The Mosaic - Winter 2023/5784

THE

TC S W E S T P O R T

HANUKK AH 2023• 5784

TCS Takes A Stand PAG E 14

• • • IN THIS ISSUE • • •

The Hanukkah Miracle PAG E 1 6

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Hanukkah Trivia PAG E 2 4

Hanukkah Recipes PAG E 1 8

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THE MOSAIC: HANUK K AH 2 02 3/578 4

President Marc Zuckerman

In This Issue

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn Cantor Jessica Silverberg

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Executive Director Cynthia Bannon

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Director of Communications TBD! 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

TCS Scene

ON THE COVER TCS members experience standing in DC with almost 300,000 Jews, denouncing antisemitism and supporting Israel

The Hanukkah Miracle

Check out what TCS members have been doing.

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Letters From the Rabbi’s Study The Cantor’s Notes Around the SHUL TCS Scene Page Shesh: Welcome to the World Welcome New Members Welcome New Preschool Families Page Shesh: Weddings & Engagements Kol Hakavod to Readers & Sukkah Builders Todah Rabah for Sponsoring Kiddush Lunch The President’s Desk TCS Hanukkah Boutique USY Brotherhood Sisterhood Tamid & Adult Education

HAVE NEWS? 12

16 The real miracle is the resilient Jewish spirit

10 Kehillah Corner 10 Members in the Greater Community 11 Preschool Patter 23 Condolences 25 High Holiday Todah Rabah 26 High Holiday Appeal 26 Impact Doubled Back Cover Calendar

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Features Spotlight: Erika Brunwasser Spotlight: Michael Kassen TCS Takes a Stand The Real Hanukkah Miracle Hanukkah Recipes Hanukkah Fun for Kids Impact Doubled Hanukkah Trivia

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TCS Loves Donors, Doers & Daveners

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.

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LETTERS : FROM THE R ABBI’S STUDY

Seeing the Light in Darkness The late Rabbi Hugo Gryn was a child in Auschwitz. The holiday of Hanukkah came, and after fashioning a makeshift menorah, his father melted the precious margarine ration to light a wick for the first night. The young Hugo, outraged, protested to his father. How could he use the food which sustained them in the midst of such horror, just to observe the holiday?

Seeing the light from within the darkness often takes more effort.

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Hundreds of calls, texts, and emails from friends, congregants, and non-Jewish clergy expressing love, concern, and support

Many years later Rabbi Gryn said that at that moment his father spoke words he never forgot. His father said: “My child, we know you can live three days without water. You can live three weeks without food. But you cannot live for three minutes without hope.”

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An increase in synagogue attendance at Shabbat services and programs

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Israel lawn signs “sold-out” and placed throughout Westport and Weston

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Filling a bus within 48 hours to attend the Stand with Israel and Against Antisemitism rally in Washington, DC

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Our High School students saying that they feel “more Jewish” than ever before

Recent months have been filled with tremendous darkness in the Jewish world. Following the Hamas massacre on October 7th, we have seen a surge of antisemitism that was already rising long before. We don’t have to look too far to discover hatred, fear, and a sense of helplessness.

Here is the some of the light that I have seen in our community since October 7th:

”

Seeing the light from within the darkness takes more effort.

The Festival of Hanukkah inspires us to increase the amount of light we bring into the world. As you light the candles this year, please consider the ways in which you can bring more light, inspiration, and hope to a world that desperately needs it.

B’shalom Rav,

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

After the Hamas attacks on October 7th, Meital Weiderhorn was called up to serve in the IDF. Here she is pictured with her message asking people to come to Shabbat services

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Kehillah students in the sanctuary praying for Israel.

THE MOSAIC :: SPRING 2022

LETTERS : THE CANTOR’S NOTES

I Have No Words

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The diversity of backgrounds and experiences that make TCS such a unique community challenge the notion that “music is the universal language of mankind.”

Dear Friends, I don’t know what to say.

I have spent the last month trying to write this article. Picture, if you will, the writer at her desk, writing a single sentence on a piece of paper, longhand, before crumpling it up into a ball and tossing it to join the other crumpled paper balls already spilling out of the trash can.

I don’t know what to say. I have so many things to share but I can not find the right words with which to say them. For once, I am at a loss for words.

I don’t know what to say. I have lost count of the topics I have tried to write about— Al Hanisim in the Amidah; my relationship

to Israel; why latkes are superior to hamentaschen; a unit on antisemitism that Seth and I taught the 7th grade class; the rally for Israel; why Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas—and still, I don’t know what to say.

another week at shul. And since October 7th, Zamir rehearsals themselves have felt different. I feel like they have become a space for a group of people to come together to process our collective feelings about what’s happening.

I don’t know what to say. Sometimes I joke that one of the reasons I became a cantor and not a rabbi is because I hate writing sermons. Other times, I joke that the reason I became a cantor is because I don’t know how to be a “Jew in a pew.”

I don’t know what to say. I don’t know how to put my feelings into words. But I invite you to attend our concert, so that you can hear what we have to say.

I don’t know what to say. I have always been fascinated by the idea from musical theater that sometimes it’s easier to sing something than to say something: that there are sometimes things that can only be expressed in song. I think the same thing can apply to prayer as well. For example, our custom at TCS is to recite the Prayer for the State of Israel together in Hebrew, but in other congregations I have sung it, using various settings. Sometimes, my feelings are so big, and so deep, that I can’t say them; I can only sing them.

L’Shalom,

Cantor Jessica Silverberg Cantor Jessica Silverberg

Since the High Holy Days, I have become a member of the Zamir Chorale in New York.

On December 17th, Zamir Chorale and Zamir Noded is giving a concert at Merkin Hall in Manhattan. While the repertoire for this concert was selected before October 7th, some of the selections have taken on new meaning since—we will be singing “Acheinu,” and choral settings of the Prayer for the State of Israel and the Mi Shebeirach for the IDF, among other things.

At first I wasn’t sure if I had the time to commit to Zamir. But singing in an ensemble like Zamir—a group of high-level musicians coming together to sing Jewish music simply for the sake of making music—helps me recharge and prepare for

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AROUND THE SHUL : OUT & ABOUT AT TCS

TCS SCENE

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

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1: Back to Shul Back to School BBQ. Meital Wiederhorn, Nicole Abramowitz, Riki Wiederhorn. 2: Learning Center Dedication. Milton Silverman, Rhoda Silverman, Jenna Levy, Michael Kassen, Harold Levy, Barbara Phillips, Sara Levy, Jonathan Levy, Elise Meyer. 3: Back to Shul Back to School BBQ. Alyssa Gold, Sara Gaynes Levy, Lindsey Liss, Stacey Teplitz, Nicole Glick.

4: Learning Center Dedication Luncheon. Front L-R: Shelley Kassen, Jenna Levy, Dana Levy. Back L-R: Sharon Jaffe, Ellen Gang, Orna Stern, Elise Meyer, Beth Rand, Riki Wiederhorn, Vivian Orbach Smith. 5: Learning Center Dedication. Jonathan Levy, Jenna Levy, Harold Levy, Dana Levy, Sara Levy, Rhoda Silverman, Milton Silverman. 6: Young Family Shabbat. Arielle Wein.

7: Young Family Shabbat. Nicole Glick, Jeremy Glick. 8: Washington DC March. Riki and Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn on DC Metro.

Children are not identified by name to protect their privacy.

AROUND THE SHUL : OUT & ABOUT AT TCS

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7 1: Washington DC March. Jen Kanfer, Sharon Navarro. 2: Washington DC March. Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, Tom Knight. 3: Washington DC March. Debra Montner, Paula Koffsky, Naomi Weingart, Michelle Saunders, Claudia Cohen. 4: Westport Vigil. Freida Hecht of the Orthodox Beth Israel shul in Norwalk, Diane Yormark, Debbi Barer.

5: Weston Vigil. Rabbi Wiederhorn. 6: Youth Bake Sale. 7: Sisterhood Mozzarella Event. Deborah Fine, Lisa Valinsky, Pegah Rosenthal, Esa Madoff, Nicole Abramowitz, Susan Ochman, Galina Blishteyn, Anna Blishteyn, Eileen Gress, Ivy Gosseen, Phyllis Wallitt, Kimberly Bard.

8: Sisterhood Mozzarella Event. Back L-R: Esa Madoff, Phyllis Wallit, Deborah Fine, Lisa Valinsky, Anna Blishteyn, Ivy Gosseen, Susan Ochman Front L-R: Nicole Abramowitz, Phyllis Wallitt, Galina Blishteyn.

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AROUND THE SHUL : PAGE SHESH

Welcome to the World!

Hannah Victoria Costa daughter of Patrick & Danielle Costa, granddaughter of Alan & Jennifer Clement Zoe Olive Glassman daughter of Daniel & Melissa Glassman, sister of Max & Rye Ella Celia Hertz daughter of Danny Hertz & Ilana Phillips Hertz, granddaughter of Alan & Barbara Phillips Evelyn Lopez Kamisar daughter of Ben & Shelby Kamisar, granddaughter of Jon & Stacy Kamisar August Silverman Wolf son of Reiss Clauson-Wolf & Dana Levy, grandson of Harold Levy, nephew of Jonathan & Sara Levy, cousin of Charlotte, Victoria, & William Levy

Welcome to Our New Members Hayati & Anna Marie Akyuz Daniel (Dan) & Rena Barsanti and their children Russell, Ian & Lily Brad Lempert & Christina Burek and their children Sam, Alex, Maddy & Jackie Matthew Tarascio & Kiana Danial and their daughter Jasmine Bob & Cheryl Davidowitz and their children Adler & Edison Arlene Dolin Mathew & Kerry Epstein and their children Hayley, Amy & Zoe Jacob (Jake) Davidson & Margaret Gibbon Marcia Hutter

Welcome New Preschool Families

David & Adrienne Kanter and their children Benjamin, Rebecca & Danielle

Brant & Rebecca Fischer (Mac 3s, sibling Poppy)

Daniel & Alyssa Lavy and their children Emma & Jackson

Paul Devendorf & Rayna Greenberg (Dylan 3s, sibling Declan)

Noam & Lindsey Liss and their children Sophie & Avery

Justin & Lauren Rashbaum (Sienna & Ryan, Tiny Twos)

Marsha Shrago

Leon & Amalia Kotlyar and their children Astrid & Shai

Paul & Jodi Sosman and their children Henry, Jacob & Brooke Alex & Jennifer Tepper and their children Mackenzie & Logan

*These two pages denote all events since August 9, 2023

6 | The Mosaic

AROUND THE SHUL : PAGE SHESH

Mazal Tov to....

Engagements:

Weddings: Jon Fraade & Rita Appel on the marriage of their son Michael Fraade to Jenn Queen

Jeff & Naomi Weingart on the marriage of their son Noah Weingart to Kathryn Mendoza

Rick Bitsky & Joni Usdan on the engagement of their son Will Bitsky to Jennie Small

Mark & Cynthia Steckel on the marriage of the daughter Jenna Steckel to Conor White

Tedd & Amy Weisman on the marriage of their son Jared Weisman to Morgan Moubayed

Jon Fraade & Rita Appel on the engagement of their daughter Samantha Appel to Alex Reimers Roger & Hilary Machlis on the engagement of their daughter Elana Machlis to Mark Eiseman

Stephanie Sugin on the marriage of her daughter Alana Hassan to Alec Taitz

Kol Hakavod to ...

Todah Rabah for Sponsoring Kiddush Lunch

Torah and Haftorah Readers Nicole Abramowitz Robert Farkas Henry Feuerstein Ellen Friedman Amy Gettler Lilah Gettler Phil Glick Judy Greenberg Mark Highman Howard Hochster Adam Hodes Sharon Jaffe

Sukkah builders: Josh Cohen Dave Furth Pam Furth Dan Ginsberg Phil Glick Diego Isazo Scott Miller David Popkin Steven Silverberg Aaron Tolkin Alexandra Tolkin Ellie Tolkin Special thanks to Melissa Dombrow & Dena Tolkin for decorating the Sukkah in the rain!

Matt Landau Scott Merlis Susan Ochman Jay Rand Leon Serfaty Cantor Jessica Silverberg Steven Silverberg Michael Spiro Mark Steckel Geoffrey Stern Carol Wahler Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

The Benke family in honor of Alex’s bar mitzvah The Gettler family in honor of Adam’s bar mitzvah Mitch and Judy Greenberg in honor of the yahrzeit of Rita Shapiro Kurtz z”l, and wishing their son, Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Greenberg, his wife Nikki, and children Naomi & Asher, safe journey to Japan The Rappaport family in honor of Dana & Nathan’s aufruf

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AROUND THE SHUL : TCS LAY LEADER S

Strength in Community Shalom!

Coming off the positive energy generated

in attendance serves as a reminder of our

by our first High Holiday services in our

community’s commitment to our country.

renewed space, the news of the October 7th

THE PRESIDENT MARC ZUCKERMAN

terrorist attacks on Israel and hostage-taking

My goal is to keep the TCS spirit alive. Our

hit us all hard. It was a tough moment and it

synagogue is not just a place of worship but a

understandably took us all off our stride. The

community hub. We’re continuing our events

weeks since have been tense and eye-opening

and activities, and embracing the resilience that

for the US Jewish community as antisemitism

defines us. Join us in finding comfort in each

has reared its ugly head.

other, in our shared traditions, and in the hope that tomorrow will be brighter.

In times like these, it’s crucial that we are able to lean on each other. TCS and the larger

As we move forward, let’s also embody the

Jewish community are a source of strength

values of understanding and empathy for those

and support. Together we’ll navigate through

directly impacted. Our thoughts are with our

these challenges. Our trip to the DC rally was

Israeli family—the IDF and the hostages and

heartening—it was good to hear the leading

their families. As a community, we will send out

legislators from both sides of the aisle stand

ripples of compassion and solidarity.

up unequivocally for what is right and our

A few teasers from our collection:

American values. Hopefully, the civility and

Warm regards,

patriotism displayed by the almost 300,000

Marc Zuckerman

TCS Hanukkah Boutique

BY WENDY SCHAEFER & DIANA SUSSMAN Co-Chairs

We hope you visited the TCS Boutique before Hanukkah. Regardless, you can

Colorful menorah depicting Jeruselum

always shop year round by appointment.

With an extensive collection, updated each year and containing items predominantly from Israel.

Dance your favorite song away

Still need Hanukkah items? We have menorahs, candles, dreidels, jewelry, toys, wrapping paper, gelt, and gift items.

Classic electric menorah A delighful train menorah

We also have vegan leather challah covers, mezuzahs, kosher mezuzah scrolls, Shabbat candlesticks, kiddush cups, challah cutting boards, tallitot, honey dishes, and Passover Seder plates.

To make an appointment, contact the Crafts for your children

8 | The Mosaic

office at 203-454-4673.

Candles in assorted patterns and sizes for various occasions

A menorah for the sporty family

AROUND THE SHUL : OUT & ABOUT AT TCS

Brotherhood

USY

BY MICHAEL AMRON & MICHAEL KAIDEN Co-Chairs

BY RACHEL STEINMETZ Youth Director

TCS teens have been making an impact in to see all the hidden gems in each of his the community. In October our teens got

paintings. On a Sunday our teens decided

together for a fun event at the Adventure to have a bake sale to raise money for Israel Park in Bridgeport where they faced their where they raised over $300. We are so fears and climbed throughout the trees.

proud of them and can’t wait to see what

Last weekend our teens went to see the

they accomplish next! Keep an eye out for

B

Szyk Exhibit at Fairfield University where emails for donations about Midnight Run, we they learned all about the artist and got

are excited for our biggest run yet.

rotherhood ended the last season with a well-attended Tequila & Tacos event. Not only did we all have a great time but it provided us with an opportunity to bond over what has been happening in Israel. In fact, we used our time together to discuss ways that we can make an impact and lend support wherever we can. Moving forward we will continue to create gatherings that harness these same feelings, but, of course, always mixed with some fun.

Stay tuned…

Sisterhood

A

new chair is needed for this exciting, vibrant group of women.

Sisterhood engages the

congregation’s women in all stages of

USY baked goods and sold them to raise money for Israel. They raised over $300.

their lives by organizing fun, interactive, enriching activities. To get involved or learn more, email EditorialBoardforTCS@gmail.com.

Tamid & Adult Education

BY WENDY SCHAEFER & DIANA SUSSMAN Co-Chairs

Tamid seeks to reach out to those

docents are TCS members Mindy Hersh and

interested in enriching their lives and

Art Gang, who helped plan this event.

being part of a vibrant and interesting community. Given the similar missions, Tamid and Adult Education will be run simultaneously this year. We are also eager to collaborate with other groups.

Past programs have included author talks, CPR training, ADL talks, cooking classes, healthy eating programs by esteemed nutritionists, and outdoor hikes.

Join Riki Wiederhorn and others for Torah Study each week following kiddush lunch after Shabbat services. No sign up necessary.

Future events being planned include the Jewish influence on Broadway, an ADL program on navigating antisemitism on the college campus, Jews and Booze bourbon tasting, and a game evening, possibly with

In early December, Tamid/Adult Ed, took

lessons, for Mah Jongg, Bridge, and Canasta,

a fascinating field trip to the Fairfield

and a Jewish films movie night.

University Art Museum to see an exhibit celebrating the works and legacy of Arthur Szyk. Two of the exhibit’s amazing

Arthur Szyk and a piece of politial art that he illustrated.

Email us at EditorialBoardforTCS@gmail.com

My People. Samson in the Ghetto (The Battle of the Warsaw Ghetto) created by Arthur Szyk in 1945.

with suggestions, questions, and to be included on our email list.

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AROUND THE SHUL : OUT & ABOUT AT TCS

TCS Members in the Kehillah Corner Greater Community

BY SETH MARION Director of Education

BY DIANA SUSSMAN

TCS member Sally Kleinman is the treasuer for the Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Family Service of Fairfield County.

She and her fellow board members packed holiday grocery bags for Thanksgiving and assembled personal care kits for those with food insecurity.

Since 1978, this organization has focused on families and communities. It offers a wide variety of programming and services to address needs at every stage. They offer camp scholarships, as well as services to help with parenting, focus on people in their twenties and thirties, the needs of Holocaust survivors, provide food, and much more.

Their mission is to help sustain families and individuals through all of life’s challenges and building strong, healthy communities. Given recent events, the focus has been on helping the Jewish community worldwide. While this is very important, it is nice to see our TCS members remembering the needs of those at home.

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Every year around this time, my wife asks me to bring our ever-growing box of Hanukkah stuff up from the basement.

We have it all: mugs, platters, dish towels, tablecloths, lights, spatulas, plates, dreidels, menorahs, and even a little waffle iron that embosses a dreidel into your breakfast!

Throughout the years, we have amassed quite a collection of Hanukkah-themed things —some more beloved than others. Personally, I have enjoyed collecting Hanukkah menorahs the most. I’ve always loved the beauty and variety of menorahs that we have found and the light that they give us during the winter evenings.

As I start to unearth our box of Hanukkah stuff, I am acutely aware of the great darkness that has overshadowed our Jewish lives since October 7th and the wide range of emotions that we have been feeling. I, like many of you, have been feeling surprised, disgusted, sad, angry, frustrated, and helpless. I have also been proud—proud to be Jewish, proud of our community coming together as one, proud of our students who thirst for knowledge and understanding, proud of my Israeli friends who have been speaking out, and proud of all the people who keep going no matter the challenges or stumbling blocks here at home.

With all of this in mind, I have decided that this year, I want to focus on the resiliency of our people and the light that

we bring to the world. I will be starting small, and I hope you’ll join me.

I can’t wait to take part in all of the Hanukkah rituals and traditions with my family.

We’ll be making latkes, playing dreidel, and of course lighting our menorahs, putting them in our windows to fulfill the mitzvah! I’ll be putting my phone away to help my kids decorate our living room with all the Hanukkah stuff we’ve been collecting. We’ll be reading Hanukkah books together, including some I read as a kid that my children now love too. But I feel like I need to do something else. Our usual festivities just don’t seem like enough this year.

This year at our annual Kehillah Hanukkah celebration (Sunday, December 10), in addition to our usual activities, we will be making beautiful pop-up Hanukkah cards for some of our older congregants and the residents of Jewish Senior Services—the cards are sure to bring smiles to a lot of faces! This is just one small but meaningful gesture to spread light and joy throughout our community.

How do you want to share light and joy this Hanukkah season?

AROUND THE SHUL : OUT & ABOUT AT TCS

Preschool Patter

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

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hen 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.

throughout the entire school year. We do this as we read stories, sing songs, participate in Israeli dance, make imaginary visits to Israel, and so much more. As each class attempts to teach more about Israel in their own way and in a way that resonates with young children, we will have one underlying theme that will guide us in all classes: Israel is our Jewish Home and We Care About Israel.

Now more than ever we hope you find comfort in being part of our special TCS community. Recent days have been difficult, but we know how important it is to bring joy and happiness to our youngest children.

Warmly, Lauran and Susan

With the High Holidays behind us all of the classes are exploring autumn through stories and song, art, and science. The teachers are observing the children in free play and creating invitations for guided play as a way to teach important skills and find the next possible area of exploration in the classroom. Besides autumn, some of our classrooms are learning about building and architecture, bubbles, Noah’s Ark, colors, babies, and emotions. One of our classrooms, after observing children in happy monster play on the playground, is even incorporating the children’s interest in monsters as they explore colors and emotions and concepts of right and wrong. But even as we choose areas to explore, one thing remains constant. During our days at school, we strive to create a connection to and love for Israel.

While the concept of “country” is difficult for children to understand, the concept of home is not. Israel is our Jewish home.

To help the children build a relationship with Israel, Israel needs to be an underlying theme not only in school during Tu B’Shevat and Yom Ha’atzmaut, but

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FEATURES : SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight on Erika Brunwasser

Fairfield County so she can distribute Israeli flag yard signs—catch her in the TCS parking lot at preschool pickup if you want one!

BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

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hen Erika and her family moved to Westport in 2019, she immediately enrolled her older daughter, then 3, in the TCS Preschool. “I felt like the curriculum was really strong. I thought the program seemed really strong. I thought there was a lot of warmth and a lot of love,” she recalls. “I happened to be visiting on Yom Ha’atzmaut, so the kids were running around the halls with Israeli flags, and I just thought, this is a really beautiful place to send my kids to school,” says Erika, who also had a four-month-old daughter at the time. Still a newcomer to the area, just a few months after her older child began her TCS schooling, the pandemic hit. “I was feeling really isolated and I was feeling a lack of community,” she says. She was still in the process of getting to know the Jewish community in the area, and the pandemic stalled it out completely. So she had an idea. “I wanted a central place where everyone could come, even if it was a virtual space.” You may know that space well: this was when she founded the Facebook group Jewish Westport.

Erika invited friends and acquaintances to join, and the group started growing.

In the last three years, the group has gone from 40 or 50 initial members to almost 1400 members—and has become a vital resource for our community, as the group’s content evolved from more casual exchanges about local amenities and upcoming events to a lifeline since the events of October 7th. Erika has felt the group’s growing impact, especially in the last few months. “People are really valuing it and thinking of it as necessary [in a

We Need You! We want to hear from you!

The Mosaic wants to highlight TCS members traveling to Jewish sites around the world for its Wandering Jews section. 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. Send us

your pictures from your travels

12 | The Mosaic

Erika Brunwasser

way they maybe haven’t before]. We all realized: we need a safe place where Jews can talk about what’s going on and how they’re feeling.”

The group has provided that and more. If you’re a member you’ve surely seen some of the valuable discussions happening inside, though you may not have known that the group was originally Erika’s idea. But if you know Erika at all, you wouldn’t be surprised to find out that Jewish Westport is her brainchild—as someone who has always had a strong Jewish identity, she brings that sense of community-building to offline spaces as well. For example, she’s been going on runs to the Jewish Federation of Greater

This moment, and the conflict in Israel, is a difficult one for all of us. Erika finds solace in a) knowing that through Jewish Westport, she has helped provide a space where individuals can navigate this time together, and b) through her children, whom she is raising to continue that tradition. “I love going to TCS and walking into the classroom and seeing the Israeli flag in my daughter’s class,” she says.

(Her then-baby is now in the TCS 4s, and her older child attends Bi-Cultural in Stamford.) “I like knowing that regardless of what’s happening [in the world], I’m raising the next generation of Jewish kids.”

We’re all struggling with feeling powerless at this moment, but Jewish Westport is a haven. If you’re not already a member and you’d like to join, reach out to Erika on Facebook as the group is closed and private and you’ll need to be invited. You may be surprised at what you find: not just discussion, but in-person events you might not have known about, as well as opportunities to connect, engage and support. “For me, community can feel spiritual,” says Erika. And that’s what it’s all about.

Setting Places For Hostages at the Shabbat Table

BY DIANA SUSSMAN

In cities across the United States, Israel and around the world Shabbat tables have been symbolically set for the over 200 hostages taken on October 7th. The IsraeliAmerican Council organized the event to push for the hostages’ release and raise

awareness. As Moses once demanded, “Let my people go.”

Thanks to Orna Stern’s efforts, TCS set it’s own Shabbat table.

FEATURES : SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight on Michael Kassen

in times when support will be tested, it’s crucial for the TCS family to convey this message to elected officials.” Michael points out that constituents who don’t support Israel are particularly mobilized to reach out to their representatives right now, so while Connecticut’s congresspeople have a strong record on Israeli issues, it’s important that they hear from us that we approve of this record, and want to see more of it.

BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

A

s a member of TCS for nearly 33 years, Michael has been a steadfast supporter of two important things: the synagogue, and Israel. For 20 of those 33 years, Michael has been on the board of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), including two years as president. Leadership runs in their family: his wife, Shelly, was president of TCS from 1993 to 1997. Michael’s involvement with AIPAC, which works to strengthen the bond between Israel and the United States through legislation, has of course led to a deep understanding of Israel’s position in the current conflict. For his fellow members of the TCS community, many of whom have felt helpless in the weeks and months since this conflict began, Michael’s unique knowledge allows him to share an important message with his fellow congregants: you can do more to help than you might realize.

“America, because of our strength and resources, has a special opportunity to help and protect Israel,” Michael says. The first—and perhaps easiest thing—we can do is “join AIPAC,” he says. To do so, visit aipac.org/membership. As Connecticut residents, we should also reach out to our congressional representation—Jim Himes, Dick Blumenthal, and Chris Murphy—and voice our support for Israel. “I think it’s important for people to understand that American support for Israel on a national level is a key to Israeli national security and survival,” Michael urged. “Especially

Another thing we can do, Michael says, is to try to maintain some optimism. This situation is horrifying—no doubt—but by mobilizing instead of doom-scrolling, we can focus on something important: hope.

“Israel has become an amazingly united country in the last few weeks,” Michael says (this interview was conducted in early November). “This unity, coupled with their resilience, gives me tremendous hope.” As members of TCS navigate the current climate, Michael’s insights serve as a guiding light, emphasizing the significance of community, unity, and active support for Israel. In the spirit of TCS, let us continue to stand united, offering our support to causes that matter both locally and globally.

Began Renovation to our TCS home.

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FEATURES : DC MARCH

TCS Takes A Stand

BY DIANA SUSSMAN

TCS members waiting for buses at 5AM

Rabbi Wiederhorn driving down after the buses didn’t come.

On November 14th, over 100 people gathered at TCS at 5AM to catch buses so they could join almost 300,000 Americans on the National Mall in Washington DC. They were marching to stand up for Israel, to combat antisemitism, and demand Hamas free the over 240 hostages still being held. When the buses failed to arrive—the bus company claimed they were accidentally cancelled—determined TCS members formed carpools, loaded 38 cars, and drove over six hours to be there.

The event, organized in partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, was worth it.

Amassador Deborah Lipstadt, US Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism addressed the crowd and assured them that this country will not harbor antisemitism. She then quoted what George Washington said when he spoke to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport Rhode Island in 1790:

“For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.”

The Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who delivered a message broadcast live from the Western Wall in Jerusalem, declared that “Eighty years ago, Jews came out of Auschwitz and vowed ‘never again’... Let us cry out, together: Never again. Never again is now.”

US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Majority Leader Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and the Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) then made a joint appearance to show bicameral, bipartisan support for Israel rescuing the hostages and eradicating Hamas, as well as denouncing all forms of antisemitism.

Religious representatives, celebrities, college students, and others also spoke, noting that doing so was consistent with America’s core values.

Three relatives of the hostages also spoke powerfully, moving the flag-draped crowd to thunderously chant “Bring them home.” The Maccabeats, a religious a cappella group, joined Israeli singer Omer Adam in leading the US national anthem and a moving rendition of Hatikvah.

Prior to the march, 30,000 students from USY, Young Judaea, Tsofim of North America, Ramah Camping Movement, NCSY and MaccabiaUSA, as well as Jewish day and high school students gathered for a premarch youth rally. Root One in partnership with Hillel International Movement, Prizmah, The Jewish Education Project, and others organized this event.

Over 250,000 people tuned in online. Let’s hear TCS members’ thoughts on the event.

Carin Savel: Our story is one of resilience.

When our buses didn’t show, we scrambled into cars and made the drive ourselves. We were going to Washington no matter what. Our trip to the March for Israel makes me feel like I’m part of a very brave and dedicated community, and there’s no feeling like singing Hatikvah with 300,000 other Zionists.

Back L-R: Julia Genser, Linda Sharkey, Miki Scarfo, Marji Kaplowitz, Lisa Kessler, Front L-R: Jen Kanfer, Amy Weisman, Ilene Frost, Sharon Navarro, Denise Pearl

14 | The Mosaic

Carin Savel, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County on DC Metro

FEATURES : DC MARCH

Michelle Saunders: I attended the rally in DC as a Jew to support my Israeli friends in the war against Hamas and to demand the release of the hostages.

Debra Montner: My mom Shirley is my inspiration. She and her family escaped with their lives to America from the Polish pogroms in 1922, much like the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks. Having lived through the Shoah, she’s been a lifelong Zionist and outspoken activist for Israel. She said to me, ‘the Holocaust was hidden from us, but this atrocity and existential threat to Jews and Israel is completely out in the open.‘ How could I not go?” My firm proudly supports communications and business development for dozens of Israeli cyber companies.

The most meaningful part of the rally to me was a strong feeling of solidarity with Israel. Gathering among nearly 300,000 Americans (mostly Jews) was an uplifting and bonding experience.

Claudia Cohen, Deb Montner, Michelle Saunders

My overriding takeaway is that we are not alone, and when Jews of all observances unite to support Israel (our differences are secondary), we become a fierce and powerful force.

Henry Feuerstein: I attended the March to show solidarity with Israel and our Jewish brothers and sisters and to fight antisemitism. I was surprised by the emotions felt collectively and personally.

I walked away with an overriding feeling of Jewish pride and the feeling we are not alone. I am sure that this March gave Israelis and Jews worldwide a renewed sense of hope that all is not lost and we are not alone.

Geoffrey Stern: There’s nothing like being surrounded by 300,000 supporters of Israel to provide moral clarity, strength, and break the isolation that we Jews feel during the current crisis. Natan Sharansky, for whom I demonstrated with my parents in this same place over 40 years ago, reminded us all of the power of our united voice to free hostages and declare our rights to live in peace and security. Am Yisrael Chai!

Matt Landau: Attending the rally and being with hundreds of thousands of pro-Israel supporters remains incredibly inspiring. As a pro-Israel AIPAC political leader, I’m particularly motivated to educate the Congress and all of our pro-Israel neighbors to the value to America of the US-Israel relationship.

Securing the financial and human resources to keep this relationship strong and bipartisan is ongoing. The rally is a reminder of the strength of the Jewish people when we come together. There was so much light and positive energy from the attendees who were Christians and Jews, young and old, from cities all over this great American land. It was a great day for America and we’re grateful to all those who worked hard to make it a successful event.

Joni Usdan, Geoffrey Stern, Matt Landau, Scott Miller

Marc Zuckerman, Tom Knight, Jeff Bernstein

Jeff Bernstein: The day was inspiring on many levels. I felt the collective excitement and energy for what the day might bring starting with gathering early in the morning with like-minded people at TCS, shifting to driving without hesitation due to the bus thing, stopping at a highway rest stop filled with people heading to the March, being on the subway packed with March goers, arriving to see a massive turnout, showing the world what seemed to me to be the largest demonstration so far, listening to passionate speakers packed in a crowd that cheered, no sense of danger, etc. It felt like I finally did something more meaningful than donating and putting a sign and ribbon in front of our home.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 Hanukkah 2023/5784

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FEATURES : THE HANUK K AH MIR ACLE

The Hanukkah Miracle

BY DIANA SUSSMAN

H

anukkah, like many Jewish holidays, celebrates the fact that a group tried to kill us, they didn’t—let’s eat.

Specifically, King Antiochus IV sought to impose Greek customs and religion upon all under his rule, which included the Jews in Judea (an area that contains present day Israel). The king desecrated the Second Temple, renaming it for the Greek God Zeus, and murdered any Jews refusing to convert. Mattathias Maccabee (which means hammer) and his son Judah led a Jewish resistance group. Despite being greatly outnumbered, the group won and reclaimed their homes and temple. During the rededication, they lit the eternal light with the small amount of oil left.

Miraculously, the oil lasted eight days, enough time to make more and prevent the eternal light from going out.

This miracle can been seen as a metaphor for the resilience and determination of the Jewish people to maintain their religious and cultural identity against great adversity.

Throughout history, groups have sought to annihilate or persecute Jewish communities, but we Jews persevered. The Babylonians destroyed the First Temple in Jerusalem and sent the Jews into exile.

When Cyrus the Great later allowed the Jews to return to Judea, the Jews built The Second Temple. Years later, as we know from the Purim story, Queen Esther saved the Jews from another effort to annihilate the Jews, this time initiated by the advisor to the Persian King Ahasuerus.

Then, the Persians lost control of the area to the Greeks, who tried to hellenize the Jews (ie. the Hanukkah story). When the Romans came to power, they destroyed the Second Temple and exiled the Jews, leading to the diaspora.

In Medieval Europe, Jews constantly faced pogroms, persecution, forced expulsions and violence. Still, the Jews carried on with strength, hope, and humor. The show Fiddler on the Roof captures this bitter truth.

After being evicted from Anatevka, Golde says “It’s just a place.” Mordcha comments, “And our forefathers have been forced out of many, many places at a moment’s notice.” To which Tevye responds, “Maybe that’s why... we always wear our hats.”

During the Holocaust families were destroyed, orphans were common, and Europeans were at odds with how to solve this “Jewish problem.” Despite this, the Jews rose like a phoenix from the ashes.

Jewish leaders pushed for Jews to return to their biblical home, Israel, and for the world to recognize it as such. There, Jews made “flowers bloom in the desert.”

16 | The Mosaic

”

The reason the Jews have survived is the resilience of the Jewish spirit.

In every case, instead of wallowing in being victimized and hated, the Jews picked up the pieces of their shattered lives, rebuilt them, and sought to improve the world (Tikkun Olam). They educated themselves, found cures for diseases, advocated for others in need, and contributed to their adopted societies.

Although Jews make up 0.2% of the world’s population, 214 of the 965 Nobel prize winners (22%) are Jewish or people with at least one Jewish parent.

Jewish efforts led to lifesaving advances in healthcare, enabling us, among other things, to: vaccinate against polio and Covid, take an aspirin for a headache, test for the BRCA gene; use Digitalis to fight heart disease; use insulin to fight diabetes; quell convulsions with chloral hydrate; or stop a toothache with novocaine.

Sigmund Freud, known as the father of psychoanalysis, changed the approach to treating mental health. Albert Einstein’s theory of general and special relativity revolutionized the field of physics and changed how we look at the universe.

Jews have added color and culture to people’s every day lives. The works of Jewish artists like Chagall, Modigliani and Pissarro hang in museums and public spaces. Jewish authors, poets, and playwrights have also created some of our greatest literary works. There are too many to list but some notable ones are: Philip Roth, J.D. Salinger, Gertrude Stein, Herman Wouk, Ayn Rand, Joseph Heller, Elie Wiesel, Tom Stoppard, Arthur Miller, David Mamet, and Harold Pinter. In fact, the words on our Statue of Liberty were also written by a Jew—Emma Lazarus.

Jews have helped enrich all forms of entertainment. Musicians like George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Marvin Hamlisch, Lou Reed, Benny Goodman, Barbra Streisand, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, Billy Joel, and so many others delight the world.

At least one of the founders of most of the big movie studios—MGM, Paramount, RKO, Warner Brothers, Columbia Pictures and Universal Pictures—were Jewish.

The current CEO of Disney is Jewish.

Similarly, some of the greatest composers and writers of musical theater were also Jewish—like Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, George and Ira Gershwin, and Jerome Kerr.

Of course, Jews have also added flavor to the world. Food is important! People of all backgrounds love good deli, bagels, rugelach, babka, and chicken soup.

Sephardic Jews also helped popularize kofta kebabs, pilafs, and couscous.

Having known persecution, Jews advocate for others. They lead organizations that give voice to the voiceless. In the 1960s, Jewish leaders worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. to end segregation for the Black community. US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg spent her life changing laws to promote equity for all, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

Sadly, given the recent and horrific attack on Israel and the corresponding spike in antisemitism in the US, Jews need to fight for themselves. Over one hundred people from Fairfield County went to Washington DC to join hundreds of thousands in a peaceful march against antisemitism.

These individuals showed their resilient Jewish spirits were not deterred when the two prepaid buses failed to arrive. They piled into 38 cars and drove. Hopefully, others who have benefitted from Jewish contributions or support, will repay the favor by standing up and joining them.

Jewish lives matter too. As Mark Twain aptly noted when referencing Jews: “His contributions to the world’s list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine, and abstruse learning are also very out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers. He has made a marvelous fight in the world of all ages; and has done it with his hands tied behind him.” Twain goes on to ask, “What is the secret of his immortality?“ I would answer Twain with, “The reason the Jews survive is the resilience of their Jewish spirit.”

So when watching the glowing flames of the Hanukkiah (Hanukkah menorah) this year, think of it as a representation of that spirit, dancing with warmth and vivacity, and how that spirit, like the miraculous eternal light, refuses to burn out.

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FEATURES : HANUK K AH R ECIPES

What’s Cooking?

BY MICHELLE SAUNDERS

Grandma Roslyn’s Easy No-Grate Potato Latkes

Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Latkes Ingredients

2 eggs, beaten 1 ½ cups milk or orange juice 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt 3 medium sized apples, peeled & finely chopped (I prefer Gala or Fuji) ½ cup of sugar if using milk, ¼ cup if using juice ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon Heavy pinch of nutmeg and/or clove Canola or avocado oil Optional: confectioners’ sugar for dusting

The Method 1.

2.

3.

4.

Ingredients

2 ½ pounds russet potatoes (peeled and chopped into 1-2” chunks in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning) 1 medium (diced) yellow onion 3 large eggs 1 medium (minced) clove garlic 1 ½ -2 teaspoons kosher salt (or to taste) ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1/3 to 1/2 cup matzo meal Canola or avocado oil

3.

Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of minced herbs (parsley, dill, chives, cilantro)

4.

The Method

5.

1.

2.

In a standard blender on low setting, add the eggs, minced garlic, salt, black pepper and onion and blend till incorporated.

Gradually add in handfuls of drained/ dried potatoes to the mix until incorporated. After every few additions

18 | The Mosaic

6.

of potatoes, add 1-2 tablespoons of matzo meal, finishing with the matzo meal. It is especially important not to over process the batter, so you must act quickly. The batter should be a thick, heavy puree. You can always add extra matzo meal to thicken the batter.

Optional: stir in minced herbs by hand. If you add them while blending, your pancakes will turn green.

Pour about ½” deep of oil in a large sauté pan and heat on medium heat until oil is hot and shimmering.

Add large spoons of potato mixture to pan and fry until golden brown, then flip over till done.

Drain on a paper towel and serve immediately with applesauce, sour cream, or maple syrup.

5.

6.

Mix eggs with milk or juice in a large bowl.

In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar.

Add dry ingredients and chopped apples to the egg mixture and stir until incorporated.

Pour about ¼” deep of oil in a large sauté pan and heat until hot and shimmering.

Add large tablespoons of batter to the pan and cook until lightly golden brown. Flip over until done.

Drain on paper towel, dust with confectioners’ sugar (optional) and serve with applesauce, maple syrup, or sour cream.

FEATURES : HANUK K AH R ECIPES AND IDEAS

Curried Savory Sweet Potato Latkes

Cilantro Mint Chutney

Ingredients

1 cup cilantro leaves ½ cup mint leaves ½ inch piece of ginger peeled ½ green chili (or to taste) optional 2 cloves garlic, peeled Juice of 1 lemon Pinch of kosher salt Small container of full fat Greek yogurt (for topping latkes)

The Method 1.

2.

Ingredients

1 pound sweet potatoes (peeled and coarsely grated) ½ cup flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 teaspoons curry powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin ¾ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste) ½ inch piece of ginger (peeled and grated) 2 large eggs (beaten) ¼ cup milk Canola oil for frying

Add cilantro, mint, ginger, chili, garlic, lemon juice and salt in a food processor until it forms a paste. Add a little water if it is too thick.

Place a heaping teaspoon of Greek yogurt on each latke and top with a smaller amount of the cilantro-mint chutney.

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Hanukkah Fun for Kids

BY DIANA SUSSMAN

Ugit ut odis conse et et aut aut aut lantiaectis At Hanukkah, bond with your children by making edible menorahs. What should you use? reperumquis seque imus, sunt, quis molupta velland Be creative. To get your juices flowing, here are some examples of what you can do.... icianis dunt aut. Gia placcatio ma volore omni.

The Method 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Mix the flour, baking powder, cumin, curry powder, and salt in a large bowl.

Add the shredded sweet potatoes to the dry ingredients and stir until well mixed.

In a separate bowl, add the milk to the beaten eggs, mixing well.

Add the liquid ingredients to the sweet potato mixture and stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly moistened. ¼ inch deep of canola oil in a large sauté pan and heat until hot and shimmering.

Drop a large mounded tablespoon of the batter into the pan and flatten.

Fry on each side for several minutes until golden brown.

Drain latkes on a paper towel and serve immediately with applesauce, mango chutney or Greek yogurt & cilantro mint chutney (see recipe).

Go healthy!

Go nuts!

Don’t just mangia on your pasta - play with it!

Start the morning with breakfast bagels

Whatever you do...

ENJOY! Or go straight to dessert. Holy Cannoli!

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FEATURE : DC MARCH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

(Back L-R) Marji Kaplowitz, Linda Sharkey, Denise Pearl, Lisa Kessler, Miki Scarfo, Julia Genser, Sharon Navarro (Front L-R) Jen Kanfer, Amy Weisman, Ilene Frost

Paula Koffsky, Michelle Saunders, Claudia Cohen, Debra Montner, Naomi Weingart

Ilene Frost: I was moved by the spirit of TCS, and my friend group of 10…we were determined and all bonded over our commitment to the rally. We now share this experience participating in a moment in history that will forever be a part of us. There’s nothing better than a crowd singing the American and Israeli anthems, together!

Lisa Kessler: I went to the March to show my daughters that in the face of antisemitism we don’t have a choice to be afraid and must stand up for ourselves and be prideful. We may be small in numbers, but we will never let another Holocaust happen again. We are not Jews with trembling knees.

Julia Genser: My overriding take away from the event is that every day we need to stand together, take a stand against antisemitism and stand for Israel. And for me, to thank the United States government and the Biden administration for its unwavering support for the State of Israel. It really is remarkable that in the face of international pressure to do otherwise, Biden and Blinken do not falter.

20 | The Mosaic

Paula Koffsky: I’m so glad to have been part of the largest gathering of support for Israel at the Mall with over 290,000 other proud Jews from all over the country and abroad. The large swarms of day schoolers, representing young Jews everywhere, were especially uplifting to see.

Approximately 300,000 people attended march in the National Mall

I’m so proud to be a Jew and I’m proud of our community in CT, where 2 buses sold out within minutes with a long waitlist. I’m glad to have been able to participate and witness first hand the determination and deep soul of our people.

Amy Weisman: My overriding take away is that we: Need to keep our voices heard. Need to keep pressure on the government for funding and support of Israel. Need to get the hostages home.

Everyone counts and needs to be counted.

Everyone can make a difference by explaining to others about the conflict, posting on social media, attending rallies, speaking to Congress, or protesting to officials on college campuses where antisemitism is rampant.

Tom Knight & Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn bonded with other participants

FEATURES : DC MARCH

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn: I was so proud when our TCS community immediately responded and filled an entire bus to travel to Washington, DC together with another bus of Jewish community members to stand up for Israel, the hostages, and against antisemitism. When the buses didn’t show up, I was even prouder to watch everyone quickly pivot, get into cars, and drive to Washington on our own. Nothing was going to stop us! The rally was inspiring and energizing—an historic moment that we will never forget.

Am Yisrael Chai!

(Back L-R ) Jeff Bernstein, Tom Knight (Middle L-R) Sharon Navarro, Denise Pearl, Marji Kaplowitz, Lisa Kessler, Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn (Front L-R) Marc Zuckerman, Julia Genser, Linda Sharkey, Ilene Frost, Miki Scarfo, Amy Weisman

Matt Landau, Joni Usdan, Scott Miller, Geoffrey Stern

Carin Savel & Tom Knight stand with Israel

Pamela Schneider, a friend, and Cantor Jessica Silverberg

Joni Usdan: I went to the march because we need to support Israel’s right to defend herself, speak out about releasing the hostages, and sound the alarm against rising antisemitism (on and off campus). It was so meaningful to be among 300,000 (predominantly) Jews, young, old and in between, who came from literally all over the country, and gathered peacefully as one. These were unprecedented numbers of Jews in the US unified for a Jewish cause. It was such a harmonious moment.

Personally, I was happy to hear Van Jones, a black CNN commentator, speak about standing up for Jews and Israel and noting that many Jews marched shoulder to shoulder with Civil Rights leaders, protested with them, and went to jail with them. Too many people have forgotten the critical role Jews played in the civil rights movement. Jews need support from the Black community now.

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn & Carin Savel led our contingent Ofek Moscovich, the Jewish Federation’s post-army Israeli Emissary

I was proud as ever to be a part of a shining example of peaceful, orderly, organized protest for good in this world.

While this may be about Jews on the face of it, we are in this together, whether others realize it now or not.

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TCS LOVES : DONORS, DOERS & DAVENERS

TCS Thanks Its Donors, Doers & Daveners Funds and Contributions received between August 1 and October 31, 2023.

Any contributions received after October 31st will appear in the next issue.

Adult Education Fund Rick Bitsky & Joni Usdan in memory of Louis Bitsky z”l Martina & Bob Israely in memory of: • Boris Israely z”l • Claudia Israely Kopel z”l • Paul Edward Nicholls Jr. z”l • Paul Edward Nicholls III z”l • Pearl Klores Peskin z”l Barbara Reis in memory of James Backlar z”l Ed & Debbie Smolka in honor of Dr. Alan Radin’s birthday Building/Security Fund Sandy & Mark Rappaport in memory of Dr. Kenneth Feldman z”l Cantor’s Discretionary Fund Susan & Ivan Cohen Amy & Samuel Gettler in appreciation of Cantor Silverberg for her help in preparing Adam to become a bar mitzvah Sherrie Willner in honor of Cantor Jessica Silverberg Dolores Gordon Music Fund Lauren & Andrew Weisenfeld in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l General Fund Judith Elson Howard Fetner in memory of Mark Fetner z”l The Folger Family in honor of the Shari B. Levy z”l Education Center Ellen & Art Gang in honor of Cynthia Bannon and our dedicated office and custodial staff Amy & Samuel Gettler in appreciation of Debbie Smolka for her help in preparing Adam to become a bar mitzvah Steven Goldring in memory of: • Miriam Goodman z”l • Michael Guttenberg z”l Cynthia Lieberbaum in memory of: • Sidney Greenberger z”l • Michael Lieberbaum z”l The Phillips Family in memory of: • Frieda Builder z”l • Irving Builder z”l Beth & Jay Rand in memory of Gerald Perloff z”l Sandy & Mark Rappaport in honor of: • The engagement of Caroline Cohen to Matthew Kravitz

22 | The Mosaic

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The engagement of Samantha Freeman to Scott Sall • The engagement of Annie Glasser to Steven Sacks • The engagement of Dan Haroun to Lily Katz • The engagement of David Katz to Abby Sklar Sandy & Mark Rappaport in memory of: • Muriel Feldman z”l • George Rappaport z”l Michelle Rose Holocaust Education Fund Alexa, Courtney, Robin & Barry Babbin in memory of Mr. Jack Babbin z”l Cynthia & Hyman Cohen in memory of Pauline Baraz z”l Howard Matson in appreciation of Sol Slotnik for his leading of the Yom Kippur study Isabel & Steve Moskowitz in memory of Shirley Price z”l Lewis Sperber in honor of Alyssa, Josh & Abigail Gold Judith Udell in memory of Alfred Jacobs z”l Hospitality Fund Linda & Len Russ in honor of Dr. Alan Radin Kehillah School Fund Sophie & Seth Golob in honor of the marriage of Michael Fraade to Rabbi Jenn Queen Koach Ellen & Art Gang in memory of Shari Levy z”l Music Fund Ivy & Ben Gosseen in honor of Eva & Lee Rawiszer Peter R. Lessler Scholarship Fund Ellen & Owen Bregman in honor of Alan Radin’s Big Birthday Karen Lessler in memory of: • Peter Lessler z”l • Stephen Lessler z”l • Mimi Weckstein z”l Preschool Scholarship Fund Elinor Silver in memory of Rita Leslie Nanes z”l Prayer Book & Chumash Fund Leslie Gold in honor of Morgan Folger’s upcoming wedding —Mazel Tov! Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Alexa, Courtney, Robin & Barry Babbin in memory of Mona Gabry z”l

Stephanie Bass in honor of Rabbi Wiederhorn Stacey & Scott Berger in support of efforts in Israel Barbara Levi-Berliner & Ed Berliner in memory of: • Mort Berliner z”l • Loretta Klein z”l Susie Blumenfeld in memory of Mark Shulman z”l Susie & Todd Blumenfeld in honor of Alex Benke becoming a bar mitzvah Precilla & David Bukzin in honor of Daniel Bukzin Natalie & Ross Chinitz in memory of Philip Goldberg z”l Susan & Ivan Cohen Karen Cohen in memory of: • Steven Cohen z”l • Bernice Sturtz z”l Matthew Evans Karyn & Richard Freeman in memory of: • Marilyn Tendler z”l • Steven Tendler z”l Ellen & Art Gang for peace in Israel and the US in the New Year Ellen & Art Gang in memory of Martin Rosenfeld z”l Leslie & Mitchell Geller in honor of Dr. Alan Radin Myra Gershowitz in memory of Arthur Gershowitz z”l Amy & Samuel Gettler in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn for his help in preparing Adam to become a bar mitzvah The Kalt Family in memory of Isabel Martin z”l Richelle & Greg Kalnit in memory of Charlotte Kalnit z”l Ann Katz in honor of Dr. Alan Radin’s birthday Jillian & Anthony Klaff in memory of Ruth Goldberg z”l Judi Koffsky in memory of Ned Brightman z”l Liz Krebs in memory of Seymour Alter z”l Laurence Kurzner in memory of Wilma Kurzner z”l Claudette & Steven Kunkes in memory of Herman J. Kunkes z”l Denise Lewis and Family in memory of Polly Wachtenheim z”l Seth & Danielle Liebenstein Robyn Levy & James Weisz and Family in memory of Leon Landau z”l Isabel & Steve Moskowitz in memory of: • Adolph Moskowitz z”l • Miriam Moskowitz z”l

AROUND THE SHUL : CONDOLENCES

Gladys & Jerry O’Neil in memory of: • Tillie Lebowitz Glasberg z”l • William Glasberg z”l Robin Oshman & Barney Spivack in memory of Ronald Cohen z”l Lori, David, Alex, Josh & Ben Popkin in memory of Michael Lieberbaum z”l Bobbi & Alan Radin in memory of: • Martha Shaffer z”l • Sanford Shaffer z”l Lisa & Edward Raice in memory of Rhoda Raice z”l Beth & Jay Rand in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn for the baby naming of Lily Shaina Lauren & Jordan Rand in memory of Ronald Cohen z”l Michelle Rose in honor of Sadie Rose & Solomon Rose Martha Rosenfeld in memory of Anne Elowsky z”l Joan Schussheim in appreciation of Yom Kippur in Westport Reena & Arthur Seltzer in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn Stephanie Sugin in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn for officiating at Alana and Alec’s wedding Judith Udell in memory of Nora Jacobs z”l Ana & Steven White in memory of Paul White z”l Ruth & Nelson Willick

Condolences Albert Guetta z”l, father of Ruth (Nelson) Willick Leon Landau z”l, father of Betty (Mark Landau) Kornbluth Arthur Gershowitz z”l, father of Jeff (Pamela Davis) Gershowitz Barton Manaker z”l, stepfather of Amie (John) Greenspan

Loretta Klein z”l, mother of Benay (Steve) Rubin & Risa (Steven) Werner Ron Schulman z”l, stepfather of Michelle Katz Rita Leslie Nanes z”l, mother of Josh (Rebecca) Nanes Charlotte Kalnit z”l, mother of Greg (Richelle) Kalnit

Sisterhood – Mitzvah Fund Ana & Steven White and Family in memory of Sonia Gorfinkel z”l Sisterhood – Shalom Baby Wendy & Phil Schaefer in honor of: • The birth of Hannah Victoria Costa, granddaughter of Jennifer & Alan Clement • The birth of Evelyn Lopez Kamisar, granddaughter of Stacy & Jon Kamisar TIES Fund Judith Udell in memory of Nora Jacobs z”l Tikkun Olam Fund Ellen & Art Gang in honor of the birth of Ella Celia Hertz, granddaughter of Barbara & Alan Phillips Sara, Phil, Emma & Ava Glick in memory of Edwin Elson z”l Jay & Cynthia Hamburger in memory of Abraham Hamburger z”l Barney Spivack in memory of Rosalind Spivack z”l USY/Kadima/Machar Fund Annie Glasser & Steven Sacks in memory of: • Nancy Cohen z”l • Shari Levy z”l

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FEATURES : KASSENS HONORED; HANUKKAH TRIVIA

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy Honors Shelly & Michael Kassen

BY ELISE MEYER

interests in the Middle East and to promote the policies that secure them.

On November 16th, Shelly and Michael Kassen were honored at the Scholar-Statesmen Award Gala at the Plaza Hotel in NYC. Shelly was honored as past President and current Chair of the organization.

Robert Satloff, the Executive Director, was also recognized and honored for 30 years as Executive Director.

Rabbi Wiederhorn and many members of the TCS family were in attendance to celebrate and acknowledge the many years of dedicated service and deep commitment of the Kassens to Israel and the Washington Institute.

A highlight of the evening was a conversation between Dan Senor,

Roger Hertog, Shelly Kassen, Michael Kassen, ,Jay Bernstein

co-author of the new book, “The Genius of Israel,” and host of the “Call Me Back” podcast, with honoree Robert Satloff.

The mission of The Washington Institute is to advance a balanced and realistic understanding of American

The Washington Institute’s scholars are consulted daily by the world’s leading policymakers and journalists, providing incomparable insight and understanding about the ever-changing Middle East.

From the Oslo Accords to 9/11, from the Iran Nuclear Deal to the Abraham Accords, the Institute has played a critical role in advancing US interests in a time of war and peace .

For more information about the institute’s analyses, or to donate to this important initiative, go to: washingtoninstitute.org.

Hanukkah Trivia

BY ELISE MEYER

1.

For how many nights does Hanukkah last?

2.

How many blessings are said on the first night of Hanukkah?

3.

Are the Hanukkah candles lit from right to left or left to right?

4.

What is the name for money given as presents during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah?

5.

6.

7.

What colors are associated with Hanukkah?

Are Hanukkah dishes traditionally baked, roasted, boiled, steamed, or fried?

What American holiday does Hanukkah sometimes overlap with?

24 | The Mosaic

8.

Which Hanukkah toy was used as a decoy after the Torah was outlawed?

16. Which act is prohibited during the eight nights of Hanukkah?

9.

What is the Shamash?

17.

10. What is the name of the round jelly doughnuts served at Hanukkah?

11.

True or False: gift-giving is a longstanding Hanukkah tradition.

12. Which day of the week can Hanukkah NOT begin on?

13. Prior to being made of potatoes, what were latkes, a traditional food served at Hanukkah, primarily made of?

14. How many ways can “Hanukkah” be spelled?

15. What does the word “Hanukkah” mean?

What is the name of the first US president to light a menorah?

18. Traditionally, what type of oil is used to light the menorah?

19. What are the names of the Heroines of Torah Study?

20. How many times is Hanukkah mentioned in the Torah?

21. What is the name of the astronaut who celebrated Hanukkah in outer space?

22. Where is the best place to light the Menorah?

23. Who is the Greek-Syrian leader that took harsh steps to destroy Judaism?

24. On Friday afternoon, what time should the menorah be lit and how long should it stay lit after nightfall?

25. What is the name of the courageous Jewish woman who defied the Greeks and killed one of their generals?

26. According to Jewish law, how many gifts must be given during the holiday of Hanukkah?

27. To be kosher, how must the candles of a Menorah be arranged?

28. What do you call Jews who assimilated to Greek culture?

29. What do the four Hebrew letters on the dreidel (nun, gimmel, hey, shin) stand for?

AROUND THE SHUL :: OUT & ABOUT AT TCS

Answers to Hanukkah Trivia 1. 8. 2. 3. 3. Right to left. 4. Gelt.

5. Blue, white, and sometimes silver. 6. Fried. 7. Thanksgiving.

8. The dreidel. 9. The candle of the menorah used to light the other candles. 10. Sufganiyot.

11. False. 12. Tuesday. 13. Cheese.

14. There are 16 variations on the spelling of Hanukkah.

15. “Inauguration” in English and “Dedication” in Hebrew.

16. Fasting. 17. Bill Clinton.

18. Olive oil. 19. Hannah and Judith. 20. 0. 21. Jeff Hoffman.

22. Entrance to your house.

23. Antiochus Epiphanes.

24. The menorah should be lit 18 minutes before sundown and stay lit 30 minutes after nightfall. 25. Yehudit. 26. 0.

27. In a straight line.

28. Hellenists. 29. A great miracle happened there.

High Holiday Todah Rabah Rabbi Wiederhorn Cantor Silverberg Cantor Frieder Susan Ochman our High Holiday chair Dick Kalt for help with security and shuttle buses Jay Rand, Naomi Weingart, & our ritual officers Our ushers Devorah Lowenstein Ofek Moscovich Seth Marion Lauran Pancoast Sol Slotnik for teaching on Yom Kippur Cynthia Lieberbaum for donating the honey The Machlis & Navarro families for donating apples Eileen Gress & Susan Ochman for polishing the silver

Torah and Haftorah Readers

Debbie Fine & Marsha Shrago for organizing the candlesticks Cynthia Bannon Joanne Folger Lynn Pokorny Laura Steinbrecher Nelson Blanco Diego Isazo Luis Sarmiento

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 Jay Rand Rich Rosen Leon Serfaty Steven Silverberg Sol Slotnik Mark Steckel Geoffrey Stern

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

Gabbaiim Alan Clement Henry Feuerstein Phil Glick Bob Israely Stew Levine Alan Radin Len Russ

INSPIRING & EDUCATING FOR NEARLY 70 YEARS!

DISCOVER BI-CULTURAL HEBREW ACADEMY A Pre-K to 12th Grade School

Where academic excellence, traditional values and Jewish heritage combine to create happy, successful students!

OPEN HOUSE UPPER SCHOOL

LOWER SCHOOL

Sunday, October 22nd 10 am - 12 pm

Sunday, October 29th 10 am - 12 pm

Grades 9 to 12

Grades Pre-K to 4

For more information please contact Bonnie Marcus, Director of Admissions, at bmarcus@bcha-ct.org

SCAN HERE TO REGISTER

2186 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06903 Lower School (203) 329-2186 • Upper School (203) 883-8970 • bcha-ct.org

Hanukkah 2023/5784

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AROUND THE SHUL : HIGH HOLIDAY APPEAL

High Holiday Appeal Our High Holiday Appeal is off to a great start. We have already received 170 pledges, which represents approximately 40% of our congregation. The gifts range from $18 to $18,000. You may recall that our aggressive goal is to have 75% of our community contribute. Our sincere thanks to those who have made pledges, and to those who have yet to contribute; we hope you will join us.

Contact the office or go online at www.tcs-westport.org to add your name to this list of people who have already given.

Nicole & Jason Abramowitz Anna & Hayati Akyuz Suzanne Akyuz Allison & Michael Amron Paula & Mark Argosh Ilyssa & Jacob Axel Gwen & David Baker Debra & Andrew Barer Lauren & Jordan Barnett Lois & Eric Baron Stephanie Bass Stacey & Scott Berger Barbara Levi-Berliner & Edward Berliner Judy & Jan Berman Mona & Jeffrey Bernstein Melissa & Richard Birns Joni Usdan & Frederick Bitsky Carrie & Justin Blasberg Michele & Michael Blend Galina & Alexander Blishteyn Karen & Ira Bloom Carol & Andrew Boas Randy Bonett Jan & Tom Brodsky Doug Brody Jennifer & Nathaniel Brogadir Susan & Matthew Byer Heather & Brian Cherry Natalie & Ross Chinitz Michele & Ed Cohen Cynthia & Hyman Cohen Joshua Cohen Karen Cohen Barbara Cohen Les Dinkin Melissa & Matthew Dombrow Kerry & Mathew Epstein Meredith Gershon & Howard Fetner Melinda & Paul Feuerstadt Debbie & Doug Fine Karla Cohen & Daniel Fisher Alicia & Scot Fishman Joanne Folger Stacey Foodim-Sloan Ellen Graff & Martin Fox Orna & Fred Grand Rita Appel & Jon Fraade

26 | The Mosaic

Karyn & Richard Freeman Emily Sigalow & Uri Fridman Ellen Friedman Ilene & Alan Frost Pamela & David Furth Ellen & Arthur Gang Alexandra & Eric Garfunkel Julia Marx & Andrew Genser Hilary & Jonathan Gerber Pamela Davis & Jeffrey Gershowitz Amy & Samuel Gettler Sharon Jaffe & Jim Glasser Susan & Michael Glick Sara & Philip Glick Alyssa & Josh Gold Kara & Robert Goldenberg Steven Goldring Lynne & Stephen Goldstein Jennifer & Steven Goldstein Ivy & Benjamin Gosseen Judy & Mitchell Greenberg Abby & Scott Greenspun Eileen Gress Matthew Guthartz Suzanne & David Haber Amy & John Herrera Rachel Goldfine & Mark Highman Lisa & Adam Hodes Donna & David Hyman Martina & Robert Israely Lydia & Richard Kalt Stacy & Jonathan Kamisar Jennifer & Jordan Kanfer Carol & Jeffrey Kaplan Marji & Rich Kaplowitz Shelly & Michael Kassen Amy & Neil Katz Kara & Jay Katz Pamela & Richard Kesselman Jillian & Anthony Klaff Sally & Larry Kleinman Shari & Gary Korn Claudette & Steven Kunkes Laurence Kurzner Jessie Schwartz-Kwasnik Margie & Bob Labarre Elayne & Matthew Landau Sam Levenson Sara & Jonathan Levy

Impact Doubled The High Holiday Appeal is one of the most important fundraisers our synagogue has. Given recent events, it is even more important to support our TCS community.

This year, sixteen TCS families generously came together to form a Match Campaign. Each dollar donated by a member who is contributing for the first time to this Appeal or who has not contributed to the Appeal over the past two years will be matched by this group (up to $1,000 per family).

They are doubling the impact of your donation! Even small donations become more significant and make a difference.

The goal of this Match Campaign is to increase the percentage of TCS families who contribute annually to this Appeal. TCS would like to thank those sixteen families who have given this generous gift. Please take advantage of this offer. To do so: contact the office or go online at www.tcs-westport.org.

Denise Lewis Cynthia Lieberbaum Lauren Soloff & Wesley Malowitz Jenna & Brian Markowitz Rachel & Micah Meisel Ellen & Steve Mendell Karen Feldman & Scott Miller Susan & Murray Morrison Isabel & Dr. Stephen Moskowitz Rebecca & Joshua Nanes Sharon & Steven Navarro Jara & Russell Negrin Jessica & Michael Newshel Susan Ochman Allison & Jonathan Olefson Marcy & Tal Oren Amanda & Gregory Parker Barbara & Alan Phillips Julie & Ken Podziba Lori & David Popkin Tracy & Marc Porosoff Meredith Poster Beth & Jay Rand Sandra & Mark Rappaport Eva & Lee Rawiszer Barbara Reis Richard Rosen Jodi & Jason Ross Anita & Ari Rothman Lisa & Douglas Rozen Linda & Len Russ Judy & Steve Samuels Faith & David Schachne Wendy & Philip Schaefer George Schott Karen Lessler & Jack Schwartz Kim & Mark Shapiro

Alisha Gerber & Eric Shrago Marsha Shrago Jessica & Joel Siegel Lisa Hersch & Jonathan Siner Emmanuelle & Matthew Slossberg Sol Slotnik Debra & Edward Smolka Debra & Gary Solomon Nicole Wilson-Spiro & Michael Spiro Robin Oshman & Barney Spivack Robin & Bruce Spolansky Bonnie & Zachary Steinman Julie & David Sternberg Gail & Robert Storm Alan Streiter Diana & Daniel Sussman Shellie Tapfar Dena & Aaron Tolkin Julie Tolkin Judith Udell The Waller Family Phyllis & Daniel Wallitt Mindy Hersh & Ian Walters Gayle & Seth Weinstein Robyn Levy & James Weisz Sharon & Neil Wessan Susan & Jesse Wexler Ana & Steven White Riki & Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn Sara & Bret Wiener Sherry & Fred Wiener June Eichbaum & Kenneth Wirfel Ellen & Scott Wofsy Michele & Dr. Lee Wrubel Pamela Schneider & David Young Julie & Marc Zuckerman

AROUND THE SHUL :: ADVERTISING

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Honoring the customs and traditions of our diverse Jewish and Interfaith community since 1948.

Three generations of the Green family have served the community with compassion, understanding, and dignity for over 70 years.

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Hanukkah 2023/5784

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Your Hometown Jewish Funeral Home.

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info@sholomchapel.com | www. SholomChapel .com 28 | The Mosaic

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

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M I TC H E L L S .CO M Hanukkah 2023/5784

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30 Hillspoint Road Westport, CT 06880

Calendar of Upcoming Events December 8 First night of Hanukkah/ Hanukkah Community Dinner 10 Hanukkah Celebration (Kehillah) 12 Adult Learning Series: Before, During and After the War 24-31 Winter Break

30 | The Mosaic

January 1-2 New Years/Winter Break 7 Family B’nei Mitzvah Program (grades 6/7) 15 MLK Weekend 17 A Conversation with Amanda Berman 25 Tu B’Shvat

February 4 Family B’nei Mitzvah Program (grades 6/7) 18-25 February Break

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.