Rabbi’s Message

President’s Message

Dear congregants, families and friends. 

Due to recent events, the RTPV security team, along with the Temple Board, has been working to enhance our safety protocols.

Many are categorizing the fact that no one was killed or seriously injured in the attack on the Reform Temple outside of Detroit as a miracle. While miraculous, it was also the result of the synagogue taking security seriously and implementing proactive protective measures.

At this time, there are currently no specific, credible threats directed at Jewish institutions in our region. However,  the overall security environment remains heightened. Attacks such as this one can serve as inspiration for copycat actors who mobilize quickly and without warning. As a result, institutions should remain vigilant and reinforce core protective measures.

As part of our enhanced safety procedures, we are:

• working closely with the Putnam Sheriff’s office and have now gotten connected to the NY State Police for extra protection
• tightening our entry protocols to mandate:            

               RSVP for all events 

     Pre-registration…there will be no registration at the door. 

     No walk-ins allowed at this time

• Be prepared to show ID at the door. Even regular members may be asked, as some of the security team are new to the temple and do not know everyone

We are working hard not to make this an onerous procedure and to remain welcoming to the stranger. We believe that putting security first will allow everyone who visits RTPV to feel safe and comfortable in our building.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

L’Shalom

RTPV Safety & Security Committee

RSVPs are required, no walk-ins permitted. Please let us know you plan to attend by emailing rtpvinfo@gmail.com

There’s still time to join the Reform Temple of Putnam Valley for Yom Kippur!

Sunday, September 20, at 7:00 PM – Kol Nidre service, led by Rabbi Emerita Laurie Levy with accompanist vocalist, pianist, percussionist, composer and arranger Susan Pereira. Susan is based in New York City and leads the Brazilian jazz group Sabor Brasil, and the RTPV choir.

We are delighted to announce that two-time Tony Award winning violinist Lisa Gurkin will be playing on Kol Nidre, Sunday, Sept 20, beginning at 7:00 pm. Gurkin is a singer/songwriter and a member of the Klezmatics, two-time Grammy Award winners.

She played in Sting’s The Last Ship, had a cameo appearance in “Sex and the City,” and is a MacDowell Fellow at the MacDowell Colony.

We look forward to the addition of Lisa Gurkin to our Kol Nidre service. If you would like to join us for Kol Nidre on Sunday night, 9/20 or on Yom Kippur on Monday, 9/21, please email RTPVinfo@gmail.com.

Monday, September 21:
– 9:30 AM: Yom Kippur Morning Service.
– 3:30 PM: Afternoon Service, followed by Yizkor, Concluding Services, Blowing of the Shofar, and Havdalah.
– Break Fast sponsored by the RTPV Sisterhood will follow the services.

First-time unaffiliated guests are complimentary and there is no charge to enjoy the breaking of the fast with us.

Registration is required by emailing rtpvinfo@gmail.com or completing this form:

forms.gle/Pwajg8mQKCUxmCk88

September 2026 At a Glance

Registration for all of our events is required at rtpvsafety@gmail.com or if you are new to the temple, please complete this form: forms.gle/Pwajg8mQKCUxmCk88