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Pope Leo XIV. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons

By Luciana Hayes

On May 8, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected and chose the name Pope Leo XIV after a two-day conclave. He is the first American pope. But with any change comes controversy, especially when there is conflict between tradition and modernization. What do locals think of this new pope? 

TBR News Media tackles this question by asking Long Islanders to share their opinions about recently elected Pope Leo XIV.

Nicole Connelly

Nicole Connelly looks forward to seeing a pope from the same city as her, Chicago, and one that enjoys tennis as much as she. While this is a simple validation, it leads her to feel a connection to the new pope because of it. 

Thomas Worthington

Based on the information received, Thomas Worthington thinks Pope Leo XIV will continue the work of Pope Francis. In addition, Pope Leo XIV seems to be a good humanitarian who supports marginalized individuals. Worthington says, “He appears to be looking out for the underdogs in the world.”

Anonymous, East Setauket

This resident reflects on the matter by explaining how she thinks Pope Leo XIV will effectively enforce Catholic tradition, while still maintaining a more humane aspect that previous popes lacked. She also feels that many American Catholics can relate to him because of his nationality. “He has shown he’s a very human person with his enthusiasm for baseball,” Moody explains.

Jeanine Lewis, Holbrook

When asked about Pope Leo XIV, Jeanine Lewis responded, “I like him because he has a very kind smile and he’s a people person. You can see he connects with the people.” Another quality Lewis appreciates from the pope is his ability to keep Catholic traditions, but modify some of them to fit modern times.

Layla Fayed, East Setauket

Layla Fayed welcomes the new pope with cautious optimism in hopes to see him successfully modernize church doctrine. She looks to Pope Leo XIV to allow female leadership in the Catholic Church and openness toward the LGBTQ+ community. Fayed states, “overall, his papacy will be closely observed for how seriously it regards equality and inclusivity.

 

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Photo: Legislator Steve Englebright, left, congratulates Stephen, right, and Diane Weitzman, the Fifth Legislative District’s Jewish Americans of Distinction for 2025. Photo from Legislator Englebright’s office

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) recently recognized Stony Brook residents Stephen and Diane Weitzman as the Fifth Legislative District’s Jewish Americans of Distinction.

Legislator Englebright and his fellow legislators joined County Executive Ed Romaine (R) in honoring Jewish Americans of Distinction from all 18 Legislative Districts on Wednesday, May 7. The event, organized by Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), was held in the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge.

The Weitzmans have been staples of Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook since 1980. According to Rabbi Emeritus Adam Fisher, “no couple has given more to our community.” He described the Weitzmans as the type of congregants who are right there to assist if something needs to be done.

Diane Weitzman was the financial secretary for the temple from 1986 to the end of last year, except for three years when she was a board trustee. She also taught religious instruction for more than 20 years.

Stephen Weitzman taught religious courses, including for adults, in the temple’s school for 43 years and served as interim principal three times. He has also been a member of the temple’s morning study group since its inception in 1989.

A temple board member from 1986 to 2001, Stephen served as congregational president three times. In addition to his contributions at Temple Isaiah, he was on the North American Board of the Union for Reform Judaism for 16 years and is a past president of the URJ Greater New York Council.

“The Weitzmans’ dedication to Temple Isaiah makes them a blessing to the congregation and their community,” Englebright said. “Stephen and Diane, congratulations on being named Legislative District 5’s Jewish Americans of Distinction.”

 

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Pope Francis passed away on April 21. Photo courtesy of Pixabay

By Fr. Francis Pizzarelli

Fr. Francis Pizzarelli

On the Monday after Easter at the age of 88, Francis, the humble servant of the Roman Catholic Church died in his sleep after 12 extraordinary years of service to the church and to the world.

Francis, a Jesuit priest committed to the poor and vulnerable among us, became an Archbishop and then a cardinal from Argentina. He spent his whole life ministering to the poor and the marginal among us. From his earliest days to his last day, he lived simply, loved exponentially and always walked with the poor.

As Pope he was a reformer; he did not amend the doctrine of the Catholic Church but found powerful pastoral ways to make the church the church of the people. His powerful pastoral example was an ongoing reminder that we must welcome those who feel unwelcome to our community.

As Pope, he constantly called us to radical inclusiveness. I will never forget that statement. He so powerfully reminded all of us that God welcomes everyone without imposing shame or guilt.

As a Roman Catholic priest, I admired the Holy Father’s constant reminder that as Catholics we must be committed to social justice and reaching out to the most vulnerable among us without judgment.

Francis was such a powerful role model for everyone, but especially for priests like myself. He constantly reminded us by his power of example of what we all must be about. His compassion and his empathy have inspired me to stay the course.

Hopefully, the conclave, which elects a new Pope, will do so in the spirit of Pope Francis, a man of compassion and empathy who will challenge us to live the gospel, even when it’s difficult. I hope this new Pope will be as committed to the poor and the marginal as Francis was.

These are crazy times that we live in. The world is paralyzed and polarized and so is our nation. Francis was a man committed to peace and social justice. He practiced what he preached his entire life. He did not just talk the talk, he walked the walk.

We have been very blessed to have had this simple Jesuit priest from Argentina as our Pope. He reminds us by the way in which he lived of the gift of hope and how we should all try to live each and every day.

In January, Pope Francis declared that this was a year dedicated to hope. On Tuesday, April 22, Hope House Ministries celebrated 45 years of ministering to the poor and most vulnerable in our midst. As its founder, I’ve spent 45 years believing in the power of hope and that people can change, be transformed and reclaim their lives.

Father Francis Pizzarelli, SMM, LCSW-R, ACSW, DCSW, is the director of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.

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Rev. Fr. Andrew Garnett 

Each spring, as daffodils bloom and days grow longer, Christians around the world gather to celebrate the most profound and joyful day in our faith: Easter. This holy day marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead—an event that transformed history, shattered despair and opened the gates of hope for all humanity. For followers of Jesus, Easter is not simply a commemorative holiday; it is the heartbeat of our faith, a celebration of life conquering death, love triumphing over hate, and divine mercy extending to all people.

In the Christian story, Jesus, the Son of God, is crucified—an innocent man executed by the powers of his day. His death was brutal, and for his followers, it seemed the end of everything they had hoped for. But then, on the third day, something happened that no one expected: Jesus rose from the grave. He appeared to his friends, not with vengeance or judgment, but with peace on his lips and love in his wounds. The resurrection of Jesus is not just about his life continuing—it is about a new kind of life that breaks into the world. It is God’s promise that sin, suffering, and death will never have the final word.

Easter proclaims that God is doing something new, not just in the life of Jesus, but in our lives as well. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work among us, bringing hope in our despair, light in our darkness and courage in our fear. In a world still plagued by division, violence, loneliness and injustice, Easter is a bold declaration that love is stronger than hate and that life will always rise again.

For the Episcopal Church, Easter is not only a theological truth but also an invitation to live differently. We believe in a risen Christ who welcomed the outcast, forgave his enemies, and broke bread with the stranger. We seek to follow in his way by practicing a radical welcome—one that mirrors the wide embrace of the empty tomb.

In our congregations, you’ll find people of every background, race, political view, orientation and identity. We believe that God’s table is big enough for everyone. Whether you are a lifelong Christian, someone who’s been away from church for years, or someone who has never stepped into a church before, you are welcome here. Not just tolerated—welcomed, honored and loved.

The Episcopal Church does not claim to have all the answers, but we are committed to asking the right questions in the community. We read Scripture thoughtfully, take tradition seriously and engage with the world with compassion and humility. We hold a faithful tension between being traditional and having a modern approach. We do this not because it’s easy, but because we believe it’s faithful to the radical love Jesus showed on Easter morning.

In this season of renewal, many are searching for meaning, connection and hope. Easter meets us in that longing and reminds us that no matter how lost or weary we feel, resurrection is possible. There is no grave too deep, no failure too final, no sorrow too heavy for the risen Christ to meet us there and lift us up. Easter is not only about what happened long ago in a garden tomb; it’s about what God is still doing—here and now—in the lives of real people and communities.

So if you’re reading this and wondering if church is for you—if God is for you—know this: the answer is yes. Easter is for you. Grace is for you. The door is open, the light is on, and the feast has been set. Come as you are.

This Easter, may we all encounter the hope that rolls away every stone and find ourselves drawn into the joyful mystery of life made new.

Rev. Fr. Andrew Garnett is the rector of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport.

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Rabbi Joshua Gray at Temple Isaiah’s Second Night Community Seder that took place on Sunday evening, April 13. Photo courtesy Rabbi Joshua Gray

By Rabbi Joshua Gray

Rabbi Joshua Gray. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

Nothing brings me back to my childhood, gathered around the kids’ table with my brothers and cousins, like the Hillel sandwich. This singular Passover concoction is a mixture of maror (horseradish) and charoset (a sweet apple and nut mixture), packed between two pieces of matzah, or unleavened bread. If your mouth is not immediately watering at the sound of this combination, I don’t think anyone would blame you. It is only after you try this Passover staple that you fully understand the strangely amazing symphony that is the bitter herb dueting with the sweet pieces of apple and wine. All of this occurs between the satisfying crunch of the matzah. I assure you this combination is one that you, and your tastebuds, will never forget. 

Over 70 percent of Jewish people in the United States will attend a Passover, or Pesach, seder this year. The seder (meaning “order”) is a ritual meal, complete with storytelling, song and general togetherness. We use a special book  called a Haggadah to tell the story of the Israelite Exodus from slavery in Egypt, our subsequent opportunity to live as a free people, and the constant desire to reach our promised land, either literally or proverbially. We are told to continue the tradition; to pass down this important story l’dor vador, from generation to generation. Children are an integral part of the ritual, and we all kvell (burst with pride) as our littlest seder-goers muddle through their designated songs and readings. 

The aforementioned combination of bitter and sweet is no accident. The story of Passover and its rituals are a beautiful part of being Jewish. The message is also a universal one: with freedom comes the responsibility to work toward justice for all people. I always get a bit emotional during our seder when we recite the ten plagues of Egypt; the method by which the hard-hearted Pharaoh finally let the people of Israel go. It is tradition to remove a drop of wine from our cups as we recite aloud each plague. Why do we do this? On a macro level, we recognize that our cups of celebration are never completely full so long as others in the world suffer. The sweetness of freedom from bondage is fused with the bitterness that comes with the knowledge that there is still pain and unrest in our human community. We recognize that while we might be free, there are so many in our world who do not enjoy such self-determination. Individually, we might ask ourselves what could be holding us back from feeling entirely free. What might we be able to let go of that will allow us to live a more meaningful life? 

One of the most important moments in our seder comes as we recite the line: “In every generation each individual is bound to regard themselves as if they had personally gone forth from Egypt.”  Not only do we balance both bitterness and sweetness through the lens of Jewish memory, but we are specifically challenged to put ourselves in the place of those who have gone before us. We grow our empathy for the human family as we build this skill of compassionate curiosity. 

While the goals of Passover are lofty and the rituals might feel a bit baroque, just remember the Hillel sandwich. We are nourished by the tastes from our past as we strive toward a future of justice for all people. On a baser level, Passover evokes memories via taste, smell, song and story. I wish all of you a “Chag Pesach Sameach,” a Happy Passover, and remember, you are always welcome at my table. Try the Hillel sandwich. Trust me.

The author is the Rabbi at Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook.

 

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Can you find Rabbi Josh Gray among these Hadassah Ladies? Photo by Donna Newman

By Donna Newman

Three dozen people gathered last week for a meeting of the Sea-Port Chapter of Hadassah — The Women’s Zionist Organization of America. Held at the Comsewogue Public Library, and open to all Suffolk Region members, both North Shore Chaverot (friends) Chapter and Smithtown Chapter were represented, as well as Region Board members.

Sea-Port President Edith Lilie invited Rabbi Josh Gray of Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook to be a guest speaker. Rather than lecture, Rabbi Gray chose to facilitate a discussion on the topic, “Living Jewishly in the Modern World.”

One participant complimented the Reform Rabbi on setting an inclusive tone at the outset, making everyone feel at ease. 

“The Rabbi led an engaging and open discussion on what it is to be Jewish, especially since the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israeli civilians,” said Heidi Sorkin, a vice president on the Suffolk Board. 

“He opened the discussion with a Hebrew prayer, which expresses gratitude for new or special experiences, and that created an atmosphere where Jews from all levels of observance felt comfortable talking about their traditions, beliefs and concerns,” she said.   

“What makes you a Jew?” Rabbi Gray asked. And he heard many different responses, among them: birth (it’s genetic), religious affiliation, values and actions, culture, family, choice, commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world), and Ohr L’Goyim (to be a light unto the nations, part of the Jewish Covenant with the Lord).  

With four major branches and other smaller offshoots, being Jewish is a multi-faceted and often diverse endeavor. Jewish people are certainly not a monolith. However, a shared history of persecution and survival connects Jews to each other.

Rabbi Gray shared a disturbing fact. He presented statistics gathered by the Anti-Defamation League that document a massive spike in antisemitic posts on social media — particularly on X — that happened on October 7, 2023, as Hamas’ brutal attack on Israeli civilians progressed — long before Israel responded. What does it mean? he asked.

According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2020, Jews made up 2.4% of the U.S. population, and 0.2% of the world population. It is not surprising that 34% of Americans say they do not know a Jew.

Antisemitism is on the rise in American society and throughout the world. Today’s antisemitism may be fueled by religious anti-Jewish themes, usually unfounded hearsay, not rooted in fact. It can also be racial, deriving from false ideologies; Nazism, white supremacy, etc. And now it is also political — disguised as anti-Zionism: the denial of Jews as a legitimate people; the opinion that Israel has no right to exist.

This being his first opportunity to address the Hadassah community, Rabbi Gray said he did not know what to expect. But by the end of the discussion, he was beaming.

“Being in a room full of Hadassah women,” he said, “who are so willing to share and interact when discussing the particularly challenging subjects of being Jewish in today’s world — and antisemitism — gave me great pride.” 

Carole-Ann Gordon noted the different communities present in the audience.

“The attendees were from different Jewish organizations and communities, and the discussion brought us all together to form a new, larger entity,” she said.

“Rabbi Gray gave us suggestions on how we can feel more connected to our Jewish identity,” said Stacy Berman, another Suffolk Board member. “Becoming more involved with Hadassah is one way we can join with other Jewish women who share our ideals.” 

The session ended with sustained applause, followed by much conversation among the participants.

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A banner in Centereach that reads Ramadan Kareem, an Arabic phrase that directly translates to “Generous Ramadan” in English. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

By Sabrina Artusa

The crescent moon lit up the night sky Feb. 28, signifying the beginning of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. This holy month honors the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad, and Muslims celebrate by strengthening their faith through restraint. 

For Sabri, a Setauket mechanic, the day begins at 4 a.m. He eats with his wife and children before his fast starts at 5 a.m. In the evening, he will put on a Muslim talk show and listen to the “Azan” (or “Adhan”), a song that precedes prayer, before breaking his fast in a meal called the “Iftar.” In Istanbul, Sabri loved to listen to the “Azan” as the sun rose, right before the first prayer of the day. 

For the Iftar, Sabri’s meals don’t deviate much from what he typically eats, but his meal will likely contain meat, which his wife ensures is “halal” by shopping at a Turkish grocer. 

“This is for control of your system,” Sabri said. “It is for yourself.” Water, also, is not allowed during the fasting period. Of course, there are exceptions for those whom it would be harmful or dangerous to fast, and children are also not expected to observe. 

Muslims not only fast from food but also restrain from doing any other action that is against Islamic principles, such as lying. Stony Brook University professor Ismail Zahed emphasized that Ramadan is meant to remove the reliance on nonnecessities in order to “factor in Islam in the right way.” 

“The most basic thing — to feed yourself — is taken for granted,” Zahed said. “[Ramadan] is a reminder of those who do not have. It brings you closer to those who do not have… It is not waiting for the 5:40 time card [sunset] to hit the table. It is making all the effort to think about that and to think of all the ways you can reach out and help.”

Removing superfluous luxuries helps Muslims connect more not only with their religion but also with their friends, family and community.  

Charitable acts are another signature part of Ramadan and part of the reason some mosques provide the Iftar for free. This tenet of Islam, giving to charity, is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside fasting, pilgrimage, profession of faith and prayer. 

Ramadan serves to help Muslims get closer to Allah by looking inward at their own relationship with their faith, but it is also observed communally, with Muslims gathering to recite a portion of the Quran at mosques each night and breaking the fast together. Beginning on the first day of Ramadan, an Imam will recite one-thirtieth of the Quran so that, by the end of the month, it will have been read in its entirety. 

“It is also a month where families come together in observance of this particular event [the revelation of the Quaran] where we remind each other why this is so important. Getting people to sit together at the same time is difficult,” Zahed said. 

“My favorite part is to open the Iftar with my family,” Sabri said. Sabri doesn’t often go to the mosque for Iftar, preferring to break the fast at home with his family. He does visit the mosque for a prayer at least once a week. 

For Zahed, Ramadan is a chance to focus more on Islam, although the changes don’t end once the month is over. 

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims will celebrate with “Eid al-Fitr,” which will occur March 29, the day of the new crescent moon. 

“People have a really good heart,” Sabri said. “And God makes them see it.”

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The stained-glass window after the Hendricks restored the framing. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick

By Sabrina Artusa

In Northport, the Trinity Episcopal Church is transforming across time as local couple Nancy and Robert Hendrick renovate the building to reflect the original design. 

The church, built in 1889, sits on Main Street; its double red doors face the sidewalk, inviting pedestrians in, just as they had more than 100 years ago. Inside, five Tiffany stained-glass windows filter the light as it falls softly on the altar and pews.

Nancy and Robert Hendrick, a husband and wife artist duo who are also volunteer directors of Trinity Community Arts Center, are dedicated to unveiling the original grandeur of the church.

“It is such a beautiful space,” Robert Hendrick said. ”[We want] to bring back the feeling that throw the parishioners felt walking into that church in 1889. To get back to that feeling is our mission.”

The Hendricks, who have performed various art restorations and commissions in the past, said that the church presented them with an opportunity that they felt was especially suited for their interests and values, both artistically and personally. 

“We love our church and the people in it,” Nancy Hendrick said. 

The interior design has been modified over the years: original gold leafing around the stained-glass window of Jesus was painted gold, an original railing was replaced, and the altar was changed. While still beautiful, it lacked the timeless presence of its forebears.

“I don’t look at it as a renovation but we are updating or restoring this truly truly beautiful building,” the Rev. Andrew Garnet said. 

Garnet found old pictures of the church and had the idea to renovate. Robert and Nancy, having recently visited historic churches in Vienna, were inundated with inspiration. Nancy said, ”It is a wonderful space to give back to God. Everything absolutely just fell together perfectly. “

They decided to paint the walls with a metallic Italian plaster, creating an airy, cloudy effect. The altar will be restored to reflect its original gilding, and the frame was gilded with gold leaf in the original style. The rail is also being restored and will replace the new ones. 

“Everything we do as a parish is borne from what we do in church, what we do in mass, which is why as a tradition we spend so much time and effort on our sacred spaces,” he said, explaining the significance of the renovation to his parish. 

Robert, while examining the frame around the Jesus window, found traces of gold leaf in a rosette. The discovery gave renewed purpose to the pair’s work as it was a real trace of a detail that was almost forgotten. “[It was] reaffirming what we were doing,” Robert said. 

“In taking this church back to its origins, you kind of understand what those original parishioners were looking for, what was important to them,” he said. 

Garnet is rector of the parish and joined Trinity Episcopal Church three years ago. In that time, he has been focused on opening the church to the community and making it a welcoming space whether it is through movie nights or social events. “The saddest thing about a church is a closed door and an empty pew,” he said.

Creating the Trinity Community Arts Center was part of Garnet’s work goal of “meeting people where they are.” Northport is a bustling art district, and nourishing art’s intersection with religion is a way to do that. 

Garnet moved the Sunday morning coffee hour to the arts center instead of the church, thereby encouraging passerby not only to interact with the arts center, an arm of the church, but also to make connections with community members.

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2024 Temple Isaiah Menorah Lighting. Photo by Donna Newman
2024 Temple Isaiah Menorah Lighting. Photo by Donna Newman

By Donna Newman

Taking advantage of the concurrence of Christmas and the first night of Chanukah, Rabbi Joshua Gray opened Temple Isaiah’s Menorah Lighting to the entire Stony Brook community on Dec. 25.

Approximately 130 people RSVPed and the turnout delighted congregants and guests alike. Christians, Jews and Muslims all similarly celebrate Festivals of Light at this dark time of year – with special foods and the singing of songs. Inviting people to partake in a happy holiday tradition highlights the similarities of our faiths. Sharing our religious and ethnic customs brings us closer together.

Said Rabbi Gray, “As we light the menorah, we recognize that each individual candle creates one unified light. We add our light to the world, and pray that its warm glow finds its way to any in the world who need it.”

 

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From left, Rabbi Aaron Benson, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and PJS/Terryville Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Dzvonar. Photo by Will Dzvonar
From left, Rabbi Aaron Benson, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and PJS/Terryville Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Dzvonar. Photo by Will Dzvonar
From left, Rabbi Aaron Benson, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich and NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. Photo by Will Dzvonar
2024 PJS Menorah Lighting with members of the North Shore Jewish center. Photo by Will Dzvonar

The weather was brisk but a good time was had by all at the annual Menorah lighting at the Train Car in Port Jefferson Station on Dec. 25. An annual tradition hosted by Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce, the event was conducted by Rabbi Aaron Benson of the North Shore Jewish Center.

New York State  Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, members of the chamber including President Jennifer Dzvonar and members of North Shore Jewish Center enjoyed the festivities.

— Photos courtesy of Will Dzvonar

 

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