the newsletter of woodlands community temple
October 2012 Tishrei - Heshvan 5773
“Born This Way” Learning with Vicki Armour-Hileman November 2-4, 2012 Rabbi Vicki Armour-Hileman returns to Woodlands—her spiritual home—on Friday night, November 2, to lead a weekend-long project she calls “Jewish Journaling”, a means, as she puts it, for “finding Torah in our lives—and our lives in Torah.” Makom spoke with Vicki about what led her to embrace her Judaism, to become a rabbi, and to develop the journaling project. Here are some excerpts from that interview. To learn more, come participate in the program; a schedule is on page 12. Makom: Though you were born a Jew, with a Jewish mother, Judaism wasn’t part of your life for many years. What changed that? (Continued on page 12)
“Nightline” Was in the House Early on the morning of September 17, a crew from ABC’s long-running TV newsmagazine, “Nightline” arrived at the tent to get ready to film our Rosh Hashanah morning service. Woodlands, as you may know both from a pre-holiday congregational email and Rabbi Billy’s remarks at the start of the service, was honored to be chosen by “Nightline” to help represent modern Judaism in a documentary the “Nightline” team is producing about the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Before mounting their cameras on tripods for the service itself, the crew roamed the tent briefly to get some footage of the congregation assembling and the clergy preparing. After the service, the crew asked a small group of congregants to tell and explain a few Some congregants talked about Moses; pre-chosen tales from the Torah. Those clips will others about Adam and Eve and Noah be intercut with clips of other people (members of all three faiths) telling and interpreting the same stories, helping to underscore the similarities between the three religions. The documentary is likely to air in December. Watch the website and Makom for details.
In this Issue Jews in Sports: Book Fair and Speaker p. 2 Jonathan’s Roaster Redux p. 4 The B’nai Binah Journey p. 6
we are
family Fall Online Auction
Auction: Help Wanted! p. 5, 7, 9, 20 Talent Show: The Woodlands Way p. 9 Watering the Family Tree p. 9 Pluralism in Israel p. 10 A Wandering Jew p. 14 l’Dor va’Dor: Six rules, many people p 19 Torah Author Revealed p. 24
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
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)
Woodlands Book Fair through Sunday, October 7 Don’t forget to stop by the Youth Lounge 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 Friday, 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.
Simkhat Torah!! Sunday, October 7, 7:30-9:00 pm And especially exciting ... B’nai Binah Ceremony for 22 adult Torah students. Come sing, dance, and pray with zesty spirit! Mazel tov to: Bonni Arbore Marjorie Berman Marie Cohen Marty Cohen Tasha Daniels Macedo Andrea Einhorn Judy Flamm Jill Garland Helen Harper Jill Iturbe Andrea Katz
Susan Korsten Karen LaSala Julie Levine Evelyn Lieb Melanie Roher Lisa Sacks Marjory Selig Fran Smith Natalie Werner Michele Wise Elka Wolloch-Klarsfeld
Don’t miss our rockin’ Simkhat Torah house band! Witness the awesome experience of unrolling the entire Torah! Bring your entire family from greatgrandparents to infants — as we sing, dance and celebrate with our Torah ... the Woodlands way!
Office Staff (wct@wct.org) Patricia Nissim, Temple Administrator Liz Rauchwerger, Rabbi’s Assistant Michele Montague, Educator’s Assistant
About Our Temple 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
Patricia Nissim, Makom Editor Melanie Roher, Makom Designer
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“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 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. Why not make all the holidays a part of your life this year? Come share in an hour of sheer delight. You’ll float out of the sanctuary, we promise.
Worship Schedule Shabbat Ha’azinu
Friday, September 28
Welcoming Derekh at 8:00 pm Celebrating Shabbat as a community, we welcome the newest participants in Derekh, our temple leadership development program.
Saturday, September 29 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am
Celebrate with us as Meredith Fox, daughter of Jamie and Andrew Fox, becomes a Bat Mitzvah. Deuteronomy 32:1-52 ... II Samuel 22:1-51
Shabbat Hol HaMoed Sukkot Friday, October 5
Book Fair Shabbat at 8:00 pm Author Peter Ephross (co-author of Jewish Major Leaguers in Their Own Words: Oral Histories of 23 Players) joins us this evening. The Book Fair will be open following our service.
Saturday, October 6
Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Hanna Wagner, daughter of Lisa and David Wagner, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.
Shabbat Noakh Friday, October 19
Mishpakha Shabbat at 6:45 pm (Dinner at 6:00 pm) Our newest worship experience for the entire congregation, but earlier so that families with kids can attend. Meaningful for adults, engaging for children! If you like, join us for a quick 6:00 pm dinner (make your reservation at wct.org/mishpakha).
Saturday, October 20 Lerners Minyan resumes at 8:30 am
Come celebrate Shabbat with Cantor Jonathan while practicing Hebrew reading skills and learning about the liturgy. No 10:30 service today. If you are saying Kaddish, please join us for this intimate, relaxed learners’ service. Genesis 6:9 - 11:32 ... Isaiah 54:1 - 55:5
Shabbat Lekh Lekha
Friday, October 26
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! Also, we’ll celebrate the naming of Josephine May Kelly, daughter of Elly and Matthew Kelly.
Exodus 33:12 - 34:26 ... Ezekiel 38:18 39:16
Shulhouse Rocks Shabbat! at 8:00 pm
Shabbat Bereshit
Dan Nichols, Ellen Dreskin and Kenny Green will be joined by our clergy and members of Shulhouse Rock songleader training program.
Friday, October 12
A Joyful Noise! at 8:00 pm Bring your family, and let’s celebrate Shabbat with a new song (and a few old ones, too)! Visual Worship tonight, too. No siddurim (unless you want one, of course). All prayers and readings will be projected onto screens. See you there! Oh, and we’ll be celebrating Woody Guthrie’s 100th birthday tonight too.
Saturday, October 13
Hevra Torah Shabbat at 9:15 am Torah learning during Shabbat worship with Cantor Jonathan. We’ll go until 11:15 or so, and then a bagel-andcream-cheese brunch will follow. No Lerners Minyan today. Genesis 1:1 - 6:8 ... I Samuel 20:18-42
Saturday, October 27
Lerners Minyan at 8:30 am Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Rachel Fein, daughter of Jennifer Altman and Jason Fein, becomes a Bat Mitzvah. Genesis 12:1 - 17:27 ... Isaiah 40:27 - 41:16
Friday Night Shabbat Babysitting Babysitting will be available during the 8:00 pm Shabbat service on October 5, 12, and 26. No reservations are necessary for babysitting during Shabbat services. Contact babysitting@wct.org with any questions.
Sukkot Learning Monday, October 1 at 8:30 am Join Rabbi Mara for some early-morning study to help make your Sukkot even more wonderful.
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 Shabbat ... You’re Invited! Saturday, October 13, 9:15-11:30 am Here’s a delightful opportunity to combine a Saturday morning celebration of Shabbat with a lively exploration of the weekly Torah parashah. Please join us as we hold our Hevra Torah discussion during our Shabbat service. As usual, no experience required ... only your sense of curiosity. A bagel-and-cream-cheese kiddush will follow.
Hevra Torah Learning, Saturdays, 9:15-10:15 am September 29: Parshat Ha’azinu Facilitated by Barry Kessler October 6: Parshat Hol HaMoed Sukkot
Facilitated by Rabbi Billy October 13: Parshat Bereshit Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan October 20: Parshat Noakh Facilitated by Rabbi Mara October 27: Parshat Lekh Lekha Facilitated by Rabbi Billy 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.
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8th Grade Family Learning with Rabbi Billy Monday, October 15, 6:00-8:00 pm All parents and eighth graders will share dinner and an evening of learning with the rabbi. Dinner begins at 6:00 pm promptly, followed by a program especially designed for eighth graders and their parents. Please help us order the right amount of food; contact the Religious School office (5927070 or educator@wct.org) only if you’re unable to be with us.
“Judaism Takes an Honest Look at Love and Sexuality” The weekend of October 19-21, our ninth graders will board a bus with Rabbi Billy, Ross Glinkenhouse, and Martha and Mike Witkowski, heading north to a destination unlike most others: three days of learning about sexuality and relationships. Sex is in our children’s future. Hopefully, they will make good decisions for themselves and for those they care about. This retreat helps our kids to develop their decisionmaking skills, specifically as those skills apply to sexuality. Sexuality educators are in agreement that this is one of the most positive and effective avenues toward our kids forming healthy points-of-view so they can make healthy decisions at whatever time they choose to become sexually active. We’ve led this program for two decades now. The kids really enjoy it. And the evaluations consistently demonstrate that they learn from it and feel supported in resisting peer pressure to become sexually active before they are ready to do so. 9th graders: Don’t miss the bus. We leave promptly at 4:00 pm on Friday afternoon, October 19, returning at Noon on Sunday. Bring warm, comfortable, layered clothing, along with a sleeping bag and toothbrush! Parents, permission forms are a must. Please get them to us soon.
How to Make “A Joyful Noise!” 1. Pull out your calendar. 2. Insert these 2012-13 dates: October 12, November 9, January 11, March 8 and May 17. 3. Come to “A Joyful Noise!” and sing ... Sing ... SING!!!!!
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from the Rabbi
Expectant Mother
A Universe Built For Love
I
read a beautiful article in the New York Times about a fiveyear old coming to terms with the story of his birth and adoption. He learned he was adopted when his older sister angrily lashed out at him with, “You didn’t come out of Mommy’s belly!” She was factually correct, and even stumbled into a pretty good choice of words (except the tone of delivery conveying a momentary desire to ruin his life). A bit later, arms wrapped around her little boy, the mom would quietly explain to him, “Some babies come out of their mommies, and some come through other bodies to get to their mommies.” I adore these words. And while I’m sure others will find just the right way to share this important piece of information with their own child, this was such a loving and accessible way to convey the needed message. It got me thinking. This world of ours isn’t easy for anyone. Whether we’re born into poverty or with a silver spoon in our mouth, there will be moments when life hurts. Perhaps nothing more than a bee sting; perhaps an existential crisis. Perhaps the rise of destructive anti-governmental (or governmental) forces; perhaps we just miss someone we love. Minor or major, if the pain is ours, it can be a big deal. We honor our b’rit – our covenant – with one another when we take seriously feelings that may be ours or someone else’s. In the book of Deuteronomy there is a passage (28:3) which describes all the blessings that will come from following God’s mitzvot. One verse promises blessing ba-eer, “in the city.” The Talmud (Bava Metzia 107a) teaches that city blessings come when we are part of our community, when we share our lives with others and let others share their life with us. Religion’s greatest value is in its bringing people together to labor beside one another toward improving our lives and the lives of others. In this way, love awaits us like a mother awaits the arrival of her child. It doesn’t matter from where we’ve come; what matters is who’s there when we arrive.
My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy Comes to our coffeehouse, Saturday, November 4 at 8:00 pm Adults $18, College students $10, signup at wct.org/coffeehouse Brad Zimmerman, star of TV, standup and film will bring his hysterical show to the Woodlands Coffeehouse November 3. He will ask, “What’s worse than having a terrible job when you should be doing something else with your life? Hearing your mother complain about it, that’s what.” Brad recounts experiences in New York breaking into show business, and it is a sidesplitting ride from beginning to end. Brad is also a friend of ours here at Woodlands. He was the laid back emcee at Cantor Jonathan’s roast, but will emerge into the limelight in his persona as a lovable curmudgeon who tells it like it is. You will definitely want to be at this great night of absolutely classic comedy, Woodlands style.
from the Cantor
A Viewer’s Guide To Democracy
A
s the presidential campaign ramps up, I offer you some ideas to heighten your appreciation of the drama while still preserving your emotional health. Remember that anger is a cardinal sin. When politicians descend happily into blame that makes themselves blameless, you might recall, “Anger hath a privilege”. King Lear “Say you are right long enough, and you will be wrong.” Yiddish “I got angry at my anger, and never used it again.” Breslover Rabbi I think any candidate with a modest sense of humor could win in a landslide. About names. The conservative strategist Frank Luntz has made a science of renaming things so the mention of their name conjures up an emotional response. These ploys are now standard everywhere. When Republicans speak, it is the Democrat Party, no “ic.” I wonder how the Democratic folks would rename their opposition. Pub Party has a jolly sound to me, I enjoy my time in pubs. For the enthusiast, notice the careful use of “estate tax” vs “death tax” or “late term” vs “partial birth” abortion. We may even see the use of “legitimate” vs “illegitimate” rape. You might keep score, I know keeping a scorecard heightens my appreciation of a baseball game. I have found the Republican players more disciplined, I wonder what you will find. Finally, beware of “End of the Worldism.” When you follow the campaign there is a risk of taking it absolutely seriously, which exacts an emotional cost. I remind myself that these folks do this for a living, then watch the House of Representatives on C-Span. There is no way these people can change the world, they make no sense. Remember, it has been worse. Politicians have caned and shot one another in US history, and yet here we are.
From the Book Peddler to the Foreskin’s Lament and More Would you like to read the greatest books ever written in the rich tradition of Jewish fiction? We have the place for you! The group is called s’forim forum, s’forim being the Ashkenaz word for books. Under the guidance of Cantor Jonathan, the group, transverses the canon of jewish prose and poetry, from its beginnings at the birth of Yiddish literature to new works fresh off the press. We discuss the book we have read over a Sabbath afternoon snack and conclude with a brief havdalah. We begin promptly at 4:30 pm and end at 6:00 pm sharp! Saturday, October 20, we will discuss The Glatstein Chronicles, a new release from Yale Press of two novellas by perhaps the greatest Yiddish Poet of all time, Jacob Glatstein. It is in the form of a travel diary, a return to Eastern Europe by a protagonist who has moved to the US. Email Cantor Jonathan at cantor@wct.org, if you have any questions.
we are
family Fall Online Auction
Part One
Needed: Volunteers When WCT’s big online auction opens on November 15 and your screen is alive with goods and services on which to bid, it will all look so easy. But it’s not. Pulling together the goods and services, asking local merchants and congregants to donate, coordinating the information (pictures, descriptions, pricing), getting it online takes a lot of work. Fun work, of course. Rewarding work, naturally. Important work—this is, after all, our big fall fundaiser—goes without saying. But work nonetheless. Volunteers are needed. Contact Jill Garland for more information and to volunteer ( jillatwct@gmail.com; 347-489-5046). And turn the page to see the sorts of things we’re looking for.
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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.
Kidz Shabbat Services Return! For all young people through Age 12. Looking for a way to celebrate Shabbat as a family? Want to fill it with energy, music, humor and storytelling? But need something a bit briefer? Then come on along to “Kidz Shabbat!” Held monthly in our Sanctuary, it’s a half-hour short, is filled with lots of singing and storytelling, and is always followed by a scrumptious Oneg of juice and cookies for the kids, coffee and pastry for adults. Mark your calendars, here are the dates for 5773 (2012-13). Friday, October 26, Friday, November 16 Friday, December 21 Friday, January 25 Friday, February 22 (Purim) Friday, March 15 Friday, April 12 Friday, May 10 Friday, June 14 (Shavuot) Extra special note for grandparents: If you have little ones living (or visiting!) in the Westchester area and would like to kvell at their loving being in temple, then invite them to join you for Kidz Shabbat. You’ll love it ... because they’ll love it!
High Holy Days Sermons Online If there is a sermon during the High Holy Days that you find particularly meaningful, feel free to download it either for yourself or to share with others. They will be available at wct.org/sermons.
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Education Update
B’nai Binah
A Two-Year Journey
T
his year at Simkhat Torah we will celebrate with 22 men and women as they read from the Torah and share with their congregation their journeys which brought them to this place. I am so proud of them. These 22 took on a huge commitment – coming to class for two hours weekly for two plus years. Students came from a variety of communities, their ages range from early 20s to decades older. Some are new members of Woodlands, while others have been part of our community for many years. Several had a fair amount of religious education while growing up, and were even able to read Hebrew, while others had little or no knowledge of Judaism. Why do adults make commitments such as this? The answers are varied. For some, they never had the opportunity to study Hebrew and/or to become a Bat Mitzvah. (21 of the 22 in this class are women.) Many belonged to synagogues where girls did not learn Hebrew. Others came from families who did not belong to synagogues at all. Some grew up as Christians, and converted to Judaism at some point in their adult lives. Some want to learn Hebrew so they can participate fully in Shabbat or festival services. Others want to be able to chant the Torah blessings when their own child becomes Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Every member of the B’nai Binah class studied Hebrew every week with one of three teachers, depending upon their previous knowledge, or none, of the language. Additionally, one hour was spent delving into Judaic studies. The teachers were members of our professional staff, Rabbi, members of WCT, and other guests. Topics varied – from Jewish History to Lifecycle, from Holidays to Torah, from Ethics to the Prophets. Regardless of the reason, each of these 22 has traveled a two-year journey, journeys that we will be able to read about as they are called to the Torah on Sunday evening, October 7. Please join us as we celebrate both the cycle of reading the Torah, and the accomplishments of our friends and congregants. .
Religious School Calendar Monday, October 1 4:00 pm: No 7th Grade Class Today 6:00 pm: Confirmation Family Meeting #1 6:00 pm: Academy Wednesday, October 3 4:00 pm: 7th Grade - No Regular Class Today 7:00 pm: 7th Grade Family B’nai Mitzvah Meeting Saturday, October 6 9:00 am: Gan Hayeled - 1st Session - Sukkot Monday, October 8 No Religious School Today 10:00 am: 1st Grade Consecration Wednesday, October 10 5:30 pm: Family Torah Study - Group A - Session #3
Yo u t h M a t t e r s
Shalom, Woodlands!
I
’m very excited for the month of October, as it is going to be a rockin’ month! Last June, I wrote about a program called Shulhouse Rock, a song leading program to train teens from all over the USA! Well, one of the biggest perks of this program is that it is NOT just for the teens. The programs are set up so that not only are the teens receiving high-quality programming, but there are ample opportunities for you, the members of our temple community, to participate in and benefit from these rockin’ professionals who will be here that weekend. Did I mention that our Artists-in-Residence will be Kenny Green, Cantor Ellen Dreskin and Rockin’ Dan Nichols? What a Rockin’ Team we have! Here are the opportunities for your participation: Come join us Friday night, October 26 at our 8:00 pm service as Kenny, Ellen and Dan take to the Woodlands bimah and lead us in a joyous, musical Shabbat celebration! On Saturday night, October 27, join in for a lively Havdalah Sing-along Concert at 7:30 pm. Tickets are really cheap, so the entire family can attend! And finally, on Sunday morning, October 28, make sure your kids are at religious school when our teen Shulhouse Rock participants take charge and lead a rockin’ morning T’filah! This Shulhouse Rock weekend is for all of us here at Woodlands! So don’t stay home and miss the fun! Get excited! Get up, get up, get up, and join in this joyous, raucous, rockin’ spectacular weekend! SEE YOU HERE! L’shalom,
Thanks to Cliff Shoen, Mike Scafidi, Jay Werner, Andrea Einhorn and Nancy Fishman for clearing the path for St Joe’s to WCT. Thanks to Steve Zizmor, Nancy Fishman, Barry Kessler, Dayle Fligel, Alan Mitelman, Melanie Roher and the entire ushering crew for their efforts to make the High Holy Days run so smoothly. Special thanks to German Franco, Maro Martnez, Liz Rauchwerger and Patricia Nissim for all his help during these High Holy Days.
we are
family Fall Online Auction
Part Two Needed: Merchandise & Services What can you sell on the We Are Family! online auction? The sky’s the limit. Almost. Here are a few examples. For more details, check the website.
Friday, October 12 6:30 pm: 4th Grade Dinner & “A Joyful Noise” Service Saturday, October 13 9:00 am: Saturday Program - “New Beginnings” Sunday, October 14 9:00 am: 3rd & 4th Grade - Consecration - New Kids Only 9:00 am: Family Torah Study - Group A - Session #4 9:00 am: 3rd & 4th Grade - SPARK Program 11:10 am: 5th & 6th Grade - SPARK Program Wednesday, October 17 8:00 pm: 5th Grade B’nai Mitzvah Parents Meeting re: date assignment process Friday, October 19 - Sun October 21: 9th Grade Retreat
• Gift cards and gift certificates for restaurants and stores. • Massages, manicures, yoga lessons, personal training sessions… • Tickets for professional sporting events. • Airline tickets and hotel accommodations. • Music lessons, knitting lessons, singing lessons… • Wine and wine tastings. • Vacation property rentals. • Tennis or squash court time. • Health club trial memberships. • Electronics, furniture, luxury goods (new and in the original packaging) What can’t be sold at this auction? Just a few things: artwork, exercise equipment, financial services, rare and new books. To help collect and to donate these items, call Jill Garland (jillatwct@gmail.com; 347-489-5046) or the temple office. To learn how to bid on them, turn the page.
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from Rabbi Mara
Mishpakha Shabbat Why I’m a little obsessed On October 19, it will begin again!
That Other New Beginning by Rabbi Billy Dreskin
Last month, we looked at Moses’ words to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. This month, we explore the story of Creation. Et kol ye-rek eh-sev l’okh-lah ... to all the animals, birds and everything that creeps on earth, I give the green plants for food (Gen 1:30). This is often used as a proof-text for God’s wanting us to be vegetarians. That’s not my goal. Frankly, I don’t know what the writers of the Torah understood about nutrition but, intuitively, they may have stumbled upon a great piece of wisdom. Green plants are among nature’s most powerful foods. Dr. Michael Greger (nutritionfacts.org) teaches that increasing our intake of vegetables can reduce “the odds of being on aspirin, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, antacids, pain-killers, blood pressure medications, laxatives, and insulin.” If you’re looking for a new beginning (as many of us do around Rosh Hashanah), why not start by taking an extra helping of veggies? Seems to me the verse above gives us a 614th mitzvah: “Eat lots and lots of vegetables. They’re one of My greatest gifts to you!” Each month, “Chew on This” offers a morsel of teaching on how to think Jewishly about food and eating. Consult a physician before starting your own wellness journey.
Reminder to the 7th Grade Family Torah learning with the rabbi Section A resumes on Wednesday, October 10, 5:30-7:30 pm and Sunday, October 14, 9:00-11:00 am. See you there!
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A
couple of years ago, a few Woodlands Religious School (and younger!) families wanted something a little different. “We want to go to a full service with our kids,” they shared with one another, “but 8:00 pm is just too late!” And so, bound together by enthusiasm and a common goal, Mishpakha Shabbat Services were born (at 6:45 pm). The excitement was infectious. So last year we decided to begin an experiment: bring Mishpakha Shabbat into the mainstream. Instead of two services on some Friday evenings (the family service and the “regular” service), we instituted Mishpakha Shabbat as the congregational service on five different Fridays throughout the year. We held an informal but lively dinner at 6:00 pm and joined in a full, family-friendly service at 6:45 pm. Some things I witnessed on those five Fridays: Families hugging, children singing, pizza gobbling, parents relaxing, a community praying. I saw our Religious School kids pointing along in the siddur, practicing what they had been learning on Sunday mornings (the best part was seeing the pride on their faces when they realized, “I know this stuff and can actually use it!”). I watched as our numbers grew with every gathering. We filled the sanctuary most nights. The best part has been the community that has sprung up around this simple but meaningful Friday night experience. And it is not too late to become a part of it. Because of all the joy, the learning, and the praying together, we’re bringing Mishpakha Shabbat back for round two. The goal is the same: bring a service that is engaging for kids, meaningful for adults, and works with the busy schedule of a your family. We’ll gather together for the first time on Friday, October 19. Dinner is at 6:00 pm and services are at 6:45 pm. Come for one or both parts of the evening. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Oh, and put the other dates on your calendar: November 30, February 1, March 15, and April 26. B’shalom,
Moms’ Meet-Up For mothers with young children Once a month 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 this interests you, contact Rabbi Mara at rabbimara@wct.org to let her know about your interest as well as the dates/times that work best for you.
from the President
What’s your talent?
L
ast month’s Makom cover article previewed many of the activities that WCT has planned for the coming year. It is quite a list! I mentioned in my column that temple leadership will be reaching out to you throughout the year for your input and involvement. Membership means that you are part of something bigger than any one person or family. It means that you are part of group that has a collective purpose. In the case of Woodlands Community Temple, membership is a multiple layered concept. First you pay dues and school fees that help keep WCT running. However, a significant part of WCT’s operational life is lay led and relies on the participation of the members of our congregational family. You may translate this to mean the Board of Trustees and the various committees at Woodlands, but it’s actually quite a bit more than that. So aside from paying your dues, what does membership at WCT involve? It is lending a hand at the Sukkot BBQ, going on a Breakfast Run or becoming involved in any of a number of temple activities. Perhaps you have a special skill, talent or hobby. Are you a graphic designer, videographer, accountant, carpenter, gardener or a website master? There are a myriad other talents that we haven’t even thought of that you might be able to offer. Perhaps you have time to assist with our end of year Gala or our online auction, which starts next month. I hope you are beginning to get the picture. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities beyond the work of our established committees where we need your help. What’s the best part of volunteering at Woodlands? You get to interact with some great people, make new friends and know that you have made a difference. It is a very rewarding experience. Many people shy away from getting involved because of the time commitment. We know and appreciate how busy everyone’s lives are. You should know that many committees do not meet monthly and are much more ad hoc in nature. There is also a lot of committee work that can easily be done at home or as part of your normal day’s activities. Perhaps the Gym you go to will take an advertisement out in Makom? Maybe your favorite restaurant will donate a gift certificate to our silent auction? Maybe you have the time to make a quick phone call to welcome a new member to our community? These are just some ideas that you can do. Our members make Woodlands what it is today and what it will be tomorrow. Add your talents to our temple to make it the best it can be. You can reach me at president@wct.org or 693-9629. I’d love to chat about how you can lend your talents to Woodlands.
Woodlands Family Tree Initiative A year long initiative to explore both personal family histories and the “family history” of Woodlands Community Temple. Have you ever wondered why our temple was established in 1966? What were some of the founding principles then that still drive what we do as a community today? Starting in our Religious School’s SPARK and Academy programs, we’ll share the stories and traditions of our own families in order to learn about one another. We’ll also incorporate this theme into our community holiday programming on Sukkot and Tu b’Shevat (for example). This year, we hope for new members to meet founding members (and everyone in between) and to discover how much we all relate to one another.
Blood Drive Sunday, November 4 9:00 am to 2:00 pm It is a mitzvah to help others in need. There is a shortage of blood supply at the hospitals in our area. On Sunday, November 4, Woodlands Temple is having its blood drive with White Plains Hospital. Anyone between the ages of 17 to 75 who weighs at least 110 lbs can donate blood. 16 year old with parents permission can donate and adults over 75 with a letter from your doctor can also donate. Since only 6 people can donate per half hour session please signup at wct.org/blooddrive, or email Chuck Bauer at lbauera@aol.com or call him at 589-7231 in order to schedule an appointment.
we are
family Fall Online Auction
Part Three Needed: Online Shoppers After two months spent acquiring goods and services to sell (want to help? see pages 5 and 7), the We Are Family! Woodlands Community Temple Online Auction will go live on November 15—and stay live until December 5. All products and services up for bidding will be pictured, most with starting prices. Place your bid and check back throughout the auction period to see if someone’s come in higher than you. If they have, see if you’re ready to outbid that person—and keep upping the ante. When the auction closes, winners will be notified and the winnings will be distributed. Simple. Fun. Exciting. For you, for those who have donated the goods and services—and for Woodlands, which we’re hoping will exceed its fundraising goal. Check the
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Social Action
Judaica at The
Shop
As Jews, we pride ourselves on our strong connection to our heritage and traditions. The Judaica Shop at Woodlands has beautiful items to bring simple reminders of this to your home. Our wide stock of: mezzuzot,
shabbat items, tzedakah boxes,
“Who occupies himself with the needs of the community is as though he occupies himself with Torah.” Talmud Yerushalmi, Berakhot Knitting & Crocheting If you knit or crochet, join us Sunday, October 21, 5:00 - 8:00 pm for a cover dish dinner, relaxing time talking, and making squares. Women transitioning out of Hope’s Door will be the recipients of our efforts. For more information about Hope’s Door go to hopesdoorinc.org. Mark your calendar now for the year, December 16, April 4, and June 9. RSVP to SocialAction@ wct.org if you can join us, and what you will be bringing
Project Isaiah
home blessings and wall art
Friends of Karen Thanksgiving This year Social Action will be helping families of critically ill children have a happy Thanksgiving. With all their time spent tending to a very ill child, holidays tend to fall by the wayside. Let’s help by supplying the following food: canned turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, yams, potatoes, vegetables, soup, boxes of stuffing, potato mix, muffin or biscuit mix, brownie mix or kids dessert, coffee, tea, $20 gift cards for A & P, Stop-nShop, Shop Rite for turkeys, cute paper goods, PLEASE NO GLASS ITEMS. For more information about Friends of Karen go to friendsofkaren.org. We will be collecting this food from October 14 – November 2.
Cooking Dinner For Valhalla Shelter will please all budgets and personal styles. Shopping for something special? Need an item personalized? Many of our vendors welcome the opportunity to make your purchase one that will bring joy for many years to come. The Judaica Shop is open every day the temple office is open; evening and weekend hours are posted in the weekly email. Contact Judaicashop@wct.org for any special orders.
We Want to Hear from You
It is always a pleasure to hear good news from members of our WCT family. It often helps to share the not-so-good too. Please let us know if you or someone else is in need of a visit or phone call from our Clergy. Many assume that “everyone knows,” but this is not always true. A note of call to our temple office or Clergy will ensure that we are able to extend our support to Woodlands members in a moment of need.
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Temple members and women from the WPA in NYC spent a few hours in the country picking fresh fruits and vegetables together. To find out more information about connections between Woodlands and assistance to individuals in the criminal justice system, email Lynn Goodman at lynnidagoodman@hotmail.com
Food of the Month
small cereal boxes, granola bars, juice boxes
Saturday, October 13, from 3 to 5, we will cook dinner, to be delivered on Sunday, October 14 to the Volunteers of America shelter in Valhalla. Contact SocialAction@wct.org to be apart of the joy of cooking for other or for more information. Go to voa.org to learn about Volunteers of America. If you can’t help with dinner, sign up to supply desserts for a week to the shelter in either December or January. Do this as a family
Collection of the Month Men/Women’s new underwear, socks, t-shirts
Upcoming Events: Monday, October 29, 8:10 pm: Social Action Meeting Sunday, November 4, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm: Blood Drive Sunday, November 11, 6:45 am: Breakfast Run Friday, November 16, 8:00 pm: Shabbat Evening Service, Guest Speaker, Abby Leibman, President and CEO of Mazon Sunday, November 18, 4:00 pm: GIFCC Thanksgiving Service Thursday, November 22 9:00 am: Confirmation Class Thanksgiving for VOA
Adult Learning
Daytime Diversions
Temple Book Club
Judaism 101
Wednesday, October 24, 8:00 pm we will be discussing 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.
Our newest monthly adult class, this is a chance for you to experience an overview of Jewish ritual, history and literature. Join us for one or every class.
A Tour of the Torah
Rabbi Marcus Burstein Thursdays, November 1 and 8 8:00 pm Take an up-close tour of the Torah, learn about what goes into writing a Torah scroll, look at large and small letters, unusual spacing, and special passages. Learn some famous midrashim about why it looks the way it looks.
Talmud with Rabbi Billy You’re invited!
Fall classes on Thursday mornings, 11:30 am-1:00 pm ... October 11, 18 and 25, November 1, 8 and 15. For 1500 years, the Talmud has shaped Jewish life and thought. But for the liberal Jew, the Talmud has all too often been a closed book. Until now. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz’s extraordinary English-Hebrew edition makes Talmud study accessible to all. So come engage in age-old Talmudic discussion and (yes, indeed) argumentation. Rabbi Billy will walk you through this extraordinary garden of message and meaning. No experience required. Only your desire to embark upon a new adventure. Email wct@wct.org to reserve your seat at the table. Cost is $30 (checks to “WCT”) for purchase of new Steinsaltz Hebrew-English Talmud, Tractate Berakhot. See you there!
Shabbat: Part I Rabbi Mara Young Sunday, October 28, 9:30 am
Jewish Studies
Harriet Levine Thursdays, 10-11:30 am Starting on October 4 Curriculum is based on participants’ interests. You need not pre-register...just show up. New members are very welcome. Any questions, call Harriet’s office.
Adult Hebrew Classes Thursdays, 7:00-8:00 pm Starting on October 11
Ever wanted to learn to be able to read our siddur and participate fully in services? Do you want to start building a Hebrew vocabulary? Now’s your chance!!! Beginners (I don’t know an aleph from a bet ), instructor, Harriet Levine. Advanced Beginners (I know a bit but want more), instructor, Margot Steinberg. Starting on October 18, Intermediate/ Advanced (I can read already and would like to know more about grammar, vocabulary), instructor, Rabbi Joan Farber. For more information, contact Harriet Levine at educator@wct.org.
Modern Hebrew
Rabbi Joan Farber, Thursdays, 8:15 - 9:15 pm. Starting on October 13 If you can read and are interested in modern/conversational Hebrew, this class is for you. Let us know you’re interested in any of the classes. We’ll help you decide your level. For more information, contact Harriet Levine at educator@wct.org.
Welcome back to the first full month of Daytime Diversions. Share fun at the movies, interesting speakers, and a current events discussion group, with temple members, relatives, and community friends. All served up with coffee/tea and doughnuts. Wednesday, October 3, 10:00 am We start off the season viewing and discussing Secondhand Lions starring Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, Haley Joel Osment, and Kyra Sedgwick. We follow the comedic adventures of an introverted boy who was left on the doorstep of a pair of reluctant, eccentric, and rich great-uncles, whose exotic remembrances (are they true stories, or not?) stir the boy’s spirit and reignite the men’s lives. We will start the movie promptly at 10:00 am, so come at 9:45 am to settle in with breakfast snacks. Wednesday, October 10, 10:00 am Come meet Joe Fibel. Joe is an expert on Jewish Genealogy, and will talk to us about “Finding Your Family History through the Years.” Joe has attended many International Jewish Genealogical Seminars, and spoken at such groups as Hadassah, Ort, and Brandeis Women, as well as at many synagogues. He has handouts for us, and books to view. He is allowing time for questions and comments. Sounds too good to miss! Wednesday, October 17, 10:00 am For the meeting of the ever-popular and rapidly growing Current Events Group. Bob Steinhardt writes the agenda and moderates the meeting. We’ve been known to add a topic not scheduled for discussion. Come share your opinions and voices with a bunch of other intelligent thinkers.
UPCOMING MEETINGS Executive Committee Monday, October 1 at 8:10 pm Adult Learning Committee Meeting Sunday, October 7 at 9:00 am Finance Committee Monday, October 15 at 8:10 pm Ritual Committee Monday, October 15 at 8:10 pm School Board Monday, October 15 at 8:10 pm Board of Trustees Monday, October 22 at 8:10 pm Social Action Committee Monday, October 29 at 8:10 pm
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Just Israel
“Born This Way” Learning with Vicki Armour-Hileman November 2-4, 2012 (Continued from page 1)
We Won! “We won recognition for the first Reform rabbi in Israel,” shouted Anat Hoffman, the Executive Director of IRAC (Israel Religious Action Committee). IRAC has argued for seven years in the Israeli Courts to win equal pay for Israeli Reform Rabbi Miri Gold. This decision paves the way for other Reform and Conservative rabbis to receive salaries from the government as over 4000 Orthodox rabbis do. This historic victory joins another recent success. The government has agreed to replace the “Tal Law” that allows yeshiva students to be exempt from military service with a law requiring all citizens to perform military or civilian service. Although the details have not been worked out, the hope is that there will be a gradual increase in the numbers of Haredim serving their country. Kol Hakavod to IRAC, Hiddush, the Israeli Movement for Progressive Judaism and other organizations for their successes in creating a more democratic Israel.
Next Month in Makom Auction Fever:
Everything you need to know about the We Are Family! Woodlands Community Temple Online Auction.
The Face of Hunger:
A visit with Mazon’s Abby Leibman Inside Mishpakha:
How Woodlands’ newest tradition came to be.
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Vicki: I was working as a volunteer with Maryknoll, a U.S.-based Catholic mission movement, serving indigenous Mon refugees in miserable conditions in Thailand (see my book, Singing to the Dead, for a glimpse of their lives). I expected the refugees to be filled with despair, but they weren’t. Why? For the indigenous, living with and for their people had transformative power. A sense of belonging lifted them above their circumstances, helping them weather poverty, displacement, even war. And I thought, “I want that.” So there I was, this child of a Jewish mother, living secularly, technically serving as a Catholic missioner (the politically correct term for missionary). I started to wonder if I was missing out on something. Like the refugees, I potentially had a people, a community to belong to, but I had turned my Jewish heritage into something abstract, unconnected to community or daily life. I decided when I returned to the U.S., I’d explore my Jewish inheritance.
Makom: What brought you to Woodlands? Vicki: Honestly, it was an accident. I had promised to take my father to Yom Kippur services. I thought we’d explore a Reconstructionist synagogue, but when I announced that plan, Dad said, “Reconstructionists? What are you talking about? We can’t pray with Reconstructionists— they’re atheists!” So I called around, and Woodlands was the first Reform synagogue that actually answered my frantic phone call on the day of Kol Nidrei. The person on the other end of the line said, “Come.” My father and I spent Yom Kippur at Woodlands, and I was hooked from then on.
Makom: You say that Woodlands became part of your journey of discovery. How did this temple help you redefine yourself? Vicki: The short answer is that although I have two Jewish parents, I acquired them a la carte. I’m the child of a Jewish mother, but my biological father was Catholic. My family fell apart when I was young. Jewish Family Services intervened, and I went into foster care and was eventually adopted by another family (also mixed faith, this time with a Jewish father). Some hard things happened along the way, and I spent a lot of my life looking for a sense of permanence and belonging—for something that was inherently mine, something that couldn’t be taken away. I figured maybe that thing could be my Jewish inheritance. Though I had always thought of myself as a child of the Jewish people, Woodlands gave me concrete ways to embody that identity. I started coming regularly, taking classes, and figuring out what it is I had inherited. Eventually I became a Bat Mitzvah. A lot of people assume I converted to Judaism, given that I was serving a Catholic organization when I arrived at Woodlands, but actually, as the song goes, “Baby, I was born this way.” In fact, one of the memorable moments of becoming a Bat Mitzvah was that I invited my birth mother to give me a Hebrew name, which she hadn’t done when I was little, given the chaos of our lives.
Woodlands gave me a chance to explore what my Jewish inheritance could actually mean in my life, leading me to decide to study Judaism in an intensive way, which I did by going to Rabbinic school.
Makom: What does living Jewishly mean to you now? Vicki: I’m all about finding meaning through exploration of Jewish texts, teachings and rituals. I think of myself as an architect of spaces for deep encounters. Meaning “happens” when we make connections between our own lives and our sacred stories or inherited wisdom. That interest explains why, for example, instead of giving a traditional sermon in rabbinical school, I wrote a musical about “the most reluctant Israelite.” I was exploring the connection between my own fears about change (even good change) and our sacred story, where many Israelites were ambivalent about freedom from slavery because it meant leaving behind what was familiar. That interest in intersections between the patterns in our own lives and our collective heritage is also what started The Jewish Journaling Project.
Makom: Tell us more about that. Vicki: I think my slogan says it all—“Finding Torah in Our Lives, and Our Lives in Torah.” I’m interested in finding deep connections between our everyday lives and the archetypes and patterns in our sacred stories. Take the story of the Binding of Isaac (Akeydah), which we’ll discuss when I come. I’m not very interested in theological discussions of why Abraham was tested and whether he passed the test. What interests me is the singular verb at the end of the story, indicating Abraham went down the mountain alone. There is rupture there, human conflict. And now the story really has my interest. That interest is also reflected in classical commentaries and Midrash. So in the Journaling Project, we read text and Midrash while spiraling down into the deepest questions of our own lives and relationships. Maybe we write to Abraham in the voice
of Isaac, infusing our letter with the emotions we feel about our own parents. Or maybe we just write about our own experiences, knowing we are not the first generation to wonder how to balance responsibility to public endeavors (or in Abraham’s case, God) and the needs of our children. Formerly the associate dean of religious life and chaplain at Emory University in Atlanta, Rabbi Armour-Hileman is currently rabbi at Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Rome, Georgia. She teaches Judaism part-time at Emory and is writing her second book. In addition to having been ordained a rabbi by HUC-JIR, she holds both a Masters of Fine
Weekend Schedule
Mayim µym Drink from the waters of Jewish wisdom
The adulT learning program of The riverTowns Jewish
A Jewish Film series Wednesdays in October
Accidental Circumstances Is there ever an accidental circumstance?
Shabbat Evening Service, Friday, November 2, 8:00 pm
October 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Disobedience: The Sousa Mendes Story
Vicki will look at this week’s Torah portion, exploring the relationship between Abraham and Isaac through both ancient and modern midrash.
Shabbat Morning Service and Workshop, Saturday, November 3, 9:30-11:30 am
Why does one person do nothing; while another one sees a need and reacts?
Dipping Our Toes: Many prayers were born out of particular moments in Jewish history and connect us to the stories of our spiritual ancestors, and every prayer is an invitation to a conversation with tradition, with our deepest selves, and with one another. This morning we will apply some of the techniques from the Jewish Journaling Project to unlock the deeper meaning of our prayers.
Sunday morning, November 4, 9:00-10:00 am Back to the Beginning: Vicki will spend time with our 3rd and 4th grade students, where the Jewish Journaling Project first began, exploring some possibilities for finding their own stories in our ancient texts.
Sunday morning, November 4, 10:30 am - Noon Diving In Headfirst: In Vicki’s closing session, we will move deeper into the story of Abraham and Isaac, discovering within it reflections of our own lives.
Cost $18 person, please signup online at wct.org/shabbaton.
October 17 at 7:30 p.m.
The Rescuers Facilitator: Rabbi Billy
Is there a common thread? October 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Nicky’s Family Facilitator: Rabbi Mara
NEW LOCATION Woodlands Community Temple To register contact Lois Green: lgreen@jcconthehudson.org or call 914.366.7898 13
Adult Torah Study: Who’s Having Fun? The folks who gather on Saturday mornings for Hevra Torah Learning, that’s who! Perhaps you’ve seen them through the door or window as you’ve arrived for Religious School or for Shabbat worship. Perhaps you’ve thought about whether or not it could ever by you who might sit at the table of shared Torah conversation and learning. Either way, we’d love to have you try us out. Each Shabbat morning, we begin at 9:15 am by reading a piece of that week’s Torah parashah (weekly passage). For the rest of our hour together, we explore the richness of the text, most especially the many voices of creative interpretation that have looked at these same words during the past thousand years. But mostly, we seek out our own stories – by peering into a world that is, at the same time, strange to us (because it happened so long ago and so far away) yet strangely familiar (because even though backdrops and technologies may differ, the human story doesn’t really change so much across time). Led by Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara or Cantor Jonathan, we have a great time discussing, arguing, laughing about the text (and ourselves in it). And not a week goes by when we don’t walk away from that table – an hour later – somehow touched, even changed by the power of the journey. Please consider this an open (and very heart-filled) invitation to pick any Saturday morning ... and just stop in to see what Hevra Torah Learning is all about. We’d love to meet you and welcome you into our ongoing adventure. Hevra Torah Learning ... every Saturday morning, 9:15-10:15 am, usually in the Meeting Room.
Order Mirembe Kawamera Coffee by November 9 Our Mishpakha in Uganda Abayudaya leader J. J. Keki irrigating coffee plant for Mirembe Kawamera Coffee. Place order online, at wct.org/coffee, for holiday giftgiving.
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Wandering Jews
Woodlands, buongiorno da Firenze! Jeanne Einhorn is a Junior at SUNY Potsdam pursuing a BA in Photography with a minor in sociology and journalism
T
his semester I have the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. After only one short month, it has already challenged me in unexpected ways. I am learning about and being completely immersed in this whole new way of living that is giving me a new perspective on the world, and even myself. One thing I realized before coming on this trip was that I would be here for the High Holy Days. I did not know exactly what that meant for me, considering Italy is one of the most Christian-based countries in the entire world. Even at my home school of SUNY Potsdam, I have made a small home for myself in the local temple and have been able to retain the strong Jewish identity that I left Woodlands with at graduation. But here it was different – there is one Synagogue in all Florence, it is orthodox, and I had heard absolutely nothing about it upon my arrival! The stars must be with me this trip though, because one of my professors was gracious enough to invite me to services with her and her family, and then over for a traditional Rosh Hashanah seder afterwards! The service was fascinating, and even though I was barely able to follow along, it was fun to observe! The dinner at her house was such a great new experience as well, and it has brought a whole new sensation of feeling like I am at home on this trip. Oh, and did I mention her husband is the Rabbi of the temple? Go figure that this is the family of the congregation that I would befriend! I imagine it’s what dinner at our Rabbis’ homes would feel like, too; full of love, laughter, and much conversation. Unfortunately, while Judaism will most likely not play a prominent role in my daily life this semester, I have no doubt that the beliefs and values I carry from it will guide me through every day, and that my return to Woodlands in December will be the sweetest return home yet. Shana tova to all! If you’ve embarked upon your post-high school life (college or elsewhere) and have a Jewish experience or story to share with us, we’d love to hear from you! Contact Rabbi Mara (RabbiMara@wct.org) to volunteer. By the way, cool factoid: The temple Jeanne visited in Florence is the one that was used as the model for the tzedakah box you received from Woodlands the day you became a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Rabbi Billy to Speak at Interfaith Council Rabbi Billy has been invited to speak at the Monday, October 29, luncheon meeting of the Interfaith Council of White Plains. The Interfaith Council was established in 1944 to foster community cooperation and understanding in the aftermath of World War II. Similar to our Greenburgh Interfaith Caring Community, the Interfaith Council welcomes all religious organizations that share a respect and support for religious expression and cooperation. The Council supports charitable projects such as the Bridge Fund, College Careers, Ecumenical Food Pantry, and Habitat for Humanity.
October Yahrzeit (15 Elul - 14 Tishrei) Friday, October 5 Yetta Apter Nellie Bacharach Sophia Bliss Evelyne Sarah Chonigman Sadye Farber Arnold Goldberger Judith Goldsholle Shelbie Goodman Lillie Green David Gross Blanche Jaffa Rose Jurdem Leonard Laventhall Rebecca Lestz Kate Lustgarten Meyer Bernard Moskovitz Max Reznick Katy Rosenthal Sydney Salz Phil Selzer Morris Taman Ginny Trell Jacob Weiss Jerry Wolk Rita Wuhrman
Friday, October 12 Allan Ackerman George B. Asher Abraham Cheifitz Carol Dambroff Abraham Farber Shirley Gilden Dora Goldberg
Fay Green Irene Gurdin Saul Horblitt Alvin Kalish Richard Leonard Rae Levine Harold Lipperman William S. Medine Betty Meister Hy Polikoff Sarah Rosenberg Sidney Rothberg Michael Schreiber Esther Seligson Paul Selvin Ira Silverberg Elaine Silverman William Stone Bernice Tvert Sylvia Weinstein
Friday, October 19 Larry Boni Crescenzo DeLucia Leona Donat Robert Gertner George Katz June Keller Martha Kohn Lawrence Lane Nora M. Linn Roberta Litsky Marion Panellino Harold Pinkus Rudolph Rechtschaffen
Harry Sherman Max Stroh Israel Trell Sol Woolis William Zeliger
The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of Arlene Gold mother of Roberta Hantman
Friday, October 26 Harold Altman Mildred Barnett Minna Cohen Stanley Cohen Richard Donner Seymour Drucker Emreck Feinsilber Miriam Fineberg Bella Gellerman Pauline Gerber Adolph Glickenstein Belle Gould Morton Griff Shirley Jutkowitz Norman Katz Larry E. Kitt Alice Kleinman Barry Kohn Dorothy Komisar Leo Krameisen Myron Malkin Alexander Mintz Shim Paley Meyer Primack Kathy Rugoff Phyllis Sanders Edith Sherman Hyman Wiseman
HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning. Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.
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
Reinventing Ritual: The Committee The Ritual Committee is a ritual in itself. And just as the Ritual Committee, at Woodlands, anyway, is constantly looking for ways to improve, if not reinvent, our ritual practices, so the temple is constantly looking for ways to improve, if not reinvent, the Ritual Committee itself. Toward that end, we’re convening a Ritual Retreat on December 2, 4:00-9:00 pm, a session facilitated by Woodlands’ own Dale Glasser featuring a no-holds-barred discussion of the role of both ritual and Ritual at Woodlands. What should the committee be doing? How should it be done? Who should do it? It’s a surprisingly controversial topic—even at Woodlands, where most agree that ritual is usually done right. And it should make for a rousing discussion. So even if (and maybe especially if) you’ve never been to a Ritual meeting, please come to this one. Check Makom, the website—and your email—for more details as the date gets closer. Or just let the temple office know you’re interested and they’ll be sure to be in contact.
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WCT Funds Available for Your Support
The Simkha Page
Professionals’ Mitzvah Funds
B'nai Mitzvah
Rabbi’s Mitzvah Fund 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.)
Cantor’s Discretionary Fund
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
Provides special programs for the Religious School. (Checks should be made payable to the Educator’s Enrichment Fund.)
WCT Program Support 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
Hanna Wagner
Rachel Fein
October 6
October 27
Torah Portion
Torah Portion
Hol HaMoed
Lekh L’ekha
Hebrew Name
Hanna Perl
Mazal Tov Mazal tov to David and Lisa Wagner, as their daughter, Hanna, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Mazal tov to Jason Fein and Jennifer Altman, as their daughter, Rachel, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Mazal tov Tov to Debbie and Jim Pollowitz on the birth of a granddaughter, Kylie Aster Schiffman, daughter of Evan and Jennifer Schiffman.
We welcome our new members: Dan Broden and Rebecca Stevens Jack and Rori Burke Alan Cohen and Pietra Greenberg Jonathan and Andrea Cooper Daniel and Arin Gornstein Kevin and Crystal Marcus-Kanesaka David and Adrienne Kaye Matthew and Elly Kelly Benjamin Kirshbaum and Jennifer Leff Todd and Jill Miller Hernan Ordonez and Jennifer Appel
Keith and Allison Pray Jeffrey and Fern Richter Emily Roos Beth Propper Rubin Jason and Lauren Strongin Richard and Tara Vohnout Ben and Kelly Walter Linda and Philip Weber Matt and Cynthia Svigals Brett and Deena Weinhouse
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.
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.
Donations (here or online at wct.org/donate) PLEASE NOTE: To help our bookkeeper, please issue separate checks for dues or other special events. Donations should be sent separately from all other Temple business. All donations should be made payable to: Woodlands Community Temple, except the Rabbi's Mitzvah Fund, the Cantor's Discretionary Fund, and the Educator’s Enrichment Fund which should be made payable directly to those accounts. From: Name ___________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________ In honor/memory of: _____________________________________________________ Fund Name: ________________________________________ ___________________ Amount_____________
Scholarships and Support
Please send an acknowledgement of this donation to: (If not a member, please provide address)
Bernard and Frances Shapiro Chesed Caring Community Fund
_____________________________________________________________________
Supports Temple members in need and the activities of the Chesed Caring Community.
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_____________________________________________________________________ Please send me an acknowledgement of this donation .
Donations
Expanding Jewish Horizons Fund
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
Midnight Run Fund
Social Action
Many thanks to Rabbi Billy and in honor of Meredith Fox becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Andrew and Jamie Fox.
In memory of Marvin Donocoff, from Lloyd and Roberta Roos.
In memory of Marvin Donocoff, from Andy and Joan Farber.
Chai Fund
In honor of the up-coming marriage of Erica Berkowitz to Jason Zimmerman, from Erica Berkowitz and Jason Zimmerman.
In honor of Jennifer Goldman and Jeff Wetzler, from Joan Goldman
In memory of Ralph Blumenthal, from David and Dayle Fligel.
In honor of the naming of Derin Sarayli and many thanks to Rabbi Billy, from Orhan and Andrea Sarayli.
Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah Fund Many thanks to Rabbi Mara and in honor of Meredith Fox becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Andrew and Jamie Fox. Thank you Rabbi Mara for your beautiful words and in memory of Nora Stiefel, from Lew and Judy Stiefel. Many thanks to Rabbi Mara and in honor of the wedding of Daniel Silver to Sara Goldstein, with love, from Leslie Silver Geneen and Larry Geneen.
Cantor’s Discretionary Fund Thank you Cantor Jonathan and in memory of Nora Stiefel, from Lew and Judy Stiefel. Many thanks to Cantor Jonathan and in honor of Meredith Fox becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Andrew and Jamie Fox.
Educator’s Enrichment Fund Many thanks to Harriet Levine and in honor of Meredith Fox becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Andrew and Jamie Fox. In appreciation to Harriet Levine and in memory of Marvin Donocoff, from Brian and Caryn Donocoff.
In appreciation of Dayle Fligel and her extraordinary assistance to WCT, from Michael Hess.
In memory of Nora Stiefel, from David and Dayle Fligel. In memory of Marvin Donocoff, from David and Dayle Fligel.
In appreciation of Gloria and Bill Falk, for all they do, from Michael Hess.
In memory of Marvin Donocoff, from Scott and Julie Stein.
In honor of Judith and Barry Kessler from Susan and Erwin Grill.
Mitzvah Mississippi Fund
In memory of Terrie Kaplan, from Janet and Richard Birnbaum.
Jonah Maccabee Fund
In memory of Nora Stiefel, from Andy and Joan Farber.
In memory of Louis Melnick, from Steve and Eileen Stein.
In memory of Ralph Blumenthal, father of Dave Blumenthal, from Roberta and Steve Florin.
In memory of Mandel Stein, from Steve and Eileen Stein.
Confirmation Israel Study Fund
In memory of Julia Stein Fihrer, from Steve and Eileen Stein.
In memory of Leonard Gould, father from Debbie and Jim Pollowitz.
In memory of Marvin Donocoff, from Bill and Gloria Falk. Wishing Mark and Mara Young, health and happiness in their new home, from Bill and Gloria Falk. In memory of Sidney Gramet, brother of Florence Nath, from Lois Diamond. In honor of the High Holy Days, from Robert S. Berger.
Library Fund In memory of Milton Gralla, from Hal and Elaine Shames.
In honor of the birth of Kylie Aster Schiffman, granddaughter, from Debbie and Jim Pollowitz.
Bernard and Frances Shapiro Chesed Caring Community Fund In memory of Sylvia, mother of Susan Beth Zanni, from Rhoda and Marty Payson.
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.
College Enrichment Fund
Assists members of college age to attend Jewish programs such as URJ and NFTY conventions. Established in memory of Buddy Klein.
Confirmation Israel Study Fund
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.
Social Action Social Action Fund
Funds projects organized by the Social Action Committee.
Abayudaya (Jews of Uganda) Fund
Helps the impoverished Abayudaya community to become self sufficient.
Domestic Abuse Task Force
Helps us to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence leaving the Hope’s Door shelter and reestablishing their lives.
Abayudaya Fund
Hunger Fund
In gratitude to Jeanne Bodin and Roberta Roos, for all they do, from David Griff and Roni Beth Tower.
Interfaith Caring Community Fund
Support organizations that help the hungry and homeless in our community. Consortium of local churches and synagogues that provide continuous care for those in need, here in our local Greenburgh community.
Midnight Run Fund
Bereavement Support Group 8 Wednesdays, beginning November 7 If you have lost a beloved spouse or partner, and would like to benefit from sharing stories and tears (and laughter) and insight with others, we’re starting a support group for you. It will be facilitated by Stefani Cohen, LCSW, and will run for 8 sessions; November 7, 14, 28 December 5, 12 ,19 and January 2, 9 7:30 at the temple. Please let the office know (wct@wct.org, 592-7070) if you plan to join us.
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.
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Woodlands Calendar October, 2012 Tishrei - Heshvan 5773
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Photo Gallery
Good food. A good talk. A good time. l’Dor va’Dor. From generation to generation. If anything proved the relevance of that statement, it was the brunch the l’Dor va’Dor committee hosted on Sunday, September 9. Some 50 Woodlanders gathered for a lox-and-bagels brunch (a tradition handed down from, yes, generation to generation) and a talk by David Singer, author of Six Simple Rules for a Better Life (rules not unlike those your mother may have told you—just in a different format). In between, founding member and former temple president Jack Safirstein recounted the temple’s early days (from one generation to another) and David Fligel (former temple president and co-chair of l’Dor va’Dor) talked a bit about the temple’s Endowment Fund, which is at the heart of l’Dor va’Dor’s mission.
Tashlikh at St. Joe’s
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we are
family
November 15 – December 5 wctauction.biddingforgood.com Thank you for donating to our auction.
An Online Auction Benefiting Woodlands Community Temple
Please complete an individual donation form for each item or services you are donating (Form is also online at wct.org/auctionform) Please return it at your earliest convenience. Forms can be faxed to (914) 592-7376 or mailed to Woodlands Community Temple at 50 Worthington Road, White Plains, NY 10607. Please email digital logos and/or images to jillatwct@gmail.com for promotional purposes on the site.
DONATED ITEM/SERVICE: ___________________________________________________________________ ESTIMATED RETAIL VALUE*: $___________________ DONOR NAME (individual and/or business name): ___________________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE: ________________________
FAX: _____________________
ADDRESS:________________________________________________________ EMAIL: ____________________________________________________________________________________ DESCRIPTION OF ITEM/SERVICE (use additional pages to describe if necessary):
DONATION RESTRICTIONS & EXPIRATION DATE (please be as specific as possible):
WILL DONOR CREATE GIFT CERTIFICATE? ___________ yes __________no (WCT can create if none is available)
Signature___________________________________________________________ Date: __________________ The estimated retail value of the item is requested to help the auction committee determine minimum bids. Donors will be sent an acknowledgement letter and tax receipt when the auction is completed. Donors are responsible for determining the tax deductibility and value of their items.
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Voices and Choices: Aging in Place, starting the discussion of life’s shifting circumstances as we age October 28 at the JCC on the Hudson Attend Members of the sandwich generation, older, independent adults considering their futures. Getting through the confusing maze of healthcare and financial options surrounding life as we age is stressful enough without layering on the emotional complexities that accompany many of the decisions we make regarding our lives as we grow older. Aging in Place aims to offer a roadmap for beginning the serious, sometimes sensitive discussion of how, where and with whom we will live out our lives. Finding the time to nurture your-self so that you can care for others is key to navigating the sometimes choppy waters of elder care. for more information, go to wct.org/aginginplace.
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Judai-Connection Who Wrote The Torah? Rabbi Billy Dreskin
Almost no question confounds liberal Jews as much as this one. In our hearts, we want to identify with the traditional Jewish belief that God presented the Torah to Moses atop Mount Sinai. But to do so would require us to suspend our knowledge and reliance on the world of science and natural events. Also, a belief that the Torah is the literal word of God would oblige us to observe the 613 mitzvot contained within it. For a believer to do anything less would be incomprehensible. As Reform Jews, we choose which mitzvot we will perform precisely because we no longer accept the Torah as God’s literal voice. What then? If not to believe, then to reject? It’s quite nearly impossible to prove the origins of the Torah, but a number of theories have gained vast acceptance among biblical scholars. These theories can inform our own ideas. Why did Jews begin to question the divine origins of the Torah? Two reasons, primarily. First, some events in the Torah are just too fantastic to believe: the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, the plagues, the six days of Creation. Remember when you first questioned the trueness of these stories?
Some of us felt betrayed and, some Deuteronomy was written during the turned away from our heritage. A reign of King Josiah (600 years after second reason Jews began questioning Sinai would have taken place), as well the Torah is found in discrepancies as the theory of Karl H. Graf (19th and implausibilities within the Torah century) who dated much of the Torah itself. These contradictions offer to the period following the Babylonian evidence of human involvement in the exile (700 years after Sinai), and that of Scroll’s composition. In Genesis 12:6, Julius Wellhausen (19th century) who we read, “The Canaanites were then proposed the famous “Documentary in the land.” At the time of Mount Hypothesis” postulating four major Sinai, the Canaanites were in the land literary sources in the Torah: “J” (dated (Israel). Only centuries later, would to the 9th century bce), “E” (dated to they disappear and become past tense. the 8th century bce), “D” (dated to Could it be that the Torah was written Josiah’s religious reform of 621 bce) hundreds of years and “P” (dated after the Some of us felt betrayed after its supposed return from Babylonian giving atop Sinai? and some turned away exile, circa 450 bce). Precisely. from our heritage. A Other compelling theories Remember how exist. With all of them, second reason Jews began (in Genesis 8:4) we’re left wondering: If the questioning the Torah Noah’s ark came is found in discrepancies Torah is a human document, to rest atop what value does it have for and implausibilities Ararat? And yet, me? Plenty. For more than within the Torah itself. no place called 2000 years, our people have Ararat existed for read and studied this text, another 4000 years after the Flood. engaging in conversation whose goal is As early as the 11th century ce, the ennobling of life. The Torah need not knowledgeable Jews began to see literally have come from Sinai for us to these inconsistencies. Ibn Ezra (11th feel that it is a Divine gift. This human century Torah commentator) asserted Torah has allowed us to strengthen there were sections of the Torah that compassion and generosity throughout could not have been written by Moses. our history, and we continue to do so in Baruch Spinoza (17th century) was our own day. God willing, our children’s excommunicated for suggesting that children will do the same. many authors had been involved in Each Saturday morning, we join writing the Torah. In succeeding years, together to continue this conversation increasing acceptance has been given to during Hevra Torah (9:15-10:15 am). the theory of Wilhelm De Wette (19th We’d love to have you join us. century) who presented evidence that