SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th at Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie

This event is a wonderful way to usher in the New Year, as we combine the sound of the Shofar with the natural beauty of the Hudson River. For centuries, the sound of the Shofar has provided a moment of awakening and inspiration for the Jewish people. Music will be provided by the Shalom Singers and Temple Beth-El Youth Choir, led by Cantor Shapiro. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own Shofar to sound. This program is open to the public, free of charge. We hope that you can join us for this meaningful experience.

Date: Sunday, September 25, 2011
Time: 12 noon – 1:00 PM
Location: Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie, NY
Organized by: Temple Beth-El, Poughkeepsie, NY tele. 845-454-0570


Temple Beth-El Wins Solomon Schechter Award for Shofar Over the Hudson Program
Temple Beth-El has been awarded a gold Solomon Schechter Award, by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) in the category of Worship and Ritual for its Shofar Over the Hudson program. As stated on the USCJ web site, “the Solomon Schechter Award is intended to reward extraordinary characteristics and outstanding aspects or achievements that go beyond the expected norms. Award winners deserve recognition for originality and quality of their programs.” The Worship and Ritual category recognizes creative, significant and innovative ways in which beliefs, values and tradition related to Shabbat and other holidays are presented. The idea of Shofar Over the Hudson was conceived by Rabbi Neal Loevinger and was implemented with assistance from Cantor Rena Shapiro, the synagogue’s president and Membership Committee.

“A synagogue can't just wait for Jews to walk in the door,” said Rabbi Loevinger, “we have to bring our way of life, our inclusive, joyful Judaism, out of the four walls of the synagogue and into the wider world. He added that “by experiencing the call to renewal near our region’s most beautiful natural area, is to truly appreciate that Rosh Hashanah, is called the birthday of the world Shofar Over the Hudson connects that sense of renewal of the year with renewal and appreciation of the world itself. “I am proud that Temple Beth-El is being honored with a Schechter Award. I hope more synagogues will bring their members and their spiritual practices out into the open, so we can meet new people, show the world what inclusive, pluralistic Judaism looks like, and renew our ancient faith in new ways. ”Temple Beth-El president Eric Goldstone referred to the Schechter Award as “well deserved recognition of the many volunteers and community members who collaborated to bring the Shofar Over the Hudson offering to fruition. Such international recognition reflects positively on our entire community – not just Temple Beth-El.”

Approximately 100 people attended last year’s Shofar Over the Hudson event at Waryas Park, in Poughkeepsie. In addition to sounding the Shofar, there was music by the Shalom Singers and Temple Beth-El Youth Choir, led by Cantor Shapiro. Apples and honey were distributed. Rabbi Loevinger helped several people participate in the Tashlich ritual by tossing bread crumbs into the river.