Washington Hebrew Congregation "Journal" by Washington Hebrew Congregation

MAY 2018 / IYYAR-SIVAN 778

VOL. 59, NO. 5

Celebrating Our Youth

MAY 2018

VOL. 59, NO. 5

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 Director’s Reflection............................................................................3 President’s Column..............................................................................4 The Annual Meeting of Washington Hebrew Congregation...................5 Nominees to Serve on the 2018-2020 Executive Committee.................6 A New Assistant Rabbi for Washington Hebrew Congregation..............8 Are We There Yet? What’s Changed and What Hasn’t In the Fight for Women’s Rights............................................................9 Amram Scholar Series: “The Soul of Jewish Humor” In Season Finale................................................................................. 10 Photo Retrospective: Shabbat for Our Lives and March for Our Lives...11

Celebrating Our Youth The 130th Confirmation Service..................................................... 12 Year in Review: Religious School.................................................... 13 Year in Review: Early Childhood Centers........................................ 14 Year in Review: Youth Groups........................................................ 15 WHC Programs & Events................................................................... 16 May Calendar.................................................................................... 18 B’nei Mitzvah....................................................................................20 Honoring Religious School Bibliophiles.............................................. 21 Life Cycle........................................................................................... 22 Contributions..................................................................................... 23 Celebrating Rabbi Skloot.................................................................... 36 On the cover: WHC teens and adults “praying with their feet” at the March for Our Lives. For more photos from this weekend, see page 11. Page 2 | WHC Journal – May 2018

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 Eliza Prince, Director of Development 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

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.

Director’s Reflection Ira Miller

Director of Informal Education imiller@whctemple.org 301-354-3209

oung people have had more “air time” in the last few months than they’ve had at any time since, perhaps, the 1960s. The events that took place in Parkland, Florida on February 14, 2018, put bright, well-spoken teenagers into the spotlight. The students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School grabbed the microphones that were thrust in their faces and seized an opportunity to speak up and speak out against gun violence. They, along with teenagers throughout the country, used the tools they had in their hands — literally — to text, tweet, and email, their messages with friends, parents, and the world. This is their moment, their movement.

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congressional representatives on Capitol Hill to lobby for their causes. Post Confirmation students (high school juniors and seniors) have taken on a significant role in “Winter Warmth,” a program WHC hosts in partnership with Friendship Place to help homeless individuals prepare for winter weather. In addition to collecting and sorting clothes, our teens ran the “boot shop” at this one-day pop-up shop, which ensured that every person who walked in the door was able to get a pair of new or gently used boots for the winter. Our eighth- and ninthgrade students have built “Peace Benches” alongside Christian and Muslim teens. These benches, which the teens constructed and then painted with words and messages of peace and interfaith coexistence, will be placed at various houses of worship and hopefully throughout the city in the months to come. This year, for the first time, our junior youth groups, which include students in third through sixth grades, participated in a WHC Hunger Project meal packing during Hanukkah. It was fantastic to see younger children working together to package over 1,000 meals. This program was extra special because we opened it to a wider age range, which allowed a number of siblings in different grades to participate together. And this is just a small sampling of what our youth, whether as individuals or groups, do to help improve our world.

The aftermath of Parkland has shown us just how impressive our teenagers can be when they are given a space and a voice.”

During the last few months, I have heard many adults share how pleased they are to witness the activism displayed by these teenagers. They assumed that teenagers were too busy sending Snapchats, texting, playing Fortnite, etc. to care about anything going on in the world around them. As someone who has worked with Jewish teenagers for over 20 years, I can assure you that they are aware and do care about the issues of the day. Students today spend more time volunteering than any generation before them. Yes, most of them are required to do this as a high school graduation requirement, but they have embraced volunteer efforts on a scale that often far exceeds the minimum number of hours required by their schools. At Washington Hebrew Congregation, we see students in all grades seize opportunities to perform acts of tikkun olam. The Confirmation class participated in a L’Taken political action weekend with the Religious Action Center where they learned about gun control, economic justice, women’s issues, the environment, and more. After spending several days learning about and researching these issues, students met with their

The aftermath of Parkland has shown us just how impressive our teenagers can be when they are given a space and a voice. And while this has been a surprise to many, it is what we have been working on and working toward at Washington Hebrew Congregation for a very long time. There are a lot of reasons why youth programming exists: it provides a social outlet, it strengthens Jewish identity, and it allows for a stronger connection to congregation and community. But beyond all of that, we are giving young people a space and a voice. We are letting them Continued on page 21. WHC Journal – May 2018 | Page 3

President’s Column David M. Astrove

n June 2, 2016, I became the President of Washington Hebrew Congregation, and on June 3, 2018, my term will end. It has been a wonderful two years for me. So much has happened for which I am proud, however, I certainly recognize that the vast majority of what takes place at Washington Hebrew Congregation is because of our exceptional clergy and professional staff. I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to work with such talented and dedicated people. To prepare for this column, I reviewed the speech I gave at the Annual Meeting in June 2016 when I was installed as President. In that speech, I presented three goals for my term as President of the Congregation.

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President@whctemple.org 202-895-6301

Our clergy, in addition to providing pastoral care and guidance and leading our Congregation in worship, have demonstrated that they are trusted partners both within our faith and in the interfaith community. Faith Over Fear dialogue dinners gave us the opportunity to form lasting interfaith connections as we rotated between Temple, the National Cathedral, and the ADAMS Center. And when Rabbi Lustig personally invited Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah — an internationally respected 85-year-old Muslim cleric — to speak at Temple, several dozen clergy from various faiths and their congregants joined us in February to hear the sheikh’s first-ever address at a Jewish house of worship.

I have truly enjoyed getting to know so many of you during my term as President.”

My first goal was to make sure our synagogue functions in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Looking back on the past two years, I am proud to say that the Board and the Budget and Finance Committee have exercised strong financial stewardship. Highlights include the adoption last July of a budget that calls for a sustainable 3.5 percent revenue transfer from Board-restricted and permanently restricted endowments, and we are committed to keep the transfer at that level in future years. We have also been blessed by continued and increasing participation in Yad B’Yad – WHC’s Annual Fund. In fiscal year 2016-2017, 22 percent of member households made at least one contribution to Yad B’Yad, which raised over $400,000, helping support all that takes place at WHC. As an organization driven by our commitment to tikkun olam, we have also adopted a policy that will ensure our entire portfolio is invested in ways that are consistent with our mission. Embracing values-based investing is a meaningful step for the Congregation and sets a standard for others to follow. We are also just finishing the migration to a robust new database system that will give WHC staff and clergy an invaluable tool that will benefit the Congregation for years to come. My second goal was to use our strength, influence, and voice as one of the most prominent Reform synagogues to make the world a better place. Over the past two years, we have done that in ways large and small. Page 4 | WHC Journal – May 2018

Our lay leaders have also demonstrated their desires to help heal the world. During the past year, WHC launched the Good Neighbors Initiative. This largely lay-led effort will provide a newly arrived refugee family with assistance and support during their first year in America with the goal for them to become self-sufficient within a year. A few months ago, the Board of Directors made another mission-driven decision, and we now proudly display banners outside Temple and the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center that proclaim our opposition to gun violence. Our commitment to common sense gun control — and our youth — was never more apparent than on Friday, March 23, the evening before the March for Our Lives. That night, we hosted more than 200 teens and opened our doors to hundreds more at “Shabbat for Our Lives,” a musical service and vigil led by teens, which also engaged dozens of WHC adults as volunteers. It comes as no surprise that WHC’s teenagers are passionate about social justice and connected to their Judaism. Our Confirmation program is growing, and students have told us that they are not ready to end their connection to WHC’s Upper School in tenth grade, which has led to the creation of our successful Post Confirmation program for high school juniors and seniors. From our Early Childhood Centers, which are embracing a common set of best practices at both locations, to our Religious School, which has expanded its inclusion program, WHC offers our Continued on page 10.

The Board of Directors Cordially Invites You to

The 166th Annual Meeting of

Featuring The Election and Installation of Nell Shapiro – President, Officers, and New Board Members Sunday, June 3, 2018, at 7:00 pm 3935 Macomb Street NW Washington, District of Columbia Dessert Reception to Follow

WHC Journal – May 2018 | Page 5

WHC Nominees Journal to Serve on the 2018 – 2020 Executive Committee

Nell Kilburn Shapiro – President Nell has been a member of the Congregation since 1995 when she studied with and was converted by Rabbi Lustig. Since then, she has served two terms on the Board of Directors and has completed three terms on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. Nell has also served as Chair of the Carrie Simon House Committee for more than a decade, has been a Chair of Mitzvah Day, a member of the Strategic Planning Task Force, the Chair of the Membership Task Force (a Board committee examining aspects of membership at WHC), and Chair of the Membership Committee for more than five years. Most recently, Nell also served as Co-Chair of the Visioning Task Force, an effort by leaders and congregants to imagine and plan for the future of Washington Hebrew Congregation. In the wider community, Nell has been active in her children’s schools, chairing the scholarship auction and several other fundraising events and serving on the Parents’ Association Board. She is a member of the Women’s Board of the American Heart Association, serving as Co-Chair of their annual fundraising luncheon and fashion show, and has led fundraising efforts for her alma mater, Wellesley College. Nell earned a law degree from the Northwestern School of Law and was an Associate for the law firm of Latham & Watkins. Nell and her husband, Ed, have three children, Jack, Griffin, and Dorothy, all of whom were confirmed at WHC.

Mark Director – First Vice President Mark has been an active WHC member for more than 20 years. He has served on the Board of Directors since 2010 and the Executive Committee since 2012, including previously as General Counsel. Mark was a Vice Chair of the 2018 Rabbinic Search Committee, Chair of the Adult Education Committee, and has served on several other committees, including Worship & Music, Professional Development, and Budget & Finance. Mark is a Board member and the former Chairman of Everybody Wins! DC, a children’s literacy organization. He also is actively involved with, and regularly provides pro bono legal advice to many other charitable and not-for-profit organizations. As a Senior Corporate Partner at the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, he advises public companies and private equity sponsors on mergers and acquisitions, governance, securities compliance, and other corporate matters. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Harvard College and his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. Mark and his wife Shari, who helped start the Temple’s Boomers, live in Potomac and have two daughters, Brittani and Chelsea.

Janet Katz – Vice President Janet has been a member of the Temple for more than 20 years and has served on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. She is also a member of the Budget & Finance Committee, the Professional Development Committee, the Youth Committee, and is Co-Chair of the Tikkun Olam Values Committee. Janet tirelessly serves the Carrie Simon House and acts as a mentor to program alumni. She has also served as Chair for Mitzvah Day, Tuesday Trimmings, and Mitzvah Monday and was a member of the Early Childhood Center and Religious School Committees. She has also served on BBYO’s Adult Board of Directors for the D.C. Council. Janet is a graduate of the University of Connecticut. She spent the early part of her career working in the social service sector with women and teens. For the past 20 years, she has developed educational programs and consulted on leadership and management. Janet and her husband, Rick, have one daughter, Frankie, who became a Bat Mitzvah and was confirmed at WHC.

Andrew Lazerow – Vice President Andrew is a lifelong member of Washington Hebrew Congregation. He became a Bar Mitzvah at Temple, and now his daughters, Bea and Mae, are Religious School students at the Temple on Macomb Street where Andrew first attended 35 years ago. Professionally, Andrew is a Partner with the law firm Covington & Burling LLP. He specializes in private antitrust litigation, with a focus on class actions in the pharmaceutical and financial sectors. He is also actively involved in pro bono work for underprivileged individuals. Andrew received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, cum laude, and a Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law School, cum laude, where he was a member of the ATLA mock trial team and the American Criminal Law Review. He is married to Susie and enjoys tennis, skiing, and red wine. Page 6 | WHC Journal – May 2018

Nominees to Serve on the 2018 – 2020 Executive Committee

Jeff Weiss – Vice President A Temple member since 1999, Jeff Weiss currently serves on the Board’s Executive Committee as Vice President and as Chair of the Investment Sub-Committee. He has previously served as Chair of the Budget & Finance Committee, Co-Chair of the Strategic Initiatives Task Force, and Development Committee Co-Chair, and he co-led the fundraising drive for the TOV Fund. In 2009, Jeff co-founded Distributed Sun, a commercial solar development, finance, and software company. An early digital media and commerce entrepreneur, he has led companies active in renewable energy, cyber and physical security, intelligence and corporate fraud mitigation, and mission preparedness, among other industries. Jeff graduated from Cornell University and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of Cornell’s Trustee Council, on the Board of the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, is Washington Leadership Chairman of Business Executives for National Security, and is Co-Chair of the Solar Energy Industry Association’s Finance Advisory Council. A native Washingtonian, Jeff and his wife, Christie, have four children — Teddy, Peter, Catherine, and Nathalie.

Kimberly Wachen – Treasurer Kimberly has been a member of Washington Hebrew Congregation for more than 35 years. She became Bat Mitzvah and was confirmed at WHC, was married by WHC clergy, and has celebrated all major life cycle events with the Temple. Her parents, Rozelle and Barry Grossman, have also been longtime members of the Congregation. Kimberly graduated from Duke University with majors in history and accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant. She also received a Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Kimberly is a Partner in the Washington office of Arent Fox LLP, where she has practiced real estate and corporate law for 26 years. She is recognized as one of the leading real estate lawyers in the country by Chambers USA, Legal 500, Super Lawyers Magazine, and other leading industry publications. Kimberly and her husband, David, have two children, Allison and Robert, who attended the Religious School at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center.

Richard Newman – Assistant Treasurer Richard, a member of the Congregation for more than 30 years, has served on the Temple Board as Vice President, Treasurer, and General Counsel. He has also sat on the Budget & Finance Committee and the Long Range Strategic Planning Governance Task Force. Richard is a Partner at Arent Fox LLP, where his practice focuses on real estate and public finance with an emphasis on the representation of tax-exempt organizations. He has served as General Counsel to the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and the Discovery Creek Children’s Museum. He is a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers and is also on the Boards of the Arena Stage and the AIA Legacy Foundation. A graduate of New York University, Richard received his law degree from Case Western Reserve University. He is married to Janice Newman, who taught at WHC’s Religious School for 20 years. Each of their children, Jessica, Joseph, and Jacob, has worked as a teacher or aide in the Religious School.

Deborah Goldman – Secretary Deborah has been a member of Washington Hebrew Congregation for more than 30 years. She attended Religious School, became a Bat Mitzvah, was confirmed, and was married at WHC. Her parents, Marjory and Fred Goldman, have also been longtime, active members of the Congregation. Deborah is a member of the Temple Board’s Executive Committee and serves as Assistant Secretary; she is also a Past President of the Women of WHC (Sisterhood). Before becoming Sisterhood President, she served as Co-Chair of its Religion, Youth, and Education Committee and co-chaired its Women’s Seder. Deborah graduated with distinction from the Honors Program at the University of Michigan, received a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Cornell Law School, and worked at Arent Fox LLP before “retiring” from law practice when her oldest son was born. In the wider community, Deborah served as the Whitman Cluster Coordinator for two terms, and served on the Merrimack Park Pool, Pyle Middle School and Whitman High School PTSA Boards. Deborah is married to Howard Levine, and they have two sons, Jared and Joshua.

Continued on page 26. WHC Journal – May 2018 | Page 7

WHC Journal

Welcome to Washington H ebrew A New Assistant Rabbi For Washington Hebrew Congregation

e are so pleased to share that Eliana Fischel, a rabbinic student at Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in New York, will join Washington Hebrew Congregation as our Assistant Rabbi on July 1, 2018. This rabbinic search process was a significant undertaking that involved close collaboration among the Search Committee, clergy, staff, lay leaders, and our adult and teen members. After interviewing a number of candidates already in the field and 12 HUC-JIR students, we invited six prospects to come to Washington, D.C. Each spent two to three days with us, participating in formal and informal interviews with Search Committee members, Senior Staff, and other lay leaders. Eliana was, by far, the top candidate, and we were delighted when she accepted our offer. A fifth-year rabbinical student, Eliana is serving as the Rabbinic Intern at Westchester Reform Temple. During her time at HUC-JIR, she has also interned for Women of the Wall/Nashot HaKotel, was a URJ Roswell Klal Yisrael Fellow, and is currently a Bonnie and Daniel Tisch Rabbinic Fellow. Eliana grew up in Scarsdale, New York and graduated from Connecticut College with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and dance and a certificate in public policy and community action.

Page 8 | WHC Journal – May 2018

Eliana’s husband, Eric Abbott, is also her classmate at HUC-JIR. When she begins her career with Washington Hebrew Congregation in July, Eric will also join us as Rabbi-in-Residence for up to one year, supplementing our rabbinic presence as he searches for a permanent position in the D.C. area. We are grateful to the Search Committee who oversaw this process: Nell Shapiro, Chair; Mark Director and Janet Katz, Co-Vice Chairs; committee members Sherry Bindeman Kahn, Carrie Coonin, RobBee Fredricks, Anne Lackritz, Andrea Rubinfeld, Jamie Weinbaum, and Peter Winik; our adult and teen members who participated; and of course, WHC’s clergy and Senior Staff. We look forward to introducing you to Eliana. Look for a featured article in the June/July issue of the WHC Journal, a variety of opportunities to get to know Eliana in the coming months, and of course, an invitation to her installation service, which will be in October.

Opportunities to Engage

Are We There Y et? What’s Changed and What Hasn’t In the Fight for Women’s Rights

he Me Too movement and Times Up have ushered in a new fight for women’s rights, and the Women of Washington Hebrew Congregation (formerly WHC Sisterhood) invite you to celebrate today’s amazing women at this year’s Spring Luncheon on Wednesday, May 23 at 11:00 am at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center. New Women of Washington Hebrew Congregation (WWHC) Board members will be installed, and one of the original women’s rights pioneers — Lynn Povich, Newsweek magazine’s first female editor — will deliver the keynote address.

About the Keynote Speaker

Lynn Povich is an award-winning journalist, author, and lecturer. Her book, The Good Girls Revolt, was published in 2012 and inspired a 10-part original series that debuted on Amazon Prime in 2016. She began her career at Newsweek as a secretary and, in 1970, was one of 46 women who filed a complaint with the EEOC charging the magazine with gender discrimination — the first women in the media to do so. Five years later, she was appointed Newsweek’s first female senior editor. Her book, The Good Girls Revolt, chronicles that landmark lawsuit and describes what happened to the women who sued their bosses and changed the workplace. In 1991, Ms. Povich became Editor-in-Chief of Working Woman magazine, the only national business magazine for women. She joined MSNBC.com at its launch in 1996 as Managing Editor/East Coast, overseeing the web content of NBC News as well as MSNBC Cable. She has received numerous honors, including the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Washington Press Club Foundation. She chairs the Advisory Council of the International Women’s Media Foundation and serves on the Advisory Committee of the Women’s Rights Division of Human Rights Watch. The luncheon costs $54 and reservations can be made online at whctemple.org/Sisterhood.

WHC Journal – May 2018 | Page 9

Lifelong Learning

President’s Column (continued from page 4)

young people unparalleled opportunities to learn and grow Jewishly. My third goal was to ensure that Washington Hebrew Congregation continues to be relevant in the lives of our members — both long-time and new. Through the creative and consistent efforts of our clergy and staff, we have seen not only an expansion of our programming but also more of our members engaged. Tikkun olam, worship, social events, and more, give all of us at WHC — no matter our age — opportunities to connect.

The Soul of Jewish Humor in Amram Season Finale

omic archetypes take center stage at Temple on Sunday, May 6 when the Amram Scholar Series concludes its year with a celebratory reception followed by an analysis of the special nature of the Jewish sense of humor through the ages. The reception begins at 5:00 pm, and the final lecture will follow at 5:30 pm. Jeremy Dauber, Professor of Yiddish language and culture at Columbia University, and Michael Krasny, literature scholar and National Public Radio host, will zcome together to discuss their latest books, which both explore the range of Jewish comedy — a genre fueled by persecution, suffering, and self-awareness.

From biblical times to the age of Twitter, Professor Dauber explores such popular figures as the Jewish mother, the JAP, the schlemiel (who spills soup), and the schlimazel (on whom soup is spilled). He also revels in the genius of Jewish comics ranging from Sholem Aleichem to the Marx Brothers, Woody Allen, and Jon Stewart. Mr. Krasny, the award-winning host of Forum with Michael Krasny on KQED Radio in San Francisco, presents a brimming treasure trove of Jewish jokes from the shtetl to modern times. Please join us on Sunday, May 6 for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and some good laughs. There is no charge, but to help us plan, we ask that you RSVP online at whctemple.org/Amram.

For instance, monthly Tot Shabbat services and family dinners at Temple and JBSC, generously co-sponsored by the ECC Parent Committees, have seen their attendance grow exponentially. These family-friendly events draw not just the families from our early childhood centers, but also their friends and young families from the community looking to connect and expose their children to Judaism and Jewish traditions. We are also engaging young professionals. Each month, about 200 people attend WHC’s Metro Minyan — a monthly Shabbat experience for adults in their 20s and 30s that is typically held at a Metro-accessible location. As a testament to the strength of this program, the Jewish identity of the attendees, and our Congregation, when a Metro Minyan was held at Temple early this year, it drew over 175 people. This certainly gave reason to challenge the oft-heard statement that millennials will not travel to Macomb Street to worship as part of their WHC community. The dinner that followed that service featured authentic Syrian cuisine catered by Foodhini, a local business that creates sustainable jobs for immigrant and refugee communities through food. Proceeds from the suggested $10 per person donation benefited WHC’s Good Neighbors Initiative, a connection that the Metro Minyan attendees embraced.

Continued on page 24. Page 10 | WHC Journal – May 2018

Faith in Action

Shabbat for Our Lives March for Our Lives

March 23-24, 2018 Teens, parents, and Jewish community members from across the country came to Washington, D.C. to demand an end to gun violence at the March for Our Lives. We opened our doors to them, and together, we prayed, sang, and marched. Here’s a look at the weekend’s events at Temple, with the Union for Reform Judaism, and on the streets. See more photos online at whctemple.org/FaithInAction WHC Journal – May 2018 | Page 11

Celebrating Our Youth

You shall be holy, For I, the Eternal your God, am holy. Leviticus 19:2

The 130 Confirmation Service th

Please join us on Sunday, May 20, 2018, 9:00 am at Temple

onfirmation is the ceremony through which we recognize and celebrate the importance of continued Jewish education. It is traditionally linked to the festival of Shavuot when the first fruits were brought to be offered at the Temple. During their years of study, WHCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Confirmands have developed a stronger connection to the Jewish people, a greater understanding of a wide range of Jewish values, and have come to more fully appreciate the diversity of Jewish beliefs and practices. We applaud the achievements of our Confirmands and invite the entire Congregation to join us on Sunday, May 20 at 9:00 am at Temple for the confirmation of these dedicated students.

Zoe Kaitlyn Abel

Jonathan Ross Goldberg

Emily Deborah Axelrod

Bailey Nicole Goldstein

Julie and David Abel Jami and Matt Axelrod

William Aaron Barlia

Joanne and Brian Barlia

Tammy and Steven Goldberg Lisa and Brent Goldstein

Ashleigh Jeanne Gordon Terri and Fred Gordon

Adam Samuel Birnbaum

Jordyn Green

Maxwell Raphael Colen

Liam Joseph Herron

Patrick Scott Dreyfuss Connelly

Isabel Rose Hoffman

Lisa and Lewis Birnbaum Lisa and Michael Colen

Michele L. Dreyfuss and Patrick M. Connelly

Charles Michael Cornfield Elizabeth E. Feria and Dr. Alan D. Cornfield

William Dickstein

Michele and Jason Dickstein

Emily Jane Eichberg

Sherri and Jay Eichberg

Morgan Danielle Elman Susan and Stephan Elman, Nicole and Francis Correa

Benjamin Spencer Fritz Melissa and Rick Fritz

Ryan William Gans Kelly and Bob Gans

Jared Ben Glickfield Sharyn Nerenberg and Neal Glickfield

Jacob Craig Goldberg

Tammy and Steven Goldberg

Page 12 | WHC Journal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 2018

Diane and Scott Green Karen and Brendan Herron Ellen Lurie Hoffman and Matthew Hoffman

Justine Sophia Kantor Julie and Marc Kantor

Maddox H. Karp

Alissa Lash and Sean Karp

Kyle Jordy Kramer

Bryn Sherman and Scott Kramer

Colin Joshua Krinsky Ranit Schmelzer and Adam Krinsky

Samantha Malowane Leventis Laura Malowane and Andrew Leventis

Brenner Levin

Lissa and Mark Levin

Reuben Herzl Levine

Cheryl and Jason Levine

Paige Maren Magid

Vicky and Chip Magid

Fionnuala M. Mahoney Shari Boibeaux and Howard Mahoney

Samuel Marc Mermelstein Amy and Roger Mermelstein

David Mishkin

Marcie and Jay Mishkin

Zachary Monaco

Debra Mann Monaco

Lainey Rebecca Morris Sharone and Gary Morris

Jacqueline Amanda Moss Lisa and Kevin Moss

Benjamin Muenzer Melissa Schwartz and David Muenzer

Noah Aaron Putnam

Rachel and Jared Putnam

Hannah Joy Roberts

Katey and Josh Roberts

Sophie Alexa Schiff

Diane and Andrew Schiff

Brandon Schoenfeld

Dena and David Schoenfeld

Daniel Alexander Shapiro Susana and Robert Shapiro

Emma Geraldine Sitrick

Mary Beth and Robert Sitrick

Elizabeth Sara Sklaire

Amy and Michael Sklaire

Ethan Matthew Sonnenreich Deborah and Peter Sonnenreich

Paige Riley Nesbit

Graham Holden Soofer

Theodore Garrett New

Alex Taylor Stackman

Sandra and Steven Nesbit Cheryl and Andy New

Matthew Norwitz

Tracey and Scott Norwitz

Zoe Seraphina Oboler Diana and Josh Oboler

Andrew Nicholas Palim Erica and Mark Palim

Gwendolyn Claire Parks Jennifer and Jerry Parks

Andrew Prosen

Laura and Lawrence Prosen

Elise Prosen

Laura and Lawrence Prosen

Stephanie and Robert Soofer Lisa Stackman and Garrett Stackman

Charli Hope Vogel

Kimberly and Howard Vogel

Robert Spencer Wachen

Kimberly and David Wachen

Kyle Evan Wasserman Jill Wasserman and Todd Wasserman

Emmersen Brooke Hampton Weinberg Nicole and Josh Weinberg

WHC Celebrating Journal Our Youth

Religious School It has been an exciting 5778 Religious School year filled with student growth, learning, and reflection. Whether through tales from our sacred texts or stories recounted by senior members of the Congregation, students encountered our history as they prepared to shape our future. Among the many highlights (oh so many!) was our sixth-grade “Better Together” program in which students learned alongside older Temple members. Together they recreated Ellis Island, went on a walking tour of historical Jewish Washington, D.C., and studied texts addressing what it means to “respect one’s elders.” The skill of intergenerational communication is critical, and we are grateful to the adults who participated and proud of our students’ part in this special opportunity. We strive to make our school a place where civil discourse is a priority and all feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions respectfully.

WHC Journal – May 2018 | Page 13

Celebrating Our Youth

Early Childhood Centers A Unified Mission This year, DJ Schneider Jensen moved into the role of Head of Schools in addition to her position as Director of the E-T ECC. Under her guidance, the schools will continue to move forward on their vision of creating the best possible learning experiences for all children. Both of our ECCs are passionate about creating a joyful Jewish environment where our children thrive. We are lucky to have a fabulous team of dedicated professionals and invite you to meet our teachers and families at our next Tot Shabbat services, Friday, May 4 at JBSC and Friday, May 25 at Temple. As we close this school year, we reflect on the social, emotional and physical learning, growth, and development that the children have experienced and are excited to build on this in coming years.

The Edlavitch-Tyser Early Childhood Center The children at the E-T ECC have had a very busy year! The two-year-olds dove hand (and foot) first into glue, paint, mud, water, and all things sensory and have been building friendships and learning to be part of a community. The threeyear-olds have had some fascinating investigations, including the study of bones, gargoyles, and spaceships, and they cared for and said goodbye to a very special class pet. Our Pre-K students have worked on car washes and studied nature, mushrooms, and gardening. They have learned about the process of letter writing and pen pals, and have learned about and built animal habitats. We are ever grateful to our Parents Committee for their tireless efforts, including the implementation of a tile fundraiser, our annual Baskets & Bourbon event, and the many parent social activities they plan. Because of their efforts, we are able to begin planning new playground and garden projects for the children to explore and enjoy.

The Rabbi Joseph Weinberg Early Childhood Center The RJWECC welcomed a new director, Alexis Tinsley, and continued to provide children with a world of opportunities to explore. Our two-year-olds entered their new community, engaging their senses as they learned about flowers; painted with legos, sticks, and ice; and explored the delicious wonders of matzah ball soup. Three-year-olds explored the building, taking notes and counting everything from refrigerators to stairs; and fascinated by the outdoors, they have started a gardening project with their teachers. In our Pre-K classrooms, children prepared for their exciting next steps, working on academic skills through in-depth explorations into sea creatures, theater, construction, and the meaning of friendship. We are blessed to have a vibrant Parents Committee, which organized social gatherings for families throughout the year. Collaborating with the school, they funded a beautiful, revitalized Parents Center in which our families can gather. Page 14 | WHC Journal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 2018

Celebrating Our Youth

Youth Groups Enjoying the moments and creating memories. These photos, from a few of the many youth group events that took place during the past year, show the smiles, the excitement, and the friendships that happen when our young people participate in WHC youth programming. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for any child who wants to have fun, to make social connections, and to feel great about being Jewish. Thank you to all of the families who took part this year, and we hope to see even more of you next year!

WHC Journal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 2018 | Page 15

In May …

WHC Programs & Events Featured Programs

Special Worship Experiences

Israel’s Security at 70:

Tot Shabbat

An Evening With Danny Yatom Tuesday, May 1, 7:00 pm at Temple

A Worship Experience for Families With Young Children Friday, May 4, 5:30 pm at JBSC Friday, May 25, 5:00 pm at Temple

Seventy years after Israeli independence, the Middle East landscape is more complicated than ever. Now, Israel Policy Forum and WHC have partnered to bring former Mossad Director Danny Yatom to help unpack the latest developments and their implications for the Jewish state. The event will be moderated by Anne Gearan, White House correspondent for The Washington Post and is presented in partnership with the JCRC of Greater Washington, the Edlavitch DCJCC, Adas Israel Congregation, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, and the JCC of Northern Virginia. Registration preferred (free): israelpolicyforum.org/events info@israelpolicyforum.org, 212-315-1741

Jewish Humor With Jeremy Dauber and Michael Krasny Concluding Amram Scholar Series Lecture and Reception Sunday, May 6 at Temple Celebratory Reception at 5:00 pm; Program begins at 5:30 pm

Comic archetypes take center stage with an analysis of the Jewish sense of humor through the ages. Jeremy Dauber, professor of Yiddish language and culture at Columbia University, and Michael Krasny, literature scholar and the award-winning host of Forum on KQED Public Radio in San Francisco, come together to discuss their latest books, which explore the range of Jewish comedy — a genre fueled by persecution, suffering, and self-awareness. From biblical times to the Twitter age, Professor Dauber’s book, Jewish Comedy: A Serious History, explores the Jewish mother, the JAP, the schlemiel (who spills soup), and schlimazel (on whom soup is spilled), and revels in the genius of Jewish comics including Sholem Aleichem, the Marx Brothers, Woody Allen, and Jon Stewart. Dr. Krasny presents a brimming treasure trove of Jewish jokes from the shtetl to modern times with his book, Let There be Laughter: A Treasury of Great Jewish Humor and What It All Means. Join us for a good laugh! Registration preferred (free): whctemple.org/Amram Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307

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.

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

Shabbat Service Celebrating Rabbi Skloot Friday, May 4, 6:00 pm at Temple

Join us as the WHC community comes together to celebrate Rabbi Joseph Skloot’s tenure at WHC and wish him well as he heads to Hebrew Union College. We invite you and your family to join us for this special occasion.

whctemple.org/Worship Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303

Confirmation, Third-Grade Siyum Sefer, and Teacher Recognition Shabbat A Shabbat Service for All Generations Friday, May 18, 6:00 pm at Temple

This service is the start of a special weekend for WHC’s Confirmation Class. It recognizes the ECC and Religious School teachers who have made the students’ journeys possible and will honor Religious School’s Julie Spitz and the E-T ECC’s Soledad Jacinto who are marking their 18th anniversaries teaching at Washington Hebrew Congregation. We will also celebrate our third-grade Religious School students on their accomplishment of learning to read Hebrew. whctemple.org/Confirmation Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303

“Are We There Yet? What’s Changed and What Hasn’t in the Fight for Women’s Rights” A Spring Luncheon With the Women of WHC Wednesday, May 23, 11:00 am at JBSC

It’s a celebration of women! Times Up and the Me Too movement have ushered in a new fight for women’s rights. We are delighted to have one of the original women’s rights pioneers — Lynn Povich, an award-winning journalist, author, and Newsweek magazine’s first female editor — join us to speak at our Spring Luncheon. The morning begins with the official launch of our new designation as the “Women of Washington Hebrew Congregation” and continues with the installation of new Women of WHC Board members.

Registration required ($): whctemple.org/Sisterhood Ellen Barth: ellenbarthdesign@gmail.com

Page 16 | WHC Journal – May 2018

It’s not goodbye, it’s ‫( להתראות‬l’hitraot) A Shabbat Blessing for

Maxine Haberman

as she prepares to move to Israel Friday, May 18 at 6:00 pm at Temple Please join us!

In May …

WHC Programs & Events

Shabbat Dinner with

Couples Club

FRIDAY, MAY 18 730pm at Temple (dinner will follow Shabbat services)

TICKETS $36 per couple RSVP

whctemple.org/CouplesClub

Special Worship Experiences

2239’s Metro Minyan

A Shabbat Experience for Adults in Their 20s and 30s Friday, May 18, 6:15 pm at First Congregational UCC in D.C.

Special Worship Experiences Shirei Shabbat

A Musical Shabbat for All Generations Friday, May 25, 6:00 pm at Temple

Shirei Shabbat (Shabbat of Songs) is a musical, participatory service led by one of our rabbis and featuring the beautiful voices of Cantor Manevich and Cantor Bortnick. It’s an upbeat, uplifting, and inspiring way to end your week.

whctemple.org/Worship Beth Donaldson: bdonaldson@whctemple.org, 202-895-6309

Faith in Action

The 21%: The Lives of Arab Citizens of Israel

Sunday, May 6, 1:00 pm at the Edlavitch DCJCC in D.C.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the daily lives and challenges of Arab Citizens of Israel. The program features the screening of the deeply moving documentary In Her Footsteps, a short film produced by Israeli high school students as part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s triangular school partnership program. Following the film is an in-depth discussion about Bedouin society in Israel with filmmaker Rana Abu-Fraiha and Safa Abu-Rabia, a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University’s Department of Anthropology. Moderated by Social Venture Co-Chair Joshua Arnow.

This monthly Shabbat experience for young professionals begins with “A Shot of Torah,” an opportunity to study the weekly Torah portion and dive into some serious (and not so serious) Jewish discussion. The guitar-led, come-as-you-are Shabbat service starts at 7:00 pm and is followed by dinner.

Registration required ($): wjff.org/21percent Further information: wjff.org/21percent

Confirmation Service

Registration required ($): CarrieSimonHouse.org Further information: info@CarrieSimonHouse.org

Registration required for dinner only ($): whctemple.org/2239 Valerie Hillman Bluestein: vhillman@whctemple.org

A Worship Experience for All Generations Sunday, May 20, 9:00 am at Temple

Carrie Simon House Spring Tea Fundraiser

Sunday, May 6, 3:00 pm at Boulangerie Christophe in D.C.

Celebrate the resilient women of Carrie Simon House and learn more about our program at the Spring Tea Fundraiser with special guest Robert White Jr., D.C. Councilmember. Continued on page 25.

During their years of study, WHC’s Confirmands have developed a stronger connection to the Jewish people, a greater understanding of Jewish values, and have come to more fully understand the diversity of Jewish beliefs and practices. We invite the entire Congregation to join us at this meaningful service, designed and led by our Confirmands.

whctemple.org/Confirmation Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303

Shavuot Festival and Yizkor Service A Worship Experience for All Generations Sunday, May 20, 10:30 am at Temple

Shavuot, the last of the Jewish calendar’s four festival services, gives us another opportunity to come together in prayer as we remember those whose memories live on in our hearts.

whctemple.org/Shavuot Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307

WHC Journal – May 2018 | Page 17

May 2018 Sunday

Monday

9:30am Religious School (M&B) 1:00pm “The 21%: The Lives of Arab Citizens of Israel” (OUT) 5:00pm Amram Program and Closing Reception With Jeremy Dauber and Michael Krasny (M)

Mother’s Day 9:30am Religious School (M&B)

Shavuot 9:30am Religious School (M&B)

Tuesday

4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (B) 6:00pm Upper School (M) 7:00pm Bereavement Group (M) 7:00pm Israel at 70: An Evening With Mossad Director Danny Yatom (M)

10:00am Sisterhood Monthly Meeting (B) 11:00am Katherine Reynolds Lewis: “The Good News About Bad Behavior” (B) 7:00pm 12JQ (M) 7:15pm WHC Academy – make-up session (M)

6:30pm WHECTY Senior Celebration (B) 7:00pm 12JQ (M)

10:00am Conversational Hebrew – Intermediate (M) 12:30pm Prime Timers’ Luncheon (M) 7:00pm 12JQ (M)

Wednesday

4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (B) 6:00pm Upper School (M) 7:00pm Bereavement Support (M)

4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (B) 6:00pm Confirmation (M) 7:00pm Bereavement Support (M)

1:00pm Wednesday Study Group(M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M)

1:00pm Wednesday Study Group(M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M) 7:00pm Attorneys’ Study Group (OUT) 7:30pm Community Issues/Social Action Meeting (M)

1:00pm Wednesday Study Group(M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M)

1:00pm Wednesday Study Group(M)

6:30pm WHECTY End-of-Year Banquet (B) 7:00pm Bereavement Support (M)

Services: 9:00am Confirmation Service (M) 10:30am Shavuot Yizkor and Festival Service (M)

Page 18 | WHC Journal – May 2018

Memorial Day Offices and ECCs Closed (M&B)

7:00pm Bereavement Support (M)

B: Julia Bindeman Suburban Center

M: Temple

OUT: Not at a WHC location

Iyyar-Sivan 5778 Thursday Lag B’Omer

Friday

Saturday

10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B) 6:00pm Tot Shabbat Family Dinner (B)

Services: 5:30pm Tot Shabbat (B) 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 6:00pm Shabbat Service Celebrating Rabbi Joseph Skloot (M)

10:00am Conversational Hebrew – Intermediate /Advanced (B) 11:15am Conversational Hebrew – Beginner/Intermediate (B)

Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) 5:30pm Afternoon Service and Havdalah (M) Bat Mitzvah of Evie Lubar

10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B)

10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B) 7:00pm 3rd-Grade Religious School Family Dinner (M) 7:00pm Confirmation Family Dinner (M) 7:00pm Couples Club Shabbat Dinner (M)

Services: 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 6:00pm Confirmation, Teacher Recognition, and 3rdGrade Siyum Sefer Shabbat Service with Blessing for Maxine Haberman (M) 6:15pm 2239’s Metro Minyan (OUT)

12 Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) B’nei Mitzvah of Luke Adams and Jack Solovey 5:30pm Afternoon Service and Havdalah (M) B’not Mitzvah of Samantha Goldberg and Lauren Heberlee

Services: 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 6:00pm Shabbat Service (M)

5:00pm Club 56 Event (OUT)

10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B) 5:30pm Tot Shabbat Family Dinner (M) 7:00pm Kol Rinah Dinner (M)

Services: 5:00pm Tot Shabbat (M) 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 6:00pm Shabbat Service (M)

Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) Bar Mitzvah of Alex Lehtman 5:30pm Afternoon Service and Havdalah (M) Bar Mitzvah of Eli Rethy

26 Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) B’nei Mitzvah of Ellie and Sam Moseman 5:30pm Afternoon Service and Havdalah (M) B’nei Mitzvah of Dylan Cohen and Aidan Lash

WHC Journal – May 2018 | Page 19

Mazel Tov to WHCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s May B'nei Mitzvah Evie Brynn Lubar May 5, Havdalah Evie is a seventh-grade student at Cabin John Middle School. She is the daughter of Todd Lubar and Jill & Jon Pearlman; the sister of Jackson Lubar and Zachary and Abby Pearlman; and the granddaughter of Terry & Paul Lubar, Barbara & Michael Greenberg, and JoAnn & Stanley Pearlman.

Lauren Kate Heberlee May 12, Havdalah Lauren is a seventh-grade student at Thomas W. Pyle Middle School. She is the daughter of Marjie & Brent Heberlee; the sister of Samantha; and the granddaughter of Ruth & Allan Schachter, Nancy Heberlee, and Gene Heberlee.

Luke Benjamin Adams May 12, Morning Luke is a seventh-grade student at McLean School. He is the son of Nicole & Michael Adams; the brother of Sadie and Lily; and the grandson of Bernadine David, Gerald David, Carolyn Adams, and Earl Adams.

Alec Ryne Lehtman May 19, Morning Alec is a seventh-grade student at Herbert Hoover Middle School. He is the son of Nicole & Jeff Lehtman; the brother of Zachary; and the grandson of Monica & the late Adolfo Link, Madalyn & David Gordon, and Robin & the late Steven Lehtman.

Jack Barnet Solovey May 12, Morning Jack is a sixth-grade student at Green Acres School. He is the son of Jennifer & Jon Solovey; the brother of Jenna Solovey; and the grandson of Barbara & Harold Mordkofsky and Traci & the late David Solovey.

Eli Lance Rethy May 19, Havdalah Eli is a seventh-grade student at Alice Deal Middle School. He is the son of Janine & Michael Rethy; the brother of Emma and Layla; and the grandson of Cathy & Denis Abrams and Vicki & Charlie Rethy.

Samantha Ashley Goldberg May 12, Havdalah Samantha is a seventh-grade student at Cabin John Middle School. She is the daughter of Nicole & Marc Goldberg, the sister of Jenna; and the granddaughter of Joe & Amy Musher, Esther & Steve Jacobs, and Carol & Len Goldberg.

Ellie Paige Moseman May 26, Morning Ellie is an eighth-grade student at Thomas W. Pyle Middle School. She is the daughter of Courtney & Eric Moseman; the sister of Sam, Leo, and Miles; and the granddaughter of Susan & Edward Stevens and Beverly & Philip Moseman.

Page 20 | WHC Journal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 2018

WHC Journal

Samuel Parker Moseman May 26, Morning Sam is a sixth-grade student at The Lab School of Washington. He is the son of Courtney & Eric Moseman; the brother of Ellie, Leo, and Miles; and the grandson of Susan & Edward Stevens and Beverly & Philip Moseman.

Dylan Arielle Cohen May 26, Havdalah Dylan is a seventh-grade student at Robert Frost Middle School. She is the daughter of Leslie & Steve Cohen; the sister of Sydney and Ethan; and the granddaughter of Phyllis & Maurice Michelson and Linda & Bill Cohen.

Aidan Fisher Lash May 26, Havdalah Aidan is a seventh-grade student at Westland Middle School. He is the son of Leanne & David Lash; the brother of Madelyn; and the grandson of Alice & Peter Rogers and Linda & Myles Lash.

Director’s Reflection (continued from page 3) know, by our words and our actions, that they matter. We are giving them time to learn who they are and who they want to become. We are listening to them share their ideas, their concerns, their hopes, and their dreams. This takes place on weekend afternoons with our younger youth groups, on Tuesday nights with our teens, and on weekend retreats.

Honoring Religious School Bibliophiles

Some of our Read-a-Thon winners from left to right: Harrison Rosenberg, Ellen Share (WHC Librarian), Rachel Solomon, Benjamin Gildea, Lily Werner-Gross, Lizzie Gilfoff, and Isaac Gilgoff

his year, during our annual Tzedakah Read-a-Thon, 31 students in kindergarten through 3rd grade read 417 Jewish books and raised $1,936, which we donated to three very special organizations. They are Carrie Simon House, which provides a home and life skills training for young women and their children; Jewish National Fund, for their therapeutic riding centers for children with disabilities in Israel; and Hope for Henry, to provide electronic toys and games – necessary distractions for hospitalized children with cancer. At our Shabbat Purim service, we recognized the children in each grade who read the greatest number of books: Kindergarten: Harrison Korman (1st place); First Grade: Rachel Solomon (1st place), Benjamin Gildea, Lizzie Gilgoff, Taila Kirsch, and Lily Werner-Gross (2nd place); Second Grade: Emmett Bailen (1st place), Liviya Lesburg (2nd place); Third Grade: Jessica Block, Isaac Gilgoff, Harrison Rosenberg (1st place); and all 31 participants received a specially created certificate. We are so proud of our young bibliophiles’ commitment to the Jewish values of tzedakah and learning about Jewish history and culture through reading.

We are proud of our young people, but perhaps now more than ever, we are seeing them practice the Jewish values we have taught them throughout the years at Sunday School, for their B’nei Mitzvah, through Confirmation, and in our youth groups. We know that by providing teens with the foundation to understand the importance of doing good and opportunities to put that into practice, we strengthen them, our Congregation, and the wider community. WHC Journal – May 2018 | Page 21

Life Cycle

Congratulations to… Barbara Bassin & Stan Appelbaum, on the birth and naming of their granddaughter, Riley Galilee Newman (Galilee); and to Riley’s parents, Jenna & Michael Newman. Jill & Michael Blumberg, on the birth and naming of their granddaughter, Jacqueline Ariel Blumberg (Josefa Penina); and to Jacqueline’s parents, Robin & Brian Blumberg, and maternal grandparents, Ann & Alan Toblin.

Jenna Block Cooper & Mitch Cooper, on their marriage. Jenna is the daughter of Mindee & Bruce Block; Mitch is the son of Ellen & Charlie Cooper. Katherine “Kakki” Reynolds Lewis, on the publication of her book, The Good News About Bad Behavior: Why Kids Are Less Disciplined Than Ever — And What to Do About It. Julie & Harrison Miller, on the birth of their son, Jackson Gelman Miller; and to Jackson’s grandparents, Elaine & William Miller and Mikki & Jeff Ashin. Trisha & Jim Ritzenberg, on the marriage of their daughter, Carly Ritzenberg, to Jordan Meltzer, the son of Susan & Perry Meltzer. Nancy & Bob Silverberg, on the birth of their granddaughter, Lake Soleil Silverberg; and to Lake’s parents, Beth Silverberg & Eli Rosenfeld; and paternal grandparents, Terry & Stephen Rosenfeld. Aileen & Tony Unger, on the naming of their grandson, James Reed Harding (Akiva); and to James’ parents, Samantha & Nick Harding, and paternal grandparents, Powel & Rob Harding.

Our Sincerest Condolences… America Andrade, mother of Maria Salazar. Bess Brill, mother of Dr. David Brill (Anne), Dr. Judith Brill (Dr. Marvin Ament), and Susan Kay (Dr. Douglass Kay); grandmother of eight; great-grandmother of two. Claudia Eisen Flack, wife of Stuart Flack; mother of Nathaniel and Caleb; sister of Amy Krupsky (Ken); aunt of Rachel Krupsky and Lydia Toppston. Joseph Hein, husband of Estelle Hein; father of Paula Robinson (Bruce), Debby Loube (Jacky), and Mark Hein (Susan); grandfather of six. Arnell Kudysh, mother of Jeanne Spivak (Marvin); grandmother of Amy Yontef-McGrath (John McGrath), Kevin Spivak (Kellie), Gregory Spivak (Zohar), David Yontef (Maryanne), Andrew Spivak (Jill), and Robyn Dinallo (Kevin); greatgrandmother of fifteen. George Perlman, husband of Elaine Perlman; father of Abby Blunt (Roy) and Amy Bubes (Mark); grandfather of Erica Ruder (Michael), Samantha Weiss (Alan), Stacy Bubes, and Charlie Blunt. Shirlee Rivin, wife of Robert Rivin; mother of Beth Rivin Donaldson (Evan), Nomi Rivin Mayslish (Shmulik Mayslish), and the late Sheila Rivin Chapman; grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of three. Lois Robins, mother of Jeffrey Robins (Rena) and Steven Robbins (Debra); grandmother of Jared, Josh (Andrea), Chad (Jillian), and Callie. May Sue “Soo-Z” Stein, mother of Steven Stein (Kathi) and Sherry Stein; grandmother of Jeffrey, Matthew, and Robert. Barry Wessler, husband of Marilyn Wessler; father of Michael Wessler (Tina Bronkhorst) and Emily Wessler (Steve Kohn); brother of Shelley Kirsch, Judy Wessler, and Eliot Wessler; grandfather of Jonathan, Ben, and Kate. Sandra N. Yuffee, wife of Lester Yuffee; mother of Rachel Ehudin (Marc), Todd Yuffee (Jan), and Michael Yuffee; sister of Paula Shtrum; grandmother of Peri Ehudin, Maxi and Orin Davidson, Ali, Berret, Zack, and Robbie Yuffee.

…may their memory be a blessing. Page 22 | WHC Journal – May 2018

Contributions

We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions, received through March 31. 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 Joel Felt’s Birthday Sean Collin’s Birthday Cathi Collin’s Birthday Nancy Petschek Kohn’s Birthday Hank Schlosberg’s Speedy Recovery Patricia Fitzgibbons’ Birthday Marilyn Belz’ Birthday Sidney Silver’s Birthday Nate Judson’s Birthday Donor In Memory of: Andrew Ammerman Sheldon Kohn Jeffrey Ferguson

Amram Sunday Scholar Series Endowment Fund

Donor Y.G. Issembert

Florence & Norman Brody Archives Endowment Fund Donor Beverly Baker Simeon M. Kriesberg

In Memory of: Henri Issembert In Memory of: Sarah G. Baker Florence Brody

Jane Burka Sisterhood Leadership Fund

Donor WHC Sisterhood Donor In Honor of: Mildred & Howard Amer Robin Amer & Aaron Jacobson’s Marriage Arlene Bardy Mildred Amer’s Special Birthday Lynne Goldstein Mildred Amer’s Special Birthday Brenda Green Mildred Amer’s Special Birthday Enid Herbert Mildred Amer’s Special Birthday Mina Kotler Mildred Amer’s Special Birthday Miriam Merkur Mildred Amer’s Special Birthday Rosalyn Muroff Mildred Amer’s Special Birthday WHC Sisterhood Birth of Mackenzie Gray Feldman Donor In Memory of: Mildred & Howard Amer Evelyn Zweig Sherry Tobias Mitteldorf Kathy & Jody Dreyfuss Lois Hechinger England David N. Dreyfuss Mortimer Hirschfield WHC Sisterhood Sherry Mitteldorf

Cantorial & Concert Fund

Donor Howard Lehrer Frank Spigel Sheri & Max Zweig Donor In Honor of: Mimi & Tommy Nordlinger Nancy & John Harris’ Special Anniversary Traci Solovey Cantor Bortnick Donor In Memory of: Karen & David Cantor Dr. Alfred Abramson Susan & Alan Gold Mickey Gold Ruth Worgaftik Phyllis Meyers Naomi Oshinsky Mimi & Tommy Nordlinger Sue Corenman Kraft Rashel Manevich Jackie & Franklin Paulson Regina Frank Marilyn Wessler Rashel Manevich Claire H. West Reta & Max Heuman

Lois & Richard England Childrens Library Endowment Fund

Donor Marsha S. Pinson & family

In Memory of: Lisa Vise

Lois & Richard England Special Needs Fund

Donor Mrs. Louis Levy

In Memory of: Lois Hechinger England

Lois & Richard England Special Needs Fund

Donor Kaye & Ed Mopsik

General Fund

In Memory of: Frances Appleman

Donor Kathyrn Couture Dr. Larrie & Joyce Greenberg Michelle Rubin Donor In Honor of: Nicole & Michael Adams Bar Mitzvah of Luke Benjamin Adams Sherry Berz Rabbi Lustig Nancy Misler Mohan Mistry Madge Novel Maria Thompson Tim & Hilari Dunn Bar Mitzvah of Wyatt Smith Dunn Claire Galed Marriage of Sarah Bickart & Adi Paliti Neal & Cindy Ginsberg Miles Roger Nicole & Marc Goldberg Bat Mitzvah of Samantha Ashley Goldberg Marjie & Brent Heberlee Bat Mitzvah of Lauren Kate Heberlee Ann & Andrew Kay Bar Mitzvah of William Gouldin Kay Lissa & Mark Levin Bat Mitzvah of Jansyn Skye Levin Courtney & Eric Moseman Bar Mitzvah of Samuel Parker Moseman Todd Lubar, Jill & Jonathan Pearlman Bat Mitzvah of Evie Brynn Lubar Janine & Michael Rethy Bar Mitzvah of Eli Lance Rethy Lisa & Daniel Schneiderman Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Henry Schneiderman Jon & Jennifer Solovey Bar Mitzvah of Jack Barnet Solovey Donor In Memory of: Susan Berg Ted Wilensky Jane Wilensky M.V. Berman Annie Lou Berman Jack D. Blaine Selma Blaine Harold Blaine Jandy Blaine Arthur Rosenthal James & Daphne Bloomberg Ruth Bloomberg Francis Chucker, MD Lewis Wexler Beatrice Wexler Francis & Beth Chucker Bess Brill Grace Dody Stella Robinowitz Neil & Emily Kishter Dana Orleans Kishter Herbert & Sandra Ezrin Daniel Ezrin Linda & Jay Freedman Sophie G. Freedman Nancy & Carl Gewirz Frances R. Gewirz Morris Hariton Betty Glassman Marc Marks Mr. & Mrs. Roger Golden Evelyn Golden Amy & Gary Heimberg Susan Abrams Wendy & Rodney Hertz Dr. Philip Miller Paula & Marty Himeles Geda Katy Murray L. Howder Hilda Rose Howder Mary Singer Beth & Steve Jacober Bruce Jacober Ferne Jaffe Toby Kaplon Robert & Ronnie Jersky Michael Jersky Ron & Susan Karp Seth Karp Bruce Kipnis Joseph Kipnis Dr. & Mrs. Israel Kogan David Cogan Nick Kotz Jacob Kotz Barry & Polly Kraus Alyssa Alhadeff, Stoneman Douglas HS Student Joanne Lamm Theodore Schwartz Phyllis & Mort Lessans Florence Brody Marvin Levy Margaret Levy Alisa Liebowitz Dr. Harold Liebowitz

General Fund

Donor In Memory of: Jay & Dorothy Martin Bernard Martin Fern & Mark Mazo Samuel Litman Judith Litman Lindau Selig S. Merber & Andrea Grant Ruth Merber Deborah & Irving Mizus Judith Litman Lindau Ruben Moller Tommie Moller Courtney & Eric Moseman Mildred April Linda & Alvin Neuman Marjorie Neuman Janet Neuman Ronald J. Orleans Anne Orleans Lionel & Annette Pashkoff Nat Pashkoff Ruth Rudolph Perlin Sadie B. Rudolph Bertha D. Brown Hon. Stephen & Mrs. Susan Porter Bernard Porter Jane Rodman Adeline Cohn Betty B. Ross Allan Beckanstin Joyce Sandler Mary Alprin Suzanne & Craig Scheer Maurice Gilbert Carol Schwartz Stanley Levitt Leslie Shapiro Marlyn Cohen Ellen & Gerald Sigal Leonard H. Sigal Saul Gostkov Shirley Gostkov Ronald Sinker Robert Sinker Mr. & Mrs. Albert H. Small Florence Brody Sarah R. Small Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Smernoff Joseph I. Myers Milton Smernoff The Family of Jacob P. Billig Jacob P. Billig Frank Spigel Virginia K. Solis-Cohen Marvin & Jeanne Spivak Julia C. Spivak Judy Starrels Dr. Allan Weingold Fred & Lauren Sternburg Evelyn Zweig Donna & Stanley Stoller Laura G. Stoller Judith & Richard Sugarman Ervin Unger Roslyn Wolf Dr. Seymour Wolf

Leo & Elizabeth Goodman Public Issues Endowment Fund

Donor Joan Churchill Donor Joan Churchill

In Honor of: Jacob Waterman’s Birthday David Ontell’s Birthday In Memory of: Daniel Anderson Judith Finn

Abraham & Freida Hochberg Culture & Scholar Fund Donor Phil & Jane Hochberg

Hurston Library

Donor Ledolph & Inge Baer Deborah Graze Ellie Palmer

In Memory of: Abe Hochberg Elma Wolf Sarah G. Wolf

In Memory of: Norbert Rosenbaum Gerald Graze Armand Checker

Carol Kellner ECC Memorial Fund

Donor Rickie & Ray Bialek

In Memory of: Jacob Silverman

Rose E. Koenig Religious School Fund

Donor WHC Sisterhood Donor Anne C. Golder WHC Sisterhood

In Honor of: Birth of Madeline Grace Tankel In Memory of: Wendell Packard Sheldon Tankel

Kol Rinah Choir

Donor In Memory of: Murray R. Stein & Barbara Baylus Stein Dr. Meyer M. Baylus WHC Journal – May 2018 | Page 23

Contributions Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig Scholarship Fund

Carrie Simon House

Donor Goldman, Sachs & Co. Matching Gift Program Donor In Honor of: Stephen & Janine Rosen Bat Mitzvah of Dylan Reese Rosen Donor In Memory of: Arlene Cherner Henrietta & Benjamin Kay Joyce Sands & Randy Posin Ethel Denis

Donor Carole Berk Hermine Levy Dreyfuss Susan Rolnick

Mitzvah Day

Tikkun Olam Values (TOV) Fund

Donor In Memory of: Cheryl Bleiberg Richard Fetters Anne & Ben Friedman & Family S.R. Greenwald Sylvia Solomon Eileen & Ronnie Orleans & family Bobby Sher The Spear Family Scott Spear

Stephanie Morris Prime Timers Programming Fund

Donor In Memory of: Louis H. Kornhauser Jennie Mensh Kornhauser Suzy & Al Morris Dr. Fredric Schiffman Elisabeth Posner Schouten Elizabeth Kahn Benjamin Posner Fanny Posner Lillian Smuckler Gary Smuckler

Kamy Loren Nathanson Bar & Bat Mitzvah Kiddush Cup Endowment Fund

Donor In Honor of: Sheldon & Judy Grosberg Rabbi Shankman Donor In Memory of: Steven Fischer & Linda Adler Lester Fischer Alan Malman & Judy Smith Doris Schwartzreich Amy Bronrott Munaker & Alan Munaker Annette Bronrott Melvin Bragman

Sylvia & Saul Ritzenberg Humanitarian Fund

Donor Renee Schulman Donor Patricia Sagon

In Memory of: Marc Marks

Naomi & LeRoy Robins Medical Emergency Fund

Donor Margaret R. Lawson Eve & Richard Robins Richard Robins & Family

In Memory of: John L. Lawson Hy Kossow E.J. Ellisberg

Harold “Buddy” & Shirley Robinson Memorial Education Fund

Donor In Honor of: Stephanie & Stephen Tankel Adi Paliti & Sarah Bickart’s Upcoming Marriage

Selinger (Childrens) Library

Donor Faith, Kolman & Nora Apt Wendy Cimmet Veda Levy & Family

In Memory of: A. Harris Grossman Maxine Markson Margaret Levy

Abe & Sylvia Shrinsky Creative Worship Program Fund Donor Sheldon & Judy Grosberg Donor Faith & Jim Kirk

In Honor of: Cantor Bortnick In Memory of: Frank Knapp

Abram Simon Elementary School Camp Fund

Donor Ellen-Sue & Neal Brown Nina Kraut & Nick Kraut The Pinson/Vine Family Ellen & Stewart Share

In Memory of: Doris Schwartzreich Rose Baum Kraut Bob Greenbaum Wendell Packard Rashel Manevich

Abram Simon Elementary School Fund Donor Cerlene Myers Rose

Page 24 | WHC Journal – May 2018

In Memory of: Joseph Martin Myers

In Memory of: Ceil Jacobs Lillian Salle Levy Philip A. Lozowick Sara T. Rolnick

C. Haskell & Ruth Small Music Fund

Donor Sherry Sundick

Donor Kathy Jones Donor Patricia Fabrikant Heidi & Sandy Sinick

In Memory of: C. Haskell Small

In Honor of: Bat Mitzvah of Rachel Rubin In Memory of: Marvin Fabrikant Evelyn M. Zweig

Rabbi Joseph Weinberg Young Leadership Community Service Fund

Donor In Memory of: Moritz Cohen Jr. & Beverly Gendleman Milton Gendleman Linda & Roy Green Fannie LeShay

Wender Memorial Archives Fund

Donor In Honor of: Frank Spigel Louis & Dorothy Kornhauser’s Birthdays Donor In Memory of: Frank Spigel Edie Dorfman

WHC Hunger Project

Donor Holly & Jeffrey Bergman Donor In Memory of: Holly & Jeffrey Bergman Anita Bergman Barry, Suzan, Jessica & Hilary Friedman Nora Balk

Worship & Music Fund

Donor Ms. Margaret Cotter A. Howard & Sharon Metro Donor Lisa & Steven Diamond Veda J. Levy & family Jane Marks Larry Minkoff & family Regina Porten Tricia & James Ritzenberg Donor Shirley Garber & Family Dr. Marvin Korengold Judy Messitte Frank Spigel Albert H. Taub, MD Eve & Nate Wallace WHC Sisterhood

In Honor of: Rabbi Lustig Rabbi Miller Rabbi Skloot Rabbi Skloot Rabbi Skloot Rabbi Lustig In Memory of: Janet Zelinsky Edna Korengold Michael Messitte Louis Levy Debra Taub David Wallace Rashel Manevich

Youth Fund

Donor Sheri & Max Zweig

Ivy Zola’s Help-a-Friend Fund

Donor In Honor of: Andrea & Geoffrey Zola Brittani Ogransky’s Special Birthday Donor In Memory of: Paula, Neal, Steven, Michael & Cheka Bobys Meyer G. Kushner Annette Brooks Alvin Brooks David & Arlene Draiman William Draiman Mr. & Mrs. Dudley Dworken Curtis Dworken Alison McWilliams Max Checker Joan & Norman Smith Evelyn Zweig Andrea & Geoffrey Zola Armand Checker

President’s Column (continued from page 10)

It was also a great source of pride to experience WHC’s first — and second — annual Rosh Hashanah Community Onegs. Held before and in between services on Rosh Hashanah day, the Community Oneg, an event which grew from a Board member’s suggestion, filled Edlavitch Hall with information, resources, and people showcasing all the opportunities WHC has to offer. It was a successful paradigm shift for our Congregation, and the feeling of community among all who participated made it a very sweet way to start the New Year. I have truly enjoyed getting to know so many of you during my term as President. On the night of my installation, I mentioned in my speech that Debbie and I wanted to host Shabbat dinners at our home for WHC members, staff, and clergy. It began as a glimmer of an idea: to have monthly dinners where the tables could form “organically” by enabling WHC members to register for a dinner without knowing who else would attend. It resulted in 16 dinners for more than 160 fellow congregants in our home, two Tot Shabbats (one at Temple and one at JBSC), and the Metro Minyan that took place at Temple. These evenings, as much as anything else, will remain highlights of my term. I look back on the past two years with pride. I am grateful for all that we accomplished during my term. We introduced novel programming while we continued to serve the members of Washington Hebrew Congregation and fulfill their spiritual needs by providing a connection to our rich and beautiful heritage, just as we have done, year in and year out for 166 years. Of course, there is still much left to accomplish, and I know I leave my post in capable, dedicated hands. I hope you will join me at the upcoming Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 3 when Nell Shapiro is installed as the next President of the Congregation. I look forward to supporting her and future leaders in years to come.

In May …

WHC Programs & Events (continued from page 17) Youth

ZavaZone! For 4th-, 5th-, and 6th-Grade Students Saturday, May 5, 5:00 pm in Rockville

FILM SCREENING, DISCUSSION, & LUNCH Monday, May 21 | 12:30 pm | Temple Join us for lunch and a screening of Shalom Y’all, a documentary about the diverse history of our country’s southern Jews.

TICKETS: $12 Prime Timers; $15 non-members

whctemple.org/PrimeTimers

Opportunities for Adults to Engage Couples Club Shabbat Dinner

An Evening for Couples in Their 20s, 30s, and 40s Friday, May 18, 7:00 pm at Temple

Celebrate the warmth of Shabbat at a special dinner with the Couples Club. Connect with new and old friends as we enjoy a delicious meal immediately following Shabbat services.

Registration required ($): whctemple.org/CouplesClub Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303

Prime Timers: Film Screening, Discussion, and Lunch A Program for Men and Women in Their Senior Years Monday, May 21, 12:30 pm at Temple

Join us for lunch and a screening and discussion of Shalom Y’all, a documentary about the unique and diverse history of our country’s Southern Jews created by Brian Bain, himself a third-generation Jew from New Orleans.

Registration required ($): whctemple.org/PrimeTimers Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303

Lifelong Learning

“The Good News About Bad Behavior” With Parent Educator and Author Katherine Reynolds Lewis Monday, May 7, 11:00 am at JBSC

Every parent experiences that feeling of irritation, shame, embarrassment, or frustration when their kid misbehaves. And now, with digital distractions everywhere and disapproving grandparents looking on, it seems like today’s children are having a harder time than ever maintaining self-control. Are we crazy, or is their behavior really worse now than ever before? Katherine “Kakki” Reynolds Lewis says it’s not all in our heads! The author of The Good News About Bad Behavior: Why Kids Are Less Disciplined Than Ever and What to Do About It, she is also an award-winning journalist and certified parent educator. This program is organized by WHC Sisterhood. Registration preferred (free): whctemple.org/Sisterhood Ellen Miller Kelly: whcsisterhood@gmail.com

We’re ending the year with a trip to ZavaZone! Join us as we explore the ninja course, play trampoline dodge ball, take on the ropes course, and more!

Registration required ($): whctemple.org/Club56 Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209

WHECTY Senior Celebration For 8th- Through 12th-Grade Students Monday, May 14, 6:30 pm at JBSC

Join us as we begin a new tradition! In addition to honoring our graduating Board seniors, we will also celebrate our Post Confirmation graduates who have spent two additional years participating in our Upper School program!

Registration required ($): whctemple.org/WHECTY Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209

Third-Grade Siyum Sefer Dinner Friday, May 18, 6:00 pm at Temple

Our third-grade students have worked incredibly hard to learn how to read Hebrew, and we will celebrate their accomplishments at our Shabbat service and with a special dinner afterward.

Registration required for dinner only ($): whctemple.org/ReligiousSchool Jonathan Honigman: jhonigman@whctemple.org, 301-354-3223

WHECTY Banquet For 8th- Through 12th-Grade Students Tuesday, May 22, 6:30 pm at JBSC

Celebrate another great year with WHECTY! The annual banquet includes thanking outgoing Board members and installing the new 2018-2019 WHECTY Board.

Registration required (free): whctemple.org/WHECTY Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209

Join us for Tea in Georgetown Celebrate the resilient women of Carrie Simon House and learn more about the program

Spring Tea Fundraiser

with special guest Robert White Jr. D.C. Councilmember Sunday, May 6 300 – 500pm

Boulangerie Christophe 1422 Wisconsin Ave. NW

Tickets available at CarrieSimonHouse.org WHC Journal – May 2018 | Page 25

WHC Nominees Journal to Serve on the 2018 – 2020 Executive Committee

Continued from page 7.

Dan Werner – Assistant Secretary Dan has been a member of the Congregation for 30 years and a member of the Board of Directors since 2015. He serves on the Communications Committee and the Community Issues/ Social Action Committee and is Vice Chair of the Amram Scholar Series. Dan is the former President of MacNeil/Lehrer Productions, which produced the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer on PBS, and is a former Executive Producer at NewsHour Productions, LLC. He also serves as the Executive Director of By the People, a civic journalism and engagement project of public television that generates citizen deliberations and television programs on controversial issues of politics and social policy. Dan earned his bachelor’s degree from New York University and graduate degrees in law and journalism from Columbia University. Dan’s wife, Leslie Maitland, served as an officer of the Congregation and chairs the Amram Scholar Series. They are the proud parents of two children – Zachary and Ariel, who is married to Ari Savitzky. This past year, they were delighted to welcome their first grandchild, Lyra Jane.

Lewis Wiener – General Counsel Lew and his wife, Alisa, have been WHC members for more than 25 years. Lew serves as the Temple’s General Counsel and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2012. He also co-chairs the Development Committee, is a member of the Professional Development Committee, has chaired the ECC Committee, and co-chaired a previous Rabbinic Search Committee. A Partner with the global law firm Eversheds Sutherland, Lew co-chairs the firm’s global financial services disputes and investigations group. Previously, Lew was a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany and received his law degree from The American University, Washington College of Law. Lew is also a past Co-Chair and longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, a member of the Board of Trustees at The Holton-Arms School, and is the judicially-appointed Chair of the U.S. Court of Claims Advisory Board. Lew and his wife have three children, Zachary, Jillian, and Lindsay.

Nominees to Serve on the Washington Hebrew Congregation Board of Directors

Ellen Berlow Ellen has been a member of Washington Hebrew Congregation since the 1960s. Together with her late husband Ralph F. Berlow, her children Eliza and Josh, and her three grandchildren, the Berlow family has been actively engaged with the Temple and has celebrated countless life cycle events there throughout the decades. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, Ellen has served on WHC committees, including Community Issues/Social Action and the EmptyNesters. She has enrolled in many of the Congregation’s adult education courses and is the co-founder of WHC Books, the Temple’s library discussion group that meets quarterly to share books and poetry on Jewish themes. She attended the most recent Union for Reform Judaism’s Biennial conference in San Diego as a WHC delegate.

Joseph Firschein Joseph has been a member of WHC since 2012. He and his wife, Rachel, are actively engaged in a full range of Temple activities, and their children are students at the Congregation’s Religious School at Temple. Joseph is Deputy Associate Director and Community Affairs Officer at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. He leads a team that is responsible for promoting effective programs and strategies associated with community development lending, investing, and financial services. Previously, he was a Director in Fannie Mae’s Housing and Community Development Division and worked at the U.S. Treasury Department Community Development Financial Institutions Fund and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Joseph is also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and George Washington University, where he teaches community development finance and policy. He has an M.B.A from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of California, Berkeley; and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stanford University. He and Rachel have two daughters, Ava and Jennifer, and reside in the District. Page 26 | WHC Journal – May 2018

Nominees to Serve on the Washington Hebrew Congregation Board of Directors

Susan B. Gerson Susan has been a member of Washington Hebrew Congregation for several years, having joined when her son Jacob began his studies at WHC’s Religious School. Susan has served the United States Attorneys’ community for the past 15 years as in-house Counsel with the Executive Office for United States Attorneys at the Department of Justice, handling the full range of employment-, professionalism-, and performance-related matters. Prior to joining the Justice Department, Susan was an employment lawyer and litigator at Morgan Lewis LLP. She received her Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a bachelor’s degree in history and social thought and political economy. In the wider community, Susan has been active in Jacob’s school, serving as Chair of Janney Elementary School’s local school advisory team and otherwise participating in Janney’s community-focused committees. Susan is married to Beth Aronson (whose family’s WHC membership began more than 100 years ago with her maternal great-grandparents). They have one son, Jacob, and live in Washington, D.C.

Jeremy London Jeremy has been a member of Washington Hebrew Congregation for 30 years. He attended WHC Religious School and has celebrated all major life events with WHC. His parents, Dr. Gary and the late Susan London, have also been longtime and active members of the Congregation. Jeremy graduated from the University of Michigan and received a Juris Doctor from the George Washington University Law School with highest honors. He began his legal career at the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP where he has been a Partner since 2006, specializing in mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance transactions. He has been named a leading mergers and acquisitions attorney in Washington by Chambers USA each year since 2008. Jeremy is involved in numerous pro bono activities at Skadden, including having represented survivors of the Holocaust in ghetto reparations programs. Jeremy and his wife, Robin, have three children, Samantha, Casey, and Cooper, who attended the Rabbi Joseph Weinberg Early Childhood Center.

Alejandro Mayorkas Alejandro Mayorkas and his family have been members of Washington Hebrew Congregation since 2012. As active and supportive members of the Temple, the Mayorkas family participates in a wide range of WHC activities. In addition to volunteering at the Congregation, Alejandro (Ali) serves as Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Cyber Leadership Council, which serves as a forum for businesses to discuss cybersecurity policy and practices. Presently, he is a Partner at Wilmer Hale, where he represents clients in civil litigation and internal investigations, specializing in strategic counseling, crisis management, and national security. Prior to joining Wilmer Hale, Ali served as Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, where he managed the critical responsibilities of government, including preventing and responding to terrorist attacks, enforcing the nation’s immigration laws, enhancing cybersecurity, and helping communities recover from disasters. He has also served as Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency that administers the largest legal immigration system in the world. Ali and his wife, Tanya, have two daughters, Giselle and Amelia.

Ari Redbord Ari, his wife Kelley, and their boys, George (7) and Stefan (4), are active members of Washington Hebrew Congregation. Professionally, Ari is a Senior Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. He specializes in cases involving national security including terrorism, espionage, export control, sanctions, and threat finance; and previously prosecuted the most serious sex offense, child exploitation, and human trafficking cases. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he represented domestic and international corporations and their officers in grand jury investigations and criminal prosecutions and also in parallel civil and administrative proceedings and congressional investigations. Ari received his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and his Bachelor of Arts from Duke University. He serves as Chair of the Duke Performances Advisory Board, is a member of the Board of Little Folks School, and is active in regional theater. When Ari and Kelley are not working or volunteering, you can find them running the streets and trails of Washington, D.C. Continued on page 28. WHC Journal – May 2018 | Page 27

Nominees to Serve on the Washington Hebrew Congregation Board of Directors

Continued from page 27.

Andrea Rubinfeld Andrea is a lifelong member of Washington Hebrew Congregation. She has been a Religious School Grade Representative for several years and has also served on WHC’s Nominating and Rabbinic Search Committees. Her parents, Debi and Roger Lebbin, along with her grandparents have also been longtime, active members. Andrea was CEO and Partner of two consulting firms that work with family-owned/family-operated businesses. She is active in a number of charitable organizations, including FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), where she helps run the annual Food Allergy Heroes Walk, and the Children’s National Health System, where she is a member of its Task Force Committee. Andrea is also active at her children’s schools and serves as Chair of the Appreciation Committee and as a Parent Peer Group Facilitator. Andrea is a graduate of Columbia Business School and Emory University. She and her husband, Mike, live in Bethesda with their three children, Ellie (8), Claire (4), and Trey (4), and new puppy, Bolt.

Philip Urofsky Philip has been associated with WHC since his daughters attended the E-T ECC at Temple and the WHC Primary School at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center. In the years since, his family’s participation in congregational activities has expanded, and both of his daughters attended the Religious School and became B’not Mitzvah. Philip is a Partner with the international law firm Shearman & Sterling LLP, where he represents companies and individuals in white-collar matters and advises companies and their boards on a variety of compliance-related subjects. Prior to joining Shearman, he was the lead trial prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justice for Foreign Corrupt Practices Act matters and assisted in negotiating international and European anti-corruption conventions. He is a “double ‘Hoo” with an undergraduate degree (with the highest distinction) from the University of Virginia and a Juris Doctor from its law school. Philip lives in Bethesda with his wife, Melissa, his daughters, Emma and Chloe, and their three dogs.

Kimberly Vogel Kimberly is a third-generation member of Washington Hebrew Congregation. She currently serves on the Membership Committee, has been a Chair of Mitzvah Day, and has served on many other Temple committees. Kimberly attended WHC Religious School, became a Bat Mitzvah and was confirmed at WHC, was married by Rabbi Lustig, and has celebrated all major life cycle events with the Temple. Kimberly is a Principal at The Walker Group, a real estate advisory business in Bethesda. She provides real estate consulting solutions to healthcare, association, and non-profit clients. She attended the University of Maryland. Kimberly and her husband Howard, have a daughter Charli who attended the Rabbi Joseph Weinberg Early Childhood Center, became a Bat Mitzvah, and is now part of WHC’s Confirmation program.

Page 28 | WHC Journal – May 2018

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Celebrating Rabbi Skloot With Well Wishes and in Worship

As you know, Rabbi Joseph Skloot will be leaving Washington Hebrew Congregation at the end of June to join the faculty of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City. We invite you to join us for a special Shabbat of tributes and celebration at Temple on Friday, May 4. This evening honoring Rabbi Skloot will begin at 6:00 pm with our Congregational Shabbat service, which will include remarks from some of the lay leaders who have worked closely with Rabbi Skloot during his tenure at WHC. A festive oneg featuring treats from some of Rabbi Sklootâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite places in town will follow the service, giving everyone time to personally wish Rabbi Skloot well. We hope you and your family will join us to celebrate and thank Rabbi Skloot for the lasting impact he has had on our Congregation.