wct makom february 2015
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Woodlands Community Temple February 2015 BulletinTRANSCRIPT
the newsletter of woodlands community temple
February 2015
Sh’vat-Adar 5775
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The Woodlands community is fortunate to have Artist-in-Residence Marilyn Price with us this month … teaching, entertaining, and engaging us throughout the weekend of February 6-8. Marilyn has enchanted audiences and students throughout the country
as a puppeteer, storyteller, and educator for over thirty years -- and our turn is next! We have an entire weekend of programs and services planned where Marilyn will
help us to celebrate the stories of our people, from Torah times to our own. Emphasizing the Jewish people’s value of realizing precious life lessons through our stories, we will be pulled into the process with her. Her goal is to teach Torah, whether or not one has an extensive background in Jewish learning, understanding that each of us has our own life’s experiences from which to draw.
Every year Marilyn travels to a different congregation to present an artist-in-residence weekend as a way of honoring the memory of her brother, Rabbi David Lieb. Marilyn considers him the inspiration and guiding force behind both her storytelling and her sense of humor. An ardent teller of tales and a rabbi at ease in a multitude of settings, David was a wonderful model of a strong and effective rabbi. Marilyn honors her brother’s legacy of strength and humor and wisdom through her work.
With young audiences, Marilyn utilizes her distinctive handcrafted puppet characters to help stretch imaginations and illustrate Jewish teachings. She combines traditional folktales and original works into her presentations, entertaining with visual magic while offering her audiences the wisdom of the ages. Kindling families (on Fri eve, Feb 6) and SPARK families (on Sun morn, Feb 8) will both have special opportunities to interact with this loving and highly-skilled master teacher.
With adult crowds, Marilyn aims to challenge us to find ourselves within the ancient Jewish texts. How are the stories and laws of long ago relevant today, not only to the Jewish people as a whole but to each of us individually? Marilyn uses text and tradition to encourage self-expression and personal growth.
In addition to her contributions to our Friday evening service and her leading of Hevra Torah study on Saturday morning (9:15-10:15 am), Saturday evening we are in for a unique experience. We’ll shmooze and share Havdalah as the evening begins. Then, through a series of graceful exercises and conversations, Marilyn will guide us into the important task of telling our own stories (perhaps there or, if not then, whenever we are ready). Offers Marilyn, “Each of us has a story and each of us should honor our friends with that gift!”
Our Stories, Your StoriesArtist-in-Residence Marilyn Price
This year’s Jonah Concert mash-up will feature two extraordinary talents: Billy Jonas, a highly entertaining (and somewhat wacky) singer-songwriter, percussionist and multi-instrumentalist, alongside The Levins, who are also highly entertaining (and even wackier) in their presentation of harmony-driven, acoustic folk-rock.
It’s bound to be a great evening for us all, doubling as a tzedakah project. Proceeds from the concert will support need-based scholarships to help WCT kids get to URJ camps and other summer experiences.
Tickets available online at wct.org/jonah. Your extra-generous support is needed and deeply appreciated! Listen to Billy Jonas and The Levins online at billyjonas.com and thelevinsmusic.com.
6th Annual Jonah Maccabee Concert with Billy Jonas and The LevinsSat, Mar 7, 8:00 pm
By Rabbi Lisa Izes
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Our Woodlands Community
Rabbi Billy Dreskin [email protected]
Rabbi Mara Young [email protected]
Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon [email protected] Glinkenhouse, Youth Director [email protected]
Corey Friedlander, Sh'liakh K'hilah [email protected]
Jason Fenster, Rabbinic Intern [email protected]
Executive CommitteeStu Berlowitz, President [email protected] Lebowich, VPEducation [email protected] Schoen, VPFacilities [email protected] Farber, VPFinance [email protected] Fligel, VPProgramming/Ritual [email protected] Friedman, FinancialSecretary [email protected] Einhorn, Secretary [email protected] Selig, Treasurer [email protected]
Board of Trustees
Rochelle Stolzenberg (ex-officio)
Bob ApterNancy BrownAliza BurtonWendy EliezerGloria FalkNancy Fishman
Jill GarlandYvette GrallaBarry LeibowitzLisa SacksMike ScafidiMichele Wise
Office Staff Liz Rauchwerger, Office Coordinator
[email protected] Montague, Education Administrative Assistant
[email protected] Fine, Office Assitant
About Our TempleWoodlands Community Temple50 Worthington RoadWhite Plains, NY 10607914.592.7070 main office914.592.1790 religious school direct line914.592.7376 [email protected] School: [email protected] Woodlands Community Temple is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism
Art Director: Melanie RoherDesign and Production: Kate LevyAdvertising Director: Bob ApterProduction Director: Michelle Fine
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The stories of our lives are the legacies we leave to the next generation.Our weekend with Marilyn will open our minds and our hearts. Each of us will
have the opportunity to discover how the experiences in our own lives might be instructive to those who hear our stories, now or sometime in the future.
Marilyn has taught and presented across the country to educators, librarians, parents, professional puppeteers and storytellers, clergy and, of course, to children! She specializes in Jewish learning, and has designed and coordinated a Family Education Program that uses stories as the focal point of its lessons. She has served as consultant to curriculum development designers for schools, helping spread her innovative and accessible ways of teaching to others. Marilyn has been a regular faculty member for the Union for Reform Judaism’s Adult Learning Retreats, where she teaches adults a variety of subjects centered on stories and spirituality. She travels regularly as a guest scholar for elder hostel programs, synagogues and conferences, and is a frequent guest on National Public Radio.
Her puppetry and storytelling teaching skills have instructed adults and children on social issues that have included AIDS, the environment, the Holocaust, sacred spaces, Elijah the prophet, tzedakah, and mitzvot. All of the stories that she tells reflect Marilyn’s recipe for a value-laden and fulfilling life.
We are so pleased to have Marilyn join us. Do take every opportunity to be with us throughout the weekend!
Kindling (K-2 families) with Marilyn Price Fri, Feb 6 at 6:00-7:30 pm
Join artist/performer/storyteller/puppeteer Marilyn Price for this special Kindling program (at a special date and time)! We’ll join together
for dinner, followed by a special family program. Then feel free to stick around for our Shabbat Evening Service during which Marilyn will share even more of her great storytelling. Note: This is in lieu of regular class on Sat, Feb 7.
Weaving With Words: A Story-filled Shabbat Fri, Feb 6 at 8:00 pm
Artist-in-Residence Marilyn Price fills our liturgy with stories from then and now, to involve and satisfy our senses and spirit.
TorahTelling Sat, Feb 7 at 9:15 am
During our regular Hevra Torah session, we’ll study Parashat Yitro with Marilyn, asking, “What commandments are the ones that are without question and which are hidden between the words?” We’ll be challenged to find our own story inside this piece of Torah.
Getting to the Root of It! Sat, Feb 7 at 7:30 pm
Artist-in-Residence Marilyn Price will guide us in an exploration of our tradition’s stories and a look inside ourselves as well. Through a series of graceful exercises and conversations, we will uncover some of our own stories and the meanings of our lives.
SPARK with Marilyn Price Sun, Feb 8 (during your regular religious school session)
Come join artist/performer/storyteller/puppeteer Marilyn Price for a creative, interactive program of learning and discovery. Each child should be accompanied by an adult, ready for a fun-filled morning!
Artist-in-Residence Events
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Worship Schedule
Hevra Torah Learning: Saturdays, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Feb 7: Parashat Yitro Facilitated by Marilyn Price
Feb 14: Parashat Mishpatim Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan
Feb 21: Parashat Terumah Facilitated by Rabbi Billy
Feb 28: Parashat Tetzaveh Facilitated by Rabbi Mara
There’s abundant room around our table. Drop by once or often, we’d love to have you join our lively conversation. In the Meeting Room or Library.
“Happy New Year! Tu b’Shevat 2015!” Wed, Feb 4, 10:00-11:30 am
Learning with Rabbi Mara. For more info, please see the Adult Education section. Please note Daytime Diversions will join Rabbi Mara’s Tu B’Shevat learning.
Shabbat Yitro Exo 18:1 - 20:26 ... Isa 6:1 - 7:6, 9:5-6
Fri, Feb 6 Weaving With Words (A Story-filled Shabbat) at 8:00 pm Artist-in-Residence Marilyn Price will explore different shades of meaning – of our prayers, our family relationships, and of Torah – through the art of dynamic and exquisite storytelling. Come meet Marilyn tonight and throughout the weekend!
Sat, Feb 7 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am Celebrate with us as Daniel Goldberg, son of Michael Goldberg and Jenny Ottinger, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.
Shabbat Mishpatim Exo 21:1 - 24:18, 30:11-16 ... Jer 34:8-22, 33:25-26, II Kgs 12:5-16
Fri, Feb 13 Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 pm Cantor Jonathan will lead this evening’s service while the rabbis are away.
Sat, Feb 14 No 10:30 service this morning. Kaddish can be said at Hevra Torah Learning (9:15 am).
Shabbat Terumah Exo 25:1 - 27:19 ... I Kgs 5:26 - 6:13
Fri, Feb 20 Jammin’ Shabbat at 7:00 pm Put on your jammies, bring a bedtime friend, and c’mon over for the wildest 30 minutes of bedtime song, stories and blessings ever! We’ll be jammin’ on the keyboard and guitar, and makin’ a Shabbat to get you ready for bed. Bring a buck for tzedakah!
Simply Shabbat at 8:00 pm A quiet evening with your clergy. Familiar melodies and familiar prayers to bring us all together. Rabbinic intern Jason Fenster will speak.
Sat, Feb 21 No 10:30 service this morning. Kaddish can be said at Hevra Torah Learning (9:15 am).
Shabbat TetzavehExo 27:20 - 30:10, Deut 25:17-19 ... Eze 43:10-27, Est 7:1-10, 8:15-17
Fri, Feb 27 A Joyful Noise! at 8:00 pm A service for everyone, from oldest to youngest. With a dozen musicians and your voices, we’ll fill the Sanctuary with a joyful noise! Visual Worship tonight ... all prayers and readings will be projected onto screens.
Sat, Feb 28 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am No 10:30 service this morning. Kaddish can be said at Hevra Torah Learning (9:15 am).
•••••••••
Babysitting at 8:00 pm Shabbat services is provided by teens from our religious school. This month, babysitting will be available on February 6, February 13, and February 27. There is no charge, and no advance notice is required. Further information at [email protected].
Improv Purim Returns!Wed, Mar 4 at 8:00 pm
Yep, for those who remember, we have transformed Purim, from time to time, into the ultimate embarrassment: many of us trying our hands (probably better, “tying our hands”) at being funny in
our telling the story of Esther. You can relax, however; we’re not coming after you this year. But we are incredibly excited about the return of
Improv Purim! This time, it’s “Shushan’s Next Hit Musical!” Every scene and every song is improvised by the professional company of “Broadway’s Next Hit Musical!” about which the New York Times has said, “Hilarious!” and Time Out NY proclaims, “At last, a musical of, for, and by the people!”
Tonight, the crew gets its Jewish on, just for Woodlands! Under the direction of improv veterans Rob Schiffman and Deb Rabbai, whom TheaterWeek hails as “brilliant,” this will be a Purim you won’t soon forget!
So improvise yourselves a costume and meet us in the Sanctuary for a Purim filled with sex, violence, excellent food and endless laughter!
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How (Not) To Read the Bible
Science writer Bill Nye recently engaged in a debate with the director of the Creation Museum, “Evolution vs. Biblical Truth.” Tickets sold out in minutes. It led to a
massive influx of museum donations, and Nye got publicity for his newest book. A win for all concerned.
Such Creationists proclaim the literal truth of the biblical tale of creation: dioramas show boys and baby dinosaurs sitting side by side. Each man ridiculed the other in the eyes of his base. Secularists smugly dismissed, again, the relevance of the Hebrew Bible. Yet the “fundamentalist” approach to scripture is worlds apart from the Jewish approach to our holy books.
The Torah is a history of God’s interaction with the Jewish people. We find values we are intended to emulate; we get a sense our divine moral mission. These visions of truth are scattered through the Torah like nuggets in a gold mine. Our Rabbis have found them and show them to us in their teaching. Jews study Torah in order to find these gems and take them for our own. We know a word can be misspelled, turned on its head, or apparently wrong. Our idea of “literal truth” is that even these “mistakes” can be interpreted to have a special meaning.
In Genesis, there are two stories of the creation of Adam, and they do not agree in all things. Rav Soleveitchik wrote a profound treatise, The Lonely Man of Faith, in which he
deduces from the text that there are two kinds of human experience and personality. A secularist would say that the book is inconsistent. A fundamentalist might say that there are two human races. The rabbinic approach is based on love and a desire to approach God through study.
A debate took place recently at Temple Emanu-El (in New York City) in which Elliot Spitzer and Alan Dershowitz played attorneys in a trial of Abraham for offering his son to God. Charges ranged from attempted murder to child endangerment. Hundreds happily attended the high profile event, which the Times fully reported.
The story of the binding begins and ends with God’s instruction to Abraham. It teaches that humankind can be willing to obey divine commands, and that God does not want the death of the innocent. It is pure sophistry to leave God out of it and view Abraham as a deluded fanatic.
How many people, from the left and right, might benefit from exposure to real Jewish studies? Especially if they aim to quote Jewish scripture!
f r o m t h e C a n t o r
WCT Youth Engagement
NFTY 678 Climbing at the Cliffs Sun, Feb 8, 2:00 pm
NFTY Convention: Atlanta, GA Feb 13-17
WoodSY Night Thu, Feb 12, 7:15-9:00 pm
For March, save these dates! Purim Carnival Sun, Mar 8, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
NFTY Albany Social Justice Experience Sun-Mon, Mar 1-2
NFTY Elections Sun, Mar 15
NFTY Jr. Youth Kallah (for grades 6-7) Fri-Sun, Mar 27- 29 at URJ Kutz Camp
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Love Month February! Share the love with 10% off all in-stock jewelry Feb 1-15.
Celebrate your special someone with an Ahava (Hebrew for “love”) heart necklace by Michael Bromberg, a striking colorful Chai necklace by Israeli artist Seeka, or a red string bracelet by AlefBet.
Don’t forget the men in your life! Celebrate their love of Judaism with a chai, mezuzah or Star of David necklace.
This month’s featured artist is Robert Richter, doctor-turned-craftsman at age 50. His beautiful,
exotic-wood mezuzot are lovingly hand-crafted, using several woods to create intricate designs. Adhesive backed for
easy installation.
The Judaica Shop is open, by request, every day the temple office is staffed. Evening and weekend
hours are noted in the weekly temple email. Have a request?
Looking to volunteer? Email us: [email protected].
C o m m i t t e e r e p o r t s
Social Action
Adult Education
Each February a dedicated crew from Woodlands has journeyed to the Gulf Coast to help rebuild after the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. As our Mitzvat Mississippi mission comes to an end this year, we reflect on the good work of those who have given their time and support to restoring the homes and spirits of those living in the Gulf Coast region.
Mitzvat Mississippi: Reflections and Some Thank You’s from Stu Berlowitz
In December’s issue of Makom, I announced that our annual mission to the Gulf Coast has concluded after nine very successful trips to help repair homes devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This month it feels rather strange not preparing for the next trip.
Before we wrap things up, I must send out some thank you’s. To Rabbi Billy, for getting us into this mission and organizing our first trip. To Andy Farber, Dayle Fligel and Andrea Einhorn, for their work over the years to make this a continued success. Special thanks to Jay Werner, without whose help this trip would have just been a one-year thing. Jay worked with me to bring the other eight trips to fruition. Lastly, to all our participants and donors over the years. Your contributions, both financial and hands-on, I can truly say, pulled so many families back from the brink of disaster.
As I reflect back on the trip, I take tremendous pride from this experience. Pride in how we made a real difference in the lives of so many people affected by a disaster you just had to see to believe. Whether it was demolition, working in the swamps recovering memories and pieces of destroyed homes, spackling, flooring, hanging doors, painting, building and so many other activities in which we participated, the difference was real and substantial. And besides the physical labor, there was spiritual work to be done; so many who were affected by Hurricane Katrina just needed an ear to listen. We were there to provide that too.
Among the greatest beneficiaries of our trips are our teens. Now adults in many cases, this annual voyage has been so successful and impactful for them that many came back with us year after year. They formed strong bonds with each other that have stood the test of time, and the trip has shaped their values and lives in a positive fashion that they will feel for years to come, if not forever.
To all, thanks for the fond memories.
Stu Berlowitz
Ongoing Programming:
Woodlands SingersCantor Jonathan GordonWednesdays, 8:15 pm
HebrewThursdays, 7:00 pm and 8:15 pm
Jewish StudiesHarriet LevineThursdays, 10:00 am
Daytime DiversionsWednesdays, 10:00 am Feb 4- We’ll join Rabbi Mara’s Tu B’Shevat Learning Feb 11- Movie at 10:00 am. Watch for the movie title.
Feb 18- Join us for the Current Eventsmeeting at 10:00 am. We will solve theproblems presented to us by agendawriter and facilitator, Phyllis Hirth. Tocontact Phyllis with suggestions, [email protected].
Book Club Wednesday, February 25, 7:30 pm Join us for a discussion led by Bert Schacher of A Painted House, the new novel from John Grisham, inspired by his own childhood in rural Arkansas.
Please check the WCT Adult Educationbrochure or wct.org/adulted for moreinformation.
Silver red string bracelet, $34; Chai and heart, $64;
Silver Ahava necklace, $56
chai, $48; Star of David, $15; Mezuzah, $72.
Mezuzah of cherry, morado, wenge, $45
Just Israel
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February, March and BeyondCooking Dinner for VOA ShelterSun, Feb 1
Woodlands is cooking Sunday dinner for the 20 residents of the Volunteers of America Shelter in Valhalla. If you can provide one part of the meal, such as a salad, vegetable, starch side dish, fresh fruit or main course, email Julie Stein at [email protected] to volunteer.
Greenburgh Interfaith Caring CommunityWed, Feb 11, 7:00 pm at WCT
All are welcome to attend the monthly meeting of GICC, a group of our neighboring churches and synagogues working together on common projects. A great opportunity to learn fi rst-hand about their valuable, loving work! GICC also promotes interfaith understanding and respect. Local organizations that have benefi tted from our activities and fundraising include: AIDS-Related Family Services (ARCS), Bridge Fund (for people in danger of losing their homes), Children’s Village, Midnight Run, Open Arms Shelter in White Plains, Phelps Hospice, WestHELP, and Women’s Shelter of Northern Westchester, to name but a few. We’re meeting at Woodlands this month and we’d love to have you with us! Interested? Contact [email protected].
Blood DriveSun, Mar 1, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Support our local blood bank by donating blood at WCT. You can donate if you are between 17 and 75 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. 16-year olds can donate with a letter from their parents, or those older than 75 with a letter from your doctor. To schedule an appointment, sign up on the temple website or email Chuck Bauer at [email protected]. Walk-ins welcome, but you may need to wait.
Project Ezra Passover Food CollectionMar 6-20
Please donate newly-purchased Kosher for Passover food to assist low-income seniors living on the Lower East Side.
You can help in different ways; by donating food, shopping for items, giving a monetary donation, or delivering the Passover boxes to the seniors. Contact Harriet Kohn at [email protected] to volunteer and go to the Social Action Projects page on the temple website for the list of foods being collected.
Social Action Committee MeetingMon, Mar 2 at 8:10 pm
Gifts and Struggles: Religious Diversity Today3 Wednesdays beginning Mar 11 at 8:00 pm
At Woodlands, we strengthen our Jewish lives in relationship to a mature understanding of diverse religions, spiritualities and ways of life. Join us in a dialogue with community religious leaders as we discuss the spiritual gifts and challenges encompassed in all religions.
Building Jewish Lives: Families with Young ChildrenSat, Mar 28, 6:00-8:00 pm
A continuation of our discussion series for families with young children devoted to what Jewish tradition teaches us and how do we pass those teachings on to our children. Details to follow, but book your babysitter now.
WCT University: EthicsSun, Apr 19, 2:00-5:00 pm
Have you ever built anything, sold anything, engaged in business competition, employed anyone, served in armed forces or government, or made a medical decision? Have you debated about telling a “white lie,” or had to decide between the preferences of your spouse and your parents? There’s a Jewish ethical app for all of that! In our WCT University format, thought leaders will engage with congregants from many professional backgrounds about navigating daily ethical challenges, and explore the larger questions of commandments and character that we confront in our lifetimes. Be prepared for lively debate!
Rolling Children into the ClassroomAbout fi ve million children in the world can’t attend school because of mobility handicaps but may soon be in the classroom thanks to Wheelchairs of Hope, the nonprofi t founded by Pablo Kaplan and Chava Rotshtein, former executives at Keter, the Israeli plastic furniture manufacturer. “Our wheelchair is specifi cally designed for children, as we wish to empower education through mobility,” Kaplan and Rotshtein explain. “Mobility from early childhood is a gate to education. By giving access to education we create a new generation with better skills, confi dence and hope.” The engineering challenge was to design a “cool-looking,” low-cost product robust enough for harsh conditions such as bumpy dirt roads in developing countries, yet lightweight enough for a fi ve- to eight-year-old to maneuver easily. “Chava and I have no relatives with disabilities,” Kaplan says. “Wheelchairs of Hope is just for the sake of doing something good using our knowledge of the plastics industry.”
While Israel struggles with the challenges of establishing peace with her neighbors, good news emerges regularly. This column provides a brief glimpse of something taking root there that fi rmly aligns Israel’s values with Judaism’s. We hope you share our pride and admiration for her achievements.
B’nai MitzvahDaniel GoldbergFeb 7 Torah PortionYitroHebrew NameHayyim
t h e s i m K h a C o L U m n
Mazal TovMazal Tov to Michael Goldberg and Jenny Ottinger, as their son, Daniel, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.
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DonationsWe appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support Woodlands Community Temple by remembering and honoring their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions.
To find out more about all the funds that are available for your support and for more information about how to donate to these funds, please visit www.wct.org/donate
HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning.
Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.
Beverly Borwick wife of Sam Borwick
The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of
Bereavement GroupsWCT is forming new Bereavement Groups to meet the needs of members who have suffered losses. Our pilot group drew great strength and consolation from one another, and we invite you to be a part of this loving, important, membership-wide initiative. Sessions will be led by therapists. For more information contact Herb Friedman (395-0304, [email protected]) or Alan Kaplan (552-0363, [email protected]).
Bookplates For High Holy Days PrayerbooksYou may lovingly inscribe your loved one’s name in our High Holy Days makhzor. Donation is $36. An order form is in the temple newsletter and on the temple website. Order online at wct.org/bookplate.
WCT’s Cemetery PlotsIn 2008 WCT purchased 69 gravesites at Sharon Gardens in Valhalla, NY. At this time, in total we have only 24 unsold gravesites remaining. The price per gravesite is $3,050. Gravesites can only be sold to temple members. For information or to purchase any of these gravesites, please contact Bob Apter (693-2732) or Lois Green (949-2116), or write to [email protected].
Rabbi Billy’s Mitzvah FundIn honor of Rabbi Billy and the community he creates, from Arielle Gingold.In honor of the birth of Sophie Ryan Finkel, granddaughter, from Roberta and Steve Florin.In memory of Bob Gralla, from Lois Diamond.In memory of Treva and Harvey Silverman, from Lois Diamond.In honor of the High Holy Days, from Heather Brubaker.Thank you Rabbi Billy for your support and in memory of Irene Axelrod, from Jeff Axelrod.Thank you Rabbi Billy and in memory of Lila Fishman, from Lee and Nanci Brickman and the Fishman Family.Cantor’s Discretionary FundThank you Cantor Jonathan for your support and in memory of Irene Axelrod, from Jeff Axelrod.Thank you Cantor Jonathan for your support and in memory of Lila Fishman, from Lee and Nanci Brickman and the Fishman Family.Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah FundThank you Rabbi Mara and in memory of Lila Fishman, from Lee and Nanci Brickman and the Fishman Family.Chai FundIn honor of Barry and Judith Kessler’s 50th wedding anniversary, from Susan and Erwin Grill.In honor of Barry and Judith Kessler’s 50th wedding anniversary, from Judy and Ken Beaman.In memory of Lila Fishman, mother of Nanci Brickman, from David Griff and Roni Beth Tower.In yahrzeit memory of Murray Fishman, father of Nanci Brickman, from Nanci Brickman.In memory of Lila Fishman, from Gloria and Bill Falk.In memory of Bob Gralla, from Evi and Steve Lieb.In memory of Bob Gralla, from Jack and Sue Safirstein.
In memory of Bob Gralla, from Hal and Elaine Shames.In wishing all a very happy holiday season, from Skip Friedman.Happy Chanukah and in honor of Andrea, Jon, Logan and Jonah Cooper, from Dorothy Rotkoff.Music FundIn honor of Barry and Judith Kessler’s 50th wedding anniversary, from Madeline Kolin.Rabbinic Intern FundIn honor of Jason Fenster, Rabbinic Intern, from Arielle Gingold.High Holy Day PrayerbookIn memory of Emreck Feinsilber, from Adriane and Joel Belmont.In memory of Diana Belmont, from Adriane and Joel Belmont. In memory of Mathew Intner, from Carol Intner.In honor of Sheila Intner, from Carol Intner.Jonah Maccabee FundIn honor of the marriage of Laura Weingast to Don Nievatko, from Jeanne and Murray Bodin.In memory of Jonah Maccabee Dreskin, from Gloria and Bill Falk.In memory of Elaine Goldberg, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht.Steve’s H.O.P.E. FundIn memory of Steve Lelewer, friend, from Frederick Block.In honor of the High Holy Days, from Heather Brubaker.Scholar in Residence FundIn honor of Barry and Judith Kessler’s 50th wedding anniversary, from Carol and Charles Kessler.The Bernard and Frances Shapiro Chesed Caring Community FundIn honor of the High Holy Days, from Heather Brubaker.Geraldine and Gerald Weinberger Lifelong Learning FundIn honor of Bill Falk on the 70th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah, from Barry and Judith Kessler.
Giving BackAs a part of Academy, our 8th graders visit the Coachman Center in White Plains, a housing shelter for individuals of all ages. Moved by her experience there, 8th grader Anna Schlesinger wanted to do more. With the help of her sister Sarah, her mom Iris, and the Woodlands community, she raised $550 and delivered gift cards to the Coachman’s center for the middle and high school students who live there. The cards will be donated anonymously, a true act of tzedakah.
We thank o ur A d ve r t i s e r s f o r th e ir Sup p o r t8
Did you know that 40% of the revenues for ads in The Makom come from Woodlands Members? Only four more issues to come this year. Join the crowd and become a Makom advertiser.
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 9
To reserve space, call the temple office @ 914 592 7070 or write to [email protected]
Ads DeliverReach out and touch a
Woodlands member with your ad. One, five, ten times a year.
Open Mon &Wed-Sat 10:30 am to 10 pm, Sun 12-10, Closed Tuesdays Thursday night is Ladies Night! All hot sake, beer, wine is Buy One, get one or get the second round free! (Gentlemen are welcome too!)
✷ Mention Woodlands Community Temple and get 10% off eat-in dining ✷ (Not to be combined with any other offers)
Catering Available: from $15/person for up to 100 people; from $10/person for up to 200 people
Umami Sushi724 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley 914-231-9443 Free Delivery
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
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
To reserve space, call the temple office @ 914 592 7070 or write to
Ads Deliver
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College Connection
A Jew in TurkeyBy Josh Berlowitz
Jewish Community: Here and ThereBy Kimmy Fishman
Turkey is 99% Muslim. No wait, 99.5%. Just kidding, 99.9%. Really, it depends who you ask. I’m not sure what the real number is, but it isn’t 100%. I know
because I’m writing this from Turkey.Surprisingly, being a Jew in Turkey is easy. My second day
here, I became friends with a Turkish student, Fatih. As we enjoyed the Bosphorus view from an overlook on campus, we had the best cross-cultural discussion that I’ve ever been part of. He told his story of growing up gay in a conservative, Muslim household that didn’t accept him for who he is. When he asked what about me made me a minority, my first thought was, well, I’m Jewish.
I learned that Turks don’t like Jews much, but only because they associate all Jews with Israeli violence against Palestinians. I explained the differences between Jews and Israelis, Jews and Israeli politicians, and American Jews and Israeli Jews. In the end, we decided that it doesn’t matter how people access religion and the same God; what seemed more important were the similarities rather than the differences between people.
That night, I decided that I would not hide my Jewish identity here, as I had planned. I would go to Yom Kippur services at a synagogue in Ortaköy (where services came in a mix of Turkish and Hebrew with the odd Spanish poem thrown in). I would visit Israel, as I had planned. And I wouldn’t feel bad about it.
“People of the Book” unite!
Josh Berlowitz is a junior Classics and Political Science major at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont. He spent fall semester studying abroad at Boaziçi Üniversitesi in Istanbul, Turkey. The foods he missed most were pizza, bagels, and chipotle.
Hello from chilly Evanston! While it may be a bit nippy here, Northwestern has really been the perfect school for me for a multitude of reasons, one of them
being my ability to maintain my Jewish life even though I am miles away from my Woodlands family. A major part of my Jewish life here is an event called Mega Shabbat. This year, I am on the recruitment committee for the event. Mega Shabbat is a community-wide event produced by many Jewish organizations on campus where Jewish and non-Jewish students alike join for Shabbat rituals, followed by a delicious Shabbat meal we share together. I love this event because it allows for me to embrace my Jewish culture in a welcoming, informal setting. My Jewish friends and I love being able to eat yummy Jewish foods we miss from home and enjoy expressing our Judaism in a relaxed and warm environment. My non-Jewish friends love being able to learn more about Judaism and enjoy feeling like they are part of such a new and welcoming community.
What I love about Judaism is the community it fosters, something I was so fortunate to experience growing up at Woodlands. While I miss the Woodlands community every day, being able to discover a new Jewish community here at school where I feel equally as comfortable has been such a blessing. Overall, Woodlands has taught me Jewish values and morals, which I continue to apply to all aspects of my life here, both Jewish and non-Jewish.
Kimmy Fishman studies at Northwestern University where she is majoring in Radio/Television/Film, receiving a certificate in Integrated Marketing Communication and potentially minoring in Legal Studies. Outside of the classroom, Kimmy is a Division 1 athlete on the Varsity Fencing Team (Go Cats!).