JUNE 2015/SIVAN-TAMUZ, 5775

From the Rabbi’s StudyDear Friends,

As you likely are aware, at the end of this month Rabbi Miller will be leaving TSTI to become rabbi of Temple B’nai Or in Morristown. It is for that reason this bul-letin is largely dedicated to thanking her for her more than a decade and a half of

service to the TSTI community. It is a well-deserved tribute.

In the late 1990’s as I moved from the position of Associate Rabbi to Senior Rabbi, we went to the Hebrew Union College in search of a new Assistant Rabbi. Thanks to her enthusiasm, her passion for imparting her love of Judaism to others, her musical abilities (she isn’t referred to as the singing rabbi for nothing!) and, having grown up in a rabbinic household, her knowledge of life in the rabbinate, Rabbi Miller was the clear choice. Rabbi Miller served as Assistant Rabbi for three years and then became Associate Rabbi for the remainder of her tenure with TSTI.

To say that her years at 432 Scotland Road have been full would be an understatement. While serving our community she married Nathan Lynn. The years that followed saw the birth of their three children -- fi rst their son Sam who will become a Bar Mitzvah next fall, then the birth of twins Meg and Jack. They bought their fi rst home close to temple in West Orange and later moved to the St. Cloud neighborhood of the same town. While juggling the role of mother, spouse and congregational rabbi, she went back to school and earned her Masters in Jewish Education. How she fi lled any two of those roles, let alone all four, never ceased to amaze me. Rabbi Miller played a key role in ramping up our congregation’s involvement in local social action projects, served as clergy liaison to our overfl owing schools and touched innu-merable lives.

This farewell is bittersweet. Rabbi Miller formally begins in Mor-ristown on July 1. We wish her and the congregation all the best. On that same day we will have the wonderful opportunity to wel-come Rabbi Alexandra Klein to TSTI. Throughout the summer and early fall we will hold a number of small-group gatherings so that Rabbi Klein can meet all of you, and you, her. On Friday, June 19, we’ve planned a special celebratory Shabbat service to highlight Rabbi Miller’s tenure with us and to wish her well in her new position. I look forward to sharing this wonderful evening with you.

A Thought to Share

After 16 wonderful years here at Temple Sharey Tefi -lo-Israel, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the entire congregation, to the lay leadership, and to the professional staff. Thank you for giving me so many opportunities for growth and creativity. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives in good times, in diffi cult times, and on a day-to-day basis. Being in a relationship with all of you has been a tremendous honor and by far the most rewarding part of being a rabbi.

Rather than say goodbye I would like to say “Lihi-traot,” which means “until we meet again.” I am sure that our paths will cross in the future as we all move forward, going from strength to strength.

An Evening with Rabbi Ellie Miller Friday, June 19 7:30 P.M.

A time to say farewell, to wish mazel tov and remember so many sweet moments over the past 16 years.

A very special oneg shabbat will follow the service.

ClergyRabbi Daniel M. Cohen, D.Min.Rabbi Ellie Lynn Miller, M.A.R.E.Cantor Rebecca MosesCantor Joan FinnRabbi Emeritus, Harvey S. GoldmanCantor Emeritus, Theodore Aronson

Congregational LeadershipCraig Krandel, PresidentRussell Kaplan, VPHarvey Kaufman, VPShari Stein - VPBill Strugger - VPLisa Tilton-Levine, VPMax Weisenfeld, VPSue Wishnow, VPRoberta Probber, TreasurerJanet Schwamm, Secretary

Leslie Y. Sporn, Executive DirectorCarol Paster, Preschool DirectorMindy Schreff, Religious School DirectorTracy Horwitz, LSW, Program DirectorSunny Seglin, Bulletin

MEMBER CONGREGATIONUNION FOR REFORM JUDAISM

Schedule of ServicesFriday, June 5Beha’alotechaShabbat Service, 7:30 P.M.Bass Sanctuary Building

Saturday, June 6Minyan Service, 9:15 A.M.Gross Bet MidrashB’not Mitzvah of Rachel and Emma Loren 10:15 A.M.Bar Mitzvah of Kalman Kraham, 10:30 A.M.

Friday, June 12ShelachShabbat Service, 6:00 P.M.Bass Sanctuary Building

Saturday, June 13Minyan Service, 9:15 A.M.Gross Bet MidrashB’not Mitzvah of Daniella Rothstein and Lila Zinner, 10:15 A.M.

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Friday, June 19KorachShabbat Service honoring Rabbi Ellie Miller, 7:30 P.M.Bass Sanctuary Building

Saturday, June 20Minyan Service, 9:15 A.M.Gross Bet Midrash

Friday, June 26ChukatShabbat Service, 6:00 P.M.Gellis-Green Chapel

Saturday, June 27Minyan Service, 9:15 A.M.Gross Bet Midrash

Shabbat Services in July and August will be held in the Gellis-Green Chapel at 6:00 P.M.

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The President’s Point of View

As we approach the long awaited summer months and warmer weather, I wanted to refl ect upon what has been a very busy winter and spring at Temple. There are so many things to mention but I wanted to highlight a few.

First, upon Rabbi Miller’s notice to the board that she had accepted a position as senior rabbi at Temple B’nai Or in Morristown, our search committee, led by Sue Wishnow and a very special group of committee members, worked feverishly to begin the process of hiring a new assistant rabbi. The process was guided by the Rabbinical Placement offi ce of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. They were a huge help and we are grateful to them. After several rounds of interviews, both at the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati and here at temple, the committee recommended to the board, and the board unanimously approved, the hiring of Rabbi Alexandra Klein. We were thrilled to be Rabbi Klein’s fi rst choice as well. Rabbi Klein was ordained on May 3rd and we are excited to welcome her to South Orange. Her tenure begins July 1 and we are excited for all of you to meet her.

As Rabbi Miller prepares to leave TSTI after 16 years we want to take the opportunity to thank her for all she has given our temple family. She clearly is ready for, and deserves, the opportunity that has been afforded her and we know how lucky her new congrega-tion is to have her as their rabbi. The board and the entire congregation cannot begin to express our gratitude for the wonderful years that she spent here at TSTI and the lasting impression she will leave behind. We all wish her the best in her new position. Finally, I am thrilled to share news that a new special committee -- Member Engage-ment -- has been formed. The committee is co-chaired by Suzanne Ben-Menachem and Judy Krandel. It will be composed of eight to ten members of our congregation with all demographic segments of temple represented. The committee is charged with looking at all we do and how we do it and how we might approach things differently moving forward. Small focus groups will offer direct congregational feedback and provide us with ideas for how we might best deepen and enhance congregational engagement. This will be a true grass roots approach to all activities at TSTI. To be clear, this is, I believe, a most important initiative for TSTI. More signifi cantly, I believe that the timing for this could not be better. Rabbi Cohen is excited to welcome Rabbi Klein and maximize the potential this change in personnel offers. We have a wonderful staff that is open to new ideas and committed to working in partnership with the volunteer leadership and the entirety of the community to implement them. Any endeavor such as this must be led by the right individuals. In Suzanne and Judy we have just that and I am grateful to them for taking this on. I look forward to your comments and support as we work together to build the very best TSTI possible. Please feel free to reach out to me and provide any comments and sug-gestions that you wish. I wish you a safe, and relaxing, summer.

And on that Note . . .

In Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of the Fathers, we read that Ben Zoma would say, “Who is wise? One who learns from everyone. As it is stated: from all my teachers I have grown wise.”

If we look around us we see that teachers are everywhere. Our children, our friends, the strangers we meet each day, everyone we come in contact with has something to teach us. Some, however, are more obvi-ous teachers. The term rabbi actually sim-ply means a Jewish scholar or teacher. We here at TSTI are fortunate indeed to have two wonderful rabbis from whom we learn a great deal. That is one of the reasons why it will be so hard to say goodbye to Rabbi Miller as she moves forward to teach and inspire another congregation.

I recently came across a list of the qualities that all good teachers share and at the top of the list were passion, a love of their stu-dents, and a love for what they teach. I’m sure you will all agree with me that Rabbi Miller certainly exemplifi es those qualities. Her enthusiasm for and love of Judaism permeates all she does. Her passion for social justice has been transmitted to our students so thoroughly that the students consider it normal to collect food every single week in order to feed those in our own community who need help. Her com-mitment to the students who celebrate their B’nai Mitzvah in the Gellis-Green Chapel allows those simchas to be both wonderful milestones and seamless stepping stones to further Jewish education.

There is so much to Rabbi Miller’s legacy here at TSTI. I hope you will join us on June 19 for a Shabbat service celebrating her many wonderful years here and wish-ing her and her family all the best as they begin the next chapter in their lives.

Linda and Rudy Slucker Religious School

The Iris Family

Mindy SchreffReligious School Director

As I write this, we are about to say goodbye to Rabbi Miller as she moves on to her new position at Temple B’nai Or in Morristown. As much as I am excited for her new adventure, I am saddened at the loss of her presence in our building. When I arrived here

almost 4 years ago, she gently guided me through the challenges of leading a very large, thriving school in a very large, thriving congregation. She modeled for me how to approach sensitive is-sues we are often faced with, and what it really means to put our students’ needs fi rst.

Her connections to our students happened in a variety of ways: Many students and teachers have been lucky enough to spend precious time with her in the sanctuary, getting up close and per-sonal with the Torah and our rich history. Our youngest students love to visit her offi ce on their “Mezuzot” hunts throughout the building. Our sixth graders got to know her on a more personal level as she visited their Hebrew classes in the Mansion. She was so very gifted in helping guide all of our students through the challenges of learning Hebrew, and feeling a sense of accom-plishment at their B’nai Mitzvah. Rabbi Miller, along with all of our clergy, always made our teen Madrichim feel so very warm and welcome.

On our last day of school, families surprised Rabbi Miller by donating a bounty of food in her honor to the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges. We also asked for monetary donations, with Rabbi Cohen offering to match funds up to $1,000.00. Well, the food items far exceeded our expectations, as did the monetary donations, which totaled $1,770.00. Rabbi Cohen of course insisted on matching that amount, and then upped it so that the total donation was $3,600.00 – a perfect number to donate in her honor! We wish Rabbi Miller and her family all the best on their new adventure, and know that she will have a lasting impact on all in our community.

Habitat Work Day Saturday June 13

Temple Sharey Tefi lo-Israel is embark-ing on a new partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Morris County. We are hoping to bring 5-15 volunteers to work on build-ing affordable housing for needy families

on June 13. The day will run from 8:30 to 4:30. No previous construction experience is necessary--Habitat supervisors will show you what to do. Volunteers must be 16 and up; age 16-17 must be accompanied by an adult. To volunteer, or for more information, contact Barbara Laub or Dennis Percher, 973-763-8379, blaub2@gmail.com

Women’s Connection

TSTI Women take a break on their walking tour of Jewish/Asian Flushing. Ellen Blake, far left, created the tour and served as guide.

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Carol PasterPreschool Director

Rabbi Miller and I have shared the bimah each Friday morning during the past 15 preschool years. We would greet the entire preschool population with song; she, playing guitar, and me looking around the audience to fi gure out when

to clap (rhythm and timing elude me). Then I would begin, “Once upon a time there was an old man dressed in rags who lived on the streets of a small village far, far away from here”. That’s how I had started many of my Bimah Time stories. After a year of getting to know me, Rabbi Miller gently asked, with a big smile on her face, “Why does every story you tell take place in a shtetl? Can’t we update them a little?”

And so we did, always including the Jewish values of taking care of each other, taking care of the sick, taking care of the earth, as well as taking care of the animals that live upon it. There were many times when I would begin to tell a story and I realized I had forgotten to give Rabbi Miller even the tiniest hint as to where my train of thought would lead her, as she always played the role of my ‘actress’ during my ramblings. Somehow, she rolled with it, becoming the old woman, the little girl or even the cow in my story, making up her ‘lines’ as she went. When her children at-tended the preschool, they also got into the act, taking on the role of a tree or a crying baby.

As I say so-long to Rabbi Miller, I will not only miss her beautiful singing voice, but also her voice of reason. Most of all I will miss the fact that she never, not once, made me feel badly about my lack of musical talent. A true mensch, she sat right next to me, week after week, year after year without fl inching at my consistent and frequent fl at notes. Thank you, Ellie for a wonderful partenrship. I will always have a song in my heart for you.

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Our B’nai MitzvahRachel Anne LorenJune 6, 2015Rachel is the daughter of Jacquelyn and Adam Loren, sister of Emma and Sasha, and granddaughter of Joan and Allan Loren and Gail Scott.Mitzvah project: Rachel had a bake sale to support Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter.

Emma Fay LorenJune 6, 2015Emma is the daughter of Jacquelyn and Adam Loren, sister of Rachel and Sasha, and granddaughter of Joan and Allan Loren and Gail Scott.Mitzvah project: Emma had a bake sale to support Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter.

Kalman KrahamJune 6, 2015Kalman is the son of Susan Kraham and Adam Joseph, brother of Louis and Henry, and grandson of Phyllis Joseph and Jewel and Robert Kraham.Mitzvah Project: Kalman coordinated a toy drive and worked with the Maplewood-South Orange Parenting Center to distribute the gifts to needy families.

Daniella Clare RothsteinJune 13, 2015Daniella is the daughter of Lauri and Jeff Rothstein, sister of Benjamin, and grand-daughter of Barbara Katz and Hal Blinder.Mitzvah Project: Daniella traveled with her family to Utah to volunteer at the largest no-kill shelter in the country.

Lila Pearl ZinnerJune 13, 2015Lila is the daughter of Cecelia Cancellaro and Eric Zinner, sister of Ruby, and grand-daughter of Faith and Elmer Zinner.Mitzvah Project: Lila is collecting dance costumes and donations for Groove with Me, a dance studio that offers free dance lessons to girls in Harlem.

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TRIBUTES Loved Ones Remembered

All in the Family

TEMPLE FUND

IN MEMORY OFMilton Epstein, father of Peggy Barnett Lisa & Ron SussSol Alper, father of Alice Prager Helene & Jack FerskoHarold Jarow, father of Debbie Russ Helene & Jack Fersko

IN HONOR OFBar Mitzvah of Alex Levin, son of Beth & Oren Levin Felice & Glenn Zalk & FamilyBar Mitzvah of Alex Levin, grandson of Judith & Larry Kantor Roberta & Leonard Schoenberg

SPEEDY RECOVERYPaul Rosenberg Lisa & Ron Suss

RABBI COHEN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

IN MEMORY OFBob, family member of Marcia Felder Jay & Estelle FindVictor, husband of Joan Parsonette Susan & Bob FelsenheldMilton Epstein, father of Peggy Barnett Susan & Jules NissimStanton Levin, brother of Carol Simon Susan & Bob FelsenheldThe Weissman Family loss Barry, Debbie, Jonathan & Michael CohenLeo Voremberg, father of Sandra Voremberg The Wishnow Family

IN HONOR OFBirthday wishes to David & Sue Wishnow Irwin & Eileen Wishnow

SPEEDY RECOVERYJeff Spector Susan & Bob Felsenheld

RABBI MILLER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

IN HONOR OFRabbi Miller’s years of leadership & support Felice & Glenn Zalk

CANTOR ARONSON’S MUSIC FUNDIN HONOR OFBar Mitzvah of Alex Levin, grandson of Judith & Larry Kantor Felice & Glenn Zalk & Family MELVILLE & ROSE BERLOW MUSIC FUND

IN MEMORY OFSol Alper, father of Alice Prager Bill & Janet PerlmanHarold Jarow, father of Debbie Russ Larry & Judy Kantor

BROTHERHOOD FUND

IN HONOR OFSophia Paige’s baby naming Barry & Debbie Cohen

FOOD PANTRY

IN MEMORY OFMilton Epstein, father of Peggy Barnett Janet & Michael Schwamm

POMERANTZ FUND FOR JEWISH ENRICHMENT

SPEEDY RECOVERYJeff Spector Jesse, Leslie & Ariel Bayer

PRAYER BOOK FUND

IN MEMORY OFMilton Epstein, father of Peggy Barnett Sue & Sandy KimmelHarold Jarow, father of Debbie Russ Sue & Sandy Kimmel

JOSH LITTMAN VIDEO FUND

IN MEMORY OF Bernice Rotberg, mother of Jane Simon Ruth Ostrow Lewis & Maurice Lewis

SUSAN ACKERMAN SOMMER FUND FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

IN MEMORY OFSol Alper, father of Alice Prager Deborah & Dan Duane

Sophie BaldiniRemembered byReginald Baldini

Ruth Ba skinRemembered byLeslie Bayer

Martin BlakeRemembered byRobert Blake

Jennifer CommingsRemembered byCarla Boden

Miriam RosenRemembered byAmy Rosen Connelly

Helen DecterAnn Yeskel

Remembered byEdward & Jane Decter

Morris RosenRemembered bySarah Jane Densen

Katharine DuaneRemembered byDaniel Duane

Harvey FeigenbaumRemembered byLarry Feigenbaum

Robert Felsenheld, Sr.Remembered byRobert Felsenheld

Benjamin GalenRemembered byHelene Fersko

Joseph GarwinRemembered byHarold Garwin

David WolfsonRemembered bySandra Goodman

Ruby GrossMarian CaplinJohn EdelsteinRichard Gross

Remembered bySheldon & Charlotte Gross

Ben JosephRemembered byPhyllis Joseph

Leonard KaganFrieda Kagan

Remembered byDaniel Kagan

Charlotte KantorRemembered byJonathan Kantor

Celia WeinbergRemembered byLinda Katz

Rose KleinRemembered byRobert Klein

Leo KlenerRemembered byIgor Klener

Benjamin RubinAlex Sutker

Remembered byJennifer Larson

David OdraRemembered byIda Leach

Dolly FonorowRemembered byDavid Leit

Nina Marshall KoonzLeo N. Chaznow

Remembered bySydne Marshall

Edward RothRemembered byAndrea McCauley

Esther MesseriLouis KohlSolomon MusikantLeo KohnJonah Eskin Remembered by Ellen Musikant & Peter Messeri

Anthony LauricellaRemembered byEmily Otner

George PerlmanRemembered byWilliam Perlman

Sol FeigRemembered bySylvia Pfeff er

Marilyn PodellRemembered byCraig Podell

Morris KleitRuth Kleit

Remembered byLois Rose

Jordan RhodesRemembered byEileen Roth

Rose Schafl erRemembered byHarvey Schafl er

Michael GutermanRemembered byDeanna Schey

B. Robert Schwartz Remembered by

Marilyn SchwartzTom Slutsker

Remembered bySheila Slutsker

Marvin MagalanerRemembered byJillian Stone

Martin WeilRemembered byMarjorie Weil

Estelle Weiner Remembered by

Marcia WeinsteinSophie Zoref Remembered by Arnold Zoref

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