December 2015
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Center Story: Retired, but Still Working (Out) 2
CEO’s Message 3
Board Chair’s Message 4
Support 5
Health & Fitness 6
Camp, Youth & Teens 7
Jewish Family Living & Learning 8
Arts & Culture 9
Adults 10
Contributions 11
Upcoming Events 12
Cover photo: Member Jacob Elbaz (story, page 2)
HAPPY CHANUKAH center scene
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CENTER STORY Retired, but Still Working (Out) In this interview, we invite you to meet member Jacob Elbaz who can regularly be found in our health & fitness center.
When and why you did you come to the DC area? I moved to the U.S. in 1973, arriving in Cincinnati, Ohio where some of my family members lived. After a couple of years I moved to Boston for a short time, then came to the DC area where my twin brother was working as a baker. We rented rooms from a man named David Yeager, who was a kosher caterer and Holocaust survivor. I had been working as a bread delivery truck driver until Mr. Yeager referred me to a friend and asked him to hire me as a graphic artist. From there, I landed at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Columbia, Maryland as an illustrator, 3D modeler and animator. I worked there for 29 years until my retirement three years ago.
Committed to staying in shape, Jacob Elbaz always manages to smile through the pain.
What is your experience as an Israeli living in this area? When I first came to D.C. in 1976, I felt very comfortable because I found many Israeli friends. I’ve been a member of Magen David Sephardic Congregation in Rockville for the last 27 years and I love it. Magen David has a membership made from many different cultures.
What is your history with the JCCGW? I first joined the JCC because my son attended preschool and I miss Israel very much and I try to visit once a year to see family and friends. Israel is always in my heart and thoughts. kindergarten here. We were very happy with the program. Who has had the biggest influence on your life? My parents were the most important influences in my life. Immigrating from Morocco in 1948 with eight children, they took a leap of faith and came to an unknown place. They had four more children in Israel, and then adopted four more. I saw how hard they worked every day to provide for their children. No matter how difficult it was financially, there was always so Please tell us about your background and your family. I was born in Jerusalem, Israel in 1951, the 11th of 16 siblings. much love in the house. When I was 7 years old, Prime Minister I joined the military as a young adult and after my service, David Ben-Gurion came to our house to name my mom “Mother attended the Technical College of Netanya where I studied of the Year.” architecture and drafting. Other than working out, what keeps you busy in retirement? I have been married to Linda Elbaz for the past 26 years. She I’ve become a volunteer at the Hebrew Home and at Magen was a teacher of the visually impaired at Montgomery County David, where I am in charge of the committee for bikur cholim Public Schools for 40 years. We have one son, Jonathan, who (visiting the sick). I still create artwork in my free time. These days, I come to the gym about four times a week, mainly to use the exercise machines and steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. I also play racquetball and squash. There are many fitness centers in the area, but I stay with the JCC because I want to support the Jewish community.
works at Politico.
CENTER SCENE EDITORIAL STAFF Treva Bustow, Chief Marketing Officer | Mauricio Garcia, Production Artist/Design | Andrea Kronzek, Editor
For information on advertising in Center Scene, please contact Treva Bustow at 301.348.3754 or tbustow@jccgw.org.
The JCCGW 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 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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ALL ARE WELCOME
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP OFFICERS Felicia K. Gottdenker, Chair of the Board of Directors Helen Rubin, Administration/Finance Chair & Treasurer Heidi Hookman Brodsky, Development Chair Darryl Shrock, Membership and Programming Chair Mindy Berger, Governance Chair Neil Gurvitch, General Counsel Matthew Weinberg, Secretary Andrew Chod, Assistant Secretary Brian Pearlstein, Assistant Treasurer Brian Gaines, Ombudsperson IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Bradley C. Stillman BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gilly Arie Arthur Polott Brent Berger, MD Adam Polsky Robert I. Black Tracy Bloom Schwartz Nathan Bortnick Reed Sexter Andrew Bridge Andrew P. Shulman Ron Gorfinkel Dale Singer Toby Gottesman Maurice “Mac” Lisa Gunty VerStandig Holli Beckerman Jaffe David Waghelstein Rami Kandel The Honorable Jeff Randi K. Meyrowitz Waldstreicher Candace Ourisman Sharon Zissman COUNCIL OF ADVISORS Daniel H. Abramowitz Jeffrey Linowes David S. Bender Lawrence Mann Stuart Bindeman Alan Meltzer Dean Eisen Robert Phillips Bernard Forseter Pamela Nadell, PhD 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 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 z”l Col. Julius Goldstein 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 z”l Joel S. Kaufman Bernard S. White z”l z”l Harry King Morton H. Wilner z”l z”l Fred Kogod 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 Ruth E. Carski, Chief Financial Officer Amy I. Gantz, Chief Operating Officer Adam Tennen, Chief Development Officer EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EMERITUS Robert H. Weiner
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Thinking Globally, Acting Locally Xxxxx Xxxxx Message from Michael Message from Michael Coming Lastsoon... month I had the opportunity to participate and learning leadership skills. Ultimately the
in JCC Global’s 9th World Conference of JCCs teens will bring their learning and new global in Jerusalem. JCC Global connects over a perspectives back to their communities, youth thousand JCCs worldwide. Nothing has made groups and JCCs. me feel as much a part of a Jewish people as attending this conference which attracted One of our teen participants, Melanie Ezrin, 500 lay and professional leaders from 24 described the impact of the first part of the countries. In addition to representatives from program as follows: The trip to Budapest and the countries I would have expected, there Szarvas [teen leadership camp in Hungary] were also representatives from the Jewish was absolutely amazing, and I had the most communities of China, Greece, India, Moldova, unbelievable experience. I couldn’t even begin Philippines and Turkey. There are many Jewish to describe the feeling of cheering for other communities around the world countries and them cheering for that are very small, yet the JCCs you, and dancing the hora around are working hard to create vibrant the dining hall with people you Michael Feinstein, CEO communities. don’t know and who might not speak English, yet still having While there was great diversity this incredible connection to in language, backgrounds and them… It’s been a life changing concerns in different communities, experience. I experienced an incredible feeling of oneness in the larger group and Creating personal connections is in my individual conversations Michael Feinstein, CEO fundamental to our mission. While with colleagues from Bordeaux, we are a JCC in Montgomery Athens, Krakow, Caracas, Jerusalem and County, Maryland, we live in a global world. other cities around the world. I’m sure many of When we have personal connections we you, like me, have played “Jewish geography” are more likely to take action when we see a when meeting someone for the first time, or felt need. Jews across the globe have a shared a connection to another Jewish person even history, religion and set of values that inform though you didn’t know them. That sense of our shared purpose as a people. Part of that being part of an extended family really came purpose is to help Jews in need wherever they through at this conference. are: “All Jews are all responsible for each other (Kol Yisrael arevim zeh b’zeh).” That is The first few days of the conference were part of the understanding we are creating for devoted to a smaller group of 25 JCCs from the teens involved in the Hamsa program. around the world who are participating in JCC Global’s Amitim-Fellows program. This Our purpose is also more universal - to help group has created seven global JCC projects create a more just and righteous world through that cover a broad range of programs such social activism by repairing the world (tikkun as developing best practices in the area of olam) and performing acts of kindness (hesed). special needs, arts programs and identify The teens will gain an understanding of these building programs. values through their leadership training and our Center’s teen participants will then help Our Center is partnering with the two JCCs in organize hands-on social action opportunities New York City (Manhattan and Bensonhurst), in our community. the JCC in Budapest and the community centers in Be’er Sheva on a teen program By thinking globally and acting locally we that seeks to develop inspired and engaged can create deeper connections to Jewish young leaders through an immersive communities around the world and our broader exchange program. The 19 teens participating community here at home. We anticipate that in this Hamsa Teen Fellowship program are the Hamsa program will help develop future spending time together in each country to Jewish leaders who understand that this learn about both the culture and challenges duality can enrich our lives, strengthen our in each community. They are learning what people, and bring greater understanding and they have in common and where they have meaning to being Jewish in the 21st century. differences. They are developing a sense of what it means to be Jewish and part of a global people, learning how to work across cultures Photo Photoby byShmulik ShmulikAlmany Almany
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LEADERSHIP Giving Thanks Message from Lisie
Lisie Gottdenker, Board Chair
As I write this article, I am still basking in the glow of yet another wonderful Dinner of Champions. This year, it seemed even more special. Ron and Joy Paul accepted the Irene and Abe Pollin Humanitarian Award with grace and humility and set the tone for an evening that highlighted the success we have achieved with our nationally-recognized Camp JCC inclusion program. Funds raised through this event will provide families with a rare opportunity for their children with special needs to be “just another kid”
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for a few weeks this summer. I think we all shared a sense of pride in the work of Camp JCC as Corey Migdal, a former inclusion camper, was inducted into the Hall of Fame because of his success in the Special Olympics. With Thanksgiving just behind us I am feeling extremely grateful to be involved in a community like ours. They say it “takes a village” and this 540 person event was no exception. It would not have come together without a true partnership between our lay leaders and staff. I am grateful to our event chairs, committee members, honorees and to the entire staff of the JCC for making the Dinner of Champions one of most well attended events in our history. A special thank you goes to the JCC staff--what they do every day is extraordinary. I thank them for coming together to support this evening, every one of them with smiles on their faces! Continuing the thanks, I feel very appreciative of all of the donors to the Centennial Capital Campaign. Hopefully, all of you have had a chance to see the
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
new social hall, gallery and maybe even peeked at the top floor of the Bender ECC. They are all beautiful! But, we have a long way to go. Phase one is just about complete and there are many more upgrades that our building needs. I urge all of you to join us, to whatever extent you can, and help us finish what we have started. We have raised over $10.4 million and we need all of your help to get us to our goal of $12 million. This is a true COMMUNITY center and we need the entire COMMUNITY to come together and make our vision a reality. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at boardchair@jccgw.org
SUPPORT
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Make your year-end gift today at jccgw.org/donate center scene
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HEALTH & FITNESS Spin your Dreidel and Your Wheels! Sunday, December 13 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. This Chanukah, the JCCGW will participate in the 4th annual Cycle for Good program to raise funds locally for Interfaith Works’ Wilkins Avenue Women’s Assessment Center. Participants at JCCs across North America will be riding stationary bikes at the same time, cycling for a good cause and their own wellness. Interfaith Works, founded in 1972, is a non-sectarian interfaith coalition of more than 165 affiliated congregations of diverse faiths, working together to meet the needs of the poor and homeless in Montgomery County, Maryland. Their programs shelter, clothe and feed our neighbors in need and provide supportive services with the goal of helping them achieve self-sufficiency. A one-hour bike rental is $36. Buddy up and split the time with a friend, or challenge yourself and ride for more than one hour! Participants with young children who are unable to cycle are invited for games and family activities in the gym. Sign up to be a part of this unique, fun and meaningful way to celebrate Chanukah! To reserve a spot, register online at jccgw.org or contact Susan Fischer at 301.348.3892 or sfischer@jccgw.org. Registration Codes 9 a.m. - 15213 | 10 a.m. - 15214 | 11 a.m. - 15215 | Family Event - 15216
Experience of a Lifetime Calling athletes age 10-16: Tryouts for the JCC Maccabi Games and MidAtlantic Junior Games begin in January. For details, please send an e-mail to games@jccgw.org.
“Two words: incredibly awesome.”
─JCC Maccabi Games participant
WINTER YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE
The Best Defense to a Boring Winter Age 5-14 | January 10-February 28 Register now for our co-ed basketball league! No prior competitive basketball skills are necessary. All participants are required to attend a one-day tryout and will then be placed on a team. Coaches will teach the fundamentals and will emphasize the importance of good sportsmanship. The teams will practice one night a week; games will be held on Sunday afternoons. All participants will have the opportunity to play in the games each Sunday. For more information or to register, visit jccgw.org or contact Anthony Hunter at 301.348.3852 or ahunter@jccgw.org.
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6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
CAMP, YOUTH & TEENS REGISTER NOW!
Winter Break School Out Days
APPLY AT JCCGW.ORG/CAMP CAMP JCC 2016 SESSIONS
Session 1 | June 27-July 8 (no camp July 4) Session 2 | July 11-22 Session 3 | July 25-August 12 Applications are now open to returning 2015 Camp JCC member* campers, returning 2015 Camp JCC campers, and new Camp JCC member* families. *Must have family level membership in good standing
Applications are open to all beginning December 3 at noon.
SUMMER 2016 KIDS’ CLUB Aleph Week Bet Week Gimmel Week
June 20-24 August 15-19 August 22-26
If you can’t beat the cold, join us in the warmth of the JCCGW for a fun and engaging day of activities that may include sports, swimming, cooking and arts & crafts. A registration form, current emergency form and signed behavior contract must be on file for each child at least three full business days prior to the first day of attendance. Before and after care are also offered. To register online, please visit jccgw.org. For more information, please send an email to afterschool@jccgw.org. Wednesday, December 23 Thursday, December 24* Monday, December 28 Tuesday, December 29 Wednesday, December 30 Thursday, December 31
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
*No after care
For more information about Camp JCC and Summer Kids’ Club, please call 301.348.3883 or send an email to campjcc@jccgw.org.
A Very Family Fun Day Friday, December 25 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Family gym and swim, songs, story time, movie, lunch and more. Join us!
Join the Camp JCC Staff Family
For more information, please visit jccgw.org or contact Jennifer Radosh at 301.348.3848 or jradosh@jccgw.org.
Attention Teachers, College Students, Teens, Moms and Dads: Are you enthusiastic, passionate, creative, dependable, active and full of ruach (spirit)? Then spend an amazing summer at Camp JCC as a unit head, head counselor, counselor, specialist, swim instructor or nurse. This is an eight-week commitment from June 20-August 12. To apply online, visit jccgw.org/camp. For more information, please contact campjcc@jccgw.org.
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JEWISH FAMILY LIVING & LEARNING Chag HaBanot: Another Holiday on Chanukah By Rabbi Elyssa Joy Auster Photo: rabbisarahtasman.wordpress.com
sense that Chag HaBanot, which means Festival of the Daughters, would gain some celebrants as women’s roles in society increase, as well.
If you are like me, you hadn’t heard about Chag HaBanot, an additional holiday that takes place during Chanukah. A holiday that commemorates both a military victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks and the miracle of a small amount of oil lasting for eight days, Chanukah has increased in importance as we live dispersed among other religions which have important holidays at the same time. So it makes
The holiday comes from Jews in North Africa who would celebrate the new Hebrew month of Tevet as Chag HaBanot. Traditionally, the new Hebrew month, or Rosh Chodesh, is celebrated as a women’s holiday, corresponding to the cycles of the moon. The month of Tevet always falls on the seventh night of Chanukah, which happens to be the longest new moon of the year. The new moon is when the moon cannot be seen at all, so though it is not the longest night of the year (that is about one week later), we can imagine that it is the darkest night of the year.
That we would celebrate that which cannot be seen is nothing new for Judaism, but it is a reminder to take note of all the blessings in our lives which typically go unnoticed or unappreciated—including the people. This year, as we increase the light for each night of Chanukah, let us also increase the metaphorical light that we bring to others in kindness and good deeds. If you would like to learn more about Chag Habanot, the book of Judith, and take part in North African Jewish traditions, join us for a special evening of celebration, meditation and learning with Rabbi Sarah Tasman on Sunday, December 13 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. as part of the Mindfulness Series. Please sign up on line at jccgw.org, and bring a menorah if you have one!
Shabbat Shabbang, Chanukah Style Friday, December 11 | 5:45 p.m.
Families with young children are invited to Chanukah Shabbat Shabbang, a program designed to create a community of new and old friends. We will share in a seasonallyinspired gourmet meal, be delighted by professional entertainers, and participate in a creative and enriching Chanukah craft activity that will be fun for both children and parents.
Tickets can be purchased at jccgw.org/shabbatshabbang The fee is $10 per adult; $6 per child age 2+ (free for children under 2); or $36 for families of five or more. To register or for more information, please contact Jennifer Radosh at 301.348.3848 or jradosh@jccgw.org.
Momentum Women’s Trip to Israel July 24-August 2, 2016
“Inspire a woman, you inspire a family. Inspire enough families, you inspire a community. Inspire enough communities, you can change the world.” Presented in partnership with the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (jwrp.org), this trip is primarily for women with children under 18 at home. Momentum trips are FREE, excluding airfare, $75 for tips and a $49 acceptance fee. Participants pay a $360 deposit, which is fully refundable upon return from the trip. For more information, please contact Susan Stillman at 301.275.2371 or susan_stillman@yahoo.com.
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6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
Family Chanukah Celebration Sunday, December 13 2-4 p.m. at Pike and Rose
Come and enjoy the season of light with family-friendly crafts, activities and entertainment at our community Chanukah celebration to be held at Pike and Rose. Please watch for details at jccgw.org, or contact Phil Liebson at 301.348.3880 or pliebson@jccgw.org.
ARTS & CULTURE GOLDMAN ART GALLERY POLINGER ARTISTS OF EXCELLENCE CONCERT SERIES
Loss and Beauty:
Sunday, December 6 | 7:30 p.m.
Creating Solace in a Land of Infinite Sorrow
Trio Solisti & Richard O’Neill Trio Solisti, the critically-acclaimed piano trio, has forged a stellar reputation with a passionate performance style that combines exceptional virtuosity and penetrating musical insight. They will be joined by violist Richard O’Neill, two-time Grammy nominee and Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient.
December 4-20
Tickets are $31 for those under age 40, $36 for those age 62+, and $41 for the general public. To purchase tickets, please visit Trio Solisti jccgw.org/concerts or call the box office “the most exciting piano trio in America” at 301.348.3872. ─The New Yorker
NEW ORCHESTRA OF WASHINGTON (NOW)
“Mostly Russia”
With Cellist Tim Park Sunday, December 13 | 7 p.m. For this program, NOW collaborates with cellist Tim Park, who has been praised for his energetic and exhilarating performances and for his expressive and beautiful sound. The evening includes a pre-concert lecture by composer Joel Phillip Friedman and a post-concert reception.
Cellist Tim Park has performed in many of the world’s most prestigious concert halls.
The fee is $20 for students, $35 for JCCGW members, and $40 for the general public. For tickets, please visit jccgw.org/concerts or call the box office at 301.348.3872.
Sponsors Help Book Festival Turn another Chapter The JCCGW deeply appreciates the major sponsors who so generously supported the 46th Lessans Family Annual Book Festival, held last month. For the list of sponsors and to see photos, please visit jccgw.org/bookfestival.
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The Goldman Gallery is open when the JCCGW is open. Please join us for a reception with the artist on Sunday, December 20, 2-4 p.m. This exhibit by photographer, writer and instructor Keron Psillas is a collection of images about the nature of personal journeys during the Nazi Holocaust. Composites of original photographs express the relationship between home and final resting place and the journeys, psychological and physical, that were undertaken. For more information, please visit jccgw. org/gallery or contact Lisa Del Sesto at 301.348.3756 or ldelsesto@jccgw.org. JCCGW SCHOOL OF DANCE & ART
Express Yourself
We offer: • Dance classes in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical and hip-hop • Art classes in painting and drawing, clay modeling, scrapbooking and more For more information, visit jccgw.org or contact Debbie Clark at 301.348.3777 or dclark@jccgw.org.
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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 Adult Living and Learning (ALL) Access Trip to Israel for Active Seniors May 16-26, 2016 INFORMATION SESSION: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 | 7:30 p.m.
Danielle Flicker, JCC shlicha (emissary) will talk about Israel, its people and its culture, and will provide details about this exciting trip designed for active adults age 60+. Participants must be able to walk ½ mile unassisted. The full and exciting itinerary involves walking and climbing stairs. For more information or to RSVP, contact Debbie Sokobin at 301.348.3760 or dsokobin@jccgw.org.
Beyond Bible Stories Wednesdays, December 2-23 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. The first 11 chapters of the Book of Genesis contain many of our favorite Bible stories from childhood. Yet if we read them carefully along with key commentaries, they become sophisticated stories about human nature, our place in the world, and the relationship of humans and the divine. Add your insights and voice, and learn with us in this class. Taught by JoHanna Potts, Master Jewish Educator, the fee for the class is $25 for members and $35 for the general public. For more information or to register, please contact Debbie Sokobin at 301.348.3760 or dsokobin@jccgw.org.
Jewish Women of Song
Wednesdays, December 2-16 | 1-2 p.m. Explore the contributions of Jewish women to music, and of women to Jewish music. We will learn about the lives of Sophie Tucker, Fanny Brice and Dinah Shore ― through their histories and music ― with performer Karen Webber Gilat. The fee for the series is $15 for members and $30 for the general public. For more information or to register (code 14786), visit jccgw.org or contact Debbie Sokobin at 301.348.3760 or dsokobin@jccgw.org.
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6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
CONTRIBUTIONS Thank You for Your Support The following list reflects gifts received from October 15 through November 16. CAMP Morris Z. and Vivian Cohn Fund for Special Recreation Services • in honor of Jaden Gaines’ bar mitzvah by Lucy Hassell 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 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, Dec. 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 by Rita and Richard Helgeson • congratulations to Susan and Roger Reider on the marriage of their son Daniel to Meenoch by Rita, Richard and Jennifer Helgeson CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES Brett, Olin, Sanger and Shesser Family Endowment Fund for Children in Need • in memory of Madeline Shesser by Florence Weinberg CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Marc Goodman Memorial Endowment Fund for Sports Activities for Children • in memory of Harriette Sody by Leslie and Eddie Shear
GENERAL SUPPORT Annual Fund • in memory of Saul Rogolsky by Aspire (Child Center and Adult Services); Rosalie Bird; Barbara Caplan; JCCGW Men’s Club; Paula Kramer, Johns Hopkins University; Caryl Weinbaum and family; Joseph Wildberg • in memory of Treva Bustow’s grandmother by Ruth Carski; Lisa Epstein; Jodi Shulimson • in memory of Gilda Snyder by Gale and Ronald Greenbaum • in memory of Leon Abramson by Gale and Ronald Greenbaum • in memory of Melvyn Newman by Tracy Bloom Schwartz • in memory of Herb Kotz by Harriet and Greg Friedman • in honor of Phil Liebson’s son’s birth by Ruth Carski • in honor of Olivia Gottdenker’s bat mitzvah by Jodi Shulimson; Sara and Adam Tennen • in honor of Bob Sandler’s special birthday by Kate Losman Centennial Capital Campaign • in memory of Saul Rogolsky by Alice and Robert Goodman • in honor of Jacob and Noah Jaffe by Patricia Kagan HEALTH & FITNESS Health & Fitness Programs • in memory of Saul Rogolsky by Francine and Larry Urgenson • in honor of Robert Sandler by Bev and Allen Mushinsky JEWISH FAMILY LIVING & LEARNING Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project • in honor of Naomi Stillman’s bat mitzvah by Rebecca, Jonathan, Jacob, Zachary and Jonah Gross; Bobbie and Stuart Levin; Vanessa May and family SENIOR ADULTS Coming of Age • in honor of Freida Enoch, Melanie Greenfield and Meryl Trachtman by Rosalyn Bramson Men’s Club • in honor of Toby Gottesman’s new grandchild by Lisie Gottdenker
CULTURAL ARTS Nora Davenport Memorial Music Fund • in memory of Nora Davenport by Joanna Schlesinger
Senior Adult Programs • in memory of Treva Bustow’s grandmother by Debbie Sokobin • in honor of Toby Gottesman’s grandson’s birth by Debbie Sokobin
Vera and Ralph Deckelbaum Music Endowment Fund • in memory of Holly Kopit by Vera and Ralph Deckelbaum • in memory of Howard Weinstein by Vera and Ralph Deckelbaum • in memory of Dr. Joseph DiPaola by Vera and Ralph Deckelbaum
Sweetbaum Family Endowment Fund for Senior Adult Programs • in memory of Saul Rogolsky by Selma Sweetbaum • in memory of Treva Bustow’s grandmother by Andi Kronzek
EARLY CHILDHOOD Sondra and Howard Bender Early Childhood Center • in memory of Howard Bender by Meryl and Jack Abel; Amy and Barry Baker; Sandy and Stanley Bobb; Canyon Ranch, Enid and Mel Zuckerman, and Jerry Cohen; Colonial Parking; Joan and Chip Glasgow; Goodman-Gable-Gould/Adjusters International; Bobette Heller; Arlene and Robert Kogod; Nancy Kolodin; Phyllis and Morton Lessans; Sandy and Howard Lipset; Miller & Long; Melanie and Larry Nussdorf; Susan and James Pittleman; Holli Rivera, Intentional Philanthropy LLC
SPECIAL NEEDS Dinner of Champions • in honor of Joy and Ron Paul by Ellie and Larry Alpert; Marla and Dale Edlin; Mickie Greenberg; Charla and Steven Lerman; Carol and Richard Margolis; Matchbox Food Group; Rita Segerman; Allison and Steve Shaffer • in honor of Jacky Loube by Wendy and Darryn Band; Allen Mathis • in honor of Eva Chambers by Mary and Arnold Hammer • in honor of Mark Weinstein by Adah Rose Bitterbaum and Steve Epstein
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• in honor of Corey Migdal by Melissa, Steve, Max, Eli and Noah Hochberg • in honor of Daphne Lerner by Sue Zuckerman • in honor of Brian Shorr by Debbi, Rick, Carol and Isaac Wilgoren • in honor of Ellie Gottdenker by Mindy Strelitz and Andrew Cornblatt; the Koffsky family; Francine Trachtenberg Benjamin L. Friedberg Endowment Fund for Children with Special Needs • in memory of Abe Friedberg by Ruth Newhouse Alma and Joseph B. Gildenhorn Endowment for Children with Special Needs • in memory of Flo Ourisman by Alma and Joe Gildenhorn • in memory of Holly Snider by Alma and Joe Gildenhorn Jack and Dorothy Greif - Sam and Sarah Bohm Scholarship Fund for Jewish Children with Special Needs • in memory of Lil Silverberg by Aline and Joseph Greif • in honor of Aline and Joseph Greif’s 50th wedding anniversary by Aline and Joseph Greif David Lev Kandel Memorial Endowment Fund • in honor of Olivia Gottdenker’s bat mtzvah by Melanie and Rami Kandel Special Needs & Inclusion Program • in honor of Adam Gates’ bar mitzvah by Pamela and Peter Friedman TEEN PROGRAMS Richard B. Reff, M.D. Maccabi Youth Games Endowment Fund • in honor of Jacky Loube by Seena and Barry Gudelsky
Donate your vehicle and support three agencies. • jewish Foundation for group Homes • jewish community center of greater washington • jewish council for the aging
Contact Adam Tennen 240.283.6000 at 301.348.3815 or
atennen@jccgw.org www.car-j.org
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UPCOMING EVENTS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. CESJDS School Out Day. 301.348.3767
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. CESJDS School Out Day. 301.348.3767 12-2 p.m. New Friends, a social group for individuals age 60+. 301.348.3760
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
7:30 p.m. Polinger Artists of Excellence Concert Series: Trio Solisti and Richard O’Neill (page 9)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Mommy Movie Monday. 301.348.3837
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8
1:30-3 p.m. Coming of Age meets at Shaare Tefila (16620 Georgia Avenue, Olney) with entertainment by Jazz Delights. $6. 301.348.3832
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9
8 p.m. Biblical Archaeology Forum: “Legacy of the Minoans” presented by Emily Anderson, Johns Hopkins University. BAF.JCCGW@gmail.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10
7:30 p.m. Israel trip for active seniors: information session (page 10)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11
5:45 p.m. Chanukah Shabbat Shabbang (page 8)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Cycle for Good (page 6) 2-4 p.m. Chanukah celebration at Pike & Rose (page 8) 4:30-6 p.m. Chag HaBanot Chanukah Meditation. 301.348.3861 7 p.m. Concert: “Mostly Russia,” with NOW (New Orchestra of Washington) and cellist Tim Park (page 9)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14
10:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Coming of Age Day @ the Ring. 301.348.3832 11 a.m. Low Vision Support Group meets at Ring House. 301.348.3760
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15
1:30-3:30 p.m. Coming of Age movie matinee at Leisure World Clubhouse II: “Dough.” $6. 301.348.3832
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
10 a.m. Preschool Open House. 301.348.3830 7:30 p.m. Mix & Mingle Coffee House for Baby Boomers & Kindred Spirits: “Seasonal Socializing.” $3. 301.348.3808
SELMA SWEETBAUM SENIOR SATELLITE PROGRAM
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Shabbat Chanting and Meditation at Temple Shalom in Chevy Chase. 301.348.3861
MONDAY, DECEMBER 28
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Winter Break School Out Day (page 7)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Winter Break School Out Day (page 7)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20
2-4 p.m. Goldman Art Gallery reception (page 9)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Mommy Movie Monday. 301.348.3837 7:30 p.m. Coming of Age excursion to Signature Theatre: “West Side Story.” Tickets: $49. Transportation: $18. RSVP by December 9. 301.348.3832
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Winter Break School Out Day (page 7)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve 5:50 a.m.-3 p.m. H&F hours 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Winter Break School Out Day (page 7) Offices close at 3 p.m.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Winter Break School Out Day (page 7)
New Year’s Day 7 a.m.-8 p.m. H&F hours Offices & Preschool are closed
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Winter Break School Out Day (page 7) 1:30-3 p.m. History Club meets at the JCCGW. 301.348.3760
TUESDAY, JANUARY 16
1 p.m. JCCGW/Hadassah Book Club. 301.348.3778
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25
7 a.m.-8 p.m. H&F hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Offices open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. A Very Family Fun Day (page 7) Preschool is closed
HEALTH & FITNESS HOURS Mon.-Thur. Fri. Sat. Sun.
5:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. 5:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
The building closes ½ hour after the H&F Department closes.
WEEKLY ONGOING PROGRAMS
301.348.3760 SUNDAYS Mondays 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Elie Ronen Scott Family Gym Temple Solel in Bowie MONDAYS Ring House in Rockville 11 a.m. Women’s Connections Tuesdays 7:15 p.m. Duplicate Bridge (resumes in JCCGW in Rockville October) 1st & 3rd Wednesday TUESDAYS Of Each Month 1 p.m. Men’s Discussion Group Young Israel Shomrei Emunah 2:30 p.m. Chess Congregation in Silver Spring 2nd & 4th Wednesday of Each Month WEDNESDAYS 10-10:30 a.m. Storytime Singalong. Har Tzeon Congregation in Wheaton Age 5 and under with parent/caregiver Thursdays 2 p.m. Men’s Discussion Group Har Tzeon Congregation in Wheaton RingMontrose House inRoad Rockville 6125 • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
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
10-11 a.m. Shabbat Shalom Age 6 mos.-3 yrs. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Chess