2007 - United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

ather than Chinese-American, and often include items such as Beijing Duck, steamed fish Nanking style and lotus root
with sticky sweet rice, as well as what arguably are Chinese recipes with overtones derived from Jews living in China
during the Song dynasty over 800 years ago. Our synagogue has taken something distinctly non-Jewish and made it
acceptable for all Jews who would like to partake of it. This dinner is truly unique. No prepared Chinese food is brought
in from kosher Chinese-American restaurants, only raw ingredients. Senior citizens to USYers prepare the food under
Siegel’s supervision in what transpires into two days of education and learning new culinary skills in an atmosphere
often exuberant (volunteers have to have an element of exuberance when asked to make 300 vegetarian dumplings from
scratch!). Our rabbi has a hard time not walking into the kitchen for samples during the preparation. For the meal itself,
our USYers serve as wait staff, and being chosen the Maitre d’ for the year is considered something of an honor. The
dinner is structured to incorporate Havdalah. We find that the quality (and quantity!) of food brings our Jewish
community together for this event, making for a singularly enjoyable evening, both culturally and socially. We thank
you for your consideration.
HONORABLE MENTION
CONGREGATION SONS OF ISRAEL
Under 100
Leonia, NJ
Submitted by Ilene McGrath 201-944-3477
Our annual Tikkun Leil Shavuot study session celebrates “People of the Book.” Each person has chosen and read a book
with a Jewish theme or connection and makes a presentation to the group. The program is notable for its high level and
wide range of participation, the variety of topics covered, and the stimulating discussions.
The program, which is entering its fifth year, has been regularly attended by 20 to 25 people (from a
congregation with fewer than 70 family units). The age of the attendees range from teenagers to senior citizens,
including both synagogue regulars and those who seldom are seen in the synagogue. Almost all attendees come
prepared with a book they have read. The topics have ranged from fiction to history, from children’s books to
cookbooks, from humor to the Holocaust, and everything in-between.
Some of the consequences have been increased reading of Jewish-related books, stimulating discussions,
revelation of personal stories and viewpoints, and continued reading as a result of the presentations. The cost is merely
the cost of refreshments.
HONORABLE MENTION
CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM
Over 900
Northbrook, IL
Submitted by Leann Buchman Blue 847-498-4100
Grab a seat at the Ideas Café, a brand new concept in programming at Congregation Beth Shalom featuring local Jewish
thinkers with big Jewish ideas... this is how we billed this new and innovative program.
We did everything possible to make one of our rooms look like a café complete with café tables, candles, lower
lighting, dinner and checked tablecloths.
Each month we featured a local Jewish “celebrity” who had an interesting take on some aspect of Jewish life.
Our “interviewers” were either Rabbi Carl Wolkin (our rabbi) or Carl Schrag, former editor of the Jerusalem Post. Our
topics were:
November 2 - Aaron Freeman, “Reconciling Jewish Values with American Politics”
December 7 - Carl Schrag, “American Jews and Israel: What ties us together? What tears us apart?”
January 11 - Aaron Cohen, “Israel in the Media: What’s the Real Story?”
February 1 - Prof. Barry Chazan, “Are We Shattered Into Pieces? Why Do Jews Always Fight Among
themselves?”
March 1 - Rabbi Benay Lappe “What to do When the Torah Says ‘No’ but Your Kishkes Say ‘Yes’ ”
April 12 - Rabbi Yehiel Poupko—“Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Orthodox Judaism, But
Were Afraid to Ask”
Our format was always the same with a light dinner beginning at 6:30 pm, followed by the interview portion of