December 2013
A TEACHER TO TREASURE Josh Eig (cover photo) Page 1
A CHANUKAH HAPPENING
Come Light the Menorah Page 4
THE LESSANS FAMILY ANNUAL BOOK FESTIVAL A Look Back Pages 11-12
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Brenda Flam Page 15
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STORY
A Teacher who is Treasured
Decked out in full “Indiana Josh” regalia, JCCGW Preschool teacher Josh Eig takes his class on an exciting—and educational—treasure hunt each year.
One could say that working with children runs in Josh Eig’s blood. His father is a pediatrician, his mother and sister work in the field of early childhood education, and his brother works in after-school care. It’s not surprising to learn, then, that Josh has always loved being around children. As he recalls, “I was always the one at family gatherings with younger cousins hanging off of him.” When he was a student at West Virginia University, Josh originally intended to major in math with the thought of becoming an accountant. He was looking for a part-time job over the summer and his mother Kaethe Eig, who was the JCCGW early childhood education director at the time, suggested he work in the preschool.
the foremost early childhood experts in the world. In addition, renowned authorities in the field—including Jen Azzariti, Jackie Howell and Naama Zoran—visit the JCCGW periodically to teach the staff and help them Following that experience, Josh changed grow as professionals. “I have learned so his major to child development and family much from these experiences,” he comments. studies. This year marks his fourth full year as a JCCGW Preschool teacher since According to Ora, Josh exemplifies the quote receiving his bachelor’s degree. from Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers: Who is wise? The person who learns from everyone. “I teach preschool because I love it,” Josh “Josh is an excellent teacher because he is states. “I am excited to go to work each open to learning from everyone, and he has said that he learns as much from his students morning.” as they learn from him.” Josh feels fortunate that he can practice his passion for early childhood education Sara Kish’s son was a student in Josh’s at a school where the administration is so class last year, and she was amazed at the supportive and works in concert with the transformation she saw during those ten months. “Josh was so keenly interested and staff. invested, curious about my son’s personality, “Ora [Ora Cohen Rosenfeld, early childhood strengths, interests and what makes him education director] and Sandy [Sandy Lanes, unique. Josh is a great communicator, curriculum director] have a clear vision— taking the time to discuss with us how we which has been developed in partnership could work together to help our son as he with the teachers—for the preschool,” developed.” relates Josh. He said he is particularly proud of one of the core values that the school lives Ora says that Josh respects children and by: Children are capable members of our helps them celebrate their unique gifts and talents. He is constantly looking for ways community. to make his class an engaging place that Imagination, creativity, community and stimulates curiosity and challenges the silliness are encouraged and are part of every children. “Josh creates a strong classroom classroom here, Josh says. “I could not work community where children learn to be caring and compassionate, because that is what he at a school where that was not the case.” models for them every day.” Josh values the opportunity the Center gave him and other members of the JCCGW Preschool staff a few years ago to travel to Reggio Emilia, Italy to learn from some of “Once I started working with young children, I knew this would make me happy,” Josh explains. “It took less than a month for me to realize that this was where I belonged.”
CENTER SCENE EDITORIAL STAFF Adrienne Fierro Chief Communications Officer Mauricio Garcia Production Artist/Design Andrea Kronzek Editor Molly Rosenberg Communications & Marketing Associate
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Center Scene, the magazine of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, is issued monthly from September through June.
receives support from the United Way and Combined Federal Campaigns. For advertising information, contact Rebecca Salzman at 30.348.3754 or rsalzman@jccgw.org.
The Center is a member of the Jewish Community Centers Association of North America, a beneficiary agency of The Jewish Center Scene assumes no responsibility for the kashrut status of products advertised. Federation of Greater Washington, and
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
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LEADERSHIP
OFFICERS Bradley C. Stillman, President
Robyn Judelsohn, Vice President for Administration/Treasurer Heidi Hookman Brodsky, Vice President for Development
Mindy Berger, Vice President for Member Services Arthur Polott, Vice President for Programming Neil Gurvitch, Vice President and General Counsel Felicia K. Gottdenker, Secretary Andrew Chod, Assistant Secretary Brian Pearlstein, Assistant Treasurer Monique Buckles, Ombudsperson EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Robert G. Epstein Matthew Weinberg Michael E. Winer BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gilly Arie Helen Rubin Brent Berger, MD Andrew Sachs Robert I. Black Tracy Bloom Schwartz Nathan Bortnick Reed Sexter Andrew Bridge Darryl Shrock Brian Gaines Andrew P. Shulman The Honorable David Waghelstein Douglas F. Gansler The Honorable Jeff Amy Guberman Waldstreicher Holli Beckerman Jaffe Samantha Wasserman Randi K. Meyrowitz Sharon Zissman Adam Polsky COUNCIL OF ADVISORS Lawrence Mann Daniel H. Abramowitz Alan Meltzer David S. Bender Pamela Nadell, Ph.D. Stuart Bindeman Robert Phillips Dean Eisen Howard Ross Bernard Forseter Julie Silver Greg Friedman Kathy Sklar Eric Kassoff Marc Solomon Michael Kay Robin Taub Mark Lerner Susan Zuckerman Jeffrey Linowes PAST PRESIDENTS Morris Cafritz z”l Harry M. Linowes Marcella E. Cohen Steven D. Lustig Scott M. Cohen Philip N. Margolius The Honorable Col. Benjamin Ourisman z”l Stuart E. Eizenstat Sydney M. Polakoff Barry P. Forman Richard B. Reff, M.D. Rosalie B. Gerber z”l Leo Schlossberg z”l Michael S. Gildenhorn Burnett Siman z”l Col. Julius Goldstein z”l Beth C. Sloan Simon Hirshman z”l Charles E. Smith z”l Lesley Israel Andrew M. Stern Rosalyn Levy Jonas John D. VerStandig Edward H. Kaplan Bernard M. Weisz z”l Joel S. Kaufman Bernard S. White z”l z”l Harry King Morton H. Wilner z”l Fred Kogod z”l Donald E. Wolpe Robert P. Kogod z”l Samuel Lehrman of blessed memory EXECUTIVE TEAM Michael Feinstein, Chief Executive Officer Ruth E. Carski, Chief Financial Officer Tracey E. Dorfmann, Chief Program Officer Adrienne Fierro, Chief Communications Officer Amy I. Gantz, Chief Operating Officer Tasha Museles, Chief Development Officer
DECEMBER 2013
Get Happy; Give Message from Michael
A few weeks ago we held our 44th Annual Book Festival. This is one of my favorite events because of the special “buzz” it brings to the Center. This year, attendance was up by almost 25%. Thousands of people came from near and far to hear and meet best-selling authors, as well as lesser-known authors who shared their powerful stories, and to purchase wonderful books from the extensive collection in our book store.
time I turned around I saw Stuart, sometimes with Ellen and their children in tow. He was always thrilled to be associated with the program and was the festival’s greatest ambassador.
I’ve seen this reaction play out again and again during conversations about supporting the Center. Seeing the joy that comes from saying “yes” never ceases to inspire and motivate me. Giving is indeed its own reward. As a result, I now The book festival is important Michael Feinstein, CEO think about my own giving in to our Center and community a different way and take more on multiple levels. First, it brings our joy in the contributions that I make. Booker community together for education, culture and T. Washington expressed it very well: “Those entertainment. We create community when who are happiest are those who do the most people come together in shared interests for others.” and passions. Second, we create community among the hundreds of volunteers who This is definitely the time of the year to “get worked for months to plan, prepare and then happy” by doing for others. If your physical facilitate the festival. and virtual mailboxes are anything like mine, they are full of end-of-year requests One aspect that made this year’s festival for charitable contributions, including some extra special is that it had a new moniker, from the Center. As a JCC we raise funds for “The Lessans Family Annual Book Festival.” the community – whether to help individuals The “naming” is the result of an incredibly and families in need of financial assistance generous gift from Drs. Stuart and Ellen to participate in community, to help seniors Lessans in honor of their children, Matthew meet their nutritional and social needs, or to and Faye, and in loving memory of Stuart’s help those with special needs be included parents, Sara and Samuel J. Lessans. in our camp and other programs. So, as you consider the causes and organizations that The meeting that resulted in Stuart’s gift stir your passion and commitment sufficiently is one that I will remember my entire life. to support them with a financial contribution He exuded warmth as he spoke about his or volunteer time, I do hope you will consider children, wife and parents and the values including the Center on your list. Most that were important to him. I shared about importantly, I hope you will find the same joy my long-time connection to the Center, our in giving that I have witnessed and learned. As current programs, and what we are trying to Rabbi Hillel said, “If I am only for myself, what accomplish in building Jewish identity and am I? And if not now, when?” creating community. Stuart was passionate about supporting the Center and agreed to name the book festival. At that instant, I learned an incredible lesson. As appreciative as we are for this major gift, making it actually seemed to give Stuart more pleasure than our receiving it. And at the book festival, every Photo by Shmulik Almany
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BEHIND THE SCENES
Connecting to the JCCGW in Many Ways LISIE GOTTDENKER, JCCGW SECRETARY Please tell us about your background. I grew up in Miami, Florida. I went to Syracuse University and spent 12 years working in the retail business (Macy’s and Coach leatherware) before moving to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania after I married my husband. In Wilkes-Barre, I became involved with the JCC and Federation. We moved to this area in 2001. We have three kids—Ellie (15), Noah (14) and Olivia (11). How did your connection to the JCCGW start? My connection to the Center started when my two older kids attended the JCCGW preschool. My love affair with the Center began every day as I walked my kids into preschool and saw they were lucky enough to be in a community center and exposed to a wide array of people, all engaged Jewishly in different ways.
festivals or classes. They are given the opportunity to be who they are. We touch everyone, from babies to teens to young adults to seniors. What is an area of the JCCGW that is particularly meaningful to you? This has changed based on how I have experienced the Center. When my kids were little, it really was the preschool. Now, that I have JCC Maccabi aged kids, I am immersed in that world. Having said that, the cultural offerings that we have are so impressive. I suppose that the entire JCCGW is particularly meaningful to me.
Lisie Gottdenker, JCCGW Secretary
Why are you passionate about the Center? It is the place where ANYONE can come and participate in a way that touches them. They may want to exercise, or attend book or film
What does serving on the board mean to you? Being on the board means helping to ensure the future of this Center as one of the most important Jewish places in Montgomery County. I hope to help direct the future of the JCCGW by participation with a group of individuals who are committed to helping steer this Center forward into the next 100 years!
Working to Grant the JCCGW’s Every Wish The JCCGW welcomes grant writer Amy Tomchin to the staff. To learn a little about her and find out how you may be able to get involved in what she does, please read on. additional year on a kibbutz (Kfar Hanasi). Later, I made Aliyah and moved to Tel-Aviv, where I received my B.A. I lived in Israel for more than nine years, mostly in Tel-Aviv, the city I know best and where I feel most at home.
Amy Tomchin with her husband Marko and daughter Eva.
Please tell us a little about yourself. I was born in Chicago. When I was six, my family moved to Blacksburg, Virginia, where I grew up. At 17, I packed my bags for Israel, where I finished my final year of high school and spent an
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with decent writing skills, it was a natural fit. I have worked in nonprofit development for eight years in a number of roles. Grant writing is the role I know best and in which I feel most comfortable.
My husband Marko (who I met in Israel) and I Is there anything else you’d like readers to live in downtown Bethesda with our 3-year-old know about your position as grant writer? daughter, Eva. It is astounding how many foundations and other grant-making entities there are in our area. From What is your professional background? family foundations to corporate philanthropy My first job at a nonprofit was at a Tel-Aviv think- programs, there are a lot of resources out there tank that focuses on equality and social justice. for organizations working to make a difference in It was a wonderful experience, especially since the community. While we work hard to tell grantIsrael is such a small country. I often accompanied makers about our good work, connections help. the executive director and researchers to the Connections through members and supporters Knesset where they made presentations to can truly make the difference. The company that members of parliament. Our media relations you work for may have a corporate giving program person had (and often called!) the private cell that allows employees to recommend recipient phone numbers of major journalists. As the organizations. A family friend may sit on the board fundraiser, I attended events at ambassadors’ of a foundation and be glad to learn about the residences. Everyone was so accessible. When I programs and services we offer. You never know came back to the US, the distance and formality where a connection may lead. Anyone who would like to discuss suggestions or contacts should feel between people was disappointing. free to contact me at 301.348.3720 or atomchin@ How did you become interested in grant jccgw.org. writing? Living in Israel and being a native English speaker
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
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Children & Families
DECEMBER 2013
A Chanukah Happening Come light the menorah… with us! Wednesday, December 4 • 5:30-6:20 p.m. Purchase dinner from our kosher vendor, Sienna’s Vegetarian Pizzeria Restaurant, or bring your own dairy or vegetarian meal. Enjoy eating together as a community in our social hall.
• 6:30 p.m. Candle lighting led by the Tzofim (Israel Scouts). • 6:30-7:30 p.m. Lots of fun games & activities (good for ages 3-8). • 7:30 p.m. Children collect a departing gift!
Candle lighting, games and activities are FREE. For details, contact Tracey Dorfmann at 301.348.3712 or tdorfmann@jccgw.org.
Should I Consider Transitional Kindergarten for My Child? By Ora Cohen Rosenfeld, JCCGW Preschool Director
There are so many important decisions we make in the life of our child, some of which, in hindsight, we regret and some we are thrilled we had the courage to make. In my years as an educator, I have never heard a parent say they regretted sending their child to transitional kindergarten (TK) and giving their child an extra year of growth before elementary school. My own son missed the kindergarten cut-off date when we moved to Maryland and was told he had to be in transitional kindergarten. At the time I thought it was very silly, since he would have been in a regular kindergarten if we had stayed in New Jersey. Now that he is in middle school, I see what a gift it was to him throughout his years in school. If your child has a summer birthday, or if you or your child’s preschool teacher has concerns about kindergarten readiness, it is important to explore the option of enrolling your child in TK. Transitional kindergarten offers the opportunity for an extra year of growth and development between preschool and the start of elementary school. Transitional kindergarten will help your child get the best start possible, with a
curriculum. Literacy, math and other subjects are taught in a setting which allows children’s ideas and interests to flourish. 4. You would like your child to continue to You should consider our TK program if: benefit from being in a Jewish setting, 1. Your child has a late birthday and is celebrating Shabbat and Jewish holidays, considered a “young five.” Children who and learning about Israel and Jewish culture have summer birthdays are the youngest in in a way that inspires pride and joy. their class. TK allows them the benefit of being the oldest in their elementary school The JCCGW TK program is open to JCCGW classroom, with the advantage of being members and the general public. The school more advanced physically, emotionally and day begins at 9:15 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. socially when they enter kindergarten. After-care is available through the JCCGW, 2. Your child would benefit from individualized and our students are able to take advantage of attention in a small class setting, so that the many different afternoon activities offered the teachers are better able to address your at the Center, such as basketball, gymnastics, child’s academic, social or emotional needs. ballet and art. Maximum class size in our TK program is 16 students with two teachers. Because We will be having an informational of individualization of our program, we are evening on Tuesday, December 10 at 7:30 able to recommend first grade for those p.m. at the JCCGW. RSVP to preschool@ students who have reached the kindergarten jccgw.org if you are interested in attending. benchmarks by the end of the academic year. For more information about transitional 3. You feel that your child would continue kindergarten or the JCCGW preschool program to benefit from a caring and nurturing in general, please contact me at 301.348.3830 environment that incorporates the county or orosenfeld@jccgw.org. standards through a creative and dynamic curriculum designed to address your child’s social, emotional and academic needs, and inspire a love of learning.
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Camp, Youth, Tweens & Teens
…here we come to save the day!
SUMMER 2014…
Session 1 l June 23-July 3 (no camp July 4) Session 2 l July 7-July 18 Session 3 l July 21-August 8 Applications are now being accepted for new and returning families. Apply online at jccgw.org/camp. For more information, contact Camp JCC at campjcc@jccgw.org or 301.348.3883. SUMMER KIDS CLUB for even more fun! Aleph Week June 16-20 Bet Week August 11-15 Gimmel Week August 18-22
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6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
DECEMBER 2013
WINTER BREAK KID KOVERAGE
Have a Blast over Winter Break
December 23, 24, 26, 27, 30 and 31* • 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
If you can’t beat the cold, join us in the warmth of the JCCGW for arts & crafts, sports, swimming and a field trip! The fee is $360 for members and $410 for the general public (free for students in grade K-7 participating in the Kids After School program on the days enrolled in Kids After School). Morning and afternoon care are also available.
Celebrate .
To register for Winter Break Kid Koverage, please visit jccgw.org. For more information, please contact Stacy Katz Olivera at 301.348.3767 or solivera@jccgw.org. *On Tuesday, December 31, Kid Koverage closes at 12:30 p.m. Afternoon care is not offered that day.
your Child’s Bir thday at the JCC of Greater Washington
Saturdays & Sundays • 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. & 4 p.m JCCGW birthday parties are the perfect way to celebrate your child’s special day! For details, contact Amy Fauber 301.348.3889 or afauber@jccgw.org
jccgw.org/bir thday
Attention: Teachers, College Students, Teens, Moms & Dads
Are you enthusiastic, passionate, creative, dependable, active and full of ruach (spirit)? Spend an amazing summer at Camp JCC as a unit head, specialist, counselor, swim instructor or nurse! This is an 8-week commitment from June 16 to August 8, 2014. To apply online, visit jccgw.org/camp. For more information, contact campjcc@ jccgw.org.
CONNECT with thousands of potential clients, patients, neighbors, customers and friends. Contact Rebecca Salzman today at 301.348.3754 or rsalzman@ jccgw.org for information on advertising in Center Scene. 6
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HEALTH & FITNESS
Make a Fast Break for the Youth Basketball League For boys and girls age 5-13, One on One’s Winter Basketball League at the JCCGW includes coaches, team uniforms, game play and instruction by their trained basketball staff. One on One’s Winter Basketball League is an instructional league where kids learn the fundamentals of basketball, in addition to playing games. The fee is $150 for members and $170 for the general public. Register online at jccgw.org. For more information, please contact Billy Woodward at 301.348.3852 or wwoodward@jccgw.org. Sundays, January 12- March 2, 2014 (No class February 23) 12:15-1:15 p.m. Age 5-6 1:25-2:40 p.m. Age 7-8 2:50-4:05 p.m. Age 9-10 4:15-5:30 p.m. Age 11-13
Brain Fuel
Eating to Support Brain Function Jane McIntosh, MA, CNS Research continues to show that adding specific foods to your diet can help support brain function, memory and cognitive skills. Who wouldn’t want that? The Journal of Neurology recently found that the Mediterranean Diet may reduce small-vessel damage to the brain. Try these healthy tips from the Mediterranean Diet not only for your body, but also your brain: • Majority of your diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts • Limit red meats and eat fish and poultry at least twice a week
• Use healthy fats like fish and olive oil. A recent study shows that Omega-3 fatty acid found in fish and seafood boosts memory function by 15% • Try cooking with olive oil, canola or walnut oil instead of butter • Alternate your protein choices; nuts, nut butters and beans are great alternative sources of protein By incorporating these healthy foods into your diet, you can begin to benefit from their positive effects on brain function. The Mediterranean Diet is a great way to explore a healthy style of eating. Give it a try! What do you have to lose?
Sources: 1. Welma Stonehouse, Cathryn A Conlon, John Podd, Stephen R. Hill, Anne M Minihane, Crystak Haskell, and David Kennedy. DHA supplementation improved both memory and reaction time in healthy young adults: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr May 2013 vol. 97 no. 5 1134-1143 2. WebMD 3. Tsivgoulis, G, et al. 2013. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and risk of incident cognitive impairment. Neurology, 80 (18), 1684-1692. 4. Science Daily, March 2013
Note: The information presented here is not a substitute for medical advice.
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December Member Special
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
Members who refer a friend who joins the Center in December get $50 in Center Cash, and the new member pays no dues until January. The sooner they join, the bigger the savings! For details, please contact Marissa Gelber at 301.348.3856 or mgelber@jccgw.org.
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JEWISH FAMILY LIVING & LEARNING
DECEMBER 2013
ISRAEL CONNECTION
Making Life Easier, More Delicious and Safer by Amit Levinson, JCCGW Shaliach What do the Waze mobile navigation application for smartphones, cherry tomatoes and the Trophy active protection system have in common? They are all Israeli inventions!
The cherry tomato dates back hundreds of years, and the most common one eaten around the world was developed in Israel. Israeli scientists wanted to create a tomato that could grow in Israel’s climate and would Waze is a free navigation application, with ripen slowly throughout the summer. GPS (global positioning system) support and display screens, for smartphones. The Waze The Trophy Active Protection System (APS) application provides turn-by-turn information for vehicles is very close to my heart. It and user-submitted travel times and route intercepts and destroys incoming missiles details, helping drivers avoid accidents and and rockets with a shotgun-like blast. Its traffic jams. Waze won the best overall principal purpose is to supplement the armor mobile app award at the 2013 Mobile World of light- and heavy-armored fighting vehicles. Congress, beating Dropbox and other new Being in the Armored Corps, my fellow mobile applications. Waze was invented by soldiers and I were very well protected by this invention. Tanks that travelled to an Israeli start-up company. Gaza were outfitted with high performance
Trophy equipment. On March 1, 2011, some friends of mine from a different platoon were stationed near the Gaza border in a Merkava MK IV battle tank equipped with the Trophy system. The system successfully foiled a missile attack aimed directly at the tank in what became its first operational success. Numerous additional missiles have been successfully shot down since then. These Israeli inventions and many others— including drip irrigation and the Iron Dome missile defense system—positively affect lives all over the world every day.
BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY FORUM
Medicines in the Ancient World Wednesday, December 11 • 8 p.m.
Smithsonian Institution archaeo-biologist Alain Touwaide will present an illustrated lecture on how new techniques of DNA sequencing now allow for the identification and sourcing of medicines recovered from ancient sources. Co-sponsored by Adat Shalom Synagogue, the fee for this lecture is $5 for residents of Charles E. Smith Life Communities, college students and Adat Shalom congregants; $6 for BAF benefactors; $8 for JCCGW and BASONOVA members; and $10 for the general public. For more information, please contact Debbie Sokobin at 301.348.3760 or dsokobin@jccgw.org.
Speaker Alain Touwaide, a science historian in the botany department at the National Museum of Natural History, has devoted his career to unearthing lost knowledge. (Photo by Sean McCormick)
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SUPPORT
Give the Best 100th Birthday Gift of All This simple act of generosity exhibited by Jordan has come to represent so much more for Jennifer, a native of San Diego, and her husband Steve, who grew up in this area. “This Center has become a huge part of our family and our lifecycle events. I can only see that continuing through the years as Jordan starts camp and our new baby starts preschool. I think we will be lifetime members,” Jennifer added. 2013 marks the JCCGW’s 100th birthday. As we journey into the next 100 years, the Smith family’s story reminds us of the promise that the future holds for our Center. While the needs of our community JCCGW members Steve and Jennifer Smith have changed dramatically from one hundred years ago, our values have not. and their children, Yaeli and Jordan Our programs and services remain even As you walk through the Center’s doors, more critical today. you enter a place filled with the sounds and energy of a thriving community. However, none of what we accomplish Parents are picking up their children from would be possible without you. Our preschool. Teenage boys are running to programs and services require the support play basketball. Seniors are greeting one of our entire community. another on their way to a class. In the midst of the activity, if you take a moment It starts small—with a young child to pause, you realize that you are part of placing change into a tzedakah box—and continues with you. something truly special. As Jennifer Smith walks her son Jordan Your support will fund important initiatives to preschool and he asks her for some planned for the coming year, such as: change to put into the tzedakah box, she • Financial scholarships for families in need of assistance for preschool, is struck by the impact that the Center has camp and afterschool on her family. • One-on-one camp counselors for children and young adults with special “I realized in that moment that Jordan needs is learning a valuable lesson about community. At the JCCGW preschool, he’ll • Reduced-rate memberships for adults with disabilities living in group learn that he is responsible for helping homes others and that the community will be • Support services for senior adults there to care for him throughout his life,” • Special programs including concerts, remarked Jennifer. gallery exhibits and language classes
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6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
With an $18 gift, you are helping the preschool purchase plants for our community garden (the produce is donated to a local food bank). Add another $100 and you are helping an individual on a low fixed income afford membership dues. $300 helps provide a year’s worth of hot kosher lunches for one senior in need. With a $1,000 gift, you help provide a scholarship for one family who could not otherwise afford a Jewish preschool. Our JCCGW is enriched because of partners in our community who share in our commitment to providing programs and services to the entire spectrum of our community. By making an end-of-year donation to the JCCGW, you are not only acknowledging a century of service, you are ensuring the JCCGW’s ability to meet the critical needs of today and tomorrow. The impact of your generosity is immediate. Every dollar is stretched to the fullest. If you can help at any level, please visit jccgw.org/donate or contact Samantha Frankel at 301.348.3861 or sfrankel@jccgw.org. On behalf of all those who will benefit from your generosity, we thank you. To take advantage of a tax deduction in 2013, your contribution must be postmarked by December 31, 2013.
DECEMBER 2013
Your Support is Deeply Appreciated The JCCGW is proud to partner with many individuals, companies, foundations and government organizations to raise funds that benefit our community. On this page, we recognize some of our supporters for their thoughtfulness and generosity. For more information about ways to support the JCCGW, please contact Tasha Museles at 301.348.3815 or tmuseles@jccgw.org.
Inclusion Program a Special Part of Former Counselors’ Lives
Putting the “Mitzvah” in Bar Mitzvah preschool staff, Josh wrote: “Thank you for the opportunity to volunteer at the JCC Preschool. I really enjoyed spending time with the kids that I read to each Monday afternoon. I love to read and spend time with younger children, so this volunteer time was Josh Myers, right, gives a thumbs up as he helpful to me. presents a check to Preschool Director Ora Cohen Rosenfeld and CEO Michael Feinstein.
“As you know, I celebrated my bar mitzvah this year and was very fortunate to receive many gifts. I would like to share some of my gifts to be used for the preschool program, maybe to buy some new books or whatever you feel is needed.”
Earlier this year as part of his bar mitzvah project, JDS student Josh Myers came to the JCCGW preschool weekly to read to our 4-year-olds. “The children LOVED him!” reported Preschool Director Ora Cohen Rosenfeld. The JCCGW deeply appreciates Josh’s thoughtfulness in supporting the Following his bar mitzvah, Josh made a preschool not only financially, but with the donation to the preschool from his bar gift of his time, talent and enthusiasm. mitzvah money. In a letter to Ora and the
3M Supports Inclusion at the JCCGW Thank you to 3M and Rami Kandel for supporting the Camp JCC inclusion program for children with special needs with a $3,000 grant. The support is deeply appreciated by the JCCGW and those we serve.
Target Partners with JCCGW to Benefit Children The JCCGW is the proud recipient of a Target grant for $2,000 in support of Story Time Morning, a celebration of children’s literature through song and movement, at the Bender Dosik Parenting Center. We are grateful for Target’s generous support and commitment.
Rachel Toran and Josh Towbin pledged their love for one another, as well as their support for the Camp JCC inclusion program, at their recent wedding.
Rachel Toran and Josh Towbin met in October 2002 through BBYO. They started a relationship which continued in Boston, where Josh went to Brandeis and Rachel went to Boston University. Before college and throughout, Rachel and Josh worked at Camp JCC as inclusion counselors. Rachel says that they loved the way the program includes children with disabilities alongside their friends to have a great camping experience, regardless of their needs. “Working as inclusion counselors was an experience that influenced our career paths and holds a very special place in our hearts,” Rachel reports. The Camp JCC inclusion program holds such a special place in Rachel and Josh’s hearts, in fact, that they made it a part of their wedding in September 2013. In lieu of favors for their guests, the couple made a contribution to support the program. The newlyweds live in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Rachel is a speech-language pathologist and Josh is pursuing his Masters in social work. The JCCGW is so grateful that Rachel and Josh have chosen to support the inclusion program in this meaningful way. We wish them all the best as they begin their life together.
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The Lessans Family Annual Bo November 8-17, 2013
Dr. Stuart Lessans, his daughter Faye and wife Dr. Ellen Lessans; Alan L. Wurtzel, author of “Good to Great to Gone: The 60 Year Rise and Fall of Circuit City”; Drs. Lessans’ son Matthew; and Irene Wurtzel, Alan’s wife Photo by Andrew Ship
Marion Grodin (middle), author of “Standing Up: A Memoir of a Funny (Not Always) Life,” with Bruce and Paula Robinson, sponsors of the Grodin event Photo by Andrew Ship
JCCGW President Brad Stillman; Abbe Lowell (co-sponsor of the Dershowitz event); Alan Dershowitz, author of “Taking the Stand: My Life in the Law;” and JCCGW CEO Michael Feinstein Photo by Andrew Ship
Sponsors Richard Lieberman and Helene Weisz with Ellen Kassoff Gray and Todd Gray, authors of “The New Jewish Table: Modern Seasonal Recipes for Traditional Dishes”
Elinor Lipman (middle), author of “The View from Penthouse B” and “I Can’t Complain: (All Too) Personal Essays” with Lisa Shofnos and Phyllis Lessans of Women’s Philanthropy of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, sponsors of the Lipman event Photo by Stanley Schofer
Thomas Harding, author of “Hanns and Rudolf: The True Story of the German Jew Who Tracked Down and Caught the Kommandant of Auschwitz,” and Professor Richard Breitman of American University Photo by Andrew Ship
The JCCGW thanks our major sponsors for their generous PUBLISHER
EDITOR
AGENT
Stuart E. Eizenstat
Adele and Roy Igersheim Helene Weisz and Richard Lieberman Lissa and Andy Shorr Susan and Brad Stillman Washington Jewish Week
AUTHOR
REVIEWER
Abbe D. Lowell and Molly A. Meegan Bruce, Paula and Debra Robinson, Harold and Shirley Robinson Philanthropic Fund Dr. Arthur Wasserman and Dr. Gail Folena-Wasserman Barwood
11 6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
Susan Brett and Robert Shesser Lori and Steve Ross The Ad Solution The Kosher Kitchen Catering Copmany Signature Caterers Moti’s Market Shalom Kosher
ook Festival
Mark Russ Federman (middle), author of “Russ and Daughters: Reflections and Recipes from the House that Herring Built;” Book Festival Co-Chair Laura Levengard; JCCGW Book Festival Director Lynn Gittleson; Book Festival Co-Chair Dale Singer; and JCCGW Literary Programs Coordinator Debby Goldberg Photo by Krisia Jones
Elliott Abrams (seated), author of “Tested by Zion: The Bush Administration and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict”
DECEMBER 2013 The JCCGW is deeply grateful to Drs. Stuart and Ellen Lessans for naming the book festival, now in its 44th year, in honor of their children, Matthew and Faye, and in loving memory of Stuart’s parents, Sara and Samuel J. Lessans.
Lynn Povich (left), author of “The Good Girls Revolt: How the Women of Newsweek Sued Their Bosses and Changed the Workplace” and JCCGW Board Member Sharon Zissman Photo by Stanley Schofer
Sponsor Lissa Shorr with Robert Weintraub, author of “The Victory Season: the End of World War II and the Birth of Baseball’s Golden Age” Photo by Krisia Jones
Marvin Kalb, author of “The Road to War: Presidential Commitments Honored and Betrayed”
Christopher Huh, 15-year-old author of “Keeping My Hope”
Paula Shoyer, author of “The Holiday Kosher JCCGW Board Member Helen Rubin and Baker: Traditional & Contemporary Holiday Marianne Szegedy-Maszák, author of “I Kiss Desserts” Your Hands Many Times: Hearts, Souls, and Wars in Hungary”
s support of the 44th Annual Book Festival held last month. READER National Council of Jewish Women Phyllis and Ralph Gittleson Nina and Neil Gurvitch Lisa Kenigsberg Pam Nadell and Ed Farber Carole and Barry Forman Susan Neuberg James Papirmeister Carol and Gerard Perone
Barbara and Bob Phillips Wolfgang Pordzik Lauren Racoosin Arthur Shesser Joel Simon Sheri Silverman Leah Steinberg Stacey Thal Sharon and Jeremy Zissman Susan and Alan Zuckerman
COMMUNITY READER ShalomLearning The Sisterhood of Washington Hebrew Congregation Women’s Philanthropy of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
COPYWRITER Suzanne Feinstein Ben Gittleson Geraldine Gittleson Ellen Gold Ellen Kraft Laura Levengard Scott Museles Dale Singer
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR
COMMUNITY SUPPORTER B’nai Israel Congregation Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School Congregation Beth El Jewish Foundation of Group Homes Jewish Holocaust Survivors & Friends of Greater Washington The Jewish Primary Day School
COMMITTEE SUPPORTER Joy Epstein Nancy and Cary Feldman
Embassy of Israel Jewish Residents of Leisure World Congregation B’nai Tzedek Sisterhood Temple Beth Ami
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ARTS & CULTURE
POLINGER ARTISTS OF EXCELLENCE CONCERT SERIES
Hermitage Piano Trio Brings Russian Brilliance to Rockville
Sunday, December 15 • 7:30 p.m. Returning to the DC area after an extraordinary standing-room-only performance at the Phillips Collection in December 2012, the Hermitage Piano Trio, descending from the great Russian musical tradition, is distinguished by its exuberant musicality, interpretative range and sumptuous sound.
Kazantsev, violinist Misha Keylin and cellist Sergey Antonov. Their program will include works by Mendelssohn and Rachmaninoff.
Tickets are $30 for members; $35 for senior adults (age 62+) and students; and $40 for the general public. To purchase tickets, please visit jccgw.org/concerts or call the box A rarity in the chamber music world, three office at 301.348.3872. For more information, musicians who are noted soloists in their please contact Janet Getz at 301.348.3779 or own right make up this elite trio: pianist Ilya jgetz@jccgw.org.
“…a performance of such power and sweeping passion that it left you nearly out of breath.” – Washington Post
LITERARY ARTS EVENTS
From Office Etiquette to Middle East Politics
Judith Martin and Nicholas Ivor Martin Photo by Rebecca Toon
Judith Martin Miss Manners Minds Your Business
Sunday, December 15 • 10 a.m. The route from cubicle to corner office is strewn with etiquette landmines! Martin, born “a perfect lady in an imperfect society” and renowned author of the “Miss Manners” columns and multiple best-selling books, gives us humorous and helpful advice on how to manage a real life wisely in a work-centered world. Continental breakfast included. $15 members I $20 general public
Jonathan Schanzer State of Failure: Yasser Arafat, Mahmoud
Abbas, and the Unmaking of the Palestinian State
Sunday, January 26 • 10 a.m. Jonathan Schanzer, a renowned expert on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, contends that focus on Israel as the sole source of roadblock to an independent Palestinian state is far too simplistic. With unparalleled access to key players in the conflict, Schanzer argues that the political dysfunction of the Palestinian Authority is the true threat to Palestinian independence, and that changes led by the U.S. and Europe can be made to right the Palestinian ship. Continental breakfast included. $15 members I $20 general public
For more information on these events or to register, visit jccgw.org or contact Debby Goldberg at 301-348-3816 or dgoldberg@jccgw.org.
13 6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
DECEMBER 2013
GOLDMAN ART GALLERY
GOLDMAN ART GALLERY
The Land that I Love
Art Quilts by Jehudith (Diti) Lean
Donate Fine Art to the JCCGW
December 29-January 26 • Open when the JCCGW is open Reception: Sunday, January 19 • 2-4 p.m. The JCCGW gratefully acknowledges The Kaplan Family Foundation for supporting this exhibit.
Do you have art that you no longer want to keep? Please donate it to Better Treasures, our annual art sale that benefits Goldman Art Gallery shows and educational programming. We are looking for donations from fine art to folk art, Judaic or nonJudaic, modern to traditional, collectibles, paintings, limited edition prints, sculpture and fine crafts, in good condition. (The next Better Treasures will be held March 23-April 6, 2014.)
Israeli fibre artist Jehudith (Diti) Lean creates colorful, uplifting art quilts that depict the beautiful vistas and the flora and fauna of the land of Israel. For more information about this exhibit, please contact Phyllis Altman at paltman@jccgw. org or 301.348.3770.
GOLDMAN ART GALLERY
ARTsy Holiday Boutique & Craft Show Featured through December 4
Join us for a unique holiday boutique, art show and fun shopping experience. Find that one-of-a-kind gift for those special friends and family of all ages, or treat yourself! Jewelry, painted furniture, fused glass, Chanukah items, art for the walls, your table or to wear, items for children and adults...we have it all and more! For more information, please contact Phyllis Altman at paltman@jccgw.org or 301.348.3770.
Holiday Boutique and Craft Show Hours Mondays - Thursdays: 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays and Fridays: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays: Closed
KASS JUDAIC LIBRARY
Check out these Films!
Thirty top Jewish films—including The Pianist, The Diary of Ann Frank, Life is Beautiful, Munich, The Chosen, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Defiance and Paperclips—have just arrived in the Kass Judaic Library. The DVDs are available for check out to all JCCGW members. Please visit when a library volunteer is on duty. For more information or to check on hours of operation, please call the library at 301.348.3776 or contact Debby Goldberg at 301.348.3816 or dgoldberg@jccgw.org. Please note: Films are for private viewing only.
Artwork is accepted year-round. If you have artwork to donate, please bring it to the JCCGW front desk any time the Center is open. For more information contact Phyllis Altman at paltman@jccgw.org or 301.348.3770. The JCC of Greater Washington is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt non-profit organization as defined by the IRS. You will not receive any goods or services in return for this contribution, making it fully tax-deductible. The JCCGW does not have the ability to assess the value of donated artwork. Please consult a tax professional.
music to your ears MUSIC LESSONS Guitar • Piano • Violin • Flute Percussion • Voice • Clarinet Saxophone Contact Janet Getz at 301.348.3779 or jgetz@jccgw.org.
The 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 JCCGW 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 & LIFELONG LEARNING
Volunteer Spotlight on Brenda Flam
Brenda Flam Volunteer Brenda Flam was born in a small town in Pennsylvania and moved to Delaware when she was a year old. She attended The George Washington (GW) University and has lived in this area ever since. After graduating from GW, Brenda worked in a laboratory at the National Institutes of Health as a biological control technician and as a controls inspector for the Public Health Service. She spent most of her government service at the National Science Foundation where she was
an assistant program director in the biophysics grants program and program manager for grants for special projects. When she retired from that position in 1995, she went to work part-time at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute as an assistant in their grants program.
reading the Washington Post to those with impaired vision. She has been an active member of committees and boards of directors at condominiums where she has lived. Since moving to Leisure World, Brenda represented her condominium on Leisure World advisory committees.
As a volunteer in the Center’s Goldman Art Gallery and Kass Judaic Library, Brenda enjoys interacting with and helping others, and she feels it’s important to give back to her community. She said she gets a warm feeling whenever she enters the Center, and she loves hearing the preschoolers as they march in the hallways or sing Shabbat songs.
When she’s not generously giving of her time, talent and energy to support the JCCGW in so many meaningful ways, Brenda enjoys art, music, knitting, reading and travelling.
In addition to being a volunteer, Brenda participates in programs at the JCCGW. She has taken part in Adult Center for Education (ACE) seminars, as well as in the Book and Film Festivals. She also attends Women Connect, a JCCGW discussion group. Outside of the Center, Brenda’s volunteer activities have included
Literary Programs Coordinator Debby Goldberg says that Brenda is a dedicated volunteer. “She rarely misses a Wednesday, and is always thinking of ways to improve the library. Brenda played an integral role in helping replace our VHS collection with new Jewish films on DVD. She is very active, so I appreciate her making the library volunteer position a top priority every week. She is a pleasure to work with and always has a smile and an interesting story to share.”
Catch the Volunteer Spirit Being a volunteer doesn’t have to take or one year. You can pick a one-time a lot of time. You can devote as much event or a long-term project. or as little as you feel comfortable giving. Being a volunteer does put a smile on your face, a spring in your step and Being a volunteer doesn’t have to a rosy glow on your cheeks. There’s involve a long-term commitment. no better feeling in the world than You can volunteer for one hour, one knowing you’ve helped. Plus, you’ll afternoon or evening, one weekend meet some wonderful people and do 15 6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
something different. It’s a positive, enriching and energizing experience all around. Catch the spirit and get involved! To volunteer or for more information, please contact Adult Volunteer Director Gloria Derkay at 301.348.3740 or gderkay@jccgw.org.
DECEMBER 2013
Coming of Age Sails into National Harbor
Seniors Rule!
Traveling in the comfort of an Eyre bus, 55 Coming of Age participants recently enjoyed a lovely day at National Harbor. They had the opportunity to stroll around the harbor, shop in the boutiques and to see “The Awakening,” a five-piece iron sculpture depicting a bearded giant breaking free from the earth. A delicious lunch at McCormick & Schmick’s—located on the scenic banks of the Potomac River and overlooking the shores of Old Town Alexandria, Washington, D.C. and Maryland—topped off the day. Coming of Age in Maryland offers activities—including theater and museum excursions, luncheons, entertainment and speakers—to individuals age 60+. Membership is free. We invite you to join us to make friends and enjoy new experiences. For more information, contact the Coming of Age staff at 301.348.3832 or fenoch@jccgw.org.
“This was my first trip with CoA and it was perfect. The staff was lovely and I hope to travel with them next month and many more times. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to join them for such a nice day!”
Are you over 60 and looking to socialize, exercise and broaden your mind? Check out the Selma Sweetbaum Senior Satellite Program. We offer programs weekly all over Montgomery County as well as one site in Prince George’s County on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The programming is free but a $5 donation is suggested for the delicious hot kosher lunch. For more information, please contact Debbie Sokobin at dsokobin@jccgw.org or 301.348.3760. The Senior Satellite Program is named in honor of Selma Sweetbaum, who retired from the JCCGW in 2012. Selma has been a trailblazer in programming, advocacy and engagement on behalf of senior adults.
—Helen W.
Donate your vehicle and support three agencies. • jewish Foundation for group Homes • jewish community center of greater washington • jewish council for the aging
240.283.6000
www.car-j.org 16
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Thank You for Your Support To make a tribute gift, please visit jccgw.org/donate, or contact Samantha Frankel at 301.348.3861 or sfrankel@ jccgw.org. This list reflects gifts received from October 17 through November 15.
AQUATICS Seymour and Sheila Herman Aquatic Fitness Endowment Fund • in honor of Edith Lebowitz on her special birthday by Sheila Herman ARCHAEOLOGY Kitty and Benjamin Adelman Fund for Programs on Biblical Archaeology • in memory of Pete Ely by Debbie Sokobin 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 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 Maurice Weiss’ yahrzeit, maternal great uncle of Andrew by Rita, Richard and Jennifer Helgeson • in honor of Susan Reider’s birthday by Rita, Richard and Jennifer Helgeson • in honor of Ruth Book’s birthday by Rita, Richard and Jennifer Helgeson • in memory of Rochelle Schneider, mother of Dr. Alan Schneider and mother-in-law of Louise Schneider by Rita, Richard and Jennifer Helgeson • in memory of Coach John T. McCarthy, beloved husband of Deborah, father of Brigid and Patrick, Andrew’s coach by Rita, Richard and Jennifer Helgeson CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Marc Goodman Memorial Endowment Fund for Sports Activities for Children • in memory of James Mikedes by Leslie and Edward Shear CULTURAL ARTS Cultural Arts Programs • in memory of Craig Johnson by Galia and Joav Steinbach GENERAL SUPPORT Annual Fund • in memory of Donald Weisman by Linda and Steve Cohen; Norma and Howard Roseman • in memory of Paula Wolpe by Gloria and Lee Derkay • in memory of Marvin Waghelstein by Ruth Carski; Nina and Neil Gurvitch; Jodi and Scott Cohen and family
CONTRIBUTIONS • in honor of Allen Hillman’s special birthday by Arlene Mager • in honor of Rebecca Kutcher and Nathan Bortnick’s wedding by Wexner DC13 Cohort • in honor of Devin Streight, straight-A student by Ruth and Irwin Chornock HEALTH & FITNESS Herman Siegel Endowment Fund for Health & Fitness • in memory of Donald Weisman by Marge and Larry Kravitz JEWISH FAMILY LIVING & LEARNING Elaine S. Mann Endowment Fund for Israel Education Programs • in memory of Donald Weisman by Elaine and Daniel Mann Jeffrey Wolpe Memorial Fund • in memory of Paula Wolpe by Lillian Kronstadt; Elaine and Daniel Mann; Carol and Elliot Mincberg; Michele and Mark Weinstein and family SENIOR ADULTS Adult Center for Education • in memory of Margy Nurik’s sister by Gloria Derkay and Debbie Sokobin • in honor of Irv Nurik’s speedy recovery by Gloria Derkay and Debbie Sokobin Senior Adult Programs and Services • in memory of Sherman Family loved ones by Doug and Andrea Schuessler Sweetbaum Family Endowment Fund for Senior Adult Programs • in memory of Donald Weisman by Debbie Sokobin SPECIAL NEEDS Dinner of Champions • in memory of Rita Margolis by the Nadler family • in honor of Dr. Rachel Chernikoff Zang by Marla Caplan; Lucy and Larry Cohen; Janice Rosenblatt and Ed Williams • in honor of Jeffrey Slavin by Katherine and David Bradley; Paulette and Larry Walker, Kimberly and Howard Vogel, Heather and Jason Klein • in honor of Mark Ein by Katherine and David Bradley • in honor of Anita and Arthur Polott by Rochelle Alpert • in honor of Diana Bender-Bier and Sara Bender-Bier by Gloria and Lee Derkay • in honor of Heather and Andrew Sachs by Paulette and Larry Walker, Kimberly and Howard Vogel, Heather and Jason Klein • in honor of Michael Feinstein and Fara Gold by Debra Vodenos and Samuel Boxerman
17 6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
Benjamin L. Friedberg Endowment Fund for Children with Special Needs • in memory of Edward Shavitz by Toby and Abraham Friedberg Alma and Joseph B. Gildenhorn Endowment for Children with Special Needs • in memory of Trudy Greenberg’s granddaughter, Brooke by Alma and Joseph Gildenhorn • in memory of William Lipnick’s father by Alma and Joseph Gildenhorn Goldberg Goldman Endowment for Sports Activities for Children with Special Needs • in honor of Bobbi Baruch and Jerry Ostrov’s granddaughter, Sadie Rose by Barbara Goldberg Goldman and Michael Goldman David Lev Kandel Memorial Endowment Fund • in memory of David Lev Kandel by the Leeds family • in honor of Max Kandel’s bar mitzvah by Harriet and Ted Friedman; Yvette and Giora Segev Special Needs and Inclusion Programs • in memory of Donald Weisman by Ellen Karch • in memory of Evelyn Berman by Ellen and Larry Goldstein • in honor of Heather and Andrew Sachs by Mr. and Mrs. Jerald Greenspan • in honor of Felice Kornberg’s special birthday by Marta and Bernie Wassertzug • in honor of Jennifer Vise’s birthday by Joyce Vise
center SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Books & Fellowship for Jewish singles age 45+: Chanukah celebration. 301.348.3816
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
5:30-7:30 p.m. A Chanukah Happening (page 4)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. JDS Kid Koverage. 301.348.3889
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. JDS Kid Koverage.
301.348.3889 12 p.m. New Friends, a group for widows and widowers. 301.348.3760
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9
11 a.m. Hurwitz Internal Light Low Vision
Support Group meets at Ring House. 301.348.3760 10 a.m. Preschool Open House. 301.348.3830
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
12:30-3 p.m. Coming of Age Food & Fun at Moti’s Grill. 301.348.3832
7:30 p.m. JCCGW Transitional Kindergarten informational meeting. 301.348.3830
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 8 p.m. Biblical Archaeology Forum (page 8)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
1:30-3 p.m. Coming of Age at Leisure World: “2,700 Years of Jewish History in Iran.” 301.348.3832
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
6:30 p.m. Preschool PJ Havdalah. 301.348.3830
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
10 a.m. Literary Arts Event: “Miss Manners
Minds Your Business” with author Judith Martin (page 13) 7:30 p.m. Polinger Artists of Excellence Concert: Hermitage Piano Trio (page 13)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
1:30-3 p.m. Coming of Age Movie Matinee
at Leisure World: “The Galilee Eskimos.” 301.348.3832. 7 p.m. Jewish Book Club: “Tevye the Dairyman and the Railroad Stories” by Sholem Aleichem. 301-348.3816
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
2 p.m. Coming of Age Excursion to Olney Theatre Center: “The King and I.” 301.348.3832
DECEMBER 2013
UPCOMING EVENTS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 7:30 p.m. 50+ Singles Group. 301.348.3760
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Books & Fellowship for Jewish singles age 45+: “My Russian Grandmother and Her American Vacuum Cleaner” by Meir Shalev. 301.348.3816
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Winter Break Kid Koverage (page 6)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Winter Break Kid Koverage (page 6)
7 p.m. Low Vision Support Group. Contact Anita Cohen at 301.299.7077.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25 FAMILY FUN DAY! 301.348.3712 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m. JCCGW hours 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Family Swim 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Family Gym 12:30 p.m. Family Film
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Winter Break Kid Koverage (page 6)
1:30-3:30 p.m. History Club meets at Ring House. 301.348.3760
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Winter Break Kid Koverage (page 6)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Winter Break Kid Koverage (page 6)
10:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Coming of Age Day @ the Ring: exercise, discussion, lunch and entertainment. 301.348.3832
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31
New Year’s Eve 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Health & Fitness Hours 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Winter Break Kid Koverage (page 6) 3 p.m. Offices close Preschool is closed WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014 New Year’s Day 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Health & Fitness Hours Offices and Preschool are closed
WEEKLY ONGOING PROGRAMS
SUNDAYS 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Elie Ronen Scott Family Gym MONDAYS 7:15 p.m. Duplicate Bridge TUESDAYS 1 p.m. Women’s Discussion Group 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 2:30 p.m. Men’s Discussion Group THURDAYS 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Senior Adult Chorus at Ring House 10:45 a.m. Seniors Organized for Change at Ring House 1 p.m. Scrabble 3 p.m. Drop-in Discussion in Hebrew FRIDAYS 9:30-10:30 a.m. Shabbat Shalom Age 6 mos.-3 yrs. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Chess
Selma Sweetbaum Senior Satellite Program 301.348.3760
MONDAYS Temple Solel in Bowie Ring House in Rockville 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH Young Israel Shomrei Emunah Congregation in Silver Spring 2nd & 4th WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH Gwendolyn Coffield Community Center in Silver Spring THURSDAYS Har Tzeon Congregation in Silver Spring Ring House in Rockville
HEALTH & FITNESS HOURS Monday-Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
5:30 a.m.-10 p.m. 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
The building closes ½ hour after the H&F Department closes.
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Here we come to save the day! DECEMBER 2013
SUMMER 2014 Session 1 June 23-July 3
(no camp July 4)
Session 2 July 7-July 18 Session 3 July 21-August 8
Apply online at jccgw.org/camp. For more information, contact Camp JCC at campjcc@jccgw.org or 301.348.3883.
Preschool at the JCC of Greater Washington Quality Staff • Inspired Curriculum • Active Learning
Our Teachers Make the Difference Our son’s teachers created a warm, nurturing, and creative environment where he has flourished. Every day he has a new story about the ‘best’ day.
• Preschool for children ages 24 months – 5 years • Half and full-day options, 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. • Conveniently located in Rockville, Maryland
Take a closer look at our Open House on December 9 or January 28. RSVP to preschool@jccgw.org
301.348.3839 | jccgw.org | preschool@jccgw.org 19