the newsletter of woodlands community temple
November 2015 Heshvan-Kislev 5776
WCT Scholar to Explore How We Perceive Jewish Identity
Scholar-in-Residence Schedule
How Judaism Became a Religion
by Gary Stern
F
ew questions perplex modern Jews as much as the nature of Judaism itself. Generation after generation has asked in wonderment (and perhaps with a touch of frustration) “Is Judaism a religion, a nationality, a culture, or some kind of mix?” During the weekend of Nov. 20-22, renowned scholar Leora Batnitzky will visit Woodlands to help us unravel the historical, political and religious forces that have shaped modern perspectives on who the Jews are. Batnitzky, the Ronald O. Perelman Professor of Jewish Studies and Professor of Religion at Princeton University, will serve as this year’s scholar-in-residence. The theme of the weekend will be “How Judaism Became a Religion.”
Fri-Sun, Nov 20-22 Professor Leora Batnitzky Shabbat Service Fri, Nov 20, 8:00 pm The modern history of the debate about whether Judaism is a religion or a nationality in German-Jewish and Zionist thought.
“Part of my motivation for focusing on this question – is Judaism a religion, a culture or a nationality? – is that it brings together areas of Jewish thought not often brought together,” Batnitzky says. “You have to look at philosophers, theologians, political writers, religious writers and others. I’m looking forward to hearing what people at Woodlands think.” She will speak three times: during Friday evening’s Shabbat service; after Saturday night’s Havdalah ceremony and following a Sunday morning brunch. Continued on page 3
The Stars Behind the Stars by Dan Emery The WCT Coffeehouse celebrates WCT’s Golden Anniversary on Sat, Nov 7 at 8:00 pm with two chart-topping songwriters playing the music and telling the stories behind the songs that go Gold. Grammy-winner Julie Gold has written for Jewel, Nanci Griffith, Patti LaBelle, Sinead O’Connor, Donna Summer and more, including the Bette Midler #1 hit, “From A Distance.” Grammy-nominee Mike Guerriero wrote the Jennifer Green #1 hit, “How Can I Be Falling,” Danielle Bollinger radio-hits “Kiss the Sky” and “You’ll Always Have Me” and more. Julie writes by sitting down at her piano, while Mike writes wearing headphones and working on his laptop. Despite different
instruments, they describe similar themes in their songwriting journeys. Julie says, “When I was a teenager and I held my first 45 in my hand, I saw this other name underneath the song title and I remember having a revelation that somebody wrote the song.” She especially listened to two piano-based songwriters, Carole King and Laura Nyro. Mike describes a similar experience. “When I was 11 years old, I always read the liner notes of my cassette tapes and I kept seeing the name ‘D. Warren.’ I remember thinking, “Who is this guy? I have to find out!” It turned out the “D” stood for 12-time Grammy nominee Diane Warren. Mike practiced modeling his lyrics on hers. Continued on page 3
Havdalah, Learning, and Dessert Sat, Nov 21, 7:30 pm The particular role of Reform Judaism in this debate and how Reform Judaism has evolved on the issue.
Brunch Sun, Nov 22, 10:30 am How the debate about whether Judaism is a religion or nationality plays out in contemporary controversies about conversion to Judaism in Israel and England. For more information on the SIR program and to sign up, visit wct. org/SIR or contact the temple office (wct@wct.org, 914-592-7070).
Giving Thanks in America Thanksgiving expresses gratitude for the abundant blessings we (and our ancestors!) have received. Jewish tradition overflows with expressions of thanks. In Psalms: Hodu l'Adonai kee tov...give thanks, for God is good; such grace lasts forever (PS 136:1). It really is a good world in which we live. The journey may not be easy, but it's excellent to be on the path. Happy Thanksgiving!
Our Woodlands Community Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org Rabbi Mara Young rabbimara@wct.org Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon cantor@wct.org Tara Levine, Director of Youth Engagement youth@wct.org Corey Friedlander, Sh'liakh K'hilah corey@wct.org Jason Fenster, Rabbinic Intern intern@wct.org
Executive Committee Dayle Fligel, President president@wct.org Rachel Wineberg, VP Education education@wct.org Bob Apter, VP Facilities facilities@wct.org Andy Farber, VP Finance finance@wct.org Nancy Fishman, 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 Aliza Burton Barry Leibowitz Dan Emery Lisa Linn Gloria Falk Lisa Sacks Yvette Gralla Steve Sagner Elka Klarsfeld Mike Scafidi Jenna Lebowich Michele Wise Stuart Berlowitz (ex-officio)
Office Staff Liz Rauchwerger, Office Coordinator liz@wct.org
Worship Schedule Shabbat Vayera
Sat, Nov 14
Gen 18:1 - 22:24 ... II Kngs 4:1-37
Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am
Fri, Oct 30 50th Anniversary Throwback Shabbat at 8:00 pm The first of three special services this year that will explore 50 years of Woodlands Community Temple alongside 50 years of American and world history. This month, we’ll look at the 1960s and 1970s. Special oneg tonight in honor of our departing caretaker German Franco.
Sat, Oct 31 Celebrate with us as Ashley Steir, daughter of Dori and Hugh Steir, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.
Shabbat Khayei Sarah Gen 23:1 - 25:18 ... I Kngs 1:1-31
Fri, Nov 6 Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 pm While the rabbis are in Orlando pretending to be at the URJ Biennial, join our cantor for a lovely evening of Shabbat music and prayer.
Sat, Nov 7 No service this morning. Kaddish can be recited by request at Hevra Torah.
Marjorie Mattel, Office Assistant marjorie@wct.org
Shabbat Toldot
Michele Montague, Education Administrative Assistant michele@wct.org
Fri, Nov 13
Bookkeeper bookkeeper@wct.org
Woodlands Community Temple 50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607 914.592.7070 main office 914.592.1790 religious school direct line 914.592.7376 fax wct@wct.org www.wct.org Religious School: school@wct.org
Woodlands Community Temple is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism Art Director: Melanie Roher Advertising Director: Bob Apter
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Gen 25:19 - 28:9 ... Mal 1:1 - 2:7
Jammin’ Shabbat at 7:00 pm Put on your jammies, bring a bedtime friend, and c’mon over for 30 minutes of Shabbat song, stories and blessings to get you ready for bed. Bring a buck for tzedakah!
Book Fair Shabbat at 8:00 pm Andi Rosenthal, author of The Bookseller's Sonnets, is our speaker. If historical fiction involving questions of interfaith relationships, hidden identities, and religious identity past and present interest you, come support the Book Fair and meet Andi.
Celebrate with us as Joshua Grossman, son of Betsy Schorr and Eric Grossman, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.
Shabbat Vayetzay Gen 28:10 - 32:3 ... Hos 12:13 - 14:10
Fri, Nov 20 Scholar-in-Residence at 8:00 pm Leora Batnitzky, Professor of Jewish Studies and Religion at Princeton University, speaks about the evolution of Judaism from culture to religion.
Sat, Nov 21 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Charlotte Ballan, daughter of Elise and Jim Ballan, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.
Shabbat Vayishlakh Gen 32:4 - 36:43 ... Hos 11:7 - 12:12
Fri, Nov 27 Mishpakha Shabbat at 7:00 pm For the entire congregation, just earlier – 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. Special welcome home to, and participation by, our college kids.
Sat, Nov 28 No service this morning. Kaddish can be recited by request at Hevra Torah.
Babysitting
at 8:00 pm Shabbat services is provided by teens from our religious school. This month, babysitting will be available on Nov 6, Nov 13 and Nov 20. There is no charge and no advance notice is required. For further information, contact babysitting@wct.org.
Jewish Identity continued from page 1
During Shabbat, Batnitzky plans to introduce the relatively recent development of Judaism as a religion. Before the 18th century, she explains, religion was considered to be a private matter and Judaism was generally accepted as a fusion of religion and peoplehood. The German Jewish philosopher Moses Mendelssohn (1729-1786) was the first major figure to articulate the idea of Judaism as a religion. The notion became appealing as European Jews started gaining access to national citizenship and questions arose about what bound the Jewish people. “A century later, the different movements of Judaism developed as attempts to articulate Judaism as a religion,” Batnitzky says. “There was a lot of creativity in terms of trying to fit Judaism into a box of individual belief. Reform, Conservative and Orthodox Judaism have much in common, in this way.” Batnitzky plans to focus, in part, on the important role that Reform Judaism has played in promoting Judaism as a religion. “The early Reform movement wanted to detach Judaism from nationality,” she says. “They got rid of references in the liturgy to Jews coming together as a nation.” More recently, she says, the Reform movement has become more interested in and committed to the
national dimension of Jewish identity, as well as Jewish law and ritual. At Woodlands, Batnitzky will also explain how early Zionism rejected the idea of Judaism as a religion, focusing on the Jewish people as a nation in need of a state. Finally, she will explore how the continuing debate over Jewish identity is affecting modern controversies about who can convert to Judaism in Israel and England. Which religious and secular authorities get to make decisions about who is a Jew? Woodlands’ Rabbi Lisa Izes, who co-chairs the Scholar-in-Residence Committee, said that this year’s weekend will touch upon fundamental Jewish questions that go back centuries but are thoroughly modern. “So many of us are searching for who we are as people and as Jews and what it means,” she says. “Everyone should be able to find themselves.” Educator Emerita Harriet Levine, who is also co-chairing the weekend, said that her family always talked about whether Judaism was a religion or a way of life or something else: “I’ve heard so many people say that their connection to Judaism is their heritage, even if they don’t believe in God, and I’ve often thought about what that means. What is Judaism? It’s something we all think about.” n
Stars Behind the Stars continued from page 1
Both sought out other songwriters. Julie moved to NYC and met and played with other future stars such as Shawn Colvin, Suzanne Vega, John Gorka and Christine Lavin. Mike won an internship at Billboard Magazine and worked for Atlantic Records, Warner Brothers and Columbia Records, seeking opportunities to co-write with songwriters he admired like Kathy Sommer (Daughtry), Melanie Fontana (Justin Bieber), Junior Vasquez (Madonna) and Brian Chirlo (Tony Bennett).
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.
Nov 7 Parashat Khayei Sarah
Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan
Nov 14 Parashat Toldot
Facilitated by Jason Fenster
Nov 21 Parashat Vayetzay
Facilitated by Rabbi Mara
Nov 28 Parashat Vayishlakh Facilitated by Rabbi Billy
Holiday Toy Drives Have A Heart (Nov 24 - Dec 15) We've partnered again with WJCS to collect new toys for needy Jewish children at Hanukkah. Please drop off a new toy or two.
Toys for Tots (Dec 1-22) For needy kids at Christmas, toys are being collected by the Greenburgh Fire Department. Collection bins for both are in the hallway outside the Sanctuary Questions, contact michele@wct.org
Don’t Forget: Daylight Savings Time
It takes a lot of work to finish a song. Julie says she sits down at the piano every single day. She says, “For every twelve ideas I get, I have one that is good.” Mike says, “Sometimes a song comes to me from the sky – but generally, writing is the most excruciating experience.”
Set your clocks BACK at bedtime on Sat, Oct 31!
Tradition, community, hard work and creativity apply not only to songwriting, but to building a temple community – making this event not only a must-see show, but an opportunity to meditate on everlasting values in a changing world.
If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Abuse, please share this confidential hotline:
So what should we expect on Nov 7? Mike says, “I’m knee deep in the trenches of songwriting in New York City, and I’m excited to share that at Woodlands.” Julie adds, “When I’m making music I’m never closer to God – except if I’m making it in a church or synagogue. Then it’s like the express train!” Tickets are available at wct.org/coffeehouse. $20 each ($10 for students). To volunteer or for info, contact dan@nycguitarschool.com or don.levan@gmail.com. n
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Farewell to German
Just Israel Just Literature Rabbinic Intern Jason Fenster Back on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, Cantor Jonathan called on us to “read Jewish.” He identified some of the pillars of Jewish literature over the past generations. And it got me thinking about some of my favorite Israeli writers. They grew up in very different worlds but together express a longing for peace, collaboration and sharing among cultures. Etgar Keret (who has a new memoir titled The Seven Good Years) is the child of Holocaust survivors and lives in Tel Aviv. Sayed Kashua (recently published Second Person Singular to great acclaim) was born to Palestinian parents, and grew up in Tira just on the Israel-side of the Green Line. Kashua gained fame, in part, for his regular column, “The Palestinian Story,” in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Particularly during the conflict last summer, the two wrote about their mutual admiration, friendship, and shared yearning for a peaceful solution to the region’s problems. They model for us how to think deeply about culture, both our own and that of our neighbors. We can only hope that “reading Jewish” (and maybe reading Keret and Kashua!) will be part of our path to understanding each other and expressing and working toward peace.
Annual Book Fair Nov 13-23 An annual treat! Do some Hanukkah shopping while supporting our religious school. We’ll have books of all types, some with Jewish themes and some secular. Religious school kids will be cycling through during class, so be sure to send them with some money on that day. Held in the Youth Lounge, sponsored by the WCT Religious School Board.
and Welcome to Hernando!
L’dor va’dor… from generation to generation. How does that apply to German and Hernando? Read on! On July 2, 1992, German Franco joined Woodlands Community Temple as our new caretaker. One of 40 candidates, German had been working for six years for temple member Sarah Donner at The Passionate Chef, her catering business in Scarsdale. Sheila Sweet, another temple member, was training five of Sarah’s employees to become chefs and recommended German to us because he could fix things and his demeanor seemed like a good fit for us. In December of that same year, a young lady named Lily came to WCT to meet German for the first time. She happened to have been babysitting for her 3-year-old nephew, Hernando, and thus brought him with her. So German and Lily dated and got married, and Hernando Carmona spent much time at WCT as a toddler unknowingly paving the way to becoming German's successor. When German met Hernando's father, he realized they knew each other from their neighborhood back home in Colombia. Small world. Over the past 20 years, Hernando has spent many enjoyable days and evenings here visiting his Aunt Lily and Uncle German. Now, with German and Lily (and their daughter Carol) moving back to Colombia, Hernando will be stepping into his uncle’s shoes as our caretaker. Hernando says, “It's a dream come true!” Hernando, we wish you well in your new venture and hope that your tenure with us will be as long, if not longer, than your uncle’s! On November 4, German, Lily and Carol will return to Colombia. We wish them the best of luck in this next chapter of their life, thank German for his nearly 25 years of service, friendship and devotion to all of us and to our temple, and hope they will come back and visit us as often as possible.
L’dor va’dor… from generation to generation indeed!
BetterTogether – a WCT-led Initiative! L’dor vador... from generation to generation. We usually think of this phrase as one generation passing down a tradition to another. But it can work both ways. Seniors have a lot to teach teens, and teens have a lot to share with seniors. BetterTogether: Westchester brings the generations together. We're looking for Woodlands seniors and teens to meet with each other monthly. Using music as a connection point, we'll share stories, create and lead services in the community, and enjoy a private concert with Jewish music legends. If you like to sing, play an instrument, or simply like to get to know new people – young and old(er) alike – then join us. You can hone your own songleading and musical skills while strengthening the chain of Jewish generations. No musical ability needed! What’s a senior? We’re not sure – an AARP cardholder? You decide. We’d love to have you! To get involved, contact Rabbi Mara (914.592.1790 or rabbimara@wct.org). Sponsored by NFTY and the URJ (Union for Reform Judaism). Hosted by Woodlands Community Temple – us!
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from the
Rabbi
“Thank you” “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” This simple exchange embodies good manners. Yet I’ve now had a few folks lament to me that young people don’t say “You’re welcome” anymore. They say, “No problem,” or “It was nothing.” What happened to basic manners? My unscientific theory is that for younger generations, particularly millennials, “You’re welcome” feels boastful. The subtext is thought of as “Yeah, you better be grateful.” Hence the proliferation of “No problem.” Thank you. No problem. The implication is selflessness and that it wasn’t a big deal. No thanks necessary. No debt. I think people get frustrated by this cavalier response because they genuinely mean their thanks. “Thank you” is not just an obligatory nicety. It can express true gratitude, relief, and joy. We want people to know how much they are appreciated. “No problem” dismisses that. The impulse to give thanks is deeply embedded in Judaism. While there are petitionary prayers and prayers for forgiveness, the bulk of our everyday prayers has to do with gratitude to a Higher Power. And God’s response to our prayers? The rabbis imagine it somewhere between “No problem” and “You’re welcome.” God’s bestowing of blessing is easy for God, but the thanks is certainly appreciated. At the end of the day, we don’t say thank you for the acknowledgment, just as we don’t do good deeds for the praise. Our great teacher Maimonides tells us that the higher forms of tzedakah, righteous deeds, are ones in which we act without desire for acknowledgement. We explore this idea specifically with our Academy kids, who are busy doing a lot of good for others around this time. They’ve played games with the kids at the Coachman Center, a housing shelter in White Plains. Later this month, they’ll serve a meal to local folks on Thanksgiving and spend time at the Hebrew Union College soup kitchen in downtown NYC. I imagine if they receive thanks, many of them will say, “No problem.” Because it really isn’t any trouble. They genuinely want to help and need little in return. Yet, it would also befit them to say, “You’re welcome,” because the people we serve are welcome to the kindness we show them. These are good kids. I bet that, in time, there’ll be plenty of opportunities for us to thank them and for them to respond with words that let us know we taught them well.
Jacob Spike Kraus in Concert Sun, Nov 1 at 11:15 am Don’t miss this free concert for all of our temple families. We’re thrilled to welcome Jacob Spike Kraus, a highly talented guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. He grew up at Eisner Camp and is currently the head songleader at Kutz Camp. Spike is a strong performer, a member of the Jewish a cappella group Six13, and a really nice guy. He just released his first recording, Shake Off The Dust! The Jonah Maccabee Family Concert brings new Jewish music to the families of Woodlands Community Temple, and promotes URJ summer camping by providing financial assistance to kids whose families need a little help getting them there.
Save the Date – Stacy Beyer in Concert Sat, Feb 27 at 8:00 pm Stop by stacybeyer.com and fall in love!
Craig Taubman in Concert with Special Guest Myron Gordon Mon, Nov 16, 6:30 pm
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e are thrilled to welcome famed recording and performing artist Craig Taubman. Craig, who pretty much began his career here at Woodlands thirty years ago and was featured artist for the Jonah Maccabee Concert in 2011, is coming back just for our high school students (but you may be able to sneak in and sit at the back, if you like). Craig and his band will be joined by Myron Gordon, 95-year-old purveyor of his father Samuel Goldfarb’s music. You know Goldfarb’s music. Yes, you do. Really. Not only did he write the most famous melody for Shalom Aleikhem, he also wrote – wait for it – I Had a Little Dreidl! A real treat is waiting for you. Supported by a generous gift from Tom and Julie Hirschfeld.
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Daytime Diversions It’s hard to believe, but November’s meeting may even outdo October’s. Wednesdays may turn out to be the best day of the week: 1st Wednesday a movie, 2nd Wednesday a speaker and 3rd Wednesday our current events group discussion. Fascinating people accompanied by delicious doughnuts – who could ask for more?
The Front Wed, Nov 4, 10:00 am Starring Woody Allen and Zero Mostel, Allen plays an apolitical man of limited talent who is paid to be the front for a group of blacklisted writers. There is definitely a dramatic element to this comedy, set in the 1950s era of the House Un-American Activities Committee. Discussion follows.
Jews from Arab Countries Wed, Nov 11, 10:00 am Come meet Joseph Levy, a native of Cairo, Egypt. For the past 36 years, Mr. Levy has had a passionate interest in the Jewish refugees from the Arab countries, calling them the forgotten people of the Arab dispute. The first part of his presentation will take a general look at Jewish history in the Arab countries. The second part will focus on Jewish life in Egypt, the country of his birth. We will leave ample time for discussion.
Current Events Discussion Wed, Nov 18, 10:00 am Ever popular. Is it the terrific agenda (which will be emailed to you in advance), the knowledgeable facilitator (this month, Selena and Tony Barron) or the stimulating debate that brings us together? Probably all three. Come share your ideas, solutions, and opinions.
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November Happenings & Beyond Learning Jewish Studies: Jewish Values and Wisdom Educator Emerita Harriet Levine Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 am, through late May We are exploring the teachings of our sages, the mitzvot, changes in how various denominations observe Judaism, and what makes our values “Jewish.” Newcomers are always welcome. For further information, contact Harriet at hl19845@gmail.com.
Andi Rosenthal, Guest Author Fri, Nov 13 at 8:00 pm We are honored to welcome author Andi Rosenthal as our Book Fair Shabbat speaker. Andi's personal story of converting to Judaism after growing up Catholic with Jewish paternal grandparents provides rich material for her writings on religious identity. In her debut novel, The Bookseller's Sonnets, a secret diary belonging to the eldest daughter of St. Thomas More, legal advisor to Henry VIII, finds its way into the hands of the protagonist, the senior curator at a Holocaust museum in contemporary Manhattan. Andi's newest work (not yet released) explores religious identity pre- and post-9/11 and how our past informs how we move forward. Come be inspired as we struggle with issues of religious identity across time. Visit the Book Fair after the service!
WCT Book Club Wed, Nov 18 at 7:30 pm Jhumpa Lahiri has written another compelling novel, The Lowlands, this one about two brothers, one who marries his brother’s pregnant widow after the other becomes the victim of selfmade political violence. It takes place in Calcutta in the 1960s, a time of political rebellion. Lahiri’s books explore parental love, family and commitment to belief, all universal themes. Sue Gallin will facilitate.
Westchester Night of Jewish Learning Sat, Dec 5 at 6:45 pm With 32 Westchester rabbis as teachers for the night, there’s sure to be a topic that will pique your interest! Two sessions of learning, followed by a dessert reception and entertainment. $20 in advance, $25 at the door (register online at wjcouncil.org). To be held at Beth El Synagogue, 1324 North Ave, New Rochelle. Questions, contact donna@wjcouncil.org.
Author Michael J. Cooper Fri, Dec 18 at 8:00 pm Woodlands welcomes Michael J. Cooper, well-respected author of Jewish adventure, who will speak about choosing to write in the Jewish milieu. Here at WCT, we’re all reading The Rabbi’s Knight which is steeped in the world of Kabbalah and the Crusades. Michael is a Californian who emigrated to Israel in 1966, living in Jerusalem when it was still divided between Israel and Jordan. A pediatric cardiologist, Michael lives in California but returns frequently to Israel and the West Bank volunteering to help children who lack adequate access to care.
The First Book of Samuel... A Nation Fit for a King? 10 Wednesdays, 8:00-9:30 pm (begins Dec 2) Join Rabbi Billy for an in-depth exploration of the First Book of Samuel, tracing ancient Israel’s miraculous but destructive journey from theocracy to monarchy. In King David’s rise to power, the very same elements that would unify Israel would also undermine and sow the seeds of destruction for the young nation. What can we learn of our ancestors? And how does this speak to our lives today? Please read the First Book of Samuel before our first session.
Soci a l Ac t ion Jubilee Tablecloth Workshops on Sun, Nov 8 at 11:00 am and 1:10 pm.
It will be handed down from generation to generation. It will join our temple family together now. And it will honor Woodlands’ 50 years and the spirit of the biblical Jubilee Year by helping food-insecure families. What is it? The Jubilee Tablecloth! We hope every family will create a square for the tablecloth. Participation involves a suggested donation ($36 per square) with the proceeds being donated to Mazon, a Jewish Response to Hunger. We’ll provide you with the 9”x 9” material for the square and you can complete it on your own. Or you can register for one of our workshops where we’ll have ideas and materials for you to use. Or you can have the committee design a square for you. Full details at wct.org/jubileetablecloth.
Blood Drive Sun, Nov 15, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm It’s a mitzvah to help others in need, and you can help by donating blood to replenish the local blood bank supplies. Anyone 17 to 75 who weighs at least 110 lbs. can donate blood, as well as 16 years olds with a letter from their parents. If you are over 75, you can donate if you provide a letter from your doctor. To schedule a time, please e-mail Chuck Bauer at lbauera@aol. com or call him at 589-7231. Walkins welcome, but may need to wait.
Tikkun Olam Collage How do you tikkun olam (repair the world)? On Kol Nidrei, Rabbi Billy spoke of many ways that our congregants have done tikkun olam over the past 50 years. Which have you participated in? A breakfast run? Bringing electricity to the Abayudaya? Writing your representative in Congress? Donating Passover food to Project Ezra?
Dessert for a Week for Teens at Shelter Each week during December and January, Woodlands provides desserts for the teens at The Sanctuary Shelter. Sign up (by Fri, Nov 20), as a family or with friends, to supply desserts or fruit for one week by emailing Jeanne.Bodin@gmail.com.
Here’s how to be part of our Tikkun Olam collage. Grab a sheet of paper and a thick marker and make a sign telling us what you’ve done anytime in WCT’s history. Have a friend with a camera photograph you holding your sign and then email your photo to socialaction@wct.org. We’ll be displaying the collage at the temple throughout the 50th year. Include as many activities as you like; submit as many photos as you like!
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Sun, Nov 22 at 4:00 pm
Knitting and Crocheting Sun, Nov 15, 3:00-5:00 pm
Help them fill The Food Cart (at the religious school entrance) with nonperishable Thanksgiving food.
Help us sew our completed squares into blankets or learn how to make squares. We have instructions, yarn, and beginners are welcome. We’re also making chemotherapy caps for patients. If your kids would like to learn, they’re welcome too. Let Angela Adler know you’re coming (angeadler@aol.com).
Holiday Gifts for Children’s Village Help make a boy’s holiday wish come true by volunteering to purchase a gift or gift card from their wish list. Many of these boys will be alone at the Village away from their families and will not receive any gifts. Contact Jeanne Bodin (Jeanne.Bodin @gmail.com) by Fri, Nov 20 to choose your wish-list gift.
Share the warmth of Woodlands as we gather together in an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service with clergy and congregants from WCT and our neighboring houses of worship. It will be held this year at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church (59 E Main St, Elmsford). Rabbi Mara will deliver the drash. Please bring a donation of cleaning supplies or nonperishable food. If you can bring a dessert for the reception, email socialaction@wct.org.
Mensch of the Month for November Is the 6th Grade
Collection of the Month Clean, adult winter coats, scarves, blankets and adult winter clothing (in good condition) for the Midnight Run.
Looking for more ways to help this Thanksgiving?
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T hrough Fri, Nov 6, contribute Thanksgiving food or a $20 supermarket gift card for Thanksgiving baskets for Friends of Karen. See wct.org/ socialactionprojects for specific foods being collected.
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Donate a frozen turkey to Hudson Valley Community Services to help a family living with HIV/AIDS. Put your turkey in the Youth Lounge freezer by Sun, Nov 8.
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William Donat Visiting High School Holocaust Education Program Mon, Nov 16
Yo u t h E n g a g e m e n t What is NFTY?
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FTY (the North American Federation of Temple Youth) is the national youth group for Reform Jewish teens in 9th-12th grade. It’s like WoodSY, but for all of North America! There are 19 regions that make up NFTY. Woodlands’ youth group, WoodSY, belongs to NAR (the New York Area Region). NAR holds regional events throughout the year that 9th-12th graders can attend, weekend-long events at camp, and day-long events/trainings at various synagogues and other locations. NFTY is really fun, a great way to meet other Jewish teens, and makes Judaism really interesting and relatable. Our next event is Fri-Sat, Nov 13-14. Contact Tara if you’re interested in getting involved (youth@wct.org).
What are WoodSY Nights? High school students from Hinesburg, VT, on their way to the Holocaust Memorial in Washington, will spend the morning at WCT with a Holocaust survivor, an American soldier who liberated a Nazi death camp, and Rabbi Mara. Our cherished friend, temple member and Holocaust survivor Bill Donat began this program in 2004. This month Woodlands is proud to welcome these students to honor Bill’s memory, his work and his powerful goodness. You are cordially invited to join us. Contact the religious school office (school@wct.org, 914-592-1790) to RSVP and for the schedule.
Don’t delay...
Summer Camp Applications Due Now! Believe it or not, sections of our Reform movement’s summer camp programs (Crane Lake, Eisner, Kutz, 6 Points Sports Academy and 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy) fill to capacity by December. So if you’d like to ensure your child’s place in one of these programs, please do not delay submitting an application and deposit. Reform Jewish summer camps are not only great, but they help solidify our kids’ positive sense of Jewish identity. In this world of competing values and claims on our time and energy, this is a tremendous gift for you to offer your child or grandchild. Contact the Eisner/Crane Lake office (necamps.urjcamps.org), Kutz Camp (kutz. urjcamps.org), 6 Points Sports Academy (sports.urjcamps.org) or 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy (scitech.urjcamps.org) to find out more about this wonderfully enjoyable summer opportunity for your child or grandchild. Tara Levine, Rabbi Mara and Rabbi Billy have information, as well.Financial assistance is available—contact Rabbi Billy.
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oodSY nights are casual, fun, social events for WCT teens in 8th-12th grades to hang out with each other! They’ll take place one Thursday every month and are run by the teen WoodSY Board. Anyone can attend, not just teens registered for Academy! Previous WoodSY nights have included cupcake wars, wrapping presents for Hope’s Door, Darth Seder (for
The Simkha Page
B’nai Mitzvah Joshua Grossman
Charlotte Ballan
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November 21
Torah Portion Toledot Hebrew Name Yehoshua Aharon
Torah Portion Vayetzay Hebrew Name Sarah
Mazal Tov to... Eric Grossman and Betsy Schorr, as their son, Joshua, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.
Jim and Elise Ballan, as their daughter, Charlotte, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.
Todah Rabbah (thank you) to... All of our bone marrow registry volunteers, who gave up a portion of Yom Kippur or Sukkot helping to save lives: Chuck Bauer, Jeanne Bodin, Janet Chester, David Gaffen, Jay Heinlein, Phyllis Hirth, Jay Izes, Elka Klarsfeld, Juli Klein, Roberta Roos, Susan Shear, Stacey Silverman, Julie Stein, Joan Stern, Eric Wachs and Jane Wachs. Thank you, as well, to those who “swabbed up” and joined the Bone Marrow Registry. Our wonderful cooks Val Fox, Jan Friedman, Jill Miller, Michele Montague and Sherri Silver, who made a home-cooked dinner for teens living in The Sanctuary Shelter. Donna Hart, Eric Katz, Charlie Strick, Bill Woolis and Anne Stern for participating in the Shabbat evening service, “Wisdom from Our Own.” Your words lifted us all.
For your great work on the Sukkot BBQ: Rachel Barnard, Stu Berlowitz, Freddie Dorn (co-chair), Andrea Einhorn, Andy Farber, Chuck Fishman, Nancy Fishman, Judy Flamm, Rachel Flamm, Dayle Fligel, Mark Fox, Ariane Gottlieb, Heidi Gralla (co-chair), David Gralnick, Joy Gralnick, Melanie Gralnick, Dan Hirth, Ashley Klein, Jon Kleinman, Jenna Lebowich, Marina Lebowich, Barry Leibowitz, Judy Levan, Sandi Lieb-Geiger, Barry Linder, Toby Linder, Lisa Linn, Amy Mendelson, Jonathan Montague, Zach Montague, Michael Greenholz, Molly Greenholz, Abigail Ripin, Isabel Ripin, Marianne Ripin, Lisa Sacks, Steve Sagner, Mark Selig, Debbie Shapiro, Madelyn Silverstein, Cathy Shore Sirotin, Gene Sirotin, Jennifer Tower, Jay Werner and Natalie Werner.
Too early to think about Hanukkah? We think not! Our cabinets are filling up with wondrous Hanukkah merchandise. Time for a new family hanukiah? Kids ready for a Hanukkah menorah of their own? Our selection of menorot ranges from whimsical to traditional to Judaica art collector level, and at a wide range of prices. Eight nights of gifts stump you and tax your wallet? Check out our very affordable Judaica crafts, puzzles, plush and more. And don’t forget to pick up a box of our striking Hanukkah candles!
Our featured artist this month is 2nd Floor Studios. Lisa and Sol’s vintage printed baby and Bar/Bat Mitzvah tzedakah and keepsake boxes, albums and greeting cards and beautiful, unique gifts. Their long history of 2nd floor art studios and apartments is the inspiration for their name and their Jewish family roots inspires their pieces.
The 50th Anniversary Committee, Membership Committee, Judaica Shop, Adult Education, Social Action, Youth and Family Engagement Committee, WoodSY, Coffeehouse Committee and Baby Boomers for a great Activities Fair. The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is open, by request, every day the temple office is staffed. Evening and weekend hours are noted in the weekly temple email. Have a question? Contact judaicashop@wct.org.
www.wct.org
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$$$ Available for 1st-time Summer Campers
Is this the summer to send your child or grandchild to a URJ summer camp (Eisner, Crane Lake, Kutz, 6 Points Sports Academy or 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy)? Well, up to $1000 is waiting for you! No kidding! We’ve linked arms with the UJA-Federation of New York and the Foundation for Jewish Camp and are thrilled to be able to offer this subsidy to any family wanting to give a child their first, unforgettable experience of summer at a Jewish sleepaway camp. The application process is now open at onehappycamper.org. If you’ve got questions, feel free to contact Tara Levine, Rabbi Mara or Rabbi Billy.
Yes, Jews are Organ Donors! 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.” Contrary to popular misconception, Jews do register as organ donors! Won’t you participate in the mitzvah of matan hayyim – the gift of life? Register online at donatelifeny.org. Rabbi Billy’s written more online about the Jewish view of organ donation (tinyurl. com/organdonation613). Help close the gap between the number of donated organs and the number of people waiting.
If you have any furniture in good-
to-excellent condition available for donation, Hernando Carmona, our new caretaker, could really use some help furnishing his new apartment downstairs. Email facilities@wct.org if you might be able to help. Thanks!
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www.wct.org
Sukkot 2015
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.
The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of
Rabbi Billy’s Mitzvah Fund
Pearl Levan grandmother of Don Levan
In honor of the naming of Matias Bercovich, from Ana Szyld and Sam Bercovich. In memory of Louis Melnick, Mandel Stein, Julia Fihrer Stein and Mary Melnick Shlaen, from Stephen and Eileen Stein. In honor of the naming of Elena Moore, from Linda Einfrank and Jeff Schlossberg. Thank you Rabbi Billy for officiating at the funeral of Florence DeLeon, from Michele and Mark Montague and Family. In honor of the High Holy Days, from Cynthia Olstein. In appreciation of Rabbi Billy, from Linda Lucks and Ralph Lawrence. Thank you Rabbi Billy and in honor of the marriage of Michael Blum to Julie Ward, from Michael Blum. Thank you Rabbi Billy and in honor of Jack Rosen becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from The Rosen Family. In honor of the High Holy Days, from Shelly Rosenthal.
Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah Fund In honor of the naming of Elena Moore, from Linda Einfrank and Jeff Schlossberg. In honor of the marriage of Kate Matzkin and Stuart Kossar, from Evan and Pamela Matzkin. Thank you Rabbi Mara for all your help and in honor of Jack Rosen becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from The Rosen Family.
Cantor’s Discretionary Fund Thank you Cantor Jonathan for all your help and in honor of Jack Rosen becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from The Rosen Family.
Chai Fund In memory of Florence DeLeon, from Debra and Robert Fischgrund. In honor of the High Holy Days, from Joanna Starrels and Alejandro Luciano. In memory of Ruth L. Weinstein, from Janet F. Weinstein. In honor of Judith and Barry Kessler, from Susan and Erwin Grill. In honor of Jason Fenster, from Steven Young. In honor of the birth of Shai Lev Wajnberg, grandson of Joan and Andy Farber, from Todd Gordon and Susan Feder. In honor of Stephen Sagner, Jennifer Tower and Family, from Dianne Sagner and Julius Menn. In memory of Pearl Levan, grandmother of Don Levan, from Dayle and David Fligel. In honor of Jenna, Michael and Marina Lebowich, from Maxine Rosenberg. In honor of the High Holy Days, from Steven Solomon.
In honor of Fran Smith for receiving an aliyah on Yom Kippur, from Dorothy Smith. In appreciation of our inspiring High Holy Day Services, from Yvette and Larry Gralla. In memory of George Schultz, from Mindy Schultz Deutchman. In honor of the High Holy Days, from Randi Schwartz. ln honor of the baby naming of Hazel Clyne, from Jennie Brotman and Peter Clyne. In memory of Estelle Chernoff, from Pam and Joel Chernoff. In appreciation of Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara, Rabbinic Intern Jason Fenster and Sh’liakh Corey for the inspiring High Holy Day Services, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht.
Ina Winick mother of Leigh Ann Winick Harvey Ozer cousin of Yvette Gralla Asher Zelin father of Barry Zelin HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning. Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.
Education Enrichment Fund In appreciation of Rabbi Mara and the teachers who made Jack Rosen’s Bar Mitzvah ceremony a blessing, from Phyllis Opochinsky.
Special Education Fund In honor of Gavi Young and Jason Fenster, from Marissa and Jesse Comart.
High Holy Day Prayerbook Fund In memory of Minnie Kaplan, mother of Larry Kaplan, from her grandchildren. In honor of Roberta and Lloyd Roos, from Patty Ferris.
Jonah Dreskin Fund In honor of Jack Rosen’s Bar Mitzvah and in appreciation of Rabbi Billy, from Phyllis Opochinsky.
Social Action Fund In honor of the Winkleman Family, from Michael Pasek.
Music Fund In appreciation of Cantor Jonathan and the beautiful music during the High Holy Days, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht.
Annual Fund In memory of Ruth L. Weinstein, from Janet F. Weinstein.
Project Ezra Fund In memory of Ruth L. Weinstein, from Janet F. Weinstein.
Scheduling Weddings or Funerals 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.
Let’s Hear from You! It is always a pleasure to hear good news from members of our WCT family. It often helps to share the not-so-good too. Please let us know if you or someone else is in need of a visit or phone call from our clergy. Many assume that “everyone knows,” but this is not always true. A note or call to our temple office or clergy will ensure that we are able to extend our support to Woodlands members in a moment of need.
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Welcome to our New Sponsors: Carpet Trends • ETM Solar • Heisler's Bakery • Modern Paint & Hardware Judy Fried Siegel
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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
Heisler’s Bakery 1321 North avenue • New Rochelle NY • 914-235-8201 Quality Pastrys, Breads , Pies, Cookies & Decorated Cakes Fruit Platters • Shiva Platters • Catering for all affairs Kosher• NUT FREE• FAMILY OWNED A proud vendor of Woodlands Community Temple
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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When you contact or visit one of our sponsors, please let them know you saw their ad in Woodlands's Makom. This confirms to them that advertising in Makom was a good business decision!
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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
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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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
Jubilant Reflections WCT Members Gaze Across 50 Years
Lois and Jay Izes: The 80s
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ur family of four moved to Westchester and immediately began the search for a synagogue with the right “fit.” Coming from Conservative backgrounds and maintaining a kosher home, we naturally expected to join that type of synagogue. This was the end of the seventies, the height of the women’s movement, and we had two bright, inquisitive daughters. It was important to us to find a temple that would allow women to be counted as equal members and participants on the bimah which was not a given then. (Indeed, the 80s brought us two brilliant women rabbinic interns, Elyse Frishman and Elka Abrahamson, spirited and vibrant Cantor/Educator Ellen Dreskin, as well as a talented, musical, suspender-clad Billy Dreskin to serve at Woodlands.)
We were put on a waiting list and it took many months, and much debate by the Board, until the membership was open to the many families who also sought to become involved.
When neighbors invited us to services, it seemed unlikely that we could feel comfortable at a Reform temple. Would they allow kipot, do they observe a second day of Rosh Hashanah, and many other questions would have to be answered. What we found was an exciting, innovative, spiritual environment where anyone who wanted could be accepted and welcomed to participate at whatever level felt right. The problem was that in 1979 the founding members along with the clergy felt that it was important to stay small to maintain the community feel.
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We jumped right in attending services almost every Friday night with our fourand seven-year-old girls who loved the prayers, rituals, and melodies. With a smaller staff of clergy, summer services were led by members of the Ritual Committee and we were honored to participate with our daughters serving as hazzaniyot. n the early eighties there were no special services geared to small children, and many of our teens had to be coerced to continue in school following their becoming B’nai Mitzvah. How exciting it is today to see children and teens so completely engaged in their Jewish education and participating in such creative programing. We can also boast of the breadth and depth of classes and programs for adults. Woodlands was a place for prayer, for fellowship, and a place to help us and our children learn the true meaning of
tzedakah, doing acts of loving kindness, and participating in social action. Many of us marched on Washington for women’s reproductive rights, and marched on Fifth Avenue to free Soviet Jewry. Lisa and her classmates were “twinned” with teens from Russia to symbolically share their B’nai Mitzvah. We were one of the first temples to participate in Midnight Run, we helped give warmth and safety to the homeless who slept in our sanctuary; and we continued working with the elderly through Project Ezra. It feels good to us that our childen’s children are learning to help others from what they learn at Woodlands. Having been members for almost forty years, we certainly found our right “fit,” our Makom Shelibi Ohev – the place that our hearts holds dear. Our prayer is that Woodlands will continue to flourish while evolving to meet the changing needs of our congregation, our community, and our world. ••••••••••••••
Jay and Lois Izes joined WCT in 1979. Jay served as President from 1987-1989.