FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE

A Musically Spirited Shabbat

June 13, 2008, 7:30 pm with live music followed by a special Oneg Shabbat

FNL Fun Fact #5
Rabbi Kurshan thought of forming a creative, paticipatory musical service here at theHJC at least three years ago after having the opportunity to observe similar minyanim in NYC at the B'nai Jeshrun Synagogue, at Hadar (a minyan on theUpper West Side,) and even in Jerusalem at a minyan known as Shira Hadashah."The Rabbi's idea of a musical service here was a hit. He convened a committee that included congregants representing a wide arrayfrom the congregation. During its first year, the committee thought of a name for the service "Friday Night Live", put together a list of songs to include in the service, and launched the FNL CD. A group of vocalists rehearsed with the Cantor after the CD was made in order to help familiarize the congregants with the tunes at the upcoming services. As a result, there are tunes. If you have not had the opportunity to experience Friday Night Live, please do so on June 13, at 7:30pm, for our FNL season finale where you can join in dancing; singing; and hear the Cantor on guitar, accompanied by keyboard, flute, drum, violin and other instruments.

There will be a special Oneg following the service.
See you there - you will not be disappointed.

Shavuot Tikkun

The new chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, Dr. Arnold Eisen, has asked us to engage in a conversation about the concept of mitzvah (obligation). Mitzvah is a fundamental concept of Judaism, but is very problematic in a modern world of individualism and free choice. To what obligations do we respond wholeheartedly in life: Protecting and providing for our children? Taking care of elderly parents? Being there when family or friends need us? Are there any actions we feel obligated to perform as Jewish human beings? Are there any obligations we feel toward Judaism, the Jewish community, or Israel? If we perform any mitzvot, what is the source of their authority: God? Conscience? Jewish tradition? The community? Is there an element of love in fulfilling our obligations?

Rabbi Kurshan will coordinate a one hour text study session and conversation around some of the questions posed by Chancellor Eisen. Come join this movement wide conversation on Sunday evening, June 8 at 8:00 pm, the first night of Shavuot.

A dairy dessert will follow the program.

SUMMER PROGRAMS

Shabbat Under the Stars
Summertime--and the livin' is easy...
Come and continue an HJC summertime tradition on Friday, July 4 and Friday, August 8. The 8:00 pm services have a special beauty as we usher in Shabbat outdoors in the back courtyard as the sun sets.

The Synagogue Never Sleeps
Beginning Friday night, June 27th all Shabbat services during the summer are held in the Lief Chapel (except when we Daven under the Stars.) Services begin at 8:00 pm on Friday nights and 9:30 am on Shabbat morning. We especially appreciate help making the minyan on Friday nights during the summer.

Members of the congregation present Divrei Torah on Shabbat morning, and services are more informal than during the rest of the year. Please join us during the summer.

Tish B'Av Services
Tisha B'Av services will be held on Saturday night, August 9th at 8:45 pm in the Lief Chapel. Members of the congregation will chant the Book of Eicha (Lamentations) by candlelight as we commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and other tragic events in Jewish history. It is customary not to wear leather shoes and to wear comfortable clothes in order to sit on the floor. Candles will be provided, but those attending are encouraged to bring a flashlight.

Israel Oneg
Everyone is invited to join us for Friday night services, August 22nd, in the Lief Chapel at 8:00 pm when teenagers and adults who were in Israel will share their summer experiences at the Oneg following services.

Social Action Committee

Once again we are asking our Huntington Jewish Center family to come to the aid of a very vulnerable group in our community, the young toddlers and preschoolers being served by Freedom Center. The current economic problems are hitting this segment of the population, the lower socioeconomic group, very hard. As we approach Shavuot and remember how farmers celebrated in Biblical times by bringing the first fruits of the fields to the Temple, we hope you will bring food to our temple from May 19 to June 13. Supplies of nourishing food are being depleted at an alarming rate. Please bring sealed containers of nonperishable food and deposit them in the receptacle in the synagogue. Any healthy, non- perishable food, snacks, peanut butter, jelly, juices, would be welcome. Sharing with others at this time will surely enhance our own celebration of Shavuot.

CELL PHONES NEEDED
The Social Action Committee is asking for your old cell phones. Your old cell phones can have a new life and maybe save one. We will turn them over to the local police who will program them for 911 calls.

They will go to domestic violence centers, senior centers, and will have a new life dedicated to helping people in need.

These phones can only call 911 and can be a lifesaver.

Please drop off old phones in the office.

Thank You!

Sisterhood News

Who are the faces of Sisterhood? As we complete the events and programs would like to share with you a profile of the Sisterhood of HJC.

We are:
Educators, Interior Designers, Caterers, Fund-raisers, Creative Directors, Producers, Fashion Consultants, Accountants, Party Planners, grandmothers, mothers and daughters. Many of us have full time jobs during the day at our work place or home but find the time to volunteer and make a difference at HJC.

As you can see with all of these hats, Sisterhood is an important contributor to the warm and welcoming community that is HJC. Sisterhood was honored to co-chair programs with the Israel Committee, Men's Club and Nursery Schools. Events included ball room dancing lessons, book discussions, movies, spa night and the Chanukah Fair. Fund Raisers included hamentashen and Purim bags, Fall and Spring rummage sales. HJC Sisterhood participated in this year's Torah Fund Project by raising money for scholarships at JTS and honoring the female Cantors of the Conservative Movement. Sisterhood is also honored to sponsor activities and programs for all the holidays: apples and honey for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, flags for Simcha Torah, groggers and Hamentashen for Purim, luncheon prior to Passover, collation for Yom HaShoah and garland for Shavuot. From polishing silver for the High Holidays, baking Hamentashen from fall to spring to decorating the Bima for Shavuot, the members of Sisterhood have a huge presence at HJC.

The Extended Kiddush Committee did a phenomenal job this year with the luncheons, each one was unique and special.

Thank You to the Sisterhood Board of 2007- 2008.
Welcome to the Sisterhood Board of 2008-2009.

June Events

• June 17 - Sisterhood Board Meeting
• June 20 - Sisterhood and Men's Club Shabbat

Collegians
If your son or daughter is currently attending college and you have not signed up for the Collegian Program, please provide their name and college address to the office and mark Collegians. This service is sponsored by Sisterhood and provides a special package timed with the holidays to our college students that are away from home.

Reminders:

• Yoga on Monday mornings
• 2008 Entertainment Books for Sale
• Watch for next Book Discussion
• Torah Fund pins and tribute cards are available.
• It is never too late to send in your membership dues,
  $40 and $25 for seniors.

Extended Kiddushes
There is still a need for volunteers to help with set up and preparation of the Extended Kiddushes. This is a service that Sisterhood provides to the Congregation to celebrate a life cycle event or simply to sponsor for the benefit of the Shabbat regulars. If you are interested in being added to the list of volunteers, please contact me at for the schedule. If you would like to sponsor a Kiddush, please contact Maxine or Sarah for the details on the various options and menus that are available.

HJC Judaica Shop
Jewelry, gifts, holiday items
Tallitot, kippot and much, much more.
HJC Judaica Shop Judaica Shop is well stocked with gifts for the holidays.
Women's League Calendar Diary is available now at the Judaica Shop
Contact Shari, Eileen, or Andrea.

Volunteers for Extended Kiddushes are always needed. Please consider spending a Friday morning in the kitchen or setting tables.

It is a fun and rewarding experience. Contact Maxine F. or Sarah S.

Sisterhood's Annual Wine Sale

Consider purchasing your wine at Liquor Plaza, across from the Walt Whitman Mall. By mentioning HJC Sisterhood when making your purchase, Liquor Plaza will give a percentage of your sale to benefit HJC. They have a large selection of Passover wines available! For information call Miriam.

Are you celebrating a simcha? Sisterhood offers a variety of plans for treating your guests to an Extended Kiddush at HJC. No one does it better! Call Sarah or Maxine for details.

Sisterhood has now added a new service. We offer a variety of customized centerpieces as well as decorative kippot baskets for your simchas at HJC. Call Cathy or Eileen for details.

Do you need a gift? Do you hate the malls? Shop at our Judaica shop in the comfort of your HJC home. New merchandise is always coming in at the best prices in town. Gift certificates also available.

Kippot and Tallitot can be custom ordered for your special occasion. Call Shari , Maxine or Andrea.

USY NEWS
By Elana

I cannot believe how fast the year flew by. Our chapter at HJC has grown so much this year and I appreciate all the participation from our members. Just recently, METNY USY held their annual regional convention at Kutschers. We selected our new Regional and Divisional boards for 2008- 2009 and said good bye to all the seniors. I would like to congratulate Rafi for winning his position on Rakevet Divisional Board as Rel/ Ed Vice President and I would like to acknowledge Kay for all her hard work this year and for participating in elections as well. At RC our chapter received an award for membership increase in the region, and I hope that our chapter will continue to grow and develop. I hope all that participated had fun at regional convention. Keep in mind that regional events are not done yet. METNY USY is also participating in the Israeli Day parade on June 1st and make sure you sign up for Encampment in August, you can get applications online or call the METNY office and they will send you one.

As for our HJC chapter we finished up our year with an end of the BBQ and board elections . I wish the new board lots of luck and to get involved as much as possible. Now that my four years of USY are over , I hope that one day I will be able to give back to USY. For the freshman, take advantage of all the opportunities and friendships that USY offers and GET INVOLVED. For the sophomores and juniors, have fun and try new things; co-chair an event, run for board and attend divisional and regional events.

Thank you for allowing me to be your chapter president at HJC.

Mitzvah Opportunities

Please give with an open heart and give often. Today, right now as you’re reading this, consider the many ways in which you can perform mitzvot and give tzedakah to the HJC. It’s easy! Read, reach for your checkbook or credit card, fill out this form and in no time at all you will have performed a mitzvah!

• General Fund – supports services and operational continuity of the synagogue.
• Annual Kol Nidre Campaign – supports operational continuity and programming. Please join us.
• Tree of Life – ($360 minimum contribution).
• Builder’s Wall – ($500 minimum contribution).

• Daily Minyan Fund – helps maintain materials and books for minyan and the Lief Chapel.
• Ark & Pulpit Fund – supports ongoing care and restoration of the Ark and Torahs.
• Lief Chapel Bench Plaques – dedicate a seat of a Lief Chapel bench ($500 minimum contribution).
• Leah Greene Garden Fund – supports general landscaping and property beautification.

• Humash – A limited number of Etz Hayim Humashim are available for dedication. A contribution of $72 includes a dedication bookplate.
• Library Fund – defrays the expense of library supplies.
• Prayer Book and Bible Fund – supports the ongoing need for prayer books.

• Nursery School Fund – supports current Nursery School activities and special projects.
• Religious School Fund – supports Religious School activities and special projects.
• Teacher Development Fund – enables HJC Religious School teachers to participate in continuing education programs.
• Youth Fund – supports activities for Chaverim, Kadima and USY groups within HJC.
• Arnie Kerns Fund – supports special projects in the Nursery & Religious schools.
• Collegiate Fund – supports holiday packages and mailings sent to college students (along with Sisterhood).
• Leadership Development Fund – defrays expenses of seminars and leadership development programs for lay leaders.
• Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund – provides funds for the Rabbi for needed purposes.

• Social Action Fund / Jewish Nutrition Network - defrays operating costs of the weekly program of feeding the needy and supports mitzvot, holiday baskets and activities for the needy.

• Edward Spevack Kochavim Fund – subsidizes expenses for Special Education programs.

• David S. Rosenman / Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund – provides scholarships for children attending Camp Ramah.
• Donald L. Gordon / Israel Scholarship Fund – provides scholarships for children to travel to Israel.

• Eva Hoffman Kramer Fund – helps subsidize the annual Selichot Lecture.

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