guide to the bj community february-august 2009 shevat-av 5769

Guide to the BJ CommunityFebruary–August 2009 • Shevat–Av 5769

Guide to the BJ CommunityFebruary–August 2009 • Shevat –Av 5769

PHOTOS, COVER AND BELOW: TOM ZUBACK

BJ is a living tapestry reflective of tradition, innovation, contemporary life, and

Jewish values. We are progressive, inclusive, and socially conscious, continually

striving to create a sacred community in an ever-evolving world.

2 OUR HOME2 The B’nai Jeshurun Mission Statement2 Our Rabbis, Hazzan, MTM Rabbinic Fellows, Rabbinic Intern

and Cantorial Intern4 Life Cycle & Related Member Assistance5 Music at BJ6 Our Commitment to Israel

7 RABBI’S MESSAGE7 That Which is Hidden: Discovering the Truth Behind the Mask

9 TEFILLAH (Prayer)10 Shabbat & Holy Day Services12 Services for Families, Children & Teens

13 LIMUD (Learning)14 Adult Classes & Events18 Youth & Family Education

22 GEMILUT HASADIM (Acts of Loving-Kindness)23 Volunteer Committees & Programs29 Tzedakah—Giving to BJ31 Membership Information32 Board of Trustees

Inside Back CoverStaff DirectoryGuide Index

Table of Contents

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Our Home

Our RabbisRabbi J. Rolando Matalon

Rabbi J. RolandoMatalon received hisB.S. in chemistry from the Universitéde Montréal. He went on to pursuehis rabbinical studies at the SeminarioRabínico Latinoamericano in BuenosAires, founded by his mentor, RabbiMarshall T. Meyer. During the courseof his studies, he spent a year at theHebrew University in Jerusalem andwas ordained at the Jewish Theo-logical Seminary in NewYork in 1986.

Since then, he has been a rabbi at B’nai Jeshurun. Rabbi Matalonserves on several boards including American Friends of ParentsCircle, Rabbis for Human Rights—North America, UnionTheological Seminary, and the Doha Center for InterfaithDialogue (Qatar). He is the recipient of awards from the NewYork Board of Rabbis, the Jewish Peace Fellowship, and the NewIsrael Fund.

RabbiMatalon plays the 'ud (Arabic lute) and is amember of theNew York Arabic Orchestra.

Rabbi Marcelo R. BronsteinRabbi Marcelo Bronstein received aB.A. in 1976 and an M.A. in 1978 inclinical psychology from BelgranoUniversity in Buenos Aires. He wenton to receive his Bachelor of HebrewLetters in 1987 from the University ofJudaism, and his Masters of HebrewLetters and Rabbinical Ordinationfrom the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in NewYork in 1989.

Before coming to BJ, Rabbi Bronstein held a variety of positionsin the Jewish and secular worlds, including the Youth Directorposition at Comunidad Bet El in Buenos Aires, where he workedclosely with his teacher andmentor, RabbiMarshall T. Meyer forten years. In 1989, Rabbi Bronstein became rabbi of EstadioIsraelita in Santiago, Chile, and then became founding rabbi atCongregacion Or Shalom, also in Santiago. In 1995, he joinedRabbi J. Rolando Matalon as a BJ rabbi.

Rabbi Bronstein serves on several boards, including the advisory

TO INSPIRE• The quest for a measure of sanctity congruent with thecharge at Sinai: “You shall be holy for I, Adonai your God, amholy”

• The spiritual search that addresses authentically the mostrelevant issues of life

• The lifting of the soul and the challenging of the mind• Reverence• Through a passionate, creative and aesthetic Jewishexperience

• Through unity and diversity

AND TO REQUIRE• Study that is probing and relevant• Prayer with kavannah (true intention, focus)• Acts of gemilut hasadim (loving-kindness)• Action towards tikkun olam (repair of the world) that iseffective

• The exploration of the vital tension between traditionand change

• Experimentation and probing of boundaries• An openness to transformation• Participation and volunteerism• A meaningful and serious relationship to Israel• Genuine dialogue and cooperation with klal Israel(the Jewish people)• Genuine dialogue and cooperation with otherfaith traditions

• The sharing of our mission in order to invigorate the Jewishexperience worldwide

The B’nai Jeshurun Mission Statement:

PHOTOS: CYNDI SHATTUCK PHOTOGRAPHY

committees of Human Rights Watch Americas, the advisoryboards of the Chaplaincy Program at Roosevelt St. Lukes Hospital,New York, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, Soaring Words,and SouthWing to Zion (Ethiopian Jews).

Rabbi Felicia L. SolRabbi Sol was raised in Connecticutand received a B.A. in DevelopmentalPsychology and Education from TuftsUniversity. In 1996, she received aMasters in Jewish Education from theRhea Hirsch School of Education ofHebrewUnionCollege-Jewish Instituteof Religion in Los Angeles. During thecourse of her studies she spent a yearat HUC-JIR in Jerusalem. She receivedherMasters of Hebrew Letters in 1997and rabbinic ordination in 1999 from

HUC-JIR in New York City.

While engaged in studies in New York, Rabbi Sol joined the staffof BJ as the Family and Youth Director, a position in which sheserved for three years. Following ordination, she became aMarshallT. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow. In 2001, Rabbi Sol joined her teachers,Rabbis Bronstein andMatalon, in their rabbinic partnership.

Rabbi Sol serves on the Board of Jewish Funds for Justice andNewIsrael Fund New Generations Steering Committee.

Our HazzanHazzan & Music Director Ari Priven

Ari Priven was born in 1962 in BuenosAires, Argentina. He was trained as aHazzan by the late Rabbi Marshall T.Meyer and studied at the SeminarioRabínico Latinoamericano, founded byRabbi Meyer. He received a Mastersdegree from the UniversidadTecnológica Nacional. Shortly afterRabbi Meyer arrived in New York torevitalize B’nai Jeshurun, he called onHazzan Priven to become cantor andmusic director, a position he has held

since 1989. The music of BJ is admired and has influenced manycongregations around the country and around the globe.

Hazzan Priven has produced and performed in several recordingsof BJ music, includingWith Every Breath (The Music of Shabbat),HaLailah Hazeh: TheMusic of Pesah at BJ and TekiYah: Echoes of theHigh Holy Days at BJ, and is the composer of a number of liturgicalpieces. He was a professional advisor and teacher at Synagogue2000, and he is a member of the Synagogue 3000 LeadershipNetwork.

Our Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic FellowsRabbi Esther LedermanEsther is our full-timeMarshall T.Meyer Rabbinic Fellow this year.She graduated from Hebrew Union College and was ordained inMay 2008. She received her B.A. in Political Science and MiddleEastern Studies fromMcGill University in 1996. Before HUC, sheheld positions with the Israel Policy Forum inWashington, DC anddirected a project on Middle East peace for the Union for ReformJudaism. In her years at HUC, Esther was closely involved withJewish Funds for Justice and their work of community organizingin synagogues. She also served for two years as the student rabbifor the Jewish community of Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Ezra WeinbergWe welcome Ezra as our incoming Marshall T. Meyer RabbinicFellow. Ezra is completing his final year at the ReconstructionistRabbinical College. He was privileged to spend two and a halfyears studying in Jerusalem at over seven different learning insti-tutions. Upon his return from Israel last year, Ezra joined BnaiKeshet in Montclair, New Jersey as their Rabbinic Intern. He isalso active in creating musical Shabbatot experiences atCongregation Kol Tzedek in Philadelphia. Many of his emergingleadership skills and Zionist inspiration developed as a result ofgrowing up within the Habonim Dror Youth Movement.

Our Rabbinic Intern,Department ofYouth and FamilyLeora FrankelLeora grew up in East Brunswick, NJ where she was very involvedas a child in both her synagogue and in Young Judaea (YJ), theZionist youth movement. During her senior year of high school,Leora served as YJ’s national president, and participated in themovement’s Year Course in Israel program. Leora completed theundergraduate Dual Degree Program at Barnard College and theJewish Theological Seminary, majoring in Psychology and Bible, aswell as a Master’s degree in Jewish Education at JTS. Leora hasbeen to Israel over a dozen times, including two year-long academicprograms, and has worked in Jewish camping, leadership training,and synagogue education, most recently for national YJ. She iscurrently enrolled in her second year of rabbinical school at HebrewUnion College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York.

Our Cantorial InternYosef GoldmanYosef is a singer, percussionist and educator of Yemenite, Syrianand Ashkenazi descent, born and raised on Manhattan's UpperWest Side. Trained in multidenominational Jewish education,Yosef has taught and lead services in congregations and schoolsof every affiliation. He received a B.A. in psychology from YeshivaUniversity, educational training from the HaSha'ar Fellowship inJewish Education, and training in Jewish Spiritual Direction fromthe Lev Shomea Institute at Elat Chayyim. He is currently acantorial student at JTS.

GUIDE TO THE BJ COMMUNITY • FEBRUARY–AUGUST 2009 • OUR HOME

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For extended bios, please visit www.bj.org.

RABBINIC & PASTORAL INFORMATION

Pastoral & Spiritual CounselingPastoral & Spiritual Counseling is available by appointment, whichcan be scheduled by contacting the rabbis’ assistants.

For Rabbi J. Rolando Matalon, contact Sarah Guthartz,[email protected], x234.

For Rabbi Marcelo R. Bronstein, contact Naomi Goodhart,[email protected], x240.

For Rabbi Felicia L. Sol, contact Elizabeth Stone,[email protected], x233.

Conversion InquiriesPlease contact Rabbi Esther Lederman, Marshall T. MeyerRabbinic Fellow, [email protected], x264..

Celebrate S’mahotTo make arrangements for weddings, Aliyot Hatan veKallah(aufrufs), and baby namings, contact Yaffa Garber, Life CycleCoordinator, at [email protected], x256. Please call Yaffa when youhave a baby and wewill send you Shabbat dinner and a BJ onesie!

To sponsor a Kiddush, contact Guy Felixbrodt, CommunityInitiatives Coordinator, at [email protected], x255.

To rent the sanctuary and/or Frankel Hall for any S’mahot, contactArlene Brandon, Room Rental and B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator, [email protected], x223.

In Case of IllnessBJ can offer support through the Bikkur Holim (visiting the sick)Committee. Contact Yaffa Garber, Life Cycle Coordinator, [email protected], x256. The committee co-chairs are JeannieBlaustein and Barbara Goldman.

In Case of DeathPlease contact BJ immediately. We are here to assist witharrangements and answer your questions about death and dyingrituals in Judaism. During office hours contact Yaffa Garber, LifeCycle Coordinator, at x256. After office hours call themain officenumber, 212-787-7600, and listen for the appropriate prompt toobtain the rabbi’s contact number.

Plaza Jewish Community Chapel212-769-4400 • www.plazajewishcommunitychapel.orgFor funeral services, BJ recommends Plaza Jewish CommunityChapel, which is the only non-profit and communally-ownedchapel serving the Jewish community in New York.

BJ’s Hevra Kadisha (Comforting Mourners) Committee canperform tahara (preparation of the body for burial), and canprovide siddurim and leaders for shiva minyanim. The co-chairs are PennyDannenberg, BobGruenspecht, Daniel Kestin,and ElissaMeth. Contact Yaffa Garber, Life Cycle Coordinator,at [email protected], x256 for referral to this committee.

BJ owns cemetery plots in the King SolomonMemorial Park sectionof theWest Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clifton, NJ. For information onmaking burial arrangements contact Ron Seitenbach, Director ofFinance and Administration, at [email protected], x 226.

Additional Assistance for MembersFor short-term counseling, information and referral to communityresources, contact Susan Kalev, LCSW at [email protected], x377.

Staff and committees are available to further your connection tothe community. Please contact Belinda Lasky, Director ofMembership, [email protected], x224 or Sarah Verity, MembershipAssociate, [email protected], x250 for guidance to the appropriateresources.

BJ GUIDELINES

For Shabbat and Holy Day ServicesAll are welcome at BJ services. There are a few expectations thatapply to all members and guests at our services in any of ourlocations. Kippot are always worn by men. Photography,recording, smoking, and cell phone use are not allowed.

For use of the Sanctuary or 88th Street Frankel HallKashrut governs the serving of food at 88th Street, which is akosher facility. Only approved food or food prepared by approvedkosher caterers may be brought into the synagogue. Food maynot be cooked on Shabbat. The discipline of Kashrut teaches us tobe mindful about what and how we consume. In this spirit, andwith our commitment to righteousness, justice, and care for theenvironment, we ask you to consider the following:

Bal Tashhit: We encourage those planning privatecelebrations or public events at which food will be served tobe guided by the principle of bal tashhit (moderation andavoidance of waste), and to round down, rather than upwhenestimating how much food will be needed.

Donation of Leftover Food: We encourage you to makeadvance arrangements to donate leftover food to the BJ/SPSAHomeless Shelter, the Judith Bernstein Lunch Program, x259,or to a food bank like City Harvest, 917-351-8700.

MAZON:As part of our concern for the needy we urge you tocontribute to MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, 1990South Bundy Drive, Suite 260, Los Angeles, CA 90025-5232,310-442-0020.

Commercial deliveries are not accepted on Shabbat and festivals.

Photography and recording are not permitted in the sanctuaryduring services.

Life Cycle & Related Member Assistance


4 PHOTO: TOM ZUBACK

BJ MUSICIANS

David Buchbut, percussionDavid studied Middle Eastern percussion with masterpercussionist Zohar Fresco and the legendary Lebanesepercussionist Michel Merhej. He has performed different stylesof Jewish and Arabic music with Rachid Halihal, Yair Dalal, andAlberto Mizrahi and formed the recently founded Andalusianband, Layali El Andalus.

Eugene Carr, celloEugene Carr has been a resident cellist at BJsince 2001. He originally trained at TheJuilliard School and then the OberlinConservatory of Music. In his other life,Gene is the founder/president of PatronTechnology, which provides web-based e-mail marketing software to arts andnon-profit institutions. He chairs BJ’sCommunication Committee.

Saskia Lane, double bassA graduate of The Juilliard School, Saskiacurrently tours with Dan Zanes & Friends aswell as her critically-acclaimed quartet, TheLascivious Biddies. She is active in education and outreach,performing in the Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concert Series, andcan be heard on a new recording slated for release this winter withDan Zanes & Friends that will feature music from Latin America.

Daphna Mor, recorderDaphna graduated as valedictorian and received her B.M. degreein 2000 from the Boston Conservatory. A classical and worldmusic recorder player, she helped found the all-women New

Amsterdam Recorder trio, is a member of the band Pharaoh’sDaughter, travels throughout Europe performing classical music,and leads musical programs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Amanda Monaco, guitarAmanda received her B.M. degree from William PatersonUniversity in 1996, and her M.A. from The City College of NewYork inMay, 2008. Amanda has served on the faculties of BerkleeCollege ofMusic, New School University, and the National GuitarWorkshop. Intention, the newest album from her quartet, AmandaMonaco 4, has been called “chock full of thoughtful, provocative

compositions rendered with strongconviction and fueled by a sense of groupdiscovery” (JazzTimes).

Jessie Reagen, celloJessie received her B.M. and P.S.D. fromMannes College ofMusic, where she was ascholarship student of Timothy Eddy andCarter Brey. She is currently on faculty atthe United Nations International School inManhattan, and is resident cellist in DBR &THE MISSION (Opus 3 Artists) and thequartet SN4.

Basya Schecter, percussion, vocalsBasya Schechter is the founder of the Neo-Hasidic, internationallytouring world music band Pharaoh's Daughter. Over the past twoyears, Basya was the recipient of numerous compositional andproject grants fromNYSCA (NewYork State Council of the Arts),American Composers Forum, and the American Music Center.She is nowworking on a collection of songs written to the Yiddishpoetry of Abraham Joshua Heschel.

Music at BJ


Led by Hazzanand Music DirectorAri Priven, BJ isfortunate to havesome of New York'sfinest musicianson its staff.

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Uri Sharlin, accordion, pianoSince arriving in NewYork in 1999, Uri has become an establishedworld musician, composer, accordionist, and pianist. His band,The CardamonQuartet, released their first album in 2005, whichwas warmly received by the critics. Uri is also a member of theband Dogcat. He recently spent an extended period in Brazillearning Choro and Forro, among other musical styles onaccordion and percussion.

Matt Turk, guitar, mandolin, vocalsMatt graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. fromNewYork University.He is a veteran performer who has engaged audiences around theworld as a hard-rocking bandleader and acoustic folk troubadour.For several years, Matt coordinated and hosted the "Circle ofSong" tent at Pete Seeger’s Great Clearwater Music and ArtsFestival, held each June on the banks of the Hudson River. Mostrecently, Matt joined forces with Fred Gillen Jr. as Gillen & Turk.

We also wish to offer thanks to the many volunteers who createbeautiful music for the BJ community including Zach Fredman,Arielle Korman, Jerry Korman, Renee Kraiem, Daniel Lerner,Pamela Mishkin, Mira Rivera, Rachel Rosenthal, Andy Sherman,Miriam Palmer-Sherman, Davey Rosen, Renee Rachel Sobelsohnand Kerrith Solomon.

BJ MUSIC RECORDINGS

Our CD and songbook for the High Holy Days, TekiYah: Echoes ofthe High Holy Days at BJ, are available for $18 each. You can alsotake home the music of our Shabbat services by purchasing ourCD With Every Breath for $18, or our Pesah CD or songbook,HaLailah Hazeh: TheMusic of Pesah at BJ, for $18 each. Buy onlineat www.bj.org or drop by the BJ office between 9:00AM and4:30PM, Monday–Thursday, and until 2:30PM on Friday.

Music at BJ(continued)

Based on our belief that we must continue to challenge ourselvesand find relevant paths to modern Jewish practice, we chargeevery BJmember to visit Israel.We can teach and talk about Israelall we want, but unless we go there, Israel is just another item inthe Jewish lexicon.

Travel to Israel is not only irreplaceable in affirming the centralJewish value of love of Eretz Yisrael; it is essential in providing thenecessary tools to take stances on: the future of Zionism, peacebetween Israelis and Palestinians, and social change within Israel.Furthermore, such journeys enable every BJ member to be part ofan extraordinary mission. Just as BJ has contributed to therevitalization of liberal Judaism in America, it plays a similar rolein Israel.

BJ trips feature discussion and celebration with our Israeli spiritualpartners—groups dedicated to forging new paths into Judaism,particularly for Israelis who have been alienated by the Orthodoxreligious and political hegemony in the country. Our fate as acongregation is linked to our engagement with the State of Israel.Join us in unique opportunities for intimate travel groups as weshape a congregation-wide encounter with Israel—based on love,personal experience, and probing with the spiritual and moralvalues we treasure.

We are hopeful about planning our next trip to Israel in 2010.Stay tuned.

Our Commitment to Israel


6 PHOTO: CHANNA CAMINS

Our fate as acongregation islinked to ourengagement withthe State of Israel.

Headline For This Section

GUIDE TO THE BJ COMMUNITY • SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2008 • OUR HOME

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Rabbi’s Message

Throughout the years, we havewrittenmany articles andmessages on a variety of topics.Weare pleased to share the following article, relevant to this time of year, from our archives.

—Rabbis J. Rolando Matalon, Marcelo R. Bronstein and Felicia L. Sol

iddenness and revelation are at the veryfoundation of the Book of Esther and thecelebration of Purim. Indeed, Esther’s nameitself is from the Hebrew root s-t-r meaninghidden. Furthermore, Esther is not called a“Book” but is more precisely referred to as “TheScroll of Esther” or Megillat Esther. Hidden in

the wordmegillah is the root g-l-h that means “to reveal” and also“to exile.” Megillat Esther could then be translated as “TheRevealing of the Hidden” or, alternatively, “The Exiling of theHidden.” Thus the title of the story presages one of its centralthemes.

From the very beginning of the story things areveiled: Vashti refuses to reveal her beauty “tothe peoples and the officials.” (1:11–12) Thereason for her refusal is withheld. The Kingdoesn’t know “What shall be done, accordingto the law, to Vashti for failing to obey thecommand of the King?” (1:15)

Four times in verse 2:6 the root g-l-h—exile—is repeated as Mordekhai’s identity is madeknown to us: he is a descendant of a certainBenjaminite exiled by King Nebukhadnetzar atthe time of the destruction of the First Temple.As was said earlier, g-l-h is also the root for “toreveal.” Is this perhaps a hint that Mordekhai, the exiled Jew, willbe revealing something? Also hidden in the confrontation betweenMordekhai and Haman is the old enmity between Saul, also aBenjaminite, and Haman’s ancestor, Agag the Amalekite. Furtherback, the enmity is between Amalek and Israel; even further back,between Ya’akov and his twin Esav, Amalek’s grandfather.

Of course, we all know that a key element of the plot is that “Estherdid not reveal her people or her kindred, for Mordekhai had toldher not to reveal it.” (2:10) The King does not know that Haman is“the foe of the Jews” and that is why he is plotting theirdestruction. (3:10) Esther does not know the reason whyMordekhai tears his clothes and changes into sackcloth, and why

“there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting weepingand wailing and everybody lay in sackcloth and ashes.” (4:1-4)Is there a hidden reason for Esther attaining a royal position?Wasit so that she may save her fellow Jews? (4:14)

The King realizes that Esther is troubled and pledges to grant anyrequest, but she postpones revealing to him her secret. (5:3-4)The King had forgotten to properly honor and reward Mordekhaifor having saved his life earlier. (6:1-3) Haman thinks that the Kingis about to honor him. Not even in his wildest nightmares does hesuspect that the honor is meant for Mordekhai. (6:6)

At this point in the plot, the tide is reversed and that which hadbeen hidden slowly becomes unveiled:Mordekhai, the exiled Jew, is paraded in royalgarb through the city square. (6:11) Haman’swife Zeresh, who had contributed the idea ofimpaling Mordekhai, now reveals that “IfMordekhai, before whom you have begun tofall, is of Jewish stock, you will not overcomehim; you will fall before him to your ruin,”(6:13) presaging that Haman’s plot againstthe entire Jewish people in Persia will notprevail.

Esther reveals her Jewish identity to the Kingand Haman (7:4) and that it is Haman who

has plotted themassacre. (7:6). It is Hamanwho now pleads withEsther for his life, to no avail. He is impaled at the stake he hadmade for Mordekhai. (7:7-10)

Esther reveals to the King her kinship with Mordekhai. (8:1)

A royal document is displayed to all the peoples allowing the Jewsto defend themselves and take revenge on their aggressors. (8:13)Sackcloth and ashes, and the darkness of mourning turn into “lightand darkness, happiness and honor.” (8:16) Fasting (4:3; 4:16)turns into feasting, holiday andmerrymaking. (8:17; 9:17-19; 9:22)Indeed, on the very day in which the enemies of the Jews hadexpected to get them in their power, the opposite happened—

HThat Which is Hidden: Discovering the Truth Behind the MaskRabbi J. Rolando MatalonReprinted from the Spring, 2001 Pardes

...Megillat Esthercould then betranslated as“The Revealing ofthe Hidden” or,alternatively,“The Exiling of theHidden.”

PHOTO: TOM ZUBACK

RABBIS’ MESSAGES • GUIDE TO THE BJ COMMUNITY • FEBRUARY-AUGUST 2009

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venahafokh. (9:1) Tragically, the opposite literally occurred and ourPersian ancestors are responsible for the massacre of 75,000 oftheir foes. (9:16)

But not everything hidden is reversed and revealed: Remarkablyand surprisingly hidden throughout the entire Megillat Esther, isGod. Not once is God’s namementioned in the telling of this story.The late Dr. H. L. Ginsberg, professor ofBible at the Jewish Theological Seminary,writes in his introduction to Esther in JPS’sThe Five Megilloth and Jonah:

“When Mordekhai learns of the decree thatthe Jews are to be annihilated, he puts onsackcloth and ashes and utters a great bittercry; what other biblical author would haveomitted to add ‘to the LORD’?When the restof the Jewish population of the Persian Empirelearn of the decree, everybody weeps andlaments and lies in sackcloth and ashes; why is there not a word abouttheir praying, about their confessing their sins and throwing themselveson God’s mercy?When Esther tells Mordekhai about the risk involvedin her appearing before the king unbidden, he argues with her thatperhaps she has—but he doesn’t say ‘by God’s doing’—attained herhigh station so that she may utilize it to save her people from theirpresent peril, and that if she fails to act the Jews will be rescued—whydoesn’t he say ‘by God’?—in some other way, while just she and herfamily will perish. So Esther asks Mordekhai to instruct all the Jews tofast—why does she avoid the word ‘pray’?—for her for three days […]Not that an average biblical writer would necessarily have mentionedthe Deity in every one of these instances, but could he have narratedall that is narrated in Esther 4 without specifically mentioning God orprayer even once? And look at the way our book tells what happenedwhen the deliverance came (8:16-17; 9:18-19) and the directions itgives for its celebration (9:20ff). The news that the Jews werepermitted to defend themselves was received with rejoicing andcelebration—but thanksgiving is not mentioned. And after they hadsuccessfully utilized this privilege, they instituted two days of rejoicingand merrymaking and exchanging of gifts—but nothing is said aboutthanking and praising God. Mordekhai, later confirmed by Esther,directed that these holidays should be so observed punctually on theirproper days by all Jews throughout the ages. And still this biblicalauthor manages to say nothing about the God of our fathers [sic]having heard our cry and having, in His mercy, delivered us with Hismighty and His glorious right arm.”

While God’s name is absent from the telling of this story, I do notbelieve that God is absent but rather that God remains in hiding.The Babylonian Talmud Hulin 139B asks, “Where is Estherindicated in the Torah?—[In the verse,] And I will surely hide Myface—Ve-anokhi haster astir panay (Deut. 31:18).” The Talmud thusmakes the connection between Esther and the hiding of God’sface, an important motif that appears in the Torah and continuesthroughout biblical and post-biblical Jewish theology. The hidingof God’s face is the withholding of God’s presence and blessing, itis a metaphor for the terrifying silence of God: “When You hidYour face, I was terrified” (Psalms 30:8).

Numerous reasons are given for the hiding of God’s face inMegillat Esther: It would be inappropriate for God’s name toappear in the midst of levity and mockery such as in this story.The deliverance of the Jews of Persia at the end of the story ofEsther does not end their exile. In other words, God’s face stillremains hidden. God’s intervention is not always displayedpublicly but is sometimes done in hiding, anonymously so-to-speak—b’seter.Though I cannot locate the source, I once read that God’s facehides in Esther. When she is able to conquer her fears about heridentity and reveals who she truly is, it is God’s face that isrevealed and the salvation takes place.

The Hebrewword for face—panim—is intimately connected to theword p’nim—inside. The Talmud uses the words lifnei velifnim todescribe the innermost part of the Temple, where the High Priesthas an intimate dialoguewith God on Yom Kippur.(Berakhot 7B)When we reach deeplyinside ourselves, or whenwe establish a relationshipof intimacy with another,that is when we reveal ourp’nim and our panim andwe allow ourselves to beour truest selves. God’sface is revealed throughour face and blessingflows into the world. Thatis when we act MegillatEsther, when we becomeactors in our own play called “The Revealing of the Hidden.”

Why then the Purim masks and costumes? Under the mask andthe costume we feel safer to reach for and experiment with thedeeply hidden aspects of our selves. We test our own feelings aswell as other people’s reactions as they encounter us. At the endof the day, the mask comes off and a new, truer face shines… or,if no transformation occurred, another Purim has passed and theold mask goes up again. �

When we reach deeplyinside ourselves, orwhen we establish arelationship of intimacywith another, that iswhen we reveal ourp’nim and our panimand we allow ourselvesto be our truest selves.

That Which is Hidden, continued

PHOTO: CYNDI SHATTUCK

Tefillah “BJ creates an environment

that encourages you to pray

with kavannah…

with true intention.”

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—BJ Member

PHOTO: TOM ZUBACK

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Shabbat & Holy Day ServicesSHABBAT MORNING

Services(Through June 13, 2009)9:30AM, 86th Street

Children’s Services10:45AM, 86th Street Chapel

Junior CongregationFirst and Third Saturday of every month to June 6, 200910:30AM, 86th Street Social Hall

Summer Services(June 20 – Labor DayWeekend, 2009)9:30AM, 88th Street

Summer Children’s Services10:45AM, 88th Street Frankel Hall

HAVUROT

Many members have formed havurot (small fellowship groups)that gather monthly in members’ homes to pray and shareShabbat together. Times for meetings vary depending upon thegroup. For more information, see page 25.

HOLY DAYS & FESTIVALS throuigh Summer 2009

PURIM

Purim Carnival and PlayMarch 8, 12:30PM, 88th Street

Family Megillah Reading/Evening ServiceMarch 9, 5:45PM, 88th Street

Adult Evening Service with Megillah ReadingMarch 9, 7:00PM, 88th Street

Morning Minyan with partial Megillah ReadingMarch 10, 7:30AM, 88th Street

PESAH

First Day ServicesApril 9, 9:30AM, 88th Street

Children’s Services, 10:45AM, 88th Street Frankel Hall

Second Day ServicesApril 10, 9:30AM, 88th Street


Shabbat Hol Hamo’ed Pesah Evening ServiceApril 10, 6:00 and 7:30PM, 88th Street

DAILY MINYAN

Monday – Friday7:30AM, 88th Street Sanctuary

Sundays & National Holidays9:30AM, 88th Street Sanctuary

KABBALAT SHABBAT

Early Service6:00PM, 88th Street SanctuaryLate Service7:30PM, 88th Street Sanctuary

Summer Services(June 19 – Labor DayWeekend, 2009)7:00PM, 88th Street Sanctuary

Family ShabbatotFirst Friday of each month through June6:00PM, 88th Street Sanctuary

Wandering MinyanFirst Friday of each month through June6:00PM, 86th Street Social Hall

SHABBAT SUITCASES

Have you always wanted to host a large group for Shabbatbut didn’t have enough supplies? Inviting people into yourhome to celebrate the Sabbath is not only a mitzvah—it willhelp to create the sense of community we are all looking forat BJ. Through a generous donation from one of ourmembers,BJ has been able to create “Shabbat Suitcases”. Each suitcasehas all the physical tools necessary to host a Shabbatgathering: 12 Zimrat Yah (books with songs and blessings), 12kippot, candle sticks, a kiddush cup and a havdalah set.Members may borrow a suitcase for the weekend and areasked to return it the following Monday. For moreinformation, please contact Liz Stone, Assistant to RabbiFelicia L. Sol, at [email protected], x 233.

BJ conducts services at two locations: 88th Street denotes theB’nai Jeshurun Synagogue (BJ) at 257West 88th Street, betweenWest EndAvenue and Broadway.86th Street denotes TheChurchof St. Paul& St. Andrew (SPSA) onWest EndAvenue at 86th Street.

Dates, times and locations should be confirmed by checking theweekly Kol Jeshurun (available at Shabbat services and atwww.bj.org) or by calling the BJ office at 212-787-7600. AssistiveListening Devices are available during services at both 86th and88th Street locations from the ushers. Sign language interpretersare present at services by special arrangement. For moreinformation, contact Sarah Guthartz, Assistant to Rabbi J. RolandoMatalon, [email protected], x234.

TEFILLAH (PRAYER) • GUIDE TO THE BJ COMMUNITY • FEBRUARY-AUGUST 2009

GUIDE TO THE BJ COMMUNITY • FEBRUARY-AUGUST 2009 • TEFILLAH (PRAYER)

Shabbat & Holy Day Services, continued

PHOTO: TOM ZUBACK

Shabbat Hol Hamo’ed Pesah Day ServicesApril 11, 9:30AM, 86th Street

Children’s Services, 10:45AM

Seventh Evening ServiceApril 14, 7:15PM, 88th Street

Seventh Day ServicesApril 15, 9:30AM, 88th Street


Eighth Evening ServiceApril 15, 8:15PM, 88th Street

Eighth Day Services (Yizkor)April 16, 9:30AM, 88th Street


YOM HASHOAH

Reading of Names and ProgramApril 20, 6:45PM, 88th Street

YOM HAZIKARON/YOM HA’ATZMAUT

Picnic and CelebrationApril 28, 6:00PM, Riverside Park

SHAVUOT

First Evening Service and Tikkun Leil ShavuotMay 28, 8:30PM, 88th Street

Sunrise ServicesMay 29, 5:30AM, 88th Street

First Day ServicesMay 29, 10AM, 88th Street


Shabbat and Second Evening ServiceMay 29, 6:00 and 7:30PM, 88th Street

Shabbat and Second Day Services (Yizkor)May 30, 9:30AM, 86th Street

Children’s Services, 10:45AM, 86th St. Chapel and Board Room

TISHA BE-AV

Evening ServiceJuly 29, 8:45PM, 88th Street

Morning ServicesJuly 30, 7:30AM, 88th Street

Minhah ServiceJuly 30, 6:00PM, 88th Street

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TEFILLAH (PRAYER) • GUIDE TO THE BJ COMMUNITY • FEBRUARY-AUGUST 2009

12

PLEASE NOTE:Dates, times and locations should be confirmed bychecking the weekly Kol Jeshurun (available at Shabbat servicesand at www.bj.org) or by calling the BJ office at 212-787-7600.

SHABBAT SERVICES

Our services for families and children address their particulardevelopmental and spiritual needs. We build on the traditionalliturgy with song, dance, games, storytelling and study to bring tolife the prayers, Torah and a love of Israel for our community’syounger members.

WEEKLY

Join us every Saturdaymorning at 10:45AM in the Chapel at 86thStreet. This service creates the kavannah (intention) for Shabbatin a warm, interactive setting that includes singing, dancing andstorytelling within the framework of the Shabbat morning service.Parents are welcome and encouraged to participate, and arerequired to accompany children under the age of 7.

Following the Torah reading, the children form three separateminyamim by age as follows:

Minyan Alef:For children ages 3 and under.Children explore themeaning of Shabbat through song, movementand storytelling.

Minyan Bet:For children in pre-k, kindergarten and first grade.Children deepen their understanding of Shabbat and the Jewishyear through storytelling, games, discussion and Shabbat-appropriate art projects.

Minyan Gimel:For children in second grade and above.On the first and third Saturday of each month, children and theirfamilies are invited to attend Junior Congregation. On remainingSaturdaymornings children engage in meaningful discussion andactivities about Shabbat, the weekly Torah portion, prayer, Israel,and Jewish values.

Junior CongregationHeld on the first and third Saturday of every month at 10:30AMin the 86th Street Social Hall, this service is student-led andespecially for families with children in the 2nd–7th grades. A lightkiddush follows services.

MONTHLY

Family Kabbalat Shabbat ServiceHeld on the first Friday of each month at 6:00PM through June.This interactive service in the Sanctuary at 88th Street isespecially for families and includes singing and storytellingappropriate for children under 13. It is led by all of our rabbis, whorotate coverage each month.

HOLY DAY SERVICES

Children’s Services begin at 10:45AMon days when adult servicesare held. To enrich families’ experience of the Jewish year, we arededicated to providing educational and social programs to deepenboth understanding and joy. Please see the Kol Jeshurun for moreinformation on upcoming family services.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Purim Carnival and PlaySunday, March 8, 12:30PM, 88th Street SanctuaryPlay games, win great prizes, and get into the Purim spirit.

Yom Ha’atzmaut CelebrationThursday, April 30, 3:30–6:30PM, 88th Street Frankel Hall

TEEN SHABBAT

Saturday, February 7, 9:30AM, 86th StreetOur teens have begun to carve a role for themselves in the largerBJ community. You can find them in so many different places asthey participate in social action projects, work and volunteer inthe Hebrew school, participate in services and engage in thecommunity in their own particular way. But for one Shabbat, andone Shabbat only, you can find them all in the same place—atShabbat morning services, as they take on all the responsibilitiesof the service from davening to Torah reading and divrei Torah aswell. We look forward to all of our teenagers participating in thisincredible opportunity to shape our community’s Shabbatexperience. For more details, or to sign up to participate,contact Kerrith Solomon, Director of Teen Programming,[email protected], x253.

Services for Families, Children & Teens

PHOTO: TOM ZUBACK

PHOTO: NIGUN HALEV

Limud “BJ makes prayer and

Torah study possible

by creating a link

between the intellect

and the emotion.”—BJ Member

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The Kabbalah (the teachings of the Jewish mystics) tells us that

the Torah turns a special face to every Jew, meant for and

accessible by only that individual. It is therefore incumbent upon

each one of us to study, so that we can discover the face of Torah

that is ours alone and incorporate it into the tradition. Only then

will we have fulfilled our true purpose.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registration and prepayment of fees (if any) are required for allcourses. Payment will not be accepted at the door. Late registrantswill be accepted if there is room in the class, but we cannot pro-rate fees. Note: Although there is no charge for certain classes,registration is required. The first price listed for class tuition is forBJ members, the second for non-members.

Registration and payment services are available online atwww.bj.org or by calling Elizabeth Stone, Assistant to Rabbi FeliciaL. Sol, at x233. Please register at least twoweeks before the classbegins so that we can notify you of any changes. If you needtuition assistance, please contact Director ofMembership BelindaLasky, [email protected], x224.

CANCELLATION POLICY

We reserve the right to cancel any class that does not havesufficient registration. Should BJ cancel a class, full tuition will berefunded. If you would like to withdraw from a class, please senda written refund request to the BJ office before the second classsession. A $15 administrative charge will be deducted from allrefunds.We encourage you to directs that refunds be credited toyour account for future activities or contributions in lieu of arefund check. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and helpsB’nai Jeshurun better serve the community.

BOOKS

Texts mentioned in the course descriptions are available atWestSide Judaica (Broadway between 88th and 89th Streets). If youmention that you are affiliated with BJ, 10% of the proceeds ofyour purchase will be donated to the synagogue.

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Adult Classes & EventsSpring/Summer (February–August 2009)

LIMUD (LEARNING) • GUIDE TO THE BJ COMMUNITY • FEBRUARY-AUGUST 2009

CLASSES TAUGHT BY OUR RABBIS AND FELLOWS

ROSH HODESH WOMEN’S GROUPFacilitated by Rabbi Felicia L. Sol and Rabbi Esther Lederman,Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow

Each new month on the Hebrew calendar, we will have anopportunity to study, discuss, celebrate, and pray together on thisholiday traditionally associated with women. Registration is notrequired. Please bring a dairy/vegetarian kosher snack to sharewith the group as part of the celebration of Rosh Hodesh.

Cost: Free; registration not required

Adar: Tuesday, February 24, 7:00PM, 88th Street SanctuaryNisan:Wednesday, March 25, 7:00PM, 88th Street Frankel HallSivan: Sunday, May 24, potluck brunch, 11:30AM, 86th StreetChapelIyar:April 25,Women's Retreat (see p. 16)Tammuz:Monday, June 22, 7:00PM, 88th Street Frankel Hall

PARASHAT HASHAVU'A:STUDY OF THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTIONEzraWeinberg, Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow

AHassidic story teaches thatMoseswanted to revealmore Torahto the people but God refused, wanting to give the people a sensethat there is something hidden among the words for them todiscover. This story's implicit message is that we have the powerto reveal the hidden parts of Torah. By adding our ownunderstanding of the text, we too become a part of its unfoldingstory. In this class, as we study the weekly Torah portion with theaid of both ancient and modern interpretations, we will reveal itsmany layers and find ourselves reflected in its stories and teachings.

Time: Thursdays (through May 28)7:00–8:30PMLocation: BJ Office, Conference RoomCost:Members: free/non-members: $150 for the year

PHOTO: TOM ZUBACK

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GUIDE TO THE BJ COMMUNITY • FEBRUARY-AUGUST 2009 • LIMUD (LEARNING)

THE RABBINIC MIND ON SINAIRabbi Felicia L. Sol

Beginningwith a close reading of the Biblical Story of Revelation, wewill then take a step-by-step look at three differentmidrashic textson the revelation on Mount Sinai: Pirke deRabbi Eliezer, MekhiltadeRabbi Ishmael and Exodus Rabbah. Come to understand howthe rabbis think, and explore different explanations andunderstandings of the story and the ability to experience Sinaithrough studying it. No Hebrew reading necessary.

Time: 7 Tuesdays (February 3, 10, 17, March 3, 10, 17, 24)12:30AM–1:45PMLocation: BJ Office, Conference RoomCost: Free; registration requiredCODE: 931

LUNCH AND LEARN:Perversion and HolinessStories of the Talmudic Rabbis in Bava Metzi’a Chapter 7Rabbi J. Rolando Matalon

We will study a chain of stories that appears in the seventhchapter of tractate Bava Metzi’a, one of the pearls of Talmudicliterary creativity. These stories reflect the concerns and struggles,fears and fantasies, even the dark side of our Talmudic sages.Wewill attempt to look at ourselves in the mirror of the Talmud inorder to understand and confront our own nature. No knowledgeof Hebrew is required. Space is limited to 30 people. Please bringyour own lunch.

Time: 6 Thursdays (February 5, 12, 26, March 5, 12, 19)12:30–1:45PMLocation: Themidtown location and directions will be providedwith registration confirmation.Cost: Free; registration requiredCODE: 936

PIYYUTIM OF SHABBATRabbi J. Rolando Matalon with Hazzan Ari Priven, Yosef Goldmanand Basya Schechter

Beautiful liturgical poems grace the Shabbat prayers and theShabbat table. We will examine the texts and learn extraordinarymusical renditions for several Shabbat piyyutim.

Time: 5Wednesdays (February 11, 25, March 4, 11, 18)6:30–8:00PMLocation: 88th Street Frankel HallCost: Free; registration requiredCODE: 937

FIVE MORE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT ISRAELRabbi Marcelo R. Bronstein

Marcelo, in partnership with HaMakom, the Israel EngagementNetwork, will present five short documentaries and text that willbe the basis of our conversations.

Time: 5 Tuesdays (March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31)7:00–8:30PMLocation: 86th Street ParlorCost: Free; registration requiredCODE: 941

PRAYER AND SYNAGOGUE SKILLSRabbi Felicia L. Sol

For those longing to have a deeper understanding of the Shabbatandweekday prayer service, this class will address questions, suchas:What is the structure of the service?What is the choreographyof the service? How can we balance personal spontaneous prayerwith the fixed text of the siddur? Each class will be comprised ofthree elements: (1) the study of a text to uncover the essence andmeaning of prayer; (2) the chanting/davening of a particularprayer or psalm; and (3) the study of the liturgy and its structureand choreography. No Hebrew reading necessary.

Time: 3 Tuesdays (March 17, 24, 31)7:00–9:00PMLocation: 88th Street SanctuaryCost: Free; registration requiredCODE: 938

TOWARDS A JEWISH THEOLOGY OF JUSTICERabbi Brent Chaim Spodek

How can Jews contemplate the justice claims of gentiles? What,if any, is the philosophical basis for concern with those who aren’tpart of our ethnic or religious group? We’ll examine classicalconcepts such as mipnei darchei shalom and tikkun olam,theological perspectives articulated by thinkers such as Levinasand Buber. Most importantly, we’ll explore the theologicalframework that actually underpins our own conception ofJudaism, and explore the implications of our beliefs on our politicalcommitments. Rabbi Spodek is Rabbi-in-Residence/Director ofJewish Communal Relations for the American Jewish WorldService andwas a 2006-2008Marshall T.Meyer Rabbinic Fellowat BJ.

Time: 4Mondays (April 27, May 4, 11, 18)7:00–9:00PMLocation: 88th Street SanctuaryCost: Free; registration requiredCODE: 939

PHOTO: NIGUN HALEV

INTERFAITH FAMILY WORKSHOPRabbi Marcelo R. Bronstein

The framework for this workshopwill be Life Cycles. The first classwill focus on relationship-building (i.e. what Jewish/non-Jewishcouples need to know). The second will focus on school-agechildren (handling holidays, etc.). The third will focus on olderadults and end-of-life concerns. The fourth class will be aboutdaily/practical issues that arise in interfaith households. Theremay be roundtable discussions about how to celebrate holidays,raise children, and grandparent interfaith grandchildren.

Time: 4 Tuesdays (May 5, 12, 19, 26)7:00–8:30PMLocation: 88th Street SanctuaryCost: Free; registration requiredCODE: 942

BJ BEIT MIDRASHRabbis J. Rolando Matalon and Felicia L. Sol

The essence of Torah learning is built around the relationship ofhevrutot (study partnerships). BJ is striving to incorporate thismodel of learning within the community and encourages all of itsmembers to commit to study in hevruta. In order to help thosenewer to this model of studying as well as support more seasonedlearners, we will have a BJ Beit Midrash. Each session will beginwith a 30-minute shiur (teaching) followed by hevruta study.Rabbis Matalon and Sol will guide the hevrutot with questions tofocus their learning as well as give support to individual hevrutotduring the beit midrash section of the class. Participants areencouraged to find a hevruta partner in advance of the class, orwill be matched up in class.

Time: 4Wednesdays (May 6, 13, 20, 27)6:30–8:00PMLocation: 88th Street Frankel HallCost: Free; registration requiredCODE: 903

ADDITIONAL CLASSES

THIRD ANNUAL STUART POLLY INTERFAITH STUDY:A Parting of the Ways? Christians and Jews in theEarly Centuries of the Common EraDr. Peter C Bouteneff, Saint Vladimir’s Russian OrthodoxTheological Seminary and Dr. Seth Schwartz, Jewish TheologicalSeminary

Building on the success of last year’s introduction to the basics ofChristianity in the first century, our interfaith study this year shiftsto the next five centuries. This year’s series will contrast andcompare the history of Judaism and Christianity during thatperiod. The course will assume some knowledge of the faith andtraditions of our Christian neighbors. Students will be expectedto attend regularly and to participate in reading texts anddiscussion of the material.

Time: 4 Thursdays (February 5, 12, 19, 26)7:00–9:00PMLocation: 88th Street SanctuaryCost: Free; registration requiredCODE: 909

THE BOOK OF EXODUSRabbi Hillel Friedman

Using both traditional and modern commentaries, the class willstudy the Book of Exodus (in translation). Rabbi Hillel Friedman,a longtime member of our community, has been teaching adultcourses at BJ for the past seven years.

Time: Tuesdays (through May 26)8:30–9:30AMLocation: 88th Street SanctuaryCost: $100 members/$150 non-membersCODE: 915


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Adult Classes & Events, continued

Upcoming BJ Retreats

WOMEN’S RETREAT

Rabbis Felicia L. Sol and Esther Lederman,Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic FellowJoin us for BJ’s eighthWomen’s Retreat. Be part of a Shabbatweekend devoted to encountering the tradition and ourselvesthrough kol nashim (the voice of women).Time: April 24–26Location: Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat CenterCost: TBDCODE: 921

COMMUNITY RETREAT

The Community Retreat is making a return. Spend a Shabbatstudyingwith the rabbis and enjoying the opportunity tomeetand spend time with other members of the BJ communty.Time: June 5–7Location: Block and Hexter Vacation CenterCost: TBDCODE: 922


17

SHABBAT LEARNING

COMMUNITY SHABBAT DINNERSDates:March 20, June 19Following the early serviceCost: $36/$41. Please check the Kol Jeshurun and the BJwebsite, www.bj.org, for further details.CODE: 930

SHABBAT ONEGS"And call the Sabbath a delight"—Isaiah 58:13

Extend your Shabbat experience beyond services and gather withold and new friends. The BJ Shabbat Onegs are designed to createa welcoming community for all, taking us on a journey throughthe powerful beauty of Shabbat with traditional rituals, livemusic,joyous dancing, singing and food. As the Sanctuary fills with thesounds of passionate Shabbat melodies played by Hazzan AriPriven, BJ Musicians-in-Residence and special guest artists, anintimate and sacred time and space is created.

Please help BJ provide the necessary elements that go intomakingthe onegs amagical part of Friday evenings. For more informationon supporting this program, contact the DevelopmentDepartment at x242.

Time: February 13, March 13, May 8, June 12Following the late servicePlease check the Kol Jeshurun and the BJ website, www.bj.org forfurther details.

TORAH TEACHER’S CIRCLE: PARASHAT HASHAVU’A

We invite members of BJ to write and share a D’var Torah withthe community. These teachings allow each of us to study theparashah of the week and to learn from one another. Thesubmissions will be posted on the BJ website, sent by email to thecommunity, and published periodically.We hope you will join thisgrowing circle of BJ Torah teachers. For more information contactSarah Guthartz, Assistant to Rabbi Matalon, [email protected],x234.

SCHOLARS-IN-RESIDENCE SPRING PROGRAM

Throughout the course of the year, we will have the opportunityto have an intensive Shabbat learning experience withdistinguished visiting teachers.

Unless otherwise noted, the scholar will teach at a ShabbatB’Yahad dinner following the Friday night early service at 88thStreet, give the D’var Torah during Shabbat morning services, andteach on Shabbat afternoon. To sign up for a Friday night dinneror teaching, please register at www.bj.org or contact GuyFelixbrodt, Community Initiatives Coordinator, [email protected],x255. Registration is not required for the teachings on Shabbatafternoons.

RABBI CHAIM SEIDLER-FELLERDates:March 14-15Cost: $15/$20 for March 15 brunch (10:30AM)

Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller has worked as Director at UCLAHillelfor over 15 years. He is a lecturer in the Sociology Department atUCLA, an instructor in Kabbalah and Talmud at the University ofJudaism, a Fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute for AdvancedJewish Studies in Jerusalem, and a member of the AcademicAdvisory Board of theWilstein Institute ofr Jewish Policy Studies.He was ordained at Yeshiva University, where he also earned aMasters Degree in Rabbinic Literature.

DR. NILI GOLDDates:May 1-2Cost: $36/$41 for May 1 dinner

Nili Gold is Associate Professor ofModern Hebrew Literature in theDepartment of Near Eastern Languagesand Civilizations at The University ofPennsylvania. Prior to that, ProfessorGold taught at Columbia University. Sheis a native of Haifa, Israel and studied atthe HebrewUniversity of Jerusalem andthe Jewish Theological Seminary. Shehas published extensively on Israelifiction and poetry in American,

European and Israeli journals. Her Hebrew book on YehudaAmichai, Not Like A Cypress, was published by Schocken and wasthe winner of the 1994 State of Israel Ministry of Science andCulture Award for Best First Book in Hebrew Literature. ProfessorGold’s recent book, Yehuda Amichai: TheMaking of Israel’s NationalPoet, appeared this past fall, and is the winner of the American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise (AICE) publication grant for 2008.In December 2008, Ben Gurion University held a symposiumdiscussing the book and its archival findings.

COMMUNITY 2ND EVENING PESAH SEDER

The B’nai Jeshurun community will again come together toshare in a Seder experience on the second night of Passover.Time: Thursday, April 97:30PMLocation: 88th Street Frankel HallCost: $50; contact Naomi, [email protected], to register


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We believe Judaism is an ongoing search for meaning and that

this search starts in childhood; that Jewish identity begins to

develop early and that the family and the synagogue must work

together to nourish it; and that the best way to convey the joy

and beauty of being Jewish is by providing new and creative ways

for children to explore Judaism at each stage of their

development.

B’nai Jeshurun works toward ensuring that all persons with

disabilities feel welcome and able to participate fully in all of our

community’s activities. Assuring that childrenwith special needs

and learning disabilities are in an environment that is sensitive

to them and their families, and that they receive appropriate

assistance is an important part of this goal.

Based on these beliefs, we have developed the following programs.

They offer our children the same kind of rich learning experiences

that BJ’s adult education programs offer their parents.

FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Contact:Rebecca Rosenthal, Acting Director of the Religious School andShabbat & Holidays Coordinator (Youth and Family),[email protected], x243.

BABIES AND TODDLERS PILOT PROGRAM

Time: Fridays in MarchTime TBDLocation: 88th Street Frankel Hall

Join families with kids ages 0-3 for a pilot pre-Shabbat program.Check the Kol Jeshurun and the BJ website, www.bj.org, for moreinformation.

BJ HEBREW SCHOOL

GAN (Kindergarten) through ZAYIN (Seventh Grade)

Contacts:Ivy Schreiber, Director of Education (Youth and Family),[email protected], x225.Elana Ayalon, Program Administrator, [email protected], x260.During School Hours: 212-873-4548

The Hebrew School strives to create a rich, vibrant learningenvironment in which we can nourish our children’s growingJewish identities, create a community of peers that is part of the

Youth & Family Education

PHOTO: REBECCA ROSENTHAL


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CLASS SHABBAT DINNERS

Every class in the Hebrew School will have the opportunity tocelebrate Shabbat together with classmates, parents, andteachers, by attending Friday evening services together andgathering for a festivemeal. Please checkwww.bj.org for each classdate.

MISHPAHAH PROGRAM

The Mishpahah Family Learning Program will be part of eachgrade’s curriculum this year. Parents will have the opportunity tolearn with and from their children. Please check www.bj.org foreach class date.

REIMAGINE AND REACH FOR SHABBAT

The Reimagine and Reach for Shabbat programming has beensuccessfully forming close bonds among the Hebrew Schoolstudents and their families. These connections and the sense ofcommunity they bring to the classroom serve to deepen thelearning that is possible at Hebrew School. In these programsstudents and their families experience and practice Shabbat, thefocal point of the Hebrew curriculum, together with our educatorsand rabbis.

This spring we continue our successful Reach for Shabbatprogram, the conclusion of our series of optional familyprogramming on Shabbat for students in Gimmel, Dalet, Hey, andMem classes. Families come together for prayer and study withour rabbis and educators. These programs connect to the Hebrewcurriculum and enable the students to practice the tefillot theylearn in the classroom and demonstrate their mastery of thematerial.

Reach for Shabbat Junior Congregation and Lunch: Saturday,April 4, following Junior Congregation ServicesReach for Shabbat Minha, Dinner and Havdalah, Saturday,May 9, Time TBD

After highly successful retreats in 2007 and 2008, we are alreadyplanning for the 2009 third annual family weekend retreat for

Gimmel, Dalet, Hey, andMem classes and their families next fall.These annual retreats enable the students, along with theirfamilies, to forge profound and lasting connections with eachother by experiencing and practicing Shabbat in “real time” in abeautiful natural setting.

We are able to offer the retreat and the Reach for Shabbatprograms as integrated parts of the curriculum for these grades,thanks in large part to the generosity of theMiriam L. Siroky Fundfor Family Education. The program has been funded in the pastwith a Legacy Heritage Innovation Project Grant.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL LEARNING NEEDS

The Hebrew school is pleased to continue our partnership withMATAN: The Gift of Jewish Learning for Every Child(www.matankids.org). The Hebrew School has worked inpartnership with MATAN for the past several years to provideaccessible Jewish education for all our learners. This includesconsultation to teachers and parents as well as direct service tostudents, and the creation of a class for students with visual andauditory processing disabilities. B’nai Jeshurun warmly welcomesand celebrates all studentswhowish to pursue a Jewish education,engage in communal life, and be called to the Torah for the firsttime. For more information about special needs and learningdisabilities in the Hebrew school, please contact Ivy Schreiber,Director of Education (Youth and Family), [email protected], x225.

BAR AND BAT MITZVAH PROGRAM

Contact:Davey Rosen, Family Educator, x244, [email protected]

When your child received his or her name, the communityexpressed the hope that he or she would be led to Torah, huppah(the marriage canopy), and ma’asim tovim (great deeds). Thejourney to and through the bar/bat mitzvah includes the firststeps your child will take toward the first hope, Torah.May this bea fulfilling step on your child’s and your family’s Jewish journeyand may your ties to the Jewish community and Jewish traditionbe strengthened by it. The bar/bat mitzvah stands before theentire community to mark his/her transition to maturity andresponsibility under Jewish law and before the community ofpeers with whom he/she has been studying and preparing for thismoment.

Educational Requirement:We require that children receive theirJewish education in a communal setting—either at the BJ HebrewSchool or a Jewish day school, such as the Abraham JoshuaHeschel School or Solomon Schechter. This education shouldbegin no later than third grade, and will include participation inthe communal aspects of bar/bat mitzvah preparation at B’naiJeshurun. If your child has attended another twice-a-weekHebrew school, attendance at that Hebrew school may meet oureducational requirement.

Membership Requirement: Since the bar/bat mitzvah is a sacred

larger community at BJ and the global Jewish community, and buildthe skills children will need to be participatory members of theircommunity. The Hebrew School is a place where our children canlearn new skills and ideas, struggle with questions of theology,meaning, and connection at an age appropriate level, and test whatthey have learned through prayer, discussion, and interaction withBJ’s clergy and staff. Family synagogue participation in services,Hebrew School events, and social action projects will further enrichchildren’s Jewish education. For current curriculum information,along with the school calendar, please visit www.bj.org. HebrewSchool registration will be avaialble online beginning in May.

CLASS LOCATIONS

Gan (Kindergarten) through Zayin (Seventh Grade) meet at theAbraham Joshua Heschel School, 270 West 89th Street, betweenBroadway and West End Avenue on Monday and Thursdayafternoons through May.

moment for the entire family, we require that the family be amember of B’nai Jeshurun continuously from the beginning of thebar/bat mitzvah child’s fourth grade year in school. If your familyhas belonged to another synagogue for the years between thetime your child was in fourth grade and the time you joined B’naiJeshurun, that membership satisfies this requirement.

Children with Special Needs or Learning Disabilities: All childrenare welcome to become b’nai mitzvah at BJ. If your child has alearning challenge that affects his or her ability to learn in acommunal setting, please contact us so that we can discusseducational alternatives. If your child has a special learning need,our rabbis, cantor and teachers are committed to helping you findthe best way to prepare for the bar/bat mitzvah. For moreinformation about special needs and learning disabilities, pleasecontact Ivy Schreiber, Director of Education (Youth and Family)and Director of the Hebrew School at [email protected], x225.

ARTHUR P. MORGAN FUND

The Arthur P. Morgan Fund was generously started to helpsupport students and their families with special learning needs asthey prepare for their bar or bat mitzvah. This Fund providesscholarships to students as they work individually with a tutor toprepare to become bar or bat mitzvah at B’nai Jeshurun. BJ workswith a cadre of tutors who are qualified to teach children withspecial needs, or families may choose to find their own tutor, suchas a beloved school teacher who might be Jewish, incommunication with BJ. Formore information about special needsand learning disabilities, please contact Ivy Schreiber, Director ofEducation (Youth and Family) and Director of the Religious Schoolat [email protected], x225.

THE BJ TEEN PROGRAM

Contact:Kerrith Solomon, Director of Teen Programming,[email protected], x253.Please contact Kerrith to be added to the Teen Email List.

As a holy community of intention, B’nai Jeshurun is successfulwhenwe enable ourmembers to connect to each other and to thelarger synagogue community. We have seen this happen withinsomany of the populations within B’nai Jeshurun, from families tothose in their 20s and 30s tomembers actively committed to thework of tikkun olam (repair of the world).

We are committed to strengthening our connection to ourteenagers at BJ by providing themwith a community of intention,a place that addresses their particular needs as teens, but alsochallenges them as they grow and provides clear pathways forthem to transition to meaningful membership in our larger adultcommunity. Teens need to be in an environment in which they feel

safe, supported and free to question their own Jewish identity andwhat it means to live a Jewish life. To this end, we are excited tooffer the following opportunities for our teen population.

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM

This program runs from 6:00–8:00PMon the first Sunday of everymonth. Our passports have been stamped in El Salvador andMexico and now we will be traveling to Costa Rica on PresidentsWeekend, 2009. Our 10th-12th graders have the opportunity tolearn about our responsibility to be global citizens of the worldand then venture out of the country to learn first hand howmuchwork there is to be done. For more information, contact KerrithSolomon, [email protected], x253.

OZRIM & OZRIM TEFILLAH

BJ Teens are preparing to become emerging leaders in BJ’scommunity. For many teens the best and most natural point ofconnection is sharing their love and knowledge with children.Teens in 8th through 12th grade may apply to be teachers’ aidesin the B’nai Jeshurun Hebrew School (Ozrim) and/or serviceleaders’ aides at weekly Children’s Shabbat morning services andJunior Congregation (Ozrim Tefillah). TheOzrim (literally, helpers)program provides teens with task supervision to develop theirteaching and leading skills through multiple meetings with otherteens in the program and the teen staff. For more information orto become part of the program, contact Kerrith Solomon, ,[email protected], x253.

TEEN LEADERSHIP TRACK

This year two teenagers from each grade (8th-12th) will beselected to be part of our leadership team. They will serve asrepresentatives of our teen population and will help to shape andimplement the programs throughout the year. To request anapplication to be considered for one of these positions contactKerrith Solomon, , [email protected], x253

ACTION COMMITTEE

Weare committed to having a teen presence at events occurring inthe larger BJ community and participating in city wide events.Events include the Komen for the CureWalk, the Blood Drive andthe AIDS walk, among others. Details are publicized as eventsoccur over the course of the year.


20

Youth & Family Education, continued


OTHER EXCITING YOUTH AND FAMILY EVENTS

MITZVAH FAIRJoin us for the Mitzvah Fair, a great event if you are planning aB’nai Mitzvah social action project or interested in learning aboutopportunities to do mitzvot in our community, in New York City,in Israel and the world. For more information, contact DaveyRosen, Family Educator, [email protected], x244.

Time:Monday, February 96:00–7:30PMLocation: 88th Street Sanctuary

K-2 FAMILIES SHABBAT LUNCHJoin us for lunch, singing Shabbat songs, fun Shabbat activities forchildren and time for parents to relax. For more information,contact Davey Rosen, Family Educator, [email protected], x244.

Time: Saturday, April 2512:30–1:30PMLocation: 86th St Social Hall

“BJ embraces itschildren, creating areal community forfamilies with manygenuineopportunities forinvolvement.”

PHOTO: TOM ZUBACK

21

BJ is a holy community,

committed to the concept of

social action and the pursuit

of social justice, inspiring

members to perform acts of

kindness and compassion

through our many

outreach programs. GemilutHasadim.

22

Being a member of BJ means continuously striving to create a

kehillah kedoshah (a sacred community), within our congregation

as well as within our global community. Volunteerism at BJ

provides members with a great variety of opportunities to help

make this vision a reality.

In communal service, we serveGod by our commitment to gemilut

hasadim (acts of loving-kindness); tikkun olam (repair of the

world); and creating kehillah (community). Bikkur Holim (visiting

the sick), Hevra Kadisha (comforting mourners), and

opportunities for HakhnasatOrhim (hospitality), such as opening

our homes to guests on Shabbat, provide ways for us to solidify

the bonds of friendship and lovewithin our synagogue community.

Throughout the year, we seek additional opportunities to “pray

with our feet,” through one-time events, and by responding to

national and global crises.

Volunteering for any of the committees and programs detailed in

this section, participating in the events BJ supports, or helping out

at the BJ office are among theways you can become involved in the

BJ community.

We invite each member to carve out your own path of gemilut

hasadim at BJ—to serve God and to live the mitzvot of our

tradition. If you are interested in working on any of the

committees, please call the contacts listed.

If you need further assistance, please contact Guy Felixbrodt,

Community Initiatives Coordinator, [email protected], x255 or

Bella Zuzel, Director of Social Action/Social Justice [email protected],

x259.

TIKKUN OLAM (REPAIR OF THE WORLD)

SOCIAL ACTION/SOCIAL JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

Staff: Bella Zuzel, Director of Social Action/Social Justice,[email protected], x259; Channa Camins, Social ActionCoordinator, [email protected], x261Social Action/ Social Justice Steering Committee Chair:Rochelle Friedlich

The Social Action/Social Justice Department creates a variety ofopportunities for congregants to respond effectively to socialinequities in our local, national, and global communities, and todevelop meaningful relationships with our neighbors.

The Social Action/Social Justice Steering Committee bringstogether the chairs of every program in the Department, fromdirect service to community organizing to one-time events, and

crisis response. The Steering Committee seeks to integrate ourwork into a comprehensive whole and tomaximize our impact byfostering relationships among our volunteer leadership anddeepening the Jewish spiritual foundations of our work together.

PANIM EL PANIM TASK FORCE

The Panim el Panim Task Force is the leadership and coordination

body for the Hevras (working teams). It aims to transform our

congregation by facilitating deeper relationships among our

members and between the BJ community and our citywide

neighbors. Panim el Panim seeks to address the root cases of

injustice by changing power structures, laws, policies,

relationships and practice—complementing the direct service

program that BJ has operated for many years. Our power tomake

change is developed through a congregational community-

organizing model based on relationship building, community

conversations, leadership development, and participatory decision

making.

In 2008-9 Panim el Panim supports action Hevras leading three

campaigns:

The Environmental Action Hevra (EAH) educates, motivates, and

empowers Congregation B'nai Jeshurun to maximize

environmentally sustainable practices by the synagogue and

members of the BJ community, and to mitigate instances of

environmental injustice in the New York area, in partnership with

local community organizations.

Contact: Liz Weiss, Carol Schiffman-Durham, and Robert Daley,

[email protected]

TheMarriage Equality Hevra (MEH) educates and advocates for

equal rights and benefits for same-sex couples.

Contact: Amy Lavine, [email protected] and Marlene

Halpern, [email protected]

Manhattan Together Hevra (MTH) is the central focal point for BJ

congregants working with an interfaith social justice coalition,

Manhattan Together. Together, we areworking on the development

of two campaign areas—affordable housing and immigrants' rights.

Contact: Judith Trachtenberg, [email protected] and Robert

Buxbaum, [email protected]

Needed:Activist BJmembers who are committed to social justicethrough community organizing and a willingness to work with adynamic, diverse team of leaders.

Volunteer Committees & Programs

GUIDE TO THE BJ COMMUNITY • FEBRUARY-AUGUST 2009 • GEMILUT HASADIM (ACTS OF LOVING-KINDNESS)

23PHOTO: ALICE FISHER

THE BJ/SPSA HOMELESS SHELTER

Contact: Anne Millman, [email protected] andJim Melchiorre, [email protected], x340

The Homeless Shelter has been in existence since 1985 andreflects B'nai Jeshurun's strong commitment to the mitzvah ofcaring for the most vulnerable stranger in our midst. Sundaythrough Thursday, homeless guests are bussed to us from twomidtown drop-in centers funded and overseen by the NYCDepartment of Homeless Services. Over 150 volunteers fromthree congregations (BJ, The Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew,and West Park Presbyterian Church) provide a dignified,welcoming atmosphere for our guests, making this endeavor oneof our strongest and most sensitive programs.

Needed: Two to three people per night from 7:00–9:00PM to setup beds, serve a small meal, maintain the storage closets, andinteract with the guests. Two additional people each night from9:00PM–7:00AM to sleep over, supervise, help with a lightbreakfast, collect linens, and put away beds. Volunteers are alsoneeded to cook or order in dinner for our shelter guests. Aminimum commitment of one evening per month is requested.

BJ READS... AT P.S. 166

Contact: Ellen Schecter and Sandy Davidson,[email protected], x391

BJ Reads offers volunteers the opportunity to make a tangibledifference in the lives of elementary school children who are notyet reading at grade level. Our volunteers meet with one child atP.S. 166 for one hour a week on Mondays or Wednesdays for theentire school year. With the steady presence and enthusiasm ofour volunteers, the children’s reading and comprehension skillsflourish over the course of the year.

Needed: Warm, caring individuals of all ages to work withchildren. Minimum commitment is a one-hour session, onemorning per week (Mondays or Wednesdays, 9:00–11:00AM)from October through May. Reading takes place at P.S. 166, 132West 89th Street. No experience necessary. Training provided.

BJ/RALPH BUNCHE SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

Contact: Rory Butler and Ilene Richman, [email protected],x301

The partnership is dedicated to helping children attain literacy, tolove and value books and reading, and to enhance basic mathskills. Volunteers meet one-on-one with children in Grades 1-4 tosupport classroom instruction in reading and writing, as well asGrades 3-4 to reinforce math lessons. This partnership is anexciting opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children,one at a time.

Needed: Individuals to work with eager elementary students onliteracy andmath on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you cannotmakea regular commitment, please sign up as a substitute

JUDITH BERNSTEIN LUNCH PROGRAM

Contact: Ruth Lazarus, Carole Lurie, Robin Tunick, and SusanSamuels, [email protected], x338

Join this wonderful, friendly, intergenerational effort by servinglunch to our West Side guests at 88th Street on Thursdays. Wecare for both body and soul by providing our guests with a mealin a comfortable atmosphere as well as the services of a socialworker from the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Servicesthat visits every other week.

Needed: Caring individuals to prepare food, set tables, servelunch, and clean up on Thursdays from 9:00AM–1:30PM. OnWednesday nights, we need individuals to make soup and saladfrom 5:00–8:00PM. Help is always needed. Sign up for an houreach week or each month.

BJ RESPONDS

Contact: Channa Camins, Social Action Coordinator,[email protected], x261

As always, we seek opportunities to "pray with our feet" byparticipating in public demonstrations and annual one day events,and by responding to ongoing crises such as the AIDS and breastcancer epidemics or sudden emergencies such as the South Asiantsunami and Hurricane Katrina.

Needed: People who are passionate about making a difference inour world! For more information, contact the BJ members belowor contact Channa Camins at [email protected], x261.

Darfur Response Committee: Josie Shapiro and Jerry Siegel,[email protected]

AIDSWalk, every May: Ellen Corenswet, [email protected]

Volunteer Committees & Programs, continued

GEMILUT HASADIM (ACTS OF LOVING-KINDNESS) • GUIDE TO THE BJ COMMUNITY • FEBRUARY-AUGUST 2009

24

Blood Drives, twice a year: Trudi Levine, [email protected] andSharon Messitte, [email protected]

Hazon Jewish Environmental Bike Ride, every Labor Dayweekend: Mark Lipsy, [email protected] and Abby Rothschild,[email protected]

Komen for the Cure (Breast Cancer Run/Walkathon), everySeptember: Glenda Frank, [email protected] and AndreaBigelisen, [email protected]

CREATING KEHILLAH (COMMUNITY)

BEKEF 35+

Contact: Guy Felixbrodt, Community Initiatives Coordinator,[email protected], x255

Bekef is B'nai Jeshurun’s group for active 35+ singles who areinterested in social activities, and in celebrating Jewish lifetogether. Some Bekef events are open to couples as well as singles.Bekef welcomes BJ members and non-members from New YorkCity and beyond.

Needed: Bekef is looking for new programs for the coming year, aswell as new leadership to help coordinate, facilitate, and invigorateour events.

BIKKUR HOLIM (VISITING THE ILL)

Co-chairs: Jeannie Blaustein and Barbara GoldmanContact: Yaffa Garber, Life Cycle Coordinator, [email protected],x256

Bikkur Holim is themitzvah of providing comfort to those who areill, whether they suffer the pains of the body or spirit. Visiting,making phone calls, providing food and transportation are but afew examples of howwe offer comfort. In addition to this support,we provide outreach to the frail elderly, to people with chronic,long-term illness, and to those with special needs. Informationand support is also available for caregivers. Education and trainingis offered to all participants and special events are plannedthroughout the year.

Needed: People to visit and support those requesting comfort,either in person or by phone. Members with good organizationalskills are also needed to help coordinate support teams, outreachand event planning.

COMMUNITY KIDDUSHIM

Contact: Guy Felixbrodt, Community Initiatives Coordinator,[email protected], x255 to sponsor a kiddush in honor of asimha.

Kiddush volunteers seek to foster a sense of community byproviding a warm and welcoming place to gather after ShabbatServices.

Needed: Hosts to help people who are new to the communitymeet others; people who enjoy creating a friendly and invitingsetting for the community to come together.

HAKHNASAT ORHIM (WELCOMING GUESTS)


Hakhnasat Orhim is designed to help the community of BJ extendhospitality and create a welcoming atmosphere to all membersof our community, as well as to visitors and guests. This initiativealso provides members with ways to get to know each other insmaller, more intimate settings on Shabbat and the holidays.

Needed: People who are committed to serving God by performingthe mitzvah of Hakhnasat Orhim by embracing others in ourcommunity through hospitality; people who enjoy opening theirhomes to guests on Shabbat and hagim (holidays).

HAVUROT(SMALL FELLOWSHIP GROUPS)


Havurah groups provide a critical means for members to createcommunity, intimacy and friendships at B'nai Jeshurun. BJmembers have formed over 30 small groups that meet inmembers' homes to study, celebrate Shabbat and perform gemiluthasadim (acts of loving-kindness). Groups range from 10-20people and are a wonderful way to overcome the anonymity thatoften threatens our lives. If you are interested in becoming partof a havurah, or are interested in starting a specific kind ofhavurah, please contact us.

HEALING RESOURCES: A BIKKUR HOLIM PROJECT

Contact: Susan Kaplow, [email protected],518-281-4133

The Bikkur Holim Committee is undertaking a new project: tocollect short descriptions from our congregants about whatJewish traditions and practices they found helpful when facingserious physical or emotional illness. Both those who have beenill and thosewho have been caregivers are invited to contribute.When facing serious illness, many of us yearn for spiritual support


25

but feel too overwhelmed or too afraid to seek it out. Our projectis designed to fill this gap. Confidentiality will be strictlymaintained in collecting the material.

HEVRA KADISHA (COMFORTING MOURNERS)

Co-Chairs: Penny Dannenberg, Bob Gruenspecht, Daniel Kestin,and Elissa MethContact: Yaffa Garber, Life Cycle Coordinator, [email protected],x256

The death of a loved one brings about feelings of loss, sadness,confusion and loneliness. The Hevra Kadisha of BJ is there tocomfort and support the bereaved from the time of death throughthe periods of shiva and shloshim.

Needed: People to participate in minyanim so that mourners cansay kaddish at home (no knowledge of Hebrew is required), toescort mourners into Friday night services, to perform themitzvahof tahara (the ritual cleansing and dressing of the body) and to sitsh’mira (the guarding of the body and reading of psalms beforeburial). Members with good organizational skills are also neededto help coordinate support teams, outreach and event planning.Orientation and training are provided.

INTERFAITH COMMITTEE

Co-Chairs: Joe Antenson and Linda Kates, x379

The Interfaith Committee is committed to interfaithunderstanding, collaboration, and action. Working within BJ, theCommittee aims to engage members with theological, cultural,and political interfaith issues; reach and serve the needs of BJ’sinterfaith families; and encourage an interfaith agenda amongother committees. Beyond BJ, the Committee aims to strengthencollaboration with other religious institutions and traditions forthe purposes of study, prayer, and social action.

Needed: People with a strong interest in interfaithmatters and theskills and motivation to take on new and complex projects. Inparticular, people involved in other BJ committeeswhowill providea liaison around interfaith issues and activities, and who have theskills and interest to organize interfaith study or build on ourrelationshipswith SPSA and other churches and religious traditions.

LEDOR VADOR

Chair: Asya Berger, x334

Our elders are the keepers of our wisdom. Ledor Vador isdedicated to continuing the connections between generations.We seek to keep our elders integrated in the BJ community, hopingother generations continue to benefit from their wisdom and livinghistories. Our programs offer opportunities to learn, socialize, andshare our stories. These programs include several Ledor VadorIntergenerational Shabbat Luncheons each year; activities

connecting our Hebrew School children with elders in thecommunity; study sessions in the sukkah; and educational eventsfor our elders as well as their adult children. We are proud to pairwith other committees to design innovative new programs.

Needed: Volunteers of all ages to create and organize innovativenew programming for our diverse population.

MEN’S HAVURAH

Contact: Naomi Goodhart, Assistant to Rabbi Bronstein,[email protected], x240

Wewant to create a new space for BJ men, whether straight, gay,single, married, or any other self-definition, to gather together toclose Shabbat with singing and celebration. Sometimes there’s aspeaker, other times a text, but always a thought-provokingdiscussion relating to Jewishmen in the contemporary world. TheMen’s Havurah Committee includes Michael Yoeli, Moshe Horn,Chuck Gold, Bob Kanter, Nahum Precel, Jonathan Adelsberg, andMarcelo Bronstein. Please hold the following dates for 2009:February 21, March 21, April 18 and June 20.

SHABBAT B’YAHAD


Shabbat B'Yahad volunteers are responsible for making ourcommunity Shabbat dinners during Teacher-in-ResidenceShabbatot a welcoming environment for all.

Needed:Volunteers to help welcome and sign in guests followingthe early Shabbat service, and assist in a variety of other waysthroughout the night.

TZE’IRIM 20s & 30s

Co-Chairs: Susan Fishman and Brad HoffmanContact: Rabbi Esther Lederman, Marshall T. Meyer RabbinicFellow, [email protected], x264, or Yaffa Garber,[email protected], x256

Tze'irim, Congregation B'nai Jeshurun's 20s/30s group, is a



26

diverse community of Jewish professionals and students,singles and couples, from in and around New York City. We arecommitted to creating a Jewish life that is meaningful, relevantand dynamic, and to creating a Jewish community that supportsand celebrates our efforts. For more information, please visitwww.bj.org and click on “Tze’irim 20s and 30s.”

Needed: Tze'irim is in search of new leadership to help uscoordinate, facilitate, and energize our most popular events. Weare also looking for innovative, new programs for the comingyear.

USHERING

Co-Chairs: Glenda Frank, Henry Weinberger, and Jeff YablonkaContact: Sarah Guthartz, Assistant to Rabbi J. Rolando Matalon,[email protected], x234

Our ushers at BJ help create a place of welcome and comfort atservices so that everyone can worship in peace. By taking onthis mitzvah, you participate in creating a kehillah kedoshah, aholy community, and help to ensure that all who enter oursanctuary will be able to share an extraordinary Shabbatexperience.

Needed: People to usher once a month at Shabbat services onFriday evenings or Saturday mornings, as well as on hagim(festivals). Responsibilities are primarily to greet and guidecongregants and visitors. Additional responsibilities includeproviding security, safety, and comfort to the community,orienting newcomers to BJ, and assisting latecomers in findingseats. Training and orientation is provided.

TEFILLAH (PRAYER)

DAILY MINYAN

Co-Chairs: Irv Rosenthal and Shira Nadich-LevinContact: Hazzan Ari Priven, [email protected], x232

Join with fellowmembers bymaking sure there is a quorum of tenadults so those who need to say kaddish daily may do so.

Needed: People who can participate once a week, once a month,or even more often; people to chant Torah on Monday andThursday mornings.

TORAH/HAFTARAH READING

Contact: Hazzan Ari Priven, [email protected], x232

While BJ is blessed with many who know how to read Torah andHaftarah, we always welcome new readers. This is a wonderfulway to commemorate a bar/bat mitzvah or any other simha.

Needed: Torah and Haftarah readers, especially for the Mondayand Thursday daily minyan, and during the summer.

TORAH (EDUCATION & LEARNING)

THE B’NAI JESHURUN HEBREW SCHOOL

Contact: Debbie Lerner, [email protected], x322

Each year, parental involvement adds a remarkable dimension toHebrew School activities, including the grade-by-gradeMishpahah events, family Shabbat dinners, and cooking for theshelter. In this way, parents can engage in their children's Jewisheducation, and help create a sense of kehillah (community) withinthe school. It’s an excellent opportunity to enrich your personalJewish experience, as well.

27

BJ’S NEWESTMEMBERS, FROM LEFT: ZOE MUKAMAL, NATHAN FOX, STELLA AND HATTIE MINKIN GEGAX, BRADY SCHREIBER, HANNAH RAICHELSON

FAMILY LIFE ACTIVITIES

Contact: Davey Rosen, Family Educator, [email protected], x244

Our focus is to build a community for families throughinvolvement in holiday, social action, and parenting programs.Programs include Shabbat services, holiday celebrations, cookingfor the Homeless Shelter, Tot Shabbatot, retreats, and ShabbatSe’udot (meals).

Needed: Volunteers with good organizational skills to helpdevelop programming; people with a variety of talents and abilitiesto help infuse our activities with ruah (spirit).

TEENS

Contact: Kerrith Solomon, Director of Teen Programming,[email protected], x253

Created and run by BJ’s teens, our activities include informallearning, Shabbat dinners, leading Shabbat morning services, andparticipating in tikkun olam programs. Participants are givenopportunities to work in the Hebrew school, as well as serve asstaff for programming geared towards younger children.

Needed: Teens interested in planning, organizing and participatingin social and tikkun olam projects sponsored by the group, workingin the Hebrew school and planning programs for the youngerportion of our community.

MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP STEERING COMMITTEE

Co-Chairs: Sofia Hubscher and Samara MinkinContact: Belinda Lasky, Director of Membership, [email protected],x224, or Sarah Verity, Membership Associate, [email protected] ,x250

The Membership Steering Committee serves as a web ofconnections that runs through the community, supporting allaspects of community life.The goals of theMembership SteeringCommittee are to orient and segue new members into thecommunity; attract attending non-members to join thesynagogue; and enhance the experiences and deepen theconnections of current members. For new members, thecommittee hosts a series of NewMember Orientation Programsand provides service matches to help new members becomebetter integrated into the B’nai Jeshurun community. Thecommittee also has a presence at Onegs and Shabbat services toprovide information about membership, as well as being availableto speak one-on-one to answer questions of those who considerjoining B’nai Jeshurun. The committee serves existing membersby connecting them with volunteer opportunities, services andstaff to enhance their membership experience, and by continuallystriving to find new ways to serve and engage the community.Through these programs, the Membership Steering Committeeaims to give each member a broader understanding of the visionof BJ and help them to participate more fully in building kehillah(community).

DEVELOPMENT AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Chair: Eugene CarrContact: Denise Waxman, Communications Manager,[email protected], x275

The Communications Committee provides guidance to the BJBoard and the BJ administration on the development andimplementation of an overall communications strategy designedto inform and expand membership, to generate donations andother funding, and to increase BJ’s visibility as a model andinspiration for others.

DEVELOPMENT COMMITEE

Co-Chairs: Harriet Abraham and Richard KalikowContact: Aviva Raichelson, Director of Development andExternal Affairs, x242, [email protected]

BJ has great dreams, but realizing them costs money. TheDevelopment Committee helps to solicit gifts within and beyondthe community, and strategize how to raise the necessary fundsto make our dreams realities.



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BJ is a synagogue that stands for something—for a Judaism that

is personally meaningful and relevant. But it is more than that. BJ

also stands for the proposition that the synagogue must be

relevant andmeaningful not just to each of us as individuals but to

the larger Jewish world and to the world-at-large.

In order for 2,000 people to pray here each week with deep

intention, connection, and joy; to run a homeless shelter and lunch

program; to organize members to visit the sick and comfort

mourners; and to provide teachers for our children, classes for

adults, andmuch, muchmore, we need a complex infrastructure.

This includes our rabbis, hazzan,musicians, professional staff, and

amulti-space campus including several buildings critical tomaking

BJ the special and unique place that it is to you.

How much does it cost to support this infrastructure? This year,

$6 million. Membership dues and money raised through the Kol

NidreAnnual PartnershipAppeal only represent two-thirds of BJ’s

budget. The remainder is raised through a variety of opportunities

available throughout the year that exist to support the

congregation and fund programs that benefit the BJ community.

We are most grateful for your support.

WAYS TO GIVE

GIVE BY PHONE

Contributions can be made by contacting Aviva Raichelson,Director of Development and External Affairs, at 212-787-7600x242 or Erzsebet Ragyina, Senior Development Associate, atx228.

GIVE ONLINE

You can donate easily and securely online through our website,www.bj.org.

GIVE BY MAIL

Contributions can be mailed to the attention of the BJDevelopment Department, 2109 Broadway, Suite 203, New York,NY 10023.

DONATE GIFTS OF SECURITIES

Gifts of appreciated securities provide an excellent way for youto support BJ and to receive tax benefits as well. For specificinstructions and details on how to handle a transfer, pleasecontact the Development Department at x242. Please note thatit is very important that you notify us ahead of time that securitiesare being transferred to BJ, as we have no way of knowing whothe donor is otherwise.

TRIBUTE GIVING

Make a donation to honor or memorialize a loved one or tocommemorate a life cycle event or special occasion. BJ will sendnotification to the designated individual or family informing themthat you have made a gift to BJ.

DESIGNATED DONATIONS

You can designate your donation for a specific program, event, orfund.

ESTATE & PLANNED GIVING

By naming BJ as a beneficiary, you will leave a legacy and set anexample for your children and your community. You will also helpensure that BJ has the resources to meet the future needs of theJewish community. Make a statement about what you stand forand:• Endow a specific program/project (e.g., endowment,

scholarships, programs or capital purposes).• Establish a permanent fund (e.g. memorial scholarship)• Provide a charitable bequest in your will, naming BJ as the

beneficiary of all or part of your estate.• Include BJ as a contingent beneficiary in your will, ensuring

that BJ flourishes well into the future.

THE KOL NIDRE ANNUAL PARTNERSHIP APPEAL

The Kol Nidre Annual Partnership Appeal is a critical part offunding for BJ and provides more than 30% of our annualoperating budget. This year, to sustain all that we do and tosupport exciting new programs-from prayer services, festivals andcelebrations enhanced by food, music and teaching, to ourexpanding teen program, and social justice initiatives and servicework- we need to raise $1.9million. Pleasemake BJ a philanthropicpriority and contribute to this year's appeal.

ESTABLISHED FUNDS AND PROGRAM GIVING

Arthur P. Morgan Fund —The Arthur P. Morgan Fund wasgenerously started to help support students and their families withspecial learning needs as they prepare for their bar or bat mitzvah.This Fund provides scholarships to students as they workindividually with a tutor to prepare to become a bar or bat mitzvahat B’nai Jeshurun. BJ works with a cadre of tutors who arequalified to teach children with special needs, or families maychoose to find their own tutor, such as a beloved school teacherwho might be Jewish, in communication with BJ.

Formore information about special needs and learning disabilities,please contact Ivy Schreiber, Director of Education(Youth and Family), [email protected], x225.


29

Tzedakah: Giving to BJ

PHOTOS, FROM TOPO: ROW 1, CHANNA CAMINS, TOM ZUBACK. ROW 2, TOM ZUBACK, CHANNA CAMINS. ROW 3: TOM ZUBACK.

Adult Education — Contributions help support our limud(education) activities.

Beba Bronstein Jewish Camp Scholarship Fund—Contributionsgive a child the opportunity to attend camp.

Bikkur Holim — Contributions help our volunteers providecomfort to those who are ill.

Children’s Services—Contributions help provide support for ourweekly Shabbat morning Children’s Services.

Elliot Levinson Memorial Fund — Contributions supportprogramming for our senior members.

Etz Hayim Fund — Contributions support the upkeep and re-placement of our Torah commentary books, Etz Hayim. A donationof $72 ormore includes a dedicated bookplate to place in the book.

Floral Fund—Contributions help provide flowers to help enhancethe beauty and atmosphere of our sanctuary spaces, includingHigh Holy Day services.

General Fund — Contributions offset ongoing operational costsand help support vital activities such as services, adult and youtheducation, and special events programming.

Godnick and Gross Scholarship Fund — Contributions providescholarships to the BJ Hebrew School.

Greening BJ — Contributions are needed to enable BJ to adoptthe increased costs of adopting environmentally sustainablepractices in our synagogue, helping to reduce our community'scarbon footprint.

Hebrew School — Contributions help provide a vibrant andcompelling Jewish educational experience and enable ourclassrooms and initiatives to grow.

Helen Radin Memorial Zayin Adar Teaching — Contributionssupport the annual Zayin Adar Teaching. Helen Radin, beloved BJmember and former BJ staff member, provided a loving andsupportive foundation for somany in our community in her role asDirector of the Rabbinic Office, staff member of Hevra Kadishafor over 11 years, and as a committed volunteer. Helen diedunexpectedly on December 13, 2007. Her foundation will beeverlasting. To honor Helen and the incredible mitzvot sheperformed throughout her life we have named the Zayin AdarAnnual Teaching in her memory.

Hevra Kadisha — Contributions help provide comfort to thosewho are in mourning.

Holiday Programming — Contributions are needed to helpsupport the cost of special programming for our holidaycelebrations and commemorations throughout the year.

Homeless Shelter Fund — Contributions support the BJ/SPSAHomeless Shelter andmake it possible to continue to provide hotmeals, overnight accommodations, and a light breakfast five daysa week.

Israel Trip Scholarships — Travel to Israel is irreplaceable inaffirming the central Jewish value of love of Eretz Yisrael. Based onour belief that we must continue to challenge ourselves and find

relevant paths to modern Jewish practice, we charge every BJmember to visit Israel. Contributions assist those in need whocould not otherwise afford to travel with us to Israel.

Judith Bernstein Lunch Program Fund — Contributions providelunch to those in need. Every Thursday, our dedicated volunteersserve a hot meal and distribute brown bag lunches, helpinghundreds of hungry adults and children each month.

Kiddush Fund—Contributions are needed to help cover the costsof holding our community kiddushim on the weeks whenwe don’thave sponsorship.

Rabbi Marshall T. Meyer Memorial Fund — Established inmemory of RabbiMarshall T. Meyer, z”l spiritual leader of BJ from1985 to 1993. Contributions support projects outside the BJcommunity that honor his lifelong pursuit of tikkun olam.

Miriam L. Siroky Fund for Family Education — Contributionssupport projects such as the Reimagine education initiative, the BJFamily Siddur, and the CD HaLaila Hazeh: TheMusic of Pesah at BJ.

Operating Endowment Fund — Contributions ensure BJ’s futurevitality.

Rabbis’ and Hazzan’s Discretionary Funds—Contributions allowthe rabbis and hazzan to make donations as they see fit.

Renee Kaufman Memorial Fund — Contributions support anannual program of particular interest to the Jewish family.

Richard M. Kaplan Memorial Fund — Contributions supportprojects like the BJ CD, aimed at sharing BJ’s music with the widerJewish community.

Sarah Segal Memorial Fund — Contributions provide a yearlyscholarship to a BJ Hebrew School family who could not otherwisegive their child a Jewish education.

Shabbat B’Yahad — Contributions support our ShabbatCommunity dinners and program.

Shabbat Oneg — Contributions support the BJ Oneg program,helping to enrich individual Shabbat experiences and createtransformative moments and greater meaning for the entirecommunity.

Shira Palmer-Sherman Memorial Fund — Contributions bringprominent scholars to BJ to speak about egalitarianism andpluralism in the Jewish world.

Social Action Fund—Contributions support programs reflectingBJ’s commitment to social change.

Teen Programming and Scholarships — Contributions supportour growing teen program designed to empower teens througheducation, advocacy, direct service and immersion experiences,giving them the necessary tools to engage in the larger world.Contributions also assist those in need who could not otherwiseafford to participate in programming and teen trips.

Yizkor Fund — It is a Jewish custom to make a donation on theanniversary of the death of our loved ones. Contributions supportthe Synagogue's general operating fund.

Tzedakah: Giving to BJ, continued


30

Thank you for your support of and interest in Congregation B’nai

Jeshurun. We look forward to your active involvement in our

vibrant community. Please contact Belinda Lasky, Director of

Membership, [email protected] or 212-787-7600 x224, with any

questions. To apply for membership online, visit our website at

www.bj.org and click on the “Membership” link.

TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to any person of the Jewish faith and his/herspouse/partner. Membership is for a one-year period, beginningJuly 1 and ending on June 30. Members can choose from one ofthe following membership categories: :

Individual: Single member without children.

Family: Married couple or two individuals living together in apartnered relationship, with or without children; single parentswith children who wish to be informed of or included in childrenor family events.

Full-Time Student:Youmust provide a photocopy of your currentstudent ID or registration.

BJ Friend: For those living outside of the tri-state area and beyondcommuting distance from the synagogue.

Tze’irim Introduction: For first-time members ages 20-29.

FAIR SHARE DUES PLAN

As part of our obligation to create a kehillah kedoshah—a holycommunity—we eachmust assume the responsibility of meetingthe financial requirements of our synagogue. The BJ Fair ShareDues System allows members to pay their dues based on theirhousehold income. You are not asked to disclose your income, butonly to accept those dues which are justly applicable to you. Nofinancial documents are required. Rather, we ask that eachmember pledge as honestly and as accurately as possible. Allfinancial information is treated confidentially. No adjustments willbe made due to membership in other synagogues.

Please note that the dues listed are pro-rated January throughJune 2009. Membership renewal and High Holy Dayinformation for 2009-2010 will be available on June 1, 2009.Please make sure to visit the BJ website, www.bj.org, at that timeand renew early to ensure seating for the High Holy Days.

2009 PRO-RATED MEMBERSHIP DUES

Special introductory rate for first-time BJ members ages 20-29with an annual income of less than $75,000. If you are in acomfortable financial position, we recommend that you pay the FairShare Dues.

No one will be turned away based on financial considerations. Ifyou are unable to meet your designated level of dues based onfinancial hardship, please contact Belinda Lasky, Director ofMembership, [email protected], x224, or Sarah Verity, MembershipAssociate, [email protected], x250.

Membership Information 2009/5769


Annual Income Individual Family

$0 - 30,000 $230 $288

$31,000 - 40,000 $330 $380

$41,000 - 50,000 $408 $490

$51,000 - 60,000 $490 $593

$61,000 - 70,000 $573 $695

$71,000 - 85,000 $695 $825

$86,000 - 100,000 $800 $980

$101,000 - 125,000 $1,005 $1,210

$126,000 - 150,000 $1,210 $1,455

$151,000 - 200,000 $1,550 $1,800

$201,000 + $1,770 $2,100

Full-time student $75 $4,200

BJ Friend $350 $4,200

Individual 20-29 Family 20-29

Year 1 $90 $180

Year 2 $90 $180

Year 3 begin paying Fair Share Dues begin paying Fair Share Dues

PHOTO: TOM ZUBACK 31

Board of TrusteesRobert BuxbaumSusan EtraJeff FeigRochelle FriedlichChristina GantcherBarbara GlassmanBarbara GoldmanSofia HubscherDavid KarnovskyJoel KazisBeth KernDebbie LernerAndrew LittRussell MakowskyHenry MeerAndrea NewmanBenjamin RossMimWarden

Executive Committeeof the BoardJonathan AdelsbergPresident

Susan Kippur*Chair

Harriet AbrahamVice-President

Robin FleischnerVice-President

Stephen StulmanVice-President

Debra FineTreasurer

Jeannie BlausteinSecretary

Richard KalikowGeneral Counsel

Honorary TrusteesVirginia Bayer*Ted Becker*Frederic GoldsteinMarcy Grau*David Hirsch*Richard Janvey*Robert KanterJoan KaplanSara Moore Litt*Naomi MeyerJudith Stern Peck*

*Past President

Jonathan has been a member of BJ since 1993. He hasbegun his first year as President of the Board of Trusteesafter serving for many years as counsel. He has been activeon the Real Estate Committee, Israel Committee and hasbeen a solicitor for the Kol Nidre Annual PartnershipAppeal. He is currently a partner in the Real EstateDepartment of Herrick Feinstein, LLP. He has been activein both the New Israel Fund and the Abraham Fund.Jonathan is married to Anita Sibony.

Jonathan Adelsberg, President of the Board


32 PHOTO: TOM ZUBACK

OfficeThe Ansonia2109 Broadway, Suite 203New York, NY 10023Cross streets: W. 73rd St.and Broadway

Main Telephone:212-787-7600Fax: 212-496-7600Website: www.bj.org

Rabbinic OfficeRabbi J. Rolando MatalonRabbi Marcelo R. BronsteinRabbi Felicia L. Sol

[email protected]

Hazzan &Music DirectorAri [email protected], 232

Marshall T. MeyerRabbinic Fellows

Rabbi Esther [email protected], 264

Ezra [email protected], 251

Yosef Goldman,Cantorial [email protected], 274

Leora Frankel,Rabbinic Intern, Youth and [email protected], 271

Sarah Guthartz,Assistant toRabbi J. Rolando [email protected], 234

Naomi Goodhart,Assistant toRabbi Marcelo R. Bronsteinand Hazzan Ari [email protected], 240

Elizabeth Stone,Assistant toRabbi Felicia L. Soland Executive DirectorHarold [email protected], 233

Executive Director’s OfficeHarold Goldman,Executive [email protected], 248

Administration and FinanceRon Seitenbach, Director of Finance& [email protected], 226

Marilyn Perez,Accounting [email protected], 227

Ebenezer Aryee,Accounts Receivable [email protected], 237

Shakeara Hatchett,[email protected], 221

Arlene Brandon,Room Rental and B’nai [email protected], 223

Susan Kalev, JBFCS/Social Work [email protected], 377

Developmentand External AffairsAviva Raichelson,Director of Developmentand External [email protected], 242

Denise Waxman,Communications [email protected], 275

Erzsebet Ragyina,Senior Development [email protected], 228

Judith Scheer,Administrative [email protected], 229

Harriet R. Goren,Art Director

MembershipBelinda Lasky,Director of [email protected], 224

Sarah Verity,Membership [email protected], 250

Yaffa Garber,Life Cycle [email protected], 256

Guy Felixbrodt,Community Initiatives [email protected], 255

Youth & Family EducationIvy Schreiber,Director of Education(Youth and Family)[email protected], 225

Davey Rosen,Family [email protected], 244

Kerrith Solomon,Director of Teen [email protected], 253

Rebecca Rosenthal,Acting Director of the ReligiousSchool and Shabbat & HolidaysCoordinator (Youth and Family)[email protected], 243

Elana Ayalon,Program Administrator(Youth and Family)[email protected], 260

ProgrammingBella Zuzel,Director of Social Action/Social [email protected], 259

Channa Camins,Social Action [email protected], 261

Facilities ManagementRoma Serdtse,Director of [email protected], 258

Raman KhakhlouMikhail KremerovDamian MazuchowskiMariusz MazuchowskiLyubomir MulyavaBoris SerheyevLeonid TaytsVladimir TaytsSolomon TsveitelDmitry Ziskin

Staff Directory

Guide IndexBar/Bat Mitzvah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Bekef 35+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Bikkur Holim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25BJ/Ralph Bunche SchoolPartnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

BJ Reads (P.S. 166 TutoringProgram) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Children’s Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Daily Minyan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 27Dues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Festival Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 12

Hakhnasat Orhim(Welcoming Guests). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Havurot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 25, 26Hazzan (Cantor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Hebrew School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Hevra Kadisha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Homeless Shelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Interfaith Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Kashrut Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Kiddush Scheduling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Kol Nidre Appeal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Ledor Vador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Life Cycle Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Limud (Adult Classes) . . . . . . . . . . . 14-17Lunch Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Membership Information . . . . . . . . 28, 31Music at BJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6Pastoral Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Rabbis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 3, 7Retreats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Room Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Scholars in Residence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Shabbat Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Shabbat B’Yahad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Social Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Special Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 20Tefillah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12Teens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 28Torah/Haftarah Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Tze’irim 20s & 30s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Tzedakah/Giving to BJ. . . . . . . . . . . 29-30

Ushering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Volunteering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-28Youth and Family Education. . . . . . . 18-21

Design: Harriet R. GorenProofreading: Joyce GottliebPrinting: Wall Street Group

Printed on Recycled Paper

For questions about the weekly BJKol Jeshurun newsletter or bimonthlyKol Hadashmagazine, contact DeniseWaxman, Communcations Manager,[email protected], x275.

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 530New York, NY

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN

2109 BROADWAY, SUITE 203

NEW YORK, NY 10023

“B’nai Jeshurun changes your perception of what

Judaism can be. It revitalizes and reenergizes it,

like a living, breathing thing. It’s not antiquated and

in the books—it’s about how does this thing

relate to my life today?” —BJ Member

guide to the bj community february-august 2009 shevat-av 5769

Documents

bj rabbi

rabbi bronstein

rabbi of estadioisraelita

rabbi matalonserves

founding rabbi atcongregacion

newyork board of rabbis

bj communityfebruaryaugust

contemporary life