Bat Yam provides update on news and activities
The Bat Yam Temple of the Islands on Sanibel reported on its recent news and activities.
– Returning since Hurricane Ian, it will hold services again at the temple beginning on Oct. 20.
– Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer has designated this year’s theme as “Restoring Our Spirits — Restoring Our Home.” In that spirit, Rosh Hashanah evening and morning services were held at the Peace Lutheran Church in Fort Myers. Schnitzer blew the shofar to proclaim the New Year, while readings were given by members of the congregation. Annette Pacyga and Wendy Harriman hosted a reception afterward. Later that day, members observed Tashlich with a gathering on the beach off Fulgur Street on Sanibel. Schnitzer played his guitar and sang and sins were whispered into conch shells and cast in the water.
– Shabbat Shuvah was celebrated on the Friday between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Schnitzer explained about the concept of return at this time of the Jewish year.
– Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur services were held at the Peace Lutheran Church. A part of the day’s experience is “Our Congregants’ Hour” after the morning service. Each year, three congregants offer personal reflections on their hopes, dreams and perspectives on Judaism and Yom Kippur. The three speakers this year were Michael Hochschild, Yaffah Schnitzer and Dr. Mort Tavel.
– On Sept. 28, congregants joined Schnitzer, other clergy and Sanibel’s city leaders at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church to mark the one year anniversary of Hurricane Ian.
– For Sukkot, congregants decorated a Sukkah and celebrated at the home of two members.
– Simchat Torah, the annual cycle of reading the Torah, was held on Oct. 6 at the Peace Lutheran Church. Bat Yam was joined by congregants and clergy from Peace Lutheran and the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ. Schnitzer led attendees through the text and pointed out highlights common to the faith traditions. Afterward, attendees enjoyed food and live music.
– Bat Yam will soon release a new cookbook, “Cooking With Bat Yam Temple of the Islands.” It published its first one in 2007. Recipes will include chopped liver, chopped herring, charoset, chicken soup with matzo balls, brisket, different kinds of kugel and other dishes. The proceeds will benefit the rebuilding of the temple and community post-Hurricane Ian. The cookbook will cost $10. For more information, including how to receive one, contact BatYamSanibel@gmail.com.