The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Judaism

UJA-FEDERATION OF NEW YORK’S J-1-1 INFORMATION & REFERRAL CENTER CONNECTS THE NEW YORK JEWISH COMMUNITY WITH LOCAL PASSOVER SEDERS

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Have-You-Ever-Attended-Passover-Seder

UJA-Federation of New York’s Find-a-Seder resource is back for 2016, listing pre-Passover celebrations and Seders on the first two nights of Passover at local community centers and synagogues of all denominations throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, and Westchester.

For more than 25 years, UJA-Federation’s J-1-1 Information and Referral Center has been working to match Jewish families with communal Seders in the area. This resource details more than 75 community Seders that are open to families looking to observe the tradition–rich holiday.

The list of Seders can be found here: http://www.ujafedny.org/passover/find-a-seder/.

Individuals or families looking to Find-a-Seder can contact UJA-Federation’s J-1-1 Information and Referral Center Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 877.852.6951 or J11@ujafedny.org.  J-1-1 is a free information and referral service that connects the New York Jewish community with available programs and resources. Space for Passover Seders may be limited. Fees vary by venue, and not all venues offer a Seder on both nights. Please note that J-1-1 will be closed starting at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22, 2016, and will be closed all day on Friday, April 29, 2016. UJA-Federation of New York is working to make the Jewish holidays a warm and welcoming experience for all.

About UJA-Federation of New York
For nearly 100 years, UJA-Federation has inspired New Yorkers to act on their values and invest in our community for the biggest impact. Through UJA-Federation, more than 50,000 donors address issues that matter most to them, pooling their resources to care for New Yorkers of all backgrounds and Jews everywhere, to connect people to their Jewish communities, and to respond to crises close to home and around the globe. Working with nearly 100 beneficiary agencies, synagogues, and other Jewish organizations, UJA-Federation is the world’s largest local philanthropy; our reach spans from New York to Israel to more than 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please visit our website at www.ujafedny.org.

On “Giving Back to a Jewish Population in Cuba”

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TBE Congregants delivered supplies to a Temple Beth Shalom in Havana
TBE Congregants delivered supplies to a Temple Beth Shalom in Havana

By Matt Smith

There is an old Hebrew saying, which stems from an early 20th century Zionist folksong: “Livnot uI’hebanot.” Translated into English, this saying means, “To build and to be built by it.” You may also know this saying: “It’s better to give than it is to receive.” However you know the adage, we’re sure you can agree it’s one to live by. And it’s certainly one Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester kept in mind this past winter when he sojourned to Cuba with a group of congregants for a project in community outreach.

“I think that for every generation of American Jews, there has always been an inspirational challenge to rise up,” explains the Rabbi. “[And as] I believe the theory of [Jewish American historian] Jonathan Sarna points out, my generation of American Jews is at a loss because of a lack of a challenge that way. We don’t have some all-encompassing, inspirational task to which we can dedicate ourselves.”

Entrance to Havana Jewish Cemetery
Entrance to Havana Jewish Cemetery

Given this fact, the Rabbi took it upon himself to create one for the people of his congregation. He turned his attention toward the tumultuous relationship between the United States and Cuba, which he saw as an opportunity to heal wounds–“an amazing goal to center the congregation around”–and a way to “fulfill that need” for a present-day, inspirational challenge by giving back to the Jewish population in Cuba.

And so, the trip was constructed under the auspices of “bringing supplies and donations to the needy populations, especially the Jewish populations, in Cuba.” The group of congregants, which totaled around 25 people of various ages, brought in over 2,000 pounds of supplies–medical, hygienic, dental, and school/office–and donated an additional $2,000 to various Jewish communities throughout the country.

While there’s no doubt he enjoyed his time in Cuba (the group took part in walking tours, scuba diving, music and food), the Rabbi admits that, during the trip, his eyes were opened to how much the country is still struggling culturally and economically– and found that especially humbling when he found himself without his American luxuries.

“It’s hard to lead a synagogue trip when you can’t use a credit card or cell phones,” the Rabbi acknowledges. “And that’s [the case because] the bureaucracy and the limited markets available make things very difficult at times.” Additionally, he notes that “not only did they not have cell phones, but even the nice hotels don’t have voicemail [systems available] in the rooms. So, if you wanted to contact someone, you went downstairs and you had someone write down a note and go up and slip it under the person’s door. It felt like we were stuck in the Stone Age from a communication standpoint.”

Rabbi Jaffe was also particularly struck to see the lack of resources firsthand–and the impact the loss had on the town’s residents. “We were walking around the very small town of Trinidad,” the Rabbi explains, “and [we had] a college student [who] was drinking out of his Gatorade bottle… and a man approached him and asked if he could have the [Gatorade] bottle because he needed something to feed his child milk. They don’t have baby bottles. It makes you realize how privileged we are.”

Considering this overall American privilege, and the relationship Cuba has not only with America in general, but specifically, the Jewish people, Rabbi Jaffe comments that he felt the trip “was an amazing experience in Jewish peoplehood.”

“We share a common bond, a common history, a common ancestry, and that wherever you go in the world, you can always find a Jewish population and [know] that you’ll be treated as an insider rather than an outsider. And that it’s this beautiful global aspect of Judaism, in that you have to leave your community and your shell in order to experience that.”

Observing how his own group of congregants experienced the trip was a source of joy too. “[We had people] from nine years [old] through their mid-70s [and] the group just beautifully gelled. It was really nice to see.” Livnot uI’hebanot. “And,” says the Rabbi, with a smile, “we are all closer for it in the end.”

Yankee’s JOE GIRARDI: “Sports Talk Speaker” To UJA-FEDERATION OF NEW YORK

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(From left) Richard Leroy of Briarcliff Manor, Carl Finger of Scarsdale, Jeff Kapelus of New Rochelle, New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi, Barbara Bel of Scarsdale, David Perlmutter of Chappaqua, Scott Zemachson of Scarsdale, and Ken Fuirst of Chappaqua.
(From left) Richard Leroy of Briarcliff Manor, Carl Finger of Scarsdale, Jeff Kapelus of New Rochelle, New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi, Barbara Bel of Scarsdale, David Perlmutter of Chappaqua, Scott Zemachson of Scarsdale, and Ken Fuirst of Chappaqua.

Yankees Manager Joe Girardi served as guest speaker at UJA-Federation of New York’s 10th Annual Sports Talk. The event took place on Thursday, January 28at Mulino’s at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, New York. It drew nearly 250 guests who came to support UJA-Federation’s life-changing work and hear from Girardi, who has guided the Yankees to five playoffs and one World Series Championship since being named manager in 2007.

A Purchase, New York, resident, Girardi successfully translated the skills he learned during his 15 years as a Major League Baseball catcher into his winning career as manager. As a major league catcher, he played for the Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Yankees. He also dedicates much of his time to philanthropy, particularly his Catch 25 Foundation, which provides support to those afflicted with ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and fertility issues.

Guests had the opportunity to hear about the work of UJA-Federation, which over the course of its 99-year history has become the largest local philanthropy in the world, supporting a network of nearly 100 nonprofit organizations that serve every population from early childhood to old age, and that offer critical assistance in almost every life circumstance.

“It’s amazing how we’re immediately on the ground — whether that’s here in New York during Hurricane Sandy, in Israel during last summer’s rocket attacks, in Japan following the earthquake, or in Ukraine when the Jewish community came under threat. The impact we make is extraordinary,” said Event Chair Ken Fuirst of Chappaqua. “But the difference we make isn’t only in France or Israel or even downtown New York. We touch lives right here in Westchester.”

Event chairs were Barbara Bel of Scarsdale, Carl Finger of Scarsdale, Ken Fuirst of Chappaqua, Jeff Kapelus of New Rochelle, David Perlmutter of Chappaqua, and Scott Zemachson of Scarsdale. Richard Leroy of Briarcliff Manor served as auction chair. 

About UJA-Federation of New York


For nearly 100 years, UJA-Federation has inspired New Yorkers to act on their values and invest in our community for the biggest impact. Through UJA-Federation, more than 50,000 donors address issues that matter most to them, pooling their resources to care for New Yorkers of all backgrounds and Jews everywhere, to connect people to their Jewish communities, and to respond to crises close to home and around the globe. Working with nearly 100 beneficiary agencies, synagogues, and other Jewish organizations, UJA-Federation is the world’s largest local philanthropy; our reach spans from New York to Israel to more than 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please visit our website at www.ujafedny.org.

Rosenthal JCC’s Hanukkah Celebration – Bring in the Light!

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Fun for the whole family
Sunday, Dec. 13th 4:00 – 6:00pm

On Sunday, December 13th from 4-6 pm, the Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester in Pleasantville will again have its annual Hanukkah celebration, this year entitled “Bring in the Light”. The event will include a Hanukkah Game Show, by Matt Dorner of Main Stages, that is will include games, and contests for children of all ages. This will include a Trivia Challenge, Giant Dreidel Spin-off, a Latke Toss and so much more. And what would be a Hanukkah party without food – making candy dreidels, delicious latkes and jelly donuts. Everyone is encouraged to bring in their own menorah to display and at the end of the evening there will be a menorah lighting!
Discounted tickets can be purchased on-line ($20/family) or at the door ($25/family). For more info contact Cathy Deutchman at cathy@rosenthaljcc.org

A Local Rabbi’s Journey for Justice

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jj torah
Rabbi Jaffe with NAACP President Cornell Brooks

By Matt Smith

They say in order to fully understand someone–and their cause–you should walk a mile in their shoes. In an effort to reconnect with the roots of Reformed Judaism, understand socioeconomic issues, celebrate Jewish history, and strengthen relationships with congregates outside the local community, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester did just that…and then some.

On Thursday, August 27, Rabbi Jaffe took part in the Journey for Justice, an 860-mile (in total) march from Selma, Alabama to Washington, DC, in commemoration of the March in Selma and the Voting Rights Act’s 50th anniversary this year.

Organized and led by the NAACP, in association with the Religious Action Center–“the very first political advocacy group by the Reform Movement in Washington, DC,” noted the Rabbi–the march aimed to promote awareness for a variety of social issues and unite people of different faiths, religions and backgrounds under a common agenda. Members of the Reform Jewish Movement were asked to sign up and march for the cause. One of 200 Reformed Rabbis from all over North America, who marched in support of social justice and education reform, among others, Rabbi Jaffe joined the group in Columbia, South Carolina, and marched for a day.

“The experience was wonderful,” the Rabbi said of the event. “I met people from the NAACP I would have never encountered [otherwise], and heard about what they’ve been doing, and shared our stories as well. It’s a wonderful bonding experience for two communities that seldom come into contact with one another.”

Among the highlights of his day was walking with Cornell Brooks, current President of the NAACP. “It was wonderful watching Mr. Brooks literally walk the talk along with the many volunteers,” the Rabbi continued. “He even carried the Torah…all the while taking time to speak with the volunteers.”

Rabbi Jaffe also noted that the march was significant because it solidified for him the idea that, in certain areas of the country (and of course, the world at large) people still hold great prejudice against others–especially chilling to encounter considering the inherent purpose of the march. “You see the best and worst of people in these times,” he stated. He recalls one instance where “as we were walking, there was a service station where [shopkeepers] went inside and then ran up Confederate Flags. There was [also] a motorcycle that buzzed by us a couple times and was definitely keeping tabs on us.”

However, he was also touched to see others’ outpouring of generosity and kindness during later rest stops throughout the journey. Specifically in the “one-gas-station town” of Bethune, “one of the shopkeepers saw that we were coming and ran inside and quickly cooked hot dogs and put out salad and provided lunch, ‘cause she wanted to do something to support the marchers. That selflessness was quite amazing and inspiring to see.”

But the exposure to the different people and other areas within the country are just two of many reasons behind the Rabbi’s decision to embark on this journey. At its heart, as he reinforced, the event the march is acknowledging is “a very strong part of the history of reformed Judaism.”

And, in fact, it’s also a strong of part of the history of Temple Beth El: Rabbi Murray Saltzman, one of Beth El’s Rabbis during the 1960s, participated in many protests throughout the Civil Rights Movement, alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. and was even one of the rabbis jailed for his participation in the St. Augustine Movement. With this centralized connection to the Chappaqua community, coupled with the history of the Jewish community and the general call for rabbis’ involvement, “I jumped at [the chance to join],” exclaimed the Rabbi. “It seemed like an amazing opportunity.”

Not only does it seem like it was indeed an amazing opportunity, but the day’s events seem to have struck a chord for Rabbi Jaffe. He expressed interest in finding ways to continue supporting the issues protested during the march on a more local scale, as a way to get the community more involved. (Specifically, he mentioned working with the Antioch Baptist Church in Bedford Hills, NY, with which Temple Beth El maintains a close relationship).

America’s Journey for Justice took place between August 1 and September 16, where it ended at the nation’s Capitol. For more information on
Temple Beth El, please visit
www.bethelnw.org.

Matt Smith, a proud graduate of Skidmore College, is a regular contributor to The Inside Press.