wct makom march 2016

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the newsletter of woodlands community temple March 2016 Adar I - Adar II 5776 Continued on page 3 What’s In Your Kiddush Cup? Judaism and Alcohol by Gary Stern Purimspiel 2016: The Star Wars Megillah! L’khayim! T here is probably no Hebrew word that is better known, thanks to the universally beloved toast meaning “To life!” It’s fitting, as alcohol, wine in particular, plays such a central role in Jewish liturgical and cultural life. Purim will arrive in just a few short weeks, inspiring Jews to lift a glass with relish. Passover will follow a month later, with the traditional four cups of wine playing a starring role at our Seders. And each week, of course, Shabbat is ushered in by chanting the Kiddush over wine, often with a Bar or Bat Mitzvah leading the way. As a toast to the integral, meaningful and tasty part that wine plays in Judaism, Woodlands is hosting its first wine-tasting on Saturday, March 12 at 8:00 pm. Jeffrey Wooddy, general manager of Rochambeau Wines & Liquors in Dobbs Ferry will come by with a selection of kosher and non-kosher wines (red and white), as well as carafes of information about different wine types, the koshering of wines, and foods that pair well with wines. The program, entitled “Wine @ Woodlands: Life Beyond Manischewitz,” was designed by David Gaffen and Miriam Emery, members of our Adult Education Committee and co-chairs Wed, Mar 23 at 7:30 pm by Joel Chernoff Betcha didn’t know that Chewbacca was Jewish. Check out his peyos! In likely the first (and last) meeting of Queen Esther and Luke Skywalker, Woodlands Community Temple will present “Star Wars VII½: The Farce Awakens” to celebrate Purim this year. This dumbfounding mashup will add new meaning to “the Force” as Esther and Mordekhai use their lightsabers to defend the Jews of Sushan from the evil Kylo Ren — er, Haman — and his stormtroopers. With groaners galore, this year’s Purimspiel likely will cause WCT to go down in history (as something). But don’t worry: following the service, clergy and staff will enter a Witless Protection Program. Oh, and there’ll be plenty of singing, more insanity and, of course, hamentashen. Wear a costume – Star Wars and Purim are our themes – come as an X-wing pilot, a stormtrooper, perhaps a droid or even a lightsaber! Bring the little ones! Bring the big ones! Bring your padawan! Bring your wookiee! Just make sure you’re inside the Millennium Falcon (er, the sanctuary) on Wed, Mar 23. And prepare to restore peace and justice to the galaxy. May the Farce be with you! WCT University: The “Genesis” of Jewish Art and Culture by Joel Chernoff Well now way back in the Bible Temptations always come along There’s always somebody tempting Somebody into doing something they know is wrong Bruce Springsteen, “Pink Cadillac” W hat does Bruce Springsteen have to say about the Torah? Lots. At this year’s WCT University (Sun, Apr 3, 2:00-5:00 pm), theologian Rabbi Michael Pitkowsky will speak on “Bruce Springsteen and the Bible: Rock and Roll Meets the Torah.” “People will be surprised by how many of his songs include biblical references,” said Rabbi Pitkowsky, who serves as Rabbinics Curriculum Coordinator at the Academy for Continued on page 3

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Page 1: WCT Makom March 2016

the newsletter of woodlands community temple

March 2016

Adar I - Adar II 5776

Continued on page 3

What’s In Your Kiddush Cup? Judaism and Alcoholby Gary Stern

Purimspiel 2016: The Star Wars Megillah!

L’khayim!

There is probably no Hebrew word that is better known, thanks to the universally beloved toast meaning “To life!”

It’s fitting, as alcohol, wine in particular, plays such a central role in Jewish liturgical and cultural life. Purim will arrive in

just a few short weeks, inspiring Jews to lift a glass with relish. Passover will follow a month later, with the traditional four cups of wine playing a starring role at our Seders. And each week, of course, Shabbat is ushered

in by chanting the Kiddush over wine, often with a Bar or Bat Mitzvah leading the way.

As a toast to the integral, meaningful and tasty part that wine plays in Judaism, Woodlands is hosting its first wine-tasting on

Saturday, March 12 at 8:00 pm. Jeffrey Wooddy, general manager of Rochambeau Wines & Liquors in Dobbs Ferry will come by with a

selection of kosher and non-kosher wines (red and white), as well as carafes of information about different wine types, the koshering of wines, and foods that pair well with wines.

The program, entitled “Wine @ Woodlands: Life Beyond Manischewitz,” was designed by David Gaffen and Miriam Emery, members of our Adult Education Committee and co-chairs

Wed, Mar 23 at 7:30 pmby Joel Chernoff

Betcha didn’t know that Chewbacca was Jewish. Check out his peyos!

In likely the first (and last) meeting of Queen Esther and Luke Skywalker, Woodlands Community Temple will present “Star Wars VII½: The Farce Awakens” to celebrate Purim this year.

This dumbfounding mashup will add new meaning to “the Force” as Esther and Mordekhai use their lightsabers to defend the Jews of Sushan from the evil Kylo Ren — er, Haman — and his stormtroopers.

With groaners galore, this year’s Purimspiel likely will cause WCT to go down in history

(as something). But don’t worry: following the service, clergy and staff will enter a Witless Protection Program.

Oh, and there’ll be plenty of singing, more insanity and, of course, hamentashen. Wear a costume – Star Wars and Purim are our themes – come as an X-wing pilot, a stormtrooper, perhaps a droid or even a lightsaber! Bring the little ones! Bring the big ones! Bring your padawan! Bring your wookiee! Just make sure you’re inside the Millennium Falcon (er, the sanctuary) on Wed, Mar 23. And prepare to restore peace and justice to the galaxy.

May the Farce be with you!

WCT University:The “Genesis” of Jewish Art and Cultureby Joel Chernoff

Well now way back in the Bible

Temptations always come along

There’s always somebody tempting

Somebody into doing something they know is wrong

– Bruce Springsteen, “Pink Cadillac”

What does Bruce Springsteen have to say

about the Torah? Lots. At this year’s WCT University

(Sun, Apr 3, 2:00-5:00 pm), theologian Rabbi Michael Pitkowsky will speak on “Bruce Springsteen and the Bible: Rock and Roll Meets the Torah.”

“People will be surprised by how many of his songs include biblical references,” said Rabbi Pitkowsky, who serves as Rabbinics Curriculum Coordinator at the Academy for

Continued on page 3

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Worship ScheduleOur Woodlands Community

Rabbi Billy Dreskin [email protected]

Rabbi Mara Young [email protected]

Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon [email protected] Levine, Director of Youth Engagement [email protected]

Corey Friedlander, Sh’liakh K’hilah [email protected]

Jason Fenster, Rabbinic Intern [email protected]

Executive CommitteeDayle Fligel, President [email protected] Wineberg, VPEducation [email protected] Apter, VPFacilities [email protected] Farber, VPFinance [email protected] Fishman, VPProgramming/Ritual [email protected] Friedman, FinancialSecretary [email protected] Einhorn, Secretary [email protected] Selig, Treasurer [email protected]

Board of TrusteesAliza Burton Dan EmeryGloria FalkYvette GrallaElka KlarsfeldJenna Lebowich

Barry LeibowitzLisa LinnLisa SacksSteve SagnerMike ScafidiMichele Wise

Office Staff Liz Rauchwerger, Office Coordinator [email protected]

Marjorie Mattel, Office Assistant [email protected]

Michele Montague, Education Administrative Assistant [email protected]

Bookkeeper [email protected]

Woodlands 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 RoherAdvertising Director: Bob Apter

Stu Berlowitz (ex-officio)

Shabbat VayakhelEx 35:1 - 38:20 ... I Kngs 7:40-50

Fri, Mar 4Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 pm

While Rabbi Billy is on the Civil Rights Journey, enjoy Shabbat with Rabbi Mara and Cantor Jonathan.

Sat, Mar 5No service this morning. Kaddish can be recited by request at Hevra Torah.

Shabbat PekudayEx 38:21 - 40:38 ... I Kngs 7:51 - 8:21

Fri, Mar 11Mishpakha Civil Rights Journey Shabbat at 7:00 pm (note earlier start-time)

For the entire congregation, just earlier – meaningful for adults, engaging for kids! High school participants from our high school Civil Rights Journey to Tennessee and Arkansas will share impressions and lessons learned. If you like, join us for a quick dinner at 6:00 pm – make your reservation at wct.org/mishpakha.

Sat, Mar 12Shabbat Morning Worship at 10:30 am

Celebrate with us as Sam Scafidi, son of Liz and Mike Scafidi, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Shabbat VayikraLev 1:1 - 5:26 ... Isa 43:21 - 44:23

Fri, Mar 18A 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. Special welcome this evening to our 6th grade families!

Sat, Mar 19Shabbat Morning Worship at 10:30 am

Celebrate with us as Julia Gardner, daughter of Eve Gordon and Michael Gardner, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.

Shabbat TzavLev 6:1 - 8:36 ... Jer 7:21 - 8:3, 9:22-23

Fri, Mar 25Grant Edick Chooses Judaism at 8:00 pm

Always an extraordinary moment and honor when someone chooses to become Jewish, we hope you will share in witnessing Grant Edick accepting the Torah into his arms and into his life. Rabbinic Intern Jason Fenster will speak. Also, we’ll bid farewell to Erin Fligel as she makes aliyah to Israel.

Sat, Mar 26Shabbat Morning Worship at 10:30 am

Celebrate with us as Gavin Stern, son of Mary Elizabeth and David Stern, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Babysitting at 8:00 pm Shabbat services is provided by teens from our religious school. This month, babysitting will be available on Mar 4, Mar 18 and Mar 25. There is no charge and no advance notice is required. For further information, contact [email protected].

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Hevra Torah LearningSaturdays, 9:15-10:15 amThere’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.

Mar 5: Parashat VayakhelFacilitated by Cantor Jonathan

Mar 12: Parashat PekudayFacilitated by Rabbi Billy

Mar 19: Parashat VayikraFacilitated by Cantor Jonathan

Mar 26: Parashat TzavFacilitated by Rabbi Billy

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

Woodlands Community?

We’re all proud of the warmth and friendliness in our synagogue. It’s

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 we’re the ones to say hello, it’s a pretty sure bet folks will feel welcome. Woodlands is a warm, welcoming, open and embracing community ... when we’re the ones to make it that way.

of the event, to be gently educational and fun. “A lot of us grew up with parents and grandparents who never evolved beyond Manischewitz,” Gaffen says. “Many younger people today are more interested in wine and the possibilities. The program is designed to be relaxing and chill. The idea is to demystify wine a bit.”

The program will feature some food, classical guitar and cello, and plenty of conversation. And if you like a particular vintage, you’ll have an opportunity to order some (no obligation, though!).

Wooddy is prepared to go table by table, answering the questions that both

novices and veteran wine-tasters have long wondered about. He said he’ll try to remove some of the mystery from choosing and enjoying wine. “We should not be in awe of it or speak about it in hushed, reverent tones or feel that we need to master some arcane discipline to enjoy it completely,” he says.

He’ll also talk about the koshering of wine, although he plans to have excellent kosher and non-kosher wines on hand. “It’s important to know why wine is deemed kosher so one can decide whether it is important to them,” Rabbi Mara Young says. “But our real goal is to have a fun night out.”

The arrival of Purim does lead to annual discussions about Judaism’s relationship with alcohol. Jews have long grappled with the Talmudic injunction to drink until one “can no longer distinguish” between Haman and Mordekhai, and rabbinic scholars have long debated the meaning of this decree

to party. More recent questions are raised by our modern understanding of alcoholism and the dangers of excessive imbibing.

Maimonides addressed the obligation to drink by offering that one need drink enough

only to become sleepy – which can be little more than a thimble-full for many. “The alcohol component of Purim is a perfect example of another thing that Judaism normalizes, something that can be joyous and fun,” Rabbi Mara says. “Like anything in Judaism, it’s about moderation. One should be able to act responsibly and conduct themselves with dignity.”

Despite the role wine plays in Jewish culture, scripture warns of the dangers of alcohol, writes Rabbi Mark Washofsky of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. Jews who cannot drink alcohol are allowed to substitute non-alcoholic beverages for ritual purposes. “A tradition which values clear thinking and responsible conduct cannot but view drunkenness as an evil,” Washofsky writes.

So it’s important to note that sparkling grape juice will be available at the March 12 event.

Babysitting will also be available. The cost of the wine-tasting program is $20 per person. Please respond by Sat, Mar 5 at wct.org/wine.

This event is dedicated to the life and memory of Bill Falk, z”l, who loved his wines and would have been first in line for this program.

L’khayim!

Jewish Religion and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

Rabbi Pitkowsky is impressed by Springsteen’s efforts “to really find meaning in our lives.” The rock ‘n roller’s lyrics probe deep themes. Says Rabbi Pitkowsky, “There is something greater that we are really striving for. You should never be satisfied where you are as an individual and where we are as a society.”

Following his keynote address, attendees may participate in workshops to share their own insights into biblical passages through art, poetry, writing, music and improvisational comedy. For example, in the improv workshop, participants will enact “The Night before Isaac Becomes a Bar Mitzvah.” The problem? Abraham insists that Hagar be invited, and Sarah is none too happy. Where will you seat the guests?

In the art workshop, participants will explore Springsteen’s biblical verses through visual forms, while the poetry workshop will provide the chance to soak up some of Bible’s verses.

Attendance is free but please RSVP at wct.org/genesis. Snacks and babysitting will be provided.

Judaism and Alcohol, continued from page 1

The "Genesis" of Jewish Art and Culture, continued from page 1

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Education for AllCorey Friedlander

Although many Druze Israelis [a distinct insular minority with its own religion] have attained successful positions in the military and private sectors, the overall low socio-economic level of Druze families is linked to a high student dropout rate. This compelled the Education Ministry to introduce the unique “accelerated learning” approach pioneered by the Yeholot Association.

“The matriculation rate across the entire Druze sector went up from 52% to 73% since we began the program,” said Yeholot Director Nissim Cohen. “When a certain group falls behind, it is bad for this group as well as for society as a whole. … reaching a matriculation rate similar to the rate in the Jewish sector increases social cohesion and a sense of belonging and solidarity. It is an indication of a more just, enlightened society and shows that the schools fulfill their role of educating students from all population groups and backgrounds.”

A Very Special House Concert @ the DreskinsSat, Mar 26 at 7:00 pm

You are cordially invited to share in celebrating

the life and memory of Jonah Maccabee Dreskin by attending a House Concert with Jewish singer-songwriters Peri Smilow and Budd Mishkin. Proceeds from the concert, to be held at the Dreskin home in Ardsley, will help send Woodlands kids to URJ summer programs such as Eisner and Crane Lake Camp.

Tickets cost $250 and may be ordered online at wct.org/jonahhouseconcert. Hors d’oeuvres, drinks and desserts will be served. Space is limited to 40 seats – we hope to see you there!

Tu b’Shevat at WCT

The 4th and 5th grades came together for a Tu b’Shevat Seder that used elements of the kabbalistic tradition to help us understand our place in God’s creation. We ate different kinds of fruits and poured many glasses of grape juice while having a great time. The kindergarten, first, and second grades explored similar themes and fruits as well!

Tu b’Shevat was in full bloom in the Woodlands Religious School! Even the snow couldn’t stop our celebration of nature and the coming of spring in Israel.

K-2 Tu b’Shevat Seder

Academy took the holiday to a whole new level with “Tu b’shTop Chef,” a competition that blended culinary creativity and Tu b’Shevat content! Teams of teens made “dishes” that were presented to our three illustrious judges: Rabbinic Intern Jason Fenster, Director of Youth Engagement Tara Levine, and Rabbi Billy. Dishes were made up of Tu b’Shevat-themed ingredients. They were judged on presentation, taste, and Tu b’Shevat content. Even though our judges had tummy-aches by the end of the evening, fun was had by all. Congratulations to our winners, Emma Weiner and Zoe Bordwin!

Just Israel

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f r o m t h e C a n t o r

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. Doesn’t get much easier. So please shop amazon and help raise bucks for your temple. Thanks!

Hope for the Formerly IncarceratedFri, Apr 1 at 8:00 pm

About two-and-a half years ago, Project Isaiah—the WCT Social Action program to help formerly

incarcerated people—began working with a New York City union to help people coming home from prison enter a union apprenticeship program. Since then, approximately thirty people have changed their lives through the initiative. Recently, this program took the step of incorporating as a non-profit organization called P2A (Pathways to Apprenticeship). P2A is now assisting a wider array of City residents, as well as expanding its work-placement opportunities through relationships with other unions. With some anticipation of Passover in mind, coordinators and participants in the program will share some of their experiences and reflect on the liberating impact of access to meaningful fairly-compensated employment and inclusion in a union community.

Here, There and Everywhere

How we love Purim! The rowdy laughter, the hamentashen and the booze, the costumes and the story. Purim is a Jewish carnival, our own traveling and immortal Mardi Gras celebration, millennia old and going strong.

Amidst all the revelry, let’s consider the miracle of Purim. It teaches us about the presence of God in our world.

The Purim Miracle is unique in the Bible. Miracles are generally pretty obvious to the witnesses. Think of the parting of the Red Sea, or the tumbling of the walls of Jericho. A miracle is typically a dramatic deviation from that which is natural and normal. The Rabbis called these nissim geluyim, “open miracles.”

But not Purim! Every part of the Purim story can be explained logically as part of the normal world. We see schemes and choices of clearly human creation. Haman plots Jewish destruction. Esther chooses to throw her lot in with her people and confides her lineage to the King. The King takes action against the conspirators. Intricate turns of plot, but all are well within the realm of human possibility.

The Rabbis call it a nes nistar, a hidden miracle. In fact, this theme of Purim hiddenness is everywhere. God’s name is not even mentioned in the Megillah! You can’t get more hidden than that. And Esther’s name means “hidden,” as well. So where is God, you ask? A government tries to destroy the Jews, the plan is overturned, and once again the Jews survive. Sounds more like political science than religion, I guess.

But Jews see more. God’s face is hidden while the divine presence is right there to be appreciated. We see that God remains attentive and watchful. The wonder of Jewish survival is an undeniable divine gift. We celebrate the drama of our unseen renewal. We acknowledge the numerous deliverances that have come our way over the long centuries.

Our Purim revelry will proclaim the constant miracle and make that which is hidden known to the entire world. Through our open partying, we make the subtle presence of God a major public festival. God is not absent from the Megillah; rather, God is infused in every thought, in every decision and every moment.

God is here, there and everywhere.

Although we don’t know exactly when, Rabbi Mara

is sure to be away on maternity leave sometime in March

and April. Rest assured, she will return and we’ll all have a

new baby to fawn over. While she’s away, please

fawn over Rabbi Billy, Cantor Jonathan, and Tara Levine,

who are all available to you.

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March Happenings & BeyondL e a r n i n g

My Promised Land: Confronting our Understanding of Israel

Rabbi 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. Please read the following chapters

prior to class: Mar 2 ... Introduction: “Question Marks” and Chapter One: “At First Sight.” Mar 9 ... Chapter Five: “Lydda 1948.” Mar 16 ... Chapter Eight: “Settlement 1975.”

Co-sponsored by ARZA and Adult Ed. Register online at wct.org/shavit.

Prepping for Purim!Sat, Mar 5, 9:00-11:00 am

For all Woodlanders ages 4-8 (with a caregiver)

Join the religious school for the morning to start getting excited for the great celebration of Purim. We’ll start by singing and telling stories, followed by drama activities, creating family

megillot (Purim scrolls), and preparing sh’lakh manot

(Purim baskets) to give to folks in the local community.

Civil Rights Journey Soon Departs

Throughout the weekend of March 3-6, students from our 10th, 11th and

12th grades will travel to Tennessee and Arkansas, retracing footsteps of America’s very difficult but monumental struggle in the 1950s and 1960s to bring equal rights to all Americans, regardless of skin color. Part Two of our acclaimed Civil Rights Journey series, this trip will be led by Rabbi Billy, Youth Director Tara Levine, Rabbinic Intern Jason Fenster and temple member Bonnie Mitelman. We’ll visit the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, built on the site of the motel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated. A number of key music experiences (including Graceland, Sun Studio and Stax Studio) will frame the role that rock-and-roll and soul played in the struggle to desegregate America. We’ll also spend time at Central High School in Little Rock, where “the Little Rock Nine” were denied entrance in defiance of the 1954 Supreme Court ruling ordering integration of public schools. Throughout the weekend, the group will meet civil rights figures who are continuing to implement Dr. King’s vision of a just America.

We are incredibly fortunate that our Journey is subsidized by WCT’s Steve’s H.O.P.E. Fund. Steve’s H.O.P.E. (Helping Open People’s Eyes) was created by Bonnie, Alan and Geoff

Mitelman and Joanne Lelewer Harpel when their son and brother, Stephen Lelewer, died. Steve cared deeply about the way people treat one another, and we are honored to share in remembering Steve through the projects that Steve’s H.O.P.E. supports, furthering Steve’s ideals and the work that might have become his own.

Be sure to join us on Shabbat evening, Friday, March 11 at 7:00 pm, when participants will speak from our bimah about their experiences.

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. It’s a great time to meet and chat with fellow temple members and spend a relaxing evening. Music too! Babysitting provided. RSVP at wct.org/wine.

WCT Book ClubTue, Mar 15 at 7:30 pm

At a member’s home: contact the office for details. My Father’s Paradise: A Son’s Search for his Family’s Past, by Ariel Sabar, explores this 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 father’s heritage. All are welcome!

William Donat Visiting High School Holocaust Education ProgramMon, Mar 28

High school students from Hinesburg, VT, on their way to the Holocaust Memorial in Washington, will spend the morning at WCT with a Holocaust survivor, an American soldier who liberated a Nazi

death camp, and Rabbi Billy. Begun in 2004 by our cherished friend, temple member and Holocaust survivor Bill Donat, Woodlands is proud to welcome these students to honor Bill’s memory, his work and his powerful goodness.

You are cordially invited to join us. Contact the religious school office ([email protected], 914.592.1790) to RSVP and for the schedule.

Stephen Lelewer, z”l

Bill Donat, z”l, and rescuer.

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WCT University: The “Genesis” of Jewish Art and CultureSun, Apr 3, 2:00-5:00 pm

In the beginning … what did the Bible say about art and culture? Theologian Rabbi Michael Pitkowsky will provide a keynote address on “Bruce Springsteen and the Bible: Rock and Roll Meets the Torah.” Participants then will choose from four workshops in which they can interpret biblical themes through music, comedy, art and creative writing. Register online at wct.org/genesis.

D ay t i m e D i v e r s i o n s

“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”Wed, Mar 2 at 10:00 am

In this Howard Hawks classic, singers Lorelei Lee (Marilyn Monroe) and Dorothy Shaw (Jane Russell) travel to Paris, pursued by a private detective hired by the disapproving father of Lorelei’s fiancé.

A New York Classic at S’forim ForumSat, Mar 5, 4:30-6:00 pm

The Jewish literature reading group, S’forim Forum with Cantor Jonathan, will discuss the book, Mr. Sammler’s Planet, by Saul Bellow. This work is set on the West Side of Manhattan but, being Jewish, its sweep is far beyond in the past and future. Discussion, fellowship, snacks and Havdalah – we’d love to have you join us.

Jewish Superstitions: Fact or Folly?Wed, Mar 9 at 10:00 am

Rabbi Billy lets the cat out of the bag but not across his path ... ever. Sometimes Judaism sets aside reason and common sense, opting instead for bubbe’s wisdom, which often included spitting, muttering, ear-tugging and salt-throwing. Are these superstitions really Jewish? Are they in the Torah? What gives?

Current EventsWed, Mar 16 at 10:00 am

Tony and Selena Barron will facilitate this discussion on current events. An agenda will be emailed to participants ahead of the meeting.

s o c i a L a c t i o n

Blood DriveSun, Mar 6, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Give the gift of life. You can donate if you are between 17 and 75 years old and weigh at least 110 lbs. 16-year olds may donate with a letter from their parents, those older than 75 with a letter from your doctor. To schedule an appointment, visit wct.org/blooddrive or email Chuck Bauer at [email protected]. Walk-ins are welcome, but you may need to wait.

Easter Morning Breakfast RunSun, Mar 27 at 6:45 am

Serve food and some cheer to homeless men and women on Easter morning. Meet at the temple and carpool into NYC, returning by 10:30 am. Families with middle school and older kids are welcome. Email [email protected] for details and what you can bring. We’d appreciate donations of food and adult casual clothing.

Passover Food PackagesSun, Mar 20 - Fri, Apr 8

Help Project Ezra seniors celebrate a joyous Passover with food that’s generously provided by WCT families. Our students will pack beautifully-decorated boxes with your donations of Kosher-for-Passover food. Sponsor a whole box (we need 50) or choose from the list of requested items at wct.org/passoverfood. Bring any Passover food to the Purim Carnival and receive two extra tickets!

New Knitting and Crocheting Project: Baby Blankets!Sun, Feb 28 and Sun, Apr 10

We’ve joined forces with Temple Beth Abraham, Temple Shaaray Tefila and Congregation Emanu-El through Engage Jewish Service Corps to “Help Heal Israeli Refugees One Blanket at a Time.” We’ll be meeting on Sun, Feb 28 and Sun, Apr 10, 3:00-5:00 pm, to work on our blankets. If you want to start beforehand, contact Angela Adler ([email protected]) for instructions. And mark your calendar for a day of collaborative knitting and crocheting on Sun, May 22, Noon-4:00 pm here at Woodlands.

Mensch of the MonthFor March, it’s the 2nd grade! Help

them fill the food cart with cereal boxes, granola bars, juice boxes and fruit cups.

Making Dinner for a Teen ShelterSun, Apr 3

Provide a home-cooked meal for teens in The Sanctuary shelter, a program of the Interfaith Caring Community. Volunteer to prepare a main dish, vegetable or starch side-dish, salad, fruit or dessert for fifteen teens.

Email [email protected].

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y o U t H e n g a g e m e n t

8th-12th graders Clear your calendars

on Sat-Sun, Mar 19-20, for our WoodSY Purim Shul-in at WCT! It’ll be a night with friends, fun, food, an inspiring Havdalah service, and prepping for the Purim Carnival! You won’t want to miss it!

Purim CarnivalSun, Mar 20, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Get ready for a day of games, fun, food, family and friends! We will have skeeball, basketball, teen-made booths, and much, much more (with prizes)! For parents, we will have a relaxing, mingling lounge space. Please note: There will be no regular religious school. Every child must be accompanied by an adult.

Ruakh Neshama, our amazingly talented teen music group, will be performing. It’s a day you won’t want to miss. Also, this officially kicks off our Project Ezra food drive – be sure to bring Passover food items and receive two free tickets! Visit the Social Action page to see what foods we will be collecting (wct.org/socialactionprojects).

The seasons are changing and the spring holidays, graduations

and milestone events are approaching.

Along with longer days and warmer temperatures, we think about our surroundings and ways to embrace this regrowth. The Judaica Shop at Woodlands has wondrous merchandise to add some spirituality to your world. Moving to a new home? Painting a room or your home’s exterior? Come see the variety of styles and prices of mezuzot we have. Celebrating a new birth in the family? Check out the gift shop’s new baby Kiddush cups and tzedakah boxes. The Judaica Shop has the perfect gift for all your simkhas.

Jillery baby Kiddush cup

We were delighted, on our recent buying trip to see new work from our favorite designers. Our featured artist this month, Quest Designs, is our long-standing favorite who created the ideal Woodlands gift: an enameled tree-shaped mezuzah and yad. For years we have admired their unique colorful menorot, Kiddush cups, challah trays and knives and are excited to showcase a few of their magnificent new pieces: a striking set of deep-red pomegranate candlesticks will set a festive tone to your holiday and Shabbat table, and their beautiful purple yad with elegant stand will delight every Bat Mitzvah.

A Look at our Domestic Abuse Task Force

Meaning Behind Our Mission

Our incredible WoodSY kids gave the women and children living at the Hope’s Door shelter a Christmas to remember. They fulfilled every item on their wish lists, carefully and lovingly wrapping each gift and personally

delivering them in time for their holiday celebration. One of the residents told us there wasn’t a dry eye in the house that evening because the moms were so grateful to have gifts for their kids. After we unloaded our car, she hugged us and asked that we pass this message of gratitude to everyone who helped, telling us, “Many of us just can’t believe that there are people out there who don’t know us, but who care.” We’re proud of WCT and the DATF for giving hope and support to these women as they start their new, safer lives.

Purim Carnival 2014

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Todah Rabbah (thank you) to...Susie Brubaker, Rori Burke, Linda

Davidson, Debra Magid and Mary Elizabeth Stern for lovingly preparing a home-cooked dinner for the teens at The Sanctuary shelter.

Academy graduates Rabbi Geoff Mitelman, Deborah Halpern, Eric Jacobson, Adam Rosenthal, Erin Fligel, Andrew Fishman and Yael Farber for their participation in our January “Throwback Shabbat” service.

Our 3rd-4th Grade Late Night parent volunteers: Arin Gornstein, Emily Roos, Leora Cohen, Lisa Izes, Jonathan Kleinman, Debbie Fuchs, Ilyse Lesser, Jodi Moss, Hilary Archigan, Pamela Goldstein, Linda Davidson, Caroline Rosengarden, Dan Emery and Lisa Heinlein.

Gloria Falk, David Griff and Mickey Milbauer for your invaluable proofreading work on our upcoming 2nd compendium of WCT’s siddurim.

t H e s i m k H a P a g e

Mazal Tov to...

B’nai MitzvahSam ScafidiMarch 12

Torah Portion Pekuday

Hebrew Name Shmuel Yitzhak

Julia GardnerMarch 19

Torah Portion Vayikra

Hebrew Name Yokheved

Gavin SternMarch 26

Torah Portion Tzav

Hebrew Name Makhlon

Michael and Liz Scafidi as their son, Sam, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Michael Gardner and Eve Gordon as their daughter, Julia, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.

David and Mary Elizabeth Stern as their son, Gavin, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Beautiful gold, green and red enamel pomegranate-motif candlesticks.

Elegant gold and purple yad and stand.

The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is open, by request, every day the temple office is staffed. Evening and weekend hours are noted in the weekly temple email blast. Have a question? Shopping for something special? Email us at [email protected].

Call for Photos!Still have those 1969 Bar Mitzvah pix with you wearing tie-dyed bell-bottoms? Photos from WCT from yesteryear? We’re 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 ([email protected]).

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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 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 Community Mourns the Loss ofMarsha Block mother of Margot Serwer

Anne George mother of Marianne Ripin

Rose Saffron aunt of Lance Rosenthal

Sylvia Schneier mother of Leslie Schneier

Mark Solomon husband of Linda Solomon

Inscribe Your Loved One’s Name On Our Memorial Garden Wall

Twice a year, Woodlands adds names to our beautiful outdoor Memorial Garden Wall (just outside the sanctuary on the other side of the Ark) and dedicates them during a Yizkor Memorial Service. The spring dedication will be held during Yizkor on the last day of Passover (Friday, April 29 at 9:00 am).

Please visit wct.org/memorialwall if you wish to have names inscribed on our Memorial Garden Wall in time for the Passover dedication, and supply the information requested there – not later than Friday, April 8.

The price for inscription is $800 per name. Space may be reserved on the Wall for future inscriptions with full, advance payment. All names (whether they are to be inscribed or reserved) should be submitted at the time of reservation. This allows the engravers to allocate appropriate space for future inscriptions.

Zekher tzadik livrakha ... their memories are for a blessing.

Rabbi Billy’s Mitzvah FundIn honor of the birth of Benjamin Jacob

Cohen, grandson, from Roberta Roth.In appreciation of your support and guidance

during the time of my brother Robert’s passing, from Larry Brown.

In honor of Jordan Fox becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Andrew and Jamie Fox.

Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah FundIn honor of Jordan Fox becoming a Bar

Mitzvah, from Andrew and Jamie Fox.

Cantor’s Discretionary FundIn memory of Louis Okin, husband, from

Brita Okin.In honor of Jordan Fox becoming a Bar

Mitzvah, from Andrew and Jamie Fox.In memory of Marsha Block, mother of

Margot Serwer, from Jim, Elise, Charlotte and Matthew Ballan, Murray and Jeanne Bodin, Frank Forman, David and Dayle Fligel, Sandi Lieb-Geiger, Dale, Elly, Maya and Zachary Glasser, Larry and Yvette Gralla, Nelson and Jackie Leicht, Mickey Milbauer, Don and June Moskovitz, Phyllis Opochinsky, Rabbi Mara, Marc Casso, Shari Mason, Aliza Burton, Peter Rosenthal, Batyah Ben David, Kenny Green, Loren Holand, Lori Micucci, Jon Hirsch and the faculty of the WCT Religious School, Jonathan Richer and Lisa Sacks, Mark and Marjory Selig, David Griff and Roni Beth Tower, Roger, Roberta, and Allison Wetherbee.

Chai FundIn honor of Nat Adler, wishing him a speedy

recovery, from Irwin Miller and Barbara Gordon.

In memory of Sandra Bernstein, from Irwin Miller and Barbara Gordon.

In memory of Arnold Miller, from Irwin Miller and Barbara Gordon.

In Yarzeit memory of Jay and Kevin Novins, from Rochelle Novins.

In memory of Dorothy and Morris Kingston, from Michael Kingston.

In memory of George Stern, father of Judy Rosen, from Andy and Joan Farber, David and Dayle Fligel, Jay and Lois Izes.

In memory of Marsha Block, mother of Margot Serwer, from Gloria Falk.

In appreciation for the hard work of clergy and staff, and in honor of Micah Kerness becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Miriam Kerness.

In memory of Edna May Fadem, from Irwin Miller and Barbara Gordon.

Endowment FundIn memory of George Stern, father of Judy

Rosen, from Jack and Sue Safirstein.

Education Enrichment FundIn honor of Marge Thrope’s special birthday,

from Jim and Debbie Pollowitz.

Special Education FundIn memory of Robert Brown, brother of Larry

Brown, from Architecture+Information PC, Gloria Falk, Andy and Joan Farber, David and Dayle Fligel, Andrew, Jamie, Meredith and Jordan Fox, Jay and Natalie Werner, Steve and Gail Zizmor.

In memory of Robert Brown, brother, from Larry Brown.

Geraldine and Gerald Weinberger Lifelong Learning FundIn honor of Marge Thrope, from Frank and

Ellen Ress.In memory of Robert Brown, brother of Larry

Brown, from Lois Green.In memory of George Stern, father of Judy

Rosen, from Lois Green.In memory of Marsha Block, mother of

Margot Serwer, from Lois Green.In memory of Bill Falk, from Lois Green.

Social Action FundIn honor of Roberta Roos and Dotty Miller

for their hard work with the Jubilee Tablecloths, from Phyllis Opochinsky.

Bernard and Frances Shapiro Chesed Caring Community FundIn memory of Marla Weizner, daughter of

Marty and Rhoda Payson, from Jay and Lois Izes.

Music FundIn memory of Marsha Block, mother of

Margot Serwer, from Jay and Lois Izes.

Jonah Maccabee FundIn memory of Robert Brown, brother, from

Larry Brown.

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Yoga Shabbat Saturday, February 6 at Woodlands

As yoga stretches and strengthens the muscles and tendons in the body, “Jewish yoga” stretches our hearts and spirits, urging us to reach out in kindness to others in need. One of our Reform prayer books reads, “Pray as if everything depends on God; act as if everything depends on you.” Meditate, then act. In yoga, quiet your inner self, and care for the vessel that houses you.

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the newsletter of woodlands community temple

January 2016

Tevet-Sh’vat 5776

Continued on page 4

Family Learningby Rabbi Mara Young

It’s 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 B’nai 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 person’s 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 Care

by Rabbinic Intern Jason Fenster

Project Ezra:

40 Years Strong

by 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

([email protected]) 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 B’nai

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

Billy’s 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

To reserve space, call the temple office at 914.592.7070, or email [email protected].

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50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDWhite Plains, NYPermit No. 1112

DATED M ATERIAL- DO NOT DEL AY

current resident or:

Jubilant Reflections

In September 1965, my family moved into a new home in Hartsdale. Our top two priorities were to find a

nursery school for our daughter Lori and (since we both came from families that had always belonged to a synagogue) to find a new temple.

We quickly found a nursery school but could not find a synagogue in our neighborhood. We eventually saw signs indicating that a group of neighbors were interested in forming a new temple. Our interest was piqued and we began attending all the meetings. After a tremendous amount of time and work, on Rosh Hashanah 1966 we were up and running. Woodlands Community Temple was born. Our involvement included serving as the first Treasurer and sitting on almost every committee formed.

During this, our Jubilee Year, we would like to express sincere appreciation to a very special group of founding members. We refer to the first Ritual Committee which met for hours, days, weeks and months deliberating the ritual foundation of our temple. Some of our founding members were unaffiliated, some Reform and most from Conservative backgrounds. Our challenge was to lay a foundation that would serve the needs of all our congregants.

We addressed many concerns: Do we wear kippot and tallitot? Are men and women to be treated as equals? Do

we have weekday classes or just a Sunday school? When do we hold services? And many other questions. We spent a great deal of time educating ourselves in order to make the best religious decisions possible.

We also explored whether to affiliate with either the Reform movement or Conservative. At the time, we felt that we were unable to meet the Conservative requirements for membership, which included more days of religious school than we could offer. We were young congregants with children whose days were filled with activities, and parents who commuted to work. The decision to affiliate with the Union for Reform Judaism (back then, the Union of American Hebrew Congregations) gave us the most flexibility. However, we were uncomfortable with the Union Prayer Book and thus began writing our own prayer books.

We agreed to treat men and women equally and to include them in a minyan. We held

religious school on Saturday as that was when the church that served as our first home was available and held Friday evening services so they wouldn’t interfere with our religious school.

You can see how Woodlands’ religious

foundation took shape starting with a truly blank slate. This foundation was laid very carefully and still exists today, although it has certainly evolved. Kudos

to our first Ritual Committee and their extreme foresight. Your hard work is most evident and fruitful these fifty years later.

We are proud that our daughter Lori completed her Confirmation here, and that both our grandsons, Blake and Cole, became B’nai Mitzvah, completed Confirmation and graduated from Academy. Lori was married by Rabbi Avi Magid, and when she moved to Croton-on-Hudson, she began looking for her own temple to join. Within her second month of looking, she called and said no matter what temples she saw, Woodlands was hers. Lori drove the boys here every week for religious school until finally moving back to Hartsdale.

Fifty years after the first Rosh Hashana service, we are proud to say we are still members of Woodlands, and the fifty years of friendships and fantastic memories will always be with us.

Meg and Ron Tvert joined WCT in 1966. They are founding members.

WCT Members Gaze Across 50 Years

Meg and Ron Tvert: The 60s