Shofar Elul / Tishri 5775-5776
Jewish Family Congregation www.jewishfamilycongregation.org
September 2015
September Shabbat and Holiday Services Shabbat Ki Tavo and Selichot, Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:8 September 4 September 5
6:00 7:30 8:00 9:00
pm pm pm pm
Shabbat service in Ridgefield, CT Dessert Reception in South Salem, NY Sin and Forgiveness Program in South Salem, NY Selichot service in South Salem, NY
Shabbat Nitzavim, Deuteronomy 29:9 – 30:20 September 11 September 12
7:30 pm 10:30 am
Shabbat service in Ridgefield, CT Shabbat service including Bar Mitzvah of Spencer Hellinger in Ridgefield, CT
7:30 pm 8:30 am 11:00 am 2:30 pm 3:30 pm 10:00 am
Erev Rosh Hashanah in Ridgefield, CT Young family Rosh Hashanah service in Ridgefield, CT Rosh Hashanah service in Ridgefield, CT Tot service in Ridgefield, CT Tashlich at the Lewisboro Town Park, NY Second Day Rosh Hashanah service in Ridgefield, CT
Rosh Hashanah September 13 September 14
September 15
Shabbat Vayelech, Deuteronomy 31:1 – 31:30 September 18
7:30 pm
Shabbat service in Ridgefield, CT
7:30 pm 8:30 am 11:00 am 2:30 pm 3:15 pm 4:00 pm
Kol Nidre in Ridgefield, CT Young Family Yom Kippur service in Ridgefield, CT Yom Kippur service in Ridgefield, CT Tot service in Ridgefield, CT Music and Meditation service in Ridgefield, CT Afternoon, Yizkor, and Neilah services in Ridgefield, CT
Yom Kippur September 22 September 23
Shabbat Ha’Azinu, Deuteronomy 32:1 – 32:52 September 25 September 26
From the Rabbi’s Desk Presidents’ Message Religious School Early Childhood Center Ritual Committee Ask the Rabbi
7:30 pm 5:00 pm
page page page page page page
Shabbat service in Ridgefield, CT Shabbat service including Bar mitzvah of Jared Rowland in Ridgefield, CT 2 3 4 5 6 7
Cantor Debbie’s Corner Social Action Yahrzeit/Birthday/Anniversary HHD schedule Donations
page page page page page
8 9 10 16 23
Page 2
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
September 2015
From the Rabbi’s Desk So Much Newness In a few weeks, we will welcome the New Jewish Year 5776 as a congregation, just as we have done each and every year. Unlike in past years, however, much newness awaits. Some of the changes will challenge us, and some of the changes will comfort us. Our congregation will face many changes this year, some joyfully, others mournfully. Although we cannot always know how we will feel or react until that moment, we can prepare ourselves a little bit for the changes we will experience this year. While I wish that all of us could grow with these changes, I know that there will be sadness and sorrow, loss and pain. I do hope that you will allow yourself to feel these difficult emotions if they arise, but I also hope that you will allow yourself to be open to possibility and opportunity, freshness and creative interpretations, growth and evolution. Here are a few things to think about in the weeks ahead… Who -- Probably the biggest change of all this year will the be absence of our beloved Cantor Kerry Ben-David. Not a single Shabbat or holiday service passes without me missing him, and I will especially miss his incredible vocal talents this High Holy Day season, as I imagine all of you will as well. I know that Cantor Kerry’s presence will continue to be with us, even though we won’t be able to benefit from his voice, energy and love. There are many new people who will be a part of our High Holy Day season. I look forward to leading services with Rabbi David Reiner and Cantor Deborah Katchko Gray, hearing new voices, learning new teachings and melodies. I also look forward to sharing our holiday celebrations with many new potential friends. It will be exciting to meet so many new people and to experience the energy that comes with hundreds of Jews praying together. What -- Our High Holy Day machzor is just off the press, and I am very much looking forward to using Mishkan HaNefesh rather than the most recent machzor our congregation used. My guess is that you will find it refreshing, accessible, modern, and meaningful. Where -- Of course, leaving the sacred space we create in our High Holy Day tent will be different this year. That being said, I eagerly await leading a service in a beautiful sanctuary where all can hear the prayers and the sermon -- without worrying about thunderstorms, flooding, bugs, the weather, or other outside distractions! Our Ridgefield facility is beautiful and comfortable -- just make sure to leave extra time for parking and arriving to a new place! When -- As always, the holidays are either early or late, but never on time. Just kidding. This year, you will have the choice to attend two different morning services, depending on your comfort and preference. Several additional prayer opportunities await, so make sure to take advantage of all of them. Why -- The leadership of JFC and TSI are certain that combining our resources and energies will allow our congregation to thrive in the years ahead. We will all miss the intimacy and hominess of the South Salem facility, yet we have a much better chance of succeeding in the future by joining together. We have so much potential, and there is a great amount of excitement and energy for the future. How -- Your attitude will dictate how you will experience the New Year. I hope that you will be open to the changes, open to the newness, forgiving of any challenges, and forthcoming with ways to improve for future years. Your presence and feedback will allow us to make your Jewish life more meaningful. Although the number of changes and intensity of change is great this year, we also have to remember not to exaggerate the change. So much will remain the same -- many people, many prayers and melodies, many blessings to be thankful for as we begin another year together. And just to remind ourselves that there truly is not that much change, we look to the words of our tradition in Ecclesiastes 1:4-11, written a few thousand years ago… A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises. The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns. All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again. All things are full of weariness; a person cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. So much change, and at the same time, “nothing new under the sun.” I think that sums up what to expect for this year. Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy, Healthy, and Sweet New Year! Rabbi Marcus Burstein
Elul/Tishri 5775– 5776
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
Page 3
From The Co-Presidents By Glenn Kurlander and Hal Wolkin
Change. The word reverberated bravely through Rabbi Burstein’s sermon on his first Rosh Hashanah with us and we haven’t stopped talkwww.jewishfamilycongregation.org ing about change ever since. We can’t remember when this column wasn’t focused at least implicitly on the change we’re living in the life ————— of our temple, and of course over the last year or so we’ve reported and opined on that change, through the periods of exploration, analyRabbi sis and consideration, committee work, town halls and debates, conMarcus L. Burstein, D. Min. gregational votes and then the actual business of creating a new synarabbi@jewishfamilycongregation.org gogue. office@jewishfamilycongregation.org
—————
But because we want to look through a different lens this month, one with a considerably wider angle that attempts to see the world around lgottlieb@jewishfamilycongregation.org us and not just what’s happening in our synagogue, in this column we’ll simply say that implementation of the Union continues to move Early Childhood ahead. Our new synagogue is taking shape and considerable progress Center Director is being made every day. We’re on track for a meaningful and memoJane Weil Emmer rable High Holy Days observance led by Rabbi Burstein, Rabbi Reiner jemmer@jewishfamilycongregation.org and Cantor Katchko-Gray in our new home, with family and friends old and new. Administrator Director of Education Leslie Gottlieb
Kathleen Sakowicz
ksakowicz@jewishfamilycongregation.org
Bookkeeper Carol Wakeman cwakeman@jewishfamilycongregation.org
————— Glenn Kurlander, Co-President Hal Wolkin, Co-President
president@jewishfamilycongregation.org
As significant as all this change must feel at times, our micro view of the world has the potential to obscure all the truly breathtaking change that is happening in the larger world around us. Think about it. Technology is driving change at an almost unfathomable pace. The world’s largest taxi company, Uber, doesn’t own any taxis. The most popular source of content, Facebook, doesn’t produce any content. And the world’s most valuable retailer, Alibaba, has no inventory. Something really interesting is happening, to such an extent that “disruptive” has become almost cliché.
Josh Blum, First Vice-President Suzanne Sunday, Second Vice-President And we are living in exponential times. The first commercial text mesRobyn Cohen, Treasurer sage was sent in 1992. Today, the number of text messages sent eveRichard Mishkin, Secretary executive@jewishfamilycongregation.org
Karen Conti, Trustee Jon Glass, Trustee Mindy Hoffman, Trustee Robi Margolis, Trustee Paul Storfer, Trustee Bonnie Wattles, Trustee
ry single day is double the population of the planet. And that’s just from the five kids in the Wolkin and Kurlander households.
It took 38 years for the radio to reach a market audience of 50 million users. TV got there in 13 years; the Internet in 4. The iPhone reached 50 million users in 3 years, while Instagram hit that mark in only 2. And Angry Birds Space recorded 50 million users in just 35 days.
board@jewishfamilycongregation.org
Shofar Editor Kathleen Sakowicz Shofar Printer Copy Stop Royal Press
Sixty-five percent of grade schoolers will hold jobs that today don’t even exist. The Department of Labor estimates that today’s students will have held 10-14 jobs by the age of 38. There are five times as many words in the English language as there were in Shakespeare’s time. A week’s worth of the New York Times contains more information than a person was likely to encounter in an entire lifetime in the 18th century. Ninety percent of the world’s data Continued on page 24
Page 4
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
September 2015
From the Religious School By Leslie Gottlieb A New Beginning For the past fifteen years I have written a newsletter article each month for Jewish Family Congregation’s Shofar and this is the first time—as Director of Education of the collaborative program— that I am writing for a broader audience. I am so excited to begin this journey and I feel so welcomed by our friends in Ridgefield. Both legacy synagogues, in the move to form a union, have such great possibilities ahead. With this new beginning, I am filled with so much enthusiasm and look forward to working with all of you. Together we will make our school successful on many levels. Research published in The Leadership Quarterly, a Dutch social science periodical, concluded that a leader spearheading an effort could be 132 percent more effective by merely having a positive attitude. With this in mind, I would like to share my excitement and confidence in our new teaching team at The Religious School. All of us are in a unique position to help create a school that has the highest-reaching standards in every way. With a sense of optimism-- mixed with the hard work necessary to blend both school cultures to result in the best possible outcome—we all look forward to the new school year at our Peaceable Street location. Many things about both programs will seem familiar to both cohorts of school families. At the instructional level, so many issues have had to be considered. We have been working together for months to make sure the program excels. We have a strong educational plan for this transitional year and the Education Committee, Rabbis and I will work toward refining the curriculum as the year unfurls. We will look to our school and congregation families for input on many occasions. Still, we have established clear benchmarks for all grade levels and will continue to examine ways in which we can enrich the experience for our students going forward. In August, a school family mailing was issued to registered families to describe many of the school programs that will be in place when classes begin in mid-September. Be assured that most communications will be digital in the future for everyone’s convenience and all important forms and calendars will be made accessible this way, as well. One important change for some families will be that parents or guardians picking up students in Grades K -7 will be asked to come into the building for school dismissal. We realize that for those used to a different dismissal policy this will be a change; it is critical, especially for this school year, that parents, students, teachers and the clergy all become known to one another. It is also a safety issue. Additionally, we hope that as parents and siblings enter the library for student dismissal, a new sense of community will be created. Teachers and parents will have a chance to get to know one another and this will impact all of us in a positive way. New relationships will build upon this new tradition. Some other programs you will be reading about in the coming months include: Kids Knesset (student government), The Shekel Shop (student incentive program), S.T.A.R.S. (Shabbat Together and Religious School to encourage Friday evening service participation), Challah “Shabbat-in-a-Bag” (challah delivery option for Thursday pick up to encourage Shabbat observance at home), Student of the Week (a program to honor outstanding deeds of loving kindness by students at school), The Student Mentor and Leader Programs (to engage older students in school life) and others. I encourage parents to reach out to both me and to your children’s teachers to learn more about ways in which our school’s rich programming will help to brighten and enhance the entire Religious School experience, K-12. Continued on page 12
Elul/Tishri 5775– 5776
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
Page 5
From the Early Childhood Center By Jane Emmer
This month I have two greetings for each member of our Early Childhood Center…. Welcome or Welcome Back! We are welcoming. This is feedback that I hear often. It is certainly not a coincidence. We pride ourselves in being welcoming, and it is an important goal in creating an environment where our students can grow and learn. Making our school welcoming is much more than a list of things we can do. Creating a welcoming atmosphere is more an attitude than anything else. I start every morning with a greeting at the front door for each child and adult that enters our special place. We hope that we have developed a special place for visitors to gather and talk. Our staff are the ones that create the true feeling of being welcomed. A smile, a “Thank you” or a “May I help you?” reflects the true core values of our school much more than a sign or a slogan. Welcome to The Early Childhood Center! Whether you are a returning family or you are new to our nursery school community we want to greet you with a warm welcome. Our first week of school will offer every parent and child a way to get familiar with our school in their own “just right” way. We invite new and old
friends to join us for our Back to School Picnic on September 11. Each student will have the chance to visit their classroom, visit with their teachers, and meet friends. The Early Childhood Center is dedicated to a philosophy that play is the work of childhood. This year we are going to highlight our belief that young children are eager to learn and grow in ways that are meaningful to them at The Early Childhood Center that means: ●
Providing a play-based curriculum appropriate for the 2-5 year old learner
●
Cultivating a sense of wonder and sharing the delight of discovery
●
Enhancing intellectual resilience and promoting curiosity through thoughtful dialogue
We invite each of you (young or old) to join us, read to us, celebrate learning with us, or share a special talent or hobby. If you would like to volunteer please give me a call at 203-438-6589.
Page 6
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
September 2015
From the Ritual Committee By Michael Salpeter and Lou Haber
Rosh Hashanah is generally recognized to be a time of renewal for the Jewish people. One may look back on the previous year to see if his or her wishes have come to fruition; however, on Rosh Hashanah it is our tradition to look forward to create a new vision for the year to come. We Are Looking Forward to the High Holy Days Eight months ago the Ritual Committee members from JFC and TSI came together and decided to form a single committee to chart the future of our new synagogue. In July we began planning in earnest for the High Holy Days to create a renewed vision for our observances. We have had a great deal of camaraderie among the committee members, including a productive partnership between us cochairs. Both Rabbi Burstein and Rabbi Reiner have guided us through the pastoral nuances of preparing for these important days. Cantor Katchko Gray has been working with the choir to ready them for leading us in some beautiful music. Last year the JFC Board of Trustees accepted our proposal to order the new High Holy Day machzor (prayer book) Mishkan HaNefesh, which the Central Committee of American Rabbis has just published. Earlier this year the board of TSI responded in the same manner and ordered more copies of the machzor. This book is similar in style to our Shabbat and festival prayer book Mishkan T’filah in that it contains translations, transliterations, and interpretive readings. If you have been to our Second Day Rosh Hashanah service for either of the past two years, you will remember that we were able to use a draft version of this machzor, and it was well received by our congregants. Needless to say, the purchase of enough copies for all attendees (including a large print version for those who may need it) has been a tremendous expenditure of capital for our congregation. In the High Holy Day packet you received, we included a donation form to help recoup some of these funds, with an opportunity for you to dedicate copies to loved ones. Please consider contributing to this machzor fund. We know you have already received a schedule of services; however, we would like to highlight for you some of the special events we have planned: ● ● ● ●
●
Selichot on Saturday, September 5 at 7:30 pm in South Salem Tashlich on Monday, September 14 at 3:30 pm at the Lewisboro Town Park Second morning Rosh Hashanah luncheon on Tuesday, September 15 in the pavilion following services (RSVP required) Music and Meditation service on Yom Kippur in the sanctuary, reading of Yizkor names and lay- led discussion group in classrooms, all at 3:15 pm on Wednesday, September 23 Congregational break fast at the conclusion of Yom Kippur services, approximately 6:45 pm in the pavilion, on Wednesday, September 23. We Value Your Feedback
In our newly-blended congregation you will note that we share most of the minhagim (customs), and many parts of our services feel familiar. You also may notice differences in melodies or customs. For example, at a recent service, you might have heard slight differences in the trope of the v’ahavta prayer, or different melodies that Cantor Katchko Gray uses for certain prayers. We value your feedback and would like to learn which prayers and customs resonate with you, as well as how we can evolve our service to further engage you. Shana Tova
Elul/Tishri 5775– 5776
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
Page 7
Ask the Rabbi What are the names of different Jewish prayer compilations? Because prayer is so important in Judaism, you may not be surprised to learn that there are several different types of prayer books and compilations in Hebrew. Below you can find the different types of prayer compilations in our tradition. Siddur -- Plural: Siddurim A siddur is the generic name for a Hebrew prayer book. The word’s root means “order,” because our prayer services always occur in a set order. (This is the same Hebrew root for the Passover Seder -- the order of the 14 parts of a traditional Passover observance.) The first siddur was compiled by Rav Amron Gaon in the 9th century in Babylon. Up until then, although there were certain laws governing which prayers needed to be said at which times, there was great fluidity in prayers, usually led by the Shaliach Tzibbur -- the “Emissary of the Congregation,” or, more colloquially -- the prayer service leader. A siddur is not simply a compilation of prayers, but tells the history and even the future of a community. Different communities change, adapt, add, and subtract prayers that fit their outlook on Jewish life. Some congregations may use the same exact siddur their great-great-grandparents used, while other communities change their siddur on a regular basis. As you already know, our congregation -- like most Reform, North American congregations -- uses Mishkan T’filah (A Tabernacle/Sanctuary of Prayer). A congregation may choose a siddur based on language (Hebrew and English, Hebrew and Spanish, etc.), theology (how God’s name is translated, if ever), or any number of other reasons. There are hundreds of siddurim published today. (One of my favorite activities as a rabbi is to compare and contrast different siddurim. I have a few dozen in my library and am always interested when a new one is published. Feel free to ask me to see a few different types the next time you are visiting me in my office.) Machzor -- Plural: Machzorim A machzor is the special name used for the High Holy Days of Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur. Sometimes it can also be used for the Three Pilgrimage Festivals of Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. The word machzor means “cycle” and comes from the Hebrew root meaning “to return.” Because we celebrate these holidays every year, we call these special prayer books machzorim. Many additional and changed prayers for the holidays necessitate the use of a different type of prayer book than the daily or Shabbat prayer book. As with a siddur, each community publishes a machzor to reflect that community’s understanding of Jewish history and law. This year, our congregation will be using the brand new Reform machzor Mishkan HaNefesh (A Tabernacle/ Sanctuary of the Soul). You will note that it differs significantly from the machzor we have been using for the last several years, but you will find it somewhat familiar nonetheless, as it is a companion High Holy Day version of our Shabbat siddur Mishkan T’filah. Selichot Selichot is the plural of selicha, a “prayer of repentance.” The Reform Movement’s most recent prayer book for the service of Selichot is called Shaarei Selicha, “Gates of Repentance,” based on the Reform Movement’s Gates of Prayer series. The service of Selichot takes place on the Saturday evening preceding Rosh HaShana, provided that there are at least three days before Rosh HaShana. This year Selichot falls on Saturday, September 5. Please join us at the South Salem location at 9 pm for this special service preparing ourselves to welcome the New Year. We will begin the evening with a dessert reception at7:30 pm, followed at 8 pm by the program Sin and Forgiveness in the 21st Century. Please join us! Kinnot Kinnot is the plural of kinah, a “sad poem” or elegy traditionally recited on the night of Tisha B’Av. This collection of dirges commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in ancient Jerusalem. Birkon -- Plural: Birkonim A birkon is based on the Hebrew word “beracha” (blessing), and as such is a collection of blessings. The most popular birkon is the Birkat HaMazon, the “Grace after Meals.” In addition to the traditional many paragraphs of blessing after the meal, a birkon often contains other prayers and songs designed to be recited or sung at Shabbat and other holiday meals.
Continued on page 12
Page 8
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
September 2015
Cantor Debbie’s Corner By Cantor Debbie Katchko Gray
Summertime and the planning, learning, singing, and creating is intense! This summer has been incredibly busy with professional development, creative ideas coming to fruition, and plans for our merging congregations including musical programs for the coming year. I attended two conferences- First- The Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework in Phoenix, AZ, and taught a huck embroidery class. I would like to offer an HEIRLOOM TALLIT CLASS after the High Holy Days, if there is interest. I have plenty of Huck Toweling fabric and will include it in the reasonable fee for three classes including materials. Please email me if you’re interested. No previous embroidery or sewing skill is necessary. Second- The Women Cantors’ Network (WCN) conference in Austin, TX. I always enjoy seeing old friends and meeting new ones at our conferences. The music, prayer, spirit and workshops are always inspiring and give me more music and ideas than I can handle! Next year’s conference will be HERE IN RIDGEFIELD! June 20-23, 2016. I am hosting it and have already planned the workshops, speakers, entertainment, hotel and more. The community and congregation will be invited to morning creative services as well as to a fabulous Tuesday evening June 21 with world famous Cantor Jack Mendelson, star of the film, A Cantor’s Tale. The film will be shown after Cantor Mendelson leads a traditional maariv service in our sanctuary. There will be a question and answer session with Cantor Mendelson after the movie and count on extra singing and wonderful humor! Wednesday June 22, the community will be invited to sit in on a Kosher Spirituals workshop with our beloved Gigi Van Dyke. 100 women are expected to attend- I’ve hosted twice here at TSI and I know it will be another memorable conference. If anyone has 120 of anything interesting to donate for the conference “swag” bag please thank you in advance for your donations! They love the generosity of our members! A Judaica Craft Fair will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday of the conference in our library. Vendors from the tri-state area will show Judaica in its creative glory. Come and buy gifts! WCN members will have many cds and music books for sale as well. This coming High Holy Day Season will be very special as our two congregations come together in prayer and in song. We are so fortunate to have Barbara Orwick as our new accompanist, as our beloved Marcia Klebanow has retired. Barbara has played at JFC for many years, and is in a rock band, as well as experienced in classical music, choral arranging, and singing. She is a wonderful musical addition to our musical family. Please think of hiring her for your B’nei Mitzvah services as it adds so much. Mark Fineberg, gifted reed artist of Broadway, rock and blues fame, is going to be playing at all our major services for the High Holy Days. I’m very excited to have him add his musical voice as well during the holy days. Choir rehearsals began in late August, but newbies are welcome to join us Sept. 3 and 10, 7:30-9pm in our sanctuary to review the music of the holydays and coming year. A musical gift is being created for our new congregation forming- Barbara Orwick and I just recorded several newer songs used on Friday evenings, and both our rabbis will be adding their voices as well. A few selections from the Talented Teen’s Shabbat Jam and our Sacred Spirit cd will be included. I hope you enjoy it when it available in the fall. PLEASE SAVE THE MUSICAL DATES:
Choir Rehearsals Fridays, September 3 and 10, 7:30-9 pm Sunday, September 20, 7:30-9 pm
Ruach Shabbat Services— Musical Artists , Talented Teens and Adult Choir
November 13 December 11 Music Shabbat 5776 February 19 January 15 Serendipity Chorale- MLK Black/Jewish Spirituals April 8 with Gigi Van Dyke and our choir June 3 March 25 A Suite Shabbat – Classical Strings June 21 7 pm May 13 Music of Israel with Avram Pengas! June 22 4 pm
Adrianne Greenbaum, flute Adrianne Greenbaum, flute Mark Fineberg, flute, clarinet, sax Avram Pengas, oud, bouzouki Adrianne Greenbaum, flute A Cantors Tale w/ Cantor Jack Mendelson Traditional Maariv service, film and Q and A. Kosher Spirituals w/ Gigi Van Dyke and WCN
Thank you as always for your loving support and enthusiasm for these efforts to bring beautiful and meaningful Jewish art and music into our lives. Shalom, Cantor Deborah Katchko Gray
Elul/Tishri 5775– 5776
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
Social Action By Debbie Landzberg and Debbie Lavin
Page 9
Page 10
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
September 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 Brian Besterman & Alison Ganis Michael Gitlitz & Dr. Rita Landman Jeffrey & Elizabeth Klotz Joel & Laura Kaplan Peter & Jamie Kaplan Drew & Mindy Hoffman Matthew Meister & Dafne Sanchez-Aldama Andrew & Nicole Rose Fulvio Segalla & Wendy Lipp Steven & Judy Vandervelden
YAHRZEITS Edith Blumenthal Donna Ellen Brown Murray Emmer Gertrude Fischberg Dr. Joseph Fried Stanley Gottlieb Dorothy Himoff Max Kalb Seymour Kalter Sidney Kirstein Rose Margolis
Sol Pottish Cathie Jo Raynor Cathy Jo Raynor Harold Redman Seymour “Sy" Schreckinger Stanley Slone Anita Stein Herbert Storfer Leopold Weisberg Dudley Emerson Westlake
BIRTHDAYS Susan Andrade
Zachary Kaplan
Alissa Auerbach
Rachel Kurlander
Michelle Auerbach-Sherr
Henriette Kutscher
Sophia Barson
Tyler Leitner
Heath Bender
Roy Lerner
Jeffrey Berg
Sherry Levin Wallach
Ella Blum
Eric Levine
Zachary Brand
Ruth Ossher
Sarah Dash
Julie Portnoy
Noah Falconer
Samantha Rai
Sophia Firestein
Ginger Schwartz
Bryon Friedman
Kody Shafer
Abigail Gabor
Pat Shafer
Michael Gottlieb
Jessica Sheptin
Mindy Hoffman
Marcia Sher-Kalter
Meryl Honig
Andrea Shulman
Allison Junquera
Jonathan Storfer
Lucas Kane
Bonnie Wattles
Elana Kaplan
Gabriel Zuckerberg
Gregory Kaplan
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
Elul/Tishri 5775– 5776
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
Page 11
Page 12
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
September 2015
Continued from page 4—Religious School Parents of students in Grades K-6 are encouraged to have their children participate in the weekly Enrichment Day program from 4:15-6:00 pm on Wednesdays. Students will be grouped in Grades K-2, 3-4 and 5-6. Wednesday is also a day in which our 7th graders will be at school. There will be many opportunities for students to work in new learning circles with a different group of learners on programming that seeks to enrich lessons taught on regular school days. Classes will be smaller despite the combined grouping and Hebrew and Judaic culture lessons will build on the goals set for these students with new ways of approaching the material. Please contact me to learn more about this unique opportunity for your children. Sometimes change is difficult and as Jews we have known our share of challenges over the millennia. This year will require great patience for all of us as things settle in-- whether it is a school or synagogue issue. I am confident from my past experience as a school director that the students and parents participating in the program have so much power to shape the nature of this new school. With the power of nearly twenty teachers on our team, some from each legacy synagogue school and some new to this role, we can make a big difference in the lives of our children and hope to create kids who look to a lifetime of strong Jewish identity and participation. In closing, I recall a conversation I had a few weeks ago with someone doing landscape work at our home in Pound Ridge. He looked over our sorry backyard lawn and paused. After a moment of silence, he began to speak in a very serious way about the crabgrass that had taken root all over. I felt as a great life lesson was going to be imparted by his measured manner and tone of voice. He said, “The way to avoid crabgrass is to have a healthy lawn.” This struck me as rather profound after an initial chuckle nearly slipped out. Immediately I thought in teaching terms and the idea that disciplinary problems in a school setting can be avoided almost entirely by creating strong lesson plans. No weeds can grow if the environment is healthy. Now I think that this lesson is much larger in scope. If we are all positive and work together to make our school a magical place, no small disturbance can upset its vigorous balance. There is so much possibility here and I am lucky to be in the position of welcoming one and all to our new school. Continued from page 7—Ask the Rabbi
Haggadah -- Plural: Haggadot A haggadah is the special set of prayers used at a Passover seder. The word haggadah means “The Telling,” as we are taught to tell our children the history of our freedom from Egyptian slavery each and every year. As with a siddur and machzor, haggadot can contain a significant amount of creativity, and literally thousands of haggadot have been published over the years. So you see, prayer is so important in our tradition that you need to make sure you have the right prayer book to use at the right time. I hope that -- at the very least -- you have a copy of one prayer book in your home to refer to and to learn from. Please be in touch if you would like suggestions on which type of prayer book to purchase.
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.
Elul/Tishri 5775– 5776
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
Page 13
Page 14
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
September 2015
Dearest Wonderful Friends, Adam, Sheera, Steven and I wanted so much to answer individually all your touching and thoughtful notes and generous contributions. Alas, doing so would have been quite a difficult a task, as we received over 260 notes. Please forgive our doing so publicly in this Synagogue letter. With every fiber in his being, Cantor Kerry loved his "calling"......singing for Services, Holidays, Weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies, Baby Namings, cheering up those in the hospital, and helping those who needed a bit of his enormous wisdom and personal TLC. He loved it all; and felt so blessed to be a part of so many lives. We were all blessed as well to have had such a man in our lives...always so cheerful and upbeat. As his wife and friend for over 47 years, I can attest to the fact that it was GENUINE. I remember his being a clown in our annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in Connecticut. He even helped me in my rounds as a hospital clown at Stamford Hospital, singing during all our holidays. It would not surprise you to know that St. Paddy's Day was his favorite! What a remarkable legacy he left all those whose lives he touched. Cantor Kerry was the wealthiest man I knew...not in dollars and cents, but in "ruach" and love for all people and life!! He passed away exactly as he wanted....after doing a service in a beloved congregant's home...happy, and with no pain. Thank you dear ones for being such a great part of that life, and for your enormous support and love. With Much Love, and Friendship Forever! Batyah, (Bonnie), Adam, Sheera and Steven
Elul/Tishri 5775– 5776
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
Page 15
Page 16
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
September 2015
Schedule of High Holy Day Services 2015 / 5776 and Shuttle Bus Schedule All Services will Be Held in Our Ridgefield Building Except Selichot (South Salem Building) and Tashlich (Lewisboro Town Park) Date Saturday, September 5
Service Selichot (Selichot will be held in our South Salem building)
Time 7:30 pm
Shuttle Bus Schedule No shuttle bus service
7:30 pm Dessert Reception 8:00 pm Program: Sin and Forgiveness in the 21st Century 9:00 pm Selichot Service Sunday, September 13
Monday, September 14
Erev Rosh Hashanah Services, followed by a festive Oneg Rosh Hashanah
7:30 pm
Rosh Hashanah, First Day 8:30 am Service (geared to families with children in elementary school, but open to all members/ticketholders)
8:30 am
6:45 pm to 10:00 pm from Jesse Lee Memorial Church (207 Main St, Ridgefield; enter parking lot on King Lane) 8:00 am to 2:00 pm from Jesse Lee Memorial Church
11:00 am
11:00 am Service (more traditional in format and content) 2:30 pm Tot Service (free, but reservations are required) 3:30 pm Tashlich Tashlich will be held at Lewisboro Town Park, located on the south side of Route 35 between Mead Street and Bouton Road in South Salem. Tuesday, September 15
2:30 pm
3:30 pm
Rosh Hashanah, Second Day Service
10:00 am
Congregational Lunch (reservation required)
1:00 pm
No shuttle bus service
Elul/Tishri 5775– 5776
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
Date
Service
Tuesday, September 22
Wednesday, September 23
Kol Nidre Service
Time 7:30 pm
Yom Kippur 8:30 am Service (geared to families with children in elementary School, but open to all members/ticketholders) 11:00 am Service (more traditional in format and content)
8:30 am
Page 17
Shuttle Bus Schedule 6:45 pm to 10:15 pm from Jesse Lee Memorial Church (207 Main St, Ridgefield; enter parking lot on King Lane) 8:00 am to 8:30 pm from Jesse Lee Memorial Church (with a break from 1:45 pm to 2:45 pm)
11:00 am 2:30 pm
2:30 pm Tot Service (free, but reservations are required) 3:15 pm 3:15 pm Music and Meditation Service (in the sanctuary); reading of names from the Yizkor memorial book (in a classroom or outside); lay-led discussion (in a classroom) 4:00 pm 4:00 pm Afternoon, Yizkor, and Neilah Services 6:50 pm (approx.) Congregational Break Fast following the conclusion of services (reservations required)
6:50 pm approx.
Tot Rosh Hashanah and Tot Yom Kippur Services for children age six and younger
46 Peaceable Street, Ridgefield, Connecticut This children’s program is an additional option for families with children in this age group.
Join Rabbi Burstein and Rabbi Reiner in the sanctuary to sing special High Holy Day songs, hear a story, listen to the Shofar, enjoy apples and honey on Rosh Hashanah
Tot Rosh Hashanah Tot Yom Kippur
Monday, September 14, 2:30 pm Wednesday, September 23, 2:30 pm
These tot services are open to non-members at no cost, but an RSVP is required by Friday, September 4. 914-763-3028 office@jewishfamilycongregation.org
Page 18
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
September 2015
Elul/Tishri 5775– 5776
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
Page 19
Page 20
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
September 2015
Elul/Tishri 5775– 5776
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
Page 21
Page 22
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
September 2015
Elul/Tishri 5775– 5776
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
Page 23
Donations General Fund David & Rosalyn Manowitz Scott Kleiner
in memory of Carole Alexander
Rabbi Discretionary Fund Hal & Laurie Wolkin Michael & Rona Salpeter
with gratitude to Rabbi Burstein and in memory of Allen Alexander in memory of Joseph Salpeter
Donations made after the tenth of the month will appear in next month’s Shofar.
Page 24
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
September 2015
Continued from page 3 has been generated in the last two years. In 1900, human knowledge doubled every 100 years. By 1945, the pace had accelerated to every 25 years. Today, the mass of human knowledge doubles every 13 months. By 2020, it’s predicted that will happen every 12 hours. And it’s not just technology. Cultural and demographic changes are driving huge transformations in our society. As just one example of how quickly our thinking can change, witness the remarkable shift in societal attitudes about same sex marriage. After all, it was only in 1996 when a Democratic president signed the federal Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) into law, and only 2003 when Massachusetts became the first state to recognize same sex marriage. Last year, the United States Supreme Court invalidated much of DOMA not even 20 years after it had been enacted, and of course in late June, the Court ruled that the 14th Amendment requires a State to license a marriage between two people of the same sex and to recognize a marriage between people of the same sex when their marriage was duly licensed and performed out of State. While those seeking the exercise of a fundamental human right justifiably may feel that change was agonizingly slow, from a societal perspective it occurred with breathless speed. Winston Churchill said “You can always count on Americans to do the right thing—after trying everything else.” Perhaps more optimistically, one of the powerful things about humans in general is that we have the capacity to change our minds. And demographics, which necessarily shape attitudes, are changing fundamentally as well. The power of women has increased dramatically and will continue to grow significantly over the next few decades. Women already control more than 60% of private wealth in this country, and female educational attainment has exceeded male educational attainment at all levels since 2000. It’s estimated that by 2028, the average American woman will earn more than the average American male. Ten thousand Americans turn 65 years old every day, and will continue to do so for the next 14 years. By 2050, there will be roughly twice the number of Americans who are 65 or older than there were in 2012. Yet, while for decades the concerns and desires of the Baby Boomer generation—the largest generational cohort in our history—have been center stage, this year Millennials, those between the ages of 18 and 34, will outnumber Boomers. Gen Xers—those 35 to 50—will overtake the Baby Boomers by 2028. We’re changing racially and spiritually. By 2044, the United States will be a “minority majority” country—that is, the non-Hispanic white population will constitute less than 50% of the US population. And while we’re still predominantly a Christian nation, the Christian population is shrinking: over the last 8 years, there has been a roughly 8 percentage point drop in the number of Americans who describe themselves as Christians, and an almost equal increase in those who describe themselves as unaffiliated with any organized religion. By 2050, there will be more Muslims in the US than Jews. Viewed from any perspective—technological, cultural, demographic or spiritual—the world around us is changing at an almost inconceivable pace. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why the change we’re experiencing in our own community is hard for some to deal with. While the world swirls around us, some of us may have thought of our synagogue and all it represents as a rock, as being somewhat immune from the dislocations that come with change. But if our synagogue is changing too, it’s only natural that we might feel the additional weight of that change. Yet we predict that after we have all come together for the High Holy Days, most of us will look back and conclude that there is more about our Union that feels the same than it does different. Yes, we will be in a new building. We won’t have our tent. There will be more services, to accommodate a larger congregational population. We’ll use a new prayer book, but it will be the same prayer book we would have used, even if there were not to be a Union—the same prayer book being introduced by Reform congregations across North America. There will be more faces we don’t recognize. But that means more opportunities to build relationships. We will miss our beloved Cantor Kerry—a loss we would have felt even were we not to pursue a Union—but the sadness we feel will be tempered somewhat by the reverence and joy we’ll experience listening to Cantor Katchko-Gray, and our augmented choir. And of course Rabbi Burstein and Rabbi Reiner will lead and guide us, help shape and drive our reflection and renewal, will enlighten, provoke and challenge us in our worship. We’ll recite words that many of us have said for decades and our ancestors for centuries before us, with the same aims and to the same ends that have inspired our people for millennia. And that, with the Union, have the potential to do so in our own community for many years to come. Yes, there will be differences, but much will feel the same. Glenn Kurlander and Hal Wolkin
Elul/Tishri 5775– 5776
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
Page 25
Page 26
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
September 2015
Elul/Tishri 5775– 5776
Jewish Family Congregation Shofar
Page 27
Non Profit Organization Postage PAID White Plains, NY Permit No. 9022
Rabbi Reiner, Rabbi Burstein and Cantor Katchko Gray
CURRENT RESIDENT OR
Pizza in the Hut Sunday, September 27, 6 pm followed by Erev Sukkot Services, 7 pm. Join us for pizza, salad and munchies, decorate our sukkah and spend time with friends. Bring a few gourds or other natural seasonal items. $5/person or $15/family
RSVP by Wednesday, September 23 to office@jewishfamilycongregation.org
Make sure to check out our calendar for up to date events at www.jewishfamilycongregation.org