WCT Makom May 2015 by Woodlands Community Temple

Interfaith Worship Exchange

the newsletter of woodlands community temple

May 2015 Iyyar - Sivan 5775

Bidding a Dear Friend Farewell by Gary Stern

oss Glinkenhouse was a recent college graduate in 2008, plotting his next move. He was doing parttime youth work at a Long Island synagogue and interning in the lighting department at the Julliard School. Then a friend recommended him to Woodlands trustee Mike Winkleman, who was seeking a youth director for the temple. “I lucked out,” Ross says. Mischievous grin. “I get paid to play.” Seven years later, Ross is preparing to take his toys and say farewell to Woodlands. He’s helped transform the temple’s approach to youth engagement, while building congregation-wide support for experiential learning, rock climbing and just the right amount of silliness. His “Goooood Shabbos!” bellow will echo on Friday evenings in the sanctuary long after he’s gone. “I’ve reached my full potential here,” he says. “I don’t want to be too content in life.” Winkleman says that Woodlands also lucked out. “I knew immediately that Ross was the right person,” he says. “He was so enthusiastic and knew how to talk to the kids and the adults. He’s become a temple fixture with a real following.” Now 29, Ross became a full-fledged adult at Woodlands (albeit in a Dora the Explorer apron and wielding a rubber bass named Steve). He developed a vision of youth involvement in daily congregational life – beyond Academy and WoodSY – and sold clergy and lay leaders on making it happen. That goal of involving Woodlands teens in everything from prayer to cooking to social action is now a key part of the temple’s mission. “I see myself as ‘chief relationship builder,’” Ross says. “I want people’s buy-in so that we build things together.” Continued on page 2

Shavuot Memorial Day Weekend Potluck Picnic Dinner Sat, May 23 at 6:00 pm

Continued on page 2

Shavuot is one of those holidays that remains a mystery to many of us. It takes place every spring and commemorates the giving of Torah at Mt Sinai. Confirmation also occurs on Shavuot because of the parallel between our ancestors’ commitment to Jewish living at Sinai and the commitment our teens make at Confirmation. This year, Shavuot falls on Memorial Day weekend. As such, we thought a less formal, more “picnicky” event was called for. We hope you and/or your family will join us, dressed down and relaxed, for a potluck dinner on the patio, followed by “The Sinai Challenge.”

Fri, May 1 and Sun, Jun 14 Part of how Woodlands celebrates and nurtures spirituality is the work we do to bring people of differing outlooks and religious paths together. We’re delighted to be sharing a Friday evening and a Sunday morning with the First Community Church of the Nazarene in Elmsford. A church filled with spirit, generosity and love, First Community devotes itself to worship, learning and compassion (just like a temple we know). We are honored to be their neighbors. Two great interfaith opportunities for you: 1) Fri, May 1 at 6:00 pm ... we’ll break bread here at temple with church members and get to know them a bit. At 8:00 pm, we’ll worship together with “A Joyful Noise!” (we thought that’d be the perfect way to share our ever-renewing tradition). Pastor Leroy Richards will deliver the sermon. If you’d like to join us for dinner (please do!), sign up at wct.org/fccn-dinner. There is no cost, only a hand extended in friendship. 2) Sun, Jun 14 at 11:00 am ... we’ll meet at the First Community Church of the Nazarene (2101 Saw Mill River Rd just across the street) for their Sabbath service, a lively, music-filled hour of prayer. Rabbi Billy will deliver the sermon. Your presence will convey a powerful message of interest and camaraderie our neighbors won’t soon forget. Dress in your Sunday best! Makom shelibi oheyv ... the place that my heart holds dear. Let’s share with others why we love Woodlands, then travel a very short distance to the place our neighbors hold dear.

Our Woodlands Community Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org 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 z"l Lisa Sacks Gloria Falk Mike Scafidi Nancy Fishman Michele Wise Rochelle Stolzenberg (ex-officio)

Office Staff Liz Rauchwerger, Office Coordinator liz@wct.org Michele Montague, Education Administrative Assistant michele@wct.org Michelle Fine, Office Staff mfine@wct.org Bookkeeper bookkeeper@wct.org

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 Art Director: Melanie Roher Design and Production: Kate Levy Advertising Director: Bob Apter Production Director: Michelle Fine

www.wct.org

Farewell continued from page 1

Rabbi Mara Young, WCT’s Director of Congregational Learning, says she’s been most impressed by Ross’ ability to dream big. “He has this way of taking his vision and getting everyone excited about it,” she says. “The majority of 8th-12th graders are involved in some way, big or small, because of the care he puts into engaging them.” WoodSY president Abigail Ripin says that Ross still gets excited each time a teen gets involved in something. “He wants to include as many people as possible,” she says. “When you meet him, you don’t forget him.” Juli Klein, who co-chairs Woodlands’ new Youth and Family Engagement committee, which oversees programming for grades 7-12, says that working with Ross is fun and a bit unpredictable. “He likes the excitement of something new and different,” she says. “And he really gets the kids. He brings this energy and an array of programming that hits all the kids’ needs.” Former WoodSY president Rachel Friedman, now a sophomore at the University of Tampa, credits Ross with building her confidence and coaxing her into temple leadership. “I was terrified of talking in front of people,” she says. “Ross challenged me, when I was ready, to try. I said a prayer on Rosh Hashanah and it was okay. Ross is the perfect balance of goofiness and getting things done.” Ross will leave Woodlands at the end of June, and the temple is searching for his successor. Ross is interviewing for jobs both inside and outside the Jewish world, waiting for another bit of luck to strike. He’s open to all possibilities, and says that interviewers are surprised when he doesn’t have a 5-year-plan: “I’ll go anywhere – wherever the rivers take me.” And how does he think he’ll be remembered at Woodlands? “As the Good Shabbos guy, definitely,” he says. “And as the loud, funny, open-minded guy with the messy office that always had toys in it.” To which Rabbi Billy added, “Ross will always be the guy who cared about our teens and who helped shepherd them through all the tumult and into a joyful, valueladen adulthood. We were so lucky to have him with us!” Be sure to join us for either or both of our Farewell-to-Ross events: our service to honor him on Fri, May 29 at 8:00 pm, and our celebration at The Cliffs at Valhalla (climbing optional!) on Sun, Jun 7 at 4:00 pm.

Shavuot continued from page 1

For dinner, we hope you will sign up (at wct.org/shavuotpicnic) to bring a share of our communal meal. Then comes “The Sinai Challenge.” This is our creative vacation weekend approach to Jewish tradition’s return to the mountain. Through lawn games and trivia competitions, we’ll link ourselves to that challenge of more than three millennia ago when our ancestors were brought into the Covenant of Torah and its challenges to Jewish, ethical living. Shavuot means “weeks.” It ends the counting of “a week of weeks,” or the fortynine days of the Omer, the counting that began Pesakh and concludes on Shavuot. This counting traditionally parallels the number of days if took our ancestors to walk out of slavery in Egypt and, as a free people, to bind themselves to God at Mt Sinai. Shavuot is the perfect completion to our celebration of Pesakh. And the Shavuot Memorial Day Weekend Potluck Picnic Dinner is the perfect way to celebrate Shavuot this year! Once we were slaves, then we became free. Come celebrate the incredible set of values our ancestors bequeathed to us so that our lives might be truly purposeful and good.

Worship Schedule Shabbat Emor

Lev 21:1 - 24:23 ... Ezek 44:15-31 28th day of the Omer Fri, May 1 Welcome, 1st Comm Church of the Nazarene! at 8:00 pm A Joyful Noise! at 8:00 pm A very special evening of celebratory worship and fellowship with our neighbors from the First Community Church of the Nazarene on Saw Mill River Road. Please be with us to welcome them in the inimitable Woodlands way! “A Joyful Noise!” tonight, too! For dinner at 6:00 pm, sign up at wct.org/fccn-dinner. Sat, May 2 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Sarah Dames, daughter of Deborah Kuhn Dames and Thomas Dames, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.

Shabbat Behar

Lev 25:1 - 26:2 ... Jer 32:6-27 35th day of the Omer Fri, May 8 High School Academy Graduation at 8:00 pm A special evening to honor students in the 12th grade who have completed our highly-acclaimed Academy program. A wonderful moment of celebration for our entire temple family! Sat, May 9 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Max Schapiro, son of Kim and Jack Schapiro, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Shabbat Bekhukotai

Lev 26:3 - 27:34 ... Jer 16:19 - 17:14 42nd day of the Omer Fri, May 15 Shabbat HaMoreh at 7:00 pm For this month’s Mishpakha Shabbat, we honor our adult education and religious school faculty for their dedication to us and to our children. Join us for a quick dinner at 6:00 pm (reservations at wct.org/mishpakha). Aufruf for Bruce Ginsberg and Rebecca Dulit. Also, in memory of Wendy Lane Eliezer, during the Oneg we’ll be packing meals for the Midnight Run (if you can, bring a package of new t-shirts, underwear or socks). Sat, May 16 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Zachary Micucci, son of Lori and Tom Micucci, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Shabbat Bemidbar

Num 1:1 - 4:20 ... Hos 2:1-22 49th day of the Omer Fri, May 22 Jammin’ Shabbat at 7:00 pm Put on your jammies, bring a bedtime friend, and c'mon over for the wildest 30 minutes of bedtime song, stories and blessings ever! “Blessing of the First Fruits” tonight – that’d be all babies born since last May! Simply Shabbat at 8:00 pm In observance of Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Babynaming tonight: Stella Marie Ivy, daughter of Justin Ivy and Jessica Cohen Ivy, granddaughter of Marty and Marie Cohen.

Shavuot Sat, May 23 No service this morning. Shavuot Potluck Picnic at 6:00 pm Bring yourself and/or your family to our potluck dinner, then stick around for “The Sinai Challenge,” mind and body competitions to get you to the top of that mountain. Ice cream oneg will follow. Sign up at wct.org/shavuotpicnic. Sun, May 24 Shavuot Yizkor at 9:00 am A sweet hour of song, prayer, story and heart to remember our loved ones. Confirmation at 10:30 am Join us as our 10th graders present a Shavuot Morning service during which they will ascend Mt Sinai and receive the Torah to give thanks for childhood, family, Judaism and life.

Shabbat Naso Num 4:21 -7:89 ... Judg 13:2-25 Fri, May 29 Honoring Ross Glinkenhouse at 8:00 pm For seven years, Ross has guided our young people through their informal education at WCT. Tonight, we thank him for all the gifts he’s given to them and to us. Also, installation of WoodSY Board 2015-16. Sat, May 30 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Alexander Weitzman, son of Jacqueline and Laurence Weitzman, becomes a Bar Mitzvah. •••••••• Babysitting at 8:00pm Shabbat services is provided by teens from our reglious school. Babysitting is available May 1, 8 and 29. For further information contact babysitting@wct.org.

Hevra Torah Learning Saturdays, 9:15-10:15 a.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. May 2: Parashat Emor Facilitated by Rabbi Mara May 9: Parashat Behar Facilitated by Jason Fenster May 16: Parashat Bekhukotai Facilitated by Rabbi Billy May 23: Parashat Bemidbar Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan May 30: Parashat Naso Facilitated by Rabbi Mara

Shavuot Yizkor Memorial Hour Sun, May 24, 9:00-10:00 am Whether someone you love died recently or many years ago, Jewish tradition provides an opportunity through Yizkor to reconnect memory and heart for a few moments out of our busy lives. While we can certainly each stop anytime to do this ourselves, to come together with our synagogue community is a beautiful and meaningful way to honor those we love. Please join us for our Shavuot Yizkor Hour. We’ll sing, read, and share a few words and thoughts of remembrance. Then we’ll return to our regular day. Not sure you want to set this time aside? We do this four times each year, so why not try it once and then make your decision.

www.wct.org

from the

Cantor

Left, Right and Center

ecent headlines in the world are deeply challenging. How Netanyahu played a cruel game of election rhetoric! He first defied, and then professed to accept a Two-State Solution … with a wink. His cynical disrespect for Arab-Israelis and occupied Palestinians has utterly torn the curtain, revealing his view that Arabs and Palestinians are truly second-class human beings. Leftist critics who equate Zionism with apartheid could not have asked for more. At the same time, a recent Atlantic article documented rising anti-Semitism in European democracies like France, Sweden, and Germany. Rightist, old school anti-Semitism has converged with the anger of disaffected, Muslim émigrés. These new arrivals promise to become a persistent underclass who find “Zionist Jews” a fitting target for their rage. Where can one put one’s trust? Our leaders are flawed, our enemies persist. Truth to tell, we have always lived in uncertain times. Our ancestors enacted the Pesakh ritual when Ancient Israel was surrounded by hostile kingdoms. We have long recited seder in places where it was a crime to own the haggadah. The eternal sacred observances have occurred in so many uneasy historical settings. Now the kind days of counting the Omer have come again; our calendar moves from Passover to Shavuot. Each day inches us further from the moment of liberation toward receiving the Law.

In 2015, Jews also mark the journey from freedom to enlightenment. We are free to live in the world, but are we truly committed to a Jewish way of life? Jews are free to live in a homeland in Israel, but are we mindful of God’s laws concerning how we wield our power? We still have a way to travel. On Pesakh we sang, “Who knows one?” We numbered the rich details of our religious culture, always returning to God, who made Heaven and Earth. God stands in the center. God is the guarantor of our future. The divine Covenant is our only security. Our job is to be morally worthy, to cleave to the mitzvot. God will ensure that our efforts bear fruit. Jewish dwellings often display these words from Psalms on the walls: “Shiviti Adonai l’negdi tamid … I always will set God before me.” Perhaps a dedicated Jewish home will do more to secure Judaism’s future than any politician or powerbroker. We say, “God, I am here for You.” And God answers, “Me, too.”

You’re invited to sign up for …

“B’nai Binah” 2-year Program of Adult Learning at WCT! New to Jewish learning? Want to dive deeper into what you learned long ago in religious school? Considering “choosing Judaism”? Never officially became a Bar or Bat Mitzvah and have decided now is the time? Class meets weekly for 2 years: Thursdays at 7:30-9:30 pm. Begins Oct 1, 2015. This is a tremendous opportunity to learn about Judaism at an adult level: whether you feel like you know only a little and/or you want to deepen your understanding. We’ll explore Jewish history, ritual, and thought in a fun, creative atmosphere. Also … if you ever wanted to learn Hebrew, this is the time. B’nai Binah includes Hebrew for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced learners. It is also an excellent opportunity to deepen friendships in our temple community. B’nai Binah is taught by Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara, Cantor Jonathan, Jason Fenster (our rabbinic intern) and our top-notch Hebrew team (Harriet Levine, Margot Serwer, and Rabbi Joan Glazer Farber). Tuition is $250/year. Financial assistance is available; contact Rabbi Mara. To sign up, go to wct.org/bnaibinah.

www.wct.org

Committee Reports

Social Action Reform Jewish Voice of NYS Advocacy Day

Breakfast Run

May Clothing Collections

Sun, May 17

Mon, May 4

Set your alarm and don’t let the 6:45 am start time discourage you. You’ll be energized for the day after helping serve breakfast, distribute clothing and toiletries to working poor and homeless men and women in NYC. We carpool in and are back by around 10:30 am. Middle-school and older kids welcome with parents. Participants help provide food for the Run. Get all the details from Caryn Donocoff and Jane Wachs at MidnightRunBreakfasts@wct. org. Mark your calendar for the next Run on Sun, Jun 14.

Two great reasons to clean out your closets

Come with us on a trip to Albany on Monday morning to learn about current legislation and the social justice values behind Reform Judaism’s views on the issues. Then lobby members of the state senate and assembly. For more information and to register, go to rjvnys. org. Email SocialAction@wct.org to carpool.

Midnight Run Sandwich-Making Fri, May 15, 7:00 pm Following tonight’s service, we’ll be preparing meals to be distributed by the Midnight Run to New York City’s homeless. No preparation or sign-up needed; just come for Shabbat, grab a cookie, and make a meal or fifty! If you can, please bring a package of new t-shirts, underwear or socks. Midnight Run Shabbat used to be a favorite project of Wendy Lane Eliezer z”l. We dedicate tonight’s sandwich-making to Wendy. She was a blessing to us all.

Knitting and Crocheting Sun, May 17, 3:00-5:00 pm Join this warm and welcoming group to knit or crochet projects for women in Hope’s Door shelter or going through chemotherapy treatments. We have instructions, yarn and welcome children who’d like to learn. Please let Angela Adler know you’re coming at angeadler@aol.com.

Breakfast Run Collection: Bring us your good condition, clean, Spring-season clothing for adult men and women jeans, casual pants, short-sleeved shirts and sneakers. Also, new underwear, undershirts and socks are very needed. Action for Post-Soviet Jewry: Needs good-condition clothing, accessories and shoes for men, women and children living in Eastern Europe. Learn more about this organization dedicated to strengthening the Jewish community in Eastern Europe at actionpsj.org.

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

Adult Education Ongoing Programming: Woodlands Singers Cantor Jonathan Gordon Wed, 8:15 pm

Hebrew Thur, 7:00 pm and 8:15 pm

Jewish Studies Harriet Levine Thur, 10:00 am

Book Club Wed, May 20, 7:30 pm Rochelle Novins will facilitate a discussion of Americanah: A Novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. To the women in the hair-braiding salon, Ifemelu seems to have everything a Nigerian immigrant in America could desire, but the culture shock, hardships, and racism she’s endured have left her discouraged. One of the New York Times’s ten best books of the year.

S’forim Forum Cantor Jonathan Gordon Sat, May 17, 4:30-6:00 pm Join us for a spirited discussion of the Red Cavalry short stories by Isaac Babel. Set during the brutal Soviet-Polish War, these short stories are masterpieces of modern literature. Refreshments and Havdalah. The Adult Education Committee extends a huge todah rabbah to all of the teachers and students who participated in our Adult Ed offerings this past year. We’ve been very busy planning for next year, so keep your eyes open for our annual Adult Education Brochure, which will be published in late summer.

Special Programs: Daytime Talmud Rabbi Billy Dreskin 6 Thursdays, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm through May 28 (no class on May 14) Ever been curious about what’s in those really big books known as “The Talmud”? You are warmly invited to join our intrepid team of adventurers and learners.

4th Wednesday Wed, May 27 at 10:00 am 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!

www.wct.org

May Happenings Daytime Diversions Join us on Wed, May 6, promptly at 10:00 am to view and discuss the movie, Sullivan’s Travels, starring Joel McCrea and Veronica Lake. The film, voted one of the top movies ever made, is the story of Sullivan, a successful, spoiled, and naïve director of fluff films, with a heart of gold, who decides to make a film about the downtrodden poor. He sets off in tramp’s clothing with a single dime in his pocket to experience poverty first-hand. The experience leads to a dramatic, comedic adventure. Invite friends to join you for a good movie, doughnuts and coffee/tea. Once again, we invite you to return to the thrilling days of yesteryear, as Lee Brickman joins us on Wed, May 13 for an encore presentation about the "Golden Days of Radio" at our May Daytime Diversions. Lee has been interested in old radio programs since he was a teenager. And since then he has actively collected recordings of radio dramas, comedies and news programs that aired in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Lee will once again share clips from some of the many recordings he

has amassed. There will also be a opportunity to read from the same scripts that the biggest stars of the day read from when they performed live. So return to the thrilling days of yesteryear when families sat around the big Zenith in the living room and just listened... Join us on Wed, May 20 at 10:00 am to share opinions and ideas about how to make the world a better place. Bob Steinhardt will write the agenda, to serve as a guide, but contact him if you want to add to the original agenda.

Shabbat HaMoreh Teacher Recognition Shabbat Fri, May 15 at 7:00 pm One of our most wonderful services of the year (we kid you not!), your smile muscles will ache from the incredibly heartwarming tributes paid by our children to their Religious School teachers. Just as loving, our Adult Education faculty will be honored by their students as well. You are most cordially invited to come say thank you to all of our educators for their

partnership in teaching us and our children about Judaism and Jewish living. A community celebration! If you like, sign up for our 6:00 pm dinner at wct.org/mishpakha.

Annual Temple Meetings: Make Your Voice Heard Congregational Budget Meeting Thu, May 14 at 8:00 pm Your opportunity to ask questions about the proposed temple budget for next year (available at at wct.org/ wctbudget) prior to the budget vote at the Annual Meeting on May 20. Annual Congregational Meeting Wed, May 20 at 8:00 pm Requires a quorum of 5% of our membership to vote on the 2015-16 budget and slate of Board Officers and Trustees. Copies of the proposed budget may be downloaded at wct. org/wctbudget or by request from the temple office.

Farewell to Ross On Friday evening, May 29, Woodlands Community Temple will come together to celebrate with Ross Glinkenhouse, our outgoing Youth Director. We will thank and honor Ross for all he has done to enhance the lives of our youth and their families. The celebration will continue the following Sunday, June 7, at the Cliffs in Valhalla from 4:00 to 7:00 pm (1 Commerce St, Valhalla, NY). Climbers and non-climbers are invited to join in the fun. Do a little climbing or not, lots of schmoozing and even more noshing, but most importantly spend time with Ross. Go to wct.org/ross-cliffs to sign up for the fun. We hope that everyone will come out! Any questions email programming@wct.org.

www.wct.org

High School Graduation Shabbat Fri, May 8, 8:00 pm It's really rather extraordinary, but your synagogue has done it again. Twelfth graders ... still in Religious School ... and they refuse to leave until they really leave ... for college! And more in 11th grade, who'll all be conducting this Graduation Service with them. JESSE BROWN son of Larry and Nancy Brown NOAH CATTAN son of Robert and Lesli Cattan RACHEL CHANG daughter of Dean Chang and Heidi Gralla EMILIE DORN daughter of Freddie Dorn and Jeanne D'agostino Dorn LARA FEDER daughter of Paul and Judy Feder SAM GEIGER son of Bob Geiger and Sandi Lieb-Geiger LANE GOTTFRIED daughter of Ron Gottfried and Bette Gottfried COLE HUDSON son of Clay Hudson and Lori Hudson FRANCINE KLARSFELD daughter of Jeff Klarsfeld and Elka Wolloch-Klarsfeld SANDRA LARSON daughter of Eric Larson and Marcus Burstein ADAM LEVINE son of Gary and Iris Levine

LAUREN LEVINE daughter of Hal Levine and Charlotte Coren BECKETT MORRIS daughter of Alan Morris and Bonnie Rothman Morris CALEB PALLEY son of Michael Palley and Elise Cuttler CALLIE ROSENBERG daughter of Kenneth Rosenberg and Susan Morduch BRENDAN SMITH son of Robert Smith and Patricia Hennessey DEAN SPILKA son of Rich and Sandy Spilka HANNAH STEIN daughter of Stuart Stein and Teresa Snider-Stein JESSICA WISE daughter of Andrew and Michele Wise DAVID WISKIND son of Michael and Deborah Wiskind

To the Confirmation Class of 5775: Mazal tov from all of us at Woodlands! The mountain awaits. With hearts and minds open, on Sunday morning, May 24 at 10:30 am, our 10th Grade Confirmands will transport us back to an ancient time when, standing at the foot of Mt. Sinai, we claimed what would become our eternal legacy ... the Torah. Now, it is received by a new generation. Mazal tov to our Confirmands and their families: TAMAR BORDWIN daughter of Andrew Bordwin and Gaby Sudock Bordwin HANNAH BROWN daughter of Adam Brown and Patty Goodman-Brown RACHEL FEIN daughter of Jason Fein and Jennifer Altman JULIA FEINER daughter of Paul Feiner and Sherrie Brown LEANDRA SPILKA daughter of Rich and Sandy Spilka KASEY STERN daughter of David Stern and Mary Elizabeth Stern ALLYSON WERNER daughter of Jay and Natalie Werner

This is not an evening just for the graduates' families. This is a celebration of Jewish life and continuity and integrity for us all! Do you know what Oneg Shabbat means? It means “Shabbat delight.” And this service is going to be one truly delightful celebration of Shabbat. Join us!

What it Means to Graduate from WCT The vast majority of Woodlands teens continue on in temple life after they become B’nai Mitzvah. Their commitment is honored at our Graduation ceremony. The many paths to that evening represent the diversity of opportunities teens enjoy here at WCT. In one way or another, they keep coming back! For example, most join our Monday night Academy community. In addition to the pizza and camaraderie, teens explore new aspects of Jewish life. Over the course of their five years of participation (including a very special Confirmation year), we watch in wonder as their understanding grows of Judaism’s place in their lives. They’ve explored this through Minecraft, yoga, the arts, improv workshops, and social action trips.

The graduates have also participated in immersive experiences like the Sexuality Retreat, taking an honest look at themselves and their relationships. They have lobbied their senators and representatives in Washington DC on issues they believe in. They have walked in the footsteps of history on our Civil Rights Journey to the south. And some of our graduates have taken a different path of learning in these years. Many serve as aides in our religious school, dutifully coming week after week to mentor younger members of our community. They have created songleading troupes and led the WoodSY board, showing there is no end to their creativity and drive. Mazal tov to each one of our graduates. We know great things lie ahead for you!

www.wct.org

School Board Approves New Educational Philosophy May is a busy month at WCT…we will kvell with the families of the 10th Grade Confirmands and the 12th Grade High School Graduates. The Judaica Shop at Woodlands has framed Judaica art pieces, affordable jewelry and beautiful Torah pointers to celebrate these milestones.

Framed Chai Print by Kathryn Nidy, $54; One World Print $20.

Weddings and anniversary celebrations populate our calendars this time of year and The Judaica Shop at Woodlands has

Frosted Glass Challah Plate, $36; Challah Cover Hand-Painted by Emanuel, $44.

gifts that foster building a couple’s Jewish life together…challah plates and covers, Shabbat candlesticks and Kiddush cups are gifts that will be used time and time again and a one of a kind tzedakah box will encourage a couple's commitment to generosity and tikkun olam. And of course, Mother's Day is May 10. Our favorite artists, Alef Bet by Paula, Seeka, Emily Rosenfeld and Michal Golan all have new work that are sure to be a treasured gifts. Tamara Baskin Tzedakah Box, $70.

The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is open, by request every day the temple office if staffed. Evening and weekend hours are listed in the weekly email blast. Shopping for something special? Email us at judaicashop@wct.org.

www.wct.org

The School Board is thrilled to announce the recent adoption of an updated educational philosophy for our religious school (pre-K through grade 12). Building on our previous philosophy, this new vision reflects the evolution of our religious school program, namely in the areas of family and experiential education. It also reflects our commitment to the latest insights in Jewish education and reaffirms our commitment to building community and providing transformative experiences for the whole family. With this vision in place, we believe we will continue to achieve the level of excellence that our school has come to embody. Our educational philosophy: Religious school is the spiritual community where members of our WCT families explore becoming moral, confident individuals in relationship with one another and the world. We believe that Judaism provides the framework and the language for spiritual development that strengthens a person, our temple community, and the world at large. We are proud to do this through a Reform Jewish lens. We aim to provide transformative experiences, both inside and outside of a classroom setting, where students and their families are inspired to learn and to make a difference in the world. We do this while also preparing learners for knowledgeable, active participation in Jewish life. We believe it is important to incorporate fun and joy in our learning, while encouraging thoughtful discussion, personal expression, and ruakh (spirit). We believe every individual is deserving of a Jewish education and we provide personalized care for all types of learners, including those with special needs. We believe Jewish learning is a lifelong pursuit, and we are proud to see a great majority of our learners participate in temple life well past Bar/Bat Mitzvah into Confirmation, Graduation, and throughout their lives as adults. We achieve this through: Community Students in our religious school are a part of a vibrant youth community. We actively seek out opportunities to integrate our youth community with the larger temple community through social action opportunities, family learning experiences, and holiday observances. We are especially dedicated to tikkun olam (repairing the world), helping our religious school families understand their responsibility to the community now and in the future. Social action activities are therefore an essential aspect of our religious school experience. Parents Parents are regarded as important partners who share in their child’s journey of Jewish living and learning. We create opportunities for parents to connect to each other, forming their own community as well. Educational Methods Our professional staff and teachers provide an enthusiastic, stimulating learning environment while aiming to understand and accept individual differences. We maintain a commitment to the latest insights in Jewish and secular education. God, Torah, Israel We encourage learners to explore different pathways to and concepts of God, focusing on our evolving, individual relationships to God. In order to do this, our learners become familiar with the Torah and other major Jewish texts. Engagement with these texts also provides strong insights into the history of our people and the development of the values we treasure. From this comes a connection to Israel in all its forms: Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel), Am Yisrael (the Jewish people), Medinat Yisrael (the modern State of Israel). Hebrew We learn Hebrew in order to access Jewish thought, history, and prayer. We prepare learners for active participation in Jewish lifecycle moments and rituals, while understanding the deeper meaning behind our people’s prayers, customs, and holidays.

That’s “Doctor Levine” to You! Kol Hakavod to our educator emerita, Harriet Levine, on being awarded her Doctor of Jewish Religious Education, honoris causa, from Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion. Harriet received her Master or Arts in Religious Education (MARE) in 1990 and her RJE certificate (Reform Jewish Educator) in 1993. She served as our temple educator for 21 wonderful years (1992-2013). The ceremony will take place at Temple Emanu El (10 E 66 St, NYC) on Thu, Apr 30 at 4:00 pm. A photo ID and invitation are needed for entry. Contact the rabbis if interested in attending. Well done, Dr. Levine!

Jewish Organ Donation? Yes! Organ transplantation is a routine therapy for dozens of life-threatening diseases, yet thousands of New Yorkers desperately await a second chance to live. Judaism teaches us, "To save a life is to save a world." Organ donation saves lives; contrary to popular misconception, Jews do sign Organ Donor cards. Won't you participate in the mitzvah of matan hayyim — the gift of life? Cards are available at the temple. Perhaps even more importantly, speak with your loved ones about your wishes. If they don't know how you feel, the decision may be out of your hands. For more information on the Jewish view or organ donation, visit urj.org/life/ community/health/bioethics on the web. Help close the gap between the number of donated organs and the number of people waiting. Get the facts about organ donation (and remember to discuss your wishes with your family). Please call the New York Transplant Program at 1-800-GIFT-4-NY.

2014 Annual Fund Year-end Donations Exeed Goal As a result of the generous contributions from the members listed below we raised over $63,000 - exceeding our goal of $50,000 by 26%. A big TODAH RABBAH to you all! Robert and Penny Apter Mort and Susan Aron Tony and Selena Barron Stuart and Karen Berlowitz Lee and Nanci Brickman Larry and Nancy Brown John and Rori Burke Aliza Burton Rabbi Billy and Cantor Ellen Dreskin Adam and Andrea Einhorn Bill and Gloria Falk Andy and Rabbi Joan Farber Chuck and Nancy Fishman David and Dayle Fligel Evan and Faye Friedman Herb Friedman Michael Fuschillo and Olga Tenenbaum Ellyn Glasser Karen Golden Cantor Jonathan Gordon Todd Gordon and Susan Feder Larry and Yvette Gralla Philip and Lyn Halper

Tom and Julie Hirschfeld Charles and Carol Kessler Michael and Jenna Lebowich Barry and Laurie Leibowitz Harriet Levine Andrew Loose and Jill Garland Alan and Bonnie Mitelman Mark and Michele Montague Doug and Geri Pell Fran Rosenfeld Jonathan Richer and Lisa Sacks Steve Sagner and Jennifer Tower Michael and Elizabeth Scafidi Doron Scharf and Joanne Levine Cliff and Debbie Schoen Mark and Marjory Selig Bob and Jane Steinhardt Dick and Sheila Sweet Marge Thrope Jonathan and Shari Turell Cindy Weniger Mark and Rabbi Mara Young

Just Israel by Jeanne Bodin The Galilee Circus is ten years old. In 2012 Rabbi Marc Rosenstein, director of the Galilee Foundation for Values, of which the Galilee Circus is part, visited Woodlands. He spent the weekend sharing his vision of a Zionism rooted in equality, conscience, and religious and ethnic pluralism. One of the foundation's goals is to create a circus in which Arab and Jewish kids learn to trust and cooperate while having fun (often without a common language!). Created during the second Intifada, Marc echoed Ben Gurion, “Circus is about demonstrating that what appears impossible is indeed possible.” This past March 20th, Nir Topper, the new Executive Director of the Foundation, brought us up to date on the circus. Imagine for a moment a child of Russian immigrants from Karmiel balancing on the shoulders of his Arab peer from Dir El Assad. Or a group of Jewish and Arab boys in green leotards creating a pyramid. And, when the music stops at the end of the show, the kids during their curtain call say in Hebrew and Arabic, “The Galilee Circus family thanks you.” This is no ordinary after-school activity. We wish them well and hope they continue to flourish. Your donation would be heartily welcomed at eng.makom-bagalil.org.il.

Proud to learn that WCT grads Yael Farber, Roxanne Gottlieb and Jordan Einhorn participated in the recent J Street conference in DC

www.wct.org

Mishkan HaNefesh – A Little Taste

“One way of translating Mishkan HaNefesh is 'Sanctuary of the Soul'. We read in the book of Exodus that, during our people’s forty years in the wilderness, artisans built a Mishkan—a Tabernacle, a dwelling-place, a sanctuary—for Israel’s earliest worship. The word nefesh (soul) conveys a deeply personal message: the goal of the Days of Awe is to engage in an individual spiritual quest. The word mishkan reminds us that each person’s quest happens within the holy space of the congregation.” —From the introduction to Mishkan HaNefesh, the new Reform Makhzor As we gather in the tent for High Holy Days this fall, we will see the arrival of Mishkan HaNefesh, the new makhzor of the Reform movement. We recognize that, while comfortable and familiar, Gates of Repentance has become a bit dated. As a cutting-edge Reform community, we are excited by the opportunity that the new makhzor will provide for fresh and innovative High Holy Days worship. The passage above is just a small sample of what we can expect. Our forebears who wandered the desert for forty years were asked to contribute gold, silver and other finery to build their Mishkan. While WCT is making no such request, each of us does have the opportunity to help support our acquisition of Mishkan HaNefesh through the purchase of bookplates. Honor or memorialize a friend or loved one now with a contribution of $36, and a bookplate will be placed in a copy of the new makhzor, in time for the Holy Days this fall. Watch this space for more “little tastes” of what to expect this fall. —Chuck Fishman and Sura Rosenthal Co-chairs, New Makhzor Implementation Task Force

www.wct.org

The Simkha Page

B’nai Mitzvah Sarah Dames

Maxwell Schapiro

May 2

May 9

Torah Portion Akhrei Mot-Kedoshim

Torah Portion Emor

Hebrew Name Shoshana Karmelah

Hebrew Name Moshe Shmuel

Zachary Micucci

Alexander Weitzman

May 16

May 30

Torah Portion B’har

Torah Portion Naso

Hebrew Name Yosef

Hebrew Name Shmuel Tzvi

Mazal Tov to

Bruce Ginsberg and Rebecca Dulit on their wedding nuptials. Siman tov u’mazal tov!

Jack and Kim Schapiro, as their son, Maxwell is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Donna and David Berliner on the birth of yet another grandson, Lucien Sandor Martin-Berliner, son of Lauren Berliner and Minda Martin.

Tom and Lori Micucci, as their son, Zachary is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Marie and Marty Cohen on the birth of their granddaughter, Stella Marie Ivy, daughter of Jessica Cohen Ivy and Justin Ivy. Thomas Dames and Deborah Kuhn Dames, as their daughter, Sarah, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.

Thank You to

Laurence and Jacqueline Weitzman, as their son, Alexander, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah. Michelle and Jeremy Fine, on the birth of their daughter, Madison Avery.

Chuck Bauer for providing the WCT community with yet another opportunity to save lives by donating blood.

Dale Glasser for once again mentoring our Derekh leadership development participants.

The amazing team that produces “A Joyful Noise!” ... Mark Kaufman (soprano and tenor saxophones, horn arrangements), Glenn Babakian (trombone), Justin Weber (bass), Adam Weber (percussion), Adam Hart (guitar and voice), Cantor Jonathan Gordon (voice), Cantor Ellen Dreskin (voice), Margot Serwer (voice), Rachel Chang (voice), Maya Glasser (voice), Emily Trias (voice), Rabbi Billy Dreskin (keyboard), Rabbi Mara Young, Jason Fenster and Corey Friedlander (service leaders), Doug Pell and Ross Glinkenhouse (sound dudes), and our awesome tech team (Michael Arbore, Jonathan Montague, Ashley Klein, Anna Schlesinger, Marina Lebowich, Molly Greenholz, Isabelle Ripin, Abigail Ripin, Liam Kaufman, Brendan Chang, Elijah Emery, Cozy Blumenfeld and Ryan Turell).

Those who made "Gifts and Struggles," 3 great weeks of learning and bonding among our local religious communities: Marie Cohen, Janice Rosenfeld, Tamir Rosenblum, Marge Thrope, and Judy Kessler. Our Passover brei-ers and fryers headed up by Nancy Fishman and Chuck Fishman. Leslie Kimmelman, for sharing you and your books with us on Passover morning! Ruakh Neshama (and adviser Adam Hart) for adding your spirit to Mishpakha Shabbat, Havdalah on Ice and our religious school tefillah! Leora Cohen Friedman, for making the 6th grade Mock Wedding even more special this year!

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 Mitzah Fund With many thanks and deep apppreciation and in honor of Jared Turell becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Shari and Jonathan Turell. Thank you Rabbi Billy and in memory of Joseph Bromberg, from Miriam Bromberg. Rabbi Mara's Mitzvah Fund With many thanks and deep apppreciation for all you do and in honor of Jared Turell becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Shari and Jonathan Turell. Cantor's Discretionary Fund Many thanks to Cantor Jonathan and in honor of Jared Turell brecoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Shari and Jonathan Turell. Chai Fund With appreciation to the office staff and the WCT education team, and in honor of Jared Turell becoming a Bar Mitzah, from Shari and Jonathan Turell. In memory of Esther Griff and Stuart J. Lowenthal, from David Griff and Roni Beth Tower. Music Fund In memory of Cantor Kerry Ben-David, from WCT Religious Schoool Teachers. Library Fund In memory of David Steinhardt, from Bob and Jane Steinhardt.

Education and Youth Activities Fund In memory of Paul Richter, from Ben and Irma Schnessel. Bernard and Frances Shapiro Chesed Caring Comm Fund In memory of Robert Rosenblum, from Marty and Rhoda Payson. High Holy Day Prayerbook In memory of Dorothy Kingston, from Chuck and Nancy Fishman. In memory of Wendy Eliezer, from Chuck and Nancy Fishman. In memory of Ruth Weinstein, from Chuck and Nancy Fishman. In memory of Phyllis Handler, from Chuck and Nancy Fishman. In memory of Max Goldberg, from Sura and Lance Rosenthal. Scholar In Residence Fund In memory of Jonah Dreskin, from Billy and Ellen Dreskin. Steve’s H.O.P.E. Fund In appreciation of Woodlands Community Temple for welcoming Jason and Gavi Fenster, from Marilyn and Remy Fenster. In memory of Raphael Bocher, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht.

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

Havdalah on Ice (Mar 14) ... Skating and Music (and maybe a little prayer)!

The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of Barry Weinhouse

father of Brett Weinhouse

Bernyce Cohen

aunt of Jay Izes and great-aunt of Lisa Izes

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).

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

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.

www.wct.org

It's Never Too Late With only one more issue of The Makom remaining before the summer we welcome two new advertisers this month: Home Again Consignments in Dobbs Ferry. Beth Feldman, WCT member is the proprieter of this business. Check it out. Moving in Tandem - if you are moving or downsizing give a call to Joanna or Pam and discuss with them your needs. Limited space is available for the June issue. Get your ad in now or you'll have to wait until September.

Solutions for Moving & Downsizing Our purpose is to help you with your next step whatever it may be. Joanna Bassett & Pam Paterson 914.200.4644 movingintandem.com movingintandem@gmail.com

• Organize • Downsize • Simplify • Project Management • Supervise Movers & Other Services • Unpack and Settle you in

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

Ads Deliver

Reach out and touch a Woodlands member with your ad. One, five, ten times a year.

To reserve space, call the temple office @ 914 592 7070 or write to makom@wct.org

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

College Connection by Ali Bohrer

by Becca Leibowitz Ali is a junior at Johns Hopkins University studying International Studies, Business, and Spanish. On campus, she’s actively involved with Students Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations and works on web development for the library.

Becca is a sophomore at Tufts University majoring in Child Study and Human Development. In her free time, she plays the flute in Wind Ensemble, writes for the school newspaper, and counts down the days until fondue night in the dining hall...

came into freshman year with the intention of getting involved with Hillel and building an identity for myself that largely involved Judaism. After a few Shabbat dinners at Hillel, I realized that this was not the way I wanted to go about practicing Judaism. For me, Judaism has always been about the values of helping others and building community— so I joined volunteer organizations, and made friends I wouldn’t trade for the world. I’m usually the only Jew, but it gives me the opportunity to discuss my beliefs with my friends and learn from everyone around me. I also studied abroad in Spain last semester and lived with a Catholic family. My host mom took me to the rural town in which she grew up (population: 150), and brought me to mass for All Saints Day. Most residents of the town had never met an American, let alone a Jew, and I’m relatively certain at any given point half the eyes of the mass were on me, not the priest. But this is an aspect of Judaism I love, the opportunity to speak with others about my beliefs and connect over the similarities of religion, rather than the differences. Even if I’ll forever be remembered as the token Jew, the best experiences are often the ones with which we’re the most uncomfortable. And, of course, I’ve carried my love of Jewish food into college—all my friends look forward to my annual matzah pizza and hamantaschen-making parties.

he impact of Woodlands on my college life is most apparent in my desire to seize the opportunities I have to give back—both within the Jewish community and beyond it. After having had the privilege of belonging to such a socially and globally conscious Jewish community at Woodlands, it was important to me to attend a university with a similarly active Jewish population that cares about tikkun olam and social action. As tzedakah co-chair on Tufts Hillel’s programming board, I’ve been able to plan social action events and programs for Tufts’ Jewish community. Outside of Hillel, I volunteer as a buddy at the Tufts daycare center. I’m also currently taking a class called Homelessness in America that I wouldn’t have taken had it not been for the Midnight Runs I attended through Woodlands, which sparked my interest in the issue of homelessness. Throughout my almost-two years at Tufts, my conception of Judaism has been affirmed, expanded upon and, in some ways, challenged. I’ve learned much more about the IsraeliPalestinian conflict—an ongoing discussion and a source of tension on campus—and I grapple with determining what I think is right. There has been anti-Semitic graffiti spray-painted on campus buildings, as has been the case at other colleges, reminding us all of growing anti-Semitism throughout the world. Through all this, I continue to give back to my community—to do my part to repair the world—and I continue to be proud of my Judaism. My understanding of my Jewish identity is evolving daily. But it started at Woodlands, and for that, I am thankful.