newsletterSUMMER/FALL 2016

Rabbi Robert Weiner | Cantor and Education Director: Jamie Tortorello-Allen | President: Ken Usen

203 Church Place, Yorktown Hts., NY 10598 | www.templebetham-ny.org | 914.962.7500

Comedy NightOn June 18th family and friends came together for a

delicious dinner at Piazza Roma in Cortlandt Manor.

Dessert was followed with bellyfuls of laughter. Three

amazing comedians came one after the other to entertain

us with non-stop jokes. One husband was asked, “Who’s

your best friend? Your wife or your dog?” He dutifully

replied, “My wife.” “That’s b….t. Leave them locked in a

hot car and see who’s happy to see you get them out.” No

one was safe. One congregant got younger each time the

comedian asked how old she was! “How old are you?

30?” “How old are you? 20?” “How old are you? 14? Are

these your parents?”

Mazel Tov to the Goldberg

family who won the 50/50

raffle. Other prizes were gift

certificates to Piazza Roma and

their sister restaurants and tick-

ets to the Broadway Comedy

Club in New York City.

Special thanks to Andy Polay

who worked tirelessly with the restaurant and comedians

to make this an affordable and truly enjoyable evening. (continued on inside)

Join us for Shabbat Services Fridays at 8 PM. Family Services are on the first Friday of every monthat 7:30 PM. Welcoming Shabbat, our program foryoung children, is on the second Friday of everymonth from 5:30-6:30 PM and includes a kid-friendlydinner.

Torah Study is on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of everymonth at 9 AM.

Wine with Weiner is on the 2nd and 4th Thursday ofevery month at 7:45 PM.Sisterhood meets once a month. See our website fordate changes and more information.Men’s Club meets on the second Tuesday of everymonth at 7:30 pm.

Coming Up at Temple Beth Am

11SEPTEMBER

16

2OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

11

2123

5

12

MADRICHIM & PARENTS MEETING (MANDATORY)9;30 AM -10:15 AM at the Temple

PROSPECTIVE MEMBER OPEN HOUSE/LUNCH11:45 AM -1 PM at the Temple

LEGACY WALKWAY DEDICATION - 7:00-8:00PMat the Temple

SUPPORT CONNECTION WALK-10 AM (meet at 8:30)

FDR PARK

EREV ROSH HASHANAH SERVICE - 8 PM at Yorktown Community & Cultural Center

ROSH HASHANAH MORNING SERVICE - 10 AM at Yorktown Community & Cultural CenterKIDDUSH in honor of the Rabbi and Cantor.following morning service at the Temple

ROSH HASHANAH CHILDREN'S SERVICE - 2 PMat the Temple

TASHLICH - 3 PM at Sparkle Lake

KOL NIDRE SERVICE - 8 PMYorktown Community & Cultural Center

YOM KIPPUR MORNING SERVICE - 10 AMYorktown Community & Cultural CenterYIZKOR following morning service (approx. 11:30 AM)

YOM KIPPUR CHILDREN'S SERVICE - 2 PMat the Temple

YOM KIPPUR CONCLUDING SERVICE - 3:45 PMat the Temple

BREAKING OF THE FAST - following concluding serviceat the Temple

SUKKOT SERVICE - 8 PM at the Temple

SIMCHAT TORAH SERVICE - 6:30 PMat the Temple

BIG BAND DINNER & DANCE - 7:00 PM - 11:00 PMMahopac Fire House, Rte 6

What's Your Passion?

Temple Beth Am has many committees whichcould benefit from your help. Perhaps you wantto use your skills. Maybe you want to try some-thing new. Find your passion! Join others whofeel the same! Make new friends while helpingyour Temple family!

See our website for contact information for each

committee.

Adult EventsBook ClubBuildings and GroundsCAREingChesedChoirCommunicationsJewish CommunityJudaica ShopLandscapingLibraryLong Range Planning

MembershipMen's ClubOnegsPublicityRitualSchool CommitteeSecuritySisterhoodSocial ActionSpecial EventsWays and MeansYouth Group

3

Please check our website at www.templebetham-ny.org for updates.

Connect with the URJ We would like to invite our members to connect

with the URJ and the Reform movement. You will

find many interesting articles and information on

the URJ website. Joining is simple. Go to

www.urj.org/signup. From there you will need to

fill in some very basic information and check off

what interests you. It’s that simple!

Legacy WalkwayOur beautiful Legacy Walkway is complete! If you have

not already seen it, we hope you will soon. The construc-

tion was very quick. Thank you to J.G. Star Construction

for their work. We hope that you will consider purchasing

a paver with your special message to add to our Walkway.

Former PresidentOffers Insights and Optimism

July marked the end of Jay

Gussak’s two consecutive

terms as Temple President

and he has “passed the

torch” to our newly elected

President Ken Usen.

It is difficult to adequately

thank Jay for the time, effort

and dedication he has put in

over the past four years.

This position is often times demanding as well as

challenging; yet Jay enthusiastically accepted and

shouldered his responsibilities.

When asked about his accomplishments, Jay noted, “We

transformed the area at the back of the sanctuary into far

more usable space, which helped make any overflow for

events more workable. The library back there is now much

more accessible to both students and congregants.”

Jay also recalled the strides that have been made outside the

Temple. “We launched the initiative to fix the front steps and

that became the Legacy Walkway, an ongoing fundraiser.

With the help of our Security Chair we revamped our

security system -- an important step we needed to take.

We also repaved and redirected the flow of traffic on our

driveway, and built the retaining wall which helped beautify

our landscape.”

One final accomplishment cited is ”...we initiated our first

major offsite Board Retreat, where we identified issues and

came up with ideas that helped transform the Temple.”

He went on to add, “I accomplished nothing on my own. It's

always been a team effort—the clergy, Board, committees,

staff, and membership were very supportive.”

“The work was not without its challenges, though,” Jay

recalled. “The day-to-day economics were up and down and

sideways. Also, scheduling wasn't always easy, with so

many of us being busy; it was sometimes difficult to get

Temple President Jay Gussak is presented with a plaque of appreciation by Ken Usen

TBA newsletteSummer 2016_Layout 1 9/7/16 4:03 PM Page 1

As a Jewish educator, I often

find myself pondering the

lives of my students. I am

constantly struck by the in-

tensity of their lives. School

today is rigorous, focusing

on raising the standards for

both achievement and perseverance. Extracur-

ricular activities are more demanding than ever;

many children have commitments to teams and

performing arts groups that meet literally every

day of the week throughout the year. Children

and teens navigate an on-line universe that can

be fraught with social and emotional peril. The

threat of sudden and unthinkable violence

hangs over their schools. The fire drills of

yesterday have been joined by the lock-down

drills of today.

What, in all of this, is the role of Religious

School? I know that parents sometimes experi-

ence Sunday mornings or Thursday evenings as

another commitment to fit into their already

overwhelming schedules. I would argue,

though, that there has never been a more

important moment for Jewish education. At the

Religious School, we strive to give children a

sense of authentic connection to God, the Jewish

community and their history. We expose them

to a sense of purposeful and ethical living,

driven by our understanding of Torah and

Jewish values. We encourage them to be open

to awe and wonder. We teach them to slow

down and experience the beauty of rituals. We

endeavor to truly know and love our students—

not just for their achievements, but for their

souls, which are created in God’s image.

In this intense world, we aspire to give children

a place where they can grow into kind,

righteous, spiritual and thoughtful Jewish

adults.

Cantor Jamie Tortorello-Allen

A Special Message...OOmmaa’’ss KKiittcchheenncc

Apple CakeContributed by the Wurzel Family

Preheat oven to 375º.

Add ingredients to medium size bowl, in the

order that they are listed and throughly mix.

Pour into a 8” x 8” pan.

Bake for 40-50 minutes.

* Substitute 11⁄2 cup blueberries instead of apple for blueberry cake

TotShabbat

Come and experience our joyous Jewish community where everyone belongs!

everyone together to discuss business.”

A little known fact is that Jay is a lifelong member of

Temple Beth Am. He was a second-generation

President, having followed in his father, Saul's,

footsteps. Not only has Jay attended Hebrew School

and had his Bar Mitzvah at the Temple, he has carried

the family tradition to a third generation with his

children Stacey and Robbie attending Hebrew School

here as well. Stacey is a confirmand, and Robbie's Bar

Mitzvah rapidly approaches. These are cherished

family connections our congregation values.

When commenting on his accomplishments, Jay noted,

“I'm very glad I had the opportunity to serve the con-

gregation, especially the congregation that I grew up

in and that my parents served in. I couldn't have done

this work without the full support of my wife, Sue, and

our wonderful children, Stacey and Robbie. They all

had to sacrifice quite a bit for me to be able to do my

work for the Temple, and for that I'm very grateful, as

well.”

Jay, Todah Rabah! Your contribution to the Beth Am

community cannot be overstated.

(Former President Offers Insights & Optimism continued)

3⁄4 cup sugar1⁄4 cup canola oil1 well beaten egg1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon1⁄2 cup orange juice

11⁄2 cup flour11⁄2 teaspoon baking powder2 medium apples,

peeled & finely chopped*

Holidays: Sukkot

Open House & Lunch

2016-17 Executive Board MembersLeft to right: Joan Poulin, Ken Usen, Mark Mantell,

David Kameny, Ava Sanel, Sharon Stone, Doree Green

Sisterhood: Women’s Passover Seder

Mitzvah:Support

ConnectionWalk

Men’s Club

Confirmation

Chai School

TBA newsletteSummer 2016_Layout 1 9/7/16 4:04 PM Page 2

As a Jewish educator, I often

find myself pondering the

lives of my students. I am

constantly struck by the in-

tensity of their lives. School

today is rigorous, focusing

on raising the standards for

both achievement and perseverance. Extracur-

ricular activities are more demanding than ever;

many children have commitments to teams and

performing arts groups that meet literally every

day of the week throughout the year. Children

and teens navigate an on-line universe that can

be fraught with social and emotional peril. The

threat of sudden and unthinkable violence

hangs over their schools. The fire drills of

yesterday have been joined by the lock-down

drills of today.

What, in all of this, is the role of Religious

School? I know that parents sometimes experi-

ence Sunday mornings or Thursday evenings as

another commitment to fit into their already

overwhelming schedules. I would argue,

though, that there has never been a more

important moment for Jewish education. At the

Religious School, we strive to give children a

sense of authentic connection to God, the Jewish

community and their history. We expose them

to a sense of purposeful and ethical living,

driven by our understanding of Torah and

Jewish values. We encourage them to be open

to awe and wonder. We teach them to slow

down and experience the beauty of rituals. We

endeavor to truly know and love our students—

not just for their achievements, but for their

souls, which are created in God’s image.

In this intense world, we aspire to give children

a place where they can grow into kind,

righteous, spiritual and thoughtful Jewish

adults.

Cantor Jamie Tortorello-Allen

A Special Message...OOmmaa’’ss KKiittcchheenncc

Apple CakeContributed by the Wurzel Family

Preheat oven to 375º.

Add ingredients to medium size bowl, in the

order that they are listed and throughly mix.

Pour into a 8” x 8” pan.

Bake for 40-50 minutes.

* Substitute 11⁄2 cup blueberries instead of apple for blueberry cake

TotShabbat

Come and experience our joyous Jewish community where everyone belongs!

everyone together to discuss business.”

A little known fact is that Jay is a lifelong member of

Temple Beth Am. He was a second-generation

President, having followed in his father, Saul's,

footsteps. Not only has Jay attended Hebrew School

and had his Bar Mitzvah at the Temple, he has carried

the family tradition to a third generation with his

children Stacey and Robbie attending Hebrew School

here as well. Stacey is a confirmand, and Robbie's Bar

Mitzvah rapidly approaches. These are cherished

family connections our congregation values.

When commenting on his accomplishments, Jay noted,

“I'm very glad I had the opportunity to serve the con-

gregation, especially the congregation that I grew up

in and that my parents served in. I couldn't have done

this work without the full support of my wife, Sue, and

our wonderful children, Stacey and Robbie. They all

had to sacrifice quite a bit for me to be able to do my

work for the Temple, and for that I'm very grateful, as

well.”

Jay, Todah Rabah! Your contribution to the Beth Am

community cannot be overstated.

(Former President Offers Insights & Optimism continued)

3⁄4 cup sugar1⁄4 cup canola oil1 well beaten egg1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon1⁄2 cup orange juice

11⁄2 cup flour11⁄2 teaspoon baking powder2 medium apples,

peeled & finely chopped*

Holidays: Sukkot

Open House & Lunch

2016-17 Executive Board MembersLeft to right: Joan Poulin, Ken Usen, Mark Mantell,

David Kameny, Ava Sanel, Sharon Stone, Doree Green

Sisterhood: Women’s Passover Seder

Mitzvah:Support

ConnectionWalk

Men’s Club

Confirmation

Chai School

TBA newsletteSummer 2016_Layout 1 9/7/16 4:04 PM Page 2

newsletterSUMMER/FALL 2016

Rabbi Robert Weiner | Cantor and Education Director: Jamie Tortorello-Allen | President: Ken Usen

203 Church Place, Yorktown Hts., NY 10598 | www.templebetham-ny.org | 914.962.7500

Comedy NightOn June 18th family and friends came together for a

delicious dinner at Piazza Roma in Cortlandt Manor.

Dessert was followed with bellyfuls of laughter. Three

amazing comedians came one after the other to entertain

us with non-stop jokes. One husband was asked, “Who’s

your best friend? Your wife or your dog?” He dutifully

replied, “My wife.” “That’s b….t. Leave them locked in a

hot car and see who’s happy to see you get them out.” No

one was safe. One congregant got younger each time the

comedian asked how old she was! “How old are you?

30?” “How old are you? 20?” “How old are you? 14? Are

these your parents?”

Mazel Tov to the Goldberg

family who won the 50/50

raffle. Other prizes were gift

certificates to Piazza Roma and

their sister restaurants and tick-

ets to the Broadway Comedy

Club in New York City.

Special thanks to Andy Polay

who worked tirelessly with the restaurant and comedians

to make this an affordable and truly enjoyable evening. (continued on inside)

Join us for Shabbat Services Fridays at 8 PM. Family Services are on the first Friday of every monthat 7:30 PM. Welcoming Shabbat, our program foryoung children, is on the second Friday of everymonth from 5:30-6:30 PM and includes a kid-friendlydinner.

Torah Study is on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of everymonth at 9 AM.

Wine with Weiner is on the 2nd and 4th Thursday ofevery month at 7:45 PM.Sisterhood meets once a month. See our website fordate changes and more information.Men’s Club meets on the second Tuesday of everymonth at 7:30 pm.

Coming Up at Temple Beth Am

11SEPTEMBER

16

2OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

11

2123

5

12

MADRICHIM & PARENTS MEETING (MANDATORY)9;30 AM -10:15 AM at the Temple

PROSPECTIVE MEMBER OPEN HOUSE/LUNCH11:45 AM -1 PM at the Temple

LEGACY WALKWAY DEDICATION - 7:00-8:00PMat the Temple

SUPPORT CONNECTION WALK-10 AM (meet at 8:30)

FDR PARK

EREV ROSH HASHANAH SERVICE - 8 PM at Yorktown Community & Cultural Center

ROSH HASHANAH MORNING SERVICE - 10 AM at Yorktown Community & Cultural CenterKIDDUSH in honor of the Rabbi and Cantor.following morning service at the Temple

ROSH HASHANAH CHILDREN'S SERVICE - 2 PMat the Temple

TASHLICH - 3 PM at Sparkle Lake

KOL NIDRE SERVICE - 8 PMYorktown Community & Cultural Center

YOM KIPPUR MORNING SERVICE - 10 AMYorktown Community & Cultural CenterYIZKOR following morning service (approx. 11:30 AM)

YOM KIPPUR CHILDREN'S SERVICE - 2 PMat the Temple

YOM KIPPUR CONCLUDING SERVICE - 3:45 PMat the Temple

BREAKING OF THE FAST - following concluding serviceat the Temple

SUKKOT SERVICE - 8 PM at the Temple

SIMCHAT TORAH SERVICE - 6:30 PMat the Temple

BIG BAND DINNER & DANCE - 7:00 PM - 11:00 PMMahopac Fire House, Rte 6

What's Your Passion?

Temple Beth Am has many committees whichcould benefit from your help. Perhaps you wantto use your skills. Maybe you want to try some-thing new. Find your passion! Join others whofeel the same! Make new friends while helpingyour Temple family!

See our website for contact information for each

committee.

Adult EventsBook ClubBuildings and GroundsCAREingChesedChoirCommunicationsJewish CommunityJudaica ShopLandscapingLibraryLong Range Planning

MembershipMen's ClubOnegsPublicityRitualSchool CommitteeSecuritySisterhoodSocial ActionSpecial EventsWays and MeansYouth Group

3

Please check our website at www.templebetham-ny.org for updates.

Connect with the URJ We would like to invite our members to connect

with the URJ and the Reform movement. You will

find many interesting articles and information on

the URJ website. Joining is simple. Go to

www.urj.org/signup. From there you will need to

fill in some very basic information and check off

what interests you. It’s that simple!

Legacy WalkwayOur beautiful Legacy Walkway is complete! If you have

not already seen it, we hope you will soon. The construc-

tion was very quick. Thank you to J.G. Star Construction

for their work. We hope that you will consider purchasing

a paver with your special message to add to our Walkway.

Former PresidentOffers Insights and Optimism

July marked the end of Jay

Gussak’s two consecutive

terms as Temple President

and he has “passed the

torch” to our newly elected

President Ken Usen.

It is difficult to adequately

thank Jay for the time, effort

and dedication he has put in

over the past four years.

This position is often times demanding as well as

challenging; yet Jay enthusiastically accepted and

shouldered his responsibilities.

When asked about his accomplishments, Jay noted, “We

transformed the area at the back of the sanctuary into far

more usable space, which helped make any overflow for

events more workable. The library back there is now much

more accessible to both students and congregants.”

Jay also recalled the strides that have been made outside the

Temple. “We launched the initiative to fix the front steps and

that became the Legacy Walkway, an ongoing fundraiser.

With the help of our Security Chair we revamped our

security system -- an important step we needed to take.

We also repaved and redirected the flow of traffic on our

driveway, and built the retaining wall which helped beautify

our landscape.”

One final accomplishment cited is ”...we initiated our first

major offsite Board Retreat, where we identified issues and

came up with ideas that helped transform the Temple.”

He went on to add, “I accomplished nothing on my own. It's

always been a team effort—the clergy, Board, committees,

staff, and membership were very supportive.”

“The work was not without its challenges, though,” Jay

recalled. “The day-to-day economics were up and down and

sideways. Also, scheduling wasn't always easy, with so

many of us being busy; it was sometimes difficult to get

Temple President Jay Gussak is presented with a plaque of appreciation by Ken Usen

TBA newsletteSummer 2016_Layout 1 9/7/16 4:03 PM Page 1