Last Updated  04/07/2011

Inscription: Paul and Carol Cooper Honor Rabbi Romer A Model of Tzedakah

In January, my wife broke both shoulders in Bethesda, MD. Learning of this, Rabbi Romer, on Erev Shabbat, hung on our front door a bag containing two bottles of home made soup, and a loaf of Challah. We knew who sent it because there was a note, signed by the Rabbi, explaining that she had heard about our distress. Then, for the next three weeks, more "care packages" appeared on Erev Shabbat -- each time without a note. We wondered who sent them, but were diffident about asking our friends, lest they be embarrassed by having to admit that they were not the charitable ones. Finally, we were able to find out that it was the Rabbi who had sent them all.

So Carol and I purchased a paving stone honoring the woman who teaches not only by precept, but by example.

Inscription: Ellen & Howard Leifer

After almost 35 years of being active in the Kingston Jewish community, Howie and I are delighted to be part of the Temple Emanuel family. We joined in September 2009 to be together with our children and grandchildren and truly enjoy watching them all as they learn and grow. When we heard about the brick fundraiser we know it was a wonderful opportunity to help the Temple go forward and continue it's wonderful programs and education that it has to offer. We look forward to sharing many good times and simchas with our family as well as with the many new friends we have made here....

Inscription: Life is a Gift!  Michael F. Zinn

When I decided to participate in the brick fundraiser for Temple Emanuel, I knew it wasn’t my Dad’s (Michael Zinn) memory that I wanted to acknowledge, it was the way he lived his life that I wanted to honor. 

My Dad had a unique sense of the fleeting nature of time. Not in a way that made him paranoid or overly cautious of “what-if’s.” In fact, it was quite the opposite! He woke up each morning with a fervor for each moment, and an excitement for what he could uniquely contribute that day. He had a sense that since life is so short, it was his right to make the absolute most of each minute. So it’s fitting that one of this favorite “off the cuff” comments, usually accompanied by a one shouldered shrug and a determined grin was “Life is a Gift!”

Sometimes he said this little phrase when great things happened reminding me not to assume that life is anything but exciting and full of well-deserved rewards, both tangible and intangible. He also said it when times were tough as a reflection of gratitude for even the sad moments, as they give us some perspective.

I wanted to share this special phrase with the congregation, this truth that “Life is a Gift,” because it is indeed just that. We each have our own unique lives to celebrate and manifest to the fullest.
I use my Dad’s life and words as a reminder to embrace life in all its colors and forms and moments- it’s all part of the evolving gift of our unique and individual life story!

Inscription: Sandy & Massie Mehl

When I called in my order for a "Temple Brick" Susan Ragusa asked me a very pertinent question. What is the reason you are purchasing a brick?  Without hesitation I replied..."because the Temple is in such a precarious financial situation." Now I've had time to think about her query, and guess what?  A few weeks later the answer remains the same.

Temple is many things to many people. Obviously we don't all share the same sentiments. I've spoken with some of you whose children are grown. A common thread weaves through the fabric of many conversations....i.e.. " My children are grown. I don't use the Hebrew school.  I go to services a few times a year. Really, I don't use the facilities much at all."  OK. That is unfortunate but in some cases it is a reality.

The big HOWEVER is, Temple Emanuel is our spiritual home, our place of learning, our community center, as it were, where we can gather together, nourish our souls, educate and hone our minds, have fun, and be there, one for another, through times of happiness and times of sadness. Isn't that what a community is? Isn't that what a community does?? Without our commitment, Temple Emanuel will not endure.

It is our obligation to keep our synagogue alive for the next generation if not for ourselves. Do we want to see the Kingston area without a vibrant Reform Synagogue?

Let me be clear, Seniors of many yesterdays enabled our Synagogue to live when many of us had young children, when we "needed" Temple. I say we still need Temple and we must shoulder our responsibilities to the next generation, and in doing so, we may even find our way back to active participation in Temple life.

Most of us are proud of Jewry's accomplishments...did you ever think that without the rigorous exercise which Jewish learning demands our collective brains might not be so agile? Without the teachings of our Fathers and our Mothers we would not be what we are. Let the beat go on!!!

It is my pleasure to be a member of Temple Emanuel. It is my pleasure to gather together with my fellow congregants and with our Rabbi to celebrate our many festivities. It is also my pleasure, Susan, to simply buy a brick for our walk.

Inscription: Stoutridge Wine Tasting, 10-18-09          Knishes and History, 4-25-10

As we look towards 2011, and begin our much needed Fundraising programs, I am reminded of the success of two of our past events that we memorialized in our beautiful Brick Walkway.

The Wine Tasting at Stoutridge Vineyard, and the Knishes and History trip to the lower East Side of Manhattan, signifying our ability to bring together a large number of our congregants to eat, drink and schmooze while gently raising money for Temple Emanuel.

Real generosity to the future lies in giving all to the present.

Inscription: Jill, Steve, Alexa, & Lyle Schwartz/Horn

We purchased a brick to show our family's support and connection to the Temple.

Inscription: Polly Ruth Miller, in loving memory, who brought us to Temple Emanuel.  Martin & Sara, Jaik & Lani Miller

Sara and I, each of us widowed in the late 80’s, together brought six children to the table when we married in 1990. My two oldest, Lani and Danny, were out on their own, and my youngest two, Jaik and Polly, were teenagers, but done with high school. Sara’s two kids, Chris and Erin, were still in high school, a principal reason that I sold my Westchester County house and moved up to Ulster County and to the little house in High Falls that Sara had bought earlier, and that we soon doubled in size.

Soon thereafter, I started checking out synagogue options in the region, and joined one that looked interesting, consistent with my observations about the services. I thought the rabbi was remote, intellectually and personally, but I atuck with my choice. Polly, who was soon living on her own in Westchester County, would come up to services; my other kids would join us every so often. Sara, who is technically not Jewish but who found herself adapting to my Jewishness with comfort and ease, liked the services but agreed with me about the rabbi, and the same was true for Polly.

I often took a bus into New York City to get to work, and coming back home one afternoon, I think early in 1994, I ran into an acquaintance and we got into a conversation about religion. He, a nominal Jew, expounded on his atheism, and I spoke about my faith. Sitting a row back from us was a gentleman who could not help overhearing our discussion, so he stuck his head into our talk-space and let us know that he had some thoughts on the matter. It turned out to be Rabbi Eichhorn, who told us about Temple Emanuel, and I was paying attention. I filed what he said in my brain’s hard drive; it sounded very good. Nevertheless, inertia ran my actions, and I stuck with the other congregation a little while longer.

Some time later, the rabbi at the synagogue I had joined put together a kind of workshop on intermarriage, and Sara and I went to the first session. We identified ourselves along with several other couples, but then the rabbi took over and didn’t let anyone else get in a word edgewise…well, maybe edgewise. Despite my pleas, Sara refused to go back to the next session: she thought it was such a waste of time. I thought it would be insulting to the rabbi, and to the rest of the group, so I showed up. I was the only one who did. We had a little exchange, but it wasn’t very gratifying (my guess: that was a mutual reaction.)

So on the High Holidays that took place in 1996, I decided to take a hard look at Temple Emanuel, at least for some of the services. I remember Yom Kippur the best.
Polly went with me to the services. Several times during the day, she remarked about how lovely things were there: the warmth of the rabbi, the lovely singing, and the friendliness of the people around us. She said: “this is where we belong.” I said: “we’ll see.” Then, as we were leaving and Rabbi Eichhorn stood in the lobby, I presented myself and he said: “I know you from that bus ride. Which one were you: the atheist or the believer?” I thought to ask him to guess, but I decided to tell him.
What a sweetheart.

Maybe a week later, on October 19, despite a terrible rainstorm, we had decided to all go to the movies that evening. Polly, who was visiting, said she needed to lie down for a while, that she wasn’t feeling great, but she thought she would be okay. Then, my daughter Polly, 24 years old and in fragile health, woke up from her nap, and suffered an asthma attack that was overwhelming. We got her into the car and were headed for the hospital in Kingston. As we traveled, she went into anaphylactic shock, and she died, in Sara’s arms. I had experienced other tragedies and pain, but this was the greatest loss of my life. And it was the same for others in the family, especially Jaik, who was exactly two years older than Polly, to the day.

We placed notices in several newspapers, local and national, about Polly’s death.
There was a huge outpouring at the funeral home in Westchester County, not far from the cemetery: many friends and relatives, many people who loved her. But we did not see or hear a word of consolation from the congregation to which I belonged, nor from the rabbi there. That just compounded my grief. How I wished I was part of that warm community at Temple Emanuel, the one so clearly identified by Polly only a little while earlier. So Sara and I knew where we had to go, what we needed to do.

A granite block close to the front door of Temple Emanuel tells the story briefly:
we were brought there by Polly. Over the years since she died, her sensitivity towards the Temple community has been borne out: we have grown increasingly close to the community, and feel so much more that we are a contributing part of its vitality and purpose. Rabbi Eichhorn, that lovely man whose conversation on the bus got this process started, has retired. I think every so often of how Polly and Rabbi Romer would have loved each other; I know that in my heart.

Inscription: Jeff, Carmel, Josh, Kathy & Caroline Gold

When the opportunity to honor our family, our community and the legacy of Temple Emanuel in one elegant gesture came our way we had to jump on it.

Each time we walk up the path and see our family's brick among the others - some sentimental, some whimsical, all special - we get so much satisfaction and joy. I will consider this project in the future when I have occasion to honor or remember a person or event. The return is so much more than the investment.

Of course, we remember our children singing in the social hall with Barbara Zimet. We remember the Temple rededication when we unveiled the Cantor Park chapel. We remember our children's bar and bat mitzvah services and lessons.

We also remember losing friends and mourning with our community, as well as, praying and dancing with the adults and children alike on Simchat Torah and Purim. We want to sustain this Temple for the children to come and for the sake of the older generation who deserve to be remembered.

Thank you for allowing us this space to share our thoughts on the brick project.  We encourage everyone to consider buying a brick to honor or remember someone or a special time. And have you seen the granite stones?  They are a marvel and would make a wonderful tribute to a particularly memorable person or event.

Inscription: Honoring Bruce Berky

This brick honors Bruce Berky and his tireless commitment to bringing music to Temple Emanuel on the Sabbath, High Holy Days and every other event where music brings us together. Heartfelt gratitude.

Inscription: Rabbi Romer Happy 50th Birthday December 2010 From Friends

We commemorated Rabbi Romer's 50th birthday by presenting her with a paver on the Temple walk. The personal note informing Rabbi included the word L'chayim!

Inscription: In Memory of Rose B. Jaffe

I bought the brick in memory of my 97 year old mother, Rose, who died on Feb. 2, 2009. I intend to purchase another in memory of my father, David, as well. He unfortunately died in 1975 at the age of 65. Rose grew up in Brooklyn, was married to Dave for 37 years. She then moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL., where she lived for 26 years. She moved back here to be closer to me in 2001, living at The Manor in Poughkeepsie. In 2005, she moved to Golden Hill in Kingston. She was always a "doer.” She wrote and type-set the monthly Hadassah newsletter in FL (she was a lifetime member) and also was secretary on her condo Board and she ran the weekly bingo games. She was an incredibly talented knitter, crocheter, tatter. I miss her a lot. Up until 3 weeks before she died, I took her out to the beauty parlor. Every week we went out shopping. She had remarkable energy and loved being out of the infirmary!

Although she had bad osteoporosis and had shrunken to about 4’10’ from about 5’3’, she was able to get into my Envoy SUV up though her last outing. She was a special lady.

Inscription:

Al Eisman, A good man whose life was filled with nameless acts of kindness and love.

February 20, 2009 was one of the worst days of our lives. Early that morning, we learned that Al Eisman, a very special friend, died while vacationing, in Florida, with Toby.

In the days, weeks and months which followed, we agonized over what we could do to honor Al’s memory. We lived in Tillson for twenty-five (25) years. Throughout that time hardly a day passed without seeing Toby and Al. We celebrated holidays together. Our kids were almost always at one of our houses or the other. Our youngest sons even celebrated their Bar Mitzvah together. How could we honor the memory of someone so close to us who was worthy of a very special tribute?

When the Brick Fundraiser was announced our dilemma was solved. Temple Emanuel meant a lot to Al. We became part of a small group of friends who joined Toby in honoring Al’s memory with a granite paver. In some small way, we helped bring Al back to Temple Emanuel.

Inscription: In honor of Hannah & Sol Feldman

When this wonderful new Brick campaign began, I immediately thought of my grandparents. They were incredibly active & dedicated to their congregation & community in Jackson Heights. Friday evening always saw them at service, and my grandfather went to shul every day for minyan.  Together they helped run their congregation’s weekly Bingo game, my grandmother ran their magical thrift shop year round, and my grandfather served on the Board & as president. When their community, their congregation, their friends, or their family called, they answered. In small & large ways, every day they practiced tikkun olam and I have deep love & admiration for how they lived their lives & for their endless love, passion & generosity. This Brick is a wonderful opportunity to thank & honor them.

Inscription: In Honor and Appreciation of the Bingo Volunteers 2008-2010

At this time of year, it is especially important to GIVE THANKS to our Temple Emanuel members who devote their time, energy and resources for Wednesday night BINGO, and throughout the week, to make this successful game happen!
They, like BINGO, have become a financial life line for Temple Emanuel.  In the past two and a half years, BINGO has provided a steady source of MUCH NEEDED and continued revenue for our synagogue.

Inscription: In Loving Memory Gloria Guss

My brick is dedicated to my mother. She died when I was 12 years old and is buried in my hometown of Louisville, KY. Although I do visit my remaining family in Louisville and have, on occasion, taken my husband and daughters to my mom’s gravesite, I wanted a closer, more immediate memorial connecting me to her. Beyond that, each time my family walks into our congregation there will be an opportunity for me to link my daughters to their distant grandmother, the loving woman I remember but they never knew.

Inscription: IN MEMORY OF MITCHELL W. RABBINO

My memory brick for Mitchell continues our connection to the community and to Judaism.  We were both committed to expressing our Judaism wherever we lived and so when we came to Kingston, it was just a normal way of life for us to seek out the Jewish community and we found a home at Temple Emanuel.

Inscription:  The Plotsky's          Joan, Ellen, Beth, Glen & Myrna          IMO George

Why put our names on a brick in the walkway into the Temple?  

The most heartfelt reason is our attachment to Temple and its members.

Since my family and I have been members since 1970, we have had very close ties to Temple.  Each of our children has gone from kindergarten to Confirmation (except Glen, who was eight years old when we joined the congregation), and we, as a family have had very close ties with the Temple community.....we've been on various committees, spent time on the Temple Board (George as a Board member, Glen as President of KNYFTY, and I as the Sisterhood President for 6 years and as Temple President during some of Temple Emanuel's most trying times, namely the flood caused by a horrendous rainstorm during a re-roofing project.

We've been thru many life cycle events with this congregation, from Beth's birth in 1970, coming to Temple services in her infant seat, and baby naming, to each child's Bar and Bat Mitzvah, to Glen and Myrna's wedding and later, George's death. The " Plotsky" brick has all of our names, because all of us were involved in Temple life for many years, and I fervently wish that we can continue for many years to come.

Inscription:  Alfred & Edna Ronder       Arthur & Mahnya Ewig       LT. J. Victor Ronder

Our brick represents our parents and Charles’ older brother, Julian, known as Vic. Vic, a lieutenant, was killed in action as a bombardier on a B-24 over Italy in Feb., 1945. He never made it to his 21st birthday. His two brothers still honor his memory.

Al and Arthur were both past presidents of either the old or new Temple. Al, as treasurer of the new Temple building fund, worked hard to pay off our mortgage, and retired the obligation very early, a debt that was secured by the personal guarantees of many members, Al and Arthur included. Both were trustees at various times. The Ronder Library was created in recognition of Al’s dedicated service over many years which, with Arthur, extended back to the old Abeel Street Temple.

The Ronder and Ewig families were long active in Temple fund-raising and all aspects of Temple life, especially in the old Temple.  Nobody can remember any one at the annual, hugely popular Cabarets without laughing out loud at Al’s famous renditions of a ballet dancer. Arthur did not have the profile to make it as a Temple dancer.

Edna and Mahnya were active in sisterhood life for many years. The renowned Temple suppers, a community-wide popular event, were rarely without Edna in the kitchen.

Both families’ commitment to the Temple and a Jewish set of principles were living examples to their children who, with this brick, honor their lives.

Inscription: In Memory of Nettie & Max Kaplan

In Memory of Aida & Sam Kalmus

In Honor of Bari, Stevie & Frannie Rose Kiely

Dayna Lynn Kalmus Forever We Love You

In Honor of Barbara & Les Kalmus Devoted to Judaism

In Honor of Jodi, Jack, Eva & Henry Pfeiffer

Seeing your families names in front of Temple Emanuel is like seeing your name up in city lights.  When Les and I were first approached about the idea we were really excited.  We wanted to recognize all of those so important to us. Those who brought us into the world and those who we brought into the world and those that they have now brought into the world. It is wonderful to see our family grow and flourish. It always brings tears to my eyes when I read the names of our three children and their families.  I feel closer even though I don't see them as often as I would like to. I go there and they are there with me.  Even though our parents are gone, I don't have to go anywhere to to visit them, they are right there.

Then the granite, I feel so proud, oh God, is it too much to feel like the King and Queen of your family of Princes and Princesses, always with us.  Of course, Les and his magnificent bench donated by his friends and family for his 70th birthday.  We are blessed many times over. Thank you Temple Emanuel for this honor.

The Brick Fundraiser is for every family to be involved with and have a feeling of belonging.

Inscription: Anne & Harold Rosner      April 10, 1949      "143"

A loving couple who enjoyed over 50 years together...and way ahead of their time! As I remember they inscribed "143" on their love notes, birthday and anniversary cards...anything written to each other. Today, in the cyber world "their" code is the text message for I LOVE YOU!

Back at you mom and dad, "143".

Inscription: Leider Roth Family 2010     Celebrating Life, Love & Our Blessings

Our brick is to commemorate all the milestones and blessings that our family is able celebrate in 2010.  We had a wonderful cruise in the spring to enjoy with our son and 3 other families for 4 graduating boys in June of 2010.  I turned 50 in May and enjoyed a great party with friends and family.  Jesse left for college in September and he will turn 18 in October.  John and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary on October 27th.  We also have a new baby in the family this August so we are now a great Aunt & Uncle and totally enjoying this honor and counting all of our blessings.

Inscription: In Memory of Sophie & Harry Rothblatt

I just wanted to again say, congratulations on the Brick Fundraiser. Actually, it's more than a Fundraiser. The bricks immortalize our loved ones, especially the ones who are deceased. For me, when I first received the mailing about the Brick Fundraiser, I thought....well, I can't really afford it now, it's a bad time, ya-da-ya-da-ya-da! Then I realized, this was a unique opportunity, if you will, a "golden moment" that I have to remember my parents, Sophie & Harry Rothblatt. Although I would have liked something larger, I compromised and decided, .....It doesn't have to be perfect.....It's from the heart! And that's the important thing. I am overjoyed with the brick and so are my children. Thank you.

~ Fonda Rothblatt