill Giles

His wife, Gloria Fink; his brother, Leon Fink; and his cousin, Joel Scharf on the death of Bernie Fink

Jack Fersko on the death of his brother Raymond Fersko

Share your family's news with our Clergy and with members of Caring Community. Please let us know of your family's life cycle events or if you or someone you know is ill or in need of assistance from Temple. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU, BUT PLEASE DO NOT ASSUME THAT THE CLERGY HAS HEARD THE NEWS! Contact Sunny Seglin at 973-763-4116 or click on:
Sunny Seglin, Judy Epstein or Ellen Blake

Do you have a new address, phone number, email? Let us know so we can stay in touch.

SEND A
TSTI TRIBUTE TO ACKNOWLEDGE LIFE CYCLE EVENTS
Call 973-763-4116 or click to email

for information on the Funds available and for Acknowledgment Cards to be sent.

It's an easy way to show you care!

WEEKLY PARASHA

2011-02-25T08:16:00.002-05:00

Vayak'heil
Exodus 35:1-38:20

After descending from Mt. Sinai with the second set of stone tablets, Moses gathers the people together so that the building of the Tabernacle can begin. First he reminds them of the importance of observing Shabbat, specifically the prohibition against kindling of fire. Moses tells the people that God has chosen Bezalel (from the tribe of Judah) and Oholiab (from the tribe of Dan) to serve as the lead artisans. The people continue to donate beautiful materials until Moses informs them that they have more than they need.

TSTI South: February 22, 2011

2011-02-23T18:14:00.000-05:00

North Comes South-

Rabbi Cohen Lunches with the Snowbirds in West Palm Beach

TSTI Leader David Leit Speaks on The Jewish Peoplehood Project

2010-12-29T19:02:00.004-05:00

On June 23, 2010, the Jewish Agency for Israel redirected its mission from direct encouragement of aliyah, to the development of Jewish Peoplehood throughout the world. JAFI's new mission is to "Inspire Jews throughout the world to Connect with their People, heritage and homeland, and Empower them to build a thriving Jewish future and a strong Israel."

UJC Metrowest has been at the forefront of the Jewish Peoplehood concept, and is one of the first Jewish organizations to put Jewish Peoplehood into action through the Peoplehood Project. In this Project, 9 Americans and 9 Israelis have been exploring concepts of Jewish Peoplehood together, and have been working to put Jewish Peoplehood into action. TSTI Member and Vice President of Education David Leit has been part of this project, and will speak to us about his experiences during Shabbat services on February 4th.

TSTI Is Part of the PJ Library Goes to School Pilot Program

2010-12-17T15:59:00.000-05:00

Teachers from Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel's Iris Family Center attended a training session for the PJ Library Goes to School pilot program. The Iris Family Center is one of 7 schools in the Metrowest area selected to participate in this program funded by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

Pictured from left to right are: Carol Paster, Linda Adelsohn, Sue Kaplan, Ellen Goldsmith, Sandy Faust, Alissa Bonn, Fiona Beatty, Chris Tolstoi and Janet Hein

As the Fires Burn in Israel You Can Help

2010-12-03T11:58:00.000-05:00

For an update on the fires in Israel and a way to help please visit the TSTI Rabbis Blog here.

Buy Israel... Especially Today...

2010-11-29T22:33:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends-

Normally I would share this on the "Rabbinic Blog" section of our Web site. This is important enough however that I wanted to share it in both locations. Please read, act and share this with others. Thank you!

Rabbi Cohen

Join AJC in the “Buycott” of Israeli Goods
TOMORROW, Tuesday, November 30^th!

AJC is proud to join other pro-Israel groups across the country on
Tuesday, November 30^th to support “Buy Israeli Goods” Day
and to counter those calling for boycotts of Israeli products.

Help us send the message to retailers such as Hiller's, Costco, Whole Foods,
Trader Joe’s and ULTA by buying up all of their Israeli-made products!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

VISIT www.buyisraelgoods.org to search for Israel products in our area!
Whether its hummus or olives or Ahava skin cream, every purchase helps!

SPREAD THE WORD! Please share this email with at least 5 friends.

THANK THE STORE for carrying Israeli products!
Be sure to alert and thank the store manager for carrying Israeli products.
Let them know that you will be a repeat customer for that reason!

TAKE A PICTURE!
Send a picture of you and your family and friends buying Israeli goods to: newjersey@ajc.org

Thank you for helping AJC show support for Israel!

Make A Difference This Thanksgiving...

2010-11-22T10:30:00.000-05:00

For more images from our

Annual Turkey Drive click

With Thanksgiving approaching, TSTI members were involved in multiple efforts this week to help fight hunger in our community. On Wednesday, we took our monthly turn at the InterFaith Food Pantry of the Oranges. Every month when we go, there seem to be more people needing help. We distributed groceries to 62 families this week - a significant increase from just a few months ago. While we are so happy that we can help, we are concerned about having a constant source of food items to give out.

On Sunday, we staffed a table at Whole Foods in West Orange, which is running a November food drive to benefit the Pantry. The Pantry receives no government funding, so we rely on food drives and donations to meet the need. That’s why our “Bring One” program is so important. If we (only!) served 60 people a month, we would need 960 cans/boxes of food just for our week’s distribution!

And in between, we were the local site on Saturday for the annual Thanksgiving Turkey and Food Drive for the Community Food Bank on NJ, the central organization that provides food to organizations in 18 of NJ’s 21 counties (the InterFaith Food Pantry is a member organization). We collected 85 turkeys (down a bit from last year, but enough for 1275 turkey dinners) and two large bins of groceries. We also for the first time handed out information about food stamp opportunities and local pantries to the more than 15 cars that stopped and asked if we were handing out (rather than collecting) turkeys.

If you help at the pantry or the Turkey Drive you see evidence of hunger right in our midst. There’s also been news to read about hunger in America recently, and it's unfortunately not good news. According to a study released November 15 by the US Dep't of Agriculture, almost 15 percent of US households lacked enough money to feed themselves at some point last year . What is termed "food insecurity" means that financial constraints caused 17.4 million people (!!!) in this country to skip meals, run low or out of food, or were unable to purchase balanced meals.

6.8 million of these households — with as many as 1 million children — had ongoing financial problems that forced them to miss meals regularly. Read more here.

The Star Ledger ran a front page story this week highlighting how 810,000 NJ residents who live below the poverty line make choices like eating at soup kitchens so their children can eat what’s in the cupboard. "In their own stark words, Jerseyans depict the harsh reality of poverty".

Let’s all be thankful this week that we can share in the bounty of family, friend, and a festive meal. And turn that thanks into action: when you shop for Thanksgiving (or just any day), pick up some extra cans of non-perishable food and drop them in out bins!

Looking Ahead...

2010-11-22T10:20:00.004-05:00

LOOKING AHEAD...

Visit our website at www.tsti.org for information about our upcoming events

Annual TSTI Blood Drive: The Irv Soloway TSTI Blood Drive will be held at 9am - 12:30pm during Chanukah Mania on Sun., Dec. 5. Please email Marla Ostroff orJamie Ostroff to sign up.

Shabbat Scholar and Supper: Please join us for our next installment on Fri., Dec. 10 at 6pm, followed by dinner, and hear Mark Dubowitz speak about "A War on Terrorist Media". Registration and fee for Shabbat dinner required by Dec. 5. Please contact thorwitz@tstinj.org.

This Week

2010-11-22T10:20:00.002-05:00

TSTI Weekly

Adult Education Film Series:  Sun., Nov. 21 at 7pm - Enjoy snacks and movie followed by a lively discussion moderated by Dr. Eric A. Goldman. We will screen "Focus" based on Arthur Miller's novel, with incredible performances by William H. Macy and Laura Dern. Please RSVP to Tracy Horwitz at thorwitz@tstinj.org.

Innovative Options for the 2nd Half of Life: Join other 50+ years young at the JVS' Creative Maturity Expo on Sun., Nov. 21 at 10am - 4pm at the JCC Whippany. For more information, click here.

Family Fun at the Circus:  Special discount for TSTI family and friends at the Big Apple Circus on Nov. 21. Get ringside seats for $59 at the 4:30pm show at Lincoln Center. To order your tickets, click on Order Online or call 888-541-3750. Enter promotion code SHAREY. For more information click here.

Visit the Temple Judaica Shop for your Hanukah candles and many more items. Open Tuesdays and Sundays during religious school and Friday evenings' Oneg.

Now your online holiday shopping can earn $funding$ for Temple!  All you need is the We-Care Reminder, a secure browser extension for Internet Explorer and Firefox. Just click on http://tsti.We-Care.com/Start to download. For more information, click here.

Scholarships for a Reform Jewish summer experiencefrom the TSTI Women's Connection: For more information, click here.

$1,000 grants for new campers at 150+ Jewish sleep-away camps now available for Summer 2011! Visit www.onehappycamper.org for more details and to apply. Contact Tracy Levine for more information at973.929.2970 or email tlevine@thepartnershipnj.org.

  For more about these and other items, log on to TSTI.org.

This Week's Meetings

2010-11-22T10:19:00.002-05:00

MEETINGS

AND

PROGRAMS

Fri., Nov. 19

STISY Retreat
3pm
Sun., Nov. 21

Adult Ed. Film Series
7pm

Mon., Nov. 22

Finance Committee Meeting

7:30pm

Wed., Nov. 24

Jewish Meditation Group

11am

Religious School Board Meeting

7:30pm

Temple Family News

2010-11-22T10:18:00.000-05:00

TEMPLE FAMILY NEWS

Condolences to...

Jonathan Gertner on the death of his father Sheldon 'Bud' Gertner

Ruth Ross on the death of her son David Lenusky

Mazel Tov to...

The Kohn, Shea and Maron families on the B'nai Mitzvah of their children

Do you have a new address, phone number, email? Let us know so we can stay in touch.

SEND A
TSTI TRIBUTE TO ACKNOWLEDGE LIFE CYCLE EVENTS
Call 973-763-4116 or email

tributes@tstinj.org

for information on the Funds available and for Acknowledgment Cards to be sent.

It's an easy way to show you care!

Chanukah Tikkun Olam

2010-11-15T16:34:00.000-05:00

Chanukah Tikkun Olam

Eight nights of Chanukah too often equates with eight nights of presents. Why not set aside at least one night of Chanukah for your family to jointly do an act of kindness towards others? Check out the TSTI Tikkun Olam page for a dozen family-friendly suggestions to get you started.