November 2012 Makom by Woodlands Community Temple

the newsletter of woodlands community temple

November 2012 Heshvan - Kislev 5773

Where the Next Meal is Coming From MAZON’s Abby Leibman comes to Woodlands on Friday, November 16 to talk about hunger By Gary Stern

Even in Jewish congregations that are committed to combating hunger, it can be easy for people to cling to stereotypes about who is hungry, says Abby J. Leibman, president and CEO of MAZON, a national Jewish nonprofit that seeks to alleviate and prevent hunger. “Many people, understandably, think of babies in Africa, small children, frail women.” she says. “But hunger is in every community and is virtually invisible. We have the luxury to live our lives in ignorance, even if we contribute to food banks. My job is to shine a spotlight on this as a pervasive and cruel problem in America, one that gets little attention unless it becomes political fodder.” (Continued on page 12)

I left my heart…at the WCT Fall Auction

In this Issue Rabbi Vicki’s Journey p. 2 Brad’s Back p. 2 Reinventing Ritual p. 4 Hanukkah with the Levins p. 5 Magical Madrikhim p. 6 Food: Billy Weighs In p.8 Catching Up with an Academy Alumna p. 14 Sukkot Review p. 19 Rock ‘n’ Unroll p. 20 Getting Ready for Yom Hodu p. 24

Tuesday November 6 Election Day

But boy, what I got in return! Signed Tony Bennett CDs Financial planning sessions Fresh-baked challah Meals at local restaurants An afternoon sailing on the Sound Hebrew lessons A weekend at a resort condo Gift cards for my favorite stores A visit to a local spa Landscape design advice Free gas Tickets to sporting events The chance to contribute to WCT’s big fall fundraising event Well, maybe I didn’t get all of that—but I had the chance to bid on it all. And so do you. From November 15 until December 5. All day, every day. Visit biddingforgood.com/wctauction and live, as Tony would put it, “the good life.” And come back often. With new offerings posted almost every day, “the best is yet to come.” For more details (and tips on bidding) turn the page.

Not just a right ...

a responsibility

Our Woodlands Community Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org Rabbi Mara Young rabbimara@wct.org Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon cantor@wct.org Harriet Levine, Educator educator@wct.org Ross Glinkenhouse, Youth Director youth@wct.org Corey Friedlander, Sh'liakh K'hilah corey@wct.org

Executive Committee Stu Berlowitz, President president@wct.org Jenna Lebowich, VP Education education@wct.og Dayle Fligel, VP Facilities facilities@wct.org Eugene Stein, VP Finance esteinWCT@gmail.com Michael Winkleman, VP Programming/Ritual mike@leveragemedia.com Steve Sagner, Financial Secretary Stevo33484@yahoo.com Mark Selig, Secretary secretary@wct.org Andy Farber, Treasurer ARFarberWCT@gmail.com

Board of Trustees Nancy Brown, Andrea Einhorn, Nancy Fishman, Gloria Falk, Aliza Garafalo, Jill Garland, Lois Green, Barry Leibowitz, Lisa Linn, Mike Scafidi, Cliff Schoen, Jay Werner, Rochelle Stolzenberg (ex-officio)

Office Staff (wct@wct.org) Patricia Nissim, Temple Administrator Liz Rauchwerger, Rabbi’s Assistant Michele Montague, Educator’s Assistant

About Our Temple Woodlands Community Temple 50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607 914.592.7070 phone 914.592.7376 fax email: wct@wct.org web: www.wct.org Woodlands Community Temple is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism

Patricia Nissim, Makom Editor Melanie Roher, Makom Designer Charlie Strick, Makom Advertising

Visiting Scholar: Rabbi Vicki Armour-Hileman Shabbat Vayera

Friday, November 2, Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 pm

Welcome to the Jewish Journaling Project! Not only our visiting scholar but a former member and Rabbinic Intern, Vicki will be introducing the Jewish Journaling Project, exploring the connections between ourselves and the ancient texts of Torah.

Shabbat Morning Service and Workshop, Saturday, November 3, 9:30-11:30 am Dipping Our Toes. Many prayers were born out of particular moments in Jewish history and connect us to the stories of our spiritual ancestors. More than that, every prayer is an invitation to a conversation with tradition, with our deepest selves, and with one another. This morning we will apply some of the techniques from the Jewish Journaling Project to unlock the deeper meaning of our prayers. Genesis 18:1 - 22:24 ... II Kings 4:1-37

Sunday morning, November 4, 9:00-10:00 am

Back to the Beginning. Vicki will spend time with our 3rd and 4th grade students, where the Jewish Journaling Project first began, exploring some possibilities for finding their own stories in our ancient texts.

Sunday morning, November 4, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Diving In Headfirst. In Vicki’s closing session, we will move deeper into the story of Abraham and Isaac, discovering within it reflections of our own lives. Cost $18 person (includes lunch for both Saturday and Sunday). Please sign up online at wct.org/shabbaton.

My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy Saturday, November 3 at 8:00 pm Adults $18, College students $10 Sign up at wct.org/coffeehouse Brad Zimmerman, star of TV, standup and film, will bring his hysterical show to the Woodlands Coffeehouse on November 3. He will ask, “What’s worse than having a terrible job when you should be doing something else with your life? Hearing your mother complain about it, that’s what.” Brad recounts experiences in New York breaking into show business, and it is a side-splitting ride from beginning to end. Brad is also a friend of ours here at Woodlands. He was the laid-back emcee at Cantor Jonathan’s roast, but will emerge into the limelight in his persona as a lovable curmudgeon who tells it like it is. You will definitely want to be at this great night of absolutely classic comedy, Woodlands style.

Blood Drive Sunday, November 4, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

It is a mitzvah to help others in need. There is a shortage of blood supply at the hospitals in our area. Please sign up at wct.org/blooddrive, or email Chuck Bauer at lbauera@aol.com, or call him at 589-7231 in order to schedule an appointment.

Worship Schedule Shabbat Khayei Sarah Friday, November 9

A Joyful Noise! at 8:00 pm With an 11-piece band and visual worship, participants from our Confirmation class will explore the topic of God.

Saturday, November 10 Lerners Minyan at 8:30 am Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am

Celebrate with us as Leandra Spilka, daughter of Sandra and Richard Spilka, becomes a Bat Mitzvah. Genesis 23:1 - 25:18 ... I Kings 1:1-31

family! Share in the true meaning of Thanksgiving: standing side-by-side with our neighbors, reading and singing of fellowship, communal joy, and goodwill toward humankind. The location this year is South Presbyterian Church (343 B’way, Dobbs Ferry). If you know you’ll be in town, plan on linking hands and hearts in thanks for the many blessings we share. Please bring a household cleaner or laundry detergent for donation to ARCS. If you are able to bake for this event please contact SocialAction@wct.org.

Shabbat Vayetzay

Friday, November 23

Shabbat Toledot

Shabbat Thanksgiving Service at 8:00 pm

Kidz Shabbat at 7:00 pm

Join Rabbi Billy, Corey Friedlander and friends for a quiet evening of Shabbat beauty and prayers of thanksgiving.

Friday, November 16 Our monthly 30-minute shenanigans, join in Shabbat songs and stories with Rabbi Mara and Cantor Jonathan.

Abby Leibman, Pres/CEO, MAZON, at 8:00 pm MAZON has been feeding the hungry since 1985. Its dynamic director will brief us on the state of hunger and our efforts to combat it. Also tonight, babynaming of Alessandra Messer, daughter of Caroline and Marcelo Messer and granddaughter of our members Susan and Mark Korsten.

Saturday, November 24

Hevra Torah Shabbat at 9:15 am

Interfaith Service at 4:00 pm Each year, Woodlands Community Temple joins together with the Greenburgh Interfaith Caring Community for shared worship before Thanksgiving. Always an inspiring, multi-denominational gathering, we urge you to attend. Bring your entire

Friday Night Shabbat Babysitting Babysitting will be available during the 8:00 pm Shabbat service on November 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. No reservations are necessary for babysitting during Shabbat services. Contact babysitting@wct.org with any questions.

Shabbat Vayishlakh Friday, November 30

Here’s something new, a Shabbat morning experience for everybody – adults and kids – that will include music, prayer and easy yoga movements. A holistic celebration of creation!

Sunday, November 18

There’s abundant room around our table. Drop by once or often; we’d love to have you join our lively conversation. Usually in the Meeting Room.

Genesis 28:10 - 32:3 ... Hosea 12:13 - 14:10

Our newest worship experience for the whole congregation but earlier so families with kids can attend. Meaningful for adults, engaging for kids! If you like, join us for a quick 6:00 pm dinner – make your reservation at wct.org/mishpakha. Also tonight, conversion ceremony for Juliana Roos, daughter of Emily Roos, granddaughter of Roberta and Lloyd Roos.

Thanksgiving

Facilitated by Vicki Armour-Hileman November 10: Parshat Khayei Sarah Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan November 17: Parshat Toledot Facilitated by Rabbi Mara November 24: Parshat Vayetzay Facilitated by Rabbi Billy December 1: Parshat Vayishlakh Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan

No lerners minyan today.

Mishpakha Shabbat at 6:45 pm (note earlier start time!)

Genesis 25:19 - 28:9 ... Malakhi 1:1 - 2:7

November 3: Parshat Vayera @ 9:30 am

Led by Rabbi Billy, Torah learning and Shabbat worship together. We’ll go until 11:15 or so, and then a bagel-andcream-cheese brunch will follow.

Saturday, November 17 Lerners Minyan at 8:30 am Family Yoga Shabbat at 10:30 am

Hevra Torah Learning, Saturdays, 9:15-10:15 am

Saturday, December 1 Lerners Minyan at 8:30 am Come celebrate Shabbat with Cantor Jonathan while practicing Hebrew reading skills and learning about the liturgy. Kaddish will be read.

we are

family Fall Online Auction

It’s 7:00 pm and the sun is setting. Do you have a challah for your family to enjoy? Bid on one of Joan Farber’s challot. biddingforgood.com/wctauction

Genesis 32:4 - 36:43 ... Hosea 11:7 - 12:12

Reminder to the 7th Grade: Family Torah Learning with the Rabbi (Section A) resumes on Sunday, November 4 (9:00-11:00 am) and Wednesday, November 7 (5:30-7:30 pm). See you there!

11th-12th Grade Family Learning with Rabbi Billy Monday, November 5, 6:00-8:00 pm

All parents and 11th-12th graders will share dinner and an evening of learning with Rabbi Billy. Dinner begins at 6:00 pm promptly, followed by a program especially designed for 11th-12th graders and their parents. Please help us order the right amount of food; contact the religious school office (592-7070 or michele@wct.org) only if you’re unable to be with us.

9th Grade Family Learning with Rabbi Billy Monday, November 26, 6:00-8:00 pm

All parents and 9th graders will share dinner and an evening of learning with Rabbi Billy. Dinner begins at 6:00 pm promptly, followed by a program especially designed for ninth graders and their parents. Please help us order the right amount of food; contact the religious school office (592-7070 or michele@wct.org) only if you’re unable to be with us.

Special notice to all families with children becoming B’nai Mitzvah in January-June 2013

Preparing to Write Your Parent’s D’var Torah Wednesday, November 14, 8:00-9:30 pm

This is an extremely important workshop with Rabbi Billy to prepare the words of Torah that you will be writing and presenting to your child during the service in which he/she becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Every parent needs to attend.

from the Rabbi

Into the Fold Nature’s Art Humbly but Expertly Housed I have a video Jonah made thanking a friend for teaching him how to fold t-shirts (we’ll not get into how he missed his parents’ instruction in that regard). It ends with Jonah pointing to the mess in his t-shirt drawer and proclaiming, “This will end ...<pauses to consider what he’s saying>...next week. I will be putting your advice into effect come ...<another pause>...whenever I get around to it.” I’m not sure the t-shirt folding ever happened, but other folding did. Jonah was a big fan of origami and was able to create some pretty fancy designs, including birds and elephants. I treasure these. Lots of stuff folds, of course. Flowers create exquisite designs when their petals fold. Mountains and valleys appear when earth folds. Sound is made as air folds. And solar power can be boosted when light folds. Origami begins, simply and humbly, with a single piece of paper. Without scissors, tape or glue, astoundingly complicated designs “unfold.” What makes this such a fascinating art form is that no materials are added or subracted. You end with what you began, only prettier. At a macro level, all existence functions this way. Lavoisier’s 18th century discovery that matter is neither created nor destroyed suggests the universe isn’t so different from origami. Which means that you and I, in our eight or nine decades of life, also follow Lavoisier’s principle. We change, but we stay the same. Our journey through life gives us folds, too. Wrinkles on our faces. Wrinkles on our souls. Same person, changed appearance and changed spirit. The Talmud relates a story of Rabbi Yehoshua ben Hananya and the daughter of the Roman Emperor, who asked him why God would place so much wisdom in such an ugly vessel. He instructed her to move her father’s finest wines into gold and silver vessels which spoiled the wine. We may think our wrinkles, or other “imperfect” aspects of our bodies, detract from our value. But we mustn’t mistake the vessel for its contents. The book of Micah teaches, “What is asked of you? To do justice, love goodness, and walk humbly with God.” Let’s try folding that into our lives.

Reinventing Ritual: The Committee The Ritual Committee at Woodlands is constantly looking for ways to improve, if not reinvent, our ritual practices. Now, the Ritual Committee is looking for ways to improve, if not reinvent, the Ritual Committee itself. Toward that end, we’re convening a “Ritual Retreat” on December 2, a session—facilitated by Woodlands’ own Dale Glasser—featuring a no-holds-barred discussion of the role of both ritual and Ritual at Woodlands. What should the committee be doing? How should it be done? Who should do it? It’s a surprisingly controversial topic—even at Woodlands, where most agree that ritual is usually done right. And it should make for a rousing discussion. So even if (and maybe especially if) you’ve never been to a Ritual meeting, please come to this one. The retreat will start at 4:30 pm, and go until about 9:00, including a break for supper. All are welcome, and there is no cost to attend, but you will need to RSVP so that enough materials and food on are on hand. Call the temple office, or go to wct.org/ritualretreat. Don’t miss it!

from the Cantor

What We Imagine We Become or, The Jack My family told stories. We would often retell them when we liked the point they made. One favorite was The Jack: A driver gets a flat tire on a lonesome country road, but has no jack to change the tire. He sees a farmhouse down the road, and walks towards it. Rehearsing how he will ask the person who opens the door for help, it comes to him that they may refuse to help. The thought grows as he approaches. He becomes angrier with each step. “Why wouldn’t they like me? How could they turn me away?” By the time he arrives at the door, he is fully furious. He finally knocks, someone opens the door, the driver shouts, “Take your jack and shove it!” People often create the exact scenario they wish to avoid. Thank goodness, the reverse is also true. We can also create the type of human relationships we most desire- should we give other people the freedom and inspiration to respond generously to our shared experience. The Torah imagines a wonderfully exalted Jewish community, and spells out rules for living within it. We are defined as “Holy People,” a “Light to the Nations.” The Torah plans a Jewish community in which all human actions reflect eternal values of fairness, restraint, and compassion. It predicts that the presence of God will always thrive in such a society. Our people have responded to that idealism for thousands of years. One might imagine that hardships would make spiritual matters irrelevant, but the opposite has been true. The quest for security and comfort have never dominated Jewish life, they are not worthy. The Jewish vision of life as a moral proving ground has inspired us all. As Rabbi Morton Leifman once said, “Jews are to be concerned with our own souls, and other people’s stomachs. Not the reverse.” May we always imagine the greatest possible world, and thereby choose to live in it.

Hanukkah Concert featuring The Levins! Sunday, December 9 at 3:30 pm Join us for a special Hanukkah concert featuring The Levins! Award-winning singer songwriters for Folk, Jewish and Children’s music, Ira and Julia Levin have performed in Amsterdam, England and across the US. You may have seen Ira on PBS Kids! The Levins family concert will include fun, interactive original songs as well as favorite classic Hanukkah sing alongs. The Levins have rich harmonies and great rvakh that make you feel you are getting eight nights of presents all at once. The Levin’s “folk music speaks the universal language of hope and compassion.” - Serge Kozlovsky, Radio Magico, Belarus. To learn more about The Levins and their music go to thelevinsmusic.com. Admission will be $5 per person with a maximum of $20 per family. Sign up online at wct.org/hanukkahconcert.

Bereavement Support Group: 8 Wednesdays, beginning November 7 If you have lost a beloved spouse or partner, and would like to benefit from sharing stories and tears (and laughter) and insight with others, we’re starting a support group for you. It will be facilitated by Stefani Cohen, LCSW, and will run for 8 sessions: November 7, 14, 28, December 5, 12, 19 and January 2, 9 all at 7:30 pm at the temple. Please let the office know (592-7070 or wct@wct.org) if you plan to join us.

We Want to Hear from You

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

UPCOMING MEETINGS Adult Learning Committee Meeting Sunday, November 4 at 9:00 am WCT Board Retreat Sunday, November 4 at 11:30 am Executive Committee Monday, November 5 at 8:10 pm Finance Committee Monday, November 12 at 8:10 pm Ritual Committee Monday, November 12 at 8:10 pm Membership Committee Tuesday, November 13 at 8:10 pm Building Jewish Lives Initiative with The Sandwich Generation Taskforce Thursday, November 15 at 8:00 pm Board of Trustees Monday, November 19 at 8:10 pm School Board Monday, November 26 at 8:10 pm

Thanksgiving Day Meal Prep for the Homeless Thursday, November 22, 9:00 am - Noon

Confirmation families have the opportunity to prepare Thanksgiving meals for homeless men and women staying at the Valhalla Residential Shelter in Hawthorne, who are spending this family holiday without their families. We can at least bring them (and the 5 staff who miss Thanksgiving with their own families in order to take care of these folks) some home-cooked food and a bit of friendly concern. The Valhalla Residence is a 19-bed transitional home, providing 24-hour care and comprehensive services to homeless men and women with special needs, including substance abusers in recovery and people living with AIDS or other serious health conditions. If you are around and available, please join as we fix the goodies (and watch the Macy’s Parade!). At noon, those who would like can then drive the food and personally deliver it. There is limited room for other temple members. Contact socialaction@wct.org for more information. We can use shoppers, cooks to make a turkey the day before, cooks to work in our kitchen on Thanksgiving morning, and drivers at noon. Your donation will help us cover food costs (make your check payable to WCT, with “Thanksgiving Meal” on the memo line).

Education Update

Madrikhim at WCT

ach year at Shabbat Hamoreh, the evening in which we recognize our teachers, we also recognize the work done by our madrikhim. But, unless congregants are in the building during religious school hours, many are unaware of who these teens are and their responsibilities. First of all, the word madrikhim is the plural for the Hebrew madrikh or madrikha, leader. In many synagogues the teens are called “teaching assistant” or “teaching aide,” but we prefer to use the Hebrew. Although our teens have specific jobs, many have roles as a support for classroom teachers. Teaching is not their primary responsibility, but their teachers consider them to be valuable partners, and often they conduct a particular lesson or tutor, or work with small groups within the classroom. One of the primary responsibilities of our madrikhim is to be a role model, to set a good example. The high school students who work for the Religious School all love being Jewish and learning Jewish things. They demonstrate by their words and actions how to live a Jewish life. I love seeing how our younger students react to having a high school student as their “teacher” and how they look up to these teens. Several of our madrikhim work specifically with Dayle Fligel, our director of special education. They are one-on-one teachers within our Hebrew program, do much of the testing under Dayle’s direction, help students catch up when they’re behind, work individually with children with diverse learning needs, among their other responsibilities. Our office helpers are those teens who work in the religious school office on Saturday and Sundays when school is in session. They are the “front line” in that they answer the phone, take messages, and greet parents who come into the building. They also collect and record Tzedakah and record attendance. We at WCT are blessed that the great majority of our teens want to continue to be connected with the temple after they become B’nai Mitzvah: by attending Academy, by becoming involved in WoodSY - their high school youth group, and by working as one of the madrikhim in school.

Religious School Calendar

For our end-of-year gala honoring Harriet Levine on the occasion of her retirement.

June 1 6

Sunday November 4 9:00 am: 7th Grade Family Torah Study - Group A - #5 9:00 am: The Jewish Journaling Project - Vicki Armour-Hileman Monday November 5 6:00 pm: 11th /12th Grade Family Learning 6:00 pm: Academy Wednesday November 7 5:30 pm: 7th Grade Family Torah Study - Group A - #6 8:00 pm: 5th Grade B’nai Mitzvah Parents Meeting Friday November 9 6:30 pm: 5th Grade Dinner & A Joyful Noise Service 9:30 pm: WoodSY Oneg Saturday November 10 - Monday, November 12 No Religious School and Academy Sunday, November 11 5:00 am: 7th Grade Tzedakah Project Opportunity Wednesday November 14 8:00 pm: 7th Grade Parents D’var Torah Meeting, January-June 2013 Dates

Yo u t h M a t t e r s

A Summer That Lasts a Lifetime During Havdalah at NFTY NAR Kallah this past October, I received inspiration on what to write about this month. Yael Farber, Religious and Cultural Vice President of NFTY-NAR and a WoodSYite, was talking about one of the last prayers of Shabbat when we say “hamavdel bein kodesh l’khol.” It talks about separating Shabbat (the Holy) from the ordinary. This made me think of a summer at Jewish camp. There’s something about Jewish camp that makes it extraordinary – wholly apart from our everyday lives. It has all the benefits of summer camp (fun activities, sunshine, and friends) along with the incredible opportunity to have Judaism infused throughout the whole summer. Not only will they be engaged as individuals, but they will also be challenged as Jews. This can happen at any Jewish camp. As a member of the URJ, though, we at Woodlands have the unique opportunity to take advantage of the acclaimed URJ camps - including Eisner and Crane Lake. These camps have a proven record of creating summers that last a lifetime. On Sunday, November 18, at 9:00 am we have Debby Shriber, Director of URJ Crane Lake Camp, coming to talk about both Eisner and Crane Lake. If you are investigating a summer opportunity for your children, I encourage you come to this presentation and learn firsthand what these two camps have to offer. You will be able to ask questions, hear from campers who attend both camps, and have a better idea what Eisner and Crane Lake stand for. As always if you have any questions about any of our URJ camps and other Jewish summer opportunities, do not hesitate to email me!

7th Grade Tzedakah Project Opportunity! Pancakes for all! Come join in early (and I mean early! How early you ask? Well, at around 5:00 am. Yup, that is right 5:00 am) Sunday, November 11 to make pancakes for the Breakfast Run to the city; and then after the run leaves we will make a delicious breakfast for ourselves! More info TBA as we get closer to the event!

Friday, November 30 (after Mishpakha Shabbat) Family Shabowling @ AMF Lanes!

L’shalom,

Religious School Calendar Saturday, November 17 9:00 am: Gan Hayeled Sunday November 18 9:00 am: 6th Grade Trip to Museum of Jewish Heritage 9:00 am: URJ Eisner and Crane Lake Camps Presentation Monday November 19 6:00 pm: Academy Wednesday November 21 - Sunday, November 25 No Religious School Thursday November 22 9:00 am: Confirmation Thanksgiving Cooking Monday November 26 6:00 pm: Academy 6:00 pm: 9th Grade Family Learning 6:00 pm: 8th Grade Trip Friday November 30

we are

family Fall Online Auction

Want to make more of A Joyful Noise? Brush up your Hebrew with Harriet Levine. biddingforgood.com/wctauction

9:30 pm: Club56 Family ShaBowling

from Rabbi Mara

“A lil’ bit of Shabbat Joy” Black and white cookies are the reason I’m a rabbi.

Just Food By Rabbi Billy Dreskin

Temple member Audrey Stone wrote me soon after my “Eat to Live” sermon, articulating a number of beautiful ideas about Judaism and food. I’m delighted to share Audrey’s thoughts with you here: Rabbi Billy’s Kol Nidre sermon resonated with my sense of Jewishness. When we don’t eat well we are likely to suffer chronic diseases. Conversely, when we eat well ouroverall health improves, making us less likely to develop conditions that requiremedication, persistent medical intervention and care from those around us. As Jews, we care about community and the ways in which our actions affect others. By not caring for ourselves, we contribute to the burden of our health care system. A new documentary film, “Escape Fire,” explores how our health system has become unsustainable. “Escape Fire” shows how the medical system does not incentivize or reimburse for preventable care. Rather our system reimburses doctors for expensive procedures at the same time pharmaceutical companies push medications onto the market with large advertising campaigns. If we care about our health care system and the crisis it faces we need to take responsibility for how our unhealthy lifestyles contribute to this upside down system. Yet most Americans cannot easily adopt a healthy diet. In The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Michael Pollan takes us through a food odyssey where we see how government underwrites the production of corn and soy which then becomes the unhealthy foundation of almost everything we consume. We can afford the trips to the farmers market and to buy fruits and vegetables year round. Yet many Americans live in food deserts where shopping consists of trips to convenience stores to purchase foods filled with preservatives. Even our own Yom Kippur Food Van here at Woodlands necessarily is filled with canned foods. (Continued on page 9)

ell, maybe not the reason, but certainly a significant one. I’ll explain. As a kid, my family went to temple on average of once a month. I felt very special putting on my tights and my fancy shoes and heading across town just before sunset. I enjoyed sneaking out of services with my temple friends and hiding in the coat closet or the bathroom and returning just before the Aleinu. I liked services, don’t get me wrong, but it was these spontaneous moments, the memories that I didn’t know yet were memories, that made me feel at home in a Jewish space. But trumping it all was the oneg: tables and tables of goodies just sitting out for the taking. Including my beloved black and white cookies. I only ate black and white cookies at temple. To me, they were special Jew-food, like matzah or gefilte fish. I’d chomp away in a corner while giggling with my friends. While this wasn’t the most observant of Shabbat practices, it certainly got me to associate Shabbat (more importantly, Shabbat at temple) with joy. This is what the oneg is all about. Oneg means joy. And not just for little kids. During services we sing and pray as a community. During the oneg afterwards, we schmooze as one. We get caught up in each other’s lives; we make a new introduction. The oneg is an essential part of the evening. That is why we ask every Woodlands household to participate in “oneg duty.” At Woodlands, community building does not just happen around the cookie tray. We believe it also happens in the kitchen beforehand when you meet the other families helping out. Truthfully, the Shabbat “joy” may be in the meeting room where people are noshing, but may also be in the satisfaction of knowing that your two hours of easy volunteering have brought a little bit of Shabbat beauty to an entire community. And maybe you even helped make a memory for a little kid that influence her more than you can know. B’shalom,

William Donat Visiting High School Holocaust Education Program, Monday, November 12

Once again, a group of high school students comes to visit us from Chaplain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg, Vermont. They are part of a semester elective entitled, “Holocaust and Human Behavior.” As described, this course teaches that: Democratic institutions and values are not automatically sustained; they need to be nurtured, appreciated and protected. Silence and indifference are harmful to the liberty of all. The Holocaust occurred because individuals, organizations, bureaucracies, and governments made choices which legalized discrimination, allowing prejudice, hatred, and ultimately mass murder to occur. It is our hope that every student consciously understands the fragility of democracy and considers the behaviors necessary to sustain it. Fifty or so students will visit Woodlands on their way to the United States Holocaust Memorial in Washington. While here, they will listen to presentations by a Holocaust survivor, an American soldier who liberated a Nazi death camp, and a presentation by Rabbi Billy on what it means to be Jewish. The students will also have an opportunity to look at our Shoah Torah scroll. Begun in 2004 Continued on page 9

from the President

Yakhad

have been reflecting on what I have seen throughout WCT since I became president. The only word that I can use to describe the atmosphere around the temple is “Yahad” -a Hebrew word meaning “together.” I don’t usually incorporate Hebrew into my daily vocabulary, but in the case of WCT, this word seems to be very appropriate. Vince Lombardi once said “Individual commitment to a group effort -- that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” Everything that successfully happens at WCT is because of the combined efforts of individual people working together. For example, we need our ritual committee to work closely with our clergy who needs to work with our choir to make High Holy Day services run smoothly. On Sukkot, the members of our school board took the spotlight. Their work was supported by our facilities committee, office staff, German and many other people who don’t serve on committees. In September, I presented to the committee chairs the same ideas and goals that the Board of Trustees discussed in July. This meeting was designed as a start to a conversation that will continue throughout the year. As Sukkot and the rest of the High Holy Days showed us, many activities at WCT benefit from multiple committees working together. Ultimately we want all volunteers and committees to feel that their work is valued and can be enhanced by better communication with each other. In this issue of Makom we recognize several WCT volunteers for their contributions over the years. There are so many names to thank! Inevitably, when trying to recognize people we are bound to leave out some well deserving names. We are attempting to do the right thing by thanking people for their time. Recognition, however, can be a tricky thing to get right, so for those we have inadvertently left off the list, please accept our apologies. There is so much happening at WCT! Find a committee or activity that interests you. You’ll be happy you came and Woodlands will be much better because of your involvement!

Continued from page 8

by our cherished friend, temple member and Holocaust survivor Bill Donat, Woodlands renamed the program after Bill died in 2009 to honor his memory, his work and his powerful goodness. Across the years, countless children in our religious school heard Bill’s extraordinary story of rescue as a 5-year old by Polish Christians from the Nazis. With grace, humor and eloquence, Bill dedicated his Bill Donat with rescuer Magda Grodzka-Guzkowska life to telling that story to adults and children alike, always with the purpose of opening people’s eyes both to the risks and to the blessings in life. It is our great privilege as Jews to try and bring some increased goodness into a troubled world. Whether it is by how we live or by the words we teach, even the smallest act can make an important difference. You are cordially invited to join us for any or all of the presentations (we begin late-morning and continue through the early-afternoon). Please contact the temple office (wct@wct.org, 914.592.7070) to let us know you’ll be here.

(Just Food - continue from page 8)

We are expecting the poor and hungry to rely on a diet that we know is not the best. Don’t we as Jews have an obligation to change how our nation eats? To make it possible for school lunches to include the types of fresh, nutritional foods that keep children from becoming obese? As Jews caring about the community and future generations, we should consider how what we eat, individually and collectively, affects the world at large. Audrey’s words remind me of Pesakh, when we read, “Kol dikh-feen yay-tay v’yay-khul ... let all who are hungry come and eat.” There is such a profound sense of justice around our seder dining tables. Imagine if that sense of justice permeated every one of our meals. We would not only be eating to live, we’d be eating to help others live as well!

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Judaica The

Shop

Social Action

“Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:11-11

We know!!! It feels like we just took out the apples and honey plates for our Rosh Hashanah dinners and before we can blink it will be time to bring out the family menorah. The Judaica Shop at Woodlands will have a variety of hanukkah hanukyot, at a wide range of prices and we’re sure you’ll find one that speaks to you and your family. We are excited to bring in beautiful glass menorahs from our new, featured artist, Beames Designs and treasured favorite artist, Tamara Baskin; menorot from mixed media artist Gary Rosenthal and fun, whimsical ones from Jessica Sporn and Karen Rossi. Just add colorful Safed candles, imported from Israel, and your holiday of lights will be spectacular. Beames Designs, Catskill area artists Sara and Michael Beames, have been designing fused glass Judaica since 1990. We fell in love with their crisp designs and starting with our January 2013 B’nai Mitzvah children, will be gifting their “Woodlands deconstructed” tzedakah box to each one at their service. The merchandise in The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is constantly changing; our prices are the best around and we’re proud to say we’ve accomplished our goal…we’re your neighborhood gift shop for gift giving …and getting! The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is open every day the temple office is staffed; evening and weekend hours are announced in the weekly email. If you are looking for something special, email us at: judaicashop@wct.org, we’ll be happy to help.

Breakfast Run

November 11 and December 9 6:45 am We will meet at the temple before caravanning into the city to feed breakfast to those less fortunate than us. To signup to supply food, participate on the run, or get more information email MidnightRunBreakfasts@wct.org. For more information and explanations go to wct.org/breakfastrun.

Christmas Gifts for Children’s Village Help make a boy’s Christmas wish come true by volunteering to purchase a gift from their wish list. Many of these boys will spend Christmas alone at the village away from their families and will not receive any gifts. Contact Jeanne Bodin at Jeanne.bodin@gmail. com to get a name to shop for.

Mitzvat Mississippi Goes Turkey Collection for ARCS to New Orleans 2013! Purchase a frozen turkey to help a family create a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Please drop off the turkeys during school hours on November 4 – 15 and place in the freezer downstairs. We will also collect turkeys at the Friday, November 9 service.

Volunteers of America Dessert for a Week Provide dessert for a week, during the months of December and January, with your family or a group of families for the Valhalla Shelter. With government cut backs desserts are no longer provided. Contact Jeanne Bodin at Jeanne.bodin@gmail.com to find out what weeks are available.

Food of the Month

Thanksgiving nonperishable items

The Mitzvat Mississippi trip is organizing NOW - with a midNovember deadline for sign-up. Join us as we return for to the Gulf Coast for the 7th straight year during February Break (February 16 - 23, 2013). If you’re interested, contact Stu Berlowitz at president@wct.org

Order Mirembe Kawamera Coffee by November 9 Our Mishpakha in Uganda Abayudaya leader J. J. Keki irrigating coffee plant for Mirembe Kawamera Coffee. Place order online, at wct.org/coffee, for holiday gift-giving.

Collection of the Month Adult men size only, gently used clothing, coats, shoes, and blankets

Upcoming Events Sunday, November 4, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm: Blood Drive Sunday, November 11, 6:45 am: Breakfast Run Friday, November 16, 8:00 pm: Shabbat Evening Service, Guest Speaker, Abby Leibman, President and CEO of Mazon Sunday, November 18, 4:00 pm: GIFCC Thanksgiving Service (South Presbyterian Church) Thursday, November 22, 9:00 am: Confirmation Class Thanksgiving for VOA

Adult Learning

A Tour of the Torah

Judaism 101

Rabbi Marcus Burstein Thursdays, November 1 and 8 8:00 pm

Shabbat: Part 2 Rabbi Mara Young Sunday, November 18 9:30 am

Take an up-close tour of the Torah, learn about what goes into writing a Torah scroll, look at large and small letters, unusual spacing, and special passages. Learn some famous midrashim about why it looks the way it looks.

Our newest monthly adult class, this is a chance for you to experience an overview of Jewish ritual, history and literature. Join us for one or every class. This session will wrap up our discussion of Shabbat.

Temple Book Club

Book of Judges: Ancient Israel’s Childhood

Mickey Milbauer will facilitate Ann Patchett’s beautifully written State of Wonder on Wednesday, November 14 at 8:00 pm. “In a narrative replete with poison arrows, devouring snakes, scientific miracles, and spiritual transformations, State of Wonder presents a world of stunning surprise and danger, rich in emotional resonance and moral complexity.” State of Wonder presents a world of luminous beauty and unimaginable loss in the Amazon.

S’forim Forum On December 1, S’forim Forum will discuss Telegraph Avenue, the latest work of America’s eminent Jewish writer, Michael Chabon. His latest work, Telegraph Avenue delves into a mixture of sensibilities we can easily recognize, Black Jewish relations, the search for a niche in mass culture America, the hip Northern California and relationship of the baby boomers and their children. 4:30 to 6:00 pm, with refreshments and a quick Havdalah. No previous experience necessary! Come on in; the talk is fine.

Rabbi Billy Dreskin Eight Wednesdays, beginning December 5 at 8:00 pm

Abraham built the first Israelite home. Moses brought the Israelites back from captivity. Joshua led the conquest. But it was the Judges who governed the new nation. And it wasn’t always milk and honey. What can we learn of our ancestors? And how does this speak to our lives today? The SEVENTH Book of the Bible. It’s time.

On-going classes: Talmud with Rabbi Billy

Thursdays, November 1, 8 and 15 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.

Jewish Studies, Harriet Levine

Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 am.

Adult Hebrew Classes

Thursdays, 7:00-8:00 pm.

Modern Hebrew, Rabbi Joan Farber

Thursdays, 8:15-9:15 pm. No Adult Learning classes on Thursday, November 22.

Daytime Diversions Daytime Diversions has a great month planned for all. All sessions are open to temple members and non-members, so bring friends, relatives, and neighbors. Coffee/tea and doughnuts served at each session.

Wednesday, November 7

Promptly at 10:00 am, to view and discuss the 1952 movie hit, Singin’ in the Rain. It’s a star-studied cast featuring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds, and many more. Many of us have seen this movie before, but now we have the chance to discuss its history, trivia, and even the goofs found in the film. A silent film production company makes the difficult transition to the “talkies”… and a musical at that. Great music, dancing, love, and angst. Come at 9:45 am to get yourself set up with breakfast, as the movie starts promptly at 10:00 am.

Wednesday, November 14

At 10:00 am when back for the 3rd year, we bring you Joyce Saltman. Joyce comes to us by request…no, make that demand, of past participants !! Joyce is one of the funniest people we have ever met. She speaks all over the country on various topics, all with a humorous take. Although a professor at Southern Connecticut State University (she’s also smart), she would probably have made a great living as a comedian. We are so fortunate that Joyce is available to speak with us about “Political Correctness: Funny Side Up,” a most timely subject. She will demonstrate the difference between destructive and equalizing humor, and help us all have a good laugh at ourselves. Don’t miss this fun-filled session.

Wednesday, November 21

At 10:00 am, when the ever-popular Current Events Group meets. Beside the election results, there must surely be something else happening in the world to discuss. Bob Steinhardt’s agenda will give us direction. Lend your voices and opinions to those gathered.

Just Israel

Where the Next Meal is Coming From MAZON’s Abby Leibman comes to WCT on Friday, November 16 to talk about hunger By Gary Stern (Continued from page 1)

At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Israel brought in a winner. God’s Neighbors is a theological drama that follows a group of young hasidim living in Bat Yam, Israel, as they pray, smoke pot, and engage in violent acts. But rather than simply expose hypocrisy within the ranks of Israel’s religious, writer-director Meni Yaesh peered inside the conflicted spirits of these young men, opening a window for American viewers to witness the struggle that sometimes accompanies the adherence to fervent faith. Judges called God’s Neighbors “a dynamic and fascinating look at a population trapped by religion and violence.” A film journal noted, “What looks at the outset to be a straightforward vigilante movie about a trio of hot-headed religious watchdogs in Israel turns into a worthy study of personal maturation and growth in God’s Neighbors.” While Israel struggles with the challenges of establishing peace with her neighbors, good news emerges regularly. This column provides a brief glimpse of something taking root there that firmly aligns Israel’s values with Judaism’s. We hope you share our pride and admiration for her achievements. So if you have questions about ultra-religious behavior in Israel, you’re not alone. Kol hakavod to Meni Yaesh!

Next Month in Makom Shop ‘til You Drop:

An inside look at Woodlands’ revamped Judaica Shop. Just in time for Hanukkah.

You Can Make It Happen:

What happened when a group of congregants decided they wanted a different kind of Shabbat service? A brief history of Mishpakhah.

O Hanukkah!

Lights, latkes, lyrics, laughs, and more.

As part of her mission, Leibman will stop at Woodlands on November 16, only six days before Thanksgiving, to be the guest speaker at our Shabbat service. She promises to share what she’s learned about hunger in America and to challenge Woodlands to take on a project or two, possibly including some political engagement with officials who control funding for social service programs. “If you engage people with action and ideas and show them that they can make a difference, it helps to give people new energy,” Leibman says. “There is passion out there in our congregations.” Rabbi Billy Dreskin, who invited Leibman, has been a supporter of MAZON—the Hebrew word for food—since the organization was founded in 1985 by Leonard Fein, then the editor of Moment magazine. Fein had decided to push Jewish catering businesses to give a small percentage of their profits to the hungry. “Leonard saw so much hunger and contrasted that with our simkhas, our celebrations, all accompanied by tremendous amounts of food,” Billy says. “He said that if we could give a small amount of that to hungry people, it would make a huge difference.” In less than three decades, MAZON has raised and awarded more than $58 million to organizations fighting hunger at every level, from soup kitchens to the halls of Congress. Woodlands has long responded to the challenges put forth by Fein and others by raising money and food to combat hunger in Westchester County. The first thing people see when they enter the temple lobby is the “Food Cart,” an aesthetically unpleasing but symbolically meaningful mountain of whatever item is being collected that month. “The cart is always there, one of those things that is always going on at Woodlands,” says Julie de

Winter-Stein, chair of WCT’s social action committee. “Woodlands does a lot to alleviate hunger. Our religious school kids are sort of indoctrinated to bring items in and think about helping those who do not have.” Many at Woodlands are particularly proud of the annual Yom Kippur food drive, which disperses a truck-full of food to several local agencies and raises money for the Food Bank of Westchester, the heart of the county’s food-distribution network. Then there is the annual mid-winter “hunger appeal,” designed to raise money at a time when contributions may be down and the need is great. The congregation also fights hunger in many other ways, including “Midnight Runs,” and “Breakfast Runs” a Passover food drive through Project Ezra in New York City, and numerous programs that provide dinners, dessert, and even cooking to the homeless residents of the Volunteers of America shelter in Valhalla. “I understand that there can be something like ‘compassion fatigue,’ but I’ve never seen it at Woodlands,”

Yom Kippur Food Van 5773 photo credit Andrew Bordwin

Don’t delay ...

$$$ Available for 1sttime Summer Campers

Billy says. “People are still very moved by the issue of hunger. It never ceases to amaze me how compassionate this community is. We put out a call and we’re able to do good for the world. I don’t see Abby coming here as a challenge to re-engage on hunger, but as another opportunity to respond. And the people of Woodlands will.” Jack Safirstein, a founding member of Woodlands and a past president, is a veteran of anti-hunger efforts in Westchester’s Jewish community. Since his retirement, he has coordinated Yom Kippur food drives at close to 20 congregations for the Food Bank of Westchester, an organization he is proud to support. “It is astounding to me that in this area and era of plenty, we have so many who don’t have enough to eat,” he says. “The Food Bank for the area’s central supply facility, getting a lot of food from government programs, manufacturer overruns, misprints on packaging. It is a very efficient and effective organization.” The Food Bank, which distributes food to more than 225 pantries, soup kitchens, and other programs, estimates that close to 20 percent of Westchester’s nearly 1 million residents are hungry or at risk of hunger at any given time. The great majority reside in the county’s urban areas. Safirstein says that Woodlands’ Yom Kippur drive is one of the largest in the county, in terms of both food contributed and money raised. “For our size, it’s way out of proportion,” he says. “Billy has been very active in talking about this. The people at Woodlands are generous, even during

the February drive, when donations get slow.” Leibman came to MAZON more than a year ago after a decade of consulting to Jewish civil rights groups. She previously started and ran the California Women’s Law Center. She says she has learned that hunger is perhaps the most fundamental social issue because it prevents people from seeking education, jobs, and other essentials. “When you can’t eat, you can’t think about anything else,” she says. “When children don’t eat, they can’t learn. You hear stories that break your heart—children who don’t get breakfast because it’s not their turn, someone who has half a grilled cheese sandwich to save bread for the next meal. But it is absolutely possible to end hunger in the U.S. There is enough food in the U.S. to feed people, but we don’t have all the systems in place to do that, and there isn’t enough support to do it.” MAZON contends that Jews should contribute to local efforts to fight hunger and to MAZON’s regional and national work to combat hunger today and alleviate it in the future. The Los Angeles-based organization will soon publish a book, The New Face of Hunger, that will feature photographs of people from around the country who, in Leibman’s words, “don’t know where their next meal is coming from.” “There are so many people who—if they lose their job, get divorced, or, say, have to do military service—can find themselves unable to feed their family,” Leibman says. “Even in our congregations, this message resonates especially powerfully with people who have been in this situation. Even in New York.”

Is this the summer to send your child or grandchild to a URJ summer camp (Eisner, Crane Lake, Kutz or 6 Points Sports Academy)? Well, up to $1,000 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 Harriet, Ross or Rabbi Billy.

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 and Six Points Sports Academy) fill to capacity by December. So if you’d like to ensure your child’s place in one of these programs, please do not delay submitting application and deposit. Reform Jewish summer camps are not only great, but they help solidify our kids’ positive sense of Jewish identity. In this world of competing values and claims on our time and energy, this is a tremendous gift for you to offer your child or grandchild. Call the Eisner/Crane Lake office (212-650-4130 or online at necamps. urjcamps.org), Kutz Camp (845-987-6300 or online at kutz.urjcamps.org), or Six Points (561-208-1650 or online at 6points. urjcamps.org) to find out more about this wonderfully enjoyable summer opportunity for your child or grandchild. Youth Director Ross Glinkenhouse, Temple Educator Harriet Levine, Rabbi Billy and Rabbi Mara have information, as well. Financial assistance is available...call the rabbi.

Become an Associate Member

Wandering Jews

WCT Alumna Gets Inspired By Laura Becker

I Join fellow Woodlanders in becoming an Associate Member of the Abayudaya Moses Synagogue in Uganda for $50 per year/per family. Click Donations on Woodlands home page; then Social Action and Abayudaya Fund. For more information, visit Projects under Social Action of website.

Attention parents and grandparents!

URJ Summer Camp Presentations Sunday, November 18 Parents and grandparents, please join us on Sunday morning, November 18, at 9:00 am for a half-hour presentation about URJ Eisner and Crane Lake Camps. Eisner and Crane Lake are our regional summer camp programs for 2nd through 10th graders. Sponsored by the Reform movement, these camps offer a wonderful summer of Liberal Judaism-infused fun and learning. Woodlands sends more kids to Eisner and Crane Lake than just about any other temple. The reason? We know fun, and we know how to get kids excited about being Jewish. We’d be honored to have you join us for the presentation, given by Debby Shriber, Director of Crane Lake, who will fill you in and answer all your questions. For more information visit eisnercranelake.urjcamps.org or contact the temple office.

was walking home from classes at the Universidad Nacional del Mar del Plata on a beautiful day in Argentina when it started. It was a typical conversation with a new friend: she asked what I was studying, and what I want to do when I graduate. I responded: “Well I’m studying psychology and working in communications, but I really want to go into non-profit administration when I graduate.” My new friend looked surprised. “Let’s talk,” she said. “I have an idea.” Lauren and I spent the next several hours in our hotel telling stories, planning, and getting excited. Lauren is a Sarcoma survivor. To celebrate her fifth year in remission, she wanted to start a non-profit to raise funds for sarcoma research and build a community for adolescent and young adult cancer patients. I was ready and eager to get involved, and we’ve been working together ever since. Along with another wonderful young woman, we make up the core team of the Invincible Campaign. When I got involved, I didn’t do it because I thought, “Oh, I’m Jewish, so I should do good things and this is a way for me to do good things!” However, it was my Judaism that got me interested in leading non-profits. In the winter of 2010, my senior year of high school, I had the privilege of joining Woodlands on its annual Mitzvat Mississippi trip. I was able to repair a house for a wonderful family that included a girl who had grown up entirely in a FEMA trailer. I also formed personal and professional relationships that have given me incredible opportunities. My life experiences instilled in me drive to lead others in tikkun olam, but it was my Judaism that set me on the path to achieving this goal. Laura Becker is a graduate of the WCT Academy Program. She has worked at Woodlands teaching music and songleading, and she served as Religious and Cultural Vice President for WoodSY during 2009-2010. Laura is currently a junior at the CUNY Macaulay Honors College. Professionally, Laura has worked in communications and public relations. She is a co-founder and managing director at the Invincible Campaign: A Young Adult Campaign Against Cancer. If you’ve embarked upon your post-high school life (college or elsewhere) and have a Jewish experience or story to share with us, we’d love to hear from you! Contact Rabbi Mara (RabbiMara@wct.org) to volunteer.

Planning for Purim! The Purim Goody Bag committee is back at it planning for the 2013 Sh’lakh Manot (Purim Goody Bag) project!! Thanks again to every family who sent Purim wishes last year to their friends in the congregation. We hope you enjoyed the giving and the receiving! Look for ordering details in upcoming issues of the Makom. If anyone is interested in being a part of our project, please contact us at purim@wct.org.

November Yahrzeit (16 Heshvan - 16 Kislev) Friday, November 2 Richard W. Abram Hattie Brezel William Donat Walter Fainman Morris Fell Marvin Freedenberg Herbert Frum Nicholas George Mitzi Goorland Elliot Gralla Flora Kumble Gary Lebowich Irene Levitt Rose Miller Gastone Orefice Hyman Plotkin Shoshana Rachel ben Yishai Hilde Reiter Matilda Rosen Gertrude Sherman Hal Socol Morry Stein Anna Tuchman Arthur Wachs Adrienne Weingarten Murray Weisberg Jack Zizmor

Friday, November 9 Jerome Berger Gertrud Blumel Ida Bolnick Jack Breitman Philip Fisher William Fox Ruth Gottlieb Daniel Green David Harper Bernard Herman Dorothy Kleinman Gerald Kligman Dora Novinsky Pauline Oppenheim Mollie Rickles Jack Schwartz Eugene Silberman Eli Silverman Alfred Stein Gertrude Taman Herman Wallberg Florence Winick Stefanie Halpern Zevy

Friday, November 16 Bernard Axelrod Louis Balsam Ruth Bauer Sonja Braun Anna Burak Alexander Chananau Irving Cohen Lorraine Cohen Rebecca Cohen Etta Gugenheim Cohn James Conley Evelyn P. Cooper Stephen Dorn Joan Foran Elaine George Marvin Ginsberg Bluma Glasser Anita Gott Betty Gottlieb David Handelsman Max Hindus Sally Katz Leonard Kolberg Reuben Lear Percy Macks Bernard Merfeld Jr. Dick Milbauer Joel Rosen Marvin Rosenbaum Julia Seligson Beatrice Snyder Herb Tauss Ernest Teicher Arnold Weiss Clive Wise Mildred Wurtzburger Barbara Zeliger Arthur Zucker

Friday, November 23 Elizabeth Bennett Morris Breiman Estelle Mazner Cerf Alfred Davis Jerome Fallick Edgar Finsmith Hugo Fleischman Burt Freeman Sol Gabay Minna Galin Harry Gewirtz Seymour Glasser Max Goldstein Rose Halpern Robert Jacobson

Ludwig Kahn Anna Kaminskas Sylvia Kaplan Gilda Kashman Matthew Katz Roslyn Kreisel Emanuel Kreisel Ida Lapine Gertrude Lipperman Irving Melman William Portnoy Cesia Rabinowitz Mollie Schiffer Jeannette Shapero Kirk Thompson Carl Torrisi Sylvia Trace Rose Vernick Donald Wachs Max Wagner Madalyn Witten Malvina Woolis Gita Zolna

Friday, November 30 Martha Astrove Roma Bren Herman (Hy) Bren Samuel Briendel Jack Diamondstein Irving Donner Muriel Falk Hannah Frisch Henry Frost Stuart Frum Stuart Gollin Anna Gritt Avi Gur Emanuel Kashman Betty Koondel Marianne Kraus Ethel Lustgarten Hilda Merfeld Francine Nieman Phyllis Nole-Monterose Burton Pell Burton Pell Annette Plancher Andy Presser Harry Rappaport Charlotte Sambach Nancy Sharkey Nancy Sharkey Alan Silverman Edward Stein Morris Vernick

The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of Bernard Leibowitz father of Barry Leibowitz David Shapiro father of Neil Shaprio

We Join in Extending Our Condolences

Honor a Loved One Bookplates Now Available It is a time-honored Jewish tradition to honor people we love by making tzedakah contributions on their behalf. Now, in addition to contributing to our regular funds, you and your family may purchase bookplates to dedicate individual copies of our High Holy Days makhzor, Gates of Repentance. And your donation will help us purchase new prayerbooks as the need arises. • Bookplates cost $36 each. •O ne plate will be lovingly inscribed with both your and your loved one’s name. • Each plate will be placed inside one synagogue copy of our High Holy Days prayerbook. Order online at wct.org/bookplate

HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning. Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.

WCT Funds Available for Your Support

The Simkha Page

Professionals’ Mitzvah Funds

B’nai Mitzvah

Rabbi’s Mitzvah Fund Supports various individuals, organizations and/ or programs at the discretion of the Rabbi. (Checks should be made payable to the Rabbi’s Mitzvah Fund. Please specify Rabbi Billy or Rabbi Mara.)

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund

Supports various individuals, organizations or programs at the discretion of the Cantor. (Checks should be made payable to the Cantor’s Discretionary Fund.)

Leandra Spilka November 10 Torah Portion

Khayei Sarah Hebrew Name

Laya Bella

Educator’s Enrichment Fund

Provides special programs for the Religious School. (Checks should be made payable to the Educator’s Enrichment Fund.)

Mazal Tov

Chai Fund (formally The General Fund)

Mazal tov to Richard and Sandra Spilka, as their daughter, Leandra, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.

Endowment Trust

We welcome our new members

WCT Program Support Supports the general needs of the Temple. All unspecified gifts are placed into the Chai Fund. Provides a long-term endowment to support the financial needs of Woodlands Community Temple.

Outdoor Memorial Garden

With the purchase of an inscription, you can memorialize loved ones, provide for the maintenance and beautification of our Memorial Wall and Garden, and contribute to the general needs of the Temple.

Andrew and Gail Wainer

Donations We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support Woodlands Temple by remembering and honoring their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions.

Rabbi Billy’s Mitzvah Fund

Library Fund

In honor of the High Holy Day Services, from Ellen Bittner.

In honor of Helen Harper becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Dayle and David Fligel.

Lifelong Learning Fund

A Happy and Healthy New Year to all, from Marilyn and Morty Berman.

In honor of Helen Harper becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Michelle Malkin and Family.

In honor of Susan Korsten becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Meryl Lewis.

Chai Fund

Funds the purchase of books for our library. Dedicated to creating an ever-growing love of Jewish learning and living through ongoing educational exploration for all members of our congregation.

Music Fund

Underwrites special music programs, purchases music for the Cantor and Woodlands Singers, and funds Jewish Music Month activities.

Rabbinic Intern Fund

Supports the hiring of a rabbinic student to assist our Rabbi and work with our Temple community.

Scholar-In-Residence Fund

Supports the Scholar-in-Residence program.

Torah and Ritual Fund

Provides for repairs of our Torah collection and for other ritual needs of the Congregation.

Prayerbook Fund

Funds the purchase and maintenance of siddurim, High Holy Days prayer books, and Torah commentaries through the purchase of dedicatory book plates.

Scholarships and Support Bernard and Frances Shapiro Chesed Caring Community Fund

Supports Temple members in need and the activities of the Chesed Caring Community.

In honor of the High Holy Days, from Robert Berger.

Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah Fund In honor of the High Holy Days, from Ellen Bittner. In gratitude and in honor of Emma Schneider becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Tracy Schneider.

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund In gratitude and in honor of Emma Schneider becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Tracy Schneider.

Educator’s Enrichment Fund In gratitude and in honor of Emma Schneider becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Tracy Schneider. In honor of Bonni Arbore becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Dayle and David Fligel.

In honor of Margot Steinberg and for all her help in assisting Abigail to chant during the High Holy Days, from The Ripin Family. In honor of Gigi Avitabile, from Tina Maxwell.

In memory of Bernard Leibowitz, from Yvette and Larry Gralla.

In yahrzeit memory of Sam Froimowitz, from Sandi and Nathan Froimowitz.

In memory of Bernard Leibowitz, from Marjory and Mark Selig.

In memory of Terrie Kaplan, from Bonnie and Alan Mitelman.

In memory of Bernard Leibowitz, from Andy and Joan Farber.

In honor of Sue Safirstein’s Birthday, from Jane and Bob Steinhardt.

In memory of Bernard Leibowitz, from David Griff and Roni Beth Tower.

In gratitude to our incomparable clergy and lay leadership for inspiring High Holy Day Services,from Gloria and Bill Falk.

In memory of Bernard Leibowitz, from The Montague Family. In memory of Bernard Leibowitz, from The Fligel Family. In memory of Bernard Leibowitz, from Gloria and Bill Falk. In memory of David Shapiro, from The Fligel Family.

In memory of Joseph Ganger, uncle of Eric Wachs, from Yvette and Larry Gralla. To honor Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara, Cantor Jonathan, Corey Friedlander, and Margot Steinberg for the beautiful High Holiday Services, from Yvette and Larry Gralla.

Donations

Expanding Jewish Horizons Fund

We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support Woodlands Temple by remembering and honoring their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions. To salute the choir, musicians, facilities V.P., Dayle Fligel, Ritual Co-Chairs, Chuck Fishman and Evi Lieb, Steve Zizmor, the Ritual Committee and German Franco for the smooth running of our High Holiday Services, from Yvette and Larry Gralla. In honor of Milton and Alice Wolff, David and Clare Gottlieb and Joseph and Jessie Wolf, from Leonard Wolff. In honor of Jill Iturbe becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Dayle and David Fligel. In honor of Marty and Marie Cohen becoming a B’nai Mitzvah, from Dayle and David Fligel.

Lay Professional Development Fund

Special Education Fund

Steve’s H.O.P.E. Fund

In honor of Tasha Macedo becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Dayle and David Fligel.

For the joy of being with all the student’s who participated in Steve’s H.O.P.E. as we welcomed another New Year in the tent, from Bonnie Mitelman.

College Enrichment Fund

Confirmation Israel Study Fund

In honor of Judy Flamm becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Dayle and David Fligel. In honor of Natalie Werner becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Dayle and David Fligel.

Social Action In memory of Bernard Leibowitz, from Julie and Scott Stein. In honor of Marjorie Berman becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Dayle and David Fligel.

Mitzvah Mississippi Fund

In honor of Jill Garland becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Dayle and David Fligel.

In honor of Allyson Werner becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Jennifer Tower and Steve Sagner.

In honor of Melanie Roher becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Dayle and David Fligel.

In honor of Andrea Einhorn becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Dayle and David Fligel.

In appreciation of the High Holy Days, from Ellen Bittner

Midnight Run Fund

In honor of Marjory Selig becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Karen and Stu Berlowitz.

Provides support for individuals post college age for travel to and attendance at Jewish educational and cultural programs.

In honor of Elka Klarsfeld becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Dayle and David Fligel.

Torah and Ritual Fund In honor of Evi Lieb becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Dayle and David Fligel.

In memory of Bella Gould, from Debbie and Jim Pollowitz.

Gates of Repentance Bookplate Fund In memory of David Schlesinger, from Debbie, Cliff, Brian and Jason Schoen.

Supports members of the congregation pursuing lay professional activities for the benefit of the Congregation. Assists members of college age to attend Jewish programs such as URJ and NFTY conventions. Established in memory of Buddy Klein. Aids Confirmation students where needed so they may travel to and study in Israel. Established in memory of Ellen Block.

Education & Youth Activities Fund

Funds special religious and educational needs for young people, other than college, including NFTY camp and program scholarships. Established in memory of Harriet Rosen.

Bernard and Frances Shapiro Chesed Caring Community Fund

Special Education Fund

Happy New Year to Marty and Marilyn Berman, from Marty and Rhoda Payson.

Steve’s H.O.P.E

In memory of Nat Davis, father of Gene Davis, from Joan and Steve Roth.

Endowment Fund

Supports special education programs within the Religious School. “Helping to Open People’s Eyes,” this fund promotes social justice, individual responsibility, and moral action through the Civil Rights Journey, L’taken Political Action Seminar, and other projects. Established in memory of Stephen Lelewer.

In honor of the High Holy Days, from Richard Berger.

Social Action

Jonah Maccabee Fund.

Social Action Fund

In honor of Lois and Bernard Bacharach, from Vikki and Steve Krebs.

Funds projects organized by the Social Action Committee.

Abayudaya (Jews of Uganda) Fund

Helps the impoverished Abayudaya community to become self sufficient.

Domestic Abuse Task Force

Helps us to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence leaving the Hope’s Door shelter and reestablishing their lives.

Donations (here or online at wct.org/donate) PLEASE NOTE: To help our bookkeeper, please issue separate checks for dues or other special events. Donations should be sent separately from all other Temple business. All donations should be made payable to: Woodlands Community Temple, except the Rabbi's Mitzvah Fund, the Cantor's Discretionary Fund, and the Educator’s Enrichment Fund which should be made payable directly to those accounts. From: Name ___________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________ In honor/memory of: _____________________________________________________ Fund Name: ________________________________________ ___________________ Amount_____________ Please send an acknowledgement of this donation to: (If not a member, please provide address) _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Please send me an acknowledgement of this donation .

Hunger Fund

Support organizations that help the hungry and homeless in our community.

Interfaith Caring Community Fund

Consortium of local churches and synagogues that provide continuous care for those in need, here in our local Greenburgh community.

Midnight Run Fund

Supports the congregation’s participation in Midnight Run, which collects and distributes food, clothes and toiletries to homeless people living on the streets of Manhattan.

Mitzvat Mississippi

Supports trips to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Louisiana to aid in the rebuilding of the area following the devastion of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Project Ezra

Supports the elderly Jewish poor of the Lower East Side.

Woodlands Calendar November, 2012 Heshvan - Kislev 5773

Photo Gallery

Todah rabbah (thank you)! Our annual Sukkot BBQ was, as always, a fantastic success. Congregants of all ages and tenures of membership were there, from founding (or near-founding) families to those for whom the ink on their applications had barely dried. The activities, the service, and dinner in the tent all made for a wonderful start to the holiday. Our thanks to Ruth Rugoff and her crew for their stellar efforts: Tanya Briendel, Freddie Dorn, Judy Flamm, Dayle Fligel, Mark Fox, Bruce Ginsberg, Heidi Gralla, Julie deWinter-Stein, Allison Stein, Rochelle Stolzenberg, Chuck Fishman, Rachel Flamm, Sam Frankle, Mike Lebowich, Annie Potischman, Mark Selig, Stu Berlowitz, Jay Werner, Natalie Werner. A very special thank you to Ruth Rugoff herself who, after eleven years directing this temple favorite, is stepping down. Ruth, thank you ...for your gentle yet thorough leadership that has welcomed thousands of us over the years. Your service to Woodlands wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be forgotten. As Heidi Gralla and Freddie Dorn assume the mantle of leadership for the Sukkot BBQ, we know their success in the coming years will be due in large part to the example youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve provided us all.

Woodlands at the Dobbs Ferry Festa Thanks to Karen Berlowitz, Stu Berlowitz, Julie de Winter-Stein, Jill Garland, Larry Katzenstein, Jenna Lebowich, Barry Leibowitz, Laurie Leibowitz, Julie Levine, Roberta Roos and Judy Kalvin Stiefel.

Thanks to all of our Book Fair Volunteers for playing Hosts at our Book Fair Thanks to Nancy Fishman, Chuck Fishman, Barbara Wishner, Elka Klarsfeld, Adam Weber, Joanne Levine, Nancy Brown, Amy Green, Natalie Werner, Michael Greenholz, Janice Rosenfeld, Jenny Ottinger, Rachel Wineberg, Jason Laks, Peter Lobl, Liz Scafidi, Jenna Lebowich, David Griff, Teddy Macedo, Charlie and Tasha Macedo, German, the teachers, Michele and Harriet and everyone in the office. Special thanks to Peter Ephross for being our Book Fair Shabbat speaker and to Rabbi Billy for helping him tailor his talk to our congregation.

5th and 5th Grade Retreat Thanks to our chaperones, Martha DubinskyWitkowski, Mike Witkowski and Aliza Garafolo for making our 5th and 6th grade retreat such a success!

Simkhat Torah at Woodlands: Rock â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Unroll

photo credit Stephen Schwartz

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Judai-Connection A Gratitude By Rabbi Lisa Izes

My friend Lauri loves to make huge holiday meals for her family. Every year on Thanksgiving, as she prepares dish after dish, she is always a little bit distracted I’m sure, waiting for my phone call. We’ve somehow built up this yearly ritual where I call her to “remind” her of the adorable fact that I’ve loved since I first learned it, that Yom Hodu in Hebrew actually means both “Give Thanks Day” and “Turkey Day.” [As a delightful bonus, Hodu is also the Hebrew name for India.] Long before the yearly Thanksgiving observance started in our country, our Jewish ancestors were zealous about giving thanks to our Creator for all of our blessings. This was (and is) not just a yearly practice, but rather one that happens daily – multiple times a day even, with all of the b’rakhot (blessings) we offer. A vital component of Judaism is the idea of hakarat ha’tov, which means recognizing the good [that is ours]. When we come to start moving through the world with cognition of all of the ways we are fortunate, our happiness quotient seems to grow. When we feel gratitude for all of the little things that make our lives complete, we seem to be more relaxed, more at home within ourselves, and even more content and joyful.

Dr. Alan Morinis is a teacher of the Mussar tradition, which focuses on Jewish ethics. He writes, “When you live charged with gratitude, you will give thanks for anything or anyone who has benefitted you, whether they meant to or not. Imagine a prayer of thanks springing to your lips when the driver in the car next to you lets you merge without protest, or when the water flows from the tap, or the food is adequate?” We are very good at teaching our kids to say “thank you” when someone helps them. In fact, we usually make such a strong point of this, that if a young child hears the question, “Whaddya say?” she or he will most likely come back with a Pavlovian, sing-songy, “Thank you.” How much better off would our kids be if they saw us as living, breathing examples of gratitude? This does not just mean making a point of saying “thanks” to the person who holds the door open for you, important as that is. Imagine how our lives might improve if we spent our days in the habit of asking ourselves, “For what am I grateful?” Perhaps we might at least challenge ourselves to ask that question of ourselves when we come to peak moments of sadness or frustration. The thankfulness we feel when we can find some kind of good in our lives even in our dark moments can nurture our souls, teaches Rabbi Harold Kushner. The Talmud even encourages us to give thanks to God because we are able to give thanks (B.T. Sotah 40a).

The story goes that the Pilgrims of our Thanksgiving story held their feast to offer thanks, not for their luxurious lifestyle, but simply because they had managed to survive their first winter in their new home. They felt blessed, and wanted to show their appreciation. “Who is rich? One who rejoices at what s/he has” (Pirke Avot 4:1). Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving: the holiday, and everyday.

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