WCT Makom September 2016

the newsletter of woodlands community temple

September 2016 Av-Elul 5776

The Woodlands Community Temple Board of Trustees and its Staff extend our sincerest wishes for a sweet, healthy and fulfilling Rosh Hashanah 5777 ... to you, your family and friends, and all humankind.

The Creation Story:

Celebrating the First

WCT Shabbat Service

by Fran Smith

A

t 8:30 pm on Friday, September 9, 1966, a brand-new congregation calling itself Woodlands Community Temple gathered for its first Shabbat service.

Exactly 50 years later, September 9 again falls on a Friday, and we will celebrate that historic service as we welcome our 2,610th Shabbat.

The Woodlands dedication took place at Calvin United Presbyterian Church (now the home of Christ Alive Ministries) on Secor Road in Hartsdale. It was a warm, clear night.

Before the service, member Jack Safirstein moved the baptismal font off the “bimah” and a few men carried in an ark donated by

Marvin Glauber of the Elmsford Building Material Corp.

Rabbi Dan Isaac, an itinerant Reform rabbi sent by the Union for Reform Judaism (then known as the UAHC), led the service, with loaned prayer books. The Torah was on loan too, and to this day, several people remember that at the start of the Torah service, Rabbi Isaac made the startling declaration that he got as much pleasure from undressing the Torah as he got from undressing his wife.

There was lots of singing, accompanied by a Woodlands member playing the church organ.

Continued on page 2

Judaism and Guns

by Cantor Ellen Dreskin

Gun violence is on the rise. So are Woodlands’ efforts to reduce it.

Violence is not always wrong. But frequently – too frequently – it is.

Judaism believes in self-defense. The Torah itself permits us to preemptively attack someone who’s out to harm us (Ex 22:1, “If a thief is caught in the act and is killed, there is no bloodguilt”). We’re obliged to help others who are endangered (Lev 19:16, “Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor”).

Judaism believes that weapons should be carefully regulated. In the Talmud (Avodah Zarah 15b), we are cautioned to be very careful about who purchases weapons lest they be used against us. Our ancestors understood the need for “background checks.”

Judaism believes things that are dangerous must be locked up. The Talmud (Bava Kamma 15b/79a) speaks of wild dogs that must be Continued on page 16

WCT Activities Fair: Telling Our Stories Sun, Sep 11, 10:00 am - Noon

by Rabbi Mara Young

I

n the early 2000’s, Emory University psychology professor Marshall Duke investigated the role of myth and ritual in American families. He found that children who know a lot about their family history and can tell family stories are, on the whole, more resilient.

He and his colleague, Dr. Robyn Fivush, concluded that these children have a strong sense of “intergenerational self,” meaning they see themselves as part of something bigger and stronger. A key seems to be in taking pride in positive moments and knowing it’s possible to come back from difficult ones.

Judaism is built on stories and the methodical transmission of these stories – precisely for these reasons.

That is why Woodlands honored our Founders and dove into Woodlands history in anticipation of our 50th anniversary year. We heard the stories and grew stronger by doing so.

Now it’s your turn. The whole Woodlands community is invited to temple on Sun, Sep 11, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Tell your story in our interview booth.

Learn how you can enhance your Jewish story by touring our “activities fair” – an easy onestop shop for learning about all the task forces and ways to get involved at temple. There will be a special “storytime” for the five and under crowd at 10:30 am. There will also be food and a huge, inflatable slide! Religious school families, a trip to the fair and the other attractions will be integrated into your Religious School Opening Day…be sure to look out for info specific to you.

Our Woodlands Community

The Creation Story, continued from p.1

Rabbi Billy Dreskin

rabbi@wct.org

Throughout this 50th anniversary year, our congregation has joyfully commemorated how far we’ve come and how strong we’ve grown since the temple’s founding.

But even in its scrappy, makeshift beginnings, Woodlands displayed the values and spirit that guide us today. From Day 1, “community” was our middle name. Interfaith cooperation – in particular, the generosity of the the Calvin United congregation and its reverend – nurtured the temple’s birth and sustained those crucial first years of life. Woodlands members – all young couples and most of them disaffected from established synagogues – worked hard to build an authentic, loving, socially responsible communal Jewish home.

Rabbi Mara Young

rabbimara@wct.org Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon

cantor@wct.org Tara Levine, Director of Youth Engagement

youth@wct.org Corey Friedlander, Sh’liakh K’hilah

corey@wct.org Jason Fenster, Rabbinic Intern

intern@wct.org

Executive Committee Dayle Fligel, President

president@wct.org Rachel Wineberg, VP Education

education@wct.org Lance Rosenthal, VP Facilities

facilities@wct.org Michael Wiskind, VP Finance

finance@wct.org Nancy Fishman, VP Programming/Ritual

programming@wct.org Irving Adler, Financial Secretary

financialsecretary@wct.org Steve Sagner, Secretary

secretary@wct.org Andrea Einhorn, Treasurer

treasurer@wct.org

Board of Trustees David Bertan Elka Klarsfeld Aliza Burton Jenna Lebowich Dan Emery Barry Leibowitz Herb Friedman Lisa Linn Yvette Gralla Mike Scafidi Amy Green Michele Wise Stu Berlowitz (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

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: Aliza Burton

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The first Woodlands newsletter carried these words of the Greek poet Menander: “To live is not to live for one’s self alone; let us help one another.”

The temple had a five-member executive board and nine committees working on everything from ritual and education to membership and publicity to the drafting of a constitution and by-laws. A “hostess” organized the first oneg, and the job rotated among women every week. Members taught in the Sunday school, which began later that September in a real estate office on Dobbs Ferry Road. Classes were for children ages 5 through 9, with tuition at $15 per child.

Woodlands members, of course, had their differences, especially on matters of ritual.

They aired these frankly and resolved them creatively – typically after lots of long meetings. About half the founding members came from a classical Reform tradition while half had Conservative backgrounds, and people debated whether to affiliate with one branch, the other or none at all. We know how that turned out, but before it was settled, decisions had to be made. Rosh Hashanah started just five days after the first Shabbat service and the congregation had to decide whether to follow Reform tradition and observe only one day, or Conservative tradition and observe two days. That seemed to be a deal breaker for Conservative-leaning members, so the congregation opted for a second day.

Similarly, the congregation split 50-50 on whether to wear kippot. Half insisted on them and half refused. Recalls Bob Steinhardt, “We solved it by deciding that those who wanted to wear a yarmulke could wear one, and those who didn’t want to didn’t have to.”

A simple solution of almost Solomonic wisdom.

“That’s still the way we do things today,” he said.

Many thanks to founding members Ron Tvert, Jack and Sue Safirstein, Irwin Miller, Bob and Jane Steinhardt, Jim and Nancy Heymann, and Lila Judelson for sharing their memories of the first Woodlands service.

50th Anniversary Retrospective Celebrating 50 years caused all kinds of excitement and creativity around temple.

As you peruse through Makom, you'll find pictures that document the fun...from the Scavenger Hunt to Tu b'Shevat, seders to Purim.

What fun "snapshots" will you be part of this year?

from the

Rabbi

WCT Year #51 ...

What’s Next?

Rabbi Billy Dreskin

W

hat a semicentennial year! Woodlands’ first fifty were great! Our celebration these past twelve months made us feel proud of our temple’s accomplishments.

At last year’s High Holy Days, we heard voices from our past as well as our own generation speak adoringly about our temple. Our rabbis, cantors, educators, youth directors and rabbinic interns all conveyed powerful sentiments they have treasured in the decades since. Read some of their letters in the 50th Gala journal (wct. org/50thjournal) to understand just how memorable time at Woodlands has been for those of us lucky enough to spend a bit of it here.

Now we begin year #51. There’s an important question to be asked. “What’s Next?”

Synagogues provide four fundamental services: opportunities to learn, to observe ritual moments, and to participate in acts of goodness. Torah, avodah, and g’milut hasadim. And synagogues also provide a place to build for ourselves a community based on these three values. Kehillah kedoshah, a sacred community. For fifty years, Woodlands has excelled at all four.

In some ways, the answer to the question is easy. What next? More of what we’ve always done. What served the first generations also served a thousand before them.

And a thousand yet to come.

But different times call for different responses. So yes, we’ll learn, we’ll worship, and we’ll join together in deeds of loving kindness. But what those moments will look like, we won’t know until we put our heads together and figure that out. And we will.

There’s a lot to love here at Woodlands. It’s a powerful reason why folks stay so long. To ensure there’s always lots to love, we could use a hand. Your hand. Start by just coming – whatever catches your eye (and maybe your heart). But know this: Your attendance matters. It is what makes us a community.

When you’ve spent enough time enjoying (about the time you start telling people, “I really love my temple!”) consider joining a committee. Pick an area you especially like, and come learn how to make that happen. You’ll have many partners along the way, both professional and fellow temple members, to share these labors of love.

And lastly, consider joining Derekh, our leadership development program. It starts on Friday, October 7. We’ll show you how to lovingly strengthen this place, and keep it vibrant and fresh. Send me an email (rabbi@wct.org) and I’ll get you set up.

Year #51. Here we go. I can’t tell you how excited I am to begin Woodlands’ second half-century with you. What’s next? Sky’s the limit!

Jammin’ Shabbat 5777!

Put on your jammies, bring a bedtime friend, and c’mon over to Woodlands for the wildest bedtime song, stories and blessings ever!

Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara and Cantor Jonathan will be jammin’ on their keyboard and guitar (okay, Rabbi Mara can’t play 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 pm.

Here are the dates for the coming year 5777 (2016-17): Fri, Sep 30 Fri, Oct 28 Fri, Dec 23, Fri, Jan 20 Fri, Mar 3 Fri, Apr 21 Fri, Jun 2 Grandparents: If you have little ones living in (or visiting!) the Westchester area and you’d like to kvell at their loving being in temple, invite them to join you for Jammin’ Shabbat. They’ll love it, which means you will too!

www.wct.org

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Worship Schedule This month, we have noted the days of the Hebrew month of Elul. Jewish tradition challenges us during Elul to prepare ourselves for the High Holy Days. When Elul ends, we hope you will enter the Tent ready to engage in self-transformation.

Shabbat Re’eh Deut 11:26 - 16:17... Isa 54:11 - 55:5

Fri, Sep 2 Outdoor Shabbat at 8:00 pm Our final patio service for the season.

The 30th of Av, thirty days until Rosh Hashanah.

Sat, Sep 3 No 10:30 service today. Ask for Kaddish to be recited at Hevra Torah (9:15 am).

Shabbat Shoftim

Sat, Sep 17 Shabbat Morning Worship at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Jack Burke, son of Rori and John Burke, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Shabbat Kee Tavo Deut 26:1 - 29:8 ... Isa 60:1-22

Fri, Sep 23 A Joyful Noise! 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. Special welcome this evening to our 3rd grade families! The 21st of Elul, nine days until Rosh Hashanah.

Deut 16:18 - 21:9 ... Isa 51:12 - 52:12

Sat, Sep 24

Fri, Sep 9

Shabbat Morning Worship at 10:30 am

50th Anniversary of WCT’s 1st Shabbat Service at 8:00 pm On Friday evening, September 9, 1966, Woodlands gathered for the very first time to celebrate Shabbat. 50 years later, we celebrate and consider what that means for us. Also this evening, Gabriel Sipe, son of Karen Golden and Kirk Sipe, will become a Bar Mitzvah. The 7th of Elul, twenty-three days until Rosh Hashanah.

Celebrate with us as Jacob Friedman, son of Leora Cohen and Jonathan Friedman, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Selihot at 10:00 pm Late-night worship turns our thoughts toward self-assessment and self-improvement, readying us for a productive and inspiring Days of Awe in our Tent. Learning begins at 9:00 pm.

Sat, Sep 10

Shabbat Nitzavim

No 10:30 service today. Ask for Kaddish to be recited at Hevra Torah (9:15 am).

Fri, Sep 30

Shabbat Kee Taytzay Deut 21:10 - 25:19 ... Isa 54:1-10

Fri, Sep 16 Mishpakha Shabbat at 7:00 pm (note earlier start-time) 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. The 14th of Elul, sixteen days until Rosh Hashanah.

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Deut 29:9 - 30:20 ... Isa 61:10 - 63:9

Jammin’ Shabbat at 7:00 pm Put on your jammies, bring a bedtime friend, and c’mon over for the wildest 30 minutes of bedtime song, stories and blessings ever! We’ll be jammin’ on the keyboard and guitar, and makin’ a Shabbat to get you ready for bed. Bring a buck for tzedakah!

Songs & Stories of the High Holy Days at 8:00 pm As the month of Elul leads us toward Rosh Hashanah, come share in our communal preparation for the Days of Awe. Special songs and stories will direct our hearts and minds toward the renewal these Holy Days offer. The 28th of Elul, two days until Rosh Hashanah.

Sat, Oct 1 No 10:30 service today.

Ask for Kaddish to be recited at Hevra Torah (9:15 am).

Babysitting

at 8:00 pm Shabbat services is provided by teens from our religious school. This month, babysitting will be available on Sep 9, 23 and 30.

There is no charge and no advance notice is required for Shabbat babysitting. High Holy Days babysitting will be offered during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. Advance registration and payment is required – register online at wct.org/hhd. For further information, contact babysitting@wct.org.

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 3: Parashat Re’eh Facilitated by Phyllis Hirth

Sep 10: Parashat Shoftim

Facilitated by Rabbi Joan Glazer Farber

Sep 17: Parashat Kee Taytzay Facilitated by Jordan Stein

Sep 24: Parashat Kee Tavo Facilitated by Barry Kessler

from the

Rabbi

What’s in a Year?

Rabbi Mara Young

W

elcome back from the summer! Even though the High Holy Days are late this year, it feels like a loud shofar blast has already trumpeted away the summer haze and things are up and running at temple!

This year is all about telling stories (see the front page article on the power of storytelling and its place in our opening day celebration on Sunday morning, September 11). This will manifest strongly in year two of our BetterTogether initiative (powered by NFTY). A special cadre of teens will learn interview skills and about the digital arts in order to interview seniors in the Woodlands community: learning about your Jewish life growing up, the value of a synagogue community, and where you see your Jewish story going. The goal is to compile these testimonies into a video to share with and inspire others (let me know if this is something you’d like to be part of).

We’re also investigating the State of Israel’s story. This year, Woodlands will be participating in a new, cutting-edge initiative (through the Jewish Education Project, in partnership with Makom) called “The Four Hatikvah Questions: Transforming Israel Education in New York.” The initiative is a comprehensive, philosophical approach to Israel education that empowers educators to develop meaningful and relevant Israel educational experiences for their site. We’re honored that WCT was specifically tapped to be part of the program’s pilot year, serving as one of only eight cohort members from around the NYC, Westchester and Long Island areas. I’ll be working next year to develop new curricular models for Israel education through workshops and with a one-on-one consultant.

To jump-start the process, the grant sent me to Israel for 10 days this summer. I met with Israelis, Palestinians, and organization heads. Traveling around the country, we explored the complexities of modern Israel and the ways to best educate about these complexities back at home. I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned to our religious school curriculum and Israel programming.

Over in Adult Education, be on the lookout for our WCT University in December when we’ll be explore the emerging disciple of Memory Studies – how collective memory is formed and how it influences a community, both biologically and socially. We’ll discover this in the American-Jewish and African-American communities. It’s definitely not to be missed.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve got a new Wednesday morning Lunch and Learn initiative, as well as an expansion of our mid-week and Shabbat programming for the two-and-under crowd. It’s a busy year – make sure you’re part of it! I look forward to partnering with you.

B’shalom,

We Want You to Make “A Joyful Noise!”

Just about 10 years ago, we began this service as an experiment. We were looking for ways to create Shabbat services that are informed by the American gospel tradition yet are still authentically Jewish.

“A Joyful Noise!” is what we came up with.

We designed it to be captivating and enchanting for adults and children alike.

With a 12-piece musical ensemble that includes piano, bass, drums, guitar, 2 horns and 4-6 singers, we’re able to create a contemporary, dynamic musical experience that features melodies by many of the American Jewish communities best-known and bestloved composers. Visual worship means engaging graphics behind the prayers and sometimes punctuating the sermons.

They also mean your hands are free – free to clap, free to place around someone else’s shoulders or hold their hands. And of course, thoughtful and stimulating writings from the rabbis and others who find their way onto the “AJN” bimah.

Here are the dates for the coming year (5777/2016-17): Fri, Sep 23 Fri, Dec 2 (our 10th anniversary!)

Fri, Feb 3 Fri, Apr 7 Fri, May 5 “A Joyful Noise!” always draws a crowd. We’d love to see you there as well.

www.wct.org

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from the

Just Israel Israel Repairs the World: Tikkun Olam in Action

by Corey Friedlander

Cantor

Great Music Coming Your Way! Cantor Jonathan Gordon It’s hard to believe. I’m writing this in July on the banks of the Delaware River, but by the time you read this Woodlands will be humming along at full throttle. Let me tell you about some great things on our horizon.

I

The High Holy Days will be here soon, and you will meet our new accompanist. I can’t quite divulge the name as of this writing. I feel like a politician hiding my VP pick. Sorry. But you’ll be happy, trust me! Yes, Fimi Frost decided that she wanted more freedom to do concerts in the fall, and gave us notice this May. But we have found a thoroughly professional accompanist who will grace and enhance our worship for the Days of Awe.

1. Jordan – medical caregivers treated up to 250 traumatized Syrian refugees a day needing help overcoming burnout. The Israel Trauma Coalition, in partnership with a Jordanian nonprofit, conducted classes providing professional tools for self-care in coping with stress, anxiety, and grief.

We’ll be scheduling another sing-along at Havdalah, or “Shabbootenanny” as I like to call it. Look for the date, and keep your guitar strings and vocal cords limbered up. It comes on the heels of a sing-along service at last year’s Shabbat Shirah that left folks wanting more, and a sing-along in August after services that proved to be most wonderful.

2. Ecuador – Israeli humanitarian aid organization IsraAID set up a field hospital focusing on medical treatments and psycho-social care.

On Friday evening, February 10, Woodlands will premiere the newest service by the hand of Michael Isaacson, the signature composer of our Reform Movement. This work is called Ladorot Habaim (“For Generations Yet to Come”) and is Michael’s newest project. It will simultaneously premiere in congregations across the world that evening, and we are among these leaders.

recently viewed a map showing 107 sites where Israel has provided aid around the world. The sites are categorized as: Disaster Relief (34), Medical (28), Environment (19), Psychological (20) and Education (6). Here are just a few examples:

3. Papua New Guinea – Israel donated a GalMobile water purification vehicle to this drought-stricken nation, in which about 85% of its six million citizens lack access to electricity and tap water.

4. South Carolina – IsraAID volunteers helped homeowners in South Carolina clear debris from the ruins of their homes following the catastrophic rainstorms and flooding last October.

Learn more about Israel’s humanitarian work at israel21c.org. View the map at mapme.com/israel-aid.

If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Abuse, please share this confidential hotline:

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www.wct.org

And speaking of Shabbat Shirah ...

If you are vocally inclined, you will have a chance to do more than hear this music!

We will gather an extended choir that night. With recordings from the composer for you to use in preparing, you can learn the music during your commute or at your leisure before any rehearsal happens. If you are interested, just let me know!

Looking forward,

from the

Director

of

Youth Engagement

Can’t Wait to Begin Year #2!

Tara Levine Hello, WCT! After an amazing summer at Crane Lake Camp, spent with plenty of Woodlands kiddos and teens, it’s nice to be back home at Woodlands. I’m excited to bring programming ideas, experience, and stronger relationships with some Woodlands kids back to WCT to help make this year wonderful for our youth programs. I was the Unit Head for fifth graders this summer, which helped expand my experience working with younger kids, so I am excited to bring what I learned on our upcoming 5th and 6th grade retreat.

To kick off the year, I am hosting a leadership/board bonding retreat for WoodSY board. It will be a great way to set our foundation, goals, and expectations for the year to come. There will be time for leadership activities to explore how we can best work together, goal setting for each position, and of course some fun because any successful team should know how to enjoy each other’s company!

Honor a Loved One High Holy Days Bookplates Now Available It is a time-honored Jewish tradition to honor people we love by making tzedakah contributions on their behalf. You and your family may do this by purchasing bookplates to dedicate individual copies of our High Holy Days makhzor. Your donation will help us pay for these new makhzorim.

Bookplates cost $36 for each makhzor dedicated.

One plate will be lovingly inscribed with both your and your loved one’s name.

Each plate will be placed inside one synagogue copy of our High Holy Days prayerbook.

Order online at wct.org/bookplate.

• • • •

I’m looking forward to continuing to promote involvement in NFTY for our 9th12th graders. I believe in our national youth movement because it provides context and a large-scale sense of Reform Jewish pride for our teens. Our involvement increased on a regional level last year, in part due to our “Taste of NFTY” night in Academy, where NFTY leaders ran some fun programming with our teens, as well as our regional shul-in that the WoodSY board hosted for WCT and other local NFTY friends. I look forward to implementing both programs again so our teens can get a mini NFTY experience and hopefully get involved on regional and national levels.

For the seventh grade, I’m so excited to revamp our 13 Mitzvot project to help enhance the seventh graders’ experience of living and understanding mitzvot before they become B’nai Mitzvah. Rabbi Mara and I are working hard to make this project modern, relatable, exciting and (of course) educational, so that seventh graders can really take a lot away from it.

In January, I’m launching a new retreat especially for our eighth graders! We will have a fun day in New York City with some Jewish pieces intertwined. It will be a great opportunity for the eighth graders to bond and experience some Jewish culture in the great city that’s right in our backyard.

I can’t wait to continue sharing and experiencing with you all that WCT has to offer this year. It’s going to be an amazing year full of learning, excitement, relationship building, and intention. See you soon!

Todah (thanks),

Save the Date!

6th Annual Jonah Maccabee Concert with the Noah Aronson Band Saturday, March 4, 2017

Grow your business right here in your Woodlands community.

Call 592-7070 or email

ads@wct.org

www.wct.org

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Is It Time to Purchase Cemetery Plots?

In April of this year, the Board of Trustees purchased 40 grave sites at Sharon Gardens in Valhalla. These new sites created a new Woodlands Community Temple section at Sharon Gardens. In addition, WCT still has 6 single grave sites in our other sections. If you are interested in purchasing or have any questions, please contact the office or send an email to cemetery@wct.org. The cost per grave is $3300.00.

“DEREKH” Leadership – You’re Invited!

DEREKH, a Hebrew word meaning “path,” is WCT’s leadership development program. From September through April, a number of our congregants will join Dale Glasser, a leadership specialist and member of our synagogue, as well as Rabbi Billy and temple president Dayle Fligel on a journey into the workings of temple leadership. They will meet monthly to learn the nuts and bolts about how synagogues work and what is needed from its volunteer leadership. The program will include presentations by members of our current leadership.

If you received an invitation to join DEREKH, please be sure to RSVP as soon as possible. If you did not receive an invitation and would like to participate in DEREKH, please contact Rabbi Billy (rabbi@wct.org) or Dayle Fligel (president@wct. org). We’d be delighted to have you with us.

WCT Coffeehouse Sat, Nov 5 Save the date! Our first coffeehouse of the year will feature a noted artist and band.

More to come.

It is our hope that DEREKH will foster the development of future temple leadership for years, even decades, to come. Please join us on Friday evening, October 7 at 8:00 pm, as we welcome this year’s DEREKH participants into the program.

Boy Scout Builds Benches for WCT My name is Michael Arbore.

I’m an Eagle Scout candidate in Ardsley Boy Scout Troop 3.

S’forim Forum – Your Invitation

The final requirement to earn my Eagle Scout is to complete an Eagle Project, requiring that I plan a building project, recruit volunteers, acquire the materials, and act as the foreman. My project will be to build four benches for the foyer inside our temple. This area is a heavy-traffic area before and after temple events. The benches will be movable and finished so they can be used both indoors and out. Woodlands COMMUNITY Temple is all about bringing people, of all ages, together. Having benches will allow us all to sit and relax with our friends and other congregants. The Temple Board and the Boy Scouts have approved my project.

Sat, Oct 22, 4:30-6:00 pm Don’t you think it’s time you tried out our Jewish reading group, S’forim Forum?

We read all kinds of wonderful works of Jewish interest, old and new, of the diaspora and of Israel. Our first meeting is, as always, a Saturday, (4:30-6:00 pm), and includes Havdalah and snacks in the manner of Shabbat afternoon.

Just in time for the High Holy Days – our first book this year is The Jewish War by Tova Reich, a unique modern satirist, a fave of Cynthia Ozick. This work is a look at religious extremism as a callow kid from Brooklyn moves from social worker to Catskills camp counselor to Uzi toting secessionist leader on the West Bank. It’s a wild ride! Come along for something special.

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I will be raising the funds to purchase the materials, aiming for a May 2017 completion. The project will cost approximately $1500. I will be soliciting multiple places for donations. If you would like to donate to the project go to wct.org/ benches. Any amount is appreciated. All money not spent on the project will be donated back to Woodlands. Thank you for allowing me to fulfill this mitzvah for my Woodlands community.

Michael Arbore

[place in shaded box]

from the

President

Look Back and See What’s Ahead Dayle Fligel, President As I begin my second term as President, I put a challenge out to each of you, the members of Woodlands: “Think of a program, whether last year or many years ago, that really made an impact on you. How did it make you feel? What did you take away from that program? What made it so memorable for you?”

Woodlands Community Temple has a multitude of committees and activities to choose from. Our calendar is busting at the seams with amazing programs – experiences that will impact you, make you think, and leaving you wanting more. They are programs you will think back on a year from now, maybe two, and be glad you were there, that you were involved.

On Sunday, September 11, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, come and join us in what is quickly becoming a Woodlands tradition, our Activities Fair. While it falls during religious school hours, this is an event open to all members, not just families. I challenge you to visit each committee’s table and find one activity, one program to get involved with. Join in the planning if you like, watch it develop, be a participant, and feel the rewards.

Visit our website and go to our calendar at wct.org/calendar. Scroll through the months and see all that we have to offer. I come back to my challenge for you to remember that feeling you had attending one of our programs. Recreate that feeling with a new program. Come participate in a Breakfast Run, Hevra Torah, join the Finance Committee. Attend the Concert Across America Against Gun Violence, be part of our knitting and crocheting group, enjoy the Jonah Maccabee Concert. Feel uplifted at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, delight being with the seniors from Project Ezra, and engage in dynamic learning at the WCT University. These are only a few of the many spectacular programs offered to you, our members.

A Reminder from Irv Adler, Financial Secretary As a new year begins, please remember that any financial arrangement previously made with the Financial Secretary is for one year only. After receiving your temple bill, if a discussion about a new arrangement would be helpful, please contact Irv Adler at financialsecretary@ wct.org.

We Want to Hear from You It is always a pleasure to hear good news from members of our WCT family.

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

Each of us is part of the larger Woodlands picture. Each of us is a piece in the Woodlands mosaic. When your piece is added to the picture, it becomes complete. So, I hope you will accept my challenge and add your piece of the mosaic to the program/ activity puzzle. With everyone getting involved some way, somehow, our year of planning becomes complete. Challenge yourself to remember, and move forward – pick a program and make a new memory.

www.wct.org

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High Holy Days at Woodlands 5777 High Holy Days Service Schedule Selihot (Sat, Sep 24) Mussar Learning Service

9:00 pm 10:00 pm

Rosh Hashanah Evening (Sun, Oct 2) Evening Service Teen Experience (Grades 8-12)

8:00 pm 8:00 pm

Sukkot Evening (Sun, Oct 16) Special Family Activities and Sukkah Decorating 4:30 pm Taste of Woodlands (bring prospective members!) 5:00 pm Kabbalat Sukkot Service 5:30 pm Sukkot BBQ 6:15 pm

Sukkot Day (Mon, Oct 17) Sukkot Learning with Rabbi Mara

8:30-10:00 am

Simkhat Torah Evening Rosh Hashanah Day 1 (Mon, Oct 3) (Sun, Oct 23) Morning Service Family Service Young Family Service Tashlikh Service of Healing

10:00 am 2:30-3:45 pm 3:00-3:45 pm 4:00 pm 5:00-6:00 pm

Rosh Hashanah Day 2 (Tue, Oct 4)

Cong’l Simkhat Torah Celebration

7:00-8:00 pm

Simkhat Torah Day (Mon, Oct 24) Yizkor Consecration Service

9:00 am 10:30 am

Shabbat Shuvah (Fri, Oct 7)

Family Services for the High Holy Days

Welcoming Derekh 8:00 pm Corey Friedlander will speak

Rosh Hashanah Day

Morning Service

10:00 am

Kol Nidre (Tue, Oct 11) Evening Service Teen Experience (Grades 8-12)

8:00 pm 8:00 pm

Yom Kippur Day (Wed, Oct 12) Morning Service Discussion Family Service Young Family Service Afternoon Learning Yizkor Afternoon Service Neilah Congregational Break Fast

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10:00 am 12:30 pm 1:45-3:00 2:15-3:00 pm 2:15 pm 3:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:30 pm

Family Service 2:30-3:45 pm (parents and school-age children) Young Family Service 3:00-3:45 pm (parents and preschool-age children) Tashlikh (for everyone) 4:00-4:45 (we’ll walk from WCT to St. Joe’s Church)

Yom Kippur Day Family Service 1:45-3:00 pm (parents and school-age children) Young Family Service 2:15-3:00 pm (parents and preschool-age children) Neilah (for everyone) 5:30-6:30 pm

For Teens, By Teens Rosh Hashanah Evening – Sun, Oct 2 at 8:00 pm Kol Nidre – Tue, Oct 11 at 8:00 pm All WCT 8th-12th graders are invited to be a part of our interactive, out-of-thebox High Holy Days experiences. Always a highlight of the year, so don’t miss out!

Drop your family at the Tent and meet us in the Sanctuary for High Holy Days that are all yours!

A Word to Our Parents about the High Holy Days Please know that we encourage all our children to attend adult services for High Holy Days.

While children’s programs and services tailored for specific age groups will be available throughout the High Holy Days, you and your entire family are always welcome in the Tent. We look forward to seeing them among the faces for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. We ask that you be considerate of other worshipers during the services and be responsible for your child’s behavior, whether inside or outside of the Tent.

College and High School Aliyot for the High Holy Days Each year, we are delighted to invite our high school students and college students for a Torah aliyah during the High Holy Days. This year, these will take place at the following times: • For All College Students Rosh Hashanah Morning Mon, Oct 3 @ 10:00 am • For All Academy Students and Woodsy Members Yom Kippur Morning Wed, Oct 12 @ 10:00 am

Parking for the High Holy Days “Be a Good PARKING Neighbor.” We know parking is at a premium when large numbers come to temple. So please carpool and reduce the number of cars coming into the neighborhood. If you do drive, park at St. Joe’s (in the designated spots only). If the St. Joe’s lot is full, you may park on Don Lane, Biltom Road and Drake Road, but not Whitehouse Road.

Remember to park only on the side designated by Police Department signs and strictly observe the NO PARKING signs.

Greenburgh Police patrol these streets, and will ticket (maybe 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. These spaces are extremely limited, so please make sure you truly need one before parking there.

Thank you for complying with these instructions. The High Holy Days are a wonderful time for us; let’s do what we can to be wonderful neighbors, as well.

Rosh Hashanah Service of Healing and Renewal Mon, Oct 3 at 5:00 pm After the big services of Rosh Hashanah, would you value a quiet hour that’s more reflective, more inward directed? If so, join us on Mon, Sep 14 at 5:00 pm. The mood, the music, and the words will softly carry us into the second day of the New Year.

How do you know if this service is for you?

Do you take care of a loved one? Would an hour of hope-filled prayer help to replenish your heart? We invite you to join us for this service. With song and poems, we will gently lift you up.

Or perhaps you have been ill, contending with formidable physical or emotional challenges. Could you use a prayer of love and reassurance? Just need renewed endurance and confidence in the future?

Let us take each other’s hands, each other’s hearts, and, for a little bit, add our strength to yours.

Tashlikh – Rosh Hashanah Afternoon

This service is for anyone who would benefit from a quiet, supportive place to access the hopeful, restorative tenor of the High Holy Days. It’s a uniquely meaningful opportunity both for those who are seeking wholeness as well as those who worry about and provide care for a loved one. We will spend an hour singing, learning, praying, and benefitting from the support and concern of others around us.

At 4:00 pm on Rosh Hashanah afternoon (Mon, Oct 3), we’ll gather by the stream at St. Joseph of Arimathea Church (just down the street at 2172 Saw Mill River Road ... plenty of parking in the church lot). After spending a few moments considering what hurtful parts of ourselves we’d like to “cast off” in the New Year ahead, we’ll scatter bread crumbs “into the depths of the sea.” Very simple. Very personal. Very powerful. Join us for our 4:00 walk from the temple to the stream (or meet us there), and our “casting off” as we observe Tashlikh. A poignant beginning to 5777. Special invitation: If you have a shofar, bring it. At Tashlikh, everyone is welcome to sound the calls.

The Midnight Mystery of Selihot

Ushering for High Holy Days Is Open to All!

Sat, Sep 24 at 9:00 pm It sort of sneaks by each autumn, just before Rosh Hashanah. But if you’re really interested in making the High Holy Days meaningful this year, we urge you to take advantage of this late-night beginning to Judaism’s remarkable process of self-reflection at this time of year. We begin at 9:00 pm, when we’ll gather together for some Mussar learning, an exploration in the world of Jewish ethics. Then, after a break and a nosh, we’ll reconvene at 10:15 for a very special, very beautiful service whose origins are in Jewish mysticism and, to this day, it remains an elegant and inspiring hour that recalls the sounds and images familiar to us across the years. Selihot is an opportunity to meet the music and readings which will soon fill our tent and our souls.

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.

Ever wondered how to volunteer to help out in the Tent during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? It’s easy, and we could really use your help (teens included). Sign up online at wct.org/ushering. Lend a hand at either congregational services or family services – your pick!

We also need 15-20 minutes of help after Neilah (the closing service on Yom Kippur) to put away books and papers for next year.

Questions, please contact Mike Lebowich (ushering@wct.org).

Your Tallit’s Nightlife The tallit (prayershawl) is traditionally worn only during morning prayer. If you’re the shaliakh tzibur (service leader) or you’re coming up for an aliyah (either to bless or to read the Torah), you may wear one for these specific moments. But there’s one time during the year that everyone is invited to wear a tallit at night: Kol Nidre. So for Yom Kippur this year, give your tallit a nightlife and bring it to the tent for Kol Nidre.

www.wct.org

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High Holy Days 5777 Yom Kippur Afternoon Learning

Jewish tradition finds many people staying at temple throughout Yom Kippur day, both to deepen the value of the Holy Day and to make it easier to fast.

Between some of our services, we offer some wonderful learning opportunities that you’ll really enjoy:

Bring Your Kids Back for Neilah As the sky grows dark, we dim the lights and open the Ark to 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 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.

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.

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1) Immediately following our morning service, join us in the Sanctuary for an hour’s presentation and discussion on “Judaism and Socially Responsible Investing: Investing with Your Values.”

Led by private wealth advisor (and temple member) Geri Pell and financial advisor Katherine McGinn (who works with Geri). What if your investment strategy could positively impact your life and your community?

We’ll discuss the unique opportunity to invest in companies that generate positive social and environmental change, allowing you to invest not only with your head, but with your heart. Learn more about how investing with your values, including your Jewish values, can have a profound effect on the world and your life.

2) As the day continues on, come spend an hour with our very own Rabbi Joan Glazer Farber studying and discussing some of our traditional Yom Kippur texts. This year, she’ll take us on a second journey into the new Reform makhzor, Mishkan HaNefesh. She’d love to have you join her 2:15-3:15 pm in the Youth Lounge.

Please Join Us at Our Famous Annual Sukkot BBQ Sun, Oct 16, 4:30-8:00 pm A holiday celebration for the whole congregation!

4:30 pm Special Family Activities and Sukkah Decorating!

5:00 pm Taste of Woodlands (bring a prospective member to meet the staff!)

5:30 pm Kabbalat Sukkot Service (a 45-minute musical, visual worship for young and old) 6:15 pm Sukkot BBQ Through Wed, Oct 12: adults $15, children $7, families $30 On or after Thu, Oct 13: adults $20, children $10, families $40 Bring one side-dish or dessert per family (if possible, make it local, go for organic, and keep it green). And don’t forget, no nuts please! Sign-up online at wct.org/sukkotbbq.

Please remember to bring fruits and veggies to hang in the sukkah!

Simkhat Torah!!

Our annual celebration of Torah and Jewish learning Sun, Oct 23, 7:00-8:00 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!

September Happenings & Beyond Learning

Jewish Studies, Jewish Wisdom and Ethics

Book Club Wed, Sep 28 at 2:00 pm

Facilitated by Harriet Levine

The Woodlands Book Club has decided to shift from Wednesday evenings to Wednesday afternoons at 2:00 pm. We invite temple members to join. Some of the books we will be reading are The Pumpkin Flower

by Matti Friedman, The Devil in Jerusalem

by Naomi Ragen, Everyone Dies Alone by Falluda, and The Rent Collector by Camron Wright.

Our first meeting will be held on Wed, Sep 28.

We will read Geraldine Brooks’ latest novel, The Secret Chord. Described as “a thundering, gritty, emotionally devastating reconstruction of the Story of David,” it is King David with all his flaws from the perspective of his opponents, advisors, son, mother and wives. Cookies will be served.

Spiritually Preparing for the High Holy Days Sun, Sep 11 at 2:00 pm Sat, Sep 24 at 9:00 pm Elul is a time of reflection. What are your goals for personal growth – inward, outward, and upward? Do you want to be a kinder friend, a calmer parent, a more patient spouse? Do you wish for more effective focus on your priorities? More closeness with God? As the entire program prepares for the High Holy Days, this two-session program introduces resources from Jewish tradition for creating lives of connection, balance, and authenticity. We’ll learn about a Jewish framework for enhancing our lives, connect it to your specific personal objectives, and discover the surprising power of small actions and reflections in fostering growth.

Try out what you’ve learned at home and return for the second session to reflect on the experience in small breakout groups.

Session Two is scheduled for synergy – just before the Selihot service – providing an opportunity to deepen the Holy Days experience.

Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 am, beginning Oct 6 This class has been ongoing for years, exploring topics requested by the participants.

New learners always welcome!

Current Events Discussion Wed, Sep 21 at 10:00 am Bob Steinhardt will facilitate a discussion on current events. An agenda will be emailed to participants ahead of the meeting.

Want to Learn Hebrew?

This year, in conjunction with our B’nai Binah adult learning program, we’re offering beginning, intermediate, advanced and Modern Hebrew. The study of Hebrew is a tool to build community here at WCT, with Jews worldwide, and with Israel. It’s the language of Torah and Jewish liturgy and helps us draw closer to our people’s sacred texts. It is a tool to enhance our ritual experiences, increase understanding of what our children are learning and helps us engage with them on their spiritual journeys. And it can enrich our understanding in many of the educational programs we attend. For more information, contact Rabbi Mara.

B’nai Binah Adult Jewish Learning in the 21st Century B’nai Binah is a special, adult opportunity to study Judaism. Whether you feel like you know little or you want to deepen what you do know, there’s a place waiting for you here.

We’ll explore Jewish history, ritual and thought in a fun, creative atmosphere, spending half the evening learning Hebrew (with small classes of beginner, intermediate and advanced levels) and half exploring Jewish thought, practice, history and culture, developing skills that can help you access Judaism at deeper levels of personal meaning.

We’ll meet weekly for two years (Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 pm, starting October 20). A big commitment, yes, but we think the payoff is fantastic. Your journey culminates on Simkhat Torah 2018, the holiday where we celebrate Jewish learning in all its forms. And you’ll read from the Torah to seal the deal!

Oh yes! B’nai Binah is also an excellent opportunity to deepen temple friendships and make new ones too. We bring you our A-team of teachers: our Hebrew faculty (Harriet Levine, Margot Serwer, and Rabbi Joan Glazer Farber) and our Jewish studies faculty (Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara, Cantor Jonathan and intern Jason Fenster). We’re thrilled to be on this learning journey with you!

Engaging Israel: Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Rabbi Billy Dreskin

9 Wednesdays, 8:00-9:30 pm ...

Oct 19 - Jan 4 We’re not looking to change your politics on Israel, but to work with the prism of Jewish values through which you form your opinions. Through text study with Rabbi Billy and video presentations from renowned Israeli scholars, we’ll address core questions that foster greater understanding and greater respect for each other, without whitewashing the differences.

Visit wct.org/israel to register. Course fee is $18. Book fee is $20.

Classes begin this fall (Thu, Oct 20, 2016).

Tuition is $250/year (financial assistance is available – contact Rabbi Mara). Register (right now!) at wct.org/bnaibinah so you can be part of the new world of Jewish learning.

We can’t wait to see you there!

www.wct.org

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Social Action Your Vote. Your Values: Election 2016 Facilitated by Rabbi Joan Glazer Farber

Wed, Sep 7 and 21 at 7:30 pm Wed, Sep 14 and 28 at 10:00 am

Sukkot Learning in the Sukkah Mon, Oct 17, 8:30-10:00 am Always a wonderful Sukkot morning, come nosh on 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.

Talmud with Rabbi Billy Five Thursdays, Oct 20 - Dec 1, 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!

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Every four years, the Democrats and Republicans officially nominate their candidates for President. At the same conventions, and in meetings with party officials, they lay out their political agendas for the coming years. As a synagogue, WCT cannot endorse one candidate over another. But we can examine each party’s platform through a Jewish lens and decide for ourselves which platform fits our Jewish values. Join us for one or all of the sessions. Sign up at wct.org/yourvote.

Knitting and Crocheting Sun, Sep 18, 3:00-5:00 pm Join our lively group as we continue making blankets for babies in Israel. All blankets are due by Fri, Sep 23.

You can leave your finished blanket in the marked basket in the lobby.

RSVP to Angela Adler at knitting@wct.org.

Social Action Committee Meeting Mon, Sep 19 at 8:15 pm Learn about this year’s activities and decide where you would like to be involved.

Breakfast Run Sun, Sep 25 at 6:45 am Join us as we head into NYC to serve breakfast to people who are homeless or with low incomes. We return to the temple around 10:30 am. Kids in middle school and older are welcome with their parents. For details, to help provide food and to RSVP, email midnightrunbreakfasts@wct.org.

The Concert Across America to End Gun Violence Sun, Sep 25, 4:00-6:00 pm Woodlands will host a Community Sing-In to remember the victims of gun violence. Congress designated September 25 as a National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, and we’ll honor their memory with powerful music to help heal. We’ll connect with concerts from coast-to-coast to strengthen gun violence prevention awareness. We must pull together as a nation to bring about change.

Come be part of this historic event and learn what you can do to advocate for sensible gun laws. You don’t need a good voice to join in. Just the desire to unite with our community to make your voice heard against gun violence. Admission is free, but please RSVP at wct.org/concertacrossamerica. Additional information at remembersept25.org.

The High Holy Days Food Van Bring a Box or Bag of Food on Yom Kippur In Westchester, one in five are hungry or at risk of hunger. The elderly, working poor, single mothers and children ... 200,000 food-insecure Westchester residents. On Yom Kippur, Woodlands collects non-perishable food to donate to local food pantries, directly feeding our neighbors in need. Bring a bag or box of new, healthy food.

If you can volunteer for an hour or two to help at the collection truck – accepting donations, checking expiration dates and boxing the food – please visit wct.org/foodvansignup (adults and children grade 6 and older).

Refugee Task Force We’ve begun exploring ways to welcome the stranger. If you’d like to be part of this effort, contact us at socialaction@ wct.org.

Domestic Abuse Task Force (DATF) Last year we saw a dramatic increase in the number of domestic abuse victims moving out of shelters into their own apartments. Favorable housing availability is great news for the women and children ready to make a fresh start.

When a shelter resident is ready to move into independent housing, we send out an email with the household items they need. Our committee members supply them with new or gently used items. If you’d like to join the committee to help, contact domesticabuse@wct.org. And look out for our DATF gift card drive to supplement our collections next month at the Sukkot barbecue.

Youth Engagement Welcome back, everyone!

We hope you had an amazing summer!

This month, 5th and 6th graders, be sure to sign up for the 5th and 6th grade retreat! 9th-12th graders, get excited for the NFTY NAR Kickoff event!

On September 17, NFTY NAR is hosting its new social justice event in Brooklyn!

The day will consist of celebrating Shabbat at a Blackbox Theatre Company, learning about social justice and how to make social change with incredible organizations such as Repair the World, and enjoying Havdalah and a BBQ in Prospect Park.

Registration ends September 6, and it's $75. Find more information and register at www.newyork.nfty.org/kickoff.

Scholarships are available.

If you have any questions contact Tara Levine (tlevine@wct.org). It will be an impactful, special event!

Woodlands Receives Award from URJ Summer Camps For the 7th consecutive year, Woodlands Community Temple has received an award from Eisner and Crane Lake camps for sending loads of young people to Eisner, Crane Lake, 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy, Kutz Camp, and NFTY in Israel. WCT sent 43 students to URJ summer programs, or about 20% of our religious school population.

We’re so proud to receive this recognition of our support of Reform Jewish summer programs. These are a crucial part of building children’s Jewish identity, self-esteem and confidence. By sending our kids to Reform summer programs, we’re helping them shape the future of Reform Judaism, and mold positive, Jewish lives for themselves.

For more information about Eisner, Crane Lake, Kutz or 6 Points, visit urjcamps.org online.

50th Anniversary Retrospective

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Upcoming Meetings

Executive Committee Mon, Sep 12 at 8:15 pm

Board of Trustees Mon, Sep 26 at 8:15 pm

Jewish Life Committee Mon, Sep 19 at 8:15 pm

School Board Mon, Sep 19 at 8:15 pm

Judaism and Guns, continued from p.1

kept chained – except where the threat of marauders necessitate unchaining them at night. Does this justify conceal and carry? Or a properly trained and equipped police force?

Very few things keep me up at night. This does.

The issues and the choices here seem so clear, the need so obvious. More people than we hear about die each day from guns in the wrong hands, sold to the wrong people, the wrong guns on the market, and people storing guns carelessly.

Owning, operating, and insuring guns should be at least as well-regulated as cars, which must be registered and insured, and cannot be operated without passing certain tests. I’m not allowed to drive until a certain age, and my license must be periodically renewed. Because of this, my community is pretty safe with me owning a car.

None of these regulations mean that someone wants to take away our cars. But people with a history of driving dangerously, or who are mentally or physically impaired, can have their license suspended. Also, my license doesn’t allow me to drive a tank. No one is permitted to drive any vehicle they please, at any age they please, down any road they please.

Social Action Committee

And we don’t take the same care with guns?

Mon, Sep 19 at 8:15 pm

This is why Woodlands is working toward common-sense gun laws. In the coming months, you will be invited to join us ... for learning, for discussion, and for action.

ARZA/Israel Committee Mon, Aug 29 at 8:00 pm

Finance Committee Sun, Sep 18 at 7:30 pm We would be delighted to welcome you to any temple meeting that interests you. Please be in touch with Dayle Fligel (president@wct.org) for information on how to join (or just visit) a committee.

What’s Jewish about all of this? Everything. Communal responsibility, compassion, peace, love, understanding – there’s nothing not Jewish about it.

The prophet Isaiah said it best: “They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning-knives; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” The ultimate Jewish goal is to help create a world where all weaponry is obsolete, forever replaced by the power of human goodness and peace.

Until then, working to create laws that regulate gun ownership is a mitzvah of greatest urgency. As part of our efforts, I hope you’ll join me and many others in our Sanctuary on Sunday, September 25 at 4:00 pm for a Sing-In/Kumsitz as part of the National Concert Against Gun Violence.

Woodlands

Community?

W

e’re all proud of the warmth and friendliness in our synagogue. It’s our community. But not everyone feels that way. Some have come to a Friday night service and no one said hello. Others have attended a temple event or were just waiting for someone in the hallway, and no one acknowledged them. If each of us considers ourselves ambassadors of The Woodlands Way, if we’re the ones to say hello, it’s a pretty sure bet folks will feel welcome. Woodlands is a warm, welcoming, open and embracing community ... when we’re the ones to make it that way.

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50th BBQ Grilling Team Outstanding in their Field

The Simkha Page

The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of

B’nai Mitzvah Gabriel Sipe September 9 Torah Portion Shoftim Hebrew Name Gavriel

Jacob Friedman September 24 Torah Portion Kee Tavo Hebrew Name Yaakov Yisrael

September 17

Deborah Glinkenhouse mother of Ross Glinkenhouse

Hebrew Name Elya Rakhamim

Arnold Gottlieb uncle of Trudy Holand

Mazal Tov to...

Karen Golden and Kirk Sipe, as their son, Gabriel, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Leora Cohen Friedman and Jonathan Friedman, as their son, Jacob, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Rori and John Burke, as their son, Jack, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Liz and Mark Rauchwerger on the marriage of their daughter Jamie Glazer to Sam Wiener.

Todah Rabbah (thank you) to...

Lisa Linn and Jenna Lebowich for creating a warm and welcoming Taste of Woodlands for our prospective members.

David Bertan and his grillers – Freddie Dorn, Mitch Klein, Mark Fox and Jay Werner – Lois Izes and Karen Ponce for their work in the kitchen, Debbie Bertan and Juli Klein for their back and forth to the kitchen, and Natalie Werner for collecting the money. To all the kids who helped shlep food back and forth from the kitchen and all the members who gave a hand to make the ShaBBQ evening magical.

Harriet Cohen mother of Alan Cohen

Bernard Glasser father of Dale Glasser

Torah Portion Kee Taytzay

Jen Tower for putting together a beautiful Confirmation Oneg.

Janice W. Cerra mother of Elizabeth Barnhard

Gloria Falk wife of Bill Falk z”l

Jack Burke

Irv and Angela Adler for arranging a Ramadan dinner and learning program with the Turkish Cultural Center.

Robert Brickman father of Lee Brickman

Joan Farber and Angela Adler, our cochairs of Knitting and Crocheting for working with Engage and helping run Engage Jewish Service Corp Knitting and Crocheting.

Stu Berlowitz for donating his mother’s mah jongg set to the WCT Mah Jongg group.

David Griff, Mickey Milbauer and Nancy Brown for your eagle eyes in helping proof our newest prayerbook.

Ellen Shapiro for designing the cover of our newest prayerbook.

Melanie Roher, Sue Ann Sprague and Adam Lein for putting the finishing touches on the layout of our newest prayerbook.

Jerome Green father of Fred Green Eva Kantrowitz mother of Audrey Kaplan Marilyn Margolis cousin of Joel Chernoff Joan Meltzer mother of Steven Meltzer Solomon Stark father of Jane Stark-Berger HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning.

Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.

Build My Own Sukkah?!

Building a sukkah at home can make Sukkot exciting and hands-on for young and old alike. It’s really not so complicated.

And many sukkah-builders involve their friends, relatives, and even the entire neighborhood in the fun. Sukkot this year begins Sunday evening, October 16 (and tradition has us return home from Yom Kippur services to begin building). Why not let us show you “The Sukkah Project” and other ideas about how to make your own sukkah? Email Rabbi Billy for details.

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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

September 11, 2001 Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.

Memorial Garden Wall Inscribe Your Loved One’s Name Twice a year, Woodlands adds names to our beautiful outdoor Memorial Garden Wall (just outside the sanctuary on the other side of the Ark) and dedicates them during a Yizkor Memorial Service. The fall dedication will be held during Yizkor on the last day of Sukkot (Monday, October 24 at 9:00 am).

Please visit wct.org/memorialwall if you wish to have names inscribed on our Memorial Garden Wall in time for the Sukkot dedication, and supply the information requested there – not later than Friday, October 7.

The price for inscription is $800 per name. Space may be reserved on the Wall for future inscriptions with full, advance payment. All names (whether they are to be inscribed or reserved) should be submitted at the time of reservation. This allows the engravers to allocate appropriate space for future inscriptions.

Zekher tzadik livrakha ... their memories are for a blessing.

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In memory of Manny Feldman, uncle of Rabbi Billy Dreskin, from David and Dayle Fligel.

Thank you for officiating the funeral of my husband, Martin Shore, from Lee Shore.

Thank you for a lovely babynaming service for Isabel and Penelope, from Meryl Lewis.

In memory of Sylvia Nadel Olnick, beloved aunt of Toby Feinberg, from Linda Lucks.

In appreciation of Rabbi Billy naming our grandaughter, Scarlett Isabel, daughter of Tracy and Evan Tyler, from Lenny and Marsha Green.

In honor of Danielle Arbore becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Tony and Bonni Arbore.

In honor of Daniel Hammer’s 90th birthday, from Linda Lucks and family.

In memory of Max Leicht, father of Nelson Leicht, from Nelson and Jackie Leicht.

In memory of Anna Leicht, mother of Nelson Leicht, from Nelson and Jackie Leicht.

Thank you for making our second wedding a truly blessed day, from Mitch and Juli Klein.

Thank you for officiating the funeral of our father, Solomon Stark, from Jane Stark Berger and Ronni Greenberg.

In appreciation of Rabbi Billy for officiating our marriage, from Gabriel and Ashley Foguel.

Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah Fund In honor of Rabbi Mara receiving the JCC on the Hudson’s “Leadership of the Future” award, from Larry and Yvette Gralla.

In appreciation of Rabbi Mara’s Shavuot blessing of our grandchildren, Max Henry, son of Nika and David Green, and Scarlett Isabel, daughter of Tracy and Evan Tyler, from Lenny and Marsha Green.

In memory of Dora Cooke, mother of Jackie Leicht, from Nelson and Jackie Leicht.

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund In honor of Danielle Arbore becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Tony and Bonni Arbore.

Chai Fund In memory of Gloria Falk, from Bob and Jane Steinhardt.

In memory of Gloria Falk, from Ed and Dotty Miller.

In memory of Gloria Falk, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz.

In memory of Ruth Berlowitz, mother of Stu Berlowitz, from Jay and Lois Izes.

In memory of Janice W. Cerra, mother of Elizabeth Barnhard, from Ed and Dotty Miller.

In memory of Robert Brickman, father of Lee Brickman, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz, Lee and Nanci Brickman, Andy and Joan Farber, David and Dayle Fligel, Corey Friedlander, Charles and Carol Kessler, Eric Nussbaum, Harold Potischman, Jon Richer and Lisa Sacks, Mark and Debbie Weiss, Steven and Mindie Zisser.

In memory of Barry Fishman, brother of Chuck Fishman, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz, Leslie Bloom, Andy and Joan Farber, David and Dayle Fligel, Lenny and Marsha Green, Jay and Lois Izes, Michael and Jenna Lebowich, Don and June Moskovitz, Marge Thrope.

In memory of Donald Weiner, father of Ellen Bloom, from Scott and Susan Matluck.

In memory of Deborah Glinkenhouse, mother of Ross Glinkenhouse, from Don and June Moskovitz.

In memory of Deborah Glinkenhouse, mother of Ross Glinkenhouse, from Larry and Yvette Gralla.

In appreciation of Cantor Jonathan for the Torah help, from Mickey Milbauer.

In memory of Martin Shore, father of Cathy Sirotin, from David and Dayle Fligel.

In memory of Jordan Barash, father of Rori Burke, from David and Dayle Fligel.

In memory of Bernard Glasser, father of Dale Glasser, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz.

In memory of Bernard Glasser, father of Dale Glasser, from David and Dayle Fligel.

In memory of Jerome Green, father of Fred Green, from David and Dayle Fligel.

In memory of Eva Kantrowitz, mother of Audrey Kaplan, from David and Dayle Fligel.

In memory of Harriet Cohen, mother of Alan Cohen, from Benjamin and Lauren Levitt.

In honor of Zachary Montague graduating from Academy and Jonathan Montague becoming a Confirmand, from Mark and Michele Montague.

In memory of Lawrence Ruben, from Irwin Miller and Barbara Gordon.

Donations, continued Rabbinic Intern Fund

Music Fund

In honor of the Ordination of Rabbi Miriam Farber Wahnberg, daughter of Andy and Joan Farber, from Andy and Joan Farber.

In memory of Barry Fishman, brother of Chuck Fishman, from Sandra Taryle.

Social Action Fund In memory of Janice W. Cerra, mother of Elizabeth Barnhard, from Andy and Joan Farber.

In honor of Allison Stein on her graduation, from Lloyd and Roberta Roos.

In honor of Emma Stein on her graduation, from Lloyd and Roberta Roos.

In appreciation of Rabbi Lisa for tutoring Danielle Arbore, from Tony and Bonni Arbore.

Education Enrichment Fund In honor of Danielle Arbore becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Tony and Bonni Arbore.

Special Education Fund In memory of Janice W. Cerra, mother of Elizabeth Barnhard, from David and Dayle Fligel.

In memory of Helen Harper, mother of Emily Harper, from Linda Solomon.

Special Needs Fund In memory of Harriet Cohen, mother of Alan Cohen, from David and Dayle Fligel.

In memory of Janice W. Cerra, mother of Elizabeth Barnhard, from David and Dayle Fligel.

Education and Youth Activity Fund In memory of Deborah Glinkenhouse, mother of Ross Glinkenhouse, from David and Dayle Fligel.

In memory of Jerome Green, father of Fred Green, from Corey Friedlander.

Daytime Diversions Fund In memory of Gloria Falk, from Barry and Judy Kessler.

In memory of Gloria Falk, from David and Dayle Fligel.

In memory of Gloria Falk, from Bob and Penny Apter.

In memory of Gloria Falk, from Larry and Yvette Gralla.

Geraldine and Gerald Weinberger Lifelong Learning Fund In memory of Gloria Falk, from Kenneth and Judith Beaman.

In memory of Gloria Falk, from Gerry Weinberger.

In memory of Alex Neuberger, husband of Hope Neuberger, from Gerry Weinberger.

Library Fund In honor of Yvette and Larry Gralla’s new home, from David and Renee Doynow.

Jonah Maccabee Fund In memory of Gloria Falk, from Mort and Susan Aron, Robert and Selena Barron, Murray and Jeanne Bodin, Lee and Nanci Brickman, Martin and Miriam Cohen, Martin Cooper and Debra Hurwitz Cooper, Lois Diamond, Billy and Ellen Dreskin, Jack Falk, Lee and Andrea Falk, Andy and Joan Farber, Felsher Family, Corey Friedlander, Joan Fuhrman, Glasser Family, David Griff and Roni Beth Tower, Jennifer and Rita Grayson, Erwin and Susan Grill, Jay and Lois Izes, Myron Katz, Charles and Carol Kessler, Harriet Kohn, Michael and Jenna Lebowich, Barry and Laurie Leibowitz, Nelson and Jackie Leicht, Howie and Nancy Levine, Mickey Milbauer, Don and June Moskovitz, Richard and Jill Newhouse, Rochelle Novins, Phyllis Opochinsky, Jim and Debbie Pollowitz, Rav Julius Rabinowitz and Ellen Shapiro, Jon Richer and Lisa Sacks, Lloyd and Roberta Roos, Ellen Rosenwald, Mark and Marjory Selig, Jesse Seligson and Nancy Gladstone, Amy Stein, Eileen Spielman, Joel Spielman, Dick and Sheila Sweet, Marge Thrope, Jonathan and Shari Turell, Max and Sandy Tuchman, Gary and Elizabeth Vosburg, Andrew and Michele Wise, Zachary Withers, Randi Silverberg’s photo interns.

In memory of Manual Feldman, uncle of Rabbi Billy Dreskin, from Don and June Moskovitz.

In honor of our daughter Leah’s recovery and our 53rd wedding anniversary, from Dick and Sheila Sweet.

In memory of Laura Allen, sister of Debbie Pollowitz, from Jim and Debbie Pollowitz.

Mishkan Hanefesh Prayerbook Fund In memory of Gloria Falk, from Chuck, Nancy, Alexa and Kimberly Fishman.

In memory of Bernard Glasser, father of Dale Glasser, from Chuck, Nancy, Alexa and Kimberly Fishman.

Domestic Abuse Task Force Fund In memory of Rebecca Furie, mother of Nicole Lesser, from Lew, Judy and Amy Stiefel.

The Judaica Shop at Woodlands has been busy – we’ve been shopping!

We’re bringing in new merchandise from old and new artists so you make us your first stop for gifts for all your special life cycle, holiday and everyday Jewish living.

We carry Shabbat candlesticks, challah plates, knives and covers; mezzuzot and Kosher scrolls; Jewish art, home and baby blessings and our new “Kidz Korner” were a big success bringing ageappropriate Jewish crafts, plush and jewelry to our congregants.

September marks The Judaica Shop at Woodlands’ Annual September Surprise Sale. Choose a sealed ticket and win 10, 15, 20 or 25 percent off your purchase! Sale runs from Sun, Sep 11 through Wed, Sep 28. (Take advantage of great prices on tabletop and hostess gifts perfect for High Holy Days celebrations.)

The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is open, by request, every day the temple office is staffed. Evening and weekend hours are noted in the weekly temple email.

Have questions? A special request? Email us at JudaicaShop@wct.org.The Judaica Shop at Woodlands…your neighborhood shop for gift giving…and getting!

www.wct.org

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Jews & Muslims Share a Ramadan Meal @ WCT

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n June, Woodlands hosted our Muslim neighbors from the Turkish Cultural Center (TCC) for an Iftar dinner – the meal that breaks each day’s fast during Ramadan. Around 80 people attended from Woodlands and TCC and, following the traditional Muslim call to prayer, we shared delicious food, both their cuisine and ours. In addition, we heard presentations by Prof. Hasan Arslan of TCC and Rabbi Billy on aspects of Islam and Reform Judaism. As we sat together at tables in our sanctuary, we were able to engage in dozens of lively conversations with our new friends, learning more about each other’s religions, cultures and lives here in the U.S. The Iftar dinner was part of Woodlands’ continuing outreach to other faith communities in our area. In the coming year, we plan to expand these efforts: we’ll be arranging educational opportunities with TCC, and we’ll also be setting up a new task force at Woodlands to expand our interactions with other Muslim and Christian houses of worship in Westchester and nearby.

Stay tuned for announcements on all of these activities.

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A proud vendor of Woodlands Community Temple

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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

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current resident or:

DATED M ATERIAL- DO NOT DEL AY

Jubilant Reflections WCT Members Gaze Across 50 Years

Estelle and Imogene Winkleman: The 00s

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n a hot summer night in 2004, our family walked through the doors of Woodlands Community Temple for the first time.

We were immediately welcomed in, taught the “Woodlands Way,” and found ourselves sitting on the floor in conversation with Woodlands kids. Although we were only 11 years old at the time, we knew we had encountered something special: a community where everyone helped out and cared for each other, where temple leadership encouraged the question marks most shied away from, where we would find a world of opportunities, and where our personal and spiritual development would be actively nurtured. Though we didn’t know it then, we had found a place that would become a second home.

Over the next six years, through middle and high school, we continued walking through the doors of WCT – every Wednesday and Sunday for religious school, and then every Monday night for Academy – and we began to define what Judaism meant for us: community, acceptance, social action, and critical engagement with the world around us.

Along with our teachers and peers, we discussed our role on issues ranging from the genocide in Darfur to hunger and homelessness in our local communities, grappled with our definition of God, celebrated countless holidays and milestones and, of course, ate plenty of pizza.

own, writing the curriculum, learning to dissect gender and teach younger girls to do the same, and creating a new Rosh Hodesh program that has lived on at Woodlands for years.

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t was inside the doors of WCT that we honed our leadership skills and self-identity. With Ross’ (former Youth Director, Ross Glinkenhouse) encouragement and support, we ran for WoodSY board, wrote and led programs for our peers on topics including climate change, gay marriage, conflict minerals, and civil rights. One of us organized a monthly “sandwich brigade,” through which Woodlands teens provided food to Westchester’s hungry, put together car washes and bake sales, and developed relationships with local immigration clinics and domestic violence shelters. The other discovered a passion for girls’ empowerment, taking on a volunteer role in our Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing program, and, with Harriet’s (former educator, Harriet Levine) enthusiastic encouragement, began to lead the classes on her

o matter what we dreamt up, Ross and Harriet helped us make it happen. No idea was too big or too small; all that mattered was our vision, its connection to our Jewish values, and our contribution to this community. As high schoolers, this provided a sense of purpose, confidence, and respect we would have been hardpressed to find anywhere else.

Growing up at Woodlands in the 2000s gave us the confidence to walk through any door we choose, to build community wherever we find it, and to never stop asking questions.

Estelle and Imogene Winkleman’s family joined WCT in 2004. Estelle now works in corporate social responsibility, which allows her to put the commitment to social action she developed at WCT to good use every day. Imogene works at the Union for Reform Judaism as the NFTY-NY Area Regional Advisor, will serve on the Unit Head Team at Crane Lake Camp in Summer 2017, and volunteers with NOW-NYC’s Activist Alliance.