T E FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014
ADDER L PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER TO JUNE
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING AND VOTE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 10:30 AM JOIN US FOR THIS MOMENTOUS VOTE TO CONSIDER RABBI JONATHAN JAFFE AS SENIOR RABBI OF TEMPLE BETH EL DETAILS ON PAGE 8
Megillah Mia The ABBA Purim Spiel Saturday, March 15 DETAILS ABOUT DINNER AND PERFORMANCE ON THE BACK COVER
IN THIS ISSUE FEATURES
220 SOUTH BEDFORD ROAD CHAPPAQUA, NY 10514
WWW.BETHELNW.ORG 914.238.3928 T 914.238.4030 F BEGINNING YEARS 914.238.5735 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 914.238.5641 TEMPLE@BETHELNW.ORG
TEMPLE STAFF ALAN D. FUCHS Rabbi GEOFFREY MITELMAN Associate Rabbi MAURA H. LINZER Rabbi-Educator STAR A. TROMPETER Senior Cantor GENNIFER KELLY Executive Director RAYNA ALPERSTEIN Director, Beginning Years LISA P. DAVIS President
A Proud Member of the URJ
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PAGE
Activities 15 4 Adult Education 7 Beginning Years Birthdays 11 B’nei Mitzvah 10 5 Cantor Trompeter 15 Facility Rentals Gifts 12-14 11-14 Joys and Sorrows Rabbi Fuchs 3 Rabbi Linzer 6 6 Religious School 2 Shabbat Service Times 19 Temple Information Tikkun Olam 9 Yahrzeits 12-14
BACK COVER
Megillah Mia - The ABBA Purim Spiel
FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS DATE PAGE 7 7 7 7 9 11 14 17 28
Meditation with Ruth Rosenblum Kabbal-tot Shabbat First Friday Family Shabbat Dinner First Friday Family Shabbat Service Congregational Meeting & Vote Knitzvah Meeting Shir Shabbat Temple Closed Shabbat Service with Pastor Briggs
9 6 6 6 8 9 8 8
FEBRUARY 16 - 23
Religious School and Beginning Years Winter Recess - NO CLASSES
MARCH HIGHLIGHTS DATE PAGE 7 7 7 7 9 14 15 16 18 21 23 27 28 30
Meditation with Ruth Rosenblum 9 6 Kabbal-tot Shabbat First Friday Family Shabbat Dinner 6 First Friday Family Shabbat Service 6 4 The Changing Face of Judaism 8 Shir Shabbat Megillah Mia Dinner Theater BC 5 Purim Carnival 9 Knitzvah Meeting 8 Shabbat Service with Rabbi Aaron Panken 4 The Changing Face of Judaism 5 Women’s Seder Identity, Community, & Demography 4 4 Values, Politics, & Israel
WORSHIP SERVICES
FRIDAY
8:00 PM (except 1st Friday of each month)
SATURDAY
TORAH STUDY 8:30 AM MORNING AFTERNOON SERVICE* SERVICE* 5:00 PM 10:00 AM *When applicable
________________________ FEBRUARY 7 & MARCH 7 1ST FRIDAY FAMILY SHABBAT KABBAL-TOT SHABBAT 5:30 PM SHABBAT DINNER 6:15 PM SHABBAT WORSHIP SERVICE 7:15 PM FEBRUARY 14 & MARCH 14 SHIR SHABBAT “SHABBAT OF SONG” 8:00 PM FEBRUARY 28 SHABBAT SERVICE WITH PASTOR BRIGGS AND THANK SHELTER VOLUNTEERS 8:00 PM MARCH 21 SHABBAT SERVICE WITH RABBI AARON PANKEN 8:00 PM DETAILS ON PAGE 8
RABBI ALAN D. FUCHS Watching the Israeli-Palestinian “peace process” is like watching a Ping-Pong match that never ends. Each day, each moment, brings a different kind of serve, a different spin on the ball and a different server scoring a point.
right of the Palestinian to maintain a military, and the final borders of two states that will need to live side by side.
There are, of course, major differences. In the Middle East not only does the match never end, each game has no conclusion. Most important, it is not a game. Human lives are at stake. The future of Israel is always on the table. Arab and Palestinian aspirations always are part of the discussion.
There are other issues that would require resolution. Perhaps, just perhaps, this entire list is disingenuous. Might not the reality be much more simple and thus much more intractable and therefore much more tragic? Might it not be the case that the Arabs simply do not want Israel to exist in their midst and that the ultimate goal is its destruction no matter what negotiations take place, and might it not be the case that Israel does not want Arabs as part of a Jewish state and does not want a Palestinian state on its borders also no matter what negotiations take place?
Now it is John Kerry’s turn to attempt to bring about the miracle that has eluded dozens of negotiators and leaders of nations both in Europe and here in the United States. What is it about this conflict that will not yield to reason or to what apparently is in the best interest of both parties. Why will neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians get past even the most preliminary agenda? Why can they not even agree on a framework for future discussion? We hear all the time that a list of basic differences obstructs any real effort at finding a settlement that will lead to peace. Among those items are the final status of Jerusalem, Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, the right of return of Palestinians, the future of the settlements in the West Bank, the
If those positions are hidden behind all of the games that are being played but never finished, then tragedy indeed looms in the future. Let us hope that these latest attempts at finding an agreement between Israel and its neighbor can succeed and that the Ping-Pong match will end with both sides as winners.
REFLECTIONS ON THE NEWTOWN TRAGEDY Douglas Fuchs is the son of Rabbi Alan Fuchs. He was a first responder at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. He delivered the following speech at his synagogue in Southbury, CT, on the eve of the first anniversary of the Newtown tragedy: As the middle of December approached many wondered just how they would respond to the 14th this year. We all knew how we responded in 2012, when the reality was an impossibility and the comprehension unfathomable. I have spent a portion of my last year lecturing. Whether it was to tell law enforcement around the country our story in an effort to impart many lessons learned or testifying for changes that would just maybe someday keep this from happening again. But with rare exception I limited my comments to the “what and the how.” I discussed the facts and the circumstances. I never talked much about what it really did to those whose job it was – it is – to – each and every day – shield society both physically and emotionally from what most just should not experience. If I did – what would I say? This week
while reading the News Times I found some of my words through the eyes of Rachel Basch. I’d like to read (or I’m going to try...) some of her thoughts which I think are many of ours. Rachel’s words: There were those in the school. And those who ran into the school. There were those who sat in the first pews and shouldered the caskets and stood at the edges of the graves. There were those who buried parts of themselves. And then there were the rest. During the first few weeks after Dec. 14, 2012, there was no individuation among the rest of us here in town. There was no need to ask what any one of us was thinking or feeling. Occasionally, some of us expressed the pain as anger, but mostly we knew it for what it was, fathomless sorrow. And without discussion, we understood that it would take every one of us to bear the weight of all that had been lost. Given the magnitude of the rearrangement of reality, it felt ludicrous to do anything as normal as buy milk or mail bills. But it felt even worse to remain in our separate houses, the collective body splintered and scattered. (Continued on Page 4)
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ADULT EDUCATION (Rabbi Fuchs, continued)
At the supermarket or the post office our eyes would meet. We’d nod, we’d wipe our cheeks, we’d hold one another — friends, strangers, acquaintances — there was no distinction. Wherever we went there was a great deal of sighing, as if there were not enough air in this world to choke down the truth of what had happened here. The rest of us, the mourners as opposed to the bereaved, put one foot in front of the other. We pushed the hands around the clock and we flipped the days on the calendar. Time needed to continue, and the rest of us were responsible for seeing that it did. In order to believe what had previously been unbelievable, to incorporate it into the new map of home, we needed to tell about it again and again...There seemed to be an imperative to tell the emotional truth, an urgent need to make ourselves known to one another. Possibly, the way in which the world responded to the suffering here assured us that our individual pain might be received with compassion. The great piles of snowflakes and cards, teddy bears and bells, the global embrace in the wake of the bullets, was proof of our connectedness. As I continue to speak around the country I am always asked the question to which, heretofore, I haven’t ever found just the right answer, “How are you guys doing – and what can we do.” And while I could easily answer that in a number of ways... We’re healing or this is our new normal (which has been the favorite response) ...Rachel Basch has phrased it perfectly now for me – it is our Reality [now] Rearranged. And as for the “what can I do” question... My answer has been steadfast throughout – Don’t stand on the sidelines as this cannot be the new paradigm which our society recognizes. Acts of kindness should not be something you do – but who you are. I have been a police officer now for 26 years. I can honestly say that there is not much that I haven’t seen or heard in that amount of time. All of us in emergency services find a place within us, not easily accessible, to store those events and experiences that are part of our world and hopefully not a part of yours. None of us have quite yet figured out where this one is going. My Rachel posted something on Facebook the day after, which I have shared virtually everywhere I have gone – in training, in conferences – even had the President read it. Amazingly enough, what she said on the 15th is exactly what most of us concluded so many months later – Her words: SHS – we called it our home at one point. It was safe. I wish I could get back to this more than anything.
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SUNDAY MORNINGS MINI-COURSES WITH OUR CLERGY THE CHANGING FACE OF JUDAISM MARCH 9 at 10:00 AM ARE AMERICAN VALUES AND JEWISH VALUES IN CONFLICT? Led by Rabbi Geoffrey Mitelman
The American story is a story of “rights” – we fight for the Bill of Rights, civil rights, and human rights. But the Jewish story is a story of “responsibility” – how do we treat others? Whom are we obligated to? So what happens when these two stories conflict? How do we reconcile our “American-ness” and our “Jewish-ness”?
MARCH 23 at 10:00 AM ARE AMERICAN JEWS IN DANGER OF DISAPPEARING? Led by Rabbi Alan Fuchs
Although we are the most successful Jewish community in history, many studies predict that we cannot survive the process of Americanization. What is our future? Will our children feel that being an active and committed Jew is important and will our grandchildren even be Jewish? What will be the American Jewish story in the next century?
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE WEEKEND WITH PROFESSOR STEVEN M. COHEN
FRIDAY, MARCH 28 at 8:00 PM IDENTITY, COMMUNITY, & DEMOGRAPHY SUNDAY, MARCH 30 at 10:00 AM VALUES, POLITICS & ISRAEL The recent Pew study has raised many questions about Jewish identity in America. Are Jews less connected with their religion? With Israel? How is demography impacting the Jewish world? What does the changing face of Judaism mean for the future of the Jewish community – and what do we do about it? Scholar-in-Residence Steven M. Cohen has been grappling with these questions for years. Professor Cohen is a sociologist of American Jewry, and is Research Professor of Jewish Social Policy at the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion. He was a consultant for the recent Pew study. Please join us on Friday, March 28 and Sunday, March 30, where he will share his expertise on the changing face of Judaism.
CANTOR STAR A. TROMPETER CANTOR’S CORNER:
“Take a Chance” on the Temple Beth El Purim Spiel! It probably comes as no surprise to the Temple Beth El Ladder readers that Purim is one of my favorite Jewish holidays. After all, it includes everything a cantor could ever dream of: the opportunity to show off one’s knowledge of the esoteric cantillation system known as Megillat Esther, the chance to dress up in flashy (yet tasteful) costumes, and perhaps most important, the pleasure of gathering a diverse group of congregants and clergy together to perform a Purim spiel. Well, this year my excitement for Purim is at an all-time high as I combine two of my loves – the music of ABBA with the story of Esther – creating a musically entertaining masterpiece! On Saturday, March 15 at 6:30 PM, Temple Beth El congregants of all ages will be performing a semi-staged, concert-style dinner theater production of “Megillah Mia: The ABBA Spiel,” complete with ‘70’s disco costumes. And I need you! The clergy, lay leadership, and congregants have been hard at work this year creating and supporting innovative services, programs, and events. I love thinking outside of the box, and I encourage all of you to do the same. You don’t need to be a great or even good singer to participate in the spiel! You just need to have a great attitude and be willing to wear your coolest bell-bottoms! We will have five Sunday rehearsals on 2/2, 2/9, 2/23, 3/2, and 3/9 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Please consider participating in this hip blast from the past. Or please come and scope out your family and friends while eating fabulous Greek food. If you’re more of a behindthe-scenes person and want to help with props, that would be groovy too! You must be a little curious how Esther, Haman, Mordecai and the gang make their way into the original Mamma Mia! soundtrack. Well, I don’t believe in spoilers, so I’ll just leave you with this: I Have a Dream that if you come and Take a Chance on this spiel (whether as a participant or spectator), which guides you on the journey of the Dancing Queen Esther’s quest for love, by the end of the show, you and your friends will be saying, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! more. Looking forward to seeing you “cool cats” soon!
Megillah Mia
The ABBA Purim Spiel SATURDAY, MARCH 15 6:30 PM DINNER THEATER DETAILS ON THE BACK COVER
Celebrate purim!
SUNDAY, MARCH 16 9:00 AM FAMILY MEGILLAH READING & SONGS Bring musical instruments!
9:30 AM PURIM CARNIVAL Hosted by our Beth El Senior Temple Youth Group (BESTY). Bring the whole family and enjoy in the festive celebration of Purim!
SARAH’S CIRCLE/SISTERHOOD THE WOMEN’S SEDER THURSDAY, MARCH 27 at 6:30 PM Experience a fascinating and heartwarming version of one of our richest tradition, with a woman’s touch. Led by Cantor Star Trompeter & Rabbi Maura Linzer. *Evite coming soon!*
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MAURA H. LINZER, RABBI-EDUCATOR/RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Shmiat HaOzen – Being a Good Listener This month’s Jewish value, Shmiat HaOzen, literally “a listening of the ear” is understood to mean being a good listener. According to Susan Freeman, the author of Teaching Jewish Virtues, listening is to be understood as more than the act of physiological hearing. She teaches that “listening is mental, physical and social.” Freeman believes that one fulfills the value of Shmiat HaOzen when one does one or more of the following: listens with understanding, processes, evaluates, gives consideration, heeds, obeys, accepts, and is willing. In Jewish tradition, God might be understood as the ultimate exemplar of listening. God is known as a compassionate listener, who hears the prayers of everyone—regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, or sexual preference. Our tradition also teaches that God is aware that our ability to truly listen differs at various points in our lives and in different situations and responds accordingly. Jewish tradition also teaches that “Happy is the generation whose great [leaders] listen to the
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
FEBRUARY 2 3rd Grade Family Education Day 3 NO SCHOOL 5th & 6th Grade – Teacher Training 7 Family Shabbat Service with 4th Grade Participation, with Siddur Celebration 16-21 SCHOOL CLOSED/Mid-Winter Recess MARCH 1-3 7 16 23 25 30
Confirmation Class Trip to Washington, DC Family Shabbat Service with 5th Grade Participation, in celebration of Israel Purim Carnival – NO SCHOOL Special Visiting Author, Betty Perlov NO SCHOOL – Teacher Training 5th Grade Family Education
small, for then it follows obviously that in such a generation, the small will listen to the great.” Looking at the model of God as the ultimate listener, alongside the latter rabbinic text, provides powerful insight on how we as parents might uphold the value of Shmiat HaOzen for our children. From God’s example, we learn the importance of listening with compassion to all of our children, regardless of age and experience—for each of our children can teach us something. This means listening to the same story that you might have heard before or putting aside an electronic device to truly focus on the words of our children. Compassionate listening means realizing that something that may seem insignificant in the “adult world,” might be earth shattering to a teen and therefore deserves our utmost care and compassion. Like God, we also need to realize that our children at different points in time have different capacities to listen to us and to engage in meaningful conversation. Being understanding of our children’s limitations can lead to more effective communication between parent and child and vice versa. Finally, the latter rabbinic text, teaches us that we have to model genuine listening for our children, if we might hope that they will do the same for us in return. During this month, may we embrace true listening with the hope of improving communication with our children and instilling in them the value of Shmiat HaOzen.
FIRST FRIDAY FAMILY SERVICES Families with young children are welcome at all times. Some may find that our regular service may be too formal, and therefore will find these family dinners and services particularly accessible. The Family Shabbat Service is a little different: the service is shorter, has a story, no sermon, lots of singing and includes our monthly Birthday Blessings.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
5:45 PM 6:15 PM 7:15 PM
See our website for the complete Religious School calendar.
BESTY EVENTS (9th – 12th Graders) FEBRUARY 9 The Great BESTY Bounce - at Bounce in Rockland 24 BESTY Meeting - Youth Lounge
Questions? Contact Joni at bestyadvisor@gmail.com
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Kabbal-tot Shabbat Family Shabbat Dinner Family Service— Led by our 4th Graders, with Siddur Celebration
FRIDAY, MARCH 7 5:45 PM 6:15 PM 7:15 PM
Kabbal-tot Shabbat Celebrate Israel! Family Shabbat Dinner Family Shabbat Service— Led by our 5th Graders, in celebration of Israel
RSVP for dinner on our website: www.bethelnw.org
RAYNA ALPERSTEIN, DIRECTOR BEGINNING YEARS ECC Remote Controlled Childhood During my trip to Cuba over winter recess I learned that it is actually pleasant to spend time unconnected electronically. Cuba has very poor internet access and my iPad and iPhone did not work. I could still take photos and read my Kindle app though!
So I began to think about the children at Beginning Years and how much they know about electronic devices. We, the faculty and I, made a conscious decision not to have electronics in the classrooms accessible to children. When a question occurs that we cannot answer, we will turn to our personal devices to look up answers, photos on the internet and share them. When a child is absent we might make a video and e-mail it to that child. Note that both of these actions require a lot of speaking on the part of the children. What is important about this speaking is that we
FEBRUARY BY HIGHLIGHTS
MARCH BY HIGHLIGHTS
3, 10, 24 Enrichment - Legos
5, 12 Music w/Miss Pam
4, 11, 25 Enrichment: Music w/ Kenny Green
6, 13, 20, 27 Enrichment - Super Soccer Stars
5, 12 Music w/Miss Pam
7 Tot Shabbat 5:45
5, 12, 26 Enrichment - Cooking
14, 21, 28 Enrichment - Mad Science
6, 13, 27 Enrichment - Super Soccer Stars
18, 25 Enrichment: Music w/ Kenny Green
7, 14, 28 Enrichment - Mad Science
19, 26 Enrichment - Cooking
7 Tot Shabbat 5:45
26 Storyteller w/Miss Paulene
10 BY Special Person’s Day
31 Enrichment - Legos
17 Purim Party
know from educational research that children who come from a language rich family do better in school, do better socially, and ultimately are more successful in life. Families and cultures have a different way of speaking with their children; one is not better than other. Shirley Brice Heath, a renowned linguistics scholar, has found that children who live with adults who provide a “running commentary” on what is happening do better in school. It goes something like this…(changing the baby’s diaper) “Oh what a stinky, let’s take off the diaper. Mommy (Daddy, Grandma, Nanny, etc.) is going to clean you up so you are comfortable.” Then there is some tickling of tummy, nonsense syllables until the baby responds and then the adults respond in turn. As the child gets older the conversation might go something like this: “We’re hungry, we need to have some breakfast. I’m getting the pot out to make some scrambled eggs. First I take the eggs and break them in the bowl…” You get the idea. More and more I see families together not speaking or even looking at one another. Instead they are all engaged in their personal devices. We are alone in the group. The result of this use of electronics is that our children’s vocabulary is deficient, they are unable to engage in reciprocal turn taking when speaking. More and more children flit from activity to activity rarely engaging for long periods of time, and thus unable to solve problems that require lots of trial and error. Statistically the time a parent and child engage in actual conversation is decreasing at a rapid rate. This does not bode well for school success. However, all is not doom and gloom – I offer each parent some magic words: “In this family……..” • We don’t watch television all night long • At dinner, we talk to each other about our day and what we did • No, we do not watch R rated movies These magic words work because we humans need to belong and “in this family” makes the child feel a part. So turn off the electronics, don’t use the Bluetooth in the car, talk with your child. If you have older children, volunteer to carpool and listen to their conversations – you will learn a great deal.
BEGINNING YEARS
PARENT COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS Alonna Travin Leah Alani
917.763.9515 LeahAlani@yahoo.com
914.238.1091 Alonna.Travin@gmail.com
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SERVICES & MEETINGS SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING AND VOTE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM
Informal Coffee with Rabbi Jaffe Congregational Learning with Rabbi Jaffe Special Congregational Meeting and Vote Congregational Brunch with Rabbi Jaffe and the Temple Beth El clergy team
As announced on December 27, the Temple Beth El Rabbinic Search Committee and Board of Trustees each voted unanimously to recommend Rabbi Jonathan (Yoni) Jaffe as our next Senior Rabbi, subject to a vote of the congregation. The Board of Trustees therefore has called for a special congregational meeting for the purpose of considering this recommendation and holding a vote. Rabbi Jaffe truly energized the Committee and the Board, and we are confident you will agree that he brings the right combination of intellect, rabbinic talents, and personal engagement. In concert with our current leadership team, Rabbi Jaffe is prepared to lead our congregation forward and inspire the next generation of Temple Beth El. If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment to read about Rabbi Jaffe’s background on the Congregation Emanu-El website (www.emanuelsf.org) and access some of his sermons, teachings, and writings. This is an extraordinary moment in the proud history of our congregation. We are excited to introduce Rabbi Jaffe to the congregation and, with your approval, to embark upon what promises to be a wonderful partnership. We hope you will join us on February 9 to meet Rabbi Jaffe and participate in this momentous congregational vote.
MEET & GREET RABBI JAFFE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 at 7:00 PM CRABTREE’S KITTLE HOUSE 11 Kittle Road in Chappaqua The Men’s Club invites you to Crabtree’s Kittle House to spend some social time with our soonto-be-new Rabbi, Jonathan (Yoni) and his wife, Yael.
SHIR SHABBAT - SHABBAT OF SONG FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 & MARCH 14 8:00 PM This innovative Shabbat service will be filled with more music than ever before! Various instrumentalists will be featured in the service, and you, our congregants of all ages, will have a role as well. You won’t want to miss this exciting service filled with song!
Questions? Contact Jim Wein 914.217.7958
SHABBAT WORSHIP SERVICE WITH PASTOR PAUL S. BRIGGS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 8:00 PM Reverend Dr. Paul S. Briggs is the Pastor of Anitoch Baptist Church in Bedford Hills. This service will also be thanking our Emergency Shelter volunteers.
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SHABBAT SERVICE WITH GUEST SPEAKER RABBI AARON PANKEN FRIDAY, MARCH 21 8:00 PM As Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute President, Rabbi Panken serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the four-campus international university and seminary for Reform Judaism.
TIKKUN OLAM & MEETINGS
SAVE THE DATE! SUNDAY, MAY 4 Mark your calendar now, and make plans to join in on Temple Beth El’s annual Mitzvah Day on Sunday, May 4. As always, families will gather at the Temple for a breakfast and a fundraising walk, after which we will work together on any of a variety of mitzvah projects. We will reconvene at the Temple at 1:00 for the always-popular closing barbeque. There will be activities for all ages, including the annual car wash, cooking at Neighbor’s Link, a well as activities at the Food Bank of Westchester, Gedney Park, the Cottage School, and Neighbor’s Link. We are also planning some new activities this year. Do you know of an organization that could use our help? Are you interested in helping organize an activity? If so, please get in touch with Rabbi Mitelman or one of the Mitzvah Day co-chairs, Noah Sorkin (NoahDSorkin@gmail.com), Tracy Stein (tastein1@gmail.com), or Ellen Wlody (erwlody@gmail.com).
KNITZVAH CORPS Join the Knitzvah group on Tuesday, February 18 and March 18 at 7:30 pm. We meet on the third Tuesday of every month, and are currently knitting and crocheting simple blanket squares. No experience is necessary, and all ages are welcome. If you’re a beginner, we’ll help you get started and teach you some simple stitches. More experienced knitters can choose to work on a more complex pattern. We will even provide kits for your 7-inch by 9-inch square, complete with yarn, needles or crochet hook, and pattern. The squares will be sewn together to make blankets to donate to the Warm Up America program. To learn more about them, go to www.craftyyarncouncil.com/patterns.html. We hope to see you, but if you can’t join us and want to work on a square, we’ll arrange to get the supplies to you. Questions? Contact Hillary Kent at hilaryk13@gmail.com
MAH JONGG
EVERY WEDNESDAY at 9:30 AM All are welcome! Come to gab, play, or just relax with a cup of coffee! Join the ladies of TBE at mah jongg! Don’t be shy! Questions? Contact Myra Borchard at mborchard@optonline.net.
MAH JONGG FOR BEGINNERS We will be starting a beginners daytime class in early December. If you are interested in learning, please e-mail Myra Borchard at mborchard@optonline.net for details.
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JEWISH MINDFULNESS MEDITATION EVERY FRIDAY 9:30 AM
Please join us for a morning of wonderful, relaxing, and spiritual reflection. Ruth Rosenblum leads our mediation on 2/7 and 3/7. Wear comfortable clothes.
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B’NEI MITZVAH Appears in Print Only
JOYS AND SORROWS
!gny zcled mei
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS!
Joe Abitanta Danielle Abrams Sydney Acard Henry Asa Charlotte Asch Alex Berkowitz Jack Bluestine Ellie Blumstein Max Brickman Jonathan Brodsky Jessica Cooper Zachary David Tobias Dorfman Jake Friedman Abigail Glassman Rex Glickman Hayden Goldstein Joshua Goodman Michael Greenberg Melanie Greenwald Grace Herman Tyler Herman Landon Highbloom Alexander Hufferdine Jillian Impastato Jacob Klein Samantha Klein Everett Klotz Elizabeth Knox Marin Laden Carly Lerman
Molly Lesser Joshua Lieberman Julia Lubarsky Stephen Make Michela Masotti Jason Meshberg Matthew Neuberger Aaron Notis Joseph Notis Ben Ornstein Rachel Ornstein Zachary Paley Delilah Pfeffer Josephine Rappaport Brody Rinzler River Rosen Dylan Rothstein Jack Saletan Naomi Shapiro Bertha Shipper Micaela Silver Natalie Simpson Tali Soloway Reagan Sommers Jacob Stanton Emily Sussman Zoe Turchin Aileen Walker Joshua Wallen Jack Weinberg Mitchell Wilson
!aeh lfn
CONGRATULATIONS TO Jaclyn Trustman on her engagement to Adam Dubray
MARCH BIRTHDAYS!
Jeremy Block Dylan Braun Samantha Burack Jacob Cronin Ari Dayan Hannah Deutsch Pamela Divack Emma Feig Joshua Friedman Isabel Garcia-Lavyne Benjamin Goldenberg Joshua Gordon Aidan Guida Noah Hellman Rachel Hellman Aaron Hubschman Morgan Imberman Abigail Johns Emma Kassel Gaia Kelly Danielle Klausner Jonathan Kratz Michael Kratz Allison Lasky Morgan Leason Annabelle Lesser Jake Levy Noah Marlow
Alexander Masotti Theo Meyer Tyler Munowitz Stephanie Novick Emily Parish Samuel Pfeffer Jillian Potashner Ryan Raicht Matthew Reynolds Marissa Rifkin Gabriel Romero Elijah Rosenblum Willa Rosenblum Rachel Sanders Alex Scheine Jack Shapiro Alexandra Shaplen Scott Silver Benjamin Stern Catherine Tishelman-Charny Benjamin Troob Jonah Wein Kaitlyn Weinstein Arielle Wilson Emily Woolf Rachel Woolf Tessa Zucker
Exciting Junior Youth Group News On November 3rd, 16 3rd and 4th graders went to the Westchester Mall to create Build-A-Bears. The children created these bears, not for themselves but for a child in need. All 16 bears were donated to Toys for Tots. The children enjoyed a great day of g’milut chasadim (acts of loving kindness). We can’t wait to do this activity again next year!
Toba Straus on her engagement to Stephen Schaller
dax dcez
OUR SPECIAL THANKS TO THOSE SPONSORING ONEGS Marla & Bradford Brickman Audrey & Rob Cronin Sharmelle & David Highbloom Stacey & Gary Munowitz
Upcoming Youth Group Events March 23 Cupcake Wars for 4th - 6th graders March 30 Movie Night for 6th - 8th graders
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JOYS AND SORROWS RECENT GIFTS
(NOVEMBER 15, 2013 - JANUARY 2, 2014) Beginning Years Early Childhood Center Fund Donna & Dodd Farber in memory of Murray Farber Stephen & Linda Ochser in memory of Shirley Dobkin and Maxwell Ochser Stephen & Linda Ochser in memory of Jay Ochser Barbara Pollack Mitzvah Day Fund Bruce, Jodi & Noah Falbaum in honor of the birth of Caroline Shoshana Mitelman Betty & Jack Bader Adult Education Fund James Albanese in honor of my conversion Judy Gusman in honor of Gloria Meisel’s Birthday Mark & Paula Sultan in honor of Gloria Meisel Beverly & Peter Wayne in memory of Bea Make Cantor’s Discretionary Fund Rabbi Dr. Norman & Mrs. Terry Cohen Aileen Gluck in honor of Cantor Trompeter Joel Nowak & Wendy Lebowitz in honor of Cantor Trompeter’s Installation David & Deenie Ruzow in honor of Cantor Trompeter’s Installation Richard & Gloria Raskin in memory of Sally Ehrlich Capital Campaign Tributes Brenda Solomon in memory of Beatrice Make Caring Community Fund Jeffrey & Barbara Becker in memory of Ray Glickman Maxine & Jonathan Ferencz in memory of Sarah Claymore Aileen Gluck in honor of Wendy Haber Aileen Gluck in honor of Rabbi Mitelman Aileen Gluck in honor of the Caring Community Committee members Ernest & Marjorie Grunebaum in honor of the Caring Community Committee Perry & Sandra Levine in memory of Carl Flichtenfeld Perry & Sandra Levine in memory of Mildred Frisch Ann Meiselman in honor of Caroline Mitelman Ann Meiselman in honor of Marge Grunebaum Ann Meiselman in honor of Cantor Trompeter Ann Meiselman in honor of Rabbi Linzer Ann Meiselman in honor of Rabbi Fuchs Ann Meiselman in memory of Jerald Berman Charles & Eve Poret in memory of Esther Jacobs Ethel Rosedale in memory of Elaine Talbot Allan & Nancy Rothman in memory of Sarah Rothman Chai Funds Dovia Lerrick in memory of Philip Ginness Adrienne & Jerome Shiloff in memory of Bertha Schwartz Ellis & Rae Zimmer Fund For Children In Need Stewart & Susan Alpert Lawrence & Bonnie Kivel Richard & Liselotte Laster in memory of Belle Adler Barbara and Joel Papernik
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YAHRZEITS FEBRUARY 1 Jack Avrech Joseph H. Fuld Harriet Goldstein Milton Kaplan Hattie Rittenberg Herbert Ross FEBRUARY 2-8 Hazel Ackman Nancy Bader Ruth Baker Miriam Blechner Saul Braslow Marilyn Bunshaft Herman Fichtenbaum Morris Finkel Melville Geller Elias Gimelfarbas Stuart Gold Donald Greenberg Gloria Kalina Edward Kleinbaum Lena Lefkowitz Samuel Leibovitz Cary Lowen Lucille Meisel Benjamin Miller Samuel J. Resnick Isidore Rosen Jerome Rothman Jerome Ruzow Jacob L. Schwartz Howard Seigel Robert Sitver Lillian Slive Janet Wallack FEBRUARY 9-15 David Altman Sarah Bloom Rachel Brenner Anna Bunshaft Irving Fierstein Anna Figowsky Joel Friedman Jeanne Gelber Helen Gleiberman Steven Goldberg Michael Joseph Goldberg Samuel Goldstein
George Green Irene Grossman Lydia Hertling Albert Huber Harry Kessler Abraham Lees Dustin Levine Mary Lichtenstein Max Mittman Phyllis Nadel Samuel Nelson Anthony Ottavio Morris Robin Rose Rogan Marvin Rose Sara Schwartz Muriel Seiler Burton Siedman Reba R. Simon Louis Small Harry Sokel Israel Streger Blanche Tilzer Harry Weinberg FEBRUARY 16-22 Gertrude Adelsberg Betty Bader Mary G. Barnet Jack Barnett Jean Blackman Bernard Borchard Renee Buxbaum Thelma Felcher Lillian Flichtenfeld Vivian Goldreich Doris Held Tobias G. Jasper Sonia Kivel Lee Kreindler I. Willard Norkin Isaac Oronsky Amy Resnick Sidney S. Resnick Betty Richman Louis J. Robbins Theodore Ruzow Frances Saltzman Elmer H. Schwarz Jakob Weinblum Irving Whitman Mark Wolff
JOYS & SORROWS YAHRZEITS FEBRUARY 23-28 Beatrice Futterman David Futterman Nataline Gruenfeld Nasha Hamlet Richard Leavitt Selma Leff Ethel Meirowitz Florence Meyers Ethel Paiewonsky Bella Pismeni Sandra Portnoy Mollie Rosedale Lenore Rosin Dora Shapiro Bella S. Siegel Elsie Smallin Madeleine Wallach Evelyn Weiner Ann Wosnitzer MARCH 1 Elaine Abrams Nehemiah Frances Bloom Henry Frankel Esther Gluberman Bertha Tilzer Greene Gabriele Grunebaum MARCH 2-8 Louis Armand Andre Robert Berman Dolly Brickman Robert Cohen Irving Dimson Jonah Dreskin Ruth Eaton Lottie Gordon Ralph Kemler Linda Kimelman Benjamin Knie Ruth Lasser Eleanor Levin Anna Levine Selma Lipman Alfred J. Marrow Ruth Florence Mattson Morton Pechman Sylvia Pollak Greta Rosenblum Saundre Rosenfeld
RECENT GIFTS (CONTINUED) Benton Rothbard Nathan Safferstein Max Siegel Abraham Vielie Albert Wagner Daniel Wolchok Sarah Bloom Wortman MARCH 9-15 Harold Altman Richard Berman Herbert Bernstein Bertha Breslau Harrison Samuel Chernofsky Harry I. Davis William Freundlich Helen H. Fuchs Judy Greenberg Helen Horowitz David Jacobson Priscilla K. Janis Barbara Johnson Abraham Juster Beatrice Katcher George Katz Ruth Kaufman Elsie Kopperl Jeanette Laster Robert Levin May Levy Rhoda Levy Conrad Lifschen Edes Livingston Lawrence Nemoytin Barbara Ocko Selma Placzek Milton Rubin Martha Salomon Stella Kohn Saslow Arthur Solomon Jeanette Streger Catherine Tishelman MARCH 16-22 Herbert Bernstein Elaine Bleetstein Charlotte Brotz Rochelle Cirin Dorothy Cole Herbert Davis Michael Neil Degelsmith
Amy & Sam Resnick Family Fund For Adult Jewish Education Joan & Dyke Kolbert in memory of Arthur Axelrod Joan & Dyke Kolbert in memory of Max Kolbert Clifford & Susan Ray in memory of Betty Liber Dave & Bunny Center Family Mitzvah Endowment Fund Charlene Berman in memory of Elaine Talbot Flower Fund Leah & Eric Alani in memory of Claire Rolbein Jeffrey & Barbara Becker Stuart & Anita Beeber in memory of Abraham Jack Katcher Stuart & Anita Beeber in memory of Claire Nieburg Katcher Stuart & Anita Beeber in memory of Clara Beeber Galowit Roberta Bengelsdorf in memory of Jean Bengelsdorf Roberta Bengelsdorf in memory of Isadore Bengelsdorf Carole & Art Elias in memory of Adele Greene Robin & Charles Elkin in memory of George Katz Marshall & Sharon Fishman in memory of Ruth Fishman Debra & Jeffrey Geller in memory of Loretta Geller Lucille & Richard Goldsmith in memory of Lisa Grubel Carol & Fred Katz in memory of Harry Katz Mitchell & Christina Kaufman in memory of Thelma Silverman Mitchell & Christina Kaufman in memory of Samuel Kaufman Louise Kaye in memory of Mildred Danziger Craig & Sue Ornstein in memory of Simon Kellman Fredric & Ann Price in memory of Adele Price Victor & Suzanne Rosenzweig in memory of Sam Lowen Robert Ross in memory of Mary Ross Robert Ross in memory of Marc Ross Jill Schachter-Levy & Jacques Levy Michael & Denise Saul in memory of Frances Knie Ellen & Andrew Silverman in memory of Sidney Silverman Richard & Dianne Spitalny in memory of Jerry Press Gregory Altman Music & Arts Fund Joseph & Adele Browdy in memory of Sam Browdy Prayer Book Fund Matthew & Jill Cantor David & Deenie Ruzow in memory of Lillian Ruzow Rabbi Educator Discretionary Fund Valerie & Edward Berman in memory of Shirley Berman Senior Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Aileen Gluck in honor of Rabbi Fuchs Phyllis Kirshner in memory of Abraham Braslow
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JOYS & SORROWS RECENT GIFTS (CONTINUED) Senior Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund (continued) Kenneth & Joan Lapatine in memory of Michael Lapatine Richard & Liselotte Laster in honor of Rabbi Fuchs with gratitude for his participation in both Richard’s 90th Birthday Celebration and Richard and Liselotte’s 65th Wedding Anniversary Allan & Nancy Rothman in memory of Joel Eisenberg Temple Beth El Endowment Fund Rita Benzer in memory of Esther and Julius Fleischman Maxine Olson Maynard in memory of Leonard Maynard Jeffrey & Terri Yagoda in memory of Selma Yagoda Tikkun Olam/Social Justice Fund Joan & Dyke Kolbert in memory of Mildred Axelrod Ethel Rosedale in memory of Herbert Rosedale Torah Funds Fran & Bill Deutsch in memory of Elaine Talbot Tributes Alan Mirken Lisa Weiss & Kenneth Zadeck
PRAYER BOOK FUND Help replenish the Prayer Book Fund by making a contribution online or by contacting the temple office at 914.238.3928. For every contribution above $54, a book plate will be placed in a prayer book in your honor.
YAHRZEITS
Gertrude Cohen Irving Eisenberg MARCH 16-22 (continued) Harry Elkin Jerry Freedman Marjorie Gilbert Charles Fried Rose Ginsburg Eunice Fullam Coleman A. Goldberg Fannie Ginsburg George Goldstein Matilda Hyams Ernest Hecklinski Dorothy Isaac Lillian Lapatine Bessie Jasper James Lewis Dr. William R. Lulow Eugene Meyers Jacob Samuel Neidich Mildred Resnick Jean Nier Joseph M. Rittenberg Mona Paster Charles Ross Barbara Pollack Robert Ross Samuel Rose David Scolnick Lillian Ruzow Bert Struth Janet Shields Henrietta Treitelman Selma Silberman Joseph Wirth Diane Thurer Joseph Wolff Dorothy Zarnet MARCH 23-29
MARCH 30-31
Fred Becker Richard Berman Herbert Bernstein Phyllis Biren Ruth Blechman Elaine Bleetstein Charlotte Brotz
Eunice Fullam Fannie Ginsburg Abraham Girshek Rachel Klein Bernard Leff Julius Schachter
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HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO Julia Abitanta on the death of her grandmother, Helen Bishop Adam Gilbert on the death of his father, Richard L. Gilbert Marilyn Rifkin on the death of her mother, Louise Goldberg The Talbot Family on the death of Elaine Talbot Jill Wainer on the death of her mother, Shirley Jason Jill Wallen on the death of her mother, Joan Rothstein
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IN TIMES OF JOY AND IN TIMES OF SADNESS, PLEASE KEEP US INFORMED! It is always a pleasure to hear good news from our temple members and to share joys. Often it helps to share problems or illnesses, too. Our Rabbis, Cantor, and Caring Community Committee want to respond to the needs of our congregants. Please let us know if you, or some other temple member, might be helped by a visit or telephone call. Many people assume that everyone knows, but a note or call to the temple office, at 238-3928 x 1300, will get the message to our clergy.
NOTES AND ACTIVITIES CAMP COUNSELORS NEEDED
TEMPLE BETH EL BASKETBALL
Anticipate two openings for college students who are interested in working with young children in the Beginning Years Summer Camp.
The TBE basketball season is up and running once again with two teams playing in the Westchester Jewish Basketball League.
Almost Twos’ – three days per week July 1 – August 14 (Tues., Wed., Thurs.)
This year we have one sixth/seventh grade team – the Blue Team - and one seventh grade team - the Orange Team - competing against other synagogue teams throughout Westchester County. The teams play once or twice a week, depending on the League’s schedule. They practice once every other week.
Almost Threes – Five Days per week 8:30 to 1:00 June through middle of August (possibility of two weeks in June) Please e-mail resume with cover letter to: Rayna Alperstein, Director Beginning Years Early Childhood Center Of Temple Beth El NW ralperstein@bethelnw.org
This year, both teams have professional head coaches who run the practices as well as the games. We are fortunate to have a full roster of parent assistant coaches to help with the books as well as the games. Additionally, each team has two parent managers. The Blue Team is managed by Kathy Raicht and Deborah Notis. The Orange Team is managed by Leni Goldstein and Jill Stern. Come out and support TBE basketball. We will be releasing schedules and scores as soon as they are available. The Junior Youth Committee
From weddings and life-cycle events to private gatherings,business functions, and lectures, Temple Beth El’s stunning new facilities provide an exceptional setting for all types of special occasions and events. For rental inquiries or to schedule a tour of our facilities, please call 914.238.3928. We look forward to helping you create a memorable event. For more information, please visit www.bethelnw.org.
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ADVERTISING Appears in Print Only
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ADVERTISING Appears in Print Only
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ADVERTISING Appears in Print Only
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220 SOUTH BEDFORD RD 914.238.3928 T CHAPPAQUA, NY 10514 914.238.4030 F WWW.BETHELNW.ORG TEMPLE@BETHELNW.ORG
BEGINNING YEARS
914.238.5735
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
914.238.5641
TEMPLE DIRECTORY BOARD OF TRUSTEES OFFICERS
TRUSTEES Term Expires 2014
Lisa P. Davis President
Meryl Adler Stuart Berg Stephanie Saltzman Marla Schechner Lisa Shaiken Tracy Stein
Rabbi
Alan D. Fuchs
Associate Rabbi
Geoffrey A. Mitelman
Rabbi-Educator
Maura H. Linzer
Lisa Hamroff
Senior Cantor
Star A. Trompeter
Janet Levy
Term Expires 2015
Executive Director
Gennifer Kelly
Robert Medway
David Abrams Heidi Auerbacher Amy Robin Doug Zucker
afuchs@bethelnw.org
gmitelman@bethelnw.org mlinzer@bethelnw.org
strompeter@bethelnw.org executivedirector@bethelnw.org
Director of Rayna Alperstein Beginning Years ECC ralperstein@bethelnw.org NEW TELEPHONE EXTENSIONS 1110 1121 1120 1221 1300 1310 1311 1317 1316 1320 1321 1322 1600
Joni Gehebe-Kellogg, Youth Coordinator Maura H. Linzer, Rabbi-Educator Religious School Office Rayna Alperstein, Early Childhood Ed. Director Life-Cycle Emergency Jaclyn Trustman, Life-Cycle Coordinator & Religious School Assistant Rabbi Alan D. Fuchs Rabbi Geoffrey A. Mitelman Cantor Star Trompeter Leslie Aufieri, Executive Assistant to Gennifer Kelly & Communications Coordinator Gennifer Kelly, Executive Director Ann Testone, Bookkeeper Gregory Allen, Facility Manager
Richard Albert
Executive Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President
Rhonda Regan Vice President
Term Expires 2016
Susan Pecker
Matt Cantor Ruth Clark Robert Klein Rand Manasse Steve Ochser Kathy Raicht
Vice President
David Rolle Treasurer
Immediate Past President Harry P. Cohen Affiliated Organizations Sisterhood
Gail Schreier
& Sarah’s Circle
Alison Laden
Ellen Portman Youth Group President
Samantha Regan
Men’s Club
Jim Wein & Andrew Laden
WE ARE AN INCLUSIVE CONGREGATION
Past Presidents, Honorary Members of the Board
Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester welcomes all who wish to participate in Jewish life – singles, couples and families in all their forms, gays, lesbians, interfaith couples – all people regardless of age, sexual orientation, or financial means.
Steve Adler Stanley Amberg Charlene Berman Melvin Ehrlich Ernest M. Grunebaum
The synagogue is a kehilah kedoshah – a sacred community. It’s like a sukkah. A sukkah is constructed of many different branches woven together. So is the synagogue: the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the married and the unmarried, single parents, grandparents, gays and heterosexuals, non-Jewish spouses. The broader the sukkah’s reach, the more tightly its branches are woven, the stronger it stands. So too the synagogue: the greater the variety of people welcomed within it, the closer they feel to one another, the stronger the temple stands.
Barry Meisel Gloria Meisel William Pollak May Rolle David Ruzow
Submissions should be e-mailed to bulletin@bethelnw.org. Deadlines are the 5th of the month prior to the month of issue: September, October, November, December/January, February/March, April, May and June. Published by the congregants of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester. Advertising Editor Proofreader
Hedy Simpson Leslie Aufieri Mel Wolfson
HGSimpson@aol.com LAufieri@bethelnw.org
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220 SOUTH BEDFORD ROAD CHAPPAQUA, NY 10514
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
Megillah Mia
The ABBA Purim Spiel SATURDAY, MARCH 15 at 6:30 PM DINNER THEATER Groovy costumes, bell bottom pants, paisley tops, go-go boots, and disco-licious jumpsuits!! Mamma Mia!, this sounds like an incredible Purim spiel that could only be performed by the extraordinary, creative, talented, and fun-loving congregants and clergy of Temple Beth El.
Everyone age 12 and older is encouraged to participate! REHEARSALS SUNDAYS 1:00-3:00 PM FEBRUARY 9 FEBRUARY 23 MARCH 2 MARCH 9
Questions? Contact Cantor Trompeter STrompeter@bethelnw.org
RSVP FOR DINNER
This awesome event will be happening as a Purim Spiel Dinner Theater in our Social Hall. www.bethelnw.org/megillah_mia Greek food will be served (Megillah Mia! Takes place on the Greek Island of Kalokairi after all!)