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.”
Chanukah is definitely not the “Jewish Christmas,” but the first of our eight nights does happen to coincide with Christmas day this year!
Did you know that we actually begin celebrating Chanukah on the 25th every year? The 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, that is. Each year, we tell the story of the Syrian-Greek King Antiochus IV, and how his soldiers raided Jerusalem, desecrating the Holy Temple in the process. Antiochus outlawed Judaism and its rituals, and affixed idols and altars upon its holiest spaces.
A famous group of Jews known widely as the Maccabees led the resistance against this tyranny. The story is famous for its underdog component; the small group of Maccabees were able to defeat the large and powerful Syrian-Greek army. The word “Chanukah” means “dedication,” and signifies the rededication of the Holy Temple in Judea (Israel) following these arduous battles. In fact, the Maccabee victory established the first Jewish monarchy to rule in Israel since the Babylonian exile occurred hundred of years prior.
The second Book of Maccabees, a book that exists outside of the Jewish Bible, claimed that the eight days of Chanukah were actually something of a “make-up” festival. Due to the restrictions of Syrian-Greek rule, the Jews had missed being able to celebrate the eight-day festival of Sukkot. The widely-known story of the miraculous oil actually came much later!
Today, Chanukah has transformed from a military story into a more spiritual one. It tells of a miracle wherein one day’s worth of oil, used to light the Temple’s “ner tamid” (eternal light), lasted for eight days. We symbolize this miracle with the lighting of a special kind of menorah called a “Chanukiyah,” which has nine branches as opposed to the seven on a typical menorah.
We also acknowledge our resistance against Hellenization and assimilation, characteristics that have kept the Jewish people for thousands of years. Just as the oil did not burn down against all odds, we celebrate the sustenance and light of our traditions; alive and thriving in the face of so many historical challenges.
While rich with history and tradition for all sensibilities, can we look at Chanukah a bit differently this year? In the midst of so much unrest in the Middle East, and in the wake of a tumultuous election season in our own country, don’t we all need a little bit of light to shine on us and our loved ones and friends? It is a mitzvah (good deed) to display your Chanukiyah in a place where it is easily seen by others. A window is a popular place.
How can we put our own inner lights on display for all to see and feel this holiday season? Can we “rededicate” ourselves to loving our neighbor, accepting our differences, and realizing that our community is so much richer when we approach challenges “b’yachad,” which means “together,” or “as one?”
So, no, Chanukah is not the “Jewish Christmas,” but we do celebrate as one this year! Consider attending a menorah lighting in your community, or reach out to your neighbors who might pray and think a bit differently from you. When we allow our individual lights to shine upon one another, we all benefit from the warmth of a united flame. I wish all of you a healthy and happy holiday season, and as we say in our tradition: Chag Urim Sameach — A Happy Festival of Lights!
The author is the Rabbi at Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook.
Joshua Gray may be the youngest rabbi at Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t lived. Since joining the temple in July of 2023, he has brought his personal experiences and unique flairs to Isaiah’s congregants.
The 37-year-old grew up in Glens Falls, New York, and was raised Jewish, but didn’t feel a particularly strong connection to his faith. In fact, he grew up wanting to be a performer.
“It’s what I wanted to do when I graduated high school. I went to the Boston Conservatory of Music and then lived in New York City, pursuing that for many years,” Gray said.
“I did a lot of theater. I was trained in opera. So, it was not a direct path to becoming a rabbi, but it all made sense once everything came together,” he laughed.
After meeting his wife in the theater, Gray started thinking about other career options. He had been working in the mental health field, while acting, for years and felt he was being pulled in different directions.
“That was really in my family, that profession. My mom was a psychiatric nurse that ran an outpatient mental health clinic,” Gray said.
“So…I worked in inpatient behavioral units, starting when I was 18, being really into [that sort of thing] and got my psych degree from Penn State, eventually,” he continued.
When Gray and his wife were looking to start a family, he felt he should do something more community-based. Gray explained that he had been doing “independent rabbinical work, and serving on High Holy Days, in the Catskills, at a Reform temple, for about five years.”
“I didn’t want to travel anymore … and it was kind of like beshert, falling into this line of work,” Gray said, using the Yiddish word for fate. “I would peek into doing this full-time every once in a while, but I wasn’t necessarily looking for a pulpit.”
After fully committing himself to becoming a rabbi, Gray found an opening at Temple Isaiah, which he felt was “just a perfect fit for my background, values and family.”
“We had actually just bought a house upstate when I got hired here, and we had to sell it after living in it for only a year to move to Long Island,” he reminisced.
Gray said Temple Isaiah, a Reform Jewish temple, appealed to him because of its inclusivity, welcoming people of all races, sexualities, gender identities and faiths. He was also drawn to the temple’s embrace of modern practices, as a post-denominational rabbi.
When asked what he especially appreciates about Temple Isaiah, he said he values its “different viewpoints and ways of looking at Judaism.” The environment reminded him of his work in the private sector, where he supported people of various spiritual backgrounds, including those who identified as spiritual but not religious.
“I created an 18-week introduction to Judaism course at the temple, which saw people looking to convert, reconnect with the faith they may not have practiced for years, or have interfaith discussions, which I really enjoy.”
Gray is passionate about incorporating community elements into his work and unifying surrounding areas through increased programs. He has organized events with the Bethel AME Church of Setauket and other Christian churches. Gray has developed a mental health and wellness program for people of all ages and has utilized his musical talents to establish an expanded choir — in which his wife is heavily involved — as well. Additionally, he is proud of his work with Abraham’s Table of Long Island, where he has participated in two panels representing the Jewish perspective among a group of Christians and Muslims. During the discussions, each faith leader explains how God speaks to them “in today’s world.”
“I really want us to be the place where people feel like you can find your thing, you know? There’s no particular person you have to be here,” Gray said.
For more information about Temple Isaiah, its programs and upcoming events, visit www.tisbny.org. They will be holding their 2nd annual 3 Village Interfaith Thanksgiving service, at 7:00pm on Nov. 26.
Correction: Rabbi Gray was referred to as a non-denominational rabbi in print, when the correct term is post-denominational. He also was hired by a board at the temple.
Video footage of Hadas Ehrlich, being played at North Shore Jewish Center, explaining the details of her experience in Israel on October 7, 2023. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
By Toni-Elena Gallo
On Oct. 6, the North Shore Jewish Center in Port Jefferson Station held a solemn memorial service, honoring those who lost their lives from Hamas’ attack on Israel which occurred October 7, 2023.
Hamas’ attack claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 people. Approximately 100 of the 240 hostages originally abducted still remain in captivity, including four Americans.
Rabbi Aaron Benson speaks at the event. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Rabbi Aaron Benson began the service by showing the congregation a donated Torah mantle, which has been dedicated to the memory of Israeli Sergeant Major Omer Smadja, HY”D, 25.
The top of the mantle reads Ecclesiastes 3:4’s “a time to grieve… a time to mourn and a time to dance,” because despite everything that has transpired since last October, “we will dance again.”
The night continued with words from U.S. Rep. Nick Lalota (R-NY1), a self-described Roman Catholic, who said he has been spending more time in synagogues lately, than churches.
“Our Jewish neighbors need us at this time,” he continued, because of “the serious times that we are in.”
Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook), followed LaLota’s speech to the congregation, with a more personal account.
Kornreich, who has family in Israel, shared that “we can acknowledge complexities of the conflict which exists there,” but that it is important to keep in mind the severity of the attacks. He explained that, proportionally speaking, due to the small population of Israel, the number of deaths would be equivalent to around 40 to 45 thousand Americans.
Rabbi Joshua Gray of Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook spoke at the event. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Guest Rabbi Joshua Gray of Stony Brook’s Temple Isaiah echoed the earlier sentiments of Rabbi Benson, saying that the Jewish people do not experience pain, joy or horror individually, but as “one voice together.”
“I think one of the things that keeps us so strong, and keeps us surviving through travails that seem so insurmountable is our ability to come together — to support one another,” Gray shared.
The main focus of the night, following the words of the multiple Jewish leaders and other dignitaries in attendance, was the video testimonial of a young woman named Hadas Ehrlich.
Granddaughter of the synagogue’s former Cantor, Marty Ehrlich, z”l, Hadas works for Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service.
Ehrlich drove an armored ambulance in the attacked area on Oct. 7, despite having no training as a combat medic.
Video footage of the young woman addressing a congregation of her own showed Ehrlich explicitly describe the scenes she witnessed first hand, such as seeing a woman killed as she sipped coffee on a bench, and a young man who, she explained, was “surely about to experience his last moments.”
The young man had been laid on top of for three hours by a fellow EMS worker, whose bodily pressure had stopped him from bleeding to death. She recounted how she tried to bring a small sense of joy to his pain, by jokingly telling him, “Hey, we made a deal. I told you to stay awake,” which elicited genuine laughter from the man. He had almost lost consciousness three times during their ambulance ride.
“He called me annoying after a while,” she smiled.
After Ehrlich transferred the man to another ambulance, she told the paramedic to ensure that he “respects the end of his deal,” as his blood pressure plummeted.
A week and a half later, she received a phone call from an unknown number.
“My brother is awake, and he remembers you and he remembers your deal,” the voice on the other line said.
The service ended in prayer.
Correction: In the print editions of TBR, it was mistakenly printed that the Oct. 7 attack occurred on Rosh Hashanah.
Members of Bethel AME Church were welcomed at a special service honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pictured front row, third from left is Rev. Lisa Williams; back row, third from right is Rabbi Joshua Gray. Photo by Lloyd Newman
By Donna Newman
A Friday night service at Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in advance of the official Monday holiday. The congregants of the Bethel AME Church of Setauket, led by Reverend Lisa Williams were invited to join the celebration.
The Church members got to experience a complete Reform Jewish Friday night service in which Rev. Williams participated with two readings from the prayerbook “Mishkan Tefilah” and delivered a powerful sermon that combined the philosophy of MLK and references to the week’s portion of the Torah that Rabbi Gray read, “Parsha Va’Era.” (Exodus 6:3) Va’Era translates in English to “and I appeared”, the first word God speaks in the parsha.
The service ended with a powerful rendition of the anthem “Rise Up” by Andra Day sung by Rabbi Gray and cantorial soloist Meghan Gray, accompanied on the piano by Dan Fogel. A fitting and emotive send-off to the “Oneg,” where there are refreshments, and time to meet and mingle.
The post-service refreshments and other aspects of the event were coordinated by Social Action Chair Iris Schiff and her committee.
“The service was so beautiful and poignant,” Schiff said. “It was one of those times you could feel that all who were present had full hearts and were surely enriched by the experience.”
After the service, Temple Board Member Andrea Barbakoff sat in conversation with some of the Bethel guests.
“The members of Bethel AME Church were all very friendly,” Barbakoff said, “and they were eager to learn more about us, about Judaism, and about our traditions.”
One guest was especially interested in Temple Isaiah’s Torahs, according to Barbakoff. It was mentioned that one is a Torah on loan that had been rescued during the Holocaust. Long-time temple member and local historian Mort Rosen was able to relate the scroll’s history and how it came to be at Temple Isaiah.
“Several guests, after asking if they could possibly schedule a time to come back and get a close up look,” said Barbakoff, “were grateful when Rabbi Gray graciously offered to take them back into the sanctuary, where he opened the scroll for them to view. It was definitely a moving experience for us all.”
Rabbi Joshua Gray has made interfaith connections an important part of his rabbinate. The Thanksgiving Interfaith Service was held at Temple Isaiah in November.
“Jewish efforts toward ‘tikkun olam’ (repairing the world) must start with coming together and confirming that we share common values and goals,” said Rabbi Gray, “and that we must work together to create the world we wish to inhabit.” In the immortal words of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “We must come to see that the end we seek is a society at peace with itself, a society that can live with its conscience.”
Above, books by the six authors participating in the event. Photo from Donna Newman
Cynthia Braun
Dr. Stuart Plotkin
Gary Kamen
Rabbi Adam Fisher
Rabbi Stephen Karol
By Donna Newman
Temple Isaiah of Stony Brook invites the community to an Authors Roundtable on Saturday afternoon, October 28, at 1 p.m. The event features a panel of six published authors from the congregation who will speak about their books and answer questions. Rabbi Joshua Gray will be the moderator. A reception is planned afterward where attendees may mingle, enjoy refreshments, and purchase books.
It is said that after the Romans conquered their homeland in 70 CE and destroyed the Temple of Jerusalem, Judaism transformed from a religion of temples, priests, and sacrifices to one that emphasized reverence to scripture, its associated symbols, and rituals, and became The People of the Book. That appellation was later also applied to followers of Islam and Christianity, the other Abrahamic religions, as all three are rooted in — and connected by — the belief that Abraham was their first prophet.
Ancient scripture’s value and importance fostered a foundation for the written word and it’s not surprising that books are a natural extension for adherents of the three religions.
Carole-Ann Gordon is a book-enthusiast who founded the temple’s monthly Book Group more than two decades ago. She was its first facilitator and is now its current facilitator, following a long interim of service by Anita Gaffan. Aware of the many authors in the congregation, and desiring to celebrate their creativity, she started thinking.
“It occurred to me that we’ve never given the authors in our congregation an opportunity to share their talents,” said Gordon. “I thought it would make an interesting and entertaining afternoon. Rabbi Josh agreed as soon as I mentioned it — and I was delighted when he volunteered to be the moderator.”
She enlisted the input of one of the congregant authors to plan the event.
“Carole-Ann approached me with her Authors Roundtable idea,” said novelist Gary Kamen, who had similar thoughts. “We merged our concepts and created a format that allows each author a brief presentation time, followed by a Q&A and refreshments. Each of the authors will donate a portion of their book sales to the temple.”
Participating authors are Temple Isaiah’s two Rabbis Emeriti:Adam Fisher (liturgy, stories, and poetry) and Stephen Karol (Jewish perspectives on death and the world-to-come); Gary Kamen (Western historical fiction); Dr. Stuart Plotkin (non-fiction: dinosaurs and podiatric advice for hikers); Dr. Arnold Katz (medical text and poetry); and cancer survivor Cynthia Braun, whose memoir about her treatment is upbeat, wise, and full of resourceful advice.
“Temple Isaiah is blessed to have so many talented authors whose combined works represent incredible diversity in their subjects and styles,” said Rabbi Emeritus Stephen Karol. “It is our pleasure to share this blessing with the community.”
Free and open to all, you must preregister to attend. Please do so by email to [email protected] or telephone the temple office at 631-751-8518.
Rabbi Joshua Gray with his wife Meghan and their children Cameron and Lena. Photo by Gary Kamen
By Donna Newman
The congregation of Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook launches a new direction this summer with a modern approach: Joyful Judaism — and the Temple’s search committee found the perfect spiritual leader to guide this transition.
“We’re very excited to welcome Rabbi Joshua Gray and his family to Long Island to bring music, spirituality and joy to our lives,” said Temple President Howie Kanowitz. “Upon receipt of the unanimous approval of the search committee, the Temple board and the congregation, Rabbi Josh will serve us as both rabbi and cantor. This is his first pulpit, and we hope he’ll lead our community for a long, long time.”
A recently ordained rabbi at 36 years of age, he brings to his rabbinate a wealth of life, work, and Jewishservice experiences that makes him uniquely qualified to speak to the inclusive Jewish spirit of today. His life journey began in the theater.
“My beginnings as a professional actor/singer opened my voice and spirit up to endless possibilities that manifest themselves in the way I approach Judaism; musically and full of ‘simcha’ (joy), acceptance andpassion,” said Rabbi Josh. “I am also very family-oriented, as I believe that the voices of children and families ina sanctuary create holiness. My amazing wife, Meghan, is my favorite cantorial soloist, with her incredible voice and spirit. Our children, Cameron (8) and Lena (3), keep us engaged with the youngest of congregants.”
Prior work experience in Rabbi Josh’s background added an additional skill set to his already impressive resumé.
“In addition to his warmth and approachability, Rabbi Josh has a BA in Psychology from Penn State and has worked in the field of mental health, which we considered to be a bonus, especially in the stressful times in which we live,” said Marge Weiser, co-chair of the search committee.
Working with a Reform and a Conservative congregation in upstate New York, Rabbi Josh designed anddelivered a three-part course on mental health and wellness as seen through a Jewish lens.
In a cover letter sent with his resumé he wrote, “To put it simply, I am a Rabbi who tries to live the spirit of’Hineini’— Here I am!”
His exuberance for Judaism, scholarship, pastoral care, liturgy, and teaching all ages is abundantly clear. After a time as an independent rabbi providing ritual services, lifecycle events and Jewish education, he says he is ready to be infused with the soul of a community and become a congregational rabbi.
“Every member of the search committee had the same feeling following our very first interview with Rabbi Josh,” said committee member Gary Kamen. “It felt as though it was divine intervention that brought him to us. In Yiddish there is the word‘bashert’ which translates in English to ‘meant to be.’ We are delighted to have found each other.”
