WCT Makom September 2015 by Woodlands Community Temple

the newsletter of woodlands community temple

September 2015 Elul 5775 - Tishrei 5776

Back to the Future

Our Woodlands Jubilee by Fran Smith

WCT’s Sukkot Barbecue has always been one of our community’s favorite holiday events. Always well-attended by young and old(er!) alike, we start with Sukkah decorating, come together for a Kabbalat Sukkot service, and then dine on grilled goodies with friends and temple “neighbors.”

The number 50 is a big deal in Judaism. The Torah mentions the Exodus 50 times. Day 50 marks the end of the counting of the Omer, the period between Passover and Shavuot. Year 50 marks the Jubilee, a year of special import in ancient Israel. And according to Jewish tradition, 50 symbolizes transcendence — the ability to enter a higher realm. That’s a lot to chew on as we begin Woodlands’ 50th anniversary. Plans are underway to mark our Jubilee year with all the energy and creativity it deserves. Our hard-working 50th anniversary chairs — Fran Weingast, Mitch Klein, Michele Montague and Faye Friedman — hope we’ll all join in planning and pulling off a year’s worth of memorable and meaningful events. “I want this to be about everybody,” Fran said. A milestone anniversary is a great time to look back — to laugh at the clothes we wore, replay the era’s music, and think about how we have “Jubilee” continued on page 2

Sukkot 2015: A 50th Feast of Booths!

l-r, Faye Friedman, Fran Weingast (on screen), Mitch Klein and Michele Montague

A New Prayerbook for a New Year by Rabbi Billy Dreskin Woodlands has purchased the Reform movement’s new High Holy Days makhzor, Mishkan HaNefesh. We’ll use it for the first time this September. Our previous makhzor, Gates of Repentance, has been with us since 1979 – a great run, but it’s time for new insights and new inspiration. Here’s what you’ll find in Mishkan HaNefesh. First, an abundance of new English readings, so many that we’ll rotate them annually to help keep things fresh. Second, the Hebrew prayers have new, thoughtful translations. Third, every Hebrew word is transliterated, broadening the inclusiveness of our services for those who do not yet read Hebrew. And fourth, footnotes and margin notes will strengthen our prayerbook literacy. “Prayerbook” continued on page 2

The Woodlands Community Temple Board of Trustees and its staff extend our sincerest wishes for a sweet, healthy and fulfilling Rosh Hashanah 5776 ... to you, your family and friends, and all humankind.

This year’s “50th Anniversary BBQ” (Sunday, 9/27 at 4:30pm) will include, during decorating time and during dinner, the return of last year’s immensely successful Activities Fair. Wander from table to table and learn about the multitude of vibrant, creative temple activities and committees – from social to social action, and educational to celebrational – and meet the folks who make it all happen. Then, if you like, sign up to get involved! While the fair is going on, you’re invited to pop over to the patio for family-friendly, interactive Sukkot activities and decorating in our “Golden 50th Anniversary Sukkah”! And then during dinner, in our Golden Anniversary Trivia Contest, you can test your knowledge of history, entertainment, sports, and culture across the five decades of Woodlands’ life! Compete for the honor of knowing the most about your decade among your WCT friends and neighbors. Sukkot 2015 will most definitely be a Sukkot celebration for everyone in our temple. Sign up online today at wct.org/sukkotbbq. Our 50th year is going to be a great one, especially if you’re here with us!

Our Woodlands Community

“Jubilee” continued from page 1

Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon cantor@wct.org Tara Levine, Director of Youth Engagement youth@wct.org

changed. But in the spirit of transcendence, 50 is also a wonderful opportunity to look ahead. In the coming months, there will also be conversations about our collective vision for Woodlands’ future. How will the temple sustain itself and grow? How will the values that guided its first half-century shape the next? What do we each want our legacy to be when Woodlands celebrates its centennial? To jumpstart the conversation, we posed these questions to three of our 50th chairs (Mitch was not available at press time).

Corey Friedlander, Sh'liakh K'hilah corey@wct.org

Fran Weingast Member since: 1967

Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org Rabbi Mara Young rabbimara@wct.org

Jason Fenster, Rabbinic Intern intern@wct.org

Executive Committee Dayle Fligel, President president@wct.org Rachel Wineberg, VP Education education@wct.org Bob Apter, VP Facilities facilities@wct.org Andy Farber, VP Finance finance@wct.org Nancy Fishman, 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 Aliza Burton Barry Leibowitz Dan Emery Lisa Linn Gloria Falk Lisa Sacks Yvette Gralla Steve Sagner Elka Klarsfeld Mike Scafidi Jenna Lebowich Michele Wise Stuart Berlowitz (ex-officio)

Office Staff Liz Rauchwerger, Office Coordinator liz@wct.org Michele Montague, Education Administrative Assistant michele@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 Art Director: Melanie Roher Design and Production: Kate Levy Advertising Director: Bob Apter

www.wct.org

We had just moved up to the area. I realized this sounded like the only kind of temple I might ever join, and if I didn’t join now and help it succeed and grow, it might not be there when I was ready to join. What this anniversary means: The experiment we were trying those many years ago has succeeded beyond what I could have expected. This is a live, growing entity with a multi-generational flavor. Hope for the future: That Woodlands continues to live up to what I see as its promise, to care not just about the immediate community but also the world around us. I would like to see us maintain our policy of turning nobody away for inability to pay. That has always been close to my heart.

Faye Friedman Member since: 1993. Married into Woodlands 22 years ago.

Why she’s excited about the anniversary: It’s a chance to look to the future and to get everyone involved, especially newer congregants. It’s about making sure we’re around for the next 50 years. Hope for the future: Whatever the secret sauce has been to sustain us, I don’t want to lose it. I hope we continue to grow and not dwindle as other temples have done.

Michele Montague Member since: 2003

Why she signed on as anniversary co-chair: Woodlands is an extension of our home. To be able to celebrate this milestone is really special. Hope for the future: Woodlands explores different ways of getting people involved, of staying modern and of bringing in young families. I hope it continues to be inclusive and welcoming of people from all kinds of backgrounds, and remains a place where everyone pitches in — around here, in our neighborhood, wherever there’s a need. Questions, ideas, want to help? Email wct50th@wct.org. “Prayerbook” continued from page 1 The new English readings will provide creative and heart-felt interpretations to renew and reinvigorate the power of our ancient prayers. And since there are far too many to read in any one service, you’re invited to wander through this garden of prose, and discover new ways to understand old words. Of special note: Rosh Hashanah Morning and Yom Kippur Yizkor have been modified. The shofar service has been split into three parts, spread throughout Rosh Hashanah Morning. The Yizkor service now contains seven sections punctuated by the lighting of seven candles. Candles are powerful eliciters of memory, and “seven” signifies fullness and completeness. During Yizkor, we strive for a wholeness that comes from integrating into our lives the deaths of people we love. A new prayerbook is exciting and challenging. We’ll have lots of adjustments to make, but we’ll make them together, commingling the fresh experiences of a new era with the venerable traditions of our past. This is what Woodlands has always been about and we look forward to sharing this new adventure with you. Please consider purchasing bookplates for Mishkan HaNefesh to honor and remember loved ones. Your donation of $36 is acknowledged by an inscription inside the front cover and will cover the cost of one book. Visit wct.org/bookplate to participate. Bookplates previously purchased for Gates of Repentance will be transferred, by request, into the new makhzorim. Contact the office.

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 Kee Tavo

Deut 26:1 - 29:8 ... Isa 60:1-22 Fri, Sep 4 Outdoor Shabbat at 8:00 pm Our final patio service for the season. Babynaming tonight of Harris Dylan Levy, son of Tara and Eric Levy. The 21st day of Elul, nine days until Rosh Hashanah. Sat, Sep 5 No 10:30 service today. Ask for Kaddish to be recited at Hevra Torah (9:15 am). Selihot Sat, Sep 5 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.

Shabbat Nitzavim

Deut 29:9 - 30:20 ... Isa 61:10 - 63:9 Fri, Sep 11 A Taste of Woodlands at 5:30 pm Show off your temple! Bring a friend to meet our clergy, staff and leadership. Mishpakha Shabbat at 7:00 pm 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. Come meet Tara Levine, our new Director of Youth Engagement. Rabbinical student and temple member Lisa Sacks will speak about the events of 9/11. Sat, Sep 12 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Lily Maniscalco, daughter of Karen Bernard and Tom Maniscalco, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.

Rosh Hashanah 5776 schedule on page 6

Shabbat Veyelekh

Deut 31:1-30 ... Hos 14:2-10, Mic 7:18-20, Joel 2:15-27 Fri, Sep 18 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. Shabbat Shuvah tonight – the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur offer time to continue reflecting on the purpose and direction of our lives. Special welcome this evening to our 3rd grade families!

Reintroducing “Simply Shabbat” 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 does just that. The clergy lead a simple Shabbat service, with familiar Jewish melodies, perhaps a Torah reading or a discussion, and the beauty of spending Shabbat with our beloved Woodlands community. Our first “Simply Shabbat” this year will take place at 8:00 pm on Fri, Sep 25. Come join us!

Sat, Sep 19 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Kate Weber, daughter of Monica and Adam Weber, granddaughter of Joan and Carl Weber, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.

Yom Kippur 5776 schedule on page 6

Shabbat Ha’azinu

Deut 32:1-52 ... II Sam 22:1-51 Fri, Sep 25 Simply Shabbat at 8:00 pm A quiet evening with your clergy. Familiar melodies and familiar prayers to bring us all together. Sat, Sep 26 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Jack Rosen, son of Laurie Rosen and David Rosen, grandson of Phyllis Opochinsky, becomes a Bar Mitzvah. •••••••• Babysitting at 8 p.m. Shabbat services is provided by teens from our religious school. Babysitting will be available on Sep 12, Sep 19, and Sep 26. No charge; no advance notice is required.

Hevra Torah Learning: Saturdays, 9:15-10:15 am There’s abundant room around our table. Drop by once or often, we’d love to have you join our lively conversation. In the Meeting Room or Library.

Sep 5: Parashat Kee Tavo Facilitated by Harriet Levine

Sep 19: Parashat Vayelekh Facilitated by Rabbi Joan Glazer Farber

Sep 12: Parashat Nitzavim Facilitated by Rabbi Lisa Izes

Sep 25: Parashat Ha’azinu Facilitated by Rabbi Joan Glazer Farber

Jammin’ Shabbat 5776! 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 5776 (2015-16): Fri, Oct 2 • Fri, Nov 13 • Fri, Dec 18 Fri, Jan 8 • Fri, Feb 5 • Fri, Apr 8 • Fri, Jun 10 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

5776

High Holy Days at Woodlands 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.

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, Sep 14, 10 am). • For all ACADEMY STUDENTS and WOODSY MEMBERS ... Yom Kippur Morning (Wed, Sep 23, 10 am).

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.

the-box High Holy Days experiences. Always a highlight of the year, it’s also the official kick-off of Academy, 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!

Family Services for the High Holy Days Rosh Hashanah Day Family Service (parents & school-age children)

... 2:30-3:45 pm

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

Young Family Service

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

We’ll walk from WCT to St. Joe’s Church.

• If you’d like to transfer an old plate from Gates of Repentance into Mishkan HaNefesh, contact the temple office.

(parents & school-age children)

(parents & pre-school-age children)

... 1:45-3:00 pm

Young Family Service (parents & pre-school-age children)

Neilah

(for everyone)

... 2:15-3:00 pm

... 5:30-6:30 pm

• Order online at wct.org/bookplate.

Your Tallit’s Nightlife For Teens, By Teens Rosh Hashanah Evening Sun, Sep 13 at 8:00 pm Kol Nidre - Tue, Sep 22 at 8:00 pm All WCT 8th-12th graders are invited to be a part of our interactive, out-of-

www.wct.org

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. You’re welcome to come in with your kids at any time.

... 3:00-3:45 pm

Tashlikh (for everyone) ... 4:00-4:45 Yom Kippur Day Family Service

Bring Your Kids Back for Neilah

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.

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.

Yom Kippur Afternoon Learning

Parking for the High Holy Days

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 wonderful learning opportunities that you’ll really enjoy:

“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 La, Biltom Rd and Drake Rd, but not Whitehouse Rd. 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.

1) Immediately following our morning service, join us in the Sanctuary for an hour’s presentation and discussion with Arielle Gingold, Associate Director of Bend the Arc, an organization that engages Jewish men, women and communities throughout the United States in creating economic opportunity and promoting social justice. Arielle represents Bend the Arc on Capitol Hill, to the Administration, and in diverse coalitions on issues ranging from voting rights to immigration reform and promoting LGBT equality. 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 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.

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.

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, Sep 14 at 5:00 pm

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. 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.

The Midnight Mystery of Selihot Sat, Sep 5 at 10:00 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. We begin at 10:00 pm, when we’ll gather together 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.

After the big services of Rosh Hashanah, would you value a quiet hour that’s more reflective, more inwardly 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

www.wct.org

5776

High Holy Days at Woodlands

High Holy Days Schedule 5776 Selihot

Sukkot Evening

Sat, Sep 5 Service ... 10:00 p.m.

Sun, Sep 27 Golden Sukkah Activities Fair & Sukkah Decoration ... 4:30 p.m. Kabbalat Sukkot Service ... 5:30 p.m. Sukkot BBQ, Activities Fair & Golden Trivia Contest! ... 6:00 pm

Rosh Hashanah Evening Sun, Sep 13 Evening Service ... 8:00 p.m. Teen Service (Grades 8-12) ... 8:00 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day 1 Mon, Sep 14 Morning Service ... 10:00 a.m. Family Service (parents & school-age children)... 2:30-3:45 p.m. Young Family Service (parents & pre-school-age children) ... 3:00-3:45 p.m. Tashlikh ... 4:00 p.m. Service of Healing and Renewal ... 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Day 2 Tue, Sep 15 Morning Service ... 10:00 a.m.

Shabbat Shuvah Fri, Sep 18 A Joyful Noise! ... 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.

Sukkot Day Mon, Sep 28 Sukkot Learning with Rabbi Billy ... 8:30-10:00 a.m.

Simkhat Torah Evening Sun, Oct 4 Cong’l Simkhat Torah Celebration ... 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Simkhat Torah Day Mon, Oct 5 Yizkor ... 9:00 a.m. Consecration Service ... 10:30 a.m.

Tashlikh – Rosh Hashanah Afternoon At 4:00 pm on Rosh Hashanah afternoon (Mon, Sep 14), 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 5776. Special invitation: If you have a shofar, bring it. At Tashlikh, everyone is welcome to sound the calls.

Kol Nidre Tue, Sep 22 Evening Service ... 8:00 p.m. Teen Experience (Grades 8-12) ... 8:00 p.m.

Yom Kippur Day Wed, Sep 23 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

www.wct.org

Ushering for High Holy Days Is Open to All! 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 Steve Zizmor (ziz1234@aol.com) or Alison Harris (alisonkharris@yahoo.com).

September Happenings and Beyond A Rewarding Evening: “Taste of Woodlands” Shabbat Fri, Sep 11 “Membership has its rewards.” Once the defining tagline for a credit card, the WCT Membership Committee thinks the phrase speaks to what it means to belong to our temple. Visiting can be a wonderful experience; belonging is something else entirely. We hope you’ll consider bringing a friend, interested in learning more about Woodlands, to our Prospective Member “Taste of Woodlands” on Fri, Sep 11. Our professional staff, lay leaders and Membership Committee will be onhand to talk about why Woodlands is so special. The evening begins at 5:30 pm, followed by a festive pre-Shabbat dinner at 6:00 pm and Mishpakha Shabbat at 7:00 pm. Reservations for dinner are essential (sign-up at wct.org/mishpakha). Membership at Woodlands definitely has its rewards. Bring a friend to “A Taste of Woodlands” on Fri, Sep 11 so they can share in those rewards too! Please join us at our famous annual

50th Anniversary Sukkot BBQ Sun, Sep 27, 4:30-8:00 pm A holiday celebration for the whole congregation! 4:30 Golden Sukkah Activities Fair and Family Decorating 5:30 Kabbalat Sukkot Service (a 30-minute musical, visual worship for young and old) 6:00 Sukkot BBQ, Activities Fair and Golden Anniversary Trivia Contest Through Wed, Sep 23: adults $15, children $7, families $30 On or after Thu, Sep 24: adults $20, children $10, families $40 Please 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.

Sukkot Learning in the Sukkah Mon, Sep 28, 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 Billy.

Simkhat Torah!! Our annual celebration of Torah and Jewish learning Sun, Oct 4, 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 greatgrandparents to grand infants — as we sing, dance and celebrate with our Torah ... the Woodlands way!

Community Trip to the 9/11 Memorial with Rabbis Billy & Mara Sun, Oct 18, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm Fourteen years after the September 11 attacks, our community is still trying to make sense of the tragedy. Join Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara and your Woodlands family and friends on a trip to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in lower Manhattan. We will tour the museum, visit the reflecting pools, and spend some time remembering together. Transportation will be provided. Lunch will be on your own in the area. Cost (includes transportation and admission): adults $36, seniors $30, youth $15. RSVP by Tue, Oct 6 at wct.org/911Memorial. This trip is generously supported by the Geraldine and Gerald Weinberger Lifelong Learning Fund.

And We’ve Got to Get Ourselves Back to the Garden ... of Eden Rav Julius Rabinowitz What is Midrash? It’s not simply a way of interpreting the Bible. Rather, its goal is commentary on life, and to provide inspirations of human spirit. In short, it teaches us how to live – in the time of the rabbis nearly 2000 years ago, and today as well! We’ll spend eight Monday nights examining a second account of Creation and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Among the “newly uncovered”

Biblical secrets: “Adam’s sin—not so bad after all!” Or, “Eve—a lot smarter than we give her credit for!” Begins Mon, Oct 19, 8:10-9:40 pm.

Mayim Film Series 3 Weds beginning Oct 14, 7:30-9:30 pm Stimulating subjects on film with engaging conversation afterward. Presented at WCT by the Rivertowns Jewish Consortium.

Talmud with Rabbi Billy 5 Thurs, Oct 1-29, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm The Talmud is a doorway into selfdiscovery. 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 lifechanging. Contact the office (wct@wct. org) to register. Hope to see you there! Save the date!

A Remarkable Scholar-inResidence Weekend Fri-Sun, Nov 20-22 Is Judaism a religion or a nationality? Much has been said over the years about that perplexing question. Let’s dig deeper together. Join us as Professor Leora Batnitzky (Professor of Jewish Studies and of Religion, Princeton University) presents “How Judaism Became a Religion.” Three opportunities over the weekend to learn from an eminent scholar, a leader in her field.

www.wct.org

from the

Rabbi

from the

Cantor

Pondering the Genesis of WCT

The Year Ahead

It’s difficult to say when Woodlands was born. When the papers of incorporation were signed on November 10, 1966? During our first Shabbat service on September 9, 1966? Or when the first group gathered on August 11, 1966, to just discuss starting a temple? We may never know the answer but thank God these events happened! For fifty years Woodlands has been at it, teaching us our heritage, celebrating our lives, supporting one another in tough times, and challenging us to bring blessing into a troubled world. How lucky we are to be part of this kehilah kedoshah, this holy community! With the guidance of 23 presidents, 10 rabbis, 7 cantors, 8 school directors and 4 youth directors, Woodlands has traversed a jubilee of years. For five decades, we have lovingly labored side-by-side to nurture one of the sweetest synagogues around. How proud we can all be! Did you know that a geometric figure with 50 sides is called a pentacontagon? Did you know the 50 sides of a pentacontagon make it more or less indistinguishable from a full circle? Over the past half-century, Woodlands has become a very special community that brings spiritual fullness into Jewish lives. Throughout the coming year, we’ll be celebrating those 50 years and thinking about the next 50 just ahead. There have certainly been, and always will be, bumps in the road, but there is a fullness, a wholeness, to Woodlands that enriches us all. For that, it’s now time to celebrate! L’shana tovah,

ow summer makes its stealthy exit, even as life at Woodlands gears up in its usual energetic hum. In this, our 50th anniversary year, we will look at ourselves with a special eye. How do we compare to the Woodlands of 1965? What has happened in the world over the last half century? How do our activities prepare the way for the next 50? After all, a good farmer not only gathers, but also plants. Future harvests depend on what we do today. One Hebrew word that equals the number 50 in gematria is mi- meaning “who.” At age 50 it seems to be appropriate to ask who we are, and more importantly, who we wish to become. Our sages wrote “Who is truly wise? The one who sees what is being born.” It is hard to see how the actions we take today will create the bridge to a new future. When we look over the past half century, though, it is clear that our actions do in fact create the future. I look forward to a year of invigoration and imagination! We’ll do new music in choir and in services, begin some few group hootenannies for singers and players, read new books from the heart of Jewish literature; we’ll study, teach and celebrate together. One of the wonderful things about Jewish life is that we never live entirely in the present. We honor and redeem the past as we retain our cultural materials. We prepare and nurture the future as we educate ourselves and our community. As we celebrate and live with passion in our religious life every day. L’shanah Tova- to a good and sweet 50th year for us all.

from the president

50 Years, 100s of Ways to Get Involved

appy 50th anniversary, Woodlands Community Temple! Get ready for a year of celebration, a year of reflection, a year of visioning and dreaming! As we welcome 5776, I look forward to the beginning of my presidency. I’m excited about the prospect of working with each member of Woodlands throughout the coming year. I challenge you to figure out how you’d like to get involved. Whether you participate in an activity you’ve never done, join that committee you’ve always wanted to join, or come to one of our many services, I urge you to do what you find meaningful.

www.wct.org

Just c’mon over. And let me know what you’re doing. I always want to hear from you. Why not make our 50th year the year you become an involved member, a more active participant in the Woodlands community? I’ve been at WCT for nineteen years and have always felt part of a great family – your family. See you soon!

from the of

From the Director Youth Engagement

Director

C o n g r e g at i o n a l

Learning

50 Gates

With Both Feet in the Door

love coming back during the High Holy Days season. This is not just the 10 days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, though. The High Holy Days season begins on the first day of Elul (this year, it was August 16) and continues through (traditionally speaking) the final day of Sukkot (known as Hoshana Rabba). The season is exactly fifty days long. 50 days of teshuvah, of turning into version 2.0 of ourselves. Upgraded. 50 is a significant Jewish number. One example: In Jewish mystical thought, there are “50 gates of understanding” that we pass through on a quest to understand the meaning of God’s creation and the true power of the Divine. But alas, we can’t actually get through the final, fiftieth level of understanding. That mysterious world is meant for God. Yet the 50 days of the High Holy Days send us a subtle signal that the journey is still worth it. None of us will ever be our most perfect, but we can return year after year, pass through gate after gate, on a mission to get as far as we can. At Woodlands, fifty does not mean we’ve found the way to be a perfect synagogue community. But certainly we have spent the last half century actively reflecting, innovating, and changing in order to come closer to it. This year is no exception. With fifty great years behind us, we can confidently, and courageously, push forward into the future. Woodlands version 2.0. Here we go!

from the

am ecstatic to write my first bulletin article, perhaps my first “official” order of business! For those of you I haven’t met, I’m Tara Levine and I am the incoming Director of Youth Engagement. I can’t wait to meet you and continue getting to know those I have met. If not before, you can expect to find me during the High Holy Days, especially Rosh Hashanah and Kol Nidre evenings where I will be helping with teen services. Also, mark your calendars for Mishpakha Shabbat on Fri, Sep 11, where we can worship and celebrate together and wish one another, “Shabbat Shalom.” If you’re a teen, plan to attend a special get-toknow-you brunch on Sat, Sep 12 at 11:30 am! I am grateful to begin my time at Woodlands at the onset of your 50th anniversary. When I attended services in the beginning of June, I witnessed everyone’s excitement about this important year, and I can’t wait to be part of it. Outside of the celebration, some of my goals for the year include increasing high school teens’ involvement in NFTY – the Reform movement’s national youth program, building even more communication among everyone involved with youth at WCT (teens, parents, other staff, etc), and continuing to strengthen the already amazing structure for programming and relationship-building that is in place for WoodSY and other youth engagement opportunities. I’m looking forward to moving in and meeting everybody. Thank you for already being extremely welcoming and helping me recognize how unbelievable and unique WCT is.

Rabbinic Intern

Ain’t That the Truth!

began 5775 (2014-15) with my first assignment as WCT’s Rabbinic Intern: to study Jonah with a group of 8th and 9th grade students. One of our best conversations came from the 5th, 6th and 7th words of the book: Yonah BenAmittai. The precocious students wanted to know exactly what Jonah’s name meant. We determined that Jonah is called “son of my truths.” They loved that, and I did too. And, what a great way to kick off my first year at Woodlands! In 5775, I had the opportunity to see lots of Woodlands’ truths: exploring Academy and Confirmation, participating in conversations with the Board, the Social Action Committee,

and experiencing Shabbat worship and holiday celebrations. More than anything else, I had the pleasure of building relationships with so many of you and learning (or at least starting to learn!) your truths. With 5776 and our celebration of WCT’s 50th anniversary around the corner, I’m looking forward to deepening my understandings of the many truths housed within Woodlands. I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to continue being a part of this community.

www.wct.org

A Reminder from Herb Friedman, 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 Herb Friedman at financialsecretary@wct.org or (914) 395-0304.

We Want You to Make “A Joyful Noise!”

From

the

Summer Rabbinic Intern

Hello, Goodbye & Thanks!

hank you for hosting me this summer! I loved getting to know your community through committee meetings, classes, Shabbat services, and oneon-one visits. I learned a tremendous amount from your sense of communal responsibility and have been in awe of the number and size of initiatives in the synagogue that are run and organized by you, the invested membership. Rabbi Billy’s passionate leadership was an incredible model and the chance to shadow him these past weeks offered a rare insight into the many facets of synagogue life. Additionally, I was privileged to have the opportunity to learn from Rabbi Mara and Cantor Jonathan at the start and end of my time here. Thank you to the many of you who invited me over for dinners throughout the summer and were incredibly hospitable. As I enter job placement this coming year, I will carry with me the amazing example and high standards set by Woodlands Community Temple! L’shana tova,

5 Fun Facts about Our New Director of Youth Engagement Come Meet Tara Levine on Fri, Sep 11 and Sat, Sep 12 A number of 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 (5776/2015-16): Fri, Sep 18 • Fri, Dec 4 • Fri, Jan 15 Fri, Mar 18 • Fri, Jun 3 “A Joyful Noise!” always draws a crowd. We’d love to see you there as well.

www.wct.org

1. She’s obsessed with sushi. 2. She can quote almost the entire movie, “Mean Girls.” 3. She studied abroad in London during her junior year of college. 4. She loves dogs, especially her sheltie, Oreo. 5. S he’s a Kelly Clarkson superfan: “I think she’s unbelievably talented and such a wonderful feminist.” We bet you just can’t wait to learn your own fun facts about Tara. She will be at services on Fri night, Sep 11. Have dinner with us at 6:00 pm and see why we’re so excited about the newest addition to our temple family! Dinner reservations at wct.org/mishpakha. If you’re a teen, we’re hosting a very special Shabbat morning brunch with Tara on Sat, Sep 12, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Parents, feel free to come around 12:15 pm and shmooze with Tara too. RSVP to school@wct.org.

URJ Biennial Convention Nov 4-8, 2015 • Orlando, FL

Registration is now open! Join us in Orlando, Florida, for learning, inspiring worship, networking, rousing entertainment and so much more. Featured speakers will include Nicholas Kristof, Ari Shavit and Letty Cottin Pogrebin. Performers will include Neshama Carlebach, Michelle Citrin, Alan Goodis, Billy Jonas, Josh Nelson, Dan Nichols, Chana Rothman, Julie Silver and more. Visit urj.org/biennial and find out what’s new this year and to register for earlybird incentives (thru Sep 10). Join our rabbis and temple leadership for an exciting five days, learning how to make Woodlands a better synagogue for us all, and have a great time in Orlando too!

The Simkha Page

Daytime Diversions

B’nai Mitzvah Lily Maniscalco

Kate Weber

September 12 Torah Portion Nitzavim Hebrew Name Leah bat Khaya

September 19 Torah Portion Vayeilekh Hebrew Name Rivkah bat Adam

Jack Rosen September 26 Torah Portion Ha’azinu Hebrew Name Hayyim Rav ben Etka Leah

Mazal Tov... Karen Barnard and Thomas Maniscalco as their daughter, Lily Maniscalco, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.

Gene O’Donovan, veteran NY theatre technician, on his 2015 Tony Award for Excellence in the Theatre.

Monica and Adam Weber, as their daughter, Kate Weber, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.

Ana Szyld-Bercovich and Sam Bercovich on the birth of Matias Jonah Bercovich.

Laurie Rosen and David Rosen, as their son, Jack Rosen, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah. Joan and Andy Farber on the birth of their grandson, Shai Lev Wajnberg, son of Miriam and Beni Wajnberg. Liz and Dan Mueller on the birth of their twins, Lily and Luke Mueller. Congratulations to big sister, Gabi, as well!

Maxine Howard and Steve Jacobs on the birth of a granddaughter, Avery Claire Austin, daughter of Robin and Paul Austin. Bonnie and Bob George on the birth of their seventh grandchild Eloise Byrd Neugeborn, daughter of Emily George Neugeborn and Ian Neugeborn.

Todah Rabbah (thank you) to... Juli and Mitchell Klein for arranging dinners hosted by temple members for our summer rabbinic intern. Phyllis Hirth for arranging Shabbat dinner with our neighbors from the First Community Church of the Nazarene. Melissa Wishner for such a beautiful and inspiring presentation on Nepal at the June 19 service. Everyone who helped with Ross’ sendoff: Nancy Brown, Aliza Burton, Lesli Cattan, Evalyn Cohen, Nancy Fishman,

Faye Friedman, Karen Golden, Juli Klein, Sandi Lieb-Geiger, Lisa Linn, Mark Montague, Michele Montague, Jenny Ottinger, Lisa Sacks Richer, Fern Richter, Marianne Ripin, Peter Rosenthal and Rochelle Stolzenberg. Our Kabbalat ShaBBQers: David Bertan, Andy Farber, Mark Fox, Juli Klein, Mitch Klein, Liz Knobler, Sue Lance, Lisa Linn, Mark Selig and Natalie Werner.

Welcome back to Daytime Diversions from an invigorating summer hiatus. We plan to provide you and community guests with a movie on the first Wednesday of each month, a speaker on the second Wednesday of each month, and a stimulating Current Events discussion on the third Wednesday of each month. We will meet at the temple from 10:00 am to approximately 11:45 am. We provide coffee/tea and doughnuts. We open the movie year on Wed, Sep 2, promptly at 10:00 am, with the awardwinning 1989 film, Driving Miss Daisy. It’s the story of an elderly Jewish widow (Jessica Tandy) living in Atlanta, who can no longer drive. Her son (Dan Aykroyd) insists she allow him to hire a driver, which in the 1950s meant a black man. After much resistance, Hoke (Morgan Freeman) is hired as her chauffeur. She refuses to allow him to drive her anywhere at first, but Hoke slowly wins her over with his native good graces. The film covers over 20 years of the pair’s life together as they slowly build a relationship that transcends their differences. Join us on Wed, Sep 9 at 10:00 am when we welcome back for the 6th year “The Guru of Laughter,” Joyce Saltman. Joyce comes to us by request, no, make that demand, of the Daytime Diversions faithful! Joyce is one of the funniest people we have ever met. She speaks all over the country on various topics, all with a humorous take. Although a professor at Southern Connecticut State University (she’s also very smart), she would probably have made a great living as a professional comedian. Joyce will speak to us about “Humor through the Ages,” and help us look at jokes for every stage of life. Her philosophy is that we need to see why we need to laugh, even as we lose our minds or eyesight. Join us for a morning of fun and learning with Joyce, who has been studying the topic since her birth in Brooklyn in 1943. Join us on Wed, Sep 16 at 10:00 am to participate in the ever-popular Current Events Discussion. We are led by, and have an agenda written by, Bob Steinhardt. However, he is open to suggestions: rfs323@gmail.com. We welcome your opinions, voices, and ideas.

www.wct.org

C o m m i t t e e R e p o rt s

Social Action The High Holy Days Food Van Bring a Box or Bag of Food on Yom Kippur

The Judaica Shop at Woodlands Committee had a busy summer shopping for unique, affordable Judaica art, jewelry and religious items. We are excited to announce big changes to the Gift Shop this year. We will be bringing in a wide range of Judaica items just for kids! Through fun art projects, plush toys, and holiday symbols you’ll bring more Judaica into your homes, foster your kids’ and grandkids’ Jewish identity and build their knowledge of Jewish holidays, traditions and worship. We’ll continue to carry gifts to welcome the new baby with Hebrew blessings, mezuzot, tzedakah boxes and picture frames.

Rosh Hashanah begins Sun, Sep 13, and The Judaica Shop at Woodlands has beautiful items for your or your host’s holiday table. Check out the apples-andhoney plates, challah plates and covers, serving pieces and more.

Yom Kippur Bone Marrow Testing This Yom Kippur, Woodlands joins the growing list of congregations testing bone marrow. The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism/Gift of Life Bone Marrow Registry began because registration of Jews used to be incredibly low – in the 1990’s a Jewish person had less than a 5% chance of finding a match. That number is now greater than 70%. But we must keep registering in the hope of saving more lives. Throughout the day of Yom Kippur, our testing booth will be open. Pop in when you like and have your cheek swabbed – it takes only a few minutes. There’s no better way to be inscribed for life! If you are 18-45 years old and in good health, you’re eligible. Joining the registry does not mean you will be a donor, but you’ll be a potential donor until your 61st birthday. If you are not eligible or do not wish to donate, consider making a monetary contribution to Woodlands Community Temple (designated for Gift of Life) to defray the cost of testing. Contact bonemarrow@wct.org with any questions.

Make a Difference in a Child’s Life – Become a Tutor

September 1-17 is our The Judaica Shop at Woodlands’ Annual September Surprise Sale. Choose a sealed ticket and win 10-25% off your in-stock purchase! 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 email blast. Shopping for something special? Have a question or suggestion? Email JudaicaShop@wct.org.

www.wct.org

Starting in September, Woodlands will partner with the First Community Church of the Nazarene to help area children succeed in school. Teachers, learning specialists and caring individuals are needed to work with one or two children on a consistent basis, establishing a relationship with the child and understanding his/her best method of learning. Tutors meet at FCCN (across Saw Mill River Road from WCT) on Saturday mornings from approximately 9:30 am to 12 noon. For more information, email Julie Stein at SocialAction@wct.org.

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). Questions, contact Sandi Lieb-Geiger at sandi.LG@gmail.com.

More Social Action Opportunities Coming this Fall The Breakfast Run – Join us to serve breakfast and provide clothing and toiletries to the homeless and working poor in NYC. Look for October dates in the weekly email. The Knitting and Crocheting group – By popular demand, we’re meeting more often. Sun, Oct 11, Nov 15, Dec 13, 3:00-5:00 pm. Blood Drive – Mark your calendar for Sun, Nov 15.

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

Adult Education Adult Education invites everyone to join us throughout 5776 as we strengthen our ties to our Jewish identity and our community. There is a place for everyone and our journey begins with the Mayim Film Series (Wed, Oct 14). Rabbi Billy and Rabbi Mara will lead a family trip to the 9/11 Museum on Sun, Oct 18 and Rav Julius Rabinowitz will again lead us in the amazing study of Midrash beginning Mon, Oct 19. On Fri-Sun, Nov 20-22, join Dr. Leora Batnitzky for the Scholar-in-Residence weekend (“How Judaism Became a Religion”). In December, Rabbi Billy will explore ancient Israel as we study “The First Book of Samuel,” and in January our Rabbinic Intern Jason Fenster will help us investigate Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). Our spring programs will enlighten us with kosher wine and cheese-tasting, and “Rock and Roll Meets the Torah.” For more details, check out Makom, the temple website, and our new adult ed brochure.

B’nai Binah: 2-Year Adult Learning Program Just for You! Time for you to engage in Jewish learning? Know very little and want to feel Jewishly literate? Want to dive deeper into what you learned long ago? Never officially became a Bar or Bat Mitzvah and have decided now is the time? Thinking about conversion and want to explore? B’nai Binah is for you! Sign-up is now, so don’t delay. Visit wct.org/bnaibinah. Classes begin Thu, Oct 1! B’nai Binah is a 2-year program of adult learning at Woodlands Community Temple. Class meets weekly on Thursdays 7:30-9:30 pm. This is a tremendous opportunity to learn about Judaism at an adult level, whether you feel like you know only a little and/or you want to deepen what you do know. We’ll explore Jewish history, ritual, and thought in a fun, creative atmosphere. Also, if you ever wanted to learn Hebrew, this is the time. We offer Hebrew for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced learners. This is also an excellent opportunity to deepen your friendships within our temple community.

B’nai Binah is taught by Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara, Cantor Jonathan, our rabbinic intern Jason Fenster, along with our top notch Hebrew team (Harriet Levine, Margot Serwer, and Rabbi Joan Glazer Farber). Tuition is $250 per year. Financial assistance is available; contact Rabbi Mara.

Ongoing Favorites Daytime Diversions, led by Gloria Falk. Each month a speaker, film, or current events (Wednesday mornings). Woodlands Singers with Cantor Jonathan (Wednesday evenings) Book Club, facilitated by Jeanne Bodin. Starts Wed, Oct 7. Harriet Levine’s Jewish Studies Discussions on Jewish Ethics and Wisdom starting Oct 1. (Wednesday mornings) Hebrew: Beginner, intermediate, advanced, and modern (Thursday evenings beginning Oct 1). Also this year, mentoring programs as needed for those who need a little extra help. Hevra Torah Learning (Saturday mornings). S’forim Forum with Cantor Jonathan (Saturday afternoon starting Oct 24).

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. We’re adding a mentoring program this year to make the learning process easier for everyone. For more information, contact Rabbi Mara.

Religious School Important Dates Due to the placement of Labor Day and Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the school year is going to look a little different than usual. Read below for details. If you have questions, be in touch with Rabbi Mara. • K-2nd grade ... Sat, Sep 12 • 1st grade … Although the first class is Sat, Sep 12, SAVE THIS ADDITIONAL SPECIAL DATE: Sat, Sep 19 for your “Getting Ready for Consecration” Family Program • 3rd grade … Begins on Shabbat with a special grade-level dinner! Fri, Sep 18 @ 6:00 pm – Dinner and “A Joyful Noise!” Shabbat Service (1st Sunday class ... Sep 20) • 4th-5th grades … Thu, Sep 10 • 6th-7th grades … Wed, Sep 9 • Academy: Special kick-off at the Rosh Hashanah Evening Teen Service on Sun, Sep 13 @ 8:00 pm, then our Opening BBQ ... Mon, Sep 21

Who’s That in the Parking Lot? Be advised: At the start of the religious school year there will be a traffic guard during peak traffic times to ensure everyone’s safety in our parking lot. Last year we experienced too many near collisions and arguments between those who obey the traffic rules and those who do not. Our traffic guard will be present at the start of the year so that we all get off on the right foot. It’s Rosh Hashana for our parking lot too! You can help by following these simple but non-negotiable rules: 1) No left turns into the lot during religious school hours; and, 2) Never enter through the exit. You may have to wait an extra minute or two, but you’ll do so knowing you are promoting the safety of your family and the entire WCT community.

www.wct.org

Donations Just Israel Community in Action by Corey Friedlander Bakehila (“In the Community”), known in English as JVP Community, is a social action program founded by Jerusalem Venture Partners in 2002 to empower children and parents in impoverished Jerusalem neighborhoods to be selfsustaining contributors to society. To date it has had an impact on more than 25,000 lives. Operating in eight Jewish and Arab neighborhoods, it runs enrichment programs in the schools, one-on-one tutoring for 150 children, 15 learningand-enrichment centers serving 750 kids, four youth clubs, individual mentoring, leadership training, volunteering programs, parental guidance and community events. Its goal, like that of many startups nurtured at JVP, is to achieve an exit: to turn over responsibility for its programs to the communities in which they operate. “Israeli society needs young people who have the vision and ambition to make society better,” says Yair Zaafrany, CEO of Bakehila. “As Gandhi said, a nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members. So we invest in them.”

September 11, 2001

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

Education Enrichment Fund

Thank you Rabbi Billy and in memory of Evelyn Gamsu, from Gail, John and Adam Hacker.

In memory of Bert Apter, from Marjorie Thrope.

Thank you Rabbi Billy and in honor of Alex Cohen becoming a Bar Mtizvah, from Matt and Karen Cohen.

Chai Fund

In celebration of our wedding, from Bruce Ginsberg and Rebecca Dulit. In honor of the naming of Stella Marie Ivy, granddaughter, from Marty and Marie Cohen. Many thanks to Rabbi Billy and in memory of Dorothy Kingston, from Michael Kingston and Paula Altneu. In memory of Kenneth Tuchman, from Joel and Arlene Taman. In memory of Bert Apter, from Shelley and David Jacobson. In memory of Anna Leicht, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht.

www.wct.org

In memory of Janet Jaffa, from Gralla/Chang Family, The Leibowitz Family, Evalyn Cohen and Jay Mendelson, and Judy and Lew Steifel. In memory of Bert Apter, from Gloria and Bill Falk, David and Dayle Fligel, Yvette and Larry Gralla, Nancy and David Milstein, Bob and Jane Steinhardt, and Sheila and Richard Sweet. In honor of Jenna Lebowich, Leora CohenFriedman and Juli Klein, for receiving an award from the JCC on the Hudson, from David and Dayle Fligel.

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

In honor of Harriet Levine receiving her Honorary Doctorate fromthe HUC, from Todd Gordon and Susan Feder.

Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah Fund

In honor of Jack Safirstein’s 80th Birthday, from Sheila and Dick Sweet.

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

In honor of Dayle Fligel becoming President of WCT, from Frank and Wendy Rosen.

With thanks to Rabbi Mara and in honor of the naming of Luke and Lily, from Liz, Dan and Gabi Mueller.

Thank you Rabbi Mara and in honor of the naming of Luke and Lily Mueller, from Judy Siegel.

In memory of Jane Judd, from The Klarsfeld Family. In memory of Jane Judd, from Marjorie Thrope.

In honor of Dr. Irwin Miller celebrating his 80th birthday, from Alice Sanders and Thom Whiten.

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund

Thank you to Phyllis and Dora Hirth for your generosity to the Adult Ed Committee, from Mickey Milbauer.

In honor of Alex Cohen becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Karen and Matt Cohen.

In honor of Tom Schwarz celebrating his “8oth”, from Irwin Miller and Barbara Gordon.

Education Enrichment Fund

In memory of Milton Gottlieb, husband of Barbara Gottlieb, from Irwin Miller and Barbara Gordon.

Names of those who donated in memory of Jane Judd, grandmother of Rabbi Mara Young.

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

In memory of Jane Judd, from Gloria and Bill Falk, Todd Gordon and Susan Feder, and Bob and Jane Steinhardt.

Murray and Jeanne Bodin, David and Dayle Fligel, Dale, Elly, Maya and Zachary Glasser, David Griff and Roni Beth Tower, Richard and Jill Iturbe, Laurie, Barry, Aaron and Becca Leibowitz, Iris, Gary, Adam, Andrea and Sarah Levine, Bonnie and Alan Mitelman, The Montague Family, June and Don Moskovitz, Phyllis Opochinsky, Harold Potischman, Lisa Sacks and Jon Richer, Ruth Rugoff, Mark and Marjory Selig, Jim Ballan and Elise Wagner, Roberta, Roger and Allison Wetherbee, Deborah and Michael Wiskind.

In memory of Gigi Avitabile, from Tina Maxwell.

Lifelong Learning Fund Mazal Tov to Joan and Andy Farber on the birth of Shai Lev Wajnberg, grandson, from Bob and Penny Apter.

Special Education Fund In honor of Dayle Fligel and all she’s done for the students and Madrikhim, from Susan Morduch and Ken Rosenberg.

Music Fund

Scholar in Residence Fund

In honor of Jack Safirstein’s 80th Birthday, from Steve and Gail Zizmor.

In honor of our wonderful teacher, Harriet Levine, from the Daytime Jewish Studies Class.

Social Action Fund

Torah and Ritual Fund

In memory of Janet Jaffa, from Scott and Julie Stein.

In honor of Barry Kessler for conducting our Shiva Service, fromThe Apter Family.

In honor of Dayle Fligel becoming WCT’s president, from Sheryl and Mike Bauer.

High Holy Days Prayerbook Fund In honor of Joan and Andy Farber’s 35th Wedding Anniversary, from Your loving children, Yael, Adam, and Miriam and Beni Wajnberg. Donation, from The Flamm Family. In gratitude for WCT support and in honor of the graduation of Sam Geiger, from Sandi Lieb-Geiger. In memory of Bert Apter, from Chuck and Nancy Fishman. In honor of the birth of Shai Lev Wajnberg, grandson of Andy and Joan Farber, son of Miriam and Beni Wajnberg, from Chuck and Nancy Fishman.

The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of Doris Labelson

sister of Sy Donner

Jane Judd

Education and Youth Activities Fund In honor of David Wiskind, from The Wiskind Family.

Annual Fund In honor of Dayle Fligel becoming the President of WCT, from Jerald Kamel. In memory of Bert Apter, from Michael and Jenna Lebowich. In honor of the birth of Shai Lev Wajnberg, grandson of Andy and Joan Farber, son of Miriam and Beni Wajnberg, from Michael and Jenna Lebowich.

In memory of Jonah Maccabee Dreskin, from Ellen, Billy, Katie and Aiden Dreskin.

About WCT’s New Jubilee Year Logo by Rabbi Billy Dreskin With our 50th anniversary year now begun, we’re excited to share our new 50th logos, magnificently created by temple member Melanie Roher of Roher|Sprague Communications Design. A lot of thought went into the design of these logos which we share here and elsewhere in Makom. The image of the tree and leaves expands on our usual logo of a branch with leaves. The whole tree is now visible, representing the growth of our community. The roots beneath the ground’s surface are also visible, representing our congregation’s strong bond with generations of our own, and the wider, community. Discussions of our goals for the 50th year made clear that our celebrations should not only be looking backward into our past fifty years but, as importantly, look forward into our next fifty. Where do we want our synagogue to journey in the decades ahead? The tree that reveals itself both above and below the ground conveys this important idea. Use of the colors blue and gold is significant, as well. Fifty is, of course, the “golden anniversary.” And a new shade of blue signifies both the uniqueness of our 50th year as well as the deep love we have for Judaism and Israel (blue being traditionally associated with both). “Jubilee,” in America culture, refers to any special event, including a 25th or 50th celebration. But the word “jubilee” actually comes from the Hebrew word yovel, which is a specific time referenced in the Torah – the 50th year – during which all Israelites were to go back home, slaves too, and observe a year of ... well ... jubilee. Watch for many wonderful 50th jubilee events coming your way in the year ahead!

grandmother of Rabbi Mara Young

Bert Apter

father of Bob Apter

Dolores Kaufman

sister of Ira Berkowitz

Moe Tuchman

brother of Max Tuchman

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

Is It Time to Purchase Cemetery Plots? There are only 13 gravesites remaining in the Woodlands Community Temple sections at Sharon Gardens in Valhalla. 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 $3050.

Scheduling Weddings or Funerals with Our Clergy The rabbis and cantor want very much to be with you during significant life-cycle moments. Please speak with them before setting any dates or times for weddings or funerals. Don’t be disappointed to learn they’re not available at the time you’ve already arranged, so bring them “into the loop” at the very beginning of your planning.

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Welcome to All Our Sponsors

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Solutions for Moving & Downsizing Our purpose is to help you with your next step whatever it may be. Joanna Bassett & Pam Paterson 914.200.4644 movingintandem.com movingintandem@gmail.com

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Jubilant Reflections

WCT Members Gaze Across 50 Years

fter 50 years at Woodlands, I read the bulletin in reverse order. I start on the back page to read pieces by newer members on why they joined, and what our kids carry away from Woodlands when they’re off to college. It’s wonderful that they find a welcoming, warm, and vibrant community here, with a “big tent,” and that they feel the same enthusiasm as the founding members. I think back to that first meeting in 1966 at the Chase Manhattan Bank in Hartsdale where 20 families had been expected and 80 showed up in response to the question, “Where are you going for the High Holy Days? Back to your parents’ temple?” That night, it was evident we had the potential for a new synagogue, but first we needed a building – centrally located (whatever that meant), large enough (for how many, we didn’t know), hopefully available Friday nights and Saturdays, and (oh, yes) affordable. We called ourselves Woodlands Community Temple to avoid any geographic connotation. This was well

Jack Safirstein: The 60s before the building of Woodlands High School. A church on Secor Road opened its doors to us and refused to accept rent. In lieu of rent, we installed airconditioning and blackboards. One of my first volunteers jobs was to move the baptismal font off the “bimah” each Friday night. In short order, we had more members than they did. It was suggested we cap our membership if we wanted to remain a small, community temple. With no rent to pay, a religious school staffed by volunteers, our only expenses included a part-time rabbi, supplies, postage, and prayer books. I remember dues were $80 a year, although major funding came from the proceeds (an extra nickel for each string) of our two bowling leagues – daytime women and nighttime mixed couples. Without White Plains Bowl, there might not be a Woodlands Community Temple. It was an act of faith to institute a building fund, but when services could no longer squeeze into the living room (now our Library and Youth Director’s

office), we decided to add a sanctuary. The six engineers on our building committee had been classmates and all recommended an architect who would meet our needs and stay within budget. The sanctuary was designed with glass walls not so much so the congregation could enjoy the view of the grounds, but primarily because we we couldn’t afford anything else. Same went for the vaulted, soaring ceiling which could save money by being left unpainted. Just as important as our amazing professionals have been the hardworking lay leaders who gave so freely of their time to serve as officers, board members and committee chairs, and built a temple community that remains (as anyone can read on the back page of Makom) just as wonderful these 50 years later. ••••••• Sue and Jack Safirstein, having joined WCT in July 1966, are founding members. Jack served as President from 1970 to 1972.