B'nai Israel Reform Temple's Blog

The Online Community of our Oakdale, NY Congregation

B'nai Israel Reform Temple's Blog The Online Community of our Oakdale, NY Congregation

Earth Day: Greening Reform Judaism

April 22nd, 2010 by Jeannette Berman · Community, Jewish Living, Social Action

Do you have any ideas regarding how B’nai Israel could become more green? Click below to post your comments.

One generation goes and another generation comes;
but the Earth remains forever. (Kohelet 1:4)

Greening Reform Judaism endeavors to promote an awareness of environmental considerations and environmentally responsible acts by integrating Jewish values, learning and actions that promote sh’mirat ha-adamah – protection and renewal of the world. Please click here to visit the URJ Greening Reform Judaism page.

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Rabbi Moss: Spiritual Life

April 16th, 2010 by Jeannette Berman · Community, Jewish Living, Shabbat

As many of you know I have always lived a spiritual life. Throughout my life I have adopted and adapted spiritual practices to my personal prayer experience including meditation, contemplation, and visualization techniques. Over the years I have brought these techniques to B’nai Israel.

I would love to know what programs over the years you have enjoyed and want to see more of. I would also like to hear about some of your personal spiritual practices that we could bring into programs or services.

By the way, after each Friday night service between now and Shavuot I am holding a meditation on the blessings in our lives. Why not join in!

Rabbi Moss

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Guest Blogger, Stacey Zurbaran: I am a Volunteer…

April 12th, 2010 by Jeannette Berman · Community, Fundraising

I am a volunteer. I started volunteering for the Ducks Games last year.  This year I am helping Lloyd Levine with raising troops for the effort.  For those of you who are not familiar with our Ducks Fundraising…read ahead. The Long Island Ducks are a minor league baseball team and they play in Central Islip by the courts. We man one of their concession stands with volunteers from the Temple, some not from the Temple, like my parents. Thanks Mom and Dad. We take orders from customers and serve them. No experience neccessary. The Temple gets a percentage of the profits. Obvioulsy, being human, I was nervous the first time. It’s so easy that you get the hang of it pretty quickly. It’s alot of fun because of the energy and the excitement from the customers as well as getting to know other Temple members. I’ve made a few new friends and I’m glad I am able to contribute to the Temple. There is always someone who keeps us entertained while working so the time goes by quickly…and at the end you can enjoy a free hot dog. Yum!

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What do they want?

April 10th, 2010 by Jeannette Berman · Community, Jewish Living, Social Action, Youth & Family

There was a great article in the New York Jewish Week by Gary Rosenblatt on 3/24/2010 which I read just before Passover. I suggest that you take a few moments to click here and read the article.

The passage that jumped out at me was “We seem to be trying to convince younger Jews that they need what we are offering rather than listening to what it is they want. And what they want — at least those with any interest in Jewish life — is hands-on, accessible projects that speak more to universal than parochial concerns, like social justice, social networking and the environment.”

While those of us who are involved know the benefits of being a part of the Temple community it is difficult to impart that knowledge to others. Priorities in peoples lives have shifted from years ago and I believe we need to do our best to be in tune with what the future generations of our Temple are interested in.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.

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20 Things to Do With Matzah

March 17th, 2010 by Jeannette Berman · Entertainment, Holidays

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Passover: Good for your sinuses?

March 3rd, 2010 by Jeannette Berman · Cooking, Holidays

For the first Passover Seder we hosted in our home we bought a cookbook. I had no idea what to make, what to put on a Seder plate, and wanted to know…what is gefilte fish anyway? The book we purchased was titled Let My People Eat!: Passover Seders Made Simple by Zell Schulman. I loved the title and did judge the book by its cover. I know I am not supposed to do that but this time it worked to my advantage. What a great cookbook! The drawings, checklists, and recipes did make it simple. The book also has recipes to use for the entire week of Passover.

The tradition we have taken from this book (whether or not we have a Seder at our home) is to make our own horseradish. If you have never made you own, you should give it a try. It requires only a few ingredients and with a food processor does not take long to make at all. 

Anyone who tried our horseradish at last years Temple Passover Seder will tell you, it cleared their sinuses in an instant! This year we will bring it again – maybe we should bring some tissues too.

So, what Passover traditions and stories do you have to share… Click Comments below and join the conversation.

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Cooking: Hamantashen: The First Thousand Ears

February 26th, 2010 by Jeannette Berman · Cooking, Holidays

by Tina D. Wasserman
Tracing the history of Hamantashen, poppy seeds, and prune fillings. Plus—recipes for “Haman’s ‘Ears,’” “Mohnbrodt,” and “Hamentashen de Panema,” along with instructions on how to shape a perfect Hamantashen. Click Here to read the entire article complete with recipes and how to from Reform Judaismmag.org

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At Purim, food is a blessing

February 25th, 2010 by Jeannette Berman · Holidays

(From the LA Times by Phyllis Glazer) One of the most important customs of Purim is mishloach manot, giving the gift of food. Giving to the poor, the elderly and the less fortunate is considered especially virtuous.

Wear silly clothes. Play pranks. Feast, play cards and games, and maybe even drink a little. While this may sound like any college student’s idea of a perfect evening, it’s actually the traditional way to celebrate the Jewish festival of Purim, beginning this year on Saturday evening.

Click Here to read the entire article on the LA Times website.

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Prayer and Change

February 11th, 2010 by Jeannette Berman · Shabbat


B’nai Israel has been using the new prayer book Mishkan T’filah for over a month now. The prayer book looks different, feels different, and is Hebrew opening only. That’s a lot of change all at once. Many of you have embraced that change and continue to, as it is still a work in progress. 

The feedback we have heard has been almost all positive from those who have used the book thus far. We know there are some of you who have not experienced the new book yet. Please come to services and try it out. You never know… you might like it.

Did you know that there are large print and shabbat only versions on the cart in the back of the sanctuary?

The options we are now given to choose from speak to a much wider audience. I personally find that the alternate translations provided speak to me much more than the translations in Gates of Prayer. Sometimes I will read one of those instead of reading along with the congregation (sorry Rabbi!).

We would love to read you book reviews of Mishkan T’filah. Share your thoughts with the congregation and post a comment. We would like to know what you like and what you don’t like.

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That’s Jewish Music?

February 10th, 2010 by Jeannette Berman · Jewish Music

Did you know that Jewish music can be like rock, gospel, jazz or even reggae?  It is not just traditional melodies any more.. and we are not even talking about Debbie Friedman (one of my personal favorites).  There’s Josh Nelson Project, Joshua Nelson, Noam Katz, Aviva Chernick, Jaffa Road, Soul Aviv, Michelle Citrin, Dan Nichols, Beth Schafer, Julie Silver, Craig Taubman, and the list goes on and on.

Take some time and check out these artists, which ones do you like? Do you listen to others that are not listed? It is always fun to learn about new music and what these new artists can do to make a traditional song more current.

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