Spicing up the shul bulletin

By Yaffi Spodek

Issue of May 15, 2009 / 21 Iyar 5769

It may not be on par with the Spanish-Portuguese synagogue, but the Young Israel of West Hempstead has been making a unique effort to infuse its membership with some Spanish culture.

Since Abraham Borenstein became president of the shul two years ago, the multilingual native of Colombia has included several Spanish words in the shul's weekly news bulletin.

"This has been his trademark for his term as president," said YIWH's executive director Sol Skolnick, explaining Borenstein's unconventional practice. "As far as I know, he is the first president to implement his background into the shul."

Each bulletin contains the "Spanish Word of the Week," which correlates to events going in the West Hempstead Jewish community. For example, during the week that coincided with Chol Hamoed Pesach, some of the featured words were Pascua (Passover), pan acimo (unleavened bread) and hierbas amargas (bitter herbs.)

"Depending on happenings in the shul or the community, he [Borenstein] determines the word of the week," said Skolnick.

One message that doesn't change from week to week, and rings true in any language, is the reminder found on the bottom of the bulletin: "silencio por favor during davening, gracias," no doubt echoed across any number of shuls throughout the Jewish community.