Blog

Highlights
NEW!
One link, One Meeting ID#, for ALL KSS meetings!
Meeting ID#: 882 6522 6225
Password: 046425
By Phone: 1 646 558 8656
or click this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88265226225?pwd=M0ZVcHlRWEZjeElod1VNajJ6UlNzUT09
Ongoing:

Morning Gatherings Tuesday - Friday at 8 am
Coffee Talk at 2 on Tuesdays & Thursdays
Candlelighting on Fridays at 6:45
Torah Study & Service@10 am, Havdalah periodically

September 17th, 2020

9/17/2020

In this time of teshuvah/turning, atonement, we will explore the history and current experiences of racism and anti-blackness in our country and in ourselves. Through articles, film, and sharing personal experiences, we will work to become aware of our own biases and consider what steps we might take towards repair. Begins August 20. Click here for syllabus.

Coffee Talk: Tuesdays at 2
Gather to Check In, Socialize, See Your Friends.
No Agenda, Just Chat

Rosh HaShanah begins on Friday, September 18! For information about services and other activities, go to MyKSS.org/HH.

Following last week's Labor Day message, our honorary member Joan Abromowitz shared that her brother, Mike, leads tours of the Garment District. Join his upcoming virtual
Free Garment/Fashion District Educational History 101 Tour:
September 16th and 24th at 7 pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7838710856?pwd=U3h4ekZBV3FGNnVlb25tL3FybHpBQT09
Meeting ID: 783 871 0856
Passcode: 9fnQB4

A Technology Update for KSS High Holidays 2020

9/16/2020

Dear KSS community,

Just a quick check in from your tech Gabbai (hey, it’s 2020 and this is a thing!)

Friday night begins our Rosh Hashanah services.

ALL the LINKS can be found at: MyKSS.org/HH

Just read carefully to find the right link.

We tried (we really did) to make everything one link; it just wasn’t doable. But everything you need can be found on that page, from the links for Zoom to the PDF of the Machzor.

On Friday, September 18 at noon, I’ll be available for tech consultation. We’re doing a practice run so, if you have concerns or questions (or just want to say Hi!) go to MyKSS.org/HH and click the link for "Communal Events and Services”.

On Friday night, we’ll see you for Erev Services at 7:30pm.

On Saturday morning at 10am, for those that want to schmooze and say hi, the “Lobby” will be available. There you can talk and interact with each other. This will be your chance to chat, because during services, everyone will be muted for the majority of the time.

Saturday at 10:30, we’ll begin Rosh Hashanah Services. You’ll begin in the waiting room. It would be most helpful if your full name (first and last) was on your Zoom account; this will help me to identify you and keep trolls away from our sacred celebrations. If you need help with this, try here, or join us on Friday at noon for the practice run. (See directions above)

One at a time you’ll be admitted to services. Please be patient – I have no idea how long this will take us (it’s our first time, too!) Once in Services, you’ll be muted. PLEASE STAY MUTED unless otherwise directed.

Note if you have an aliyah: the Tech Gabbai – Deborah will send you a private chat letting you know when your speaking part is coming up, and follow up with a “request to unmute”. When it’s your turn, Rabbi Lina will call your name. YOU WILL HAVE TO UNMUTE YOURSELF. (Again, we tried to do this differently, but Zoom won’t let us – at least not at the time of typing this.)

There's honeysuckle at the shul <3

Be mindful that different events throughout the day will require different Zoom links. All of it can be found at MyKSS.org/HH.

I know it’s a lot. I know it’s not what we all wanted. But we’re making the best of it, and we’ll get through it! Shana Tova! And I’ll see you on Zoom!

Yours,
Deborah

July 31st, 2020

7/31/2020

Morning Gathering: Tuesday - Friday at 8 am
Tuesdays and Thursdays are more prayerful;
Wednesdays and Fridays are more meditative.
Establish a strong, centered, calm foundation for the day.

Coffee Talk: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2
Gather to Check In, Socialize, See Your Friends.
No Agenda, Just Chat

Saturday, 8.1 at 10&11:15 am
Come for Torah Study, Service or Both!
Learn, study, share, pray. - and sing!

SUPPLIES FOR SUCCESSUJA-Federation of New York is working to ensure that children throughout New York are preparing for school with the tools they need to succeed. Last year, we provided backpacks filled with school supplies to more than 6,000 disadvantaged children through our partners and other nonprofits.

With your support, together we can help even more. Every $25 donation can fill a backpack for one child. Funds will go directly to Supplies for Success, a UJA partner, to ensure the backpacks are delivered to the most vulnerable children. A gift of $360 can provide backpacks for an entire class. A gift of $1,800 can sponsor an entire grade!
Every child deserves a shot at success. Help level the playing field.
Donate here.

This week at Kehillath Shalom

7/17/2020

Morning Gathering: Tuesday - Friday at 8 am
Tuesdays and Thursdays are more prayerful;
Wednesdays and Fridays are more meditative.
Establish a strong, centered, calm foundation for the day.

This week, a powerful and devastating story of friendship. Texts here.

Coffee Talk: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2
Gather to Check In, Socialize, See Your Friends.
No Agenda, Just Chat

Saturday at 10&11:15 am
Come for Torah Study, Service or Both!
Learn, study, share, pray. - and sing!

Torah School Program!
Sunday, July 19 at 6 pm
Keeping Up with the Steins, in which a 13-year-old boy uses his upcoming bar mitzvah to reconcile the strained relationship between his father and grandfather.
We'll all watch together (in our own homes, on our own devices) and then join together on zoom at 7:40 to discuss.
Available on PrimeVideo, Hulu, Vudu, iTunes, and will be screening on CineMAX this weekend.

Wednesday, July 22@7:30 pm
The month of Av recalls both destruction and rising from the ashes.
Sometimes, endings lead to something new and beautiful.
We will explore these in our own lives and - possibly - create art using broken pieces to make something whole.

The Huntington Anti- Bias Task Force is seeking donations large and small to help fund the production costs of lawn signs with the image above that will be distributed to places of worship, schools, parks and private homes. Donations from individuals or organizations are welcome.

The signs are $10 each. Please consider buying one for yourself and one or more to donate for display throughout the town of Huntington.

Checks can be made out to :
‘Huntington Human Services Institute’.

In the memo of the check write: ‘Lawn Signs, HABTF’.
If you would like your donation to include a sign for yourself as well, please let us know that on a note with your check along with your contact information so we can let you know when they are in.

Mail checks to:
Town of Huntington
Human Services Department- room 207
100 Main Street
Huntington, NY 11743.

SUPPLIES FOR SUCCESS
UJA-Federation of New York is working to ensure that children throughout New York are preparing for school with the tools they need to succeed. Last year, we provided backpacks filled with school supplies to more than 6,000 disadvantaged children through our partners and other nonprofits.

With your support, together we can help even more. Every $25 donation can fill a backpack for one child. Funds will go directly to Supplies for Success, a UJA partner, to ensure the backpacks are delivered to the most vulnerable children. A gift of $360 can provide backpacks for an entire class. A gift of $1,800 can sponsor an entire grade!
Every child deserves a shot at success. Help level the playing field.
Donate here.

This week at Kehillath Shalom

7/1/2020

Coffee Talk: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2
Wednesday, June 24@7:30pm
Gather to Check In, Socialize, See Your Friends.
No Agenda, Just Chat

Morning Gathering: Tuesday - Friday at 8 am
Continues on Tuesday, July 7
Tuesdays and Thursdays are more prayerful;
Wednesdays and Fridays are more meditative.
Establish a strong, centered, calm foundation for the day.

Bagels & Books is planning their reading list for the coming year and are taking recommendations. Please send any suggestions for easily accessible books to Dolores at doloresw324 at aol.com before July 19.

This Week At Kehillath Shalom

6/18/2020

Morning Gathering: Tuesday - Friday at 8 am
Tuesdays and Thursdays are more prayerful;
Wednesdays and Fridays are more meditative.
Establish a strong, centered, calm foundation for the day.
Go to zoom.us and put Meeting ID: 788 752 335
or by phone: 1 646 558 8656

Let's Dive into the Sea of Talmud! No Experience Necessary. Bring Yourself, Some Curiosity, and Openness to the Text. Go to zoom.us and enter Meeting ID: 800-558-917
or by phone: 1 646-558-8656

Coffee Talk: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2
Wednesday, June 24@7:30pm
Gather to Check In, Socialize, See Your Friends.
No Agenda, Just Chat
Go to Zoom.us and put in Meeting ID: 183 361 968
Or by Phone: 1 646 558 8656

Pride Shabbat Tish - Friday@6:45
Rabbi Dr. Deborah Waxman will share about the history of the Movement and present the Reconstructionist approach to decision-making through the lens of LGBTQI engagement, inclusion, and celebration - plus, it's Juneteenth, so we will also look at how the Movement is evolving to center the voices of Jews of Color.
Join us starting with candlelighting and a brief service welcoming Shabbat. Rabbi Waxman will teach and engage in conversation over dinner.
Meeting ID# 304 163 653 or call: 1 646 558 8656.

Torah Study@10am, Meditation Service@11:15.
We were originally scheduled for a walk this week - so we've modified! If you have access to a private outdoor space, consider taking your device outside to join in praise of/with nature!
Come for one or both. All are welcome.
Meeting ID#: 787 929 919. Call in #: 1 646 558 8656.

Saturdays in June@9 pm
Gather to say Farewell to Shabbat and kick off a new week.
No Need to Bring Anything but Yourself!
Go to zoom.us and put in Meeting ID: 442 056 488
or phone: 1 646 558 8656

Rosh Chodesh Group – Tuesday, June 23@7:30
In Tammuz, we share the story of the five daughters of Tzlofchad: Mahlah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, rare named women with influence. Through conversation and writing, we will explore the history and power of our names and those whom we draw upon for strength and inspiration.
Meeting ID#: 183 361 968 or join by phone: 1 646-558-8656.

As we witness a moment of reckoning on race across the country, UJA, along with our co-hosts FPWA (Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies) and Catholic Charities, invites you to explore how faith inspires our fight against racial injustice.
  Friday, June 19, 2020 • 1:30 pm

What role does faith play in combating racism and social injustice? How have we fallen short? And how we can all do better?Join us for an interfaith, multiracial discussion.

FEATURING:

Deacon Rodney Beckford, Catholic Charities Community Services
Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah
Rev. Jacqui Lewis, Middle Collegiate Church
Rabbi Isaiah Rothstein, Community Scholar

  MODERATED BY:
Jennifer Jones Austin, Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies

         Register Here

Resources for Your Virtual Seder and more!

4/6/2020

Resources for Your Family
There are lots of ways to connect to Passover!

Arts&Culture: If your family hasn't yet seen The Prince of Egypt, it's a lovely take on the story, with beautiful music! Lois suggests Nora's Will, about a family brought together at Passover. Check out this extraordinary dance reflection on Ritual. And, Music!

Humor: Here's a take on the seder in the time of coronavirus, and the Top-10 Passover videos, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Learning: BimBam.com's collection of Passover videos for kids and adults. All the info and: can't get to the store for matzah? Make your own! For kids: a scavenger hunt, and some online learning activities and more. Check out the Movement's FB group: Passover Connect, to see and share ideas.

The Seder: What to do this year? Here are Ideas for the Solo Seder and Hints for a Great Virtual Seder. Need a haggadah? Download the Reconstructionist Movement's A Night of Questions or check out haggadot.com to make your own or use one of their many templates. Perhaps consider this timely interpretation of The 4 Children.

Want to connect to a Family Seder? Join Camp Havaya on April 9 at 7 pm. Register here.

Want to share your seder with another family via Zoom? Let us know and we'll help you connect!

Feel free to contact Rabbi Lina if you want to discuss ideas - Rabbi_AT_kehillathshalomsynagogue.org

And join the Kehillath Shalom Synagogue Community on Thursday, April 9th at 6:30pm for a "Zeder" - a Zoom Seder with Rabbi Lina!

#letmypeoplestayhome
Zoom in to our Seder (Zeder!)
Thursday, April 9@6:30
go to zoom.us and click Join meeting (Meeting ID: 486 107 269)
Or call in: 646 558 8656/Meeting ID: 486 107 269

This Week and Ongoing at Kehillah Shalom

Morning Gathering: 4.10, 4.14 at 8 am
Tuesdays as Thursdays are more prayerful; Wednesdays and Fridays are more meditative.
Establish a strong, centered, calm foundation for the day.
Go to zoom.us and put Meeting ID: 788 752 335
or by phone: 1 646 558 8656

Friday, 4.10@6:45
We'll share, sing, and bring Shabbat peace.
Go to zoom.us and put in Meeting ID: 304 163 653
Or Phone: +1 646 558 8656

Come for Torah Study, Service or Both!
We will learn, study, share, pray. - and sing!
Go to zoom.us and put in Meeting ID: 787 929 919
Or phone: 1 646 558 8656

Saturday, 4.11@8 pm
Gather to say farewell to Shabbat.
BYO Wine/Grape Juice/Spices/Flame

Go to zoom.us and put in Meeting ID: 442 056 488
or phone: 1 646 558 8656

The Seventh Day of Passover is Crossing the Red Sea Day!
We will gather to Celebrate through Song
and to Share Memories of our Loved Ones.
Bring Photos to Share.
Go to zoom.us and put in Meeting ID: 787 929 919
Or phone: 1 646 558 8656

Let's Dive into the Sea of Talmud! No Experience Necessary. Bring Yourself, Some Curiosity, and Openness to the Text. Go to zoom.us and enter Meeting ID: 800-558-917

Covid-19 Resources

4/2/2020

Dear Kehillath Shalom Synagogue Members and Friends,

There are many resources to help individuals, families, and businesses in need at this time. The Jewish Community seeks to help.
You can be one of those sources of help and can volunteer from home: info here.

Rabbi Sheila Goloboy of Suffolk Y JCC has compiled Resources for those in Acute or Chronic Financial Hardship- these are below and attached.
Resources for those in Acute or Chronic Financial Hardship
Created for SYJCC-Synagogue Partnership
Specific COVID-19 Resources in italics/ Last Updated3/20/2020
Contact: Rabbi Sheila Goloboy, LMSW, sgoloboy@syjcc.org or 631-462-9800 x151

Covid-19 Specific:

New York State Department of HealthCoronavirus Information Page
Sign up for New York State Coronavirus Updates
UJA-Federation of New York has a dedicated Corona Virus resource page with links to everything from the CDC to JTA (Jewish Telegraphic Agency) to webinars for anxiety and tool and advice for people adjusting to working from home.
Hebrew Free Loan Society is offering interest-free bridge loans of $2,000-$5,000 to those affected by coronavirus in area, for purposes including (but not limited to) lost wages, childcare costs, small business losses, canceled study abroad, related medical costs. Click to apply for a Coronavirus Financial Bridge Loan.

Unemployment:
Governor Cuomo signed an Executive Order waiving the 7-day waiting period for workers in shared work programs to claim unemployment insurance for those that have been put out of work by COVID-19. Click here to apply.

Mortgages and Banking:

Mortgages: The Department of Financial Services directed New York State mortgage servicers to provide 90-day mortgage relief to mortgage borrowers impacted by the novel coronavirus. Click for details
State Chartered Banks: Have been asked to waive ATM fees, late fees, overdraft fees and fees for credits cards to help lessen the financial hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic on New Yorkers.

Financial Assistance:

Catholic Charities: For help, contact Central Information and Referral at cir@catholiccharities.cc or (516) 733-7045. Local offices in Commack and Hicksville.
St. Vincent DePaul: Information about ontact their Family Assistance Program at https://www.svdpli.org/what-we-do/family-assistance/, contact through https://www.svdpli.org/contact-us/ or call (516) 822-3132.
NY Times Neediest Cases (one time emergency funding) @ Gural JCC- Judy Goldberg (this may be County specific)
Hebrew Free Loan Society: See COVID-19-specific information above. Also: www.HFLS.org (offers loans for: Addiction Recovery, Adoption, General Needs, Fertility Treatment, Graduate Student, Health Care, Housing Microenterprise, Security Infrastructure Loans, Special Education, Undergraduate Student, Vocational Training)
NASSAU RESIDENTS ONLY: Hatzilu Rescue Fund: http://www.hatzilurescue.org/. Contact information at http://www.hatzilurescue.org/contact.html. Application to download on contact page, as well.

Food:

Public School Lunches, Free or reduced: School districts are offering curbside pickup for those who qualify. Contact your school system’s administration offices or nutrition department. Click here for more details. Once approved, free meals can be backdated to date of application. Note: some schools offer free or reduced breakfast, as well.
Island Harvest (https://www.islandharvest.org/) has a food pantry locator at https://www.islandharvest.org/find-help/find-a-food-pantry/.
Long Island Cares https://www.licares.org/ and food locator at https://www.licares.org/find-help/food-locator/). Offers food, personal and home supplies, pet food and other assistance, as well as social work professionals. Call 631-582-FOOD or the numbers below. LI Cares is assessing individuals/families for home delivery due to the covid-19 outbreak. Call 631.582.3663 ext. 109 or email emergencyresponse@licares.org. They will respond within 24-48 hours.
- Harry Chapin Food Bank and Humanitarian Center located at 220 Broadway in Huntington Station. 631.824.6384

- Center for Collaborative Assistance located at 21 East Sunrise Highway in Freeport. 516.442.5221
- South Shore Service Center located at 163-1 North Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst. 631.991.8106.

SYJCC Senior Nutrition Program offers KOSHER weekday lunch for ALL Suffolk County residents age 60+. Once registered (see attached), they must reserve the day before or by 10:30 am the same morning. Lunches are handed out curbside at the SYJCC between 12:00 and 12:30 pm. Suggested donation for a meal is $4.00.

Utilities:

National Grid: Effective 3/20/2020 until the end of April (as of now), National Grid is temporarily suspending collections and service disconnections. Regular billing will continue for all customers. Visit their COVID-19 response page. In general, National Grid has grant and bill reduction programs through their customer advocates. Visit https://www.nationalgridus.com/Long-Island-NY-Home/Bill-Help/customer-advocate, call 1-800-930-5003 or email ConsumerAdvocacyLI@nationalgrid.com.
PSEG: Has discontinued electricity shut-off’s for non-payment as Covid-19 Response. In general, PSEG provides those who qualify for “acute hardship”, including furloughed employees, with a 60-day grace period. Also has programs that offer assistance with no payback. Customer service centers are closed with employees working remotely. Call 1-800-490-0025 or https://www.psegliny.com/myaccount/customersupport.
Suffolk County Water Authority posted on its website: “Please know that your water service will not be interrupted, nor will the quality of your water be affected as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak...” SCWA has in the past waived penalties and not disconnected customers in certain circumstances. Contact them through https://www.scwa.com/contact/ or call Customer Service at (631) 698-9500

Please Note: This list is not exhaustive. For more information or additional resources, please contact your congregational clergy or Rabbi Sheila Goloboy, LMSW, Partners in Caring Coordinator, at sgoloboy@syjcc.org or 631-462-9800 x 151

Please contact Rabbi Goloboy or myself with any questions you may have.
Kol tuv,
Rabbi Lina

This Week and Ongoing at Kehillah Shalom

3/30/2020

Please Note ALL gatherings are online via Zoom
The best way to join is to go to Zoom and put in the relevant meeting ID
If you wish you may also join by phone by dialing 1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Enter the Meeting ID once connected by phone

Highlights
Ongoing:
Tuesday - Friday: Morning Gathering at 8 am
Meeting ID #: 788-752-335
Sunday, Tuesday -Thursday: Evening Gathering (times vary)
Meeting ID: 440 244 699
Tuesdays & Thursdays: Coffee Talk at 2
Meeting ID 183 361 968
Fridays: Candlelighting (time based on Sunset)
Saturdays: Torah Study & Service, Havdalah (time based on stars)

This Week:

Thursday, 4.2 - Lunch&Learn - 12:30 pm
Friday, 4.3- Health Care Proxies, Living Wills, and More
Friday, 4.3- Candlelighting - 6:45 pm
Saturday, 4.4 - Torah Study & Service - 10 am
Saturday, 4.4- Havdalah - 7:45 pm
Sunday, 4.5- Torah School Seder - 10 am

Passover is Next Week!
Join us for Seder on Thursday, 4.9@6:30 pm
#Letmypeoplestayhome

Morning Gathering: Tuesday - Friday Mornings at 8 am
Establish a strong, centered, calm foundation for the day.
Join Zoom Meeting by computer https://zoom.us/j/788752335
or by phone: 1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 788 752 335

Health Care Proxies, Living Wills, and More:
The Legal Documents You Need
with Sandra B. Sindel, Esq.
Friday, 4.3@Noon

https://zoom.us/j/357964122
or call in: 646-558-8656
Meeting ID: 357 964 122

Friday, 4.3@6:45
We'll share, sing, and bring Shabbat peace.
Join Zoom Meeting by computer: https://zoom.us/j/304163653
Or Phone: +1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 304 163 653

Why Does Elijah Come to the Seder? Come Explore!
Come for Torah Study, Service or Both!
We will learn, study, share, pray.
Join Zoom Meeting by computer: https://zoom.us/j/787929919
Or phone: +1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 787 929 919

Saturday, 4.4@7:45 pm
Gather to say farewell to Shabbat.
BYO Wine/Grape Juice/Spices/Flame

Join Zoom Meeting by computer: https://zoom.us/j/442056488
or phone: 1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 442 056 488

Sunday, April 5@10:15 am
With special guest Janice Buckner!
https://zoom.us/j/455747978
Meeting ID# 455 747 978

Come Together Virtually to Tell Stories Ancient and New
Join our Zeder (zoom seder!): https://zoom.us/j/486107269
Or call in: 646 558 8656/Meeting ID: 486 107 269

March 11th, 2020

3/11/2020

Rabbi's Message

"One who saves a single life, saves the whole world."
Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5

And, conversely, one who destroys a single life, destroys the world. We continue to not gather in person to support our community's attempts to prevent the spread of infection. Thus, we will be a community in the cloud (the cloud also being another name for the divine!) for the next 6 - 8 weeks. But just because we not gathering in person in the immediate future does not mean that we are not here for you.

We are adding opportunities to connect by phone and computer and hope that we will deepen our relationships at this difficult times. Details about these opportunities are below. For many of us, online connection is a new frontier. We want to make sure you can connect. If you have any questions, please join the test session on Friday at 2 (info below) or call the rabbi. She is available by phone and email (203-915-4786 / rabbi@kehillathshalomsynagogue.org) and would be glad to speak with you.

And let's speak with each other. Want to set up an online meeting? Let me know and I'll be glad to create a link you can share. Please take the opportunity while you are home to reach out to other members, maybe even those you don't know so well, to say hello and offer a friendly voice. This is a time of great anxiety - our love and caring can bring comfort.

The JCRC's information page on COVID-19 offers useful links and daily updated information.
Rabbi Lina Zerbarini