TCS Mosaic Hanukkah 2024 by TCSWestport

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President

Marc Zuckerman

Rabbi

Jeremy Wiederhorn

Cantor

Gedalia Penner-Robinson

Executive Director

Cynthia Bannon

Editor-In-Chief

Diana Sussman

Assistant Editor-In-Chief

Elise Meyer

Senior Editor

Sara Gaynes Levy

Advertising Administrator

Michelle Scher Saunders

Editorial Board

Debbi Barer

Renee Mandis

Steve Samuels

Brad Zieve

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

In This Issue

TCS Scene

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

A Community Synagogue

Our new name highlights caring and community, which has always been the heart of Judaism.

Year of Bring Them

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.

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

Searching for Light and Hope

Dear Friends,

In the summer of 2004, before Avi was born, Riki and I took Meital and Ayelet to the Old City of Jerusalem for the first time. Among the highlights of our visit, of course, was going to be the Kotel, the Western Wall. The girls were 2 and 4 at the time, and we weren’t sure to what extent they would understand or appreciate the significance of where we were going.

Suddenly and rather unexpectedly, Meital became nervous and quite concerned, insisting that she did NOT want to go. When we asked her what was troubling her, she said that she did not want to go to the Kotel because the evil Antiochus may still be there. We immediately realized that Meital had learned about Antiochus during a Hanukkah lesson in her Jewish pre-school. We gently assured her that the Syrian King of approximately the year 175 BCE was no longer around the site of the Temple and therefore could not harm her.

I would have never imagined that 20 years later, Meital would be living in Israel during a time in which there are real-life Antiochuses who wish to harm us.

When Israelis are targeted in a pogrom-like attack in Amsterdam, kosher restaurants are vandalized in Washington, D.C. and New York City, and protestors are waving Nazi flags outside a theater production of Anne Frank, Antiochus seems to be alive and well. And these things occurred just in the days around which I have been writing this article!

During times like this, Hanukkah cannot come soon enough. To me, Hanukkah is the ultimate celebration of Jewish survival, bringing light to the world for thousands of years. Whether it has been Haman or

Hamas, Amalek or Antiochus, we have overcome and thrived and continue to emerge from the darkness with tremendous hope for the future.

Once four-year-old Meital’s fears were allayed, she approached the Old City with us, and I will never forget the glow on her face as she saw the Kotel for the first time.

Hag Urim Sameach—may the Festival of Lights illuminate our world with hope.

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

”

During times like this, Hanukkah cannot come soon enough. To me, Hanukkah is the ultimate celebration of Jewish survival, bringing light to the world for thousands of years.

The candles are only the symbol of warmth and light that Jewish communities are already filled with when we live our best lives together, keeping close enough to sustain a bonfire of love, meaning and communal connection.

Dear Friends,

When I drive around in my car, I usually keep a few coins by the center console to fidget with—a quarter here, a dime there. It's just some spare change lives there until I accidentally drop them in between the seats.

In the winter especially, I enjoy the cool sensation that meets my fingertips when I pick them up first thing in the morning, after they’ve chilled in the car over the night before. So much so, that when I have multiple coins, I’ll put one down and pick up the next to get the fresh chill all over again.

We Are a Source of Warmth

Last winter, I was playing with a luxurious stash of four or five chilly quarters at the start of a long drive. I had rotated through them, and my lizard brain, hungry for more of the delightful sensation, reasoned, well surely the first quarter I fidgeted with must be cool again by now. Except when I felt my way through them all again, every last one was still warm from the touch of my hand.

For some reason, I was quite struck by this idea that I am a source of energy, of heat, and a force of life. I was also struck by the idea that when I release this energy out into the world, it actually takes time before the world adjusts back to being as cool and unaffected as it was before I happened upon it.

My teacher, Joey Weisenberg, was well aware of this when he wrote his book, Building Singing Communities. He preaches that when curating an event, musical or otherwise, one should find a space that comfortably accommodates the number of attendees, especially when an intimate setting is desired. After all, when trying to make a fire, one can’t simply scatter logs and tinder on the ground and strike a match. People carry energy, and if you want to start a fire, you need to position those people in such a way that they can best give and take energy—sound, warmth, ideas, care, closeness—with everyone around them.

For a Bat Mitzvah celebrated this past season at TCS, I experienced just this wonderful environment in our sanctuary. A full room, boisterous and celebratory, with a gentle din of comfortable chatter at times in the back (my preferred backdrop before which to sing and pray as a prayer leader). Children played, pre-teens moved freely about the room, and the congregation sang enthusiastically when prompted. Every person there, young and old,

everyone’s joy and energy and prayer, felt indispensable to the collective creation of that uniquely beautiful Shabbat morning.

This winter, as in winters past, Jewish families around the world will take up the shamash in their hands and light up their homes with the warmth of eight burning candles. But in every one of those thousands of years past, the light and the warmth were already there in those same hands. The hands that extend tzedakah to those in need; the hands that clap joyfully in synagogue; and the hands that hug a child home from school or a friend going through a difficult loss.

The candles are only the symbol of warmth and light that Jewish communities are already filled with when we live our best lives together, keeping close enough to sustain a bonfire of love, meaning and communal connection.

Chag sameach,

Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson

Pink

Dick

Renee Mandis 2: Bring

Home: Various TCS Members 3: Pink Aid: Phil Schaefer, Wendy Schaefer 4:

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn and staff in the Sukkah 5: Sukkah Building: Jeff Weingart, Josh Cohen, Scott Miller, Aaron Tolkin, Howie Fetner, Dave Furth, David Popkin, Steve Goldring 6: Pink Aid: Laura Jean Meyers (guest of Jillian Klaff), Jillian Klaff 7: Mah Jongg at TCS: Randy Bonnett, Linda Cassuto, Sharon Rosen, Naomi Weingart, Sharon Navarro, Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson 8: Bridge at TCS: Debra Schussheim, Adam Schussheim, Laurie Ginsberg, Meredith Gershon, Julie Haroun

All names listed from left to right. Children are not identified by name to protect their privacy.

Aid:

Wingate,

Hostages

Sukkot:

1: Weekly walk for hostages: Eva Rawiszer, Steve Saunders, Michelle Saunders, Diana Sussman, Ivy Gosseen, Deb Goldfarb 2: 2023 Westport candle lighting: Third Selectwoman Candice Savin 3: October 7th Commemoration at TCS: TCS members with larger community 4: Pizmon at Preschool 5: 2023 Westport candle lighting: Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn 6: Pizmon at Preschool 7: Pizmon at Preschool: Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson 8: October 7th Commemoration at TCS: Amit Swisa 9: Pizmon Concert

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Welcome to the World!

Levi Hays Boas

son of Nat & Hallie Boas, brother of Solomon, grandson of Andy & Carol Boas, nephew of Dan Kline & Rebecca Boas, cousin of Stella Kline & Lucy Kline

Doria Tzila Bullkich

daughter of Elad & Kayla Bullkich, granddaughter of Brad & Naomi Berman

Lucy Birinyi Danzer daughter of Matthew & Anna Danzer, sister of John

Celia Brynn Forman daughter of Keith Forman & Laura Kassen, granddaughter of Michael & Shelly Kassen

Simon James Glick son of Jordan & Stevie Glick, grandson of Michael & Susan Glick

Henry James Mellin son of Ethan & Kelsi Mellin, grandson of Nisa Mellin

Archer Zev Schwarz

son of Matthew & Amy Schwarz, brother of Nate & Ava, grandson of Michael & Shelly Kassen

Toby Birdsall Siegel

son of Jacob & Karen Siegel, brother of Eleanor

Welcome New Members

Herb Appleman

Hanna Cobin and her daughter Brooke

Ari & Elaine Disraelly and their children Rebecca & Katarina

Tamir & Karen Friedman and their children Ari & Zev

Ian & Nina Karol and their children Alexander, Joshua & Zachary

Edward & Hillary Long and their children Gregory, Allison, Melanie & Maxwell

Alan Gutman & Regina Reza and their children Noah, Tzipporah & Seth

Mazal Tov to....

Weddings:

Roger & Hilary Machlis on the marriage of their daughter

Elana Machlis to Mark Eiseman

Richard & Karyn Freeman on the marriage of their daughter

Samantha Freeman to Scott Sall

Len & Linda Russ on the marriage of their son

Douglas Russ to Yael Malul

Jeff & Wendy Cohen on the marriage of their daughter

Caroline Cohen to Matthew Kravitz

Neil & Amy Katz on the marriage of their son

David Katz to Abigail Sklar

Bruce & Paula Koffsky and Judi Koffsky on the marriage of their daughter/granddaughter

Rachel Koffsky to Josh Parker

Scott & Linda Sharkey on the marriage of their daughter

Julia Sharkey to David Levine

Martin Fox & Ellen Graff on the marriage of their daughter

Sarah Fox to Eric Levin

Ian & Nina Karol on the marriage of their son

Alex Karol to Emma Klein

Engagements:

Debbi & Andrew Barer on the engagement of their daughter

Milo Barer to Sean Smith

Bob & Margie Labarre on the engagement of their daughter

Rachel Labarre to Adam Jaffe

David & Lori Popkin on the engagement of their daughter

Alex Popkin to Andrew Hoffner

Rick Bitsky & Joni Usdan on the engagement of their daughter

Leah Bitsky to Ryan Buxbaum

High Holiday Todah Rabah

Rabbi Wiederhorn

Cantor Penner-Robinson

Dick Kalt for help with security and shuttle buses

Jay Rand, Naomi Weingart, and our ritual officers

Our ushers

Our teachers

Sarah Bernstein

Anna Boiko-Weyrauch

Seth Marion

Amit Swisa

Sol Slotnik for teaching on Yom Kippur

Cynthia Lieberbaum for donating the honey

The Machlis and Navarro families for donating the apples

Eileen Gress and Susan Ochman for polishing the silver

Debbie Fine for labeling the honey

Marsha Shrago for laying out the hostage cards

Our TCS Staff

Cynthia Bannon

Amanda Chase

Joanne Folger

Sara Glick

Lynn Pokorny

Nelson Blanco

Diego Isazo

Luis Sarmiento

Every volunteer who helped with Operation Isaiah, the organization and distribution of the apples and honey and our Break Fast

Torah and Haftorah Readers

Nicki Abramowitz

Alan Clement

Ellen Friedman

Henry Feuerstein

Phil Glick

Judy Greenberg

Dan Gross

Howard Hochster

Adam Hodes

Bob Israely

Sharon Jaffe

Matt Landau

Joan Merlis

Susan Ochman

Cantor Penner-Robinson

Jay Rand

Arthur Seltzer

Leon Serfaty

Sol Slotnik

Deb Smolka

Mark Steckel

Geoffrey Stern

Gabbaiim

Alan Clement

Phil Glick

Stew Levine

Scott Merlis

Alan Radin

Len Russ

Sukkah Building

Josh Cohen

Dave Furth

Josh Furth

Kol HaKavod to....

Recent Torah and Haftorah Readers:

Henry Feuerstein

Ellen Friedman

Art Gang

Jordan Garay

Paul Goldstein

Judy Greenberg

Mark Highman

Howard Hochster

Adam Hodes

Sharon Jaffe

Noa Katz

Matt Landau

Susan Ochman

Jon Olefson

Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson

Jay Rand

Arthur Seltzer

Leon Serfaty

Mark Steckel

Carol Wahler

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

Uzi Zohar

Phil Glick

Steve Goldring

Howie Fetner

Diego Isazo

Steven Kunkes

Scott Miller

David Popkin

Aaron Tolkin

Alexandra Tolkin

Ellie Tolkin

Jeff Weingart

Rabbi Wiederhorn

Thanks to Stacey Foodim-Sloan for taking photos and Pam Furth and Becca Furth for bringing donuts and pizza!

Recent Kohelet Reader:

Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson

Todah Rabah for Sponsoring a Kiddush Lunch:

Domenico Calandro & Jolanda Zickmann in honor of Hanna’s bat mitzvah

Iris Greenfield in honor of Skye’s bat mitzvah

Greg & Richelle Kalnit in honor of Sam’s bar mitzvah

Dan & Gali Katz in honor of Liev’s bar mitzvah

Matthew & Heidi Meyers in honor of Lewis’ bar mitzvah

Jon & Alli Olefson in honor of Sydney’s bat mitzvah

Richard M. Kesselman Certified Public Accountant

THE PRESIDENT

MARC ZUCKERMAN

TCS Offers a Light at Hanukkah

Dear Friends,

As we wrap up 2024, I’ve been thinking about how much this community means to all of us. It’s been a challenging time for Jews everywhere, both with the situation in Israel and rising antisemitism globally weighing heavily on our minds. Through it all, TCS has been a place where we can come together, support one another, and find strength.

There is also much to celebrate. Our schools are full of kids learning, laughing, and connecting with our heritage. We’ve welcomed new families who’ve brought fresh energy and ideas. Our programs, whether educational, social, or focused on tikkun olam (acts of kindness) are helping us grow as individuals and as a community.

With Hanukkah falling over New Years this year, the idea of bringing light to dark times feels especially meaningful. Just like the menorah brightens our homes, this synagogue lights the

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

way for us all. It’s a place where we pray, learn, celebrate, and find hope.

In hard times, being part of a strong, supportive community is everything. Together, we can face whatever comes next while holding onto the values and traditions that have carried us through generations.

Wishing you and your family a Hanukkah filled with joy and a 2025 filled with peace.

Warm regards,

Marc Zuckerman

Volunteers—The Heartbeat of TCS

Dear TCS Community,

As we reflect on the strength and vibrancy of our synagogue community, one of the core pillars supporting our congregation is the dedication and passion of our volunteers. From organizing events to enhancing our spaces, volunteers are the heartbeat of our synagogue. But to keep our community thriving, we need each other more than ever.

In a community like ours, it is easy to think that the work of running programs and events falls to a few people, but the truth is, many hands make light work. If each of us were to give just a small amount of time to help with one event, the collective effort would be nothing short of transformative.

You do not have to make a large commitment, just one evening, one task, one hour can make all the difference. Whether you are helping with a fundraising event, assisting with a mitzvah, or offering your guidance and insight to a

committee, your contribution helps spread the load and ensures that we can continue to provide meaningful and enriching experiences for everyone in our community.

In fact, when we come together, we not only accomplish more but also strengthen the bonds that unite us. We support each other, share in the joy of giving, and create an environment where everyone feels valued and included.

If you are wondering how you can help, please reach out to me or any of our staff members. I am confident that with your help, we will continue to build a welcoming and thriving community.

Warmly,

Cynthia Bannon

CYNTHIA BANNON

TCS Upcoming Events

You can register on the TCS website or through your Shabbat Shalom email newsletter. The next issue of The Mosaic will not come out until March/April. Check your weekly Shabbat Shalom email for new events before then.

Contact the office to Sponsor

TCS Judaica Boutique

BY WENDY SCHAEFER & DIANA SUSSMAN Co-chairs

Hanukkah is coming! Our TCS Judaica Boutique offers one-stop shopping for Hanukkah—a wide variety of menorahs, dreidels, Hanukkah candles, gelt, gifts, and wrap. Of course, we also have an extensive collection of items for your overall needs, including vegan leather challah covers, mezuzahs, kosher mezuzah scrolls, Shabbat candlesticks, kiddush cups, challah cutting boards, tallitot, Passover Seder plates, shofars, apple, and honey dishes. We even have jewelry, books, and a variety of hostess gifts. Many of our items are imported from Israel.

There is no physical store this year. So, contact the office at 203-454-4673 to make an appointment to shop or for more information.

These are just a few teasers from our shop’s collection:

One-stop Hanukkah shopping and your purchase benefits TCS.

One of many electric menorahs

Some of many toys

Hanukkah accessories, like drip pads

Hanukkah-themed clothes

One of many modern menorahs

Many child-oriented menorahs. These are two sporty ones.

One of many traditional menorahs

Kehillah Corner

BY SETH MARION Director of Education

So far this year at Kehillah has been filled with exciting hands-on experiences, bringing Jewish learning to life in meaningful and fun ways! Our 1st graders have been practicing Shabbat blessings in class, learning the words and melodies that fill our homes with joy and connect us with our fellow Jews around the world. Meanwhile, 2nd graders have taken a creative approach to Hebrew letters by forming each one with bendy straws, making the Aleph-Bet tangible and memorable, really cementing the letters into their minds. Our 7th graders have been teaching themselves and each other by engaging in a beit midrash-style study to prepare for their b’nei mitzvah, fostering both collaboration and independent learning.

Our experiential programs have created lasting memories for students of all ages. At times during tefillah, the joy of prayer came alive with energetic conga lines throughout the sanctuary. While in the Sukkah, Rabbi Wiederhorn led us in shaking the lulav and etrog, bringing the holiday of Sukkot to life. As in years past, the annual Blessing of the Animals was a lively event, where students enjoyed meeting a variety of furry, feathered, and scaly friends. We’ve also been privileged to spend time with our new Israeli Emissary, Amit Swisa, who has shared engaging lessons about Israeli culture and life. These moments not only build knowledge but also foster a deep connection to Jewish traditions, community, and the joy of learning. We look forward to continuing to create vibrant, meaningful experiences throughout the year!

Preschool Patter

BY LAURAN PANCOAST Director of Early Childhood, Preschool Programming & Operations

SUSAN BERNSTEIN Director of Early Childhood, Education & Curriculum

When our children and families walk into TCS Preschool, the feeling of warmth and love is immediate. We believe that children learn best through play and offer a balanced preschool day filled with free play, guided play, and direct instruction. Jewish traditions remain an integral part of our curriculum and are carefully woven into the fabric of daily preschool life, focusing on the cycle of Jewish holidays, Shabbat observances, and an understanding of Jewish values. Once the High Holidays were behind us, all of the classes were excited to explore Autumn through stories and song, art, and science. The teachers observed the children in free play and created invitations for guided play as a way to teach important skills and find the next possible area of exploration in the classroom.

Recently, the children have been fully immersed in learning about a new holiday. It was wonderful to see them connect to the holiday of Hanukkah through storytelling, dramatic play, and art. But what is ever more so relevant this year for the children in their day-to-day lives, is the way in which we can connect the story to bigger picture concepts. The idea of bravery, perseverance, identity, and pride are all values that are intertwined in the story of Hanukkah and make the story much more relatable today given our current climate. Through spinning dreidels, making latkes, and pretending to be Judah Maccabee in dramatic play, all our classes have been exploring the holiday through hands on, interactive activities. Our two-year-old children made beautiful Hanukkah keepsakes to bring home, while our three-year-old and pre-k children worked diligently on creating individual handmade hannukiot to be displayed in their homes and lit each night of Hanukkah.

We also welcomed our families in to celebrate in the holiday festivities at class Hanukkah parties. There, we ate latkes and sufganiot, sang songs, and created fun holiday crafts. Some of us even wore our pajamas and had hot chocolate for a fun Hannukah Pajamukah! Finally, we concluded our celebrations with an all-school family sing along lead by Cantor Penner-Robinson. A great time was had by all.

Wishing all our families a very happy New Year!

Wandering Jews

BY DIANA SUSSMAN

Have you heard? DNA results show that Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew.

On October 12th, the Spanish National Public Network RTVE aired a documentary called “Columbus’ DNA: His True Origin.” Its release coincided with Spain's Hispanic Heritage Day, commemorating when Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas. After considering various hypotheses, it concludes that despite being reputed to be a Catholic from Genoa, Italy who was born in 1451 to a family of wool weavers, Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Valencia, Spain who was born to a family of silk weavers that same year.

For centuries, people have speculated about Columbus’ religion and ancestry, claiming he was from the Basque Region, Greece, Portugal, and even Scotland. Many, however, have claimed he was a Spanish Jew pretending to be an Italian Catholic to avoid persecution, a common practice at that time. Jews who publicly converted to Catholicism (usually by force) were known as Conversos, but many still practiced Judaism in secret. They were known as Crypto-Jews.

There are several reasons why people thought a person named “Christopher” was Jewish. In 1492, the year Columbus' expedition set out, Jews living in Spain were forced to convert or be expelled. Many crew members were Conversos. Jews created the astronomical tables, almanacs, and maps necessary for navigation, as well as the sea-quadrant (aka Jacob’s staff) needed to guide marine courses. Portions of the ships’ logs were written in Hebrew. Columbus, himself, used Hebrew letters and referred to Jewish scripture. His family had ties to Conversos. Droves of Conversos left Spain for the New World.

This year, however, José Antonio Lorente examined the DNA of Columbus’ remains and the results suggested he was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe. Given where Jews were living at that time, historians deduced he was from Spain.

Persecuting Jews was not unique to that time period and has repeatedly caused Jews to emigrate to new worlds. For example, in the 19th century millions of persecuted Jews left Europe for the United

States, leading to a steady flow of Jewish immigrants between 1820 and 1924. During the Holocaust and after World War II, Jews also fled Europe for the United States, including scientists. Not surprisingly, a high concentration of Europe’s brightest scientists were Jewish. In addition to the United States and Israel, European Jews moved to South America, South Africa, and elsewhere.

Jews are still exploring new worlds, except now that means space. On October 14, 2021, almost 522 years to the day of Columbus reaching the then new world, Liam Zaltzman reported in the Kveller that 18 Jews from four countries (Russia, the United States, Israel, and Canada) have been to space. This seems appropriate since 18 signifies “chai,” or life.

Of the 670+ people who have made it to space, 20 of them have been Jewish, or about 3%. Given that Jews make up 0.2% of the world population, we are once again punching above our weight, here tenfold.

The first Jew in space was Boris Volynov, a Russian cosmonaut. He commanded the Soyuz 5 in 1969, before Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. The Soyuz 5 also performed the first docking with another ship and transferred crew from one ship to another.

One of the most celebrated Jews in space is William Shatner, aka Captain Kirk of the Starship Enterprise, who transitioned from fiction to reality when he flew in space for 11 minutes on Blue Origin. He boldly went where few had gone before and holds the title of being the oldest person (90-yearsold) to do so.

In 1984, onboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, Judith Resnick became the first Jewish American woman (second American woman) in space. She tragically died on Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986. This did not deter future Jewish female astronauts. Ellen Baker made three space missions. During her last one in 1995, her shuttle was the first to dock with the International Space Station Mir (ISS).

In 2019, Jessica Meir participated in the first all female spacewalk. Meir took with her an Israeli flag to honor her father’s family, a coin commemorating Ilan Ramon— the only Israeli astronaut—who tragically died in 2003 on Space Shuttle Columbia when it disintegrated on reentry, a postcard from Yad Vashem, and a pair of novelty Hanukkah socks. The image of her wearing them on Hanukkah went viral.

Hanukkah has been celebrated in space several times. In 1983, Jeffrey Hoffman and Scott J. Horowitz celebrated Hanukkah aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor. They spun a dreidel and brought a menorah that they never lit. Hoffman, during one of his five trips to space, was also the first to read Torah in space and the first to make a contingency spacewalk to repair a satellite.

Hoffman has been engaged in a friendly debate with fellow astronaut David Wolf over who spun a dreidel the longest in space. Wolf, who participated in four missions and was on the ISS for 128 days, claims “I have the world-record dreidel spin. I know mine went for like an hour and a half until it got sucked into an air intake.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Jewish astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli celebrates Hanukkah on the International Space Station Mir

At Hanukkah, astronaut Jessica Meir sported Hanukkah themed socks on the International Space Station Mir

A Community Synagogue

BY GEOFFREY STERN

With the confluence of the holidays this year, we could be forgiven if we asked what a holiday commemorating the birth of Abraham—our founder—would celebrate? What was the inspiring message of Abraham that impacted the lives of the 4.4 billion followers of the Abrahamic Religions? (2.4 billion Christians, 2 billion Muslims and 15.7 million Jews.)

The most famous story about Abraham’s epiphany is so well-known that many of us believe it is actually in the text of the Torah. In fact, it is a Rabbinic Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 38: 13) which has a young Abraham working in his father’s idol shop. Abraham takes a bat to all the graven images and when his father arrives, Abraham explains that one of the idols received a food offering and a food fight ensued between the idols resulting in the destroyed inventory. Abraham’s father was not amused and he took Abraham to the King, who likewise was not moved by Abraham’s philosophical arguments for a First Mover and Higher Authority. The king sentenced Abraham to a trial by death in a fiery furnace. Abraham survived, so as they say, “Let’s eat!"

The story has the key elements of ideology and sacrifice in it. Similar to the Maccabees, Abraham would not serve “strange gods” and was willing to die for his beliefs. I suspect that this story hardly inspires us with visions of peace on earth and good will toward man.

There is another, lesser-known Midrash, which my teacher Rabbi Shai Held explores in his recently published book called: Judaism Is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life. Commenting on God’s iconic Lech L’cha command to Abraham, to leave his homeland, the Midrash writes:

“This is analogous to one who was passing from place to place, and saw a building with a [candle] burning in it. He said: ‘Is it possible that this building has no one in charge of it?’ The owner of the building looked out at him and said: ‘I am the owner of the building.’ So, because Abraham our patriarch was saying: ‘Is it possible that this world is without someone in charge?’

The Holy One blessed be He looked at

It's a nice message in that God is shown not only to be the primary source of all that exists, but He is a caring home-owner, has a candle burning in the window to show He is present, and He talks with his neighbors.

But Shai Held questions the translation of “a [candle] burning in it.” According to Held, a better translation would be: a house in flames (doleket). The word hadlik can be used to light a candle, (as in l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah) but it can also refer to conflagration or event that stops you in your tracks and deeply affects you.

According to Rabbi Held:

“Abraham refuses to look away. Confronted with the abyss of meaninglessness, he will not avert his eyes. But not only does Abraham refuse to turn away, he cares: 'Is it possible that this world has no one who looks after it?!' Whatever faith Abraham finds, it will not be easy. It will be the faith of a man who has considered the very real possibility that chaos and bloodshed are simply all there is. That possibility shakes Abraham to the very core of his being. According to this story, the founding father of the Jewish people is someone who will not hide from the reality of human suffering. This refusal to hide or look away is, I think, a manifestation of deep love. Faced with a world afire, Abraham will not grow calloused or indifferent. He continues to care, even when it hurts.”

Confronted with a house in flames, Abraham discovered in himself that he cared. He realized that if he cared, there must be a higher being who also cares. Ultimately, he discovered that caring God within himself.

The message that I am left with is that whether in our home or in our house of worship, God manifests His or Herself in a caring community. We emulate God by caring for each other, whether in lighting and sharing the pleasant light of a candle or during times of crisis, when the house is burning. That simple sense of caring and community is ultimately a message that can change the world. That simple message is, I believe at the heart of our name: The Community Synagogue.

Happy holidays!

him and said to him: ‘I am the owner of the world.’ (Bereshit Rabbah 39:1)

Image of Abraham smashing an idol

Member Spotlight: Sarit Lewis

BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

Sarit Lewis (neé Wertheim) moved to Westport from Long Island in 1996 with her parents and sister, when she was 13 years old. “They wanted more land, and my mom’s cousin lived here, so they bought four acres and built a house.” For the first decade or so that they lived here, the Wertheims were members of Temple Israel, as Sarit’s parents were raised Reform. In 2007, Sarit’s mother, Sheri, got sick. During her illness, Sarit’s father, Rami, developed a relationship with the then-rabbi at Temple Shalom in Norwalk, who helped him through her passing and funeral arrangements. The family made a beautiful donation to Temple Shalom after Sheri passed, and began attending services there. So while she’s from Westport, Sarit isn’t a lifelong TCS member.

But in 2019, Sarit and her husband Michael moved back. They ended up buying the house Sarit grew up in, in a special connection to her mom. And when their older child, Shai, was ready for preschool, TCS appeared on their radar. They signed him up and found the congregation was a better fit than they ever could have imagined.

“I could instantly see TCS was teaching the kids things that were important to me,” she says. “Even though I wasn’t raised Conservative, I feel very strongly about Jewish culture and identity.” This is partially because Sarit is Israeli— her father came to the United States at eight years old with her grandfather, who worked for El Al and was transferred to the U.S. Rami recently moved back to Israel. Sarit also studied abroad in Israel, and moved there for a year after college, working for the Peres Center for Peace. “[I could see at TCS] the kids learn a lot about Israel, and they learn Hebrew. As an Israeli and as a Zionist, that really mattered to me.”

Sarit also fell in love with the people she’s met at TCS. “There’s a really great community,” she says. Shai is now in the Kehillah program, and their daughter, Atalia, is in the TCS 3s. And this year, Sarit is co-chairing the TCS Gala on March 15, 2025. (Now you know why the theme is Tel Aviv Nights.) Getting involved creatively is a natural fit for Sarit— it’s now their family business. Her husband Michael is a chef by training and the couple

is currently at work launching protein bars for kids with hidden veggies and nutrients, inspired by their own journey with picky eating. The new venture is a pivot from her background in fundraising and grant writing for Israeli and Jewish organizations (she’s held positions at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation Committee and American Friends of The Hebrew University), but Sarit’s passion and drive know no industry. TCS is grateful to have her help planning our marquee event!

Wandering Jews

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

During an interview, Wolf noted, “We Jewish astronauts do consider ourselves as representing the Jewish community. We take it seriously. I carried a mezuzah and it’s on my door now. I also carried a yad, a Torah pointer, and gave it to my synagogue in Indianapolis. I had a small menorah up there.”

Jews have even traveled with SpaceX. Jared Isaacman commanded Inspiration4, the first space flight of all private citizens to orbit the earth. In fact, Isaacman paid for the cost of his four travelers to go. The entire trip was a fundraiser for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. So, even as we leave our planet, Jews can practice Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).

Columbus is part of a long line of Jews who are unafraid to seek new worlds, each with their own risks and rewards. Exploring the unknown has certainly been fueled by necessity in the past but this was not the case for our space travelers today. We should take pride in the courage and curiosity of the Jewish spirit.

Of course, this yearning to explore can be spiritual as well as physical. Regardless of how we choose to explore, we know that these traits have helped us survive for thousands of years. Who knows, we may see the first synagogue on Mars.

Sarit Lewis, Michael Lewis, and their children

Sarit & Michael Lewis

Sarit & Michael Lewis with one of their children

Sarit Lewis with her children

Member Spotlight: Mark Argosh

BY DIANA SUSSMAN

Beneath Mark Argosh’s friendly, warm, low key, understated, midwestern manner (like Clark Kent in the best way), is a “superman” who is helping to repair the world one person and one system at a time.

Born and raised in Chicago in a Jewish home, Mark’s family instilled a strong sense of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). Even his D’var Torah at his Bar Mitzvah—inspired by a portion of a famous quote from Rabbi Hillel: “If I am only for myself, what am I?”—focused on helping others and building stronger communities.

In keeping with his passion, after graduating Brown University, Mark moved back to the midwest and worked as a community organizer. In doing so, he interacted closely with various leaders of different religions, including Judaism. This experience reinforced Mark’s confidence that leaders from different communities can work together, based upon the strength of the relationships that they built.

In fact, Mark sees these same themes at work at TCS. He believes Rabbi Wiederhorn has done a terrific job building partnerships that cut across racial, ethnic, and religious barriers. Mark also feels that Rabbi Wiederhorn values Mark’s mission of giving back and supporting Israel and has always made Mark feel like an engaged member of the TCS community.

After being a community organizer, Mark attained an MBA from Stanford University, and embarked on a career in consulting and private equity. After living in various places, he and his famly settled into Westport in 2002.

Throughout his career, he continued to give back to both secular and Jewish communities. As a Brown alum, Mark served on the Brown University Hillel Board and became its Development Chair because he was concerned about the antisemitism students were experiencing. He has also been an

active supporter in several organizations supporting Israel, including AIPAC.

While in North Carolina, Mark had the incredible experience of meeting Elie Wiesel in a small group situation. Wiesel explained that the only way to stop inhumanity to man is to start with one person, then two people, then four people, and so on. These words resonated with Mark.

Like Mark, his wife Paula is also committed to giving back. She has served in various leadership roles with our local Jewish Federation, AIPAC Fairfield County, the Westport Schools, as well as several local arts organizations. She works closely with refugees living in Bridgeport, at "Our Woven Community," helping to supplement their income and develop skills for further advancement. She collects fabrics to be repurposed, designs a variety of products that the artisans create with the fabrics collected, and helps market these unique, beautiful items at various local and regional fairs and shops. She is also involved with Building One Community, an immigration and refugee support organization in the Stamford community.

Utilizing her professional skills, she redesigned and staffed their Development and English Language Learning departments and continues to work with the organization in an advisory capacity.

In 2015, Mark and Paula began volunteering with Social Venture Partners of CT (SVP). The purpose of this organization is to close the opportunity divide in education

and jobs in the State of Connecticut for under-resourced communities. At that time, SVP had only forty volunteer partners. The Board then asked Mark to create a strategic development plan that then led to Mark becoming its first Executive Director.

Under Mark’s leadership, SVP (now Social Impact Partners [SIP]) has grown to 250 volunteer partners and has made some progress in closing the opportunity gap in many areas—including early childhood (0-5) education; filling holes in education at the elementary, middle school, high school, and university levels; and expanding job training programs to provide careers for unemployed and underemployed people. To achieve their objectives, they partner with other non-profits by providing grants and a project team led by SIP volunteers who consult on projects and enable them to scale and grow.

For instance, SIP spent a year working with the state's Blue Ribbon Commission on early childhood strategy, which developed a state plan to advance early childhood education. Offering early childhood programming enables those children to start kindergarten on equal footing academically, socially, and emotionally and enables their mothers to continue working so they can continue to advance their careers without needing to drop out to watch their children.

Five years ago, the Governor’s team asked SIP to help create a workforce strategy to help Connecticut residents develop skill sets and join the work force, while enabling businesses to meet their labor needs. This effort became the Governor’s Workforce Council and Mark served as its chair for four years.

An example of SIP’s work can be seen in the healthcare field. SIP helped develop a training program to train and employ a group of unemployed retail workers to get jobs as certified nurse assistants and sterile processing technicians. Subsequently, Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Stamford hospitals hired these trainees. In addition, SIP designed a new educational program,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Mark Argosh

Mazal Tov to Our B’nei Mitzvah

SAMANTHA YOUNG

January 18 —Shemot

BRONSON KAIDEN

March 8 —Tetzaveh

JULIETTE NEWSHEL

April 26 —Shemini

MICHAEL VASSILEV

January 25 Min ha-Bo

BREA BLASBERG

March 22 Vayakhel

JULIETTE WEINER

February 1—Minha-Beshallah

ALEXA EISEN

March 30 —Rosh Hodesh

JAKE FISHMAN

March 1 Min ha-Tetzaveh

ZACHARY SMITH

April 5 Vayikra

Fun Facts About B'nei Mitzvah

• While named in the Talmud over a millennia ago, Bar Mitzvah ceremonies were not widely practiced until the end of the Middle Ages. Over time, more practices and activities have been added, culminating in the Bar Mitzvah rituals that we see today.

• Bat mitzvah celebrations are a relatively modern invention and started in the United States about 100 years ago when Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, the founder of Reconstructionist Judaism, created the bat mitzvah for his daughter, Judith Kaplan.

• "B'nei Mitzvah" literally means a "child of God's commandments," and it symbolizes the transformation from childhood to adulthood in the eyes of our faith.

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What’s Cooking?

There is so much more to Hanukkah than potato latkes and jelly donuts (sufganiyot). So, this year I decided to look for unusual recipes from around the world to spice up your Hanukkah feast. I found that myjewishlearning.com was a treasure trove of interesting recipes. Here are some of the ones I liked best.

Imam Bayildi (UAE)

This eggplant dish adds a splash of color and flavor

Ingredients

5 medium eggplants

3 tbsp olive oil

6 tomatoes, peeled and chopped roughly

1 large onion, chopped finely

4 garlic cloves, chopped finely

1 tsp ground cinnamon

A pinch of nutmeg

½ tsp sea salt (and more to taste)

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

A handful of fresh parsley

2 tbsp fresh dill

1 tsp brown unrefined sugar

2 tbsp pine nuts, dry-roasted

The Method

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

2. Using a sharp knife, make deep slits in the eggplants lengthwise (be careful not to pierce them all the way to the bottom). Fit the eggplants into a baking tray (slit side up) and pre-bake for 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, make the sauce: Heat up 1½ tbsp olive oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and fry them gently until soft and translucent. Add chopped garlic to the onions and fry them for another minute or two. Add cinnamon and coat the onion and garlic mixture in it. Set aside.

4. After 30 minutes, take pre-baked eggplants out of the oven and place them in a colander in the sink, letting the excess water drain off. Reduce oven temperature to 355 degrees.

5. Once eggplants have drained and cooled, scoop some of their flesh out

BY DIANA SUSSMAN

to make room for the stuffing.

6. Chop scooped-out eggplant flesh finely and add to the onion and garlic mixture, together with chopped tomatoes.

7. Fry it all gently until tomatoes lose their moisture and you get a thick sauce.

8. Season with sugar, salt, and pepper. Add most of the fresh parsley and dill, reserving a little for a garnish.

9. Lightly salt the inside of scooped eggplants, and fill them with the tomato mixture.

10. Snugly place them in an oven-proof dish and pour the rest of tomato mixture to the bottom of the dish with 1 ½ tbsp of olive oil and 40 ml of water (approximately 2 3/4 tbsp).

11. Cover the tray with a piece of kitchen foil and bake for about 20 minutes.

12. Serve warm or at room temperature, sprinkled with fresh dill or parsley and roasted pine nuts.

This recipe is submitted from Yves Friedman, a member of the Dubai Jewish community, and reflects influences from Arab, Kurdish, Mediterranean, Persian, Sephardic, and Ottoman flavors.

Sfenj (Morocco)

Ingredients

1 ½ tsp yeast

1 ½ tsp salt

½ kg flour (about 4 cups)

1 cup warm water Oil, for frying

The Method

1. In a mixing bowl, mix the flour, yeast and salt, then add the water. Mix well until smooth. Cover your dough, and let it rest for 3-4 hours until it rises.

2. Heat enough oil to deep-fry the sfenj. The oil should be very hot, and if

possible, your frying pan should be placed on a slight incline.

3. Dip your hands in water, then pull the dough into a round about the size of a tennis ball. Stretch the dough to make a hole in the middle. Repeat process with remaining dough.

4. Place each ball in the oil on the tilted side, with less oil. When it begins to darken, push it to the side with more oil and fry until golden-brown.

5. Serve sfenj hot, sprinkled with sugar, drizzled with honey or plain. Consider pairing these tasty treats with a hot cup of mint tea.

Marcelle Azoulay of Casablanca submitted this family recipe. In Morocco, this donut, is considered typical Hanukkah cuisine.

Analucía’s Yucca Latkes (Latin America)

Ingredients

3 medium-sized yucca peeled and cut into

½ inch pieces (or small enough to fit into your food processor)

¼ large yellow onion

1 medium Yukon or other potato, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

2 garlic cloves

¼ cup potato flour or yucca flour

2 eggs, whisked

Salt and pepper to taste

Canola or grapeseed oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Using a food processor with the small shredding blade, shred the yucca and the onion.

2. Put the mixture in a bowl.

3. Grate the garlic cloves and add.

4. Add eggs, potato flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

5. Coat the bottom of a large frying pan with enough canola oil to coat the bottom and heat up to about 360

These donuts are simpler to make than traditional ones

A Latin American twist on traditional latkes

degrees. Drop a small piece of batter into the pan—if it sizzles, it’s ready.

6. Spoon a tablespoon-sized amount of latke mixture into the pan, and slowly add it to the hot oil. Lightly grease the back of your spoon and gently press down on the latke so it fries evenly.

7. Fry on first side until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Then carefully flip over. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until crispy.

8. After frying, place yucca latkes on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with salt.

Yucca is native to the Americas. It looks like a potato latke but offers a more complex flavor. See if guests can tell the difference.

Schlomit's Sufganiyot (Israel)

These donuts are yogurt-thickened.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups self-rising flour

2 eggs

3 tbsp sugar

1 packet vanilla sugar

2 tubs (400 grams) of any type of unsweetened yogurt

Oil

Powdered sugar (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Heat oil in a frying pan, and when hot, spoon “blobs” of batter in and fry.

3. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Shlomit Rosenfeld, a Jerusalem native, submitted this recipe.

Ingredients

2 cups water

2 cups white sugar

½ tsp ground cardamom

2 drops rose water (Optional)

1 pinch saffron (Optional)

½ cup instant dry milk powder (2 tbsp all-purpose flour)

¼ tsp baking soda

1 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp plain yogurt

2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Combine water, sugar, cardamom, rose water, and saffron in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until consistency is syrupy, 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Mix milk powder, flour, and baking soda in a bowl until well-combined.

3. Slowly mix in butter and yogurt until dough comes together and let rest for 5 minutes.

4. Shape into smooth 3/4" balls.

5. Fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper-towel lined plate.

6. Bring syrup back up to a boil and drop in fried gulab balls.

7. Remove from heat and let soak in syrup, covered, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

These waffle balls were first made on the Indian subcontinent, around South Asia. It is popular at weddings, Diwali, Eid Al-Fitr, and Eid Al-Adha.

Of course, anything you choose to make for Hanukkah that includes oil works. As we know, the miracle of Hanukkah is that the oil the Macabees found after they reclaimed the temple was only enough to light the eternal lamp for one night but it lasted eight days, or long enough for new oil to be made and replace it, ensuring the eternal light never went out.

Like the lights at Hanukkah, may the resilience of the Jewish spirit always shine. Now, let's eat!

Gulab Jamun or Kala Jam AKA Waffle Balls (India)

Originally an Arabic dessert, it is now a Hanukkah treat

Laughter Is the Best Medicine

BY STEVE GLASBERG

An airplane crashed onto a deserted island in the Pacific. The pilot announced that the island was not located on any map, and no one knew where the plane had crashed, or even that the plane had crashed. The likelihood of anyone rescuing the passengers was de minimus.

All of the passengers were frantic–except Goldstein, who lay calmly on the beach against a palm tree soaking up the rays.

“Goldstein!” a friend asked frantically “Aren’t you nervous? Aren’t you afraid?”

Goldstein replied “Look! Last New Year, I gave a huge contribution to my shul. In two weeks, it is going to be Rosh Hashanah. Don’t worry, they’ll find me!”

OY!

There was a rabbi who had always been fully observant. But one day he had an overwhelming desire to find out what pork tasted like.

So he walked to a remote part of town, went into a Chinese restaurant, and ordered pork.

He was waiting for his pork, when all of a sudden he sees Goldstein, the President of his shul, walk into the restaurant.

Goldstein sees the rabbi, and starts to walk over to his table. At the same time, a waiter is bringing the rabbi’s pork dish over to his table. It is an extremely large pig with an apple in its mouth.

Goldstein and the waiter both arrive at the table at the same time.

“Goldstein,” the rabbi says. “Isn’t the service here wonderful? You ask for a piece of fruit, and look how it’s served!”

OY!

Lawrence of Arabia is riding his camel through the Sahara desert. He comes across a little Jewish guy sitting in the sand holding a tiny hatchet (many of these jokes have little Jewish guys as their protagonist).

Lawrence of Arabia says to the little Jewish guy “Who are you?”

The little Jewish guy says “My name is Izzy Feinstein, and I am the world’s greatest lumberjack!”

“You’re the world’s greatest lumberjack?” asks Lawrence of Arabia incredulously. “There isn’t a tree around here for five hundred miles!!”

Feinstein says “See?” OY!

A synagogue has a mice problem. The custodian tries traps, bait, mice, everything. Nothing works.

Finally, he goes to the rabbi and explains the problem. “I have the solution,” the rabbi says. “Well, what is it?” says the custodian.

“It’s a foolproof plan,” the rabbi says, smiling. “I’ll give them all Bar Mitzvahs—we’ll never see them again!”

OY!

An elderly Jewish man faints and is rushed to the nearest hospital. A nurse tucks him into bed and says, “Mr. Schwartzman, are you comfortable?” Schwartzman replies, “I make a living…!”

OY!

A yeshiva decides to start a crew team. But no matter how much they practice, they lose every single race.

Eventually they decide to send one boy down to the nearby prep school as a spy, to watch their winning crew team and find out what their secret is.

After a day of reconnaissance, the boy comes back. “Listen!” he tells his teammates. “I learned how they do it—they have eight guys rowing, and only one guy screaming!”

OY!

A man and his wife walk by a Chinese restaurant. They see a big sign in the window “PIZZA! $3.00 a slice”

They are confused. So they go into the restaurant and ask the manager “Look! This is a Chinese restaurant. How come you have a sign in the window advertising pizza?”

The manager shrugs his shoulders, and says “What can I do? It’s a Jewish neighborhood.”

Member Spotlight: Mark Argosh

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Connecticut Health Horizons, to add one thousand additional nurses in the state.

Unlike most organizations, SIP volunteers have the opportunity to apply the skill sets they have developed through their careers to make their communities stronger. Mark attributes the success of SIP to the fact that its volunteers are multi-lingual—they can speak the languages of business, nonprofits, academia, and government. It is a bipartisan organization. Their work is not controversial.

Many volunteers feel the experience of helping others has been life-changing for themselves. For Mark, it has been a labor of love and an opportunity to fix broken systems one at a time. He is proud to practice Tikkun Olam every day by contributing to the state in which he lives.

Grateful for having the opportunity to play this leadership role, Mark would love to discuss the work of SIP with you. He invites you to reach out to him at mark@ socialimpactpartners.org to find out more about the organization and how you can help make a difference.

The Mosaic Needs You!

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

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.

Are you a cook? Would you like to share some Passover Recipes? Please do!

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.

One Year of Bring Them Home

BY DIANA SUSSMAN

It is hard to fathom, but over a year after the horrible attacks on October 7th, 2023, Israel is still fighting to defend itself and there are still 101 hostages being held in Gaza. The mainstream news media hardly mentions these hostages (some of whom are American citizens) or how many Israelis have been displaced and otherwise affected by the relentless barrage of missiles fired at Israel over the last year.

We at TCS remember. Our members are determined to keep the faces of these hostages in the forefront. For instance, every week at 11:00AM TCS members meet others at the Westport Playhouse parking lot to walk across the bridge in downtown Westport with signs of hostages faces held high. Sometimes they get supportive honks, sometimes angry ones. Regardless, they keep walking.

On October 6th, a program was held at Compo Beach to refocus attention to these hostages. One hundred and one empty chairs were set up on the beach. A variety of clergy participated. Cantors Julia Cadrain and Becky Mann of Temple Israel sang “Hallelujah,” “Shalom Aleichem,” “Bring Them Home,” “Yerushalayim shel Zhav,” “One Day,” and, along with the community,

Condolences

(Alphabetized by name of member relation)

Jay Clement z”l, father of Alan (Jennifer) Clement

Lloyd Greenspan z”l, brother of Richie (Barbara) Greenspan

Stephen Greenfield z”l, father of Marji (Rich) Kaplowitz

Ken Marion z”l, father of Seth (Rabbi Sarah) Marion

Rhonda Spiro z”l, mother of Michael (Rabbi Nicole Wilson-Spiro) Spiro

Bryan Wahler z”l, brother of Allan (Carol) Wahler

“Ha Tikvah.” Rabbi Josh Ratner of Or Hadash said a prayer for the hostages. Our own Rabbi Wiederhorn said a blessing for the IDF.

In addition, First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, Idan Chen (cousin of former hostage Sapir Cohen), Lynn Rabinovici Park, and Sharon Suchotliff all spoke. Westport student and TI member Chloe Robbins also sang “Rainbow.” Liang-Fang Chang, the Director of Music Ministry of the Saugatuck Congregational Church accompanied Robbins.

Hundreds attended this well-organized, extremely moving event. Of course, TCS was well-represented by its membership. We certainly pray for the return of the hostages and peace for Israel. Until then, however, TCS members will continue to stand up and demand these results. Like the Macabbees, we may be a minority but we are a determined mighty force.

Ugit ut odis conse et et aut aut aut lantiaectis reperumquis seque imus, sunt, quis molupta velland icianis dunt aut. Gia placcatio ma volore omni.

TCS members still standing up for hostages

TCS Thanks Its Donors, Doers & Daveners

Adult Education Fund

Rick Bitsky & Joni Usdan in memory of Stephanie Bass z”l

The Lewis Family in memory of William Lewis M.D. z”l

Phil & Wendy Schaefer in honor of the engagement of Leah Bitsky to Ryan Buxbaum

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund

The Kalnit Family in appreciation of Cantor Penner-Robinson for Sam Kalnit’s bar mitzvah

The Lewis Family in memory of William Lewis M.D. z”l

Richard & Marcia Olarsch in honor of Jay and Beth Rand

Sharon Rosen in honor of Cantor Penner-Robinson

Marsha Shrago in memory of Ethel Frank z”l

General Fund

The Hollander Family in memory of Jordan Rosen z”l

Cynthia Lieberbaum in memory of:

•Sidney Greenberger z”l

•Michael Lieberbaum z”l

Jesse & Heather Rosenbaum in memory of Marvin Brown z”l

Brandon & Brooke Shulman in honor of the wedding of Rachel Koffsky & Josh Parker

Steven & Ana White in memory of Paul White z”l

Fred & Sherry Wiener in memory of Mark Wiener z”l

Lee & Michelle Wrubel in memory of Jay Clement z”l

Holocaust Education Fund

Lew & Susan Abramson in honor of the bar mitzvah of Matthew Leary

Ed Berliner & Barbara Levi-Berliner in memory of Michael Levi z”l

Hyman & Cynthia Cohen in memory of Pauline Baraz z”l

David & Livia Feig in memory of Menashe Feig z”l

Library Fund

Howard Matson in appreciation of Sol Slotnik

Peter R. Lessler Scholarship Fund

Karen Lessler in memory of:

•Peter Lessler z”l

•Stephen Lesser z”l

•Mimi Weckstein z”l

Please note, this listing includes all contributions received by November 15, 2024.

Preschool Scholarship Fund

Marsha Shrago in honor of the birth of Sammy Shrago

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

Aaron & Betsy Amitin in honor of the hostages and their families

Barry , Courtney, Alexa, & Robin Babbin in memory of Mona Gabry z”l

Ed Berliner & Barbara Levi-Berliner in memory of Michael Levi z”l

Rick Bitsky & Joni Usdan in memory of Jay Clement z”l

Milton & Eva Braslow Foundation in honor of Rabbi Wiederhorn

Rick & Julie Chernok in appreciation of the baby naming of Cami Rae Hirsch

Karen Cohen in memory of:

•Steven Cohen z”l

•Lloyd Greenspan z”l

Jeff & Wendy Cohen in memory of Stephen Greenfield z”l

Matthew Evans

Michael & Lauri Friedland in memory of Stuart Friedland z”l

Art & Ellen Gang in memory of

•Ori Danino z”l,

•Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l,

•Alexander Lobanov z”l,

•Carmel Gat z”l,

•Almog Sarusi z”l

•Eden Yerushalmi z”l,

Samuel & Amy Gettler in memory of Rhonda Spiro z”l

James Glasser & Sharon Jaffe in honor of the marriage of Rachel Koffsky & Josh Parker

Phil, Sara, Emma & Ava Glick in memory of Edwin J. Elson z”l

Michael & Susan Glick in honor of Rabbi Wiederhorn

Ben & Ivy Gosseen in appreciation of Gwen Cohen

Jacob & Rachel Hirsch in honor of the baby naming of Cami Rae Hirsch

Mark Hirschberg in honor of his birthday aliyah

The Kalnit Family in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn for Sam Kalnit’s bar mitzvah

The Kalt Family in memory of Isabel Martin z”l

Judi Koffsky in memory of Ned Brightman z”l

Steve & Claudette Kunkes in memory of Herman J. Kunkes z”l

The Lewis Family in memory of:

•William Lewis M.D. z”l

•Eugene Wachtenheim z”l

The Malowitz/Soloff Families in memory of Marvin Malowitz z”l

Stephen & Isabel Moskowitz in memory of Adolph Moskowitz z”l

Eric Multhaup in honor of the Staples High School Class of 1964

David, Lori, Alex, Josh & Ben Popkin in memory of Michael Lieberbaum z”l

Alan & Barbara Radin in memory of Martha L. Shaffer z”l

Mark & Sandy Rappaport in memory of:

•Muriel Feldman z”l

•George Rappaport z”l

Barbara Backlar Reis in memory of James Backlar z”l

Marc & Sharon Rosen in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn

Mony & Liz Rueven in celebration of:

•Elise Meyer’s birthday

•the birth of our granddaughter, Ariel Alex Belok-Rueven

Sol Slotnik

Judith Udell in memory of Alfred Jacobs z”l

The Udell family in memory of Stephen Greenfield z”l

Evan & Rachel Wien in honor of Bryce Noa Wien

Ken Wirfel & June Eichbaum in memory of Arnold Wirfel z”l

Lee & Michele Wrubel in memory of Jay Clement z”l

Susie Zeff in memory of Robert Zeff z”l

Sisterhood–Mitzvah Fund

Marc & Ronna Zaken in memory of Lloyd Greenspan z”l

Sisterhood–Shalom Baby

Matthew & Susan Byer in honor of the birth of Simon James Glick

Phil & Wendy Schaefer in honor of the birth of:

•Ariel Alex Belok-Rueven

•Levi Hays Boas

•Doria Tzila Bullkich

•Celia Brynn Forman

•Jack William Katz

•Benjamin Alex Navarro

TIES Fund

Judith Udell in memory of Alfred Jacobs z”l

Tikkun Olam Fund

Gail Bushell in honor of Susan Ochman

Marilyn Ganis

Phil & Wendy Schaefer in honor of the marriage of:

•Caroline Cohen to Matthew Kravitz

•Rachel Koffsky to Josh Parker

Allan & Cindy Wasserlauf in honor of Sydney Olefson becoming a bat mitzvah

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

Community

The Mitchell Family

30 Hillspoint Road Westport, CT 06880

December

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

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