the newsletter of woodlands community temple

January 2014

Shevat 5774

january HIGHLIGHTS

Four decades after the slogan “America: Love it or Leave it!” captured the polarization of the nation over the Vietnam War, there’s a new source of personal turmoil, but this time it centers on the once-impermeable support of World Jewry for the State of Israel.

Now, a fascinating and innovative series of multimedia discussion sessions at Woodlands beginning Wed, Jan 5 promises to probe that issue and its relationship to the long-held concept of “Jewish Values.”

“I’ve always been troubled by people who object to anyone who objects to things Israel says or does,” says Rabbi Billy, who will moderate the series. “It just never made sense to question my, or anyone else’s, loyalty if we suggested that Israel had done something that wasn’t 100 percent perfect.”

“A number of years ago,” he recalls, “I went to an exhibit of Palestinian protest art at the County Center in White Plains. Outside, there was a huge rally in progress, staged by members of the Jewish community who insisted that the artists not have the right to display their works. And I thought to myself, ‘What would you rather have them

do? Pick up rocks?’ They were protesting in a sociably acceptable way. That doesn’t mean we should agree with them, but we should be supporting this very peaceful form of expression.

“For Some, Israel is Goliath Now…”In January, a new five-part course will explore a new narrative emerging from Israel and the Diaspora concerning Israel

By David C. Berliner

Fri, Jan 10 at 8 p.m. is Shabbat Shira, and Woodlands will celebrate the many facets that make up the music of the modern Jew. Joining us will be a dynamic musical ensemble from many lands! Our virtuosic guitar duo (pictured to the right), Isra-Alien, hails from Israel; the vocalist, Nicole Borger, is Brazilian; and the percussionist, David Freeman, lives in Brooklyn.

Add to it the hand (and voice) of our cantor and the Jewish Caravan will arrive with joy and energy galore.

Hear modern Jewish songs that express timeless

Bossa Nova Shabbat!

Scan this QR code for more WCT information.

Continued on page 2

“Engaging Israel” BeginsJan 8

Shabbat ShiraJan 10

Mitzvat Mississippi Spaghetti Dinner

Jan 11

Tu b’Shevat LearningJan 16

MLK ShabbatJan 17

Mishpakha ShabbatJan 24

Uri Regev Comes for Brunch

Jan 26

A Joyful NoiseJan 31

Deadline for Cookbook Recipes

Jan 31

Super Bowl PartyFeb 2

Jewish themes, sung in Hebrew, Portuguese, and Yiddish, as well as new takes on traditional prayers from the liturgy, all arranged with superb musicality and abandon.

Shabbat Shira is the festive yearly tribute to song as our ultimate expression of faith. This year we’ll achieve new heights of beauty and joy.

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Our Woodlands Community

Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org

Rabbi Mara Young rabbimara@wct.org

Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon cantor@wct.orgRoss Glinkenhouse, Youth Director youth@wct.org

Corey Friedlander, Sh'liakh K'hilah corey@wct.org

Dan Geffen, Rabbinic Intern intern@wct.org

Executive CommitteeStu Berlowitz, President president@wct.orgJenna Lebowich, VPEducation education@wct.ogCliff Schoen, VPFacilities facilities@wct.orgAndy Farber, VPFinance finance@wct.orgDayle Fligel, VPProgramming/Ritual programming@wct.orgHerb Friedman, FinancialSecretary financialsecretary@wct.orgAndrea Einhorn, Secretary secretary@wct.orgMark Selig, Treasurer treasurer@wct.org

Board of Trustees

Rochelle Stolzenberg (ex-officio)

Nancy BrownGloria FalkNancy FishmanJill GarlandAliza GarofaloYvette Gralla

Lois GreenBarry LeibowitzLisa SacksMike ScafidiJay WernerMichele Wise

Office Staff Patricia Nissim, Temple Administrator

pat@wct.org

Liz Rauchwerger, Rabbi’s Assistantliz@wct.org

Michele Montague, Religious Schoolmichele@wct.org

Lori Bluberg, Bookkeeperbookkeeper@wct.org

About Our TempleWoodlands Community Temple50 Worthington RoadWhite Plains, NY 10607914.592.7070 main office914.592.1790 religious school direct line914.592.7376 faxwct@wct.orgwww.wct.orgReligious School: school@wct.org

Woodlands Community Temple is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism

Editor: Mike WinklemanArt Director: Melanie RoherDesign and Production: Kate Levy

And so I was very saddened that I had to cross a Jewish picket line to get into the Center and that a friend of mine who was among the protestors felt he had to warn me by saying, ‘I’m not certain I can assure your safety if you go in.’”

The course is based on the presumption that American Jews’ relationship with Israel is more strained than ever. “More and more Jews are turning their backs on Israel because they feel that it does not have anything to offer that reflects their vision of what morality and democracy are all about,” Rabbi Billy explains. “In reality, there is a lot of justice, a lot of morality, and a lot of democracy there. It’s a story we don’t hear much about because we’re more likely to hear the political voice as the only voice. There is a need to hear the other voices. There is a need for a new narrative to emerge from Israel and the Diaspora concerning Israel. It’s no longer a question of Israel being pushed into the sea. For some, it’s Goliath now. So, many Jews are no longer signing blank checks to Israel anymore; we’re writing them to Jewish organizations that reflect our values: that men and women should be treated fairly and equally, that economic justice should be responded to, and that one religious group should not have hegemony over the others.”

Each year, individual scholars have visited Woodlands for a weekend of teaching and conversation. “Year-round, the rabbis give sermons, the cantor gives sermons, and we all discuss those together,” Rabbi Billy said. “Meanwhile, there are brilliant people out there who have so much more information and learning, and we wish we could hear from them.”

Cue the upcoming series. Here’s

how it will work, according to Rabbi Billy: Dr. Donniel Hartman, president of the Shalom Hartman Institute—a pluralistic, progressive think tank in Jerusalem—realized that in this era of social media, the Institute’s scholars could be transported to virtually every synagogue in the world. So, he recorded a nine-part series of 25-minute video

lectures. We can watch them, but while we can discuss them among ourselves, we can’t question him. Hartman found a creative, alternate solution: He convened panels of scholars and recorded a second series, this time with academicians,

philosophers, and scholars in Israel discussing each lecture. These recordings will serve as the basis for discussion among those who are in attendance at the temple.

Each of the nine topics will be covered in five 90-minute sessions, though Rabbi Billy believes the schedule will only allow three of the nine subjects to be discussed in this round, with the next set scheduled for sometime in the coming year.

The course starts Wed, Jan 8 and concludes Wed, Feb 5 (for a list of sessions, see page 3). All sessions begin at 8 p.m. and last 90 minutes, except for the fifth session, which will last two hours. Cost: $18 for the course and $20 for reading materials. “We want our members and friends to share their thoughts and feelings on these subjects,” Billy said. “But if anyone can’t afford the fees, we invite them to join us without charge.”

You can register on the temple’s website (www.wct.org), by calling the temple (914-592-7070) or by visiting the temple office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

Continued from page 1

...In reality, there is a lot of justice, a lot of morality, and a lot of democracy there. It’s a story we don’t hear

much about...

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Worship Schedule

Hevra Torah Learning: Saturdays, 9:15-10:15 am

Shabbat Va’era Exodus 6:2 - 9:35 ... Isaiah 66:1-13

Fri, Dec 27 Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 p.m. Harriet Levine, Corey Friedlander, and Cantor Ellen Dreskin will join Rabbi Billy for a farewell to 2013. Babynaming tonight ... Callie Sarah Santoro, daughter of Stacy and Peter Santoro, granddaughter of Michael and Trudy Holand.

Shabbat Bo Exodus 10:1 - 13:16 ... Jeremiah 46:13-28

Fri, Jan 3 Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 p.m. Rabbi-to-be Maya Glasser will speak.

Sat, Jan 4 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate with us as Juliana Freiberg, daughter of Daniel and Denia Freiberg, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.

Shabbat Beshallakh Exodus 13:17 - 17:16 ... Judges 4:4 - 5:31

Fri, Jan 10 Kidz Shabbat at 7:00 p.m. Our monthly 30-minute shenanigans. Join in songs and stories with Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara, and Cantor Jonathan.

Shabbat Shira Music Service at 8:00 p.m. Festive tribute to song as our ultimate expression of faith. See page 1 for details.

Sat, Jan 11 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate as Matthew Heinlein, son of Lisa and J. Heinlein, grandson of Lois and Arnold Melman, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Shabbat Yitro Exodus 18:1 - 20:26 ... Isaiah 6:1 - 7:6

Fri, Jan 17 Martin Luther King Shabbat Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 p.m. An evening devoted to the writings, thoughts, and dreams of Dr. King and all

of us who have followed him. Rabbinic intern Dan Geffen will speak.

Sat, Jan 18 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate with us as Elijah Emery, son of Miriam and Dan Emery, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Shabbat MishpatimExodus 21:1 - 24:18, Exodus 30:11-16 ... Jeremiah 34:8-22

Fri, Jan 24 Mishpakha Shabbat at 7:00 p.m. (note earlier time) For the entire congregation, just earlier. Meaningful for adults, engaging for kids! Join us for a quick dinner at 6:00 p.m. – reservations at wct.org/mishpakha.

Sat, Jan 25 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate with us as Samuel Hirth, son of Dora and Leon Hirth, grandson of Phyllis Hirth, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Shabbat Terumah Exodus 25:1 - 27:19 ... I Kings 5:26 - 6:13

Fri, Jan 31 A Joyful Noise at 8:00 p.m. A service for everyone, from youngest to oldest. With a dozen musicians and your voices, we’ll fill the Sanctuary with a joyful noise! Special welcome tonight to our 5th grade families.

Sat, Feb 1 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate with us as Brendan Chang, son of Heidi Gralla and Dean Chang, grandson of Yvette and Larry Gralla, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Babysitting at 8 p.m. Shabbat services is provided by teens from our religious school. This month, babysitting will be available on Jan 3, Jan 17, and Jan 31. There is no charge, and no advance notice is required.

Dec 28: Parashat Va’era Facilitated by Rabbi Billy

Jan 4: Parashat Bo Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan

Jan 11: Parashat Beshallakh Facilitated by Rabbi Billy

Jan 18: Parashat Yitro Facilitated by Rabbinic Intern Dan Geffen

Jan 25: Parashat Mishpatim Facilitated by Rabbi Mara

Engage Israel: A Closer LookThe iEngage Project, from which the Engage Israel course (page 1) is drawn, includes the following lectures, many of which will be covered during the course’s five sessions (Wednesdays, Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, and Feb 5, 8:00-9:30 PM).

Lecture 1: From Crisis to CovenantLecture 2: Religion and PeoplehoodLecture 3: Sovereignty and IdentifyLecture 4: Power and PowerlessnessLecture 5: War and OccupationLecture 6: Morality on the BattlefieldLecture 7: Jewish and Democratic StateLecture 8: Religious Pluralism and Human RightsLecture 9: Values Nation

Among those on the Engaging Israel team, many of whom participated in the video lectures and discussions that will be shown during the course, were:

• Professor Steven M. Cohen, professor of Jewish Social Policy at HUC-JIR

• Yossi Klein Halevi, author and political journalist

• Reverend Dr. Peter Pettit, director of the Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding (who is leading a team exploring ways to bring these messages to the Christian community)

For more information on the Engaging Israel Project, visit www.iengage.org.il

Why a Shabbat Service to Honor Dr. King?Fri, Jan 17 at 8:00 p.m.

What does Martin Luther King Day mean to you? Another Monday holiday? Sales at the Westchester? But where does

one go to commemorate Dr. King’s lifetime commitment to racial and human equality? Or to affirm our own commitment to the continuing struggle for civil rights?

That’s why we encourage you and your family to join us for our annual Martin Luther King Shabbat. Make sure your kids understand the importance of this day. And set aside time for your own observance of this significant American holiday.

There’s abundant room around our table. We’d love to have you join our lively conversation..

I get it. Really. It costs a lot of money to belong to a synagogue. Those numbers go up every year, and I’m not surprised when someone wonders, “Is synagogue membership worth it?” Across North America, people not only ask this question, but they vote with their feet. Small fee-for-service entities (think “Chabad”) and rent-a-rabbis do a booming business. So it behooves us to fearlessly confront these questions ourselves, to explore the future of “dues” and, perhaps, of full-service synagogues as well.

Here’s why I think belonging to a synagogue is worth it:1) Woodlands is where we go to celebrate life’s significant

and poignant moments. Not by ourselves, not merely with family, but with our entire community. We do so because something in us yearns to connect broadly at these times, to feel a part of something larger, to sense the pulse of the universe and where we reside in its vast schematic.

2) Woodlands is where we go to be reminded of the importance of nurturing those bonds of connectivity. We come to Woodlands to meet others: our Jewish neighbors, our Christian neighbors, our neighbors in need, and more. The universe is big, and we are busy. Yet reaching out beyond ourselves, beyond our immediate circle of love and care, is important to our feeling purposeful and complete. And if we have kids, this is something we want for them too.

3) Woodlands is where we go to ponder life—in all its complexity, its difficulty, and its possibility. No matter how privileged we may be, life is hard. At one time or another, we experience pain and loss. Suffering is not reserved for others. We wonder how to make sense of failed relationships,

compromised health, stumbling careers, unchecked greed, ever-spiraling violence and war. Millennia of rabbis have probed these same questions, and here at Woodlands they step out of the pages of the past and join us around the table—to continue the conversation, and to welcome us into this struggle for insight.

So, can we go elsewhere to buy our kid a Bar Mitzvah, to rent a rabbi to stand under our huppah or officiate at a loved one’s funeral? Absolutely. And we’ll save a lot of money. But synagogues bring us ongoing friendships with our temple staff, with our temple community, and with our wider community that we might not otherwise have. Temples bring us moments of sacred celebration, learning, and caring, experiences only available at places like Woodlands, where the doors to a full spectrum of Jewish life and of human relationship help frame our lives in a broad, spiritual context.

I may not have a perfect name for it—“dues” doesn’t seem to cover it, “tzedakah” almost gets me there—but those checks you write to be part of this synagogue community, I think they’re the perfect gift we give to ourselves and our loved ones, and to a community that needs people who care to live “bigger” than the walls of our homes.

Thank you for joining us here at Woodlands. We all look forward to navigating life’s adventures—wherever they take us—together.

That’s a Lot of Money! Thinking About Synagogue Dues

F r o m t h e r a b b i

URJ Biennial 2013/5774

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WCT delegates, l. to r.: Mickey Milbauer, Rabbi Mara, WCT President Stu Berlowitz, Youth Direcctor Ross Glinkenhouse, Rabbinic Intern Dan Geffen, Rabbi Billy. Not pictured: Cantor Ellen Dreskin.

Rabbi Mara introduced herself to Anat Hoff-man to tell her about our Rosh Hodesh: Women of the Wall commemoration.

C o m m i t t e e r e p o r t s

Social Action

Adult Education

Knitting and Crocheting Sun, Jan 12, 5 – 8 p.m. Join us for a potluck dinner, conversation, and knitting and crocheting squares to be made into a blanket for Hope’s Door Women’s Shelter. RSVP to Angela Adler at angeadler@aol.com if you can join us, and let us know what you’ll be bringing. Beginning knitters welcome.

Project Isaiah Join a new partnership with the Ossining Presbyterian Church’s mentoring project for formerly incarcerated individuals, the Breaking the Chains Project, every Wed at 6 p.m. There are opportunities for volunteering food, clothing, mentoring and funding. Visit www.wct.org/social-action/task-forces/project-isaiah or write Lynnidagoodman@hotmail.com.

Donate a Kindle Donate your used electronic reader, or a new one, to the Abayudaya community in Uganda. Please leave your donation in the temple office or with Jeanne Bodin. For more information go to wct.org/social-action/projects

Advocacy Task Force What keeps Reform Jews awake at night? Learn about the current issues

by reading the Religious Action Center website at www.rac.org and sign up for the Chai Impact newsletter. You can also follow the Israeli Religious Action Center at irac.org and sign up for their newsletter.

Dessert for a Week Woodlands supplied desserts for a week for the VOA Residence in Valhalla during December and will continue in January. Meals do not include dessert due to government cutbacks. Fresh fruit is requested all year long. If you are interested, contact Jeanne Bodin at Jeanne.Bodin@gmail.com.

Collection of the Month Plastic grocery bags to be reused by a food pantry. If you have clean plastic bags that a food pantry can reuse to give out food to their clients, please leave them in the marked basket in the lobby.

Food of the Month Healthy, non-perishable food

Get Involved with Social Action Check out wct.org/social-action/projects or email Julie Stein at SocialAction@wct.org.

Mussar Cantor Jonathan Gordon and Lisa Sacks Sun, Jan 5, 9:30 a.m. We’ll delve into the Jewish tradition of Mussar, a spiritual practice focused on developing inner awareness and proper conduct.

Daytime Diversions Wed, Jan 8, 10:00 a.m. We welcome back Seymon Pinkhasov (rescheduled from Nov) who brings us his film What If? The Helene Mayer Story and will talk about Helene’s role as a fencer in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin.

Wed, Jan 15, 10:00 a.m. The Current Events Discussion Group ponders and attempts to solve the world’s problems, led this month by the well-read Phyllis Hirth.

Engaging Israel - Part 1 Rabbi Billy Dreskin Wednesdays, Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, and Feb 5, 8:00-9:30 p.m. An exploration of the foundations for a new relationship, rooted in Jewish values and ideas. Course, $18; book, $20.

Judaism 101: Jewish Thinkers (Modern) Rabbi Mara Young Sunday, Jan 26, 9:30 a.m. Ever wonder who we mean when we say, “The Rabbis say...”? Come find out who they were and what they thought about God, Torah, and Jewish life.

Ongoing Classes: Jewish Studies (Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.) Hebrew (Thursdays at 8:00 p.m.)

Please check the WCT Adult Ed. brochure or wct.org for more information.

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During our many buying trips and meetings with Judaica artists over the past two years, the Judaica Shop Committee has learned that the art of

Judaica is steeped in tradition, and there’s a strong sense of history and culture in much of the work. No one exhibits her connection to Israel and Judaism more than our featured artist this month, Joy Stember.

On her Taglit Birthright trip to Israel in 2010, Joy became enamored with the landscape,

and the connection shaped her artistic identity. She is an industry award-winning contemporary metalsmith, and her range of pewter, brass, and silver hand-crafted mezuzot, candlesticks, menorot, dreidels, tzedakah boxes, Havdalah sets, and Seder plates are functional but collection worthy. Stop by the Judaica Shop and enjoy the beauty of Joy’s work.

It’s too cold outside for a yard sale, so The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is having its annual “yad” sale. All in-stock Torah pointers are 15% off during the month of January. Need a gift for someone who is becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Want to honor someone who will be reading from the Torah? A yad is a special keepsake gift and we have a beautiful selection, perfect for gift giving.

The Judaica Shop at Woodlands has a wide collection of beautiful items to enhance

your Shabbat, affordable jewelry, home blessings, and

wonderful gifts for every occasion. We love being

your neighborhood gift shop for gift giving…and getting.

The gift shop is open, by request, every day the temple office

is staffed. Evening and weekend hours are noted in the weekly temple email. Shopping for something special? Email us at: judaicashop@wct.org.

On November 27, 2013, an IDF delegation of doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and soldiers landed in Israel, just in time to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. They were returning from Bogo City in the Philippines, a town devastated by Typhoon Haiyan.

As during past tragedies, like the earthquakes in Japan and Haiti, the Israeli team was one of the first on-site, offering much needed medical and logistical support to those in need. In only two weeks, the Israeli team helped 2,686 patients (848 were children), delivered 36 babies, and helped rebuild four schools.

When asked why they had flown halfway around the world to help, Col. Dr. David Dagan, commander of the delegation explained: “Everyone was motivated by compassion and guided by the values of human dignity and friendship.” Unquestionably, a powerful example of tikkun olam in action.

Brunch with Uri RegevSun, Jan 26, at 10:30 a.m.

Marriage and Divorce in Israel A cherished tradition or a human rights violation?

Who is a Jew? So you think you’re Jewish? Think again!

Riding in the Back of the Bus Where do women belong?

The Haredim Army Exemption Is this legal draft evasion?

Explore the state of religious freedom and equality in Israel with Rabbi Uri Regev. president and CEO of Hiddush, the educational and advocacy Israel-diaspora partnership

This program is co-sponsored by Temple Beth Abraham, Temple Beth Shalom, Greenburgh Hebrew Center, JCC on the Hudson, Mishkan Ha’am, Rosh Pinah Chavurah, and Woodlands Community Temple.

For reservations, visit wct.org/regev

Just IsraelJanuary Happenings

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A Spaghetti Dinner to Benefit Mitzvat Mississippi Sat, Jan 11, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Since Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast in 2005, members of WCT have joined with members of Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church to spend the February break rebuilding what the storm destroyed. This February they’re returning for the eighth year, with much work still to be done. If joining them on this journey has always been of interest, but not something you’ve been able to do, here’s a way you can help. Join us on Sat, Jan 11 for an old-fashioned spaghetti dinner and games night.

The money raised through the dinner will be donated to the St. Bernard Project to help pay for the site manager and materials we will be using while we are working in February. The St. Bernard Project, with which we have teamed up for this year’s trip, works to help those still displaced by disasters, not only Katrina, but other storms such as Hurricane Sandy. For more information about the St. Barnard Project visit stbernardproject.org.

The cost is $15 an adult, $10 a child, and $30 for a family. Please sign up online (wct.org/spaghetti dinner) by Jan 8. Contact Dayle Fligel with questions at daylejf@gmail.com.

Tu b’Shevat Learning Thurs, Jan 16, 8:30-9:30 am Tu b’Shevat is Judaism’s original “Earth Day.” It celebrates the miracle of nature’s cycles, and provides a mystical seder that correlates these cycles with the ultimate redemption of humankind. You are invited to join Rabbi Billy for an hour’s exploration of Judaism’s take on Tu b’Shevat, on the beauty of nature, and on environmental responsibility. A light breakfast will be provided.

Tu b’Shevat Rock Climbing Mon, Jan 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m. At The Cliffs at Valhalla (1 Commerce Street, Valhalla, NY 10595) Anyone, ages 5 and up, can come join Rabbi Mara and Ross for a day of indoor rock climbing (children must be accompanied by an adult). Also, since it’s Tu b’Shevat and MLK Day, we’ll talk about what it means to climb “the rock of brotherhood” and how justice is tied to these holidays. $20 per person, only 30 spots…so sign up fast! You can come and watch for free, just let us know who will be climbing from your family. Email youth@wct.org with any questions. Be sure to sign the online waiver! Sign up here: wct.org/rockclimbing.

Book Club Thurs, Jan 23, 7:30 p.m. The Secret River by Kathleen Grenville. Winner of the Orange Prize, this bestseller tells the story of the settlement of New South Wales, Australia, by exiled British criminals at the turn of the 19th century.

S’forim Forum With Cantor Jonathan Gordon Sat, Jan 25, 4:30 p.m. Join us for a discussion of Isaac’s Torah by Bulgarian author Angel Wagenstein. It’s a very funny book concerning the life of Isaac Jacob Blumenfeld through two world wars, three concentration camps, and five motherlands.

Cooking for Interfaith Sun, Jan 26 Volunteer to cook part of a Sunday dinner for the Valhalla Shelter for Jan 26. Prepare part of the meal at home for the 20 people living in the shelter and bring it to the temple by 1 p.m. It’s easy: volunteer to make a salad, vegetables, main course, or whatever you’d like. It’s is a great family project. For more information or to let us know what you’d like to make, contact Julie Stein at SocialAction@wct.org

February and Beyond

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Purim 5774 Event Roundup

Sh’lakh Manot: The Gift That Keeps GivingDon’t forget to send in your Purim Goody Bag order form, which will arrive at your home by mail in early January. Please send your order in by Jan 31!

Not only is sending Sh’lakh Manot a mitzvah, but you will feel great knowing that all proceeds will go directly to keeping our Temple operating costs down as well as supporting our religious school.

The cost is tiered: $18 for the first family you select, and then $6 for each additional family. Or, better yet, send a goody bag to everyone in the congregation for just $118. Although families will receive only one Purim bag, the names of all families responsible for sending this gift will be included in a personalized Purim greeting.

Purim bags will be sent home with our students and will also be available for pickup after Purim celebrations.

Was Haman an Alien? Purim via SciFiSat, Mar 15 at 8:00 p.m.

This year we’ll tell the story of Purim with a Sci Fi extravaganza. Using bits taken from actual Hollywood movies, we’ll create our own dialogue. To join in the fun, pick a section of the Purim story and match it up with your favorite sci fi movie, constructing a scene with your own words. Our team of scary

filmologists will find a video of the movie, delete the original dialogue, and help you provide a voiceover on Purim evening. Join up with a couple friends , drop Jonathan a note at cantor@wct.

org, and you’re ready to go. We have some suggested movies and some favorite scenes. But don’t be constrained by our list. Outer space is the limit. You name it, we’ll help you make it work.

The Purim Carnival ReturnsSun Mar 16, at 11 a.m.

See the website—and next month’s Makom—for details.

Back by Popular Demand: The WCT Super Bowl Party Sun, Feb 2, 5-10 p.m.

With the Super Bowl being played at MetLife Stadium in wintry New Jersey, the Woodlands Super Bowl Party is back. Why freeze outside when you can be warm and watching with friends inside the comfort of Woodlands, watching the game on two giant screens. Great food and drink, great football, and of course, great ads. Also, great mah jongg for those not glued to the screens. Plus babysitting. Don’t miss the fun. Prices go up the closer we get to the game. So register today. Check the website for more details.

Baby, it’s cold outside…

Woodlands Reads….Coming Feb 9 Everyone—from age 5 to 95—has the potential to learn from a good story.

During Woodlands Reads, we’ll use modern fiction as a starting point for discussing personal identity and Jewish identity. The books we’ll be reading are:

• Ages 10 and under: Snow in Jerusalem by Debra Da Costa

• Grades 5-7 and teens: The Whole Story of Half a Girl by Veera Hiranandani,

• Adults: The People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

The Woodlands Reads multigenerational program will use adult, young adult, and children’s fiction as a starting point for exploring Jewish identity in the context of your life and heritage. Open to religious school families in lieu of SPARK, younger children with parents, teens, and adult readers of all ages.

While the event is free, there is a charge for lunch ($5/person; $15 per family). Reservations and payment are required by Feb 2.

For more information, check the temple website

Save the Date! 5th Annual Jonah Maccabee Concert with Julie Silver and Ken Chasen Sat, Mar 8 at 8:00 p.m.

Plan to attend the 5th Annual Jonah Maccabee Concert, featuring Julie Silver (beloved guitarist/vocalist) and Ken Chasen (half of

the very popular Mah Tovu), two of contemporary Jewish music’s favorite performers.

Don’t miss this evening of wonderful entertainment and community. Proceeds support scholarships for URJ summer experiences for Woodlands children and teens. Purchase your tickets at wct.org/jonahconcert.

Listen to Julie and Ken online. Visit juliesilver.com and mahtovu.com.

A Haman horror show.

Thank youThank you to Gloria Falk for joining Ross’s Monday night Academy class and sharing her stories and recipes. And thanks to Harriet Kohn and the Project Ezra volunteers for their tireless efforts (see page 8 to see the results).

t h e s i m k h a p a g e

Mazal Tov

Project Ezra Lunch: Sun Dec 8

Mazal Tov to Daniel and Denia Freiberg, as their daughter, Juliana, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.

Mazal Tov to J and Lisa Heinlein, as their son, Matthew, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Mazal Tov to Dan and Miriam Emery, as their son, Elijah, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Mazal Tov to Leon, Dora, and Phyllis Hirth, as their son and grandson, Samuel, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

B’nai MitzvahMatthew HeinleinJanuary 11 Torah Portion Beshallakh Hebrew Name Moshe Binyamin

Samuel HirthJanuary 18 Torah Portion Yitro Hebrew Name Sh’maryahu

Juliana FreibergJanuary 4 Torah Portion Bo Hebrew Name Hannah

Elijah EmeryJanuary 18 Torah Portion Yitro Hebrew Name Eliyahu Pinkhas

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Another Taste of WoodlandsSample this recipe —then send in your ownHere’s one of the hundreds of recipes we’ve already collected for the new and improved Woodlands Cookbook, due out this coming spring. Shouldn’t your favorites be represented, too? Of course they should. So submit them, along with the stories behind them, to recipes@wct.org. Or fill in the form you’ll find at www.wct.org/recipes. Questions? Contact Dayle Fligel at daylejf@gmail.com or Roberta Roos at rmroos@aol.com. Final deadline to submit recipes: Jan 31.

Roberta Roos’s Mejadra This rice and lentil dish is popular in Israel as both a side dish and a vegetarian entrée. It was one of the foods served at Woodlands’ Rosh Hodesh event celebrating 25 years of Women of the Wall.

Ingredients:1 cup lentils2 cups rice1 Tbs ground cumin3 onions, chopped2 onions, slicedSalt, to tasteFreshly ground pepper, to tasteOlive oil for frying

• Cook lentils until soft, about 30 minutes. Drain; set aside.

• In large saucepan, heat oil; fry chopped onions until golden brown. Add lentils, rice, cumin, salt and pepper; stir-fry until rice turns opaque, about 1-2 minutes. Add 3 cups boiling water and bring back to a boil; reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 15-20 minutes. Turn off heat, fluff, let rest 10 minutes before serving.

• Meanwhile, fry onion slices until crisp. When ready to serve, arrange onion slices over mejadra.

Note: Can be served at any temperature; for variety, add toasted coriander and/or cumin seeds, turmeric, allspice, cinnamon.

DonationsWe appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support Woodlands Community Temple by remembering and honoring their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions.

HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning.

Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.

The Woodlands CommunityMourns the Loss ofRochelle Eisenman mother of Geri Pell

Robert Charles Friedman father of Jonathan Friedman

Rabbi Billy’s Mitzvah FundThank you Rabbi Billy and in honor of Melanie Gluck’s conversion, from Adam Gluck.Thank you Rabbi Billy and in memory of Mary Shlaen, from Eileen Stein and Robert Melnick.In yahrzeit memory of Gastone Orefice, father of Laura Stevens, from Laura Stevens.In yahrzeit memory of Julia Fihrer, from Eileen and Steve Stein.In honor of Denali Sagner becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Steve Sagner and Jennifer Tower.In appreciation of Rabbi Billy for all your help and in honor of Ryan Turell becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Shari and Jonathan Turell.

Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah FundIn appreciation of Rabbi Mara for all your help and in honor of Ryan Turell becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Shari and Jonathan Turell.In honor of Denali Sagner becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Jennifer Tower and Steve Sagner.

Cantor’s Discretionary FundIn honor of the addition of your beautiful voice brought out for our High Holy Day Services, from Murray and Jeanne Bodin.In appreciation of Cantor Jonathan for all your help and in honor of Ryan Turell becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Shari and Jonathan Turell.In honor of Denali Sagner becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Jennifer Tower and Steve Sagner.

Chai FundIn memory of Robert Friedman, father of Jonathan Friedman, from Dayle and David Fligel.In memory of Robert Friedman, from Phyllis Opochinsky.In memory of Robert Friedman, from Gloria and Bill Falk.In memory of Robert Friedman, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz.In memory of Cynthia Landis, from Renee and Dave Doynow.In memory of Dorothy Segal, from Renee and Dave Doynow.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, mother of Geri Pell, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from David Griff and Roni Beth Tower.In memory of Nancy Marx, cousin of Janet Birnbaum, from Janet, Rick and Ronald Birnbaum.In memory of Mary M. Shlaen, mother of Eileen Stein, from Irwin M. Miller.In memory of Bruce Kreiger, brother of Ellen Rubin, from Yvette and Larry Gralla.In yahrzeit memory of Murray Fishman from Nanci and Lee Brickman.In honor of the Strick family, from Malcolm Appelbaum.In honor of Denali Sagner becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Dale, Elly, Maya and Zachary Glasser.Many thanks and in honor of the naming of Ava and Liam Doyle, from Ciaran and Tanya Doyle.

Social Action FundIn appreciation of Roberta Roos, for her leadership in the WOW Rosh Hodesh Program, from Julie Stein.

Lifelong Learning FundIn memory of Rochelle Eisenman, mother of Geri Pell, from David Patron.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Phyllis Opochinsky.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Laurie Landy.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Donna and Gordon Shlaek.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Corey Friedlander.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Gloria and Bill Falk.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Mark Khalil.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Raymond Sclafani.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Dayle and David Fligel.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Andy and Joan Farber.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Larry and Yvette Gralla.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Elyse Kirschner.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Heather Leach.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Ed and Dotty Miller.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Donna Spector Jakubovitz.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Libbie and Irv Saslaw.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Tom Nicolosi, Tom North and the P2 Team.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Adam Gluck.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Dale, Elly, Maya and Zachary Glasser.In memory of Rochelle Eisenman, from Lois Green

Education and Youth Activities FundIn honor of Denali Sagner becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Jenna, Michael and Marina Lebowich.

Bernard and Frances Shapiro Chesed Caring Community FundThank you to Bernie Bacharach, Lance Rosenthal, David Griff and Barry Kessler and in memory of Mary Shlaen, from Eileen Stein and Robert Milnick.

Steve’s H.O.P.E. FundIn memory of Stephen Lelewer and Maurice B. Cossman, from The Seiger Family.

Jonah Maccabee FundIn memory of Elaine Goldberg, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht.Mitzvah Project and in honor of Denali Sagner becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Denali Sagner and family.

Honor a Loved One Bookplates Now Available

It is a time-honored Jewish tradition to honor people we love by making a tzedakah contribution on their behalf. Now, in addition to contributing to our regular funds, you and your family may purchase bookplates to dedicate individual copies of our High Holy Days makhzor, Gates of Repentance. And your donation will help us purchase new prayerbooks as the need arises.

• Bookplates cost $36 each.• One plate will be lovingly inscribed

with both your and your loved one’s name• Each plate will be placed inside one

synagogue copy of our High Holy Days prayerbook.

Order online at wct.org/bookplate

To find out more about all the funds that are available for your support and for information about how to donate to these funds, please visit www.wct.org/community/how-to-give/133-donate

Scheduling Weddings or Funerals with Our Clergy

The rabbis and cantor want very much to be with you during significant life-cycle moments. Please speak with them before setting any dates or times for weddings or funerals. Don't be disappointed to learn they're not available at the time you've already arranged, so bring them "into the loop" at the very beginning of your planning.

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We thank o ur A d ve r t i s e r s f o r th e ir Sup p o r t10

Sell ads to support Makom.• • •

Market and promote temple activities.• • •

Work on the temple website.• • •

Keep the gardens pruned.• • •

Keep the budget balanced.• • •

Work on membership development and retention.

• • •Plan fundraisers.

• • •Plan the annual temple “gala.”

• • •Pursue tzedakah and tikkun olam.

• • •Bake latkes and hamentaschen.

• • •And anything else you can think of!

Write to volunteer@wct.org and we’ll put you in touch with the right

person for the right job.

Needs You!

YourTemple

We thank o ur A d ve r t i s e r s f o r th e ir Sup p o r t 11

Weinstein Memorial Chapel914-793-3800

1652 Central Park Avenue • Yonkers, New York 10710 (1 Block North of Tuckahoe Road)

E-mail: wmc1652@verizon.net

The Only Jewish Family Owned Chapel in Westchester County

A Family Commitment to the Jewish Community with Dignified, Respectful Service.

Four Generations of Personalized Service Mildred, Jack*, Seymour & Edward Weinstein (Owners)

Arrangements Available in Westchester and Metro NYC 24 Hours a Day • 7 Days a Week

We Accept All Major Credit Cards.

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current resident or:

From the Rabbinic Intern

I love video games. I also love Judaism. Sadly for me, these two loves rarely, if ever, seem to collide.

So you can imagine my gleeful surprise when a few months back I heard about a game entitled: The Shivah: Kosher Edition.

The Shivah is an “adventure game” (imagine an interactive murder mystery novel) that centers on a rabbi, who, like his synagogue, is a bit down on his luck. He is broke, and the shul is on the brink of bankruptcy. But just when everything is about to fall apart, he is informed that an estranged former congregant has died and left the temple $10,000 in his will.

At first, the rabbi is relieved, but then doubt begins to creep in. Where is this money coming from? What if the funds are tainted? And if so, is it permissible to use them, even for a noble cause? Over the next several hours of gameplay, the rabbi works to uncover the mystery using his wit, his saykhel (wisdom), and the most powerful tool in the rabbinic arsenal: answering questions, with questions.

Despite appearances though, The Shivah is not a “Jewish” video game, per se. It just so happens that the protagonist is a rabbi. Nor is the game intended to be

“educational” either. Nevertheless, in order to succeed in the game the player must learn and apply Jewish ethics, morals, values, and halakha (Jewish law) to progress. And thus, whether the game designers intended it or not, I would argue that The Shivah is one of the most exciting examples of Jewish education I have seen—outside of the WCT Academy— in a very long time.

You see, when a video game is well crafted, it is one of the most engaging and immersive experiences on earth. Unlike books or movies, games are by their nature, interactive. The players learn new (virtual) skills and information and are then presented with challenges to overcome using their newly acquired knowledge. These challenges require the user to apply not only what they have learned, but also to think deeply about the decisions they make and the impact their decisions will have in their virtual world.

Jewish education, I would argue, is no different. When it is successful, it

teaches new skills and provides new ways of understanding our faith, traditions, and values. When it works, it challenges learners to ask important questions and to think about the consequences of their actions. When it is truly meaningful, it transforms the learner and helps them to grow as human beings and as members of Klal Yisrael—in a fun and engaging environment.

So, if The Shivah is this effective as an educational tool without even trying to be one, just imagine what might be accomplished if we, in the Jewish community, were to harness the power of video games for our educational purposes? The possibilities are, quite literally, endless, and that has me very excited, indeed!

By Dan Geffen

What We Can Learn from Video Games. Really.