This is an incredible story and a beautiful articulation of some of the reasons why we have chosen to educate ourselves about a painful part of our past.  This You Tube video is a talk delivered by…

Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger, author of the book “A German Life: Against All Odds Change is Possible” describes his struggle growing up in Germany in the shadow of his Father, a highly-decorated WWII tank commander and Nazi officer. He eventually converted to Judaism, emigrated to Israel and served in the Israel Defense Forces as a Medical Officer. Dr. Wollschlarger was the Guest Speaker at the HMTC 21st Annual Tribute Dinner, held on November 19, 2013 at the Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation

Click Here to View this 24 minute Video

• Learn to read Hebrew
• Understand the meaning and significance of the Borchu, the Sh’ma V’ahavta and Amidah Sabbath prayers
• Lead the Congregation in the chanting of those prayers on the morning of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
• Chant the Blessing in Hebrew upon being called up to the Bimah for the reading of the Torah portion
• Read or chant at least six lines of Torah from the weekly portion
• (If a student is able and willing to do so, the chanting of the week’s Haftarah portion in Hebrew ( readings from the Prophets) can be added)
• Present a D’var Torah (comments to the Congregation on a personal interpretation of the Torah portion)
• Embark on a Bar/Bat Mitzvah community service project in keeping with the service precepts of Reform Judaism. Pledge to complete the project within six months
• During the period of learning, in the year before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, the student and an adult member of the family are expected to attend at least 13 Sabbath/High Holiday services at the Synagogue
• The Synagogue recognizes that each student is different. We pledge to adapt to the needs and interests of the individual without compromising on the integrity of the Service

February 2007

Excerpt From Newsday, June 14, 2021.  Click here to read entire article.

Propelled by technical know-how
By Michael R. Ebert / michael.ebert@newsday.com

While most children love to play video games, Kai Kaufman always wanted to do more.

The Greenport High School senior said he began by creating “silly modifications” to the popular game Minecraft — like making his characters throw fireballs — and posting them online for others to play.

He also created websites for his Minecraft endeavors, using his computer to host a world that others could join and building a tight-knit group of gamers nationwide.

“I was 10 or 11, so figuring this out was a good learning opportunity,” said Kaufman, 17, who has taught himself 11 programming languages.

From there, Kaufman’s passion for coding led him to robotics. He became co-president and lead programmer for the Southold/Greenport Robotics Team, which during his tenure twice advanced to the world championships, in 2018 and 2019.

As a freshman, he spearheaded creating statistical analysis and data collection software to improve the team’s decision-making at competitions. “This gave me an opportunity to learn things like how to write code to actually control motors, make a robot drive around, make it spin a wheel or shoot a bow,” he said of learning practical applications of programming.

Kaufman’s was also one of about 200 individuals worldwide last year to complete a reverse-engineering challenge coordinated by the cybersecurity firm FireEye; he has also initiated an international online community centered around reviving a classic computer game.

Meanwhile, he has taken every Advanced Placement class at his school, becoming an AP Scholar with Distinction. He was also a technology writer for his school newspaper and an editor in the Broadcast TV Club.

Along the way, Kaufman has undergone four surgeries to correct spinal scoliosis and eye-muscle palsy — the most recent last summer.

“Kai understands life can be difficult, but he never gave up,” said his guidance counselor, Brandi Hopkins.

HIGHER ED: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, majoring in computer science with a focus on cybersecurity

FRESHMAN YEAR: “I’m most looking forward to the ability to apply the skills I’ve learned and use them for more academic research.”

DURING THE PANDEMIC, I LEARNED … “Flexibility is essential to success.”

• Zoom or in-person lessons based on your particular skills (such as guitar or piano lessons, photography, bridge or golf lessons, cooking lessons)
• a sail on your boat
• dinner at your house or a local restaurant
• lunch and an afternoon at your pool
• a private consultation with master gardener
• tour of a winery and discounted wine
• a one-to-four week vacation at your vacation condo

• artwork
• home furnishings or accessories
• jewelry
• hotel points or airline miles
• wine

For six years the children of the North Fork have been encouraged to reflect and create poems about peace. Early themes were “Peace Begins With You” and “Your Hopes.” This year the theme is “WHAT COLOR IS YOUR VOICE?” The 2013 Poetry For Peace Project is co-sponsored by North Fork Reform Synagogue and Congregation Tifereth Israel. Students, K-12, on the North Fork from Mattituck to Shelter Island are invited to submit original poems expressing their feelings. Outstanding poems from each grade will be selected by published poets, judges Miranda Beeson, Vivian Eyre and Billy Hands.

The chosen poets will be invited to read their poems on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at the Mattituck Library at 1:30. The community will be invited to this event along with the poets and their families. Poems must be submitted to teachers at the school no later than October 15th in order to be considered by the judges. Each poet will receive a prize to commemorate their recognition in this project.

We look forward to the creativity of the students of the North Fork and Shelter Island and to their solutions for ways to bring about peace near and far to home.

In the fall of 2008 North Fork Reform Synagogue and Congregation Tifereth Israel jointly sponsored the second poetry event for students at North Fork schools, Poetry for Inner Peace. Selected poems were read at the Mattituck-Laurel Library on November 16, 2008.

Hot Tub Greta Peters, 3rd grade, Cutchogue East Elementary School   I sit in my hot tub I feel the steam coming to my face It feels good It feels like hot lava Oh No! It feels so hot I wish it was freezing cold	The Peaceful Field Dylan James, 4th grade, Our Lady of MercyOnce   I was in a field It was oh so very quiet I could hear the wild buffalo roaming in the distance I was lying on my back among The wild grass and flowers I heard birds I felt so still and peaceful Happiness filled the whole field So did fairness Love was in the air So was order With no disturbances I found my inner peace	Untitled Alex Waski, 5th grade, Our Lady of Mercy   Everyone Stay quiet Here that sound? It’s the great outdoors Peace
Fluttering Peace By Dominique Kart, 4th grade, Our Lady of Mercy Peace is like a butterfly Fluttering through the sky Flying up to heaven Though I do not know why. Peace is like a car Going through the air With no exhaust Oh, why can’t people share? Peace is like me Walking on the sidewalk Instead of getting angry I try to just talk. Peace is like the waves Crashing on the shore Then they leave quietly And go back to the ocean floor.	Peace with Myself Marina DeLuca, 5th grade, Oysterponds Free School As I walk through a nature made tail I see the trees that seem to know everything. I hear a rustle in the leaves. I spin around and see Blacka hunting air. She stirs up the odor of moist leaves that are slowly turning into the soft soil under my feet. Then I hear Robby coming. I tried to hide to still have time to myself. But he found me. We walk into myplace in the trees. It has everything, the smells, the sights, Blacka sleeping in the center of them, and Robby. And I’ve then found inner peace.	Inner Peace Oliver D. Orr, 6th grade, Cutchogue East What is inner peace? Is it simply lack of violence, Or is it something deeper? Is it a good book, A comfy couch, A tranquil Beatles song The smell of mom’s baking Wafting up from the kitchen? What is inner peace? Is it simply happiness, Or is it something deeper
Arizona Chris Dolce, 4th grade, Cutchogue East Elementary School   WHOOSH!!! The cactus whistle to the wind as the wind whistles back. As the mountains set their mood, they change from brown to blue to yellow to red to orange. The mountain smiles at me, I smile back. The sun is a yellow-orange and quickly trips behind the horizon. The sky plays tag with the clouds, the clouds run away. The mountains are playing tricks on me, hiding the sun. As it gets dark I go home. The lawn smells of manure from the old cattle that lived in the valley long ago. As the sand rages in the desert the next day I see the sun burn like a fireball entering the atmosphere. The sand hides between my toes as I step, the sand is hot and soft. Again, the sun trips behind the dim horizon but slower this time. I sit, then set my back on the irony sand. I stare into the sky, I see two kids playing tag up there. I doze off. I’m on a mountain. I feel dim and tired. I stand up. I see the sunset walking away. The other mountains are jolly because of the red-green color. There was also a summer breeze. This sigh is rare, beautiful and silent. But all of a sudden I hear a voice calling my name. I awaken. In my mind I wonder, “What’s making that noise?” As the second day does by I’m in Arizona. Can this get any better?	Inner Peace Endures Colby Prokop, 6th grade, Cutchogue East Elementary School   Inner Peace is enduring as your life goes by, as a new day comes and as the seasons change around me. Crisp morning air, Blowing through colors, Red, Yellow and orange. Walking slowly Hands tucked in posckets, As the dog runs beside you. Snow will fall, Lakes are frozen, As hot chocolate warms the room, Fuzzy blankets, Curled up tight, Snow falls silently on the roof. Birds are chirping! Everything is wet with dew, The flowers are growing, Everything is nice and new. The beach grass dancing, The sunset fading away, The ocean waves, the seagull cries, Saying there will be another day. As the calm in your heart settles in, And the moon begins to rise, Your inner peace comes out, And the dark is hidden from my eyes.	Inner Peace Freestyle Haiku Ben Bondarchuk, 5th grade, Oysterponds Free School   I love funny things I really like lots of fun And when I am calm. When I get some action. I have a happy time and When I have some love, too! I feel calm and peaceful mostly When someone’s listening But I’ll draw in my notebook.
Peace Caitlin Rivera, Cutchogue East   Peace is love Peace is happiness. Peace is caring, Peace is being nice. Peace is everywhere you look, And peace is everywhere you don’t look Peace is in front of you. You might not see it, But it’s there. Peace is always everywhere no matter what Peace is what we need.	My Peace Place Miranda Sannino, 5th grade, Cutchogue East Elementary School   I have a place where there is peace, not a closet or a bed. I just have it in my head. Many places I will go, But I still have my peace I know. Winter, spring, symmer, fall, Christmas, Easter, Jul 4th, Halloween, or in between. I still have my peace I will always be kind, as long as I have peace in my mind. My peace place	My Inner Peace Song Elizabeth Powe (Bokina), 6th Grade, Cutchogue East Elementary School   Rainbows & Doves Chocolates & Flowers All in your heart The sweetness of inner peace You are tranquil You are motionless You are a meek mouse Then you listen There is rain Destructive Wetness And loud noise War rains down Your inner peace song is Dying But then delicately You sing You were heard all around The world War stops here!! Rainbows appear The doves are here Your inner peace song lives on.

Judaism is more than just a religion: it’s a culture, a language, a way of life. And, integrated fully into these Jewish traditions are unique words and sayings. Though words may have different roots or origins (Hebrew, Yiddish, German), their meanings are universal throughout the Jewish community. This glossary introduces some of the more common sayings appropriate for lifestyle and holiday events.

Beginnings Birth Chanukah Conversion Death Jewish Education Marriage & Home Pesach Purim

Rosh Hashanah Shabbat Shavuot Simchat Torah Sukkot Yom HaAtzma-ut Yom HaShoah Yom Kippur

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BEGINNINGS

Berachah (pl. Berachot) – Blessing.

Shehecheyanu – Literally: “[God] who has kept us alive”.This is the blessing for beginnings, happy occasions. It is also said at candle-lighting, Kiddush, and at certain other specific times during festival observance.

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BIRTH

B’rit Milah – Covenant of circumcision, traditionally performed on the eighth day of a boy’s life.

Mohel – Highly skilled ritual circumciser.

Kvater/Kvaterin– Godfather/Godmother: those who carry the baby into the b’rit ceremony

Sandak – Person who holds the baby during the ceremony.

Seudat Mitzvah – A festive meal which honors the observance of a mitzvah.

Mi Sheberach – Literally: “May the One who blessed”. A prayer usually, but not solely, recited after a person has been honored with a Torah blessing. There are various forms of this prayer, one of which is used to name a child.

B’rit HaChayim – Literally: “covenant of life”. A home ceremony for the naming of baby girls.

Pidyon Haben/Habat – Literally: “redemption of the (first-born) son/daughter.”Home ceremony which takes place on the thirty-first day of a child’s life.

Kiddush Pe’ter Rechem – Modern ceremony celebrating the birth of the first child.

Ken Ayin Hara (Kinna Hurra) – Literally: “against the evil eye.”

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CHANUKAH

Chanukah – Literally: dedication.

Chanukat HaBayit – Literally: dedication of the house.Ceremonial hanging of the mezuzah.

Menorah – Seven- or eight-branched candelabra. Most commonly used to refer to the eight-branched Chanukah lamp.

Chanukiah – Eight-branched Chanukah menorah.

Gelt – Yiddish word for “money”; given as a Chanukah present, used for playing dreidel.

Dreidel – Yiddish for “top”; used in Chanukah game. Known in Hebrew as “sevivon“.

Nes Gadol Hayah Sham – Literally: “A great miracle happened there.”First letters of these four words are found on the dreidel.

Latke – Yiddish word for “pancake”. Potato latkes are traditionally eaten on Chanukah.

Sufganiyot– Jelly doughnuts served in Israel on Chanukah.

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CONVERSION

Ger/Gioret – “One who is invited to join the Hebrew tribe.”The masculine and feminine forms of the Hebrew term for convert.

Gerut – Conversion.

Halachah – Jewish Law.

Kabbalat Ol Mitzvot– Literally: “acceptance of the yoke if the commandments.”

Tevilah – Immersion in a ritual bath (mikveh) or any natural body of water which can serve as a mikveh.

Milah – Ritual circumcision.

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DEATH

Gan Eden – Literally: Garden of Eden; paradise.

Gehinom – Literally: Valley of Hinom; place of punishment.

Kevod HaMet – Honor due to the dead.

Taharah – Ritual purification.

Tachrichim – Burial shrouds.

Chevrah Kadisha – Group of people entrusted with the mitzvah of preparing the body for burial.

El Malei Rachamim – Literally: “God, full of compassion”; memorial prayer.

Keriah – Tearing of a garment or a ribbon as an expression of grief.

Shivah – Seven-day mourning period beginning with the burial.

Sheloshim – Thirty-day mourning period.

Unveiling – Dedication of the grave marker.

Yahrzeit– Anniversary of the death.

Kaddish – Prayer praising God. There are several Kaddish prayers recited during the service, one of which is recited in memory of the departed.

Yizkor – Memorial services held on Yom Kippur and on the last day of Pesach, Shavout, and Sukot.

Seudat Havra’ah – Literally: meal of condolence; prepared by the friends of the mourners.

Mitzvah – Commandment; obligatory responses to our Jewish traditions.

Minyan – Quorum of ten people necessary for public prayer.

Tzedakah – Literally: justice, righteousness; the Hebrew word we use for charity.

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JEWISH EDUCATION

Bar/Bat (Bas) Mitzvah – Ceremony marking youngster’s reaching the age of religious majority.

Haftarah – Selection from the Prophets read or chanted after the weekly Torah portion.

Talit (Talis) – Prayer shawl.

Hebrew School – After-school Hebrew classes.

Sunday School – Classes in history, customs, and ceremonies.

Religious School – Term that includes both Sunday school and Hebrew school, though in some synagogues it refers to only Sunday school. Sometimes Religious school is referred to as Torah school.

Cheder – Old-fashioned term for Hebrew school. In Eastern Europe, it was the primary school.

Shabbaton (pl. Shabbatonim) – A Sabbath program of study and celebration.

Kallah (pl. Kallot) – A conclave or retreat.

Chavurah (pl. Chavurot) – Informal group which meets together for study and celebration.

Ulpan (pl. Ulpanim) – Intensive Hebrew course.

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MARRIAGE & HOME

Kiddushin – Marriage.

Ketubah (pl. Ketubot) – Marriage contract.

Chatan – Groom.

Kalah – Bride.

Chuppah – Canopy; it can be a talit, velvet or silk canopy, or floral arrangement.

Ring – Traditionally it is solid, without stones.

“Harei at mekudeshet li betaba’at zo kedat Mosheh v’Yisrael”– Literally: “Behold you are consecrated unto me, with this ring, according to the Law of Moses and Israel.” This is the Hebrew nuptial formula.

Sheva Berachot – Seven traditional blessings recited or chanted after the exchange of rings.

Kiddush Cup – For wine, which is drunk after the Sheva Berachot.

Glass to Break – There are various interpretations of the symbolism. The traditional explanation is that the glass is broken in memory of the destruction of the Temple.

Yichud – Time spent alone together by the bride and groom immediately after the wedding ceremony.

Aufruf – Calling up of the bridegroom for Torah blessings on the Shabbat preceding the wedding.

Mikveh – Ritual bath traditionally visited by the bride prior to the wedding.

Fasting – Bridal couple traditionally fasts on the wedding day prior to the ceremony.

Get – Religious divorce.

Chanukat HaBayit– Literally: dedication of the house.

Mezuzah – Ritual object consisting of a casing and a klaf (scroll) which is put on the doorpost(s) of the house.

Klaf – Handwritten mezuzah scroll containing Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21.

Pushke – Tzedakah box.

Kosher – Ritually fit.

Trefe – Literally: torn apart; food that is not ritually fit. It is the opposite of kosher.

Parve – Containing neither meat/meat derivatives nor milk/milk derivatives and which can be eaten with either milk or meat meals, e.g., fruits, vegetables, eggs.

Milchig – Foods derived from milk or milk products.

Fleishig – Foods derived from meat or meat products.

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PESACH

Pesach – Passover.

Seder – Literally: order; refers to program of prayers and rituals for the home celebration.

Haggadah (pl. Haggadot) – Literally: telling.It is our duty to tell the story of Passover, particularly to the children.

Matzah – The unleavened bread eaten in recollection of the hurried departure from Egypt. The eating of matzah is obligatory only at the seder. During the rest of Pesach, one may abstain from matzah as long as all chamets is avoided.

Chamets – Leavened bread and anything made with wheat, rye, barley, oats, and spelt unless supervised to ensure that it has not leavened.

The Four Cups – Each has a specific place in the service. The first serves as the Kiddush; the second is taken at the conclusion of the first part of the seder; the third is the cup marking the conclusion of the grace after the meal; the fourth cup comes at the conclusion of the seder. The four cups are said to refer to the promises of redemption made by God to Israel.

The Four Questions – Questions asked at the seder. The answers to the questions form the rest of the Haggadah.

The Cup of Elijah – Elijah is the herald of the Messianic Era when justice and peace will be realized.

Karpas – A green herb such as parsley or a green vegetable such as celery or watercress. It symbolizes spring.

Maror – The bitter herbs such as horseradish symbolizing the bitter plight of the enslaved Israelites.

Charoset – A mixture of fruits, nuts, and wine. Its color and consistency is a reminder of the bricks and mortar used by the Israelite slaves.

Shank Bone – Symbolic of the paschal sacrifice.

Egg – Represents the additional Passover festive offering, the “chagigah,” in the Temple.

Afikoman – A Greek word meaning “dessert.” We make the matzah the official dessert of the seder meal. To keep the children alert during the seder, the afikoman is hidden. The children find it and the leader of the seder must redeem it.

Opening the Door – We open the door to welcome symbolically the prophet Elijah.

Ma’ot Chitim – Literally: wheat money; money collected prior to Passover to assist the needy to celebrate the holiday.

Shabbat HaGadol– Literally: the Great Sabbath preceding Passover.

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PURIM

Purim – Literally: lots.

Megillah (pl. Megillot) – Literally: scroll. There are five megillot in the Bible. The one read on Purim is Megillat Esther.

Grogger – Noisemaker used to drown out Haman’s name.

Purim Schpiel – Humorous play put on at Purim.

Shabbat Zachor– The Shabbat immediately preceding Purim. Its name is taken from the additional Torah portion read that day- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 – which begins with the word “zachor” (remember).

Mishlo’ach Manot– Sending portions of food to friends to celebrate the holiday; also referred to as “Shalach Monos“.

Hamantashen – Filled three-cornered pastries supposed to represent Haman’s hat.

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ROSH HASHANAH

Rosh Hashanah – Literally: the “head of the year”; the New Year.

High Holy Days – Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Also known as the “High Holidays” or “the Holidays”.

Shofar – Ram’s horn.

Chet – Literally: “missing the mark”; a Hebrew term for sin.

Teshuvah – Literally: “returning”; a Hebrew term for repentance.

Selichot – Penitential prayers.

Tashlich – Traditional ceremony in which individuals symbolically cast their sins into a body of water.

L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu – New Year greeting meaning “May you be inscribed (in the Book of Life) for a good year,” sometimes shortened to “Shanah Tovah“.

Yom Tov – Literally: “a good day”.The term has come to mean “holiday”. It is often pronounced Yuntiff and the standard holiday greeting is “Good Yuntiff”.

Gemar Chatimah Tovah – Literally: “May you finally be inscribed (in the Book of Life) for good”. After Rosh Hashanah and through Yom Kippur, this greeting is used.

Machzor – High Holy Day prayer book.

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SHABBAT

Shabbat – Sabbath.

Shabbos – Yiddish and Ashkenazic Hebrew pronunciation for the Sabbath.

Kodesh – Holy.

Kavanah – Intention.

Mitzvah – Commandments.

Minyan – Quorum of ten necessary for public worship.

Challah – Braided egg bread, for Shabbat and festivals.

Kiddush – Blessing recited or chanted over wine, emphasizing the holiness of Shabbat and festivals.

Tzedakah Box (Pushke in Yiddish) – Container for collecting money for charitable purposes. It is customary to give tzedakah prior to candlelighting in the home.

Havdalah – Literally: separation. Ceremony on Saturday night, dividing the Sabbath from the beginning of the week.

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SHAVUOT

Shavuot – Literally: “weeks”. This festival occurs seven weeks after Pesach.

Confirmation – Ceremony marking completion of the religious school courses, often held on Shavuot.

Blintzes – Cheese- or fruit-filled crepes.

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SIMCHAT TORAH

Simchat Torah – Literally: “Joy of the Torah.”Holiday marking the conclusion of the yearly cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of the new cycle.

Torah – Literally: “teaching.”In a narrow sense it is the Five Books of Moses, hand-written on a parchment scroll. In a broad sense, it is everything which flows from this (i.e. Judaism).

TaNaCH – Acronym for Torah, Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings)- the three sections of the Hebrew Bible.

Bimah – The raised platform in the synagogue where the Torah is read.

Aliyah -Literally: “going up”; the honor of being called to recite the blessings over the Torah.

Parashah – The weekly Torah portion.

Shemini Atseret – Literally: “the eighth day of assembly”; conclusion of Sukot.

Hakafah (pl. Hakafot)– Torah procession(s) around the sanctuary.

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SUKKOT

Sukkot – Feast of Booths. Name of one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals.

Sukah (pl. Sukot) – Booths, hut, or tabernacle covered with branches and decorated with hanging fruit, vegetables, and other decorations.

Ushpizin – Mythic guests invited to the sukkah.

Lulav– Palm branch, with myrtle and willow sprigs attached.

Etrog – Citron.

Hakafah (pl. Hakafot) – Procession, circling the sanctuary with the Torah.

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YOM HA ATZMA-UT

Yom HaAtzma-ut – Literally: “Day of Independence”; Israeli Independence Day.

Diaspora – Jewish communities outside of Israel.

Galut – Exile.

Zionism – The belief that there should be a Jewish homeland in Zion (Israel).

Hora – Israeli folk dance.

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YOM HaSHOAH

Yom HaShoah – Literally: “Holocaust Day.” A day set aside to remember the Holocaust and to honor the memory of those who perished.Shtetl (pl. Shtetlach) – A small Jewish village in Eastern Europe.

Yiddish – Judeo-German; the everyday language of the Jews of Eastern Europe.

Mamaloshen – Literally: “mother language”; affectionate term for Yiddish.

Pogrom – Organized attach on the Jewish community.

Anti-Semitism – An irrational hatred of Jews.

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YOM KIPPURYom Kippur – Day of Atonement.

Shabbat Shuvah – Sabbath of Return, between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It gets its name from its haftarah which begins “Shuvah Yisrael, Return, O Israel” (Hosea 14:2).

Kol Nidrei – Literally: all vows. Opening prayer for Yom Kippur eve.

Yizkor – Memorial service recited on Yom Kippur, as well as the last days of Sukot, Pesach, and Shavuot.

Yahrzheit Candle – Memorial candle lit on the anniversary of a loved one’s death and also on those days when Yizkor is recited.

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