The Holidays are approaching and we are in the process of preparing our YIZKOR MEMORIAL BOOK 2010-2011 (5771) – Book of Remembrance for Yom kIppur Service  You can remember departed family members or friend by memorializing their names in this book which will be used at all Yizkor services through the year.  The cost to you is $36.00 per name.  Also available:  full page, $175.00 or half page, $125.00, inclusive all names.  You still have time to send your information or call the Temple Office.  Thank You!

• Our Congregation gratefully appreciates any contributions to underwrite the cost of the High Holiday booklets.   Such donations may honor or memorialize a loved one or a friend.  Five booklets may be contributed at the very reasonable cost of $18, ten booklets for $36, fifteen for $54 and so on in multiples of $18.  Labels will be affixed on the back of each booklet stating the name of the donor and the reasons for the donation.

Welcome again to Shabbat Shalom, the weekly on-line bulletin of Temple Sinai in Middletown that details significant announcements of activities in our community for the weeks ahead, and provides a d’var Torah and a bit humor to begin our Shabbat on a light note.
Don’t forget: if you have anything that you would like to submit for inclusion in Shabbat Shalom, please send it along. We can’t promise to include everything, but we certainly will take everything into consideration.
Rabbi Schwab

Parashat Ki Tavo
(If you have a copy of Humash Etz Hayim at home, you can begin studying the parashah on p. 1140)
Shabbat Candle Lighting time: 7:19 p.m.

On Friday evening, the service will begin at the usual time of 6:00 p.m.
On Shabbat morning, services will begin at 9:15 a.m.
Minhah/Ma’ariv services will begin at 6:40 p.m.

On Sunday morning, our Hebrew School teachers will hold their annual planning meeting beginning at 10:00 a.m.
On Thursday evening, the Board of Education will meet at 7:30 p.m.

Next Friday evening, the service will begin at the usual time of 6:00 p.m.
Next Shabbat morning services will begin at 9:15 a.m.
Minhah/Ma’ariv services are scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
The High Holiday season begins with Selihot prayers on Saturday evening, beginning at 10:00 p.m. Preceding the service, beginning at 8:30, we will join in our annual social hour and study session, which this year will feature an exploration of our new mahzorim. Plan to be present for this important learning occasion and the meaningful service that follows.

For many years, members of Temple Sinai have graciously donated towards our annual Break-the-Fast buffet following Ne’ilah services at the end of Yom Kippur. We hope that we can count on the community once again to contribute to the Break-the-Fast fund. Please send contributions to the office, with a notation indicating your sponsorship of the Break-the-Fast.
Those who would like to use the baby-sitting service on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are asked pleased to contact the office (343-1861) to reserve places for your children.
Young adults who were part of our congregation in their youth but now are living in other places and are looking for a place to spend Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are urged to connect with www.projectreconnect.org for possible free tickets and home hospitality at Conservative synagogues around the country.
Our new High Holiday Prayer Book, Mahzor Lev Shalem has arrived and will be in use this coming Rosh Hashanah. To get an idea of the special nature of this new prayer book, please Click here for interviews filmed at the Rabbinical Assembly convention at JTS in May. (If you are paying careful attention, you might get a glimpse of a familiar face just before the 4:00 minute mark on the video.)
Job opportunity: Jewish Family Service is looking for a facilitator for the Roots program, a special experience for adults with developmental disabilities to join in Jewish traditions. Roots meets five evenings in the fall and five evenings in the spring at Temple Sinai. The facilitator should have experience teaching or facilitating groups for special-needs children or adults as well as a familiarity with Jewish culture. Send letter and resume to support@JFSorange.org or fax to 845-342-6436.

Sisterhood is presently compiling information for the Blanche Chiron Friendship Calendar. If there was a birth or marriage in your immediate family this past year, please sent this information to Lisa Klein at tljz@hvc.rr.com or call her at 845-344-2264.

Hebrew School News- If you haven’t done so already, please return your Registration forms for Hebrew School. We have been busy planning a new curriculum and lots of fun things for our students to do. A new addition to our Hebrew School will be ASK THE RABBI. Our new Assistant Rabbi, Michael Wolk, will be visiting classrooms once a month to hear the students’ questions for the Rabbi. This will be a learning and fun time for everyone!
* The Holidays are approaching and we are in the process of preparing our YIZKOR MEMORIAL BOOK 2010-2011 (5771) – Book of Remembrance for Yom kIppur Service You can remember departed family members or friend by memorializing their names in this book which will be used at all Yizkor services through the year. The cost to you is $36.00 per name. Also available: full page, $175.00 or half page, $125.00, inclusive all names. You still have time to send your information or call the Temple Office. Thank You!
NEW YEAR’S GREETINGS – Help make Temple Sinai families’ holidays a little sweeter! Once again we will offer greetings in the Sept/Oct, 2910 Newsletter. The cost will be the same as last year. Listing (name only) $10.00. Sponsor: (1/3 page) $18.00.
Save the Dates!!!
· The annual Cemetery Service preceding Rosh Hashanah will take place on Sunday, September 5, at 11:00 a.m. at the Temple Sinai cemetery in Circleville.
· The Hebrew School begins its new year with its welcome back breakfast on Sunday, September 12th.
· Men’s Club Welcome Back Breakfast and Sukkah Raising Party– Sunday, September 19th
· Sisterhood’s Paid-Up Membership Brunch will take place on Sunday, October 24th. Please save this date. We will have a lovely time and a wonderful program. Come join us!
· The Middletown Chapter of Hadassah invites the community their fall meeting on Tuesday evening, Oct. 26, at 7:00 PM at Temple Sinai. The program will include a presentation by Anna Gibbs, a personal and professional growth coach, who will speak on the topic “Discover Your Best Self”. This is an opportunity to learn more about yourself, about the Middletown Chapter of Hadassah, and about the amazing work Hadassah does in Israel and in the United States. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome. Contact Hadassah’s Program Chair, Barbara Lewis, at 386-2669, for further information.
· On Sunday, November 7th, our Men’s Club will be going to see two Shows on Broadway: “The Addams Family” and “West Side Story”. A Continental Breakfast at Temple Sinai, which will begin at 9:30am, a round-trip air conditioned bus with bathroom on board leaving at 10:45am, and a Mid-Mezzanine Theater Ticket to either show is just $85 per person. You must call Hal Marcus at 355-8303 to reserve your ticket and place on the bus. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, November 7th!
· Sisterhood’s annual Holiday Boutique will take place on Sunday November 14th. Vendor space is available. Contact the office for further information and instructions.
In these difficult economic times, Jewish Family Service has created a program to offer help to the needy with the greatest dignity possible. JFS has been giving supermarket gift cards to those in need so that they can enjoy the freedom to choose their own food and to purchase it without embarrassment. If you would like to help out in this endeavor, contact Donna Haviv at 341-1173, x307, or simply purchase scrip from the Temple Sinai office and indicate that it is to be left for Rabbi Schwab for the JFS cupboard.

The Hebrew School is still collecting our Box Tops for Education. If you buy any of the products, please make sure to clip the box top and bring it to the temple. The full list of participating products can be found on the Hebrew School Bulletin Board. We appreciate your support.

For those who subscribe to Time Warner Cable, the all-Jewish network Shalom TV is available at on demand channel 1005. For more about Shalom TV, you can hit their website at www.shalomtv.com. Jewish and Israeli programming is also available at the Jewish Channel on channel 137.

* Our Congregation gratefully appreciates any contributions to underwrite the cost of the High Holiday booklets. Such donations may honor or memorialize a loved one or a friend. Five booklets may be contributed at the very reasonable cost of $18, ten booklets for $36, fifteen for $54 and so on in multiples of $18. Labels will be affixed on the back of each booklet stating the name of the donor and the reasons for the donation.

NOTE: Do you have a simcha you would like to share with the Congregation? If you would like to sponsor a Saturday Kiddush, please call Arline Friedman at 342-2824. If you would like to sponsor a 3rd Meal, the cost is $54.00 minimum donation; please contact Rabbi Schwab or the office.
This week’s d’var Torah was written by Rabbi Eliezer Diamond, Rabbi Judah Nadich Associate Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics at the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Parashat Ki Tavo
by Rabbi Eliezer Diamond
Try to imagine your zeyde, born and bred in Lithuania, dressed as a Pilgrim. I did. Like any other American schoolchild, I learned how the Pilgrims came to these shores on the Mayflower, how they celebrated their first harvest together with the Wampanoag Indians, and how this celebration became the basis for our holiday of Thanksgiving. For reasons that were not clear to me at the time, I tried to picture my Litvak grandfather as a Pilgrim, but the moment I did I started laughing.
It wasn’t until years later that I understood what motivated me to engage in this thought experiment. I was taught that American history began with the Pilgrims. (Keep in mind that I began grade school in the ’50s.) My ancestors, however, had not come over on the Mayflower. Consequently, I was asking myself: Could I claim this piece of history—in fact, any piece of American history prior to my family’s arrival in America in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries—as my own?
The Sages of the Talmud raise a similar question in connection with a commandment appearing at the beginning of this week’s Torah portion. We are told that a farmer bringing first fruits to the Temple was to recite a declaration briefly reviewing the Israelite experience of exile and bondage in Egypt and recounting the divine acts of redemption that brought them to the Land of Israel. The question arises as to whether a ger, a convert to Judaism, should recite this declaration. The question was raised because of the wording of the prologue to the declaration: “I acknowledge this day before the L-rd your G-d that I have entered the land that the L-rd swore to our fathers to assign us” (Deut. 26:3). In fact, no such promise was made to the ger’s biological ancestors; therefore, perhaps it is inappropriate for him to make this declaration. The Mishnah rules in the negative: “A ger brings [first fruits] but does not make the declaration” (Mishnah Bikkurim 1:4).
Many centuries later, a Jew who had converted from Islam and taken the name of Obadiah (a common name for converts in both Christian and Muslim countries because of a tradition that Obadiah the prophet was a convert) asked Maimonides, the twelfth-century Egyptian Sage, whether or not he should recite phrases like “our G-d and the G-d of our fathers” at the beginning of the ‘Amidah. After all, Obadiah was not a descendant of the Patriarchs; would it not be dishonest for him to claim them as his own?
In fact both the aforementioned Mishnah and the Palestinian Talmud discuss this question. The Mishnah continues, “When [a ger] prays privately he says ‘the G-d of the fathers of Israel’ and praying in synagogue he says ‘the G-d of your fathers.’” However, the Palestinian Talmud cites the view of R. Judah who, contrary to the Mishnah’s declaration, requires a convert to recite the declaration of the first fruits—and presumably would also instruct a ger to say “our G-d and the G-d of our fathers” in his prayers—as well as several Sages who rule in accordance with R. Judah.
Maimonides could have begun his response to Obadiah by citing the Talmudic passage. Instead, he begins by designating Obadiah and all those who turn to the worship of the one true G-d as the children of Abraham. In saying this, Maimonides is drawing upon a midrashic tradition (a version of which is cited in the passage in the Palestinian Talmud) that Abraham and Sarah brought many converts under the wings of the Shekhinah the Presence of G-d. He is also introducing a notion that would both be familiar to a former Muslim and would function as a counter narrative to Qur’anic tradition. The Qur’an describes Abraham as the first to practice Islam, which means literally submission; Abraham is the first human being to submit himself entirely to G-d’s will. Maimonides acknowledges this special role of Abraham, one that is confirmed numerous times by biblical and rabbinic tradition, but also insists that the submission in question is to Torah, not to Muslim doctrines.
Maimonides continues by observing that most of the Israelites who left Egypt were idolaters and that at Sinai both they and the non-Israelites who had accompanied them were in equal need of the teachings they received at Sinai, particularly those forbidding idolatry. Finally, buttressing his claim with a verse from Isaiah, Maimonides assures Obadiah that if those born as Jews can claim the pedigree of being the Patriarchs’ descendants, then Obadiah, as a ger, can claim the distinction of having adopted G-d Himself as his parent and protector.
It is only after this elaborate sermon that Maimonides finally introduces the Talmudic discussion of the question. Why is this? We see here Maimonides’ ability to perceive the unasked question lying behind the question that Obadiah actually poses. The question is not merely technical. What Obadiah wants to know is: Am I as much a Jew as anyone who was born a member of the Jewish people, or am I only a second-class citizen? This is particularly an issue for those converting to Judaism, because ours is a religion that draws heavily on history and historical memory. All Jewish holidays and many commandments commemorate in some way a part of the Jewish past. How can someone who only recently has become a member of the Jewish people claim that history, and the commandments that reflect and celebrate it, as her own?
Maimonides’ answer is essentially to portray Judaism as a faith community, implicitly de-emphasizing its historical character. Being the descendant of Abraham is of no significance, argues Maimonides, if one has not accepted the belief in Abraham’s G-d. Conversely, anyone who does so is as much a member of the community of Israel as any other Jew; pedigree is irrelevant.
I think that Maimonides’ answer is an important one. However, there is another way of responding to Obadiah and all those troubled by his question; this response is important not only for gerim but for all Jews. When someone comes to convert to Judaism, says the Talmud, we say to her, “Why would you want to convert? Do you not know that at present the people of Israel are persecuted and oppressed, despised, harassed and overcome by afflictions?” Whatever else is intended in making this initial statement, it is a reminder to the potential convert that she is not only accepting upon herself a set of beliefs and practices but is also electing to share the often precarious and sometimes tragic fate of the Jewish people. She is becoming a member of what Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik calls a “community of destiny.” Anyone willing to remain faithful to Jewish belief, practice, and peoplehood through any future challenges that might befall the Jewish people is entitled to claim all of the Jewish past, with its many tragedies and triumphs, as her own.
And so, finally, I return to my grandfather, the Pilgrim manqué. My grandfather’s ancestors did not come across on the Mayflower; in fact, he probably would have been hard pressed to tell you what the Mayflower was. But he accepted and embraced what is special about these United States of America, its invitation to live freely and proudly regardless of race, religion, or creed. In so doing he committed himself to safeguarding that right for his fellow citizens, his children and grandchildren, and for all future generations. He was as American as the passengers on the Mayflower who, like him, were seeking a land where they could start anew, free of religious persecution.
When we, born and bred in America, turn to consider the new arrivals to these shores from countries across the globe, we would do well to think of Maimonides’ response to Obadiah. Being an American does not depend on having a particular history, speaking a certain language, having a certain skin color, or practicing a specific religion. Furthermore, as Americans, these immigrants are the rightful inheritors of the narrative delineating the journey over the centuries from intolerance and slavery toward acceptance and equality, a narrative to which they contribute with their own words and actions. Anyone attracted by the promise of freedom, equality, and tolerance and willing to grant and protect these rights for others has a place here, and it is our duty to welcome them into the community of true Americans.
The publication and distribution of the JTS Commentary are made possible by a generous grant from Rita Dee and Harold (z”l) Hassenfeld.
This is the season for giving tzedakah. As we head towards our date with G-d and our attempt to convince G-d we are sorry for what we did, we remember that, as the end of the prayer “Unetaneh tokef” says, “tzedakah ma’avirin et ro’a ha-gezeirah”, that “tzedakah has the power to transform the harshness of the decree.” From David Minkoff’s Oy! The ultimate book of Jewish jokes.
Rabbi Rabinowitz answers his phone.
“Hello?”
“Hello, is this Rabbi Rabinovitz?”
“It is.”
“This is the IRS. Can you help us?”
“I’ll try.”
“Do you know Sam Cohen?”
”I do.”
“Is he a member of your congregation?”
“He is.”
“Did he donate $10,000 to the synagogue rebuilding fund last year?”
”He will!”

Some thieves broke into the Jewish Federation offices. They got away with over $1 million in pledges.

Moshe goes to the mall with his ten-year-old son, Paul. Paul is flicking a quarter up in the air with his thumb and each time catching it between his teeth. But then someone bumps into Paul and the coin goes straight down his throat. Paul starts to choke and soon begins to turn blue. Moshe starts to panic and shouts and screams for someone to help him. An ordinary looking man in a blue suit is sitting on a bench drinking coffee and reading his newspaper. He puts down his cup and paper, gets up and walks toward Moshe and Paul When he gets to him, the man asks Moshe, “Are you Jewish?”
Moshe responds, “Yeah, I’m Jewish, but what difference does it make? My son is dying.”
The man then turns to Paul and hits him twice in the rear end, on his back pocket. Immediately Paul coughs up the coin into the man’s free hand. The man then gives the coin to Moshe and walks back to his bench.
Moshe is overwhelmed with gratitude and begins to thank the man profusely. The man looks embarrassed and tells Moshe he doesn’t have to thank him. But Moshe says, “Thank you so much. How did you know what to do? And why did you ask if we were Jewish?”
“Well,” said the man, “the thing is that I make a living reaching into Jews’ wallets and extracting money. I raise funds for Jewish Federations.”

Some websites for purchasing Israeli products:
www.achi613.org.
www.buyisraelgoods.org
www.israeliproducts.com
www.israelexport.org

Don’t forget: if you have anything that you would like to submit for inclusion in Shabbat Shalom, please send it along. We can’t promise to include everything, but we certainly will take everything into consideration.

Rabbi Schwab

Parashat Shof’tim

(If you have a copy of Humash Etz Hayim at home, you can begin studying the parashah on p. 1088)

Shabbat Candle Lighting time: 7:40 p.m.

On Friday evening, the service will begin at the usual time of 6:00 p.m.

On Shabbat morning, services will begin at 9:15 a.m.

Minhah/Ma’ariv services will begin at 7:00 p.m.

On Monday, Jewish Family Service invites the community to its annual meeting, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Jewish Federation’s headquarters, 68 Stewart Drive, Newburgh. At that time our own Cynthia Weintraub will be installed as JFS’ next president.

On Tuesday the Cemetery Committee will meet at 8:00 p.m.

On Wednesday evening, the Executive Board will meet at 7:00 p.m. and the Board of Trustees at 8:00 p.m.

Next Friday evening, the service will begin at the usual time of 6:00 p.m.

Next Shabbat morning services will begin at 9:15 a.m.

Minhah/Ma’ariv services are scheduled for 6:50 p.m.

Sisterhood is presently compiling information for the Blanche Chiron Friendship Calendar. If there was a birth or marriage in your immediate family this past year, please sent this information to Lisa Klein at tljz@hvc.rr.com or call her at 845-344-2264.

Forms have been mailed for Sisterhood’s New Years Greetings. The deadline for the forms is August 20th. Please have them in by that date there will no exceptions to this deadline.

Hebrew School News- If you haven’t done so already, please return your Registration forms for Hebrew School. We have been busy planning a new curriculum and lots of fun things for our students to do. A new addition to our Hebrew School will be ASK THE RABBI. Our new Assistant Rabbi, Michael Wolk, will be visiting classrooms once a month to hear the students’ questions for the Rabbi. This will be a learning and fun time for everyone!

* The Holidays are approaching and we are in the process of preparing our YIZKOR MEMORIAL BOOK 2010-2011 (5771) – Book of Remembrance for Yom kIppur Service You can remember departed family members or friend by memorializing their names in this book which will be used at all Yizkor services through the year. The cost to you is $36.00 per name. Also available: full page, $175.00 or half page, $125.00, inclusive all names. You still have time to send your information or call the Temple Office. Thank You!

NEW YEAR’S GREETINGS – Help make Temple Sinai families’ holidays a little sweeter! Once again we will offer greetings in the Sept/Oct, 2910 Newsletter. The cost will be the same as last year. Listing (name only) $10.00. Sponsor: (1/3 page) $18.00.

Our Men’s Club continues to collect donations toward the “Temple Sinai Sukkah Fund” so that we can purchase a new light-weight, easy-to-assemble Sukkah for next fall 2010. If you would like to donate toward the “Sukkah Fund,” please send your tax-deductible contribution to the Temple Sinai Men’s Club at the synagogue.

Save the Dates!!!

• The High Holiday season begins with Selihot prayers on Saturday evening, September 4, beginning at 10:00 p.m. Preceding the service, beginning at 8:30, we will join in our annual social hour and study session, which this year will feature an exploration of our new mahzorim. Plan to be present for this important learning occasion and the meaningful service that follows.
• The annual Cemetery Service preceding Rosh Hashanah will take place on Sunday, September 5, at 11:00 a.m. at the Temple Sinai cemetery in Circleville.
• The Hebrew School begins its new year with its welcome back breakfast on Sunday, September 12th.
• Men’s Club Welcome Back Breakfast – Sunday, September 19th
• Sisterhood’s Paid-Up Membership Brunch will take place on Sunday, October 24th. Please save this date. We will have a lovely time and a wonderful program. Come join us!

• On Sunday, November 7th, our Men’s Club will be going to see two Shows on Broadway: “The Addams Family” and “West Side Story”. A Continental Breakfast at Temple Sinai, which will begin at 9:30am, a round-trip air conditioned bus with bathroom on board leaving at 10:45am, and a Mid-Mezzanine Theater Ticket to either show is just $85 per person. You must call Hal Marcus at 355-8303 to reserve your ticket and place on the bus. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, November 7th!

In these difficult economic times, Jewish Family Service has created a program to offer help to the needy with the greatest dignity possible. JFS has been giving supermarket gift cards to those in need so that they can enjoy the freedom to choose their own food and to purchase it without embarrassment. If you would like to help out in this endeavor, contact Donna Haviv at 341-1173, x307, or simply purchase scrip from the Temple Sinai office and indicate that it is to be left for Rabbi Schwab for the JFS cupboard.

The Hebrew School is still collecting our Box Tops for Education. If you buy any of the products, please make sure to clip the box top and bring it to the temple. The full list of participating products can be found on the Hebrew School Bulletin Board. We appreciate your support.

For those who subscribe to Time Warner Cable, the all-Jewish network Shalom TV is available at on demand channel 1005. For more about Shalom TV, you can hit their website at www.shalomtv.com. Jewish and Israeli programming is also available at the Jewish Channel on channel 137.

* Our Congregation gratefully appreciates any contributions to underwrite the cost of the High Holiday booklets. Such donations may honor or memorialize a loved one or a friend. Five booklets may be contributed at the very reasonable cost of $18, ten booklets for $36, fifteen for $54 and so on in multiples of $18. Labels will be affixed on the back of each booklet stating the name of the donor and the reasons for the donation.

NOTE:  Do you have a simcha you would like to share with the Congregation?  If you would like to sponsor a Saturday Kiddush, please call Arline Friedman at 342-2824.  If you would like to sponsor a 3^rd Meal, the cost is $54.00 minimum donation; please contact Rabbi Schwab or the office.

This week’s d’var Torah comes from Rabbi Joshua Heller, senior rabbi of Congregation B’nai Torah in Atlanta, Georgia.

Parashat Shof’tim

by Rabbi Joshua Heller

It is no secret that, despite the barriers between church and state, religion plays an important role in the American political system.  Candidates for high office must declare their allegiance to G-d, just as they affirm their commitment to motherhood and apple pie.  Americans expect candidates to declare their faith publicly, but are not selective about the private details of that commitment –whether it be Methodism, secret agnosticism, or even observant Judaism. The Torah portion that we read this week, parashat Shof’tim, makes far more serious demands of the kings, the ancient political leaders of Israel.  Aside from ensuring that he does not accrue wealth and wives, or lead the Jewish people back to slavery in Egypt, the Torah commands that the King “shall write this Mishneh Torah (this “repetition of the Torah”) on a scroll…and it shall be with him and he shall read from it all the days of his life” (Deuteronomy 17:18-19).  What a wonderful message, that the king, though he be neither scholar nor priest, must engage in regular study, “so that he does not exalt himself over his brethren, and does not turn away from the commandments” (Deuteronomy 17:20). Our Sages, however, had an expanded understanding of this commandment, and understood the word “mishneh”, which implies duplication, to mean that the king must in fact have two Torah scrolls,  “one which comes and goes with him, and one which remains in his treasure house” (Babylonian Talmud.  Sanhedrin 21b).  He must carry the Torah with him, literally on his sleeve, as a visible symbol in the public sphere, but also keep it safe in his most private place as a true guide to his private practice. I will leave it to others to discuss public political figures of various religious persuasions and where they do or do not carry their Bibles.  I would rather apply a long-standing rabbinic principle, “All Jews are to be considered the sons of kings” (Mishnah. Shabbat 14:4).  Even though we are not literally royalty, we hold ourselves to the highest standards, and consider for ourselves how the Torah’s commandment to the king applies to us as individuals living our own private lives. As Jews have entered the modern world over the last few centuries, maintaining the Torah both in public and in private has become more of a challenge.  Religious observance in the home was one thing, but being a Jew in public, going out and coming in, was quite another.  Why mark one’s self as different by abstaining from foods that others eat, by wearing different clothes, going to different schools?  Why sacrifice one’s economic well being by resting on Shabbat when all others worked? In his poem “Hakiza Ami”, the 19^th century Russian-Jewish poet Y. L. Gordon summed up the split personality that the world seemed to demand: “Be a Jew at home and a human being on the street.” Ironically, we may be witness to the first generation experiencing the opposite problem.  Anti-Semitism is by no means dead, but there are so many ways in which Jews affiliate themselves publicly and openly in this country with pride, without fear of reprisals.  They are members of synagogues and other Jewish communal organizations, and send their children to Hebrew School.  They eat at the local kosher-style deli.  It is almost never dangerous, and normally not even uncomfortable, to be a Jew in the street. The challenge now is to be a Jew in the home, to commit ourselves to Jewish ideals, to Jewish observance, even when its function is private rather than public.  We may belong to and attend synagogues, but do we make time for private prayer, whether expressed in its traditional form or spoken freely from the heart?  We may give our children a Jewish education, but do we reinforce it by practicing at home what they learn in school?  Do we keep Jewish books in our homes and read them?  If we are fortunate enough to have a day off on Saturday, do we create a spirit of Shabbat in our homes which differs from the ambience of the rest of the weekend? Judaism is a precious gift, and if we are to truly appreciate it, we cannot only display it in the public sphere, in the street.  For that which is carried with us everywhere may with time become misplaced or adulterated.  We can only truly preserve it by keeping it in private as well, in our treasure house, the Jewish home.

The internet just buzzes with cute jokes. Like this collection of letters from children:

Dear Rabbi,

If Sarah was 90 and Abraham was 100 when they had Isaac, who drove him to soccer practice?

Sophie, age 8

Dear Rabbi,

I don’t understand why all religions don’t get along. The priests, rabbis and ministers in my Daddy’s jokes sure seem to be having a lot of fun together.

Colby, age 9

Dear Rabbi,

My Father says I should learn the 10 Commandments. But I don’t think I want to because we already have enough rules in our house.

Chrissy, age 6

Dear Rabbi,

I know G-d loves everyone, but He never met my sister.

Arnold, age 7

Dear G-d,

I thank you for my baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy.

Rachel, age 7

Dear G-d,

Is the Messiah coming before or after my math test this week?

Yossi, age 8

Some websites for purchasing Israeli products:

Morning service at 9:15 a.m.

Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood and Temple Sinai.

Minhah/Ma’ariv at 7:10 p.m.

SUNDAY,                                                                                                               08/08/10

Sababa (Hebrew slang for “awesome”)! ! !  The Jewish Federation of Orange County sponsoring an OFF TO COLLEGE NIGHT at the Newburgh JCC, 68 Stewart St., Newburgh.   College students, from those entering their freshman year to those ready for their senior year, are encouraged to attend this “awesome” event.   The program begins at 6:30 p.m. with pizza and ice-cream sundaes, and the interactive program featuring movie clips and free-wheeling discussion will led by Hod Klein, from the Israel Advocate Initiative.   For further information contact Jewish Federation at 562-7860 or joyce@jewishorangeny.org.

WEDNESDAY,                                                                                                       08/11/10

The Women’s Philanthropy Division of Jewish Federation at 6:30 p.m. invites ALL women to a women’s Rosh Hodesh celebration at the Newburgh Jewish Community Center, 68 Stewart St., Newburgh.  We will view and discuss the award winning short film THE TRIBE.   Bring a dairy dish and relax as we welcome the new month.

The Executive Board will meet at 8:00 p.m.

FRIDAY,                                                                                                                   08/13/10

Evening service at 6:00 p.m.

SATURDAY,                                                                                                            08/14/10

Morning service at 9:15 a.m.

Minhah/Ma’ariv at 7:00 p.m.

The Holidays are approaching and we are in the process of preparing our YIZKOR MEMORIAL BOOK 2010-2011 (5771) – Book of Remembrance for Yom Kippur Service  You can remember departed family members or friend by memorializing their names in this book which will be used at all Yizkor services through the year.  The cost to you is $36.00 per name.  Also available:  full page, $175.00 or half page, $125.00, inclusive all names.  You still have time to send your information or call the Temple Office.  Thank You!

NEW  YEAR’S GREETINGS – Help make Temple Sinai families’ holidays a little sweeter!  Once again we will offer greetings in the Sept/Oct, 2910 Newsletter.  The cost will be the same as last year.  Listing (name only) $10.00.  Sponsor:   (1/3 page) $18.00.

Sisterhood is presently compiling information for the Blanche Chiron Friendship Calendar. If there was a birth or marriage in your immediate family this past year, please sent this information to Lisa Klein at tljz@hvc.rr.com or call her at 845-344-2264.

Our Men’s Club continues to collect donations toward the “Temple Sinai Sukkah Fund” so that we can purchase a new light-weight, easy-to-assemble Sukkah for next fall 2010. If you would like to donate toward the “Sukkah Fund,” please send your tax-deductible contribution to the Temple Sinai Men’s Club at the synagogue.

Save the Dates!!!

The High Holiday season begins with Selihot prayers on Saturday evening, September 4, beginning at 10:00 p.m.  Preceding the service, beginning at 8:30, we will join in our annual social hour and study session, which this year will feature an exploration of our new mahzorim.  Plan to be present for this important learning occasion and the meaningful service that follows.

The annual Cemetery Service preceding Rosh Hashanah will take place on Sunday, September 5, at 11:00 a.m. at the Temple Sinai cemetery in Circleville.

On Sunday, November 7th, our Men’s Club will be going to see two Shows on Broadway: “The Addams Family” and “West Side Story”. A Continental Breakfast at Temple Sinai, which will begin at 9:30am, a round-trip air conditioned bus with bathroom on board leaving at 10:45am, and a Mid-Mezzanine Theater Ticket to either show is just $85 per person. You must call Hal Marcus at 355-8303 to reserve your ticket and place on the bus. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, November 7th!

Temple Sinai in an effort to go green is collecting used inkjet cartridges, ipods, cell phone, digital cameras and video recorders plus laptop computers.   They do not have to be in working condition.  These items will be sent to be recycled.

In these difficult economic times, Jewish Family Service has created a program to offer help to the needy with the greatest dignity possible.  JFS has been giving supermarket gift cards to those in need so that they can enjoy the freedom to choose their own food and to purchase it without embarrassment.  If you would like to help out in this endeavor, contact Donna Haviv at 341-1173, x307, or simply purchase scrip from the Temple Sinai office and indicate that it is to be left for Rabbi Schwab for the JFS cupboard.

THE HEBREW SCHOOL – Calling all General Mills box tops.  Hebrew School is collecting box tops from Yoplait, Ziploc, Betty Crocker items.  Pull Ups, Hefty and Scott’s products.  Please drop them at the office.  For a complete list, look at our bulletin board near the Temple office.  Thank you for your help; you make this a very successful year! Collect from family and friends too.

• NOTE:  Do you have a simha you would like to share with the Congregation?  If you would like to sponsor Saturday Kiddush, please call Arline Friedman at 342-2824.  If you would like to sponsor a 3^rd Meal, the cost is $54.00 minimum donation.  Please contact Rabbi Schwab.

Welcome again to Shabbat Shalom, the weekly on-line bulletin of Temple Sinai in Middletown that details significant announcements of activities in our community for the weeks ahead, and provides a d’var Torah and a bit humor to begin our Shabbat on a light note.

Don’t forget: if you have anything that you would like to submit for inclusion in Shabbat Shalom, please send it along.  We can’t promise to include everything, but we certainly will take everything into consideration.

Rabbi Schwab

Parashat R’eih

(If you have a copy of Humash Etz Hayim at home, you can begin studying the parashah on p. 1061)

Shabbat Candle Lighting time: 7:49 p.m.

On Friday evening, the service will begin at the usual time of 6:00 p.m.

On Shabbat morning, services will begin at 9:15 a.m.

Minhah/Ma’ariv services will begin at 7:10 p.m.

On Sunday evening, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Jewish Federation of Orange County is sponsoring an OFF TO COLLEGE NIGHT for students ranging from those entering their freshman year to those ready for their senior year.  This “awesome” happening will take place at the Newburgh JCC, 68 Stewart St., Newburgh and feature pizza, ice cream sundaes and an interactive program with movie clips and free-wheeling discussion led by Hod Klein, from the Israel Advocate Initiative.  Call Jewish Federation at 562-7860 for further information. It will be Sababa (Hebrew slang for “awesome”)!!!

On Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., the Women’s Philanthropy Division of Jewish Federation invites ALL women to a women’s Rosh Hodesh celebration at the Newburgh Jewish Community Center, 68 Stewart St., Newburgh.  We will view and discuss the award winning short film THE TRIBE.   Bring a dairy dish and relax as we welcome the new month.   Please RSVP by Friday to joyce@jewishorangeny.org.

At 8:00 p.m., the Executive Board will meet.

Next Friday evening, the service will begin at the usual time of 6:00 p.m.

Next Shabbat morning services will begin at 9:15 a.m.

Minhah/Ma’ariv services are scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Sisterhood is presently compiling information for the Blanche Chiron Friendship Calendar.  If there was a birth or marriage in your immediate family this past year, please sent this information to Lisa Klein at tljz@hvc.rr.com or call her at 845-344-2264.

Forms have been mailed for Sisterhood’s New Years Greetings.  The deadline for the forms is August 20th.  Please have them in by that date there will no exceptions to this deadline.

Hebrew School News- If you haven’t done so already, please return your Registration forms for Hebrew School.  We have been busy planning a new curriculum and lots of fun things for our students to do.  A new addition to our Hebrew School will be ASK THE RABBI.  Our new Assistant Rabbi, Michael Wolk, will be visiting classrooms once a month to hear the students’ questions for the Rabbi.  This will be a learning and fun time for everyone!

The Holidays are approaching and we are in the process of preparing our YIZKOR MEMORIAL BOOK 2010-2011 (5771) – Book of Remembrance for Yom kIppur Service  You can remember departed family members or friend by memorializing their names in this book which will be used at all Yizkor services through the year.  The cost to you is $36.00 per name.  Also available:  full page, $175.00 or half page, $125.00, inclusive all names.  You still have time to send your information or call the Temple Office.  Thank You!

NEW  YEAR’S GREETINGS – Help make Temple Sinai families’ holidays a little sweeter!  Once again we will offer greetings in the Sept/Oct, 2910 Newsletter.  The cost will be the same as last year.  Listing (name only) $10.00.  Sponsor:   (1/3 page) $18.00.

Our Men’s Club continues to collect donations toward the “Temple Sinai Sukkah Fund” so that we can purchase a new light-weight, easy-to-assemble Sukkah for next fall 2010. If you would like to donate toward the “Sukkah Fund,” please send your tax-deductible contribution to the Temple Sinai Men’s Club at the synagogue.

Save the Dates!!!

• The High Holiday season begins with Selihot prayers on Saturday evening, September 4, beginning at 10:00 p.m.  Preceding the service, beginning at 8:30, we will join in our annual social hour and study session, which this year will feature an exploration of our new mahzorim.  Plan to be present for this important learning occasion and the meaningful service that follows.
• The annual Cemetery Service preceding Rosh Hashanah will take place on Sunday, September 5, at 11:00 a.m. at the Temple Sinai cemetery in Circleville.
• Sisterhood’s Paid-Up Membership Brunch will take place on Sunday, October 24th.  Please save this date.  We will have a lovely time and a wonderful program.  Come join us!
• On Sunday, November 7th, our Men’s Club will be going to see two Shows on Broadway: “The Addams Family” and “West Side Story”. A Continental Breakfast at Temple Sinai, which will begin at 9:30am, a round-trip air conditioned bus with bathroom on board leaving at 10:45am, and a Mid-Mezzanine Theater Ticket to either show is just $85 per person. You must call Hal Marcus at 355-8303 to reserve your ticket and place on the bus. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, November 7th!

In these difficult economic times, Jewish Family Service has created a program to offer help to the needy with the greatest dignity possible.  JFS has been giving supermarket gift cards to those in need so that they can enjoy the freedom to choose their own food and to purchase it without embarrassment.  If you would like to help out in this endeavor, contact Donna Haviv at 341-1173, x307, or simply purchase scrip from the Temple Sinai office and indicate that it is to be left for Rabbi Schwab for the JFS cupboard.

The Hebrew School is still collecting our Box Tops for Education. If you buy any of the products, please make sure to clip the box top and bring it to the temple. The full list of participating products can be found on the Hebrew School Bulletin Board. We appreciate your support.

For those who subscribe to Time Warner Cable, the all-Jewish network Shalom TV is available at on demand channel 1005.  For more about Shalom TV, you can hit their website at www.shalomtv.com.  Jewish and Israeli programming is also available at the Jewish Channel on channel 137.

• Our Congregation gratefully appreciates any contributions to underwrite the cost of the High Holiday booklets.   Such donations may honor or memorialize a loved one or a friend.  Five booklets may be contributed at the very reasonable cost of $18, ten booklets for $36, fifteen for $54 and so on in multiples of $18.  Labels will be affixed on the back of each booklet stating the name of the donor and the reasons for the donation.

NOTE:  Do you have a simcha you would like to share with the Congregation?  If you would like to sponsor a Saturday Kiddush, please call Arline Friedman at 342-2824.  If you would like to sponsor a 3^rd Meal, the cost is $54.00 minimum donation; please contact Rabbi Schwab or the office.

This week’s d’var Torah was circulated nationally a few years ago.  I won’t bother introducing the rabbi.

Parashat R’eih

by Rabbi Joel Schwab

One of the most painful aspects of modern Jewish living has been the public conflict between two opposing understandings of our covenant with G-d.  On the one hand, a vital, thriving, ever-growing segment of our community sees the mitzvot, as interpreted by the great sages of the past and the present, to be absolutely binding for all Jews.  In this view, loyalty and obedience to G-d’s Word is the core of being a Jew; as the beginning of our parashah declares, blessing comes “if you obey the commandments of the L-rd your G-d.”

On the other hand, a large, committed segment of our community are unwilling to leave their own judgment and understandings of life on hold when evaluating the way to be Jewish in this life; for them, individual autonomy and decision-making is central to Jewish life.

Those two approaches too often clash, leaving hard feelings and misunderstandings on each side of the Jewish divide.

Perhaps a way to bridge that gap can be found in our parashah. The first verse reads, “See, this day I place before you a blessing and a curse.”  But there is a grammatical inconsistency in the verse.  While the word “r’eih,” “see,” is written in the singular, the word “lifnaychem,” “before you,” is couched in the plural.  From this odd construction our sages learned that while the mitzvot were given to all of us alike, to our people as a group, each individual must take on a commitment to those mitzvot on an individual basis, personally accepting the covenant as binding on the self.

In other words, Judaism has standards; in fact, we as a people and a nation must have standards.  There is a specific content to our relationship with G-d, a certain path to holiness.  But at the same time, as the changes in our religious life over the centuries testify, we are not automatons, blinding accepting the dictates of past authorities without question. We are required to make a personal commitment to our covenant on terms that make sense to us, making individual decisions on how to relate to our tradition and to G-d.

What does this tension teach us?  That choice is crucial to commitment, but that not every choice is wise or best or even right. Standards are crucial to continuity, but those standards cannot be forced upon people against their will.  While it is true that we have been given the ability to choose whether or not to pray daily or to help the homeless, we must understand that Judaism takes a stand on our decision.  While Torah insists that we observe Shabbat and give tzedakah, we cannot be forced to do so.  It is in the balance between the individual and the tradition that our people will survive or disappear.

Summertime jokes from Ron Isaac’s Have a Good Laugh: Jokes for the Jewish Soul.

One day, two bees are buzzing around what’s left of a rose bush.

“How’s your summer been?” asks bee number one.

“Not too good,” says bee two.  “Lots of rain, lots of cold.  There aren’t enough flowers, therefore not enough pollen.”

The first bee has an idea.  “Hey, why don’t you go down to the corner and hang a left. There’s a Bar Mitzvah going on.  Plenty of flowers and fruit.”

Bee two buzzes, “Thanks”, and takes off.  One hour later, the bees bump into each other again.

“How was the Bar Mitzvah?” asks the first bee.

“Great,” replies the second.

The first bee, however, notices a small circle on his friend’s head and inquires, “What’s that on your head?”

“A yarmulke,” is the answer.  “I didn’t want them to think I was a wasp.”

Summer is the big tourist season.  To get a bigger share of the tourism market, representatives of El Al, the Israeli airline, and Al Italia, the Italian airline, decided that they would merge and offer flights and tours that would stop for a few days in Rome and then go on to Israel.  Negotiations, however, came to a halt when they couldn’t come up with a good name for the merged airline, until one bright young executive figured out.  The new airline will be called “Vel I Tell Ya.”

Some websites for purchasing Israeli products:

www.achi613.org.

www.buyisraelgoods.org

www.israeliproducts.com

www.israelexport.org

Shabbat Shalom

Morning service at 9:15 a.m.

Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood and Temple Sinai.

Minhah/ Ma’ariv at 7:40 p.m.

MONDAY,                                                                                                               07/05/10

Independence Day – Office will be closed

FRIDAY,                                                                                                                   07/09/10

Evening service at 6:00 p.m.

We will be joined for the first time by our new Assistant Rabbi,

Rabbi Michael Wohl.

SATURDAY,                                                                                                            07/10/10

Morning service at 9:15 a.m.

Minhah/Ma’ariv at 7:35 p.m.

Our Men’s Club continues to collect donations toward the “Temple Sinai Sukkah Fund” so that we can purchase a new light-weight, easy-to-assemble Sukkah for next fall 2010. If you would like to donate toward the “Sukkah Fund,” please send your tax-deductible contribution to the Temple Sinai Men’s Club at the synagogue.

Jewish Family Service is presenting a series of workshops on the topic of Taking Ownership of Your Job Search.  This free series, which will be held on Monday evenings from 7:00 to 8:15, beginning July 12^th, is designed for those looking for work or concerned about being downsized.  For more information, and to register for the program, call JFS at 341-1173, extension 300.

The Middletown Chapter of Hadassah is having a SUMMER BRUNCH Thursday, July 22, 2010 (RAIN OR SHINE) at Noon to 2:20 p.m. at the home of Hilda Sobel – 197 Guymard Turnpike, Middletown, NY 10940.    Enjoy Hilda’s beautiful home, gardens and grounds, while socializing, eating delicious homemade foods and raising money for Hadassah.   Learn about the little known miracles that Hadassah has achieved throughout the world.  Minimum donation is $25.00 per person.   Call Joyce MIzrachi (845-343-3619) to make reservation and  tell her what yu will be bringin.    Or call Cynthia Weintraub (845-386-3395) if you need more information.

WHITE ELEPHANT SALE / BAZAAR FUNDRAISER

(Flea Market) at Temple Sinai on Sunday, July 25^th , from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Featuring Jacques Levine Footware and more . . .

Hard & soft covered books, knickknacks, CD/DVD’s, toys, glassware, dishes, closing, handyman tools, furniture, sports equipments, etc. . .    Please donate items that are in good saleable condition. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED –   Contact Linda Dubin at 651-0051 or Temple office 343-1861. We still accepting donations.

DROP OFF DATES FOR DONATIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Wednesday, June 9^th from 5PM to 7PM; Tuesday, June 15^th from 1PM to 3PM; Wednesday, June 16^th from 5PM to 7PM; Tuesday, June 29^th from 9AM to 1PM; Thursday, July 8^th from 9AM to1PM; Thursday, July 15^th from 1PM to 3PM; Friday, July 22^nd from 9AM to 3PM.  “Someone’s White Elephant is another person’s treasure”.

Jewish Family Service announces the opening of registration for “KidsConnect”, a Jewish recreational educational summer program for children with special needs, ages 5-12.  The program meets on weekdays from August 16^th through the 27^th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Temple Sinai.  Cost is $75 per week per child.  Scholarships and bus transportation are available.  For more information and to register before June 30^th, contact Liz Kadesh or Sandra Brown at 341-1173, extension 305.

The Jewish Federation of Orange County, in cooperation with the Israel on Campus Coalition, is sponsoring an OFF TO COLLEGE NIGHT on Sunday, evening, August 8^th.  College students, especially those entering their freshman year, are encouraged to attend.  Details to follow.

Temple Sinai in an effort to go green is collecting used inkjet cartridges, ipods, cell phone, digital cameras and video recorders plus laptop computers.   They do not have to be in working condition.  These items will be sent to be recycled.

In these difficult economic times, Jewish Family Service has created a program to offer help to the needy with the greatest dignity possible.  JFS has been giving supermarket gift cards to those in need so that they can enjoy the freedom to choose their own food and to purchase it without embarrassment.  If you would like to help out in this endeavor, contact Donna Haviv at 341-1173, x307, or simply purchase scrip from the Temple Sinai office and indicate that it is to be left for Rabbi Schwab for the JFS cupboard.

THE HEBREW SCHOOL – Calling all General Mills box tops.  Hebrew School is collecting box tops from Yoplait, Ziploc, Betty Crocker items.  Pull Ups, Hefty and Scott’s products.  Please drop them at the office.  For a complete list, look at our bulletin board near the Temple office.  Thank you for your help; you make this a very successful year! Collect from family and friends too.

• NOTE:  Do you have a simha you would like to share with the Congregation?  If you would like to sponsor Saturday Kiddush, please call Arline Friedman at 342-2824.  If you would like to sponsor a 3^rd Meal, the cost is $54.00 minimum donation.  Please contact Rabbi Schwab.