Mosaic April 2025

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CANTOR INSTALLATION

• • • IN THIS ISSUE • • •

Kids Love Passover PAG E 8

Passover Recipes PAG E 1 6

Spotlight on Arthur & Ellen Gang PAG E 1 8

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THE MOSAIC : PASSOVER 2 02 3/578 3

President Marc Zuckerman

In This Issue

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson

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Editor-In-Chief Diana Sussman

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Assistant Editor-In-Chief Joni Usdan Senior Editor Sara Gaynes Levy

Advertising Administrator Michelle Scher Saunders Editorial Board Debbi Barer

A special thank you to everyone who contributed to the writing, editing, and photography of this publication. This magazine would not have been possible without your insight and support.

30 Hillspoint Road Westport, CT 06880 Phone: 203.454.4673 Email: tcs@tcs-westport.org

TCS Scene

Spotlight on Gangs

Check out what the TCS Members have been doing. A look at the past months in pictures.

Recounting experiences of TCS members who joined the mission to support lsrael.

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Letters From the Rabbi’s Study Cantor's Notes Around the Shul TCS Scene Page Shesh: Births, Welcome New Members, Weddings, Engagements & Condolences Todah Rabah for Sponsoring Kiddush Lunches Kol Hakovad to Torah and Haftorah readers The Presidents’ Desk A Note from Synagogue Leadership Kids Love Passover TCS Judaica Boutique A Frozen Shabbat Preschool Patter Kehillah Corner

HAVE NEWS? 12 ON THE COVER TCS congregation turns out in force for Cantor's Installation

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12 Hebrew Corner 13 Mazal Tov to our B’nei Mitzvah 22 Donors, Doers & Daveners Back Cover Calendar 12 16 18 20 24

Features Hebrew Corner Passover Recipes Spotlight on Arthur & Ellen Gang Dad's Special Gift: A Baby Boy Laughter Is The Best Medicine

The Mosaic wants to highlight TCS members. We want to hear your stories and see your pictures. Send them to the EditorialBoardforTCS@gmail.com. Also, let us know if you want to write a feature article. We welcome your input.

Read The Mosaic Online Let us know if you would prefer to read The Mosaic online only by contacting the office or by emailing EditorialBoardforTCS@gmail.com.

Passover 2025/5785

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LETTERS : FROM THE R ABBI’S STUDY

Dreaming of Sweet Freedom Dear Friends, Omer Wenkert, one of the recently released hostages from Hamas captivity, wrote: “It happened. I’m free! There is no price for freedom, and I almost didn’t remember how sweet and nice it is.”

In the Passover Haggadah, Rav and Shmuel offer two different versions of slavery from which the Israelites escaped.

Shmuel argues it was physical slavery while Rav suggests it was spiritual slavery.

I’ve been thinking about this discussion between Rav and Shmuel in the context of the hostages who have shared their stories of captivity.

As we imagined, the physical slavery was horrific. Living in dark tunnels without seeing the sunlight for months at a time, if not the entire time. Regular beatings.

Hunger and starvation, trying to survive on small pieces of pita and dried-out dates. Chained by the arms and legs for so long that some had to re-learn how to walk. I was amazed by the story of 80 year-old Gadi Mozes, who tried to overcome his physical slavery by walking up to 7km a day in his tiny room. For all of the hostages, their return to Israel marked an obvious freedom from the physical slavery they endured.

The spiritual enslavement was perhaps equally as brutal given the psychological torture which they endured by their Hamas captors. They were regularly told lies to defeat their spirit and take away hope. However, unlike physical slavery where there is very little one can do to overcome, many hostages were able to find ways to conquer their spiritual enslavement. Some reported that they became more “religious” while in captivity—saying Kiddush on Friday night, praying more often, and even fasting on

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Yom Kippur. The tatzpaniyot, the women surveillance soldiers who were released, spoke about translating Shalom Aleichem into Arabic and singing it every Shabbat, since they weren’t permitted to sing in Hebrew. Those who were held captive together found spiritual strength in one another, and some who were alone were able to somehow find strength talking with their families in their minds. Others found ways to connect with their captors.

Even after their release, the former hostages continue to struggle with the aftereffects of both physical and spiritual slavery. The physical rehabilitation will undoubtedly take a long time and I imagine the recovery from spiritual enslavement will take even longer.

During the seder we recite the words “This year we are slaves, next year may we be free.” Until now, I found this section to be ironic given that the seder is all about celebrating our freedom. If we are free, how can we still be slaves? The answer I have suggested is that we can all think about the ways in which we are still enslaved, metaphorically. After listening to the testimony of the former hostages, I understand this concept in a new light.

At the time of writing this article, there are still 59 hostages (at least 35 believed to be dead) in Gaza. I hope that by the time you read this, every one of the hostages will be home. Tragically, I expect that in many ways, even those who are home and alive will still be very much enslaved this year.

This also holds true for their families, the entire people of Israel who experienced this collective trauma, and for the Jewish community worldwide.

As we prepare to sit around the seder table this year and tell the story of the

”

Let us pray that next year our brothers and sisters around the world will be a little more " free" and they will always remember how "sweet and nice it is."

Exodus from Egypt, let us pray that next year our brothers and sisters around the world will be a little more “free” and they will always remember how “sweet and nice it is.”

Wishing you and your loved ones a Zissen Pesach—a sweet Passover.

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

THE MOSAIC :: SPRING 2022

LETTERS : CANTOR'S NOTES

The Warmth of My TCS Home

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[F]or me, that home— with its warmth, its dedication to Jewish values and ritual, its close family and community relationships—is inextricable from the work I do as a cantor.

Dear TCS community, I’m still glowing from my Installation early in February. Thank you again to everyone who made it possible—the TCS staff, the board, the lay-contributors, and most importantly all the congregants who attended, in person and virtually—to celebrate having me as part of your clergy team here at TCS. And thank you also to everyone who’s come up to me since to share how much you enjoyed it! It would’ve been enough just to show up, but the kind words about my fellow cantors’ musical contributions (It was like Broadway! What entertainment!) as well as my rabbinic colleagues' thoughtful words, that was the best part for me. I’m blessed to share my Conservative clergyship with marvelously talented peers, and it was such a treat that my community got to experience some of their incredible talents and deep wisdom.

I wanted to share with you a little more about the song that I sang with my father, Rabbi Menachem Penner, at the end of the program, which for me was the most special part, but for more reasons than you might expect. (You can play it back anytime in the livestream archive on our TCS website, and if you’d like to hear a professional recording, the rendition on YouTube by Gilad Potolsky is particularly lovely.)

The words in Hebrew, transliteration and translation (the latter my own) are:

Vezakeinu lekabel shabbatot mitoch rov simcha, umitoch osher v’chavod, umitoch miyut avonot. V’tein banu yetzer tov l’ovdecha b’emet, u’b’yirah u’b’ahava May we merit to bring in the Sabbath with joy, good fortune, and honor, and with no regrets. May we live up to our best selves, serving You with integrity, awe, and love.

The evening of the Installation, my father described how, in the Penner home, we sing that song every Friday night at our shabbos table. In many traditional homes of my upbringing, it was common to sing two songs before kiddush and motzi: Shalom Aleichem, with which many of us are familiar, and Eishet Chayil, an ode to the woman of the home, with which some are familiar due to its popularity in funeral settings for women as well.

But only in our home did we sing this Vezakeinu, inserted in between those two. No other homes, no other musical settings that I knew of for those words, nothing. This always stood out to me, but I didn’t think much of it until my year in the Rising Song residency, when our cohort was invited to participate in the Bartol Foundation’s workshop entitled “The Lullaby Project: Collaborative Songwriting.”

I learned a lot about lullabies that day, but the most important thing I learned is that a lullaby needn’t be a song to which a baby is rocked to sleep. A lullaby can be any song—usually calming—that is ritually employed in the home, often on a regular basis, to which the members of the home grow attached. And I realized that Vezakeinu is our family lullaby: sung liltingly and lovingly in our home—and our home only—each and every Friday night.

This definition passed the litmus test for me, retroactively, in undergrad, when I was first coming out, and not entirely sure how my Orthodox family and I would be in a relationship. (As you can see from the Installation, I am blessed that it all turned out very well indeed.) Those were also my “gigging” a cappella days, when I would often be away for Shabbat, singing with a group at someone or other’s bar mitzvah, aufruf, etc., anywhere from Teaneck to London to San Diego to Cartagena.

And everywhere I went, no matter how I felt toward my family at that moment —loving, angry, confident, resentful, anxious—I would step aside and take a few moments to myself, to sing that song, every Friday night. It didn’t matter how I felt.

That song represented the full spectrum, the full push and pull, of my relationship with my family. That song, for me, is home.

And for me, that home—with its warmth, its dedication to Jewish values and ritual, its close family and community relationships —is inextricable from the work that I do as a cantor. I’m so grateful to my father for prompting us to sing that together, because you all got an inside look at everything I’m trying to build in my cantorate, and in this pulpit—a home. This “heimish” (lit. homey) community, where all feel not just welcome, but cozy. If the song felt special when you were watching it, that’s why. That’s what I was channeling when I sang that song with my father.

If there’s any way in which I can help you feel more cozy at TCS, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you all again, for a marvelous Installation and an unforgettable evening.

Wishing my TCS family a Zissen Pesach

Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson

Passover 2025/5785

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AROUND THE SHUL : TCS SCENE

TCS SCENE

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8 1: Gala: Amanda Chase, Lynn Pokorny, Joanne Folger, Sara Glick 2: Gala: Arielle Wein, Sarit Lewis, Courtney Fuchs, Meghan Cleiman, Martha Zuckman 3: Gala: Jessica Siegel, Eva Rawiszer 4: Gala: Honoree Dick Kalt, Fran Dunn Beth Rand, Jay Rand 5: Gala: Sarit Lewis, Fran Dunn, Lauren Jager-Hyman, Beth Rand 6: Gala: Sarit Lewis, Michael Lewis, Dan Cleiman, Meghan Cleiman 7: Gala: Martha Zuckman, Andrea Tanenbaum, Courtney Fuchs, Ava Mallin, Ryan Wolf 8: Gala: Julia Marx, Sharon Navarro, Candi Savin, Former TCS Co-President Ilene Frost, Former TCS Co-President Margie Labarre All names listed from left to right.

Children are not identified by name to protect their privacy.

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AROUND THE SHUL : TCS SCENE

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1: Gala: Eva Rawiszer, Jennifer Frank, Deb Katz, Linda Sharkey, Lauren Barnett 2: Staff Party: Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson, Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, Jane Feder 3: Gala: Philip Schaefer, Jessica Siegel, Joel Siegel, Wendy Schaefer, Richard Kesselman 4: Football Party: TCS families 5: Football Party: Children 6: Football Party: Victoria Marcus, Joshua Marcus, Amit Swisa, Justin Brunwasser, Erika Brunwasser 7: Bridgeport Islanders Game: Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson and TCS families 8: Staff Party: Joanne Folger, Nelson Blanco, Sara Glick, Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson, Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn 9: Bridgeport Islanders Game: David Kantor, Adrienne Kantor

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Passover 2025/5785

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AROUND THE SHUL : PAGE SHESH

Welcome to the World!

Lucy Greta Farber daughter of Danielle & Justin Farber, granddaughter of Julie Tolkin, niece of Dena & Aaron Tolkin, cousin of Ellie, Alexandra & Isaac Jack Tate Schneider son of Lauren & Jason Schneider, grandson of Lisa & Adam Hodes Elora James Mikuszewski daughter of Vanessa & Scott Mikuszewski, sister of Zoe

Welcome New Members Jennie & Adam Friend and their children Jamie & Jack Anna & Tibor Nagy and their children Mikael, Avi & Kayla Jane Seville & Toni Whistler

Mazal Tov to....

Weddings:

Rita Appel & Jon Fraade on the marriage of their daughter Samantha Appel to Alex Reimers

Engagements: Jennifer & Alan Clement on the engagement of their daughter Shira Clement to Jack Brooks Jennifer & Steven Goldstein on the engagement of their daughter Rebecca Goldstein to Nick Nigro

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Condolences (Alphabetized by name of member relation) Ovadia Catriel z”l, father of Revi Bellin

Todah Rabah for Sponsoring Kiddush Lunch

Leo Bloom z”l, uncle of Ira (Karen) Bloom

Jon Fraade and Rita Appel in honor of Cantor Penner-Robinson bringing Pizmon to TCS

Stephen Byer z”l, father of Matthew (Susan) Byer

Jake and Ilyssa Axel in honor of Chloe’s bat mitzvah

Robert "Bob" Frost z”l, father of Alan (Ilene) Frost

Richie & Melissa Birns in honor of Andrew’s bar mitzvah

Barry Gross z”l, father of Dan (Candi Savin) Gross

Shelly & Michael Kassen and Marcia & Wayne Forman for sponsoring kiddush lunch in honor of Celia Brynn Forman's baby naming

Donald Hodes z”l, father of Adam (Lisa) Hodes Salman Nahum z”l, father of Mazal Nahum Herbert W. Felsenfeld M.D., Ph.D. z”l, father of Sally (Jonathan) Potter Renee Rubin z”l, mother of Steven (Benay) Rubin

Kol Hakavod to ...

The Koffsky family in memory of David Koffsky z”l Pamela Schneider & David Young in honor of Samantha’s bat mitzvah Rabbi Nicole Wilson-Spiro & Michael Spiro in honor of Noam’s bar mitzvah Yvette & Bob Rose and Linda & Len Russ in honor the baby naming of Charlotte (Charlie) Rose

Torah and Haftorah Readers

Nicki Abramowitz Rochelle Berman Adeena Bromberg Seltzer Henry Feuerstein Gabriel Freedman-Naditch Ellen Friedman Phil Glick Judy Greenberg Mark Highman Howard Hochster Adam Hodes Susan Ochman Jay Rand Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson Doug Russ Arthur Seltzer Debbie Smolka Michael Spiro Geoffrey Stern Noa Wacholder Carol Wahler Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn Avi Wilson-Spiro Shayna Wilson-Spiro

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AROUND THE SHUL : TCS LAY LEADER S

Finding Resilience at Passover Friends,

THE PRESIDENT MARC ZUCKERMAN

Our synagogue is more than a place of prayer—

connections, and being part of something

it’s a vibrant hub of learning, celebration, and

bigger than ourselves. Wherever you are on your

community. Whether it’s our inspiring services,

journey, we welcome you—no expectations, no

engaging classes, or lively social events, there’s

judgment. Just an open invitation to engage,

always something happening to enrich your

grow, and make Jewish life a more regular part of

Jewish life.

your world.

Our clergy—each bringing warmth, wisdom,

And if you’re looking for a way to give back,

and dedication—help make our synagogue a

there are so many opportunities to get involved.

place where tradition feels alive and relevant.

Whether it’s lending a hand at an event, joining a

We’re especially grateful for the energy and

committee, or simply greeting a new face, your

creativity of our new cantor, who has already

time and effort make a real difference.

made a lasting impact.

Come join us. Not because you have to, but Judaism isn’t a spectator sport, and synagogue

because you’ll want to.

life isn’t just for the High Holidays. It’s about finding meaning in the everyday, deepening

-Marc

A Note from Synagogue Leadership of you know, our Executive Director, Cynthia, recently stepped down from her role. Cynthia THANK YOU Aswasmany a valued member of our community, and we were sad to see her go. We wish her all the best in her new endeavors.

TO OUR TCS OFFICE In the meantime, our incredible office staff—Joanne, Lynn, and Amanda—have been working tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication. We STAFF also want to extend our thanks to our building staff—Luis, Nelson, and Diego—whose hard work and commitment have been instrumental during this transition.

We are actively working on recruiting a new Executive Director and will keep the congregation updated on our progress. Thank you for your support and patience during this time.

JOANNE FOLGER Assistant to Clergy

LYNN POKORNY Administrative Manager

AMANDA CHASE Membership Engagement & Communications Manager Passover 2025/5785

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FEATURE : KIDS LOVE PASSOVER

Kids Love Passover

BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

A

“You eat matzah. I like to eat it with

few months ago, another parent told me they had been volunteering in my daughter’s elementary school library and overheard my child ask the school librarian for a “Passover book.” This happened in October—nowhere near the holiday in question. I asked my daughter why she wanted to check out a Passover book in the fall. “It’s my favorite holiday,” she said matter-of-factly. “It has the best story.”

After she said that, I realized Passover is absolutely the most-talked about holiday in our house, because of the vividness of the story. I have a 2-minute and 48-second video on my phone of my middle child telling me the Passover story at only two-and-a-half. (She got it mostly right, including her observation that Pharaoh found “Baby Moses in the bassthet, in the Wiver Nile” and that Pharaoh said “No, no no, I will not let them go!”)

With Passover once again on the horizon, and our kids’ favorite holiday back in the rotation of daily topics of conversation, I decided to see what other children remember about the Passover story, or what they like most about it. Susan Bernstein, co-director of TCS Preschool, helped me ask these questions back in February, when it had been nearly a year since the children last learned about or discussed the Passover story. It’s amazing to see how much they knew and could recall, too. While hardly a formal scientific experiment, their responses definitely strengthened my theory that if you know a Jewish preschooler (or a Jewish preschool graduate), there’s a good chance the holiday they know the most about might just be this one.

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honey.” -Blake, age 3

“The plague, the Passover plague!”

-Jordyn, age 4

“Pharaoh is mean!” -Mac, age 4 “The guy made everyone work, work, work.” - Cash, age 5 “I like drinking four cups of wine.

But when is Passover? Because I don’t want bubbly wine.” -Victoria, age 4 [Ed note: she means juice!]

“I like the baby in the story.” -Emma, age 4 “My favorite is the taste of the matzah, and I like playing the hiding matzah game.” - Sid, age 4

“I think there is an egg?” -Mia, age 3 after party gave attendees a muchneeded chance to dance and have some fun!

AROUND THE SHUL : BOUTIQUE AND FROZEN SHABBAT

TCS Judaica Boutique

BY WENDY SCHAEFER & DIANA SUSSMAN Co-Chairs

Preparing for Seder and realize you need a Seder plate, matzah plate, matzah cover, or afikomen bag? Attending a Seder and need a nice gift? Check out our TCS Judaica Boutique. Not only does it carry Passover items, but it has a wide selection of items, predominantly from Israel, such as mezuzahs, kosher mezuzah scrolls, Shabbat candlesticks, kiddush cups, challah cutting boards, and more. Some of our Passover items are shown here.

Ceramic Seder Plate

Emanuel Seder Plate

Passover Picture Book

The Boutique’s merchandise can be purchased online or in person. For more information, stop in the TCS office or email tcs@tcs-westport.org.

Passover Activities

Matzah Plate

Silver Matzah Plate

A FROZEN SHABBAT

BY DIANA SUSSMAN

TCS embraced winter with a "Frozen Shabbat" featuring Frozen inspired art projects. Using colored sand, large snowflake cutouts, and rollers to apply white, blue, and purple paint, the children created 3D collages celebrating a winter wonderland. Despite the frosty concept, everyone at the well-attended event had a warm and wonderful time.

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Passover 2025/5785

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AROUND THE SHUL : PR ESCHOOL PATTER

Preschool Patter

BY LAURAN PANCOAST Director of Early Childhood, Preschool Programming & Operations SUSAN BERNSTEIN Director of Early Childhood, Education & Curriculum

T

he winter season slowly made its exit, and we are slowly but surely tipping back towards the sun.

What a winter season it was! With large amounts of snow, our preschool teachers took every chance they had to provide children with opportunities to explore, have adventures, and just play in the snow. Self-help skills skyrocketed as the children prepared to go outside, putting on boots and snow pants, flipping and zipping coats, and finding finger holes for each finger in their gloves or mittens. The children were building muscle strength, coordination, and balance as they trudged up the TCS hill before heading down on

Puppets act out the story of Purim

sleds or on their bellies! The warmer weather, however, will soon allow for even more time outdoors, where we will continue to play, learn and explore our natural environment.

Over the last few weeks, it has been a joy to watch the children immerse themselves in the Purim and Passover curriculum. This year the teachers worked together and with the class to bring out the “Big Ideas” of these holidays in ways that resonated with the children. We were thrilled to see their curiosity alive and engaged as the classes shared what they already knew, and what they were interested in learning about.

For Purim, our classroom activities, as well as the interactive "Purim Parade” experiences helped to make 10 | The Mosaic

All dressed up for Purim

these holidays come alive and allowed for the opportunity to learn through active participation and role-playing.

Throughout the holiday, the children explored the fun of dress up and costume, learned about strong character traits like bravery and kindness and participated in activities of storytelling. As a special treat, Tibi worked with each class making delicious hamantaschen cookies which the children gave in mishloach manot bags to various staff members in the building.

Throughout the school year we welcome the opportunity for cross-grade learning allowing siblings, cousins, and friends that are “family” to learn and play together. These times included holiday singalongs and shared center time activities, with invitations for play that were open-ended, allowing children of any preschool age to enjoy. Classes looked forward to welcoming other children into their learning space and practiced what it means to be a gracious host as they explored the big ideas of Passover together. Each grade also participated in a project to culminate their exploration of this holiday. Our two-year-old classes

Cantor Gedalaia Penner-Robinson

created a matzah cover, the three-yearolds made pillows to recline on at the seder and the pre-kindergarten children each created their own Haggadah, allowing them to actively participate in making the pages with hands-on artwork, storytelling and photographs. The prekindergarten children will also participate in a family seder plate making workshop with an opportunity to welcome in a special guest to help them decorate a plate to be used at their family seder for years to come. We will look forward to this TCS tradition yearly.

Wishing all our families a Chag Sameach!

AROUND THE SHUL : K EHILLAH COR NER

Kehillah Corner

BY SETH MARION Director of Education

TCS held another fantastic Purim Carnival this year!

More than 100 families came together to celebrate the holiday, filling our synagogue with laughter, joy, and fun.

Purim fun

Seeing the colorful costumes, playing lively games, and of course hearing the Megillah, always creates an electric atmosphere. The excitement was palpable as children played the games, raced through the inflatable obstacle course, enjoyed delicious treats, and showed off their costumes!

The TCS Purim Carnival was very well attended

Enjoying Purim with friends

As the children played, adults at the Purim Carnival celebrated together. Whether catching up with old friends or making new ones, all experienced the warmth and community that truly embodied the spirit of Purim and TCS. None of this would have been possible without the team who planned the day— including folks from the Kehillah and Preschool Committees and staff, the facilities team— and our volunteers. Thank you to all of you for making this event a huge success!

Passover 2025/5785

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FEATURES : HEBR EW COR NER

Hebrew Corner—Pina L'Ivrit

The Mosaic Needs You!

If this phrase sounds familiar it is because it is taken from the Birkat Ha-Mazon, the Grace After Meals. It appears about twothirds of the way into the prayer:

Do you know a TCS Member who has done something you think deserves highlighting?

Tell us! We are always looking to spotlight the achievements of our fellow members.

BY JUDY GREENBERG

This new column features fun trivia about a Hebrew word or phrase. Enjoy!

"B'sorot Tovot" In the current difficult period during which hostages continue to languish (and worse) in Gaza and soldiers die as Israel fights wars on multiple fronts, a new-old phrase has replaced the way Israelis say goodbye.

In place of the typical "OK, Bye" and "Ciao," Israelis very often end their conversations now with b'sorot tovot.

B'sorot tovot literally means "good news" or "good tidings", and is a way of expressing the hope that good news will soon replace all the bad news. Due to its popularity, the phrase became the "Hebrew Language's Expression of the Year" in 2023. (See Philologos in Mosaic, Nov. 30, 2023: https://mosaicmagazine.com/observation/history-ideas/2023/11/the-hebrew-languages-expression-of-the-year.)

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We need writers, proofers, and ideas. Please tell us if you have a new idea for a column or an article.

Are you a cook? Would you like to share some holiday recipes? Please do!

Translation: May the Merciful One send us Elijah the prophet, may he be remembered for good, and let him bring us good tidings, deliverance, and comfort.

Thus, if someone wishes you feel free to respond with (yishuot vinehamot) which means salvation and comfort. !!

Have you had an experience recently that introduced you to some interesting facts about Judaism? Please share.

Do you have any ideas of events you would like to see TCS offer? Let us know!

We want to know what you are thinking and appreciate your help. Please contact us at EditorialBoardforTCS@gmail.com.

AROUND THE SHUL : B'NEI MITZVAH

Mazal Tov To Our B'nei Mitzvah

LAILA HERRERA MAE SLOSSBERG May 3—Tazria-Metzora May 10—Aharei Mot-Kedoshim

ABBY RAND May 17—Emor

JULIANA UMANSKY SYDNEY MATTHEWS June 7—Naso June 14—Beha'alotkha

Passover 2025/5785

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14 | The Mosaic

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Passover 2025/5785

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15

FEATURE : HOLIDAY R ECIPES

What’s Cooking?

BY JONI USDAN

Life Beyond Matzah Brei and Macaroons

Passover fare, the original "flourless" meal, naturally lends itself to great low-carb, gluten free ("GF"), and dairy-free options.

So, cooking for a gluten-sensitive crowd may not necessitate much substitution.

Citrus Horseradish Flanken (or Brisket) Roast Need a meat entree with a twist? @sara_lasry

Serves 8-10

In fact, many of the traditional KP packaged goods are made with potato starch, coconut and/or almond flours, making them GF. These goods were not labeled GF until manufacturers sought to attract the growing celiac and foodsensitive crowd.

Ingredients 3.5 lbs boneless flanken or brisket ¼ cup oil 2-3 red onions sliced 1-2 large leeks sliced 1 large onion, sliced 10-15 cloves garlic

Nonetheless, these KP products are not particularly healthful, as most have heavily-processed oils, loads of sugar and artificial color. A healthier approach follows the Mediterranean and Keto influences that have pushed Passover cooking to be less matzah-meal centric, and more veg-forward.

For spices and rub: 2 Tbsp rosemary 2 Tbsp sweet paprika 2 Tbsp parsley 1 Tbsp tarragon 2 tsp minced onion 2-3 tsp salt 2 tsp black pepper 2 Tbsp dark brown sugar 2 large oranges, zest and juice 1 jar of beet horseradish

This healthier style of cooking uses gorgeous fresh produce; less salt; more flavors, spices, nuts, and citrus; and a good EVOO or other high-quality unrefined oil. These fragrant and flavorful natural ingredients work well with diet sensitivities or allergies and satisfy even the most hard-to-please Ashkenazi or Sephardi guest.

To easily prepare these interesting and healthy meals that honor Jewish tradition and the rules of kashrut, here are some GF cooking pro tips: •

•

Guests are largely unfazed by GF fare unless it is announced, so serve everyone GF fare and don't raise it.

For example, you COULD make two pots of matzah balls, one that is GF and one that is not. Or, you can just offer the GF variety in their soup.

The GF mixes are totally fool-proof, readily available, and delicious. No one will be disappointed, guaranteed.

For breading, instead of matzah meal use ground almonds seasoned generously with salt & pepper, dried parsley, onion, garlic powder, paprika, or any other spices you like, as well as some lemon zest. Add a touch of oil before breading. Regardless of whether you use an egg dip or not, this works beautifully for roasted or baked chicken, fish, vegetables, and even mozzarella sticks.

16 | The Mosaic

Charoset: It's a Regional Affair

The Method Pre-heat oven to 225 F. Let flanken or brisket rest for 30 minutes on counter.

Mix the oil, onions, leek, garlic and half of the spices and sugar.

Put onion mixture on the bottom of a good roasting pot.

Zest and squeeze juice from one orange.

Sprinkle zest and juice on onion mixture.

Mix the remaining spices.

Rub a little oil and spices onto meat.

Lay roast on top of the onion mixture.

Zest and squeeze juice from other orange.

Sprinkle zest and juice on meat.

Fully cover top of meat with horseradish.

Cover tightly with foil and cook for about 6.5 hours.

Remove and let rest for 20 min before slicing and serve. *Note: This recipe reheats and freezes well. Makes great leftovers. .

@marksoffmadison Do you know what makes charoset Ashkenazi or Sephardi? Jews from Eastern Europe typically create their mud-like mixture from apples, walnuts and wine, while Sephardic traditionalists use soaked or stewed dried fruits (dates, figs, prunes, raisins). Some Sephardic recipes also include citrus and spices. Either way, both blend their ingredients until the mixture becomes a thick paste.

Here’s a traditional Roman recipe brought to the United States by Mark Strausman, a well known chef and owner of Mark’s Off Madison. No matter how large your Seder, this recipe provides more than enough to enjoy with your matzah all week long.

Ingredients 24 figs 24 pitted dates 4 oranges 8 prunes 4 blood oranges (or regular oranges) 1 lemon ¼ cup fresh grated ginger 1 cup walnuts 1 cup almonds ¼ cup sugar Pinch nutmeg Pinch cinnamon A few drops of sweet wine to aid in the processing The Method Mix all ingredients until it forms a thick paste, resembling mortar.

FEATURE : PR EPPING FOR PASSOVER

Beetroot “Burgers”

Need Dessert? Try These Bites Orange Almond Drop Cookies @sarah_lasry

buildingfeasts.com Serves 4 Ingredients For the Beetroot Burgers 14 oz beetroot (approximately 4 medium), 5.5 oz carrots (approximately 3 medium), 2 shallots or 1 banana shallot, finely chopped 4 Tbsp (1 bunch) dill finely chopped 2Tbsp (1/2 bunch) parsley finely chopped 2Tbsp (1/2 bunch) corriander finely chopped 3.5 oz crumbled feta (preferably sheep’s) 2 Tbsp plain matzah meal 2 large eggs salt and pepper 2 Tbsp rapeseed oil (or other flavourless oil) For the Sauce 7 oz creme fraiche (or Greek yogurt) 2 spring onions (scallions) finely sliced 2 Tbsp (1/2 bunch) chopped dill 1 Tbsp olive oil salt and pepper The Method Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Grate the beetroot and carrots. Do them separately so that the carrots retain some of their colour.

Put them in a doubled kitchen towel (to avoid staining your tea towels) and wring out all the excess liquid.

In a large bowl combine all ingredients apart from the rapeseed oil and combine.

To make the sauce, combine all ingredients together and mix.

Heat 1 Tbsp of rapeseed oil in a frying pan, and form burgers in your hands.

Seal patties in 2 batches on medium heat on both sides until slightly crisp. Transfer to baking sheet and cook a further 15 minutes until cooked through.

Serve on a bed of greens with the sauce and a slice of lemon.

These keep for weeks.

1 dozen

Ingredients 2 large eggs (whites only) 6 oz sliced almonds ¼ cup sugar (more if you like very sweet) Zest from 1 whole orange Cooking spray The Method Preheat oven to 350F.

Easy to prepare flourless cakes, puddings and mousses always lend themselves for your pre-Afikoman spread, especially when served with piles of fresh fruit and sorbet. While boxed cakes and candies may wind up on your seder table, here is a fun and quick recipe that satisfy many different dietary restrictions.

Classic And Elegant Chocolate Mousse Pie This fabulous flourless seder dessert has been passed down through the generations.

Combine ingredients in a bowl.

Drop onto a parchment lined baking sheet. * Spray tops.

Bake 10-11 minutes.

Let cool completely. *Variations • Bake directly on baking sheet if you like crisper cookies.

• Bake in muffin tins instead of on cookie sheet.

• For a more chocolatey version, pour melted chocolate on top of cooled cookie and freeze for 40 min.

Calling all Chocoholics:

Easy Chocolate “Mixin” Bark -

Perfect for gluten free, dairy-free, parve, vegetarian and vegan guests

Ingredients 1 cup of dark chocolate chips 1 tsp of coconut or vegetable oil Marshmallows Nuts Dried fruit Crumbled cookies Crumbled candies The Method Melt chocolate chips with coconut or veg oil in the microwave or double boiler.

@baked.by.batya

Serves 10-12

This was her mom's recipe. Its origin is unknown.

Ingredients 8 oz chocolate 8 eggs, separated 2 Tbsp coffee powder, diluted in 1/4 cup of hot water 1/8 cup brandy or liquor (optional) 1 pkg vanilla sugar ¾ cup of sugar The Method Melt chocolate in double boiler.

Combine egg yolks, coffee, brandy, and vanilla sugar.

Mix into melted chocolate.

Beat egg whites and sugar until stiff.

Carefully fold chocolate into whites.

Pour 1⁄3 of the mixture into a 9” springform pan and bake at 350F for 20 minutes.

Refrigerate the rest of the mixture.

Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Once the baked pie is cooled, pour remaining mixture on top and freeze.

Sprinkle other ingredients on chocolate. Be creative about what you put on.

.

Freeze for 1 hour.

Break up and enjoy.

Passover 2025/5785

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FEATURE : TCS SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight on Arthur & Ellen Gang

BY JONI USDAN

A

Art, who retired from practicing law after a 40 year career and earned a master's degree since retiring, has worn many hats (a few on Purim). He has served as TCS’ artistic/literary impresario, piano maestro/ accompanist, and Jewish music and culture connoisseur/consultant. Art has also served the larger community through volunteering, committee work, teaching, and providing leadership. For example, he is the president of The Fairfield County Choir, a group that he has participated in for years as a singer. In short, Art continues to organize and compose musical programming, write lyrics, and serve in all capacities relating to his four greatest loves (beside Ellen, his children and grandchildren): music, history, literature, and verse.

Art & Ellen Gang

nyone who knows Arthur and Ellen Gang recognizes their creativity, generosity, and productivity, and can appreciate their many contributions to the TCS community over the last three decades. These vibrant members of the congregation feel being part of TCS has been the "secret sauce" that always brought them closer to their family and "their Jewishness,” but also provides a wellspring of opportunity to contribute in ways they love.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, they moved their family to Westport from Manhattan’s Upper West Side in 1991. In addition to thoughtful leadership and participation in synagogue life in the "usual ways," the Gangs have generously contributed in many unusual, impactful ways by employing their rare musical and artistic talents to both the synagogue and the Jewish community.

Modest to a fault, Art and Ellen try to downplay the importance of their "value adds." With a wave of her hand, Ellen insists “this is just stuff Artie and I know how to do…what we’re comfortable doing…and if it helps the synagogue, it makes us happy.”

The Gangs describe the home where they raised their three children as a household always filled with “makers”—of music, and art projects of all kinds—for themselves, their friends and relatives. “Our family’s devotion to music and the arts was the way we bonded,” says Ellen. “It also deepened our connection to our community.” Both Gangs hold a special place in their hearts for the TCS’ more intimate “B’nai Baskin-Robbins days,” our congregation’s formative years in the small office suite above the ice cream shop. Since joining, their enthusiasm and devotion has been unflagging.

18 | The Mosaic

Former TCS President Eric Baron, Bob Israely, and Art Gang

Though the words "collaborative genius" would never pass Art’s lips to describe his TCS involvement, this is indeed what Art has delivered for decades. He has organized or assisted with countless synagogue programs for every age group, including concerts, commemorations, and celebrations.

Given his love of learning, it is not surprising that Art served as the Adult Education Co-chair for multiple terms. In this capacity he arranged many literary events, including programs and panels featuring authors and poets. In short, Art has been a tour de force in shaping our synagogue’s cultural identity.

Ellen, on the other hand, has been our inhouse designer, restorer, curator, and consultant. She has lent her rich and varied design and fabric arts talents wherever necessary. You see her work and influence in objects commemorating Jewish ritual or life cycle events in our sanctuary and gift shop, as well as in members’ homes and private collections. Over the decades, whenever solutions were needed for some unusual practical and artistic needs, Ellen has always come to the rescue, with needle, thread and all manner of improvised tools in hand. Few are aware of her diligent toil late at night behind the scenes on all that “stuff” she just knows how to do.

An award-winning designer, Ellen is modest about her many accolades. Her designs have been featured in the New York Times fashion section, Women’s Wear Daily, and fine art galleries. A noted professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Sacred Heart University, she loves to share her knowledge and experience in art and the business of fashion.

Like her husband, Ellen also earned a master's degree. This born designer began her career on Fashion Avenue and spent twenty-five years in trend-driven childrenswear.

Working closely for over 20 years with Joan Merlis, our distinguished, well-loved former TCS Chorale director, this gifted pianist utilized his rare ability to play/change up virtually anything by ear, including changing keys during accompaniment. (If you know you know!) Chorale members thought of Merlis and Gang as "The Dynamic Duo." Fond of writing original lyrics and celebrating all things musical and Jewish, Art has composed, directed, and produced (even starred in—if pressed) an oeuvre of more than fifteen ingenious, original Purim Spiels.

These Spiels show his extensive knowledge of Broadway show-tunes.

He found organizing a Kristallnacht event to have been particularly meaningful for him.

To do so, he had to research music written during the Shoah by camp inmates. This moving event paired his loves for both music and history.

Ellen Gang teaching

This respected industry consultant and published author founded "The Ellen Gang Studio" in 1999, which is home today to our area’s best-known immersive after school fashion study and summer camp.

It is also where Ellen has woven together (literally) her passion and knowledge of fabric arts with Jewish tradition and deeply committed personal heritage.

Ellen’s distinguished fabric works of art include handmade chuppot and tallitot of original design, TCS High Holy Days reading table adornment, and even the commemorative Torah mantel for the

FEATURE : TCS SPOTLIGHT

Holocaust-rescued Torah scroll. Passionate about “passing down the stories and love from past generations,” Ellen’s studio housed “Once Upon A Pillow,” where she hand-crafted critically-recognized, bespoke memory pillows and tallitot, incorporating vintage photographic material into textiles.

A past TCS board trustee and volunteer on numerous committees over the years, including Sisterhood, Mitzvah, College Connection, Social Action, and Education, Ellen has a frenetic work week shuttling between universities in Connecticut and New York and her studio, where she instructs tomorrow’s designers with innovative programming. She also curates and leads a yearly summer study-abroad program for Sacred Heart University students to Milan, to study in depth brand marketing in the Italian fashion capital.

Pre-Covid, Ellen devised inspiration trips with her young campers to New York’s fashion epicenter, offering rare glimpses of 7th Avenue workrooms, visits to Seventeen and Teen Vogue Magazine, and even behind the scenes tours of filming Kleinfeld’s Say Yes to the Dress. Due to her efforts, Ellen

has developed a cult-like following among her past and current students.

Ellen has always managed to weave Tikkun Olam into their fashion activities. For instance, each year culminates in a fullscale fashion show benefitting a charity, like Rach’s Hope. This charity was created in memory of one of Ellen’s brilliant young fashion students.

Art & Ellen Gang holding their granchild

Lately, Art and Ellen try hard to fit in travel.

They regularly visit California to see their three children, Joanna (and Joanna's husband Kent and children Asher and Ezra), Josh, and Julia. In celebration of their mutual love and appreciation of Jewish history and culture, they

also try to visit Jewish heritage sites as often as possible. They find these trips particularly meaningful. Not suprisingly, Art was one of the first to sign up for TCS post-October 7 Israel mission. The Gangs also greatly enjoyed the TCS trip to South America.

Ellen remains an exemplary daughter and overall cheerleader to her extremely active-for-a-centenarian WWII-veteran dad, Jesse Schraub. Still a board member at Kingsway Jewish Center in Brooklyn, Jesse was also a pillar of that community for over 60 years. Her dad spoke movingly to a huge crowd at a TCS Veteran’s Day celebration, where he provided a rare opportunity for congregants and their children to hear from an observant Jewish American WWII soldier who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and witnessed the Nazi atrocities first-hand.

Stop by and say hello if you see Art and Ellen Gang around 30 Hillspoint Road. The love, dedication, and respect they continually show each other and their extended TCS family is inspiring. If you are lucky, you may catch one or both sometime soon, doing “some stuff” they know how to do, but do not expect to catch either one standing still.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

TCS SCENE

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3

2

1: Installation: TCS President Marc Zuckerman, Michelle Scher Saunders, Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson 2: Installation: Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson, Rabbi Mencahem Penner 3: Steven Saunders, Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson 4: Installation: TCS Congregation 5: Installation: TCS Congregation

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5

Passover 2025/5785 |

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FEATURE : A SPECIAL GIFT

Dad's Special Birthday Gift, A Baby Boy

BY NANI TIBI

I

just returned from attending my father’s one year memorial, or as they call it here “Yahrtzeit." He would have turned 95 on February 28th. It was my third trip to Israel since this war began.

bomb our towns. To be prepared, we must practice emergency drills. You will hear the school's bell ringing intermittently.

This will be the sign to get up and without talking, including you, young boy . . . "

After meeting with my friends and family and speaking with the children—my nephews, grandnephews, and kids in the neighborhood—I discovered that they all felt the same way we did when the Arabs attacked Israel sixty years ago. Back then, we did not have the Iron Dome to protect us or shelters in every house. However, as the story I am about to share with you shows, our “Israeli" attitude toward life, has not changed much.

Again, he was looking at me, I hated it when people call me "young boy."

It all started about a year before, late in the spring of 1967, we had just returned from the town's public swimming pool.

The sixth grade teacher led us to the gym building for an assembly.

"What's all this about?" Ruti asked.

"It's probably about our swimming lessons, you saw how Uri pushed Tanya into the deep water and she didn't know how to swim," Nehama answered. Uri was a tall boy whose father was in jail for attempted murder of his wife's lover.

I looked forward to those lessons. I loved the water and Mom promised me that when I learned how to swim well in deep water, she'd let me go with my friends to the beach unsupervised.

"Quiet everyone!” The school principal yelled, "Quiet!" The whole school was there, even the little kids from the special first grade.

"We are gathered here today for a very important reason, so I want everybody to cooperate and pay attention. There is a possibility that Israel will be going to war.

As you, know the Arab nations surround us..."

"This time they won't escape!" I whispered to Sarah Markovich. Sarah and I shared the desk for the last two years. She kept me in line most of the time.

"Is there something you want to share with us, young boy?" The principal looked directly at me.

"Who me?" I said, wondering how he heard me. "No sorry."

"There is a possibility that the Arabs will penetrate our borders and send planes to 20 | The Mosaic

the dirt that the older boys dig up. So, hurry up, finish your lunch, and go help."

The young men were drafted to serve on the border and the middle-aged men, including my dad who was a medic, were assigned to local defense. It was up to us boys to defend our neighborhood.

"You will walk, not run, to the underground shelter under the nature science building," the principal continued. "Each class has a designated a spot. Once you reach your area, sit quietly and wait for instructions, as if your teacher was with you. In the case of a real emergency, you will hear the same siren and react as we have practiced. You will quietly walk to your assigned places, sit, and wait for instructions."

Given our homes were built a long time ago, when aerial attacks were not anticipated, most did not have a shelter or a basement.

Only a few new buildings had a shelter.

So, we spent all day digging a large deep trench so everyone could fit and be safe.

No one expected that kind of talk. After walking to our shelters, we returned to our classrooms, where we taped windows.

Our teacher explained, "When you get home you should tape the windows like we did in class. At night dim all the lights."

Next morning, as usual, Sarah Mimon was waiting for me at the corner next to her house to walk to school together. "Say, my dad had to go to the army today," she said.

"How about your dad? Was he drafted?"

"But if we dim the lights, how will we be able to see?" Sarah asked.

"It will be hard," the teacher agreed. "But the idea is to dim the light so airplanes will not see us at night. Even car lights will have to be painted, leaving only a thin opening for the light to show. We will all just have to be more careful."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. No one said anything. Maybe they were as shocked as me.

After a moment of silence, the teacher added, "I'm sure that your neighbors will be digging trenches to shelter in if there is an attack. They will need your help since most of the men have already left for the army."

That evening, we all sat outside our new shelter/trench. Mrs. Halali brought raspberry juice and a transistor radio, on which we listened for updates and instructions.

"Yes" I replied, "but he is in the local forces.

He doesn't have to fight this time. He is a medic and will be at the Red Magen David station. But I'm worried because my Uncle Claude, was drafted yesterday morning and last night his wife entered the hospital to have a baby. I don't want to think about what will happen if he never comes back."

"He'll be back," she said. "The war didn't even start yet and we don't know if there will be war."

"You're right, we don't know. Oh, guess who was drafted today?" I continued.

"I don't know, who?"

"Moshe Kotler" "Our teacher?"

"And what about our swimming lessons?" the big boy who was held back asked.

"No, my mother!" I teased her. "I saw him this morning in uniforms boarding a bus."

"Yes, what about our swimming lessons?"

Sarah Mimon repeated.

"You're kidding. What will they do with us now? They sent us home early yesterday because the gym teacher was drafted."

The teacher thought for a moment and said, "Your swimming instructors are now serving in the army, like most of the other men in Israel. When this is over, they'll be back and your swim lessons will resume."

When I got home that afternoon, Mom was waiting for me with a shovel. "Your brother is helping the neighbors dig a trench. Roni Halali brought sandbags from his dad's store. Your job is to fill them with

"I don't know. I kind of like this war stuff maybe they'll cancel school altogether."

"Don't you wish," she said as we entered the classroom.

I sat next to Sarah Markovich and Sarah Mimon sat in her place at the back of the class. Right after our morning snack break at 10:00AM, the siren sounded.

FEATURE : A SPECIAL GIFT

The substitute teacher stood up. Her face paled and took on a worried expression.

"Let's all get up quietly and walk to the shelter."

Our "shelter" was in our audio/visual auditorium, under the nature/biology center. We all sat at our designated areas.

While some children were crying softly and some were whispering, overall it was extremely quiet. The principal didn't have to do his "quiet" routine.

Now another neighbor came out of her house. Her real name was Hana but we called her “Televisia" because she had an odd habit of yelling every time she opened her window. She also held a transistor radio and was listening to an Arab station.

Hana Televisia was yelling and crying.

"Woo, woo, my God, they are coming, they are in Tel Aviv. We are all going to die. The Arabs are going to throw us all into the sea. Woo Woo..."

"We will wait here until we hear the all-clear siren. Then we'll send you home." The principal announced, "Meanwhile we'll watch a movie."

"Those chalalulus," Uri's mother said.

"When will they to learn to speak Hebrew or at least listen to a Hebrew station?”

Hana had just immigrated from Libya.

We never saw the movie. The moment the lights went off, the all-clear siren sounded.

Lucky for us, her older son came home, and comforted her by explaining that that news she'd heard was made-up propaganda by the Arabs countries to stir up chaos and panic in Israel.

"School is now canceled," the principal announced when they turned on the lights.

"Please listen to the radio to find out when we'll resume. Also, don't wander on your way home and stay in your neighborhood.

We don't want anyone hurt."

I walked home with Sarah Mimon and Uri. Suddenly we heard a loud noise, and two jet fighter planes flew above us at a very low altitude. Uri broke into a run, yelling something that sounded like "Mom." Sarah grabbed my arm. I looked up. Then planes flew very fast, but I saw their blue and white markings. They were French made "Mirage" planes, my favorite Israeli planes because they looked just like the paper planes I made during English class.

"Don't worry" I said to Sarah Mimon, "they're ours, but I think we should hurry home anyway."

That night, following the broadcasted instructions, we dimmed all the lights and kept a transistor radio with us.

“They are rolling barrels in the sky!” Rita Chita whispered as we heard the planes over head. As we all sat in the trench, I had to explain to Rita that you can’t actually roll barrels in the sky. It was a tactical move the Israelis used to scare the Arabs during the war of independence—rolling barrels down the hills.

For five days we all listened to the news every hour. The Radio played only Israeli music. New songs were written and new jokes composed, all highlighting the Israeli army's achievements.

The moment I found most memorable was one night when we all sat on the front lawn listening to the radio. The radio announcer sounded very excited. He was describing his steps and the soldiers' steps in the old city of Jerusalem. I felt a big lump in my throat, as he approached the Western Wall.

As soon as he touched the Wailing Wall, a new song played—a song that became one of the most famous Israeli songs in the world. It was "Jerusalem of Gold" by Naomi Shemer. We had won.

The morale in Israel was very high. We felt invincible because we had the best pilots in the world and the best army. But then we realized the hard truth. Yes, we won the war, but at a very high price. Every family in Israel lost someone, whether it was a father, brother, or an uncle.

When the policeman knocked on our door, I knew who would never come back. Uncle Claude, Dad's youngest brother, the one whose wife had just had a baby, was in the first jeep entering the city of Gaza. That jeep had been hit by an antitank missile.

It was horrible. I had never seen Dad cry before. We all cried. At the shiva at Meme's house, Mom promised that she was going to bring Uncle Claude back. For a while I didn't know what that meant. But when I saw Mom’s belly growing, I knew. I was going to have a new brother.

Like today, despite hardship and loss, Israelis remain resilient and look toward the future with hope.

Again, Mom was waiting for me on the front lawn. "Dad was here earlier but he went back to his post. He said that there is nothing to worry about. But I can't help it, I always worry."

Just then the sirens sounded again. We all jumped into the trenches. A moment later the sirens sounded the "all clear."

"What is going on?" Uri asked.

"They sounded the 'all clear' so fast that we didn't even have a chance to get in the trenches," Rita "Chita" said.

"They stopped the Arabs' planes before they reached our air space," Bentzi said.

"Listen to this!" Gila Halali, my mother's friend, said while holding the transistor radio. "They shot down two hundred and fifty Arab war planes. Can you believe that?"

"Unbelievable!" Mom said.

Passover 2025/5785

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21

TCS LOVES : DONORS, DOERS & DAVENERS

TCS Thanks Its Donors, Doers & Daveners Adult Education Fund Susan Ochman in memory of Ivan Eisenstadt z”l Barbara Backlar Reis in memory of Sylvia Backlar z”l Randi Schwartz in memory of Renee Rubin z”l

Building/Security Fund Hilary & Jonathan Gerber in memory of Bob Frost z”l Barbara & Richard Greenspan in memory of Mazie Greenspan z”l Isabel & Stephen Moskowitz in memory of Bob Frost z”l Beth & Jay Rand in memory of: • Stephen Greenfield z”l • Lloyd Greenspan z”l • Jack Schlegel z”l The Tapfar Family in memory of: • Meyer Gorelick z”l • Greg Tapfar z”l Cantor’s Discretionary Fund Alyssa & Jacob Axel in appreciation of Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson Karen & Ira Bloom in memory of Leo Bloom z”l Ellen Friedman in honor of the installation of Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson Ilene & Alan Frost in honor of Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson Ellen & Art Gang in honor of Danielle and Joan Merlis Jennifer & Jordan Kanfer in honor of the installation of Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson Denise Lewis and family in memory of Polly Wachtenheim z”l Susan & Murray Morrison in honor of the installation of Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson Isabel & Stephen Moskowitz in memory of Miriam Moskowitz z”l Susan Ochman in honor of Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson’s Cantorial Installation at TCS Alli & Jon Olefson in honor of Sydney becoming a bat mitzvah Susan J. Schwartz in appreciation of Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson and the TCS community David & Marcie Slepian in memory of Leo Bloom z”l Nicole Wilson-Spiro & Michael Spiro in memory of Rhonda Spiro z”l David Young & Pamela Schneider in appreciation of Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson

22 | The Mosaic

Dolores Gordon Music Fund Martha Rosenfeld in memory of: • Martin Rosenfeld z”l • Reuben Rosenfeld z”l

General Fund Jamey Altman in memory of Bob Frost z”l Jan & Judy Berman in memory of Joel Berman z”l Elisabeth Boas & Arthur Spitzer Sara Crisafulli in honor of Howard Feuer z”l Howard Edelstein & Lisa Weitzman in honor of their children and grandchildren Ellen Friedman in memory of Bryan Wahler z”l Alan & Ilene Frost in honor of Julia Marx and Andy Genser for their generous hospitality Stephanie Schneider Ghosn & Shayna Love Harlan in memory of Bob Frost z”l Monique & Phil Greenspan in memory of: • Herbert Felsenfeld, M.D., Ph.D. z”l • Barry Gross z”l Abby & Scott Greenspun in memory of Julian Greenspun z”l Eileen Gress in memory of Claire Gress z”l Bathsheva Rifkin & Howard Hochster Brian Kabcenell The Kaplowitz Family and Henry in memory of Salman Nahum z”l Robin Levy & James Weisz in memory of Lester M. Levy z”l Cynthia Lieberbaum in memory of Louis Lieberbaum z”l Sandy & Mark Rappaport in memory of: • Larry Braunstein z”l • Kenneth Feldman z”l Helane & Aaron Rheingold in memory of Dr. Robert W. Felsenfeld z”l Kim & Mark Shapiro Cynthia Singer in honor of Diane & Frank Safran’s 60th wedding anniversary Sue & Cliff Sirlin in memory of Renee Rubin z”l Linda & Martin Stein in memory of Dr. Herbert Felsenfeld z”l Gail & Robert Storm in memory of: • Benjamin Chipman z”l • Sylvia Chipman z”l • Bernard Storm z”l Lori & Parker Weil in memory of Bob Frost z”l The Weisenfeld family in memory of Barry Gross z”l Fred & Sherry Wiener in memory of: • Abe Russakoff z”l • Benjamin Wiener z”l

Holocaust Education Fund Barbara Levi-Berliner & Ed Berliner in memory of Ludwig Levi z”l Cynthia & Hyman Cohen in memory of Burton Baraz z”l Susan Drossman & Adam Sokoloff and family in memory of Bob Frost z”l Hospitality Fund David & Gwen Baker in memory of Lolita Baker z”l Ellen & Art Gang Stacy & Jon Kamisar Linda & Len Russ in memory of: • Bob Frost z”l • Donald Hodes z”l • Bryan Wahler z”l Jewish Cultural Arts Fund Aliza Gross in memory of Barry Gross z”l Kehillah School Fund Susan & Lew Abramson in honor of Chloe Axel becoming a bat mitzvah Ellen Friedman in memory of: • Ovadia Catriel z”l • Ken Marion z”l • Salman Nahum z”l • Dorothy Sudranski z”l Sally & Jonathan Potter in memory of: • Rita Ackerman Felsenfeld z”l • Barry Gross z”l The Rosman family in memory of Ovadia Catriel z”l Julie Tolkin in memory of Salman Nahum z”l Library Fund Courtney, Alexa, Robin & Barry Babbin in memory of Mona Gabry z”l Music Fund Ellen & Arthur Gang in appreciation of the beautiful Installation ceremony of Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson Janet & Tim Rogers in memory of Bob Frost z”l Peter R. Lessler Scholarship Fund Ellen & Art Gang in memory of Barry Gross z”l Karen Lessler & Jack Schwartz in memory of Daniel Weckstein z”l Preschool Fund The Monday/Wednesday Tiny Twos Class in memory of Salman Nahum z”l Ana & Steven White, Jennifer & Jason White and family in memory of Ovadia Catriel z”l

TCS LOVES : DONORS, DOERS & DAVENERS/CONDOLENCES

Prayer Book & Chumash Fund Nancy Gold in memory of: • Barry Ilberman z”l • Gloria Ilberman z”l Amy F. Leveen in honor of Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson and in appreciation for receiving an Aliyah at services Amy & Howard Matson in memory of Donald Hodes z”l Susan Ochman in memory of Bryan Wahler z”l Eric Schwartz in appreciation of TCS Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Alyssa & Jacob Axel in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn The Blumenfeld Family in memory of: • Bob Frost z”l • Stephen Greenfield z”l • Lloyd Greenspan z”l • Donald Hodes z”l Susie Blumenfeld in honor of the bar mitzvah of Michael Vassilev David Cohen Karen Cohen in memory of: • Martin Cohen z”l • Jules Sturtz z”l Matthew Evans Ellen Graff & Martin Fox in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn officiating at Sarah and Eric’s wedding Lauri & Michael Friedland in memory of Rhoda Friedland z”l Ellen & Art Gang in honor of: • Cynthia Bannon • Charlotte Rose and the Rose & Russ families Ellen & Art Gang in memory of: • Bob Frost z”l • Hyman Gang z”l • Jeanette Gang z”l Ellen & Art Gang in support of the LA fires relief efforts Helene & Richard Glass in memory of Stephen Byer z”l Annette & Jon Goldstein in honor of Stephen & Lynne Goldstein and family Linda & Michael Gordon in memory of Barry Gross z”l

Barbara & Richard Greenspan in memory of Mazie Greenspan z”l Jodi & Michael Honig in memory of Stephen Greenfield z”l Jennifer & Jordan Kanfer in memory of: • Bob Frost z”l • Norman Kanfer z”l The Kalt Family in memory of: • Charles A. Kalt z”l • Charles D. Kalt z”l • Louis V. Martin z”l Jenna & Brett Kaplan in honor of the baby naming of Harlow Kaplan Marji & Rich Kaplowitz in memory of: • Stephen Greenfield z”l • Ike Kaplowitz z”l Judith Katz in memory of Mel Katz z”l Jillian & Anthony Klaff in memory of Jack Klaff z”l Judi Koffsky in memory of: • Jay Brightman z”l • Miriam Brightman z”l Laurence Kurzner in memory of Dr. Martin M. Kurzner z”l Steve Lance, Max Schweid, Daniel Schweid in memory of Carole Schweid z”l Stewart & Elisabeth Levine in memory of: • Jay Clement z”l • Ken Marion z”l Denise Lewis & family in memory of Polly Wachtenheim z”l Robin & Matt Leon in memory of Stephen Greenfield z”l Susan & Murray Morrison in memory of: • Bob Frost z”l • Abraham Kobren z”l • Benjamin Gerald Morrison z”l Jodie & Lee Mysel in memory of Stephen Greenfield z”l Jon & Alli Olefson in honor of Sydney becoming a bat mitzvah Tal & Marcy Oren Barbara & Alan Radin in memory of Sanford Shaffer z”l Michelle Rose in honor of the baby naming of Charlotte Lucia Rose Lisa & Robert Rowan in memory of: • Bob Frost z”l • Stephen Greenfield z”l

Dana & Dan Russ in honor of Charlie’s simhat bat Marcy Schneider in memory of Bob Frost z”l Nicole Wilson-Spiro & Michael Spiro in memory of Rhonda Spiro z”l Buffy Strober in memory of Stephen Greenfield z”l Shellie Tapfar in honor of Rabbi Wiederhorn for officiating at the baby naming of Rory Dill The Udell Family in memory of Bob Frost z”l The Waller Family in memory of: • Henry Dreznick z”l • Rachelle Dreznick z”l • Herbert Waller z”l June Eichbaum & Ken Wirfel in memory of: • Saree Eichbaum z”l • Barbara Wirfel z”l • Larry Wirfel z”l Pamela Schneider & David Young in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn Sisterhood – Shalom Baby Wendy & Philip Schaefer in honor of the birth of: • Jack Tate Schneider • Archer Zev Schwartz Tikkun Olam Fund Susan & Matthew Byer in memory of: • Bob Frost z”l • Donald Hodes z”l The Porosoff Family in memory of Marion Newman z”l Judy Udell in memory of: • Nora Jacobs z”l • Bryan Wahler z”l USY/Kadima/Machar Fund Marsha Shrago in memory of: • Irving Funk z”l • Harry Shrago z”l

This listing includes all contributions received

by February 15, 2025. Contributions received after this date will appear in the next issue.

Richard M. Kesselman Certified Public Accountant 19 Bradley Street Westport, CT 06880 203-226-5970

yourtaxman@aol.com Passover 2025/5785

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23

Laughter Is the Best Medicine

BY STEVE GLASBERG

So now this is “Laughter is the Best Medicine!” So I’d better tell doctor jokes.

So the doctor billed the patient $150 for a consultation.

My daughter the psychologist asked “How long have you felt this way?”

OY!

And the lawyer billed the doctor $300 for the consultation.

The patient said “Since I was a kid.”

I went to my doctor and said “Doc, you gotta help me! I feel tired, weak, run down.

My social life stinks!”

My doctor said “Of course you’re tired, weak, run down and your social life stinks!

Look at your physical condition! I want you to run fifteen miles a day for the next thirty days. Then call me up, and let me know how you’re doing.”

So I ran fifteen miles a day for the next thirty days. Then I called my doctor.

I said “Doc, I don’t know how to thank you!!! I’ve been running fifteen miles a day for the past thirty days, and I feel young! I feel strong! I feel vigorous!”

“And your social life,” the doctor asked.

“How is that going?”

I said “What social life??? I’m in Cleveland!”

OY! In 2032, Mendel Cohen became the first elected Jewish President of the United States. He insisted that his mother attend his Inauguration.

She was seated in the front row of the Inauguration ceremony next to the Queen of England.

There came the time in the Inauguration when Mendel had to place his hand on the Bible to take the oath of office. At that point, Mendel’s mother puts her elbow in the Queen of England’s side.

“You see that boy up there? That’s my son.” Then she says very proudly “His brother is a doctor!

OY! At a TCS kiddush, a doctor was standing chatting with a lawyer. A congregant came up to him and said “Doctor, can you possibly help me? My wrist hurts just so badly over here.”

The doctor gave the man instructions on how to treat his injured wrist. The man thanked him and walked away.

The doctor turned to the lawyer and said “You know, I should bill him for that!”

The lawyer said “Indeed you should!”

24 |24The | The Mosaic Mosaic

OY! I went to my doctor and said “I think I’m coming down with arthritis.”

The doctor said “No. That’s early onset rigor mortis!”

OY! I met a fairly good looking woman in the doctor’s office. So, I asked for her number.

She said it was 142 over 57.

OY! The doctor asked me “How are you sleeping at night?”

I said “I sleep like a baby! I get up every two hours to take a leak!”

OY! I went to my eye doctor. He said “Please read the third line of the eye chart.”

I said “What eye chart?”

OY! TCS is delighted to announce that Weight Watchers of Westport will be meeting every Wednesday at 7:00 pm in the central meeting room of the synagogue.

Attendees should please use the double doors to the meeting room.

OY! My daughter is a renowned psychologist.

One day her receptionist came into her office and said “There’s a man in the waiting room who thinks he’s invisible.”

My daughter the psychologist said “Tell him I can’t see him right now.”

OY! Another patient came in to see my daughter the psychologist. He said “Doctor, you gotta help me! No one will talk to me! No one will have anything to do with me!”

My daughter the psychologist said “NEXT!!!”

OY! Another patient came in to see my daughter the psychologist. He said “Please help me!

I think I’m turning into a goat!”

OY! I went to the Audiologist for a hearing aid.

The manager came over to help me and said “This here is our finest hearing aid. I use it myself. The electronics were made

by NASA, so they could even hear people whispering on the street from their satellites up in the sky, Its $4,000."

I said, “Wow! Impressive. What kind is it?”

He said “It’s a quarter to three.”

OY! I went to the Audiologist for a hearing aid.

The manager came over to help me and said “This here is our finest hearing aid.

The electronics were made by NASA, so they could even hear people whispering on the street from their satellites up in the sky, Its $4,000. (Stop me if you heard this before!)"

I said “Do you have something cheaper?”

The manager pulled out a small box about the size of a cigarette package, with a wire sticking out of the side of the box. He said “This model is only two dollars.”

I asked “Well, how does it work?”

He replied “It doesn’t. You put the box in your shirt pocket and stick the wire in your ear. When people see it, they talk louder!”

OY! I went to my doctor and he gave me his terrible diagnosis. I said “I’d like a second opinion.”

The doctor said “Come back tomorrow.”

OY! I went to my dentist, and said “Doctor, my teeth are very yellow. What should I do?”

He said “Wear a brown tie.”

OY! I went to my doctor, and said “Tell me the truth! How am I doing?”

The doctor said “You’re doing fine! You’ll live to be 75.”

I said “But, doctor, I’m older than 75!”

The doctor said “Seeee?”

We are blessed to have been friends and neighbors with The Conservative Community Synagogue for so many years... and more to come!

The Mitchell Family

M I TC H E L L S .CO M Passover 2024/5784

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25

30 Hillspoint Road Westport, CT 06880

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS April 6 7 -9 10 12 13-20 13 14 15 19 20 24 27 30

Grade 5 Living Museum 4s Family Seder Plate Making Workshop Fast of the First Born Erev Pesach No Kehillah or Preschool Passover Day 1 Services Passover Day 2 Services Hol Hamo’ed Passover minyan Passover Day 7 Services Passover Day 8 Services - Yizkor will be recited Yom HaShoah Mitzvah Day Yom HaZikaron

26 | The Mosaic

May 1 4 4 12/13 16 18

Yom Ha'atzmaut Kehillah Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration Grade 3 Family Program Last Weekday Kehillah Classes Lag Ba'Omer Last Day of Kehillah Celebration

June 1 2 3 4 6

Tikkun Leil Shavuot Shavuot 1 Services Shavout 2 Services - Yizkor will be recited Preschool Picnic & Ice Cream Social TCS Annual Meeting

WATCH FOR JUNE DATES FOR SHABBAT ON THE BEACH AND THE ANNUAL TCS BEACH BASH