FROM THE RABBI’S STUDY
Out of the Rabbi’s Mind What’s Inside Page Two Community Events Page Four Fall Classes Page Five Junior CHAVTY News
Page Seven
Kol Nidre Appeal
Page Ten
Active Retirees
On Sukkot
How I love Sukkot! • Perhaps it is my artistic bent that is sparked – building the Sukkah and devising a new way each year to decorate its innards (Yes! The rabbi is a closet interior designer). • Maybe it is the Mitzvah of eating outside, weather permitting, in the crisp fall air, appreciating the elements (Yes! The rabbi is a nature lover). Enjoying the commandment of entertaining guests which forces me to cook and nurture those around me (Yes! The rabbi is a wannabe chef). • Love to invite our ancestors, ushpizin, into my temporary home that connects me to generations of tradition (Yes! The rabbi likes knowing she is part of Jewish history). • Relish the sweet smell of the Etrog on my hands, etrogy-fresh-good, or the rustle of the palm frond, willow and myrtle as we shake it in 6 different
directions to invoke God’s presence everywhere (Yes! The rabbi loves a connection to the Divine). • Sharing these holy days with all of you (Yes! The rabbi enjoys hanging out with you all). Let’s not miss those opportunities to spend time with each other. Whether it be at Religious School as we decorate the Sukkah, and wave the Lulav; or at our outdoors Sukkah Sukkot service where we welcome into our midst our new members; or at congregational events we hold under the Sach (roof of the Sukkah)… Or, visiting your family Sukkah that you have built in your backyard. Please, please invite me to visit; I will bring an Etrog and Lulav to wave at your house, and a camera to take a photo of us all to place on our BCRC Facebook page! If you have never built a Sukkah before and want to try it out this year, just google “sukkah building plans” or order a klutz-proof Sukkah (for the building challenged like myself) from www.sukkot.com (Continued on page 7) Rabbi Linda Joseph
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Kol Nidre Address The following is a slightly-adapted version of the Kol Nidre address given by Mark Raffman, President, on September 25, 2012: Welcome
It is traditional for the President of the Congregation to give a “State of the Congregation” speech on Erev Yom Kippur at the Kol Nidre Service. The theme of my speech this evening is: “We need your … blessings.” There are so many ways that we are blessed – and can be blessed. Money, time, good works, positive energy: these are all blessings. So I want to start by thanking you – all of you – who support our synagogue. Supporting us in the classroom, as teachers to our children. Supporting us from the bimah, with prayer and song. Supporting us with your time and service on the Board and the various committees through which we October/November 2012 operate. Volume XI Issue I Tishrei/Cheshvan 5773
Supporting us with your children so that they may carry on the Jewish faith and culture through learning and study. And, supporting us financially with your dues and fees, and your donations from the heart. You make this congregation a home, and a sacred community.
What is a sacred community?
What is a sacred community? What is the role of a synagogue? Let’s take a detour. Twenty years ago we had bookstores. People would go into the store and buy books. Now we have Amazon.com and e-books. And there aren’t any more bookstores – except for Barnes & Noble, but they only exist because they sell e-book readers and e-books as well as the ones with paper in them. (Continued on page 6) Mark Raffman, President
COMMUNITY EVENTS NEWS
Community Events – Make a New Connection to BCRC! We joined Beth Chaverim six years ago just as my son Zach was entering first grade. During those first few years, I knew virtually nobody – I hung out in the halls of the religious school (at that time, over at the Montessori school in Ashburn), went to the occasional service, and met a few people here and there. It was not until the middle of our second year that I took a chance and showed up at a meeting at a member’s home to help organize the annual Purim Carnival. After that meeting, our former President Tracy Cirone (who had taught Zach in first grade) asked if I would consider teaching in the religious school the next year. The rest is history – teaching led to meeting many more people, more involvement, and eventually two positions on the Board. What I discovered along the way is that BCRC is full of amazing people. The more I get involved and make connections within BCRC, the more friends I make, and the more I get out of membership. Now that my son is in middle school, I see him starting to make those connections as well – I cannot describe how wonderful it was to watch a group of 6th graders last year spend a whole night together at a BCRC lock-in, and wake up for the first time as real friends – even though many of them have known each other for years. I recently assumed the new Community Events VP position because I believe it is vital to promote the sense of community that I have found here. This position oversees and coordinates all of the groups in our temple that build community inside and outside of BCRC – Brotherhood, Sisterhood, the three Youth Groups, Little Latkes! and Tikva. Each of these groups is special in their own right and offers a way for you to make a new connection with BCRC – whether you have been a member for years, or are new to our community. Our Brotherhood is an energetic group – recently, they have engaged in social events such as Grand Prix racing and dinner at local restaurants, as well as ushering at our services and building our community sukkah. Please join Brotherhood at their upcoming events! Sisterhood is a diverse group of women at BCRC which sponsors social and educational programs of interest to women; raises funds for BCRC; and oversees a wide range of community service activities. Sisterhood’s kick-off event will be a Rosh Chodesh potluck dinner and discussion on October 16 at 6:30 p.m. In addition, Sisterhood’s annual “Share the Warmth” coat drive to benefit the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter is running from now until the end of October. Look for the donation box at BCRC. Our Youth Activities are off to a great start! CHAVTY is our congregation’s high school social action group, led by teens for teens, with the guidance of Lisa Kimball. In addition to participating in local NFTY events, CHAVTY will be running various activities this fall including a funny photo contest in October and a social media class (so adults can learn how to make the best use of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other sites/applications) on November 6. For our 6th-8th graders, we have Junior CHAVTY, under advisor Bari Barton Cooper. Look for Bari’s article in this Bulletin about all the great things she has planned – including the recent and well-attended “S’mores in the Sukkah” on October 6 (and check out our Facebook site for pictures!). Finally, we are proud to launch Mini CHAVTY, our program for kids in Grades 3-5. Mini CHAVTY will be planning four events this year – including our kick-off on October 14 with a visit to the corn maze and fall festival at Temple Farm Park. Our Little Latkes! preschool group is trying new activities, such as a weekly drop in playgroup during the last hour of Sunday School, monthly Pajama Havdalah events (pictures on our Facebook site!), and a facilitated playgroup called Bagels & Blocks. Our Tikva Committee, under the leadership of Ray Daffner, focuses on sponsoring programs that promote interfaith understanding and dialogue in our community. Tikva is currently supporting The Interfaith Day of Thanks to address hunger in Loudoun County on Nov 4, hosted by Loudoun Interfaith Bridges (of which BCRC is a founding member), and held at three congregations within walking distance: one Jewish - Beth Chaverim; one Muslim - ADAMS (All Dulles Area Muslim Society in Ashburn); and one Christian - Christian Fellowship Church. Tikva and ADAMS also are planning a program in the spring of 2013 that will focus on opportunities for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, as well as other activities being planned. Watch for more information about these programs soon! Please check out our website and Facebook page for more information on all these events. Take the first step, and make a new connection to the BCRC community this year – you will be glad that you did! Jen Elgin, Community Events VP
Tree of Life Michael and Rita Butterman donated a leaf in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Lena Butterman (10-27-12) Daniel and Andrea Gallant donated a leaf in loving memory of Samuel Gallant Claudia and Mark Raffman donated a leaf in honor of Sue and Marc Benezra from their Chaverim Robert and Arlene Lapidus and Chuck and Leni Pritt donated a leaf in honor of Marc and Sue Benezra’s 45th anniversary 2
FROM THE PRESIDENT
(Continued from page 1) So why do we still have synagogues? Why not Synagogue. com? “Click on the link to say Kaddish.” Can we really say Kaddish with Siri? I don’t think it would work, and here’s why: because we derive meaning from contact with other people. Our religion teaches this in a hundred different ways. We require a minyan to say certain prayers (Kaddish among them). When we atone before God on Yom Kippur, we do it as a community. And then, we atone before God only after we have made things right between us and our fellow human beings. For some things, you’ve just got to be there. Synagogue.com will never make it. So when they have their IPO, you can stay away.
teachers you rock!). We have an amazing Education Committee and set of volunteers. You see them on Sunday mornings making sure things are in order. We’re offering additional Adult Education programs this year too. Of particular note is Rabbi Joseph’s intensive Introduction to Judaism class, which has attracted quite a few students from inside and outside our synagogue community. Here too we could not do it without an incredibly strong volunteer effort. Still more Blessings.
Beit Knesset
We are blessed also with very active social and community events volunteers. Our picnic attracted about 150 people last month – the biggest ever. Our Brotherhood has monthly dinners and outings and provides volunteers such as the ushers you see in gold kippot around you this evening. Our Sisterhood runs the gift shop (sorry, closed this evening) and sponsors social events and community service such as honoring our teachers each year. Our Membership Committee has made strides as well, particularly in the use of social media such as Facebook. Our publicity, community events, and membership volunteers work together closely to make sure we get our message out in the community and then follow up. We have a strong interfaith presence as well. We have joint programs with our friends and neighbors from the All Dulles Area Muslim Society – we were so honored to share this very room with them during their Ramadan observance over the summer. And we participate actively in Loudoun Interfaith Bridges.
Beit T’Filah / Beit Sefer / Beit K’nesset
In what ways does the synagogue serve as a sacred community? We often think of it in three ways: • Beit T’filah – House of Worship • Beit Sefer – House of Study • Beit Knesset – House of Gathering (or community). A synagogue is a place you can go to do all of these things as a Jew. There’s no substitute. So let’s use this lens to talk about Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation – where we’ve been, where we are, where we’re going.
Beit T’Filah
We’re most fortunate to have Linda Joseph as our full-time rabbi. And we’re most fortunate as well to have Sue MandelGiblin, Stacy Kafka, and Sheri Kay as our regular rotation of cantorial soloists. We will also welcome back Phil Kane whenever we can pull him back from his new Delaware home. And, of course, musical accompanists too numerous to mention who enhance our services with their melodies Our Shabbat programs have never been stronger, or more varied. We have Shabbat services every Friday, with maybe one or two exceptions throughout the year. Our regular programming includes birthday/anniversary services the first weekend of the month, and a Tot Shabbat the third weekend of the month, to name just a couple. Our Jammin’ Shabbat services, maybe three or four times a year, are a major highlight. Attendance at Shabbat services has steadily grown over the year. We have added festival programs. Do not miss Sukkot and Simchat Torah this year! And, of course, Chanukah, Tu B’Shevat, Purim, and our second night Seder. We’ve been able to beef up our festival programming because we have more volunteers active in making them happen. More Blessings!
Where we are and where we’re going
Last year at this time, I kept hearing questions about whether our synagogue has a future – things like “we’re going to run out of money” or “our mortgage is too big.” Those questions are not unique to our congregation, of course. In a down economy, all synagogues face challenges. But for the reasons I’ve said, they are challenges worth facing and worth overcoming. So I’ll say again what I said last year – have no fear. Yes, we have financial challenges. Yes, we still operate at a deficit. And yes, we have a big mortgage. But these are challenges we can meet and overcome. We’re doing it. We had a successful Kol Nidre campaign last year. We’ve increased rental income this year. We’re looking at other ways to take better advantage of our space to further increase revenue in the future. And we’ve done all that without having to increase your membership dues and tuition fees this past year. And I will say this – we don’t hear much about doom and gloom anymore here. We have momentum. I like to use the analogy of a freight train. Maybe it doesn’t look like it’s moving very fast. But it’s hard to stop. Our progress is slow, but it is steady. We are not turning back and we are not going to stop. (Continued on page 12)
Beit Sefer
Our religious school has transformed over the past two years. We’ve put curriculum reforms in place so that we now have a unified curriculum for judaics and Hebrew instruction. Our teachers receive extra training (and they are true stars – 3
ADULT EDUCATION
FALL CLASSES Lunch & Learn: 20th Century Spiritual Philosophies
Lecture Series: An Introduction to Jewish Mysticism
Instructor: Rabbi Linda Joseph and Kabbalah Time: Wednesdays 1:00pm to 2:00pm Instructor: Dr. Michael R.Leavitt Dates: October 3rd thru December 12th Time: Tuesdays 7:00pm to 8:30pm Location: Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation Dates: October 30, November 13, 27 and December 4 This year on your Wednesday lunch hour, your brown bag lunch Location: Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation in hand, between 1pm and 2pm; we will look at some of the most From its beginnings, Judaism has sought to understand the regreat, influential spiritual philosophers/theologians of the 20th alities of our inner life as well as the world around us. Jewish century. We will begin with Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Mysticism—now known as the Kabbalah—has been a primary reading his well loved short work “The Sabbath” which is availapproach for achieving that goal. This lecture series explores able both in book and electronic form. Classes will commence the history and meaning of Kabbalah—Judaism’s mystical traimmediately after the High Holy Days beginning on October dition. 3rd, 2012 and running through December 12th. To register for any of the above offerings, or for further information, contact Shelley Sheinwald the Adult Education Coordinator at ssheinwald@comcast.net. Shelley Sheinwald, Adult Education Coordinator
Religious Service Descriptions Friday Night, Traditional Erev Shabbat Service The Kabbalat Shabbat service, followed by an oneg, is appropriate for congregants of all ages. First Friday - 7:00pm Service Birthdays and anniversaries of congregants occurring during the month are celebrated. Second Friday - 7:00pm Service Upper grade Sunday school classes may participate. Third Friday - 2 Services - Tot Shabbat at 6:30pm, a “preneg” at 7:00pm and Adult Service at 7:30pm. Tot Shabbat 6:30pm 30 minute service that introduces children from newborn to 3rd grade to the prayers, songs, and traditions of Shabbat. Lower grade Sunday school classes often participate in Tot Shabbat services. Service followed by a “Preneg,” a joint oneg between the Tot Shabbat and adult service. Adult Service - 7:00 “Preneg” and 7:30pm service. Regular Kabbalat Shabbat service Fourth and Fifth Fridays - 7:00pm Service/Regular Kabbalat Shabbat and/or Jammin’ Shabbat: Quarterly Friday night service features live music and singing appropriate for all age groups. Congregants interested in participating should contact worshipvp@bcrcva.org. SATURDAY MORNING, SHABBAT SERVICE, 10:00am Saturday morning Shabbat services usually include a Bar or Bat Mitzvah and Torah service followed by an oneg. This service is open to all congregants.
BETH CHAVERIM REFORM CONGREGATION MISSION STATEMENT The Members of Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation will provide the Jewish community with a forum for experiencing the religious, cultural and celebratory aspects of Jewish life, offering this experience in an organized, open, egalitarian environment where all members are comfortable with their diverse beliefs and Jewish heritage. Beth Chaverim will foster the viability of the Jewish people by providing Jewish religious education to our children and providing our members with an active Jewish community in Loudoun County, Virginia, and its surrounding areas. 4
JUNIOR CHAVTY NEWS
Calling All Beth Chaverim Middle Schoolers My name is Bari Barton Cooper and I am the Youth Advisor for Junior CHAVTY, our congregation’s middle school youth group. Junior CHAVTY is the youth group program for 6th-8th graders at Beth Chaverim. As advisor, I will plan fun, social activities to encourage personal growth (Hitpatchut), instill Jewish identity, further religious action (Tikkun Olam), and foster a long-term commitment to our Synagogue and the Reform movement. Whew! Lots of big ideas and ideals, but essentially, Junior CHAVTY is a youth group that is run by adult volunteers within our congregation for the benefit of our teens and pre-teens. I volunteered for this position because I strongly believe that participation in a youth group gives our children an identity that will sustain them through adulthood. I have read so many October 6, 2012 October 28, 2012 November 17, 2012 December 8, 2012 January 25-27, 2013 March 2-3, 2013 March 15-17, 2013 April 13-14, 2013
studies that show that participation in youth group strengthens Jewish identity and keeps our children engaged in Judaism as an adult. I can certainly attest to this as I grew up in a decidedly non-Jewish area of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and I begrudgingly attended synagogue 4-5 times per year. It was my experiences with a Jewish high school youth group that made me feel connected to my Judaism and helped me identify with other Jewish people on a social level. It is my hope that all of you will benefit from socializing with each other outside of Religious School and feel more connected to our temple, our religion, our community. We have an exciting calendar of events, and I plan to add even more fun activities. Below is a list of events and dates below that are definitely on the schedule:
CALENDAR FOR JUNIOR CHAVTY (GRADES 6-8) S’mores In the Sukkah Meeting to coordinate Mitzvah Project Household Waste Disposal Household Waste Disposal Program Junior Chavty Laser Tag Night 7:30-10pm MAJYK (Falls Church, VA) Lock in 7th Grade The Vent 8th Grade Lock in 6th Grade
All grades and their families Parents of Middle Schoolers All Middle Schoolers All Middle Schoolers 7th and 8th grade only 7th grade only 8th graders and 9th-12th graders 6th grade only
A note on NFTY events (MAJYK and The Vent): These weekends away will be wonderful. For MAGYK, our 7th and 8th graders will travel to Rodef Shalom in Falls Church, Virginia for the weekend for mixers, services and other events with other DC-area Reform Jewish kids. The Vent is a color war-themed weekend away in Rockville, Maryland for 8th-12th graders. It is by far the most enjoyable event for this age group. If you attend nothing else this year, make an exception for this weekend - it is a blast! Parents, if you have a middle school-aged child and have not received an introductory email from me, please contact me to get on our email list. Please also feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding Junior CHAVTY. My contact information is below. B’shalom, Bari Barton Cooper, baribartoncooper@gmail.com 703-542-6250 home, 703-944-7280 cell EDUCATION NEWS
Our first day of Religious School was a success! We are very excited about all the great things we will learn and do this year! Over the summer our Education Committee was hard at work. We cleaned and prepared classrooms, ordered books and supplies and planned our exciting new programs for this year! This year’s theme will be Community. We will be building bonds between classmates, teammates, and our BCRC community. We will emphasize our connections to our greater community and our connections to Israel. Throughout the school year, we will be practicing our Hebrew skills to get ready for our Hebrew Maccabiah games on April 28th! Our Blue and White teams will be practicing to prepare for the big day. During the year and throughout the
games, students will earn tickets to redeem at our Prize and Craft Fair. We will be asking parents and members to donate prizes to add to ours. Students can earn tickets for their team by showing effort, improvement and by helping fellow students. Let’s encourage positive behavior and big accomplishments! Each of our classes is named after a city in Israel. We will learn about those cities and about Israeli culture. We also have some great Judaics arts and crafts days planned for the students. If you’d like to be a part of helping make our Religious School meaningful and engaging for our students, contact our Education VP, Arlene Lechner at educationvp@bcrcva.org, to find out how you can help!
Arlene Lechner, Education VP 5
B’NAI MITZVAH
Avery Bass
Animal Rescue League (WARL). I chose an animal donation because my torah portion is about Noah’s Ark and I wanted to honor my cat, Rocky who was adopted from the WARL and died four years ago.
Avery Bass will become a Bar Mitzvah on October 20, 2012. Avery is an 8th grade honor student at Herndon Middle School where he is a community assistant for the Herndon Middle School chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. In addition to his academic excellence, Avery plays many sports, enjoys music, and is active in his community. Avery currently plays baseball and basketball on Herndon recreation teams, and participates in after-school intramurals. In the past, Avery has played soccer, tackle football, flag football and ice hockey. In elementary school, Avery played the violin and clarinet, sang in the All-County chorus, and served as a safety patrol for two years. Avery currently volunteers as the classroom helper for the kindergarten class at BCRC on Sunday morning, and is a member of the Confirmation class. Avery is an amazingly proud and devoted big brother to his younger sibling, Jesse, who is 10 months old. Avery has worked hard in preparing for his Bar Mitzvah and would like to thank his tutor, Sheri Sackett, for keeping the learning environment fun and for helping him master the shofar.
Samuel Bradford Matson
Samuel Bradford Matson will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on November 3, 2012. He is a 7th grader at Eagle Ridge Middle School in Ashburn and has two older brothers, Daniel and Andrew. Sammy is a hard-working student who takes all honors classes and earned all A+’s and A’s last year. He plays the clarinet in the 7th Grade Band, studies hip-hop and tap at Studio Bleu Dance Studio, and wrestles with the Ranger Wrestling Program out of Loudoun County High School. Sammy enjoys playing soccer, basketball and baseball, and also running. He is a big fan of the Boston Bruins and you’ll find the team colors of black, yellow and white all around his Bar Mitzvah. Sammy is an enthusiastic and skilled video gamer, and is considering game design as a possible career. However, his greatest passion, by far, is animals, especially dogs. Sammy is never too busy to give attention to pets anywhere, and has happily walked dogs and cared for pets while their owners are away. For his Mitzvah Project, Sammy will be volunteering with the Middleburg Humane Foundation to provide TLC to the animals there, as well as helping with other, more practical chores. The Foundation has a very extensive orientation program to make sure its volunteers are prepared to meet the needs of its animal friends, and he is looking forward to completing the program and working with the Foundation long-term. Samuel has been working very hard to prepare for his Bar Mitzvah and is grateful to his tutor Sheri Sackett for her encouragement and enthusiasm. He also appreciates everything he has learned from Rabbi Joseph and all his Hebrew and Judaics teachers. Sammy has really enjoyed Sunday school, as the classmates have a very strong bond, with many students having been together since Kindergarten. He is looking forward to sharing this special occasion with family and friends from near and far, and with the many members of our wonderful “House of Friends.”
Avery’s Bar Mitzvah Project My torah portion is about Noah’s ark and I wanted my community service project to be something that would help animals. At first I wanted to volunteer at an animal shelter or at the Reston Zoo but they wouldn’t let me. Then I decided to hold a yard sale to raise money that could be donated to help animals. My yard sale was a big success; we made over $250 and sold a lot of stuff. It made me really happy to know that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from you can still make a difference. The yard sale lasted from 8 to 12 on September 1 and we served over 100 people. Getting ready for the yard sale was the hard part because we had to find everything to sell and we made brownies, muffins, and lemonade to sell. We also had to advertise. We used cardboard boxes to make signs and wrote on them with a Sharpie. Then we went out for an hour and a half putting up the signs. We also put up an ad on Craig’s List and I put up a posting on my Facebook page. I decided to donate all the money to the Washington
Sisterhood Update The Sisterhood is pleased to be hosting a coat drive this year to benefit the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter “LAWS.” LAWS is a private non-profit in Loudoun County serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. This is a great time of year to go through your closets and pull out those coats that no longer fit or you just haven’t worn for a while and give them to a worthy cause. LAWS will be happy to accept women’s, men’s and children’s coats that are gently used and clean. A clearly marked collection box is located in the entrance to the synagogue. The collection runs from now through the end of October. Sunday school drop off and pick up is a great time to bring those coats! If you don’t have an opportunity to come drop them off, please email Andrea Kammann at andreakammann@comcast.net to coordinate collection. 6
KOL NIDRE APPEAL
More Salt In The Potato Salad My father passed away earlier this year. He was 88, a successful grocer, extraordinarily charming and my hero. In no particular order, he loved my mother, the U.S. Navy, Loretta Young, the movie Lost Horizon, us kids, soft-serve ice cream and cocoanut custard pie. I knew my father as well as any son can know his dad, but I did not know the man. I grew up in Trenton New Jersey which had a sizable and vibrant Jewish community. My family belonged to the large conservative temple – the Adath Israel; about 1500 families. Like today, the majority of the congregation would come for the High holy days. Families of long standing, those who’d been members since its’ founding in the 1920’s, got to pray in the ornate main sanctuary. The families who joined after World War II were relegated to the basement and the postmodern and vaguely sterile Alexander auditorium which sat 1200 and had three sections like a theater. Our seats were in the very front row of the right section and my father liked sitting there because he could rest his feet on the choir stand directly in front of us. Additionally, the exit door immediately to our right afforded my mother the opportunity to periodically slip out and curb her nicotine jones, and us a fast getaway at the end of services. It was all very civilized. Regardless of where you sat, when you got there, there were two prayer books and the Kol Nidre pledge card on each chair. Every year was the same: my father would pick up the pledge card, sit down, slowly shake his head and place the tithe request into his coat pocket. Years later and I’m sitting in my brother’s living room. My father had died earlier in the day and the family was gathering to console each other and prepare for the coming funeral. And as is typical for my family regardless of the occasion, we reminisced. Eventually, the conversation got around to the synagogue and I chimed in about how dad loved our High Holiday seats and was less than thrilled about giving to the synagogue. My mother just looked at me. “Your father hated those
(Continued from page 1)
seats. The choir was too loud for him and the only reason we sat there was because no one else wanted to.” “Well what about the whole charity thing – dad-did-notlike-giving- to-the-synagogue.” My mother just laughed, “I was the one who didn’t want to give to the synagogue. “Your father however, was of a completely different mind. He did not believe in charity, but he did believe in social justice - without fanfare, without applause. What you took for disdain, was your father struggling with how to contribute more, especially given our limited circumstances. Remember, your father grew up very poor and took great pride in supporting the many families he provided for – ours, the synagogue and those of his customers who couldn’t afford their grocery bills.” “Unlike you, Michael, he enjoyed being in the synagogue. “He found great peace and comfort there - especially when it was empty. Your father even told me once that G-d spoke to him while he was sitting in the main sanctuary.” I didn’t believe it. “What did dad say G-d said to him?” My mother smiled and said, “More salt in the potato salad.” I had never witnessed or experienced the peace and transcendental calm that my father found in the synagogue….until last Sunday, in Rabbi Joseph’s “Introduction to Judaism” class. There, I listened to the aspiring converts and lapsed believers, each describing their journey to and through Judaism and what they hoped to gain from it. They did so in reverential tones and tenors that said, “I am coming home. I am safe.” And it was then and there that I finally got it - what my father had always known and what I had never truly embraced or understood: that family is more than our spouses and parents and children and siblings. That Family…is all of us, the collective community we choose to be a part of. And that this place is our home. And the magic and majesty here that sustains us all – it too requires nurturing and sustenance. Michael Zuckerman
FROM THE RABBI’S STUDY
On Simchat Torah
At the end of Sukkot, comes another festival, Simchat Torah. After exposure, we are taught of endings and beginnings, when we finish the reading of the Torah scroll and then move immediately to begin again the liturgical cycle of storytelling. In this fragile existence, there are always endings and beginnings. As our sages taught, Gam Zeh Ya’avor (also this passes); Gam Zo L’Tovah (also this is for good). We will mark Simchat Torah by: • Ending and beginning the cycle of Torah reading (Yes! The Rabbi loves retelling a good story). • Giving out the greatest honors of the Jewish year, Chatan/ Kallah Torah — groom/bride of the Torah, the final aliyah of the year; and Chatan/Kallah Bereshit, groom/bride of the beginning, the first aliyah of the year (Yes! The rabbi loves to honor those who have done special things for our community).
• Dancing around the sanctuary 7 times with our Torah scrolls (Yes! The rabbi looks forward to a spiritual work out). • Imbibing in a little spiritual liquor to make the dancing merrier (Yes! The rabbi is happy when all are happy). • Dedicating the Torah cover donated by the Confirmation Class of 5772 in honor of their continuing Jewish lives (Yes! The rabbi loves our dedicated young people). Chag Sameach! Happy festival –ing to you all! I look forward to these good times together! 7
Mutual Review Committee (MRC) - What’s On Your Mind? The Mutual Review Committee (MRC) was established so that any congregant can go to any member of this committee with their thoughts regarding any aspect of the temple. First and foremost, the MRC is an extension of the congregation and your voice matters greatly. To ensure the MRC hears you, please tell us what you think as often as you would like! We welcome your feedback, questions, and comments any time via email at mrc@bcrcva.org or you can contact Tracy Cirone, Jason Cooper or Shelley Sheinwald directly. Please tell us what we are doing right, what we should continue to do and, more importantly, where there is room for improvement (all comments can be made anonymously). As the “eyes” and “ears” of the congregation, the members of this committee have the opportunity to discuss these matters with Rabbi Joseph at MRC meetings held quarterly.
Rabbi Joseph’s Office Hours Rabbi Linda Joseph will have office hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2 pm to 5 pm. Other times can be made by appointment. Rabbi Joseph can be contacted at rabbi@bcrcva.org or (703) 729-1659.
Shabbat Service Schedule DATE
SERVICE
COORDINATING HELPING
Oct 5
New Member Celebration/Erev Shabbat Family Service with dinner in the Sukkah 7:00pm Medoff
Oct 6
Feldman Baby Naming 11:00am Pajama Havdalah 4:30 pm Jr. Chavty S’mores in the Sukkah 7:30pm
Oct 12
Simchat Torah/Torah Cover Dedication Erev Shabbat Family Service 7:00pm Raffman
Shapero, Sheinwald, Shinberg, Shoup, Shuman
Oct 19
6:30pm Tot Shabbat Followed by Adult Service
Skaer, Slatkin, C&J Smith, J&B Smith, Soifer
Oct 20
Morning Shabbat Service and Avery Bass Bar Mitzvah 10:00am
Oct 26
Erev Shabbat Family Service 7:00pm
Oct 27
Morning Shabbat Service and Lena Butterman Bat Mitzvah 10:00am
Nov 2
Jammin’ Shabbat Erev Shabbat Service 7:00pm
Nov 3
Morning Shabbat Service and Samuel Matson Bar Mitzvah 10:00am Pajama Havdallah 4:30pm
Goldberger
Saferstein, Sammons, Sandler, Schultz, Sexton-Fuller
Solomon, Sparer, Steil, Suitor, Thorner
Katz Tiller, Trost, Tucker, Villagomez, Vought
Cirone
Nov 9 Erev Shabbat Family Service 7:00pm Elgin
Waldman, Weiner, Weiz, E&J Zelman, J&S Zelman
Nov 16
6:30 pm Tot Shabbat Special Service with Cantor Robert Michael Esformes 7:30pm Lourenco
Zimmet, Zuckerman, Andruzzi, Angioli, Arbetter
Nov 17
Special Service with Cantor Robert Michael Esformes Meditation and Kabbalah 10:00am
Nov 30
Jammin’ Shabbat Erev Shabbat Service 7:00pm
Barron, Belt, Benezra, Berman, Bernier, Berry
CALLING ALL HELPER FAMILIES - WE NEED AND WE GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP!
About twice a year, each Beth Chaverim member (family or individual) is called upon to serve as a Helper Family at either our Shabbat services or a holiday event. Dates are announced in advance in an email, weekly email news blast, and the Chaverim Bulletin. In addition to bringing food or drinks for the Oneg, we ask that you arrive at services early to help set up and then stay afterwards to help clean up. The Worship Committee has assigned each member a date. If a date is not convenient for you, we ask that you let the Worship Vice President know a date that would work. Then plan on being at the service on your date to help. Fulfilling your obligation to the temple is truly a mitzvah. 8
FROM THE BOARD
Summary of Board Meeting held Thursday, August 9, 2012
Summary of Board Meeting Held Thurssday, September 13, 2012 1. Thanks were given in regards to the very successful picnic. 2. Education reported that we are at capacity for pre-K and Kindergarten this year. Trying to collect items or pictures of Israel as that is the theme this year. 3. Treasurer reported on congregational finances. 4. Membership reported that we have five new members. 5. Report on progress with ADAMS. Cost of expansion is still in discussion. 6. Update on Bridges program status – program cannot be held until March. 7. Loudoun County performance bond is up for renewal and is being reviewed to ensure we are in compliance. 8. Discussion of formation of Strategic Review task force.
1. Treasurer reported on congregational finances. 2. Membership reported that we had one new family join. Membership calls are being made. 3. Worship reported that the High Holy Days committee it on track. 4. Report on progress with ADAMS. A contractor provided an estimate. Pricing negotiations are going on. 5. House Affairs reported a list of repairs before the start of religious school. 6. Discussion of Bulletin – discontinue it altogether, possibly change it to quarterly, or send a special blast with a link to read the blast with a list of headlines. Checking with the URJ to see what other temples are doing. 7. A motion carried regarding the Bridges program for Fall 2012. 8. Continued discussion of volunteer roster.
Shelly Slebrch, Secretary
Board of Directors – 2012 - 2013 NAME
POSITION EMAIL
Larry Deigh
Executive Vice President
Mark Raffman Carol Currier
Jonathan Goldberger Arlene Lechner Brian Giblin
Amy Lourenco Jennifer Elgin Heather Katz
Shelly Slebrch Tracy Cirone
Marshall MedoffOther Helpful Contacts Lisa Kimball Bari Cooper
Stephanie Meister [Vacant]
Dan Gallant
Adrienne Skapura-Butterman/Jennifer Kasmer Neil Frank/Amy Steil [Vacant]
Shelly Slebrch [Vacant]
Ray Daffner
Cheryl Suitor & Rabbi Joseph
Debbie Sexton Fuller/Janice Shinberg
President
president@bcrcva.org
Worship Vice President
worshipvp@bcrcva.org
Facilities Vice President
Education Vice President
Membership Vice President
Communications Vice President
Community Events Vice President Finance Vice President Secretary
Past President 1 Past President 2 OTHER HELPFUL CONTACTS
executivevp@bcrcva.or houseaffairsvp@bcrcva.org educationvp@bcrcva.org
membershipvp@bcrcva.org
communicationsvp@bcrcva.org
communityeventsvp@bcrcva.org treasurer@bcrcva.org
secretary@bcrcva.org nmcrjc@verizon.net
colbyseider@gmail.com
CHAVTY Coordinator
chavty@bcrcva.org
Bulletin Editor
bulletinvp@bcrcva.org
Junior CHAVTY Coordinator Sisterhood
Brotherhood President Financial Secretaries
Social Committee Chairs E-Mail Blast Editor Calendar Editor
Public Relations
Tikva Committee Chair
Caring Committee Coordinators B’nai Mitzvah Coordinators
Rabbi Linda Joseph
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jrchavty@bcrcva.org
sisterhood@bcrcva.org
brotherhood@bcrcva.org financialsec@bcrcva.org social@bcrcva.org blast@bcrcva.org
publicrelationsvp@bcrcva.org tikva@bcrcva.org
bnaimitzvah@bcrcva.org rabbi@bcrcva.org
ACTIVE RETIREE
Leesburg Area Active Retirees We did not meet in September, due to the Rosh Hashanah holiday. I wish you all a happy and healthy Jewish New Year and look forward to seeing you in October. On October 15, an AARP representative will facilitate a “listening session” with our group, soliciting your views about proposed changes to Social Security. Also, please save the date for our November meeting on November 19. We are very much honored that Rabbi Michael Ragozin of Congregation Sha’are Shalom will be coming to speak to us about the Jewish Way in Death and Mourning. We’d love to see more Beth Chaverim members, friends and family at our programs. All are welcome! We meet in the Monroe Auditorium in the Leisure World Clubhouse, but this JCCNV outreach effort is for active retirees throughout the Leesburg area. Our regular meeting date is the third Monday of the month, from 10:30 a.m.-noon. If transportation is an issue, please contact me at budoff3@cox.net, and I will try to arrange to pick you up on my way to Leisure World. Please mark your calendars for the following:
You’ve Earned a Say in the Future of Social Security – AARP Listening Session
AARP wants to hear from you! On Monday, October 15, from 10:30-noon, AARP will be sending a representative to facilitate a “listening session” with our group to find out what you think about several legislative proposals affecting Social Security that are being debated before Congress and on the campaign trail. This is a nationwide program to assist the AARP in formulating the positions it will advocate on your behalf. The proposals include: 1) raising the eligibility age to collect full Social Security benefits; 2) reducing Social Security cost of living adjustments; 3) reducing benefits for wealthy individuals; and 4) increasing payroll taxes. The AARP representative will give us the straight facts about the current condition of Social Security and provide information about the legislative proposals currently being considered. This is a unique opportunity to help shape positions to be taken by AARP on behalf of seniors with respect to these proposals. You’ve worked hard for your Social Security benefits and have earned the right to provide your input. Please participate in this important “listening session” so your voice will be heard. RSVP: Sheila Budoff at leesburgseniors@gmail.com or (703) 537-3068.
The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning
Death is a subject most painful to discuss, yet Jewish tradition is a wellspring of guidance and wisdom concerning the many questions that arise during this most difficult period of time. On Monday, November 19, from 10:30-noon, Rabbi Michael Ragozin, of Congregation Sha’are Shalom, will be our very special guest speaker to help us deal with this difficult subject. Together, we will explore the practical and spiritual aspects of Jewish funeral, burial, and mourning traditions. RSVP: Sheila Budoff at leesburgseniors@gmail.com or (703) 537-3068. The Active Retirees are a warm and friendly outreach group of men and women age 55+. Newcomers are always welcome! Our meetings are usually on the third Monday of the month in the Clubhouse at Leisure World at 10:30 a.m. Please join us for guest speakers, trips, holiday celebrations and “schmoozing.” The cost is $2 for members of the JCCNV or any synagogue or residents of Leisure World, and $4 for non-members. All are welcome!! For more information and to RSVP, please contact Sheila Budoff at (703) 537-3068 or e-mail leesburgseniors@gmail.com. Sheila Budoff, Coordinator ANNIVERSARIES
October
Chris Smith & Jill Eskin-Smith Joe & Dianne Andruzzi Scott & Valerie Horowitz Andrew & Debbie Pelletz Bill & Cindy Hack Richard & Eric Louis Anthony & Amy Lourenco Marty & Faith Shoup Brian & Bethany Freed John Bloom & Daryl Braiman Bloom Steve & Cindy Perkins
Phil & Ellen Kane Steven & Robin Pergament
October 2 October 4 October 7 October 10 October 13 October 13 October 13 October 14 October 21 October 23 October 23
November
Bob & Leann Arbetter John & Marcy Manning Jeffrey & Carolyn Eckhaus Ken & Amy Tucker Jeffrey & Andrea Elbaum Edward & Anna Hild Scott & Janice Shinberg Albert & Francie Bernier 10
October 26 October 28 November 7 November 8 November 15 November 20 November 21 November 22 November 22 November 24
BIRTHDAYS
October
Allison Raffman Danielle Edgell Robert Lapidus Amanda Rosas Joel Halpern Ben Lechtman Evelyn Ikner Samuel Matson Emilia Boehm Ame Persaud Stacey Randolph Robert Rubenstein Lauren Deigh Valerie Nagler-Levi Cindy Blistein-Mayer Neal Cirone Sasha Grady Zuckerman Michael Halpern Cindy Perkins Suzanne Slatkin Rachel Andruzzi Brendan McGrath
October 2 October 4 October 4 October 4 October 5 October 5 October 6 October 8 October 10 October 10 October 10 October 12 October 16 October 18 October 20 October 21 October 21 October 22 October 22 October 23 October 24 October 25
Daniel Pergament Tony Welz Michelle Harper Kayla Pelletz Jack Waldman Leann Arbetter Jordyn Bauman Sophie Cooperman Ethan Fuller Jeffrey Elbaum David Mendelsohn
October 25 October 27 October 28 October 28 October 28 October 29 October 29 October 29 October 29 October 30 October 30
November
Allen Sparer Alexander Hild Karl Kammann Rebecca Pelletz Scott Shinberg Hernan Villagomez Phyllis Scherer Danny McGrath Charles Brunner
November 3 November 4 November 4 November 6 November 6 November 6 November 7 November 8 November 9
Lisa Carlson Ellen Kane Janice Siegel Max Gallant Evan Slebrch Amy Tucker Michael Goodman Stephanie Meister Leslie Skaer Ella Freed Burt Roberts Gary Lissak Erin Louis Holly Sammons Joseph Cirone Jordan Gupp Kelsey Medoff Steve Perkins Lily Horowitz
November 9 November 9 November 9 November 12 November 12 November 12 November 13 November 13 November 13 November 14 November 14 November 17 November 20 November 20 November 22 November 25 November 26 November 26 November 29
YAHRZEITS
October Samuel Benezra Father of Marc Benezra Bessie Berman Grandmother of Renee Gupp Stacey Berry Daughter of William Berry Max Cohnreich Grandfather of Claire Brunner Sylvia Dozier Mother of Jill Zelman Henry Ellen Grandfather of Betsy Smith Henry Frank Uncle of Neil Frank Lawrence Green Father of Karen Harris Elli Wurtzberger Gupp Mother of William Gupp Benjamin Kessel Brother of Jan Saferstein Phyllis Kessel Sister-in-Law of Jan Saferstein Herman Kestenblatt Grandfather of Stephanie Meister Lillian Lassover Paul Lovejoy, Jr. Brother of Billie Medoff Martin Slobodkin Cousin of Caren Thorner Anne Steier Grandmother of Eric Meister Frances Tamarkin Aunt of Ellen Kane Veryle Whitney Mother of Leann Arbetter Calvin Wright Father of LuAnn Rubenstein November Norbert Bold Katharine Currier Renee F. Denmark Violette Eskenazi-Assayas Ilse Frey
Father of Nancy Frank Mother of Carol Currier Mother of Marcy Manning Mother of Danielle Edgell Grandmother of Andrea Kammann
Charles Gardner Harry Grover
Father of Sheldon Garder, Grandfather of Elizabeth Matson Grandfather of Muriel Gardner, Great-grandfather of Elizabeth Matson Grandmother of Faith Shoup Grandfather of Susan Benezra Grandmother of Dianne Andruzzi Father of David Mendelsohn Mother of Abby Champagne
Beatrice Holoboff Jacob Horner Rachel Jacobs Harry Mendelsohn Carol Mermelstein Claire Miller Blumber Molleye Grandmother of Andrew Kasmer Hansi Morbach Grandparent of Andrea Kammann Ralph Nadler Father of Barbara Mendelsohn Mollie Roberts Mother of Burt Roberts Stephen Rudnick Minnie Saferstein Mother of Soop Saferstein Arthur Scherer Father of Jan Lissak Arthur Scherer Husband of Phyllis Scherer Dorothy Simon Grandmother of Jennifer Trost Paul Stein Grandfather of Jan Lissak Paul Stein Father of Phyllis Scherer Sidney Stein Uncle of Jan Lissak Sidney Stein Brother of Phyllis Scherer Raymond Strasburger Uncle of Muriel Gardner Sylvia Strasburger Ingram Mother of Muriel Gardner, Grandmother of Elizabeth Matson Herbert Weiner Father of Jan Weiner Jacob Zubin Grandfather of Jennifer Trost 11
FROM THE PRESIDENT
(Continued from page 1)
Kol Nidre Appeal
And now I will return to my theme, but with a typographical catch: “We need your Ble$$ings.” We have a Kol Nidre appeal this year. Pledge cards are prominently displayed at the synagogue. And there is now a Kol Nidre Appeal section on our website. It’s normal to have an appeal. We do it every year. So do other synagogues. It’s how we make ends meet. It’s how we’ll continue to make our religious school available, at no cost, to families who are unable to afford it. It’s how we’ll continue to provide a full-time rabbi for our bimah and for life cycle events, both joyous and sad. We’re
here when you need us. Or more accurately, we’re here because we need each other. But only because – together – we make it so -- by what we do voluntarily with our gifts from the heart. We’re looking to raise $75,000. It’s doable if you’ll join us. With some runs up the middle and a few long passes we can get in the end zone. On behalf of
BCRC, we ask you to get in the game and do what you can. Every donation is important. I would be so proud to stand before you at the end of the campaign, or at our annual meeting, and announce that we have 100 percent participation of our members. Let’s do that. Thank you and L’Shanah Tovah to you all.
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THANK YOU
David and Barbara Mendelsohn donated in memory of Orville Zuckerman,m father of Michael Zuckerman David and Barbara Mendelsohn donated in honor of Danielle and Don Edgell on the birth of their granddaughter Sheila and Burt Roberts donated in honor of Sue and Marc Benezra’s 45th anniversary and Sue’s 65th birthday Michael Skalka and Nicole Thomas donated in honor of joining Beth Chaverim Library Fund Amy Lourenco donated in honor of Marc and Sue Benezra’s 45th wedding annniversary and Sue Benzra’s 65th birthday Prayer Book Fund Sandy Frager donated in memory of Al Frager Heather Kern donated in memory of David Chelnik Jan and Soop Saferstein donated in memory of Jan’s parents, Sadie and Norton Kessel Jan and Soop Saferstein donated in memory of Soop’s parents, Minnie and Abe Saferstein Jan and Soop Saferstein donater in memory of Soop and Jan’s brothers, Don Saferstein, Ben Kessel and Art Kessel Jill and Jan Weiner donated in honor of Sue and Mark Benezra’s 45th anniversary Torah Fund Amy Lourenco donated in memory of Orville Zuckerman, father of Michael Zuckerman Kol Nidre Appeal Abby Champagne Ryan and Amanda Green Barbara and David Mendelsohn Martin and Linda Katz Allen Sparer
Building Fund Bari and Jason Cooper donated in honor of their HHD honor Alison and Don Rosen donated in honor of their HHD honor Shelley Sheinwald donated in honor of Marc and Sue Benezra’s 45th wedding annniversary Shelley Sheinwald donated in memory of yahrzeit for Frances Namanowich, mother of Shelley Sheinwald General Fund Danielle and Don Edgell donated in honor of Sue’s birthday and Marc and Sue’s anniversary Muriel and Sheldon Gardner donated in honor of Marc and Sue Benezra’s 45th anniversary Stanley and Mikki Glantz donated in memory of the Ulrich Family Roberta Livingston donated with appreciation for the prayers by the congregation for the health of my friends and family John and Marcy Manning donated in honor of Marc and Sue’s 45/65 celebration John and Marcy Manning donated in memory of Violette Eskenazi Assayas, mother of Danielle Edgell John and Marcy Manning donated in honor of Adina Shoshana Ross, granddaughter of Barbara and David Mendelsohn John and Marcy Manning donated in gratitude for Barbara Mendelsohn’s and Carol Currier’s recoveries John and Marcy Manning donated in memory of Esther Horner, mother of Sue Benezra John and Marcy Manning donated in memory of Rubin Sheinwald, father of Jesse Sheinwald John and Marcy Manning donated in memory of Ronni, Jeff, Lexi and Carlie Ulrich David and Barbara Mendelsohn donated in honor of Marc and Sue Benezra on their joyful anniversary and birthday
For the latest calendar please click here http://www.bethchaverim.org/calendar.htm
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