BRJC President Ruth Masyr welcomed the many guests including Rabbi Rosenberg’s parents who flew in from California, local clergy, congregational historians, four past presidents and a delighted group of women rabbi’s. The many speakers spoke of Rabbi Rosenberg’s generosity, kindness and energy.

Speakers included congregational historian Herb Klein, past president Herb Karasik, vice-president Ruth Shulman, Hebrew School parent David Sagor, Sisterhood representative Barbara Gershuny, Marcy Conklin, Ritual Committee representative Diane Sokol and Judy Blaise who spoke about the Rabbi’s Bible class.

The Hebrew School children showed pictures they drew for the Rabbi. A Torah was passed from one congregational representative to the next with Rabbi Rosenberg then placing it in the ark.

Aliza Avital of the East Midwood Jewish Center led the singing of the Shehecheyanu.

Among the special guests to witness and speak at this joyful event were State Senator Marty Golden, Borough President Marty Markowitz, 68th St. Precinct Commanding Officer Captain Richard G. DiBlasio, New York State Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny and City Councilman Vincent Gentile.

The rabbi was blessed by representatives of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Rabbi Yonah Hain, a mentor of the Rabbi, spoke about her friendship and zeal.

In her sermon, the Rabbi spoke about holiness. During the Installation ceremony, the Rabbi dedicated herself to guiding the congregation. She received many meaningful gifts. Barbara Poret, representing Sisterhood Temple Sheiris Israel spoke of the Rabbi’s dynamism and energy. Marlene Ascherman of the Board of Directors presented Rabbi Rosenberg with a framed prayer on behalf of the BRJC.

Finally, the children recited the blessing over the challah and the assembly went to the beautifully decorated ballroom to enjoy a luncheon and dancing.

Everyone involved was very grateful to the Installation Committee which did such a remarkable job for such a special day. Thank you to Marlene Ascherman, Barbara Gershuny, Ellen Kramer, Amy Kotler, Ruth Masyr and Amelia Sobel.

Unique customs were explained.  Why is there an orange on the seder plate?  One reason given is to represent the people who are marginalized in Jewish life. What about the scallions on the table?  That is a Sephardic custom:  it resembles a tiny bullwhip, to “whip” the other guests as the Egyptian taskmasters whipped the Israelites.  This caused a near riot in the ballroom.

A full traditional meal was served including matzo ball soup, tsimmes, kugel, chicken and several delicious desserts.  No one went home hungry.

The highlight of the evening had to be the children’s raucous demonstration of the ten plagues.  They were especially good at illustrating the plague of frogs.  The children were kept busy throughout with singing and hunting the Afikomans (two this time).  They helped Rabbi Rosenberg open the door to welcome Elijah.

It was a pleasure to meet new people and get to know acquaintances better.  Many personal stories came out of the evening, bringing the community closer together.

The seder ended with the traditional prayer: “Next year in Jerusalem.”

The uplifting musical program consisted of pieces by Debussy, Mozart, Fritz Kreisler and Scott Joplin. And, as an extra treat : three Jewish tunes that had us humming – “Mayim”, “Lomir Sich Iberbeten” and “Papir Ist Doch Weiss.” Throughout, Howard gave enlightening commentary on the pieces.

There were delicious refreshments to cap the morning. Thank you to Rabbi Rosenberg for inviting the Moderato String Quartet to the Bay Ridge Jewish Center. We hope they return soon!

“Shabbat Across America” was combined with the monthly Potluck Dinner plus something altogether special: the BRJC was visited by nearly forty young guests in elementary, middle and high school programs from three neighborhood churches: Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Salam Lutheran Church and Redeemer-St John’s Lutheran Church youth ministry along with Pastors Craig Miller and Khader El-Yateem and several chaperones.

The students were here to learn about Judaism as part of their education about various religions. They were eager to ask questions about Jews and the temple. Rabbi Rosenberg led them on an educational tour of the Sanctuary. All our guests participated in the Shabbat service. Their assignment: to write a journal about this learning experience.

Rabbi Rosenberg led the evening in a participatory style that included storytelling, singing and dance. With the bountiful potluck dinner – including generous platters from our guests – there were opportunities for the different congregations to get to know one another. We believe this event will help grow good relations within the community.

Adults as well as children appeared in costume ready to party. We saw an Elvis, a Batman, a Queen Vashti and several Queen Esther’s. There were two lively plays – the first under the direction of Marlene Acherman with a scary narrator, Herb Karasik. Rabbi Rosenberg helped tell the story of the rescue of Persia’s Jews from the annihilation planned by Haman. Audience participation made the play all the more fun. Parents performed many of the parts in costume.

The Hebrew School students put on the second play – the traditional telling of the story of Mordecai and Esther. The students did a splendid job. And everyone can be applauded for noisemaking with groggers, a bugle, even a drum to drown out the name of Haman.

Children and parents paraded joyfully in their costumes around the Ballroom. And, to remember the tradition of giving to the less fortunate at Purim time, (and perhaps most important) there was a collection of food for the neighborhood’s needy. Thank you to everyone who made a donation.

Brought to the bima by her mother and wrapped in her grandfather’s tallit by a family friend, the baby received her Hebrew name. Rabbi Rosenberg and several relatives and friends blessed the baby for health and happiness. A joyful reception followed.

- Martha Santer

This celebration took place in the ballroom, where twenty-five adults and five children gathered around a long table to hold a Tu B’Shevat seder. We rejoiced in the fruits of the tree and vine and in the abundant gifts of nature which delighted our senses.

This special seder included thought provoking conversations as well as tasting a beautiful array of fruits, breads and nuts. We joined together to thank God for the bounty of nature in our lives. The event ended with each person planting herbs to grow into a personal edible garden.

We wish to thank Herb Karasik for the Tu B’Shevat photographs, which are on our homepage.

- Rabbi Rosenberg and Martha Santer

A confident young lady, Bianna is at home at the BRJC. At the Sisterhood Chai Tea earlier this winter, she performed rhythmic gymnastics. A visit to Israel before her Bat Mitzvah was a very positive experience for her. And she has participated in the monthly Potluck dinners. She looks forward to continuing to develop her Jewish identity.

Congratulations to Bianna and her family.

-Rabbi Rosenberg and Martha Santer