the newsletter of woodlands community temple
May 2018 Iyyar-Sivan 5778
Welcoming Your Interfaith Family at Woodlands by Rabbi Billy Dreskin and Rabbi Mara Young
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n our Shabbat service handout, you’ll find the following description of Woodlands Community Temple: We are hundreds of individuals and families, all interested in making Judaism exciting and meaningful for ourselves and those we love. We believe that an understanding of and an appreciation for differences – age, color, disability, sex, race/ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression – lead to healthy and inclusive communities. We believe that by respecting all people and hearing all voices – by celebrating our shared humanity – we make better decisions for ourselves and for the communities we serve. You may wonder what this all means for someone who is part of our temple community but isn’t Jewish. Do we welcome you as well? We respond with an enthusiastic, “Yes!” (and if you’ve been part of Woodlands for a while now, we hope you agree this is true).
Regardless of religious identity, if you want Woodlands to be your spiritual home, so do we. Who may join Woodlands? If you’d like to be part of our temple family, you may join Woodlands as a full member whether you are Jewish or not. How do I fit into the ritual moments at temple? Because Woodlands is your spiritual home, we love having you participate in any aspect of worship and ritual. Please join in wherever and whenever you feel comfortable. If you like, wear a kippah and/or tallit, offer names during Mee Sheberakh (our healing prayer), say Kaddish for those you miss, and if you love to sing, join our Woodlands Singers. If you’re invited to come up to the bimah (where our services are led), you are welcome to read in English or Hebrew, light candles, carry the Torah, and so much more. The only exception is reciting words that comprise a formal declaration of Jewishness (any “asher kidshanu” prayer or Torah blessings). Continued on p. 2
A Same-Sex Mock Wedding by Rabbi Mara Young
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quick timeline: 1987 – the Union for Reform Judaism adopts a resolution calling for full inclusion of lesbian and gay Jews. 1997 – the URJ resolves to support and advocate for gay and lesbian marriage in the civil sector. 2000 – the Central Conference of American Rabbis votes to support colleagues who choose to perform same-sex ceremonies (even though it is not yet legal in the US). Today – Reform clergy (including the three who call Woodlands home) proudly perform same-sex weddings for many loving couples around the country with the full backing of United States law.
The fight for marriage equality was long, full of ups and downs. But now that it is finally the law of the land, it’s like it always was this way (as least to the kids)! Children today are growing up with unprecedented acceptance for same-sex partnerships and gender diversity. This timeline and its progress is important to consider as we share that, for the first time in Woodlands’ history, the 6th Grade Mock Wedding will be a wedding between two brides. Over the years, the WCT School Board has taken up the idea of a same-sex mock Continued on p. 4
Celebrating Israel’s 70th Birthday by Roberta Roos
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eventy years ago, a group of Jews gathered together at the Tel Aviv Museum (today, Independence Hall) and signed a document establishing the State of Israel. That document presented a blueprint based largely on prophetic values which guided the founders’ vision for what the State should become. On Israel’s 70th birthday, Woodlands examined that blueprint and discovered that, while there is much left to do, much progress has been made. At our Shabbat Yom HaAtzma’ut service last month, we celebrated the accomplishments, and throughout the month of May, we will learn more about them. On Sunday, June 3, we hope you will march with your Reform Jewish community and the Woodlands banner in the Celebrate Israel Parade in NYC. We will carry signs highlighting the values contained in that 70-year-old document. Sign up at wct.org/IsraelParade to march with us – it’s just a train ride away. And be sure to reserve your Woodlands hat to wear in the parade at wct.org/hats. Seventy years deserves a celebration!
Our Woodlands Community
Welcoming Your Interfaith Family at Woodlands, Continued from p. 2
Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org Rabbi Mara Young rabbimara@wct.org Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon cantor@wct.org Tara Levine, Director of Youth Engagement youth@wct.org Corey Friedlander, Sh’liakh K’hilah corey@wct.org Deena Gottlieb, Intern intern@wct.org
Is my child Jewish? Can he/she attend religious school at Woodlands? In the Reform Movement, any child with one Jewish parent is Jewish if they are raised Jewish (celebrating Judaism at home and in the community for holidays and significant life-cycle moments, as well as receiving a formal Jewish education) and practice no other religion. Since 1983, the Reform Movement has asserted that Jewish identity is no longer merely determined by the religion of the mother. While your child should only be enrolled in a Jewish religious school and living a Jewish life, they may learn about and share in their non-Jewish parent’s family traditions in sensitive, appropriate ways. At Woodlands, we teach our children that they can honor and cherish all members of their family (Jewish and not) as well as be wholly Jewish.
Executive Committee Dayle Fligel, President president@wct.org Rachel Wineberg, VP Education education@wct.org Andy Farber, VP Facilities facilities@wct.org Michael Wiskind, VP Finance finance@wct.org Nancy Fishman, VP Programming/Ritual programming@wct.org Irving Adler, Financial Secretary financialsecretary@wct.org Steve Sagner, Secretary secretary@wct.org Bonni Arbore, Treasurer treasurer@wct.org
Board of Trustees David Bertan Dan Emery Judy Feder Herb Friedman Yvette Gralla Amy Green
Elka Klarsfeld Jenna Lebowich Lisa Linn Mike Scafidi Michele Wise Ann Zarider
Stu Berlowitz (ex-officio)
Office Staff Liz Rauchwerger, Office Coordinator liz@wct.org Marjorie Mattel, Office Assistant marjorie@wct.org Michele Montague, Education Administrative Assistant michele@wct.org Bookkeeper bookkeeper@wct.org
Woodlands Community Temple 50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607 914.592.7070 main office 914.592.1790 religious school direct line 914.592.7376 fax wct@wct.org www.wct.org Religious School: school@wct.org
Woodlands Community Temple is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism Art Director: Melanie Roher
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Am I permitted to participate in religious school events? Absolutely. Not only do we welcome your support and involvement in your child’s Jewish education, we need it. Your encouragement will mean the world as your child’s spiritual development evolves. What about when my child becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah? This is such a powerful and significant moment in the life of your family, and we want you to celebrate it fully. As with all B’nai Mitzvah parents, you will be invited to present a D’var Torah, a message for your child based on the morning’s Torah reading. You will also be invited to participate in the Chain of Tradition, during which the Torah is passed from generation to generation, for you too have played a major role in seeing Judaism passed down to your child. Because we respect your choice not to formally choose Judaism as your religion, you will not be asked to recite Torah blessings (whose words formally identify the reader as Jewish). What if the unexpected happens and my Jewish partner is no longer in the picture? We hope your inclusion at Woodlands will be permanent. If some unexpected scenario finds you assuming sole responsibility for your child, Woodlands will guide you in maintaining a Jewish
home and life, and we’ll be on-call when questions and concerns arise. Way down the road (God willing), may I be buried in the temple cemetery? Yes. As with any temple member, our clergy will be available to you, as will the Woodlands section in Sharon Gardens Cemetery. May my children recite Kaddish in my memory? Kaddish is a Jewish act of remembering. It need not be recited for someone who is Jewish nor by someone who is Jewish. If Jewish acts of mourning are meaningful and feel helpful, anyone is welcome to take part in them. I love this temple! Can I do more? Yes! We’d love to see you involved in temple leadership. If you’re committed to preserving and celebrating Jewish values throughout our community, by all means join our committees. What about conversion? While we won’t ever suggest that your religious choices are insufficient, if you are interested in formally choosing Judaism for yourself, we welcome your inquiry. Come sit with one of us and together we can explore what it might mean for you, for your family at Woodlands, and for your extended family of origin. We’re honored that you’d even think about it. Still have questions? We’re eager to meet with you to discuss any range of issues that are on your mind. Just let us know (rabbi@wct.org, rabbimara@wct.org, 914-592-7070). We truly want Woodlands to be your Jewish home. Let us help you find a path that’s right for you.
from the
Rabbi
“Let My People Go So That ...” Rabbi Mara Young
We’ve been misquoting Moses. One of his most famous quotations is, “Let My People Go!” When we chant it at Passover time, we see it as the declaration of absolute freedom. “Let my people go to freedom” is what we mean. But that’s not what it says. For example, Exodus 5 reads, “Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Eternal, the God of Israel: Let My people go that they may celebrate a festival for Me in the wilderness.’” Or Exodus 9, which reads, “Then the Eternal said to Moses, go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Eternal, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so that they may worship Me.’” The full verse can be jarring. Let My people go so that they can worship Me? Wow, that sounds self-serving. Why would God want the Israelites to go from laboring under one master just to be servants to another? Is that really freedom? The better question, I suggest, is: How is serving God different from serving an earthly tyrant like Pharaoh? Better yet: What does it look like to serve God? You’ll quickly find that the answers go from building garrison cities to feeding the hungry. Serving Pharaoh has no greater purpose other than his own self-aggrandizement and personal profit. Serving God really means acting in service to our fellow humans, creating a society in which we all profit. Thus enters the holiday of Shavuot. On Shavuot, we take on “the yoke of Torah,” meaning that we accept all its rules and regulations and are held to them. But rather than beat us down, the laws of Torah are meant to raise up our spirits and elevate how our society functions. These rules are not in vain, instead, the Torah’s mitzvot – holy obligations – make us and our world better. Back around Passover, I asked our religious school students to complete the quotation, “Let My people go so that ...” Enjoy the accompanying photos!
Happy Shavuot!
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A Same-Sex Mock Wedding, Continued from p. 1
Just Israel Send In The Clowns by Deena Gottlieb
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he clowns at the Dream Doctors’ Project aren’t clowning around. They are paramedical professionals who work in the pediatric wards of Israeli hospitals in order to bring good cheer and emotional health to the patients. There are over seventy clowns in seventeen hospitals throughout the country. Not only do they help make the children feel more comfortable in the hospital environment, they also reduce the average length of stay in the hospital. These medical clowns are committed to working with patients of all races, religions, and backgrounds. They receive training in adapting their humor to the diverse populations of Israeli hospitals, which include young Arab, Palestinian, Jewish, Russian, Ethiopian, Bedouin, Muslim and Christian patients. These clowns fulfill the mitzvah of bikur kholim, visiting the sick. But not only do they visit, they also help to heal. That’s no laughing matter, even for a clown.
wedding. Pedagogically, the Mock Wedding acts as a capstone to the 6th grade Lifecycles Curriculum, an experiential education technique for kids to learn about rituals from the inside out. The point has been made for years: if we are to teach what a Reform Jewish wedding looks like, it should include same-sex couples. Over the years, we amended the ceremony to use the language of “partnership” and be less gender-specific. We added a significant learning piece about Reform Judaism’s acceptance of same-sex weddings, including pictures of me and of Rabbi Billy officiating at actual same-sex weddings. As we continued to ask ourselves how we could logistically and compassionately explore this idea, it was the kids, the next generation, who stood up and said, “It’s time!” Isn’t that usually the way? A group of 6th graders approached their teachers, who then approached me, asking if we could pursue this option. I sat down with the entire 6th grade to have a discussion of what it would look like. I set the ground rules: they had to be serious about it and everyone’s feelings matter. I explained where the Reform Jewish community stands and where their temple stands. The students had the opportunity to share their thoughts with the group as well as through private, anonymous notes that were handed in. The maturity, thoughtfulness and compassion that our 6th graders displayed was jaw-dropping. There was consensus: while it was new and felt a little different, the group was overwhelmingly in favor of making it happen. After two young women volunteered to be the brides, it was made official. This whole process showed that the old maxim is right: the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. Our 6th graders represent the future of our country – a future full of effortless love and acceptance.
High School Graduation Shabbat Fri, May 4 at 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.
Michael Arbore son of Tony and Bonni Arbore
Rachel Best
daughter of Robert and Carolyn Best Cozette Blumenfeld daughter of Jeff Blumenfeld and Mardene Miller Rachel Dames daughter of Thomas Dames And Deborah Kuhn Dames Charlotte Dorn daughter of Freddie Dorn and Jeanne D’agostino Dorn Jacob Frank son of Terry Frank
While Israel struggles with the challenges of establishing peace with her neighbors, good news does emerge. This column provides a brief glimpse of something taking root there that firmly aligns Israel’s values with Judaism’s. We hope you share our pride and admiration for these Arab/Israeli achievements.
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Jessica Friedman daughter of Jeff and Jan Friedman Liam Kaufman son of Mark Kaufman and Rachel Wineberg Madeleine Lesser daughter of Adam and Nicole Lesser Jenna Meltzer daughter of Steven and Jodie Meltzer
Amy Mendelson daughter of Jay Mendelson and Evalyn Cohen Jonathan Montague son of Mark And Michele Montague Emma Oren daughter of Richard And Nancy Oren Denali Sagner daughter of Steve Sagner and Jennifer Tower Samara Scharf daughter of Doron Scharf and Joanne Levine Ryan Turell son of Jonathan and Shari Turell Jacob Wise son of Andrew and Michele Wise Mia Wolosky daughter of Lee Wolosky and Frengiz Surty This is a celebration of Jewish life and continuity and integrity for us all! It’s an Oneg Shabbat – a true “Shabbat delight.” This service is going to be one truly delightful celebration of Shabbat. Join us!
Worship Schedule Shabbat Emor Lev 21:1 - 24:23 ... Ezek 44:15-31 35th day of the Omer
Fri, May 4 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 5 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Tess Korten, daughter of Jennifer and Michael Korten, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.
Shabbat Behar-Bekhukotai Lev 25:1 - 27:34 ... Jer 16:19 - 17:14 42nd day of the Omer
Fri, May 11 A Joyful Noise! at 8:00 pm A service for everyone, from oldest to youngest. With a dozen musicians and your voices, we’ll fill the Sanctuary with a joyful noise! Visual Worship tonight ... all prayers and readings will be projected onto screens. Welcome this evening to our 2nd grade families – 2nd graders are rising up tonight!
Sat, May 12 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Abigail Isenberg, daughter of Stacey and Josh Isenberg, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.
Shabbat Bemidbar Num 1:1 - 4:20 ... Hos 2:1-22 49th day of the Omer
Fri, May 18 Mishpakha Shabbat HaMoreh at 7:00 pm (note earlier start-time) An embarrassment of riches, it is! Our earlier congregational service, this month includes our annual Teacher Recognition Shabbat to thank those who have taught us
and our children this year. Meaningful for adults, engaging for kids! If you like, join us for a quick dinner at 6:00 pm – make your reservation at wct.org/mishpakha.
Sat, May 19 Yoga Shabbat at 10:30 am A Shabbat morning experience for everybody – adults and kids – that will include music, prayer, Torah, and easy yoga movements. A holistic celebration of Creation! Rebecca Jane Smith, gentle yoga instructor extraordinaire, will once again (along with Rabbi Billy and Tara Levine) lead the way. Wear loose clothing and bring a yoga mat if you have one (we’ll have a few available as well). RSVP to youth@wct.org.
Shabbat Naso
Hevra Torah Learning Saturdays, 9:15-10:15 am There’s abundant room around our table. Drop by once or often, we’d love to have you join our lively conversation. In the Meeting Room or Library.
May 5: Parashat Emor Facilitated by Rabbi Billy
May 12: Parashat BeharBekhukotai Facilitated by Rabbi Mara
May 19: Parashat Bemidbar Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan
May 26: Parashat Naso Facilitated by Rabbi Billy
Num 4:21 -7:89 ... Judg 13:2-25
Fri, May 25 Jammin’ Shavuot at 7:00 pm
Confirmation
Climbin’ Mount Sinai! A half-hour of zany, holy fun! Special “First Fruits” blessings for all babies born since last May. Put on your jammies, bring a bedtime friend, a blanket if you like, and c’mon over for 30 minutes of Shabbat song, stories and blessings to get you ready for bed. Bring a buck for tzedakah! Our last Jammin’ Shabbat until next fall.
Sun, May 20 at 10:30 am
Simply Shabbat at 8:00 pm
Religious School registrations for 2018-19 are due by Tue, May 15. After May 15, a late fee will be incurred.
A quiet evening with your clergy. Familiar melodies and familiar prayers to bring us all together. Deena Gottlieb will speak as we bid her farewell. Also tonight, naming of Eden and Eliot Bredhoff, twin sons of Sarah and David Bredhoff.
Sat, May 26 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Joshua Burke, son of Rori and John Burke, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.
You are cordially invited to 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.
Reminder ...
Shop Amazon, Raise Bucks for WCT! Do you shop online at amazon.com? Did you know that if you get there by using our wct.org/amazon link, Woodlands will receive 5% of your payment. Doesn’t get much easier. So please shop amazon and help raise bucks for your temple.
Thanks!
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May Happenings & Beyond Learning
Monthly Knitting and Crocheting Sun, May 20 at 3:00 pm
WCT Book Club Wed, May 9 at 2:00 pm
Make mitzvah projects together with our friendly and active group. All levels welcome, including beginners. RSVP to Angela Adler at knitting@wct.org.
Facilitated by Rochelle Novins Secrets and Shadows is written by Roberta Silman, former WCT member who relocated to Boston. The plot of this intriguing new novel oscillates between a Jewish boy’s life in wartime Berlin, his life in Manhattan as a successful lawyer and his need to temporarily return to Berlin in 1989, soon after the Berlin Wall falls down. It is a penetrating psychological novel that plumbs the depths of how an individual’s guilty secrets can undermine his inner life and his marriage. It is a fierce and beautiful novel written with grace and compassion.
Current Events Wed, May 16 at 10:00 am Join this ever-popular discussion about what is going on in the world. Enjoy coffee and donuts and share your opinions.
Lunch and Learn Wed, May 16 at 11:30 am
Breakfast Run Sun, May 6, 6:45-10:30 am
The Sanctuary Dinner Sun, June 10
They are the folks we walk by, often unaware of the difficulties they face getting through each day without a nourishing meal. Their problems go way beyond what’s on their plate – but what’s on their plate is something we can help. Join us for a morning serving breakfast, supplying toiletries, distributing clothing, and bringing compassion and conversation to low-income and homeless folks on NYC streets. Contact Michael Silverman and Betsy Schorr at MidnightRunBreakfasts@wct.org. Adults as well as middle school and older kids (with parent) are welcome. If you can’t come along, you can provide homemade or store-bought breakfast foods or new or gently-used casual clothing.
On a single night in January 2015, there were 2493 homeless teens on the streets of NYC. And that’s not including the thousands of kids who couch surf or spend some nights on the streets because they don’t feel safe at home. Run by Children’s Village, the Sanctuary in Valhalla is a warm inviting home that offers a safe alternative to frightening and dangerous nights on the streets for boys and girls from 12-17. Along with others in the Greenburgh Interfaith Caring Community, we have been providing dinner for these teens several times a year. Our next dinner is on Thursday, June 10. If you would like to prepare one of the courses (salad, main, side, dessert, etc), let our dinner team (Val Fox, Melissa Goldsmith, Allison Pray) know at shelterdinner@wct.org and they will tell you what is needed. The food must be delivered to the temple by 11:00 am on Thursday, June 10. This is a great opportunity to involve your kids in a sweet mitzvah.
Annual Social Action Dinner and Visioning Meeting Sun, May 6 at 6:00 pm
Immediately following Current Events. This month, Cantor Jonathan will enlighten us about the “Music of the Sabbath Service.” Great lunch, great topic, great people, and all for only $10. Sign up at wct.org/lunchandlearn.
At the end of each year, we meet to celebrate our social action efforts and discuss ideas for the coming year. If you have been involved in social action at WCT this year in any way – or if you wish you had been, or if you hope to be, or if you are just curious – this dinner meeting is for you. RSVP at socialaction@wct.org.
Social Action
May Mensch of the Month is Kindergarten
Environmental Task Force Meeting Tue, May 1 at 7:30 pm Please join us as we evaluate the Zero Waste Shabbat which we held in March and to begin planning for next year.
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You, too, can be a mensch by bringing in healthy snacks and large cereal boxes for the food cart. Help our local food pantries and the folks they serve.
Youth Engagement YFEC Parents of Teens Event: Teens and Sex, Part II Sat, May 12 at 6:30 pm Join us for our second session of the school year discussing topics around sexuality and our teens. Our speaker, Al Vernacchio, is known for his TED Talk entitled “Sex Needs a New Metaphor. Here’s One ...” and his incredible teaching around sex education. We are thrilled to bring him to WCT to meet with parents of teens. RSVP info coming soon. Contact Tara at youth@wct.org for more information.
Together Again: 20 Years of the
Woodlands Coffeehouse Sat, June 2 at 8:00 pm The Woodlands Coffeehouse celebrates 20 years of great acoustic music with a very special evening of contemporary folk music. Chris Lowe will come up from Greenwich Village and join Cantor Jonathan for a night of original songs, blues, and tunes of all sorts from Jonathan’s song bag. Chris is well known as a vivid songwriter, a teller of the world with a Manhattan eye view of the passing parade. He plays a storied Gibson guitar with great skill and feeling and will hold your mind and heart as he opens the world with his songs. Cantor Jonathan has prepared new material for this evening, including his originals and his distinctive arrangements of a panorama of songs and poetry, all sung with the humor and feeling that he brings to his music. It’ll be a great night of positive energy, friendship, and great music. Snacks, drinks, all in the friendly confines of our local coffeehouse. Admission is $20 ($10 for students). See you there!
Yoga Shabbat Returns! Sat, May 19 at 10:30 am Reflect, free your mind, relax, and spend time with the ones you love. Led by Rabbi Billy, Tara Levine and Rebecca Smith, master yoga instructor and deeply spiritual Jew. Rebecca seamlessly and inspiringly connects each yoga position to the prayers of our tradition. Regardless of your age (and we’ve covered the spectrum, from age 3 to 83!) or level of experience, there is a place for you in our circle. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat if you have one (we’ll have some on hand too), and get ready for a lovely, invigorating Shabbat morning. RSVP to Tara at youth@wct.org.
Pride Shabbat Fri, June 1 at 8:00 pm Woodlands Community Temple is hosting our second Pride Shabbat! Our LGBTQ+ Task Force and Social Action Committee are excited to partner on this special Shabbat evening. We will share experiences and hopes for LGBTQ inclusion, and embrace our community’s diversity as well as its commitment to these deeply-held values. Additionally, we will have a speaker from Keshet, the national LGBTQ+ Jewish organization. We are looking forward to sharing this special Shabbat celebration and embracing each of our own unique identities with the community.
Annual Temple Meetings: Make Your Voice Heard Congregational Budget Meeting Wed, May 9 at 8:00 pm Ask questions about next year’s proposed budget (available at wct.org/wctbudget).
Annual Congregational Meeting Wed, May 16 at 8:00 pm Vote on the 2018-19 budget (wct.org/wctbudget) and slate of Board Officers and Trustees.
Ramadan Iftar Meal Sat, May 26 at 6:30 pm Woodlands will again host an Iftar, the break-fast that ends each day during the month-long Muslim observance of Ramadan. We have been honored to welcome our Muslim friends from the Peace Islands Institute these last two years and are thrilled that not only will they be coming again this year but we will also be joined by members of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, an organization of Muslim and Jewish women. This is an opportunity to learn about each other – our cultures, our rituals, our foods, and our common humanity – and to build friendships. It’s going to be a wonderful family experience, so bring your kids (no school the next day – give them a treat and let them stay up late!). Sign up at wct.org/Iftar. But don’t delay – space is limited and will fill up fast because we are three organizations.
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To the Confirmation Class of 5778: Mazal tov from all of us at Woodlands! The mountain awaits. With hearts and minds open, on Sunday morning, May 20 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: Charlotte Ballan daughter of Jim Ballan and Elise Wagner Ballan
Rachel Bloom daughter of Richard and Lizabeth Bloom
Rory Confino-Pinzon son of Joseph Pinzon and Marni Confino
Sarah Dames daughter of Thomas Dames and Deborah Kuhn Dames
Daniel Goldberg son of Michael Goldberg and Jenny Ottinger
Samantha Gottlieb daughter of Adam and Jennifer Gottlieb
Ruthie Kaufman daughter of Scott and Lauren Kaufman
Austyn Richter daughter of Jeffrey and Fern Richter
Kate Weber daughter of Adam and Monica Weber
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Why Families Come to Services at WCT – Part II by your clergy Last month, we introduced you to members of Woodlands who have chosen, across the years, to bring their children to Shabbat services. Some have come to regular Friday night services, while others brought their kids to Mishpakha Shabbat, Jammin’ Shabbat and/or A Joyful Noise! Our hope is that hearing their voices, you will begin bringing your own family to Shabbat at WCT. Here’s are more testimonials as you consider the role of Jewish worship in your loved ones lives: “When my oldest daughter was in elementary school, she had a lot of friends at Woodlands and the parents would take turns hosting Friday night services and sleepovers. And the rabbi was very charismatic. So we went a lot.” – Marjory Selig “We enjoy attending temple as a family: to connect with our Woodlands community, because services make us think and urge us to be part of something bigger than ourselves, and together, to decompress at the end of our week.” – Andy Rosengarden “We come to Shabbat services because our daughter makes us. Okay, maybe that’s not the only reason, but for Sarah, WCT is a safe and special place where she sees her temple friends, sings her heart out, and hugs her favorite adults. We also learn a lot about Jewish approaches to love, life, community and prayer!” – Pam and Joel Chernoff “The Miro family goes to services to spend time together in prayer and song. We enjoy sharing in this experience with our Woodlands family. Listening to stories, asking for healing, and being inspired to be and do better.” – Alyssha Miro Here’s some more information as you think this through.
Mishpakha Shabbat is an earlier, briefer service but not a “family service.” It’s meant for our whole community, adults on down to about 3rd grade. The prayers are “the usual ones,” often set to some of the newer melodies that have recently grown in popularity across the country. The clergy present sermons and iyyunim (directed thoughts that introduce many prayers). This is often the perfect family entry point. A Joyful Noise is our big “band service.” It features all of our clergy, plus a dozen or so musicians, all bringing an exciting, high-energy celebration of Shabbat. It’s got projections on the screens and lots of musical activity on the bimah, which can keep those whose attentions wander focused and engaged. Jammin’ Shabbat is held one Friday each month, 7:00-7:30 pm, and is especially designed for families with little ones (2nd grade and younger). Put on their jammies, have them bring a bedtime friend, and join our clergy for a half-hour of bedtime song, stories and blessings. And there’s every other 8:00 pm service. They’re full of music (we are a congregation that doesn’t just listen – we sing), both traditional and contemporary prayers, sermons and iyyunim to spur both mind and spirit. Whether life is tough or life is wonderful, there are seats waiting for your family in our sanctuary. Come bring your hopes, your dreams, your fears, your regrets. Together, we’ll celebrate the best in life, hold hands as we move through the worst, and inspire one another to leave the sanctuary with confident determination that we should, we can, and we will, make this world a better place for all. Hope to see you Friday night!
Todah Rabbah (thank you!) to David Berliner 30 Years Leading Hevra Kaddisha
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f someone in your family has died, it’s possible that a member of our temple came over to your home and led a shiva service. If so, David Berliner is the person who made that happen for you. For the past thirty years, whenever his phone has rung and caller ID indicated the rabbi or cantor was calling, he knew there was a good chance he’d be arranging his next set of shiva services. Supported by a faithful band of volunteers, David made sure that any Woodlands family who wanted it would be the beneficiary of this warm, inclusive, caring service. We asked David to pen a few words of reflection:
Ever since I managed to get through my Bar Mitzvah service, the thought of reading Hebrew aloud has been intimidating. So when the rabbi offered me an unexpected “opportunity,” I paused before accepting it. That was 30 years ago (the rabbi was Mark Dov Shapiro) when I was asked if I’d volunteer to arrange shiva services at congregants’ homes. These days, as my wife Donna and I prepare to move to the suburbs of Seattle to be near our daughters and grandsons, I am so grateful to have been given that opportunity. It has been one of my greatest honors to have worked with the devoted corps of men and women who bring love and support to fellow members (including, at times, one another) in their days of greatest need. As David and Donna pack their bags to move to the west coast, we can’t let them go without saying thanks. Thanks for being part of Woodlands these past 33 years. Thanks for so many, many times you’ve each stepped forward and volunteered your time. And David, thank you for leading us all in this sacred, comforting practice from which so many of us have benefitted across the years.
Just in time! Our favorite Judaica jewelers have come out with beautiful new pieces, perfect for this month’s many celebrations. Alef Bet’s new double opal and silver hamsa necklace is the perfect Mother’s Day gift!
David, ever devoted to his Hevra Kaddisha, asked if he could make one last pitch to recruit new volunteers:
Perhaps your pain has been eased by services that include not only prayers, but also the opportunity to collectively share memories with friends and relatives. Our committee is called Hevra Kaddisha. The name technically refers to Jewish burial societies that ritually prepare bodies for internment. At Woodlands, we leave that to the professionals, believing instead that the greatest gift we can offer is to comfort mourners and let them know that their temple family is there for them. I urge you to consider volunteering to conduct these services. It only totals a few hours a year and you are under no obligation to accept a request. If Hebrew is not in your comfort zone, you can always team up with another committee member for whom it is. Talk it over with Cantor Jonathan. If it’s for you, I know you will feel good after each service. Perhaps even 30 years from now as well. David is emblematic of what we strive to create here at Woodlands. A community of friends and neighbors looking out for one another, offering a bit of our time and energy from time to time, lending a helping hand where it’s needed.
Thanks, David. May you and Donna thrive in this next great chapter of your lives.
May is a busy month at Woodlands. We will kvell with the families of the 10th Grade Confirmands and the 12th Grade High School Graduates. Celebrate these milestones with a beautiful Torah pointer or a beautiful Judaica kaleidoscope symbolic of their ever-changing future. Weddings and anniversary celebrations populate our calendars and The Judaica Shop at Woodlands has gifts that will foster the building of their Jewish life together. Lily Art’s challah plates and knife or Amalia Flaisher, Gary Rosenthal or Rosetree Glass Designs’ Shabbat candlesticks are gifts that will be used time and time again.
The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is open every day by request, whenever the temple office is open. Evening and weekend hours are noted in the temple weekly email. Shopping for something special? Looking for a volunteer opportunity that’s fun and fits with your schedule? Let's talk! Email us at judaicashop@wct.org.
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Upcoming Meetings
The Simkha Page
B’nai Mitzvah
School Board
Tess Korten
Joshua Burke
Sun, May 6 at 12:00 pm
May 5
May 26
Social Action
Torah Portion Emor
Torah Portion Naso
Hebrew Name Khana Yehudit
Hebrew Name Elya Avraham
Sun, May 6 at 6:00 pm
Finance Committee Mon, May 14 at 8:15 pm
Jewish Life Committee Mon, May 14 at 8:15 pm
Board of Trustees Mon, May 21 at 8:15 pm We would be delighted to welcome you to any temple meeting that interests you. Please be in touch with Dayle Fligel (president@wct.org) for information on how to join (or just visit) a committee.
The Woodlands Community
Mourns the Loss of
Abigail Isenberg May 12 Torah Portion Behar Hebrew Name Sarah
Mazal Tov to ... Michael and Jennifer Korten as their daughter, Tess, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Josh and Stacey Isenberg as their daughter, Abigail, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. John and Rori Burke as their son, Joshua, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah. Grant Edick and Kara Weiss, daughter of Lia and Richard Weiss, on their recent wedding!
Leon Feldan brother-in-law of Mike and Trudy Holand
Todah Rabbah (thank you) to...
Linda Solomon wife of Mark Solomon (z”l)
Chuck and Nancy Fishman for organizing the Matzo Brei Brunch.
Marvin Yarnold father of David Yarnold
Everyone who baked for and/or attended the Midnight Run Concert.
HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning.
Can Your Hear Me Now? WCT Sound Crew in Formation
Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.
Is It Time to Purchase Cemetery Plots? Woodlands Community Temple has graves available for purchase at Sharon Gardens in Valhalla. The cost per grave is $3300. If you are interested or have questions, please contact cemetery@wct.org.
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Lisa Linn and her extraordinary committee for their work on this year’s Jonah Concert.
We’re looking for a few folks who’d like to mix sound for worship services. Previous experience is helpful. If you’ve ever played in a band or mixed sound, this could be just for you. Once a month or so, we need a pair of ears to mix sound in sanctuary for A Joyful Noise, Purim, and other complex musical moments at WCT. Here’s a chance to have lots of fun working with great people and to give a bit of time to our temple. We can train you on our specific board (Behringer X32) but we’re not really in a position to teach anyone from the ground up. Please contact Lance Rosenthal (lance.rosenthal@gmail. com) if you’re interested or have questions.
Support the WCT Endowment Trust You can help sustain and ensure the heritage of Woodlands Community Temple for generations to come by supporting the WCT Endowment Trust, an investment entity designed to generate income separate from the Temple’s operating funds. Gifts to the Endowment Trust can be made in many ways, including bequests, multi-year pledges, and remainder trusts. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law and will always be tastefully acknowledged. Oversight is managed by a committee of Temple members who serve as trustees. For more information, or to plan a donation to the Endowment Trust, please email endowment@wct.org.
Donations We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support Woodlands Community Temple by remembering and honoring their friends and loved
Mishpakha Shabbat HaMoreh
Rabbi Billy’s Mitzah Fund
Education Enrichment Fund
Teacher Recognition Shabbat Fri, May 18 at 7:00 pm
In memory of Milton Schwartz, from Jeff and Susan Axelrod. In memory of Sheldon Silverman, father of Jan Friedman, from Jan Friedman and Family and Burt Silverman and Family. Thank you Rabbi Billy and in honor of Eliot Loose becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Eliot Loose and Family. Thank you Rabbi Billy for your comforting assistance during the funeral of Irving Karlitz, from Gary and Roz Karlitz. Thank you Rabbi Billy and in honor of Lindsay Hornstein becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Jim and Dana Hornstein.
In honor of Owen Fischer becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Roger, Roberta, and Allison Wetherbee.
ones through their generous contributions.
Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah Fund Thank you Rabbi Mara and in honor of Eliot Loose becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Eliot Loose and Family. Thank you Rabbi Mara and in honor of Lindsay Hornstein becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Jim and Dana Hornstein.
Cantor’s Discretionary Fund Thank you for all of your help and in honor of Eliot Loose becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Eliot Loose and Family. Thank you, Cantor Jonathan, and in honor of Lindsay Hornstein becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Jim and Dana Hornstein.
Chai Fund In memory of Michael Bauer, brother-in-law of Dayle Fligel, from David and Joy Gralnick. In memory of Michael Bauer, from Scott and Julie Stein. In memory of Michael Bauer, from Roger, Roberta, and Allison Wetherbee. In memory of Michael Bauer, from Barry and Judith Kessler. In memory of Harold Glantz, brother of Fran Rosenfeld, from Barry and Judith Kessler. In honor of Joshua Chang becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Larry and Yvette Gralla. In memory of Sheldon Silverman, father of Jan Friedman, from Mark and Michele Montague. In memory of Liz Ommen, from Audrey Cloven. Thank you Rabbis Billy and Mara for your kindness and in memory of my daughter, Liz Ommen, from Judy Herman. In memory of Sheldon Silverman, father of Jan Friedman, from David and Dayle Fligel. In memory of Kenneth Strauss, father of Beth Zelin, from David and Dayle Fligel. In memory of Jack Donovan, son-in-law of Renee Trell, from David and Dayle Fligel. In honor of Tiffany Chesterson choosing Judaism, from David and Dayle Fligel. Thank you Rabbi Billy and Rabbi Mara for your kindness and in memory of my daughter, Liz Ommen, from Judith Herman.
Social Action Fund In honor of all of the teachers at Woodlands, from Eliot Loose and Family. In honor of Maya Glasser’s ordination, from Rekha Packer.
Geraldine and Gerald Weinberger Lifelong Learning Fund In memory of Jane Steinhardt, wife of Bob Steinhardt, from Gerry Weinberger.
Jonah Maccabee Fund In memory of Jonah Dreskin, from Jim and Debbie Pollowitz. In appreciation of Billy and Ellen Dreskin for all the good work they do, from Dick and Sheila Sweet.
Project Ezra Fund In appreciation of Harriet Kohn, from Scott and Julie Stein. In memory of Sheldon Silverman, father of Jan Friedman, from Scott and Julie Stein. Donation from Nelson and Jackie Leicht.
Scholar in Residence Fund In honor of Joshua Chang becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Murray and Jeanne Bodin. In memory of Jane Steinhardt, wife of Bob Steinhardt, from Barry and Judith Kessler. In memory of Kenny Strauss, father of Beth Zelin and cousin of Murray Bodin, from Murray and Jeanne Bodin.
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 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.
Tikkun Layl Shavuot An Evening of Celebration and Learning Sat, May 19, 7:30-10:00 pm Our annual Shavuot evening of interactive learning and affirmation. Come renew the ancient mystical path of those who walked before us. First, Beit Midrash, two 25-minute sessions of small-group learning led by staff and volunteers. Then, “Standing at Sinai” to reaffirm our love for Torah, just as our ancestors did 3200 years ago. Our 10th grade Confirmation families will join us in celebrating their teens’ Jewish life ahead! Shavuot sweets follow.
Donation from Barry and Judith Kessler.
Shavuot Yizkor Memorial Hour
Music Fund
Sun, May 20 at 9:00 am
Refugee Fund
In memory of Harold Glantz, brother of Fran Rosenfeld, from Newt and Lois Alterman.
Steve’s H.O.P.E. Fund In memory of Raphael Bocher, father of Jackie Leicht, from Nelson and Jackie Leicht.
Annual Fund In memory of Liz Ommen, from Todd Ommen.
If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Abuse, please share this confidential hotline:
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.
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March For Our Lives:
White Plains, Ardsley and New York City
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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
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P.O. Box 7, 273 Lakeview Ave, Valhalla, NY 10595 888-536-7426 Fax 914-949-0803 www.Kensico.org
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Joseph Casario Claudia Forlong, Rick Romagnoli, Danielle Ponga, Matthew Pantal
Serving Westchester County and the surrounding areas since
1927
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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
Judai Connection
Eshet Khayil:
A Woman of Valor
Tara Levine
A
s we approach Mother’s Day, I would love to dissect a Jewish prayer dedicated to women, “Eshet Khayil,” or in English, “A Woman of Valor.” Traditionally, a Jewish man recites these words from Proverbs 31 to his wife as they sit down to a lovely Shabbat dinner on Friday evening. The prayer honors his wife, beginning by stating, “A woman of valor, who can find? Far beyond pearls is her value. Her husband’s heart trusts in her and he shall lack no fortune. She repays his good, but never his harm, all the days of her life. She seeks out wool and linen, and her hands work willingly.” The prayer continues to list the good deeds and tasks the wife completes, outlining and praising her abilities. However, in the progressive Jewish world, this prayer has also received much backlash, since it delineates the woman’s responsibilities to be those of traditional “women’s work” (cooking, cleaning, bringing up her children, making clothing, etc). Some see this description as problematic because it puts pressure on the wife to live up to so many expectations, that a woman is supposed to “do it all.” Today, we are all aware that a woman’s responsibilities differ from family to family, with many women working full-time
jobs in addition to home responsibilities. Women have enough pressure without a list of all the ways they could be even more perfect. In a progressive feminist culture, it is clear how this traditional prayer may now be problematic. On the other hand, some see this prayer as honoring women. Tamara Cohen, a feminist Jewish writer and educator, remembers her family Shabbat dinners growing up. She recalls ... “When it came time for my father to sing Eshet Khayil, A Woman of Valor, my mother, the proud feminist, wanted the song. Every word of it. She’d worked hard. The bags under her eyes were dark. A three-course meal was ready in the kitchen even though she’d only left her office an hour before. She wanted the song. Yes, she knew the words. Written by men of another time, Eshet Khayil didn’t exactly describe her own sense of the way things should be. But it was there: two minutes built into the traditional Friday night ritual that were just for her. Two minutes when she could sit back and close her eyes and feel, yes, yes, I deserve a song.” Here, we see the prayer as a way to honor a woman’s hard work. I almost see it as a tie to Black Lives Matter. Yes, all lives matter, but we specifically state
black lives because otherwise the society and systems in place undermine their existence. It is almost as if we should affix “too,” so it reads, “Black Lives Matter Too,” and serves as a reminder to us all. Similarly with feminism, we need to overtly make an effort to treat women well and fairly. It seems Tamara Cohen thinks Eshet Khayil does that job by outwardly thanking the wife and dedicating a whole prayer to her hard work and effort. As we prepare for Mother’s Day, a time to honor the important women in our lives, hopefully we can take the essence of Eshet Khayil and recognize all of the amazing things the women close to us accomplish daily. Eshet Khayil says, “Her children rise and celebrate her; and her husband, he praises her: ‘Many daughters have attained valor, but you have surpassed them all.’”
T
his Mother’s Day, let us identify the valor the women in our lives embody, and let us celebrate the strong women we are lucky enough to know. Happy Mother’s Day!