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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
Check out what the TCS Members have been doing. A look at the past months in pictures.
Letters
2 From the Rabbi’s Study 3 The Cantor’s Notes
Around the SHUL 4 TCS Scene
6 Page Shesh: Births, Weddings & Engagements, Welcome New Members and New Preschool Families 7 Cantor Cattan Delegate to World Zionist Congress 7 Rabbi Jeremy and Riki Wiederhorn Receive Humanitarian Award 8 The Presidents’ Desk 8 Our Executive Director 9 Sisterhood 9 Tamid 10 Kehillah Corner 11 Preschool Patter 20 Mazal Tov to our B’nei Mitzvah
How becoming, and seeing one’s daughter become, a bat mitzvah is meaningful at any age.
21 Adult Education: On-Demand Learning 25 Judaica Boutique 25 Tikkun Olam 26 High Holiday Appeal 26 Condolences
Back Cover Calendar
Features 12 Women’s Views from the Bimah 14 Connecting to Carin Savel: New CEO of Local Federation 16 A Hanukkah Tale 17 Hanukkah Recipes 18 Member Spotlight on Stacy Kamisar 19 Member Spotlight on Daniel Gross
TCS Loves 22 Donors, Doers, Daveners
Let us know if you would prefer to read The Mosaic online only by contacting the office or by emailing EditorialBoardforTCS@gmail.com.
Dear Friends,
And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.
Exodus 25:8
The renovation of our TCS sanctuary has meant that we have worshipped in temporary space for over a year. We have prayed outside on the grass, in the parking lot, inside a tent, at the beach, in a church social hall, in a classroom, and in the TCS Social Hall. We have literally been wandering Jews, but soon the wandering will come to an end as we move into our beautiful new sanctuary.
As we spoke to members of our TCS family at the beginning of our Koach campaign, many expressed the desire for a more “spiritual” or sacred space. I have always found it difficult to define “spiritual,” because what feels spiritual for one person may not feel spiritual for others. Nonetheless, we have attempted to provide a sense of greater spirituality in our renovated sanctuary by adding impressive windows that will provide a spectacular view of our outdoor surroundings. We will have a brand new reading table, Ark, and Ner Tamid (Eternal Light) that will be focal points of our sanctuary. You will also notice that we no longer have low soffits and instead have higher ceilings to provide more open, sacred space. We have added acoustical panels so that the music and the melodies of our prayers will be heard clearly, and most importantly, the sounds of the collective voices of our community will ring throughout the sanctuary. We always want the room to feel intimate and inviting, while allowing us the flexibility for a variety of seating arrangements.
I believe we now have the unique opportunity to create an authentic sacred space if we collectively commit to this mission. What does that mean? It’s more than just providing high ceilings and gorgeous windows. To become a sacred space, it will require us to be more cognizant of what we say and how we act when entering the room. The sanctuary should feel different than the other rooms in the synagogue. Some conversations and tones of voice that are appropriate outside the sanctuary, perhaps should not be the way in which we speak inside the sanctuary. If we are truly entering “holy” space, let us remember to put on our kippot before entering the room so that our heads are covered as we enter, out of respect for God and our sacred sanctuary. If we are eating or drinking outside the sanctuary, let us put those items aside and not bring them with us as we cross the threshold into our makom kadosh, holy space. Together, let us create a true makom kadosh where we can be fully present and allow God to dwell among us.
B’shalom Rav,
I believe we now have the unique opportunity to create an authentic sacred space if we collectively commit to this mission.
Here at TCS we offer many opportunities to learn. Besides the very successful and educational community-wide lectures, last May we celebrated the conclusion of a three-year journey of the adult B’not Mitzvah class, and they worked hard into paying it forward by recruiting a new cohort of adult learners who will be starting in December. The sessions will be on Judaism’s fundamentals. “Scouting the Sources,” so to speak.
Our society has always viewed education as learning for material gain, for practical and utilitarian reasons. This is one way of looking at learning. We want to learn in order to achieve a certain degree of literacy to get credentials to improve our material world, either by getting better jobs, or promotions. The Jewish concept of learning also includes learning for the sake of learning itself. Our Jewish tradition highlights the importance of studying for no material gain. Edgar Bronfman Sr. once mentioned that the most important change in his life that made him the philanthropist he was, was learning. He felt it important to understand Jewish history and Jewish traditions, to go beyond just feeling Jewish. That thought resonated with me because I always like to tell my students that you can “be” Jewish but it is also important to “know” Jewish. It makes you a better individual. It provides you with the tools to better understand your identity, and to learn what are the tools that Judaism provide for the betterment of our daily lives.
Judaism is like an operational system that offers a multiplicity of applications based on your interests and needs. They’re all based on the same premises, and they all address different needs. What they provide are the tools for improving our spiritual life, our relationship with God, and with other human beings. Many of them are truly unknown to the vast majority of the Jewish community because we have been prioritizing rituals and traditions over learning and teaching. Sometimes even reducing our Jewish identity to rituals that will not even be relevant to the next generations. Our mission is often interpreted as we should teach our children for the sake of Jewish survival. That is the wrong reason for keeping Judaism alive. The reason is, in my humble opinion, that teaching Judaism will improve our children’s lives. The question is how do we improve our children’s lives by teaching them Judaism, when we don’t have the knowledge needed to do so?
The answer can be found in the daily blessing that precedes the Shemah Yisrael:
“Kind creator, have compassion for us, open our hearts so that we may understand and discern, hear and study and teach, observe and perform, and fulfill all the teachings of your Torah with love.”
The ultimate expression of love is teaching our children to translate into action the teachings of our tradition. So, the sequence is to understand, to incorporate the knowledge in order to study. Once we study, we teach either by performing or by transmitting and sharing our experiences and all that is done with love. Our love for the next generations is an extension of God’s love for us.
If you are interested in participating of any kind of learning experiences, please contact me at cantorc@tcs-westport.org. I’ll be happy to help you.
Sincerely,
Cantor Luis Cattan
You can “be” Jewish but it is also important to “know” Jewish. It makes you a better individual.
Kenzie Eve Beck, daughter of Michael & Calie Beck, sister of Savannah & Tyler
Alice Cecilia Fraade, daughter of Jordan Fraade & Emma Hulse, granddaughter of Jon Fraade and Rita Appel
Noah Oliver Glick, son of Jeremy & Nicole Glick, brother of Henry
William Sheridan Levy, son of Jonathan & Sara Levy, brother of Charlotte & Victoria, grandson of Harold Levy
Micah Zak Mallin, son of Jordan & Ava Mallin, brother of Dev & Dahlia
Sadie Hazel Rose, daughter of Daniel & Dana Rose, granddaughter of Bob & Yvette Rose and Len & Linda Russ
Maya Irene Salomon, daughter of Mark Salomon & Arianna Grand, granddaughter of Fred & Orna Grand
Harper Rose Yormark, daughter of Michael & Lindsay Yormark, granddaughter of Ken & Diane Yormark
Jason & Ariel Alford (Ella – Oneder Play & Tiny Twos)
Andrew & Chloe Fleischer (Palmer – Oneder Play & Tiny Twos, Sibling – Poppy)
Florian & Jacqueline Hensel (Felix – Oneder Play & Tiny Twos)
Geoffrey & Lindsay Hollander (Russell – Oneder Play)
David & Bess Rostowsky (Gabe – Oneder Play)
Josh & Ava Blum and their children Levi, Mavi, & Beau
Gwendolyn Lopez-Cohen
Henry & Merav Diamond and their son Ethan
Eric & Lisa Eisen and their children Alexa & Andrew
Jonathan Siner & Lisa Hersch and their children Leora & Joshua
Josh & Yelana Kaplan and their children Ben & Sophia
Brian & Allison Matthews and their children Sydney, Lily, & Whitney
Ilana Matz and her children Evelyn & Leo
Ira & Dana Reibeison and their children
Calla & Ella
Stacy Steiger and her son Jordan
Zach & Bonnie Steinman and their children
Jacob & Mia
Aaron & Dena Tolkin and their children Elizabeth, Alexander, & Isaac
Brian & Jacqueline Weiner and their children Matteah & Juliette
Steven & Ana White
Jon Fraade & Rita Appel on the marriage of their daughter Rachel Fraade to Max Malter
Andrew & Debbi Barer on the marriage of their son Logan Barer to Dr. Rebecca Siegel
Jim Glasser & Sharon Jaffe on the marriage of their daughter Sarah Glasser to Josh Lavian
Bob & Margie Labarre on the marriage of their son Matt Labarre to Lily Sloss
Steven & Meryl Sitver on the marriage of their daughter Julie Sitver to Jamie Paldino
Shellie Tapfar on the marriage of her daughter Jessica Tapfar to Alice Dill
Sheri Warshaw, Jeff & Wynter Warshaw on the marriage of their daughter Brette Warshaw to Jared Moscow
Jeff & Naomi Weingart on the marriage of their daughter Emily Weingart to Dr. Michael Jureller
Engagements: Jon Fraade & Rita Appel on the engagement of their son Michael Fraade to Jenn Queen
Josh Cohen on the engagement of Ross Cohen to Ellie Reppy
Joanne Folger on the engagement of her daughter Morgan Folger to Bo Hayward
Mark & Sandy Rappaport on the engagement of their daughter Dana Rappaport to Nathan Pilcowitz
Marcy Bratman Samarel on the engagement of her son Spencer Bratman to Nicole Beresford
Tedd & Amy Weisman on the engagement of their son Jared Weisman to Morgan Moubayed
We are thrilled to announce that Cantor Cattan has been elected to serve as a delegate from the Conservative Movement to the World Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland. He joined 1500 participants from 45 countries.
Mazel Tov and Kol Hakavod to Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn and Riki Wiederhorn, who received the 2022 Humanitarian Award from the New York Board of Rabbis. The event was held at the Pierre Hotel in New York City on November 16. The award was presented by Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, the Rabbi of Park Avenue Synagogue. Among those also receiving an award that night was former Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer.
Cantor Cattan attends session in Basel, Switzerland
Rabbi Wiederhorn, our spiritual leader at TCS for the last fifteen years, is the 65th President of the New York Board of Rabbis and the first President from Connecticut. He was cited for his deft leadership of the organization through two years of the Covid Pandemic.
Riki Wiederhorn currently serves as the Director of Year-Round Programming for Camp Ramah New England. She has worked for over 25 years as a teacher and Jewish educator in various formal and informal settings, including the Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy in Stamford, CT for nearly a decade.
As we reflect back on the High Holidays, we would like to take this opportunity to review some of the highlights we included in our Yom Kippur message.
Our respect for our Rabbi and Cantor and how their love of Judaism and commitment to TCS is extraordinary.
Our reverence for our Administrative Team who work tirelessly and professionally to address the needs of our community.
Our appreciation to our Facilities Team who are so helpful, reliable, and capable.
We are thrilled that TCS starts from a place of strength and as many communities are in decline or struggling, we have a stable membership.
Our strategic planning process will create a sustainable financial future while meeting the needs of our diverse congregation.
We know our community is looking to shift to a more relational focus where connections are paramount and how important it is for TCS to meet people where they are.
We highlighted the importance of volunteerism, and how without the contributions of so many Congregants, we simply could not do the things we do.
Of course we had to mention our fundraising initiatives, and we quoted Winston Churchill — “You make a living by what you get — you make a life by what you give.”
But all of our remarks fall under one umbrella — the strength of our Congregation — our clergy, our leadership, our employees, and our volunteers. TCS stands tall, and it is because of you, our Congregants, that we continue to thrive. Thank you for your support.
CYNTHIA BANNON
Being new to an organization is not easy; being new during a major renovation, while planning the High Holidays under changeable circumstances, is a stress-inducing feat. TCS is truly graced with exceptional clergy, staff, lay leadership, and volunteers. I want to extend a massive THANK YOU to each one of you for your dedication and determination to make the High Holidays run as smoothly and successfully as possible. Despite a technical hiccup and a day of torrential downpours, it was my pleasure to welcome the TCS community upon arrival to services.
As I write this message in early November, the excitement is growing as the tents are gone, services are being held inside, and the Preschool and Kehillah students are enjoying enrichment programs in the new Community Room. We have this beautiful new space, and we want everyone to enjoy it! Please do not hesitate to reach out to discuss planning a special event, reserving time for a group or club, or to share topics of interest that can be explored for future programs.
To ensure the continued success of upcoming events, services, and fundraisers, such as Purim, Passover, and the Gala, please consider the importance of volunteering your time. Volunteer engagement is a key component to achieving our synagogue’s mission. TCS is committed to creating a warm and inclusive environment where the unique gifts of volunteers are recognized and nurtured and where dedicated staff and resources support meaningful volunteer opportunities.
TCS Sisterhood is constantly looking for ways to engage the congregation’s women of all ages and at all stages of their lives by hosting fun, interactive, and spiritually inspired events. This is not your mother’s Sisterhood! Our events provide opportunities to surround yourself with exciting, vibrant woman, to make new friends and further bond with old ones. Our mission is “to promote the religious and cultural aspects of Jewish living for our synagogue’s women and youth.” Many enjoyed our evening Beach Bash/ Ladies Night out, which typically occurs at the end of every summer and was our last annual event.
Most recently, Sisterhood took steps to ensure a sweet New Year. We had a wonderful showing of Sisterhood volunteers helping to pack and distribute apples and honey to our TCS community, near and far. (Huge THANK YOU to Ben Gosseen and Tom Klein for collecting the apples!) For Yom Kippur, Sisterhood coordinated a delicious Break Fast prepared by the Tibis.
Through College Connection, Sisterhood reminds college students to maintain their connection to TCS and our Clergy; this year we are focusing on High Holidays Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, and Passover and each
Despite a rainy start, Tamid recently hosted its first “Hike and Dine” event, which due to the weather became “Dine and Hike.” Over a dozen intrepid souls joined for a cozy, fun lunch at the Redding Roadhouse and then many of us hiked after lunch. The warmth that emanated from our crowd more than made up for the cold, gray weather.
Look out for announcements about future events Tamid is planning, which include a presentation by ADL about dealing with the rise of antisemitism, a talk by Dan Gross about his new book A Banker’s Journey: How Edmond J. Safra Built A Global
Financial Empire and about Safra’s efforts to champion the Sephardic Diaspora, a discussion and tasting about “Jews and Booze,” and other events like cooking classes, hikes, and game nights.
If you are interested in meeting vibrant people over the age of 45, many of whom are empty nesters, then Tamid is the place for you. If you would like more information about Tamid, have ideas you would like Tamid to pursue, or are interested in helping to plan events, contact us at EditorialboardforTCS@gmail.com.
student will receive a little something special for each of these occasions.
Sisterhood also expands our reach to the broader community. We have partnered with the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County to support their Dignity Grows effort. Dignity Grows is an organization that packs and distributes tote bags filled with a month’s supply of feminine hygiene products for women who cannot afford to purchase these items on their own. Sisterhood sponsored and packed 100 bags for distribution in early November.
Please keep your eye out for upcoming events and spread the word!
At a time when religious schools around the country are losing momentum, I am proud to say that TCS Kehillah is going against the national trend. We have built a strong community that continues to thrive and grow through a culture of kindness, understanding, learning, and caring.
prayers they may use at a college Hillel, or a synagogue they visit on a trip to Israel. We take a hands-on approach to education.
If we’re learning about comparative religions, we visit a church and a mosque. If we’re learning about immigration, we take the ferry to Ellis Island. We apply the same philosophy for Israel education, and that’s why we’re thrilled to have Ofek, our Federation Israeli Shaliach with us this year.
One unique feature of our program is a curriculum model that focuses on learning with intention. Our students know that they can take their Jewish learning and use it beyond the classroom. Our dedicated teachers are at the core of their students’ journey to achieve an authentic Jewish life. Hebrew is taught practically. Decoding is taught by learning to sound out words of
Not only do we learn, but we have fun outside of the classroom as well. Through social events, family learning sessions, and holiday celebrations, our students and families are able to connect over shared bonds and values. Our older students engage with each other in our updated youth lounge. If you stop by between 3:30pm and 4:00pm on Monday or Tuesday, you will see a vibrant group of Kehillah students chatting, laughing, playing games, and just having fun together before heading off to class. This is our community at its best.
Inclusivity is another important piece of the puzzle. Over the past few months, we’ve welcomed many new families who bring excitement and flavor to our community. I’m working hard to get to know each family and seamlessly integrate them into
our greater Kehillah community. Whether it’s enlisting a new parent to volunteer or connecting a newer family with an established family, these are opportunities to bring people together. We even have new students joining us in seventh grade with no religious school experience, who’ve jumped right in and already look like they’ve been with us for years. This is not only a testament to our program, but also to our enthusiastic new families. We look forward to building on this energy and continuing to meet our students where they are.
We encourage you to get involved in our Kehillah community! Join us for our Hanukkah and Purim celebrations, sign up to be a substitute teacher, or even volunteer to read a book to our students. We look forward to staying connected and fostering our vibrant Kehillah together.
The beginning of the school year is well underway and after two long years of restrictions and active construction we are all back in the building experiencing the joy and community of TCS Preschool. As parents escort their children to the classroom each morning, we observe teachers, children, and families making connections, looking at artwork on the classroom walls, and making sense of their child’s learning process through documentation and photographs highlighting the curriculum happening during the preschool day. The hallways are abuzz again with parents arranging after-school playdates, sharing weekend plans, and children making their way from one part of the school to another.
of daily preschool life, focusing on the cycle of Jewish holidays, Shabbat observances, and an understanding of Jewish values.
Community, family, and shared traditions are at the core of what makes TCS Preschool so special. What better way to experience l’dor v’dor (from generation to generation) than to see parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles celebrating with us at our all-school Shabbat or arriving together for morning dropoff? We welcome all of you to come see us here at the preschool. Share your talents, see our youngest TCS members, help us in the preschool garden, or tell a story! We look forward to seeing you.
When our children 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. Each day our teachers prepare different invitations for play and observe and listen closely to the children so they can plan for ways to extend their learning together. Jewish traditions remain an integral part of our curriculum and are carefully woven into the fabric
“After two long and turbulent years of our children attending preschool amidst COVID lockdowns and protocols that limited family participation, we are thrilled to be at TCS as the school returns to normal life post-Covid. In fact, our experience now is even better as our community has become stronger and more supportive through the pandemic. The challenges during the pandemic have helped us appreciate the leadership at TCS, especially from the preschool and its staff. We cannot wait for the synagogue renovations to be completed, in particular the social hall/cafe which will allow young Jewish parents to interact, socialize and form an even tighter community.”
It may suprise some, but Conservative synagogues did not always offer egalitarian services. Traditionally, only men counted toward the quorum of ten required to say the most important prayers, and only men could lead services or read from the Torah. Today at least 98 percent of Conservative synagogues have egalitarian services.
The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards (CJLS) of Conservative Judaism first permitted women to be called up to the Torah in 1955. Between 1972 and 1976, the number of synagogues allowing women to be called up to the Torah increased from seven to 50 percent. Since 1973, women and men have counted equally in a minyan. The following year, men and women were finally considered equal in all areas of ritual, including serving as prayer leaders.
The TCS founders had fostered a robust egalitarian culture from the beginning, which continues to this day. The goal for our commmunity has always been to support
a culture where every individual could pursue their personal journey. In fact, TCS has had three female cantors. But of course, not all congregants were fortunate enough to grow up in environment like this.
Today, many women take pride in seeing their daughters called up to the Torah because they themselves had not had the opportunity to do so. TCS has helped many women fill that void as an adult. Over the years, TCS has had five adult bat mitzvah groups. Some women have shared their views on this subject.
DIANA SUSSMAN: Becoming a bat mitzvah as an adult was one of my most meaningful experiences. Preparing for it and sharing it with a group of women, many close friends, enhanced it for me.
I still remember selecting my Tallit, the butterflies in my stomach before I began chanting Miriam’s Song of the Sea, and the pride I felt when I finished.
I had always felt a strong connection to my Jewish heritage. As a child I actually
asked to go to Hebrew school. But since I was a girl, my dad gave me a Berlitz book on Hebrew language, which sat on a shelf. While I learned to read Hebrew well enough to teach children, sang in the TCS chorale, and read Torah at my son’s bar mitzvah, I never felt like a full member of the congregation until I became a bat mitzvah.
A few months later, I read Torah at my daughter’s bat mitzvah. I was so proud of her and thrilled that she could have this experience at the age of 13, not 45 like me. Aside from a different color palette, the Tallit she wore looked exactly like mine. That felt appropriate.
LAUREN BARNETT: It’s hard to describe an experience over 35 years in the making. This was a milestone I and the other four women in my learning group had contemplated for much of our lives. Candidly, we had often pushed it to the back of our minds because the task had come to seem too insurmountable to achieve as an adult (even coordinating six adults’ biweekly schedules had become challenging enough).
Yet, with determination, endless laughs, through a worldwide pandemic, and with the unwavering confidence, patience, and spiritual wisdom of our Cantor and Rabbi, five close friends gained a whole new understanding and appreciation for our history and our heritage, laughed hysterically when we realized the one Hebrew word we had spent close to a year learning was, in fact, the word Shabbat, and cried with incredible pride and overwhelming emotion when we finally accomplished what we had set out to do and became b’not mitzvah in June. Then we topped it off with an unforgettable girls’ trip to Israel.
Careful if you see us around town… because we love to talk about it with anyone who will listen.
including the additional Hebrew that we did not grow up with.
Each of our kids learned a lot of Hebrew for their b’nei mitzvah. Our son came to the bimah to honor his sister, beautifully chanting a Torah portion three years after his own bar mitzvah. They put in the work, accomplished a lot, and gained a deep appreciation of what it means to be Jewish.
There was no question that we would join a place where our daughter could do exactly what her brother did for her big day: she would wear a tallit, read from the Torah, and lead Shabbat services. She did just that, making us proud as men and women sat together watching. We would not have it any other way.
Brooke read Bereshit, the first portion of the Torah in the new social hall. This was truly a new beginning for her as a Jewish adult. After having started middle school in a pandemic, she was now in person surrounded by loving family, friends and community. I realized yet again how fortunate we have been to call TCS home.
While this makes perfect sense, it had not occurred to me at the time. I was raised in an egalitarian synagogue like TCS where girls and boys received equal opportunities to participate in Jewish rituals. In my upbringing, and in the upbringing of my daughters, there has never been a distinction in expectations or opportunities based on gender. For this reason, I sometimes take for granted that it was not the case in every generation, or currently in every Jewish community, that women are given equal standing to men.
At TCS, we have many strong female role models that set examples for our children. From serving on our Board, to reading Torah, to spearheading social action, there are women contributing to every aspect of our synagogue life. As our sons and daughters grow up within our community, they are absorbing this core value of equality and will be better people because of it. I look forward to watching as Leah continues to grow into a strong role model herself. And, perhaps one day, I will get to witness her sharing our bat mitzvah tallis with the next generation of Dombrow women.
PHYLLIS WALLITT: My husband Dan and I grew up Reform. For various reasons, I did not to have a bat mitzvah, a decision I later regretted. I vowed that my own children would be more connected to their synagogue than I was.
We moved to Westport in 2008 and enrolled our son Evan in the TCS Preschool. We later felt so embraced by the TCS community that we joined. Over the years we came to truly enjoy the beauty of the services,
MELISSA DOMBROW: My daughter Leah had her bat mitzvah on May 21 in a heartfelt and meaningful ceremony at her Jewish home, TCS. After months of hard work, it was a proud moment to watch her lead the Shabbat service, read Torah, and confidently chant her Haftarah. Though we were in a tent, looking around at the faces of our family, friends, and community, the setting could not have been more beautiful.
On this special day, Leah wore the same tallis that I wore at my bat mitzvah 30 years ago. Having her wear my tallis (now, our tallis) symbolized for me the bridging of our family’s Jewish tradition from one generation to another. Rabbi Wiederhorn pointed out that it is somewhat unique for a daughter to receive her mother’s tallis because it was not so long ago that girls did not regularly become bat mitzvah and those that did often did not wear a Tallit. As a result, not many women have this heirloom to pass down to their daughters.
LISA KESSLER: For lack of a better word, I lived my first 13 years as a “secular” Jewish girl. Choosing to become a bat mitzvah at 57 for me was a personal rededication to our people, our ancient language and traditions, and to my family before me. All while doing it with my closest friends.
I wanted my daughters to have what I didn’t. When Cassi becomes a bat mitzvah, just as Lexi and I did at TCS, my heart will be truly filled. Having all three of us read from the Torah is not only a symbol of equality, but an affirmation of Jewish pride and our resilience. As a Jewish mother I cannot think of anything more important, especially now, for my girls to not only be prideful and confident in their Judaism but to be able to defend it when that time comes.
AS OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS GROW UP IN OUR COMMUNITY THEY ARE ABSORBING THIS CORE VALUE OF EQUALITY AND WILL BY BETTER PEOPLE BECAUSE OF IT .
BY DIANA SUSSMAN
The Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County has a new face at its helm. Let’s meet their new Chief Executive Officer Carin Savel.
A native New Yorker from from the Upper West Side, born in Westbury, Carin’s journey to Fairfield County has been quite the winding path. While raised with her brother and sister in a Conservative Jewish household that impressed the importance of helping others, Carin initially focused on the arts.
In her early 20s, this drama major from Syracuse University started the original CSI, Carin Savel Incorporated, a PR firm that branded artists like Celine Dion and Debbie Gibson. She segued into the not-forprofit world through music. She served as the director of corporate responsibility with LIFEbeat: The Music Industry Fights AIDS, raising money for AIDS education. In that role she oversaw UrbanAID, CountryAID, and the Barbra Streisand concert in Madison Square Garden.
Four years later, she took a job for the United Way and, along with her two young sons, moved down to Raleigh, North Carolina. Shortly after settling in, her son’s Hebrew schoolteacher, Rick Glazier, approached her about running his campaign for Senate. She ran her first political campaign and they won by only 123 votes. Carin then joined him at the General Assembly as policy director and chief of staff.
Soon, other legislators started
asking for her help with their campaigns, which led her to creating an independent political consulting firm. As a campaign-fixer, she successfully helped both Democrats and Republicans get into office. Carin commented that this set her up well for her eventual role in Jewish Federation, which is “not partisan but is political.”
removed the stickers and the problem stopped, but also it ignited her passion for fighting for Jewish lives and values.
In 2014, United Way again recruited her to serve as CEO in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. At that point, the executive director of the Jewish Federation of Western MA tapped Carin to chair its Jewish Community Relations Committee (JCRC). Immediately, she had a problem to solve — someone had been placing BDS stickers on Sabra Hummus containers sold at the Springfield Big Y store. After talking to community members and doing some research, she learned that tampering with food in a grocery store was a federal offense. Once she explained this to the Big Y, they
Shortly after, the Federation sent her to join the Jewish Council on Public Affairs on a leadership mission to Israel. During the meeting at the Peres Peace Center, former Prime Minister and then President of Israel himself, Shimon Peres, came and spoke to the group about the responsibilities of Jews helping Jews. He asked Carin what she did for a living. When she said that she worked for United Way, he told her, “In this ear, I hear a smart woman. In this ear, not so smart. A smart woman goes home to work for Jews.” Said Carin “When Shimon Peres tells you to work for the Jews, you go home and work for the Jews.” She resigned from the United Way, called Federation in New York and asked them to “Find me a Federation.” She chose to return to Raleigh, as CEO of the Federation.
Within the first six months of leading the Federation in North Carolina, Carin steered a landmark anti-BDS bill through the North Carolina legislature, and witnessed the Governor sign it into law. While she relished her work at the Federation, she found it difficult to be a New York Jew in the South, so she left to be closer to home in the Northeast.
By 2019, she was back in Connecticut working as the new Executive Director of the
Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut. But six months after arriving, Carin found herself in quarantine and running the organization from her living room.
When the Jewish Federation of Fairfield County needed a real mover and shaker to take over as the new Chief Executive Officer, they reached out to Carin Savel. She began in February 2022 and has hit the ground running — reaching out to people from every demographic. When asked about whether Covid concerns curtailed her activities, Carin noted, “It’s not Jewish to stay home. It’s Jewish to reach out to others in need.”
Carin is excited to develop sustaining programs targeted to families. Favorite projects include the PJ library program (run by TCS member Monique Lions-Greenspan), which provides children with a book a month and community activities. Under her leadership, the successful new Federation Young Family program was created, run by Sara Beitman. She also oversaw the creation of a second Merkaz campus, which is located at TCS and run by Seth Marion. Carin also put missions back on the Federation calendar. In January, the Federation will lead a Civil Rights Journey to Atlanta, Montgomery,
When Shimon Peres tells you to work for the Jews, you go home and work for the Jews.
”
Birmingham, and Selma, that Steve Ginsburg (former CT ADL Director) will be leading. In April 2023, they will travel to Israel for its 75th birthday celebration.
As a first generation born American whose ancestors fled pogroms in Russia, Carin feels strongly about Holocaust education and awareness. To this end, Carin is working with American Friends of Yad Vashem in NYC to open a Holocaust Resource Center (HRC) in June 2023. Agnes Vertes, president of the Holocaust Survivors of Connecticut and a Jewish History Society Board Member, will be involved in HRC programing.
Combatting the rise in antisemitism is critically important today, and Carin is working with a task force to pass Connecticut’s anti-BDS bill, similar to the North Carolina
Bill she helped pass.
Carin was also instrumental in raising over $300,000 in aid sent to Ukraine, and helped charter three planes (one was a TCS plane) to the Ukraine war zone to rescue Jewish Ukrainians and resettle them to Israel.
Since her father was born in Cuba, she empathizes with the need to escape from a country embroiled in conflict.
Looking at the many achievements that Carin has already had in less than a year, it is safe to say that Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County is in good hands. This vivacious, fun-loving dynamo is someone you will want to meet. She certainly stands out in a crowd with her curly red hair and big persona. When she reaches out to you, make sure to make some time for her. She’s worth it.
BY ILENE FROST
At the time of this writing, we are putting the finishing touches on the main floor of the building just in time for Hanukkah, the festival which commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple. These pictures only tell part of the story, but they are glimpses of the light and beautiful spaces that we will enjoy for many years to come.
Hey, Haim!” I heard Nehamah Lerner as I was lifting my chair to place it on top of the table before leaving for home. “The new music teacher is looking for you.”
The new music teacher, I think, was a long lost relative of mine. His name was Yitzchak Tov. Tov is the root of the word “good” in Hebrew. And so is my last name – at that time they pronounced it “Tubi” because of a clerical mistake who extended the letter Yod to a Vav and therefore changed the sound of last name. He was also from Tunisia, where my parents came from. I liked him, he kept us singing a lot of new popular songs while playing his accordion. Now he wants me to rejoin the chorale. To be once again the only boy.
“He likes your voice,” said Nehamah Lerner, “I think it was Ya’el Helbort who told him about you too.”
“Ya’el,” I thought to myself almost out loud, “I love that blond.” She is pretty, she is a good singer and I saw her play the guitar, my favorite instrument. I never even imagined she noticed me. She was in my classroom, but we never talked. She lived at the rich neighborhood on the way to Avihayil, those people don’t look at us “low class Sfaradim.” It is still puzzling me how a people who’s been discriminated for all its history can be discriminating within its own people.
“I heard a lot about you, young man,” said Yitzchak Tov. “You have a nice voice and can carry a tune.”
“I guess, I could.”
Please join us for
A Weekend of Celebration, December 16-18 as we rededicate our home, starting with the first Kabbalat Shabbat services in our newly renovated sanctuary. It will include music and a Community Hanukkah Dinner by chefs Tibi and Asya.
Check your emails for schedule and links to RSVP.
“We need you to sing the blessing for the candles of Chanukah this year. Do you think you can manage it?“
“Sure!”
“This year I am planning also to have an orchestra playing with us. It should turn out very well. We had some new budget for new instruments, and we have some kids who are good musicians. I was very excited about it.” Yitzchak was proudly smiling as he was telling us about the changes. We started rehearsals right away. Of course, I was feeling very proud of
myself and through the corner of my eyes I could see pretty Ya’el almost smiling. Two days before the Chanukah celebration I was woken up with the usual classical music at 6:00 am and unlike every morning I heard an aria from one of the Italian operas. I was so excited, I never heard that before. And the voice was so deep and strong that I was trying very hard to imitate it. Avi my brother jumped in and joined me with his squeaky voice (Dad always made fun of his whining).
“Can you sing like that”? He asked and changed the key (I had no idea what a key was at that time) back and forth. “I hear, only professionals can do that.”
“Of course, I can,” I answered proudly. And we both walked to school singing different songs off key.
The next day, at the last period, our parents came to watch our Chanukah celebration. For the first time ever, Dad showed up and sat proudly in the front row. His son was about to sing the blessing in front of the whole school.
First the kids with the instruments walked up to the stage and everybody was cheering them up. Next the chorale kids walked up and yours truly was the first kid in the first row. Standing proudly, trying to look tall. “I have a surprise for Yitzchak today. I will sing like a professional.”
We sang a few Chanukah songs and then it was my turn to step up to the “Chanukkiah.” The orchestra gave us a few introduction chords and I started the blessings, holding the candle in my right hand and started to light the first candle. When I got to the second candle, I decided it was time to show my “professionalism.” I changed the key in the middle of the blessing. The gasp I heard that came from the audience scared me so much I dropped the candle. Lucky it went out. I quickly picked it up, relit it and continued the blessing with the original key. In the corner of my eye, I could see Yitzchak brushing his hair in amazement or maybe frustration.
Once we finish and everyone clapped their hands, I heard Yitzchak Tov yelling at me; “Tubi, remind me to talk to you about musical keys!”
Ingredients
2 eggplants
5 potatoes
2 celery stalks
2 onions
1 can of beans
3 garlic cloves
½ cup chopped parsley
3 tbs olive oil
2 tsp salt
1 tsp cocoa powder
¼ cup oatmeal
½ tsp paprika
Cut the eggplant to flat slices, spread kosher salt on the slices and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. Slice 2 potatoes and deep fry until lightly brown (a little undercooked).
Deep fry the eggplant.
Chop one onion and sauté until soft, add celery keep sautéing until the celery is soft. Crush and chop the garlic and ginger, add them to the pan. Add the beans and crushed tomatoes, one tsp salt, spices, cocoa powder, and oatmeal. Bring to boil, lower the heat, and simmer for one hour and let cool.
Chop the second onion and sauté separately Boil 3 potatoes and mash them together with fried onion and one tsp salt. Use the water of the potatoes to dilute the mashed potato to form a smooth paste.
Layer in this order: fried potatoes, bean mixture, eggplant, bean mixture, eggplant, and top with the mashed potatoes. Bake for one hour at 300 degrees. You may brush egg on top and sprinkle with sliced red onion and raise the heat in the last 10 minutes to 400 degrees to get a crispy look.
BY ELISE MEYERToday is a great day to make Hanukkah cookies and this is my favorite recipe for rolled, cut, decorated cookies.
6 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. salt 2 cups sugar 2 cups butter (4 sticks) 2 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla
Cream sugar and butter until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs and extracts. Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl and add to butter mixture. Mix well.
Put a handful of the freshly made dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll to 1/8 inch thickness. Repeat with the rest of the dough. Stack sheets of dough and parchment paper on a cookie sheet and refrigerate. When firm, peel off the top sheet, cut dough as desired, and place onto parchment lined baking sheets.
Gather up the scraps, sandwich in parchment again, reroll, and refrigerate.
Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until the cookies just start to turn a light tan on the edges. Remove cookies on parchment to rack or marble to cool for a couple minutes before carefully moving onto racks to cool thoroughly before decorating.
Dough can be made ahead, and wrapped well and stored in the freezer for a month.
3 tbs meringue powder
4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar 6-7 tbs water
The Method
Beat all ingredients at low speed for 7 to 10 minutes, or until icing forms peaks.
Tip: Keep icing covered with a wet kitchen towel at all times. Icing can dry out quickly.
Divide into bowls and tint as desired, or put in a piping bag. They are practically perfect in every way.
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.
BY ELISE MEYER
As a journalism major at Northwestern University in Chicago she met her husband Jon, and took on the responsibility of PR director for the UJA (United Jewish Appeal) on campus.
After college, Stacy moved to New York City while Jon played a year of professional tennis, and then went to law school. During this time she started her career in corporate communications at a money center bank, and then at an investment bank. But, as “my Judaism spoke to me,” she pivoted to a job with the American Friends of Tel Aviv University, and has stayed in the Jewish professional world ever since.
pride that the program actually started here in our community, and now, the program proved so successful that now there are hundreds of shlichim (emissaries) all over the world. “To think it started right here!” Stacy loves to hear about the lifelong connections our community has made, how people stay connected, and how many people really grow from this project.
Who is that smiling face welcoming you to an exciting community happening? Who is the pretty lady who always says “Shabbat Shalom” when you meet at Shabbat on the Beach?
The answer is Stacy Kamisar, an active and engaged member of the TCS community since 1999. How active? Since joining the synagogue Stacy has chaired the Membership Committee, The Religious School Committee, the Adult Education Committee, and served on the Executive Committee for four years.
For Stacy, TCS is her home, and the reason she believes that she will never leave the community. Most of her friends are from TCS, and she and her husband Jon are part of a dynamic Shabbat Club of four couples that meet monthly for convivial Shabbat Dinners in each others’ homes. The synagogue is a central location of her life.
Giving her time and talent to the community is primary to Stacy. She strongly believes that members like herself who dedicate their energy and efforts are equal in importance to those that “give with their wallets.” In fact, she was particularly proud to see the strong TCS volunteer effort to deliver kosher groceries during the pandemic for thirty straight months to neighbors in need. “TCS is clearly a warm, caring community,” she said.
For Stacy this all comes fairly naturally, as she has felt a deep connection to her Jewish Community since her early Jewish education, and especially as a teenager in her local Hebrew High School program.
The Kamisars left cramped New York City apartment life when Ben was born. After seven years in Stamford, the Kamisars found their way to Weston, looking for a small town environment. They happily settled in, loved raising the family in Weston, and love it to this day.
Today, Stacy holds the job of Director of Programs and Partnerships for the Federation. She loves that her job is all about building Jewish community and creating educational and entertaining programs that bring the Jews of our community together around issues, arts, culture, and of course, Israel. She strives to meet people wherever they are on their Jewish journey. Stacy has been in the position at the Federation for “thirteen years, three CEOs, and three names.”
In Stacy’s words, “I want to nurture a vibrant Jewish community so that when a young couple on the Upper West Side is looking for a home, they look here and say, ‘wow, this is a great place to raise a Jewish family.’”
She loves creating programs like the highly successful Food Festivals that brought hundreds of people together, and has organized scores of fantastic programs with authors, speakers, religious leaders, Israeli politicians, artists, and musicians. She loves to instigate and promote Jewish conversations around many diverse topics.
Of all the programs, though there are two that resonate the most with her. One is the Israeli Emissary Program, which has brought young and vibrant Israelis into our community for over 20 years. In fact, the Kamisars hosted one of the Emissaries in 2005, even before she started at Federation. It is a point of
Her other favorite program is Dignity Grows, a project so transformative that people stop her on the street to thank her for the endeavor that provides monthly personal hygiene products to individuals assigned female at birth who cannot afford them. Walking out of her office loaded with products to help organize a packing group, a woman thanked her saying:
“I can’t tell you how meaningful this is for someone to receive a bag with stuff like this, to see that somebody cares enough to know that I need this.”
Meanwhile Stacy and Jon are enjoying their empty nest now that their two adult children are successfully out on their own. Ben, 31, is married to Shelby Lopez Kamisar, and lives in Washington DC. He is a political journalist with NBC, and she is White House Liaison to the National Endowment for the Humanities. Mia, 28, is a graphic designer, art director, and producer for corporate events in NYC.
In her spare time? Stacy is an avid reader. If you ever want a recommendation on what to read next, just ask her. Currently she is loving Emily St John Mandel’s Sea of Tranquility, and thinks everyone should read “Cloud Cuckoo Land” by Anthony Doerr.
Edmond Safra’s approach to banking, what he did with his life, and what he regarded as the purpose of business was explicitly tied to his Judaism and his particular brand of Judaism.”
Not only was Safra an innovative avatar of financial globalization and a faithful heir to a tradition of old-world banking, he was a leading champion and protector of the Sephardic diaspora. Dan sees this book as a “story of a person, a story of a family, a story of some financial institutions, it’s a story about financial globalization, and it’s a story about the Syrian diaspora all in the second half of the 20th century.”
Understanding why Dan chose to take on this project and what he admired about Safra says much about who Dan is as a person.
to thrive in systems where they have not been given equal opportunities. He sees the present – and the future – of the Jewish world as one in which the proud traditions of Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews coexist and collaborate – as exemplified by our own TCS leadership.
When people think of Dan Gross, they might think of a quiet guy that occasionally reads Torah and likes cycling. Maybe they know him as the husband of Third Selectwoman Candi Savin or the devoted, proud father of their two children Aliza and Ethan. They may not realize the value Dan places on being a part of a community, especially our TCS community where he and his family have belonged since 2002 or how his experiences have enhanced his perspective.
Dan spent has spent his professional life writing about business, economics, and history for publications like The New York Times and Newsweek. He’s also the author of several books, including two on the 2008-2009 financial crisis.
His latest book, A Banker’s Journey: How Edmond J. Safra Built a Global Financial Empire, has just been released. It explores how Safra, who was born in Beirut into a Jewish banking family with roots in Aleppo, Syria, founded four banks on three continents and left behind a legacy of philanthropy. But the book is also about Safra’s identity as a Jew from Aleppo — a Halabi, in Arabic. When discussing Safra (who lived from 1923 to 1999), the Jerusalem Post noted, “A Jew may leave Aleppo, but Aleppo never leaves him even if he’s born in Beirut.”
Dan found this book particularly meaningful and personal because “while I’ve written a lot of business books before, this is the first Jewish book I’ve written. And I think it is very explicitly both.” It is at once a story of a Jewish experience in the 20th century of a particular group.
Before embarking on this project, Dan knew the Safra name. “My mother is a Syrian Jew from Brooklyn and when you grow up in that community there is a single name that is like a Rothschild, Warren Buffet, and Oscar Schindler rolled into one and that name is Edmond Safra.” Like Safra, Dan traces his heritage back to Aleppo, where his great-grandparents were born.
Dan, who studied history at Cornell University and Harvard University, was particularly well suited to write Safra’s story. In addition to being a financial historian, a journalist, and a Syrian Jew, Dan knows Hebrew and Arabic and can muddle through French, Italian, and Portuguese all of which Safra spoke.
In researching Safra’s ancestry in Aleppo databases, Dan found great commonality with his own ancestry. For instance, when looking for the birthday of Safra’s grandfather, Dan found a reference to his own great-grandfather. In fact, in documents and correspondence in Safra’s personal archive, he found references to his own distant family members.
The level of Safra’s commitment to the global Halabi community impressed Dan. Safra felt it was his personal responsibility to help Sephardic Jews recreate their sense of community after being forced to leave Syria and Lebanon and routinely responded to requests for financial, personal, and political support. When Safra died, he left over one billion dollars to his foundation, which continued to provide for the Sephardic community.
Like Safra, Dan feels an incredible appreciation for the power of the Jewish community and to champion those who need help
Writing this book highlighted to Dan what community means. Of course, communities seek a “space to gather, to meet with your own kind, pray, and be supported.” He notes that he first visited TCS to enroll his daughter in preschool months before moving to Westport, and that the family grew up here – in preschool, Kehillah, and the bat and bar mitzvah program. But it’s also true that “a sense of community isn’t tethered to a physical place.” Jews no longer live in Aleppo. Safra enabled many of them to leave, and to resettle in new homes. Nonetheless, the Halabi spirit and identification remain strong. In America, even 100 years after they began to arrive in this country in large numbers, Syrian Jews generally live in the same Brooklyn neighborhood, summer in the same place in New Jersey, and have winter or retirement homes in Aventura, Florida.
Applying this to our own TCS community, Dan noted that Covid and construction have deprived us of a physical building over the last few years but our sense of community goes beyond the walls of a synagogue. It is about feeling connected (virtually or physically) to, and supported by, each other and knowing we are part of a larger group.
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.
Dan has always felt a deep connection to our TCS community. It has not waned over the last few years. Nonetheless, he looks forward to being together again physically soon. When you see him, take a second to say hello.
GALI KATZ: Our daughter Noa’s bat mitzvah experience at TCS felt truly spiritual and heartwarming. We were so proud to watch as she read from the Torah, and led the congregation in prayer with such confidence and grace. Through her own dedication and the diligent, thoughtful guidance of Cantor Cattan and Rabbi Wiederhorn, it really did feel like a transformative moment of growth, responsibility, and character for her — supported by all the underlying Jewish traditions that we value.
Noa read Parshat Noach, the story of Noah’s Ark from the Torah. Sharing the same name as the male figure from the portion of that week lent her reading another dimension of significance. Hearing her say the name over and over again in front of our friends and congregation added an extra layer of strength to her voice; an empowered, female voice ready to take her place as a strong Jewish woman in this modern world.
SANDY RAPPAPORT: Having grown up in a time when a girl becoming a bat mitzvah was still fairly uncommon and then finding myself as a mother of two very young girls whose journey would of course include a bat mitzvah, I chose to enhance my Jewish education and join an adult bat mitzvah class at TCS. I was part of the January 2001 group.
My goals were focused on myself (learn more) but more importantly on my children (be a role model). Studying with the other women was a wonderful experience, connecting with new friends and strengthening my relationship with the Synagogue.
The process helped me become a more focused and dedicated congregant and more committed Jewish adult and parent
WENDY SCHAEFER: Growing up, my parents asked me if I wanted to attend religious school and become a bat mitzvah. I declined, as my friends were complaining how it was boring.
However, when I became an adult, I felt I missed out on this education, which would have been mandatory if I was a boy.
After my daughter’s bat mitzvah, I felt inspired to become a bat mitzvah myself. I also thought it would set a good example for my children, to demonstrate that learning never ends.
We are very excited that we have begun the small-group Adult Learning mini-sessions with Rabbi and Cantor. A reminder to the congregation to reach out to us if you (and a group of friends) are interested in joining together for your own short or long-term learning at TCS with our clergy. The topic and content is yours to choose.
SALLY POTTER: At the beginning of September, we celebrated our children’s b’nei mitzvah at TCS. It was a wonderful day and momentous occasion for us, when both of our children, Lauren and Robert, led some of the service, read from the Torah, and recited their Haftorah. This milestone was the culmination of years of religious education and community at TCS. It was very important to us that both children learn to read and write Hebrew, begin to learn the traditions and history of the Jewish People.
However, this milestone marked the first time they were called, each individually, to the Torah. Rabbi Wiederhorn, and Cantor Cattan, who have watched both kids grow up, helped make the day even more special by recognizing Lauren and Robert separately, and giving each child the opportunity to participate equally.
I so enjoyed the TCS adult group b’nei mitzvah classes, achieving my lifelong goal of becoming a bat mitzvah, and being able to read the Torah at my son’s bar mitzvah.
This past Shavuot, five women celebrated becoming a Bat Mitzvah following three years of study that began prior to COVID. Drawing inspiration from these dedicated women, Rabbi Wiederhorn announced a new initiative of Adult Learning for this coming year called “On-Demand Learning.” This is how it works: if you provide five members of the congregation who are interested in learning a certain topic together, Cantor Cattan or Rabbi Wiederhorn will teach that class. You pick the topic, and the Rabbi or Cantor will work out a mutually convenient day and time to offer the class. It could be a one session class or a mini course that meets weekly. Food and beverages are welcome — let’s have fun and learn together! Once you have your group of five, please email Joanne Folger at joannef@tcs-westport.org and she will help facilitate the next steps.
Funds and Contributions received between July 26th and October 31st. Any contributions received after October 31st will appear in the next issue.
Lisa & Ed Raice in memory of Stephen Steinbrecher z”l
Len & Linda Russ in memory of Sandee Schlegel Doctrow z”l
The Feuerstadt Family in appreciation for helping Evan prepare for his bar mitzvah
Ilene & Alan Frost in honor of the b’not mitzvah of Linda Sharkey, Lauren Barnett, Lisa Kessler, Kim Pauley, & Miki Scarfo
Judy & Mitch Greenberg in memory of Chaya Wexler z”l
Devorah Lowenstein in honor of Cantor Cattan
The Potter Family in honor of Cantor Cattan for the assistance and guidance for the b’nei mitzvah of Lauren & Robert Potter
Judy Udell in memory of Howard Udell z”l
The Wallitt Family in appreciation of Cantor Cattan for all his effort in helping Brooke to become a bat mitzvah
Eileen Adams & Phil Eras in honor of Abe Gutkowski becoming a bar mitzvah Jennifer & Brian Frank and Family in honor of the birth of Eliza Morgan Navarro
Ilene & Alan Frost in memory of:
• Sandee Schlegel Doctrow z”l
• Robert Feldman z”l
Pamela & David Furth in memory of Barbara D. Gordon z”l
Steven Goldring in memory of:
• Miriam Goodman z”l
• Michael Guttenberg z”l
Sara Hanna & Noah Wollowick in memory of Allie Berman z”l Lindsay Hollander
Judi Koffsky in memory of Chaya Wexler z”l
Stewart & Elisabeth Levine in memory of Reuben Levine z”l
Denise Lewis in memory of William Lewis z”l
Cynthia Lieberbaum in memory of Sidney Greenberger z”l
Nancy Milbauer in memory of Alan Milbauer z”l
Nancy Milbauer in honor of Karen Wolfe Susan Ochman
Sandy & Mark Rappaport in memory of
George Rappaport z”l
Michelle Rose
Faith & David Schachne in memory of Allie Berman z”l
Mark Schulte
Joel & Jessica Siegel in honor of Ivy Gosseen on her dedication to Sisterhood
Lesley Stone in memory of Leonard Brightman z”l
Nelson & Ruth Willick in memory of:
• Thea Guetta z”l
• Doris Willick z”l
Holocaust Education Fund
Robin & Barry Babbin in memory of Mr. Jack Babbin z”l
Judith Hersh
Howard & Amy Matson in memory of:
• Frank Matson z”l
• Rita Matson z”l
Isabel & Steve Moskowitz in memory of Shirley Price z”l
The Olefson Family in memory of Ruth Olefson z”l, on the occasion of her 20th yahrzeit
Jacqueline Tolkin in memory of Gerald Arthur Moskowitz z”l
Mindy Hersh & Ian Walters in memory of:
• Ilona Backman z”l
• Morris Hersh z”l
• Heinrich Hershkovic z”l
• Rose Pollack z”l
Howard & Amy Matson in memory of Stephen Steinbrecher z”l Barney Spivack & Robin Oshman in memory of Stephen Steinbrecher z”l
Karen Lessler in memory of:
• Peter R. Lessler z”l
• Stephen Lessler z”l
• Mimi Weckstein z”l
Preschool Scholarship Fund
Lindsay Bennett in memory of Allie Berman z”l
Ilene & Alan Frost in memory of Shari Levy z”l
Jonathan & Sara Levy
Fred Bitsky & Joni Usdan in memory of:
• Sandee Schlegel Doctrow z”l
• Chaya Wexler z”l
Susie Blumenfeld in honor of:
• Sam Abramowitz becoming a bar mitzvah
• Beatrix Vasilev becoming a bat mitzvah
• Brooke Wallitt becoming a bat mitzvah Susie & Todd Blumenfeld in honor of the
marriage of Matthew Labarre & Lily Sloss Susie & Todd Blumenfeld in memory of:
• Bob Feldman z”l
• Hal Glick z”l
• Joseph Haroun z”l
• Shari Levy z”l
• Chaya Wexler z”l
Karen Cohen in memory of Bernice Sturtz z”l Matthew Evans
The Feuerstadt Family in appreciation for your support in preparing Evan for his bar mitzvah
Ellen & Art Gang in honor of:
• Lydia & Dick Kalt on the birth of their granddaughter Poppy Isabel Fleischer
• Joanne Folger on the engagement of her daughter Morgan to Bo Hayward Judy & Mitch Greenberg in memory of Claire Wahler z”l
Claire Hakim in memory Elaine Siver z”l Dick & Lydia Kalt in memory of:
• Sandee Schlegel Doctrow z”l
• Isabel Martin z”l
• Stephen Steinbrecher z”l Ben Kamisar
Ann Katz in memory of Ned Brightman z”l Anthony & Jillian Klaff in memory of Ruth Goldberg z”l
The Kornbluth Family in memory of Fred Goldstein z”l
Denise Lewis in memory of:
• William Lewis z”l
• Eugene Wachtenheim z”l Devorah Lowenstein in honor of Rabbi Jeremy & Riki Wiederhorn
Jane Malakoff & Sheldon Lawentman in honor of the birth of Eliza Morgan Navarro
Stephen & Isabel Moskowitz in memory of:
• Adolph Moskowitz z”l
• Stephen Steinbrecher z”l Gladys & Jerry O’Neil and Family in memory of:
• William Glasberg z”l
• Tillie Lebowitz Glasberg z”l
The Potter Family in honor of Rabbi Wiederhorn for the assistance and guidance for the b’nei mitzvah of Lauren & Robert Potter
Barbara Reis in memory of Samuel Backlar z”l Martha & Martin Rosenfeld in memory of:
• Anne G. Elowsky z”l
• Bernard Elowsky z”l
• Freda Rosenfeld z”l
• Reuben Rosenfeld z”l
Judy & Steven Samuels in memory of Sandee Schlegel Doctrow z”l
The Wallitt Family in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn for all his effort in helping Brooke to become a bat mitzvah Alan Warner in memory of Linda Warner z”l
Nelson & Ruth Willick
Kenneth Wirfel & June Eichbaum in memory of Ulryk Eichbaum z”l
Sisterhood – College Connection
Ivy & Ben Gosseen in appreciation of Jessica & Joel Siegel
Sisterhood – Mitzvah Fund
Lori & David Popkin & Family in memory of Michael Lieberbaum z”l
Wendy & Philip Schaefer in honor of:
• The marriage of Elana Rueven to Bryan Belok
• The marriage of Brendan Rand to Rachel Samuels
• The marriage of Dr. Isabel Baker to Thomas Arce
Sisterhood – Shalom Baby
Michele & Lee Wrubel in honor of the birth of Eliza Morgan Navarro Wendy & Philip Schaefer in honor of
• The birth of Liana Leslie Fox
• The birth of Lila Hope Katz
• The birth of Zachary Kassen Mehlman
• The birth of Hayden Alexander Rackson
• The birth of Georgie Esther Tananbaum
Tikkun Olam Fund
Michele Krantz in memory of Sandee Schlegel Doctrow z”l
Joe & Lori Lewis in memory of Chaya Wexler z”l
Lori & David Popkin & Family in honor of the wedding of Sarah Glasser & Josh Lavian
Wendy & Philip Schaefer in memory of Ziskind Greenman z”l
Wendy & Philip Schaefer in honor of:
• The marriage of Ben Kamisar to Shelby Lopez
• The marriage of Laura Kassen to Keith Forman
• The marriage of Jaclyn Katz to Jake Gillman
• The marriage of Alison Sitver to Aaron Parker
• The marriage of Michael Yormark to Lindsay Eldredge
Judy Udell in memory of Alfred Jacobs z”l
Naomi & Jeff Weingart in memory of Leonard Brightman z”l
Please note, this listing includes all contributions received by October 31, 2022. Any contributions received after this date will appear in the next issue.
The Potter family in honor of Lauren & Robert’s b’nei mitzvah
The Gutkowski family in honor of Abe’s bar mitzvah
The Feuerstadt family in honor of Evan’s bar mitzvah
The Elson family in honor of Lena’s bat mitzvah
The Wallitt family in honor of Brooke’s bat mitzvah
The Bard family in honor of Jenna’s bat mitzvah
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Art Gang
Sukkah builders:
Josh Cohen
David Furth
Josh Furth
Phil Glick
Scott Miller
Aaron Tolkin
Ellie Tolkin
Jeff Weingart
Pam Furth (for bringing dinner)
Nicole Abramowitz
Cantor Luis Cattan
Judy Elson
Marguerite Felsenfeld
Ellen Friedman
Art Gang
Phil Glick
Sara Glick
Paul Goldstein Judy Greenberg
Mark Highman
Howard Hochster
Adam Hodes
Bob Israely
Sharon Jaffe
Susan Ochman
Laura Petshaft
Bernard Potter
Jonathan Potter
Sally Potter Jay Rand
Leon Serfaty
Michael Spiro Mark Steckel
Geoffrey Stern Carol Wahler
Evan Wallitt
Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn
Uzi Zohar
BY WENDY SCHAEFER & DIANA SUSSMAN Co-Chairs
Looking to purchase a menorah, Hanukkah gift, Hanukkah candles, a Tallit for your child’s b’nei mitzvah, or some other Judaica item? Check out our TCS Judaica Boutique’s extensive collection of items, predominantly from Israel, including mezuzahs, kosher mezuzah scrolls, Shabbat candlesticks, kiddush cups, challah cutting boards, and holiday specific items, including delicious kosher nut-free pareve and milk chocolate gelt. We also offer jewelry, books, and toys for the perfect gift.
The Boutique’s merchandise can be purchased online or in person. For more information, stop in the TCS office or email tcs@tcs-westport.org.
Remember. . .
Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. How lucky are we that there are so many opportunities to give back and to help others? This year we continue to support our community here in Westport and in greater Fairfield County. Our goal is to have every family participate in a way that is meaningful for them. There are a plethora of opportunities to choose from and we are confident that your involvement will be enjoyable and gratifying.
Homes with Hope – On the first Thursday of every month, TCS provides dinner to members of our community at The Gillespie Center. Signup Genius links will be sent out by committee members providing multiple opportunities providing food and/ or serving a meal. The current schedule is as follows:
Thursday, 12/1/22 – Youth/USY Thursday, 1/5/23 – Membership Thursday, 2/2/23 – Chorale Thursday, 3/2/23 – Kehillah- 4th grade Thursday, 4/6/23 – Preschool Thursday, 5/4/23 – Sisterhood Thursday, 6/1/23 – Social Prog./Tamid Thursday, 7/6/23 – Adult Ed/Ritual/Minyan
Volunteer guidelines can be found at https://www.hwhct.org/community-kitchen -guidelines.
Holiday Toy Drive 2022 – we will be collecting holiday gifts for community members here in Westport through the Department of Human Services (DHS) and we will continue to help immigrants and refugees arriving from Afghanistan & Ukraine through the Connecticut Institute for Refugees & Immigrants (CIRI).
Donate unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Donation bin is located by the front door of TCS now through December 18th
Olam. Mitzvah Day is a longstanding tradition which brings our whole community together to give back, with projects and opportunities for all members of TCS. But we can’t do it without help; please reach out to be a part of our committee.
opportunity on a monthly, weekly, or as needed basis, please reach out to us.
Resettlement Team Structure LT = long term commitment ST = short term commitment
Housing Committee – LT Apartment Set-Up Committee – ST Healthcare Committee – LT Finance Committee – LT Education Committee – LT or ST
Transportation Committee – LT Employment Committee – LT
Ongoing at TCS – remains an active and vital part of the Interfaith Refugee Resettlement Coalition (IRRC) which consists of seven local houses of worship. Last November we resettled two Afghan families in our community who have acclimated to American life and are currently pending asylee status.
Khan and Lailuma are learning English and working to get their son and son-in-law to the US, as both young men are still stuck in India and Afghanistan. Three of their daughters, Hosay, Basmina, and Tamana all have full-time jobs while their youngest daughter, Maryam, attends Fairfield University on a full scholarship. Wranga and her husband Ahmed, who both work full time, have their hands full with three beautiful children. Their two boys, Zain (10) and Abass (8), are enjoying elementary school and making new friends. Aileen (2) likes to help Wranga around the house and especially loves when the tutors arrive to practice English.
One of the most meaningful aspects of being an IRRC member has been forming relationships with the Gharmal and Abdulzai families. We’ve spent many hours learning about Afghan culture, and what life was like in Afghanistan. We’ve learned to cook Afghan cuisine, celebrated birthdays, and have spent hours driving them to/from doctor’s appointments. Every opportunity we have had to support these families has brought us feelings of joy and gratitude. They have all become our friends whom we care for deeply and we know they will be part of our lives forever.
USY at TCS has started the year with an incredible turnout for our High Holiday programs. We packed the classroom on Yom Kippur to learn all about the Koufax Conundrum, celebrity apologies, and the importance of the holiday.
The Limo Scavenger Hunt, our most anticipated event of the year took place on November 12th following a very moving and meaningful program with a 96 year old Kristallnacht survivor & Havdalah service. We’ll be cheering on the Bridgeport Islanders with HaNer USY on December 4th. USYers will be running some fun Hanukkah programming on December 19th.
Next up: Midnight Run will take place on February 4th. Please consider donating warm clothing & toiletries as our teens prepare to deliver these items along with some hot food & drinks to the NYC homeless.
Save April 30, 2023 : It’s Mitzvah Day – We are looking for volunteers to help us organize the best Mitzvah Day ever! The Social Action Committee’s mission is to develop projects to further TCS’ mission of Tikkun
Since we have achieved the objectives set forth by the coalition, we have decided to continue our mission and help additional families resettle in our community in the coming months. If you are looking for a meaningful and life-changing volunteer
Our High Holiday Appeal is off to a great start. This list was submitted less than a month after Yom Kippur, yet we have received 134 pledges which represents 32.5% 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 that you will join us. You may make a pledge online at www.tcs-westport.org. The people below have made pledges as of November 1. Contact the office to add your name to this list.
Jason & Nicole Abramowitz
Suzanne Akyuz
Joseph & Maggy Anstey
Andrew & Debra Barer
Jordan & Lauren Barnett
Stephanie Bass
Blake & Diane Benke
Edward Berliner & Barbara Levi-Berliner
Jan & Judy Berman
Jeffrey & Mona Bernstein
Justin & Carrie Blasberg
Michael & Michele Blend
Alexander & Galina Blishteyn
Ira & Karen Bloom
Andrew & Carol Boas
Richard & Holly Bobrow
John & Gayle Brody
Doug & Jill Brody
Nathaniel & Jennifer Brogadir
Cantor Luis Cattan
Brian & Heather Cherry
Karen Cohen
Ed & Michele Cohen
Joshua Cohen
Matthew & Anna Danzer
Amy Darefsky
Jonathan Dentz & Kelly Mansdorf
Les Dinkin
Matthew & Melissa Dombrow
Howard Fetner & Meredith Gershon
Doug & Debbie Fine
Joanne Folger
Martin Fox & Ellen Graff
Jon Fraade & Rita Appel
Ellen Friedman
Robert & Lois Frost
Arthur & Ellen Gang
Eric & Alexandra Garfunkel
Jonathan & Hilary Gerber
Dan & Laurie Ginsberg
Jim Glasser & Sharon Jaffe
Philip & Sara Glick
Michael & Susan Glick
Steven Goldring
Michael & Linda Gordon
Benjamin & Ivy Gosseen
Jeff & Marsha Gray
Philip & Monique Greenspan
Scott & Abby Greenspun
Matthew Guthartz
David & Suzanne Haber
Mark Highman & Rachel Goldfine
Adam & Lisa Hodes
David & Donna Hyman
Robert & Martina Israely
Jonathan & Stacy Kamisar
Jordan & Jennifer Kanfer
Jeffrey & Carol Kaplan
Rich & Marji Kaplowitz
Jay & Kara Katz
Richard & Pamela Kesselman
Anthony & Jillian Klaff
Larry & Sally Kleinman
Gary & Shari Korn
Laurence Kurzner
Sam Levenson
Ofek Moscovich, the Jewish Federation’s post-army Israeli Emissary has become the Where’s Waldo of our Jewish community.
On any given weekday, he is at a preschool in the morning and teaching in religious schools in the afternoon. Two nights a week, he’s leading classes for teens at Merkaz. Some evenings you’ll find him facilitating roundtable discussions on Israeli current events, or running a Bureka & Beer program or a hummus-tasting!
Stewart & Elisabeth Levine
Peter & Melissa Levy
Harold Levy
Denise Lewis
Cynthia Lieberbaum
Brian & Jenna Markowitz
Joseph & Fern Mayer
Steve & Ellen Mendell
Scott & Joan Merlis
Scott Miller & Karen Feldman
Dr. Stephen & Isabel Moskowitz
Jim & Sunny Neff
Russell & Jara Negrin
Arnold & Anita Newman
Michael & Jessica Newshel
Susan Ochman
Jonathan & Allison Olefson
Gregory & Amanda Parker
Adam & Denise Pearl
Alan & Barbara Phillips Ken & Julie Podziba
David & Lori Popkin
Meredith Poster
Mark & Sandra Rappaport
Lee & Eva Rawiszer
Barbara Reis
Jason & Jodi Ross
Douglas & Lisa Rozen
Len & Linda Russ
Steve & Judy Samuels
David & Faith Schachne Philip & Wendy Schaefer George Schott
Jack Schwartz & Karen Lessler
Mark & Kim Shapiro
Mark Shulman
Joel & Jessica Siegel
Steven & Meryl Sitver
Sol Slotnik
Edward & Debra Smolka
Stacey Steiger
Geoffrey & Orna Stern
David & Julie Sternberg
Robert & Gail Storm
Alan Streiter
Stephanie Sugin
Daniel & Diana Sussman
Shellie Tapfar
Julie Tolkin
Judith Udell
Allan & Carol Wahler
The Waller Family
Daniel & Phyllis Wallitt
Ian Walters & Mindy Hersh
Alan Warner
Sheri Warshaw
Jeff & Naomi Weingart
James Weisz & Robyn Levy
Steven & Risa Werner
Neil & Sharon Wessan
Steven & Ana White
Rabbi Jeremy & Riki Wiederhorn Bret & Sara Wiener
Kenneth Wirfel & June Eichbaum
Michael & Karen Wolfe
Kenneth & Diane Yormark
David Young & Pamela Schneider Brad & Maryn Zieve
Hyala Esther Shapiro z”l, sister of Judy (Mitch) Greenberg
Alexis “Allie” Berman z”l, mother of Hilary (Jonathan) Gerber
Leonard “Ned” Brightman z”l, brother of Judi Koffsky
Fred Goldstein z”l, father of David (Abby) Goldstein
He’s been at a community challah bake, a sukkah hop, multiple BBYO events – including the regional conference this week – and that’s just a taste.
He pitches in to fill Dignity Grows Totes, appears most Friday nights at Shabbat programs in our community synagogues, and is about to start some exciting programs for the residents at Jewish Senior Services.
And, we are not the only ones taking notice. The Jewish Agency for Israel just featured Ofek in their lead newsletter article, proving that our emissary connection to Israel is simply stellar!
Ziskind Greenman z”l, brother of Leah (Bill) Zisfein
Stephen Steinbrecher z”l, father of Marcy Puklin and Laura Steinbrecher
GARELICK & HERBS HAVE BEEN A PART OF WESTPORT FAMILY CELEBRATIONS FROM BRIS, TO BAT MITZVAH’S TO WEDDINGS.
Gina@garelickandherbs.com • 203.254.8577
Our new store in Southport • 3611 Post Road • 203. 254.3727 Saugatuck/Westport • 580 Riverside Avenue • 203. 557-8868
Exclusive caterers to Mora Mora and the Westport Inn Follow us on Facebook • GarelickandHerbs.com
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.
• Pre-Need Arrangements (in-person, phone, and virtual conferences)
• Pre-Paid Funeral Trusts (including Medicaid spend down compliance)
• Assistance with out-of-town loss and burial
• Funeral Directors with Connecticut, New York, and Florida licensure
We are blessed to have been friends and neighbors with The Conservative Synagogue for so many years... and more to come!
30 Hillspoint Road Westport, CT 06880
January 1-2 Kehillah Winter Break 6 Adult Learning- Beyond Dispute 3 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. (No Kehillah) 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. (No Kehillah)
February 2 Adult Learning- Beyond Dispute 4 6 Tu B’Shvat 12 Family Bar & Bat Mitzvah Program 19-26 February Break (No Kehillah)
Building Dedication Celebration Kehillah Hanukkah Celebration
December 1 Adult Learning- Beyond Dispute 2 16 Building Dedication Celebration Young Families Shabbat Havaya Community Hanukkah Dinner 17 Building Dedication Celebration Lunch and Learn 18 18-26 Hanukkah 25-27 Winter Break (No Kehillah)
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