february
the newsletter of woodlands community temple
HIGHLIGHTS February 2014 Adar 1 5774
Together—for the First Time Two of Jewish music’s leading lights join forces at Woodlands for the fifth annual Jonah Maccabee Concert By Fran Smith Julie Silver has been writing songs, recording albums, and singing around the world for 25 years. Ken Chasen is a rabbi and a rock-n-roller. They both live in Los Angeles, and they’re two of the most celebrated artists in contemporary Jewish music. But they have never performed together—until now. For the first time, Silver and Chasen will team up on stage, right here at Woodlands, at the Fifth Annual Jonah Maccabee Concert, on Sat, Mar 8. Last year’s concert brought together three stellar musicians who had also never before played together, and the result was magical. So Rabbi Billy and Cantor Ellen Dreskin decided to try it again. “We said, ‘Who do we know who we’d really like to see on stage together?’” Ellen recalls. The Dreskins quickly landed on Silver and Chasen. Phenomenal musicians who perform in English and Hebrew, they’ve played significant roles in making Hebrew and the liturgy accessible to American Jews. “And they’re fun,” Ellen says. Silver has sold more than 100,000 copies of her CDs, without backing from a major label. Many of her songs have become standards in worship, camp, and religious school. She calls her 2009 release, Reunion, a collection of
Deadline for WCT Cookbook Recipes Jan 31 A Joyful Noise! Jan 31 Super Bowl Party Feb 2 New Deadline: Purim Goody Bags Feb 7 Kidz Shabbat Feb 7 Mitzvat Mississippi Delegation Leaves Feb 15 Religious School Vacation Feb 15-23 My Favorite Enemy Feb 28
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Read with Woodlands When “Woodlands Reads” Sun, Feb 9, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. During Woodlands Reads, we’ll use modern fiction as a starting point for discussing personal identity and Jewish identity. The books we’ll be reading are: • Snow in Jerusalem by Debra Da Costa, for ages 10 and under • The Whole Story of Half a Girl by Veera Hiranandani, for grades 5-7 and teens • The People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, for adults
The program will use adult, young adult, and children’s fiction to explore Jewish identity in the context of your life and heritage. Open to religious school families in lieu of SPARK, younger children with parents, teens, and adult readers of all ages. While the event is free, there is a charge for lunch ($5/person; $15 per family). For more information—and to register— check the temple website.
Scan this QR code for more WCT information.
Our Woodlands Community Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org Rabbi Mara Young rabbimara@wct.org Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon cantor@wct.org Ross Glinkenhouse, Youth Director youth@wct.org Corey Friedlander, Sh'liakh K'hilah corey@wct.org Dan Geffen, Rabbinic Intern intern@wct.org
Executive Committee Stu Berlowitz, President president@wct.org Jenna Lebowich, VP Education education@wct.og Cliff Schoen, VP Facilities facilities@wct.org Andy Farber, VP Finance finance@wct.org Dayle Fligel, VP Programming/Ritual programming@wct.org Herb Friedman, Financial Secretary financialsecretary@wct.org Andrea Einhorn, Secretary secretary@wct.org Mark Selig, Treasurer treasurer@wct.org
Board of Trustees Nancy Brown Lois Green Gloria Falk Barry Leibowitz Nancy Fishman Lisa Sacks Jill Garland Mike Scafidi Aliza Garofalo Jay Werner Yvette Gralla Michele Wise Rochelle Stolzenberg (ex-officio)
Office Staff Patricia Nissim, Temple Administrator pat@wct.org Liz Rauchwerger, Rabbi’s Assistant liz@wct.org Michele Montague, Religious School michele@wct.org Lori Bluberg, Bookkeeper bookkeeper@wct.org
About Our Temple Woodlands Community Temple 50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607 914.592.7070 main office 914.592.1790 religious school direct line 914.592.7376 fax wct@wct.org www.wct.org Religious School: school@wct.org Woodlands Community Temple is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism Editor: Mike Winkleman Art Director: Melanie Roher Design and Production: Kate Levy
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“songs from a faithful heart.” It features a mix of new liturgical settings (“Dodi Li,” “R’faeinu,” “Halleuyah [Psalm 150]),” narrative story-songs with lyrics in English, and a bit of Carole King. “Julie is more than an entertainer,” says singer-songwriter Craig Taubman, himself a performer at a Jonah Maccabee Concert. “She is a muse, a presence, and a spirit that stays with you long after the show has ended.” She is also a big name in children’s music. Her 2005 CD, For Love to Grow, was honored as a Parents’ Choice Blue Ribbon Recommended work. It’s Chanukah Time was the first Jewish holiday CD produced exclusively for Barnes & Noble, and the only Jewish album ever to be recognized on Billboard, reaching No. 5 in 2009. These days, Silver is focused on mentoring young singer-songwriters, working on social justice projects, and making the Jewish experience more meaningful. “I try to enhance the way people experience Judaism by adding my own take on our own sacred texts,” she says. “I also want people who have historically been marginalized to feel included in the Jewish community or in any community and to be encouraged to tell their stories and live their lives openly. Our tradition compels us to express ourselves—our joys, our hopes, our faith, and our fears.” Ken Chasen has been expressing himself through music for decades. He worked in TV and film composition before becoming a rabbi. He is an accomplished guitarist and keyboardist, a captivating performer, and part of the beloved eclectic band Mah Tovu, whose
styles span rock, reggae, soul, jazz, folk, and gospel. “Ken, because he is a rabbi, brings the depth of his textual knowledge to all of his compositions,” Ellen says. “His interpretative skills plus his outstanding musical sensibility are a winning combination.” But his music is not all serious. If you’ve never seen Mah Tovu’s hilarious rendition of “Pharaoh, Pharaoh,” a parody of the ’60s Kingsmen hit “Louie, Louie,” check it out on YouTube. (“Pharaoh, Pharaoh, whoa baby, let my people go…”) Chasen served as associate rabbi at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale before becoming senior rabbi at the Leo Baeck Temple in Los Angeles. There he introduced the very musical, hugely popular monthly Shabbat Alive! service. He serves on the Reform Movement’s Joint Commission on Worship, Music, and Religious Living, and he is a member of the Synagogue 3000 Leadership Network, a group of rabbis, cantors, and spiritual visionaries whose congregations exemplify what 21st century synagogues can be. Breaking the mold… building community… celebrating music… discovering meaning... that’s what these performers are about. They embody the spirit of Jonah Maccabee and the concert in his name. Join us for an unforgettable night of entertainment and community for a great cause. The concert raises scholarship funds to help send our kids to Reform Jewish camps and other summer experiences. Buy your tickets at wct.org/ Jonah, or call the temple office, 592-7070.
Return Engagements:
WCT Super Bowl Party is Back Sun, Feb 2, 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
The Clydesdales are back, this time joined by a puppy. Cheerios is back, for the first time in 18 years, perhaps accompanied by the controversial interracial cereal-loving family it introduced last spring. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are back (joined by first-time half-time artist Bruno Mars). Oh, and the teams—the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks—are back as well. So are we: the Woodlands Way-farers,
braving the warmth of the sanctuary (rather than the cold of MetLife Stadium) to watch the twin screens, partake of great food and drink, provide armchair critiques of the action (whether football, ads, or music), and have an overall great time. (And also play mah jongg, in case the football, ads, and half-time shows aren’t your thing.) So join us. Just $20 per person, $10 per child 12 and under, $40 per family. Babysitting available. Reserve now at www.wct.org. Or just show up.
Worship Schedule Shabbat Terumah
Exodus 25:1 - 27:19 ... I Kings 5:26 - 6:13 Fri, Jan 31 A Joyful Noise at 8:00 p.m. A service for everyone, from youngest to oldest. With a dozen musicians and your voices, we’ll fill the sanctuary with a joyful noise! Visual Worship tonight— no siddurim (unless you want one) ... all prayers and readings will be projected onto screens. Special welcome tonight to our 5th grade families. Sat, Feb 1 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate with us as Brendan Chang, son of Heidi Gralla and Dean Chang, grandson of Yvette and Larry Gralla, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.
Shabbat Tetzaveh
Exodus 27:20 - 30:10 ... I Samuel 15:2-34 Fri, Feb 7 Kidz Shabbat at 7:00 p.m. Our monthly 30-minute shenanigans; join in Shabbat songs and stories with Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara, and Cantor Jonathan. Bring a buck for tzedakah! Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 p.m. A quiet evening of Shabbat beauty and prayer, with iyyunei t’filah (thoughts about the prayers) by fellow congregants. Rabbi Billy will speak. Sat, Feb 8 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate with us as Alexander Shapiro, son of Deborah and Neil Shapiro, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.
Shabbat Kee Teesa
Exodus 30:11 - 34:35 ... I Kings 18:1-39
Sat, Feb 15 No service this morning.
Shabbat Vayakhel
Exodus 35:1 - 38:20 ... I Kings 7:40 - 7:50 Fri, Feb 21 Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 p.m. Rabbi Billy will speak. Babynaming tonight for Layla Michelle Spivack, daughter of Joanna Gaines and Marc Spivack, granddaughter of Barbara and Steven Gaines. Sat, Feb 22 No service this morning.
Shabbat Pekuday
Exodus 38:21 - 40:38 ... I Kings 7:51 - 8:21 (additional reading for Shabbat Shekalim is Exodus 30:11-16) Fri, Feb 28 My Favorite Enemy at 8:00 p.m. We’re delighted to bring composer/ performer Michael Ochs back to Woodlands, this time with his friend, Palestinian composer/performer Alaa Ali, as they share their remarkable story of promoting peace through music (see sidebar, right). Sat, Mar 1 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate with us as Henry Stern, son of Anne and Gary Stern, becomes a Bar Mitzvah. ••••••• Babysitting at 8 p.m. Shabbat services is provided by teens from our religious school. This month, babysitting will be available on February 21 and February 28. There is no charge, and no advance notice is required.
Fri, Feb 14 Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 p.m. Rabbi Mara will speak.
My Favorite Enemy: The Pursuit Of Harmony...Beyond Borders Fri, Feb 28, 8:00 p.m. Can a Palestinian from the Gaza Strip and a Jewish American from New York find a common bond through music?
Michael Hunter Ochs
Join celebrated Jewish American songwriter/producer Michael Hunter Ochs and noted Palestinian songwriter/ recording artist/political activist Alaa Ali for an intimate Shabbat evening of song and conversation. You will be inspired as these two unlikely friends retrace their steps through the security checkpoints between Israel and the West Bank, across the Middle East—eventually finding themselves Alaa Ali performing together at the United Nations. The personal stories, stunning photographs, and exclusive video accompanying the music will sweep you into this incredible experience. Hear the story, hear the songs...and feel the hope.
February Committee Meetings Board of Trustees Mon, Feb 24, 8:10 p.m. Adult Ed Sun, Feb 2, 9:00 a.m. Finance Mon, Feb 10, 8:10 p.m. Ritual Mon, Feb 10, 8:10 p.m. School Board Mon, Feb 10, 8:10 p.m.
Hevra Torah Learning: Saturdays, 9:15-10:15 am There’s abundant room around our table. We’d love to have you join our lively conversation.
Feb 1: Parashat Terumah Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan
Feb 15: Parashat Kee Teesa Facilitated by Rabbi Mara
Feb 8: Parashat Tetzaveh Facilitated by Rabbinic Intern Dan Geffen
Feb 22: Parashat Vayakhel Facilitated by Rabbi Billy
Annual Fund Brunch Honoring contributors to the Annual Fund (see page 8) Sun, Feb 2, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
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From
the
Director
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Life Long Learning
Affiliation Throughout the months of January and February, our seventh graders journey through the different denominations by visiting area synagogues. The goal? To understand the context of their own beliefs and to be more well-rounded Jews. Broadly speaking, these beliefs would be characterized as Reform. Woodlands belongs to the Union for Reform Judaism and stands in line with many Reform platforms. Reform Judaism believes in egalitarianism, inclusion, social justice, and innovation in regards to ritual, prayer, music, and learning. Reform Judaism values critical scholarship in regards to our texts and traditions and believes that their truth derives from the collective wisdom of the ages and continued relevancy to our everyday, modern lives. That’s what our community espouses. The real question becomes: why does denominational affiliation matter? Why bother giving anyone’s Judaism a label? Denominational affiliations help give us spiritual direction and challenge us in the most productive ways. Rabbi David Ehrenkantz, past president of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College urges: “Denominations are useful. In a non-divisive way, they help us to marshal our resources, organize our communities, make meaningful choices, and sanctify our lives. We build open denominational institutions to clarify our values and live according to our highest ideals.” Affiliation with a denomination need not mean you seal
yourself off from others. Even in this article, I’m happy to quote a leader of the Reconstructionist Movement. We need not be separated by different labels, but rather, united. Indeed, our labels can bring us closer to one another. I think of the 5,000 Reform Jews who prayed together at the URJ Biennial in San Diego this past December. We represented hundreds of different communities, yet prayed united by our Reform traditions and ideals. Our forums and debates on religious practice and educational models were deepened by an already existing foundation of commonality. That’s what we find back here in our own home community. By labeling our temple “Reform,” we indicate to people what they can expect, what our core values are…even before they walk in the door. Now that you’ve walked in, now that you’ve found like-minded folks, what further exploring of your beliefs can you do? And better yet, where can we encourage and challenge you, since we know we already have common ground? Let’s talk. B’shalom,
Rabbis’ Winter Hunger Appeal Throughout February Needy families need your help! Dear Friends, Each of us has a vital role we can play in helping those who are trying but just can’t make it in America today. On Yom Kippur, we filled our Food Van (left) and made generous contributions to The Food Bank for Westchester. But it’s simply not enough to get folks through the winter. Won’t you please join us in making an online donation at wct.org/hungerappeal or write the most generous check you can and return it to us here at the temple? On Mar 1, we’ll forward all of our donations as one immensely caring gift from the people of Woodlands Community Temple. The Food Bank for Westchester is the backbone of Westchester’s emergency food distribution network, providing
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over 90% of the food distributed by grass roots organizations throughout the county. Thank you. You continue to be the blessing that graces so many lives.
Rabbi Billy Dreskin
Rabbi Mara Young
P.S. Please don’t forget our Tzedakah Shopping Cart at the temple entrance. All year long, we collect good, nourishing food that we deliver to ARCS, Midnight Run, The Sharing Community, and Westhab. Each time you come to temple, please bring hope to others through your caring donations.
C o m m i t t e e R e p o rt s
Social Action Project Isaiah
Knitting and Crocheting
Wed, Feb 12 Join a new partnership with the Ossining Presbyterian Church’s mentoring project for formerly incarcerated individuals, the Breaking the Chains Project. Woodlands’ Project Isaiah is cooking dinner for the Breaking the Chains Program on Wed, Feb 12. Our group will make enough food to feed 30 people and join in the mentoring session that evening. There are many opportunities for providing food, clothing, mentoring, and funding. If you are interested in helping or want more information, go to www.wct. org/social-action/task-forces/projectisaish or email Lynn Goodman at Lynnidagoodman@hotmail.com.
Sun, Mar 2, 5:00-8:00 p.m. If you knit or crochet—or have always wanted to learn—join us for a potluck dinner, great conversation, and square making. The squares are sewn into a blanket for women transitioning out of Hope’s Door into their own apartments. For more information about Hope’s Door go to northernwestchestershelter. org. Email Angela Adler at Angeadler@ aol.com if you’d like to join us. All levels welcome!
Blood Drive Sun, Mar 2, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It’s a mitzvah to help others in need, and you can help by donating blood to replenish the local blood bank supplies. Anyone age 17 to 75 who weighs at least 110 lbs. can donate blood, as well as 16-year-olds with a letter from their parents. If you are over 75, you can donate if you provide a letter from your doctor. To schedule a time, please e-mail Chuck Bauer at lbauera@aol.com or call him at 589-7231. Walk-ins welcome, but may need to wait.
Collection of the Month
Plastic grocery bags to be reused by a food pantry. If you have clean plastic bags that a food pantry can reuse to give out food to their clients, please leave them in the marked basket in the lobby.
Food of the Month
Healthy, non-perishable food.
Get Involved with Social Action
Check out www.wct.org/socialaction/projects or email Julie Stein at SocialAction@wct.org about a project you’d like to run.
Adult Education Mussar Cantor Jonathan Gordon and Lisa Sacks Sat, Feb 1, 4:30 p.m. In this group we will delve into the centuries-old Jewish tradition of Mussar, a spiritual practice focused on developing inner awareness and proper conduct. We’ll start this session with Havdalah.
Book Club Wed, Feb 26, 7:30 p.m. This month Frank Hariton will lead a discussion of Ellen Ullman’s By Blood, a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. A disgraced professor in San Francisco during the 1970s, overhears a
therapy session from another office and gets involved as an invisible manipulator of the patient’s life, which touches on many of the last century’s major issues.
Woodlands Singers Cantor Jonathan Gordon Wednesdays at 8:15 p.m.
Ongoing Classes:
Jewish Studies (Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.) Hebrew (Thursdays at 8:00 p.m.) Please check the WCT Adult Ed brochure or wct.org for more information.
February is the month of “love” and The Judaica Shop at Woodlands wants to send you a little love too. To help you celebrate your love of Judaism and your special someone(s), all in-stock jewelry is 10% off from Feb 1 through Feb 16. Come check out the great selection of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings as well as jewelry for boys and men. Perfect tokens of love and spirituality for Valentine’s Day. Attending a wedding in the near future? Let the bride and groom savor their special day forever with a piece of Judaica that incorporates the shards of broken glass from their ceremony. We have a number of artists who have designed mezuzot, menorot, picture frames, home blessings, and Shabbat candlesticks that showcase the glass shattered during the service. The Judaica Shop at Woodlands has wondrous things for all your simkhas, hostess gifts, baby births, housewarmings, and everyday celebrations of Jewish living. We’re your neighborhood gift shop for gift giving...and getting! The shop is open, by request, every day the temple office is open. Evening and weekend hours are noted in the weekly temple email. Searching for something special? Have a suggestion of an artist we should carry? Have time to volunteer and help sell when the shop is open? Email us at: judaicashop@wct.org.
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February Happenings Just Israel
Big Woodlands Super Bowl Party
Daytime Diversions
Sun, Feb 2, 5:00-10:00 PM For details, see page 2
Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
Deadline for Purim Goody Bags More than 220 pounds of coats, sweaters, blankets and other winter gear have been collected and sent to Syrian refugees by the students of Amal-Shimshon School, a multi-ethnic Israeli high school located near the Syrian border. Its student council voted to participate in “Human Warmth” (Hom Enoshi), an effort by Israeli students to collect and donate warm bedding and clothing to children and women refugees from the Syrian civil war, even though Syria is an enemy state to Israel. [http:// hom-enoshi.org.il/en.html] Teacher Eti Cohen organized the logistics, working with 10-graders to solicit the items. According to Cohen, the needs of ordinary people attempting to survive a cold winter in extremely difficult conditions is all that mattered. “Our school puts great importance on volunteering for the community,” she says. “All the children contributed—it didn’t matter if they were Jewish or Arab—with a full heart.” [original story from www.israel21c.org]
Fri, Feb 7 For details, see page 7
Woodlands Reads Sun, Feb 9, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. For details, see page 1
Mitzvat Mississippi: Year Eight
Eight years after Katrina there’s still work to do to rebuild the New Orleans area. A dedicated Mitzvat Mississippi crew from Woodlands heads back down on Feb 15, returning on Feb 23, and although you may not be physically going, you can help support the efforts to rebuild by making a monetary donation to the Mitzvat Mississippi fund. Your donation will help buy supplies and support the Woodlands members participating in the rebuilding effort.
Don’t Forget: School Vacation
Unlike Other Nations In our course, “Engaging Israel,” we’ve been exploring the surprisingly radical notion that Israel is not a nation like other nations, that, in addition to strategic values, it has a set of Jewish values it should be considering as it moves forward politically and militarily. One of the key texts our class looked at was Genesis 12:1-3, in which God instructs Abraham, “Lekh lekha ... go to the land I will show you!” What’s important here is that God doesn’t offer Abraham money, or power, or personal fulfillment, but says, “I will make of you a great nation.” When we think about the modern nation of Israel through a Jewish lens, peoplehood is a critical concept—not merely to care for this people but to make sure it acts in a manner consistent with this people’s values. Therefore, how Israel treats prisoners, immigrants, and its Palestinian neighbors all require confronting moral questions that the rabbis-of-old asked generations ago and which still demand a response from us today.
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Feb 5: Random Harvest, the 1942 romance/drama movie starring Ronald Coleman and Greer Garson. It’s the story of a veteran of World War II who marries and settles happily into a tidy, humble life until an accident restores memories of a former life of wealth, while blocking out all post-war recollections. One man disappears and another long-missing man turns up. What does his devoted wife, whom he no longer remembers, do? Feb. 12: Nicky’s Family, a documentary about Nicholas Winton, an Englishman who is now 104 years old, who organized the rescue of 669 Czech and Slovak children just before the outbreak of World War II. To be followed by a discussion led by Rabbi Billy. Feb. 19: Phyllis Hirth leads the everpopular Current Events Group.
Michael Ochs Returns with “My Favorite Enemy” Fri, Feb 28, 8:00 p.m. For details, see page 3
No religious school from Feb 15 through Feb 23. Academy returns on Feb 24.
Jan 11 at Woodlands: A Spaghetti Dinner to Help Fund Mitzvat Mississippi
March and Beyond S’forim Forum Cantor Jonathan Gordon Sat, Mar 1, 4:30 p.m. Join us for a discussion of Little Failure, a brand new memoir by award-winning author Gary Shteyngart.
Fifth Annual Jonah Maccabee Concert With Julie Silver and Ken Chasen Sat, Mar 8, 8:00 p.m. Plan to attend the Fifth Annual Jonah Maccabee Concert, featuring Julie Silver (beloved guitarist/vocalist) and Ken Chasen (half of the very popular Mah Tovu), two of contemporary Jewish music’s favorite performers. (For more details on Julie, Ken, and the concert, see page 1 of this issue of Makom.)
Project Ezra Passover Food Collection
Help us provide newly bought Kosher for Passover Food for 50 elderly, low-income Jewish friends from the Lower East Side. You can help by donating food, shopping, giving a monetary donation, or delivering the Passover boxes. Contact Harriet Kohn at hrsw82@hotmail.com to volunteer and go to www.wct.org/ social-action/projects for a list of foods to donate and more information
Judaism 101: God Shopping Rabbi Mara Young Sun, Mar 2, 9:30 a.m. You read that right: God shopping. While there’s only one God in Judaism, there are many different ways to view the Divine. Come explore the different Jewish perceptions of God—and more importantly, start to formulate your own “God concept.”
Our Families, Ourselves Bridging the Generations As We Age Sun, Apr 6, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Feeling stressed? Isolated? Invisible? Pulled in too many different directions? Seniors, the Sandwich Generation, Families: Please join us as we explore the emotional, social, and psychological aspects of aging and its impact on individuals and their families. Following
a short presentation on this topic from a Jewish perspective (led by Rabbi Mara), participants will engage in professionally guided discussions (led by temple members Caryn Donocoff, Stacey Silverman, and Lesli Cattan) as a way of sharing common concerns and potential solutions.
Pesakh 5774 First Seder: Mon, Apr 14 For more details, see the March and April issues of Makom.
Annual Temple Meetings: Make Your Voice Heard Budget Meeting: Thurs, May 15, 8:00 p.m. Congregational Meeting: Wed, May 21, 9:00 p.m.
Spring Gala: The Times They Were a’Changing! Honoring Our Founders
Sat, June 7, 7:00 p.m. Time it was, oh what a time it was, way back in 1966. Return with us now to those days of yesteryear and relive that hallowed time. Miniskirts and bell bottoms. The Rolling Stones and the Hollies. Star Trek and “A Taste of Honey.” Student protests and Miranda rights. One of our founders?Not nearly! And a small group of Westchester Jews who banded together to form a brand-new temple, inventing what came to be known as The Woodlands Way. Come honor our founders and celebrate what they’ve wrought. For more details—and to place an ad in the commemorative journal— check the temple website. (Got some memories of 1966? Then write 1966@ wct.org and share them.)
Purim Roundup Goody Bags: Sh’lakh Manot Deadline Extended by Popular Demand: It’s Now Fri, Feb 7 Not only is sending Sh’lakh Manot a mitzvah, but you will feel great knowing that all proceeds will go directly to keeping our Temple operating costs down as well as supporting our religious school. It’s $18 for the first family you select, and $6 for each additional family. Or, send a goody bag to everyone in the congregation for just $118.
Kidz Purim: Harry Potter Purim Sat, Mar 15, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Tapping into our Sci-fi/Fantasy Purim theme (see below), you and your kids are invited to a special Purim play. We’ll tell the story of Purim and do some crafts, all while immersed in the world of Harry Potter. Each grade will prepare a song and will be invited to participate that evening. If you’d like to help out, or even have a bigger role, be in touch with Leora Cohen at leoracohen101@hotmail.com. If you’re interested in joining together for a laid-back dinner after Kidz Purim but before the Congregational Purim, sign up here wct.org/purimdinner.
Intrepid Purim Performers Needed as Sci Fi Purim Comes to Woodlands! Saturday, March 15, 7:30 p.m. Save the date! Bring everyone, from oldest to youngest, for a Purim celebration unlike any you’ve experienced before. But every bit as fun! Cantor Jonathan has promised an evening where “Mystery Science Theatre” meets Woody Allen’s “What’s Up, Tiger Lily?” To do that, he needs you to email him right now (cantor@wct.org) and volunteer to receive a one-minute sci-fi movie clip whose audio track has been erased, and then—with your merry band of intrepid writers and performers (your family, your friends, politicians who owe you favors)— write your own dialogue, telling one piece of the Esther story, that your merry band will then present on Purim evening. Finished reading this paragraph without emailing the cantor? Go go go! Email him now!
Purim Carnival 5774 Sun, Mar 16, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The Purim Carnival is back and better than ever! We’ll have raffles, games, food, and a special mingling space (with coffee) for the parents. And, during the carnival, a hamentaschen bake-off! If you’d like to participate, email Michele (michele@wct. org). Details next month in Makom.
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The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of Philip Feiner,
The Simkha Page
B’nai Mitzvah
father of Paul Feiner
Donald Jacobs
father of Steve Jacobs
Jeanette Rosenberg
mother of Barbara Rosenberg HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning. Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.
Scheduling Weddings or Funerals with Our Clergy The rabbis and cantor want very much to be with you during significant life-cycle moments. Please speak with them before setting any dates or times for weddings or funerals. Don't be disappointed to learn they're not available at the time you've already arranged, so bring them "into the loop" at the very beginning of your planning.
Honor a Loved One Bookplates Now Available It is a time-honored Jewish tradition to honor people we love by making a tzedakah contribution on their behalf. Now, in addition to contributing to our regular funds, you and your family may purchase bookplates to dedicate individual copies of our High Holy Days makhzor, Gates of Repentance. And your donation will help us purchase new prayerbooks as the need arises. • Bookplates cost $36 each. •O ne plate will be lovingly inscribed with both your and your loved one’s name • Each plate will be placed inside one synagogue copy of our High Holy Days prayerbook. Order online at wct.org/bookplate
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Brendan Chang
Alexander Shapiro
February 1
February 8
Torah Portion Terumah Hebrew Name Meir Aharon
Torah Portion Tetzaveh Hebrew Name Eliezer Betzalel
Mazal Tov
Mazal Tov to Dean Chang and Heidi Gralla, as their son, Brendan, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.
Mazal Tov to Larry and Yvette Gralla, as their grandson, Brendan Chang, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.
Mazal Tov to Neil and Debbie Shapiro, as their son, Alexander, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.
Mazal Tov to Rabbi Eve Rudin on her marriage to Rabbi Elliott Kleinman.
Thank You
Thank you to Mark Young for leading songs at Kidz Shabbat. Thank you to Karen & Stuart Berlowitz, Joan & Andy
Woodlands Goes Rock Climbing for Tu B’Shevat: Mon, Jan 20
Farber, Andrea Einhorn, and Dayle Fligel for organizing the Mitzvat Mississippi Spaghetti Dinner.
Donations We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support Woodlands Community Temple by remembering and honoring their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions.
Rabbi’s Mitzvah Fund In honor of Amy Mendelson becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Evalyn Cohen and Jay Mendelson. Thank you Rabbi Billy and in honor of the naming of Connor Feeny, son of Carolyn Abram and Eric Feeny, grandson of Barbara and Bill Abram, from Barbara and Billy Abram. In appreciation of Rabbi Billy and in honor of Michael Arbore becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Tony and Bonni Arbore. In honor of Sam Hirth becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Leon and Dora Hirth. Donation for Rabbi Billy, from Jenna and Michael Lebowich. In honor of Rabbi Billy, from Michael Hess.
Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah Fund Donation for Rabbi Mara, from Jenna and Michael Lebowich. In honor of Rabbi Mara, from Marianne and Peter Ripin.
Cantor’s Discretionary Fund In honor of Amy Mendelson becoming a Bat Mitvah, from Evalyn Cohen and Jay Mendelson. In appreciation of Cantor Jonathan and in honor of Michael Arbore becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Tony and Bonni Arbore. In honor of Sam Hirth becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Leon and Dora Hirth.
In honor of the marriage of Eve Rudin to Elliott Kleinman from Mara, Mark and Noah Young.
Jonah Maccabee Fund Donation from Jonathan and Gloria Jaffess. In honor of Lois and Bernard Bacharach’s 50th Wedding Anniversary, from Vikki and Steve Krebs. Thank you Rabbi Billy for leading us at the baby naming of our granddaughter, Brooke Olivia Weizner, from Rhoda and Marty Payson. Donation from Jonathan and Gloria Jaffess.
Bernard and Frances Shapiro Chesed Caring Community Fund In honor of our granddaughter, Brooke Olivia Weizner, named after Bernard Shapiro, her great grandfather, from Rhoda and Marty Payson.
Midnight Run In appreciation of Dayle Fligel and in honor of Michael Arbore becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Tony and Bonni Arbore.
In loving memory of Leo Zimmerman, from Renee and Dave Doynow. In memory of Ray Morris, father of Marjory Selig, from Janet Weinstein. In honor of Lance and Sura Rosenthal, from Julie Steiner. In honor of Brendan Chang becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Bill and Gloria Falk. In honor of Brendan Chang becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Alan and Sheila Drogy. In yahrzeit memory of Jay R. Novins and Kevin L. Novins, from Rochelle Novins. Donation from Stu and Karen Berlowitz. In memory of Philip Feiner, from David Griff and Roni Beth Tower. In memory of Philip Feiner, from Bill and Gloria Falk. In memory of Philip Feiner, from Andy and Joan Farber.
Stu and Karen Berlowitz Susan Bloom George and Gail Burak Billy and Ellen Dreskin* Bill and Gloria Falk Fred and Andrea Fallick Andy and Joan Farber* Jason Fein and Jennifer Altman David and Dayle Fligel* Steve and Roberta Florin Corey Friedlander Evan and Faye Friedman* Herb Friedman* Larry and Leslie Geneen*
In honor of Deanli Sagner becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Roberta and Lloyd Roos.
Todd Gordon and Susan Feder*
In honor of the baby naming of Macie Logan Pollowitz, granddaughter from Debbie and Jim Pollowitz.
Tom and Julie Hirschfeld*
In memory of Philip Feiner, from Mona Fraitag.
In memory of Steve Lelewer, from Michael Mitelman.
Chai Fund
Tony and Selena Barron
Doug and Sue Galin*
In honor of Cantor Jonathan, from Michael Hess.
In honor of Rabbi Mara, from Michael Hess.
Marian Asnes*
Donation from Jenna and Michael Lebowich.
Steve’s H.O. P. E. Fund
Donation from Jenna and Michael Lebowich.
Tony and Bonni Arbore*
Education and Youth Activities Fund
Donation for Cantor Jonathan, from Jenna and Michael Lebowich.
Educator’s Enrichment Fund
Annual Fund Donations
In memory of Steve Lelewer, from Frederick Block.
In memory of Maurice B. Cossman, from The Mitelman Family.
Lifelong Learning Fund Thank you Roberta Roos and the Rosh Chodesh Committee, from Barry and Judith Kessler. In honor of Jeanne Bodin and Marie Cohen, from Bill and Gloria Falk.
Larry and Yvette Gralla* Gary and Roz Karlitz* Rick Kaskawits* Miriam Kerness Barry and Judith Kessler* Charles and Carol Kessler* Rick and Fredda Kramer* Jason Laks and Lisa Izes* Michael and Jenna Lebowich* Alan and Dana Lestz Steve and Terri Levin* Harriet Levine
Domestic Abuse Task Force
Robert Paley and Leslie Schneier
Donation from Jenna and Michael Lebowich.
Doug and Geri Pell*
Mitzvat Mississippi Fund
Diane Robertson and Melissa Swift*
Donation from Roberta, Roger and Allison Wetherbee.
Hal and Elaine Shames*
Donation from Richard and Elaine Farber.
Amy Stein
Donation from Bob and Penny Apter.
Stuart Stein and Teresa Snider-Stein*
Donation from Larry and Yvette Gralla.
Jonathan and Shari Turell*
Social Action Fund
Ron and Meg Tvert*
Donation from Tamir Rosenblum and Audrey Stone.
Philip and Linda Weber*
In honor of Stanley Goodman, from GoodmanKogan Family.
Mark and Mara Young
Donation from Karen Blumenthal.
In memory of Philip Feiner, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht
Anonymous* *Donations made that qualified for the match
To find out more about all the funds that are available for your support and for information about how to donate to these funds, please visit www.wct.org/community/how-to-give/133-donate www.wct.org
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We t h a n k o u r A d v e r t i s e r s f o r t h e i r S u p p o r t
Weinstein Memorial Chapel 914-793-3800 1652 Central Park Avenue • Yonkers, New York 10710 (1 Block North of Tuckahoe Road) E-mail: wmc1652@verizon.net
The Only Jewish Family Owned Chapel in Westchester County
A Family Commitment to the Jewish Community with Dignified, Respectful Service. Four Generations of Personalized Service Mildred, Jack*, Seymour & Edward Weinstein (Owners) Arrangements Available in Westchester and Metro NYC 24 Hours a Day • 7 Days a Week We Accept All Major Credit Cards. MEMBER: Jewish Funeral Directors Assoc. of America New York State Funeral Directors Association Westchester Funeral Directors Association
*Deceased
Ads Deliver Reach out and touch a Woodlands member with your ad. One, five, ten times a year.
To reserve space, call Pat Nissim in the temple office: 914-592-7070 or write to bulletin@wct.org
We t h a n k o u r A d v e r t i s e r s f o r t h e i r S u p p o r t
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Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage
PAID White Plains, NY
50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607
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current resident or:
DATED M ATERIAL- DO NOT DEL AY
The College Connection A Distinct Community
Exploring My Judaism
By Rachel Wiskind
By Mariah Zwicker
F
rom the second I got into Tufts three years ago, I knew I was going to have to be involved in Jewish life. Rabbi Mara was president of Tufts Hillel when she was a student there, which she was not about to let me forget! Although I did not fully realize it in high school, I have always been able to connect with people because of Judiasm. Not necessarily because I am so observant, but because there is a distinct community that can always be found around Judaism that is magnetic. Although it took me until halfway through freshman year to walk through the doors, I finally made it into the Hillel building and haven’t really left. For me, Shabbat dinner, Hebrew classes, and regular visits with Hillel staff members just to chat have become the norms of daily life. And, while my involvement with WoodSY, religious school, and Jewish camp certainly primed me for this comfort in Jewish surroundings, it took several years at college to figure out the connection. Woodlands created in me a love for Jewish community and the familiarity with holidays, rituals, and traditions that have stuck with me into college and that I’m sure will follow me beyond. While I’m sure my connection to Judaism will look different at every stage in my life, I know that I can always come back to the Jewish communities I have connected with and be able to feel at home. Rachel is a junior at Tufts University, majoring in psychology and Judaic studies. This spring she will be studying abroad in Prague. At Tufts, she is involved with Hillel, Friends of Israel, and Tufts Against Genocide.
G
oing to college brings many changes for students. Whether it’s living on your own for the first time, making new friends, or just learning how to do your own laundry, we all encounter new experiences. For us Woodlands kids, it also means leaving our Jewish community, a home most of us have been part of since before we became B’nai Mitzvah. Woodlands was an integral part of my childhood. From religious school through Academy, to spending two years on the WoodSY board, Woodlands was a constant; it is a place that has helped develop my Jewish identity. Though I may not have found a new Woodlands, college has given me endless opportunities to continue exploring my Judaism. I’ve held various leadership positions on our Hillel executive board, including freshman representative and liaison to Greek life. These positions involved creating events to engage other Jewish students, from Shabbats under the Stars and holiday parties, to discussions about what Judaism looks like in college. Both roles focused on outreach, helping freshmen and members of Greek life, respectively, feel they had a place within Hillel. Inclusion and openness are undoubtedly traits that are fostered within Woodlands, and ones that I’m pleased to bring to my new Jewish community. Although I’m only able to make it back a couple times throughout the year, Woodlands has shaped my Jewish values immensely. I am proud that I have the opportunity to extend the Woodlands Way to my peers, and hope to continue this tradition in the future. Mariah is a senior at The George Washington University, majoring in political communication. After graduating this May, Mariah will remain at GWU for the next year to finish up her Masters in Media and Public Affairs.