Concerned in 2020 about how isolating Covid lockdown felt, Co-President Rebecca Shore sought creative ways for EET members to frequently interact. Hence began the EET Shabbat Schmooze, with its different topic each week facilitated by one of the schmoozers. At the Schmooze we make friends, find support and welcome newcomers.
In the words of some of the regulars, here’s what else draws us in:
Schmooze is community. A safe forum to share the important stuff of our lives and to hear and support others doing the same. Elliot
In joining the Schmooze each week, I have found community, friendship, thought-provoking discussions, and heart-filled connections 3,000 miles away yet as close as next door.Nancy
I love getting to know some really good people better. It feels very much in the spirit of Sabbath to build community in this way. And, of course, the food. Phil
I keep coming back to Shabbat Schmooze for its thoughtful conversations with smart, funny people. The time spent with the Schmoozers contributes to a deep feeling of belonging for me.Diana
For me, the Schmooze is like freshly baked challah: warm, sweet and nourishing. Michael
Each week we talk about a different topic i.e. “What Makes Me Laugh?” or “Questions I Have About Judaism”. And in listening to our often interesting, moving or funny responses, we draw closer to one another. Dina
Because I always leave a Schmooze session feeling more positive, I well know that to miss even one session is a big mistake.Lila
Every Saturday, Schmooze always takes precedent. I never make appointments that will interfere with my Schmooze. Denise
I am grateful to each of the Schmoozers who always teach me new insights every time.Rebecca
With topicslike “Little Rituals That Keep Me Going,” “What I Didn’t Tell My Parents,”and “What Places of Worship Mean to Me,” everybody has something thoughtful to bring to the table. Marcia
Schmoozers are brilliant, empathetic, and respectful. We have formed a close community that stretches across continents and oceans.Elissa
Schmoozers take our weekly topic in so many directions: childhood memories, travel experiences, outdoor adventures, baseball, rescuing a duckling. Our stories never fail to be exciting — and heartwarming!Laurie
Each week, I look forward to Schmooze, and how we will connect, together. It’s like a weekly hug with our community!Ellen
It feels so safe and secure to be among the Schmoozers in such an open and inviting space.Elena
Shabbat Schmooze isn’t just talk… it’s friendship, laughter, and wisdom that bring us closer. When we sit together and share words, we share community. Brian
Not yet a Schmoozer? Join us on most Saturdays (see our online calendarfor dates/RSVP) for a good schmooze, 1:00-2:00pm with your virtual lunch in hand, and you too will become family.
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March-April 2025
“Connection Is Core for Tehilah Eisenstadt” by Marcia Muskat
Because connection was paramount to Tehilah’s father, Tehilah grew up moving from North Miami to Brooklyn, and from Conservative Judaism to Orthodox. Following her dad’s example, Tehilah experienced joy in talking to and learning from others. But sadly, she also experienced heartache during her first year at Tel Aviv’s Bar-Ilan University, when a Bar-llan student assassinated Yitzhak Rabin and when aterrorist’s bomb killed five children… in their Purim costumes.
While completing her 1999 Binghamton BA in English Lit., Tehilah befriended people from walks of life different from her own. Two of them remain among her best friends today, including Elishe, who resides near Israel’s Green Line, and Sally, who is a practicing Wiccan in Minnesota.
Tehilah returned to Israel in 2000 for her “reconnaissance aliyah” at the inclusive Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. And having always been a yeshiva girl, she found herself studying Talmud for the first time in her life and finding questions she never knew she could ask.
In 2014, Tehilah brought together Christians, Muslims and Jews for an interfaith rally in support of the 276 kidnapped and terrorized Nigerian Chibok schoolgirls. And in 2016, she was instrumental in connecting the Muslim Cordoba House with East End Temple, much to the benefit of both.
In 2007, Tehilah earned an MA in Midrash and an MA in Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Today she’s a rabbinic student at the pluralistic Academy for Jewish Religion, as well as EET’s rabbinic intern and Assistant Director of Congregational Learning.
At EET, Tehilah assists with all things education for youngsters in their Religious School classes, for teens in the ‘Genius Bar’ (teens teaching tech to adults) and Ozrim (professional development for teen teaching aides), and for adults in ‘Introduction to Judaism’, ‘Being Jewish Post-Oct 7’ and ‘Jewish Tapas’ classes. Tehilah also lends a hand to EET’s clergy and professional staff as they help all ages find greater connection to each other, Judaism and East End Temple.
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January-February 2025
“How Synagogues Become Central to Andrea Viders’ Life“ by Marcia Muskat
Whenever Andrea moves into a new town, her first stop is the local synagogue. Having grown up in Freeport, Long Island in the 1970s — a town with few Jewish families — the local Reform temple was a place of joy and connection for the Viders family.
Though non-observant, Andrea’s middle and high school years at a modern Orthodox day school were also integral. She took a 1983-84 gap year at Hebrew University’s Mechina studies program for students from around the world. Andrea’s visit at the East Jerusalem home of a Palestinian classmate was eye-opening.
In 1988, Andrea graduated with a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell. She then worked as a labor representative for hospital doctors. Missing Israel’s globalism, Andrea graduated in 1994 with a Master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University. She worked for a variety of international and non-governmental organizations, focusing on labor and community development.
In 2004, Andrea married Andrew Seiz, whom she had met in graduate school. For nine years they took up residence in Hong Kong, giving birth to Ethan in 2005 and Elora in 2009. Andrea volunteered with a refugee organization and learned Mandarin.
Hong Kong’s progressive synagogue became a centerpiece of their family’s life. Andrea taught at the Hebrew school. She also helped plan the congregation’s trip to Israel and MitzvahDay, which matched congregants to local organizations for a day of service.
In 2018, Ethan’s EET bar mitzvah was an international affair, extraordinaire. Friends and family flew in from everywhere. Today, in keeping with Andrea’s for-the-people vitae, she involves herself in EET Social Justice initiatives that advocate for immigrants’ and voters’ rights. As co-chair of Sisterhood’s Birthday Fund, Andrea supports organizations that improve the lives of NY women and girls. Once again, a synagogue becomes central to Andrea Viders’ life.
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November-December 2024
“Jeffrey Hahn Shows Up“ by Marcia Muskat
EET’s Men’s Club President Jeffrey Hahn hails from White Plains, New York. While Jeffrey’s family did not practice a strict Judaism, they were proudly Jewish. And while Jeffrey frowned upon the game of ‘Who had the biggest bet mitzvah party?’ and ‘Who got the most gifts?,’ Jeffrey followed in Judaism’s tradition of showing up for friends’ mitzvot.
In 1984, a starry-eyed Jeffrey entered the hallowed Ivy League’s halls of Cornell University. With his head for math and philosophy and his gift for photography intact, whenever Jeffrey found himself in the role of explaining real-world marketing and sales, his teaching skills became apparent to his colleagues. And to his young daughters, Emily and Olivia, now ages 25 and 22.
Jeffrey would not be the first to parlay a career in business economics into teaching high school mathematics. And now, 25 years later and retired from the classroom, Jeffrey is a private tutor to high school students who struggle in large class settings. He is also a press-credentialed street photographer (instagram @8n8photoarts) who captures shots from the Lower East Side to East Harlem. And he’s a NY poll worker.
Moreover, Jeffrey was just married at EET to Board Certified Holistic Nurse Faye White-Willinger. He is a dedicated house spouse to Faye and her son, Robert, a University of Massachusetts-Amherst neuropsychology student and a 2017 bar mitzvah. Jeffrey and Faye are also studying to become bet mitzvah.
So, in an era when people are spending more time online, the men of EET Men’s Club get people to show up. To build Sukkot. To march in the Israel Day Parade. And so much more, because showing up is what Jeffrey Hahn does.
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September-October 2024
Faye White-Willinger… Doing What Comes Naturally by Marcia Muskat
Faye was raised a non-practicing Catholic in Milwaukee. During Faye’s freshman year at U Penn (Nursing ’88-BSN), she found herself close with lots of Jewish friends and their holiday traditions. In 2003, Faye married Jewish. And much to her mother-in-law’s delight, felt the need to raise her children Jewish.
Union Temple of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn (now part of Congregation Beth Elohim/CBE) became pivotal. Faye was so active in the Religious School that she eventually co-chaired and directed (hiring Mindy Sherry). Adding to the momentum, Faye “audited” RS classes, studied Torah and sang Hebrew prayers alongside her son, Robert. And when Faye needed people most – during her separation from Robert’s dad and her bout with several serious illnesses – Faye couldn’t help but think of Union Temple as family and of herself as Jewish. In 2013, in the presence of a three-rabbi beit din, Faye converted to Judaism.
Earlier that year, Faye and Robert went camping at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in Hillsdale, NY. As beshert would have it, they pitched their tent next to Jeff Hahn, a nice Jewish guy from Westchester County. In 2017, one month before Robert’s bar mitzvah, Faye and Robert invited Jeff to come live with them. This past June, Rabbi Josh did the honors at Faye and Jeff’s wedding.
Robert is active in Hillel at U Mass Amherst, where he studies neuropsychology in hopes of becoming a doctor. Faye is Board Certified in Holistic Nursing and Travel Health, keeping NYU/Langone international travelers safe. Jeff is retired as a H.S./college math instructor and is a current math tutor and volunteer poll worker. And because a nurse’s day is never done, Jeff is their family’s “house-spouse,” keeping everything together at home.
At EET, Faye loves singing with the choir. Jeff loves schmoozing with the Men’s Club. And all things being equal, loves doing what comes naturally.
“Our Year in Review” by Sisterhood Leadership Team member Judith Lorber
This was a busy year for the Sisterhood of East End Temple, with programs ranging from social to spiritual, all with a focus of building multiple communities within East End Temple. Some programs were women-focused, while others aimed to meet the interests of the EET community at large. All programs are inspired and created by a collaborative community of women.
Reviewing Our Special Programs This Year – In March and April
Birthday Fund Grant Recipients– Sisterhood transforms donations by East End Temple members in honor of their birthdays and the birthdays of loved ones, into annual grants of $500-$2,500, supporting non-profit organizations that improve the lives of women and girls in New York City. In 2024, we provided grants to each of Girl Scouts of Greater NY Troop 6000 and City Living NY. In March, leaders of these two organizations educated us on the ways they help youth aging out of the foster care system or families living in temporary housing.
The Annual Helene Spring Library Event – Our featured speaker for our 21st Helene Spring Library Event was Elizabeth Graver, discussing her award-winning novel Kantika, followed by book sale, signing and dessert buffet.
Sisterhood Shabbat – During our annual shabbat, we honored the ways in which we create community, with women leading prayers and songs from the bimah, followed by a delicious dinner.
Docent-Led Tour of the Museum of Jewish Heritage – As a collaboration between Sisterhood and Men’s Club, about 30 participants were led through the moving exhibit, “The Holocaust: What Hate Can Do.”
Potluck Lilith Seder – At our annual tradition of a seder by women and for women, we danced, prayed, sang and dined, led by guest Cantor Xan (Alexandra) Weiser.
Nechama: Post-Abortion Care Packing – Over 30 people gathered to pack backpacks with comfort supplies, such as sanitary napkins, snacks, socks, and water, to be delivered to people who volunteer to ensure that women are not alone before and after their procedures.
Some Other Memories of the Past Year
Welcome Back Vision Boarding – An intergenerational workshop
Mah Jongg Games and Tournament Style Play – People come from around the city to join our twice monthly Mah Jongg games, plus one tournament-style fundraising game a year.
Food For Families – Another banner year with volunteers making over 10,000 meals to feed hungry New Yorkers!
Women’s Rosh Chodesh Study and Discussion – Over the course of four months and lay-led, we studied about our final two matriarchs, Leah and Rachel.
And more…
Getting To Know Our Community, interviews of fascinating EET women
Stitch-A-Thons, knitting and crocheting for the Cold Weather Project
Shake Your Soul: The Yoga of Dance
Claim Your Hebrew Name and blessings
And Coming Up….
“May The Fourth Be With You” Picnic – Sunday, May 4 at 12:00pm, hosted by Sisterhood and Men’s Club. Sign up here.
There’s so much to do and have fun with Sisterhood! Check our web page regularly for dates of all events, updates and links. Please let us know if there is any way we can support you. Email us at sisterhood@eastendtemple.org. We keep busy to keep you connected!
Food For Families by Celia Vimont
We had another incredible season making meals for hungry New Yorkers this year. Thank you so much to our hard-working volunteers, who made more than 10,000 meals this season. We’ll see you again next season, which starts October 5. The Food For Families committee welcomes our new members, Melanie Kletter and Julie Lansky. I will be returning to regular sandwich-making duty after many years on the committee. See you in the fall!
Library Buzz by Barbara Ringel
Our 21st annual Helene Spring Library Event was as delightful and successful as it promised to be. Our sanctuary was filled with enthusiastic guests, coupled with many Livestream viewers who joined us. We were treated to a wonderful talk by noted author Elizabeth Graver, who spoke about her novel, Kantika, a 2024 National Jewish Book Award winner. It is a multigenerational saga that follows a once-elitist wealthy Sephardic Jewish family in Istanbul, whose devastating losses force them to flee to Barcelona, Cuba, and finally to Queens, New York, where there is reinvention, healing, love, and always family as home. The audience was captivated by the story, loosely based on Elizabeth’s grandmother’s experience, as evidenced by the abundant number of questions posed to Elizabeth at the conclusion of her talk. She enthusiastically responded to them all and generously spoke further with many guests who purchased copies of the book at our reception. As always, guests were treated to our sumptuous dessert buffet, with all items made by our Sisterhood members. Elizabeth gave our desserts a rave review.
As summer approaches with vacations and more time for reading and relaxation, please make a stop in our library to browse, check new additions and classics, and borrow books for a three-week period. Self-checkout is a simple process: sign the card at the back of the book and include the due date, place it in the checkout box on the shelf, and you are good to go. Returns should be placed in the return basket on the shelf. Have a wonderful summer made richer with books.
Judaica Shop by Fran Kolin
At the East End Temple Sisterhood Judaica Shop, we try to feature lovely articles of Judaica at reasonable prices. We sold many items this year, and I hope you were all pleased with your purchases. At this time of year, we look toward our “down time” in the summer months. If you knit or crochet, our long-running Cold Weather Project collects your handmade hats and scarves for distribution in the colder months. We provide the yarn for free and ask that you bring it back made into hats and scarves for adults. We even have a small selection of knitting needles and crochet hooks to make it easier for you to participate in this mitzvah. We look forward to your donations for this effort all throughout the year, so there is no deadline. Have a wonderful summer and see you in September.
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March-April 2025
“Sisterhood Welcomes Spring” by Sisterhood Leadership Team member Ellen Ettinger
The Sisterhood of East End Temple is delighted to welcome in the Spring, with a variety of programs. Check out the EET website calendar or Sisterhood page for more details.
HOW DO WE BUILD COMMUNITY? All of our regularly scheduled events are growing communities. You can play in our Mah Jongg games, dance at the Shake Your Soul yoga dance sessions, study our matriarchs at Women’s Rosh Chodesh programs, prepare meals for hungry New Yorkers at Food for Families, or create hats and scarves at Sunday Stitch-a-Thons. And you can meet members of our community at our Getting To Know Our Community lunchtime Zoom sessions. Our upcoming programs feature Jamie Silver, partner in a hedge fund company, investor in women-owned businesses and active parent in our Religious School, and Marilyn Kirschner, a fashion journalist. All are welcome to join any of these programs in fun, learning and service.
MARCH SPECIAL PROGRAMS Sunday, March 9 at 11:00am — meet the recipients of the 2024 Sisterhood Birthday Fund Annual Grant for a presentation and discussion with two organizations Girl Scouts of Greater New York Troop 6000, and City Living NY which serve vulnerable girls and young women in NYC, and the importance of our Birthday Fund donations. Refreshments will be served for those who will be joining us in person. For more information and to register, click here.
Sunday, March 16 at 2:00pm — our Annual Helene Spring Library event, when our speaker will be Elizabeth Graver, a National Jewish Book award winner and author of the novel Kantika, followed by our wonderful dessert buffet. For more information, see the “Library Buzz” column below.
Friday, March 21 at 6:15pm — celebrate the Sisterhood of East End Temple, with members of the community participating in special prayers, songs, and personal reflections. And we all share a special candle lighting and delicious oneg Shabbat.
Sunday, March 23 at 11:15am — the Sisterhood and Men’s Club of East End Temple are co-sponsoring a special docent-led guided tour of the Museum of Jewish Heritage’s exhibit, “The Holocaust: What Hate Can Do.” As of this writing, registrations are full, but please contact Ellen Ettinger to put your name on a waiting list.
APRIL SPECIAL PROGRAMS Thursday, April 17 at 6:00pm is our Women’s Lilith Potluck Seder, when we use our own customized Haggadah and, through prayer, song and dance, tell the story of Passover from a feminist perspective. For more information and to register, click here.
Friday, April 24 at 6:15pm – Celebrate with fellow congregants and their families at this heartwarming “Claim Your Hebrew Name Ceremony” during the Shabbat service.
Saturday, April 26 at 2:00pm – we will be leading a Nechama (Comfort) Post Abortion Packing project, where we will be filling backpacks with supplies getting delivered to women who have had abortions. Check your emails for more information and for how to donate to this mitzvah event. And then afterwards, join Men’s Club for their Red Wine Tasting and Reception at 4:00pm. Registration and payment required, please click here to RSVP.
There’s so much to do and have fun with Sisterhood! Check our webpage regularly for dates of all events, updates and links. Please let us know if there is any way we can support you. Email us at sisterhood@eastendtemple.org.
Food For Families by Celia Vimont
Thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers who helped us make 1,243 meals on February 2. City Harvest picked up the meals (consisting of two sandwiches, fresh fruit and a granola bar) and delivered them to hungry New Yorkers. The need is great – City Harvest estimates that nearly1.3 million New Yorkers are struggling to feed themselves and their families.
A special thank you goes to the NYU Community Fund, which has provided us with a very generous $2,000 grant this year to help us purchase food for our program.
Please join us for our last two sessions of the season, March 2 and 30, from 11:30am-1:30pm. Advance sign-up is required (https://signup.com/go/ZEeEpgn). All participants must be age 12 or older (ages 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult) and everyone must wear a mask. Each participant should bring six loaves of whole wheat sliced bread and 20 pieces of large fruit (preferably apples and oranges) and wear a hat to comply with Department of Health regulations. Food For Families is a great way for teens to get community service credits.
Our 21st Helene Spring Library Event, always a highlight of the year, is just a couple of weeks away, Sunday, March 16, at 2:00pm. It is with great pleasure that I will introduce noted author, Elizabeth Graver, who will discuss her outstanding novel, Kantika, a 2024 National Jewish Book Award winner. The novel is a multi-generational saga of a Sephardic family forced to flee their wealthy elitist life in Istanbul after unimaginable loss. They must travel to Barcelona, then Havana, until they finally settle in Queens, New York. It is a tale that explores loss, displacement, endurance, and family as home, a story of reinvention, healing, and love. The main character, self-reliant Rebecca Cohen, ties the story together with her tenacity through grief and multiple challenges, yet holds the family together, maintaining their faith and traditions. Elizabeth’s talk will be followed by a Q & A, after which we will gather in the social hall for our always highly anticipated homemade dessert buffet and book sale and signing, at which you will have an opportunity to speak further with Elizabeth. This promises to be a wonderful afternoon event, and I do hope you will be there. There is no charge for this event, and all guests are welcome. Looking forward to seeing you March 16.
Judaica Shop by Fran Kolin
After the harshness of this winter, it is a relief to know that Spring will be here very soon. Purim has the delicious highlight of tasty hamantaschen. You can also order chocolate-dipped macaroons for your seder! Passover, a holiday traditionally celebrated at home, is represented at the Judaica Shop with lovely Seder plates, whimsical inflatable matzah balls, a lucite matzah box, some Haggadahs to check out, and a few other goodies. Come take a look, and shop The Shop.
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January-February 2025
“Winter Is Upon Us Once Again: Setting the Restart Button“ by Sisterhood Leadership Team member and Community Development Co-Lead Fern Stampleman
Making its yearly return to Sisterhood programming on Sunday, January 12, is Session #1 of the Rosh Chodesh Women’s Study and Discussion Group,in person and on Zoom. Featuring the last of the Genesis matriarchs, Session #1 is “A Tale of Two Sisters: It Begins At The Well.” Our ever-popular impromptu schmooze/potluck breakfast starts us off! Co-leaders Elissa Macklin and Laurie Treuhaft and I are excited to explore the life and times of Rachel and Leah. We look forward to the insightful surprises fellow inquirers can’t help but bring to the table. You are always welcome to bring a friend. NO prior knowledge required. Background information emailed in advance of each time we meet. Session #2: February 2.
Stitch-A-Thon also returns on January 12, open to everyone who can or wants to stitch. Participants help needy New Yorkers keep warm with hand-made hats and scarves. Donated yarns may be picked up at the Temple office. Next session, February 2, following Rosh Chodesh. Program Lead: Fran Kolin.
In addition, Fran will begin interviews in January for “Claim Your Hebrew Name,” a program initiated by her last year! To make an appointment, contact Fran at: thekolins611@yahoo.com
On January 15, Ellen Ettinger, program lead for Getting to Know OurCommunity, hosts Susan Schwalb, an artist recognized as one of the foremost experts in silverpoint and metalpoint drawing. We had the pleasure of viewing Susan’s work when it was exhibited in East End Temple’s Social Hall. Then, on February 5, Tehilah Eisenstadt, Assistant Director of Congregational Learning at East End Temple, will be Ellen’s guest talking about her life, education, experiences, and interests.
For more details about these programs, or to contact program leads, and more, check out our Sisterhood page
Wishing everyone a Happy secular New Year and a Happy Chanukah as we light all nine candles on January 1. May the light we bring into the world now, strengthen and sustain us throughout 2025.
Food For Families by Celia Vimont
Our 2024-25 Food For Families season has been a great success so far. In November we made 1,577 meals and in December we made 1,794 meals. All meals are picked up by City Harvest trucks and distributed to hungry New Yorkers that day.
We will be taking a break in January, and we’ll be back February 2 for our next session, followed by March 2 and 30. Advance sign-up is required (https://signup.com/go/ZEeEpgn). All participants must be age 12 or older (ages 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult) and everyone must wear a mask. Each participant should bring at least five loaves of whole wheat sliced bread (six loaves per person would be greatly appreciated) and 20 pieces of large fruit (preferably apples and oranges) and wear a hat to comply with Department of Health regulations. Food For Families is a great way for teens to get community service credits.
I am delighted to announce that our 11th annual Help Our Library Grow Initiative is now underway. This initiative enables us to add new, well reviewed books to our collection, and we are enthusiastic about the books being offered. We are grateful to the many members whose generous donations have enriched our collection in the past, and we hope the tradition will continue. The initiative provides a wonderful opportunity to donate a book in someone’s honor or memory, and every donated book will have a bookplate with donor’s name and in honor of/in memory of, inscribed on the bookplate. All the books will be displayed in the library. Please see the complete list of titles, author, price, and donation form with payment instructions. A list is also posted on the temple bulletin board downstairs. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Our 21st annual Helene Spring Library Event, always a highlight of the year, will take place Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00pm. Elizabeth Graver, our featured author, is a 2024 National Jewish Book Award winner for her outstanding novel, Kantika, which she will discuss at our event. It is a multi-generational saga of a Sephardic family forced to flee a wealthy elitist life in Istanbul after unimaginable loss, and they must travel to Barcelona, Havana, and finally to Queens, New York. It is a tale that explores loss, displacement, endurance, and family as home, a story of reinvention, healing, and love. The main character, self-reliant Rebecca Cohen, ties the story together with her tenacity through grief and multiple challenges, yet holds the family together maintaining its faith and traditions. We will be selling copies of the book that Elizabeth will sign at our dessert reception. Save the date, Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00pm for this not-to-be missed event.
Judaica Shop by Fran Kolin
In the coldest days of the winter, the Sisterhood Judaica Shop takes on the special task of giving out free yarn to knitters and crocheters who turn it into hats and scarves for New York’s needy. If you have those skills, we invite you to get busy and create warm winter accessories for our Cold Weather Project. Stop by The Shop to collect some yarn and do a mitzvah – and join us for our in-person Stitch-A-Thon when we knit together on 1/12, 2/2 and 3/2, 1:00-3:00pm. Also, get ready for our Hamantashen Sale for Purim (3/13-14) — you can place your orders now right HERE!
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November-December 2024
Make Sisterhood Part of Your New Year: 5785 by Sisterhood Leadership Team member Marcia Muskat
For the fourth year in a row, Sisterhood member Rachel Shapiro took the lead at September’s Welcome Back Family Event. As present as ever, Rachel had everyone — young and not so young alike — creating personal vision boards that spoke to their New Year’s hopes and dreams. And the pizza, compliments of the EET Men’s Club, certainly didn’t disappoint.
As you contemplate your hopes and dreams for the New Year, make Sisterhood part of your New Year, starting with:
Meeting Our Leadership… Sisterhood Board meetings 6:30pm Nov. 6 & Dec. 11 Come to Sisterhood meetings to help plan programs, pick up leadership skills and make new friends. Sisterhood members are always welcome.
Mah Jongg Fun and Games… Weekday Learn & Play 11:00am, Nov. 7 & 14, Dec. 5 & 12 Learn the game or find people to play with at twice monthly Thursday morning games. Sunday Mah Jongg Fund Raiser 10:00am Dec.15 Win top-score prizes at the 2nd annual 4-hour special Mah Jongg event with brunch. Buy raffles for causes worth supporting. Evening Mah Jongg Game 7:00pm Jan. 22 By special request from many of our players, an evening of Mah Jongg is coming your way.
Partake in Social Action… Food For Families 11:30pm Oct. 27, Nov. 17 & Dec. 8 Be part of a community (ages 12 and up, 12 -15 accompanied by an adult) that makes meals to feed hungry New Yorkers, a labor of love for more than 30 years.
Meet the Community… Getting To Know Our Community (Zoom) 12:00-pm Dec. 4 Tune into our first interview of the season with Dr. Louise Klebanoff, a general neurologist who has served as Vice Chair of Clinical Operations for the Department of Neurology at Weill Cornell. Louise will share her thoughts about neurology, medicine and her love of all things NYC.
For more information and to register for our events, go to the Sisterhood page of the EET website
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Food For Families by Celia Vimont
Thank you to all our volunteers who helped us kick off a successful start to the 2024-25 Food For Families season on September 29. We made 1716 meals that were picked up by a City Harvest truck and distributed to hungry New Yorkers that day.
Our next Food For Families session will be on Sunday, October 27, please note new time: 11:30am to 1:30pm. Advance sign-up is required (https://signup.com/go/ZEeEpgn). All participants must be age 12 or older (ages 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult) and everyone must wear a mask. Each participant should bring at least five loaves of whole wheat sliced bread (six loaves per person would be greatly appreciated) and 20 pieces of fruit (preferably apples and oranges) and wear a hat to comply with Department of Health regulations. Future dates are: Nov. 17, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 2 and March 2. Food For Families is a great way for teens to get community service credits.
I am delighted to announce that I have confirmed noted award-winning author, Elizabeth Graver, as the featured speaker for our 21st Helene Spring Library Event, March 16, 2025. Elizabeth is a 2024 National Jewish Book Award winner for her outstanding novel Kantika, which she will discuss at our event. The novel is a beautifully written multi-generational saga that follows a Sephardic family in the early 20th century as they move from Istanbul, where they have been a wealthy privileged part of the Sephardic elite but now find themselves victims of unexpected, unimaginable loss, to Barcelona, to Havana, and finally to Queens, New York. It is a tale that explores loss, displacement, endurance, and family as home, a story of reinvention, healing, and love. The main character, self-reliant Rebecca Cohen, ties the story together with her tenacity, through grief and hope, as she faces multiple challenges yet manages to hold the family together and maintain its faith and traditions. We have a copy of Kantika in our library, and we will sell copies of the book that Elizabeth will sign at our reception. I look forward to hearing her share her exceptional novel, and I know she will be warmly welcomed.
Judaica Shop by Fran Kolin
In the darkest part of the year, Chanukah gives us the chance to enjoy more light as we kindle the Chanukah candles! Sisterhood’s Judaica Shop will be prepared with many lovely candle options for your celebrations. We will have dreidels, chanukiyahs, small puzzles, decorations, and chocolate gelt to enhance your holiday experiences. We will also have a new 16-Piece Wood Chanukah Play Set, featuring a printed table scene, frying pan, latke, jelly doughnut, wooden gelt, dreidel, menorah, and nine candles. Come take a look, and shop The Shop!
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September-October 2024
L’Shanah Tovah – Connections, Collaborations, Leadership, and Giving by Sisterhood Leadership Team member and Programming Lead Suellen Eshed
What a summer it’s been! In June, the Sisterhood of East End Temple leadership was represented at the Women of Reform Judaism Fried Leadership Conference in New Orleans. It was inspirational to sing, pray and learn with hundreds of women dedicated to Sisterhood, Spirituality and Social Justice.In July, our Sisterhood held a dinner to celebrate our accomplishments. The leadership team then began working on strategic planning, while reviewing our new leadership model.
We chose two recipients of our Birthday Fund, where donations made in honor of a birthday are given to a local NYC organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls. We are giving $2,800 to two organizations: Girl Scouts Of America Troop 6000, a unique program serving families living in NY’s shelter system, providing weekly meetings where girls make friends, earn badges and learn skills at no cost; and City Living NY, which supports and empowers 21-year-olds who have “aged out” of the NY foster care system, with mental health counseling, safe furnished apartments, and college and job assistance.
This year, Andrea Viders joins Jodi Malcom as Birthday Fund Co-Director, focusing on recipient selection and organizing meetings between our donors and recipients to hear about the people that benefited from their outreach.
Our Annual Welcome Back Family Event will take place on Sunday, September 15, led by Rachel Gibbs-Shapiro, with snacks provided by Men’s Club. Join our fun-filled workshop where we’ll be building a collage-based vision board to help us make change – for ourselves or our families. See more information on our main Sisterhood page.
Mah Jongg is back, with twice monthly daytime games on Thursdays, starting September 5. All levels are welcome, and lessons are offered by our volunteers, led by Marcia Muskat. Learn now so that you can win prizes in our Morning of Mah Jongg coming up in December. Be part of this growing community!
By listening to one another’s voices, we collaborate, create leaders and come together in multiple communities. Check out our upcoming programs here.
The Sisterhood of East End Temple
Belong. Connect. Grow. Member of
Food For Families
by Celia Vimont
Come join us as we start a new season of Food For Families on Sunday, September 29 from noon to 2:00pm. We will make sandwiches to be distributed by City Harvest to feed hungry New Yorkers. The need is great: according to City Harvest, nearly 1.3 million New Yorkers are struggling to feed themselves and their families and one in four children in New York City are experiencing food insecurity.
Advance sign-up will be required (look for the link and details in the eblast). All participants must be age 12 or older (ages 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult) and everyone must wear a mask. Each participant should bring at least five loaves of whole wheat sliced bread (six loaves per person would be greatly appreciated) and 20 pieces of fruit (preferably apples and oranges) and wear a hat to comply with Department of Health regulations.
Future dates for Food For Families areOctober 27, November 17, December 8, January 12, February 2 and March 2.
As fall and the New Year approach, we have been busy readying our Helene Spring Library with new displays of books about the High Holy Days, in order to provide temple members with an opportunity to enhance understanding and to provide food for thought and conversation on the High Holy Days experience. We hope you will take the time to explore the many offerings. In addition, several new books in other genres have been purchased during the summer and are ready to be borrowed for a three-week period. One title of timely interest is Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew, by Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby. Published this spring, the book is a thought-provoking investigation into antisemitism that connects the dots between the tropes and hatred of the past to our current complicated moment. Another new novel, a historical fiction that has received high praise, is The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr. It is a haunting tale of the cost of survival, sacrifice, and the long-denied secrets of the past. Having read it, I can attest to its impact.
Looking ahead, a moving anthology, On Being Jewish Now, edited by author and publisher Zibby Owens, will be published November 1, and it will be a valuable addition to our collection. It is a compilation of essays by 75 Jewish authors about what it means to be Jewish since the tragedy of October 7. As Lynda Loigman, a recent Helene Spring Library Event featured author, stated, “It’s a collection of emotional, funny, sad, traumatic, and inspiring essays about what it means to be Jewish, how Jewish life has changed since October 7th, and the bonds and culture that our group shares.” All the proceeds will be donated to Artists Against Antisemitism, founded in the aftermath of October 7 by a group of Jewish authors.
Wishing everyone L’ Shanah Tovah!
Judaica Shop
by Fran Kolin
Shanah Tovah EET friends! Sisterhood’s Judaica Shop has all sorts of interesting things to add to your Jewish experience. Novels from past Library Event guest speakers, items to enhance your home, Jewish content board books for children, mezuzot, even Sisterhood’s own cookbook is available for purchase when the office is open. We also have many colors of free yarn for you to pick up and knit or crochet into hats and scarves for New York’s needy. We collect these items year-round, so there is no rush. Come take a look, and shop The Shop!
At services for Shabbat Shira, marking the Torah portion in which the Israelites cross the Red Sea to escape slavery, EET’s Assistant Director of Congregational Learning Tehilah Eisenstadt instructed each of us to think of a moment in the past in which we were truly scared.
In my stream of consciousness, I first thought to myself, “That moment is now.” As many of you have shared with me, I too am worried about the loss of — and threats to — rights and values that I hold sacred. How could I think of a moment in the past, when I am fearful of now?
Ultimately, my thoughts went more granular, and I remembered the night I summited Mount Kilimanjaro in 2003. The climb from 17,000 feet to 19,000 started at 2:00am, and within an hour, all of our flashlights were dead. In pitch darkness, thin air, and freezing temperatures, we were climbing up 2,000 feet in elevation. I was nervous, most of all about not being able to see what was in front of me, or on either side.
Tehilah concluded by noting that each of us was here, in the sanctuary, meaning that we in some way survived each of our moments of fear. I survived my climb in the darkness by putting one foot in front of the other, trusting that going forward would eventually get me to my goal, even if I could not see it. As I walked, to keep calm, I sang to myself the prayers of an entire Shabbat service, and then the melodies from the High Holy Days. When the t’filah in my head concluded, I sang the soundtrack to “Phantom of the Opera.” As the sun rose, the soundtrack ended, and I could see the summit and the final steps I needed to take.
During this time in history, while many of you are worried, I hope that you are able to put one foot in front of the other, and find moments of comfort, whether it is attending services, being in community, singing tunes that have meaning, or attending programs. Our special EET community, clergy, and staff are here for you. And if you are looking to take action, we have many ways to do so, from our Social Justice group, to learning about social justice campaigns and actions by the Reform Movement at rac.org, to supporting the Reform Jewish Voice in Israel by voting in the elections of the World Zionist Congress this spring at vote4reform.org.
May each of us survive our moments of fear, and ultimately see the sun rise on our goals.
__________________________
January-February 2025
“Building A Community of Purpose” by Brian Lifsec
Rabbi Josh’s reflections on Jewish elected officials highlight an important aspect of Jewish civic life, our ability to lead and contribute in meaningful ways. But leadership is not confined to public office or political engagement. At East End Temple, leadership happens every day within our community, in ways both seen and unseen.
Leadership begins with the choices we make about how we show up for one another. It’s in the volunteer who organizes a food drive, the parent who mentors a teen through their bet mitzvah journey, or the member who steps forward to lead a new initiative. Each act of participation strengthens our community and reminds us that leadership is about taking responsibility for the well-being of others.
As a congregation, we are uniquely positioned to inspire this kind of purpose-driven engagement. Our tradition teaches us that we don’t need to wait for others to solve the challenges we see around us. Whether addressing inequities in our city, supporting causes that matter to our members, or simply building a sanctuary of understanding in a complicated world, we all have a role to play in shaping the community we want to see.
East End Temple has long been a space where big ideas and collective action come to life. But just as democracy requires vigilance and renewal, so too does the work of building a vibrant synagogue. Let us commit to showing up not just for the rituals and celebrations that sustain us, but for the hard work of listening, collaborating, and creating a future that reflects our shared values.
Leadership, like community, is a practice. May we continue to practice it with care and courage.
______________________________
November-December 2024
“The Difference Between Welcoming and Belonging“ by Rebecca Shore
I recently was alerted to a powerful distinction between “welcoming” and “belonging” within congregations. During a call with leaders of the URJ’s Religious Action Center, it was suggested that congregations should evolve from being “welcoming” and “inclusive” to fostering a deeper sense of belonging for all congregants.
As I thought about this concept, I started researching the differences between the terms. What I discovered was that the movement from welcoming to belonging is a progression from actions conveyed to feelings held. As Rachel Hall wrote for the URJ, “when we ‘welcome,’ we often unintentionally convey that it is ourplace to welcome or decide who is welcome” (Welcoming vs. Belonging: A Key Step in Making Our Communities Diverse and Whole, 2021). Inclusion focuses on actions and behaviors of leaders, and belonging focuses on the feelings that a congregant has.
Like the eight ladders of tzedakah, the progression from welcoming to belonging carries with it varying levels of intent and impact. Our goal should be to ensure that all congregants feel like they belong, like this is their home and community, and that they are equally members of our community. We should always be welcoming; we should always be inclusive; and ultimately, we should all feel like we belong equally.
This is the challenge for each of us for the next year: to create a community in which all feel like they belong. What does belonging look like for you? What do you need to feel like you belong? What can we do to create a feeling of belonging among all in our community? Throughout the year, Brian and I, and the Board of Trustees will be working toward this goal, and we hope that you will take the steps into our community, so that this congregation belongs to you as much as you belong to the congregation.
____________________________
September-October 2024
Extending Our Reach: Living Our Values Through Action by Co-President Brian Lifsec
At East End Temple, our community is strongly committed to social justice and helping those in need, guided by our faith’s teachings of compassion and integrity. As we approach significant moments in our religious calendar, I want to highlight how our collaboration with other organizations and houses of worship to support New York’s newest immigrants reflects these core values.
This letter follows my earlier communication where I emphasized “broadening outreach” as a key focus for our temple. We are excited to share that our temple has been awarded the Pathways Trailblazer Award from HIAS, the world’s oldest and only Jewish refugee organization, for our outstanding work in helping refugees, asylum seekers, and forcibly displaced people.
As we prepare for the High Holy Days, a time for introspection, repentance, and renewal, this reflection feels particularly meaningful. The themes of unity, community, and responsibility that mark this season closely align with our efforts to assist immigrants, feed the hungry, and continue working with other business- and faith-based organizations.
In addition to welcoming new New Yorkers, our community is also committed to promoting democracy across the country. We are actively working with the Religious Action Center and other organizations in nonpartisan efforts to protect voter access. Through our DemocRACy Circle monthly gatherings, congregants from all backgrounds come together to write postcards, make phone calls, and discuss issues impacting the upcoming election.
Our recent analysis by the Strategic Planning Committee and Board identified our core strengths and ambitions, focusing on vibrancy, impact, and fiscal stability. This led to key areas of focus: deepening connections, broadening outreach, increasing impact, and supporting growth while maintaining fiscal prudence. Our work exemplifies these priorities, showing how we can extend our reach while staying true to our values.
As we observe the High Holy Days, let’s renew our commitment to these ideals. Our collective efforts to support New York’s newest residents and protect democratic values not only transform lives but also strengthen the bonds within our community. At East End Temple, we will continue to champion the common good, striving to create a more just and compassionate world for all.
During the last three years the Men’s Club has been rejuvenated and has established many new social events at East End Temple to appeal to a wide range of congregants and their families. Successful programs have blossomed into annual events such as weekend brunch movies with thoughtful discussions (Mel Brooks Festival, “Defiance,” “Conspiracy,” “Denial,” “Gentleman’s Agreement,” “September 5th”). We also have organized educational walking tours twice a year (Lower East Side, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, and soon Bushwick). There are parties during holidays, onegs, the hamantaschen contest during Purim, and a dim-sum brunch in Chinatown on Christmas morning.
On some Thursday evenings we get together for game nights. We are sponsoring a wine tasting on April 26. There are also picnics and museum tours with Sisterhood. The Men’s Club organizes and pays for EET’s team to march in the NYC Israel Day Parade, which is on May 18 this year. We may go to a Brooklyn Cyclones (minor league baseball) game at Coney Island this summer. Most events are open to all EET members and their family regardless of membership. We are also considering additional exciting programs for the next year
Now that our social programs are well developed, we are expanding the range of our programs to better serve EET and its congregants. The Men’s Club now plants trees in Israel for family members of those in bereavement and provides minyan members at shiva (upon request). Beginning July 1, we intend to provide candlesticks in the gift bags for EET bet mitzvah celebrants, alongside kiddush cups already provided by Sisterhood. The Men’s Club always constructs EET’s sukkah for the holiday of Sukkot. We help EET with small “IKEA-sized” needs, such as the dishwasher in the kitchen, to help EET and its staff avoid larger professional costs.
Monthly meetings are usually on the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm, in person, with pizza, beer, wine, and fellowship. The meetings may also be attended via Zoom. There are two remaining this year on May 7 and June 11. There are no meetings planned for the summer.
Membership:
If you are a member of East End Temple, your Men’s Club dues were automatically billed in July 2025.
“May the 4th Be With You” picnic with the Sisterhood of East End Temple Sunday, May 4 from 12:00-3:00pm
Governor’s Island by ferry. Leaves from 11 Wall St. $4.50 one-way, $1.45 senior discount.
Ferry arrives at Soisson Landing. Picnic at Parade Ground, on the other side of Fort Jay. Can call/text others if you don’t see others… Jeff Hahn 914-216-1318
We will bring food and picnic supplies but feel free to bring more. There are places that sell food, drinks, ice cream…
Game Night Thursday, May 15 at 6:30pm (in person) Yahtzee, Boggle, Anomia…Food & drink… RSVP to mensclub@eastendtemple.org
Israel Day Parade Sunday, May 18 from 12:45-4:00pm Parade is on 5th Avenue from 62nd-74th Streets. We will meet at EET at 12:45pm then travel uptown with Israeli and American flags and the EET banner. Everyone coming will get their own EET t-shirt.
Cigar Night Tuesday, June 3 at 7:00pm (location TBD) Join the Men’s Club for an evening gathering, where we will enjoy cigars accompanied by drinks and conversation. Questions? Contact mensclub@eastendtemple.org
Spring Walking Tour — Street Art in Bushwick, Brooklyn DATE CHANGE: Saturday, June 7, 12:00-1:30pm, followed by lunch This Brooklyn neighborhood is known for street art, murals, and graffiti. Meet at Jefferson St. subway station (L-line). $20/adult, $12 children. RSVP to mensclub@eastendtemple.org
The Boomers of East End Temple (BEET) is a chavurah (group) formed to build connections among the baby boomer (officially defined as born between 1946 and 1964) community. We look to schedule programs that may interest the generation who grew up through massive social changes which strongly influenced who we are today. During these programs, most of which are open to the general baby boomer community, we enjoy sharing special memories unique to our generation as well as educating and supporting each other as we continue on our current life’s journeys. One of our most popular events is our intimate (members-only) Friday, Shabbat potluck dinners where we share our thoughts on a boomer-related topic, ensuring that everyone gets to know something about each other.
The Sisterhood of East End Temple welcomes anyone who identifies as female, nonbinary or gender-fluid. Consistent with our longstanding legacy of women’s empowerment, whenever the words “woman” or “women” appear, we understand them to include all of these individuals. We listen to the voices of our membership, promoting their interests, passions, ideas, and concerns, and develop communities, friendships, and leaders.
Together we engage in tikkun olam by producing timely and relevant programming, fundraising, and advocating for social justice, while nurturing our spiritual and intellectual growth and the life of the congregation, leaders, and the community at large.
This philosophy aligns with our affiliate, Women of Reform Judaism.
~ To read the latest columns and messages from Sisterhood, please see the Sisterhood Columns page ~
2024-2025 Programs
We offer a number of programs in different formats — in person, on Zoom and hybrid. Unless otherwise stated, the entire community, friends and family, is welcome to join us! Please send any questions and RSVPs to sisterhood@eastendtemple.org, except where noted.
Ongoing Programs
Food For Families Sundays at 12:00pm: Will return in Fall 2025 For over 30 years, multiple generations of our community have made meals to feed hungry New Yorkers. Advance sign-up will be required (look for the link in an upcoming eblast). All participants must be age 12 or older (ages 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult). Each participant should bring five loaves of whole wheat bread and 16 pieces of fruit (preferably apples and oranges) and wear a hat to comply with Department of Health regulations.
Mah Jongg Weekday — Play/Learn in Person Select Thursdays from 11:00am to 1:00pm: May 8, 22 Interested in learning to play mah jongg or finding players? Cash donation of $5 to play, $15 for a lesson. Coffee, tea and snacks available. Please register by completing this form.
Shake Your Soul — The Yoga of Dance (in person) Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30am, starting November 12 Relax your nervous system, energize your body, and awaken the soul through a powerful, fluid dance repertoire set to world music. Participants are encouraged to listen to, feel and move to the music, either by following the moves offered, or tuning into themselves. It incorporates yoga breathing, mindfulness, qi gong, dance movements, partner exercises using mirroring/reflecting, movement dialogue, and group circle movements as well. It’s a fun way to exercise and form authentic connections. Led by Ronni Aronow, Registered Somatic Movement Therapist and Educator (RSMT/E), and a certified Shake Your Soul: The Yoga of Dance Facilitator.
Bring water and a yoga mat, and wear sneakers and comfortable clothing.
$10 suggested donation per class
Getting to Know Our Community — Monthly Wednesdays Lunchtime Speaker Series(Zoom) Will return in Spring 2026 Bring your lunch and join us as we introduce a fascinating member of our community. Speakers to be announced.
Claim Your Hebrew Name — beginning in January 2025 Do you have a Hebrew name? Have your children been named yet? Have a Hebrew Name you want to change? Now in its second year, the Sisterhood of East End Temple, under the leadership of Fran Kolin, can help guide you through the process, which can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Simple, as in choosing a Hebrew name you like that may start with the same letter as your English name. Elaborate, as in researching your family history, visiting the graves of your loved ones, or choosing the name of a figure in the Torah that you admire. And, on Friday, April 25 at a special Simchat Shabbat service, you will be invited, with other newly named members, to stand on the bimah and receive a blessing from the clergy, the congratulations of your fellow congregants, and your certificate signed by the clergy. Please email Fran Kolin at thekolins611@yahoo.com to set up a meeting after the secular new year.
“Dante’s Vision of Rachel and Leah,” Dante Gabriel Rossetti 1855
Rosh Chodesh Study and Discussion: “The Genesis Finale” (in person and via Zoom) Sundays at 10:30am: Will return in Spring 2026 Rosh Chodesh, “the head of the month,” is the phase of the lunar cycle when the first sliver of moon appears, a time for renewal. Talmudic and modern-day interpretations connect the holiday to women. As such, Rosh Chodesh has been marked as a time for women to gather, study and pray (click here for more information).
Stitch-A-Thon Sundays at 1:00pm: Will return in Spring 2025 Gather for a while with other stitchers. Show off your latest projects; get help from our experts; make a hat or scarf for our Cold Weather Project for donating to New York’s needy.
Sisterhood Board Meetings (Sisterhood members only) Wednesdays: April 24 at 5:30pm, June 4 at 6:30pm (Zoom) All Sisterhood members are invited to join our bi-monthly board meetings when we review programs and social action initiatives, discuss how we can support each other and the EET community, and hear guest speakers on meaningful topics. RSVP requested to sisterhood@eastendtemple.org.
Scheduled Programs
Hamantaschen For Purim Mid-February We continue to sell boxes of yummy hamantaschen in time for Purim. These sales help us supply hamantaschen for the Religious School, Oneg Shabbats and Shalach Manot (“And they should make them days of feasting and joy, and sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor” (Esther 9:22).)
Macaroons For Pesach Mid-March Watch for reminders of sales of delicious chocolate covered macaroons in time for Passover.
Helene Spring Library Event will return in Spring 2026 Our featured speaker for our 21st Helene Spring Library Event was Elizabeth Graver, discussing her award-winning novel Kantika.
Sisterhood Shabbat: Building Community and Friendship Friday, March 21 at 6:15pm (in person and online) Throughout its 75+ years, the Sisterhood of East End Temple has partnered with, and supported, multiple EET communities, clergy and staff, to ensure the continuity of our “temple family”. Through listening, participating, and collaborating, we develop meaningful programs which give to the needy, inspire spirituality and create friendships. Come hear some of the stories of the women of EET who dedicate themselves to these ideals and participate in a community-wide candle lighting. Through prayer, song and good food, we will celebrate and honor the ways in which we work together to create connections with each other and the entire community.
Lilith Seder Thursday, April 8, 2026 at 6:00pm Sisterhood members, plus one guest, are welcome (ages 13 and up) Join us for our annual potluck seder! Everyone participates in reading from a Haggadah written especially for the Sisterhood of East End Temple, focused on the women’s role in the Passover story, including prayers using feminized Hebrew. We sing songs written by Debbie Friedman, dance with tambourines, honor women of valor, use a Miriam’s Cup for water and place a symbolic orange on the seder plate.
Pre-registration required
Celebration of New Hebrew Names Friday, April 25 at 6:15pm Join us for a special Simchat Shabbat service where we will honor those who worked with Fran Kolin over the year to obtain a new Hebrew name. Join in special prayers and songs, led by our clergy, as these honorees are called up to the bimah for special blessings and a certificate.
Nechama (Comfort) Post-Abortion Care Packing Saturday, April 26 at 2:00pm Participate in the mitzvah of tikkun olam (repairing the world) as we provide care and comfort, in the form of post abortion supplies, to those who have come to one of NYC’s clinics alone and are in need of accompaniment. They may be from the local NYC region or coming from out of town.
Our goal is to pack comfort supplies in sixty (60) backpacks. The supplies were chosen based on conversations with abortion providers and other organizations running similar projects, maximizing healthy choices and providing what is needed the most. Supplies will be ordered in advance.
There are two (2) ways in which you can participate in this meaningful project, open to all:
1. Donate – In the tradition of Jewish giving, we encourage giving in multiples of 18, with $18 providing approximately one bag per person. However, all donations are greatly appreciated.
2. Join us as we pack these bags in community – Join members of the community on Saturday, April 26, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, sharing in the joy of creating something wonderful together and making the world a better place, one package at a time. We will be organizing the supplies, packing them in the backpacks and enclosing a note of comfort.
— To donate and/or sign up to join us on April 26, please click here. A response by April 11 is greatly appreciated.
And after you’re done, we encourage you to celebrate with the Men’s Club in the Social Hall as they enjoy a wine tasting/competition and reception, starting at 4:30pm. For more information, see the Men’s Club page.
“May the Fourth Be With You” Family Spring Picnic With Men’s Club Sunday, May 4 at 12:00pm (in person) ~ on Governor’s Island ~ Join the Sisterhood and Men’s Club of East End Temple as we picnic on the lawn in Governor’s Island (meeting place TBD). Costumes optional. Food courtesy of Sisterhood and Men’s Club. Sign up here.
Engaging in tikkun olam – our fundraising and advocacy programs Sisterhood supports a number of worthy causes for those in need as well as temple staff, clergy and building projects. If you are interested in donating to any of our funds and/or honoring a loved one, please refer to the Contribute page.
Birthday Fund The Birthday Fund was started in 2012 by Sisterhood Board Member Jodi Malcom and supported by Sisterhood leadership. Its mission is to support non-profit organizations that improve the lives of women and girls in New York City. Less than 2 percent of charitable giving nationwide goes to women and girls despite continuing gender inequities. Generously supported by East End Temple members to honor their birthdays and the birthdays of loved ones, Sisterhood transforms individual and family donations into annual grants of $500-$2,500. Birthday gifts become acts of giving, not receiving, and more meaningful as they are transformed into active outreach by our community.
Food For Families Funds Led by a team of Sisterhood women for over 30 years, we gather to make meals to feed hungry New Yorkers, which are picked up and distributed by City Harvest. Donations to these funds are used to buy the meal-making ingredients and materials.
Helene Spring Library Fund A jewel of the temple, our library houses an extensive collection from which temple members may browse and borrow. Named for one of EET’s founding members, who is both a past temple president and Sisterhood president, we raise funds to keep our library beautiful and well-stocked.
Sisterhood Leadership Development Fund We are dedicated to creating leaders who can develop programs to enhance our EET community and to raise funds to support meaningful projects. Women of Reform Judaism, along with other leadership organizations, provides us with access to many development tools, from conferences to training presentations. Monies in this fund will be used to take advantage of those tools in order to support the enhancement of leadership skills of current Sisterhood members and to develop future Sisterhood leaders.
East End Temple’s Young Professionals meet monthly for Shabbat services and a dinner conversation, connect for Jewish holidays, and gather socially at each other’s homes. This growing constituency is comprised of people who want to be Jewishly involved, Jews by choice, people in relationship with Jews, and those who are Jewishly interested and seeking meaning amid busy lives.
Get connected
Email Rabbi Josh Stanton, jstanton@eastendtemple.org. And to receive the EET Weekly Eblast so you are up-to-date with what’s going on across the Temple, send your email to EET office at info@eastendtemple.org.
Our
mission is to cultivate relevant Jewish life through connected
community. We seek to expand avenues into Torah (Jewish learning and
practice), God (all forms of spiritual connection) and the Jewish people
(locally and globally) to help one another live lives of meaning.
We do this through:
Our Diversity: Betzelem Elohim, In the Image of God
We
welcome all in the Jewish community: young and old; single, partnered
and married; LGBT and straight; interfaith families; Jewish-born or
converted; those with and without mental and physical disabilities;
financially struggling or well-off. If you choose us, we choose you.
Our Accessibility: My House Shall be a House of Prayer for All People
We encourage full participation, enfranchisement and leadership through education and relationship-building.
Our Intimacy: Face to Face
We strive to know and care for one another through the cultivation of relationships between and among members.
Our Giving and Receiving: As Your Heart is so Inclined
We
aspire to a high quality of synagogue life, and give of time and
resources to create that quality. Our members who derive the most from
their East End Temple experience are often those who give the most.
Tikkun Olam (Hebrew for “world repair”) has come to connote social action and the pursuit of social justice.
Highlights
Interfaith support and collaboration with Middle Collegiate Church, one of the oldest continuous Protestant churches in North America, following a devastating fire
Sisterhood‘s Food For Families fed thousands of hungry New Yorkers
Engaged in Keshet training to improve equality of the LGBTQIA+ community
Provided direct assistance to 208 asylum-seeking families in Chinatown
EET Eastside Schleppers, a volunteer apartment set-up team, works with Ruth’s Refuge to move donated household items, including furniture, for the newest New Yorkers. For more information, email info@eastendtemple.org.
Team TLC-NYC is a grassroots organization providing basic needs and support to asylum seekers and migrants. Volunteer info here, or donate here.
Repair the World is an organization the helps Jewish communities to pursue making this world a better place, with volunteer opportunities for kids and adults. Find a local project here.
Support Israel
The East End Temple Board of Trustees has vetted and recommends the following organizations in supporting Israel.
Growing up, Cantor Brodsky was touched by liturgical music and recognized it as an accessible and powerful means of connecting with her heritage and community. She believes strongly in the transcendent nature of music, and its unparalleled ability to both convey and evoke emotion and spirituality.
Influenced by the musical styles of both Reform and Conservative cantors, as well as her background in both Musical Theatre and Classical music, Cantor Brodsky recognizes that the musical preferences of our community are as diverse as the people of whom it is composed. Cantor Brodsky makes a concerted effort to keep the music of Shabbat and Holiday services eclectic, participatory, and engaging. With a combination of folk, contemporary, classical compositions and chazzanut, she hopes that everyone will hear music that speaks to their souls and accentuates the meaning of our liturgy.
Enjoy our newsletter, Templet. Stay up to date on the latest events, activities and stories at East End Temple. You can download earlier editions of Templet by clicking the links below. (Newer editions of Templet are fully digital and are emailed to our members.)
We are grateful for your support. Tzedakah, or charity, fulfills some of Judaism’s strongest traditions. It also powers the activities and well-being of East End Temple. You may make a contribution in honor of a person or an event, in memory of someone, or just because you care about the EET community.
HOW TO GIVE
Click on the following links for convenient ways to support East End Temple:
Members, please click here. If you would like to contribute by check, please mail to: East End Temple, 245 E. 17th St., New York, NY, 10003, or to East End Temple, P.O. Box 418, Montvale, NJ 07645. Please note the fund on the memo line.
Guests, please click here to complete the necessary information to process a contribution. A description of our giving opportunities is listed below.
WHERE TO GIVE
TEMPLE FUNDS
KOL NIDREI 5785 APPEAL: helps ensure future growth of East End Temple
CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND: used for charitable giving, enrichment of the congregation and community. $36.00 minimum
EL EMET FUND: helps beautify and maintain our temple, underwrite holiday festivities, projects. In honor of a simchah, a mishebeirach, yahrzeits. $10.00 minimum
EET’s TOMORROW: helps ensure future growth in all temple life. No minimum
HAMERMESH MUSIC FUND: provides special music programs and resource materials. $18.00 minimum
LEONARD AND HELENE SPRING MEMORIAL FUND: Dedicated to providing safety and comfort-based enhancements for the sanctuary and throughout the temple building. Materials that aid the physically and mentally challenged are the focus of this fund. $18.00 minimum
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND: used for charitable giving, enrichment of the congregation and community. $36.00 minimum
SARA A. SPENCER CHILDREN’S EDUCATIONAL FUND: provides educational materials for the Religious School. $18.00 minimum
SECURITY FUND: provides necessary funding for security measures at East End Temple. $18.00 minimum
SIMCHAT SHABBAT FUND: provides musical Shabbatot and diverse community programs. $54.00 minimum
SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND: used to provide service to those in need in our neighborhood, city, nation, and world. No minimum
Legacy Circle
It is thanks to the foresight and generosity of those who came before us that EET has entered its eighth decade with strength and vibrancy. We are grateful to them for establishing a spiritual home that cultivates relevant Jewish life through connected community. Now it is our turn to make certain our tradition continues for generations and that EET continues to be a beacon for downtown Jewish life.
The EET Legacy Circle will bring together members like you and us, who are eager to help ensure our Jewish community’s future for generations to come by naming East End Temple as a beneficiary in their estate plans. Planned gifts of all sizes can play a significant role in sustaining our Temple. If you have already included EET in your estate plans, as we each have, please email Judith or simply send this form back to the temple office.
And if you are thinking about including EET in your estate plans, we would love to talk further with you. Please feel free to contact either of us or Rabbi Josh Stanton (jstanton@eastendtemple.org) for a confidential discussion. We are truly grateful for your consideration.
L’Dor V’Dor, From Generation to Generation
L’shalom, Rebecca Shore and Brian Lifsec, Co-Presidents Judith Sussman, Chair, The East End Temple Legacy Circle
For the following gift/naming opportunities, please contact the EET office via phone or email:
Floral (Flowers for the service)
$100
Kehilla Plaque on Sanctuary Lobby Wall
$5,000 min.
Memorial Board Plaque
$720
Oneg/Collation
$400 / $250
Simcha Tree Leaf
$234
HIGH HOLY DAYS (HHD) purchases/giving: HHD Pledge, HHD Ticket (Member), HHD Ticket (Non-Members), Yizkor.
SISTERHOOD PROGRAMS
Donations to one of the Sisterhood-sponsored programs can now be made online, using one of the above links, under HOW TO GIVE. However, if you prefer to send a paper check, please make your check payable to EET Sisterhood, indicate the name of the fund(s) and send it to the temple office. Your canceled check is your receipt.
FOOD FOR FAMILIES: Led by a team of Sisterhood women for almost 30 years, we gather to make meals to feed hungry New Yorkers, which are picked up and distributed by City Harvest. Donations to these funds are used to buy the meal-making ingredients and materials. $18 minimum
FOOD FOR FAMILIES DAY SPONSOR: Contribution designates you as sponsor for the day. $360 minimum
HELENE SPRING LIBRARY FUND: helps purchase new and archival books, library equipment and additional materials for our library. $18 minimum
SISTERHOOD BIRTHDAY FUND: contributes to a social action fund benefiting women and girls to be selected annually. $18 minimum
All contributions to East End Temple or Sisterhood will be acknowledged to the person(s) for whom you make a donation, as well as noted in our monthly newsletter, Templet.
Shira with Shira is a group of congregants who sing with our fabulous Cantor, Shira Ginsburg. We have several sessions about three times a year (not unlike the approach to adult ed), and we occasionally sing at services, the annual Holocaust Observance in the City, and the like.
The next sessions of Shira with Shira will take place in November, on three successive Tuesdays, the 5th, 12th and 19th. We rehearse in the sanctuary from 6:30 to 7:45 pm, and we will be preparing for a joint interfaith Thanksgiving service on November 26 with singers from the Village Temple. We hope you can join us.
Singing with Shira with Shira is an opportunity to spend time with Cantor Shira and up to as many as ten or more congregants who love to sing and learn about singing with the Cantor.
