Fall Bulletin 2021 - 5782

Summer / Fall ISSUE

WHAT I WILL CARRY WITH ME

High Holiday Edition

BY RA B B I C H A I M S T E I N M E T Z

IN THIS ISSUE R A B B I C H A I M S T E I N M E T Z 1 R A B B I H A S K E L L O O K S T E I N 4 R A B B I R OY F E L D M A N 6 R A B B I M E Y E R L A N I A D O 8 R A B B I D A N I E L & R A C H E L K R A U S 10 C A N T O R C H A I M D O V I D B E R S O N 11 S I M C H AT T O R A H C H ATA N I M 12 A N N U A L M E E T I N G 1 4 I N T H E C O M M U N I T Y 2 0 H O L I D AY S 3 0 CL AS SE S

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W I T H I N O U R FA M I LY 4 0 I N M E M O R I A M 4 4 B N E I M I T Z VA H

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A C A D E M I C A C H I E V E M E N T S 5 0 Z M A N I M 5 6

VO LU M E XC I , N U M B E R 1 AU G U S T 2 , 2 0 2 1 | AV 2 4 , 5 7 8 1 R abbi C haim S teinmetz

Here are a couple of things I won’t miss at all: Moving across the sidewalk to avoid other people. The eerie realization that it’s rush hour on the New Jersey Turnpike, and there’s not a car in sight. Washing my hands with soap while singing “Happy Birthday.”

The last 15 months have been a strange new world of masks, Zoom and nasal swabs, and all of the coronavirus weirdness has made a difficult time even more difficult. Being stripped of ordinary routines magnified the feelings of grief, anxiety and loneliness.

A return to normal can’t come soon enough.

But normal may not be the right goal, or even an attainable one. A fascinating debate arises regarding the third chapter of Genesis, which tells the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

To many commentaries on the Tanakh, this expulsion is an absolute tragedy of a paradise lost; and from this point on, life will be filled with death, disease, and difficulty. Humanity is cast out of

2 a utopia into an unmapped reality, which by its very nature is random and abnormal; we are only left with dreams of Eden, and the hope we can somehow find our way back.

Some took this quest to great extremes. Brendan of Clonfert, a 6th century Irish monk, gathered 16 fellow monks on a boating expedition to search for the Garden of Eden. It is understandable that people would continue to seek their lost paradise.

Perhaps there is more to life than living in paradise...

It is the very imperfections of life that make it worth living, because our struggles are transformative.

This interpretation fits well within the text, which emphasizes the elements of sin, expulsion and curses. However, other commentaries offer a very different interpretation of this passage. Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz, the author of the Shelah, writes that the proper understanding of the sin of Adam and Eve “is that everything was meant for the good … and (sin) brings even greater closeness between man and God.” Bezalel Safran has argued persuasively that the Ramban saw the sin and expulsion from the Garden of Eden as preordained and part of God’s original plan; the Midrash Tanchuma says so explicitly, and reports that Adam complained to God that sin was merely a ruse to throw him out of the Garden of Eden.

Eden was always a way-station, and Adam and Eve were never meant to live there; the inherent appeal of a Divine paradise is so powerful, it would have robbed Adam and Eve of their free will. These interpreters see Adam and Eve’s failure as fortunate, because in a world of challenges and temptations humanity can reach greater heights.

The differences between these two views are dramatic; one pines for a lost paradise, while the other embraces the messy and mundane world we have. I am partial to the second view; continued //

it challenges us to rethink what life is all about. Perhaps there is more to life than living in paradise.

We are living in a society that is about as close as ever to a utopia. Medieval kings couldn’t even dream of conveniences and luxuries available to every middle-class American, such as planes, cars, advanced healthcare and overnight delivery - and our standard of living steadily increases. What doesn’t make sense is that there is a great deal of personal angst in this contemporary utopia. In a 1974 article, Richard Easterlin, an economist at the University of Pennsylvania, was the first to point out that as incomes grew in western countries, people weren’t getting happier. In a 2004 book, Greg Easterbrook gathered research that showed, on average, people were less happy than decades earlier, even though their standard of living had improved. This observation that being materially better off didn’t make people happier has been called the “progress paradox.” There are many psychological and sociological theories about why this is so. But perhaps the answer is simpler: humanity wasn’t meant to live in a utopia.

Challenges are critical to the development of our character and even to our self-image. The 18th kabbalist Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato, (the Ramchal), wrote of a concept called “nahama d’kisupha,” the “bread of embarrassment.” The idea is that people need to have free will, and the opportunity to fail, so that they could truly be self-made and take credit for their own achievements. To receive an unearned good, a metaphorical free loaf of bread, is an embarrassment, because that person’s achievements will then seem pointless.

It is the very imperfections of life that make it worth living, because our struggles are transformative.

The key to the “progress paradox” lies in the narrative of the Garden of Eden, and the recognition that humanity does best when challenged. This is why on Yom Kippur we focus on our frailty, vulnerability and mortality. It is a day of confession and hunger, accompanied by the lyrics of “Who shall live and who shall die.” The Temple service on Yom Kippur centered around the casting of lots, which highlights the random nature of life, of how uncertain everything is. Yom Kippur is strange, and that is the point. For 24 hours we let go of our illusions of security, and in that uncomfortable confrontation with reality, our purpose is renewed.

The world is going back to normal; but we shouldn’t. For nearly a year and a half, the Yom Kippur perspective, which recognizes a reality that is random and insecure, has been a part of our daily lives, and we need to carry those lessons with us. We must recognize that the very same lessons that allow us to survive in the worst of times enable us to thrive in the best of times.

R abbi C haim S teinmetz / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N

3 At the beginning of the pandemic, Natan Sharansky was invited by several organizations to speak about how to cope with quarantine. Sharansky, who had been imprisoned by the Soviet Union from 1978-1986 for requesting an exit visa to Israel, knows a thing or two about solitary confinement.

And despite the absurdity of comparing a lockdown in well-appointed living quarters to a prison camp in Siberia, Sharansky accepted the invitations with good cheer; he has spoken and written about his experiences as a political prisoner many times.

One of the most inspiring episodes during Sharansky’s detention relates to a miniature book of Psalms; it was given to him by his wife Avital, and he held onto it through his time as a prisoner. Sharansky was only learning Hebrew at the time, and he would sit and transcribe the words, and try to decipher them. One of the first passages he understood was the 23rd Psalm, which declares “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Fear no evil became his personal mission, and the title of his autobiography.

When he was being released, twice the KGB tried to confiscate the Book of Psalms while he was in transit. He even had to lie down on the ground, in the snow, and refuse to move until the KGB returned it to him. This tiny book of Psalms was a

symbol of his wife Avital’s love, of his own determination, and a symbol of Jewish history and courage.

So what happened to this Book of Psalms after he moved to Israel? Yael Ziegler ran into Sharansky five years ago, and shared the following anecdote: This morning I was in a bakery in Jerusalem when I noticed that I was standing behind Natan Sharansky. I summoned up my courage and told him that I had just cited from his book this week in a class I was teaching on Sefer Tehillim. I explained that I told my students the inspiring story of how he had kept a tiny book of Tehillim with him at all times, even when he had to struggle with the authorities to get it back. At that point, Sharansky smiled, reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out that tiny (palm-sized) tattered book of Tehillim. I was stunned, and I asked him “Do you carry that wherever you go?” Sharansky didn’t even pause and he replied “Actually, it carries me!”

I was thinking of this story when reflecting on the end of this pandemic. There are many things I won’t miss about this past year and a half; but I will miss the extraordinary moments where we caught a glimpse of the courage of the health care workers, the compassion of our volunteers, and the solidarity we showed together as a community. As we finally get back to “normal,” I will carry those inspiring memories with me, now and always. Or perhaps I should say: Those memories will carry me.

Expulsion from the Garden of Eden by Thomas Cole. Photograph by Frank Vincentz; public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

continued / /

R abbi C haim S teinmetz / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N

4

GRATITUDE

BY R A B B I H AS K E L L O O KS T E I N

This sermon, first delivered at KJ in 2015 upon our return to the Main Synagogue on the High Holy Days for the first time since the fire that ravaged it on July 11, 2011, is reprinted here for our first High Holy Days following the Covid-19 pandemic that ravaged our world.

God owes me nothing.

These words did not originate with me.

They form the title of my father’s unfinished autobiography.

It was to be an ode of gratitude for the blessings in his life: his family, this congregation, Ramaz – the school – and its namesake (the Ramaz) and other aspects of his life.

I am not contemplating writing a similar work, but the confluence of returning home to our shul, completing the total renovation of the synagogue house/ Ramaz Lower School building and the recent election of Rabbi Steinmetz as our Senior Rabbi, all inspire me to think about the central theme of my father’s unfinished book – gratitude, or thanksgiving. In Hebrew: Todah or Hodaya. It’s a big subject, but our time is limited – and since I want to earn your gratitude – I will discuss only three aspects of gratitude and close with one moral principle.

First: There is no todah without dayeinu.

One does not feel grateful until one feels satisfied.

The paradigmatic example of this is the Biblical Matriarch, Leah, the unappreciated and unloved wife. God blessed her with four sons. She named the first: Reuvain, saying: ’‫כי ראה ה‬

‫“ בעניי כי עתה יאהבני אישי‬For God has seen my affliction; maybe now my husband will love me.” The second: Shim’on, saying: ‫כי שמע ה’ כי שנואה‬ ‫“ אנכי‬For God has heard that I am despised.” The third: Levi, because

‫הפעם ילוה אישי אלי כי ילדתי לו שלשה‬ ‫בנים‬. “Maybe this time my husband will

accompany me because I bore him three sons.” The fourth: Judah, saying ‫“ הפעם אודה את ה׳‬This time I will thank God.” ‫“ – ותעמד מלדת‬and she stopped having babies.”

After the first three births, Leah only wanted – or needed – more and, therefore, she never thanked God. By the fourth, she was satisfied. She had had enough. And so, she made a b’racha: Ha-tov v’ha-meitiv. She thanked God. And stopped giving birth. First: Dayeinu; then Todah!

This is the theme – and perhaps the fundamental message – of Shabbat.

There is no Shabbat without Dayeinu.

Otherwise we would just keep on working and doing and striving and competing. “Rabbi Lookstein: I just love Shabbos,” a highly industrious and accomplished convert said to me once. “I disconnect from my cell phone, computer, beeper and everything and I am exclusively with my husband and children. I just love Shabbos.”

She gets it! Unknowingly, she expressed the first verse of the psalm for Shabbat: ‫ ’מזמור שיר ליום השבת טוב להודות לה‬...

“A Psalm for the Sabbath day; It is good to thank God…” That feeling of gratitude comes from a feeling of ‫שמח בחלקו‬, we are happy with what we have. On the Sabbath we

feel like we have no needs. We do not ask God in our prayers for any of our needs because we feel satisfied. Our sages call the Sabbath a taste of the world to come ‫ – מעין עולם הבא‬a world in which we have no needs.

So, our first aspect of gratitude is that it is a result of our learning to be ‫שמח‬ ‫ בחלקו‬happy with what we have. If we can say “Dayeinu” we will say “todah.”

Ah! But saying it – and feeling it – is hard. Dayeinu runs counter to human nature. Contentment is not natural to us. We always want more, no matter how much we have – so how can we ever be grateful? We tend to compare ourselves to others who have more than we have: possessions, family, health, happiness.

Often such comparisons are inaccurate.

Most people have bundles of problems and difficulties greater than ours. How does the saying go: If I entered a room where everyone had deposited his or her pecklach, I would probably be happy taking my own peckle and leaving. Or as Dennis Prager once put it: “I walk around amazed at my good fortune.

Given how much unjust suffering and unhappiness there are in this world, I am deeply grateful for… how much misery I have been spared.” (Happiness Is a Serious Problem p. 11-12) Here is a Prager example from the real world. About twenty years ago, the following scene took place in our shul. An elderly man fainted during Musaf. Hatzolah came and went through their routine, ultimately placing him on a stretcher, as Chazzan Avrom Davis nervously completed the Musaf Shemoneh Esreh in record time. As the women were filing out of the balcony, one of them asked Mrs. Esther Eisenstat: “How are you?” Mrs. Eisenstat, then in her eighties, had been widowed when her two sons were young boys and she had, arguably, a very difficult life. Blessed, however, with the greatest disposition and sense of humor, she looked at the man being

R abbi H askel L ookstein / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N R abbi H askel L ookstein

5 wheeled out and responded: “How am I? Compared to him, I’m great!” What an attitude!

We need to focus on what we have that is good, and not on what we lack and what is bad. And then, thinking positively, and comparing ourselves with others who have far less, be grateful.

The Halakhah helps to ingrain within us the feeling of Dayeinu and gratitude.

That is what “Benching” is all about ‫“ ואכלת ושבעת וברכת‬When you eat, and you are satisfied (i.e. Dayeinu), say thank you to God.” The festivals are also all about gratitude to God for how far we have come. Think of Sukkot (as the Rambam explains in the Guide to the Perplexed, Book III). In the aftermath of the harvest, remember how we once sat in booths in the desert.

We must not allow ourselves to think that our success is all ours. We came from very humble beginnings, and we must thank God for how far we have come.

“Gratitude,” says Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, “also lies behind a fascinating feature of the Amidah. When the leader of prayer repeats the Amidah aloud, we are silent other than for the responses of Kedushah, and saying Amen after each blessing, with one exception. When the leader says the words Modim anachnu lakh, “We give thanks to You,” the congregation says a parallel passage known as Modim deRabbanan. For every other blessing of the Amidah, it is sufficient to assent to the words of the leader by saying Amen.

The one exception is Modim, ‘We give thanks.’ Rabbi Elijah Spira (1660-1712) in his work Eliyahu Rabbah, explains that when it comes to saying thank you, we cannot delegate this to someone else to do in our behalf. Thanks has to come directly from us.”

Jewish prayer is a daily seminar in gratitude for all that we have. We tend not to be grateful for what we have.

We take what we have for granted and assume it will always be there. But it’s not always there.

Recently, I visited someone in the hospital who endured a siege of medical problems and, thank God, recovered.

Part of the recovery period required a catheter. When I visited him after its removal he said: “Rabbi Lookstein: I don’t think I will ever again fail to say “Asher yatzar” (the bracha we recite after the elimination of bodily waste).

Question: Where was he when everything was going normally?

Answer: He was human; he was normal; like all of us. We take our health and bodily functions for granted. Says the Halakhah: Do not take any of this for granted. Recite the morning blessings every day with kavannah.

Last spring, I was operated on for a partially torn retina. About a week later, I took a flight to Florida with Audrey.

As the plane ascended, I noticed the affected eye was getting blurry. By the time we reached the flying altitude, I could not see out of that eye. I was terrified! I didn’t say a word to Audrey because I didn’t want to terrify her.

In my mind, I envisioned blindness in one eye. The two and a-half hour flight seemed endless, but as the plane descended, I found that my sight was slowly improving in that eye. Obviously, it had something to do with the pressurized cabin. Once on the ground, I surreptitiously called my eye doctor, Dr. Robert Friedman, and told him what I was experiencing. He calmed me down and suggested that I call him in an hour and tell him how things were. By the time an hour had passed, my vision had returned to normal. But I had a new sensitivity to the blessing of sight which we recite every morning. continued / /

Take nothing for granted. Thank God for everything simply by making blessings.

Let us summarize our thoughts so far.

There is no gratitude without Dayeinu – we must be happy with what God has given us.

We cannot feel that satisfaction if we keep focusing on what we do not have or on others who we think have more than we.

The Halakhah helps us to internalize the feeling of Dayeinu through Benching, festivals, modim and daily blessings.

Finally, a moral principle that flows from all of this: There can be no gratitude without humility. And expressing gratitude engenders humility.

If we think we have everything coming to us we will never be grateful. Why should we be grateful? We are entitled!

It’s my right! I paid for it! I worked for it! continued on p. 7

Contentment is not natural to us. We always want more, no matter how much we have – so how can we ever be grateful?

R abbi H askel L ookstein / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N

6

THE TASHLIKH ENIGMA

BY R A B B I R OY F E L D M A N

Three prominent rituals mark Rosh Hashanah: hearing the shofar, performing tashlikh, and eating the simanim (symbolic foods)—but only one of these is a commandment.

There is no halakhic requirement to perform tashlikh or to eat apples and pomegranates; one who has heard the shofar, eaten the festive meals, and prayed at services, but neglected to throw bread into the river or eat a fish head, has fulfilled the obligations.

Not only are tashlikh and the simanim not mitzvot, they are rather strange customs. Eating honey for a sweet new year and beets so that our enemies vanish—is this not strange superstition at best? Do we really think that by emptying our pockets into the river, we thereby empty ourselves of sin? Many sages, including the Vilna Gaon, strongly opposed Tashlikh for these reasons. Does partaking in these odd ceremonies really have any effect on our final judgment? Can it actually guarantee us a sweet and fruitful year?

Rabbi David Kimhi (Radak – 13th century Provence) in his biblical commentary offers an intriguing suggestion. In the Torah portion we read on Yom Kippur, God tells Aaron to take two male goats, bring them in front of the tabernacle, and place lots on each of them. He is to mark one for God and one for Azazel. The former is sacrificed as a sin-offering. As for the latter, Aaron is told to lay his hands upon its head and confess over it the community’s transgressions, transferring that guilt to the goat. The goat is then set free in the wilderness to carry off the sins.

What, then, is the role of the goat? It is a powerful symbol.

Engrossed in texts and ideas, we may not realize that symbols can have a profound effect. Psychologists have been studying symbolic behavior and symbolic interaction since the 1930s, and people have used symbols since ancient times. They can be so rich that they contain within them what words cannot express. Furthermore, they serve as concrete expressions of our thoughts. As Radak explains, the goal is the confession.

But having an actual goat serve as a symbol externalizes and concretizes the casting away of sins. A real action and a real object are assigned to the kohen’s thoughts. It creates what psychologists at Notre Dame University called an “event boundary.” We compartmentalize our thoughts and feelings depending on when and where they took place; specific “events” can serve as “boundaries” separating them. These “event boundaries” make people likely to forget thoughts they had before that event took place. This was us before the scapegoat; this is us after.

That is precisely the point of tashlikh. We spend much of the day praying and saying words about teshuva. Tashlikh assigns a concrete action to those words. The Maharil (15th century Germany), among the earliest sources for Tashlikh, suggests it be done near a flowing body of water which has fish. The symbolism abounds. The water flows away, removing with it our sins much like the scapegoat took the sins of the community away; the fish eat our sins. If tashlikh is taken seriously, the act can have a profound effect on our ability to do teshuva: It distinguishes our actions in the previous year from our future actions in the coming year, separating them with an actual event boundary.

symbols can have a profound effect...

They can be so rich that they contain within them what words cannot express.

Does the scapegoat not sound a lot like tashlikh? Radak notes that, obviously, we cannot literally place our sins on the goat. Instead, it is all about the confession. The kohen must actively confess his sins while performing the goat ritual, and that confession is key; without it, the goat does not work. Generally, all sacrifices are invalid without a verbal component, and Radak applies this principle to the scapegoat.

Without confession, it is meaningless.

R A B B I R O Y F E L D M A N / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N

R ABBI ROY FELDMAN

7 This is also the meaning of the simanim. Rather than superstitious omens, they are foods packed with symbols.

Eating them gives us an opportunity to focus deeply on our wishes for the coming year. Rather than just saying “let’s have a sweet year” as a throwaway line, through the yehi ratzon blessings, we give symbolic foods import, think about their meaning, and dwell on our wishes for the coming year.

And perhaps that is why tashlikh and the simanim have become so integral to Rosh Hashanah that they, along with the shofar, have become known as the holiday’s core rituals. The shofar itself is such a symbol: Maimonides writes that the shofar blasts mean to say: “Wake up you sleepers from your sleep…Search your deeds and return in penitence!” The triumvirate of tashlikh, simanim, and shofar encourage us, through actions and event boundaries, to cast away the past, and enter the future with a new mindset. May we all have a Shanah Tovah U’metukah, a healthy, happy, and sweet new year. The future ahead of us is bright!

NOR M AN Z ” L & TOVA

BULOW SHABBATON

“Gratitude” continued from p. 5

I inherited it! I don’t have to be grateful for it – neither to God nor to people.

Judaism mandates a specific b’racha when a person survives serious illness, or a life-threatening danger, or childbirth. ‫הגומל לחייבים טובות שגמלני כל טוב‬...‫ברוך‬ “Blessed are you, God, King of the Universe, who bestows good on the unworthy and who bestowed good upon me.”

Question: Why the word “unworthy”? Answer: Because we should always consider ourselves unworthy and undeserving of all the kindness and blessings that we receive. We should never think of ourselves as entitled to our good fortune.

For if I am entitled to blessings; if I have expectations of being given something, why should I be grateful? It was coming to me! I deserved it! David Brooks (The New York Times July 28, 2015) wrote instructively: “Gratitude happens when some kindness exceeds expectations, when it is undeserved” ‫ תובוט םיביחל למוג‬God gives blessings to the undeserving or unworthy.

(At this point, I donned a METS hat and said:) Those of us who are METS fans understand this intuitively. We know we are entitled to nothing. We have no expectations. If the METS are having an incredible run (they did actually have one in the fall of 2015), we are humbly grateful, because we never felt we were entitled to any of this!

OCTOBER 8-9 featuring Rav David Stav Chief Rabbi of Shoham and Chairman of Tzohar, an organization which aims to bridge the gap between religious and secular Jews in Israel.

LECTURES & SHIURIM

Rav Yitzchak Hutner, in his famous work, Pachad Yitzchak, made a fascinating observation. The word ‫ מודה‬has two meanings: “I thank,” and “I confess.” Rav Hutner explains that when we thank God, we simultaneously confess and admit our limitations, our vulnerability, our unworthiness, our needs which we cannot fulfill ourselves.

F R I DAY N I G H T

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Out of that ‫ הודאה‬- confession – comes ‫ הודיה‬gratitude – to God or to people because we realize we are entitled to nothing and therefore we are grateful for everything.

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To Be Jewish in the 21st Century

So, my father’s unfinished autobiography also had an unfinished title. “God Owes Me Nothing,” he wrote, and, “Therefore, I Am Grateful for Everything!”

RSVP ckj.org/bulowshabbat

Friday night dinner by reservation only.

May this be a year for all of us, of humility and nonentitlement, and may God and our society bestow upon us abundant and unexpected blessings, for which we must be profoundly grateful.

All are welcome to hear the post-dinner presentation.

continued / /

R A B B I R O Y F E L D M A N / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N

8

IN PRAISE OF REBUKE: THE PATH TO A GREAT RELATIONSHIP

BY R A B B I M E YE R L A N I A D O

The crow kept her beak tightly sealed, holding onto her precious morsel until the sly fox serenaded her, praising her voice, rousing her to open her beak to sing.

We read this Aesop fable of “The Crow and The Fox” in disbelief, wondering how the crow could have been so naïve, but the truth is we love flattery, even though it may be insincere, exaggerated, or used to excise something from us. The reason may be, as Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote in his essay “Gifts” in 1884, “We love flattery, even though we are not deceived by it, because it shows that we are of importance enough to be courted.” It also makes us feel good as our pleasure centers are triggered, making us more open to the person who flattered us.

Elaine Chan and Jaideep Sengupta, two professors at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, found that complimentary words, even if not genuine, created an affinity towards a brand and made individuals more prone to purchase from that company.

The title of their research says it all: “Insincere Flattery Actually Works.”

Knowing the effectiveness of both flattery and genuine praise, we utilize compliments to build and strengthen relationships. In his over four decades of research on marital stability, Dr. John Gottman found that indeed the most successful relationships have a five-to-one ratio of positive to negative feedback.

The Fox and the Crow, 1912. Wikimedia Commons.

Judaism has this counter-intuitive approach, arguing that a relationship where everything is positive is limited in its growth and ability to increase in depth. Moreover, admonishment can develop a much stronger and longer-

lasting relationship if done correctly with the right people.

King Solomon made this point in Proverbs, explaining that while a charismatic smooth talker will charm, it is the one who rebukes another, who, in time, will find the most favor (Proverbs 28:23). This advice was echoed in the next millennium by Rabbi Yose Bar Hanina, who says haTokhahat mevia lidei ahava, rebuking another brings them to love [you], as Proverb states, hokhah leHakham veYe’ehabeka, rebuke a wise man, and he will love you (Beresheit Rabbah 54).

While it is true that “Criticism… shouldn’t be your opening move in an interaction (Malcolm Gladwell),” avoiding conflict will allow grievances to fester and potentially grow into feelings of anger and animosity. Dr. Terri Orbuch, known as the “love doctor” for her decades of scientificbased research and study of love and relationships, advises couples to ‘sweat the small stuff’ to address even the smallest of issues. She wrote this succinctly in one of her guest blogs: “In my long-term study of married couples, I found over and over again that these seemingly innocuous behaviors are what created more troublesome marital rifts than monumental events.”

Addressing points of contention and not allowing tension to develop under the surface is a misvat aseh, a biblical instruction, as the Torah directs us: hokheah tokhiah et amitekha, you shall indeed address your interpersonal conflicts (Vayiqra 19:17). Rabbi Shemuel ben Meir, known as the Rashbam, explains that if one perceives they have been wronged, they should not

R abbi M eyer L aniado / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N R abbi M eyer L aniado

9 pretend all is good in the relationship, but instead, be open and honest and address what was done that was bothersome. Rabbi Abraham ben Meir Ibn Ezra explains that this open dialogue may reveal that the situation was not as you had thought, and the frustration in your heart was unfounded. If there were an issue, it would give you the opportunity for resolution. Contrary to what we may have thought, conflict avoidance often results in a breakup, disunity, and infighting, whether in a relationship or in society. This is due to the breakdown of the relationship since grievances cannot be rectified, nor solutions developed when the parties are not in honest, open dialogue.

Divergent views can lead to creativity and innovation when they are engaged with each other. Still, when driven apart and pitted at odds, they can lead to destruction, as Rabbi ḤHanina is quoted in the Talmud saying: “Jerusalem was destroyed only because the people did not rebuke one another (tBavli Shabbat 119b).” Divided and in conflict, Jerusalem became vulnerable, going up in flames. This may have been avoided if those with conflicting views sat around the table, working together by raising their differences and talking them through, creating unity.­­ In this light, conflict can be seen as an opportunity for positive change and transformation in relationships and society. However, “The trouble with most of us is that we’d rather be ruined

by praise than saved by criticism (The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale).” So, we avoid bringing points of contention to the table and instead ignore the tension, missing out on an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and another.

HAVE A HALAKHIC QUESTION? Rabbi Steinmetz | rcs@ckj.org Rabbi Feldman | rrf@ckj.org Rabbi Laniado | rml@ckj.org

We also miss out on this opportunity when we simply forgive, as we do in the bedtime Shema we recite each night.

This prayer is powerful, and many recite it before entering into Yom Kippur, allowing themselves to start with a clean slate, forgiving others as they ask God to forgive them. But simply erasing the past does not allow one to increase understanding, empathy, and love in their relationship.

We should recognize this opportunity, especially during the High Holidays.

When we make our pre-holiday calls, instead of simply asking: “Do you forgive me? I forgive you,” offer a chance for genuine reconciliation to transform conflicts into great relationships, addressing the deeper areas of the relationship, mental paradigms, perspectives, emotional makeup, and history. As King Solomon said: “…those who reprove will find pleasantness and blessing (Mishle 24:25).” Through addressing the underlying contention points with the proper tact, tone, and timing, we merit the blessing of a more genuine, deep, and understanding relationship.

Tizku leShanim Rabot Neimot veTobot!

When we make our pre-holiday calls, instead of simply asking: “Do you forgive me? I forgive you,” offer a chance for genuine reconciliation to transform conflicts into great relationships.

continued / /

LEARN TO DAVEN LIKE A BA’AL TEFILLAH Rabbi Haskel Lookstein’s 10 Nusach recordings, designed to help people learn how to be a shaliach tzibbur at daily services, Shabbatot, holidays, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur & selichot around the year, are available free of charge at ramaz.org/nusach.

There is no better time than now to avail yourself of this wonderful opportunity!

R abbi M eyer L aniado / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N

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THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

BY R A B B I DA N I E L A N D RAC H E L K RAU S

There are many words that have dominated the COVID-19 era, buzz words that will forever be associated with this time: unprecedented, pivot, Zoom, ‘you’re on mute,’ masks, social distance, and countless others.

In this era of return, return to Shul, supermarkets, in-person events, Shabbat meals, playdates and gettogethers, we are in fact returning forward. Teshuva, which characterizes the Yamim Noraim, is often translated and described as repentance, but the word itself is composed of the base word “SHAV,” meaning return. The concept of Teshuva is about returning, returning to self, returning to each other and returning to Hakadosh Baruch Hu. We are returning to and restoring relationships, our priorities, our promises and our commitments.

And with that return, we forge ahead, marching onward, and - in essence returning forward.

In the 44th chapter in the book of Yeshayahu, the prophet speaks with words of comfort, consolation and encouragement, addressing feelings of fears and isolation:

ָ ‫ּבטֶן יַע ְז ְרֶ ֑ ּך‬ ֶ֖ ‫מ‬ ִ ֥‫ׂשָך ו ְ ֹיצ ֶרְ ָך‬ ֛ ֶ ‫ה ֹע‬-ָ֥ ‫ו‬-‫ה‬-ְ ‫מ ר י‬ ֨ ַ ָ‫ּכֹה־א‬ ‫חרְ ּתִי בֹֽו׃‬ ַ֥ ‫ּב‬ ָ ‫קב ו ִיׁשֻ רּ֖ון‬ ֔ ֹ ֲ ‫ּדי י ַֽע‬ ִ֣ ‫ב‬ ְ ַ ‫אַל־ּתִירָ א֙ ע‬ “Thus said God, your Maker, Your Creator who has helped you since birth: Fear not, my servant Jacob, Jeshurun whom I have chosen,”

Hakadosh Baruch Hu nourishes the soil, hydrates the parched, pouring sustenance which irrigates our thirsty spirits.

Hakadosh Baruch Hu speaks in a loving, endearing, personalized tone. ‘I have been with you since your birth, you, Jeshurun, are Mine, you whom I have chosen.’ If we feel alone, God is there; if we feel isolated, God is present; if we feel fear, it is God who has chosen us, Jeshurun.

There is a call to Jeshurun, who are thirsty, thirsty for closeness, blessing and belonging. And our Jeshurun, Kehilath Jeshurun, is calling to you, to quench your thirst within the walls of our Shul, to hydrate in the presence of each other and soak in the power of each other. And in this season of return, in this season of teshuva, we return forward, with renewed energy and hydrated spirits.

And the Navi Yeshayahu continues:

Welcome back, welcome home.

‫ׁש֑ה‬ ָ ‫ּב‬ ָ ַ ‫מ֔א וְנֹז ְ ֖לִים ע ַל־י‬ ֵ ָ ‫מ י ִם֙ ע ַל־צ‬ ֙ ַ ‫ּ֤כ ִי אֶּצ ָק־‬ ‫ת י ע ַל־צֶאֱצָאֶֽיָך׃‬ ֖ ִ ָ ‫חי֙ ע ַל־ז ַרְ ע֔ ֶָך ּובִרְ כ‬ ִ ‫אֶ ֹּ֤צ ק רּו‬

Rachel & Daniel Kraus

“Even as I pour water on thirsty soil, and rain upon dry ground, so will I pour My spirit on your offspring, My blessing upon your posterity.”

MANHATTAN KOSHER ESTABLISHMENTS ckj.org/kosher_restaurant_list

R abbi D aniel & R achel K raus / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N R abbi D aniel & R achel K raus

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IN THE KEY OF LIFE

BY C A N TO R C H A I M D OVI D B E R S O N

‫ – אבינו מלכנו‬Our Father, our

King. While we are all familiar with these two small, powerful words that keep appearing in our tefillah, during these Days of Awe we recognize that they, in fact, epitomize the theme of this time.

These words embody the two facets of our relationship with God. We refer to God our Father, but simultaneously, we acknowledge Him as our King. Where our Father loves us like children, our King commands our fear and respect. As our Father, we are confident that God is always there for us, loving us ‫ – לפנים משורת הדין‬beyond what we deserve. On the other hand, God is also our King and Judge in front of Whom we stand – ‫ – נרעש ונפחד מפחד יושב תהילות ישראל‬in fear and awe.

These different aspects of our relationship with our Creator are manifest and discernable in the music associated with the High Holiday liturgy. The unique nusach set to many parts of the tefillot of Rosh Hashanah and Yom HaKippurim is considered unalterable, or in Cantorial terms, Mi’Sinai – as if it was given at Sinai – and will be consistent in every Ashkenaz synagogue around the world. One of the distinctive characteristics of this nusach is the frequent alternation between major and minor scales, even within the same sentence! Examples can be seen during the recitation of ‫אבות‬ (the Avot prayer) at the opening of ‫( חזרת הש״ץ‬the repetition of the Sh’monah Esrei), ‫( סדר העבודה‬the Seder HaAvodah), and in parts of Ne’ilah. Why is this significant and what does it convey to us?

In the context of the Days of Awe davening, a discerning ear will note that a major scale conveys confidence, security, and certainty, while a minor scale emotes fear, tension, and trepidation. This alternation between major and minor keys is a way to express the dual aspect of God as our Father, confident in His love, and as our King, fearful of His judgment.

This can also explain a seeming contradiction between text and nusach, such as in Viduy and parts of selichot, where our instincts would tell us to come before God as our King in fear and trepidation, but the nusach of a major scale tells us to sing with the confidence and security of children who know that a Father will always accept them with love and forgiveness.

‫״אם כבנים רחמינו כרחם אב על בנים ואם כעבדים‬ ‫עינינו לך תלויות עד שתחננו ותוציא כאור משפטנו״‬ May God accept our prayers as His children and grant us forgiveness as our King.

I very much look forward to a meaningful and inspiring High Holiday season together!

Wishing you all Shanah Tovah!

C antor C haim D ovid B erson / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N C antor C haim D ovid B erson

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Simchat Torah The Officers of the Congregation are pleased to announce that Rabbi Daniel Kraus, Rabbi Meyer Laniado, and Cantor Chaim Dovid Berson, have been chosen for the highest Torah honors of the year. Their installation will take place before the Musaf service on Shemini Atzeret, Tuesday, September 28th.

We invite the entire congregation to rejoice with them and with us on Shemini Atzeret and on Simchat Torah, night and day, as we celebrate the three families whose love of, and commitment to, Torah merit our honor and tribute.

Chatan Torah

RABBI DANIEL KRAUS

Chatan Bereishit

RABBI MEYER LANIADO

Chatan Maftir

CANTOR CHAIM DOVID BERSON

RABBI DANIEL KRAUS joined KJ in 2012 as the Co-Director of Community Education. Together with his wife, Rachel, he was hired to serve the outreach, educational and programming needs of the congregation and the acclaimed KJ Beginners Services. Under their leadership, the KJ Beginners program has experienced a renaissance and celebrated significant growth. With his experienced and savvy programming and marketing flair, he has spearheaded many communal initiatives and programs that have reached thousands across the Upper East Side.

As the Synagogue doors closed due to COVID-19, the Beginners program quickly pivoted to virtual programming, offering a wide variety of classes and engaging programs to keep the community connected and inspired during this period of prolonged physical separation.

Daniel graduated Yeshiva University, completing a BA in Management & Marketing, and he is also a graduate of the Ner LeElef Fellowship at RIETS. Daniel received his ordination from Rabbi Zalman Nechemia Goldberg of Jerusalem and completed his MBA at Yeshiva University. Daniel has lectured and taught throughout Australia, Israel, the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe and across the US. Outside of KJ, Daniel is the Associate Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Projects at the Birthright Israel Foundation, where he leads strategic alliances, major partnerships, and brand experiences for the foundation. Prior to joining the Birthright S imchat T orah C hatanim / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N

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C H ATA N I M Israel Foundation, Daniel served as the inaugural Director of the Manhattan Jewish Experience (MJE) Downtown location where he spearheaded the creation of a community of young Jewish professionals and created a hub of Jewish engagement in Midtown Manhattan. Daniel also served as MJE’s Chief Operating Officer.

In 2017, Daniel’s star was included in the Jewish Week’s prestigious 36 Under 36 list of emerging Jewish leaders.

He is married to the exceptional Rachel Kraus and is the proud father of four young children: Kira, Eitan, Noam and Amiel. The Kraus family play a very significant role in our congregational family.

We are extremely proud to bestow upon Rabbi Daniel Kraus the designation of this year’s Chatan Torah.

RABBI MEYER LANIADO joined KJ in 2018 as the first KJ Sephardic Rabbi to actively grow the KJ Sephardic community through new outreach initiatives and engaging programming.

In his first year, he launched four successful programs and by year two quadrupled programming for all segments, including men, women, children and families. Many of these initiatives serve the entire KJ/Ramaz community, including after-school Torah learning and Bar Mitzvah training.

Once the synagogue closed during COVID, Rabbi Laniado pivoted and launched an opt-in-only WhatsApp channel that quickly grew to 200+ members from across the KJ community.

Each day, Rabbi Laniado curated online content, programs and events that ensured the community had a full and engaging schedule for the entire family. Recognized for being attuned to the needs of the moment with his video messages, nightly classes and personal outreach, Rabbi Laniado provided much needed support and spiritual elevation through this challenging time.

Rabbi Laniado comes to us from Deal, NJ, with his talented wife, Talia, our KJ graphic designer. Their adorable and precocious daughter, Adina, is excited to begin Ramaz in the fall. Prior to joining KJ, Rabbi Laniado was an Associate Rabbi at Congregation Magen David of West Deal and a Rabbi at Hillel Yeshiva Middle and High School. He received semicha from Yeshiva University – RIETS and the Sephardic Bet Din of Queens.

He holds a B.S. in Management from Yeshiva University – Sy Syms School of Business and a Masters in Talmudic Studies from Yeshiva University – Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies.

Rabbi Laniado imbues the concept of Torah im Derech Eretz, with his warmth, humility, and genuine care for others. He brings these traits along with tremendous energy and passion to every class and sermon, whether he has an audience of one or

hundreds. We are incredibly proud to bestow upon Rabbi Meyer Laniado the designation of this year’s Chatan Bereishit.

CANTOR CHAIM DOVID BERSON, a native of Jerusalem, Israel, joined our KJ clergy in July of 2019. He received his education at the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem and subsequently graduated from the Tel Aviv Cantorial Institute, receiving unparalleled training in Chazanut, voice skills, and the mesorah of our tefillah. Before coming to KJ, Cantor Berson served as the cantor of The Jewish Center on the Upper West Side, as well as associate cantor at the Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue in Montreal, and the Ohel Leah Synagogue in Hong Kong.

He has led several missions to Poland, recited the Holocaust Memorial Prayer at the United Nations General Assembly, performed in the Israel Concert on Central Park’s Summer Stage at the Krakow Jewish Festival, and was a featured singer with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.

Cantor Berson brings a mellifluous, lyrical tenor voice, a deep knowledge of music and prayer, and his own personal charisma to our synagogue. Since his arrival, he has inspired and he elevated our tefillah and enriched our community with multiple musical events such as the Selichot concerts, the Annual Winter Concert and Shabbat Shira.

During the pandemic, Cantor Berson worked to keep our communal davening alive with virtual weekly Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah, recitation of Yizkor, Tish’a B’Av kinot, Yom HaShoah and Kristallnacht programing, and elevated our spirits with musical Hallel, Tekes Ma’avar and Yom Yerushalayim concerts and kumzitzes.

His vision of an online Annual Dinner made it possible for us to be entertained by a world-class concert and to celebrate together.

His live-streamed selichot and extensive High Holiday recordings connected us with the Days of Awe despite our isolation, and when we came back together, he led multiple services during Rosh Hashanah and Yom HaKipurim to ensure as many congregants as possible were able to connect to God at these crucial times.

Cantor Berson is married to Batya, who was born and raised in Queens. Batya is a graduate of Stern College for Women and then Columbia School of Nursing with a Master’s degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. Batya is part of the psychiatric mental health team at Weill-Cornell Medical Center. Batya and Chaim Dovid have a lively five-year-old daughter, Annaelle (Ramaz Class of 2034), who loves reading, coloring, and anything she can build, and a one-year-old son, Remi, who enjoys just being.

We are pleased to recognize Cantor Berson with the honor of Chatan Maftir for all the musical inspiration he brings to KJ.

continued / /

S imchat T orah C hatanim / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N

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149 th Annual Despite having had to meet on Zoom on April 20 for the second year in a row, this gathering demonstrated our commitment that no matter the situation, we will continue to remain connected to our community and to serve our congregation.

ANNUAL MEETING INVOCATION

“Happy are those who dwell in your house”

Yes, we will return here with renewed energy and renewed spirit.

Some of the photos on the following pages will give you a peek behind the scenes. It’s a view you didn’t have on Zoom!

We are so happy to be back in this beautiful sanctuary, in a synagogue with nearly 150 years of history.

As we reach our 150th year, we know that the best is yet to come. And we will continue to pray, to study, to build community, and to proceed with the holy work of this congregation.

There was comfort in following our traditional program; an invocation by Rabbi Steinmetz, the American and Israeli National Anthems performed by Cantor Chaim Dovid Berson, the tribute to our anniversarians, the memorial to our departed members, the President’s Report by David Lobel which encapsulated the KJ journey during COVID. Dr. Philip Wilner presented the slate of the Ramaz School trustees who were duly elected, and Rabbi Steinmetz brought the meeting to a close. Missing, though, was the splendid Foremost repast of hotdogs with all the fixins’ and cold beer. We pray that next year we will be able to conclude the Annual Meeting that way.

We are happy that the future looks bright.

‫ּסלָה‬ ֶֽ ‫הלְלּ֥וָך‬ ַ ְֽ ‫תָ֑ך ע֝֗ ֹוד י‬ ֶ ‫ב י בֵי‬ ֵ֣ ‫ׁש‬ ְ ‫אַׁ֭שְרֵ י יֹו‬ Happy are those who dwell in your house. They will praise you forever O Lord.

‫תָ֑ך‬ ֶ ‫ב י בֵי‬ ֵ֣ ‫ׁש‬ ְ ‫אַׁ֭שְרֵ י יֹו‬: “Happy are those who dwell in your house”

This is a phrase we recite three times a day during our prayers.

But this phrase has a new meaning to me right now, as I stand here, in God’s house; as I stand in a room that for much of the last year was empty or near empty, without a word of prayer, or Torah, or even of idle chatter within it.

We are so happy to be back in a sanctuary that has been the home to heartfelt prayers, inspiring Torah insights, and meaningful friendships.

We are so happy to be home.

“Happy are those who dwell in your house.”

We are happy that this community is stronger than ever; that in the past year, we have come together to help each other, care for each other and worry about each other.

We are so proud of the remarkable volunteers who have done so much for so many, and the part everyone in our congregation has played in the past year in pulling our community together.

‫ּסלָה‬ ֶֽ ‫הלְלּ֥וָך‬ ַ -ְֽ ‫עֹוד י‬ ֗֝ : “They will praise you forever O Lord.”

‫ּסלָה‬ ֶֽ ‫הלְלּ֥וָך‬ ַ ְֽ-‫עֹוד י‬ ֗֝ ‫תָ֑ך‬ ֶ ‫ב֣י בֵי‬ ֵ ‫ׁש‬ ְ ‫אַׁ֭שְרֵ י יֹו‬ Happy are those who dwell in your house. They will praise you forever O Lord.

Amen.

The need for social distancing prevented us from gathering as we had in the past.

A nnual M eeting / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N A nnual M eeting

15

MEETING

PRESIDENT DEDICATION TO KJ'S PROFESSIONAL STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

I hope you, your families, and loved ones have managed through this difficult and unsettling year. When we convened

by Zoom at last year’s Annual Meeting on April 1, the pandemic was barely two weeks old. Like everyone else, our shul was unprepared for what hit us. My report to you then was exceedingly somber. I suggested that the prudent course was to prepare for the worst and not expect that we would bounce back quickly. I also spoke about how difficult the lives of the KJ professional team had become, how hard they were working, and how much stress they were under.

Today, the outlook is greatly improved. With every New Yorker 16-years-old and up now eligible for vaccination, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Within two months or so, being vaccinated will be commonplace in the United States, which is very encouraging. This more upbeat spirit has been reflected in shul attendance these past few Shabboses. Our services are at their permitted capacity, energy is high, and it feels as if we are getting back to normal.

Given the extraordinary nature of the past year, I must look back and share some details about the heroic efforts of KJ’s team and our member volunteers.

This past year, we could no longer take for granted many basic shul functions – like Shabbat and holiday services, funerals, shiva houses, weddings, bar- and bat mitzvahs, and brises.

Some of our members had their lives upended through layoffs and severe business setbacks. Many of our young families were quarantined or confined to small living spaces with children not at school while their parents worked from home.

Almost everyone in KJ had a family member who suffered with Covid, and sadly, some of our members lost loved ones to the virus. The emotional challenges and hardships experienced by these families was enormous. In response, the KJ clergy, staff, and volunteers worked non-stop to inspire, comfort, strengthen, and get people through.

When Covid struck, KJ was swift to adapt to an online platform. Every week, KJ offered ~30 zoom programs, about 4 a day on average – morning, lunch, afternoon, and evening. Besides zooming services and classes, KJ hosted

lectures by psychologists, medical experts, and a variety of guest lecturers, some even from abroad. Our rabbis authored articles and posted videos on social media. KJ greatly extended its reach geographically and demographically. Let me mention some metrics – I have some good data to share.

See infographic spread on following page.

To address our shul’s in-person prayer service needs, the KJ team executed a plan to safely reopen the buildings for services. We established a joint staff / medical committee to develop best practices. We set up two outdoor tents on the roofs of the Lower and Middle Schools. And to maintain social distancing during the High Holidays, we organized 66 different services, done in multiple shifts. This initiative was executed by a dedicated team that had to organize and reorganize the services multiple times to keep up with shifting preferences and demands. We are extremely grateful to KJ’s amazing team for all of this.

One silver lining of the pandemic is that KJ has emerged as a stronger synagogue with greater reach than it has had any time before. We can all take extreme pride in our remarkable shul and its outstanding team of professionals and volunteers.

In sum, I am pleased to report that notwithstanding the challenges of the past year, the state of our Synagogue is strong. This would not be possible without the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our hugely talented clergy, led by Rabbis Steinmetz, Laniado, and Kraus, Cantor Berson, Rachel Kraus, and Rabbi Emeritus Lookstein. Our Rabbis are supported by KJ’s small team of non-clergy professionals.

Together, they serve a community of more than 1,200 families. We are deeply grateful to this outstanding team of professionals – Executive Director Leonard Silverman, CFO Sy Yanofsky, Administrator Riva Alper, Youth Director Aryana Ritholtz, Executive Assistant Dina Farhi, Director of Member Affairs Menucha Parry, and Director of Communications and Programming Esther Feierman. We are also grateful to KJ’s incredible custodial staff, headed by Superintendent Freddie Rodriguez, and to Mamadou Deme, our highly competent head of security.

Lastly, I want to thank the Trustees and my 12 fellow KJ officers. Leading a synagogue of KJ’s size and complexity requires a team effort, and I feel fortunate to have this outstanding group of committed and thoughtful partners.

To read the full report, visit ckj.org/presidentsreport. continued / /

A nnual M eeting / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N

WHEN kj ca

20

20

united together in spirit.

• 64 online kabbalat shabbat services & 616 non-Shabbat virtual prayer services

KJ

community

780

• 660 online classes, lectures, presentations, & shiurim, and weekly Thursday Night Live programs featuring special guests, watched by hundreds each week

virtual services & programs offered when covid struck

• 2500 community members read & downloaded our Haggadah companion

KJ

beginners

spiritually engaged at kj.

• MONTHLY cultural events including Israel tours, paint nightS, & cOOKING DEMONSTRATIONS

750 chanukah in the park attendees

• central park holiday services, & SUNDAY BRUNCH MEETUPS • weekly meaningful jewish living classes, pre-shabbat inspiration AND song, & VIRTUAL HAVDALAH

music

4,264 KJ Annual Dinner concert online views

VIRTUAL & IN PERSON INSPIRATION. • 8 online cantorial concerts & 80 online musical havdalah services

1,100

• 4 yizkor services & 3 yom Programs • 2 live rooftop kumzitzes with kj beginners (post-masking restrictions)

during a time of uncertainty and quarantine, the kj family remained connected and strong through prayer, torah, programs, and music.

vaccination appointments set up

reached out to all in need.

• telephone & zoom calls • holiday package delivery • shopping, delivering food, & Preparing meals

CHESED

me to you.

KJ

3,100

2

a

20 1

sephardic

grew as a family.

• First virtual community, first indoor services, & first in-person kiddush

views on kjsephardic family youtube channel

• Over 200 virtual programs including classes, social events, & workshops • Outdoor Adventures Including Ski Trip & family Hike

30,000 people engaged with our virtual High Holy day Content

high holY days 5781 brought kj together while physically apart.

• 6000 community members read & downloaded our High HolY Day Reader • 5000 hours of classes, prayers, songs & programming watched online

400 Families reenacted the seder with the KJ Pesach Prop box

1,000 people attended sisterhood’s virtual and in-person events

• 66 total High HolY day Services to enable social distancing

KJ

family

children, community, & connection.

• kesher virtual events including cooking class, scotch & cheese tasting, challah bake, & in-person Shemini Atzeret picnic lunch in central park • kesher/kjyd motzei shabbat parent child learning & pizza with the kj rabbis & cantor • KJYD visits to Central Park Zoo for Shabbat Parshat Noach and to Lumino City on Randall’s Island for Chanukah

supported through chesed & social action.

• virtual events including cocktail mixing class, art evening, & chair yoga • zoom sisterhood spring celebration featuring entertainment from a mentalist

sisterhood

• kiddush sponsoring, shiva home setup, and new member welcome packages

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BOARD ELECTIONS

The report of the Nominating Committee, as approved by the Board of Trustees, was presented

by Wendy Greenbaum and adopted by the congregation.

The following officers were elected to positions for the 20212022 congregational year:

OFFICERS

PRESIDENT David Lobel SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Elias Buchwald VICE PRESIDENT Jonathan Wagner 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Nicole Agus 3RD VICE PRESIDENT Sidney Ingber 4TH VICE PRESIDENT Wendy Greenbaum SECRETARY Larry Baruch TREASURER Robert Schwartz ASSISTANT TREASURER David Sultan EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Morris Massel RECORDING SECRETARY Evan Farber FINANCIAL SECRETARY Eric Gribetz ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY Robin Barsky OFFICERS Yaira Singer Binstock Adam Weinstein continued //

REGULAR TRUSTEES

Alan Friedman and Alissa Shams have completed their terms of service and are not eligible for reelection.

Louis Menaged stepped down from the Board.

The terms of five Regular Trustees expired and they were reelected to a new term: Michael Bernstein, Saul Burian, Nicole Fisher, Jacqueline Marcus and Leah Modlin.

Kenneth Eckstein, Marylene Friedman and Debra Frohlinger were elected Trustees.

Gabriella Fridman completed her term as an Associate Trustees and was elected a Regular Trustee.

ASSOCIATE TRUSTEES

Sherri Libin completed her term as an Associate Trustee and was thanked for her contributions to KJ. Jeremie Cohen and Lee Lewittes were appointed Associate Trustees.

NEW MEMBERS

Twenty-six new households joined the congregation during the past year and were officially inducted and welcomed by President David Lobel, who pointed out that on some future day one of these new members could very likely be addressing the congregation as Board President!

Michelle & Shir Abramov Hailey & Sol Adler Kimberly & David Allouche Elliot Chasin Leandra Medine Cohen & Abie Cohen Morton Coleman Jay Domb Eden & Judah Fried Simone Gordon Jenny Weinberg & Samuel Grubner Laurel Henschel Anna & Ben Jubas Laura & Daniel Kaufthal Alice & Henry Mosseri

A nnual M eeting / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N

Chantal Oldenburg Natalie & David Paige Jonathan J. Pincus Penina Krieger & Yossi Quint Rebecca & Harry Ritter Calyn & Aaron Robinow Jayson Rokhsar Marcelle & Benjamin Sandel Sharon & Ryan Schwab Marisa & Mikey Shemi Leslie & Steven Socol Pasha & Ari Stein

celebrants

50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRANTS Doina & Lawrence Bryskin Rosalie & Harry Kleinhaus Esther Messeloff Roberta Sigall Judith Tanz

40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRANTS Shirley Boyarsky Carole & Seymour Cohen Kimberly & Jack Dunietz Martine & Leo Fox Miriam & Alan Goldberg Carol & Jeffrey Kaufman Judy & Barry Kluger Naomi Miller Helen Potaznik Susan & Martin Sanders Paula & Leonard Solinsky Maurice Sonnenberg Marianna Watnick

25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRANTS

Lisa & Barry Bergman Suzanne & Jacob Doft Esther Edelstein-Mazor Beatrice Frank Ronalee & Russell Galbut Rena & Scott Hoffman Jeanne & Samuel Jemal Allen Liebb Steven Lorch Robin Mehl Vicki Deutsch & Gerald Platt Sari & Wilhelm Rosenberg Esther & Kenneth Rubinstein Judith Rudoff Rhea Stein Susan Wexner

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RAMAZ SCHOOL MEETING

BOARD MEMBERS

Board Chair Dr. Philip Wilner presented the slate of officers for the Ramaz School. He also thanked the Board members who completed their terms of service and are rotating off the Ramaz Board:

ALUMNI BOARD MEMBERS

The following Board Members completed their terms of service and will be rotating off the Ramaz Board:

CHARTER TRUSTEES Stephanie Freilich Dana Hiltzik ’90 Steven Schacter ’68 David Stonehill ’86

BOARD MEMBERS

Marjorie Lehman Andrew Rechtschaffen ’95 Yaira Singer ’96 The following people were re-elected:

CHARTER TRUSTEES Eli Dweck

BOARD MEMBERS ALUMNI BOARD MEMBERS Michael Englander ’96

COMMUNITY BOARD MEMBERS Sherri Libin The following people were newly elected:

CHARTER TRUSTEES Joshua Crane ’93 Jonathan Dubroff Joshua Kaufthal ’92 Randi Sultan

DECEASED MEMBERS

PARENT BOARD MEMBER Dr. Carin Gribetz Kimberlee Ostheimer Jonathan Rosenfeld ’94 Jeremy Singer ’88

COMMUNITY BOARD MEMBERS Jonathan Kushner Jodi Weinstein Jessica Weiss The following Honorary Board Members were re-elected for a one-year period: Harvey Beker Fred Distenfeld Lillian Eisman David Gruenstein Robert Kapito Ilan Kaufthal Dr. Jerry Kestenbaum Gail Propp

Stephen Agus Jean Blumenthal Jack Diamond Renee Etra Dr. Philip Felig Adam Friedman Ernest Friedman Lea Glatstein Penina Halak Paula Herbst Manfred Joseph Dr. Jesse A. Kravit Judith Lukashok Dr. Sydney Mehl Anita Payne Hon. Arnold N. Price Thomas Rosenthal Howard Rubenstein Ronald Schwartz Judith S. Shipper Rosalind Zuger

CONCLUDING REMARKS

And that is the perfect stereotype for Jews. We never want to say goodbye to each other. To use the words of the Midrash, ‫תכ ֶם‬ ְ ‫ ָקׁשָה עָלַי ּפְרֵ ַד‬- it is difficult for us to part from each other.

What an exceptional meeting. I’m so thankful that we were able to do it here, in the sanctuary, even though it had to be live-streamed.

When we see each other in person we hang around a bit, we linger, we catch up, and we laugh.

Let me tell you what the worst part of live-streaming is: one can never give a proper goodbye.

There’s a joke that the difference between a Jew and a Frenchman at a party is that the Frenchman leaves and never says goodbye, and the Jew says goodbye but never leaves.

continued

We cannot do that tonight. But even as you turn off the livestream, please remember:

‫תכ ֶם‬ ְ ‫ָקׁשָה עָלַי ּפְרֵ ַד‬ It is difficult to say goodbye!

We hope to see you soon back here in KJ.

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In the C O M

WELCOME KJ warmly welcomes the following new members who joined the Congregation between April 20 and the date this Bulletin was prepared to go to press, July 20.

Susan Fishbein and Philip Druck Shlomit and Ambassador Gilad Erdan Cheva and Carlos Flombaum Hilary and Philippe Heilberg

NOT ONE BUT TWO! “After such a long hiatus of in-person gigs, it was truly a wonderful moment for me to play at this Kumzitz. It was certainly a highlight of my month!” – Noah Solomon

As the COVID-19 restrictions eased, KJB was excited to present the community with two live kumzitzes one on May 6th and the other on June

Elisabeth Jones and David Rosner Kayla and Elias Lebovits Julie and Richard Lobel Harriet and Joshua Muss Robin Muss Laura and Laurence Rabinowitz Drs. Susan and Jeffrey Rand Mattie Kapito and Max Schulman Carla Shapiro Lexie and Dr. Abraham Tobias Sara and Joseph Trencher Chany Zable

24th. The tented KJ roof provided the perfect backdrop for renowned singer and Soulfarm musician, Noah Solomon, accompanied by Cantor Berson, to uplift and inspire, together with words of Torah from Rabbi Daniel and Rachel Kraus. The spirited evening was a fantastic in-person welcome back for many KJB regulars

ERUV HOTLINE For information regarding the weekly status of the Manhattan Eruv, call the ERUV HOTLINE: 212-874-6100, ext. 3 (Recorded Message)

who can’t wait for more!

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MUNITY

RALLY IN SUPPORT OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE “Antisemitism isn’t taking a summer vacation, so neither did we.”

Rabbi Roy Feldman led a contingent from KJ to join the Anti-Defamation League, American Jewish Committee, and Alliance for Israel in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, July 11, for “NO FEAR: A Rally in Solidarity with the Jewish People.” Thousands of people, with a solid representation from KJ, stood together as one to protest antisemitism and make their voices heard.

Save these Dates Sept 6

KJB Rosh Hashanah Dinner Sept 11

HONORING OUR FIRST RESPONDERS following Shabbat morning services

WELCOME YAEL HALLER Originally from Toronto, Canada, Yael Haller is a graduate of the International Academy of Design and Technology, majoring in Fashion Design.

She has been very involved in the Jewish non-profit world, first volunteering as an NCSY advisor as a student and most recently working for Manhattan Jewish Experience.

She has also used her talents as a costume designer for 24/6: A Jewish Theater Company for two of their most recent productions.

Oct 13

Yael is very excited to use her creativity and energy for her new role - and even more excited to join the KJ team!

Nov 14

Yael lives with her husband, Josh, and two adorable kids, Mikey and Layla, on the Upper West Side.

Sisterhood “Happy Hour” Welcome Sisterhood Boutique Nov 14

KJ/Ramaz Blood Drive Dec 11

KJ Annual Dinner “Happy Birthday, Rabbi Lookstein” For more information see ckj.org

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JOIN THE KJ ONLINE COMMUNITY Visit ckj.org/emaillist

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JEWISH YOUTH CONNECTION – OPEN FOR LEARNING!

JYC provides meaningful Jewish learning and religious experiences for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade who do not attend Day School and to those who need more individualized attention. Our program has both traditional classroom learning as well as 1:1 Hebrew tutoring for each student. We also offer a specialized program of preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah We are welcoming to ALL children from every educational background, and with unique learning or physical needs, and we look forward to welcoming our students in person on September 12.

Calendar September 26 for a special Sukkot program!

U PCOM I NG E V E N TS SU N DAYS | 9 : 3 0 A M

FAMILY FUN WITH KJ SEPHARDIC KJ Sephardic programming is open to all KJ members, and offers outdoor adventures, classes, and fun for the whole family.

SK I T R I P R EC A P On March 14, over fifteen KJ Sephardic families came together for a day of camaraderie, family, and the crisp mountain air of Windham.

JYC welcomes Rabbi Roy Feldman as our Dean this coming year. Morah Ariana Solovey-Mizrahi, our principal, and Deeni Hass, our director, are thrilled to be back for another year with our incredible students.

For more information or registration, please contact Deeni Hass at deeni@ ckj.org. For general information, calendar and updates visit our website, jyc.info and follow us on Instagram @ jewishyouthconnection.

Youth Class with Charles Zami AUG 2 2

Fishing Trip SE P T 12

Selihot Concert SE P T 19

Lulav Tying Workshop O C T 14

Women’s Class with Rabbi Laniado O C T 17

Fall Family Hike NOV 2 3

Third Annual Thanksgiving Meal Delivery to 85th Street Firehouse NOV 2 9

Hanukkah Evening JA N 9

Family Ski Trip FEB 6

Family Ice Skating For more info about any of these programs, please visit ckj.org/sephardicevents

OUTSMARTING ANTISEMITISM:

HOW TO BEAT IT WITH PURPOSE, POSITIVITY AND JEWISH PRIDE Through illuminating source texts and captivating case studies, this course considers the sources of this ancient scourge, along with the appropriate strategies for overcoming it. It’s time to find the confidence to fight hate with hope and to stand tall against antisemitism with positivity, purpose, and plenty of Jewish pride!

SIX WEEK VIRTUAL COURSE BEGINNING MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 8:00 - 9:30 PM TAUGHT BY RABBI DANIEL AND RACHEL KRAUS | FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE MYJ L I .CO M

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A NEW CHAZAN FOR KJ BEGINNERS! KJB is proud to welcome Joey Senders as our new Chazan, following the recent Aliyah of KJB’s longtime Chazan Shilo Kramer. Joey, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, is a passionate musician and singer, who has balanced a career in Consulting with an avocation as a member of The Maccabeats, Y-Studs A Cappella, and several other musical groups. After recently moving to the Upper East Side, Joey is looking forward to using his musical background to inspire and engage with the KJB service, as well as the broader KJ community.

Be sure to drop by KJB on Shabbat mornings in the lobby level Riklis Social Hall to hear Joey’s inspirational and uplifting tunes!

BEGINNERS CLASSES SEPT 2

Rosh Hashanah Workshop

SEPT 9

Yom Kippur Workshop

SEPT 13

Sukkot Workshop

OCT 7, 14 Crash Course in Basic Judaism – a two-week refresher course, suitable for anyone!

OCT 21

Meaningful Jewish Living

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE DEC 3 | JAN 21 | MAR 4 Shabbat Across America | MAY 20 Martinis & Matzah Balls

Visit ckj.org/kjb for more information.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD Dear Kesher Community, We have had the pleasure of serving you all for the past few years and are thankful for everyone we have met and how much our Kesher community has blossomed. We know that COVID-19 presented unique challenges to our many families with young children, but at the Farewell Kiddush Lunch we could see that the community is back in full strength and we know that it will continue to grow and blossom under the new leadership of Tani, Sarah and Hannah.

We are all looking forward to a New Year together.

Outgoing Presidium Caroline Bryk, Liora Schulman and Ariel Stern New Presidium Tani Gordon, Sarah Klar and Hannah Topiel

PROGRAMS SINCE PESACH

Meet and Greet Rabbi Feldman Over 20 families attending a Q&A to meet Rabbi Roy Feldman to get to know him via ZOOM. Infertility Awareness Challah Bake Over 30 families participated in an infertility awareness challah bake on zoom. We learned how to make a sweet and savory challah with Naomi TGIS, and Talia Hindin from Yesh Tikva spoke about how to support those going through infertility.

Men’s Scotch Tasting Over 40 men got together to taste scotch and socialize in person outdoors.

Farewell Kiddush Lunch Over 100 people came to the Farewell Kiddush Lunch which also had a magic show for children and special summer bag giveaways.

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KJ TEENS

What a Year! Life gave us lemons.

It wasn’t an easy year for the Teen Community. Nonetheless, within a few months of the start of the pandemic KJ teens were attending three weekly Teen Classes, Shabbat and Sunday Teen Services, KJs first-ever Teen Purim Party and an evening celebrating Lag ba’Omer. You might say we made lemonade.

We will certainly miss our graduating seniors, many of whom are spending a year in Israel. We wish them all great success in their next endeavors and hope to see them all very soon.

We look forward to the year ahead and are excited to continue building the teen community.

Calendar September 11 for our first Teen Minyan of 5782, complete with Kickoff Kiddush!

- Manu Hass, Teen Coordinator

L’HITRAOT MENUCHA PARRY

The consummate team player in her role as Director of Member Affairs for the past 5 years, Menucha Parry has been the glue that has held together our office operations.

Knowing “what was coming next” made it possible for her to get a jump start on any preparations required to keep things running smoothly, whether it was sending yahrzeit letters, making sure there was enough postage for a big mailing, or her calm manner during the most stressful times on the shul calendar. Additionally, Menucha served as a youth leader for many years, working overtime to provide creative, fun, and educational activities that made her a beloved figure in KJYD. Her young charges loved to help her prepare activities in the shul office, and their enthusiasm was a joy to behold.

We wish her mazal tov upon her recent engagement to Yair Cohen and hatzlacha rabbah upon her upcoming aliyah to Israel. We are sure we are not speaking out of turn when we invite all our readers to visit her and Yair in Tel Aviv. Come for Shabbat!

We will miss you, Menucha, and wish you both an easy and peaceful klitah.

May this new chapter in your lives be filled with great and happiness.

MEN’S CLUB WEBINARS ENRICH THE KJ COMMUNITY KJ Men’s Club President, Dr. Mark Meirowitz, moderated three fascinating webinars this past spring. On Sunday, March 14, we were privileged to hear from Rabbi Elie Abadie, Senior Rabbi, Jewish Council of the Emirates whose topic, A Rabbi in the Emirates - Beginnings, Perspectives and Reflections fascinated listeners with stories of his relocation to the Gulf metropolis and life as that community’s senior rabbi.

On Sunday, March 21, Shoshana Bryen, Senior Director of the Jewish Policy Center, spoke with Dr. Meirowiiz about The State of the Middle East: The Abraham Accords and Israel’s New Friends in the Region, giving those who joined the program an inside look and a timely report regarding the agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Last, but not least, on Monday, June 28, KJ member Hon. Robert Abrams, former Attorney General of New York, shared highlights of his recently published memoir, The Luckiest Guy in the World. He reflected on his early life growing up in the Bronx, how he was drawn into politics, and his powerful record as a public servant which has changed and improved lives in New York and across the country.

on Caring & Community Service

SHABBAT NOVEMBER 6

Following Main Synagogue morning services Featuring Eric Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York "Volunteering: The Life You Change May Be Your Own"

continued //

Watch your emails this fall for more exciting programming coming to you from the KJ Men’s Club!

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KJYD WELCOMES

Yosef (5), and Eliyahu (3). An entire generation of children owe their formative Jewish identity in part to Aryana, whose mission of community service emphasized that “Torah and Fun Are One.” Her outstanding creativity and ready smile made for the best combination in a Youth Director. We wish her hatzlachah rabbah in her future endeavors as she and her family plan for their Aliyah.

STAFF IN NEW ROLES

Our New KJYD Director: Chevy Rubenstein Known to all, Chevy Rubenstein has been working with the KJYD Youth Department for the last seven years. Initially a Morah in the Pre-K room, for the last three years Chevy has been the Assistant KJYD Director. She is very excited to take on the new role of Director. Chevy has a dual master’s degree in regular and special education and has been teaching various ages for over eleven years.

A CHALLENGING BUT FUN YEAR!

KJYD has been very busy creating memories and sharing new experiences. Before Pesach, children and parents joined the rabbis for Parent-Child Learning on Motzei Shabbat! They had tons of fun learning meaningful Torah ideas and winning tons of prizes!

Some may recognize Chevy all dressed up in Moshe, Noach and Avraham costumes. She has devoted her life to her passions of education, children, Torah and community and is looking forward to continuing her partnership with the KJ Youth Department.

This year we celebrated Pesach by delivering a Pesach box to helped KJYD start their Pesach adventure. It was a huge hit that provided a fun way for everyone to get involved in the Pesach Seder.

Roni Tessler Roni/Macaroni is thrilled to be moving into a larger role at KJYD as the Assistant Youth Director (aka Chevy’s right-hand man), having served successfully for a number of years as the magnetic force behind the Grades 4-6 Shabbat morning youth group. Roni has 15 years of experience as a Bnei Mitzvah and Judaic Studies educator, and also works as a film editor and screenwriter. Some fun facts about him include meeting his doppelgänger and being his own first cousin (ask him how!). He looks forward to meeting all of the amazing KJYD kids and creating an incredible year of programming!

Farewell to Aryana!

Youth Director Aryana Ritholtz is ending a wildly successful, 8-year run in the role. She could very well be the longest serving Youth Director in the history of our 150-year-old congregation! Aryana began her KJ tenure as a single young adult, and she is ending her KJ tenure as a proud wife and mother of 3 adorable children; Amalya (7),

As the year concluded, 3rd - 6th graders took a trip to SABA’S Pizza on Lexington Avenue and 82nd Street and made their very own pizza.

Pre-K through Kindergarten transformed the Lower School roof into an art studio where they painted wooden sculptures and created a chalk mosaic.

We have instituted a new way for families to socially gather on the roof on Shabbat afternoons, where children play in a safe environment and a light dinner is provided.

This summer we initiated a pre-Tisha B’av Shabbaton complete with a musical Tot Shabbat, groups, lunch and a show for the children.

With the chagim falling early this year, we are excited to have our annual High Holiday Camp on 85th Street over Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. There will be tons of games, shows and activities to keep children busy while parents are in shul. Please follow us on Instagram at KJYD613 for more fun updates from the Youth Department.

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FOOD PACKAGE DELIVERY "There are things the boys will really like. It is a very fun package."

CONNECT THROUGH CHESED The KJ Chesed Committee has been busy since Pesach.

With much gratitude, we are now able to visit our vaccinated members, to help them personally with errands and doctor’s visits.

Many volunteers have been making weekly calls and check ins. We continue to receive and distribute delicious challot on a weekly basis made in connection with a refuah shlemah for one of our members.

"Oh my gosh!!! Thank you so much ((HUG)), that is so kind. They do last, and it’s also great protein that we both enjoy. I really appreciate all you do for both of us."

- Clients who've received KJ food packages The KJ Food Pantry has been operating for well over ten years.

Before COVID-19 hit, the clients came to the Ramaz School once a week to pick up a food package. For as long as the pandemic continues, we plan to deliver packages approximately once a month from both Met Council as well as from a local grocery store.

We have a diverse group of clients and during COVID we have expanded our base. We have worked with the KJ Chesed Committee to coordinate our efforts and to better service people in the KJ community during this crisis. We have also reached out to other organizations which have provided additional people who we are able to help.

We have received donations of baby carriages, wheelchairs, and medical equipment. We wish to thank Bernice Berman Kahn (Chair of the KJ Food Pantry) for helping us find homes for the donations.

In looking forward to the New Year, we will be resuming in-person training of our many volunteers and we look forward to meeting new volunteers and spreading the KJ Chesed spirit. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact kjfriendlyvisit@gmail.com.

Photo, top left: Young chesed volunteers delivered packages to children undergoing treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital.

Before COVID, for those who were unable to get to the Ramaz School, we were fortunate to have volunteers who helped to deliver the packages.

We have also been blessed to have Ramaz Middle School students who have volunteered to help us at the pantry.

We look forward to a time when we can resume the original program.

For further information or to volunteer, please contact Bernice Kahn at bernice.berman@gmail.com.

continued //

VACCINE POP-UP

KJ, Lincoln Square Synagogue, and The Jewish Center, partnered to provide a Pop-Up Vaccination Center on Chol haMoed Pesach. The appointments “sold out” in about an hour, and volunteers from all three synagogues came throughout the day to help with check-in. There was a repeat “performance” a month later, and all-in-all 240 people were able to be vaccinated thanks to this communal effort.

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KJ Sisterhood Welcomes a New Executive Board 2021-2023 Thank you, KJ Sisterhood, Executive Board, volunteers, rabbis and staff for your unequivocal support and devotion enabling us to stay social and to impressively sustain our charitable giving during these very challenging times.

KJ’s overwhelming participation on ZOOM enabled us to run our highly successful planned yearly events. Much appreciation to these amazing Spring Events Chairwomen: Gail Propp & Sharon Dane “Challah & L’Chaim” Lorraine Gold & Nicole Sardar “The Power of Positive Thinking” featuring Rebbitzen Slovie Jungreis-Wolff Sharon Garfunkel & Devra Block Sisterhood Spring Boutique, Rooftop (Our first in-person event!)

Dede Alpert, Jamie Chubak, Rose Cirrincione, Merle Gonchar & Erika Kashi Annual Sisterhood Event - “The

Spark of Sisterhood” honoring Rita Woldenberg with the 7th Annual Gertrude Lookstein Award.

Mazal Tov to Our New Executive Board 2021-2023 Jane Katz & Nicole Sardar Co-Presidents Jennifer Agus & Joanna Kleinhaus Co-Vice Presidents Abby Doft Treasurer Stephanie Knepper Basman Recording Secretary Rose Cirrincione Communication Secretary

Kol Hakavod!

KJ Food Pantry The KJ Food Pantry provides kosher food weekly to New York’s hungry.

Clients are referred to us through the synagogue and local service agencies. Each week clients come to KJ to receive food staples tailored to their diets, as well as a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Ramaz students pack the bags and staff the booth in the lobby of KJ, and Ramaz/ KJ members also deliver packages to those who are homebound.

For further information or to volunteer, please contact Bernice Berman at bernice.berman@gmail.com.

The KJ Food Pantry wishes to thank D’agostino Supermarket for all their help.

Roberta Stetson & Sharon Garfunkel Co-Presidents 2019-2021

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BRINGING JEWISH TO A NEW YORK EXPERIENCE

BY R A B B I DA N I E L & R AC H E L K R AU S

Rabbi Daniel & Rachel Kraus, KJ’s Directors of Community Education, received the Jewish Leadership Award at the 22nd Annual Dinner of the Manhattan Jewish Experience on June 16, 2021. Here is their acceptance speech:

Wildes homes for Shabbat lunch, and over the course of lunch, Mark and Jill pulled me into the kitchen and said “WE LOVE HIM, you should marry him and you have to come work for MJE.” RDK: Little did I know that I was being tested, graded, ranked, and that this would be the beginning of one of the most fulfilling and life changing parts of my personal and professional life.

We are deeply humbled to be here and we recognize the tremendous bracha of what it means to be gathering together in person, ‫ׁ ֶש ֶה ֱחיָ ֽינ ּו וְ ִק ְ ּי ָמנ ּו‬ ‫יענ ּו ַל ְ ּז ָמן ַה ֶ ּזה‬ ָ ‫וְ ִה ִ ּג‬, we are deeply grateful to you, the entire MJE team for making tonight a reality, not just a virtual reality.

RK: Seventeen years ago, I was dating a guy named Daniel Kraus, from Melbourne, Australia, with a great accent and no grey hair – who, of course, now has no accent and a ton of grey hair. I called my dear mentors and longstanding family friends, Rabbi Mark and Jill Wildes, because I wanted them to meet this Daniel character. I wasn’t sure where it was going - or if I liked him - and wanted their input. Like thousands of others, we went to the continued //

Song carries extraordinary significance, it has the power to infuse words with life, texture and meaning. Song is a tool that is utilized across industries whether it is background music for Netflix dramas, elevator music, or a Chazan on Shabbat, music is a vehicle of transcendence and carries with it the power to move and the power to inform and transform.

In this week’s Parsha, Parshat Chukat, there is a shira, there is a song. It doesn’t carry the same brand recognition as Shirat Ha’Yam, the song of the splitting of the sea, and yet, in this four verse, highly condensed, truncated, complicated song, lies the secrets of Shirat Hab’er, the Song of the Well.

The psukim seem to be describing different geographical points along a very long and complicated journey of Jewish history, where a well of water followed, nourished and hydrated the Jewish nation. ‘From the desert, to the valley, to the wasteland,’ the names themselves seem to describe the topography of varying regions. Just like in the musical ode God Bless America (“From the mountains, to the prairies”), the topological references have significance beyond their geographic points; they are also metaphysical

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markers, spiritual points on the roadmap of life.

This B’er, this wellspring of water, supplied us with strength during those journeys. Water is compared to, and an analogy for Torah, as the Gemara teaches, Ein mayim elah Torah (“There is no water like the Torah”). Wherever we find ourselves in our life’s journey, on mountain tops, in dark valleys, in rivers, jungles, or concrete jungles, there is a life source that can quench our thirst and give us strength, momentum and direction. We hydrate on Torah: Torah insight, Torah wisdom and Torah values.

MJE is a b’er - a water source. It doesn’t matter where you are from, your background, upbringing, affiliation whatever coordinates in which a person finds themselves, MJE has been, and is, a wellspring of overflowing nourishment for all stops on the road.

When we arrived at MJE in 2006, we planted ourselves in Murray Hill, filled with passion, and thirst, armed ready to connect with young Jews - but where were they?

We didn’t know more than a handful of dedicated people, but from Day 1, we hit the pavement, connecting, networking, building and creating. The first Shabbat we walked up and down the popular bar scene on Third Avenue seeking to engage young Jews. We met dozens of young Jews sharing ‘Shabbat Shalom’ and ‘hava nagilla’, from Magen David necklaces to Hebrew tattoos, we invited these young Jews to our home the following Shabbat and from then on, week after week, our home was overflowing with amazing young Jews.

Our home quickly became our sacred temple in which all our activities took

29 place. Cocktail-style Shabbat dinners, weekly classes, formal meals, and the MJE Downtown community started to sprout.

From our inaugural High Holiday Services at the Puck Building, weekly classes in our apartment, lugging our newborn children on winter and spring retreats, Sukkah meals at the old Bnai Zion house in Midtown East, Yom Kippur at the Scandinavian House, and of course, meaningful interactions with our then-Rabbinic intern, Roy Feldman.

The magic of MJE is at the heart of human connections. Real relationships, real discussions, real content, deep interactions and meaningful exchanges.

Whatever portal of entry: classes, Shabbat, dinners, retreats, trips, music jams, rooftop soirees, networking events, this is a place that is real, where Jewish values and identity intersect with relevance and purpose.

We came to MJE to transform a concrete desert into a vibrant Jewish community, but MJE transformed us, our lives were enriched by each and every person, by their stories, their journeys, their highs and lows, by life’s topography depicted and described in Shirat Hab’er.

Shirat Hab’er opens with the words Az Yashir, which we often and typically associate with the song of the splitting of the sea. The Kedushat Levi, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev z”y, the famed Chassidic master, teaches that the song of the sea begins Az Yashir Moshe, Moshe sang and was followed by the pounding voices of the nation, but the Shirat Hab’er, the song of the well begins, Az Yashir Yisrael, it is the nation that sings this song.

The true testament of leadership is not only when the leader sings, but when they inspire others to compose their own songs and raise their voices to chant and sing and become stakeholders in their tradition and identity.

Rabbi Wildes and Jill are not only leaders who lead song, guiding, teaching and inspiring, they have taught thousands of others to sing for themselves, to drink from the be’er, to drink from the fountain of Torah insights, from the fountain of Jewish identity for themselves, to quench their thirst on what it means to be a Jew, to raise their voices to sing that song.

We feel humbled beyond words to have been part of this journey, to have had the chance to learn from and contribute to MJE’s impact and mission and to have apprenticed under MJE’s leadership: its professional leadership to be sure, but also their incredible lay leaders who gave us countless hours of support, guidance and advice. We learned so much from them and we carry those experiences with us in everything we do.

Rachel and I are so fortunate to have been raised by the most extraordinary sets of parents that instilled within us the power of Jewish identity and the importance of Torah and to be surrounded by the most amazing siblings, some of whom are here tonight.

We also recognize KJ Rabbi Emeritus, our teacher and mentor, Rabbi Haskel Lookstein and Mrs. Audrey Lookstein, who together with our dear friends and mentors, Rabbi Elie Weinstock and George Rohr, created a pathway and possibility to extend and expand the roadmap of Jewish engagement into the KJ and KJ Beginners community.

And to our fellow KJ colleagues, many of whom are here tonight, thank you for creating a space for us to be part of the continued growth of our community.

And of course, the biggest “thank you” to our four amazing children - Kira, Eitan, Noam and Amiel for being such an integral part of all we do. You are our biggest bracha.

wellspring that accompanies us on each part of our complex journey, through the highs, the lows, the laughter, the loss, the high tide, the sunrises and the sunsets, this is our song to sing, thank you MJE for teaching us to sing, for teaching all of us to sing.

UJA - BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER For the past year and a half, UJA has been responding to New York’s evolving needs related to the pandemic – stocking food pantries, increasing workforce development programs to help the unemployed, ensuring Holocaust survivors can access vaccines, and much more. Now, in addition to our response to the ongoing impact of the pandemic, we are supporting victims of trauma and terror in Israel and standing up to rising antisemitism here in New York. We appreciate the KJ community’s partnership in doing this important work, and we look forward to resuming inperson programming with KJ come 5782.

For more information, please contact UJA@KJ chairs Danielle Auerbach, Megan Englander, and Marilyn Zarabi, or UJA@KJ staff person Becca Newman at 212.836.1632 or newmanb@ujafedny.org.

Az Yashir Yisrael, a song of transcendence, an overflowing continued / /

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A YEAR LATER, SHAVUOT BLOOMS AT KJ

The KJ Youth Department had activities galore for the kids. In addition to youth groups there was an ice cream party, a bubble show, and candy bags for all. We were also treated to some wonderful divrei Torah, in the main synagogue, as you will read below:

No one needed to be reminded of how Shavuot was spent last year.

The community was exceptionally grateful to be able to come back to shul and gather together to celebrate z’man matan Torateinu.

DIVREI TORAH

KJ partnered with sister Synagogue Orach Chaim and presented an outstanding Tikkun Layl program with Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz, Rabbi Ben Skydell, Rabbi Meyer Laniado, Rabbi Daniel Kraus, and KJ Officer Morris Massel.

And why did we have to wait 49 days to receive the Torah?

Did we not deserve it? Did God have second thoughts? The answer is no. We wait, because during those 49 days we are supposed to grow as human beings. Because the Torah is so holy, until we grow as Jews, we do not deserve it.

CA L EB GR A N T, GR A DE 7 Shavuot is the holiday of receiving the Torah and the holiday of the harvest. But why is this holiday so special? We received the Torah and that is a lot, but what is the symbol? Every holiday has a symbol. Chanukah has a chanukiah, Pesach has matzah, Sukkot has a sukkah, but what symbol does Shavuot have? Shavuot has the bikkurim, the first of the fruits.

Additionally, the Torah uses the word ‫ ויחן‬which is singular (Israel camped at the base of Har Sinai). This is the first time the Torah used the singular in talking about the Jewish people. Why is that? Unity.

While the Jewish people may have different opinions on almost any topic, like politics...which we can all relate to, there is one thing that unites the Jewish people: the Torah. One can go into any Shul around the world and while the tunes may vary or the siddurim may be slightly different, the Torah we read is always the same and ‫ מתן תורה‬is what we celebrate on Shavuot.

Unity, and being as one, is key to the Jewish people, to its survival and to Israel’s survival. The Jewish people come from different places, may look different or learn in different types of schools, but the Torah and Israel unites us. In these troubling times, we must all stand together with Israel and pray for peace and the coming of the mashiach.

Thank you and Chag Sameach.

BENJA M IN L E W IT TES (GR A DE 3) A N D JONATH A N L E W IT TES (K IN DERG A RTEN ) Jonathan explained: We eat dairy on Shavuot because Jews did not have the laws of how to schecht (slaughter) meat. Also, the gematriah of chalav is 40, and Moshe went up to Har Sinai for 40 days.

Benjamin continued: On Shavuot we learn about lessons that have eternal significance. That means that they last forever and they are even all connected!

King David was one of the greatest kings the Jews ever had. continued// I n the C ommunity / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N

31 He was kind and holy but he was supposed to die when he was born. Adam was the first man in the world, and God showed him everything in the future. Adam was supposed to live 1,000 years. When he saw that King David was going to die the day he was born Adam gave him seventy years of his life. So, Adam lived till 930 and King David lived until he was seventy.

meat pots and dishes now had to be made kosher before use, they chose to only eat dairy food.

On Shavuot we read about Ruth. She was a really great person. She was so kind that God rewarded her with the kindest, most wonderful grandson, King David! And to connect it even more, King David was born and died on Shavuot, seventy years apart.

The Magen Avraham explains that milk is special because it is a sign of birth and a bright future. After all, milk is the first food for a newborn baby!!

THE SHEM IS: M AYA (GR A DE 6), SI VA N, (GR A DE 3) - EITA N (K IN DERG A RT EN ) Why do we read the Book of Ruth on Shavuot? There are three reasons. First, we read the Book of Ruth on Shavuot because it takes place in the harvest season. Ruth and Naomi went to Beit Lechem in the beginning of the harvest season. Ruth picked the wheat from Boaz’s field and shared it with Naomi. And Shavuot is a holiday about celebrating the harvest and offering the first fruits, or “bee-koo-reem,” to God. Second, when Ruth converts to Judaism, she accepts all the laws of Judaism and commits herself to Judaism. On Shavuot, the Israelites received the Ten Commandments. Just like Ruth, they accepted Judaism and all its laws when they got the Ten Commandments. Ruth put all her belief in God when she converted and so did Bnei Yisrael when they received the Torah on Mt. Sinai.

The third lesson is one of the main lessons of the Torah: the importance of Chesed, or doing acts of loving kindness. For example, helping people in need by donating your time or tzedakah. In the Book of Ruth, we see examples of loving kindness, like the way Ruth did not abandon Naomi and helped find her food to eat.

What better book is there for Shavuot, the holiday when we celebrate receiving the Torah, than a book about a woman who acted in ways the Torah wants us all to act??? CHAG SAMEACH!

But I had a question about this – if the reason is that they did not have time to prepare meat in a kosher way, then why do we eat dairy. Couldn’t we also eat Pareve – like vegetable or beans?

When they received the Torah, Bnei Israel were celebrating a new way of life and a bright future! And what better way to celebrate than to only eat foods made from the sign of new life, milk!

I wish all of you a Chag Sameach and a bright future!

EDEN W ISE, GR A DE 4 This year, while learning about Shavuot, the question I had was why do we read Megilat Ruth on Shavuot? After all, nothing about the Bikurim, Matan Torah, learning all night, or eating cheesecake comes up in that story at all!!

Rabbi Zeira teaches that Megilat Ruth was included in Tanach to teach us the greatness of the reward for Chesed. Because of the kindness that Ruth showed Naomi, she was rewarded by having David Hamelech in her family.

But this still does not explain why we read this Megilah on Shavuot? To answer this question, we must look at the two major ways that Shavuot differs from Pesach and Sukkot: 1. Shavuot is the end of a process that starts with Pesach 2. Shavuot is the holiday that is most tied to Eretz Yisrael I can read the Pesukim about this but we don’t have all night.

Well, actually we do, but whatever!

This year I was curious to know why do we only eat dairy on Shavuot.

Hashem freed Bnei Yisrael from Egypt so that they could prepare themselves to receive the Torah, which made them a Holy Nation. Shavuot, the end of this process, is the day where we remind ourselves of our goal to enter Israel and build a holy society. Caring for the poor and loving the convert are the most important ways to do this. The story of Boaz and Ruth shows that Bnei Yisrael reached a point where they had built a holy society and were deserving of having David Hamelech.

The Chafetz Chaim explains that before Bnei Israel received the Torah, Bnei Israel was not forced to follow the laws in the Torah, which includes Shechita and Kashrut. Since all of their

We are proud of the society created by our brothers and sisters in Israel, and we hope that they will soon be rewarded with Peace. Chag Sameach!

A R IEL L E W ISE, GR A DE 2 My name is Arielle Wise.

continued// I n the C ommunity / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N

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DAY S

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SUKKAH DINNER U N D E R T H E S TA R S

YOM KIPPUR ATTIRE

MEN: This Kol Nidre Night and Yom Kippur Day dress up by wearing a white kitel.

They may be purchased at a moderate price at Judaica Classica by Doina.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 7:00 PM

PLEASE CALL 212-722-4271 TO PLACE YOUR ORDER.

RSVP: CKJ.ORG/KJBSUKKAH

KJ BENEVOLENT FUND

AUGUST 13, 2021

DEAR KJ FAMILY:

Every year we appeal to our family before Rosh Hashanah and Yom iK ppur to ask al JK Benevolent u F nd. If ever there were a year in which the Benevolent u F nd needs st year when so many in our family and outside of it are in serious need of help.

We feel that this is u j st like a Passover Relief Appeal in which e J wish law says, you receiving end or the giving end: If you don’t need to receive, you have an obligatio

As you will recall, we are supporting people in this community who used to be ver the Benevolent u F nd and who now need the u F nd’s support. Because of the pandemic year. We also need to respond to the needs of others beyond our community and want to be able to say yes when called upon by people who need and deserve our

Please, therefore, be as generous as you possibly can. Send in your gift to the JK B check, or online ckj.org/ atpay using the pulldown donation bar to select Benevolent u F nd, which enables you to perform a great mitzvah before the great High Holy Day seas

May we all be inscribed and sealed for a year of health, happiness, safety and pe Sincerely , Chaim Steinmetz Haskel Lookstein Roy Feldman Meyer Laniado Daniel Kraus

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CHANUKAH BEGINS SUNDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 28 Chanukah celebrates the miracles of the spiritual and military victories of the Maccabees against the Hellenist tyrants that imposed anti-religious rule and desecrated the Holy Temple in 165 BCE.

The Candles The prevailing custom is for each member of the family to light his or her own menorah which will have as many candles as that night of the holiday plus the shamash. Since the Chanukah candles are to commemorate the Menorah of the Temple, we apply the same rules to both: the candles and their flames become holy and as such cannot be used for any other purpose. With the exception of the shamash, we cannot read by their lights or use them to light another candle.

Time for Lighting Candles must be lit after nightfall, this year after 5:06 pm each evening of Chanukah, and burn for at least a half hour.

On Friday afternoon, Chanukah candles should be lit before Shabbat candles, and should be of a type that will last over an hour (this leads to many adopting the custom of using olive oil-based lamps). On Saturday night, the candles are lit after Havdalah.

Candle Arrangement The candles are set from the right side of the Menorah as the candle lighter faces it. The Menorah should be placed in an area where it will not need to be moved after being lit. Safety is also a major concern, so please do not leave the home with the candles unattended.

The 25th of Kislev was the day the Maccabees entered the Temple following the battle and wanted to restart the Holy Service that had ceased under the foreign rule. The Maccabees found only one day’s supply of oil that they could use to rededicate the Menorah. Yet that tiny flask lasted until they were able to create new, pure oil – a delay of eight days.

The victory established Jewish religious and political sovereignty in Israel during the second Temple times. This miracle of Jewish independence had not been seen since the destruction of the First Temple and the assassination of the then-governor, Gedalyah.

Primarily, we celebrate Chanukah with spiritual expressions: (1) lighting candles in commemoration of the miracle of the rededication of the Temple, (2) singing Hallel in praise of God’s deliverance from our enemies, and (3) adding Al Ha‑Nisim in our prayers of thanksgiving in recognition of both aspects of the miracle of Chanukah. We also have physical pleasures and celebrations by having (4) special foods, (5) gift giving, and even (6) parties. continued //

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Lighting the Candles The lights are lit from left to right – starting with the newest candle first. We begin by lighting the shamash, then we say the blessings: (1) ner shel Chanukah, (2) she-asa nisim, and on the first night we add (3) shehecheyanu. Once the blessings are said, we light the first candle and begin singing the songs Hanerot Hallalu – which explains the reasons for the ceremony – and Maoz Tzur which describes all the salvations wrought by God for the Jewish People.

Publicizing the Miracle We light the Menorah so we can publicize the miracle to as many people as possible. We start with our own family but we often place the Menorah in the window to proclaim our belief to others. Moreover, we publicize the miracle by singing the complete Hallel in the morning service and by adding Al HaNisim in our daily Shemoneh Esrei and in Birkat ha-Mazon.

Material Pleasures In addition to the spiritual nature of the holiday, we have added, in later times, the physical pleasures of special foods (latkes, jelly donuts), gift-giving (never a bad idea, especially Jewish books), and parties (that serve as a means for fellowship and for publicizing the miracle).

Chanukah is a time when we should renew our commitment and devotion to God. The brave Maccabees who risked their lives for religious freedom should serve as a model for us to celebrate those freedoms and our joy in service to God.

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CLASSES THE JEWISH PHILOSOPHERS WHO STARTED IT ALL

MORNING CLASSES FALL 2021 following the High Holy Days

9 :15 S U N DAY: William Major Talmud Shiur w/ Rabbi Jeremy Wieder

Join Rabbi Roy Feldman for a new three part series this October.

9 : 00 M O N DAY: Exploring Jewish Thought with Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz 9 : 00 T U E S DAY: The Text of the Talmud: Learn to read the Talmud closely in its original language, and understand the arguments and reasoning employed by the sages. Fall 2021: Tractate Bava Metzia, with Rabbi Roy Feldman

TUESDAYS AT 8:00 PM 10/5 RABBI SAADIA GAON

9 : 00 W E D N E S DAY: Torah Class with Rabbi Lookstein 8 : 30 T H U R S DAY – Dr. Shera Aranoff Tuchman: Kings I. For women only.

10/12 MAIMONIDES

“CHADESH YAMEINU K’KEDEM”

WOMEN’S KINGS I CLASS RESUMES Dr. Shera Aranoff Tuchman returns to resume her Kings I class, LIVE, following a hiatus of a year and a half due to COVID 19. She welcomes former students and new students to join her on Thursday mornings at 8:30 AM, beginning October 7, for women only.

The ongoing study of biblical women begins with 1 Kings, with the frail and aged King David on his deathbed. Even his dying days are turbulent as his son, Adoniyahu, tries to wrest the crown from his father. Two women hold sway over the king’s final days—Bat-Sheva, now his longtime Queen, who is determined to have her son, Solomon, succeed as King, and the king’s attendant, Avishag Hashunamit. We will study these women in depth.

When David is finally laid to rest, and Solomon reigns in his stead, he fills his palace with hundreds of non-Israelite women, wives, and concubines—the daughter of the Pharaoh of Egypt, the Queen of Sheba, and an assorted seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. Clearly, the subject of intermarriage is not new—it dates back thousands of years, and King Solomon sets a prime example. And yet, here we are, the Israelites—Jews—have survived. Can we glean wisdom from the life and loves of the wisest of men, Solomon, so that we, as Jews, will continue, as Jews, for thousands of years into the future. Hopefully, studying through the lens of ancient and modern traditional commentaries will give us a clue.

10/19 R. YEHUDA HALEVI

WEDNESDAY NIGHT HEBREW CLASSES WITH SARA ROSEN 5:30 PM – Beginners Hebrew for New Students 6:30 PM – Intermediate Beginners Hebrew 7:30 PM - Advanced Hebrew/ Pre-Holiday Prayers VISIT CKJ.ORG/CALENDAR FOR CLASS SCHEDULE

C lasses / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N C lasses

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Within Our BIRTHS

MAZAL TOV TO

Michelle and Shir Abramov upon the birth of a son, Jacob Morris (Yaakov Moshe).

Kate and Samuel Archibald upon the birth of a son, Abraham Leo (Avraham Pesach).

Wilma and Kenneth Aschendorf upon the birth of a granddaughter, Stella Lucy (Mazal), born to their children Anna and Adam Amsalem.

Shira and Josh Arcus upon the birth of a daughter, Bella Quinn (Baila Malka). Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents Ellen and Robert Kapito.

Louise and Sid Banon upon the birth of a grandson, born to their children Ally Federbush Banon and Ross Banon.

Rochelle and Mayer Davis upon the birth of a granddaughter, born to their children Elisheva and Benji Samuels.

Helen and Ruby Davis upon the birth of a granddaughter, Chana Esther, born to their children, Erica and Rabbi Josh Elsant.

Dorothy and Daniel Etra upon the birth of a daughter, Paula Barry (Paloma Bracha). Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandmother, Paula Etra.

Vicki and Bernard Falk upon the birth of a grandson, Ascher Zeke Falk Hassenfeld (Ezekiel), born to their children, Talia Falk and Elie Hassenfeld, in Berkeley, CA. Jessica and David Feldan upon the birth of a granddaughter.

Lauren and Martin Geller upon becoming first-time grandparents with the birth of a grandson, Wesley Chase (Yair Barak), born to their children Daniella and Joshua Geller.

David and Lorraine Gold upon the birth of a son, Brandon Joseph (Dov Ber Yoseph).

Sarita and Ben Greszes upon becoming first-time great grandparents, with the birth of a boy born to their grandchildren Ashira and Hersh Greszes in Jerusalem.

Alexandra and Sol Hedaya upon the birth of a son, Ezra Sol (Ezra Shaul).

Stefanie and Patrick Hirsch-Coyle upon the birth of a daughter, Poppy Alice (Tovah). Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents Rochelle and David Hirsch.

Karen Blatt and Ari Hirt upon the birth of a grandson, Binyamin Shraga, born to their children Michael and Elizabeth Hirt.

Glenda and Daniel Iwanicki upon the birth of a son, Maximillian Rafael.

Carol and Jeffrey Kaufman upon becoming first-time grandparents with the birth of a granddaughter, Ella Zahav, born to their children Amalia and Zach Mandel.

Natalie and Dr. Ed Ostad upon the birth of their daughter, Lia Soraya.

Dr. Vicki Deutsch and Dr. Gerald Platt upon the birth of a grandson, Noah Chase, born to their children Ashley and Matthew Platt.

Helen Potaznik upon the birth of twin grandsons, Nahar Daniel and Naveh Yedidya, born to their children Chen and Yehuda Arye Potaznik in Jerusalem. The boys are named for their grandfather, Dr. Daniel (Yedidya) Potaznik, a"h.

Anna and Gedaliah Riesenberg upon the birth of a son, Elhanan Rahm (Rami).

Mazal Tov as well to delighted KJ grandmother Gail Propp.

Auralee and David Ring upon the birth of a daughter, Brianna Elle (Chana Bracha). Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents, Rochelle and Michael Ring.

Sue and Win Robins upon the birth of their fifth great-grandchild, Shani Schneider, born to their granddaughter, Michal and Itzchak Schneider of

Hashmonaim, Israel.

Evelyn Rochlin upon the birth of a great grandson, Isaac (Yitzchak), born to her grandchildren, Samuel and Samantha Rochlin. Samuel is the son of Joshua and Robin Rochlin.

Nildy and KJ Building Superintendent Freddie Rodriguez upon the birth of a grandson, Beau Alexander, born to their children, Silvia and Elias Montalvo.

Alissa and Howie Shams upon the birth of a granddaughter, Georgia Laine (Mina Mazal), born to their children, Pamela and David Ness.

Ruth & Irwin Shapiro upon the birth of a great-grandson, Max Joseph (Avraham Yosef), son of Deena & Jacob Shapiro and grandson of Monica & Sandy Shapiro.

Marcelle and Benjamin Sandel upon the birth of their first child and son, Henry Morris (Mordechai).

Paula and Leonard Solinsky upon the birth of a grandson, Myles Ari (Moshe Ari), born to their children, Lanna and David Weisfeld.

Ariel and Jonathan Stern upon the birth of a son, Louis Eric (Eliezer Yitzchak).

Adele and Ron Tauber upon the birth of a grandson, Ezra Tauber Dinerstein (Ezra Yonah), born in Tel Aviv to their children, Lisa Tauber and Zachary Dinerstein.

Ayelet and Sammy Tbeile upon the birth of a son, Yitzchak Akiva.

Lexie and Abe Tobias upon the birth of a son.

May these children grow up in the finest tradition of Torah, chupah, and maasim tovim.

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F A M I LY BNEI MITZVAH

ENGAGEMENTS

Vivian Creizman upon the Bar Mitzvah of her grandson, Caleb, son of Michelle Weber and Eric Creizman.

Dr. Nicole and Raanan Agus upon the engagement of their daughter, Gabrielle, to Eliezer Lerea, son of Nancy and Rabbi Dov Lerea of Riverdale, NY. Mazal Tov as well to delighted grandparents Marcelle Agus, Renee & Avram Schreiber, and Roberta Lerea.

MAZAL TOV TO

Rosie (Ramaz ’68) and Dr. Mark Friedman upon the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Shmuel Moshe, at the Great Neck Synagogue, at which time he read Parshiot Acharei Mot/ Kedoshim. Shmuel is the son of Davida and Marc Yehaskel (Ramaz ‘95) of Great Neck. He is a seventh grader at Yeshivat Har Torah in Little Neck, NY. Bernice and Gil Kahn upon the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Noah, son of Abigail and Ben Archibald, in London on the first day of Pesach.

Ruth and Larry Kobrin upon the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Gabriel Levy, the son of Debra and Rabbi Daniel Levy.

Gabe is a student at Westchester Day School.

Deborah and Robert Lipner upon the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter, Ruby Eleanor Sokol, daughter of Eva Jenny Lipner and Jason Sokol.

Debbie and Bill Schwartz on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Eitan Schwartz, son of Moshe and Jennifer Schwartz of Potomac Maryland.

DEDICATE Members of the Congregation and others are invited to honor a friend or relative, celebrate a milestone event, or memorialize a loved one by dedicating Chumashim ($75 each) or Siddurim ($50 each).

Call Riva Alper at 212-774-5670 for more information.

MAZAL TOV TO

Wilma and Kenneth Aschendorf upon the engagement of their daughter, Rachel, to Benedetto Mevorach Kahlun, son of Silvana and Beniamino Kahlun of Rome, Italy.

Mindy and Dr. Jay Cinnamon upon the engagement of their son, Daniel, to Elana Feldman, daughter of Simona and Benny Feldman of Kew Gardens Hills. Mazal Tov as well to Daniel’s proud grandparents, Audrey and Rabbi Haskel Lookstein.

Debbie and Mark Cooper upon the engagement of their son, Adam, to Sasha Bikoff, daughter of the late Jacqueline Bikoff of New York and Gregory Berk of Cleveland.

Jewel and Ted Edelman upon the engagement of their daughter, Dayna, to Lieutenant Commander (USN) Marc Schron, son of Dr. Eleanor and Spencer Schron of Potomac, MD. Dina and Marshall Huebner upon the engagement of their daughter, Leora, to Abe Sutton, son of Jolene and Jack Sutton of Brooklyn.

Sue and Dr. Norman Javitt upon the engagement of their granddaughter, Naomi Javitt, daughter of their children, Joel and Kim Javitt of Jerusalem, to Eli Diamond, son of Judy and Etan Diamond of Efrat.

Judy and Dr. Hirshel Kahn upon the engagement of their daughter, Nathalie, to Jordyn Schoenfeld, son of Elisa and Alan Schoenfeld of Los Angeles.

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Eugene & Rochelle Major upon the engagement of their son, Sam, to Talia Berday-Sacks, the daughter of Jennifer Berday and Dr. Elisha Sacks of Indianapolis. Mazal tov as well to the proud KJ grandmother, Gaby Major.

KJ Director of Member Affairs Menucha Parry upon her engagement to Yair Cohen and their upcoming aliyah to Israel.

Gail and Berndt Perl upon the engagement of their daughter, Sandra Perl, to Isaac Ohebshalom, son of Jeanette and Nader Ohebashalom of Great Neck.

Drs. Susan & Jeffrey Rand upon the engagement of their son, Daniel (Ramaz ’16) to Sylvia Scheiner, the daughter of Linda & Billy (Ramaz ’86) Scheiner of Riverdale, NY. Susie and Jay Spievack upon the engagement of their daughter, Ariella, to David Hopen, son of Beth and Gary Hopen of Hollywood, Florida. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandmother, Gabriella Major.

May their weddings take place in happiness and blessing.

MARRIAGES

MAZAL TOV TO

Shira and Dr. Larry Baruch upon the marriage of their daughter, Erica, to Elisha Friedman, son of Judy and Bob Friedman of New Rochelle. Mazal Tov as well to delighted KJ grandparents Audrey and Rabbi Haskel Lookstein.

Gila and Hon. David Cohen upon the marriage of their daughter, Sarah, to Ephraim Poloner, the son of Seth and Shoshana Poloner of Teaneck.

Jennifer & Saul Burian, and to Micheal Gross, upon the engagement of their son, Matthew, to Jessica Lenefsky, the daughter of Caryn & Ron Lenefsky of West Hempstead.

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42 Dr. Cynthia Trop and Stuart Ellman upon the marriage of Cindy’s daughter, Arielle Trop, to Joshua Rubin, in Los Angeles, California.

Tammie, to Yoni Bryk, son of Estie and Dr. Joel Bryk of Woodmere. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents, Audrey and Rabbi Haskel Lookstein.

Rachel and Rabbi Daniel Kraus upon receiving the Jewish Leadership Award at the Manhattan Jewish Experience (“MJE”) Annual Dinner.

Drs. Diana and Robert Friedman upon the marriage of their daughter, Rebecca, to Ron Kimchi, son of Miriam and Dan Kimchi of Manhattan. Mazal Tov as well to KJ grandmother, Hedy Heller.

Donna and Arthur Silverman upon the marriage of their granddaughter, Jennifer Silverman (daughter of Nomi and Danny Silverman of Los Angeles), to Ezra Teichman, son of Shira and Yudi Teichman of Suffern, NY.

Gabriella Major upon being honored by UJA for her commitment to Holocaust survivors. She received the Ernest W. Michel Memorial Award at a special, virtual, Evening of Music and Tribute.

Drs. Diana and Robert Friedman upon the upcoming marriage of their daughter, Rachel, to Daniel Newman of Montreal/ Miami, son of Sari Newman and Perry Newman, of Montreal. Mazal Tov as well to KJ grandmother, Hedy Heller.

Debra and Barry Frohlinger upon the marriage of their daughter, Natalie, to James Knepper, son of Sydelle and Rob Knepper of Great Neck.

Shoshana and KJ Gabbai Warren upon the upcoming marriage of their daughter, Donna, to Eric Smith.

Judith and Pinkas Lebovits upon the marriage of their daughter, Alexandra, to Mitchell Benedon.

Lauren and Ezra Merkin upon the marriage of their son, Gabriel, to Deborah Abiri, daughter of Helene and Dr. David Abiri of Great Neck.

Wendy and Adam Modlin upon the marriage of their daughter, Dylan, to Jonathan Kluger, son of Rachel and Alan Kluger of New Jersey. Mazal Tov as well to the proud KJ grandparents, Leah & Barrie Modlin, and Marlene Kreinen.

Anne and Sam Schwartz upon the marriage of their son, Jeremy, to Catie Cooper, daughter of Debbie Cooper and Marc Cooper of New York. Mazal Tov as well to the proud KJ grandparents, Rae and Stanley Gurewitsch.

Drs. Lu and Michael Schulder upon the marriage of their daughter, Ilana, to Daniel Ross, son of Susana and the late Ian Ross of London.

Debbie & Daniel Schwartz and Nicole & Raanan Agus upon the marriage of their children and Elianna and Alex. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandmother, Gabriella Major.

Debbie and Dr. Shelly Senders upon the upcoming marriage of their daughter,

continued

Lisa and Lee Snow upon the marriage of their son, Michael, to Elena Weissmann, daughter of Nancy and David Weissmann of Atlanta, Georgia.

Lexie and Abraham Tobias upon their marriage.

Judy and Dr. Philip Wilner upon the upcoming marriage of their son, Jake, to Leeza Hirt, daughter of Rivkie and Lance Hirt of Lawrence, New York.

May the newlywed couples be blessed to build homes faithful to the traditions of the Jewish people.

MILESTONES

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O

Rosie and Dr. Mark Friedman upon their 48th wedding anniversary.

Phylise and Richard Sands in honor of their 30th wedding anniversary.

Donna and Arthur Silverman upon celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.

COMMUNAL HONORS C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O

Ari Ackerman upon receiving the Continuing Legacy Award at the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (“JCRC”) Virtual Gala.

Dina and Marshall Huebner upon Marshall’s honor at UJA’s virtual Bankruptcy & Reorganization Group Annual Dinner.

Stephanie and Bennett Katz upon their daughter, Thea, receiving the Ramaz Middle School Nathaniel Rand Keter Shem Tov Award, for demonstrating the highest standard of menschlichkeit.

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Former Harvard Professor Ruth Wisse, who received the Herzl Prize at this year’s Tikvah Fund Jewish Leadership Conference.

PROFESSIONAL/ PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O

Rachel Frelich (daughter of Drs. Stephanie and Jonathan Freilich and granddaughter of KJ member Estelle Freilich), Izzie Ottensoser (daughter of Judith and Danile Ottensoser, and granddaughter of KJ members Marion and Billy Weiss), Alex Paul (daughter of Dr. Laury and Jason Paul), and Yona Weinstock (son of Dr. Naama and Rabbi Elie Weinstock) upon being elected to the Ramaz GO. Isaac Herzog on his election as 11th President of Israel. Isaac “Bougie” is a proud graduate of Ramaz, and he was a regular worshipper at KJ. Ruth and Larry Kobrin upon their granddaughter, Ariela Feinblum, being elected student president of Dartmouth College Hillel. She is also vice president of the Dartmouth Chabad.

Esther Amini Krawitz, whose recently published book, Concealed, had an excerpt performed by The Braid in a virtual show on Zoom entitled Persian Sunrise, American Sunset.

Sheila and Dr. Wally Lehman upon their daughter, Marjorie Lehman, being promoted to Full Professor and Chair of the Talmud Department at the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Sandy and Dr. Norman Magid, KJ members since 1989, upon their aliyah to Jerusalem.

43 Gerry and Jeffrey Mittler upon their son, Jordan, receiving the Richard E. Kobrin Award for Excellence in Community Service at the Ramaz Upper School Junior Grade Closing Assembly.

This award is given to a student from the Junior Grade who personifies and demonstrates an exceptional commitment to doing community service, both in and out of school.

Sandra E. Rapoport, who delivered a Pre-Tikkun Leyl Shavuot talk via Zoom entitled V’eleh ha-Devarim, And These are the Words: Moses Lays Down the Law for the Shelter Rock Jewish Center.

Additionally, Sandra’s two specially pre-recorded lectures on Megillat Ruth, entitled Megillat Ruth: Two Love Stories, were presented by “My Jewish Learning.”

Scott Shay upon the October release of his latest book, Conspiracy U, in which he presents a case study of an elite college that explores the proliferation of antiZionist conspiracy theories championed on college campuses by both the far right and far left.

Former KJ Rabbinic Intern Leead Staller upon his Installation as Rabbi of the Stanton Street Synagogue.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O

Karen and Michael Hershkowitz upon the graduation of their son, Jojo, from SAR Academy. He will be attending SAR High School in the fall.

Sue and Dr. Norman Javitt upon the graduation of their granddaughter, Anna Rose Osofsky, daughter of Gail Javitt (Ramaz ‘86) and Samuel Osofsky of Silver Spring, MD, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Ruth and Larry Kobrin upon the graduation of their granddaughter, Livia Kobrin, upon her graduation from SAR Academy. She will continue at SAR High School in the fall.

Gerry and Jeffrey Mittler upon the graduation of their daughter, Emily, from the Windward School. She will be attending Heschel in the fall. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents Janet & Mark Mittler and Wendy Zizmor.

Judith and Pinkas Lebovits upon the graduation of their daughter, Alexandra from Wharton Business School with an MBA. Debbie and Kenny Rochlin upon the graduation of their son, Zachary, from Yeshiva University, where he was the recipient of the Altshul, Perlstein Memorial Award for Highest Rank in all Jewish Studies as a member of the graduating Stone Beit Midrash Program class of 2021.

Marilyn and Greg Adler, upon the graduation of their son, Mark, from the Abraham Joshua Heschel School. He will attend Yehivat Orayta in the fall and George Washington University upon his return.

Debbie and Kenny Rochlin upon the graduation of their daughter, Daniella, from the Marilyn and Sheldon David Ivdu High School.

Lauren and Keith Breslauer, upon the graduation of their daughter, Sophia, from Columbia College with a BA.

OUR CONDOLENCES TO

Dina and Jacques Farhi upon the graduation of their grandson, Jacob, from SAR Academy. Jacob is the son of Talia and Joshua Sadres.

Rosie and Dr. Mark Friedman upon the graduation of their grandson, Moshe Simcha Farkas, with honors, from Yeshiva of South Shore in Long Island.

Moshe is the son of Yael and Pinny Farkas of Woodmere. He will attend MAY High School (Mesivta Ateret Yaakov Kamenetzky) in the fall.

CONDOLENCES

Dr. Rachel Bayme upon the passing of her father, Dr. Lloyd Bayme.

Mitchell Davidson upon the passing of his sister, Loren Norman.

Dr. Aren Gottlieb upon the passing of her father, Dr. Michael Gottlieb.

Chaim Grant upon the passing of his mother, Regina Grant.

Gale Grobman upon the passing of her mother, Marlene Linsendbaum.

Naomi Ickovitz upon the passing of her mother, Fany Ickovitz.

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Deborah Kahn upon the passing of her mother, Gladyce Moseson.

Jerry Kestenbaum upon the passing of his father, Leonard Aryeh Kestenbaum.

Amy Kotulski upon the passing of her father, Dr. Stephen Harrison.

Emma Mahfar upon the passing of her brother, Nicolas Mahfar.

Jennifer Roberts Meirowitz upon the passing of her mother, Cynthia Roberts.

Louis Menaged upon the passing of his mother, Ann Menaged.

Dr. Gerald Platt upon the passing of his mother, Cecile Platovsky.

Mitchell Raab, upon the passing of his mother, Joan Raab.

Andrew Silverberg upon the passing of his mother, Roberta Silverberg.

Sarah Tarnofsky upon the passing of her mother, Basia Kuperman.

Chaim Trachtman upon the passing of his mother, Betty Trachtman.

May they be comforted among all those who mourn for Zion and Jerusalem.

ORDER MAIN SYNAGOGUE MEMORIAL PLAQUES FOR LOVED ONES Contact KJ Comptroller Sy Yanofsky at 212-774-5620 or sy@ckj.org.

Create an Enduring Legacy While Receiving A Lifelong Revenue Stream Please consider participating in the Congregation’s Endowment and Planned Giving Program, through which you can create an enduring legacy of active participation in KJ through a Charitable Gift Annuity that pays handsomely.

Contact Leonard Silverman at 212-774-5680 or lss@ckj.org.

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In M E M STEP H EN AG US

PA U L A H E R B S T

Dr. Agus appreciated his association with KJ even though his primary shul was Park East Synagogue. He was blessed with the Agus tradition for melodious nusach with which he led his fellow Jews in prayer in his synagogue. A precious member of the Agus family, he cherished the Jewish tradition and he loved the Jewish people.

The daughter of Else and Martin DeGraff, Paula divided her time until recently between New York and Florida. She attended Ramaz in its early years and was among its first graduating classes from both the elementary school and the high school.

She absolutely adored her relationship with Ramaz and KJ and credited them with vitally influencing her life and the lives of her two daughters.

DEEDEE BENEL DeeDee came to Ramaz in 1987 to a position that ultimately became the Director of Community Service and Outreach.

She was known in the school as Ms. Chesed, not only because she directed the whole chesed program for sophomores at Ramaz, but also because she initiated scores of activities for students that propelled them into the world of chesed and, in the process, shaped many of their lives. One after another of her former students came to the shiva and said: “She changed my life.”

She was the epitome of Ahavat Chesed in her personality, in her constant searching for ways to teach students to love chesed, and in her bestowing her love on hundreds of young people.

When she came to Ramaz, she and her loving husband, Victor, and their sons, Gabi and Dani, became part of the KJ family in sometimes unseen ways. She stimulated our congregational family to perform acts of chesed of which the KJ Food Pantry is only one example. She also helped Rabbi Lookstein for many years to bring very meaningful Yom HaShoah and Yom Ha’Atzmaut programs to the congregation. It was her idea to join Ramaz and KJ together in the Tekes Ma’avar which is observed on the night before Yom Ha’Atzmaut and which constitutes the transition from Israel’s Memorial Day to Israel’s Independence Day. In so doing, she created very meaningful opportunities for so many KJ families to experience the pain and the joy that are deeply intertwined in the history of the Jewish State.

She loved both KJ and Ramaz and, in turn, she was exceptionally beloved by all of us.

S TA N L E Y B L U M B E R G Stanley loved KJ and its clergy. He so much enjoyed davening in our High Holy Day services which he attended religiously.

Professionally, he was a partner in the law firm, Stroock and Stroock and Lavan. He knew several of our members from his association with that firm. He was a warm, well informed and enthusiastic Jew. I n M emoriam / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N

Those two daughters gratefully expanded her family. When she died at the age of 87, she had more than seventy greatgrandchildren, all of them living very committed, religious, Jewish lives. She was so proud of what had developed during the course of her life. She thanked God for the abundant blessings that He bestowed upon her, and she expressed that clearly and forcefully to anyone with whom she spoke.

JULIA JADEK Julia Jadek breathed her last at the age of one-hundred. As a teenager, she was deported to Auschwitz which she survived heroically and courageously. She and her late husband, Philip Jadek, raised their daughter, Rochelle Daniels, as a student in Ramaz from kindergarten through high school. Julia was a member of the congregation for over fifty-five years and was beloved here at KJ and in the Hollywood, Florida community to which she moved permanently in later life.

Julia was a very special friend of the Lookstein family and she so much enjoyed the presence of Audrey and Rabbi Haskel Lookstein when they would visit the complex in which she and Philip lived. She was an extraordinary home-maker who set a Shabbat table matched by very few. She was an adoring grandmother and great-grandmother who was a very proud Jew and a true believer in God right up until her very last years when she could still recite Birkat Hamazon by heart and with great feeling.

B E R N A R D K A BA KOW Dr. Kabakow - or Bernie - as he was known to everybody was an outstanding oncologist. He loved davening in our shul and he was very proud of the fact that he gave all six of his children a Ramaz education. He and his late wife, Celia, were very active and involved members in KJ and in Ramaz.

His children, both here and in Israel, carry on a tradition which he modeled for them. He was a very special mensch, soft spoken by nature but powerful in his influence. He was a very proud Jew.

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ORIAM H A N N A H KO S T E N BAU M

JUDITH SHIPPER

Hannah Kostenbaum was a member of KJ for more than twentyfive years together with her late husband, Jacob Kostenbaum, a regular in our shul. She was extremely devoted to Jack, so much so that after his passing, life did not have the same meaning.

She was not blessed with children, but she was like a mother and grandmother to her nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. She was the loving sister of our late member, Rachel Waldman. Her memory lives on in her family and in the community.

Daughter of the late Herta and Leon Sigall and widow of the late Herbert K. Shipper. Her family’s relationship with KJ goes back more than seventy years. Born in Leipzig, Germany, Judith came to the US as a child. She was a passionate Jew with deep Zionist roots, exemplified to her by her maternal grandfather Wilhelm Dubiner, who was a member and attendee of the Zionisten Kongress für Deutschland, founded by Theodore Hertzl. She was deeply concerned with Holocaust education and the continued need for awareness in the younger generations.

Judith graciously welcomed all to her home. There was always an open door and room for one more at her table. She was blessed to have great love and loyalty from her children: David, Sandy and Andrew.

JUDITH LUKASHOK A graduate of Columbia University Medical School, one of very few women in her class, Dr. Judith Lukashok loved her profession as a psychiatrist. Late in life, she married our late member, Herbert Lukashok, and they had a wonderful twenty-year marriage until his passing a couple of years ago.

They very much enjoyed their relationship with KJ and their close association with our sister synagogue, Congregation Or Zarua. They especially loved the classes and lectures in both synagogues.

ESTHER PETERSEIL She passed away at the age of ninety-six, possessed of all of her mental faculties right to the end. She was a heroic survivor of the Holocaust, and she spoke to many audiences about her experiences during that terrible period because she didn’t want the Holocaust to be forgotten. However, the Holocaust did not dominate her life. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her daughter, Dorothy Tananbaum, our cherished member, is a very devoted lay leader in UJA-Federation and her son, Yaacov Peterseil, has raised a wonderful family in the State of Israel. Esther was very proud of, and very devoted to her children and grandchildren for whom she was a model of courage and strength.

D AV I D W O L D E N B E R G Dr. Woldenberg was esteemed by his colleagues in cardiology for his expertise, beloved by his patients for each of whom he cared so personally, and adored and respected by his wife of sixty-four years, Rita, his daughters, Merle and Rona – both cherished Ramaz alumnae – and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. For Dr. Woldenberg, cardiology was not just a profession, but a calling.

David Woldenberg was a prince of a man and a wonderful Jew. He loved coming to shul and, in his last years, when it was a struggle for him to get to shul on Shabbat, he made a heroic effort to come and to occupy the seat which he had formerly occupied every Shabbat for fifty years. He was so proud that all of his grandchildren were students in, or alumni of, Jewish Day Schools.

He left behind a glorious Jewish tradition of observance and love of Israel.

Those of us who were present at KJ on Kristallnacht in 2019 will never forget her remarkable story of survival which she shared with a large audience. She was gifted with exceptional acumen and a great love for Judaism, the Jewish people, and Israel.

THOMAS ROSENTHAL He died suddenly, leaving behind his beloved wife, Brigitte, and their illustrious daughter, Nadine, of whom he was so proud.

Her achievements in the medical profession started from her outstanding record at Ramaz. Thomas was so grateful for the gift of KJ and Ramaz. In turn, he was beloved and respected by both the KJ and Orach Chaim communities.

CEMETERY PLOTS IN THE KJ GROUNDS IN PARAMUS, NJ To purchase burial plots for a loved one (or yourself after 120) at Beth El cemetery in NJ, visit ckj.org/burialplots or contact KJ Comptroller Sy Yanofsky in the Synagogue Office at 212-774-5620 or sy@ckj.org.

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Bnei M I

MATTHEW FISHER

SAMUEL HALPERN

HANNAH KATZ

BENJAMIN DYLAN TITLE

JORDAN ELLIOT TITLE

JAYDEN WEINBERG

Mazal Tov to Nicole and Jeff Fisher upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Matthew, on Shabbat, June 19, at the Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach, at which time he read Parashat Chukat and delivered a D’var Torah entitled “Perception is Reality.” Matthew is an eighthgrade student at the Ramaz Middle School. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandmother Shirley Boyarsky.

Mazal Tov to Drs. Rachel and Craig Title upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Benjamin, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, on October 16, at which time he will read Parashat Lech Lecha.

Benjamin is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.

Mazal Tov to Tami Rock and Joseph Halpern upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Samuel, on Thursday, August 12, at Or Zarua, at which time he will read from Parashat Shoftim. Samuel is an eighth-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.

Mazal Tov to Drs. Rachel and Craig Title upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Jordan, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, on October 16, at which time he will read Parashat Lech Lecha.

Jordan is a seventh-grade student at Ramaz.

Mazal Tov to Stephanie and Bennett Katz upon the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Hannah, on Thursday, August 19, at a Women’s Tefillah at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, at which time she will read from Parashat Ki Teitzeh. Hannah is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.

Mazal Tov to Leah and Joel Weinberg upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Jayden, on Shabbat, October 16, at which time he will read from Parashat Lech Lecha. Jayden is a seventh-grade student at Manhattan’s Children Center.

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T Z VA H

ELLIOT LIBIN

ROMI KOPEL

EZRA GONEN

LEAH VOLKOV

EMANUEL KUSHNER

ADAM SCHWARTZ

Mazal Tov to Sherri and Alex Libin upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Elliot, on Thursday, August 26, at the Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach, at which time he will read Parashat Ki Tavo and deliver a D’var Torah. Elliot is a seventhgrade student at the Ramaz Middle School. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents Margery and Barry Libin.

Mazal Tov to Cheyna Volkov upon the Bat Mitzvah of her daughter, Leah, on November 22, the 19th of Kislev, at the Safra Center, at which time she will deliver a D’var Torah on Parashat Vayeshev, Chanukah, and the Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus. Leah is a sixth-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.

Mazal Tov to Julie and Reuben Kopel upon the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Romi, on Sunday, September 26, during Chol Hamoed Sukkot, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun. Romi will read from Sefer Bamidbar and deliver a D’var Torah. Romi is an eighth-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.

Mazal Tov to Kim and Jonathan Kushner upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Emanuel, on November 27, Shabbat Parashat Vayeshev, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun. Emanuel is a seventhgrade student in the Ramaz Middle School. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents, Lee and Murray Kushner. continued / /

Mazal Tov to Sharon and Shachar Gonen upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Ezra, on Shabbat, October 2, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, at which time he will read Parashat Bereishit, its corresponding haftarah, and deliver a D’var Torah discussing the parasha. Ezra is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.

Mazal Tov to Suzy and Robert Schwartz upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Adam, on November 27, at which time he will read Parashat Vayeshev and give a D’var Torah. Adam is a seventh-grade student in the Ramaz Middle School. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents Marina and Sam Schwartz.

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FATHERS & SONS BAR MITZVAH PROGRAM KJ is excited to launch its third cohort of Bar Mitzvah Fellows 6th grade boys with their fathers – who will together prepare for a more meaningful Bar Mitzvah.

Fathers and sons in the KJ/ Ramaz community are invited to participate in experiential programs and unique learning opportunities that explore what it means to come of age in Judaism.

Led by the KJ rabbis, the boys and their fathers will explore Tefillin, Chessed, Shabbat, Torah learning, and Prayer.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS • MET Council Chesed Opportunity • Sofer Tefillin Making Workshop • Exploring Prayer with Rabbi Haskel Lookstein and Cantor Chaim Dovid Berson • Hiking and Learning: Leadership Through the Lens of the Torah If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact Rabbi Meyer Laniado at rml@ckj.org.

SCHEDULING YOUR FAMILY’S BAR OR BAT MITZVAH If you are making a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at KJ between September 2022 and June 2023, please contact Riva Alper in the synagogue office at 212‑774‑5670 to reserve specific rooms for your services, celebratory meals, and other functions. If your child attends Ramaz, and whether or not you are a member of KJ, Riva Alper must be notified directly of your plans.

Reserving a date with Ramaz does not imply that it is reserved at KJ.

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EMBRACING THE MITZVAH IN BAT MITZVAH Charlotte Chalme, daughter of Vanessa and Ray Chalme, celebrated her Bat Mitzvah by teaming up with Ramaz junior Jake Rubin and UJA’s Give a Mitzvah – Do a Mitzvah.

Jake created project “Rebound” which provides basic needs to the homeless population in NYC using UJA’s network, including the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty and the Jewish Board of Family Services. Charlotte and her classmates assembled fanny packs containing toiletries, home care, hygiene and medical products which were then distributed to a variety of food warehouses, homeless shelters, and one-stop facilities where people who need them will be able to access these essential supplies. This one act of chesed will go a long way in helping those in need.

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MaTaN Mother-Daughter Bat Mitzvah Program

BY R AC H E L K R AU S

This past Rosh Chodesh Sivan, we concluded the sixteenth year of KJ’s hallmark mother-daughter Bat Mitzvah program. Developed by MaTaN, The Sadie Rennert Women’s Institute for Torah Studies, and taught by Rachel Kraus, the program provides an opportunity for mothers and daughters to meaningfully engage with Jewish learning and experiences in preparation for our B’not Mitzvah.

With over 40 participants, this year’s course, like many other experiences this year, was reimagined.

With creativity, drive and incredible participation, the learning came to life on Zoom during our 10 weeks together. Individual boxes with surprise props were delivered to each participant’s home and each week unlocked a different prop related to that week’s theme. We engaged in chavruta study, group activities and guided group discussions, and we were able to immerse in experiential study of women throughout Jewish history.

Many of the mothers recalled memories of the demonstrations, marches and efforts on behalf of Soviet Jewry, and it was both emotional and inspiriting to be graced in ‘virtual person’ by Avital Sharansky alongside Rabbi Lookstein.

As the Bat Mitzvah course progressed and COVID-19 health protocols evolved, we were able to gather in person for our final class on Rosh Chodesh Sivan. We made challah together, prayed for those in need of healing, and prayed together for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Israel who were under attack by rockets from Gaza. We also had a chance to hear each Bat Mitzvah girl address the group and present about a woman who inspired her. We learned about incredible family members, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Golda Meir and countless other amazing Jewish women who each left a powerful legacy and set examples for the next generation.

These young women and their moms learned together each week with each other and from each other, and as we faced our own challenges, their commitment and drive certainly solidified the base for what it means to be a Bat Mitzvah and what it means to be an active Jewish woman.

One of the hallmark ‘silver linings’ of this year, was one of the final classes, that focused on Avital Sharansky. As a woman who stepped out of her personal comfort zone to advocate for and support the efforts of her husband, Natan Sharansky, Avital was the backbone of the movement for Soviet Jewry.

We surprised the mothers and daughters with a special Zoom joined by Avital Sharansky live from Jerusalem, alongside our Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Lookstein, who engaged in dialogue, sharing stories and experiences of the movement to free Natan Sharansky and the fight for Jews of the Former Soviet Union.

The side by side visual of two heroes in conversation, was watching history unfold in front of our B’not Mitzvah and their mothers.

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Academic A C H

MA ZA L TOV RAMA Z C LASS OF 2021!

We wish them continued success and personal growth as they enter the following yeshivot and schools to pursue their passion for learning and commitment to Torah u’mitzvot and Medinat Yisrael.

Aish Gesher | Bar Ilan | Kivunim | Mechina Olamit | Midreshet Amit | Midreshet Harovah Midreshet Lindenbaum Midreshet Torah v’Avodah | Migdal Oz | Netiv Aryeh | Yeshivat Eretz haTzvi Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim Yeshivat Shaalvim | Yeshivat Torat Shraga | Yeshivat Torah V’Avoda Babson College | Bar Ilan/Cornell University | Barnard College | Brandeis University | Boston University Brown University | Columbia University | Columbia University / Tel Aviv University | The Cooper Union CUNY Baruch College | CUNY City College of New York | CUNY Hunter College | CUNY Queens College CUNY Sophie Davis School of Medicine | Emory University | Emory University, Oxford Campus George Washington University | IDC Herzliya | New York University | Princeton University SUNY Binghamton University | SUNY University of Buffalo | Syracuse University | Tulane University University of California, Berkeley | University of Chicago | University of Maryland | University of Miami University of Michigan | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania, Wharton University of Southern California | University of Strathclyde, Glasgow | Washington University Yeshiva University | Yeshiva University Honors We salute our graduates who have chosen to show their love for The State of Israel and serve in the IDF. Congratulations to The Rabbi Haskel Lookstein Middle School of Ramaz Grade 8 Students on their advancement and achievements!

A cademic A chievements / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N A cademic A chievements

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IEVEMENTS ERICA BARUCH (Ramaz ‘11), wife

of Elisha Friedman, upon her graduation from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology (Yeshiva University) with a PsyD in School-Child Clinical Psychology.

Mazal Tov to proud KJ parents Shira & Dr. Larry Baruch and KJ grandparents Audrey & Rabbi Haskel Lookstein.

JEREMY BARUCH, son of Shira

and Dr. Larry Baruch, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Jesse Deutsch Tefilah Award and the Aron, Leah, and Leon Swergold Memorial Award for Excellence in Talmud. Jeremy will attend Yeshivat Shaalvim in the fall and Yeshiva University upon his return from Israel. Mazal Tov as well to the proud KJ grandparents, Audrey and Rabbi Haskel Lookstein.

MAYA CHOAVAT, daughter

of Debbi and Erez Choavat, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Sidney Scheinberg Award for Politics and Law. Maya will attend Tel Aviv University and Columbia University’s Dual Degree Program.

MAXIMILLIAN COHEN,

son of Gila and Hon. David Cohen, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School.

Max will attend Bar Ilan University in the fall and Binghamton University upon his return from Israel.

JACOB DAVIS, son of Eugenia and

Dr. Ira Davis, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the David Kagan Memorial Award presented to the student athletes who best exemplify the values of sportsmanship and menschlichkeit on and off the playing field. Jacob will attend Yeshivat Torat Shraga in the fall and Princeton University upon his return. Mazal Tov as well to the proud KJ grandparents, Sara and Joseph Nathanson.

ELIANA DOFT (Ramaz ‘16),

daughter of Suzanne and Jacob Doft, upon her graduation from the University of Pennsylvania summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, with a BA, majoring in English. Eliana is now working as a page at NBC. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents, Arlene & Avrom Doft and Marion & Billy Weiss.

AVIGAIL DUPONT, daughter

of Judith and Olivier Dupont, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Dr. Irving and Dubby Shulman Derech Hayashar Citizenship Award; the Daniele Gorlin Lassner French Award; and a Yearbook Award for outstanding contributions to the Yearbook. Avigail will attend Midreshet Lindenbaum in the fall and Brandeis University upon her return from Israel.

JACOB DWEK, son of Perah and

David Dwek, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. Jacob will attend New York University in the fall.

ALESSANDRA SZULC FALK

(Ramaz ‘04), upon completing her residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Montefiore-Einstein Medical Center. She will continue with a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at The University of Texas - McGovern Medical School, Houston.

Mazal Tov to proud KJ parents Teri and Dr. Massimiliano Szulc.

JARED FEINGOLD (Ramaz ‘16),

son of Dr. Carolyn Hiltebeitel and Orrin Feingold, upon his graduation with honors and a dual degree in physics and computer science from Johns Hopkins University.

Jared will be working for Amazon this fall and moving to Philadelphia where his wife, Talia, will be pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandfather, Dr. Leonard Feingold.

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TALIA FEINGOLD (Ramaz ‘16),

daughter of Dr. Carolyn Hiltebeitel and Orrin Feingold, upon her graduation with a degree in political science from Barnard College. Talia will be attending Ben Gurion University this fall to pursue a medical degree. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandfather, Dr. Leonard Feingold.

ELLA HILTZIK, daughter of Dana

and Matthew Hiltzik, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. Ella will attend Bar Ilan University in the fall and Syracuse University upon her return from Israel.

KIRA JACOBS, daughter of Dr.

Tikva and Zalman Jacobs, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the David Kagan Memorial Award presented to the student athletes who best exemplify the values of sportsmanship and menschlichkeit on and off the playing field. Kira will attend Midreshet haRova in the fall and University of Pennsylvania in the fall.

CAROLINE JASPAN, daughter of Michele and Ronald Jaspan, upon her graduation, summa cum laude, from Stern College for Women.

BENJAMIN KAPLAN

(Ramaz ‘16), son of Jennifer and Michael Kaplan, upon his graduation from Harvard College, cum laude, with a degree in computer science.

LIORA KASSMAN, daughter

of Nina and Larry Kassman, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School.

Liora will attend Binghamton University in the fall.

CHAI KATZ, son of Amanda and

Meir Katz, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. Chai will attend Bar Ilan University in the fall and University of Miami upon his return from Israel.

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52 MAX KOFFLER, (Ramaz ’16), son

LEARN HEBREW WITH EYAL! KJ Hebrew teacher Sara Rosen has released an iPad app based on her popular Hebrew reading program.

Eyal is suitable for all ages and is perfect for those with no prior reading experience and those with some experience who are still searching for fluency.

All work can be self-checked so no teacher is required.

To learn more, search for Eyal in the iPad App Store.

KJ DAF YOMI SIYUM SCHEDULE It’s never too late to start Daf Yomi!

Be a part of something that unites the Jewish people like nothing else.

Even if you can’t commit to learning a daf a day or availing yourself of one of the shorter podcasts that review the daf, please join us at the following siyumei Daf Yomi at Seudah Shlishit on the following dates: September 4 - Sukkah October 9 - Beitzah November 13 - Rosh Hashanah December 11 - Ta’anit January 15 - Megillah February 12 - Moed Katan March 12 - Chagigah

continued //

of Julie Friedman (Ramaz’85) and Alan Koffler, upon his graduation summa cum laude from University of Pennsylvania with a BS and MS. Max will be spending 18 months in the IDF Lone Soldier program.

Mazal Tov to proud KJ grandfather Arthur (and Heidi z”l) Friedman.

WILLIAM KREMER, son of

Esther and Mottie Kremer, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School.

William will attend Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh in the fall and New York University upon his return from Israel.

SHAWN LEWIS, son of Shira and Eric Lewis, upon his graduation from Syracuse University.

CAITLIN LEVINE, daughter

of Drs. Jody and Elie Levine, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of a Rampage award given to graduating seniors for outstanding contributions to Rampage. Caitlin will attend University of Pennsylvania in the fall.

EITAN LINHART, son of Dr.

Leora Mogilner and Richard Linhart, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Ramaz IDF Award given to the seniors who choose to enter the IDF after being graduated from Ramaz; the Leonard Friedland Hebrew Language Memorial Award; an award for outstanding ability in Spanish; the Lisolette Samuel Gorlin Award for Excellence in Mathematics; and the Harvey Blech Memorial Award for excellence in the study of physics. Eitan will serve in the IDF in the fall and will attend University of Pennsylvania upon his return from Israel. Mazal Tov as well to the proud KJ grandparents, Rochelle Mogilner and Hal Gastwirt.

REBECCA MASSEL, daughter of Caroline and Morris Massel, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as the recipient of the Ramaz Prize presented to the student who best exemplifies the ideals and goals of a Ramaz education; the Renee Margareten Berger Award given to the student with

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the highest Hebrew academic average; the Fannye Popkin Memorial Award for excellence in fine arts; The Beatrice and Murray Kirschblat Holocaust Award given to the students who have demonstrated a commitment to Holocaust awareness and care for Holocaust survivors through their participation in Witness Theater; the Sidney Scheinberg Award for Politics and Law; and a recipient of a Rampage award given to graduating seniors for outstanding contributions to Rampage.

Rebecca will attend Migdal Oz in the fall and Columbia University upon her return from Israel. Mazal Tov as well to the proud KJ grandfather, Harvey Arfa.

JULIA MODLIN, daughter of

Wendy and Adam Modlin, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School.

Julia will attend New York University in the fall. Mazal Tov as well to the proud KJ grandparents, Leah and Barrie Modlin.

MICHAEL OLENICK, son of

Judy and Donald Olenick, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the David Kagan Memorial Award presented to the student athletes who best exemplify the values of sportsmanship and menschlichkeit on and off the playing field. Michael will attend Emory University in the fall.

GABRIELLE OSTAD, daughter

of Natalie & Dr. Edward Ostad, and Lisa Ohebshalom, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Boris Z. Gorling Tikkun Olam Award and a Rampage award given to graduating seniors for outstanding contributions to Rampage

SPENCER RUBINSTEIN, son of Esther and Kenneth Rubinstein, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School.

Spencer will attend Yeshivat Reishit in the fall and Maryland University in the fall.

GABRIELLE SAKHAI, daughter

of Marcy and Cyrus Sakhai, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School.

Gabrielle will attend Boston University in the fall.

53 JACOB MOR SCHWARTZ, son

of Suzanne and Robert Schwartz, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School.

He will attend Kivunim in the fall and University of Pennsylvania upon his return from Israel. Mazal Tov as well to the proud grandparents, Marina and Sam Schwartz.

MICHAL SEINFELD, daughter

of Erin & Eyal Seinfeld and Tali Seinfeld, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Chesed Award; and the Drs. Gerald and Vicki Platt Award for the graduating seniors who demonstrated a love of Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael as expressed in the philosophy of religious Zionism.

Michal was class speaker. She will attend Midreshet Torah v’Avodah in the fall and Binghamton University in the fall.

JULES SHALHOV, son of Rina and

Amnon Shalhov, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. Jules will attend Bar Ilan University in the fall and Tulane University upon his return from Israel.

GABRIEL SILVERMAN (Ramaz

‘16), son of Adrian and KJ Executive Director Leonard Silverman, upon graduating Harvard College, cum laude, with a BS in Physics and a Minor in English Literature. Gabriel is pursuing semicha at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS). Mazal Tov as well to the proud KJ grandparents, Donna and Arthur Silverman.

REBECCA SILVERMAN

(Ramaz 16), daughter of Adrian and KJ Executive Director Leonard Silverman, upon graduating Parsons School of Design with a BFA in Integrated Design, a Concentration in Creative Entrepreneurship, and a Dual-Minor in Photography and Graphic Design. Mazal Tov as well to the proud KJ grandparents, Donna and Arthur Silverman.

SAMANTHA SINENSKY,

daughter of Sara Babich and Mayer Sinensky, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Boris Z. Gorling Tikkun Olam Award; the Edith Schrank Memorial Award for outstanding work in creative writing; the

Daniele Gorlin Lassner French Award; the David Franklin Memorial Award for outstanding work and dedication to the scientific method; and a Rampage award given to graduating seniors for outstanding contributions to Rampage.

Samantha will attend Brown University in the fall.

JAKE SLOCHOWSKY, son of

Ronnie Dagan Slochowsky and William Slochowsky, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Morris Arfa Keter Shem Tov Award given to the student who best exemplifies the qualities advocated in Pirkei Avot; the Sam Geynes Memorial Award presented to the student selected by the class as the individual most concerned with the needs and sensitivities of their classmates; and the Aron, Leah, and Leon Swergold Memorial Award for Excellence in Talmud.

Jake will attend Yeshivat Shaalvim in the fall and Washington University upon his return from Israel.

AARON SOKOL, son of Suzy and

Joseph Sokol, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. Aaron will attend Bar Ilan University in the fall and New York University upon his return from Israel.

VICTORIA SOPHER, daughter

of Rachel and Jonathan Sopher, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School.

Victoria will attend Bar Ilan University in the fall and Queens College CUNY upon her return from Israel.

CHARLES SPIELFOGEL, son

of Michelle and Dr. William Spielfogel, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Rabbi Joseph H. Lookstein Award for Personal Growth. Charles will attend Aish Gesher in the fall and Queens College CUNY in the fall. Mazal Tov as well to the proud KJ grandparents. Rebecca and John Steindecker.

EMMA STONEHILL, daughter of

Robyn Price Stonehill and David Stonehill, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. Emma will attend Emory University in the fall.

continued / /

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54

M A Y T H E Y G O Higher & Higher We extend a warm Mazal Tov to the following young members of the Congregation who completed the Ramaz Middle School:

JACOB S. A RCHIBA LD

A RY EH GOLDSTEIN

RICH A RD L. PIKE

son of Dr. Carmit & Georges Archibald

son of Audrey & Mark Goldstein

son of Janelle Pike & Dr. Sheldon Pike

EVA N J. BOURKOFF

CH A RLES L. GRIBETZ

ORLI R. R A BBA NI

son of Elana & Aryeh Bourkoff

A RI B. CEPELOW ICZ son of Alexandra Zohn & Vitor Cepelowicz

NICOLE L. CH A LME daughter of Vanessa & Raymond Chalme

NATH A NIEL CHETRIT son of Lisa & Juda Chetrit

LINDSAY CHUBA K daughter of Jamie & David Chubak

LINDSEY E. FEIT daughter of Dr. Lauren & Michael Feit

OLIV I A FERTIG

son of Dr. Carin & Eric Gribetz grandson of Oshri & Dr. Manfred Endzweig

NATH A N A . HILTZIK son of Dr. Aviva Preminger son of Dr. David Hiltzik

M AYA L. JACOBS

daughter of Dr. Naamit Kurshan & Michael Gerber granddaughter of Francine & Morrie Gerber

grandson of Rabbi Manfred Rechtschaffen

LILY H. RIMM JESSE H. RUBENSTEIN

son of Jane & Robert Katz

THEA K ATZ daughter of Stephanie & Bennett Katz

son of Anna & Israel Kochin grandson of Drs. Jenny Shliozberg & Howard Menikoff

SHIR A GERBER

& Andrew Rechtschaffen

JOSEPH R. K ATZ

LILY R. FREILICH

daughter of Dr. Danielle & Jason Friedman

daughter of Monique

daughter of Emily & Harry Rimm

ZACH A RY J. KOCHIN

MICOLE A . FRIEDM A N

A SHLEY RECHTSCH A FFEN

daughter of Dr. Tikva & Zalman Jacobs

daughter of Nechama & Jason Fertig

daughter of Helen & Elliot a”h Freilich granddaughter of Estelle Freilich

daughter of Alexandra & Haskel Rabbani

GR ACE S. KOLL A NDER daughter of Lani & Jason Kollander granddaughter of Laurie & Dr. Eli Bryk

DY L A N E. KOTULSKI son of Amy & Absalom Kotulski

DAV ID M A HFA R

son of Samantha Epstein & Jonathan Rubenstein

LEIL A S. SA KH A I daughter of Marcy & Cyrus Sakhai

ELLE SA L A ME daughter of Ann & James Salame

JACK J. SA SSON son of Rebecca Feit & Rami Sasson

BI A NCA SILV ER A daughter of Bonnie & David Silvera

GA BRIELLE SILV ERBERG daughter of Rivka & Andrew Silverberg

GI A NNA R. GOLDFA RB

son of Emma & Sami Mahfar

daughter of Sharon Bilar Goldfarb & Jeffrey Goldfarb

GA BRIEL R. MITTLER

son of Randi & David Sultan

son of Geraldine & Jeffrey Mittler grandson of Janet & Mark Mittler and Wendy Zizmor

AY L A G. Z W ILLINGER

J ULIETTE I. GOODSTEIN daughter of Vivian Goodstein

continued //

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A LEX A NDER SULTA N

daughter of Rebecca & David Zwillinger

55 MORNING SERVICES DAYS Sun Mon & Thurs Tues, Wed, & Fri Rosh Chodesh Weekdays Shabbat

MAIN SEPHARDIC 8:30 AM 8:15 AM 7:15 AM 7:00 AM 7:30 AM 7:00 AM 7:00 AM 6:50 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM

WEEKDAY EVENING SERVICES MAIN WITH SEPHARDIC August 15 – Sept 24 Sept 30 Oct 3-7 Oct 10 – 14 Oct 17 -21 Oct 24-28 Nov 1-4 Nov 7-11 Nov 14-18 Nov 21-25 Nov 28-Dec 2 Dec 5- 9 Dec 12-16 Dec 19 – 23 Dec 26- 30 Jan 2-6 Jan 9-13 Jan 16 – 20 Jan 23-27 Jan 30 – Feb 3 Feb 6-10 Feb 13 – 17 Feb 20-24 Feb 27 – Mar 3 Mar 6 – 10 Mar 13 – 17

6:45 PM 6:35 PM 6:25 PM 6:15 PM 6:00 PM 5:55 PM 5:45 PM 4:35 PM 4:30 PM 4:25 PM 4:25 PM 4:25 PM 4:25 PM 4:25 PM 4:30 PM 4:35 PM 4:40 PM 4:50 PM 5:00 PM 5:05 PM 5:15 PM 5:25 PM 5:30 PM 5:40 PM 5:50 PM 6:45 PM

Shabbat & Service Schedule on next page

KJ SYNAGOGUE MEMBERSHIP BE A PART OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE ckj.org/kjmembership Contact KJ Executive Director Leonard Silverman at 212-774-5680 or lss@ckj.org

NEW BEGINNINGS IN 5782: By the time we light candles for Rosh Hashanah, KJ’s sidewalks will boast two new electronic display monitors to publicize synagogue programming. Shown here for the last time is the manual push-pin board that faithfully served our community for nearly 100 years.

SERVICE TIMES & DATES TO REMEMBER THIS SEASON MON, SEPT 6

Labor Day

MON-WED, SEPT 6-8 Rosh Hashanah

THURS, SEPT 9

Fast of Gedaliah Fast begins 5:18 PM Morning Services 6:45 AM Evening Services 6:50 PM Fast ends 7:45 PM

WED-THURS, SEPT 15-16 Yom Kippur

MON - WED, SEPT 20-29

Sukkot, Hoshanah Rabbah, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah Main Synagogue Schedule pps. 30-31 Sephardic Services Schedule pps. 34-35

WED-THURS, OCT 6-7

Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan Mon Morning Services 7:00 AM

FRI, NOV 5

Rosh Chodesh Kislev Fri Morning Services 7:00 AM

THURS, NOV 25

Thanksgiving Day Morning Services 8:30 AM

SUN - MON, NOV 28-DEC 6 Chanukah

SAT-SUN, DEC 4-5

THREE MODERN MIKVEHS IN OUR COMMUNITY

Rosh Chodesh Tevet Sun Morning Services 8:30 AM

TUES, DEC 14

Fast Of Asarah B’tevet Fast begins 6:00 AM Morning Services 6:50 AM Evening Services 4:05 PM Fast ends 5:03 PM

5 East 62nd Street just off 5th Ave // 212-753-6058

MON, JAN 3

419 East 77th Street between 1st & York Ave // 212-359-2020

MON, JAN 17

234 West 74th Street between Broadway & West End Ave // 212-579-2011 Mikvehs are open by appointment only, with social distancing and safety measurements in place. Call ahead to schedule appointments.

Rosh Chodesh Shevat Morning Services 7:00 AM Tu B’shevat

TUES-WED, FEB 1-2

Rosh Chodesh Adar I Morning Services 7:00 AM

MON, FEB 21

Presidents’ Day Morning Services 8:30 AM

THURS – FRI, MAR 3-4

Rosh Chodesh Adar Ii Morning Services 7:00 AM

Z manim / / K E H I L AT H J E S H U R U N B U L L E T I N Z manim

56 KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN CONGREGATION KEHILATH JESHURUN 125 EAST 85TH STREET NEW YORK, NY 10028-0928 212-774- 5600 | ckj.org SYNAG O G U E O F F I C IAL S

Joseph H. Lookstein Senior Rabbi | 1923-1979 Haskel Lookstein Rabbi Emeritus Chaim Steinmetz Senior Rabbi Roy Feldman Associate Rabbi Meyer Laniado Associate Rabbi Rabbi Daniel & Rachel Kraus Directors of

Community Education Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder Scholar-in-Residence Chaim Dovid Berson Cantor Dr. Benjamin Zalta Sephardic Chazan Leonard Silverman Executive Director OFFICERS

David Lobel President Elias Buchwald Senior Vice President Jonathan Wagner Vice President Dr. Nicole Agus Second Vice President Sidney Ingber Third Vice President Wendy Greenbaum Fourth Vice President Dr. Larry Baruch Secretary Robert Schwartz Treasurer David Sultan Assistant Treasurer Morris Massel Executive Secretary Eric Gribetz Financial Secretary Evan Farber Recording Secretary Robyn Barsky Administrative Secretary Yaira Singer Binstock Officer Adam Weinstein Officer PAS T P R E S I D E N T S

Fred Distenfeld Chaim Edelstein Eric Feldstein Stanley Gurewitsch Joel Katz

AF F I L IAT E P R E S I D E N T S

Jane Katz Nicole Sardar Dr. Mark Meirowitz Tani Gordon Sarah Klar Hannah Topiel

President, Sisterhood President, Sisterhood President, Men’s Club President, Kesher President, Kesher President, Kesher

O F F I C E S TAF F

Riva Alper Administrator Dina Farhi Executive Assistant Esther Feierman Director of Communications

and Programming Yael Haller Director of

Member Affairs Chevy Rubenstein Youth Director Freddie Rodriguez Superintendent Sy Yanofsky Comptroller

Dates to Remember & Weekday Service Schedule on previous page For information regarding services, please contact riva@ckj.org.

Are you receiving your KJ Bulletin late in the mail or receiving double copies? We need to know!

Please email riva@ckj.org or call 212-774-5670.

In preparing the Bulletin, we welcome all KJ members’ announcements of communal, academic and professional achievements. Please email riva@ckj.org or mail it to the synagogue, marked “ATTN: KJ Bulletin.”

SHABBAT SCHEDULE AUGUST WEEKLY PARASHA CANDLE LIGHTING

28 Ki Tavo 7:18 PM

FRIDAY EVENING SERVICES 6:45 PM

SHABBAT EVENING SERVICES 7:10 PM

SHABBAT ENDS 8:13 PM

SEPTEMBER 3 - 4 10 - 11 17 - 18 24 - 25

Nitzavim Vayelech / Shabbat Shuvah Ha - azinu Shabbat Chol haMoed

7:07 PM 6:55 PM 6:43 PM 6:32 PM

6:45 PM 6:45 PM 6:45 PM 6:45 PM

6:55 PM 6:20 PM 6:30 PM 6:20 PM

8:01 PM 7:49 PM 7:37 PM 7:25 PM

OCTOBER 1 - 2 8 - 9 15 - 16 22 - 23 29 - 30

Bereishit Noach Lech Lecha Vayera Chayei Sarah

6:20 PM 6:08 PM 5:57 PM 5:47 PM 5:38 PM

6:30 PM 6:20 PM 6:10 PM 6:00 PM 5:50 PM

6:05 PM 5:55 PM 5:45 PM 5:35 PM 5:25 PM

7:13 PM 7:02 PM 6:51 PM 6:41 PM 6:32 PM

NOVEMBER 5 - 6 12 - 13 19 - 20 26 - 27

Toldot Vayetze Vayishlach Vayeshev

5:29 PM 4:22 PM 4:16 PM 4:12 PM

5:40 PM 4:35 PM 4:25 PM 4:25PM

5:20 PM 4:10 PM 4:05 PM 4:05 PM

6:25 PM 5:18 PM 5:13 PM 5:10 PM

DECEMBER 3 - 4 10 - 11 17 - 18 24 - 25

Miketz Vayigash Vayehi Shemot

4:10 PM 4:10 PM 4:11 PM 4:14 PM

4:20 PM 4:20 PM 4:20 PM 4:25 PM

4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:05 PM 4:05 PM

5:09 PM 5:09 PM 5:11 PM 5:14 PM

JANUARY 31 - 1 7 - 8 14 - 15 21 - 22 28 - 29

Vaera Bo Beshalach Yitro Mishpatim

4:19 PM 4:26 PM 4:33 PM 4:41 PM 4:50 PM

4:30 PM 4:35 PM 4:45 PM 4:50 PM 5:00 PM

4:15 PM 4:20 PM 4:25 PM 4:35 PM 4:40 PM

5:20 PM 5:26 PM 5:33 PM 5:40 PM 5:48 PM

FEBRUARY 4 - 5 11 - 12 18 - 19 25 - 26

Terumah Tetzaveh Ki Tisa Vayakhel

4:58 PM 5:07 PM 5:16 PM 5:24 PM

5:10 PM 5:20 PM 5:25 PM 5:35 PM

4:50 PM 4:55 PM 5:05 PM 5:15 PM

5:56 PM 6:04 PM 6:12 PM 6:20 PM

MARCH 4 - 5 11 - 12

Pekudei Vayikra

5:32 PM 5:40 PM

5:45 PM 5:50 PM

5:20 PM 5:30 PM

6:28 PM 6:36 PM

B U L L E T I N D E S I G N BY TA L I A L A N I A D O /

talialan.com