december
the newsletter of woodlands community temple
HIGHLIGHTS
December 2014 Kislev-Tevet 5775
Ritual Redux The Ritual Committee enters 5775 with a new structure—and lots of new ways to get involved. By Gary Stern
C
ongregants who have wondered from afar about the important work of the Ritual Committee or have thought about getting involved with High Holy Days services or other key events in Woodlands life now have a slate of new opportunities. The Ritual Committee has opened 5775 with a fresh approach to overseeing some of the most essential programs and responsibilities on the temple calendar. After holding a visioning session and talking with WCT leadership over the summer, Ritual Committee members realized that their work fell into two distinct categories: dealing with broad issues and questions concerning ritual; and overseeing events and services across the calendar. A decision was made to set up nine new subcommittees to focus on the latter responsibilities— from coordinating shiva services at members’ homes and preparing for High Holy Days services to making sure that Oneg assignments and babysitting services are taken care of. The hope is that this design will yield two important outcomes. First, the overall Ritual Committee will have the freedom to concentrate on broad issues concerning modern ritual at a Reform synagogue. Second, and just as important, the nine new subcommittees are providing opportunities for more congregants, both newcomers and veterans, to play a role in planning and carrying out vital activities. “The most important thing to me is that we’re getting a lot more people involved,” says Don Levan, co-chair of the Ritual Committee. “The task forces are up and running. But there is no limit on membership and I encourage congregants to get involved.” Ritual Committee Co-Chair Nancy Fishman says she hopes that congregants who might not have been willing to commit to serving on the full Ritual Committee will be able to find a meaningful spot on a subcommittee. She also anticipates that the full committee will be able to take a step back and study long-term, broader issues. “We really want to separate out the more spiritual issues,” she says. “I think there is a sense that we’ve gotten sidetracked by having to prepare for so many events. We’re trying to streamline things and, at the same time, to involve more people.” The Ritual Committee was inspired by the success that the Social Action and Adult Education committees have had with similar approaches that attract more congregant
Human Rights Shabbat Dec 5 Jammin’ Shabbat Dec 12 NFTY Nashir Weekend Dec 12-14 Hanukkah Begins Dec 16 MishpaHanukkah Shabbat Dec 19 Religious School Vacation Dec 20-Jan 4 Christmas Eve Midnight Run Dec 24
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1st Hanukkah candle: Tues night, Dec 16 ... bring home the miracle, the warmth, and the light! For lots more about Hanukkah, see page 7
Scan this QR code for more WCT information.
Our Woodlands Community
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Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org
participation. The full Ritual Committee will meet only a few times during the year. But Fishman, Levan, and Dayle Fligel, WCT’s vice president of programming/ritual, will visit subcommittees and stay on top of their work to make sure that the new approach is meeting Woodlands’ aims. Rabbi Billy Dreskin says that many congregants may have thought that serving on the full Ritual Committee was a “daunting idea” and perhaps something they were not qualified to do. “These new task forces make the whole thing bite-size and understandable to our members,” he says. “We’re already getting new people, which is amazing, because everyone can help keep ritual life vibrant at Woodlands.” The subcommittees were formed shortly after the High Holy Days and have started meeting with two to seven members each. But the subcommittee chairpeople are anxious to add more members. Congregants who would like to get involved with a subcommittee should email ritual@wct.org with your interests. Fishman and Levan will get back to you with a contact and follow-up information. The new subcommittees are:
Rabbi Mara Young rabbimara@wct.org Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon cantor@wct.org Ross Glinkenhouse, Youth Director youth@wct.org Corey Friedlander, Sh'liakh K'hilah corey@wct.org Jason Fenster, Rabbinic Intern intern@wct.org
Executive Committee Stu Berlowitz, President president@wct.org Jenna Lebowich, VP Education education@wct.org Cliff Schoen, VP Facilities facilities@wct.org Andy Farber, VP Finance finance@wct.org Dayle Fligel, VP Programming/Ritual programming@wct.org Herb Friedman, Financial Secretary financialsecretary@wct.org Andrea Einhorn, Secretary secretary@wct.org Mark Selig, Treasurer treasurer@wct.org
Board of Trustees Bob Apter Jill Garland Nancy Brown Yvette Gralla Aliza Burton Barry Leibowitz Wendy Eliezer Lisa Sacks Gloria Falk Mike Scafidi Nancy Fishman Michele Wise Rochelle Stolzenberg (ex-officio)
Office Staff Liz Rauchwerger, Rabbi’s Assistant liz@wct.org Michele Montague, Religious School michele@wct.org Michelle Fine, Office Staff mfine@wct.org Bookkeeper bookkeeper@wct.org
• A lternative Services — Exploring alternative uses of Saturday morning worship when there is no student becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. • Babysitting — Coordinating babysitting at ritual events. • H evra Kaddisha — Coordinating shiva services at members’ homes; also working on correcting, reprinting, and implementing the new Zekher Tzadik Livrakha (Makom for the Home). • H igh Holy Days —Preparing for High Holy Days services, including ushering, aliyot assignments, and setting up facilities. • Hospitality — Coordinating volunteers and food and materials for ritual events. • N ew Makhzor —Helping prepare the WCT community for the new High Holy Days Makhzor being adopted in September 2015. • Oneg —Coordinating the Shabbat and holiday Oneg assignments. • S econd Siddur Compendium —Coordinating the compilation from four of our older prayerbooks into the second siddur compendium. • S habbarbeque — Coordinating Shabbarbeque events and supporting the School Board at the Sukkot Barbeque.
About Our Temple 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 Editor: Mike Winkleman Art Director: Melanie Roher Design and Production: Kate Levy Advertising Director: Bob Apter
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As the Year Ends, Consider the WCT Annual Fund It’s that time of year again. Thanksgiving. Hanukkah. The secular New Year. And, of course, making year-end contributions. This year, please consider putting Woodlands on your year-end contributions list. Our goal for our 2014 Annual Fund YearEnd Campaign is $50,000—and we’ve already had a terrific head start thanks to the generous support of early donors.
But we’ve still got a ways to go. You can help us reach the goal by either sending a check to the temple (50 Worthington Rd, White Plains, NY, 10607) or by simply contributing online at www.wct.org/ annualfund. Please contact David Fligel if you have any questions: 914-693-0744 or wctdfligel@aol.com.
Worship Schedule Shabbat Vayetzei
Gen 28:10 - 32:3 ... Hosea 12:13 - 14:10 Fri, Nov 28 Mishpakha Thanksgiving Shabbat at 7:00 p.m. For the entire congregation, just earlier! Join us for a quick dinner at 6:00 p.m.—make your reservation at wct.org/ mishpakha by Thurs, Nov 27. Special welcome home to, and participation by, our college kids. Sat, Nov 29 No 10:30 service this morning. Kaddish can be said at Hevra Torah Learning.
Shabbat Vayishlakh
Gen 32:4 - 36:43 ... Hosea 11:7 - 12:12 Fri, Dec 5 Human Rights Shabbat at 8:00 p.m. This year marks 66 years since the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In celebration of our synagogue’s commitment to universal human rights, we invite you to join Cantor Jonathan in exploring the Jewish perspective on this vital topic. Sat, Dec 6 No 10:30 service this morning. Kaddish can be said at Hevra Torah Learning.
Shabbat Vayeshev
Gen 37:1 - 40:23 ... Amos 2:6 - 3:8 Fri, Dec 12 Jammin’ Shabbat at 7:00 p.m. Put on your jammies, bring a bedtime friend, and c’mon over for the wildest 30 minutes of bedtime song, stories and blessings ever! We’ll be jammin’ on the keyboard and guitar, and makin’ a Shabbat to get you ready for bed. Bring a buck for tzedakah!
Nashir Shabbat at 8:00 p.m. Nashir songleader training faculty members Dan Nichols, Ellen Dreskin, and Shira Kline will be joined by our clergy for a musical Shabbat that everyone, from oldest to youngest, will love! Sat, Dec 13 No 10:30 service this morning. Kaddish can be said at Hevra Torah Learning.
Shabbat Miketz
Gen 41:1 - 44:17 ... I Kings 3:15 - 4:1 Fri, Dec 19 MishpaHanukkah Shabbat at 7:00 p.m. For the entire congregation, just earlier! This month, filled with Hanukkah spirit (and latkes)! Bring your family menorah and help us really light up the Sanctuary! If you like, join us for a quick dinner at 6:00 p.m. – make your reservation at wct.org/mishpakha. Sat, Dec 20 No 10:30 service this morning. Kaddish can be said at Hevra Torah Learning.
Shabbat Vayigash
Gen 44:18 - 47:27 ... Ezekiel 37:15-28 Fri, Dec 26 Shabbat with Harriet and Corey at 8:00 p.m. As has become traditional winter-break fare at Woodlands, Harriet Levine and Corey Friedlander will lead our service, with Rabbi Billy covering the music.
Three Ways To Get the Most Out of WCT’s Hosting NFTY Nashir! 1. Celebrate Shabbat Fri, Dec 12, at 8:00 p.m. when Cantor Ellen Dreskin, Dan Nichols, and Shira Kline take to our bimah and lead us in a musical Shabbat. 2. Sing the night away as Nashir Rocks WCT on Sat, Dec 13 at our Havdalah Concert sing-along! We begin at 7:30 p.m. Please make sure you sign up online at wct.org. 3. Make sure you and your kids are at Kindling on Sat, Dec 13 and SPARK on Sun, Dec 14, as our teen participants lead us in song! Come to one, or come to them all! You will not be disappointed!
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.
•••••••••• Babysitting at 8 p.m. Shabbat services is provided by teens from our religious school. This month, babysitting will be available on Dec 5 and Dec 12. There is no charge, and no advance notice is required. Further information at babysitting@wct.org.
Committee Meetings Finance Mon, Dec 8, 8:10 p.m.
Hevra Torah Learning: Saturdays, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Social Action Mon, Dec 8, 8:10 p.m.
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.
School Board Mon, Dec 8, 8:10 p.m.
Nov 29: Parashat Vayetzei Facilitated by Rabbi Billy
Dec 20: Parashat Miketz Facilitated by Rabbi Billy
Board of Trustees Mon, Dec 15, 8:10 p.m.
Dec 6: Parashat Vayishlakh Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan
Dec 27: Parashat Vayigash Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan
Dec 13: Parashat Vayeshev Facilitated by Rabbi Mara
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from the
Rabbi
Learning My Lesson How college changed my world forever
I
grew up on a steady diet of Simon and Garfunkel and The Beatles. My dad had a reel-to-reel tape recorder on which he played classical music but I only rarely listened. So majoring in music at Brandeis in the late-’70s broke seriously new ground for me. I remember sight-singing Bach chorales and learning that these were perfect representations of classic vocal arranging. I had no idea what a chorale was, couldn’t sight-sing, and “vocal arranging” was Greek to me (“classic” perhaps, but very foreign). Needless to say, those four years led me down wondrous paths I’d never dared have imagined taking during high school. Composing the scores for two musicals dominated my college experience and pointed me toward what would have been a career in music had the rabbinate not intervened. While at Brandeis, I had the great fortune of learning from two of neo-classical music’s greatest names, Harold Shapero and Arthur Berger. Shapero exposed me to the music of Igor Stravinsky. But it was Berger who most amazed me when, one day, he talked about his friendship with Neal Hefti and began playing Hefti’s best-known composition, the theme song to The Odd Couple. I mention this because my time at Brandeis was exotic. I ventured into places and experiences I had never been nor imagined I’d ever
be. And I loved it all! When my life shifted from music to rabbinics, my taste for the untrodden path never waned. So besides giving you Torah, Talmud, and Midrash, I also share my love for literature, film, technology, and science, all of which you hear me mention frequently in my striving to explain this prayer or that on a Friday eve or in the Tent. Hanukkah is a feast of light. By the time the 8th night arrives, our menorahs are spilling over with light and heat. While the message of religious tolerance is the most important of our Hanukkah ideas, I also think the “feast” of different kinds of light is an exciting and elevating perspective. My days at Brandeis were filled with unfamiliar, unforgettable experiences. College taught me to savor such opportunities throughout my life. Turns out, Judaism encourages the very same. So happy Hanukkah! May the lights bring to you and yours endless varieties of engagement, fascination, and (of course) opportunities to help others.
Sexuality Retreat 5775 In November, our 9th and 10th graders spent the weekend with Rabbi Billy, Ross Glinkenhouse, rabbinic intern Jason Fenster, temple kid-now grown-up Estelle Winkleman, and group facilitators Martha Dubinsky and Mike Witkowski at Kutz Camp in Warwick, NY. The focus of their attention
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was “Judaism Takes An Honest Look at Love and Sexuality.” The program is designed to help our teens obtain clear and accurate information about sexuality, have conversations in a safe environment, and make positive, healthy, and responsible decisions for themselves.
Committee Reports
Social Action Knitting and Crocheting
Dessert for a Week
Sun, Dec 7, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Dec and Jan
Join us on either of our projects, creating squares to be sewn into a blanket for Hope’s Door families or making chemotherapy caps for patients. All levels welcome; we have yarn and instructions for you. Please let Angela Adler know you’re coming at angeadler@aol.com
Sign up as a family or with another family to supply dessert for a week during December or January for the Volunteers of America Shelter in Valhalla. Contact Jeanne Bodin at Jeanne.Bodin@gmail.com for more information or to sign up
Social Action Committee Meeting
Gifts for Boys at Children’s Village:
Mon, Dec 8, 8:10 p.m.
Help a boy from Children’s Village have a happy holiday. If you are able to supply a gift or gift card for one of the boys, contact Jeanne Bodin at Jeanne.Bodin@ gmail.com
Help plan for the upcoming activities.
Midnight Run on Christmas Eve Wed, Dec 24 Join Rabbi Billy and the Confirmation Class on a Midnight Run into NYC or help by donating clean, gently used, men’s and women’s coats, pants, warm shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves, shoes, and throw blankets. Contact Julie Stein at SocialAction@wct.org if you’d like to go on the run or can provide food.
Food of the Month:
Cereal boxes and snacks
Collection of the Month: Men’s and women’s warm coats and winter clothing for Midnight Run
Adult Education Ongoing Programming: Woodlands Singers Cantor Jonathan Gordon Wednesdays, 8:15 p.m.
Hebrew Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
Jewish Studies Harriet Levine Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.
Book Club
Tue, Dec 18, 7:30 p.m. (out of building, call office for more information) We will be discussing the best-selling novel Me Before You by British author Jojo Moyes.
Daytime Talmud Rabbi Billy Dreskin Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. through December 4
Shorter days and dropping temps mean more time at home with family and friends. The Judaica Shop at Woodlands has a wide array of Judaica items to bring spirituality to your home, enhance your Shabbat table and your holiday gatherings. Our selection of mezzuzot, home blessings, candlesticks, challah plates and knives will bring joy to everyone.
Beamed Designs fused glass home blessing, $68. Mezuzot, L to R: Tamara Baskin painted glass, $34; Gary Rosenthal copper, brass and fused glass, $40; Rachel Kranzberg Miller hand textured brass, $80.
Happily Hanukkah comes “on-time” this year and we’re looking forward to a spectacular Festive of Lights. Starting a dreidel collection? Engage your family in approved Jewish gambling! Come see our beautiful selection.
Daytime Diversions Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Dec 3—The Movie: I Married a Witch, starring Frederic March, Veronica Lake, Susan Hayward, and Robert Benchley. A romantic comedy about a beautiful 17th century witch who returns to life to plague a young politician, who is a descendant of her persecutor Dec 10—The Speaker: With God Against Man, documentary film maker Seymon Pinkasov captures the life of Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the Portuguese ConsulGeneral in Bordeaux who issued lifesaving visas to thousands of Holocaust refugees defying government orders. Dec 17—The Discussion: Let’s ponder the next steps in resolving the world’s problems. Come add your voice to those around the table. For additional agenda suggestions contact Bob Steinhardt (rfs323@gmail.com).
Dreidels clockwise from upper left: Tamara Baskin beaded glass, $28; Adi Sidler fuchsia laser cut, $38; The Jewish Museum Hagenauer replica, $18; Dorit Swarovski crystal, $48; Karshi jeweled gold & enamel, $30.
The Judaica Shop is open every day, by request, when the temple office is staffed; evening and weekend hours are noted in weekly temple email blast. Email us at judaicashop@wct.org with all special requests.
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December, January, and Beyond Just Israel Israel helping out in Iraq? Truth can be stranger than fiction! IsraAid, an Israeli nonprofit organization that provides disaster relief across the globe, is now working in Iraq. Yazidis and Christians who are fleeing ISIS and seeking refuge in the Kurdish Region of Iraq (KRI) are finding beds, blankets, basic supplies, and food waiting for them courtesy of the Jewish state. More than a thousand families have been helped to date, with more aid is on its way. “The Kurdish people really love Israel,” says IsraAid’s Shahar Zahavi, reporting that Israel’s team has been warmly received there. With winter approaching, the situation grows even more dire, and the Israeli mission to Iraq, the first of its kind by an Israeli aid agency, is coordinating its efforts through the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG). The KRI is now home to more than 1.4 million displaced Iraqis and 200,000 Syrian refugees escaping ISIS. IsraAid hopes its contribution will help many thousands survive both the violence and the cold. While Israel struggles with the challenges of establishing peace with her neighbors, good news emerges regularly. 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 her achievements.
Wanted: Summer Camp Photos! Do you have a photo that brings back fond memories of Jewish summer camp? We’re looking for pictures for the Woodlands Family Camp Album, which will be included in the booklet for the Sixth Annual Jonah Maccabee Concert on Mar 7. The concert raises money for scholarships for Reform summer experiences for Woodlands children and teens. Old and recent photos welcome, from members of all ages. For more info or to send a jpeg and a caption, email Fran Smith, Fsmith@aol.com.
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Christmas Eve Midnight Run Wed, Dec 24, 9:00 p.m. As part of this year’s Confirmation curriculum, Rabbi Billy and the Social Action Committee invite students and parents of our 10th grade 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. Depending on room, congregants may also join our caravan. If it looks like we’ll have room, we’d be honored to have your join us. Contact the temple office (wct@wct.org, 592-7070) to inquire. Once you’re on our list, we’ll give you call as soon as we know your status.
Project Ezra Luncheon Sun, Jan 11, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Share lunch with seniors from the Lower East Side by providing a dairy lunch and enjoying conversation and music together. To sign up or for more information, contact Harriet Kohn at hrsw82@hotmail.com or 693-0751. This is a wonderful opportunity to participate as a family.
4th Wednesday 5 Wednesdays, beginning Jan 28 Finding yourself at home on a Wednesday morning craving a cup of coffee and some human interaction? Don’t go to Starbucks, come to Woodlands! We’ll have hot coffee, some newspapers, and a comfy place to sit. Whether you’re retired, a stay-at-home parent, or working from home, we’d love to see you for some informal schmooze. Drop in for as long as you’d like.
The Afro-Semitic Experience Comes to Woodlands Fri, Jan 30 at 8:00 p.m.
Here’s an American roots band with a difference: it merges Jewish and Afro-diasporic melodies and grooves, combining the core concepts of ase and shalom—power, action, unity, and peace. Imagine a band that smoothly and creatively moves from Klezmer to hard bop in the same piece. Imagine musicians who have found a way to play with the feel of both a synagogue and an African American church. This dynamic and joyous world music experience will take place on Jan 30 as we celebrate Shabbat song with lots of participation by our congregation and the Woodlands Singers. As legendary jazz critic, Nat Hentoff wrote, “Never before have I heard this lyrically powerful a fusion of Jewish and jazz souls on fire.” The Afro-Semitic Experience’s music was described by critic Carlos Ramos as “a whoopin’, hollerin’, testifyin’ celebration of multicultural soul music. Imagine Charles Mingus sitting in with a Klezmer band, playing Gospel music set to the polyrhythmic pace of congas and bongos.”
Artist in Residence Weekend: Our Stories, Your Stories Marilyn Price Fri, Feb 6 – Sun, Feb 8 Join us for some stories, a bit of Jewish history and then insights into the importance of sharing our own stories with friends, family, and even ourselves. Throughout the delightful weekend there will be stories shared, wisdom and laughter.
Save the Date! 6th Annual Jonah Maccabee Concert with Billy Jonas and The Levins Sat, Mar 7, 8:00 p.m.
OH, HANUKKAH!
A Woodlands Resource Guide to Light Up Your Festival of Lights
From What’s Cooking Tonight, Woodlands’ Brand New Cookbook
Two Special Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah
Hanukkah Music to Spice up Your Latkes!
Ner Shel Tzedakah “candle of righteousness” Sun eve, Dec 21
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 something more than Christmas muzak this year?
Rochelle Stolzenberg’s Potato Latkes (from her mom, Mimi)
Cantor Jonathan recommends (some as Hanukkah music, some as Hanukkah gifts):
¼ tsp salt
On the 6th night of Hanukkah, many families take the opportunity to teach their children about the needs of the less fortunate and donate the value of the gifts they would ordinarily exchange to those in need. You can use the process of deciding where and how to fulfill this mitzvah as a fun and engaging family project. Learn more about Ner Shel Tzedakah on the URJ website: http://urj. org/socialaction/issues/poverty/ner_shel_ tzedakah/
• Enchanted: A New Generation of Yiddishsong (Adrienne Cooper) • Woody Guthrie’s Happy Joyous Chanukah (Klezmatics)
Guilt-Free Gelt
• Wonder Wheel (Klezmatics)
On Hanukkah, we celebrate the miracles of ages past. The Talmud teaches us “we don’t rely on miracles” (Kiddushin 39b); instead of waiting for a miracle, you can take action to establish a world that is safe and just for everyone. By purchasing fair trade Hanukkah gelt, you can help end labor abuses in the cocoa industry. Young children are trafficked and forced into working on cocoa farms with no pay and in unsafe conditions in the Ivory Coast, where more than half the world’s cocoa is grown. You can learn more about fair trade chocolate and find a special kavanah (blessing) at http:// fairtradejudaica.org/make-a-difference/ fair-trade-jewish-holidays/fair-tradeyour-chanukah/original-guilt-free-gelt
• Rhythm and Jews (Klezmatics)
Two Great Ways to Share the Hanukkah Spirit Have a Heart for the Holidays. Bring new, unwrapped Hanukkah gifts to WCT between Nov 14 and Dec 15. WJCS will distribute your gifts to needy Jewish children throughout Metro New York. Checks for the purchase of gifts (payable to WJCS) may be dropped off, too. Toys for Tots. Bring new, unwrapped Christmas gifts to WCT between Nov 14 and Dec 22. The Greenburgh Fire Dept will wrap and distribute your gifts to needy children throughout Westchester. Checks for the purchase of gifts (payable to “Toys for Tots”) may be dropped off, too.
• T he Jewish Experience - Chanukah (Western Wind and Theo Bikel) • Circle of Fire - A Chanukah Concert (Voice of the Turtle) Rabbi Billy recommends: • 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) • T he Hanukkah Lounge (Instrumental Jew Age Music) • Chanukah Fever (Mama Doni) • Eight Nights of Joy (Joe Black and the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band) • Must Be Chanukah (Stacy Beyer) • Be A Light (Neal Katz) To purchase any of these recordings, try amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, soundswrite.com, or oysongs.com (for mp3 downloads).
4 large potatoes 2 medium onions 2 large eggs, lightly beaten ¼ tsp pepper 2 Tbs matzah meal or all-purpose flour vegetable oil for frying Peel potatoes and onions; grate them, using a hand grater or food processor fitted with a steel grating blade. Place mixture in a colander and squeeze out excess liquid. Combine grated mixture with eggs and matzah meal; season with salt and pepper. Stir to blend well. The batter should be the consistency of thick cream. Pour enough oil into a large skillet to cover the surface and place over medium heat until sizzling. Drop batter by heaping tablespoons about ¼” thick into the skillet and flatten with the back of a spoon. Cook about 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Place finished pancakes on a paper towel-lined pan in a slow oven. Repeat the frying process until batter is used up. Serve immediately. Own this recipe, and many others for Hanukkah and any day of the year. Order your copy of the cookbook from the temple office.
Hanukkah 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? • What about Christmas? Stop by today, and fill this year’s Hanukkah with light, warmth, and joy!
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Mitzvat Mississippi Becomes WCT Disaster Recovery Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast in August 2005. The following February, Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church led a recovery mission. A year later, Woodlands Community Temple joined the DFLC’s efforts, and WCT has led a mission every year since, leading hundreds of volunteers to the area. We first started in Mississippi, and have spent the last several years in the New Orleans area. Along the way, we’ve helped numerous homeowners rebuild and we have also assisted them emotionally through this disaster. The combined efforts of DFLC and WCT have fulfilled a 10 years’ mission of assistance to the area. At the October meeting of the Board of Trustees, the board passed a resolution to update all our fund names and missions. Thus, the Mitzvat Mississippi fund is now the WCT Disaster Relief Fund. It will be used for disaster relief and to support WCT volunteers in their rebuilding efforts, but it will also assist efforts that go beyond the Gulf Coast. Stay tuned for some rebuilding efforts targeted at those who are still recovering from Superstorm Sandy. Thanks to all our volunteers and donors for the past decade. Kol Hakavod—a job well done. —Stu Berlowitz
Rebuilding New Orleans: 2014
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Erica and Arthur Pell Honored with Musical Gift to WCT
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rthur and Erica Pell joined Woodlands in 2004. From the moment they arrived, the Pells became precious to us all. As they were a much older couple, we were all rather amazed at Arthur’s enthusiastic and consistent presence in the building. He became active in Hevra Torah and many other adult learning programs, attended Friday night services and Lerners Minyan, headed up our Hesed Committee, served on our Ritual Committee and Adult Ed Committee, read Torah on Simkhat Torah, was instrumental in WCT’s sTORAHtelling troupe, graduated from our 2005-06 Derekh leadership class, participated in the Daytime Diversions current events discussions, and celebrated his 93rd birthday by leading the motzi at a Friday night service. Perhaps his favorite Woodlands moment of all was becoming a Bar Mitzvah (for the third time!) when he turned 90! In 2012, Arthur wrote: “Woodlands has been a blessing in my life. I look forward to each service and program and thank God for helping me enjoy and participate in the Woodlands community.” Since Arthur’s death in 2013, we have all missed his presence among us. Arthur’s son Doug writes: “Arthur Pell loved to sing in temple. He sang loud if a little out of tune. He didn’t always remember the melody but it didn’t matter. He loved to sing the prayers. Strangers would turn their heads to see who was singing so loudly and so off-key. It was my dad being himself. My mother was an aspiring concert pianist when my parents met. Sadly, she suffered a stroke six months after I was born. Although it ended her concert performance career, she became a piano teacher, so I grew up in a house where kids showed up for lessons every day after school and a piano recital was presented every spring in our living room. When asked if he also played music, my father’s response was that he played the radio, which was on in our house all the time, always tuned to WQXR, the classical station. WCT was an important part of Arthur’s life. He was here two or three times a week. Now, when I am here, I miss him. When suddenly, the Saturday before Rosh Hashanah, we discovered the temple keyboard was broken, it soon became clear that repair was not the best solution for this 18-year-old instrument. And so, on Rosh Hashanah eve, a new keyboard was played for the very first time in the tent. Geri and I were there and, when the shehekheyanu began, we felt Arthur’s presence in the room. His spirit is in that keyboard. Because he loved Jewish worship and music so much, we dedicate this gift in his memory and my mother’s honor.” We are so grateful that Doug, Geri, Ben Zolna, and Duncan Pell have chosen to honor Erica and Arthur by donating our new Yamaha Clavinova keyboard and deepening the beauty of our music here at Woodlands. It is a magnificent tribute to Erica and Arthur, and we are incredibly moved that the Pells have honored them in this generous and enduring way.
The Music of Spirit at Woodlands: Sun, Nov 2 Leading a Shabbat journey filled with melody and love: (left to right) Cantor Rosalie Boxt, Dan Nichols, Cantor Ellen Dreskin, and Josh Nelson.
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WCT Youth Engagement Kensico Dam Ice-Skating Sat, Dec 27 at 5:00 p.m. Want something fun to do during winter break? Join us for ice skating at the Kensico Dam Winter Wonderland. The evening will be full of skating, food, vendors, and fun. Bring the family or come with a group of friends. Contact dgwshapiro@gmail.com for more information. See what it is all about at www.winterwonderland.com
February 1 Ski Trip Sun, Feb 1 at 7:30 a.m. Face it, no New York teams are making it to the Superbowl this year. So all you skiers and boarders can hit the slopes at Mountain Creek NJ, and be back in time for the big game. Bus departs WCT Feb 1 at 7:30 a.m. sharp and leaves the mountain at 4:00 p.m. Anyone under the age of 13 must have a responsible adult on the slopes with them. Make checks payable to WCT, write “ski trip” in memo area, and submit to the office by Jan 15 (it’s non-refundable).Please email Mitch Klein (mitchklein@gmail.com) or David Bertan (bertlaw.bertlaw@verizon.net) your phone number and which ticket type you require. Seats are limited, so get your money in ASAP!!! Contact the office for information on ticket prices.
Don’t delay ... $$$ Available for First-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 or 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy)? Well, up to $1000 is waiting for you! No kidding! We’ve linked arms with the UJAFederation 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 www.onehappycamper.org. If you’ve got questions, feel free to contact Rabbi Mara, Ross ,or Rabbi Billy.
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The Simkha Page
Mazal Tov Mazal Tov to Bonnie and Bob George on the birth of a grandson, Micah Hellinger George, son of Andrew and Stefanie George and sister of Nina George.
Mazal Tov to Mark and Karen Fox on the marriage of their son, Matthew, to Sara Baxter.
Thank You A big thank you to Heidi Gralla, Freddie Dorn, all the members of the committee, and the WoodSY teens who contributed to making this year’s Sukkot barbeque a huge success! Thank you to Jenny Ottinger for spearheading our successful Religious School Book Fair. Thank you also to Roni Beth Tower, David Griff, Heidi Gralla, and Adele Tomasetti for the time and energy you put into setting up the Book Fair. And thank you to all who volunteered. Thank you to Karen Berlowitz, Michael Lebowich, and Michael Arbore for all their great temple activity snapshots! Thank you to all those who supported the Mitzvah Fair, especially our planning committee Roberta Roos, Shelli Katz, Jane Wachs and Julie Stein. Our tremendous thanks to Rabbi Mara and the Religious School, the Adult Ed committee, ARZA, the Youth Engagement Committee, the Judaica Shop, WoodSY, and the Social Action Committee, including Angela Adler, Bob Apter, Elise Ballan, Chuck Bauer, Jeanne and Murray Bodin, Lesli Cattan,
Leora Cohen, Elana Confino-Pinzon, Caryn and Brian Donocoff, Martha Dubinsky, Paul Feiner, Val Fox, Karen and Mark Fox, Ariane Gottlieb, Phyllis, Dan and Lauren Hirth, David Katz, Fran Klarsfeld, Julie, Mitchell and Ashley Klein, Jenna and Michael Lebowich, Laurie Leibowitz, Meryl Lewis, Harriet Levine, Phyllis Opochinsky, Juliana, Emily and Lloyd Roos, Lisa Sacks, Liz and Michael Scafidi, Eileen Stein, Scott and Allie Stein, Joan Stern, Steven and Jay Strauss, Ron Tvert, Deborah Wiskind and Bill Woolis. Thank you to those who helped with an extremely successful Bead For Life Sale: Susan Abinder, Lori Bluberg, Elka Klarsfeld, Marina Lebowich, Sura Rosenthal, Fran Smith, Maddy and Miriam Wachs, and Ann Zeliger. And thanks to our What’s Cooking at Woodlands dessert bakers for the Fair: Bonni Arbore, Nanci Brickman, Miriam Emery, Karen Fox, Alison Harris, Lisa Izes, Shelley Jacobson, Jennifer Korten, Ilyse Lesser, Michele Montague, and Caroline Rosengarden.
A SPARK Spectacular on Sun, Nov 2
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 In appreciation of Rabbi Billy and in honor of Nina Rosenberg becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Susan Morduch and Ken Rosenberg. Thank you Rabbi Billy and in honor of Molly Greenholz becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Michael and Molly Greenholz and Aviva Belsky. Donation from Morty and Marilyn Berman. In honor of Dr. Mitch Freedman’s 75th birthday, from Andrew and Susan Sterling. Cantor’s Discretionary Fund Thank you Cantor Jonathan and in honor of Nina Rosenberg becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Susan Morduch and Ken Rosenberg. Thank you Cantor Jonathan and in honor of Molly Greenholz becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Michael and Molly Greenholz and Aviva Belsky. In honor of Cantor Jonathan, Audrey and Bruce Nagler. Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah Fund Thank you Rabbi Mara and in honor of the marriage of Dana Albert to Evan Altneu, from Wendy and Howard Albert. Thank you Rabbi Mara and in honor of Nina Rosenberg becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Susan Morduch and Ken Rosenberg. Thank you Rabbi Mara and in honor of Molly Greenholz becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Michael and Molly Greenholz and Aviva Belsky. In honor of the marriage of Kim Zeitman and Jordan Kaplan, from Rita and Lloyd Zeitman. Chai Fund In memory of Bob Gralla, brother of Larry Gralla, from Yvette and Larry Gralla. In memory of Bob Gralla, from Bill and Gloria Falk. In memory of Bob Gralla, from Susan and Mort Aron. In memory of Bob Gralla, from Mickey Milbauer. In memory of Bob Gralla, from Jane and Bob Steinhardt. In memory of Hyman Katz, from The Fligel Family. In honor of Sammie Feldbaum becoming at Bat Mitzvah, from The Feldbaum Family. In honor of the 25th wedding anniversary of Judy and Bob Rosen, from Ann K. Silver and Martin Katz. In memory of Tillie Hausler, mother of Bette Stracher, from Sandy and Max Tuchman.
In memory of Lillian Silverman, mother of Ken Silverman, from Sandy and Max Tuchman. Thank you Rabbi Billy and in honor of Isabelle Ripin becoming a Bat Mtizvah, from Marianne, Peter, Abigail and Isabelle Ripin. In appreciation of the inspiring and meaningful High Holy Day services, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht. Music Fund In appreciation of the inspiring and meaningful High Holy Day services, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht. Thank you Margot Serwer for all your work, and in honor of Nina Rosenberg becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Susan Morduch and Ken Rosenberg. Education Enrichment Fund In honor of Nina Rosenberg becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Susan Morduch and Ken Rosenberg. In memory of Rosalie Young, from Barry and Judith Kessler. High Holy Days Prayerbooks In honor of Marjory and Mark Selig, from Joyce and Bob Selig. In memory of Harvey and Treva Silverman, from The Morduch/Rosenberg Family. In loving memory of Minnie and Oscar Kaplan, from Judy Pflug. In loving memory of Judith Silverman Olshan, from Arnold Olshan. In loving memory of Irving Kantrowitz, from Audrey and Larry Kaplan. Geraldine and Gerald Weinberger’s Lifelong Learning Fund In honor of Elaine Shames on the occasion of her birthday, from Gerry Weinberger. Social Action Fund In honor of Andy Farber in constructing our Sukkah, from Gary Karlitz. Jonah Maccabee Fund In honor of Lois and Bernard Bacharach, from The Krebs Family. Project Ezra Fund In memory of Belle Gould, from Jim and Debbie Pollowitz.
To find out more about all the funds that are available for your support and for more information about how to donate to these funds, please visit www.wct.org/donate
The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of Samuel Friedland
father of Scott Friedland
Paulette Fuschillo
mother of Michael Fuschillo
Barry Gelberg
uncle of Michele Montague
Bob Gralla
brother of Larry Gralla
Bill Krupman
father of Pam Allyn
Walter Strick
father of Charlie Strick HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning. Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.
Bereavement Groups WCT is forming new Bereavement Groups to meet the needs of members who have suffered losses. Our pilot group drew great strength and consolation from one another, and we invite you to be a part of this loving, important, membership-wide initiative. Sessions will be led by therapists. For more information contact Herb Friedman (3950304, hjfswschp@aol.com) or Alan Kaplan (552-0363, alankap1@verizon.net).
Bookplates For High Holy Days Prayerbooks You may lovingly inscribe your loved one’s name in our High Holy Days makhzor, Donation is $36. An order form is in the temple newsletter and on the temple website. Order online at wct.org/bookplate.
WCT’s Cemetery Plots In 2008 WCT purchased 69 gravesites at Sharon Gardens in Valhalla, NY. At this time, in total we have only 28 unsold gravesites remaining. The price per gravesite is $3,050. Gravesites can only be sold to temple members. For information or to purchase any of these gravesites, please contact Bob Apter (693-2732) or Lois Green (949-2116), or write to cemetery@wct.org.
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Our Woodlands Connection The Only Thing Missing Was The Sand By David and Debbie Bertan
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ince 2001, we have spent the last two weeks of every summer in Amagansett. One year, we began attending a Tot Shabbat service in East Hampton. Held at sunset on Main Beach, there were songs, stories, and some challah. We attended every Friday we were there, planning our trips to make sure we’d be there for Shabbat. As we looked around Westchester for the right temple, none seemed to fit. Then a friend convinced us to try Woodlands for a Kidz Shabbat service. We walked in, heard the sounds of Rabbi Billy singing the very same “Are We Ready?” as we remembered it from Main Beach, and felt right at home. The only thing missing was the sand. As it turned out, Rabbi Billy and the rabbi from East Hampton had created that Kidz Shabbat service together when the two of them worked together in Cleveland. Fate brought us to Woodlands, and a few songs did the rest. Neither of us had enjoyed Friday night services as kids, but at Woodlands things are different. It isn’t rote prayer, but instead is a warm recitation of how grateful we are for what we have. It is a sense of community, and we enjoy it immensely. A Joyful Noise, Kidz
Shabbat, and High Holy Days are fun, engaging, and the sermons are relevant to us as Jews, as parents, and as people. As time went on, we began attending more events at Woodlands. A few years ago, we were asked to help with the Young Families Committee, putting together potluck discussion suppers on topics such as how to deal with money and how to raise a mensch. The satisfaction that came from organizing
“When you see members devoting their time and energy to Woodlands, you cannot help but want to participate.” these events spiraled into further involvement with Woodlands activities. What motivated us the most, however, was Eli’s becoming a Bar Mitzvah. As we met with Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara, and Cantor Jonathan, the concept that struck our hearts was how to make sure our upcoming celebration was more than a birthday party writ large. Making sure we “put God on the guest list” became our goal. Torah study with Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara’s devotion
to the religious school, and Cantor Jonathan and Margot’s work with Eli, all showed us that it wasn’t just a party, but a celebration of a milestone along Eli’s religious path that involved the whole temple. The Bar Mitzvah process was not a prep session teaching Eli to read a few paragraphs of Torah; it was a roadmap leading our entire family further into Jewish life at home and at Woodlands. Because of the sense of community here, we have gotten further involved. When you see members devoting their time and energy to Woodlands, you cannot help but want to participate. We attend services more regularly, work on different committees to help keep Woodlands members engaged, and Dave is now a full member of the barbecue group (his favorite committee!). The name says it all: Woodlands Community Temple. It’s not just a congregation; it’s a community. That’s why we belong, that’s why we’ve become involved, and that’s why we love this place. If you’ve got a story that you’d like to tell about belonging to Woodlands, please contact Rabbi Billy (rabbi@wct.org).