WCT Makom December 2018 by Woodlands Community Temple

the newsletter of woodlands community temple

December 2018 Kislev-Tevet 5779

1st Hanukkah candle... Sunday night, Dec 2 ... bring home the miracle, the warmth, and the light!

Nesiah Tovah to our WCT Trip to Israel participants! by Rabbi Mara Young

n December 22, 45 members of the Woodlands family will be embarking on a week-long encounter with Israel. Our group consists of all ages, from 6 to 80. Together, we’ll be experiencing the light-hearted (floating in the Dead Sea) and the nuanced (speaking with residents on the Gaza border). We’ll explore the old (an archeological dig from the Hellenistic period), the new (the bustling Mamila shopping district), and the many places where the two overlap. Our itinerary reflects what Israel is: a modern nation and an ancient homeland, a place of carefree leisure and contentious borders. It’s a unique temple trip. While many group tours head to the northern part of the country, we’ll

be spending our time in the south. The pioneering spirit of Israel is alive in the Negev’s sand as well as the home and grave of the first prime minister, David Ben Gurion. We’ll be hiking in the footsteps of our ancient ancestors. We’ll dine in Bedouin tents. We’ll learn that life in Israel can be hard when you are an ethnic minority yet, despite this, a Zionist pride exists. While these 45 WCT folks will be the ones encountering Israel, it is our responsibility to share what we learn with you. Here are a few examples of the complex conversations and sites we’ll be meeting: Shabbat at Kehilat Mevaseret Zion (Kamaz). Kamaz is one of the pioneer Reform congregations in Israel. It would be enough to celebrate Shabbat with our Reform brethren (who are Continued on page 2

Ruach is Coming! by Rabbi Billy Dreskin

here have been many, many gratifying moments during my time at Woodlands. Near the top of the list is a Friday evening spent this past October at Temple Sinai in Stamford, squeezing the members of “A Joyful Noise!” onto the bimah with the members of their “Ruach.” Twenty-five of us, celebrating Shabbat together – rowdy, impassioned, heartfelt, soulful, and as tuneful as any of us has ever experienced. And now, on Friday, December 21 at 8:00 pm, “Ruach” is

coming to Woodlands. As we did for them in Stamford, they will lead our service, joined at times by “A Joyful Noise!” but mostly it’ll be just them, a rare opportunity for us to experience something different right here in the comfort of our spiritual home.

When we put these two services on our temple calendars, we began thinking of them as a spiritual-cultural exchange, an opportunity not only to see what goes on at another Reform synagogue, but to allow each community to Continued on page 2

Say Hello to Lisa Sacks!

hile Rabbi Billy is on his sabbatical (Jan-Jun 2019), Rabbi Mara will be taking over his dayto-day responsibilities. Enter Lisa Sacks, a long-time temple member, religious school mom, and well-seasoned non-profit professional who will be overseeing our religious school during this time. Lisa brings considerable experience and perspective to her role. She is currently a rabbinical student at the Academy for Jewish Religion, holds a Masters of Public Administration from Columbia University, and is formerly the Chief Financial Officer at Hazon, a Jewish environmental organization. Lisa has also taught religious school and served on the Woodlands Board of Trustees. In addition to her professional experience, Lisa has two daughters in the WCT religious school, so she is well-acquainted with both student and parent perspectives. She’s been working with Rabbi Mara since October to ensure a smooth transition. Lisa will be overseeing the dayto-day functioning of the school and will serve as the point-person for teachers, parents and students regarding all school matters. You can reach Lisa directly at LSacks@ wct.org. You may also, of course, use school@wct.org for any school questions or concerns. We’re honored and delighted to have Lisa join our team while Rabbi Billy is away.

Our Woodlands Community

Nesiah Tovah to our WCT Trip to Israel participants!, Continued from p. 1

Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org Rabbi Mara Young rabbimara@wct.org Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon cantor@wct.org Lily Mandell, Director of Youth Engagement youth@wct.org Corey Friedlander, Sh’liakh K’hilah corey@wct.org Zach Plesent, Rabbinic Intern intern@wct.org

a minority in Israel), but it’s even more special because of how we came to be there. Last year, Woodlands hosted a rabbinical student from Hebrew Union College’s Jerusalem campus named Yael Vurgan. When deciding where we should be for Shabbat, I reached out to Yael. She put us in touch with Kamaz and is planning on joining us for services and the dinner the congregation will be providing us. It feels like a reunion! And whereas we once taught her, now she will be leading us. The City of David Archaeological Site. This site could very well be the ancient palace of King David. While archaeologists debate the possibility, the site (now a first-class museum as well as an ongoing dig) contains tremendous archaeological treasures. It’s also highly controversial. The site technically stands in East Jerusalem, the area occupied by Israel after the Six-Day War. As an archaeological site, it is under Israeli control, and with it Israel has discovered much about Jewish history. But at what cost? Yerucham. Yerucham is a small development town created to settle frontier areas in the early days of modern Israel. For years it was economically depressed but is currently undergoing revitalization. The majority of the town’s population is Mizrahi, Jews hailing from North Africa, Iran and India. We’ll be eating in the homes of the “Culinary Queens of Yerucham,” a multicultural group of women who tell their family stories over a homemade, delicious meal. Add to all of this hiking the Negev desert, Masada, a nighttime light show on the walls of the Old City, and a visit to the Western Wall, and you’ve got a diverse, exciting experience. We can’t wait to embark up on it and then tell you all about it afterward! Please come and wish our Israel trip participants a nesiah tovah (a good trip) our Shabbat Service on Fri, Dec 21 at 8:00 pm. Then come learn about their experience at our Mishpakha Shabbat service on Fri, Jan 11 at 7:00 pm.

Executive Committee Andy Farber, President president@wct.org Nancy Fishman, VP Education education@wct.org Michael Witkowski, VP Facilities facilities@wct.org Michael Wiskind, VP Finance finance@wct.org Jenna Lebowich, VP Programming/Ritual programming@wct.org Herb Friedman, Financial Secretary financialsecretary@wct.org Steve Sagner, Secretary secretary@wct.org Bonni Abore, Treasurer treasurer@wct.org

Board of Trustees Irv Adler David Bertan Pam Chernoff Judy Feder Yvette Gralla Amy Green

Toby Linder Lisa Linn Matthew Moss Mike Scafidi Ann Zarider Jay Zwicker

Dayle Fligel (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 Advertising Director: Dayle Fligel

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“Ruach” is Coming!, Continued from p. 1

move and inspire the other. We were impressed and delighted by the generosity with which Rabbi Jay TelRav and Cantor Micah Morgovsky opened to us their bimah in October. When they come to us in December, we can’t wait to do the same. Cantor Micah writes, “Ruach was formed in 2004 and still includes four original members. Over the years, it has evolved and grown both in leadership and musical style, regularly introducing new arrangements and songs. We have a vast repertoire and enjoy sharing old and new favorites, including compositions by our very own Barbara Orwick. Ruach services are among our best-attended and we’ve even instituted an annual Ruach concert! I love collaborating with talented and generous congregants who devote so much time and energy to creating beautiful music and meaningful worship experiences for our temple family. It’s such a blessing!” Rabbi Jay writes, “The way to the soul of individuals is never one-size-fits-all. Ruach has provided another way for our members to find their place in the experience of Shabbat. I am so grateful for what it provides as another piece of that spiritual puzzle.” Temple Sinai’s Paul Storfer (who is a member of Ruach and also spends time worshiping at Woodlands) writes, “Over the years, Ruach has become a wonderful way to express my Jewish spirituality in the best way I know, through music shared with congregants and friends. It is a connection between us all, sharing our lives – both the highs and lows – in intellectual, emotional and spiritual ways.” Cantor Micah also writes, “A Joyful Noise’s visit to us was incredible. What a special opportunity to bring two music ensembles together, filling our sanctuary with sacred song. I truly look forward to coming together once more this December!” ‘Nuff said? See you on December 21!

from the

Rabbi

Here I Go Again! Rabbi Billy Dreskin

n Friday, January 4, 2019, I will begin my sabbatical, a gift from you for which I and my family are deeply grateful. As a rabbi, I am working or “on call” nearly all the time. And while I love my work, I’m tired ... physically and spiritually. A sabbatical is battery-recharging time, and during this hiatus I’m not only going to rest, I’m going to entirely divert my attention away from ministering to the families of this temple. I’m going to reacquaint myself with my wife and my children, and do things for myself that keep getting set aside while I’m “rabbi-ing.” When I return on July 5, 2019, I’ll tell you what they were. Between January 4 and July 4, I will (for all intents and purposes) cease being your rabbi. This is important because I’m not leaving town. You’re likely to bump into me at the grocery store or when I’m out walking Charlie, and I’ll need you to see me not as one of your rabbis but as one of your neighbors. I won’t be available for life-cycle events, for counseling, or anything else going on at temple. At times, it might be a little weird because Woodlands is my temple and I may just show up, from time to time, as a congregant. Please do me a BIG favor: Don’t talk to me about temple. That’ll be as hard for me as it may be for you. I love Woodlands, and I love creating it with you. But for this sabbatical to work, I need to refrain from “doing temple” for as close to 100% of the time as possible. I know you’ll help me achieve that. During the six months that I’m away, Rabbi Mara and Cantor Jonathan, along with Lily Mandell and Lisa Sacks (in the religious school office), will look after you and make this time as fabulous as any in our temple’s history. Along with temple president Andy Farber and his Board, Woodlands will remain the center of Jewish life, learning, worship, and caring that we’ve all come to love and cherish. Add to that mix the unflagging support of Liz, Marjorie, Michele and Hernando, plus your own enthusiastic and dedicated volunteerism, and you’ll barely even notice I’m gone. Thank you, in advance, for assisting me in this sacred endeavor. As George Washington Carver taught us, every so often the field needs to lie fallow. We can plant some peanuts if we like, but we can’t do “business as usual.” Time spent on sabbatical should serve as preparation for me to return – refreshed and eager – to the holiness that is Woodlands. Throughout my years with you, I have always hoped to make a valued contribution to this community and, upon completing my six months away, I hope to resume the noble task of building a kehilah kedosha, a sacred community, with you. In the meantime, I wish you abundant blessing and joy. May we meet again six months from now, and find a world that has moved significantly closer to our most cherished hopes: kindness, understanding, acceptance, prosperity and peace.

Israel:

The Long and the Short of It Israel Responds to the BDS Movement by Zach Plesent, Rabbinic Intern

n October 2, a twenty-two-yearold American named Lara Alqasem landed at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. She was enrolled in a graduate program at Hebrew University to study Human Rights. Only Alqasem was not allowed to leave. She was detained and held at the airport by authorities on suspicion of supporting the Boycott, Divest, and Sanction Movement, which targets Israel. (There is a 2017 law that allows Israel to bar BDS supporters from entry.) Despite support from groups including the Union for Reform Judaism, Alqasem’s appeal was denied. On October 18, after more than two weeks, Israel’s Supreme Court overturned the lower court’s decision, ruling that Alqasem be allowed to stay and study. There are many controversial policies in our beloved State of Israel. But however difficult the beginning of this story may have been, it ends with Israel’s Supreme Court intervening exactly as it should have, as a strong and independent democracy, making the right decision.

Israel, like America, is a land we love. Its accomplishments inspire us, yet we struggle when it falls short of our dreams for it. This column explores Israel’s ongoing work toward building a nation firmly aligned with the Jewish values we love. Join us in probing the aspirations and endeavors of this complicated but cherished land.

L’hitraot ... goodbye for now,

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

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Can You Spot the Difference?

Why I Volunteer @ Temple

One of our favorite games growing up was the one where you examine two pictures and figure out what’s different between the first and the second. It’s fun, and not so hard. Try to see what’s different between these two clowns.

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

I Okay, now try to find the difference between these two clowns.

Sydney Gottlieb

Dylan Gottfried

No difference, right? This is just our way of apologizing to the Gottliebs and Gottfrieds for mixing up the girls’ Bat Mitzvah photos when we published them earlier this year. Thanks for being such good sports about it!

Support the WCT Endowment Trust

ou 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.

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Pam Chernoff Board of Trustees

started volunteering because we were new to Woodlands and it seemed like a good way to get to know people (it was). I keep volunteering because it gives me a chance to write, and sing, and play with books at the Book Fair. I volunteer because sometimes instead of saying, “Someone should do something about that,” I’d rather say, “I should do something about that.” That is why I volunteered to start a list

of people who are willing to give rides or bring meals to sick congregants (if you want to join the list or know someone who needs help, email hesed@wct.org). In return for volunteering, I get the satisfaction of knowing I’ve made a difference in the life of our community. And, finally, I volunteer because I know that saying yes to one thing doesn’t obligate me to say yes to everything, and that I can say no when I need to.

Information Center We’ve placed a whole lot of information about Hanukkah observance online for you at wct.org/hanukkah. You’ll find answers there to frequently asked questions like:

What is Hanukkah? What’s the proper way to insert the candles? When do we light them? How do I read or sing the blessings? Any good English readings we can use? What about Christmas? Stop by today, and fill this year’s Hanukkah with light, warmth and joy!

Save the Date!

for the 10th Annual Jonah Maccabee Concert this year with Rick Recht

Sat, Mar 9 2019

from the

President

WCT: Rededicating Our Spirits Andy Farber, President

e celebrate Hanukkah in December, the holiday of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Like many other cultures, it is a Festival of Lights in the darkest weeks of the year. On MishpaHanukkah Shabbat (Fri, Dec 7 at 7:00 pm), the sanctuary will be ablaze with all our hanukkiyot (menorahs) aglow and reflecting in front of the windows. In the glow of those candles burning bright, we will rededicate ourselves to our ancestors’ values: truth, freedom and dissent. Last month, we had an amazing Shabbat celebration at Temple Sinai of Stamford, sharing our Joyful Noise with their Ruach. Tragically, the euphoria of that moment, which so beautifully echoed the parashah (weekly Torah reading) of welcoming the stranger, was shattered the next day by the shooting at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. But the message of Hanukkah reminds us that even in the darkest night there can be light. We can rededicate ourselves for the better. Later this month we will welcome Ruach of Temple Sinai to our Joyful Noise Shabbat. Here at home, it will be their music and voices that lead the way. This month, many of our WoodSY seniors are getting ready to hear from colleges on early decision or early action admission applications. This is a time of great anxiety for them and their families. Accepted or not, each letter represents an opportunity for rededication, either to get ready for the light of new life in a new school, or to prepare new applications which will ultimately bring that much sought-after letter of acceptance. Woodlands will also be getting ready for its own rededication. At the end of December, Rabbi Mara is leading a Woodlands tour of Israel, an amazing 10-day journey. We wish them a nesiah tovah, a good journey, and a safe return. And when they do return, Rabbi Billy will leave for his well-earned sabbatical. And finally, we will close out 2018 and ring in a new 2019. From my family to yours, I wish you a happy, healthy, joyful and safe (secular) New Year. L’shalom,

Another Rabbi in the Family! Our sincerest mazal tov to Rabbi Yael Vurgan, who, as an Israeli Reform rabbinical student, visited Woodlands twice (in the Spring and Fall of 2017) enroute to her ordination in November. We couldn’t be happier for her, and the Jewish community in Israel couldn’t be luckier! Send your notes of congratulations to yaelvurgan@gmail.com.

About that Little Cruse of Oil

ix hundred years after the Maccabees saved our people, the Roman Empire ruled over the land that had once been Israel. Our rabbis feared that their oppressors might harm those who celebrated a Hanukkah that recalled our armed rebellion centuries earlier against the Greek armies. To fool the Romans, the rabbis created a different telling of the Hanukkah story. Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 21B (circa 500 CE) ... “When the Maccabees entered the Holy Temple, they found only enough oil to light the great Menorah for a single day. And yet, while the week passed waiting for the arrival of new oil, the great Menorah never burned out. For eight days and nights, its light filled the Temple and shone throughout Jerusalem.” The legend speaks of a miracle — how one small light kept the fires of hope and of faith burning brightly. And though the story may not have really happened, its message — that great things can come from a single individual’s efforts — reminds us that real-life miracles can happen everyday.

Sh’lakh Manot A Purim Tradition Returns! Megillat Esther tells us that the Jews of Shushan celebrated their deliverance from Haman by sending gifts (sh’lakh manot) to one another. Please honor this tradition of giving at Purim by participating in Woodlands’ Sh’lakh Manot program. For $118, your family can send sh’lakh manot (Purim Goody Bags) to the entire Woodlands family. Your name will appear in the letter of donors included in each Goody Bag. You will receive ordering information in January. Ordering will be available online and in the mail. Purim Goody Bags are sent home with our students from religious school, available for pickup the week of our Congregational Purim Celebration (Wed, Mar 20), and sent to our college students away from home. Not only is sending sh’lakh manot a mitzvah, but you’ll feel great knowing all proceeds go toward our temple’s and religious school’s operating costs. Any questions? Want to help? Please contact us at purim@wct.org.

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Hanukkah Music to Spice up Your Latkes!

e love being part of your family and friends’ life cycle events, simkhas and daily Jewish living. We take pride in finding wondrous items that will earn you sincere thanks for the perfect gift!

Among our most powerful Hanukkah memories, to be sure, are the melodies we learned as little kids. There’s so much wonderful Hanukkah music out there; why not fill your home with some of the great tunes that are available to you?

Cantor Jonathan recommends: • Woody Guthrie’s Happy Joyous Chanukah (Klezmatics) • Wonder Wheel (Klezmatics) • Rhythm and Jews (Klezmatics) • The Jewish Experience - Chanukah (Western Wind and Theo Bikel) • Circle of Fire - A Chanukah Concert (Voice of the Turtle)

Stop by our “Kidz Corner” for unique Judaica items to welcome the new baby in the family. These baby Kiddush cups will be treasured b’ris and baby naming gifts, as will a hand-painted leather dog tzedakah box or bicycle picture frame.

Help start their Jewish home with a pair of Shabbat candlesticks or Kiddush cup or challah knife and cover.

Entering the Bar/Bat Mitzvah year? Don’t fret! We have a great selection of fashion forward spiritual jewelry, Torah pointers and mezuzot that are moderately priced and ideal for gift giving.

About That Number Twenty-Five

Dreidel Games

1. All you need for this game is a dreidel.

Each of the players puts a candy, a nut, a penny (anything you want to play with) in the center. The first player spins the dreidel, then the second, then the third, etc. Gimel means “Gantz” – take it all! Hey means “halb” – you get half the pot. Nun means “nicht” – sorry, you get nothing. And shin means “shtell” – oops, you need to add to the pot.

2. Here’s another game you play with the

The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is open, by request, every day the temple office is staffed. Evening and weekend hours are noted in the weekly temple email. Have a question? Special request? Email us at JudaicaShop@wct.org.

dreidel. Each player takes a turn spinning the dreidel and wins the number of points equivalent to the letter which comes out on top. This game can be played in teams. Gimel = 3 points. Nun = 50 points. Hey = 5 points. Shin = 0 points.

3. Place a cardboard circle on a table. Divide the circle into eight parts and number them from one to eight. Each participant gets three spins and the score is counted according to the number in which the spinning point of the dreidel is found when it stops. The dreidel must be started from the center. Have fun. Happy Hanukkah!

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• It’s Chanukah Time (Julie Silver) • Light These Lights (Debbie Friedman) • Hanukkah Swings (Kenny Ellis) • Songs in the Key of Hanukkah (Erran Baron Cohen) • The Chanukah Collection (Safam) • Rockin’ Chanukah Revue (Sam Glaser) • Celebrate Chanukah (Jon Simon) • 8 Nights of Hanukkah (Kid Kosher) •T he Hanukkah Lounge (Instrumental Jew Age Music)

To purchase any of these recordings, try amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, transcontinentalmusic.com, or oysongs.com (for mp3 downloads).

Know a newlyengaged couple?

Rabbi Billy recommends:

ver wonder why Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev and Christmas on the 25th of December? Well, the jury’s still out but here’s some food for thought. Christian tradition dates Jesus’ birth as December 25, but the most prominent theory is that early Christians borrowed the date from pagan celebrations. Lots of ancient festivals were held at the darkest time of year in late-December. In 274 CE, Roman emperor Aurelian established a feast of the birth of Sol Invictus on December 25. Early Christians may have deliberately chosen the same date to encourage the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman world. The Books of the Maccabees mention the 25th of Kislev as being the date when the Greco-Syrians first offered pagan sacrifices in the Jerusalem Temple (I Maccabees 1:59). It’s also, we are told, the date when the Maccabees successfully restored it again and established our annual celebration (II Maccabees 1:18). It is not unlikely, however, that our ancestors also chose this date because of its resonance in the wider society. What’s the correct answer? Hopefully, time will tell.

Worship Schedule Shabbat Vayeshev

Shabbat Vayigash

Shabbat Shemot

Gen 37:1 - 40:23 ... Amos 2:6 - 3:8

Gen 44:18 - 47:27 ... Ezek 37:15-28

Ex 1:1 - 6:1 ... Isa 27:6 - 28:13, 29:22-23

Fri, Nov 30

Fri, Dec 14

Fri, Dec 28

Rabbi-in-Residence Dan Geffen at 8:00 pm

Jammin’ Shabbat at 7:00 pm

Bye Bye, Billy at 8:00 pm

A half-hour of zany, holy fun! 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. And new this year, Mitzvah Hero Training at 6:45 pm!

Rabbi Billy’s swan song as he disappears for a six-month sabbatical. As always, this last service of the year is led by Harriet Levine and Corey Friedlander (plus intern Zach Plesent), with music by Ellen and Billy Dreskin.

Rabbi Dan Geffen, former (and muchloved) rabbinic intern joins us for a weekend of learning and spirit. This evening’s topic: “How Perfect Must We Be?” Babynaming this evening for Lucy Rose Moore, daughter of Lauren and Al Moore, granddaughter of Linda Einfrank and Jeff Schlossberg. And to double our blessings, we’ll celebrate an aufruf for Hannah Rogers and Sidney Fligel, son of Dayle and David Fligel.

Sat, Dec 1

Civil Rights Journey Shabbat at 8:00 pm Participants from our recent adult Civil Rights Journey to Georgia and Alabama will share impressions and lessons learned.

Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am

Sat, Dec 15

Celebrate with us as Zachary Weinhouse, son of Deena and Brett Weinhouse, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am

Shabbat Miketz

Celebrate with us as Samuel Miro, son of Alyssha and Paul Miro, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Gen 41:1 - 44:17 ... I Kngs 3:15 - 4:1

Shabbat Vayekhi

Fri, Dec 7

Gen 47:28 - 50:26 ... I Kngs 2:1-12

MishpaHanukkah Shabbat at 7:00 pm Fri, Dec 21 For the entire congregation, just earlier – meaningful for adults, engaging for kids! This month, filled with Hanukkah spirit (and latkes)! Special welcome to our newest members. Bring your family Hanukkah menorah and help us really light up the Sanctuary! If you like, join us for a quick dinner at 6:00 pm – make your reservation at wct.org/mishpakha.

Sat, Dec 8 No 10:30 service today. Ask for Kaddish to be recited at Hevra Torah (9:15 am).

Ruach! at 8:00 pm In October we brought A Joyful Noise to Stamford. Now it’s our turn! Come join us as the clergy and music ensemble of Temple Sinai in Stamford take over for one night only. An incredibly talented bunch, you’re gonna love it. A Joyful Noise will join them on four pieces, as well. A veritable smorgasbord of spiritual delight! Also tonight, a farewell blessing for those embarking on our temple’s trip to Israel.

Sat, Dec 22 No 10:30 service today. Ask for Kaddish to be recited at Hevra Torah (9:15 am).

Sat, Dec 29 No 10:30 service today. Ask for Kaddish to be recited at Hevra Torah (9:15 am).

Babysitting at 8:00 pm Shabbat services is provided by teens from our religious school. This month, babysitting will be available on Dec 14. There is no charge and no advance notice is required. For further information, contact babysitting@wct.org.

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.

Dec 1: Parashat Vayeshev Facilitated by Rabbi Dan Geffen

Dec 8: Parashat Miketz Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan

Dec 15: Parashat Vayigash Facilitated by Rabbi Mara

Dec 22: Parashat Vayekhee Facilitated by Rabbi Billy

Dec 29: Parashat Shemot Facilitated by Rabbi Billy

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December Happenings & Beyond Don’t miss our fantastic weekend with Rabbi-in-Residence Dan Geffen! “Pursuing Tzedek in Our Lives” Fri, Nov 30 - Sat, Dec 1 Fri, Nov 30 at 8:00 pm Shabbat Evening Service: “How Perfect Must We Be?”

Sat, Dec 1 at 9:15 am Hevra Torah Learning: “Joseph: He’s a Tzaddik?”

Sat, Dec 1 at 7:30 pm Learning and Discussion: “Being Tzodek: What Does Judaism Want from Us?” Optional dinner at 6:00 pm – register at wct.org/dangeffen ($18/person)

Jewish Studies Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 am Join us as Harriet Levine teaches about the Jews in Medieval Europe.

Woodlands Singers From time to time, our Woodlands Singers delights and enriches our services and other special events. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings, 8:15-9:15 pm. If you can carry a tune and like group singing, this is the place for you. Contact Cantor Jonathan for more information.

S’forim Forum Sat, Dec 1, 4:30-6:00 pm Come read and discuss the best books in Jewish fiction, facilitated by Cantor Jonathan. This month, Lake Success by Gary Shteyngart. By most measures, Barry Cohen has achieved the American Dream. He manages a successful hedge fund, lives in Tribeca with his wife, and seems like an unlikely candidate for a cross-country journey to find himself. But numerous problems in his life move him to board a

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Greyhound to try to leave it all behind, and we learn to understand the allure in busing himself into the unknown. A light snack and Havdalah follow.

Trip to the Jewish Museum: Marc Chagall and the Russian Avant-Garde

Sun, Jan 6, 9:30 am - 3:00 pm Current Events Wed, Dec 19, 10:00-11:30 am Join us for an always lively discussion on current events. An agenda will be emailed to participants ahead of the meeting. Contact Phyllis Hirth for more information. Subsequent sessions: Jan 16, Feb 20, Mar 20, Apr 17 and May 15.

Lunch and Learn Third Wednesdays, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm A wonderful lunch and timely discussions of important topics. $10 per session or $65 for all sessions. On Wed, Dec 19, Rabbi Billy presents on “Jews and Money: Will the Real Stereotype Please Stand Up?” On Wed, Jan 16, Rabbi Joan Farber presents on “Derekh Eretz: What the Rabbis and Texts Say About How We Talk and Treat Each Other.” On Wed, Feb 20, “The History of the Jews in Westchester.” Subsequent dates: Mar 20, Apr 17, May 15 and Jun 19.

Book Club Wed, Dec 12 at 2:00 pm Facilitated by Jeanne Bodin, we’ll be discusssing Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. How did it happen that the Osage native American nation in Oklahoma were the victims of racism but also the wealthiest people per capita in the world? This meticulously researched book focuses on the murders of one family to tell this story of family murder, oil and the FBI in the 1920s. In the 1870s the Osage were driven from their ancestral lands to a rocky, sterile reservation, but it sat on the biggest oil reserves in the United States. They were besieged by outlaws, bank robbers and United States government officials. More sinister were the whites who married into the tribe and then hoped their spouses would die so that they could inherit the oil. The very young FBI became involved but many murders have still not been solved.

The Russian Revolution of 1917 had a profound effect on celebrated Jewish artist Marc Chagall. After the revolution, a law was passed abolishing discrimination on the basis of religion or nationality, meaning Chagall was a full-fledged Russian citizen for the first time. A year later, Chagall was appointed fine arts commissioner for the Vitebsk region – now part of Belarus, and where Chagall was from – and he opened an art school, where El Lissitzky and Kazimir Malevich,two leading painters from the Russian avant-garde, were invited to teach. For several years, they and others produced numerous works of art, showcasing the revolution’s emphasis on education and collectivism, though this period ended in 1922 when the political climate changed again. Now, the Jewish Museum is showcasing these works, thanks to loans from museums in Vitebsk, Minsk and other major American and European collections. Woodlands will travel to the museum on Sun, Jan 6 by bus, which will leave Woodlands at 8:30 am and leave the museum at 1:00 pm. $25/person, which includes museum ticket, lunch and the bus. Register online at wct.org/Chagall.

The Story of the Jews Wed, Jan 23 and 30, Feb 6, 13 and 27, 7:30-9:00 pm Led by Rabbi Joan Glazer Farber, we will view and discuss Simon Schama’s The Story of the Jews. This 5-part TV series follows Schama as he travels from Russia and the Ukraine to Egypt, Israel and Spain, exploring the imprint that Jewish culture has made on the world and the drama of suffering, resilience and rebirth that has gone with it. Register at wct.org/schama.

Social Action Many of us are still reeling from the shock of the shooting at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh and wondering what we can do in response to such deep-seated hatred and anti-Semitism. As a community, Woodlands has always responded with acts of hesed (caring) and tikkun olam as we work to bring healing to our extend community and our world. Mitzvah Month is behind us and we are filled with appreciation. Over 100 individuals participated in at least one Mitzvah Month activity. Julie de Winter-Stein and Valerie Fox were the dynamic duo that organized and called us to action. Their dedication to Mitzvah Month assured our success. Each of the activities had a volunteer coordinator and the subcommittee chairs organized related activities. We were especially pleased with our partnership with other WCT groups: WoodSY, our Religious School, Adult Education, and the Youth and Family Engagement Committee. Todah rabbah (thank you) to everyone who planned, led and participated in Mitzvah Month! In appreciation of your efforts, all participants will receive a Certificate of Menschlichkeit, and the individual and the family that participated in the most activities will receive a special gift. Thank you again! Roberta Roos and Joan Farber

Project Ezra Luncheon Sun, Dec 9, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Be part of this wonderful tradition! For over 40 years, Project Ezra seniors from the Lower East Side have been treated to a dairy lunch made by Woodlands families. We share food, music and a little history during an enjoyable afternoon together. Cantor Jonathan, Adam Hart and the 5th grade religious school students provide musical entertainment and opportunities to learn from our guests. Families of all ages are welcome to participate. Each table is hosted by two Woodlands families, who provide a lunch of bagels, lox, kugel and more.

To volunteer to host a table, contact Harriet Kohn (projectezra@wct.org or 693-0751). To learn more about the luncheon, visit wct. org/socialactionprojects.

• Folks on the street urgently need warm winter coats. We’d like to collect 100 men’s winter coats and jackets. Drop them off, along with other warm winter clothing, by Thu, Dec 20.

Holiday Toy Drives @ Woodlands!

• Help sort clothing on the evening of Thu, Dec 20.

Two great holiday gift drives for adults and children to share the Hanukkah spirit!!

December Mensch of the Month is Fifth Grade

Have a Heart (Mon, Nov 12 Mon, Nov 26) We’ve partnered with WJCS to collect new toys for needy Jewish children at Hanukkah. Please drop off a new, unwrapped toy in the big box at WCT. Or donate online at wct. org/haveaheart.

Toys for Tots (Mon, Nov 26 - Wed, Dec 19) For needy kids at Christmas, new, unwrapped toys are being collected by WCT and will be picked up for distribution by the Greenburgh Fire Department. Or donate online at toysfortots.org/donate. Collection bins for both projects are in the hallway outside the Sanctuary. Questions, contact Michele Montague (michele@wct.org). This year, make it a tzedakah Hanukkah!!

Christmas Eve Midnight Run Mon, Dec 24 at 9:00 pm Rabbi Billy and the Social Action Committee invite you to feed the homeless in New York City. Christmas Eve (a night when the needy and homeless feel especially alone and without hope), we meet at the temple, pack up our cars and spend a few hours finding and feeding the homeless. Even in the dead of winter (dress warmly!) many sleep in cardboard boxes on the street. You can offer them a hot cup of soup or coffee, and some much-needed compassion. Ways that you can help (contact socialaction@ wct.org if any of these interest you): • Join our caravan on Xmas Eve. While 10th grade students and parents will be given priority, we almost always need more volunteers. • Prepare food bags (sandwiches, hardboiled eggs, juice, snack) for drop-off at the temple on Mon, Dec 24.

You too can be a mensch by bringing in healthy snacks and large low-sugar cereal boxes. Help our local food pantries and the folks they serve.

Shelter Dinner Cooking Sun, Dec 16 Prepare part of a home-cooked meal (main dish, veggies, etc) for the teens living at a shelter in Valhalla. Let Val Fox, Melissa Goldsmith or Allison Pray know that you are willing to help (shelterdinner@wct.org).

Knitting and Crocheting Sun, Dec 16, 3:00-5:00 pm Beginners are always welcome!

Children’s Village Holiday Gifts Kids at Children’s Village do not always receive holiday gifts, unless someone in the community thinks of them. Brighten the holiday season by being that “thinking” person. Contact Jeanne Bodin (jeanne.bodin@gmail.com) to be notified of the kids’ wish-list. Gifts are delivered by the third week in December.

Tu b’Shevat Pancake Breakfast Jan 21, 10am-12pm $5 per kid, $10 per adult (Every dollar of your contribution goes to Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry) Bring the whole family and your friends to learn about food justice and the Jewish environmental holiday of Tu b’Shevat. Pancakes will be fresh from the griddle. Cover them with some Tu b’Shevat fruits and other goodies! We’ll have all kinds of fun ways to learn - from planting parsley, to a letter-writing campaign, to our Zero-waste carnival game. Or just come for the fun!

Youth

engagement

WoodSY Oneg: 5th-7th Grades Fri, Dec 7 at 8:00 pm If you are in 5th-7th grade, join WoodSY for a Hanukkah-themed oneg after services. Come learn about NFTY 678 programs and what it looks like to be involved in teen programming at Woodlands.

NFTY-NAR Winter Kallah Fri-Sun, Jan 4-6 This weekend consists of engaging programming, relationship building, and exploration of what it means to be a young Jewish person in today’s world. Register at newyork.nfty.org or email Lily (youth@wct.org).

Havdalah on Ice Sat, Jan 26 at 7:00 pm

The Simkha Page

Our B’nai Mitzvah Zachary Weinhouse

Samuel Miro

Dec 1

Dec 15

Torah Portion Vayeshev

Torah Portion Shai Nissim

Hebrew Name Simkha

Hebrew Name Vayigash

Mazal Tov to... Brett and Deena Weinhouse as their son, Zachary, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Tiffany and Jedd Chesterson on the birth and naming of their daughter, Camila Maddie Chesterson.

Paul and Alyssha Miro as their son, Samuel, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Mike and Lori Fettner on the birth and naming of their son, Jonah Matthew Fettner.

A beloved tradition when Woodlands rents out the entire rink at Westchester Skating Academy. Just for us! Sure to be a great night full of family, friends and more!

Don’t delay ... Summer Camp Applications Due Now! Believe it or not, sections of our Reform movement’s summer camp programs (Crane Lake, Eisner, Kutz, 6 Points Sports Academy, 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy and 6 Points Creative Arts Academy) fill to capacity by December. So if you’d like to ensure your child’s place in one of these programs, please do not delay submitting application and deposit. Reform Jewish summer camps are not only great, but they help solidify our kids’ positive sense of Jewish identity. In this world of competing values and claims on our time and energy, this is a tremendous gift for you to offer your child or grandchild. Contact the Eisner/Crane Lake office (urjnortheastcamps.org), Kutz Camp (kutzcamp.org), 6 Points Sports Academy (6pointssports.org) 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy (6pointsscitech.org) or 6 Points Creative Arts Academy (6pointscreativearts. org) to find out more about this wonderfully enjoyable summer opportunity for your child or grandchild. Lily Mandell, Rabbi Mara and Rabbi Billy have information, as well. Financial assistance is available too.

www.wct.org

$$$ Available for 1st-time Summer Campers Is this the summer to send your child or grandchild to a URJ summer camp (Eisner, Crane Lake, Kutz, 6 Points Sports Academy, 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy or 6 Points Creative Arts Academy)? Well, up to $1000 is waiting for you! No kidding! We’ve linked arms with the UJA-Federation of New York and the Foundation for Jewish Camp and are thrilled to be able to offer this subsidy to any family wanting to give a child their first, unforgettable experience of summer at a Jewish sleepaway camp. The application process is now open at onehappycamper.org. If you’ve got questions, feel free to contact Lily Mandell, Rabbi Mara or Rabbi Billy.

Can You Hear Me Now? WCT Sound Crew in Formation

We’re looking for a few folks who’d like to mix sound for worship services. Previous experience is helpful. 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 at WCT. Here’s a chance to have lots of 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 we’re not really in a position to teach anyone from the ground up. Please contact Lance Rosenthal (lance.rosenthal@ gmail.com) if you’re interested or have questions.

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’s Mitzvah Fund

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund

In memory of Belle Gould, mother of Debbie Pollowitz, from Jim and Debbie Pollowitz. In honor of the marriage of our son, Jonathan to Robyn Schlesinger, from Jim and Debbie Pollowitz. In appreciation of the lovely holiday services, from Murray and Jeanne Bodin. In honor of Alexandra Malkin becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Jason and Diane Malkin. In memory of my father, Gastone Orefice, from Laura Stevens. In honor of the babynaming of our son, Nico Jesse Bercovich, from Ana Szyld and Sam Bercovich.

In honor of Alexandra Malkin becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Jason and Diane Malkin.

Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah Fund In honor of Alexandra Malkin becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Jason and Diane Malkin.

Chai Fund In honor of the High Holidays, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz.

Torah and Ritual Fund In appreciation of Margot Serwer, an amazing teacher, from Mona Albala, Marion Asnes, Susan Axelrod, Elizabeth Barnhard, Pam Chernoff and Leslie Litsky.

Education Fund In appreciation of Harriet Levine and Margot Serwer for their help in my B’nai Binah studies, from Gail Hacker.

The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of Carol Kaufman aunt of Mark Kaufman HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning. Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.

Upcoming Meetings

Social Action Fund

School Board

In honor of the High Holy Days Food Van, from Sandi Lieb.

Mon, Dec 10 at 8:15 pm

Jewish Life Committee

Todah Rabbah (thank you) to... Our 5th and 6th Grade Retreat chaperones: Mike and Martha Witkowski, Josh Rosenthal, and Dani Woolis! Thank you as well to our teen chaperones: Jack Burke, Austyn Richter, Daniel Goldberg, Marina Lebowich, Anna Schlesinger and Ashley Klein. You were all fantastic and made the retreat so successful. Pam Chernoff for chairing our successful Book Fair. Joy Gralnick and Judy Kaplan Levan for coordinating our Book Fair volunteers; Heidi Gralla and Adele Tomasetti for setting up the Book Fair; and, Laurie and Barry Leibowitz, Toby Linder, and Debbie Shapiro for taking it all down. Thanks, too, to everyone who volunteered during the fair. Chuck Bauer for organizing our Blood Drive and his continued dedication to this life-saving project.

David Gaffen for his ongoing, important series, “Non-Fake News.” The members of “A Joyful Noise!” for joyfully trekking out to Stamford and sharing your wonderful spirits: Mark Kaufman (soprano and tenor saxophones, horn arrangements), Glenn Babakian (trombone), Danny Price (bass), Adam Weber (percussion), Cantor Jonathan Gordon (voice), Adam Hart (voice and guitar), Margot Serwer (voice), Jonathan Hiller (voice), Ashley Klein (voice), Sam Scafidi (voice), Rabbi Billy Dreskin (keyboard), Rabbi Mara Young, Zach Plesent and Corey Friedlander (service leaders), Dylan and Juli Klein (tech team). Those who prepared and presented iyyunim at our Nov 3 Shabbat Service: Sura Rosenthal, Irv Adler, Marianne Ripin, Mark Kaufman and Linda Zwicker.

Mon, Dec 10 at 8:15 pm

Finance Committee Mon, Dec 10 at 8:15 pm

Board of Trustees Mon, Dec 17 at 8:15 pm We would be delighted to welcome you to any temple meeting that interests you. Please be in touch with Andy Farber (president@wct.org) for information on how to join (or just visit) a committee.

We Want to Hear from You It is always a pleasure to hear good news from members of our WCT family. It often helps to share the not-so-good too. Please let us know if you or someone else is in need of a visit or phone call from our clergy. Many assume that “everyone knows,” but this is not always true. A note or call to our temple office or clergy will ensure that we are able to extend our support to Woodlands members in a moment of need.

www.wct.org

Hanukkah Gelt Nu? Is Hanukkah gift-giving Jewish or isn’t it? Read on for all the goods on gelt. There’s nothing about it in the Hanukkah story. Some suggest it’s a carry-over from Purim ... sh’lakh manot, the “portions” we share with one another in celebration of having survived Haman. Perhaps, as we were redeemed on Purim, Hanukkah motivates redemption-inspired (remember the Maccabees?) gift-giving too.

But more likely, it’s part of actual Maccabeean history. In 168 BCE, Antiochus invaded the Jerusalem Temple. In 164 BCE, the Maccabees took it back. And in 142 BCE (22 yrs later), Judea stamped its own coins (see I Maccabees 15:6), the ultimate symbol of nationhood. A hundred years after that, a coin was minted portraying the seven-branch menorah, likely to remember the rededicated Temple and of the festival of Hanukkah (whose celebration had fizzled out). A half-century after that (around 0 CE), Judea’s independence came under siege by Rome. Hanukkah, the holiday that celebrated successful political revolt, was revived and observed more fervently than ever. New customs appeared, including gelt, which may have symbolized those early Jewish coins, and the Maccabean spirit and independence they represented. So go on and share the gelt. It’s fun. It’s sparkly. And it’s Jewish too!

No Phones or Cameras at Services, Please When our Woodlands family celebrates sacred moments – services, weddings, funerals, etc – we endeavor to create something that transcends ordinary time and brings us into relationship with our Creator. We hope that you will help create these moments by being fully present and in spiritual partnership with us and with God. Please, no additional lenses or recorders. View and remember through your own eyes and heart.

www.wct.org

A Jewish Rock Star Named Sheldon!

We t h a n k o u r A d v e r t i s e r s f o r t h e i r S u p p o r t

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

PAID White Plains, NY

50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607

Permit No. 1112

current resident or:

DATED M ATERIAL- DO NOT DEL AY

JudaiConnection by Rabbi Lisa Izes

About Those Little Candles

hen we light our candles on Friday evenings to usher in Shabbat, they increase the light in our homes and our hearts. According to tradition, we are permitted to use these lights for the purpose of illuminating our dinner table and our dwellings. However, the Talmud teaches that Hanukkah candles are lit with the sole purpose of reminding us of the Hanukkah miracle. We are forbidden to use their light for other purposes. Poet Charles Reznikoff wrote: In a world where each man must be of use, and each thing useful, the rebellious Jews light not one light but eight – not to see by but to look at. As we see our families and friends gathered around the Hanukkah lights, we are reminded to slow down and bask in the glow of their light. We don’t hurry. Perhaps we sing some songs. Certainly our mouths water from the smell of latkes sizzling. We feel the warmth emanating from the dripping candles. (Of course, this all comes after trying to remember from which direction to light them every year!) Once upon a time, the academy of Rabbi Shammai taught that we should light the candles from the eighth one and back to the right. As usual, the academy of Rabbi Hillel won out. Their opinion was the one we still use today. Each night of Hanukkah, we start our lighting with the first candle (on the right) and move onward towards the left with each successive night. This way, we are increasing our holiness throughout the holiday, and hopefully forward from there as well. In My Jewish Year, Abigail Pogrebin wrote about how we illuminate the darkest time of year and trust there will be a brighter day. She quoted Rabbi Barbara Penzner who wrote, “Jews light lights not to banish the darkness but to be reminded of the miracles of everyday life.” The story about the oil lasting for eight days is great, but we need to keep our minds open to

the hundreds of tiny miracles that sustain us each day. Back to Reznikoff’s poem, I posit that the phrase “rebellious Jews” might also be a reference to the revolt of the Maccabees that led to the Hanukkah story. Why would they have endeavored to fight such an enormous power? Of course it was complicated, but cultural oppression surely had something to do with it. This fight for what you believe in undoubtedly resonates with us today. So many of us feel a sense of darkness in the world these days. A designated time to celebrate light is most welcome. On Hanukkah especially, we sing Peter Yarrow’s evocative song, “Light One Candle.” Not coincidentally I’m sure, there are eight lines that each begin with the phrase “Light one candle.” They go from the first one, “Light one for the Maccabee children, with thanks that their light didn’t die” until the last one, “… to bind us together with peace as the song in our hearts.” This Hanukkah, may we remember the power of this song, so close to Psalms 85:11: “Righteousness and peace have kissed.” Khag urim sameakh ... a joyous festival of lights to you and yours!