1. At what age do children start Hebrew School?
Our religious school students must begin Hebrew School in third grade, however, we also offer religous school for children in first and second grades.
2. Can I make donations to the synagogue online?
YES! Up at the top of every screen on our website is a link to "Donate Now." Simply click on that link and you'll see how you can make an easy, secure online donation to any one of our funds!
If, though, you prefer the "old school" style of donating, we can still help you!
1. Call the office (516) 367-6100, ext. 101 and Rosemary will help you. We accept MasterCard, Visa and Discover, but not American Express.
2. Send an email to info@templechaverim.org with your intentions.
3. Through your on-line banking service, you can send an e-check payable to Temple Chaverim, 1050 Washington Ave., Plainview NY 11803 and indicate in the memo section the fund you would like to support.
4. Send your check to the temple, with a note describing your donation's purpose. Address above.
5. Stop by and pick up a donation envelope -- or a few to keep handy!
3. Can I pay my synagogue bill online?
Not yet, but we're giving this some thought.
4. Do we have to be members to attend Shabbat services?
All members of the community are welcome to attend Shabbat services throughout the year at no charge, except when Shabbat falls on one of the High Holy Days. Members in good standing are entitled to High Holy Days tickets (as part of their membership) and non-members may purchase High Holy Days tickets for $600 per ticket (which covers all of the High Holy Days for a given year.)
5. Is only Kosher food served at the synagogue?
Temple Chaverim maintains an "inherently kosher" dietary policy. For more information about our dietary policies, please contact Sue Gold, our Executive Director at (516) 367-6100, ext. 108 or email Sue at
SueGold@templechaverim.org.
6. Is there a dress code for services?
Yes. While we are a relaxed and welcoming congregation, appropriate dress is requested. We ask that our congregants show respect for Shabbat and the synagogue by not wearing t-shirts, shorts, athletic shoes, jeans, or similar clothing to services.
7. My family just moved into a new home. We know we need to hang a mezuzah but aren’t sure where or how. Will someone from the congregation come to our home and help?
Welcome to the community! Affixing a mezuzah is often one of the very first things Jewish families do when they move into a new home and we'd be happy to help you with not only selecting one (from our beautiful Judaica shop) but with learning the blessing one recites when affixing it to your doorpost. Rabbi Hecht, Rabbi Bennet or Cantor Hyman would be happy to meet with you or speak with you about this ceremony. Just call (516) 367-6100, ext. 112 to speak with their Administrative Assistant, Caryn Suckle or send Caryn an email at caryn@templechaverim.org.
8. My family just moved into the community. We’d like to join a synagogue, but don’t know how to begin the process. Who should we call?
Welcome to the neighborhood!! Our Executive Director, Sue Gold, would be delighted to receive your call (she's at (516) 367-6100, ext. 108) or just stop by when you can. Sue loves the "pop-in" and will be glad to make a fresh cup of coffee or tea for you, too! And bring your kids, too, so we can show them around as well.
9. My parents belong to a synagogue and want to come to High Holy Days services at Temple Chaverim with us. Do they have to pay for tickets?
We love when families worship together for the High Holy Days! We participate in reciprocity with fellow Reform congregations, so if your parents are members in good standing of another Reform congregation, they are welcome to obtain tickets to Temple Chaverim's services by having their home congregation complete a Reciprocity Form and faxing it to us at (516) 692-0208, attention "Rosemary."
10. My spouse is not Jewish. Will he or she be able to participate in the activities at the synagogue?
Temple Chaverim is dedicated to welcoming families of mixed religious heritage who want to create Jewish households. Non-Jewish spouses are welcome to participate in most aspects of our worship experience and are particularly invited to participate in our "Introduction to Judaism" seminars, led by a member of our clergy. Non-Jewish spouses participate actively in their children's b'nei mitzvah services and are welcome on our bimah for these, and other, important life cycle moments.
11. Our son graduated college but is living at home. Is he part of our family membership?
As long as you are paying for a FAMILY membership (versus a Senior Couple Membership, for example) resident children up to the age of 30 remain part of your family's membership and are entitled to all of the rights and privileges of that membership category.
12. Where can I get information about the different committees here?
The following committees help to keep Temple Chaverim running smoothly and growing in new and meaningful ways:
Adult Education, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Committee, Fundraising Committee, Community Action, Membership Committee, Finance Committee, Religious Practices Committee, Gala Committee, Youth Committee, Communications Committee, Social Activities Committee, Religious School Committee, Sociable Seniors Committee, Long Range Planning Committee, House Committee, Men's Club, Sisterhood and Cemetery Committee.
13. Where can I get information about the various Jewish life cycle events? How to celebrate holidays at home?
The Union of Reform Judaism has a very informative website where you can find many answers to questions such as these. They can be found at
www.urj.org/life. You might also try
www.myjewishlearning.com which provide wonderful home-based learning, as well.
14. Will I get help finding a car pool for the Hebrew School?
The Religious School Administrative Assistant, Louise Sunshine, will gladly help you find a carpool that meets your needs. Just contact her at (516) 367-6100, ext. 128 or send her an email to
lsunshine@templechaverim.org.
