Celebrate Yom Kippur at Beth Israel

HONESDALE, PA — Honesdale’s historic 169-year-old Congregation Beth Israel will celebrate Yom Kippur with services conducted by Rabbi Elliott Kleinman, beginning with the Kol Nidre service on Tuesday, September 18 at 8 p.m. and continuing on Wednesday, September 19 at 10 a.m.

Founded in 1849, the congregation met in homes until the synagogue was built in 1856 on land donated by the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, at 615 Court St. It is the oldest synagogue in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the second oldest synagogue housing its original congregation in North America.

In addition to High Holy Day serves, the congregation has regular Shabbat services each month. Beth Israel also has an active religious school for children that meets on Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m. More information about the schedule and the congregation can be found at congre gationbethisraelhonesdale.org.

Reservations are required. Call 570/253- 2222 or email bethisraelhonesdale@gmail.com to make reservations to attend services or to inquire about the religious school and membership.

FarmHearts helps local farms

REGION — Catskill Mountainkeeper has created a program called “FarmHearts” to support and protect small family farms, the backbone of life in the Catskills for generations and an essential driver for our region’s economy,. Their rich tradition is at risk of becoming just a fond memory as the agricultural market skews in favor of huge industrial farms. A Gofundme page has been started for the program; to contribute, visit https://www.gofundme.com/farm-hearts

FarmHearts provides emergency relief and economic assistance to help keep small farms viable and operating. Small-scale farmers in need of help can apply for funding through the Catskill Mountainkeeper website or by mail to receive grants ranging from $500 to $2,500. FarmHearts also offers information and referral for technical assistance, grants and other resources that support small farms.

An advisory committee made up of representatives from the farming sector, along with community groups including Catskill Mountainkeeper, Bethel Woods, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County and Sullivan Renaissance, guides the work and grant-making of FarmHearts.

Pike Library hosts “Fall into a Good Book” fundraiser

PORT JERVIS, NY — The Pike County Public Library will host its annual fundraiser, Fall Into a Good Book, on Saturday, September 22, at Foundry42, starting at 6:30 p.m. The event starts with music from Jazzilla and the Mostly Jazz Trio. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and some short presentations.

The event honors Dr. Henry Goldstein for his continuous support not only of the library but the entire community. Goldstein helped to create the Friends of the Library Book Sale Room in the new branch in Milford in memory of his late wife, Jane Goldstein, a past president of the Friends of the Library and associate member of the library board of directors. The Book Room is open during regular business hours and provides much needed funds for the library every day.  

Tickets cost $75 per person and cover live music, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. They can be purchased at either branch of the library or online at Eventbrite.com. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, contact the library via email, di rector@pcpl.org, or phone 570/296-8211. For more information visit www.pcpl.org.

Get a free child car seat

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — The Child Passenger Safety Grant for low-income families has been restored. These grants, are awarded by the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. To obtain a seat, the parent/guardian must make an appointment for a car-seat clinic; the next one will be held on Friday, September 28. They must bring proof of low-income status, such as valid Medicaid card, WIC ID, or SNAP card; the child; the car seat the child is currently using; and the vehicle the car seat will be installed in.

A New York State-certified technician will instruct the parent/guardian on the proper use and installation of the car seat specific to that child. To make an appointment call 845/292-5910, ext. 2271.