Kol Hadash: High Holy Days 2020/5781 by B'nai Jeshurun

Kolâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Hadash HIgh Holy Days 2020/5781 Special Edition BJ.org

In this issue A Rabbinic Word: Page 2

Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome: Page 4

Pondering Loss in the Age of COVID-19: Page 10

The Kabbalat Shabbat Rundown: Page 20

Contents

Opening Thought A Rabbinic Word

Opening Thought.........................2 Learning, Growth, & Families......3 Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome..4 If Not Now, When?...........................4

Community, Caring, & Belonging.................................... 6

Going Behind the Zoom with BJ.....7 Our Community: Powered by You .........................................................9 Pondering Loss in the Age of COVID-19...................................10 Jewish Folk Tales ........................... 11 Inspiration for Your High Holy Days Table.............................................. 12 Round Challah Recipe................... 13

Life Moments & Milestones....... 14 Deaths, B’nai Mitzvah, Births........ 15

Prayer, Music, & Spirituality...... 17

5781: Spiritual Commitments....... 18 Acts of Kindness Spiritual Challenge...................................... 19 The Kabbalat Shabbat Rundown ...................................................... 20

Social Justice & Activism.......... 22

How the West Side Campaign Against Hunger Is Responding To This Moment.............................23 Recommitting to The Year of Environmental Teshuvah..........24 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at BJ: A Look Back and the Road Ahead.............................25

Advancing BJ............................ 26

What it Takes for BJ to be BJ.........26 2020-2021 Budget........................27 Todah Rabbah—Thank You to Our Donors................................28

This has been a year like no other. As we live each day in a very different world, we long for the comfort of the known, and we seek the familiar. As we mourn the sadness and loss our community, our country, and our world experienced in 5780, we look to 5781 with hope and a sense of renewal for the year to come. From the first of Elul through Simhat Torah, each of our homes will become a mikdash me’at, a small sanctuary. And through the cracks, in us and in the world, the light will surely come in. At BJ, social and spiritual connection transcends physical distance. Though we will gather to pray together this Yamim Nora’im in a different setting than ever before, the Shofar will still sound, waking us up to this moment, in all its depth and holiness. Among the silver linings this year, we and Ari will lead services together, for the first time in the history of the High Holy Days at BJ. To ensure our prayer services are maximized for the livestream setting via VirtuShul (bj.org/virtushul), we have curated each service in terms of content and length, to focus on the essential prayers and music. Through enhanced livestream production, and select use of Zoom, our services will provide a sense of intimacy and community connection. And so, we invite you to join us. Through Waze to the Light (bj.org/waze), the enriching online experience that BJ is unveiling week to week through the month of Elul and the holidays, we are providing a virtual roadmap inviting all members of our diverse community to find meaning and

inspiration in the season’s themes, liturgy, and music. Together, we are praying, learning, and connecting, in virtual gatherings large and small, as individuals and as families. As we explore music, sacred texts, art, poetry, and literature that bring the holidays to life in our homes, our hope for all of you is that you may embark on a very personalized journey of prayer, reflection, soul searching, and teshuvah. We know that this time has brought great challenges. At the same time, we invite you to seize the opportunity this moment presents. As we look toward the High Holy Days, we are inspired by our growing community, and we ask you to consider what it means to have BJ in your life at this moment. Renewing your membership, or joining our sacred community for the first time, is a statement of your commitment to BJ and the work we do together to build a better world. To those who have already established or renewed your membership, thank you for continuing to support BJ. If you have not yet renewed, we hope you will continue to be a part of our dynamic, inspired community. Please connect with our Membership team by emailing membership@bj.org. May we be blessed with a year of good health, restoration, and renewal. L’shanah tovah tikatevu, Rabbi Roly Matalon and Rabbi Felicia Sol

Learning, Growth, & Families

In this section • Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome • If Not Now, When?

Learning, Growth, & Families

Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome Michael Witman, Director of Family Life and Learning Some people love a good plan. They want to know their schedule days, or sometimes weeks, in advance. They thrive on routine and live for order. Others, like yours truly, love a blank page, or day turned upside down. “Flying by the seat of your pants”—that phrase would describe my best day. A thwarted plan, a rainy day, a wide-open path allows me to do what I do best: improvise, adapt, and overcome. Unfortunately, when the pandemic hit our beloved city and community, we all had to adjust our expectations and change course. With little preparation, our department had to do the same, and for the last six months, we have all rallied around the call to improvise, adapt, and overcome. This isn’t exactly a new approach. Throughout the Torah, we see both our matriarchs and patriarchs applying the same mindset. When the future was unknown, the path bumpy, the road filled with danger and uncertainty, our ancestors channeled the same ethos. God chose Abraham and said, lekh lekha (go forth). There was no map, no clearly delineated plan. What kind of immeasurable faith did Abraham possess before he stepped into the unknown? What about Sarah learning she would give birth to a son in her 90s. Imagine the doubts, the fears, and the excitement she tempered, worried she would face yet another year of longing. How did Moses muster the courage to face the powerful and tyrannical leader with whom he once broke bread? How did he forge a path into an unforgiving desert with an Israelite people clamoring for reassurance, freedom, safety, a plan! After the destruction of both of our temples, rabbis needed to reinvent the only way they knew how to communicate with God. Quickly they took us from sacrifice to prayer, hopeful that their adaptation would hold their community together for generations to come. Time and again, our people have continued to flee persecution, battle antisemitism in its deadliest forms, and find new and creative ways to live our Judaism in

often-hostile environments. We have had to improvise, adapt, and overcome in each generation. This moment is yet another test of our strength and willingness to do so. This moment affords incredible opportunity. We can stand up for the causes we believe in and engage in our families’ growth and learning in ways we’ve never

imagined. We have the opportunity to take part in a revolution to eradicate the racial disparities that have plagued our nation. We have the opportunity to teach our children how to pray with our feet, raise our voices, and vote with our Jewish values at our core. Most importantly, we have the opportunity to engage ourselves and our family in deep and meaningful Jewish learning. It is our time to improvise, adapt, and overcome. Our department is here to partner with you in this effort: Improvise: Kadima B’Bayit — We have always treasured our role in connecting families to each other and creating community. This new moment called for us to focus on the social and emotional growth of our families, and to do so in a highly personalized fashion. Personalized Family Learning Plan For 3rd-6th Grade Families to explore

“We have the opportunity to teach our children how to pray with our feet, raise our voices, and vote with our Jewish values at our core.”

relevant and meaningful topics in a personalized way that meets the learning needs and desires of their families, while having opportunities to develop stronger relationships with other BJ families and staff. This will replace our family elective model. Adapt: BJ Teen Bundle — We don’t often give our teens the credit they deserve for being highly adaptable in times of stress and uncertainty. BJ teens were almost instantaneously ready and willing to adapt to online learning and social programs. Grade Cohort Learning for the Whole Year After several successful years of events and opportunities for the teens in the BJ community, we’ve decided to create a comprehensive BJ Teens Bundle. This new structure has advantages for teens, families, and staff, and will offer a more streamlined program. We will now be offering grade cohort learning for the whole continued on page 5

Learning, Growth, & Families

If Not Now, When? Julia Rothman, BJ Teen Executive Board President The new year is a time of reflection, as well as a time of renewal. We think about the past year, what has gone wrong, and what can be improved upon in the coming year. This year in particular, the message of renewal is incredibly important. We have all experienced the effects of the pandemic, whether it be on a personal level or through modifications made to our lifestyles. The end of this year was not what we expected in the slightest, but in some ways, we may have benefitted from this change. Unfortunately, it often takes tragic moments like these to feel the true strength of our community. Over the past few months, I have witnessed the teen community come together in ways it had not previously. My peers and I strengthened our relationships with one another and bonded over shared experiences. We shared techniques for dealing with the newfound stress of the pandemic and learned from one another. I watched in awe as more teens than ever before showed up at events, eager to see friends and spend time with their community. A famous quote from Hillel reads ‫ִאם ל ֹא‬ ‫ אֵ ימָ תַ י‬,‫עַ כְ ׁשָ יו‬, directly translating to “if not

now, when?” That phrase is one I reflect upon often, even more so during this time of unrest and uncertainty. If we do not make our teen community fit to serve the needs of its participants now in this tumultuous time, when will it ever be a space they can turn to? If our members do not attend events now, even when many of us are lonely and in need of a friend, when will they? If we are not using this time of political and social upheaval as a moment to take action, when will we ever affect change? There are so many scenarios in which this quote is applicable, especially here in the teen program. We are only teenagers for 2,555 days, and those days leave us all too fast. The BJ teen program is unique in so many ways, but particularly in the way that it helps us mature. We enter as beady-eyed eighth-graders, uncertain of our place in our community, and exit as self-aware, reform-minded, Jewish young adults, ready to take on the world. We learn from one another and help each other grow. The physical separation we face will not be a barrier. Instead, it will motivate us to become closer as we ask the most

Julia Rothman difficult of questions and understand that they are unanswerable. We go into this coming year with a new lease on life and a zest for knowledge. I await the intriguing conversations over prevalent issues such as race relations and the impending election. I look forward to seeing teens develop their opinions and find their voices, much like I found mine through this life-altering program. Finally, and most importantly, I hope to see this community grow stronger as acquaintances become friends, and friends become family. Shanah Tovah.

Learning, Growth & Families, continued from page 4

Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome year (8th grade together, 9th/10th grade together, and 11th/12th grade together). Overcome: Kadima@BJ — When faced with the closing of our physical doors, our Kadima@BJ program overcame all odds to offer extraordinary programming on multiple platforms to help keep our families engaged and connected virtually. These goals will continue to move us forward. This virtual plan will allow us to: • Ensure that our students can receive a Jewish education while staying safe, healthy, and socially and emotionally suppor ted.

•

Ensure that our students and families feel socially and spiritually connected, even while physically distant, and that BJ is a space they can turn to in times of need.

•

Ensure that we are creating an environment where our students can be active Jewish participants in this virtual world.

Isaiah di Trani, a 13th-century Italian, Jewish tosaphist (a commentator on the Talmud), wrote: “We are dwarfs astride the shoulders of giants. We master their wisdom and move beyond it.” Our ancestors did not cower at the

idea of change or uncertainty. They faced roadblocks, pitfalls, and unfavorable terrain with faith and agility. We stand on the shoulders of these giants, those risk takers, those that worked to improvise, adapt, and overcome so that we might have a Jewish future. It is our hope that future generations will similarly look up to us for how we tackled this unprecedented moment in time. I could not be more proud to work alongside an incredible Family Life and Learning team: Rachel Barnehama, Laura Schultze, Makai Dorfman, Danielle Freedman, Emma Miller, Tobie Franklin, Michael Harlow, and Shira Averbuch.

Community, Caring, & Belonging 6

In this section • Going Behind the Zoom with BJ • Our Community: Powered by You • Pondering Loss in the Age of COVID-19 • Jewish Folk Tales • Inspiration for Your High Holy Days Table • Round Challah Recipe

Community, Caring, & Belonging

Going Behind the Zoom with BJ Colin Weil, Executive Director From prayer and learning to volunteering and social connections, each week, thousands of BJ members and friends connect with each other over Zoom. We have gotten a lot of questions from the BJ community about how we make this possible, and Executive Director Colin Weil has the answers! Q: What is BJ’s stance on using technology to enhance the prayer experience in this unprecedented time? A: Our community encompasses a variety of approaches to Jewish law and practice. While we have established standards of practice for when we gather together in community, we make every effort to respect each other’s personal choices. Since the start of the pandemic, BJ’s institutional practices have evolved in the face of the present unprecedented health crisis. While our spiritual leaders do not personally engage with technology on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, some of our

staff do, thus enabling the functioning of VirtuShul. During the High Holy Days, our livestream will remain the main conveyor of prayer services. Some of our programming will be enabled by Zoom, YouTube, or Facebook in order to provide members who use those technologies with the deep social connections that are a staple of the season.

“For the past six months, we have seen time and again that social and spiritual connection transcends physical distance.”

Q: How have the rabbis reconceptualized their homes to create a set-up that works to lead services online? A: Our spiritual leaders and musicians each dedicated a space in their homes to create what they refer to as a mikdash me’at (a small sanctuary). They sought to find a spot where they could feel physically and spiritually separate from the “work week” in order to connect with prayer, and with the community.

Q: Did they need to get special equipment, like microphones? A: We sent a technology package to each of our spiritual leaders’ and musicians’ homes to optimize sound and production quality. They use professional microphones, audio interfaces, and lighting. Q: The rabbis and Ari appear so close together on the livestream — is this safe? A: In fact, the service leaders are all stationed more than 20’ apart in our empty Sanctuary, with individual cameras capturing each of them. Our livestream system allows us to stitch together the individual camera feeds into a shared screen.

Above: The BJ sanctuary set up for Shabbat morning services. Right: Roly’s Zoom setup.

continued on page 8

Community, Caring, & Belonging, continued from page 7

Going Behind the Zoom with BJ Q: Zoom only allows one person to be heard at a time, but we have multiple instruments playing together for Kabbalat Shabbat. How did the musicians make that work? A: I asked BJ’s Music Director, Dan Nadel, who shared with me how he optimized Zoom settings to ensure that music remained as integral to BJ’s prayer experience as ever before: “I watched livestreams of many synagogues from around the world to cull the best learnings from varied experiences. We enabled what is called ‘original sound.’ This option allows for more than one sound to come through at any given point, and reduces the compression Zoom applies to the sound.” This means the sound people hear is more authentic than what is usually produced by the software. This approach has allowed us to continue to infuse our prayer with the music that nourishes our souls, even from home. Q: What is critical for successful implementation of a livestreamed prayer service, especially as we approach the High Holy Days? A: The rabbis are curating each High Holy Days service in terms of content and length, to focus on the essential prayers and music. They’re also building in breaks, so we have a chance to step away from the screen, stretch our legs, and process the prayer experience. Q: How is BJ facilitating those less familiar with technology? A: We know we are better together than apart. We have provided step-by-step guides on how to use Zoom technology on our website (bj.org/zoom), and our staff are available to guide community members who may need additional assistance. We know how large a factor social isolation is, and we

“Our commitment to creating transformative experiences has nourished the souls and spirits of our community and has held us together.” want members to feel assured that the BJ community is here to support you. Q: What positive outcomes have come of the pandemic? A: For the past six months, we have seen time and again that social and spiritual connection transcends physical distance. Our commitment to creating transformative experiences has nourished the souls and spirits of our community and has held us together. We are looking forward to an engaging and enriching journey through the Yamim Nora’im. See you online to sing, pray, and bake some challah!

Top: Becca at her Zoom setup. Middle: Felicia’s Zoom setup. Left: Ari at his Zoom setup.

Community, Caring, & Belonging

Our Community: Powered By You Rabbi Shuli Passow, Director of Community Engagement All year, every year, BJ volunteers make amazing things happen. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit New York, it wasn’t a surprise that over 150 BJ members stepped up to offer their time, energy, and love as volunteers. We had such an abundance of offers, in fact, that we weren’t able to place all these potential volunteers! The individuals listed below offered to make check-in phone calls, do grocery runs for those who couldn’t leave their homes, provide tech support so members could access BJ via Zoom, send meals to frontline workers, take the place of regular volunteers who couldn’t serve in our shelter and lunch program due to the pandemic, and much more. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who was willing to give of themselves to make sure that BJ would remain a caring and compassionate community in the face of this crisis. Rav todot! Many, many thanks to all of you! We are deeply grateful to Galit Lopatin Bordereau and Les Nelson, co-chairs of the Bikkur Holim committee, for overseeing our community outreach in response to the pandemic. Myriam Abramowicz Harriet Abraham Rachel Abrams Karen Adler Gail Amsterdam Adi Anker Eliza Anker Sharon Anstey Sima Arian Amy Bennett Meredith Berkman Genya Bernstein Jeannie Blaustein Barbara Blum Sophie Bokor Galit Lopatin Bordereau Michal Bowen Jordan Brail Mandy Braun Joni Brenner Abigail Bromberger Eve Brunswick Lisa Buksbaum Lara Caligor Susan Charney Jenny Chubak Elizabeth Cohen Madeline Cohen

Ellen Corenswet Thuythi Daily Penny Dannenberg Andrew Diamond Sami Dines Hilla Drechler Sylvia Dresner Ana and Ruben Dybner Anne Ebersman Michael Feinberg Rachel Fischer Lynda Fisher Elissa Fishman Sam Fishman Susan Fishman Fern Flamberg Deborah Friedman Nora Gaines Christina Gantcher Mike Gantcher Judy Geller-Marlowe Carol Gelles Valerie Gerstein Sian Gibby Oriyan Gittig Schwartz Helena Diamant Glass Linda Golding Shoshanna Goldman

Jenny Golub Nancy Greenblatt Connie Gruber Bob Gruenspecht Dora Hanft Miriam Herscher Jennifer Hirsch Leslie Horn & Family Susan Hyman Betsy Imershein Marc Intrater Rae Janvey Ruth Jarmul Nancy Kahn Vicky Kahn Miriam Harris Kaplan Talia Kaplan Rachael Kaplan David Katzenstein Beth Kern Deborah Kirschner George Klas Steve Koppel Toby Kovacs Daniel Kovacs Paula Kramer Weiss Evie Krislov Guenther Krumminga Neil Kurshan Daniel Lambert Celia Lambert Susan Viuker Lieberman Debbie Lerner Shira Nadich Levin Cindy Levy Beth Lief Wendy Linderman Robert Linderman Galit Lopatin Bordereau Mimi Lox Steve Luong Alan Mantel Fran Manushkin Julie Kowitz Margolies Susan Margolis Jennifer Mariaschin-Rudin Glenn Marlowe Linda Marshall Rachel Mehler Noa Mintz

Les Nelson Sallie Newman Maia Offitzer Sonia Orenstein Lisa Mednick Owen Laurie Pauker Ellen Perecman Pene Raphaely David Rhode Ilene Rosenthal Irv Rosenthal Nadine Rothman Julia Rothman Marta Sanders John Santelli Isaac Santelli Suzanne Schecter Ellen Schecter Eric Schneiderman Jazmin Schwartz Jonathan Schwartz Cecily Schwimmer Melanie Sherman Alexandra Sherman Rachel Sietz Leah Silver Sandy Soffin Rachel Sotelo Judy Spivak Alexandra Stern Lauren Stern Samara Stern Lori Sumberg Gideon Taylor Nancy Tepper Susan Thal Tammy Tuller Lauren Turk Dorothy Tydings Marjorie Vandow Sylvia Vogelman Ayala Wasser Eli Weiss Julie Wilcox Rae Winderbaum Harriet Wolf Judy Zorfas Spivak Lisa Zucker Zachary Cohn

Pease accept our sincere apologies if your name was inadvertenly omitted from this list.

Community, Caring, & Belonging

Pondering Loss in the Age of COVID-19 Jane Blumenstein, LMSW We are thrilled to welcome Jane Blumenstein, LMSW, as our new social worker and to welcome her to BJ. Typically, we joyfully usher in the new year and then turn inward to conduct a personal inventory in anticipation of Yom Kippur. We then emerge with tremendous relief towards Z’man Simhateinu (a time of our joy) during Sukkot. Finally, we reach the pinnacle of our celebration, Simhat Torah. The cycle of the year, the normal cycle, I should say, provides us with the opportunity to process the time passing in predictable ways that feel familiar. Part of the beauty of the rituals we have grown accustomed to is the way they serve to bring us to moments of reflection in an almost Pavlovian way. The shofar is blown, the soul will quiet, the ark opens, my heart is aflutter with expectation of the beauty of the sparkling Torah adornments, I take out the kiddush cup, and I think of my childhood family table. The holiday season will look and feel like none other we have ever experienced in our lifetimes. We are socially distanced from our families and friends, and our prayer services are taking place virtually. How can we reasonably enter into this season when so many of the normal cues we expect are missing? Is it possible to compartmentalize the loss, the feelings of deprivation, and to embrace the simha? For each of us, this conundrum will look

major protective factor and a source of love, strength, and healing. It’s a soft place to land, share, and reflect. Though I have just begun my connection to BJ through their partnership with DOROT, I am quickly becoming aware of the way this community holds its members in a warm and loving embrace, constantly devising new and creative initiatives to address the needs of the community. I feel privileged to be here and look forward to contributing toward the warmth and healing of the BJ community.

“The holiday season will look and feel like none other we have ever experienced in our lifetimes.”

Jane Blumenstein different and will depend on many factors. What were the challenges we faced and protective factors in our lives going into the pandemic? How have we been able to cultivate additional tools while being socially distanced? How much deprivation have we experienced and how are we able to balance that with new sources of strength? The support of community is no doubt a

Jane Blumenstein, LMSW, is our new social worker. She is passionate about her work with seniors, caregivers, and volunteers. Jane comes to us through DOROT, where she has worked since 2016. DOROT is a senior-service organization located on the Upper West Side, whose mission is to reduce social isolation and bring the generations together for their mutual benefit. She has spent years as both a president and board member of her synagogue, and is well-versed in synagogue life and committee work. She has been studying, living, and working on the Upper West Side for over 25 years, and currently lives in Morningside Heights with her husband and two children. You can reach Jane at socialworker@ bj.org.

Daily Minyanim Monday through Thursday: 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM Sunday and National Holidays: 9:30 AM Through our morning and evening minyanim, there are opportunities each day to gather in virtual community and maintain a spiritual practice, while supporting those in our midst who are saying Kaddish.

Community, Caring, & Belonging

Jewish Folk Tales Kristen Kersey and Peninnah Schram The Jewish people are known as “the people of the book,” but we also have a long tradition of oral storytelling. Early in the Torah, Moses explains to the Israelites how they will recount the story of the Exodus to their children before they have even left Egypt: “In days to come, when your child asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ say, ‘With a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.’” (Exodus 13:14). Storyteller and BJ member Peninnah Schram explains that “taking a storytelling approach to life review makes our heritage and history vital because it gives context. When a generation can empathize with its ancestors’ feelings, share their ideas and sorrows, the lessons of their lives will live on.” Jewish folk stories such as “The Apple Tree’s Discovery” and “The Scratched Diamond” can be found in numerous iterations throughout the Jewish world (read these stories, as retold by Peninnah Schram, at www.bj.org/folktales).

“God looked down at the apple tree and said gently, ‘Have patience, little apple tree.’”

“Instead of seeing the scratch in the diamond as a blemish, the young diamond cutter had seen it as the stem of a rose.” Rosh Hashanah, Schram writes, is a holiday that focuses on the oral experience. The prayer Barukh She’amar tells us that it is through God’s words that the universe came into being: “Blessed is He Who Spoke, and the world came into being — blessed is He. Blessed is He Who maintains creation; blessed is He Who speaks and does…” It is through the sound of the shofar, “that distinctive all-encompassing sound,” that we begin to awaken our hearts and stir our souls. For Schram, the sound of the shofar and the words of the storyteller are intricately linked. “There is no substitute for the dramatic sound of the shofar and the sound of the human voice chanting prayers and also telling stories. It is the sound of the human voice that transmits learning and memory. It is through the voice, a person’s exquisite

musical instrument,” she explains, “that the words create technicolor worlds that remain long-lasting memories.” The themes of the holiday are illuminated through the stories collected by Schram, such as justice, teshuvah, forgiveness, selihot, and the power of tears and prayer, to name just a few. Rosh Hashanah is a prime time to share stories because it is a time when multiple generations gather together to talk around the dinner table. The opportunity to share

To read these two folk tales, please visit www.bj.org/ folktales stories with a captivated audience without phones in hand is rare, and according to Schram, should not be missed. “There is always a time for telling stories,” she writes, “and there is always a story to fit the time. Storytelling not only reflects but perpetuates life. Rosh Hashanah is that right time to tell stories, listen to stories and share our lives through stories.” We invite you to read these stories, which come from Jewish communities around the world and which engage the themes of the High Holy Days, and to share them with those seated at your table (or seated at their own tables and brought to you by the power of Zoom) this year.

Community, Caring, & Belonging

Inspiration for Your High Holy Days Table Kristen Kersey, Program Administrator In her book King Solomon’s Table, a collection of Jewish recipes from around the world, Joan Nathan asked a chef why he continues to make his family’s traditional recipes. He answered, “It is not the taste I am searching for, but the memories.” Jewish food links us to the past in a way that touches the soul and fills the belly. Whether it’s a brisket recipe passed down through the generations, a “secret” family recipe that you’ve tried to recreate for years (the secret ingredient is probably schmaltz or sugar), or a new dish inspired by different Jewish communities from around the world, it is these sensory memories of smells and tastes that draw us back to the holiday table every year. We’ve compiled a collection of recipes we hope will make your celebrations a little sweeter and more delicious. This collection includes recipes from mizrahi and

Photo: Edsel Little under Flicker/CC License

sephardi traditions, as well as favorites of members of the new BJ havurah led by Carol Gelles: Your Stories and Recipes from Quarantine. They are a group of women who meet virtually twice a month to share experiences and recipes during this time of quarantine. They hope to meet for in-person potlucks once it is safe to do so. For those of you who are making Rosh Hashanah dinner for the first time and are feeling overwhelmed, remember that it is the memories that will last, not the taste of food on your tongue. Cookbook author and brisket aficionado Stephanie Pierson asked Joan Nathan, “If you’re Jewish and you make a terrible brisket, does that make you a bad person?” Joan’s response? “It just means you probably don’t put in enough water for a good braise.” So if at first you don’t succeed, add another cup of water and try again.

Recipes include: •

Persian Green Bean Frittata

•

Yemeni Soup

•

Mini Turkey Meatloaves*

•

Light-as-Air Paleo/Gluten-free Matzo Quenelles (almost balls)*

•

“That Jewish Apple Cake”*

•

Roast Chicken with Figs and Rosemary*

•

And more!

To see these recipes, please visit www.bj.org/recipes * Recipe from Stories from Quarantine havurah

Community, Caring, & Belonging

Looking for something fun to do to make your High Holy Days meals extra special? Why not bake some delicious round challah? The following recipe is lightly adapted from a recipe by BJ member Katja Goldman, from the cookbook, The Community Table, Recipes And Stories From The Jewish Community Center In Manhattan & Beyond. This recipe makes two large loaves. Bread: 2 cups warm water 2 packages dry yeast (4 ½ teaspoons) 2 teaspoons plus 1/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup honey 5 large eggs 6 to 7 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, as needed, plus more for dusting 4 teaspoons kosher salt 1 cup grapeseed or safflower oil, plus more for oiling the bowl 1 cup bread flour (not totally necessary if you don’t have it, but good) Toppings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc) or chocolate chips for incorporating into the dough Glaze: 1 large egg 2 tablespoons water 2 teaspoons honey (optional)

Directions 1. To make the bread, place the warm water in a large bowl and sprinkle the yeast and one teaspoon of sugar over the water. Let stand until foamy, which will take about 10 minutes (this is called proofing, or activating the yeast). 2. Add the honey, eggs, one cup of all-purpose flour, and the remaining sugar to the yeast. Beat hard with a bread whisk or stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth. 3. Add the salt and oil and continue to whisk or stir until the oil is incorporated. Stir in bread flour (if you have, otherwise use more all purpose). Gradually add remaining all-purpose flour, starting one cup at a time. When you can no longer stir in the bowl, transfer to a lightly-floured surface and continue to gradually add flour, kneading gently until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. (The flour amount may vary depending on the age of the flour, the humidity, and the size of your eggs.) Form the dough into a ball. 4. Oil a large bowl and add the dough, turning it once to coat it. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and place it in a warm, draft-free spot, such as in an oven that’s turned off. Allow the dough to double in bulk for one to two hours (you can also put the dough in the fridge overnight if you allow it to come to room temp before braiding and baking). Poke the dough with two fingers. If the indentations remain, the dough has adequately risen. If the indentation fills in, cover the dough and allow it to rise 15 to 30 more minutes. 5. When the dough has doubled, transfer it to a lightly-floured work surface and deflate the dough by pushing down on it with the heels of your palms three or four times (called punching down the dough). If the dough feels sticky or seems too soft,

knead in more flour. Divide the dough into two portions for the two loaves. To make round challah loaves, roll out each piece into one long roll. Then coil each piece in a spiral pattern, resulting in two round spiraled challah loaves. 6. Transfer each loaf to a parchment-covered baking sheet. Allow the shaped dough to rise in a warm place until an indentation remains when the dough is poked lightly with a finger. This will take roughly 30 to 40 minutes.

7. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 8. To make the glaze, beat the egg in a small bowl with the water and honey, if using. 9. Bake the challot until they sound hollow when tapped (or to an internal temperature of 195 to 199 degrees F). This will take 25-45 minutes depending on the size of your challahs. Just before they are done (at 190 to 193 degrees F), remove them from the oven and brush with the glaze. Return the loaves to the oven and bake until golden brown, which will take roughly five to 10 minutes. Brush again with the glaze, sprinkle with the seeds, if using, and return them to the oven until they look shiny and the glaze looks cooked, which will take roughly two minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on racks.

Life Moments & Milestones

In this section • Death • B’nai Mitzvah • Births

Life Moments & Milestones March 12, 2020–August 20, 2020 We recognize the life moments and milestones of those in our community over the past five months. Since we were unable to uplift, celebrate, and support one other in person, we extend sincerest condolences and a hearty mazal tov to the families of the following.

Ha-Makom Yenahem / Condolences The community of B’nai Jeshurun mourns the death of our members: Rebecca Shahmoon-Shanok, and we extend our sincere condolences to her children, Arielle Shanok and Martin Lan, and Noah and Anya Shanok, her grandchildren, Remy and Simon, and their entire family. Joanne Siegmund, and we extend our sincere condolences to her entire family. Rabbi A. Bruce Goldman, and we extend our sincere condolences to his entire family. Ella Lidsky, and we extend our sincere condolences to her entire family. Fred Kahn, and we extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Nancy Kahn, their children, Vicky Kahn and Philippe Lambert, their grandchildren, Daniel and Celia Lambert, and their entire family. Charles Brunswick, and we extend our sincere condolences to his son, Ralph Brunswick, his grandchildren, Samuel and Eve, and their entire family. Renie Rutchick, and we extend our sincere condolences to her wife, Judith Trachtenberg, and their entire family. The community of B’nai Jeshurun mourns the death of former member Rabbi Manuel Gold, and we extend our sincere condolences to his entire family.

The community of B’nai Jeshurun extends our sincere condolences to the following members and their families: Scott and Susan Grodnick, and their children, Zack and Max, on the death of Scott’s mother, Naomi Chanen. Emilie Baumritter Klagsbrun and Herbert Klagsbrun, and their daughter, Suzanne McGowan, on the death of Emilie’s sister, Judith Baumritter. Arlene Rubenstein, her daughter, Jessica Jenen and Jessica’s partner, Mark Shapiro, and her grandchildren, Beckett and Emerson Jenen, on the death of Arlene’s brother, Neil Shapiro. Rise Dimson and John Hatlebergon the death of Rise’s mother, Norma Small. Este Osofsky-McGonigle and Raymond McGonigle, and their son, Zachary McGonigle, on the death of Este’s mother, Marilyn Theresa Osofsky. Mark Highman and Rachel Goldfine on the death of Mark’s mother, Wilma Highman. Richard Lieberman and Susan Farkas, and their son, Samuel Lieberman, on the death of Richard’s brother, Gary Lieberman. Judy and Howard Spivak and their children, Stuart and Shira, on the death of Judy’s mother, Irene Zorfas. Marvin Lange and Ellen Metzger, and their daughter, Rebecca Lange, on the death of Marvin’s mother, Beatrice Lange. Toby Baldinger and her daughter, Danielle, on the death of Toby’s aunt, Rosalind Glass. Marcy Kopakin on the death of her sister, Fern Kopakin. Eileen Claman Butler and Larry Butler and their children, Sydney and Tessa, on the death of Eileen’s mother, Nanett Balmuth.

Joanne Palmer and Andrew Sherman, their daughter and son-in-law, Miriam Palmer-Sherman and Rabbi David Vaisberg, and their grandchildren, Nava and Judah Sherman-Vaisberg, on the death of Joanne’s mother, Lorraine Palmer. Amy and Ronald Guttman, their children, Zoe Guttman and Sebastian Agnessens, and Thomas Guttman, on the death of Amy’s mother, Iris Kaplan. Karyn and Joe Gold on the death of Karyn’s sister, Susan Schimer. Rob and Suzanne Stone, and their children, Isabella Davidman and Jennifer and Jason Stone, on the death of Rob’s father, Allan Stone Jonathan Lewis and Gabrielle Silver, and their children, Yaniv Lewis and Maya and Ella Silver-Lewis, on the death of Jonathan’s mother, Kathleen Lewis. Karen and Jeff Stern, and their sons, Russell and Jonathan, on the death of Karen’s step-father, Barry Lauton. Brad Lempert and Christina Burek, and their children, Samantha, Alexandra, Jacqueline, and Madeline Lempert, on the death of Brad’s sister, Melody Reed. Lowell and Deborah Kirschner and their children, Max and Shira, on the death of Lowell’s mother, Cynthia Kirschner. Nancy Tepper on the death of her aunt, Evelyn Zuckerman. Shula Wiener and Dov Bronner, and their children, Danielle, Arielle, and Michael Wiener-Bronner, on the death of Shula’s mother, Jochewed Wiener. Regina Zimmerman and her daughter, Abigail Mosesson, on the death of Regina’s father, Manuel Zimmerman. Andrea Feirstein and Frank Schiff, and their children, Samantha and Corey Schiff, on the death of Andrea’s father, George Feirstein. Norman Danzig and Gail Drum, Norman’s children, Sarah Danzig Simon and Michael Simon, and his granddaughter, Avery Simon, on the death of Norman’s brother, Myron (Mike) Danzig. Debra Wrobel Cohn, and her children, Zachary and Benjamin Wrobel Cohn, on the death of Debra’s father, Morry Wrobel. continued on page 16

Life Moments & Milestones contnued from page 15 Joshua and Cecily Schwimmer, and their daughter, Scarlett, on the death of Joshua’s mother, Helen Zegerman Schwimmer.

Rochelle Etingin and her entire family on the birth of her great-grandson, Maks James Janowitz.

Leslie Hyman on the death of her mother, Joy Hyman.

Rachel Stulman, her parents Stacy Bolton and James Stulman, her siblings Joshua and Eliza, and her grandfather Steve Stulman on Rachel becoming a Bat Mitzvah.

Renee Silverman and Sebastian Zimmermann, and their children, Natalie and Samuel Zimmermann, on the death of Renee’s mother, Mollie Silverman. Susan and Scott Grodnick, and their children, Zack and Max, on the death of Susan’s mother, Helen Frank. Susan Farkas and Richard Lieberman, and their son, Samuel Lieberman, on the death of Susan’s father, Victor Farkas.

Mazal Tov / Congratulations To the following members and their families: Asher Isabel Brooks, her parents Kim and Peter Brooks and her sister, Amelia Brooks on Asher becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Eden Holden, her parents Alison and Josh Holden and her brothers, Jonah and Tate Holden on Eden becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Linda, Bob, and Judith Marshall, on the birth of their grandson and nephew, David Ram Israel Haroush. We also extend a mazal tov to parents Rebecca Marshall Haroush and Yossi Haroush, and big sisters Aviya and Ellie. Isabel Crespi Goldfarb, her parents Marianna Crespi and Daniel Goldfarb, and her sister, Tess Crespi Goldfarb, on Isabel becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Kathleen Peratis on the birth of her grandson Richard, son of Sam and Sulekha Frank. Yasher Koah to Shira and Max Kirschner, who were supposed to celebrate becoming B’nai Mitzvah this Shabbat. They read the Torah verses that they prepared at morning minyan this week and will be called to the Torah and celebrate in the fall. Yasher koah to Shira and Max; their parents Deborah and Lowell; and their grandfather Charlie. Benjamin Feig, his parents Michelle and Jeffrey, and his siblings Zachary and Jacob, on Benjamin becoming a Bar Mitzvah.

Howard Goldman and Carrie Harris on the birth of their granddaughter, Eleanor Goldman, and to the parents and brother, Sam, Sarah, and Henry Goldman. Eve, Sam, and Reese Raboy, on the birth of their son and brother, Wesley Raboy. Joshua Nathan-Kazis and Emily Seife, and their daughter Eleanor, on the birth of their son and brother, Max Edgar SeifeKazis. Mazal tov also to Max Edgar’s grandparents, Joel Kazis and Sara Nathan, to his uncle and aunt, Saul Nathan-Kazis and Kristen Luciani, and to the extended Kazis and Nathan families. Moshe Samuels (former BJ Shaliah and Director of Israel Programs) and Rachel Singer on the birth of their daughter, Alma Ruth Singer-Samuels Rachel Penzner, her parents, Joshua and Julie Penzner, and her brothers, Ethan and Nathaniel, on Rachel becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Carol and Irving Smokler on their 50th wedding anniversary. Iryna and Adam Rattner on the birth of their son, Jacob Dylan Rattner. Barbara and Mel Berger on the birth of their grandson, Asher Martin Bachner, son of Adam and Molly Bachner, brother of Mason Ezra. Julie Ratner and Sam Eskenazi, on the birth of Julie’s granddaughter, Isadora Alisa Anne Ratner, and to the mother, Rebbie Ratner.

Jenna Bass Levy and Andrew Keller on the birth of their son. We also extend a mazal tov to Beckett’s grandparents, Judith Bass and Jack Levy. The Zivan family on the birth of Raphael Zev Zivan, great-grandson of Sy Zivan and Helen Schrier, and Karen Zivan (z”l). Rochelle Etingin and the entire Silver/ Etingin family on the birth of Rochelle’s great-granddaughter, Sonia Bloom Davidowitz. Jenny and Etan Slomovic on their recent wedding. Eliza Treuhaft, her parents, Leslie Falk and Zachary Trehaft, and her sister, Sasha, on Eliza becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Rabbi Miriam Herscher on her ordination at the Academy for Jewish Religion. Matthew, Erin, Sophia and Jacob Yoeli, Susan Etra and Michael Yoeli, Dahlia and Paul Weinger and Belle Yoeli, on the birth of their son, brother, grandson, and nephew, Benjamin Aidan Yoeli. Rabbi Becca Weintraub and Jeremy Edelman on the birth of their daughter, Azamra Ellie Weintraub. We wish them blessings of love, health, and joy, and look forward to welcoming them back following Becca’s parental leave. Aaron Ladds and Rikki Schonberg on their upcoming wedding, and to Aaron’s parents, Brian Ladds and Bonnie Miller Ladds, and his sister, Rachel Ladds.

Share your life moments and milestones with BJ by emailing Billie DiStefano at bdistefano@bj.org. For lifecycle emergencies, call 212-787-7600 x1.

Prayer, Music, & Spirituality

In this section • 5781: Spiritual Commitments • Acts of Kindness Spiritual Challenge • The Kabbalat Shabbat Rundown

Prayer, Music, & Spirituality

5781: Spiritual Commitments Rabbi Shuli Passow, Director of Community Engagement The High Holy Days season is an opportunity to reflect not only on our relationships with other people, but also on our relationship to Judaism and to God (however you understand it). This is the time to dig deep and ask: What role do mitzvot play in my life? Is there a ritual practice I can start to observe or a prayer I want to learn? How can I connect more to Torah? To jumpstart your thinking, we’re offering a few ways to think about your spiritual growth for the coming year. This should be a stretch, but not out of reach, so consider choosing just one or two things that you can really commit to. Whether you are newer to Jewish ritual or have been practicing your whole life, whether you studied in yeshivah or are just dipping your toe into the world of Jewish education, there’s always more to learn and deepen. All year long, BJ will be offering workshops, resources, and guidance to support this aspect of your Jewish journey, and the clergy are always here to answer your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask! Shabbat Shabbat is the cornerstone of the Jewish calendar and its rhythms. It is a big exhale at the end of a long week, a day to unplug

yet reconnect. Shabbat comes every week, a constant in an ever-changing and turbulent world. Which of these practices do you want to add to your Shabbat this year? • Light the candles on Friday nights. •

Say Havdalah at the conclusion of Shabbat.

•

Attend Shabbat services.

•

Learn how to say Kiddush and elevate your Friday night dinner with Shabbat blessings.

•

Unplug! Turn off your phone from sundown on Friday until nightfall on Saturday.

•

Devote time on Shabbat afternoon to singing, Torah study, or meditation.

Learning We are the people of the book! Make that real in your own life this year in a number of ways. Here are some suggested commitments you can take on. • Take an online class with one of the BJ rabbis. •

Learn to read Hebrew.

•

Start a weekly hevruta (study partnership) with a friend.

To perform a mitzvah is to meet the spirit. But the spirit is not something we can acquire once and for all but something we must constantly live with and pray for. For this reason the Jewish way of life is to reiterate the ritual, to meet the spirit again and again... The spirit rests not only on our achievement, on our goal, but on our effort, on our way. — Abraham Joshua Heschel, God’s Search for Man

•

Share some Torah learning at your Shabbat meal and discuss. You can use the Toward Shabbat or an online d’var Torah as a starting point.

Prayer Jewish prayer is at the heart of our spiritual life, both as individuals and as a community. It is meant to comfort us and to agitate us. It brings us together, be it in person or on Zoom. Make a commitment to show up for prayer in new ways this year. • Pick one (or more) day a week to be your minyan day and come to our online morning or evening minyan every week. •

Learn how to put on tefillin (ask the BJ rabbis; they’d love to show you!).

•

Take one of the prayer boot camp classes BJ will be offering this year.

•

Choose one prayer you already know and learn more about it.

•

Purchase a siddur (prayer book) to start or add to your Jewish bookshelf.

Prayer, Music, & Spirituality

Acts of Kindness Spiritual Challenge Every year, as the High Holy Days approach, we have the opportunity to reflect on how we have showed up in this world, especially in our relationships. How have I treated others? Did I show up for my neighbor when they really needed me? Did I pause and take time to think about how I may have hurt someone’s feelings? The past few months have brought so much distancing and isolation, making it even more important to invest in our relationships with kindness and spread that kindness to all human beings. Below is a list of kind acts you can do pretty easily. We encourage you to take the spiritual challenge and do as many as you can over the next month! We also invite you to document and share with us acts of kindness you have done! Please email mdorfman@bj.org with a picture and description of what you have done, or post to social media with the hashtag #KindnessChallenge. And never forget to ask yourself how you would like to show up for others this coming year! Hag Sameah!

T Make eye contact and smize (smile

with your eyes) with people you pass on the street.

Make a phone call to a friend you haven’t spoken with for a while.

T Compliment someone’s character

T Give praise to a colleague who has

T Offer to pay for and send someone

T Offer to teach a skill virtually to

T Paint a rock and leave it somewhere

T Send an inspirational quote of Torah

or personality.

a meal.

outside where people will see it and smile.

T Arrange a movie watch party online with someone you care about.

Send an interesting article to a friend.

T Reach out to call a friend, family

member, or neighbor who is experiencing loneliness or self-isolation.

done something well.

those in your community.

to someone you know.

T Tell a family member how much you love or appreciate them.

T Make a self-made gift or art project

and send it to someone for no other reason than love.

T Write a Happy New Year card and mail it to someone.

“Hesed / Lovingkindness” by Harriet R Goren / Goren Judaica

Prayer, Music, & Spirituality

The Kabbalat Shabbat Rundown Developed by Cantor David Mintz, Director, BJ Center for Prayer and Spirituality, and Rabbi Sarah Krinsky, Adas Israel Congregation, BJ Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow, 2016-2018

Are you often moved by Shabbat services, but sometimes unsure of what you’re supposed to do or say? Or even why you’re doing or saying it? Take a minute and get the rundown on what Kabbalat Shabbat is all about. Looking piece by piece or at the

big picture, we invite you to begin this year anew with deeper understanding, grounding, and direction in your Shabbat prayer practice. Looking for more? Check out the Upshot for Shabbat morning services on the BJ website at www.bj.org/upshot.

Description

Page Number (Siddur Lev Shalem)

Your Role

SETTLE DOWN: Psalms of Kabbalat Shabbat

The Kabbalists (16th-century Jewish mystics) believed that to move immediately from the weekday to the holy space of Shabbat was too stark and jarring a transition. So they added in the recitation of six psalms to help transition us from one mode of being to another. The six psalms can be understood as symbolizing the six days of the week in between each Shabbat.

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Allow your mind, body, and heart to settle into the space. Reflect on the week that has been. Prepare to greet Shabbat.

GET DOWN: Lekha Dodi

This song, composed in the 16th century, is the pinnacle moment of Kabbalat Shabbat. We welcome in the Shabbat bride, celebrating her arrival. This is a moment of joy!

Sing, dance, and celebrate.

BOIL DOWN: Piece of Torah

In many synagogues, the lengthier D’var Torah, or this week’s parsha, is given on Saturday morning. Friday night services, however, may also contain a moment of insight, wisdom, or reflection on the section of the Torah that will be read aloud the following morning.

WIND DOWN: Shema and Its blessings

Kabbalat Shabbat is about transitioning from the week into the holy space of Shabbat. The ma’ariv service, however, follows the contours of any other evening’s prayer. We take this moment to move our souls from the flurry of daytime hours to the slower pace of evening. Like in all evening services, our liturgical arc moves us through prayers for love, for protection, and for redemption.

Take it in. See how the teachings of our tradition resonate in your mind and soul.

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Explore the liturgy. Follow along with the congregation, or linger on a word or a phrase that grabs your attention.

continued on page 21

Prayer, Music, & Spirituality, continued from page 20

The Kabbalat Shabbat Rundown

QUIET DOWN: Amidah

Even in the midst of communal prayer, our service offers a moment for silent prayer, as we express both praise and gratitude to God. The Amidah for Friday evening contains the opening and closing blessings of every other Amidah, which here surrounds a text that sanctifies Shabbat itself.

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Take a moment for yourself. Get in touch with where you’re at, with what you appreciate, and with what you need.

DRINK IT DOWN: Kiddush

Kiddush, while a blessing made over a cup of wine, is really about blessing the day of Shabbat itself. Wine, here, becomes the vessel or vehicle through which we experience the joy, elevation, and sanctification of this holy day, distinct from all others.

Give a l’chaim in honor of the community’s celebrations, looking back at the week that’s passed and celebrating the holy moment that has arrived.

COOL DOWN: Closing Blessings

An orientation of prayer isn’t something we flip the switch and turn off or on. The closing blessings help us move from a mode of prayer back into the mode of Shabbat, taking with us the fullness of what we experienced during the service into the rest of our day and lives. This is also the moment when we say the Mourner’s Kaddish for those we have lost.

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Breathe, sing, and settle in. Shabbat has arrived.

In a nutshell: Slow Down

Unlike the majority of our days, in which we are bound to packed schedules and ever-moving pieces, Shabbat’s gift is one of expansive time. Take these moments to begin to adjust to that countercultural pace. Take this time to sit, notice, breathe, and slow down.

Let Your Guard Down

Prayer is about opening our hearts, peeking inside, and letting out what we find. Prayer is risky. It is vulnerable. It asks us to shed the shields and defenses that we often hide behind, and to show up as our raw and honest selves, as we seek intimate connection with the Divine. It gives us the privilege of being just who we are.

Dig Deep Down

Prayer operates on all levels. We can pray for what is right in front of us, for what is on the surface. But prayer can also be a tool to explore what is in the depths and corners of our souls. What do we wish for? What do we appreciate? What and how do we love? Where do we find redemption?

Social Justice & Activism

In this section • How the West Side Campaign Against Hunger Is Responding To This Moment • Recommiting to the Year of Environmental Teshuvah • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at BJ: A Look Back and the Road Ahead

Social Justice & Activism

How the West Side Campaign Against Hunger Is Responding To This Moment BJ has been a longtime supporter of West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH). Every year, BJ members donate to WSCAH on the night of Kol Nidre, responding to the words of the prophet Isaiah which we read on Yom Kippur: “This is the fast that I desire... to share your bread with the hungry…” Below is an update on WSCAH’s response to the pandemic and how they are providing for the growing number of New Yorkers facing food insecurity. Please consider making a donation at whatever level you can during the High Holy Days to ensure they can continue their crucial mission. —Larissa Wohl, Assistant Director of Community Engagement, and Rabbi Shuli Passow, Director of Community Engagement Erika Freund, Chief Development and Communications Officer, WSCAH Since the onset of COVID-19, it has been an unprecedented time for West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) and the world. WSCAH has used our mission and core values of dignity, community, and choice to guide all of our decision making, proving WSCAH to be at the forefront of ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to a choice of healthy food and supportive services. The COVID-19 relief support has allowed WSCAH to quickly respond and transform the organization’s operations to ensure continuity of services for New Yorkers in need seeking healthy food and essential benefits. To ensure safety of our staff, volunteers, and customers, WSCAH moved its well-known, best-practice, customer-choice, supermarket-style pantry from a basement-level operation to street-level operation, which required new equipment and transformed the interior work space into a safe, food packing assembly system. To meet the increased need for food access, WSCAH expanded food partnerships and food

“The COVID-19 relief support has allowed WSCAH to quickly respond and transform the organization’s operations to ensure continuity of services for New Yorkers in need seeking healthy food and essential benefits.” rescue efforts, and continues to purchase a significant amount of healthy shelf-stable food items. WSCAH has been renting refrigerated trucks and rewired the electricity from Saint Paul and Saint Andrew to increase our refrigeration capacity to ensure we can provide our customers with the healthiest and freshest food possible. WSCAH’s Mobile Market, which brings healthy food to customers in high need neighborhoods within northern Manhattan and the Bronx, adjusted to a no contact drop-off model. Pre-COVID-19, the program worked in partnership with 15 sites, and now has increased to 25 sites to meet the growing demand, including targeting immigrant families and vulnerable children. WSCAH was also able to respond to the acute needs of this pandemic by working with New York Health and Hospitals, ensuring 3,500 patients were given a twoday supply of healthy food to take home upon discharge from COVID-19 admission. The economic impact of COVID-19 is significant, especially for the communities WSCAH serves. The need for benefits like SNAP, health insurance, unemployment benefits, and cash assistance continue to increase significantly, and WSCAH’s social services remain central to the work we do. To also ensure safety of staff and customers, and continuity of these services, WSCAH transformed its social service department into a virtual call center. This required WSCAH to quickly improve its technology, purchasing additional laptops, phones, and equipment, along with creating a communication outreach plan to alert customers and key community

constituents so individuals could know how to access WSCAH’s Social Service department. WSCAH has served more customers, and distributed a significantly increased amount of food, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of our key pandemic statistics: • We distributed 54% more food from March-May 2020 than in 2019. •

Our 86th Street market saw a 388% increase in number of new households.

•

Since mid-March, the Mobile Market serviced 10,191 households, a 115% increase from last year

•

Our social service team provided 1,239 cash and non-cash benefits from May-June, three times the number provided last year.

Social Justice & Activism

Recommitting to The Year of Environmental Teshuvah One year ago, Hazon boldly proclaimed 5780 the Jewish year of Environmental Teshuvah. While we are soon to enter a new year, we recognize that our role in climate justice does not stop here. Now more than ever, our actions are important to shaping the future we want for ourselves, our communities, and our world. We are sharing

What is teshuvah? Teshuvah or “return” is a Jewish practice of turning inward and reflecting on the transgressions we make as human beings while acknowledging that what was done in the past does not have to be repeated in our

“Now more than ever, our actions are important to shaping the future we want for ourselves, our communities, and our world” Taking action The Brit Hazon is our opportunity to make a personal commitment to do better—to take a stand and take action—as we manifest our vision of a more sustainable and equitable world for all. Read more at hazon.org/commit-to-change/brithazon. We must envision the world we wish to create and we must see ourselves as part of the solution. • Transition to a plant-rich diet • Reduce food waste • Buy less stuff • Get growing/buy local • Reduce household waste • Reduce energy use

Hazon’s vision of Environmental Teshuvah with the hope that each of us will make a commitment, whether participating in the Brit Hazon or getting involved with the BJ Environmental Advocates, to make climate justice a reality. To make an online donation, visit www.wscah.org/donate. We are in a global environmental crisis. Jewish tradition compels us to respond. Now more than ever, we must stand up and assess the role that our actions play in creating the world we live in. We are called to make a change, to create a healthier and more sustainable world for all.

future. The practice of teshuvah offers us an opportunity to face our negative actions and create a new path forward. What is environmental teshuvah? Environmental teshuvah is the outward manifestation of our commitment to doing better for the planet. As you examine your individual impact on the planet, consider: •

How do you relate to the planet or the climate crisis? What inspires you from the natural world?

•

Which of your behaviors do you know are less than ideal? Consider the implications of your diet and transportation habits.

•

What are one or two areas in which you will commit to do better?

Join the BJ Environmental Advocates The BJ Environmental Advocates focus on climate justice work in New York City and New York State. They are currently a coalition member of the Climate Works for All Campaign, which is made up of labor, environmental, civic, and faith groups throughout the five boroughs. The coalition is working to push Mayor de Blasio, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, and the City Council to create green affordable housing, green energy, and green jobs in New York City. They are also part of the Jewish Climate Action Network NYC and a founding member of Greenfaith NYC. Contact Les, lesjudd@aol.com, or Sandy, sandra.m.rocks@gmail.com, to learn more and get involved.

Social Justice & Activism

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at BJ: A Look Back and the Road Ahead Rabbi Shuli Passow, Director of Community Engagement Ten months ago, Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nai Jeshurun embarked on the next leg of our ongoing journey to be an inclusive community and spiritual home to all who come through our doors. We launched Race and Us, the yearlong initiative through which we examined the history and impact of race and racism in our country, and also undertook the introspective work of understanding how racism operates in the Jewish community and results in the alienation of many Jews of color from Jewish institutions. We travelled to Atlanta, GA, and Montgomery, AL, to learn and relearn with our own eyes the history of the civil rights movement and the legacy of lynchings. Conversations with Jews of color, both from the BJ community and elsewhere, brought forth painful stories about racism and bias in Jewish spaces. We dove deeply into the narratives we tell about who we are as American Jews, and faced the uncomfortable truth that many Jews in

this country supported and benefited from racist practices and policies. Small group discussions throughout the year helped us learn and reflect. One significant learning from Race and Us is how the work of undoing racism and building inclusive community is predicated on deep and covenantal relationships. Sharing our stories with one another, dropping our assumptions, starting from a place of common humanity, seeing ourselves as mutually obligated to one another, and being willing to give and receive support; it is this relational work that helps us create a culture of true belonging, and bolsters our capacity for powerful action. In this coming year, there will be opportunities to engage more with the topic of race, and there will be opportunities to deepen and expand our relationships with other BJ members. Both of these are necessary for us to become a beloved community that can affect change both within BJ

and out in the world. As Race and Us transitions to become our ongoing work of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the Race and Us Steering Committee is becoming a standing DEI Committee, chaired by BJ members Nilda Torres Dicker and Julie Kowitz Margolies. We are grateful to the leadership of the committee this past year (Vicki Abrams, Julie Kowitz Margolies, and Eliana Slurzberg) as well as all the committee members and many others in our community who helped make Race and Us a reality. In this season of heshbon hanefesh, accounting of the soul, we honestly acknowledge the ways in which we have contributed to the suffering of others, and commit to new behaviors in the year ahead. We invite you to explore the following resources to guide you in your own teshuvah process as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

New York Times video series on unconscious bias (www.bj.org/nytimes-bias) What Not to Say to Jews of Color and What to Say Instead (www.bj.org/kveller-identity) Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;echol Lashon (www.globaljews.org) has a multitude of resources on race and Jewish diversity

National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta, Georgia.

Advancing BJ

What it Takes for BJ to be BJ Amanda Greenawalt, Director of Advancement I continue to be both honored and humbled at the accomplishments of our special BJ community, including our dedicated spiritual leadership and staff. Thanks to your participation and financial support, 2019-2020 was a year of undeniable growth for BJ, and it included the participation of over 4,000 people at our High Holy Days services. Of course, much has changed in a few short months, with the ongoing pandemic affecting all of our lives profoundly. BJ has approached this moment as an opportunity to both nourish our members and introduce broader audiences to the ways BJ enriches people’s lives. Like other institutions, BJ was compelled to pivot to a virtual platform, and we did so with respect to all of our offerings, including Shabbat services, minyanim, programming, Kadima@ BJ (our Hebrew School), adult education classes, and community service opportunities—all of which enrich the lives of individuals and enhance our collective feeling of abiding community. We are gratified at the extent to which our members have participated in our virtual offerings, and we are delighted to be extending our outreach worldwide, with a multitude of non-members from around the globe participating in our beautiful and meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning services, the life-blood of our congregation. BJ’s importance in the Jewish world has never been more resonant. We’ve never been needed more, and we have answered the call to offer strength and comfort to our community. At this time, I am pleased to share with you BJ’s 2021 projected operating budget. Our community’s $7.38 million operating budget is achieved through your membership dollars and Kol Nidre Appeal contributions, as well as annual fundraiser participation, foundation, and grant support. We experience every day how BJ embodies the mitzvah of tzedakah, thereby ensuring fairness throughout our community. BJ serves as a communal home where all are able to both receive and give support. It is because of our member donors that BJ can continue to be a community where growth is achievable, activism is constant, and sustainability is possible. Your continuing membership and support of this year’s Kol Nidre Partnership Appeal are particularly essential given these uncertain times. We thank you in advance for your generosity, for giving until it feels good. With you as our students, our teachers, our caregivers, and our activists, we continue to carry the light of limitless possibility for this community and the values we cherish so deeply. Thank you for making BJ your spiritual home and a philanthropic priority. We are so fortunate to be partners on this journey.

“BJ’s importance in the Jewish world has never been more resonant.”

Advancing BJ

2020-2021 Budget Prepared by Don Ostrower, Chief Financial Officer ENDOWMENT

FY21 Budget—Revenue 10% $719

TU P R I TI O OG N FE R A ES

I RSH BE EM

12% $905

37% $2,680

6% $467

ES & AS LS E L A NT RE

G R ANT S & C ONTR ACTS

Total Revenue $7.38 million

2% $175

33% $2,434

ANNUAL F U ND

Total Expenses $7.96 million

51% $4,664

M AD

TIO TRA N IS

ADVA N

Advancement includes: Development Membership Communications

CAM P

US O

PE R

26% $2,328

IO AT

& NS

URIT Y SEC

PROGRAM

Program includes: Shabbat & Holidays Family Life & Learning Tzedek/Social Justice Pastoral Care Adult Education Jewish Home Project

11% $1,046

FY21 Budget—Expenses 12% $1,113

Annual Fund includes: Kol Nidre Appeal, fundraising events, memorial and honorary gifts, progam support, etc.

Advancing BJ

Todah Rabbahâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Thank You to Our Donors Each year we thank our donors who have made gifts in addition to their membership dues during the prior fiscal year. These funds provide the support necessary to sustain our organization and keep it running for members 365 days a year. While membership dues, tuition, fees, and other earned income provide just more than half of our operating budget, we rely on the generosity of our member donors for the remaining half. We are grateful for your ongoing support of Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nai Jeshurun.

Bradley and Carolyn Abelow Jed Aber and Arianna Merems Harriet Abraham Shirley Abraham Emily Abrahams Myriam Abramowicz Beryl Abrams Rachel Abrams and Pierre Sussman Vicki and William Abrams Iris Abrons Judith Plaskow and Martha Ackelsberg Madelyn and Allen Adamson David Adelman and Ilana Feldberg Adelman Efrom and Harriet Adler Karen Adler and Laurence Greenwald Nathan Adler Judith Aiges Aaron and Sheila Akabas Meg, Seth and Shoshana Akabas Sandy Albert and Bob Gass Garrett and Nancy Karina Albistegui Adler David and Jillian Allweiss Amy Altman Anita Altman Marlene and Murray Altman Stephen Altman Gail Amsterdam Bret Ancowitz and Shirah Rubin Marcia Annenberg Carol Ansorge Sharon Anstey Sanford Antignas Bruce Appel Gary and Alyssa Apple Sophie Arbuckle and Arie Braude Lois Arenson Sima Ariam Maurice and Michelle Arlos Dennis Adler and Robin Aronow Mitchell and Penny Arons Elise and Marian Axelrad George Azarias

Jody Baer Michael Bailenson Arlene and Alan Baily Toby Baldinger Michael Gertzman and Carole Balin Paul and Stephanie Balint Robert Bank and Alan Cohen Judith Barack Marion and Tzvi Barak Joshua Barbanel and Anemona Hartocollis Joyce Barco and Evan Lacher Richard and Lesley Baren Amotz Barnoy and Minna Elias Sarah Baron and Jeremy Kahan Michael Barr and Gabriel Katz Judith Bass and Jack Levy Lori Bassman Robert and Jane Baum Nancy Beal Mostow and Michael Mostow Ted Becker and Christine Lin Lynn and Maurice Beer Matthew Beer and Jacqueline Yeh Charlotte Behrendt and Bernard Plum Beth and Arthur Belkin Nancy Beltrandi Manor Ben-Shaul Albert and Elissa Benchimol Ellen and Samuel Bender Emily Benedek Amy and Fred Bennett Georgette Bennett and Leonard Polonsky Roni Bennevat Daniel Reich and Maya Benton Caroline Benveniste Marc Berenzweig Asya and Ted Berger Barbara and Melvin Berger Mark Berger and Jane Eisner Pearla Bergfeld Meredith Berkman and Daniel Mintz Alice Berkowitz and Jeremy Starr Isabel Berkowitz Joel Berkowitz and Leslie Sweet

Aron and Manette Berlinger Jennifer Berman Melissa Berman and Richard Klotz David Bernard Gail Berney Dale and Gary Bernstein David Beyda and Susan Warshaw Debra Biegelson-Wechsler and Ron Wechsler Andrea Bigelisen and Drew Kopf Robert Bildner and Elisa Spungen Bildner Vitina Biondo and Yosef Riemer Darice Birge and Michael Handel Jonathan and Lauren Birnbaum Shirley Bisgeier Yildiz and Richard Blackstone Daniel Blaser Ronna Blaser Jeannie Blaustein and Peter Bokor Norman and Sheila Bleckner Helene Blieberg Sharon Schuster and Richard Blinkoff Jordan and Noah Blitzer Ellen Bloch and Jeffrey Scott Johnson David Block and Elizabeth Lynn Leonard Bloom Barbara Blum Aaron Blumenthal and Michelle Ender Barbara Bock Dana and Jesse Bodine Susan Bodnar and David Schatsky Marsha Boer Stacy Bolton Jeffrey Singerman and Ruth Borchardt Samuel Bordereau and Galit Lopatin Bordereau Allan and Renee Borkow Charles Borrok Gregory and Rachel Bovitz Michal Bowen Gabriel and Katherine Boyar Stacey Bradie and Todd Phillips

We strive to have the most accurate data. If you feel there is an inaccuracy on this page please contact Jennifer Rubenstein, jrubesntein@bj.org.

Advancing BJ

Todah Rabbah Julie and David Brail Nancy Ramsey Arlene and Irwin Brandon Avery Brandon and Gary Hennion Clifford and Laura Brass Mandy Braun Nancy Bravman and Mitchell Pines Sandra Brawarsky and Barry Lichtenberg Ritalynne Brechner and Brian McGlynn Victor and Stephanie Brener Joan and Israel Brenner Ryan Brenner Frances and Jonathan Brent Joe Bress Edward Brill and Michele Levin Deborah Brissman Jeanette Brizel Laurence Bromberg and Renee Rachelle Dov Bronner and Shula Wiener Brad Ruskin and Susan Brooks Deborah Brown and Jefrey Pollock Judy Brown Robert and Tricia Brown Rachel and Samuel Bruce Gustavo Bruckner and Bena Medjuck-Bruckner Ralph Brunswick and Charles Brunswick Burton, Cynthia and Seth Budick Lisa Buksbaum Martin and Kathryn Bunin Janet Burak Eileen and Larry Butler Rory and Rachelle Butler Robert Buxbaum and Sonia Gluckman William and Patricia Call Jonathan Canter and Tajlei Levis Charles Cantor Jacques and Karen Capelluto Caren and Jeremy Caplan Marion Capriotti Joan Cardell Zachary Cardell Ellen Carni Lynda and Robert Cassanos Susanne Catinella John Censor and Estefania Graffe Anita Chanko Todd Chanko and Ami Weil Susan Charney Sheryl Checkman Sandra Cheiten Renee Cherow-Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Leary and John Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Leary

Larry and Susan Chinitz Adam and Linda Chinn Rachel Chodorov Laura and Andrew Chonoles Mort and Harriet Chwatsky Rebecca Chynsky David and Herzlia Clain Amy Cohen and Gary Schatsky Elizabeth Cohen Harry Cohen Joel Cohen and Karyn Zieve Madeline Cohen Paula Cohen and Samuel Hess Rochelle and Don Cohen Rodney Cohen and Sheryl Green William and Gail Cohen Debra Cohn Marian Cohn David Coleman and Gallit Schuller Ilona Coleman and Ken Druker Lauren Coleman-Lochner and David Lochner Francine Collins Deborah Colson and Mark Diker Beatrice Cooper Elizabeth and Jay Cooper Daniela Sciaky and Reed Corderman Sara Corderman Ellen Corenswet and John Morgan Ellen and Jonathan Coven Thomas Strauss and Wendy Cromwell Robert Daley Lawrence and Susan Daniels Penelope and Steven Dannenberg Norman Danzig Bryan and Fern Daves Larry and Lisa-Karyn Davidoff Judith Davidoff Rosen Douglas and Sandra Davidson Franklin Davidson and Carol Fishberg Marvin Davis Michael Davis Lois de la Haba Mozart de Oliveira and Andrew Mandel Paul Deards and Sonia Taitz Jay Dengrove Myra Derkatch Bradley and Carolyn Desch Howard Dessau Helena Diamant Glass Robyn and Jon Diament Isaiah Dicker

Nilda and Stephen Dicker Carol and Andrew Dikman Rise Dimson and John Hatleberg Sandra Divack Moss and Daniel Moss Donna and Thomas Divine Henry and Luisa Dlugacz Barbara and Eric Dobkin Alisa and Daniel Doctoroff Linda Donald and Nathan Levin Dina Doustan Lawrence Drath and Audrey Sieger Sylvia Dresner Susan Drexler David Dreyfuss and Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss Donald Driss Yonah Levenson and Barry Drogin Gail Dubov Bernard Levin and Ronnie DuBrow Levin Nicole Duclos and Alan Roemer Anne Ebersman and Dan Caligor Vivian Ebersman Peggy and James Edelson Gordon Edelstein Reva Egdal Alan and Janice Ehrenreich Anne Eidelman Marcy Einhorn Jenny Eisenberg Sarah Jaffe and Richard Eisert Laurel Eisner Gail Eissenstat Michael Ekstract and Jennifer Zallen Andrew and Jill Ellner Jamie Emhoff and David Gottesfeld Fred Endelman Karen Levinson and Daniel Engelstein Shelley English Amber and Daniel Entenberg Sam Eskenazi Rochelle Etingin Martha Faibisoff Christopher and Kai Falkenberg Eloise Falleder Marian Faytell Friedman and Joel Friedman Jonathan and Shirley Feder Phyllis and Samuel Feder Alex Federman and Tamar Kotz Jeffrey and Michelle Feig Susan Fein Rabbi Michael Feinberg Howard and Nancy Feinglass

We strive to have the most accurate data. If you feel there is an inaccuracy on this page please contact Jennifer Rubenstein, jrubesntein@bj.org.

Advancing BJ

Todah Rabbah Andrea Feirstein and Frank Schiff Michael Feldberg and Ruth Lazarus Amy Feldman Gabriel Feldman Jack Widman and Ruth Feldman Andrew Levy and Tovah Feldshuh-Levy Aliza Felix Sharyn Feller Harris and David Harris Carl and Judith Felsenfeld Stephanie Finder Susan Fine and Arnon Mishkin Debra Fine and Martin Schneider David Fineman and Joy Sardinsky Robert Elting and Rachel Fink Isaac Finkle and Kim Shafer Alan and Laraine Fischer Herbert Fischer and Karen Sussan Rae-Carole Fischer and Joseph Saltiel Rae-Ann Fischer Donald Fishbein Alice and Jon Fisher Lynda Fisher Ted Fisher Monica Fishman and David Iankelevich Elissa and Howard Fishman Susan Fishman David Fitterman Daniel and Fern Flamberg Robin Fleischner and Theodore Metzger Arthur Fleisher and Lisa Halprin Fleisher Joy Fleisig Lydia Forster-Brock James Fraiman and Sarah Friedman Alan and Mimi Frank Stanley Frankel and Dana Norris Susan Frankel Tobie Franklin Deborah and Lawrence Fraser Michael Freed Helen and Stephen Freidus Earl Freiman Nancy and Paul Freireich Noel Freudberg Anne and Adam Fried Lauren Friedland Rochelle Friedlich Barbara and Joseph Friedman Deborah Friedman Hillel and Betsy Friedman Lauren Friedman and Jack Himmelstein Lenore Friedman Jane Fuchsberg

Jonathan and Sabra Fulop Natalie Furman Yosefa Galchen Paula Galowitz Michael Gansl and Gladys Reich-Gansl Christina and Michael Gantcher Hope and Victor Gany Kay Gardiner Alan Garten David Gass Samantha Gass Mr. Aaron and Ms. Shana Gaynor Peter Geffen and Susie Kessler Deborah and Theodore Geiger Michael Geller and Antonio Pagliarulo-Geller Judy Geller-Marlowe and Glenn Marlowe Carol Gelles Jerrold and Barbara Gendler Madeleine George and Lisa Kron Michael and Rita Gerber Anne Germanacos Linda Gerstein Mark and Valerie Gerstein Louis Geser and Ilene Rosenthal Sian Gibby Jody Gilman Edna Ginsberg Noah and Shantal Ginsberg Sara Ginsberg Martha Ginsberg Rosenfeld Barry and Merle Ginsburg Judy Gitenstein Diane Glass Lisa Glass Kornstein and Martin Kornstein Arthur Rubin and Barbara Glassman Marshall Glesby and Gail Schattner Edna Golandsky Anita Golbey and Lee Adlerstein David Gold and Hazel Morgan Janet Gold Joe and Karyn Gold Donald Goldberg Rina Goldberg Susan Goldberg Jeffrey and Laurie Goldberger Deanne and Michael Golden George and Sharon Golden Laura Goldenberg and Howard Seibel Peter Brooks and Kimberly Goldenberg Brooks Sarah Goldenstein

Lisa Goldfarb and George Burns Marianna Crespi and Daniel Goldfarb Jerry Goldfeder and Alice Yaker Rachel Goldfine and Mark Highman Cynthia and Laurence Golding Diane Goldkopf Alvin and Phyllis Goldman Caroline Harris and Howard Goldman Ilana Goldman and Jordan Goldstein Michael Sonnenfeldt and Katja Goldman Rebecca and Robert Goldman Shoshana Goldman Allen Bromberger and Lauren Goldstein Bess and Greg Goldstein Frederic Goldstein and Phyllis Lefton Jacklyn Goldstein Joan and Steven Goldstein Merle Goldstein Dorothy Goldstick Jennifer Golub Naomi Goodhart Morris Goodman Susan Goodman Lola Goodstein Robin Goodstein Harriet Goren Karen Gorstayn Arthur and Irma Gottesfeld Deborah and Ivan Gottesfeld Matthew Gottesfeld Sally Gottesman Jacqueline Gotthold and Brian Watkins Joyce Gottlieb Marsha and Paul Gourvitz Laurie Graff Natalie and Arthur Grand Ariel and Adam Granoff Gillian Granoff Robert Linderman and Ida Granowitz Bennett and Marcy Grau Edward Miller and Bena Green Martin Zuckerman and Susan Green Stephanie Green and Zeke Vanderhoek Amanda and Patrick Greenawalt Adena Greenberg and Shlomo Liran Deborah Greenberg Steven Morey Greenberg Miriam Greenberger Nancy Greenblatt and Jack Richard Barbara Greenspan Mercedes Gregoire Michelle and Paul Grobman

We strive to have the most accurate data. If you feel there is an inaccuracy on this page please contact Jennifer Rubenstein, jrubesntein@bj.org.

Advancing BJ

Todah Rabbah Scott and Susan Grodnick Jane Gronau and Zvi Rozen Larry Grosberg and Susan Rosenthal Helen Gross Stewart Gross and Lois Perelson-Gross Philip and Sharon Gross Marcia Grossman and Steven Fialkoff Seth and Jared Grossman Eric Grossman MD Connie Gruber Robert Gruenspecht Pamela Grutman Achsah Guibbory Beverly and Joe Guilyard Alan Pickman and Jan Gura Sharon Guten Ariella Gutin Michael and Gloria Gutkin Amy and Ronald Guttman Ellen and Frank Hagelberg Jessica Hale and Ted Levin Jay and Marci Halfon Meryl Halfon Irving Weitzman and Marlene Halpern Jeremy Hamburgh and Lisa Markman Dora and Noah Hanft Seapora Harlem Barbara Harmon Ellen Harris Shelley and Susanne Harrison Helaine Harte and David Rhode Bonnie Harwayne Ruth Havazelet Jill Hayman and Leslie Nelson Brandon Hedvat Lauren Hedvat Shannon Hedvat Jennifer Heettner Adam Howard Elaine Heffner Steve Heim and Dodi Meyer John and Silvia Heller Paul Heller and Ruth Acker Lauren and Scott Henkin Anne Herlick and William Wiener Miriam Herscher Claire Hertz Ellen Hirsch Gerald Hirsch John Santelli and Jennifer Hirsch Arlene Finston and Debra Hirshman Joan Hochman and Christopher Reid Marcia Hochman and Joel Mitnick

Seth Hochman and Cindy Horowitz Douglas Hochstadt and Katherine Moss Amanda and Jake Hofman Frima Fox Hofrichter Alison and Joshua Holden Janice Honig Nina Horak Leslie and Moshe Horn Mark Horn Alison and Jeffrey Horowitz Cynthia and Philip Hosay Elaine Housman Judy Greene and Yariv Houvras Sofia Hubscher and Adam Wallach Joanne Hubschman Leslie Hyman Susan Hyman Tamara and Gerard Igel Betsy Imershein Margie and Robert Imershein Marc and Pamela Intrater Jane Isay Laura Sirowitz and Michael Isenberg Dorian Goldman and Marvin Israelow Anthony Romeo and Nancy Ivers Romeo Betty Jane Jacobs and Alfred Litman Jonathan Jacobs Howard Jacobson and Kathryn Wolfson Judith and Leon Jacobson Leonard and Michelle Jacoby Seth Jacoby Suzanne Jacoby Moira Jaffe-Solomon and Steven Solomon Joan Jankell Rae and Richard Janvey Ruth Jarmul and Irvin Rosenthal Jessica Jenen and Mark Shapiro Nathana Josephs Les and Pamela Judd Marlene Jurman Nicole Kabalkin and Jeremy Ader Nancy Kahn and Emanuel Friedman Vicky Kahn and Philippe Lambert Lana Kalickstein and Steven Friedman Brett Kalikow and Bri Reitano Richard and Rosemary Kalikow Dale Kalikow Yacker and Brett Yacker Laurel Kallen and Michael Piazza Debra Kalmuss and Richard Katz Myron Kandel Barbara Kane Edward Kane

Laurie Kane and Andrew Brisman Robert Kanter David Karnovsky and Sue Kaplan Frimette and Robert Kaplan George Kaplan Joan Kaplan Joseph Kaplan and Catherine Kim Marcia Kaplan Marjorie Kaplan Jane Karsh and Emily Wallach Jared Karson Lisa Kassel and Mitchell Winter Linda Kates Daniel Katz and Jennifer Ritter Elliot and Kim Katz Ilene Katz Jan and Harry Katz Menachem Katz and Elana Opher-Iosifescu David Katzenstein and Sherrie Nickol Melanie Katzman and Russell Makowsky Nicole and Ken Katzman Jerome Kauff Clarita Kaufman Marina and Stephen Kaufman Nancy K Kaufman Suzanne Kaufman Deborah Kazis and Gideon Taylor Earle Kazis Joel Kazis and Sara Nathan Michael Becker and Carmen Keels Jeffrey and Shelley Kehl Carol Keller Florence Keller Ronald Keller Beth and Jonathan Kern Julie and Franklin Kern Robin Kerner Karen Kertesz-Sklar and Michael Sklar Deirdre and Stephen Kessler Lisa Kiell and James Stone Richard Kilberg and Barbara Margolis Stephen and Susan Kippur Madelyne Kirch Ellen Kirschner Lowell and Deborah Kirschner Alexander and Hindy Kisch Emilie and Herbert Klagsbrun George and Enid Klas Ellen Klass Paul Klausner and April Stewart Klausner Elaine and Robert Klein

We strive to have the most accurate data. If you feel there is an inaccuracy on this page please contact Jennifer Rubenstein, jrubesntein@bj.org.

Advancing BJ

Todah Rabbah Elana and Louis Klein Harriet and Jeff Klein Martin and Mrs. Marcia Klein Merryl Sack Klein and Ralph Klein Rachel and Mark Klein Roger and Sonja Klein Mark Kleinberg Emma and Suzannah Dessau and Joyce Klestzick Mitchell Kline Nancy Kline Scott Klion Juliette and Alan Klipper Adam Klotz and Kori Darling Daniel Knoepflmacher and Amy Veltman Lotte Knoller Willard Knox Alisa Koch Esther Kogan and Ruben Niesvizky Ruth Kogan and John Hiser Charles Gold and Anne Kohn Sherry Kohn Michael Kolber and Cheri Zeldis Nancy Kopans Lynette and Steven Koppel Amelia Korn Lorraine Korn Nathan and Patricia Kornfeld Miriam and Jonathan Kose Melissa Kraft and Kenneth Miller Elizabeth and Ruben Kraiem Renee Kraiem Martha Kransdorf Jerome Kraus Marvin Krislov Arthur Kroeber Nan Krotick Alyson Krueger Jenna Krumminga Robin Sanders and Guenther Krumminga Dennis Neier and Marisha Krupkin Katherine Kurs Alisa and Neil Kurshan Tony Kushner Cindy Lachow and Ira Ginsberg Robert and Sara LaHayne Tobin Kovacs and Rachel Laiserin David and Mirian Landau David Landau Amy and David Landesberg Gail Landis Mark and Lindsay Landman

Ellen Landsberger Anne Landsman and James Wagman Belinda Lang Marvin Lange and Ellen Metzger Rebecca Lange Mary Lou and George Langnas Eli and Shayne Lazar Evan and Emma Lazar Sarah Lazin Bernice Leber and David Rosenberg Marilyn and Michael Lebowitz Daniel Lebson and Thomas Wilinsky Jill and Martin Lebwohl Beverly Lee Jonathan Legum and Annette Zygmunt Harold and Helen Lehrman Mark Lehrman and Marya Pollack Jason Horowitz and Carl Leibowitz Debra and Eric Lerner Eve Lettvin Andrew Goffe and Jeffrey Levin Benjamin and Sara Levin Gary and Sara Levin Judith Levin and Jeffrey Schultz Marvin Levin Elizabeth and Richard Levine Geri and Shari Levine Naomi Levine Ms. Rebecca Levine Sara Levine and Philip Friedman Trudi Levine Simone Levine Policano Joan Levinson Joy Levitt and Michael Strassfeld Cindy Levy Laurence and Stephanie Levy Rachel Levy Esther Levy-Symonds Gabrielle Silver and Jonathan Lewis Richard Lieberman and Susan Farkas Ricki Lieberman Susan Viuker Lieberman Wendy-Sue Liebmann and David Pinto Sherwin Liff Wendy Linderman Lilli Link and Jay Rosenberg Suzanne Lipkin and Richard Exelbert Mindy Lipson Lisa Pachtman-Schlesinger and Mark Lipsy Judith Lipton Debby and Michael Lissaur Andrew and Sara Litt

Richard and Barbara Litt Michael Littenberg-Brown and Andrea Varadi Karel Littman Jonathan Lopatin and Brenda Berry Judith and Jules Love Israel and Julie Lowy Miriam Lox Joshua and Rachael Lubarsky David and Joan Luft Dorothy and Harvey Luft Carole Lurie Brian and Rachel Lustbader Marc Luxemburg Lisa Machlin Enrique and Lucia Malamud Allan Malz Esther Mandelbaum Barbara Manocherian Cynthia and Jeffrey Manocherian Jed, Jonathan and Yael Manocherian Alan and Jessica Mantel Jack David Marcus Stacy Marcus Stephen Friedgood and Dova Marder Alexander and Julie Margolies Malka Margolies and Walter Scott Susan Margolis Hannah Margulies Steven Margulis and Sherida Paulsen Carrie and Joel Marlin Jason Marlow and Ariella Soffer Marlow Charles and Marilyn Marsden Linda and Robert Marshall Silvia Marx Terry Marx and Stephen Arpadi Sheri Mason Susan Mason J. Rolando Matalon and Talia Hatzor Louise Matisoff Howard Matz Hillary Mayers Hector Mayo and Nancy Simpkins Suzanne Kessler and Wendy McKenna Barbara Mehlsack Ina Lea Meibach and Judith Meibach Gabriel and Mariela Melamed Ellen Melaver Audrey Melkin Renee Melzer Sandra Rocks and Robert Mendelson Phyllis Mentle

We strive to have the most accurate data. If you feel there is an inaccuracy on this page please contact Jennifer Rubenstein, jrubesntein@bj.org.

Advancing BJ

Todah Rabbah Julie Meridy and Richard Karz Seth Merrin Anita Meyer Emily Meyer Naomi Meyer Carolyn Meyer Wartels and Gary Wartels Maia and Nancy Michaelson Arnold Brooks and Rifka Milder Brina Milikowsky Nathan and Rebecca Milikowsky Susan Miller and Jonathan Memmert Brian Ladds and Bonnie Miller Ladds Anne Millman and Allen Rokach Lorrie and Bruce Millman Anne Mintz Robert Kuhnreich and Rhonda Mitron-Kuhnreich Brian and Kimberley Model David and Maria Molton Eliza Montgomery and Ethan Goldwasser Jane and Joshua Moritz Martin and Andrea Mosbacher Carol Moses Regina Zimmerman-Mosesson Julia Moskin and Darren Kapelus Jacob and Paula Moskowitz Bari Moss and David Slavin Peggy Moss Marshall Lux and Karen Moss-Lux Avi and Michal Nachmany Laurie Basch and Alexander Nacht John Motulsky and Wendy Nacht Eugene and Ilene Nadel James Levin and Shira Nadich Levin Donna Nadler and Robert Gould Jerrold Nadler and Josephine Miller Kristen Luciani and Saul Nathan-Kazis Susan and Edward Nayor Marcia Needleman Jillian Neubauer Amos and Andrea Neufeld Madeleine Neufeld Richard Neugebauer Jeffrey Neuman and Cynthia Wachtell Andrea Newman Harvey Newman Sallie Newman Tanya Niesvizky-Kogan Shahpar Nili and Elmer Phelon Arthur and June Nislick Laura Nowak James and Laurie Oestreich

Stephen and Susan Olderman Andrew Orenstein Sonia Orenstein Nadine Orloff Estelle Osofsky-McGonigle and Raymond McGonigle Sheldon Ostro Rochelle Ostroff-Weinberg Lisa and Steve Owen Eve Klein and Robert Owens Mark Ozer and Ava Huang Michael and Diane Palmer Marcey and Stanley Pantowich David and Erica Panush Mimi Pardes Abby Park Rachel and Seth Park Sara Pasternak Levine and Mathew Levine Cheryl and Mitchell Patt Laurie and David Pauker Jaimee Pearl Mark and Jennifer Pearlman Dennis Estok and Emily Pearson Leslie and Alan Pearson Jennifer Peck Judith Peck Kate and Bradford Peck Joshua and Julie Penzner Alison Pepper Kathleen Peratis Ellen Perecman Phyllis Cosloy Hirsch and Howard Perlman David Dosamantes and Ellen Perlstein Miriam Perrin Michael Pertain Barbara Petratos Claudio and Penny Pincus Alexandra and Benjamin Piven Lilli Platt Letty and Bertrand Pogrebin Maria Paula Carvajal and Hilel Pohulanik Diana Polak David and Vivian Port Pearl Port Andres de la Pena Garcia and Walter Porto Gutierrez Larry Hirschhorn and Melissa Posen Sharri Posen James Posner and Jill Prosky Charles and Nancy Posternak Constance and Maurice Povich Lynn Povich and Stephen Shepard

Nahum Precel and Rivka Tenenbaum-Precel Leslie Prosterman Margaret Puddington Steven Raber and Lynne Rosenthal Eve and Samuel Raboy Judy and Bernard Rachelle Paula Rackoff Jessica Radin Karen Radkowsky Irma and Robert Radus Elenor Radzivilover Karen Rait and Michael Greene Joseph and Bonnie Rapaport Penelope Raphaely Lois Rappaport and Raymond Shanfeld David and Deborah Rasiel Julie Ratner Robin Reif Susan Reimer-Torn and Edmond Torn Jonathan and Marion Reiss Fretta Reitzes Susan Resnick Gail Ressler Aviv Reuven Vicki Been and Richard Revesz Ilene Richman Alan and Sharon Richter Nathan Riemer and Lisa Gaetjens Lee and Cathy Rimsky Jolie Roberts and Warren Rubin Jan and Martina Roda Fernando and Jessica Rodas David Romeo Lois Rooks Sidney and Linda Rosdeitcher Deborah and Robert Rose Esta Rose Corinne Roller and Jared Rosen Myrna and Herman Rosen Judith Rosenbaum Thane Rosenbaum Craig Rosenberg Todd Rosenbluth Raquel Rosenfeld Rita Rozenkranz Adam Arenson and Rebecca Rosenthal Cindy Rosenthal Lillie Rosenthal and Eric Rosenthal Mark Broomfield and Sarah Rosenthal David Ross and Stephanie Susens Jonathan and Lilli Roth

We strive to have the most accurate data. If you feel there is an inaccuracy on this page please contact Jennifer Rubenstein, jrubesntein@bj.org.

Advancing BJ

Todah Rabbah Judy Roth and Stephen Zeldes Ronald Roth Miriam Rothenberg Daniel and Nadine Rothman Jerry and Sheila Rothman Danyel Harlem-Siegel and David Rothstadt Deborah Rovner Suzanne Schecter and Todd Ruback Lenore Ruben Arlene Rubenstein Barry Berson and Roni Rubenstein Jennifer Rubenstein Aaron and Susan Rubin Lori Rubinson Max Rudin and Amy Schatz Merrill Rudin and Michael Katz Amy and Charles Rudnick Ellen Rudolph Felicia Rudolph Jerry Rumain Scott and Ilana Ruskay-Kidd Amanda Levy and Joel Ryzowy Olga Ryzowy Galit and Abraham Sacajiu Robin Sacknoff Judith and Robert Safran Gary Cohen and Karen Saltser Cohen Susan Salwen David and Barbara Salz Alicia Samuels Joanna Samuels and Jeremy Hockenstein Peggy Samuels and Lester Schwalb Paul Samuels and Nurit Margulies Susan Sanders Dennis Sandler Victoria Sanger Juliusz and Ardith Sas Wendy Sax Larry Bolder and Rabbi Eva Sax-Bolder Karen and S. Andrew Schaffer Lee and Lisa Schalop Dr. Ellen Schecter Dana Scher Daniel Schimmel and Niki Singh Eric Schlagman Andrea Schnabl and Stefan Stux Ronald Schneider Eric Schneiderman Holly Schneier Adam Cohen and Rebecca Schofield-Cohen Victoria Schonfeld

Amy and Jacob Schrader Peninnah Schram Ellen Schranz Helen Schrier and Seymour Zivan Dava Schub Ms. Andrea Schwartz David and Julie Schwartz Jonathan and Oriyan Schwartz Lucy Chudson and William Schwartz Marilyn Schwartz Renee Schwartz Ingrid and Maurice Schwartzberg Jonathan Schwebel Sheila Schwid Barbara Schwimmer Cecily and Joshua Schwimmer William Segal Lois Segel Harriet Seiler Bonnie and Carl Seligson Scott Kleinman and Linda Senat Marie Sevy Rhonda Shafner and Eric Weisberg Richard Shane Anne Frank-Shapiro and Michael Shapiro Christopher Grymes and Rachel Shapiro Leonard and Lois Sharzer Beth Brodsky and Amir Shaviv Carol and Dennis Shebairo Joanne Palmer and Andrew Sherman Caitlin Sherman Marla Chafetz and Melanie Sherman Martha Sherman Phyllis Sherman Betsy and Richard Shuster Judith and Jeffrey Siegel Naomi and Burton Siegel Toni Siegel Joanne Siegmund Carol Silberfeld Allan Silberglait Ellen and Daniel Silver Jonathan Silver and Orli Etingin Silver Leah Silver Phyllis Silver Theodore Silver and Shera Wise Silver Jill Silverman Leslie Brill and Philip Silverman Renee Silverman and Sebastian Zimmermann Barbara Simon and Ezra Teitelbaum Charles Simon

Michael and Sarah Simon Marilyn and Jim Simons Michael Simonson and Beth Lief Marcia Simpkins Max Alper and Elena Simpser Amy Singer and Richard Einhorn Dov Fobar and Diana Rose Singer Lori Beth and Michael Singer Phil Richter and Julie Sissman Steven Sklar and Amy Wallace Hannah Bayer and Stuart Slavin Ronda Small and Ira Wolfman Jaye Bea Smalley Carol and Irving Smokler Avi and Justin Smolen Lisa and Richard Sobelsohn Sarah Soffes and Jonathan Goldberg Rabbi Joel and Sandy Soffin Felicia Sol Richard and Roberta Sol Bruce and Audrey Soloff David Solomon Karen Soren and Richard Pena Laura Speyer and Josef Goodman Jonathan Feld and Danielle Spiegel-Feld Mitchell and Sara Spinnell Janet and Gilbert Spitzer Howard and Judith Spivak Stuart Spivak Helen and Robert Stark Amy Bennett-Staub and Arthur and Jeremy Staub Howard and Miriam Steele Elliot Steelman Sharon Stein Judy and Michael Steinhardt Catherine Stephenson Alexandra and David Stern Carl and Miriam Stern Jack and Judith Stern and Dana Trobe Jacqueline and Mr. Jonathan Stern Jeff and Karen Stern Lauren Stern Marjorie Stern Richard and Zulma Stern Samara Stern Suzanne and Rob Stone Michelle Stoneburn Richard and Joanna Strassman James Stulman Stephen Stulman Barbara and Leonard Sugin

We strive to have the most accurate data. If you feel there is an inaccuracy on this page please contact Jennifer Rubenstein, jrubesntein@bj.org.

Advancing BJ

Todah Rabbah Linda Sugin and Anthony Calnek Janet Sullivan Lori Sumberg Ellyn Rabinowitz and Richard Sussman Bill Swersey and Galia Baigina Jennifer Sylvor and Steven Greenberg Lola and Marvin Szneler Sheldon Taback and Susan Thal Ronald Taffel and Stacey Merel Catherine and Henri Talerman Paul and Danielle Taubman Alexandra Tawfik Nancy Tepper Linda Thal Ziva Thorne Henry Tischler Marjorie Tiven Seth Marnin and Rachel Tiven Bernice Todres Elzbieta Tracewicz Judith Trachtenberg Tammy Tuller and Rick Wien Robin Tunick Lauren and Warren Turk Charlotte Turner Gail Tuzman Dorothy and Lawrence Tydings Kara Unterberg Renee and Vincent Vaccaro Richard Fields and Marjorie Vandow Leslie Verter Aly Vini and Aaron Viny Sylvia Vogelman Shary Wagreich Barry and Elain Waldman Gay Walley Marian Warden Rhonda and Judith Warren Judith and Lee Wasserman Leonard Wasserman Linda Wax Fisher Gayle and Jay Waxenberg Eliza and Jon Weber Joel Weber Colin Weil

Elana Weinberg Judith and Martin Weinberg Mimi Weinberg Beth Siegel and Scott Weiner Hadassah Weiner Lawrence Geismar and Stephanie Weiner Dahlia and Paul Weinger Beth Weinshank Donna Weinstein Joyce Weinstein David and Estare Weiser Eileen Weiss Emily Weiss Jeff and Paula Weiss Jodi Weiss Lawrence and Rachel Weiss Richard Joselit and Jenna Weissman Joselit Diane and Mark Weisstuch Lenore Weitzman Bart Schwartz and Betsy Werthan Elizabeth and Inez West Joan Westreich Janine and Jonathan Whiteson Marian Williams Marilyn Williams Barbara and Robert Willinger Peter and Sharon Wilner Gary Nestler and Anna Winderbaum Michael and Rae Winderbaum

Paula Wisnik Lorraine Wohl Harriet Wolf John Wolff and Nancy Eppler-Wolff Susan Wolfson and Mike Shriver Mandy Wolkoff and Andrew Friedman Julian Wolpert and Rebekah Narli Daniel Lifton and Mayumi Yamada-Lifton Elyse and Robert Yedid Susan Etra and Michael Yoeli Karen and Robert Youdelman Holly Zabitz Susan and Walter Zabriskie David and Yael Zack Frances Zak Sharon Zane Madeline Zawel Meryl Zegarek Deborah Zeigler Anne Ziff Peter Zimroth and Estelle Parsons Susan Zinder Susan Zohn Barbara and Benjamin Zucker Daniel and Lisa Zucker Julie Zuckerbraun Andrew and Heather Zuckerman Gordon Mehler and Ariel Zwang Carol Zwick

Planned Giving Making a planned gift to BJ ensures that your commitment to our spirited and dynamic community continues to help us grow, innovate, and make lasting social change for generations to come. To find out more about how you can create a meaningful legacy through supporting the BJ community, visit www.bj.org/plannedgiving or contact Jennifer Rubenstein at 212-787-7600 x252.

We strive to have the most accurate data. If you feel there is an inaccuracy on this page please contact Jennifer Rubenstein, jrubesntein@bj.org.

Welcome Rabbi Rebecca Weintraub! Ever since Rebeccaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit to our community in January, we have been excited at the possibility of her joining us as assistant rabbi. Becca was ordained as a rabbi in a moving ceremony on June 7, and June 15 marked her official start as a BJ rabbiâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; we warmly welcome Becca to our community. We are blessed to have her as a part of the BJ spiritual leadership and have already enjoyed all the ways Becca has made her imprint on the BJ community. Becca joins us with her husband, Jeremy Edelman, and their daughter, Azamra Ellie Weintraub, who they welcomed in August. Though we wish we could all be together to welcome Becca in person, there will be many ways for the community to meet Becca, to learn from her, and to get to know her better. Becca is part of the leadership of Shabbat services (www.bj.org/ shabbat) and daily minyanim (www.bj.org/minyan). She has taught weekly class and has been present at a number of general community and family programs over the summer to further connect with our community. We will have a more formal welcome ceremony later in the fall following her return from parental leave.

Find your Waze to the Light: www.bj.org/waze

Rabbis: J. Rolando Matalon Felicia L. Sol Rebecca Weintraub

Hazzan: Ari Priven Executive Director: Colin A. Weil

Community House 270 West 89th Street New York, NY 10024-1705

Sanctuary 257 West 88th Street New York, NY 10024-1705

Tel: (212) 787-7600 Fax: (212) 496-7600 Online: www.bj.org

Kol Hadash: High Holy Days 2020/5781

Articles inside

What it Takes for BJ to be BJ

of Environmental Teshuvah

the Road Ahead

Todah Rabbah—Thank You to Our Donors

To This Moment

Jewish Folk Tales

Going Behind the Zoom with BJ

of COVID-19

Table

5781: Spiritual Commitments

Round Challah Recipe

Deaths, B’nai Mitzvah, Births

If Not Now, When?