First Saturday of EACH month, Deborah Pittorino, chef-in-charge of our outstanding Simchat Torah lunch, will offer lunch and what a lunch it is - gravlax (salt- and sugar-cured salmon) on a bagel, with tomato, onion, cream cheese if you like, and a spritz of lemon. Come for Shabbat services,
and stay for lunch.

A Photo of Our Shul's Bimah Chosen for United Synagogue Calendar

The shul was informed this month that a photo of our historic bimah has been chosen to represent one of the months in the 2010-2011 (5771) calendar, scheduled to be published this fall by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Our submission to the Art Photo Contest was a joint effort by Paul Birman, the photographer, and Sara Bloom, who prepared the accompanying text.

Birman and Bloom spent an afternoon last fall at the synagogue, looking for appropriate subjects to photograph and submit. The guidelines were somewhat vague, asking for "anything in and around your synagogue." In addition to the bimah shots, submissions included the original document recognizing Congregation Tifereth Israel as an official congregation organized in 1901 and chartered in 1903, the Tallit stand with fringes at varying lengths making an artistic statement, and the silver Kiddush cup and plate that are used at every Shabbat service.

Paul Birman photographed the four subjects from multiple angles, and Birman and Bloom chose what they felt best expressed the synagogue's history. Sara Bloom then captioned each photograph and also prepared a condensed history of Congregation Tifereth Israel and its compelling story.

The photos and text were submitted in November 2009, with no one expecting our little shul to compete successfully with some of the grandiose Conservative synagogues that had been built with elaborate plans prepared by leading architects across the nation. Our prayer sanctuary was designed by poor Jews, struggling to pay $1,200 to the carpenter who constructed it and $300 for the property it sits on. In announcing the decision, Joanne Palmer, United Synagogue's liaison with the selection committee, said: "The bimah looks beautiful, and how wonderful that it is so old and still in use."
Receiving the news that one of his photos had been chosen for the calendar, Paul Birman commented, "Sara and I composed a number of artistic images around the synagogue, but the one chosen represents the heart of the shul, notable for both its beauty and age."  Sara Bloom admitted that winning a place in the calendar was a long shot at best, but that "clearly, the simple eloquence of our sanctuary and its inspiring history are irresistible."

Journal Dinner-Dance Chairs Announce 2010 Honorees

This year's Journal Dinner-Dance honorees have been selected, and their achievements and contributions will be acknowledged at the 109th anniversary celebration of the founding of our shul. The event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 12, at the Sound View Restaurant.
Robert J. Syron, CEO and executive director of Peconic Landing in Greenport has been singled out as our Citizen of the Year. Under his leadership, Peconic Landing has achieved the highest standard of excellence for life care communities. His professionalism, dedication and commitment to his residents, in addition to his involvement in other North Fork activities, attest to this well-earned tribute.

As synagogue honorees this year, we are recognizing Marsha and Charles Millman. Both have taken on leading roles in the ongoing success of our congregation. Currently, Marsha is president of the Daughters of Israel, and Charles is president of the Men's Club. Their enthusiasm for our shul has sparked interest in all facets of synagogue life, and we salute them for their many efforts on our behalf.

As the weeks go by, you will hear more about our plans for this year's festivities. Save the date to celebrate.

--Elaine Goldman and Paula Shengold, Co-chairs

519 Fourth St.
P.O. Box 659
Greenport, NY 11944
Ask for the new-member brochure.