great neck synagogue2014-2015 | 5774-5775 the exciting events and programs in this brochure relect...

26 Old Mill Road | Great Neck, NY 11023 | (516) 487-6100 | www.gns.org

Great Neck Synagogue2014-2015 | 5774-5775

The exciting events and programs in this brochure reflect our vision

for Great Neck Synagogue as the vibrant, dynamic center of a community that

learns and grows together. We thank those sponsors who made last year’s

program such a success.

SHABBAT DINNER & GUEST SPEAKERS SERIES2013-2014 SERIES DEDICATIONSDiane & David Rein

in memory of Diane’s mother, Helene M. Fink, z”l

Haifa & Dan Shavolian

2013-2014 SERIES SPONSORSHIPSAnonymous

Debbie & Hal Chadow

Carol & Jeffrey Kaufman

Manelli & Ben Rabizadeh

2013-2014 DINNER SPONSORSAnonymous

Alisa & Michael Hoenig

Susan & David Sedgh

Florin & Howard Silberstein

SPO

NSO

RSH

IPS

2013-2014 DINNER SUPPORTERSSharon & Mordechai Ahdut

Helene & Lloyd Bayme

Lillian & Gary Chubak

Debbie & Tom Furst

Desiree & Robert Hakim

Joan & Henry Katz

Dahlia & David Khalili

Cindy & Jeff Leibmann

Rona & Myles Mittleman

Inbal & Avraham Noy

Brenda & Ed Parver

Orly & Alan Steinberg

Melissa & Sam Toledano

Judy & Jerry Weinstein

Yehoshua Family

For more information about sponsorships and dedication opportunities

for any of our programs or events, please contact Rabbi Bronstein or the synagogue office

Thank You....

2 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015

MESSAGE FROM RABBI DALE POLAKOFF

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to present you with the Great Neck Synagogue

2014-2015/5774-5775 Brochure. The diversity and vibrancy of

our community is reflected by the breadth and quality of our

programming, as well as the dedication of the many people

involved in planning and coordination. I encourage you to take

advantage of the many opportunities over the course of the year

for us to learn, grow, and celebrate together.

This year, you will notice a particular emphasis on Israel-related

speakers and events. Since the fraught days of this past summer,

our community has responded in thought, prayer, and action to

even more closely bond ourselves with our brothers and sisters

in Israel. Over the course of this coming year, we will be updated

on the latest political and diplomatic situations, as well as many

of the critical internal discussions now facing the State of Israel.

Overall, this year’s lineup is stronger than ever, highlighting the

tremendous work done by our leadership and all of our affiliates

to enrich and deepen both our own community as well as our

commitment and connection to the larger Jewish world.

I am most grateful to Gloria & Harvey Kaylie for their leadership in

helping us realize our vision for Great Neck Synagogue, along with

the many sponsors who enable us to grow and develop. Please join

us in our efforts to continue to improve Great Neck Synagogue as

a dynamic center of Jewish life in our community.

With my best wishes for a Shanah Tovah,

a healthy and joyous new year,

Rabbi Dale Polakoff

ContentsSCHOLARS & STUDY

Shabbat Dinner & Guest Speaker Series - 4

Ongoing Classes - 10

Yoeztet Halacha Programs - 12

Chevra Kaddisha Class - 13

College and High School Learning - 13

SHABBAT HIGHLIGHTS

Special Shabbatot - 14

Shabbos Project - 15

CENTERFOLD CALENDAR - 16

EVENTS & PROGRAMS

Community Highlights - 18

High Holy Days - 19

Chanukah Concert - 20

Pesach - 21

Yom HaShoah - 21

Yom HaZikaron/Yom Ha’atzmaut - 21

SYNAGOGUE AFFILIATES

Men’s Club - 22

Sisterhood - 24

Yiddishe Vort - 25

Women’s Tefilah - 25

Chesed - 25

ANNUAL DINNER - 26

GNS YOUTH

Shabbat Programs - 27

Special Events - 30

Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015 • 3

Our Dinners are for everyone, because at Great Neck Synagogue — We Celebrate Shabbat Together!

• SINGLES: Worried about the walk home alone in the dark?

Walking Escorts are available upon request.

• PARENTS: What to do with the kids? Bring them along – they will love the

special children’s menus and exciting program coordinated by GNS YOUTH.

SHABBAT DINNER & GUEST SPEAKER SERIES

Join your neighbors and friends at Great Neck Synagogue for a beautiful Family Shabbat Dinner or Luncheon

with internationally-acclaimed leaders and much sought-after speakers.

Reservations Required • Limited Seating • RSVP: 516.487.6100 or [email protected]

$36/adult • $25/teen • $15/child • $125 family maximum

Presented by:

Support Our Shabbat DinnersDedication and Sponsorship Opportunities are Available –

Contact the Synagogue Office!

$5,000 Series Dedication (Limit 6)Personalized dedication to be featured on all dinner programs and synagogue announcements,

family reservations for all 2014-2015 dinners, including 2 seats at the speaker’s table, and the opportunity to host guest speakers for Shabbat or for Shabbat meals. VIP reserved seating for

all guest speakers.

$1,800 Series SponsorFamily reservations for all 2014-2015 dinners,

VIP reserved seating for all guest speakers.

$1,000 Single Dinner DedicationPersonalized dedication to be featured on dinner program and synagogue announcements, family reservation,

including 2 seats at the speaker’s table.

$500 Dinner Sponsor | $360 Dinner SupporterIncludes family reservations.


November 21-22, 2014YOSSI KLEIN HALEVI

Fellow, The Shalom Hartman Institute

Israel Correspondent and Contributing Editor, The New Republic

Yossi Klein Halevi was born and raised in Borough Park, Brooklyn in New York in a Jewish family. His father

was a Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor. He completed a BA in

Jewish Studies in Brooklyn College in 1978, and completed his MA

in Journalism at Northwestern University. In 1982, he moved to Israel

with his wife Sarah.

He worked as a senior writer for the bi-weekly magazine The Jerusalem

Report from its founding until 2002. Halevi also wrote a column for

The Jerusalem Post, and writes regularly on Israeli issues for the op-

ed page of the Los Angeles Times, New York Times and Washington

Post. His first book, Memoirs of a Jewish Extremist, was published in

1995. In it, he tells of his youthful attraction to, and subsequent break

with, the militant Rabbi Meir Kahane.

In 2001 he published At the Entrance to the Garden of Eden: A

Jew’s Search for God with Christians and Muslims in the Holy

Land. The book tells of his spiritual journey as a religious Jew into the worlds of Christianity and Islam in

Israel. Halevi joined the prayers and meditations in mosques and monasteries, in an attempt to experience

the devotional lives of his non-Jewish neighbors and to create a religious language of reconciliation among

the three monotheistic faiths.

Halevi is a Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, a Jerusalem-based research institute and educational

center, and Israel correspondent and contributing editor of The New Republic. He is a

lecturer on American and Canadian campuses, focusing on politics and culture in Israel.

In the fall of 2013, he began teaching at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.

Halevi’s latest book, Like Dreamers: The Story of the Israeli

Paratroopers who Reunited Jerusalem and Divided A Nation was

released in October 2013 to international acclaim.

Halevi has been active in Middle East reconciliation efforts, and

serves as chairman of Open House, an Arab-Jewish educational

project in the working class town of Ramle. He was a founder and board member of

the now-defunct Israeli-Palestinian Media Forum, which brought together Israeli and

Palestinian journalists.


January 30-31, 2015Commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance DayJanuary 27, 2015 – the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau

Dr. Bernd WollschlaegerNoted Author, Lecturer, and Physician

Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger is a board-certified family physician in private practice who lives

and works in Aventura, FL. He received his medical education in Germany and Israel and

completed his residency training at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL. He received

additional training in addiction medicine and is

a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction

Medicine.

Dr. Wollschlaeger’s father was a highly

decorated World War II German tank

commander and fought in Poland, France, and

Russia. After sustaining several injuries, he

was presented with the Iron Cross, which was

personally awarded to him by Adolf Hitler.

Driven by curiosity and interest in finding the

truth about his past and the Holocaust, Dr.

Wollschlaeger began to explore Judaism, a

journey that culminated with his emigration to

Israel and conversion to Judaism. He documents

his story, and the complex relationship with his family and his past, in a series of acclaimed

books, A German Life, Samson’s Shadow, Stauffenberg and My Life in the Shadow of a

Hero.


March 27-28, 2015 CAROLINE GLICK Senior Contributing Editor, Jerusalem Post

Director of Israel Security Project, David Horowitz Freedom Center

Caroline Glick made aliyah

to Israel in 1991, two weeks

after earning her BA in Political

Science from Columbia

University. She served as officer in IDF for five and a half years, including as

Coordinator of Negotiations with the PLO in the office of the Coordinator of

Government Activities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza. In this capacity she was a

core member of Israel’s negotiating team with the Palestinians.

In 1997-1998 she served as assistant foreign policy advisor to Prime Minister Binyamin Netayahu and then

returned to the US for graduate school, receiving a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy

School of Government.

Glick began writing at Makor Rishon newspaper, serving as chief diplomatic commentator and edited magazine

supplements on strategic issues. Since 2002, she has also been with the Jerusalem Post, where she writes two

weekly columns that are widely syndicated and currently holds the title of Senior Contributing Editor.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, she covered the US-led war in Iraq as an embedded journalist with the US

Army’s 3rd Infantry Division. Reporting for the Post, Maariv, Israel TV’s Channel 2 and the Chicago Sun Times,

she was one of the only female journalists on the front lines with the US forces and the first Israeli journalist to

report from liberated Baghdad.

From 2004-2012 she served as senior fellow for Middle Eastern Affairs at the Center for Security Policy in

Washington, DC, leaving to join the David Horowitz Freedom Center in Los Angeles as the Director of the

Center’s Israel Security Project, where she remains the Center for Security Policy’s adjunct senior fellow

for Middle Eastern Affairs. She travels regularly to Washington to brief senior officials and members of

Congress on issues of joint Israeli-American concern.

In 2003, Ma’ariv named her the most prominent woman in Israel, and she has received

many more awards for writing and journalism. Her newest book, The Israeli Solution: A

One State Plan for Peace in the Middle East, was released by Crown Forum, in March,

2014.


June 5-6, 2015DR. YORAM HAZONYFounder and President, Herzl Institute

Yoram Hazony earned his doctorate from Rutgers in 1993,

while serving as an aide to then Prime Minister Binyamin

Neyanyahu. He left politics to found the Shalem Center, a

Jerusalem research institute that went on to do two decades

of pioneering work in the fields of philosophy, political theory,

Bible, Talmud, Jewish and Zionist history, Middle East Studies

and archaeology. The Center’s publishing arm, Shalem Press, is Israel’s leading publisher of works of

Western philosophy translated into Hebrew, and also published Azure Magazine. This year, Shalem

received accreditation to begin granting Israel’s first Liberal Arts B.A., and formally became Shalem

College. Hazony served as President of Shalem from 1994-2002, and as Provost (academic head) from

2005-2012.

In 2012, Hazony left Shalem together with a group of long-time colleages to establish the Herzl Institute

/ Machon Herzl in Jerusalem. He is also Director of the John Templeton Foundation‘s project in

Jewish Philosophical Theology, and a member of the Modern Orthodox public policy and leadership

organization Beit Hillel.

A prolific and celebrated writer, Hazony writes on the intersection between Western history and

philosophy and Jewish wisdom and tradition. His recent books include The Philosophy of Hebrew

Scripture, The Jewish State: The Struggle for Israel’s Soul and The Dawn: Political Teachings

of the Book of Esther. His articles and essays have appeared in publications such as The Wall St.

Journal, The New York Times, The New Republic, and Commentary, among others. He is currently

working on two books, Newton and Hume: On Science, the Mind, and the Nature of Reality; and a

follow-up to his last book on the Bible called God of an Imperfect World.

An internationally sought-after teacher and lectuerer, Hazony is acclaimed as one of the great minds in

contemporary Jewish thought, with critical insights into the direction and foundations of the modern

State of Israel.


Date to be announcedMK RABBI DOV LIPMANMember of the 19th Knesset (Yesh Atid)

Rabbi Dov Lipman was born in Silver Spring,

Maryland, the son of a US Federal judge. He

completed his rabbinical studies at Yeshivas Ner

Yisroel in Baltimore while in a concurrent program

with the Johns Hopkins University, where he earned

a master’s degree in education. He immigrated to

Israel in 2004, where he taught at several institutions

for post-high school Torah learning, such as Yeshivat

Yesodei HaTorah, Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim,

Machon Maayan, and Tiferet. Lipman has also

authored several books on Jewish topics. Lipman,

who lives in Beit Shemesh with his wife and four

children, became active in politics in response to

local extremism. He joined the slate of candidates of

the fledgling Yesh Atid Party, and was elected to the

19th Knesset in January, 2013.

As a member of Yesh Atid, Lipman advocates basic

secular education for all schools in Israel wanting

to receive government funding, increased employment opportunities for those among the Orthodox

population who want to join the work force and some form of national service, be it military or social, for

every citizen. He believes his task is to be “a conduit of tolerance and acceptance” between the Haredi

and secular world.

Since joining the Knesset, Lipman has given a keynote

address at the 2013 Rabbinical Council of America

Convention and the 2013 Limmud Conference in the

United Kingdom. Lipman was also part of the official

Israeli delegation to Nelson Mandela’s funeral in South

Africa.


Mondays:

Scholar’s Kollel

Rabbi Yudi Jeger

8:30 – 10:00 am

Book of Proverbs (Mishlei)

Rabbi Ian Lichter

8:30 – 9:30 pm (Begins 9/30)

Topics in Aggadata

Rabbi Dale Polakoff

9:00 – 10:00 pm

at the home of Pamela & Jeffrey Bilfeld

1 Magnolia Drive, Great Neck (Begins 9/30)

Tuesdays

Community Scholar’s Kollel

Rabbi Yudi Jeger

8:30 – 10:00 am, Great Neck Synagogue

Wednesdays


Laws of Berakhot & Contemporary Applications

Rabbi Ian Lichter

8:30 – 9:30 am

Gemorah Shiur

Rabbi Yossi Singer

8:30 -9:30 pm

Contemporary Topic Chabura

Rabbi Ian Lichter

9:00 – 10:00 pm

at rotating homes in the community (Begins 10/2)

ONGOING TORAH STUDYUnless otherwise noted, all classes take place at Great Neck Synagogue

Rabbi Dale Polakoff

Rabbi Ian Lichter

Rabbi Ari Lipsky


Thursdays


Rabbi Yudi Jeger

8:30 – 10:00 am

Women’s Chumash Class: Sefer Bamidbar

Rabbi Dale Polakoff

9:15 – 10:30 am (Begins 10/3)

Power Chumash: Sefer Shemot

Rabbi Dale Polakoff

8:30 – 9:30 pm (Begins 10/3)

Fridays

Parshat Hashavua Shiur

Rabbi Yissocher Frand

8:30 – 9:30 am (video)

Shabbat

Parshat Hashavua Shiur

GNS Rabbinic Team

8:30 – 9:00 am

Gemorah: Masechet Brachot

GNS Rabbinic Team

1 hour before Mincha

Pathway to the Prophets

Rabbi Yisroel Reisman

1 hour and a half after Shabbat (live broadcast)

Sundays

Midrash on the Parsha

Rabbi Dale Polakoff

9:20 – 10:00 am

COMMUNITY SCHOLAR’S KOLLELRabbi Yudi Jeger, Rosh Kollel

Steve Zuckerman, Kollel Chair

Join our Scholar’s Kollel each morning for breakfast, stimulating Torah conversation, and special lectures

and presentations from the GNS Rabbinic Team and visiting scholars. The Scholar’s Kollel produces a

weekly parsha sheet and an annual journal of original Torah scholarship. Sponsorships and dedications

are available. Please speak to Steve Zuckerman or Rabbi Lichter for details.

Rabbi Yudi Jeger

Rabbi Yisroel Reisman

Rabbi Yissocher Frand


GREAT NECK SYNAGOGUEYOETZET HALACHA PROGRAMHarriet Schimel, Chair

Dena Block was appointed Yoetzet Halacha (Woman Consultant in Jewish Law) at Great Neck Synagogue in September, 2013. She teaches Talmud and U.S.

History at Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School in Teaneck, where she is also Director

of Student Programming. A graduate of the inaugural class of the U.S. Yoetzet

Halacha Fellowship Program of Nishmat’s Miriam Glaubach Center, Yoetzet Block

joins over 80 Yoatzot Halacha, who were educated and

certified at Nishmat, The Jeanie Schottenstein Center

for Advanced Torah Study for Women. Yoatzot Halacha

counsel women, lecture and teach in the U.S., Israel, Great

Britain and around the world. Yoetzet Block studied at

the Stella K. Abraham Beit Midrash for Women in Migdal

Oz, Israel, before earning a B.A. in History from Barnard

College and an M.A. in Biblical and Talmudic Interpretation

from Yeshiva University’s Graduate Program for Advanced Talmudic Studies. She lives

in Washington Heights with her husband, Avi, and son, Zvi. Feel free to contact her

privately by phone (516.320.9818) or email ([email protected]).

Yoetzet Halacha Events & Classes

Sunday, September 14

“Mikve Myths with Yoetzet Halacha

Dena Block.”Ladies Brunch at the home of

Davida Yehaskel, 9 Willow Lane

Ilana Wallenstein and Davida Yehaskel, Chairs

Sunday, November 2 Community-Wide Unity Breakfast

sponsored by:

Great Neck Synagogue, Young Israel of Great Neck,

Cherry Lane Minyan & North Shore Mikve

Tuesday, February 3

Dinner ConversationLocation TBA

Watch for upcoming schedule of

Spring learning opportunities with

Dena Block.


Death to Burial: Spiritual and PracticalRabbi Dale Polakoff &

Jerry Weinstein,Head of the Chevra Kadisha of Great Neck

Presented by the GNS Men’s Club

October 28 | November 4 | November 11 | November 18

Everything You NEVER wanted to know, But NEED to know.

The fear of death is the fear of the unknown. How do we practically and spiritually deal with death? In this

four part discussion series, you will gain practical knowledge of how to deal with losing a loved one, and

deepen your understanding of the rituals that take place at one of the most difficult times of life.

Among the topics we will discuss:

* End of Life wishes; Dealings with Hospitals and/or Hospice; Sudden unforeseen passing;

* Period of Aninus (Time between death and burial); Removal of deceased to the funeral home;

Shmira (Watching of the body and reciting of Tehillim); Tahara (Ritual Purification of the deceased);

Deeper meaning of the various prayers that are recited during this time period;

What to expect at the cemetery; Comforting the mourners.

It is our hope that at the end of these classes there will be less fear of death, and more understanding of the practical and spiritual that accompanies life’s final journey.

College and High School Senior Learningwith Rabbi Barak Levy

Wednesday, September 10“The Bridge Between Marble Notebooks and Hashem’s Notes”

Saturday Night, September 20An inspiring lecture followed by college/teen Selichot

Saturday, September 27College and High School Seuda Sh’lishit & Shabbat Shuvah Drashah

Stay tuned for upcoming College events and classes.

We are thrilled to welcome one of Great Neck’s most dynamic educators,

Rabbi Barak Levy, to Great Neck Synagogue to launch an excitinginitiative for for college students in our community. High School seniors welcome!!


SPECIAL SHABBATOTOver the course of the year, we celebrate

several Shabbatot with special friends and

neighbors, exciting programming, and extra spirit.

SHABBATON WITH OHEL - December 5-6 2o14We welcome our friends from OHEL Bais Ezra back for another

inspirational Shabbat in celebration of our community’s close

relationship and leadership in this critical organization. To participate

in what is always a much-anticipated and uplifting experience, please

contact Rabbi Ian Licther or the synagogue office.

YOM HAATZMAUT SHABBAT - April 17-18, 2015Celebrate the State of Israel with a dynamic couple at the forefront of

healing Israel’s religious-secular divide, and creating a new generation of

engaged and committed Religious Zionism. Rabbi Ronen and P’nina Neuwirth

are spiritual leaders of Ohel Ari Synagogue in Ra’nana and of the influential

Beit Hillel think tank and social movement.

FAMILY SHABBAT LUNCHEON - June 6, 2015 In memory of Sharon Sokol Heisler, z”l

Begin the summer season with this most meaningful and enjoyable

community gathering. While your children attend the End Of Year Bash,

take some time to socialize and reconnect with friends and neighbors,

and enjoy a special guest speaker.

SHABBAT WITH AIPAC - Date TBAFind out about the latest issues that define the America-Israel

relationship, learn how to get involved and put your committment to

Israel to effective use. GNS is proud of our deep relationship with

AIPAC - including our annual delegation to the Washington, D.C. Policy

summit. For more information, please contact the synagogue office.


INTERNATIONAL SHABBOS PROJECTOctober 23-25

We join hundreds of communities around the world in observing Shabbat together, in solidarity, with the larger

Jewish world. This project, a brainchild of South African Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, will remind us to warmly

share the special spirit that marks our Jewish experience with all Jews, regardless of background or level of

affiliation.

Our steering committee has been

working diligently and actively to

coordinate and plan exciting weekend

events for the entire community

In addition, we have joined forces with

many other synagogues on the Great

Neck Peninsula in an effort to plan

exciting and educational events for the entire

Great Neck community.

From a Thursday Night Community-Wide Challah Baking to a Saturday Night Havdalah Concert, there is

something for everyone, young and old, from every and any walk of life.

The Shabbos Project is a unique and exciting

opportunity to join with Jews from around

the world, as well as our very own community,

uniting those with different customs, religious

and educational backgrounds of all ages to

‘Keep it together.’

For an up-to-date listing of events,

participating synagogues and institutions,

and how to get involved, visit www.gns.org

or contact the synagogue office.

Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein

The festive scene in South Africa last year. Be part as we join in, Great Neck style!

Prepare For The Shabbos Project - Two Important Classes:

Thursday, September 4, 7:45 pm“Kibud and Oneg Shabbat:

“Appreciating the uniqueness of this special day” with Rabbi Dale Polakoff

Thursday, Sept 11, 7:30 pmKiddush and Havdallah:

“Distinguishing between the holy and the mundane” with Rabbi Ian Lichter



Shabbat, September 12 - 13Youth Leadership Training Shabbaton

Sunday, September 14• Ladies Brunch - Yoetzet Halacha Dena Block• Men’s Club Books & Bagels | Dr. Barry Libin

Tuesday, September 16Sisterhood Hat Show and Yoga

Thursday, September 18High Holy Days Evening of Learning

Rabbi Dale Polakoff & Rabbi Ian Lichter

Saturday, September 20First Night Selichot

Rabbi Marc Penner & Rabbi Barak Levy

Sunday, September 21Rosh Hashanah Arts & Crafts

Morah Zehava Atlas

Friday, September 26Collegiate Shabbat Oneg

Shabbat, September 27• Main Sanctuary Youth Shabbat

• College & High School

Shabbat Shuva Drasha | Rabbi Barak Levy

Wednesday, October 1Men’s Club Books & Bagels | Rabbi Marvin Tokayer

Sunday, October 5Sukkah Decorating | Morah Zehava Atlas

Wednesday, October 8Youth Trip to BOUNCE

Friday, October 10Annual Sukkah Hop

Sunday, October 12• Mystery Bus Ride to High School Sukkah Party

Tuesday, October 14• Hoshannah Rabba Sukkah Program

• Sukkah Sleepover | 5th-8th grades

Wednesday, October 15Youth Trip to FUNZONE

High School Shemini Atzeret Oneg

Thursday, October 16Preschool Afternoon Hakafot - NEW PROGRAM!

Simchat Torah Celebration

Tuesday, October 21Sisterhood Israeli Dance

Basketball Sign-up | 6th- 8th grades

Thursday, October 23Shabbos Project Challah Baking

Shabbat, October 24-25International Shabbos Project

Sunday, October 26Men’s Club Medical Forum | Dr. J. Salamon

Tuesday, October 28Death to Burial: Spiritual and Practical

Rabbi Dale Polakoff & Jerry Weinstein

September

October

Centerfold Calendar

For updates and latest

information, please see

www.gns.org or the weekly

Shabbat Announcements.


• Mini Shabbaton | 1st-2nd grade boys

• High School Master Chef Competition

Sunday, November 23Men’s Club Books & Bagels

Dr. William Helmreich

Friday, November 28Loaves of Love

Morah Zehava Atlas

Shabbat, December 5-6• High School Oneg

• OHEL Shabbaton

• Mini Shabbaton | 3rd-4th grade girls

Sunday, December 7Men’s Club Presents Hank Scheinkopf

Tuesday, December 9Sisterhood Chanukah Boutique

Shabbat, December 13• Mini Shabbaton | 3rd-4th grade boys

• Preschool Leaders Kiddush

Sunday, December 14Preschool Arts & Crafts

Morah Zehava Atlas

Shabbat, December 19-20• Chanukah Youth Bash

• Concert with NISSIM

Friday, October 3111th-12th grade Oneg

Shabbat, November 1Mini-Shabbaton | 5th-7th grade girls

Sunday, November 2• Community-Wide Unity Breakfast

Yoetzet Halacha Dena Block

• Men’s Club Blood Drive

Tuesday, November 4Death to Burial: Spiritual and Practical


Shabbat, November 8• Group Leaders Kiddush

• Mini Shabbaton | 5th-7th grade boys

Saturday Night, November 8• Men’s Cub & Sisterhood

Murder Mystery Dinner @ Colbeh

• Soccer Sign-up / 1st-5th grades

• Saturday Night Soccer begins

• High School After (Soccer) begins

Sunday, November 9Pianist Elena Klionsky

Sponsored by Lorraine & Harold Domnitch

Tuesday, November 11Death to Burial: Spiritual and Practical


Shabbat, November 15Mini Shabbaton / 1st-2nd grade girls

Tuesday, November 18• Death to Burial: Spiritual and Practical


• Sisterhood Chai Dinner | Carole Basri

Shabbat, November 21-22• Shabbat Dinner and Guest Speaker Series

Yossi Klein Halevi

November

December

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

An Afternoon Of The Classics With Internationally Acclaimed Pianist Elena KlionskySunday, November 9, 2014 Sponsored by Lorraine & Harold Domnitch in memory of Lorraine’s sister, Rosalind Mordkofsky

Annual Membership Meeting & Yom Yerushalayim CelebrationSunday, May 17, 2015Show your support for our synagogue and its leadership by participating in the

election of officers, tributes to our departed members, and the presentation

of the Jack Shaw Community Service Award. As has become traditional, the

program will include a celebration of Yom Yerushalayim.

SHAVUOT TORAH STUDY

Great Neck Tikkun Leil ShavuotSaturday Night, May 23, 2015

This annual event returns to Great Neck Synagogue. An exciting

all-night series of classes, lectures, and panel discussions unite

Great Neck Synagogue and Young Israel of Great Neck. A

festive series of refreshments helps you through the night, which

culminates with a sunrise Shacharit.

NEILAT HACHAG CELEBRATIONMonday, May 25, 2015

Leave Shavuot on a high note, as we come together for good

food, spirited Torah discussion, and holiday cheer.

Dr. Scott Danoff, Jack Shaw Awardees David Rein and Steven Blumner, Rabbi Ian Lichter


MAXIMIZE YOUR HIGH HOLY DAYS EXPERIENCE

HIGH HOLY DAYS EVENING OF STUDYAn evening of intellectual and spiritual preparation for the High Holy Days

Thursday, September 18, 7:45 pm

“Insights of the Machzor”

with Rabbi Dale Polakoff

“Using Chana in our Rosh Hashana Prayers”

with Rabbi Ian Lichter

SELICHOT 5774Saturday Evening, September 20, 10:00 pm

Uplifting Selichot led

by Chazan Ze’ev Kron

“The Key to a Successful High Holy Days” by Rabbi Marc Penner

Dean, Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, Yeshiva University

College & Teens Selichot and Discussion led by Rabbi Barak Levy

HOSHANNAH RABBATuesday Evening, October 14

Sukkah BBQ

featuring the internationally acclaimed speaker

RABBI ELI MANSOUR

Children’s Program featuring

the return of Yeladudes Theater


SHABBAT CHANUKAHDecember 19-20, 2014

CELEBRATE THE “NES” WITH MUSICAL GUEST

NISSIM• Special Friday Night Chanukah Tisch

• Inspirational Presentation at the Teen Minyan & Cholent

Kiddush

• Exciting, Can’t-Miss Saturday Night Concert

Nissim is a Seattle based recording artist/producer, who made his first impression nationally in 2008 as D.Black,

on producer Jake One’s label, White Van Music, with the song “God

Like”. While his earlier recordings were filled with tales of guns,

drugs and violence, it was in 2009, with the release of “Ali’ Yah”

that he quickly grabbed eardrums. The album was showered with

accolades, such as landing the #12 spot on Amazon’s “Outstanding

Album’s You Might Have Missed” list, it entered the CMJ Hip Hop

Charts at #16, peaked at #4 for five weeks, and remained in the top

20 for nine weeks. The album’s first music video “Yesterday” made

its debut on XXL.com and shortly after entered rotation on multiple

MTV networks. He performed at some of the countries most esteemed music festivals including; CMJ, SXSW,

Capitol Hill Block Party, and Bumbershoot as well as sharing the stage with NaS, Mos Def, Macklemore,

Freeway, Rhymefest, Boot Camp Click and Bun B to name a few. As D.Black he teetered on the verge of

becoming a household name in the underground, but something was missing, and the man who would become

Nissim found himself in the midst of a spiritual crisis.

After a two year hiatus and converting to Orthodox Judaism, Nissim dropped his former moniker, and adopted

a new name, he began a new journey, and in his own words “to make music that inspires and elevates this

world, to the world of spirituality and divine purpose.” Not your average MC, Nissim’s work is multidimensional,

combining energy and passion, with a deep focus on personal growth through times of struggle.


YOM HASHOAH COMMEMORATIONWednesday, April 15, 2015

Our community comes together to honor our survivors

and remember the six million.

Program includes candle-lighting, reflections by Rabbi Dale Polakoff, memorial

prayers by Cantor Zeev Kron, and a personal recollection or testimony from a

survivor.

YOM HAZIKARON & YOM HAATZMA’UTWednesday-Thursday, April 22-23, 2015

A somber memorial service for the fallen heroes of the State of Israel

gives way to a festive ma’ariv and reception in celebration of the reborn

Jewish State. An exciting after-school event for the children rounds out

the Yom Haatzma’ut program.

PREPARE FOR PESACHKASHER-INMarch 26, 2015From silver to silverware, make sure your best is ready.

PRE-PESACH EVENING OF LEARNINGTuesday, March 24, 2015

With Rabbi Dale Plakoff and Rabbi Ian Lichter

Learn what to do, and have something to say at the seder.


MEN’S CLUBHilly Milun, President

Our Men’s Club is known for creative programming, community events, and informative lectures.

Sunday, September 14

Books & Bagels

Dr. Barry Libin“The Mystery of the Milton Manuscript”

Special commentary by Dr. Lawrence Schiffman,

Vice-Provost of Undergraduate Education, Yeshiva Univesity

Sunday, November 2

Semi Annual Blood Drive

Saturday Night, November 8

Murder Mystery Dinner at

Colbeh Restaurantin cooperation with the Sisterhood

Wednesday, October 1

Book Launch Event Rabbi marvin Tokayer

“Pepper, Silk, and Ivory”

Sunday, October 26

Medical Forum - back by popular demand!“Addiction: How it harms, and how to help”

with Dr. J. Salamon and other informative guests.


MEN’S CLUBHilly Milun, President

Our Men’s Club is known for creative programming, community events, and informative lectures.

STAY TUNED FOR EXCITING SPRING AND SUMMER EVENTS• Old Mill Road Rabbinic Dialogue at Temple Beth El of Great Neck

• Semi-Annual Blood Drive

• Defensive Driving Course

• June Fishing Trip

January 2015

“The History of Great Neck Synagogue”In conjunction with the Great Neck Historical Society

with Rebbetzin Elaine Wolf and Sharon Goldwyn

Sunday, December 7 Hebrew Free Burial Society Presents

Hank ScheinkopfAcclaimed Political Strategist &

community leader

& Amy Koplow, Executive Director, HFBS

Sunday, November 23

Books & BagelsDr. William Helmreich

“The New York Nobody Knows:

Walking 6,000 Miles in the City”


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SISTERHOODFarla Frumkin, President

The Great Neck Synagogue Sisterhood raises funds to support the Shul

through a multifaceted series of programs and events.

Pre-Holidays Night Out Tuesday, September 16

Look Good: Hat Show and Sale featuring Bella’s HatsFeel Good: Yoga Class, with Pia Shlomo

Israeli Dance ClassTuesday, October 21Learn all the latest moves with Michal Richardson

Michal Richardson has taught Israeli folk dancing at camps, schools,

and community events for over a decade. She earned her B.A.

in Anthropology and Dance at Barnard College, and her M.A. in

Educational Media at NYU.

Annual Chai Dinner Tuesday, November 18

Guest Speaker Carole Basri

Professor, Fordham University Law School and Peking University Law School

A much-sought after expert on the history and customs of the Iraqi Jewish community!

Chanukah BoutiqueTuesday, December 9

Featuring ALL your Chanukah and year-round gifts and luxuries!

Stay Tuned for 2015 Sisterhood events by visiting www.gns.org.24 • Great Neck Synagogue 2014-2015

DOS YIDDISHE VORTRoz Wagner, President

For those who love Yiddish and appreciate Yiddish Culture. Join us in November

as we visit the National Yiddish Theatre with the Men’s Club. For schedule

of monthly Wednesday afternoon programs, please see the GNS Weekly

Announcements

WOMEN’S TEFILAHCome together to share special events through

tefilah. From Bat Mitzvah celebrations to our annual

Women’s Megillah Reading, be part of a unique venue

in our community for spiritual expression.

GNS MONTHLY CHESSED

COLLECTIONSSharon Goldwyn, Coordinator

Our community is marked by the calling to “pay it forward” and assist those who are less

fortunate. Our monthly collections and distributions benefit so many worthy organizations

and are a sparkling tribute to our community.

Sign up as a coordinator to help insure that each collection will run smoothly.

To volunteer to be a Chesed Coordinator for one month please call

Mark Twersky at (516) 487- 6100 ([email protected]) or

Sharon Goldwyn at (917) 287-7334 ([email protected])

Thank you for your help!


GNS Youth is directed by Rabbi Sholom

Jensen and Zahava & Dr. Michael Atlas.

Under their dynamic leadership, children

of all ages come from far and wide because

the fun and learning never end!

SHABBAT MORNING GROUPSThe core of GNS Youth is our engaging and

varied Shabbat morning program.

Please refer to the listings inside the synagogue for weekly

room assignments.

Pregroups from 9:00-10:00 am for all youth.

All groups conclude at 12:00 noon

Preschool

10:00 am

• Mommy & Me

• Me Without Mommy (Toddlers)

• Kindergarten

Grades 1-2 and 3-5

10:00 am – Groups begin

10:30 am – Youth Minyan and Parsha

11:15 am - Groups/Activities & Kiddush

Grades 6-8

10:30 am – Parsha Club

11:15 am – Groups/Activities & Kiddush

Grades 9-12

8:30 am – Teen / Youth Minyan

11:15 am – Cholent Kiddush

SHABBAT AFTERNOON Youth Seudah Shlishit

5th-7th grade and 8th-12th grade boys and girls

Mincha in the Beit Midrash followed by foosball, ping-pong,

and Seudah Shlishit in the Braun Youth Center. Our innovative

Ba’al Peh Program, focusing on the memorization of key and

common blessings and prayers, and study of Mishnayot round

out the afternoon. We rejoin the adults in the Beit Midrash for

Ma’ariv and Havdalah.

Supervised play provided for children ages Nursery-4th grade

from Mincha through Havdalah.

Saturday Night Soccer | grades 1-5 | 6:00 pm-8:15 pmNight After (Soccer) Program | grades 6-12 | 8:30 pm-11:00 pm

GNS is the place to be for a fun, exciting Saturday night!


Shabbat, November 1

5th-7th grade boys and girls

Shabbat, November 8

5th-7th grade boys

Shabbat, November 15

1st-2nd grade girls

Shabbat, November 22

1st-2nd grade boys

Shabbat, December 6

3rd-4th grade girls

Shabbat, December 13

3rd-4th grade boys

Shabbat, January 10

1st-2nd grade girls

Shabbat, January 31

1st-2nd grade boys

Shabbat, February 7

3rd - 4th grade girls

Shabbat, February 21

3rd-4th grade boys

Shabbat, February 28

5th-7th grade girls

Shabbat, March 7

5th - 7th grade boys

MINI SHABBATON & ICE CREAM KIDDUSH SERIESChildren of all ages look forward to their special

Shabbatot, featuring an enhanced Shabbat program

featuring our signature Ice Cream Kiddush and

culminating with a spectacular Saturday night activity.

YOUTH ONEG SERIESRousing singing, inspiring divei torah, meaningful

camaraderie, and good food make for the perfect teen

Shabbat experience Unless otherwise noted, Onegs are at

the home of Zehava & Dr. Mike Atlas (9 Brook Lane).

Friday, September 12

Leadership Training Oneg

with Menachem Menchel

Friday, September 26

Shabbat Shuva Collegiate Oneg

Wednesday, October 15

Shemini Atzeret H.S Oneghome of Ellen & Rabbi Dale Polakoff

Friday, October 31

11th-12th grade

Friday, December 5

Oneg with OHEL

8th-12th grades

Friday, December 12

11th-12th grades

Friday, January 9

9th-10th grades

Friday, February 20

7th-8th grades

Friday, March 20

11th-12th grades

Friday, May 1

9th-10th grades

Friday, May 29

7th-8th grades

YOUTH LEADERS KIDDUSH SERIESSpecialized Leadership Training and

Shabbat Spirit at the home of Aksana &

Rabbi Sholom Jensen (7 Brook Lane).

Shabbat, November 8

Group Leaders

Shabbat, December 13

Preschool Leaders

Shabbat, January 10

Kiddush Staff

Shabbat, February 7

Group Leaders

Shabbat, March 21

Preschool Leaders

Shabbat, May 9

Kiddush Staff


Ongoing Youth ClassesYour children will enjoy learning as they

develop lasting friendships and love of

community and their Jewish heritage.

Sundays:

Middle School Minyan & Breakfast

8:30–10:00pm

Boys, grades 6-8

Tuesdays:

Chesed Club

6:00–6:45pm

Rabbi Ian Lichter

7th-8th Grade Girls

Wednesdays:

Parsha & Pizza

7:00–7:30pm

Rabbi Ian Lichter

Grades 2-5

Thursdays:

High School Torah Hangout

6:30–7:30pm

Rabbi Ian Lichter

9th-12th Grade Boys & Girls

INTRAMURAL SPORTS LEAGUESGNS Youth is the place to be for competitive,

active sports leagues all year round!

BASKETBALL

6th - 8th grade

Fall Sign-up: Tuesday, October 21

Spring Sign-up: Tuesday, January 27

SOCCER

1st - 5th grade

Sign-up: Saturday night, November 8

BASEBALL

3rd - 8th

grade

Sign-up:

Friday,

January 9th

SUNDAY MORNING ARTS & CRAFTSWith Morah Zehava Atlas

Grades K-4, 10:00am

Sunday, October 5

Decorating GNS’ Sukkah

Sunday, December 14

Chanukah Crafts!

Sunday, February 1

Tu B’Shevat Celebration

Sunday, March 22

Pesach Preparation


SPECIAL EVENTSYouth Leaders Training ShabbatonShabbat, September 12-13

With Menachem Menchel

Director of Youth Education & Activities, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale

YOUTH SELICHOTSaturday Night, September 20

An inspiring beginning to the High Holiday season

FIELD TRIP TO BOUNCEWednesday, October 8

Building camaraderie and spirit before

Sukkot.

ANNUAL SUKKAH HOPFriday, October 10 (Rain date: October 11)

The much-anticipated event returns!

March through the streets of Great Neck,

bringing joy and song from home to home –

not to mention the food!

HIGH SCHOOL SUKKAH PARTYSunday, October 12

SUKKAH SLEEPOVERTuesday, October 14

All-night fun in the gym, succah, and Youth Center.

5th - 8th grade

FIELD TRIP TO FUN ZONEWednesday, October 15

Prepare for Simchat Torah in style!

SIMCHAT TORAH CELEBRATIONThursday, October 16

Spirited Youth Hakafot!

Seforim for all Youth!

Flags, Fun, and the Annual Candy Kiddush!

NEW PROGRAM: Afternoon Preschool Hakafot!

HIGH HOLIDAYS EVENTS


END OF YEAR BASHShabbat, June 6

Awards Luncheon

GRAND Raffle

Enjoy Your Summer!!

SPECIAL EVENTS

ANNUAL CHANUKAH BASHShabbat, December 20

Luncheon Ticket Hunt!

Dreidel Competition

GRAND Raffle!

LOAVES OF LOVE CHALLAH BAKING

Friday, November 28

with Morah Zehavah Atlas

HIGH SCHOOL MASTER CHEF COMPETITIONSaturday Night, November 22

Put your creativity and daring to the GNS test!Following Saturday Night Soccer

PURIM EXTRAVAGANZAWednesday Evening, March 4

Mishloach Manot and

Ice Cream Sundaes

Youth-Friendly Megillah Readings and

incredible celebration

The hottest Purim ticket in town!

PURIM CARNIVALThursday, March 5

SUPER BOWL PARTY

Sunday, February 1

Watch the big game on the big screen, games,

prizes, and

much, much more!


Great Neck SynagogueRabbi Dale Polakoff

Rabbi Ian Lichter, Assistant RabbiZeev Kron, Chazan

Rabbi Ari Lipsky, Rabbinic Intern

Rabbi Sholom Jensen, Youth DirectorZehava & Dr. Michael Atlas, Youth DirectorsRabbi Avraham Bronstein, Program Director

Dena Block, Yoetzet Halacha

Dr. Hal Chadow, PresidentHarold Domnitch, Chairman of the Board

Mark Twersky, Executve Director

Rabbi Dr. Ephraim R. Wolf z”l, Rabbi EmeritusCantor Eleazer Schulman z”l, Cantor Emeritus

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