Summer, Shabbat & Community

Happy June Temple Beth Israel,

Hurray, it appears as though summer, at least officially, has arrived! Wherever summer travels may take you, I would like to encourage a sense of curiosity to explore the local Jewish community. Regardless if you’re visiting Jerusalem, Spain, or Hawaii, I always find it fascinating to partake in a local Shabbat service. I learn so much about the various

Jewish customs and traditions when I take the time to meet the indigenous Jewish population.

While folks take boat cruises, enjoy mountain hikes, and suntan at the beach, Jewish life will continue on here in Plattsburgh. In fact, we have a few special events planned throughout this summer. On Friday, June 12th , we will host a community-wide Shabbat, FOCUSED ON BUT NOT LIMITED TO FAMILIES. This alternative service will concentrate more on music with a theatrical rendition of the Dvar Torah for parshat Sh’lach. On Saturday, June 2 7th , we will joyfully celebrate the B’nai Mitzvah of Lily-Rey Sarnow. Come join us to honor all the hard work and important life lessons that Lily-Rey has acquired over these last few months; the Sarnow family extends a warm-welcomed invite to our entire congregation.

Also, in July we will host our annual Temple beach cook-out; location and dates to be finalized, but the options are either Chateaugay Lake or our beautiful Plattsburgh city beach on Lake Champlain. Please continue to check our synagogue calendar for more family friendly services throughout the summer and further details regarding the community beach cook-out.

In-between leading a Birthright Trip to Israel in early June, for the most part, I will be here

working hard with our new Cantorial Soloist Ken Isman to organize our High Holiday service. Please continue to attend our weekly Shabbat services, or schedule a meeting with the rabbi, as we’ll still be here all summer long, continuing to host weekly services and Torah study classes.

If you’re off galivanting around the world, send us a postcard or consider sharing the gorgeous sunset with us on Zoom during Friday night Shabbat services. Take care, be safe, and enjoy the beautiful summer.