WCT Makom April 2018 by Woodlands Community Temple

the newsletter of woodlands community temple

April 2018 Nisan-Iyyar 5778

The Kentucky Derby Comes to Woodlands!

The Three Yoms of Springtime by Rabbi Mara Young

by Nancy Fishman n Saturday, April 14, WCT will be having an evening of horse racing, delicious food, mint juleps, and even a best-dressed contest. We will be bringing our version of Churchill Downs to Westchester, with betting on horse races, fancy bonnets and attire, and all the trappings of the Derby at its finest. It should be an exciting and wonderful evening filled with thrills, prizes, socializing, and delectable food and drink. The entire evening is being dedicated to the memory of our longtime, beloved member Steve Zizmor. Steve loved and worked on many temple projects across the

years, including creative temple fundraisers and he had a particular fondness for social events with games of chance like this one. Charles Kessler, Barry Kessler and David Bertan have been leading the committee working on this project, along with Dayle Fligel and myself. We’re all very excited to bring this new type of event

to Woodlands. Never before have we had a horse racing event complete with all the trappings and sophistication of the Kentucky Derby. Says temple president Dayle Fligel, “This should be an evening of elegance, camaraderie and excitement for all. There will be something for everyone, and we are looking forward Continued on p. 2

Dr. Annie Polland, Scholar-in-Residence Fri, Apr 27 - Sun, Apr 29 by Gary Stern

r. Annie Polland, a leading scholar of Jewish history who was a key figure in making the Lower East Side Tenement Museum one of New York City’s most innovative and popular museums, will be WCT’s Scholar-in-Residence during the weekend of April 27-29. At a time of contentious debate over the nation’s immigration policy, Dr. Polland is perfectly suited to lead discussions and learning on the past, present and future role of the immigrant in the American fabric.

“Understanding how newcomers seek and create opportunity provides a fascinating lens on American identity,” she said. “Further, telling these stories through real families allows us to study immigration in a compelling, engaging and human way.” Dr. Polland served until recently as Senior Vice President for Programs and Education at the Tenement Museum, which has been visited by hundreds of Woodlands students during daylong trips to NYC. Over 250,000 visitors come to the Tenement Museum each year to see what life was like for Jewish and other immigrants on the Lower East Side during the early- to mid20th century. In February, Dr. Polland left the Continued on p. 2

hen the State of Israel emerged in 1948, the Jewish people sought to commemorate this watershed moment in a ritualized way. Three new “holidays” were added to the Jewish calendar: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism) and Yom HaAtzma’ut (Israel’s Independence Day). While these are technically Israeli secular holidays, they’ve been adopted by Jews worldwide. They are an opportunity to reassert what we stand for and what connects us as a community. Yom HaShoah remembers the six million Jews who died in the Nazi genocide. It was placed one week after Passover and occurs during the time in which the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising took place. These two facts make an important point: the commemoration places its emphasis on resistance and rising up to find freedom from systematic oppression. The calendar emphasizes this theme as one more week goes by and we move into holidays specific to the State of Israel, the subtext being that Israel is the manifestation of the Jews’ redemption. Thus enters Yom HaZikaron, the day to remember those who were martyred in defending Israel. In America, Memorial Day has all but lost its meaning. In Israel, nearly every person knows someone who has died in defending their country. It is truly a solemn 24 hours. Yet in true Israeli fashion, as the sun begins to set on Yom HaZikaron, the country erupts into joyous celebration and Yom Continued on p. 4

Our Woodlands Community Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org Rabbi Mara Young rabbimara@wct.org Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon cantor@wct.org Tara Levine, Director of Youth Engagement youth@wct.org Corey Friedlander, Sh’liakh K’hilah corey@wct.org Deena Gottlieb, Intern intern@wct.org

Executive Committee Dayle Fligel, President president@wct.org Rachel Wineberg, VP Education education@wct.org Andy Farber, VP Facilities facilities@wct.org Michael Wiskind, VP Finance finance@wct.org Nancy Fishman, VP Programming/Ritual programming@wct.org Irving Adler, Financial Secretary financialsecretary@wct.org Steve Sagner, Secretary secretary@wct.org Bonni Arbore, Treasurer treasurer@wct.org

The Kentucky Derby Comes to Woodlands, Continued from p. 1

to a thrilling evening which will keep everyone on the edge of their seats!” When Barry Kessler was asked about the reason he is so enamored of horse racing, he answered, “Seeing these magnificent animals charging down the stretch, bodies fully extended and at times with all four legs off the ground is truly something to behold; and if the horse you bet on is first across the finish line, it is an even more glorious sight!” Charles believes that “the Kentucky Derby is the greatest two minutes in sports. It represents history, sportsmanship, fun and fashion. I am excited to help bring all that to Woodlands for this year’s big fundraiser!” The evening will start with socializing and delicious hors d’oeuvres – or maybe they should be called “horse d’oeuvres” – and drinks, including not only wine, beer and soft drinks but also the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep, the ultimate symbol of leisure, grace and elegance. After carefully studying the racing program, and skillfully handicapping the horses, attendees will place their bets on their favorite horses, and participate in the excitement and exhilaration of watching actual filmed horse races and rooting on their chosen horse to the finish line. There will be wonderful and luxurious prizes for the winners, and the more you win, the more valuable the available prizes will be. There will even be a raffle for a free year of WCT membership, with a limited number of tickets being sold to increase the odds of winning. All will definitely want to enter early so as not to miss out on getting a ticket at wct.org/membershipraffle. There will also be contests for best hat and best outfit, so be sure to come dressed in your Derby best! This will be the most exclusive social event of the season, not to mention the major fundraiser of the year, so you don’t want to miss it. Admission is lower if you sign up early – sign up now to attend at wct.org/kentuckyderby. Put on your best hats, your pastel outfits, parasols, high button shoes, and come bet on the ponies! Post time is 7:30 pm. Don’t be late!

Board of Trustees David Bertan Dan Emery Judy Feder Herb Friedman Yvette Gralla Amy Green

Elka Klarsfeld Jenna Lebowich Lisa Linn Mike Scafidi Michele Wise Ann Zarider

Stu Berlowitz (ex-officio)

Office Staff Liz Rauchwerger, Office Coordinator liz@wct.org Marjorie Mattel, Office Assistant marjorie@wct.org Michele Montague, Education Administrative Assistant michele@wct.org Bookkeeper bookkeeper@wct.org

Woodlands Community Temple 50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607 914.592.7070 main office 914.592.1790 religious school direct line 914.592.7376 fax wct@wct.org www.wct.org Religious School: school@wct.org

Woodlands Community Temple is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism Art Director: Melanie Roher

www.wct.org

Dr. Annie Pollard, Scholar-in-Residence, Continued from p. 1

museum to become Executive Director of the American Jewish Historical Society in Manhattan, home to 30 million documents and 50,000 artifacts that tell the Jewish story in the U.S. since 1654. The co-chairs of the WCT committee that chose Polland said that she is an ideal scholar to visit Woodlands at this moment in time. “With all that’s going on in the United States, this is simply the perfect time to talk about the immigrant experience,” said Harriet Levine. Her co-chair, Rabbi Lisa Izes, said that Polland’s breadth of knowledge and her engaging style should appeal to many congregants, including those who have not attended Scholar weekends in the past. “For us to look at our own history as immigrants in this country will be fascinating in its own right, and perhaps will spur us on to further social action in this arena,” she said. The Scholar-in-Residence weekend will include three programs: Fri, Apr 27 at 8:00 pm ... Dr. Polland will offer a Shabbat evening sermon about what the Sabbath looked like for Jewish families on the Lower East Side at the turn of the 20th century. Sat, Apr 28 at 7:30 pm ... after a brief Havdalah ceremony followed by dessert, Dr. Polland will explain how the Lower East Side became one of New York City’s most diverse neighborhoods after World War II. “People have a historical image of the pushcart-laden streets of the turn of the 20th century,” Polland said. “But the forgotten middle decades of the 20th century were fascinating: an array of newcomers started new lives.” Sun, Apr 29 at 10:30 am ... brunch first, then at 11:15, Dr. Polland will focus on key artifacts from the American Jewish Historical Society that shed light on American Jewish history. Rabbi Mara Young, reflecting on the timeliness of Dr. Polland’s weekend at WCT, said, “The topic of immigration remains as contentious as it was in our nation’s past. We must still grapple with what it means to be a nation of immigrants and, in doing so, explore our own implicit and explicit biases.” To register for Saturday and/or Sunday’s programs, please visit wct.org/sir.

from the

Rabbi

One for the Road

Rabbi Billy Dreskin

ext time you’re out for a walk, take a moment to examine the corner stop sign (or any signs on your street). More specifically, look near the ground. If it’s been installed in the past ten years or so, it’s likely not just one piece sunk into the ground but, rather, a top piece that’s connected to a second one poking itself up above ground level. Why? So that if a car runs into it, the pole gives way more easily, resulting in less damage for the car and less expensive repair of the post. A block or so away, on busier thoroughfares, a slip system is used to not only control the breakage point of heavier poles but to induce the pole, upon impact, to flip right over a car rather than into it. [Interesting? Read more at https://goo.gl/LRqYwM.] In just a few weeks, we will once again gather family and friends around the dinner table to reenact our ancestors’ miraculous liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. As is eminently appropriate, we’ll consider modern-day liberations as well, both existent and wished-for. We’ll think about developing countries struggling to climb out from beneath the debilitating legacy of colonialization. We’ll share our hopes that, right here in America, oppressed populations will experience their own liberations: undocumented immigrants, Muslims, women, LGBTQ and more. We’ll likely consider as well our own personal enslavements, pondering how we might liberate ourselves in the year ahead. I doubt there are many of us who will devote any brainpower to traffic (other than cursing how long it took to get across the GW Bridge). Except for Murray Bodin. Murray is a fellow temple member who has spent decades devoted to persuading officials at the Department of Transportation to change the standards for highway design so that morning commutes can be safer for all of us. Unless you’re on his email list, however, you’ll likely never hear about Murray’s work. But like those breakaway sign posts, Murray (and other like-minded individuals) liberate us each and every day from countless unnoticed hazards. We and those we love are safer because of these folks’ unheralded efforts. At my family’s seder this year, we will read the following words from our haggadah, “We come together tonight to discuss the Exodus from Egypt. Despite all that threatens to separate us from one another and our tradition — fires of terror, wastelands of affluence, seas of indifference — we come together to ask questions and to learn the lessons of the Exodus for those of us who live in freedom.” Yes, there are huge issues of concern in our world today. And yes, we must give them our attention, our concern, and our energy. But at the same time, you and I are living amidst a miracle. Human beings are so very fragile, and yet our life-spans continue to increase because of people like Murray Bodin. While you and I worry about fixing the dripping faucet, paying our bills by their due date, and getting through early-morning traffic, there are countless men and women who engage in a never ending challenge to make the world safer and healthier and easier. This Pesakh, I’ll be giving over at least a little bit of brain and heart time to these unsung heroes. To Murray, and everyone else out there trying to figure out ways to get sign posts to break in just the right place so that more of us can walk away unharmed, thank you. It may not be the ultimate redemption our ancestors yearned for but if it’ll safely bring home someone I love, I’ll take it.

A ziesen Pesakh ... may this be a Passover season of unparalleled hope

and progress.

Just Israel As in America, Israeli Justice Can Require Effort by Roberta Roos

ometimes justice doesn’t fall into our hands. That’s okay, provided there is a vehicle (and a will) for reversing the wrongs. A Ukranian teen, brought to Israel with the aunt and uncle who became his de facto parents after his biological ones died when he was a child, was ordered to be deported because he did not satisfy the Law of Return requirements. He would have been torn away from his loving family had not the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) intervened. First, the Israeli Humanitarian Committee refused to hear his case. Then the Ministry of the Interior turned down an appeal. Then the Population and Immigration Authority agreed to review the decision, only to fail to act. But through it all, IRAC galvanized the public and filed petition after petition, appeal after appeal. Finally, the Court of Appeals gave Samuel Gumeniuk temporary residency status in Israel, leading to permanent residency in two years. The battle took three years, but the wrong was reversed and justice prevailed. While Israel struggles with the challenges of establishing peace with her neighbors, good news does emerge. This column provides a brief glimpse of something taking root there that firmly aligns Israel’s values with Judaism’s. We hope you share our pride and admiration for these Arab/Israeli achievements.

Can Your Hear Me Now? WCT Sound Crew in Formation We’re looking for a few folks who’d like to mix sound for worship services. If you’ve ever played in a band or mixed sound, this could be just for you. Once a month or so, we need a pair of ears to mix sound in sanctuary for A Joyful Noise, Purim, and other complex musical moments. It's a chance to have fun working with great people and to give a bit of time to our temple. We can train you on our specific board (Behringer X32) but some general experience is required. Contact Lance Rosenthal (lance.rosenthal@gmail.com) if you’re interested or have questions.

www.wct.org

Tikkun Layl Shavuot

An Evening of Celebration and Learning Sat, May 19, 7:30-10:00 pm Hold the date for this extraordinary evening! In celebration of Shavuot, commemorating the receiving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai, we’ll gather in 10-15 small learning circles, led by temple staff and volunteers. Two 25-minutes sessions, with a varied table of offerings that’s bound to whet your intellectual and spiritual appetite. After which, we’ll “climb Mt. Sinai” together and receive the Torah all over again, just as our ancestors did 3200 years ago! Oh, and we’ll fill your bellies with Shavuot sweets too.

Counting the Omer April 1 - May 19, 2018

hat counts in your life? Dollars? Calories? Rungs ascended? Accolades? In ancient Israel, on the second day of Pesakh, our ancestors brought the first sheaf (omer) of barley reaped that season as an offering to God. From that day, they began counting the days and weeks to Shavuot. Even after the Temple was destroyed and offerings no longer brought, Jews have continued to count the days from Pesakh to Shavuot. Every night, from the second night of Pesakh to the night before Shavuot, we recite a blessing and state the count of the Omer in both weeks and days. So on the 16th day, we would say, “Today is sixteen days, which is two weeks and two days of the Omer.” S’firat haOmer emphasizes the link between Pesakh (which commemorates the Exodus) and Shavuot (which commemorates the giving of the Torah). It reminds us that our redemption from slavery was not complete until we received the Torah, until we willingly limited our new-found freedom so that our communal life could thrive. Each year, the same challenge is issued to us. How will we count our days? Judaism advises, as Rabbi Chaim Stern wrote, “Let us be sure that the One we invoke is the Most High, not a god of battles, of state or status or ‘success’ – but the Source of peace and mercy and goodness. It behooves us to be careful what we are worshiping, for what we are worshiping we are becoming.”

www.wct.org

Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) Wednesday Evening, April 11

oodlands is mailing Yellow Candles to all our members. Please light yours to remember The Six Million. Remembering the Holocaust is not simply a time to memorialize our dead – six million senseless murders cannot ever be adequately mourned. But if their deaths are to have ultimate meaning, that meaning must lie not in our perpetual tears and anger; it is to be found in our ongoing commitment to the values of our Jewish faith – values which mandate human decency, compassion, and justice. These are the values which experienced a total eclipse during the Shoah, but are precisely those which the Shoah demands we preserve and nurture, and struggle endlessly to find places for them among the community of humankind. After the Holocaust, some say we can no longer believe in a God that cares. Others say, “It is because of the Holocaust that we must insist upon believing. Because the alternative – a universe in which we are hopelessly alone and without purpose – is absolutely and utterly unacceptable.” Yom HaShoah is observed each year on the 27th day of Nisan, chosen in 1951 by the government of Israel because it falls beyond Pesakh but during the time of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. If the 27th occurs the day before Shabbat, or the day after Shabbat, Yom HaShoah is moved (Nisan 26 or Nisan 28, respectively). The fixed Jewish calendar does not permit 27 Nisan to occur on Shabbat. So this year, on Wednesday evening, April 11 (the 27th of Nisan, and now you know why), light a candle for the six million. And then live a life that brings continual light – the lights of warmth and of wisdom – to even the darkest corners of our world.

The Three Yoms of Springtime, Continued from p. 1 HaAtzma’ut, Israel’s Independence Day, immediately begins. Despite the hardships and losses, it is a miracle that the people of Israel and the country of Israel still live. Here’s the calendar for this year’s “three yoms.” Yom HaShoah begins at sundown on April 11, Yom HaZikaron at sundown on April 17, and Yom HaAtzma’ut begins at sundown on April 18.

If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Abuse, please share this confidential hotline:

Worship Schedule Shabbat Sh’mini I Lev 9:1 - 11:47 ... II Sam 6:1 - 7:17

7th day of the Omer

Fri, Apr 6 Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 pm Rabbinic intern Deena Gottlieb will speak.

Sat, Apr 7 No 10:30 service today. Ask for Kaddish to be recited at Hevra Torah (9:15 am).

Israel Shabbat (Yom HaAtzma’ut) at 8:00 pm In celebration of Israel’s 70th birthday, special readings, special music and more. Rabbinic intern Deena Gottlieb will speak.

Sat, Apr 21 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Logan Cooper, son of Andrea and Jonathan Cooper, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Wed, Apr 11 (after sundown)

Shabbat Akhrei Mot-Kedoshim

Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)

28th day of the Omer

Light your yellow candle this evening.

Shabbat Sh’mini II Lev 9:1 - 11:47 ... II Sam 6:1 - 7:17

14th day of the Omer

Fri, Apr 13

Lev 16:1 - 20:27 ... Amos 9:7-15

Fri, Apr 27 Scholar-in-Residence at 8:00 pm Dr. Annie Polland, Executive Director of NYC’s American Jewish Historical Society, will speak about Shabbat on the early-20th century Lower East Side.

Shabbat Yom HaShoah at 8:00 pm

Sat, Apr 28

Our annual Holocaust Remembrance Service. Rabbi Billy will speak.

Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am

Sat, Apr 14

Celebrate with us as Benjamin Silverstein, son of Madelyn and Rich Silverstein, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Hannah Feldman, daughter of Beth and Richard Feldman, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.

Shabbat Tazria-Metzora Lev 12:1 - 15:33 ... II Kngs 7:3-20

Babysitting at 8:00 pm Shabbat

services is provided by teens from our religious school Academy program. This month, babysitting will be available on Apr 13 and 27. There is no charge and no advance notice required. For further information, contact babysitting@wct.org.

21st day of the Omer

Fri, Apr 20 Jammin’ Shabbat at 7:00 pm Put on your jammies, bring a bedtime friend, a blanket if you like, and c’mon over for 30 minutes of Shabbat song, stories and blessings to get you ready for bed. Bring a buck for tzedakah!

Hevra Torah Learning Saturdays, 9:15-10:15 am There’s abundant room around our table. Drop by once or often, we’d love to have you join our lively conversation. In the Meeting Room or Library.

Apr 7: Haftarat Sh’mini Facilitated by Rabbi Mara

Apr 14: Parashat Sh’mini Facilitated by Rabbi Billy

Apr 21: Parashat TazriaMetzora Facilitated by Rabbi Billy

Apr 28: Parashat Akhrei Mot-Kedoshim

Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan

Pesakh Yizkor Memorial Hour Fri, Apr 6, 9:00-10:00 am Whether someone you love died recently or many years ago, Jewish tradition provides an opportunity through Yizkor to reconnect memory and heart for a few moments out of our busy lives. While we can certainly each stop anytime to do this ourselves, to come together with our synagogue community is a beautiful and meaningful way to honor those we love. Please join us for our 7th Day of Pesakh Yizkor Hour. We’ll sing, read, and share a few words and thoughts of remembrance. Then we’ll return to our regular day.

Annual Temple Meetings: Make Your Voice Heard Congregational Budget Meeting

Annual Congregational Meeting

Wed, May 9 at 8:00 pm

Wed, May 16 at 8:00 pm

Ask questions about next year’s proposed budget (available at wct.org/wctbudget).

Vote on the 2018-19 budget (wct.org/wctbudget) and slate of Board Officers and Trustees.

www.wct.org

April Happenings & Beyond Learning

Lunch and Learn Wed, Apr 18 at 11:30 am

Talmud with Rabbi Billy Thursdays, Mar 22 - Apr 26, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

A delicious lunch and our own Rabbi Mara Young will inform us about real Israeli issues. Come and enjoy Rabbi Mara’s wealth of knowledge as you share lunch with our WCT community. Please RSVP at wct.org/lunchandlearn.

You are warmly invited to join our intrepid team of questioners and learners. Get yourself a copy of Koren Talmud Bavli, Vol. 1: Tractate Berakhot (English and Hebrew Edition) and jump right in with us (or just visit our first class to try us out). Our conversations are entertaining, frequently enlightening, often irreverent, and sometimes life-changing. Contact the office (wct@wct.org) to register.

WCT Book Club Wed, Apr 11 at 2:00 pm Facilitated by Mickey Milbauer About the Night by Anat Talshir. A poignant story about an Israeli woman and an Arab man, their impossible love beginning in 1947 when Jerusalem was divided and their relationship was too dangerous to pursue, to the present.

Current Events Wed, Apr 18 at 10:00 am Don't miss this opportunity to discuss what is happening in the world. This is always engaging and this year even more so. Tony and Selena Barron will facilitate this month's discussion.

Lunch and Learn Wed, Apr 11 at 11:30 am We have a wonderful gift for this month. Jenna Lebowich has graciously agreed to reschedule her program that was snowed out in January. So this month we are blessed with TWO Lunch and Learn programs. On April 11, Jenna will present “Healthy and Simple Weekday Meal Ideas,” including a hands-on demonstration. Learn new ways to use seasonal products, share tips and tricks to simplify meal planning and preparation (especially when cooking for one or two). Please RSVP at wct.org/lunchandlearn.

www.wct.org

S’forim Forum Sat, May 5, 4:30-6:00 pm Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan I.L Peretz Short Stories. There is a Peretz Street in Tel Aviv and a Peretz Square in Manhattan, both for a reason. We will discuss perhaps the most important collection of short stories in all of Jewish culture. The works of Peretz are sentimental and realistic, nostalgic and mocking, heartwarming and infuriating – all at the same time. Often, rabbis tell his stories as if they were from the Talmud or time-worn folk legends. Why not read them in their original form? If you have been considering attending our Jewish Book Club, this is a great place to come in. Snack and Havdalah, of course. The stories are available in the I.L. Peretz Reader on Amazon, including a Kindle edition. There have been other editions as well. We will be discussing the short stories, of which there are 26, which is a lot. If you are interested, you can receive a list of the dozen stories that will be our focus. RSVP to cantor@wct.org. Hope to see you there!

Moses Montefiore, 19th century financier and philanthropist, taught, “Think and thank.” A special, heartfelt thank you to Yvette and Larry Gralla for underwriting the cost of this year’s Scholar-in-Residence, Annie Polland, in memory of Jane Steinhardt (z”l).

Social Action April Mensch of the Month is First Grade You too can be a mensch by bringing canned fruit and canned vegetables to our food cart. Help local food pantries and the folks they serve.

Monthly Knitting and Crocheting Sun, Apr 15 at 3:00 pm Make mitzvah projects together with our friendly and active group. All levels welcome, including beginners. RSVP to Angela Adler (knitting@wct.org).

Breakfast Run Sun, May 6, 6:45-10:30 am They are the folks we walk by, often unaware of the difficulties they face getting through each day without a nourishing meal. Their problems go way beyond what’s on their plate, but what’s on their plate we can help with. Join us in serving breakfast, supplying toiletries, distributing clothing, and bringing compassion and conversation to low-income and homeless folks on NYC streets. Contact Michael Silverman and Betsy Schorr (MidnightRunBreakfasts@ wct.org). Adults as well as middle school and older kids (with a parent) are welcome. If you can’t come along, you can provide homemade or store-bought breakfast foods and/or new or gently-used casual clothing.

Youth Engagement YFEC Parents of Teens Event: Teens and Sex, Part II Sat, May 12, 6:30-9:00 pm Join us for our second session of the school year discussing topics around sexuality and our teens. Our speaker, Al Vernacchio, is known for his Ted Talk entitled, “Sex Needs a New Metaphor. Here’s One...” and his incredible teaching around sex education. We are thrilled to bring him to WCT to meet with parents of teens. RSVP info coming soon. Contact Tara (youth@wct.org) for more information.

WoodSY Rockin’ Jump Event Sun, Apr 29 at 2:00 pm 8th-12th graders: Get excited for an awesome time at Rockin’ Jump in Ridge Hill. We’ll enjoy the afternoon bouncing around on their trampolines, climbing wall, dodge ball and more! Contact Tara Levine (youth@wct.org) for more info.

WCT Kid Soon to Hit the Rabbinic Big-time!

Do You Know Him? Cantor Jonathan Gordon

Sunday, May 6 at 9:00 am It is with tremendous nakhes we announce to you that Maya Glasser, daughter of Elly Glasser and Dale Glasser, will soon become an ordained rabbi at Temple Emanu-El in NYC. You are welcome to attend! Prior to attending Hebrew Union College (HUC), Maya graduated from NYU with a BA in “Religion and Theater as Text and Interpretation.” As a rabbinical student, she has served congregations in Oxford, MS, Tallahassee FL, Short Hills NJ, Williamsport PA, Ft. Smith AK, and New York NY. She’s worked for ARZA, HUC-JIR, Eisner Camp and Mt Sinai Hospital. Best of all, Maya grew up right here at Woodlands, assisting the clergy from both sides of the bimah, both music and words (she should write a musical about becoming a rabbi!). We congratulate Elly and Dale as we wish Maya mazal tov, kol hakavod, and much success, joy and contentment down the road ahead!

Why Families Come to Services at WCT

n any Friday night, you’ll find a whole lot of families attending our Shabbat service. Sometimes it’s Mishpakha Shabbat, sometimes A Joyful Noise, sometimes Jammin’ Shabbat, and sometimes it’s just a plain ol’ Friday night service. These families have chosen to make Shabbat evening at temple part of their lives. Some come weekly, some occasionally. All of them want to be here. We asked some of them to tell us why they attend. Here’s what they told us. “ We come to services to feel a sense of community, to be inspired by our rabbis, and to seize the opportunity to be together as a family without the usual distractions that get in the way (school, work, devices, etc). Services help re-focus our energies towards being better people, and to help each other, our communities, and ourselves.” — Richard Oren “ We come to services for lots of reasons. The joy of saying words our ancestors have been saying for thousands of years. Slowing down and taking time to be a family. Seeing our friends. Feeling connected and part of a community. Warmth and comfort.” – Nicole Lesser “ A growing sense of a caring, loving, tight-knit but welcoming community, something we hadn’t experienced in the years before we joined Woodlands. A sense of constant experimentation: no two services were alike; the iyyun (thematic introductions to prayers) knit everything together and taught us lessons about the power of the liturgy. The chance for unexpected and almost uninhibited celebration, especially during A Joyful Noise.” – Mike Winkleman “ Regular Shabbat service attendance is an important part of our family’s Jewish identity. It helps us feel part of the larger Jewish community, and to connect and identify locally as well. Having grown up in strong, congregational communities that helped form our beliefs and identities, we wanted our child to have the same.” – Jenna Lebowich “ Friday night services help build community, bonding our family with other families and older members. Sending my kids to religious school, Friday nights are an opportunity to be involved alongside them. Services teach us about Judaism and

I.L. Peretz is acclaimed as one of the great heroes of Jewish thought and letters. 100,000 people attended his funeral in 1915, while many public places named in his honor are found in Manhattan, Israel and Poland. Let me tell you a few things about this cultural giant, especially since his writings fit our modern sensibility, and are easily found in good translation. Peretz was part of the Jewish Enlightenment of the late 19th and early 20th century. He became a leader in the entirely new school of Jewish secular writers. He wrote most of his oeuvres in Yiddish, while nurturing and inspiring other modern writers to create a Jewish national literature. His cheerful example and open home invited many intellectuals to embrace the new winds of modern ideas within a Jewish world view. Peretz embraced secular knowledge but, unlike some, retained his respect for sincere religious devotion. His famous short stories are powerful spiritual parables told in the wise voice of a secular observer. While he embraced universal ideals of social change, he championed the unique cultural identity of Jewish life. He was a modern Jew in the best sense. Peretz was a dedicated student of Polish, Russian, German and Jewish religious thought. His circle embraced the revolutionary notion that Jews had a right to our own artistic cultural tradition, as did other nations. He wrote about Jews, for other Jews, in our mother tongue. And was loved for it. Read his works; you’ll not be disappointed. Or come to the S’forim Forum on Sat, May 5. Email me (cantor@wct.org) and I’ll tell you which short stories we are discussing. They say Shalom Aleichem helped Jews love ourselves, while Peretz helped us wake up. This remains true 100 years later. Prepare to be amazed!

Hold the Date!

Yoga Shabbat

Sat, May 19, 10:30-Noon

Continued on p. 8

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Support the WCT Endowment Trust You can help sustain and ensure the heritage of Woodlands Community Temple for generations to come by supporting the WCT Endowment Trust, an investment entity designed to generate income separate from the Temple’s operating funds. Gifts to the Endowment Trust can be made in many ways, including bequests, multi-year pledges, and remainder trusts. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law and will always be tastefully acknowledged. Oversight is managed by a committee of Temple members who serve as trustees. For more information, or to plan a donation to the Endowment Trust, please email endowment@wct.org.

Why I Volunteer @ Temple In this column, we introduce you to fellow temple members who have stepped forward to help make Woodlands a place we can all love.

Steve Sagner

everal Yom Kippurs ago, I gave Yizkor remarks about my grandmother Toba who lived and died in our hometown, Baltimore. Today, my family uses the phrase, “WWTD,” or “What would Toba do?” to define how we should act as decent, haute bourgeoisie Jews. Rabbi Billy asked me to consider why I volunteer, and my immediate thought was, “Well, because Toba did.” We joined Woodlands in 2005 and I quickly got involved in the Blood Drive, Derekh, the endowment campaign, and the Finance Committee. I was Financial Secretary for three years, on the School Board for a year, and am in my second year as Board Secretary. I have a decidedly unromantic view of temple volunteering – there’s no power or glory. It’s like jury duty, and we do it to maintain our sacred community. I’ll keep volunteering in the future and always say to Billy, “Just put me where I’m useful.”

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our place as Reform American Jews in the world. They are the place we began and maintained a family Shabbat ritual. It is where we bonded with each other and with Woodlands.” – Karen Golden “ We come to services to be with our family by choice at our second home. We feel a special kind of bond with the people we pray with, sing with, laugh with and cry with on most Friday nights for the past 18 years. We started with infant Allyson, who learned to crawl on the stairs in the old sanctuary. We then added Lucas to the mix a few years later (his being the last b’ris in the old sanctuary, Lucas has real skin in the game in this building). For at least ten years, he fell asleep at 8:30 pm like clockwork; now he makes it through to the oneg while we tell everyone how Allyson is doing in college. We set up chairs, open and close the dividing wall, set up onegs, operate the lift, cook and clean and more. It's the Woodlands Way.” – Jay Werner “ We came at first in desperation because Nancy’s dad was ill. We found support and community and soon it became our Friday routine. The ritual life of the temple became important to us and, as they grew older, to our kids, a love which they brought with them to Eisner Camp, where it was further nurtured. We still enjoy Shabbat at WCT and attend every week we are able.” – Chuck Fishman “ Friday night services started with our child wanting to hang with her temple friends. We connected with Friday night regulars, the spiritual calmness, and the great music. Now we look forward to spending Friday night services with our temple family.” – Mitchell and Juli Klein The world is a frenetic, stuffed-to-the-gills, and sometimes dismaying, place. On the one hand, who’s got time to add Friday night at temple to the schedule? But if we’re thinking about balancing our lives, and the lives of those we love, Shabbat at temple might be a valuable addition to the equation. Some of our families spoke of values, some of community, some of friendship, some of tradition, and some of slowing down. All of these are good and worthwhile, which is why these families have chosen to make Friday night at temple part of their family’s life. It’s really hard to raise kids in the 21st century. It’s really hard to build a sense of relationship with the surrounding world. It’s really hard to find a sense of quietness and kindness and joy without someone using it as a vehicle to sell us something. At temple, it’s about taking each others’ hands to navigate the turbulent waters of life. With the wisdom of our ancestors alongside the lessons each of us has learned along the way, we come to temple to support and encourage one another on our journeys. Whether we’re here to see friends, to reconnect with tradition, or to learn something to help us live, a Friday night at temple offers each of us entry onto possible pathways toward lives that are good, purposeful and worth the investment of our family’s time. We think your family would love being here with us. As noted above, “no two services [are] alike.” There’s so much to choose from that you’re bound to find a worship style that appeals to your and your family’s aesthetics. Whether life is tough or life is wonderful, there are seats waiting for your family in our sanctuary. Come bring your hopes, your dreams, your fears, your regrets. Together, we’ll celebrate the best in life, hold hands as we move through the worst, and inspire one another to leave the sanctuary with confident determination that we should, we can, and we will make this world a better place for all. Attending Friday night services might not be your family’s custom. Yet. Perhaps it’s time to make it one. Hope to see you this Friday night!

from the

Director

Youth Engagement

Tara Levine

few months ago, I was at a training through Moving Traditions, our partner organization with which we organize teen boys ‘and girls’ groups in Academy (Rosh Hodesh and Shevet Achim). Moving Traditions was piloting their new curriculum around sexuality, so they brought in an expert named Al Vernacchio, who works as a sexuality educator at Friends Central outside Philadelphia and has been a Human Sexuality educator and consultant for over twenty years. I had no idea what to expect from the training, but as soon as Al began talking, I couldn't help but write down notes on everything he was saying. His teachings about sexuality seemed so logical yet so modern, and they challenged a lot of mainstream societal ideas that I didn’t even realize are outdated and even problematic. As soon as I saw him in person, I realized he is the man who created the TED Talk we show at every ninth grade Sexuality Retreat. His talk offers pizza as a more acceptable metaphor for sex than baseball (search “Sex Needs a New Metaphor. Here’s One…”). The TED Talk always inspires interesting and lively conversation with our teens, and I absolutely love his philosophy. To give you a bit: Al talks about how the baseball metaphor is extremely male-centric, making the female the “field.” Using each “base” as a method of “scoring” is extremely demeaning and not the positive association with sex we hope our kids grow up with. However, when couples go out for pizza, they discuss their preferences, they can decide how much pizza they want, it’s an activity for the benefit of both partners, etc. Al’s brilliance in this talk and his incredible teachings at the Moving Traditions training inspired me immensely. In November, the Youth and Family Engagement Committee (YFEC) brought Nicole Nevarez from Moving Traditions to do some foundational conversations around talking to our teens about sexuality, and she helped us get the conversation started. After hearing feedback that many parents would be interested in a follow-up session focused on one or two specific ideas around sexuality, YFEC decided who better to bring than Al? Parents of teens and any other interested parents, we hope you’ll join us on May 12 for a night of learning from Al Vernacchio. I promise he is one of the most brilliant, kind people from whom I’ve had the pleasure of learning, and I only learned from him in person one time! If you have specific topics you’d like him to address please let me know, so we can hone in on what you want to learn from him. It’s sure to be a night you don’t want to miss! See you there.

Congrats to Michael Arbore on becoming an Eagle Scout!

Spring signifies renewal and rebirth.

We change over our closets, open windows that have been closed all winter, and our thoughts wander to freshening our homes. Thinking of painting inner rooms or the outside? Think about replacing your mezzuzot and Kosher scrolls – check out our wide selection at The Judaica Shop. And wouldn’t one of our unique home blessings be the perfect addition of spirituality and beauty to your home? Celebrating a simkha? Attending a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration, wedding or birthday party? Have a new baby to welcome? Make The Judaica Shop at Woodlands your first stop when shopping.

Our prices are unbeatable, all profits go to Woodlands, and our array of merchandise appeals to all tastes and budgets. The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is open every day by request, whenever the temple office is open. Evening and weekend hours are noted in the temple weekly email. Shopping for something special? Looking for a volunteer opportunity that’s fun and fits with your schedule? Email us at judaicashop@wct.org.

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Upcoming Meetings

The Simkha Page

B’nai Mitzvah

Executive Committee

Hannah Feldman

Logan Cooper

Mon, Apr 9 at 8:15 pm

April 14

April 21

School Board

Torah Portion Sh’mini

Torah Portion Tazria-Metzora

Hebrew Name Khana Rivka

Hebrew Name Rakhmiel

Mon, Apr 16 at 8:15 pm

Finance Committee Mon, Apr 23 at 8:15 pm

Board of Trustees Mon, Apr 30 at 8:15 pm We would be delighted to welcome you to any temple meeting that interests you. Please be in touch with Dayle Fligel (president@wct.org) for information on how to join (or just visit) a committee.

The Woodlands Community

Mourns the Loss of Michael Bauer brother-in-law of Dayle Fligel Jack Donovan son-in-law of Renee Trell

Benjamin Silverstein April 28 Torah Portion Akhrei Mot-Kedoshim Hebrew Name Yefet

Mazal Tov to ... Richard and Beth Feldman as their daughter, Hannah, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Jon and Andrea Cooper as their son, Logan, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah. Rich and Madelyn Silverstein as their son, Benjamin, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Elizabeth Ommen wife of Todd Ommen Madeline Selden friend of Roni Beth Tower, David Griff and Nan Gladstone

Todah Rabbah (thank you) to...

Sheldon Silverman father of Jan Friedman

Chuck Bauer for the Blood Drive in March.

Lance Rosenthal for helping make Shabbat and Purim sound so great.

Kenneth Strauss father of Beth Zelin

Harriet Kohn for organizing the Project Ezra Passover Food Drive.

The Purim Carnival volunteers.

HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning. Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.

Scheduling Weddings or Funerals with Our Clergy The rabbis and cantor want very much to be with you during significant life-cycle moments. Please speak with them before setting any dates or times for weddings or funerals. Don’t be disappointed to learn they’re not available at the time you’ve already arranged, so bring them “into the loop” at the very beginning of your planning.

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Shelli Katz and Lesli Cattan for organizing the panel discussion on Gun Control Legislation. Kirsten Kleinman and Adam Hart for coordinating our Zero Waste Demonstration on March 9 and the composting bins at the Purim Carnival. Val Fox, Melissa Goldsmith and Allison Pray for organizing the March 18 dinner for the teens at The Sanctuary. The cast and band of “Hairspray Purim.”

Rabbi Joan Farber for leading the March Lunch and Learn Program. The Passover Morning Brunch volunteers. Juli Klein for helping Tara with everything Purim Carnival related. Mitch Klein, Mark Montague, David Bertan and Linda Davidson for grilling at the Purim Carnival. The WoodSY board and WoodSY teens for helping put the Purim Carnival together and make it such a success! Thanks to everyone who volunteered at the Purim Carnival.

Donations We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support Woodlands Community Temple by remembering and honoring their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions. Rabbi Billy’s Mitzvah Fund Many thanks to Rabbi Billy and in honor of Sophie Rosen becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Phyllis Opochinsky and the Rosen Family. In memory of Jane Steinhardt, wife of Bob Steinhardt, from Hal and Elaine Shames. In appreciation of Rabbi Billy and in honor of Joshua Chang becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Heidi Gralla and Dean Chang.

Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah Fund In memory of Pat Friedman, wife of Norman Friedman, from Herb Friedman. Many thanks to Rabbi Mara and in honor of Sophie Rosen becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Phyllis Opochinsky and the Rosen Family. In appreciation of Rabbi Mara and in honor of Joshua Chang becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Heidi Gralla and Dean Chang.

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund In appreciation of Cantor Jonathan and in memory of Lily Knobler, mother of Liz Knobler, from Robert and Liz Knobler. Many thanks to Cantor Jonathan and in honor of Sophie Rosen becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Phyllis Opochinsky and the Rosen Family. In memory of Pat Friedman, wife of Norman Friedman, from Herb Friedman.

Purim Goody Bag Fundraiser Thank you to: Andy and Joan Farber, Charley and Tasha Macedo and Family, Jodi and Matthew Moss, Peter and Eileen Reiter, Mike and Liz Scafidi and Family, and Stu and Karen Berlowitz.

Chai Fund In memory of Morris and Dorothy Kingston, from Michael and Marcia Kingston. In memory of Irving Karlitz, father of Gary Karlitz, from David and Dayle Fligel. In memory of Stanley Paul Tvert, brother of Ron Tvert, from Barry and Judy Kessler. In memory of Harold Glantz, brother of Fran Rosenfeld, from Nelson and Jackie Leicht, Phyllis Opochinsky, Michael and Deborah Wiskind. In memory of Jack Donovan, son-in-law of Renee Trell, from Corey Friedlander, Larry and Yvette Gralla, Rochelle Novins, and Fran Rosenfeld. In Yahrzeit memory of Esther Griff, Stuart Lowenthal, and Madeline Selden, from David Griff and Roni Beth Tower. In memory of Michael Bauer, brother-in-law of Dayle Fligel, from Joel and Pam Chernoff, Andy and Joan Farber, Chuck and Nancy Fishman, Corey Friedlander, Dale, Elly, Maya and Zachary Glasser, Larry and Yvette Gralla, David Griff and Roni Beth Tower, Charles and Carol Kessler, Marjorie Mattel, Mark and Michele Montague, Mark and Liz Rauchwerger, Fran Rosenfeld, Mark and Marjory Selig, Steve and Marcy Smith. Donation from Todd and Jill Miller.

In appreciation of Marjorie Mattel, Michele Montague, and Liz Rauchwerger, and in honor of Joshua Chang becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Heidi Gralla and Dean Chang.

Cantor Jonathan’s Discretionary Fund In appreciation of Cantor Jonathan and in honor of Joshua Chang becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Heidi Gralla and Dean Chang.

Social Action Fund In memory of Pat Friedman, wife of Norman Friedman, from Jay and Lois Izes. In memory of Jane Steinhardt, wife of Bob Steinhardt, from Jay and Lois Izes. In memory of Irving Karlitz, father of Gary Karlitz, from Andy and Joan Farber, Corey Friedlander, Jay and Lois Izes, Jim and Debbie Pollowitz, Natalie Stern, Charles Lesser and Miriam Alter, Marge Thrope. In honor of the birth of Raphael Mendel, grandson of Andy and Joan Farber, from Murray and Jeanne Bodin. In honor of the birth of Raphael Mendel, from Phyllis Opochinsky. In memory of Lily Knobler, mother of Liz Knobler, from David and Dayle Fligel. In memory of Rudolph de Winter, father of Julie Stein, from Julie’s Social Action Friends. Many thanks to Liz Rauchwerger and Michele Montague and in honor of Sophie Rosen becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Phyllis Opochinsky and the Rosen Family. Many thanks to Rabbi Joan and in honor of Sophie Rosen becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Phyllis Opochinsky and the Rosen Family. In appreciation of Corey Friedlander and in honor of Joshua Chang becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Heidi Gralla and Dean Chang.

Refugee Resettlement Fund Donation from Lee and Nanci Brickman, Peter Clyne and Jennie Brotman, Corey Friedlander, Lois Green, Sandi Lieb, Neil and Deborah Shapiro, Lloyd and Roberta Roos, Michael and Liz Scafidi, Hal and Elaine Shames, Lew and Judy Stiefel.

Rabbi’s Winter Hunger Fund Donation from, Joel and Pam Chernoff, David and Dayle Fligel, Corey Friedlander, Michael and Liz Scafidi, Scott and Julie Stein, Fran Weingast. In memory of Lily Knobler, mother of Liz Knobler, from The B’nai Binah Class. In memory of Harold Glantz, brother of Fran Rosenfeld, from Marge Thrope. In memory of Harold Glantz, from Scott and Julie Stein.

Scholar in Residence Fund In memory of Jane Steinhardt, wife of Bob Steinhardt, from Larry and Yvette Gralla. In memory of Jane Steinhardt, from Andy and Joan Farber.

Steve’s H.O.P.E. Fund In memory of Pat Friedman, wife of Norman Friedman, from Herb Friedman.

Special Education Fund In memory of Pat Friedman, wife of Norman Friedman, from Herb Friedman.

Domestic Abuse Task Force In memory of Pat Friedman, wife of Norman Friedman, from Herb Friedman.

Project Ezra Fund In memory of Pat Friedman, wife of Norman Friedman, from Herb Friedman.

Jonah Maccabee Fund In memory of Stanley Paul Tvert, brother of Ron Tvert, from Bob and Joan Stern. In memory of Pat Friedman, wife of Norman Friedman, from Larry and Yvette Gralla. In memory of Pat Friedman, wife of Norman Friedman, from Don and June Moskovitz. In appreciation of Rabbi Billy’s support during the funeral of Lily Knobler, from Robert and Liz Knobler. In honor of the Dreskin Family, from Kurt and Gloria Nash. In memory of Jack Donovan, husband of Lisa Trell, from Bob and Bonnie George.

Chai Fund In appreciation of Marjorie Mattel, Michele Montague, and Liz Rauchwerger, and in honor of Joshua Chang becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Heidi Gralla and Dean Chang.

Education and Youth Activities Fund In appreciation of Tara Levine and in honor of Joshua Chang becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Heidi Gralla and Dean Chang.

A Note from The Purim Goody Bag Committee We have just returned from the most wonderful Hairspray Purim celebration and our hearts are overflowing with happiness from the experience! Our clergy and musicians went all out and our members really turned out! The Purim Goody Bag Committee wishes to thank those who planned, played and participated! If you enjoyed your sh’lakh manot, please know that the following Woodland teens helped pack your goodies: Michael Arbore, Danielle Arbore, Rachel Dames, Amy Mendelson, Jonathan Montague, Nina Rosenberg, Nell Sirotin, Anna Schlesinger, Alex Shapiro, Frannie Shapiro and Kaleigh Silverstein. We thank Julie Levine and Adele Tomasetti for donating a Sunday morning as well. See you next Purim! Bonnie Arbore, Debbie Shapiro and Amy Green

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Hairspray Purim!

Purim Carnival 2018

and a grand time was had by all!

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College Connection

Rachel Flamm

’m currently studying at Manhattanville College, having previously studied at Westchester Community College. The student population at both schools is quite different from what I was used to in Ardsley. While growing up, I had many Jewish classmates, and we were together both in school and at Woodlands. At both colleges, Jews are a small minority. In fact, Manhattanville started out as a Catholic college, but it is now non-sectarian. Both schools do have chapters of Hillel, and I have been active in both. Since I always enjoyed religious and social activities at Woodlands, I certainly wanted to continue that experience at college. Because of the small numbers, it takes more effort and encouragement to get other students to participate in activities. But that effort comes pretty naturally to me, and I am glad to put in the effort. Just a couple of weeks ago, I brought back soil and pots to campus, and we did planting for Tu b’Shvat. I participate in the mitzvah of tikkun olam by participating in community service three days a week. On Tuesdays, I hang out with teenage girls from Westhab. We talk about different things related to school and stress and hygiene. On Wednesdays, I mentor children. I love doing that since I want to be a teacher. Then on Thursdays, I teach English to Spanish speakers. I love giving back. Of course, one advantage of being at college in Westchester is that I am close enough to come home for special events. For example, I was able to come to Woodlands and lend my voice to the Hairspray Purimspiel! Rachel Flamm is a junior at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. Prior to Manhattanville, she received an associate’s degree at Westchester Community College.

Kasey Stern

udaism has continued to play an important role in my life at college. I am one of the freshman representatives of the Williams College Jewish Association (WCJA). Through this role, I have cooked Shabbat dinners and helped organize freshman events to welcome others to the Jewish community. When several of my friends from home visited, I took them to Shabbat dinner. This fall I met some of my closest friends at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Services (I also got to hold the Torah!). We just got a new rabbi this year, and it has been great getting to know him. I am also happy to have been able to continue tikkun olam and tzedakah – things Woodlands emphasizes. With the lacrosse team, I have cleaned and painted a soup kitchen and run a sports clinic for local children. Woodlands has shown me the importance of a Jewish community, and whether it’s receiving honey, Hanukkah gelt, or hamantashen in my mailbox or seeing friendly WCJA faces around campus, I am so grateful to have found another Jewish community at school. I am excited to see how my Jewish life continues to evolve throughout college. Kasey Stern is in her first year at Williams College in Williamstown, MA. She is a Freshman Representative of the Williams College Jewish Association. She is also on the Varsity Lacrosse and JV Soccer teams. She worked as a ski instructor for the Outing Club during Winter Study.