Temple Israel High Holidays 5772

Volume 91 Number 1 

Temple Israel 

Inside this Issue 

Rabbi’s Message 2 

Cantor’s Message 3 

High Holidays 

5772 

Director’s Message 4 

Co-Presidents 

Message 5 

Schedule of Services 6-7 

Contributions 8-9 

September - October 2011 - Elul 5771 / Tishrei 5772 

Sisterhood New Year 

Greeting 12 

Milestones and 

Condolences 13 

2011 Scholarships 16-18 

L’shana Tova Tikataivu V’taikhataimu 

May We All Be Inscribed and Sealed 

for a Good Year in the Book of Life

September / October 2011 

The Challenges of Change – Redefining the Numbers Game 

In the Annual report reprinted in last month’s Messenger, I said: 

“While numbers may have shrunk, we as a synagogue have grown spiritually. Those who come to services 

feel they are meaningful. Interfaith families now feel welcome at Temple Israel – they no longer need to go 

elsewhere. Many members have experienced personal growth. 

“A lot of changes have been made; there are a lot of challenges to be met in the coming years…. I just got 

back from a conference of Rabbis of small congregations, sharing and gathering ideas for our Board to 

consider. We met because there are a number of congregations who have shrunk and are facing similar 

challenges.... 

“One major statement was made: Small congregations are successful and viable. The congregations 

represented at the meeting are alive, vibrant, some with financial challenges but all are planning to 

continue. They agree we have to measure success in ways other than numbers and cannot be afraid of 

making changes…. We have to rid ourselves of the negative image of “small,” moving towards the positive 

synonyms of “compact”, “lean” and “wiry;” remembering that good things come in small packages.” 

Our lay leadership has shared with you the financial challenges we face – these cannot be changed; they 

must be dealt with. Our task is to change our own image of ourselves. History tells us that size alone is no 

guarantee for survival. Remember David and Goliath? Small David survived and prospered. 

We are still one of the small percentages of Conservative congregations with daily minyanim – 6% of our 

adults are involved shaharit, minha and ma’ariv. While it is true that we have difficulty making minyan some 

days, much larger congregations have fewer or no daily minyanim. We should point with pride to this and 

support our efforts to maintain this value. 10% of our adults attend Saturday morning services. Larger 

congregations are happy with 5 to 6%. 

Large congregations function differently than small congregations. We will have to learn how to function as 

a small congregation. Let’s go back to David and Goliath: David was smaller and refused to fight the same 

way as larger warriors did. Instead he took off the heavy armor and used a different, innovative way of solving 

his dilemma. This is our challenge – the “Challenge of Change.” 

This Yom Kippur I will be leading a discussion on the “Challenges of Change.” I hope to make this the 

beginning of a series of Adult Education sessions led by our own psychologists who will help us determine 

how we should be moving forward. As we prepare for the year 5772, Linda and I wish to apologize to each 

and every one of you in the words of our tradition: “If we have hurt anyone willingly or unknowingly, 

or through our actions or inaction caused someone to be hurt this past year, we apologize and ask for 

forgiveness. We ask that you accept this statement as being given of our own free will and as being 

genuine, coming from our selves, and not from any situation forcing us to publicly state this.” We also wish 

the congregation success in finding a new rabbi who will help Temple Israel move forward in a new vibrant 

and successful image. 

“L’shana Tova tikataivu v’taikhataimu”—May we all be inscribed and sealed for a good year in the book of life. 

2 

Linda and “Rabbi Joe” Mendelsohn

Temple Israel Messenger 

The following is a continuation of a series of excerpts from the book 

“Entering Jewish Prayer” by Rabbi Reuven Hammer. 

When properly understood, nusach is a great aid to prayer. A worshiper 

hears the leader use a certain melody appropriate to Rosh Ha-Shanah, 

for example, and this helps set the mood for that day. Obviously this 

depends also on the knowledge that the worshipper brings or the 

memories he or she has acquired over a lifetime. The one instance with 

which most of us are familiar is the Kol Nidre melody on Yom Kippur, 

which seldom fails to stir deep feelings within us, despite the fact that 

the words of the Kol Nidre are particularly lacking in emotional appeal. 

In this case it is the melody and the implication of the whole setting that 

moves us. One would have to go into the psychology of music to know 

what there is about the combination of tones that so affects the human 

being, but all of us know its power from personal experience. From the 

passion of opera to the passion of the modern expressions of popular 

music, we see the way in which masses of people can be moved to 

ecstasy, to tears, to excitement by the sound of music. 

The Hassidic practice of emphasizing song was part of their 

method of attaining true prayer. The wordless melody-niggun-was a 

brilliant method of demonstrating the extrasemantic dimension of prayer. 

We may even go so far as to say that words can be impediments to the 

deepest communication, for what words can adequately express our 

feelings about God? Nor can they truly capture the depths of our 

emotions at times of grief or of overwhelming joy. In the words of the 

Hassidic master R. Dov Baer, “The ecstasy produced by melody…is in 

the category of spontaneous ecstasy alone, without any choice of 

intellectual will whatsoever.” Words can become idols. They concretize 

that which cannot be concretized. Ideas can intellectualize experience. 

Melody is pure soul. One understands why many western congregations 

have included “readings”-translations of prayers without any melodyinto 

the service. But we would be well advised not to abandon the use 

of chanting in prayer. We need not turn the service into a performance 

and the cantor into a performer in order to avail ourselves of the musical 

tradition to enhance our worship prayer in not a spectator sport. The role 

of the cantor is to help us pray, to be the expert we may not be, to inspire 

us and guide us in a true experience of prayer. 

High Holy Days Services for Families 

with Young Children led by 

Rabbi Steve Nathan 

Join us on 1st Day of Rosh 

HaShanah,Thursday, Sept 29 at 10:00 

am and Yom Kippur, Saturday, Oct 8 

at 10:30 am, for a participatory prayer 

experience geared for families with 

children ages 8-12 (though others can 

certainly attend). 

These services will feature music, 

stories, and prayers. It will provide 

an engaging and meaningful 

experience for children and their 

families. The services will be led by 

Rabbi Steve Nathan, a Scranton 

native and Temple Israel Religious 

School alumnus, Rabbi Steve will 

also be serving as Master Teacher for 

the Reba and Art Douglass Religious 

School, as well as running monthly 

programs for our teens during the 

school year. 

We look forward to seeing you at the 

services. In addition, any parents who 

would like to volunteer to help lead 

parts of the service or help take care 

of the logistics should contact Rabbi 

Steve at rabbisteve.nathan@gmail. 

com. 

Rabbi Steven Nathan 

Wishing everyone a Sweet, Happy, and Healthy New Year!!! 

Shana Tova U’metuka!!! 

Cantor, Mila, and the Aronzon family 

3


Before I begin to write anything, Sheryl and I want to wish each and every member and their family a very happy and 

healthy New Year. 

I want to welcome everyone back for the beginning of a new year. It is the beginning of what is going to be a 

challenging year for our entire temple family. 

Your leadership team has been hard at work over these past months preparing for the upcoming holiday season as well 

as looking beyond to the rest of the year. Every Thursday morning the team meets after minyan with Rabbi Mendelsohn 

and when the Rabbi is away we still continue to meet. In addition, we are making plans for Selichos, Tashlich, 

holiday honors and the Yom Kippur breakfast. 

Before continuing, I want to thank Julie, Sam, Barbara, Chet, Shelley and Rita for the outstanding help and service 

they give to our congregation. I would be remiss if I didn't thank Alma Shaffer for her help in the office for several 

weeks. Of course, it goes without saying that our Rabbi and Cantor work hard on our behalf, and I, for one, am 

grateful for their service. 

After the High Holy Days we will celebrate Succoth, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. We need Succah builders 

and I hope some of you will be kind enough to step up before being asked to join in the succah building. 

One of our congregation's nicest events is the recognition of the Hatan Torah and Hatan Bereishit. This year Morris 

Goldstein is our Hatan Torah and Marvin Brotter is our Hatan Bereishit. Come out and celebrate with these gentlemen 

on Friday morning, October 21st. You will read about them in another section of The Messenger. 

Also, in another part of The Messenger, you will see the results of the work of Temple Israel's education committee 

under the leadership of Carol Rubel. We are looking forward to a successful year even though our enrollment is not as 

large as in years past. For some reason, our members are not having as many babies as in the past. 

Co-Presidents Bishop, Brandes and Nivert have revamped many of the working committees of the synagogue so as to 

streamline our operations. If you are asked to participate please answer in the affirmative. Also, there is absolutely 

nothing wrong if you volunteer for a committee. There are enough committees for you to find one in which your 

interests fall. 

One very important undertaking for this year will be fund raising. Our synagogue has been sorely lacking in this area 

and every non-profit organization must get involved with fund raising to maintain its financial health. Fund raising 

involves many people and we are blessed with several talented members who can be of great assistance in this 

endeavor. Just look at your daily mail to see how important raising funds is to a non- profit. 

When you see someone whom you don't know attending our services, whether on the High Holy Days or Shabbat, 

please go over and introduce yourself and welcome them. We are a friendly group and we should show this character 

of our congregation to strangers whether they are visiting from out of the area or potential members. 

As I have written in the past, don't be bashful. Call me or arrange a visit if you have any questions or concerns. I will 

do my utmost to answer or get the information you want. 

Seth Gross, Executive Director 

4


A man who lives near the Synagogue recently attended an evening service in order to say Kaddish in memory of his 

father. Although we almost always have a Minyan present, that night we had a problem - the weather was bad, some of 

our “regulars” were out of town – we only had eight people at services. 

Our guest was agitated and angry. He had come to say Kaddish but we were not able to provide him this opportunity. 

He stomped angrily out of the Synagogue – indignant that we did not have a Minyan when he needed one. 

Yes, it is a pity that we missed a Minyan that night. 

But who was this man who was so angry at us? He was a neighbor of the Synagogue who has lived nearby for many 

years. He is not a member of the Synagogue and has not contributed even one cent to the Synagogue for all these years. 

He never attends the Synagogue except when he needs to say Kaddish. Although he has done nothing to strengthen the 

Synagogue or to bolster our Minyan (except when he needs to say Kaddish), he expects the Synagogue to be there 

to serve him at his convenience. He expects 10 people to be at services whenever he deigns to show up. 

He feels that he has a right to benefit from the Synagogue even though he does nothing to help the Synagogue maintain 

itself. He feels entitled to take but does not feel responsible to give. 

Torah portion Behukotai begins with the words “If you walk in My statutes.” The Torah might have said: “If you 

observe My statutes, of if you keep My statutes” why does it use the word “walk”? Our sages explain that when the 

Torah commands us to “walk” in God’s ways it means that we are to be ACTIVE participants. We are not supposed to 

wait for opportunities to fulfill Mitzvoth but we are urged to “walk” to actively seek ways of doing that which is right 

and good. 

To “walk” in God’s statutes means that we actively take part in religious life, that we happily and eagerly accept 

responsibility to do our share as part of the community. It means that we pay our way and do our best and participate as 

well as we can. 

Some people somehow think that they are entitled to benefit from synagogues or other communal institutions even 

though they do not participate in maintaining those institutions. Who exactly is supposed to pay the bills? Who exactly 

is supposed to attend daily services and make Minyan every morning and evening? These people don’t really care as 

long as the responsibility does not devolve on their shoulders. Let others provide! 

The Torah reminds us to “walk” in God’s statutes, to participate actively, happily and responsibly in maintaining a 

vibrant Jewish religious life. Those who shirk the responsibility and privilege of “walking” in God’s ways deprive 

themselves of the satisfaction and self-respect that come with ethical, righteous, religious living. 

Synagogues and communal institutions do not exist just through wishful thinking. Minyanim don’t happen just from 

good intentions. If we each do not do our share we have no right to expect others to pick up the slack for us. 

Let us “walk” in God’s statutes, it is an important key to personal happiness and communal strength. 

What is needed is “walk” – not “talk”. 

As we approach the New Year and with our new Leadership Team in place it is incumbent upon all members of our 

beloved Temple Israel family to enthusiastically support our Temple in every way they can. Please make this 

commitment to help. 

L’Shana Tovah, 

Phyllis Brandes, Louis Nivert and Richard Bishop, Co-Presidents 

5


Shabbat – 4 Elul 

Friday evening, September 2, 2011 

Minha/Kabbalat Shabbat 

Light candles 

Saturday, September 3, 2011 

Bible & Bagels 

Services 

Minha/Ma’ariv 

Havdalah 

September Service Schedule 



5:45 pm Services 

7:20 pm Minha/Ma’ariv 

Havdalah 

8:30 am Selihot –“Jonah and the Whale for Kids?” 

9:00 am Monday - Wednesday, September 26-28, 2011 

7:25 pm Shaharit 

8:21 pm Minha/Ma’ariv 

8:30 am 

9:00 am 

6:55 pm 

7:45 pm 

8:00 pm 

7:00 am 

5:45 pm 

Monday, September 5, 2011 – 

Labor Day (office closed) 

Shaharit 




Light candles 


Celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of David Larar 


Services 


Havdalah 

8:00 am 

5:45 pm 

7:08 pm 

8:30 am 

9:00 am 

7:20 pm 

8:09 pm 

Erev Rosh HaShanah 

Wednesday evening, September 28, 2011 

Minha/Festival Ma’ariv 

Candle for transfer of light 

Light candles 

1st Day of Rosh HaShanah – 1 Tishrei 

Thursday, September 29, 2011 

Services 

APPROXIMATE TIMES: 

Torah Service 9:45 am 

Young family services with 

Rabbi Steve Nathan 

Shofar Service 

Sermon 

5:45 pm 

6:36 pm 

6:38 pm 

8:30 am 

10:00 am 

10:45 am 

11:45 am 




Light candles 



Services 


Havdalah 




Light candles 

5:45 pm 

6:56 pm 

8:30 am 

9:00 am 

7:10 pm 

7:57 pm 

5:45 pm 

6:44 pm 

Tashlich Family Picnic & Service at the 

Lackawanna River Iron Furnace Park 


2nd Day of Rosh HaShanah 

Light candles 

Friday, September 30, 2011 

Services 

APPROXIMATE TIMES: 

Torah Service 

Shofar Service 

Sermon 

Rosh HaShanah Minha/ Shabbat Ma’ariv 

Light candles 

6:15 pm 

7:00 pm 

7:37 pm 

8:30 am 

9:45 am 

10:45 am 

11:45 am 

5:45 pm 

6:32 pm 

6


Shabbat Shuvah – 3 Tishrei 

Saturday, October 1, 2011 

Services 


Havdalah 

October Service Schedule 

9:00 am 

6:45 pm 

7:33 pm 

Hol HaMoed Sukkot 

Sunday, October 16, 2011 

Shaharit 

Monday & Tuesday, October 17&18, 2011 

Shaharit 

8:00 am 

7:00 am 

Monday - Thursday, October 3-6, 2011 

Shaharit 


7:00 am 

5:45 pm 

Hoshanna Rabbah 

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 

Shaharit 

7:00 am 

Erev Yom Kippur 

Friday, October 7, 2011 

Shaharit 

Minha 

Kol Nidre 

Light Candles 

Yom Kippur – 10 Tishrei 


Services 

Approximate Times: 

Torah Service 

Young family services with Rabbi Steve Nathan 

Yizkor 

Musaf 

Study Session “ The Challenges of Change” 

Minha 

N’eila 

Ma’ariv 

7:00 am 

5:45 pm 

6:00 pm 

6:20 pm 

9:00 am 

10:30 am 

10:30 am 

11:45 am 

12:30 pm 

2:00 pm 

5:15 pm 

6:10 pm 

7:10 pm 

7:22 pm 

Havdalah 

The Congregation is cordially invited to a Break-the Fast 

directly after the shofar is blown 

Erev Sukkot – 15 Tishrei 

Wednesday evening, October 12, 2011 

Minha/Festival Ma’ariv 

Light candle for transfer of fire 

Light candles 

Thursday, October 13, 2011 

Services 


Light candles 

Sukkot – Day 2 – 16 Tishrei 


Shaharit 

Festival Minha/ Shabbat Ma’ariv 

Light candles 

Shabbat Hol HaMoed Sukkot Day 1 


Services 


Havdalah 

5:45 pm 

6:10 pm 

6:12 pm 

9:00 am 

6:35 pm 

7:14 pm 

9:00 am 

5:45 pm 

6:09 pm 

9:00 am 

6:20 pm 

7:11 pm 

Shemini Atzeret – 22 Tishrei 

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 

Minha/ Ma’ariv 

Yizkor during Ma’ariv 

Light candle for transfer of fire 

Light candles 


Services 

Yizkor during Torah Service 

Minha 

Simhat Torah 


Ma’ariv and Celebration 

Light Candles 

5:45 pm 

6:00 pm 

6:02 pm 

9:00am 

5:45 pm 

6:30 pm 

7:03 pm 


Shaharit 

9:00 am 

Procession of Hatan Torah & Hatan Breishit 

Shabbat – 24 Tishrei 

Festival Minha/ Shabbat Ma’ariv 

5:45 pm 

Light candles 

5:59 pm 


Celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of Benjamin Vale 

Services 

9:00 am 


6:10 pm 

Havdalah 

7:00 pm 

Rosh Hodesh Heshvan 


Shaharit 

Rosh Hodesh Shabbat – 1 Heshvan 



Light candles 


Celebrating the Bat Mitzvah of Ellie Sullum 

Services 


Havdalah 

7:00 am 

5:35 pm 

5:49 pm 

9:00 am 

6:00 pm 

6:50 pm 

7


BIBLE 

IN MEMORY OF: 

Paul Rosenstein 

Mitzie, Bruce, Howard, 

Suzin Levy 

PRAYER BOOK 

IN MEMORY OF: 

Shirley, sister of Mitzi Edelsohn 

Renee Schectman 

Sheldon Justan 

Karen & Leonard Scheck 

Gene Rottman 

Richard Nussbaum 

Howard Ufberg 

Ellie & Bernie Barton 

IN HONOR OF: 

Special birthday of 

Dr. David Bachman 

Barbara & Shelly Ehrenpreis 

ELAINE BERNSTEIN 

TEMPLE BEAUTIFICATION 

FUND 

IN MEMORY OF: 

Howard Ufberg 

Donald Bernstein 

Phyllis & Ed Brandes 

Jill & Howard Fragin 

Marilyn & Mel Wolk 

REBA & ART DOUGLASS 

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND 

IN MEMORY OF: 


Barbara & Louis Nivert 

Daughter of Norma Schneir 


Howard Ufberg 

Rita & Howard Kramer 


Elaine Vale 


RECOVERY WISHES TO: 

Bobbi Novick 


IN HONOR OF: 

Special birthday of Marilyn Preven 


Birth of a grandson to Margaret & 

Doug Sheldon 


CONTRIBUTIONS 

IRVING AND FRAYDEL EISEN- 

STAT LEADERSHIP DEVELOP- 

MENT FUND 

IN MEMORY OF: 

James Ferber 

Faye & Richard Bishop 

MICHAEL L. AND SARA R. GOOD- 

MAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND 

IN MEMORY OF: 

Sheldon Justan 

Suzie & Richard Jacobson 


Suzie & Richard Jacobson 

M. L. HODIN 

SCHOLARSHIP & ARTS FUND 

IN MEMORY OF: 

Howard Ufberg 

Susan & Scott Herlands & 

family 

CANTOR WILLIAM S. HORN 

MEMORIAL FUND 

IN MEMORY OF: 


Barry Propper 

Howard Ufberg 

Barry Propper 

NORMAN H. HOLLANDER 

MEMORIAL FUND 

IN MEMORY OF: 

Howard Ufberg 

Joe, Ruthie, Neil, Allison, Max 

Hollander 

Elaine Vale 

Eileen & David Feibus 


Joe Hollander 


IN HONOR OF: 

Jordan Hollander reading Kohen 

aliyot at Sam’s bar mitzvah 

Myers family 

MILLER-MEISTER FUND 

IN MEMORY OF: 

Irene Ruffman 

Deborah Miller Weinstein 

Howard Ufberg 

Erica & Stephen Miller 

Deborah Miller Weinstein 


Bart Bartikowsky 

Mr. & Mrs. Sylvan 

Lehrman 

IN HONOR OF: 

Ann & Ed Monsky reading Levi 

aliyot at Sam’s bar mitzvah 

Myers family 

SARA MORRIS MITZVAH 

FUND 

IN MEMORY OF: 

Dr. Manny Golnick 

Bev Meil & family 

Marion, Pete, Lynn Pearl 

Elaine Nussbaum 

Ruth Greenfield 


Natalie Bachman 

Ruth Greenfield 

Suzie & Rick Jacobson 

Odessa & Meyer Levine 

Howard Ufberg 

Renee & Elliot Schoenberg 

ALVIN NATHAN YOUTH 

FUND 

IN MEMORY OF: 

Karen Dubin Litowitz 

Melba Nathan 

Charles Marks 

Melba Nathan 

Irene Ruffman 

Melba Nathan 

MARC PLOTKIN 

SCHOLARSHIP FUND 

IN MEMORY OF: 

Gene Rottman 

Adele Pollack & family 

Howard Ufberg 

Adele Pollack & family 

8

R. RALPH ROSENFELD 

ECUMENICAL FUND 

YAHRZEIT OF: 

Beloved mother Rose Rosenfeld 

Esther F. Rosenfeld 

IN MEMORY OF: 


Rabbi Joe & Linda 

Mendelsohn 

Esther F. Rosenfeld 

TEMPLE FUND 

YAHRZEIT OF: 

Beloved parents Joseph & Lena 

Fenster 

Phyllis Oram 

Beloved husband Sidney Wasser 

Paula Wasser 

IN MEMORY OF: 

Richard Griffith 

Sandy Pittle 

Shaka Hazzouri 

Lil Levy & Irv Kalisher 

Elaine Nussbaum 

Rhonda & David Fallk 

& family 

Judy Weinberger 

Melvin Oram 

Rita Jordan & family 

Barbara & Fred Levy 


Naomi & Paul Alamar 

Yvette Brauner 

Gloria Dinner & family 

Ruth Justan 

Sheldon Kaplan 

Ellen McDade 

Charlotte & Marvin Pollack 

Margaret & Doug Sheldon 

Sheldon Rothstein 

Toni Alperin Goldberg 

Gene Rottman 

Karen & Robert Pollack 



Ann Stahler 

Carole & Jim Cader 

CONTRIBUTIONS 

Howard Ufberg 

Nancy W. Benisch & family 



Lois & Bernie Dubin 

Carole & Nelson Goodman 

Amy W. Greenberg & family 

Sheryl & Seth Gross 

Lil Levy & Irv Kalisher 

Ellen McDade 

Karen & Robert Pollack 


Faye & Mel Spatt & family 

Judy & Barry Warshal 

Carlos & Terri Zukowski 

Elaine Vale 

Marion & Gary Beckhorn 


Paula & Jay Demerer 

Rhonda & David Fallk 

& family 

Phyllis & Michael Weinberg 

Marilyn Washitz 

Carlos & Terri Zukowski 


Bobbi Novick 

Rochelle & Howard Spizer 

RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND 

YAHRZEIT OF: 

Beloved wife Florence Block 

Lester Block & family 

Beloved sister Pearl Ecker 

Simona Fielding 

IN MEMORY OF: 


Susan & Michael Diamond 

Bev Meil & family 

Marion & Pete Pearl 


Howard Ufberg 

Joy & Alan Firestone & family 

Linda and Rabbi Mendelsohn 

Sydelle O’Neil 

Karen & Leonard Scheck 

Jayne Simon 

Elaine Vale 

Joy & Alan Firestone 

Jayne Simon 


Marilyn Washitz 

Sydelle O’Neil 

Marion & Pete Pearl 


Jill Fragin 


Linda Mendelsohn 

Gloria Jurkowitz 

Phyllis Oram 


Tashlikh at the Lackawanna 

This year our tashlikh ceremony 

will be held 6:15 p.m. Thursday, 

September 29 – the first day 

of Rosh Hashanah. The usual 

manner of performing tashlikh 

is the throwing of breadcrumbs 

into flowing water expressing 

in a symbolic manner the casting 

away of our sins, so we will 

gather at the Iron Furnaces Park 

to throw breadcrumbs into the 

Lackawanna River. The custom 

of tashlikh is derived from the 

verse in Micah 7:19: He will 

take us back in love; He will 

cover up our 

iniquities; you will hurl all our 

sins into the depths of the sea. 

We hope that everyone, babies, 

children and those a bit older, 

families, individuals, will come 

to participate. Our Sisterhood 

will provide special treats for 

the young. Let us personally 

continue the tashlikh tradition 

at the Lackawanna River. Then 

come back to the synagogue for 

minha/ma’ariv. See you there! 

9


Preparing for Shabbat Meals following Rosh Hashanah and Festivals 

According to rabbinical decree, in order to cook for the Shabbat during a festival immediately preceding 

it, one must establish an eruv tavshilin (cooking eruv). The term eruv tavshilin is applied both to the act 

of setting aside the food and to the food itself. Eruv tavshilin is made by every householder, although, in 

principle, one person’s eruv (e.g., that of the rabbi) can dispense the whole congregation or city. In some 

congregations it is customary to announce before the evening service of the festival that those who have 

forgotten to make eruv tavshilin are dispensed by the rabbi’s eruv. 

Before this Rosh HaShanah, Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret put aside bread and a cooked dish (even a hard 

boiled egg) and designate them for Shabbat. Since the preparation of food for Shabbat began before the 

holiday, it may be continued during the holidays. The preparation of food for the festival and Shabbat are 

thus “mixed.” 

When setting aside the food, recite the brakha: 

Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha’olam, asher kidd’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al mitzvat eruv. 

Praised are You, Adonai our God, who rules the universe, instilling in us the holiness of mitzvot by commanding 

us to do the mitzvah of eruv (mixing). 

Follow this with, “By virtue of this eruv it is permitted to bake, to cook, and to kindle light as well as to 

provide for our necessary wants on this festival day for the succeeding Shabbat; for us and for all Jews 

living in this town.” 

Bible and Bagels Will Stop at the 

End of the Year 

Bible and Bagels has been a wonderful 

addition to Shabbat mornings; 

and as the saying goes, “All 

good things come to and end.” 

Therefore, we are discontinuing 

Bible and Bagels the end of 5771. 

Please consider other Temple funds 

for donations celebrating simhot or 

recognizing yahrzeits. 

Wear White on Yom Kippur 

It has become the custom to wear 

white clothes in Israel on Yom 

Kippur and is fast becoming the 

custom in the Diaspora, either in 

order to resemble the angels or 

because white is the color of purity. 

Some say since it is the color of 

shrouds it will inspire repentance. 

Many choose to wear a white robe 

called kittel. 

While asking God for forgiveness, it 

is the time for humility and introspection, 

not a time to bring attention 

to one’s outer façade (clothing). 

A room full of white is a beautiful 

sight. While one has to look closely 

to see the differences in styles, 

the overall appearance is equality, 

reflecting that in the sight of God we 

are equal. 

This year, please wear white on 

Yom Kippur. 

Happy Birthday Rita! 

Rita Geffen is celebrating a very 

special birthday. Rabbi Geffen invites 

all to send Rita special birthday 

wishes via e-mail: 

RITARGILO@aol.com 

10


TEMPLE ISRAEL IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE 

Morris Goldstein 

As 

HATAN TORAH 

Marvin Brotter 

As 

HATAN BEREISHIT 

They will be called to the Torah for these honors at the Simchat Torah morning service October 21 

On Friday morning, Oct.21, at the Simchat Torah service, we will honor two members of our congregation for living 

out the ideals of Torah and for their devoted service to the Temple. Morris Goldstein has been designated as Hatan 

Torah and Marvin Brotter as Hatan Bereishit. We hope you will make every effort that morning to be present and 

honor these two distinguished members of our Temple. 

Morris Goldstein learned about the responsibilities of adulthood at an early age. His father died when he was very 

young, leaving him to care for and support his mother and siblings. A hard worker by nature, Morris first found 

employment in his sister’s department store. He eventually established his own candy and vending machine business. 

As World War II broke out, Morris joined the war effort. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, liberated concentration 

camp prisoners and received numerous awards – including the Bronze Star in 1945 for his heroic actions 

during combat. 

After returning from WWII, Morris married Dorothy on June 22, 1947. Initially they settled in Avoca and started 

their family. Later, they moved to Scranton. Morris and Dorothy have two sons, Alan and Richard, a daughter-inlaw, 

Lori, and grandchildren, Iris and Ross. Morris and Dorothy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997. 

When Dorothy became ill, Morris remained a devoted and loving husband and served as her primary caregiver. 

While Dorothy passed away on December 2, 2006, Morris still lives an independent life and continues to work well 

into his late 90s. 

Dr. Marvin (Miv) Brotter and his wife Harriet moved to Scranton with their sons Bruce and Mark in 1960 to establish 

a community planning department for the firm of Bellante and Clauss in 1960. Their son Jay was born here in 

1963. Bruce is a Doctor of Social Work with a private practice in Westchester County, N.Y. where he resides with his 

wife, Debora Jurkowitz and their three sons, Jake, Cody and Jesse. Mark has a consulting business in Manhattan; 

and Jay moved back to this area about 5 years ago; he has a B.S. in Business Administration, and he and his wife 

Reena reside in Roaring Brook Township where Jay operates a toy manufacturing business. 

Marvin is a Doctor of Public Administration; he is the Temple’s Treasurer and he serves on the Executive Committee 

and other Temple Committees, and attends morning minyans regularly. He currently conducts his local government 

planning consulting business which he started in 1966, and he served as an Associate Professor of Public 

Administration at Marywood University for more than 20 years. 

11


Sisterhood New Year Greetings 

12 

[2011 New Year Greetings] 

Myer & Shirley Alperin 

Mrs. Harlene Arenberg & family 

Mrs. Jeanne Atlas & family 

Ellie & Bernie Barton 

Drs. Samuel & Linda Basch 

Gary & Marian Beckhorn & 

family 

Mr. Donald Bernstein & family 

Atty & Mrs. Richard Bishop 

Fern Blum & family 


Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Brotter & 

family 

Mr. Irving Cader & family 

Mr. & Mrs. James Cader 

Mrs. Mildred Davis & family 

Mr. & Mrs. Jay Demerer 

Donald & Joyce Douglass 

Mrs. Claire Dubin & family 

Mr. & Mrs. Sheldon Ehrenpreis 

Mrs. Rosalie Engelmyer & family 

Sandy, Scott, Ali & Jake Epstein 

Mrs. Ruth Fallick & family 

Dr. & Mrs. Howard Fragin 

Mrs. Estelle Freedman 

Shirley, Craig, Stacey, Isabella, 

Nat, Jo, Michelle, Abby 

Friedman 

Mrs. Paul Friedman & family 

Mrs. Shirley K. Friedman & 

family 

Mrs. Shelly Garber & family 

Ruth Gelb & Rob 

Mr. & Mrs. Alan Glassman 

Mr. Morris Goldstein & Alan 

Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Goodman & 

sons 

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Green 

Mrs. Ruth Greenfield & family 

Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Greenwald & 

family 

Mr. & Mrs. Seth S. Gross & 

family 

Mrs. Alan Grossinger & family 

Mrs. Jean Haas & family 

Mr. & Mrs. Scott Herlands & 

family 

Mr. & Mrs. Drew Hollander & 

son 

Mr. & Mrs. Herb Hollenberg 

Mr. Leonard Hopkins & family 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hyers & 

family 

Mr. & Mrs. Joel Joseph & family 

Mr. Arthur Z. Jurkowitz 

Mrs. Gloria Jurkowitz & family 

Mrs. Ruth Justan & family 

Mr. & Mrs. Louis Kahanowitz 

Mrs. Helen Kaplan & family 

Mr. Irving Kaufman 

Mr. & Mrs. Sid Kaufman 

Mr. & Mrs. David Kessler & 

family 

Mrs. Bev Klein & family 

Mr. & Mrs. Harold Kornfeld & 

family 

Mrs. Esther Kurlancheek & 

family 

Mr. & Mrs. Ron Laster 

Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Laster 

Iris Liebman & Michael Mardo 

Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Lebowitz & 

family 

Mr, & Mrs. Meyer Levine 

Mr. H. Irwin Levy 

Mrs. Mitzie Levy & family 

Mr. & Mrs. William Lewis, Jena, 

Jade, Joey 

Mr. & Mrs. James Linder & 

family 

Mr. David & George Mack 

Mrs. Rosalind Marks & family 

Ellen McDade & family 

Mrs. Helen B. Miller 

Annie, Ed, Jeremy & Scott 

Monsky 

Mrs. Sara Morris & family 

Ms. Marcia Myers 

Mr. & Mrs. Morey Myers 

Melba Nathan & family 

Mr. Sidney Newman 

Louis & Barbara Nivert & family 

Carol & Jack Nogi & family 

Mr. & Mrs. Ed Novick 

Mrs. Phyllis Oram & family 

Marion & Pete Pearl & family 

Mrs. Anita Pinkus 

Helen Pinkus 

Mr. & Mrs. Howard Platt 

Mrs. Anita Plotkin & family 

Mrs. Adele Pollack & family 

Charlotte & Marvin Pollack 

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Pollock & 

family 

Mr. Barry Propper 

Atty. & Mrs. Morris Raub 

Mr. Sam Rosen & family 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Rosenberg 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Rosenberg & 

family 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Rosenbluth 

Miss Esther F. Rosenfeld & 

family 

Dr. & Mrs. Bernard Rosenfeld 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Rosensteir & 

family 

Atty. Michael H. Roth 

Guitelle Rothstein & family 

Leonard & Karen Scheck 

Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Schectman 

Mrs. Renee Schectman & 

family 

Mrs. Cyndy Schoenberg & family 

Mr. & Mrs. Elliot Schoenberg 

Drs. Douglas & Margaret Sheldon 

Mrs. Jayne Simon & family 

Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Spatt & 

Family 

Mrs. Dorie Spiegel 

Rochelle & Howard Spizer & 

family 

Mrs. Elma Starr & Susan 

Rhonda & Steve Sugarman & 

family 

Gladys & Jack Suravitz 

Miki Troy & family 

Mr. & Mrs. Howard Ufberg & 

family 

Bob & Laney Ufberg & family 

Dr. Mel & Gail Ufberg 

Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Utan & family 

Judy & Barry Warshal & 

family 

Mrs. Paula Wasser 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Weinberg & 

sons 

Mrs. Mildred Weinberg 

Mrs. Murray Weinberger & 

family 

Mr. & Mrs. Herman Weisberger 

Mr. & Mrs. Fred Weissberger & 

Brett 

Jay & Pearl Willner & family 

Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Wizwer 

Mr. & Mrs. Lewis B. Ziman


MILESTONES 

We take note of the following happy occasions and Temple Israel wishes to express its congratulations to: 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Alamar 

on their special anniversary 

Bernard Barton 

on his special birthday 

Rita Geffen 

on her special birthday 

Marian Goldstein-Beckhorn 


Faye Bishop 



on selected Hatan Bereishit 

Atty. & Mrs. Don Douglass 

on their son David winning a gold medal at Maccabi Games in Vienna, Austria 

Neil Feld 


Morris Goldstein 

on selected Hatan Torah 

Robert Hyers 


Richard Kovitch 


Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Larar 

on the bar mitzvah of their son David 

Mr. & Mrs. James Linder 


Rabbi Joseph & Linda Mendelsohn on receiving the 2011 Interdependence Award 

Atty. & Mrs. Morey Myers 


Bonnie & Philip Rosenstein 

on the marriage of their daughter Pam 


on the birth of a grandson Derek Sheldon 

Herbert Siswein 


Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Sullum 

on the bat mitzvah of their daughter Ellie 

Drs. Steven & Jennifer Vale 

on the bar mitzvah of their son Benjamin 

Mildred Weinberg 

on the birth of a great-grandson Oz Carlo Silverman 

Jan Weiss 


CONDOLENCES 

In memoriam, our Congregation observes the passing of loved ones and friends, and express its 

deepest condolences to: 

Harriet Rosenstein 

on the death of her husband Paul 

May his soul be bound up in the 

Bond of Eternal Life 

13


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SPORTS MEZUZZAH ORDER FORM 

Price: $25. per mezzuzah. Please add $31. if you need kosher parchment. 

Temple Israel Sisterhood Gift Shop 918 E. Gibson St. Scranton. Pa. 18510 Phone: 570-342-0350 

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14 

I will need--------------- kosher scroll parchment(s) @ $31. each. 

GIFT WRAP? ____Yes __ No thanks. 

Enclose card? Write message here or include. 

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE TEMPLE ISRAEL HEBREW SCHOOL.


15


Naomi & Paul Alamar – In memory of Rose & William Weiner, Rose & I. C. Alamar 

Harlene Arenberg & Jodie Semel – In memory of beloved son & brother Steven 

Bruce Arenberg & beloved husband & father Eli Arenberg 

Jeanne Atlas – In memory of Irving Atlas 

Jeanne Atlas – In memory of Edythe & Irving Grossman, Rose & Louis Atlas 

Marian & Gary Beckhorn – In memory of David & Minnie Clavier, parents of Marian Beckhorn 

Linda & Harvey Berk – in memory of Herman & Rhea Ludmer, Jack & Estelle Berk 

Donald Bernstein & family – In memory of beloved wife & mother Elaine Bernstein 

Donald Bernstein & family – In memory of beloved parents & grandparents Gladys Klein, 

Max Bernstein, Rose & Clifford Fragin 

Faye & Richard Bishop – In memory of Phil & Celia Kahanowitz 

Brandes & Jaspan family – In memory of Renie Feldman 

Phyllis & Ed Brandes & family – In memory of Ann & Sid Brick and Lil & Sid Brandes 

Yvette Brauner – In memory of beloved husband Albert Brauner 

Carole & Jim Cader – In memory of Helene Cader, Helen & Walter Marchwat 

Irving Cader– In memory of Helene Cader, Nettie & Ben Cader, 

Bertha & Meyer Schwartz 

Ellen Kaplan Cannon – In memory of Marion & Harold Kaplan 

Gary Davis – In memory of Daniel R. Davis 

Sidney DeSantis – In honor of all veterans, active duty military & all first responders 

Don & Joyce Douglass – In memory of beloved parents Reba & Arthur Douglass 

Claire Dubin & family – In memory of beloved husband Joseph Dubin & beloved daughter Karen 

Barbara & Sheldon Ehrenpreis – In memory of beloved parents Harry & Malk Ehrenpreis 

Barbara & Sheldon Ehrenpreis – In memory of beloved parents Herman & Edna Goodman 

Margie & Gary Lewis – In memory of Fraydel & Irving Eisenstat 

Rosalie Engelmyer & family – In memory of Alfred Engelmyer 

Aleen & David Epstein – In memory of Jacob Feldman & Belle Feldman Slaff 

Aleen & David Epstein – In memory of Atty. Irving L. & Fanny Epstein 

Simona Fielding – In memory of beloved son David Lee Fielding 

Dr. & Mrs. Howard Fragin – In memory of Nat & Bess Fragin, Irving & Emma Sarlin 

Estelle Freedman & family – In memory of husband, father, grandfather Wes Freedman 

Shirley K. Friedman – In memory of beloved husband, father, grandfather Alfred Friedman 

Her loving family – In memory of Carol Goldberg 

Bonnie & Ken Green – In memory of Eli Arenberg 

Ruth Greenfield & family – In memory of our loved ones 

Sheryl & Seth Gross – In memory of Carl & Bess Jacobowitz 

Sheryl & Seth Gross – In memory of Abraham & Lillian Gross 

Molly Grossinger & family – In memory of Alan Grossinger 

Lee & Herb Hollenberg – In memory of beloved parents Harry & Ida Hollenberg, 

Harry & Jenny Weisberger 

Shirley Hollenberg – In memory of Seymour Hollenberg 

Leonard Hopkins – In memory of beloved wife Gytelle Hopkins 

Leonard Hopkins – In memory of beloved parents Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Hopkins 

Leonard Hopkins – In memory of Mr. & Mrs. Louis Rosenberg 

Leonard Hopkins – In memory of beloved sister Mae May 

Jacobson children & grandchildren – In memory of Dorothy & Ralph Furman 

Jacobson children & grandchildren – In memory of Marion & Harold Jacobson 

Irwin Kalisher & family – In memory of Joyce Kalisher 

Audrey & Sid Kaufman – In memory of beloved son Bruce Eisenstat 

Audrey & Sid Kaufman – In memory of beloved departed 

Bev Klein & family – In memory of Sara & Edward Klein 

Bev Klein & family – In memory of Jerry Klein 

16 

REBA & ART DOUGLASS RELIGIOUS 

SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS



SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS 

Irving Kaufman – In memory of beloved wife Frances Kaufman 

Bev Klein & family – In memory of Mae & Morris Gelb 

Gail & Ron Laster – In honor of marriage of Lawrence & Blair Laster 

David & Cheryl Lebowitz – In memory of beloved parents Thomas & Edith Lebowitz 

H. Irwin Levy – In memory of Jacob & Mary Levy 

H. Irwin Levy – In memory of Bernard & Elaine Levy 

H. Irwin Levy – In memory of Myron Levy 

H. Irwin Levy – In memory of David Levy 

H. Irwin Levy – In memory of Benjamin E. Levy 

H. Irwin Levy – In memory of Debra Levy Bullock 

Lillian Levy & family – In memory of beloved parents Mary & Jacob Levy, Ethel & Nathan Weinstein 

& brother Sam Weinstein 

Lil Levy & family – In memory of beloved husband Benjamin Levy & daughter Debra Levy Bullock 

Mitzie Levy, sons, daughter-in-law, granddaughter – In memory of beloved husband, father, grandfather 

Ben Levy & parents Dr. J.D. & Leila Barmash & Dave & Sara Levy 

Iris Liebman & Mike Mardo – In memory of Nat & Henrietta Liebman 

Iris Liebman & Mike Mardo – In memory of David & Syvia Mardo 

Iris Liebman, Mike & Andrew Mardo – In memory of Phyllis Mardo 

Jill & James Linder & family – In memory of beloved father, grandfather Leonard Krieger 

Susan, Seth, Jacob, Sam, Hannah Linker – In memory of beloved father & grandfather Steven Korn 

Rosalind, Lois, Bruce Marks – In memory of beloved husband & father Leonard Marks 

Bob, Todd, Keith Meister – In memory of the Miller-Meister families 

Ann, Ed, Jeremy, Scott Monsky – In memory of beloved Lillian & Jerry Monsky, Edith & Tom Lebowitz, 

Malcolm Neff, Judy Neff Parry, & all our loved ones 

Marcia Myers – In memory of beloved parents Atty. Jerome I. & Ethel G. Myers 

Sondra & Morey Myers – In memory of parents Atty. & Mrs.Morris Gelb, Dr. & Mrs. S. Z. Myers 

Melba Nathan & children – In memory of beloved husband, father, grandfather Alvin Nathan 

Melba Nathan & children – In memory of beloved parents, grandparents Anna & Benjamin Nathanowitz 

Melba Nathan & children – In memory of beloved parents, grandparents Esther & M. J. Waldman 

Barbara, Louis, Aaron, Stacy, Jacob, Harry Nivert & Rebecca, Tom, Eli Tschampel – In memory of 

David Weinberg 

Barbara, Louis, Aaron, Stacy, Jacob, Harry Nivert & Rebecca, Tom, Eli Tschampel – In memory of 

Harry & Marion Nivert 

Barbara, Louis, Aaron, Stacy, Jacob, Harry Nivert & Rebecca, Tom, Eli Tschampel – In honor of 

Mildred Weinberg 

Barbara & Louis Nivert & family – In memory of Nat & Henrietta Liebman 

Marion & Pete Pearl – In memory of beloved nephew Bruce Schoenberg 

Anita Pinkus – In memory of Myron Pinkus 

Anita Pinkus – In memory of Emanuel & Mary Lebowitz 

Anita Plotkin & family – In memory of Louis Plotkin 

Sam Rosen & family – In memory of beloved wife, mother, grandmother Olga Rosen & all our parents and 

siblings who perished in the Holocaust 

Margery & Paul Rosenberg – In memory of Carol Goldberg 

Margery & Paul Rosenberg – In memory of Sylvia & Milton Goldstein, Sara & Daniel Rosenberg 

Faye & Robert Rosenberg & family – In memory of Sam & Helen Abrams 

Faye & Robert Rosenberg & family – In memory of Joshua Cyncynatus 

Faye & Robert Rosenberg & family – In memory of Jeffrey Joseph 

Betsy Rosenthal – In memory of beloved parents Dr. Stephen & Sara Rosenthal 

Larry Schallop – In memory of Rabbi Max Arzt 

17



SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS 

Karen & Lenny Scheck – In memory of beloved parents Lillian & Heine Scheck 

Karen & Lenny Scheck – In memory of beloved parents Jenny Weisberger Solomon & Harry Weisberger 

Harriet & Joe Schectman – In memory of Dr. Samuel Schectman 

Renee Schectman - In memory of beloved parents Ida & Leon Edelsohn, Esther & Benjamin Schectman 

Renee Schectman – In memory of beloved husband Samuel Schectman 

Cyndy Schoenberg & daughters – In memory of Bruce Schoenberg 

Jayne Simon & family – In memory of beloved husband, father, grandfather Mortimer Simon 

Molly Singer, Jack Singer & family – In memory of Beatrice & Alexander Singer 

Elma Starr – In memory of beloved husband Arnold Starr, parents Ida & Harry Hollenberg, brother 

Seymour Hollenberg 

Barbara & Chuck Taubman – In memory of Stella & Eli Salba 

Miki Troy & family – In memory of beloved husband, father, grandfather Leonard Troy 

Miki Troy & family – In memory of beloved parents, grandparents Mollie & William Friedman, Dora & 

Jacob Troy 

Jacob & Miki Troy – In memory of beloved mother & daughter Marcia Troy 

Marcia Ufberg – In memory of beloved parents Hannah & Paul M. Rosenstein 

Gail & Mel Ufberg – In memory of Dr. Daniel & Pearl Solomon, Dr. Max & Lillian Ufberg, Dr. Arnold & 

Myna Ufberg Schwartz 

Judy & Barry Warshal – In memory of Janet, Milton, Sandy Warshal & Leonard Ross 

Mildred Weinberg – In memory of beloved husband David Weinberg 

Judy Weinberger – In memory of Louis & Gussie Weinberger 

Howard, Nancy, Jill, Neil, Jonah Wimmer – In memory of Naomi & Monroe “Mush” Wimmer 

Arlene & Phil Wizwer – In memory of beloved parents Janice & David Fiegleman 

Lewis & Mary Ziman – In memory of Mr. & Mrs. Meyer Ziman, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Ackerson 

Sukkot is in September – Celebrate with Us!! 

Immediately following Yom Kippur we are reminded what God did for our 

people by celebrating Sukkot: “You shall live in booths seven days; all citizens 

in Israel shall live in booths in order that future generations may know that I 

made the Israelite people live in booths when I brought them out of Egypt; I 

am the Lord your God.” [Lev. 23:42,43] This holiday is to be celebrated!! 

The rituals involved in the sukkah and the synagogue are centered around 

celebrating our freedom from slavery and thanking God for our fall harvest. 

During Sukkot we continue asking God for a good year and express our 

contrition by chanting hoshanot. Ask Rabbi about the lulav and etrog – they 

also represent human beings 

18 

Sukkot starts the night of October 12. Here are ideas for celebrating this 

holiday spanning the times from the bible to today! 

Put up a Sukkah. Erect your own or help us put up our Temple Sukkah 

Sunday, October 9, at 8:45 a.m. This is an activity for all ages, because 

while adults put up the sukkah, anyone can make decorations. Then when the 

Sukkah is up, we will all decorate it. Enjoy a special pancake breakfast. 

Think of seven ushpizin (traditional guests) to invite to your sukkah. 

If you don’t have a sukkah this year, invite them to your home “for dinner.” 

(Read about ushpizin on page 25)


19


20


Our classes start before the New Year with 

Wearing Tefillin for Prayer 

What’s Inside, How to Wear Them and Other Laws 

We will look inside an actual pair of tefillin, at the sources in Talmud and the brakhot one says when 

putting them on. We will practice putting them on and discuss what they represent. 

Join us Sunday morning at 9:00 – September 25, in Levy Hall. 

Sunday, October 30, at 7:00 p.m. at Elan Gardens we will study Witches, Ghosts, Demons and Soothsayers 

in Judaism, just in time for Halloween. Which witch doesn’t belong? Should we celebrate Halloween? 

Bring your opinions! (Dairy) candy will be served. 

Our 5772 High Holy Day Bulletin has a tentative listing of courses for this year. Please join us. 

The 10th Anniversary of 9/11 and the Need for Interdependency 

Sunday, September 11, at 7:00 p.m., our greater Scranton community will gather at St. Peter’s Cathedral for 

an interfaith service, presided by Bishop Joseph Bambera and Rabbi Mendelsohn will deliver the message. Help 

us remember those heroes, victims and their families in this moving service. Help us also recognize the need for 

interdependency – written in Scranton’s Interdependence Day website, 

“Interdependence Day was launched in Philadelphia on September 12, 2003. The date was deliberately chosen 

as a post 9/11 symbol of regeneration, as a time to reflect on the tragedy of the incidents of terror, not only in the 

United States, but all over the world, and to ask ourselves "What next?" It seemed critically important to 

acknowledge the inevitability and significance of interdependence in our time, and set out to build constructively 

and culturally a global civic society. 

“We must see learn to live together peaceably and respectfully in the post-communist, post-Cold War period; 

We must see ourselves as global, as well as local, citizens, and act accordingly; We must use the revolution in information 

and communications technology to bring the peoples of the world closer together, to transcend hatred, 

bias, and resentment, and turn our energies to devising ways in which we can coexist creatively and 

collaboratively; We must narrow the widening gap between rich and poor, and the vast cultural, religious, 

economic, and political differences among us. 

“Given the increased potential for destruction in our technologically advanced world, as well as the enhanced 

possibilities for democracy, we have no choice but to build a more sane and humane future.” 

21


Recollections: A Decade since 9/11/2001 

by Rabbi David Geffen 

[This is a series of excerpts from Rabbi Geffen’s article sent to Phyllis Brandes. Phyllis, we thank you for sharing it 

with us. Edited with Rabbi Geffen’s permission] 

"When my men and I arrived at Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers were located, fires were raging out of control 

and the smoke was burning our eyes," so reported Colonel Jacob Goldstein, chief chaplain of the New York Army 

National Guard on his experience on 9/11 2001. "The first thing I noticed was the ash. Cars, people, buildings – everything 

was covered in ankle-deep ash. Some time later it occurred to us that many people who had been inside the 

World Trade Center had been completely burned, cremated by the intense heat of the explosions. This ash was their 

remains." During the next few days and on Rosh Hashanah, Goldstein sounded the shofar at the Ground Zero site. 

We all remember moments surrounding 9/11. My friend Allan Rinzler of Dayton Ohio expressed these thoughts. 

"I was sitting at my kitchen table eating my breakfast, reading the paper and watching CNBC financial reports on 

TV. They began showing a shot of the first tower in flames after being hit. Then I saw the second plane fly into the 

second tower. 

"Once it started in this fashion, most people never left their homes. The streets were eerily deserted. Many businesses 

closed as the employees never showed up nor did the customers. Restaurants had their worst day in years. People 

were just so stunned that they stayed home with eyes glued to the television sets as we saw the Twin Towers afire 

and finally collapse…." 

Now that I have cited two brief memories of that day, let me tell my own story. For me, it was a fairly simple beginning 

to the tense days that followed - a knock at my door at our shul, Temple Israel. Sam Green, the computer 

specialist, was quite upset - "Rabbi, something terrible has happened in New York." We had no working TV in the 

synagogue so several people from the office, the cantor and I listened to the report over the radio. "A plane has 

crashed into one of the buildings of the Twin Towers," the announcer related anxiously. Then the tension built for he 

practically shouted out "a plane has crashed into the other tower, both buildings are in flame on the upper floors.....I 

don't believe it - people are jumping out of the windows....how very tragic." 

I returned to my office at the synagogue in Scranton Pennsylvania- only to be told in the next hour that a plane had 

crashed into the Pentagon in Washington. Later on that chaotic day, I learned that on Flight 93 the hijackers had 

been overwhelmed by the passengers, who caused the plane to crash in Pennsylvania rather than allow it to reach its 

destination in Washington D.C. 

The feeling surrounding these terror attacks, as we assumed they were, was indescribable. The phone began to ring; 

computer messages were received. The attacks of 9/11 were imminently real. 

One of the most dramatic events which occurred in those first days after 9/11 was the receipt of a statement from the 

Beliefnet internet site written by Arthur Magida who had grown up in Temple Israel several decades earlier. He had 

become a lecturer and now a college professor dealing with religious writing. I had read several of his essays about 

religious rituals and their impact on society. He had also written five books which were most informative. 

His statement on “9/11” became one of the key religious testaments to which people would relate as they were trying 

to understand this enormous tragedy. I was proud because he was from my Scranton synagogue, but I was even more 

moved by the way he provided a structure for people of all faiths to deal with those dark and trying days. 

“Engage in tikkun olam says Judaism - repair the world. Make it a good world, an honorable world, a decent world. 

A world worthy of its Creator who had such high hopes for it.” Magida now begins to deal with the tragedy which 

had occurred. 

22


“Don’t inflict injury through act or deed, to any sentient creature. Engage in good conduct, right conduct, blessed 

conduct. Recognize the specialness of all of us, our worth, our decency.” There is a uniqueness in each of us which 

Magida wants to emphasize. 

“And now something indecent has happened and it strikes at the very core, not just of our nation, but at something 

deeper and more fragile than that; at our sense of who we are and what we are and how we are to live our lives. We 

try to repair the world and it collapses down on us.” 

Like the prophets of old he calls out. “What can we do at such moments? Be kind and remember that we are not 

saintly, but pervious to calls for rage and revenge.” 

Now Magida suggested a path on which to tread and in that calamitous time of 9/11 we needed to hear suggestions 

with clarity. “Try to be loyal,” he started out, “ to the best part of ourselves, for without the remembrance that we 

harbor goodness and decency (although possibly regarding this particular instance of terror not forgiveness.)” 

He compared briefly the structural and human loss. “More has been taken from us than two landmarks and yet to be 

counted lives; lacking such remembrance will scourge our humanity and our decency, which are too invaluable to be 

added to the notches already on the gun handles of those responsible for Tuesday’s frightful carnage….” 

By Thursday two days after the attack, Scranton was a truly patriotic community like most communities in the USA, 

large and small. There were American flags flying in front of stores in the downtown area and in the suburbs. People 

were driving around in cars carrying loads of flags. They handed them out to anyone who would take a flag. The 

leading local columnist, the late Joe Flannery wrote. “I have been a patriot for a long time...almost back to World 

War I, but I have never seen the city draped out in such red, white and blue finery….” 

We had three Jewish religious events which gave our members an opportunity to synthesize for themselves the meaning 

of 9/11. First, there was Kabbalat Shabbat on September 14; next on Sunday, September 16, with a Sofer from 

Israel, there was the ceremony to begin the writing of our new Sefer Torah; third the first morning of 

Rosh Hashanah…. 

For Mincha there were 40 people present. By the time Kabbalat Shabbat services began, almost 200 people were in 

attendance; by the end of the service another 150 had come. For a small congregation of several hundred members, 

it was quite an outpouring. The ushers had to ferry more and more chairs into the sanctuary. As someone vividly 

remembers, there was a “surge for synagogue seats” that Friday night…. 

I looked out at all the congregants young and old and I stated with a real sense of pride. “I feel today that we are 

one nation, Jews, Christians, Moslems, Buddhists, black and white and brown. We are one nation indivisible, united 

in our fear and outrage, our compassion and resolve. From now on September 11 will be a second Memorial Day to 

honor our civilian casualties of war.” That line brought some loud bravos from those present. I talked about our need 

to support our President and to reach out our hands to bring comfort to those who had lost loved ones. Interestingly 

in the next month $760 million dollars was donated to assist the families who had suffered personal loss. 

There were a variety of other points which I touched upon and then I emphasized what was most significant. “Each 

of us is a reservoir of hope and strength. Surely we all saw hope in the firefighters who stood in burning debris, with 

boots melting, trying so hard to find more survivors. That hope should be a part of all our lives. We must do all that 

we can to help, ‘veim lo achshav ematay’ - if not now when.” 

23


2012 United Jewish Campaign 

The 2012 Campaign Opening Event will feature the award-winning documentary “Jews & Baseball” 

(Sunday, September 11th at 2:00 PM at the Scranton JCC) that traces how America’s favorite past time impacted 

on newly arrived Jewish immigrants and how many of these new immigrants changed baseball in America. 

A Concession Stand will add to this entertaining event. 

Other programs will include a top speaker on events unfolding in the Middle East ((Micah Halpern) for the Major 

Gifts Brunch and the Annual Pocono UJA Dessert Reception at Temple Israel of the Poconos in Stroudsburg (both 

on Sunday, September 18th); the Women’s Campaign Event at the Jewish Home (Wednesday, September 21st) 

featuring Devorah Goldberg, who relates Jewish culture to Jewish cooking in a fascinating and entertaining way; 

the Senior Adult UJA Luncheon and Film Program (Monday, October 10th) featuring the classic film on the 

founding of the State of Israel, “Cast a Giant shadow”, and, the Super Sunday Phonathon at Nivert Metal Supply 

(Sunday, October 16th). 

Kavod haMakom and kavod haTzibbur 

Respect for God and for the Community 

Calling on all members – able 

bodied or not!! 

Join us as we put up our Temple 

Sukkah Sunday, October 9, at 8:45 

in the morning (right after minyan). 

While we are erecting the 

Sukkah in the driveway, we will 

be making decorations to put up in 

the Sukkah. Enjoy a special “pancake 

bar” breakfast cooked by our 

Rabbi and a pizza lunch provided 

by Sisterhood. This is an activity 

for all ages. Bring a friend! 

While Judaism respects the role that cell phones play in our 

lives, we must respectfully request that phones be turned 

off or, in the case of emergencies, set to vibrate before 

coming into services. If they are set to vibrate, we also 

have two requests: 

1. Answer the phone outside the chapel or sanctuary, 

not while you are sitting or walking out. 

2. Make sure your voice mail alert is also soundless. 

During weekday services, there is nothing halakhically 

wrong with using cell phones. So why are we asking for 

this behavior during all services? Kavod haTorah and 

kavod haTzibbur - respect for God and for the community. 

24


Ushpizin – Welcoming Guests: An Ancient Custom 

Ushpizin is an Aramaic word meaning “guests.” The traditional Aramaic invitation has evolved 

through the years, welcoming seven male guests or female guests or a combination of both. Each 

day of the holiday, a different guest (or pair) is featured. The name of the featured guest is read first, 

with the remaining guests named thereafter (see example for first day below). 

The origin of the ushpizin ceremony is found in the Zohar, one of the primary sources of Jewish 

mystical traditions. It is our hope that accompanying these guests will be the Shekhinah, God's 

spirit, which shelters and protects us. 

Ushpizin can be invited into our sukkot at each meal or once a day. The following suggestions, one 

for each day of the holiday, may help you gain new insights into the importance and value of this 

wonderful tradition. 

“Abraham, my esteemed guest, may you and all the other esteemed guests – Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, 

Moses, Aaron and David – dwell here (in the sukkah) with us. Sarah, my esteemed guest, may you 

and all the other esteemed guests – Rebecca, Leah, Rachel, Miriam, Deborah and Ruth – dwell 

here (in the sukkah) with us. 

We are taught that the tent of Abraham and Sarah had an opening on each side so that wayfarers, 

from whichever direction they came, would feel welcome to partake of their hospitality. As we read 

in Parshat Vayera, it was just such guests (actually, angels in disguise) who announced the future 

birth of Isaac. 

Hakhnasat Orhim (“welcoming guests”) is a time-honored tradition among Jews. The invitation to 

“all who are hungry” in the Passover Haggadah is well known. Try inviting these traditional guests 

or decide on your own guests to invite. To make this even more meaningful, donate food representing 

the food your guests would have been served. 

There are valuable lessons to be learned from the custom of ushpizin that will stay with us throughout 

the year and throughout our lives. Why not begin this year? 

Parts of this article taken from an article by Lois and Ken Goldrich in The United Synagogue Review, Fall 1993 

25


Donations are Always Welcome 

One of the best ways to help Temple Israel further its goals is to remember its many friends 

in the form of donations in honor of persons – in memory, health, recovery, simhot, etc. Some 

of these donations are used to help others in time of need, enhance the beauty of the Temple, 

purchase prayer books or Bibles and for scholarships and educational purposes. A special card 

is sent to the recipient of these donations. All donations, unless specified, will appear in the 

Messenger. Please remember your Temple by contributing to these funds. 

The following is a listing of the various Temple Israel funds currently accepting contributions: 

Prayer Book Fund 

Bible Fund 

Reba & Art Douglass Religious School Fund 

Albert Brauner Special Needs Fund 

Michael L. And Sara Goodman Scholarship Fund 

Marc Plotkin Scholarship Fund 

Happiness Fund 

R. Ralph Rosenfeld / Rabbi Simon H. Shoop Ecumenical Fund (Interfaith Fund) 

Norman H. Hollander Memorial Fund 

Steven B. Levy Fund 

Irving & Fraydel Eisenstat Leadership Development Fund 

Elaine Bernstein Temple Beautification Fund 

Miller-Meister Fund 

M. L. Hodin Scholar-In-Residence Fund 

Nat E. & Rose T. Levy Fund 

Harry & Lillian Poplin Fund 

Temple Fund 

Louis Wolf Foundation 

Cantor William S. Horn Memorial Fund 

Alvin Nathan Youth Fund 

Sara Morris Mitzvah Committee Fund 

Special Funds 

Membership In Perpetuity 

Tree Of Life 

Cultural Arts Fund 

26 

LifeLights – a Lasting Gift from Mae Gelb 

Thanks to an anonymous donation in Mae’s memory, we have “bubby’s wisdom” to 

share with you. As you walk in our East Gibson street door and climb the stairs, you 

will find racks on the wall holding LifeLights booklets. LifeLights are inspirational, 

informational booklets about challenges to our emotional and spiritual lives and how 

to deal with them – booklets about health and healing, grief and loss, spiritual care, 

personal growth, family issues and living a Jewish life. Each LifeLight is written by a 

caring soul who knows the inner territory of grief, doubt, confusion and longing. Each 

addresses the reader from a uniquely Jewish spiritual perspective. 

You are welcome to stop, browse and take booklets to read on your own. We will refill 

the racks as needed, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of this gift. Remember: no one 

is alone in his or her need and we are ready to offer Jewish resource support. If I can 

add anything to what these booklets offer, please don’t hesitate to call. 

“Rabbi Joe” Mendelsohn 

Shemini Atzeret – a day of Yizkor 

Shemini Atzeret is explained in a 

midrash. Rabbi Isaac Klein explains 

in his book, A Guide to Religious 

Jewish Practice, “When the children 

of Israel, after having spent a long 

holiday period in worship and 

rejoicing, are about to resume their 

regular daily life, God says to them, 

‘It is difficult for me to part with you. 

Tarry a while longer. Stay another 

day.’ Hence the name Shemini 

Atzeret, for the word atzeret means 

“to tarry or to hold back” (quoted by 

Rashi on Lev. 23:36).” We treat it 

both as the last day of Sukkot and also 

as its own holiday. Ask Rabbi for a 

fuller explanation. 

Learn, Dance, Sing, & 

Honor Two Special 

People on Simhat Torah 

Simhat Torah is the logical 

conclusion to this set of holidays. 

We are still celebrating 

our redemption from Israel 

when post-geonic rabbis add 

a holiday to celebrate the concluding 

portion of the Torah. 

This causes us to combine all 

the reasons to rejoice into one 

final giant celebration: honoring 

Torah, honoring members 

of the congregation, inviting all 

the children up for an aliyah, 

celebrating in the synagogue 

and in the home. 

• Dance and sing with the 

Torahs Thursday night, 

October 20 and Friday 

morning, October 21. 

• During our Friday morning 

Torah services 

• Help honor Morris Goldstein, 

our Hatan Torah and 

Marvin Brotter, our Hatan 

Bereishit. 

• Bring your children for an 

aliyah. 

• Join us as we read the end 

of the Torah and the beginning 

of the Torah.


Love Your Neighbor by Feeding the Hungry 

Fasting on Yom Kippur? Think of how much money you spend on a day’s meals and donate 

that amount. On Kol Nidre we will hold our annual campaign for local people with needs. 

Between Rosh Hashanah and Kol Nidre, bring 

• canned goods 

• dry packaged goods 

• tzedakah funds (checks should be made out to MAZON or to JFS Food Bank) 

• (Have you been traveling and have hotel toiletries?) hotel toiletries 

• paper towels, toilet paper 

to the front lobby. Temple Israel will distribute all goods to our kosher food bank, local food 

banks, the Women’s Resource Center and Mazon. All donations make a difference. 

2 Yizkor Ceremonies?? 

Technically the last day of Sukkot, we hold yizkor services on Shemini Atzeret. 

Remembering our loved ones is one of the most important elements of our tradition – that their 

memories and values are major components in determining who we are. The Yizkor service, held 

during the Torah service, is said on 

• Yom Kippur 

• Shemini Atzeret 

• the last day of Pesah 

and 

• the second day of Shavuot. 

It is an opportunity to join others who have also lost loved ones, reciting prayers together and 

comforting each other as we stand in sorrow. 

Once again we will hold two Yizkor services in our chapel for Shemini Atzeret. 

Join us 

• Wednesday, October 19, for minha-ma’ariv services 

and 

• Thursday, October 20 for shaharit services 

as we perpetuate the lives of our loved ones together. 

27

or Current Resident 

The deadline for the November Messenger will be 

October 3, 2011 

Make sure your article is ON TIME. 

TREE OF LIFE 

NON-PROFIT 

US POSTAGE 

PAID 

SCRANTON PA 

PERMIT NO. 462 

Temple Israel Daily Minyan 

Schedule 

(Times change for holidays and 

Shabbat. Consult the Schedule of 

Sevices inside the Messenger) 

Shacharit: 

Sunday 

Monday 

Tuesday 

Wednesday 

Thursday 

Friday 

Mincha/maariv: 

Sunday - Friday 

8:00 a.m. 

7:15 a.m. 

7:25 a.m. 

7:25 a.m. 

7:15 a.m. 

7:25 a.m. 

5:45 p.m. 

A gift of a leaf on our Tree of Life is a perfect way to 

honor family and friends on the important occasions in 

their lives. 

For birthdays or anniversaries or other simchas, call 

Carol Nogi at 587 5453 

to place a leaf on the Tree of Life in their honor. 

TEMPLE ISRAEL 

affiliated with 

United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 

918 E. Gibson St. 

Scranton PA 18510 

Phone: (570) 342-0350 

Fax: (570) 342-7250 

Email: tiscran@epix.net 

www.TempleIsraelScranton.org 

Joseph F. Mendelsohn 

Rabbi 

David Geffen, Ph.D. Rabbi Emeritus 

Vladimir Aronzon 

Cantor 

Marshall Wolkenstein Cantor Emeritus 

Seth Gross 

Executive Director 

Help Those in Medical Need – a Tzedakah Project 

Do you have (and no longer need) a wheelchair, cane, walker, 

crutches or other portable devices that could help someone? 

Why not donate it to Temple Israel? We have a Medical 

Device Bank, currently located in the cloak room, that 

any of our people can borrow from when a relative comes to 

visit, or God forbid, if they need it themselves. Drop it off at 

the Temple any weekday and we’ll take it from there. 

OFFICERS 

Richard Bishop Co President 

Phyllis Brandes Co President 

Louis Nivert 

Co President 

Elliot Schoenberg Vice President 

Jay Okun 

Vice President 

Steven Vale 

Vice President 


Treasurer 

Robert Rosenberg Finance Chair 

Marian Goldstein-Beckhorn Secretary 

Temple Israel Dunmore Cemetery Hours 

Sunday - Thursday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm 

Fridays and all days 

before holidays 

8:00 am - 2:00 pm 

Closed on Saturdays

Temple Israel High Holidays 5772

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