In this Issue
the newsletter of woodlands community temple
High Holy Day Schedule, p. 3 September 2012 Elul - Tishrei 5772-5773
Welcoming Pastor Dee, p. 2 Billy’s Back, p. 4 The Harriet-Mara Transition Year, p. 8 Religious School Opens, p. 6 Meeting The Call For “Youth Engagement,” p. 7
Fall Preview
Judaism 101, p. 8 The Book Fair Comes Early, p. 15 The Judaica Shop’s “Surprise September Sale,” p. 13
at Woodlands
Focus On Membership, p. 3, 9, 12 Thanking Jeff Frankle and Bob Apter, p.2, 22
I
t’s finally fall, and chances are your mailboxes (both physical and electronic) are filled with all types of correspondence (flyers, postcards, catalogues, brochures, magazines) about what’s coming up in the months ahead—from new books and movies to store and restaurant openings, from back-to-school sales to back-to-school parent/teacher conferences, from political rallies to neighborhood potluck dinners. And that’s hardly surprising given that, after a long, languid summer, the cooling temperatures and changing leaves bring a new energy level, charged with new beginnings, new opportunities—and for us, a New Year. So here’s a peek at what’s coming up this fall at Woodlands. You can find more details on most of these highlights as you comb through Makom or when you visit our always evolving website (www.wct.org). While we’ve organized these listings along some traditional lines (Worship, Learning, Community, Leadership) don’t forget that the Woodlands Way means crossing the lines. So expect to learn through worship, change the world through leadership, and find some spiritual uplift through something as mundane as a temple barbecue.
5773’s Big Focus: Membership Fall is, of course, when newcomers to the community do their temple shopping, making sure they have a place to daven come Rosh Hashanah and a religious school for their kids. And, as always, our fall calendar includes lots of opportunities for new and prospective members to get to know us—and for us to get to know them. This starts with “A Taste of Woodlands,” a home-made, refreshment-filled open house from 6:30 to 8:00 PM on Friday (Continued on page 12)
Please give to the WCT Annual Fund or Endowment Trust. Contact David Fligel (693-0520) or Chuck Fishman (674-4542).
The Woodlands Community Temple Board of Trustees and staff extend our sincerest wishes for a sweet, healthy and fulfilling Rosh Hashanah 5773... to you, your family and friends, and all humankind.
Our Woodlands Community Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org Rabbi Mara Young rabbimara@wct.org Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon cantor@wct.org Harriet Levine, Educator educator@wct.org Ross Glinkenhouse, Youth Director youth@wct.org Corey Friedlander, Sh'liakh K'hilah corey@wct.org
Executive Committee Stu Berlowitz, President president@wct.org Jenna Lebowich, VP Education education@wct.og Dayle Fligel, VP Facilities facilities@wct.org Eugene Stein, VP Finance esteinWCT@gmail.com Michael Winkleman, VP Programming/Ritual mike@leveragemedia.com Steve Sagner, Financial Secretary Stevo33484@yahoo.com Mark Selig, Secretary secretary@wct.org Andy Farber, Treasurer ARFarberWCT@gmail.com
Jeff Frankle, Bulletin Editor, Completes Successful Tenure Fifteen years ago, temple member Jeff Frankle took the reins of our monthly newsletter. Through six temple presidents (including his wife), Jeff invested countless hours in making sure that all of us could easily know the news here at Woodlands. He shepherded the newsletter as it transitioned from Woodlands News to Makom, providing us with the best-looking, easiest-to-read publication we’ve ever had. And while no Pulitzers were awarded during that decade and a half, Jeff faithfully reported everything and became our own prized news guy. From the bottom of our hearts, Jeff, thank you. And kol hakavod... strong work, pal!
“Pastor Dee” Answers Call to Our Bimah Friday, September 21 @ 8:00 pm
Patricia Nissim, Temple Administrator Liz Rauchwerger, Rabbi’s Assistant Michele Montague, Educator’s Assistant
Even though Pastor Dee Stevens hasn’t been around the neighborhood for very long, we like her a lot already. Dee is the new pastor at Ardsley United Methodist Church on Ashford Ave in Ardsley. Born in Michigan a wannabe New Yorker, Rev. Dee Carol Stevens, pastor of the Ardsley United Methodist Church, did the most sensible thing any sensible Michigander could do to get out of town — she joined the U.S. Army. Training as a Chapel Activity Specialist to guard the Chaplain, Pastor Dee landed not only at Ft. Dix in New Jersey but Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. From there, she stepped into NYU’s Dramatic Writing Program which naturally led (after graduation) to the reinsurance field. Inspired to heed the call to ministry, Pastor Dee entered Princeton Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1987 and has been serving churches in the New York and Connecticut area ever since. Plan to be with us as Rev. Dee Stevens brings her personable, passionate and learned leadership to our bimah.
About Our Temple
Please join us at our famous annual
Board of Trustees Nancy Brown, Andrea Einhorn, Nancy Fishman, Gloria Falk, Aliza Garafalo, Jill Garland, Lois Green, Barry Leibowitz, Lisa Linn, Mike Scafidi, Cliff Schoen, Jay Werner, Rochelle Stolzenberg (ex-officio)
Office Staff (wct@wct.org)
Woodlands Community Temple 50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607 914.592.7070 phone 914.592.7376 fax email: wct@wct.org web: www.wct.org Woodlands Community Temple is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism
Pat Nissim, Layout and Production Melanie Roher, Makom Designer
2
Sukkot BBQ, Sunday, September 30 a holiday celebration for the whole congregation! 4:30 Decorate our environmentally friendly sukkah 5:30 Kabbalat Sukkot Service (A 45-minute musical, storytelling, visual worship celebration for everyone, from oldest to youngest.) 6:15 Sukkot BBQ —Menu includes: hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, steak, fish and other goodies too! Friday September 28: Adults $10, Children $5, Families $20 On or after Saturday, September 29: Adults $15, Children $5, Families $30 Sign-up online at wct.org/sukkotbbq Please bring one side-dish per family (if possible, make it local, go for organic, and keep it green.)
Worship Schedule
High Holy Days 5773
Shabbat Kee Tavo
Saturday, September 15
SELIHOT
Celebrate with us as Rebecca Harris, daughter of Alison and Steven Harris, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.
ROSH HASHANAH
Friday, September 7
“A Taste of Woodlands” Open House, 6:30-8:00 pm
Anytime between 6:30 and 8:00 pm, we hope you will bring to our open house friends you’d like to have belong to WCT. Before each service, there will be time to meet our clergy, staff and leadership, as well as enjoy refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. Please let Membership chairs Lee Brickman and Lynn Goodman Kogan (membership@wct.org) know who you’re bringing.
Kidz Shabbat at 7:00 pm
Our monthly 30-minute shenanigans, join in Shabbat songs and stories with Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara and Cantor Jonathan. Bring a buck for tzedakah!
Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 pm
With zestful commitment to life and spirit, we dedicate this evening’s celebration to the memory of those Jewish athletes who died in the Munich Olympics forty years ago. The 21st day of Elul, nine days until Rosh Hashanah.
Saturday, September 8
Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am
Celebrate with us as Tamar Bordwin, daughter of Gabrielle and Andrew Bordwin, becomes a Bat Mitzvah. Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:8 ... Isaiah 60:1-22
Selihot Service at 10:00 pm
Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am
Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20 ... Isaiah 61:10 - 63:9
Shabbat Vayelekh (Shabbat Shuvah) Friday, September 21
Shabbat Shuvah – Sabbath of Return at 8:00 pm The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – a time to continue reflecting on the purpose and direction of our lives. Rev. Dee Stevens, the new pastor at Ardsley United Methodist Church, will be our very special guest speaker. Cantor Jonathan will chant the special Shabbat Shuvah haftarah.
Saturday, September 22 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am
Celebrate with us as Allyson Werner, daughter of Natalie and Jay Werner, becomes a Bat Mitzvah. Deuteronomy 31:1 - 31:30 ... Hosea 14:2-10, Micah 7:18-20, and Joel 2:15-27
Shabbat Ha’azinu Friday, September 28
Welcoming Derekh at 8:00 pm
Saturday, September 8 Service at 10:00 pm
Sunday, September 16 Evening Service at 8:00 pm Teen Service at 8:00 pm Monday, September 17 Morning Service at 10:00 am Family Service :at 2:30 pm Young Family Service at 3:00 pm Tashlikh at 4:00 pm (St. Joe’s) Service of Healing at 5:00 pm Tuesday, September 18 Morning Service at 10:00 am
SHABBAT SHUVAH Friday, September 21 at 8:00 pm
YOM KIPPUR Tuesday, September 25 Kol Nidre at 8:00 pm Teen Service at 8:00 pm Wednesday, September 26 Morning Service at 10:00 am Discussion at 12:30 pm Family Service at 1:45 pm Young Family Service at 2:15 pm Yom Kippur Learning at 2:15 pm Yizkor at 3:30 pm Afternoon Service at 4:30 pm Neilah at 5:30 pm
SUKKOT
Begin the season of our High Holy Days with a one-hour Selihot Service. This truly beautiful and meaningful late-night worship gathering will turn our thoughts toward those of selfassessment and self-improvement, readying us for productive and inspiring Days of Awe in our tent. The 22nd day of Elul, eight days until Rosh Hashanah.
Celebrating Shabbat as a community, we welcome the newest participants in Derekh, our temple leadership development program.
Sunday, September 30 Decorate the Sukkah ... 4:30 pm Kabbalat Sukkot Service ... 5:30 pm Sukkot Barbecue ... 6:15 pm
Saturday, September 29
Monday, October 1 Breakfast and Learning in the Sukkah ... 8:30 am
Shabbat Nitzavim
Deuteronomy 32:1-52 ... II Samuel 22:1-22:51
Friday, September14
Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 pm
Karen LaSala chooses Judaism. The month of Elul is spiritual prep time for the High Holy Days. In words and music, let’s begin this year’s journey together. The 28th day of Elul, one day until Rosh Hashanah.
Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Meredith Fox, daughter of Jamie and Andrew Fox, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.
SIMKHAT TORAH Sunday, October7 Congregational Simkhat Torah Celebration...7:30 pm Monday, October 8 Yizkor ... 9:00 am Consecration Service ... 10:30 am
3
from the Rabbi
You All Know the Drill... Parking for the High Holy Days
Over the Rainbow
As everybody knows, large numbers of congregants attend the many celebrations and services we offer throughout the High Holy Days. It’s important, therefore, to observe local traffic laws regarding parking outside the temple grounds. 1) Parking is available at St. Joseph of Arimathea Church (9A and Worthington Road) and you are highly encouraged to park there. 2) Parking is permitted on Worthington Road between Dobbs Ferry and Whitehouse Roads on the left side of the street as you approach the Temple from Dobbs Ferry Road. Cars should be facing Dobbs Ferry Road. Please note: Parking is not available on the street directly in front of the temple. 3) Except for Whitehouse Road, parking is available on other streets (Don Lane, Biltom Road and Drake Road) in the temple neighborhood. On Don Lane, parking is permitted on one side only. Please observe all signs and do not block any intersections or driveways. Special note about handicapped parking: There will be parking spaces close to the Tent for those cars that have legitimate state or county handicapped parking license plates or permits.
o everyone’s been asking, “What did you do on your sabbatical?” While there are lots of answers to this question – I read, I wrote, I traveled and, yes, I slept – the best answer is that I wanted to do some things I’d never done before. So I attended a theatre in Tel Aviv where all the performers are blind and deaf, I took Charlie swimming in the Long Island Sound, and, oh yes, I got a colonoscopy. That was certainly different! This colonoscopy, admittedly, was not high on my bucket list. But wellness became a major theme of the sabbatical. At the age of 55, I find myself pondering two questions: 1) how long will I have to complete such a bucket list; and (more importantly), 2) how well or unwell will I be along the way? Judaism has a lot to say about healing. Our tradition is really good about reaching out to people who are moving through disease and pain. We’re not quite as good at keeping folks on the path of well-being to begin with. It took me a long time to own this wellness-oriented frame of mind, and I don’t know if it’ll stick but I sure am hoping so. A little later in this issue of Makom you’ll find my name now attached to the “Chew on This” column. Rabbi Mara graciously allowed me to have it and I hope to share with you some of what I’m learning – both from Jewish tradition and from modern science – about the foods we eat. There’s a new kashrut a-brewing, and I aim to use my bully-pulpit to discuss with you what constitutes a sacred relationship with food. What’s for sure is, it ain’t your grandparents’ kosher kitchen anymore! Back at the ranch, Woodlands is looking sweet as ever. I’m so happy to be back with you. Thanks to staff, temple leadership, and you – for keeping things humming along while I was off gallivanting. Now let’s get going, shall we? I do believe a great year is waiting for us just ahead! L’shana tova tikateivu ... may we all be inscribed for a blessing in the new year.
Monday, October 1 Sukkot Learning at 8:30 am Join Rabbi Mara for some earlymorning study to help make your Sukkot even more wonderful.
7th Grade Family Torah Begins September 9 Don’t forget ... the very first session of Rabbi Billy’s 7th Grade Family Torah Class will be held at 9:00 am Sunday, September 9 (and 5:30 pm on Wednesday, September 12). Bring your “school supplies” – your Torah Commentary and at least one parent. See you there!
4
Tracking the Wandering Rabbi
S
You’re Invited! Derekh, a Hebrew word Derekh meaning “path,” is WCT’s Leadership Development Program leadership development program. at Woodlands Community Temple 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 Dreskin and temple president Stu Berlowitz 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 Dreskin (rabbi@wct.org) or Stu Berlowitz (president@wct.org). We’d be honored to have you with us. 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, September 28 at 8:00 pm, as we welcome this year’s Derekh participants into the program.
˚r≤d≤
from the Cantor
Why Come Back From My Porch?
I
am writing this article on a bend of the Delaware River, looking over a wide scene painted by the morning sun. Rolling grass frames my view in swathes of brightness and shade. I hear the sound of lively water churning over clean stone. Colored birds swoop while a goose bobs for breakfast and irreverently hoists its white backsides for my benefit. I love it here. Soon it will be time for me to leave. Why should I come back to town, to work, to service? Ah, yes. To service: that is the thing. I have an inner need to contribute. After all, I do not live alone in the world; I am part of something vital and worthwhile. I have Judaism, which reminds me of it all: of my closeness to God and my people, of the gifts I have been given. I am fortunate to be able to return and make a difference in the world. I will choose to come back to work. Maybe this inner debate is familiar to you, too. I’ll bet that you have had similar thoughts about your place in the world. We share the impulses to give and to take, to create and enjoy, to be alone and in community. Judaism can always help us find meaning and create order in the soul’s rich variety of experience. It tells us that the soul desires to serve. In order to be fully ourselves we must serve more than ourselves. Otherwise, the soul will not find contentment. In psalm 84 David affirms the peaceful soul is an elemental possibility for every being. “My soul yearns and pines for the courtyards of God... Even the bird finds its home, the free bird finds the nest where she laid her eggs. Oh, to be before You, at your altars.” David desires the altars of God, where Jews reach the Almighty through service. As I rise from my personal retreat on the river, each of us rises from our individuality to find meaning in our place within the happy cacophony of community. I’ll see you in the tent, God willing.
Sukkot Yizkor
Monday, October 8, 9:00-10:00 am If someone you love died recently, or many years ago, Jewish tradition provides an opportunity to reconnect memory and heart for a few moments out of our busy lives. While we can certainly stop anytime to do this ourselves, to come together with our synagogue community is a beautiful and meaningful way to honor those we love. Please join us for a simple and meaningful Sukkot Yizkor Hour. While observing the ancient ritual of Sukkot — marking the annual celebration of abundance and sustenance which fill our world — we’ll sing, read, and share a few words and thoughts of remembrance.
Hevra Torah Learning, Saturdays, 9:15-10:15 am Led by members of Hevra Torah and/ or visiting faculty, good conversation on the weekly Torah parashah is always happening. Drop by any Shabbat morning! September 1: Parshat Kee Taytzay Facilitated by Steve Zizmor September 8: Parshat Kee Tavo Facilitated by Rabbi Joan Farber September 15: Parshat Nitzavim Facilitated by David Griff September 22: Parshat Vayeilekh Facilitated by Marty and Marie Cohen September 29: Parshat Ha’azinu Facilitated by Barry Kessler There’s abundant room around our table. Drop by once or often, we’d love to have you join our lively conversation. Usually in the Meeting Room.
Our Second Year! Rosh Hashanah Service of Healing Monday, September 17 5:00-6:00 pm Have you ever sat with us on a Friday evening and sung the melody of the healing prayer, Mee Sheberakh? Has that moment brought you some comfort, perhaps a little bit of support, sitting with your temple community and sharing in a moment of hope? We’re pleased to invite you to a very special Rosh Hashanah Service of Healing. To begin the Second Day of Rosh Hashanah, this is 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. Please consider returning to our temple sanctuary after Rosh Hashanah afternoon’s exquisite Tashlikh service at the St. Joseph of Arimathea stream. We’ll take some time to re-energize and prepare to resume our vital efforts to bring wholeness into our lives and into the lives of some people who are very special to us.
5
Coming soon for the High Holy Days! Family Services ROSH HASHANAH Monday, September 17 Family Service, 2:30-3:45 pm Parents & school-age children with Rabbi Mara, Cantor Jonathan, Harriet and Ross Young Family Service, 3:00-3:45 pm Parents and preschool-age children, with Rabbi Billy and Adam Weber Tashlikh for Everyone!, 4:00- 4:45 pm at St. Joseph of Arimathea Church
YOM KIPPUR Wednesday, September 26 Family Service, 1:45-3:00 pm Parents & school-age children ... with Rabbi Billy, Corey Friedlander and Adam Weber Young Family Service, 2:25-3:00 pm Parents & preschool-age children with Rabbi Mara, Adam Hart, Harriet and Ross Neilah For Everyone! 5:30-6:30 pm in the Tent
Education Update
School Isn’t “Just for Kids”
A
s I write this, I am reminded that it will be the last article I write for a September bulletin, and as we go through the next months, much of what I do will be for “the last time.” I am ready and eager to begin a new chapter of my life, but we have a long way to go until June. The school year is about to begin, and with it comes the excitement of new programs, new ideas, and new adventures for all of our congregants. I am very enthusiastic about the education we offer for our adult population, both younger adults and their older peers. We have always had a strong program at WCT with many choices being offered for adults, but we have taken it to a new level, finding better ways to provide education for the parents whose children populate our religious school. A generation ago there was a strong emphasis on synagogue education for children. Parents dropped off their children and left it to the Jewish professionals to provide just enough knowledge to inform them of what Judaism was in the past and what it could offer in the future. There were few opportunities for participation by parents and little was expected. Beginning in the 1970’s, family education provided a path that led us to where we are now in terms of recognizing the importance of parent education. There is now an awareness of how this can strengthen the educational experience of children, influencing the choices that are made for the Jewish education of the next generation. We are very fortunate to again be given a grant by the Jewish Education Project to enable us not only to continue SPARK, (Students, Parents, Acting, Relating, Konnecting) our 3/4th grade family initiative of last year, but to expand it to include 5/6th grades as well. You will be hearing much more about the events planned for this year for families in these four grades. Also look for “Kindling” – the expansion of family programming in our Saturday School. Best wishes to the entire Woodlands Community for a sweet new year with the blessings of health, happiness, continued learning, and peace.
Simkhat Torah!!
Sunday, October 7, 7:30-9:00 pm Our annual celebration of Torah and Jewish learning. 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 infants — as we sing, dance and celebrate with our Torah ... the Woodlands way!
Religious School Calendar Saturday, September 8 9:00 am: Kindergarden, 1st and 2nd Grade First Day of Religious School Sunday, September 9 9:00 am: 3rd and 4th Grade First Day of Religious School 9:00 am: 7th Grade Family Torah Study Group A - Session #1 11:10 am: 5th and 6th Grade First Day of Religious School Monday, September 10 4:00 pm: 7th Grade First Day of Religious School 6:00 pm: Academy - First Day – BBQ Saturday, September 15 9:00 am: Kindergarden, 1st and 2nd Grade “Meet Your Teacher”
6
Sunday, September 16 No Religious School
Youth Matters
“We are at a crossroads.”
A
t the 2011 Biennial, the Union for Reform Judaism unveiled its “Campaign for Youth Engagement”: a call to Reform congregations across America to celebrate, re-evaluate and renew their approach to our youth. The emphasis is on successful, thoughtful, and creative ways to keep our youth involved and dedicated to Jewish life well into their young adulthood. Ever since the Biennial, we wondered how to bring this campaign back to Woodlands. Woodlands has a strong history of vibrant youth programming and of consistently high numbers of youth participation in our ongoing formal and informal Jewish education. There is a lot to be proud of, yet we cannot rest on our laurels. We have to continue to challenge ourselves to do better, and we certainly can do so. The time is right for Woodlands to engage in its own Campaign for Youth engagement. In addition to the resources coming from the URJ, last year our Youth Director, Ross Glinkenhouse took part in Hebrew Union College’s Certificate Program in Jewish Education for Adolescents and Young Adults. Rabbi Mara is also enrolled in the program this year. Not only do we have the opportunity of these resources, they also come at
time when our Youth Committee is prime to re-evaluate its goals, purpose and its partnership with our Youth Director. The tenure of our two most recent co-chairs has ended, and we gratefully acknowledge their work and that of all of the past chairs and past and current members of the Youth Committee. We are going to take the opportunity afforded by this change in leadership to re-form the committee with a new mission statement and strategic goals. Jenna Lebowich, our new Vice President of Education, will be running the committee for the time being. She will be actively looking for a diverse group of members from all aspects of temple life (not just those with teens) who are interested in working with our Youth and Education professionals on this exciting new undertaking. We look forward to taking the time to explore all the possibilities for what youth programming can be at Woodlands Community Temple. If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to contact either of us or Rabbi Mara, Harriet, or Ross. We’re confident that there are great things ahead of us. Stu Berlowitz and Jenna Lebowich
Wednesday, September 19 8:00 pm: 9th Grade Parents Meeting, abou the retreat Saturday, September 22 9:00 am: 1st Grade PACT- “Getting Reading for Consecration” Sunday, September 23 9:00 am: 3rd and 4th Grade “Meet Your Teacher” 11:10 am: 5th and 6th Grade “Meet Your Teacher”
Selihot:
Midnight Mystery Saturday, September 8 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 at this time of year. This year, our Selihot experience begins at 10:00 pm, when we’ll gather together for worship. The Selihot service has its origins in Jewish mysticism and, to this day, it remains a beautiful and inspiring hour recalling the sounds and images that have become so familiar to us across the years – an opportunity to meet the music and the readings that will fill our tent just a week later. Hope to see you there.
High Holy Days Aliyot for College and High School Students 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: 1. For all COLLEGE STUDENTS Rosh Hashanah Morning (Monday, September 17 @ 10 am). 2. For all ACADEMY STUDENTS and WOODSY MEMBERS. Yom Kippur Morning (Wednesday, September 26 @ 10 am). Please review the Torah blessing before that morning (download it at wct.org/worship/highholydays). When Rabbi Billy invites your group to come up, bring the blessing sheet with you. Oh, and it’d be great if you or your SPU (Significant Parenting Unit) would let us know you’re participating. Simply email a quick note to the temple office (wct@wct.org).
Monday, September 24 4:00 pm: 7th Grade “Meet Your Teacher” 5th and 6th Grade Retreat - Friday, September 28-Sunday, September 30
7
from Rabbi Mara
Transition Year Another September at Woodlands
A New Beginning by Rabbi Billy Dreskin
V'nish-mar-tem m'od l'naf-shotei-khem ... be extremely protective of your lives. Moses speaks these words to the Children of Israel as he prepares to leave them at Torah’s end (Deut 4:15). When we picture 600,000 Israelites along the Jordan River preparing to enter the Promised Land, we likely think of “protective” as “Prepare for battle, and make sure you win!” Most of us aren’t likely to enlist in the armed forces anytime soon. Do these words have a message for us? I’ve hijacked this column from Rabbi Mara with a fervently religious mission. God is counting on us to consider the foods we consume to be the shots we fire in the battle to protect our lives. Nutritional science understands better than ever that food can help us or harm us. In the coming months, I hope you’ll join me in doing more than ever to perform the mitzvah of caring for the body through the foods we eat. Each month, “Chew on This” offers a morsel of teaching on how to think Jewishly about food and eating.
O
nce upon a time, this was a dream. Yet now I write for the September Makom as a long-term member of the Woodlands team. I’m thrilled! As we reported last spring, July 2013 will bring a major change to our community when our beloved friend and Director of Education, Harriet Levine, will be retiring. At that time I will assume the role of Director of Congregational Learning (a hybrid job of “rabbi” and “educator” that I’m confident will benefit this community). That’s a school-year away, though. Until then, we have an incredible opportunity ahead of us. Both Harriet and I will be on staff full-time this year, working closely together (and with temple leadership) to ensure a smooth transition. This includes sharing in the administrative day-to-day of the Religious School as well as partnering with the teaching staff and overseeing the Religious School’s academic program. We’ll be working as a team to deepen our family programming and to expand our exciting SPARK program in the 3rd through 6th grades. In particular, I’m thrilled to be handed the reins of our Academy program. For three years now, I’ve worked closely with our 8th through 12th graders and Academy staff and I’m excited about this new leadership role. Innovations this year: we’re adding 8th – 12th grade Family Torah Study with the rabbis (both Rabbi Billy and myself) and tweaking our peer-mentoring program. In addition to all of these great things, I’ll be participating in the Hebrew Union College’s Certificate Program in Jewish Education for Adolescents and Emerging Adults. Through the certificate program, I’ll delve even deeper into adolescent psychology, organizational dynamics, and cutting-edge education techniques (think: experiential education). I’m so thankful you are giving me this opportunity. And don’t forget, I’m still here to be one of your rabbis. Please continue to come to me with questions, challenges, or just a desire to chat. You’ll also still see me on the bimah. The only difference this year: my office now resides in Classroom Four (upstairs in the Religious School). Come by anytime! B’shalom,
10th Grade Students and Parents Monday, October 1, 6:00-8:00 pm
Our first Confirmation Family Session with Rabbi Billy. All parents and Confirmands should attend. We’ll have dinner together, then share in family learning. Please contact the religious school office (592-7070 or educator@wct.org) only if you’re unable to be with us.
8
Don’t just drop off. Drop in. Judaism 101 is our newest monthly adult class. It’s a chance for you to experience an overview of Jewish ritual, history and literature. Join us one Sunday morning every month for a spiritual break, starting Sunday, October 28, 9:30 - 10:45 am.
from the President
Greetings!
I
t’s early August as I write my first column as President of Woodlands Community Temple and the temple is fairly quiet. However, I, along with the professional staff, the Board of Trustees and the Woodlands’ committees have been busy preparing for the year ahead. We’ve taken a fresh look at many areas of the temple as we try to build and improve on our past accomplishments. We are looking to reinvigorate several committees. We’ve challenged ourselves to reevaluate how Woodlands meets the needs of the WCT community and to not be satisfied with status quo. At our July Board of Trustees meeting, the board engaged in an exciting workshop to define what it means to be a Board member. We discussed what the responsibilities associated with this position are in the year ahead, beyond what is already specified in the Woodlands constitution. I think the board found it very insightful. Times change and we cannot be satisfied with what has been done in the past, and we want to continue moving Woodlands forward. It is our goal to ensure that our work is time well spent on behalf of Woodlands in 5773. Our focus this year is very simple: our membership. We want to better serve the WCT community to foster better retention, more recruitment and most of all, increased engagement. We’ll be reaching out to you over the year for your input and involvement. At Woodlands, community is our middle name, and we pride ourselves on building strong connections with each other. As you know, Harriet Levine, our Education Director, will be retiring at the end of this year. It’s a major happening in the Woodlands timeline! We will be celebrating Harriet’s retirement as a part of our June gala. We are very fortunate to have Rabbi Mara already in place to provide a smooth transition as she takes the reigns in 2013-14 and beyond. I look forward to seeing everyone under the tent in a few weeks. From my family – Karen, Sammi, Josh & myself – to you, we wish you a very sweet, happy, & healthy 5773.
Moms’ Meet-Up
Come join with other women to learn, relax, and enjoy time with one another. We will strive to create a warm, open, and informal environment. This program is for you, Mom, but feel free to bring the little ones if you’d like (under the age of 2, please). All are invited: mothers from within our community (Jewish and non-Jewish) as well as friends from the area. We’ll have some light nosh and coffee waiting for you. If you are planning on attending, contact Liz in the temple office (liz@wct. org). If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, contact Rabbi Mara (rabbimara@wct.org).
Tashlikh All of WCT Is Invited Rosh Hashanah Afternoon At 4:00 pm on Rosh Hashanah afternoon, our community will gather together 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 will scatter bread crumbs “into the depths of the sea.” Very simple. Very powerful. Very lovely. Very personal. So please join us for our walk to the stream, and our “casting off” as we observe Tashlikh. A poignant beginning for 5773.
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.
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 a aliyah (either to bless or to read the Torah), you may wear one for these specific moments, as well. 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.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Adult Learning Committee Meeting Sunday, September 9 at 9:00 am Ritual Committee Sunday, September 9 at 7:30 pm Executive Committee Monday, September 10 at 8:10 pm School Board Wednesday, September 12 at 8 pm Committee Chair Meeting Sunday, September 23 at 9:30 am Board of Trustees Monday, September 24 at 8:10 pm
9
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. Thank you.
Bring Your Kids Back for Neilah As the sky grows dark, we dim the lights and open the Ark as we prepare for the closing of Yom Kippur’s “Gates.” It’s a magical moment. We’d love to have you return with your children and 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.
social action
In Isaiah 58:7, God commands us to “share [our] bread with the hungry and bring the homeless into [our] house.” Interested in Becoming Involved?
Domestic Abuse Task Force:
Start the New Year off with a new interest. Social Action Committee welcomes new members, new thoughts and new activities. Consider participating in the projects below or other social action events listed on our calendar at wct.org/social-action/social-action-calendar. Mark your calendar for the first Social Action Committee meeting on Monday, October 29 at 8:10 pm to find out how you and your family can participate in our community-based Social Justice activities.
Are you willing to help women and their children who have been victims of abuse? What is involved: Working with Hope’s Door, an organization that provides housing, counseling and legal support to families that are victims of domestic abuse. Our goals are to provide transitional assistance to families leaving the shelter into their own homes, to support other Hope’s Door needs and programming, and to bring education on the issue of domestic abuse and healthy relationships to the WCT community. Over the course of the year, we support an average of five families. To become part of our committee, please email us at: domesticabuse@wct.org. In addition, Hope’s Door often needs volunteers to work at the shelter. If you are interested and would like more information about these opportunities, please email us as well.
Yom Kippur Food Van:
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. If you’re interested (teens included), please contact the office (wct@wct.org, 592-7070) or Steve Zizmor (ziz1234@aol.com). Congregational services, family services – they all need ushers, so take your pick! We also need help for the final cleanup after Neilah (the closing service on Yom Kippur). If enough of us volunteer, it will take only 15-20 minutes to put books and papers away for next year. Again, please contact the office (wct@wct.org, 5927070) or Steve Zizmor (ziz1234@aol.com) to let us know you can help.
10
Start collecting and buying food on sale – help us fill the food van on September 25 and 26. Check the Social Action website at wct.org/social-action/projects for a complete list of food being requested for the High Holy Day Food Van. Volunteers are needed to man the van throughout the holiday. Contact Sandi Lieb-Geiger sandiliebgeiger@gmail.com for times and availability. Please check all expiration dates of donated food.
Food & Collection of the Month: Non-Perishable items – Please check expiration dates
W
elcome to another year of exciting learning opportunities at Woodlands Community Temple! We’ve expanded our offerings to truly include something for everyone, whether you are new to Jewish study or want to dive deeply into a specific area. To learn more about what goes into writing a Torah scroll, try A Tour of the Torah with Rabbi Marcus Burstein, a three-part course beginning Thursday, November 1. To explore major Zionist thinkers and how they influenced the state of Israel, come to Rabbi Eve Rudin’s three-part class on Israel’s Founding Fathers beginning Wednesday, April 3. Woodlands is proud to host a special guest, Rabbi Vicki Armour-Hileman from November 2 – 4 for The Jewish Journaling Project: Finding Torah in Our Lives, Our Lives in Torah. And on Sunday, October 21, Rabbi Mara Young will lead our community on a Trip to the Lower East Side for a walking tour of this history-rich neighborhood including the Eldridge Street Synagogue. In the midst of winter we’ll focus on food and the environment with Tu b’Shevat: Jews, Food and You! This day of cooking and studying will end with Havdalah and a potluck dinner on Saturday, January 26. And, by popular demand, we’re offering Judaism 101, an eight-session introductory guide to Jewish practices, beginning Sunday, October 28. Other new courses include: • The Book of Judges with Rabbi Billy Dreskin, over the course of eight Wednesdays beginning December 5 • Building Jewish Lives, a series devoted to what Jewish tradition teaches as we pass through different stages of life • Classics of Cantorial Music with Cantor Jonathan Gordon, a chance to listen to famous cantorial masterpieces on Thursday, May 2 • Great Non-Jews in Jewish History with Cantor Jonathan Gordon on Wednesday, May 23 • Living Ethics with Rabbi Joan Farber, a three-part course exploring how Jewish tradition influences our daily decisions, beginning Thursday, February 7 • Mayim Film Series: Accidental Circumstances, three Wednesdays, beginning October 10 Ongoing favorite classes returning this year including Daytime Diversions, Woodlands Singers, Daytime Jewish Studies, Daytime Talmud, the Book Club, S’forim Forum, Hebrew classes at all levels and Shabbat morning Hevra Torah. For more information and a complete calendar, please pick up a copy of our annual Adult Education brochure. Full details are also on the website and will be in the weekly Daf and Temple email.
Adult Learning Calendar B’nai Binah starts Thursday, September 6, 7:30 pm Jewish Studies with Harriet starts Thursday, October 4, 10:00 am Daytime Talmud with Rabbi Billy starts Thursday, October 11, 11:30 am
Daytime Diversions Welcome back to old friends and welcome to new ones. Daytime Diversions is planning a terrific 5773 season of fun, entertainment, and stimulation. We plan to get together on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wednesday of each month, at 10:00 am. We meet at Woodlands on the 1st Wednesday of each month to view and discuss a movie. On the 2nd Wednesday, we have a speaker, and on the 3rd Wednesday, our Current Events group meets. Members and non-members in the community are all invited. We provide doughnuts, coffee/tea. If you want to receive notices and agenda, please make sure that the office has your email. Due to the High Holy Days, September’s schedule is abbreviated. We can’t meet on the 1st or 2nd Wednesday, so we start on Wednesday, September 19, with the always lively Current Events Group.
Join the Temple Book Club this year! We have been meeting for more than ten years and have read some very timely and interesting books. This year will be no exception. We will be reading, among others, Year of Wonder by Geraldine Brooks, Peony by Pearl Buck, Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Adichie, State of Wonder by Ann Patchet and Augustus by John Williams. The only requirement for attending is that you have intellectual curiosity and a generous heart. For Wednesday, October 24 we will be reading Mudbound by Hilary Jordan. In her debut novel, Jordan portrays two families caught up in the blind hatred of a small Southern town in the late forties and explores the ways that prejudice works its ugly way into their lives.
11
Yom Kippur Afternoon Learning: “Avinu Malkeinu: What Does this Mean to Us When We Say this Prayer?”with Rabbi Joan Farber Joan Farber’s session is a Yom Kippur day favorite. Spend an hour studying traditional Yom Kippur texts. From the makhzor (prayerbook), from the Torah, from the Talmud and more. 2:15-3:15 pm in the Youth Lounge. This year, we’ll explore Avinu Malkeinu. Recited throughout the High Holy Days, its melody is a highlight of our ritual. Each line is a petition to Avinu Malkeinu, “our Father, our King,” “our Sovereign Parent.” How do you respond to these words? Why is Avinu Malkeinu the centerpiece of our liturgy? Together, we will reflect on these and other questions.
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.
FOR TEENS ONLY!! FOR TEENS ONLY!! Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Services written by and presented by teens ... just for TEENS! Rosh Hashanah Eve Sunday, September 16 @ 8 pm Yom Kippur Eve Tuesday, September 25 @ 8 pm Drop your family at the tent and meet us in the Sanctuary ...for High Holy Days that are all yours!
12
Fall Preview (Continued from page 1)
night, September 7, leading into a Kidz Shabbat (7:00) and a Shabbat Evening Service (8:00). That’s followed by family services (open to the community at large) on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (see schedule, page 3), and our annual Sukkot Barbecue on Sunday, September 30 (preceded by Sukkah decorating and a Kabbalat Sukkot Service). Other chances this fall for non-members to see us in action include Rabbi Mara’s new Moms’ Meet-Up, which launches on September 12 (see page 9) and our renowned Gan Hayeled program, now on Saturdays, which starts on October 6. But our focus on membership this year is much broader than young families. As the year rolls along, look for new programming geared to twentysomethings, empty nesters, and seniors, to interfaith families, and to the GLBT community. Kicking this off is the Adult Education Committee’s Building Jewish Lives series, which will start with a series of workshops in October and culminate with talks and discussions in March (watch Makom and the website for further details). And celebrating all our members— both new and long-term—is a project called Woodlands Family Tree, which will start in the religious school this fall and find its way into all corners of Woodlands life as the year goes on.
Worship The holidays are neither early nor late this year. They’re right on time. And the schedule for all the services, during all of the holidays, appears on page 3 (so you can be right on time). This year, though, consider broadening your experience beyond the standard services to include a few more unusual offerings. Get in gear with Selichot, the late-night (10 PM on Saturday, September 8) journey
into mystical self-reflection. Toss your sins (in the form of bread) into a local stream at Tashlikh (4 PM on September 17). Find some comfort at our second annual Rosh Hashanah Service of Healing (5 PM, right after Tashlikh; see page 5). And wrap up the three-week holiday season by unrolling the Torah, dancing with the Simkhat Torah House Band, and watching as the beginning and the end of scroll are joined under the chuppah. If you spent Billy’s sabbatical pining for A Joyful Noise, the wait is over. The first A Joyful Noise of the New Year is October 12, followed by another on November 9. Our homegrown Mishpakhah service (at 6:45, rather than 8) resumes on October 19 (with another one on November 30). Kidz Shabbat services (7 PM) are on September 7, October 26, and November 16. And Shulhouse Rock—a national artists-in-residence weekend, returns at the Shabbat service on October 26 (8 PM).
Learning Religious school gets back on track the weekend of September 8 and 9, with Academy underway on Monday the 10th (with its traditional kickoff barbecue). But the real story this year might be the adult education calendar, which includes not only the Building Jewish Lives series, but also Rabbi Billy’s eight-part look at the Book of Judges (starting December 5), Cantor Jonathan’s session on Classics of Cantorial Music (May 2), and Rabbi Joan Farber’s exploration of Living Ethics (begins February 7). In addition, Jonathan will introduce adult learners to “great non-Jews in Jewish history” (May 23), Daytime Diversions returns with its ever-popular movies, speakers, and current event discussions, Rabbi Vicki Armour-Hileman will spend a weekend (November 2-4) detailing The Jewish Journaling
Judaica The
Project, and Rabbi Mara will follow last spring’s sensational Dead Sea Scrolls and Ben’s Delicatessen tour with a trip to the Lower East Side (Sunday, October 21). Our other rabbi members are also on the roster: Rabbi Marcus Burstein will give a Tour of the Torah (starting November 1), and Rabbi Eve Rudin will discuss Israel’s Founding Fathers (starting April 3). This fall, the Rivertowns Jewish Consortium’s long-running Mayim film festival comes to Woodlands with a three-part, three-week series that begins on Wednesday night, October 10.
Community Nothing says Woodlands like the whole congregation under the tent. But several other activities this fall will reinforce that feeling. On Shabbat Shuvah (September 21), we’ll meet and welcome Rev. Dee Stevens, the new pastor at Ardsley United Methodist Church. A week later, on Sunday night, September 30, it’s our annual Sukkot BBQ. At some point in September, The Judaica Shop is planning a Surprise September Sale. (When? It’s a surprise!). Another shopping opportunity is the returning Online Auction, which goes live in November. November 3 brings the first Woodlands Coffee House of the season. A week later, Woodlands joins temples throughout Westchester for a Night of Jewish Music and Joy at Temple Israel Center of White Plains. And on November 29, a crew of Woodlanders will depart for an Adult Civil Rights Journey.
Leadership Part of gearing up for the New Year is making good on resolutions to do good—both for yourself and for others. One great way to do that is by getting active in Woodlands. And one great way to get involved is by signing up for Derekh, Woodlands’ unique temple leadership program (see page 4). But there are lots of other ways to get involved. There are formal committees (such as Ritual, Finance, Social Action, Adult Ed, Marketing, and more). And there are ad hoc efforts, many of them started by congregants who just have good ideas they want to share. Committee meetings are listed on page 9; an annotated list of committees is on the website. For more information, contact the temple office.
After The Tent Comes Down And The Leaves Fall Our Fall Preview is just a taste of what’s coming up at Woodlands in the months to come. Watch Makom, the weekly email, and the website for new listings and new developments. It’s going to be a sweet, round, and wonderful year.
S h o p at
Buying season is approaching and The Judaica Shop at Woodlands will be looking for wondrous things at fantastic prices. We look forward to having new merchandise in time for the High Holy Days and fall entertaining and simkhas. Are you looking for a shofar for a special holiday gift or for your own home? Let us know what you might be interested in purchasing and we’ll shop our vendors for you at the best price available. Enjoy the rest of your summer and keep your eyes open for the Surprise September Sale. Need a gift now? Shopping for something special? The shop is open every day during temple office hours. Can’t get there during the week day? Email us at judaicashop@ wct.org and we’ll be happy to make alternate arrangements
Friday Night Shabbat Babysitting Babysitting will be available during the 8:00 pm Shabbat services on September 7, 14, 21, and 28. No reservations are necessary for babysitting during Shabbat services. Please see page 19 in this issue of Makom for important information about registering for High Holy Days babysitting. Contact babysitting@wct.org with any questions.
13
The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of Elizabeth Calhoon mother of Mary Elizabeth Stern Leah Haber sister of Robert Yeshion Jerry Rosenberg step-father of Michael Lebowich Milton Gralla brother of Larry Gralla Terrie Kaplan, wife of Alan Kaplan Norah Stiefel mother of Lewis Stiefel Marvin Donocoff father of Brian Donocoff Ralph Blumenthal, father of Dave Blumenthal
We Join in Extending Our Condolences
Honor a Loved One Bookplates Now Available It is a time-honored Jewish tradition to honor people we love by making tzedakah contributions on their behalf. Now, in addition to contributing to our regular funds, you and your family may purchase bookplates to dedicate individual copies of our High Holy Days makhzor, Gates of Repentance. And your donation will help us purchase new prayerbooks as the need arises. • Bookplates cost $36 each. • One plate will be lovingly inscribed with both your and your loved one’s name. • Each plate will be placed inside one synagogue copy of our High Holy Days prayerbook. Order online at wct.org/bookplate
14
September Yahrzeit (15 Elul - 14 Tishrei) Friday, September 7 Max Abrams Rhoda Altman William Barron Harriet Berger Bibi Eva Bluett Rose Citron Helena Collins Louis Gilden Bertha Gordon Harvey Leon Len Levine Solomon Lewis Martha Manheimer John McGinley Louis Melnick Phyllis Mendelsohn Leonard Nieman Abraham Rickles Al Rubin Max Sam Abrams Abraham Shapiro George Stein David Stolzenberg Samuel Sturzer Dorothy Weisberg Murray Winters Rita Wuhrman
Friday, September 14 Simone Belsky Adele Bernstein Sylvia Bloom George Borenstein Aaron Bradburd David Cooperman Jeanette Decker Seymour Dubensky Sam Froimowitz Daniel Gold Moritz Goldberg Adele Ella Grand
Norman Judelson Michael Kalvin Leo Kleinman Charles Levy Bernard Merfeld Sr. George Milbauer Debby Moll Celia Morris Paul Motelson Fanny Pruzan Marvin Reifer Joseph Roth Bernard Sadoff Louis Schaffer Florence Selzer Karen Shifren Hedda Spielman Ruth Walters Jeffrey Walz Richard Wendrow Harris Winkleman Herbert Wool
Friday, September 21 Martin Adler Alex Berkowitz Jesse Bern Irmgard Birk Paulette Block Leon Burak Paul Burke Katherine Camlic Estelle Chernoff Marlene Cohen Carolyn Epstein Herman Fishkin Irving Gaines Ray Gartenberg Selma Goldberger Sam Goncharoff Stanley Goodman Jennie Jacobs
Elaine Kravitz Nettie Levine Ruth Levine Joseph Merfeld Gemma Moskovitz James Richman Irma Rosen Milton Sapan Jessie Seltzer Leon Steinberg Walter Stolbach Ruth Stone Sophie Trell Jeanette Trieger Irene Wagner Jon Weisinger Samuel Zwicker
Friday, September 28 Fred Citron Michael Della Femina Dae Eliezer Anna Falk Hilda Feder Morris Gartenberg Phyllis Hirschfeld Edward Jushpy David LaVine Betty Marcus Stanley Marinbach Matilda Mayland Nat Meister David Nathanson Meyer Ragir Bess Sadoff Samuel Safirstein Bernard Shapiro Doris Small Peter Stein Irving Tvert Arthur Wetherbee Bertha Widlitz
HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning. Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.
The Memorial Garden Wall In 1985-86, plans were drawn to build an outdoor Memorial Garden Wall. It was a complicated task because Woodlands had a strict policy barring plaques from being placed inside the building. However temple members wanted a place where they could honor the memories of their loved ones. In a bold, clever and poignant way, they constructed this wall. Not only did they place it outside the building, but they built it so no names could be seen from inside the building. For more information on including your loved ones’ names on the Memorial Garden Wall, contact the office.
WCT Funds Available for Your Support
The Simkha Page
B'nai Mitzvah
Professionals’ Mitzvah Funds Rabbi’s Mitzvah Fund
Tamar Bordwin
Rebecca Harris
September 8
September 15
Torah Portion
Torah Portion
Supports various individuals, organizations and/ or programs at the discretion of the Rabbi. (Checks should be made payable to the Rabbi’s Mitzvah Fund. Please specify Rabbi Billy or Rabbi Mara.)
Nitzavim
Cantor’s Discretionary Fund
Ki Tavo Hebrew Name
Tamar
Hebrew Name
Rivka
Allyson Werner
Meredith Fox
September 22
September 29
Torah Portion
Torah Portion
Supports various individuals, organizations or programs at the discretion of the Cantor. (Checks should be made payable to the Cantor’s Discretionary Fund.)
Educator’s Enrichment Fund
Vayelekh, Shuva
Ha’azinu
Provides special programs for the Religious School. (Checks should be made payable to the Educator’s Enrichment Fund.)
Hebrew Name Aviella
Hebrew Name Miryam
WCT Program Support
Mazal Tov Mazal tov to Gaby and Andrew Bordwin, as their daughter, Tamar, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Mazal tov to Alison and Steven Harris, as their daughter, Rebecca, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Mazal tov to Natalie and Jay Werner, as their daughter, Allyson, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Mazal tov to Jamie and Andrew Fox, as their daughter, Meredith, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Mazal tov to Mike and Trudy Holand on the birth of a granddaughter, Avery May Holand, daughter of Dan and Loren Holand. Mazal tov to Ray and Leslie Kimmelman on the engagement of their daughter, Natalie, to Alex Maroni, son of Susan Maroni and Steve Maroni. Mazal tov to Bob and Joan Stern, on the engagement of their daughter, Sarah to Scott Stein, son of Abbe and Steve Stein. Mazal tov to William Lang and Marina Braun, on the marriage of their son, Johan Lang, to Laura Mazzeo. Mazal tov to Ed and Susie Brubaker, on the marriage of their daughter, Heather Brubaker, to Zach Yeskel.
Chai Fund (formally The General Fund) Supports the general needs of the Temple. All unspecified gifts are placed into the Chai Fund.
Endowment Trust Provides a long-term endowment to support the financial needs of Woodlands Community Temple.
Outdoor Memorial Garden With the purchase of an inscription, you can memorialize loved ones, provide for the maintenance and beautification of our Memorial Wall and Garden, and contribute to the general needs of the Temple.
Library Fund Funds the purchase of books for our library.
Lifelong Learning Fund Dedicated to creating an ever-growing love of Jewish learning and living through ongoing educational exploration for all members of our congregation.
Music Fund
The Woodlands Book Fair is early this year! Stop by the Youth Lounge September 28-October 7 and browse the collection of Jewish and popular titles, including books for children of all ages. Buy for back-to-school, fall pleasure reading or early holiday shopping. And join us for Book Fair Shabbat on October 5, when we welcome Peter Ephross, journalist, avid sports fan, and editor of Jewish Major Leaguers in Their Own Words to the bimah. All proceeds from the Book Fair benefit our Religious School Enrichment Fund.
Underwrites special music programs, purchases music for the Cantor and Woodlands Singers, and funds Jewish Music Month activities.
Rabbinic Intern Fund Supports the hiring of a rabbinic student to assist our Rabbi and work with our Temple community.
Scholar-In-Residence Fund Supports the Scholar-in-Residence program.
15
Torah and Ritual Fund Provides for repairs of our Torah collection and for other ritual needs of the Congregation.
Prayerbook Fund Funds the purchase and maintenance of siddurim, High Holy Days prayer books, and Torah commentaries through the purchase of dedicatory book plates.
Scholarships and Support Bernard and Frances Shapiro Chesed Caring Community Fund Supports Temple members in need and the activities of the Chesed Caring Community.
Expanding Jewish Horizons Fund Provides support for individuals post college age for travel to and attendance at Jewish educational and cultural programs.
Lay Professional Development Fund Supports members of the congregation pursuing lay professional activities for the benefit of the Congregation.
Donations We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support Woodlands Temple by remembering and honoring their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions.
Rabbi Billy’s Mitzvah Fund In memory of Terrie Kaplan: Sam and Beverly Borwick, Bob and Bonnie George, Ralph Lawrence and Linda Lucks, Bob and Roberta Silman, Sheila and Dick Sweet. In memory of Anna Leicht, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht. In memory of Max Leicht, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht. In appreciation of Rabbi Billy, from Michael Hess. Many Thanks to Rabbi Billy, from Greg Weiss and Stacey Bouzios. In memory of Zelda Futernick, from Ralph Lawrence and Linda Lucks. In memory of Arthur Lucks, husband, from Linda Lucks.
n appreciation of Cantor Jonathan, from Michael Hess.
In memory of Ed Kleban, from Jack and Sue Safirstein
In honor of the baby naming of Norah Song Green, granddaughter of Lois Green, from Audrey Rosen.
In honor of their upcoming marriage, from Greg Weiss and Stacey Bouzios.
In honor of the wedding of Johan Lang to Laura Mazzeo, from William Lang and Marina Braun. Many thanks to Cantor Jonathan and in honor of Abel Becerra becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Bob Voss. Mazal tov to Cantor Jonathan for 13 years at Woodlands, from Jamie, Andrew, Meredith and Jordan Fox. In memory of Norman Leon, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht.
Educator’s Enrichment Fund
College Enrichment Fund
In memory of Mollie and Jule Bloomenfeld, parents, from Linda Lucks.
Assists members of college age to attend Jewish programs such as URJ and NFTY conventions. Established in memory of Buddy Klein.
Many thanks to Harriet Levine and in honor of Abel Becerra becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Bob Voss.
In memory of Minnie and Abraham Lucks, Arthur’s parents, from Linda Lucks.
In appreciation of Harriet Levine, from Michael Hess.
Confirmation Israel Study Fund
In memory of David Endick, brother, uncle, from Murray Endick and Carol Kronenberger.
Aids Confirmation students where needed so they may travel to and study in Israel. Established in memory of Ellen Block.
Education & Youth Activities Fund Funds special religious and educational needs for young people, other than college, including NFTY camp and program scholarships. Established in memory of Harriet Rosen.
Special Education Fund Supports special education programs within the Religious School.
Steve’s H.O.P.E “Helping to Open People’s Eyes,” this fund promotes social justice, individual responsibility, and moral action through the Civil Rights Journey, L’taken Political Action Seminar, and other projects. Established in memory of Stephen Lelewer.
Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah Fund In memory of Terrie Kaplan, from Tony and Selena Barron. In memory of Milton Gralla, from Tony and Selena Barron. In memory of Dora Cooke, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht. In honor of Elijah Swift becoming a Confirmand, from Kurt and Gloria Nash. In honor of the naming of Isabel Rose Wolosky, from Lee Wolosky and Amy Foote. Many thanks to Rabbi Mara and in honor of Abel Becerra becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Bob Voss. Many thanks to Rabbi Mara, from Greg Weiss and Stacey Bouzios.
Cantor’s Discretionary Fund With admiration and appreciation for all you do, from Shari, Jonathan, Steven, Andy, Ryan and Jared Turell.
16
In honor of Elijah Swift becoming a Confirmand, from Kurt and Gloria Nash.
Chai Fund
In honor of the 90th birthday of Jane Judd, grandmother of Rabbi Mara, from Stephen Houck. In honor of Abel Becerra becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Katherine Anne Panella. Many thanks to Liz Rauchwerger and in honor of Abel Becerra becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Bob Voss. In memory of Reba Bock, from Sandy and Jerry Turetsky. In memory of Leo Falk, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz. In honor of Rabbi Billy Dreskin receiving an honorary doctorate from HUC, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz. In honor of Rochelle Stolzenberg, for 3 years of service to our community as president of WCT, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz. In honor of Bob Voss, from Ronald Sable.
In memory of Milton Gralla, brother of Larry Gralla from:
In honor of Cantor Jonathan, from Merri Rosenberg.
Mort and Susan Aron, Stu and Karen Berlowitz, Lois Diamond, Bill and Gloria Falk, Andy and Joan Farber, The Fligel Family, David Griff and Roni Beth Tower, Barry and Judith Kessler, Jackie and Nelson Leicht, Mickey Milbauer, Jack and Sue Safirstein Bob and Jane Steinhardt, Judith Wachs.
In honor of Ron and Meg Tvert, from Lois Diamond.
In memory of Jerry Rosenberg, step-father of Michael Lebowich, from: Stu and Karen Berlowitz, Bill and Gloria Falk, Andy and Joan Farber, The Fligel Family. In memory of Simon Erbst, from Sandy and Nathan Froimowitz. In memory of Leah Haber, sister of Robert Yeshion, from Jay and Elly Glat. In honor of Lisa Sack’s Birthday, from Noa Heyman.
In honor of Gloria and Bill Falk, from Lois Diamond. In honor of Stu Berlowitz as incoming President, from Lois Diamond. In honor of Rabbi Mara, from Lois Diamond. In honor of Rabbi Billy, from Lois Diamond. In honor of Cantor Jonathan, from Lois Diamond. In memory of Jonah Maccabee Dreskin, from Lois Diamond. In memory of Shirley Salomon, sister of Paul Stepner, from Lois Diamond. In honor of WCT teachers, from Lisa Sacks. In memory of Terrie Kaplan, wife of Alan Kaplan, from: Mort and Susan Aron, Marilyn Bergman, Stu and Karen
Donations
Social Action
We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support Woodlands Temple by remembering and honoring their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions.
Social Action Fund
Berlowitz, Sharon Bernstein, Dave and Karen Blumenthal, Jeffrey Chester, Ellen Donat, Bill and Gloria Falk, Andy and Joan Farber, The Fligel Family, Barry and Marsha Goldstein, Larry and Yvette Gralla, David Griff and Roni Beth Tower, Jay and Lois Izes, Larry and Audrey Kaplan, Charles and Carol Kessler, Nelson and Jackie Leicht, Steve and Terri Levin, Ed and Dotty Miller, Don and June Moskovitz, Phyllis Opochinsky, Honey and Howard Sackelman, Jack and Sue Safirstein, Mark and Marjory Selig, Steve and Eileen Stein, Bob and Jane Steinhardt, Deborah and Michael Wiskind, Jay and Carol Charkow, The Zizmor Family In memory of Ruth Polikof, mother of Phyllis, Rhoda Traum and grandmother of Laurie Rosen, Jillian Miller, Juliet Traum and Seth Traum, from Phyllis Opochinsky.
patience in teaching us Hebrew, from Phylllis Hirth. In memory of Terrie Kaplan, from Deborah Halpern and Alex Sinclair.
Abayudaya Fund
Midnight Run Fund Michael Hess.
Social Action Fund In memory of Marvin Donocoff, father of Brian Donocoff, from Shelli and Alan Katz, Corey Friedlander.
Domestic Violence Fund Mazal Tov to Emily Harper and Matthew Gilfus on their upcoming marriage, from Helen Harper.
Lifelong Learning Fund In honor of Rabbi Joan Farber for her incredible skill and
Domestic Abuse Task Force
In honor of Roberta and Lloyd Roos 50th Anniversary, from Jeanne and Murray Bodin.
Helps us to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence leaving the Hope’s Door shelter and reestablishing their lives.
In memory of Terrie Kaplan, from Sy and Sarah Donner.
Hunger Fund
In honor of Laurie Leibowitz, from Lloyd and Roberta Roos. In honor of Emily Roos, from Lloyd and Roberta Roos. In memory of Terrie Kaplan, from Jeanne and Murray Bodin.
Music Fund Michael Hess. In honor of the 25th Wedding Anniversary of Bill and Shelly Levine, from Larry and Judi Newman.
Jonah Maccabee Fund
In memory of Miriam Marder, wife of Melvin Marder, from Lois Diamond.
Helps the impoverished Abayudaya community to become self sufficient.
In memory of Milton Gralla, from Sy and Sarah Donner.
Michael Hess
In memory of Milton Gralla, from Jay and Lois Izes.
In wishing Marla Weizner, a speedy and full recovery, from Rhoda and Marty Payson.
Abayudaya (Jews of Uganda) Fund
Ritual Fund
In honor of Sarah Stern’s engagement to Scott Stein, from Joan and Bob Stern.
In honor of Abel Becerra becoming a Bar Mitzvah and raising money for his Tzedakah project, from Abel Becerra.
In memory of Steve Belasco, husband of Fran Belasco, from Rhoda and Marty Payson.
Funds projects organized by the Social Action Committee.
In honor of Roberta and Lloyd Roos; 50th Anniversary, from Katherine Meinhold and Richard Weiner.
In honor of Bob Voss, from Walter Kurtzman and Ellen Washburn.
Library Fund
from Rhoda and Marty Payson.
In memory of Sondra Miller, sister of Lewis Harris, from Sandy and Max Tuchman.
In memory of Ed Kleban, from Sy and Sarah Donner.
Education and Youth Activities Fund In memory of Len Levine, from Michael Hess. Many thanks to Ross Glinkenhouse and in honor of Abel Becerra becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Bob Voss.
Confirmation Israel Study Fund. In honor of the birth of Jonah Aaron Stern, from Debbie and Jim Pollowitz.
Makom Shelibi Oheyv Bookplate In memory of Milton Gralla, brother of Larry Gralla, from Lois Green and Family.
In memory of Terrie Kaplan, from Lois Diamond.
In memory of Leah Haber, from Lois Green, Dan, Robin and Family.
In memory of Terrie Kaplan, from Steve and Roberta Florin.
In memory of Terrie Kaplan, from Jason Badian.
In memory of Jonah Maccabee Dreskin, from Michael Hess.
In memory of Terrie Kaplan, from Geoffrey and Shelly Kaplan and family.
In memory of Dr. O. Herman Dreskin, father, from Joan Dreskin Funk. To remember and celebrate the life of Terrie Kaplan, from Helen and Emily Harper. Thank you to the children from the 2011-2012 Kindergarten class for your lovely gift, from Helen Harper.
Steve’s H.O.P.E. Fund In memory of Stephen Lelewer, from The Seiger family and Frieda Cossman.
Bernard and Frances Shapiro Chesed Caring Community Fund
Support organizations that help the hungry and homeless in our community.
Interfaith Caring Community Fund Consortium of local churches and synagogues that provide continuous care for those in need, here in our local Greenburgh community.
Midnight Run Fund Supports the congregation’s participation in Midnight Run, which collects and distributes food, clothes and toiletries to homeless people living on the streets of Manhattan.
Mitzvat Mississippi Supports trips to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Louisiana to aid in the rebuilding of the area following the devastion of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Project Ezra Supports the elderly Jewish poor of the Lower East Side.
In memory of Terrie Kaplan, from Stephen and Caryn Badian and family. In memory of Terrie Kaplan, from Ira and Alyson Kaplan and family. In memory of Terrie Kaplan, from Lenny and Barbara Kaplan. In memory of Terrie Kaplan, from Stuart and Ruth Badian. In memory of Terrie Kaplan, from Lois Green In memory of Marvin Donocoff, from Lois Green and Family.
In memory of Terrie Kaplan,
17
18
Woodlands Calendar September, 2012 Elul - Tishrei 5772-73
Photo Gallery
How We Spent Our Summer Vacation Woodlands Cleans Up for the Holidays
A
s you wander around the grounds of the temple this High Holy Day season—or into the building (and especially into the kitchen), you might notice that we’re all dressed up for the holidays. That’s thanks to the yeoman efforts of a number of Woodlands members who spent countless days this summer weeding and pruning, cleaning and polishing.
The people to thank, when you see them under the tent, include: Andrea Einhorn, Donna Chonigman, Stu and Karen Berlowitz, Mimi Buegeleisen, Evi Lieb, Sandi Lieb-Geiger, Rich Celline, Julie Stein, Marge Trope, Harriet Levine, Michele Montague, Joshua, Zach and Jonathan, Jay and Linda Zwicker, Rochelle Stolzenberg, Michael Hess, Dayle and Erin Fliger, and Jay Weiner. And, of course, German, without whom none of this could happen.
19
High Holy Days Babysitting Babysitting is available during Adult Service. Please reserve in advance so we can plan accordingly.
“Most Adorable Holiday Celebration Ever!”
Simkhat Torah Morning 1st Grade Consecration
Monday, October 8 at 10:30 am Yes, Simkhat Torah is indeed a Jewish holiday. And yes, it does come quite soon after Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. And it even follows only 14 hours after our raucous evening of singing and dancing for Erev Simkhat Torah. But this — celebrating with our 1st graders and their
20
families as these young people officially begin their formal Jewish education — is truly something to sing about. And we do sing! And we’d love for you — the community of our Woodlands Temple — to come sing with us.
Inscriptions for Memorial Wall Twice a year, Woodlands adds names to our beautiful outdoor Memorial Wall and dedicates them during a Yizkor service. The fall dedication will be held during the last day of Sukkot, Monday October 8, at 9:00 am. If you wish to have names inscribed on our garden Memorial Wall in time for the Sukkot dedication, please supply the information requested below and return it to the Temple (Attention: Memorial Wall) no later than September 24.
The price for inscription is $800. Space(s) may be reserved on the Memorial Wall for future inscriptions with a 50% deposit ($400 per name). If you have already reserved a name, the price in effect at the time of the reservation will continue to be honored. All names (whether they are to be inscribed or reserved) must be listed below. This information is required by the engravers so that appropriate space may be allocated for future inscriptions.
21
Thanks—to Bob Apter, and to Our Advertisers Four years ago, Bob Apter, who’d worked for ABC Sports for more than 35 years but had never sold an ad, took over ad sales for Makom’s predecessor, Woodlands News. A year later, sales had increased ninefold and the temple bulletin had become totally self-supporting. Last year, although ad revenue had dropped slightly, Bob’s powers of persuasion still filled an average of three to four pages in each issue with ads and had brought us an “honor roll” of nine advertisers who had appeared in every 2011-2012 issue. But even ad sales superstars have their tenure, and a year ago, Bob
announced that after the June 2012 issue it would be time for him to turn the page and, as he puts it, “give someone else a chance” to get the word out about the power of the Woodlands press. Are you that person? If so, let the temple know—and they’ll get you the best possible sales coach: Bob Apter himself. Even if you’re not, though, check out the ads in this issue, consider these advertisers when you need their services—and thank them for their dedication to Woodlands. Thanks, Bob, for your years of service.
Weinstein Memorial Chapel 914-793-3800 1652 Central Park Avenue • Yonkers, New York 10710 (1 Block North of Tuckahoe Road) E-mail: wmc1652@verizon.net The Only Jewish Family Owned Chapel in Westchester County
A Family Commitment to the Jewish Community with Dignified, Respectful Service. Four Generations of Personalized Service Mildred, Jack*, Seymour & Edward Weinstein (Owners) Arrangements Available in Westchester and Metro NYC 24 Hours a Day • 7 Days a Week We Accept All Major Credit Cards. MEMBER: Jewish Funeral Directors Assoc. of America New York State Funeral Directors Association Westchester Funeral Directors Association *Deceased
22
We thank our Advertisers for their Support
James Dowdle
We thank our Advertisers for their Support
23
Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage
PAID White Plains, NY
50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607
Permit No. 1112
current resident or:
Dated Material- Do Not Delay
Our Mishpakha in Uganda
Kulanu (the organization that supports and connects dispersed and emerging Jewish groups), we provided the Abayudaya with water collection n September 17, as Woodlands systems and paid for bringing electricity congregants enter the tent up Nabugoye Hill, connecting the on Worthington Road, other community to the national grid. We Jews will be welcoming the New Year supported women’s conferences, school at the Moses Synagogue miles away on nutrition programs, Hebrew education, Uganda’s Nabugoye Hill. literacy projects, and coffee production. In 2002, the Moses Synagogue became Woodlands’ “sister synagogue,” We also provided over 500 books for the new children’s library. following a visit to Woodlands from During the their now rabbi, past seven years, Gershom Sizomu. several Woodlands We listened to congregants Gershom tell have visited the the story of his Abayudaya and community, the were impressed Abayudaya, with the seriousness and how they of their Judaism and overcame incredible their commitment difficulties to to the growth and survive as Jews sustainability of since 1920. When their community he talked about the that has doubled ease with which we in size during that in New York flick a time. switch and turn on The Abayudaya a faucet, he created have participated a spark in us: We in Heifer can enable the Woodlands brought electric light to the International, Abayudaya, too, to Abayudaya high school. created a microenjoy electricity and loan program, water. Thus was built a gristmill, developed a coffee born the Moses Synagogue Associate Membership Program, an early effort to cooperative with their Muslim and Christian neighbors, and are help our Ugandan brothers and sisters. moving toward doing the same with With the help of 70-80 Woodlands cardamom and vanilla. (Their coffee is members and in conjunction with
O
available for purchase at Woodlands.) But, most important are the schools. Enrollment is about 700, including non-Jewish students. The cost of educating and feeding these children falls mainly on Kulanu and supporters such as Woodlands. There are now several Abayudaya young people in colleges – and some graduates. When we first met teen-age Sarah Nabagala in 2005, she confided that she wanted to become a lawyer. Today, she is a law student in Kampala. We are pleased about our part in the success of this community and their efforts to create economic viability. What next? “The “Mama in the Schools” project - created by an Abayudaya woman trained by the International Red Cross. Mama Rebecca, as she is known, works as a counselor to girls and boys, doing culturally sensitive work with kids on sexual maturity issues, HIV, pregnancy prevention, and conflict mediation. She also works with parents. The project costs $1,000 a year to run and needs a sponsor. Enter Woodlands! Here’s how your family can be a part: Become a member of the Moses Synagogue Associate Membership Program at $50 annually. Information at www.wct.org/social-action. There are more Sarah Nabagalas out there. We can’t help them all – but one or two more? This year, may it be so. Jeanne Bodin and Roberta Roos