� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ! � � " � � � � � � � � � � � � � � # � ! � # � � $ � � %� ! � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � $ � � � � � � &� � � � � � � � � � � � � & � � � % � � � $ � � % % � � � $ � � � � � $ � ' � � � � � & � � � � � � � � � � � � & � � � � � � � &$ � � � � � & � � � � � � � � & � � ! � � & � � # � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � $ � � � � � ! � � � � � � � � ! � � � �' � � � � � � � � � � � � � � % � � � � " � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � $ # � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

Relationships have always been a hallmark of our community. Congregation B'nai Yisrael considers itself a family of families: it is our mission to forge sacred relationships between people. ! is unique dedication of our synagogue has been of such meaning for me, literally on a daily basis. Simply put, I have gained so much through the years through powerful, sacred moments of connection I have been privileged to share in our sanctuary, in my o" ce, around the table in our library, and even while in many of your living rooms.

Two thousand years ago, Rabbi Chanina taught of the Divine power of real connection between two human beings. As I re-read his words this month, I am particularly struck at his use of prepositions: when two sit and study Torah, the Divine Presence rests between them. It's not that some sacred cloud hovers over this deeply connected couple; neither is it the case that each of these people engaged in holy work has their own individual halo. Instead, Rabbi Chanina teaches, the Divine Presence is between them: if we want to go looking for God, the best place to start our search is by looking at the space between people in that most human activity, interaction.

continues on page 2

Rabbi Seth M. Limmer

2 Banksville Road • Box 7 • Armonk, NY 10504 • Quarterly Bulletin • Spring 2014

( ) * + ( , ( , , - .3-5 Community

CBY Cultural Connections: Author Series, Spring Boutique & LuncheonRoxbury Farm CSA

To Our Future, For Our Future: Comedy Night

6 Learning

It Is Time To Tell ! e Story AgainCon# rmation Class 2014

7 LeadershipTransition Under Way

8-9 Commitment to OthersMidnight RunTrip to Nicaragua

10-11 TraditionPassover Recipes Why Is ! is Night Di$ erent?

12-13 Investment Memorial Wall

14 Family Activities

Backpage Relevance

/ 0 1 1 - ) ( * 2Connections

Rabbi Chanina, son of Teradion, says:When two sit, and words of Torah pass between them, the Divine Presence rests between them. —Pirkei Avot 3:2

! en those who had awe for the Divine spoke to one another. God listened, and heard it, and wrote it down in a book of remembrance.

—Malachi 3:16

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3 4 5 6 7 8 6 9 : ; 4 5 < = 5 9 ; > ; ? 7 9 8 @A B C D E F G H I I J K L C M N O P Q L D E N R S T U V U W(914) 273-2220 • fax (914) 273-2285 cbyarmonk.org • temple@cbyarmonk.orgfacebook.com/cbyarmonk • @cbyarmonk

Rabbi Seth M. Limmer rabbilimmer@cbyarmonk.org

Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky cantorkobilinsky@cbyarmonk.org

Rabbi Douglas E. Krantz Founding Rabbi, Retired

Ava Saperstein Administrator ava@cbyarmonk.orgDavid Pribish Bookkeeper david@cbyarmonk.orgAlicia Allison Communications Director alicia@cbyarmonk.orgJessica Gollin B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator jessica@cbyarmonk.orgRabbi Joan Farber Interim Director of Education rabbifarber@cbyarmonk.orgNancy Tejada-Ward Administrative Assistant to the Religious School nancy@cbyarmonk.org

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Executive CommitteeLisa Broomer President Ross Honig Vice President, Finance Lisa Mazure Vice President, Programs; Caring/Social Action Co-chairDebra Ezratty Treasurer, Religious Practices ChairBonni Stanley Secretary, Human Resources ChairIvy Levien Member-At-Large Members of the Board Susan Bloom CBY Cultural Connections Chair Felicia Buebel Caring and Social Action Co-chairSari Deutsch Membership Co-chairMichelle Eickelbeck Membership Co-chairDiane Freedman Jewish Identity Development Chair Sheldon Ganis Fund Raising ChairBrian Kaminer Communications Co-chair Neil Katz Security ChairKara Klein Aaron Kwittken Communications Co-chairSamantha Schwam Transitions ChairPaul Skurman High Holy Day Honors ChairBrian Socolow

Rich Waksman Budget and Finance Chair

PAST PRESIDENTS

Lewis Scha! er John Stern Michael J. Gross ז״לMike Jacobs Lyle Halperin ז״ל Ann Leber Ellen Bernstein Charles Shapiro

Our Cornerstones

TraditionCongregation B’nai Yisrael connects individuals to our Jewish heritage and weaves our traditions into our individual and family identities. Our religious traditions form a framework for meaningful Jewish lives, and help us to to celebrate moments of wonder in life’s cycle and to " nd comfort in times of tragedy and sorrow. Our spiritual home connects our members to that which is Divine, to the rich variety of Jewish living, and to others in our community.

CommunityCongregation B'nai Yisrael is the center of Jewish life in Armonk. As a neighborhood synagogue, we form a bond among our member families. # e synagogue serves as a spiritual and a social center where individuals ful" ll their religious needs and " nd meaning in Judaism at every stage of life.

LearningLearning the lessons of our Jewish heritage is a primary focus at Congregation B'nai Yisrael. Together we discover the building blocks of Jewish life, expand our sense of self in a Jewish context, and apply Jewish wisdom to every stage of our journey.

Commitment to Others# e Jewish impulse to repair the world [Tikkun Olam] plays a central role in the life of our community. We care for other human beings and strive to make a di! erence in people’s lives through individual and communal acts of tzedakah here in Armonk, in our wider Westchester community, and throughout our world.

InvestmentWe are deeply committed to maintaining our vibrant community. We demonstrate our dedication by sharing our time and our resources to insure a healthy future for our synagogue.

LeadershipOur clergy and leadership are accessible and responsive. It is our responsibility to be deeply connected to one another, in order to hear what every individual and family needs, and learn how to strengthen our community.

RelevanceFrom ancient times, Judaism has thrived by maintaining its traditions in an evolving world. Our synagogue helps our families build contemporary Jewish lives. # rough celebration and study, by taking care of our own and reaching out to help others, by respecting every individual and embodying a spirit of diversity, we are able to be authentic Jews in a modern world.

Robert RegalMarilyn HeimerdingerShelly JacobDavid BrodyBarby K. Siegel Joel DworetzkyFrederic J. SiegelLawrence C. Fox

Printed on 100% recycled paper.

Read this issue of our Bulletin, as well as past issues, online at cbyarmonk.org under Calendar and Events.

X Y Z Z [ \ ] ^ _

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I feel as if, here at Congregation B'nai Yisrael, I have been fortunate enough to bear witness to the truth of Rabbi Chanina's teaching time and time again, and in so many situations. Every Saturday morning (o.k., excepting vacations and summers) an incredible group of learners sit around the circular table in our library, so we can study Torah together. At least that is our ostensible purpose. But sometimes—when parsing obscure phrases of Leviticus or examining excruciating Talmudic passages—deep moments of revelation and connection intrude on our "learning". Our group travels from the mundane to the ethereal, as we search to understand not what Torah means, but rather what Torah means for how we live as Jews. # e way we connect with each other, the way we relate to each other, the way we tolerate each other's idiosyncrasies: these allow the Divine Presence to $ nd its way to the center of our table nearly every Shabbat.

Now, Torah study is quite a literal example of how we at CBY bring the divine into our presence; but these profound experiences happen so many other ways. How many times have I heard news of celebration—and then shared hug—in the hallways of our school. How o% en, while sitting in my o& ce and talking through a di& cult passage in life, is such a connection made. Almost every Shabbat, I see someone walk into our sanctuary and smile unexpectedly when they discover a close friend is there to welcome the Sabbath as well.

continues from cover

CBY Cultural Connections

I cannot count the times—but I feel fortunate at each occurrence—when I see the looks of awe on parents' faces as they witness their child reading from our Torah for the $ rst time. # e Divine Presence is such a frequent presence here in our community because we human beings make sure that our synagogue is a spiritual center where we connect, truly relate, to other human beings. And, as the prophet Malachi taught, our lives are enriched by the memories we build at Congregation B'nai Yisrael, because such sacred moments are inscribed in our psyches, in our personal scrolls of remembrance. When we are at our best, we enter the building hoping for some wonderful connection to be made, and we leave with a powerful new memory to connect us to our people, our traditions, and our synagogue. # e power we encounter in our synagogue is not the result of one person, but the combined e' ect of an entire community committed to connecting with each other. And, as we turn towards the season of our Spring and Passover and of new promise, I know that the promise of this community to live up to the commitments of its past will continue to blossom in the future.

Author Series: Lori Rotskoff | Wednesday, May 14, 10:30 amCo-editor of When We Were Free To Be: Looking Back at a Children’s Classic and the Di! erence it Made and author of Love on the Rocks: Men, Women, and Alcohol in Post-World War II America

$20/members, $25/non-members

Spring Boutique and Luncheon A day of shopping to bene$ t Congregation B’nai Yisrael.Jewelry, Handbags, Scarves, Tableware, Belts, Olive Oil, Mah Jongg Sets, Teachers’ Gi% s & so much more!

Wednesday, May 7, 10am-4pm, at Brynwood Country Club Lyssa Weiss, M.S., R.D., Special Guest Speaker, Dietitian, & owner of Skinny Jeans Nutrition, LLC

$65/person. RSVP by May 2 to Alicia at alicia@cbyarmonk.org

Win a Free Consultation with Lyssa Weiss ($150 value)Lunch with speaker 12:00-1:00 pm. Boutique will be closed during this time.

Lyssa Weiss, M. S., R. D., is the owner of Skinny Jeans Nutrition, LLC, and a weight management and obesity specialist in private practice in Westchester County, New York. She is the author of the forthcoming book # e Skinny Jeans Diet (Harper Collins). Please visit her at theskinnyjeansdiet.com.

Lori Rotsko' is a cultural historian, writer, and teacher. She $ rst discovered her passion for women’s history and literature as an undergraduate at Northwestern University. A% er working for a year at the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, DC, she entered graduate school in American Studies at Yale, where she earned a Ph.D. She has taught undergraduates at Yale and Sarah Lawrence College, and currently o' ers seminar classes for adults at the Barnard Center for Research on Women.

Our Congregation WelcomesMark and Leslie Boxer, and their children, Richard and Morgan

Adam and Rhoda Ingberman, and their children, Edison and Indiana

Eric and Jennifer Freiberg, and their children, Danielle, Jessica, and Tyler

Congratulations Marilyn Silver on the birth of her grandsons, Evan Bradley and Dylan Parker

` a b b c d e f g

In MemoriamEve Widdows, mother of Linda Fernberg

Murray Henick, father of Je! Henick

Edwin Shmerler, father of Cindy Shmerler

Tessie Nerenberg, grandmother of Ally Wolland

Satyadev J. Tewani, father of Alka Kaminer

Michael Giles, nephew of Deborah Cerar

Sidney Metzger, mother of Jane Metzger

Phillip Weintraub, grandfather of Neil Katz

Tadeo "Ted" Tobia, father of Steve Tobia

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Early Shabbat Services

Our Early Shabbat Service is twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m. To check Shabbat service times each week, you can visit our website at cbyarmonk.org or check our weekly Shabbat Shalom email. Early Services will be on April 18, May 2, 16, and June 6. Summer services will be at 6:30 p.m. and begin on June 20.

Roxbury Farm CSA

! ere are a limited number of shares so sign up soon! If you are interested in purchasing half a share, or have any questions contact Tessa Kwittken at tessa@kwittkenfamily.com. To sign up print out an application form from the Roxbury Farm website, roxburyfarm.com, and mail it to them with your check.

• Shares may be split but one member is individually responsible for managing the split.• All shareholders are responsible for helping one evening (about 3 hours) during distribution throughout the delivery

season. Part of the volunteer job is to bag and deliver surplus vegetables to Neighbors Link in Mt. Kisco.• All communication is via e-mail. In addition, e-newsletters are sent by the Farm each week that give news of the Farm,

and provide recipes and tips for storing and preparing produce.• Shareholder families are encouraged to visit the farm.

Buy a share in Roxbury Farm this year receive fresh organic vegetables, andprovide direct support to a bio-dynamic New York farm

VEGETABLE SHARES $618 for 23 weeks June 11- November 19

FRUIT SHARES $80 for 20 weeks, beginning July 2Locally-grown but not organic. Fruit share is available only as an add-on to a vegetable share.

Beef, chicken, and lamb shares are also available

At Congregation B'nai Yisrael the most meaningful time for families to come together is Shabbat. # is year we are continuing our tradition of Shabbat Host Families to enhance our weekly Shabbat experience. We ask your family to help at our 8:00 p.m. services by greeting fellow members and guests as they enter our doors and by nurturing our community by providing the Oneg Shabbat challah, grape juice, fruit, and desserts with which we celebrate following the service. For each 8:00 p.m. service we need 3-4 families. To sign up to be a host, contact Michelle Eickelbeck at eickelbeck@aol.com who will be happy to assign you a convenient date.

Shabbat Host Families

TORAH STUDY | Saturdays, 9:00- 9:45 a.m.

A weekly opportunity every Shabbat morning in our library to discuss the week’s Torah portion with our clergy. Come every week or once in a while; all you need to bring is an open mind.

ROSH CHODESH LUNCHEON & STUDY GROUP | Fridays at noon, May 2, 30

Rosh Chodesh is a special holiday where we # nd peace, enrichment, and sisterhood. At CBY we are a grassroots gathering of women who meet

each Hebrew month to celebrate the new moon. We serve lunch and share in informal programs focusing on Jewish and/or women’s issues.

TEXT IN THE CITY | Wednesday at noon, May 7 at Pryor Cashman LLP, Times Square, NYC

STUDY IN THE SUBURBS | Wednesdays at noon, April 23, May 14 at Congregation B'nai Yisrael

Join Rabbi Limmer for a monthly lunchtime opportunity to connect with CBY, our Jewish tradition and the side of your brain not occupied with your mobile device. $ is year we will be exploring the Book of Deuteronomy, which marks the # rst major religious reform in the life of our Jewish people. We will discover how our ancestors’ changing world altered their understanding of their spiritual and communal life, and come to know deeply the # % h and # nal book of the Torah. Our subjects will include: ! e Book, ! e Scroll, ! e Reform, Moses & Monotheism, ! e Temple, Judges & Justice, Laws of Warfare, Friends & Family, Covenant, Curse & Choice and ! e Death of Moses

Adult Education

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h i j k l m l n

o p q q r l m s tTo Our Future, For Our Future: Comedy Night

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 7:00-11:00 P.M. AT CBY

Starring Comedians, Charlie Fersko, Kate Wolff & Mike Burton

Dinner & CocktailsLive MusicSilent AuctionEdie Parker Handbag RaffleSmart Casual Attire

$150 per person RSVP by April 21 to Alicia at alicia@cbyarmonk.org

Special thank you to On the Marc Catering and Decor Event Design

Underwriters Bloom, Ezratty, Falk, Fishman, Ganis, Goodison/Mazure, Klein, Schwam, Stanley Families

Fundraiser Co-Chairs Debra Ezratty, Bonni Stanley

Silent Auction Chair Amy Yallof

Committee Members Susan Bloom, Leslie Blum, Jocelyn Deutsch, Jill Greenspan, Hollie Levy,

Elise Margolin, Andrea Soloway, Deborah Tobia, Felicia Zacks

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TOT SHABBAT | Fridays, 5:30-6:15 p.m. May 9

Tot Shabbat is a time for our children to experience Shabbat through storytelling and music with their parents. Our program is shared with our clergy and features the music, fun and excitement of Kenny Green.

KINDERGARTEN | Sundays, 9:30-11:00 a.m. May 4

Our Kindergarten program is an experience for the whole family to learn about the Jewish holidays, Jewish food, and Jewish living.

1st AND 2nd GRADE PROGRAM | Sundays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. (weekly), following our pancake breakfast at 9:00 a.m. for the whole family.

Family Day: May 4

For Our Young Families

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u v w x y z y {Every year at this time, we begin our preparation for Pesach. Whether we are traveling to be with family or we are hosting the family seder, we are thinking about seders past and present. ! e seder is an opportunity for intensive family time. From the moment Purim is behind us until the last piece of matzah is eaten, we are focused on the traditions and mitzvot of Pesach.

Each year, we recite the words: “B’chol dor vador chayav adam lirot et atzmo k’ilu hu yatza mi’Mitzrayim–In each generation, everyone must think of himself or herself as having personally le" Egypt.” ! e story of our slavery and our redemption is a challenge for us because we live in freedom and generally all of our needs are met.

So how do we connect with the story of the Hagaddah and make the seder more meaningful to each of us?

For families with younger children, select a Hagaddah with pictures and activities or create your own. For example, a" er reading the passage which describes the Four Children, everyone can complete the sentence: “I am like the wise (wicked, simple, unable to ask) child when I…” ! e discussion will involve every person and probably lead to a greater understanding.

It Is Time To Tell The Story Again

Rabbi Joan Farber, Interim Director of Education

For seder groups with older children and adults: pick sections of the Hagaddah to explore and check out Jewish websites for more information. ! e prayer “Halachma Anya—Lo this is the bread of a# iction” instructs us to “let all who are hungry come and eat.” Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger works to raise funds for programs which feed the hungry. (mazon.org)

! roughout the Hagaddah, we are reminded that we were slaves in Egypt and now we are free. Yet there are still individuals and groups who are enslaved or who struggle to survive throughout the world. American Jewish World Service (AJWS) supports more than 500 grassroots organizations in Africa, Asia and the Americas that promote the rights of women, girls and LGBT people; rebuild societies torn apart by war and natural disasters; and seek to secure access to food, land and water. (ajws.org)

In our generation, we have the internet and apps to link us to sources which will enhance our seders and provide us with modern interpretations so that this generation will understand their place in the chain of tradition. (For a Jewish search engine, try reformjudaism.org or myjewishlearning.com)

May your Pesach be $ lled with joy, family time and health.

Confirmation Class 2014

Noah Cannold Sarah Cziner Jacob Honig

Congratulations to the con$ rmands and their families. Join us for Con$ rmation Services on Erev Shavuot, Tuesday, June 3 at 8:00 p.m.

Zoe KreutzerGray LevienAbigail Markho!

Josie Rata" a

Chad Schwam

Mallory Siegel

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Transition Under Way

| } ~ � } � � � � �Since our last bulletin we have been sharing the big news about various transitions, including Rabbi Limmer's decision to accept a new Rabbinic position in Chicago. It is encouraging and comforting to know that throughout this Rabbinic transition period, Cantor Kobilinsky will be with us to continue to enrich and beautify our services, teach our children, and provide clerical continuity and stability for our Congregation. Cantor Kobilinsky and professional sta! have risen to the occasion, playing instrumental roles in support of the changes taking place. I am in awe of the inspiring and professional e! orts put forth by fellow board members and other congregational volunteers to embrace these changes as wonderful opportunities for CBY.

A lot of great work is underway at CBY, and I want to keep everyone informed by recapping our special tasks and process.

Rabbinic SearchLed by Shelly Jacob, the Interim Rabbinic Search Committee (Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky, Ross Honig, John Stern, Aaron Kwittken, Mark Neporent, Larry Fox and Susan Mack) has been hard at work. " e Committee has been going through a multiple step process to meet and select an Interim Rabbi.

Interim Rabbis have twenty years of experience on average and are specially trained to assist congregations experiencing Rabbinic transition, typically serving a congregation for one year. During this time, he or she performs all the usual Rabbinic functions (including o# ciating at services and life-cycle events) and facilitates a process of congregational self-evaluation leading to the selection of a new long-term Rabbi ideally suited to the congregation’s needs. Interim Rabbis have enabled many congregations to maintain their programs, activities and culture while taking a re$ ective and deliberative approach to selecting a long-term Rabbi.

Our committee has reviewed resumes, performed skype interviews and has met in person with select candidates. " e committee is very encouraged by the quality of the candidates and may have already provided another update by the time you receive this bulletin.

Once we have hired an Interim Rabbi, our committee will start to focus on the task and process of recruiting new permanent Rabbinic leadership who can help us continue a shared, prosperous vision for our temple’s future.

Transition CommitteeWe have also created a Transition Committee to identify and actively manage the many activities that will be needed to ensure a smooth Rabbinical transition process. Samantha Schwam chairs this committee and together with our Communications Committee co-chairs (Brian Kaminer and Aaron Kwittken) has been working to keep the congregation informed. By reaching out in many di! erent ways, we hope to reach our community with opportunities for more engaging two-way communication.

Transition Committee Continued

It is critical that we hear the voices of our congregants to help guide us through the transition process. Hopefully you have been receiving our transition update e-mails and % nd them helpful. We will continue to update you via email as we have important transitional information to share. Be on the lookout for an announcement about the launch of our new website soon. " ere will be a dedicated section regarding all the transition work.

Additionally, the committee has created o# ce hours for congregants to come and discuss transition e! orts as well as address any other questions or issues that they may have with members of the Board. Board members will be available May 1st 4-6pm and May 20th 6-8pm in the library. I encourage you to stop by and share your thoughts in person.

Jewish Identity Development SearchI am pleased that Rabbi Joan Farber has agreed to stay with us an additional year as Interim JID Director. Joan will assist the search committee to % ll the position permanently and is working with Board member Ivy Levien, who is chairing the JID Search Committee. " e Committee (Diane Freedman, David Zimmerman, Alka Kaminer, Elissa Le& owitz, Courtney Gordon, Rich Stumacher and Shari Applebaum) has had several meetings and is already engaged in some great visioning work. " ey will be reaching out to families within the congregation to provide a well rounded perspective on our educational programs. " ey are energized to conduct a thoughtful and thorough search starting in the summer. Rabbi LimmerPlease join me and the Board of Trustees in thanking Rabbi Limmer for his fourteen rewarding years of service to our temple and our community. His never-ending passion and drive enriched many of us with new ways to apply the teachings of the Torah to our everyday lives. He’s touched us and the lives of our loved ones through both joyous and somber occasions, always with sincerity and grounded in meaningful, genuine relationships with us that I am con% dent will endure a* er he's gone. Watch for a date soon for us to say a bittersweet goodbye to Seth, Molly, Rosey and Lily. ! anks" ank you to everyone for sharing your thoughts and questions. " ey are invaluable to the Board and the search committees in representing the views of the Congregation, so please keep them coming. By being involved with regular and special events, we all help build and support our congregational community. I look forward to seeing you at a Shabbat service and our upcoming and fun Comedy Night: ! ursday, April 24. Please also join other board members at our wonderful Boutique and Luncheon: Wednesday, May 7.

Lisa Broomer, President

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �A big thank you to everyone who helped with the Midnight Run on Saturday, March 1. We sent four full cars to NYC carrying over 100 lunches, hot food for 75 people and tons of clothing, shoes and toiletries. Special thanks to our cooks, Peter and Carol Gold and Reese Berman, and to those who went into the city: Elyse Lazansky, Zoe Kreutzer, Lauren Berman, Daren & Zoe Tolz, Neil Katz & Jason Katz, Alicia Allison, Eric & Susan Levy , and Pam & Katie Socolow. We couldn't do it without the support of the CBY community.

Midnight Run

Upcoming Programs

ZERO WASTE DAY Saturday, April 26, 9am-3pmDrop o! items to be recycle and reused at North Castle Town Hall. Items accepted include: household furniture, spring and summer clothing, e-waste, bikes, supplies for cats and dogs, paper shredding, and scrap metals and oils.

KLEZMER CONCERT ! ursday, May 1, 7pmEvery year we host a Klezmer Concert for the Havorah Program of Westchester Jewish Community Services. " e concert is a unique opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to experience Jewish life. Our families greet our guests and serve snacks, o! ering us an opportunity to interact and share a special evening with the disabled community in Westchester.

BLOOD DRIVE Wednesday, May 28CBY hosts an annual Blood Drive with the New York Blood Center. Every pint of blood donated can save up to 3 lives. Appointments appreciated, walk-ins welcome.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE June-SeptemberWhile you are shopping for back to school, pick up a few extra items to donate to students ages 3 to 18 so they can have a great start to the new school year. Co-sponsored by the Community Center of Northern Westchester.

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From March 10-16, CBY provided about 25 people with a warm place to sleep and three meals a day through the Emergency Shelter Partnership, a local coalition of religious and community organizations, who provide short term housing for local homeless during the winter months. Many thanks to the volunteers who donated supplies, cooked food, stayed overnight and spent time with our guests.

" ank you to everyone who donated so generously last year to our food, clothing, and school supplies drives. In 2013 CBY donated 2852.4 pounds of clothing, 2136.3 lbs of food, 4.3 lbs of school schools, and 9.2 lbs of PJs/Sleepwear to the Community Center.

Congregation B’nai Yisrael became the 28th community partner of the Community Center of Northern Westchester in March 2010. " rough the e! orts of the Caring and Social Action Committee, our congregation supports the Center through a variety of annual events, including weekly food collection and High Holy Day food drive, Zero Waste Day, and our School Supplies, Prom Dresses, and Pajama drives.

For more information on the community center, visit their website at communitycenternw.org.

Thank You from the Community

Center of Northern Westchester

Emergency Shelter Partnership

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� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Trip to Nicaragua

We landed in Managua as a small confirmation group and two adult chaperones and came back as one enlightened family. We spent the week learning about the country and the culture of Nicaragua (and how to build a home that can sustain an earthquake). Some of the group started with basic concerns about how we would manage without a shower or a proper bathroom. Quickly we learned a very valuable lesson. We would handle it and be better for it. We learned what it means to have just enough. We were clean enough and comfortable enough.

We worked side by side with members of the Los Conchitas community as well as the family that was to receive the house. The stated goal of the trip was to build a home for a needy and deserving family. The result was not only the creation of that home, but a new found understanding of ourselves as well as how we relate to others. We expanded all of our ideals on what it means to be helpful, to be a neighbor, to be unselfish, and to overcome unimaginable physical and mental challenges. We went to help others and were successful, and in turn discovered various meanings within ourselves. We will treasure our memories together and the 8 of us will be bonded forever.

Ivy Levien, Member-at-Large, Board of Trustees

425–the houses that we built with Bridges to Community

8–the number of people in our group

18–meals that included rice and beans (out of 21)

109–granola bars we took with us

52–granola bars we returned home with

70–wheel barrels of sand and stone we moved

1,063–times the Spanish language was butchered

60–buckets of water we hauled

15’x 17’–size of the house we built

192–hours together

1–house completed

7–amount of people to live in the house

Memories ! lled with laughter and tears ...way too many to count

� � � � � � � � �Passover Recipes

E g y p t i a n C h a r o s e t M a r y a S h a p i r o

Ingredients1 lb. dried raisins

8 oz. pitted dates

2 c. water

¼ c. chopped walnuts or pecans

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� ese recipes are from Congregation B'nai Yisrael's Family Cookbook, Delicious Dishes. To buy a copy, contact the temple o� ce.

DirectionsPut the raisins and dates in a bowl with enough water to

cover. Let stand for 1 hour. Drain, but reserve the liquid.

Transfer the fruit to a blender or food processor and process

a little at a time, until the mixture is well blended and finely

chopped. Put the chopped fruits in a heavy saucepan; add

some of the soaking liquid and simmer over low heat until

the fruit is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, about 20 to 25

minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Spoon into a

serving dish and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Makes 4 cups.

(This delicious charoset is adapted from The Jewish Holiday

Kitchen by Joan Nathan.)

DirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees. Put the matzah in a bowl and cover

with cold water for a couple of minutes; drain and squeeze dry.

Reserve 1 tablespoon sugar. Combine the matzahs, egg yolks,

vanilla, remaining sugar, and melted butter. Stir in the apples,

walnuts, and raisins. Beat the egg whites in a seperate bowl

and fold them into the matzah mixture. Turn into a greased 9x13

inch baking dish. Mix the cinnamon and the reserved sugar and

sprinkle on top. Bake about 30 minutes, until golden brown.

Serves 12. This recipe brings back memories of Slow family seders.

G r a n d m a I r e n e ' s S p i n a c h P i e S h a r i A p p l e b a u m

Ingredients3 boxes frozen chopped spinach

1 medium onion, peeled and chopped

1 tsp. fi nely chopped garlic

1 to 2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 medium-sized containers Feta cheese

2 large eggs, beaten

1 c. matzah farfel c. chopped fresh dill or 1 ½ Tbsp. dried

Salt (optional)

1 tsp. pepper

DirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large saucepan, cook the

frozen spinach until it is just wilted and soft, approximately

3 minutes. Drain well and put in a large bowl. Saute the

onion and garlic in olive oil and add to the spinach. Stir in

the Feta cheese, beaten eggs, matzah farfel, and dill; season

to taste and mix well. Pour into a rectangular baking dish

and bake, uncovered, for about 1 hour. Cut into squares and

serve hot or at room temperature. Makes about 12 servings.

Our family always enjoys this recipe!

P l e a s e P a s s t h e P a s s o v e r P u d d i n g R u t h S l o w

Ingredients2 matzahs, crumbled into small pieces

3 eggs, seperated tsp. vanilla¡c. butter, melted¡c. sugar

3 apples, peeled and sliced¡ c. chopped walnuts¡ c. raisins 

tsp. cinnamon

¢ £ ¤ ¥ ¦ ¢ ¦ § ¨Why Is This Night Different?

Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky

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My Grandmother lit Shabbat candles every single Friday night. It was her way to "give back" to God for having saved her life from the seven-year-long torture of the death camps. Or perhaps it was more a way to acknowledge she survived, and so did her Judaism. Similarly, she only ate Kosher meat, having promised God to do so if she were spared. It was this woman, my maternal grandmother, whose values and history helped form the core of my Jewish identity. I cannot overlook or undervalue the in! uence of my grandfathers, my other grandmother, or, most importantly, my parents in this area. Also, much of who I am today is due to my own personal development- A parent who teaches is good, one who teaches by example does even better, but individuals are responsible for their own choices at a certain point. Now the tables have turned; I am the parent who owes that teaching, that leading by example, to my child. Each of us, child, parent, and grandparent alike, have the chance, the opportunity, the obligation to turn those tables on Passover.

# e most important part of Passover is not matzah. It's also not about deprivation of our normal way of eating. Rather, the crux of the experience is the telling. We tell the story of what happened in Egypt. We recreate the events in the story by deliberately and methodically retracing the steps of our ancestors. We force ourselves to replicate the experience by changing our regular lives for a day, or two, or eight. We repeat words almost like a mantra: "Remember—we were slaves in Egypt." "Remember being taken out of Egypt." "Remember—you were a stranger in the land of Egypt." Whether we believe the story of the Exodus is historically accurate or is a metaphor, we sit through the theater of a seder, the haggadah our script, to train the next generation. When the reading of passages is communal, passed around the dining room table, each person gets to turn the table and be the teacher, young and old alike.

At my seder, we mix traditions. No matter what, there will be my grandmother's chicken soup, which I prepare according to her speci% cations, in the same big white soup pot, and ladle it out with her old, dented aluminum ladle.

My charoset is made in her big wooden chopping bowl with the crack in the bottom, with her single-blade mezzaluna chopper, her way: finely chopped Macintosh apples, walnuts (though I don't crack the shells myself, I admit) and enough Manischewitz Cream Red Concord wine to hue it a rich purple. However, I have discovered a different sort of tzimmes than her simple mix of carrots, orange and lemon juice cooked stove-top. I now make a much heartier and more savory version, with carmelized onions, sweet and white potatoes and chopped prunes mixed with the abundant carrots. My family has also enjoyed adopting a custom of Afghani Jews of which we learned: we distribute scallions to the seder participants and lightly whack each other over the head with them as we sing "Dayenu," to remember how the Israelites pined for the foods they had in Egypt, including the green onions, while chowing down on their umpteenth meal of manna in the desert. And so we create a new "traditional." We all do this, each time we add or subtract a dish from the menu, use a new melody or new haggadah, or introduce the next youngest child to the responsibility of singing the Four Questions. Passover should remind us that Judaism is a living and breathing entity, constantly changing, adapting, growing, while keeping its roots in our history and values. Each of us is a keeper and creator of that Judaism.

We are amidst a wave of change. The analysis is abundant. The potential is enormous. The stakes are serious. Will you be the wise child? The simple one? The one who does not know how or what to ask? A synagogue is not a building, nor is it the person or persons who stand at the pulpit. It is the combination and strength of its members. We have the opportunity in our hands to carry on tradition, to add to it, to adapt it, to shape the future. But in order to grasp that potential we must turn a table. Become a leader of your family this Passover. Suspend disbelief to imagine you are walking in the steps of our ancestors. Then keep walking those steps and join us as we shape our congregation, our community, our temple. Remember—we walked through the desert for forty years to arrive in the Promised Land of milk and honey.

“Passover should remind us that Judaism

is a living and breathing entity, constantly

changing, adapting, growing... ”

© ª « ¬ ­ ® ¯ ¬ ª ®

12

Our Memorial Wall is a re! ective space to honor and remember parents, grandparents and other loved ones we have lost. We can place a stone on their names at Yahrzeit time, at Yizkor time, or at any time the spirit moves us. Honoring those no longer with us is also a loving reminder about who we are and where we came from.

" e wall was designed by our building's architect and built in 2012 with the generous support of fellow congregants. Now our congregation has a local beautiful outdoor place to serve a similar function to cemeteries that are o# en located far away.

Memorialize a loved one by including their name on the wall. It will permanently be there for you and your family, and touched with your every visit. You can have names grouped together when honoring multiple family members that represent your heritage.

Our memorial wall and space is continuing to be built. Along with adding names there are opportunities to donate other items to further enhance its beauty, including benches.

For more information, please contact Ava Saperstein in the temple

o$ ce: ava@cbyarmonk.org, (914) 273-2220.

"These I remember, as my soul pours out"

“I go to the Wall to see my family's names and spend

a few re! ective minutes almost every time I visit the

Temple.” —Larry Fox, former CBY President

" e following names have recently been added to our Memorial Wall:

Robert H. BlumCaren MazureRita Winterfeld

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Memorial Wall

“Nothing substitutes for the memories you retain

in your heart and your head but there is something

comforting about being able to see your parent's

name memorialized and respected eternally outside

your house of worship. It gives our family great joy

to visit the wall and reflect upon the influences of the

generation before you.”—Jeffrey S. Levien

Donations

General FundRabbi Douglas and Joan Krantz, in appreciation especially of Allison Berman, Paul Skurman and Ross HonigJulian and Felice Ehrlich, in memory of Paul EhrlichKenneth and Kimberly Glinert, in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, MollyLee and Linda Hertz, in honor of the Auf Ruf and forthcoming marriage of Rachel Hertz and Gregory LichtJustin and Zelda Newman, in memory of Howard PeyserJoanne, Alison and Ross Peyser , in memory of Howard PeyserEric and Lauren Roth, in memory of Howard PeyserBobby and Susan Scheinman, in memory of Bernard FalkFred and Samantha Schwam, in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son, Jonah Jerome Pickholz, in memory of Phyllis PickholzAndrew Shore Steven and Julie Schneider, in memory of Alan EpsteinHudson Valley Bank

Rabbi Limmer's Discretionary FundPeter and Hilary Blum Kenneth and Kimberly Glinert, in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, MollyBrian and Alka Kaminer, in honor of the b'nai mitzvah of their children, Tyler and GraysonFord Levy and Cindy Shmerler, in memory of Edwin ShmerlerFred and Samantha Schwam, in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son, Jonah

Tree of LifeLeaves have been purchased for our Tree of Life in honor of:

Renner Kwittken • Bar Mitzvah • March 15, 2014Joshua, Matthew and Stephen Gladstone • B’nai Mitzvah November 6, 2010Zachary Lubart • Bar Mitzvah • September 28, 2013Jonah Schwam • Bar Mitzvah • March 22, 2014Emma Freund • Bat Mitzvah • June 7, 2014Jacob Stumacher • Bar Mitzvah • April 5, 2014Samuel Harrison Bilotti • Bar Mitzvah • April 26, 2014

High Holy Day Campaign

We are indebted to all the people who generously supported our community during this year’s High Holy Day Campaign. ! is campaign provides a signi" cant portion of the funds needed to maintain and enrich our spiritual home. ! ese gi# s will have a profound impact on how well our temple can serve its members in the coming year. All donations, large and small are greatly appreciated. Below are the most recent contributions to our Campaign. —! e Board of Trustees

° ± ² ³ ´ µ ¶ ³ ± µ

13

BenefactorsPeter and Hilary BlumRobert and Jordana GetreuLawrence and Laura Fox

EndorsersRobert and Debra GottliebJe$ and Tracey Green" eldSteve and Jill GreenspanAlan and Debra KaiserDavid and Ellen LestzEric and Susan Levy

ContributorsFord Levy and Cindy Shmerler LevyPeter and Marsha LiebowitzAlex Margolin and Lana BernsteinPaul and Robyn OcchiogrossoMartin Schapiro and Anna WeberCharles and Marya ShapiroAndrew ShoreHarold WildEarle and Beth Ya$ a

EndorsersHarris and Cookie Markho$ Stuart and Ellen Rosenstein

ContributorsEric Kahn and Lauren BurackGaierose HaskelPatricia HaskelJe$ rey and Karen Kla# erRichard and Lisa KohEric Kreutzer and Elyse LazanskyDavid and Elissa Le% owitz

Cantor Kobilinsky's Discretionary FundJe$ and Leslie Blum, in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, KatiePeter and Hilary Blum Kenneth and Kimberly Glinert, in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, MollyAlan and Debbie Kaiser, in memory of Ita KaiserBrian and Alka Kaminer, in honor of the b'nai mitzvah of their children, Tyler and GraysonCarl and Marsha Klass, in memory of Paul EhrlichFred and Samantha Schwam, in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son, Jonah Eric Goodison and Lisa Mazure, in memory of Caren Mazure and Eileen GrodnerFord Levy and Cindy Shmerler, in memory of Edwin Shmerler

Rabbi Krantz's Discretionary FundAllen Schwartz, in memory of Barbara SchwartzDaren and Lauren Gabel, in honor of a baby namingFord Levy and Cindy Shmerler, in memory of Edwin Shmerler

Text in the City | Wednesday, May 7, 12:00 p.m. in NYC

Study in the Suburbs | Wednesdays, April 23, May 14, 12:00 p.m. at CBY

To Our Future, For Our Future: Comedy Night | Thursday, April 24, 7:00 p.m.

Yom HaShoah Service | Wednesday, April 30, 6:00 p.m.

Klezmer Concert | ! ursday, May 1, 7:00 p.m.

Boutique and Luncheon | Wednesday, May 7, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Blood Drive | Wednesday, May 28

Con! rmation | Tuesday, June 3, 8:00 p.m.

Visit our website at cbyarmonk.org for a full calendar of programs and events.

Save the Date

· ¸ ¹ º » ¼ ¸ ½ ¾ º ¿ º ¾ º À Á

14

To advertise in our quarterly Bulletin, contact Alicia in the temple o� ce:

(914) 273-2220, alicia@cbyarmonk.org.

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Selling a Car, Truck or 4x4?Help CBY by donating a vehicle you no longer need.

Donating your vehicle is safe, fast, and tax deductible.Some restrictions apply.

! is service is provided free to the temple.

For more information, please callAuto-Line Enterprises at (914) 681-1757

Â Ã Ä Å Æ Ç Å È É Ê Ã Ä Ë Ì Ä È Ê Í Ê Î Æ È Ç ÏÐ Ñ Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö × Ø Ø Ù Ú Û Ò Ü Ý Ñ Û Þ ß Ý à á â Û Ó Ô Ý ã Ù ä å Û á Ô æ ç è ç é NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

WHITE PLAINS, NY

PERMIT NO. 4438ê ë ì í ë ë î ï ð ë î ñ ò ó î ï ð

rel•e•vance noun \'re-l -v n(t)s\close connection to the matter at hand;

practical and especially social applicability:

my Judaism has relevance to my modern life.

ô õ ö õ ÷ ø ù ú õRabbi Seth M. Limmer

! e traditional reading “! is Is the Bread of A" iction” is found at the beginning of the Maggid, or “storytelling,” section of the Haggadah. ! is seminal piece of our liturgy is meant to remind us of how our experiences of our past inform how we act today. Speci# cally, we are reminded to see ourselves as if we went out of Egypt ourselves so we might be sensitized to the plight of all people who su$ er oppression today.

As we approach our Seder this year, we imagine who those people are in our contemporary society who are feeling the weight of oppression. Our Reform Movement is speci# cally focused this year—at such a pivotal and potential moment in American life—on the plight of immigrants to our nation. Our Central Conference of American Rabbis created a special liturgy which we can add to our Seder to connect our experiences of the past to our actions today. ! is ritual connects both our Exodus story and the Jewish immigrant narrative to the reality of aspiring Americans today.

Reader: In America, over 11 million undocumented immigrants live in our midst. We identify with their struggles from our memory as Jews freed from Egyptian servitude, and as Americans living in a country built by immigrants. As we look upon the broken middle matzah before us, this is our story, an immigrant story, a story of remembering our past to build a better future.

All read: Let all who are hungry come and eat. Let all who are in need, come and share this Pesach meal.

Reader: ! e Seder demands action! American Jewish poet Emma Lazarus’s words re& ected real action when they were engraved on the Statue of Liberty one hundred years ago:

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall standA mighty woman with a torch, whose ! ameIs the imprisoned lightning, and her nameMother of Exiles. From her beacon-handGlows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command" e air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. "Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

Discussion: ! ink about your family history: What brought your family to this country? What did your family leave behind, and what opportunity did they seek? Did they break any laws of any country along the way? Does this help you understand today’s immigrants? Why or why not?

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free," e wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,I li% my lamp beside the golden door!”