Sinai Reform Temple

60th Anniversary Celebration, May 16th,17th, 18th.

 

From the moment you walked into the foyer at Temple you are greeted with a photo display of the past 60 glorious years of our congregation.  So many sad, happy, but all wonderful poignant memories of our story.  You look at these photos and try to figure out who is that in that bouffant hairdo?  Or who are these youngsters with rather long and bushy hairstyles?  Believe it or not these are the current leaders of our society.

They are lawyers, physicians, clergy, financial wizards, but best of all they are Sinai Reform  Temple alumni. It is with sadness as we gaze at our Temple turned to ashes, the smiling of the rebuilding, the first service without pews or carpet.  How amazing and our journey only took sixty years.

So many stories, so many years, and so our celebration began with a wonderful Shabbat service written by Rabbi Churgel.  Our Past Presidents walked in carrying the Torahs, followed by the  Rabbi, Liran, Sisterhood, Brotherhood and Chai Club Presidents. Following this grand procession were our choir members waving their Israeli and American flags

Our guest speaker, Liran Avisar Gazit, an outstanding ARZA representative, emotionally spoke and moved us all to someday visit Israel and perhaps even retire to the original land of  Milk & Honey. Our service was enhanced with Kathryn Linder lending her beautiful voice to the musical portions of the service.  Our wonderful children’s choir was conducted by Kathryn and accompanied by Jihan Berhumoglu on the bass guitar.  Our choir members; Sophia Interlicchio, Peri Eckhoff, Emily Fishman, Amanda Ziegler, Zachary Mike, Athena Grauer, A.J. Ladinsky and Daniel Linder.

 And to make this evening so extra special an oneg that delighted every palate was presented.. Our Social Hall was decorated so beautifully, candles, flags and balloons adorned the room.  Saturday morning, as part of Shabbat services featured our guest Laura Wetzler, an alumni of  Sinai Reform Temple. Laura is an ASCAP award winning singer & songwriter. Laura’s repertoire included Yiddish, Israeli, Hebrew, Sephardic and so much more.  We all joined in with Laura as we clapped, hummed and sang.  What a joyful Sabbath.

And to top it off a delightful dairy Kiddush was prepared by our wonderful Sinai Reform Temple members.

Sunday morning after our Religious School ended their assembly, the youngsters and their parents were treated to games, face painting, an inflatable jumper, bubbles, music and a magician. And to satisfy their appetites grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon and cold drinks were served.  What a glorious day!

How can we ever repeat such a great celebration?  In case you’re interested we are gearing up for our 75th.  Please call and volunteer your expertise.

This event could not have taken place without the combined effort of so many people:

To Rabbi Churgel for composing the beautiful service we used Friday night. And for his dedication, interest  and support of this celebration. Our Temple Board for their financial support, encouragement, and vision in the planning of this celebration.  Special thanks to Sisterhood & Brotherhood for their financial support.  And to Brotherhood for providing the barbeque for Sunday.

Special  thanks to Paul Chrstoforidis of Balloon Bouquets of L.I. for his generous donations.  To Amanda Lindner for supervising the games on Sunday. To the youngsters who assisted her: Kelsey & Brianna Greene, Julie Fishman and Paul Ziegler.  And to our magician  Dr. Mel Boskin assisted by Steven Masciale. Thanks, thanks and thanks again to all. To Michael Masciale, thanks for implementing our phone blast. It was very effective.

Throughout the many months of planning, the many meetings, e-mails and discussions the 60th Anniversary Committee diligently forged ahead, and the success of this weekend was the result of their combined effort  Co-Chairs, Marian Kent, Michelle Interlicchio and Andy Rosenthal.  Our Committee Members: Diane Greene, Karen Costantino, Barry Schwartz, Sharon Valles, Linda Lieberman, Natalie Berhumoglu, Trisha Lindner, Rochelle Machowsky, Robert Fishman, Phyllis Robin & Muriel Schechtel.

To all the members and friends of Sinai Reform Temple who attended all our events, thank you. And one more final thank you to our Temple Secretary, Angel Fiesler and to our Caretaker, Darrell Moye, without your cooperation and dedication to Sinai Reform Temple this celebration could not have happened.  

Shalom and have a great summer.