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.
Come ‘Knead” with me!
Want to learn how to make challah?
We will take out the mystery and put in the fun on
Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 9:30am –
to when we are finished [probably by noon]
Learn the basics of making dough: easy!
Learn how to braid a different number of ropes: fun!
Learn how to stuff with you favorite filling: delish!
Just bring a sheet pan and a rolling pin
[come even if you don’t have one]
Ingredients will be provided by Sandra Mamis
Expect to go home with your own ‘ready to bake’ challah
RSVPs are a MUST, so there are enough ingredients for everyone.
RSVP to Sandra Mamis, mamis@optonline.net by January 16, 2020
Everyone can bake challah like an expert: no prior experience necessary.
Have questions? Contact Sandra Mamis at (text or phone): 914-456-3524 or email at mamis@optonline.net
Hope to see you there.
[No snow date scheduled, so pray for dry weather!]
With antisemitism on the rise, it is a most unsettling time in our country, especially for the Jewish community, but for all who seek peace and understanding. Sadly, it does call for greater vigilance and security. We are grateful that local law enforcement has increased its presence around synagogues, and we appreciate your cooperation with our enhanced building security policies.
Even as we must, unfortunately, take these steps, it is incumbent upon us not to let fear inhibit us from living our lives publicly as Jews; for if we do, then those who hate us will indeed be victorious. “The whole world is a narrow bridge,” taught the great Hassidic master Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav, “the most important thing is not to be afraid.”
As a proud member congregation of the Union for Reform Judaism, we support its mission of tikkun olam – repairing the world – by enhancing religious freedom, pluralism, acceptance and justice. It is time for our leaders, at all levels, to move beyond public condemnation of these horrific acts, and take actions that will get to the root of hatred and seek to create opportunities that will foster greater understanding between people of different religions, races, ethnicities and cultures.
It was affirming to come together for the recent vigil in which leaders of multiple faith groups shared their prayers and messages for understanding, embracing diversity and peace. Just as the members of our local interfaith community have stood with us when Jews have come under attack, so we will continue to stand with others. Hate is not limited to any group. Let us strengthen efforts to ensure that “hate has no home here.”
May we never be afraid to stand up proudly as Jews;
let us raise our voices to speak out for the rights of all to practice their religion in peace and safety and demand the protections guaranteed to us by the founders of this great nation;
and let us continue to join hands with all who fight against hatred and strive for a time when the lights of peace, friendship and understanding will burn brightly and never be extinguished.
Join us at 6 pm on Friday, January 31st
for
Soup and Chili Dinner
as part of a wonderful Tisch Shabbat
featuring our Cantor, Elizabeth Goldmann
Sisterhood will provide a festive meal of homemade soups, vegetarian chili, challah and salad to be enjoyed during the service.
Donations for the dinner are very welcome and checks should be
made payable to Vassar Temple Sisterhood.
While reservations are not required we would greatly appreciate
having an idea of how much food to prepare. If possible, please
let Roz Kaflowitz know you are coming by January 28 at
roslynkaflowitz@gmail.com or 845-297-4320
The Tiny Temple program allows young children to become familiar with the Temple, the Rabbi, and the Jewish holidays, while giving their parents the opportunity to meet and socialize with other young Jewish families. 
Members of the Vassar Temple Men’s Club who participated in the annual Men’s Club Shabbat service on November 18, 2016 pose on the Bimah following the service.
Rabbi Paul Golomb, Senior Scholar, honored the group by continuing a recent tradition of reading from the Torah during the service.
