Shofar - January 2010

Shofar

We’re going digital as of February 2010!

Kislev/Tevet 5770

Jewish Family Congregation www.jewishfamilycongregation.org

From the Rabbi’s Desk

Each year, I am asked to visit a third grade classroom, where our students are learning about the synagogue; they learn about the standard component parts (the Ner Tamid, eternal Light above the Ark; the Ark itself; the Torah scrolls, etc), and about the people who serve the synagogue community.

The kids ask questions about what it takes to become a rabbi (five years of post graduate study), where I studied (Israel and Cincinnati), and what I do all day, as a rabbi.

That reminds me of something I learned in Plattsburgh, at my first pulpit. The chairperson of our ritual committee told me that I should post my weekly schedule on the door of my office, so that congregants could see at a glance what I did all day, because apparently many people believe that clergy (including rabbis) only work the hour and a half they see at services on a weekly basis. In Plattsburgh I did some teaching at the local SUNY campus, so there were times when I was not in the building, and she cautioned me that people would think I was “at home eating bonbons”. Thereafter, when my schedule became very hectic, I used to call her and ask her to send over some more bonbons!

So: what do I do all the time as a rabbi?

From the Rabbi‘s Desk Religious School Early Childhood Center Service Schedule Anniversaries/Birthdays Gift Card Form President‘s Message JFCAdults Ask the Rabbi

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I do...and enjoy...a lot of teaching.

I teach adult Hebrew and Torah study every Sunday morning, from 9:15 till 11:30 while the Religious School meets. This class is attended by a hearty group of people who read a verse of Torah, and then we compare translations and discuss what various commentators say about the verse; we add lots of our own ideas, as well.

We’ve been reading the Book of Exodus for 3 years now, so you can see that our discussions are very important to us.

Apparently many people believe that clergy (including rabbis) only work the hour and a half they see at services on a weekly basis.

On Sunday, I also meet with the entire 4th, 5th and 6th grades in the assembly, where I lead the Barkhu and the Shma and V’ahavta. I often play Ask the Rabbi with the kids, and sneak in a bit of teaching that way!

January 2010

10:30 till noon, I teach a small class Conversational Hebrew. I use the rest of the day to catch up on phone calls, emails and writing (for the Shofar and the Little Shofar, the email broadcasts, and soon, for the website too). I meet with congregants and others during the day, and often have evening meetings on Tuesdays. Once a month, from 6-7:30 pm, I meet with some of our High School students, and we discuss ethical and other hot topics of concern to them.

Wednesdays, I meet with Ruth Ossher, as we have done for years now, to study Hebrew. We started out doing conversational study, and when we completed the series of books we were working with, we began to read the Torah from cover to cover. We are concentrating on translation, so we are moving faster than the Sunday group.

Thursdays, I come in to work in the early afternoon because I usually have late evenings that day; it is Monday is my official “day off”...but the day that the Temple Board meets once a month, and it is the of course, emergencies override that, and I have found myself con- day that I do rehearsals for Bnai Mitzvah. I attend to phone calls ducting a funeral and/or a shiva and emails, and in the late afterminyan many times on Mondays. noon, whenever I am available, I Tuesdays through Fridays, I like to greet our Religious School students arrive at the Temple in time to greet as they arrive for class. This helps the parents and children coming to me learn the names of new congreour nursery school, about 9:00 am. gants and their kids, and allows me Tuesdays, I am in the office. From Kids ask the Rabbi Social Action Committee ECC Celebrates Chanukah RS Celebrates Chanukah Women‘s Group JiFTY Summer Camp Reg Form Donations Form Donations URJ

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Oneg Schedule Creation Station Reg Form ECC 2010-11 Reg Form Bring A Parent to RS Form Advertiser Pages Calendar

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar Jewish Family Congregation

Box 249 111 Smith Ridge Road 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 lesliejo1960@gmail.com Early Childhood Center Director Fern Tannenbaum jfceccenter@gmail.com Temple Administrator Jolie Levy jfcoffc@gmail.com Board Of Trustees David Tillem, President 914-232-1630 Jeanette Sanders, Vice President; Bill Pink, Secretary; Andrew Serby, Treasurer; Carrie Kane Mark Lavin David Marceau Richard Mishkin Nita Weissman Polly Schnell Elisa Zuckerberg and Johanna Perlman, Past President

Shofar Editor Jolie Levy Shofar Publisher David Emmer

January 2010

The Religious School

Early Childhood Center

Perhaps the single thing that makes the Religious School at JFC unique-- besides the quality education all around-- is the individualized instruction we are able to offer all of our students at all grade levels. Although teaching here is traditionally done in larger group settings, we regularly group our students into smaller learning sections and vary the technique for learners at all levels. Even more than that, we are able to personalize instruction because of our inflated staff size that includes over a dozen high school students who are part of our mentoring staff-- and we have volunteers even younger than that. Now we have another fabulous tool to add to the kit!

Just last month, our school became the proud owners of four new laptops. Add to that the fact that we are now almost completely wireless at JFC, and you start to get the picture. We are very grateful to JFC Board of Trustees Vice President Jeanette Sanders for helping to broaden JFC‘s Internet access for our teachers and students. She couldn‘t have done this without the full support of the JFC Board and we are grateful to them, as well. The capital campaign helped to purchase one of the four laptops and a very generous family (who prefers to remain nameless although I‘d like to shout this from the top of the building!!) and the Religious School Director‘s Fund helped to secure the remaining three laptops.

Ted Bloch has been extraordinarily helpful to the school, yet again, in ordering the equipment and setting up all of the necessary operating software, downloads, etc. We should all be very clear to show our appreciation to these people as, without their support, we would

At the end of January is a wonderful Jewish holiday known as Tu B‘Shevat which celebrates the birthday of the trees, and the growth of the trees from one year to another.

It helps the Jewish people focus on our dependence upon nature and our responsibility to care for the natural environment around us. At the ECC we are lucky to have so many trees and plants on our grounds for the children to look at and study. In the classrooms the teachers will be bringing branches, pinecones, bark and products from trees for the children to explore. As their interest is peaked, each class will study the areas that the students are most curious about.

Students might want to investigate how trees grow, what animals live in trees, what trees give us and what responsibility we have for their care.

As part of their study of trees, each child will have an opportunity to plant and care for a seed and watch it grow.

The children are always excited about this study and I think it is because they have so much in common with the trees. They know how it feels to be little like the seed, and watching it grow gives them reassurance that they too will grow bigger.

Just as the little seed needed our children‘s care, the children also need care. Their parents and teachers are nurturing the children‘s emotional growth to become caring, loving and compassionate individuals. The ECC is very fortunate to now be able to help the parents and teachers with this significant task.

We have recently been the recipients of a grant from the Board of Jewish Education‘s Jewish Early Childhood Association, ironically called Project SEED or Supporting Early Emo-

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by Leslie Gottlieb

By Fern Tannenbaum

Cheshvan/Kislev 5770

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Page 3

SERVICE SCHEDULE Friday, January 1/Tevet 16

7:30 pm

Parshat VaYekhi

Michael Salpeter chants Torah

Friday, January 8/Tevet 22 Saturday, January 9

7:30 pm 10:00 am

Parshat Sh‘mot Shabbat morning service

Friday, January 15/Sh‘vat 1 Saturday, January 16

7:30 pm 10:00 am

Parshat VaEyreh Shabbat morning service

Friday, January 22/Sh‘vat 8

7:30 pm

Saturday, January 23

10:00 am

Parshat Bo Lila Gordon chants Torah 4th grade service Shabbat morning service

Friday, January 29/Sh’vat 15

6:00 pm 6:30 pm

pizza dinner for wee ones service for wee ones Shabbat Shirah Ruth Ossher chants Torah

10:00 am

Shabbat morning service

7:30 pm Our Annual Mi khamokha-thon*** Saturday, January 30

***we sing Mi Khamokha to lots of melodies, including all ―the usual suspects‖ and some very unusual ones!

ANNIVERSARIES

Ian & Sigal Leitner Michael & Helaine Mizrahi Gordon & Polly Schnell

YAHRZEITS Nathan Bell Jeannette Cohen Stephen Crown Ruth Davis Joseph Elias Israel Farber Helene Fuchs Julius Fuchs Theodore Garfiel Justine Glassman Zelda Jacobs Helene Kutscher Marcy Lissau Daniels Bernard Shuler

Betty Shulman Gerda Simon Julius Simon Zachary Adam Smith Louis Steinhorn Arnold Treitman Helen Worster

BIRTHDAYS Sandi Auerbach Max Auerbacher Samuel Auerbacher Juliette Bellinson Marcela Berland Cecelia Bersch Andrew Blum Michelle Blum Juliette Bujaj Robyn Cohen Jonathan Glass Donna Glassman Gary Glassman Allan Goldstein Brooke Goldstein Jack Haims Gregory Hoffman Linda Iger Kristopher Kahn Lisa Katz Glenn Kurlander

Kenneth Kurzweil Eric Kutscher Patricia Lerner Steve Margolis Isabella Marinucci Dr. Martin Kutscher Dr. Michael Salpeter Richard Mishkin Alexander Monaco Debra Monaco Abby Plotka-Henshaw Tamar Rackear-Sturm Emily Rauch Joshua Rauch Sandra Rosenhouse Rona Salpeter Justin Sobel Suzanne Sunday Riannah Wallach Lisa Warren Clayton Weisberg

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

GIFT CARDS

RD IFT CA ON! G A GIVE Y OCCASI now available at N FOR A Jewish Family Congregation

January 2010

MAN YV CHOO ENDORS TO SE FR OM!

Gift cards for many popular vendors are now available for purchase at the JFC Office. Please review the list below, then indicate all cards you would like to purchase in the spaces provided. Orders will be placed on the 20th of each month and will be available for pickup in about 10 days. They may be picked up at the JFC Office. (A special order will be made in December ONLY for Chanukah!)

Vendor

Denomination Quantity (please circle)

1-800-Flowers A Pea in the Pod A.J. Wright (TJ Maxx) Ace Hardware Afterthoughts (Claire's) American Eagle Applebee's Arby's B. Dalton Books Babbage's (Game Stop) Banana Republic (Gap) Barnes & Noble Bath & Body Works Bed Bath & Beyond Best Buy Blockbuster Video Bob Evan's Bon-Ton Borders Build A Bear Workshop Burger King Cabela's California Pizza Kitchen Champs (Foot Locker) Chili's Restaurant Choice Hotels Claire's Clarion (Choice Hotels) Cold Stone Creamery Comfort Inn Courtyard by Marriott Cracker Barrel CVS D&W Dick's Sporting Goods Disney Domino's Pizza EB Games (GameStop) EBX (GameStop) Express Fairfield Inn Fashion Bug Finish Line FootAction USA FootLocker GameStop Gap Giant Eagle Giant Foods HomeGoods (TJMaxx) I tunes JCPenny Jean Louis David

$25 $25 $25 $25 $10 $25 $25 $10 $10, $25 $25 $25 $10, $25 $10, $25 $25 $25, $100 $10 $10 $25 $10, $25 $25 $10 $25 $10 $25 $20 $100 $10 $100 $5 $100 $50, $100 $10 $25, $100 $25, $100 $25 $25, $100, $1000 $5 $25 $25 $20 $50, $100 $25 $25 $25 $25 $25 $25 $25, $100 $25, $100 $25 $25 $25, $100 $25

Total $ Vendor

Denomination Quantity (please circle)

Total $

JoAnn Fabrics $20 Kids Foot Locker $25 Kmart (Sears) $25, $100 Kohl's $10, $25, $100 L.L. Bean $25 Lady Foot Locker $25 Land's End $25 Lane Bryant $25 Little Caesars 20-Jan LongHorn Steak House $25 Lowe's Home Improve- $25, $100 Macaroni Grill (Chili's) 20-Jan Macy's $25, $100 Marriott Hotels $50, $100 Marshall's (TJ Maxx) 25 Motherhood Maternity $25 Mrs. Field's $5 Office Depot $25, $100 Office Max 25 Old Navy (Gap) $25 Olive Garden $25 On the Border (Chili's) $20 Outback Steakhouse $25 Panera Bread $10 Papa John's $10 Payless Shoe Source $20 PB Teen (Pottery Barn) $25, 100 Peapod Online Grocery $25, $100 Perkin's Restaurant $20 Pizza Hut $10 PlanetX (GameStop) 25 Pottery Barn $25, $100 Qdoba 10 Quality Inn 100 Regal Cinemas $25 Rennaissance Hotels $50, $100 Residence Inn $50, $100 Safeway $25, $100 Sears $25, $100 ShopRite $25, $100 Sleep Inn $100 Software, Etc. $25 Staples $25, $100 Starbucks $10, $25 Stop & Shop $25, $100 TGI Friday's $25 TJ Maxx $25 TownePlace Suites $50, $100 United Artist Theatres $25 Waldenbooks (Borders) $10, $25 Wendy's $10 West Elm (Pottery Barn) $25, $100 Williams-Sonoma Home $25, $100

Name: ________________________Home/Cell Phone:__________ Email:________________________ FULL PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY ALL ORDERS. PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO JEWISH FAMILY CONGREGATION. SORRY, NO CREDIT CARDS. TOTAL ATTACHED: __________________ FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: ORDERED: _______ PYMT. REC'D: _______ CARDS REC'D: _______ PICKED UP BY: ___________________ ON: _________

Cheshvan/Kislev 5770

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

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The President’s Message

JFC OFFERS PAINLESS FUND RAISING - CHAPTER 3

by David Tillem

ANNOUNCEMENT: SHOFAR IS GOING DIGITAL FEBRUARY 2010 As I advised you in last month's President's Message, the Shofar is going digital with the February, 2010 issue. The Board of Trustees determined, however, that the default delivery will remain paper delivery to the JFC congregant's address, unless that congregant elects to receive the Shofar via e-mail. One paper copy will be provided to each family who does not elect digital. If you have children or parents who receive the Shofar, it will be available only via e-mail to them. If you want digital copies, we will send as many as you wish provided you give us the email addresses. Why is this being done? What does it mean? How will it work?

Digital is green. It conserves resources. No paper for printing or envelopes for mailing. Digital is faster. We create the Shofar in Microsoft Publisher; convert it to .pdf format; and out it can go to you. No delays. Digital will be in color. Photographs will be in color as will portions of the articles themselves. The print version will remain as gray scale. Digital is economical. We save paper costs, printing costs, mailing costs and labor costs required to set up the bulk mailings. I urge you to opt for digital. You will receive a monthly e-mail, click on it, and the Shofar will arrive. You can print it if you wish. Or you can simply leave it in your e-mail and refer to it at your leisure. Another family member wants to read it? Forward the e-mail link. There is a vibrant color photo of your child at the Purim party? Forward it to the grandparents.



when many of you come to pick up your children from Religious School, and on Sunday late morning. You are spending the money at these vendors anyway -- Stop 'N Shop, CVS, iTunes, etc. The list is on the opposite page. By using scrip, you help JFC financially.

Another way to help the synagogue financially is to use the Amazon link from the JFC website.

Click on Online Ordering. Amazon will come up. Then proceed as you normally would to purchase your item. You need do nothing special. The synagogue will receive a small percentage for whatever you may purchase. But, you must go to Amazon through the JFC website.

As I am sure you have noticed, the website has not been all it can or should be. That will change. A congregant has stepped forward to update and maintain the web site with current information and materials. Look for the changes. And when people ask about JFC, you can direct them to an up to date, viable web site.

We continue to expand the synagogue volunteer database. Polly Schnell is spearheading this effort. If you have not completed the questionnaire, please do so. It is available through the web site as well as at JFC in hard copy. We have begun reaching out to some of the volunteers. For example, the Board has determined to make a far greater marketing effort; to get our name out; to publicize events. You may have noticed several articles in the Lewisboro A little later this month, a letter will be sent to all Ledger. One was on the Sanctuary rededicacongregants and recipients of the Shofar, includ- tion. Another was on the celebration of Hanuing advertisers. That letter, sent via e-mail to all kah. Those of you with a marketing, public relae-mail addresses we have, and via US mail to all tions or journalism background, we need congregants and others on the Shofar mailing list you. Contact Polly Schnell. (so that most of you will actually receive two By the time you receive this issue of the Shofar, written notices this month), will ask you to elect it will be the New Year. On behalf of the entire digital delivery. If you want to receive the ShoBoard of Trustees, we wish you all a healthy, far via e-mail, all you need do is return the ehappy, prosperous New Year. And we hope to mail or the letter, and indicate the e-mail address see you at JFC in the New Year. At Shabbat seror addresses to which you want the Shofar vices; volunteering for the numerous and exsent. If you do not respond, we will continue to panding social and other activities; participating send each congregational family one paper copy in JFC activities, like the Adult Program; lending of the Shofar, addressed to the main household your time and skills to JFC to enhance our impact address. in our community; to help JFC operate even better in the future. JFC runs on volunteers. It can Our new scrip (gift card) program is proceedbe an hour a month. It can be an hour a ing. A number of us used the scrip for Hanukah week. The Board has made a concerted effort to gifts. My family uses it at the supermarket reach out to you. It is up to you to raise your too. In order to make it as readily available as hand in response. possible, we will be scheduling someone to be available to sell the scrip on Thursday evenings, B'Shalom, David Tillem

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

January 2010

JFC Adults

By Jeanne Shanin, Adult Program Coordinator Announcing our Winter/Spring line-up of programs for the adults of our congregation. There are some favorites as well as new programs coming up. If you haven‘t been to one of our programs, now is the time. Mark your calendars and then register by contacting me at jfcadults@gmail.com or calling Jolie Levy at (914) 763-3028.

First Annual Game Night Saturday, January 23, 7:30 p.m.

Poker anyone? ―Soup, Bread & Game Night‖ will be an adult night out where the attendees bring a soup, bread or dessert, and a favorite board or cards game to play after the meal. Or, play one of ours. Move around to different games or stay with one - it's entirely up to you. A very casual, relaxed event that's just for fun. Location to be announced. RSVP by January 18 to jfcadults@gmail.com or to Jolie Levy at (914) 763-3028.

Movie Night Saturday, February 20, 8 p.m.

A Serious Man (2009) Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) has hit a "rough patch," according to a colleague, and it would seem so: people are dropping dead all around him, his wife (Sari Lennick) wants a "gett" and his whining kids (Aaron Wolff and Jessica McManus) only add to the heavy load. Larry is just looking for some help. Can a few rabbis guide him to life's answers? Richard Kind co-stars in Joel and Ethan Coen's 1960s-set, dark Jewish-culture send-up. Said the New York Times,‖ ‗A Serious Man‘ is, like its biblical source, a distilled, hyperbolic account of the human condition. The punch line is a little different, but you know the joke. And it‘s on you, of course.

Israeli Wine Tasting Saturday, March 20, 8 p.m.

It's official: Israel's wines have come of age after world leading wine critic Robert Parker declared 14 Israeli wines to be world class vintages in his first review of the country's industry a year ago. Everyone in Israel already knows the country has some excellent wines, but now the secret is out after leading US wine critic, Robert Parker, reviewed wines from 40 Israeli wineries, and awarded 14 wines top scores of over 90 points. Mr. Parker may not be able to join us, but we will have on hand a wine connoisseur who can guide us through the tasting process.

Non-alcoholic selections will be available.

Gallery Tour and Dinner Saturday, April 20, 5:00 p.m.

Charles Michael Gallery is housed in an imposing, old 19th-century building called Union Hall in North Salem. The gallery specializes in the colorful posters from the 1880s through the 1950s, which were produced in Paris—lithographs which advertised products, events, or services—and which quickly became collectible. Many are from the art nouveau and art deco periods. One of the gallery‘s art historians will take us on a tour and point out the political, historic and social significance of these beautiful pieces. Following the tour we will have dinner at the neighboring 121 Restaurant & Bar, known for its fabulous food in the heart of horse country.

Cheshvan/Kislev 5770

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

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All are welcome to attend this year’s…

JFC PURIM CARNIVAL Next Month!!

Come play inside the

Giant Inflatable Caterpillar!

Hosted by JFC parents and students of JFC’s Bnai Mitzvah Class of 2010 Date: Sunday, February 28th Time: 12:00- 2:00 P.M.

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

ASK THE RABBI

January 2010

Kids ask the Rabbi

Question: With all the talk about Darwin recently, I Question: Why don’t Jews believe in Jesus? have been wondering what the Jewish position is on his Answer: Lots of people have asked the same ideas. Please comment. thing. The answer has a lot to do with how we understand a Hebrew word, mashiakh. The word Answer: Darwin taught that all life on this planet evolved from a single entity, and that the various muta- means “anointed one”, and in the Torah, most fretions either survived or perished according to the theory quently has to do with the kohanim, the priests, who of “survival of the fittest”. That stands in clear contrast were anointed, that is, sprinkled with oil when they to the content of Genesis 1. In that chapter, the Torah took up their duties as priests. says that God created all of the species individually and The word, mashiakh, indicates that the person thus separately. There is no way to integrate that informasprinkled with oil is chosen by God for the role he tion with the theories of Charles Darwin. (and of course, it was always a male!) will play.

This of course caused a great uproar when Darwin’s work was published, especially amongst Christians and In the time after the Torah stories were complete, the term came to refer to the Divinely chosen man Jews who took the Bible...and especially its first five who would become the king of the Israelites, espebooks, the Torah... as the literal word of God. Many people accepted the “scientific” explanation of creation cially King David. and life, and dismissed the Bible as mere fantasy.

And after his lifetime, it came to refer to a man

whose ancestry traced back to King David, who would come and rescue the Jews from their oppressors. Though the term might have been in use during other time periods, it became very popular durThe teachings of Darwin came in very handy for the de- ing the earliest years of the Roman rule over Judea veloping thinking of Reform Judaism. By offering (67 BCE-500 CE), because the Romans were relig“evidence” that the Biblical text cannot be true, science iously intolerant and because they were very harsh allowed people to distance themselves from the relirulers. gious obligations of the Bible...such as the dietary laws.

If the Torah is not from God, then it has little or no force The Jews of Judea urgently wanted relief from the Roman restrictions on their religious practice, and in one’s life, or at least so went the argument. This they wanted relief from the taxes and physical lathinking was bolstered by the development, almost at the same time as Darwin’s thinking was popularized, of bour obligations that the Romans imposed. But the Romans were very powerful, and it did not seem the Documentary Hypothesis, which argues that the Torah is not one seamless Divinely revealed text but a that there was anyone around who could overthrow them. So the Jews remembered the idea of the series of humanly created documents skilfully woven mashiakh, the chosen leader, a descendant of King together by other humans. In both cases, “science” David, whose mission it would be to restore David’s challenged the conventional understanding about orikingdom to its ancient glory. By that time, it was gins. also expected that the mashiakh would bring about world peace, and an end to all illness and poverty This conflict has been played out in courtrooms in this and pain. country and within the Education Departments of various states, which have tried to prohibit the teaching of If you read the Christian Bible, you will discover that Darwin’s theories, in favour of what the Bible clearly some of its authors made a vigourous effort to trace says.

Jesus’ ancestry back to King David; the lineage is complicated by a couple of factors, though, and is And while this debate does not cause the same consternation within Orthodox Judaism as it does in Funda- not entirely convincing. But it is not impossible that many people living 1000 years after David were in mentalist Christianity, that is only because Jewish Orfact his descendants, because he had many wives thodoxy removes itself and its practitioners from the secular realm as much as possible, while Fundamental- (a common practice 3000 years ago) and also many ist Christians live in that secular world and try to remake children. it in their own image.

If you continue to read the Christian Bible, you will Others held steadfastly to their confidence in the Torah as the revealed word of God, and dismissed the “scientific” view as fantasy.

But for Orthodox Jews, the bottom line is that the Torah see that, though some people claimed, on behalf of Jesus, that he was the long and much awaited is...always...right, and Darwin is clearly therefore just mashiakh, he did not in fact overthrow the Romans; plain wrong; end of discussion. their tyranny continued for a few hundred years!

I think, for those of us who question the authorship of And as we have moved farther and farther away the Torah (and there have been Jews doing so for cen- from the Roman period and the lifetime of Jesus turies), the question comes down to this: if “science” (Continued on page 11) (Continued on page 11)

Cheshvan/Kislev 5770

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

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From the Rabbi’s Desk (cont’d) When the Bnai Mitzvah season is in full swing, in the spring and fall, I also meet weekly with each of the students, to help them write their speeches. This process usually takes about 6 weeks, so my Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays get very crowded; At 5:30 pm, I meet with all the kids in our K-3 classes, sometimes I meet with students and their parents on doing much the same as what I do with the older kids Sundays as well. And as the High Holy Days apon Sundays. From 6:15 till 7:15 pm, I teach the Con- proach, my calendar is very full. firmation Class. At 7:30 pm, if there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah that weekend, I meet with the family to rehearse In addition, I attend virtually every function of the temple, from JFC*Adults events to celebrations in the the service, usually till about 9:15 pm.

Early Childhood Center. I participate in all major Fridays, I am in the office till noon. During that time, meetings, from the Capital Campaign to the STAR in addition to phone calls and emails, I also prepare Consultancy projects. the B/Mitzvah certificates, and prepare for the evening service. I also meet with the children and teachers in Of course, there are lots of meetings with congreour Early Childhood Center, to do some singing and gants throughout the week, and if there is a wedding celebrating of Shabbat. or a baby naming in the wings, these also require some meetings. And funerals happen whenever they Then I dash about my errands and have dinner, and arise, so there is no planning for them. return for the service; I arrive at about 7:00 pm each week. I help get the sanctuary set up, and then join As you can see, there is very little time for eating bonthe cantor in conducting our weekly Shabbat service. bons! No two days are exactly alike, and I really enjoy that.

Shabbat mornings, I meet with our Bnai Mitzvah class, and teach them about their respective Torah I also like the fact that I get to know so many people, portions, from 9:00 am till 10:00 am; then we have a and to help so many people; doing that while teaching Shabbat morning service, which, fortunately, Kathy about Judaism and about living Jewishly makes all my Storfer attends to lead the music. days satisfying, even when they are exhausting, troubling or frustrating.

But many Shabbat mornings, we have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, so my class ends at 9:45, and I rush off to But mostly they are just busy and interesting. sign the certificate with the family and get into the No doubt about it...I made the right choice when I desanctuary to begin the service at 10:00; usually our services end by 12:30 pm, and then I get some time cided to go to rabbinical school 25 years ago! to rest...maybe even to enjoy a Shabbat nap.

I hope you agree!

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to chat informally with people. Many of the Ask the Rabbi questions that appear in the Shofar are posed at the entrance to our building!

The Social Action Committee November 21, 2009 Midnight Run Thanks to all those who joined us!

Top row left to right: Dan Feldman, Stuart Feldman, Emily Feldman, Deb Verbecke, Ed Verbecke, Josh Blum Bottom Row left to right: Polly Schnell, Debbie Lavin, Jacob Rausch, Sam Blum, Emily Rausch, Hayley Verbecke.

Contact: ● Debbie Lavin at debbielav@aol.com (914-232-0756)

● Jeanette Sanders at crotonjan@aol.com (914-763-0311)

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

January 2010

The JFC Social Action Committee

by Jeannette Sanders

A Look Back at JFC’s Social Action Agenda for 2009 The social action committee wants to thank all the congregants who have supported our initiatives this past year.

This year we had one of the largest blood drives in our history. We collected 46 pints of blood. Congratulations and thanks. It is quite an undertaking to organize the day when we are visited by the Hudson Valley chapter of the NY Blood Center. It requires many hours of effort calling and scheduling appointments and also requires a team of people to man the drive each Veteran‘s Day.

A special thanks to those who supported the most recent midnight run. We were very fortunate to have three bnai mitzvah student families organize the approximately 80 bag Many of our congregants participate in indemeals required for our most recent run. pendent activities for Social Action. We have Thanks to Hayley Verbeke and the Verbeke members who work with Habitat for Humanity, family, Sam Blum and the Blum family, volunteer with the local ambulance corps, and and Jacob Rauch and the Rauch family for others deliver meals to indigent community their most valuable contributions of time, enmembers thru the Meals on Wheels organizaergy, food and funds to make a very tion. Others in our temple commusuccessful run on Saturday,. NovemWant to help? nity work at The Katonah Commuber 21st. Thanks to all the attenCall Debra Lavin nity center, and also volunteer at dees; Dan, Emily and Stuart (232-0756) or the annual Christmas dinner event Feldman, Polly Schnell, Debra Jeanette Sanders where hundreds of people are fed.

Lavin, Ed, Debra & Hayley Ver(763-0311) We donate time at the A-home and beke, Josh & Sam Blum, Emily some congregants work with trouand Jacob Rauch. Thanks to Polly, Ed and bled youths. We raise money for research to Stuart who did the driving. The run was a battle cancer and other diseases. Our temple huge success which means that all our supplies youth run various fundraisers throughout the were well received and we are once again soyear for a number of different valuable causes. liciting donations of clothing and blankets.

I am certain that I am missing many of the imJeans, T shirts, white socks, new underwear, portant things we support but the point is that wash cloths, backpacks, shoes, belts, I am very proud to be a member of such a cartoothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant and ing and active congregation and hope that next shaving cream are all in very short supply. We year we will continue to be active in these and can not sign up for another run until we reother areas. plenish supplies sufficiently to serve the needs We welcome new additions to the Social Acof the run on any given night where we see tion committee. No amount of time to volunbetween 40 – 60 homeless people. We've had teer or participate is too small. Contact either 4 very successful and rewarding Midnight runs Debbie Lavin or myself (Jeanette Sanders) if in 2009 and would like to plan a similar numyou have any interest and even a small ber for next year. Our next run will be in the amount of time. We promise to help fulfill your early spring provided everyone pitches in with desires to invest your time in very meaningful donations of new and old supplies we need. and rewarding ways.

The Tzedakah of the Month For

January is

"LIGHT UP AFRICA"

Jewish Heart for Africa‘s Project Sol (jhafrica.org ) installs Israeli solar panels to provide power to African schools and clinics, refrigeration for vaccines, and energy to water pumping systems.

Selected by the

JFC Social Action Committee

Cheshvan/Kislev 5770

ASK THE RABBI (cont’d) (Continued from page 8)

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Page 11

Kids ask the Rabbi (cont’d) (Continued from page 8)

shows us that the creation stories of the Torah are not (approx 4 BCE-33 CE), we can plainly see that the accurate, how can we explain their presence in the world does not enjoy peace, health, and all the other good things that the mashiakh is supposed to bring to Torah? us.

I think the answer is simple. Every culture has its own version of a creation story. The Egyptians, Babyloni- So, to Jews, the fundamental expectation of the mashiakh, removal of the oppressors and restoration ans, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Norse, of David’s kingdom, and the inauguration of world Native Americans and so many others all have, or peace and health and happiness, were not achieved had, their own account of how the world came to be.

by Jesus.

And each cultural community becomes deeply attached to its version of this subject.

Christians, however, understand the term mashiakh Likewise, the people who gave us the story of the de- somewhat differently. They think that the term, rendered in English as “messiah”, means nothing about a scendants of Abraham, began their story “at the beginning”. The version of creation recounted in Gene- political kingdom here on Earth, but speaks about God’s kingdom, which they expect Jesus to bring to sis 1 is majestic and elegant. The author did not atthis world. tempt to describe the details of creation; rather he (and yes, it was probably a “he”) informed us that As far as we Jews are concerned, the mashiakh has God’s words brought all life into being. This is clearly not yet come. And some branches of Judaism, espebeyond our comprehension, something we cannot cially the ultra-Orthodox, pray fervently for the mashiduplicate (try making a cake by merely speaking...no akh to come and change the world as we know it. For assembly of ingredients, no methodology...just all Jews, though, it is clear that this magical time of words!), a feat both majestic and elegant in its simplic- the mashiakh has yet to happen. ity.

This realization led to a thought that was often exBut that author makes no mention of dinosaurs. pressed in Yiddish, meant to convey that a hope or Why? Because when he lived, sometime between ideal is beautiful but not about to happen any time 1000 BCE and 450 BCE, no one knew anything about soon: “when the messiah comes” (as in: I’ll be dinosaurs. So he told the story to the best of his abil- rich...when the messiah comes. Or: I’ll have time to ity, using the material available to him at that time. read all the books I want...when the messiah comes!).

Did he think he was describing creation exactly as it This probably indicates that most Jews do not live in happened? Who knows? expectation of the arrival of the messiah.

But we don’t need to think that. We can acknowledge Reform Jewish thinkers have argued that the only the beauty of his account of creation without believing way we will see peace and health and happiness is if that it is accurate. It can simply be our inherited tradi- we humans work to make these things happen. Intion, our (Jewish) culture’s myth about how the world stead of praying for...and waiting for...the mashiakh, came into being. In this case, “myth” means a story they teach us to work to improve the world, and bring meant to explain how something came to be, a story all humanity into “the messianic era”. that cannot be verified and doesn’t need to be verified From this teaching, we have come to take very seriin order to teach important lessons; that is certainly ously the obligation to “perfect the world”, tikkun olam. true of the myths about the Greek and Roman gods, and can be true for us as we try to understand the sig- This idea is conveyed in the statement attributed to Ferdinand Isserman in our prayerbook: “Pray as if nificance of the Biblical story of creation. everything depends upon God; act as if everything It is one of the niceties of Reform Judaism, that we depends on you”. are not required to take the Biblical narratives as fact.

We Jews have been described as a practical people If you are persuaded by the work of Darwin that the Torah account of creation is not accurate, you are free who follow the teaching of a very rational religion. We to accept Darwin’s ideas, and you can still enjoy, ad- are not asked to believe in miracles, or to accept things that are outside of our experience. And so, mire and learn from the Biblical tale. when Christians suggest that we should believe that Why does it have to be either or? Why can’t we have Jesus was (is?) the anointed one, we generally don’t both...both the logic and evidence for the theories of accept their “proofs”. evolution and natural selection, and the majesty and And as long as there is room in this world for wellelegance of the Torah? meaning and honest people to disagree respectfully, I hope this helps you to frame an understanding of the that will be ok. teachings of Charles Darwin from the perspective of Reform Judaism.

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Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Early Childhood Center (cont’d) (Continued from page 2)

tional Development. Through this grant we have been given the services of Ellen Weisberg, MSW, MEd, a licensed social worker and early childhood specialist. She will be working with the teachers and parents to support our children‘s emotional and developmental growth. We are very fortunate to receive this opportunity, especially since Ellen Weisberg is an experienced professional and a genuinely warm and caring person as well. In addition to her weekly support, she will be giving two separate morning presentations. The first presentation will be about the development of three year olds on January 25th, and the second presentation will concern the development of four year olds and kindergarten readiness on February 22nd. It is open to all ECC families, congregants and friends.

To offer further assistance to our parents, the ECC is proud to present a parenting workshop series given by Alexis Johnson, PhD, called ―Wise Parenting for the Pre-Schooler.‖ These three interactive sessions will be given over there months beginning on January 11th at 7:30 P.M. to help parents with daily parenting concerns. This parenting series is a great opportunity that parents should not miss.

At the ECC we believe that parents and teachers are a team. We work together to guide our children‘s learning and development in every area. The teachers and I greatly value the many ideas that came from the parents. This month we are following a suggestion from the Early Childhood Committee to bake Challah in each class. The process of mixing, kneading and braiding the Challah dough is a sensory experience that will allow the children to become physically involved with Shabbat. The smell and taste of freshly baked Challah will remain with them for years to come adding to each child‘s Shabbat joy and appreciation.

This Tu B‘Shevat I will be celebrating with the ECC children by singing Tu B‘Shevat songs about planting trees, tasting fruit from the trees, and marveling at their growing seedlings and tree projects. More important than celebrating the trees, I will be celebrating the children and their growth in every area. It is wonderful to plant seeds, especially those seeds which help our students grow emotionally, physically, cognitively and spiritually. May you also have the opportunity to plant some seeds and watch them grow.

January 2010

A Note From An Old Friend Dear Friends at JFC: I apologize for not acknowledging your amazing farewell gifts before now. We are finally moved in and most of the boxes are unpacked. We were able to host Thanksgiving Dinner for James, our son, and Amanda, our daughter, and her significant other, Adam, with almost all of the fixings…

Well, your wonderful gift, a new Amazon Kindle arrived about three weeks ago in the mail. WOW!!! A bibliophile‘s dream!!! You had also provided me with a humongous gift certificate to Amazon so that I could load it up with all sorts of goodies. I was slow in getting started because we have somewhat sporadic wireless connection here and the Kindle requires such for shopping and downloading…but, all in good time, we got to the shop and, talk about a candy store high!!!...Well, so many books, so little time.

Anyway, I decided that, in choosing the first book I would buy, selecting an author on whom I got hooked through the JFC book fairs would be appropriate. So I selected a new David Liss novel set in revolutionary America, The Whiskey Rebels. The fact that I am reading, by actual count, five other books at the same time, is, perhaps the reason I have not gotten very far in enjoying this new toy and novel…but, again, all in good time.

I am also very grateful that you were so generous with your donations that, together, you and I were able to donate twenty new Plaut The Torah: A Modern Commentary, Revised Editions to JFC. It was my hope that the money could be used to support the work of JFC and what better way than to encourage the understanding and living of the Torah.

I am now, after much fighting with FairPoint, on DSL, so no excuses, stay in touch either at pturnley@aol.com or on Facebook.

I‘m sorry, we had to post No Hunting signs after an 8point buck romped through our front yard and a group of hunters came to the front door to ask if they could shoot him, so no hunting, but you are welcome come up to cross-country, snow-shoe or just take in the grandeur of G-d‘s vistas. Let us know you‘re coming and we‘ll cook up the venison…I mean, dinner.

Since I am writing this on the first day of Chanukah, I pray that its blessings be with all of you and with JFC throughout the coming year.

From the wilds of VT, Shalom, Paul Turnley

Cheshvan/Kislev 5770

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Page 13

The Religious School (cont’d) (Continued from page 2)

not be where we are today.

As Jeanette put it, ―We are now in the 21st century!‖ Well said.

We understand that nothing supplants two individuals learning from one another, but these laptops in the classroom are akin to having four master teachers added to the staff.

We have even named each of them! This helps to keep track of who has borrowed which laptop, obviously, but it also makes them part of the family.

Many of our teachers have been assigning homework from specific Jewish publishing house websites, but to add these tools to the classroom setting is enormously helpful to all learners as now more than ever, teachers can separate disparate Hebrew learners, especially, and help each individual to learn at a maximum level with a responsive interaction that successfully improves skills.

Some teachers have used the laptops to get kids who have missed a certain lesson get caught up. This is so helpful as the child who has returned to class does not slow down the progress of the others. They can work twice as fast to make up the work because the material is tailored to them specifically-- and then rejoin the class with their skills clearly tested. The most popular website used is BehrmanHouse.com. We have used this publishing house for years for texts and their computer links are terrific. I have been at several workshops where Behrman reps have integrated the concerns and wishes of educators like me.

There are special tools allowing teachers to monitor student progress and homework completion from home. The sky is the limit but we make

no excuse for distancing educators from their students; we only hope to strengthen the relationship, the interest level of the kids, and add another dimension to learning. It is well over due, frankly.

For culture instruction, the Internet is an endless link to the world of all things Jewish.

A 4th grade culture class was able to watch an online Power Point presentation from their teacher‘s trip to Israel. One of our Youth Group members, Matt Emmer who is Religious and Cultural VP, is planning to share a presentation in the sanctuary using the Internet.

He is trying to raise money and awareness for Jaffa Institute in Israel. You‘ll be

We hope to strengthen the relationship, the interest level of the kids, and add another dimension to learning. hearing more about that shortly. I am planning to show an Internet video of the most updated photos of the Sderot, Israel indoor playground that we helped to build last year. We are now engaged in raising more money for the JNF playground and you will be reading more about the JFC “Let Us Play” kickball games to take place outdoors in January for students in grades K-6. Yes, outdoors!

We did it last year for our 4th through 6th graders and it was a great success and everyone had a great time. The teachers challenged the kids… and well, you can guess who won.

There are just too many of them and these kids are a competitive bunch. I had a sore back for a week after that game. In the end, we raised

$1,200 for the children of Sderot who have lived in constant fear of kazaam rockets that have been showering their town near the Gaza border for years.

The URJ has Internet links for learning, as well. If you look at their website you‘ll find these online resources for Hebrew. There are only audio files for students and adults to follow, but you can look at a siddur as the voice is reading/ chanting a specific prayer and this can be very helpful. The Behrman House website has you read along with an Internet teacher, let us say, and a cursor helps you follow along on the page.

Hebrew Resources Hebrew Audio Files Listen to Hebrew prayers read and chanted.

Daf Kesher A newsletter for Hebrew teachers including best practices from the field and articles in easy Hebrew.

Torah at the Center Hebrew - Vol. 9, No. 2 Mitkadem An exciting five-year Hebrew curriculum that will generate enthusiasm and excitement from your teachers, students and parents.

Chaverim B'lvrit A modern Hebrew program for day schools.

Aleph Isn't Tough Series Hebrew materials for adult learners.

If you click on one of the above links, you can find most of the prayers our kids are studying.

If you go to BehrmanHouse.com, click on the Educators page and then In the Classroom and you will find this: Involving Families Click and Read Hebrew at Home Click and Learn Prayer at Home (Continued on page 19)

Page 14

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

ECC Celebrates Chanukah

January 2010

Cheshvan/Kislev 5770

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

RS Celebrates Chanukah

Page 15

Page 16

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

January 2010

JiFTY

JiFTY

had a ton of fun at the Religious School Chanukah parties and is gearing up to do some more fun activities!! Some of them include our fun packed shul-in scheduled for February 26th, and everyone in Youth Group is invited to attend. On the night of the 26 th, JiFTY is conducting the Friday night service at JFC!!! Get excited!!! Our next meetings are: January 7th and January 21st.

We have loads of exciting activities scheduled. Please join us!!!

Cheshvan/Kislev 5770

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Page 17

Summer Fun At Jewish Family Congregation REGISTRATION FORM Summer 2010

Child’s Name:________________________Gender M/F_________Nickname:_______________________ Birth date:_______________________ Street Address:____________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address:___________________________________________________________________ Home Phone:________________________________ E-mail:_______________________________ Fall 2010 my child will be attending: (check one) 3 year old class:________ 4 year old class: _______ Kindergarten: _______ School :______________________ Parent name:____________________ Daytime Phone:__________________ Cell:_____________ Parent name:____________________ Daytime Phone:__________________ Cell:_____________ Siblings

Name:_________________________birthdate:________________________________ Name:_________________________birthdate:________________________________ Name:_________________________birthdate:________________________________

Local emergency contacts: Name:__________________________ Phone#_____________________ Cell:_________________ Name:__________________________ Phone#_____________________ Cell:_________________ Child’s Doctor_______________________________________Phone#_______________________ Allergies:_________________________________________________________________________ Special Needs/Services (past or present): ____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ My child will attend JFC Summer Fun: Week of 6/28: Week of 7/5: Week of 7/12: Week of 7/19: Week of 7/26: Week of 8/2:

____________ 3 day/5 day _____________ 3 day/5 day _____________ 3 day/5 day _____________ 3 day/5 day _____________ 3 day/5 day _____________ 3 day/5 day

(circle one) (circle one) (circle one) (circle one) (circle one) (circle one)

If we run camp week of 8/9 would you be interested?_____________ The fee for JFC Summer Fun is $210 per week/ 5 day, $180/3 day. A $50 per week non-refundable deposit is required with this form. The balance must be paid no later than April 15, 2009.

If you have any questions, or would like more information please call: Jane Emmer (camp director) 914-325-9065

Page 18

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

January 2010

First-Year Dues For Young Families Lowered by 50% Thinking of joining JFC? If your oldest child is in

Kindergarten in 2009/10 or younger, first-year JFC dues are now only half the annual dues amount!

And, if your children are (or will be) enrolled in the Jewish Family Congregation Early Childhood Center, Your JFC membership entitles you to a

JFC Congregant Discount on tuition!

For more information or to join JFC, call (914) 763-3028.

To visit us on the Web, www.jewishfamilycongregation.org

You’ll feel at home when you’re part of our family…

Jewish Family Congregation.

Cheshvan/Kislev 5770

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Page 19

The Religious School (cont’d) (Continued from page 13)

Letters to Parents about Digital Applications Teaching Adults Prayer Skills Playing Card Games with Shuffle It in Hebrew If students click on Click and Read Hebrew at Home they can practice letter and word sounds. If they go to the next section listed, Click and Read Prayer at Home, they can find their Religious School Hineni series textbook there. Click into the chapter they are studying and you are on your way!

I suppose I could go on and on as to how these new laptops will benefit all of our students at one point or another, but you can figure out what endless opportunities are open to us now. Thanks go out to all who supported this effort. After all, our kids are worth it, aren‘t they?

Todah Rabbah from the Religious School to…  Jolie Levy who has been enormously

helpful to the school since her arrival in Babaganewz is a website that used to publish a monthly magazine for students in grades 4the main office at JFC 7. Behrman House recently bought that magazine and now it is an online educational tool for  Ellen Tillem for her continued support teachers that parents can navigate at home to reinforce lessons.  All of the grade 7 parents who are There are some great Chanukah games and lessons but take a look at all of the Israel categories there are to explore: Israel Central: click on these to find fun activities to help you celebrate Israel!

Archaeology Connection Crafts Recipes Exploring Games Puzzles

History Israel @ 60 Jerusalem Music & Writings News & Politics People Virtual Israel

working on the new and improved Purim Carnival scheduled for the end of next month

 The Bloch/k family for their continuing support of the school  All of the parents who plan to attend “Bring a Parent to Religious School‖ on Sunday, January 31st

 All of those families who made donations to these charities through the efforts of our school tzedakah program: Heifer International (we purchased a sheep for a poor family in Africa so that they can have wool and milk/cheese), Taglit Birthright Israel (our $250 donaBabaganewz is a very user-friendly site and I tion was doubled during a certain highly recommend you take some time to view ―drive‖ period last month and this donait with your Religious School children. tion will help those who are 18-26 years Our Youth Group is especially grateful to old to visit Israel if they have never have Internet access so that they can broaden gone), JNF‘s Let Us Play program and their reach to include programs that extend Jaffa Institute of Israel (helping one Isbeyond the walls of JFC. They also are able to raeli boy to survive happily in this hook up a laptop to the new 50‖ LCD TV in world). their lounge thanks to the cable provided to us, also by Ted Bloch.

And if any of you is concerned about our students and unfettered Internet access… have no fear. No student is ever in use of a laptop or can access the Internet without direct supervision of our staff. The laptops are locked away when not in use and there are special codes and filters to help us see this is not a problem.

Page 20

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

January 2010

Donation Form for Simchas, Memorials, and Tzedakah A wonderful way to honor those we love is to make a contribution to Jewish Family Congregation to commemorate anniversaries, birthdays, births, b'nai mitzvah, confirmations, engagements, graduations, retirements, weddings, yahrzeits or other occasions.

Funds to which Contributions of Any Amount are Welcome ______ ______ ______ ______ ______

Rabbi‘s Discretionary Fund Religious School Fund Religious School Student Scholarship Fund Early Childhood Center Fund Building & Adult Programming Endowment

______ ______ ______ ______ ______

General Fund Grounds Beautification Fund Music & Choir Fund Caring Committee Fund High Holiday Appeal

Contributions of Designated Amounts ______ ______ ______ ______ ______

Prayer Book ($50) Sanctuary Chair Plaque ($150) Tree of Life Simcha Leaf ($180) Memorial Board Plaque ($450) Annual Sustaining Member ($750)

Donor Name:_______________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________ City/State: ____________________________________________ Zip: _______________ In Honor/Memory (circle one): ________________________________________________ On the Occasion of: _________________________________________________________ In addition to the donor, please send an acknowledgement card to: Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________ City/State: __________________________________________ Zip: _________________

Make check payable to ―Jewish Family Congregation‖ and mail with this form to: P.O. Box 249, South Salem, NY 10590 Questions? Call: (914) 763-3028, fax: (914) 763-3069 or e-mail: jfcoffc@gmail.com Thank you for generous support of the Jewish Family Congregation

Cheshvan/Kislev 5770

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Donations to JFC Last Month General Fund Doris Hettmansberger Michael & Susan Stillman

In Memory Of Bill Goldman and Yale Rubin In Memory Of Aaron Stillman & Julius Fuchs

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Adam & Robyn Cohen Marvin & Yvette Carp

In Honor Of Rabbi Carla on the occasion of Reyna‘s Bat Mitzvah In Appreciation of the High Holy Days

Religious School Student Scholarship Fund Adam & Robyn Cohen

In Honor Of Leslie Gottlieb on the occasion of Reyna‘s Bat Mitzvah

Page 21

Oneg Hosts January 1 David Eisenberg David & Jane Emmer January 8 Vivian Epstein Sam & Amy Friedlander January 15 Bryon & Victoria Friedman Michael Gitlitz & Ritz Landman January 22 4th Grade Class January 29 Jonathan & Iris Glass Lawrence & Jacquelyn Goldman

Religious School Fund Adam & Robyn Cohen

In Honor Of Ruth Ossher on the occasion of Reyna‘s Bat Mitzvah

BOARD HOST William Pink (914) 763-4684

In Honor Of Cantor Kerry on the occasion of Reyna‘s Bat Mitzvah

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

Music & Choir Fund Adam & Robyn Cohen

Caring Committee Fund Richard & Bobbie Cohlan

Extraordinary efforts on behalf of Howard Cohlan‘s shiva

-- SUMMER VOLUNTEERS -The seven weeks which Volunteer Summer participants spend in the developing world form the centerpiece of a year-long program of retreats, advocacy and volunteer service opportunities. This program is part of AJWS’s constellation of service programs, through which we send nearly 500 volunteers each year to communities in Africa, Asia and the Americas. All of AJWS’s programs integrate the Jewish values of education and tikkun olam into meaningful hands-on service experiences. Participants return passionate about Judaism, social justice and committed to their roles as global citizens.

Now entering its twelfth year, Volunteer Summer has become a highly competitive program, and we hope you will share this announcement with young people in your community who might be strong candidates. The program is open to Jewish young adults ages 16 to 24, and AJWS is currently seeking a diverse group of young men and women from all streams of Jewish life to participate in Volunteer Summer 2010.

The specifics are as follows: Program Dates: June 20 to August 11, 2010 Application Deadline: February 5, 2010 Locations in the Americas, Africa and Asia: TBA January 2010 For more information or to apply, visit www.ajws.org/service or contact volunteer@ajws.org or 212.792.2919.

If you have any questions about Volunteer Summer or AJWS in general, please don’t hesitate to be in touch at bspodek@ajws.org or 212.792.2914.

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

Please contact your Board Member if you have any questions.

ed Limitration st Regi

JFC Early Childhood Center PARENTING CENTER 2009-2010

CREATION STATION TODDLERS 12 MONTHS AND UP with THEIR PARENT/CAREGIVER 

Play, music, art and stories  Spend time with your child  Explore Jewish heritage  Gentle Separation

Friday Morning

9:30am-10:45am

Teacher: Jane Emmer Spring Session Jan 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 26, Mar 5, 12, 19, 26 [Apr 9 make up day] Cost: $250.00

2009-PARENTING CENTER REGISTRATION Parent’s name__________________________________ Address_________________________________________Phone______________ Child’s name___________________________________DOB________________ Email: ______________________________ Cell: _________________________ Course Creation Station

Tuition must be paid in full with registration $250.00

0201

2

orm F 1 01

Jewish Family Congregation Early Childhood Center Priority________________ Date received___________ Check #_______________ Application for 2010-2011 School Year Child’s Name __________________________________________________ Sex ___________________ Date of Birth _________________________ Home Address_________________________________________________ Home Phone_________________ Parent /Guardian Name__________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Occupation______________________________________ Business Address___________________ Business Phone_______________ Cell Phone___________________

E-mail_____________________

Parent /Guardian Name__________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Occupation______________________________________ Business Address___________________ Business Phone_______________ Cell Phone___________________ Other Children: Names/Ages

E-mail_____________________

__________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________

1) My child is presently enrolled at JFC Early Childhood Center ____Yes If yes, name of child__________________________________ 2) I am a member of Jewish Family Congregation ____Yes 3) I am presently participating in the Parenting Center ____Yes Program/Dates______________________________________ 4) I am interested in being a class parent ____Yes 5) I am available to help ____Yes

____No ____No ____No ____No ____No

3-Year Old Class: ______

2-Year Old Class (3-day): _____ Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30-11:45

Child must be 2 by child’s school district cut-off date for Kindergarten

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9:15-12:00

Child must be 3 by child’s school district cut-off date for Kindergarten

4-Year Old Class: ______

2-Year Old Class (2-day): _____ Wednesday, Friday 9:30-11:45

Child must be 2 by child’s school district cut-off date for Kindergarten

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9:15-12:00

Child must be 4 by child’s school district cut-off date for Kindergarten

Please attach a non-refundable $350 registration fee made payable to Jewish Family Congregation to this registration form ($300 will be applied to tuition)

Tuitions for 2010-2011: mem/non Member

age 2-year-old

Days 2 day

tuition $ 2,450

Member

2-year-old

3 day

$ 3,555

Member

3-year-old

4 day

$ 4,730

Member

4-year-old

4 day

$ 4,730

Non Member

2-year-old

2 day

$ 2,720

Non Member

2-year-old

3 day

$ 4,060

Non Member

3-year-old

4 day

$ 5,410

Non Member

4-year-old

4 day

$ 5,410

Please note: Registration fee will be returned only if we cannot offer your child a space.

Return this form to: Jewish Family Congregation Early Childhood Center P.O. Box 249 111 Smith Ridge Rd. South Salem, NY 10590

by Back and m e lar D Popu

Ticket of Admission to

“Bring A Parent To Religious School” This ticket of admission is good for…

ONE parent !!!

*per Religious School child enrolled in our 4 th-6th Grade program

Sunday, January 31st 9 AM- Noon The Youth Group will offer baked goods and coffee in the lobby or bring your own healthy snack (snacks with no nuts, please) Very few extra chairs/space available… so bring a pillow or just enjoy the extreme coziness of the carpet!

Special Schedule for January 31st Ask your child to fill in this form for you.

Class I- 9 AM-10:00 AM- _____________________ Snack Break- 10:00-10:20 AM (location)- ________ Class II- 10:20-11:30 AM-____________________ Assembly in sanctuary- 11:30-12:00 PM Please fill in a name label for yourself upon your arrival.

(Available in lobby area that morning) No rsvp necessary.

Ticket of Admission to JFC’s

“Bring A Parent To Religious School” This ticket of admission is good for …ONE parent !!!

*per Religious School child enrolled in our 4 th-6th Grade program

Sunday, January 31st from 9 AM- Noon

Page 26

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Open 7 Days a Week 8:00 am—6:00 pm 1431 Post East Road, Westport, CT 06880 — 203-255-6429 475 Smith Ridge Rd., South Salem, NY 10590 — 914 533-7400

Tutoring High School and Middle School SAT and ACT Prep.

Michael Horwitz, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., LMHC Professor of Academic Strategies Instruction (914) 533-1141 Mikewitz@aol.com

BUY YOUR GIFT CARDS AT JFC. SEE PAGE 4 FOR FORM.

January 2010

Cheshvan/Kislev 5770

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

Page 27

Samuel D. Friedlander Attorney and Counselor at Law

is pleased to announce the establishment of an office for the practice of law at 26 Village Green, Suite 11 P.O. Box 543 Bedford, NY 10506-0543 (914) 205-3327 sdfriedlander@cs.com Commercial and Construction Litigation Criminal & Traffic Defense Personal Injury Probate & Estate Administration

Page 28

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

susan123westlake@gmail.com

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January 2010

Cheshvan/Kislev 5770

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

CLARK ASSOCIATES FUNERAL HOME

www.clarkassociatesfuneralhome.com

4 Woods Bridge Road  Katonah, NY 10536

914-232-3033  clarkassocfh@aol.com  fax 914-232-7896

This Can Be Your Ad! Contact Jolie Levy at the JFC Office for details!

(914) 763-3028

Page 29

Page 30

Jewish Family Congregation Shofar

January 2010

Leslie Janson Licensed Psychoanalyst, Psychotherapist State Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor

66 Main Street, Bedford Hills, NY 914-391-6052

Elegant Lakeside Dining Spectacular Food Oakridge Commons, South Salem, NY

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For your upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding and all occasions Recession Proof Pricing Call today (914)523-4110 foodfantasies@usa.net www.willowscatering.net www.food-fantasies.com

Closed Mondays

January 2010 - Tevet/Shevat 5770 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri 1

Sat 2

WINTER RECESS NO ECC/RS Service 7:30 Tot Shabbat

3

4

WINTER RECESS -NO RS-

5/6 Study Grp

10 Grs. 4-6

ECC reopens

5 ECC

Gr. 7

ECC Comm Mtg 7:30

11 ECC

12 ECC

6 ECC

13 ECC

7

8 ECC

K-3 SMP CC YG Board Mt

Service 7:30 Tot Shabbat

14

15 ECC Creation Station

16 Gr.7 9-10:45 am

NFTY Winter Kallah Service 7:30 Tot Shabbat

NFTY Winter Kallah

21

22 ECC Creation Station

23 Gr.7 9-10:45 am

K-3 SMP CC YG

Gr 4 Service/ Oneg Service 7:30 Tot Shabbat

28

29 ECC Creation Station RS Comm Mtg 12:30 PM Children’s Shabbat 6-7 pm Service 7:30 Tot Shabbat

5/6 Study Grp

17 Grs. 4-6

Gr. 7

Ritual 7:45pm

18 No ECC

19 ECC

K-3 SMP CC

20 ECC

9 Gr.7 9-10:45 am

MLK B-Day NFTY Winter Kallah

Office Closed 10 Pack 6-7:30 pm No. Gr. 7

24 Grs. 4-6 In-class Tu B’Shevat Activities

25 ECC 5/6 Study Grp

Gr. 7

31 Grs. 4-6 Bring a Parent To Religious School 9am -12 pm

26 ECC

27 ECC

K-3 In-class Tu B’Shevat activities SMP CC

30 Gr.7 9-10:45 am Tu B’Shevat

Shabbat Shira

Jewish Family Congregation

P.O. Box 249 111 Smith Ridge Rd/Rte. 123 South Salem, NY 10590 (914) 763-3028 tel (914) 763-3069 fax

jfc@bestweb.net e-mail www.jewishfamilycongregation.org

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