NOVEMBER MAY 2014
November 2014
SMILING AT LIFE
Sivan Krowitz (cover photo with puppet, Dino) Page 2
A WAY WITH WORDS
The Lessans Family Annual Book Festival Pages 10-11
DINNER OF CHAMPIONS Where every all-star is included Pages 6-7
WE WANT YOUR OPINION
ABOUT CENTER SCENE MAGAZINE
Please visit jccgw.org/survey, complete the form on page 4, or pick up a survey at the front desk.
1
center
STORY
Smiling at Life By Andrea Kronzek
she worked as a kindergarten teacher for children with special needs. Greg was offered a job opportunity in Australia, so they moved there with their two children, Romi and Noam (now 8 and 6, respectively). Their third child, Mika (now 3), was born in Australia. After three years in Australia, the family returned to Israel. A year and a half later, they decided to move to the U.S. “We settled in Rockville because it was important to be in a place with a large Jewish community with many Jewish and Israeli families, good schooling and quality of life.”
The Krowitz Family: Romi, Sivan, Mika, Greg and Noam
Sivan Krowitz was born and raised in Kfar Bilu, a moshav (small village) in Israel near Rehovot. The middle of three children, Sivan says she had an amazing childhood, riding bikes with friends, running shoeless on the street, and walking to the makolet (grocery store) to buy treats. Her grandfather sold chickens. He had an orchard with avocados and oranges, which he sold and exported to Europe. As a teen, Sivan taught younger kids about the country of Israel as part of the Noar Haoved (an Israeli Scout group). She joined the army at 18, working with new immigrant children from Ethiopia who had come from troubled homes. During this period she met Greg, who is now her husband. “I knew from the first moment I saw him that he was going to be stuck with me forever!” After serving two years in the army, Sivan joined Greg in South Africa, his homeland, where he was working as a commercial pilot. When they got engaged, Sivan and Greg returned to Israel, where they had both grown up. Sivan earned degrees in social studies, criminology and education for children with special needs. “I’ve always enjoyed working and doing special activities with children. I had my own business called Trampoline, entertaining children at birthday parties.” Sivan also worked as controller of cultural events on a kibbutz. After the birth of her first child, Romi,
2
Joining the Center was one of their priorities. “The JCCGW is incredible and I enjoy sending my kids here, knowing that they are getting the Israeli/Jewish background and education that they need,” Sivan relates. Mika is in the 3s class in the JCCGW Preschool, and Romi and Noam participate in afterschool classes. Romi is also a member of the Israeli Scout movement, Tzofim, which meets at the Center. When Noam was in the JCCGW Preschool, Sivan volunteered to teach the children about Israel and the Jewish holidays. That led to her recently joining the preschool staff as a Hebrew teacher. “It is difficult to compete with today’s technology, so I have to be very creative to hold the interest of the children. Every lesson is by way of a puppet show, songs, games and storytelling.” If caring for her three children and teaching Hebrew don’t keep her busy enough, Sivan has her own business, En den Dino (the Israeli version of “Eeni, Meeni, Mini, Mo”), teaches Israeli children at Beit Habad and at Farmland Elementary School, and holds story time for a group of 3-year-olds each week. She also coordinates a monthly story time, Hebrew PJ Library, hosted by the Israeli house. “Being an educator is in my blood, something that I love to do. I get a lot of satisfaction when I see that the children are attentive and enjoying the lesson.” Over the summer, the Krowitz family went back to Israel for a visit. “The first three weeks were incredible, visiting many places with family and friends. Then the war with Gaza began and
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
everything changed,” Sivan relates. “We spent most of our day running into the shelters, with sirens blaring and rockets falling close by.“ Sivan says she has experienced many difficult times in Israel, but it is where her heart is. “I am proud to be Jewish, Israeli and also part of this wonderful country.” With three children and a loving husband, Sivan’s philosophy of life is to be a good person and a loving mother and wife. “As it is said in Hebrew, if you are a good person, life will smile back at you.”
CENTER SCENE EDITORIAL STAFF Treva Bustow, Chief Marketing Officer Mauricio Garcia, Production Artist/Design Andrea Kronzek, Editor 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. For information on advertising in Center Scene, contact Rebecca Salzman at 301.348.3754 or rsalzman@jccgw.org. Center Scene assumes no responsibility for the kashrut status of products advertised.
ALL ARE WELCOME 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. Inclusion permeates our Center. Inclusion is belonging.
center
LEADERSHIP
OFFICERS Bradley C. Stillman, President Felicia K. Gottdenker, President-Elect Brian Pearlstein, Vice President for Administration/Treasurer Heidi Hookman Brodsky, Vice President for Development Mindy Berger, Vice President for Member & Guest Services
Arthur Polott, Vice President for Programming Neil Gurvitch, Vice President & General Counsel Matthew Weinberg, Secretary Andrew Chod, Assistant Secretary Darryl Shrock, Assistant Treasurer Monique Buckles, Ombudsperson EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Robert G. Epstein IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Scott M. Cohen BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gilly Arie Adam Polsky Brent Berger, MD Helen Rubin Robert I. Black Tracy Bloom Schwartz Nathan Bortnick Reed Sexter Andrew Bridge Andrew P. Shulman Brian Gaines Dale Singer Toby Gottesman Maurice VerStandig Amy Guberman David Waghelstein Holli Beckerman Jaffe 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 Harry M. Linowes 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 Rosalie B. Gerber z”l Burnett Siman z”l Michael S. Gildenhorn Beth C. Sloan Col. Julius Goldstein z”l Charles E. Smith z”l Simon Hirshman z”l Andrew M. Stern Lesley Israel John D. VerStandig Rosalyn Levy Jonas Bernard M. Weisz Edward H. Kaplan Bernard S. White z”l Joel S. Kaufman z”l Morton H. Wilner z”l Harry King z”l Donald E. Wolpe Fred Kogod z”l Robert P. Kogod z”l of blessed memory Samuel Lehrman EXECUTIVE TEAM Michael Feinstein, Chief Executive Officer Treva Bustow, Chief Marketing Officer Ruth E. Carski, Chief Financial Officer Tracey E. Dorfmann, Chief Program Officer Amy I. Gantz, Chief Operating Officer Adam Tennen, Chief Development Officer EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EMERITUS Robert H. Weiner
NOVEMBER 2014
Protecting Our Children Message from Michael
A little over a year ago, I sat in a conference We are obligated to be proactive in protecting room filled with other JCC others. So now is the perfect executive directors listening to time to do more to protect our a presentation on how to make children both at the Center and our JCCs safer. As you might in the community at large. imagine, I spend a fair amount of my time on safety and security To that end, I am proud to issues. Yet, the other directors announce that the Center has and I sat in stunned silence received a grant from the Tikkun when presented with national Olam Women’s Foundation, statistics on child sexual abuse. an independent project of the About 400,000 children under United Jewish Endowment Fund age 18 will be sexually abused Michael Feinstein, CEO of The Jewish Federation of this year – one in seven girls and Greater Washington that will one in 25 boys. That represents 10% of children enable us to partner with Darkness to Light, under age 18. We had no idea of the magnitude the nationally acclaimed nonprofit whose goal of the problem. is to end child sexual abuse. We will bring their Stewards of Children© program to our While I have followed in horror the stories community in partnership with the Jewish about child sexual abuse in the Catholic church, Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA). the Jerry Sandusky case at Penn State and the JCCGW and JCADA will create programs to sexual abuse scandal at Yeshiva University’s increase awareness of the issue throughout the high school, I felt that we were following community and our facilitators will train both best practices to prevent abuse at the Center professional and lay adults in the skills needed and didn’t need to do anything more. We do to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to rigorous background checks, provide extensive child sexual abuse. We will offer to assist other training to our staff, and strictly enforce our communal organizations in best practices for policies that prohibit an adult or teen employee preventing and detecting abuse. Our goal is to from being alone and out of sight with a child. address the issue directly and publicly in order to create a culture that prevents child sexual What struck me about the presentation was abuse from happening. learning that 90% of children who are victims of abuse know, love and trust their abuser, with As uncomfortable as this subject makes us, and 30% abused by family members. In addition, it as much as we’d like to ignore it and hope that is not uncommon for children to be abused by it never impacts us, we know it happens and other children. I learned that in the aftermath we know it happens in the Jewish community. I of the Sandusky scandal, some people who believe that the JCCGW has a special obligation knew him reported that they had a sense that to make sure that we are in the forefront something was wrong but didn’t know what, of protecting our children and to share our and others thought something was wrong but expertise in the broader community. By working didn’t know who to tell. across organizations and with families, we can prevent child sexual abuse from happening In thinking about why the Center should devote here. I hope to see you at one of our community additional resources to an issue that has not education programs in early 2015. yet been a problem for us, I was reminded of a commandment in Deuteronomy, “When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, so that you do not bring bloodguilt on your house if anyone should fall from it.” Photo by Shmulik Almany
3
center
LEADERSHIP
A Community of Communities In my last column, I encouraged everyone to try one new thing this year at the JCCGW. I also extended this challenge to our Board at our annual Board retreat. During the retreat, we talked about the many programs offered and people served by our JCC, which highlighted the fact that we are a community of communities with amazing opportunities. The best way to get a fuller picture of what we are all about as a Center, and maybe even discover something you didn’t know about yourself, is to step out of your regular routine and try something new at the JCCGW. You may find, as I have, that many of the opportunities to learn, play and grow might enrich your life in ways you never expected and will definitely enrich the lives of others in ways you cannot imagine. As you can see from the articles in this month’s issue of Center Scene, the beginning of the New Year presents all of us with myriad opportunities to explore something new. With The Lessans Family Annual Book Festival presenting a wide array of author events, phenomenal concerts offered as part of the Polinger Artists of Excellence Concert Series, Goldman Art Gallery exhibits and the Dinner of Champions all taking place before the end of the
Please Tell Us What You Think
year, it is a great time to try one new thing (or maybe of communities together to have fun, learn and “do even more than one!). Brad Stillman, JCCGW President good” together. The Center’s twin missions of engaging individual members of our community and bringing the The work of the Center is not just about our own community at large together were in full force community here in Montgomery County, but the during the beginning of this program year. Building greater community in our region as well as across on the excitement surrounding our numerous High the Jewish world. As I write this column, I am Holidays family programs, we worked to create an getting ready to join a group of JCC volunteer and outdoor space where the community could come professional leaders from across the country to together to express the mission and values of the embark on a solidarity mission with our counterparts many organizations that have a place in our JCC in Israel. While the active war of this summer has while celebrating Sukkot. Sukkah Village, which passed, at least for the time being, the impact on was a new program this year, became a place where our brothers and sisters in Israel is not over, nor have individuals could fulfill a mitzvah by having lunch in the difficult days of the summer been forgotten. We a Sukkah and where groups from around the Center will be touring the hardest hit parts of the country, and the greater community could gather for organized getting briefings on the lessons learned and the programming. Sukkah decorations were created by current situation and, most importantly, meeting with preschool families, residents from group homes run our colleagues who run the local community centers by the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes, the that mirror our JCC across Israel. The message I will Israeli Scouts and many other groups. This also bring to them is that our community of communities created an especially meaningful way to engage in Montgomery County, Maryland stands with our the community about the issue of homelessness in Israeli counterparts in mind, spirit and body. Montgomery County. In many ways, Sukkah Village was a fantastic forum for bringing our community
So that we can improve the way in which we share information with you through Center Scene, we would appreciate if you would complete this survey and mail it to us at Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD, 20852 Attn: Survey. If you prefer to complete the survey electronically, please visit jccgw.org/survey. Once you have submitted the survey in either format, you can be entered into a raffle to receive an Aroma Espresso Bar gift card. Thank you!
1. The Center Scene is currently mailed to homes and is available online at jccgw.org. When you receive the Center Scene at your home, do you… □ Read it cover to cover! □ Skim it! □ Toss it! 2. How would you prefer to receive the Center Scene? (Please check all that apply.) □ By mail □ By email □ On the JCCGW website □ Social media 3. Would you consider helping us go “green” by receiving the Center Scene electronically only? □ Yes □ No If yes, please submit your name and email address here to opt out of the Center Scene mailing (will take effect with the December 2014 issue). ________________________________ ________________________________ 4. Would you pick up hard copies of the Center Scene at the JCCGW instead of having it mailed to you? □ Yes □ No
4
Message from Brad
5. Currently, the Center Scene is mailed to homes monthly from September through June. What is the frequency that you would prefer the Center Scene to be issued? □ Every month from September through June (as it is currently) □ Bi-monthly (6 issues) □ Quarterly (4 issues) □ Never; prefer to receive electronically 6. If you read the Center Scene, what sections do you enjoy reading the most? (check all that apply) □ Features about members □ Features about board members □ Messages from Michael □ Information about JCC programs and events □ Calendar of upcoming events □ Staff features □ Other (Please list anything else that is currently included or that you would like to see included.)
________________________________ ________________________________ 7. How often do you visit our web site, jccgw.org? (Please check all that apply.) □ Daily □ Weekly □ Monthly □ Rarely □ Never
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
8. When you go online, what do you use? (Please check all that apply.) □ Computer (desktop or laptop) □ Tablet □ Mobile phone 9. Additional Comments? ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ If you would like to be entered in the raffle for an Aroma Espresso Bar gift card, please submit your contact information: ________________________________ Name ________________________________ Email ________________________________ Phone #
center
NOVEMBER 2014
HEALTH & FITNESS
Athletes Make Their Mark at JCC Maccabi Games Over the summer, delegations from the JCC of Greater Washington traveled to Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Detroit, Michigan for the 2014 JCC Maccabi Games. More than 90 athletes, participating in 11 different sports, made the trip to compete and to celebrate their Jewish heritage among teens from around the world. Aside from the new friends made, the athletes from the JCCGW enjoyed success in competitions. In the team sports, the delegation won gold in 14U boys basketball, silver in 16U boys basketball, and bronze in girls basketball. The delegation also brought home numerous individual medals in both swimming and dance competitions. For more information about the JCC Maccabi Games, or to find out how you can be a part of the 2015 JCCGW delegation, visit www.jccgw.org/maccabi.
Spin Your Dreidel and Your Wheels Sunday, December 21 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cosmetics packaging
On the first Sunday of Chanukah, the JCCGW will participate with JCC Association of North America’s Cycle for Good program to raise funds for Etgarim, Israel Association for the Disabled. Participants across North America will be riding stationary bikes at the same time, cycling for a good cause and their own wellness. To find out how you can be part of this unique, fun and meaningful way to celebrate Chanukah, please contact Susan Fischer at 301.348.3892 or sfischer@jccgw.org.
Oral Care Packaging
ACCEPTED WASTE
Hair care packaging
Skin care packaging
Enlist in the JCCGW Recycling Brigade Skin care packaging, such as lip balm tubes,
Love the
JCCGW
?
Let everyone know! Go to , find the JCCGW and leave a review. (You’ll be doing a mitzvah!)
face soap dispensers and tubes, face lotion bottles, tubes and plastic jars, body wash containers, soap tubes and dispensers, body lotion dispensers and bottles, shaving foam tubes (no cans), and hand lotion bottles and tubes, deodorant packaging Cosmetics packaging, such as lipstick cases, lip gloss tubes, mascara tubes, eye shadow cases, bronzer cases, foundation packaging and bottles, powder cases, eyeliner cases, eyeliner pencils, eye shadow tubes, concealer tubes, ACCEPTED WASTE Hair care packaging, such as shampoo and concealer sticks, and lip liner pencils conditioner bottles and caps, hair gel tubes and Oral care products, Toothpaste tubes and caps, hair spray bottles and triggers and hair caps, toothbrushes, toothbrush and toothpaste outer packaging, floss containers and paste plastic jars and caps mouthwash bottles Please save the packages from your personal care, beauty or oral care products (any brand!) and bring them to the white collection bins in the JCCGW health & fitness locker rooms and first floor family restroom. They will be sent to Terracycle, a recycling company that repurposes the material into affordable, innovative products. The JCCGW receives money back on recycled items, so both the environment and the Center benefit!
5
center
SUPPORT
Please join us for the 23rd Annual Dinner of Champions: Where Every All-Star is Included. Chaired by Arlen & Brian Gaines and Heather & Andrew Sachs, the event honors those who have achieved success in the world of sports, and those who have made extraordinary contributions to our community. The Dinner of Champions raises the vital funds needed each summer to support Camp JCC’s nationally recognized inclusion program which benefits not only children with special needs, but also typically-developing children. We are able to offer children with a wide range of disabilities a wonderful camp experience because we provide one-to-one counselor support, adaptive equipment, lift-equipped buses and whatever else they need so that they can fully participate in every activity. Families of children in the inclusion program do not pay any more than the typical camper, despite the fact that it costs the JCCGW almost three times as much to provide the additional services. In
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22 7 p.m.
order for the JCCGW to cover the cost of these Family Foundation and others in supporting the additional services, we rely on the generous JCCGW’s vital special needs programs. Your generosity will give children, teens and young support of our community. adults with special needs the opportunity to This year, Michelle Freeman will receive the Irene shine! and Abe Pollin Humanitarian Award on behalf of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation. Lyle Berlin, Enter to win! Purchase raffle tickets online Lenny Bernstein, Bruce Lipka, Rhea Schwartz at jccgw.org/champions for exciting prizes, and Michael Schwimer will be inducted into the including tickets to major sporting events and Greater Washington Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. shows (once-in-a-lifetime opportunities!), The The Hyman M. and Phillip D. Perlo High School Daily Show tickets and more. You do not need to Athlete Award will be presented to Nicole Fleck, be present or a Maryland resident to win. Adam Kaplan, Hannah Ship, Harry Wandersman, Robert Weinstein and Daniel Zuckerman. Dr. Register and/or purchase raffle tickets online Richard Reff will receive the inaugural JCC at jccgw.org/champions. For more information, contact Jodi Shulimson at 301.348.3769 or Maccabi Legacy Award. jshulimson@jccgw.org. Sponsorship levels range from $100 to $10,000. Benefits include event tickets, sponsor banners, Purchase tickets at tribute book ads and more. We invite you to jccgw.org/champions join the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, Heather and Andrew Sachs, the Bender Foundation, Inc., The Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner
rich residential communities and neighborhood shopping centers. She is also a minority partner in Monumental Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Verizon Center, Washington Wizards, Capitals and Mystics. Michelle is active in the Young Presidents Organization. In 2013, Elle magazine named Michelle one of the 10 most Michelle has been the president and chair of influential women in Washington, DC. the Carl M. Freeman Foundation since 2007 and is the founding president and chair of the INAUGURAL JCC MACCABI LEGACY AWARD Joshua M. Freeman Foundation. In addition to Richard Reff, M.D. leading the philanthropic vision of these two The JCCGW is pleased foundations, Michelle actively participates in the to present this inaugural local community. A founding member of Venture award to Dr. Richard Reff in Philanthropy Partners, she serves on the board of recognition of his leadership the Washington National Opera and the Landon in advancing the world-wide School. Michelle has also chaired the Town Hall Maccabiah movement. The Education Arts Recreation Campus Gala for the newly-created JCC Maccabi Richard Reff, M.D. past several years and annually participates in Legacy Award recognizes Covenant House’s Executive Edition Sleep-Out. individuals from the Greater Washington area who have played a major role in advancing youth Michelle is the owner, president and chair of the sports on a local or national level. Carl M. Freeman Companies, which specialize in land acquisition, land planning, development and redevelopment for award-winning, amenityorganizations. The Foundation commits its time, talent and treasure to facilitate, support and promote innovative community-based leadership and giving. They seek to honor their founders’ legacies and passions by endorsing excellence and leveraging resources.
Michelle Freeman
Carl M. Freeman z”l
IRENE AND ABE POLLIN HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Michelle Freeman on Behalf of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation The Irene and Abe Pollin Humanitarian Award is presented annually to an individual or organization who has been involved in public service and has made a positive different to society. We are honored to present this year’s award to Michelle Freeman on behalf of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation. The Carl M. Freeman Foundation, established in 1960, has a long history of supporting nonprofit
6
Cocktails, Dinner, Awards Ceremony and More!
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
NOVEMBER 2014
2014 GREATER WASHINGTON JEWISH SPORTS HALL OF FAME Lyle Berlin
Lenny Bernstein
Bruce Lipka
Rhea Schwartz
Michael Schwimer
Competitive Volleyball
Wrestling NCAA Wrestler and Coach
Tennis NCAA Player and Coach, Tennis Professional
Adult Figure Skating Founding Chairman, United States Figure Skating (USFS)
Professional Baseball
2014 HYMAN M. AND PHILLIP D. PERLO HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE AWARD Nicole Fleck
Adam Kaplan
Hannah Ship
Walt Whitman High School Basketball
Thomas Wootton High School Hockey
Walter Johnson High School Swimming
Harry Wandersman
Robert Weinstein
Daniel Zuckerman
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School Cross Country and Track and Field
Thomas Wootton High School Hockey, Golf and Lacrosse
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School Wrestling and Track and Field
Gold Jewelry and Sterling Silver Drive November 6-30
Do you have unwanted, broken or out-of-style gold jewelry or sterling silver items? Please consider donating them to the JCCGW. Package your items securely in a recloseable plastic bag, along with a completed donation form (available online and at the front desk), and bring them to the JCCGW between November 6 (the first day of The Lessans Family Annual Book Festival!) and November 30.
After your donation has been processed by a refiner, you will receive a receipt for tax purposes. For the donation form and details, please visit jccgw.org. For more information, please contact Jodi Shulimson at 301.348.3769 or jshulimson@jccgw.org. Thank you for helping us to raise funds to better serve our community.
7
center
ARTS & CULTURE
GOLDMAN ART GALLERY
ARTsy Holiday Boutique & Craft Show November 30–December 23
Join us for our unique holiday boutique, art & craft show and fun shopping experience! You will be sure to find that original, one-of-a-kind ARTsy gift, such as: • Israeli and beaded jewelry • Fused glass and ceramics • Judaica • Fiber art, both wearable and decorative • Painted clothes and furniture • Wall art • And so much more!
HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE AND CRAFT SHOW HOURS Mondays–-Thursdays 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays & Fridays 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays Closed ARTsy HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE & CRAFT SHOW SPECIAL EVENTS Opening Reception: “First Sunday, First Look” Sunday, November 30 • 2-4 p.m. ART, Dreidels and Chocolate Gelt Reception Sunday, December 14 • 2-4 p.m.
For more information, please contact Phyllis Altman at paltman@jccgw.org or 301.348.3770. Chanukah Candle # 6 Reception Sunday, December 21 • 2-4 p.m.
HAPPY IS
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium,
filling my belly.
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur.
GET YOUR MEAT & GREET ON. WITH DEL FRISCO’S GRILLE OPEN & OTHERS COMING SOON, PIKE & ROSE HAS GOT SOME AMAZING BELLY FILLING CHOICES.
8
6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org 301.881.0100 PIKEANDROSE.COM I OLD•GEORGETOWN ROAD & ROCKVILLE PIKE
BETHESDA ROW AND NOW PIKE & ROSE
NOVEMBER 2014
POLINGER ARTISTS OF EXCELLENCE CONCERT
Trio Con Brio Copenhagen Plus Violist Ettore Causa
Sunday, November 23 | 7:30 p.m.
Trio con Brio Copenhagen has won first prize in many esteemed competitions, as well as the coveted Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson International Award. The trio of Danish pianist Jens Elvekjaer, his wife Soo-Kyung Hong on cello and her sister Soo-Jin Hong on violin will be joined by brilliant violist Ettore Causa. The program will include works by Mozart, Ravel and Brahms.
“…exceptional grace and fluidity…”
To purchase tickets, visit jccgw.org/concerts or call the box office at 301.348.3872. For more information, please contact Janet Getz at 301.348.3779 or jgetz@jccgw.org.
—New York Times
Outside the Box Original abstract paintings filled with energy by Joan Schiller
“Fun House” by Joan Schiller
October 26-November 23 Open when JCCGW is open
POLINGER ARTISTS OF EXCELLENCE CONCERT
The Weilerstein Trio Returns Sunday, November 2 | 7:30 p.m. The dynamic Weilerstein Trio returns to the JCCGW to showcase an astounding musical family. Cellist Alisa Weilerstein, who first played on the Kreeger stage as a precocious 15 year old, is one of the most sought-after soloists of her generation and the recent winner of a MacArthur Foundation “genius” award. She will be joined by her parents, Grammy-nominated Cleveland Quartet first violinist Donald Weilerstein, and noted pianist and pedagogue Vivian Hornik Weilerstein. The program will include works by Schumann and Shostakovich.
GOLDMAN ART GALLERY
To purchase tickets, visit jccgw.org/concerts or call the box office at 301.348.3872. For more information, please contact Janet Getz at 301.348.3779 or jgetz@jccgw.org.
Cellist Alisa Weilerstein will be joined by her parents, violinist Donald Weilerstein and pianist Vivian Hornik Weilerstein.
music to your ears
Reception: Sunday, November 23 2-4 p.m. Ms. Schiller will present a talk about her artwork during the reception at 2:30 p.m. The JCCGW gratefully acknowledges The Kaplan Family Foundation for supporting this exhibit. Joan Schiller is a local working artist who loves using acrylic paints with other “out of the box” materials. Some art in this show is touchable, colorful, and kid friendly! Visit the gallery and enjoy! For more information, please contact Phyllis Altman at paltman@jccgw.org or 301.348.3770.
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.
9
center
ARTS & CULTURE
A Backpack, a Bear and Eight Crates of Vodka An Interview with Author LEV GOLINKIN
Author Lev Golinkin will be at the Center on Sunday, November 16 at 7 p.m. to speak about his first book, A Backpack, a Bear and Eight Crates of Vodka, the compelling true story of a refugee family fleeing persecution and a young man seeking to reclaim a shattered past. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at jccgw.org/bookfestival or by calling the box office at 301.348.3805. The event is sponsored by Adele and Roy Igersheim. In Russia, your father risked his livelihood to purchase matzah each spring. Why do you think he chose this one tradition to embrace? It wasn’t a choice. It was all that was left. He knew a matzah dealer and he knew you were supposed to eat matzah on Passover. There were no services because there were no rabbis, and almost no Haggadahs or Hebrew speakers. The Soviet Union had carried out a campaign of systematic cultural eradication from the moment the Bolsheviks came to power, a campaign of previously unheard of magnitude which lasted 70 years and covered over 1/6th of the world’s landmass. They killed religious and social leaders, razed places of worship, burned sacred books, even transplanted entire populations into strange lands in their crusade to root out everything other than official Soviet culture. You write, “There is no such thing as a young refugee.” Please explain. Any refugee older than a toddler has had a past life, language, home, a recollection of
how things used to be. There is a clear before/ after line which is continuously reinforced by the fact that you’re residing in an alien land at the mercy of others. Everyone in the family has to pitch in, whether finding out where to live, getting food, dragging belongings, etc. You’re no longer a child, you’re a little adult. And since children are quickest to pick up new languages and cultures, they often end up being translators. If you’ve ever worked in a lawyer or doctor’s office, you’ve probably seen families come in with kids who translated and helped make decisions. “Sluggishly progressing schizophrenia” is a disorder that was recognized nowhere outside of the Communist Bloc. Please explain what it was. The USSR sought to control not just its citizens’ bodies, but also their minds. (Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four isn’t far off the mark.) The regime waged a war on culture, religion, even jokes – people were imprisoned for making anti-Soviet wisecracks. This was a system that couldn’t abide dissent; the way it dealt with those who opposed it on intellectual/moral grounds was to declare them insane. A Soviet academic invented sluggishly progressing schizophrenia, whose sole symptom was an irrational desire to correct fictitious social injustice. Dissidents were “diagnosed,” imprisoned in mental asylums, and tortured with psychiatric drugs and electroshocks in order to be “cured.”
strengthen it. Some of these American Jews tried pressuring the human rights groups helping Soviet refugees to stop aiding us unless we moved to Israel. I think that’s hypocritical. These American Jews were free to move to Israel themselves – but they didn’t. They wanted our sons and daughters to be in the Israeli army, they wanted us on the front lines, while they stayed in safety in America.
You write that, “Every immigrant pays the admission price to America.” Please give an example. America is an incredible country, but there is a price to pay, especially for older immigrants. The language barrier is probably the most merciless part. It can strip you of everything, from your profession to your dignity. My father was able to continue working as an engineer in America, in large part because he spoke English. My mother, however, did not know English, and went from being a doctor to being a security guard. You pay a price in dignity, because people hear you speak and treat you as One of the most disturbing aspects of the helpless or stupid. current Russian Federation has been the revival of this heinous practice (which had What influenced you the most to come been abolished under Gorbachev). Psychiatric to terms with your past? imprisonment has been used to silence critics I was extraordinarily fortunate to have tremendous professors, friends, and service of the Kremlin, particularly journalists. organizations at Boston College (which has Why did your family want to emigrate to an incredible community service culture). the US as opposed to Israel? My time at BC made me realize how much Freedom and opportunity. My parents saw I wanted to be a part of something larger better economic opportunities in the U.S., than myself, but in order to do so, I first were terrified of me being in the Israeli army, had to root myself, understand who I was and didn’t want to live in a hot climate. and where I came from. That, more than anything, pushed me to go on the journey to There were American Jews who wanted track down the various people who helped Soviet Jews to move to Israel in order to my family, which in turn became this book.
10 6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
NOVEMBER 2014
The Lessans Family Annual Book Festival
November 6-16
For tickets, please visit jccgw.org/bookfestival or call the box office at 301.348.3805. Tickets are nonrefundable. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6 6:30 p.m. Patrons Reception 7:30 p.m. An Evening with Molly Ringwald FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 12 p.m. Catherine Zacks Gildenhorn | Redefining Moments: End of Life Stories for Better Living SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9 9:30 a.m. FREE CHILDREN’S PROGRAM Lesléa Newman | Here is the World: A Year of Jewish Holidays 1 p.m. Dr. Elana Sztokman | The War on Women in Israel: A Story of Religious Radicalism and the Women Fighting for Freedom 5:30 p.m. Joshua Safran | Free Spirit: Growing Up On the Road and Off the Grid MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10 12 p.m. Dr. Joel Hoffman | The Bible’s Cutting Room Floor: The Holy Scriptures Missing From Your Bible 7:30 p.m. FREE MOVIE NIGHT Salinger
Book Store Hours
Friday, November 7 Sunday, November 9 Monday, November 10 Tuesday, November 11 Wednesday, November 12 Thursday, November 13 Friday, November 14 Sunday, November 16
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 12 p.m. Mark Lee Greenblatt | Valor: Unsung Heroes from Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Home Front 4:30 p.m. STUDENT PROGRAM Debbie Levy and Vanessa BrantleyNewton | We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song 7 p.m. Laura Silver | Knish: In Search of the Jewish Soul Food WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 7:30 p.m. Iris Krasnow | Sex After…Women Share How Intimacy Changes as Life Changes THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13 10 a.m. Jennifer Senior | All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood 12 p.m. Martin Goldsmith | Alex’s Wake: A Voyage of Betrayal and a Journey of Remembrance NEW YORK NIGHT 6:30 p.m. Eddie Shapiro | Nothing Like a Dame: Conversations with the Great Women of Musical Theater 8:15 p.m. Allen Salkin | From Scratch: Inside the Food Network
9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. & 4-9 p.m. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. & 4-9 p.m. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. & 4-9 p.m. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. & 4-9 p.m. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 10:30 a.m. 9TH ANNUAL BOOK CLUB BRUNCH Susan Jane Gilman | The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 10 a.m. BREAKFAST & BASEBALL J.B. Bernstein | Million Dollar Arm: Sometimes to Win, You Have to Change the Game 1 p.m. Mitchell Bard | Death to the Infidels: Radical Islam’s War Against the Jews FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE 5 p.m. David Bezmozgis | The Betrayers 7 p.m. Lev Golinkin | A Backpack, a Bear and Eight Crates of Vodka THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 7 p.m. POST-FESTIVAL EVENT Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat | The Future of the Jews: How Global Forces are Impacting the Jewish People, Israel, and Its Relationship with the United States
The Kass Judaic Library will be closed for book festival preparations through November 19. Books may be returned to the front desk during that time. We apologize for any inconvenience.
11
center
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
JCCGW Brings Families Together to Welcome the New Year
In one of the seven sukkot on the Center’s front lawn, one young visitor admired the handiwork as another added finishing decorative touches.
Children, parents and grandparents packed the JCCGW to celebrate Rosh Hashanah.
In 2013, the JCCGW’s first-ever Apples and Honeys program hosted 65 families for a 45-minute kid-friendly musical Rosh Hashanah program, 75% of whom noted that they would have done nothing to observe the holiday had they not attended our program. On September 25, 2014, the JCCGW hosted the second annual Apples and Honeys programs, welcoming more than 230 community members to share in another fun, musical and meaningful morning. We snacked on apples (donated by fromthefarmerdc.com), honey, challah and cookies (from Sunflower Bakery), and the children joyfully ran through the halls tooting their shofars.
that we were able to attend a community celebration even though we don’t belong to a shul. It enabled me to teach my son that we attend a celebration on this holiday.” Many families indicated that they would surely attend a family Yom Kippur version at the JCCGW.
At the I am Sorry Day program on Yom Kippur, this child seemed contemplative as he tossed his “sorrys” into the “river.”
observance level. At the JCCGW, we built seven sukkot on our front lawn, each representing a different cherished value. Our community-wide Decorating Day on October saw more than 110 community members working to beautify this unique Sukkah Village. We are so grateful for the support of our partners, Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, Jewish Foundation for Group Homes, Arts Alive, Camp JCC, local Boy Scouts troops, Israel Scouts, JCCGW Preschool, PJ Library and the Bender-Dosik Parenting Center.
We listened! On October 4, outside under our tent, we hosted “I Am Sorry Day.” Families gathered in front of our “river” as they tossed away their “sorrys” while singing Avinu Malkeinu. We used ribbons to “paint a beautiful world,” and closed with parents blessing their little ones. Each family wrote their wishes for the New Year on a ribbon, which were hung in our Sukkah Village. Every Together, these events brought together more One parent told us, “Apples and Honeys child left with a personalized journal to draw than 500 people, young and old, to celebrate the beginning of 5775. We look forward to provided an opportunity for us to attend an or write their hopes for the year. hosting more family events in the future! organized event on Rosh Hashanah that was accepting of our young kids who can’t stay Sukkah Village is an innovative program quiet in a regular service.” And another stated, inspired by a desire to build community “The JCCGW offering this program meant throughout every demographic, age and
12 6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
NOVEMBER 2014
Photo by Randy Sager
Spinning a New Yarn at the JCCGW Preschool By Ora Cohen Rosenfeld, Early Childhood Education Director Each year, we work to enrich our school and grow the program in a deep and meaningful way which supports the children’s learning and our school culture. Last year, with the help of the Early Childhood Parent Committee, we transformed an empty adult art studio into a space tailored to the creative needs of the children in our school. We worked throughout the year to fill the room with materials and create a space outside the classroom for small groups of children to express their learning through art. The challenge last year was that the studio needed someone talented to oversee, organize and make the space dynamic. In Reggio schools, this is the role of the atelierista, the studio teacher. This year, we are so thrilled to welcome Debbie Unger to our preschool staff as our very first atelierista. The atelierista is not an art teacher, but rather a teacher who guides the children in their exploration of ideas using different
101 Dalmatians Sunday, November 23 | 1:30 p.m. at Imagination Stage 4908 Auburn Avenue in Bethesda Bring your family and join us at this showing of 101 Dalmatians. Stop by the JCCGW’s PJ Library table during intermission for a special treat and to learn why Judaism values being sensitive to animals’ needs! Tickets, which start at $10, are available on a first-come, firstserve basis at www.imaginationstage. org or by calling 301.280.1660. Use code JCCGW101 for a special rate. For more information, contact Tracy Newman at 301.348.3848 or tnewman@ jccgw.org.
materials such as wire, clay and items from nature. The atelierista teaches techniques which allow the children to use these materials to express their understanding and interpretation of the world around them. Their creativity blossoms as their ideas take form. Debbie comes to our school with a long list of experiences and knowledge of the arts and has already made an impact. “I love to explore things, new artistic ways of expressing myself. I love photography, sewing, singing, furniture restoration; you name an artistic expression, I’ll try it!” Debbie brings this enthusiasm for the arts to the children in our school. Many of the children have already visited the studio and Debbie has been in the classrooms to see what and how the children have been learning. Debbie will play an integral role in the many ways teachers bring curriculum to the children. She will work
hand in hand with teachers and with Sandy Lanes, our curriculum director. Our gallery exhibit in April will give parents the opportunity to see the imprint Debbie has made on their child’s classroom and the school as a whole. Our school focus this year is on yarn and fiber arts, and you can already see the result of the children’s experiences in yarn appearing in the classrooms and hallways. You may also find Debbie and a host of special guest knitters and crocheters hanging out in the hallway during arrival time. If you are a knitter, crocheter or do needlepoint or cross stich, we would love you to spend some time with us in the morning. Keep your eyes open when you enter our preschool, as yarn experimentation and creations appear in our hallways and classrooms. By the end of the school year, the children will certainly have quite a yarn to share!
Dental Implants Cost Too Much!!! Don't pay over $5000 to replace a single tooth. • Implants, Crowns, Dentures at 40-50% below the average cost • Free Consultation & X-Rays • No Incisions or Surgeries • Highest Quality Materials & Equipment • Friendly, Personal Care • Highest Sterility Standards • Permanent, Long Lasting Call today • Complete in one visit for your free consultation 240-669-8268. Dr. Stuart Krohn, DDS 152 Rollins Ave Suite 204 Rockville, MD 20852
13
center
CAMP, YOUTH, TWEENS & TEENS
Arts Alive Opens its Doors at the JCCGW
Arts Alive is a new Sunday morning Jewish enrichment and learning program for children in kindergarten through 2nd grade. Directed by Jewish educator and arts specialist Lisa Ginsburg Arber, this unique interactive learning program merges experiential Jewish education with an arts-inspired curriculum, all within a Jewish framework.
for building a sukkah, simulating how to harvest a field, and studying the lulav and estrog; and celebrating Simchat Torah with a Torah sensory journey (seeing, hearing, chanting and becoming a Torah), talking about what it means to be a Torah person, eating Torah roll-up snacks, and enjoying music by kleyzmer musician Seth Kibel.
This month, we begin our study of Acting in Righteous Ways (Tzedakah); Performing Acts of Kindness (Gemilut Chasadim); and participating in World Repair (Tikun Olam). The Arts Alive program will feature a special day, called Helping Hands, which will take place before Thanksgiving. We welcome Jill Moskowitz, area musician and song leader, as guest artist, October highlights included baking round challot and learning and will learn about the importance of helping others through to blow a shofar before Rosh Hashanah; discussing the singing, art, drama, cooking and storytelling. meaning of forgiveness and watching a performance of “Have You Filled A Bucket Today?” before Yom Kippur; observing For more information about Arts Alive, visit jccgw.org/artsalive Sukkot through such activities as learning about the guidelines or contact Lisa Ginsburg Arber at larber@jccgw.org. Opening day, September 14, was a big success as 21 children and their parents were welcomed into the Arts Alive family for a “Creation Celebration,” marking the beginning of our program; the beginning of a new week; and Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of a new Jewish year.
14 6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
NOVEMBER 2014
WINTER BREAK SCHOOL OUT DAYS
Taking “Frozen” to a Whole New Level December 24, 26, 29, 30, 31* and January 2 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 $330 for members and $410 for the general public (free for students in grade K-7 participating in the Kids After School programs). Morning and afternoon care are also offered. To register online for Winter Break School Out Days, please visit jccgw.org. For more information, please send an email to afterschool@ jccgw.org.
Chapter meetings take place on Monday evenings from 7-8 p.m. at the JCCGW. All 8th-12th grade teens are welcome to attend our events. Events can be found through our website, bbyo.org/region/dc. Contact dcc@bbyo.org or 301.984.6073 for further information. Interested in volunteering? BBYO DC Council is looking for quality volunteer chapter advisors, both male and female! If you are 21+ and looking for a way to get involved with the DC metropolitan Jewish community, and looking to inspire and motivate the future Jewish leaders of our community, please contact dcc@bbyo.org for more information.
*On Wednesday, December 31, School Out Day closes at 12:30 p.m. Afternoon care is not offered that day.
APPLY AT JCCGW.ORG/CAMP CAMP JCC 2015 SESSIONS Session 1 June 22-July 2 (no camp Friday, July 3) Session 2 July 6-17 Session 3 July 20-August 7 PRIORITY APPLICATION DATES Returning 2014 Camp JCC member* campers October 23**-November 3 Returning 2014 Camp JCC campers November 4-12 New Camp JCC Member* Families November 13**-24 Open Applications – November 25 *Must have family level membership in good standing. **Applications can be submitted beginning at 12 noon.
SUMMER KIDS CLUB 2015 Aleph Week June 15-19 Bet Week August 10-14 Gimmel Week August 17-21 For more information, call 301.348.3883 or send an email to campjcc@jccgw.org.
Celebrate
your child’s birthday 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, send an email to birthdayparties@jccgw.org.
jccgw.org/bir thday
For JCCGW Members
Free On-Site Estimate and Unlimited Packing Supplies provided on the day of the move.
Commercial, Office, Residential, Local, Long Distance & Out of State
1-888-495-4951 www.495movers.com 15
center
JEWISH FAMILY LIVING & LEARNING
MINDFULNESS SERIES
Connect with Yourself
Compassion
Grace Patience
Love Truth
Sunday, November 16 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. “13 Attributes Meditation – Tools to Connect with your Deepest, Most Amazing Self” with teacher Ora Weiss (in partnership with Moishe House MoCo)
There’s No Place like Home While I was driving to Jerusalem on route 443, I saw an Iron Dome station on the hill. Amazing how close it is to Israelis’ daily life.
This fall, Amit Levinson began his second year as the JCCGW’s shaliach (Israeli emissary). In August, he went back home to Israel for a visit. Following are his reflections on that trip: After a year abroad, I came home for a short visit. As soon as I got there, everyone came over for a BBQ. Wow, did I miss the grill at my parents’ house! It was wonderful to see family, friends and familiar places. I hiked with friends, biked in Tel-Aviv with my family, and participated in a good friend’s wedding.
By Rabbi Elyssa Auster, JCCGW Director of Jewish Life
Sunday, November 30 | 2:30-4 p.m. Jewish Mussar Yoga with teacher and author Edith Brotman
Saturday, December 20 | 5-6:30 p.m. Mindfulness Series with Fall 2014 Connect more deeply yourself Chanukah Havdalah Meditation ($5 and October November December through meditation and Jewish-themed receive Havdalah candle). Please bring a yoga practice. For more information, Chanukah menorah. please contact Rabbi Elyssa Auster, JCCGW Director of Jewish Life, at Sunday, December 28 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. Jewish Yoga 301.348.3861 or eauster@jccgw.org.
JCCGW staff members wrote prayers and wishes that Amit took to Israel and placed in the Western Wall, the retaining wall of the plaza of the Second Temple from 2,000 years ago. When King Solomon dedicated the First Jewish Temple, God said His eyes and heart would always be there. That’s why traditionally Jews, and those of other faiths, put their prayers in the Wall. More than a million prayer notes or wishes are placed in the Western Wall each year.
Teach Your Children (to Swim) Well
I visited the Western Wall, also known as the Kotel. Being there felt strange. I talked about it so much during the past year as the JCCGW shaliach that my connection to it grew without my even noticing. I got out of the army two years ago and I was very close to my platoon, so I decided to visit them while I was in Israel. Being there, and especially hearing their stories from the operation they had just finished, brought back emotional memories. So how do I sum up this trip? Exciting, fun, good hummus, emotional and hot. Very hot! The experience I take with me most is noticing how small Israel really is, and how Israelis know one another. On the flight home to Israel, I happened to know the Israeli who was in the seat behind me. While I was waiting to catch my flight back to DCA, I saw another shaliach I knew. Coincidence? I don’t think so…
16 6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
The first time I saw my older nephew swim, he was so excited for me to see him put on his goggles, blow some bubbles in the water, and kick his feet while holding on to his instructor. I was happy to see his joy at splashing around. He was disciplined in wanting to accomplish his next step in his swimming lessons. He is quite brave in the water! These skills and this attitude may be taken for granted. But knowing how to move one’s body in the water can be a case of life and death. The CDC reports that there are 10 deaths a day from drowning in the United States. The ancient rabbis must have understood the impact of swimming lessons. In the Talmud, in a short list of obligations that a father has to his son, teaching him to swim is listed among them. Of course, the message is that we want our children to succeed. It is our role and duty to equip them with whatever tools we can so they may live with wisdom and confidence. The world can be a scary place, but water doesn’t need to be! It is never too late to improve or learn how to swim. Sign up now for JCCGW swimming classes! Visit jccgw.org or contact Caroline Cardullo at 301.348.3890 or ccardullo@jccgw.org.
center
ADULTS
Discussion Groups
MEN’S CLUB Tuesdays | 1 p.m. Wednesdays | 2:30 p.m. Drop in, meet new people and share your thoughts on a wide variety of topics. For details, please contact Herb Heldman at 240.380.2739 or pheldman8221@gmail.com.
NOVEMBER 2014
Life is a Song
WOMEN’S CONNECTIONS Mondays | 11 a.m. Meet others in a sharing and caring environment to discuss the role of women in our ever-evolving world and expand our lives and perspectives. This group is for women age 50+. For details, please contact Debbie Sokobin at 301.348.3760 or dsokobin@jccgw.org.
Directed by Frieda Enoch (second from left in photo), the senior chorus meets every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Ring House to sing in Yiddish, Hebrew, Ladino, Spanish and English. If you love to sing, this group is for you! For more information, please contact Frieda at 301.348.3809 or fenoch@jccgw.org.
Mix & Mingle
Games People Play LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE Tuesdays, December 16-January 20 | 7-9 p.m. LEARN TO PLAY MAH JONGG Wednesdays, January 7-28 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Register online at jccgw.org. For details, please contact Meryl Trachtman at 301.348.3808 or mtrachtman@jccgw.org.
Exploring the Past
Thursday, November 20 | 1:30-3:30 p.m. If you enjoy studying and discussing history, join us monthly at the JCCGW when the Howard Lessoff History Club meets. Jay Reiss facilitates a lively discussion. For more information, please call Jay at 301.217.0051.
Mix & Mingle is a group for singles age 50+ which provides a friendly atmosphere to meet others, share experiences and discuss topics vital to our lives. Join the fun! For details, contact Meryl Trachtman at 301.348.3808 or mtrachtman@jccgw.org. $3 Thursday, November 20 at 7 p.m. Metrics of Relationships Thursday, December 18 at 7 p.m. Holiday Party
17
center
Thank You for Your Support To make a tribute gift, please visit jccgw.org/donate or contact Katya at 301.348.3855 or katya@jccgw.org. This list reflects gifts received from August 6 through October 1, 2014.
CAMP R. Andrew Helgeson “Heart of Gold” Memorial Endowment Fund for Camp JCC Counselor Awards • in memory of “our son, Andrew” by Rita and Richard Helgeson • in honor of Jennifer Helgeson by Rita and Richard Helgeson • in honor of Richard Helgeson by Rita and Jennifer Helgeson • in honor of Andrea Kronzek by Rita, Richard and Jennifer Helgeson • in honor of Dr. Robert and Adrienne Camps by Rita, Richard and Jennifer Helgeson • in memory of the yahrzeit for Julie Brophy, mother of Kate and Robert Friedman by Jennifer, Rita and Richard Helgeson • mazel tov to Susan and Matthew Orenstein on the birth of their daughter, Madison Sara, proud grandparents Anita and Dr. Julius Goldhar by Rita, Richard and Jennifer Helgeson • congratulations to Tina and John Li on the birth of their son, Ayrton Shijun Li by Jennifer Helgeson • congratulations to Beckett Horowitz Rebmann and Matthias Rebmann on the birth of their daughter, Louse R. Rebmann by Jennifer Helgeson • in memory of Stuart Haskell, father of Jake Haskell and wife Kerstin Haskell and family by Rita and Richard Helgeson • in honor of Erica Frank, Julia Greenberg, Ariel Horn, Magnus Nuako, Rebecca Panitch and Maya Pasternak by Kate Mandell and family • in honor of Rachel Ellinport by Zachary Michnick and family • in honor of Sarah Dickstein, Katie MacKenzie Berman and Hannah Whiddon by Amy and Mark Miller • in honor of Maria Claudia Garcia-Rada and Aylat Lifshitz by the Guimaraes family • in honor of Heather Brody, Sara Fink, Sydney Soroka and Daniel Zuckerman by Alex and Jessa Rosenberg • in honor of Sara Fink by Matthew and Lori Rosenstock • in honor of Amanda Arcidiacono by Eric and Lucia Tolson • in honor of Jesse Berman, Madeline Feierstein, Sydney Solomon and Samantha Stuart by Naomi Wollman • in honor of Zachary Markenson and David Thibeau by Jacob Becker and parents • in honor of Janie Jacobs by Jessica, David, Jordan and Eva Chambers • in honor of Maya Pasternak and Magnus Nuako by Sarah Kandel • in honor of Robbie Shorr by Martha Kahn and Micah, Shoshanah and Simeon Kriesberg
TRIBUTE CONTRIBUTIONS
• in honor of Lauren Alexander, Gabrielle Cohen, Jenny Diamond, Rachel Ellinport, Sarah McNally, Eliel Norkola-Smith, Danielle Oakley, Ethan Pedeoeim, Jacob SummersBerger, Carol Teitelbaum and Ashley Wilbur by Cara, Allen, Rachel and Ben Mattison • in honor of Ali Barry by Elise Pressma • in honor of Leba Halpern and Hannah Sachs by Lily and Shana Fisher • in honor of Torie Atkin, Liza Cornfield and Husam Shabazz by Wendie Rosofsky and Mark Bilsky • in honor of Trevon Branch, Camryn Cheatham, Keshaun Owens-Carter, Emilie Plesset and Sarah Thibeau by Eitan Skolnick and family • in honor of Amanda Regan by Timaron Chang and family Jane Hulman Camp Scholarship Fund • in memory of Stan Goldstein by Joan Weinberg and Jerry Hulman • in honor of Julie’s birthday by Jerry Hulman • in honor of Joni’s birthday by Jerry Hulman • in honor of Joni and Murray by Julie and Aria Barbara Cohen and Walter Shorr Memorial Fund for Camp Scholarships and Israel Initiatives • in honor of all the players, coaches and volunteers for the JCC Maccabi Games and in honor of the Camp JCC Special Needs & Inclusion Program by Lissa and Andrew Shorr and family Max and Julia Silverman Memorial Keep Rolling Fund for Accessible Transportation • in honor of Sydney Exler by Tate, Evelyne, Elise and Margot Baumrucker CULTURAL ARTS Vera and Ralph Deckelbaum Music Endowment Fund • in memory of Rashi Fein by Vera and Ralph Deckelbaum • in memory of Gary Jonas by Vera and Ralph Deckelbaum • in memory of Corky Davidov by Vera and Ralph Deckelbaum • in honor of Fran and Leonard Burka’s special birthdays by Vera and Ralph Deckelbaum EARLY CHILDHOOD David Lev Kandel Memorial Endowment Fund • in memory of Ron Savage by Steven Kates
Edward Kramer and family; Robin Streidel; Karen and Marc Swissman and family; Caryl Weinbaum and family • in memory of Bob Goldberg by Robin and Glenn Streidel GENERAL SUPPORT Annual Fund • in memory of Morris Ashin by Gale Greenbaum • in memory of Eizic Ingber by Gale and Ronnie Greenbaum • in memory of Gary Jonas by Gloria Derkay • in memory of Jerry Silverman by Gale Greenbaum JEWISH FAMILY LIVING & LEARNING Sklar Zuckerman Endowment Fund to Promote Ahavat Yisrael • in memory of Gary Jonas by Sue and Alan Zuckerman • in honor of Roz Landy by Sue and Alan Zuckerman • in honor of Dr. Shulamith Elster by Susan Zuckerman SENIOR ADULTS Mary and Harry Harris Endowment Fund for Senior Adult Programs • in honor of Bea Wattenberg’s birthday by Vivian Jacobson • in honor of Irene Drescher’s birthday by Vivian Jacobson Deena and Jerome A. Kaplan Fund for Senior Adult Programming • in memory of Gary Jonas by Deena and Jerry Kaplan Dr. Coleman and Sylvia Raphael Endowment for Older Adult Programs • in memory of Whitey Watzman by Sylvia and Coleman Raphael • in honor of The Honorable Leonard and Marilyn Teitelbaum’s 60th wedding anniversary by Sylvia and Coleman Raphael Morris and Sonia Savage Memorial Fund for Senior Adult Education Programs • in memory of Morris Savage by May Savage • in memory of Milton “Mickey” Goldstein by Mimi and Bob Burdette, Jan and Deborah Sherman; May Savage
• in memory of Michael Berg by Barbara Goldberg Goldman and Mike Goldman • in honor of Ryan David Eastman’s birth by Barbara Goldberg Goldman and Mike Goldman David Lev Kandel Memorial Endowment Fund • in memory of Ron Savage by Linda and Barry Gersick Celia and Fred S. Kogod Endowment Fund for Special Needs Children • in memory of Mildred Kogod Sternburg by Lauren, Fred, Sam and David Sternburg JCCGW Special Needs & Inclusion Program • in memory of Jonathan Blumberg by Stefanie and Michael Levy
TEEN PROGRAMS Barry P. Forman Past President’s Fund to Benefit Teen Programs • in honor of Carole and Barry Forman’s anniversary by Irving Warshaw VOLUNTEER SERVICES Jacob Siegel and Sarah Siegel Sacks Memorial Fund for Volunteer Services • in honor of Julie’s birthday by Jerry Hulman • in honor of Joni’s birthday by Jerry Hulman WOMEN’S PROGRAMS Roz Jonas Past President’s Fund for Creative Programming Initiatives • in memory of Gary Jonas by Norma and Dean Eisen
Joseph and Edith Weisz Family Endowment to Benefit Children with Special Needs • in memory of Eddie Glassgold’s father-in-law by Janyse and Bernie Weisz
Donate your vehicle and support three agencies. • jewish Foundation for group Homes • jewish community center of greater washington • jewish council for the aging
Sweetbaum Family Endowment Fund for Senior Adult Programs • in honor of Selma Sweetbaum by Sylvia and Coleman Raphael SPECIAL NEEDS Dinner of Champions • in honor of Rhea Schwartz by Natalie Ludaway; Leslie and Charlie Snorf; Diane Tipton
Abraham and Anna L. Shulman Child Day Care Fund • in honor of the gift of life to Lianna Dosik by May Savage • in honor of May Savage’s birthday by Barbara McCracken
Benjamin L. Friedberg Endowment Fund for Children with Special Needs • in memory of Abraham Friedberg by Judy Block; Sue and Moe Bloom; Paula and Kenneth Gartman and family; Natalie and Myron Goldberg; Marcia Litwack; Diane and Monroe Mizel; Bonnie Richter; Barbara Ronis
Marc Jeffrey Streidel Memorial Playground Fund • in memory of Lenora Schneider by Karen and Alan Asman; Gale and Ronnie Greenbaum; Rhonda and Richard Kabat and family; Patti and
Goldberg Goldman Endowment for Sports Activities for Children with Special Needs • in memory of Phyllis Seresky by Barbara Goldberg Goldman and Mike Goldman
18 6125 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852 • jccgw.org • 301.881.0100
240.283.6000
www.car-j.org
center SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Books & Fellowship for Jewish singles age 45+. Topic: Aging Well. Bring your thoughts about your own aging and for people you care about. 301.348.3816 7:30 p.m. Concert: Weilerstein Trio (page 9)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17
10 a.m. Mommy Movie Monday. 301.348.3837 7:15-9 p.m. Lecture: Parenting with Confidence. 301.348.3837 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20
9 a.m.-5 p.m. JDS & MCPS School Out Day. 301.348.3889
12:30 p.m. NCJW Book Club: “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak 1 p.m. JCCGW/Hadassah Book Club: “The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street” by Susan Jane Gilman. 301.348.3816 1:30-3:30 p.m. History Club (page 17) 7 p.m. Mix & Mingle for 50+ singles (page 17)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3
10 a.m. Mommy Movie Monday. 301.348.3837 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Book Festival (page 11) 1:30-3:30 P.M. Coming of Age movie matinee at Leisure World Clubhouse II: “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker.” $6. 301.348.3832 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Book Festival (page 11) 12 p.m. New Friends, a group for widows and widowers. 301.348.3760 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Book Festival (page 11) 1-3 p.m. Coming of Age Social: Let’s Get Patriotic! with Lunch and Live Music. $12. 301.348.3832 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Book Festival (page 11) 11 a.m. Hurwitz Internal Light Low Vision Support Group meets at Ring House. 301.348.3760 12:30-3:30 p.m. MCPS School Out Day. 301.348.3889 12:30-3 p.m. Coming of Age Food & Fun at Mamma Lucia’s Restaurant. $21. 301.348.3832
7 p.m. Dinner of Champions (pages 6-7) SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Books & Fellowship for Jewish singles age 45+. Discussion only of the movie, “Belle.” 301.348.3816 1:30 p.m. PJ Library program: “101 Dalmatians” at Imagination Station (page 13) 2-4 p.m. Goldman Art Gallery reception for “Outside the Box” by Joan Schiller (page 8) 7:30 p.m. Concert: Trio Con Brio Copenhagen plus Violist Ettore Causa (page 9)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
12-3:30 p.m. JDS & MCPS School Out Day. 301.348.3889
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Book Festival (page 11)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Book Festival (page 11) 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Mindfulness Series: 13 Attributes Meditation (page 16)
TUESDAYS 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
SELMA SWEETBAUM SENIOR SATELLITE PROGRAM 301.348.3760
7 p.m. Low Vision Support Group. 301-299-7077
Thanksgiving 7 a.m.-3 p.m. H&F hours Offices & Preschool closed
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14
MONDAYS 11 a.m. Women’s Connections 7:15 p.m. Duplicate Bridge
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Book Festival (page 11)
SUNDAYS 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Elie Ronen Scott Family Gym
FRIDAYS 9:30-10:30 a.m. Shabbat Shalom Age 6 mos.-3 yrs. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Chess
10:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Coming of Age Day @ the Ring with musical entertainment by Cantor Karen Webber Gilat: Bimah to Broadway and Back. 301.348.3832
Book Festival (page 11) 12:30-3:30 p.m. MCPS School Out Day. 301.348.3889
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13
WEEKLY ONGOING PROGRAMS
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Book Festival (page 11)
NOVEMBER 2014
UPCOMING EVENTS
2-4 p.m. ARTsy Holiday Boutique & Craft Show Reception (page 8) 2:30-4 p.m. Mindfulness Series: Jewish Mussar Yoga (page 16)
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 Har Tzeon Congregation in Wheaton THURSDAYS Har Tzeon Congregation in Wheaton Ring House in Rockville
HEALTH & FITNESS HOURS Monday-Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
5:30 a.m.-10 p.m. 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
The building closes ½ hour after the H&F Department closes.
19
50th anniversary Production!
NOVEMBER 2014
Fiddler on the rooF
Book By JosePh stein | music By Jerry Bock | lyrics By sheldon harnick
directed By molly smith | Produced on the new york stage By harold Prince Based on sholem aleichem stories By sPecial Permission of arnold Perl
original choreograPhy By Jerome roBBins adaPted and restaged By Parker esse
Begins octoBer 31
order today!
202-488-3300 | www.arenastage.org grouPs 10+ save more! call 202-488-4380 for details.
20