Congregation Kol Ami Celebrates Rabbi Shira Milgrom's Retirement after 37 Years of Service
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 1794
Shira Milgrom listens to the presentations with bitter-sweet tears.As one might imagine, coming up with a program to honor Rabbi Shira Milgrom for 37 years of bold leadership, love, and creativity at Congregation Kol Ami was daunting. According to the event co-chairs, Janet Hershey and Andrea Seiden, both long-time members of Kol Ami and residents of Scarsdale, "We knew to be successful, the program would have to include everything Shira holds near and dear– music, community, opportunity for learning – Jewish values, family, and women's issues." And that it did. On Sunday, June 4, nearly 300 members and guests of Congregation Kol Ami gathered to celebrate Shira's significant and lasting impact not only on her congregation and its members but also on the faith communities of White Plains and beyond, on American Judaism and, finally, on progressive Judaism as a whole. The co-chairs decided to use Shira's recently published book A Traveler's Guide to a Jewish Practice – an exploration of Purpose, Love, Healing, Wonder, Faithfulness, Response, and Joy to inform the stories, music, and overall program concept. The celebration was to thank Shira for helping the congregation embrace these tenets as essential touchstones on a path toward a life of purpose.
Elana Arian, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and recording artist, took center stage to lead prayers and songs. Elana's voice is beautiful, rich, and full of grace. Considered one of the greatest Jewish voices of our time, Elana sang soulful versions of songs such as Oseh Shalom, I Have a Voice, and Mi Chamoca while asking the audience to join her in Call and Response. Elana's mother, Merri Lovinger Arian, Professor of Practice in Liturgical Arts and Music Education for the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, stepped up on the stage with guitar in hand, harmonizing with her daughter, who played the guitar, violin, or piano. Together their voices soared. They lifted the congregation's spirits so high that the room nearly burst with joy and love. Neshama Carlebach, Reverend Noelle Damico, and Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller also performed, offering songs of gratitude.
Elana Arian, one of the greatest Jewish voices of our time.
Members of Congregation Kol Ami provided personal stories and commentary. Notably, Myrna Barzelatto, a rape crisis counselor, soulfully shared what her purpose is and how Judaism pushes her each day to live life to the fullest; Susan Davis, a private practice psychotherapist, tackled love and the vital role of grandparents; Kathleen M. Pike, a Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, candidly addressed healing; Cindy Muñiz an English teacher for over thirty years at a prestigious Manhattan Day School discussed the topic of Wonder with wit and keen perspectives; three generations of the Pollak family including Jean, 97 years of age, Georgia Pollak and daughter-in-law, Lauren Pollak, discussed Faithfulness; Rachael Arenstein shared her response to refugee resettlement initiatives here in Westchester; and Jen Josephs, a human-centered designer and marketing strategist, examined the physical and psychological benefits of keeping Shabbat. Finally, Rachel Eckhaus graced the audience with her virtuoso skills as a flutist and played Morceau de Concours for Flute and Piano by Gabriel Faure.
During the luncheon, a long-time member of Congregation Kol Ami, Ellen Umansky, Professor Emerita of Judaic Studies at Fairfield University, provided a scholarly perspective about Shira and her impact on Judaism. Finally, serving as Master of Ceremonies was Alex Hopkins, who seamlessly tied the program together and, at times, played the piano and other instruments.
Andrea said, "Alex adeptly made the audience laugh and knew when to pass out tissues to the many who were moved to tears." Janet said, "I will always be grateful to Shira for opening my eyes to Judaism and making my life sweet, more manageable, and meaningful in many ways."
Kathy Pike shared remarks on healing.Shira Milgrom partnered with Tom Wiener as equal senior rabbis to balance work with home life priorities. Such a collaboration, once considered revolutionary, was a source of personal joy for them and considerable strength for the Kol Ami community. Both Shira and Tom are retiring this summer. Rabbi Jason Fenster will become the next Senior Rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami, effective July 1, 2023.
Program speakers celebrate.
Co-Chairs Janet Hershey and Andrea Seiden with Shira Milgrom
Bowman Votes No on Budget Compromise in Congress
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 1903
Most of the folks we spoke to in Scarsdale were concerned about the deadlock in Congress over the raising of the debt ceiling. They feared that if the government could not agree on a bill to raise the debt ceiling and failed to meet their financial obligations it would cause a meltdown in our economy, deeply affecting our lives.
However, this view was not shared by all. In fact Congressman Jamaal Bowman, who represents Scarsdale in the House, saw it another way. He voted against the compromise deal, objecting to its ramifications for America’s neediest.
Here is a statement he issued on June 1, following the May 31, 2023 vote in the house to raise the debt ceiling:
“Tonight, after House Republicans held our economy and the American people hostage for months, Congressman Jamaal Bowman Ed.D. (NY-16) joined dozens of Democratic colleagues in voting against an austerity bill that maliciously weaponizes the debt limit.
Congressman Jamaal Bowman Ed.D. (NY-16) released the following statement in response:
“The ability of the United States government to meet its obligations should never be in doubt. But Republicans have tried to disillusion the American people by manufacturing a political crisis over the debt limit in order to circumvent the normal budget process and pursue their goals undemocratically. Americans deserve to know that throughout these negotiations, Republicans' only agenda was to slash programs for working families and vulnerable Americans, so they could continue to hand those dollars to rich donors. I appreciate that President Biden fought off their most extreme demands and won some important concessions. But this process was designed to rely primarily on Republican votes. Like many of my colleagues, I cannot in good conscience endorse a bill that unnecessarily pairs a debt limit increase with attacks on the poor and marginalized, and that threatens our shared future with more giveaways to the fossil fuel industry.”
“This harmful agreement revokes $28 billion in COVID-19 relief funds, wipes out over $20 billion for the IRS to ensure rich tax cheats can’t get away with robbing Americans, imposes cruel and racist work requirements on older adults who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and undermines national environmental law while jamming through the Mountain Valley Pipeline. It is anything but fiscally responsible: it effectively cuts a wide range of domestic programs that keep our economy strong, yet allows the military budget to continue to balloon and fails to make the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share. We should have never been here in the first place, but President Biden has numerous options for executive action to ensure that Republicans can never again hold our country hostage. I am saddened to see how these negotiations went, but my constituents and people across the country deserve to be able to put food on their tables.”
NYCLU Director Says Our Democracy is at Risk
- Details
- Written by Vivian Zweig
- Hits: 1424
Donna Lieberman of the NYCLUOn June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a piece of legislation that has made abortion a federal right in the United States for the past 50 years. Several states, such as Texas, Florida, and Alabama, have moved to restrict or ban abortion altogether, intensifying political divisions across the country.
The right to an abortion along with equal rights and civil liberties was the subject of the Scarsdale League of Women Voters Annual Spring Luncheon Program on May 5, when Donna Lieberman, the executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) was the key-note speaker.
At the League’s annual meeting, held prior to the lunch, Heedan Chung and Jessica Zellner were elected to serve as the League’s co-Presidents, following Alissa Baum who has reached the end of her term. In the audience were many community leaders including State Assemblymember Amy Paulin, State Senator Shelley Mayer, Ben Boykin from the County Board of Legislators, Village Trustees Sameer Ahuja and Karen Brew and many of the past presidents of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale. 
Jessica Zellner, Leah Dembitzer and Heedan Chung
Lieberman delivered an eloquent and powerful message about the state of democracy and equal rights from the perspective of the New York Civil Liberties Union whose mission is to defend and promote the fundamental principles and values detailed in the Bill of Rights, the US constitution, and the New York Constitution. As the executive director of the NYCLU, Lieberman has protected the right to counsel, reformed stop and frisk and solitary confinement, repealed the 50a secrecy law, and expanded abortion rights, among many other numerous accomplishments.
In her speech at the Annual Spring Luncheon, she identified threats to democracy, citing:
- Gerrymandering of Congressional districts and state districts
- Ethical questions about the conduct of Supreme Court justices
- Veto-proof majorities held by the Republicans in Mississippi and Wisconsin.
- The appointment rather than the election of judges in Mississippi.
- A disconnect between the will of the populace and the politics of their elected officials due to gerrymandering.
Post Dobbs, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has challenged abortion bans in several states and succeeded in six states, including Arizona, Iowa, Utah, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. The organization is continuing litigation in states such as Texas, where an abortion ban is in full effect, and Florida, where an abortion ban is pending resolution.
Dana Matsushita, Nancy Michaels and Erika RublinIn the upcoming 2024 election, Lieberman claims that abortion is expressly on the ballot and encourages New York citizens to get out and vote. She urges that “We need to strengthen the right of reproductive freedom here in New York, because New York needs to be a beacon… [and] an access state, [where] the right is protected for everybody. And not just in the abstract, but in reality.”
So far, New York has enhanced funding streams for abortion and confidentiality protections for abortion care insurance coverage, ensured that homeless and runaway youth can consent to healthcare on their own, and allows Medicaid to over abortion services. However, Lieberman identified several steps that the state can take to improve abortion protection, care, and access—enhancing Medicaid rates for medicinal abortions and other funding streams, giving young people who can give consent to an abortion the ability to do so, and above all, passing the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
Alissa Baum and Amy Paulin
According to Lieberman, “In November, 2024, New Yorkers will be able to demand the lasting protections of a constitutional amendment that would prohibit discrimination against groups who have been historically targeted, including those with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, people of color, immigrants, women, and pregnant people.” She urges that the codification of the ERA into our state constitution is essential because it’s incredibly difficult to modify and would establish New York as a state that respects the rights of women and minorities.
Throughout her speech, Lieberman instilled a sense of hope for the future while highlighting what can be improved through legislation and voting. She acknowledged that although it’s hard not to be scared and frustrated when confronted with the current political polarization, young people should be optimistic and tenacious in advocating for civil liberties and civil rights.
Janice Starr and Karen Brew
Anne Lyons
The Passing of Patricia “Pat” Colella
- Details
- Written by Kelly Hough Rogers
- Hits: 2162
Scarsdale mourns the passing of a cherished community member, Patricia “Pat” Colella. Colella spent her life serving others as an attorney for the Legal Aid Society and as a member of the Scarsdale Congregational Church. Reverend Dr. Kelly Hough Rogers shared a few words of remembrance with the community:
Dearest Friends,
I write to you with a heavy heart to let you know that our beloved Patricia “Pat” Colella passed into God’s loving presence on the morning of May 11, 2023. Pat just turned 60 years old on April 21st. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. Her whole life was about serving others. Pat grew up in Westport, CT with her parents and sisters. After college, she followed in her father’s footsteps and attended law school. Pat joined The Legal Aid Society in 1990, first as a summer intern from a law firm and then as a full-time staff attorney in September 1992. She spent her whole career helping the most vulnerable members of our society. In addition to practicing law, Pat was a tireless advocate for victims of Gun Violence. In the wake of the massacre at the Sandy Hook School in Newtown, CT, Pat and Bonnie Mitchell formed and Co-chaired the Interfaith Coalition Against Gun Violence. Together they brought this important advocacy work to Scarsdale Congregational Church. In addition to that, Pat was very active in Mom’s Demand Action for Gun Sense in America eventually rising to be the State Deputy Chapter Lead for Membership.
Many of you know that Pat first came to SCC because she’d seen in invitation to Bringing in Christmas and attended with her daughter Katie. We’re so glad she did, because she has been such an important member of this community. Pat will continue to serve as an inspiration to us all. If you did not get to see the amazing birthday tribute compiled by Pat’s sister Amy Claire – please take some time to watch it HERE. Through this tribute you can catch a glimpse of just how many people Pat impacted in her life.
Details about a service will be forthcoming. In the meantime, please take comfort in the powerful opening lines of Psalm 46 - “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Sending you all love,
Kelly
Former SMS Principal Michael McDermott Passes Away at Age 72
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 2938
Michael McGill with Michael McDermott in 2016Longtime principal of Scarsdale Middle School Michael T. McDermott passed away on April 28, 2023 at the age of 72. McDermott worked in the Scarsdale Schools for 29 years, spending 23 years as the Principal of Scarsdale Middle School. He retired in June 2016.
His obituary on Legacy.com says the following:
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael T. McDermott, following a long illness. He was a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, colleague, and friend. His loving wife, sister, and sister-in-law at his side.
Michael was born on September 28, 1950 to Elizabeth Culhane and Francis "Bill" McDermott in Williamsport, PA and was resident of Valley Cottage, Rockland County, NY at the time of his death. Upon the relocation of his family from Williamsport to Trumbull, CT, Mike graduated from the St. Ambrose School (K-9) in Bridgeport, CT and was a 1968 graduate of Trumbull High School.
Michael was Jesuit educated, graduating in 1972 from Georgetown University, earning B.A. degrees in English and Theology. He also completed graduate studies in South Asian Languages and Civilization at the University of Chicago until program funding was terminated. He then matriculated at Fairfield University and in 1979, earned an M.A. degree in counseling. In 1988, he earned a certificate in educational administration from Pace University.
He began his career as an educator at Notre Dame High School, West Haven, CT, where he taught Religious Studies, American Studies, and Psychology. He was later appointed Assistant Principal for Personnel at Notre Dame, which commenced his career in educational administration. In 1984, he accepted a position at Bishop Grimes High School, East Syracuse, NY, where he was appointed the first lay Principal of the school. It was there that he met Nadine, his devoted and loving wife, they were married on July 25, 1987. He then moved on and was appointed Principal of the St. Paul Catholic High School, Bristol, CT, where he established Academic Review and Discipline Review Boards. He served as Chairman of the Religious Studies Department there and was also a member of the Academic Review Board, a body that formulated policy for academic departments.
He retired in 2017 after a rewarding 29-year career with the Scarsdale Union Free School District, Scarsdale, NY, a place he loved and respected. In 1988, he was appointed Assistant Principal of Scarsdale High School, where he developed the Scarsdale Teacher Institute program for peer coaching, as well as the team-teaching approach to 9th, 10th and 11th grade skills program. After 6 years as the AP at Scarsdale High, Michael was appointed Scarsdale Middle School Principal in 1994, a position he held for the remaining 23 years of a successful administrative career. Michael was also very involved in policy making with the New York State Education Department, as well as the local and state administrators' unions.
Mike was a man of many talents and excelled in everything he set out to do. He was a self-taught and passionate chef, showing great skill in the kitchen, who was known for producing some amazing Italian meals, his favorite! He took great pride and enjoyment in cooking meals and hosting parties for his many friends and relatives. He also loved pop culture, reading and gardening, and was an avid golfer, as well as a wine connoisseur. Together with Nadine, they spent the last several winters at their Greenacres, FL, residence, and travelled over the years to several beautiful European and Caribbean countries, as well as several great American cities.
Mike is survived by his wife, Nadine C. Albanese-McDermott of Gloversville, NY with whom he spent 36 wonderful years of marriage. They were a loving, loyal and devoted couple - it was simply a match made in heaven. He is also survived by his older sister, Alice Chrystal of Weatogue, CT; and his younger brother, Patrick (Darlene) McDermott of Minnesota; a cousin, Mary Borthwick of New Hope, PA; brothers-in-law, Atty Michael M. Albanese(Kimberly) and William P. Albanese; sister-in-law, Nanette J. Albanese; nieces, Gabriella P. Morrey, Courtney and Kelsey McDermott; nephews Jordan Albanese (Alison) and Luke Albanese, as well as one grandniece, Kylie McDermott. He is preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth and Bill McDermott, as well as his nephew, Justin M. Albanese, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
In memory and honor of Michael, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087.
