Congregation Agudath Israel 2025 Annual Report by CongregationAgudathIsrael

RabbiA L

“…the essence of prayer is a song. And man c

When we undertook the process of rewritin ear ago, a dedicated group of lay leaders convened lis ngregation. They asked people to reflect on what CAI m ople’s responses. When they got together to analy people referenced the sounds of a synagogue com t spiritually uplifted by hearing the voices of children ru g g p y s emanating from the sanctuary. What emerged from that analysis is a feeling that CAI not only has the words of a new mission statement, but it also has a melody. Just as the Torah has trope with which it is chanted and sung, our community is bound together by the harmonies of Jewish life through song, music and sound.

In a different time and place, Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, Israel’s first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi, also used the metaphor of music and song to describe a life of spiritual ascent. He wrote an influential essay entitled the “Fourfold Song” in which he outlined how a person learns to sing different songs that connect him to a greater purpose. First, a person learns the song of the soul - a personal song. Then, the song of a nation - connecting us to the people of Israel. After that, the song of humanity, recognizing the universal spiritual yearning of all people. And finally, the song of creationrepresenting our desire to be in harmony with the divine presence manifest in the entire universe. To learn these notes, argues Kook, is to master existence.

In the pages that follow, you’ll read various reflections on these themes of music and harmony. As we prepare to honor Cantor Caplan for his decades of devotion and spiritual leadership, we wanted to invite every member of our community to reflect on how your life has been enriched through the opportunity to sing and chant the melodies of our traditions. And to consider how your song is part of the chorus of voices that make our community rich with music. May we all be blessed to make more beautiful music together in the year to come.

Shanah Tovah,

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

DebbieR P ident

While I played the clarinet in middle and high school and took piano lessons for years, singing was never my strong suit. I still remember my music teacher telling me “It might be better for you to speak that solo rather than sing it”. Ouch! At CAI, our prayers are often chanted in harmony, so I never have to sing alone, especially if Cantor Caplan and our fantastic choir are leading the service. For more than 42 years, he has enhanced our worship with beautiful musical arrangements. The blended sounds of our voices in prayer mirrors the diversity of opinions, perspectives and interests of our large community.

Although our congregants have various levels of Jewish observance, live in different towns, seek different levels of engagement and have differing opinions, we work together and respect each other’s perspectives, just like the chords or rhythms of a musical piece complement each other. We all strive to build meaningful connections and are inspired by our clergy, professional staff and lay leadership, who work hard to offer programs and events for “every age and every stage” of our community. From the Lerner ECC, Religious School, adult education and teen programs to Shabbat services, daily minyans, the Purim carnival, Super Bowl Shabbat and Comedy Night, there are so many wonderful opportunities to participate in the thriving activities at CAI.

As we say goodbye to 5785 and welcome the new year, I am honored, humbled and proud to be the next CAI President. A priority for my term is to continue to foster good communication. Just like the right notes and tempo shape a piece of music, the manner in which we share information helps shape our community.

While we listen to the beautiful sounds of Cantor Caplan in his last year leading our High Holy Day services, I hope you take a moment to reflect on the impact that he has had on our community. We will have the opportunity to thank him and honor his extraordinary tenure the weekend of June 13 2026 – please save the date! In the coming year, I encourage you and your family to enhance your engagement with CAI - seek out a new way to share your voice in our collective harmony. As a member of the CAI Board of Trustees, I have seen that just like any musical piece there are many parts to play in our synagogue and I encourage you to find the one that is right for you. th Shanah Tovah,

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Donations to CAI’s Annual Fund help bridge the gap between the synagogue ’ s core revenue and the expense of operating its broad range of services and programs We are most grateful for the generosity of the following congregants who have supported the 2024/2025 Annual Fund Thank you!

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C J C l

This is my 44 High Holy Days with all of you, our CAI family. And, if all goes according to plan, it's my last High Holy Days as your full-time cantor.

As I lead us all in prayer, I'm filled with naches - such pride in what we do, in what we've built.

Standing in front of the ark built by George Greene z"l, I hear YOU - behind me, to the right and to the left - your voices swelling in a great wave of sound: "Avinu Malkeynu, our Father, our King, have mercy on us and answer us." And it's not only us singing together - we're part of the whole Jewish people around the world, praying these same words on these same days.

I hear our Rabbis, Presidents and Officers - what good, bright, committed, hardworking people! And I hear our Torah Readers, Haftara Readers, and Sh'lichey Tsibbur (Service Leaders), many of whom have learned with me over the years. How wonderful that they share their talents and expertise with our congregation, year after year.

I hear our Marsha Henry High Holy Day Choir - and besides being swept along by their harmony, I know how much time, effort and practice it's taken for them to be able to do what they do. Singing a cappella, with no other instruments, is a lot harder than you might think. But we work at it for many hours each year, for the sake of hiddur mitzvah, making the mitzvah of worship as beautiful as possible.

I see the adults and kids who fan out among you to blow shofar. The newbies scrunch up their faces, puff out their cheeks and turn red. Veterans, who have been doing it for years, blow with a stately grace. They're all fulfilling the words of the Psalm: Hariu LaShem! (Make a Joyful Noise to God!)

Of course, there's so much more…and it all fills me with pride.

I hope you feel that way, too. Thank you all.

Shanah Tovah!

Rabbi Alan Silverstein Rabbi Emeritus

Before the 1940s, music wasn’t a priority in most congregations, but after WWII this tren the GIs joined suburban synagogues. In that era, the ideal cantor was the focal point for experiences, leading congregational singing and music education. In the 1980s, CAI became large enough to hire its first full-time cantor, Bruce Ruben, who relocated two years later. We then searched for a motivated and talented professional who could educate and inspire the entire community.

Fortunately, one congregant knew of a cantorial student, Joel Caplan, who could "do it all". After a short part-time engagement at CAI, Cantor Caplan became a full-time member of the clergy. Over the past four decades, he has made a significant impact on the congregation’s musical experience. He became an outstanding Jewish music educator and trained congregants of all ages to lead services and read Torah. He created superb choirs for children, teens and adults, in addition to serving as a mentor for future cantors from among CAI’s ranks. Cantor Caplan has also become a fixture on the faculty of the Jewish Theological Seminary’s Cantorial School and has introduced our community to many contemporary Jewish song leaders.

Joel Caplan has officiated at countless life cycle ceremonies for CAI families and infused our services with enthusiasm and spirit, while adhering to tradition. Through his skill and devotion, all ages and stages of CAI have been blessed by having Joel Caplan as our spiritual and musical leader.

Rabbi Paula Mack Drill

Rabbi-in-Residence

As I conclude my first year as Rabbi-in-Residence at CAI, I recognize the unique view I was afforded as both a long-time congregant and a new member of the professional staff. The word that describes all that I have learned is “harmony.”

I am, in essence, both lay leader and clergy. One Shabbat a month, I lead the congregation through services. On other Shabbatot, I sit in my makom kavua (my customary spot) as Paula. I teach classes as your rabbi and study with other teachers as a student. I visit and officiate at life cycle events as a rabbi and a friend. This year has felt like the sweetest, most harmonious music I could imagine.

In a vibrant synagogue community like ours, the relationship between congregants and professional staff is like a finely tuned orchestra. Our Board of Trustees, lay leaders, clergy, educators, office and custodial staff form a symphony of dedication. Some keep rhythm behind the scenes, others step forward with bold melodies of vision, and together, we create sacred harmony.

Among all of the sounds that contribute to the eternal Jewish symphony of our synagogue, the most precious music is created by Cantor Joel Caplan. As we prepare to pray with him this High Holy Day season, I know we’ll be granting him a spiritual standing ovation for the generations of tefillah leaders, Torah chanters, choral singers and community prayers that he has inspired and taught. Todah rabbah (thank you very much), Cantor Caplan!

· 46 New Family Units

mbership

· 260+ Students in Religious School & Lerner ECC

· 50+ Teen Mitzvah Volunteers

· 64 Day School Students

· 25 “Grandfriends” to the Lerner ECC

A Symphony of Successful Events

· 360 Attended Spring Community Concert

· ECC Boutiques & Parents’ Night Out

· 260 Attended Comedy Night

· Shabbat in Pajamas & Sweats

· 165 Attended Super Bowl Shabbat

· Cooking Workshops with Susan Werk

· 200 Attended the Purim Carnival

· Spirits in the Sukkah & March Madness

· 210+ Participated in Israel Walk-a-thon Friday Night Lights

m Basket Project

ANDHARMONIES LIFEATCAI

The Rhythm of Our Lives Rooted in Tradition

· 46 B’nei Mitzvot

· 11 New Babies Born

· 11 Brit Milah & Simchat Bat Ceremonies

· 8 Aufrufs

· 8 Weddings

· 7 Conversions

· 43 Families Supported During Shiva

A Chorus of Committees & Classes

· Caring Committee

· Tzedek Initiative

· Weekly/Monthly Adult Ed Classes

· Broadway & Museum Field Trips

· Environmental Committee

· Sisterhood & Men’s Club

· Israel Committee

· Create For a Cause

· Social Action Committee

· Israeli Dance Programs

· Combatting Antisemitism Initiative

our song - and find n every note!

bbie Lurie at 6-3600 or .org to learn more

Susan Werk

EducationDirector

As we begin 5786, I want to reflect on the musical instrument that is mentioned Torah and whose blasts provide the soundtrack for the New Year - the r.

shanah, Head of the Year r name: Yom Teruah, the Day of nding of the Shofar. At CA essed with a wondrous gift to ce our High Holy Day obser anks to Cantor Caplan, people of ge and every stage can tra me a shofar blower. All anyone the ability to pucker up, breath and use lung power to hat blaring blast. Each ye dividuals flood our sanctuary with clarion notes and inspire al egants. Our shofar blowers span s: the youngest was two y d the oldest have been narians. When I think of ou owers, I can hear the sounds that from their instruments, re e makeup of our community.

ah - the long blast - represents our long-time congregants who celebrate with pride decades of commitment to CAI, often bringing along their grown children and grandchildren. The shevarim - the three broken blastsstand for the “sandwich generation”, individuals who toil with love, raising children, going to jobs, and caring for elderly parents, they work hard to hold tight to the generational bonds. The teru’ah - the nine short staccato blastsare our youngsters, moving nonstop in quick darting steps.

Finally, the teki’ah gedolah - the dramatic long note that is held as long as possible - is all of us. That closing note can penetrate the soul of each person in our sacred community as we hear that final flourish during Rosh Hashanah services. This note is also sounded during the Ne’ilah service at the end of Yom when we may be tually full from a day of meditation and co

een honored to ers on visits to ants who are unable to attend services in the synagogue. When visits possible, Cantor Caplan arranges Facetime or Zoom sessions. This High Holy Day season, we offer deep thanks to our chief shofar blower and teacher, Cantor Caplan, for bringing together individuals of all ages and stages to devotedly fulfill the mitzvah of hearing the blast of the ram’s horn.

Shanah Tovah!

LernerECCDirector

GeulaZamist

“Wha wha waw wah!” That’s all Charlie Brown heard when his teacher starte speaking. It was inaudible and unintelligible. It’s a refrain that often comes t mind when we are in a situation of listening to someone speaking who is just droning on.

Early childhood teachers understand the importance of their voice being heard. So, rather than “Wha wha waw wah”, they sing! Young children process singing differently than speaking in many ways. Singing creates a richer learning experience for children than speaking. They are more likely to remember sung phrases than spoken ones.

When you visit the hallways of the ECC, you may often hear teachers singing, “Right hand on the railing” or “We’re walking to the playground, the playground, the playground”. As the teacher sings the children are able to focus and calmly process the information.

Our brachot (blessings) and morning tefillah (prayers) are all introduced as song, assuring that the children can master them easily and they remain p their core memories.

Songs naturally break words into syllables and sounds, important components of early literacy development. Singing also creates emotional connection and social interaction.

How often do you hear a favorite song and automatically slip into a treasured memory from the past?

With all these benefits, it’s not surprising that we consider singing an important teaching tool in our school. After a few weeks in school, children can identify a song and begin the routine the teacher expects of them. A few musical notes and they know just what to expect.

Imagine their reactions as soon as they hear a few chords on the accordion coming from the hallway…it must mean that Cantor Caplan is coming to the class.

Whether in the classroom or at Shabbat in Pajamas, Cantor Caplan and his music give all of us a warm feeling that is sure to stay with us forever!

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AN ENDURING LEGACY

byJane Taubenfeld Cohen

For the Taubenfeld family, the connection to Congregation Agudath Israel has always been more than a relationship with a synagogue - it has been a deep and enduring bond with a community. That bond was woven into the very fabric of our family life. Our parents, Bea and Nat Taubenfeld z”l, brought the congregation into our home - and in turn, brought our family of five children into the heart of the congregation.

For our father, supporting the synagogue was not just a passion - it was a calling. People often told us they could never say no to Nat, whether he was asking them to lead services or to make a generous donation. So it came as no surprise that when CAI began exploring legacy giving - perhaps even before the initiative was formally launched - our parents made the very first legacy endowment gift in 2014. Quietly and without fanfare, our father added yet another gift to this fund in his will.

What inspired our parents to make such impactful donations? Theywanted the warmth, connection, and spirit of their beloved synagogue to endure for generations. They hoped CAI would remain a beacon of light - welcoming families seeking a meaningfulJewish life. They dreamed that the children of CAI would continue to grow into engaged, passionate leaders of the Jewish people.

As we mark the year of aveilut (mourning) for our mother, we are held by the memories of our father serving as gabbai at CAI’s reader’s table, and our mother sitting with grace and pride in her seat among the congregation. We are continually inspired by their devotion, their generosity, their embodiment of tzedakah, and their unwavering commitment to Jewish life and continuity.

Our parents were true role models - for us, our children, and our grandchildren. In creating a way to support CAI beyond their lifetimes, they taught us what it means to leave a lasting legacy.

For them, actions always spoke louder than words. So as each of us considers our own legacy, may the example of Bea and Nat Taubenfeld z”l guide us. It is our responsibility to make a difference - and to teach our children to do the same. We hope their memory inspires others to follow in their footsteps.

Legacy Circle donors have generously planned to support Congregation Agudath Israel beyond their lifetime to ensure CAI's financial strength for future generations We extend a heartfelt thank you to our donors!

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Jean and Ben Alter

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Amy and Bill Lipsey

Linda and Michael Lowenthal

Esther and Harry Kartus

Gail z"l and Max Kleinman

Sasha and Matthew Koff

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Amy and Scott Lewin

Jody and Rabbi Steven Wernick

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Allison and Robert Wright

Michelle Zeman and Howard Feiwus

*Designates congregants who have joined the Legacy Circle this year Please email development@agudath org to learn how to create your own legacy with CAI

D L i MembershipDirector

My favorite quote of the year is or of Hillel at the University of Maryland, our youngest son’s al o generate the noise of oy, we are focused on creating the mu community of this important lesson to help navigate the cha lege campuses over the past two years. At CAI, we too, are fo ite the “noise of oy” that has become an ever-present part o ber 7 . th

Between the walls of the CAI bu g activities for every age and stage of our congregation. The music of this vibrant life at CAI is uplifting, joyful, hopeful and infectious - you just want to sing along! On any given day, you can hear:

ECC children learning while playing.

Religious School students singing prayers and holiday songs with Cantor Caplan.

Rabbi Lucas playin ar for Shabbat in PJs and Sweats.

Susan Werk greeti erson she sees with a joyful squ Our clergy and tea ring inspiring words.

B’nei Mitzvah stude ing the Torah and Haftorah on olidays. Congregants ming hallways, wishing each other S m or Chag Sameach, schmoozing at adu on classes and laughing at our an dy Night.

Parents and grandparents sharing tears of joy and gratitude at a Bris or Baby Naming.

I can assure you that being engaged in our CAI community helps shift your focus from the “noise of the oy” to the “music of joy”. I invite you to stop by the synagogue on any given day to hear and feel the joy at CAI. In today’s challenging world, NOW is the time to get involved and be part of something meaningful. I hope that you will reach out to me to and find connection in our vibrant and harmonious Jewish community.

As we mark Joel Caplan’s last High Holy Days as our cantor, I want to wish him Mazel Tov and thank him for bringing beautiful sounds, music and Jewish joy to all of us for over 40 years.

Shanah Tovah