Shofar - June 2011 by Otir

Shofar Iyar/Sivan 5771

Jewish Family Congregation www.jewishfamilycongregation.org

June 2011

From the Rabbi’s Desk The young people who are confirmed at JFC each year are asked (by me) to speak at the Confirmation service about their Jewish identity. The subject is appropriate because, at Shavuot, when we hold the Confirmation service, we celebrate the giving of the Torah at Sinai, the event understood to lay the groundwork for Jewish identity. The confirmands always speak well and movingly (and they write these speeches entirely independently), talking about family experiences, summer camp, JFC and our Religious School. They mention grandparents, teachers, rabbis and counsellors. And they thank their parents for making all of these experiences available to them. It is always interesting to hear the students talk about their Jewish identity. And that has led me to think about YOUR Jewish identity. So I pose the questions to you, personally. Yes.. YOU. What factors contributed to your Jewish identity? Who was instrumental in shaping that identity? Where do you feel most “Jewish”? How do you express that identity? If you are a parent, please ask yourself these questions: How are you shaping your children’s Jewish identity? Do you express your Jewish identity in ways your children “get”? What experiences do you provide for your children to establish and solidify their Jewish identity? As Shavuot approaches, I invite you to think about the specifically Jewish memories you have. Do they involve synagogue activities or family experiences? Do they center on meals and “Jewish” foods? Do they conjure up arguments and disagreements, or happiness and celebration? If you had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah From the Rabbi’s Desk Service Schedule Next Month’s Oneg Hosts President’s Message Kids Ask the Rabbi Donations to JFC Yahrzeit/Annivs/Birthdays JFCAdults Early Childhood Center

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ceremony, what is the first recollection that comes to mind when you remember it? Was it a joyful experience or an ordeal? Aside from family, how many of the people who participated in that event are still in your life? How will your B/Mitzvah experience colour your approach to your own kids’ experiences? How does your Jewish identity relate to your career? To your political ideas? To your social life? To the organizations and causes you support? Does your Jewish identity contribute to your thinking on issues like abortion? the death penalty? civil rights? government responsibility? organized labour? social welfare? And here is a consideration that the confirmands don’t have to think about: what have you done and what are you doing as an adult, to nurture and grow your Jewish identity? Do you read books about Jews and/or Jewish ideas and issues? Do you read or think about Israel? Can you read Hebrew? If not, would you like to, at least so as to follow in the prayerbook? Do you own Judaica (candlesticks, Kiddush cup, seder plate, mezuzot, Bible, prayerbook, tallit, art)? How well does your Jewish radar work? Do you subscribe to any Jewish publications? I always think of Jewish identity as a work in progress, and I encourage you to think about yours, seriously. Would your answers to the many questions above surprise anyone? Do they surprise you? If you had to deliver one of our Confirmation speeches, what would you say? I invite you to share your thoughts on this subject with me. And I invite you to attend our Confirmation service on Tuesday, June 7 at 7:30 pm, to hear what this year’s confirmands have to say!

ECC pictures Religious School pictures The Religious School Social Action Committee JiFTY Summer Fun form Ask the Rabbi Donations Form JFC Calendar

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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

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

June 2011

JUNE Friday, June 3/ Sivan 2 Saturday, June 4

7:30 pm 10:00 am

Tuesday, June 7/ Sivan 6 7:30 pm

Parshat Naso Bar Mitzvah of Dillon Firestein Shavuot / Yizkor CONFIRMATION SERVICE

Laurence Furic chants torah

Friday, June 10/ Sivan 9 Saturday, June 11

7:30 pm 10:00 am

Parshat B’ha-a-lot’kha Bat Mitzvah of Julia Sklarin

Friday, June 17/ Sivan 16 Saturday, June 18

7:30 pm 10:00 am

Parshat Sh’lakh-lekha

Friday, June 24/ Sivan 23

SHABBAT IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

6:30 PM 7:30 pm

Saturday, June 25

Bat Mitzvah of Tamar Rackear-Sturm

10:00 am

Bring Your Own Picnic*** Shabbat’s Greatest Hits^^^ Parshat Korakh

Bat Mitzvah of Claudia Smith

*** Each family brings its own picnic dinner (please, no shellfish or pork or meat/ dairy combos) and beverages. JFC will provide candles, wine and challah…please bring bug spray, chairs or blanket to sit on. The Oneg Shabbat will be held indoors as usual. ^^^ The service will be entirely musical, and will feature lively melodies.

JUNE ONEG HOSTS BOARD HOST: BILL PINK (914) 763-4684 June 3 David & Elisa Zuckerberg Michael & Marcela Berland

Please find a substitute if you cannot host your assigned Oneg.

June 10 Tammi Jacobs Shulman Jeff & Cyndi Dodes

Please contact the JFC Office with the names of the new hosts.

June 17 Alan & Denise Simon Brian & Leslie Smith June 24 Raymond & Hillary Raimondi Richard Bersch & Amy Selig Allan & Alice Gottlieb

Please contact your Board Host if you have any questions.

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!

Iyar/Sivan 5771

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

The President’s Message You will probably be reading this after our annual meeting. To confuse you further, I am writing it before the meeting, but what we have to say is important so please bear with us. Let me begin by saying that our Congregation is doing fine; fiscally, spiritually and as a community. The URJ has been addressing the financial problems facing Reform Temples throughout the country. This is due, in large part, to the economy. We are not alone with Congregants who are losing jobs, taking pay cuts, struggling with savings plans that are not sufficient to cover the expenses they were designed for, or business owners whose revenue has been shrinking. Understandably, priorities are changing for families facing hardships. We want everyone to be able to depend on JFC, especially in difficult times; our doors are open to help in any way we can. Nonetheless, JFC has a strong core of members who are paying dues, sending their children to our religious school and early childhood center and continue to back our fundraising activities. The support of our congregants and the diligence of the Board, with respect to expenses, have significantly decreased our deficit and, in my opinion, shine a bright light on our future. As congregants, you should feel good about where we are going and participate in helping to make the decisions that will shape our future. I think most people would be surprised if they took a close look at what it takes to run an organization of our size; call us, come to a meeting. Spiritually, we have a strong and stable pulpit. Rabbi Carla will continue to lead us, to be there for us in times of joy and sorrow, to teach our children Jewish values and, with the help of our excellent religious school staff and tutors, give them a solid Jewish education. Our Cantor, Kerry Ben-David, continues to make us the envy of much larger congregations everywhere; JFC and music are synonymous. Kathy Storfer and our chorus at services and High Holy Days and special events are as good as it gets. I believe any Reform Jew can be comfortable and find a place in our sanctuary, and this goes for others too. The JFC community continues to play a major role in many of our congregants’ lives. What impresses me is that it is not only the pre-B’nai Mitzvah group who in some ways are obligated to participate, but it

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by Richard Mishkin

is our teenagers, parents of ECC kids and empty nesters who take and give all the time. Our Board of Trustees is a good cross-section of our community with members from all generations, and I think that this Board, particularly, is really focusing on our future in a realistic way. To be your voice, we need to know what you think; please tell us. We need you to spread the word in the community that we are here to stay, are stronger than ever and if you know anyone who shares our values, please ask them to visit us. Shalom.

PLEASE JOIN US at our 2011 Jewish Family Congregation Confirmation Service Shavuot, Tuesday, June 7, 7:30 p.m.

MAZEL TOV TO: SAMUEL CEISLER MATTHEW TESSLER

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

June 2011

Kids Ask the Rabbi Question: I heard somebody talking about his So it is not at all uncommon for a man or grandfather having his “second Bar Mitzvah”. What is that?

Answer:

You probably know that a young man becomes Bar Mitzvah (that really means “commandment accountable) at the age of 13. You may not know that Psalm 90:10 says that the age of a person is (supposed to be) 70 years. At the time that the Psalms were written, that was indeed a ripe old age; but the verse goes on to say that, “by reason of strength” one might live even to 80.

woman to reach the age of 83, and then celebrate the occasion in temple with family and friends. Those who are up to the challenge may repeat their Bar/Bat Mitzvah Torah reading, or at least a few verses of it, while others may be called to the Torah for the aliyah when “their” portion is read. Either way, it is a wonderful way to honour those who live a long life, and usually their spouse, but certainly their children and grandchildren…and maybe even greatgrandchildren…who celebrate the second Bar/ Bat Mitzvah were not there for the first, so it is a great family simkha!

Taking 70 to be the full life span that one can expect, our sages said that if a man lives past that, we should count his years as though he is starting a whole new life at 70, so, when he So, when you have finished your bar/Bat Mitzreaches 83, he should have a “second Bar vah service, hang onto the Torah pages you Mitzvah”. work from; in 70 years, you will need them again! This was a real rarity until relatively recently. Now people routinely live into their 90s, and beyond.

Donations to JFC Last Month General Fund Gary & Paula Levine Jeffrey & Elizabeth Klotz

In Memory of Shirley Grossman In Memory of Donald Sosnowith

Music & Choir Fund David & Erica Levens

In Honor of Cantor Ben-David, Kathy & Paul Storfer and David Kane on the Occasion of Terrence's Bar Mitzvah

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Marc & Jill Waldman Harold & Ruth Ossher David & Erica Levens

On the Occasion of Zayla’s Bat Mitzvah In Memory of Daniel Berlin On the Occasion of Terrence’s Bar Mitzvah

Religious School Director’s Fund David & Erica Levens

In Honor of Ruth Ossher on the occasion of Terrence’s Bar Mitzvah

Religious School Scholarship Fund Marc & Jill Waldman

In Honor of Linda Paulding on the occasion of Zayla’s Bat Mitzvah

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

Iyar/Sivan 5771

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

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Have you checked out the JFC Blog recently? Go to www.jfc.rjblogs.org

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

June 2011

Iyar/Sivan 5771

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

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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 Peter & Liza Breslin Dan & Alison Brodoff Rick & Bobbie Cohlan Roger & Jo Drawec Stuart & Elaine Feldman Allen Gabor & Lisa Papernik Steven & Melissa Goodstein Kristine & Edward Grossman Jonathan & Jama Hansonbrook Terry Kalter & Marcia Sher-Kalter Glenn & Deborah Kurlander Gerald & Lynne Landau Richard & Catherine Mishkin Richard & Johanna Perlman Raymond & Hillary Raimondi Alan & Jeanette Sanders Gordon & Polly Schnell Steve & Cheryl Shainmark Alan & Lisa Sheptin Alan & Denise Simon John & Barbara Stern Paul & Peri Stevelman Clifford Wallach & Sherry Levin Wallach Michael & Emily Wein Hal & Laurie Wolkin

BIRTHDAYS Daniella Acker Jessica Acker Donata Albert Heidi Auerbacher Daniel Berger Newton Bersch Samuel Breslin Nancy Brown Maggie Ceisler Brian Chipman Shoshana Chipman Julie Conti Kevin Dorf Roger Drawec Kenny Elias Daniel Feldman Emily Feldman Stuart Feldman Robert Fischman Stephen Fisher Mark Frey Daniela Goldman Lee Goldstein Ava Goodstein Martha Gordon Renna Gottlieb Max Gryzmala Milo Hansonbrook Doris Hettmansberger

Michael Horwitz Andrew Junquera Jason Kingsley Emily Klotz Gerald Landau Mark Lavin Talia Levinsohn Dara Marceau Danielle Ossher Alexander Ozols Lisa Papernik Alex Perlman Raymond Raimondi Sarah Senese Tony Senese Alexa Serby Elyse Sherr Heather Sherr Taylor Simon Noah Sklarin Andrea Stegman Barbara Stern Samantha Stevelman Steven Sturm Jonathan Vayness Clifford Wallach Julia Warren Hal Wolkin

YAHRZEITS Adolph Auerbacher Yehuda Ayash Helen Bergson Norda Berlin Ed Blum Maurice Cohen

David Dutka Indy Goldman Lillian Paget Joshua Perl Philip Stein Pearl Weiss

A belated Happy Birthday to Zach Gottlieb -so sorry we missed it in April.

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

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JFC ď ˘ Adults

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

June 2011

By Jeanne Shanin, Adult Program Coordinator

Community takes many different forms. As adults, each of us has many roles and each of them connects us to different communities. JFC*Adults is a community for us adults outside our roles as parents, grand parents, teachers, professionals...the roles go on and on. We are able to connect with one another without the usual rush of getting somewhere other than where we are at the moment. In May, a large group of us got together at the beautiful lakeside home of Doris Hettmansburger before moving on to take pleasure in a beautiful dinner at Sagi Cucina Italiana.

This month, we will enjoy an outdoor klezmer concert while picnicking together. Whatever your role, you are welcome to join us on the lawn of Ballard Park on June 21st.

Iyar/Sivan 5771

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

June 2011

Early Childhood Center By Fern Tannenbaum

Where we have been can greatly influence where we are going. The children at the ECC have recently returned from two different trips. For the first trip, the threes and fours went to Israel on an imagery journey via an airplane set up in the Oneg Room. Once we arrived, we visited Tel Aviv in the Garden Room, did Israeli folk dances and ate in a café there. We went to Jerusalem, in the vestibule, to put prayers in the Kotel and searched for artifacts in the Negev desert, which very much resembled our playground sandbox. For our second trip, the whole school visited Muscoot Farm to view their farm animals with their newborn animal babies. The children certainly have traveled a lot, but how does this have an effect on their futures? Seeing live animals helped the children gain first-hand knowledge about what these animals really look like and sound like. They also were able to learn about the animals’ habitats and homes. Most importantly, the children gained the necessary vocabulary to properly label everything they saw. Research has proven the more concepts that children have about the world and the greater their vocabulary, the more successful they will be at reading and ultimately in school. When visiting Israel, even if they did not see the actual country, the children were able to make conceptual understandings about flying on an airplane and comparisons between Israel and the United States. However, the most important connections the children make are that Israel is their home just like the United States, Hebrew is a language they can one day learn, and visiting Israel is fun. All of these trips will have a positive affect on the children’s learning and their self-image now and in the future. These were, of course, only trips. Each trip was over in only a day and left a small but enduring impression. Nevertheless, our children do not just take trips. Every day the children are in the ECC they are taking part in a journey. Over time, this experience teaches more than one or two concepts, it guides our children as they acquire a myriad of intellectual, physical and social skills. Our four year olds are ending their journey later this month as they prepare to enter Kindergarten in the fall. As in any quality

journey, they made many great friends and created memories that will last a lifetime. As a souvenir, they will take a little piece of the ECC with them as they establish their future Jewish identities. We know the children have had a remarkable journey because they are not the same children they were when they started. They are more capable, more self assured, more verbal, and curious to learn and do even more. I too have been on a remarkable journey these last three years as the director of Jewish Family Congregation Early Childhood Center. Just like the children, I believe I have changed for the better. I have learned how to make a school function smoothly in spite of snow, teacher illness and a multitude of paper work. Even when we were under construction, everything fell into place beautifully and the school has never looked as good. My souvenir has been the wonderful memories of the children as they worked together to build, create and share treasured conversations. I especially value those magical moments we spent singing and playing instruments together. My greatest accomplishments were strengthening the curriculum to create more literacy and science opportunities for the children, offering training in essential skills to the teachers and improving school-to-home communications. I am especially proud that during my last two years our school was selected as a grant recipient by Westchester Jewish Family Services where we received the services of a licensed social worker as part of Project S.E.E.D. When a journey ends, there is always some trepidation about leaving. As exciting as it is to enter a new chapter in my life, I will truly miss all of the people I have come to know and love at JFC. Everyone here, since the day I started, has been kind and supportive in every way and there are many I would like to thank. Rabbi Carla Freedman was my source for everything Jewish and everything I needed to know about JFC, as well as the leader of some of the finest Early Childhood services that I ever attended. Cantor Kerry Ben-David was an inspiration to me and very often became my musical partner at the children’s services. We shared a lot of music and a lot of fun. I thought I would never get over loosing our last Administrator, the remarkable Paul Turnley, until we were fortunate to have our small but mighty Jolie Levy fill his very large shoes with ease. Jolie has been the go to person for every school need from our “Little Shofar” to getting the water turned on in the playground. Kathleen Sakowicz, our bookkeeper, has been a pleasure to work with. Even when I forgot to submit a bill or I needed computer help, she always was there with a smile. The most important staff for the ECC, of course, is our teachers. Each one is special and truly dedicated to the children. They make every day of learning creative and fun. Thank you to Debra Cohen, Ellen Elias, Lori Paprin, Dinah Rader, Laura Vayness and Jodi Waxman. (Continued on page 11)

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

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Early Childhood Center (cont’d) (Continued from page 10)

Finally, I want to thank the amazing Early Childhood Committee. The amount of effort these steadfast volunteers have given is outstanding. Although each member individually took on special tasks, the whole team worked together to create the Ladies Bazaar, design fun parent events, run a clothing drive, food drive and tzedakah fund for the Community Center of Northern Westchester, and just recently managed a very successful “JFC Book Swap.” They did all of this and also raised thousands of dollars to help the ECC. Thank you to Karen Blum, Cheryl Chess, Tara Kauftheil, Dara Marceau, Sara Manes, Gillian Margolin, Luda Samuels and Whitney Wasserman. I also want to thank Elisa Zuckerberg, our JFC board representative, for all of her help with PR and for being a full member of the committee in every respect. My greatest appreciation goes to Rachel Clott and Elise Serby for their hard work, dedication and for being talented leaders and chairs of the Early Childhood Committee. I enter new frontiers with excitement and uncertainty, yet I leave JFC knowing the ECC will be in the capable hands of Jane Emmer. I am confident that she will continue my efforts to make our school an exceptional facility for the learning and development of young children. My experiences at Jewish Family Congregation have most definitely changed my life for the better, and I value every day I have spent here. Thank you JFC for letting me learn from you and for letting me become a part of your family. Shalom.

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 (914) 763-3028

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

The Early Childhood Center

June 2011

Iyar/Sivan 5771

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

The Religious School

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

June 2011

The Religious School by Leslie Gottlieb

This has been a most wonderful school year at JFC. It always seems strange when it finally comes to a close, just like all those years we spend as children bouncing from one favorite teacher to a long summer off… and then we were right back at it again in the fall and it took some weeks until things felt normal again in that setting. It feels as if September is years off at this point, and it is hard to work at JFC all summer long without the faces and voices of our students there to fill the building. When we all come together, something special happens. It’s like petals on a rose all blown about in the wind, parts of a whole that finally reattach themselves in September, creating a beautiful and elegant flower newly composed, soaking in fresh sunlight-- and life begins anew. Looking back over this year, I can think of so many happy times all of us shared. Back in the fall we were all collecting food for the Katonah Food Pantry over the High Holy days. Those days will be here again before we know it. Working as a team with the 7th graders makes us a strong group-- and sets the stage for that formidable year of learning that is coming to a close for the Class of 2011. Celebrating Simchat Torah and Sukkot JFC style are ways we create Jewish memories and a Jewish soul for our children. Wrapping them in the scroll as our teens and others read random verses is something that stays with me all year long. It consumes me to be part of a community who celebrates with such meaning… and the meaning comes from us with leadership from the Rabbi. She has laid the table for our Jewish ritual practice at JFC, and I have obtained my identity from all of these experiences here and nowhere else has it felt like this, not from years of trying to figure it out on my own. She is my Jewish mentor and I have let her know this. I welcome you to get more involved as only you can. Be there and become more. Over the fall months, we had two toy drives running simultaneously: one for Friends of Karen (children’s cancer support group) and one for the U.J.A. (United Jewish Appeal). Our students made hand-made wrapping paper for the children supported by Friends of Karen, and one of our 7th graders delivered all of our contributions to their head-

quarters in North Salem. Others brought down to the UJA White Plains office all of the toys donated from JFC’s children. By the time Chanukah rolled around for us, the toys were gone but the sounds of the Youth Group at JFC (JiFTY) singing the Chanukah blessings one evening decorated the building with holiday spirit and plenty of warmth. At about that time of year, the Youth Group would hear about the fires that burned out of control in the Carmel Valley in northern Israel and would create a fund-raising effort to help the JNF (Jewish National Fund) From Black to Green campaign. Hopefully in the future Israel will be more prepared for such devastating fires should they occur, and we can be proud of how our teens were there to help raise funds to buy much needed equipment. In January we hosted another “Bring a Parent to Religious School.” It was an unparalleled success thanks to our wonderful staff and supportive parent body. We celebrated Tu B’Shevat in myriad ways with some classes making ecologically friendly bird feeders and parents helped with a recycled paper art contest in grade 4. Getting ready for Purim is almost as much fun as the holiday itself at JFC. This year our 7th graders and their parents planned a great event that included an enormous inflatable whale for jumping in and climbing through. We were able to use our purchased professional popcorn maker—also a big hit at this year’s first ever Religious School Talent Show held this winter. We bought a professional stage for JFC to make sure the event was the best it could be-- and it was. At the Talent Show we had a dozen students perform (high school a cappella group led by Jacob Breslin and Dan Bloch), a piano soloist, dancers, a card trick performer preceded by an origami expert, story-telling by Rabbi Carla, and so much more. Kids left with balloons and smiles and the night went off without a hitch.

All through the year the Shekel Shop did brisk business, but of course the hoarders waited until spring to spend it all on the final end-year Blow Out Sale held in the Garden Room. We are creating some new twists for this special incentive program for next year, so stay tuned. Some classes pooled their shekelim near the end of the school year to buy hot cocoa, bagels, donuts and/or other treats for their group. This created a whole new opportunity for sharing and frank discussion about fairness with respect to members of the class contributing uneven total shekel amounts. It all worked out and everyone had fun.

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The Religious School (cont’d) A new Youth Group board of trustees was formed this spring, and the new and retiring boards met to let the overlap make JiFTY stronger going forward. Our Youth Group party in May attracted lots of new 7th graders who will be eligible in the fall for membership—and even included a student I wrote about a few months back who promised me she was finished with Religious School! That made my day you can be sure. She brought a friend with her, too. So much for promises from the young! I am glad there was an aperture, so to speak, for change in that person--- and happier still that we are the recipients of her open-mindedness. The Youth Group will be bigger and better than ever next year and for that I am very grateful. To see kids in 8th through 12th grade make it a priority to come to JFC on their own terms is remarkable. They are keeping the flame alive, and we don’t pretend that they aren’t the ones, at times, keeping the family attached to JFC and all it offers. Late in the school year, we celebrated Pesach with two model seders for our students with parents coming into

sight when the grade 4 staff all got on the bouncer for one last blast before everyone parted… for this was our last Sunday of the year. How sad it turned moments later when we all hugged good-bye. With all 4 teachers off to college in the fall, including one of my own, the tears and laughter were confusing to say the least. Some cotton candy and snow cones made the hurt a little better for all of us. This is a remarkable place that retains its students, many of them anyway, and turns them into real teachers with a Jewish repertoire they can take with them wherever they go because what they create here stays in their hearts forever. Of that I can be sure. It isn’t knowledge I am talking about although they clearly have that piece in order; I am talking about owning a Jewish identity all the way through. We can do that with all of our kids in some way even though all of our students are different. We can find a way if they are open to it. In June on Shavuot we will confirm students graduating from our grade 8/9 Confirmation program. This is interesting because not one of these kids is choosing to leave our other high school programs offered. They are choosing to remain a part of the school when they clearly have a million other choices out there as high schoolers. I encourage you to come to this service with your youngster to show them where this all leads. Sometimes it’s hard for 3rd or 4th graders to picture themselves years later doing this very same thing. For me, all of these things are made possible by the encouragement, love and support of our venerated Rabbi the building arms laden with hard-boiled eggs, homeCarla. She provides me with a solid source of knowledge made charoset and bunches of parsley. We used, natuon all things Jewish, but much bigger than that… she prorally, once again, the shank bone Karen Blum keeps all vides me with the strength to attack new projects with year round in her freezer for our seder plate. She even ruach (spirit)! I know that not everyone gets to know her roasts an egg for us. It’s the little things many of you do as I do, but she is largely the reason this school is what it is not ever see that make the school extraordinary. It’s the from my point of view. Without her nurturing, who knows willingness of parents and students and teachers to go the what would be? I am ever grateful of this and invite you extra distance knowing it will create a stronger place of to let her know that you are appreciative, too. Do you all learning and love. know she is a teacher in the Religious School for grades 7, The day of the STARS party and Tag Sale was one of 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12-- and also runs every RS service those blue sky cool-warm days we all wait for… especially throughout the school year? Thanks, Carla. after such a gloomy overcast spring. We had a great time All of this and we and made $1,000 that day for JFC and Chai Lifeline forgot to mention (children’s cancer support group) to share. We had an 18- author Grandpa foot slide and a super huge bouncer. It was a wonderful Mikey’s visit to our 2nd and 3rd graders, the grade 6 trip to NYC, the homemade hamantashen and so much more…. Oh, my. Too much to remember, but what a great year was.

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

June 2011

Dear JFC Families, Previously I wrote to tell you about my mitzvah project in which I planned to collect and send supplies to the Russian orphanage that was my first home. However, we’ve since learned that this is now discouraged due to high tariffs and the fact that everything they might possibly need is, at present, abundant in Russia. An option was presented that allows me to help an individual orphan, a little boy whose photograph I chose among seven participants in “Val’s Promise.” Thus, on the occasion of my Bat Mitzvah, to thank the American agency and Russian adoption officials who joined me and my family when I was 9 months old, and to help another child without parents in the country of my birth, I am sponsoring the toddler pictured below. Our agency, Creative Adoptions, Inc., has a new program that finds loving homes in the United States for orphaned children with Down Syndrome who are languishing in Russian institutions. “Val’s Promise,” as CAI writes, “is a program of giving and gratitude” that offers grants to each approved family who applies to adopt one of these waiting children. The funds help cover the costs associated with the process. My mom and Philippa Street, CAI’s director, have long been friends, and we are all excited to be united in this effort. Of the eight children in CAI’s “Val’s Promise,” the first came home on April 20, 2011. CAI has matched me with one of those still in Russia, and in this way I will be contributing to another blessed and miraculous homecoming 12 ½ years after my own. He depends on “Val’s Promise,” and “Val’s Promise” depends on donations.

Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution in any amount toward the sponsorship of “my child.” Checks should be made payable to Creative Adoptions, Inc., a charitable and tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. On the “memo” line of your check, please note that it is for “Tamar’s Fund,” then mail to Creative Adoptions, Inc., One Centre Park, 8808 Centre Park Drive, Suite 208, Columbia, MD 21045, Attention: “Val’s Promise.” You can also send it to my home: Tamar Rackear-Sturm, 58 West Road, South Salem, NY 10590, or give it to Jolie in the office. Remember, the symbol for “18” is and the corresponding Hebrew word relates to life. That’s the date of my June Bat Mitzvah! Please help me and CAI make “Val’s Promise” a reality for another Russian child by giving him a new life.

Tamar !

Iyar/Sivan 5771

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JFC Social Action Committee Call to Action Well social activists, it’s that time again. June 11th is the next Midnight Run. Volunteers will prepare bag dinners, sort clothing and other donations, collect and load the van and head into the city to distribute food, clothing, toiletries and other supplies. We need YOU! · To make the bag dinners (or coordinate making the 60-90 dinners needed) · To donate cases of water and other supplies (see list below) · To sort clothing before the Run · To participate on the Run Any and all support is appreciated, but the real gift is to those who go on the Run and reach out personally to those in need. This is an excellent mitzvah for 7th graders (accompanied by a parent) looking to fulfill their mitzvah obligations… Contact Debbie Lavin (debbielav@aol.com) or Jeanette Sanders (crotonjan@aol.com) with any questions or to sign up. Midnight Run Donation Wish List Belts Backpacks Sneakers Blankets Toiletries: deodorant, toothbrushes, mini toothpastes, disposable razors Cases of water The “SAC Garage” In the past, the midnight run has been staged from Jan Sander’s home, consuming her living room, kitchen, basement and garage. We are moving the clothing and supplies to a new staging area at JFC. As part of this move, we plan to repair the garage

by Pat Shafer and make it fit for staging the June 11 and future Midnight Runs. Project Hope Sierra Shafer participated in Project Hope during Passover. Her account: We met at Katonah train station and drove to Coop City in the Bronx. There, we gathered the bags of food to give out to the elderly. There were also free bags of popcorn! From there, we traveled to our destination, parking a relatively close distance to the assigned apartments. We carried LARGE packs of Passover items and walked up to the apartments of the elderly people who were receiving the goodies. They treated us like we were family! It felt so good accomplishing something while getting to know a couple, instead of just raising money. After we finished, on the way back home we regretted not having a bigger list of names. Please join the SAC for future outreach events. We’ll be doing another Project Hope next winter for Chanukah morning. Children are welcome!

The Tzedakah of the Month For JUNE Is

MIDNIGHT RUN Selected by the

JFC Social Action Committee

ShopWithScrip! And help support JFC at no cost to you while shopping at the same stores you already visit! If you have not yet created an account with ShopWithScrip, please contact the JFC Office and we’ll get you started! It’s easy! It’s free! And there are many exciting offers!

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

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

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

JiFTY

Reflections of 2010-11. This could be YOU next year. PLEASE JOIN US!

June 2011

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Next Midnight Run: Saturday, June 11

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.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

Still havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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Todah Rabbah from the Religious School to…  The parents and students in

Grades K, 1, 2 and 3 for their wonderful year-end gifts to me. Your generosity is astounding.

 Karen Blum (RS Committee

Chair and teacher) for her continuing support all year long.

 Jolie and Kathleen for their

supreme help with the school!

 The Board of Trustees for

their hard work and support.

 Renna, Daniel, Dylan, Jacob and Harris for years of service to JFC. Good luck next year!

 The outgoing JiFTY Board.

You guys rocked JFC, now go rock the world!

 Fern Tannenbaum for her

leadership at the ECC for three years. Good luck to you.

STILL AVAILABLE - IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN OBTAINING THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR CHILD, PLEASE CONTACT THE JFC OFFICE FOR DETAILS.

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June 2011

ASK THE RABBI Question: Why do we sing about King David, in the song Jerusalem as the capital of his kingdom, just a bit more we teach our kids, with the hand clapping and movethan 3000 years ago; recent archaeological discoveries ments? have revealed the City of David there. An archaeological dig at Tel Dan in the far north of Israel in the early 1990s Answer: King David holds a special place in our hearts… despite the fact that he was, like so many of our people’s produced a shard with lettering that translates as “House of David”, the first extra-biblical evidence in support of heroes, simply a flawed human being. David’s actual existence (“House of David” means The real answer to your question is that God promised “dynasty of David”). David that his lineage would occupy the throne of Israel forever. The messiah will be a descendant of King David. And of course, tradition credits David with writing the entire Book of Psalms, though modern scholarship quesSo, even though there is no current “king of Israel’, when tions this, and argues that he may have written a few of we sing about King David, “alive and enduring”, as the the psalms, but not all of them. song says, it is a reference to the promise, and to the hope for the imminent arrival of the messiah, who will But God refused David’s desire to build a house of worbring us to a time of peace, health and security. ship, because the king was a warrior, and those bloodied hands were not appropriate for that purpose; instead, And there are a few other details about David that sugDavid’s son, Solomon, whose name means “peace”, was gest his importance to us. David, the shepherd boy who was a talented harpist, was brought to King Saul’s tent to granted that privilege. soothe the troubled king with his lovely music (it worked). He is also the hero who fought against the “giant”, Goliath, and defeated him. David was a great buddy of King Saul’s son Jonathan, and he married Saul’s daughter Michal (among others!).

Still the answer to your question lies in that promise of a permanent royal dynasty that will include the messiah. And in that sense, the song actually constitutes a prayer for the arrival of the messiah, who is “alive and enduring”.

David is credited with the unification of the various tribes And besides, the rhythm and the clapping and hand into a united monarchy, and with the establishment of movements are just plain fun to do!

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!

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

Iyar/Sivan 5771

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

First-Year Dues Are FREE!

FREE!

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June 2011 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

1 ECC

Thu

Fri

ECC

Service 7:30 Tot Shabbat

ECC

ECC NO ECC 4’S MOVING UP DAY Shavuot Confirmation OFFICE Erev Shavuot CLOSED OFFICE CLOSES 1:00 Service 7:30

9 Shavuot

ECC Last Day Picnic

OFFICE CLOSED Annual Bd Mtg

Service 7:30 Tot Shabbat

24 SITGO (Shabbat in the Great Outdoors)

6:30 Picnic 7:30 Service

JEWISH FAMILY CONGREGATION

Sat

Bar Mitzvah Of Dillon Firestein

“A Little Night Music” 7:00 p.m.

11 Bat Mitzvah Of Julia Sklarin

18 Bat Mitzvah Of Tamar RackearSturm

25 Bat Mitzvah Of Claudia Smith

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