Eric Loring, ENJC President

In the Jewish calendar, this November corresponds to the month Cheshvan, also known as Mar Cheshvan or bitter Cheshvan. This is because after the frenetic pace of Tishrei with Rosh haShanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah in rapid succession, Cheshvan is an entire month without holidays. Rather than being a bitter time, many of us nowadays probably welcome the respite!

While the Jewish calendar is on hiatus this month, November is rich with civic and civil observances: Election Day, Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving. While certainly not intended, this interspersal of Jewish and civil occasions allows us to reflect on our dual identities as Americans and Jews, each in turn.

Here at the East Northport Jewish Center, we will have yet another observance this month to remind us of the importance of community. On Friday, November 18, we will be honoring Cantor Nussbaum and his wife, Avrille, with an evening of food, prayer and tribute. The evening will begin with a Shabbat meal catered by Cosmopolitan Caterers followed by Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv services. Then we will gather again for presentations by select congregants and dignitaries, a musical performance by the ENJC choir, and dessert. Invitations have been sent out, and RSVPs are due by November 9­‑-email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We hope to fill the building with congregants past and present of all ages, including our children who have loved Cantor and been loved so well in return. Of course, we are sad to see them leave us, but let us show them how happy we are that they have been a part of our lives for so long!

Shalom, chaverim! See you in shul!