Passover 2024 Mosaic

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TCS Scene

Seeing Israel

Hand

LETTERS : FROM THE RABBI’S STUDY

Life In Israel Will Blossom Anew

Dear Friends,

Two years ago, on a visit to Israel, Riki, Avi and I joined Meital on a tiyul (trek) down South to see the “kalaniyot,” or anemones. Every year, between January and February, these red flowers bloom in parts of the Negev Desert, creating a beautiful red carpet in the open fields. Israelis have traditionally called this area Darom Adom, or the Red South. For years, Israelis have flocked down to the desert in the winter for a day of flower watching. As we joined the cars of Israelis heading south to see the kalaniyot, Israel’s national flower, we couldn’t help but compare it to the feeling of going apple picking in Connecticut. This visit moved to me write the congregation about it at the time.

On that day, we drove past several kibbutzim to arrive at the fields of flowers. I remember seeing the signs for Kibbutz Be’eri, Alumim, Sa’ad, etc. Little did we know that two years later, this would be the exact area where Hamas would commit the worst single day massacre against the Jewish people since the Shoah. Tragically and ironically, Israelis now refer to this area as Darom Adom for a different reason. The south is not only red from the kalaniyot, but from the blood of their brothers and sisters as well. When we visited Kikar HaChatufim, Hostage Square, we saw a painting entitled of “Darom Adom” depicting a flower splattered with blood with a baby inside. I just found myself staring and weeping.

Much has changed in the south of Israel. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis are displaced. Many of them lost loved ones. Tens of thousands are still living with the trauma of what they experienced. Despite all the pain and suffering, the one thing

that hasn’t changed is the kalaniyot have blossomed once again.

Slowly, some Israelis have begun returning to their homes in the South. I cannot even begin to imagine what that must be like for them. Rebuilding will not be easy and will take a very long time. My hope and prayer is that they too will blossom again and that the primary red we will see in the future will be that of the kalaniyot.

Hag kasher v’sameach, Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

Despite all the pain and suffering, the one thing that hasn’t changed is that the kalaniyot have blossomed once again.

THE PRESIDENT

Finding Resilience at Passover

There is no better time than Passover to discuss resilience. After 400 years of being enslaved and wandering through the desert for 40 more, Jews crossed the Red Sea, reached Canaan (Israel), and built a nation among them. They did so after facing seemingly insurmountable odds.

Once again, Jews need to find strength from within to face a new type of insurmountable odds—a scourge of antisemitism that has arisen as Israel defends itself from enemies focused on destroying it and as the world insists that Israel stop trying to eliminate those enemies. I find my strength from our TCS community and from having taken a trip to Israel and seeing the resilience of the Israelis despite the devastation they have experienced. I urge you to look at programs we are bringing into our community

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

and to focus your time and energy in getting more involved in our community, our Jewish community in Fairfield County, and in events around the world.

I am also excited that recent events have made people, especially in the younger generations, more aware of and proud of being Jewish. This younger generation is the future of the TCS community and we need to keep up with the changing needs of that community. One step we have taken to meet the evolving needs of our community is to now be known as the Community Synagogue.

Our TCS community is strong and we hope you will make it stronger by becoming more involved. This is how we grow and show our resilience. Hope to see you all soon. Until then, I wish you and your families a wonderful Passover.

Reaffirming Community at Passover

As Passover draws near, our hearts turn to the enduring values of compassion and unity that define this sacred holiday. As a community bound by faith and tradition, we are called upon to embody these principles now more than ever.

In the face of uncertainty and challenges, let us remember the timeless lessons of Passover: the importance of supporting one another, of standing together in solidarity, and of offering kindness and empathy to those in need. We must navigate the trials of our time with strength, resilience, and commitment to one another.

As family and friends gather around the seder table, let us reaffirm our dedication to caring for each other. Let us reach out to those who may be struggling, offering them comfort and support. Let us extend a helping hand to those in need, embodying the spirit of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, in all that we do.

This Passover, let us rededicate ourselves to building a community where every member is valued, cherished, and supported. Let us pay honor by fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion for all who seek refuge within our congregation.

Chag Pesach Sameach—Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and meaningful Passover filled with blessings of peace and togetherness.

MARC ZUCKERMAN

CYNTHIA BANNON

1: Gala: Elizabeth Kessler, Eva Rawiszer, Diana Sussman, Wendy Schaefer

2: Gala: Michael Wein, Arielle Wein, Jennifer Kanfer, Jennifer White 3: Gala: Julie Zuckerman, TCS President Marc Zuckerman, Aaron Tolkin, Dena Tolkin 4: Gala: Jennifer Gerla, Honoree Ilene Frost 5: Gala: Miriam Young, Allison Matthews, Danielle Liebenstein, Lisa Eisen, Robin Kaiden 6: Gala: Len Russ, Linda Russ, Geoffrey Stern, Orna Stern, Henry Feuerstein, Elise Meyer 7: Gala: TCS President Marc Zuckerman, Ron Offir, Jon Kane, Melissa Kane, Greg Parker, Michael Wolfe 8: Gala: Andy Boas, Dick Kalt, Henry Feuerstein, Jay Rand, Alan Frost

Siegel

Purim Carnival: puppet show

Purim Megillah Reading: Howard Hochster, Geoffrey Stern, Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, Alan Phillips 6: Preschool Purim Megillah Reading: Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, Lauran Pancoast, Susan Bernstein 7: JNF Breakfast: Estelle Naboichek, Sara Gaynes Levy, Melissa Glassman, Nicole Glick, and friends 8: JNF Breakfast: Arielle Wein, Lindsay Feldman, Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, Dana Bernstein, Andrea Tanenbaumc and friends 9: JNF Breakfast: Courtney Fuchs, Dana Aussenberg, Erika Brunwasser, Heidi Saltzman, Laurie Schneider, and a friend Eva Grant-Rawiszer

c: 917.318.7922

o: 203.227.1246

Erawiszer@wpsir.com

1: Gala: Lydia Kalt, Ellen Gang, Ivy Gosseen, Ben Gosseen 2: Gala: Allison Amron, Jodi Sosman, Hilary Gerber, Jane Khorosh-Umansky, Carrie Blasberg 3: Gala: Tom Stanford, Matt Landau, Daniel Sussman, Joel

4:

5:

Welcome to the World!

Micah Richard Davidson son of Jacob Davidson & Margaret Gibbon

Theodore “Teddy” Edelsburg son of Natan Edelsburg & Caroline Hershey, brother of Arthur “Artie” & Lillian “Lillie,” grandson of Jennifer Hershey

Gabrielle Paige Gluck daughter of Darren & Kimberly Gluck, sister of Izzy, granddaughter of Denise Lewis

Cami Rae Hirsch daughter of Jacob & Rachel Hirsch, sister of Layla, granddaughter of Rick & Julie Chernok

Lucy Boas Kline daughter of Dan Kline & Rebecca Boas, sister of Stella, granddaughter of Andy & Carol Boas

Vivian Dahlia Labarre daughter of Matt & Lily Labarre, granddaughter of Bob & Margie Labarre

Grayson Raphael Lavian son of Josh Lavian & Sarah Glasser, grandson of Jim Glasser & Sharon Jaffe

Olivia Isabel Levcovitz daughter of Ivan & Jillian Levcovitz, granddaughter of Karen Ugol

Hayley Cara Paldino daughter of Jamie Paldino & Julie Sitver Paldino, granddaughter of Steve & Meryl Sitver

Elizabeth Mae Rosansky daughter of Ronald & Jennifer Rosansky, granddaughter of Marcia Hutter

Zev Raphael Sloan son of Max Sloan & Jessica Ost, brother of Dalia Meital, grandson of Stacey Foodim-Sloan

Gabriel Garson Steinman son of Zach & Bonnie Steinman, brother of Jacob and Mia

Grover Miron Stewart son of Justin & Melissa Stewart, brother of Benni & Coco

Samuel Meyer Tapfar son of Brian & Kati Tapfar, brother of Arthur Gregory, grandson of Shellie Tapfar

Daniel Joseph Tolkin

son of Sam & Jackie Tolkin, brother of Oliver, grandson of Julie Tolkin, nephew of Aaron & Dena Tolkin, cousin of Ellie, Alexandra & Isaac

Bryce Noa Wien daughter of Evan & Rachel Wien, sister of Jordan

Welcome New Members

Michael and Jodi Honig and their children, Dylan, Justin & Charlie

Jacklynn Price

Mazal Tov to....

Weddings:

David & Gwen Baker on the marriage of their daughter

Gaby Baker to Daniel Greenstone

Joanne Folger on the marriage of her daughter

Morgan Folger to Bo Hayward

Mark & Sandy Rappaport on the marriage of their daughter

Dana Rappaport to Nathan Pilcowitz

Marcy Bratman Samarel & Mark Samarel on the marriage of their son

Spencer Bratman to Nicole Beresford

Julie Tolkin on the marriage of her daughter

Danielle Tolkin to Justin Farber

Engagements:

Josh Cohen on the engagement of Julia Cohen to Anna Morgan

Jennifer Hershey on the engagement of her son

Brian Hershey to Savannah Karmen-Tuohy

John & Lynn Pokorny on the engagement of their daughter

Emma Halper to Alex Vogt

Len & Linda Russ on the engagement of their son

Doug Russ to Yael Malul

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

Rachel Koffsky to Josh Parker

The Waller family on the engagement of their daughter

Courtney Elizabeth Waller to Robert Tashof Bernton

Todah Rabah for Sponsoring Kiddush Lunch

Steven Goldring in memory of his father

Mike Smith & Deb Montner in honor of Livy Dixon’s baby naming

Sara Haroun in honor of

Dan Haroun & Lily Katz’s aufruf

AROUND THE SHUL : PAGE SHESH

Torah and Haftorah Readers

Nicki Abramowitz

Ellen Friedman

Art Gang

Phil Glick

Judy Greenberg

Mark Highman

Howard Hochster

Adam Hodes

Susan Ochman

Cantor Gedalia Penner-Robinson

Jay Rand

TCS Upcoming Events

$500M+ SOLD

Arthur Seltzer

Reena Seltzer z"l

Cantor Jessica Silverberg

Steven Silverberg

Debbie Smolka

Carly Steckel

Mark Steckel

Geoffrey Stern

Nani Tibi

Carol Wahler

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

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

Some favorite traditions of TCS members involve meeting at the beach. . . .

On June 21st, TCS and Temple Israel will hold joint Shabbat Services at the beach.

On June 28th, TCS will hold Shabbat Services at the beach.

Look for information about TCS's annual Sisterhood Beach Bash.

Kol Hakavod to ... 2021

at 203.454.4673 about

New Name, Timeless Traditions: The Community Synagogue

BY DEBBI BARER

“Where do you go to shul?”

“TCS.”

“What does that stand for?”

Now, your answer is “The Community Synagogue.”

But it’s much, much more than a name change. While we still follow the tenets of traditional Conservative Judaism, the new name better reflects who we are today. Yet, in a way, it reflects and celebrates who we have always been.

From the start, our congregation has been dedicated to community. When celebrating our congregation’s first year, the first TCS president, Lewis J. Sperber, noted:

Our first year has been one of joy and pride to every member of our congregation. Most of us were strangers, brought together by a strong

desire to establish a conservative synagogue. We may have started the year as a community of Jews, but now we are a Jewish Community bound by a determination to make the Conservative Synagogue an integral part of our lives and an integral part of the Westport, Weston, and Wilton communities. Our congregation began with a meeting of nine families in January 1987. Since then we have grown ten-fold and now number 90 families.

During that first year, they: opened a religious school (preschool through fifth grade) for almost 90 children; offered adult B'nei Mitzvah classes and other adult education programs; and enjoyed family Shabbat dinners and wonderful programs for the holidays. As Sperber expressed:

We have created an environment where we can get together to worship

as Conservative Jews…We have come so very far in just one year. From a dream to our First Dinner Dance, from idealistic thoughts to reality. And now as we embark on our second year, I look forward to the continued growth of our very special congregation.

And we have grown—from nine families, to 90 families to now over 400 families that include not only the children of the first nine families, but their grandchildren. Today, we reach out to various communities throughout Fairfield County, both as a place to gather and pray and to practice Tikkun Olam (healing the world). This is the soul of our synagogue, and it’s why the congregation chose our new name.

While we are still committed to the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, we looked for a name that would encompass all that we have been and have become.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Meet Amanda Berman: Unabashedly Progressive; Unapologetically Zionist

BY ELISE MEYER

On January 17th, TCS hosted Amanda Berman, the founder of Zioness, for a conversation with Rabbi Wiederhorn and Rabbi Friedman of Temple Israel. During this well-attended event, Ms. Berman introduced the Zioness organization to our community and discussed her own struggle to be accepted in the Progressive

community while maintaining her Zionist views. She describes herself and other similarly minded people in strong words:  “unabashedly progressive and unapologetically Zionist.”

She sees Zionism itself as a progressive value: a movement for the liberation and national self-determination of Jewish people living in the Jews’ indigenous homeland. Zioness seeks to confront Jew Hate and anti-Zionism in the Liberal and Progressive political arenas. Created by and composed of Jewish activists, Zioness has more than thirty chapters around the country fighting for the advancement of social, racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice in America.

While this organization is committed to fighting for Zionism and the inclusion of Jews and Zionists in social justice spaces,

it goes beyond antisemitism. Zioness is stands for justice for all and is dedicated to actively opposing and fighting  all forms of oppression, including racism, classism, Islamophobia, and homophobia.

For more information, see zioness.org.

FEATURE : MEET AMANDA BERMAN

Rabbi Michael Friedman, Amanda Berman, & Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn discussing Zioness

Rabbi Michael Friedman, Amanda Berman, Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

TCS Judaica Boutique

BY WENDY SCHAEFER & DIANA SUSSMAN Co-Chairs

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

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.

TCS Visits a Local Exhibit on Arthur Syzk

BY WENDY SCHAEFER & DIANA SUSSMAN Tamid & Adult Ed Co-Chairs

Sisterhood, Tamid, and Adult Education teamed up to host consecutive tours of the exhibit featuring Jewish artist Arthur Syzk at the Fairfield University Art Museum. Over 40 members thoroughly enjoyed the tours led by knowledgable docents Dr. Mindy Hersh and Arthur Gang, both TCS members.

Born in Poland, Syzk moved to the United States in 1941 and received American citizenship in 1948. The work of this renowned artist and book illustrator was published in Poland, France, the United Kingdom, Israel, and the United States but he is known in the United States for his political caricatures denouncing the policies and personalities of the German, Italian, and Japanese leaders during World War II and supporting the creation of the State of Israel.

Tamid is a group formed for vibrant TCS members aged 45+, many of whom are empty nesters. We schedule a wide variety of events designed to educate, entertain, and bond this micro-community. Our activities include dinners, lunches, hikes, sporting events, theatre, lectures, and exhibits. For more information about Tamid or to share ideas on future events, contact us at EditorialboardforTCS@gmail.com.

Examples of Syzk’s work during World War II against the Axis powers and after World War II to promote the creation of the State of Israel

Emanuel Seder Plate

Ceramic Seder Plate

Silver Matzah Plate Passover Activities Matzah Plate

TCS members Arthur Gang & Dr. Mindy Hersh serve as docents at exhibit

Kehillah Corner

BY SETH MARION Director of Education

What a fantastic Purim Carnival we had this year! Our synagogue was filled with laughter, joy, and fun as more than 100 families came together to celebrate.

From colorful costumes to lively games, and of course hearing the Megillah, the atmosphere was electric as families and friends came together to join in the festivities. The children’s excitement was palpable as they played the games, raced through the inflatable obstacle course, enjoyed delicious treats, showed off their costumes, and watched the astonishing magic shows!

Beyond the games and activities, the Purim Carnival was a wonderful opportunity for the adults to spend time together in celebration while the children played. Whether catching up with old friends or making new ones, there was a sense of warmth and community that truly embodied the spirit of Purim and TCS.

A big thank you goes out to the team who planned the day including folks from the Kehillah and Preschool Committees and staff, the facilities team, and everyone who volunteered to make this event a huge success!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

We kept coming back to “community.” We even saw it referenced when reviewing the Congregation’s objectives in our By-Laws:

…To provide educational, religious, social, and recreational activities to expand our knowledge and appreciation of the richness of Jewish tradition; to foster a climate for worship and spiritual growth and a center for Jewish thought and action in our community; and to preserve a home within which we support our ‘extended family’ as well as provide Tikkun Olam beyond our Congregation.

Did you see it? There's that word again, community. It's at the heart of TCS' mission: to be a warm, welcoming community that celebrates the vibrancy of our Jewish tradition and culture through education, prayer, and social action. All are welcome to visit our beautifully renovated building, Jewish or not. Because that's who we are: The Community Synagogue.

Note: The author would like to extend a heartfelt Todah Rabah to Isabel Moskowitz (one of the original nine families) for her input, background, and inspiring stories.

Excerpts from Jonathan Levy's Rosh Hashanah Speech

Jonathan Levy grew up at TCS. His parents Harold and Shari Levy were founding members. Shari remained one of TCS's most active members until she passed in 2022. Now, Jonathan has explained his decision to return to TCS with his wife Sara and their children and the importance of working to continue theTCS community:

[D]espite my lifelong affiliation, returning to TCS now, as a father, has given me a moment to stop and consider how we got here. For thirty years on the sidelines, I watched my parents devote time, energy, and money to help build this building; hire our clergy and staff; and create a community that has now sustained across generations. . . .

They were building a home. Not just for me, although I have always felt an easy comfort here, and not just for my generation, who can still remember when we didn’t have a permanent venue for the high holidays (though wouldn’t it be nice to have a Baskin Robbins downstairs for a post-Kehillah snack?).

They built this for you. For your children. For your parents. For whatever the future of Judaism holds. They built something stable and lasting, something powerful. Something that forges a connection across generations. L’dor V’dor. . . .

Each generation continues the work of the ones before it, directly or indirectly. My parents helped build this community. Yours may have built a different community. But whatever they did, it led to you being here now.

As a member of the community my parents helped build, I get to experience the fruits of their labor. But it’s my turn to work and give. . . .

I didn’t get the chance to choose to be a member of TCS as a kid. But I can and do choose to say, “Hineini” by reaffirming my commitment to this community and donating. So I will continue to give generously to ensure there will always be a home for me and my family here. I hope you will, too.

Enjoying Purim with friends

The TCS Purim Carnival was very well attended

Reading the Megillah

Preschool Patter

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

SUSAN BERNSTEIN Director of Early Childhood, Education & Curriculum

Winter season is slowly making its exit, and we are slowly but surely tipping back towards the sun. The warmer weather will soon allow for more time outdoors, where we will continue to play, learn, and explore our natural environment. The children have grown so much in the last couple of months, exploring new topics, acquiring new skills, developing new friendships, and gaining new perspective on the world around them.

Over the last few weeks, it has been a joy to watch the children immerse themselves in Purim and Passover curricula. We were thrilled to see their curiosity alive and engaged, with children participating in hands-on activities to further their knowledge and understanding

Purim fun

of the holidays. Our classroom activities as well as the interactive “Purim Parade” and “Passover River Ride” experiences helped to make these holidays come alive and allowed for the opportunity to learn through active participation.

This year, for Purim, the preschool families participated in a school wide mitzvah project collecting boxes of mac-n-cheese to donate to the Gillespie Center.

All dressed up for Purim

The children wrapped each box in colorful paper and decorations, and then at our preschool Purim parade and megillah reading with Rabbi Wiederhorn, we used them as graggers. Later, we unwrapped the boxes and got them ready for donation to the food pantry at Gillespie. Throughout the holiday, the children explored the fun of dress up and costume, learned about strong character traits like bravery and kindness, and participated in activities of storytelling. As a special treat, Tibi worked with each class making delicious hamantaschen cookies which the children gave in mishloach manot bags to various staff members in the building. In music with Cantor Silverberg, the children learned about the four mitzvot of Purim and were very excited to complete each one over the course of the holiday.

Every year for Passover, each grade participates in a project to culminate their exploration of this holiday. This year, the two-year-old classes created a matzah cover, the three-year-olds made pillows to recline on at the seder, and the pre-kindergarten children each created their own Haggadah, allowing them to actively participate in making the pages with hands on artwork, storytelling, and photographs. The books are a unique and individual representation of how the children approached each new concept and how they processed and internalized the holiday. The pre-kindergarten children also participated in a family seder plate-making workshop. Each child had the opportunity to welcome in a special guest to help them decorate a plate to be used at their family seder for Passover. We all enjoyed seeing the children with their grandparents and other family members engage in this wonderful multi-generational activity celebrating the holiday together in a meaningful way. Each class brought something home that families will be able to enjoy for many Passovers to come.

Reading the Megillah at Purim

AROUND THE SHUL : SPARKLES & TZEDAKAH/HIGH HOLIDAY APPEAL

Sparkles & Tzedakah

BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

On February 10th, TCS hosted a spectacular gala event to honor Ilene Frost and the Koach Committee for their outstanding efforts in raising over $6 million during the campaign. We had a fantastic turnout with nearly 270 members and guests spending the evening supporting our wonderful community.

The biggest success of the night had to be the paddle raise, where collectively guests generously donated over $90,000 to support our synagogue’s programs and initiatives. These funds will go to needed security upgrades such as additional security cameras, a desk in the lobby, and new front doors.

We also ran a silent auction, which featured a variety of items. The most talked-about item of the evening was definitely the high-end toilet, donated generously by Jennifer & Jason White and the team at White’s Plumbing. Other hot-ticket auction items included a personalized shop from beloved local department store Mitchells, and the much-coveted reserved parking spot for the High Holidays!

During the evening’s program, Ilene Frost and the Koach Committee were honored for their dedicated (and ongoing!) efforts to raise the money necessary to upgrade and refresh our community’s space. Ilene's commitment to our community and her leadership have made a lasting impact. The gala committee was thrilled to recognize her during the gala.

After the program, guests enjoyed our after party, where the tables on the floor were set aside and dancing began. Though it has been hard to be in a celebratory mood since the events of October 7th, the after party gave attendees a much-needed chance to dance and have some fun!

Overall, the gala was a tremendous success, both in terms of fundraising and honoring Ilene Frost. We are grateful to everyone who attended and supported the event, and we look forward to continuing to build a strong and vibrant community together.

High Holiday Appeal

The High Holiday Appeal (HHA), along with our annual Gala, are the two key contributors to our revenue in addition to our dues. Your participation allows TCS to thrive and offer meaningful programs to our Community.

So, our HHA Committee sends a big thank you to all those who participated. The following donations have been received since the last issue of The Mosaic:

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Ilene Frost thanking TCS for honoring her and the Koach Committee

TCS Congregants at TCS Gala

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn speaking about the Koach Committee at the Gala

Video of Past President Eric Baron praising work of Ilene Frost and Koach Committee

Amanda Parker, Past President Karen Wolfe, Corri Neckritz

Lori Popkin, Ronnie Stanford, Jennifer Kanfer

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

Betsy & Aaron Amitin

Kimberly & Adam Bard

Diane & Blake Benke

Jennifer Gabler & Stephen Bloch

John & Gayle Brody

Precilla & David Bukzin

Lauren & Andrew Ceisler

Julie & Rick Chernok

Jennifer & Alan Clement

Wendy & Jeffrey Cohen

Amy Darefsky

Arlene Dolin

Lisa Weitzman & Howard Edelstein

Elizabeth & Aaron Friedman

Laurie & Dan Ginsberg

Linda & Michael Gordon

Orna & Fred Grand

Marsha & Jeff Gray

Candice Savin & Daniel Gross

Marcia Hutter

Melissa & Jonathan Kane

Jane Lebell

Christina Burek & Bradley Lempert

Elisabeth & Stewart Levine

Harold Levy

Melissa & Peter Levy

Hilary & Roger Machlis

Joan & Scott Merlis

Sunny & Jim Neff

Denise & Adam Pearl

Dana & Ira Reibeisen

Meryl & Steven Sitver

Ronnie & Tom Stanford

Cynthia & Mark Steckel

Orna & Geoffrey Stern

Jacqueline Tolkin

Carol & Allan Wahler

Sheri Warshaw

Arielle & Michael Wein

Naomi & Jeff Weingart

Risa & Steven Werner

Jennifer & Jason White

Ruth & Nelson Willick

Karen & Michael Wolfe

April

• 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

Senior Living Your Way

Mozaic Concierge Living is bringing that vision to life in central Stamford, CT. It’s a community where you’ll want to live and where every resident is empowered to define a healthy, happy retirement on their own terms. Whatever life calls for is a phone call away with access to a lifestyle concierge.

Have it all without risking it all. Charter Membership is available for a limited time.

Concierge Living

Life with Community

To attend an informational luncheon or for more details, please contact us at 203-396-1136 or info@mozaiccl.org. mozaicconciergeliving.org

Peace of Mind

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To attend an informational luncheon or for more details, please contact us at 203-365-6491 or mozaicathome@mozaicsl.org. mozaicathome.org

What’s Cooking?

BY ELISE MEYER

Passover with Kids

Passover can be a difficult time, especially for lunches and snacks for the kids. Here are some recipes to make this time easier: our family favorite Matzah Granola, pizza kids will really love and that is a fun project to make together, and after that some ideas of kid-friendly passover lunches and snacks that are not chocolate covered ring jells or rock-hard Bazooka Bubble gum.

Matzah Granola

(since you can’t live on Matzah Brei)

Ingredients

3 cups matzah farfel

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

½ cup coconut

2/3 cup chopped pecans

¼ tsp salt

2 tsps ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

3/4 stick margarine or unsalted butter

1/3 cup honey

1½ cups dried cranberries or your choice of dried fruit

The Method

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

In a large bowl, combine the farfel, coconut, nuts, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.

In a microwave or pan over low heat, heat the margarine or butter and honey until the margarine or butter melts. Stir this mixture into the farfel mixture, coating all the pieces.

Spread the mixture evenly into a jelly-roll pan or 9-by-13-inch baking pan and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. It should be lightly golden.

Remove from the oven, transfer to a large sheet of wax paper and set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.

Add the dried fruit and toss to combine. Set aside to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Gluten Free Option: omit matzah farfel entirely, or substitute crushed gluten free matzah, or gluten free Passover Panko

Matzah Pizza

Ingredients

Matzah squares

Spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, or ketchup Mozzarella cheese (grated)

The Method

Take a piece of matzah and run it briefly under water to soften.

Spread with spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce (or even ketchup)

Top with cheese and put under broiler for 5 minutes or until bubbly. Feel free to add fun pizza toppings.

Frozen Banana Pops

Ingredients

6 ripe bananas (should have some spots, but still be firm)

8 ounces (225 g) chopped high-quality chocolate

1½ Tbsps coconut oil

Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, shredded coconut, granola, cacao nibs, and/or flaky salt

The Method

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Peel the bananas, cut them in half, and insert a popsicle stick or wooden skewer into the cut side of each half.

Place the bananas on the baking sheet with space in between them, and freeze for at least 4 hours, or up to 2 days in advance. Don’t leave longer than 2 days because the bananas start to get a little icy with no coating.

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or the microwave. Stir with spatula until completely melted.

Hold each frozen banana over the bowl of melted chocolate and use a large spoon or soup ladle to pour the chocolate over each side of the banana.

Hold the banana upside down over the bowl for a few seconds afterwards, to let any extra chocolate drip off.

Return the banana to the parchment paper and repeat with remaining bananas.

Note: You should pour the chocolate over the bananas instead of dunking them in the chocolate because dunking will cause the melted chocolate to cool and harden.

Decorate! If you would like to top your chocolate covered frozen banana pops with anything, do so immediately or the chocolate will harden and the topping won’t stick to the hardened chocolate.

Serve immediately or store in the freezer until you are ready to enjoy. Once the chocolate has hardened, the banana pops can be stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to two weeks. Makes 12 frozen pops.

Cauliflower Pizza Bites

Ingredients

2 cups cauliflower “rice”*

¼ cup egg whites

1 cup drained cottage cheese or farmer cheese

1 Tbsp oregano

2 Tbsps chopped parsley

1 tsp garlic powder

1 Tbsp olive oil

*Can buy cauliflower “rice” ready made or to make fresh shred approximately one head of cauliflower using a box grater or food processor.

The Method

Pre-heat oven to 450 F.

Spray or brush a mini muffin tin with oil.

Stir fry the “cauliflower rice” until slightly translucent (about 6-8 minutes). Place in a bowl and let cool.

Place all other ingredients in the food processor and blend until smooth.

Mix “cauliflower rice” and blended ingredients.

Spoon mixture into muffin cups. Press down evenly and firmly to make sure the ingredients stick together.

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Remove the pizza bites from the oven and let set until cool, at least 5 – 10 minutes. They must cool completely or they will break when removed from muffin tin.

Once cool, remove from muffin tin either by tipping them out OR by running a thin knife down along the side and popping them out. Makes 24 pizza bites.

Serve with pizza or marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips to make your pizza bites crusty: Make sure your cauliflower is dry after washing.

Bake until crust-like. If you peek at your crust at the recommended cooking time and they are not golden… cook longer.

Ants on a Log

Ingredients

Celery sticks cut 3 inches long

Cream cheese, cottage cheese or almond butter

Berries, raisins, dried cranberries, nuts or chocolate chips

The Method

Stuff washed celery sticks with cream cheese, blended cottage cheese or almond butter.

Sprinkle with berries, raisins, dried cranberries, nuts, or chocolate chips.

A Seder Checklist

BY ELISE MEYER

Preparing for Seder is a big job and it's so easy to forget something. So, it is nice to have a handy checklist . . .

1. Enough wine and grape juice for 4 cups per guests (recommend light grape juice for kids, recommend finding some really great kosher wine for the adults — skip the Manischewitz)

2. Holiday Candles and Candlesticks

3. Kippot

4. Matzah (Shmurah if it’s your custom) on a matzah plate with a cloth cover that has sleeves for 3 sheets of matzah

5. Extra matzah

6. Extra charoset (we form ours into a pyramid shape and decorate with Playmobil and Lego workers)

7. Extra horseradish

8. Wine cup for each person

9. Seder plate with five ingredients: egg; parsley; a roasted shank bone or cut raw beet: dish of salt water; charoset in a bowl, and a bitter herb such as horseradish. Note, Sephardic Jews usually add lettuce. We usually add an orange to symbolize inclusiveness.

10. Pillows for reclining

11. A Haggadah for each participant; transliterated song sheets if needed

Favorite Easy Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients

Boneless chicken thighs cut into 1” pieces

Salt and pepper to taste

Egg Crushed potato chips

The Method

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Dry well with paper towels.

Dip pieces into beaten egg, then dredge in crushed potato chips.

Fry, bake, or air fry as you prefer.

12. Elijah’s Cup

13. Cup, water and towel for washing hands

14. Bag or napkin for the Afikoman

15. Afikoman prize

It is always nice to add your own personal touches. Our personal family seder items include . . .

1. Additional readings pertinent to current events

2. Spring flower table arrangement (sprouting bulbs or small flowering plants you can later plant in the garden are a great idea)

3. Passover quiz questions with prizes! (age appropriate to guests)

4. Props for the 10 Plagues (masks, toys, headbands)

5. Individual pots of growing parsley used as place cards

6. Snacks on table like pickles, olives, carrot sticks, hard-boiled eggs

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.

7. Individual plate in front of each person with salt water and: hard-boiled egg thick slice of raw horseradish large sprig parsley

8. Amusing items on the table like plastic jumping frogs

9. Holiday items made by the children and grandchildren

Spotlight on Barbara Reis

BY DIANA SUSSMAN

Leonard Bernstein once said “Music is an act of love, that’s why it is so rewarding.”

Ever since longtime member Barbara Backlar Reis was a little girl and sat in the front row of one of the then new musical called Oklahoma, she knew that she wanted to devote her life to writing musicals.

Barbara, who you may have seen singing soprano in the TCS chorale, is a passionate composer of several musicals: The Million Pound Bank Note, My Millionaire, One By One, The Tenants of Moonbloom, The Sacco-Vanzetti Case, She’s Our Man, Our Victoria, Happy Birthday, Two of Each Kind, Rumpelstiltskin, and Razzle Dazzle. She has also written over 800 songs, 200 of them for children, and was commissioned to write a work in memory of a congregant’s late sister at Temple Israel.

Raised in New York City, Barbara’s musical talent was evident as early as nursery school, where she accompanied her classmates on the piano as they sang. Even after seeing Oklahoma once, this then ten year old was able to play the show’s melodies on the piano.

Hearing her gift, Barbara’s father, Samuel Backlar (who was an Assistant Attorney General of New York), wanted to get his daughter lessons from “the best.” Despite not knowing Irving Berlin or Vladimir Horowitz, he called them to ask who taught their daughters. They bonded over being Jewish immigrants from the USSR. Upon learning Berlin’s and Horowitz’s daughters both studied with Seigfried Lichtstein, Barbara began studying with him too.

At 13 years old, Barbara left Lichtstein to attend Juilliard Prep and study with Francis Goldstein. While participating in an annual concert, Barbara forgot a portion of the “Bach English Suite” and chose to improvise. Her teacher stopped the concert

and said the audience wanted to hear Johann Sebastian Bach, not Barbara Rose Backlar. Barbara played on. She loves to improvise and does so to convey her feelings. Music is her language.

Barbara attended the High School of Music and Art, a school for which one had to audition and be selected. There, she wrote the music for the senior show.

Prior to college, Barbara loved attending NY Philharmonic concerts. She regularly went backstage and met “Lenny” (Leonard Bernstein). After mentioning to him that she had played piano and wrote musicals, he asked her to audition for the Berkshire Music Festival in Lenox Massachusetts, now known as Tanglewood. At the age of 17, she was the youngest person admitted. While there, she studied and sang under Charles Munch, Hugh Ross, and Leonard Bernstein. A picture of “Lenny” sits on her fireplace mantle.

At University of Michigan, where she majored in music literature and theater, she wrote several original musicals. She was also awarded membership in Scroll and earned high honors. While home on vacation she met Chandler Warren (Chan), a third year Columbia law student.

After college, she discovered how tough it was to sell music, especially as a woman. She combed the Brill Building, where composers went to sell their work. Not having success, she went to the Irving Berlin studio. Helmy Kresa, who wrote “That’s My Desire,” greeted her at the door and told her to go home and get married. Instead, she met with Chan and together they wrote the musical Razzle Dazzle, which they presented at the Straight Wharf Theater in Nantucket, MA. She then worked at ABC for Milton Cross and reviewed resumes to decide who would be called in to audition for his opera broadcasts. Never giving up, she continued her education at night, earning a Masters in Music from Columbia University. She then took a job as the Music Consultant at the Larchmont Mamaroneck School System.

While living in New York City, Barbara placed an ad in The Village Voice for a lyricist; J Peter Bergman applied and they wrote a multitude of songs. Today, Bergman is a music critic in Great Barrington.

Bergman’s musical theater agent Helen Harvery instructed them to write the score for Anita Loos’ “Happy Birthday.” After completing the stunning score, Harvey contacted Anita Loos only to learn

that Anita had regrettably just given the rights to Judy Holliday and Jerry Mulligan.

Barbara then audition for the prestigious Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) Theater Workshop, headed by Lehman Engle. The musicals A Chorus Line and Nine were both developed in this workshop.

All the while, Barbara kept writing. She only wrote musicals addressing issues that spoke to her. Her first work with Eileen Wilson, performed at Lucille Lortel’s White Barn Theater, focused on Victoria Woodhull, who was the first woman to run for US President, with running mate Frederic Douglas. Bob Emerich, the head of the Theater Department at Fairfield University, was so impressed with Our Victoria, that he wanted to direct and produce it at the Fairfield Playhouse. Chapel Music sought to option it for Broadway.

Barbara then collaborated with a fellow BMI participant named Peter Knopf. They musicalized The Tenants of Moonbloom, by Edward Wallant, who had also written The Pawnbroker. Their work was showcased at the BMI Theater Workshop.

Barbara wrote several songs for Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge, but learned he already had a collaborator.

Her next musical was based on a Maxwell Anderson play that dealt with the infamous Sacco Vanzetti case and produced by the Theater Artists Workshop in Westport, CT. Maxwell Anderson’s wife was present in the audience. This musical dealt with injustice in the legal system toward immigrants.

In 2022, her latest musical, My Millionaire: The Million Pound Bank Note written by J. Clayton Winters and Nancy Tobin, was presented at the Westport Library. Based on a Mark Twain book, it is a story about a penniless and friendless man stranded in England named Henry Adams. He is given a non-cashable million-pound note as an experiment: Would people treat him differently if he appeared to have wealth and would he be able to transform this into becoming a real millionaire?

In 1992, after earning a second master’s degree in music therapy from NYU, Barbara worked at a hospice where Elizabeth Kubler Ross was caring for AIDS patients. She also worked as a music therapist at the Jewish Home in New Haven, St. Camillus in Stamford, and Mediplex of Westport. This changed her life. She found it miraculous that she could impact the lives of others through music. In fact, she used musical therapy to help one woman regain her ability to speak after suffering a stroke.

Leonard Bernstein, Ande Wuhrer, her daughters Roslyn and Michele, and, of course, her dad are the people who inspired her and believed in her musical gift. Barbara’s love for music and determination to succeed are infectious. The heart of Barbara’s music inspired her daughter Rosalind to write lyrics. Together, they have written Music’s Magic, How to Grow Love, The Currency of Love, and Heaven on Earth, used in a video by Eli Melet (imby.com/ post/156110). Always with a song in her heart, Barbara will always be composing.

If this story “sings” to you or strikes a “chord,” please reach out to Barbara Backlar Reis at TCS. She will value meeting you and sharing your interest in music.

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Spotlight on Jake Thaw

BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

Jake Thaw, a wide receiver on the University of Michigan’s 2024 National Championship-winning team, was a standout on his Staples High School football team. But what many may not know is that Jake’s also a TCS grad— he attended TCS Preschool, too. “I have really vivid memories of it,” he says. We caught up with Jake during his final season as a Wolverine.

Playing in The Big House: “Every time we came out of the tunnel for a game at The Big House, I always made sure to take in a full 360° view, because I like to take in what it looks like and how many people are there to support us. It’s incredible,” he says. “Whether we were playing some small school in the beginning of the season in 90 degree weather or Ohio State in 20 degree weather, that place is packed. It’s special.”

• blowouts

• color

• cuts

• extensions

• treatments

• event styling

His Family’s Support: Jake’s dad played football at Columbia, and his brother played as well. “My parents were always pouring resources into giving me the best equipment, the best opportunities,” he says. “I couldn’t have done what I did without their guidance and support.”

His Jewish Roots: “I remember growing up, for every single holiday we would go into the city to see my grandma. She would host Passover and Yom Kippur. Even though I haven’t been able to go to that in five years or so, I make sure that they know that I’m still there with them, feeling the Jewish tradition.”

The TCS Bond: “At TCS, I made a lot of friends that I still have today,” he says. “There’s a kid at Michigan that I went to preschool with, and we keep in touch because we had that bond, where we were each other’s first friends. He’s in the theater school, and I got to see him in a show recently!”

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.

Seeing the Situation in Israel First Hand

BY ELISE MEYER

Twenty-one members of the TCS and Temple Israel communities spent 72 hours together on a solidarity mission to Israel. The short trip was packed with opportunities to volunteer, listen, show support, and bear witness to the October 7th massacre.

Each day they visited with Israelis and Israeli organizations responding to the current situation. The types of activities varied greatly.

They picked lemons at farms that were short-handed because the Thai workers went back to Thailand.

Picking lemons to assuage worker shortage

They toured an army base and kibbutz on the way to the site of the Nova Music Festival, now a memorial to the 364 killed.

They strongly bonded with their guide, Itzik, a major in the paratroopers reserves unit who has been in and out of Gaza since Hanukkah. Itzik kept them on the edge of their bus seats as he shared stories of the fateful day, and the soldiers he lead.

Lemons they picked to assuage worker shortage

They visited an NGO that was using nature and animals to provide trauma and posttrauma support.

They brought and shared lunch at a makeshift army base for a group of soldiers who go in and out of Gaza each night to transport supplies and troops.

When visiting Kibbutz Nirim, one of the many kibbutzim that were infiltrated by Hamas terrorists and other Gaza residents on October 7th, they met with a resident who shared what it was like for her hiding in her safe room while the terrorists entered her home. The soldiers and the citizens of this kibbutz fought bravely, and saved many lives.

At Karmei Gat, they met with a founder of the Nir Oz Kibbutz who shared their horrendous story of October 7th and how they survived the attack in which 40 friends were murdered and over 100 were taken hostage.

One of the homes destroyed on October 7th

Representatives from Achim Laneshek (Brothers and Sisters in Arms) offered the TCS group a fascinating look into the organization that has been coordinating most of the volunteer efforts around the country. One of the leaders, Eitan Hertzl, is the father of our former community emissary, Mori.

At Hostage Square, they offered support to the hostage families who have been holding a vigil there since October 7th. Seeing the juxtaposition of the empty Shabbat Table, and the dirty table, with filthy water and scraps of food representing what the hostages are currently facing in captivity was especially powerful.

Memorial sites to October 7th victims

Phil Glick, Brian Frank, Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, Marc Zuckerman, Jeffrey Bernstein, Larry Stern, Stew Levine, eating falafel

Hostage Square

Visiting Har Herzl

Several of the participants have shared how powerful this trip was for them. Here are their thoughts. . . .

Stewart Levine

The trip we took to Israel was most revealing of the determination of the Israeli people to survive and to continue to persevere despite all that is against them. Regardless of the state of the places we visited, this determination is there. That was what most inspired me.

Art Gang

My thoughts and impressions from our short, intense, often heartbreaking, and ultimately inspirational trip to Israel, are still a work in progress.

It was an honor to be a part of this Westport group, and I thank our rabbis for their facilitation, spiritual guidance, and support at this time of existential crisis for all Jews, which we were able to experience and absorb over three brief, but remarkable days.

Perhaps, my most compelling moment was meeting and listening to Moshe Shapira, whose son Aner heroically tossed grenades seven times back at terrorists, until he was killed on October 7th. As a father and grandfather, I was humbled and privileged to hear Moshe share his memories of Aner and his legacy, followed by a visit to his grave on Mt. Herzl.

Jeff Bernstein

This was a solemn, meaningful, and unforgettable trip. We saw and heard first person accounts of the atrocities, learned of the extraordinary efforts of volunteer organizations, did some volunteering of our own and even attended some funerals. We also literally felt the ground shake from outgoing artillery during some of these activities. To see the country come together in every aspect of society was beautiful, touching and infectious. Our voices matter and we need to be louder.

Am Yisrael Chai!

Phil Glick

Israel needs us to visit, to volunteer, to be present, for emotional and economic support. As diaspora Jews, it was good support for us too. Our trip was emotionally and physically exhausting. We did so much, and nowhere near enough.

Join our next trip in May!

Rabbi Wiederhorn and TCS are returning to Israel for another Solidarity Mission May 14-16, with options to arrive early and/or stay late. Come bear witness, show support, and help to begin the healing process.

Please contact Joanne Folger in the TCS office if you would like more information about joining this upcoming Mission.

Art Gang, Stew Levine, Phil Glick, Larry Stern

TCS Thanks Its Donors, Doers & Daveners

Adult Education Fund

Lauren, Jordan, Zoe & Sasha Barnett in memory of Peter Brandenberg z”l

Edward & Lisa Raice in memory of Louis Raice z”l

Barbara Backlar Reis in memory of Sylvia Backlar z”l

Phil & Wendy Schaefer in memory of:

• Nona Levin Abrams z”l

• Zhanna Bar z”l

Sol Slotnik in memory of Miriam Mitzi Pollinger z”l

Building/Security Fund

I See a Foundation

Ira & Dana Reibeisen

The Tapfar Family in memory of Greg Tapfar z”l

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund

Art & Ellen Gang in honor of Jake Landau

Lawrence & Diane Kaiden in memory of Martin Colton z”l

The Tapfar Family in appreciation of Cantor Silverberg for her support during the loss of Shellie’s father, Meyer Gorelick z”l

General Fund

David & Gwen Baker in honor of Bob & Margie Labarre becoming grandparents

Jan & Judy Berman in honor of the baby naming of Livy Dixon

Jan & Judy Berman in memory of Joel Berman z”l

Ed & Michele Cohen in memory of Irving Cohen z”l

Art & Ellen Gang in honor of Rick Bitsky & Joni Usdan on the engagement of Will Bitsky to Jennie Small

Steven Goldring in memory of:

• Robert Davis z”l

• Marvin Goldring z”l

• Jaime Guttenberg z”l

Daniel Gross & Candice Savin in honor of Linda Gordon

Doug Hendel & Ellen Lautenberg in memory of Sandra Weinstein z”l

Geoffrey & Lindsay Hollander

Ted & Susan Kantor

Stewart & Elisabeth Levine in memory of Eliyahu Tibi z”l

Cynthia Lieberbaum in memory of Louis Lieberbaum z”l

Mark & Sandy Rappaport in memory of Frances Rappaport z”l

Ronney Lynne Rosenberg in memory of Martin Colton z”l

Rob & Lisa Rowan in honor of Ilene Frost

Marsha Shrago in memory of:

• Ethel Funk z”l

• Irving Funk z”l

• Harry Shrago z”l

Arthur Spitzer & Elisabeth Boas

Mark & Cynthia Steckel in memory of Lolita Baker z”l

Robert & Gail Storm in memory of:

• Benjamin Chipman z”l

• Sylvia Chipman z”l

The Waller Family in memory of:

• Henry Dreznick z”l

• Rachelle Dreznick z”l

• Herbert Waller z”l

Fred & Sherry Wiener in memory of Abraham Rosskopf z”l

Lee & Michele Wrubel in memory of Lolita Baker z”l

Richard & Deborah Yoken in memory of Charlotte Kalnit z”l

Holocaust Education Fund

Michael & Allison Amron in memory of Dr. Herbert Wollowick z”l

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

Steve & Isabel Moskowitz in memory of Nona Levin Abrams z”l

Hospitality Fund

Mitch & Judy Greenberg in memory of Eliyahu Tibi z”l

Marshall & Rolene Karp in memory of Martin Colton z”l

Susan Ochman in memory of Eliyahu Tibi z”l

Jewish Cultural Arts Fund

Robin, Barry, Alexa, & Courtney Babbin in memory of Myron Levine z”l

Art & Ellen Gang in memory of:

• Hyman Gang z”l

• Jeanette Gang z”l

Bryan & Margie Weingarten in memory of Amy Wessan z”l

Kehillah School Fund

Susan Ochman in memory of Claire Gress z”l

Library Fund

Nancy Gold in memory of Barry Ilberman z”l

Howard & Amy Matson in memory of Barbara Calabrese z”l

Music Fund

Samuel & Amy Gettler in memory of Eliyahu Tibi z”l

Matthew & Elayne Landau in memory of:

• Frances Salen z”l

• Jeffrey Salen z”l

Philip & Wendy Schaefer in memory of Eliyahu Tibi z”l

Judy Udell in honor of the marriage of Morgan Folger & Bo Hayward

Judy Udell in memory of Cantor Neil Ben-Isvy z”l

Peter R. Lessler Scholarship Fund

Karen Lessler in memory of Peter R. Lessler z”l

Prayer Book & Chumash Fund

Nancy Gold in memory of Gloria Ilberman z”l

Lee & Eva Rawiszer in memory of Bernard Rawiszer z”l

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

Alan & Joan Berlin

Jeremy Bernard in memory of Sheila Bernard z”l

Todd & Susie Blumenfeld in honor of:

• The birth of Evelyn Kamisar, granddaughter of Jon & Stacy Kamisar

• The marriage of Jared Weisman & Morgan Moubayed

Todd & Susie Blumenfeld in memory of:

• Nona Levin Abrams z”l

• Martin Colton z”l

• David Kemper z”l

• Eliyahu Tibi z”l

• Neil Wessan z”l

Craig & Nicole Bonn in honor of Ilene Frost

Eva & Milton Braslow Foundation in honor of Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, grateful for his important work during these difficult times

Linda Cassuto in memory of Al Cassuto z”l

David Cohen

Ed & Michele Cohen in memory of Ethel Cohen z”l

Karen Cohen in memory of:

• Martin Cohen z”l

• Jules Sturtz z”l

Matthew Evans

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

Art & Ellen Gang for humanitarian relief

Art & Ellen Gang in honor of Sol Slotnik

Art & Ellen Gang in memory of:

• Nona Levin Abrams z”l

• Lolita Baker z”l

• Meyer Gorelick z”l

• Eliyahu Tibi z”l

• Dr. Herbert Wollowick z”l

Jon & Annette Goldstein in honor of Stephen & Lynne Goldstein & Family

Ben & Ivy Gosseen in memory of Eliyahu Tibi z”l

Mitch & Judy Greenberg in appreciation of Rabbi & Riki Wiederhorn for helping organize and then making sure everyone got to Washington, DC for the March for Israel on November 14th.

Richard & Barbara Greenspan in memory of:

• Mazie Greenspan z”l

• Sandra Myerson z”l

Kenneth Gruder in memory of Zhanna Bar z”l

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

The Kalt Family in memory of:

• Charles A. Kalt z”l

• Charles D. Kalt z”l

• Louis Martin z”l

Jordan & Jennifer Kanfer in memory of:

• Martin Colton z”l

• Norman Kanfer z”l

Ted & Susan Kantor in memory of Dr. Fred S. Kantor z”l

Anthony & Jillian Klaff in memory of Jack Klaff z”l

Gary & Liz Krebs in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn for his kindness during her mourning period and in memory of Seymour Alter z”l

Laurence Kurzner in memory of Wilma Ellen Kurzner z”l

Matthew & Elayne Landau in memory of Zhanna Bar z”l

Stewart & Elisabeth Levine in memory of:

• Meyer Gorelick z”l

• Eliyahu Tibi z”l

Deb Montner in appreciation of Diana Sussman as editor-in-chief of Mosaic Magazine and the post-Oct. 7 “TCS Takes a Stand” issue

Murray & Susan Morrison in memory of:

• Abraham Kobren z”l

• Benjamin Gerald Morrison z”l

Steve & Isabel Moskowitz in honor of the marriage of Dana Rappaport & Nathan Pilcowitz

Steve & Isabel Moskowitz in memory of:

• Eliyahu Tibi z”l

• Amy Wessan z”l

Jane T. Muhlethaler Foundation in memory of Jane T. Muhlethaler z”l

The Podziba Family in memory of:

• Benjamin Cohen z”l

• Benjamin Podziba z”l

Mark & Sandra Rappaport in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn for officiating at Dana & Nathan’s wedding

Len & Linda Russ in memory of Lolita Baker z”l

William, Amanda, & Adam Shulman in memory of Mark Shulman z”l

The Tapfar Family in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn for his support during the loss of Shellie’s father, Meyer Gorelick z”l

Andy & Sheryl Udell in honor of Ilene Frost

Seth & Gayle Weinstein in appreciation of Rabbi Wiederhorn for his support during our difficult time

James Weisz & Robyn Levy in memory of Lester Morton Levy z”l

Bruce & Tami Weiser

Kenneth Wirfel & June Eichbaum in memory of:

• Arnold Wirfel z”l

• Barbara Wirfel z”l

• Larry Wirfel z”l

Richard & Deborah Yoken in memory of Charlotte Kalnit z”l

Sisterhood – Mitzvah Fund

Lee & Eva Rawiszer in memory of Adam Blankroth z”l

Sisterhood – Shalom Baby

Philip & Wendy Schaefer in honor of the birth of:

• Evelyn Lopez Kamisar

• Vivian Dahlia Labarre

Tikkun Olam Fund

Phil, Sara, Emma, & Ava Glick in memory of Philip Glick z”l

Sharon & Steven Navarro in memory of Albert Cassuto z”l

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

Condolences

(Alphabetized by name of member relation)

Lolita Baker z”l, mother of David (Gwen) Baker

Zhanna Bar z”l, mother of Alex (Ella) Gurevich

Martin Colton z”l, father of Robin (Michael) Kaiden

Nona Levin Abrams z”l, mother of Marshall (Debra) Levin

Leonard “Lenny” Sugin z”l, father of Stephanie Sugin

Meyer Gorelick z”l, father of Shellie Tapfar

Eliyahu Tibi z”l, father of Nani (Asya) Tibi

Irving Lemack z”l, father of Karen Ugol

Sandra Weinstein z”l, mother of Seth (Gayle) Weinstein

Amy Wessan z”l, sister of Neil (Sharon) Wessan

Dr. Herbert Wollowick z”l, father of Noah (Sarah Hanna) Wollowick

This listing includes all contributions received by February 28, 2024. Contributions received after this date will appear in the next issue.

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

Community

The Mitchell Family

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS