Beth Tfiloh Bulletin December

BULLETIN

DECEMBER 2020 A KISLEV-TEVET 5781

BETH TFILOH

CELEBRATING THE JOY OF JUDAISM, EMBRACING ALL JEWS

CHANUKAH at HOME Sharing our Favorite Traditions

Chanukah Companion Pull-out Guide Shabbat Family Fun Moves Outdoors Alan Sandler: What “Be There for BT” Means to Me

RABBI’S CORNER CHANUKAH AND THE CORONAVIRUS

By Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg

Our tradition teaches: “Hakol talui b’mazel – everything depends on luck.” However one is to understand this statement, the fact remains that much in life does depend on luck. The coronavirus and Chanukah are examples of this.

In 1918 the Spanish Flu affected one-third of the world, killing 50 million people. It was the worst pandemic ever! But did you know that? The fact of the matter is, very little was written about this earth-shaking event! Historian Alfred Crosby writes in his book, America’s Forgotten Pandemic, “The average college graduate born since 1918 literally knows more about the Black Death of the 14th century than the World War I pandemic.” Why is that? Answer: The virus had no mazel. It became overshadowed by the conclusion of WWI, a recession, race riots, etc.

Chanukah, on the other hand, lucked out! Many of our sages did not want to make a big deal out of Chanukah. Jewish history does not glorify military victories. And besides, after the victory in 165 C.E. there came years of internal battles and other issues that ultimately led to the destruction of the Temple. In fact, the Mishna, written in the 2nd century, only makes mention of Chanukah in passing.

But Chanukah lives on! It was lucky that for several centuries the Christians had a day in their calendar commemorating the Maccabee victory. Had the Maccabees failed, there never would have been a Christianity. And in our day, Chanukah has become one of our most widely celebrated festivals, despite the fact that it has always been considered a “minor” holiday, because it lucked out in being celebrated around the same time as Christmas. They give gifts… so we give gifts. Lucky! When you think about it, the dreidel is a most appropriate symbol for Chanukah. It is all a matter of luck.

Synagogue Office 410-486-1900 Fax 410-653-0603 Schedule of Services Dial 6, 2 Information Hotline 410-413-2345 mail@btfiloh.org • www.BethTfiloh.com

BETH TFILOH CONGREGATION Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg Hazzan Avraham Albrecht Rabbi Chai Posner Rabbi Dr. Eli Yoggev Rabbi Chaim Wecker, Ritual Director Don Weinapple, VP, Finance Eve Kresin Steinberg, Executive Director Holly Venick, Director of Synagogue Life Cherie Brownstein, Synagogue Program Director Chana Slavaticki, Mercaz Center for Jewish Life & Learning Director Sam Bloom, Director, Beth Tfiloh Camps Dr. Ron Davis, President

Will our great-grandchildren study the history of the coronavirus that we are now experiencing? Will Chanukah always remind us how lucky we are to be Jews? Are you feeling lucky these days?

Louis Schwartz, Board Chair

I am! I am the rabbi of the Beth Tfiloh Congregation!

Dr. Craig Friedman, Chair, Beth Tfiloh Camps

Bess Gilden, Chair, Synagogue Life Shelley Kaye and Anne Pfeffer, Co-Chairs, Mercaz

BETH TFILOH DAHAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL Switchboard: 410-486-1905

IN THIS ISSUE

Dr. Zipora Schorr, Director of Education

Milestones...............................................................3

Allison Magat, Chief Administrative Officer

Cover Feature – BT Celebrates Chanukah.................4

Mandi Miller, Director of Institutional Advancement

Dates & Happenings...............................................6 Jewish Daily Living..................................................7 School Highlights....................................................8 Noteables.................................................................9 Philanthropy......................................................... 10 Giving.................................................................... 11

Laurie Kott, Director of Admission

Joan Feldman, Director of Strategic Initiatives Larry Seegull, President, Board of Trustees

BULLETIN Rina Goloskov, Director of Marketing and Communications Erin Smith, Communications Coordinator Paul Miller, Graphic Designer

Davening and Shabbat Times............................. 12

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BETH TFILOH BULLETIN

DECEMBER 2020 A KISLEV-TEVET 5781

Be There for

MILESTONES Mazal tov to the following Beth Tfiloh family members on celebrating these special milestones.

BIRTHS To Elaine and Steve Hercenberg on the birth of their granddaughter, Clara Michelle, daughter of Rachel ’05 and Joshua Waimberg.

BAR & BAT MITZVAHS Joshua Blank

‫ירחמאל דוד‬ Son of Melissa and Elliot Blank December 19 & 20, 2020

Joshua attends Boys’ Latin and Beth Tfiloh Hebrew School. He is the brother of Allison Blank. Joshua is the grandson of Eva Fine and Ira Fine and Marilyn and Ira Blank. His hobbies are bike riding, running, rock climbing, playing computer games, building Legos and spending time with family and friends. For his Mitzvah project, Joshua organized and participated in a neighborhood biathlon to support Tracy’s Kids, an art therapy program for children with cancer.

Evan Rubenstein ‫אברהם‬ Son of Laura and Jason Rubenstein December 31, 2020 & January 2, 2021

Evan attends Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. He is the older brother of Harris Rubenstein.

Evan is the grandson of Carol and Herbert Rubenstein, Jack Hoppenstein and the late Janet “Holly” Hoppenstein. His hobbies are playing basketball, soccer, biking, swimming, hanging out with friends and running with his dog. For his Mitzvah project, Evan phoned an elderly BT congregant, wrote a note to the family member of a fallen soldier in Israel, and packed lunches for those less fortunate.

DECEMBER 2020 A KISLEV-TEVET 5781

ENGAGEMENTS To Zack Garber, son of Michele Lax and Barry Garber, on his engagement to Arielle Fein, daughter of Stephanie and Henry Fein. Zack is the grandson of the late Charlotte and Harold Lax and the late Etta and Harold Garber.

2021 Annual Campaign For nearly a century, Beth Tfiloh has been there for you. But perhaps never

To Stephanie and David Kronthal on the engagement of their son Bradley ‘11 to Allison Hayes, daughter of Sara Saiontz Hayes and the late David Hayes. Also to his grandparents Rosalie and Jerry Klotzman.

quite like this year. This year, we ask you

To Harriet and Morton Silverstein on the engagement of their grandson Seth David Rabinovitz to Samantha Zacher. Seth is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Rabinovitz.

connected.

To Helene and Robert Riederman on the engagement of their son Joshua ‘09 to Erica Wilner, daughter of Monica and Martin Wilner.

to Be There for BT to help keep our BT community safe, thriving, and

Make your gift today at bethtfiloh.com/annualcampaign

Beth Tfiloh

Dahan Community School

NEW MEMBERS We welcome Irving Cohen to our Beth Tfiloh family. Irving is a retired lawyer and is the father and grandfather of our members Jackie, Dino, Joseph, Oliva and Ella La Fiandra.

CONDOLENCES To Tara Brown (Ari Mittleman) on the passing of her father, Jay Brown.

To Lynne (Richard) Goldsmith and Blaine Gerber on the passing of their mother, Rayda Iris Gerber.

To Susan Rayman on the passing of her husband, Melvin Rayman.

To Joyce Traub (nee Cohen) and Freddie (Lyn) Traub on the loss of their husband and father, Gerald (Jerry) Sheldon Traub.

To Janet (Abell) Billig on the passing of her husband, Jack Billig.

To Dianne Salama (Tompakov) on the passing of her husband, Victor Salama.

Virtual Open House

Learning together.

For life.

Meet our principals and faculty, explore our student-centered educational experience, and discover why a Beth Tfiloh education is an education for life.

Learn more at a BT Virtual Open House: Middle School: December 5, 7 pm Sign up for a BT Virtual Open House:

BETHTFILOH.COM/OPENHOUSE

SHARE YOUR NEWS! Have a new member of your family? A special occasion? Share the good news with your BT family! Contact Holly Venick, Director of Synagogue Life, at hvenick@btfiloh.org and share your information about your celebration.

BETH TFILOH BULLETIN

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BT Celebrates Beth Tfiloh families share their favorite Chanukah traditions

Chanukah is a feast for the senses. Watching the bright flickering Chanukah candles and smelling the permeating scent of homemade latkes frying in oil; hearing family members sing beautiful blessings and tasting the sticky, sweet sufganiyot; touching the menorahs that your family lights year after year and feeling the warmth and love of years of tradition.

We are fortunate to have members among us who have shared special family memories and traditions with our Beth Tfiloh synagogue family. Take a glimpse inside how they make Chanukah feel special.

of Chanukah. If the menorah is not out, we get calls to see if we are OK. Hopefully, the menorahs will be passed down to the next and 4th generation of his descendants.

Laurie and Jason Sklar

Charles and Ilene Weiner Bernie Moss, Ilene’s father, is an engineer.

He built a menorah out of copper tubing and electrical wire about 70 years ago.

This was on his lawn in Summit Park until he moved to Florida in 1971. We inherited it and displayed it annually for 40 years in Greengate. Later in life he was diagnosed with ALS and, while he could, made three more menorahs which he gave to my three daughters. These are displayed now at the Villages of Woodholme as well as Reisterstown, Finksburg, and Rockville.

Our neighbors look forward to seeing it as we turn on one additional bulb each night 4

BETH TFILOH BULLETIN

For the past 16 years, Ina and Jeffrey Legum, AKA Bubbie and Zadie, have had an Annual Chanukah Bowling Party for their grandchildren. Over the years, as the tradition continued, their grandchildren could always include their significant others! Last year, Sage Rose, their first great-grandchild joined! Thank you Mom and Dad, Bubbie and Zadie, for these great memories. We will all cherish them forever!

Sylvia and Alan Sandler

Each year at Chanukah we choose the menorah we are going to use from several menorahs that we have inherited from past generations. One of them was brought to my grandparents from Palestine in the early 1940s by a relative who lived there. Another was my father’s that has a music box in the base. It plays Maoz Tzur beautifully. A third is the one we bought in Israel while touring almost 30 years ago. It’s great when we light all of them, as it’s a beautiful sight with wonderful and warm memories.

DECEMBER 2020 A KISLEV-TEVET 5781

Chanukah Melissa and Jon Wohlberg

We do Secret Uncle Moishe! We pick a name out of a hat and get gifts at Five Below. Then we all try to guess who got each other the gifts.

Shelley and Bobby Kaye

Cheri and Richard Milrad

We are very traditional — we all get together to have dinner. I make the latkes.

Our daughter, Jessie, makes sufganiyot and then makes custard filling — yum!

We light the menorah, sing songs, give gifts to the kids and play dreidel. It doesn’t get much better than that.

We would play a gift swapping game called Shvunda. There are a bunch of wrapped gag gifts that you randomly choose and can swap. Oh some of the gags were quite interesting to say the least! It’s a complicated, fun game. And the meaning of Shvunda??? What do you do when you get a gift you don’t want?

Shove it unda the bed.

Rachel and Rabbi Chai Posner

Sheri and David Knauth

We had been lighting Chanukah candles and opening gifts long distance with my uncle in Florida for many years. He died unexpectedly three years ago. Due to COVID and inspired by my uncle, we will now schedule candle lighting each night with a different friend or family member on Zoom.

In addition to every family member lighting their own menorah every night, we do different activities on each night, including dreidel night (with chocolate chips for betting!), Chanukah cookie baking night, latkes night, presents night, sufganiyot making night and glow-in-the-dark night — we even bought those black lights!

Marcie and David Zisow

Our entire family, all 51 of us, gather for our annual Setren-Whitman-Zisow-Green Chanukah party and gift exchange. We’ve been doing this since our parents, Sylvia and Lou Setren and Marlene and Bernie Whitman became parents themselves over 70 years ago!

DECEMBER 2020 A KISLEV-TEVET 5781

BETH TFILOH BULLETIN

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DATES & HAPPENINGS Rabbi Capers Funnye & Minister Miya King: Black & White: Where DoThe Jews Fit In?

University presents

Thursday, January 14, 2021, 8 pm

Dr. Richard Landes: Jews and Evangelicals: A Marriage Made In…?

Thursday, December 3, 2020, 8 pm What fuels Evangelical Christians’ love-hate relationship with Jews? Do Evangelicals love us, want to convert us, or both? Prof. Richard Landes will answer these questions and more.

Richard Landes is a medieval historian with a specialty in apocalyptic millennial movements. His forthcoming book is entitled Stupidity Matters: A Medievalist Guide to the 21st Century He serves as the chair of the Academic Council of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East.

The call of Black Lives Matter has brought some Jews and Blacks closer together, and torn others apart. Are we natural allies? Why is there anti-Semitism and racism amongst us? Join Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg for this important conversation with Rabbi Funnye and Minister King.

View complete details and register online: bethtfiloh.com/btu

Destination: Poland Sunday, January 10, 3 pm Join Danny Ehrlich for an overview of the story of the Jews of Poland past, present and future as we consider these questions: Why did medieval Poland welcome Jews when almost every

other country in Europe was expelling its Jews? How did Jewish life flourish in Poland for more than 1,000 years despite rampant anti-Semitism? What is the truth about Poland vis-a-vis its Jews during the Shoah? What is the status of the Jewish community in Poland today?

Destination: Spain Sunday, December 20, 3 pm The 1,000-year Jewish story of Sepharad (Spain and Portugal) is one of triumph and despair. Join Keshet’s Kayla Ship for a virtual tour of Cordoba, home of Hasdai ibn Shaprut, Yehuda Halevi, and Maimonides, and impressive landmarks such as La Mezquita. Kayla Ship will highlight the “Golden Age” of Spain and its contribution to Hebrew poetry, science, medicine, and Jewish philosophy.

COMING SOON! BT Celebrity Chefs January 18 & 26, February 2 & 9, 8 pm Join Beth Tfiloh for a virtual international culinary journey with four celebrity chefs on the Israeli and American scenes: Einat Admony, Lior Lev Sercarz, Danielle Renov and Adeena Sussman. Explore their Moroccan, Yemenite, Persian, Tunisian, and Ashkenazi backgrounds, recipes and culinary inspirations.

View details & register at bethtfiloh.com/celebritychefs

bethtfiloh.com/virtualvacations

Register for all programs at bethtfiloh.com/register 6

BETH TFILOH BULLETIN

DECEMBER 2020 A KISLEV-TEVET 5781

Chanukah Companion

DECEMBER 2020 A KISLEV-TEVET 5781

BETH TFILOH BULLETIN

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It’s Chanukah time! In order to en”light”en your Chanukah we have enclosed this pull-out insert for you to use when lighting candles. It contains instructions for lighting, the brachot (blessings) said over the candles, songs traditionally sung after candle lighting, as well as commentary from your rabbis to enhance your experience. As Chanukah comes along, we hope it brings you light, warmth and health, and joy.

How to Light the Chanukiah TIMING: Candle lighting preferably begins at nightfall, but one can light all night if one needs to. On Fridays, the chanukiah is lit before dark to avoid lighting on Shabbat.

LOCATION: The chanukiah should be placed (safely) in a location where it can be viewed by onlookers from the outside.

This is known as pirsumei nisa: publicizing the miracle. If this is not feasible, one can place it anywhere that is visible to the members of one’s household.

CANDLE PLACEMENT: As we replace the candles each evening, we begin from the far right and move to the left, placing a new candle for each new day. One way to remember this is that the words replace and right both begin with the letter R; so we begin replacing from the right.

SHAMASH: The candle that is raised or in the center of the chanukiah is the shamash (helper candle). It’s the one you use to light the other candles. We place this candle on the

Blessings for Lighting the Chanukiah ‫ָבּרּוְך ַאתָ ּה ה' אֱ ֹלקנּו מֶ לְֶך הָ עֹולָם אֲ שֶ ׁר קִ דְ ּשָ ׁנּו‬ .‫ְבּמִ צְוֹותָ יו ו ְ ִצוָּנּו לְהַ דְ לִיק נֵר שֶ ׁל חֲ נֻ ָכּה‬ Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah lights.

‫ָבּרּוְך ַאתָ ּה ה' אֱ ֹלקנּו מֶ לְֶך הָ עֹולָם שֶ ׁעָ שָ ׂה נִסִ ּים‬ .‫ב ְזּמַ ן הַ ֶזּה‬ ּ ַ ‫ביָּמִ ים הַ הֵ ם‬ ּ ַ ‫לַאֲ בֹותֵ ינּו‬‎ Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who performed wondrous miracles for our ancestors, in those days, at this moment.

Recited on the first night only:

‫ָבּרּוְך ַאתָ ּה ה' אֱ ֹלקנּו מֶ לְֶך הָ עֹולָם שֶ ׁהֶ חֱ י ָנּו‬ .‫ו ְקִ יְּמָ נּו ו ְהִ ִגּיעָ נּו ַל ְזּמַ ן הַ ֶזּה‬

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has kept us in life, sustained us, and brought us to this moment.

chanukiah as well and light it first. (We don’t use any of the other candles to light the others.)

BLESSINGS: Once the shamash is lit, but prior to kindling any of the other flames, we recite the blessings. On the first evening, we recite all three blessings. On all subsequent evenings, we recite two blessings, omitting the Shehechiyanu blessing.

LIGHTING: As we light each evening, we begin from the far left and move to the right, beginning each evening with the new candle. A good way to remember this is that both light and left begin with the letter “L”; so we begin lighting from the left.

SINGING: After completing the lighting, we sing Haneirot Halalu and Maoz Tzur.

CHANUKAH SAMEACH!

Haneirot Hallalu/These Candles ‫‏עַ ל הַ נִּסִ ּים ו ְעַ ל הַ נִּפְ לָאֹות‬,‫הַ נֵּרֹות הַ ָלּלּו ָאֽנּו מַ דְ לִיקִ ין‬ ‫‏ שֶ ׁעָ שִ ׂיתָ לַאֲ בֹותֵ ינּו‬,‫ו ְעַ ל הַ תְ ּׁשּועֹות ו ְעַ ל הַ מִ ּלְחָ מֹות‬ .‫ עַ ל י ְדֵ י כ ֹּהֲ נֶיָך הַ קְ ּדֹושִ ׁים‬,‫בזְמַ ן הַ ֶזּה‬ ּ ַ ‫ביָּמִ ים הָ הֵ ם‬ ַּ ‫ ו ְאֵ ין‬,‫ הַ נֵּרֹות הַ ָלּלּו ק ֹדֶ ׁש הֵ ם‬,‫וְכָל שְ ׁמֹונַת י ְמֵ י חֲ נֻ ָכּה‬ ,‫ב ְלבָד‬ ּ ִ ‫ אֶ ָלּא ל ְִראֹותָ ן‬,‫לָנּו ְרׁשּות לְהִ שְ ׁתַ ּמֵ ׁש ָבּהֵ ן‬ ‫ עַ ל נִסֶ ּיָך ו ְעַ ל י ְׁשּועָ תֶ ָך ו ְעַ ל‬,‫ְכּדֵ י לְהֹודֹות לִשְ ׁמֶ ָך‬ ‫נִפְ לְאֹותֶ יָך׃‬ We kindle these lights for the miracles and the wonders, for the redemption and the battles that you made for our forefathers, in those days at this season, through your holy priests. During all eight days of Chanukah these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make ordinary use of them except for to look at them in order to express thanks and praise to Your great Name for Your miracles, Your wonders and Your salvations.

Maoz Tzur/Rock of Ages ַ‫ לְָך נָאֶ ה לְשַ ׁ ֵבּח‬,‫מָ עֹוז צּור י ְׁשּועָ תִ י‬ ‫ ו ְשָ ׁם ּתֹודָ ה נְ ַז ֵבּח‬,‫תִ ּ​ּכֹון ֵבּית תְ ּפִ ָלּתִ י‬ ‫לְעֵ ת תָ ּכִין מַ טְ ֵבּחַ מִ ָצּר הַ מְ נַ ֵבּח‬ . ַ‫ָאז אֶ גְמֹור ְבּשִ ׁיר מִ זְמֹור חֲ נֻ ַכּת הַ מִ ּ ְז ֵבּח‬‎ ‫בי ָגֹון כ ֹּחִ י ָ ּכלָה‬ ּ ְ ,‫ָרעֹות שָ ׂבְעָ ה נַפְ שִ ׁי‬ ‫ ְבּשִ ׁעְ ּבּוד מַ לְכּות עֶ ְגלָה‬,‫חַ יַּי מֵ ְררּו בְק ֹשִ ׁי‬ ‫ּו ְבי ָדֹו הַ ְגּדֹולָה הֹוצִיא אֶ ת הַ סְ ּ ֻג ָלּה‬ .‫חֵ יל פַ ְּרע ֹה וְכָל ז ְַרעֹו י ְָרדּו ְכּאֶ בֶן ִבּמְ צּולָה‬ ‫ וְגַם שָ ׁם ֹלא שָ ׁקַ טְ תִ ּי‬,‫דְ ּבִיר קָ דְ ׁשֹו הֱ בִיַאנִי‬ ‫ ִכּי ז ִָרים עָ בַדְ תִ ּי‬,‫ּובָא נֹוגֵׂש ו ְהִ ְג ַלנִי‬ ‫ ִכּמְ עַ ט שֶ ׁעָ ב ְַרתִ ּי‬,‫וְי ֵין ַרעַ ל מָ סַ כְתִ ּי‬ .‫ לְקֵ ץ שִ ׁבְעִ ים נֹושַ ׁעְ תִ ּי‬,‫בבֶל‬ ּ ָ ‫בבֶל ז ְֻר‬ ּ ָ ‫קֵ ץ‬ ‫ ִבּקֵ ּׁש אֲ ָגגִי ֶבּן הַ מְ ּדָ תָ א‬,‫ְכּרֹות קֹומַ ת ְבּרֹוׁש‬ ‫ וְגַאֲ ו ָתֹו נִשְ ׁ ָבּתָ ה‬,‫וְנִהְ י ָתָ ה לֹו לְפַ ח ּולְמֹוקֵ ׁש‬ ָ‫ ו ְאֹוי ֵב שְ ׁמֹו מָ חִ ית‬, ָ‫ר ֹאׁש י ְמִ ינִי נִשֵ ּׂאת‬ . ָ‫בנָיו ו ְקִ נְיָנָיו עַ ל הָ עֵ ץ תָ ּלִית‬ ּ ָ ‫ר ֹב‬ ‫ אֲ זַי ִבּימֵ י חַ שְ ׁמַ נִּים‬,‫יְוָנִים נִקְ ְבּצּו עָ לַי‬ ‫ ו ְטִ מְ ּאּו ָכּל הַ שְ ּׁמָ נִים‬,‫ּופָ ְרצּו חֹומֹות מִ גְדָ ּלַי‬ ‫ּומִ ּנֹותַ ר קַ נְקַ נִּים נַעֲ שָ ׂה נֵס לַּׁשֹושַ ׁנִּים‬ .‫ּורנָנִים‬ ְ ‫בנֵי בִינָה י ְמֵ י שְ ׁמֹונָה קָ בְעּו שִ ׁיר‬ ְּ ‎ ‫חֲ ׂשֹוף זְרֹועַ קָ דְ שֶ ָׁך ו ְקָ ֵרב קֵ ץ הַ י ְׁשּועָ ה‬ ‫נְק ֹם נִקְ מַ ת עֲ בָדֶ יָך מֵ אֻ מָ ּה הָ ְרשָ ׁעָ ה‬ ‫ָארכָה הַ שָ ּׁעָ ה ו ְאֵ ין קֵ ץ לִימֵ י הָ ָרעָ ה‬ ְ ‫ִכּי‬ .‫בצֵל ַצלְמֹון הָ קֵ ם לָנּו רֹועִ ים שִ ׁבְעָ ה‬ ּ ְ ‫דְ ּחֵ ה ַאדְ מֹון‬

My Refuge, my Rock of Salvation! ‘Tis pleasant to sing Your praises Let our house of prayer be restored. And there we will offer You our thanks.

When You silence the loud-mouthed foe, Then we will celebrate with song and psalm the altar’s dedication.

My soul was sated with misery, my strength was spent with grief.

They embittered my life with hardship, when enslaved under the rule of Egypt.

But God with His mighty power brought out His treasured people; While Pharaoh’s host and followers sank like a stone into the deep.

He brought me to His holy abode; even there, I found no rest.

The oppressor came and exiled me, because I served strange gods, and drank poisonous wine. Yet scarcely had I gone into exile, When Babylon fell and Zerubbabel took charge; Within seventy years I was saved.

The Agagite, son of Hammedatha, plotted to cut down the lofty fir tree; But it proved a snare to him, and his insolence was silenced.

You raised the head of the Benjamite, but the enemy’s name You blotted out.

His numerous sons and his household You hanged upon the gallows.

The Greeks gathered against me, in days of the Hasmoneans.

They broke down the walls of my towers, and defiled all the oils, But from the last remaining flask a miracle was wrought for the Jews.

Therefore the sages of the day ordained these eight for songs of praise.

O bare Your holy arm and bring the end of salvation.

Take retribution upon the wicked nation, on behalf of your faithful servants.

For deliverance has too long been delayed; and the evil days are endless.

O Reject the enemy into the darkness of death, and set up for us the seven shepherds.

English translations c/o Wikipedia

Lighting the Chanukiah: In Praise of Hidden Miracles Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg Chanukah and Purim are unique! Before we perform the ritual of all the holidays, we recite two blessings. One refers specifically to the ritual, i.e., shofar, sukkah, etc. The second blessing is the Shehechiyanu, thanking God for keeping us alive and enabling us to celebrate the festival. But on Chanukah and Purim, we add a third blessing thanking God, “Who performed miracles for our ancestors, in those days and in ours.” Why just on these two festivals do we thank God for the miracles He has done? Weren’t the exodus from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, the Revelation at Sinai, and the clouds of glory in the wilderness greater miracles?

Yes, they were! But those miracles were seen by all. The military victory of Chanukah was just that – a military victory. Nowhere was God’s hand seen. In regards to Purim, God’s name is not even mentioned in the Scroll of Esther.

We recite a special blessing thanking God for His miracles on these two holidays as an expression of our faith and belief that God performs miracles on a day-to-day basis—even if we don’t see them. In the words of Nachmanides, “Through the great open miracles one comes to admit the hidden miracles which constitute the foundation of the whole Torah, for no one can have a part in the Torah of Moses, our teacher, unless he believes that all our words and our events are miraculous in scope.”

So yes, there are miracles all around us, all the time. In reciting the blessing over the candles, let’s give some thought to what they are in our lives.

Haneirot Hallalu: The Purpose & Meaning of the Chanukah Candles Rabbi Chai Posner Haneirot Hallalu contains an important halachic/practical message, and an uplifting inspirational message as well. On a practical level, this short paragraph reminds us that unlike the Shabbat candles, which are specifically supposed to be used for their light, the Chanukah candles are not permitted to be used for their light or any other personal purpose. Instead, they are there just to be seen in order to attest to the miracles of Chanukah. In fact, this is partially why we have a shamash candle. In addition to being used to light the other candles, it serves as a source of light so that we do not use the actual Chanukah candles for their light.

There is an inspiring message here as well. We live in a world that wants full access all the time. Nothing is off limits; everything is fair game. However, sometimes we need to pause and give space. Holiness may be hidden. Divinity may be private.

“Haneirot hallalu kodesh hem” – the Chanukah candles are holy. Look, but don’t use. And in so doing, we may just be able to recognize the miracles contained within. There is something miraculous and awe inspiring about the mystery. There is something special about contemplation. May we all discover some of that holiness this Chanukah!

Maoz Tzur: Why Do We Sing Maoz Tzur on Chanukah?

Rabbi Dr. Eli Yoggev People are always surprised to hear that the main focus of Maoz Tzur, the popular Chanukah song, is not Chanukah.

In fact, only one of its six stanzas overtly discuss the holiday. The others run through stages of Jewish history—from Egypt, through the Babylonian exile and the miracles of Purim and Chanukah, to our future redemption. It’s no surprise then that many ask why we sing it on Chanukah and not on other holidays, such as Passover or Purim.

The answer lies in its introductory stanza, which speaks of our desire to spiritually serve Hashem in the future temple: “Let our house of prayer be restored. And there we will offer You our thanks.” Purim and Passover celebrate our physical redemption: Hashem sparing us death at the hand of our oppressors. This is why their customs center around physicality: food, wine, and social gatherings. Chanukah focuses on our spiritual triumph. The Greeks attempted to extinguish our neshamas (souls) by banning Rosh Chodesh, circumcision and Torah learning. We light candles to show that our spiritual light is still shining bright.

Chanukah manifests the ideal with which the song opened. It is this spiritual blessing for which we “offer our thanks” to Hashem on all eight days.

Celebrate Chanukah with BT! BT IN THE AM - MONDAYS Tehillim: The Magic and the Meaning, Mrs. Chana Slavaticki 10:00–10:45 am

A Jewish Perspective on the Year of Coronavirus, Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg 10:55–11:40 am

BT IN THE AM - WEDNESDAYS

December 2, 9 & 13

Jews from Asian and African Lands, Rabbi Dr. Eli Yoggev 10:00–10:45 am

Outdoor Menorah Lighting & Celebration DECEMBER 10, 5:30 PM Celebrate the first night of Chanukah with your BT family! Join us outdoors as we light up the gigantic 12-foot Menorah in person. Warm your heart and your soul with music, hot chocolate, sufganiot and Chanukah spirit along with family and friends. Registration required.

Reconnected: A Virtual Experience with Mentalist Jason Suran

December 16

DECEMBER 12, 5:30 PM HAVDALLAH & MENORAH LIGHTING, 6 PM PERFORMANCE

10:00–10:45 am

This event is geared to adults and children ages 13 and up.

Current Events Club, Mr. Phil Jacobs Mercaz Book Club, various leaders 10:55–11:45 am

YAFFE SCHOLARS Wednesday Evenings, 6:30-8 pm December 2, 9

Israel – The Land, The Story, The People The land of Israel has captured the imagination and interest of the world since the beginning of time. Explore its significance from the perspective of the Tanach and the Talmud and discuss its ancient and modern-day history. Investigate the four holy cities of Israel through a combination of textual study and virtual tours, and get to know the different types of people that make up the fabric of Israeli society. Focus on Israeli-Diaspora relations and immerse yourself in the potent issues facing Israel today. This course is sure to engage, inspire, and create rich dialogue with experts and scholars in the field.

Spend the third night of Chanukah with your BT friends and mentalist Jason Suran for Reconnected, an interactive virtual experience of jaw-dropping psychological illusions.

Jason Suran, a New York-based mentalist/ magician, is one of the most sought-after performers of mindreading magic in America.

His unique blend of psychology and deception has led him around the world and he is a regular fixture at some of New York’s most exclusive venues. Registration required.

BT Chanukah Drive By DECEMBER 13, 10-11 AM Drive up to the Shul’s main entrance to say Chanukah Sameach to our clergy and staff and pick up a Chanukah goody bag to enhance your holiday. Registration required to receive a bag.

Open to shul members only.

Virtual Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Party DECEMBER 13, 5:45-7 PM It’s BT’s first-ever Virtual Chanukah Party! Join your BT community to light the 4th night of Chanukah candles with our clergy, Brian Singer and musical guest BT alum Chazzan Yoni Rose ‘04. Sing, dance, play Kahoot and Bingo games, win prizes and enjoy the warmth and spirit of Chanukah “together!” Registration required.

Register for all Chanukah events at bethtfiloh.com/chanukah DECEMBER 2020 A KISLEV-TEVET 5781

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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS Five Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School graduating senior student athletes signed letters of intent to continue competing in their sport at the collegiate level on November 11th — national college signing day.

• Emily Feldman ‘21, synchronized skating, Adrian College • Drew Goldscheider ‘21, lacrosse, St. Mary’s College of Maryland • Alison Krieger ‘21, lacrosse, Lafayette College • Brady Palmer ‘21, lacrosse, Eastern University • Marissa Ross ‘21, lacrosse, Fairleigh Dickinson University “Today is a historic day at Beth Tfiloh as we celebrate an unprecedented event: five accomplished student athletes who are signing letters of intent to play their sport at the college level,” said Dr. Zipora Schorr, Director of Education. “At Beth Tfiloh, we are proud of our rigorous academic curriculum supported by a rich, competitive athletic program. It takes a combination of discipline, hard work and persistence to achieve this lofty goal and we wish each of these students and their families a big mazal tov.”

The Beth Tfiloh Math Club sent two teams to compete in Yale University’s Math Majors of America Tournament for High Schools.

PreSchoolers take advantage of a beautiful day playing parachute on the Lower Field.

Lower School students take part in the voting process on Election Day, voting for class pets, school snacks, and even casting their votes for president.

100 grandparents gathered together over Zoom for a virtual Q+A discussion with Director of Education Dr. Zipora Schorr.

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The Middle School STEM Program now offers a 3D printing course to 5th and 8th grade students.

High School students commemorated the 25th anniversary of Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination together.

DECEMBER 2020 A KISLEV-TEVET 5781

NOTEABLES Moving the Shabbat Family Fun Outdoors Beth Tfiloh’s younger kids and their parents are enjoying safe Shabbat and holiday programs outdoors. After a couple of test runs before the High Holy Days, Cookie/Mini Minyan and Kid Cong resumed with virtual pre-Rosh Hashanah activities and in-person family services during Families bid farewell to Shabbat at a the holiday. In all, 43 families enjoyed ageHavdallah & Bonfire at BT Camps appropriate Rosh Hashanah family services led by our rabbis, Sandy Kanter and Brian Singer, assisted by Beth Tfiloh High School students. On Sukkot, families trekked around the BT campus for a fun and meaningful sukkah hop, following their own davening service.

The New Year brought exciting new outdoor Shabbat activities for our young families, connecting them to that week’s parshah through creative themes and providing safe socializing opportunities. For all programs, children are accompanied by their parents, and all participants follow our COVID safety guidelines to keep our entire community safe and healthy.

“We hosted an outdoor family scavenger hunt on Shabbat afternoon,” said BT Director of Programming Cherie Brownstein. “It was fun, creative and a super Shabbat experience. We are trying to maximize the time for outdoor adventures while the weather allows.”

“Outdoor Kid Cong was so much fun,” commented Ivy Ammann, who joined in the fun with her daughters Chloe ’29 and Jordyn ’31 and her husband, Chris. “We didn’t realize how much we missed Kid Cong and davening with other BT families on Shabbat!”

Our most recent outdoor adventure was a Havdallah + Bonfire event out at BT Camps.

More than 150 Beth Tfiloh kids and parents bid farewell to Shabbat, sang songs, played games and enjoyed s’mores around a bonfire with Rabbi Chai Posner and BT Camps staff, including Director Sam Bloom.

“With the limited activities due to COVID, the Havdalah s’mores were an awesome and welcome change of scenery,” said BT shul member and school dad Sam Friedman. “The kids absolutely loved it. Great music, great friends, and of course, way too much sugar right before bedtime.”

Join the BT Calling Crew to Keep Our Members Connected As the winter cold sets in, please help us check in on the well-being of our BT synagogue family’s seasoned members.

Join the BT Calling Crew, a group of volunteers who call older BT shul members on a weekly basis. You can call as many or as few members as your schedule allows.

Contact Holly Venick at hvenick@btfiloh.org

by December 7th to be a part of making sure our members stay connected.

Get Ready for the BT Shabbat Experience!

If you liked the BT High Holy Day Experience (and you told us you did!), you’re going to LOVE the BT Shabbat Experience, coming to you next month!

We’re planning a month full of virtual and in-person Shabbat-related programming, resources, and learning opportunities to keep our BT community warm – spiritually and physically – this winter.

Sisterhood Gift Shop is Your Chanukah Gift Source!

Sisterhood’s gift shop has Chanukah menorahs for every age and taste, plus a variety of children’s dreidels, books, games and more.

Get 20% off all purchases over $15*, plus a free box of Chanukah candles with every menorah purchase! *excluding Mezuzah parchments

By appointment only.

Call 410-484-4648.

Order Your 2021 Mah Jongg Cards Large cards, $10/each; small cards, $9/each. Deadline: January 22, 2021. Mail check to: Beth Tfiloh, Attn.: Roberta Katz.

Contact: rkatz@btfiloh.org, 410-413-2305 DECEMBER 2020 A KISLEV-TEVET 5781

BETH TFILOH BULLETIN

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PHILANTHROPY & GIVING Alan’s Beth Tfiloh connection began early in life, when he attended Beth Tfiloh’s preschool. He later celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at Beth Tfiloh Congregation. He and his wife, Sylvia, joined as a couple when they got married in 1964.

Long-time Beth Tfiloh community member Alan Sandler recently shared with our rabbis how BT was there for him and his family this year: “I knew during the summer that I was going to be faced with a decision I have never faced before. Normally I don’t have trouble with decisions, but way in advance just knowing that it was coming made me feel upset and anxious.

Alan’s connection has only grown stronger over the years. He served as a member of the synagogue’s board of directors because “Dave Schwartz was president and when he asked me to serve it really seemed like the right thing to do.” He added, “I served for two terms and worked on many committees in addition to ushering at services for 35 years.”

You were a huge support to me with the activities you planned, the options you provided and the guidance you offered.

When I wound up davening at home I found that it was not as shattering as I thought it would be.

I had the best combination of resources from you, and with a little imagination on my part the experience proved to be fulfilling. The davening guides, sermons that were brilliantly composed and expertly delivered, plus using the old Silverman Machzor that my father bought for me at my Bar Mitzvah, created ties and connections that were inspirational and moving. I also had the pleasure of listening to a digital version of the old Beth Tfiloh choir performing selections from the High Holy Day Services that are still magnificent. What better way to add meaning to beautiful prayers than through

Sylvia & Alan Sandler

beautiful music composed by the great master chazzans of yester-year?

I am grateful to everyone and for everything that combined, made this troubled High Holy Day Season enjoyable and meaningful.

The parachute was packed correctly and I see the white ribbons. We now have the formula to navigate our way through to brighter days and better times. Thank you. “

BT FUNDRAISING GOES VIRTUAL “I was a little nervous for my first phonathon— especially since it was going to be on Zoom,” said 2021 Annual Campaign Vice Chair Ilene Jay. “But, sitting next to my husband, Peter, with the Zoomathon mat in front of me (and maybe even some extra candy from Pete’s bag), I immediately felt the energy for the campaign as the pledges started to roll in. It felt great raising money for an organization so close to my heart, and to be part of such an amazing, caring community of volunteers and donors! I am looking forward to my next Zoomathon!”

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Over the past few months, Alan’s enjoyed Beth Tfiloh’s virtual programs, especially MeZOOMin. “I only missed one so far,” he reported. “I find them to be very interesting and a great way of staying in touch with BT, the rabbis and other congregants.”

What does Be There for BT mean to Alan, who has supported Beth Tfiloh’s Annual Campaign for nearly three decades?

“It is the exchange, returning the effort of BT being there for me and my family over the decades.”

You can Be There for BT like Alan. Make your gift to the 2021 Annual Campaign at bethtfiloh.com/annualcampaign.

Be There for Be There for BT by supporting the 2021 Annual Campaign.

Make your gift today! Send a check using the enclosed envelope, give online at bethtfiloh.com/annualcampaign, or call 410-413-2233.

DECEMBER 2020 A KISLEV-TEVET 5781

We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions to our Congregation & School BETH TFILOH DAHAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND In honor of: The Bar Mitzvah of our grandson, Noah Sagel, by Lois R. and Leonard Gerstein The Bat Mitzvah of Aidee Moss, by the Gartenhaus family The marriage of Michael Kitt to Mojdeh Moheban, by Elaine and Neal Kitt In appreciation of: Being able to participate in the Kol Nidrei livestream by Sara and Jack Schmerling In memory of: Dr. Sidney Chason, by Robin and Steven Bass, Faith and Adam Harrison, Jill and Gary Eidelman and family, Claire and Michael Bassan and family Gloria Dennen, by the Passen family Hyman Rubinstein, by the Passen family, the Cohen family Gerald Traub, by the Bishow family, Michele and Andrew Rosenstein, the Icolari family, the Kades family, Jamie and Josh Forman Ezra Seegull, by Linda and Ed Seegull Marvin S. Rice, by Wilma and Paul Alpert

BETH TFILOH RELIEF FUND In memory of: Gerald Traub by Michelle and Steve Wions

SAMUEL & SIDNEY EPSTEIN CHAPEL FUND In memory of: Dr. Sidney Chason, by Marc, Sindi, Jordan, Ali and Kyle Summerfield Ina Hamburger, by Rona Lewis

GENERAL FUND In honor of: The warm and kind welcome of the rabbis and staff of BT, by Deena Fraint In memory of: Sidney Chason, by Lori and Stuart Abell and Louis, Benji and Andrew Melvin Rayman, by Ruth and Mark Lavie Hyman Rubinstein, by Jen, Benny, Davene and Aliza Sobol Gerald “Jerry” Sheldon Traub, by Matthew Allen, Berkshire Associates, Inc., Jill and Mark Rosenstein, Shirley and Joel Simon and family, Judie Tamres Jerry Zaben, by Norman DuBois

ELLIE GOLDENBERG THEATER HALL OF FAME AWARD FUND In memory of: Dr. Sidney Chason, by Michele Brill and family

DECEMBER 2020 A KISLEV-TEVET 5781

ALLISON HEYDEN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

YAD B’YAD FUND

In observance of the yahrzeit of: Irving Olshaker, by Barbara Roth

In memory of: Dr. Sidney Chason, by Christine and Dr. David Sigman Gerald Traub, by Susan, Bruce, Alex and Adrian Rabin Hyman Rubinstein, by Monica and Abraham Schneider

DAVID & JUDY JACOBSON HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING FUND In memory of: Sidney Chason, by Lora and David Zemsky Lillian Hackerman, by Malcolm Renbaum

HONORABLE ALAN J. KARLIN CHATAN TORAH FUND In memory of: Charles “Chuckie” Bosk, by Jacob Miliman

MERCAZ FUND In honor of: Len Stoler in celebration on his special 90th birthday, by Janet Feinberg In memory of: George Ehrlich to commemorate his yahrzeit, by Keith and Rosanne Ehrlich

MINYONAIRES FUND In memory of: Anne Scheingarten, by Mark and Diane Krasna

NELSON NEUMAN FAMILY KIDDUSH FUND In memory of: Phyllis Neuman, by Cynthia and Andrew Newman Roberta Neuman, by Cynthia and Andrew Newman

STANLEY Z. PENN MEMORIAL LECTURE FUND In memory of: Stanley Klatsky, by Irene and Robert Russel

PRAYER BOOK FUND In honor of: Rabbi Dr. Eli Yoggev in appreciation of making our holiday so enjoyable, by Barbara and Julian Goldberg In memory of: Gerald “Jerry” Sheldon Traub, by Roz Shenker and Andrew Shenker, Jennifer and Joel Turner In observance of the yahrzeit of: Leah Lily Perez, by Orit Ben-Or

KATARINA SAMUEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory of: Valerie Berkowitz by Dodi and Joey Samuel Mindy Schwedt, by Dodi and Joey Samuel

SISTERHOOD GIFT FUND: In memory of: Evelyn Ruth Gross, by Marlene and Bruce Solomon

RABBI WOHLBERG’S DISCRETIONARY FUND: With thanks, by Brenda and Henry Belsky

COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES Jeane Sweren Boris Ostrovsky Margie Belsky Lester Belsky YAHRZEIT DONATIONS $36+ Nathan Aiken, by Lawrence Aiken Mark A. Aronoff, by Revanne Aronoff Aaron R. Baer, by Dr. Louis Baer Dorothy Berg, by Dr. Joel Berg Harry Berman, by Bonnie Berman Sam Bienenfeld, by Dr. Alice Faber Abraham J. Billig, by Jack Billig Bernard Blass, by Carol Oppenheim Elaine Blitzstein, by Samuel Blitzstein Allen Brooks, by Sandy Dobres Helen Patz Chernak, by Ted Chernak Zinaida “Zina” Chikvashvili, by David Chikvashvili Reba Cohen, by Sidney Cohen William Cylus, by Hedy Gleiman Evelyn Eisner, by Dr. Adam Eisner Sarah Epstein, by Marsha Cohen, Gloria Lessing Yale Isaac Fagan, by Sherri Sweren David Falck, by Matilda Falck Perla Finkielszstein, by Betty Tepper Sam Fraint, by Dr. Hannah Fraint Alfred L. Freud, by Deborah Baer Harry Glazer, by William Glazer Lorraine Glazer, by Sheila Jay Dr. Albert D. Greenberg, by Rosalie Rapoport Rose Hack, by Florence Brill, Karen Glazer Sol Hirsch, by Tina Sheller Samuel Hochman, by Rosalind Taylor Sara Hofkin, by Dr. Gerald Hofkin Amelia Jay, by Charles Jay Esther Katsenberg, by Ineza Chikvashvili Jake Lapidus, by Alexander Perelman Ruth Lebson, by Stephen Lebson Ed Libov, by Morton Libov Julius Macks, by Louise Macks Elliott Massuda, by Donya Dabbah Eileen Miller, by Ann Berman Hannah Roth, by Gladys Kremen Louis Sandler, by Alan Sandler Bertha Schiff, by Vivian Leventon Ethel Schuster, by Joy Schuster Jay Sweren, by Neil Sweren Joseph Mordechai Weintraub, by Cassandra Gottlieb Stephen Weissman, by Sheila Jay Jack Yevzeroff, by Barbara Zerivitz Pearl Yospe, by Eric Yospe Hyman A. Zemel, by Merle & Richard Kierson Mildred T. Zemel, by Dr. Stephen M. Zemel

BETH TFILOH BULLETIN

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Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1262 Baltimore, MD

BETH TFILOH CONGREGATION Roz & Marvin H. Weiner Family Campus 3300 Old Court Road / Baltimore, MD 21208

Davening & Shabbat Times Shacharit – Sundays, 9 am • Monday-Friday, 7:30 am • Shabbat, 9:15 am Dates S-Th: Mincha/Maariv - Candle Shabbat Shabbat End

Fri.: Mincha/Kabbalat lighting Mincha/Maariv Shabbat

Parshah

Nov. 29-Dec. 5

4:30/4:45 pm

4:25 pm

4:30/5:15 pm

5:26 pm

Vayishlach

Dec. 6-12

4:30/4:45 pm

4:25 pm

4:30/5:15 pm

5:26 pm

Vayeishev/Chanukah

Dec. 13-19

4:30/4:45 pm

4:27 pm

4:30/5:15 pm

5:29 pm

Mikeitz

Dec. 20-26

4:30/4:45 pm

4:31 pm

4:35/5:20 pm

5:32 pm

Vayigash

Dec. 27-Jan. 2

4:35/4:50 pm

4:36 pm

4:40/5:25 pm

5:38 pm

Vayechi

Friday, December 25 & Friday, January 1 - Shacharit is at 9 am. Friday, December 25 is the fast of Asarah B’Tevet. The fast begins at 6:13 am and ends at 5:32 pm.