High Holidays 2023/5784

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President

Marc Zuckerman

Rabbi

Jeremy Wiederhorn

Cantor

Jessica Woolf Silverberg

Raphael Frieder High Holiday Services

Executive Director

Cynthia Bannon

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.

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Phone: 203.454.4673

Email: tcs@tcs-westport.org

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Why we have this tradition and how it rejuvinates you for the new year.

Building Bridges

Dear Friends,

Earlier this summer, I had the unique opportunity to the join a delegation of 12 rabbis on a special trip to the UAE, Bahrain, and Israel. The twelve of us were united in our love of Israel and Judaism despite the diversity of our beliefs, practices, gender, denominations, and political positions from left to right in both the American and Israeli contexts. We came from Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform backgrounds. Four rabbis were female. We represented the cities and suburbs of Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, the Tri-State area, Washington, D.C., and the east and west coasts of Florida.

through a better understanding of different peoples.”

He said that part of his mission is “pushing for closer relations with the State of Israel, and for different cultures to work together.” It is important, he asserted, to show non-Jews that Jews have lived in the Middle East for a very long time in order to counter the false narrative that “European governments felt guilty after the Holocaust and decided to give land to the refugees, but rather than giving the Jews a piece of Europe, they invaded the Middle East and gave the Jews land from that part of the world instead.”

In stark contrast to Holocaust deniers, Ahmed and other Emiratis affirm that the Holocaust was a uniquely Jewish experience. Ahmed himself participated in the March of the Living and walked through the gates of Auschwitz with his arms around an Israeli Jewish man wearing a kippah.

Our mission sought to celebrate and discuss the Abraham Accords and build bridges between the Jewish communities of the U.S., Israel, Bahrain, and the UAE. Throughout our ten days together, we were surprised and thrilled to repeatedly hear words like “tolerance,” “peaceful coexistence,” “common ground,” and “bridges of trust and cooperation” from both leaders and ordinary citizens alike. In addition to meeting with officials involved in the Abraham Accords, we spent a beautiful Shabbat in Dubai. None of us could have imagined the seemingly impossible scenario of attending a Shabbat dinner in a Muslim country with Emirati natives and Jewish people from around the world.

One of our most amazing experiences was a tour of the Holocaust Gallery at the Crossroads of Civilization Museum in Dubai, led by Ahmed Al Mansoori. As the museum’s founder, Ahmed focused on “the promotion of multiculturalism, tolerance and positive coexistence

In Bahrain, we met with Sheikh Khalifa and two indigenous Bahraini Jews, Ibrahim Nonoo and Nancy Khedouri. Ibrahim is the first cousin of Houda Nonoo, the first woman and first Jew to serve as the Bahraini ambassador to the United States. Nancy is the only Jewish member of the Shura Council, part of the upper house of the Bahraini parliament. At Beit Knesset Aseret HaDibrot, an essentially defunct synagogue in Manama, some of our colleagues suggested that the institution conduct services with their own minyan of rabbis—female rabbis leading synagogue services in a Muslim country!

In Israel, our group met with members of the Knesset and other government officials, representing a range of political positions, from right-wing members of the current government to left-wing members of the opposition.  We also spent an hour with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his adviser Ron Dermer. Netanyahu took questions and discussed judicial reform and other challenges facing Israel, including Israel’s relationship with the Diaspora. Many of the rabbis in the group were not supporters of Netanyahu’s government— and some were planning to join the demonstrations against the government’s extensive judicial reform proposals—but we felt it was important to sit at the same table with opponents. While publicly criticized by some of our colleagues around the world who were not present, we walked away inspired with a sense of hope and unity.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year, B’shalom Rav,

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

Sheikh Khalifa welcomes Rabbi Wiederhorn to Bahrain

”Our mission sought to celebrate and discuss the Abraham Accords and build bridges between the Jewish communities of the U.S., Israel, Bahrain, and UAE.

Members of the ZRC with Nancy Khedouri in Bahrain

Dear Friends,

Thank you all for welcoming me to TCS this summer. I am excited to kick off 5784 here in Westport. As a cantor, music is how I receive and teach Torah and I am looking forward to the opportunity to share this musical Torah with you all throughout the coming year.

I am a cantor who predominantly serves Conservative congregations but much like TCS, I would prefer to not prominently label myself as such. My cantorial and philosophical influences come from across the denominational spectrum so it is unsurprising that one of my “rebbes” is a Reform cantor, Cantor Benjie-Ellen Schiller.

Cantor Schiller is the Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman Professor of Liturgy, Worship,

Finding the Torah in Sacred Music

and Ritual and a Professor of Cantorial Arts at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, and a worldrenowned composer of synagogue music. She teaches that synagogue music falls into these five categories:

1. Majesty

2. Meditation

3. Meeting

4. Movement/Momentum

5. Memory

Let’s walk through the Torah service to better understand this framework.

To transition out of the Amidah, the cantor opens with Ein Kamocha. Although it is not a call to worship like Bar’khu, the music signals to the congregation that we have moved to the next part of our service. Turn the page and some of us will chant the private meditations and others will wait in silence before we sing together the group meditation Bei Ana Racheitz. At long last, the cantor or rabbi removes the Torah scroll from the ark, turns towards the congregation so we can meet and join together to sing the Sh’ma. I cannot think of a more literal example of music of movement than L’kha Adonai, the song we sing as we process the Torah through the sanctuary. At the end of the Torah service we gently return the Torah to the ark and join together to sing Eitz Chayim Hi. Just like the Sh’ma, this intentional moment with the Torah in front of the open ark has the potential to be majestic and awesome to those in attendance. I would venture to guess that any of the aforementioned pieces I described brings forth a memory that stirs an emotional response.

Maybe hearing these melodies takes you back to your childhood and you recall yanking on a parent or grandparent’s tallit as the Torah processed. Perhaps you were raised in another faith tradition and feel left out of a common shared experience. Or, you’re just like me and find yourself somewhere in the middle. Growing up in a more secular Jewish home, my first real

exposure to Jewish music was in college when I attended my first Friday night service. To this day, whenever I sing a certain melody for L’kha Dodi I hear my Hillel rabbi’s voice adding “ai-yai-yai” during the chorus.

The High Holidays, as the name suggests, magnifies these feelings on a grander scale. Some of these melodies are so old that Jewish music scholars describe them as niggunim mi sinai (melodies from Mt. Sinai) and others are much more contemporary, yet we can’t imagine the High Holidays without them. Unetaneh Tokef and Kol Nidrei alone could be placed in any of the five aforementioned categories.

I firmly believe that the most accessible and memorable spiritual experiences are ones that hit these “five M’s” at different points for different people. I love it when someone comes up to me after services and says something like, “That melody brought me back to this one time when…” If I asked each of you to tell me your favorite melody for the piyyut HaYom, I imagine a number of you would respond with “the one I grew up with” or “the traditional one.” The diversity of backgrounds and experiences that make TCS such a unique community challenge the notion that “music is the universal language of mankind.” This is what makes the High Holidays in particular a complex musical challenge, and this is the holy work I chose to dedicate my life to when I was ordained.

As we enter a new year and return to new space, I look forward to exploring the different ways of singing and praying together as a community.

Shanah Tovah u’metukah,

Cantor Jessica Silverberg

Cantor Jessica Silverberg

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

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TCS SCENE

Children are not identified by name to protect their privacy.

1: Dubai. Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn presents Ahmed Al Mansoori with a gift from TCS. 2: Summer FUNraiser. 3: Summer FUNraiser. Jennifer White, Miriam Young, and Jennifer Brogadir. 4: Mitzvah Day. 5: Summer FUNraiser. Cheryl Weinstock, Jessica Siegel, Eva Rawiszer, Wendy Schaefer, Michelle Scher Saunders, and Diana Sussman. 6: Mitzvah Day. Debra Levin, Stacy Kamisar. 7: Mitzvah Day. Michael Wein, Elana Gorshein, Rebecca Nanes, Leah Schechter, Dana Reibeisen. 8: Mitzvah Day. Dr. Mindy Hersh, Rachel Steinmetz, Karla Cohen, Charlie Fisher, Dan Fisher, Rachel Meisel.

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1: Mitzvah Day. 2: Preschool Moving Up Ceremony. Jennifer White.

3: Kehillah. Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn teaches class. 4: Kehillah grade 5 Lower East Side Trip. 5: 7th Grade NYC Shabbaton. 6: Preschool Moving Up Ceremony. Class of 2023. 7: Adult Education Event Lecture featuring Dr. Stephen Berk of Union College. 8: Sisterhood. Jessica Siegel, Orna Stern, Jillian Klaff, Ivy Gosseen, Galina Blishteyn, Camilla Klein, Michelle Scher Saunders, Eileen Gress, Julie Podziba, Alexa Podziba, Pam Kesselman.

Welcome to the World!

Cooper Harvey Cohen, son of Sydney Alexander & Zach Cohen, grandson of Gail & Eric Cohen

Olivia (Livy) Dixon, daughter of Lindsay Deubendorfer & Erik Dixon, granddaughter of Deb Montner & Mike Smith, great-granddaughter of Charna Montner

Wesley Ryan Felice, son of Danielle & Matthew Felice, brother of Scottie

Micah Samson Fox, son of Zoelle & Nathaniel Fox, brother of Aryeh & Liana, grandson of Ellen Graff & Marty Fox

Tavi Henry Fox, son of Talya Lazerus & Marshall Fox, grandson of Ellen Graff & Marty Fox

Jackson Hayes Lavy, son of Alyssa & Daniel Lavy, brother of Emma, grandson of Karen Cohen, nephew of Dana & Daniel Bernstein

Maya Jordan Levine, daughter of Nina Levine & Josh Jordan, granddaughter of Elisabeth & Stew Levine

Natalie Paige Megee, daughter of Alyssa & Andy Megee, granddaughter of Wendy & Phil Schaefer

Lily Shaina Rand, daughter of Rachel & Brendan Rand, granddaughter of Beth & Jay Rand

Arielle Joy Ribakove, daughter of Rebekah & Jay Ribakove, granddaughter of Stacey Foodim-Sloan

Max Schmitt, son of Michelle Levine-Schmitt & Robert Schmitt, brother of Levi, grandson of Elizabeth & Stewart Levine

Milo Buddy Stine, son of Allison & Matthew Stine, brother of Emmy & Lev

Welcome to Our New Members

Ariel & Jason Alford and their daughter Ella

Hayley & Greg Axelrod and their children Sadye & Joshua

Lauren & Andrew Bonnesen and their children Harper & Dylan

Susan & Ivan Cohen and their children Kevin, Andrew & David

Jacqueline & Jeffrey Fidelman and their children Nathaniel & Aiden

Chloe & Andrew Fleisher and their children Palmer & Poppy

Eleonora & Alexander Gurevich and their children Mitch & Jacqueline

Jacqueline & Florian Hensel and their son Felix

Rachel & Jacob (Jake) Hirsch and their daughter Layla

Lauren & Jonathan Jager-Hyman and their children Sonny & Teddi

Lindsay & Geoffrey Hollander and their son Russell

Francine Gosseen-Kohn & Lawrence Kohn

Jessie & David Kuhn and their children Noah & Georgina

Claudette & Steven Kunkes and their children Adam, Matthew & Jordan

Jessie Schwartz-Kwasnik & Daniel Kwasnik and their children Robert & Evie

Jane Lebell

Stephanie & Babak Navi and their children Sophia & Isabelle

Melissa & Justin Stewart and their children Benni & Coco

*These two pages denote all events since March 13, 2023

Rachel & Evan Wien and their son Jordan

Welcome New Preschool Families

Lauren & Andrew Bonnesen (Harper 2s, sibling Dylan)

Madeline & Alex Cooper (Riley, Tiny Twos)

Anna & Matthew Danzer (Jack, Tiny Twos)

Abigail & Max Dixon (Ellie 4s, Asher 2s)

Jacqueline & Jeffrey Fidelman (Aiden 2s, sibling Nathaniel)

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

Carly & Yoni Ginor (Ari 3s, sibling Liam)

Mazal Tov to....

Weddings:

Joan & Alan Berlin on the marriage of their son

Michael Berlin to Alexandra Gorman

Lisa & Adam Hodes on the marriage of their daughter

Lauren Hodes to Jason Schneider

Shari & Gary Korn on the marriage of their daughter

Jamie Korn to Andrew Farage

Lauren Soloff & Wes Malowitz on the marriage of their son

Jake Malowitz to Emily Goldberg

Lisa & Ed Raice and Anita & Ari Rothman on the marriage of their children

Julie Raice to Matt Rothman

Debra & Ed Smolka on the marriage of their daughter

Samantha Smolka to Alec Kirkman

Rachel & Jake Hirsch (Layla, Tiny Twos)

Lindsay & Geoffrey Hollander (Russell, Tiny Twos)

Rebecca Boas & Dan Kline (Stella, Tiny Twos)

Carly Ziegler & Jason Krochak (Mia 3s, sibling Lila)

Alyssa & Daniel Lavy (Emma 2, sibling Jackson)

Lauren Cosenza & Nico Lechuga (Raina 3s, sibling Javier)

Erika & Jordan Lundy (Levi 3s)

Stephanie & Babak Navi (Sophia 3s, sibling Isabelle)

Engagements:

Wendy & Jeff Cohen on the engagement of their daughter

Caroline Cohen to Matthew Kravitz

Karyn & Richard Freeman on the engagement of their daughter

Samantha Freeman to Scott Sall

Sharon Jaffe & Jim Glasser on the engagement of their daughter

Annie Glasser to Steven Sacks

Abby & Scott Greenspun and Sandy & Peter Kolbrener on the engagement of their son/grandson

Aaron Greenspun to Julia Watsky

Danielle Shapiro & Michael Nicles (Hudson 3s, sibling Lucas)

Heather & Jesse Rosenbaum (Jordyn 2s)

Ariella Stawski (Izzy Tiny Twos)

Dena & Aaron Tolkin (Isaac 4s, siblings Elizabeth and Alexandra)

Nicole & Benjamin Wallach (Henry, Tiny Twos)

Rachel & Evan Wien (Jordan 2s)

Bari & Eric Yapalater (Drew 2s)

Julie & Rob Haroun on the engagement of their son Daniel Haroun to Lily Katz

Rose Horowitz & Alan Katz on the engagement of their daughter

Simone Katz to Craig Tarasoff, brother of Matthew & Amanda Tarasoff

Amy & Neil Katz on the engagement of their son David Katz to Abby Sklar

Michele & Lee Wrubel on the engagement of their son

Alec Wrubel to Molly Kandarian

THE PRESIDENT

Time of Renewal Shalom!

I’m privileged to be writing to you as the newlyelected President of TCS, particularly at this exciting moment of renewal for the synagogue.

Of course, there is the obvious renewal of our physical space. After all the hard work and perseverance exercised during renovations and the challenges posed by the pandemic, our building is back and looking better than ever. It’s a breath of fresh air as we step into the redesigned spaces. The entire place has a vibe that’s both modern and comforting, but still feels just like home.

But this isn’t the only form of renewal our community is experienceing. Like our physical space, we, too, have the power to refresh and recharge ourselves and reenergize as a community. At our upcoming High Holiday services, being held in our sanctuary for the first time in four years, we will have the

Self-Reflection

opportunity to hear our new Cantor, Jessica Silverberg as well as our High Holiday Cantor, Raphael Frieder.

And get ready for an array of experiences to celebrate our new beginning! From lively Shabbat services with Rabbi Wiederhorn and Cantor Silverberg, to engaging events, learning opportunities and fun community projects, there will be something for all of us as we come together this year to mark this fresh start.

Let’s ride this wave of renewal together, embracing the chance to learn, grow, and evolve. With your involvement and enthusiasm, we’ll continue making TCS a welcoming place for everyone.

Wishing you and your families a Shanah Tovah U’metukah a year filled with positivity, new connections, and a spirit of renewal.

Warm regards, Marc

Zuckerman

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CYNTHIA BANNON

Every 12 months we get to experience a new year. This is a time to reflect, resolve, and improve oneself physically, morally, and mentally. As we learn what we need to improve, we also see what we can do with dedication. I have been with TCS 12 months now and I find myself working through this self-assessment both personally and professionally.

Upon reflection, I am grateful to become part of a community that stayed connected to one another through a pandemic, that worked together with commitment, vision, and passion through a major construction renovation, and that wholeheartedly supported me as I navigated my way through my first year. I made mistakes, I observed and learned, and I gave myself grace for where I fell short.

This is my starting point for the next 12 months, time to set new goals, time to rededicate myself to bring my best to the table each day. For me, this looks like allowing myself 30 minutes a day of self-care such as taking a walk, cooking Sunday dinner for my family, or having an extended playtime session with my German Shepherd Ridley. This renewed dedication will enable me to nurture my personal relationships and enhance my professional focus.

What renewal will you be focusing on these next 12 months?

MARC ZUCKERMAN

AROUND THE SHUL :: TCS LAY LEADERS

Sisterhood

BY DIANA SUSSMAN

TCS Sisterhood connects exciting, vibrant women of all ages, as well as new and old friends. We are always looking for ways to engage the congregation’s women in all stages of their lives by hosting fun, interactive, enriching activities

While known for its annual Beach Bash evening, Sisterhood has hosted several other events including: shopping nights; mixology and challah baking classes; fitness classes; games evenings; a Beagles & Bagels event; drinks; and dinners. Watch for upcoming events.

Sisterhood makes a difference. To ensure a sweet New Year, Sisterhood distributes apples and honey for Rosh Hashanah. It also provides the delicious community Break Fast on Yom Kippur, where

everyone feels like family. At Jewish holidays, Sisterhood sends packages to our college kids to remind them how much we miss them.

You can make a difference in Sisterhood just by getting involved. Email the EditorialBoardforTCS@ gmail.com for more information.

Tamid & Adult Education

BY WENDY SCHAEFER & DIANA SUSSMAN Co-Chairs

Tamid is a Hebrew word meaning continual or perpetual. The TCS Tamid group was formed to reach those who are interested in enriching their lives, continuing to better themselves, and being an active member of a vibrant, interesting community.

Some of us are empty nesters and some of us have never had children. But we are all perpetually excited to grow, learn, and have fun. For this reason, we are jointly running Tamid this year with Adult Education and excited to collaborate with other groups.

Past programs have included author talks, CPR Training, ADL talks, cooking classes,

Brotherhood

BY MICHAEL AMRON & MICHAEL KAIDEN Co-Chairs

Brotherhood has lots of exciting events coming up this fall and winter. We will kick off the season with a reschedule of our planned Taco & Tequila tasting event, to be held at a private residence, so be on the lookout for a save the date! Additionally, we are planning a number of events including: Poker night, a Paint-Ball excursion, a Sporting Clay-Shooting event, a 4x4 Jeep off-road driving class, and a Sunday “Kehillah dads” hike and walkabout. We welcome any and all comments/ suggestions for other event ideas as well.

presentations about healthy eating by esteemed nutritionists, outdoor hikes, and simple afternoons or evenings out.

Be on the lookout for future events such as taking a field trip to Fairfield University to see the exhibit celebrating the works and legacy of Arthur Szyk, learning about Jews on Broadway, listening to an ADL representative discuss navigating antisemitism in college, attending a “Booze and Jews” bourbon tasting event, and some sort of games evenings or lessons involving Mah Jongg, Bridge, or Canasta.

If you have suggestions, questions, or wish to be placed on our email list please contact the EditorialBoardforTCS@gmail.com.

Shopping Night

Dr. Stephen Berk of Union College spoke in May to TCS community

Getting to Know Seth Marion

BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

Seth, our new interim education director for Kehillah, comes to TCS from the Jewish Federation of Fairfield County, where he was the Education and Family Engagement Director, though he has been a tangential part of the congregation for the last year he was also the head of school for Merkaz, the community high school program, and worked with Rabbi Wiederhorn. “It’s a new change for me personally, but there won’t be a lot of change at the school!” he says. “I’ll be keeping the waters calm. I’m just excited to be a part of the community. Everybody is so kind and warm, and that's the kind of community that I really love to be in.” If you see him around, say hello! “I want to get to know everybody!” he says. “That’s what I’m here to do.”

Here are five things to know about Seth as he embarks on his new role.

His most meaningful trip ever was to Israel: Seth’s wife is a rabbi in Bridgeport, and when she was in rabbinical school she studied for a year in Jerusalem. “For a month, I went and was able to stay with her in Jerusalem. Feeling settled there for so long, I got to see really interesting things that I think most people don't usually get to do, just because there's not enough time. But because we were there for so long, I was able to find those little hidden gems. We found this little museum, the Islamic Art Museum, which was just the most fascinating and beautiful museum I've ever been in.”

His favorite Jewish holiday is Passover: “It's not about the food!” he says with a laugh. “It's about the family. My family has always hosted Seders, as far back as I can remember. Being surrounded by family and friends and all of that love, reliving our story as a people together is really special.”

He loves the questioning nature of Judaism: “I'm always asking, ‘What if we try…?’ or ‘How can we do…?’ or ‘Could we try standing on our heads instead of standing on our feet?’ I’m looking for different ideas that are out of the box.”

He says “Asking questions is one of the things I love about Judaism. We're a really questioning people. And I do my best to always be asking those questions, and not to hold them inside.”

He loves the family life in Fairfield County: Seth, his wife and his two kids 5 and 8 moved to Trumbull from Maryland in 2019. “It’s such a beautiful area, and my kids are so happy here,” he says. “It’s been so great for my kids.”

His hidden talent is carpentry: “Before I became a Jewish professional, I was a theater professional, building and engineering scenery,” he explains. “Through that I started working with wood, and I came to really love it.” His favorite thing he’s ever made? A wooden Seder plate that featured notable Jewish women from history.

Kehillah Corner

BY SETH MARION Director of Education

In May of 2016, I was honored to earn a certificate in Jewish Education for Adolescents and Emerging Adults from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. I walked away from this certificate program with many new tools, colleagues, and mentors. During that school year, I was also blessed to become a father for the first time when my daughter was born in October.

Like it is for many, becoming a parent was a life-altering event. Suddenly, I had an adorable little mush that was completely helpless and relied on Sarah (my wife) and me for everything. As I am sure many of you know, it was a very special and completely exhausting both physically and emotionally. Eventually, the responsibility of caring for my daughter’s physical needs became easier to handle, the sleep got a little bit better (only a little bit), and balance started to return to our lives.

As she grew and changed, I needed to think about more than just her physical needs she was turning into a person, showing her personality it was time to consider what was important to me and how to convey that to her. It was during this time that one of my professors and mentors said something during a class that I thought was profound. She said that while parenting her children, she always tried to help them to become adults that she would like to spend

time with. This changed my way of thinking about how I wanted to raise my children. But the question was, how can I help my kids become an adult that I would want to spend time with?

Through much conversation, I realized that I had the tools right in front of me and they were just what I used daily with my students. Values. More importantly, Jewish values. Just like I was raised on the values of our people, I would imbue my daughter with those same values. B’tzelem Elhoim (we are made in the image of God, Chesed), kindness, and Tzedek (justice). I learned these values from my parents, and they were reinforced at my synagogue. These are just some of the values that I turn to while running a school like Kehillah and what I hope we can reinforce for our students. We teach the values of our people by modeling them for our students and, of course, our own children. I am excited to partner with you as we start this new year of learning, growth, and gimilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness).

Preschool Patter

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

SUSAN BERNSTEIN Director of Early Childhood, Education & Curriculum, TCS

With the summer behind us and the arrival of fall and High Holidays, we are excited to be starting another school year together. As our Preschool community continues to grow, we look forward to engaging with our families, making meaningful connections, and participating in thoughtful conversations. Our team of teachers and administrators are committed to creating a warm and nurturing environment that is full of exploration, creativity, and self-discovery as we delve into yet another year of childled inquiry and play-based learning.

Our door is always open, so please come in!

Mark Your Calendar!

September 5

First Day of School - 9:00 a.m.

September 8

Back to School Ice Cream Social - 1:00 p.m.

BY RACHEL STEINMETZ Youth Director

This school year has been a blast! From Midnight Run to regional convention to IT with the region. This coming year we have so much fun in store. Our kickoff adventure ropes course will be soon so keep

an eye on the details to come. We are excited to have a ton of Tikkun Olam events this year really being able to give back to the community. Keep an eye out for more emails to come.

Lauran Pancoast & Susan Bernstein

Member Spotlight on Jennifer & Jason White

BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

Jennifer, a partner at the law firm Reed Smith, and her husband Jason, the vice president of White’s Plumbing and president of Whitehaus Collection, joined the TCS community in the fall of 2018 when their eldest child began preschool. The decision to join TCS was an easy one for them: they wanted to belong to a Conservative synagogue, and were drawn to TCS’ welcoming and warm environment. They found the atmosphere to be comforting and inclusive, much like the synagogues they grew up in.

Flash forward five years and the Whites are now parents of four—two TCS preschool graduates/Kehillah students, one current TCS preschool student, and one rising preschooler. As each of their children has begun their Jewish education, the couple’s appreciation for the community here has deepened, through COVID, construction, and more.

“It’s telling that the synagogue is fueled by the people and the community, and that the community is willing to support the synagogue, and one another, through hard times,” says Jason. “We spent multiple preschool Shabbats, High Holiday services and fundraising events in the parking lot— and they were special nonetheless.”

Jennifer has seen that special relationship reflected in their children, too: “We’ve found each of my kids’ relationships with the synagogue to be exactly like what we’d hoped for,” she says. “They naturally have been able to incorporate Jewish principles into their life, without realizing it. And with every year that passes, we feel more and more ingrained in what’s going on at the synagogue.”

In fact, Jennifer was one of the organizers of this summer’s hugely successful FUNraiser. So, yes: Jennifer has a demanding job, four kids, and still manages to find time to volunteer for the synagogue. “I’ve always had a soft spot for doing my part,” she says. “I volunteer for what I can in the ways I can.” This has included serving on the parent committee

Minyans Matter

BY DR. MINDY HERSH

The word Minyan itself means “to count” in Hebrew and describes the quorum of 10 Jewish adults required for certain religious obligations.

One can always say prayers by oneself at any time or place, but praying with others brings a sense of connection & closeness. By requiring a minyan for many fundamental rituals and prayers, Judaism encourages communal cohesion. Isn’t that a great concept? Community is at the essence of our religion.

for the preschool, an annual tradition of delivering L’Shana Tova packages of apples and honey with her children, and working on this year’s FUNraiser.

It’s a lot, but for Jennifer it has been an amazing way to reinforce the relationship with Judaism that she and Jason feel TCS has inspired in their family. “It’s really special that, at TCS, they’ve formed this identity that you want at home, but outside of the home,” she says. “And it’s adorable! They’re having so much fun.”

“The integration between TCS being our synagogue and our preschool has provided a lot of happy warmth for my whole family.” So, despite their busy lives, both she and Jason have found time to make the TCS community a priority. “[Giving back to the synagogue] is really important to us,” she says. “We both grew up in households with parents who worked full-time and made time for their synagogues. Having our own family now, we want to show them that this is an important part of our lives. Hopefully they’ll pick up on it, and do it in 30 years, too.” It’s that life cycle that fills Jason with excitement for the future: “I love to think about my children having many memorable moments at the synagogue— baby namings, preschool, Kehillah, and bar and bat mitzvahs,” he says. As the saying goes: L’dor V’dor.

“Saying Kaddish,” one of the most important traditions, can only be fulfilled by a minyan. Our religion provides us with a structured approach to mourning that when followed can gradually help us through the pain and loss and eventually ease us back into the world. It is by design that mourners will have a community around them as they say Kaddish for their departed loved one. Without delving too much into the three prescribed stages, the emphasis is on reciting a prayer called “the Mourner’s

Kaddish.” Unlike Yizkor, there is no reference to our loved one. Instead, this prayer affirms our belief and commitment to God and in return for our devotion and generosity (which is why tzedakah is also linked to this practice) we ask that God recognize this new source of merit for the soul of our departed loved one, who can no longer demonstrate devotion. When we recite this Kaddish, we act on the departed’s behalf.

This tradition is followed for 30 days after losing a spouse, sibling or child and for 11 months after losing a parent. The anniversary of their (Hebrew date of) death is called a Yahrzeit and is also observed by saying Kaddish and a special prayer called an “El Maleh.”

Since these prayers can only be fulfilled in the presence of 10 Jewish adults, the minyan plays a significant part in allowing members of our community to mourn and commemorate their loved ones. The minyan is also a great opportunity for new Jewish adults (who have reached the

Community is at the essence of our religion.

Jennifer & Jason White at home with their four children

age of bar or bat mitzvah) to try out tefillin or practice their morning davening skills. Many kids in our community have exposure to this from attending Jewish summer camp.

At TCS, the morning minyan service is typically over in 30 minutes unless it is a day when the Torah is read. We also have a long-standing tradition of eating breakfast together after Sunday’s 8:45 a.m. minyan. Out of the pandemic lockdown period we also gained a second weekly minyan opportunity on Tuesday mornings at 7:30 a.m.

My personal minyan story: My dad went to a daily minyan after his sister died in 1999. It was his routine for 20 years and the other members of his minyan became like family to him. When he died in 2019, I began the ritual of saying Kaddish at his minyan. The minyan leader handed me my dad’s tallit bag and thus wearing his tallit and going to minyan became my new tradition.

“Making” a minyan is a true mitzvah and to fulfill it, all you need to do is show up! The rest of the minyan attendees will be happy to welcome you and lead the way. Hope to see you on a Sunday or Tuesday morning.

Member Spotlight on Harry Herrera

BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

You may have seen Harry’s parents, Amy and John, who are regulars at Friday night services. But if you’ve never met their son, Harry, there’s a good reason he’s been a little busy swimming. In fact, the sophomore at Indiana University recently qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials, which will take place next summer in Indianapolis. Harry shares with Mosaic about his swim career, his Olympic dreams, and the pivotal role his family has played along the way.

has the best history in the past 20 years of developing breaststrokers,” he says.

His freshman year at Indiana was full of highs and lows he was one of two freshmen hand-selected by the coaches to swim in the Big 10 Championships, but tested positive for COVID on the morning the meets began. “I didn’t get to swim at all,” he says. “That kind of mentally wrecked me a little bit.” Bouncing back was challenging, but he ended the year strong when, in July, he swam at the TYR Pro Championships and qualified for the upcoming Olympic trials next year. “Because I had just had a shaky year training-wise, I wasn't sure how it would go. And my first two swims at that meet hadn't gone great. But then everything just clicked at the right time, and I swam great,” he explains. “I think I ended up swimming like the 15th or 14th fastest time at that meet, and I got under the trials cutoff by a second and a half.” (For the non swim-superfans out there: this is major.)

Harry has been swimming at the elite level since he was eight-and-a-half-years old, after a swim coach on his local rec team in Newton, Massachusetts recognized his natural aptitude for the breaststroke (his event). “After a month, they told me I should join a USA Swimming team,” he says. He did, and at 14 he left for the Bolles School, a prestigious boarding school in Florida known for their top-tier swimming program.

It was while Harry was at Bolles that his family moved to Westport, so though he’s never officially called Fairfield County “home,” he did spend a few months here during the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020. “The first month or so that I was here, I just kind of recovered, and I think that was a good thing for me,” he says: during that unexpected rest, he ended up growing two inches and packing on 30 pounds. When he went back to Bolles’ campus, he rededicated himself to an intense cross-training regimen on dry land, running countless stadium laps with his teammates. His commitment paid off. His time dropped significantly during his junior year at Bolles, catching the attention of college recruiters. While he had his pick of schools, he ultimately chose IU. “Indiana

He’ll spend the next year working towards his goal of making the finals at the Olympic Trials. “It'd be a big [time] drop from now, but that's the goal. Obviously, if you're in that final anything can happen. You could get on the Olympic team. But the goal is just get in the final,” he says. Getting there, of course, will involve intense training, 5:00 a.m. wakeups, and jumping directly into ice cold pools, but it’s worth it. “It would validate a lot of hard work,” he says. “It would mean the world to me.”

Throughout his swim career, his family has been an unwavering source of support. “They woke up at 5:00 a.m. to take me to practice, they cooked my meals, they supported me financially, they’ve flown out to my swim meets they’re just everything,” Harry says. (Harry was also thrilled that his dad John was able to be there when he qualified for the Trials. “It was awesome!”)

If you happen to be one of the 30,000 lucky fans who have a ticket to the Olympic Trials next summer at the new facility at Lucas Oil Stadium, you can cheer Harry on in person. But he’s grateful for any and all the support he’s received so far. “I love to compete, and I get to compete every single day with some of the best people in the world. So it's the most rewarding thing, just being able to push myself and compete and see it pay off.”

Harry Herrera doing what he loves—the breaststroke

Meet the New TCS Executive Board

BY DIANA SUSSMAN

Marc Zuckerman President

Born in Brooklyn and having “grown up” in Great Neck, this native New Yorker has lived in Fairfield County and been a member of TCS for at least 20 years. For 12 of those years, he has served on the board and is excited to now serve on the executive board with such a great team and helping chart TCS’ path forward.

An avid cyclist, he loves living in an area that is so proximate to different environments. Within 15 minutes, he can be at the beach, in the middle of a bustling suburb, or out in hilly, rural farmland. Variety is the spice of life. Speaking of spices, Marc loves biting into a good pastrami sandwich and chasing it down with a Dr. Brown’s black cherry soda. The most special and meaningful trip he has ever taken was to Israel (this may sound cliche but it is true). He has been there at least five or six times but he views the trip he took with his wife and kids a few years ago as the best one. His favorite Jewish holiday is Passover because he enjoys sitting at Seder with his extended family. It brings back the best memories.

Marc is happy being Marc and always learning something new. Of course, Marc still enjoys the comfort of “old things,” like watching the original “Odd Couple” episodes. He admires Oscar Madison because Oscar lives life as he chooses (but Marc is more organized and less messy). Thankfully, Marc has chosen to serve as our president and play an active role in plotting TCS’s path forward. Please reach out to him with any ideas or concerns.

identifies with the robot Eve because she teaches us that our screens can never take the place of true human connection. Speaking of connections, it turns out that Rabbi Wiederhorn presided over the baby naming of Lisa's daughter’s college roommate, who is from Las Vegas. He married her roommate's parents too. Another funny connection is that Lisa and her husband attended the same sleep away camp but never met until college.

corner from the synagogue. He is an equity analyst focusing on the healthcare industry and has been on the Board for many years on the Finance Committee before assuming the role of Treasurer two years ago. His wife, Jessica is also involved at TCS on the Kehillah Committee. Both of their children have been growing up through the ranks of TCS from preschool to Kehillah, with their son becoming a Bar Mitzvah last year.

Lisa Rozen Executive Vice President

Originally from Sioux City, Iowa (yes, there are Jews in Iowa), Lisa moved to Boca Raton, Florida when she was 10 and grew up there. Her family moved to Weston in 2013 by way of Minnetonka, MN (yes, she is a bit of a wandering Jew) and found that Fairfield County offers the perfect combination of coastal and country living. When the pandemic canceled her family’s trip to Iceland, they traded in the fjords and glaciers for a week at Candlewood Lake here in Connecticut, which they have made an annual tradition because they enjoyed it so much.

One of her family's all-time favorite movies is Wall-E. Lisa

Given Lisa joined the Executive Board in 2021 as the liaison for both Kehillah and Youth, it is no surprise that she is excited to expand these programs and thrilled that our new interim Cantor Jessica Silverberg and Kehillah Director Seth Marion both bring extensive experience to these areas. She is honored to hold a leadership role at TCS and encourage all of our members to get involved. When she is not volunteering or with her husband, two children or two dogs, you can find her playing racquet sports of all sorts. She is particularly good at ping pong. Her great Aunt Estie’s challah is her favorite food and her favorite Yiddish word is “Ungapatchka.” She laughs every time she hears it.

Linda moved to Westport with her family in 2006 and immediately knew they would join TCS. She became an active volunteer in the Preschool, joined the Board as Preschool Chair, then Fundraising Chair, and has served on the Executive Committee for the past seven years. She and her husband met in college but didn't begin dating until thirteen years later, when they connected through UJA in New York City. They have three children, ages 16, 13 and 13, and were thankful to celebrate their twins' B'nei Mitzvah this past year with some minor modifications. In her free time, Linda enjoys playing tennis, cycling, and having free time.

Mike joined TCS in 2013 when he and his family followed the well-trodden path from the Upper West Side to Westport and moved in right around the

Although her family won’t be in the same room when she eats it, Linda is a huge fan of gefilte fish. Her favorite Yiddish phrase is a gutte neshuma (a kind soul), which was one of her mother-in-law’s favorite expressions.

Mike Newshel Treasurer

Linda Gordon Vice President

Raised in nearby New Rochelle, New York, Jake loves living in Westport with his wife of 14 years, three amazing children and his dog, Archer, who is adorable but terribly behaved. He also loves Compo Beach, Westport, and his TCS community. Jake can entertain you with his 15 minute standup set, which is funny. His son Jonah is also funny and always makes him laugh.

Yom Kippur is Jake’s favorite Jewish holiday. He finds it very peaceful. He may also enjoy it because one has to fast on the Day of Atonement and Jake

compares Ashkenazi food to a form of self-inflicted torture. Although, he does have a soft spot for matzoh ball soup. His favorite Yiddish phrase is "Not in front of the goyem.” He may have used this phrase during his pre-COVID trip with the kids to Mexico, which he found to be most meaningful. He wants the community to know that TCS needs more volunteers and, in particular, young families to participate and lead at the synagogue.

enjoys living in a beautiful place not too far from NYC and being close to her parents. Growing up, Phyllis was not connected to her synagogue. Yet, she found it really easy to become a part of the TCS community. They joined 15 years ago through the Preschool and made many friends here. She really values this community and through it has learned a lot about Judaism.

Phyllis is excited about TCS’ next chapter and as vice president is committed to making a meaningful contribution toward TCS’ future. She appreciates the confidence people have in her to do this important job! Since Phyllis works full time, she has to juggle many priorities. The best advice she learned to be successful is to stay focused on why she does things and what truly matters, which she notes includes TCS.

a delicious meal, especially if it involves a good brisket. She also finds her mother’s latkes to be truly exceptional. “Mashugana” is her favorite Yiddish word because hearing it reminds her of her grandmother who always used in a funny way.

Phyllis Wallitt Vice President

Born and raised in Fairfield, CT, Phyllis is a local. She

She really enjoys attending Rosh Hashanah services at TCS and then spending time with her family while enjoying

One of the most beautiful places she has travelled to was Hawaii. There, she and her family have taken on many exciting adventures. She has never been to Israel but it is high on her list for a future trip. Recently she had an adventure closer to home she learned to ride a bike. Yes, she never learned as a child. Her husband Dan, who is very funny and always makes her laugh, taught her over the pandemic. Now she really enjoys it. Interestingly, she recently taught her husband how to ski, something she had grown up doing. Phyllis claims her challenge was easier.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Jake Axel Vice President

FEATURES :: JOIN TCS FOR TASHLIKH

Keeping the Tashlikh Tradition

BY ELISE MEYER

Tashlikh at Compo Beach is an observance that TCS Members look forward to every year. Gathering at the edge of the Long Island Sound on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah for the beautiful and meaningful practice of Tashlikh brings the congregation back together after the long summer of travel or camp to reconnect to each other and to our Judaism. This experience of togetherness fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose. It goes far in helping create a supportive environment for spiritual reflection and growth.

Rooted in symbolism and deeply meaningful, Tashlikh provides a moment for self-reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. This ancient tradition allows individuals to symbolically cast away their sins and begin the year with a fresh start, embracing forgiveness and personal growth. It is the perfect time for us to think about the year ahead, and to engage our families and loved ones in a moment of reflection about things we might be sorry about from the past year, and actions and attitudes we might want to work on in the coming year.

The term “Tashlikh” translates to “casting off” in Hebrew, expressing the core essence of this custom. It is an ancient practice that some attribute to the Kabbalists of Safed in the 16th century, although the origins of which may be traced back much farther, to the Medieval era. In terms of text, it seems to be primarily rooted in the verse from the Book of Micah 7:19, which states, “God will take us back in love, quashing our iniquities, you will hurl all our sins into the depth of the sea.” This verse symbolizes the act of throwing away one’s transgressions, allowing them to be swept away by the current of water.

Tashlikh serves as a physical and symbolic representation of the desire to rid oneself of past wrongdoings and start anew.

Tashlikh is customarily performed on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, or sometimes on the second day when the first falls on Shabbat, although it is permissible to perform the mitzvah up until the end of Sukkot. Participants gather individually or in groups near a body of flowing water, such as a river, stream, or ocean. The flowing water represents the dynamic nature of life and the possibility of personal transformation. Alternatively, if a natural body of water is not accessible, some communities create artificial pools or use a fountain.

During the Tashlikh ceremony, participants recite prayers, read relevant passages from religious texts, and engage in personal introspection. At TCS’ beachside service, a pamphlet with appropriate readings is distributed. Some people choose to write down their sins on small pieces of paper and place them in their pockets or a container, symbolizing their intention to release these burdens. Others bring crumbs of bread to toss. As the ritual progresses, individuals proceed to the water’s edge, empty their pockets,

or toss the pieces of paper into the water, symbolically discarding their sins.

Tashlikh holds a deep significance for Jews. It’s a dramatic spiritual prompt for personal growth and repentance; allowing us to confront our transgressions and begin the process of seeking forgiveness from God and each other during the Yomim No’raim (the Ten “Days of Awe”), between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This symbolic act truly guides us to committing to change and a renewing our focus on our Jewish lives.

Tashlikh serves as a reminder of the impermanence of our actions. As the flowing water carries away our sins, we understand the transient nature of our wrongdoings and see an opportunity for transformation. By engaging in this ritual, we embrace the belief that genuine repentance can lead to forgiveness and a renewed connection with our faith.

Gather up the family and join us at the Cannons on Sunday, September 17th at 5:30 p.m. Reconnect with your friends, think about change, and have a wonderful moment with us at the edge of the water, looking back at the old year, and looking forward to the New Year.

Tashlikh serves as a physical and symbolic representation of the desire to rid oneself of past wrongdoings and start anew.

Casting sins away into the ocean.

Where the pieces of senior care come together beautifully.

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What’s Cooking?

BY BARBARA PHILLIPS

Potato and Cheese Blintzes

Preparing the Fillings for Cheese

1. Mash the farmer cheese and the cream cheese together.

2. Add the beaten egg, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon and blend well.

3. Double or triple the recipe depending on how many blintzes you make.

For Potato

1. Melt butter.

2. Boil potatoes until soft.

3. Saute onions in olive oil until soft, but not brown.

4. Beat the potatoes with butter to taste.

5. Beat in the onion and oil.

6. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Filling the Bletels

1. Lay the bletels (crepes) down with the cooked side up.

2. Put a few teaspoons of potato or cheese filling on the bletel.

3. Fold  in two sides, then roll up the remaining sides to enclose the filling.

4. Brown in oil before serving.

5. If making ahead, freeze and fry them when ready to eat.

I frequently watched my grandmother and my mother making blintzes. Our kitchen was so small that they would lay the bletels (Yiddish term for crepes) all over any surface in the room. I am happy to share the tricks of preparing these popular, crowd-pleasing bletels for your Break Fast.

Ingredients

For Batter

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

4 eggs, beaten

1 1/3 cups milk

2 tablespoons melted shortening*

For Cheese Filling

1/2 pound  farmer cheese

1/2 pound cream cheese

1 egg, well beaten

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons melted butter*

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

For Potato Filling

6 tablespoons melted butter*

6-8 large Idaho potatoes (peeled and cut)

2 large onions (cut)

Olive oil

* Can use margarine as a substitute

The Method

Preparing the Bletels (Crepes)

1. Blend the eggs, milk and melted shortening in a blender.

2. Add the flour and salt slowly to the egg batter and blend until smooth.

3. Lay out sheets of parchment paper on your counter.

4. That was the easy part. Now heat up a small non stick pan (8”) with a little shortening on a medium flame until it is very hot.

5. Then pour in enough batter to cover the entire pan. You have to tilt the pan and return back into the blender whatever batter doesn’t stick.

6. Brown only one side of the crepe. Loosen the sides with a spatula and knock it out onto the counter that is covered with the parchment paper.

Serve the cheese with jam and or sour cream and the potato with sour cream.

Makes about 24 bletels

Dirt Dessert

High Holiday Ideas for Kids

BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

Ingredients

For a pot about 8” wide and 6” high

2 16-ounce packages Oreo cookies (regular)

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup confectionary sugar

1 8-ounce package cream cheese

1 12-ounce tub Cool Whip

3 1/2 cups milk

2 6-ounce packs instant vanilla pudding

For a pot about 10” wide and 7” high

3 16-ounce packages Oreo cookies (regular)

3 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 cups confectionary sugar

12 ounces cream cheese

18 ounces Cool Whip

5 1/4 cups milk

3 6-ounce packs instant vanilla pudding

The Method

1. Crush cookies in a blender or food processor. Set aside.

2. Soften butter and cream cheese at room temperature and mix together with sugar.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, milk and Cool Whip.

4. When the pudding mixture is combined well, add it to the cream cheese mixture. Blend thoroughly.

5. Using a plastic flowerpot or another pot that you can wash, begin layering the crushed cookies with the creamy mixture—beginning and ending with the cookie crumbs.

6. Put in the refrigerator and let set overnight.

7. Put a tall fake flower on top before serving.

For more details and other recipes check out Barbara Phillip’s food blog at http://www.barbuild.com

The High Holidays are a time of meaning and connection a beautiful thing that we, no doubt, want to share with our children. Susan Bernstein, the Co-Director, Early Childhood of the Preschool, offers some ideas on how you can help your kids connect to these special holidays. “We want these projects to be meaningful,” she says. “Your kids should walk away with more knowledge about the holiday.” Ultimately, these can become things you do every year. “Spending time together at the High Holidays is an opportunity to create traditions and memories that kids look forward to as they get older,” she says. “Creating and honoring traditions help children, young and old, make sense of their background and form a legacy to pass on.”

the future.” If you can hand-deliver them (maybe along with an apple and honey!) it’s the ultimate way to wish someone a sweet New Year.

For Yom Kippur, Work on Lessons About Empathy

For Rosh

Hashanah, Make New Year’s Greeting Cards

“Hand-made, hand-crafted holiday greetings are great,” says Susan, “because they teach your children the value of creating something and serve as a special keepsake for the recipient.” “Getting those wishes from children bring happiness to so many people,” she says. If your children are younger, you can do an art project for each card maybe painting symbols of the holiday, like apples or a Shofar and older children can help craft the message inside, and assemble the list of who they’d like to send one to. If you include messages like “have a sweet year,” or “have a meaningful fast,” says Susan, “you can give explanations of what these phrases mean, and making sense of the significance of these words will, ultimately, help them resonate in

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, and that’s a hard concept for kids, especially little ones. One way to help them understand the idea behind atoning is to help foster their sense of empathy, something you can do any time, though it’s especially helpful before the holiday. “For example, if someone (accidentally) hurts someone, instead of ‘sorry,’ you can work on saying ‘are you okay?’ This change gives an opportunity to reflect, to think about what happened, to look at their eyes and see if they are sad. You can work on that self-reflection with your kids,” she explains. And you can build upon this skill by coupling it with ownership of your mistakes. You can say: “You know what, I didn’t do the right thing but it’s ok to make a mistake. I could make a better choice next time.” These lessons can branch out into larger conversations about doing the right thing, and how it’s not always easy to do the right thing. “Talking about ‘what does it mean to do the right thing’ can be really important. Even as adults, we want to model that self-reflection,” says Susan.

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This crowd favorite is not usually commercially available.

MEET THE NEW TCS EXECUTIVE BOARD CONTINUED FROM PAGE

15

Mazal Tov to Our B’nei Mitzvah

Having been raised in Rockland County, Melissa loves being close to the beach and being part of a community where people are friendly, down to earth, and supportive. She is honored to be a part of this TCS community and to help keep it strong and thriving.

If she could be any fictional character for a day, Melissa would be Wonder Woman. Those who know her would find that very appropriate since she juggles so many balls and has done so many wonderful things for the TCS community. She also loves word games.

Passover is Melissa’s favorite holiday because so many great family memories have been made around the Seder table and it is an opportunity to have her mother’s matzoh ball soup, which is her favorite Jewish food. Hearing the phrase “poo poo poo” always makes her smile because it is something her aunt always says. But her her husband, Matt, always makes her laugh.

She experienced her most meaningful trip last December, where she went to Israel with her family and had a B’nei Mitzvah service for her daughter, niece, and nephew on Masada.

A High Holiday Duet

BY DIANA SUSSMAN

Cantor at Har Zion Temple in Pennsylvania, proudly carrying the distinction of being their first female hazzan.

At the High Holidays this year, TCS will be treated to a special duet of Cantors, both figuratively and literally. TCS is excited to welcome Cantor Jessica Silverberg for the coming year and to have Cantor Raphael Frieder’s able leadership during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. We look forward to experiencing each of their strong, rich, distinct voices, and the heavenly harmonies they will create. But the metaphor of the duet extends further. Both have very different backgrounds.

Silverberg, a mezzo-soprano, was born in southern California, and raised in Portland, Oregon. She studied oboe and musicology at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio, received cantorial ordination and a Masters in Jewish Studies in 2021 from Hebrew College in Newton, Massachusetts, and most recently served as the Interim

Frieder, a classically trained baritone, was born and raised in Israel, studied classical music and opera at the Tel Aviv Academy of Music and in London, and then moved to New York, where he spent the next 30 years as cantor for Temple Israel of Great Neck. In 2020, he retired and moved to New York City, not far from The Jewish Theological Seminary, which recently hired Frieder as the Interim Director of the H.L. Miller Cantorial School.

Despite their differences, both are exceptional musically.

Silverberg demonstrated clear musical talent from a young age. Her first instrument was violin and, beyond the oboe, she plays guitar, and hand drums. She has performed with both the Zemer Chai, which bills itself as “The Jewish Chorale of the Nation’s Capitol,” and the Zamir Chorale in Boston, where she was a frequent soloist. She also sang with Nashirah, the Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia.

Frieder, who also plays piano, has performed at the New Israel Opera, New York’s Carnegie Hall, and the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. World-famous leading conductors, including Zubin Mehta and Roger Norrington have collaborated with him. Leonard Bernstein personally selected him to perform the world premiere of his work “Arias and Barcarolles.” Bernstein was so moved by that performance that he broke into tears.

Together, the energy and talent of these cantors will ensure that our services have a depth that no one person could attain. Let’s meet these dynamic individuals.

Cantor Jessica Silverberg

Cantor Silverberg’s effervescence uncorked when she talked about singing. She was always able to carry a tune but did not start singing

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

KENNEDY JACOBS-SKOLIK August 26 Ki Tavo

ADAM GETTLER October 14 Bereishit

ALEXANDER BENKE October 21 Noa h

Melissa Dombrow Secretary

Cantor Raphael Frieder

Cantor Jessica Silverberg

TCS Judaica Boutique

BY WENDY SCHAEFER & DIANA SUSSMAN Co-chairs

Invited to a friend or relative for Rosh Hashanah dinner and need a hostess gift? Hosting your own dinner and need an apples and honey plate? Our TCS Judaica Boutique offers one-stop shopping for the upcoming High Holidays and all your Judaica needs. We have an extensive collection of items, predominantly from Israel, including vegan leather challah covers, mezuzahs, kosher mezuzah scrolls, Shabbat candlesticks, kiddush cups, challah cutting boards, tallitot, and holiday-specific items such as menorahs, Hanukkah candles, gelt, honey dishes, and Passover Seder plates. We also offer jewelry, books, toys, and a variety of fun hostess gifts.

Each year, we update our stock with new, current items. Come see what we have. To make an appointment to shop or for more information, contact the office at 203-454-4673.

These are just a few teasers from our shop’s collection: Apples and honey plate for a sweet New Year

Wine fountain for Kiddush Shabbat candle holders & matching kiddush cup

Shofar and temple wall holder

Honey pots for a sweet New Year

Candles in assorted patterns and sizes, including for Shabbat

Blown glass Shabbat candle holders

TCS Thanks Its Donors, Doers & Daveners

Funds and Contributions received between Marcn 1 and July 31, 2023. Any contributions received after July 31st will appear in the next issue.

Adult Education Fund

Sharon & Jim Beecher in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Joni Usdan & Rick Bitsky in memory Golda Bitsky z”l

Susan & Matthew Byer in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Building/Security Fund

Kim & Neil Phillips in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Sandra & Mark Rappaport in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Linda & Len Russ in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Wendy & Phil Schaefer in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund

Linda Cassuto in appreciation of Cantor Cattan & the TCS Family for their support

Ellen & Art Gang in honor of Ilai Cattan becoming a bar mitzvah

Miriam & Irwin Golob in appreciation of the TCS clergy, staff, and board

Harrison & Hailey in honor of their b’nei mitzvah

The Hessan and Horowitz Families in honor of Cantor Jessica Silverberg

Nicki & Ricky Katz in honor of Cantor Cattan with gratitude for his participation in the baby naming of Lila Hope

Amanda & Greg Parker in memory of Lenore Koster z”l

Judith Udell in honor of Ilai Cattan becoming a bar mitzvah

Judith Udell in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

The Young Schneider Family in appreciation of Cantor Cattan for his work with our son Gabriel for his bar mitzvah

Dolores Gordon Music Fund

Lauren & Andrew Weisenfeld in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

General Fund

Seth Amgott in appreciation of TCS being here when he visits family in Westport

Gwen & David Baker in memory of Herbert Landau z”l

Judy Berman in memory of Jack Kahan z”l

Lauren & Andrew Ceisler in memory of Benjamin “Buddy” Cohen z”l

Lisa & Bruce Cohen in memory of Dora Podziba z”l

Wendy & Jeff Cohen in memory of:

• Robert Leffler z”l

• Nancy Lieberman z”l

• Carlton Rosenzweig z”l

• Robert Rosenzweig z”l

• Marvin Silberberg z”l

Ruthann Cohn in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Jamie De Four in memory of Dora Podziba z”l

Melissa & Matthew Dombrow in memory of Marty Lakoff z”l

Pamela & David Furth in memory of Barbara Diesenhof Gordon z”l

Ellen & Art Gang in memory of Lucy Trujillo z”l

Meredith Gershon & Howie Fetner in appreciation of Cantor Cattan for all his help preparing Alex for her bat mitzvah

Muriel Gold in honor of Abigail’s preschool graduation

Linda & Michael Gordon and Family in memory of:

• Marvin Silberberg z”l

• Linda Walters z”l

• George Weisz z”l

Monique & Phil Greenspan in honor of Stella Ginsberg becoming a bat mitzvah

Monique & Phil Greenspan in memory of:

• Marvin Silberberg z”l

• George Weisz z”l

Judy & Ron Jacobs in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Ralph Jean in memory of Dora Podziba z”l

Rachel & Ken Kantor in memory of Benjamin Cohen z”l

Sally & Larry Kleinman in memory of:

• Larry Cohen z”l

• Naomi Cohen z”l

Judi Koffsky in memory of Aaron Cohen z”l

The Korn Family in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Hillary & Rodger Krouse in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Ellen Lautenberg & Doug Hendel in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Elisabeth & Stewart Levine in memory of Herbert Landau z”l

Cynthia Lieberbaum in memory of:

• Ruth Greenberger z”l

• Lillian Lieberbaum z”l

Margaret & Ralph Monti in memory of Dora Podziba z”l

Bonnie & Toby Moskowitz in honor of Cantor Cattan

Norwalk Hospital Volunteers in memory of Martin Rosenfeld z”l

Wendy & Brett Prager in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Judy & Steve Samuels in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Deborah and Ronald Shear and Family in memory of Carlton Rosenzweig z”l

Alisha Gerber & Eric Shrago in memory of Glen Gerber z”l

Milton Silverman in memory of Shari Levy z”l

Gail & Robert Storm in memory of Claire Storm z”l

Steven Velardo in memory of Dora Podziba z”l

Lori & Parker Weil in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Ana & Steven White and Family in memory of Julius Gorfinkel z”l

Sherry & Fred Wiener in memory of:

• Lillian Russakoff z”l

• Gay Wiener z”l

The Winston Foundation

Michele & Lee Wrubel in honor of the engagement of Gaby Baker and Daniel Greenstone

Michele & Lee Wrubel in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Holocaust Education Fund

Terry Bernard in memory of Herbert Landau z”l

Cynthia & Hyman Cohen in memory of:

• Leon Baraz z”l

• Celia Cohen z”l

• Clara Cohen z”l

Maxine Gerson in memory of:

• Ted Cohen z”l

• Marvin Silberberg z”l

Monique Greenspan in appreciation of Julia Marx

Mindy Hersh & Ian Walters in memory of:

• Ted Hersh z”l

• Linda Walters z”l

Carol & Jeff Kaplan in memory of:

• Albert Kaplan z”l

• Estelle Rathbone z”l

Sue & Steffen Lunde in memory of Herbert Landau z”l

Amy & Howard Matson in memory of Herbert Landau z”l

Isabel & Steve Moskowitz in memory of Aron Price z”l

Susan Ochman in memory of Henry Jacobs z”l

Wallitt Family in memory of Buddy Cohen z”l

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

Kehillah School Fund

Judy & Mitch Greenberg in memory of Herbert Landau z”l

Susan Ochman in memory of Herbert Landau z”l

Wendy & Phil Schaefer in memory of Dora Podziba z”l

June Eichbaum & Kenneth Wirfel in honor of the birth of Natalie Paige Megee, granddaughter of Wendy & Phil Schaefer

Koach

Ellen & Art Gang in honor of Eric Baron

Ellen & Art Gang in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Isabel & Steve Moskowitz in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Debra & Edward Smolka in honor of Samantha and Alec’s wedding and Rabbi Wiederhorn’s partnership along the way. L’dor V’dor!

Library Fund

Robin, Alexa, Courtney & Barry Babbin in memory of Mrs. Shirley Babbin z”l

Amy & Howard Matson in memory of:

• Irene Bognar z”l

• Lucy Trujillo z”l

Robin Oshman & Barney Spivack in honor of the wedding of Samantha Smolka, daughter of Debbie & Ed Smolka

Music Fund

Susie & Todd Blumenfeld in honor of Ilai Cattan becoming a bar mitzvah

Andrea & David Cohen in memory of Aaron Cohen z”l

Babs & Bill Kinneary in honor of Shirley Montner’s 105th birthday

Judi Koffsky in memory of Herbert Landau z”l Judith Udell in memory of Howard Udell z”l

Peter R. Lessler Scholarship Fund

Ellen Lane in memory of William D. Lane z”l

Preschool Scholarship Fund

June Eichbaum & Kenneth Wirfel in memory of Ulryk Eichbaum z”l

Prayer Book & Chumash Fund

Nancy Gold in memory of Morton Ilberman z”l

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

Jody & Joel Beck in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Judy Block in memory of Aaron Cohen z”l, and in appreciation of Linda Russ & Howard Matson for their loving help

Susie Blumenfeld in honor of:

• Alexandra Gershon Fetner becoming a bat mitzvah

• Sarah Moskowitz becoming a bat mitzvah

Susie & Todd Blumenfeld in memory of:

• Joel Kane z”l

• Carlton Rosenzweig z”l

• Marvin Silberberg z”l

• George Weisz z”l

Barbara Brandenberg in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn for all his support and guidance

Julie & Rick Chernok in appreciation of Layla’s baby naming Gail & Eric Cohen in honor of the birth of Cooper Cohen

Gail & Eric Cohen in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Karen Cohen in memory of Zeena Cohen z”l Matthew Evans

Joanne Folger in memory of Allan Goshin z”l

Ilene & Alan Frost in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Ellen & Art Gang in honor of Israel’s 75 anniversary

Ellen & Art Gang in memory of Shari Levy z”l

Alice & Paul Gershon in honor of Alex Fetner becoming a bat mitzvah, and in honor of Paul reading Torah for the first time in his 85 years

Meredith Gershon & Howie Fetner in honor of Alex becoming a bat mitzvah

Todah Rabah for Sponsoring . . . Kiddush Lunch

The Fisher Cohen family in honor of James’ bar mitzvah

The Waller family in honor of their children’s b’nei mitzvah

The Chernok family in honor of the baby naming of Layla Rose Hirsch

The Fetner Gershon family in honor of Alex’s bat mitzvah

The Moskowitz family in honor of Sarah’s bat mitzvah

The Young Schneider family in honor of Gabriel’s bar mitzvah

The Russ and Rose families in honor of the baby naming of Sadie Rose

The Fridman Sigalow family in honor of Naomi’s bat mitzvah

The Hersh Walters family in honor of many things

The Brooks family in honor of Maryn’s bat mitzvah

Steven Goldring in honor of his birthday

The Rand family in honor of the baby naming of Lily Shaina

Allan and Carol Wahler in honor of Allan’s birthday

Pamela Davis & Jeffrey Gershowitz in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn

Linda & Michael Gordon in memory of Dora Podziba z”l

Judy & Mitch Greenberg in memory of Aaron Cohen z”l

Barbara & Richard Greenspan in memory of Reynold Greenspan z”l

Roseanne & Harvey Greenstein in honor of:

• Marty Fox’s 70th birthday

• Ellen Graff & Marty Fox’s 28th wedding anniversary

Cynthia & Jay Hamburger in memory of Lillie Hamburger z”l

Harrison & Hailey in honor of their b’nei mitzvah

Lisa & Adam Hodes in honor of the wedding of Lauren Hodes & Jason Schneider

Lydia & Richard Kalt in honor of the birth of Cooper Harvey Cohen

The Kalt Family in memory of Pearl Kalt z”l

Jennifer & Jordan Kanfer in memory of:

• Carlton Rosenzweig z”l

• Marvin Silberberg z”l

The Kaplowitz Family in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Jillian & Anthony Klaff in memory of:

• Bennie Gelfand z”l

• Marjorie Klaff z”l

• Herbert Landau z”l

• Lucy Trujillo z”l

Judi Koffsky in memory of Shirley Cherenson z”l

Betty Landau & Mark Kornbluth in memory of George Weisz z”l

Robyn Levy in memory of Renee Marilyn Levy z”l

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Sunday Minyan Breakfast

Dick & Lydia Kalt in honor of Poppy Fleischer’s baby naming

TCS LOVES :: DONORS, DOERS & DAVENERS

FEATURES :: CANTOR SILVERBERG

A HIGH HOLIDAY DUET

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 until high school. In college, as her focus of study shifted from oboe performance to musicology, her interest in choir music grew. She joined the early music choir, which focused on Baroque and Renaissance vocal techniques requiring extreme precision. Silverberg still utilizes these techniques. She graduated from Oberlin in 2013 with a Bachelor of Music in musicology.

She continued to bubble with excitement when describing how she connected to her Judaism at Oberlin. There she taught herself to read Hebrew and started keeping kosher. Spending holidays with her aunt (who was serving as a Rabbi at a small congregation in the BaltimoreWashington metro area) and cousins, engrained her love of Judaism. Leading High Holiday services as cantor for her aunt’s congregation when their cantor unexpectedly retired changed Silverberg’s perspective from being “a musician who was Jewish to being a Jewish musician” who wanted to work in the Jewish world. Her first opportunity to do so came when Cantor Hinda Eisen Labovitz hired her for her first full-time position as Education Programs Coordinator at Ohr Kodesh Congregation in Chevy Chase, MD. Today, Labovitz remains one of her closest friends and mentors. In fact, she officiated at Silverberg’s wedding to her husband Dr. Steven Silverberg, an astrophysicist.

After attending a North American Jewish Music Festival in 2016, Silverberg knew she wanted to become a Cantor and matriculated at the Cantorial Ordination for Spiritual and Educational Leadership program at Hebrew College the following year. She chose this pluralistic, non-denominational school because she wanted to be able to test boundaries and, given her non-traditional

background, enjoyed pulling ideas from different places. While her approach to crafting spiritual experiences is rooted in tradition, she always weaves melodies from the Reform movement and other contemporary pieces in her services. Additionally, Hebrew College enabled her to learn from masters of their craft: she studied traditional nusach with Cantor Dr. Brian Meyer (formerly assistant professor of hazzanut at JTS, and a disciple of Max Wohlberg); cantillation with Dr. Joshua Jacobson (author of “The Art of Cantillation”), and guitar with Cantor Jeff Klepper (who co-wrote a popular version of

United States from London), Silverberg also enjoys BBC historical dramas, often with a cup of properly-brewed tea, served with sugar cubes. Have a chat with her. You’ll have a jolly good time.

Cantor Raphael Frieder

If you think you’ve seen Cantor Frieder before, you may be right. He played a hazzan in the television series “Hunters,” which was released in 2020, or in the movie “Keeping the Faith.” While he may have been “somewhat type-cast” for these roles, Frieder did study acting and has been featured in other television programs.

Frieder is such a mensch you would never realize you were speaking to a “movie star.” His difficult choice to become a hazzan instead of performing classical music and opera reflected his desire to build a home and the importance he placed on being part of a community. As a cantor,

his goal has always been to inspire—to help others “feel good about davening, God, Judaism, whatever.” He enjoys singing with his congregation, composing new melodies, and conducting choirs, which he has done in Israel, London, and New York. He was most proud of conducting the Westchester chapter of HaZamir, a teen choir with over 40 chapters around America and Israel. One of his most interesting experiences occurred when he sang a piece written in Hebrew by Schubert at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The accompanying Polish choir and orchestra showed up an hour late for rehearsal in protest of Cardinal Lustiger of Paris, who had fought against the Polish Cardinal’s plans to build a convent in Aushwitz. To avoid antagonizing them, Frieder chose to not wear a kippah. After the concert, Lustiger congratulated him for a wonderful performance, but noted the only thing missing

‘Shalom Rav’). Her Master’s thesis was on the role of Jewish community choirs in preserving the traditions of Jewish choral music.

Silverberg sees her role as “the keeper and protector of the Jewish musical tradition” and notes that you should be able to tell the time of day and day of the week just from the sound of the service. While leaving space for innovation, she believes preserving and not forgetting history is paramount.

Silverberg, a strong advocate for women, has found TCS very welcoming. In her free time, she likes to play board games and cook; she is looking forward to having people over for Shabbat dinner. Fans of sci-fi movies and TV shows, she and Steven like watching Star Wars and Star Trek. Given her father’s family’s English heritage (immigrating to the

Cantor Silverberg sees her role as “the keeper and protector of the Jewish musical tradition.”

was his kippah. Then, Lustiger shared that he had been born Jewish and was raised by a Christian family during the Holocaust. Hopefully, you will have a chance to speak to Cantor Frieder and hear about some of his other interesting experiences.

High Holiday Information

Schedule of Services: See back cover for a list of High Holiday Services, their times, and locations.

Parking:

Mitchell’s has once again agreed to provide additional parking for the High Holidays. A bus has been arranged to transport congregants between the two locations.

Kol Hakavod to . . .

Recent Torah And Haftorah Readers

Nicki Abramowitz

Andrew Adler

Steven Brooks

Cantor Luis Cattan

Howie Fetner

Henry Feuerstein

Ellen Friedman

Paul Gershon

Phil Glick

Judy Greenberg

Judy Hersh

Mindy Hersh

Mark Highman

Howard Hochster

Adam Hodes

Bob Israely

Matt Landau

Josh Moskowitz

Megillah Readers

Sam Moskowitz

Toby Moskowitz

Susan Ochman

Jay Rand

Douglas Russ

Jon Samuels

Leon Serfaty

Cantor Jessica Silverberg

Steven Silverberg

Debbie Smolka

Mark Steckel

Geoffrey Stern

Tibi

Allan Wahler

Carol Wahler

Julia Walters

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

Cantor Luis Cattan

Ellen Friedman

Judy Greenberg

Adam Hodes

Matt Landau

Jay Rand

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

Shir HaShirim Readers

Cantor Luis Cattan

Alan Radin

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

Eikah Readers

Art Gang

Jay Rand

Cantor Jessica Silverberg

Steven Silverberg

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

AROUND THE SHUL :: CONDOLENCES

Condolences

Stanley Bogaty z”l, father of Michele (Michael) Blend

Beverly Hope Brown z”l, mother of Amy Darefsky

Aaron Cohen z”l, brother of Judy (Fred) Block

Ronald Cohen z”l, brother of Ivan (Susan) Cohen

Henry Jacobs z”l, father of Helene Jacobs

Herbert Landau z”l, father of Matt (Elayne) Landau

Beverly Malowitz z”l, mother of Wes (Lauren Soloff) Malowitz

TCS THANKS ITS DONORS, DOERS & DAVENERS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

Gerald Perloff z”l, father of Sue (Steffen) Lunde

Dora Podziba z”l, mother of Ken (Julie) Podziba

Carlton Rosenzweig z”l, father of Denise (Adam) Pearl

Dr. Robert Rosenzweig z”l, brother of Denise (Adam) Pearl

Lucy Trujillo z”l, mother of Yvette (Bob) Rose

Linda Walters z”l, step-mother of Ian (Mindy Hersh) Walters

Alan Warner z”l

George Weisz z”l, father of Jamie (Robyn Levy) Weisz

Linda & Len Russ in memory of Aaron Cohen z”l

Sisterhood—Shalom Baby

Elisabeth & Stewart Levine in honor of the baby naming of their granddaughter, Maya

Elisabeth & Stewart Levine in memory of Reuben Levine z”l

Denise Lewis & Family in memory of:

• Michael Lewis z”l

• Eugene Wachtenheim z”l

Susan & Murray Morrison in memory of:

• Ruth Kobren z”l

• Mildred Jacobs Morrison z”l

• Marvin Silberberg z”l

Bonnie & Toby Moskowitz in honor of Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

Denise & Adam Pearl in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn

Julie & Ken Podziba in honor of Rabbi Wiederhorn, Joanne Folger, and TCS for all they did on behalf of Ken’s mom, Dora Podziba z”l

Lori & David Popkin in memory of Herbert Landau z”l

Sue Quinlan in memory of Dora Podziba z”l

Lisa & Ed Raice

Sandy & Mark Rappaport in memory of:

• Donald Feldman z”l

• Robert Feldman z”l

Sandy & Mark Rappaport in honor of:

• The baby naming of Lily Shaina Rand

• The engagement of Alec Wrubel & Molly Kandarian

Dana & Daniel Rose in honor of Sadie’s baby naming

Martha Rosenfeld in memory of:

• Bernard Elowsky z”l

• Martin Rosenfeld z”l

Debra & Ed Smolka in honor of Rabbi Wiederhorn for his kindness, guidance, and personal touch all along the way to Samantha & Alec’s wedding.

Susan Drossman & Adam Sokoloff in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Buffy & Andy Strober in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

Judith Udell in memory of Howard Udell z”l

Sheryl & Andrew Udell in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l Nancy, Adam, and Alex Wahler in honor of Allan Wahler’s 80th birthday

The Waller Family in memory of Sandra Waller z”l Michele & Lee Wrubel in honor of the baby naming of Lily Shaina Rand, granddaughter of Beth and Jay Rand

The Young Schneider Family in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn for his work with our son Gabriel for his bar mitzvah

Sisterhood—Mitzvah Fund

Ellen & Art Gang in honor of Wendy & Phil Schaeffer, on the birth of their granddaughter Monique & Phil Greenspan in memory of Benjamin “Buddy” Cohen z”l

Kim & Neil Philips in memory of Benjamin “Buddy” Cohen z”l

Wendy & Phil Schaefer in memory of:

• Henry Jacobs z”l

• Lucy Trujillo z”l

Ellen Graff & Marty Fox in honor of :

• the birth of Natalie Paige Megee, granddaughter ofWendy & Phil Schaefer

• the birth of their grandson, Tavi Henry Fox

• the birth of Lily Shaina Rand, granddaughter of Beth & Jay Rand

Tikkun Olam Fund

Susan, Matthew, Adam, Zachary & Elizabeth Byer in memory of Margaret Lamberg z”l Claudia and Arthur Cohen in memory of:

• Rosalind Schaefer z”l

• Marvin Silberberg z”l

Laura Friedman in memory of Richard Blank z”l

Sara, Phil, Emma & Ava Glick in memory of:

• Alan Glick z”l

• Sarah Glick z”l

• Ethel R. Elson z”l

• Ida Lobock z”l

• Robert Lobock z”l

Ivy & Ben Gosseen in memory of Benjamin “Buddy” Cohen z”l

Cynthia Haddad & Jay Hamburger in memory of Lawrence Hamburger z”l

Wendy & Phil Schaefer in memory of George Weisz z”l

Meryl & Steve Sitver in memory of Marvin Silberberg z”l

The Tapfar Family in memory of Bernice Gorelick z”l

Judith Udell & Family in memory of Chaim Hersch Newman z”l

Judith Udell in memory of Howard Udell z”l

USY/Kadima/Machar Fund

The Greenspan Family in memory of Dora Podziba z”l

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

The Mitchell Family

30 Hillspoint Road

Westport, CT 06880

HIGH HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Saturday, 9/9

8:15 p.m. Selihot at TBE Stamford

Friday, 9/15

Erev Rosh Hashanah

6:45 p.m. Service

Saturday, 9/16

Rosh Hashanah Day 1

8:30 a.m. Shaharit

9:30 a.m. (approx) Torah Service

9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Young Family Service (Preschool - 1st grade)

10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Kehillah Service (2nd - 6th grade - parents optional) followed by activities until 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, 9/17

Rosh Hashanah Day 2

8:30 a.m. Shaharit

9:30 a.m. (approx) Torah Service

9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Young Family Service (Preschool - 1st grade)

10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Kehillah Service (2nd - 6th grade—parents optional) followed by activities until 12:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m. Tashlikh at Compo Beach Boat Launch

Sunday, 9/24 Kol Nidre

6:30 p.m. Service

7:00 p.m. (approx) Teen Discussion with Ofek and Seth Marion

Monday, 9/25

Yom Kippur

8:30 a.m. Shaharit

9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Young Family Service (Preschool - 1st grade)

10:00 a.m. (approx) Torah Service

10:30 a.m. - 11:15 p.m. Kehillah Service (2nd - 6th grade—parents optional) followed by activities until 12:30 p.m.

11:45 a.m. (approx) Yizkor

4:45 p.m. Minha

6:15 p.m. Neilah and Ma’ariv

7:30 p.m. Break Fast (approx)

Calendar of Upcoming Events

October

1 Sukkot services Day 2

5 Preschool Curriculum Night

7 Shemini Atzeret

7 Erev Simhat Torah

8 Simhat Torah

November

7 Election Day (No Preschool)

23 Thanksgiving (No Preschool)

24 Thanksgiving Break(No Preschool)

26 Thanksgiving Break (No Kehillah)

Preschool)

30 Sukkot services Day 1