• Brotherhood erects the Sukkah

    Vassar Temple Brotherhood erected the Sukkah, Sept 12, 2021

  • 2020 Evelyn Kahn Spirit of Sisterhood Award presented to Linda Babas!

    The 2020 Evelyn Kahn Spirit of Sisterhood Award was presented to Linda Babas. Linda, who has been active in the Vassar Temple Sisterhood for many years, coordinates the Sisterhood’s Book Club, and is a long-time member of the Temple’s Social Action Committee where she is a key part of their Lunch Box team.

  • Thanksgiving Projects 2020

    Through the generosity of all who donated food and funds for our annual Thanksgiving projects, Trim a Thanksgiving & Turkey Trot, ten festive holiday tote bags were thoughtfully prepared by Temple teens, and everything was distributed by Hudson River Housing to brighten the holiday for local families in need.

     

  • Additional Tiny Temple Sukkot photos (Oct 2020)

     ** Many thanks to Isabel Hartman for taking these photos!

  • Additional Sukkot Scenes

    Brotherhood sets up the Sukkah;  Meeting in the Sukkah

     

  • Yom Kippur Behind the scenes

    Joseph Bertolozzi wants to thank Vassar Temple sound engineers Brett Colbert and David Lampell for their skill, patience and invaluable shepherding of himself, the Rabbi, and Cantor through the Holy Days and every Shabbat.

  • Tiny Temple celebrates Sukkot!

    Vassar Temple children celebrating Sukkot 

  • First Day of Religious School

    Religious School Families elated to be together!

  • Tashlich 9/19/2020

    Temple members gathered safely at Kaal Rock Park for a family service which included shofar blasts, followed by observance of Tashlich

  • Chai Noon Luncheon Feb 2020

    Chai Noon Luncheon February 18th, 2020 at Paula’s Runway café

  • Hamantaschen Baking 2020

  • Purim 2020

  • Challah making workshop with Sandra Mamis, Jan 26, 2020

  • R/S students learning Shabbat blessings

    Religious school students learning Shabbat blessings with their teachers and Rabbi Altman, Jan 5, 2020

  • Women of the Mid Hudson Islamic Center joined VTS at Lunchbox, Jan 5, 2020

    Women of the Mid Hudson Islamic Center joined Vassar Temple Sisterhood and friends to prepare, cook and serve lunch at the Dutchess Outreach Lunch Box.

     

  • Community Hanukkah celebration at Temple Beth El

     

     

     

     

     

    Community Hanukkah celebration which took place at Beth-El on 12/15/2019 that we co-sponsored along with other synagogues, PJ library, etc.   Madrichim led a game they created, our kids played, and children watched a puppet show.

  • Trim-A-Thanksgiving 2019

    Children and teens of Vassar Temple learned about gamilut chasidim as they decorated and filled Thanksgiving gift baskets with food that was donated by members of the congregation. The baskets, along with turkeys and roasting pans, will bring joy to local families on the holiday. This project is carried out each year in conjunction with Hudson River Housing.

  • 2019 Highlights

     

    Judy Rosenfeld was honored with VassarTemple’s Founders Award, presented by Jonah Ritter, last year’s recipient. The award recognized Judy’s long time leadership at the temple, particularly as Sisterhood President and Reyut Chairman.

    Fern Wolf (r) was presented the Kahn Award for exemplifying the “Spirit of Sisterhood”, by Melissa Erlebacher, at Vassar Temple Sisterhood’s annual Donor Dinner.

    Confirmation Service, Shavuot 2019/5779: Rabbi Renni Altman, Cantor Jacob  Niemi, and the Confirmands

  • Sept 2019 Sisterhood Chai Noon Luncheon

    Sept 2019 VT Sisterhood Chai Luncheon enjoyed  at the Rocking Horse Ranch with our generous hostess Gloria Turk.
    The attendees: Marianne Abrams, Linda Babas, Helen Brandonisi, Andi Ciminello, Gail D’Alessio, Susan Fink, Susan Hecht, Bobbi Hulnick, Roz Kaflowitz, Jane LaLone, Muriel Lampell, Anne Lescher, Polly Lewis, Elaine Lipschutz, Yvonne Lowenthal, Marilyn McGaulley, Lila Matlin, Barbara Mindel, Lisa-Sue Quackenbush, Betty Renner, Judy Rosenfeld, Jo Schaffel, Marian Schwartz, Roni Stein, Marcia Tanzman and Ellen Zelig made contributions to Vassar Temple funds in honor of the Turk family in appreciation of their hospitality and the delightful time enjoyed by all!

  • Vassar Temple Mitzvah Day 2019!!


  • Generations Shabbat 2019 better

    Generations Shabbat 2019

    Vassar Temple members of 40 years or more were honored on Generations Shabbat.

  • YG Lunchbox 2 3 19 1

    Youth Group Lunchbox, Feb 3, 2019

    Vassar Temple’s super Teens did Lunch Box!  Thanks to parents Danah Moore, Michelle Sinn and Rose Hartman for their help and guidance, and to the congregation for their support providing all the food!

  • TuBshvatSeder 1 2019 1

    Tu B’Shevat Seder, January 2019

    Tu B’Shevat Seder was held in January, 2019, featuring Jenna Mark leading everyone in song.  Other activities included making fruit faces, planting seeds, recycling and a beautiful seder.

     

  • Lunch Bx VT MHIA Nov 2018

    Men’s Lunchbox with MHIA

    Men’s Lunch Box in partnership with the Mid Hudson Islamic Association

  • Lunchbox1

    Men’s Club Lunchbox

  • JonahAward

    Jonah Ritter Receives Founders Service Award, presented by Elaine Lipschutz

  • TempleRainbow

    Welcome to the Vassar Temple web pages

    If you cannot view the “menu bar” (line with page selections above the photos), try viewing using Internet Explorer.

    To view additional photos, click on the arrows to the right or to the left.

Homepage

 

Shabbat Shuva led by Rabbi Altman, music with Bob Abrams

Join us to congratulate and honor Judy Rosenfeld, as she is presented with the Arnold Award

We will also commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9-11

Friday, September 10 at 7:30 pm

Torah Study, led by Rabbi Altman, Zoom

Saturday, September 11 9:00 am

 
 

August 14, a dozen of us braved the heat to celebrate Shabbat in nature, culminating with a hike through the orchards at Peach Hill Park, Town of Poughkeepsie.

2021/5782 HIGH HOLY DAY SCHEDULE

  • All services, with the exception of outdoor and off-site gatherings, will occur in a hybrid fashion
  • Advance sign-up required (form below)
  • Zoom links will be provided to members and guests via email in advance
  • Professional security will be in place at all services

Selichot: Saturday, August 28th
• 7:30 pm – Program
• 9:00 pm – Service

Erev Rosh Hashanah: Monday, September 6th at 8:00 pm

Rosh Hashanah: Tuesday, September 7th
• 10:30 am – Morning Service
• 3:00 pm – Family Service at Sunset Lake, Vassar College
(sanctuary in case of inclement weather)
• 4:00 pm – Tashlich at Sunset Lake, Vassar College

Rosh Hashanah Second Day Service: Wednesday, September 8th at 10:30 am

Shabbat Shuvah: Friday, September 10th at 7:30 pm with the presentation of Arnold Award

Memorial Service: Sunday, September 12th at 2:00 pm at Vassar Temple Cemetery on Lagrange Avenue

Kol Nidrei: Wednesday, September 15th at 8:00 pm

Yom Kippur: Thursday, September 16th
• 10:30 am – Morning Service
• 1:00 pm – Study Session with Rabbi Paul Golomb in Social Hall/on Zoom
• 1:00 pm – Family Service
(on the temple lawn, sanctuary in case of inclement weather)
• 4:00 pm – Afternoon Service
• 5:30 pm – Yizkor (Memorial) Service
• 6:15 pm – Ne’ilah (Concluding) Service followed by Havdalah

Erev Sukkot: Monday, September 20th at 6:00 pm

Erev Simchat Torah: Monday, September 27th at 6:00 pm

Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah Yizkor Service: Tuesday, September 28th at 10:30 am

Please look for details about these services in the September Bulletin and weekly email.

 

VASSAR TEMPLE COVID POLICY UPDATES

Dear members,

As expected, once again we find ourselves updating our Covid-19 policies in response to changes in NYS guidance as well as feedback to our new survey. As you are likely aware, the State has recently lifted remaining restrictions, with the caveat that unvaccinated individuals should remain masked in many settings. As always, we endeavor to respect the wishes of members while providing as many options as possible for participation; our goal is to strike a balance between robust protection of our community and recognition of the desire and need to return and the benefits of participation. Being part of the Temple community is good for our health!

We are monitoring the daily “case rate” in our region while bearing in mind that our membership may be more vulnerable than the general population due to its average age. Given the current low risk in Dutchess County, effective immediately we will update policies as follows for services (changes in bold).  Should the case rate increase, we will re-implement mask and social distancing requirements, and we have specific markers for these decisions that have been provided by medical professionals. 

Services continue to be open to those that are fully vaccinated or unable to be vaccinated due to medical or age limitations.  Masks are required.  We will continue to ask for confidential vaccine documentation in order to enforce this policy. You can send your card to vaccine@vassartemple.org or present proof upon arrival. Individuals who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical or age limitations must remain masked, and we continue to ask that you let us know if you fall into this category by contacting vaccine@vassartemple.org or reaching out to rabbi@vassartemple.org if needed for a private conversation so that we can put you on our list. 

We ask that everyone refrain from physical contact such as shaking hands or hugging. Hand sanitizer will be readily available, and you must continue to sign in as a precaution. 

An empty row an a minimum of two empty seats between family groups is required.

All services will continue to be hybrid as an option for those who need or prefer to attend virtually. 

As always, please do not enter the Temple for any reason if you are experiencing symptoms or have a known exposure, regardless of vaccine status, in order to protect others. 

The above policy will remain in effect for High Holy Days unless case rates increase – by the same token, should rates continue to fall we will consider additional holiday activities. Please watch your mail later this summer for the High Holy Day mailing with detailed information. Although we have had a robust response to the new survey, it’s highly likely that we will ask everyone to provide planned attendance at that point, so that we can monitor capacity for the more heavily attended services. 

Finally, we want to reiterate that our older building does not lend itself easily to improved ventilation. We plan to consult with a professional in this area to determine what means, if any, are available to monitor and improve air exchange in the sanctuary, and we hope to outfit the classrooms and other smaller spaces with air purifiers prior to the beginning of school. 

Thank you as always for your incredible support and trust through this unforeseen ordeal. Being able to gather once again is truly a blessing and occasion for gratitude.  You can reach us at health@vassartemple.org 
 
 

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      Welcome to Vassar Temple

  • Join a Reform congregation with a rich history and discover the powerful relevance of Judaism today.
  • Participate in projects that improve our world.
  • Delight in spiritual and intellectual growth.
  • Share your joys and challenges and achieve a sense of peace and belonging.
  • Enjoy opportunities for prayer, learning, social interaction, and Jewish and personal life-cycle support.
  • Enrich your life with meaningful rituals, caring friendships, and joyful celebrations.
  • Join a welcoming congregation where you are accepted as you are at any level of involvement.

Upcoming Events

  1. Sun 19

    Religious School

    Sep 19 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
  2. Mon 20

    Sukkot Service

    Sep 20 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  3. Tue 21

    Sukkot Day 1 – OFFICE CLOSED

  4. Wed 22

    Sukkot Day 2

  5. Wed 22

    Hebrew School begins

    Sep 22 @ 5:15 pm - 6:30 pm
  6. Wed 22

    VT Finance Committee Meeting

    Sep 22 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Breaking Jewish News

Popular Links

Bulletin

 
 
Rabbi Altman at Tiny Temple Sukkot event!
 
 
David Hecht Blowing the Shofar at Kaal Rock Park during Tashlich

Members of the Vassar Temple Brotherhood assembling the Sukkah in October 2020.

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

Creation, Chaos, and Children

Creation, Chaos, and Children jstern September 17, 2021

Parenting
hands open to receiving
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was unformed and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of God hovered over the face of the waters. God said: “Let there be light.” And there was light.

Sukkot Breads in Fall Colors

Sukkot Breads in Fall Colors jstern September 13, 2021

Sukkot
RJ_feature-pumpkinchallah
Decorate your Sukkot table with Ethiopian, North African, and Sephardi breads full of fall colors and tantalizing spice mixes and broaden our palates to the customs of worldwide Jewish communities. Laden with seasonal honey, pumpkin, or orange, they don’t need braiding, and they make perfect gifts.

7 Jewish Endeavors to Make 5782 a Sweet New Year

7 Jewish Endeavors to Make 5782 a Sweet New Year jstern September 13, 2021

Racial Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
It’s a long-standing custom for Jews to wish one another a “sweet new year” on Rosh Hashanah; to hope that this coming year will be one filled with joy, fulfillment, and an abundance of blessings. However, Judaism isn’t a path focused simply on wishing for good things; if our goal is to make each year “sweeter” than the last, we must work to make it happen.

20 Years After 9/11: The Power of Tiny Acts To Create a Moral Universe

20 Years After 9/11: The Power of Tiny Acts To Create a Moral Universe jstern September 5, 2021

Antisemitism and Hate Crimes
-feature-nine eleven memorial light
The horrific attack of September 11, 2001 was an attack on all of humanity, and we remember all the victims and first responders who died that day.