the newsletter of woodlands community temple

January 2016

Tevet-Shvat 5776

Continued on page 4

Family Learningby Rabbi Mara Young

Its easy to access Jewish information today. For example, you want to know more about Shabbat? A quick trip to MyJewishLearning.com will give you more information than you need to know. An easy-to-find tutor can deliver Bnai Mitzvah instruction on a weekly basis. But in the case of both of these, we have to ask: What is the context? How do we optimize these Jewish experiences?

The synagogue is uniquely equipped to make Jewish learning real and relevant in a persons life. We do this through transformative experiences (communal holidays, rituals, and immersive learning) and we do this by being in conversation with one another.

Over the past five years, Woodlands has made a conscious shift toward engaging the entire family in Jewish life and learning at the same time. We always encouraged intergenerational programming and were even pioneers in the world of family education with our PACT (Parents and Children

Empathy, Altruism, or Something in Between?Social Action: Why We Careby Rabbinic Intern Jason Fenster

Project Ezra: 40 Years Strongby Harriet Kohn

When Woodlands Community Temple first opened its doors to the folks from Project Ezra (a non-profit agency assisting indigent seniors on the Lower East Side), little did we know that forty years later this program would still be going strong and considered to be one of the most successful social action programs at our temple. Each year, WCT has hosted Ezra seniors by providing them with a lavish dairy meal lovingly prepared by temple volunteers (adults and kids!) who give of

their time and culinary skills to create a wonderful experience of breaking bread with our Lower East Side neighbors.We have gone through many changes since Ezra began, but what has not changed is our interest in and commitment to the program, as well as the unflagging devotion of our volunteers. Thank you for forty loving years!Please contact Project Ezra coordinator Harriet Kohn (hrsw82@hotmail.com) if you'd like to volunteer at our 40th anniversary luncheon, Sun, Jan 10 in our Sanctuary at 12:00 noon. Bring your kids and grandkids! Help usher in the next generation of Project Ezra at Woodlands!

Repairing the world, loving my neighbor, welcoming the stranger ... these are the seminal Jewish values I learned growing up. We teach these values to our third graders; we ask our Bnai Mitzvah students to make commitments to giving tzedakah; we bring Academy to the Coachman Family Center to put those values into action. These values sit at the core of our identity at Woodlands and are part of the stories that we tell about our 50-year history. Just look back at Rabbi Billys Kol Nidre sermon!

But why? What inspires this desire and this need to

support and strengthen the world around us? Surely, we have a long history of social justice and social action. The foundational documents of Reform Judaism describe it; traditional texts explicate our responsibilities and commitments. But why is it there in the first place? Why does our faith insist on the centrality of social justice?

A few weeks ago, my classmates and I were talking about the Syrian

refugee crisis and the scores of posts from various news

outlets that we were seeing on Facebook and Twitter. In particular, we spoke about the many articles from

Sukkot family experiences.Continued on page 3

2 www.wct.org

Worship ScheduleOur Woodlands CommunityRabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org

Rabbi Mara Young rabbimara@wct.org

Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon cantor@wct.orgTara Levine, Director of Youth Engagement youth@wct.org

Corey Friedlander, Shliakh Khilah corey@wct.org

Jason Fenster, Rabbinic Intern intern@wct.org

Executive CommitteeDayle Fligel, President president@wct.orgRachel Wineberg, VPEducation education@wct.orgBob Apter, VPFacilities facilities@wct.orgAndy Farber, VPFinance finance@wct.orgNancy Fishman, VPProgramming/Ritual programming@wct.orgHerb Friedman, FinancialSecretary financialsecretary@wct.orgAndrea Einhorn, Secretary secretary@wct.orgMark Selig, Treasurer treasurer@wct.org

Board of TrusteesAliza Burton Dan EmeryGloria FalkYvette GrallaElka KlarsfeldJenna Lebowich

Barry LeibowitzLisa LinnLisa SacksSteve SagnerMike ScafidiMichele Wise

Office Staff Liz Rauchwerger, Office Coordinator liz@wct.org

Marjorie Mattel, Office Assistant marjorie@wct.org

Michele Montague, Education Administrative Assistant michele@wct.org

Bookkeeper bookkeeper@wct.org

Woodlands 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

Art Director: Melanie RoherAdvertising Director: Bob Apter

Stuart Berlowitz (ex-officio)

Shabbat ShemotEx 1:1 - 6:1 ... Isa 27:6 - 28:13, 29:22-23

Fri, Jan 1New Years Shabbat at 8:00 pm

While the rabbis are away, Cantor Jonathan will take the lead in welcoming the new year tonight.

Sat, Jan 2No service this morning. Kaddish can be recited by request at Hevra Torah.

Shabbat VaeraEx 6:2 - 9:35 ... Ezek 28:25 - 29:21

Fri, Jan 8Jammin Shabbat at 7:00 pm

Put on your jammies, bring a bedtime friend, and cmon over for 30 minutes of Shabbat song, stories and blessings to get you ready for bed. Bring a buck for tzedakah!

50th Anniversary Throwback Shabbat at 8:00 pm

The second of three special services this year that will explore 50 years of Woodlands Community Temple alongside 50 years of American and world history. This month, well look at the 1980s and 1990s.

Sat, Jan 9Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am

Celebrate with us as Michael Fischgrund, son of Debra and Robert Fischgrund, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Shabbat BoEx 10:1 - 13:16 ... Jer 46:13-28

Fri, Jan 15A Joyful Noise at 8:00 pm

A service for everyone, from oldest to youngest. With a dozen musicians and your voices, well fill the sanctuary with a joyful noise! Visual Worship tonight ... all prayers and readings will be projected onto screens. Special welcome this evening to our 5th grade families!

Sat, Jan 16No service this morning. Kaddish can be recited by request at Hevra Torah.

Shabbat BeshallakhEx 13:17 - 17:16 ... Judg 4:4 - 5:31

Fri, Jan 22Shabbat Shira at 8:00 pm

A singing-fest to affirm, in this time of uncertainty and fear, our hope and idealism, our determination to work for what is good and just. Featuring the Greenburgh Interfaith Choir and WCT musicians.

Sat, Jan 23Shabbat Morning Worship/Learning Experience 9:30-11:30 am

Just Justice? Why We Do Tikkun Olam

Join Rabbinic Intern Jason Fenster for a unique Shabbat experience learning, brunching, and sharing with members of the community as we explore our personal commitments to social justice and tikkun olam (repair of the world). Brunch included! Please sign up at wct.org/justjustice.

Shabbat YitroEx 18:1 - 20:26 ... Isa 6:1 - 7:6, 9:5-6

Fri, Jan 29Mishpakha Shabbat at 7:00 pm

For the entire congregation, just earlier meaningful for adults, engaging for kids! If you like, join us for a quick dinner at 6:00 pm make your reservation at wct.org/mishpakha.

Sat, Jan 30Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am

Celebrate with us as Jordan Fox, son of Jamie and Andrew Fox, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Babysitting at 8:00 pm Shabbat services is provided by our religious school teens at no charge, no advance notice required. This month, babysitting will be available on Jan 8, Jan 15 and Jan 22. Contact babysitting@wct.org.

3www.wct.org

Hevra Torah LearningSaturdays, 9:15-10:15 amTheres abundant room around our table. Drop by once or often. Wed love to have you join our lively conversation. In the Meeting Room or Library.

Jan 2: Parashat ShemotFacilitated by Cantor Jonathan

Jan 9: Parashat VaeraFacilitated by Rabbi Mara

Jan 16: Parashat BoFacilitated by Rabbi Billy

Jan 23: Parashat BeshallakhFacilitated by Cantor Jonathan

Jan 30: Parashat YitroFacilitated by Rabbi Billy

If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Abuse, please share this confidential hotline:

Together) programs. And the need for integrated parent/child/grandparent experiences is even more pressing today.

On a given day, families run in five different directions. Moments of coming together for meaningful interaction may not happen as frequently as we would like. Our family experiences at Woodlands, both inside and outside of the religious school, are meant to be a reprieve from the busy-ness of life and an opportunity for families to actually grow together. There are our communal holiday and social experiences (Passover Morning Learning, Havdalah on Ice, and Woodlands Reads are past favorites) as well as formal learning experiences.

Jump-started by a grant from the Jewish Education Project back in 2010, our family learning was transformed into Kindling (Grades K-2) and SPARK (Students and Parents, Acting, Relating, Konnecting ... Grades 3-6) initiatives. They have had different looks over the years, but nowadays, these parent/child experiences are opportunities to enjoy Jewish music together and take part in skills-building workshops. Its a few hours with no phones and no logistics; just quality time together.

Within this context, we encourage family members to challenge one another on their beliefs, building their own in the process. We also encourage families to share with other families, helping to build a stronger Woodlands community.

While our Kindling and SPARK sessions are special times we achieve this, there are also many other family learning experiences. Seventh grade Family Torah Study is a special time that parents and Bar/Bat Mitzvah students meet with Rabbi Billy and learn the basics of digging into the Torah text. Weve even moved family learning

sessions into Academy, where our 8th-12th grade families meet with both rabbis to discuss various topics like Jewish identity, eating Jewishly and more.

But learning doesnt just happen in a formal setting. All kinds of temple experiences work to bring families together. Look out for worship experiences like Mishpakha Shabbat (next one is Fri, Jan 29) and Yoga Shabbat (Sat, Feb 6). Or social action opportunities like the Project Ezra Luncheon where we host elderly Jewish folks from the Lower East Side (Sun, Jan 10).

All of these opportunities provide a context for Jewish learning. Its great to know something, but its even better to be enriched by it. By learning with our loved ones, we strengthen ourselves and one another.

SPARK Jonah Maccabee family concert.

Quality time together.

Woodlands Community?

Were all proud of the warmth and friendliness in our synagogue. Its our community. But not everyone feels that way. Some have come to a Friday night service and no one said hello. Others have attended a temple event or were just waiting for someone in the hallway, and no one acknowledged them. If each of us considers ourselves ambassadors of The Woodlands Way, if were the ones to say hello, its a pretty sure bet folks will feel welcome. Woodlands is a warm, welcoming, open and embracing community ... when were the ones to make it that way.

Family Learning, continued from page 1

4 www.wct.org

Israel and the RefugeesRabbi Billy Dreskin

Syria and Israel have never shared official peace, so the question of whether or not Israelis would assist Syrian refugees is a compelling one. Heres the answer: IsraAID, founded in 2001, sends teams of medics, search and rescue squads, trauma experts and more to the front lines of humanitarian crises worldwide. In Greece, Israeli volunteers have been working alongside Christians and Muslims from across Europe and elsewhere, to welcome the thousands of weary travelers who arrive each day, providing a meal and perhaps clean clothes, maybe some counseling, and helping them understand how to begin the next leg of their journeys to freedom. IsraAID volunteers have turned up in Hungary too, assisting refugees entering from nearby Serbia. Most of the refugees had never met an Israeli but when they find out thats whos been helping them, the joy and gratitude (and perhaps a bit of surprise) are palpable.

United We Sing A Service for Our TimeFri, Jan 22 at 8:00 pmA musical night to remember as we celebrate Shabbat Shira, the Sabbath in Song. The service will include a singing-fest of music from our folk tradition to affirm hope and idealism. We will be joined by members of the Greenburgh Interfaith Choir, as well as guitarists and folk music enthusiasts from our congregation. Shabbat Shira commemorates the song/poem our ancestors sang when they crossed that Red Sea and later came to belong to all the people who sang it and passed it on. Our peoples music contains our hopes, our beliefs, our spirit. Both as Jews and as Americans, we embrace the best in our tradition. In the current climate of fear and anger that seems to swirl in our news and political arguments, it is a great tonic to join with friends and affirm our core beliefs. This service will affirm the vision of unity and optimism that sustains our world. Come be inspired by our common legacy of faith in song.

the Jewish community tying the immigration from Nazi Germany in the 1930s and 1940s to the current crisis facing the Syrian population. Surely, those arguments are compelling, but some long for a different attitude: We should not care just because we experienced hardship; rather, we should care because we have a moral obligation to provide aid to those in need.

Of course, there is not a firm line in the sand: either we care because of past experiences OR we care because of our own sense (hopefully inspired by Jewish principles!) of right and wrong. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. And, naturally, the Torah has something to say on this front.

In Exodus 22:20 (and in other places as well), we are commanded not to oppress the stranger: kee geirim hayitem beretz mitzrayim ... because you were strangers in the land of Egypt. We know the experience of the stranger. That experience compels us to empathize with the stranger in our midst, and we must treat him with the love that we wish we had received during our own time of strife.

And then, we turn to the Holiness Code in Leviticus. Chock full of all our favorite moral declarations. Take Leviticus 19:18 for example: You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor. Why? Ani Adonai ... I am the Eternal. Thats the only reason the Torah gives. We have ethical responsibilities because God said so. Because those are simply the right thing to do, no questions asked, with Gods name at the end as if to say, Im God, and I approve this message.

Our tradition recognizes both ends of this spectrum, and we see that we have to land somewhere in the middle. We face myriad moral crises from gun violence to the refugee crisis, from an ever-expanding prison population to the destruction of the environment. We have work to do, and I believe we can be most effective in that work when we understand what it is that inspires us. We need to comb our experiences to find where our empathy lies, and investigate the imperatives from our tradition that call us to action.

Im Jason. And I approve this message.

Caption goes here

Shlakh ManotA Purim Tradition Begins this Month!

You are invited to honor the tradition of giving at Purim by participating in Woodlands Shlakh Manot program. Ordering information will be mailed to you this month online ordering will be available as well at wct.org/purimgoodybags. Please complete your ordering by Sun, Feb 14! For $118, your family can send shlakh

manot (Purim Goody Bags) to the entire Woodlands family. In the letter that will be

included in each Goody Bag, we will include your name along with all other families that are sending Purim wishes.Purim Goody Bags will be sent home with our students from religious school and available for pickup after our Congregational Purim Celebration (Wed, Mar 23). Any questions? Want to help? Please contact us at purim@wct.org.

Just Israel

Empathy, Altruism..., continued from page 1

5www.wct.org

The Privilege of Learning from My Kid

In December, I was one of those lucky parents who gets to experience first-hand his childs accomplishments during college. My youngest, Aiden, is a senior at NYU in the Playwrights Horizons writing and directing program. His project, entitled Kingdom of Shadows, was a 40-minute play based upon old Russian folktales, bringing a number of characters from those stories and legends into a retelling of his own creation.

Needless to say, I was a proud dad.

But his storytelling got under my skin. The characters that Aiden shared with his audience were complex in personality and deed. The innocent, light-hearted twin sisters, Roza and Stoya, revealed a mean streak that brought death to their family. The monster, Baba Yaga, came to understand love and regret. The caring, devoted father selfishly betrayed those who had depended on him. And the hard-hearted, self-consumed step-sister, Vasilisa, through her missteps learned compassion and heroism.

Aiden may already know what took me decades to understand that people are multi-dimensional. And what may seem like a concise assessment of anothers character rarely, if ever, turns out to be 100% true. We are ever-changing and frequently riddled with inconsistency, which may be our hope for redemption. What weve done before may suggest how we will act in the future, but it is not inevitable. Almost always, we can choose a different path.

One of my very favorite hasidic tales involves Rabbi Moshe Leib, the Tzaddik of Sasov. One night, with heavy snow falling outside, he heard someone tap at his window. Moshe Leib saw a strange man dressed in tatters, lacerations on his hands and face, and the gleam of madness in his eyes. For a moment, he hesitated but then he thought, If there is room for a man like that in Gods universe, surely there is room for him in my home. And with that, Moshe Leib opened his door and invited the man in.

We live in such contentious times. Frequently, we deem those who disagree with us to be unenlightened, or worse. Only rarely do we follow the dictum, before criticizing another, to walk a mile in their shoes. A young writer-director whom I love dearly reminded me to never close the book on another human beings potential.

f r o m t h e r a b b i Throwback Shabbat 80s/90sFri, Jan 8 at 8:00 pmSave the date for our second Throwback Shabbat. Well continue celebrating WCTs 50th birthday by exploring temple life during the 1980s and 1990s. With iyyunim (creative prayer introductions) written by members who were active during those decades and a retrospective on temple life from Rabbi Billy, were hoping itll be as wonderful an evening as our first Throwback Shabbat in October. Hope you can join us!

Yoga Shabbat Returns!Sat, Feb 6 at 10:30 amReflect, free your mind, relax, and spend time with the ones you love. Led by Rabbi Billy, Tara Levine and Rebecca Smith DeFelice, owner of Woodbridge Body Works (Woodbridge, CT). Rebecca is not only a master yoga instructor, she is deeply spiritual as a Jew and will seamlessly and inspiringly connect each yoga position to the prayers of our tradition. Regardless of your age (and weve covered the spectrum, from age 3 to 83!) or level of experience, there is a place for you in our circle. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat if you have one, and get ready for a lovely, invigorating Shabbat morning.

Shop Amazon, Raise Bucks for WCT!Do you shop online at amazon.com?

Did you know that if you get there by using our wct.org/amazon link, Woodlands will receive 5% of your payment. Doesnt get much easier. So please shop amazon and help raise bucks for your temple. Thanks!

Craig Taubman in Concert (WCT BetterTogether Initiative)Nov 16, 2015

6 www.wct.org

January Happenings & BeyondL e a r n i n g

Daytime Diversions

Private Wealth Advisor Geri PellWed, Jan 6 at 10:00 amLongtime temple member Geri Pell, CEO of Pell Wealth Partners who has been named to Barron's Top 100 Women Financial Advisors six years running, always has something great to offer us from the world of personal finance. Geri will lead a discussion that centers on how Federal policies and the presidential election will impact the financial markets and our lives.

LauraWed, Jan 13 at 10:00 am

Our very own Cantor Jonathan will view and discuss with us the 1954 film-noir crime drama, Laura, starring Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb

and Vincent Price. The film tells the fateful tale of a police detective who falls in love with the woman whose murder he is investigating.

Current Events DiscussionWed, Jan 20 at 10:00 amHere's your chance to comment, agree, or disagree with factors affecting local, national and worldwide news. Come join us and have some fun.

Adult Education Celebratory BrunchSun, Jan 31 @ 9:30 amWere only halfway through the academic year and weve already experienced incredible community trips, top-notch educators, and thought-provoking discussions. But on to next year! We welcome all congregants to brainstorm with us for next years programming. What field trip would you like to see happen? What kinds of courses would speak to you and your friends? Come with new and interesting ideas. Also bring your appetite ... well provide a bagel brunch with all the trimmings! Email michele@wct.org to RSVP.

Just Justice? Why Do We Do Tikkun Olam?Rabbinic Intern Jason Fenster

Sat, Jan 23, 9:30 am - NoonEver wonder why at Woodlands were always talking about tikkun olam (repairing the world) and social justice? Come investigate why these values are a fixture of our community and sit at the center of Reform Jewish identity. We will celebrate Shabbat, share a meal (of course!), explore the Jewish call for social justice and our own motivations for working making the world a better place.

A note from Jason: What matters most to you? Why does it matter so much? And what are we going to do about it? I hope youll join me for a Shabbat morning of learning, brunching, and sharing with members of our temple community as we explore our personal commitments to social justice and tikkun olam. Well combine liturgy, learning, and conversations about the Jewish roots of social justice. Whether you are an experienced activist, a lover of text study, or someone looking to explore your personal commitments, Im hoping this will be an exciting and engaging day. P.S., teenagers, youre invited too!

WCT Book ClubTue, Jan 19 at 7:30 pm

My Fathers Paradise: A Sons Search for his Familys Past by Ariel Sabar explores an isolated Kurdish Jewish community, an Aramaic-speaking group of self-made mystics, storytellers and peddlers living in the mountains of northern Iraq. Ariel Sabar, who grew up in Los Angeles, explores his fathers heritage. All are welcome. Note: This event will take place at Jeanne Bodins home in Hartsdale (contact the office for info).

My Promised Land: Confronting our Understanding of IsraelRabbi Joan Farber

3 Wednesdays starting Mar 2, 7:30-9:00 pm

In My Promised Land, Ari Shavit presents an articulate and compelling glimpse of the history of Israel, her challenges, successes and tragedies. We will discuss sections of the book and how our relationship with and

understanding of modern Israel changes and challenges us. For session one, please read the Introduction and Chapter 1 prior to the class.

Stacy Beyer at WCTFri, Feb 26 & Sat, Feb 27 at 8:00 pmJoin us Shabbat evening, Feb 26 at 8:00 pm, as Nashvilles premiere Jewish musician, Stacy Beyer, shares her spiritual talent with our community. She will lift up our worship as she shares her spirit and soul with the Woodlands community. There is no charge.After you discover her unique talent and passion on Friday evening, join us Saturday evening, Feb 27 at 8:00 pm, as Stacy and her band share the full spectrum of their music. Visit wct.org/beyerconcert to reserve tickets ($18/adult members, $25/non-members; $10/youth members, $18/non-member). This will be a great weekend for the entire family! Dont miss the amazing Jewish talent thats coming out of Nashville! Stop by stacybeyer.com and fall in love.

7www.wct.org

Wine @ Woodlands: Life Beyond Manischewitz Sat, Mar 12 at 8:00 pm

A local wine expert will guide us through the many

different types of Kosher wines, from light and sweet to full-

bodied and robust. Its a great time to meet and chat with

fellow temple members and spend a relaxing evening. Music too! Babysitting provided.

S o c i a L a c t i o nSocial Action MeetingMon, Jan 4 at 8:15 pm

Committee chairs, members and new members welcome. Help plan our winter and spring projects. Take a look at wct.org/socialactionprojects for all our programs.

Project Ezra LuncheonSun, Jan 10, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Katzs Deli, Guss Pickles, Yonah Shimmels Knish bakery theres wonderful food to be found on the Lower East Side, but nothing beats the delicacies at the Project Ezra luncheon held right here at Woodlands! Project Ezra seniors from the Lower East Side are treated to a homemade dairy lunch made by Woodlands families as we share food, music and a little history during an enjoyable afternoon together.

Cantor Jonathan, Adam Hart and the 5th grade religious school students provide entertainment and opportunities to learn from our guests.

Families of all ages are welcome to participate. Each table is hosted by two Woodlands families, who together provide a lunch of bagels, lox, kugel and more. To volunteer for the luncheon, contact Harriet Kohn (hrsw82@hotmail.com or 693-0751). Learn more about Project Ezra at wct.org/socialactionprojects.

Knitting and Crocheting GroupSun, Jan 17, 3:00-5:00 pm

This is a busy group! There are lots of squares ready to be sewn into blankets or you can continue making new squares or chemotherapy caps. We have instructions and welcome kids who want to learn. Email Angela Adler at angeadler@aol.com to let her know youre coming.

Sign Up To Make Dinner for Shelter Sun, Feb 7

A home-cooked Sunday dinner for teens living in The Sanctuary shelter in Valhalla is provided on a rotating basis by the temples and churches in the Interfaith Caring Community. You can volunteer to provide part of the meal on Feb 7 by emailing socialaction@wct.org. Let us know what youd like to make main dish, vegetable or starch side dish, salad, fruit or dessert.

Jubilee TableclothDont leave your family name off our

special 50th anniversary tablecloth. Pick up your fabric square in the Sanctuary lobby. At the end of January, well be sewing together all the completed squares into a magnificent collection of Woodlands families working together to help those who are food insecure. To make your square, sign up at wct.org/jubileetablecloth or choose to have the committee make a square for you. Proceeds from the project will

be donated to Mazon A Jewish Response to Hunger. Email jubileetablecloth@wct.org if

you have questions, need design ideas or materials.

How Do You Tikkun Olam (Repair the World)?

Send your photo to socialaction@wct.org to be part of our Tikkun Olam Collage for WCTs 50th anniversary year.

Mensch of the MonthFor January, its the 4th Grade! Help

them fill the Food Cart with cake mixes and frosting, and nonperishable food.

On Jan 31, will your family be

at the table?

Call for Photos!Still have those 1969 Bar Mitzvah pix with you wearing tie-dyed bell-bottoms? Photos from WCT from yesteryear? Were seeking photos from the 1960s through the 2000s featuring congregants and events taking place at Woodlands for use in our Jubilee year celebrations. Please send them to Liz in the office (liz@wct.org).

8 www.wct.org

Yo u t h e n g a g e m e n t

Thanks for an amazing Camp in the Winter shul-in! On Dec 4-5, we had an amazing event for 8th-12th graders, hosted by WoodSY, our temple youth group. Jewish friends from WCT and the area joined us for Shabbat and a night of camp-themed activities led by teens on the WoodSY Board. It was a fun night with thirty Jewish teens spending quality time together.

Attention, parents of 9th-12th graders! The next NFTY-NAR event, Winter Kallah, is Fri-Sun, Jan 29-31. Friday night, we will be home-hosted at Temple Sinai of Roslyn (Long Island) and will spend the beginning of Shabbat there

with host families and NFTY friends! Saturday, well head into NYC for a day of meaningful service with children from the Department of Homeless Services. Then on Saturday night, well have a fun group dinner, participate in a surprise social evening program in the city, and sleep at a hotel! Register NOW at nfty.org/nar/events and, as always, contact me with any questions (youth@wct.org).

The Woodlands Logoby Melanie Roher

Our Woodlands logo has been in use for about five years, and is integral to temple life, but it wasnt always so. Before we decided to develop one image, our temple communications were visually very different, often confusing members who wondered if they were even from the same organization.

When we started the process, we first listed all the attributes we assigned to our congregation, some of which were: Reform Judaism, egalitarian, open-minded, creative, socially active, community-oriented, and multi-generational. As the designer, I always kept these words in mind while exploring what this image might look like. The goal was that this new image should be the visual embodiment of our purpose and core values and reflect the nature and quality of our programs.

In the final result, the Star of David represents our Jewish faith, and its hand-drawn appearance reflects both our innovative approach and our informality. The branch and leaves represent our setting in the woods, and our environmental sensibility. The lyrical quality of these elements connotes vibrancy and growth. The leaves on the branch vary in size to represent the diverse character of our congregation, as well as our intergenerational population. Their shapes are reminiscent of the flames of the lights of the menorah, a symbol of Judaism. Our temple name appears in a sans serif font and in lower case to match our informality and egalitarian character. The word community stands out in a different color or weight for emphasis, and in the vertical arrangements it is slightly indented, again to emphasize our informality and friendliness. Including our unofficial tagline, Makom Shelibi Oheyv, in the Hebrew equivalent of sans serif type, immediately connects us with our heritage.

The Woodlands Logo Interpreted by Us!A month or so ago we asked you what the Woodlands logo meant, what it symbolized to you and what you thought it said about our congregation. Here are some of the heartfelt responses we received:

Growing together under an umbrella of Judaism.

Keith Pray

A place for growth and safety within Judaism.

Joanna Starrels

Woodlands brings the outside/world into Judaism.

Caroline Rosengarden

Woodlands is a community, a team, a family. The vibe is: low key, down to earth, friendly, low maintenance, soft, FUN!

Red (color of love) blossoms contained within the heart of a Jewish community.

Susan Goldman

First image is a reflection of the flowers on the Torah covers.

Then, wondering about the design of the star, darker bold to the left, light on the right, I see (feel, imagine, interpret) an open and welcoming message.

Next, that open message is affirmed by the opening at the bottom of the star, where the flower blooms.

Community in a highlighted different color as our middle name is too obvious to require comment.

The Hebrew letters (no vowels needed) for Makom Shelibi Ohev add a message: open, sharing, inclusive and modern as we may be, Hebrew is still included - Torah style.

David Griff

It says strength, solidity AND flexibility and openness (the varying thickness of the star and the opening).

It suggests the generation of life and room to grow (the sprig a dominant image but doesnt fill / isnt outgrowing the space). Its Jewish and universal - Judaism is the frame for life.

Its simple and accessible, Jewish without heavy orthodox or nationalistic overlays.

And I love the emphasis on the word community.

Fran Smith

Continued on page 9

9www.wct.org

T h e S i m k h a P a g e

Mazal Tov to...

Bnai MitzvahMichael FischgrundJanuary 9

Torah Portion Vaera

Hebrew Name Peretz Alter Moshe

Jordan FoxJanuary 30

Torah Portion Yitro Hebrew Name Velvel

Robert and Debra Fischgrund, as their son, Michael, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Andrew and Jamie Fox, as their son, Jordan, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Len and Marsha Green, on the birth of their grandson, Max Henry, son of David and Nika Green.

Too cold for a yard sale but not for our closet sale!!

The Judaica Shop is having its first January clean-out-the-closet sale!

With limited storage space and about to bring in new Passover and spring merchandise, the gift shop has a selection of items to sell at a deep discount. Items will be on sale all month long but visit us on Sun, Jan 17 for additional deals!Have a life cycle event coming up? A brit or baby naming? Visiting a friends new home? Stop by The Judaica Shop at Woodlands for a meaningful gift that celebrates the moment. A framed print honors a birthday or Bar/Bat Mitzvah; a tzedakah box starts a new baby on the mitzvah of charitable giving, and candlesticks and candles bring the joy of Shabbat to a new home.

The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is open, by request, every day the temple office is staffed. Weekend and evening hours are noted in the weekly email blast. With the recent closing of the Judaica shop in New Rochelle, we are truly your neighborhood gift shop for gift giving and getting. Our prices are generally better than retail or online. And yes, we take credit cards! Please tell your non-temple friends!! Email judaicashop@wct.org.

Im going to recuse myself because I was part of the team that discussed and designed it. I will say that there was an ongoing and interesting discussion as to whether to close or leave open the bottom triangle.

David Berliner

My heart is Judaism and all it signifies.

It is open for open mind and possibilities.

It is letting in life from the earth to be kept alive and dear to my heart.

Laura Stevens-Orefice

To us, the star symbolizes traditional Judaism. The plant, which is rooted inside the star, continues to grow and evolve over time. Both of these representations are manifest in our temple.

The Place That My Heart Holds Dear is where we go for reinforcement and renewal in company with each other.

We noticed that at the base of the plant on the right-hand side, the outline of the star starts out thin and gets thicker as it goes around. We havent figured this out yet.

Nelson and Jackie Leicht

Openness in general to the changes in our lives, to the evolution of Jewish study, religion and culture, openness to studying and understanding comparative religions and cultures ... The vine, the olive branch, aside from the obvious, can also be a flower representing the cultivation and nourishment of the congregants, as one would take care lovingly of a plant or tree. And at Woodlands we try to carry that cultivation out to the world.

Susan Brubaker

The most important part of the logo is that "community" is our middle name and is highlighted and stands out from the rest of our name-that is the essence of WCT, community. I think there are no capital letters because we are all equal in this community-no one part stands out as more important, not even the temple is more important than the community it serves. The Jewish star is not completely closedthere is an open space for change and ingenuityit is not static but malleable and flexible. The branch indicates our connection to nature--we are in the woods after all-but also I think is like the olive branch a symbol of peace. Makom shelibi oheyv I think requires no explanation-WCT is the place our hearts hold dear; this is both in Hebrew and in English so that the Hebrew honors our tradition and our connection to our history, but the English shows that we evolve and are in touch with our modern community which speaks English.

Nancy Fishman

Logo Interpreted by Us!, continued from page 8

10 www.wct.org

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

HaMakom ynakhem otam may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning.

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

The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of

Scheduling Weddings or Funerals 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. Dont be disappointed to learn theyre not available at the time youve already arranged, so bring them into the loop at the very beginning of your planning.

Rabbi Billys Mitzvah FundIn honor of Adam Kawalek, grandson, becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Linda Lucks.In memory of Bill Falk, from Herb Friedman.In memory of Bill Falk, from Richard and Jill Newhouse.In memory of Bill Falk, from Julian and Sharon Price.In memory of Bill Falk, from Dick and Sheila Sweet.In memory of Iris Siegel, mother of Ellen Dreskin, from Dick and Sheila Sweet.In memory of Laurie Gaines Goldberg, from Steve and Barbara Gaines.In memory of Max Goldberg, grandfather, from Heather Brubaker.In appreciation for your help and guidance with Brendan, from Bob Smith.

Rabbi Maras Mitzvah FundIn honor of the naming of Lily and Luke, children of Dan and Liz Mueller, from Jim and Alice McNamara.In honor of the naming of our daughter, Amelia Roughan, from Dan and Sarah Roughan.In appreciation for your help and guidance with Brendan, from Bob Smith.In memory of Bill Falk, from Herb Friedman.

Cantors Discretionary FundIn appreciation for your help and guidance with Brendan, from Bob Smith.

Chai FundIn memory of Bill Falk, from Mort and Susan Aron, David and Donna Berliner, Murray and Jeanne Bodin, Martin and Miriam Cohen, Lee and Andrea Falk and Marty and Edna Falk, Herb Friedman, Steve and Marge Glusker, Larry and Yvette Gralla, Jay and Lois Izes, Jonathan and Gloria Jaffess, Myron Katz, Barry and Judy Kessler, Harriet Kohn and Jack Rockafellow, Ruth Lefkowitz, Nelson and Jackie Leicht, Linda Lucks and

Ralph Lawrence and Family, Edward and Dorothy Miller, Don and June Moskovitz, John and Barbara Neuner, Corey and Suzanne Newhouse, Jim and Debbie Pollowitz, David, Janice, Andrew and Sarah Rosenfeld, Irene Ross, Alice Seelig, Randie and Marty Mishan and Family, and Jan and Frank Berman and Family, Jesse Seligson and Nancy Gladstone, Barry and Arlene Silberman, Bob and Roberta Silman, Marge Thrope, Max and Sondra Tuchman, Irwin and Amelia Wieder, Our mah jongg group: Susan Aron, Sheila Drogy, Bea Geller, Barbara Goldberg, Yvette Gralla, Olive HiIl and Mickey Milbauer.In honor of Fran Rosenfelds special birthday, from Michael and Deborah Wiskind.In honor of the High Holy Days, from Roger Fox.

Geraldine and Gerald Weinberger Lifelong Learning FundIn memory of Bill Falk, from Gerry Weinberger.

Education Enrichment FundIn memory of Bill Falk, from Herb Friedman.

Jonah Maccabee FundThank you so much Rabbi Billy for blessing our grandaughter, Eloise Neugeborn, from Bob and Bonnie George.In honor of the birth of our grandson, Oliver Django Rosenau Berliner, from David and Donna Berliner.In honor of the birth of our grandson, Lucien Sandor Martin-Berliner, from David and Donna Berliner.In memory of Bill Falk, from Dave and Renee Doynow.In memory of Iris Siegel, mother of Ellen Dreskin, from Gloria Falk, Steve and Marge Glusker, Nelson and Jackie Leicht, Mickey Milbauer, Mark and Michele Montague, Bob and Jane Steinhardt, Dave and Renee Doynow.

Laurie Goldberg sister of Steve Gaines

Hilde Goldberg mother of Susie Brubaker

Marla Weizner daughter of Marty and Rhoda Payson

We Want to Hear from You!It is always a pleasure to hear good news from members of our WCT family. It often helps to share the not-so-good too. Please let us know if you or someone else is in need of a visit or phone call from our clergy. Many assume that everyone knows, but this is not always true. A note or call to our temple office or clergy will ensure that we are able to extend support to Woodlands members in a moment of need.

Yes, Jews are Organ Donors!Contrary to popular misconception, Jews do register as organ donors! Wont you participate in the mitzvah of matan hayyim the gift of life? Register online at donatelifeny.org. Rabbi Billys written more online about the Jewish view of organ donation (tinyurl.com/organdonation613). Help close the gap between the number of donated organs and the number of people waiting.

Todah Rabbah (thank you) to...Bonni Arbore (and her handy helpers,

Michael and Danielle Arbore) for making our Yad Workshop happen so smoothly!

Judy Flamm and her team, Stacey Kach, Tanya Briendel, Elly Glasser and Rachel Flamm, for sending lots of love to our college kids through their Hanukkah mailing.

Chuck Bauer for his dedication in running the Blood Drive.

Jennifer Tower for heading the Thanksgiving Cooking, and to the Confirmation Class families who cooked on Thanksgiving morning to provide a holiday meal for the young people at The Sanctuary shelter.

Ellen Donat for sponsoring the lunch for the William Donat Visiting High School Holocaust Education Program.

Barry Leibowitz, Lois Izes, Jonathan Jaffess and their team of teens for making Maccabee Madness Trivia for the kids so successful.

11www.wct.org

a m e S S a g e f r o m r a b b i b i l ly a n d r a b b i m a r a

Dear friends,In 1985 and 2009 respectively, we

arrived to Woodlands Community Temple as your new rabbinic interns. With our very first experiences at WCT, it became clear to us that this was a different sort of synagogue.

We both fell in love with Woodlands openness, curiosity, sense of family, and serious dedication to Jewish learning and living. After two years each as interns, we graduated from Hebrew Union College, were ordained rabbis and, although on different calendars, we joined the WCT family full-time. And in the years since our internships ended (for Mara, five; for Billy, twenty-seven!), the impact of those brief years remains monumental.

A Hebrew Union College education is top-notch and the learning is exciting. Yet, in those last days of rabbinical school, we found that the most important learning we were doing was right here at Woodlands Community Temple. For the twenty interns who have served this synagogue since 1976, it has

been the opportunities to teach and schmooze, to learn from you and from your professional staff and volunteer leadership, that have cultivated in all of us an ever-deepening appreciation for the beauty of Jewish living, and a lifelong love for Woodlands.

At its December meeting, your Board of Trustees expressed this same fondness for the WCT rabbinic intern program, unanimously approving a call to raise funds for a new intern beginning next fall. If you and/or members of your family have enjoyed the presence of a rabbinical student in our temple community, if you appreciate the profound impact such an expereince has on the entire career of a young rabbi, we hope you will help make this happen so that our current intern, Jason Fenster, can return next year and, after Jason, we can invite intern #21.

Were asking for pledges of three annual gifts, as little or as much as you can afford, to underwrite the cost of this

program. The cost will be $20,000 per year, $60,000 over the course of the three years. If youre budgeting, keep in mind that no payment on your pledge will be due until after July 1, 2016. Well bill you on your temple statement.

You may make your pledge online at wct.org/intern. If you have questions, contact one of us (rabbi@wct.org, rabbimara@wct.org) or temple president Dayle Fligel (president@wct.org).

Thank you so very much. May you go mee khayil el khayil ... from strength to strength.

In friendship and shalom,

Rabbi Billy DreskinWCT Intern 1985-89

Rabbi Mara YoungWCT Intern 2009-11

We thank our Adver t isers for the ir Suppor t12

Welcome to our new Makom AdvertisersThe Ardsley Diner & Stagioni

We thank our Adver t isers for the ir Suppor t 13

Please Note!There are only 4 Ben's Deli gift cards remaining for purchase at $36.00 each. For more info please call the temple office.

We thank our Adver t isers for the ir Suppor t14

Heislers Bakery1321 North Avenue New Rochelle NY 914-235-8201

Quality Pastrys, Breads , Pies, Cookies & Decorated CakesFruit Platters Shiva Platters Catering for all affairs

Kosher NUT FREE FAMILY OWNED

A proud vendor of Woodlands Community Temple

Ben's is proud to support Woodlands Community Temple

We thank our Adver t isers for the ir Suppor t 15

50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDWhite Plains, NYPermit No. 1112

DATED MATERIAL- DO NOT DELAY

current resident or:

Jubilant Reflections

Finding the right temple to join is very personal. Its different from finding a home or a job. You dont belong to those. Belonging is a basic human need. Sura and I spent several years figuring out where to belong. We went to Shabbat services and High Holy Days all around Westchester County well before we had school-age children. We were looking for the right Jewish fit. There was always somethingthe music, the vibe, the take on God, the lack of gender sensitivity in prayers, the juvenalization of worship. There was always something. We attended Woodlands a number of times and then something happened when Rabbi Billy arrived.

We were home. We found our Jewish home. Woodlands spoke to us. Of course, Steve Zizmor spoke to us too. We attended services during the summer with Rabbi Billy. High Holy Days were inspiring. However, what cemented the grip of this temple on our hearts and minds was the conclusion of Yom Kippur Neilah. We were standing throughout the service, as is our tradition, when all of a sudden everyone dropped their makhzorim on their chairs, put their arms around each other and began to sing Adonai Oz. It was our first time singing this prayer, yet it seemed that

we had always been singing it. We were in tears at the outpouring of love and inclusion we felt.

Building a new sanctuary was on everyones minds in 2000 and before. What started out as a sanctuary beautification project turned into a campaign to create a new sanctuary. During construction, we held services, coffeehouses, simkhas, and holiday celebrations first at the Greenville Community Church in Scarsdale and then the JCC on the Hudson.

Just as we were beginning the fundraising drive, the World Trade Center was hit. Each night, people spontaneously gathered at Woodlands to hold hands and to be with their cherished community. Our Rabbinic Intern, (now Rabbi) Darren Levine, led us all in prayer. Members and friends in the community gathered to share our common bonds in sorrow and shock.

When we moved into our new sanctuary, we were a little anxious. Would the spirit of Woodlands still be inside our walls? Well, we found out that what we do and what we have is more than bricks and wood. It exists wherever we exist. We the people, so to speak, are and have always been the spirit of Woodlands. I think everyone eventually came to feel at home in our bright, airy, beautiful new sanctuary.

We were present for our childrens simkhas, the deaths of our parents, and building a new sanctuary. Adonai oz lamo yiten, Adonai yvarekh et amo vashalom ... God has given us strength and peace. Amen.

Lance and Sura Rosenthal joined WCT in 1995. Lance served as President 2001-2004.

WCT Members Gaze Across 50 Years

Lance and Sura Rosenthal: The 00's

We were home. We found our Jewish

home. Woodlands spoke to us.