JANUARY 2018/ TEVET-SHEVAT 5778
VOL. 59, NO. 1
JANUARY 2018
VOL. 59, NO. 1
Washington Hebrew Congregation Clergy
M. Bruce Lustig, Senior Rabbi Susan N. Shankman, Rabbi Aaron Miller, Associate Rabbi Joseph A. Skloot, Ph.D., Associate Rabbi Mikhail Manevich, Cantor Susan R.A. Bortnick, Cantor
Senior Staff – Education
SUPPORTED BY AN ENDOWMENT FROM LIBBY AND MELVIN MANDEL
In This Issue Conversation of Conscience.................................................................3 President’s Column..............................................................................4 MLK Shabbat: The 1960 Glen Echo Protest...........................................5 Doing Right Feels Good at Sunday Stuffing...........................................6 MLK Day of Service: It’s a “Day On” for Tikkun Olam.......................... 7 “Gorbachev: His Life and Times” — An Amram Lecture on January 28.....................................................8 My Journey to 50 and the 50 Mitzvahs That are Changing My Life....................................................................9 Celebrating Hanukkah with Friends, Music, and Tikkun Olam............ 10 Exploring WHC and Judaism at the 5th-Grade Shabbaton....................11 WHC Board Appoints Nominating Committee................................... 12 WHC Programs & Events................................................................... 13 January Calendar............................................................................... 16 B’nei Mitzvah.................................................................................... 18 Life Cycle........................................................................................... 19 Contributions.....................................................................................20 If Your Child Was Born in 2008, It’s Time for Us to Talk B’nei Mitzvah................................................. 21
DJ Schneider Jensen Head of Schools, Early Childhood Education Ira Miller, Director of Informal Education Stephanie Tankel, Director of Religious Education Alexis Tinsley, Director of the Rabbi Joseph Weinberg ECC
Senior Staff – Administration
Steven Jacober, Executive Director Lindsay Fry Feldman, Director of Member Services Naomi Abelson Gohn Director of Temple Programs & TOV Mohan Mistry, Director of Engineering & Maintenance Stephen Stoupa, Director of Finance Susan J. Hanenbaum, Executive Director Emerita
Officers
David Astrove, President Nell Shapiro, First Vice President Mark Director, Vice President Richard Newman, Vice President Jeffrey Weiss, Vice President Andrew H. Marks, Treasurer Carrie Coonin, Assistant Treasurer Janet Katz, Secretary Deborah Goldman, Assistant Secretary Lewis Wiener, General Counsel
Board of Directors Jami Axelrod Ellen R. Berlow Sharon Jaffe Dan Beth Levin Dubin Betty Jane Eichberg Brian D. Friedman Susan B. Gerson Jessica Pearlman Isen Edward P. Joseph Anne Lackritz Andrew Lazerow Jeremy London
Past Presidents
Leonard I. Abel David R. Berz Stuart L. Bindeman Earl M. Colson Meg Jacobs Flax Jay W. Freedman Susan J. Hanenbaum
David Metzner William Miller Sandy Nesbit David Oblon Steven A. Robins Lynn Sachs Cathy Zeman Scheineson Melissa Schwartz Aaron W. Stopak Paula Tiedemann Kimberly Wachen Dan Werner
Sherry Bindeman Kahn Richard D. Kaufmann Hank D. Levine Kenneth L. Marks Paul J. Mason John M. Nannes
Lauren S. Racoosin Froma Sandler Bob M. Shapiro David A. Vise Richard M. Young Peter L. Winik
Auxiliary Presidents & Contacts
2239: Valerie Hillman The Boomers: Jeanne Flemming Brotherhood: Alan Singer Couples Club: Kim & Brian Cooper, Chris McCannell & Ven Neralla EmptyNesters: Joan Adoff, Ruth Seif, Marcia Weinberg Prime Timers: Phyllis Belford, Sandy Grant Sisterhood: Ellen M. Miller WHECTY: Lily Schoonover
We Can Be Reached
On the Cover: Protestors picketing Glen Echo Amusement Park during the summer of 1960. The story of the protest and those involved will be featured at this year’s MLK Shabbat. Please see page five for details. Page 2 | WHC Journal – January 2018
Temple Office ........................................ 202-362-7100 (M-Th: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm; F: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm) Weekends/After Hours ...........................202-895-6341 Temple Fax ..............................................202-537-1091 Julia Bindeman Suburban Center ............ 301-279-7505 Julia Bindeman Suburban Center Fax ..... 301-354-3200 Listen In .................................................202-895-6333 Live Streaming of Services......streaming.whctemple.org Website .................................................whctemple.org Jennifer Millstone, Editor, jmillstone@whctemple.org The Washington Hebrew Congregation Journal (Permit No. 4240) is published monthly by Washington Hebrew Congregation. Send address changes to 3935 Macomb Street NW, Washington, DC 20016.
Conversation of Conscience Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig and Rev. Cornell Brooks
Dear Friends, I am very proud to share with you a conversation of conscience I had with my dear friend Rev. Cornell William Brooks. We are living in a world where our actions and reactions will shape the future. But we also know our collective memory can and will shape our future. Yehuda Kurtzer in his book, Shuva, writes, “History informs but memory commands.” Cornell speaks to what memory commands us today. Rabbi Lustig: In a few days, the nation will celebrate the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Why do you believe it is essential that our Congregation continues to honor Dr. King? Rev. Brooks: First, let me just say how much I appreciate the prophetic way in which Washington Hebrew Congregation honors the words and work, life, and legacy of Dr. King day to day—before, during, and after birthday commemorations. Rabbi Lustig, it is right to ask why should Washington Hebrew Congregation and other houses of faith celebrate a federal holiday as a spiritual work day. When we honor the Hebrew prophets, whose words give meaning to both the moral practice of the Reform synagogue and the Black church, we don’t so much honor the prophets themselves but rather the God who called them and who yet calls us. Similarly, when we commemorate King Day, we do not so much honor Dr. King but the God who called him and yet calls us. More to the point, when we deeply read and profoundly reflect on the words of Dr. King, we prayerfully move beyond ceremonial mimicry of his sentiment to spiritual emulation of his service. When we pray, meditate, and serve as such on King Day, it becomes a day in which we can listen for ways in which God calls us to serve in our time.
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Honoring the eloquence of Dr. King’s example by sacrificial emulation is particularly important in this moral moment. Consider this – it is the 89th year of his birth and the 50th year of his assassination. While we celebrate his birth, we must reflect seriously on not only the meaning of his death historically but the potential demise of legacy contemporarily. For example, Dr. King marched for jobs and justice on the mall in 1963 and died seeking economic justice in Memphis in 1968. And yet, American workers are losing ground to income inequality as we worship and work in 2018. Dr. King led the fight to desegregate the buses of Montgomery and public accommodations nationally in 1955. Today, however, Americans are racially profiled in their cars while children leave de facto segregated communities to ride on de facto segregated buses to de facto segregated schools. Dr. King spoke rhapsodically and described resplendently a dream of a nation where people would be judged not by the color of their skin but the content of their character. Alas, King’s mountaintop and dream may now seem like a mirage in a desert when neo-Nazis chant “Jews will not replace us” in Charlottesville.
When we pray, meditate, and serve as such on King Day, it becomes a day in which we can listen for ways in which God calls us to serve in our time.”
Rabbi, clearly the legacy of Dr. King is being challenged by threats — from rising hate crime to voter suppression to police misconduct. All of these challenges make it all the Continued on page 25. WHC Journal – January 2018 | Page 3
President’s Column David M. Astrove
President@whctemple.org 202-895-6301
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come to Temple to participate in activities that focus on the needs of our community. You can read more about MLK Shabbat on page five and MLK Day of Service on page seven.
Every month at Washington Hebrew Congregation, you will find at least one and, very often, several opportunities where you can make a difference and help repair the world. Large scale and small, for every age and interest, if you would like to find a way to engage in tikkun olam, you need to look no further than the WHC calendar.
It has been a couple of months since I have mentioned the incredible work happening with our Good Neighbors Initiative. This program, supported by the WHC Tikkun Olam Values (TOV) Fund, will enable the WHC community to help a newly arrived refugee family rebuild their lives in our area. Good Neighbors co-chairs Beth Dubin and Melissa Schwartz, along with WHC’s Director of Programs and TOV Naomi Abelson Gohn, have established five lay-led teams of volunteers who are meeting and planning now so that when we are matched with a family, we can mobilize quickly. The teams — Welcome & Community Guide, Finance & Family Budget, Housing & Furnishing, Food & Clothing, and Communications & Development — have about 100 volunteers registered, but more are welcome and will be needed. You can learn about the effort and sign up to join a team at whctemple.org/GoodNeighbors.
ikkun Olam…Repairing the World. We hear this phrase often at Washington Hebrew Congregation, and it is not surprising. The value of committing to social action and the pursuit of social justice are the bedrock of the connection many of us have to Reform Judaism. They speak to who we are as a community and people, and I would not be surprised to hear if you have included a commitment to more actively engage in community service and social justice in your 2018 New Year’s resolutions. One of our members, Amy Yontef-McGrath, is doing just that. On page nine you can read about Amy’s resolution to perform 50 mitzvahs during the year leading up to her milestone birthday.
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The value of committing to social action and the pursuit of social justice are the bedrock of the connection many of us have to Reform Judaism.”
You can experience one of WHC’s most significant annual social justice events this month when we honor the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This two-part commemoration, coordinated by our wonderful Community Issues/Social Action committee, begins on Friday, January 12 with a community Shabbat dinner and concludes with a day of service on Monday, January 15, when congregants, local college students, our congregational partners, and the community-at-large
Page 4 | WHC Journal – January 2018
MLK Weekend, the Good Neighbor Initiative, and other WHC tikkun olam opportunities are meaningful ways to satisfy our need for spiritual fulfillment. By joining together, we can fulfill our core value of Reform Judaism by making our world a better place. I look forward to participating with you and sharing our pride in this wonderful pursuit. As it is with so many things in life, showing up is 90% of the journey; the rest will take care of itself.
Tikkun Olam
MLK Shabbat The 1960 Glen Echo Protest
Protestors and Award-Winning Filmmaker in Conversation with Rabbi Lustig In the summer of 1960, two worlds collided on a picket line at segregated Glen Echo Amusement Park — idealistic black college students from Howard University and liberal white residents of Maryland’s Bannockburn community. We are honored that two of the original Glen Echo Amusement Park protestors — Dion T. Diamond and Esther Delaplaine — and Ilana Trachtman, an Emmy award-winning filmmaker who is working on a feature-length documentary about that summer and the years of activism that followed, will join Rabbi Lustig on the bimah on Friday, January 12 at 7:00 pm at our annual Shabbat service that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Their Congregational Conversation about that summer will be the keynote of our service that brings nearly 25 clergy to our bimah and will also honor the memories of Reverend Lewis Anthony and Reverend Morris Shearin Sr., two clergymen who died in recent months. Rev. Anthony, of St. Lucille A.M.E. Zion Church, and Rev. Morris, of Israel Baptist Church, were influential social activists and longtime partners at our annual MLK Shabbat.
Congregational Shabbat Dinner Before the Service The evening begins at 5:30 pm with a special dinner that welcomes our guests, the members and clergy from WHC’s community partner churches and mosques. The cost to attend the dinner is $20 per person, and you can also sponsor a table for our guests with a $200 donation. Information and registration is available on our website, whctemple.org/MLKWeekend. Questions? Please contact Layne Weiss, lweiss@whctemple.org or 202-895-6307.
The Glen Echo Protest: Radical Black Students, Leftist White Suburbanites, and a Carousel
Three years before the March on Washington, before anyone had heard the phrase “Freedom Rides,” a group of students from Howard’s newly-formed student organization, the Nonviolent Action Group (NAG), sat down on Glen Echo Amusement Park’s historic, whites-only carousel. They were joined by a largely Jewish community of civil servants, labor organizers, and young families. Their 10-week demonstration at Glen Echo sought to end the park’s policy of segregation. This unprecedented coalition — which produced eight of the 1961 Freedom Riders — took on the park’s owners, Jim Crow, the American Nazi Party, and the Supreme Court. In 1964, the Supreme Court overturned the 24 arrests made at Glen Echo that summer, permanently disallowing State enforcement of Jim Crow public accommodation segregation. Continued on page 24. WHC Journal – January 2018 | Page 5
Tikkun Olam
Doing Good Feels Right at Sunday Stuffing
On Sunday, November 19, we took a break from our own Thanksgiving preparations to give thanks through tikkun olam. In just a few hours we accomplished so much! We filled grocery bags with “all the fixin’s” that the Abram Simon Elementary School and N Street Village families needed to prepare their own Thanksgiving feasts. We made warm blankets for the men and women supported by Friendship Place. We prepared casseroles for clients served by Nourish Now. We assembled thousands of WHC Hunger Project meals to feed people throughout the D.C. area. And we felt good knowing that we were making the world just a little brighter for someone else. Page 6 | WHC Journal – January 2018
Tikkun Olam
MLK Day of Service It’s a “Day On” for Tikkun Olam
Make your “day off” from work and school a “day on” for tikkun olam and join us at Temple on Monday, January 15 at 10:00 am The Community Issues/Social Action committee has organized a unique opportunity to join forces with volunteers in the interfaith community to help those in need. Working together, we will build on our foundation of a shared commitment to making the world a better place. Spend the morning with us! Bring your family and friends! We have projects appropriate for all ages and life stages, including:
Learn more and RSVP for this feel-good morning at whctemple.org/MLKWeekend. Questions? Contact Naomi Abelson Gohn, ngohn@whctemple.org or 202-895-6328.
WHC COLLECTS: Clothing The work we do on MLK Day of Service starts now! We’re collecting gently used (and new!) clothing for all ages and in all sizes for our tikkun olam projects. Donations accepted during business hours through Monday, January 15 at Temple and through Friday, January 12 at JBSC whctemple.org/WHCcollects WHC Journal – January 2018 | Page 7
Lifelong Learning
“Gorbachev: His Life and Times” An Amram Lecture on January 28
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s memories of the Cold War fade and worries rise about a new era of tense relations between Russia and the West, Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Taubman comes to the Amram Scholar Series to revisit the decades when the United States and the Soviet Union — the world’s two superpowers — dictated geopolitical strategy, foreign policy, and economic stability. His talk at Temple on Sunday, January 28 at 10:30 am will focus on his new biography, Gorbachev: His Life and Times, for which the former Soviet leader afforded him extensive access. Combining rigorous biographical research and a compelling narrative style, Mr. Taubman creates an intimate portrayal of Mikhail Gorbachev that is also a compelling history of the Soviet Union and Russia. The New York Times Book Review applauds it as “masterly .... (a) richly layered portrait … which will surely stand as the definitive English-language chronicle of this most intriguing figure for many years to come.” Gorbachev details how a dirt-poor farm boy and Communist Party stalwart became the USSR’s most significant reformer; how the leader of the “evil Empire” forged a peaceful partnership with the United States aimed at eliminating nuclear arms; and how Gorbachev’s reformist policies of perestroika and glasnost collapsed, leaving him reviled in his homeland even as he was admired in the West.
Page 8 | WHC Journal – January 2018
William Taubman is the Bertrand Snell Professor of Political Science Emeritus at Amherst College. His biography, Khrushchev: The Man and His Era, won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award in 2004. He comes to Washington Hebrew Congregation in cooperation with the Jewish Book Council.
Tikkun Olam
“Follow Me To 50”
My Journey to 50 and the 50 Mitzvahs That are Changing My Life By Amy Yontef-McGrath
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t some point, most of us challenge ourselves to do something out of the ordinary. Maybe it’s to train for a marathon or to learn a new language. Whatever the “it” is, it’s usually something we think will make a positive difference in our lives. We do this to grow, to evolve, and to revitalize.
to act on issues that we think of as “theirs.” Now, with a larger lens to define my community, I am more engaged. It’s not a matter of “mine” and “theirs,” it’s all ours! Strangers are now members of my community, and their issues are important to me.
Last summer, I was in need of revitalization. I sought a new path but had no clear direction. Then, in a light bulb moment, I had an idea that greatly improved my life — I challenged myself to do 50 mitzvahs before my 50th birthday! How or why I thought community service would transform me, I didn’t know but I trusted myself and it really worked!
There is far more good in the world than bad, and if you don’t believe me, go visit a local homeless shelter or soup kitchen! The people I have served are very positive and wonderful about showing their appreciation and gratitude. In fact, several clients have told me that when their luck changes, they plan to give back and volunteer. A fellow volunteer who lost her job shared that she takes shifts at the soup kitchen whenever she isn’t interviewing. I’m also inspired by how generous people are with their time. So many volunteers commit to regular shifts, which enables organizations to have the continuity they need. Some organizations I have served with are made up entirely of volunteers. Can’t we all make more time for community service?
This challenge, which I call Follow Me To 50, is now at its halfway point and my experiences have already far exceeded my expectations. Several times a week, I enter an unknown environment, interact with strangers, and do or learn something new. Though I blog about each experience at followmetofifty.com, it’s the bigger “takeaways” that I wish to share with WHC friends:
Takeaway One:
Our community is much bigger than the boundaries of our own neighborhoods and social groups. In fact, it’s boundaryless and includes everyone! We tend to protect and defend what we consider to be “ours,” but wait for others
Takeaway Two:
Takeaway Three:
Community service has something for everyone! Don’t want to travel into another part of town? I’ve written to members of Congress and scheduled food pickups while at home in my pajamas. Want to be active? I’ve cleaned the Continued on page 19. WHC Journal – January 2018 | Page 9
WHC Journal
Celebrating Hanukkah with Friends, Music, and Tikkun Olam
Our Couples Club and ECC Parents Committees started WHC’s Hanukkah celebrations with a bang — from musician Billy Jonas’ drum! This one-man band gave a concert that had everyone, kids and adults, on their feet singing and dancing. Rabbi Skloot and ECC directors DJ Jensen and Alexis Tinsley helped bring Shabbat to a close with Havdalah, and everyone enjoyed lots of latkes and treats. Page 10 | WHC Journal – January 2018
WHC Journal
Exploring WHC and Judaism at the 5th-Grade Shabbaton
Our 5th-graders discovered some “secrets” of Judaism (and Washington Hebrew Congregation) at their Shabbaton in November. They learned about gematria (Hebrew numerology) and holiness and opened their eyes to treasures hiding in plain sight. Those are pajamas that some of our students are wearing! The Shabbaton included a sleepover at Temple. It’s great to see our WHC kids so relaxed and comfortable in Kaufmann Sanctuary! WHC Journal – January 2018 | Page 11
WHC Journal
WHC Board Appoints Nominating Committee
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he Board of Directors has approved the committee to nominate a slate of Board members for the terms commencing June 2018. The Nominating Committee is comprised of Meg Flax, Chair; Todd Deckelbaum; Lisa Diamond; David Dorros; Lani Inlander; Bill Miller; and Lauren Racoosin. Suggestions of nominees for the Board of Directors are welcome. Names should be sent to Temple by Monday, January 29, to the attention of Meg Flax, Chair of the Nominating Committee. The election will be held at the 166th Annual Meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, June 3, 2018. Excerpts from Washington Hebrew Congregation’s By-Laws, Article V, Section 3: Nominating Committee: The members of the Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee shall consist of seven members of the Congregation, at least four of whom are not members of the Board of Directors. The names of the persons serving on said committee shall be sent to the members of the Congregation promptly after their appointment, together with a copy of this section of the By-Laws. Any member of the Congregation may recommend, in writing, names to be considered by the Committee. The Nominating Committee shall not hold its first meeting prior to the expiration of 10 days following the mailing to the members of the Congregation of the names of persons serving on the Nominating Committee. The report of the Nominating Committee containing its nominees for officers and members of the Board of Directors shall be mailed to the members of the Congregation at least 45 days prior to the Annual Meeting. Any 30 members of the Congregation may submit additional nominations for officers and members of the Board of Directors by written communication addressed to the President at least 20 days prior to the Annual Meeting. The names of all nominees shall be listed in alphabetical order in the notice of the Annual Meeting to the members of the Congregation, and no further nominations shall be considered at said meeting. No member of the Congregation, once having accepted an appointment to the Nominating Committee, may be nominated by that committee for election as a director or officer of the Congregation at the next Annual Meeting.
Page 12 | WHC Journal – January 2018
In January …
WHC Programs & Events Featured Programs
Special Worship Experiences
MLK Shabbat Dinner & Service
Tot Shabbat
Social justice and advocacy are among the central tenets of Reform Judaism, and each January we remember Dr. King with a weekend dedicated to his legacy. We will host our community partner churches and mosques for dinner and a special Shabbat service that features the story of the 1960 fight to desegregate Glen Echo Amusement Park. See page 5 for more information.
Our clergy make going to Friday night services a fun, fulfilling event for families with young children (or grandchildren). Join us for Tot Shabbat, a half-hour service — open to the community — that teaches Jewish prayers, traditions, and rituals through songs, stories, and art projects. Continue that feeling of community and stay for a family-style (and family-friendly) dinner and craft project that relates to an upcoming holiday or Jewish value taught in the service.
Coordinated by the Community Issues/ Social Action Committee Friday, January 12 5:30 pm Dinner; 7:00 pm Service at Temple
Registration required for dinner only ($): whctemple.org/MLKweekend Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307
MLK Day of Service
Coordinated by the Community Issues/ Social Action Committee Monday, January 15, 10:00 am at Temple
Volunteer! Make your day off from work and school a “day on” for tikkun olam by joining us on Monday, January 15 at 10:00 am at Temple! This is a unique opportunity to join forces with volunteers in the interfaith community to help those in need. Working together, we will build on our foundation of a shared commitment to making the world a better place. We have projects for all ages, including creating family crafts, making tuna noodle casseroles, preparing healthy snack packs, assembling bags of fresh produce, sorting donated clothing, and packaging meals with the WHC Hunger Project. See page 7 for more information. Registration required (free): whctemple.org/MLKWeekend Naomi Abelson Gohn: ngohn@whctemple.org, 202-895-6328
A Shabbat Experience for Families With Young Children Friday, January 5, 5:30 pm at JBSC Friday, January 26, 5:00 pm at Temple
Registration required for dinner only (free): whctemple.org/TotShabbat JBSC: Alexis Tinsley: atinsley@whctemple.org, 301-354-3208 Temple: DJ Jensen: djensen@whctemple.org, 202-895-6360
Shirei Shabbat
Friday, January 26, 6:00 pm at Temple
Shirei Shabbat (Shabbat of Songs) is a spiritual, musical, and uplifting way to end your week. With upbeat tunes, some new music, and more English, this monthly Shabbat service is certain to engage and delight.
whctemple.org/Worship Beth Donaldson: bdonaldson@whctemple.org, 202-895-6309
2239’s Metro Minyan
Friday, January 26, 6:15 pm at Calvary Baptist Church
This monthly Shabbat evening for young professionals starts with “A Shot of Torah,” an opportunity to study the weekly Torah portion and dive into a discussion. The guitar-led, comeas-you-are service starts at 7:00 pm and is followed by dinner. Registration required for dinner only ($): whctemple.org/2239 Valerie Hillman Bluestein: vhillman@whctemple.org,
Continued on page 14.
Amram Scholar Series Presents: William Taubman Gorbachev: His Life and Times Sunday, January 28, 10:30 am at Temple
As memories of the Cold War fade and worries about a new era of tense relations between Russia and the West emerge, Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Taubman comes to the Amram Scholar Series to revisit the decades when the United States and the Soviet Union — the world’s two “superpowers” — dictated geopolitical strategy, foreign policy, and economic stability. See page 8 for more information. whctemple.org/Amram Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307
Join us in Florida for our annual Reunion Concert & Reception Monday, February 12
Invitations coming soon. Contact Steve Jacober to ensure we have your Florida address: sjacober@whctemple.org, 202-895-6310 WHC Journal – January 2018 | Page 13
In January …
WHC Programs & Events Opportunities for Adults to Engage
Opportunities for Adults to Engage
Shabbat Home Dinner With The Boomers
A Funny and Insightful Luncheon With Alison Dagnes
Celebrate Shabbat with a family-style dinner hosted by your fellow Boomers. Over a delicious potluck meal, we’ll enjoy an evening of conversation and togetherness. The host at each home will provide the main course. Guests will be responsible for bringing side dishes, desserts, and wine. Space is limited for this free event.
Dr. Alison Dagnes is a professor of Political Science at Shippensburg University and the author of A Conservative Walks Into a Bar: The Politics of Political Humor. She joins us for a timely conversation on the topic of the modern political media system and its effects.
Sisterhood: January Meeting
Faith in Action
Kick off the year with Sisterhood and join us for our monthly meeting. Learn what’s planned for the winter and spring and how you can get involved.
Wednesday, January 10, 7:30 pm at Temple
Friday, January 5, 7:00 pm at Temple
Registration required (free): whctemple.org/Boomers Beth Donaldson: bdonaldson@whctemple.org, 202-895-6309 Monday, January 8, 10:00 am at JBSC
RSVP preferred (free): whctemple.org/Sisterhood Lisa Moss: mail@lisamoss.com
Couples Club: Evening at Theater J
Everything Is Illuminated Saturday, January 20, 8:00 pm at an outside location
Based on the best-selling novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, this stunning and hilarious stage adaptation tells the story of a young man — also named Jonathan Safran Foer — who sets out to find the woman who might or might not have saved his grandfather. Accompanied by an old man haunted by memories of the war, an amorous dog named Sammy Davis, Jr. Jr., and a young Ukrainian translator who speaks in a sublimely butchered English, Jonathan takes a quixotic journey into an unexpected past, where reality collides with fiction in a heart-stopping scene of extraordinary power. After the show, join us for a drink at Le Diplomat!
Registration required ($): whctemple.org/CouplesClub Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303
WHC ACADEMY
The Torah: Its History and Significance February 5 - February 26
The Prayer Book: A Window into Jewish History and the Jewish Soul March 5 - April 2 The Big Jewish Questions, Part II: Jewish Thought at the turn of the Twentieth Century April 9 - April 30
Mondays at Temple, 7:15 - 9:15 pm $25 members, $54 non-members whctemple.org/WHCAcademy
Page 14 | WHC Journal – January 2018
Organized by the EmptyNesters Sunday, January 28, 12:30 pm at Temple
Registration required ($): whctemple.org/EmptyNesters Beth Donaldson: bdonaldson@whctemple.org, 202-895-6309
Community Issues/Social Action Meeting
Join committee members each month for an in-depth discussion of social action issues and to plan social justice and interfaith relationship-strengthening events/activities.
Registration required (free): whctemple.org/CISA Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307
Lifelong Learning Back to Basics
Tuesdays, beginning January 9, 7:00 pm at Temple, Wednesdays, beginning January 10, 10:00 am at JBSC, or Wednesdays, beginning January 10, 7:00 pm at JBSC
Dig deep and find a closer connection to Judaism with Back to Basics. Concentrating on the holidays, life cycle events, history, theology, learning to read Hebrew, Jewish religious movements, Torah laws, the Mishnah, the Talmud, and Kabbalah, we’ll uncover the answers to the “why” behind Judaism.
Registration required ($): whctemple.org/BacktoBasics Gerdy Trachtman: gerdyt@erols.com, 301-762-6994
Back to Basics
Explore why we do what we do as Jews, find the sources for our traditions, and delve into the origins for these ideas.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Tuesdays at Temple starting 1/9 7:00 pm
Wednesdays at JBSC starting 1/10 10:00 am and 7:00 pm
COST PER SEMESTER
$150 WHC Members; $250 Non-Members
whctemple.org/BacktoBasics
In January …
WHC Programs & Events Lifelong Learning
Families With Young Children
Conversational Hebrew
Intermediate/Advanced Thursdays, beginning January 18, 10:00 am at JBSC
Practice and improve your fluency with this innovative conversational Hebrew course. The ability to read or write Hebrew is not necessary.
Registration required ($): whctemple.org/Hebrew Gerdy Trachtman: gerdyt@erols.com, 301-762-6994
Conversational Hebrew
Beginner/Intermediate Mondays, beginning January 22, 10:00 am at Temple, or Thursdays, beginning January 18, 11:15 am at JBSC
Looking to learn to speak Hebrew without having to master the aleph bet? This innovative method will have you speaking at the first class.
Registration required ($): whctemple.org/Hebrew Gerdy Trachtman: gerdyt@erols.com, 301-762-6994
Families With Young Children Melody Makers
For Babies and Toddlers 6 – 18 Months Old and Their Parent, Grandparent, or Caregiver Mondays, beginning January 8, 9:15 am at Temple
Introduce your babies or toddler to the world of music and song at this weekly class with Miss Sally.
Registration required ($): whctemple.org/ECCDC DJ Jensen: djensen@whctemple.org, 202-895-6360
Toddler Time
For Toddlers 18 – 24 Months Old and Their Parent, Grandparent, or Caregiver Tuesdays, beginning January 9, 9:15 am at Temple
Toddler Time is the right time for your little one to explore and play with other friends. This adult-and-me class is perfect for little walkers under two years old. Lots of sensory play, snack, outside time, and opportunities to meet other families. Registration required ($): whctemple.org/ECCDC DJ Jensen: djensen@whctemple.org, 202-895-6360
Kick & Play
For Toddlers 12 – 24 Months Old and Their Parent, Grandparent, or Caregiver Thursdays, beginning January 11, 9:15 am at Temple
Super Soccer Stars teaches this pre-soccer and movement program at Temple where toddlers can run, kick, balance, and play.
Registration required ($): whctemple.org/ECCDC DJ Jensen: djensen@whctemple.org, 202-895-6360
RJWECC Kindergarten Information Meeting
Open to the Community Thursday, January 11, 6:30 pm at JBSC
Come and learn about the unique RJWECC Kindergarten experience. We offer the same academic standards as MCPS, but in our own, unique, nurturing, Jewish setting.
Registration preferred (free): whctemple.org/ECCMD Alexis Tinsley: atinsley@whctemple.org, 301-354-3208
Early Childhood Center Tours for Prospective Families
Tuesday, January 16, 9:30 am at JBSC Wednesday, January 17, 9:30 am at Temple
Hebrew at WHC Conversational Hebrew (Beginner)
Starting Jan. 15 and Jan. 18 Mondays at Temple, 10:00 am Thursdays at JBSC, 11:15 am
Conversational Hebrew (Intermediate/Advanced)
Starting Jan. 18 Thursdays at JBSC, 10:00 am
$50/8-week semester
The ability to read Hebrew is not required!
School tours enable prospective families to get an overview of our programs and see the action up close and in person! If you have a baby or young child, please reach out to us. We would be delighted to answer questions and show you our early childhood center.
RSVP preferred: whctemple.org/ECC DJ Jensen (Temple): djensen@whctemple.org, 202-895-6360 Alexis Tinsley (JBSC): atinsley@whctemple.org, 301-354-3208
RJWECC Family and “Alumni” Mini Walk
Supporting Carrie Simon House Friday, January 26, 9:45 am at JBSC
Calling all RJWECC alumni and current RJWECC families! Come march with us as we support the Carrie Simon House, WHC’s home for homeless, single moms who are ready for a new start with their children. It’s a day off for students in Montgomery County Public Schools and the perfect time to reconnect with your ECC family!
Registration required: whctemple.org/ECCMD Alexis Tinsley: atinsley@whctemple.org, 301-354-3208
Continued on page 22.
Learn more & Register:
whctemple.org/Hebrew WHC Journal – January 2018 | Page 15
January 2018 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
1
New Year’s Day Offices Closed (M&B) ECCs Closed (M&B)
7
9:30am Religious School (M&B) 9:30am Parent/Child Learning Day for Families With Children Born in 2008 (M&B)
14
9:15am Melody Makers for Babies and Toddlers (M) 10:00am Sisterhood’s Monthly Meeting & Program (B)
8
15 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Offices Closed (M&B) ECCs Closed (M&B)
No Religious School (M&B)
10:00am MLK Day of Service (M) 1:00pm WHECTY Wizards Game (OUT)
21
9:30am Religious School (M&B) 12:00pm Jr. ETY (B) 5:30pm Post Confirmation (OUT)
28
9:30am Religious School (M&B) 10:30am Amram Scholar Series Lecture with William Taubman (M) 12:30pm EmptyNesters Program (M)
Page 16 | WHC Journal – January 2018
22
9:15am Melody Makers for Babies and Toddlers (M) 10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Beginner/Intermediate (M)
29
9:15am Melody Makers for Babies and Toddlers (M) 10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Beginner/Intermediate (M)
Wednesday
No Hebrew School (B)
9:15am Toddler Time (M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (B) 6:30pm Upper School and Confirmation (M) 7:00pm Back to Basics (M)
9:15am Toddler Time (M) 9:30am ECC Tour (B) 4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (B) 6:30pm Upper School and Confirmation (M) 7:00pm Back to Basics (M)
9:15am Toddler Time (M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (B) 6:30pm Upper School and Confirmation (M) 7:00pm Back to Basics (M)
4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (B) 6:30pm Upper School and Confirmation (M) 7:00pm Back to Basics (M)
2
9
16
23
30
B: Julia Bindeman Suburban Center
No Hebrew School (M)
3
10
10:00am Back to Basics (B) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M) 7:00pm Back to Basics (B) 7:30pm Community Issues/Social Action Meeting (M)
9:30am ECC Tour (M) 10:00am Back to Basics (B) 1:00pm Wednesday Study Group(M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M) 7:00pm Back to Basics (B)
10:00am Back to Basics (B) 1:00pm Wednesday Study Group(M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M) 7:00pm Back to Basics (B)
10:00am Back to Basics (B) 1:00pm Wednesday Study Group(M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M) 7:00pm Back to Basics (B)
M: Temple
17
24
31
OUT: Not at a WHC location
Tevet/Shevat 5778 Thursday
Friday
4
Saturday
5
9:30am Shabbat Toddler Time (B) 10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B) 6:00pm Tot Shabbat Family Dinner (B) 7:00pm Boomers’ Shabbat Dinner OUT) Services: 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 5:30pm Tot Shabbat (B) 6:00pm Shabbat Service (M)
9:15am Kick & Play Soccer for Toddlers (M) 6:30pm Kindergarten Informational Meeting (B)
11
Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) Bat Mitzvah of Jessica Winson
12
NFTY-MAR Kallah (OUT through Monday) 9:30am Shabbat Toddler Time (B) 10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B) 5:30pm MLK Shabbat Dinner (M)
Services: 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 7:00pm MLK Shabbat Service (M)
18
9:15am Kick & Play Soccer for Toddlers (M) 10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Intermediate/ Advanced (B) 11:15am Conversational Hebrew: Beginner/Intermediate (B)
25
13 Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M)
19
9:30am Shabbat Toddler Time (B) 10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B)
5:00pm Club56 (M) 7:00pm Couples Club Theater Program (OUT)
26
27
9th-Grade Retreat (OUT through Sunday) 9:30am Shabbat Toddler Time (B) 9:45am RJWECC Family & “Alumni” Mini Walk (B) 10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B) 5:30pm Tot Shabbat Family Dinner (M) 7:00pm Dinner with David & Debbie Astrove (OUT) Services: 5:00pm Tot Shabbat (M) 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 6:00pm Shirei Shabbat (M) 6:15pm 2239’s Metro Minyan (OUT)
20
Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) B’nei Mitzvah of Emile Berlinerblau and Alan Whitman 5:30pm Afternoon Service and Havdalah (M) Bat Mitzvah of Stella Pollin
Services: 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 6:00pm Shabbat Service (M) 9:15am Kick & Play Soccer for Toddlers (M) 10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Intermediate/ Advanced (B) 11:15am Conversational Hebrew: Beginner/Intermediate (B)
6
Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) Bat Mitzvah of Hanna Levy
WHC Journal – January 2018 | Page 17
Mazel Tov to WHC’s January B'nei Mitzvah
Jessica Hope Winson January 6, Morning Jessica is a seventh-grade student at Robert Frost Middle School. She is the daughter of Susan & Ron Winson; the sister of Matthew; and the granddaughter of Jacqueline & Joel Savits and Linda & Dr. Dennis Winson.
Emile Alexander Berlinerblau January 20, Morning Emile is a seventh-grade student at The Edmund Burke School. He is the son of Ippolita Spadavecchia & Jacques Berlinerblau; the brother of Cyrus; and the grandson of Laure & Rubin Berlinerblau, Patricia Spadavecchia & the late Pasquale Spadavecchia.
Stella Gray Pollin January 20, Havdalah Stella is a seventh-grade student at The Field School. She is the daughter of Kirsten & Dave Pollin; the sister of Lily and Mason; and the granddaughter of Harold & Jane Pollin, Don & Christina Zacharia, Sherrie Petermann, and the late Jacqueline Davis. Hanna Simone Levy January 27, Morning Hanna is a seventh-grade student at The Bullis School. She is the daughter of Karena Levy and the granddaughter of Seena & the late S. David Levy.
Alan Benjamin Whitman January 20, Morning Alan is a seventh-grade student at Cabin John Middle School. He is the son of Elizabeth & Peter Whitman; the brother of Melissa; and the grandson of Babette & Dr. Marvin Whitman and the late Virginia Ayres Whiteside & the late Hon. Alba L. Whiteside. Programs for Students in Pre-K through 12th grades!
2018-2019 Registration Opens February 4 whctemple.org/ReligiousSchool Page 18 | WHC Journal – January 2018
Congratulations to…
Life Cycle
Harriet & Larry Berlin, on the marriage of their grandson, Justin Trieger, and Amy San Pedro. Jan & Robert Fischer, on the marriage of their daughter, Jamie Fischer, to Michael LaCorte, son of Karen & John LaCorte. Molly & Rob Herman, on the naming of their daughter, Chandler Jaye Herman (Yohana); and to Chandler’s big brother, Edison; and grandparents, Karen & Dudley Dworken and Gloria & Sylvan “Chick” Herman. Riki & Michael Sheehan, on the marriage of their son, Jonathan Sheehan, to Robyn Bitner.
Jeanne & Marvin Spivak, on the birth of their grandson, Cody Duke Dinallo; and to Cody’s parents, Robyn & Kevin Dinallo; big sisters, Jordana, Lyla, and Kenzy; and additional grandparents, Cathy & Dennis Dinallo and Lynne Spivak. Gerdy Trachtman, on the birth and naming of her grandson, Jonah Aviv Trachtman (Jonah); and to Jonah’s parents, Alexandra & Daniel Trachtman; big brother, Evan; and maternal grandmother, Barbara Dyko. Jonah is also the grandson of the late Lester Trachtman and the late David Faxlanger. Stacy & Ilya Umansky, on the naming of their son, Joseph Philip Umansky (Elijah); and to Joseph’s big sisters, Ava and Jane; grandparents, Linda Haft & Michael Sherman, Yelena & Dmitry Umansky, and Gary & Daphe Rappaport; and great-grandparents, Gloria Haft, Liliya Prilutsky, Nelli Zolotova, Viktor Umansky & Sonia Kato, and Phyllis & the late Mannie Rappaport. Nancy & Richard Weiner, on the engagement of their daughter, Rachel Weiner, to Adam Paul Levin, son of Joanne Cohn Levin. Rachel is the granddaughter of Elaine Klawans Salen.
Our Sincerest Condolences… Martin E. Janis, father of Marty Janis (Leslie); grandfather of Jordan, Daryn, and Michael Janis. Rashel Manevich, wife of Lazar Manevich; mother of Cantor Mikhail Manevich (Ema) and Slava Manevich (Inna); grandmother of five and great-grandmother of eight. Harriet Ribler, mother of Karen Ribler Leibowitz (Kenneth Leibowitz) and Pamela Marcus (Walter Clifton II). Judith M. Saltz, sister of Barbara Zelenko (Benjamin); aunt of Brian, Laura, and Carin Zelenko. Selma Weill, mother of Karen Smith (Douglas) and Robert Weill (Mindy); grandmother of Brian, Matt, and Evan
…may their memory be a blessing.
“Follow Me To 50” (continued from page 9) Anacostia River in a kayak and have run a 5k alongside those with special needs. Have a talent or special skill to share? I’ve used my love of decorating to set up an apartment for a refugee family and arranged displays at a charity thrift store. Want to work directly with people? I have guided homeless people through a resource fair to secure needed services, and I spend time visiting with HIV/AIDS and cancer patients when I deliver meals to their homes. Service can be hands-on or remote; it can be a one-time thing or something that is continuous. It can be humanitarian, environmental, or political in nature. It just has to BE! Halfway to 50, I truly feel renewed! My senses have been awakened to people, causes, and organizations I didn’t always see, hear, or feel. My community is big, full of hope, and is mine to serve and to grow from! I invite you to “Follow Me To 50” at followmetofifty.com! WHC Journal – January 2018 | Page 19
Contributions
We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions, received November 30, 2017. To make a contribution to any of Washington Hebrew Congregation’s funds, please visit whctemple.org/donate. H. Max & Jodie and Stephen Ammerman Interfaith Fund
Donor In Honor of: Andrew Ammerman Lisa Ammerman’s Birthday Rhoda Herman’s Birthday Julie Morgan McCoart’s Birthday Birth of Aisley Kelleher Oliver Rosa Pedrajas’ Birthday Joyce A. Scott’s Birthday
Amram Sunday Scholar Series Endowment Fund
Donor The David Aronow Foundation Donor Linda Singer
In Memory of: Melvyn Newman
Lillian & Alfred Bennett Fine Arts Endowment Fund
Donor In Memory of: Anne C. Golder, Gordon S. Golder & Family Janet Cooper
Julia & Jack Bindeman Fund
Donor In Memory of: Carol Bindeman, Brian & Debbie Kleinbord, Robert & Betsy Bindeman David P. Bindeman Betsy & Rob Bindeman David P. Bindeman Martha Bindeman Stuart L. Bindeman David P. Bindeman Julia P. Bindeman David B. Paul
Shelley & Michael Brody Teacher Training Institute Endowment
Donor In Honor of: Alyssa & James Smith Birth of Madeline Grace Tankel
Cantorial & Concert Fund
Donor In Honor of: Wendy & Jeff Cossman Cantor Manevich Andrew Fireman & Jami Van Cantor Bortnick Lisa Demarco & Leonard Goldman Cantor Bortnick Sandi & Gerry Robin Cantor Manevich Beverly Rosenblatt Sandy Greer’s Speedy Recovery Stacy Rappaport Naming of Joseph Umansky Ellen & Bruce Winston & Family Cantor Manevich Cantor Bortnick Donor In Memory of: Linda & Steven Cohen Bernard Ehrlich Sophia Fleischer Hugh Steinberger Ilene & Daniel Pincus Janet Cooper Beverly Rosenblatt Margaret Deitz David Newell Andrew Rosenblatt Lee Rosenblatt Barry & Marilyn Wessler Kate Schwartz
Lois & Richard England Special Needs Endowment Fund
Donor Florence R. Hart Peter & Florence R. Hart
General Fund
In Memory of: Erma B. Arnstein Mildred Meisels Sarah Rubenstein Norma Rubenstein
Donor Joel Teran Donor In Honor of: Michael & Patricia Berman Marjory Goldman’s Birthday Sheryl & David Friedlander Samuel Hack’s 90th Birthday Ruthjoy Leventhal Maida Lerner’s Birthday Kirsten & Dave Pollin Bat Mitzvah of Stella Pollin Lesley Robinson Jon Sheehan & Robin Bitner’s Marriage Ellen & Bruce Winston David Astrove Page 20 | WHC Journal – January 2018
General Fund
Donor In Memory of: Dr. & Mrs. Marshall Ackerman Charles Ruttenberg Ruth Faden & Tom Beauchamp Rabbi Miller Rabbi Lustig Conversion of Katie Edmonde Cantor Bortnick Steven H. Bernstein Doris G. Bernstein Dr. & Mrs. F. Norman Berry Abraham Blumberg Marjorie & Harold Bingham Ethel Rosenthal George F. Bingham Alan & Nancy Bubes Gary Lustine Jodi & Stuart Cohen Bernice Haber Kathy Cole Randy Cole The Family of Marshal Livingston Cole Marshal Livingston Cole Nancy & Ed Colodny Joseph Dessoff Joan B. Dodek Alvin D. Blieden Ella Blieden Sam Dodek II Bernardine Dodek Raymond & Wilma Dorris Ethel Dorris Carol Fischer Ruth I. Baer James H. Frank Robert Frank Joanne & Bob Frankel Florence Trier Nancy & Carl Gewirz Edith B. Hariton The Katz/Gibbs Family Bernice Gibbs Betty Glassman Gary Lustine Dr. Harold Goald Isadore Goald William Goldman Jane A. Goldman Stephen Grafman Ida Grafman Alan, Esther & Sadie Gurman Leonard Rabb Nancy & John Harris Carolyn Harris Susan & Larry Harris Milton Harris Susan & Ross Hechinger Marion Ladell Robert & Ronnie Jersky Lillian Aronchick Ann Joseph Martha G. Friedman Mildred ‘Millie’ Miller Deena & Jerome Kaplan Joan Gindes Dr. & Mrs. Richard Kaufman Lillian Kaufman Dorothy Kornhauser Burton Cooper Jennie Diamond Melvin Diamond Sidney Diamond Bill & Marilyn Lane Albert E. Lane Irwin & Bryna Monsein Eva Monsein Jim & Ellen Myerberg Doris Myerberg Norman & Susan Oblon Simon Saffren Michele & Brandon Pollak Bernard Ehrlich Irene Pollin Abe Pollin Susan & Stephen Porter Phyllis Snow Jane & Jerry Putnam Lawrence E. Putnam, MD Arnold & Susan Quint Esther Quint Milton Quint Dr. & Mrs. Herbert Rabin Mordka Rozencwajg Louis I. Rosen Eugenia Rosen Carol Schwartz Hilda S. Levitt Alex Severinsky Jacob Severinsky Gail K. Siegel & Family Edgar Louis Kaufmann Arlene & Ivan Silverman Bernard Ehrlich Doris Slavin Sandy Slavin Marvin & Jeanne Spivak Joseph Spivak Roslyn & David Spott Bessie G. Lyons Margo & Alan Tank Robert Klaff Layne Weiss Frances Schooler Jacqueline R. Werner Frederic P. Werner Dr. William H. Rosenfeld Linda Wertlieb Mildred Silverberg Roslyn Wolf Stephen J. Wolf
Leo & Elizabeth Goodman Public Issues Endowment Fund
Donor In Honor of: Joan Churchill Alan & Sally Tassler’s 50th Anniversary Tamar Rava’s Birthday Lily Goodman Landau’s Birthday Donor In Memory of: Joan Churchill Dr. James Goodman
Leo & Elizabeth Goodman Public Issues Endowment Fund
Donor
In Memory of: Dr. Eli Goodman Jonathan Merenbloom
Joshua O. Haberman Scholarship & Publications Endowment Fund
Donor In Memory of: Jo Ellen & Alan Fishman Rabbi Joshua O. Haberman Alyssa & James Smith Rabbi Joshua O. Haberman
Hurston Library
Donor George Wasserman Family Foundation Inc. Deborah Wolf Donor In Memory of: Joyce B. Isaacson Harriet Ribler Dr. Susan Blumenthal Charles A. Levine
Andrew Kaplan Youth Endowment Fund
Donor In Honor of: Margery Shrinsky, Jeffrey Shrinsky, Steven Shrinsky & Stacy Ezra Mildred Kaplan’s 100th Birthday
Carol Kellner ECC Memorial Fund
Donor Bruce Kellner & Family
In Memory of: Carol Kellner Blanche Kellner
Rose E. Koenig Religious School Fund
Donor In Honor of: Anne C. Golder Birth of Madeline Grace Tankel Donor In Memory of: Diane & Howard Benson May S. Leiner Mitch Berliner & Debra Moser Martha Bindeman Richard Frank & Beth Frank Martha Bindeman Arthur & Tina Lazerow Martha Bindeman Linda Mann Martha Bindeman Ann Schwartz Martha Bindeman Karen & Bob Silverman & Family Martha Bindeman
Kol Rinah Choir
Donor In Honor of: Anonymous Cantor Manevich Lynn Borkon Cantor Manevich Donor In Memory of: Dana Jo & Marvin Mermelstein Harry Mermelstein Murray & Barbara Baylus Stein Louise Deitz Baylus
Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig Scholarship Fund
Donor In Memory of: Frances Tievy, Patricia Polinger & Karen Dworken Bernard Ehrlich
Mitzvah Day
Donor In Honor of: The Jacob and Charlotte Lehrman Foundation Rabbi Lustig Kimberly, Howard & Charli Vogel Bat Mitzvah of Helen Primis
Zena Mason Education Fund
Donor In Honor of: Jo Gutterman, Robert Levy, Marc Friend & Zoe Gutterman Mike Aguilar
Stephanie Morris Prime Timers Programming Fund
Donor Lillian Smuckler
Albert & Scott Pelmoter Youth Scholarship Fund
In Memory of: Arthur Dunn Ralph Smuckler
Donor In Honor of: Stephanie & Andy Pelmoter Ilene & Alvin Powers’ 30th Anniversary
Contributions Sylvia & Saul Ritzenberg Humanitarian Fund
Ver Standig Jewish Studies Endowment Fund
Donor Murray R. Stein & Dr. Baylus Stein Donor In Memory of: Ellen Berlow Ralph F. Berlow Cathy Scheineson Charles Jan Zeman Robert Schott & Joanne Perlman Murry M. Schott
Naomi & LeRoy Robins Medical Emergency Fund
Donor Carol & David Ginsburg Donor Lori & Bob Rodman
In Memory of: Sheldon Sadugor Seymour Rodman Sylvie Rodman Gary Lustine
Selinger (Childrens) Library
In Honor of: Ellen Share In Memory of: Anita Rosenstadt Bernard Ehrlich
Abe & Sylvia Shrinsky Creative Worship Program Fund Donor Faith & Jim Kirk
In Memory of: Bernard Ehrlich Mary Lou Ballmann
Carlynn & Larry Silverman Family Endowment for Jewish Life & Learning
Donor Carlynn Silverman Donor Carlynn Silverman
In Honor of: Bar Mitzvah of Charles Blunt In Memory of: David Bubes
Abram Simon Elementary School Camp Fund Donor Suzan & Barry Friedman Donor Joy & Ron Paul Hilary Rubin Diane K. Shrier
In Memory of: Bernard Ehrlich Debbie Levine Joan Wolman
Abram Simon Elementary School Fund Donor Diane Shrier
In Memory of: Benjamin Kesler
C. Haskell & Ruth Behrend Small Music Fund
Donor Sherry Sundick
In Memory of: Bernard Ehrlich Ruth B. Small Wolf Nordlinger
Rabbi Joseph Weinberg Young Leadership Community Service Fund
Donor Mike & Judy Herman Renee Lipsic Loeb
In Memory of: Freda Gordon Fay Lipsic
Tikkun Olam Values (TOV) Fund
Donor In Honor of: Janet & Michael Cornfeld Rabbi Lustig Carolyn Kaplan Rabbi Lustig Michelle & Joshua Narotsky Rabbi Miller Linda & Ron Recht Birth of Cody Dinallo Ellen & Bruce Winston & Family Rabbi Lustig Rabbi Shankman Rabbi Skloot Rabbi Miller Donor In Memory of: Lisa Demarco & Leonard Goldman Anthony DeMarco Lisa DeMarco, Len, Bryan & Alexa Goldman Amy Himelstein Cohn Linda & Ron Recht Frances Recht Cathy Scheineson James I. Harris Mark Young & Rachel Carren David Young
In Memory of: Eugen Zeisel
WHC Hunger Project
Donor The David Aronow Foundation Donor Holly & Jeffrey Bergman
Worship & Music Fund
In Memory of: Mildred ‘Millie’ Milller
Sheldon & Judy Sadugor Memorial Fund of the ECC
Donor Joyce B. Isaacson Donor Stoleru Family Amy & Samuel Stoleru
Donor Marc & Cathy Scheineson
Donor Nancy Alper Jane C. Bergner Donor In Honor of: Leonard I. Abel & Helen S. Abel Rabbi Lustig Max & Adrienne Chaikin Rabbi Shankman Karen & Dudley Dworken Rabbi Lustig Five Star Premier Residences Thomas Smith Alan Levine Andrea, Rob, Jared & Lainey Green Rabbi Lustig Gerald & Theresa Halle Rabbi Lustig Florence & Peter Hart Rabbi Lustig Carolyn J. Kaplan Rabbi Lustig Irene Pollin Rabbi Lustig and Ambassador Wittig Allan Sacks WHC’s High Holy Services Eve & Nate Wallace Our 40th Wedding Anniversary Donor In Memory of: Janet & Jeff Abramson Mildred ‘Millie’ Miller Jessica & Alan Dolleck Florence Trier Mickey Garfinkel Shirley Garfinkel Andrea, Rob, Jared & Lainey Green Joel Palmer Deana Rose Halperin, Evan Halperin & Jennifer Halperin Helma Rose Eliot J. Halperin
Worship & Music Fund
Donor In Memory of: Alan H. Levine Rose Katzel Dr. Eileen Polinger Edith Corenfield & Max Corenfield The Slade Family Amy Himelfarb Cohn Gerdy Trachtman Ernest Teichner Heather & Steven Tuck Naomi M. Tuck Eve & Nate Wallace Seymour Sherman Steinberg Ellen & Bruce Winston Marshal Livingston Cole Martha Bindeman Ellen & Bruce Winston & Family Rabbi Joshua O. Haberman Craig Yokum Consuelo Goodyear Yokum
Young Professionals (22-39) Fund Donor Bernstein Family Foundation Donor Wendy & Jeff Cossman Samantha & William Uditsky
In Honor of: Rabbi Miller Rabbi Miller
Ivy Zola’s Help-a-Friend Fund
Donor In Memory of: Jessica & Alan Dolleck Bernard Ehrlich Shelley & Robert Katz Bernard Ehrlich Alison McWilliams Ruth Checker Louis Goldberg Karen & Richard Perkins Burton Newman Bernard Ehrlich Rabbi Joshua O. Haberman Lynn & Larry Silverberg Bernard Ehrlich Alan Silverberg The Smith Family Bernard Ehrlich Andrea & Geoffrey Zola Burton Newman Bernard Ehrlich
If Your Child Was Born in 2008… It’s Time for Us to Talk B’nei Mitzvah If you have a child who was born in 2008 and will become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in the year 2021, we invite you to join us for a special Parent/ Child Learning Day at Temple and JBSC on Sunday, January 7 from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm. We ask that you come to this meeting with your child at the building where they attend Religious School. If your child is not enrolled in Religious School, you may attend the program at either building. Throughout the morning, we will study together and learn why Torah study and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is so important in a young adult’s Jewish journey. Additionally, we will discuss the time line of the B’nei Mitzvah process, how dates are assigned, what is required of your child, the clergy role in the process, and your family’s role during the Bar/Bat Mitzvah weekend. Finally, there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions regarding your special event. For those who have attended this program before with an older child, we encourage you to attend the program again with your child born in 2008, as you and your child will have many opportunities to learn throughout the morning, and you will be able to offer them a special blessing with the Torah. At the conclusion of the program, you will receive a form to complete that will enable us to assign your child’s 2021 Bar/Bat Mitzvah date. Please register online at whctemple.org/2021LearningDay. For further information, contact Beth Donaldson, bdonaldson@whctemple.org or 202-895-6309. WHC Journal – January 2018 | Page 21
In January …
WHC Programs & Events Families With Young Children
2018 Big Dream Gala
A Benefit for the RJWECC Saturday, February 3, 8:00 pm at JBSC
The RJWECC Parents Committee is excited to host the 2018 Dream Big Gala, a fantastic, fun evening to enjoy with friends and celebrate the wonderful community that is the RJWECC. In order to make the event a success, we encourage you not only to attend, but to invite friends and families to participate in the fun as well. Registration required ($): whctemple.org/ECCMD Alexis Tinsley: atinsley@whctemple.org, 301-354-3208
Youth
Washington Wizards Game
Monday, January 15, 1:00 pm at the Verizon Center
Spend your MLK afternoon with the Washington Wizards as they take on the Milwaukee Bucks! This game is open to all 8th-12th graders.
Registration required ($): whctemple.org/WHECTY Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209
Post Confirmation Dinner
Sunday, January 21, 5:30 pm at an outside location
Several times during the year, our Post Confirmation students will gather for a Sunday dinner and discussion at someone’s home. We hope you’ll join us for a great dinner and a relaxed evening.
Youth
Storybook Science for Kindergarten – 2nd Grades Sunday, January 21, 12:30 pm at JBSC
Join us for a spectacular Jr. ETY afternoon of science, stories, and fun with the Great Adventure Lab. This program is open to kindergartners, 1st graders, and 2nd graders. Lunch and snacks are included.
Registration required ($): whctemple.org/JuniorETY Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209
9th-Grade Retreat
Friday, January 26 – Sunday, January 28 at the Claggett Center
This retreat is the one that every WHC student wants to be at — a Jewish View of Love, Relationships and Sexuality. We are proud to have run this retreat for almost 30 years, and it continues to be ahead of its time in every way — providing our students with medically accurate information on a wide range of relevant topics. This retreat focuses on the importance of healthy relationships and understanding how to keep yourself, your partner, and your friends safe and healthy. Due to the important nature of this retreat, 9th-grade students who are not enrolled in Religious School are eligible to attend this retreat for a fee. Please contact Ira Miller for more information. Registration required (free): whctemple.org/PreConfirmation Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209
RSVP preferred (free): whctemple.org/PostConfirmation Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209
Late Night for 5th – 7th Grades
Saturday, January 20, 5:00 pm at Temple
Prepare yourself for the 2018 Winter Olympics with this special late night event. Participate in winter “Olympic” events, enjoy an Olympic-themed movie, and much more! Go for the gold with WHC!
Registration required ($): whctemple.org/Club56 Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209
A FUNNY & INSIGHTFUL LUNCHEON with Alison Dagnes If you’re paying attention to current events, you’ve probably been shaking your head wondering if it can get any crazier...and then it does. It’s time for a little levity! Our speaker is Dr. Alison Dagnes, Professor of Political Science and the author of books on political humor.
Couples Club
NIGHT THEATER AT THE
SATURDAY, JAN. 20 AT 8:00 PM
SUNDAY, JAN. 28 12:30 pm at Temple Tickets: $18
Use code “WHC15” for 15% off the ticket price
Page 22 | WHC Journal – January 2018
After the show, join us for drinks at Le Diplomat. Purchase tickets at TheaterJ.org
whctemple.org/EmptyNesters
1529 16th Street NW, Washington, DC
WHC Journal
Conversation of Conscience (continued from page 3) more necessary for King Day to be one in which we pray and practice our faith — and in so doing realize the hope that Dr. King possessed in such abundance. In other words, praying as Dr. King prayed, meditating on scripture as Dr. King meditated, and practicing his faith as did this prophet, we begin to appreciate that our hope is transcendent and timeless and does not vacillate by tweet or Instagram post. Ultimately, we come to grips with the moral reality that hope may often lack an empirical basis but always has a biblical foundation. This hope sustains us yet. Rabbi Lustig: You are now teaching on college campuses. How does being in this environment affect your work combating injustice? Rev. Brooks: As a Visiting Professor at Boston University School of Theology and Boston University School of Law and a Visiting Fellow at Harvard, I have spent many a moment seeking to inspire undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students. In any given week, I am teaching law, ethics, and justice advocacy to freshman and sophomores as well as law students and seminarians. I have come to appreciate even more three leadership lessons. First, the “politics of authenticity” is still no substitute for the “leadership of proximity” — that is to say the utter necessity of being with, beside, among, and behind the folks you claim to lead. Press conferences and press statements, absent presence, and sacrifice, breed cynicism among young people. Second, younger leaders understand far better than is acknowledged that hashtag activism is necessary but insufficient. They are looking for activism that looks much like the work of the Hebrew prophets or even the work of Dr. King: morally authentic, having integrity, and sacrificial with a willingness to take responsible risks. Third, students are looking for leadership models that are intergenerational — where they have an opportunity to both lead and learn. Lastly, millennial and generation Z activists seem to want activism that reaches toward prophetic vision AND yet is grounded in policy. Substance matters, as one 17-year-old told me in the street in the middle of the night, “I’m tired of being teargassed. I want to get something done.” With these learnings and lessons, amidst my academic work over the last semester, I am convinced more than
ever we need youthful but mature organizations that possess infrastructure without bureaucracy, are nimble without being reactive, are morally grounded without a lack of policy sophistication, and have funding models that support independence of advocacy and institutional integrity. Teaching the history of justice movements to undergraduates, seminarians, and law students, I notice these students are not looking for one model or even one leader. They know that every viable and successful justice movement has relied on diverse generations, institutions, and leaders. Rabbi Lustig: What tools are you giving future leaders? Rev. Brooks: After years on the pulpit, courts, campus, and streets, I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about the tools young people need to be justice seekers. To my students, I have tried to convey practical lessons of prophetic leadership: first, the necessity of calling and courage reflected in sacrifice; second, having a fundamental understanding of policy and law, without being an attorney or political scientist; third, being prepared; fourth, an awareness of service without sacrifice and hardship is performance disguised as altruism; fifth, an appreciation of risk; and lastly, an awareness of that prophets are called within a tradition and yet are not captives of the tradition. Having spent this brief time on campus, uneasily straddling the vita activa and the vita contemplativa, in a Twitter-Age Civil Rights Movement, I look forward to the work ahead.
I hope you will join me on Friday, January 12 as we honor the values and good works of Dr. King at this year’s MLK Shabbat, and again on Monday, January 15 when we honor God’s call to serve on MLK Day of Service. Details about this meaningful weekend can be found within the pages of this WHC Journal. Shalom, Rabbi Lustig
WHC Journal – January 2018 | Page 23
WHC Journal
MLK Shabbat (continued from page 5) About Our Speakers Ilana Trachtman has produced and directed Emmy award-winning nonfiction programs for over 20 years. For networks such as PBS, HBO Family, ABC-TV, Showtime, Lifetime, Discovery, A&E, and the Sundance channel, she has told stories about a diverse array of topics, including the legacy of slavery in Latin America, social activism among Gulf coast shrimpers, and transgender parents. Through her production company Ruby Pictures, Ilana made the award-winning feature Praying with Lior, which played theatrically in over 60 cities in the U.S. and abroad. Most recently, Ilana produced and directed The Pursuit: 50 Years in the Fight for LGBT Rights for WHYY, which won the Mid-Atlantic Emmy for Best Documentary. Dion T. Diamond was a founding member of Howard University’s Nonviolent Action Group as a freshman, and he was active in the 1960 Glen Echo protest and many sit-ins throughout the D.C. area. That following spring, Mr. Diamond arranged to take his final exams early and participated in the May 24 Freedom Ride from Montgomery, Alabama to New Orleans. At a scheduled stop in Jackson, he was arrested for entering a whites-only waiting room and spent 59 days in Mississippi’s Parchman State Prison. After his release, Mr. Diamond continued to fight for social justice and helped organize demonstrations and marches at Southern University in Baton Rouge, for which he was arrested, convicted of “criminal anarchy,” and again sent to prison. Arrested more than 30 times between 1961 and 1963 for his efforts to integrate the South, Mr. Diamond served as a field secretary in Louisiana and Mississippi for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He went back to school in 1963 and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and later, a master’s in education from Harvard University. Esther Ridpath Delaplaine was born in 1924 to a conservative Republican family. She found her social, political, and religious Quaker values and became an activist at Swarthmore College where she earned a degree in social work. During the summer of 1960, Ms. Delaplaine brought her five children — some in strollers — with her to picket at Glen Echo. Later, she organized groups to lobby the Montgomery County Council for a public accommodations law, which passed two years before the federal law was enacted. Her grass-roots activism extended south of our border to Bogotá, Columbia — where she co-developed health and youth clinics in a squatters’ community — and to the Montgomery County Public Schools system, where she worked as an advocate for Spanish-speaking refugee students and their families. At 94, she is an active member of the Peace and Social Justice Committee of Bethesda Friends Meeting (Quakers).
Israel
June 24 – July 4, 2018
The Family Adventure of a Lifetime
Give your children and grandchildren the most meaningful connection to our history. Join us this summer when we travel to Israel. Contact Layne Weiss to learn more: lweiss@whctemple.org or 202-895-6307 Page 24 | WHC Journal – January 2018
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