Handling Sensitive Matters OR “I can’t believe she just told me that!”
A MESSAGE FROM RABBI DAVID · 2018. 4. 24. · A MESSAGE FROM RABBI DAVID I can’t believe it. I...
Transcript of A MESSAGE FROM RABBI DAVID · 2018. 4. 24. · A MESSAGE FROM RABBI DAVID I can’t believe it. I...
A MESSAGE FROM RABBI DAVID
I can’t believe it. I really can’t believe it.
Ten years. A decade has passed since Ariel and I stepped in, committing ourselves fully to being here in New York City.
It feels like just yesterday that we gathered around a drum, a melody, and a dream to build a community dedicated to waking up to life, waking up to our Jewish wisdom and spirituality, waking up to our shared human longing for a more compassionate and more just world.
It feels like just yesterday that we began to imagine a new kind of Jewish center - one fully devoted to renewing the spiritual lineage of the Hasidic masters, in the manner of my teacher Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, continuing his legacy of visionary innovation and spiritual entrepreneurship woven deeply into the tapestry of our texts, tools, and traditions.
It feels like just yesterday that we invited one another to step into the charge to shape the Judaism of Tomorrow, for today’s seekers. We, you, did.
Over the past ten years, so many have been touched by our dream: to elevate Jewish life, infusing it with meaning, music, and meditation.
This evening, we pause to thank Judi and John for everything they’ve done to elevate this community and this dream. Dreamers like you - seekers like you - inspire all of us to dedicate ourselves to love, generosity, family, and a spirit of curiosity and learning.
As we look towards the next ten years, our vision and our purpose have never been clearer. Romemu will continue to be a bridge between the past and the future, between Judaism and other spiritual practices, between tradition and innovation, and between the world we see and the world we yearn to see.
I pray that ten years from now, we’ll look back and say, “We can’t believe what we’ve accomplished in 2o years!”
May we be blessed to elevate and bridge for many years to come.
In gratitude, David
A MESSAGE FROM ALYSE STREICHER, CEO
Ten years! What a milestone.
I want to express my thanks to those who have been with Romemu since day one, and to those who have joined us along the way. It’s because of all of you, in addition to our staff, board, and of course Rabbi David, that Romemu has had such an intellectually enlightening, spiritually uplifting, and wholly nourishing first ten years. It excites me to think about what our future holds and to be a part of it.
Judi and John — you have been instrumental in Romemu’s growth. Your leadership, support, compassion, wisdom, and dedication are exceptional. We are blessed by your presence. Thank you for continuing to be an inspiration to me, our board, and our community.
It’s truly an honor to be the CEO of Romemu during this pivotal moment in our history. Together, we are not only building an incredible shul and community on the Upper West Side, but we are also creating a loving, inclusive, intellectual, and spiritual Jewish lens through which to experience life. We see the benefits and impact that we’re having on our New York City community, and we want to continually strengthen what we do at home, and also share it beyond our walls.
As we enter into our next ten years, we are poised to elevate and bridge to the next level. As Rabbi Hillel said:
ואם לא עכשיו, אימתי?Ve’im lo achshav, ei’matay? If not now, when?
With enthusiasm for the next ten years! Alyse
At Romemu ...
We are welcome We introduce ourselves We sing, clap, dance We listen to stories We gain new perspectives We acquire greater compassion We look up We breathe We seek We ask our words to lead us to action
We are at home, as if we have always been here
-Judith & John Hannan, 2018 Romemu
Benefit Honorees
TEN THINGS WE HEAR AT ROMEMU THAT TELL US IT IS
THE COMMUNITY FOR US: by Judith & John Hannan
2018 Romemu Benefit Honorees
#1: Welcome.
Whether or not you’re Jewish, observant, or believe in God; whether you’re straight, gay,
bi, trans, queer; whatever your race, your status, or level
of commitment—you are welcome at Romemu. For our
family, which falls within so many of these categories,
there was no more important message for us to receive.
TEN THINGS WE HEAR AT ROMEMU THAT TELL US IT IS
THE COMMUNITY FOR US: by Judith & John Hannan
2018 Romemu Benefit Honorees
#2: Introduce yourself.
Romemu was already a thriving community when we
arrived, but it didn’t take many hellos before we could no
longer recall our first one. We are an introvert and an independent, but the
community of Romemu has insisted that we use our
voices.
TEN THINGS WE HEAR AT ROMEMU THAT TELL US IT IS
THE COMMUNITY FOR US: by Judith & John Hannan
2018 Romemu Benefit Honorees
#3: Sing, clap, dance.
Now sing louder, clap harder, dance faster. And laugh. Even Yom Kippur can be a time of joy, the rabbi says. Has this
ever been said before?
TEN THINGS WE HEAR AT ROMEMU THAT TELL US IT IS
THE COMMUNITY FOR US: by Judith & John Hannan
2018 Romemu Benefit Honorees
#4: Let me tell you a story.
It could be one of the rabbi’s own, one from the Torah, a
Chasidic tale, or a myth from another culture. Story is what moves us beyond the walls of the sanctuary or classroom. It
is where we find ourselves.
TEN THINGS WE HEAR AT ROMEMU THAT TELL US IT IS
THE COMMUNITY FOR US: by Judith & John Hannan
2018 Romemu Benefit Honorees
#5: Change your seat.
If you are always viewing the world from only one
perspective, you will never know what other people see
or what else there is to be seen. Changing your
perspective is how we move from judgement to
compassion.
TEN THINGS WE HEAR AT ROMEMU THAT TELL US IT IS
THE COMMUNITY FOR US: by Judith & John Hannan
2018 Romemu Benefit Honorees
#6: Compassion is holding as many sides of the truth
as you can hold.
Perhaps this should be a bumper sticker. It should be
remembered every day.
TEN THINGS WE HEAR AT ROMEMU THAT TELL US IT IS
THE COMMUNITY FOR US: by Judith & John Hannan
2018 Romemu Benefit Honorees
#7: Look up.
There are times when we get to know our feet too well and
our world gets very small. Looking down equates with fear. Looking up, we see it all—the beauty, the ugliness,
the way we are going, the way we’d rather go, the way we didn’t even know existed.
TEN THINGS WE HEAR AT ROMEMU THAT TELL US IT IS
THE COMMUNITY FOR US: by Judith & John Hannan
2018 Romemu Benefit Honorees
#8: Breathe.
Feet on floor. Hands in lap. Eyes closed or softened.
These are familiar instructions outside of shul and so welcome inside. To
pause, without words. To let the echo of the music and
the prayer settle within us. To be enriched by the traditions
of others.
TEN THINGS WE HEAR AT ROMEMU THAT TELL US IT IS
THE COMMUNITY FOR US: by Judith & John Hannan
2018 Romemu Benefit Honorees
#9: I have searched like you; I am searching still.
These words, perhaps not spoken, are part of the rabbi’s
story. A guide who has discovered it all, who can no longer find mystery, cannot
lead others on their own search. That guide is limited by what they can see. Everyone at
Romemu is seeking, sharing their “aha” moments before
starting out again.
TEN THINGS WE HEAR AT ROMEMU THAT TELL US IT IS
THE COMMUNITY FOR US: by Judith & John Hannan
2018 Romemu Benefit Honorees
#10: Religion can’t be just prayers and thoughts.
We are writing this the day after yet another slaughter
which resulted in the murder of seventeen people in
Florida. Prayers are once again being offered. At
Romemu, though, prayer is not a passive act, it is a
searching of the heart to discover what to do, not just
say.
2018 HOST & BENEFIT
COMMITTEES
Caroline Ellen & Susie Schein, Benefit Co-Chairs
Patty & Doug Sacks, Host Committee Chairs
Marcella Kanfer Rolnick & Josh Rolnick, Brooklyn Host Committee Chairs
Marla Alt Nora Anderson
Susan Binder Tal Breville Jeff Cahn
Caroline Ellen Sean Allen Fenn Caren Ellis Fried
Marcie & Fred Imberman Ariel Rosen Ingber Allegra Kochman Irena Krakhman
Elizabeth Langer Susan Magazine
Alexandra Paddock Lisa Phillips
Dara Schaefer Marc Schiller
Elana Schneyer Graeme Schranz
Nina Sciarrotta Harriet Kaplan Suvall
Pam Takiff Janice Tannin
Natalie Fabe Ubias Jade Netanya Ullmann
Paula Yormak
THANK YOU TO OUR 2018 BENEFIT SPONSORS
Visionary
Judith & John Hannan
Beacon Heidi & Richard Rieger
Sage Laurie Blitzer & Sam Levine
Caroline Ellen & Rick Temerian
Annette Rotter Laitman & Joel Laitman
Patty & Doug Sacks
Mystic
Rebekah & Adam Ingber
Marcia Meislin & Steven Weinstein
Marcella Kanfer Rolnick & Josh Rolnick (Meyer, Heshel, Lev & Pella)
Contemplative Nora & Jordan Anderson
Caren & Arthur Fried
Marina & Andrew Lewin
Karyn & Marc Schiller
Pamela & Peter Takiff
Jade Netanya Ullmann, MAPS
Spiritual
Anonymous
The Aligned Center
Karen Beckman & Peter Coleman
Aimee Beyda & Daniel Miller
Susan, Bryan, Zachary & Reese Binder
Carol Bowen & Alan Bernstein
Shelley & Jeff Cahn
Julie & Joel Greenblatt
Marcie & Fred Imberman
Allegra Kochman
Valerie Kanofsky
Elizabeth Langer & Richard Chused
Shelley Levine & Larry Schwartz
Phyllis & Elliott Rosen
Harriet & Marc Suvall
Paula & Jeffrey Yormak
Seeker
Marla Alt & Jeff Wallace
Elizabeth & Nigel Savage
Community Davie Floyd
Susan Schor
Hali Weiss & Jay Rosen
John and Judi-
Modim Anahnu. We are so thankful...
We are so grateful for your presence in our family's life and blessed by your devotion to the Romemu vision and mission. We would
not have become the community we are without your love, your generosity, your
care and your unwavering faith in us. The Ingber family loves you and honors you.
Thank you and looking forward to many more celebrations we elevate together...
Ariel, David, Baer, Tal, and Or
To Judi and John:
Thank you for your leadership, inspirational presence, and dedication to Romemu.
You elevate our community in so many ways.
To the clergy, staff, board, and community:
Your commitment and devotion make Romemu shine brighter everyday.
Thank you.
L’chaim!
Alyse, David, Lilly, Maya, and Lev Streicher
MAZEL TOV TO OUR 2018 HONOREES!
The 2018 Benefit Committee, the Board of
Directors, the Romemu staff, and the entire community
wish most heartfelt congratulations and
enormous thanks to this evening’s honorees, Judith
and John Hannan.
Their involvement, generosity, and wisdom have
been instrumental and invaluable in creating the
community that we are today. They exemplify Romemu
values every day.
We are thrilled to honor Judi and John Hannan
and celebrate Rabbi David Ingber and
Romemu.
Loved the first decade, looking forward to what
lies ahead in the second.
Heidi and Richard Rieger
HAPPY 10th ANNIVERSARY TO
OUR BELOVED ROMEMU!
And our heartfelt thanks to Judith and
John Hannan for their visionary support and
loving contributions to our community.
With much love and gratitude,
Caroline, Rick, Max and Lucy Temerian
“In Jewish history, there are no coincidences.”
– Elie Wiesel
Judi and John,
We honor you!! Your generosity and leadership has rooted Romemu.
We look forward to sharing many more holidays and blessings together with our
families.
To our blessed Rabbi David, thank you for your vision and for creating Romemu, Jewish Life Elevated.
Rabbi Jessica and Hazzan Basya - your voices elevate our prayer experience.
You have given the Sacks family a beautiful way to participate in Jewish life.
We are incredibly grateful.
Warmly- Patty and Douglas Sacks
Mazel Tov to the honorees, Judith and John, on this
most deserving honor in recognition of your
heartfelt commitment to the Romemu community
and its mission.
And Mazel Tov to our brother/uncle, Rabbi David,
on reaching this ten year milestone: shehecheyanu,
vekiyemanu, vehigiyanu l’Zeman hazeh!!!
Adam, Rebekah, Eva, Bella and Israel
Yasher koach v’mazal tov on ten years of growth and
beauty. As Herzl expressed, “If you will it, it is no dream.”
We are honored, delighted and uplifted by being part of
the Romemu community.
Thank you for your sense of possibility and spirit of
adventure with your growing Brooklyn family!
Marcella Kanfer Rolnick & Josh Rolnick
Meyer, Heshel, Lev & Pella
"How wonderful it is that no one need wait a single
moment to start to improve the world.”
—Anne Frank
Thank you to our beloved Romemu community for
every single moment that we spend building sacred
community and working together to improve the
world.
With love and gratitude, Marcia Meislin and
Steve Weinstein
Dear Judi and John,
Twenty years ago, you were among the
first to believe in Zadeh NY. I wouldn't
be here without your continued support
and generosity.
I am so proud to stand behind you as
you receive this well deserved honor.
With love,
Catherine
Judith and John,
Your leadership, commitment and dedication to the Romemu community inspire us all.
Mazel tov on this well deserved honor.
Congratulations to Romemu on your 10 year anniversary. May you go from strength to strength!
Love, Susan, Bryan, Zachary and Reese Binder and Julie and Joel Greenblatt
To Rabbi David, Ariel and honorees
Judi and John Hannan,
For creating 10 amazing years of devotion,
dedication and support to create a wonderful spiritual haven called
Romemu.
In admiration,
Sidney, Wendy & Amara Ingber
Dear Judi and John,
We are so grateful to have you both in our lives. Your kindness and spirit of generosity never cease to amaze. I couldn’t imagine two people more deserving of this honor.
May you continue to learn, inspire and spread love!
Lots of love, Catherine and David Moussazadeh
From a KLI Lover,
Congratulations! Looking forward
to many more years.
Anonymous
Mazel tov to Rabbi David, Rabbi Jessica
and all the professionals and congregants who work so hard to make
Romemu such a special community.
Looking forward to the next ten (and next ten...)
Laurie Blitzer and Sam Levine and Family
Warmest wishes to Judith and John Hannan on this well
deserved honor. Your dedication to the Romemu
community has helped make this special milestone possible.
Mazal tov and kol hakavod to our dear brother and uncle,
Rabbi David. You dared to dream big and your vision and passion continue to inspire us
and your entire Romemu family. May you go from
strength to strength. We are very proud!
With much love and admiration,
Bettina, Spencer, Sara, Alec and Nat
Yasher Koach Judith and John Hannan.
Thanks for all you do for Romemu.
Marina and Andy Lewin
With so much appreciation for all you bring to Romemu, congratulations on
this well deserved honor!
Looking forward to the next 10 years of spreading Romemu love into the world.
Karen Beckman and Peter Coleman
In honor of our wonderful family RABBI DAVID, ARIEL,
BAER, TAL and OR on this remarkable occasion.
From your adoring Mom, Ab, Savta and Saba
(aka Phyllis and Elliott Rosen)
“To Be Is To Stand For.” —Abraham Joshua Heschel
Thank you Judi and John for being exemplars of action, leadership, and being.
As we count the Omer - Yesod sheba Tiferet - we appreciate the foundation you
provide in the heart and balance of Romemu.
With abundant love, Caren and Arthur Fried
PARTICIPATE & ELEVATE AT ROMEMU
ALLEGRA
We are proud to support the:R O M E M U 2 0 1 8 B E N E F I T
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זכור תמיד: השמחה איננה עניין שולי במסעך הרוחני
Z'khor tamid: ha'simha einena 'inyan shuli b'masa'akh ha’ruhani
Always remember: happiness is not a side matter in your spiritual journey - it is
essential. —Rabbi Nachman of Bretslav, 1772-1820
Anonymous
Rav Kook writes that our souls are always speaking to us. In his language, the soul is
always "whispering, singing, or praying." Romemu has opened up so many new
possibilities to hearing that voice.
With gratitude to Rav David for his vision and leadership.
Shari, Yoni, Gavi, Nadav, Noam, Lia
Judi and John,
Thank you for your vision, generosity and commitment to Romemu.
You set the standard.
With love, Pam and Peter Takiff
To Judi, With Gratitude for your Grace and Generosity.
The Prescription Writers
Mazal tov Romemu!
You are a blessing. Happy ten years and many many more. Thank you for being our spiritual home.
Aimee Beyda & Daniel Miller
Mazel Tov, Romemu, on your 10th Anniversary, and mazel tov to the Hannans!
And a huge THANK YOU to Caroline Ellen and Susie Schein for their hard work in
chairing this spectacular benefit!
Love, Rev. Eleanor Harrison Bregman, Peter
Bregman, and the Multi-Faith Initiatives Program
Thank you Judi & John Hannan for
leading the way!
Jade
Judi & John,
Thanks for bringing your most authentic and gorgeous selves to our community: a stunning
overflowing of generosity, warmth, wisdom & empathy.
Angie and Norman Atkins
Dear Judi and John,
You bring wisdom, tireless devotion, and unending commitment to our sacred
community.
We are ever grateful for your presence.
With respect and love,
The Romemu Staff & Clergy
CONGRATULATIONS ROMEMU!!! We are so proud and grateful to be
part of this inspiring journey…
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HANNAN FAMILY!!!
Our heartfelt thanks to John and Judi Hannan for helping
to make dreams come true!
With love and gratitude, Paula and Jeff Yormak
MAZAL TOV ROMEMU!!
Wendy Goldberg Miles
Thank you, Judith and John, for all your loving commitment and support to our
Romemu community.
Susan Schor
Mazel Tov to the amazing Hannans and
warm best wishes to everyone at Romemu.
With love from everyone at Hazon & Isabella
Freedman
Creating a home where all are welcome, while making a tangible impression on the Jewish
community by bringing love, hope and inspiration to the mix…and all in only 10 short years!
Mazel tov!
Elana Shneyer, Adam, Jaron and Layla Kaufman Danya Shneyer, Paul Shneyer and Laura Friedman
Adam Kaufman, MD - Psychiatrist 110 W. 96th Street, Suite 1D4, NYC
646-535-4590 [email protected]
Happy 10th anniversary!
Davie Floyd and Danny Kerry, Co-chairs of the Multi-Faith
Initiatives Committee and Strangers No More
Mazel Tov Romemu on our 10th Anniversary
Ariela Heilman Providing a haimische housing experience
since 1992
In loving memory of our DEAR BRIAN THOMPSON
fellow B'nai Mitzvah, husband, and friend
Anonymous
Thank you to the Hannans.
Best, Rebecca Sharzer
ROMEMU’S FOUNDING VISIONARIES Thank you to our Founding Visionaries, who with their time, treasure, and talent, stepped up ten years ago to create the Romemu we know today. We celebrate and salute you!
Marla Alt & Jeff Wallace, Beatrice Aranow, Jamie Askin, Nigel Austin, Tammy Anagnostis & Rob Klein, Carol Anshien, Keith Bellamy, Jonathan Bickoff, Lydia Burdick, Jeff Cahn, Wendy Chaiten, Rhonda Cohen, Eric Davis, Getzel Davis, Melanie Einzig, Andrea Fooner, Caren Ellis Fried & Arthur Fried, Chani Getter, Jennifer Goldstein, Steven Gradman, Jane Graver, Elise Gura, Alex Holt & Felice Winograd Holt, Shoshana Jedwab & Rabbi Jill Hammer, Janet & Howard Kagan, Susan Kaplan & David Friedson, z”l, Peggy Kay, Stacey Klein, Rob Lederer Vivian Lehrer, Gila Lyons, Nancy McGaw, Abraham Menashe, Sue Ostfield, Josh Rechnitz, Sadie Rosenthal, Lisa & Konstantin Rubchinsky, Jonathan Rubinstein, Elysa Safran, Nigel Savage, Lilli Schad, z"l , Jorian Schutz, Anna Sobel, Sue Sonkin, Yoni Stadlin, Leona Strassberg & Charlie Steiner, Emily Stern, Howard & Jayne Tear, Jen Tobenstein, Jade Netanya Ullman, Oren Weinrib, Yaakov Weintraub, Nili Weisman, Zak Zaidman, Max Zimmerman
SAVE THE DATE: Romemu's Annual Community Retreat
June 15-17, 2018 Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center
Registration information coming soon!
The Way of Kabbalah: A Kripalu Retreat with Rabbi David Ingber
June 10-15, 2018 Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
Register at kripalu.org
Join us every Friday night and Saturday morning for Shabbat services.
All are welcome.
Friday: 6:30 PM Saturdays: 10 AM
WEP Church - 165 W 105th St