December 2016 -January 2017
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On the Run Meet Dana Ginsburg (cover photo) 2
CEO’s Message
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Board Chair’s Message
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Dinner of Champions Recap
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Health & Fitness
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Children & Families
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Youth & Camp
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Arts & Culture
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Adults
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Tributes
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Upcoming Events
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Cover photo: Bender JCC member and avid runner Dana Ginsburg enjoys the Women with Weights class (story, page 2)
WINTER-SPRING 2017
CLASSES START JANUARY 29 REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 5 FOR MEMBERS DECEMBER 19 FOR ALL Register online at Online.benderjccgw.org/OnlineEdge Watch for the printed guide to arrive in your mailbox in early January!
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CENTER STORY On the Run
An Interview with Bender JCC Member Dana Ginsburg live in the moment, never taking anything or anyone for granted.
The Ginsburg Family: Flora, Leah, Dana, Paul and Nathan
Can you please tell us about your experience as a runner? I’ve been an avid runner for about five years. I was inspired to run my first marathon after the sudden passing of a dear friend and rebbetzin with whom I was close. I spent time with her weekly and learned from her. I was inspired by her lifestyle and her character to make many meaningful changes in my life. I started running to deal with the void she left. I ran my first marathon in her honor and I’ve not stopped. To date, I’ve run eight full marathons with plans to run on January 29, 2017 with Team Friendship in the Miami Marathon (Miami.TeamFriendship.Org/Maryland). Running has helped me build confidence. The power of finishing something after months of training is awesome.
Dana Ginsburg is a customer relations manager for a financial consulting and software development company. The Pittsford, New York native lives in Potomac, Maryland with her husband Paul and their children Flora (14), Nathan (12) and Leah (10). Two of my favorite activities are my volunteer jobs coaching a Girls on the Run team at Why did you join the Bender JCC? Beverly Farms Elementary School and acting I originally joined to utilize the indoor pool for as a team captain for Friendship Circle. water running while I was injured. I quickly realized it was a great place for the whole Please tell us more about your involvement family. My kids enjoy swimming, my teen likes with Friendship Circle. the workout center and I enjoy the classes, I am a volunteer coordinator with Friendship especially Women with Weights. Circle and captain for their fundraising Have you had any memorable experiences at the Bender JCC? There was one person at the gym who I knew from our shul. His wife and I would often work out together. He would see me during my Women with Weights class each week and he’d wait politely for me to finish counting my reps before saying hello and asking about my week and my family. Suddenly, in April, I stopped seeing him at the gym. Tragically, he passed away within a couple weeks of a cancer diagnosis. I often think of him and about how we have to cherish each day and
team, Team Friendship. Friendship Circle is a nonprofit organization in the Jewish community that aims to promote an inclusive community that values all individuals regardless of the challenges they face. It creates an awareness that all people, regardless of the obstacles they may confront, are sacred and worthy of love. Two of my children are volunteers with Friendship Circle and I see the beautiful relationships and special bonds created between the teen volunteers and their buddies. It is truly a place where there are no labels, no boxes and a sense of belonging.
CENTER SCENE EDITORIAL STAFF Treva Bustow, Chief Marketing Officer | Mauricio Garcia, Production Artist/Design | Andrea Kronzek, Editor
Name an item on your “bucket list.” Travelling to Israel for the first time. Is there anything else you’d like readers to know? I feel like being a visibly observant Jew has made my involvement in the running community even more important for the community at large. People sometimes think the religiously observant community is missing a healthy outlet. Running has taught me, and has helped me show my children, that I can maintain a healthy and active lifestyle without compromise. Please finish this phrase: “There’s something about the Bender JCC…” It’s a place where I can see people from my shul and neighborhood, buy challah on Friday morning and get a great workout! Interested in joining Dana in the Women with Weights class? Designed to target multiple muscle groups at once, the class helps participants build lean muscle, lose body fat and burn calories in a short amount of time. A new session starts January 17. For details on Women with Weights or any other Bender JCC personal training program, please contact Dahhia Johnson at 301.348.3894 or dsmith-johnson@benderjccgw.org. Friendship Circle meets at the Bender JCC twice a month on Sundays at 1 p.m. For details, please contact Chana Kaplan at chana@fcmd.org.
ALL ARE WELCOME
For information on advertising in Center Scene, please contact Treva Bustow at 301.348.3750 or tbustow@benderjccgw.org.
The Bender JCC embraces and welcomes the diversity of our community and encourages everyone to seek meaning and fulfillment by participating in our rich programming inspired by our Jewish heritage. We open our doors to everyone, including people of all backgrounds, religions, abilities and sexual orientations, and interfaith couples and families.
Center Scene assumes no responsibility for the kashrut status of products advertised.
Inclusion permeates our Center. Inclusion is belonging.
Center Scene, the magazine of the Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, is issued monthly from September through June. The Center is a member of the Jewish Community Centers Association of North America, a beneficiary agency of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, and receives support from the United Way and Combined Federal Campaigns.
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What is the most important lesson you have learned in life? I’ve learned never to compromise my values and to stand up for what I believe in. I’ve learned to be a leader.
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • benderjccgw.org • 301.881.0100
LEADERSHIP OFFICERS Felicia K. Gottdenker, Chair of the Board of Directors Heidi Hookman Brodsky, Chair-Elect Helen Rubin, Administration/Finance Chair & Treasurer Arthur Polott, Development Chair Adam Polsky, Membership & Programming Chair Holli Beckerman Jaffe, Governance Chair Neil Gurvitch, General Counsel Andrew Chod, Secretary Brian Gaines, Assistant Secretary Matthew Weinberg, Assistant Treasurer Lisa Gunty, Ombudsperson IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Bradley C. Stillman BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brent Berger, MD Randi K. Meyrowitz Mindy Berger Jill Myers Robert I. Black Candace Ourisman Nathan Bortnick Tracy Bloom Schwartz Andrew Bridge Reed Sexter Elana Fine Andrew P. Shulman Noam Fischman Dale Singer Brett Friedman Maurice “Mac” Samuel Gallo VerStandig Ron Gorfinkel The Honorable Jeff Toby Gottesman Waldstreicher Meredith Jacobs Sharon Zissman Rami Kandel COUNCIL OF ADVISORS Daniel H. Abramowitz Michael Smith Liss David S. Bender Lawrence Mann Stuart Bindeman Alan Meltzer Dean Eisen Pamela Nadell, PhD Bernard Forseter Robert Phillips Greg Friedman Howard Ross The Honorable Julie Silver Douglas F. Gansler Kathy Sklar Toni Goodman Marc Solomon Eric Kassoff Robin Taub Michael Kay Michael E. Winer Mark Lerner Susan Zuckerman Jeffrey Linowes PAST PRESIDENTS Morris Cafritz z”l Steven D. Lustig Marcella E. Cohen Philip N. Margolius Scott M. Cohen Col. Benjamin Ourisman z”l The Honorable Sydney M. Polakoff Stuart E. Eizenstat Richard B. Reff, M.D. Barry P. Forman Leo Schlossberg z”l z”l Rosalie B. Gerber Burnett Siman z”l Michael S. Gildenhorn Beth C. Sloan Col. Julius Goldstein z”l Charles E. Smith z”l Simon Hirshman z”l Andrew M. Stern Lesley Israel Bradley C. Stillman Rosalyn Levy Jonas John D. VerStandig Edward H. Kaplan Bernard M. Weisz Joel S. Kaufman z”l Bernard S. White z”l Harry King z”l Morton H. Wilner z”l Fred Kogod z”l Donald E. Wolpe Robert P. Kogod z”l Samuel Lehrman of blessed memory Harry M. Linowes EXECUTIVE TEAM Michael Feinstein, Chief Executive Officer Treva Bustow, Chief Marketing Officer Debra L. Cooper, Chief Financial Officer Amy I. Gantz, Chief Operating Officer Tom Rogers, Human Resources Director Adam Tennen, Chief Development Officer EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EMERITUS Robert H. Weiner z”l
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Do a Kindness; Share a Kindness - #BeKind Message from Michael As we approach 2017, I find that I am not as optimistic as I normally am when approaching a new year. In fact, I feel a great deal of trepidation about the direction of our country. The long primary and general election presidential campaign was filled with rancor and rhetoric that has divided us by race, gender, religion, national origin, ability and socioeconomic status. Regardless of who you supported, we concluded the election more divided than when it began.
Compliment someone, thank someone or help someone in need. Introduce yourself to a stranger. Make a donation in honor of someone else. Talk to your children about the value of kindness. When someone does a kindness for you, acknowledge it and pay it forward. As part of the Bender JCC’s #BeKind Campaign, we will post ideas for acts of kindness that you can do, commentaries and quotes on kindness and share the kindnesses that our staff and children are doing. We ask that you share a kindness that you see and do, or express your thoughts on civility and kindness. Here’s how:
The result has been a significant increase in hate crimes and harassment as underlying prejudices surfaced. For some, it now appears acceptable to express Michael Feinstein, President & CEO misogyny, prejudice, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and hatred towards immigrants • Use the hashtags #BeKind and #BenderJCC to share your comments on Facebook or Twitter and others who are “different.” We are seeing or photos on Instagram. And don’t forget to tag a significant increase in hate crimes not only us @BenderJCC. around the country but right here, in diverse Montgomery County, where incidents of hate • If you are not a social media user, use “Post-it Notes” to share what you see or think on the crimes have increased 17% since the election. poster in the lobby of the Bender JCC. We will Our public schools and houses of worship are post these comments online for you. being defaced with words and symbols of hate. • Email videos, photos and acts of kindness to There is little “civil” in our civil discourse. marketing@benderjccgw.org. I have had many discussions with friends and colleagues about what we can “do” to take To me, what really makes America great is that action against hate speech and acts. As Jews after every election, the presidency transitions we are called on throughout the Torah to care peacefully regardless of policy differences for and love the “stranger” because we were between our political parties. Our civil society strangers. We know too well what it means to be needs to transition just as peacefully. As we different and it is our responsibility to stand up prepare for a transition of power, let’s come for others who are different and against bigotry together as one people and demonstrate that we and harassment. The Bender JCC’s core values cannot be divided and we will have no tolerance include “chesed” – helping those in need through for acts of hatred. To underscore the importance acts of loving kindness. As a JCC, we must take a of coming together, we invite Democrats, stand for community in its broadest sense. Let’s Republicans and Independents to join us at the reach out and fight hatred and intolerance with Bender JCC to watch the peaceful transition of acts of intentional kindness. We invite everyone power on Inauguration Day. in our community of all backgrounds, religions, Kind words can be short and easy to abilities and sexual orientations to join all of us speak but their echoes are truly endless. at the Bender JCC and embrace the diversity -Mother Teresa of our community and treat our neighbors with civility, decency and kindness by participating in When you are kind to others, it not only a #BeKind campaign from December 1 through changes you, it changes the world. Inauguration Day (January 20, 2017). -Rabbi Harold Kushner Do an act of kindness for someone you don’t know or who may be different from you. No act of kindness is too small to be life affirming.
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Photo by Shmulik Almany
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LEADERSHIP Extending Gratitude Message from Lisie Traditionally, Thanksgiving is the time of year during which we discuss gratitude. But since the Dinner of Champions—our annual fundraiser to support programs for individuals with disabilities—has just taken place, I thought maybe we could extend that time into December. Every year I leave that dinner thinking that it can’t get any better, and yet it does! Jillian Copeland, recipient of the Irene and Abe Pollin Humanitarian Award, offered meaningful remarks about the power of individuals to make a difference. Her family showed up in spades to celebrate her wonderful accomplishments. The students who are selected each year to receive the Hyman M. and Phillip D. Perlo High School Athlete Award never cease to amaze with their drive and commitment to not only their chosen sport, but to the community, as well. This year’s class is an exemplary group. And if you don’t believe me, just ask their parents, whose faces were glowing
Speaking of our staff, they deserve a wonderful shout out. They are responsible for collecting and donating 14 baskets of Thanksgiving food and other supplies to help make sure that the people served by our partner, Lisie Gottdenker, Board Chair Interfaith Works, were able to celebrate this Thanksgiving! We Jillian and each of the Sports Hall of Fame inductees spoke glowingly appreciate what they do every day and this is about what the evening was truly about— just an example of the kinds of giving people supporting our internationally-recognized who work at the Bender JCC. Camp JCC program for children and young adults with disabilities. It would be impossible So, while we have all just spent Thanksgiving for us to sustain this program, which means so being grateful for whatever moves us much to so many families, without community personally, I encourage you to say thanks to support and our incredibly dedicated staff. all of the staff at the Bender JCC who inspire Last summer, over 80% of our Camp JCC me every day. I am most certainly grateful for staff donated to this program! Many camp them! counselors and Bender JCC staff members pitched in to make the Dinner of Champions a smashing success. with pride! Carla Perlo, who is Hyman Perlo’s daughter, and Aviva Perlo, who is Phillip Perlo’s daughter, shared with me how special the evening was and how proud their fathers would have been.
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6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • benderjccgw.org • 301.881.0100
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DEVELOPMENT
Dinner of Champions Where every all-star is included
$25,000+ _________________________________ The Bender Foundation, Inc
David and Julie Silver • David and Nan Bender Barbara Bender • Richard and Eileen Greenberg Jason A. Belinkie • Jena Belinkie Riley • Josh Greenberg
$10,000-$24,999 _________________________________ The Anne and Ronald Abramson Family Foundation Gary and Pennie Abramson Charitable Foundation The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation
November 19, 2016
$5,000-$9,999 _________________________________ Carol and Gary Berman James G. Davis Construction Corporation Phyllis and Ralph Gittleson Betty Kerns Ahuva and Aaron Orlofsky/The Orlo Fund Kathy and Thomas Raffa/RAFFA PC Heather and Andrew Sachs The Carlynn and Lawrence Silverman Family Foundation, Inc. Douglas Silverman Janyse and Bernie Weisz
$3,600-$4,999 _________________________________
Jillian and Scott Copeland
Grossberg, Yochelson, Fox & Beyda, LLP Leslie and Samuel Kaplan Rebecca and Marc Korman Stuart and Ellen Lessans Ntiva, Inc. Peak Settlements Irene Pollin Soraya, Steve, Alex, Paulina and Daniel Rubin Elaine Snider Susan and Brad Stillman Sonya and Dr. Joel Taubin Helene R. Weisz and Richard Lieberman *Reflects gifts as of 11.7.16
Eric S. Kassoff/Wilkes Artis
Louis and Helyn Fanaroff Family Charitable Foundation
Sunny and Mark Polsky • Wendy Fanaroff Debby and Gary Bortnick • Susan and Steve Fanaroff
$1,800-$3,599 _________________________________ Wendi and Daniel Abramowitz Alston & Bird LLP Crest Cleaners Yvonne and Jeffrey Distenfeld Drs. Ensor, Johnson and Lewis Jill and Donnie Gross
2016 Dinner of Champions co-chairs Corey Migdal, Nelson Migdal, and Meredith & Adam Polsky
Leah Schwartz, Bender JCC inclusion director; Jason Belinkie, 2016 Bender JCC Maccabi Legacy Award recipient; Audrey Winston
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Close to 500 guests attended the 25th Dinner of Champions on November 19. We thank all those who supported the event, making it possible for the Bender JCC to continue to offer a variety of inclusive programs, including our nationally-recognized Camp JCC. To see more photos, please visit facebook.com/benderjcc. To view the moving video that was presented at the event, please visit benderjcc.org/champions.
From left: Carla Perlo; 2016 Hyman M. and Phillip D. Perlo High School Athlete Award winners Jules Jacobs, Daniel Kuhnreich, Brian Lossing, Cooper Macklin, Reuben Winston and Jaycee Yegher; Aviva Perlo; Leah Schwartz, Bender JCC inclusion director
Jillian Copeland, 2016 Irene and Abe Pollin Humanitarian Award recipient; Nicol Copeland; Rob Granader
2016 Sports Hall of Fame inductees (from left) Michael Herson, Alvin Lann, Mitchell Berliner, Lisa Levin Reichmann, Steve Rubin and Jason Belinkie Photos by rlstevensphotography.com
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HEALTH & FITNESS Stressed? The Bender JCC offers a comprehensive array of therapeutic massage services conducted by trained and licensed male and female therapists who specialize in healing body and mind. For details, please contact Dawn Hubbard-Powell at 301.348.3891 or dhubbard-powell@benderjccgw.org.
Cycle for Good S.O.S. Fall Prevention Thursdays | December 1- 29 10:45-11:30 a.m. or 1-1:45 p.m. Stretch, observe and strengthen your way to decreasing the risk of falling. This class aims to improve your balance, sense of equilibrium, flexibility, spatial awareness and core muscular strength. Register at benderjccgw.org. For more information, please contact Dahhia Smith-Johnson at dsmith-johnson@ benderjccgw.org or 301.348-3894.
Sunday, December 18 Spin your dreidel and your wheels as the Bender JCC participates in the 4th annual Cycle for Good program to raise funds locally for Interfaith Works Wilkins Avenue Women’s Assessment Center. If cycling isn’t your thing, check out Zumba for Good (with Ramon!) instead. Register online at benderjccgw.org. For details, please contact Dahhia SmithJohnson at 301.348.3894 or dsmithjohnson@benderjccgw.org.
benderjccgw.org/forgood
“Eight Days of Chanukah” Fitness Challenge December 24-31 Complete a new exercise challenge, with the assistance of our fitness staff, each day. Sign up at the fitness office. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers! For details, contact Dahhia SmithJohnson at 301.348.3894 or dsmithjohnson@benderjccgw.org.
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS ness Center Lose weight Exercise Join the Bender JCC Health & Fitness Center
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU $0 Initiation Fee in January! 50% OFF Initiation Fee in February!
JCCGW | 6125 Montrose Road | Rockville, MD 20852 jccgw.org | 301.945.4836
Other fees may apply
benderjccgw.org | 301.348.3800 6
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • benderjccgw.org • 301.881.0100
CHILDREN & FAMILIES BENDER EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Open Houses for Prospective Parents
Thursday, December 15 | 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 24 | 10 a.m. To RSVP or for more information, please send an email to preschool@ benderjccgw.org.
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Family Fun Day
Mommy Movie Mondays
Sunday, December 25 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
December 5, 19; January 9 10 a.m.
Come spend the day at the J! Join us for family gym and swim, movies and more! This year’s movie features are Rugrats: Chanukah and Zootopia. Please visit benderjccgw.org for the most up-to-date schedule. Free; registration is requested. For details, please contact Jennifer Radosh at 301.348.3848 or jradosh@benderjccgw.org.
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We invite parents with children 12 months or younger to join us to watch a grown-up movie, complete with popcorn, water, stroller parking, and an audience that won’t mind if your baby cries! The fee is $5. Children older than 12 months can be dropped off at babysitting for a fee. For more information, contact Lauren Dworkin at 301.348.3837 or ldworkin@ benderjccgw.org.
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CAMP, YOUTH & TEENS Join the Camp JCC Staff Family
Every Summer Has A Story CAMP JCC 2017
Session 1 June 26–July 7 (no camp July 4) Summer Kids Club Aleph Week June 19–23
Session 2 July 10–21
Bet Week August 14–18
Session 3 July 24–August 11
Gimmel Week August 21–25
(pending approval of school calendar)
Applications Applications are open to all* beginning December 2 at noon. *At the time of application, member rates require a family level membership in good standing through summer 2017.
We are looking for enthusiastic, passionate, creative and dependable teachers, college students, teens, moms and dads for the positions of unit head, head counselor, counselor, specialist, swim instructor and nurse. Apply online at benderjccgw.org/ camp. For more information, please contact campjcc@benderjccgw.org.
For more information, please call 301.348.3883 or send an email to campjcc@benderjccgw.org.
benderjccgw.org/camp
Winter Break Camp December 26-30 | 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Check out the Kids After School page on our website for details on winter break camp. Limited spots available. For more information, contact Phil Liebson at 301.348.3880 or pliebson@benderjccgw.org.
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JCC Maccabi Games INDOOR SWIM MEET
Swimmers, Take Your Mark! Sunday, January 29 | 5-8 p.m. Swimmers age 5-18 are invited to compete in our indoor swim meet. For details and to register, please visit benderjccgw. org. For more information, please contact Caroline Cardullo at 301.348.3890 or ccardullo@benderjccgw.org.
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6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • benderjccgw.org • 301.881.0100
We are looking for athletes age 10-12 to compete at the Mid-Atlantic Junior Games in May, and athletes age 1316 to complete at the JCC Maccabi Games in August. Tryouts begin in January. For details, send an email to games@benderjccgw.org or visit benderjccgw.org/maccabi.
ARTS & CULTURE Goldman Art Gallery
A Winter’s Dance ‘17
The Gildenhorn/Speisman Center for the Arts at the Bender JCC is proud to host meaningful exhibits revolving around Jewish experiences, identity and culture. We gratefully acknowledge The Kaplan Family Foundation for their support. The exhibits are open when the Bender JCC is open. For details, contact Lisa Del Sesto at 301.348.3756 or ldelsesto@benderjccgw.org. Sherry Zvares Sanabria: A Retrospective of Paintings December 23-January 24 Preview Reception: Thursday, December 22 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Mara Clawson: “The World of Feelings: When Colors Get Along” Featured through December 18 Mara Clawson discovered her love for art at Camp JCC in 2004, and has not stopped since. This show features her colorful pastel and iPad drawings. The Kennedy Center recently awarded Mara a 2016 Emerging Young Artists with Disabilities award.
Sherry Zvares Sanabria was always drawn to images of interiors and facades of old buildings, and captivated by the power of light and its effect on a composition. She brings these components together to produce moving and often haunting paintings.
Bender JCC School of Dance Students and Guest Artist Perform Sunday, January 15 | 3 p.m.
The Bender JCC School of Dance will present a warm and delightful afternoon of dance. A program of varied works, ranging from jazz to tap to lyrical dance styles, will be presented by the Jr. and Sr. Youth Dance Companies and School of Dance students. Kinor Dance Company, the Bender JCC’s resident Israeli dance company, will also perform. Tickets may be purchased in advance at benderjccgw.org. Winter – Spring 2017 classes begin January 29. Registration is open. Annual class tuition can be prorated for a January start. You may find our complete schedule in the 2017 Winter/Spring Program Guide and online at benderjccgw.org/dance. For details, please contact Debbie Clark at 301.348.3777 or dclark@ benderjccgw.org.
Read Now, Discuss Later
POLINGER ARTISTS OF EXCELLENCE CONCERT SERIES
SPECIAL FREE PREVIEW CONCERT
Pianist Brian Ganz
Sunday, January 29 | 3 p.m.
Benjamin Beilman & Haochen Zhang
Sunday, December 11 | 7:30 p.m.
“One comes away from a recital by pianist Brian Ganz not only exhilarated by the power of the performance but also moved by his search for artistic truth.”
—The Washington Post
Brilliant pianist Brian Ganz continues his “Extreme Chopin” quest to perform all of Frédéric Chopin’s works. Come hear Mr. Ganz in a preview mini-concert at the Bender JCC as he presents a sampling of pieces to be performed at his upcoming recital at the Music Center at Strathmore. Free; please register at benderjccgw.org/ concerts. For more information, please contact Janet Getz at 301.348.3779 or jgetz@benderjccgw.org.
Violinist Benjamin Beilman, a 2012 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and First Prize winner in the 2010 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, is one of his generation’s fastest rising international stars, winning praise in both North America and Europe for his passionate performances and deep rich tone. Since his gold medal win at the Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2009, Chinese pianist Haochen Zhang has captivated audiences in the United States, Europe, and Asia with a unique combination of deep musical sensitivity, fearless imagination, and spectacular virtuosity. To purchase tickets, please visit benderjccgw.org/concerts or call the Box Office at 301.348.3872.
The Hadassah/Bender JCC book group is always open to new members. For details, contact Ellen Elow-Mintz at 301.897.2796 or ellenlovesbooks54@ gmail.com. Thursday, January 12 | 1 p.m. “Pumpkinflowers” by Matti Friedman Thursday, March 9 | 1 p.m. “Shylock is My Name” by Howard Jacobson Thursday, May 11 | 1 p.m. “Safekeeping” by Jassamyn Hope Thursday, June 15 | 1 p.m. “The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem” by Sarit Yishai-Levi
The Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. Funding for the Maryland State Arts Council is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency which believes that a great nation deserves great art. The Bender JCC is also supported in part by funding from the Montgomery County Government and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, the County Executive’s Ball for the Arts, and private sources.
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ADULTS
Tech Café
Teens Teaching Technology to Seniors Sunday, December 11 | 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Join us in the Goldman Art Gallery where teens from the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School will provide one-on-one assistance to seniors in need of help with the computer, smartphone, iPad or other devices. Learn how to use email, Facebook, take and send photos, video chat, play games and more. To register, please contact Stacy Relkin Winkler at srelkin@awsllc.com.
Share the Love, Share the Light
Help seniors stay safe in their homes this winter. During colder months, power outages are more common. Through December 15, the Bender JCC is collecting FLASHLIGHTS and BATTERY-OPERATED CANDLES for community seniors who participate in our satellite lunch program. Please look for the collection box in the lobby area and consider donating to Share the Love, Share the Light (http:// www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/ take-action/give/share-the-love). For more information, please contact Stacy Katz Olivera at 301.348.3889 or solivera@benderjccgw.org.
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BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY FORUM
Carthage and the Forgotten Phoenicians in the Ancient Mediterranean
Presented by Brien Garnand, Howard University Wednesday, December 14 | 8 p.m.
benderjccgw.org/baf
Spreading Warmth Through December 15, the Bender JCC is collecting HATS, SCARVES, GLOVES and MITTENS for the shelters in our area. Please deposit your items in the collection box in the lobby. For details, please contact Stacy Katz Olivera at 301.348.3889 or solivera@ benderjccgw.org.
ESOL Students Out and About
Memory Café
Students from the Bender JCC’s ESOL program recently traveled to DC to view the paintings and sculptures on display at the Kreeger Museum. Sharon Goozh-Mosches, volunteer ESOL teacher, called it a “fantabulous” experience for all! The next session of classes begins on January 10, 2017. If you would like to join this wonderful group of individuals for English classes, please contact Stacy Katz Olivera at 301.348.3889 or solivera@benderjccgw.org.
The Bender JCC is proud to announce that we are a new site for the Alzheimer Association’s Memory Café program. Memory Cafes offer a fun and relaxed way for people living with earlystage memory loss to connect through social events that promote interaction and companionship. For more information and to register, please contact Lindsay Vajpeyi at 240.428.1342 or lvajpeyi@alz.org.
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • benderjccgw.org • 301.881.0100
Wednesday, December 21 2:30-4 p.m.
CONTRIBUTIONS Thank You for Your Support
Lee and Isidore Forman Endowment Fund • in honor of Carole Forman’s special birthday by Margi and Steve Hoffman
The following list reflects gifts received from October 10 through November 16.
Marc Jeffrey Streidel Memorial Playground Fund • in memory of Aileen Wishnow by Robin and Glenn Streidel • in memory of Lenore Bressler by Robin and Glenn Streidel
To make a tribute gift, please visit benderjccgw.org/tribute or contact Katya at 301.348.3855 or katya@benderjccgw.org.
CAMP R. Andrew Helgeson “Heart of Gold” Memorial Endowment Fund for Camp JCC Counselor Awards • in memory of “our son, Andrew” by Rita and Richard Helgeson • in honor of Jennifer Helgeson by Rita and Richard Helgeson • in honor of Richard Helgeson by Rita and Jennifer Helgeson • in honor of Rita Helgeson by Jennifer and Richard Helgeson • in honor of the marriage of Dr. Jennifer Helgeson to LT Stewart Latwin, proud parents Rita and Richard Helgeson and Barbara and the Honorable Joseph Latwin by Rita and Richard Helgeson • in remembrance of Ida Weiss, maternal grandmother of Andrew by Rita, Richard and Jennifer Helgeson • in memory of what would have been James Samuel Weiss’ birthday, December 3rd, maternal great uncle of Andrew by Rita, Richard and Jennifer Helgeson • in memory of the yahrzeit of Chiam Rueben Weiss, maternal great grandfather of Andrew by Rita and Richard Helgeson • in memory of William (Billy) Brian Greenan son of Edward P (Barbara) Greenan Sr and Carol Greenan Winklbauer (Lothar) parents, father of Lexie Greenan and family • in memory of the tragic death of Francine Miller’s daughter, Laurie Gage, wife of Joseph and mother of Jennifer and sister of Mark Miller, niece of Ruth Book by Rita, Richard and Jennifer Helgeson • In memory of the yahrzeit of James Samuel Weiss, January 27th, maternal great uncle of Andrew by Rita, Richard and Jennifer Helgeson • mazel tov to Kate and Robert Friedman on the birth of their son, adoring sisters Adira and Nesya by Rita, Richard, Jennifer Helgeson and Stew Latwin • in memory of the yahrzeit of Stephen Book, husband of Ruth Book by Rita, Richard, Jennifer Helgeson and Stew Latwin Jane Hulman Camp Scholarship Fund • in memory of Melanie Hessing’s mother, Rosalie by Jerry Hulman • in honor of Al Somit’s 97th birthday by Jerry Hulman Camp JCC Special Needs & Inclusion Program • in honor of Dodi and Kevin Bass by Sylvia Bass CULTURAL ARTS Lessans Family Annual Book Festival • in honor of Jennifer Smith and Lisa Del Sesto by Tracy Bloom Schwartz and Susan Wegner • in honor of Tracy Bloom Schwartz’s special birthday by Jodi Shulimson Vera and Ralph Deckelbaum Music Endowment Fund • in memory of Dottie Cohen by Vera and Ralph Deckelbaum EARLY CHILDHOOD Bender Early Childhood Center • in memory of Susan Fink by Ellen and Stanley Albert • in honor of Phil Kapneck’s special birthday by Ellen and Stanley Albert • in honor of Ora Cohen Rosenfeld by Ronny Siegel
center scene
David Lev Kandel Memorial Endowment Fund • in memory of David Lev Kandel by Melanie and Rami Kandel • in memory of Robert Trocchi’s mother by Melanie and Rami Kandel • in memory of Laura Metro’s father by Melanie and Rami Kandel • in memory of Herbert Greissman by Melanie and Rami Kandel • in honor of Rikki Postal and John Jolly’s engagement by Melanie and Rami Kandel
GENERAL SUPPORT Annual Fund • in memory of Eduardo Farhi by Mariela Farhi-Zimmerman • in memory of Paul Fleischman’s mother by Tracy and Alan Schwartz • in honor of Bernie Weisz by Greenberg, Wexler & Eig, LLC • in honor of Robyn Lebowitz and Ethan Wheelock by Harriet and Bernie Lebowitz • in honor of David Zuckerman’s engagement by Lisa and Gary Rosen
Hyman M. and Phillip D. Perlo Endowment Fund for Children with Special Needs • in honor of Matthew Kurman, 2003 Perlo Award recipient by Patricia Hoff and Michael Kurman Special Needs & Inclusion Program • in memory of Harriet Green Marks Alperin by Susan and Brad Stillman and family • in honor of Ralph Gittleson by Bortnick, Crantz and Gittleson families
SENIOR ADULTS Coming of Age • in honor of Judy Beiser’s new home by Carol and Sherman Fivozinsky Mary and Harry Harris Endowment Fund for Senior Adult Programs • in honor of Bea Wattenberg’s birthday by Sheila Yuter • in honor of Irene Drescher’s special birthday by Sheila Yuter Senior Adult Program • in memory of Alan Singer by Barbara and Jon Ranhand SPECIAL NEEDS Dinner of Champions • in honor of Jillian Copeland by Deborah and David Astrove; Sandy Bresnick; Michele and Glen Burke and family; Laurie, Gary, Ethan and Devin Cohen; Jodi Ferrier; Shira Hill and Lew Fontek; Carole Kolker; Robin and Jeremy London; Suki and Russell Munsell; Joann Nemeroff; Wilma and Harold Schneiberg; Cindy, Andy, Asher and Liza Shuman; Nancy and Marc Weinberger • in honor of Lisa Reichmann by Alan MacCracken III • in honor of Meredith and Adam Polsky by Caren and Barry Glassman • in honor of Arlen and Brian Gaines and family by Carolyn Henrich and Joel Packer • in honor of Jason Belinkie by Kathy Katz and Michelle Stravitz on behalf of the CESJDS cross country & track families; Rena and Jeffrey Robins and family; Debra Vodenos and Sam Boxerman • in honor of the staff of the Bender JCC Special Needs & Inclusion Program by Debra Vodenos and Sam Boxerman • in honor of Brian Lossing by Elizabeth Brody • in honor of Mike Herson by Jo Blair • in honor of Jillian Copeland, Michael Feinstein and Adam Tennen by Jonah Geller and Jennifer Noparstak • in honor of Jules Jacobs by Lori Weinstein and Charles Bethel • in honor of Jodi Shulimson by Sara and Phil Morningstar • in honor of Nelson and Corey Migdal by Tal Widdes • in honor of Carrie Waldman by Judy and Marvin Waldman • in honor of Cooper Macklin by Robin and Jeremy London • in honor of Leah Sacks and family by the Niles family • in honor of Mitch Berliner by Lori and Bruce Dubinsky and family
B E N D E R
J C C
O F
G R E AT E R
TEENS Richard B. Reff, M.D. Maccabi Youth Games Endowment Fund • in honor of Dr. Richard Reff by Sandy and Phil Marks VOLUNTEER SERVICES Jacob Siegel and Sarah Siegel Sacks Memorial Fund for Volunteer Services • in memory of Anne Clark by Gloria Derkay • in memory of Faye A. Freedman by Gloria Derkay • in honor of Al Somit’s 97th birthday by Jerry Hulman
Donate your vehicle and support three agencies. • jewish Foundation forfor • Jewish Foundation GroupHomes Homes group • Bender JCC community center • jewish Greaterwashington Washington ofofgreater • Jewish Councilforfor the Aging • jewish council the aging
Contact Adam Tennen 240.283.6000 at 301.348.3815 or
atennen@benderjccgw.org www.car-j.org
W A S H I N G T O N
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UPCOMING EVENTS MONDAY, DECEMBER 5
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22
10 a.m. Mommy Movie Monday (page 7) 12:30-3 p.m. Coming of Age Food & Fun at Seasons 52. $25. 301.348.3832
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8
1:30-3:30 p.m. Coming of Age movie and discussion at Leisure World Clubhouse II: “Operation Wedding.” $7. 301.348.3832
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11
1:30-3:30 p.m. Tech Café (page 10) 7:30 p.m. Concert: Benjamin Beilman & Haochen Zhang (page 9)
2:30-4 p.m. Memory Café (page 10)
1:30-3:30 p.m. History Club. 301.348.3760
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Family Fun Day (page 7)
MONDAY, JANUARY 9
10 a.m. Mommy Movie Monday (page 7) 1-2:30 p.m. Coming of Age concert at Temple Beth Ami with Cantor Ramon Tasat. $7. 301.348.3832
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11
1:30-3:30 p.m. Coming of Age movie and discussion at Leisure World Clubhouse II: “The Green Prince.” 301.348.3832 8 p.m. Biblical Archaeology Forum (page 10)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 24
10 a.m. Bender Early Childhood Center open house (page 7)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26
7:30 p.m. Coming of Age excursion to Round House Theater: “Caroline of Change.” $50 ticket/$20 transportation. 301.348.3832 7:30 p.m. Mix & Mingle Coffeehouse for Baby Boomers & Kindred Spirits (age 50+). $3. 301.348.3808
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29
3 p.m. Concert: Pianist Brian Ganz (page 9) 5-8 p.m. Indoor Swim Meet (page 6)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15
10 a.m. Bender Early Childhood Center open house (page 7) 1:30-3 p.m. Coming of Age concert at Shaare Tefila with Rabbi David Shneyer and Alan Oresky. $7. 301.348.3832
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 Cycle for Good (page 6)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19
10 a.m. Mommy Movie Monday (page 7) 1-2:30 p.m. Coming of Age concert at Temple Beth Ami: Gina DeSimone & The Moaners. $7. 301.348.3832
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12
1 p.m. Hadassah/Bender JCC Book Group: “Pumpkinflowers” by Matti Friedman (page 9)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 3 p.m. A Winter’s Dance (page 9)
MONDAY, JANUARY 16
Family Fun Day. 301.348.3830 12:30-3 p.m. Coming of Age Food & Fun holiday party. 301.348.3832
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19
1:30-3 p.m. Coming of Age concert at Shaare Tefila: “The Billion Dollar Spy” with Washington Post Editor David Hoffman. $7. 301.348.3832
SELMA SWEETBAUM SENIOR SATELLITE PROGRAM 301.348.3760
MONDAYS
Tuesdays Bender JCC in Rockville
TUESDAYS
2nd & 4th Wednesday of Each Month Har Tzeon Congregation in Wheaton
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Thursdays Har Tzeon Congregation in Wheaton
Monday-Thursday 5:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Friday 5:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Saturday 7:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. The building closes ½ hour after H&F closes.
WEEKLY ONGOING PROGRAMS
Mondays Ring House in Rockville
1st & 3rd Wednesday Of Each Month Young Israel Shomrei Emunah Congregation in Silver Spring
HEALTH & FITNESS HOURS
11 a.m. Women’s Connections 1-2:30 p.m. Senior Chorus/Song Circle 1 p.m. Men’s Discussion Group 2:30 p.m. Chess
WEDNESDAYS
10-10:30 a.m. Storytime Singalong. Age 5 and under with parent/caregiver 2:15 p.m. Men’s Discussion Group
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • benderjccgw.org • 301.881.0100
THURSDAYS
1 p.m. Scrabble 3 p.m. Drop-in Discussion in Hebrew
FRIDAYS
10-11 a.m. Shabbat Shalom Age 6 mos.-3 yrs. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Chess