Washington Hebrew Congregation "Journal" by Washington Hebrew Congregation

APRIL 2017/NISSANâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;IYYAR 5777 VOL. 58, NO. 4

APRIL 2017

VOL. 58, NO. 4

SUPPORTED BY AN ENDOWMENT FROM LIBBY AND MELVIN MANDEL

In This Issue Rabbi’s Reflection................................................................................3 President’s Column..............................................................................4 Mitzvah Day: Help Now with Your Heart and on Sunday, April 30 with Your Hands..........................................................................................5 100 Years Ago: WHC and America’s Entry into World War I.................6 Report of the Nominating Committee for the 165th Annual Meeting...... 7 April Calendar......................................................................................8 WHC Programs & Events................................................................... 10 Passover: A Special Holiday Supplement Rabbinic Insights to Enhance Your Seder........................................ 14 Creative Fun.................................................................................. 14 The Seder Plate: Traditional and Re-imagined.................................. 16 Washington Hebrew Congregation Presents: “The Exodus,” a Passover Play......................................................... 17 Carrot Ring Recipe.........................................................................20 B’nei Mitzvah.................................................................................... 22 Life Cycle........................................................................................... 23 Contributions..................................................................................... 24 Yom HaShoah Holocaust Commemoration......................................... 32

Washington Hebrew Congregation Clergy

M. Bruce Lustig, Senior Rabbi Susan N. Shankman, Rabbi Aaron Miller, Associate Rabbi Joseph A. Skloot, Assistant Rabbi Mikhail Manevich, Cantor Susan R.A. Bortnick, Cantor Joshua O. Haberman, Rabbi Emeritus

Senior Staff – Education

DJ Schneider Jensen, Director of the Edlavitch-Tyser ECC Fran Miller, Director of the Rabbi Joseph Weinberg ECC Ira Miller, Director of Informal Education Stephanie Tankel, Director of Religious Education

Senior Staff – Administration

Steven Jacober, Executive Director Miriam Feffer, Director of Development Lindsay Fry Feldman, Director of Member Services Naomi Abelson Gohn, Director of Temple Programs & TOV Mohan Mistry, Director of Engineering & Maintenance Stephen Stoupa, Director of Finance Susan J. Hanenbaum, Executive Director Emerita

Officers

David Astrove, President Nell Shapiro, First Vice President Mark Director, Vice President Richard Newman, Vice President Jeffrey Weiss, Vice President Andrew H. Marks, Treasurer Carrie Coonin, Assistant Treasurer Janet Katz, Secretary Deborah Goldman, Assistant Secretary Lewis Wiener, General Counsel

Board of Directors Joan Adoff Rochelle Behrens Ellen R. Berlow Sharon Jaffe Dan Brian D. Friedman Susan B. Gerson Diane Cutler Green Jonathan Greenblatt Jessica Pearlman Isen Anne Lackritz Andrew Lazerow Karen Leder

Past Presidents

Leonard I. Abel David R. Berz Stuart L. Bindeman Earl M. Colson Meg Jacobs Flax Jay W. Freedman Susan J. Hanenbaum

Jeremy London William Miller David Oblon Stephanie Posner Steven A. Robins Lynn Sachs Cathy Zeman Scheineson Melissa Schwartz Aaron W. Stopak Richard Sussman 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 Prime Timers: Phyllis Belford, Sandy Grant Sisterhood: Sandy Nesbit WHECTY: Blayne Schenk

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 – April 2017

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.

Rabbi’s Reflection Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig

hat fun we had celebrating Shabbat Purim at Temple on Friday, March 10, gleefully fulfilling the edict found at the end of the Scroll of Esther (9:21-22): “They should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, the days wherein the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to gladness, and from mourning into a good day; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.” The Purim story is all about incongruity. We face near genocide, and we celebrate. Haman, the villain, describes how to honor an important man, only to learn that the man to be honored is the very person he wishes to destroy, Mordechai. The Jewish people, who are continuously singled out for being different, who do not fit in, provide the winner of the king’s beauty contest, Esther, who becomes the queen.

“

Jewish people is also evident in the story of Passover, the paradigmatic story of freedom and redemption when we declare we will rise from “degradation to liberation.” These stories of Purim and Passover have made us — the Jewish people — the champion of the underdog; the voice of the voiceless; and the protector of the widow, orphan, and helpless. We welcome the stranger, not just because we were once strangers, but because shunning them is unjust, and we are a people who seek justice, “Tzedek, tzedek, tirdof … Justice, justice shall you pursue!” Throughout American history, the Jewish people have never backed away from a social justice cause.

What are we to do in the face of antiSemitism? I say, let the power of Purim pervade!”

I marveled at the irony. The joyfulness of our celebration on Friday night came just 24 hours after another round of bomb threats were directed toward the Jewish community. Since January, there have been more than 150 such calls made to JCCs, Jewish day schools, and other Jewish community institutions. In recent weeks, three Jewish cemeteries have also been desecrated with hundreds of gravestones toppled — perhaps to try to topple our sense of security? Done to make us feel vulnerable, to intimidate us into a fear that will drive us away or into passive submission or anonymity? Not a chance! Just look at the story of Purim. Esther is heroic. She is the modern, assimilated Jew of her day. Faced with genocide, she uses her intellect and political prowess to save her people. In the story of Purim, God plays no part in the rescue and redemption of the Jewish people. The people of God save themselves. The strength of the

What are we to do in the face of anti-Semitism? I say, let the power of Purim pervade! Yes, these are troubling events, which we do not ignore. Yes, we have doubled down on our security, and we are more diligent than ever in safeguarding our community. But the fear and hate mongers have not stopped us at WHC. Our monthly Tot Shabbats are packed at both buildings. A recent 2239 happy hour hit record attendance as did the last Metro Minyan. Our lectures draw larger and larger audiences. On Purim, we celebrated with the largest crowds we have seen in years. Every generation came to be with us on Friday evening for the Purim Oscars Shabbat dinner, service, and “after party.” Children performed on Sunday morning at Religious School’s Shushan’s Got Talent Showcase and then played at the Animation Celebration Purim Carnival, expertly run by our WHECTY teens. Yes, we celebrated, danced, and sang on Purim. We remembered Esther’s selfless acts to save her people. We booed Haman because we will always, always find a way to drown out hate! But more, we came and sent a strong message to all who would try to stop us or instill fear. We will not be moved from our resolve to live, to love, and to allow our Judaism to continue to inspire yet another generation to build God’s Continued on page 7. WHC Journal – April 2017 | Page 3

President’s Column David M. Astrove

n the 10 months since I was installed as President, it has impressed and heartened me to experience how much our members care about this Congregation. You care about what we do, when we do it, and how we do all that we do. About a year ago, we embarked on a new initiative, “WHC 175: Envision Our Future,” to help us establish a direction to focus our efforts to remain a relevant and vital Reform Jewish synagogue. We have been asking our members and those who are part of the wider WHC community to describe their vision for WHC in 2027. We want to know how they want Washington Hebrew Congregation to look, feel, and act in 10 years when our historic Congregation celebrates its 175th anniversary. To date, we have held four Visioning Workshops, and more than 250 people have participated.

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connect and build relationships with each other, our clergy, and the community. I would like you to know that we have implemented and experimented with programs that are based on creating those relationships and will continue to do so. Current initiatives include “Faith Over Fear” dinners and conversations, expanded auxiliary activities, Post Confirmation, a program which has nearly 30 of our high school juniors and seniors participating, and, frankly, the Shabbat dinners that Debbie and I host each month for any congregant who expresses an interest in attending. Providing increased and enhanced opportunities for congregants to develop relationships is a part of the vision for 2027.

We have been asking our members and those who are part of the wider WHC community to describe their vision for WHC in 2027.

If you have not yet shared your vision, please reach out to Lindsay Fry Feldman, Director of Member Services, at lfeldman@whctemple.org or 202-8956321, and let her know that you would like to be included in this incredible undertaking. If you have participated, I cannot thank you enough and want to ensure you that your input is already making an impact — even before we have boiled down the plethora of suggestions into a cohesive and well-focused vision for our future. Some of our participants indicated that their vision for 2027 includes effective, streamlined, and state-of-the-art-communication between the Congregation and its members. I want you to know that we have begun an effort to evaluate and update our use of technology as well as WHC’s database software. Our goal is to put an infrastructure in place so WHC can be informed about and communicate with our congregants in the most efficient means possible. Clear and effective communication is a part of the vision for 2027. Some of our participants indicated that their vision for 2027 includes enhanced and expanded means for congregants to

President@whctemple.org 202-895-6301

Some of our participants indicated that their vision for 2027 includes meaningful worship experiences that combine the familiar and traditional with the progressive and experimental. I suggest that you need attend only three Shabbat services to see how varied our services are. Those efforts will continue as well. Incorporating additional meaningful and varied worship experiences is a part of the vision for 2027.

Some of our participants expressed a desire for opportunities where they can join together to make statements in support of issues of the day and take action to enhance the community and world in which we live. I direct you to page six of this issue to read an essay about a flag raising ceremony Washington Hebrew Congregation held 100 years ago when Congress declared war on Germany and began our involvement in World War I. The entire Congregation — every man, woman, and child — attended this event. What a statement that was and how unified and strong the members of our Congregation must have felt that day in 1917. Imagine how powerful it would be now, in 2017, if we brought all of our 2,400 WHC families — nearly 8,000 individuals — together for one purpose to make a difference. There is just such an opportunity this month: Mitzvah Day, on Sunday, April 30. Participate in Mitzvah Day, and you can Continued on page 7.

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Tikkun Olam

Mitzvah Day

Help Now with Your Heart … Help us make the biggest impact possible on Mitzvah Day by filling the bins and trailers at Temple and the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center with these items. A favorite volunteer project is compiling packages of toiletry kits for people in need. Bins are awaiting your donations at Temple and JBSC parking lot entrances.

Toiletries in Travel/Trial Sizes: Toothpaste and Toothbrushes Soap and Body Wash Shampoo Lotion Mouthwash

Feminine Hygiene Products and Underwear for Women and Girls:

Feminine care products are a necessity for girls and women, yet many who are homeless go without. It affects self-esteem and plays a big role in the lives of many in need. Help us help local women by donating new, unopened boxes of tampons and sanitary pads and new (with tags) bras and underwear — in all sizes. An easy way to help is to purchase from our Amazon “wish list,” which you can find at whctemple.org/MitzvahDay.

Gently Used or New Items for Adults and Children — All Ages and All Sizes:

Clothing and Shoes for men, women and children Small Household Goods, Including Still-Working Small Appliances Sports Equipment and Toys Please, no large or heavy items that cannot be hand-carried

…and on Sunday, April 30 with Your Hands A tradition at WHC since 1991, Mitzvah Day volunteers sign up for projects with their family and friends each year. Many children grow up thinking that Mitzvah Day is a “holiday” just like other sacred days where we come together to do small acts of kindness.

What’s your favorite Mitzvah Day project? Choose from these and more:

Bring your friendly dog to visit with seniors at Sunrise at Fox Hill, ECC kids can decorate (with their parents’ help) canvas “walker bags” for seniors at the Hebrew Home, Tie knots on fleece blankets to help warm hundreds in our local community, or Package snack-sized bags of cereal for kids. It doesn’t matter which project you choose, as long as you are there! Sign up now and tell your friends to sign up today: whctemple.org/MitzvahDay WHC Journal – April 2017 | Page 5

WHC Journal

100 Years Ago: WHC and America’s Entry into World War I Courtesy of the WHC Archives

ne hundred years ago, on April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson asked the U.S. Congress to issue a declaration of war on Germany due to that nation’s on-going belligerent activities against American shipping. On April 6, 1917, the Congress declared war on Germany to “make the world safe for democracy,” plunging the United States into World War I. Washington, D.C. was still a relatively small town in 1917, and its Jewish residents had attained a level of prosperity, prominence, and influence that far exceeded their numbers in the general population. Jews were an integral part of the nation’s capital. Nonetheless, their acceptance was at times tenuous. Overwhelmingly, District of Columbia Jews who were members of Washington Hebrew Congregation were immigrants from Germany or their descendants. As the United States’ relations with Germany began to deteriorate in the years before the war, many Americans began to increasingly question the loyalty and support of Americans of German ancestry. This uncomfortable and even potentially perilous atmosphere compounded the desire on the part of the members of WHC to emphasize their patriotism and Americanism. A resolution adopted by Washington Hebrew Congregation on April 4, 1917, two days before war was declared said “RESOLVED…that exercises be had in the matter of raising a United States flag on our Temple to give further evidence of our loyalty and devotion to the Government of the United States….” Four days later, our members and leaders participated in a flag raising ceremony in front of the synagogue, which was then located on 8th Street, to demonstrate their loyalty and support for President Wilson and the war. This spirited American flag raising event was widely

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reported in local newspapers. Attended by the entire congregation and its leaders, Rabbi Louis Stern, Rabbi Abram Simon, WHC President Adolf M. Fishel, and Simon Wolf — a former president of the Congregation and perhaps Washington’s most prominent Jew of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Wolf spoke at the flag raising, saying, in part: “No class of citizenship should take a deeper interest in the outcome of the war than we, for here is our home — our future, our opportunity. … We are assembled as American citizens renewing in this crucial moment our devotion and allegiance to the republic. … Sun kissed and wind tossed, this flag … stands sponsor for religious liberty. … It seeks no other conquest than that of justice and righteousness.” Rabbi Abram Simon also addressed the crowd, which included representatives from the District’s Christian churches, urging “young men to uphold the sacred honor of the flag by enlisting.” During America’s participation in the war, 60 Temple members (59 men and one woman) and Rabbi Simon himself joined the armed forces, heeding the call to serve. WHC formed several ad hoc committees — Hospitality, Sunshine, Hospitals, and Red Cross — to help support the war effort, and dozens of Temple members gave significant time to provide aid to “…the men in khaki and to the stranger….” WHC also held Sunday morning services during the war and conducted additional High Holy Day services, all in an effort to provide additional opportunities for worship. WHC, through its Jewish War Relief Campaign raised $50,000 — which today would be nearly one million dollars. A display of images and artifacts from this historic time will be on display in the case nearest Kreeger Lobby during April.

WHC Journal

Rabbi’s Reflection (continued from page 3)

Report of the Nominating Committee for the 165th Annual Meeting

he WHC Nominating Committee, appointed by the President in accordance with the Congregation’s Constitution and By-Laws, has met and selected nominees for the Temple’s Board of Directors. The Committee has complied with all applicable By-Laws concerning notice to the Congregation and has also published a request in the Journal and Life@WHC, inviting suggestions for nominees from members of the Temple. Washington Hebrew Congregation has an incredibly rich reservoir of talent and, as might be expected, the suggestions included many more deserving names by far than the number of available positions. In formulating the slate, the Committee was guided by a desire to bring to the Board a balance that is representative of the entire Congregation, including skills, resources, ages, and genders, and also to achieve an appropriate blend of experienced and new leadership. The Committee believes that this slate, along with the members whose terms are continuing, achieves such a balance. It also believes that each nominee has demonstrated his or her devotion to Judaism and the Congregation and will help our Temple go from strength to strength. The Nominating Committee is pleased to re-nominate current Board members Anne Lackritz and David Oblon to serve a three-year term being from 2017 to 2020. The Committee nominates Beth Dubin to serve a two-year term from 2017 to 2019 and the following to serve threeyear terms, from 2017 to 2020: Jami Axelrod, Betty Jane Eichberg, Edward Joseph, David Metzner, Sandy Nesbit, and Paula Tiedemann. All terms will begin and end with the Annual Meeting of the Congregation in the years noted. These names will be voted upon by members of the Congregation at its 165th Annual Meeting, which will be held on Monday, June 5, 2017. The Nominating Committee chair, Meg Flax, thanks the members of the Committee, who approached the task with great care, consideration, and wisdom: Todd Deckelbaum, RobBee Fredricks, David Rosenblum, Lynn Sachs, Nell Shapiro, and Kimberly Walker-Vogel.

world. We will fight for a world of justice and peace, a world where the color of your skin and the call of your creed will not be used for degradation. You threaten us, and we become stronger to protect what we value. You try to intimidate us in anonymous ways, and we will be empowered to stand up against all bigotry and hatred. You preach hate, and we will practice love. You try to spread fear through anti-Semitism, and we will simply choose Faith over Fear every time! We will stand strong and proud, for it was our own Bible that gave birth to democracy. It inspired our founders to frame our Constitution that guarantees the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to every human being. What do we do in the face of anti-Semitism? We stand together. I look forward to seeing you in shul. Being there now is a matter of pride and principle! Shalom, Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig

President’s Column (continued from page 4) join the fight against hunger, bring dignity to the homeless, and bring a smile to seniors and those who are ill. You will find information and details about this year’s Mitzvah Day throughout this issue and online at whctemple.org/ MitzvahDay. We turned out in force in 1917, and we can do it again in 2017. Join us on April 30 and get a taste of what we can be in 2027: 175 years strong, with community and tikkun olam continuing to bring us together and help move us forward into a relevant and vital future. Our vision of 2027 is not yet clear, and we need your help to bring it fully into focus. I look forward to seeing you at future visioning sessions.

Mitzvah Day Share Your Gifts on April 30!

APRIL 2017 Sunday

Monday

9:30am Religious School (M&B) 9:30am 9th Grade Trip to U.S. Naval Academy (OUT) 10:30am Amram Scholar Series Lecture Featuring Lawrence Douglas and Andrew Nagorski (M) 5:30pm Cantors in Concert (B)

No Religious School (M&B)

Tuesday

7:00pm 12JQ (M) 7:00pm Sisterhood’s “Soul Seder” (B) 7:15pm WHC Academy (M)

Passover – First Seder 6:00pm Congregational Seder (M) 7:00pm 2229 Seder (OUT)

Wednesday

4:00pm Continuing Ed. for ECC (M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (B) 6:30pm WHECTY Board Meeting (M)

Passover Offices Closed (M&B) RJWECC Spring Break (B) E-T ECC Closed (M) No Hebrew School (B)

10:30am Passover Festival Service (M)

Passover Easter No Religious School (M&B)

Passover Offices Closed (M&B) RJWECC Spring Break (B) E-T ECC Spring Break (M)

9:30am Religious School (M&B) 10:00am Boomers’ Bike and Brunch (OUT) 12:00pm ETY Olympics (M) 1:30pm Walk to End Genocide (OUT) 1:30pm Yom HaShoah Community Holocaust Commemoration (B)

10:00am Conversational Hebrew (M) 6:30pm WHECTY Selections Meeting (B) 7:00pm 12JQ (M) 7:15pm Congregational Conversations at WHC Academy (M)

Passover RJWECC Spring Break (B) No Hebrew School (M)

1:00pm Wednesday Study Group (M) 7:30pm Community Issues/Social Action Meeting (M)

4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (B) 6:30pm Pre-Confirmation and Confirmation (B)

10:30am Passover Festival and Yizkor Service (M)

Yom HaShoah

E-T ECC Spring Break (M)

1:00pm Wednesday Study Group (M) 4:00pm Continuing Ed. for ECC (B) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M) 6:00pm Freedom Seder (M) 7:30pm Kol Rinah Rehearsal (B)

E-T ECC Spring Break (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 Kol Rinah Rehearsal (B)

4:00pm Continuing Ed. for ECC (M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (B) 6:30pm Confirmation and Post Confirmation (M) 7:00pm Bereavement Support Group (M)

1:00pm Wednesday Study Group (M) 4:00pm Continuing Ed. for ECC (B) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M) 7:30pm Kol Rinah Rehearsal (B) 7:30pm “Brighton Beach Memoirs” with WHC at Theater J (OUT)

No Religious School (M&B) so students and families can participate in

Mitzvah Day (M, B, and OUT)

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B: Julia Bindeman Suburban Center

M: Temple

OUT: Not at a WHC location

NISSAN–iyyar 5777 Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1

5:00pm Club 56 Program (OUT) Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) B’not Mitzvah of Sophie Axelrod and Eleanor Raab 5:30pm Afternoon Service and Havdalah (M) Bar Mitzvah of Quentin Wise

RJWECC Dismisses at 12:30pm (B)

10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B) Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) Bar Mitzvah of Justin Carney 5:30pm Afternoon Service and Havdalah (M) Bat Mitzvah of Goldie Aronson

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

Passover RJWECC Spring Break (B)

Passover

10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B)

Services: 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 6:00pm Shabbat Service (M) E-T ECC Spring Break (M)

6:00pm NFTY-MAR Spring Kallah (OUT through Sunday)

10:00am Conversational Hebrew (B)

E-T ECC Spring Break (M)

Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M)

10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B)

EmptyNesters’ Retreat (OUT through Sunday) 5:00pm Couples Club Post-Passover Pizza Party (OUT)

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

Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) Bat Mitzvah of Eleanor Abel 5:30pm Afternoon Service and Havdalah (M) B’nei Mitzvah of Harris Blumberg and Lauren Lemer

10:00am Sisterhood’s Literary Group (M) 10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B) 4:00pm 8th Grade Retreat (OUT through Sunday) 5:30pm Tot Shabbat Family Dinner (M) Services: 5:00pm Tot Shabbat (M) 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 6:00pm Pollin Music Shabbat Service Featuring the Cantors & Kol Rinah (M) 6:15pm 2239’s Metro Minyan (OUT) 6:30pm Family Shabbat & 3rd Grade Siyum Sefer (M)

29 Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) Bar Mitzvah of Julian Silva 5:30pm Afternoon Service and Havdalah (M) Bat Mitzvah of Katie Sklaire

WHC Journal – April 2017 | Page 9

In April …

WHC Programs & Events MIK HA IL

AN SUS WHC

CANTO CONCERS IN RT FEATURING THE MUSIC OF

GEORGE & IRA GERSHWIN

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 530pm JULIA BINDEMAN SUBURBAN CENTER TICKETS:

$25: whctemple.org/SpringConcert Sponsored by David Hirshfeld, in memory of his wife, Sonny Hirshfeld

Featured Programs Cantors in Concert: The Music of George & Ira Gershwin Sunday, April 2, 5:30 pm at JBSC

The music of George and Ira Gershwin is instantly recognizable. From 1924 until George’s death in 1937, they composed more than two dozen scores for theater and film. They elevated musical comedy to an American art form and will forever be linked with the sound and style of the Jazz Age. Join us for our spring Cantors’ concert featuring both popular and less well-known Gershwin tunes! Registration required ($): whctemple.org/SpringConcert Beth Donaldson: bdonaldson@whctemple.org, 202-895-6309

Freedom Seder

Coordinated by the Community Issues/ Social Action Committee Wednesday, April 5, 6:00 pm at Temple

An evening of unity and a remembrance of freedom with the interfaith community, the Freedom Seder includes prayers, songs, and readings emphasizing the universal struggle for human dignity. This special Passover seder dinner is open to all congregants, their family and friends, and our interfaith neighbors.

Featured Programs 2239’s Passover Seder

Monday, April 10, 6:15 pm at a location to be determined

Can’t make it home for Passover this year? Join the 2239 community for a lively, young professionals seder to celebrate the Jewish story of redemption.

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

Yom HaShoah Holocaust Commemoration Organized by the JCRC of Greater Washington Sunday, April 23, 1:30 pm at JBSC

D.C.’s annual community-wide Holocaust commemoration with keynote address by Holocaust survivor, Julia Keefer. In “Displaced Persons – Struggles to Find a Home,” Ms. Keefer will reflect on her experience in World War II displaced persons camps and share insights that help inform today’s refugee crisis. The program will include intergenerational discussions with area Holocaust survivors; art and artifacts exhibits; workshops for teens; a community observance; and “Unto Every Person There is a Name,” a reading of the names of adults and children who perished in the Holocaust. jcouncil.org/Holocaust Naomi Abelson Gohn: ngohn@whctemple.org, 202-895-6328

Mitzvah Day

Sunday, April 30, 9:30 am at Temple, the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center, and throughout the D.C. Metro Area

Mitzvah Day represents the culmination of our year-long focus on community service and long-standing commitment to helping the homeless, sick, hungry, and underprivileged in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. community. Our volunteers lend their time, energy, and compassion to social service agencies working to improve the lives of people in need. In keeping with Judaism’s teachings of tikkun olam, Mitzvah Day inspires participants to pursue justice through social activism.

Registration required (free): whctemple.org/MitzvahDay Anne Friedman: annefriedman@aol.com

Doing a Mitzvah Feels Good!

Registration required ($): whctemple.org/Passover Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307

Congregational Passover Seder

Monday, April 10, 6:00 pm at Temple

Join your extended WHC family at Temple for this special seder led by our clergy. We’ll read from the Haggadah, partake in the seder meal, and join in the familiar and memorable songs that are part of this festival holiday that commemorates our freedom from slavery in Egypt.

Registration required ($): whctemple.org/Passover Madge Novel: mnovel@whctemple.org, 202-895-6314 Page 10 | WHC Journal – April 2017

In April …

WHC Programs & Events

Save a Life Donate Blood Mitzvah Day Sunday, 4/30 at JBSC

Special Worship Experiences Cantors and Kol Rinah

A Pollin Music Shabbat Service: Yom HaShoah & Yom HaAtzmaut Friday, April 28, 6:00 pm at Temple

From the ashes of the Holocaust, Israel was born. With their iconic voices, Cantor Mikhail Manevich, Cantor Susan Bortnick, and Kol Rinah, will help us honor Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), a time of pain and suffering, and Yom HaAtzmaut (Israeli Independence Day), a celebration of a new day and the promise of tomorrow.

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

Schedule Your Appointment: whctemple.org/MitzvahDay

2239’s Metro Minyan

Friday, April 28, 6:15 pm at a location to be announced

Questions? Contact Beth Dubin bedubin@yahoo.com

Special Worship Experiences

This Shabbat evening for Young Professionals begins with “A Shot of Torah,” an opportunity to study the weekly Torah portion and dive into some Jewish discussion. The guitar-led, come-as-you-are service starts at 7:00 pm and is followed by dinner. Registration required for dinner only ($): whctemple.org/2239 Valerie Hillman Bluestein: vhillman@whctemple.org

Passover Festival Service

Family Shabbat & 3rd Grade Siyum Sefer

This festival service begins the Passover holiday with prayer, psalms, music, and Torah readings.

This participatory, multigenerational service provides a perfect opportunity for students to put their Hebrew learning into practice. At this service, our 3rd grade students will lead the congregation in song and receive a special blessing as part of a Siyum Sefer ceremony, celebrating the completion of their first Hebrew book.

Tuesday, April 11, 10:30 am at Temple

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

Passover Festival & Yizkor Service

Monday, April 17, 10:30 am at Temple

This service concludes the Passover holiday and gives us another opportunity to come together in prayer as we remember those whose memories live on in our hearts. whctemple.org/Worship Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307

Tot Shabbat and Family Dinner

Friday, April 28, 5:00 pm Service, 5:30 pm Dinner at Temple

Friday, April 28, 6:30 pm at Temple

whctemple.org/Worship Jonathan Honigman: jhonigman@whctemple.org, 301-354-3223

Congregational Conversations@WHC Academy American Jews and Israel: A Three-Session Taste of the Shalom Hartman Institute’s iEngage

Our clergy make going to Friday night services a fun, fulfilling event for families with young children (or grandchildren). We begin with a family-style (and family-friendly) dinner followed by a Tot Shabbat service, which lasts about a half hour and teaches Jewish prayers, traditions, and rituals through songs, stories, and art projects.

Registration required for dinner only (free): whctemple.org/TotShabbat DJ Schneider Jensen: djensen@whctemple.org, 202-895-6360

The new WHC Journal provides more depth and substance, but things can change! For up-tothe-minute Washington Hebrew Congregation news and information, please check our website, whctemple.org, and read Life@WHC, in your email inbox on Thursday mornings.

Beginning April 24, 7:15 pm at Temple Join instructor Stephanie Tankel to learn & discuss: Foundations of a New Relationship with Israel A Shared Homeland for a Divided People Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict $25 Members, $54 Non-Members whctemple.org/WHCAcademy WHC Journal – April 2017 | Page 11

In April …

WHC Programs & Events Lifelong Learning

Amram Scholar Series Presents: Bringing Nazis to Justice

Andrew Nagorski and Lawrence Douglas Sunday, April 2, 10:30 am at Temple

Bestselling and award-winning authors Andrew Nagorski and Lawrence Douglas come together in this program to discuss World War II’s Nazi hunters and those they brought to justice. Nagorski’s The Nazi Hunters is a richly reconstructed tale of the small group of men and women — including Simon Wiesenthal, Tuvia Friedman, Elizabeth Holtzman, and Beate and Serge Klarsfeld — who refused to allow Nazi perpetrators’ crimes to be forgotten and were determined to track them down to the furthest corners of the earth. In The Right Wrong Man: John Demjanjuk and the Last Great Nazi War Crimes Trial, Amherst College professor Lawrence Douglas provides a gripping eyewitness account of the last major Holocaust trial to galvanize world attention and a vital meditation on the effort to bring legal closure to the most horrific chapter in modern history. This program is presented in partnership with the Jewish Book Council. whctemple.org/Amram Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307

@WHC Academy

Congregational Conversations

American Jews and Israel Mondays, beginning April 24, 7:15 pm at Temple

Join beloved educator Stephanie Tankel for a sample of the Shalom Hartman Institute’s iEngage program — a multimedia curriculum that affords American Jews the opportunity to study with some of the finest minds in Israel. The Hartman Institute is a pluralistic center of research and education deepening and elevating the quality of Jewish life in Israel and around the world. Rabbi Lustig is a member of its prestigious Rabbinic Leadership Institute. This three-session “taste of” iEngage will focus on three core issues: Foundations of a New Relationship with Israel, A Shared Homeland for a Divided People, and Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. This course is part of WHC’s partnership with the Hartman Institute.

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

EMPTYNESTERS’ RETREAT in Bethany Beach

APRIL 22-23, 2017 “A Discussion of the World’s Great Religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam” Led by Steve Jacober, WHC Executive Director

FOR MORE INFORMATION: whctemple.org/EmptyNesters or Beth Donaldson, 202-895-6309

Tikkun Olam

Walk to End Genocide

Jewish World Watch and Darfur Interfaith Network Sunday, April 23, 1:30 pm in Washington, D.C.

Take a step closer to a world without genocide at the third annual D.C. Walk to End Genocide. All ages are welcome! The Walk begins behind the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum at 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW. Registration required ($): WalkToEndGenocide.org/DC Richard Young: richardyoung1941@msn.com, 301-509-4252

Opportunities for Adults to Engage

Soul Seder — Redefine Your Passover Experience

Sponsored by Sisterhood Monday, April 3, 7:00 pm at JBSC

Michael Twitty is Kosher Soul. Both a brand and his Twitter handle, Kosher Soul is the confluence of Michael’s African American and Jewish American heritages, melding the histories, tastes, flavors, and Diasporic wisdom that come from being both Black and Jewish. Join us for a cooking demonstration and leave inspired with new recipes! Registration required (free): whctemple.org/Sisterhood Sandy Nesbit: WHCSisterhood@gmail.com

POST-PASSOVER

PIZZA PARTY Saturday, April 22 at 5 pm

At the home of Kim & Brian Cooper address available upon reply

$18 per family or couple Kids welcome

RSVP whctemple.org/CouplesClub Page 12 | WHC Journal – April 2017

Empty Nesters’ Retreat in Bethany Beach

Saturday, April 22 in Bethany Beach, Delaware

Join us for an overnight retreat led by WHC Executive Director Steve Jacober at beautiful Bethany Beach, Delaware. Steve will lead us in a fascinating discussion on the three great religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – where they come together and where they diverge. In addition to learning, we’ll have a great time with good friends and delicious food.

Registration required ($): whctemple.org/EmptyNesters Beth Donaldson: bdonaldson@whctemple.org, 202-895-6309

Continued on page 21.

Seder Plate Ideas Creative Crafts An Original Play Insights from our Rabbis

Easy to pull out and bring with you to seder!

Passover

Rabbinic Insights to Enhance Your Seder There are more than a dozen parts to the seder — from Kadeish, the recitation of the Kiddush, to Nirtzah, the conclusion. If you are looking for ways to bring a new interpretation or enhancement to your seder, our rabbis have provided some suggestions. Enjoy!

Kadeish – Reciting the Kiddush

We begin not with food, but with a blessing over the wine, to sanctify the day, and acknowledge its holiness. To demonstrate that we are not slaves, it is customary to have someone else fill your cup (literally — until it is almost overflowing). In the 19th-century, Rabbi Y. M. Epstein, of Poland warned against the potential to have sexism creep into the seder: “It is haughty and arrogant to order one’s wife to serve him wine. After all, he is no more obligated to drink wine than she.”

Ur’chatz – Washing the Hands

The Talmud tells us that when the Temple stood in Jerusalem, there was a law that required a person to wash their hands before dipping any food in a liquid. At the seder, before we dip the karpas in salt water, hands should be washed. Typically a blessing is recited, but not for this first hand-washing. The intent is to provide another opportunity to pique the interest of children so that they will wonder: “Why is this night different from all other nights?”

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Karpas – Eating a Vegetable Dipped in Salt Water

Think of karpas as the hors d’oeuvres of the seder. The Rabbis modeled the Passover seder after the Greco-Roman symposium, where it was common to start with appetizers. Once you have dipped the parsley into the salt water, let your creativity abound. Dip celery, potatoes, or hard-boiled eggs in salt water, gefilte fish in horseradish, and even carrots or peppers in guacamole! Having a little nosh during the seder might also help hold rumbling tummies until the seder meal is served.

Yachatz – Breaking the Middle Matzah

On Passover, we hold two questions at the same time: what makes you whole, and what breaks your heart? Before we say Motzi and enjoy dinner, we break yachatz, the middle matzah, to remind us that we must still work for the redemption of our world.

Magid – Reciting the Haggadah

As we tell the story of our ancestors’ Exodus from Egypt, we know that bondage and redemption resonate deeply in our lives today. “In every generation,” the Haggadah demands, “you are obligated to see yourself as if you personally left Egypt.”

Rachtzah – Washing the Hands a Second Time

We pour water over our hands, not out of hygienic concerns, but to infuse our seder meal with another layer of holiness. A great way to involve children is to ask for two volunteers — one to pour water and the other to dry hands, so that other guests can remain comfortably seated. Page 14 | WHC Journal – April 2017

Passover

Motzi/Matzah – Reciting the Blessings for Bread and Matzah Motzi is our prayer celebrating God’s bounty. It is followed by matzah, recalling our haste to leave slavery and our newfound freedom. Matzah symbolizes the longing for freedom shared by all of God’s children. As the 19th-century poet Heinrich Heine wrote, “Freedom has always spoken with a Hebrew accent.”

Maror – Eating Bitter Herbs

The piquancy of the maror serves, like other seder symbols, to remind us of the bitterness of our ancestors’ enslavement. A great aunt of one of our rabbis made maror by mixing horseradish with crème fraîche and powdered sugar, which made it significantly less bitter and much better to eat in large quantities — which, of course, they did. How about that for transforming the bitterness of slavery into the sweetness of freedom?

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Korech – Eating a Sandwich of Matzah and Bitter Herbs

Long before the Earl of Sandwich came up with the idea of putting meat between slices of bread, we had Hillel the Elder, who combined maror with matzah, charoset and, before the destruction of the Temple, meat from a sacrifice. The Hillel Sandwich symbolizes our Jewish hope for redemption. We pray that the hardship of our past (maror), while always part of our history, will be combined with the sweetness of freedom.

Shulchan Orech – Eating the Festive Meal

Following the “appetizer” rounds that accompanied the previous sections of the seder, it is (finally) time to serve dinner. What is served may vary according to geography and family traditions. For example, Ashkenazic tradition prohibits the eating of lamb at the Passover seder, as lamb was used for the paschal sacrifice. Some Jews will not serve any roasted meat at their seder meal, which is why brisket is often a popular dish!

Tzafun – Eating the Afikoman

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Kids love to search for the afikoman. A meal that includes a treasure hunt — what could be better? Adults can enjoy this time as well with some fun songs. Classics sung to familiar tunes like “Take Me Out to the Seder” (Take me out to the Ball Game) and “The Ballad of the Four Sons” (Clementine) now have contemporary cousins you can find on YouTube: “Uptown Passover” (Uptown Funk), “Chozen” (Let it Go/Frozen), and “All About Those Plagues” (All About That Bass).

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Barech – Reciting Grace

The Book of Deuteronomy instructs us, “When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you” (8:10). We can do this in many ways: with birkat ha’mazon, the traditional grace after meals; a moment of silent contemplation; or tzedakah, by donating a portion of the total cost of the seder meal to Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger (mazon.org), the Jewish community’s movement to end hunger in the U.S. and abroad.

Nirtzah – Praying that God Accepts Our Service

This concluding section of the seder looks forward to a time when all people will be free and when exoduses will no longer be needed. In a time of so much pessimism, Judaism demands that we maintain hope. Songs and readings like “This Land is Your Land,” Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise,” and even the Declaration of Independence can be a fitting end to your meal. WHC Journal – April 2017 | Page 15

Passover

The Seder Plate: Traditional and Re-imagined The holiday of Passover is filled with symbolism that’s meant to stimulate conversation and collective memory of a shared and ancient past. In addition to recalling the Exodus from Egypt, we are empowered through our seder to take action today and in the coming year. As we plan for our Passover seders, we invite you to consider and reconsider all that brings meaning and memory to you and your family. All of this can be represented and reflected through our very own seder plate.

The Traditional Seder Plate Beitzah – Egg

Not only a symbol of spring and new life, the egg also represents the second offering in the ancient Temple.

Karpas – Vegetable

Parsley, celery, or potato is used as a symbol of spring, which is dipped into salt water, symbolizing the tears of the enslaved Israelites.

Maror – Bitter Herbs

These remind us of the bitterness of slavery. Often this is romaine lettuce (whose roots are bitter) or horseradish root.

Zeroa – Shank Bone

A roasted shank bone symbolizes the sacrificial lamb whose blood was placed over the doors of Israelites and later was offered in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.

Charoset – Apples, Walnuts, and Honey

This chopped, sweet mixture symbolizes the mortar used by enslaved Israelites.

Chazeret – Bitter Herbs Eaten with Matzah

During the seder, people often make a “Hillel Sandwich” of matzah, bitter herbs, and charoset. Not everyone includes chazeret on their Seder plate.

New Items for Your Seder Plate

Passover celebrates the end of slavery for Jews in Egypt, so naturally much of the discussion centers around freedom and oppression. As part of this discussion, some Jews choose to add or substitute additional items that represent their values, political beliefs, or family history.

Olive: In the early 90s, American Jews working to

end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict started adding an olive to their seder plates, to remember the economic insecurity caused by the destruction of olive trees, a historical symbol of hope for many people in the region. Some now erroneously believe that the olive was added as a symbol of peace in the Middle East.

Beet: Vegetarians or vegans who do not wish to

add the shank bone instead substitute a roasted beet, citing the Talmud, Tractate 114b.

Flower or Seed: If you’re vegan, the traditional egg

needs to leave the seder plate as well. You can use a purely decorative egg, or since the egg represents spring and new life, use a flower or seed.

Orange: Many will tell you that the orange represents

women, and feminism. A false myth circulates, saying that a man angrily told Jewish scholar Susannah Heschel that “A woman belongs on the bimah like an orange belongs on the seder plate,” and that’s why feminists today include an orange. However, Heschel herself repudiates this myth, saying that she added the orange to honor the LGBTQ community.

Miriam’s Cup: Some include this newer ritual object

on the seder table beside the Cup of Elijah. Filled with water, it serves as a symbol of Miriam’s Well, the source of water for the Israelites in the desert. Its inclusion draws attention to the importance of Miriam and the other women of the Exodus story, about whom our tradition says, “If it wasn’t for the righteousness of women of that generation, we would not have been redeemed from Egypt” (Babylonian Talmud, Sotah 9b).

There is really no limit to the potential for expressing your values through the Passover seder, specifically by including items that serve as reminders. If you choose to add anything to your seder plate this year, send us a picture and tell us what it means! Page 16 | WHC Journal – April 2017

Passover

Washington Hebrew Congregation Presents “The Exodus,” A Passover Play CAST OF CHARACTERS (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE): Narrator Pharaoh Pharaoh’s Advisors (2)

Taskmaster Israelite Man Pharaoh’s Daughter

Miriam Moses

God Aaron

We encourage all productions to have props, costumes, backdrops, etc…to make the play more fun!!!

ACT I Narrator: The story of Passover begins with Jacob and his family going to Egypt because his son, Joseph, had become prime minister to Pharaoh. Jacob’s family became a great and mighty nation in Egypt, and things were good there because of Joseph’s relationship with Pharaoh. However, before long, a new Pharaoh rose to power in Egypt who did not know Joseph. Pharaoh: I don’t like this large group of people known as the Israelites. It scares me that they are so many people. I have an idea. We should make them into our slaves. Pharaoh’s Advisors: Great idea, O mighty one. Let’s make them slaves for a long time. (A bit of time passes.) Pharaoh: You know, the Israelites seem to still be growing in number even though we have made them slaves. They also still pray to their God. I’m worried that one day, they will rise up and fight against us. Advisors, bring me the Israelites’ taskmaster. Taskmaster: Yes, Pharaoh, what can I do for you? Pharaoh: I want you to be extra hard on the Israelites. Make their loads really heavy and make them build me cities. Make them afraid of us. Taskmaster: Yes sir. I will do as you wish. (Taskmaster goes to the building sites.) Israelite Man: Oy, I need a break. These bricks are so heavy, and I am so thirsty. Taskmaster: Hey, you…stop that talking. If you can still talk, you aren’t carrying enough. Come get more bricks to put on top of your stack. Narrator: And so it went for the Israelites for many years, from day until night, making bricks and mortar, carrying bricks, building cities. Life was very bitter and unpleasant.

ACT II Narrator: Despite the hard labor, the Israelites continued to multiply and grow strong. Pharaoh became more frightened as he saw that his harsh labor plans were not working. Pharaoh (frustrated): Hmm. This is not working. Why isn’t this working? Pharaoh’s Advisors: We don’t know sir. Maybe we should try something else. But what? Pharaoh: I’ve got it. If we are worried there are too many of the Israelites, then we should throw all male Israelites into the river at birth. Then, they won’t be able to have more children because there will be no males. Pharaoh’s Advisors: That is very cruel, but a great idea sir. Pharaoh: Send out a message to all women who deliver the Israelites’ babies, and tell them this royal decree. (Pharaoh’s Advisors yell out to the women this decree.) Narrator: The Pharaoh’s decree became known, however not all of the midwives and Israelite women listened. One Israelite woman, Yocheved, delivered a son. Instead of killing him, she placed him in a basket in the river. She told her daughter Miriam to watch over him and make sure he was okay. One day, the basket was found. Pharaoh’s Daughter: What is this? There’s a boy in here! I must look after him as if he were my own. I will name him Moses and raise him as my own son. Miriam (timidly): Excuse me, I can bring you an Israelite woman who can nurse this child. Pharaoh’s Daughter: Please, yes, that would be wonderful. Narrator: Thus, it was Yocheved, Moses’ real mother, who nursed him, and this is how Moses came to be raised as Pharaoh’s grandchild.

WHC Journal – April 2017 | Page 17

Passover

ACT III Narrator: Time passed, and Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s palace into a fine young man. One day, he went out to the field to see how things were with the slaves. He saw a taskmaster hitting one of the Israelite slaves and got so mad that he killed the Egyptian. Moses, fearing for his own life, fled to Midian where he met and married Zipporah and tended his father-in-law’s flocks. We find Moses now, tending to the flocks and noticing that a kid — a young goat — ran away. Moses: Hey goat, get back here. Where are you going? (Chases after the kid and finds it at the watering hole.) Oh, you ran away to get water. You must be thirsty and very tired. I shall carry you back to the herd on my shoulders. Narrator: So he does, and God decides that Moses is the man to lead God’s flock — the Israelites — to freedom. God approaches Moses in the burning bush. Moses: What is this? A bush is burning, but it is not being consumed. God: Moses, Moses! Moses: Hi-nei-ni. Here I am. God: I am the God of your ancestors. Do not despair! Know that I am with your people, and just as this bush burns yet is not consumed, so Israel, though it suffers, will not be devoured by the Egyptians. I have heard their plea, and I want you to go back to Egypt to lead the Israelites to freedom. Moses: But God, are you sure I am the man to do this? I don’t speak well. What if they don’t believe me that you sent me? God: Say to them, “The God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.” I will also be with you and will help you. We will show Pharaoh a few marvels that he won’t be able to forget. As for your speech, take your brother Aaron with you to Pharaoh. He will help you speak to Pharaoh for he speaks very nicely. Narrator: So Moses returned to Egypt along with Zipporah and their sons. And as they approached Egypt, Aaron was sent by God to meet Moses. Aaron assured Moses that the people believed in him and God, and were ready to go to freedom behind Moses.

ACT IV Narrator: And so we find Moses and Aaron face-to-face with Pharaoh, fighting for freedom. Moses: God says to you, “Let My people go that they may worship me in freedom.” Pharaoh: Who is this God, and why should I? If I let them go, who will build my cities? Aaron: God is the God of the Hebrews, the Israelites. God is powerful and will punish you if you do not do as we say. Pharaoh: Taskmaster, take away the straw the Israelite’s use to make brick. Make them get the straw themselves. Taskmaster: Yes sir! Israelite Man: How can we still make the same number of bricks if we now have to go get the straw ourselves. Moses, Aaron, leave us alone! You are making things worse! Moses: Oh God, why do you punish these people more? God: Go to Pharaoh. He will not listen to you, but I will show him miracles and marvels that will eventually make him obey your demands. Moses and Aaron: Ok, if that is what you want of us. Moses (to Pharaoh): Our God says, “Let my people go!” Pharaoh (laughing): No. Aaron: See my rod. It turns into a serpent. Only God can do this. Pharaoh’s Advisors: Not so. Our rods also are turning into serpents. Aaron: Yes, but my serpent swallowed all of yours! Pharaoh: You’ll need more than that to convince me! Moses: If you don’t let our people go, we will turn the Nile into blood, and all fish will die, and your fellow Egyptians will have nothing to drink. Pharaoh: Try me. Aaron: See, I’ve held out my rod to the waters, and they have turned to blood throughout Egypt. Pharaoh: My advisors can do the same, watch. See, I told you so. No, you may not go anywhere! Page 18 | WHC Journal – April 2017

Passover Moses: If you do not let our people go, frogs will come over the whole country — into your homes, on your head, they will be everywhere. Pharaoh: Try me. Aaron: As I put my rod over the rivers, the frogs will come forth. See, here they all are. Pharaoh: Oy! There are frogs on my head, and frogs on my bed! Frogs on my nose, and frogs on my toes! Frogs are here, frogs are there, frogs are jumping everywhere! Please remove the frogs. I will let the people go. Moses: I will call out to God to remove the frogs since you will let us go freely. (Speaking to God) God, Pharaoh has agreed. Please remove the frogs. God: Ok. There, the frogs are removed. Pharaoh: Ha, ha. I was just kidding. You aren’t going anywhere! Moses: Pharaoh, let us go, or we will turn the earth into lice throughout the land. Pharaoh: Yeah, right. Aaron: See that dirt you are standing on, watch it change as I touch it with my rod. Pharaoh: Oh gross! Advisors do something! Pharaoh’s Advisors: We can’t sir. They are everywhere — on man and beast. Pharaoh: We’ll have to learn to live with them. The Israelites are not going anywhere! Moses: God says, “Let my people go!” If you do not, we will bring forth swarms of insects. They will be everywhere except where the Israelites live. Pharaoh: Fine, if we can deal with the lice, the insects can’t be that bad. Aaron: It is time for you to find out. They will ruin your land. Pharaoh: Oh, this is too much. Go. You can sacrifice to your God here in Egypt! Moses: But the taskmasters will kill us if they see us praying to a God that they cannot pray to. We need to leave Egypt in order to do this safely. Pharaoh: Fine. If you need to go, then go. Moses: Once Aaron and I leave you, the lice and insects will leave as well. But do not change your mind again or else. Narrator: Moses and Aaron went back to the people, but as they left, and the lice and insects disappeared, Pharaoh changed his mind again. Moses and Aaron returned to Pharaoh and relayed God’s command to “Let my people go!” or God would strike all of the livestock with disease. Pharaoh: No way! You aren’t going anywhere. I need my cities. Moses: Have it your way! All of the livestock, except for the livestock belonging to the Israelites, will now be struck with disease. Egyptian Taskmaster: I don’t understand what is going on. Why are my livestock dying, and theirs are perfectly fine??? I’m going to Pharaoh. (Speaking to Pharaoh) All of my livestock have died, yet the Israelites’ livestock lives and flourishes. What is going on? Pharaoh: What? How can that be? No! No! No! I am going to stick to my original answer and will not let them go anywhere. Aaron: Pharaoh, please change your mind, or we will throw this soot into the air, and it will break out into boils on every man and beast throughout Egypt. Pharaoh: No, no, no! (Boils break out on every man and beast.)

Good Food. Good People. Good Conversation. Shabbat Dinner with WHC President David & Debbie Astrove The Astroves invite you to join them in their home for one of their monthly WHC Shabbat dinners. It’s a great way any WHC adult — regardless of current involvement level, length of membership, profession, or life stage — to share their thoughts about and connect over Judaism, Temple life, and more.

Pharaoh’s Advisors: Oh this is painful! I can’t even do my magic! Pharaoh: Try sitting on this throne all day with these boils! Stop your kvetching! Moses: Pharaoh, God once again says “Let my people go to worship me.” God says He has shown you His power, and yet you still thwart God’s people. If you do not let them go this time, hail will fall upon all of Egypt.

Learn more and sign up online: whctemple.org/DinnerWithDavid WHC Journal – April 2017 | Page 19

Passover Narrator: Of course, we know Pharaoh’s answer, and so hail was brought forth from the heavens but only upon the Egyptians. Finally, Pharaoh had had enough and agreed to let them go. But, once the hail disappeared, Pharaoh again changed his mind. Moses: That’s it! Try the locusts on for size! Narrator: Finally, Pharaoh’s advisors spoke up. Pharaoh’s Advisors: Pharaoh, how long are you going to wait until you let them go? Why don’t you let the men go and worship God, but make the women and children stay behind, so we are sure they will come back. Pharaoh: Great idea. Moses, only the men can go. Moses: No, we must all go. Men, women, children, young, and old. Pharaoh: The men or no one. Moses: Then, say hello to the locusts! Pharaoh: Oh, these locusts are miserable! OK, all of you go. Get out of here! Narrator: Just as before, when the locusts disappeared, Pharaoh changed his mind. So, Moses brought forth darkness, and only the Israelites had light. Pharaoh’s Advisor 1: Ouch! That’s my head you’re whacking with your rod! Pharaoh’s Advisor 2: Where am I? (Tripping noises heard, followed by a cat wailing.) Where did that cat come from? Narrator: Pharaoh once again summoned Moses and Aaron back. But as soon as the darkness gave way to light, he changed his mind. God was ready for the final plague. God: Moses, I will bring forth one more plague upon the people of Egypt. Get the Israelites packed and ready to go. For the final feast, have the Israelites put some of the blood from the lamb upon their doorways so that the first-borns will be safe, for I intend to kill all of the first-borns in Egypt. When you leave, you will need to leave very quickly. Take everything you can with you. You will remember this day forever and shall celebrate it every year. You shall teach it to your children for all time. Narrator: The next day, as God promised, all of the first-borns in Egypt were dead. Pharaoh, in his grief, told the Israelites to leave. After they left, he once again changed his mind. The Egyptians chased after the Israelites, but God was on the Israelites’ side, and they made it to safety on the other side of the sea. Miriam and the women led the Israelites in song, and the day was remembered for all time.

Carrot Ring

A Sweet Side or Ending for Your Passover Meal Serves 12

Ingredients: 3 cups carrots, sliced 1/4” thick 1 bay leaf 1 onion Boiling water 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon salt Freshly ground pepper to taste 5 eggs, separated 1 cup sugar ½ cup matzah meal 1 cup ground walnuts

For more Passover ideas, resources, and information, visit our website: whctemple.org/ Passover

Preparation: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place carrots in a saucepan. Add bay leaf, onion, salt, and boiling water barely to cover. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer until carrots are very tender, approximately 20 minutes. Remove onion and bay leaf and discard. Drain carrots and mash thoroughly. Stir in cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until very thick and lemon-colored. Stir in the carrot mixture. Beat the egg whites until stiff, but not dry. Alternating ingredients, fold egg whites, matzah meal, and nuts, into the carrot mixture. Pour into a greased 2 ½- to 3-quart ring mold or cake pan* and set in a pan of boiling water. Bake 40 minutes or until set. *Alternatively, a greased 10-inch springform pan can be used. Place it directly on the oven rack and put a pan of boiling water on the bottom of the oven. Page 20 | WHC Journal – April 2017

In April …

WHC Programs & Events (continued from page 12)

Opportunities for Adults to Engage

Sisterhood Literary Group: The Little Red Chairs by Edna O’Brien

Discussion Facilitated by Rabbi Joseph Skloot Friday, April 28, 10:00 am at Temple

This fiercely beautiful novel about one woman’s struggle to reclaim a life shattered by betrayal takes the reader from Ireland to London and then to The Hague. The Little Red Chairs is a vivid and unflinching exploration of humanity’s capacity for evil and artifice as well as the bravest kind of love. Registration preferred (free): whctemple.org/Sisterhood Susan Adland: sfadland@gmail.com

For Youth

Club 56 Event

Saturday, April 1, departing Temple at 5:30 pm

Join us for a night of puzzles and fun at the Escape Lounge DC. We’ll enter “Escape the Classroom” where we’ll have to put our heads together to figure out how to make it out of the room in time!

Registration required ($): whctemple.org/Club56 Debbie Letter: dletter@whctemple.org, 301-354-3217

9th Grade Annapolis Trip

Sunday, April 2, 9:30 am at Annapolis, MD

Opportunities for Adults to Engage Post-Passover Pizza Party with Couples Club

Saturday, April 22, 5:00 pm at an outside location

Mark the end of Passover with all things chametz at a post-Passover pizza party. Kids are welcome to join in on the fun as we dine on several delicious types of pizza.

Join us for a great day exploring Annapolis, Maryland. We will begin our trip with a visit to the U.S. Naval Academy where we will see the Jewish chapel and learn about the life of a Jewish Midshipman.

Registration required (fee included in Religious School tuition): whctemple.org/PreConfirmation Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209

Continued on page 26.

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

Bike and Brunch with the Boomers

Sunday, April 23, 10:00 am at a location to be announced

Grab your helmet (or your walking shoes) and join us for a fun morning bike ride or stroll capped off by brunch.

Registration required (free): whctemple.org/Boomers Beth Donaldson: bdonaldson@whctemple.org, 202-895-6309

Theater J & WHC: Brighton Beach Memoirs

Wednesday, April 26, 7:30 pm at Edlavitch DCJCC

Join Rabbi Lustig for a performance and post-play discussion of this coming of age story. Growing up is never easy — but it sure can be hilarious. Eugene Morris Jerome is 15, lives in Brooklyn, and thinks of little else but playing for the Yankees… and girls, of course. But he’s more likely to become a short story writer than a short stop. Eugene’s witty commentary about his life, his overworked father, his overbearing mother, his overconfident brother, and his overly gorgeous cousin, makes this tender journey through puberty both poignant and joyful.

Registration required ($): whctemple.org/TheaterJ Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307

Bikewith and Brunch

The Boomers

Sunday, April 23 at 9:15 am

Departing from Georgetown Waterfront Park - Ride or Walk the City’s Monuments -

Brunch to Follow at 11:30 am Mr. Smith’s of Georgetown RSVP Gabrielle Grunau & Bill Grosshandler, bill.gabrielle@gmail.com WHC Journal – April 2017 | Page 21

Mazel Tov to WHCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s April B'nei Mitzvah Sophie Danielle Axelrod April 1, Morning Sophie is a seventh grade student at Thomas W. Pyle Middle School. She is the daughter of Jami & Matt Axelrod; the sister of Emily; and the granddaughter of Margie & Jon Sussman and Andrea & Carl Axelrod.

Eleanor Charlotte Raab April 1, Morning Ellie is a seventh grade student at Herbert Hoover Middle School. She is the daughter of Julie & Dean Raab; the sister of Matthew, Emily, and Joseph; and the granddaughter of Arlene & Lou Kairys; Steven & Wendy Raab; and Patricia & Bill Denlinger.

Goldie Bea Aronson April 8, Havdalah Goldie is a seventh grade student at Holton-Arms School. She is the daughter of Ami & Lou Aronson; the sister of Isaac, Caroline, and Melissa; and the granddaughter of Mauree Jane & Mark Perry; Chuck Becker & Joan Ullyot; and Myrna & Ed Aronson. Eleanor Olivia Abel April 22, Morning Ellie is a sixth grade student at Washington International School. She is the daughter of Julie & David Abel; the sister of Zoe and Alexander; and the granddaughter of Carol & Frank Lazarus and Susan & Irving Abel.

Quentin Thomas Wise April 1, Havdalah Quentin is a seventh grade student at Alice Deal Middle School. He is the son of Amanda & Roger Wise; the brother of Charlotte; and the grandson of Betty & Mark Greenwold and Jean & Morris Wise.

Harris Nathan Blumberg April 22, Havdalah Harris is a seventh grade student at Robert Frost Middle School. He is the son of Shara & Darren Blumberg; the brother of Zachary; and the grandson of Mona Wexler, Marsha & Kenneth Linde; and Mary Ellen & Lee Blumberg.

Justin Ross Carney April 8, Morning Justin is a seventh grade student at Herbert Hoover Middle School. He is the son of Robin & Donald Carney; the brother of Lauren; the grandson of Charlene Scharf, Michael Scharf, and Pauline & Don Carney; and the greatgrandson of Sophie Steinberg.

Lauren Ryan Lemer April 22, Havdalah Lauren is a seventh grade student at Georgetown Day School. She is the daughter of Stephanie & Keith Lemer; the sister of Jordyn and Austin; and the granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kovar and Mr. & Mrs. William Lemer.

Page 22 | WHC Journal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 2017

Katie Anne Sklaire April 29, Havdalah Katie is a seventh grade student at Thomas W. Pyle Middle School. She is the daughter of Amy & Michael Sklaire; the sister of Elizabeth; and the granddaughter of Cynthia & Fred Stern and Barbara & Martin Sklaire.

Julian Brown Silva April 29, Morning Julian is a seventh grade student at Herbert Hoover Middle School. He is the son of Nanci Brown & Luis Silva and the grandson of Marlyn & Marvin Brown and Palmira & Teodoro Silva.

Congratulations to… Wendy & Jeff Cossman, on the engagement of their daughter, Allison Cossman, to Andrew Friedman, son of Robin & Stuart Friedman. Allison is the granddaughter of Louise Bittker. Sherry and Bruce Goodman, on the birth of their granddaughter, Saffron J Solak; and to Saffron’s parents, Jamie and Aaron Solak, big brother Sage, paternal grandparents Joan and Jay Solak, maternal great-grandmother Millie Miller, and paternal great-grandmother Lorraine Solak.

Life Cycle

Andrea & Gary Mullins, on the naming of their granddaughter, Lila Fusai Mullins (Aleeza); and to Lila’s parents, Jessica & Jeffrey Mullins; big brothers and sister, Chase, Noah, and Mia; maternal grandparents, Rebecca & John Iwasaki; and great-grandmothers, Lorraine Abramson and Sara East. Sheri & Max Zweig, on the engagement and April marriage of their son, William Zweig, to Heather Henrichs, daughter of Anne Chalmers and Dale Henrichs. William is the grandson of Evelyn Zweig. Sheri & Max Zweig, on the engagement of their daughter Rebecca Zweig, to Matthew Katz, son of Ellyn & Arthur Katz. Rebecca is the granddaughter of Evelyn Zweig.

Our Sincerest Condolences… Alvin Brooks, soul mate of Gail Breman; father of Annette Brooks; brother of Cynthia Zetlin (Morton); grandfather of Brittani, Lauren, and Sam. Randy Cutler, mother of Hollie Cutler and Perri Cutler; grandmother of Mikayla Cutler. Oscar Dodek Jr., M.D., husband of Joan Dodek; father of Oscar Dodek III (Allison Bohager), Lauren Freedman (Ralph), and Alvin Dodek (Linda Schwartz); brother of Samuel Dodek Jr. and Trenice Goldstein; uncle of Dr. Samuel Dodek III (Betsy Schuman Dodek) and Dr. Niki Dodek-Gorman (Eric). Marcie W. “Peggy” Goldsmith, mother of Charles W. Goldsmith and Ellen Kasnett (z”l); grandmother of Ruthie, Charles, Thomas, and Jonathan. Hillary Goulding, wife of Barry Goulding; mother of Joshua Goulding (Kate) and Brent Goulding (Kelly); grandmother of Eli Goulding. Philip Krupin, father of Linda Pollekoff (Bruce) and Lisa Garrett (Seth); grandfather of five and great-grandfather of one. Margaret McConarty, wife of Bill McConarty; mother of Will McConarty (Jackie) and Jon McConarty (Michelle); grandmother of Nathan, Ivy, and Liam. Dr. Scott Spear, husband of Cynthia “Cindy” Spear; father of Louis Spear (Emily), Alexandra Peurach (Matthew), and Geri Allyn (Conor); grandfather of Aidan and Reese.

…may their memory be a blessing. WHC Journal – April 2017 | Page 23

Contributions

We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions, received through March 15. To make a contribution to any of Washington Hebrew Congregationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funds, please visit whctemple.org/donate. H. Max & Jodie and Stephen C. Ammerman Performing Arts Fund

Donor In Honor of: Andrew Ammerman Elaine Petschek's Special Birthday Tracy Nadel's Birthday Merle Pelaez's Birthday Joel Felt's Birthday Sean Collin's Birthday Cathi Collin's Birthday Norman Balkin's Birthday Nancy Petschek Kohn's Birthday Lisa Salat's Birthday Donor In Memory of: Andrew Ammerman Stephen C. Ammerman Abraham Joseph "Joe" Levy

Lillian & Alfred Bennett Fine Arts Endowment Fund

Donor Yvette Kraft Donor Marian T. Gay Yvette Kraft John Zeller

In Honor of: Tanya Sweeney In Memory of: William Granik Bruce Myles Kraft Ronald G. Kane

Julia & Jack Bindeman Fund

Donor Carol Bindeman

In Memory of: Dene K. Bernstein Emilie R. Katzenberg Lucien Katzenberg, Jr.

Florence & Norman Brody Archives Endowment Fund Donor Beverly Baker

In Memory of: David Baker

Jane Burka Sisterhood Leadership Fund

Donor In Memory of: Mildred & Howard Amer Capt Arthur Norman Flior (Ret.) The Amer Family Robert J. Lehmann Kathy & Jody Dreyfuss David W. Dreyfuss & Ronald G. Kane Beth & Rob Eisman Esther Eisman Judy & David Irwin Sidney Tickton Lynne & Mark Schaffer Capt Arthur Norman Flior (Ret.) WHC Sisterhood Capt Arthur Norman Flior (Ret.) Hillary Goulding

Dr. Edward A. & Mildred B. Cafritz Prayer Book Fund

Donor Linda & James Cafritz Rae H. Mohr

Cantorial & Concert Fund

In Memory of: Edward A. Cafritz Jack Hurwitz

Donor In Honor of: Sophia Fleischer Ellen Robinson Epstein's Special Birthday Jane, Eric, Erin & Jack Flior Cantor Manevich Miles Roger Cantor Bortnick Donor In Memory of: Sophia Fleischer Marilyn Fine Susan & Alan Gold Ruth Worgaftick Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Kraemer Estelle Kraemer Veda Levy Lorraine H. Alper Mimi & Tommy Nordlinger Sue Corenman Kraft Jackie & Franklin Paulson Jack R. Frank Regina Frank Barbara Polansky Rhea S. Abrams Page 24 | WHC Journal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 2017

Cantorial & Concert Fund

Donor Beverly Rosenblatt Traci & David Solovey Frank Spigel Karen & Sherman Telis

In Memory of: David Ross Lee Rosenblatt Dr. Sid Fogel Adelaine Solovey Virginia Solis-Cohen Laura Bleiweiss

Dr. Samuel M. & Miriam Selker Dodek Annual Memorial Lecture Fund Donor Sherry Sundick

In Memory of: Oscar Dodek Jr., M.D.

Empty Nesters Fund

Donor In Honor of: Fred & Elaine Gillespie Stanley Adoff's 90th Birthday Sarah Hirschfield Stanley Adoff's 90th Birthday Ruth Seif & Stanley Tempchin Stanley Adoff's 90th Birthday Marcia Weinberg Stanley Adoff's 90th Birthday Donor In Memory of: Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Adoff Dr. George Gottlieb Tina Lazerow Meriam G. Shapiro Linda & Allvin Neuman Marjorie Neuman

Florida Reunion

Donor William & Elaine Miller

General Fund

Donor Ms. Markrich-Brennan Donor In Honor of: Ami & Lou Aronson Bat Mitzvah of Goldie Bea Aronson Michael & Shoshannah Freilich Bat Mitzvah of Isabelle Schiff Fran & Peter Gage Rabbi Lustig Rabbi Shankman Ira Miller Audrey Katz Cantor Bortnick Nancy & John Harris Bat Mitzvah of Lola Nordlinger Stephanie & Keith Lemer Bat Mitzvah of Lauren Ryan Lemer Ron & Aviva Snow The Honorable Stephen Porter's Birthday Donor In Memory of: Mr. & Mrs. Byrle M. Abbin & Family Harry Abbin Mr. & Mrs. Laurence Abramson Nathan Abramson Dr. & Mrs. Marshall Ackerman Louis Ackerman Nancy L. Alper Melvin G. Alper Susan & Ken Annis Rosalyn & Milton Annis Ledolph & Inge Baer Norbert Rosenbaum Dr. & Mrs. Werner Barth Olga Barth Dr. Francis Friedman Lazarus Barth Miriam & Eliezer Benbassat Ameli Benbassat Haim Benbassat David Berler Harry Berler Dr. & Mrs. F. Norman Berry Dr. Joshua J. Berry Marjorie & Harold Bingham Daniel N. Levy James & Daphne Bloomberg Ruth Bloomberg Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brody Frank Brody Dr. Francis Chucker Abraham Joseph "Joe" Levy Francis Chucker M.D. Sadie R. Chucker Edward Chucker Lois Copeland Gilbert Lean Simone Dickstein Ruth G. Saidman Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Dozoretz Joseph Dozoretz

General Fund

Donor In Memory of: Lisa & Marc Eidelberg Philip Krupin Sherry & Bruce Feldman Irvin Feldman, M.D. L. Price Carol Fischer S. Greenhoot Fischer Mr. & Mrs. Carl Gewirz Frances Gewirz Carl & Nancy Gewirz Morris Hariton Marilyn & Michael Glosserman Sam J. Glosserman Archie & Joy Gold Esther Gold Mr. & Mrs. Roger Golden Evelyn Golden Dr. Clara S. Heffess David Szczupak Gabriele & Gilbert Herer Hans Schlamme Gail Himmelfarb Mavis Himmelfarb Murray Howder Hilda Rose Howder Mary Singer Suzan & Nathan Isikoff Sol Goodman Gemma Jabes Leon Abdelas Miriam Abdelas Beth & Steve Jacober Samuel Frumer Steven Jacober Bruce Jacober Ronnie Jersky Sidney Aronchick Hinda & Donald Kahn Beth R. Kahn Jay & Bernice Kaufman Arlene Kaufman Michael & Laura Kaufman Phil Kaufman Dr. & Mrs. Richard M. Kaufman Robert Weinbaum Eleanor B. Baron Bruce Kipnis Joseph Kipnis Dr. & Mrs. Israel Kogan David Cogan Nathan Kotz Morris Kallison Jacob Kotz Dr. & Mrs. Steven Lamm Theodore Schwartz Lederberg family Linda Lederberg Connie W. Lee-Solnick Marc B. Solnick Phil Leibovitz & Niki Mock Samuel Leibovitz Karen R. Lewis-Carter Jeanne Greenblatt Lewis Marsha & Kenneth Linde Samuel H. Friedman Edward Luria Susan Luria Gail Martin Fanny Martin Jay & Dorothy Martin Fanny Martin Selig S. Merber & Andrea Grant Ruth Merber Millie Miller Philip Knofer Ella & Michael Mazer Ruben H. Moller Tommie Moller Norman & Susan Oblon Nathan J. Oblon Ronald J. Orleans Anne P. Orleans Charlotte Pearlman Aaron Frank Carol Pensky Hazel Ablon Ruth Rudolph Perlin Sadie B. Rudolph Bertha D. Brown Irene Pollin Kenneth Jay Pollin Dr. Herbert Rabin Ida Rabin Dr. & Mrs. Herbert Rabin Irving Rabin Jeremy Reiskin Wenda D. Reiskin Susan Rolnick Philip Lozowick Sara Rolnick Arthur I. Ross, Jr. Frances Ross Betty Ross Allan Beckanstin Rena & David Rutstein Leo J. Bergsmann Honey & Les Schneider Roz Wolk Dr. & Mrs. George Schonholtz Harriet Schonholtz The Schuble Family Foundation Muriel & David Dreyfuss Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Sigal Saul Gostkov Shirley Gostkov Leonard H. Sigal Robert Sitrick Gertrude Lieberstein

Contributions General Fund

Donor In Memory of: Doris E. Slavin Augusta Purlson Beth Sloan Evelyn Cousins Shirley Small Martin Schwalb Paula Schwalb Myrna Smernoff Joseph Myers Anita Solomon Arnold Ostrin Arthur Ostrin Abraham Joseph "Joe" Levy Melanie Stern Carol Goodman Stern Amy Rosenstadt Stoleru Hoisie Stoleru Richard Sugarman Reve S. Shapiro Janet C. Viands Hilda Rose Howder Mary Singer Mr. & Mrs. Robert Warsaw William Warsaw Dr. & Mrs. Alan M. Weintraub Mr. & Mrs. David Cohn Mr. & Mrs. Emanuel Weintraub Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Weissman Abraham Korzec Roslyn Wolf Seymour Wolf Angela & Daniel Yergin Ronald Stent Naomi Yergin Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Zelenko Hylda Zelenko

Leo & Elizabeth Goodman Public Issues Endowment Fund

Donor In Honor of: Joan Churchill David Oblon's Appointment as a Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Donor In Memory of: Joan Churchill Bill Blau Pearl Nathan Elizabeth Goodman Sarah Lipson Byron Lord Anthony Churchill

Abraham & Freida Hochberg Creative Cultural Fund Donor Mr. & Mrs. Philip Hochberg

In Memory of: Abraham Hochberg Elma Wolf

Hurston Library

Donor In Memory of: Steven C. Fischer & Linda J. Adler Bertha Barsha Karen Ribler Leibowitz & Ken Leibowitz Herb Leibowitz David Ribler

Israel Quest Fund

Donor In Honor of: Judy & Alan Gann Mildred Silverman's 90th Birthday

Andrew Kaplan Youth Endowment Fund Donor Margery Shrinsky & Family

In Memory of: Andrew Kaplan

Martin Luther King Day

Donor Joann P. Henry Andrea Grant

Rose E. Koenig Religious School Fund

Donor In Memory of: Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Bindeman Rose Koenig Anne C. Golder Gertrude Tauf Lowenstein

Kol Rinah Choir

Donor Adrienne Elman

In Memory of: Sada Hermann Stern Joseph Solomon Stern

Harriet M. Kriesberg Fund for the Study of Torah

Donor In Honor of: Bonnie & Neil Sherman David Oblon's Appointment as a Fairfax Count Circuit Court Judge

Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig Scholarship Fund

Donor In Honor of: Lisa Gill John Ver Standig's 70th Birthday Donor In Memory of: Millie Miller Jacob P. Knofer Joyce Sands & Randy Posin Shirley Levine

Zena Mason Early Childhood Education Fund Donor Jil Levick Lynne & Ira Bluestein

In Memory of: Dorothy Rosenblatt Frances Bluestein

Mitzvah Day

Donor In Honor of: Kimberly, Howard & Charli Vogel Bat Mitzvah of Isabelle Schiff Bat Mitzvah of Lily Abel Donor In Memory of: Jane, Eric, Erin & Jack Flior Capt. Arthur Norman Flior (Ret.) Eileen & Ronnie Orleans & Family Bobby Sher

Stephanie Morris Prime Timers Programming Fund

Donor Jancie Ackerman Suzy & Al Morris Thomas Stiyer

In Memory of: David Ackerman Sidney Morris Abraham Joseph "Joe" Levy Oscar Dodek Jr., M.D. Gladys Sorentrue

Kamy Loren Nathanson Bar & Bat Mitzvah Kiddush Cup Endowment Fund

Donor In Memory of: Randy Cutler Samuel Handelsman Shirley Cutler Steven C. Fischer & Linda J. Adler Ken & Fran Nathanson Amy Bronrott Munaker & Alan Munaker Melvin Bragman Cerlene M. Rose Joseph Martin Myers

Albert & Scott Pelmoter Youth Scholarship Fund Donor Stephanie & Andy Pelmoter

In Memory of: Carole Diamond

Sylvia & Saul Ritzenberg Humanitarian Fund

Donor Joanne Orleans Joan Greenbaum Joyce B. Isaacson

In Memory of: Oscar Dodek Jr., M.D. Richard Marblestone Dr. Roy Greenbaum Paul Katz Ros Greenbaum Erwin Stiefel Richard Marblestone

Naomi & LeRoy Robins Medical Emergency Fund

Donor Margaret R. Lawson Joan Robins

In Memory of: John L. Lawson Bob Gibson

Harold "Buddy" & Shirley Robinson Memorial Education Scholarship Fund

Abram Simon Elementary School Fund

Donor In Memory of: Jacqueline & Frank Zappala Capt Arthur Norman Flior (Ret.)

Carrie Simon House

Donor Banner Team Management LLC Donor Michael B. Fishman Ann & Neil Kerwin The Turshen family

In Memory of: Murray Fishman Daniel Kerwin Gail Tate Ethan Turshen

Sisterhood Youth, Education & Enrichment Fund

Donor In Memory of: Janet & Jeff Abramson Capt Arthur Norman Flior (Ret.) Cheryl & Herbert Baraf Capt Arthur Norman Flior (Ret.) Louise Bittker Capt Arthur Norman Flior (Ret.) Lynne & Burt Emmer Capt Arthur Norman Flior (Ret.) Elaine Goldstein Mildred Greenwald Barry & Hillary Goulding Bernard Davis Joan & Norman Smith Hillary Goulding

Albert & Shirley Small Chapel Donor Linda Adler & Steven Fischer

In Memory of: Margaret Harris

C. Haskell & Ruth Behrend Small Music Fund

Donor Anne C. Golder Sherry Sundick Donor Anne C. Golder Sherry Sundick

In Honor of: Sherry Sundick Adrienne Elman's 92nd Birthday In Memory of: Gary Sundick Abraham Joseph "Joe" Levy Sara Behrend Rudolph Behrend

Tikkun Olam Values (TOV) Fund

Donor In Honor of: Linda & Ron Recht Louis Kornhauser's Speedy Recovery Donor In Memory of: Patricia Fabrikant Marvin Fabrikant Anne C. Golder & Family Esther Pincus Anne C. Golder & Gordon Golder Michael Bloom Ellen & Bruce Winston & Family Dorothy K. Winston

Rabbi Joseph Weinberg Young Leadership Community Service Fund

Donor In Memory of: Linda & Roy Green Fannie LeShay Raymond Scalettar Oscar Dodek Jr., M.D. Jennifer & Jonathan Weinberg Capt. Arthur Norman Flior (Ret.)

Wender Memorial Archives Fund Donor Frank Spigel

In Memory of: Edie Dorfman

WHC Hunger Project

Selinger (Childrens) Library

Donor Holly & Jeffrey Bergman Donor Holly & Jeff Bergman Phyllis Meyers

Abe & Sylvia Shrinsky Creative Worship Program Fund

Donor In Honor of: Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie Fishkind Bat Mitzvah of Abby Uhlfelder

Donor In Memory of: Bruce & Paula Robinson & Debra Robinson Shirley Robinson Donor Lynn & Dick Gordon

Donor Faith & Jim Kirk

In Honor of: Barry Helfand's Birthday

In Memory of: Anita Bergman Naomi Oshinsky

David Wise, Jr. Human Needs Fund

In Honor of: Sandie Cohen's Speedy Recovery

Abram Simon Elementary School Camp Fund Donor Marsha Pinson & Family

In Memory of: Erwin Stiefel

Continued on page 26. WHC Journal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 2017 | Page 25

In April …

WHC Programs & Events (continued from page 21)

Contributions

(continued from page 25)

For Youth

Worship & Music Fund

NFTY-MAR Spring Kallah

Thursday, April 20 at URJ Camp Harlam

Join teens from throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region for a great weekend you will never forget! This event is open to all teens in 8th through 12th grades.

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

ETY Olympics

Sunday, April 23, 12:00 pm at Temple

Spend the afternoon engaged in awesome outdoor games and challenges at the annual ETY Olympics! This event is open to all 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders.

Registration required ($): whctemple.org/ETY Debbie Letter: dletter@whctemple.org, 301-354-3217

8th Grade Retreat

Friday, April 28 at a location to be announced

WHC Retreats provide students with intensive weekends to learn, make friends, and have amazing experiences along with their classmates. Each retreat has its own theme, programming, and activities. Retreats take place at nearby camps and are a highlight of the Pre-Confirmation experience at Washington Hebrew Congregation.

Registration required (fee included in Religious School tuition): whctemple.org/PreConfirmation Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209

Mitzvah Day Sunday, April 30

Donor Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Reiskin Donor In Honor of: Sydney & Frayda Abel Bat Mitzvah of Lily Claire Abel Donor In Honor of: Beth & Rob Eisman Rabbi Lustig Jane, Eric, Erin & Jack Flior Rabbi Shankman Rabbi Skloot Sue, Lenny, Zack, Jake & Alana Gordon Rabbi Shankman Stacy, Seth, Benjamin & Sophia King Rabbi Shankman Connie W. Lee-Solnick Rabbi Skloot Donor In Memory of: Janet & Jeff Abramson Harold Sterling Wendy Banner Melvin Isaacman Sandra & Neal Cohen Sidney Cohen Chuck & Sherry Feitel Morris & Anne Feitel The Forster family Dr. Nancy Falk Harvey Grossinger Sidney Grossinger Odette Klein Herman Annetta Wise Alan Levine Bertha Levine Alan & Priscilla Levine Rose Sayne Donor In Memory of: Wilma Probst Levy & Louis Levy Ida S. Cohen Alan, Kimberly & Daniel Malasky Ellen Salomon Malasky Linda & Bruce Pollekoff Philip Krupin Th Hon. Stephen & Susan Porter Bernard Porter Diane & Adam Shrier Mollie Kesler Nancy G. Simon Dr. Kenneth A. Simon Eve & Nate Wallace David Wallace Sidelle Wertheimer & Family Louis Shaiken Dr. Donald & Judith Polster Zauderer Gertrude Halpert Polster

Young Professionals (22-39) Fund

Donor In Honor of: Amy & Todd Dahmann Rabbi Miller Miriam Dahmann's Baby Naming

Youth Fund

Donor Harris & Carol Vederman

In Memory of: Michael Messitte

Ivy Zola’s Help-a-Friend Fund

Donor In Honor of: Karen & Richard Perkins Marriage of Cheryl Sherman to Dr. Ronald Rosenberg Recovery of Joseph Sperling Donor In Memory of: Neal & Paula Bobys & family Harold J. Bobys Paula, Neal, Michael, Cheka & Steven Bobys Meyer G. Kushner David & Arlene Draiman William Draiman Mr. & Mrs. Dudley Dworken Elayne Dworken Ellis & Mildred April Family Mildred April Lillian Zoole

e! c n e r e f f i d make a d n a e r e Be th Page 26 | WHC Journal – April 2017

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

Yom Ha’Shoah

Holocaust Commemoration The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington’s annual Maryland community Holocaust commemoration will be held at our Julia Bindeman Suburban Center on Sunday, April 23 from 1:30 – 5:00 pm. This year’s theme is “Displaced Persons – Struggles to Find a Home.”

WHC PASSOVER

Freedom Seder

Wednesday, April 5, 600 pm at Temple Join us when we welcome our Christian and Muslim partners for a traditional seder meal with songs, prayers, and readings emphasizing the universal struggle for human dignity. RSVP: whctemple.org/Passover

$20 per person $200 to sponsor a table for our guests

1:30 – 5:00 pm Art & Artifacts Exhibit

Montgomery College Foundation’s Portraits of Life Exhibit with photographs and personal stories of Holocaust survivors who witnessed evil then turned their backs on hatred to tell their stories.

1:30 – 2:30 pm Unto Every Person There Is a Name

The names of children and adults who perished in the Holocaust will also be read as part of the annual worldwide name reading coordinated by B’nai B’rith International. Names of loved ones may be submitted or brought to the service to be read and remembered.

2:30 – 4:00 pm Community Commemoration

Holocaust survivors will be recognized during a candle lighting ceremony and survivor Julie Keefer will share her displaced persons camp story. The commemoration also includes Kaddish, reflection, music, poetry, and a memorial to the destroyed communities of Europe.

2:30 – 4:00 pm Interactive Teen Program

Teens will meet with Holocaust and modern day refugees to understand their struggles to find a home. The discussions will be followed by teen-led commemorative activities. For more information, go to jcouncil.org or call the JCRC at 301-770-0881.

Passover Seders — Monday, April 10 Congregational Seder

2239 Young Adult Seder

$55 for adult WHC members $63 for adult guests $20 for all children 12 and younger

$45 per person

600 pm at Temple

615 pm at Calvary Baptist Church

RSVP: whctemple.org/Passover

Holiday Worship at Temple Festival Service Tuesday, April 11 at 1030 am Festival and Yizkor Service Monday, April 17 at 1030 am whctemple.org/Passover