Shofar - April 2011 - Adar 2/Nisan 5771

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Shofar Adar II/Nisan 5771

Jewish Family Congregation www.jewishfamilycongregation.org

April 2011

From the Rabbi’s Desk Though the Torah tells us a lot of details about the exodus from Egypt, there are a few items omitted, things we’d really like to know. For example, the name of the Pharaoh is never given, and that would help us to date the story very clearly. Nor do we know exactly what is meant by “ the Sea of Reeds”. And there isn’t enough information to identify for certain the location of Mt Sinai. The scholarly deduction is that the exodus took place around the year 1250 BCE. That means that our ancestors left the degradation of slavery in Egypt about nearly 3300 years ago. And just recently, the people of present-day Egypt have thrown off the yoke of the degradation of tyranny, just as our ancestors did. It will be interesting to see what they do with their newly won freedom. They do not have the advantage of a 40 year journey to their own Promised Land, a journey that allows them to get used to the joys and challenges of freedom. Nor are they likely to create a home-based ritual that retells the story of their triumph and preserves its memory for millennia. But that is what our ancestors did. And even though archaeologists can find no evidence to support the Bible’s account of the exodus, we perpetuate its memory through the festival of Pesakh, learning important lessons from the story regardless of its historicity, or lack thereof. In fact, the story of the exodus has been appropriated by many different groups because it is a great paradigm for the rise from oppression and humiliation to freedom, independence and dignity. One can almost imagine the people of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and even Iran, taking inspiration from the Biblical narrative; ok, maybe that’s a stretch, but the model still fits! The home-based ritual we participate in every year, the seder, does not go back in origin to the exodus itself. It appears that, until the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70 CE, the celebration of Passover centred on the offering of the Pesakh sacrifice of a young lamb. FamiFrom the Rabbi’s Desk Service Schedule Next Month’s Oneg Hosts President’s Message JiFTY Early Childhood Center The Religious School Donations to JFC Second Seder Information Social Action Committee

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lies would gather to eat the meat, with bitter herbs and matzah on what we now consider the first night of Passover. That was the entire Festival of Passover; it was followed by a separate festival called Matzah, which they observed for seven days, eating no leavened foods for that whole time. If there was more to the observance, we don’t know much about it. When the Temple was destroyed, the earliest of the rabbis ruled that the sacrifices could no longer be offered. Therefore, they created the seder ritual to give the festival a new focus. As they did with other commandments in the Torah, the rabbis created rituals to concretize the obligation to remember the exodus from Egypt. The focus shifted from the sacrifice to telling the story, beginning with a recollection that “we were slaves in Egypt”, and culminating with the freedom to enter into a covenant with God at Mt Sinai. The telling emphasized God’s redeeming power, and the miracles of the plagues (that bothered the Egyptians but not the Israelites living right there), the parting of the Sea of Reeds (resulting in the drowning of the pursuing Egyptians), and the revelation at Sinai (with the commandments that define our relationship to God). The seder may have been the first instance of “show and tell”...the ritual foods, the four cups of wine, the cup for Elijah, the reclining at table: these are the “show” part, and the words of the haggadah are the “tell” part. At first, it seems that the seder followed the form of the Greek and/or Roman custom of a symposium, at which a meal was served and then a discussion was held. But over time, the “telling” at the seder was begun before the meal, perhaps to keep the children involved. The practice of asking questions to stimulate the “telling” was originally freeform, but again, over time, the questions became formalized, ultimately becoming the ones that are asked at seders all over the world today.

Comedy Night Recap ECC pictures Religious School pictures Kids Ask the Rabbi JFCAdults Summer Fun form Yahrzeit/Annivs/Birthdays Ask the Rabbi Donations Form JFC Calendar

(Continued on page 21)

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

April 2011

JiFTY CONGRATULATIONS TO JiFTY's 2011-12 OFFICERS: Andrew Blum - President Philip Levens - Programing Vice President Matthew Tessler - Religious and Cultural Vice President Jackie Kalter/Sierra Shafer - Social Action Vice Presidents Jessica Sheptin - Communications Vice President Jeremy Fischer - Membership Vice President Samuel Blum - Membership Vice President Upcoming Meetings: April 7 and 28 Board Meeting (new and old): April 7, 5:30 p.m. End-Year Party: Thurs., May 12, 6:15-7:30 p.m. (Grade 7 students invited; must RSVP to Leslie Gottlieb)

POST-PESAKH PIZZA PARTY! This is a long-standing JFC tradition… just as we begin Passover together, we end it together TOO! We hold our Yizkor (Memorial) Service at 5:30 pm, and then bring Passover to an end with pizza, for which we will all be ready after 8 days of matzah! Each family brings its own pizza (please: veggie or dairy only) and beverage, and we enjoy our family’s company as we return to the eating of non-Passover foods! No sign-up is required…just bring the pizza and beverage, and join your JFC friends to end Pesakh!

Tuesday, April 26…Yizkor service at 5:30 pm and Post Pesakh Pizza Party at 6:15 pm.


Adar II/Nisan 5771

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

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Jewish Family Congregation Early Childhood Center Where Family is our middle name

WE ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERING FOR 2011-12! Please visit our website at www.jewishfamilycongregation.org OR call Fern Tannenbaum at (914) 763-3028 ext. 15

JFC WISHES TO THANK‌ FOR ALL THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT! Bedford Bagel & Bakery 720 Bedford Rd. (Route 177) Bedford Hills, NY 10507 (914) 242-0641

Owned & Operated by Gary & Paula Levine (JFC Members) Kerry & Kathy Levine


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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

SERVICE SCHEDULE

Jewish Family Congregation 111 Smith Ridge Road P.O. Box 249 South Salem, NY 10590 Phone: (914) 763-3028 Fax: (914) 763-3069 e-mail: jfc@bestweb.net

April 2011

APRIL Friday, April 1/ II Adar 27

7:30 pm

Parshat Tazriya/ Shabbat HaHodesh Guest speaker: Rabbi Harvey Tattelbaum Shabbat Morning Service

Saturday, April 2

10:00 am

Friday, April 8/ Nisan 5

7:30 PM

Saturday, April 9

10:00 am

Kindergarten & Grade 1 Service Parshat Metzora Philip Levens chants Torah Bar Mitzvah of Terrence Levens

Friday, April 15/ Nisan 12

7:30 pm

Parshat Ahare/ Shabbat HaGadol

Tuesday, April 19/ Nisan 15

6:30 pm

JFC’s Second seder (by preregistration only)

Friday, April 22/ Nisan 19

7:30 pm

Passover Torah reading

Tuesday, April 26/ Nisan 22

5:30 pm 6:15 pm

YIZKOR SERVICE Post Pesakh Pizza Party***

Friday, April 29/ Nisan 25 Saturday, April 30

7:30 pm 10:00 am

Parshat Kedoshim Bar Mitzvah of Carl Albert

jewishfamilycongregation.org

Rabbi Carla Freedman jfc@bestweb.net Cantor Kerry Ben-David cantorbd@aol.com

School Director Leslie Gottlieb lesliejo0312@gmail.com Early Childhood Center Director Fern Tannenbaum jfceccenter@gmail.com Temple Administrator Jolie Levy jfcoffc@gmail.com Board Of Trustees Richard Mishkin, Co-President 914-764-8305; Jeanette Sanders, Co-President 914-763-0311; Mark Lavin, Vice President; Polly Schnell, Vice President; Bill Pink, Secretary; Andrew Serby, Treasurer; Carrie Kane David Marceau Beth Tessler Debra Verbeke Elisa Zuckerberg and Johanna Perlman, Past President

Shofar Editor Jolie Levy Shofar Printer EnterMarket

*** Bring your own (veggie or dairy) pizza and beverage…we can warm them in our oven till the service ends!

APRIL ONEG HOSTS BOARD HOST: Carrie Kane (914) 248-5254 April 1 Gail Ascher Richard & Sandi Auerbach April 8 Bryan & Samantha Dorf Mark & Donata Albert April 15 Kenneth Aufsesser Robert & Robyn Bellinson April 22 (PESACH) Ilene Benjamin & Heidi Auerbacher David & Phyllis Amerling

April 29 Bryan & Samantha Dorf David & Erica Levens

Please find a substitute if you cannot host your assigned Oneg. Please contact the JFC Office with the names of the new hosts. Please contact your Board Host if you have any questions.

JFC CONGREGATIONAL PASSOVER SECOND SEDER Pot Luck Dinner Tuesday, April 19 - 6:30 P.M. ADVANCE REGISTRATION ONLY (see page 10 for details)


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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

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The President’s Message I hope that some or many of you see JFC the way I do. I see it as a vibrant place to meet your friends, have your children play and learn, make new connections, network, confide, contribute, expand and add extra meaning to your lives. So here are reflections from some of my recent encounters at JFC: The Purim carnival - The building was abuzz; the sanctuary was transformed to an indoor arcade complete with a massive inflatable whale, games, prizes, crafts, food and popcorn. The kids were exuberant, the parents were socially engaged, the bnai mitzvah class happily fulfilling the commandment to share and celebrate the holidays. It was bedlam but I loved it. I can honestly report that many of my JFC friends were absent as I am somewhat removed from the elementary and pre-school parent set who brought their youngsters to enjoy the carnival. My kids, who are college age and beyond, probably slept through this year’s carnival as that is how they tend to spend most of the day on winter Sundays now. But I was thrilled to see the younger parents connecting with each other. It made me feel that JFC is serving one of its intended purposes -which is to be a place for young Jewish families to come and share cultural and social events that are fun for everyone. The only thing that makes me sad is that there is only one Purim carnival per year. I wish there were more opportunities to bring families from our community together like that on a Sunday afternoon. Comedy night – The buffet food was exquisite, the mood was lighthearted and celebratory. There was plenty of beer and wine. The garden room, youth lounge and Oneg room were full of lively chatter and intellectually stimulating conversation. People were dressed for an adult evening out. I greeted my dear good friends, old friends who’ve been so occupied with their busy lives that our paths haven’t crossed in a while, chatted with my new friends that I’ve only met recently through my work on various committees, and even saw some brand new faces who I hoped to know soon. We ate, we drank, we talked and then we LAUGHED our heads off as the comics delivered outstanding performances. We had dessert and coffee and lingered until late in the evening. It was a full social evening and, fortunately, it helped the temple’s fundraising efforts besides. RS Talent Night - The maiden voyage of the brand new JFC stage was set for the performances of entertainment acts of varied types. From very young to middle aged, we enjoyed the entertainment of a cappella and accompanied singers, dancers, musicians and even a fascinating origami demonstration. The room was filled with performers, and their proud moms, dads, siblings, grandparents, neighbors and friends. Just like at any good theater, you could munch on popcorn while enjoying the show, and the theatrical presentation was followed by judging and reviews much in the style of American Idol. It was a real hoot! I brought my husband and daughter and, despite the fact that our family had no entertainers performing, we thor-

by Jeanette Sanders oughly enjoyed the evening. I am reasonably certain that I was smiling the entire time as it was just a really sweet and pleasant experience. Rock Shabbat - Friday evenings our services, which are musically intensive, help to put distance between the struggles and stresses of our busy weeks and the weekend when we can rest and enjoy Shabbat and quality family time. One recent Friday was particularly special in that it coincided with the annual 4th grade service, and JFC had our first total youth-led Rock Shabbat. The mentors and youth group prepared the Visual Tefilah, so we didn’t need prayer books, and it was an extraordinarily well-attended Shabbat service. The 4th grade parents brought a veritable feast for the Oneg Shabbat that followed the service and 4th grade presentation. The music was young and lively, and it was so wonderful to be part of something so current and different. The 4th grade class, which is a large body of students, was prepared with presentations which indicated the depth of the program and revealed their sweet personalities. Some of their individual presentations were so adorable, I (along with others in the room) became tearful. Along with that, we celebrated our Religious school director’s birthday. The service had all the required elements of the service -- including a Torah reading chanted beautifully by one of the Religious school teachers who is a graduating John Jay High School senior. The Dvar torah presented by another High School youth group member was brief, to the point and extremely meaningful. I could go on, but you would stop reading so I’ll just summarize by saying that these events are memories for me. Come to JFC and make memories for yourselves. Participate when we have an event. Sign up for a committee and expand your network of friends. Let’s keep this place a vibrant source of meaning for our congregation.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR

JUNE 4

FOR A VERY SPECIAL

MUSICAL EVENING.  TOP-NOTCH PROFESSIONAL

MUSICIANS  FOOD  DRINKS  RAFFLES

WATCH FOR MORE DETAILS!


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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

April 2011

Early Childhood Center By Fern Tannenbaum

Around four years ago my middle child, Jordan, called me from his trip to California. While telling me about his adventures, he mentioned that on the following day he would be sky diving. I thought, “My son is doing what? Is he out of his mind?” Instead I said, “Is it safe?” His answer was very simple, “Mom, I have a parachute.” At the time his answer was not reassuring, but now I see that he was right. Having a parachute may be all that you need. It made me realize that our Early Childhood Center is just like that parachute in many ways. For many parents, this is the first time that they have left their children for long periods of time. They send them to the ECC because they want their children to learn more skills and develop meaningful language at school. They want them to be prepared for their next major transition, which is kindergarten. Most importantly, parents want their children to become socially competent so they will have success for the rest of their lives. In addition, parents often worry that their child will not be able to compete with his or her peers. What if their young child fails? Believe it or not, this is a legitimate concern. Research has proven that the best time to learn anything is from birth to age six and the earlier you begin the education process, the greater the child’s progress will be. Enrolling children in the ECC is like providing a parachute for our young learners. Our teachers assess the children shortly after they begin school to determine the skills that they have. Then the teachers work with the children to provide a rich curriculum filled with skill building activities and exciting language experiences including rhymes, stories and experience charts. Moreover, the teachers provide many opportunities for social interaction. Every step of the way the teachers are guiding each child and encouraging everything the child undertakes. The children always feel successful at whatever level they are at due to the caring classroom community that surrounds them. Therefore, the children are not afraid to keep trying and learn even more. Every child receives support regardless of their individual needs. At the ECC, failure is not an option. We expect every child to have a soft and supported landing as they glide into kindergarten and the world beyond. The Early Childhood Center also provides guided support for our children’s parents. The winds of change due to new family additions or just the overwhelming concerns of parenthood often make parents feel that they are being steered off course. Having a licensed social worker as part of the grant we receive from the Westchester Family Services really helps parents feel supported and guides them to make the best decisions for their children. Ellen Weisberg, MSW, MEd, gives workshops over the course of the year covering parenting issues and is available by appointment to discuss any parenting concerns with individual parents. At the ECC, no

parent should ever feel they are losing their way as they will always have available guidance to put them back on course. We all need guidance and support, but sometimes we need to be brave enough to take the first leap. As much as I worried about my son stepping out of the plane, he was able to do it because he had faith and courage. These strengths can come from many sources, but I like to believe that his Jewish upbringing helped him know that there is a higher power that protects him. Our Torah and writings provide us with many examples of our ancestors facing serious obstacles and overcoming them through faith and courage. We have just finished celebrating Purim and learning how Esther gathered her faith and courage to save the lives of all the Jewish people in Shushan. This month we will be reliving the story of the Exodus as we sit down at a Seder. We will recount the tale of the Jewish people who lived as slaves for over four hundred years and never lost faith that they would be freed. When the Israelites left Egypt for the desert, they bravely did so knowing that they would never again return to Egypt. When our children hear these stories they begin to imagine the limitless accomplishments that one day they too can achieve. If our Jewish ancestors can face the unknown lands outside of Egypt, they too can achieve great things like writing their names, working together cooperatively to build a block structure or completing a puzzle. Our Jewish heritage provides a belief system and strength which, like the buoyant winds under a parachute, support us even when we feel discouraged or frustrated. Some people look at a parachute as a tool. Others view it as a life-saving device. However, I see the parachute as a means to get safely from a point of uncertainty to a place of success; just the way our children learn at the ECC. When I think of that conversation with my son, I always smile. Of course he landed safely -- he had a parachute!

CHOIR If you would like to join the choir, or for more information, please contact Kathy Storfer at kstorfer@aol.com We welcome all adults -- 13 or older!


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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

April 2011

The Religious School by Leslie Gottlieb

Recently, I had a conversation with someone who spoke about the idea that synagogues and religious schools as they exist today may not be able to sustain themselves as a model for much longer. What is all this about? Don’t we all want and need a place to pray and come together as Jews, a place in which to educate our children to keep the tradition of le dor va dor moving forward? What if the model crumbles? What if intermarriage and indifference eventually wear away the number of Jews who consider themselves practicing Jews—or Jews at all for that matter? There are a lot of questions to be asked, but I feel positive that the model we present at JFC is working, of course not for everyone for all times. In fact, I feel it is working exceedingly well although it greatly disheartens me when a family leaves their affiliation with us just as their 7th grader finishes the Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience. There’s a sad lesson there being imparted to the children in those families. Okay, bring it on! What right does any Jew or any person of any faith have to criticize or condemn the way another person leads his or her life – with respect to religion in this case? None. Having felt disconnected and self-judged all of my young life as an unaccomplished Jew (worshipping several times a year at our family’s Orthodox synagogue in Brooklyn) I am not one to cast stones after experiencing the isolation and ineptitude I felt growing up in that environment. I felt Jewish because of my affiliation with my family and my Jewish friends but not because the rabbi or congregation reached out to me. Rabbi Cohen was a great man at Temple Israel of Canarsie, and he ended up presiding over our marriage ceremony. He was a man in his late thirties when I was a tween then a teenager. He was modern in his appearance and he drew people to him and the synagogue for sure, just not me at the time. Without a yeshiva education, I was on my own to patch together all of the pieces of my Judaism. It took a long time and without JFC, it may never have happened at all I regret to say. Rabbi Cohen moved to another shul not long after he married us. He was my grandfather’s closest friend. My grandfather was my closet friend so the connection between me and religion and Rabbi Cohen was interesting but lacked some much needed development. Connecting to your congregants is essential— congregants of all ages! At JFC, we are lucky in that we have been able to retain our students long after the Bar/ Bat Mitzvah experience. This is essential to me, personally. Parents are the major force behind a Jewish education for the young up until and through grade 7 at JFC and elsewhere. That’s where the fun begins for us who are behind the scenes. What will happen next? Will long-time members (some who have been with us for ten or twenty years) simply vanish? It happens. It is very sad to us and to me when it does. I feel as if JFC family members, when they leave us, are suddenly lost at sea never to be seen

again within our great walls. I especially long to see the children who grow up into young and older adults (I have been at this for awhile) who seem to disappear in a flash. Just the other day, a 7th grader and I were talking in my office and I asked her if we could plan to see more of her next year in confirmation class or youth group. She said flat out, “No. My brothers left right after their Bar Mitzvahs and so will I. You’ll be lucky if my mom stays.” That blew me away. I was stunned, not at the fact that she would not return but by something in the way she said these words that made it seem that the most important thing for her and her family was this Bat Mitzvah and that there was no expectation on anyone’s part to take the JFC community seriously beyond that point. I felt as if the whole process was an inside joke. And that’s okay, too. No one owes anyone anything here. We each as Jews, and especially as Reform Jews, do exactly as we wish. There are no rules we cannot wriggle out of because we are making our own rules for ourselves and this is how we view religion’s role for us in our daily lives. You’ll hear no criticism from me on that one. I am the same way. I want my Jewishness to reflect just the way I feel about Gd and religion and, no thank you to those trying to convince me that more of this is better or that less of that will ensure my soul will be satisfied. But the thing is we have become a community—young and old-- over the years and that connection is special and should be enduring; to cut that cord just as our youth are feeling a sense of belonging and accomplishment is a disappointment to me. I am in no position to judge anyone; I did not have a formal Jewish education nor did I become Bat Mitzvah at a special service at twelve or thirteen. I did teach myself Hebrew enough to read and chant and for that I am very proud—but it is the emotional connection to Judaism and JFC that I am talking about here. I am warning all of you now; I am desperate to keep all of your kids past grade 7 because that is where so much learning and fun take place. I will do everything in my power to encourage participation so please bear with me. We have some great programs to offer in grade 8-12 so it is at this time of year that I come out swinging—in a good way. The fisticuffs reference above was all in fun, really. Last year, when a few 4th grade friends left JFC’s Religious School to learn with a tutor to accommodate their schedules which conflicted with our school schedule, I felt saddened that these kids would lose the sense of community a school atmosphere provides. I wished them well and hope they are continuing their Jewish journey and I am proud that their parents decided not to drop the ball with respect to their education. I truly am happy for that. But when it comes to feeling part of a community, that’s something that can’t be replaced by anything other than-a community. And that’s what we have to offer at JFC in a (Continued on page 31)


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April 2011

Donations to JFC Last Month Adult Programs Allan and Alice Gottlieb Allan and Alice Gottlieb

In Memory Of Max Schenk In Memory Of Emmy Sternberger

BRNO Plaque Fund Paul and Susan Turnley Heidi Auerbacher and Ilene Benjamin

David and Phyllis Amerling Rita Landman and Michael Gitlitz

General Fund Doris Hettmansberger Doris Hettmansberger Doris Hettmansberger Doris Hettmansberger

In Memory Of In Memory Of In Memory Of In Memory Of

Richard Klein Milton Rubin Harlan Hettmansberger Alex Gelbart

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Renee Mendell Renee Mendell Taylor Simon

In Memory Of Mary Lazarus In Memory Of Sidney Lazarus In Memory Of David Emmer

IF ANY DONATIONS MADE LAST MONTH ARE NOT LISTED, KINDLY CONTACT THE JFC OFFICE AND LET US KNOW.

Why is this night different from all other nights? Join us for our traditional

Second Seder Tues., Apr. 19, 6:30 p.m. Our potluck seder is a kid-friendly event with lots of singing. The kids will be part of the telling of the Pesakh story. JFC’s seder is a potluck event. There is a signup poster in the JFC Lobby, or you may call the JFC Office. Please indicate what you will bring. You will be contacted to confirm details. All foods MUST adhere to Kosher for Passover restrictions. If you are unsure, please ask us. JFC Supplies the “ritual” foods, wine and matzoh, as well as all paper goods. Cost:

$18/person $36/family $10/guests over 2 yrs.

PLEASE JOIN US!


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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

JFC Social Action Committee Project Hope and the March 5th Midnight Run Jewish Family Congregation is a regular participant in the Midnight Run. Typically, there are several runs each weekend, with multiple teams bringing food and clothing to the homeless on the streets of New York City. Behind each run is the Midnight Run organization (www.midnightrun.org) that provides guidelines for the meals, clothing and supplies, as well as the van that carries the bulk of the donations.

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by Pat Shafer “It's an opportunity to get insight into a whole community of people who we tend to disregard. It also reinforces the need to appreciate what we have. I imagine this is a particularly valuable experience for teenagers.” – Laura Solomon “The experience far surpassed my expectations. It was extremely rewarding and exhilarating…We have so very much to be grateful for…This can be a very graphic experience in helping to instill selflessness and caring, and illustrating for our children the common humanity of all people, whatever their race, ethnicity or walk of life.” -Emily Kingsley

Each run starts months ahead of time, with JFC members contributing toiletries, used clothing, outerwear, blankets, backpacks and new socks and underwear. All this is stored in Jan Sanders’ garage, graciously given over to dozens of plastic bins and coolers in anticipation of the next run. About two weeks “Thank YOU (Debbie and Jan) so much for your time before the run, leaders Debbie Lavin and Jan host a sorting sesand dedication to this very worthwhile organization.” sion. All clothes in clean, good condition are clearly labeled with sizes and placed into the appropriate bins according to size, gen- The March 5th Midnight Run team: der and type of clothing. Food assignments are handed out. Final plans are made. On the day of the run, volunteers make over one hundred substantial meals, including soup and hot chocolate. We pick up the van from Dobbs Ferry, meet at Jan’s to load the van and an additional one or two cars with the supplies, and caravan down to the city. Today’s run includes several stops. Our first is at 53rd and 11th Avenue. Eleven men reach out to us. Sierra and Skylar distribute pants, shirts, blankets and backpacks from the van. Matt and Adam serve food, and Jason hands out socks and toiletries. The adults pitch in as well. All engage in conversation and learn just how welcome the recent warmer nights of early spring are to those on the streets. The blankets and backpacks go fast, and we make a note to collect more for future runs.

Our next stop is 26th street between 11th and 12th. We meet 8 more people. All are gracious and express gratitude for our efforts and the supplies we bring. But we are the grateful ones for Back row: Emily Kingsley, Jason Kingsley, Curt Shulman, Pat we see that but for a simple twist of fate, we could be on the Shafer, Sue Kaufman, Debbie Lavin, Tracey Kirker. receiving end of these donations. Front row: Jeanette Sanders, Laura Solomon, Skylar Shafer, Sierra Shafer, Adam Kirker. After a quick bathroom break at the Chelsea Hotel and a Not shown: Matt Kaufman. neighboring tattoo parlor, we continue to 23rd and 6th Avenue. Sixteen men and women greet the caravan. After another brief Also, do not forget Project Hope, which is scheduled for the stop (where no one was present) we head to Penn Station, morning of April 10th. Volunteers distribute Passover groceries where far too many to count come to get meals and clothing. to Jewish seniors in their homes. Show up at the Bronx Jewish There’s another run distributing food and clothing across the Community Council and be prepared to deliver food in return street. Even so, we quickly exhaust the food, and head North for smiles, community and conversation. Children are welcome. with the remaining clothing. It’s about 3AM when we finally return to Jan’s and unpack the clothing that will be resorted and taken on the next run, which will be June 11. What are our thoughts on the run? “I found this run to be my "favorite" so far... more involved in connecting with our clients and talking to them... I really enjoyed having that opportunity. As always, it was a very rewarding experience, and a great group of people to share it with.” – Sue Kaufman

Want to help?

Contact Debbie Lavin (debbielav@aol.com) or Jeanette Sanders (crotonjan@aol.com)

The Tzedakah of the Month For APRIL Is

F.E.C.A.

(Foundation for Educating Chidren with Autism)

Selected by the

JFC Social Action Committee


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April 2011


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JFC’s 6th ANNUAL COMEDY NIGHT - JANUARY 29, 2011 Laughter and jokes had us rolling in the aisles for JFC’s 6th Annual Comedy Night. It was a cold evening, but the warmth of friendship spread through the building as guests enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Garelick & Herbs. The wine flowed freely, thanks to Dina and Judd Zusel, and paved the way for a great evening of entertainment. Denise Simon did a fantastic job as the evening’s emcee, with a hilarious musical introduction. Our two comics, Joe DeVito and Sandy Marks, entertained us for 90 minutes with a great stand-up act that kept us laughing. A dessert buffet capped off the evening, featuring sweets from the Bedford Bagel Bakery and some of JFC’s finest home bakers! Emily Kingsley and Laura Kaplan missed a fun evening but were lucky enough to be the winners of the special raffles for a Kindle and a Nook.

Special thanks go to the planning committee (Amy Fischer, Leslie Moss, Diane Richman, Nicole Rose, Jan Sanders and Denise Simon) for their extraordinary efforts to put together a terrific evening of socializing and fundraising for JFC.

PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR DONORS FROM COMEDY NIGHT:  Garelick & Herbs Catering in New Canaan, Greenwich and Westport  Bedford Bagel Bakery in Bedford Hills.

And thank them for their generosity!


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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

April 2011

BEFORE YOM HASHOAH Recently, Rabbi Freedman acquired some DVDs with “never before seen” footage from the Holocaust and you are invited to see them with her. The films were made by the Nazis, and it is possible that some of them will be hard to watch. Nonetheless, if you feel the responsibility to be well informed about the Holocaust, and to be a knowledgeable witness, especially as the eyewitnesses themselves grow ever fewer in number, you will want to see at least some of this material. We will watch and discuss the DVDs, and perhaps agree to meet a second time to go through more of them. The rabbi will show these recordings at JFC on Tuesday, May 3, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Please call Rabbi Freedman and let her know that you will attend the showing.

- - - Lots of new vendors! - - Check website for details.

ROADSIDE CLEANUP Join us for the bi-annual JFC Roadside Cleanup on Sunday, April 10, at 9:15 a.m. Meet at the bagel store in the Cross River Shopping Plaza. We’ll clean “our” stretch of road from the Cross River Shopping Plaza to the Bouton Mobile Station and be done by 11:30 a.m. Please bring work gloves and wear sturdy shoes/boots. Please contact Rob Strongin (rhstrongin@aol.com) or Ted Bloch (tednbloch@gmail.com). Help Repair Mother Earth (Tikkun Olam)!


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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

The Early Childhood Center

April 2011


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The Religious School

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From the Rabbi’s Desk (cont’d) (Continued from page 1)

The haggadah emerged from the efforts of various rabbis to embellish the story of Pesakh with commentary meant to enrich our understanding of it. It would probably amuse those ancient rabbis to see how so many Jews today feel bound to read every word in the haggadah, and they would, at the same time, be delighted by the hundreds of different haggadot available today. The critical lesson that those rabbis left us is contained in this teaching: each person should celebrate Pesakh so that s/he experiences the exodus as if s/he had been there personally. In other words, we are not to consign the exodus experience to history, but rather, we are to bring it to life for ourselves. We are to feel very deeply the joy of liberation from bondage. So as you prepare to celebrate Pesakh this year, at the season of spring and renewal, give some thought to the bondage you can leave behind, as you make your own personal exodus journey. I know it is unlikely, but that concept takes me back to the struggles for freedom all over the Arab world today, and I cannot help seeing all those oppressed people taking a leaf from Moses’ book. The world would be a better place if they could appreciate the thought! Have a sweet and meaningful Pesakh!

Have you checked out the JFC Blog recently? Go to www.jfc.rjblogs.org Still haven’t checked out the JFC Gift Shop? Stop in and take a look! The items really do change frequently! If you are interested in purchasing anything, please let the JFC Office know.

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A QUICK LOOK AT SOME HAGGADOT Rabbi Freedman has a collection of haggadot that might be of interest to you as you prepare for Passover. Some of these are recent publications. Some of them are illuminated manuscript facsimiles. Some have a specific theme. Some have fabulous photographs and other art. Some are commercial (the Maxwell House Haggadah, for example), and others are scholarly. The collection even includes the manuscript facsimile of the famous Sarajevo Haggadah, about which Geraldine Brooks’ s best-selling novel, People of the Book, was written. The rabbi will bring some of the collection to a special “show and tell” evening, on Wednesday, April 13. You are invited to bring some samples of your own collection, if you’d like to share your favourites (or notso-favourites!). You are also invited to come with questions you may have about the rituals and rules of the seder itself. Please mark your calendar and check out the rabbi’s haggadah collection: Wednesday, April 13, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm.


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April 2011

Kids Ask the Rabbi Question: Why do we ask the Four Questions at the Pesakh seder?

Answer: The Four Questions are meant to get kids to pay attention to the story of Passover, which is told in response to those questions.

But that’s odd, because the questions ask about eating matzah, eating bitter herbs, dipping greens, and reclining...none of which has happened by the time the questions are asked! Really old haggadot apparently place the questions at the end of the seder, where they at least make some sense. But there were two problems with that order. First, the telling of the story would already have happened, so the questions were not needed. And second, it is quite possible that little children (and maybe some not so little!) would have gone to sleep by the time the adults would get to the questions. So the questions were moved closer to the very beginning of the seder. Now, the questions are asked though none of the things they speak about have been observed by the children doing the asking, but they do precipitate the telling of the Passover story. There is some evidence that the questions themselves changed over time and according to the practices of specific locations, but they became standardized a long time ago, as is evidenced by the fact that they are posed in Aramaic, not Hebrew. It is certainly a good idea to do things to keep the children engaged. There are many haggadot meant to interest children, and today there are “plague bags” and masks to enliven the seder.

At the JFC second seder, we rely very little on the haggadah itself for the story; instead we act out the story, and the children present play the roles of all the familiar characters: Moses, Pharaoh, Miriam, Aaron, and the Israelites themselves. We get the adults present to make a barrier at the Sea of Reeds so that our Moses can lift his staff and the water can part, letting the Israelites escape the Egyptians, right there before our eyes. Some people might fear that we are not “doing it right” since we don’t read every word in the haggadah, but in fact, for a long time, Jews felt quite free to improvise at their seders, as long as they made certain to tell the story as the rise from slavery to freedom, and as long as they made reference to three critical elements in the story, the Passover lamb, the matzah and the bitter herbs. For children attending a seder, it is a wonderful moment when the questions are to be asked. The youngest is supposed to do the asking, and that child gets to show off what s/he has learned. The older children present have probably all been the youngest at some time, and so even they are cheering for the correct recitation of the questions. And the Four Questions reflect an important part of Jewish life: we respect the inquisitive mind, and encourage people of all ages to learn by asking questions. So here’s a small challenge: can you think of some additional questions to ask at your seder, to increase your understanding of the story of Passover, and the rituals by which we celebrate it? Why stop at only four questions????


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Seders for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

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WJCS Offers Support to Caregivers

The WJCS Havorah Program is planning two Seders for individuals with developmental disabilities: Monday, April 11 -- Passover Seder for Persons with Developmental Disabilities will be held at 6:00 PM at Beth El Synagogue, Northfield Road and North Avenue in New Rochelle. Admission is $10 per person. Tuesday April 12-- The 24th Annual Community Passover Seder for Persons with Developmental Disabilities will be held at 6:00 PM at Temple Shaaray Tefila, 89 Baldwin Road in Bedford. Admission is $10 per person.

The WJCS Family Caregiver Support Program offers ongoing, free support groups for individuals and families caring for someone age 60-plus on the following dates: Monday, April 6 from 7:00-8:30 PM at Congregation B'nai Yisrael, 2 Banksville Road, Armonk. April 13 & 27 from 9:30-10:30 AM in The Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center, Northern Westchester Hospital, 400 East Main Street, Mt. Kisco. April 21 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM at the James Harmon Community Center, 44 Main Street, Hastings-on-Hudson.

To register, contact Carol Williams at 761-0600 X107 or cwiliams@wjcs.com.

For further information, contact Jane Slevin, LMFT, WJCS Family Caregiver Network Coordinator, at 914-761-0600 X143 or jslevin@wjcs.com.

WJCS is offering free, job searching workshops for women, Women-Helping-Women. Registration is required. Please contact Women-Helping-Women Project Director Lenore Rosenbaum at 761-0600, X308 or lrosenbaum@wjcs.com. The free, non-sectarian workshops will be held from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville. Workshop dates are as follows: Tuesday, April 12: Navigating Your Career: Adapting Your Skills To The Current Market Trends Thursday, April 21: Living Your Life With Purpose In 2011 Thursday, April 28: The One Thing That Changes Everything Tuesday, May 3: Getting Yourself Organized & Staying Organized In Your Job Search Thursday, May 12: Thriving Through Unemployment Tuesday, May, 17: Ask The Recruiter

“Clothesline for Giving”

The Social Action Committee raised $120 during the Purim Carnival.!


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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

JFC  Adults

April 2011

By Jeanne Shanin, Adult Program Coordinator

The support received for JFC*Adults has been heartening. There are several more programs this year so if you have an idea, even a wild idea for a program, please send it my way. This month we have a special treat. Dr. Murray Spiegel, author of “300 Ways to Ask The Four Questions” is giving a multi-media presentation at JFC on Sunday, April 10 at 7:00 p.m. A dessert buffet and book signing will follow the program. This fascinating, humorous and uniquely motivating presentation has inspired thousands of unforgettable Seders. Spiegel's innovative Seders have been featured on PBS! Dr. Spiegel incorporates history and innovation, fun parodies and unusual translations of the Four Questions. You are invited to enjoy his infectious enthusiasm and learn how to make your next Seder the most fun and interesting it has ever been. Wishing you and your family a joyous sweet Passover.

Don’t forget to stop in and check out the JFC Gift Shop! The items change do frequently! If you are interested in purchasing anything, please let us know in the JFC Office.

Scrip Pro is happy to welcome Groupon to our merchant list. Groupon features daily deals on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in hundreds of cities worldwide. Since their launch in November 2008, they've helped millions of customers explore their cities at a huge discount. Just create a free account at www.groupon.com, and start exploring daily deals on the best stuff to do! The Groupon gift card is available in a $25 denomination with a 7% rebate. Remember to use the JFC enrollment code! Call the JFC Office if you have questions. JFC CLASSIFIED ALL ADS ARE A FLAT $18 AND MAY NOT EXCEED 50 WORDS. THEY WILL RUN FOR ONE MONTH ONLY. To place an ad, submit the text and your payment to the JFC Office. You may email the text to jfcoffc@gmail.com and either drop off or mail your check (payable to JFC). Credit card payments are also accepted.


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and s JEWISH FAMILY CONGREGATION y d a ts a r t n h ex le Poi t i W oub (Shabbat Together AND Religious School) D

STARS 5770-5771

     

REMAINING SHABBATOT:

S.T.A.R.S. Party

April □ 1 □ 8 Grs. K & 1 Pot Luck □ 15 □ 22 Double Points □ 29

(Gr. K - 6) Sunday, May 1

(rain date: May 8)

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Attend the same number of services that corresponds to the grade level in which you are currently enrolled (kindergartners can opt for attendance for at least one service just like their first grade friends). Check off the box on your S.T.A.R.S. form that corresponds to the service you attend. (Be sure to also throw a check in the square when it’s your class’ service and Oneg.) Sign in each time you come. The book is in the Youth Lounge. Keep filling in the chart all school year long, and you may end up surprising yourself by attending more than the required number. At the end of the school year, you will be asked to bring in or mail your form. Special recognition will be given to those who made the commitment. For those who complete the program, you are invited to join us on May 1 for the S.T.A.R.S. party.

JFC ANNOUNCEMENTS If you would like to “announce” a Simcha in your family, please send the text (pictures are welcome too!) to Jolie Levy at jfcoffc@gmail.com. Announcements must be received by the 15th of the month to appear in the next month’s Shofar. Please feel free to acknowledge your Simcha with an $18 donation to any JFC Fund or with a leaf on our Simcha Tree. Donation forms appear in every Shofar.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL READERS Ruth Ossher is DANGEROUSLY ALLERGIC to many flowers. Accordingly, we CANNOT have the following flowers in the building at any time: Lillies Tropical flowers Jasmine scent Any highly scented flowers Artificial flowers that have been sprayed Ruth is NOT allergic to: Tulips Daffodils Hydrangeas Mums Sunflowers Potted flowers that we plant outdoors If you are using a florist, PLEASE have them call us even if they are sure. Dangerous mistakes have already been made. Many thanks for your cooperation!


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Please call the JFC Office when any relevant information arises or changes so all Birthday, Anniversary and Yahrzeit listings are accurate and up to date. JFC can only list names/dates that have been reported to us.

ANNIVERSARIES Bruce & Gail Fischberg Michael & Alyssa Fisher Donn Henshaw & Abby Plotka-Henshaw Andrew & Rose Melinek Robert & Barbara Strongin Martin & Tracey Weisberg

YAHRZEITS Eleanor Aufsesser Abraham Belsky Mary Benjamin Daniel Berlin Leo Bloch Amy Cohen Mickey Conn Arnold Eydenberg Murray Fischberg Ramon Garay Harry Goodman Lillian Gordon Mary Henshaw

BIRTHDAYS Kenneth Carson Kayla Clott Adam Cohen Nora Dockter Cyndi Dodes Evy Drawec Ellen Elias Gail Fischberg Amy Friedlander Carly Goldstein Max Goodstein Lawrence Gottlieb Jama Hansonbrook Rachel Kalter Sarah Kaplan Douglas Kaufman

David Kurzweil Rita Landman Annie Malamet Rose Melinek Allie Moss Tomo Okamoto Linda Paulding Jacob Raimondi Samantha Shulman Leslie Simon Julia Sklarin Jeremy Smith Paul Stevelman Beth Tessler Susan Valente Cole Verbeke

Harlan Hettmansberger

Maurice Leff Rose Leitner Harry Malamet Arthur Margolis Patricia Melinek Neil Monaco Thelma Reichenthal Joan Sobel Anna Steinberg Jacob Steinberg Emmy Sternberger Fay Goodman Weisberg

Have you considered celebrating significant birthdays and anniversaries with a leaf on our Simcha Tree of Life? Call the JFC Office for details.

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The Religious School (cont’d) heard that song so many times and it never occurred to most wonderful way, I feel. We do have our issues for me before this moment how much it applies to a Jewish certain. Things can always be improved upon. We must community. continue to try to be open to all members and their posiJoy Levitt, executive director of the Jewish Community tions from the top all the way down. That’s what a family Center on the Upper West Side of Manhattan (quoted in does. That is who we strive to be. the article mentioned) says that learning to become a Bar/ A few months back, I read an article called, “An Online Bat Mitzvah online, “will accomplish the specific need of a Path To The Bar Mitzvah.” After simply reading the title, I specific parent to get a bar mitzvah… but from the standwas mildly offended (just think of my profession) but tried point of a robust Jewish life that will hold a community to keep an open mind. After all, the Internet brought and its values into the next generation, we’re not going to Egypt out of its own bondage recently and it is, as we all get there through Skype.” I agree. know, a powerful tool. You can go to a program called TropeTrainer to learn to chant—but who is going to officiate at a seminal event in your life? A Hal-ish computer monitor? The articles reads, “If dating, shopping and watching TV can be revolutionized by the Internet, why should bar and bat mitzvahs be immune? Parents who once might have turned to their local synagogue for Hebrew lessons and spiritual guidance are now turning to Google, where a quick search on ‘bar mitzvah’ turns up sites like….” “Need to learn the prayers that precede the Torah and accompanying haftarah readings? There are Youtube videos for that.” Online sites are great for kids for practice (we use the Behrmanhouse.com site all of the time at So to the notion that the synagogue and religious school and recommend it for our students to study with at school role models will not hold, I say there is hope for us home) and it can be very helpful for students who miss a all… not just Orthodox Jews who live every minute of their lot of class time for whatever reason or if kids have learn- lives Jewishly (their view, not mine). I think we have a ing disabilities. The application of online education is very future and I am going to be there to see that at JFC we can useful for many things, absolutely. We all know this. hold onto our members beyond a certain point in their JFC has joined the Internet age, naturally. Our website children’s lives because I can’t promote something in is super functional and useful beyond words. You can get which I do not believe strongly. If you are one of those your school registration materials online, practice the To- families with kids aging out, I just want to say that this rah blessings from our site, and follow our blog. You have community really needs you to hang on—for all our sakes. to change with the times and we have. But there is no Let’s keep this family big and healthy and forever moving virtual community. Facebook doesn’t even cut it. People forward—but together! need people. What was it Streisand sang? “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.” I have (Continued from page 8)

Todah Rabbah from the Religious School to…  The Religious School Committee for their support all year and for helping to organize the May 1 Tag Sale (May 8 rain date)  The Youth Group for another great year (not over quite yet) and for helping to install another board for leadership in 2011-12  Kathleen Sakowicz in the JFC office for all of her work helping to register new members and school families over the past few months


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ASK THE RABBI Question: Why are we supposed to sell our khometz (non-Passover food) on Pesakh?

Answer: We are told in the Torah that we are required to eat matzah for seven days (more about that below) and that we are supposed to get rid of leavened foods on the first day (Exodus 12:15). In ancient times, and in fact until relatively recently, people lived in homes with little storage space. And until the advent of refrigeration, people had no way of keeping perishable food in their homes for more than a day or two. Most people shopped daily or every other day for their food supplies. So the commandment in Exodus 12:15 was not a burden in previous times. People just did a thorough job of cleaning out the foods we are not supposed to eat during Pesakh, and their homes were “kosher for Passover”. But in this age of Costco-sized packages and homes with large pantries and refrigerators, most of us shop weekly, and we do not hesitate to buy more than we can use in a few days, because the packaging and chilling will keep food fresh and edible for an extended period of time. As time passed, and homes grew in size and storage technology, it became clear that to throw out all the “leavened food”...cereals, grains, etc...would be an economic burden that people would be unlikely to bear. So the rabbis came up with the legal fiction of selling the leavened foods in the house to someone who is not obligated to follow the commandment of Exodus 12:15. The procedure is to write up a bill of sale for all the leavened food in the house, and to “sell” it all to a helpful nonJew; the “seller” takes a deposit of $1.00 against the “selling price” which would be huge and meaningless. Then, when Passover ends, the “seller” refunds the $1.00 and thereby cancels the sale. And that’s that. Of course, even following this procedure, one is still obligated both to clean out the traces of leavened food from the house (with special emphasis on the kitchen, of course), and to eat matzah during Pesakh. That verse in Exodus tells us that we are required to eat matzah for seven days, but everyone knows that Pesakh is an eight day festival. How do we explain this discrepancy? Originally there were 2 festivals. The first was the Festival of Pesakh, which centred around the Passover sacrifice. It lasted one day, and was directly followed by the seven days of the Festival of Matzah, which featured the abstinence from eating leavened foods. Since the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 CE, we have stopped bringing sacrifices, and so the first festival was attached to the other seven days and Passover became an eight day holiday. It is possible that the custom of holding a seder on each of the first two evenings is a reflection of the older practice of celebrating two separate occasions. Regardless, the two seder evenings are a great opportunity to celebrate with family and friends!

The URJ Eisner and Crane Lake Camps, in partnership with Top Bunk Camping Consultants, have an incredible opportunity this summer. This program will only thrive with your help. Our new program, Camp Chazak, is a chance for the Eisner and Crane Lake Camps community to be truly inclusive. From Sunday, August 21-28, 2011, Camp Chazak will offer children with various needs a chance to have a Reform Jewish Camp experience while being in a successful social setting. This program has the potential to change the lives of its participants. Children with special needs, work incredibly hard during the school year, many of them giving up a large part of their summer for school. Camp Chazak is place for kids to come, make friends, build a community and have fun. Our program is unique because it combines both therapeutic and recreational activities. The campers will utilize all of the facilities that camp has to offer including, the ropes course, lake, pool, arts and crafts, soccer, baseball and more. Social skills development and group building activities will be built into each element of the program. Chazak targets 9-13 year olds with social deficits who are high functioning in regards to hygiene, etc. Many of these campers are diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, and other disorders involving social developmental delays. There is a line in the Talmud that reads, “Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers ‘grow, grow.’” Camp Chazak is a place for children to grow, both as individuals and as members of our larger community. Think of the children in your congregation, community and in your life who would benefit from Camp Chazak. To find an informational flyer (in color and b/w) that you can post in your Temple or send home with prospective families, please visit our website eisnercranelake.urjcamps.org/chazak or contact Marissa Frankel, URJ Eisner and Crane Lake Camps Assistant Director, Camp Chazak Liaison, mfrankel@urj.org.


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First-Year Dues Are FREE!

FREE!

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April 2011 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

1

2

ECC

Gr. 7 9-10:45

RABBI TATTELBAUM 7:30 P.M.

NFTY Spring Kallah

Creation Station

3

4

Gr. 4-6 ECC Gr 6 Museum Gr. 7 Trip 9-2:00 Kids Knesset 10:10 NFTY Spring Kallah

5

6

7

8

9

ECC

ECC

K-3/CC/SMP YG

ECC

Gr. 7 9-9:45

Gr 6 REQUIRED RS Comm Mtg. Parent/ 12:15 K-3 Model Student Mtg Seder B’nai Mitzvah Class of 2012 7-9 PM Bd Mtg

K&1 Service Creation Station

Bar Mitzvah Of Terrence Levens

Service 7:30 Tot Shabbat

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Gr. 4-6 Model Seder & Shekel Shop Blowout Sale Roadside Cleanup 9:15 JFC Adults: Dr. Spiegel 7:00 pm

ECC Gr. 7 ECC Comm. Mtg. 7:30

ECC

ECC

NO RS

10-PK 6-7:30

ECC Passover Celebration

NO Gr. 7

How Much Do Your Children See [K/L Weather & Hear? 9:30 am Reserve Day]

17

18

NO Gr. 4-6

NO Gr. 7

RS Summer Reg begins

Creation Station

Haggadot Program 7:30-9:00

19

OFFICE CLOSED

20

OFFICE CLOSED

Service 7:30 Tot Shabbat

21

22

NO RS

SPRING RECESS NO RELIGIOUS

SCHOOL

23 NO Gr. 7

SPRING RECESS NO ECC OR RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Erev Pesach First Seder

24

25

Gr. 4-6

NO Gr. 7

Pesach Second Seder

Service 7:30 Tot Shabbat

26 Post Pesach 27 Pizza Party

SPRING RECESS NO ECC OR RELIGIOUS SCHOOL OFFICE CLOSED

OFFICE CLOSED

ECC

28

29

30

K-3/CC/SMP YG

ECC

Gr. 7 9-9:45

Kids Knesset 5:10

Creation Station Service 7:30 Tot Shabbat

JEWISH FAMILY CONGREGATION

Bar Mitzvah Of Carl Albert


Jewish Family Congregation 111 Smith Ridge Rd/Rte. 123 P.O. Box 249 South Salem, NY 10590

CURRENT RESIDENT OR

Non Profit Organization Postage PAID White Plains, NY Permit No. 9022


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