July 2026 CEI Bulletin
Congregation Emanu-El Israel
222 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA. 15601
Tamuz – Av 5786
July 2026
724-834-0560
The Mission of Congregation Emanu-El Israel is: To support Judaism and the welfare of our community.
—————————————————–
FROM THE DESK OF: Rabbi Lenny
I always think it is fun to view on television, or the Internet, the news as it happens across the globe. People of different races, sizes, colors, and cultures all seem to be doing something similar. The news as it is presented is not much different in Japan or China as it is in Greensburg.
It has been within our lifetime that our world has shrunk. When I was a small boy, the world did not go much further out than my neighborhood and certainly not much beyond the border of our country. Today, what happens on the other side of the globe is as relevant and known, in an immediate sense, as what happens in our own neighborhood. Perhaps in some cases it might be easier to know what is happening across the globe than it is next door.
Yet culturally, we Jews often look at the world through very different eyes and actions. The Jewish people gather together at synagogues and Temples. We pray together, we think about our sins, and also what we were proud of. We examine ourselves and our community. Lastly, we try to re-center ourselves and plan to do better. The Jewish method is done with seriousness and focus of judgment, on our acts both as individuals and as a community.
Do not misunderstand – the Jewish people like to party as much as other cultures and religions. I have said many times that there is no such thing as a sad Jewish holiday. Even Shabbat should be full of joy, song and happiness. Yet unlike many other religions, we take the time to make our prayers and celebrations far more relevant, significant and meaningful.
I would like to borrow a prayer from Rabbi Rosove: “May we pursue the Biblical prophet’s vision of peace, that we might live harmoniously with each other and side by side, respecting differences, cherishing diversity, with no one exploiting the weak, each living without fear of the other, each revering Divinity in every human soul.
May we struggle against institutional injustice, free those from oppression and contempt, act with purity of heart and mind, despising none, defrauding none, hating none, cherishing all, honoring every child of God, every creature of the earth.
May the Jewish people, the state of Israel, and all peoples know peace…, and may we nurture kindness and love everywhere.”
Shalom
—————————————————–
SISTERHOOD NOTES by Shoshana Halden, President
Happy 4th of July to all.
We are finally in Summer. On June 28th about ten members will visit the Biblical Garden at Rodef Shalom. Some pictures and comments will be in next months Bulletin. Our fiscal year is over by July 1st, we need to meet with membership, vote and make definite plans for the rest of the year. Due to some disturbances in my life.
We need to meet later. How about Monday, July 13 at 7:00 PM?
That’s all folks!
B’Shalom Shoshana
—————————————————–
ALFRED RATNER LIBRARY NEWS by Shirley Shpargel, Librarian
In Fagin the Thief: A Novel by Allison Epstein, the author puts a new twist on Dickens’s character and gives Fagin a first name, Jacob, to humanize him, and makes him more a father figure to the many homeless children that come to him for a place to be secure. In the 1830’s novel, Oliver Twist, Dickens portrayal of Fagin as “The Jew” was being very antisemitic. Dickens Fagin character was cruel, greedy and manipulative. Jacob Fagin is raised by his Yiddish-speaking mother, Leah, in a poor Jewish area of Stepney in London. His father was hung as a thief shortly after Jacob was born. Jacob learns the craft of pickpocketing from observing Anthony Leftwich. Leftwich mentors Fagin and sees the ability that Jacob has to become a legendary thief. In return, Jacob overcomes his poverty and becomes a mentor to children that come to his decrepit squatter house called Bell Court.
One of the boys under Fagin mentors is a teenage thief named Bill Sykes. Bill is quick tempered and will fight anyone who crosses him. Another thief that Jacob takes in is Nancy. Instantly Bill and Nancy become romantically involved. Bill’s ambition as a thief becomes reckless as he breaks into rich neighborhood homes and severely injures a servant to escape. I won’t write more about the story; you will have to read it to see how Epstein changes the fates of the characters compared with Dickens’s story. Fagin the Thief can be checked out at WLN libraries in your area.
I want to thank the CEI Sisterhood for voting to support the Alfred Ratner Library beginning July for the next year. If there are requests for new books that you would like to see added to the library, please let me know.
—————————————————–
CHATTER
Happy Birthday to: Michelle Gau, Rachel Gau, Paul Mickey, Teri Moidel
Happy Anniversary to: Teri and Gary Moidel
Mazel Tov! To member Wally Caplan on his grandson Tyler Price graduation with a Master of Science degree from Penn State University. Ty is the son of Sharon and Bud Price.
—————————————————–
CEI LINK PROGRAM
CEI LINK Program – a video conference experience. Even though CEI is open for in-house worshipers, we will continue to video conference the Shabbat Services on Friday at 7:30 PM, so you can continue to attend services from home. Visit our website www.ceigreensburg.org for instructions on how to log into the meeting and for the meeting code (which should be the same each week). If you have any questions, please call and talk with Rabbi Lenny. Songs for the service will be available on the website. The Mishkan T’filah (prayer books) used in the service are available digitally on the website.
—————————————————–
INVITATION TO WORSHIP
Do you know of someone who is Jewish and currently unaffiliated?
Do you know of someone who would like to worship with us as a member?
If so, please give info to Anna Spor.
—————————————————–
ESTATE PLANNING
If you are planning to initiate or change your will or estate plan, please remember to include Congregation Emanu-El Israel (CEI) as part of your legacy. The monies can be used for a specific purpose as designated by you, or added to an Endowment Fund already set up to assure the ability to continue providing a full-service Congregation to serve the Jewish people of the area.
This legacy can be accomplished by a simple bequest in your will, by one of the allowable charitable trusts where you get an immediate tax advantage, or through life insurance.
PLEASE DO IT NOW! Please check with your attorney or insurance agent. If you have any questions or need additional information, contact Gary Moidel (724-244-6421) or Bob Slone (724-836-5468).
—————————————————–
TREE OF LIFE
Share your joy by inscribing simchas on our Tree of Life… an everlasting remembrance of the meaningful happy events that touch us. Inscribe a leaf on our Tree of Life. Leaf – $180 ea. (Price includes engraving)
The golden leaves may be inscribed to commemorate joyous events such as births, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, etc. Share your joy by inscribing simchas on our Tree of Life… an everlasting remembrance of the meaningful happy events that touch us.
Memorial Plaques are for remembering a loved one. You may purchase a plaque for the sanctuary Memorial Boards by contacting the CEI office (724-834-0560). Cost per plaque $300.00.
—————————————————–
WHEN MAKING A DONATION
When making a donation, whether to a CEI Fund or the Remembrance Fund, please provide complete information. This will make it easier and faster to process.
1 The name and address of where to send the response to let them know you made a donation.
2 The reason for the donation (in memory of, in honor of, speedy recovery, etc.) and the full name of the honoree.
3 Name and address of donor.
Example: Please send a card (or accept this donation) to Jane Doe, XXX Main St, Greensburg, PA 156XX. In Honor of the Birthday of Jane Doe! From Jack Jones, XXX Broadway Dr., Greensburg, PA 156XX.
—————————————————–
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THESE GIFTS
PULPIT FLOWERS: In Memory of:
May 22: Janet Engelhart Gutterman by Marilyn and Jim Davis.
May 29: Minna Lader Feuerstein by Shirley Shpargel. Herbert Friedlander by Jody F. Keating & Family.
June 5: Margot Halden by Shoshana and Bob Halden.
June 12: Barry J. Kane by Mary Ellen Kane.
—————————————————–
CEI FUNDS
CARING FUND: Supports congregants who are experiencing sickness, bereavement & other personal difficulties.
CEI ENDOWMENT FUND: Provides for the continuity of the congregation by subsidizing future operating expenses.
CONGREGATION GENERAL FUND: CEI operating expenses. A donation by Mrs. Lois Browdie. In Honor of: Rabbi Lenny & Karen Sarko’s 50th wedding anniversary by Erica & Daniel Pipitone.
CONGREGATION YAHRZEIT FUND: In Memory of: Goldie Morton by Gary & Christine Morton. Max Kaufer & Kenneth Barlow by Bruce & Karen Kaufer. Norton Weiner by Terri & Stan Katzman. Richard Liebman by Linda Liebman. Elaine Dunhoff by The Dunhoff Family. Barbara Wilder by Jack Wilder. Robert Schrag by Loren & John Vivio. Abraham Pavloff by the Pavloff Family.
LIBRARY BOOK FUND: Provides for the purchase of books and other resource material for the library.
NEW HIGH HOLIDAY, MISHKAN HANEFESH, PRAYER BOOKS: Provides for the purchase of new High Holiday Mishkan HaNefesh.
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND: Helps individuals and / or org. in need. In Honor of: Rabbi Lenny & Karen Sarko’s 50th wedding anniversary by Teri & Gary Moidel.
REMEMBRANCE FUND: A special donation to Sisterhood to honor or celebrate an event or person. Virginia Lieberman (724-668-2442) or Yvonne Bureau (724-837-8072). In Honor of: The smooth and speedy recovery to Josh Estner by Irene Rothschild. A quick healing to Bob Halden by Irene Rothschild, Virginia and John Lieberman, Marion and Robert Slone.
TEMPLE EMANU-EL CEMETERY FUND: For beautification and upkeep of the Temple Emanu-El Cemetery.
TREE OF LIFE: A leaf commemorating a happy lifecycle event to be added to the Tree of Life. In Honor of: Sister Gemma by Yvonne & Ed Bureau, Karen & Brian Chobirko, Marilyn & Jim Davis, Christopher DeMarco, Eileen Dorfman, Ronda Goetz, Shoshana & Bob Halden, Mary Ellen Kane, Amy Karelitz, Terri & Stan Katzman, Dr. Jamie Kaufer, Nina & Jon Lewis, Virginia & John Lieberman, Cori & Michael Liptak, Robin & Paul Mickey, Teri & Gary Moidel, Rabbi Lenny & Karen Sarko, Shirley Shpargel, Marion & Robert Slone, The Virshup Family and Jack Wilder. The 50th wedding anniversary of Rabbi Lenny & Karen Sarko by Yvonne & Ed Bureau, Karen & Brian Chobirko, Christopher DeMarco, Jonathan & Samantha Dohner, Liz & Larry Eisenstatt, Ronda Goetz, The Goldstein Family, Shoshana & Bob Halden, Bea Harrison & Family, Mary Ellen Kane, Amy Karelitz, Terri & Stan Katzman, Bruce & Karen Kaufer, Dr. Jamie Kaufer, Virginia & John Lieberman, Robin & Paul Mickey, Teri & Gary Moidel, Shirley Ratner, Ben Resnick, Irene Rothschild, Shirley Shpargel, Marion & Robert Slone, The Virshup Family and Jack Wilder.
IN HONOR OF RABBI LENNY AND KAREN SARKO, 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MAY 30, 2026
—————————————————–
SAVE THE DATE
Please Note: All times & events subject to change.
Friday, August 7: Early Service followed by Summer Sounds Concert. Mark Milovats.
Friday, August. 28: Early Service followed by Summer Sounds Concert. The Plate Scrapers.
Monday, September 7: CEI Closed for Labor Day.
Friday, September 11: Erev Rosh Hashanah. 7:30 PM.
—————————————————–
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Mark your calendars for Friday, July 17 at 5:30 PM for the dedication of the Tree of Life Leaf for Sister Gemma DelDuca. There will be a Special Oneg in her honor following services. If attending the Oneg, please contact the CEI office or sign up on the form in the office. If you have any questions, please contact Yvonne Bureau.
—————————————————–
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
For the past few summers, we have had early Shabbat Services beginning at 5:30 PM. This allows our Congregants time to enjoy the free Summer Sounds Concert in St. Clair Park offered by the City of Greensburg at 7:00 PM. We will have early services on the following Fridays, after which you can enjoy the concert listed below:
July 17: Elton Rohn (Elton John Tribute)
July 31: The English Channel (Tribute to original British bands crossing the pond)
August 7: Mark Milovats (Tribute to Frank Sinatra, Perry Como & Barry Manilow)
August 28: The Plate Scrapers (Upbeat bluegrass music)
Mark your calendars to join us for the above concerts. For a complete list of performances or to listen to a sample of each band, please visit the website www.greensburgpa.org/summersounds.
—————————————————–
MEMORIAL BOOKLET
Once again, we are in the process of preparing the Memorial Booklet for the Yizkor service on Yom Kippur, September 21, 2026. This tradition has been well received by our membership and in this time of virtual services, we would still like it to continue as an Online Memorial to your loved one/s.
Only the names of those deceased during the past year (5786: 2025-2026) will be read from the pulpit. If you wish to have the names of deceased relatives included in the Memorial Booklet on our website, please list them on the form provided in this month’s bulletin.
Please note that due to High Holiday deadlines, forms must be returned no later than September 10, 2026.
May the upcoming year bring you the blessings of love, health and happiness.
Sincerely,
Memorial Committee
—————————————————–
SISTERHOOD PULPIT FLOWER ORDER FORM 5787
How praiseworthy are the father and mother that raised this child.
One is duty bound to honor one’s parents, even after their death. Both sons and daughters fulfill this duty by keeping the yahrzeit, by contributing to charity in honor of the deceased, and most importantly by living a life that brings them credit. (Rabbi Hayim H. Donin)
We hope that you will take this opportunity to order pulpit flowers for the coming year for loved ones and friends. Since we update our records annually, we need a new form from you each year if you want to order pulpit flowers.
To order pulpit flowers for a yahrzeit (anniversary of death), Rosh Hashana and / or Yom Kippur use the order form in this month’s bulletin.
Forms must be received by August 7, 2026 to be included in High-Holiday Services.
If you have any questions, please call Virginia Lieberman (724) 668-2442 or email at virginiagwl@gmail.com.
—————————————————–
THANK YOU
We would like to thank each and everyone of the Congregation who contributed toward our 50th Wedding Anniversary leaf for the Tree of Life. This was such a thoughtful and generous gift. Thank you so much.
Rabbi Lenny and Karen Sarko
—————————————————–
MAIL TO SHARE
“Dear Shoshana and Sisterhood of CEI: On behalf of the First Presbyterian Church of Irwin and the Blessing Board, I want to thank you for your generous donation of dishes both last year and this year and for the Rummage Sale items. Everything will be put to good use. God Bless You, Brenda Daniels.”
“Dear Joel and Friends, Thank you for honoring me with a leaf on the Tree of Life, displayed at the entrance of the Synagogue. I am touched by this gift and blessed by your presence in my life. Shalom blessings on each one of you! Your friend, Sister Gemma, Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill.”
—————————————————–
JEWISH HERITAGE NIGHT AT PNC PARK
Tuesday, August 18, 2026. First Pitch at 6:40 PM, Bus leaves CEI at 4:20 PM. Each Lower-Level Seat ticket for $43 includes a Jewish Heritage Night Pirates “Pittsburgh” shirt in Hebrew and bus transportation. This year, the pregame Kosher meal is not available for our seats. If you have any questions, please contact Gary Moidel at 724-244-6421 or tergar2cats@gmail.com or sign-up on the form in the office. Let’s Go Bucs!!
—————————————————–
LULAV AND ETROG FOR SUKKOT
For congregants that would like to order their own lulav and etrog set for Sukkot, we use a New York company called Hadar Etrogim. You can order directly yourself or if you would like us to receive it for you to pick up at the synagogue you can give the rabbi a call. To order yourself, you can go to their website www.hadaretrogim.com. We have found this company to be reliable and their products very good.
Rabbi Lenny
—————————————————–
HOSPITAL VISITS
The Rabbi will gladly make visits to local area hospitals to visit sick Congregants. Since hospitals no longer release patient information, your help is needed for these visits to take place. Please notify Rabbi or the CEI office with patient name and hospital.
—————————————————–
OFFICE HOURS
The CEI Office is open Monday, Thursday & Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Rabbi Lenny, generally, has office hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Making an appointment is highly recommended, since emergencies and meetings outside the office do occur. The Rabbi can also be available at other times, for your convenience. Please call 724-834-0560 or Rabbi directly at 724-963-0789.
—————————————————–
CEI LEADERSHIP
Rabbi Leonard Sarko
CEI Officers:
President: Joel Last. Vice President: Jamie Kaufer. Treasurer: Julie Goldstein. Recording Secretary: Virginia Lieberman. Sisterhood President: Shoshana Halden. Men’s Club President: Gary Moidel. Bulletin Editors: Mary Ellen Kane, Karen Sarko & Bea Harrison.
—————————————————–
HONORING THEIR MEMORY
Families of the following loved ones will honor their memories and mark the occasion of their family history by reciting the Kaddish this Shabbat.
The following Yahrzeits will be honored at CEI:
July 3: *Edna G. Cobetto, *Fannie Davis, Samuel Farber, *Rachel Leah Flamm, Norman Glantz, *Louis I. Gould, *Nathan Jaskulek, Richard Kates, *Beila Mace, *Maurice Nevins and *Leonard Wolinsky.
July 10: *Diane “Deanie” Blum, *Dora Charapp, Harry Feuerstein, Milton Gespass, *Gloria Glasser, Alvin Glenn, *Esther Gordon, *Kate Grossman, *Alan D. Karelitz, Edwin Karelitz, *Marcy Weiss Langer MS, CCC-A, *Hyman Levin, *William Lipman, Annabelle Frances Millstein, Bradford Powell, *Louis Shofnosky, *Jacob Stern and *Anna Sucatzky.
July 17: Lillian Tattenbaum, *William L. Brill, Donald Perusse, Sr., Harry Blum, Timothy Silvis, *Rae M. Daniels, Margaret “Peg” Goldberg, *Sarah Kane, Jeffery Ward, *Alexander Alt, Daniel Hamburger, *Solomon A. Kane, *Abraham Sandson, *Mary Davis, *Bella Pearl Redlich, *Anna K. Conn and *Abe Levin.
July 24: Donald Perusse, Jr., *Herbert Moidel, *Jacob Soltz, *Fanny Vance, *Rose Stern, Edith Bergstein Hollander, *Steven L. VeShancey, *Lazer Kuhl, *Rose Weiner, *Meyer Charapp, *Samuel Friedlander, D.D.S., *Martin M. Kramer, *Lillian Liebman, James Schenck, *Abraham Miller, *Mayer Davison and *Milton Redlich.
July 31: *Anna R. Brill, Selma Fairman, Joseph R. Bergad, *Samuel Liebman, *Alvin J. Moldovan, *Catherine Davis, *Karen Anne Wolf, *Harry Olesker, *Sgt/Maj Abraham Corman, Anna Glasser, *Ida Levin Shoag, *Baila Miriam Harris, Sarah Meyers and *Michael Sandson.
* A light will be lit on a Memorial Board
