Shofar - March 2014 - Adar II 5774

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Adar II 5774

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Jewish Family Congregation www.jewishfamilycongregation.org

Adar II 5774/ March 2014

March 2014

Service Schedule: Parshat Pekude and Shabbat Shekalim March 1, 9:45 am Shabbat morning service

6:00 pm Havdallah and Healing

Parshat Vayikra March 7, 7:30 pm Shabbat service

free babysitting March 8, 5:00 pm Bar Mitzvah of Jack Haims Parshat Tzav and Shabbat Zachor March 14, 7:30 pm Shabbat service March 15, 9:45 am Shabbat morning service March 16, 11:00 am Short Purim service and celebration Parshat Shemini and Shabbat Parah March 21, 7:30 pm Shabbat service

free babysitting March 22, 10:00 am Bar Mitzvah of Joel Portnoy Parshat Tazria and Shabbat Hachodesh March 28, 7:30 pm Shabbat service featuring Grade 2 March 29, 10:00 am Bat Mitzvah of Rosie Ceiser

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Adar II 5774/ March 2014

From the Rabbi’s Desk Why is Purim “Late” This Year?

We celebrate Purim on the secular calendar this year from sunset on Saturday, March 15 until sunset on Sunday, March 16. On the Hebrew calendar, Purim falls on 14 Adar II. While I might jokingly note that --unlike the secular calendar -- Purim always falls on the same date of the Hebrew calendar, this is the one Jewish holiday that can change dates. When we add the extra month for the Jewish leap year, we celebrate Purim in Adar II, not Adar I. (When there is a Hebrew leap year, the 14th of Adar I is called Purim Katan, or “Little Purim.”) Because we add an entire extra month to the calendar, Purim is “late” this year, as will be all the Jewish holidays.

Did you ever think about why in our secular calendar we add a day to the month of February in a leap year? Why February? Although it seems to make sense that the extra day is added to the shortest month of the year, the reason comes more from ancient times rather than trying to balance or equalize the days in each month. The early Roman calendar ended in December as the 10th month of the year, not the twelfth month, and began with March. An extra day was added at the end of the year, before the first month of the new year. Once January and February were inserted into the calendar, the extra day was still added just before the beginning of March, thus creating February 29.

This is similar to how the Hebrew calendar deals with a leap year. Although the Mishnah states that there are four new years, the new year of the months is Nissan.

Because the Hebrew calendar is a lunar calendar that has a solar correction (to keep the holidays in their proper season), it is necessary to add an entire month, rather than just one day. The extra month is added just before the new year of the months, at the end of

the calendar year. Since Adar is the last month of the Hebrew year, Adar II is created. There are seven Hebrew leap years in every 19-year cycle.

[I recently learned that the name “leap” year comes from the fact that while a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar normally advances one day of the week from one year to the next, in a leap year the day of the week will advance two days (from March onwards) due to the year’s extra day inserted at the end of February (thus “leaping over” one of the days in the week).]

Regardless of when Purim falls, we look forward to gathering together to celebrate and observe its mitzvot: hearing the Book of Esther, celebrating with a festive meal, sending gifts to friends and family, and giving gifts to the poor. In addition to our Purim Carnival, the main focus of JFC’s celebration of Purim this year will be on giving gifts to the poor. Please come to JFC on Sunday, March 16 from 4-6 pm to engage in the mitzvah of helping feed the hungry. We will be making bag lunches for those who do not have enough food, and we will also be donating needed supplies for others who struggle. (Please see our website for more specific information on the items we need donated.)

We will celebrate Purim in our community with helping those in need, eating pizza together, singing Purim songs, and performing these important acts of justice. I look forward to seeing you on Purim and to celebrating in a new and meaningful way this year.

Hag Sameach, Rabbi Marcus Burstein

President’s Message--------------Page 3

Ritual Committee-----------------Page 8

Cantors Corner---------------------Page 4

Youth Group------------------------Page 8

Religious School-------------------Page 5

Ask The Rabbi---------------------Page 9

Early Childhood Center-------- Page 7

3 Page Jewish Family Congregation 111 Smith Ridge Road P.O.Box 249 South Salem, NY 10590 Phone: (914) 763-3028 Fax: (914) 763-3069 email: office@jewishfamilycongregation.org website: www.jewishfamilycongregation.org ----------------Rabbi Marcus L. Burstein, D.Min. rabbi@jewishfamilycongregation.org Cantor Kerry Ben-David cantor@jewishfamilycongregation.org ---------------Director of Education Leslie Gottlieb lgottlieb@jewishfamilycongregation.org Administrator Kathleen Sakowizc ksakowicz@jewishfamilycongregation.org Early Childhood Center Director Jane Weil Emmer jemmer@jewishfamilycongregation.org -------------------Glenn Kurlander Co-President Hal Wolkin Co-President president@jewishfamilycongregation.org Richard Mishkin, Vice-President Polly Schnell, Vice-President Robyn Cohen, Treasurer Suzanne Sunday, Secretary executive@jewishfamilycongregation.org Josh Blum, Trustee Karen Conti, Trustee Michael Gitlitz, Trustee Ken Levinsohn, Trustee Robi Margolis, Trustee Paul Storfer, Trustee Bonnie Wattles, Trustee Richard Weiser, Trustee Elisa Zuckerberg, Trustee board@jewishfamilycongregation.org -------------Shofar Editor Bryan Wolkin Shofar Printer Copy Stop Royal Press

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Adar II 5774/ March 2014

From The Presidents

by Glenn Kurlander and Hal Wolkin In recent messages we’ve emphasized the forward-looking nature of many of the activities in which we’re engaged at JFC, and we’ll continue that theme this month. But before we do, we want to look backward for just a moment and thank those who dedicated so much effort to making this year’s “Comedy Night” such a smashing success. Our annual Comedy Night is so important not only because it raises money for JFC and not only because it’s always such great fun, but because it gives us another chance to deepen our connections to the JFC community, sustaining it and being sustained by it in return.

Looking forward a bit, it may be hard to think about spring at a time when “polar vortex” has become so new and prominent a phrase in our vocabularies, and ice and snow surround us, but as Shelley wrote in his Ode to the West Wing, “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” And spring brings with it what has quickly become another great JFC tradition—our Annual JFC Gala.

This year’s theme—Renewed, Refreshed, Rejuvenated—refers to more than just vernal rebirth, as appropriate as the theme may be to the time of year. More significantly, the theme expresses the psychic and emotional rebirth so many of us feel when we contemplate all that JFC means to us and our families. So make sure to mark Saturday, April 5, on your calendars and hold the date for our Annual Gala at Crabtree’s Kittle House in Chappaqua—you won’t want to miss this one.

But it’s not all jokes and parties at JFC—like every family, we have our challenges. And just like every other family, we have our own unique blend of talents and experiences, strengths and opportunities, upon which we must draw to confront our challenges successfully. For JFC’s professional and lay leadership, looking forward is about honestly and forthrightly assessing our challenges, and creating a strategic plan to leverage our strengths. To that end, Rabbi Burstein and the Board have been working together to find strategies to ensure that JFC’s defining culture continues to be robust and vital. Using a fascinating book —Tomorrow’s Synagogue Today: Creating Vibrant Centers of Jewish Life, by Rabbi Hayim Herring—to organize our discussions, the Board and Rabbi Burstein have been meeting to explore ways in which JFC can confront the challenges we face, while increasing our impact and the extent to which we serve as a center of Jewish life. Thoughtful and compelling, Rabbi Herring’s book challenges lay and professional leaders to confront the demographic, cultural and societal trends to which synagogues, like every other institution, are subject, while rethinking our mission and leveraging new technologies. We welcome all of you to share in this work—pick up a copy of Rabbi Herring’s book, or come by the office and borrow one of our spares, and then let Rabbi Burstein, either of us or any Board member know what you’re thinking. We all have a part to play in keeping JFC vital, relevant and impactful.

Glenn Kurlander and Hal Wolkin

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Cantor’s Corner

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Adar II 5774/ March 2014

By Cantor Kerry Ben-David “Treasures” To Pass On “L’dor Vador”…”from generation to generation” is a phrase that we Jews frequently utter. It signifies the bedrock mandate we feel to pass on our deeply ingrained religious heritage to the next generation. In many ways, Judaism is more a religion of deeds (mitzvot) than creeds. These mitzvot are clearly enumerated in the Torah and are designed to highlight and bring rich meaning to the way we allot the hours of each day. If we look around our homes, we will see many tangible symbols of these daily and weekly rituals. In many cases, these are rituals that we have chosen to observe in fulfilling the mitzvot.

As I look around my home, I see countless examples of treasured Jewish heirlooms that served previous generations and now serve to connect and surround my family with their distant love and at the same time, are a powerful reminder of what was central in their lives. These special objects need to be front and center in my home, so as to remind my children and grand children of that which is truly important in our lives. For them to know that they are used on a regular basis is very important. Their honored placement plays a role in fulfilling the “commandment” that is imbedded within “V’ahavta”: you shall teach them to your children”. There are many layers to that important directive. Teaching by example is one of the most important layers.

Most of our treasured heirlooms (as pictured) relate to specific weekly rituals or to certain Jewish holidays or observances. I see the centuries-old Russian candlesticks which connect us to my wife’s hearty ancestors from Vilna. No doubt, these candlesticks were lovingly packed and concealed during their long voyage to New Zealand and then on to America in their mid-19th Century journey to freedom. Think of how many, many hands reached for those candlesticks each week as preparations for Shabbat began! Our dining room is filled with an array of kiddush cups, spice boxes and a hand-crocheted challah cover….in there presence, I feel a patina of love and meaning. There are drawers filled with an autographed siddur, a worn tallit, precious phylacteries and so many colorful kippot. Above, are shelves lined with haggadot passed from parent to child. Then there are the gifts received through the years: mutiple hamsas , each uniquely decorated and even one that is bejeweled; pushkes in many forms for the weekly tzedakkah; and oh, those wonderful hand-made gifts from the kid’s craft projects which include: seder plates, dreidles; Chanuka menorot, candle sticks…..all bring such special memories. On the very top shelf are two plain gold bands that proclaimed a devoted love between two spouses many life times ago. And finally, at the doorposts are the mezzuzot to remind us, in our coming and going each day, that this is a proud Jewish home.

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Adar II 5774/ March 2014

From the Religious School

By Leslie Gottlieb

Jews and Germany and Our Tangled Ties As I write this on a snowy day in February, so snowy that schools are closed in this area and the salt trucks have not even bothered to make their way out to tertiary roads, I am getting ready to drive our twenty year old daughter to JFK Airport for an overnight flight to Berlin where she will spend four months studying German, urban cultures and gender studies. Although very excited for her, there is a strange feeling that stirs within me as a Jew sending our beloved daughter into what was the heart of the former Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany. I know that decades have passed and that Germany has taken more responsibility than any other neighboring country complicit in the human devastation of WWII (Germany still pays monthly reparations to my mother-in-law as a survivor, for example and Holocaust education in public schools is a serious pursuit there), but something in my heart still feels a sting sending her into a place our relatives were once clamoring to leave - even without their children in tow to save their young lives, in many instances.

Years ago, when we first considered driving a German car, I strongly hesitated being raised in a family who considered this akin to the rejection of one’s sense of Jewish loyalty. As many of you know, in Israel there are Mercedes Benz cars everywhere --- and these vehicles are especially used by the taxi servers. Interestingly, Mercedes was the name of the daughter of the Jewish car sales director for the car company, Emil Jellinek, who worked for Gottlieb Diemler and Karl Benz, once competitors themselves before joining forces. Rabbi Freedman shared this fact with me when I was going through the process shopping for cars a few years back in an effort to free me from any guilty feelings I had. Of course, Nazi officers once used Mercedes Benz cars and used them in an official capacity-- and maybe this is why the feeling of driving one was so strange at first. It is hard to give up a grudge held by so many for so long.

But how long does the torch of hate need to be brandished?

As I was considering this car purchase (we now drive an Audi and a Mercedes!) I remember thinking that we regularly eat out at Japanese restaurants (not our friends in WWII either) and we buy British products all the time (was the War for Independence also my responsibility to recall in thinking about a purchase in

2014?). The list of transgressors in history goes on and on-- so where do we draw the line?

One teacher at JFC shared with me that her parents never wanted to perpetuate the hate engendered as a result of WWII and the Holocaust. Bearing a grudge against a huge human population is a lot to uphold for decades-- and it seems unfair to burden future generations with our prejudices. This was what I finally decided for myself. And yet, I sit here conflicted about Berlin. Is the snowstorm telling me something I should know?

Last month was also one in where International Holocaust Remembrance Day was observed around the globe—and most importantly in Germany and in Poland.

In an article published online by Haaretz, we read, “Observances in parliament are already underway, with German President Joachim Gauck leading the country’s lawmakers in a moment of silence to honor the victims of Nazism.

Monday’s commemorations for International Holocaust Remembrance Day come 69 years after Soviet soldiers swept into former death camp Auschwitz in Nazi-occupied Poland to liberate about 7,000 surviving inmates.

In addition to the 6 million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis, International Holocaust Remembrance Day also commemorates other victims of the Third Reich, including the mentally ill, homosexuals and Roma and Sinti.

“We honor every one of those brutally murdered in the darkest period of European history,” said EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton.

“It is an occasion to remind us all of the need to continue fighting prejudice and racism in our own time.”

And I must agree. As we teach out Religious School sixth and seventh graders about the Holocaust, we Continued on next page

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Adar II 5774/ March 2014

From the Religious School

By Leslie Gottlieb

must keep the lessons in perspective and let them acknowledge that not all people are to be blamed for all eternity for a war crime—even if it was one of the uglier moments humanity has known. We all know well that human trafficking, slavery and genocide are still with us to this day. How many of us fight against these ills with all of our might? Human tragedy is difficult to deal with at any point in history—and especially to reconcile in our own lifetime.

In that spirit, several of us at JFC have created JFAB, Jewish Family Alliance for a Better-world. Meetings were held last month to get started. Everyone is welcome and although the Religious School supports this effort, it is not a program strictly for school parents and students. So far many ECC teachers and congregants have gotten involved. Wherever there is trouble in the world, we can try to be there to offer help—whether it is to support our good friends in Newtown, CT, who need our help organizing those interested in promoting gun safety or others interested in the topic of bullying… JFAB will try to be supportive. Contact Leslie Gottlieb, Dawn Kessler, Michele Auerbach or Karen Blum at JFC for more information. We look forward to everyone getting involved in some way at some point.

Until then, let’s remember to continue the fight against cruelty and racism in our lifetime so that… Germans, Japanese, Palestinians, Iranians—and all others-- can become friends who battle injustice together putting our ancient battles aside. The Montagues and Capulets had to learn the hard way but we can do better. And if you’re looking for me in May, try Berlin!!! There’s a lovely synagogue in the Shoenberg district I need to check out.

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Adar II 5774/ March 2014

From The Early Childhood Center

by Jane Emmer

It has been a snowy winter, and our youngest kids have been stuck inside. While we find ways for our kids to have physical activity indoors, nothing replaces fresh air and good old-fashioned outside fun.

The outdoors is the very best place for preschoolers to practice and master emerging physical skills.

The outdoors has something more to offer than just physical benefits. Cognitive and social/emotional development is impacted, too. Outside, children are more likely to invent games. As they do, they’re able to express themselves and learn about the world in their own way.

Snow play requires creativity, scientific observation and negotiation skills. Think of the creativity fostered as children build snow creatures and use various objects to decorate them. They learn the complexities of problem solving as they try to mold snow into different designs. Adventurous types learn about construction and the properties of physics as they try to build.

Kids learn self-control while they wait for their chance to fly down the hill, or shovel with the new kid shovels on the playground. These are not rules that are taught to them; they are spontaneously created by the group, and are likely to be internalized on a much deeper level than through books, parents and teachers.

This is play in its organic form; experimenting, discovering, problem solving, negotiating, and creatingall wrapped up with the emotion of joy. As adults we can think back and remember the fun and joy that filled our snowy days.

We can’t underestimate the value of the aesthetic development promoted by being outside. Aesthetic awareness refers to a heightened sensitivity to the beauty around us. Because the natural world is filled with beautiful sights, sounds, and textures, it’s the perfect resource for the development of aesthetics in young children. We are blessed with beauty in our outdoor world at JFC ECC. The snow only enhances this beauty. What better place than the outdoors for children to be loud and messy and boisterous? Outside they can run and jump and yell, and expend bottled up energy.

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Adar II 5774/ March 2014

From The Ritual Committee

By Michael Salpeter, Chair

Purim is that one festival during the year that just exudes fun. Children dressing up in costumes -fun. Making noise upon hearing the name of Haman during the reading of the megillah -- fun. The JFC Purim carnival – fun. Adult Purim shpiels with libations – fun. Family games and activities – fun.

Upon discussing this holiday with Rabbi Burstein, I became aware of the four mitzvot (commandments) which are associated with Purim. The first is to listen to the reading of the Book of Esther (the megillah). We celebrate with a festive meal and give gifts to one another. (In fact, it is Purim and not Chanukah that gifts are traditionally exchanged!) The last and probably least-known mitzvah is to give gifts to the poor. For most of us living in the Northern Westchester/Fairfield region, we are not in daily contact with people in need. However, there are many families and individuals in our area who cannot afford basic daily needs.

The Rabbi has challenged the members of the ritual committee to develop a plan whereby the members of the JFC community can all participate in a Purim project to make a difference in the life of the less fortunate. One of our ritual committee members, Curt Shulman, is actively involved in helping people in our area through such organizations as the Northern Westchester Community Center and the Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless. He has provided us with contacts who have presented a myriad of ideas to our committee.

Although at the time I write this article (during the snow day on February 5) our plans are still in the final planning stages, we have a basic framework in place for a meaningful project. Through the leadership of Karen Conti, we are planning a community event at JFC on Sunday March 16 from 4-6 pm. This will be a multi-faceted project – the first component of which will be the preparation and assembly of bagged meals for a soup kitchen in White Plains. The second component is the bringing together of items to make comforting bags containing necessities for children living in homeless shelters or along with a battered parent in a safe haven. The third component involves the collecting of disposable diapers for families with young children who may not have the means to purchase them (food stamps do not cover the purchase of diapers).

We believe this project will appeal to all members of our congregation, regardless of age. By fulfilling this mitzvah of Purim, we can do something that feels good and is a great help to people in the Westchester community-at-large. Keep watching for more detailed information on this project – we look forward to seeing a huge turnout on March 16.

From The Youth Group

by Isaiah Blum

The JFC Youth Group is off to a strong start in 2014. In our past few meetings, we’ve had several successful programs. We discussed our New Year’s resolutions and how we want to change as people and Jews in the coming year. We enjoyed a fishbowl with the rabbi exchanging both deep questions and fun facts. We also met with a representative from J-Serve, with whom we discussed social action opportunities with other Jewish communities in the area. Sam Blum, Sam Fischer, and Jacob Furic helped to lead the Rock Shabbat/Shabbat Shirah service on January 10. We will be having another Rock Shabbat on February 28 and we hope to see you there for a service filled with songs and fun. On March 22-23, we will hold our Shul-In, a sleepover in the sanctuary open to Jewish teens from all over the area. Our theme this year is time travel and we are looking forward to great programs and an impressive turnout. JIFTY certainly has a fun 2014 to look forward to!

Isaiah Blum

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Adar II 5774/ March 2014

Ask The Rabbi In an effort to share a little Jewish wisdom each month, I am happy to begin again a column that Rabbi Carla Freedman previously wrote in the Shofar akin to “Ask the Rabbi.” If you have any particular questions that you would like to see addressed, please be in touch with me – you may find the answer in an upcoming Shofar…

Why do we move during certain prayers?

Being part of a prayer service is not a passive experience. Our tradition encourages us to engage our entire bodies in prayer, from the passage in Psalm 35:10 that states “All my limbs shall say, ‘Who is like You, Adonai?’”

Throughout our prayers, we engage in certain traditional movements that involve us in the liturgy. Here is a short list of some prayers and the body movements that might be found in a Reform service.

1. Barechu – This blessing is the Jewish “call to prayer.” We traditionally bow at the words “Barechu” and “Baruch,” and stand upright when we say God’s name “Adonai.” Just as we would bow in respect to a sovereign, we bow to show respect to God. There is also an etymological connection between the words “baruch” (meaning “bless/ praise”) and “berech” (meaning “knee”). We bow our knees as we praise God. 2. Shema – The central prayer of Judaism stating the fact that there is only one God, we often close our eyes when reciting these words.

3. “Adonai sefatai Tiftach, u’fi yagid t’hilatecha.” This is a kavannah, or intention, recited at the beginning of the Amida to focus our selves to the words that will follow. “Adonai, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise.” We traditionally take three small steps backward for the first three words, and three small steps forward for the last three words. The idea is that, rather than running up to someone important, for example, we enter their space in a respectful way. It is the same reason we do this…

4. At the end of the Amidah – we again back up three small steps, bow to the left, right, and center, and walk forward three small steps. As we symbolically leave God’s presence, we excuse ourselves with this physical ritual.

5. At the Mourner’s Kaddish, we perform the same physical ritual as the conclusion of the Amidah (above), for the same reason.

6. Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh – in the morning service, the third blessing of the Amidah contains a call and response section, introduced by the service leader and responded to by the congregation. As we recite the similar words that tradition says the angels in heaven recite when praising God, we rise our on toes for each word of “Holy, Holy, Holy.”

Biblical descriptions of angels state that they do not have knees like human beings – rather, they hover up and down to express praise. We act like the angels in this manner, each time we rise on our toes.

There are a few other aspects of body movement in our liturgy, but these are the ones you will find most commonly at Jewish Family Congregation. As always, please let me know if you have any questions.

Religious School 2014-15 Registration Early Discounted Rate Feb. 6-Mar. 6 Regular Rate Mar. 7- Apr. 10 Summer Rate April 11- start of school Go to jewishfamilycongregation.org to learn more and register!!

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Adar II 5774/ March 2014

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April 11- start of school Go to jewishfamilycongregation.org to learn more and register!!

Shabbat Dinners for JFC Members Would you like to get to know Rabbi Burstein and a few other members of the congregation better? Are you a good host or hostess and enjoy having people in your home?

In an effort to connect members of the congregation with each other and for Rabbi Burstein to get to know people better, several members have hosted Shabbat dinners in their homes in the past few months. It is a great way to share Shabbat and strengthen our congregation.

We also are looking for guests interested in attending these meals, so let us know if you would like to join us.

If you would like to host or attend a small Shabbat dinner (usually at 5:30 pm) in a member’s home, please be in touch with Robi Margolis at: roberta.margolis@comphealth.com.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Long-time JFC member and teacher

Rona Salpeter

is available to help with: babysitting, before-and-after school driving responsibilities, 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

Rabbi Purim as an Adult

Adar II 5774/ March 2014

Director of Education Purim Through the Years

Growing up at Temple Emanu-El in Westfield, NJ, I have some generic memories of Purim as a child. I cannot remember dressing up in any particular costume, but I do remember feeling special on Purim, since my Hebrew name is Mordechai. I have a vague recollection of Purim carnivals and the games, and vivid memories the goldfish that I won throughout the years. Those golden prizes were enjoyed all year long … or at least as long as we could keep them alive!

Purim became so much more to me once I studied the Book of Esther as an adult. Topics, themes, and subtleties that eluded me – or were hidden by design from children – came into sharp focus. Story lines, subplots, and language seemed to crystallize into a wonderful, exciting, and titillating piece of Jewish literature. If you haven’t taken the time to read “The Whole Megillah” as an adult, it’s worth your while to do so. You will be pleasantly surprised to learn that Purim is not just for children…

My best Purim memories are from JFC. After 14 years of directing the Religious School and organizing the annual Carnival with JFC parents and students in grade 7, I have found that through this experience from year to year I have come to understand the true essence of the holiday and consequently the four central mitzvot associated with Purim. The Carnival helps the congregation mark the holiday with festive foods and together we enjoy a luncheon meal served here that day (seudat Purim). Purim food drives and donating gift bags to Israeli soldiers away from their families (mishloach manot) is another way we have collectively helped to feed the hungry, honor the poor and assist those in unfortunate circumstances (matanot l’evyonim). We read the Megillah (mikra Megillah) together and so much more. And serving the hamantaschen here from Golden Glow Bakery in the Bronx should really count as a fifth mitzvah! Truly, JFC has given me more of my special Jewish memories than what I have experienced prior to my/our involvement ECC Director here. As a child attending an Orthodox shul for holiPurim at the Church days, I have few recollections of Purim celebrations.

When I first became a I did not feel very invested member of JFC, we met there since women played at the South Salem Pressuch as insignificant role byterian Church, aka the as I saw it with respect to White Church in “Downritual life in the synagogue. town” South Salem. One That is regretful but it also gave me the impetus to be a of the last memories I have of the days in the Church is more involved parent with our three children. I know Purim. Matthew was 4 months old and Andrew was 4 that our children have distinctive Purim memories to years old. This was before the Early Childhood Center existed. We tried to take the kids to all of the celebrations help them identify Jewishly no matter what the future of their religious participation is going forward.For at JFC, because that was their only exposure to learning about the Jewish holidays. We all dressed up in costume this I am proud and I know I have done my part to and had a great parade around the “sanctuary.” I was the teach them how to celebrate Purim and the important Queen Esther (obviously!), Andrew and David were both themes of this holiday, mostly the story of Esther’s Mordechai and Matt was Hamen. It was loud and joyous. courage and the will of our people.

My kids were welcome to shriek, and that they did.

Memorable Purim Moments from the JFC Staff

Cantor A Broadway Purim My favorite Purim memory? Easy, our 2011 Purim Shpiel - “My Fair Maydel” It was an adaptation of the brilliant Broadway show: “My Fair Lady”. Those delicious melodies were re-fitted with lyrics like:….”Oow, she’d be known as royalty”; “Jews will be cryin’ in the morning!”; but all ended well with the tune: “I could have danced

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Adar II 5774/ March 2014

Birthdays Holly Alexander

Michael Gilbert

Terrence Levens

Dylan Salpeter

Tracy Benson

Melissa Goodstein

Jonah Levine

Wynter Schnell

Julia Besterman

David Gottlieb

Corie Levine

Jordan Schwartz

Joshua Bolgar

Leslie Gottlieb

Asher Meister-Aldama

Fulvio Segalla

Kevin Brand

Richard Hellinger

Michael Portnoy

Jodi Senese

Andrew Carter

Taylor Hoffman

Amy Rackear

Julian Shafer

Aaron Cohen

Laurel Honig

Harrison Rappaport

Alexa Stevelman

Ellen Conti

Dr. Mitchell Kahn

Jacob Rauch

Bennett Wattles

Andrew Emmer

Terry Kalter

Max Rauch

Mitchell Waxman

Kenneth Feldman

Dayna Kaplan

Noah Rose

Emily Wein

Zachary Fischman

Jamie Kaplan

Andrew Rose

Rebecca Westlake

Amy Fishkin

Jeffrey Klotz

Sophie Rudin

Julia Zuckerberg

Yahrzeits Aaron Auerbach Murray Augustus Elliot Bernstein Martin Bressler Leonard Brodnick Amy Cohen Anne Elias Morton Eydenberg Alex Gelbart

Leon Gold Anna Jacobson Goldie Kardish Feyga Levin-Goldberg Betty Ravitch Max Rifkin Herman Rosenthal Milton Rubin

Elsie B Rudy Freda Salmon Max Schenk Sam Schmeltzer Tillie Schmeltzer Agnes Spergen Morton Tucker Hetty Weaver

Anniversaries Ellen & Ken Elias

Martin & Henriette Kutscher

Matthew & Julie Portnoy

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Adar II 5774/ March 2014

Donations Caring Committee Michael and Rona Salpeter in memory of Joan Berg Jane Emmer in memory of Joan Berg Jane Emmer in memory of Norma Zucker Early Childhood Center Bobbie and Rick Cohlan in memory of Oliver Cohlan Hughes Cohlan Family in honor of the birth of Cantor Kerry and Batyah Ben David’s grandson Shadow MIller General Fund Bobbie and Rick Cohlan in memory of Joan Berg Ken Aufsesser in memory of Joan Berg Jeff Berg and Debra Paget in honor of Rabbi Burstein and Cantor Ben-David to thank them for their participation in Joan Berg’s funeral Robi Margolis in memory of Stehpen Margolis High Holy Day Appeal Barry Korn in honor of the Fishkin family Molly and Gregory RS Scholarship Fund Jay Zaslow and Samantha Rai in honor of Ruth Ossher who has been an inspiring teacher for Ella Music Fund Jane Emmer in honor of Shadow Miller Cohlan Family in honor of Cantor Kerry Ben-David to thank him for his participation in Norma Zucker’s funeral and for the support he gave to the Zucker-Cohlan-Kaplan families Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Jay Zaslow and Samantha Rai with gratitude to Rabbi Burstein for working with Ella and her family Gottlieb Family in honor of Rabbi Burstein’s Installation Gottlieb Family in memory of Bobbie Cohlan’s mother, Norma Zucker Cohlan Family in honor of Rabbi Burstein to thank him for his participation in Norma Zucker’s funeral and for the support he gave to the Zucker-Cohlan-Kaplan families

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

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JFC Purim 5774

Sunday, March 16, 4 – 6 pm at JFC

This year we will celebrate Purim with the mitzvah of giving gifts to the poor.

RSVP by noon Friday, March 14 if you can help. ·

JFC members will assemble 100 bag meals to donate to Grace Church Community Center Whether or not you can help with this mitzvah, we encourage you to donate funds so we can purchase the food needed to make the meals. Please make donations to the JFC office by Tuesday, March 11.

We will also celebrate Purim by eating Pizza

·

In advance of Purim, we will be collecting for two local organizations.

Please bring: · Toys (stuffed animal and book, coloring books and crayons) · Full size toiletries (Tissues, soap, baby shampoo, tooth brushes and tooth paste) · New blankets for all aged children · Tissue paper, gift bags and gift tags · Diapers – all sizes and brands are needed Drop off boxes will be located in the Oneg Room

HOPE’S DOOR

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RS k-3 Kids and Parents Having Fun

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Pajama Day at the ECC

Adar II 5774/ March 2014

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The Best of Old World Elegance, Rural Beauty and Modern Amenities Located in a country setting, the newly renovated clubhouse features a stunning ballroom windowed throughout, with panoramic views of a spectacular golf course and surrounding hills.

Parties of all sizes welcome One affair per day Kosher catering available

Salem Golf Club 18 Bloomer Road, North Salem NY 10560 914*669*5485 www.salemgolfclub.org

Notes by

Nancy, Inc.

Nancy Silberstein Invitations and stationery at discount prices tel/fax: 914-232-0835 e-mail: notesbynancy@aol.com www.notesbynancyinvitations.com

Cantor Ben-David is available to our congregants for all life-cycle needs Call/Text: 917-400-4068 Email: cantorbd@aol.com

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Don't forget to stop in and check out the JFC Gift Shop! If you are interested in purchasing anything, please let the JFC office now.

Adar II 5774/ March 2014

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CALLING ALL SISTERHOOD MEMBERS OUR ANNUAL

ADAM BRODERICK EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED

MONDAY, MARCH 17TH 6:00-10:00PM

COME JOIN YOUR FRIENDS FOR COMPIMENTARY SERVICES FROM ADAM BRODERICK Laquer changes 15 min neck and shoulder massages Make up applications Blow dry Brow shaping, ab express peels

All they ask is that we purchase gift cards to be used at a later date. Plus, the Sisterhood will receive a percentage of all gift cards sold. This is a great way to help the Sisterhood and have a great time. No need to schedule appointments in advance. When you arrive at Adam Broderick you can decide what treatments you would like. However, we would appreciate it if you could RSVP to either Nicole Rose at rosetimes4@sbcglobal.net or Cindy Carson at cindyfcarson@gmail.com and let them know if you are attending.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE.

Torah Chanters Wanted Would you like to chant torah on a Friday night or Saturday morning? Maybe it is the anniversary of your bar or bat mitzvah ceremony, or maybe you would like to learn from a new section of the torah. Either way, we will help provide you with the tools to succeed! You can chant as few as three verses – maybe you will get together with a family member or friend to make it a special Shabbat for all of you? We look forward to celebrating with you…

To volunteer and/or to see which dates are available, please be in touch with Rabbi Burstein: rabbi@ jewishfamilycongregation.org

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Second Evening JFC Passover Seder Led by Rabbi Burstein Tuesday, April 15 at 6 pm $18/adult, $10/child 12 and under*

Includes Passover ritual food, juice, soda, and paper goods.

Each family brings a Kosher for Passover dish to share.

Tickets must be reserved at: http://jfcseder2014. eventbrite.com/

Please let the office know by noon, Friday, April 4 what you will be bringing

Please observe the following guidelines: Must not contain bread, pasta, rice or legumes.

No dairy products can be used in preparation (as we will have meat at the seder).

If you drink wine, please bring your own.

Wines must say Kosher for Passover. *Consistent with JFC’s welcoming nature, we do not exclude participation because of financial need.

Should you need financial assistance, please contact our treasurer, Robyn Cohen at robyncohen@optonline.net Jewish Family Congregation 111 Smith Ridge Road South Salem, NY 10590 914-763-3028 office@jewishfamilycongregation.org

Todah Rabbah for March 2014 - A Big Thank You To: Michael Salpeter for getting the dried fruit for Tu B’Shvat Seder.

Sam and Jeremy Fischer for creating the ECC video, the Jan 13 JFC-Newtown Event, and the Religious School video.

The Fried family for donating library books to the school.

Michael Salpeter for saving the day on Pajama Day at the ECC,providing last minute eggs for pancakes.

Josh Blum, Marina Fried, Shari Goldberg, Luda Samuels, Susan Shapiro, and Laurence Furic for a successful Comedy Night.

The Carson family for the donation of books to the Religious School Rona Salpeter for all of the Shekel Shop goodies The Youth Group Board for planning the March Shul-In Luda Samuels for organizing the Clothing Swap

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MB TUTORING Hundreds of students helped to excel

Malcolm Brown MIT Chemical Engineer B.S., M.S.

Prep

• SAT, PSAT & ACT

Math

• 7th & 8th Grades • High School sequence • Calculus

Science • Chemistry  Physics • Earth Science For further information, contact: Telephone: (914) 533-5468 E-mail: malcolmbro@aol.com Registered State tutoring. Serving Westchester and Fairfield

Local Shopping

Each time you shop at DeCicco Market, 1 Cross River Plaza, Cross River NY, tell the cashier you are a JFC member before ringing up your order. JFC will recieve a small rebate from your purchases.

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JFC 2014 Gala & Auction Item Donation Form

(Enter directly into RSA and return top with item and promotional material to JFC Office by March 21) Additional copies can be obtained at www.jewishfamilycongregation.org

Instructions: Please complete BOTH sections and ALL lines. If you leave a line blank, the item can’t be entered properly into our auction software, listed properly in the auction catalog, or a proper thank you letter sent to the donor. If there is an expiration date, ask donor to please “start clock” from event date of April 5, 2013.

Date: _______ Member who obtained donation: ______________________ Phone: _____________ Donor Name: ________________________________ Donor Phone: _________________________ Organization: ______________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________________________ Item description for catalog: __________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Item value: $_________ Restrictions? (expiration or black out dates): ________________________ Item type: (circle one)

Merchandise

Certificate Provided

JFC to Create Certificate

Date merchandise or certificate and promo material given to JFC (no later than March 21): _________ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Receipt for Item Donated to JFC 2014 Gala & Auction (leave bottom w/ donor)

Item donated: ______________________________________________________________________ Item value:

$ __________ Date item given to JFC (no later than March 21): __________________

Name of person receiving donation for JFC: ______________________________________________ Jewish Family Congregation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization #13-3072253. Your donation is tax deductible to the full extent of the law. You received no goods or services in return for your donation.

Thank you for your support!

Jewish Family Congregation

111 Smith Ridge Road South Salem, NY 10590 Tel: (914) 763-3028 email: jfcoffc@gmail.com

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Volunteers Needed Wednesday, April 9 Community Seder for Developmentally Disabled Adults

Temple Shaaray Tefila 89 Baldwin Road, Bedford Corners, NY 10549 JFC will once again be helping Temple Shaaray Tefila. We'll need volunteers to serve the meal that evening and to help organize take-home bags of non-perishable Passover foods for the adult guests. Usually there are 200-300 participants.

Help this worthy endeavor.

Contact Leslie Gottlieb 914-763-3028 ext 24 lgottlieb@jewishfamilycongregation.org

Don’t Miss the Purim Carnival This Year!

Save the Date: Sunday, March 16, 12-2 PM

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

Current Resident Or

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