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Thank you to all who have contributed to and supported the Shofar Your dedication to the Temple Shalom community is what makes this newsletter possible
Carol Jimenez, Michael Schwartz, Stephanie Dennis, Joan Kalin, Lynn Kanowith, Andrew Maayan and Marty Shargel, the Shofar Committee
Whom do I contact at
Temple Shalom about...?
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Suzy Burstein sburstein@templeshalom.net
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Katherine Schnorrenberg school@templeshalom.net
info@templeshalom.net
All Temple Shalom staff may also be reached by telephone (301) 587-2273
Temple Shalom Committees and Contact Information
Belonging Committee
(Formerly Membership Committee)
Megan Parker and Dana Larkin membership@templeshalom.net
Book Club
Janice Zalen bookclub@templeshalom.net
Budget Committee
Lynn Mandell treasurer@templeshalom.net
Capital Improvements Committee
Debbie Szyfer deborah.szyfer@gmail.com
Capital Campaign Committee
Debbie Szyfer and Mike Rubin tsbuilding@templeshalom.net
Generation to Generation Committee
Rachel Miller generationtogeneration@ templeshalom.net
House and Grounds Committee
Mike Gurevich mike.gurevich@gmail.com
Mitzvah Corps
Mary Jacobs mitzvahcorps@templeshalom.net
Religious Education Committee
Joanna Waldstreicher rec@TempleShalom.net
Renaissance Group
Paula Kahn and Sherry Doggett renaissance@templeshalom.net
Sacred Spaces
Berinna Doggett and Sherry Doggett sacredspaces@templeshalom.net
Shofar Newsletter
Carol Jimenez and Michael Schwartz shofar@templeshalom.net
Sukkat Shalom sukkatshalom@templeshalom.net
Tikkun Olam
Fran Paver and Betsy Kingery tikkunolam@templeshalom.net
Worship Committee
Michael Schwartz and Marty Shargel masinmd@att.net zugmere@verizon.net
Auxiliaries
Brotherhood
Mike Gurevich and Marc Hershkowitz brotherhood@templeshalom.net
Sisterhood
Juliana Horowitz and Melanie Topper sisterhood@templeshalom.net
Youth Groups
Xani Polakoff xpollakoff@templeshalom.net
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Executive Committee
President
Peter Howard president@templeshalom.net
Executive Vice President
Karen Miller
Vice President
Debbie Szyfer
Vice President
John Landesman
Vice President
Steve Schleien
Treasurer
Lynn Mandell treasurer@templeshalom.net
Financial Secretary
Berinna Doggett
financialsecretary@templeshalom.net
Secretary
Sherry Doggett
Immediate Past President
Jeff Steger
Additional Trustees
Matthew Bremen
Carol Jimenez
David Kornbluth
Lisa Krim
Jason Kromirs
Toby Lowe
Megan Parker Joanna Waldstreicher
Rachel Zimmerman
Ex-Officio Voting Trustees
Brotherhood Co-Presidents
Mike Gurevich/Marc Hershkowitz
Sisterhood Co-Presidents
Juliana Horowitz/Melanie Topper
Honorary
Non-Voting Trustees
Senior Rabbi Rachel Ackerman
Cantor Z’evi Tovlev
Rabbi Educator Joshua Gischner
Executive Director Andrew Maayan
Temple Counsel Matt Andelman
URJ Board Member Anne Feinberg
Joan Kalin
Andrea Mark
Welcome New Members
December - February
Jennifer and Dylan Baker
College Park
Leah and Neil Cohen
Bethesda
Courtney Escobar
Children ages 6, 8 and 9
Columbia
Julia Lippert
Silver Spring
Upcoming Meetings of the Board Of Trustees
All members of Temple Shalom are welcome to attend meetings of the Board of Trustees. Meetings of the Board of Trustees are generally on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm at the synagogue. (Occasionally, the meeting will be by Zoom only.) The Board of Trustees regular monthly meetings for the second quarter of 2025 are scheduled for April 22 and May 20. There will be no regularly scheduled Board meeting in June, as the Congregational Annual Meeting is June 10. If you plan to attend a Board meeting (and are not a Trustee), as a courtesy, please contact our synagogue President in advance.
A Message From Our Senior Rabbi Rachel Ackerman
It feels impossible to write something now, in the middle of February, for a newsletter you will receive in March that is supposed to be relevant for three months after. We are living through unprecedented rapid changes in our country, which impact us as individuals, impact our families, our community, our nation and our world.
In times of unpredictability and disorientation, we seek grounding and solid footing. Ritual helps us find stability in an unstable world. A morning cup of coffee, walks through the neighborhood, a good book before bed, meditation – we all have our own practices that help us feel tethered as the wind attempts to knock us off our feet. And, of course, Jewish ritual - lighting Shabbat candles, smelling Havdalah spices, reciting the Sh’ma – remind us that we have been here, are here and will continue to be here through personal and universal trials and tribulations.
In a few weeks we will observe one of the most widely practiced Jewish rituals as we gather together for Passover seders. Jews of all streams and stripes will, alongside eating matzah and charoset on wine-stained tablecloths, personalize the seder to make it their own and relevant to themselves in this moment.
Each year we say the words, “B’chol dor vador chayav adam lirot et atzmo, k’ilu hu yatza mimitzrayim.” “In every generation a person is to see themselves as if they, themselves, had come out of Egypt.”
Many of us right now feel as if we are in the narrow straits of Mitzrayim, of Egypt. It is a harrowing and constricting place to be. As we
are caught up in the day-to-day muck, it is near impossible to envision a bright future.
However, our tradition does not teach that we are each to see ourselves as if we were in Egypt. Instead, we are to see ourselves as if we, ourselves, were birthed into freedom as we came out of Egypt. The matzah is referred to as lechem oni, the bread of affliction, but really it is the bread of our freedom from affliction. During the seder we are not meant to dwell on the real and significant suffering we endured. Rather, we are to see ourselves as making it to the other side of that struggle, to a freer, more just and more sacred world.
Each year we have the opportunity to renew this timeless lesson and to enhance our seders with readings and reflections that resonate with this moment.
This year I encourage each of you to add a new addition to your Haggadah, whether one you write or one you find, that expresses what freedom will look like. Perhaps you will pen new verses to “Dayeinu” expressing what would be enough, offer a piece from one of the great poets of our time or perhaps you will add a song to the conclusion of the seder to sing between “Who Knows One” and “Chad Gadya. ”
In a time of great uncertainty, Passover’s enduring message is that we are to imagine ourselves experiencing freedom. We are to gift ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us the vision of a world redeemed. It is only if we see the world as it can be that we can begin to do the holy work of shifting the world in that direction.
May we each allow ourselves to experience the joy of freedom this Passover.
Sermons given by Rabbi Ackerman and our other clergy are on Temple Shalom’s website.
The Four C’s: Prayer in Music
By Cantor Ze’evi Tovlev
The melodies we choose for prayers are as vital as the words themselves, shaping our prayer experiences and deepening their meaning Music for prayer serves four primary purposes: comfort, contemplation, celebration and community.
Many people come to services seeking comfort in times of grief or hardship. Music can offer comfort that transcends the intellectual, reaching into our emotional depths. Following the horrific attacks of October 7th, I opened a service with Nachamu, "Comfort us." Elana Arian's melody, in a minor key with glimmers of major tonality, cradled our grief while offering a beacon of hope. With its poignant melody, the prayer created a space for both our sorrow and our hope of eventual healing.
Music is a powerful tool for contemplation. When life rushes by, leaving little room for us to stop and reflect, music gives us a chance to slow down and turn inward. Our Shabbat Vayinafash services are grounded in the power of contemplative musical prayer. The slow pace, elongated melodies and gentle repetitions create an ebb and flow that naturally soothes our bodies and minds. As we soften and perhaps our breathing and heart rates slow, we find the spaciousness to connect with our inner selves, often neglected in the bustle of daily life.
Music also ignites celebration. Siman Tov has us clapping and singing along within seconds, filling us with the joy of celebration. You don't have to understand the words; the music embodies their meaning. Similarly, many of our most-loved melodies for Mi Chamochah evoke the joy of freedom, echoing the Israelites' jubilant dance of liberation. Music amplifies our happiness, moving it from our minds into our
bodies as we clap and sing, allowing it to resonate long after the service concludes.
Finally, music fosters community. Jewish tradition emphasizes the importance of being in a community, particularly for moments of grief, as with the Mourner's Kaddish, and moments of joy, such as weddings. Even moments of contemplation are often more accessible or poignant in the community. At Temple Shalom, we cherish the power of communal song. We raise our voices together, creating a tapestry of sound that transforms the concept of community into a tangible experience. As a spiritual leader, I strive to create services where we participate in prayer together, deepening our connection to ourselves, one another and the Divine. When we sing as one, we affirm that each voice is essential and that each person belongs.
Next time you join us for services, I invite you to reflect on how the music speaks to you. Does it bring you comfort? Does it invite you into a moment of contemplation? Does it help you join in the celebration? Does it connect you to a sense of belonging in the community? I'd love to know what the music of our prayers gives to you.
Igniting a Love of Hebrew: A New Approach to Learning
By Rabbi Josh Gischner
"I don’t understand," shared a parent in the school, "why…I went to Hebrew School for all those years, and can’t speak any Hebrew!" This reflection echoed a comment that I hear from parents all the time. Recognizing the need for a more engaging and effective Hebrew School program, we embarked on a journey of transformation in the summer of 2022.
Collaborating with teachers and students, lead teacher Xani Pollakoff and I sought to create a program that is accessible and "gamified " and fosters a deep and meaningful connection with the Hebrew language. Inspired by the "Onward Hebrew" movement, led by renowned Jewish educator Dr. Nachama Skolnik Moskowitz, we embraced a new philosophy of learning that prioritizes inclusion, creativity and unique lessons.
Onward Hebrew emphasizes that by reforming teaching methods, we can cultivate a love of Hebrew while preparing students for b’notai mitzvah and equipping them to navigate the Jewish world confidently. Rabbi Ackerman often says that one of our main Hebrew goals is for our students “to enter any synagogue around the world and know how to navigate a service.” Our revamped program incorporates several key elements:
Orton Gillingham Methodology: This structured approach, traditionally used for dyslexia, provides a multi-sensory framework for learning Hebrew and addressing diverse learning styles.
Hebrew Through Movement: Incorporating play and movement makes learning fun and engaging, enhancing memory and comprehension. Explore more here.
Music and Arts Integration: Creative expression through music and the arts enriches the learning experience and deepens understanding. This includes the “Hebrew in Harmony” curriculum for grades 3-6, combining games, music and meaningmaking.
Innovative T'filah Services: Engaging and creative prayer services make religious experiences more meaningful and accessible for students.
Jewish Life Vocabulary: We present our Milat HaShavuah (Hebrew Word of the Week) and Oat HaShavuah (Hebrew Letter of the Week) on Sunday mornings using fanfare and silliness. (Ask Xani, Rabbi Josh or any Kindergarten through 5th Grade teacher about “the door.”)
We are always inspired when, after the summer break, students demonstrate remarkable retention of some modern Hebrew from their experiences with Hebrew Through Movement and Jewish Life Vocabulary, confidence in their Hebrew and excitement to be back with their friends. This firsthand evidence confirms that our approach is effective and fosters a genuine love of learning and community.
March/Adar
Wednesday, March 19
Wednesday Morning Minyan, 8:00am (in person/Zoom)
Friday, March 21
Shabbat VayinafashNew Member Dinner, 6:00pm Erev Shabbat Service, 7:30pm
Adult education offerings are grouped into three categories – regularly scheduled sessions/topics to which you may just drop in; multi-session courses for which registration is required; and “pop-up” one-time sessions. Within the first two categories, sessions are listed by the day of the week. For “pop-up” sessions, they are listed chronologically by date. All in-person sessions are at Temple Shalom.
Ongoing Regular Study/DiscussionJust Drop In!
Shabbat Morning Worship and Torah Study
Saturdays, 10:00am (in person and Zoom)
Experience the Joy of Shabbat Torah Study. Join us for Shabbat morning services at 10:00am, followed by a stimulating community Torah study at 11:00am. Deepen your understanding of the weekly Torah portion and connections with your community. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Book Club
Sundays, March 23 and May 18, 9:30am11:30am (in person)
Dive deeper into Jewish literature. Temple Shalom’s Book Club explores a variety of fiction and non-fiction with lively discussions and friendly faces. Join us for stimulating conversation and new perspectives. Email for more information.
News and Views
Thursdays, 10:30am-11:30am (Zoom only)
Join this lay-led group discussion of current news issues, providing an opportunity for thoughtful reflection on the world around us. Email to register.
Sisterhood Book Club
The 3rd Thursday of each month at 8:15pm (Zoom only)
To get the link for the meeting, click this link, sign into your Temple account and follow the prompts to have the Zoom link sent to your email. Email for more information.
Multi-Session Classes Requiring Registration
Introduction to Judaism
Tuesdays, March 4-June 24, 7:00pm-9:00pm (in person)
Deepen your understanding of Judaism through a Reform lens This course is designed to create a community of learners, including individuals and couples from Jewish and/or various faith traditions and cultural backgrounds, those who have had no religious upbringing and those who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience. Email Rabbi Potts for more information.
Hebrew 1: Introduction to the Aleph Bet
Ten Mondays, 7:00pm-8:00pm (Zoom), exact dates TBD
Learn to read the Hebrew alphabet - the names and sounds of the Aleph Bet. Begin to read the Hebrew words you know and add new ones. Email Rabbi Potts for more information.
Hebrew 2: Hebrew Prayer Fluency
Ten Mondays, 8:15pm-9:15pm (Zoom), exact dates TBD.
Sitting in services and enjoying the music is an important aspect to experiencing the spirituality of the service. Add another important aspectthe ability to read and understand the Hebrew of the prayers. Email Rabbi Potts for more information.
Adult B’notai Mitzvah Class
It’s never too late to become a b’notai mitzvah! Deepen your Jewish journey through Temple Shalom's Adult B’notai Mitzvah program. Embark on a transformative two-year journey of Torah study and spiritual growth. Whether you are new to Judaism or seeking a deeper connection, experience the joy of becoming a leader in your community and celebrating your heritage with a meaningful ceremony. The class has recently begun, but if you act quickly, there is still time to join. Email Rabbi Potts for more information.
Pop-Up Adult Education
Kehilat Shalom: Lifecycle and Rituals
March 23, 9:30am-11:30am
Queering Jewish Ritual with Simon Heil.
Beit Midrash: Learning and Dinner
May 7, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Join the clergy for an evening of thoughtful discussion and dinner. Explore Jewish texts and ideas in a welcoming community setting.
Scholar-in-Residence Cantor Evan Kent Weekend, May 16-18
More details to be announced soon. Cantor Kent, a professor at the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, has taught Rabbi Ackerman, Rabbi Gischner and Cantor Tovlev.
Non-Worship Events
Mid-March - June
Worship services and adult education opportunities are listed elsewhere in this newsletter. For more information, please click here for the Temple Shalom calendar. If you would like us to list your July, August or September 2025 Temple Shalom event, please email us the information.
MARCH
ELC Purim Parade
Purim Carnival
REC Parents’ Coffee, 4:30pm
News and Views (virtual), 10:30am
Trans+ Chavurah Meeting, 5:00pm
Inova Blood Drive, 9:00am Book Group, 9:30am
Kehilat Shalom, 9:30am
Sisterhood Game Night, 6:00pm
Board of Trustees meeting, 7:30pm
News and Views (virtual), 10:30am
Event, 1:30pm,
APRIL
Brotherhood Monthly Meeting, 6:30pm
News and Views (virtual), 10:30am
Shepard’s Table Volunteering, 5:00pm News and Views (virtual), 10:30am News and Views (virtual), 10:30am
Kehilat Shalom, 9:30am Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30pm
Yom HaShoah - Day of Holocaust Remembrance
News and Views (virtual), 10:30am
Trans+ Chavurah Meeting, 5:00pm
Sisterhood Game Night, 6:00pm
Yom HaZikaron - Israeli Memorial Day
Yom HaAtzma-ut - Israeli Independence Day
News and Views (virtual), 10:30am
Brotherhood Pre-Mothers’ Day Brunch, 9:00am
Shepherd’s Table Volunteer Opportunity, 5:00pm
Brotherhood Monthly Meeting, 6:30pm
News and Views (virtual), 10:30am
Chugim Presentations, 3rd-5th Grades, 11:00am
News and Views (virtual), 10:30am
Trans+ Chavurah Meeting, 5:00pm
Religious School Last Day
Kehilat Shalom, 9:30am Book Group, 9:30am
Brotherhood Picnic and Sisterhood Ice Cream Social, 12:00pm
Sisterhood Game Night, 6:00 pm Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30pm
Tikkun Olam Committee Meeting (virtual), 7:00pm Memorial Day Holiday
All Temple Shalom members are welcome to join us for our last two book discussions of 5785. Questions? Click here to contact us.
Sunday, May 18, 9:30am:
The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening by Ari Shapiro
New York Times Bestseller from the host of NPR's All Things Considered
Broadcaster Ari Shapiro takes us around the globe to reveal the stories behind narratives that are sometimes heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, but always poignant. He details his time traveling on Air Force One with President Obama, following the path of Syrian refugees fleeing war, learning from those fighting for social justice and other journeys
Sunday, June 8, 9:30am: More Than I Love My Life by David Grossman
International Booker Prize Nominee
A remarkable novel of suffering, love and healing the story of three generations of women on an unlikely journey to a Croatian island and a secret that needs to be told. Grossman’s novel was inspired by the true story of his longtime confidante, a woman, who in the early 1950s was held on the notorious Goli Otok. This swift novel is a thrilling addition for one of our greatest living novelists.
Shavuot
By Michael Schwartz
Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, began as an agricultural holiday. It coincides with, and thus celebrates the giving of the Torah to the Israelite people at Mount Sinai. This year it begins the evening of June 1, which corresponds to the 6th day of Sivan on the Hebrew calendar. In Israel and the Reform movement, Shavuot is one day while the traditional observance is two days.
Even though Shavuot is linked to the formative event in Jewish history, the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, it is much less celebrated than the High Holy Days Its traditions are also less appreciated than Passover or Sukkot, the other biblical pilgrimage holidays Why might this be? For one thing, Shavuot does not have the distinctive rituals of Sukkot’s taking meals in the Sukkah nor Passover’s Seder and special dietary restrictions.
It also has unusual aspects not shared by the other Festivals. As described in the Bible, it does not have a fixed date to be observed. The Israelites are told to observe the holiday seven weeks (thus its name) after “the sickle is first put to the standing grain.” In practice, this was determined by counting the Omer from the second day of Passover for 49 days and the 50th day was Shavuot.
The holiday seems clearly to have been an agricultural one in ancient times with festivities related to fruits and grains. The omer itself was a unit of grain. The holiday was referred to as the Feast of the Harvest, referring to the end of the barley harvest and the beginning of the wheat.
So, how did this agricultural holiday become tied to the revelations of Sinai in our tradition? The ancient rabbis were very clever in their
ability to overlay an old agricultural holiday with religious significance. In the case of Shavuot, they calculated that the festival fell during the same three-month period in which the Israelites reached Sinai after leaving Egypt based on their reading of the Torah text. They fixed the date as the sixth of Sivan for both events, making the revelations at Sinai the essence of the holiday.
Shavuot does have unique features. The most distinctive is nighttime study sessions known as Tikkun Leil Shavuot on Shavuot eve The medieval mystics began this practice to set the mood for the holiday Another distinctive feature is eating dairy foods A more recent feature developed by the Reform movement is to hold Confirmation (when high school-age congregants confirm their commitment to Judaism) on Shavuot. The holiday also features the reading of one of the most beautiful texts in the Hebrew Bible—the Book of Ruth. The Ten Commandments are read from the book of Exodus. It is customary to stand when the Ten Commandments are recited.
This Shavuot, Temple Shalom will celebrate our Confirmands and hold study sessions the evening of June 1. On the day of Shavuot (June 2) we will join with other local synagogues for Festival services and lunch at Temple Emanuel. Please join us.
Mazel Tov to . . .
of Bernie Blumenthal
Bernie Blumenthal on his birthday. Bernie, a long-time member, turns 99 on May 12 and is Temple Shalom’s oldest living member.
Katie Heinzer, Temple Shalom’s Director of Engagement and Family Education, on being accepted to the rabbinical program at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.
Ruti Kadish and Nicole Berner on the birth of their grandchild Marisol Ziv Aponte-BerKad.
Lois Kimmel and Ethan Bennett on their engagement.
Rita Klein on the birth of her grandson Hayden Henri.
Peter Sarasohn and Caroline Kleeman on the birth of their daughter Elizabeth Adele.
Zachary and Dara Segal on the birth of their daughter Sadie Ursel.
Rachel Zimmerman and Greg D’Addario on the birth of their son Logan.
Photo
Nina George April 5
Nina is a 7th grader at Takoma Park Middle School. She enjoys playing the flute, both in her school band and outside of school. In the summer, Nina enjoys sleepaway camp at Habonim Dror Camp Moshava. She also loves traveling, listening to music, shopping and bingewatching Netflix. Nina thanks her family and friends for all their support, as well Andy Mark and Anne Feinberg for helping her prepare for her bat mitzvah.
Rory Schoss April 5
Rory Schloss is in 7th grade at Silver Creek Middle School. Her favorite subjects are English and Social Studies. When not in school, Rory can be found at Bethesda Conservatory of Dance where she takes classes, participates in the outreach performance team and is a student assistant. Rory also enjoys spending time with her family, fashion and style, the color purple, hanging at the local pool and attending Emma Kaufmann Camp in the summers. For her mitzvah project, Rory plans to work with the Children's Inn at the National Institutes of Health. Rory is very grateful to Andy Mark and Anne Feinberg for helping her prepare for her bat mitzvah.
B’notai Mitzvah
April - June
Conrad Patton April 26
Conrad is a 7th grader at Silver Creek Middle School. He is a passionate basketball player, competing for both his school’s team and an Amateur Athletic Union squad. When he is not on the court, you will usually find him with a book in his hands or hanging with his friend Luke. Conrad loves lifting weights, watching sitcoms like Brooklyn 99 and traveling with his family. He is excited to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah with friends and family and looks forward to taking on new challenges as he grows. Conrad thanks Andy Mark and Michael Schwartz for their mentorship, patience and guidance in his preparation.
Nate Szekely April 26
Nate Szekely is a 7th grader at Sligo Middle School, where he plays the saxophone in the concert band. When not at school, Nate plays soccer, which he likes to practice a lot. Nate is a big Luton Town and Patriots fan. He likes to play video games, go to the park with his friends and spend time with his friends and family. Nate thanks Emily Meyer and Lois Kimmel, his tutor and madricha, for preparing him for his bar mitzvah.
Laura Dennis May 3
Laura is a 7th grader at Silver Creek Middle School She enjoys painting, performing, singing and songwriting. Laura loves studying science and nature. Laura thanks Emily Meyer and Trish Coggeshall for helping her prepare for the service.
Harrison Dennis May 3
Harrison is a 7th grader at Silver Creek Middle School. He enjoys basketball, cooking and running, and is interested in engineering. Harrison is always ready to lend a helping hand and has a quick sense of humor. Harrison thanks Emily Meyer and Trish Coggeshall for their help with his bar mitzvah preparations
Danny Nadelhaft May 10
Danny, a 7th grader at Sligo Middle School, plays French Horn in the Concert Band and has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll each quarter. Danny swims competitively for Rockville Montgomery Swim Club and Glenwood, and plays soccer for Silver Spring United. He also enjoys playing video games, listening to music, hanging out with friends and playing with his cats.
Danny thanks Andy Mark and Sarah Leavitt for their guidance and endless patience.
Asher Frankel May 17
Asher is a 7th grader at North Bethesda Middle School. He plays baseball for the MoCo Grays U13 travel team, often at the hot corner just like Alex Bregman (a Jewish major leaguer). Asher also enjoys playing soccer as well as the violin in the school orchestra He is an avid supporter of animals, especially his brown dog Gus and snow-white cat Noodle. Asher lives in Kensington with his parents and big brother Eli. He looks forward to celebrating his bar mitzvah and is very thankful for all the help he has received from Andy Mark and Carrie Wolinetz.
Not Pictured Here
Albert Pajor May 10
Sylvia Colmery Dalia Elfassi
June 7
Help Our Youth Members Attend Jewish Camps with Your Gift Today
Jewish camp is where the next generation of Jewish leaders discover themselves, build confidence and make lifelong friends. Jewish camp alumni are 45% more likely to attend synagogue monthly or more, and 55% are more likely to feel very emotionally attached to Israel.
Temple Shalom’s Levinsohn-Feinberg Youth Educational Program Fund, which provides scholarships for Temple Shalom campers to go to Jewish camps each summer, needs financial contributions. For the past ten years, it has provided more than $50,000 in grants benefitting 162 Temple Shalom member youths to help defray the cost of a Jewishbased camp. During that time, less than $20,000 has been contributed to this fund from all sources. Because of this disparity, without your continued support, Temple Shalom may no longer be able to offer such grants.
There are many reasons to consider donating to this worthy Special Purpose Fund. We encourage you to look within for the reason that is most meaningful to you. For example, if you have benefitted from a grant in the past for your child or you want to help build the next generation of Jewish leaders, consider making a donation. This will help future generations of Temple Shalom youth receive the same benefits that others (maybe including your children) received by attending a Jewish-based summer program
Hear from a few of our campers about the magic of Jewish camp:
“One of my favorite things about camp is Shabbat and doing the prayers with my friends.” Ruby Goldman
“One of my favorite things about Jewish summer camp is seeing how other people celebrate Shabbat in different ways, like using different tunes for songs and then teaching them to my friends at home.” Tessa Gehl
“What I love most about camp is the community and how everyone grows up together. It's like we are all one huge family. My favorite thing to do at camp is Israeli dance.” Stella Hrusa
Give the gift of camp and invest in the future of our community today! Click here to donate online or send a check to Temple Shalom with a note that it is for the Levinsohn-Feinberg Youth Educational Program Fund.
Leadership Development at Temple Shalom
Temple Shalom recently completed its Leadership Development Program, an initiative designed to cultivate future leaders within the congregation. It provides members with the knowledge and skills to consider taking on leadership roles and become more actively involved in Temple life and is offered about every six years. A number of current lay leaders have participated in past programs (although participating in the program is not a requirement to be a Board Trustee). This year’s program was guided by Immediate Past President Jeff Steger.
The six-session program brought together a diverse group of congregants seeking to learn about Temple Shalom and potentially become more involved in the leadership of the temple. The sessions covered essential topics, including the temple’s vision and values, fostering meaningful relationships among congregants, governance, committees
and finances and the temple’s history. Speakers and discussion leaders included clergy, senior staff and current lay leaders such as Board members.
About 20 congregants participated. They represent a broad cross-section of the temple community, with diverse ages, Jewish/nonJewish backgrounds and lengths of time with our congregation. Beyond the information shared, the program fostered meaningful connections and strengthened the bonds within our community.
This year’s Leadership Development Program was a tremendous success, with engaged participants, enriching discussions and strengthened connections among congregants. The future of Temple Shalom is bright, and we look forward to seeing the leadership and contributions of members of this dedicated group in the years to come.
Religious Education Committee
Temple Shalom’s religious school has its very own version of a PTA, chaired by Joanna Waldstreicher. Joanna is also the REC’s liaison to the Temple Shalom board. The Religious Education Committee (fondly known as “the REC”) builds community among parents, serves as a liaison between parents and staff, supports our wonderful and talented religious school teachers and leadership and plans fun events.
The “committee” consists of anyone who wants to join its meetings. All religious school parents are welcome to join REC meetings in any capacity. Want a little nosh and good conversation? Have feedback? Want to help with program planning or offer your time to help out? Join a meeting. Upcoming meetings are March 23 at 6pm and April 27 at 9:30am in the Moadon.
There are numerous other opportunities to get involved.
Become a religious school room parent and serve as a link between class families and their teachers, as well help the REC communicate with families. Attend the informal social gatherings the REC hosts a few times a year during religious school. These get-togethers allow parents to talk and get to know each other outside of structured class activities and there is always plenty of food.
Help with the Purim carnival, a lively and beloved event at Temple Shalom, which the kids look forward to every year. The REC plays a major role in planning and executing the Purim carnival in collaboration with religious school staff. (Thank you to the many volunteers who helped make this year’s carnival a success!)
The committee collects funds from parents and arranges end-of-the-school-year gifts for religious school teachers. We also collaborate with clergy and staff to offer meaningful reflections of appreciation from students and parents during an annual Teacher Appreciation Shabbat service and oneg.
REC meetings are generally held during morning or evening Sunday school. We try to alternate between the two Sunday school sessions to make participation feasible for parents of all grades. As we near the end of the year, the REC is focused on feedback, lessons learned, planning for the next school year and Teacher Appreciation. We welcome members at any time during the year. Please watch the religious school email updates for meeting info or to be added to the mailing list contact REC@templeshalom net
Temple Shalom Capital Committee
By Chairperson Debbie Szyfer
Have you ever wondered about improvements to the Temple Shalom building? Did you notice the new, comfortable chairs in the chapel or the brighter hallways in the education wing? The Capital Committee - a small group of dedicated volunteers, executive director Andrew Mayaan and the building staff - are committed to maintaining and improving our congregational home. Passionate about our buildings and facilities, they recommend capital projects to the Board of Trustees to ensure the temple remains in good working condition. These projects are funded as part of the capital-building funds allocated in the congregation’s annual budget.
Committee members learn all of the building systems of the temple, including heating and cooling, electrical, plumbing, fire protection systems and so much more. They walk through the building and grounds on a regular basis and notice small details and changes. These form, in part, the basis for the committee’s recommendations to the Board, such as renovations to existing spaces to provide upgrades for congregant and staff use as well as improvements to the building systems Some of these changes, like paint and lighting, people notice immediately. Other changes are less visible but improve the comfort of the spaces, such as air conditioning the classrooms or updating old building systems.
The renovations and improvements made to the building in the past five years include:
Renovating the upper-level bathrooms in the sanctuary lobby
Refurbishing the lower-level bathrooms near the administration offices
Painting the administration wing
Painting the education wing
Replacing the education wing hallway lights with LED fixtures
Replacing the chapel chairs
Creating the Early Learning Center (ELC) office
Renovating Classroom 5
Fixing a retaining wall
Providing new office furniture in the ELC and B’notai Mitzvah administrative offices
Updating the fire alarm system
Updating technology systems
While the Capital Committee ensures that our current building remains sound, it also looks to the future by serving on the architectural committee of Temple Shalom’s Opening the Gates capital campaign project. If an improvement recommended by the Capital Committee is within Opening the Gates’ possible projects, the Capital Committee reviews the urgency and will only do it now if it is absolutely necessary. This is one way the committee works to be good stewards of the congregation's funds.
Vote Reform in the World Zionist Congress Election
By Rabbi Josh Gischner
Your voice matters! The World Zionist Congress (WZC) is a democratically elected group that meets every five years. Its elected representatives (one-third are from the United States) make key decisions on allocating $1 billion annually to support the most pressing needs across Israeli society and the Diaspora. The WZC sets policies that affect the status of Reform Jews in Israel as well as millions of Israelis. Ballots are cast for slates of candidates, including a slate of Reform candidates, and voting is primarily online including via mobile devices. All Jews, 18+ who did not vote in the last Israeli election are eligible to vote.
Vote Reform in the upcoming WZC election, from March 10 to May 4! This is a key chance to champion our Reform Jewish values. Here are some of the ways your vote for the Reform slate can make a difference:
Bring All the Hostages Home, Build
Lasting Peace: The Reform slate supports humanitarian aid and rebuilding communities devastated by Hamas on October 7, 2023 in the Gaza Envelope and in Northern Israel following Hezbollah rocket fire.
Strengthen Reform Judaism in Israel: The Reform slate supports Reform communities across Israel. WZC election results directly impact the funding the Reform movement receives as well as funding for the salaries of Reform and Conservative community rabbis.
Champion Religious Freedom: The Reform slate defends LGBTQ+ and gender equality in Jewish life and religious pluralism for all. Our opponents in this election hold views that clash harshly with these Reform Jewish values.
Protect Israeli Democracy: The Reform slate stands against extremism and for a more just and inclusive Israel
Recognize Reform Conversions: The Reform slate supports policies that respect Reform conversions and the Jewish identity of Reform children and families.
Equal Rights at the Western Wall: The Reform slate thinks the Western Wall should be a place of prayer for all Jews, with equal access for women and non-binary Jews to read Torah and participate fully and that the Egalitarian section must be maintained.
Uphold LGBTQ+ Rights: The Reform slate supports LGBTQ+ equality in Israel, including same-gender adoption rights, prohibitions against employment discrimination and transgender healthcare for all.
Elect Reform Leaders: Our Rabbi Educator, Josh Gischner, is on the Reform slate! Your vote gives him and other Reform leaders like Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Rabbi Rick Jacobs and Rabbi Jonah Pesner a voice in the WZC to represent our values this December.
Your vote for the Reform slate is important to Reform Jewish values! Register to vote and for a reminder to vote.
Click here to register to “remind me to vote!”
Click here to register to learn how to vote and for more information from the WZC.
Email Rabbi Josh Gischner (RabbiJosh@TempleShalom.net) and Joan Kalin (JoanKalin@verizon net) with any questions and to volunteer for Temple Shalom’s Get Out the Vote campaign.
Mitzvah Corps and You
By Mary Jacobs
Temple Shalom’s Mitzvah Corps was created nearly four decades ago by our Rabbi (now Emeritus) Bruce E. Kahn. Participating in Mitzvah Corps, whether occasionally or on a regular basis, helps each of us fulfill bikur cholim (visiting and caring for those who are ill or in need) a core commandment (mitzvah) of Jewish life. It also reflects g’milut chasadim, the mitzvah of performing acts of loving kindness without expecting anything in return. G’milut chasadim encourages us to engage in compassionate actions whether the person is rich or poor, in life or in death and enhances community bonds. Every Temple Shalom member is an important part of enabling Mitzvah Corps to be there for one another.
Currently Mitzvah Corps coordinates and needs YOUR help with:
Providing and delivering meals to congregants in need
Becoming trained to lead a shiva minyan
Providing rides to religious services, medical appointments, shopping, and so forth for congregants in need
Sending notes to congregants coping with loss or illness, celebrating new family additions and letting families know we are available to help
If enough congregants step forward to help, Mitzvah Corps would like to expand its services to include other areas:
Visiting members who are sick or homebound
Additional meal trains for families with a new baby(ies)
Developing a manual for life cycle events
Coordinating with other committees to create a food fridge for members who are food insecure
When you receive a notice that a congregant needs help, whether you know the person or not, please volunteer. This could be providing a meal, offering a ride, attending a Shiva Minyan to support a grieving family or visiting a Temple member who is alone and would welcome a friendly visit. Make it part of your commitment to our community to volunteer at least a few times each year, although more often is always welcome. Also, if you or someone you know needs help, reach out to the clergy or directly to Mitzvah Corps. Asking for help allows others to be generous with themselves, increases congregants’ connection to our community and is a role model to others. Click here to contact Mitzvah Corps and let us be here for each other.
Opening the Gates Capital Campaign Update
By Co-Chairs Mike Rubin and Debbie Szyfer
An overview of the Opening the Gates capital campaign was provided in the Fall 2024 issue of the Shofar. A central goal of the project is to strengthen Temple Shalom as a safe, inclusive and accessible place for our members and the community by renovating our building to align with these core values.
Throughout the past six months, we have used the “quiet phase” of Opening the Gates to meet with various members individually to build the financial foundation for this key project. We are inspired by the response and the incredible commitments we have received so far. By the time you read this, we hope to be almost halfway to our $7 million goal!
Continuing to come together as a Jewish community will strengthen us individually and collectively, especially in today’s volatile times Our leadership is committed to Temple Shalom being a source of strength, both now and in the future for any additional challenges.
We also know that our members will share their individual strengths with each other as they are able, including modeling the courage to accept support when needed.
Since late January, we have heard questions about Opening the Gates in light of the new obstacles many of us face. Should we pause? Is our goal still possible? Opening the Gates is a multiyear endeavor - a marathon. Sometimes during a long race, you slow down and walk for a mile or two. But walking is not stopping or even pausing. Walking moves you forward; so too with Opening the Gates. We will move from a run to more of a walk in the short term, and we will continue to make substantial progress. Many members share our strong view that current events make Temple Shalom’s vision of a safe, inclusive and accessible space more of a priority than ever.
We thank everyone who has already supported Opening the Gates, look forward to hearing from others who want to be involved and are excited to continue to be inspired by each of you.
Upcoming Events By Committee/Auxiliary
Mid-March - June
Brotherhood
April 2
Dinner, 6:30pm Monthly Meeting, 7:00pm
April 6 - June (exact date TBD)
Men’s Softball Team
Suburban Maryland Synagogue Men's Softball League
Players 18 and older welcome
Contact Manager Jim Goldstein at goldysox@comcast.net for more details or to be added to the roster for this season.
May 4
Pre-Mother’s Day Brunch, 9:45am Guest speaker Neal Augenstein, WTOP Reporter
May 7
Dinner, 6:30pm Monthly Meeting, 7:00pm
May 18
End of Religious School Picnic, 11:30am
June 13 and 14
Fundraiser for Summer Camp Scholarships for Temple Shalom Youth at Give a Hoot Comedy Club (Gaithersburg), 8:00pm Featuring Comic Adam Muller
Religious Education Committee
March 23 6:00pm (Moadan)
April 27
9:30am (Moadan) Committee Meetings
Sisterhood
March 23 and April 27
Game Night, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Tikkun Olam Committee
Monthly Meetings Third Wednesday (generally) 7:00pm Email tikkunolam@templeshalom.net to obtain the Zoom link
March 23
Blood Drive
Details forthcoming
May 18
Sacred Ground Plant Pickup Day Details forthcoming
Temple Shalom Funds
Tzedakah is a central mitzvah of Judaism. Donors benefit as much as, or more, from giving as does the recipient. Donating tzedakah can recognize a special event, honor an individual, memorialize a loved one or community member or thank the temple or an individual for something particular. All contributions made to Temple Shalom funds are fully eligible for a tax deduction, and all amounts are welcome.
TEMPLE SHALOM GENERAL FUND
These gifts have great impact due to their flexibility and help ensure that our temple is open to all, regardless of financial ability.
CAPITAL FUND
Capital projects support ongoing long-term work to improve our building and grounds.
TEMPLE SHALOM ENDOWMENT FUND
HONORING RABBI
EMERITUS BRUCE E. KAHN
Supports the long-term financial health of Temple Shalom for generations to come.
CLERGY MITZVAH FUNDS
This is a traditional way to say thank you for support with a life-cycle event or other personal guidance, service or inspiration. Clergy use them for tzedakah projects at the clergy’s discretion.
Senior Rabbi Rachel Ackerman
Cantor Ze’evi Tovlev
Rabbi Educator Joshua Gischner
Rabbi Emeritus Bruce E. Kahn
SPECIAL PURPOSE FUNDS
There are 12 Special Purpose Funds, each uniquely dedicated to support specific projects and/or activities to supplement temple funding.
David Mark Gildenhorn Fund
Scholarships for temple youth to participate in programs in Israel.
Adele D. Lewis Memorial Teachers Fund
Professional development for religious school teachers and betterment of the religious school.
Burton Hoffman Memorial Fund
Special projects to support our temple community related to worship, education, youth engagement, life cycle events, films/media presentations and adult b’nai mitzvah program.
David Rivkind Memorial Flower Fund
Floral and other decorations are used for Temple Shalom’s services/programs and the general beautification of the temple and its grounds.
Eli Newberger Speakers Fund
Speaker programs for Temple Shalom, including its Brotherhood.
Herman Rosenfeld Memorial Resettlement Fund
Funds or loans to Jewish immigrants resettling in the United States; supports Temple Shalom’s pursuit of social justice (including Mitzvah Corps).
Levinsohn-Feinberg Youth Educational Program Fund
Scholarships for temple members to attend Jewish summer camps and programs for temple youth.
Oscar Felker Memorial Educational Enrichment Fund
Educational enrichment for adults and youth, including scholarships for college/rabbinical/cantorial school, special projects for the religious school, purchase of books/reference materials, educational trips for members and Scholars-in-Residence.
Sigmund Mayer Jr. Prayer Book Fund
For the purchase of prayer books, ritual items and other ways to enable participation in religious services at Temple Shalom.
Phyllis and Stanley Nehmer
Fund for Special Events
Temple Shalom programming and special events to expand Judaic knowledge, social interaction, continuing education and arts enrichment.
The Tretter Family Music Fund
Supports the temple’s music programming, including Artists-in-Residence, scholarships for song leaders, shaliach tzibur, music training camps, musical community outreach, commissioning of music for Temple Shalom, musical education for temple music groups and audiovisual equipment not covered through other means.
To make a donation, click here.
Torat Shalom Fund Torah-related education and programming, including Shabbat morning Torah study. Donations may also be mailed to: Accounting Manager, Temple Shalom, 8401 Grubb Rd., Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Please specify the occasion or person being honored or remembered, the fund for your donation and the name and address of who should be informed of your contribution.
Donations
December – February
Tzedakah humanizes both the giver and the recipient. It acknowledges an important occasion, thanks someone for a particular thing or pays tribute in sympathy. Temple Shalom thanks all who have generously donated to our community. These acknowledgements do not include donations to our Capital Campaign, which will be acknowledged separately.
IN LOVING MEMORY
Harvey and Francine Berger in memory of Anne Schaeffer and Leona "Lakie" Kupfer
Harvey and Francine Berger and family in memory of Ben Schaeffer
David and Sherry Doggett in memory of Arthur Doggett and Lebus Stephenson
Marc and Anne Feinberg in memory of Sylvia Susky
Ely and Sheila Fishlowitz in memory of Ben Fishlowitz and Dorothy Sweed
Lauren Frankel in memory of Adrian Becker
Jeff Freedman in memory of Miriam Freedman
Robert and Alice Goodman in memory of Blanche Lowenstein, Isaac Lowenstein and Anne Goodman
Stuart and Jeannette Gordon in memory of Sam Gordon and Raul Sierra
Karl Held and Fran Paver in memory of Frances Held and Daniel Paver
Marc Hershkowitz in memory of Brenda Guttman
Barbara Jacobowitz in memory of Edith Pearl Esterman
Miles and Paula Kahn in memory of Mabel Levin
Rabbi Bruce E. and Toby Kahn in memory of Marcus H. Kahn
Lynn and Temma Kanowith in memory of Ruth Schor and Ira Kanowith
Virginia Kling and Jonathan Greenbaum in memory of Robert Kling, Michael Kling and Edward Greenbaum
Robert and Linda Krauss in memory of Charles Krauss and Al and Rhoda Raider
Scott Kravetz in memory of Mimi Kravetz, Clara Swart and Betty Patlen
Scott Kravetz in memory of Gabriel Swart and Tressa Swart
Myles R. Levin in memory of Mabel Levin
Judith Levy in memory of Lisel Levy and Isidore Levy, Mother and Father
Sherry Nehmer in memory of Stanley Nehmer
Eric Pianin and Laurie McGinley in memory of Larry Pianin
Natalie Pichler in memory of Hermann Pichler, Rela Lipper and David Pichler
Myra P. Posin in memory of Ben Posin and Samuel Platshon
Beverly Potter in memory of Samuel Schreiber and Jacob Friedman
Barrett and Marilyn Ripin in memory of Harold Merber
Jane Rosov in memory of my loving father, Ben Tobin
Lydia and Peter Schlosser in memory of Wilbur M. Schlosser and Susan Schlosser
Benjamin Smith and Doreen Sterling in memory of Ruth Sterling and Nancy Parker
Steven and Helen Spindel in honor of Florence Spindel and Lourdes Nisce
Linda Sulkin in memory of my husband
Michael
Lori Weinstein in memory of Anita Weinstein and Lila Barth
David Weissel in memory of Bluma Lamm
Janice Zalen and Jared Wermiel in memory of Eli Aptaker and Carolyn Wermiel
MEMORIAL PLAQUE
Robin and Tonya Katcher in memory of Sydell Katcher
Robin and Tonya Katcher in memory of Howard Katcher
HIGH HOLY DAY APPEAL
Marc Hershkowitz in memory of friends loved and lost
Donations
(Continued from previous page)
GENERAL FUND
Rabbi Rachel Ackerman in honor of the incredible ELC staff who care for and nurture our youngest learners
Harvey and Francine Berger with thanks to the Rubins for hosting the Wine and Dessert Havdalah
Carol Jimenez in memory of Samuel Hershkowitz
Lynn and Temma Kanowith in memory of Darlene Bassin, mother of Stu Bassin (Audrey Adamson) and grandmother of Emma Bassin
Lynn and Temma Kanowith in memory of Ethel Kanowith
Keefe Singer Family
Rabbi Bruce E. and Toby Kahn in support of operations
Lynn and Temma Kanowith in memory of Samuel Hershkowitz
Scott Kravetz in honor of Katie Heinzer's Bat Mitzvah
Emet Marwell in support of where it is needed most
Deb and Vi
Walt Miller
Rita needed
Sue
Lind Levin's
CLERGY DISCRETIONARY FUNDS
Rabbi Rachel Ackerman Mitzvah Fund
Zohra and Anthony Benesch in support of RAMF
Paul B Ellis in support of appreciated wedding guidance and good health
Stuart and Jeannette Gordon in memory of Zulma Sierra
Susan Shanberg in honor of Rabbi Ackerman
Wednesday Minyan in support of Rabbi Ackerman's Mitzvah Fund
Rachel Zimmerman in honor of Katie Heinzer's Bat Mitzvah
Rabbi Emeritus Bruce E. Kahn Mitzvah Fund
Daniel and Judith Deutsch
Rochelle P. Gershenow with thanks to Rabbi Kahn for a meaningful funeral service for Francine Deborah Cohen
Becky, Sean, Paul, and Bennett Samberg with thanks to Rabbi Kahn for a personal and thoughtful funeral service for our sister and en apiro in honor of Rabbi Kahn Small memory of Zulma Sierra erg Youth Educational
kerman and Rabbi Jake best wishes for a happy 2025
Memorial Teachers Fund rauss in memory of Zulma
morial Educational d in memory of Larry in memory of Esther Kaufman
niel Greenberg in honor of ts
CONDOLENCES
December – February
Stuart Bassin (Audrey Adamson) and Emma Bassin on the death of their mother and grandmother
Darlene Bassin
Andrew (Stefanie) George and Nina and Micah George on the death of their father and grandfather
Robert George
Jeannette Gordon (Stuart) and Jackie Gordon on the death of their sister and aunt
Zulma “Mini” Sierra
Marc Hershkowitz and Ron Hershkowitz on the death of their father and grandfather
Samuel Hershkowitz
Eli Kaplan (Efrat Levush) and Belle and Naomi Kaplan on the death of their father and grandfather
Stuart Morris Kaplan
Henry Polmer, Alexa Spencer (Jason) and Ruby and Asher Spencer on the death of their wife, mother and grandmother
Bunny Polmer
Jason Spencer (Alexa) and Ruby and Asher Spencer on the death of their father and grandfather
Chuck Spencer
If you are interested in purchasing a cemetery plot in the Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park (Clarksburg, Maryland), please contact the Temple Shalom office at (301) 587-2273.
