We dedicate these pages to our members, past, present and future, who have helped and will help preserve and expand the many programs and services offered at Community Reform Temple.
Invariably, our members find that by giving they also receive, and by contributing to CRT's religious, educational, and fund raising activities, they develop long lasting friendships, greater knowledge of Judaism, and increased meaning in their lives.
Table of Contents
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW OF COMMUNITY REFORM TEMPLE
In 1958, Community Reform Temple was established on Ellison Avenue in the Village of Westbury, New York to provide a Reform Jewish
congregation for this growing suburban community. In 1974, following a merger with Temple Beth Avodah, a Reform Temple
in South Westbury, the congregation moved to its present location on The Plain Road, in the Salisbury Section of South Westbury, in Nassau County (Long Island).
It now serves a far flung membership, spread from Queens to Eastern Nassau, but primarily:
Westbury and South Westbury
Hicksville
Levittown
East Meadow
Jericho
Plainview
- Syosset - Woodbury
Community Reform Temple is a vibrant congregation, serving the religious, cultural, and social needs of about 200 families
in Central Nassau County. We are proud to be the spiritual home of many dual-tradition families. Community Reform Temple
is a member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the New York Federation of Reform Synagogues, and the East
Meadow Jewish Community Relations Council.
Members are the lifeblood of our Temple. Its continued presence depends on the participation of each member family,
even in ways that may seem small. As in a play there are no small parts-each player counts! As you scan this
website, we hope you will find something that appeals to you, either intellectually, spiritually, socially, or even professionally.
RABBI JUDITH COHEN-ROSENBERG
Since 1992, our spiritual leader has been Rabbi Judith Cohen-Rosenberg. Rabbi Judy, as she prefers to be called, is a native
of Brooklyn, and previously served congregations in Rochester and Olean, in upstate New York. Rabbi Judy is the head of our
religious school, and teaches the Confirmation class.
She is a well-known AIDS activist, and has become an integral part of both the Long Island Association of Reform Rabbis
(LIARRs) and the East Meadow Interfaith Clergy Association. "My love of Judaism and the Jewish people prompted me
to become a rabbi. I hope to share that appreciation and a deep understanding of Jewish life with all our CRT family."
RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
Shabbat services are every Friday evening; 8:00 pm (Except for the
first Friday of every Month - see below)
Guest speakers featured several time per year.
Creative services led by Sisterhood, Men's Club, and Youth Groups.
Kiddush and Oneg Shabbat each week following service.
Family services are the first Friday of every month, at 8:00 pm.
Hebrew school classes often lead these services, practicing what they have learned, and sharing that learning with
their own families and their Temple family.
Congregational dinners are sometimes held on these evenings.
Tot Shabbat, held several times during the year on Saturdays at 11:30 am to introduce toddlers and pre-schoolers to Jewish liturgy and
music.
Torah Study Group, held each Saturday morning at 9:30 AM, led by the Rabbi.
High Holy Day services, including a creative Selichot service just before Rosh Hashannah.
Festival Services:
Sukkot - Sanctuary is decorated by Religious School students, and Kiddush is recited in our outdoor Sukkah.
Atzeret - Simchat Torah - Students just beginning their Religious School studies are consecrated.
Pesach
Shavuot - Confirmation Service held.
Yizkor services - Generally said during morning Festival Services
Bar and Bat Mitzvah service on Saturday mornings or Havdalah service Saturday afternoons (on a limited basis).
Channukah Service, Featuring Children's Choir and lighting of family Channukiot
Many other special and creative services, designed to empower congregants to observe as fully as possible.
| Background
and Overview |
Rabbi
Judith Cohen-Rosenberg
|
Religious
Activities |
Educational
Activities |
| Sisterhood |
Men's
Club |
Youth
Groups |
Fund
Raising |
| Administration
of the Temple |
Special
Services |
Special
Funds |
Other
Activities |
| Afterword |
E-Mail
CRT |
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to top |
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to home page |
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Dedication of the
Marilyn H. Tahl
Religious School
Friday, October 1, 2004
Tishri 16, 5765
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- Marilyn H. Tahl Religious School
Sunday mornings, grades Kindergarten though 7.
Tuesday evenings, grades 8 through 12.
Holiday Happenings, ages 3-4 (Pre-School), 6 times per year (Sunday)
Curriculum covers Jewish history, culture, and holidays, in age appropriate
ways.
“Mommy and Me” for 3 year-olds and parents 4 times this school year -
Sundays Octoober 16, December 18, March 12 and April 2. Classes are from 10:45 - 11:45 AM
Sundays include art and music enrichment
Tuesdays include several joint sessions with classes from nearby Temples
Tenth grade culminates in Confirmation
Click here for religious school downloads
CRT's signature volunteer teaching staff is a living demonstration of
the mitzvah, "You shall teach them to your children." Volunteer
teachers are given a lot of support and training from our Principal,
Educator, and the Long Island Temple Educators conference, attended
each Fall.
- Hebrew School
Wednesday afternoons, grades 3 through 7.
Curriculum covers Hebrew language instruction: reading, conversation,
liturgy.
Hebrew instruction is accomplished by a paid professional staff.
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Some CRT Religious School
students visting Manhattan's
Lower East Side |
Administration
Principal: Rabbi Judy Cohen-Rosenberg
Educator/Administator: Robert Stein
Preschool Director: Marcia LevyEducation at CRT is an ongoing, never-ending process.
Our Pre-School is our pride and joy, offering a stimulating and caring atmosphere
for children of all faiths in our community.
Headed by an experienced early childhood educator; staffed by certified
teachers.
Classes for 2 to 5 year olds:
2, 3, and 5 day-a-week programs for 2, 3, and 4 year olds
Kindergarten enrichment program for 5 year olds.
Summer programs are offered for children aged 2 through 6.
Discounts for Temple members.
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Some CRT Religious School
studentsl touring an
historic NYC Synagouge
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Adult Education spans a wide range.
Basic Judaism and Hebrew language, leading to Bar of Bat Mitzvah, if students
so desire.
Adult Confirmation
Continuing education in Bible , Jewish literature, customs, and history.
Book Discussion Group, led by the Rabbi, which meets every 4 to 6 weeks at
the homes of group members.
Guest speakers at Shabbat services.
Member, North Shore Institute
SISTERHOOD
Sisterhood at CRT is a true expression of its name-a Sisterhood of our women-providing social, educational, and spiritual opportunities. A member of Women of Reform Judaism and the Federation of Temple Sisterhoods, Sisterhood supports our Temple family, providing programming and social activities for the entire congregation, including the Religious School.
Special events for the school, marking festivals and holidays, including:
- Chanukah Boutique
- Purim Carnival
- Gifts for each Bar and Bat Mitzvah, and Confirmand
Educational programs and guest speakers.
Creative Shabbat service written and led each Spring by the women of Sisterhood.
Social events foster and enhance friendships:
- New Members's Breakfast
- Fall Membership Dinner
- Donor Dinner
- Mystery Dinner
- Theater parties
Fund raising events offer additional opportunities for building friendships while helping the Temple:
- Rummage sales 3 times a year and a plant sale in the Spring
- Judaica Shop, available all year, to purchase Judaic items for gifts and home use
Sisterhood membership is open to all women at CRT. The first year is complementary.
Fun at the 50's, 60's 70's Dance at Community Reform Temple
MEN'S CLUB
MEN'S CLUB
The CRT Men's Club is a way for men to socialize and build relationships while
running events and activities that are religiously and intellectually stimulating,
as well as financially rewarding to the Temple. It is a member of the National
Federation of Temple Brotherhoods and supports the Jewish Chatauqua Society.
Activities are many and appeal to a wide range of Temple members, including
children. Men’s Club members put up and take down the Sukkah each year
and provide ushers for Friday night services.
Several Sunday morning breakfasts are held each year featuring guest speakers
on a wide range of topics including health, finances and elder law. A creative
Shabbat service is written and led each year by the Men's Club. Other activities
sponsored by the Men’s Club are:
• CRT’s Spring Picnic
• Hobby shows
• Paid-Up Membership Dinner
• CRT Men's Club Softball Team
(we are a founding member of the L.I. Temple League which
currently has 10 teams)
• Basketball at a local school
• Adult TV Game Show Night
Men's Club membership is open to all men at CRT. First year membership is complementary.
50's,60's, 70's Dance at CRT
YOUTH GROUPS
Community Reform Temple has a very active agenda for children from 5th grade through high school, run by a part-time Youth Director and a volunteer Youth Committee.
CORTY - Community Reform Temple Youth
- For Children in grades 9 through 12
- Member of NFTY-NAR, which is a North American Federation of Temple Youth New York Area Region
- Offers social, educational, cultural, and social action activities
Dances with other Long Island temples
Weekend conclaves and academies with youth groups throughout New York
Leadership opportunities in CORTY and NFTY-NAR, and attending Bi-ennials
Creative Shabbat service written and led by CORTY members
Social action projects, including help of the needy - Winner of the Kavod Award for meeting high goals in worship, study and social action
programming
Junior Youth Group
- Provides a social setting for our Junior High-aged youth
- Grooms our youngsters for CORTY
Club 56 (Grades 5 and 6)
- Provides a social setting for Middle School-aged youth
- Grooms our youngsters for Junior Youth Group and CORTY
OTHER ACTIVITIES
- Adult and Children's Choirs
Directed by the Cantor.
Each Choir performs separately, several times per year.
- Adult Education (See "Educational Activities")
- Social Action
Helps feed homeless people in Nassau County, through LI FEGS
Other Food drives at Yom Kippur, Thanksgiving, Passover, and other times.
Mitzvah Day - a Temple wide event that involves children and adults in a variety of targeted good works, including collection of household goods
for needy families; and visit to a local nursing home to perform for the residents.
Other ad hoc social action projects.
- Chayenu, our Temple bulletin
Edit by Temple members, with contributions by professional staff and officers of the Temple board, Sisterhood and Men's Club.
Printed by our Office Administrator, and collated by volunteers.
FUND RAISING
BAZAAR - held each November with new, salable merchandise and a White Elephant Sale of gently used household items; vendors rent tables to sell their own new merchandise, as well.
JOURNAL-published in the Spring, honoring two or more Temple members, and introduced at our annual Dinner Dance, it features ads from local merchants or businesses owned by Temple Members, as well as personal ads from Temple members. Each member family is responsible for soliciting $100 worth of ads.
GROCERY CERTIFICATES-sold at face value for any purchases at Shoprite,
Waldbaums, A&P, King Kullen or Pathmark; CRT earns a 5% commission. Everyone
has to eat-help the Temple by using these certificates.
DEPARTMENT STORE CERTIFICATES- sold at face value for any purchases at Macy's, Fortunoff's and Loehmann's; CRT earns between 5% and 10% commission. Good for holiday or birthday gifts!
TGIFriday's Certificates-good at any TGIFriday's, and CRT earns 10%.
Art and Services Auction-Held each Spring, goods and services are donated and auctioned to benefit the Temple; no admission, refreshments served.
UJA Breakfast - Each Spring, CRT honors a member who has made a contribution to the Jewish Community at a regional breakfast. Donations benefit UJA - Federation.
Plaques in the Temple-plaques to honor a loved one's memory, or a birthday anniversary or special event can be purchased and erected on the Memorial Board or the Simcha Tree in our lower lobby.
SPECIAL FUNDS
There are many occasions when you want to honor or memorialize a friend or family member in a special and meaningful way. CRT has a number of special funds that allow you to do that.
- Torah Fund-for much needed repair and maintenance of our Sifrei Torah and their coverings
- Music Fund-for the musical enhancement of our worship services, including guest musicians, organ accompaniment, or the purchase of music for the choirs.
- Youth Fund-for special needs of our youth groups, including conclave scholarships, convention attendance, and other special needs.
- Prayer Book Fund-for the purchase of new or replacement prayer books.
- Decorative Arts Fund-for special projects to beautify the Temple, funded through earmarked donations
- School Endowment Fund-established for the enhancement or our Religious School through the proceeds of a growing principal.
- Torah Endowment Fund-established for the repair and maintenance of our Torahs through the proceeds of a growing principal, funded by the sale of plaques displayed in our lower lobby.
Special earmarked donations are always welcomed.
SPECIAL SERVICES
CRT offers a number of special services to members of the Temple.
- Funeral Plan-the Temple seeks to ease the burden of funeral arrangements and costs when there is a death in the family. This plan, negotiated with a local memorial chapel, insures a funeral that is consistent with Jewish law and custom at a reasonable cost.
- Shiva Minyans-the Temple provides leaders for minyan services at the homes of families observing the Shiva mourning period, following the funeral of a loved one.
- Oil heat co-op-CRT is affiliated with HEAT, a fuel co-op; it is available to Temple members, who receive a discounted oil price as well as a service contract.
Some services are available to the community at large.
- Defensive Driving Course-given once or twice a year to those who wish to obtain discounts on auto insurance.
- Social Hall rental for parties or meetings of any kind, as long as the timing does not interfere with Temple worship or activities and the meeting topic does not conflict with our philosophy and policies.
- Judaica Shop-gift items for all Jewish holidays and "simchas," as well as Jewish items, or Israeli-made items for secular occasions.
ADMINISTRATION OF THE TEMPLE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees is the administrative body which oversees everything that goes on at CRT. It consists of 9 officers and 21 members who chair various committees.
- Officers consist of the President, three Vice Presidents, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, Financial Secretary and Assistant Financial Secretary, and Recording Secretary. Officers must be Jewish members of the Temple "in good standing."
- Board members serve from one- to three-year terms, and must be members of the Temple "in good standing;" they are expected to chair on serve on at least one standing committee.
- Presidents of Sisterhood and Men's Club sit on the board as well.
Meetings are held on a regular basis.
- The Board of Trustees meets once a month, usually on the second Wednesday of the month, and all meetings are open to members of the congregation.
- Executive Board meetings are generally held two weeks before each Board of Trustees meeting, and these are usually not open meetings; however, a member can request attending.
- Four times a year a Congregational meeting is held to act on important matters concerning CRT, such as professional contract negotiations and budgets.
The Board of Trustees is informed and advised by a number of standing committees, which welcome input from congregants.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Several standing committees monitor activities, report to the Board of Trustees, and carry out its decisions.
- Pulpit Committee-acts as liaison between the Board of Trustees and the Clergy (Rabbi and Cantor), with respect to contractual matters and performance of their duties.
- Ritual Committee-oversees the form of worship desired by the congregation. This committee makes arrangements for High Holy Day services (including Memorial Book and ticket distribution), festival services, B'nai Mitzvot dates and observance. It also schedules special observances such as community sedars and Purim celebrations; it arranges for service ushers and minyans for families observing the Shiva period.
- Membership Committee-promotes and solicits new members and acts to retain current members.
- House Committee-responsible for the upkeep of the Temple building and the parsonage, as well as office equipment and supplies. Also in
charge of social hall rentals.
- School Committee-oversees the activities of the school.
- Youth Committee-oversees all youth groups, and recommends candidates for Youth Director.
- Social Action Committee - plans programs and events to call attention to, and offer help to those in our community who are less fortunate.
- Long Range Planning Committee-develops strategies to deal with financial and other issues that impact our long term survival.
- Budget and Financial Committee-establishes the budget for each fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) and advises the Board of Trustees.
- Nominating Committee-consisting of Board members and other congregants, it prepares the slate of nominees each Spring for the following year's Board of Trustees.
- Decorative Arts Committee - oversees furnishings and decoration of the Temple Building.
AFTERWORD
For more information on any of the activities or committees at Community
Reform Temple, please contact the Temple:
Email:
office@shalomcrt.org |
| Office |
333-1839 |
| School |
333-4348 |
If you know someone who would be interested in becoming a member of Community Reform Temple, please call the Temple office, with their names and phone numbers. A member of the Membership Committee will be in touch with them.
