Spirits were bright at 'Evening of Light' in Rockville Centre

Traditionally, the color pink signifies a return to health.  It is also the color of joy and the female aspect of life. On June 15, the Sisterhood of Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David of Rockville Centre celebrated health, joy and female friendships with an “Evening of Light,” a return to normalcy after more than a year of illness and isolation. 

More than 75 women came out to enjoy a night laughing with and hugging friends and family members, many of whom they have not seen in months.

“It was wonderful to actually see faces,” Sisterhood member Lisa Berman said of the predominantly mask-free crowd. Other members concurred, including Helene Parsons, who said it was “nice to be with people again,” and Maxine Geller, who said she was “so excited” when Gov. Andrew Cuomo lifted mask restrictions.

“Connection is so important and, although we Zoomed together during the pandemic, there is nothing like being together in person” Sisterhood Co-President Alyce Goodstein said.

The synagogue’s parking lot was re-imagined as a garden, with bright pink-clothed tables, pink flowers and the bright outfits of women who had become accustomed to staying home in gray sweatpants. Light desserts were served, from healthy fruit to “lightly” decadent frozen yogurt provided by the Hewlee Yogurt Truck from Hewlett Station Yogurt, sponsored by Lisa and Dr. Lawrence Mack.Musical entertainment was provided by guitarist Russell Breiter, who customized popular songs to the delight of the crowd, including swapping out “West Virginia” for “Rockville Centre” in his rendition of  John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

Among the other highlights of the evening were a rendition of “Hatikvah” (“The Hope”) by Cantor Alexandra Weiser, and an inspiring presentation by Esther Baum, granddaughter of synagogue members Andrea and Dr. Alan Baum. Baum is now a “lone soldier,” which is defined as one who has no immediate family living in Israel,  for the Israeli Defense Forces, or IDF, in Israel. She discussed her work in the search and rescue division and what life is like for her there, adding that she has met other lone soldiers from the U.S., as well as those who came from Argentina, South Africa, Russia and other countries.

During a question and answer session, Baum said that among the most important things she learned were “resilience” and “independence.”  She added that she anticipates coming back home to study animal science at the University of Maryland and encouraged everyone to visit and support Israel.

The evening was capped by the installation of the new and returning Sisterhood officers, including new Co-President Linda Schwartz, taking over for Ethel Oppenheimer, who will stay on as vice president of membership and data manager.   Schwartz was also recently honored by the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism as a Woman of Achievement.

Sisterhood Co-President Alyce Goodstein announced that new members were always welcome, and that exciting programs were planned for the coming year, including a membership dinner, author talks, fundraisers and lectures. She added that the popular mahjong and canasta game nights would return in October.

For more information, call (516) 764-4100 or email cbsdboffice@gmail.com.

Courtesy the Sisterhood of Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David; compiled by Mike Smollins