october
the newsletter of woodlands community temple
HIGHLIGHTS October 2014 Tishrei-Heshvan 5775
From Israel With Love Two Woodlands teens describe their journeys to Israel during Summer 2014 This past summer, while bombs flew over Israel and Gaza, alarms sounded, and some tourists canceled their plans, other groups, such as the URJ’s North American Federation of Youth, proceeded with their plans. Among those on the NFTY in Israel tour were four members of last June’s Confirmation class—Abel Becerra, Ariane Gottlieb, Daniel Hirth, Emma Schneider, and Juliet Wishner. Reflecting on their trips, all of these teens described a wonderful summer, full of fun, even if fraught with the reality of a difficult situation. In fact, they said, it was the combination of the two that made this experience so tremendously Ariane and Emma meaningful. Below, Ariane Gottlieb and Emma Schneider, each of whom underwrote her trip with a Singer Merit Award through UJA-Federation, talk about what they saw, experienced, and felt.
“More than the media likes us to believe…” This summer, I was fortunate enough to participate in the NFTY in Israel trip that included a tour around Prague, Poland, and Israel. I can easily say this was the most exciting and memorable summer of my life. While people will always view Summer 2014 in Israel as a time of war, I saw the country for so much more than the media likes us to believe. My friends and I weren’t touring a place of terror; we explored a place where you can see one of the world’s biggest players in modern technology and then drive half an hour and explore
Kol Nidre Oct 3 Yom Kippur Oct 4 Sukkot Oct 8, 9 Simkhat Torah Oct 15, 16 A Joyful Noise Oct 17 Yoga Service Oct 18 Mayim Film Festival Oct 22, 29 Israel Panel Oct 24 One God. Three Perspectives. Oct 26 Music of Spirit Oct 31
View from Kibbutz Tzuba, where the NFTY tour stayed, with Jerusalem in the background.
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The Woodlands Community Temple Board of Trustees and staff extend our sincerest wishes for a meaningful and life-changing Yom Kippur. May the New Year 5775 bring well-being and peace to you, your family and friends, and to all humankind.
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Our Woodlands Community
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Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org
tunnels that King David and his armies used to capture Jerusalem. I viewed natural wonders that I had known about previously but had never imagined could possibly be so beautiful: from the rolling, dusty mountains of the Negev Desert, to freshwater springs, to the sun rising over Masada. I, along with most of my friends, mastered the art of sleeping on a bus, waking up at 5 in the morning to hike up mountains, and assembling the perfect falafel sandwich. Few other countries in the world harbor more cultures than Israel. We saw Muslim and Christian holy sites, as well as Jewish, and even got to eat with Druze and Bedouins. I know the Israel trip was the best way I could have possibly spent my summer. I hope that every person has the opportunity to visit. Kein yehi ratzon, may these words be worthy of coming true. —Ariane Gottlieb
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 Jason Fenster, Rabbinic Intern intern@wct.org
Executive Committee Stu Berlowitz, President president@wct.org Jenna Lebowich, VP Education education@wct.org 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 Bob Apter Jill Garland Nancy Brown Yvette Gralla Aliza Burton Barry Leibowitz Wendy Eliezer Lisa Sacks Gloria Falk Mike Scafidi Nancy Fishman Michele Wise Rochelle Stolzenberg (ex-officio)
Office Staff Liz Rauchwerger, Rabbi’s Assistant liz@wct.org Michele Montague, Religious School michele@wct.org Michelle Fine, Office Staff mfine@wct.org 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 Advertising Director: Bob Apter
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“I’d gladly call it my second home…” NFTY in Israel 2014. Two hundred words cannot possibly explain my summer and the amazing experience I was able to have. In the past, when I would hear people talk about the trip to Israel and how amazing it was, I would always think they were just exaggerating. I mean, how good can a summer really be in 110 degree weather? Well, I got my answer: even with the sweltering heat it was a trip of a lifetime. From The NFTY teens hiked up Mt. Shlomo in the Negev. spending four days camping in the desert to riding camels and donkeys in the Bedouin campsite, the people I’ve met and the places I’ve seen will forever stay with me. Being adopted, I didn’t think I’d think much of going to the “Jewish Homeland,” because my “ancestors” were never there; they were somewhere in China. Despite that fact though, as a Jew, I felt connected to Israel. After spending five weeks there, I’d gladly call it my second home. The culture was amazing, the people were fascinating and I really got to learn what Israel was all about. Especially during the conflict with Hamas, I felt like I was able to get an even better sense of just what it means to live in Israel. With rockets in the sky, sirens blaring, and having my own counselor being sent back into the reserves, it hits you with the reality that these are the things that the Israeli people face daily. These experiences showed me just how strong Israelis truly are and it made me even more proud to call myself Jewish and stand up for the country that’s like no other. — Emma Schneider Hear Ariane and Emma discuss their NFTY in Israel trip in greater detail at a special panel discussion right after the Miskpakha Shabbat Service on Fri, Oct 24 at 8:00 p.m. Lance Rosenthal and Cantor Ellen Dreskin will talk about their Israel trips this summer as well. To learn more about next summer’s NFTY trip visit www.nftyisrael.org. And for more information about Woodlands’ Israel programming, see page 8 of this issue of Makom.
Worship Schedule Shabbat Yom Kippur Fri, Oct 3 Kol Nidre and Teen Service at 8:00 p.m. Sat, Oct 4 Yom Kippur Morning Service at 10:00 a.m. Complete schedule on page 5
Sukkot Wed, Oct 8 Kabbalat Sukkot at 5:15 p.m. Thu, Oct 9 Sukkot Learning at 8:30 a.m.
Shabbat Hol HaMoed Sukkot Exo. 33:12 - 34:26 ... Ezekiel 38:18 - 39:7
Fri, Oct 10 Jammin’ Shabbat at 7:00 p.m. Kidz Shabbat is no more. Jammin’ Shabbat is here. For details, see the side column. And bring a buck for tzedakah!
The Music of Spirit a joyful noise! Visual Worship tonight ... all prayers and readings will be projected onto screens. Sat, Oct 18 Yoga Shabbat at 10:30 a.m. A Shabbat morning experience for everybody – adults and kids – that will include music, prayer, Torah, and easy yoga movements. A holistic celebration of creation!
Shabbat Noakh
Gen. 6:9 - 11:32 ... Isaiah 54:1 - 55:5 Fri, Oct 24 Mishpakha Shabbat at 7:00 p.m. For the entire congregation, just earlier – meaningful for adults, engaging for kids! If you like, join us for a quick dinner at 6:00 pm – make your reservation at wct. org/mishpakha. Also, at 8:00 p.m., a panel discussion on Israel (see page 8).
Simply Shabbat at 8:00 p.m. A quiet evening with your clergy. Familiar melodies and familiar prayers to bring us all together. (See side column for details.)
Sat, Oct 25 No service this morning
Sat, Oct 11 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate with us as Molly Greenholz, daughter of Aviva Belsky and Michael Greenholz, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.
Fri, Oct 31 The Music of Spirit at 8:00 p.m. An extraordinary evening of Shabbat celebration with Dan Nichols, Josh Nelson, Cantor Rosalie Boxt, and Cantor Ellen Dreskin. (See side column for details.)
Simkhat Torah Wed, Oct 15 Congregational Simkhat Torah at 7:30 p.m. Thu, Oct 16 Yizkor at 9:00 a.m. Consecration at 10:30 a.m.
Shabbat Bereshit
Gen. 1:1 - 6:8 ... Isaiah 42:5 - 43:10 Fri, Oct 17 A Joyful Noise! at 8:00 p.m. A service for everyone, from oldest to youngest. With a dozen musicians and your voices, we’ll fill the Sanctuary with
Shabbat Lekh Lekha Gen. 12:1 - 17:27 ... Isaiah 40:27 - 41:16
Sat, Nov 1 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate with us as Samantha Feldbaum, daughter of Esther and David Feldbaum, becomes a Bat Mitzvah. •••••••• Babysitting at 8 p.m. Shabbat services is provided by teens from our religious school. This month, babysitting will be available on Oct 10 and Oct 17. There is no charge, and no advance notice is required. Further information at babysitting@wct.org.
Hevra Torah Learning: Saturdays, 9:15-10:15 am There’s abundant room around our table. We’d love to have you join our lively conversation.
Oct 4: Yom Kippur No Hevra Torah today
Oct 18: Parashat Bereshit Facilitated by Rabbi Billy
Oct 11: Parashat Hol HaMoed Sukkot Facilitated by Corey Friedlander
Oct 25: Parashat Noakh Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan
Fri, Oct 31, 8:00 pm Join us when our friends Dan Nichols, Josh Nelson, Cantor Ellen Dreskin and Cantor Rosalie Boxt lead us in “The Music of Spirit,” a Shabbat journey filled with melody and love. This quartet of consummate musicians and worship leaders will bring to us their deep friendship, love of prayer and Jewish learning, and their vast musical skills, raising both their voices and ours in shared pursuit of that power in prayer to change our lives and our world, one person at a time.
Jammin’ Shabbat! Friday, Oct 10, 7:00 p.m. Put on your jammies, bring a bedtime friend, and c’mon over to Woodlands for the wildest bedtime songs, stories, and blessings ever! Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara, and Cantor Jonathan will be jammin’ on their keyboard and guitar (okay, Rabbi Mara won’t be playing an instrument, but she’s very silly and knows how to put little kids to bed better than any other rabbi or cantor in town). So if you’re looking for an exciting way to celebrate Shabbat as a family (AND to get ready for bed), you won’t want to miss a single JAMMIN’ SHABBAT this year! One Friday night a month, 7:00-7:30 p.m. Future dates are: Nov 7; Dec 12; Jan 16; Mar 13; Apr 24, May 22.
“Simply Shabbat” Fri, Oct 10, 8:00 p.m. Woodlands is a pretty exciting place to build a Jewish life for ourselves and our loved ones. Sometimes, though, it’s nice to take it easy and just enjoy one another’s company. “Simply Shabbat” is a Friday evening service that will do just that. The clergy leads a simple Shabbat service, with familiar Jewish melodies, perhaps a Torah reading or discussion, and the beauty of spending Shabbat with our beloved Woodlands community. Come join us!
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Parking for the High Holy Days
We know parking is at a premium when large numbers come to temple. So please carpool if you can. If you do drive, park at St. Joe’s (in the designated spots). You may also park on Don Lane, Biltom Rd, and Drake Rd, but not Whitehouse Rd. Remember to park only on the side designated by Police Department signs and observe the No Parking signs. Greenburgh Police patrol these streets, and will ticket (or even tow) cars not parked properly. There will be handicapped parking spaces close to the tent for legitimate state or county handicapped parking license permits. In addition, the entire temple parking lot will be reserved for families that require parking in close proximity to the temple such as seniors unable to navigate the hill from St. Joe’s.
The Yom Kippur Food Truck Continue a Woodlands tradition of donating new cans, boxes, and cases of healthy, non-perishable food between Kol Nidre and the beginning of Neilah on Yom Kippur. Please bring food in boxes, if possible, and please no glass
High Holy Days at Woodlands
containers or expired food. For more information about our food collection go to www.wct.org/social-action/projects.
A Word to All Our Parents Please know that while children’s services will be available throughout the Holy Days, you and your entire family are always welcome in the tent. Please keep in mind that whether your children are inside or outside the building, their best behavior should be maintained in order to provide a peace-filled New Year for all.
Yom Kippur Teen Service Written by and Presented by Teens ... Just for Teens! Kol Nidre Eve at 8:00 p.m. So all 8th-12th graders, drop your family at the tent and meet us in the Sanctuary for a Yom Kippur that is all yours!
Yom Kippur Aliyah for College Students Sat, Oct 4, 10:00 a.m. Each year, we are delighted to invite
our college students for a Torah aliyah during the High Holy Days. This year, the college aliyah will take place on Yom Kippur Morning.
Yom Kippur Discussion with Rabbinic Intern Jason Fenster Sat, Oct 4, 12:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary During the High Holy Days, we hear plenty about the Book of Life and spend a great deal of time trying to get written into it. But where does God do primary research? In the prayer U’ntaneh Tokef, we read that, in preparing for the ultimate judgment, God opens up Sefer Zikhronot, the Book of Remembrances “and what is written there proclaims itself.” Let’s find out what IS written there so we can do our best to temper the severe decree.
Yom Kippur Afternoon Learning with Rabbi Joan Farber Sat, Oct 4, 2:15 p.m. in the Youth Lounge As the day continues on, come spend an hour studying and discussing some of our traditional Yom Kippur texts. This year we’ll be exploring poetry from the Reform movement’s (and beginning in Fall 2015, our) new High Holy Days makhzor (prayerbook).
A Note About Yom Kippur Yizkor Our Afternoon Service and Neilah (Concluding Service) on Yom Kippur Day follow immediately after Yizkor. There is no interruption. These services are among the most inspiring moments during the entire High Holy Days, but their beauty is disrupted by congregants leaving when Yizkor concludes. Please remain with us for the final minutes of the day.
Bring Your Kids Back For Neilah As the sky grows dark, we dim the lights and open the Ark as we prepare for the closing of Yom Kippur’s “Gates.” It’s a magical moment.We’d love to have you return with your children and
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grandchildren for our concluding Neilah service and one final, awe-inspiring tekiah gedolah on the shofar. Neilah begins about 5:30 pm and concludes with the blast of the shofar and a brief Havdalah at 6:30 pm. You’re welcome to come in with your kids at any time.
High Holy Days Schedule 5775 Kol Nidre Fri, Oct 3 Evening Service ... 8:00 p.m. Teen Service (grades 8-12) ... 8:00 p.m.
High Holy Days Sermons Will Be Online If you find 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 will be available at wct.org/hhdsermons.
Build My Own Sukkah? Building a sukkah at home can make Sukkot an exciting, hands-on and meaningful holiday observance. Many members have involved their friends, relatives, and even their entire neighborhood in the project. A packet of ideas, suggestions and guidelines is available. Just give the temple office a call. Jewish tradition says we should drive that first nail into our sukkah upon returning from Yom Kippur services on Sat, Oct 4.
Our Famous Sukkot BBQ A Holiday Celebration for the Whole Congregation Wed, Oct 8 4:30 pm Interactive Family Learning and Sukkah Decorating 5:15 pm Kabbalat Sukkot Service (a 45-minute musical, storytelling, visual worship celebration for everyone, from oldest to youngest) 6:00 pm Sukkot BBQ (menu includes hamburgers,hot dogs, veggie burgers, steak, fish and other goodies too!) Please bring one side-dish per family (if possible, make it local, go for organic, and keep it green) Sign-up online at wct.org/sukkotbbq.
Yom Kippur Day
Sukkot Breakfast and Learning in the Sukkah Thurs, Oct 9, 8:30-10:00 a.m. Always a wonderful Sukkot morning. Come nosh on a bagel and a shmear while exploring some of Judaism’s greatest texts. We’ll read through the originals and probe them for deeper meanings and contemporary relevance. Led by Rabbi Mara.
Sukkot Yizkor Memorial Hour Thurs, Oct 16, 9:00 a.m.
Sat, Oct 4 Morning Service ... 10:00 a.m. Discussion ... 12:30 p.m. Family Service (parents & school-age children) ... 1:45-3:00 p.m. Young Family Service (parents & pre-school-age children) ...2:15-3:00 p.m. Afternoon Learning ... 2:15 p.m. Yizkor ... 3:30 p.m. Afternoon Service ... 4:30 p.m. Neilah ... 5:30 p.m. Congregational Break Fast ... 6:30 p.m.
Sukkot Evening Wed, Oct 8 Interactive Family Learning and Sukkah Decorating ... 4:30 p.m. Kabbalat Sukkot Service ... 5:15 p.m. Sukkot Barbecue ... 6:00 pm
Sacred time to remember loved ones.
Sukkot Day
Simkhat Torah!
Thu, Oct 9 Sukkot Learning with Rabbi Mara ... 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Wed, Oct 15 Congregational Celebration, 7:30 p.m. Come sing, dance, and pray with zesty spirit! Don’t miss our rockin’ Simkhat Torah house band! Witness the awesome experience of unrolling the entire Torah! Bring your entire family — from greatgrandparents to infants — as we sing, dance and celebrate with our Torah ... the Woodlands way!
Simkhat Torah Evening Wed, Oct 15 Cong’l Simkhat Torah Celebration ... 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Simkhat Torah Day Thu, Oct 16 Yizkor ... 9:00 a.m. Consecration Service ... 10:30 a.m.
Consecration Thurs, Oct 16, 10:30 a.m. A sweet and beautiful way to celebrate Simkhat Torah... as our first graders consecrate the beginning of their religious school education. You’re certainly invited!
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Director
C o n g r e g at i o n a l L e a r n i n g
“Ushpizin”
W
hen observing Sukkot, we tend to focus on the lulav and etrog (those natural objects we’re waving around), the structure of the sukkah itself (a roof that can see the stars), and the emergence of a new season. There’s a beautiful tradition, though, called “Ushpizin” in which we invite “honored guests” into our sukkah. Ushpizin is an Aramaic term that when translated into English loses the mysterious and “otherworldly” properties it has in its original language. The concept of the ushpizin is far more mystical than just inviting David-from-next-door and his family over for a meal (which you should do anyway!). The traditional invitees are our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph, and David. Why these particular men? Each one, at some point, was uprooted, fled, or wandered in their journey to greatness. It is important to note that nowadays, we also have seven women we invite: Sarah, Rachel, Rebecca, Leah, Miriam, Abigail, and Esther. By having our journeying ancestors join us in our sukkot, we acknowledge that each of us is a journeyer, having moments in our lives where we feel unstable or displaced. We also acknowledge the 50 million people worldwide who are currently uprooted from their homes as a result of a natural event, persecution, conflict, generalized violence, or human
WCT Purchases New Makhzorim for High Holy Days 2015/5776 This year will be the last year that we use our Gates of Repentance High Holy Days prayerbook. In the fall, you’ll find a new prayerbook in the tent, Mishkan HaNefesh. Our new makhzorim will provide transliteration for every prayer, broadening the inclusiveness of our services for those who do not yet read Hebrew. New translations will highlight the special themes of the High Holy Days. Footnotes and a margin index on each page will strengthen prayerbook literacy. Using the new, movement-wide makhzor will make a powerful statement about our love for Jewish life, that it endears but does not anchor us to our past. We’ll have lots of adjustments to make. We’ll make them together, commingling the fresh experiences of a new era with the time-tested, well-loved traditions of our past. After all, this is what WCT has always been about.
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rights violations. These people flee simply because they require the physical things needed to live and the safety to be who they are. We also acknowledge the 610,042 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in the United States. Perhaps you will act in the spirit of our tradition’s “greats” and be a visitor to those in need this season. Consider joining the Social Action Committee’s “Breakfast Run” on Sun, Oct 26 to bring food and essential supplies to those who need it in Manhattan. Families are welcome to join (what an important message to the kids). Email MidnightRunBreakfasts@wct.org to sign up and for more info. I’ll be joining our 8th and 9th graders the next day to work at the Hebrew Union College Soup Kitchen, also in Manhattan. Be more than a guest this Sukkot. Bring a little holiness into the world with your actions. B’shalom,
Shalom Storytime Here’s a new Woodlands program for parents/caregivers and little ones who love a good story and song. Join us (and our resident children’s librarian) one Monday morning a month for this FREE half-hour of singing, reading, and making friends. Each month will use a Jewish holiday as its theme. No need to be a temple member or to RSVP, just come be a part of the fun (we do start on time, though!) Storytimes are 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. for 12-24 month olds and 10:45 a.m. -11:15 a.m. for 2 – 5 year olds. Join us on the following Mondays: Sep 15, Oct 13, Nov 24, Dec 15, Jan 12, Feb 23, Mar 16, Apr 20, May 18.
C o m m i t t e e R e p o rt s
What’s Cooking, Woodlands?
Social Action Cooking Dinner for Shelter
Breakfast Run
Sun, Oct 12
Sun, Oct 26, 6:45 a.m.
The Greenburgh Interfaith Caring Community coordinates home-cooked Sunday dinners for the Volunteers of America (VOA) Residence on the Westchester Medical Center Campus in Valhalla. Meals for the 20 residents consist of a main course, vegetable or starch side dish, salad, fruit and dessert. If you can prepare one part of the meal, email Julie Stein at SocialAction@wct.org.
Join us at the temple to load our cars with breakfast food, supplied by our volunteers, clothes and toiletries and head into NYC to serve breakfast to homeless men and women. We return to the temple by 10:30 am. To participate or bring food for the run, email Caryn Donocoff or Jane Wachs at MidnightRunBreakfasts@wct.org. Families with middle school and older teens are welcome but please email Caryn or Jane for details.
Knitting and Crocheting Sun, Oct 12, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. If you love to knit or crochet or would love to learn, join us for a relaxing afternoon of knitting, crocheting, talking and noshing. We’re continuing to make our blanket squares, as well as caps for chemotherapy patients. Instructions are available and we have lots of yarn. Bring an appetizer or snack to share. RSVP to Angela Adler at Angeadler@aol.com
On Sun, Sept 7, hundreds of Woodlanders gathered to catch up with their temple friends, meet new people, learn about upcoming programs and the work of temple committees—and taste some of the great foods highlighted in the new What’s Cooking, Woodlands? cookbook— now on sale.
October Collection NEW men’s and women’s underwear, socks and t-shirts for the Breakfast Run.
October Food of the Month Granola bars, small cereal boxes, and juice boxes. Thanksgiving Food Collection for Friends of Karen runs Oct 24 to Nov 9.
Adult Education Here’s a sampling of offerings this month. Information on additional programs is on other pages of this issue of Makom. For ongoing programs and other listings, check the Adult Ed. brochure or wct.org.
A Taste of Judaism Rabbi Mara Young 3 Thursdays, beginning Oct 16 and repeating Feb 26 Are you curious about Judaism? Do you have a friend who is? Whet your appetite in a 3-session exploration of Jewish life and ideas. The course offers a modern, Reform Jewish perspective on living in today’s complicated world. • For interfaith partners • For non-Jewish parents of an interfaith couple • For anyone (Jewish or not) who’s curious about Judaism • Especially for someone who hasn’t learned Jewishly for many, many years. Free, but online registration is required by emailing atasteofjudaismwestchester@ gmail.com
Please, Thank You, Oops and Wow! Prayer 101 Rabbi Mara Young 4 Sundays, beginning Oct 19 Almost every prayer fits one of these four categories. Join this class to investigate what exactly is in our prayerbook and how it actually resonates with our everyday lives. Let us know you’re interested by emailing school@wct.org.
The Midrash of Creation Rabbi Julius Rabinowitz 8 Mondays, beginning Oct 27, 8:10 – 9:40 p.m. We often look at Midrash as an alternate story to the one our written Torah provides. Midrash also teaches us how to live our lives—during the time of the Rabbis, 2,000 years ago, and today. The fee is $18 for temple members/$25 for non-members. Please register online through the temple website.
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October Happenings Just Israel
An Israeli and an Arab make beautiful music together. Achinoam Nini, a Jew, and Mira Awad, a Christian Arab use their accomplished voices to sing for peace. Both Israelis, the women have been collaborating for eight years singing about peace and coexistence. At the height of the second intifada they sang a version of the Beatles “We can work it out.” In 2009, chosen by Israel to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest, Nini asked if she could bring Awad with her. Neither was deterred by the controversy this request engendered and they performed in spite of the conflict surrounding their participation. Their songs recognize the difficulties Israelis and Palestinians face: “When I cry, I cry for both of us, My pain has no name. When I cry, I cry to the merciless sky and say: There must be another way.”
ARZA-Israel Committee
Panel Discussion, Fri, Oct 24. Following the Mishpakha Shabbat Service, Woodlands Congregants who were in Israel this summer—including Cantor Ellen Dreskin, Lance Rosenthal, Ariane Gottlieb, and Emma Schneider—will discuss their experiences. Come hear their unique perspectives first hand. Picture Israel. Have you had your photo taken? This is a year-long project to photograph 1,000+ Woodlands congregants in front of iconic Israeli scenes. Next opportunity: Sukkot service/barbecue.
Engaging Israel: Part 2 Rabbi Billy Dreskin 5 Wednesdays, from Nov 12, 7:30 pm
The conversation about Israel continues, rooted in Jewish values and ideas. Please register online through the temple website. Course $18; Book $20 (continuing students have the book; new students should order book by Oct 22). Financial assistance available. New students welcome. Special “catch-up” session (also open to continuing students): Wed, Nov 5, 7:30 pm.
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Yoga Service Returns
Hopping Through Time at the Met
Sat, Oct 18, 10:30 am
Sun, Oct 26
Reflect, free your mind, relax, and spend time with the ones you love. Led by Rabbi Billy, Ross Glinkenhouse, and Rebecca Smith, owner of Woodbridge Body Works.
Get out your walking shoes and travel with us through 6,000 years of history within a couple of hours. We’ll look at art as a reflection of time, place, and history, going full circle by exploring the similarities and connections between images. Discover how artists use visual universal language and basic elements to express their feelings and most inner selves. Explore how the influence of their time and heritage, particularly Jewish, is reflected in their work.
Mayim Jewish Film Series 3 Wednesdays, starting Oct 22, 7:30 p.m. One film per evening is shown followed by a rabbi-led discussion. Dessert and coffee included. Fee: $25 for series/ $10 for individual films. Contact Lois Green at 366-7898, ext. 104 or lgreen@jcconthehudson.org for more information and pre-registration. • Oct 22: Beautiful Tree, Severed Roots A look at how Jewish refugees from Europe settled in Kenya, identifying with Africa, Africans, and other white settlers. Facilitated by Rabbi Billy. • Oct 29: Kisses for the Children The lives of five Jewish children hidden by Christian families during the German occupation of Greece, from childhood to the present day. Facilitated by Greenburgh Hebrew Center’s Rabbi Barry Kenter. • Nov 5: For a Woman, directed by Diane Kurys A woman’s discovery of old photos and letters give her new insights into her parents (who had met in concentration camps) as well as information about a mysterious uncle whom no one talks about. Facilitated by Rabbi Mara.
WCT Mah Jongg Night Thursday, October 23, 7:15 p.m. Beginner to Advanced—all levels of expertise are invited. Do you have a teen that wants to learn the game? Bring your friends...they don’t have be WCT members. Any questions contact Michele Montague and Esther Feldbaum at mahjongg@wct.org. Future dates: Nov 6, Nov 20, Dec 4.
One God. Three Perspectives. Sun, Oct 26, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Three local clergy will share the basic ideas and components of their faiths, exploring their denominations’ teachings on God, prayer, and the relationships of one community to another. Pastors Leroy Richards (Community Church of the Nazarene) and Scott Paradise (Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church) and Rabbi Billy Dreskin are longtime friends who care deeply about the 21st century religious journey and its potential for sanctifying and improving our lives. Sponsored by the Interfaith Caring Community of Greenburgh.
Daytime Diversions Three Wednesdays a month, at 10 a.m. The Movie: Oct 3—Sleeper. In this classic Woody Allen film, Woody plays a nerdish clarinet player/health store operator, who is frozen and brought back in the future by anti-government radicals to help them overthrow an oppressive government. When he goes off on his own, he explores this brave new world, with hysterical references to Jewish life, sex, and the Teacher’s Union. The Speaker: No speaker this month. The Discussion: Oct 15—The Current Events Group meets to discuss and try to solve the world’s problems. Our fearless leader, Bob Steinhardt supplies the agenda, but is open to other topics (rfs323@gmail.com).
November and Beyond WCT’s One Day University: God Perspectives
Save the Date: WCT’s Mitzvah Fair
Sun, Nov 2, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
We’re excited about planning a Mitzvah Fair and Bead for Life sale. We’ll have information tables about organizations that help in our community and places with opportunities to volunteer for adults, teens, and kids. If you’re involved in an organization that you’d like to represent at the Fair, or would like to help at the Fair, please email Julie Stein at SocialAction@wct.org. Bead for Life teaches women in Uganda to make beautiful rolled paper jewelry and trains the women to run sustainable businesses so they can improve their lives with better nutrition, healthcare and enable them to send their children to school.
• D o you struggle with belief in God— or whether believing even matters? • When you pray, is anyone listening? • A t Yom Kippur, do you wonder if there is truly an accounting? • Can science and God both be “true”? Find YOUR place on these issues at WCT University: God Perspectives. An all-star panel (Renewal Rabbi Jill Hammer, Orthodox Rabbi Ari Sytner, Reform Rabbi Billy, and Ethical Humanist Robert Berson) will share different positions. Breakout seminars will offer both discussion-based and experiential approaches addressing universal and personal issues of belief, meaningful at every life stage. Contact: Tamir Rosenblum (trosenblum@ masontenders.org) or the temple office.
Nichols, Nelson, Boxt and Dreskin! Jonah Maccabee Family Concert Sun, Nov 2, 11:15 am
Join us as popular Jewish music artists Dan Nichols, Josh Nelson, Cantor Rosalie Boxt and Cantor Ellen Dreskin appear in a free concert right here at Woodlands. Everyone (parents and grandparents too) is welcome to this 45-minute presentation that’s geared especially toward our 3rd-6th grade students. The religious school schedule will be adjusted in order to permit all of our 3rd-6th grades to attend. Dan, Josh, Rosalie and Ellen’s concert appearance is made possible through a grant from The Jonah Maccabee Fund whose mission (besides helping kids get to URJ summer programs) is to bring new, contemporary Jewish music to Woodlands.
Sun, Nov 9, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WCT Book Fair: Nov 14-24 In plenty of time for the winter holidays, it’s our annual book fair—an event the whole Woodlands community looks forward to year after year. Come and support local authors and find great books with Jewish themes as well as well as other terrific books to give as gifts or to indulge in for your own reading pleasure. There will be something there for every reader. A portion of the proceeds from the Book Fair will go to support our religious school.
6th Annual Jonah Maccabee Concert Sat, Mar 7, 8:00 .p.m This year’s concert features Billy Jonas and The Levins. As always, proceeds support scholarships for Jewish summer experiences.
New Woodlands Cookbook Rolls Off the Press The new Woodlands cookbook offers a brand new approach to Jewish cooking that, while supplementing our two previous cookbooks, is definitely not your mom’s old Sisterhood cookbook. A bargain at $25, it’s chock full of recipes that celebrate the varied food choices of our very inclusive diverse community. Place your order at wct.org/ order-cookbooks.
l’Dor va’Dor: From Generation to Generation Thanks to everyone who participated in the mini-campaign last winter. We raised more than $100,000 for the Annual Fund as a result of your contributions and the very generous matching funds provided by a donor. Plans for another Annual Fund campaign are in the works as well as plans for providing longer-term Endowment opportunities. If you can’t wait for those plans to be finalized don’t hesitate to contact David Fligel, Steve Sagner, or Chuck Fishman. Contact David at wctdfligel@aol.com or 693-0520.
Shop the Judaica Shop We carry beautiful and changing items, at all prices, for your holiday, personal, and gifting needs. Come see the Israeli jewelry, unique yads, beautiful tallitot, candlesticks, mezzuzot, Kiddush cups, hostess gifts and more. If you’re searching for something you don’t see, let us know and we’ll contact our suppliers and shop for you! For more information email Karen Fox at judaicashop@wct.org. Weekend/ evening hours posted in the weekly email. Daytime purchases? Call the temple office.
www.wct.org
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Youth Engagement
The Simkha Page
Woodlands offers every temple child, teen, and young adult the opportunity and resources to develop a comfortable and confident Jewish identity. We create a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment intended to engage, empower and reengage youth through every stage of their development.
B’nai Mitzvah
Youth and family engagement through worship, religious education and programming is under the leadership of Rabbi Mara Young, Director of Congregational Learning. Our full-time youth director, Ross Glinkenhouse, serves as a positive role model and program and activities manager. The Youth and Family Engagement Committee supports the mission, works with the professionals to ensure that our programming meets these goals, and advises, supports, and assists the professionals in executing programs. There are two main youth groups: Club 56 for 5th and 6th graders and WoodSY (Woodlands Senior Youth) for 8th-12th graders. Each provides age-appropriate experiences for exploring Judaism in a safe environment, and in a fun and creative style. Like our youth program on Facebook: “Woodlands Youth Experience.” Want to know more? Email Ross Glinkenhouse at Youth@wct.org. And watch this space for more specific information in future issues.
Get Ready for Summer 2015
3 Great URJ Camps … and a summer that lasts a lifetime What, you say, summer’s over? Not so fast. It’s time to plan for next year. Haven’t your kids been telling you that? So here’s the answer: URJ camps. Eisner and Crane Lake, in the beautiful Berkshires, work hard to strengthen Jewish identity, self-esteem, and community, while giving kids lots of time to swim, ski, or splash in the lake or pool and build their sports, artistic, and other abilities, learning from skilled coaches and certified instructors. The brand-new 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy just north of Boston offers kids a chance to learn robotics, earth science, game design, 3-D printing and more. Want to know more? Talk with Ross Glinkenhouse or Rabbi Mara about Eisner and Crane Lake. Check in with Rabbi Billy about 6 Points (he spent a week there this past summer). Or check out the websites: eisnercranelake.urjcamps.org and scitechurjcamps.org. FInancial assistance available.
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www.wct.org
Molly Greenholz October 11 Torah Portion Hol HaMoed Sukkot Hebrew Name Khaya
Mazal Tov Mazal Tov to Michael Greenholz and Aviva Belsky as their daughter, Molly, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.
Thank You Thank you to everybody—the Board of Trustees and the School Board, our committee chairs, committee members, and YOU (our entire membership!)—for making What’s Cooking, Woodlands? such a great day (for pictures see page 7).
Planning a Simkah? Have We Got a Venue for You! Whether you’re planning a wedding, a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration, a bris, or even a second seder, our sanctuary, meeting room, library, hallways, and outside grounds can be transformed into a magical venue —as the photos below testify. Why look anywhere else? For more information contact Cliff Schoen, VP Facilities, facilities@wct.org.
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 Valery Morris, from, Joyce Selig. In honor of Denali and Sarah Sagner, from, Dianne Sagner and Julius Menn. In memory of Edgar Sands, from, Elane and Ed Sands In memory of Lilyan Marsh, from, Stuart and Jane Berger.
Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah Fund In honor of the marriage of Elyse Cowen to Ali Greenberg, from, Mark and Patricia Cowen. In memory of Marvin Sherman, from, The Arbore Family. In honor of the marriage of Ed Ackerman and Nancy Coron, from, Ed Ackerman and Nancy Coron. In memory of Jeanette Rosenberg, from, Paul Gottlieb and Barbara Rosenberg. In honor of the Marriage of Dana Albert to Evan Altneu, from, Dana Albert and Evan Altneu. Cantor’s Discretionary Fund In memory of Norman Leon, from, Jackie and Nelson Leicht.
Chai Fund In memory of Annette Sibirski, mother of Nancy Oren, from, Miriam Kerness. In honor of Judith and Barry Kessler, from, Susan and Erwin Grill. In honor of the High Holy Days, from, Robert S. Berger.
Education Enrichment Fund Names of those who donated to the Education Enrichment Fund in memory of Rosalie Young, mother of Mark Young. David Ackerman, Jeanne and Murray Bodin, Dave Crossen, Leah Deslauriers, Brian Dorfler, Vincent
and Rose Drybala, Michael Engleman, Bill and Gloria Falk, Dina Galeotafiore, Andy and Joan Farber, David and Dayle Fligel, Dale Glasser, Cindy and Larry Goldman, Alyssa Golob, Alisha Goodman, Larry and Yvette Gralla, James Gregory, David Griff and Roni Beth Tower, Bonnie Hammer, Maureen Israelson, Jay and Lisa Izes, Debra and David Judd, Jane Judd, Sherry Kaplan, David and Amy Katz, Debbie Kerschner, Jeffrey Kress, Rob and Laura Landau, Patricia Langer, Zachary Lasker and friends from the Davidson School, Laurie, Barry, Aaron and Becca Leibowitz, Bonnie and Donald Levine, Michael and Leslie Litsky, Mickey Milbauer, Gabe Miner, Mark and Michele Montague, Joanne Morris, Melanie Porter, Joy Brand-Richardson, Steven and Francine Rod, Lexi Selig, Mark and Marjory Selig, Debra Ronit Sherwin, Julia Siegel, Janette Silverman, Jane Slotin, John Sprouls, Scott and Julie Stein, Brad Toborowsky, Abby Uhrman, David Vaisberg, Robert Wax, Daniel Weinstein, Gail and Bob Weinstein, Vicki Williams, Dennis Young.
Stanley Goldberg
cousin of Mickey Milbauer
Beth Bush-Greenstein mother of Jan Ginsberg
Stephen Klainbard
cousin of Roberta Roos
Iris Shapiro
aunt of Dayle Fligel
Annette Sibirski
mother of Nancy Oren HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning. Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.
Education and Youth Activities Fund In honor of Ethan, Jeremy and Gabe Sipe for their participation in Shabbat services Friday, Aug 22, from, Andy and Joan Farber. In memory of Rosalie Young, from, Jonathan Richer and Lisa Sacks
Social Action Fund In memory of Rosalie Young, from, Lois Green. In memory of Allen Hart, from, Lois Green.
Bernard and Frances Shapiro Chesed Caring Community Fund In memory of Donald Mauser, brother of Phyllis Frank, from, Rhoda and Marty Payson.
To find out more about all the funds that are available for your support and for more information about how to donate to these funds, please visit www.wct.org/donate
Welcome New Members Michael and Sarah Berkowitz Robert and Wendi Bortstein Jeff and Pamela Caldara Joel and Pam Chernoff Alan and Sandra Cohen Steven Dodell and Noelle Berger Frank Forman and Adrian Forman Norman Friedman
The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of
Ian and Laura Londin Jarid and Jennifer Lukin Matt and Jodi Moss Daniel and Elizabeth Mueller Richard and Nancy Oren Michelle Ratau Ed and Norma Sacks David and Kerri Warner
Each year we formally welcome our new members with a New Members Shabbat dinner. If you are a new member, you have already received an invitation to join us. This year’s dinner takes place on Fri, Nov 14 at 6:15 p.m. Shabbat services follow at 8:00 p.m. Complimentary babysitting is available ,so if you would like to stay for services and you have young children, please let us know. Please RSVP to the temple office 592-7070 or membership@wct.org by Mon, Nov 10.
Bereavement Groups WCT is forming new Bereavement Groups to meet the needs of members who have suffered losses. Our pilot group drew great strength and consolation from one another, and we invite you to be a part of this loving, important, membership-wide initiative. Sessions will be led by therapists. For more information contact Herb Friedman (3950304, hjfswschp@aol.com) or Alan Kaplan (552-0363, alankap1@verizon.net).
Bookplates For High Holy Days Prayerbooks You may lovingly inscribe your loved one’s name in our High Holy Days makhzor, Donation is $36. An order form is in the temple newsletter and on the temple website. Order online at wct.org/bookplate.
WCT’s Cemetery Plots In 2008 WCT purchased 69 gravesites at Sharon Gardens in Valhalla, NY. At this time, in total we have only 28 unsold gravesites remaining. The price per gravesite is $3,050. Gravesites can only be sold to temple members. For information or to purchase any of these gravesites, please contact Bob Apter (693-2732) or Lois Green (949-2116), or write to cemetery@wct.org.
We look forward to seeing you!
www.wct.org
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Support Our Advertisers New Advertisers This Month
Featured Advertisers This Month
Alan Kaplan - member ad – long-time member, long-time advertiser. Alan has bought and sold innumerable houses for WCT members.
Each month, space permitting, this column will feature a few of our advertisers:
Carlson’s Florist - the beautiful plants that grace our tent come from our neighbor on Dobbs Ferry Rd. Nancy at Carlson’s will take good care of your needs. Four Rivers Home Improvement – Call Rich Bromberg, a returning advertiser. Thanks Rich.
Synergy HomeCare – member ad – J. Heinlein is the president and owner and has helped a number of WCT families over the years. Ben’s Kosher – Ben’s has afforded us 12-$ 36.00 gift cards and 1-$ 18.00 gift card. If you are interested in purchasing one at face value, please send an e-mail to makom@wct.org, and we will get back to you and arrange for your purchase. Sharon Gardens – the home of all of WCT’s cemetery plots. For more information on the limited number of plots still available send an e-mail to cemetery@wct.org.
Woodlands Members – why not take advantage of
advertising in Makom. For as little as $ 50.00 a month you can utilize our newsletter to advertise to a known group of people. Rent your second home for the ski season, sell that used car, promote your business. For more info: e-mail makom@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
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
Umami Sushi 724 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley 914-231-9443 Free Delivery
Open Mon &Wed-Sat 10:30 am to 10 pm, Sun 12-10, Closed Tuesdays Thursday night is Ladies Night! All hot sake, beer, wine is Buy One, get one or get the second round free! (Gentlemen are welcome too!)
âœˇ Mention Woodlands Community Temple and get 10% off eat-in dining âœˇ (Not to be combined with any other offers) Catering Available: from $15/person for up to 100 people; from $10/person for up to 200 people
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 Judai Connection Solving High Holy Days Riddles By Jason Fenster, Rabbinic Intern
W
hat do you call an average grassland? “Plain plain.” How would you describe an unsightly collection of 144 items: “Gross gross.” A super cool insect? “Fly fly.” We are generally accustomed to English homonyms, but the Hebrew language takes the puzzle of language to an entirely new level. Our subject this month: teshuvah. During the climax of the High Holy Days Amidah, we say: “uteshuva, utefilah utzedakah maavirin et roah hagzeirah.”—“But Teshuvah, prayer and charity temper the severe decree.” Teshuvah is part of an all-powerful triumvirate with the capacity to affect our fate and seal us in the Book of Life. Even though this month sees the High Holy Days season come to a close, our tradition teaches that the gates of teshuvah are always open. Teshuvah is definitely worthy of a closer look. Definition #1: Repentance It’s a simple definition, fits nicely into our High Holy Days schema of judgment and forgiveness, and, frankly, this is how our prayer book translates it. Teshuvah as repentance means recognizing our faults and saying sorry. In fact, this type of teshuvah is a part of the traditional daily liturgy. During the daily Amidah we say: “s’lakh lanu
ki khatanu”—forgive us for we have sinned. Our tradition encourages us to make it part of our regular practice to consider how we have erred and vocalize our remorse. Definition #2: Return For Rambam, the great 12th century philosopher, full repentance requires a series of steps. Yes, the person must vocalize his or her wrongdoings, but the true test of teshuvah is when one returns to the same situation and acts differently. For him, teshuvah necessitates a return and a physical embodiment of the remorse. It is not enough for the Rambam to just say “Sorry,” there must also be a change in behavior. And only then, once we have reencountered the same situation and acted with our better judgment, has teshuvah been achieved. This works well for the “sins against God,” but about sins against another person? How does the notion of return manifest itself in these scenarios when we caused harm, when restoration may be necessary? The person wronged is likely to be unsatisfied if the next time a chance for an insult comes along we desist or if we opt to not be negligent the next time a friend is in need of support. Our teshuvah, therefore, requires a physical return. A return to the person
whom we have wronged to meet with them face to face, to give an honest apology, to be forgiven, and to find a solution to the wrong committed. Definition #3: Response I am a child of the Douglas Adams generation. I know the answer is 42, but to find the essence of the “response” of teshuvah, we have to hunt for our question. And, like all great Jewish riddles, we find it in a story: Rabbi Zusya dreamt that he was standing before God on the Judgment Throne. He worried about how little he had done and imagined that God would ask: “Why were you not as great as Moses? Why were you not as wise as Solomon? Why were you not as faithful as Abraham?” Instead, Rabbi Zusya told his students, God simply asked: “Zusya, why were you not Zusya?” We are called to do only what is reasonable to ask of us. And to work our hardest to be able to answer YES when asked the question “Are you striving to be the best you?” A full teshuvah requires that I constantly ask myself if I am being my best self and working diligently to bring that person to the world. A worthy task for the High Holy Days season and the rest of the year as well.