the newsletter of woodlands community temple
October 2018 Tishrei-Heshvan 5779
October (Heshvan) is Mitzvah Month! by Valerie Fox
I
t was a frigid winter night in 1987. We’d recently arrived in the US, having moved from a London suburb where I had spent the first almost four decades of my life. We were excited and awestruck to be living so close to NYC. We loved to go to the city – the fast-paced life, the bravado of skyscrapers, hotels and offices of concrete and glass, theater, restaurants, such extravagance and affluence. That night, having been treated to an office dinner at an upmarket midtown restaurant, we said our thanks and farewells and made our way along 5th Avenue back towards Grand Central. London winters hadn’t prepared us for the icy New York wind that blew, so we pulled our hats and scarves over our ears and hugged our warm coats around us. Bracing ourselves against the cold, we passed Trump Tower with its enormous golden portal, exuding grandeur and opulence. There I noticed a tall, lanky man, perhaps in his forties, walking slightly off kilter, with
Jonah Maccabee Family Concert featuring
Sheldon Low
nothing but a thin, shredded shirt barely covering his back, leaving his bony frame exposed to the elements. What a contrast. Here were we, after a gourmet meal, much of which was wasted, walking past this grandiose gold facade, and here was this other human being with no warm clothes, not even a complete shirt to cover him from the icy wind. And on one of the world’s most famed and wealthy streets! How can this be? How can we allow this vast chasm between wealth and want? Of course there are so many others in NYC, around the country, and here in our own neighborhood, living in hardship, unable to feed and cloth themselves. I hope none of us at Woodlands ever has to fear not having a roof over our heads, or a warm bed with a pillow and blankets when we go to sleep at night, or whether we can afford to Continued on page 2
Two Synagogues and Their Devotion to Jewish Spiritual Expression by Rabbi Billy Dreskin In the ten years that “A Joyful Noise!” has been bringing a large music ensemble to WCT’s bimah, other synagogues have been doing so as well. Their styles of music range from mellow and pensive to full-throttle rock and roll, but the intent is the same everywhere you go: to expand the sonic palate of Shabbat worship and offer our communities new
dynamics and new textures for Jewish prayer. Every now and then, visitors to Woodlands wander up after “A Joyful Noise!” to proudly share descriptions of their own temple’s ensemble service (frequently, we hear it called a “t’fillah band”). In every case, there is an enthusiastic narrative about the talented group of musicians who work their creative magic back home.
And so it was that we learned about “Ruach,” a collection of instrumentalists and vocalists who enrich Friday evening worship at Temple Sinai in Stamford, Connecticut. Our own connection with Ruach grew as co-coordinator Paul Storfer began periodically attending services here at Woodlands. Other co-coordinator Barbara Continued on page 2
Sun, Oct 28 at 10:15 and 11:30 am
J
oin us as popular Jewish music artist Sheldon Low appears in a free concert here at Woodlands. Sheldon is one of the brightest young stars in Jewish rock music today, performing in Jewish communities across North America each year. He has released five albums, and a number of his songs have been featured in the highly-acclaimed NFTY Ruach recording series. In his spare time, Sheldon has served on the faculty of Songleader Boot Camp (with Cantor Ellen Dreskin!) and has worked for Jewish Rock Radio, America’s premiere Jewish music broadcast. Born and raised in St. Louis, Sheldon graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University before embarking upon his music career. He was Artist-inResidence at Barnert Temple in Franklin Lakes, NJ, and is currently Artist-in-Residence at Temple Israel of the City of New York. Everyone (parents and grandparents too) is welcome to attend one of Sheldon’s 45-minute concerts here at Woodlands on Sunday, October 28. The 10:15 am concert is especially for grades K-2, and at 11:30 for grades 3-6. Siblings are most definitely welcome, and parents (and sneaky grandparents and temple members) are also welcome to attend! Choose the time that’s right for you. Admission is free. You can hear Sheldon’s music online at sheldonlow.com. See you there!
Our Woodlands Community
October (Heshvan) is Mitzvah Month!, Continued from p.1
Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org Rabbi Mara Young rabbimara@wct.org Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon cantor@wct.org Lily Mandell, Director of Youth Engagement youth@wct.org Corey Friedlander, Sh’liakh K’hilah corey@wct.org Zach Plesent, Rabbinic Intern intern@wct.org
put food on the table for our families. But the truth is, right here in Westchester there remain inordinate numbers of working poor for whom these are everyday concerns. We can make a difference. Please join us during Woodlands’ Mitzvah Month, and beyond. There is a wide array of activities that need your help: a breakfast run into NYC to feed homeless people, just like the man I saw on that cold night; collecting food for Thanksgiving so families in Westchester can have a meal on their table; providing snack packs for underprivileged children in an after-school program that helps motivate them to stay in school and aspire to college; taking families escaping from domestic abuse for a fun day of apple picking. You can find details about these and other programs, including how to sign up to participate, at wct.org/mitzvahmonth. There are so many ways to make a difference, provide some help for people less fortunate than ourselves, and let them know that they are not forgotten. Thank you.
Executive Committee Andy Farber, President president@wct.org Nancy Fishman, VP Education education@wct.org Michael Witkowski, VP Facilities facilities@wct.org Michael Wiskind, VP Finance finance@wct.org Jenna Lebowich, VP Programming/Ritual programming@wct.org Herb Friedman, Financial Secretary financialsecretary@wct.org Steve Sagner, Secretary secretary@wct.org Bonni Abore, Treasurer treasurer@wct.org
Board of Trustees Irv Adler David Bertan Pam Chernoff Judy Feder Yvette Gralla Amy Green
Toby Linder Lisa Linn Matthew Moss Mike Scafidi Ann Zarider Jay Zwicker
Dayle Fligel (ex-officio)
Office Staff Liz Rauchwerger, Office Coordinator liz@wct.org Marjorie Mattel, Office Assistant marjorie@wct.org Michele Montague, Education Administrative Assistant michele@wct.org Bookkeeper bookkeeper@wct.org
Two Synagogues and Their Devotion to Jewish Spiritual Expression, Continued from p.2
Orwick was part of the Dreskin boys’ community theatre experience at Play Group Theatre in White Plains. To top if off, a friendship grew between myself and their Rabbi Jay TelRav. A cultural exchange was inevitable. And now it’s begun. Twice this year, “Ruach” and “A Joyful Noise!” will come together, once with each congregation. And you are most definitely invited. First, on Friday, October 26 at 7:30 pm, you are invited to make the drive to Stamford as “A Joyful Noise!” is welcomed to the Temple Sinai bimah. Our music ensemble, our clergy, and our visual worship will all be featured that evening so the Temple Sinai community can experience our style and spirit. We sincerely hope that you will make the short drive to join us there (458 Lakeside Dr, Stamford, CT ... no service will be held at Woodlands that evening). It’d be wonderful to have you with us. Then, on Friday, December 21 at 8:00 pm, we’ll reconvene right here at Woodlands to welcome “Ruach,” along with their clergy, and experience Shabbat as it's celebrated in the Constitution
State. They describe the Ruach service as “energetic and informal, offering beautiful musical harmonies, familiar melodies and new arrangements.” We can’t wait! We’re hoping that both music ensembles will come together for several pieces during each service in what we hope will be a highlight of the evening for everyone. Ten years ago, we embarked upon an experiment informed by the joyous gospel music of many of America’s churches, as well as the images they were projecting on screens to make worship more accessible and meaningful. “A Joyful Noise!” was created to give a distinctly American-Jewish expression to these approaches to prayer and has become one of WCT’s favorite Shabbat services. We sincerely hope you will join us on October 26 and December 21 as we joyfully share in our continuing quest to “sing unto God a new song” and find fresh, unique ways of giving voice to the Jewish spirit of seeking God and of striving to do that which we imagine would make God proud.
Woodlands Community Temple 50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607 914.592.7070 main office 914.592.1790 religious school direct line 914.592.7376 fax wct@wct.org www.wct.org Religious School: school@wct.org
Woodlands Community Temple is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism Art Director: Melanie Roher Advertising Director: Dayle Fligel
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www.wct.org
B’rukhim haba’im
Welcome to our newest members! Mona Albana Scott and Kim Cohen Gabriel and Elizabeth Dan Andy Davis and Laura Schiller Vincent Drybala and Rose Turshan Ken and Meryl Fleisher
Joseph and Mindy Gallagher Debbie Kraselnik Jerold Rotbard and Rachel Filasto Eric and Robin Sanders Adam and Jena Simon
from the
Rabbi
Israel:
Love and Challenge
Israel:
The Long and the Short of It
Rabbi Mara Young On Yom Kippur, I preached about Israel. I was heavily inspired by Yossi Klein Halevi’s NYTimes bestseller, Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor. I found the book to be a compelling read and a well-written articulation of my own personal love and challenge when it comes to modern Israel. HaLevi is unabashedly Zionist, seeing it as an authentic aspect of Judaism. He sums it up perfectly when he writes, “Judaism isn’t only a set of rituals and rules but a vision linked to a place.” He rejects any attempt to de-legitimize Israel’s existence and simply asks for the international community to respect the Jewish people’s history and experiences that have led to our Zionism. That said, he has deep compassion for the national narrative of the Palestinian people. He laments the fact that modern Israel has become a “situation of shadows. A false dichotomy where my black is your white.” His stated objective is to find some sympathy and partnership on the other side. On August 24, Raja Shehadeh, a Palestinian author, responded via an op-ed in the New York Times. He expresses what I’ve heard other critics of Halevi’s book say: good goals, but it falls short. To Shehadeh and others, the book feels condescending and backwards when it suggests that the real problem is that Palestinians don’t understand Jews. He writes, “To make peace possible, the Palestinians are not required to become Zionists, to embrace the narrative of Jewish suffering and redemption that you recount in your letters.” Shehadeh exposes the fact that HaLevi writes from a place of privilege and power and that what would really help Palestinians feel empowered is to simply move out of the way and allow them the right of self-determination. In the end, I feel the two writers are saying essentially the same thing. Each side has suffered. For Jews, our entire history has been suffering and Israel is our chance at redemption. Unfortunately, from a Palestinian viewpoint, our redemption led to their suffering. We are part of a cycle. We American Jews have a unique role to play here. We can tell both stories; we can expose the cycle. We may not be experts in Mideast politics, but we can be voices of compassion. The Reform Movement’s prayerbook, Mishkan T’filah, offers this aspirational Prayer for the State of Israel: O Heavenly One, Protector and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel which marks the dawning of hope for all who seek peace. Shield it beneath the wings of Your love; spread over it the canopy of Your Peace; send Your light and truth to all who lead and advise, guiding them with Your good counsel. Establish peace in the land and fullness of joy for all who dwell there. Let us at Woodlands help to make this a reality. Amen.
High Holy Days Sermons Are Now Online If you found one presentation or another particularly meaningful during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, or just want to read something through again, you can download it for yourself or to share with others. They are available at wct.org/hhdsermons.
Dear Friends, With the New Year, our “Just Israel” column is changing. Now called “Israel: The Long and the Short of It,” this reflects our desire to share what we love about Israel along with what unsettles us. We’re hoping to provide a more nuanced portrait, a more expansive (and honest) picture of how we feel, and perhaps model for you the kind of struggle-amidst-affection with which we hope you’ll be comfortable. As always, we welcome any conversation (in writing or in person) you’d like to have with us. Billy and Mara
Coexistence in the Maternity Ward by Jeanne Bodin
C
ali BenEzra, an orthodox American immigrant to Israel, walked into St. Joseph’s Hospital in East Jerusalem and decided to have her baby there. She had previously found the Israeli hospitals large and impersonal and this small Palestinian one met all of her expectations: a welcoming staff, women-centric, fewer caesareans, plus water births and aromotherapy. BenEzra’s nurse stayed with her during and after the birth, even getting her kosher food. Although Israel’s hospitals accept everyone, the first Jewish Israeli women seeking care at St. Joseph’s arrived in 2017 and the numbers are increasing, with many receiving prenatal care as well. St. Joseph’s, like many Israeli hospitals, is emerging as a place of of coexistence in the midst of political conflict. After her experience, BenEzra said, “I realize how segregated things are ... it showed me that a lot of my preconceived ideas are in my head and Palestinians are approachable. The whole experience was so peaceful.” Israel, like America, is a land we love. Its accomplishments inspire us, yet we struggle when it falls short of our dreams for it. This column explores Israel’s ongoing work toward building a nation firmly aligned with the Jewish values we love. Join us in probing the aspirations and endeavors of this complicated but cherished land.
www.wct.org
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Why I Volunteer @ Temple In this column, we introduce you to fellow temple members who have stepped forward to help make Woodlands a place we can all love.
Herb Friedman
Simkhat Torah!! Our annual celebration of Torah and Jewish learning and this year, B’nai Binah ceremony for 20 adult Torah students.
Sunday, September 30 7:00-8:30 pm Don’t miss our rockin’ Simkhat Torah house band! Witness the awesome experience of unrolling the entire Torah! Bring your entire family – from great-grandparents to grand infants – as we sing, dance and celebrate with our Torah ... the Woodlands way!
Financial Secretary The “shul” was in my life as far back as my learning to walk. Brother Norm and I were held by Grandpa Jake’s hands as he walked us into his shul on the Lower East Side for shakharit, minkha and maariv daily services. The prayers, melodies, and surroundings all offered a sense of comfort and security. Fast forward to marriage and children. That led to searching for a shul in Westchester County. Wife Elaine came from a “yiddishkeit” family with little or no shul in their lives. So we searched and searched. One way or another, the
Islam and Judaism:
Sukkot-Simkhat Torah Yizkor Mon, Oct 1, 9:00-10:00 am
The Same, Only Different!
If someone you love died recently, or many years ago, Jewish tradition provides an opportunity to reconnect memory and heart for a few moments out of our busy lives. While we can certainly stop anytime to do this ourselves, to come together with our synagogue community is a beautiful and meaningful way to honor those we love. Please join us for a simple and meaningful Sukkot-Simkhat Torah Yizkor Hour. We’ll sing, read, and share a few words and thoughts of remembrance. This is one of four times during the year we come together for Yizkor. It’s a loving and respectful way to Jewishly remember. Please plan to be with us.
ARZA-Israel Committee Wed, Oct 10 8:15 pm “ARZA” is the Association of Reform Zionists of America. Woodlands Community Temple’s Israel programming aims to enable our community to interact with the full range of Israeli life and issues. To join the committee and help us plan, please email israel@wct.org. We’d love to see you at our next meeting.
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“Woodlands guys” seemed to find us and we were invited to a service and discussions with folks like Alan Horowitz, Jack Safirstein, Sy Donner, Don Moskovitz and Ron Tvert. That’s all it took! We were hooked. I soon joined committee after committee after committee, becoming chair of Ritual (now Jewish Life), Adult Ed, and youth group, etc. In our family, there followed religious school, B’nai Mitzvah, Confirmation, graduations, marriages, celebrations, baby namings and funerals. Why do I volunteer? Why not?! It’s the least I can do – after all, Grandpa Jake is so pleased!
Interfaith Conversation and Learning Wed, Nov 7 7:30-9:00 pm
H
ow much do you know about Islam? Did you know that Abraham is considered the father of Islam as well as the father of Judaism? Did you know that the stories of Adam and Eve, Noah and the Flood, and Sodom and Gemorrah are not only in the Torah but are also in the Quran? On Wednesday, November 7, we’re starting a series of Muslim/Jewish learning opportunities during which we’ll come together and explore texts that are shared by both religious traditions. This will not be lectures but a conversation between all of us, facilitated by Rabbi Billy and Rabbi Mara. Our Muslim friends from the Peace Island Initiative will share the Quran’s version of these narratives while we share ours. We suspect that we’ll discover more commonalities than differences, but that we’ll also be fascinated by those elements of these sacred tales that are different. Plan to join us for our first gathering. Register online at wct.org/thesameonlydifferent. Dessert will be served.
from the
President
We’re Just Getting Going! Andy Farber, President
WCT’s Got Talent!
Annual Open Mic Coffeehouse Sat, Nov 3 at 8:00 pm
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ctober is Mitzvah Month, abounding with opportunities to get involved. We just finished a full month of Temple activities. From Selihot to our rocking Simkhat Torah celebration, aren’t we temple’d out? Can’t we take a break? The short answer is no. We did spend an entire month together. We spent it in prayer and reflection about what we’ve done right over the past year and what we’ve done wrong, what we will improve and what we will not repeat. We made promises to ourselves, to others, and maybe even to God – to do better. But what really counts are the promises we’ve made to ourselves. Quoting Rabbi Hillel, “If not now, when?” The Social Action Committee has made it easy for us all to make good on our promises. Look around this issue of Makom. Week after week, there are activities for us to help ourselves, to help our Woodlands community, and to help our greater community of Westchester and beyond. There are activities for everyone, adults young and old, families and empty-nesters, Gan HaYeled families, religious school families, B’nai Mitzvah families, WoodSY and Academy. Whoever you are, there’s something for all of us. Our Academy and WoodSY kids will be spending time with young people at local shelters, letting them know that someone cares about them. We can all go apple-picking with residents of Hope’s Door, a domestic abuse shelter, and everyone is invited to join a Family Game afternoon at the Atria in Ardsley. Care to make a donation? We’ll have a pop-up food drive to make sure Westchester’s poor have food for Thanksgiving, and a breakfast run into NYC too. And we’ll roll up our sleeves at the Blood Drive. Religious school classes will decorate new, reusable, tablecloths for the Zero Waste initiative. We’ll clean out cabinets in the kitchen, lobby and sanctuary. Who knows what we’ll find there? Weather permitting, we’ll clean up the gardens as well. There will be many learning activities. We’ll host a meeting with immigration advocates from Neighbors’ Link, and Anahaita Kotval of Lifting Up Westchester will speak at Social Action Shabbat. We’ll hear panelists Cantor Ellen Dreskin, Rabbi Mara Young, and Sabeeha Rehman, and study with Rabbi Joan Farber. That’s plenty, but there’s even more, all throughout the month. Even baking dog biscuits! Dates, details, and signups for all of these programs are here in Makom. Finally, Election Day will close out our Mitzvah Month. We can make a difference by voting (and if you can give a ride, or need to get a ride, contact us).
L’shalom,
WCT Seat Cushions are Back!
E
xercise your inner and outer artistic talent and signup to perform at WCT’s open mic night. We provide a piano, an accompanist, some microphones, the popcorn and the people. You provide your talent and enthusiasm! No judges, no judgments. Poetry, juggling, music, magic and mayhem are all welcome. Email your interest (cantor@ wct.org and jillatwct@gmail.com).
Save the Date! for the
10th Annual Jonah Maccabee Concert this year with Rick Recht
Saturday, March 9, 2019 If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Abuse, please share this confidential hotline:
Ever wonder why the chairs in the tent are so uncomfortable? Worry no more! You can now purchase attractive, comfortable and stylish seat cushions tastefully decorated with the Woodlands logo. At $10 per cushion (or a bargain rate of four cushions for $36), your entire family can enjoy the High Holy Days in supreme comfort. To order go to wct.org/ tushcush. Your tush and your temple will thank you!
www.wct.org
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Temple Tots Sat, Oct 6, 9:00-10:30 am (and once a month thereafter)
Youth Engagement
5th/6th Grade Retreat Fri-Sun, Oct 12-14
For children ages 3-4 along with parents, grandparents or caregivers. Through music, stories, and hands-on projects, meaningfully engage young children in the Jewish holidays. Taught by early childhood educator Laurie Leibowitz with music provided by renowned songleader Kenny Green! Registration is $36 for the year – no need to be a temple member. Other dates include: Nov 10, Dec 1, Jan 12, Feb 9, Mar 16, Apr 6, Apr 27 (graduation) and May 12 (Sunday picnic 10:00 am - Noon).
5th and 6th grade students spend a weekend at URJ Kutz Camp and participate in engaging and insightful programming. They'll create meaningful connections to their Judaism and each other. Register by Sun, Sep 30. For more information, email youth@wct.org.
Engaging Interfaith Families for a Thriving Jewish Future
9th graders, get ready for the Sexuality Retreat where we will explore how Judaism views sexuality and can help teens obtain clear, accurate information while also developing positive and healthy approaches to their own sexuality. Keep an eye on your emails for more information. You won’t want to miss this weekend!
Sun, Nov 4, 9:30-11:30 am Shames JCC Why do some interfaith families engage with the Jewish community more than others? Are there identifiable barriers that need to be eliminated to encourage engagement and to enrich communal life for all? You are invited to join a thoughtful community conversation about the pathways to engagement of interfaith families for a thriving Jewish future, led by Ed Case, nationally-known presenter on interfaith issues and an advocate for interfaith families’ Jewish engagement. RSVP to rjc@shamesjcc.org (please include your name, number attending, name of synagogue, and any questions you would like the presenter to consider. Sponsored by the Rivertowns Jewish Consortium.
Please Fill the Shopping Cart!
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dults and children: Your donations to our “Tzedakah Shopping Cart” feed hungry people right here in Westchester. Each time you come to Woodlands, please bring a few (unexpired and nutritious) non-perishables with you. Parents, when your children join you in giving to others, they watch the most powerful role-model in their lives and will remember it forever. Make sure you bring something too. Let’s all get into the tzedakah habit!
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8th Grade Retreat in Brooklyn Sun, Oct 28 Get excited for the 8th grade retreat! We’ll be spending the day in NYC. More information to come, but you won’t want to miss it! Contact Lily with any questions.
9th Grade Sexuality Retreat Fri-Sun, Nov 2-4
NFTY-NAR Fall Kallah Fri-Sun, Nov 9-11 Want to meet Jewish teens from all over the region while participating in engaging programs? Check out NFTY-NAR’s fall kallah! The event will take place at URJ Kutz Camp in Warwick, NY. For more information, contact Lily.
YFEC Presents Teen Brain: Mental Health Edition Sat, Nov 10 at 6:30 pm Join the Youth and Family Engagement Committee and fellow parents of teens and pre-teens for an enlightening evening of information presented by the Youth Mental Health Project (YMHP). The Youth Mental Health Project believes every child’s mental well-being needs to be nurtured, and that mental wellness and physical wellness should be equally prioritized. We have invited Randi Silverman of YMHP to come educate, empower and support the families of our community on youth mental health. Randi is the co-founder of YMHP and an award-winning screenwriter and producer of the feature film, No Letting Go (available on Amazon). As a nationally-recognized public speaker and presenter on the topic of children’s mental health, Randi’s work creates opportunities for open community dialogue and increases awareness and education about children’s mental health. A believer in the power of storytelling, Randi used her real-life experiences as the mother of a child with a mental health disorder to co-write and produce No Letting Go. Receiving critical acclaim from film reviewers and mental health organizations alike, the film has won over 20 awards at independent film festivals worldwide. This program is geared towards parents with kids of all grades. We’ll start at 6:30 pm with Havdalah and dinner. Randi will facilitate our program at 7:00, followed by dessert. Cost is $20 per person for dinner (with BYOB wine and beer to share, please). Register by Sun, Nov 4 at wct.org/mentalhealth. Not able to join us for dinner? Feel free to come at 7:00, but please let us know to save you a seat by replying online. Friends and family who are not WCT members are also welcome to attend.
Worship Schedule Shabbat Hol HaMoed Sukkot
Shabbat Noakh
Ex 33:12 - 34:26 ... Ezek 38:18 - 39:7
Gen 6:9 - 11:32 ... Isa 54:1 - 55:5
Fri, Sep 28
Fri, Oct 12
A Joyful Noise! at 8:00 pm
Social Action Shabbat at 8:00 pm
A service for everyone, from oldest to youngest. With a dozen musicians and your voices, we’ll fill the Sanctuary with a joyful noise! Visual Worship tonight ... all prayers and readings will be projected onto screens. Welcome this evening to our 6th grade families!
Affirming and celebrating the values our Jewish heritage has bequeathed to us: to help make this world a better place for those who follow. Participation by members of our Social Action Committee. Guest speaker: Anahaita Kotval, Executive Director of Lifting Up Westchester. After the service, help prepare snack-bags for underprivileged children.
Sat, Sep 29 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Emma Feldbaum, daughter of Esther and David Feldbaum, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.
Sat, Oct 13 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am
Shabbat Bereshit
Celebrate with us as Julian Kahn, son of Jonathan and Lauretta Kahn, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.
Gen 1:1 - 6:8 ... Isa 42:5 - 43:10
Shabbat Lekh Lekha
Fri, Oct 5
Gen 12:1 - 17:27 ... Isa 40:27 - 41:16
Jammin’ Shabbat at 7:00 pm A half-hour of zany, holy fun! Put on your jammies, bring a bedtime friend, a blanket if you like, and c’mon over for 30 minutes of Shabbat song, stories and blessings to get you ready for bed. Bring a buck for tzedakah. And new this year, Mitzvah Hero Training at 6:45 pm! Naming for Sadie Neugeborn, daughter of Emily and Ian Neugeborn, granddaughter of Bonnie and Bob George.
Simply Shabbat at 8:00 pm A quiet evening with your clergy. Familiar melodies and familiar prayers to bring us all together. Elizabeth Barnhard will choose Judaism.
Sat, Oct 6 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Alexandra Malkin, daughter of Diane and Jason Malkin, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.
Fri, Oct 19
uplifting music and worship. Join us in Stamford (details on page one of Makom). No service at WCT tonight. On Fri, Dec 21, they’re coming to us!
Sat, Oct 27 Yoga Shabbat at 10:30 am A Shabbat morning experience for everybody – adults and kids – that will include music, prayer, Torah, and easy yoga movements. A holistic celebration of Creation! Rebecca Jane Smith, gentle yoga instructor extraordinaire, will once again (along with Rabbi Billy and Lily Mandell) lead the way. Wear loose clothing and bring a yoga mat if you have one (we’ll have a few available as well). RSVP to youth@wct.org.
Babysitting at 8:00 pm Shabbat services is provided by teens from our religious school. This month, babysitting will be available on Oct 12 and Oct 26. There is no charge and no advance notice is required. For further information, contact babysitting@wct.org.
Mishpakha Refugee Shabbat at 7:00 pm For the entire congregation, just earlier – meaningful for adults, engaging for kids! This month, celebrating America’s commitment to welcoming those arriving in search of liberty and equality. If you like, join us for a quick dinner (this month, demonstrating zero-waste strategies) at 6:00 pm – make your reservation at wct.org/mishpakha.
Sat, Oct 20 Celebrate with us as Sydney Gottlieb, daughter of Jennifer and Adam Gottlieb, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.
Shabbat Vayera Gen 18:1 - 22:24 ... II Kngs 4:1-37
Fri, Oct 26 Shabbat in Stamford at 7:30 pm Woodlands travels to Temple Sinai in Stamford tonight, where our own “A Joyful Noise!” will partner with their “Ruach” for a beautiful evening of
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.
Sep 29: Khol HaMoed Sukkot Self-facilitated today
Oct 6: Parashat Bereshit Facilitated by Rabbi Billy
Oct 13: Parashat Noakh
Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan
Oct 20: Parashat Lekh Lekha Facilitated by Rabbi Billy
Oct 27: Parashat Vayera Facilitated by Rabbi Mara
www.wct.org
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October Happenings & Beyond Learning
Book Club Wed, Oct 10 at 2:00 pm
Woodlands Paint Nite! Sat, Oct 6, 7:00-9:30 pm
Here I Am by Jonathan Foer, facilitated by Marge Thrope. Coming up: Nov 14, Educated by Tara Westove, facilitated by Phyllis Opochinsky. And hold these dates: Dec 12, Jan 9, Feb 13, Mar 13, Apr 10, May 8 and Jun 12.
Come discover your inner artist with your friends (plus some wine and snacks). No art experience required, only a desire to have some fun. Easels, canvases, smocks, and paints will be provided. Register at wct.org/paint.
Non-Fake News Sun, Oct 14, 9:30-11:00 am Join journalist David Gaffen as we continue our discussion on how to more intelligently read the news and understand recent news events as the midterm elections approach.
Current Events Wed, Oct 17, 10:00-11:30 am Islam, Judaism, and America – Challenges and Opportunities Sun, Oct 7, 4:00-6:00 pm Jews and Muslims, they came to America. They came from Russia, Iran, Germany, Morocco, South America, Pakistan, Italy, Guyana, and more. And with them they brought the culture, ideas, customs and religious practices from their home countries. Trying to fit all these into the America they found would often seem impossible. How would they raise their children in this strange land? How would they know who they are? Compromises had to be found, but compromising involved determining what was essential and what could be put aside, and a lot of trial and error. How would America change them, and how would America be changed by them? On Sunday, October 7, Sabheeha Rehman, author of the award-winning Threading My Prayer Rug: One Woman’s Journey from Pakistani Muslim to American Muslim, who came to this country as a young bride, and our own Rabbi Mara Young will discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by Muslims and Jews as they tried to negotiate this “Golden Land.” Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, an organization of Muslim and Jewish Women, joins Woodlands in sponsoring this program. Cantor Ellen Dreskin, herself a member of a SoSS chapter, will moderate the discussion. Since the publication of her book, Ms. Rehman has been speaking at various forums, synagogues among them. A frequent reaction from synagogue audiences is, “That’s MY family’s story.” Let’s see if it’s yours too.
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www.wct.org
Join us for an always lively discussion on current events. An agenda will be emailed to participants ahead of the meeting. Join our list by emailing. And hold these future dates (the 3rd Wednesday each month): Dec 19, Jan 16, Feb 20, Mar 20, Apr 17, May 15, and Jun 19.
Lunch and Learn Wed, Oct 17, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Join us for a wonderful lunch and timely discussions of important topics. $10 per session or $65 for all sessions. This month, Gary Brown of the New York State Attorney General’s office will alert us to common senior scams. And hold these future dates (the 3rd Wednesday each month): Dec 19 (Rabbi Billy, “Jews and Money: Will the Real Stereotype Please Stand Up?”, Jan 16 (Rabbi Joan Farber), Feb 20 (The History of the Jews in Westchester). Hold these dates as well: Mar 20, Apr 17, May 15 and Jun 19. Register at wct.org/lunchandlearn.
S’forim Forum Sat, Oct 20, 4:30-6:00 pm Cantor Jonathan will facilitate a discussion of The Messiah of Stockholm by Cynthia Ozick, a novella about a third-string book reviewer who believes that he is the son of the Jewish Polish genius Borus Schulz, who was killed in Poland by the S.S. Includes a light snack and Havdalah. Join us on other occasional Saturdays as we read and discuss the best books in Jewish fictional literature, old and new, from Europe, Israel, the US and all other possible points of origin.
Talmud with Rabbi Billy Six Thursdays, Oct 25 - Dec 13, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm The Talmud is a doorway into self-discovery. Containing 800 years of spiritual inquiry, the Talmud has, for 2000 more, beckoned generations of seekers who’d like to better understand the Jewish quest for answers to life’s greatest puzzles: right and wrong, pain and struggle, the existence of God, death. You are warmly invited to join our intrepid team of adventurers and learners. Get yourself a copy of Koren Talmud Bavli, Vol. 1: Tractate Berakhot (English and Hebrew Edition) and jump right in with us (or just visit our first class to try us out). Our conversations are entertaining, frequently enlightening often irreverent, and sometimes life-changing. Contact the office (wct@wct. org) to register. Hope to see you there!
Dinner and a Movie: “Deli Man” Sun, Nov 11 at 4:00 pm “Deli Man” is a documentary film from 2015 about the history of America’s kosher delicatessens and about one deli man, his life in and out of the deli. Since it will definitely make you hunger for corned beef, pastrami, pickles and Cel-Ray soda, stay and enjoy a kosher deli dinner after the movie! Details and registration at wct.org/deliman.
Save the date! A Wonderful Weekend with Rabbi Dan Geffen Fri-Sat, Nov 30 - Dec 1 Once upon a time, Rabbi Dan Geffen was just a kid who wanted someday to become a rabbi. In 2013-14, Dan was our rabbinic intern. We all loved him, loved his rampant goodness and his overabundant scholarship. Now a rabbi in Sag Harbor, NY, Dan’s coming back to Woodlands for one precious weekend. Whether you knew him back then or not, don’t miss this singular opportunity to learn from one of the smartest and kindest rabbis we’ve ever met. Details coming.
Jewish Studies Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 am
Social Action Shabbat Fri, Oct 12 at 8:00 pm
Film and Discussion Sun, Oct 21, 4:00-6:00 pm
Join us as Harriet Levine teaches about the wonderful environment for Jews in the “Golden Age of Spain.”
Our guest speaker will be Anahaita Kotval, who is the Executive Director of Lifting Up Westchester, a non-profit serving homeless and other extremely low income residents of Westchester County. Join us after the service to fill snack-bags with healthy snacks (which we will provide) to keep the kids going during their after-school mentoring program. This is a program for underprivileged children to provide a safe after-school environment and help motivate them to stay in school and aspire to educational opportunities.
Showing of “Which Way Home,” the Academy Award-nominated film that shows the personal side of immigration through the eyes of children who face harrowing dangers with enormous courage and resourcefulness as they attempt to make it to the U.S. by traveling through Mexico. Q&A follows with Neighbors’ Link’s Immigration Legal Practice Managing Attorney, Elizabeth Mastropolo, and its Ossining Site Manager, Rodolfo Moran. Appropriate for adults and older teens.
Modern Hebrew Class Every other Thu, 8:00-9:00 pm (starts in October) Know a little Hebrew but want more? Taught by our very own Rabbi Joan Glazer Farber. Join this dedicated group to build your vocabulary and engage with the future and past tenses. Over time, we’ll gradually expand the length of our sentences and build confidence in speaking Hebrew. Part of our exploration includes reading articles from an Israeli newspaper. Prerequisites: ability to read Hebrew without vowels, speak in short sentences using basic vocabulary. If you’re interested or have questions, email Rabbi Mara (rabbimara@wct.org).
Woodlands Singers WCT’s premiere choral ensemble presents throughout the year at services and other special events. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings, 8:15-9:15 pm. If you can carry a tune and enjoy group singing, this is the place for you! Contact Cantor Jonathan (cantor@wct.org).
Social Action October is a busy month filled with learning, advocating and performing acts of tikkun olam (repairing the world). There are articles about Mitzvah Month and Islam, Judaism and America elsewhere in this issue of Makom, and the full Mitzvah Month schedule is available online at wct.org/ mitzvahmonth.
October Mensch of the Month is Academy You, too, can be a mensch by bringing in canned meats, fish and beans (black beans and chickpeas). Help our local food pantries and the folks they serve.
Shelter Dinner Cooking Sun, Oct 14 Prepare part of a home-cooked meal (main dish, veggies, etc) for the teens living at a shelter in Valhalla. Let Val Fox, Melissa Goldsmith or Allison Pray know (shelterdinner@wct.org) that you’d like to help.
Knitting and Crocheting Sun, Oct 14, 3:00-5:00 pm Love to knit or interested in learning? Make mitzvah projects together with our friendly and active group. All levels welcome. RSVP to Angela Adler (knitting@wct.org).
Jewish Studies: Civic Engagement – A Jewish Virtue?
Thu, Oct 18, 10:00-11:30 am Rabbi Joan Glazer Farber leads us in an exploration of Jewish values as they relate to civic engagement. A perfect way to prepare for the Nov 6 election!
Zero-Waste Shabbat Dinner Fri, Oct 19 at 6:00 pm Come learn about the beauty and importance of reducing what goes into landfills after our meals. Hosted by the WCT Environmental Task Force. Mishpakha Shabbat follows at 7:00 pm.
Blood Drive Sun, Nov 4, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Giving blood at Woodlands is so easy and convenient. Come in when you’re picking up or dropping off from religious school, going to a meeting, or swing by just because you’re a mensch. You can donate if you’re between 17 and 75 years old and weigh at least 110 lbs (16-year olds may donate with a note from a parent, and those older than 75 with a note from your doctor). Please bring ID with you. Schedule your appointment at wct.org/blooddrive or email Chuck Bauer (blood@wct.org). Walk-ins are welcome but may need to wait.
WCT Getting Closer to Becoming A Zero-Waste Facility Take a look around Woodlands this year and you’ll see something different ... black, blue and green trash/recycling stations! Thanks to our caretaker Hernando Carmona and the Environmental Task Force, last year’s B’nai Mitzvah class and an anonymous gift to fund this, our recycling program has begun. Be sure to take a look at the signs before you stash your trash. Unsoiled paper goods and cardboard go into the blue bins; clean glass, cans and plastic go into the green bins; and the rest goes into the black trash. The signs also help you know what to recycle at home! Stay tuned for the addition of compost bins coming soon.
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The Simkha Page
Our B’nai Mitzvah
As we sat in the tent, enjoying the beautiful moving services, letting the prayers of reflection and introspection embrace us, our level of spirituality couldn’t be higher. This is the perfect time to bring that feeling into your home and your life. We have a wonderful selection of Shabbat items. Is this the year you’ve committed to have a family Shabbat on a regular basis?
Alexandra Malkin
Sydney Gottlieb
Oct 6
Oct 20
Torah Portion Bereshit
Torah Portion Lekh Lekha
Hebrew Name Miryam
Hebrew Name Zissel Rivkah
Julian Kahn Oct 13 Torah Portion Noakh Hebrew Name Noam
Todah Rabbah (thank you) to... Come visit us for challah boards, knives and covers, Kiddush cups, candlesticks, matchbox covers and candles, as well as Havdalah sets and candles. This month, we are especially excited to showcase the white wood laser-cut challah boards by artists Marussa and Hacham Karshi of The Karshi Studio Designs based in Jerusalem. After the High Holy Days, we also see an increase in the addition of home blessings and Judaica art to homes and work spaces. The mini frames by Boaz Designs and the hamsa wall art home blessings by Quest Designs are simple touches to enhance the sacred teachings of Judaism. The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is open, by request, every day the temple office is staffed. Evening and weekend hours are noted in the temple’s weekly email. Shopping for something special? Looking for a volunteer opportunity that’s fun and fits with your schedule? Email us at JudaicaShop@wct.org and let’s talk!
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Martha Dubinsky-Witkowski for cleaning out the youth lounge and making it school-year ready! Sandi Lieb for organizing the Yom Kippur Food Drive. All of our High Holy Days ushers. Judy Levan for helping to plan our WCT Camping Weekend. Dayle Fligel for organizing the brunch for our new rabbinic intern. Isabel Rachlin, Larry Torissi, Donna Hart and Karyn Schorr for your incredible work on the clergy premarital counseling team. Mitch Klein, Dave Bertan and Stu Berlowitz for grilling up good food at our Academy BBQ!
Mazal Tov to...
Ruach Neshama for your outstanding help at Rosh Hashanah Family Services: Brendan Chang, Ashley Klein, Joshua Chang, Sam Scafidi, Alex Shapiro, Dylan Klein, Joseph Kleinman. Thank you to Adam Hart for your guidance. Ethan, Jeremy and Gabriel Sipe for making our teen High Holy Services so meaningful! Richard, Lizbeth, Alison and Rachel Bloom and Josh, Stacey, Abigail and Caleb Isenberg for helping to cut up apples for the Rosh Hashanah Family Service, and to Jen Kline-Galkin for coordinating it.
Jason and Diane Malkin as their daughter, Alexandra, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah
Adam and Jennifer Gottlieb as their daughter, Sydney, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah
Jonathan and Lauretta Kahn as their son, Julian, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah
Lesli and Robert Cattan on the marriage of their daughter, Danielle, to Diego Diaz.
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 In memory of Leonard Gould, father of Debbie Pollowitz, from Jim and Debbie Pollowitz. In appreciation of Rabbi Billy officiating the funeral of Marilyn Mendelson, mother of Jay Mendelson, from Jay Mendelson and Evalyn Cohen.
Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah Fund Thank you, Rabbi Mara, for spending time with Hadassah, from Michael and Deborah Wiskind. In memory of Florence Kaplan, mother of Alan Kaplan, from Dick and Sheila Sweet.
Chai Fund
In memory of Marilyn Mendelson, mother of Jay Mendelson, from David and Dayle Fligel. In memory of Audrey Irene Sacher, mother of Caryn Donocoff, from David and Dayle Fligel. In honor of Judith and Barry Kessler and the High Holy Days, from Susan and Erwin Grill.
Midnight Run Fund In memory of Audrey Irene Sacher, mother of Caryn Donocoff, from Michael and Marcia Kingston.
Social Action Fund In honor of the marriage of Danielle Cattan, daughter of Lesli and Robert Cattan, to Diego Diaz, from Lloyd and Roberta Roos.
In memory of Florence Kaplan, mother of Alan Kaplan, from Larry and Yvette Gralla, Don and June Moskovitz, David and Dayle Fligel, Nelson and Jackie Leicht. In memory of Michele Burr, sister of Steve Fell, from David and Dayle Fligel.
WCT Goes Camping!
The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of Abraham Blank brother-in-law of Carol Kessler Michele Burr sister of Steven Fell Marilyn Mendelson mother of Jay Mendelson HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning. Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.
Hevra Kaddisha: Comforting the Mourner A Sacred Duty and We Could Use Your Help Perhaps they’ve appeared at your front door? When death takes someone we love, Jewish tradition has us sit shiva to receive comfort from friends and neighbors. Sometimes we request that evening services be held in our home to provide an opportunity to recite Kaddish. That’s when the members of our Hevra Kaddisha arrive. With compassionate guidance, they take our hand for this ritual of remembrance as we make our way through the valley of the shadow. We can always use another member of the team. If you’re comfortable at a Friday night service, we will train you to lead the home shiva service and provide this most meaningful act of communal support. If you think (even if you’re not sure) that you might want to become part of the Hevra Kaddisha, please contact Cantor Jonathan (cantor@ wct.org). He’ll help you decide if this is right for you, and he’ll train you to be able to comfortably lead the service.
High Holy Days Bookplates Available As we continue to get to know our new makhzor, Mishkan HaNefesh, we hope you will honor someone you love by purchasing bookplates to dedicate individual copies. Pay tribute to the important people in your life. For each $36 donation, one bookplate will be lovingly inscribed with both your and your loved one’s name. Order online at wct.org/bookplate.
www.wct.org
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Upcoming Meetings
Finance Committee Mon, Oct 8 at 8:15 pm
ARZA/Israel Committee Wed, Oct 10 at 8:15 pm
School Board Mon, Oct 15 at 8:15 pm
Board of Trustees Mon, Oct 22 at 8:15 pm We would be delighted to welcome you to any temple meeting that interests you. Please be in touch with Andy Farber (president@wct.org) for information on how to join (or just visit) a committee.
Can You Hear Me Now? WCT Sound Crew in Formation
We’re looking for a few folks who’d like to mix sound for worship services. Previous experience is helpful. If you’ve ever played in a band or mixed sound, this could be just for you. Once a month or so, we need a pair of ears to mix sound in sanctuary for A Joyful Noise, Purim, and other complex musical moments at WCT. Here’s a chance to have lots of fun working with great people and to give a bit of time to our temple. We can train you on our specific board (Behringer X32) but we’re not really in a position to teach anyone from the ground up. Please contact Lance Rosenthal (lance.rosenthal@gmail.com) if you’re interested or have questions.
Get The Word Out About WCT You love Woodlands Community Temple, but do you like us on Facebook? Help us spread the word about our wonderful congregation and all of the great things we do. Please like the temple’s Facebook page and then make sure to like and share our events on your own page and other local community pages. This really helps to get the word out. Thanks!
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www.wct.org
URJ Summer Programs are the Best!
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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We t h a n k o u r A d v e r t i s e r s f o r t h e i r S u p p o r t
We t h a n k o u r A d v e r t i s e r s f o r t h e i r S u p p o r t
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Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage
PAID White Plains, NY
50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607
Permit No. 1112
current resident or:
DATED M ATERIAL- DO NOT DEL AY
Our Woodlands Connection Mitch and Juli Klein
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rowing up in Ardsley, Juli was a little envious of her friends who belonged to Woodlands Community Temple. Not only did they go to temple, they enjoyed going to temple! She didn’t understand, but knew she wanted a stronger and more immersive connection to Judaism. Fast forward twenty years, it was now time for the Kleins to begin their Jewish journey and become a Woodlands family. As a family, we dipped our toes into different activities from time to time at Woodlands, but then we discovered A Joyful Noise. Visual worship (look, no books, Ma!) combined with at least ten temple members and our clergy playing instruments. Oh, and the singing. It was loud, it was bright, and it was joyous! Ashley, who was eight years old at the time, danced and sang with her friends in the aisles. She was captivated, vowing that one day she would stand between Cantor Ellen and Margot Serwer. We were hooked, line and sinker. Ashley’s now a full-time Joyful Noise member. She loves singing, but even more she loves that she is able to inspire others and perhaps build the next generation of A Joyful Noise singers. Juli quickly found her place within the community, volunteering for activities like shul-ins and creating raffle baskets for Harriet Levine’s retirement gala. Her time helping with these events bonded her with other temple members. Jenna
Lebowich then felt that she’d found the right niche for Juli. Utilizing Juli’s early childhood education background could help re-envision WCT’s Youth and Family Engagement Committee. This both excited Juli and scared her as she realized that she would be exerting influence on the programs that had once made her feel so jealous for missing out on many years earlier. The experience allowed Juli to use her skills, but also to grow and learn new leadership skills.
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s for Mitch, it took him longer to find his place within the Woodlands community. Upon joining, he wasn’t sure he would be able to fit in or be comfortable due to his lack of exposure to Judaism. For a while, he was just “Juli’s husband.” Then we both participated in Derekh, the temple’s leadership development program with Dale Glasser and Rabbi Billy (you should really join Derekh if you ever have
the opportunity). From there, Mitch joined the Nomination Committee, the unofficial BBQ Committee, the School Board, and has chaired the Security Committee. He is now quite surprised to find himself starting his first year as president of the School Board. He is “Juli’s husband” no more. Our youngest, Dylan, is still finding where he belongs. He really enjoys attending Academy. He has strengthened friendships and continues to explore his own relationship with Judaism. Dylan just completed his fourth summer at URJ Crane Lake Camp, saying, “I kind of like the Jewish stuff. It makes everyone nicer!” We knew we’d picked the right temple! If you’ve got a story that you’d like to tell about belonging to Woodlands, please contact Rabbi Billy (rabbi@wct.org).