• 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 Service, led by Rabbi Altman, music with Brett Colbert indoors and via Zoom
Friday, July 30 at 7:30 pm

Torah Study, led by Rabbi Altman, indoors and  via Zoom
Saturday, July 31 at 9:00 am

 

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

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
(outdoor location to follow, 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 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

Erev Simchat Torah: Monday, September 27th

Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah Yizkor Service: Tuesday, September 28th

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.  Individuals who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to mask; this is at your own discretion. Please respect individuals who choose to mask for personal reasons, this does not necessarily imply that they are not vaccinated. 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. 

Social distancing during worship services will no longer be required but will be a personal choice. Please communicate openly with other attendees and respect their wishes. We will continue to cordon off the first two rows for added protection. 

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. 

Those who are vaccinated and able to unmask indoors are welcome to consume food while respecting individual requests for distance.

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. Fri 06

    Shabbat Service

    Aug 06 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
  2. Sat 07

    Torah Study

    Aug 07 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am
  3. Fri 13

    Shabbat Service

    Aug 13 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
  4. Sat 14

    Torah Study

    Aug 14 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am
  5. Sat 14

    Outdoor Shabbat (Peach Hill Park)

    Aug 14 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am
  6. Wed 18

    Chai Noon – Sisterhood

    Aug 18 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 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

From Anti-Semite to Bridge Builder

From Anti-Semite to Bridge Builder jherman August 3, 2021

Standing with our Muslim Family
Three seperate tiles on an adobe wall representing three religions: Islam, Judaism, Christianity
Read about Imam Abdullah Antepli, a Turkish-born cleric whose odyssey took him from anti-Semite to Jewish-Muslim bridge builder.

Celebrating Emancipation Day

Celebrating Emancipation Day urjadmin July 30, 2021

Racial Justice
handcuffs tearing apart
It is important to pay attention to how we remember Emancipation Day in Canada.

August Family Fun with the Artists Behind Shabbat ShaMorning

August Family Fun with the Artists Behind Shabbat ShaMorning jstern July 28, 2021

Engaging Families with Young Children
shabbat shamorning hosts Ellen and Zigzag
Before the summer slips away, join award-winning children’s musician and composer Ellen Allard for Summer Family Jam, a 5-week series of joyful, interactive, and engaging 30-minute virtual family music classes for ages 0 - 6.

Don’t Wait: Life Lessons for the High Holidays from 88-Year-Old Reb Murray

Don’t Wait: Life Lessons for the High Holidays from 88-Year-Old Reb Murray jstern July 27, 2021

Yom Kippur
headshot of murray
Meet 88-year-old Murray, an astounding man. Quiet, sometimes reserved, Murray became my father-in-law 31 years ago, when God softly whispered to me, “Don’t wait.” I confess I didn’t appreciate him fully until recently.