the newsletter of woodlands community temple
May 2013 Iyyar- Sivan 5773
Education at Woodlands: Making the Connection
IN THIS ISSUE
As Harriet retires and Rabbi Mara takes the helm, a look at one of WCT’s greatest strengths
An Evening of Celebration and Learning p. 2 Mazal tov to the Confirmation Class of 5773 p. 2 WCT to be honored for “Mitzvat Mississippi” p. 9
By Gary Stern
When Harriet Levine became chief educator of Woodlands Community Temple on July 1, 1992, the congregation faced the same challenges that confounded Reform temples everywhere. Teenagers were not staying involved in congregational life after becoming a bar or bat mitzvah and too many young families were equally disengaged. So Harriet faced two tall orders: to call home those elusive post 13-year-olds and to connect young parents to the education of their children. “We got to work those first few years, trying to be committed and flexible,” Harriet says. “I think we showed that students and their families want to be here if we do it right. I have always said that my No. 1 priority is for our kids to leave our religious school loving Judaism, loving the synagogue, and being mensches. If those three things are important to them, the academics will fall into place.”
Hope’s Door to honor WCT at “An Evening of Hope” Gala p. 11
Continued on page 12
Harriet’s
Ginarden Full Bloom
Annual Meeting p. 14
May 31, 8:00 pm
High School Graduation Class of 5773 p. 15
June 1, 7:30 pm
Guess who will be ordained a rabbi p.15
Shabbat service focused on education. Harriet’s “Garden Party”. Go to wct.org/gardenparty.
Forever:
Your ad in Harriet’s testimonial journal. Go to wct.org/journal.
Please give to the WCT Annual Fund or Endowment Trust. Contact David Fligel (693-0520) or Chuck Fishman (674-4542).
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 financialsecretary@wct.org 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)
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 Charlie Strick, Makom Advertising
2
Tikkun Layl Shavuot
An Evening of Celebration and Learning Tuesday, May 14, 7:30-10:00 pm Hold the date for this extraordinary evening! In celebration of Shavuot, commemorating the receiving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai, we’ll gather in 15-20 small learning circles, led by temple staff and volunteers, for two 25-minute sessions, with a varied table of offerings that’s bound to whet your intellectual and spiritual appetite. And then we’ll “climb Mt. Sinai” together and receive the Torah all over again, just as our ancestors did 3200 years ago! Oh, and we’ll fill your bellies with Shavuot sweets too
To the Confirmation Class of 5773: Mazal tov from all of us at Woodlands!
The mountain awaits. With minds and hearts open, our 10th Grade Confirmands will transport us back to an ancient time when, standing at the foot of Mt. Sinai, we claimed what would become our eternal legacy ... the Torah. Now, it is received by a new generation. Mazal tov to our Confirmands and their families:
JESSE BROWN
ADAM LEVINE
son of Nancy and Larry Brown
son of Iris and Gary Levine
NOAH CATTAN
LAUREN LEVINE
son of Lesli and Robert Cattan
daughter of Charlotte Coren and Hal Levine
RACHEL CHANG
ROBERT MENDELSON
daughter of Heidi Gralla and Dean Chang
son of Evalyn Cohen and Jay Mendelson
EMILIE DORN
BECKETT MORRIS
daughter of Jeanne D'agostino Dorn and Freddie Dorn daughter of Bonnie Rothman Morris and Alan Morris
LARA FEDER
CALLIE ROSENBERG
daughter of Judy and Paul Feder
daughter of Susan Murdoch and Kenneth Rosenberg
SAMUEL GEIGER
BRENDAN SMITH
son of Sandi Lieb-Geiger and Bob Geiger
son of Patricia Hennessey and Robert Smith
LANE GOTTFRIED
DEAN SPILKA
daughter of Bette Gottfried and Ron Gottfried
son of Sandy and Richard Spilka
COLE HUDSON
AMANDA STEIN
son of Lori Tvert Hudson and Clay Hudson
daughter of Fran and Adam Stein
RACHEL KATZ
HANNAH STEIN
daughter of Andrea and Peter Katz
daughter of Teresa Snider-Stein and Stuart Stein
FRANCINE KLARSFELD
JESSICA WISE
daughter of Elka Wolloch Klarsfeld and Jeff Klarsfeld
daughter of Michele and Andrew Wise
SOPHIA KOSMAN
DAVID WISKIND
daughter of Marjorie Berman and Joel Kosman
son of Deborah and Michael Wiskind
Worship Schedule Shabbat Behar-Bekhukotai Shabbat Naso Friday, May 3
Friday, May 17
Shabbat HaMoreh at 8:00 pm
A Joyful Noise! at 8:00 pm
Teacher Recognition Shabbat honoring our religious school and adult education faculty for their dedication to us and to our children. The entire congregation is urged to attend, to express our gratitude to these vital partners of ours. Babysitting available tonight, no reservations are necessary.
A service that everyone – from youngest to oldest – will want to attend. With an ensemble of eleven musicians (and your voices), we’ll fill our sanctuary with a joyful noise! Visual Worship tonight, as well – no siddurim (unless you want one)... all prayers and readings will be projected onto screens. Aufruf this evening for Alex Maroni and Natalie Kimmelman, daughter of Leslie and Ray Kimmelman. Babysitting available tonight, no reservations are necessary.
Saturday, May 4
Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Rachel Dames, daughter of Debbie Kuhn Dames and Tom Dames, becomes a Bat Mitzvah. Leviticus 25:1 - 27:34 ... Jeremiah 16:19 17:14 ... 39th day of the Omer
Shabbat Bemidbar Friday, May 10
High School Academy Graduation at 8:00 pm A special evening to honor students in the 12th grade who have completed our highly-acclaimed Academy program. A wonderful moment of celebration for our entire temple family! Babysitting available tonight, no reservations are necessary.
Saturday, May 11
Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Matthew Ballan, son of Elise Wagner Ballan and Jim Ballan, becomes a Bar Mitzvah. Numbers 1:1 - 4:20 ... Hosea 2:1-22 ... 46th day of the Omer
Shavuot
Tuesday, May 14 Tikkun Layl Shavuot at 7:30 pm Our annual Shavuot evening of interactive learning and affirmation. Come renew the ancient mystical path of those who walked before us. Our 10th grade Confirmation families will join us in celebrating their children’s Jewish life ahead!
Wednesday May 15 Yizkor at 9:00 am An hour of remembrance for loved ones who have died.
Confirmation at 4:30 pm
Our tenth graders conclude their Confirmation experience, giving thanks for childhood, family, Judaism and life. The entire congregation is encouraged to be part of this significant milestone.
Hevra Torah Learning, Saturdays, 9:15-10:15 am May 4: Parshat Behar-Bekhukotai Facilitated by Rabbi Mara May 11: Parshat Bemidbar Facilitated by Rabbi Billy May 18: Parshat Naso Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan May 25: Parshat Beha’alotkha Facilitated by Rabbi Mara Jun 1: Parshat Sh’lakh 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.
Saturday, May 18
Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Rebecca Litsky, daughter of Leslie and Michael Litsky, becomes a Bat Mitzvah. Numbers 4:21 -7:89 ... Judges 13:2-25
Shabbat Beha’alotkha Friday, May 24
Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 pm A quiet evening of Shabbat beauty and prayer. Babysitting available tonight, no reservations are necessary.
Saturday, May 25
The Spiritual Quest at 10:30 am Cantor Ellen Dreskin returns to lead an exploration of our desire, need, frustration, surprise and satisfaction in searching for God in Jewish prayer. An uplifting morning of music, ideas and soulful worship. Numbers 8:1 - 12:16 ... Zekhariya 2:14 - 4:7
Shabbat Sh’lakh Lekha Friday, May 31
Honoring Harriet Levine at 8:00 pm Celebrating 21 years of the blessing we know and love as Harriet Levine. Babysitting available tonight, no reservations are necessary.
Saturday, June 1
Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Liam Kaufman, son of Rachel Wineberg and Mark Kaufman, becomes a Bar Mitzvah. Numbers 13:1 - 15:41 ... Joshua 2:1-24
Friday Night Shabbat Babysitting Babysitting is provided by teens from our religious school. May 3 May 10 May 17 May 24 May 31
Shavuot Yizkor Wednesday, May 15 9:00 am - 10:00 am Whether 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 our Shavuot Morning Service and Yizkor Hour. While observing the ancient ritual of Shavuot — recalling Moses’ bringing God’s Torah to us at Mt. Sinai — we’ll sing, read, and share a few words and thoughts of remembrance. This is one of four times during the year we come together for Yizkor. It’s a loving and respectful way to Jewishly remember. Please plan to be with us.
3
Special notice to all families with children becoming B’nai Mitzvah in September-December 2013
Preparing to Write Your Parent’s D’var Torah Wednesday, June 5 8:00-9:30 pm This is an extremely important workshop with Rabbi Billy to prepare the words of Torah that you will be writing and presenting to your child during the service in which he/she becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Every parent needs to attend.
Woodlands ... Community? We possess an unusual amount of pride regarding the warmth and friendliness of our synagogue. We love this temple. And much of that love evolves from a powerful sense that we have a place here. It is our community. But not everyone feels that way. If someone comes to a Friday night service and no one says hello when they come in or during the Oneg, it’s a pretty sure bet that person isn’t sensing the warmth and friendliness. And it’s unlikely they’ll return. Each of us simply must be an ambassador of The Woodlands Way. There is no one else who will greet the newcomer. You’re that person. But here’s the payoff. If you do say hello, it’s a pretty sure bet that the person you’ve welcomed will feel just as you have. They’ll begin to get it, that Woodlands is in fact a warm, welcoming, open and embracing community. That’s something worth being proud of.
from the Rabbi
Sweet Woman of Valor Reflecting on My Years with Harriet Levine
I
read an article in The New York Times (“Is Giving the Secret to Getting Ahead,” March 31, 2013) that features both the research and the life of Wharton School’s youngest-tenured and highest-rated professor, Adam Grant, who has theorized that helping others is not merely the nice thing to do but incites productivity and excellence. Grant himself lives by this credo and is a whirlwind of generous, selfless activity that touches and inspires countless lives. As I read the article, I found myself appreciating its message, admiring its champion, and absolutely convinced I could never find the energy to live in as completely magnanimous way as Grant does. No one could keep up with that kind of pace. But then I thought, “Harriet Levine can. And she has been. For 21 years here at Woodlands!” For 21 years, Harriet seems to have lived by the credo: “Give as much as you can to as many as you can for as long as you can.” And for 18 of those years, I’ve had the incredible privilege of being part of her team. For 18 years, I’ve never been able to keep up with her, never been able to guide as many people, or teach as many students, or model more hesed (lovingkindness). For a while, I tried. But in the beginning I was too young to compete with her, and later I was too old. So I gave up trying to win and decided to just ride on her coattails. And what a ride it’s been! When the weekend of May 31-June 1 gets here, I and many others will stand in a very long line to let Harriet know just how wonderful the ride has been, and what a blessing she has been to us all. Now’s the time to find your own way to thank Harriet. She’s not moving away and she’ll be around the temple for a long time to come, but if ever your mom taught you to say thank you when someone does something (or a thousand somethings) nice for you, this would be that time. So here goes for me (one of many): Thank you, Harriet. I have been so lucky to work with you. So lucky to have you as my friend. Together, we have fostered a community of learners, of celebrators, and of kind hearts. I have no doubt whatsoever that, without you, I’d have witnessed only a small fraction of the achievements that have taken place around here and which, no doubt, happened because you never stopped doing your incredibly beautiful thing. Eshet khayil...sweet woman of valor...mee khayil el khayil...may you ever continue to grow from strength to strength.
Shabbat HaMoreh Teacher Recognition Shabbat Friday, May 3 at 8:00 pm One of our most wonderful services of the year (we kid you not)! Your smile muscles will ache from the incredibly heartwarming tributes paid by our children to their Religious School teachers. Just as lovingly, our Adult Education faculty will be honored by their students as well. You are most cordially invited to come say thank you to all of our educators for their partnership in teaching us and our children about Judaism and Jewish living. A community celebration!
4
from the Cantor
It Prob’ly Just Ain’t So
Just Israel
A
recent Gallup Poll showed young adults in the United States believe that neither the War in Vietnam nor the Invasion of Iraq were mistakes. Don’t we know better? I guess not. The lies our government affirmed and maintained in order to stir public support for these wrongheaded adventures were painful to witness and wearying to oppose. This poll seems to prove there is no understanding of our error in America’s future. Young people don’t know. I kind of get it. People have the desire to be patriotic, and will resist facts that confound such a comfortable and pleasant sentiment. Public compassion for the battle weary veterans of the Gulf occupations has dulled any criticism of their mission. The mercenary army means young people themselves are no longer forced to participate in dubious wars. We view our soldiers as loyal civil servants, removed from the question of whether the war is justified. Maybe young people say, “It’s not my war, I won’t judge.” Who, then, is responsible? Cheney still claims there were WMD’s, though people like me pointed out that was impossible. We now trade with Vietnam. Where are those who claimed that a communist victory meant Red troops in Honolulu and San Diego? My heart burns with the thought that our politicians and pundits, the consensus builders, simply move ahead and retire. While the dead stay dead. The famous words from the Torah, “Justice, justice you shall pursue,” come to mind. One can quickly judge someone else’s actions, but we need a second look to see if we have been immoral in our own conduct. We now owe many people a big apology. How do we atone for our collective misdeeds? Educating our young people is one major step. Let’s be wary the next time everybody claims that we are being threatened by a terrible adversary who also happens to be small and vulnerable to our military might. It probably just ain’t so.
My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy Saturday, May 4 at 8:00 pm Adults $18, College students $10 Sign up at wct.org/coffeehouse
by Jeanne Bodin
Meet Boshra Khalaila, a secular, independent Israeli Arab who defies stereotypes.
At 18, she met Jewish Israelis at Haifa University and developed a political consciousness as a member of the State of Israel. Khalaila defines herself as a liberal, free woman. “I compare myself to other women my age in Jordan, the territories, Egypt... They don’t have the rights that I have: freedom of expression, the right to vote. They are forced into marriage at a young age, and (must wear) a religious head covering...” Khalaila went to South Africa with Faces of Israel during Israel Apartheid Week. There she confronted demonization of and ignorance about Israel. After many harsh words, the talks ended with a handshake and a hug. When asked why she put herself through this, she replied that it is important to realize that there are Arabs like herself who live in Israel. For more go to timesofisrael.com
Brad Zimmerman, star of TV, standup and film, will bring his hysterical show to the Woodlands Coffeehouse on Saturday, May 4. 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 side-splitting 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.
5
UPCOMING MEETINGS Adult Learning Committee Sunday, May 5 at 9:00 am Finance Committee Sunday, May 5 at 7:30 pm Executive Committee Monday, May 6 at 8:10 pm Annual Budget Meeting Thursday, May 9 at 8:00 pm Social Action Monday, May 13 at 6:30 pm School Board Monday, May 13 at 8:10 pm Ritual Committee Monday, May 13 at 8:10 pm Annual Meeting Wednesday, May 15 at 8:00 pm Teachers Meeting Thursday, May 16 at 6:00 pm Board of Trustees Monday, May 20 at 8:00 pm
Education Update
May is Special
I
have always been especially happy about the month of May at Woodlands, mainly because of the special events that occur. In May we celebrate several things as part of religious school, and this year is no different. Friday, May 3, is Shabbat Hamoreh, the evening when we honor the teachers of our children and of our adults. This service is very special because students of all ages participate in it. What they say about their teachers is priceless. On May 5, in a lovely ceremony called Kabbalat HaSiddur, our 4th grade students will each be given On The Doorposts of Your House, a prayer book for use at home with their families. This service takes place at our regularly scheduled T’filah at 9:00 am. Clergy, parents, teachers, and 4th grade children will all participate. On Friday evening, May 10, at our regular Shabbat service, we will celebrate the graduation of 18 high school seniors. Besides chanting from Torah and participating in the service itself, each of our graduates writes a beautiful essay on what Judaism and Woodlands Community Temple has meant to them. Please join us when we acknowledge this milestone event in their lives and say goodbye as they move on to college. Shavuot comes mid-May this year, and along with it is Confirmation of 22 10th grade students. For those who have not had children old enough to be Todah rabbah (thank you!) confirmed, this ceremony dates back to the beginnings of Reform Judaism ... to the members of the congregation in Europe in the early 1800’s. The early Reformers began the practice of a who donated food to the Project Ezra whole class of young men, and later young women as well, standing before the Passover food collection, as well as a special congregation to proclaim loyalty to Judaism and to their country. The first class thank you to Harriet Kohn, who, along with of both boys and girls to be confirmed was in Berlin in 1817. Traditionally, helpers Ellen Dreskin, Penny Apter, Jack Confirmation takes place on Shavuot, the holiday when we celebrate God’s Rockafellow, Dayle Fligel, Julie Stein, Harriet giving the Torah to the Jewish people and Ruth’s “conversion” to Judaism. Levine, and Jeanne Bodin, coordinated the Please celebrate with us as we conclude religious school the weekend of May Project Ezra boxes. And thank you also to 18-19. Join us at tefillah and spend the morning. And, either during the early or late the 3rd through 6th grade religious school families for donating food, making cards and session on Sunday, May 19, we will conclude our SPARK programming for the year. decorating the boxes, and the Confirmation Class for packing the boxes. ... Woodlands would like to send a special thank you to Judy Stiefel, Bill Woolis, Jenna Lebowich and the Domestic Abuse Task Force; Harriet Kohn and Project Ezra; and the Crochet and Knitters. Domestic Abuse Task Force volunteers have helped to improve the lives of many women and their children as they transition out of Hope’s Door. Mazal tov for winning the Fain Social Action Award, and your special honor at the Hope’s Door recognition dinner on May 3. Crochet and Knitters thank you for the love that is going into each square of the quilts. They are received with lots of love. Also, thank you to all congregants who helped supply food for the Project Ezra Passover boxes. As a community, we were able to bring Passover joy to our extended family on the Lower East Side. Kol Hakavod to all involved.
6
from Rabbi Mara
Religious School Calendar Wednesday, May 1 4:00 pm 7th grade trip to Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church 7:00 pm 6th grade B’nai Mitzvah Family Meeting no regular 6th grade class. Friday, May 3 8:00 pm Shabbat HaMoreh Sunday, May 5 9:00 am Open House 9:00 am 4th grade Kabbalat HaSiddur 9:30 am Judaism 101 Monday, May 6 6:00 pm 7th Grade @ Academy 6:00 pm Last Academy and BBQ Wednesday, May 8 4:00 pm Last Wednesday class for 6th & 7th grade 5:00 pm: Confirmation Class Rehearsal Friday, May 10 7:00 pm Kidz Shabbat 7:30 pm Graduation Photo 8:00 pm Graduation Service Tuesday, May 14 7:30 pm Tikkun Layl Shavuot, Confirmation Class Participates Wednesday, May 15 4:00 pm Confirmation Photo 4:30 pm Confirmation Service Thursday, May 16 4:00 pm: Last Thursday Class for 4th & 5th graders Saturday, May 18 9:00 am Gan Hayeled 9:00 am K-2 Kindling Program and Last Day of Saturday School Sunday, May 19 9:00 am SPARK Wrap-Up and Last Day of Sunday School Wednesday, May 22 4:00 pm 6th grade B’nai Mitzvah Tutoring Wednesday, May 29 4:00 pm 6th grade B’nai Mitzvah Tutoring
7
Milking Dairy for More Than It’s Worth? By Rabbi Billy Dreskin
I love Israel. But it’s a 3-dimensional, reality-tempered love. Even its age-old description as “the land of milk and honey” is a mixed blessing. Why? Because while cow’s milk is good for cows, it may not be so good for us. Dr. Neal Bateman, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, writes: “The science supporting milk for bone health was always shaky, and with a new Harvard study showing zero benefit for children’s bones the argument has crumbled.” America’s hip fracture rate is among the world’s highest, despite our dairy intake. Studies suggest that (you guessed it) fruits and vegetables may offer the best dietary protection against bone weakening. In Exodus 3, when God promises to bring us out of Egypt, the hurdles to be faced upon entering the Promised Land are also mentioned: “the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.” Just before these hurdles, God describes it as “a land flowing with milk and honey.” Is it possible this wasn’t part of the marketing, but part of the warning? Each month, “Chew on This” offers a morsel of teaching on how to think Jewishly about food and eating. Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s Eat to Live is our inspiration. Consult a physician before starting your own wellness journey.
2013-2014 School Registration Packets
Forms are due back by May 15. Religious school registration packets for the 2013-2014 school year mailed out in April. The forms are due back by May 15. If you have not received your packet, please contact the religious school office. If you have any questions about registration, please contact Harriet Levine, 592-7070 or educator@wct.org.
8
Dear Friends For the past 21 years our Temple Educator, HARRIET LEVINE, has provided outstanding leadership to our temple community. In addition to overseeing the religious education of our children, she has been a teacher, a mentor, a friend and so much more. It is evident that Jewish learning thrives at Woodlands as a result of Harriet’s dedication and innovation. She is what makes Woodlands so special to so many. Harriet will be retiring at the end of June and we will have an opportunity to honor our esteemed Temple Educator at a Shabbat Service on Friday, May 31 and at a cocktail and dinner celebration on Saturday, June 1. In conjunction with these tributes, we are compiling a commemorative journal. The journal will provide everyone the opportunity to share their thoughts and honor Harriet. Please remember that your participation in this event and accompanying commemorative journal is essential. This event is WCT’s most significant fund-raiser for 2013. Please show your support for your temple community by purchasing an ad in the journal to convey your personal good wishes to Harriet Levine. If you have any questions, please email Faye Friedman at journal@wct. org. Thank you for your support. Harriet Levine’s Retirement Journal Committee
from the President
The Home Stretch While baseball season is just beginning as I write this article, many people look ahead to where their team will be at the end of the season. The last several games in a season are considered the “Home Stretch” which reminded me that we are in the home stretch of our temple calendar. With a few months until the end of the year, we have much to do to finish up our “season” successfully. Thursday, May 9 at 8:00 pm is our Congregational Budget Meeting. It’s your opportunity to ask questions about the proposed budget for 2013-14. Just as many baseball fans read player stats and are well-versed on the financial needs of their teams, we, as congregants, need to ask questions and voice our opinions about the financial status of WCT. Our Finance Committee works hard to create a budget that represents the needs of all areas of temple life. The Board of Trustees proposes the finalized version to the congregation for ratification. The budget is not only a blueprint for how we spend our money, but it also guides us in other areas. For example, based on last year’s budget, we began an aggressive membership campaign with a heavier focus on recruitment and retention. I am happy to say that our efforts have been very successful. Our member turnover has been cut in half and the number of new members has grown significantly. Wednesday, May 15 at 8:00 pm is WCT’s Annual Meeting. This is your opportunity to hear what our committees accomplished this year and to vote on our proposed 2013-14 Board of Trustees and WCT’s budget. Just as each individual game is an important component of a baseball season, so too are these meetings important to next year’s Woodlands’ temple season. Your input is an integral part of our operational success! Other important dates during WCT’s home stretch include: a Coffee House with Brad Zimmerman (May 2), Graduation Shabbat (May 10), Joyful Noise (May 17) and our celebration to honor Harriet (May 31- June 1) with even more to come in June. At a baseball game, your attendance and participation support your team’s efforts. So I invite you to join us and support your WCT team!
Harriet: Still in the Building Harriet Levine may be retiring—but she’s not leaving Woodlands. For one thing, she will continue to be a member. She and her late husband, Len, joined the congregation during the mid-1990s. For another, she is co-chairing a committee that will choose next year’s scholar-in-residence. She will also serve as a consultant to the Religious School in 2013-14. And she will continue teaching her beloved Adult Jewish Studies class on Thursday mornings as well as beginning Hebrew for adults. In time, she would like to be on the bima now and then. “There are very few things I won’t miss,” Woodlands’ future educator
WCT to Be Honored for "Mitzvat Mississippi" You are cordially invited to join us at the Elmwood Country Club on Monday, June 3 at 7:00 pm, as our very own Stu Berlowitz and Jay Werner accept the JCC on the Hudson’s annual “Builders Award” on behalf of all who have participated in WCT's Mitzvat Mississippi project rebuilding Katrina-ravaged homes along the Gulf Coast. This award celebrates members of Rivertowns Jewish Consortium synagogues who have worked to “rebuild” lives. Stu and Jay's efforts make them wonderful representatives of our team. Kol hakavod ... a job well done to all who have participated in Mitzvat Mississippi across the years. For sign-up and payment (cocktails and dinner will be served), call Lois Green at 366-7898.
9
Social Action
It’s finally Spring and to celebrate the season we spruce up our homes, change over our closets and prepare to celebrate many occasions. The Judaica Shop at Woodlands can help you make these celebrations memorable and special. This month at Woodlands we will kvell with the families of the 10th Grade Confirmands and the 12th Grade High School Graduates. The Judaica Shop at Woodlands carries a wide selection of appropriate gifts to mark these milestones. Our collection of beautiful Torah pointers, framed art pieces and contemporary jewelry for both men and women, makes finding that special gift easy and affordable. Weddings and anniversary celebrations populate our calendars around this time and there’s no better way to support a couple’s commitment to building a Jewish life together than a gift of Judaica. Challah plates, covers, and knives are gifts that will be used time and time again. Our hand made, one of a kind tzedakah boxes will encourage a couple’s commitment to charity and tikkun olam, and a home blessing or hanging hamsa brings warmth and spirituality to any home. And don’t forget Mother’s Day is this month. We are so excited about the beautiful pieces of work by this month’s featured artist, Seeka, a member of the IS ART cooperative. Each Seeka piece is a miniature work of art and is a limited edition. Seeka’s hand painted pieces, with the combination of color, Austrian crystals and beads in unique designs are sure to be treasured gifts. The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is open every day, by request, the temple office is staffed. Evening and weekend hours are noted in the weekly congregational email. Looking for a special gift or Judaica item? Contact us at: judaicashop@wct.org.
10
Woodlands Community Temple is made up of hundreds of caring and concerned individuals who make a difference in our local area and the larger world. Whether you participate in a Woodlands-sponsored Blood Drive, donate to our food collection, build houses on a Mitzvat Mississippi trip or provide food and clothing to the homeless on a Breakfast Run, your actions make a difference. There are lots of opportunities for you to help. If you’d like to run a social action program, talk to us, or we’re inviting you to volunteer to run a project: Love food? We are looking for a coordinator to organize occasional dinners for the Volunteers of America shelter in Valhalla. Several times a year, Woodlands provides a home cooked Sunday dinner for 20 residents at the local shelter. Love clothes? Your gently used clothes could provide warmth to a homeless man, an interview suit to a hopeful job seeker, or a new school outfit for a disadvantaged child. Several opportunities are available. Love books? Whether you’ve outgrown your preschool books, studied for SATs and Regents, or read all the NY Times best sellers, your books could benefit someone else. Love making a difference? Email SocialAction@wct.org to volunteer to run a project. We also have projects to coordinate with the Religious School, and the Interfaith Caring Community… we have a place for you.
Abayudaya “Celebrate A Woman!” Cards for Mother’s Day
Place all orders by Monday, May 6 This will be the last year you can purchase beautiful cards for Mother’s Day: $18 each. By purchasing these beautiful cards, you will help the Jewish women of Uganda to become self-sustained. Mother’s Day is around the corner. Place your order early; it will take 5 days for you to get the cards. If you need to mail these out, order now to ensure they are received on time. This year, as in the past years, per the request of the women, the funds raised will be used to feed and educate their children. It ís a mitzvah to order these cards. To printout the form, go to wct.org/cards.
Special Collection Greenburgh Interfaith Caring Committee is putting together moving out boxes for the VOA Residence so that individuals moving to their own apartment can start out with basic supplies. We are collecting new twin sheet sets. Please leave your donation in the Social Action basket in the lobby if you’d like to help.
Cooking for VOA Residence The Volunteers of America Residence on the Westchester Medical Center Campus houses men and women who have been released from Westchester Medical Center but for a variety of reasons do not have a home to go to. A home cooked Sunday dinner is provided by synagogues, churches and community groups. Volunteer to provide part of the meal for Sunday, May 12 by emailing SocialAction@ wct.org by May 5.
Social Action Meeting Come for a potluck dinner meeting to thank our volunteers and review each committee’s projects on Monday, May 13 at 6:30 pm. RSVP to let us know you are coming and what you are bringing by May 6.
Food of the Month Canned fruits/vegetables
Collection of the Month Full-sized toiletries
Adult Learning
Classics of Jewish Cantorial Music
Thursday, May 2, 8:00 pm Cantor Jonathan Gordon Come listen to recordings of the most famous cantorial masterpieces of all time. We will also explore the text of the prayers being sung and how they work musically.
Judaism 101: Overview of Jewish Holidays Rabbi Mara Young Sunday, May 5, 10:00 am (note new time)
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. This session will be an overview of Jewish holidays.
Great Non-Jews in Jewish History
Cantor Jonathan Gordon Thursday, May 23, 8:00 pm Join us as we look at the lives of some non-Jews who had a remarkable and positive effect on the lives of the Jewish people.
Book Club
Daytime Diversions Wednesday at 10:00 am
The book club selection for May is Year of Wonders, a novel about the plague written by Geraldine Brooks. This novel is based on the true story of Eyam, the “plague village,” in the rugged mountain spine of England. In 1666 a tainted bolt of cloth from London carried bubonic infection to this isolated settlement. This is the story of the town’s brutal quarantine.
Movie: Harvey Wednesday, May 1
Wednesday, May 29 at 7:30
Last Class
Daytime Jewish Studies
Harriet Levine, Temple Educator Thursday, June 13
Adult Hebrew Classes
Harriet Levine and Margot Steinberg Thursday, May 30
Modern Hebrew Rabbi Joan Farber Thursday, May 30
Hope’s Door to Honor Woodlands Community Temple at Annual Gala “An Evening of Hope” May 3 at 6:30 pm Judy Stiefel, Bill Woolis, and Jenna Lebowich, will be honored by Hope’s Door during its upcoming Annual Gala on Friday, May 3 at 6:30 pm at Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill Mansion in Tarrytown. Hope’s Door is an organization that seeks to end domestic violence and to empower victims to achieve safety, independence, and healing from the trauma of abuse for those in Westchester County and the surrounding communities. “Woodlands Community Temple has been a tremendous partner to Hope’s Door for five years,” said CarlLa Horton, Executive Director of Hope’s Door. “Through multiple programs, the Temple has supported our work. It is our great privilege to honor the organization.” Through three task forces: Domestic Abuse, Project Isaiah, and Advocacy, along with other independent initiatives, Woodlands Community Temple has been committed to helping others in the community and around the world.
This award winning 1950 movie, stars James Stewart and Josephine Hull. It’s the story of Elwood P. Dowd (Stewart) who makes friends with a human sized, invisible spirit, who takes the form of a giant rabbit. After his sister tries to commit him to a mental institution, a comedy of errors ensues. While the film is certainly a comedy, it is also a commentary on the social and prejudicial issues of the time (many of which still exist.) Arrive at 9:45 am for morning snacks, as we begin promptly at 10:00 am.
Speaker: Lee Brickman Wednesday, May 8 We are privileged to welcome back (by popular demand) congregant and “old time radio buff,” Lee Brickman. Once again we invite you to join us as Lee returns for an encore presentation about the “Golden Days of Radio.” Lee has been interested in old radio programs since he was a teenager, and has actively collected recordings of radio dramas, comedies, and news programs from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Lee will once again share clips from some of the many recordings he has amassed. There will also be an opportunity to read from scripts that the biggest stars of the day read from, when they performed live. So return to the thrilling days of yesteryear when families sat around the big Zenith in the living room—and just listened.
Current Events Group Wednesday, May 22 Since Shavuot falls on the third Wednesday, May 15, Current Events Group will meet on the fourth Wednesday, May 22. Come one, come all. Stimulating talk, shared opinions, and doughnuts.
11
Academy: What Makes It Work
Education at Woodlands: Making the Connection
Harriet Levine’s first Confirmation class, in 1992, included four 10thgraders. And that was the end of their formal Jewish education. Several years later, Woodlands introduced its “Academy” program for 8th to 12th graders. High school juniors and seniors began mentoring younger students. The religious school’s first 12th-grade graduate was Geoffrey Mitelman—now associate rabbi of Temple Beth El in Chappaqua. Everything began to change. Academy keeps post-b’nai bitzvah students coming back to Woodlands to explore their Jewish identity in new ways. There are civil rights trips to the South and lobbying trips to Washington, D.C. Confirmation classes have been as large as 30 students. As many as 20 high school seniors have graduated together at the end of 12th grade. And students continue to come back from college to participate in services. “Academy works because it’s formed around what teens want,” says Rachel Friedman, president of WoodSY, WCT’s senior youth group. “Harriet and the crew really have it down pat. They understand that we want our time to socialize with our friends during dinner, but also provide us with fun and interesting classes to get us to want to stay involved. Harriet does everything she possibly can to keep us interested.”
continued from page 12
12
By Gary Stern
And they have. Woodlands now has a thriving “Academy” program for 8th graders and high school students that is one of the congregation’s proudest achievements. The temple’s efforts at “family education,” the teaching of students and parents together, have taken off in recent years. WCT’s religious school—which focuses on the study of Hebrew and prepares students to become B’nai Mitzvah in the context of ongoing Jewish life—continues to produce students who like coming to temple. Through it all, Woodlands has established a regional reputation for meeting the needs of students with disabilities. Now, as Harriet prepares to retire at the end of June, congregants feel truly fortunate that Rabbi Mara Young will replace her as Director of Congregational Learning, bringing new energy and vision to an already humming educational program. “Harriet has been an ideal administrator and educator,” says Peter Rosenthal, a WCT teacher for the last 11 years. “The early indications are that with Mara things will only get better. Boy, did we luck out.” Woodlands will have a special Shabbat service focused on education on May 31. The next night, at 8:00 pm on June 1, the congregation will honor Harriet Levine as she becomes educator emeritus.
Congregational Learning The educational experience at Woodlands is inseparable from broader congregational life – because everyone is expected to be a student. Learning begins in the sweet Gan Hayeled preschool program on Saturday mornings and continues through an increasingly rich and diverse Adult Education program. Social action and tzedakah are emphasized at every turn. The overriding goal of Harriet and her teaching staff continues to be to make learning meaningful and enjoyable. “The education program is homey. The atmosphere is inclusive and welcoming,” says Joanne Levine, immediate past chair of WCT’s Board of Education. “Harriet finds balance. She’s steadfast in her goals, but allows for changing with the times. Mara is quite visionary herself, and I expect that she will be hip and innovative and will bring her rabbinic training to the role.” Two recently expanded programs at Woodlands show how educators won’t rest on their laurels. In the area of family education, WCT has long featured the PACT program, which brings parents into religious school for special programs in each grade. Now the school has added the Kindling (grades K-2) and SPARK (3-6) programs, which involve parents in unique projects several times a year. In March, SPARK culminated with parents and children working on several social action projects, including volunteering at an animal shelter and cooking meals for the needy. To further family learning, Rabbi Billy Dreskin has long led family Torah study gatherings for 7th graders and their parents. This year, Woodlands added family study programs for grades 8-12. “Change here is really evolutionary rather than revolutionary,” Rosenthal says. “We’re always looking to improve instruction, while remembering that kids have to have fun while learning. As long as they want to come
back, they will learn.” As the mother of a daughter with developmental disabilities, Harriet has always been committed to giving all students the most complete Jewish education possible. “I feel very strongly that every child in the synagogue is deserving of a religious education to the best of their ability,” she says. “If we don’t have the right program, we create one.” This approach is part of what makes Woodlands special. Dayle Fligel oversees the temple’s Learning Center, a program for children with special needs, and works with Harriet to devise the most ideal experience for each student. Some students are served inside regular classroom settings, while others are taught 1-to-1 either during or outside regular school hours. Woodlands has even had five students become b’nai mitzvah during special 1:00 p.m. Saturday services so they could chant Torah with fewer distractions. “We do not turn any child away,” Fligel says. “We create a program to meet their needs, whatever they might be. If you build it, they will come. Some families come because of the Learning Center. Others come and are thankful we offer so much.”
Eyes on “the Real Prize” This year has been unique for Woodlands in that Rabbi Mara has been given the opportunity to prepare for her new role by working directly with Harriet. “This year has been real special and I count my blessings,” Rabbi Mara says. “I’ve learned that Woodlands has its eyes on the real prize: making kids want to explore their Jewish identity and become part of the Jewish community while doing so. Harriet has instilled the right balance by keeping people on their toes and making sure we all understand that it’s about family and community. I hope to emulate that.” Rabbi Mara plans to keep focusing on family programming. She wants to build on the SPARK program with more innovative approaches to learning and social action. “It’s just as important for the parents as the kids,” she says. “At Woodlands, everyone is supposed to show up.” She also wants to work closely with Youth Director Ross Glinkenhouse to sync religious school and youth group activities, when possible. “It’s all about having varied experiences for a young person to explore their Jewish identity. As Harriet has shown, all learning can’t be done from a textbook.” Stay tuned. It is inevitable that the people of WCT will find new projects to help others both near and far.
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 notso-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.
Scheduling Weddings or Funerals with Our Clergy The rabbis and cantor want very much to be with you during significant life-cycle moments. Please speak with them before setting any dates or times for weddings or funerals. Don’t be disappointed to learn they’re not available at the time you’ve already arranged, so bring them “into the loop” at the very beginning of your planning.
Our Mishpakha in Uganda A contribution to WCT’s Abayudaya Fund will support Abayudaya participation in the Brandeis Collegiate Institute. Sarah Nabaggala, one of this year’s representatives writes, “I am looking forward to the Brandeis experience because I am interested in meeting people of a different life and background from mine so I can connect them with my community through teaching about how the Abayudaya practice Judaism in Uganda.”
Sarah will be visiting Woodlands in July. More at wct.org/abayudaya.
13
Many Moments Throughout College When I Discovered My Jewish Identity By Jennie Rose Kogan
Before moving off to college, I spent little time thinking about being Jewish. Monday evenings were Academy, Friday nights were services and Woodlands was my community temple. When August 2009 arrived, I kissed my Hartsdale home goodbye and said hello to Burlington, Vermont. My roommate my first year thought it was cool that I was Jewish. She had never heard of Yom Kippur, did not know what a Bat Mitzvah was and was fascinated by the cultural food we ate. The health and wellness residential program I lived in planned an outdoor retreat on Rosh Hashanah, so if I chose to attend I would have to miss the university services, including Tashlikh, one of my favorite traditions. I was not going to miss out on this cool adventure, though, so I had to get creative. After talking to Marty, the program director, and the leaders of Hillel, I packed some prayer books, leftover challah, honey and apples into my pack next to my clothes and sleeping bag. Marty told me we would be next to a river and was happy to have me lead Tashlikh. I spent the week researching this holiday and planning a service. Since I was by no means an expert at service leading, I improvised and explained what the prayers meant to me, and what the Jewish new year meant to me. During the service, other Jewish girls helped me lead the prayers while others hummed along. I invited everyone to throw a piece of challah into the flowing water and with each piece to think about something they were grateful for, something they hoped to work on within themselves and a wish for the greater community. There have been many moments throughout college when I discovered my Jewish identity. Since it was no longer the norm, it became an effort to be religious, so I had to interpret everything my own way. And sure, I sometimes miss Woodlands, a Jewish community I feel so attached to, but I have appreciated the time forming my Jewish identity into something of my own. Jennie Rose Kogan is a graduating senior at the University of Vermont, hoping to spend next year either completing a year-long dietetics internship or finding a job out there that allows her to be creative, work with caring people and somehow make a difference. 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.
14
Notice Of Annual Meeting The 47th annual meeting of the members of Woodlands Community Temple will be held on Wednesday, May 15 at 8:00 pm at Temple.
2013-14/ 5774 Slate OFFICERS (1 Year Term) President Stu Berlowitz Secretary Andrea Einhorn VP/Ritual and Programming Dayle Fligel Financial Secretary Herb Friedman VP Education Jenna Lebowich VP Facilities Cliff Schoen Treasurer Mark Selig VP Finance Eugene Stein
TRUSTEES For Open Seats 3 Year Term 3 Year Term 3 Year Term 3 Year Term
Nancy Brown Gloria Falk Lisa Sacks Mike Scafidi
2 Year Term Michele Wise (Completing term of Andrea Einhorn) 1 Year Term Yvette Gralla (Completing term of Cliff Schoen)
Terms in Progress 2 Year Term 2 Year Term 2 Year Term
Nancy Fishman Jill Garland Barry Leibowitz
1 Year Term 1 Year Term 1 Year Term
Aliza Garofalo Lois Green Jay Werner
Immediate Past President: Rochelle Stolzenberg
Respectfully submitted by the Nominating Committee: Jeanne Bodin, Aliza Garofalo, Barry Leibowitz, Michael Litsky, Michael Silverman, Jane Wachs (Chair)
High School Graduation Shabbat Friday, May 10 at 8:00 pm
Mazal tov ... to Julius Rabinowitz
It’s really rather extraordinary, but your synagogue has done it again. 12th graders ... still in Religious School ... and they refuse to leave until they really leave ... for college! And more in 11th grade, who’ll all be conducting this Graduation Service with them.
AARON BROWN
Son of Nancy and Larry Brown
YAEL FARBER
daughter of Joan and Andrew Farber
KIMBERLY FISHMAN
daughter of Nancy and Charles Fishman
JENNA FRIEDMAN
RUSSEL KOGAN Son of Lynn Goodman-Kogan and Jay Kogan
BECCA LEIBOWITZ daughter of Laurie and Barry Leibowitz
MICHELLE MALKIN
daughter of Nancy and Peter Malkin
JOSHUA MONTAGUE
daughter of Jan and Jeffrey Friedman
Son of Michele and Mark Montague
RACHEL FRIEDMAN
ALEXANDRA (ALLIE) SCHORR
daughter of Faye and Evan Friedman
BRIANA GAROFALO daughter of Aliza Garofalo and Frank Garofalo
BECCA JOSEPH daughter of Lisa and Michael Joseph
JEREMY KOGAN Son of Lynn Goodman-Kogan and Jay Kogan
daughter of Karyn and Frederic Schorr
EDWARD (TED) SELIG
Son of Marjory and Mark Selig
JENNIFER STEIN
daughter of Miriam and Eugene Stein
ALLISON WISHNER
daughter of Barbara and Jerald Wishner
This is not an evening just for the graduates’ families. This is a celebration of Jewish life and continuity and integrity for us all! Do you know what oneg shabbat means? It means “Shabbat delight.” And Friday evening, May 10th is going to be one truly delightful celebration of Shabbat. Join us!
WCT Kid Soon to Hit the Rabbinic Big-time! Sunday, May 5 at 9:00 am It is with tremendous nakhes we announce to you that Lisa Kingston, daughter of Marcia and Michael Kingston, will soon become an ordained rabbi at Temple Emanu-El in NYC. You are welcome to attend! Prior to attending Hebrew Union College (HUC), Lisa graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Skidmore College with a B.A. in Religion. She has served as Rabbinic Intern for Congregation B’nai Jeshurun (Short Hills, NJ), and Rabbinic Intern at the Institute for Southern Jewish Life (Jackson, MS). She was the Tisch Rabbinic Intern at Congregation B’nai Israel (Bridgeport, CT) and Education Intern at Temple EmanuEl (New York City). Lisa has held educational leadership positions at NFTY in Israel, URJ Eisner Camp and JCC on the Hudson. You may have seen her around Woodlands, growing up here and, most recently, as a keynote speaker for last year’s Israel Engagement Weekend. We wish Lisa (and her almost-husband, Joshua Losben) mazal tov, kol hakavod, and much success, joy and contentment down the road ahead!
Julius will be ordained a rabbi at the Academy for Jewish Religion on May 9. Julius and his wife, Ellen (Shapiro), have been dear members of our congregation since 1993. In that time, we have moved through life-cycle moments, temple leadership, and just enjoying one another's company at temple services and events. Who knew we'd be adding ordination to the list! We are so happy for both Julius and Ellen, and wish them hatzlakha, every success, on the incredible journey that awaits them.
Also Becoming a Rabbi Sunday, May 5 at 9:00 am Rachel Maimin, who served as our summer rabbinic intern last summer, will be ordained a rabbi at Temple Emanu-El in New York City. We join in wishing her only the best in the years ahead.
15
The Simkha Page
B’nai Mitzvah Rachel Dames
Matthew Ballan
May 4
May 11
Torah Portion
Torah Portion
Behar-Bekhukotai
Bemidbar
Hebrew Name
Hebrew Name
Yokhana
Shmuel
Rebecca Litsky May 18 Torah Portion
Naso Hebrew Name
Rivkah
Mark Your Calendar
Mazal Tov
Selihot Saturday, August 31, 10:00 pm Labor Day, Office Closed Monday, September 2 K-2 Welcoming Day Saturday, September 7, 9:00 pm First Day of Religious School for 3rd & 4th Gr Sunday, September 8, 9:00 am First Day of Religious School for 5th & 6th Gr Sunday, September 8, 11:10 am 7th Grade - First Day of Religious School Monday, September 9, 4:00 pm Academy - First Day - BBQ Monday, September 9, 6:00 pm Rosh Hashanah Evening Service Wednesday, September 4, 8:00 pm Shabbat Shuvah Friday, September 6, 8:00 pm Yom Kippur Kol Nidre Friday, September 13, 8:00 pm Sukkot, Wednesday, September 18 Spark Sukkot, 4:30 pm Sukkot Service, 5:15 pm Sukkot Barbecue, 6:00 pm Simkhat Torah, Wednesday, September 25 Family Activity and Dinner, 6:30 pm Congregational Celebration, 7:30 pm Simkhat Torah, Thursday, September 26 Yizkor, 9:00 pm Consecration Service, 10:30 am
Mazal tov to Tom Dames and Debbie Kuhn-Dames, as their daughter, Rachel, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.
16
Mazal tov to James Ballan and Elise Wagner Ballan, as their son, Matthew, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah. Mazal tov to Michael and Leslie Litsky, as their daughter, Rebecca, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Mazal tov to Jim and Debbie Pollowitz on the birth of a granddaughter, Macie Logan Pollowitz, daughter of Randi and Jon Pollowitz. Mazal tov to Bob and Joan Stern on the marriage of their daughter Sarah to Scott Stein, son of Abbe and Steve Stein. Mazal tov to Marcia and Michael Kingston on the marriage of their daughter, Lisa, to Joshua Losben. Mazal tov to Leslie and Ray Kimmelman on the marriage of their daughter, Natalie, to Alex Maroni.
May Yahrzeit (24 Iyyar - 23 Sivan) Friday, May 3 Henni Abeles Libbie Dambroff Benjamin Drew Clara Gamsu Steven Glasser Morrell Gurdin William Gurdin Harold Ignotofsky Mitzi Katz David Kliot Enzo Krahl I. Michael Lerner Samuel Lustgarten Marcia Morris Max Richter Toba Rochberg Rita Rudel Ralph Joseph Rugoff Allen Schneier Frances Selig Sara Shalant Samuel Shohet Rose Stein Fay Tomashevsky Saul Weinert Philip Zaro
Friday, May 10 Milton Alexander John Dwyer Samuel Fishman Louise Glazer Rick Goodman Laura Holzer Goldythe Hyman Harry Jacobson Harold Keller Estelle Klein Lawrence Leifer Aaron Melworm Sidney Rachlin Henry Sacks Stanley Salomon Anne Fisher Jushpy Scherwin Norma Schwarzbach Eve Serwer Betty Siegel Dorothy Esther Spilka Robert Weinberg Ida Yeshion
Friday, May 17 Henry Adler Elliott Belson Rose Bergman Charles Berkowitz Rose Blatt Henrica (Henny) Bordwin Gertrude Delugach Sylvia Drucker Beatrice Finkelstein Mae Flamm Pearl Glusker Greta Hermann Ida Ernestine Janis Albert Joseph Andrea Karlitz Harry Kaufman Phyllis Klapman Marvin Maisel Edith Medine Randolph Mendelsohn Muriel (Mickey) Miller Arnold Naroff Marion Neimkin Anna Rappaport Gerald Alan Rothberg Nathan Stein Benjamin Winicour Shirley Winicour
Shirley Weiss
Friday, May 31 Jeffrey Apter Joseph Apter Sara Asher Jack Benjamin Morris Drewnowitz Jacob Farber Israel Finkelstein Murray Friedlander Ernest Gladstone Pearl Goldberg Sonya Gordon Fanny Holand Evelyn D. Katz Saul Kleinman Gloria Krain Paula Lestz Ethel Marenoff Gertrude Miller Sylvia Piltz Jennifer Polan William Rosenthal Ida Siegel
Friday, May 24 Martin Berliner Stanley H. Bruckheim Charlotte G. Carrel Sophie Chassid Ben Eisenman Michaella Feld Louis Frank Richard Fuchs Abner Green Mark Grogin Harry Jacobs Alvin Kitt Edwin Levin Herman Levine Pearl Levine Louise Lipperman Bette Mobile Neil Mulhall Edna Ostfeld Morry Ostfeld Jack Ratafia Robert Schachat Max Schorr Emilia Sgaglione Max Shames Jay Wallberg Ruth Wallberg
HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning.
The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of Phyllis Bloom mother of Cary Bloom Stanley Finkelstein father of Evan, Andrew and Nancy Finkelstein Dan Kerness husband of Miriam Kerness, father of Micah and Tobin Kerness Sheldon Tannenbaum father of Lori Solano
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. •O ne 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
Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.
17
WCT Funds Available for Your Support Professionals’ Mitzvah Funds 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
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.
Scholarships and Support Bernard and Frances Shapiro Chesed Caring Community Fund
Supports Temple members in need and the activities of the Chesed Caring Community.
18
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’s Mitzvah Fund
Chai Fund
In memory of Alan Horowitz, from Diana Horowitz.
In appreciation of the temple family and staff and in memory of David Steinhardt, from Jane and Bob Steinhardt.
In memory of Doris Schatz, from The Mendelson Family. In memory of Doris Schatz, from Gloria and Bill Falk. In memory of Doris Schatz, from Julie and Scott Stein. In memory of Doris Schatz, from The Gralla/Chang Family. Many thanks to Rabbi Billy and in memory of Herbert Ripin, from Peter Ripin and Family. Many thanks to Rabbi Billy and in honor of the marriage of Sarah Stern and Scott Stein, from Joan and Bob Stern.
In memory of David Steinhardt, from Sheila and Dick Sweet
In memory of Phyllis Bloom, mother of Cary Bloom, from The Fligel Family. In memory of Phyllis Bloom, from Corey Friedlander. In memory of Phyllis Bloom, from Joan and Andy Farber.
In memory of David Steinhardt, In memory of Doris Schatz, from from Joyce and Allan Bruckheim. Stu and Karen Berlowitz. In memory of David Steinhardt, In memory of Doris Schatz, from from Jeffrey and Janet Chester. June and Donald Moskovitz. In memory of David Steinhardt, from Dayle and David Fligel.
In memory of Herbert Ripin, from The Gralla/Chang Family.
In memory of David Steinhardt, from Yvette and Larry Gralla.
In memory of Anita Figlen, from Dayle an David Fligel.
In memory of David Steinhardt, from Judith and Barry Kessler.
In memory of Paul Razgha, from Rick Kaskawits.
In memory of David Steinhardt, Thank you Rabbi Billy and in from Barbara and Bert Lewis. honor of Jason Solano becoming In memory of David Steinhardt, a Bar Mitzvah, from Albert and from Fran Rosenfeld. Lori Solano. In memory of David Steinhardt, In gratitude to Rabbi Billy from Susan and Mort Aron. and for the most meaningful wedding ceremony, from Emily In memory of David Steinhardt, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz. Harper and Matthew Gilfus.
In honor of Sarah Rosenfeld becoming a Bat Mitzvah from Fran Rosenfeld. In honor of the birth of Macie Pollowitz, granddaughter of Debbie and Jim Pollowitz, from Rick Kaskawits. In honor of the birth of Noah Sadie, daughter of Rabbi Mara and Mark Young, from June and Donald Moskovitz.
In memory of David Steinhardt, from Linda Lucks and Ralph Lawrence.
In memory of David Steinhardt, from June and Donald Moskovitz.
In memory of David Steinhardt, from Ed and Dotty Miller.
In memory of David Steinhardt, from Harriet and Joseph Fibel.
In memory of Herbert Ripin, from Michele and Mark Montague.
In memory of Arthur Lucks, husband, Mollie and Jules Bloomenfeld and Minnie and Abraham Lucks, beloved parents, from Linda Lucks and Ralph Lawrence.
In memory of David Steinhardt, from Lois Ratafia Diamond.
In memory of Dan Kerness, from Dayle and David Fligel.
In memory of David Steinhardt, from Carol and Herb Cohen.
In memory of Phyllis Bloom, from Beverly and Jeff Kissel
In memory of David Steinhardt, from Tony and Selena Barron.
In memory of David Steinhardt from, Joyce and Allan Bruckhein.
Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah Fund In gratitude to Rabbi Mara and for the most meaningful wedding ceremony, from Emily Harper and Matthew Gilfus.
In memory of David Steinhardt, from Gloria and Bill Falk. In memory of David Steinhardt, from Jeremy Fass.
Cantor’s Discretionary Fund
In memory of David Steinhardt, Thank you Cantor Jonathan and from Erica and Arthur Pell. in memory of Mildred Donocoff, In memory of David Steinhardt, from Brian Donocoff and Family. from Irwin Miller.
Educator’s Enrichment Fund
In honor of the birth of Noah Sadie, daughter of Rabbi Mara and Mark Young, from Sue and Jack Safirstein. In honor of the birth of Noah Sadie Young, from Jack and Sue Safirstein.
In memory of Stanley Finkelstein, from Lois Ratafia Diamond. In memory of Stanley Finkelstein, from Yvette and Larry Gralla. In memory of Jeanette F. Steinhardt and Fanny Levy from Jane and Bob Steinhardt. In memory of Mildred Donocoff, from Marjory and Mark Selig.
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.
Education and Youth Activities Fund In memory of Doris Schatz, from Bob and Penny Apter. In memory of Doris Schatz, from Jeffrey and Elka Klarsfeld. Many thanks to WoodSy from Evi and Steve Lieb. In memory of Dan Kerness, from The Montague Family. In memory of Dan Kerness, from Andy and Joan Farber. In memory of Dan Kerness, from Carolyn Thornlow. In memory of Dan Kerness, from Lisa Sacks and Jon Richer. In memory of Dan Kerness, from Michele Raskin. In memory of Dan Kerness, from Corey Friedlander. In memory of Dan Kerness, from Kirsten Shanfield. In memory of Dan Kerness, from Patty Goldstick. In memory of Dan Kerness, from Marc Greene. In memory of Dan Kerness, from Teresa and Stu Stein. In memory of Dan Kerness, from Steven Susswein. In memory of Dan Kerness, from Monique Rothman. In memory of Dan Kerness, from Kathleen Saso. In memory of Dan Kerness, from Jesse Lewis. In memory of Dan Kerness, from Doris M. Cohen.
In memory of Dan Kerness, from Steve Sagner and Jennifer Tower.
Torah and Ritual Fund
In memory of Dan Kerness, from Susan Giuliano.
Social Action Fund
In memory of Dan Kerness, from Dorry Kotzin and Family.
In memory of Dan Kerness, from Jordan Ruden.
Makom Shelibi Oheyv Bookplate Fund
Lay Professional Development Fund In honor of Dale Glasser’s leadership of Derekh, from The Derekh Graduating Class 2013
Lifelong Learning Fund Donation, from Michael Hess. In memory of David Steinhardt, from The Current Events Group.
Adult Education Fund
In honor of Robert Litsky’s birthday, from Michael, Leslie, Becca and Elana Litsky. In memory of David Steinhardt, from Elaine and Harold Shames.
Winter Hunger Appeal from: Elise and Jim Ballan, Jan and Jeffrey Friedman, Alan and Shelli Katz, Rabbi Mara and Mark Young.
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.
In appreciation of Harriet Levine on the occasion of Jonathan Montague becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Michele and Mark Montague.
Social Action
Midnight Run Fund
Social Action Fund
Donation from Jeanne and Murray Bodin.
Funds projects organized by the Social Action Committee.
In memory of Mildred Donocoff, from Julie and Scott Stein.
Abayudaya (Jews of Uganda) Fund
Mitzvat Mississippi Fund
Domestic Abuse Task Force
In honor of Joe Rickles becomng a Bar Mitzvah, from Joe Rickles. In honor of Andrew Bordwin, from The Fein Family.
Music Fund
In memory of Dan Kerness, from Kristen Aronoff.
In memory of Dan Kerness, from David Griff and Roni Beth Tower
Endowment Fund
In memory of Dan Kerness, from Bess Steiger.
In memory of David Steinhardt, from Sue and Jack Safirstein.
In memory of Dan Kerness, from Michelle, Matt and Jacqueline Collins.
Donation from Michael Hess.
In memory of Dan Kerness, from Leslie and David Quinn.
Scholar in Residence Fund In memory of David Steinhardt, from Betty and Walter Gray.
In memory of Dan Kerness, from Lee and Nanci Brickman.
In memory of Dan Kerness, from Dan Broden and Rebecca Stevens.
In honor of Dayle Fligel, from The Fein Family.
In memory of Dan Kerness, from Elana Halberstadt.
In memory of Dan Kerness, from Rita and David Scheiner.
In memory of Dan Kerness, from Judy Naylor-Johnson.
In memory of David Steinhardt, from Sy and Sarah Donner.
Provides support for individuals post college age for travel to and attendance at Jewish educational and cultural programs.
Project Ezra Donation from: Lori Bluberg, Lois and Jay Izes, Lloyd and Roberta Roos.
Steve’s H.O.P.E. Fund In memory of Raphael Bocher, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht.
Helps the impoverished Abayudaya community to become self sufficient. Helps us to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence leaving the Hope’s Door shelter and reestablishing their lives.
Hunger 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.
19
Woodlands Calendar May 2013 Iyyar - Sivan 5773
20
21
We are holding this space for your ad Contact Charlie Strick advertising @wct.org
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 t h a n k o u r A d v e r t i s e r s f o r t h e i r S u p p o r t
James Dowdle
We t h a n k o u r A d v e r t i s e r s f o r t h e i r S u p p o r t
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 M ATERIAL- DO NOT DEL AY
Judaic Connection Fasting: Invisible Prayer By Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon
O
urs is a post-scarcity world. While poverty remains an invited guest in our economic system, while we allow an unnecessarily high number of people among us to be hungry, it can be said that American Jews today generally have enough to eat. Until recently, the shortage of food was a ubiquitous part of human experience. Yet voluntary abstinence from food and water has been a part of Jewish spiritual practice for thousands of years. Refraining from food and drink was thought to induce a state which welcomed visions and dreams. It was a sign of private sorrow or spiritual distress upon feeling alienated from God. Fasting was, and remains, a personal expression of the search for spiritual elevation. We know the public fasts of the year: Yom Kippur, the day preceding Purim, the day after Rosh Hashanah, and 4 times that commemorate events connected to the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, the most notable being the 9th of Av.
Our private fasts are a more obscure kiddush at such an event, those present part of our spiritual tool chest. It is must not refrain from joining in the considered a mitzvah to fast on the day celebration. Having eaten, the men and of a parent’s Yahrzeit, a sign of sadness women are released from further fasting and respect. It is also customary for during the day. brides and grooms to fast on the day Mondays and Thursdays are of their wedding. Rabbis teach that the traditional personal fast days. One may wedding day is take it upon oneself to fast like Yom Kippur, It is considered a in memory of certain events when all past in one’s own life, to expiate mitzvah to fast on transgressions are the day of a Parent’s sins, or to arouse God’s pardoned and a mercy in a time of trouble. Yahrzeit, a sign of new life begins. The fast lasts from sunrise sadness and respect. The 7th of to sundown; only the fasts Adar is the of Yom Kippur and the 9th anniversary of the death of Moses, and of Av last 24 hours. One is to usually members of a Khevre Kadisha often fast avoid fasting on the Sabbath on that day, to express their hope that Private fasts are to be kept to oneself. they have fulfilled their duties properly. If asked, one should usually try to evade The day before Pesach is a traditional the question. In no case should one fast day for men and women who are boast of one’s fasts to others. They are a the first born child in their family. It purely personal religious practice. There expresses the gratitude of the first born are no rituals for fasting. Private fasting Israelites in the tale of Passover who is a supremely modest, minimalist in were spared. Usually those who observe nature and absolutely personal. And yet, this custom go to synagogue and hear a it is something we might find precisely scholar deliver an early morning lecture relevant at special moments in our on a holy text they have completed personal calendar. studying. It is customary to have a public