OCTOBER 2018 / TISHREI–CHESHVAN 5779 VOL. 59, NO. 9
Music
Soul-stirring and Evocative, It is a Musical Backdrop for Our Lives
Inside: Madeleine Albright to Open Amram Scholar Series
OCTOBER 2018 VOL. 59, NO. 9
Washington Hebrew Congregation Clergy
M. Bruce Lustig, Senior Rabbi Susan N. Shankman, Rabbi Aaron Miller, Associate Rabbi Eliana Fischel, Assistant Rabbi Mikhail Manevich, Cantor Susan R.A. Bortnick, Cantor
Senior Staff – Education
SUPPORTED BY AN ENDOWMENT FROM LIBBY AND MELVIN MANDEL
DJ Schneider Jensen Head of Schools, Early Childhood Education Ira Miller, Director of Informal Education Stephanie Tankel, Director of Religious Education
Senior Staff – Administration
In This Issue Cantor’s Reflection...............................................................................3 District Shabbat: WHC Is Bringing Judaism Back to Southwest D.C.......4 Macomb St. Shabbat: Bringing New Joy to Temple on Fridays...............5 The Ripple Effect of Suicide..................................................................6 Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to Launch Amram Scholar Series.......................................................... 7 Celebrating Baseball in Israel and Softball at WHC...............................9 Photo Retrospective: Rosh Hashanah Under the Stars......................... 10 WHC Programs & Events................................................................... 12 October Calendar.............................................................................. 16 B’nei Mitzvah.................................................................................... 18 Life Cycle........................................................................................... 19 Contributions.....................................................................................20 Cantors and Kol Rinah to Perform at Strathmore in November............ 25 The Installation of Rabbi Eliana Fischel................................................ 32
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
Nell Shapiro, President Mark Director, First Vice President Janet Katz, Vice President Andrew Lazerow, Vice President Jeffrey Weiss, Vice President Kimberly Wachen, Treasurer Richard Newman, Assistant Treasurer Deborah Goldman, Secretary Dan Werner, Assistant Secretary Lewis Wiener, General Counsel
Board of Directors
Jami Axelrod Ellen R. Berlow Barry Chasen Sharon Jaffe Dan Beth Levin Dubin Betty Jane Eichberg Joseph Firschein Susan B. Gerson Edward P. Joseph Anne Lackritz Jeremy London Alejandro (Ali) Mayorkas
Past Presidents Leonard I. Abel David Astrove David R. Berz Stuart L. Bindeman Earl M. Colson Meg Jacobs Flax Jay W. Freedman
David Metzner William Miller Sandy Nesbit Ari Redbord Steven A. Robins Andrea Rubinfeld Lynn Sachs Melissa Schwartz Aaron W. Stopak Paula Tiedemann Philip Urofsky Kimberly Vogel
Susan J. Hanenbaum 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 Bluestein The Boomers: Jeanne Fleming 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: Ian Rosenthal
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
Page 2 | WHC Journal – October 2018
Jennifer Millstone, Editor, jmillstone@whctemple.org The Washington Hebrew Congregation Journal (Permit No. 4240) is published 11 times a year by Washington Hebrew Congregation. Send address changes to 3935 Macomb Street NW, Washington, DC 20016.
Cantor’s Reflection Cantor Susan Bortnick
M
usic … what do you think of when you hear the word “music?” Music is everywhere — in our cars and homes, in stores and elevators, even in the movies. Have you ever seen a movie without background music? It’s as if something crucial is lacking. Imagine Jaws without “dah duh, dah duh,” Psycho without the screeching noise, or, for those of us who prefer less scary movies, Chariots of Fire without the beautiful melody laced throughout the movie. Even Star Wars! (I’ll wait while you hum it.)
trumpets following suit, the clang of the cymbals, and the strum of the harps and lyres! There! There is the Ark of the Covenant decorated and sanctified by the beauty, the joy, and the reverence of the music (II Samuel 6).
Without the music, the scenes seem less scary, less romantic, less bold. But when music is added in, ah, now that’s a scene. Music can change our disposition, make an event more grand, or make an experience more solemn. It reminds us of places we’ve been and of people we’ve known. Its ability to affect us is so powerful that at times it has been banned by authorities. More than words, music affects our entire being.
The ability of music to create an emotional backdrop is not surprising. Music, in any form, can be profound and enchanting, so much so that prophets and mystics throughout the ages used it as a tool to reach a state of prophesy. Maimonides said, “All the prophets do not prophesy whenever they desire. Instead, they must concentrate their attention [upon spiritual concepts] and seclude themselves, [waiting] in a happy, joyous mood, because prophecy cannot rest upon a person when he is sad or languid, but only when he is happy. Therefore, the prophets’ disciples would always have a harp, drum, flute, and lyre [before them when] they would seek prophecy” (Mishneh Torah: Hilkhot Yesodei ha-Torah 7:4 – The Laws of the Foundations of Torah).
“
Through the inclusion and descriptions of music, our sacred texts come alive and we feel the joy, exaltation, and celebration of significant moments in our history. Without music, they could have become just another passage in our text.
Our Jewish musical heritage is rich and varied, going beyond words and touching us at our soul.”
In Judaism, music is no less potent. It has provided the emotional backdrop that enhances special occasions and events. Music was also used as a tool for prophecy, and it has been used time and again to lift our spirits. Music is intertwined with our history; it deserves our attention. The Crossing of the Red Sea — Up ahead we see and hear Miriam dancing, leading the women in song with the brilliance of her timbrel. Their voices rise in song singing the sentiments of those who have witnessed this miracle. (Exodus 15:20-21) The Relocation of the Ark of the Covenant to the City of David — We listen as King David leads all the Levites (the Temple musicians), the singers, and all Israel in music. Listen to the shouts, the blasts of the horn with the
The sages considered music to be so powerful that when the Second Temple was destroyed, they banned secular instrumental and vocal music. Concerned that it would lift people’s moods and disturb the mourning process, the only music the sages permitted was that which was used to enhance a religious ceremony or event. Our Jewish musical heritage is rich and varied, going beyond words and touching us at our soul. With each Continued on page 8.
WHC Journal – October 2018 | Page 3
WHC Journal
WHC Is Bringing Judaism Back to Southwest D.C.
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of D.C.’s hottest restaurants. District Shabbat is the kind of Jewish experience that has been missing from the Waterfront.
On Friday, October 19, Washington Hebrew Congregation will debut District Shabbat, a soulful, joyful, and musical Shabbat experience each month in the heart of D.C. in partnership with St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church.
On Fridays when District Shabbat is held, we will continue to hold our 6:00 pm Shabbat service at Temple.
or more than a century, Washington’s Jewish community thrived in the heart of the city. Since 1995, however, there has not been a Jewish synagogue in Southwest. For Southwest’s Jewish community, this meant traveling to other areas of the District to participate in Jewish life. That’s about to change.
District Shabbat aims to build community through Friday evenings filled with drinks, food, learning, and joyful, musical worship. District Shabbat is for people of all ages. Have kids? Come at 5:30 pm for a fun and engaging service that’s perfect for the little ones — and will get you on your feet as well. No kids in tow? Come at 6:15 pm for a “Shot of Torah,” where drinks and appetizers are the opening to a spirited discussion with WHC’s dynamic rabbis about the week’s Torah portion. The high-energy service, led by the rabbis and internationally acclaimed folk-rock musicians Dan Nichols and Alan Goodis, begins at 7:00 pm and is followed by dinner catered from some Page 4 | WHC Journal – October 2018
District Shabbat is an additional service that will be held each month at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church (555 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024).
Learn more at whctemple.org/DistrictShabbat. District Shabbat is made possible through the support of WHC’s Irene & Abe Pollin Music Program Initiative.
WHC Journal
Bringing New Joy to Temple on Fridays
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e invite you to join us for the premiere of WHC’s newest Friday night service — “Macomb St. Shabbat” — at Temple on Friday, October 5. Much more than a service, Macomb St. Shabbat it’s truly a Shabbat experience — a soulful, joyful way to connect to Judaism and your community. Held on the first Friday of every month, Macomb St. Shabbat will begin at 6:00 pm with opportunities to engage and learn. There will be Chevruta, a deep and vibrant Torah discussion with our clergy for adults, and a Shabbat art project for children. No prior preparation or experience (or for kids, artistic ability) is necessary. Just come with an appetite, because in addition to satisfying your hunger for knowledge and quenching your thirst for community, Macomb St. Shabbat also begins with a “pre-neg” (a pre-service oneg) with hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks for everyone. The Shabbat service will follow at 6:30 pm. Engaging and appropriate for every generation, it will have live musical accompaniment and encourage participation, interaction, and connection. We will celebrate your milestone moments and simchas, offer support through Mi Shebeirach and Kaddish prayers, and bless all children. After the service, we offer more opportunities to eat, drink, and connect with clergy. Alternatively, you can head off to begin your weekend feeling renewed. It’s all up to you! Learn more at whctemple.org/MacombStShabbat. Macomb St. Shabbat is made possible through the support of WHC’s Irene & Abe Pollin Music Program Initiative.
WHC Journal – October 2018 | Page 5
Culture and the Arts
The Ripple Effect of Suicide
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cross the globe, nearly one million people die annually by suicide. In the United States alone, there are one million suicide attempts every year with more than 44,000 deaths by suicide. Our military has been hit particularly hard. Research shows that for every death by suicide, more 115 other lives are directly affected. The estimated financial cost of suicide is over $51 billion annually. To help draw attention to this issue and provide resources to our community to help those who struggle, Washington Hebrew Congregation is partnering with UMTTR and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Montgomery County, Maryland (NAMI MC) to host a special screening of Suicide: The Ripple Effect at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center on Tuesday, October 16 at 7:00 pm. UMTTR was founded in response to the tragic suicide of a fellow student, athlete, and friend by the students and families of Winston Churchill High School in Montgomery County, Maryland. The organization empowers schools and youth athletic organizations with the funds, information, and tools they need to create a compassionate culture where every person matters. They aim to place mental well-being and caring support at the forefront of teens’ daily interactions. NAMI MC provides comprehensive support, education, advocacy, and public awareness to promote recovery so Page 6 | WHC Journal – October 2018
that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. Prior to the film, there will be a mental health fair in the lobby, where UMTTR and NAMI MC will have information and resources to share. This event is free and open to the community, but we ask that you RSVP to help us plan at whctemple.org/RippleEffect. Suicide: The Ripple Effect is a documentary that chronicles the story of Kevin Hines, who at age 19 attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Incredibly, he survived, and for the last 17 years has been on a mission to use his story to help others find recovery and reduce the suicide rate. Also featured in the film are leading suicide prevention experts and individuals who are using their personal experiences with suicide to help others find the hope they need to stay alive. We hope you will join us. This program is made possible through the support of WHC’s Edlavitch-Tyser Family Relations Forum.
Lifelong Learning
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to Launch Amram Scholar Series
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ashington Hebrew Congregation is honored to welcome former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright to Temple on Sunday, October 21 at 10:30 am to launch the 2018–2019 Amram Scholar Series with a discussion of her recently published book, Fascism: A Warning. Dr. Albright is the author of six New York Times bestsellers. In her latest, she observes that a fascist “is someone who claims to speak for a whole nation or group, is utterly unconcerned with the rights of others, and is willing to use violence and whatever other means are necessary to achieve the goals he or she might have.” The 20th century was defined by the clash between democracy and fascism, a struggle that created uncertainty about the survival of human freedom and left millions dead. Given the horrors of that experience, she notes, one might expect the world to reject the spiritual successors to Hitler and Mussolini should they arise in our time. Drawing upon her experiences as a child in war-torn Europe and her distinguished career as a diplomat, Dr. Albright questions that assumption, while exploring how its legacy has shaped today’s world. She believes that fascism not only endured through the 20th century, but now presents a more virulent threat to peace and justice than at any other time since the end of World War II. The momentum toward democracy that swept the world when the Berlin Wall fell has gone into reverse, she suggests. The United States, which historically championed the free world, is now led by a president who exacerbates division and heaps scorn on democratic institutions. In many countries, economic, technological, and cultural factors are weakening the political center and empowering the extremes of right and left. Contemporary leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un employ many of the brutal tactics used by fascists in the 1920s and 30s. Continued on page 8. WHC Journal – October 2018 | Page 7
WHC Journal
Cantor’s Reflection (continued from page 3)
Madeleine Albright (continued from page 7)
experience, our lives become enriched by the song. The songs of the seder, the Kol Nidre chant, the Friday night Kiddush, each brings us to a special moment in time. Much of this music has come from cantors and temple musicians who, for centuries, have been prolific, leaving us more melodies than we could possibly sing in a lifetime.
About Madeleine K. Albright
Over the decades, the music program here at Washington Hebrew Congregation has sustained our community emotionally and spiritually. As our predecessors, Herman Berlinsky and Cantor Roy Garber, did before us, Cantor Manevich and I strive to heighten the joy and majesty of Shabbat and the holidays through our music. Through song, we share our hearts and provide comfort to those in mourning. We delicately balance the old and new musical traditions, and through our Pollin Shabbat series, we discover and incorporate new sounds from a variety of talented Jewish musicians and composers. Our musical offerings continue to expand, and this month, we are excited to introduce two new Shabbat experiences — Macomb St. Shabbat at Temple and District Shabbat on Water Street in Southwest D.C. Each promises to be a musical, soulful, and joyful way to end your week. Read more about them on pages four and five of this issue. Cantor Manevich and I also look for ways to share our love of Jewish and secular music with you. In addition to performing concerts with guest artists under our own roof, on Sunday, November 7, we will perform an evening concert at Strathmore Music Center. Along with other local cantors and choirs (including our own Kol Rinah) we will present “Past, Present, Future Harmony – The Journey of American Cantors in Story and Song.” More information and tickets can be found at Strathmore.org. I invite you to join Cantor Manevich and me for the wonderful, musical opportunities that fill our year and promise to bring us to new heights.
Page 8 | WHC Journal – October 2018
A highly respected world leader with a distinguished career, Dr. Albright is Chair of Albright Stonebridge Group, a global strategy firm, and Chair of Albright Capital Management LLC, an investment advisory firm focused on emerging markets. In 1997, when President Bill Clinton named her the 64th Secretary of State of the United States, she became the first woman to hold that position and the highest-ranking woman in the history of our government. In 2012, President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. She is a professor in the Practice of Diplomacy at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, chairs the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, and serves as president of the Truman Scholarship Foundation. As a member of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Policy Board, she provides the Secretary of Defense with independent, informed advice and opinion concerning matters of defense policy. Dr. Albright received a B.A. with Honors from Wellesley College, and Master’s and Doctorate degrees from Columbia University’s Department of Public Law and Government, as well as a certificate from its Russian Institute. Born in Czechoslovakia as the daughter of a diplomat, Josef Korbel, in 1948 she emigrated with her family to the United States. In 1941, her parents converted from Judaism to Catholicism, and she has said they never told her or her siblings about their Jewish background. This program is open to the community and presented free of charge. Dr. Albright will sign copies of Fascism: A Warning at a book sale following her lecture. For more information and to RSVP, please visit our website, whctemple.org/Amram.
WHC Journal
Celebrating Baseball in Israel and Softball at WHC
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stirring story of sports, patriotism, and personal growth, Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel, is heading to Temple on Sunday, November 4 for a special screening at 4:30 pm. Keeping with the baseball theme, a family-friendly ballpark-style dinner and celebration of WHC Brotherhood’s championship softball team, the Washington Hebrew Nationals, will follow the film. You can also meet two of Team Israel’s players — Jeremy Bleich and Cody Decker, who are currently with the Oakland A’s and Arizona Diamondbacks organizations, respectively! They will join us to reflect on their time with Team Israel and sign autographs. As a special keepsake, the first 200 people who register for this event will receive a free custom WHC baseball, suitable for game play or autographs (hint, hint).
them (from the bench), the team did much soul-searching and discovered the pride of representing Israel on the world stage. Tickets are $10 per person or $20 per person with dinner. We also offer a “family four-pack” for $60 that also includes dinner. As a reminder, the first 200 people to register will get a free WHC baseball. Order online at whctemple.org/HeadingHome. This event is co-sponsored by WHC Brotherhood.
Heading Home is an English-language film that charts the underdog journey of Israel’s national baseball team. In 2017, after years of defeat, Team Israel ranked among the world’s best and finally became eligible to play in the World Baseball Classic, a prestigious international tournament. Their line-up included several Jewish-American Major League Baseball players, among them Ike Davis, Josh Zeid, and Ryan Lavarnway. Most of the team had a tenuous relationship to Judaism, and none, except those who were Israeli citizens, had ever been to Israel prior to this experience. The team’s odyssey took them from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where they were greeted as heroes, to Seoul, where they had to debunk their has-been, wannabe reputation. With mascot “Mensch on a Bench” supporting WHC Journal – October 2018 | Page 9
WHC Journal
Rosh Hashanah Under the Stars
Page 10 | WHC Journal – October 2018
WHC Journal
Record-setting rains in Potomac, Maryland may have forced us to move Rosh Hashanah Under the Stars indoors for the first time, but there was no dampening the spirits of the nearly 1,000 people who joined us. In fact, for the very first time, we were actually “under the stars” thanks to the lighting magic of Bob Sitrick Productions. It was an evening filled with soulful music, enchanting vocals, and people from every generation … and an incredibly sweet way to welcome the New Year. WHC Journal – October 2018 | Page 11
In October …
WHC Programs & Events Featured Programs & Events Installation of Rabbi Eliana Fischel
Friday, October 12, 6:00 pm at Temple
Washington Hebrew Congregation invites you and your family to celebrate the installation of Rabbi Eliana L. Fischel at this special Shabbat and festive oneg welcoming Rabbi Fischel and her husband, Rabbi Eric Abbott, to our congregational family.
whctemple.org/Shabbat Naomi Gohn: ngohn@whctemple.org, 202-895-6328
“Suicide: The Ripple Effect” Exploring the Impact of Suicide Tuesday, October 16, 7:00 pm at JBSC
This is a film that every teenager and parent needs to see. The Ripple Effect shares the true story of Kevin Hines, who at 19, attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Incredibly, he survived and has spent the last 17 years on a mission to use his story to help others stay alive. This program is co-sponsored by WHC and UMTTR and is made possible through the support of the Edlavitch-Tyser Family Relations Forum. RSVP requested (free): whctemple.org/RippleEffect Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209
Special Worship Experiences
Madeleine Albright
“Lest We Forget” Photo Exhibition
Fascism: A Warning Sunday, October 21, 10:30 am at Temple
A Project by Luigi Toscano From late October through mid-November at Temple
Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will open the 2018-2019 Amram Scholar Series with a personal and urgent examination of fascism in the 20th century and how its legacy is shaping today’s world. The past century was defined by the clash between democracy and fascism, a struggle that created uncertainty about the survival of human freedom and left millions dead. Given the horrors of that experience, one might expect the world to reject the spiritual successors to Hitler and Mussolini, should they arise in our time. Ms. Albright’s experiences as a child in war-torn Europe and her distinguished career as a diplomat have caused her to question that assumption.
Several of Luigi Toscano’s larger-than-life photographs of Holocaust survivors will be on display in Kreeger Lobby in the weeks surrounding Kristallnacht. Mr. Toscano spent a year traveling and meeting Holocaust survivors in Germany, the United States, Ukraine, Israel and Russia, giving them the opportunity to share their personal stories, possibly for the last time. The result was more than 200 portrait photos, which have been exhibited internationally — including on the National Mall this past April, where Rabbi Lustig spoke at the opening ceremony.
RSVP preferred (free): whctemple.org/Amram Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307
whctemple.org/LestWeForget Naomi Gohn: ngohn@whctemple.org, 202-895-6328
Simchat Torah Festival and Yizkor Service Monday, October 1, 10:30 am at Temple
This service concludes the Sukkot holiday and gives us another opportunity to come together in prayer and reflection for those who live on in our hearts. whctemple.org/Worship Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307
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In October …
WHC Programs & Events Special Worship Experiences Tot Shabbat & Family Dinner A Shabbat Experience for Families With Young Children Friday, October 5, 5:30 pm at JBSC Friday, October 26, 5:00 pm at Temple
Our clergy make going to Friday night services a fun, fulfilling event for families with young children (or grandchildren). We begin with an engaging, interactive Tot Shabbat service, which lasts about a half hour and teaches Jewish prayers, traditions, and rituals through songs, stories, and art projects. A family-style (and family-friendly) dinner follows the service.
RSVP required for dinner only (free): whctemple.org/TotShabbat DJ Jensen: djensen@whctemple.org, 202-895-6361, 301-354-3208
New! Macomb St. Shabbat
Friday, October 5 at Temple 6:00 pm – Chevruta; 6:30 pm – Service
Macomb St. Shabbat is a soulful Shabbat evening with joy and connection at its center. Come at 6:00 pm for Chevruta — a deep and engaging Torah discussion for adults with our clergy, a Shabbat art project for children, and hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks for everyone. Our service begins at 6:30 pm, has live musical accompaniment, and encourages participation, interaction, and connection. We’ll celebrate simchas, offer support through Mi Shebeirach and Kaddish prayers, and bless all our children. Afterward, eat, and drink, connect with clergy, or head off to begin your weekend. It’s all up to you!
whctemple.org/MacombStShabbat Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303
Special Worship Experiences New! District Shabbat
Friday, October 19 at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church 555 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 5:30 pm – Tot Shabbat; 6:15 pm – Shot of Torah; 7:00 pm – Service; Dinner Follows
District Shabbat combines the high energy of D.C. and the deep spirituality of Reform Judaism to create this downtown Shabbat experience for all ages. Dive into the week’s Torah portion with Washington Hebrew’s clergy over drinks and hot hors d’oeuvres. Lift your voice in prayer with internationally celebrated musicians Dan Nichols and Alan Goodis. Stay for a Shabbat dinner catered by some of D.C.’s hottest restaurants. District Shabbat — it’s WHC bringing the heart of Judaism to downtown D.C.
whctemple.org/DistrictShabbat Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303
National Refugee Shabbat Featuring Cathedra Part of the Irene & Abe Pollin Music Program Initiative Friday, October 19, 6:00 pm at Temple
Through their voices and spirit, Cathedra, the professional choir of the Washington National Cathedral, will help bring attention to and show compassion for the families who now call America “home.” We will deepen our understanding of today’s global refugee crisis, connect with the Jewish movement for refugees, commit (or recommit) to taking action. National Refugee Shabbat is a project of HIAS. whctemple.org/Pollin Beth Donaldson: bdonaldson@whctemple.org, 202-895-6309
Continued on page 14.
WHC Journal – October 2018 | Page 13
In October …
WHC Programs & Events Special Worship Experiences Shirei Shabbat
Friday, October 26, 6:00 pm at Temple
Led by our cantors, Shirei Shabbat is a spiritual, musical, and uplifting way to end the week. With upbeat tunes, some new music, and more English, this “Shabbat of Songs” is certain to engage and delight.
whctemple.org/Shabbat Beth Donaldson: bdonaldson@whctemple.org, 202-895-6309
2239’s Metro Minyan A Shabbat Experience for Adults in Theirs 20s and 30s Friday, October 26, 6:15 pm, location to be announced
Each of these monthly Shabbat experiences for young professionals in their 20s and 30s begins with “A Shot of Torah,” the opportunity to study the weekly Torah portion and dive into some serious (and not-so-serious) Jewish discussion. It’s followed by a guitar-led, come-as-you-are Shabbat service and an optional dinner.
RSVP required for dinner only ($): whctemple.org/2239 Valerie Hillman Bluestein: vhillman@whctemple.org
Lifelong Learning
Jewish Learning Power Hour
Tuesday, October 2, 12:15 pm at Latham & Watkins in D.C.
This lunch break with our clergy and educators will nourish your mind, soul, and body with discussions on Jewish ethics, spirituality, and current events.
RSVP required ($): whctemple.org/PowerHour Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303
Lifelong Learning
“Badenheim 1939” by Aharon Appelfeld Organized by WHC Books Tuesday, October 9, 7:00 pm at Temple
Badenheim, a resort town near Vienna, was a place where middle-class Jews gathered each year for summer vacation. In 1939, Badenheim began to change, but the vacationers, subsumed by pettiness and naiveté, managed to misconstrue the signals that surrounded them of their impending fate. Written by Aharon Appelfeld who survived the Holocaust, Badenheim 1939 — without mentioning concentration camps or the Holocaust — is considered a classic of Holocaust literature.
RSVP preferred (free): whctemple.org/WHCBooks Ellen Share: eshare@whctemple.org, 301-354-3212
WHC Academy
Mondays, beginning October 8, 7:00 pm at Temple
This past year, women have raised their voices in response to sexual assault, harassment, and gender-based pay inequity. In Judaism’s patriarchal culture, women’s voices have been virtually silent and/or anonymous in our texts. If they were able to, Dinah, Tamar, and Sarah would have also said, “#metoo.” This October, Rabbis Shankman and Fischel will reclaim and celebrate the voices of Judaism’s biblical and post-biblical women. In November, our WHC Academy classes will focus on anti-Semitism, and December sessions will be held in conjunction with the Amram Scholar Series. RSVP required ($): whctemple.org/WHCAcademy Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303
Wednesday Study Group
Wednesdays, beginning October 10, 1:00 pm at Temple
Rock Around the Decades Party Saturday, November 3 7:00 pm The Rev Room at Flemings Ultimate Garage 660 Lofstrand Lane Rockville, MD 20850
Denim & Diamonds Attire whctemple.org/Boomers Page 14 | WHC Journal – October 2018
Explore the relevance of ancient Jewish texts on our modern lives with our weekly Wednesday Study Group. Over coffee and surrounded by friends, we will engage in a conversation that brings new meaning and understanding to the words of our tradition.
RSVP required (free): whctemple.org/WednesdayStudy Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307
Early Childhood Education A 90-Hour Certification Course Mondays, beginning October 15, 4:00 pm at JBSC
Taught by DJ Schneider Jensen, WHC’s Head of Schools, Early Childhood Education, this 90-hour course covers child development and the early childhood center as a learning environment, focusing on the use of time and space, creative activities, the evaluation process, classroom management skills, current philosophies, and planning and implementing of developmentally-appropriate practices, all through a Jewish lens.
RSVP required ($): whctemple.org/90Hour DJ Jensen: djensen@whctemple.org, 202-895-6361, 301-354-3208
In October …
WHC Programs & Events WHC Books’ Opening Program
Badenheim 1939 Tuesday, October 9 7:00 pm at Temple Borrow a copy from WHC’s libraries or purchase your own through WHC’s Mitzvah Mall on Amazon and let your dollars “do good.” Ellen Share: 301-354-3212 eshare@whctemple.org whctemple.org/WHCBooks
Lifelong Learning
Lifelong Learning
Attorneys’ Study Group
Wednesday, October 17, 7:00 pm at Eversheds Sutherland in D.C.
Discover Jewish insights into the Anglo-American legal system with WHC’s study group for attorneys. The Attorneys’ Study Group will delve into topics such as the relationship between constitutional and Jewish law to shed light on the role Jewish attorneys have played in establishing the rule of law.
RSVP required ($): whctemple.org/Attorneys Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303
“Educated: A Memoir” by Tara Westover A Women of WHC Literary Group Discussion Friday, October 26, 10:00 am at JBSC
Tara Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she stockpiled home-canned peaches and slept with her “head-for-thehills” bag, preparing for the end of the world. With no formal education, Tara taught herself enough math and grammar to be admitted to Brigham Young University where she learned about important world events including the Holocaust and the civil rights movement. RSVP preferred (free): whctemple.org/WomenofWHC Mara Brick: mgbrickslp@gmail.com
12 Jewish Questions
Mondays, beginning October 15, 7:00 pm at Temple
Despite years of religious school as children, many of us are unsure how to find meaning in our faith and culture as adults, and issues that may not have been relevant to us decades ago suddenly are filled with new meaning when viewed from an adult perspective. 12 Jewish Questions is a learning community for adults — Jewish and non-Jewish — who have questions about Jewish identity, beliefs, culture, and customs. WHC’s clergy, led by Rabbi Miller, create an environment to discover (and rediscover) the relevance of Judaism in our lives.
RSVP required ($): whctemple.org/12JQ Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303
Bereavement Group
Continued on page 22.
Wednesday Study Group
Tuesdays, beginning October 16, 7:00 pm at Temple
For individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one in the past 18 months, WHC offers the Bereavement Support Group, facilitated by Erica Berger, LICSW. Limited to just eight participants, the program recognizes each person’s unique way of grieving and provides a confidential and respectful environment for the bereaved to explore their feelings, begin working through complex issues of loss, and start to heal.
RSVP required (free): whctemple.org/Bereavement Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307
Every Wednesday Starting October 10 1:00 pm at Temple This program is free and no preregistration is required
whctemple.org/WednesdayStudy WHC Journal – October 2018 | Page 15
October 2018 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
1
Simchat Torah WHC Offices and Early Childhood Centers Closed (M&B)
Services: 10:30am Festival & Yizkor Service (M) Religious School Closed (M&B)
7
4:00pm 2239’s One Eight Distilling Tasting (OUT)
14
9:30am Religious School (M&B) 10:00am 8th-Grade Monument Program (OUT) 1:45pm Unity Walk (M & OUT) – Rescheduled from 9/16 5:30pm Post Confirmation Dinner (OUT)
21
9:30am Religious School (M&B) 10:30am Amram Scholar Series Opening Lecture: Madeleine Albright (M) 12:00pm Jr. ETY Program (B)
28
9:30am Religious School (M&B) 12:00pm ETY Program (M) 1:00pm WHC Hunger Project (B) 5:30pm Confirmation Program (OUT)
Page 16 | WHC Journal – October 2018
8
Columbus Day 10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Intermediate (M) 7:00pm WHC Academy (M)
15
10:00am Women of WHC Meeting (B) 10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Intermediate (M) 12:30pm Prime Timers Lunch (M) 4:00pm Early Childhood Certification Course (B) 7:00pm 12 Jewish Questions (M) 7:00pm WHC Academy (M)
22
10:00am Women of WHC Meeting (B) 10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Intermediate (M) 4:00pm Early Childhood Certification Course (B) 7:00pm 12 Jewish Questions (M) 7:00pm WHC Academy (M)
29
10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Intermediate (M) 4:00pm Early Childhood Certification Course (B) 7:00pm 12 Jewish Questions (M) 7:00pm WHC Academy (M)
Wednesday
12:15pm Jewish Learning Power Hour (OUT) 4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm Conversational Hebrew: Beginner (M) 6:30pm Confirmation & Upper School (B) 7:00pm Back to Basics (M)
4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm Conversational Hebrew: Beginner (M) 6:30pm Confirmation & Upper School (B) 7:00pm Back to Basics (M) 7:00pm WHC Books (M)
2
9
16
9:30am Early Childhood Center Tour (M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm Conversational Hebrew: Beginner (M) 6:30pm Confirmation & Upper School (B) 7:00pm Back to Basics (M) 7:00pm Bereavement Support Group (M) 7:00pm “Suicide: The Ripple Effect” (B)
23
4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm Conversational Hebrew: Beginner (M) 6:30pm Confirmation & Upper School (B) 7:00pm Back to Basics (M) 7:00pm Bereavement Support Group (M)
30
4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm Conversational Hebrew: Beginner (M) 6:30pm Upper School (M) 7:00pm Back to Basics (M) 7:00pm Bereavement Support Group (M)
B: Julia Bindeman Suburban Center
3
9:30am Early Childhood Center Tour (M) 10:00am Back to Basics (B) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M) 6:00pm Conv. Hebrew: Beginner (B) 6:30pm Women of WHC Fall Event (M) 7:00pm Back to Basics (B) 7:00pm Wise Aging (M)
10
10:00am Back to Basics (B) 1:00pm Wed. Study Group (M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M) 6:00pm Conv. Hebrew: Beginner (B) 6:30pm WHECTY 7 Days/7 Dinners (OUT) 7:00pm Back to Basics (B) 7:30pm Community Issues/Social Action Committee Mtg. (M)
17
9:30am Early Childhood Center Tour (B) 10:00am Back to Basics (B) 1:00pm Wednesday Study Group (M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M) 6:00pm Conv. Hebrew: Beginner (B) 7:00pm Attorneys’ Study Group (OUT) 7:00pm Back to Basics (B)
24
10:00am Back to Basics (B) 1:00pm Wednesday Study Group (M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M) 6:00pm Conv. Hebrew: Beginner (B) 7:00pm Back to Basics (B) 7:00pm Couples Club Dinner (OUT)
31
10:00am Back to Basics (B) 1:00pm Wednesday Study Group (M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M) 6:00pm Conv. Hebrew: Beginner (B) 7:00pm Back to Basics (B)
M: Temple
OUT: Not at a WHC location
Tishrei–CHeshvan 5779 Thursday
Friday
4
10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Intermediate/ Advanced (B) 11:15am Conversational Hebrew: Beginner (B)
Saturday
5
Confirmation Trip to NYC (through Sunday) 9:00am Wise Aging (B) 10:00am Women of WHC Meeting (B) 10:30am Women of WHC Mah Jongg (B) 6:00pm Tot Shabbat Family Dinner (B)
Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) Bat Mitzvah of Lauren Carney 5:30pm Afternoon Service and Havdalah (M) Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Gold
Services: 5:30pm Tot Shabbat (B) 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 6:00pm Macomb St. Shabbat (M)
11
9:30am Early Childhood Center Tour (B) 10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Intermediate/ Advanced (B) 11:15am Conversational Hebrew: Beginner (B)
18
10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Intermediate/ Advanced (B) 11:15am Conversational Hebrew: Beginner (B)
25
10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Intermediate/ Advanced (B) 11:15am Conversational Hebrew: Beginner (B)
10:30am Women of WHC Mah Jongg (B)
12
19
Services: 5:30pm District Tot Shabbat (OUT) 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 6:00pm Pollin Music and National Refugee Shabbat Featuring Cathedra (M) 6:15pm District Shabbat (OUT) 10:00am Women of WHC Literary Group (B) 10:30am Women of WHC Mah Jongg (B) 5:30pm Tot Shabbat Family Dinner (M) Services: 5:00pm Tot Shabbat (M) 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 6:00pm Shirei Shabbat (M) 6:15pm 2239’s Metro Minyan (OUT)
5:00pm Club 56 Event (OUT)
13
Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) Bat Mitzvah of Halyn Schoenfeld 5:30pm Afternoon Service and Havdalah (M) Bar Mitzvah of Richard Greenberg
Services: 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 6:00pm Shabbat Service — Installation of Rabbi Eliana Fischel (M) 10:30am Women of WHC Mah Jongg (B) 6:00pm 5th-Grade Shabbaton
6
26
1:30pm WHECTY “Out of Darkness” Walk (OUT)
20
Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) 5:30pm Afternoon Service and Havdalah (M) B’not Mitzvah of Madison Sherman and Sienna Sherman 10:00am 9th-Grade D.C. Day (OUT)
27
Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Lehrman 5:30pm Afternoon Service and Havdalah (M) B’nei Mitzvah of Corey Levin and Joey Wasserman
WHC Journal – October 2018 | Page 17
Mazel Tov to WHC’s October B'nei Mitzvah Lauren Eliza Carney October 6, Morning Lauren is an eighth-grade student at Herbert Hoover Middle School. She is the daughter of Robin & Donald Carney, the sister of Justin, the granddaughter of Charlene Scharf, Michael Scharf, and Pauline & Don Carney, and the great-granddaughter of Sophie Steinberg. Jacob Reese Gold October 6, Havdalah Jake is a seventh-grade student at the Landon School. He is the son of Dana & Brian Gold, the brother of Addison, the grandson of Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Gold and Mr. & Mrs. Pat Visalli, and the great-grandson of Mr. & Mrs. Max Pievsky.
Spencer Ray Hotchkiss October 20, Morning Spencer is an eighth-grade student at Landon School. He is the son of Jamie & Ryan Hotchkiss, the brother of Brandon and Oliver, and the grandson of Deanie & Larry Hotchkiss, Sharon & Richard Lamb, and Eileen & Allan Levine. Madison Liv Sherman October 20, Havdalah Madison is an eighth-grade student at Lakelands Park Middle School. She is the daughter of Justine & Jon Sherman, the sister of Sienna, and the granddaughter of Nancy Abrams, Sandra Sherman, the late Richard Grossman, and the late Stephan Sherman.
Halyn Chloe Schoenfeld October 13, Morning Halyn is a seventh-grade student at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. She is the daughter of Dena & David Schoenfeld, the sister of Brandon, and the granddaughter of Ronni & Ted Farber and Richard & Sondra Schoenfeld.
Sienna Jade Sherman October 20, Havdalah Sienna is a sixth-grade student at Lakelands Park Middle School. She is the daughter of Justine & Jon Sherman, the sister of Madison, and the granddaughter of Nancy Abrams, Sandra Sherman, the late Richard Grossman, and the late Stephan Sherman.
Richard Gephardt Greenberg October 13, Havdalah Richard is a seventh-grade student at Sidwell Friends School. He is the son of Kate & Neil Greenberg; the brother of Marc, Nicole, AJ, and Ana; and the grandson of Jane & Richard Gephardt and Marilyn & Raymond Greenberg.
Jacob Aiden Lehrman October 27, Morning Jake is a seventh-grade student at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. He is the son of Aimee & Robert Lehrman, the brother of Jason and Juliette, and the grandson of Maura & Robert Reiver and the late Charlotte & Jacob Lehrman.
Page 18 | WHC Journal – October 2018
Corey Levin October 27, Havdalah Corey is an eighth-grade student at Thomas W. Pyle Middle School. He is the son of Denise Levin and Jay P. Levin, the brother of Mason, and the grandson of Daniel Bonbrisco.
Life Cycle
Joey Zelda Wasserman October 27, Havdalah Joey is a seventh-grade student at Georgetown Day School. She is the daughter of Molly Elkin & Ivan Wasserman, the sister of Sydney and Teddy, and the granddaughter of Joan & the late Stanley Elkin and Barbara & Horton Wasserman.
Congratulations to… Susan Adland, on the birth of her grandson, Rahm Leon Bhatraju Adland; and to Rahm’s parents, Sara Adland & Kiran Bhatraju; Rahm is also the grandson of the late Richard Rindler. Katie Glueck & Maor Cohen, on their marriage. Katie is the daughter of Miriam & Robert Glueck, Maor is the son of Ilana Imrani-Cohen & Marc Cohen.
Elysa & Donald Fisher, on the birth of their granddaughter, Bryn Naomi Fisher; and to Bryn’s parents, Ashley & Aaron Fisher; big sister, Penelope; maternal grandparents Margaret & Alan Lerner; and great grandparents, Thelma & Bill Fisher and Rosalind & Henry Petersohn. Elysa & Donald Fisher, on the birth of their grandson, Harrison Seth Fisher; and to Harrison’s parents, Phylicia & Marc Fisher; maternal grandparents Diane & Ed Baron; and great grandparents, Thelma & Bill Fisher and Rosalind & Henry Petersohn. Linda Adams & Jonathan Greenblatt, on the marriage of their daughter, Jesse Greenblatt, to Sam Walker, the son of Susan & Bart Walker. Sarah & Howard Kandel, on the engagement of their son, Zack Kandel, to Alexis Hyman. Danielle & Glenn Nathan, on the marriage of their son, Cody Nathan, to Shelby Brown. Katerina Satanovsky & Zachary Sparer, on their marriage. Katerina is the daughter of Yelena & Alexander Satanovsky, Zachary is the son of Susan & Steven Sparer. Randi & Paul Schweitzer, on the birth of their grandson, Zack Jordan Schweitzer; and to Zack’s parents, Megan & Glenn Schweitzer, and maternal grandfather, William Jordan. Zack is also the grandson of the late Karen Jordan.
Our Sincerest Condolences… Susan Blacklow, mother of Brian Blacklow (Sarah Summerlin) and Beth Blacklow (Jarrett Creasy). Harold Evans, father of Geoffrey Evans (Vicki) and Randall Evans (Vicki); grandfather of Brandon, Bailey, and Sawyer Evans. David Gichner, husband of Carol Gichner; father of Laura Sachwitz (Erik), Allison Rosen, Eric Gichner (Jackie), Arthur Rosen (Candace), and the late Steven Gichner (Sandra); brother of Bette Hoffman (Arnold) and Sue Rosenthal (John); grandfather of eleven. Gail Stackman, mother of Kelly Gans (Bob), Gary Stackman (Lisa), and Eric Stackman; grandmother of seven. Herman Stekler, husband of Alice Weinsten; father of Beth Stekler and Joanne Stekler (Thomas Carter); grandfather of Leia Stekler. Nancy Zeidman, wife of Philip Zeidman; mother of Betsy Zeidman, Jennifer Bloch (Gene), and the late John Zeidman.
…may their memory be a blessing. WHC Journal – October 2018 | Page 19
Contributions
We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions, received through August. 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
Nan & Julian Feldman Management Planning Fund
Donor In Honor of Andrew R. Ammerman Dylan Robert Schpiegel’s Special Birthday Rebecca Sokol’s Birthday Julia Camiel’s Birthday Beth Newberger-Schwartz’s Special Birthday Ellen Stone’s Birthday Donor In Memory of Andrew R. Ammerman Bruce Jorge Ammerman Simeon M. Kriesberg & Martha L. Kahn Rabbi Lustig
Donor In Honor of Simeon M. Kriesberg & Martha L. Kahn Richard Gordon
Miriam & Maurice Baller Israel Endowment Fund Donor In Honor of Simeon M. Kriesberg & Martha L. Kahn Mohan Mistry
Jane Burka Sisterhood Leadership Fund Donor Kathy & Jody Dreyfuss
In Memory of Lorraine Dreyfuss Edmond Dreyfuss David Dreyfuss
Samuel Burtoff, M.D. Streaming Support Fund Donor Constance M. Burtoff
In Memory of Barbara E. Burtoff
Dr. Edward A. & Mildred B. Cafritz Prayer Book Fund Donor In Memory of Dr. Edward & Mildred Cafritz Foundation William Cafritz
Cantorial & Concert Fund Donor Susan & Ken Annis Dr. Israel & Diana Kogan Donor Linda & Steve Cohen Sophia Fleischer Lydia Gillman Susan & Alan Gold Ron & Susan Karp Arthur S. Lazerow Dr. & Mrs. Edward Mopsik Judith Oppenheim Beverly Rosenblatt Leslie & Don Singman Laurie & Barry Stien Lan & Mel Swerdloff Karen & Sherman Telis
In Honor of Cantor Bortnick Cantor Bortnick In Memory of Sam Kass Brunette E. Kaufman Millard Fleischer Marjorie Gillman Hillard Greenwald Zelda Karp Dr. David Lazerow Sarah Mopsik Louis L. Homer Dr. Aaron Deitz William Blanck Seymour Hoffman Pauline Meisner Jason Bleiweiss
Lois & Richard England Special Needs Endowment Fund Donor In Memory of Florence Allentuck Rhae N. Kaufman Gordon S. Golder & Anne C. Golder Michael Jeffrey Golder
Page 20 | WHC Journal – October 2018
EmptyNesters Fund Donor Holly & Jeff Bergman
EmptyNesters Fund Donor Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Adoff Jeffrey & Holly Bergman Roberta Biegel
In Memory of Julius Adoff Joseph Dick Ruth S. Cohen
General Fund Donor Anonymous Maxwell Cutler Gale & Terry Grayson Lawrence Heller Audrey A. Mayer Lampert Donor In Memory of Judith Asner Rose Lebow Asner Michael Backenheimer Rosa Backenheimer Ledolph & Inge Baer Leo M. Baer & Edith Rosenbaum Howard & Diane Benson Joseph Benson Mitchell Berliner Rose Schiff Wilma Bernstein David Estrin Melvyn Estrin Wilma Bernstein & Mickey Lemer Ruth Estrin Harold Bingham Morris M. Danziger Max P. Rosenthal Marjorie & Harold Bingham Barney Levy Beverly & Bruce Birchman Benjamin Lebowitz Estelle Birchman William & Shirlee Blanken Benjamin Blanken Barry Blechman Ann B. Blechman James & Daphne Bloomberg Herman S. Bloomberg Michael & Shelley Brody Stanley Barnett Frances Brody Jane Lipton Cafritz Morris Yarowsky Lyn, Barry, Brandon, Ben & Blake Chasen Tobee Kaplan Frances Chucker, MD Eleanor B. Chucker Nancy & Ed Colodny Augusta Dessoff Rhona, Linda, Kerry, Evan Landis, David Herndon, Ritchie Crownfield William Landis Lynne & Burt Emmer Bessie Oberman Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Frank Paul Frank Linda & Jay Freedman Samuel B. Newman Sylvia R. Gasperow & Family Goldie K. Shakewitz Nancy R. Gelber Anne Rabin Barbara Gordon Herb Gordon Sandra Grant, Jodi Grant & Thomas Skinner Samuel Schwartz Carolyn Doppelt Gray, Emilie S. Gray, Lucie Gray Miller Rabbi & Mrs. Frederic A. Doppelt Allyson & Stewart Grossman Julius Sherman Allyson, Stewart & Seth Grossman Arnold Horwitz Nancy & John Harris N. Robert Rosenthal Michael S. Herman Irving S. Herman Sylvan Herman Rose Herman Sally W. Hollman Lawrence Hollman Jamie & Ryan Hotchkiss Evelyn Hotchkiss Ferne Jaffe Neil Sherman Robert & Ronnie Jersky Anne Jersky
General Fund Donor In Memory of Hinda & Donald Kahn Ellis N. Kahn Carolyn Kaplan Warren Kaplan Deena Kaplan David Berliant Susan Kentoff Dorothy Lipp Bruce E. Kipnis Dorothy Kipnis Bill & Lisa Klein Rose Oshinsky Brad Kleinman Joseph Kleinman Richard & Barbara Kline Babette & George Kline Louis Kornhauser Jack Kornhauser Dr. Gregorio Koss Raul Litmanovich Nick Kotz Tibe Kotz Jamie & Alvina Leder & Family Mannie Leder Ellen & Alan Lescht Marvin Jacobson Barbara B. Luchs David A. Baer Jeanette G. Luchs Susan & Ken Luchs & Family Sylvia R. Suritz Ruben Moller Abraham Moller Karen & Doug Monsein Bernice Jaffe David Morowitz Barbara Morowitz Edward Nelson Leonard E. Nelson Susan & Norman Oblon Rose Saffren Leonard Saffren Benjamin Stratton Gwen & Carl Oppenheim Morton H. Oppenheim L. Bernice Oringher Leon A. Oringher Susan & Stephen Porter Ida Lowe Lindsey Reines Marilyn Reines Arthur I. Ross Jr. Arthur I. Ross, Sr Sheila Ruffine Richard Ruffine Carol Schwartz Blanche Schwartz John Levitt Leslie Shapiro Leonard Shapiro Linda Shapiro Dorothy Sacks Rochelle Siegel Allen G. Siegel Robert D. Sitrick Geraldine Sitrick Albert H. Small Albert Small Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Smernoff Arlene Rappaport Lee A. Myers Marvin & Jeanne Spivack Morton Kudysh David & Rosly Spott Ben Lyons Lisa Stark Warren Stark John & Susan Sturc Joan Levine Jessica & Erik Teicher Arnold Horwitz Heather & Steven Tuck Mark S. Tuck Estate of Anita Weinstein Gertrude Kasdin Judith Weisman Mildred Stern Kathy & Bob Wenger Janet Kolender Women of WHC Neil Sherman Ron Dekelbaum Iris Wilder Leo Wilder Raymond Wishner Barbara Wishner Peter Yeskel Evelyn Yeskel Alane & Gene Youngentob Philip R. Youngentob Philip Zeidman Ida Fisher Zeidman Sondra & Norman Zober Margaret Zelmanovitz
Greenwold Family Endowment Fund Donor In Honor of Simeon M. Kriesberg & Martha L. Kahn Cantor Manevich
Joshua O. Haberman Scholarship & Publications Endowment Fund Donor In Memory of Susan Robinson Levy & Solomon E. Levy Karlyn & Stanley Robinson
Contributions Hurston Library Donor Veda Levy & Family Selma Philipson Marsha Pinson & Family Steve & Fran Seltzer
In Memory of Adele Livingston Cole Aaron Rosenstadt Dora G. Bloom Manya Hausmann Henrietta Seltzer
Kol Rinah Fund Donor Adrienne Elman
In Memory of Walter Hermann
Harriet M. Kriesberg Fund for the Study of Torah
Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig Scholarship Fund Donor In Memory of Karen & Dudley Dworken Arnold Horwitz Lisa DeMarco & Len Goldman, Bryan & Alexa Goldman Albert DeMarco Pat & Robbie Polinger Lori Horwitz & Family
Zena Mason Education Fund In Memory of Steven Winkelman Selma “Ciss” Kolker Neil Sherman Marilyn & Marvin Adland
Stephanie Morris Prime Timers Programming Fund Donor Anne & Gordon S. Golder Anne C. Golder
In Memory of May Golder Julius Caplan
Kamy Loren Nathanson Bar & Bat Mitzvah Kiddush Cup Endowment Fund Donor In Memory of Amy Bronrott Munaker & Alan Munaker Jacob Bronrott
Sylvia & Saul Ritzenberg Humanitarian Fund
Abram Simon Elementary School Fund Donor Nina Kraut Barbara Landow Linda & Alvin Neuman
In Memory of Anne Baum Edith K. Siegel Fay Neuman Arthur Neuman
Donor In Memory of Lois & Jay Copeland Sylvia Lean Michael B. Fishman Yetta Fishman Petra & Merlin Tchouante & Family Dorothy E. Humphrey
Sisterhood Youth, Education & Enrichment Fund Donor Phyllis Silverman Cole
In Memory of Alvin Silverman
Tikkun Olam Values (TOV) Fund Donor In Honor of Linda & Ron Recht Howard Lehrer’s Special Birthday Donor In Memory of Peter & Florence Hart James David Hart David Muenzer & Melissa Schwartz Robert Schwartz Linda & Ron Recht Norman Weiss Susan Sall Ronald M. Sall
Worship & Music Fund Donor In Memory of Veda Levy & Family Herman Lerner Miriam Feldman Hy Bronrott Samuel F. Higger Eileen Polinger Your sister Carol Gary & Laura Siegel Selwyn Siegel Lauren, Ronald & Abby Sinker Marie Sinker Richard & Sondra Schoenfeld Sylvia Friedlander Ellen & Bruce Winston & Family Jerome Footer Paula & Alan Wiseman Moses Silverberg Yan Yu Rose Paul The Pace/Zimmerman Families Martin B. Zimmerman
Young Professionals (22-39) Fund Donor Jenna R. Smith
In Honor of Rabbi Miller
Ivy Zola’s Help-a-Friend Fund Donor In Memory of Janet & Jeff Abramson Bertram Abramson The Mildred & Ellis April Family Margaret R. Kaminsky Robert Gary “Skipper” Tash Miriam & Eliezer Benbassat Werner Jacob Sherry Cohen Billy Triebwasser Karen & Richard Perkins Dr. Stephen Greenhouse Beatrice Burke Evelyn Perkins Joan & Norman Smith Ben Fox Andrea & Geoffrey Zola Ivy Zola Anita Weinstein
Rabbi Joseph Weinberg Young Leadership Community Service Fund Donor Moritz Cohen Jr. Linda & Roy Green Marcia Weinberg
In Memory of Moritz A. Cohen Sr. Virginia L. Krinsky Sylvia Green Max LeShay Helen J. Weinberg
Wender Memorial Archives Fund
Donor Wendy Cimmet Suzanne & Jonathan Slade Donor In Honor of Ellen Lurie Hoffman & Matthew Hoffman Rabbi Miller Dr. Israel & Diana Kogan Paul Nass
Harold “Buddy” & Shirley Robinson Memorial Education Scholarship Fund Donor In Honor of Simeon M. Kriesberg & Martha L. Kahn Beth Donaldson Ida Subin Laura Plotkin Rabbi Skloot
Abe & Sylvia Shrinsky Creative Worship Program Fund Donor Faith & Jim Kirk
Donor Fleur Bresler
Carrie Simon House
Donor In Honor of William H. Davis Bat Mitzvah of Shoshanah Kriesberg
Donor Veda Levy & Family
Abram Simon Elementary School Camp Fund
In Memory of Helene S. Kirk
Carlynn & Larry Silverman Family Endowment for Jewish Life & Learning Donor In Memory of Lauren, Fred, Sam & David Sternburg Mildred Kogod Sterburg
Donor Louis Kornhauser
In Memory of Shirley Kornhauser Estelle “Babe” Kornhauser
Worship & Music Fund Donor Kathleen Healy Donor In Honor of Dr. Israel & Diana Kogan Rabbi Shankman Veda Levy & Family Barbara Berman’s Special Birthday Tracy Kolker Ochsman Rabbi Lustig Rabbi Miller Robert Peikin Cantor Bortnick Gary & Laura Siegel Cantor Manevich Donor In Memory of Moritz Cohen Jr. Abe Cohen Haidee Steinhardt Marilyn & Michael Glosserman Elsia Klein Glosserman Susan T. Edlavitch & Harvey Grossinger Selma Edlavitch Layne, Rachel, Ryan, Brian, Ilyssa, Ethan & Halle Harlan L. Weiss David Hirshfeld Sonia B. “Sonny” Hirshfeld Wilma C. Probst Levy Bernard Cohen WHC Journal – October 2018 | Page 21
In October …
WHC Programs & Events Opportunities for Adults
Books’
Jewish Book Month
Lecture, Lunch, and Discussion Sunday, November 4 at 1030 am at Temple
Join WHC Books for a light lunch and discussion following Norman Eisen’s Amram Scholar Series Lecture RSVP required (free): whctemple.org/WHCBooks
The Women of WHC Present: Wine, Dine, and Enjoy – An Evening With Nell Scovell Wednesday, October 3, 6:30 pm at Temple
You’ve almost certainly laughed at Nell Scovell’s jokes — you just didn’t know it until now. For more than 30 years, she has written for some of TV’s most successful shows, including The Simpsons, Murphy Brown, and Late Night With David Letterman. When the Letterman sex scandal broke in 2009, as a former (and sole female) writer on his show, she used the moment to publicly call out the lack of gender diversity in late-night TV writers’ rooms. This fueled a cultural debate, and two years later, she and Sheryl Sandberg were collaborating on Lean In. Ms. Scovell has a newly published and highly praised memoir, Just the Funny Parts … And a Few Hard Truths About Sneaking Into the Hollywood Boys’ Club. Join us to hear her funny, honest, and sometimes shocking account of the creative process and how she navigated difficult workplaces. Drinks and dinner will precede her talk. RSVP required ($): whctemple.org/WomenofWHC Sharon Brown: sharonbdds@gmail.com
2239 One Eight Distilling Tasting
Faith in Action
Unity Walk: Know Your Neighbor
Sunday, October 14, beginning at 1:45 pm at Temple Rescheduled from September 16
Sunday, October 7, 4:00 pm in Northeast D.C.
Join 2239 for a tasting event at One Eight Distilling. Set in a red brick warehouse, this gin, vodka, and whiskey maker boasts a tasting room with copper vats. We will have the opportunity to sample their liquors and enjoy cocktails.
Explore, taste, celebrate, and learn as the houses of worship and religious centers along Embassy Row open their doors to the community. Start at Temple and continue at your own pace. You’ll find food to sample, volunteer projects, musical performances, and beautiful architecture. The Unity Walk brings people together to celebrate the different faiths and cultures in the D.C. area and is a great event for all ages and life stages. RSVP preferred (suggested donation): ifcmw.org
RSVP required ($): whctemple.org/2239 Valerie Bluestein: vbluestein@whctemple.org
WHC Hunger Project
Sunday, October 28, 1:00 pm at JBSC
Wednesday, October 24, 7:00 pm at a restaurant in D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood
Put on a hair net and join us to make a real impact on hunger in our community. All ages are welcome as we work together to package nutritious meals for those in need. Help support the Capital Area Food Bank, the Maryland Food Bank, and Bread for the City. SSL hours are awarded too.
Join us for an evening out at a local restaurant. Enjoy good conversation, food, and the chance to get to know other couples in the WHC community.
RSVP required ($): whctemple.org/CouplesClub Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303
Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307
RSVP required (free): whctemple.org/HungerProject Jeff Bergman: hungerproject@whctemple.org, 202-362-7100
Page 22 | WHC Journal – October 2018
Prime Timers Lunch & Learn With Rabbi Eliana Fischel Monday, October 15, 12:30 pm at Temple
Come enjoy some lunchtime learning with our newest clergy member, Rabbi Eliana Fischel.
RSVP required ($): whctemple.org/PrimeTimers Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303
Couples Club Weeknight Dinner
In October …
WHC Programs & Events
Mah Jongg Tournament Something for everyone! Experienced “mavens,” junior players, and those who have never touched a tile
Youth
7 Days / 7 Dinners
A WHECTY Night Out for High School Students Wednesday, October 10, 6:30 pm at Fish Taco in Downtown Bethesda
All 9th- through 12th-graders are invited to join us for our monthly night out. Bring money to pay for your dinner and a little extra if you would like to donate to WHECTY’s participation in the Out of the Darkness Walk on October 20 (see page 24 for more information). RSVP required ($): whctemple.org/WHECTY Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209
Club 56: Can You Escape the Room?
Saturday, October 13, in Alexandria Bus departs from Temple at 5:00 pm, returns at 8:30 pm
Sunday, November 4, doors open 9:30 am at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center
Registration required: whctemple.org/MJTournament
Calling all 5th- and 6th-graders... Join your friends as we try to solve the clues, crack the codes, and escape the room! This event costs $35, which covers transportation, the Escape Room, and dinner at a nearby pizza restaurant. Space is limited! RSVP required ($): whctemple.org/Club56 Erica Barish: ebarish@whctemple.org, 301-354-3217
Families With Young Children Early Childhood Center Tours
E-T ECC tours at Temple: 9:30 am on Wednesday, October 3 and Tuesday, October 16 RJWECC tours at JBSC: 9:30 am on Thursday, October 11 and Wednesday, October 17
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 centers. Tours are offered at each location, the Edlavitch-Tyser ECC at Temple and the Rabbi Joseph Weinberg ECC at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center in Potomac, Maryland.
RSVP preferred (free): whctemple.org/ECC Temple – Amy Sklaire: asklaire@whctemple.org, 202-895-6346 JBSC – Bea Langel: blangel@whctemple.org, 301-354-3205
Continued on page 24.
UNITY WALK KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR
Sunday, October 14
Youth
Confirmation Trip to New York City Friday, October 5 – Sunday, October 7
From the Lower East Side to the Upper West Side, Confirmands will experience the Jewish side of New York City with our clergy and staff.
RSVP required ($): whctemple.org/Confirmation Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303
EXPLORE
TASTE
Resche duled from Septem ber!
CELEBRATE
LEARN
Houses of worship and religious centers along Embassy Row are opening their doors to the community STARTS AT WHC 145 pm: Registration & resource fair 230 pm: Opening ceremony Ends at the Islamic Center Learn more and register online: ifcmw.org WHC Journal – October 2018 | Page 23
In October …
WHC Programs & Events Youth
Youth
A Program for Students and Parents Sunday, October 14, 9:30 am at Temple and JBSC
Walk for Suicide Prevention Saturday, October 20, 1:30 pm in D.C.
Join us in the building where your child attends Religious School (or, for independent study students, in the building of your choice), to take the first steps as a family toward B’nei Mitzvah. We will demystify the prayer service, heighten your understanding, and creatively represent the prayers that will be read at your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. You and your child will also learn how WHC and Religious School will help them prepare for this milestone and have ample opportunity to ask questions.
WHECTY is participating in this community event to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Join our WHECTY team to take part in this special social action walk.
5th-Grade B’nei Mitzvah Family Learning Day
RSVP required (free): whctemple.org/LifeCycle Beth Donaldson: bdonaldson@whctemple.org, 202-895-6309
8th-Grade Monument Program
Sunday, October 14, 10:00 am in D.C.
Eighth-grade students will spend a fun day in downtown D.C. exploring three of the city’s most popular monuments and learning about the Jewish values that are “hidden” within these historic landmarks.
RSVP required (free): whctemple.org/PreConfirmation Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209
Post Confirmation Dinner
Sunday, October 14, 5:30 pm at an outside location
Post Confirmation students are invited to a casual, homehosted dinner to catch up with your friends.
RSVP preferred (free): whctemple.org/PostConfirmation Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209
Out of Darkness
RSVP required (free): whctemple.org/WHECTY Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209
Jr. ETY: Jurassic Art For JBSC Religious School Students in Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Sunday, October 21, 12:00 pm at JBSC
All kindergarten, 1st- and 2nd-graders at JBSC are invited to stay after Religious School for a pizza lunch and a roaring afternoon of making and painting their very own dinosaur fossils. Come enjoy an amazing story with the Great Adventure Lab and stick around to learn fun facts about fossils. This program will be repeated in November for Religious School students at Temple. RSVP required ($): whctemple.org/JrETY Erica Barish: ebarish@whctemple.org, 301-354-3217
ETY Fall Festival
Sunday, October 28, 12:00 pm at Temple
Calling all 3rd- and 4th-graders. It’s time for our annual “welcome back” fall festival. Come enjoy an afternoon filled with fun fall activities, pumpkins, a crazy obstacle course relay race, games, pizza, snacks, and more. Bus transportation will be provided for JBSC Religious School students.
“Suicide: The Ripple Effect”
RSVP required ($): whctemple.org/ETY Erica Barish: ebarish@whctemple.org, 301-354-3217
Exploring the Impact of Suicide Tuesday, October 16, 7:00 pm at JBSC
9th-Grade D.C. Day
This is a film that every teenager and parent needs to see. The Ripple Effect shares the true story of Kevin Hines, who at 19, attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Incredibly, he survived and has spent the last 17 years on a mission to use his story to help others stay alive. This program is co-sponsored by WHC, UMTTR, and NAMI of Montgomery County and is made possible through the support of the Edlavitch-Tyser Family Relations Forum. RSVP requested (free): whctemple.org/RippleEffect Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209
5th-Grade Shabbaton
Friday, October 19, 6:00 pm at Temple
Our 5th-grade students from both buildings will spend the night at Temple participating in fun activities including a special scavenger hunt focusing on gematria (Hebrew numerology) and holiness. The evening begins with a family Shabbat service and dinner, after which the students change into pajamas and take over the Temple!
RSVP required ($): whctemple.org/ReligiousSchool Jonathan Honigman: jhonigman@whctemple.org, 301-354-3223
Page 24 | WHC Journal – October 2018
Saturday, October 27, 9:30 am in Washington, D.C.
Our 9th-graders will spend an incredible day in D.C. We will visit the Newseum, grab lunch, and then head to the National Mall for a photo scavenger hunt. After a brief break for a movie at Temple, we will have dinner and a very special nighttime tour of the monuments. Students are welcome to come for the morning, the evening, or the entire day.
RSVP required (free): whctemple.org/PreConfirmation Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209
Culture and the Arts
Cantors and Kol Rinah to Perform at Strathmore in November
W
e invite you to join us at Strathmore Music Center in North Bethesda, Maryland at 7:00 pm on Sunday November 11 for an unforgettable musical journey that will illuminate the ongoing power and impact of Jewish music.
Cantor Mikhail Manevich, Cantor Susan Bortnick, and our Kol Rinah choir will take the stage with local cantors, synagogue musicians, and more than 200 choral singers to celebrate the rich legacy of music from the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music (DFSSM), the Cantorial Seminary of the Reform Movement’s Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion. Conducted by Cantor Richard Cohn, the Director of the DFSSM, they will honor the repertoire which has filled our Jewish communities around the world for joyous occasions, meaningful worship, and deep learning. Tickets are available online at Strathmore.org.
PAST PRESENT FUTURE
The Journey of American Cantors in Story and Song Sunday Nov. 11, 2018 7:00 pm
Music Center at Strathmore, Bethesda, MD Presented by the Reform Cantors & Synagogue Musicians of MD/DC/VA
Tickets available online at
HARMONY
www.strathmore.org Or call: 301-581-5100
WHC Journal – October 2018 | Page 25
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
PAID SUBURBAN, MD PERMIT NO. 4240
3935 Macomb Street NW Washington, DC 20016 202-362-7100 whctemple.org facebook.com/whctemple
Please Join Us for the Shabbat Installation of
Rabbi Eliana Fischel Friday, October 12, 2018 6:00 pm
at
Washington Hebrew Congregation 3935 Macomb Street NW Washington, District of Columbia Celebratory oneg will follow