July 2015 - Tammuz/Av 5775

Shofar Tammuz/ Av 5775

Jewish Family Congregation www.jewishfamilycongregation.org

July 2015

July Service Schedule Shabbat Balak, Numbers 22:2 – 25:9 July 3

6 pm Shabbat Service at Ridgefield location

Shabbat Pinchas, Numbers 25:10 – 30:1 Ruth Ossher presents the Manzares family with funds raised at the Religious School Car Wash.

July 10

6 pm Shabbat Service at Ridgefield location. Champagne and Strawberries Oneg Shabbat 7:30 pm Shabbat Service at South Salem location

Shabbat Matot-Masei, Numbers 30:2 – 36:13 July 17

6 pm Shabbat Service at Ridgfield location

Shabbat Devarim, Deuteronomy 1:1 – 3:22 Leah and Nate celebrate at the Religious School end of year party.

July 24

6 pm Shabbat Service at Ridgefield location

Shabbat Va’etchanan, Deuteronomy 3:23 – 7:11 July 31

6 pm Bar-B-Que at South Salem location. RSVP to office before Monday, July 27 7:30 pm Shabbat Service at South Salem location

ECC students Calvin and Ian plant in the playground garden.

From the Rabbi’s Desk President’s Message Religious School Early Childhood Center Ritual Committee

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Ask the Rabbi Yahrzeit/Birthday/Anniversary Oneg Shabbat Hosts Donations

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

July 2015

From the Rabbi’s Desk The below article was shared at the JFC’s Annual Meeting on May 31, 2015.

Do you remember the taste? You could smell it from over 100 feet away. The delicious, wafting odors in the air created anticipation and excitement, a feeling of home and a sense of security, even with the normal and tough struggles of daily life. I’m not talking about a Memorial Day BBQ last weekend, your favorite dish that your mother or grandmother made for you, or even a meal at your favorite restaurant. I’m referring to the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic -- that we used to eat … in Egypt.

In thinking about what I might share today as some words of inspiration, I remembered this story of our ancestors, wandering in the desert and complaining to Moses. First they complained about water, then bread, then they wanted what they had in the old days -- even while they were slaves in Egypt. Afraid of the uncertain future, they not only reminisced about what they had, they wept and cried to Moses, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish that we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic…”

It seemed like an appropriate passage to remind us about today, and then a mini-miracle happened. I could not remember the verse in the torah, so I went to my concordance, trying to look up the word for cucumbers -- then I realized that the current word in Hebrew (m’lafafonim) for cucumbers is not the same as the Biblical word (kishuim). So then I looked up garlic (shumim) and found the verse -- Numbers 11:5, which happens to be in this week’s torah portion of B’haalot’cha!?! Amazing. Maybe a signal for us today.

The story continues with Moses hearing the people weeping, and Moses calls out to God, “Why have You dealt ill with Your servant, and why have I not enjoyed Your favor, that You have laid the burden of all this people upon me? … I cannot carry all this people by myself, for it is too much for me.” God responds, “Gather for me 70 of Israel’s elders … and bring them to the Tent of Meeting, and let them take their place there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will draw upon the spirit that is on you and put it upon them; they shall share the burden of the people with you, and you shall not bear it alone.”

In this period of challenge and uncertainty for our congregation, it helps to know that each of us does not need to bear the burden alone. Each of us is like an elder of JFC, because the way our congregation is structured gives power to every single individual. Some carry a bigger portion of the burden in areas of volunteering or planning or organizing or finances. Every single person controls our destiny.

Later on in this week’s parasha, we learn about Eldad and Medad, who prophesied in the camp. A youth ran out and told Moses, saying, “Eldad and Medad are acting the prophet in the camp!” And Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ attendant from his youth, spoke up and said, “My lord Moses, restrain them!” But Moses said to him, “Would that all God’s people were prophets.” Today we are prophets, determining the future.

In next week’s torah portion, Moses sends out leaders to spy out the land across the border. Let us be like Joshua and Caleb, or like Hal and Glenn, bringing back a realistic and challenging report, yet one that is positive and forward-looking. Let us not dwell in the past, complaining and yearning for things that either no longer are or looking back to only remember the tasty memories of the past. We have work to do, we can support each other, and we can successfully settle in a new land, nurturing our souls and growing as a community. I hope that we have your support and involvement. Our community needs you as a Eldad or Medad, Caleb or Joshua. Thank you.

Rabbi Marcus L. Burstein

Tammuz/Av 5775

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

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

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From The Co-Presidents

By Glenn Kurlander and Hal Wolkin

office@jewishfamilycongregation.org

After months and months of exploration, analysis, discussion, debate www.jewishfamilycongregation.org and planning, the members of JFC and TSI have completed the first critical step in building together a new synagogue that will be the heart ————— of our shared community.

Rabbi Marcus L. Burstein, D. Min. rabbi@jewishfamilycongregation.org

————— Director of Education Leslie Gottlieb

We want to thank everyone who committed untold hours to getting us here. From the legacy JFC community, we want to thank, first and foremost, our beloved Rabbi, Marcus Burstein, for his characteristic wisdom, vision and enthusiasm. Our shared community is so fortunate to have him and Rabbi David Reiner as the energetic and committed co -Rabbis of the new synagogue, and fortunate as well to have the enthusiastic and talented Cantor Debbie Katchko-Gray as our cantor.

lgottlieb@jewishfamilycongregation.org

We also want to thank Leslie Gottlieb and Jane Emmer, and all of our dedicated teachers, for the critical role they have played in getting us to this juncture, and for the even more important role they and the additional teachers who will be joining the combined school from TSI, jemmer@jewishfamilycongregation.org will play in the new synagogue’s future success.

Early Childhood Center Director Jane Weil Emmer

Administrator Kathleen Sakowicz

ksakowicz@jewishfamilycongregation.org

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The support, commitment and dedication of our professional staff— Kathleen Sakowicz, our Temple Administrator, and Carol Wakeman, our Bookkeeper—were instrumental at every pass.

And while numerous lay leaders assumed immense burdens, all of whom we thank sincerely, we would be remiss if we did not single out three in particular for special thanks. These three people constitute an president@jewishfamilycongregation.org important part of the lifeblood of JFC and will bring their immense energy to the new synagogue: Michael Salpeter, as co-chair of the joint Josh Blum, First Vice-President Suzanne Sunday, Second Vice-President Ritual Committee; Karen Conti, as co-chair of the joint Education ComRobyn Cohen, Treasurer mittee; and Laurence Furic, for all the amazing work she has done in Richard Mishkin, Secretary connection with communications and our web presence.

Glenn Kurlander, Co-President Hal Wolkin, Co-President

executive@jewishfamilycongregation.org

Karen Conti, Trustee Jon Glass, Trustee Mindy Hoffman, Trustee Robi Margolis, Trustee Paul Storfer, Trustee Bonnie Wattles, Trustee board@jewishfamilycongregation.org

Shofar Editor Kathleen Sakowicz Shofar Printer Copy Stop Royal Press

We owe profound thanks to our dedicated Board of Trustees for their courage and vision in putting us on the path to building the new synagogue, as hard and painful as it is to say goodbye to the separate existence of this wonderful place we call JFC. And finally, while we won’t name them one by one, we are immensely thankful to all the members of the legacy TSI community who worked just as passionately and selflessly as their counterparts at JFC to bring us to this point.

Now, of course, we must take on the work of knitting together two communities, much more similar than they are different, into one.

Many wonderful things have already happened on this score, and more will follow in the weeks and months ahead. Between now and the High Holy Days, we will hold more services together to continue the process Continued on page 8

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

July 2015

From the Religious School

By Leslie Gottlieb

Real Collaboration

So here we are… two months from the start of school. As of today, our new school has yet to be named, but we have gotten used to calling it the Collaborative Religious School. Although that name was originally chosen to represent the idea of two programs merging into one, it actually has a greater meaning here.

Synonyms for collaboration include: teamwork, partnership, participation, association, working together… and several others. To me-- and in my experience as an educator for 30+ years-- these words suggest a relationship that goes beyond just a merger; these words and phrases help us to understand that in a strong school, teamwork and cooperation among students, teachers, administrators and parents is essential. In our case as part of a religious organization, we need to add the clergy as a critical part of the picture. Together, as a collaborative team, great things can happen. Optimally, this is the relationship approach working at its best.

Teamwork, by one source, is defined as, "Work done by several associates with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole." Another source continues to define the term as, The process of working collaboratively with a group of people in order to achieve a goal. Teamwork is often a crucial part of a business, as it is often necessary for colleagues to work well together, trying their best in any circumstance. Teamwork means that people will try to cooperate, using their individual skills and providing constructive feedback, despite any personal conflict between individuals.”

Now this may seem like an organic explanation on the surface. Of course, people should work and play well together. But this idea of building strong relationships sits at the foundation of all successful organizations-- from the family to the boardroom and beyond. For a school to function very well, and not simply to function, hard work and the rewards that come with it are easily generated for all concerned when the driving force is real personal interest from all parties. If there is a sense of trust, passion, and great care given and received, the outcomes can be so magical that sharing this feeling becomes ineffable.

I am confident that after a few issues of adjustment for all concerned we will move into a very comfortable place, so to speak—for those new to Religious School and for families from both schools because certain aspects will be different. Old friends will meet, and new friendships will unfold between all of our students and their parents.

Continued on page 8

Tammuz/Av 5775

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

From the Early Childhood Center

By Jane Emmer

The end of another great year at The Early Childhood Center

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

July 2015

From the Ritual Committee

By Michael Salpeter

For the past six months the members of the ritual committees of Jewish Family Congregation and Temple Shearith Israel have been meeting jointly to begin planning for a potential union of the two synagogues. Now that the union has been approved by the membership of both synagogues, we are going forward with plans to celebrate the High Holy Days at the TSI site, as well as a full line-up of special summer services for the months of June, July, and August. Although Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur plans are not firmed up at the time of the writing of this article, you will be kept informed as we solidify the service lineup.

For the summer we envision conducting two Friday evening barbecue’s followed by services. Over the past several years, these services have been some of the most highly-attended, and we look forward to participation by members of both congregations. We also are planning some services beginning at 6PM followed by an extended themed social event, giving us all the opportunity to catch up with old friends, as well as forging new friendships with our new fellow congregants.

The rabbis and the members of the ritual committee are excited about the rich opportunities that the union can bring about. Please join us this summer for a series of relaxed and enjoyable Shabbat evenings.

Check our website in the coming weeks for High Holy Day Information.

www.jewishfamilycongregation.org Scheduling Weddings or Funerals with Rabbi Burstein Rabbi Burstein wants very much to be with you during significant life-cycle moments. Please speak with him before setting any dates or times for weddings or funerals. Don’t be disappointed to learn he is not available at the time you’ve already arranged, bring him “into the loop” at the very beginning of your planning.

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

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Ask the Rabbi

What is the Tanach?

Tanach can also be spelled Tanakh, and stands for the three sections of the Hebrew Bible, Jewish Bible, or Jewish Scriptures. This abbreviation includes the beginning letter of each section of the Hebrew Bible: “T” for Torah; “N” for N’vi’im (Prophets); and “CH/KH” for Ketuvim (Writings). [The letters kaf and chaf are the same letter, with the only difference being a dagesh, or dot, in the middle of a chaf to make it a kaf. Hebrew grammar ensures that a kaf rather than a chaf almost always begins a word, thus the change from “CH” of Tanach to Ketuvim (and not Chetuvim).]

The Torah consists of the Five Books of Moses -- Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

The Prophets section of the Bible often is divided between the Early Prophets and the Larter Prophets. Early Prophets include the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings; Latter Prophets include Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, as well as the 12 Minor Prophets. A few of the 12 Minor Prophets include the books of Joel, Amos, Micah. All haftarah readings come from the Prophets section of the Bible -after reading from the Torah section on Mondays, Thursdays, Shabbat, and holidays, the haftarah is the “concluding” Biblical selection of the morning on Shabbat and holidays. Traditionally, the only time torah is read is in the morning and on Shabbat afternoon; a haftarah reading only occurs in the morning.

The Writings section of the Bible contains 13 books, including Psalms, Proverbs, and Job. One subdivision is the group of books called the Five Scrolls (Chamesh Megillot), each of which is read on a certain Jewish holiday. The Five Scrolls include Ecclesiastes (Sukkot), Esther (Purim), Song of Songs (Passover), Ruth (Shavuot), and Lamentations (Tisha B’Av).

In total, there are 39 books in the Hebrew Bible, although some Jews count the 12 minor prophets as one book and combine other books as well for a “total” of 24 books.

Jews do not refer to our Holy Scriptures as the “Old Testament,” since this is a Christian term that signifies the “Old Testament” was superseded by the “New Testament.” Although the Christian Scriptures include the Jewish Scriptures, the order of the books is changed. Some verses are changed or omitted, and the reference to chapter and verse can be slightly different as well.

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

July 2015

Continued from 3—Co-Presidents’ message

of building relationships and community. We will also begin to combine processes to prepare for an eventual move of JFC’s administrative operations to the Ridgefield building. Our High Holy Day services will be held in the sanctuary in the Ridgefield building—our new sanctuary—led by Rabbi Burstein, Rabbi Reiner and Cantor Katchko-Gray. After the High Holy Days, we expect that all our services will be joint, with most services held in our new sanctuary, and some to be held in the South Salem building from time to time.

Given the planned move, as one would expect, the South Salem building is being listed for sale and you may soon see a “For Sale” sign near the entrance to the building’s driveway. Because we are initially listing the property as a commercial listing, you will not find the listing in any of the on-line residential realty websites.

We noted at our annual meeting, at which the Union was approved, that our future is not pre-ordained and that while the steps we have now taken to date are important, there is much more to achieve.. And we called on all our members to stay involved, no matter how they voted, because it is only through continued engagement that we have a chance to shape what the new synagogue will become.

We renew that call now. We continue to need your help to build the future we all envision; to have a meaningful, dynamic, sustainable Jewish presence in our community. We have a wonderful chance to make this dream a reality, but it won’t happen without you.

Glenn Kurlander and Hal Wolkin Continued from page 4—Religious School

This is an exciting time for us all. For JFC families, a leap of faith is required—no pun intended here at all—for us to pack up and leave our ritual and spiritual home to venture to a new land. The Israelites did it and look where it has led us as a people. We all live in the Diaspora, and it matters less where we hang our coats than where we feel like we are at home. Families move all the time. Family members sometimes stay as one unit or travel from place to place to be together—especially at holiday times. A location is important in some respects. Just look at the price so many pay to live in and near Jerusalem. But we are a resilient people, and together we can make this merger a success. But to be a true collaboration, we will need to work as a team and support each other—especially at the beginning phase when so much will feel new to us all. That’s why this is an opportunity for a new beginning for a future we can all look to create together.

Kein yehi ratzon! May this be God’s will.

Have a happy and safe summer.

Religious School and Early Childhood Center WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS! Please visit our website at www.jewishfamilycongregation.org For more information and to register online.

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

July 2015

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.

ANNIVERSARIES Neil & Holly Alexander David & Phyllis Amerling Joshua & Michelle Blum Gary & Paula Levine Matt Polinsky & Tina August Greg & Ginger Schwartz Richard & Beth Sklarin Jeremy Tubbs & Daniela Goldman

BIRTHDAYS Maxwell Andrade

Eliza Lichtman

K. J. Aufsesser

Ruby Lichtman

Ellen Barth

Karen Lustig

Stephanie Blum

Francesca Polinsky

Jeremy Fischer

Nicole Rose

Samuel Fischer

Max Sanders

Jacob Furic

Gordon Schnell

Jasper Gitlitz

Quoya Schnell

Tim Gordon

Sierra Shafer

Dr. Alice Gottlieb

Cheryl Shainmark

John Grzymala

Curt Shulman

Spencer Hellinger

Beth Sklarin

Lydia Hellinger

Davey Stark

Laura Kaplan

Maya Stark

Elizabeth Klotz

Susan Stillman

Deborah Kurlander

Eliza Wein

Linda Lederman

Dr. Jay Zaslow

Ian Leitner

YAHRZEITS Rheba Alpert Susan Aufsesser Annette Belsky Lillian Benjamin Shirley Berk Henry Block Josephine Blumberg Ruth Drawec Richard Dutka Helen Eydenberg Minnie Fremed Jonas Kardish Charles Karsch Milton Kempler

Sheldon Kempler Lillian G. Kutscher Abe Lederman Herbert Markham Anita Mishkin Morris Pottish Hannah Rabinowitz Max Schattner Fannie Schoenholz Edith Sherr Hyman Sherr Hannah Vandervelden Arthur Zucker

Have you considered celebrating significant birthdays and anniversaries with a leaf on our Simcha Tree of Life?

Call the JFC Office for details.

Please Support Our Advertisers

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

July 2015

Tammuz/Av 5775

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Collaborative Religious School Summer Lunch & Learn All Registered & New Students Welcome Save the Date: Thursday, August 20, 2015 Location: 46 Peaceable Street, Ridgefield, CT Join us for lunch from 12:00-1:00 pm‌parents & siblings, too!

Following lunch there will be two fun learning sessions for students entering: Grades 2-4 & Grades 5-7 Students will attend one program & then switch to the other (12:00-2:00 pm) Hebrew: Review & Games Culture: Israel & Holiday Review & Games Please rsvp by August 18 by 12:00 pm to:

Leslie Gottlieb, Director of Education at: lgottlieb@jewishfamilycongregation.org Long-time JFC member and teacher

Rona Salpeter is available to help with: babysitting, house sitting, animal care—& all jobs requiring a loving caring individual!

References are available upon request.

Contact Rona at # 914-643-8176

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

July Oneg Shabbat Hosts July 3

July 2015

JFC WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

Martin and Hanky Kutscher Roy and Patricia Lerner

July 10

Jack Wilson and Marjorie Schiff Michael and Emily Wein

July 17

Dawn Roberts Wendy Meyer

July 24

Richard and Beth Sklarin Susan Westlake

July 31

Paul and Peri Stevelman Steven and Judy Vandervelden Mark and Debbie Lavin

Josh and Lindsay Omin of Goldens Bridge, New York and their children Austin, Sophie and Charlotte Brian And Sari Benson of Pound Ridge, New York And their children Skyler and Riley

Donations General Fund Doris Hettmansberger Glenn & Deborah Kurlander

In memory of Harlan Hettmansberger and Indy Goldman

Molly & Gregory Religious School Scholarship Fund Drew & Mindy Hoffman In honor of Leslie Gottlieb and the JFC Religious School on the occasion of Taylor Hoffman's Bat Mitzvah Music and Choir Fund Drew & Mindy Hoffman In memory of Cantor Kerry Ben-David Michael and Emily Wein In honor of Ruth Ossher on the occasion of Emily Wein’s Bat Mitzvah Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Neal & Karen Blum Leonard Gross Drew & Mindy Hoffman Michael and Emily Wein

To thank Rabbi Burstein for the Adult B’Nai Mitzvah class In memory of Carole Alexander In honor of Rabbi Burstein on the occasion of Taylor Hoffman's Bat Mitzvah In honor of Rabbi Burstein on the occasion of Emily Wein’s Bat Mitzvah

Religious School Discretionary Fund Drew & Mindy Hoffman In honor of Ruth Ossher on the occasion of Taylor Hoffman's Bat Mitzvah

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Lots of fun at the Religious School Confirmation and Post Confirmation end of year trips Confirmation Class Students in grades 8 and 9 meet with Rabbi Burstein weekly to continue their Jewish learning as a young adult after becoming bar or bat mitzvah. In a discussion format with participation from all, we examine topics such as the weekly Torah portion, holidays, current events, ethics, and other topics of Jewish interest. We study Jewish texts, both ancient and modern, to appreciate the breadth and depth of Jewish wisdom and how that wisdom can help us in our lives today. At least one field trip is planned each year with the input of the students. This year we visited the Lower East side of NYC, including the Tenement Museum and the Eldridge Street Synagogue.

Post-Confirmation Class This course is offered once a month and includes pizza dinner. The Post Confirmation groups together 10, 11, and 12 grade students. Rabbi Burstein engages students in informal discussions to continue students’ connection with our synagogue and their Jewish identities as they grow into mature-minded independent adults. The program is exciting, thought-provoking and fun and ends with a field trip to New York City. This year we had lunch at Epstein’s Kosher Deli in Yonkersm saw the “Lincoln and the Jews” exhibit at the New York Historical Society, and visited the Kehila Kedosha Janina on the Lower East side of NYC.

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

Youth Group end of year party

CURRENT RESIDENT OR

Jewish Family Congregation and Temple Shearith Israel’s SUMMER BARBECUE ~ FRIDAY, JULY 31 at Jewish Family Congregation, 111 Smith Ridge Road, South Salem, NY 6:00 pm BBQ and Shabbat sing-a-long 7:30 pm Shabbat Service

RSVP before noon, Monday, July 27 office@jewishfamilycongregation.org 914-763-3028

Make sure to check out our calendar for up to date events at www.jewishfamilycongregation.org