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A New Year and a New Rabbi for First Hebrew
The Jewish New Year, which according to this year's lunar calendar began late last month, brings Jewish people the opportunity to "wipe the slate clean," to be forgiven for past sins, and start anew. "The Jewish New Year is also a new beginning for our congregation as a whole," said First Hebrew President Jeremy Krantz, referring to the Peekskill synagogue's new spiritual leader, Rabbi Lee S. Paskind.
Rabbi Paskind brings to First Hebrew Congregation more than two decades of experience as a Conservative Congregational Rabbi. "His soft and welcoming approach to people from all types of backgrounds, and his ability to connect with young and old alike make him the kind of leader everyone can gravitate and respond to," said an enthusiastic Mr. Krantz.
"Understanding the Jewish prayer service, and why we do what we do is important to making people feel comfortable in synagogue," this Rabbi firmly believes. His services tend to be more interactive, and therefore more attractive and enjoyable for all. For example, First Hebrew's monthly Friday Night Family Service and bimonthly Junior Congregation will be enhanced with special activities and books for children.
When it comes to issues of modern life, Rabbi Paskind's adult education and Hebrew High classes will look to Jewish laws and biblical stories for guidance. Rabbi Paskind points out that the lessons from the Torah, the scrolls containing the Five Books of Moses, can be applied to today's drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, gene therapy, fertility issues as well as end-of-life concerns. He believes that the Torah can also help Jewish people relate to other religions, such as Islam and Christianity.
Like First Hebrew Congregation, Rabbi Paskind also has a long tradition of community service and interfaith associations. From 2001-2004, Rabbi Paskind was the Chair of the Social Action Committee for the Rabbinical Assembly of America. He was also a founding member of his community's crisis intervention group, and co-founder of a group that trained interfaith volunteers to care for home-bound seniors. He's now joined the Peekskill Area Pastors Association in their community-wide efforts.
"I see synagogue as a place for caring and learning," believes Rabbi Paskind. "My role is as facilitator, to help my fellow Jews challenge themselves to grow both spiritually and as contributing members of society."
Rabbi Paskind is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, and received an Honorary Doctorate for 25 years of service in 2005. "We're lucky to have Rabbi Paskind and his delightful wife, Judy, join First Hebrew Congregation…Our future is looking great," declared Mr. Krantz.
The First Hebrew Congregation is a Conservative Synagogue located at 1821 E. Main St. (across from Beach Shopping Center). For more information on the Congregation, call 914-739-0500 or visit www.firsthebrew.org
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