Long Island's Oldest Reform Congregation
140 Central Avenue - Lawrence, NY 11559
(516) 239-1140

Dearest Congregants,

It has now been two years since I came to Temple Israel. In these two years, I have come to know you, the congregants of this great synagogue, as well as many of your extended families. It has certainly been my privilege to serve you.

During April, we heard “Fiddler On The Roof” with Rabbi Zion, and during May we celebrated both confirmation and graduation. In June I will be presenting a music festival celebrating the music of Kurt Weill. Married to the actress Lotte Lenya, the couple collaborated to create great performances in the theatre. The son of a cantor, Weill found his venue to be in musical theatre. We are fortunate because the Kurt Weill Foundation is allowing us to use some of his unpublished and unrecorded music. Temple Israel will be host to the Long Island Premiere of several of his compositions. This is very special for both the music world and for our synagogue. You may know Kurt Weill for his “Three Penny Opera” featuring the song “Mack the Knife”. He also wrote “Street Scene”, “Lost in the Stars”, “Lady in the Dark”, “One Touch of Venus” and “Knickerbocker Holiday”. All of these musicals appeared on Broadway. It should be a glorious evening.

Next year we will be celebrating the holidays and festivals together once more. I wish you an excellent summer and look forward to serving you during this next year.

Best wishes,

Cantor Oreen Zeitlin