november
the newsletter of woodlands community temple
HIGHLIGHTS
November 2013 Cheshvan-Kislev 5774
“A Very Jewish Thing To Do” Two November programs explore the quandaries faced by Interfaith families. By Gary Stern A major survey of American Jews released in October included much sobering news, including this: Only 20 percent of Jews with a non-Jewish spouse are raising their children as Jews. Considering that 58 percent of Jews have married non-Jews since 2000, the survey points to a weakening overall sense of Jewish identity in the U.S. American Jewish leaders have long feared that intermarriage would threaten Jewish continuity in the non-Orthodox community, so the new numbers have created tremendous anxiety. Woodlands Community Temple, however, will not have to fashion a new response to the study. The congregation has long been considered among the most welcoming of interfaith families in the region. Many non-Jewish spouses and converts to Judaism play key roles in temple life, and their children have been able to develop strong Jewish identities. Coincidentally, the congregation is planning two programs with interfaith themes over the next few weeks. “I don’t see doom and gloom in the study,” says Rabbi Billy Dreskin. “We’ve always tried to create an open, welcoming environment, so that families who are interested in something meaningful and joyful, even challenging, will want to stay. And we’ll keep exploring these issues together.” On Sunday, Nov 10, a program about the “Hanukkah/Christmas Dilemma” will invite three interfaith families to discuss the challenges that arise at holiday time. And on Wednesday, Nov 20, Andi Rosenthal, a convert to Judaism, will discuss her new novel, a rich portrayal of interfaith family life. The first program, part of Woodlands’ “Building Jewish Lives” initiative, follows a very successful forum held last year, when three interfaith families told their stories. This year’s program will focus on how interfaith families observe and navigate the holidays. This year is unusual because Hanukkah begins on Nov 27 and will overlap with Thanksgiving rather than Christmas. “There are so many issues that come up and it’s so personal,” says Bonni Arbore, a member of the committee planning the event. “I’m Continued on page 2
Rosh Hodesh: Commemorate the Women of the Wall Sun, Nov 3, 5:00-7:00 p.m. What do Anat Hoffman, Ruth Messinger, Betty Friedan, Emma Lazarus, Gabrielle Giffords, and Elizabeth Taylor have in common? They’re among the women social action advocates who will be profiled during a Rosh Hodesh celebration of 25 Years of Women of the Wall—a service, dinner, and
learning opportunity co-sponsored by the Social Action, ARZAIsrael, Ritual, and Adult Education committees, along with the Religious School. With parallel tracks for adults, teens, and kids. And it’s not for women only. Check www.wct. org for reservation information. $5 per person, $10 per family.
Todd Herzog Musical Shabbat & Concert Nov 1 and 3 Progressive “Night Out” Nov 2 Women of the Wall Commemoration Nov 3 Shabbat with Ellen Dreskin Nov 9 Building Jewish Lives: Interfaith Families Nov 10 Building Jewish Lives: As We Age Nov 17 New Music Shabbat Nov 22 Hanukkah First Candle Nov 27 Thanksgivukkah Nov 28 MishpakHanukkah Shabbat Nov 29
Scan this QR code for more WCT information.
Our Woodlands Community Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org Rabbi Mara Young rabbimara@wct.org Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon cantor@wct.org Ross Glinkenhouse, Youth Director youth@wct.org Corey Friedlander, Sh'liakh K'hilah corey@wct.org Dan Geffen, Rabbinic Intern intern@wct.org
Executive Committee Stu Berlowitz, President president@wct.org Jenna Lebowich, VP Education education@wct.og Cliff Schoen, VP Facilities facilities@wct.org Andy Farber, VP Finance finance@wct.org Dayle Fligel, VP Programming/Ritual programming@wct.org Herb Friedman, Financial Secretary financialsecretary@wct.org Andrea Einhorn, Secretary secretary@wct.org Mark Selig, Treasurer treasurer@wct.org
Board of Trustees Nancy Brown Lois Green Gloria Falk Barry Leibowitz Nancy Fishman Lisa Sacks Jill Garland Mike Scafidi Aliza Garofalo Jay Werner Yvette Gralla Michele Wise Rochelle Stolzenberg (ex-officio)
Office Staff Patricia Nissim, Temple Administrator pat@wct.org Liz Rauchwerger, Rabbi’s Assistant liz@wct.org Michele Montague, Religious School michele@wct.org Lori Bluberg, Bookkeeper bookkeeper@wct.org
About Our Temple Woodlands Community Temple 50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607 914.592.7070 main office 914.592.1790 religious school direct line 914.592.7376 fax wct@wct.org www.wct.org Religious School: school@wct.org Woodlands Community Temple is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism Editor: Mike Winkleman Art Director: Melanie Roher Design and Production: Kate Levy
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Jewish, my husband is Catholic and we’re raising our kids Jewish. We’ve bridged the gaps, but families have so many issues and concerns, like what to do when your extended family is celebrating Christmas. We want to help families work through the issues.” The program will feature families with different circumstances, such as a Jewish couple with children who are intermarried as well as a couple that includes a convert to Judaism but aim to teach their children to honor the extended family’s Christian observances. Attendees will be invited to write their ideas on Post-its to inspire follow-up discussions. “People should be able to move from group to group and join a new conversation,” says Mike Scafidi, a convert to Judaism who serves on Woodlands’ Board of Trustees. “We want to expose people to different things that families are dealing with, so we can share accomplishments, solutions, and new ways of thinking about things.” Rosenthal is coming to Woodlands to discuss her new novel, The Bookseller’s Sonnets, which tells a multi-generational interfaith story centering on a secret diary written by the daughter of a Catholic saint. Rosenthal is a member of Larchmont Temple and program executive for the UJA-Federation’s SYNERGY program, which seeks to energize synagogue life. She was raised Catholic in an interfaith family before connecting with her Jewish roots. “Nothing comes as a surprise to me when alarm bells go off over interfaith marriage,” Rosenthal says. “My family has been dealing with these issues for three generations. What does surprise me is when the Jewish community gives up so easily on the children of these marriages. If only our community would recognize the yearning of so many children who wish to embrace their heritage. If only we let them know there is nothing to fear and that they do belong. My book was meant to open dialogue and thinking.” Woodlands has long sought to advance this dialogue and to do what Rosenthal desires—to welcome the children of interfaith families as Jews. “The bottom line for us is that if a family made the decision to raise their child Jewish, we embrace that child and that family wholeheartedly,” says Rabbi Mara Young, Woodlands’ director of congregational learning. “What we say to our kids is that we love not only them, but their extended family, too. We understand if they go and share in the religious traditions of their family because they love their family—understanding that you are a Jewish child supporting your loved ones. That’s a very Jewish thing to do.”
Volunteers Step Forward: Now It’s Your Turn! Getting ready for the spring Gala My September article for Makom focused on engagement and volunteering opportunities. This was also a large part of my High Holy Days address. I’m happy to say that many congregants have already responded and we have seen new volunteers in many areas, from assisting with our website to helping at the Sukkot BBQ to running our Coffeehouse. There are still plenty of volunteering opportunities ahead of us: committee work, special projects, and more. We are currently forming our Gala committee and are looking for people to help organize this event, our major
fundraiser for the year. This year’s Gala will honor our founding members, a group of people to whom we are so grateful and to whom we are all indebted. If you’re interested in helping with even a small part of this special event, please let us know at volunteer@wct.org, or call the temple office at 592-7070. As I said previously, we will be posting new volunteer opportunities on the temple’s website at wct.org. Please take a look and try to find an activity that you are interested in. —Stu Berlowitz
Worship Schedule Shabbat Toledot
Shabbat Vayeshev
Fri, Nov 1 Composer/Performer Todd Herzog at 8:00 p.m. Visit toddherzog.com and listen to some of Todd Herzog’s music. We’re sure you’ll want to circle this Shabbat service on your calendar.
Fri, Nov 22 New Music Shabbat at 8:00 p.m. Rabbi Billy and Cantor Jonathan teaming up to bring you an evening of worship with new melodies from the fertile soil of American Jewish creativity. (For more details, see column to right.)
Sat, Nov 2 Hevra Torah Shabbat at 9:15 a.m. Led by Cantor Jonathan, Torah learning and Shabbat worship together. We’ll go until 11:15 or so, and then a light brunch will follow.
Sat, Nov 23 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate with us as Michael Arbore, son of Bonni and Tony Arbore, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.
Shabbat Vayetzay
Genesis 41:1 - 44:17 ... I Kings 7:40-50
Genesis 25:19 - 28:9 ... Malakhi 1:1 - 2:7
Genesis 28:10 - 32:3 ... Hosea 12:13 - 14:10 Fri, Nov 8 Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 p.m. Rabbinic intern Dan Geffen will speak. Sat, Nov 9 The Spiritual Quest at 9:30 a.m. Cantor Ellen Dreskin returns to lead an exploration of our desire, need, frustration, surprise and satisfaction in searching for God in Jewish prayer. (For more details, see column to right.)
Shabbat Vayishlakh
Genesis 32:4 - 36:43 ... Hosea 11:7 - 12:12 Fri, Nov 15 Kidz Shabbat at 7:00 p.m. Our monthly 30-minute shenanigans, join in Shabbat songs and stories with Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara, and Cantor Jonathan. Bring a buck for tzedakah! Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 p.m. Rabbi Mara Young will speak. Sat, Nov 16 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate with us as Denali Sagner, daughter of Jennifer Tower and Steve Sagner, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.
Genesis 37:1 - 40:23 ... Amos 2:6 - 3:8
Shabbat Miketz
Fri, Nov 29 MishpakHanukkah Shabbat at 7:00 p.m. (note earlier time)
For the entire congregation but earlier so families with kids can attend. This month, filled with Hanukkah spirit (and latkes)! Bring your family Hanukkah menorah and help us really light up the Sanctuary! Special welcome home to, and participation by, our college kids. Join us for a quick dinner at 6:00 pm – make reservations at wct.org/mishpakha. Sat, Nov 30 Hevra Torah Shabbat at 9:15 a.m. Led by Rabbi Billy, Torah learning and Shabbat worship together. We’ll go until 11:15 or so; a light brunch follows. • • • • • • •
Babysitting at 8 p.m. Shabbat services is provided by teens from our religious school. This month, babysitting will be available on Nov 1, Nov 8, and Nov 22. There is no charge, and no advance notice is required.
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 2: Parashat Toledot Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan
Nov 16: Parashat Vayishlakh Facilitated by Rabbi Mara
Nov 9: Parashat Vayetzay Facilitated by Cantor Ellen Dreskin 9:30 a.m. start-time this morning
Nov 23: Parashat Vayeshev Facilitated by Rabbi Billy
Shabbat with Cantor Ellen Dreskin Sat, Nov 9 at 9:30 a.m.
We are very fortunate to welcome back Cantor Ellen Dreskin, one of Woodlands’ favorite teachers across the years. Ellen is a nationally renowned expert on Jewish prayer, both its history and strategies for making it work in our own lives. Her style is warm and engaging, filled with fascinating knowledge and always open to questions and discussion. She is the coordinator of the Cantorial Certification Program at HUC-JIR’s Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music and is a popular scholar-inresidence throughout North America. Ellen will be leading us in Shabbat worship as she teaches about the ancient, ever-renewable collection of prayers and poetry we call our siddur. Plan to stay with us for brunch and continue digging deeply over bagels and coffee into the place of prayer in our lives today.
Join Cantor Jonathan and Rabbi Billy for New Music Shabbat Fri, Nov 22, 8:00 p.m.
The composition of new Jewish music has been happening continuously since the Temple stood in ancient Jerusalem. One finds innovative offerings in every conceivable style, from Ladino to Klezmer and folk to hiphop. Our cantor and rabbi have come together to create a service filled with new American worship music, mostly in the folk-rock and folk-pop style. With the cantor on guitar and the rabbi on keyboard, you’ll be welcomed into an evening of new and uplifting prayer. The tunes were introduced at the first “New Music Shabbat” last April. We think you’ll be moved and inspired by them. Please join us.
Nov 30: Parashat Miketz Facilitated by Rabbi Billy
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Thanksgivukkah: When Holidays Work Together
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ou can go online to find all the algorithms and explanations for why Hannukah is so early this year, or you can just take my word for it…it’s extremely rare for the first night of Hanukkah to coincide with Thanksgiving. The Jewish world is abuzz with the overlap. Thanksgivukkah t-shirts are available and a Twitter handle has been established. Blended recipes like sweet potato latkes topped with turkey and gravy have popped up, along with inventions like the Menurkey – a combo menorah and Turkey (not a real turkey, in case you wondered). But there’s more to this rare pair of holidays. The themes and symbols overlap considerably: miracles, thankfulness, and community. They share a clear message: by working together, we can overcome great obstacles.
we wonder how much we will allow the tradition of gift giving (and its increasing consumerism) to take over our festive celebration. The challenge is even clearer this year as Black Friday (and its weekend) settles firmly into the middle of Hanukkah’s eight days. This isn’t to say we should not partake in the deal finding and gift giving. It’s fun; it’s full of love. But just as Thanksgiving has us to think about the great fortune we have in our lives, Hanukkah encourages us to share that good fortune. There will be opportunities in the weeks ahead to find this balance and to temper our more material inclinations. Certainly celebrate Thanksgivukkah for all of its uniqueness. Perhaps it will move us to act uniquely in this upcoming holiday season.
There is also a challenge embedded in the miracle of Thanksgivukkah. Every year when Hanukkah comes around,
O Hanukkah! First candle is Wed, Nov 27. Thanksgiving is Thurs, Nov 28. MishpakHanukkah Shabbat is Fri, Nov 29 (7:00 p.m.). Here are some other ways to share the holiday spirit.
Share the Spirit Have a Heart for the Holidays Bring new, unwrapped Hanukkah gifts to WCT between Nov 4and Nov 25. WJCS will distribute your gifts to needy Jewish children throughout Metropolitan New York. Checks for the purchase of gifts (payable to WJCS) may be dropped off, too. Toys for Tots Bring new, unwrapped Christmas gifts to WCT between Dec 2 and Dec 18. The Greenburgh Fire Dept. will wrap and distribute your gifts to needy children throughout Westchester. Checks for the purchase of gifts (payable to “Toys for Tots”) may be dropped off, too. This year, make it a tzedakah Hanukkah!!
Hanukkah Music to Spice up Your Latkes! Among our most powerful Hanukkah memories are the melodies we learned as kids. But Hanukkah music runs much deeper than you might imagine. Cantor Jonathan recommends (some as Hanukkah music, some as Hanukkah gifts): • Enchanted: A New Generation of Yiddishsong (Adrienne Cooper) • Woody Guthrie’s Happy Joyous Chanukah (Klezmatics) • Wonder Wheel (Klezmatics) • Rhythm and Jews (Klezmatics) • The Jewish Experience - Chanukah (Western Wind and Theo Bikel) • Circle of Fire - A Chanukah Concert (Voice of the Turtle) Rabbi Billy recommends: • It’s Chanukah Time (Julie Silver) • Light These Lights (Debbie Friedman) • Hanukkah Swings (Kenny Ellis)
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• Songs in the Key of Hanukkah (Erran Baron Cohen) • The Chanukah Collection (Safam) • Rockin’ Chanukah Revue (Sam Glaser) • Celebrate Chanukah (Jon Simon) • The Hanukkah Lounge (Instrumental Jew Age Music) • Chanukah Fever (Mama Doni) • Eight Nights of Joy (Joe Black and the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band) • Must Be Chanukah (Stacy Beyer) To purchase any of these recordings, try amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, soundswrite.com, or oysongs.com (for mp3 downloads). For more suggestions of ways to enjoy Hanukkah, visit WCT’s Hanukkah Observance Information Center at www. wct.org/worship/holidays/hanukkah
C o m m i t t e e R e p o rt s
Social Action Blood Drive
Sun, Nov 17, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Help us fill the blood bank. Anyone age 17 to 75 who weighs at least 110 lbs can donate;16-year-olds with parent’s permission and people over 75 with a letter from their doctor can also donate. To schedule an appointment, contact Chuck Bauer at lbauera@aol.com or 589-7231. Walk-ins taken, but may need to wait.
Breakfast Run
Sun, Nov 17, 6:45 a.m. Meet at the temple to load up cars with food, clothes, and toiletries to bring into the city where we will serve breakfast to poor or homeless men and women. Participants supply some items for breakfast. Let us know you are coming by emailing MidnightRunBreakfasts@wct.org. For more information: www.wct.org/social-action/projects
Food Bank for Westchester
Thurs, Nov 21, 4 - 6 p.m. New Mitzvah opportunity! Join us to check and sort food at the Food Bank’s Elmsford warehouse. Children 8 and older welcome, but read requirements at www.wct.org/social-action/projects. Sign up by Nov. 14 at SocialAction@wct.org. Space limited.
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. Write Jeanne.bodin@gmail.com to get a name to shop for.
Desserts for a Week
Brighten the winter for those in the VOA shelter in Valhalla who do not regularly receive dessert as part of their government supplied meals. Sign up as a family or with friends to supply desserts for one week in December or January by emailing Jeanne.Bodin@gmail.com.
Midnight Run Collection
Adult winter coats, shoes, blankets and scarves needed for those living on the street in cold, winter weather. Leave clean, gently used items in the basket in the lobby.
Food of the Month
Non-perishable items for Thanksgiving. For more information about Social Action programs visit www.wct. org/social-action/projects or email SocialAction@wct.org
Adult Education Mussar
Cantor Jonathan Gordon and Lisa Sacks Sun, Nov 10, 9:30 a.m. In this group we will delve into the centuries-old Jewish tradition of Mussar, a spiritual practice focused on developing inner awareness and proper conduct.
Daytime Diversions
Wed, Nov 13, 10:00 a.m. We welcome back Seymon Pinkhasov who brings us his film What If? The Helene Mayer Story and will talk about Helene’s role as a fencer in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin.
Judaism 101
Rabbi Mara Young Sun, Nov 17, 9:30 a.m. Please join us for a thought provoking conversation on the topic of God.
Building Jewish Lives: As We Age … Legal Issues
Sun, Nov 17, 2:00-4:30 p.m. A workshop designed to delve deeply into legal issues facing seniors, caretakers, and the sandwich generation.
Daytime Talmud
Rabbi Billy Dreskin Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. through Nov 21
Woodlands Singers
Cantor Jonathan Gordon Wednesdays at 8:15 p.m.
What a momentous event… timing never seen in our lifetime…Hanukkah at Thanksgiving!!! While we won’t be stocking any menurkies, The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is ready to help you celebrate Hanukkah 5774 at Thanksgiving 2013. Set your holiday table this year with your family Hanukkiah as the centerpiece. Add our colorful Safed Hanukkah candles, sprinkle a dreidel here and there, and then Festival of Lights welcomes your family and all they are thankful for. Time to upgrade from the arts and crafts Hanukkiah? Need a whimsical one for the kids’ table? We have a wide selection to fit any budget. We have beautiful table top pieces for serving—ideal for gift giving. November also welcomes the return of well-known artist, Emily Rosenfeld. We’re excited to feature her new home blessings— perfect for holiday, hostess, or new baby gifts. Emily incorporates her love of Judaism, peace, and serenity into her pieces of warm pewter on spalted maple. Her Shalom mobile is unique and truly made with joy. Look for new work by The Judaica Shop at Woodlands’ favorites Gary Rosenthal, AlefBet By Paula, and Michal at Simple Touch. Looking for something special? Want something customized? Many of our artists are very willing to accommodate requests. Email us at judaicashop@wct. org. The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is open, by request, every day the temple office is staffed. Evening and weekend hours are announced in the weekly email blast and yes, we take credit cards!! Remember, we’re your neighborhood shop for gift giving….and getting!!!
For information on additional Adult Ed offerings check the temple website.
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Thanksgiving at Woodlands
During this once-in-a-lifetime Thanksgivukkah celebration, here are some ways to give thanks this month. An Interfaith Service of Thanksgiving Sun, Nov 24, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Each year, Woodlands joins with the Greenburgh Interfaith Caring Community for shared worship before Thanksgiving. Always an inspiring, multidenominational gathering, we urge you to attend. Bring your entire 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 right here at Woodlands! 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. Thanksgiving Day Meal Prep for Homeless Thurs, Nov 28, 9:00 a.m. - Noon You are invited to join our Confirmation families at Woodlands as we prepare Thanksgiving meals for homeless men and women at the Valhalla Residential Shelter in Hawthorne. We’ll be fixing the goodies (and watching the Macy’s Parade!) until about noon, when those who would like can drive the food and personally deliver it to the men at the shelter. Space is limited, so please contact WCTsocialaction@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. Also, your donation will help us cover food costs (payable to WCT, with “Thanksgiving Meal” on the memo line). Donate Frozen Turkeys Collection between Nov 4 and 22 Purchase a frozen turkey to be donated to AIDS-Related Community Services (ARCS). See the weekly email for drop off times or leave in the downstairs freezer. Turkeys will also be collected at services on Nov 8 and 15.
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November Happenings Todd Herzog: A Double Feature A Musical Shabbat
S’forim Forum with Cantor Jonathan Gordon
And a Free Concert!
Join us for a discussion of the works of I. L. Peretz, arguably the greatest Jewish short story writer of them all. We will be using The I. L. Peretz Reader edited by Ruth Wisse, available on Amazon.
Fri, Nov 1 at 8:00 p.m.
Sun, Nov 3 at 11:15 a.m. There are Jewish pop performers, Jewish rock performers, and then there’s Todd Herzog. Todd’s music is described by IndieMusic.com as a “full, warm, uptempo adult contemporary sound.” He has “a strong, passionate vocal that hits high notes beautifully.” On Fri night, Nov 1, come meet Todd when he brings his extraordinarily lovely music and his expansive and gentle nature to our bimah for an evening of Shabbat musical adventure. And on Sun, Nov 3, join us as Todd Herzog appears in a free concert. While Todd’s 45-minute presentation is geared toward students, you are more than welcome to attend. The religious school schedule will be adjusted in order to permit all of our 3rd-6th grades to attend Todd’s concert.
Woodlands’ Progressive “Night Out”—A Tradition Rethought Sat, Nov 2, 7:00-11:30 p.m.
A little later. A little lighter. A little livelier. That’s the way this year’s Progressive Dinner Committee has planned the biannual moveable feast that’s won the hearts (and stomachs) of WCT members for years. So this year, it’s not just dinner, it’s a “Night Out.” And dinner itself isn’t a formal sit-down affair. It’s a wide range of exciting and delicious appetizers, tapas, hors d’oeuvres, finger foods, dim sum, and other culinary delights that you can dig into while catching up with old friends—and meeting lots of people you’ve seen around the temple but never got to talk with before. After dropping by two houses, you’ll repair to the temple for Havdalah, dessert, and schmoozing with the whole Night Out crowd. Just sign up on the temple website and wait to find out where your Night Out journey will begin (you’ll get your first house assignment the night before).
Sat, Nov 9, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
William Donat Visiting High School Holocaust Education Program Mon, Nov 18
High school students from Hinesburg, Vermont, 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 Billy. Begun in 2004 by our cherished friend, temple member, and Holocaust survivor Bill Donat z”l, 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 to get the schedule.
Book Club: Looking at Interfaith Relationships Thurs, Nov 21, 7:30 p.m.
Andi Rosenthal, writer, Larchmont Temple member, and program executive at SYNERGY Westchester, who converted to Judaism in 2002 talks about her new novel, The Bookseller’s Sonnets. For more on this event and the Building Jewish Lives Interfaith discussion (Nov 10), see page 1 of this issue of Makom.
December and Beyond A Blintz, A Bagel, and a Bus: Project Ezra Luncheon
Sun, Dec 8, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. As it is said during Yom Kippur, “Do not forsake us in our old age; as our strength seeps away, do not abandon us.” Who doesn’t love a blintz and a bagel and a bus bringing 50 elderly, Jewish residents from the Lower East Side to the Project Ezra Luncheon at Woodlands? On Sun, Dec 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Woodlands invites you to host a table and share in conversation and musical entertainment with the Project Ezra guests. By hosting, you supply and serve a dairy lunch for the table, with foods such as bagels, cream cheese, nova, tuna, whitefish, egg salad, noodle pudding, and salad. The whole family can participate. Contact Harriet Kohn for all the details at hrsw82@hotmail.com or 693-0751 or go to www.wct.org/socialaction/projects
WCT’s Christmas Eve Midnight Run Tues, Dec 24, 9:00 p.m.
As part of this year’s Confirmation curriculum, Rabbi Billy and the Social Action Committee invite students (and optionally, parents) of our 10th grade to feed the homeless in New York City. On Christmas Eve (a night when the needy and the homeless feel particularly alone and without hope), we meet at the temple, pack up the cars, and spend a few hours finding and feeding the homeless who, even in the dead of winter sleep in cardboard boxes on the street. Depending on room, congregants may place names on our waiting list. We’ll give you call as soon as we know your status. RSVPs are a must. Email (wct@wct.org) or call (592-7070) the temple office.
Shabbat Shirah: Blame it on the Bossa Nova Fri, Jan 10, 8:00 p.m.
URJ Biennial in San Diego Dec 11-15
Join the rabbis, temple president Stu Berlowitz, and many other fellow congregants at the URJ’s 77th Biennial Convention in San Diego. Visit urj.org/ biennial13 and watch a video describing the excitement and value of this gathering. You can sign up for updates there. Please let Stu Berlowitz and/or Rabbi Billy know you’ll be attending.
Book Club: Behind a Suicide Bombing Wed, Dec 18, 7:30 p.m.
The Wanting by Michael Lavigne begins with a suicide bombing on a bus in Jerusalem. The Palestinian bomber kills 10 people and wounds an Israeli architect. The human condition behind both sides of this tragedy leaves us all aching and wanting the same thing; thus the title of the book.
Just Israel
A swinging innovative service featuring guitar virtuosos Oren Neiman and Gilad Ben-Zvi (known as Isra-Alien!, a Brazilian singer, a percussionist from Brooklyn, and Cantor J in a Woodlands brew of the highest order! Celebrate the Sabbath of Song in proper fashion!
Mitzvat Mississippi Feb 15 – 22
For the eighth year in a row, Woodlands joins with the Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church to spend a week helping to rebuild the New Orleans area from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Remarkably, after all these years, the job is far from finished. Now’s the time to sign up. For details, visit www.wct.org/ social-action/projects
Save the Date! 5th Annual Jonah Maccabee Concert with Julie Silver and Ken Chasen, Sat, Mar 8, 2014.
“(BPA) Free To Be You and Me” In 2006, Gil Lemel and his wife Galia were living in Herzliya Pituach, Israel when he heard about the possible dangers of the polycarbonate plastic commonly used to make baby bottles. A study suggested that the plastic might be harmful if bisphenol A, the chemical used to make plastic clear and shatter-resistant, leached into milk. Lemel set out to make a bisphenol A-free (BPA-free) plastic that would be safer. The result was BornFree, baby products conceived of and made in Israel. BornFree revolutionized the industry. BPA free dominates the baby product landscape and has become an expectation of new parents. In general, Israel’s economy has been closely linked to such innovations and creative ideas. Science and technology has been a hallmark of Israel’s national mission since the country’s inception.
Israel at WCT 5774
From last month’s Mayim Film Festival and Scholar-in-Residence program to the month’s Rosh Hodesh “Women of the Wall” event (see page 1), Israel is key in WCT’s programming this year. Other offerings coming up soon:
Engaging Israel: Foundations for a New Relationship – part 1
Thursdays, Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb 16, 8:00-9:30 p.m. Going deeper than politics or advocacy, Engaging Israel reframes the discussion about Israel’s enduring significance. Guided by Rabbi Billy, this groundbreaking program elevates the conversation by rooting it in Jewish values and ideas rather than in response to crisis. Fees: Course $18; Book $20. (Assistance available)
Brunch with Uri Regev
Sun, Jan 26, 10:30 a.m. Conversation with Uri Regev, founder and president of Hiddush, an Israeli organization whose mission is to realize the founding vision of the State of Israel as articulated in its Declaration of Independence.
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A Taste of Woodlands Sample this recipe —then send in your own Here’s one of the hundreds of recipes we’ve already collected for the new and improved Woodlands Cookbook, due out this coming spring. Shouldn’t your favorites be represented, too? Of course they should. So submit them, along with the stories behind them, to recipes@ wct.org. Or fill in the form you’ll find at www.wct.org/recipes. Questions? Contact Dayle Fligel at daylejf@gmail.com or Roberta Roos at rmroos@aol.com.
Karen Berlowitz’s Sweet and Sour Meatballs Ingredients: for the meatballs: 1 pound of chopped meat 1 packet of onion soup mix 1 egg for the sauce: 1 can of whole berry cranberry sauce 1 jar of chili sauce • Spray a broiling pan with Pam or other non-stick spray. • Mix chopped meat, egg, and onion soup together in a bowl. Roll into meatballs and place on broiling pan. • Broil for about 3 minutes and then turn the meatballs over. Broil an additional 3 minutes. (Time can vary depending on how well done you like your meatballs.) • While meatballs are cooking, make the sauce. Pour the chili sauce and cranberry sauce into a pot and heat to a boil. Turn down the stove and let the sauce simmer. • Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for about 15 to 20 minutes.
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www.wct.org
The Simkha Page
B’nai Mitzvah Denali Sagner
Michael Arbore
November 16
November 23
Torah Portion Vayishlakh Hebrew Name Dahlia
Torah Portion Vayeshev Hebrew Name Efrayim Avraham
Mazal Tov Mazal Tov to Steve Sagner and Jennifer Tower, as their daughter, Denali, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.
Mazal Tov to Lenny and Marsha Green on the engagement of their son David Green to Nika Finelt.
Mazal Tov to Tony and Bonni Arbore, as their son, Michael, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.
Mazal Tov to Trudy and Michael Holand on the birth of a granddaughter, Callie Sarah Santoro, daughter of Stacy and Peter Santoro.
Thank you Thank you for clearing broken fencing at the back of the temple: Richard Bloom, Richard Bromberg, Jonathan and Lucy Richer
Thank you for parting the waters at Mayim (that is, helping us host this annual film festival): Mike and Marcia Kingston
Thank you to Jenny Ottinger and her team for a successful Book Fair this year
Yoga Shabbat: October 12
Donations We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support Woodlands Community Temple by remembering and honoring their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions.
Rabbi Billy’s Mitzvah Fund Thank you Rabbi Billy and in honor of the marriage of Ilana Kaplan and Michael Wollin, from Audrey and Larry Kaplan. In honor of Jacob Frank becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Terry Frank. Many thanks to Rabbi Billy and in memory of Bernice Strauss, from Dr. Nancy Strauss and Scott Altabet and family. Thank you Rabbi Billy and in honor of Erica Ginsberg and Brian Landesman’s marriage, from Susan and Dick Ginsberg. In honor of Andy Farber and Jay Werner for building our Sukkah, from Roz and Gary Karlitz.
Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah Fund In honor of Jacob Frank becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Terry Frank. In memory of Dorothy Segal, mother of Liz Rauchwerger, from Herb Friedman. In memory of Ray Morris, from Herb Friedman.
In memory of Ray Morris, from Jon Richer and Lisa Sacks. In memory of Ray Morris, from Joyce and Bob Selig. In memory of Ray Morris, from Rochelle Stolzenberg and Jeff Frankle. In memory of Ray Morris, from Roberta, Roger and Allison Wetherbee. In memory of Dorothy Segal, mother of Liz Rauchwerger, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz. In memory of Dorothy Segal, from Yvette and Larry Gralla. In memory of Dorothy Segal, from Phyllis Opochinsky. In memory of Dorothy Segal, from Jane and Bob Steinhardt. In memory of Madeleine Stern, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz. In memory of Madeleine Stern, from Gloria and Bill Falk.
Library Fund Cantor’s Discretionary Fund In honor of Jacob Frank becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Terry Frank.
In memory of Ray Morris, from Lois and Jay Izes.
Music Fund Chai Fund In memory of Marvin Rabin, from Florence Rabin. In appreciation of the wonderful High Holy Day Services, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht. In honor of our professional staff and congregation volunteers who made our HHD services so memorable, from Yvette and Larry Gralla. In memory of Ray Morris, father of Marjory Selig, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz. In memory of Ray Morris, from Gloria and Bill Falk. In memory of Ray Morris, from Andy and Joan Farber. In memory of Ray Morris, from Chuck and Nancy Fishman. In memory of Ray Morris, from Dayle and David Fligel. In memory of Ray Morris, from Carla D. Glassman and Susan S. Brown. In memory of Ray Morris, from Lloyd and Roberta Roos.
In appreciation of the beautiful High Holy Day music and arrangments, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht. In honor of Simkhat Torah, from Howard and Liz Shlom.
Scholar in Residence Fund In honor of Judith Kessler’s birthday, from Susan and Erwin Grill, Hayley Grill and Chris Gallop. In honor of Judith Kessler’s birthday, from Carol, Charles, Brad, Jennifer, Spencer and Farrah Kessler. In honor of Judith Kessler’s birthday, from their children and grandchildren.
Social Action Fund In memory of Ray Morris, from Corey Friedlander.
To find out more about all the funds that are available for your support and for information about how to donate to these funds, please visit www.wct.org/community/how-to-give/133-donate
The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of Edgar Sands father of Ed Sands
Dorothy Segal
mother of Liz Rauchwerger
Harry Reis
uncle of Scott Matluck
John F. Burke
father of John Burke Jr. HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning. Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.
Scheduling Weddings or Funerals with Our Clergy The rabbis and cantor want very much to be with you during significant life-cycle moments. Please speak with them before setting any dates or times for weddings or funerals. Don't be disappointed to learn they're not available at the time you've already arranged, so bring them "into the loop" at the very beginning of your planning.
Honor a Loved One Bookplates Now Available It is a time-honored Jewish tradition to honor people we love by making a tzedakah contribution 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. • One 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
www.wct.org
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Ads Deliver Reach out and touch a Woodlands member with your ad. One, five, ten times a year.
To reserve space, call Pat Nissim in the temple office: 914-592-7070 or write to bulletin@wct.org
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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
Weinstein Memorial Chapel 914-793-3800 1652 Central Park Avenue • Yonkers, New York 10710 (1 Block North of Tuckahoe Road) E-mail: wmc1652@verizon.net
The Only Jewish Family Owned Chapel in Westchester County
Your
Temple Needs You!
A Family Commitment to the Jewish Community with Dignified, Respectful Service. Four Generations of Personalized Service Mildred, Jack*, Seymour & Edward Weinstein (Owners) Arrangements Available in Westchester and Metro NYC 24 Hours a Day • 7 Days a Week We Accept All Major Credit Cards. MEMBER: Jewish Funeral Directors Assoc. of America New York State Funeral Directors Association Westchester Funeral Directors Association
*Deceased
Ads Deliver Reach out and touch a Woodlands member with your ad. One, five, ten times a year.
To reserve space, call Pat Nissim in the temple office: 914-592-7070 or write to bulletin@wct.org
Sell ads to support Makom. ••• Market and promote temple activities. ••• Work on the temple website. ••• Keep the gardens pruned. ••• Keep the budget balanced. ••• Work on membership development and retention. ••• Plan fundraisers. ••• Plan the annual temple “gala.” ••• Pursue tzedakah and tikkun olam. ••• Bake latkes and hamentaschen. ••• And anything else you can think of! Write to volunteer@wct.org and we’ll put you in touch with the right person for the right job.
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
The College Connection Always Jewish
E.L.I.T.E & The 7 Cs
By Jenna Friedman
By Rachel Friedman
Jenna’s Jewish-life Resume: Member of Friends of Israel (a pro-Israel advocacy group on campus), Hillel participant, studying Hebrew. All that said, I’ve only gone to one FOI meeting, I’m only somewhat moderately active in Hillel (been to High Holy Days services, ate their food on some various occasions) and I’m taking Hebrew 1, the entry-level class, with no idea if I want to continue studying Hebrew past this semester. But my Jewish experience is more than what facts on paper can reveal. I always wondered what role Judaism would play in my college experience. Surprisingly, though I am maybe not quite as heavily involved in Jewish life as I thought I would be, it has shaped my experience more than I had expected it would. I still strongly identify as being Jewish; I openly and frequently share stories of my Jewish experiences (be they from camp or elsewhere) with my roommate and my friends. I’ve played a fair amount of Jewish Geography (“Oh, you go to Eisner—do you know so-and-so?” The answer is almost always yes), and have made a lot of Jewish friends here on campus. A frequent joke among us is that we’re going to find nice Jewish boys to bring home to our mothers (hey, some things never change). Maybe I’ll keep studying Hebrew. Maybe I’ll get more involved in Hillel. Maybe I won’t. And that’s ok. Because no matter where I am, or where I go, I will always be Jewish. And that’s what’s really important. Jenna Friedman is a freshman at Tufts University.
Leaving Woodlands Community Temple as a high school student was one of the hardest things I had to do. I left behind amazing friends, mentors, and the place where I fit in. But WCT and WoodSY gave me the strength to find my voice and my leadership capabilities above and beyond the Jewish youth world. Within my first week of being a student at the University of Tampa, I participated in a retreat called E.L.I.T.E. The acronym stands for “Educating Leaders In Today’s Environment.” It stresses the importance of the 7 Cs of leadership: Collaboration, Common Purpose, Controversy with Civility, Citizenship, Consciousness of Self, Congruence, and Commitment. This program created leaders from all different walks of life. It consisted of people from varied religious backgrounds to previous high school clubs to different volunteer organizations. It put all of us on common ground to share our experiences. It set the groundwork for how I want to make the best of the leadership opportunities granted to me in college. I am thankful everyday for the other teens who convinced me to become involved in WoodSY and the constant support I was given to push further. Wherever I go in life with being a leader, I know WoodSY and WCT are a part of me. Rachel Friedman is a freshman at the University of Tampa.
College Students: Save Sun, Jan 5 at 10:30 a.m. for our annual College Brunch. Lox and bagels definitely included. Watch your email for details.