Kol Hadash: September 2021

Kol Hadash September 2021/5781 BJ.org

In this issue A Rabbinic Word Page 2

Zooming to the Next Normal Page 4

Praying With Our Feet (and Masks) Page 18

Mourning During a Pandemic Page 20

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Contents

Opening Thought A Rabbinic Word

Opening Thought: A Rabbinic Word..........................2 Community, Caring, & Belonging..................................3 Zooming to the Next Normal..........4

Hesed Leadership Transitions........5

Learning, Growth, & Families..... 6 Finsing Hakarat Ha’tov

in a Yes Day......................................7

Wandering in a Pandemic...............8

Your Story, Our Journey..................9

Reflections on Kadima..................10

Early Childhood Families Spotlight......................................... 11

Prayer, Music, & Spirituality...... 12

Large-Scale Production

and Intimate Spirituality................ 13 Growing Mindful in a Virtual Space................................. 14

Social Justice & Activism........... 15 Unstoppable: The Siggi Wilzig

Vaccination Project at BJ.............. 16 When a Job Leads You Home...................................... 17 Praying With Our Feet (and Masks).................................... 18

Advancing BJ.............................19

Mourning During a Pandemic...... 20 Or Hadash Legacy Circle

with Les Nelson............................. 21

BJ Beyond NYC:

Meet Our New Members..........22-23

Rabbi Roly Matalon Rabbi Felicia Sol Rabbi Rebecca Weintraub There’s a point in every crisis where we transition from just getting through each day to being able to see that there is an end.

And it’s at that point that we really stop and think: What do we want at the other end of this? How do we want to fix things, for ourselves, for others? How do we make the world better for our collective humanity?

For a time, with a high vaccine rate and low infection rate in many parts of New York City and throughout the country, there was a sense of possibility of seeing the end of the pandemic. We were beginning to think about our way out of this disorienting time, what anthropologists might call a liminal space: being between a phase that’s ending and one we’re not quite ready to begin.

And then, as the COVID-19 virus changed yet again and vaccination rates didn’t keep up, we found ourselves uneasy and vulnerable once more as the liminal space contracted and our transitions started shifting and sometimes diminishing.

We are discombobulated again, but we are now more experienced with this process and have ideas about both transitions and the future. So we can take this moment to ask some crucial questions about the future we want to see. What shifts do we want to make in our lives, knowing we have the opportunity to birth something new, to shift the paradigm? What in the COVID-19 era is perhaps something good we want to take with us into the future?

The pandemic changed the way our entire world functions. For many of us, we may never have thought we would pray with our community via Zoom or YouTube.

But we had to adapt.

Adapting is part of our DNA at BJ. In the 1980s, facing a dwindling membership

due to years of neglect coupled with a declining New York City, BJ completely reinvented itself to bring the community back.

It turns out that BJ’s blend of vibrant musical prayer, a deeply connected community, and fierce purpose through social justice was the key to reviving the community.

That small, dwindling congregation with a proud history was transformed, eventually creating a model that synagogues all around the world now also embody.

So this is nothing new for BJ. We are in a constant state of reinventing. Throughout history, the Jewish people are continually faced with trauma, learning from it and oftentimes reinventing the tradition, to get to a better future.

As we enter the High Holy Days, we are focusing on continuing to expand our sense of community. The pandemic presented the opportunity to connect with people near and far who have joined us virtually, and now we are also trying to find our way back to moments that feel closer to the in-person relationships we have always prized. And while we’re in a much better place than last year, it’s an ongoing challenge to take our members’ many needs, as well as logistical complexities, into account as we plan for a time of introspection and teshuvah (returning to one another).

For us, in this liminal space, we are figuring out, What does our community look like going forward? How do we welcome all of those tuning in from around the world, who found a new spiritual community with all of us? How do we continue to create community with those who may have moved away but still want to stay connected? How do we do all of this while restoring continued on page 4

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Community, Caring, & Belonging

In this section • Zooming to the Next Normal • Hesed Leadership Transitions

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Community, Caring, & Belonging

Zooming to the Next Normal Colin Weil, Executive Director Breathe deep...

Again...And again...

Exhale...

The moment is getting closer. We can almost see the light, smell the fresh air, taste the freedom.

When I wrote that sentence just a few weeks ago, it felt very real. Today, of course, the Delta variant has upended the closeness of that moment. But I know it’s still out there.

Even though swinging into the multi-access future for our prayer and programs is far more complex than was the pivot to being all virtual, it’s an exciting and promising journey: We are on the way to restoring the ways we used to gather in person with

flexible and sensible COVID-19 safety measures in place, while expanding our virtual capabilities to stay connected to our growing and more global community.

With great care, creativity, and patience, we are facing the challenges presented by the pandemic, even as they continue to evolve, as we take advantage of all the new opportunities that have appeared. A moment of “choppertunity,” as we like to call it.

Since May, we have been welcoming members back to our beloved Sanctuary for Shabbat each week. This homecoming has been emotional, nourishing, and has allowed us to workshop some of the new protocols which will keep everyone safe in the coming days, weeks, and months.

I am grateful for the support of our Covid

Re-entry Task Force, consisting of BJ staff, board, and community members—in particular Dr. David Stern and Professor Jennifer Hirsch—who have provided critical guidance to our planning throughout the pandemic.

As to the Yamim Nora’im, just days away, well that has been its own Journey indeed.

We were saddened to have to moderate our in person gathering plans, but we are heartened to know that our mix of indoor, outdoor, and virtual services and programs will nourish so many of you near and far.

In the days and weeks ahead, we look forward to seeing more of you in person for Shabbat and minyanim, for Kadima@BJ, in learning and volunteering and so much more.

Shana Tovah U’metukah.

Opening Thought, continued from page 2

A Rabbinic Word the in-person prayer and programming that has been the foundation of our kehillah kedoshah—our holy community—for so many for so long?

The beauty of a liminal space is the possibility for bright quiet within the chaotic multi-directional flow, and we pray that it becomes our biggest difficulty. With care, patience, and flexibility, we can be together safely while technology allows us to con-

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nect effectively with our new, wider community.

As we listen in the bright quiet of this moment, we want to hear what those currents are for you. We’ve begun to experience a multi-access version of virtual and in-person Shabbat and daily morning minyan services together. And with your support this year, we can continue to grow this new BJ experience and community for all, together.

At the heart of the High Holy Days is the spiritual work of transformation, of having the faith to reinvent and develop something new while honoring who we are. We invite you to join us as we find moments of prayer and song and opportunities to connect together, whether in our communal home in the BJ Sanctuary or online through Zoom.

In this season of return, join us as we return together.

Community, Caring, & Belonging

Hesed Leadership Transitions At BJ, our Hesed volunteer groups are community members taking care of community members. These groups include Hevra Kadisha (taking care of mourners), Bikkur Holim (taking care of the sick and their caregivers), Shabbat Connections (weekly calls to members in need of connection), and the Mi Sheberakh list (prayers said for the sick at Shabbat services).

This spring, we will see two leaders stepping down after many years, and three new leaders coming forward to help guide our teams. We thank them all, as well as all of our other Hesed leaders and volunteers, for their commitment to doing mitzvot, and helping others do mitzvot, in the BJ community. Todah rabbah!

Nancy Greenblatt (outgoing Mi Sheberakh leader): For me, a portion of the past ten years has b e e n f ille d with introductions, beginnings, links, connections that developed into friendships, trust, compassion, illness, death, and, thankfully, healings. This is a window into the blessings I have experienced in my work with the Mi Sheberaakh team. Getting to know each of the volunteers, some only through the computer, has been a joy. You have brought caring and comfort to those BJ members in need. And, you kept tabs on progress and special needs, reporting back to Billie (BJ’s lifecycles coordinator) and me, enhancing your dedication to the mitzvah this work represents.

Andrea Newman (incoming Mi Sheb e ra k h l e a d e r) : Andrea has been a BJ member since 1996, and is grateful to be part of a community that values prayer, study, and service to others equally.

She is honored to join the great volunteers of the Mi Sheberah team and work together to bring comfort and understanding to all BJ members.

Eva Sax-Bolder (outgoing Hevra Kadisha co-chair): Changes are often bittersweet. As Larry and I prepare to move to Colorado, I feel the enthusiasm of embracing a new landscape with awe and curiosity. I am grateful for the opportunities to have engaged with so many facets of BJ, and also feel trepidation, realizing we are leaving. Serving as Hevra Kadisha co-chair has been a true honor, and I will miss the kedushah of our amazing leadership and those who step in to serve.

A kernel of my heart will always remain in the balcony on 88th Street.

Linda Golding (incoming Hevra Kadisha co-chair): I am honored to join the leadership of the Hevra Kadisha, a group of holy helpers at the heart of the BJ community.

And, I thank all that BJ is for helping me be all that I am.

Ira Wolfman (incoming Hevra Kadisha co-chair): I am very pleased to join the Hevra Kadisha leadership team. I have found it moving and deeply rewarding to participate in the holy act of Tahara (ritual preparation of the body for burial), and I hope we can engage many more BJ men in this sacred experience.

“[My time as Mi Sheberakh leader] has been filled with introductions, beginnings, links, connections that developed into friendships, trust, compassion, illness, death, and, thankfully, healings. This is a window into the blessings I have experienced in my work with the Mi Sheberakh team.”

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Learning, Growth, & Families

In this section • Finding Hakarat Ha’tov in a Yes Day • Wandering in a Pandemic • Your Story, Our Journey • Reflections on Kadima • Early Childhood Families Spotlight

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Learning, Growth, & Families

Finding Hakarat Ha’tov in a Yes Day Michael Witman, Director of Family Life and Learning The Netflix movie Yes Day tells the story of parents Alison and Charlie, who always feel like they have to say “no” to their kids. They decide to give their three kids a “Yes Day,” which lets the kids make the rules for 24 hours. The film documents the control, challenge, and freedom the family struggles with during that time.

As parents, we have been holding up so much during the pandemic. Trying to balance work, organizing our childrens’ schedules, and focusing on their social and emotional well-being is a heavy lift. Doing all that while also holding Zoom school and the trauma of a pandemic, is simply impossible. So, let me start by reminding you of what we all need to hear—you’re doing the best you can, and that’s OK.

“Sometimes we have to remember that we promised Peter Pan we would never grow up. Sometimes we have to remember what being a kid is all about.” each of us, as we all listen to each other and learn about what we’ve been through.

After watching this movie with my family, my partner suggested that I give it a try with our 3-year-old (threenager) Nessa.

Like many Early Childhood families at BJ, we were seeing behavior management issues arise as the pandemic went on. While we know our children are more resilient than we are, they can also feel our stress or anxiety, however that plays out.

Our “Yes Day” was a moment to let go.

Of course some ground rules were still put in place: 1. We couldn’t do anything that would impact our safety or anyone else’s safety.

2. Anything she asked, I had to say yes.

For me, I noticed I had less and less patience as we marked a year into the pandemic. I also know I still haven’t even processed this last year. That will take time for

As an educator, I know the importance of empowering our children with the freedom of choice in learning and modality.

Sometimes, as parents, we forget best practices. Sometimes we have to remember that we promised Peter Pan we would

Our day began with a “typical” breakfast of Bamba, marshmallows, and a lollipop.

Nessa got to dress me in whatever she wanted and decided to see her cousins.

So, out to Long Island we went. After sushi and not one, but two, cinnamon rolls for lunch, watching her take control of the day I began feeling a sense of gratitude not only for this time I had, but for the ability to let go of the control.

Next up was painting a picture frame, which turned into painting her entire body (this took about an hour to get off in the bath).

never grow up. Sometimes we have to remember what being a kid is all about. As parents, we constantly impose boundaries and restrictions. We continually ask our children to take risks that we don’t actually model ourselves.

The Hebrew term for gratitude is hakarat ha’tov, which means, literally, recognizing the good.

Our “Yes Day” reminded me not only of the gratitude I have for my own children, for watching them learn, explore, and make their own choices, but also for the gratitude to recognize how grateful and lucky I am to be a parent—even during these challenging times we find ourselves in during the pandemic.

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Learning, Growth, & Families

Wandering in a Pandemic Samuel Bovitz, BJ Teen This kavannah from Samuel Bovitz is from Teen Shabbat 2021. Teen Shabbat empowers teens within the BJ community to lead through prayer and music—both for our community and for their own Jewish futures. On this special Shabbat, we highlight the teen community through sharing of kavanot about immersive experiences and social justice opportunities. This year, we spread out the leading opportunities for the entirety of Shabbat on Friday, April 16, and Saturday, April 17.

Shabbat Shalom. Tonight is going to be a little different from your typical Kabbalat Shabbat. This is Teen Shabbat, a Shabbat led wholly by the members of the BJ Teen community. Everyone you see here tonight is trying something different and expressing themselves through prayer, kavanot, and even through performing in the teen band. We’re so excited to lead our community this Shabbat and we invite you to join us in prayer infused with some of our community’s favorite Kabbalat Shabbat tunes.

While you may be tuning in from home,

we encourage you to pray, sing, think, and try something new along with us. But first, I’d like to share a little something with all of you.

We’re about to open Kabbalat Shabbat with Psalm 95, which ends with a reference to our 40 years in the desert as judgement, perhaps even punishment. And yet, often when we hear about these 40 years, we use the word “wandering“. Not traveling, not journeying, wandering. Why? Before last year, I could not fathom what wandering for 40 years would be like. I mean, imagine walking through a door in April of 1981, heading down a very long hallway, and then emerging through the other side and seeing the world right now. How would you even process what has happened?

That brings me to today. Yes, it has technically been over a year since the world changed. But it definitely feels like it’s been longer. I remember entering the 88th street synagogue for Purim services last year. I didn’t know what to expect, but I certainly

“There have been times in the past year or so where I have felt like I was wandering in my own personal desert.” didn’t expect a subdued environment.

People were quiet and rather uncelebratory on Purim of all holidays! And yet, that moment feels so distant. It was the last time I was in this building until this week, and my journey since then has been, well, a lot like everyone else’s: extremely complicated and cause for a lot of self-reflection.

There have been times in the past year or so where I have felt like I was wandering in my own personal desert. At times, I have physically, mentally, and creatively felt like I was just ramming against a wall that would not give.

I know that while many of you may not describe your own experiences in the way I just did, but I also know that life has been tough on everyone right now. I mean, what continued on page 11

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Learning, Growth, & Families

Your Story, Our Journey During the pandemic, Jewish home practice and the goals of the Jewish Home Project have become more important than ever before. We have seen members get creative as they transformed their living rooms into small sanctuar ies, experimented with cooking Jewish recipes from around the world, and established new traditions in their homes, and these experiences have made us further strive to learn more about our community members’ connection to Judaism.

This past Hanukkah, a time of rededication, we launched Your Story, Our Journey: A Questionnaire on Jewish Life, to inspire a rededication to Jewish learning and practice while learning more about the diversity of traditions and experience within our community. Over 300 responses reminded us that no two Jewish homes are the same, but what connects us as a community is actively choosing Judaism as a pillar of our lives. Here are some of your Jewish Journey stories: As a “Jew of Color” originally from Jamaica, West Indies, I incorporate Judaism in all aspects of my life while blending my Jamaican culture into my Jewish practices. I struggle with the term “Jew by choice,” as I feel I had no choice. This is best encapsulated in the Shlomo Carlebach lyrics— “Return again…return to the land of your soul, return to who you are, return to what you are…born and reborn again.”

—Donna

“My family is Japanese and Colombian. I speak Spanish at home, and I’m grateful to be able to continue that by speaking Spanish with my roommates here in New York.

At home, we use a lot of Japanese phrases like “Itadakimasu” (said before you eat) and “Tadaima” (said when you arrive home). Incorporating those phrases here has helped me make a new city and new apartment feel like home, too. Sharing food and eating meals together is also something that I do with my roommates.

I’ve loved sharing some of the dishes I’ve grown up with, like Japanese curry and Colombian lentils, and trying some of the dishes my roommates grew up with as a way to bond and learn more about each other.”

—Emi The variety of Jewish traditions, experiences, and rituals is what make this community unique. Each person’s Jewish story and journey is important. If you would like to share more about your story with us, complete the survey here or set up a time to chat with Dani Kogan (dkogan@bj.org).

“Over 300 questionnaire responses reminded us that no two Jewish homes are the same, but what connects us as a community is actively choosing Judaism as a pillar of our lives.”

Belong. Support.Renew.

BJ’s 2021-2022 membership season is underway. Join today to select a preferred service to attend for the High Holy Days.

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Learning, Growth, & Families

Reflections on Kadima Rachel Barnehama, Associate Director of Family Life and Learning “COVID-19 can’t take Kadima away The sound of laughter filling the hallways, from us. We got to have some great the smell of cooking in Frankel Hall, tefillah filling the chapel with beautiful music, the classes on Zoom this past year that crunch of popcorn being snacked on in the were super fun and interactive. I will Sanctuary, the smiles and wonder on the always love having Kadima in person, faces of our learners. If you had asked me but Kadima will be awesome no matter a year ago to tell you what Kadima looks, what.” feels, and sounds like, these are just some — Dave Waldman, Fourth Grade of the ways I would have answered. So —— what did I notice, taste, or hear this past “It’s a very loving environment where year? Honestly, nothing changed.

I know I can always count on seeing Robust sounds of laughter and music, and talking to my friends.” though not in the Chapel, filled our Zoom —Tate Holden, Third Grade rooms. Cooking from our electives and —— youth group programs filled apartments “Kadima is a beautiful learning space (instead of frankel Hall) with the smells for me to learn Judaism throughout my of delicious latkes, chocolate cakes, growing years, for me to take with me bourekas, and more. Snacks of popcorn for the rest of my life.” took place at outdoor programs in Central —Rebecca Waldman, Third Grade Park on Shabbat and Sunday afternoons.

Through hard work and efforts set forth by While the joy that we know of Kadima@ BJ once filled spaces within the walls of the the Family Life and Learning team and our synagogue, our program has expanded Kadima teachers, we created a vibrant and and grown beyond the physical space. We engaging virtual program for Kadima@BJ. have learned that Kadima is not only about

gathering at BJ, but is also about who is a part of this community.

Understanding the value of coming together with our community has allowed us to evaluate the needs of our students and foster community in creative and imaginative ways as we launch registration for the upcoming 2021-2022/5782 school year. We’re excited to be back in person, and we look forward to continuing to meet the needs of our learners across varying learning needs and even state lines.

“BJ is important to me because of the community—the people I know and see there. I feel respected by the adults at BJ. They care about me and my ideas.”

—Imogen Margolies, Haverim (Seventh Grade)

Registration for Kadima@BJ 2021-2022 school year is now open! Have questions about Kadima@BJ? Contact Rachel Barnehama, Associate Director of Family Life and Learning at rbarnehama@bj.org.

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Learning, Growth, & Families

Early Childhood Families Spotlight We all know how hard it can be to remain connected during the pandemic, which is why we’re providing a window into the lives of one of our Early Childhood Families community members.

To learn about our upcoming programming for Early Childhood Families and to read an Early Childhood Families Spotlight every week, subscribe to our Early Childhood Families mailing list.

Meet Nathan Riemer and Lisa and Caleb Gaetjens!

Tell us a bit about yourselves Lisa grew up in Seattle. Nathan grew up in Westchester County. We met at Carleton College in Minnesota and have been in New York City for almost 10 years now. Lisa loves cooking, baking, and crafting. Nathan loves running and comic books. Caleb was born in September 2019 and he currently loves pointing at dogs and buses while on walks, tickles, and food.

What is one thing you love about BJ? We love the music. When Caleb was very little, we would take him to services, and as long as the music was going, he wouldn’t make a peep. Now, he loves attending Bim Bam with Shira.

What is one of your favorite family activities to do together?

Going to Central Park, especially now that Caleb is big enough to play at the playgrounds.

What is a favorite family meal ?

Shabbat favorites: Salmon with brown sugar glaze, orzo with mushrooms, and broccoli with tomatoes and raisins.

Learning, Growth, & Families, continued from page 11

Wandering in a Pandemic I’ve experienced is far from the worst of it.

The fact that the word “wandering” is used to describe our time in the desert was so puzzling to me before this past year. I’ve been grappling with that word for a while when thinking about this. I originally saw “wandering” as a means of no escape, an endless trek across nothing to get nowhere, as a punishment like Psalm 95 seems to indicate. But that way of thinking is ultimately too pessimistic. The most important part of the story is not the “wandering”—it’s that the Israelites eventually find their way to the Promised Land. There are many reasons offered for this, but one of the most common is that they were finally ready—finally worthy—to see the Promised Land.

I’ll admit, this comparison isn’t perfect.

We didn’t escape a worse fate to get to where we are now, and what we’re working towards isn’t exactly a Promised Land, but

simply a life that we thought we were promised. No matter who you are, this current state is simply not how we expect to live life. But we’re also not exactly wandering, or, at least, we don’t have to.

There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Many people in my family have gotten vaccinated, which is great in a way that I can’t quite articulate. We truly seem closer to the end of all this then we are the beginning. But as I said, it’s not that simple.

The word “wandering” implies being directionless, without purpose, lost. If you truly think you’re wandering, that means the only way to emerge from this state is to reach your destination. But even more than vaccinations or COVID tests or anything, emerging from my state of wandering has been about reaching out and connecting with others. I reunited with old friends, watched my new baby cousin learn to walk and talk, and celebrated both the Dodgers winning

the World Series and much less important things like my birthday. Yes, these were mostly at home and remote, but they weren’t always. Actually seeing friends, family, and the incomparable members of the BJ Teen Program in person felt less like a regular occurrence and more like a milestone—more like reaching the Promised Land. You could take this all for granted, as many of us have many times, but when this is over, I’m going to continue to treat these as special events because they are, and I just didn’t realize it until now. This time has taught me to value everything just a little bit more, and while I’ll emerge from this mental desert exhausted, I’ll also emerge with a new appreciation for everything around me. I hope you’ll join me in leaving the mental desert, ready, together, to appreciate ordinary life as extraordinary, and the Promised Land as the land that’s right in front of us. Shabbat Shalom.

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Prayer, Music, & Spirituality

In this section • Large-Scale Production and Intimate Spirituality • Growing Mindful Prayer in a Virtual Space

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Prayer, Music, & Spirituality

Large-Scale Production and Intimate Spirituality Cantor David Mintz, Director of Center for Prayer and Spirituality Just over two years before the COVIDbeen fully upgraded, so all 19 pandemic, BJ began its first-ever liveslights are fully customizable, tream service for Shabbat and Holiday with the ability to rotate and services, meant specifically for those who change color and angle. A were unable to attend services in-person, Tricaster system, which allows but launched without any sense that this switching of cameras during option might soon benefit our entire comthe service, is now powering munity. Isolated in our homes, we were the whole operation. We can seeking not simply connection, but conbroadcast to multiple platforms nection through the communal spiritual at once and create a dynamic, practice that has sustained us for so long. beautiful, and compelling visual experiAs COVID-19 quickly started to change ence that balances service leaders, musiour lives, it was clear that, to meet this cians, and all service participants. moment, we would need to reimagine how These upgraded visuals, however, are the transformative experience of prayer not simply for the sake of beauty and aesin the BJ sanctuary could be experienced thetics. They help facilitate a deeper and virtually. Indeed, out of the necessity of more intimate prayer experience. the moment, the ingenuity of our team “There’s nothing like Shabbat services in and the generosity of our members, the the BJ Sanctuary,” one member says. “But, BJ livestream experience was transformed if I can’t be in the Sanctuary, our livestream into something extraordinary. gives me the most intimate of experiences.

“...It was clear that, to meet this moment, we would need to reimagine how the transformative experience of prayer in the BJ sanctuary could be experienced virtually.”

Supported by two $100,000 gifts, the BJ livestream infrastructure received a technical overhaul. The upgraded 10-camera system features both stationary HD cameras to capture our service leaders in the highest visual quality and pan-tilt-zoom cameras, which operate remotely and can rotate 360 degrees to capture anything in the space.

The sanctuary lighting system has also

The cameras draw me so much closer to the rabbis and hazzan, to their prayerfulness and kavanah (intention in prayer). That creates a dimension of intimate spirituality that I might not have had if I were sitting in the Sanctuary.”

O n Zo o m , B J m e m b e r J u d i th Trachtenberg experienced another dimension of intimacy.

“I have participated in the daily minyan

on Zoom saying kaddish for my wife,” she says. “Sixty or so people became a truly close community, sharing prayer, mourning, and comfort. I was home in the place I had shared with Renie, and would continue to share, with her memory. That combination of community and solitude has been surprisingly powerful in my healing.”

“In many ways, the virtual experience has been an intimate one for me,” says Helena Diamant Glass, another BJ member. ”Particularly daily minyanim, which have been a sustaining force for me during the last 13 months. I think the biggest strength that BJ has shown during this time is a swift and consistent adjustment to the online versions of all the wonderful and beautiful things normally done, and then some. The creativity, wisdom, vision, and energy of the rabbis, hazzan and entire staff are surpassed only by the care, love, and devotion they have all shown for the community during these months.”

As we begin to open up our Sanctuary to the community, with limited in-person capacity at Shabbat services, we are strengthened by this spiritual journey of the past year, and the ways in which technology has heightened our spirituality, bringing us closer to one another, to our deepest selves, and to the Divine.

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Prayer, Music, & Spirituality

Growing Mindful Prayer in a Virtual Space Cantor David Mintz, Director of Center for Prayer and Spirituality It’s Tuesday evening, and a Zoom room only deepened their connecis steadily filling with BJ community memtion to prayer, but also to one bers preparing to engage in learning and another during a challenging meditation, guided towards a deeper and period in communal life. more mindful understanding of prayer “Along with the daily IJS practice. meditations, this havurah has Part of a wide-reaching initiative of deepened my relationship to havurot (small groups) touching various prayer as an internal personal aspects of BJ communal life, the Mindful practice, especially in the Prayer Havurah has been meeting in some physical isolation of the last year,” says havurah member capacity since November 2019, and is created, developed, and led by BJ member Michal Bowen.

Jon Silver.

“The rhythm of text, music, Jon, who has been one of BJ’s ba’alei and meditation is organic, and tekiyah (shofar blowers) for more than provides a sense of relaxation 30 years, first became drawn to Jewish and focus,” Nancy Greenblatt meditation mindfulness through the mindsays. “It’s provided a wel-

“Many members have shared the way in which the experience not only deepens their connection to prayer, but also to one another during a challenging period in communal life.” fulness courses and prayer practice led

by Rabbis Marcelo Bronstein and Rachel Cowan z”l.

“I then decided to become more immersed in the practice, and enrolled in the Jewish Meditation Mindfulness Teaching program with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS),” Jon says. “As part of that program, we were tasked with putting together a curriculum to teach. Mine was Mindful Prayer. I planned monthly sessions, each focusing on a different prayer.

But, when the pandemic hit, and everything shifted virtually, we began meeting weekly on Zoom instead.”

Since that time, the havurah has grown in size, as has its impact on individual group members. Indeed, many members have shared the way in which the experience not

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come opportunity to engage with a new group of participants and a new mindfulness teaching, bringing Jon’s creativity to the experience.”

In many ways, the success of this group is fueled by Jon’s own journey of being ignited by a practice that was cultivated at BJ, which inspired him to engage in deeper learning and training and then bring that practice back to BJ. “On a personal level, I have learned so much on this journey,” Jon says. “But perhaps the most pleasant surprise is that the whole group continues to join me on that journey to find meaning.”

Detail of 19th-century Moroccan shiviti (image used for contemplation of God’s name). Credit: The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, UC Berkeley

Social Justice & Activism

In this section • Unstoppable: The Siggi Wilzig Vaccination Project at BJ • When a Job Leads You Home • Praying With Our Feet (and Masks): Political Activism During the Time of COVID-19

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Social Justice & Activism

Unstoppable: The Siggi Wilzig Vaccination Project at BJ Rabbi Shuli Passow, Director of Community Engagement In the first days of the vaccine, many of those who were eligible were struggling to overcome the technological hurdles that made booking appointments difficult.

Some turned to their children or grandchildren for help, while others found assistance through a friend. But many people were simply stuck without any resources to help.

Nowadays, around 60% of New York City residents are vaccinated with at least one shot, with more than 70% of Upper West Siders fully vaccinated. We are blessed to have three effective and readily available vaccines.

But in the early days of vaccine distribution, accessibility was much tougher. And once again, BJ members turned to their

of volunteers assisted more than 1,200 New Yorkers.

Helping people secure vaccines had a ripple effect, with many of those who received help going on to book appointments for others and spreading the word.

After receiving assistance in getting her daughter an appointment, one mother helped publicize our initiative by sharing our information with her largely immigrant and non-English speaking CUNY students.

Another volunteer helped so many of the attendants at the parking garage on 97th Street with scheduling appointments that they now call her “the vaccine lady.”

Our BJ community continued to make a difference throughout the spring. Our capacity to provide as many New Yorkers as possible with vaccine appointments was greatly increased with the help of Shira Dicker, a publicist and one of our vaccine appointment volunteers. At the time, Shira was gearing up for the promotional campaign for the release of the book Unstoppable: Siggi B. Wilzig’s Astonishing Journey from Auschwitz Survivor and Penniless Immigrant to Wall Street Legend. When Ivan Wilzig, Siggi’s son, wanted to support a project in the Jewish community as part of the launch for the book, Shira saw the potential to expand BJ’s already robust operation and helped connect BJ and the Wilzig family.

Together, Ivan and the Peaceman Foundation gave a gift of $25,000 to BJ to continue our vaccination program. In gratitude for the immense generosity of the Wilzig family, our vaccine assistance initiative was renamed Unstoppable: The Siggi Wilzig Vaccination Project at BJ. “I have never had the privilege of serving as a matchmaker of this kind before, bringing together a generous visionary such as Ivan Wilzig with the visionary communal

“In the early days of vaccine distribution, accessibility was much tougher. And once again, BJ members turned to their community—both to ask for support, and to offer it.” community—both to ask for support, and to offer it. Soon, our vaccination initiative, led by longtime BJ member Oriyan Gitig Schwartz, was born.

Through the efforts of about 100 volunteers, BJ helped people from all over the city book vaccination appointments.

The initiative began with a focus on serving seniors in the BJ community and then expanded to the wider New York City community. By partnering with New YorkPresbyterian and Mount Sinai hospitals, immigrant and community-based organizations such as Mexican Coalition for the Empowerment of Youth and Families, and employers such as Orsid Realty, our team

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vaccination effort spearheaded by BJ,” said Shira.

With newfound resources, BJ’s mission continued to expand beyond our synagogue community. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, z”l, famously said that while marching for Civil Rights, he was praying with his feet. Through this initiative, we discovered that other parts of our body can pray as well—even the tapping of fingers on a keyboard can be made holy.

On April 8, BJ went full circle with the Wilzig family, this time using our own resources to reach out to the community about Unstoppable. In honor of Yom Hashoah, BJ hosted a book talk featuring Unstoppable author Joshua M. Greene in conversation with Dr. Eva Fogelman, a psychologist and pioneer in historical trauma research. It was a wonderful way to learn more about the man who helped facilitate an initiative that is saving lives.

Social Justice & Activism

When a Job Leads You Home Larissa Wohl, Former BJ Assistant Director of Community Engagement My journey at B’nai Jeshurun began nine and a half years ago. I was a year out of college, having just finished an eye-opening, challenging, and rewarding year of service with Avodah in Washington, D.C., and I found myself walking into a part-time position as the Social Action Program Assistant.

I had heard about B’nai Jeshurun before I started working here, and had even attended services once or twice. Like so many others, my cousin and her husband met on the steps of the synagogue after the second Friday night service, mainly attended by people in their 20s and 30s.

I vaguely remember being aware of BJ’s reputation as a leader in synagogue-based community organizing, but there wasn’t anything that could have truly prepared me for what I’ve experienced since then.

Reflecting on my time at BJ is a difficult task because of the depth and richness of my experiences. The last year has also taken a toll on my capacity to remember timelines and specific interactions (COVID19 brain is real).

How do I quantify all of the time I spent in Panim meetings at Judith and Renie’s (z”l), deepening relationships with members dedicated to radical, systemic change who opened their arms to me and saw me not I was about to start writing that I’m for my youth or gender but for my ideas? beyond grateful for all of the opportunities Or, the hundreds of individual converafforded to me through my work at BJ, but sations I’ve had with members within or “grateful” doesn’t quite cut it. What I feel outside of the BJ community looking to transcends simply being grateful. What engage in meaningful service that turned I’ve realized is that everything I’ve done into partnership-building opportunities or has been a vessel for something deeper. To exchanging stories about the moments internalize and see so clearly the humanthat have most impacted our lives? What ity of others. To see each challenge as an about the staff retreats I’ve helped plan, opportunity for connection and to get at the casual lunch gatherings, or the drop-in the heart of the problem instead of merely skimming the surface. To be introduced conversations with colleagues that helped to perspectives and ideas that help me to me build relationships that I know will conbetter understand my own capacity for tinue beyond my work at BJ? change and what I have to offer others in our work together.

When people ask me, “What do you do?” and I share with them my long list of responsibilities (which only ever seems to skim the surface of what I do) I am blown away, each time, by how much I’ve done and how much we have done together.

I have seen and experienced a lot of change and witnessed an incredible amount of growth. Together, we have challenged the status quo and won basic labor protections for farmworkers in New York State. We have supported our partners at West Side Campaign Against Hunger in its mission to provide life-saving services and groceries to our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. We have opened up our home to host a shelter with dignity and warmth.

Nine and a half years ago, I began a journey focused on the “I,” and this community has helped me move into the “we.” We are capable of so much more together, and I cannot wait to see how BJ continues to change both itself and the world.

“‘Grateful’ doesn’t quite cut it.

What I feel transcends simply being grateful. What I’ve realized is that everything I’ve done has been a vessel for something deeper.

—­­——— As Assistant Director of Community Engagement (and many other roles over the course of her long tenure at BJ), Larissa directed her energies toward a variety of programs, initiatives, committees, and special projects far too numerous to list here. If you’d like to make a gift in honor of Larissa, please visit BJ’s Give page, select “Community Engagement Fund” from the drop-down menu, and indicate that you’re making a gift “in honor of” Larissa. We are grateful for your support in honor of this uniquely committed person who will be much missed by us all. Thank you.

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Social Justice & Activism

Praying With Our Feet (and Masks): Political Activism During the Time of COVID-19 Galit Lopatin Bordereau and Max Bordereau, BJ Members Max and I had plans to visit colleges in the spring and volunteer for a political campaign in the summer, maybe in Arizona or Texas, where we could also try to help the children at the border. But when COVID-19 required us to stay at home to slow the spread, we did.

So, what does a proudly political family whose kids have participated in our activism since they could walk and talk do now that summer has ended and the presidential campaigns were heating up? Drive across our deeply divided and polarized country to Nevada, of course.

During the time of extremes, riddled with mask compliance and defiance, and COVID-19’s surging third wave, my oldest, Max, and I answered the call to volunteer in person in a battleground (open carry) time difference, and as online learning was state. My parents had recently relocated available, this was a unique opportunity for to Las Vegas, and could offer us shelter, me to help in person. but no hugs. On October 24, the first day My mother and I made it a road trip. of early voting in New York City that saw We drove across the country to see what four-to six-hour lines in our local polling we were fighting for. We stopped in station, we kissed Sam and the boys goodShreveport, Louisiana, for delicious beignets, learned to inflate our tires after a bye, got into our rental car, and drove. sudden, 30-degree temperature drop in Rather than head west across the country, we drove south, destination Montgomery, Wichita Falls, Texas, and passed along hisAlabama, to visit Bryan Stevenson’s Equal toric U.S. Route 66 in New Mexico.

Justice Initiative to help inform our mission In Alabama, through graphic images of and set the tone. I cried through the outthe post-reconstruction era and Jim Crow door lynching memorial and as we crossed laws, the Equal Justice Initiative reinforced the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The stakes of the importance of protecting the vote. the 2020 election were like no other, and Persistent suppression efforts have led after months of post-carding, phone and to low turnout in the past. But, this electext banking, we took our healthy bodies tion, after extraordinary efforts to get out and lots of masks, gloves, and hand santhe vote, saw 155 million votes cast, an itizer, and drove 2,919 miles across our increase of 20 million over 2016. country. Following is an excerpt from Max’s Four days and 14 states later, I began working with Lawyers Bound for Justice. impressions: —­­——— Through three days of early voting and “First-time voter!” shouted the poll a very long election day, 1,500 people worker as cheers rang through the makewalked into my tent to vote. Along with shift tent. I heard that voter protection/ a sticker proudly claiming, I Voted!, and poll observers were needed in Nevada, applause for first-time voters, our more a critical swing state. With a three-hour than 240-year-old Democracy held. ”

“Reverend Raphael Warnock said that a vote is a prayer about the kind of world we want to live in.”

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Reverend Raphael Warnock said that a vote is a prayer about the kind of world we want to live in. Max and I are proud of our small contribution to the kind of world we want to live in, and while we took a moment to exhale, breathe, and find inspiration that change is possible, we keep in mind Rabbi Tarfon’s wisdom from Pirkei Avot 2:16: “It is not your responsibility to finish the work [of perfecting the world], but you are not free to desist from it either.”

Photo, top of center column: The Bordereau family after the first day of early voting.

Above: Galit crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge to Selma, Alabama.

Advancing BJ

In this section • Mourning During a Pandemic: A Conversation Between BJ Members • Or Hadash Legacy Circle with Les Nelson • BJ Beyond NYC: Meet Our New Members

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Advancing BJ

Mourning During a Pandemic: A Conversation Between BJ Members More than a year into the pandemic into the pandemic, many are reflecting and trying to make sense of their experiences during this challenging period. For those of us in the BJ community, that includes thinking about how BJ affected and, in many cases, informed those experiences.

Longtime BJ member Shira Nadich Levin (board member and Development Co-Chair) spoke at length with new member Liz Greenstein, whose mother passed away in March 2020. Liz’s mother fell ill at the very beginning of the pandemic, and she and her brother were able to be with their mother in the hospital when she died, unlike so many other people in the past year and a half. But there is no question that, as a result of the pandemic, the typical Jewish mourning period and observances differed dramatically from those Shira experienced 13 years ago when her father and, seven months later, her mother, passed away.

The following is a lightly edited version of Shira’s conversation with Liz: —­­——— Shira Nadich Levin: Liz, somehow, you and your brother were able to visit your mother in the hospital. How and when did COVID-19 affect your mourning your mother’s passing?

Liz Greenstein: We were so very lucky to have been able to be with our mom when she died, since the hospital had been closed to visitors. But we felt the impact of COVID-19 immediately when I called my mom’s rabbi and he said that he couldn’t officiate at a service because he had COVID-19. It hurt so much to not be able to celebrate my mom’s life with the traditions we knew and expected— no funeral, no in-person shiva, and, a year later, no unveiling. But I wouldn’t trade the four deeply meaningful Zoom shivas that we had. More than 50 people attended each night—probably more than would

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“It hurt so much to not be able to celebrate my mom’s life with the traditions we knew and expected.”

Shira Nadich Levin have come in person and from all across the U.S. and even Europe. And without the distractions of side conversations and jockeying for rugelach, we were blessed to hear stories about our mother that we would have never heard otherwise.

SNL: I remember when my father died, that it was only when I heard my sisters discussing saying the Kaddish daily for 11 months that I made the decision to say Kaddish for my father (and then for my mother). I remember thinking that I should have known that instinctively, as a result of my upbringing. My father was a rabbi, as you know, [from] having been a congregant at Park Avenue Synagogue where he was the rabbi for many years, and I went to a Jewish day school. Yet, I did not make that

Liz Greenstein decision immediately. How did you decide to say Kaddish daily?

LG: I can’t say why, but I immediately knew that I would say daily Kaddish for 11 months. To me, saying Kaddish is an act of love. My father died when I was in elementary school, so it’s not like I had done this before. But, I had been part of a Kaddish circle at BJ a few years ago for my friends Lawrence Gardner and Katie Sanders, and I knew that I liked the intimacy of the small morning minyan.

Please visit the BJ website to read the continuation of this article.

Through our morning and evening minyanim, there are opportunities each day to gather in virtual community and maintain a spiritual practice while supporting those in our midst who are saying Kaddish. On Mondays and Thursday mornings there is also the opportunity to join the minyan in person. Visit our website to see when the next minyan is taking place. If you’d like to support our minyanim, you can make a gift here.

Advancing BJ

Or Hadash Legacy Circle with Les Nelson Les Nelson, BJ Member Les Nelson and his family have been BJ members since 1997. Though he finished up his time as a board member at the end of this past fiscal year, Les chairs BJ’s Building Committee, co-chairs the Bikkur Holim Committee, is a member of the Prayer and Spirituality Committee, and serves on the Connections Committee. Les retired from Goldman Sachs in 2014 following a 30-year career, and has also worked at Procter & Gamble and served as an officer in the US Navy for seven and a half years. Les and his wife, Jill Hayman, have two children, Remy and Micah.

How did you first discover BJ? My wife, Jill, and I first experienced BJ when we attended our niece, Riva Cohen’s, joyful Bat Mitzvah in 1993. A few years later, having attended services at a variety of synagogues on the Upper West Side, it became clear to us that BJ was special. The combination of the spirituality, intensity, commitment, and warmth of Roly, Marcelo, and Felicia; the music of Ari; the commitment to social justice, and the degree of engagement apparent in the community led us to decide that BJ was going to be the religious home for our family. We became members in 1997.

What have been your most important BJ moments?

The Bat Mitzvah of our daughter, Remy, and Bar Mitzvah of our son, Micah, were the first most important moments for us at BJ. But there have been many others. I remember with great clarity how impactful it was for me to experience the BJ community coming together in the days following 9/11 and at Rosh Hashanah that year, when we welcomed first responders at our services with a standing ovation. There have been

“I have seen the care exercised by our spiritual leaders, the BJ staff, and the Board to raise funds ... and to make sound and measured decisions regarding how BJ’s financial resources are utilized.”

many other times when BJ was the place where I came to recognize joyful moments, to be supported during moments of sorrow, and to try to make sense out of senseless moments.

Could you share your thoughts regarding your decision to make a bequest to BJ? In the last month or so, I decided that it was time to update my will, which was last prepared in 2003. It was clear to me that I wanted to include BJ in my will in a meaningful way. Having served on the Board of Trustees for the last six years, I have seen up close the financial challenges BJ faces.

I have also seen the care exercised by our spiritual leaders, the BJ staff, and the Board to raise funds every year for BJ to carry out its operations and, as important, to make sound and measured decisions regarding how BJ’s financial resources are utilized.

Among the financial challenges BJ confronts is the size of its endowment. I have learned that given the size of BJ’s annual budget, its endowment should ideally be in the neighborhood of $18 million, not at the $7 million level where it now stands. The endowment is a financial bedrock, and it is critical to BJ’s long-term financial health, as it is for any not-for-profit. With this in mind, I decided that my bequest should go to the endowment, to help position BJ for its future and to be able to carry out its many missions and, hopefully, realize the vision that our rabbis and other leaders have for BJ’s place in the world.

To learn more about the Or Hadash Legacy Circle, BJ’s new planned giving group, please contact Ilana Feldman, Senior Development Manager, at ifeldman@bj.org.

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Advancing BJ

BJ Beyond NYC: Meet Our New Members In response to our online services and programming, more members have joined us from across the globe than ever before.

In this and future issues of the Kol Hadash, we’ll introduce some of BJ’s newest members who’ve joined us from all over the United States, and beyond.

——— Judah Rosen, Sacramento, California What have BJ and other Jewish institutions meant for you this year?

I’m a single, gay, elderly Jewish man from New York now in Sacramento who has no family to speak of, and doesn’t work. COVID and Zoom have given me the opportunity to learn from some of my most favorite rabbis, and attend retreats and cultural events all over the world, all from the comfort of my recliner, keeping me almost too busy.

My favorite Jewish holiday is…

Shabbos.

What’s your favorite holiday food ?

Latkes.

What three words would you use to describe BJ? Beautiful, melodious, harmonious.

The book that changed my life is...

I would be remiss if I didn’t answer the Torah.

What’s a surprising fact about you?

My grandmother was born and married in Jerusalem, and I made a point of meeting all her living cousins, including Yosef Yoel Rivlin, whose son is currently President of Israel.

———

Ruth Yisraela, Bohemia, Czech Republic How has BJ been a part of your life during the pandemic?

I’ve regularly attended online services and a few classes via Zoom.

I’m now a “Friend of BJ” and studying for my conversion. I hope it will happen soon.

What event do you like the most?

I love the way the music, prayers, and gentle Kabbalat Shabbat service usher in Shabbat—it’s one of my favorite experiences of the week. As a musician, the music at BJ is one of the most special experiences. Sometimes I play violin along with the services.

What’s a way you’ve grown this past year?

Here are the ways I have tried to grow: patience, compassion, open-heartedness, tenderness, acceptance, and tolerance.

I learn important lessons every week in Rabbi Felicia’s online class, mainly challenging me to understand the Jewish concept of hesed.

What are three words you would use to describe BJ? Depth, strength, inspiration.

——— David Solomon and Gratia Meyer, Denver, Colorado How did you find out about BJ? We found BJ while searching on YouTube for a Shabbos Service during the pandemic, and we fell in love with BJ’s deep spiritual harmony.

What program do you like the most?

We enjoy Rabbi Shuli’s Talmud class on Thursdays.

My favorite Jewish holiday is…

Our favorite holiday is Sukkot. Gratia harvests the pumpkins from her garden.

Do you have any prior connection to NYC? David’s paternal grandparents were born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in the 1890s.

——— Morty Miller, Cumberland, Rhode Island What about being a member at BJ moves or inspires you?

I appreciate Rabbi Matalon’s fostering of a commitment to justice, Jewish practice, social engagement, Jewish learning, song, and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s spiritual presence at BJ. I enjoy the relaxed conversation the clergy often have during Shabbat services about a section of liturgy or Torah that caught their attention—living Torah.

What do you appreciate about BJ? The synagogue’s commitment to engagement as demonstrated by its excellent handling of online technology, hosting an easy-to-navigate website, sending follow-up email notices to those who sign up for programs, Matt Davey’s outreach, and BJ’s figuring out how to offer a “long distance membership.”

What event have you enjoyed the most?

“How to Make Amends: the Case for Reparations in the Face of Mass Injustice” with Gideon Taylor and “Lack of Secular Education in New York’s Hasidic and UltraOrthodox Yeshivas” with Naftuli Moster.

———

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Advancing BJ Lon Dubinsky, Quebec, Canada Do you have any prior connection to New York City?

I am an NYU alumnus and I have cousins in New York City.

Shabbat. Enchanted by their amazing spirit, we discovered they were from BJ, on retreat. We wanted to know more. So, almost every August since, we’ve travelled to New York City for theater, museums and exhibits, concerts, a Yankees game, and BJ’s Kabbalat Shabbat service.

From where in your home do you watch services/programs?

In my tiny library/study.

How has the pandemic changed your involvement?

With online access, we’re able to “attend” more frequently (although we miss in-person), including a broader range of offerings. While remaining active in our local synagogue, we formally joined BJ via membership last summer.

What are three words you would use to describe BJ? Welcoming, affirming, socially com– mitted.

My favorite Jewish holiday is…

Pesah

What are three words you would use to describe BJ? Joyful, renewing, holy.

Do you have a ritual for watching services?

I always wear the same kippah and attire as if I’m attending in person.

How have you grown in the past year?

We feel heartfelt gratitude for what we have, especially during difficult times.

If you had a superpower, what would it be ?

Going back in time.

My favorite television cartoon was...

The Flintstones What’s your favorite holiday food ?

Gefilte fish The book that changed my life is...

Boundaries by Robert J. Lifton ——— Emily Adams and Carmen Arick, Little Rock, Arkansas How did you find out about BJ? Many years ago, while participating in a Shavuot program at Isabella Freedman/ Elat Chayyim led by R. Zalman SchachterShalomi, z”l, we noEmily and Carmen ticed a separate group dancing and joyfully celebrating Kabbalat

——— Geoffrey Lewis, Boston, MA How did you hear about BJ? My first BJ experiences were some 20 years ago. I was drawn to the rabbis, the music, and the values, which compelled me to return whenever I was in New York. My wife, Amy Caplan, and I lived in New York in the early 80s. We still visit often for business and pleasure. Both of our daughters live in Brooklyn.

“We feel blessed to be a part of this community— even from afar.”

What’s something you’ve learned this past year?

Amy and I have found a silver lining in the pandemic in that we now assemble each Friday evening to enjoy the Kabbalat Shabbat service on YouTube or Zoom. It’s been a soothing way to end the week, and a gift for us amidst the anxiety, sadness, and pain that has been all too present.

What are three words you would use to describe BJ? Compelling, touching, and inspiring.

For more information on membership, please contact Matthew Davey, Membership Services Manager, at mdavey@bj.org, 212787-7600 x240.

What role has BJ played in your lives?

BJ has been a savior for us for a long time, but never more so in the last year. We feel blessed to be a part of this community—even from afar.

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Rabbis: J. Rolando Matalon Felicia L. Sol Rebecca Weintraub

Hazzan: Ari Priven Executive Director: Colin A. Weil

Community House 270 West 89th Street New York, NY 10024-1705

Tel: (212) 787-7600 Fax: (212) 496-7600 Online: www.bj.org