Traveling participants: Emily Yaniv Jason Pat Skylar Aspen Claire Sierra Curt Edmond Cole Peter Greg Zach

A guest post from JFC’s Social Action Committee - Debbie Lavin

We had a very successful Midnight Run on March 17. The weather was beautiful and some of our young people were experiencing the Run for the first time. It was a gratifying experience for all. Thanks to everyone who participated — from the people who have been donating clothing and toiletries all year, to people who made extra bag dinners for the Run and the people who have helped out sorting and labeling clothing.

Our own Talia conducted a terrific Girl Scout project with several of her fellow scouts. She organized them to go through the huge amount of clothing in the bins, labeling and sorting them. There were quite a number of bins that had gotten wet on the inside, so she washed and dried the clothing so they were ready to use! Thanks to her mother, Sue K., for facilitating and helping with this project! And thanks to Sue for donating more bins for the clothing. Congrats to Talia for working on this high level scouting award.

Thanks to Sarah V. , Phyllis A. and Emily K. and their families for helping to sort and label clothing.

Thanks to Iris G. and her two kids who helped make bag dinners to take on the Run.

Thanks to Jan S., Alan S. and Mark L. for helping to get things ready on the Run and “launch” the runners.

And finally, thanks to all the people who participated on the 3/17 Midnight Run till the wee hours of the morning

Thanks especially to Pat S. who took leadership responsibility for this Run and made an extra trip down to Dobbs Ferry to pick up the Midnight Run Van.

We hope to do our next run in Late June — look for the date in next month’s Shofar and email me if you want to participate.

Adversity can break you or make you and JFC has certainly had its share this fall.  As the President of your Board of Trustees, I am charged with the responsibility of “making us better and growing our community“.  I knew assuming this responsibility would not only be challenging, but would also be rewarding.  It seems that lately, with every step forward, we have gotten pushed back by some unexpected event requiring an even stronger commitment to carry us through.

The purpose of my message is  to share with you how we, as a community,  have faced these challenges.  We began 2011-2012 in July, almost JFC’s 30th year, with a projected budget deficit that is primarily the result of the worst economy any of us has ever experienced.  We will not be able to solve the problems that have erupted around the globe, but we have risen to the challenges in our tiny community in significant ways.

We had a very successful High Holy Day appeal alleviating some of our budget deficit and easing the financial burden and concern of 27 JFC families who have been hit extra hard by the economy. Without our policy to provide a welcoming Jewish community and education for everyone, these families would have nowhere to turn when, perhaps, they need it most.

Leslie Gottlieb copied me on a message from a congregant expressing her gratitude for how our Religious School, through the innovative MARS (Madrachim-led Alternative Religious School) Program,  has been doing whatever it can to accommodate people whose needs may be a little different:

 

Hi Leslie; our daughter was so excited to tell me about the class with Andrew Blum.  She cannot wait to go next Thursday!! I am thrilled you asked her to be a part of this extra help program. I think it is going to be a positive experience for her.

Leslie told me this new program has been so positively reviewed by all involved.

Our younger members are making an impact; the Youth Group and the Kids Knesset (student government for grades K-6) help to organize some great social action programs that bring our community to the forefront with respect to caring projects.  Also, whenever it comes to activities like the UJA Gift of Chanukah annual toy drive (going on now) and the JFC Book Fair… we are always pleased to find congregants who are happy to help run these programs.

Just when we were starting to get our heads above water with dues, ECC, RS payments being paid on a timely basis and “austerity” agreements by the Rabbi and Staff, we found ourselves drowning under the deluge of Irene.  We got through the High Holy Days relatively dry but it didn’t take long before our parade was rained on; the cancelations and inconveniences set us back but also served to push us together.  Our building was safe and dry, thanks to the new generator that finally went on line a week before the storm, and the momentum continued.  The planning process for the year’s social events and fundraisers was under way with the help and involvement of energetic, young families. The Board was also identifying how they might best approach a decision on the Rabbi’s contract, whose term is up on June 30, 2012.

Then, we unexpectedly experienced the loss of four of our congregants, and again the forward momentum was lost.  The Rabbi, the Cantor, Leslie, Jane and all our wonderful teachers were as overwhelmed as any of us.  But, they instinctively knew that their role, as impossible as it must have felt, was no only to mourn but also to give comfort and support to our children, their parents and to the entire congregation and, with the help of professionals within our congregation and the community, make sense of what happened and to help people grieve.  JFC became the focal point for the media.  Rabbi Freedman was asked in TV interviews locally, regionally and nationally to explain the inexplicable.What came through was that because of the community we share, we all would come through this experience scarred but able to  respect and honor the memory of Friedlanders.

A memorial service open to all was planned with the help of the Town of Lewisboro, but what wasn’t planned was two feet of snow and power outages that lasted, for some, over a week.  I started this message by saying “adversity can break you or make you.”  What stands out in my mind is how JFC weathered these challenges.  The snow finally melted, it became autumn again, the leaves on the trees that were left standing turned red, orange and yellow, and we did what we had to do.  In a way, we lost six weeks that at JFC would have been filled with meetings, school, services, focus groups, and Torah study.  In our “outside” lives, some of us missed work, hot meals, a warm house, running water, showers, refrigeration. Additonally, we all, including JFC, spent money we weren’t anticipating spending.  But we persevered, became closer and stronger as a community, maybe gained some humility. We met the adversity head on and with the help of the JFC community and the local community we have come through these events and are stronger and wiser.

As your president, I am proud to be part of this community and I promise to do my part in making us better and growing our community.

Richard Mishkin, President of the Board of Trustees
Jewish Family Congregation

“When a person eats and drinks in celebration of a festival, he is obligated to feed converts, orphans, widows, and others who are destitute and poor. In contrast, a person who locks the gates of his courtyard and eats and drinks with his children and his wife, without feeding the poor and the embittered, is not indulging in rejoicing associated with a mitzvah, but rather the rejoicing of his gut … This rejoicing is a disgrace…”

(Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Sh’vitat Yom Tov 6:18)

Sukkot is the Jewish/Biblical harvest festival.

Since the beginning of our year, – yes, I am speaking of the Jewish year – 5771, the one that started with Rosh haShana in so early September! it seems that our congregation has been non stop bustling with activities, some very sad, some very happy, all being incredible opportunities to rally together as a kehilah (the hebrew word for “community”) in the most noble sense of the term.

As the secular year 2010 is wrapping, and sliding towards its end, I am like everyone with the tendency of looking at all that has been achieved, and all that has not been accomplished with some resolve that it will be done better in 2011, as if an appointment with the calendar was necessary to do so.

I had started this blog very slowly, and missed so many opportunities to post all that came to my mind when it did, because I had envisioned it would be the congregation’s blog, meaning congregants contributing to the updates: this coming year, I will go over my tentative shyness about it, and will hope this will entice you to join me in telling your stories, your trips to Israel, your laughs during Comedy Night (coming soon), etc, etc, as we missed hearing from you about so many of our past events and activities.

I wish everyone a very pleasant passage into the secular year of 2011!

Yes, it’s Auntie T, fresh from visiting her dear, dear friends at the South Salem Police Station.  Seems the Bergs FINALLY came home from their travels around the …… wherever they were…. and needed their furniture back!  Those lovely policemen came to my house and were so VERY helpful in getting it all carted away, and I assume, back with the Bergs.  (I DO hope they appreciated all the trouble I went through in keeping their things nice and fresh while their floors were sanded, yes?)  The police folk were SO sweet and we had WONDERFUL time chatting together that they INSISTED on taking my picture, getting ALL my information, even taking my fingerprints!  They said they wanted to be SURE we’d “keep in touch.”  Just charming…!

And, darlings, speaking of charming – the Fabulous Fall Festival is JUST around the corner, this Saturday, November 20th!  Please say you’re coming.  Just EVERYONE will be there!  If you don’t have a ticket yet or need another, you can get a discounted ticket until Wednesday, November 17^th !  More people, more fun!  AND if you get that ticket you can also receive a $20 appreciation CREDIT for your family’s on-line or auction night purchases.  (That $20 offer goes to ANYONE who’s already purchased their ticket, too!)  Let those lovely folks in the office know whom you’d like to sit with during the evening.  Oh, friends, friends, FRIENDS!!!

Now, you know all about the food.  You already know about all the WONDERFUL auction offerings; take another peek here as online bidding closes this Wednesday at 6 pm.  There’s just NO reason NOT to bid and/or to come!!!  It’s just THE holiday, social event of this or any other season!!!!

So, call, click, write, RUN and join us in your finest finery.  I’m off to …. borrow…. a special frock or two (oh, decisions, decisions).  Looking forward to seeing you all ….. SOON!  (Just can’t WAIT to see what you all have in your closets….. wink!)

Ta! my doves ….

Your Tattler

Yes, it’s your Auntie Tattler, fresh from a visit to Food Fantasies of Westchester, YOUR exclusive caterers for the JFC Fabulous Fall Festival taking place oh so very soon at the Willows on October 30th.  Prepare to party with all the BEST people.  And since you are one of those best people, be sure to WEAR your very best!!!  Diet now, lovies, for the food promises to be exquisite.  (I’m wearing my gold lame mumu!)  Get out those pearls, those diamonds, those heirlooms and dazzle everyone with your fabulousness.  (Want the fashion show from years past?  Check out )

And enjoy!  I’ve told you once, but you must hear it again:  Amazing drinks – hot spiked cider, Cosmopolitans, red and white wine, beer, a groaning board of delicious appetizers including vresh vegetable crudites, hot artichoke & sun dried tomato dip with garlic lavash, a cheese & fruit display-International cheeses, fresh melons & pineapple, spicy tuna sushi, and (be still my heart), Smoked Salmon Napoleon with black bread and chive cream cheese, AND baked brie with cinnamon and honey, dried fruits.

THEN there are the passed hors d’oeuvres …. oh, I’ll just tantalize you with one: Shitake mushroom and goat cheese tartlette.  Oh, but I MUST do another -zucchini, carrot, and potato pancakes with applesauce, oh yum!   Oh, but just ONE more – vegetable dumplings with Thai sweet chili sauce.  (I ate 5!  Then they asked me what I was doing there and I answered, “Health inspection?”)

The buffet dinner is the height of chic with Sesame Seared Tuna Ginger Ponzu Sauce, Wasabi Cream and Seaweed Salad, Asian Noodles, Herb Crusted Salmon with Dill Sauce and ….. oh, I can’t go on…. but, I must – PUMPKIN RISSOTTO in carved out pumpkins!!!!  And so very much more.  The meal will finish with a dazzling chocolate fountain in which to dip strawberries, pineapple, bananas, pound cake, AND (for you salt lovers) pretzels!!!   (I think I shall dip …. ME! La!)

Now, my loves, I KNOW I told you that there was special entertainment for the evening (and no, it’s NOT me dancing in the chocolate fountain).  It’s so very hush, hush, but here’s what I’ve learned — it involves “mystifying acts,” it will ”arouse feelings of astonishment,” “memorable,” “personal.”  (My heavens, it sounds like my 4th honeymoon!)  What CAN it be????

You all just MUST come!!!!  You can still get a few tickets on-line.  Let the nice folks know who you’re coming with so they can seat you TOGETHER!!!

And for those poor, sweet souls who just can’t make it to the event, you can participate in the on-line auction up until October 29! Voila.  So easy.

I’m off for my mumu fitting.  Going to look DIVINE!!!!  (If anyone says I look LIKE Divine – WELL!!!.  Meet ME at the chocolate fountain…..!)

Ta, loves,

T

Lovey loves —

Did you feel it??? Did you??? Just last Friday?? That ever so subtle breeze??? You know the one – right around 1:00 when there was that unmistakable waft of … dare I say it …. fall…. in the air??? It was there, it was THERE!!! YES! The time for the JFC Auction & Dinner Party is actually approaching, my doves.
Oh, I’m SO thrilled. So much fun, so much food, so much excitement!

And so much to DO!!! First, I MUST be sure my tickets are in order. I’m just thrilled that the event takes place before Halloween. Your Auntie T does love the pagan festivals and all, but now there’s something in the weekend for ME!!! An evening of frivolity with my peers (yes, those children ARE adorable, but they DO get Sunday!) and we can play dress up in the most elegant and fashionable way. (None of that horrid black lipstick… just washes me out!) TWO nights of delicious fun .. oh, LA!!!

My angels, your Tattler has learned that there will be some very special entertainment for this year’s extravaganza. I overheard it from the Board members themselves (I so wish they’d get rid of those branbles outside the Board Room window) that the evening will feature “an acclaimed entertainer!” Words like “mesmerizing,” “captivating,” “dazzling and intruiging” were bandied about. The “ooohhhhs” and “ahhhhhs” were all in abundance. Just as I was about to learn the name, Jeff B emptied a bucket of ice out the window (SO cold!!!), shut it and … frustration!!! Oh, WHO can it be??? I must find out!

Make sure you have your tickets, you can buy them on-line they are being sold at a discount until the end of September, so click over now and snap them up!

And then I must, must, MUST place my ad in the Tribute Journal right away as the mid-September deadline is approaching. That lovely Sue K will help me. (She always does everything so beautifully – did you know she sings in the choir???? A trilling bird, she is … so lovely.) My nephew will soon be celebrating his Bar Mitzvah. I MUST congratulate him. And my niece … well, she ADORED the little tribute I placed for her Bat Mitzvah and now it’s time for her Confirmation …. oh, my tissues, where are they?!?!? To celebrate the passing of these milestones is such a delight, my doves. To make it easy, I’ve attached the form for you to fill out. What a lovely way to honor the events of our lives, yes??? Yes!!!! And we musn’t forget the Vista Fire Department – the lovely men and women we honor at this fete. (Led by that MARVELOUS Mark A! Oh, my knees are weak!) Check, check … what’s next???

Ah yes, I MUST also encourage one of my lovely friends at the stores to place an ad in the Tribute Journal before the September 13 deadline. Two years ago I encouraged my dentist to place such an ad (the scar from the drill I ….. borrowed… barely shows!) and his busines is just booming. (At least, I assume it’s booming … so hard to get an appointment these days .. hmmmm) All we have to do is just ask ONE lovely person to take part … oh, who shall I ask this year. I must spread the joy …. perhaps my florist? My painter? That lovely woman who frames all my restraining orders??? Ah, well, your Auntie T will think of something. She always does!

Hurry, loves, fall is just around the corner!!!!

Ta!

Auntie T

Now, last time I told you all about the hors d’oeuvres table groaning with goodies.  NOW I have the list for all the deliciousness that will be passed around by those adorable waiters — Endive spears with olive tapenade, herbs and radicchio; seared tuna on a blue chip with seaweed salad; shitake mushrooms and goat cheese tartlet; salmon cake with remoulade; zucchini, carrot, and potato pancakes with applesauce, apple Gruyere quiche, vegetable dumplings with sweet chili sauce; and eggplant, zucchini, raisins and pignolis in filo shell.    OH, my heart (and my arteries!).  Such bounty!

AND, as you all know, this evening is also a tribute to those wonderful people over at the Vista Fire Department (led by that DIVINE Mark Albert and that adorable beard of his) for all their magnificient service to the community.  …..Oh, oh, OHHHHH!!!!  Mommy T has JUST had the most WONDERFUL idea — This Auction has a Tribute Journal and wouldn’t it just be too,TOO for families to put their appreciating in WRITING in the Journal!!!  Oh, yes, we can commemorate these fine men and women in beautiful ads.  A memento for days and years to come!

And why stop there!  So many wonderful people in our lives.  Let’s let them know how much they matter – JFC teachers, clergy, volunteers, staff … EVERYONE!  Celebrate the joys of your life – anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, B’nai Mitzvah!   But, you must hurry, lovies.  The deadline for ads is August 30th. Let those adorable ones in your life let them know you love them.

And, of course, you MUST come!!!   Sign up!  Sign on!  (Signs point to “YES!!!!!)   You have that October 30th date reserved???? Oh, yes you do.  Tickets are available now (or call the JFC office).  Oh, I’m weak!

Ta, darlings!!!

Auntie T


I’ve spent the summer reading those delicious novels by that Swedish writer and have learned so MUCH about computers from that spicy heroine Lisbeth.  Who KNEW what (and who) you could find with a few taps on your keyboard?!?!?!  (And a few well placed connectors.)  I’ve learned so very much.  Well, let me tell you what’s come down to me through “the wire.”

First off, I have the details on the FOOD.  Delicious, yummy and all by the amazing Food Fantasies catering company.  Those “in the know” are aware that Food Fantasies is run by Laurie Hander Leahy, a Cornell hotel school graduate and formerly at the Hammond Museum in North Salem.  (And we all know how highly rated THAT spot is for sumptuous events in Westchester.)  Here’s what’s been determined for the cocktail buffet (JUST the buffet – still awaiting word on the passed Hors D’oeuvres, the main menu and the desserts!):

• Hot artichoke and sun dried tomato dip with garlic lavash;
• Cheese and Fruit display – international cheese, fresh melons and PINEAPPLE;
• Spicy tuna sushi rolls;
• Smoked salmon napoleon with black bread and chive cream cheese;
• Baked brie with cinnamon and honey with dried fruits;
• fresh vegetable crudites with cucumber dip.

Oh, in all this heat, Auntie T just MUST take a sip of her Lemonade-tini!!!  (Vodka can get SO cold, yet never freeze.  I’m unendingly impressed.  Ah, let me impress myself again!)

Another thing you MUST know, Poppets – this year the event will be open to the PUBLIC!!!!  So you must order your tickets as soon as you can.  Those clever Auction folks have created a new website for the auction and for ticket purchase:  http://auctions.readysetauction.com/jfc/home.  Save that site, my lambs, you’ll want to use it SOON.  

And save that date!!!!   October 30th. You just don’t want to miss this!!!!

Ta, loves,

Auntie Tattler

AUNTIE T RETURNS!! Oh my! what a joy: please do not hesitate to leave her a comment in the comment section. We’ve missed her dearly. Here’s what she has to tell us:

Oh, my beloveds!  I’ve missed you.  Have you missed me?  Your dear Auntie Tattler has been on vacation in the wilds of Vermont visiting that divine Paul Turnley – you remember him?  The man with the luscious voice who answered the phones at JFC and decided to retire in the New England landscape?  I simply could not just let him go and HAD to see him!  I had a LOVELY time … but, alas, my tent developed a leak and the telephoto lens was ruined in the rain so … there went my visit.  And then those lovely State Troopers escorted me PERSONALLY to the border and sent me on my way.  Divine boys …. but so heavily armed ….

BUT, now that I’m home I’m so glad to be here because I’ve learned that it’s BACK!  Yes, yes, my doves, the most glorious event of this or any season – the JFC Auction and Dinner Party!!! I have learned, yes I have LEARNED, that it’s going to take place at the lovely Willows in South Salem on October 30th of this year!!!  (Such a lovely time – costumes and pumpkins and leaves, oh MY!!!)

And this is what I have learned, my pets — delicious catering provided by Food Fantasies (they do only the MOST exclusive parties), dinner buffet with wine, and illusionist providing entertainment (the Board has asked if he could make me disappear!  Isn’t that cute!!!!), and a live auction of amazing items.  And THIS year, something new, something FABULOUS!!!  The silent auction will be on-line and open three WEEKS before the actual event.  Now you can have fun at home, get to the party and just enjoy, enjoy then take home your goodies.

So SAVE THAT DATE, darlings.  And bring another couple or two with you.  Once tickets are available you must act quickly because we’re limited to ONLY 180 people and you know it will sold out in a trice.  Just TOO much fun.

And this year, those fine folks of JFC will use this opportunity to honor the brave men and women of the Vista Fire Department and JFC’s members of the Department as Community Volunteers of the Year!!!  (Have you SEEN that lovely Mark Albert in all his fire-fighting gear??? Be still my heart!!!!!  I do so love a man in uniform.)

So, hurry!!! Clear the calendar and write down that date!  More, more, more to come!!!!

Kisses,

Auntie T