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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 01 June 2023

Created: 01 June 2023

Last Updated: 09 August 2023

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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.”

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 07 June 2023

Created: 07 June 2023

Last Updated: 07 June 2023

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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

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Written by Kelly Hough Rogers

Published: 12 May 2023

Created: 12 May 2023

Last Updated: 15 May 2023

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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