Tag Archives: Dale Russakoff

Lost and Found

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Talmud Tuesday is a gift to Shomrei from our rabbinic intern, Jacob Lipkin. From 5:30 to 6:30 pm, on alternating Tuesdays, Jacob leads a study session micro-focused on one or two paragraphs of Talmud. The class is open to all congregants, from the most knowledgeable to those who never had gazed at a page of Talmud before (that would be me).

When I arrived at last Tuesday’s session, I knew only that the Talmud applied the wisdom of our sages to parse – often excruciatingly – the ethical issues of daily Jewish life in ancient times. I assumed I’d learn a bit of what it was like to study Talmud, but I hardly expected to find relevance to my daily life in 21st Century Montclair.

How wrong I was. Continue reading →

Yom Kippur, Haftorah Introduction: Becoming a Community of Giving

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Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova.

As we all gather this morning, in the midst of a meaningful fast and without that morning coffee I know I am missing right now…I have the privilege of talking to you about, what else? Food…and housing, and the basics of the blessings of what it means to have enough…

And thinking about our neighbors and friends who don’t. Continue reading →

A Fun Event — and a Great Shomrei Cause

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Hello, Shomrei friends,

I’m writing to tell you about a fundraiser (and fun-raiser) in support of a wonderful organization called Family Promise, which helps families with young children in Essex County who are facing homelessness. (Some of you may remember it by its previous name, the Interfaith Hospitality Network, through which we housed hundreds of homeless families and children at Shomrei for 30 years — before Covid intervened).  I’m now president of the board of Family Promise of Essex and have been inspired to watch the organization expand to serve more and more families in the face of an alarming housing crisis that has hobbled young families in particular. Last year we served over 550 families in crisis. With your help, we’ll serve more this year. Continue reading →

Kiddush with a Southern Flair

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The kiddush luncheon for MLK Shabbat (1/13/2024) was sponsored by participants from the November Civil Rights trip. In keeping with that experience, kiddush coordinator Dale Russakoff (who herself grew up in Alabama) planned a Southern-themed menu. The kiddush crew prepared these recipes: Southern Cajun Salmon, Soul Food Mac & Cheese, Southern-style BBQ Tofu (for a vegan option) and Sweet Potato Pie. There was also a chopped salad, “Sweet Cole Slaw” from Shoprite with bagged cole slaw and shredded carrots mixed in, and cornbread from a mix.

Thank you to Dale and to these other volunteers for preparing the kiddush luncheon: Lou Hammerman, Lynne Tapper, Gerry Blume, Linda Blume, Vicki Compter, Risa Bernstein, Fern Hening, Alex Kent, and Aileen Grossberg.  Continue reading →

Reflecting on the Civil Rights Trip

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Outside the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, Alabama

Risa’s opening remarks and the reflections were shared at MLK Shabbat (1/13/24). Participants in the November 2023 Civil Rights trip were asked to share one powerful and specific impression from their experience.

Risa Bernstein

As most of you know, a group of 33 Shomrei members traveled together to the deep South this past November for a Civil Rights Educational trip. How fitting that we, as we gather again on this special MLK Shabbat, we remember that it was LAST year’s MLK Shabbat, and the moving sermon from Rabbi Justus around issues in Black and Jewish relations, that inspired us to travel.

In listening to some of Rabbi Justus’ insights from trips with similar itineraries, many of us were moved … and thinking how impactful it would be for us to take part in a like-minded learning journey. Continue reading →

Toda Raba

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Thank you to everyone who helped with the Sukkot kiddushes. The special Shabbat kiddush was a huge success with well over 100 people sharing a scrumptious meal together in our lovely sukkah on a perfect fall afternoon.

Kudos to Dale Russakoff who spearheaded the effort and to Suzanna Grobman and Katie Teladano who made it all work along with a superb crew of volunteer sous chefs who chatted and chopped from Thursday ‘til Saturday. Continue reading →

Helping Families Facing Homelessness

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Dear friends and faithful volunteers,

Here is a great opportunity to get fresh air and exercise and bond with friends and family for a crucially important cause — helping the growing number of Essex County families facing homelessness and housing insecurity. As you know, Family Promise of Essex County (formerly the Interfaith Hospitality Network or IHN), has been on the front lines of the fight against family homelessness for more than 30 years. Although we are no longer able to host families in our congregations, FPE continues to serve hundreds of adults and kids a year with shelter, expert social services and housing assistance. As you may know, I’m now on the board of FPE and I understand better than ever how much friends like you mean to the families we serve.

Continue reading →