Getting to Know You: One Cup of Coffee at a Time
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Just in time for the holidays, Westchester Reform Temple has a new Assistant Rabbi who also has a degree in Jazz Vocal Performance.
Rabbi Alissa Platcow was ordained at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York, where she was a Tisch Fellow. During her rabbinic studies, Rabbi Platcow was a Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow at B'nai Jeshurun in Manhattan. She is a founder of the Reform Community Chevra Kaddisha of NYC, serving progressive and unaffiliated Jews throughout all five boroughs of New York City in some of their most vulnerable and profound moments. In 2024, Rabbi Platcow was named one of NY Jewish Week's 36 to Watch in recognition of her compelling and innovative leadership, including the founding of the Chevra Kaddisha. She has led services all over the world — from Poland to Vancouver, Belarus to California, New Jersey to Prague and all throughout New York and Israel.
Originally from Brookline, MA, Rabbi Platcow earned bachelor's degrees in Judaic Studies and Jazz Vocal Performance from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She holds a Certificate in Experiential Education from The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies where she immersed herself in the study of our tradition’s texts and then made them accessible for children, teens and young adults, as well as a Certificate of Clinical Pastoral Education from North Shore University Hospital where she provided compassionate and loving pastoral care to patients, families and staff.
In order to get to know her, we asked her a few questions and here is what we learned:
What led you to become a rabbi?
When I was six years old, I wrote a book. In the back of the book it read, "About the Author: Alissa is six years old. When she grows up, she wants to be a rabbi. Her favorite color is purple." The only thing that has changed is that I am no longer six years old. But, to be honest, I don't remember writing that or even wanting to be a rabbi. What I do remember is that when I walked into my synagogue growing up, I knew it was my home. I remember the beauty of the music, the striving for moral courage in leadership, the sense of deep spirituality.
I ended up going to college for Jazz Vocal Performance and I pursued that in New York City for a while, playing gigs throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. I loved it, but after a couple years, I knew that something was missing. It was time to renew the childhood dream, so I woke up one day, googled synagogues in New York City, cold-called and emailed about 40 rabbis and educators, and within a month, I was working at three synagogues.
Any mentors you credit with guiding you?
Rabbis Roly Matalon and Felicia Sol who mentored me and supervised me at B'nai Jeshurun on the Upper West Side provided me with support throughout my learning and taught me what it means to work in community at all times. Rabbi Melissa Buyer-Witman of Temple Israel of the City of New York was the rabbi who nurtured my curiosity in the rabbinate while I worked at the synagogue's religious school. She spent hours answering my questions about pastoral care and guiding me on my journey toward rabbinical school. Finally, Eugenia Edwards, the Director of Development at Temple Israel was my supervisor as the Development Associate at Temple Israel. She not only is the embodiment of kindness, but she taught me the back of house of a synagogue, and how to deeply understand the desires of synagogue members and bring them into reality.
How do you balance tradition and modernity?
I empower contemporary Jews and Jews who live in a modern world to have ownership over the 3000 years of tradition that rightfully belongs to them and from a place of knowledge help them to adapt it to their lives today.
How will you get to know the congregation?
I've started by going to as many WRT events as possible and having 100 cups of coffee in my first 100 days. So far, I have met and learned the stories and challenges of many wonderful members, and I'm quite caffeinated.
Are you contemplating teaching any classes or special sessions on any aspect of Judaism?
I am hoping to learn the interests of the congregation over the course of the next months and deepen their understanding of those pieces of Jewish life. I would also love to teach a class on reclaiming rituals. This would be an opportunity to dive into some of the rituals that are not as practiced or familiar in progressive Jewish spaces. With this kind of education, our members and those who support them would be able to own these pieces of our tradition which have the potential to add more meaning to their everyday lives and lifecycle moments.
How does today’s climate influence the way you will teach children about antisemitism?
In our polarized country and world, the first step is to gain a real education of the trials that we and others have faced. It is no secret that the Jewish people are a resilient people who care for one another -- and the other. We must foster both the resilience and pride, and the loving kindness for others that are so inherent in our faith. It is only then that we will be able to bring ourselves and our kids to show up for each other and to have meaningful conversations with those with whom we disagree.
Boykin Named President of NYS Association of Counties
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The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) has announced the Honorable Benjamin Boykin II as its new President. This appointment recognizes Boykin’s extensive experience and dedicated service in local government and finance. To commemorate this major accomplishment, Westchester County has released a video of Boykin discussing his vision and goals as the new President of NYSAC.
Boykin, a member of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, was re-elected in November 2023 to his sixth term representing District 5, which includes most of White Plains, all of Scarsdale and West Harrison. Boykin was elected Chairman of the Board of Legislators in January 2018 and January 2020. Under his leadership, the Board became the most diverse in Westchester County history, with an increased number of people of color and a female majority for the first time. His chairmanship was noted for the passage of groundbreaking legislation and the successful navigation of the County through the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most severe health crises in over a century. During this time, the Board also celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Boykin is a Phi Beta Kappa accounting graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received his MBA with honors from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University. With over 50 years of experience as a financial executive and 50 years as a CPA, Boykin’s professional background has significantly influenced his approach to governance and fiscal responsibility. As a 34-year resident of White Plains, his commitment to his community is both personal and professional.
Lemonade for SVAC
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Two Woodmere boys came to Scarsdale to support the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Matt and Daniel Aspis set up a lemonade stand at the Heathcote Road home of their grandparents Sharon and Harold Aspis on Labor Day weekend.
They sold $300 worth of lemonade, and their grandparents matched the proceeds with their gift of $300, to donate a total of $600 to the ambulance corps.
The boys, their Dad and David Raizen paid a visit to SVAC where they posed for the pictures shown here.
Meet Scarsdale's First Female Village Manager
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After Village Manager Robert Cole’s abrupt departure last September, a key position in Village Hall was left vacant. The Village Board hired a search firm and undertook a national search, but the process was lengthy. In the interim, Deputy Village Manager Alex Marshall stepped up and was later promoted to Acting Village Manager.
After the Board vetted and interviewed candidates from the search process, they ultimately concluded that the best candidate was right in the building.
So on September 10, 2024, Mayor Justin Arest announced the appointment of Marshall to the role of Village Manager, making her the Village’s first female manager and the youngest one in Scarsdale’s history.
Congratulating Marshall on her promotion, Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg said, “Alex, you are truly extraordinary. A year ago, you stepped up without hesitation to take on the role of Acting Village Manager, and throughout this year, you have managed the village with exceptional efficiency and effectiveness, all while continuing your responsibilities as Deputy Manager, which is a superhuman feat. You are caring, patient, and an excellent listener. You have a unique ability to ensure everyone feels heard, and even when delivering difficult news, you do so with kindness and respect, making people feel valued. You have earned the admiration of the village staff, who were delighted by the announcement. When faced with the unknown, you dive in with enthusiasm and a commitment to learning. You are humble, approachable, and we are fortunate to have you as our new Village Manager. I am excited to see all you will accomplish.”
To help our readers get to know Ms. Marshall, we asked her a few questions, and here is what she shared:
Tell us about yourself: How did you become interested in municipal government and what has been your career path?
I first became interested in government in early 2016 when I began an internship at the Village of Rye Brook. My original career plan was focused on museum science, and I enrolled in a Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at College of New Rochelle, concentrating in non-profit management. My role in Rye Brook was intended to be temporary while I focused on my graduate school studies. During that time, I came to enjoy learning about the inner workings of municipal government and making a positive difference at the local level. I decided to switch my MPA concentration to government. I was fortunate that my internship materialized into a full-time job opportunity, and I enjoyed working in Rye Brook for nearly six years under the leadership of Village Administrator Christopher Bradbury. I credit Chris for showing me how interesting the world of municipal management is, and I still look to him as a mentor and role model.
How long have you been working in Scarsdale and what were your initial responsibilities and then in your job as Acting Village Manager?
I began working in Scarsdale in November of 2021 as Deputy Village Manager. My primary responsibilities as deputy included preparation of the Village Board agenda, participating in the creation of the annual budget, and creating public communications. Throughout my time in Scarsdale, I have worked closely with our department heads. I worked closely with the Village Treasurer on the budget and budget presentations. I also spent a period of time filling the Personnel Administrator role until that position was filled in early 2023.
When I stepped into the role of Acting Manager in September 2023, I continued my responsibilities as Deputy Manager while also assuming the responsibilities of Village Manager which include overseeing 10 department heads and having responsibility for the operations of the village.
What is the job of the Village Manager? How many people report to you – and what are their roles?
The Village Manager serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Village, managing day to day operations. The Village is fortunate to have such capable department heads who manage their respective departments, but the Manager has oversight of all operations in the Village including public works, parks and recreation, land use, public safety, and more. The Village Manager reports to the Village Board and works closely with them to execute their priorities.
What do you enjoy about the job and what are you looking forward to in your new role?
As Village Manager, I’m excited to be involved in more ‘big picture’ projects. Over the next several months, I’m looking forward to leading discussions about the pool complex, joint field study with the school district, and Village-wide stormwater improvements.
What do you think are the major challenges facing the Village?
As with many communities in our region, aging infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges we face. Much of our infrastructure was built over 100 years ago. The Village has deferred maintenance on many of these items so now we are looking for ways to ensure we invest in our infrastructure while also being conscientious of budgetary implications. As we look towards the FY 2025-2026 Budget Cycle, I expect staff and the Village Board will have continued conversations about necessary long-term repairs and improvements as part of the capital budget.
What are your thoughts on the renovation of the pool project? Do you think it will move forward this year?
I am happy to share that we are making positive progress on the pool project. Earlier this year we brought on the architects at Lothrop & Associates to begin developing more detailed concept plans for the pool complex, and we are looking forward to a presentation to the board and public at a work session on October 29.
Some are calling for the redevelopment of the Freightway site. What do you think?
My primary focus for the Freightway garage is ensuring that any necessary repairs occur over the next few years to maintain the structural integrity and safety of the facility as a parking garage until a future decision is made by the Village Board and community as to what will be done with the site.
What funding sources are available to replace the Village’s aging infrastructure?
Our staff and consultants are constantly looking to other government agencies for grant opportunities. For example, we recently received a $1,156,326.75 FEMA grant for the replacement of the culverts on Catherine Road.
As Scarsdale’s first female, and perhaps youngest Village Manager, do you think you will bring a new perspective to the role?
It’s an honor to be able to serve as Scarsdale’s first female manager. I believe I bring compassion, inclusivity, and a collaborative spirit to the role. While a younger manager, I have spent my entire career in municipal government. I have fostered close relationships with many managers and department heads throughout the county who are great resources. I feel confident in continuing to serve in the role of Manager knowing that I have an excellent team of professionals that work with me. While I may not always give staff and residents the answers they are looking for, I believe it's important to be a good listener, keep an open mind, and treat everyone with respect. The Village has some big infrastructure challenges ahead, but we have capable and experienced staff as well as dedicated residents who volunteer their time and talents for the betterment of the Village, so I am confident we will find creative and thoughtful ways to tackle these challenges. I appreciate the board’s trust in me, and I look forward to continuing to serve the Scarsdale community.
Scarsdale Family Donates an Ambulance to Israel
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Shortly after the tragic events of October 7th, longtime Scarsdale resident, Dr Diana Hurwitz, felt the need to support Israelis and convey a commitment to their wellbeing. She is the daughter of a holocaust survivor and has always been keenly aware of antisemitism.
When she acknowledged the painful reality of the rise in antisemitism both around the country and on college campuses, she lobbied to organize the first Jewish Affinity Celebration for students graduating from her alma mater. She also researched and connected with Magen David Adom, an Israeli organization founded in 1930, and Israel's national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service.
After a discussion with her husband, Jack Miller, and their sons, Harrison and Benjamin, they mutually decided to gift an ambulance to MDA. 10 months later, after a strike at General Motors where the ambulance was made, the ambulance made a stop in Westchester so that the family and some friends could celebrate it and dedicate it to family lost in the Shoah before it traveled to Baltimore for transport via boat to Israel.
Photos by Jillian Nelson
