JANUARY 2017 VOL. 58, NO. 1
JANUARY 2017 VOL. 58, NO. 1
SUPPORTED BY AN ENDOWMENT FROM LIBBY AND MELVIN MANDEL
In This Issue Rabbi’s Reflection................................................................................3 President’s Column..............................................................................4 MLK Shabbat.......................................................................................5 Honoring a Legacy: The Genesis of WHC’s Shabbat Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr......................................................................6 MLK Day of Service — It’s a “Day On” for Tikkun Olam......................8 London and Israel with WHC...............................................................9 David Kinney to Discuss Hunt for Elusive Nazi Diary in Amram.......... 10 WHC Board Appoints Nominating Committee....................................11 WHC Programs & Events................................................................... 12 January Calendar............................................................................... 14 B’nei Mitzvah.................................................................................... 18 Life Cycle........................................................................................... 19 Contributions.....................................................................................20 Introducing the H. Max & Jodie and Stephen Ammerman Interfaith Fund................................................................................... 21
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 Naomi Abelson Gohn, Director of Temple Programs & TOV Miriam Feffer, Director of Development Lindsay Fry Feldman, Director of Member Services 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 – January 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 Aaron Miller
2016
was a political roller coaster, and here in our nation’s capital, we felt every twist and turn. Each new day brought with it another scandal or poll, and our blood pressure crept ever higher as the election wore on. Our congregation has members on both sides of the aisle, and regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, 2016 taught us that we never really know what will happen next. Uncertainty is a part of our Jewish DNA, and we see it in the early moments of our people’s history. God was about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah and told our first patriarch, Abraham, that these cities — along with the other cities in the Plain — would be set ablaze. Abraham, however, did not accede; he negotiated. What if there should be fifty innocent within the city? … Abraham demanded (Genesis 18:24). What about forty five or forty or thirty or twenty or ten? And God answered, I will not destroy for the sake of the ten (Genesis 18:32).
“
Lot, who jumped into the fray. As hellfire began to rain down on Sodom, God’s angels urged Lot to flee, to run to the faraway hills and save himself. In this moment of decision, however, Lot replied with the some of the most courageous words of our Torah, Look, that town … Let me flee there … (Genesis 19:20). Instead of saving himself and running for the hills, Lot risked everything so that he might flee to the town of Zoar and rescue its people from destruction. Lot’s gamble paid off. At the same moment when Abraham woke up, surprised to see the valley on fire, there was Lot in the town on Zoar, surrounded by the men, women, and children whose lives he had just saved. Yes, Abraham negotiated, but it was his righteous nephew, Lot, who jumped into the fray.
The world needs us, as it always has, to jump into the fray.”
Abraham went to sleep that night confident that this conversation would be enough. After all, Abraham’s righteous nephew, Lot, lived in Sodom with his wife, daughters, and sons-in-law. Abraham only needed a few more righteous souls, and the cities of the Plain would be saved. Maybe we can empathize with Abraham’s shock when he woke up the following day. The next morning, Abraham hurried to the place where he had stood before God and, looking down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and all the land of the Plain, he saw the smoke of the land rising like the smoke of a kiln (Genesis 19:27–28). The entire Plain was on fire. Except for the small town of Zoar. Zoar, it turns out, survived the blaze, not because of Abraham’s negotiation with God, but because of Abraham’s nephew,
When the world is on fire, we are a people who jump into the fray. We are a people who know that the healing of our world requires so much more than talk. Social justice demands the courage to act, the strength to fight, and ultimately, the faith that God’s children can heal the world. As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel reflected on upheavals of his day: “One of the lessons we have derived from the events of our time is that we cannot dwell at ease under the sun of our civilization … We feel how every minute in our civilization is packed with tension like the interlude between lightning and thunder.” Our people know what it is like to live with tension and uncertainty. Our Congregation knows what it means to fight for Soviet Jewry, civil rights, Israel, Sudan, refugees, and so much more. We know that as long as there are men and women like Lot, as long as we are willing to jump into the fray, our darkened world can still be redeemed.” Continued on page 18.
WHC Journal – January 2017 | Page 3
President’s Column David M. Astrove
H
appy New Year! It seems we exchanged this sentiment not too long ago. Even though there are significant differences between Rosh Hashanah and the secular New Year, they both motivate us to share our hopes and dreams for a healthy, happy, prosperous New Year with those closest to us. It’s customary for many of us to make New Year’s resolutions. We consider what we can do differently, and how we can better ourselves and the world around us. This year, our resolutions may be tempered somewhat with anxiety about the near and distant future. So much is unknown about what changes lie ahead and the impact they might have on our lives; the lives of our family and friends; our community; and the world.
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In times like this, it is comforting to retreat to the familiar for connection, grounding, support, and care. One such familiar place is our Temple community, Washington Hebrew Congregation.
This month, we offer you the opportunity to share your vision for Washington Hebrew Congregation’s future by participating in a Visioning Workshop on Sunday, January 8 at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center. You can also learn more about and begin to make plans to travel with us to London in March and Israel in July at an informational meeting — there are several scheduled. If your travels take you to Florida, we hope you will circle Page 4 | WHC Journal – January 2017
Monday, February 13 on your calendars and join us in Palm Beach for our annual Florida Reunion concert and reception. Expand your mind and gain a new appreciation for our rich history and heritage with WHC Academy. This month, the Fall session wraps up (it’s never too late to join), and the first Spring session begins. Back to Basics and Conversational Hebrew are also welcoming in new participants and welcoming back continuing learners. In the Amram Scholar Series, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Kinney will share an eye-opening account of the Nazis’ rise to power uncovered in the long-lost personal diary of Adolf Hitler’s chief ideologue, Alfred Rosenberg.
We can help ourselves by helping others in need. We can speak up or simply listen.”
WHC is chock full of opportunities. We can connect with our heritage through worship. We can learn something new alongside fellow congregants. We can help ourselves by helping others in need. We can speak up or simply listen. We can interact with people of like backgrounds and expand ourselves by engaging with our diverse metropolitan area.
President@whctemple.org 202-895-6301
Seeking ways to help heal the world?
Our 31-year tradition of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy will bring our interfaith partners to Temple on the 13th for a special Shabbat dinner and service. We are especially honored to have the Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II speak at our services. On the following page, you can read about Rev. Dr. Barber and the impact he is having — not just in his home state of North Carolina — but across the country. This tradition of reflecting on Dr. King’s good works extends to MLK Day of Service, where hundreds of us will make Monday, January 16 — a day off from work — a “day on” for tikkun olam. There are many ways to get involved, starting now! Turn to page eight for information about this year’s MLK Day of Service. Of course, Washington Hebrew Congregation offers so much more than I can write about in one column. I hope you will explore this WHC Journal and read Life@WHC, emailed every Thursday morning, to learn about the opportunities that abound. I look forward to seeing you and wishing you, once again, Happy New Year.
Worship
MLK Shabbat
Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, Social Justice Force and Inspiring Orator, to Address the Congregation
W
ashington Hebrew Congregation’s 31st annual Shabbat honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be held on Friday, January 13 at Temple. The evening begins at 5:30 pm with a congregational dinner with our guests — members and clergy from our partner churches and mosques. It continues with an interfaith Shabbat service at 7:00 pm. Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II, President of the North Carolina NAACP and architect of the Forward Together Moral Movement, will join our clergy on the bimah and address the congregation.
An inspiring and passionate orator, Rev. Dr. Barber’s speech on the final night of the 2016 Democratic National Convention, “shook the walls of the Wells Fargo Center,” was “one of the most riveting addresses” of the Democratic National Convention and one of the strongest to come from either Convention (NBC News). Below is an excerpt from his speech.
“
“
An uncompromising advocate for justice work in North Carolina, Rev. Dr. Barber has inspired organizing across the nation. His North Carolina NAACP chapter successfully fought to overturn the state’s voter identification law (North Carolina NAACP v. McCrory), which the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals said targeted “AfricanAmericans with almost surgical precision.”
‘We’ is the most important word in the social justice vocabulary. The issue is not what we can’t do, but what we CAN do when we stand together.”
I say to you tonight, there are some issues that are not left versus right, liberal versus conservative, they are right versus wrong. We need to embrace our deepest moral values and push for a revival of the heart of our democracy. …
“ “
the heart of our democracy, not now, not ever!”
When we love the Jewish child and the Palestinian child, the Muslim and the Christian and the Hindu and the Buddhist and those who have no faith but they love this nation, we are reviving the heart of our democracy. We must shock this nation with the power of love. We must shock this nation with the power of mercy. We must shock this nation and fight for justice for all. We can’t give up on
Forward Together, his alliance of more than 200 progressive organizations in North Carolina, is a multi-racial movement to resist attacks by the state government on voting rights; public education; Medicaid; the environment; and the rights of women, labor, immigrants, and members of the LGBTQ community. Since 2013, tens of thousands have participated in their “Moral Monday” civil disobedience protests. On February 8, 2014, nearly 80,000 people participated in the Mass Moral March on Raleigh, the largest march in the South since the march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery. Dinner is $20 per person; table sponsorship is $200. Register online: whctemple.org/MLKWeekend. Questions? Please contact Layne Weiss, lweiss@whctemple.org or 202-895-6307. WHC Journal – January 2017 | Page 5
WHC Journal
Honoring A Legacy 1963
1968
Time itself is neutral; it can be used either destructively or constructively. More and more, I feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than have the people of good will. … Human progress never rolls in on wheels on inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co-workers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation. We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right. Now is the time to make real the promise of democracy. … Now is the time to lift our national policy from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid road of human dignity. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. April 16, 1963
1986 During some of the darkest days of the civil rights’ struggle – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. recalled one terrifying night. Jolted at the midnight hour from his bone-weary sleep by the piercing ring of the telephone and a vile, hate-filled voice declared, “Mister, if you don’t stop what you’re doing and get out of this town tomorrow, we’re going to blow up your house – and kill your wife and children.” Sitting alone in that dark hour, a trembling and uncertain Dr. King probed deep within to find strength. … He tried to draw upon the theology and philosophy he had learned at the Seminary. He reflected on heroic struggles throughout history. He considered the counsel and example of his father. Again and again he thought of his dear wife and children peacefully asleep upstairs. And then suddenly – within – there was a powerful stirring and he heard a voice declaring, “Martin Luther King Jr. – Stand Up! Stand Up for Justice; Stand Up for Righteousness; Stand Up for Loving Kindness! Stand Up! Stand Up! Excerpt from a sermon given by Rabbi Joseph P. Weinberg on Sunday, March 16, 1986 at Metropolitan AME Church Page 6 | WHC Journal – January 2017
WHC Journal
1987
1988
1989
L to R: Rev. Bernard Scott Lee, close aide to Dr. King; D.C. Mayor Marion Barry; Rev. Henry Gregory, Shiloh Baptist Church; Dr. James A. Forbes, Professor, Union Theological Seminary; Rabbi Joseph P. Weinberg; Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig; Cantor Rachel Hersh; Surjit Dhillon, Sikh Faith Community; Rev. Clark Lobenstine, InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington.
WHC Journal – January 2017 | Page 7
Tikkun Olam
MLK Day of Service
It’s a “Day On” for Make your “day off” from work and school a “day on” for tikkun olam and join us at Temple on Monday, January 16 at 10:00 am. Spend the morning with us! Bring your family and friends! We have projects appropriate for all ages and life stages, including:
The Community Issues/Social Action committee has organized a unique opportunity to join forces with volunteers in the interfaith community to help those in need. Working together, we will build on our foundation of a shared commitment to making the world a better place. Learn more and RSVP for this feel-good morning, whctemple.org/MLKWeekend. Questions? Contact Naomi Abelson Gohn, ngohn@whctemple.org or 202-895-6328.
and
WHC COLLECTS: Gently-Used & New Clothing Now through January 13 Donations accepted at Temple and JBSC
The work we do on MLK Day of Service starts now! We’re collecting gently-used (and new!) clothing for all ages and in all sizes for our tikkun olam projects. Learn more and sign up to volunteer: whctemple.org/MLKWeekend whctemple.org/WHCcollects Page 8 | WHC Journal – January 2017
Travel with WHC
LONDON March 2 – 6, 2017 Experience “Iconic London” … and the London You’ve Always Wanted to See Join Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig and Julian Resnick, former WHC Scholar-inResidence, along with some quintessentially British “Blue Badge” Guides for an experience you will not find anywhere else.
Want to learn more?
Come to an interest meeting!
Monday, January 9, 700 pm
Julia Bindeman Suburban Center RSVP to Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org or 202-895-6307 Can’t make it to the meeting? Contact Layne for more information.
Israel July 26 – August 6, 2017 Sail on the Red Sea, crawl through caves on an archaeological dig, hike a hidden waterfall, float in the Dead Sea, dine in a Druze village, and walk the alleyways of Jerusalem’s Old City. For a child turning 13, it is also an opportunity to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah overlooking the ancient walls of Jerusalem.
Join us to learn more:
WHC: Tuesday, 1/10 at 700 pm
JBSC: Wednesday, 1/18 at 700 pm
RSVP to Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org or 202-895-6307 • Can’t make it to a meeting? Contact Layne for more information. WHC Journal – January 2017 | Page 9
Lifelong Learning Header
David Kinney to Discuss Hunt for Elusive Nazi Diary in Amram
T
he Amram Scholar Series welcomes Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist David Kinney to Temple on Sunday, January 22 at 10:30 am. Co-author of The Devil’s Diary: Alfred Rosenberg and the Stolen Secrets of the Third Reich, Mr. Kinney provides a fresh, eye-opening account of the Nazis’ rise to power and genesis of the Holocaust uncovered in a long-lost diary written by Alfred Rosenberg.
Rosenberg was an early member of the Nazi Party, a key figure in Hitler’s inner circle, and the Party’s chief ideologue. His masterwork of anti-Semitism and Aryan supremacy, The Myth of the Twentieth Century, was second only to Hitler’s Mein Kampf in popularity, selling one million copies by the end of the war. At the postwar International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg, Rosenberg was convicted and sentenced to death. He was hanged in 1946. A 500-page diary, which he kept from 1934 until just a few months before the end of the war, shed light on the inner workings of the Third Reich and played a prominent role in Nuremberg Trial testimony. After the trials, however, the diary vanished. The Devil’s Diary, which Mr. Kinney wrote with Robert Wittman — a retired FBI art crime expert and New York Times bestselling author — tells the story of the hunt for Rosenberg’s lost diary. The book is a World War II
Page 10 | WHC Journal – January 2017
narrative wrapped in a riveting detective story. It takes the reader on a decadelong hunt, which involved a pair of octogenarian secretaries, an eccentric professor, and an opportunistic trash-picker. From the crusading Nuremberg prosecutor who smuggled the diary out of Germany to the man who finally turned it over, everyone had reasons for hiding the truth. Mr. Kinney is also the author of The Dylanologists: Adventures in the Land of Bob and The Big One: An Island, an Obsession, and the Furious Pursuit of a Great Fish. His journalism has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Los Angeles Times. At The Star-Ledger, New Jersey’s largest paper, he was a political reporter on the team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2005. He comes to Washington Hebrew Congregation in cooperation with the Jewish Book Council.
WHC Journal
WHC Board Appoints Nominating Committee
T
he Board of Directors has approved the committee to nominate a slate of Board members for the terms commencing June 2017. The Nominating Committee is comprised of Meg Flax, Chair; Todd Deckelbaum; RobBee Fredericks; Sandy Nesbit; David Rosenblum; Lynn Sachs; and Kimberly Walker Vogel.
Suggestions of nominees for the Board of Directors are welcome. Names should be sent to Temple by Friday, January 27, to the attention of Meg Flax, Chair of the Nominating Committee. The election will be held at the 165th Annual Meeting of the Congregation on Monday, June 5, 2017.
Nominating Committee: The members of the Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee shall consist of seven members of the Congregation, at least four of whom are not members of the Board of Directors. The names of the persons serving on said committee shall be sent to the members of the Congregation promptly after their appointment, together with a copy of this section of the By-Laws. Any member of the Congregation may recommend, in writing, names to be considered by the Committee. The Nominating Committee shall not hold its first meeting prior to the expiration of 10 days following the mailing to the members of the Congregation of the names of persons serving on the Nominating Committee. The report of the Nominating Committee containing its nominees for officers and members of the Board of Directors shall be mailed to the members of the Congregation at least 45 days prior to the Annual Meeting. Any 30 members of the Congregation may submit additional nominations for officers and members of the Board of Directors by written communication addressed to the President at least 20 days prior to the Annual Meeting. The names of all nominees shall be listed in alphabetical order in the notice of the Annual Meeting to the members of the Congregation, and no further nominations shall be considered at said meeting. No member of the Congregation, once having accepted an appointment to the Nominating Committee, may be nominated by that committee for election as a director or officer of the Congregation at the next Annual Meeting. WHC Journal – January 2017 | Page 11
In January …
WHC Programs & Events Featured Programs WHC 175: Envision Our Future
For all WHC members and guests ...
Sunday, January 8, 9:30 am at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center
In 2027, what will be your WHC? Your input can help shape our future! We want to hear your ideas and thoughts about all facets of Temple life. Join our extended WHC family — members, ECC parents, and 2239ers — to share what’s important to you now and what you’d like to see in the future.
Registration required (free) whctemple.org/Visioning Lindsay Fry Feldman: lfeldman@whctemple.org, 202-895-6321
Sip, nosh, and connect.
DRINKS COFFEE TEA
Interest Meeting: Travel to London with WHC (Spring) Monday, January 9, 7:00 pm at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center
Experience iconic London — and the London you’ve always wanted to see — March 2-6 with WHC. With a focus on theater, culture, and cutting-edge Judaism, this is a trip you won’t experience with any other group! Join us to learn more about this special itinerary.
See page 9 for more information. Registration preferred (free) whctemple.org/Travel Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307
Interest Meeting: Travel to Israel with WHC (Summer)
Tuesday, January 10, 7:00 pm at Temple
Our two-week trip takes you sailing on the Red Sea, crawling through caves on an archaeological dig, hiking a hidden waterfall, floating in the Dead Sea, dining in a Druze village, and walking the alleyways of Jerusalem’s Old City. It is also a most special opportunity to have your child become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah overlooking the ancient walls of Jerusalem. This trip is planned with our families’ busy schedules in mind, departing July 26 and returning August 6. See page 9 for more information. Registration preferred (free) whctemple.org/Travel Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307
MLK Shabbat Dinner & Service Coordinated by the Community Issues/ Social Action Committee Friday, January 13, 5:30 pm Dinner, 7:00 pm Service at Temple
Join us as we honor Dr. King’s good works and host our partner churches and mosques for dinner at 5:30 pm followed by a special 7:00 pm Shabbat service featuring the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II.
See page 5 for more information. Registration required for dinner only ($) Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307
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YS * SUN DA N E P O 1 2pm 9a m - LE P a t T EM
MINI BITES BAGELS CAKE POPS COOKIES RUGELACH RASPBERRY BARS
SUNDAY PAPERS NEW YORK TIMES WASHINGTON POST
*WHEN RELIGIOUS SCHOOL IS IN SESSION.
PROCEEDS BENEFIT RELIGIOUS SCHOOL.
Featured Programs MLK Day of Service
Monday, January 16, 10:00 am at Temple
Volunteer! Make your day off from work and school a “day on” for tikkun olam by joining us at Temple! We have projects for all ages, including creating family crafts, making tuna noodle casseroles, preparing healthy snack packs, assembling bags of fresh produce, sorting donated clothing, and packaging meals with the WHC Hunger Project. See page 8 for more information. Registration preferred (free) whctemple.org/MLKWeekend Naomi Abelson Gohn: ngohn@whctemple.org, 202-895-6328
Amram Scholar Series Presents: David Kinney The Devil’s Diary: Alfred Rosenberg and the Stolen Secrets Sunday, January 22, 10:30 am at Temple
Author David Kinney joins us to discuss his new book, The Devil’s Diary: Alfred Rosenberg and the Stolen Secrets. A World War II narrative wrapped in a riveting detective story, The Devil’s Diary investigates the disappearance of a private diary penned by Alfred Rosenberg, Adolf Hitler’s “chief philosopher,” and mines its long-hidden pages to deliver a fresh, eye-opening account of the Nazi rise to power and the genesis of the Holocaust. See page 10 for more information. whctemple.org/Amram Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307
In January …
WHC Programs & Events Special Worship Experiences
Lifelong Learning
Friday, January 6, 5:00 pm Dinner, 6:00 pm Service at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center Friday, January 27, 5:00 pm Service, 5:30 pm Dinner at Temple
Tuesdays, beginning January 17, 7:00 pm at Temple Wednesdays, beginning January 18, 10:00 am and 7:00 pm at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center
Registration required for dinner only (free) whctemple.org/TotShabbat DJ Schneider Jensen: djensen@whctemple.org, 202-895-6360 (Temple) Deb Miller Young: debmilleryoung@whctemple.org (JBSC)
Registration required ($) whctemple.org/BacktoBasics Gerdy Trachtman: gerdyt@erols.com, 301-762-6994
Tot Shabbat & Family Dinner
Our rabbis and song leaders make going to Friday night services a fun, fulfilling event for families with young children — or grandchildren!
Shirei Shabbat
Friday, January 27, 6:00 pm at Temple
Shirei Shabbat (Shabbat of Songs) is a spiritual, musical, and uplifting way to end your week. With upbeat tunes, some new music, and more English, this monthly Shabbat service is certain to engage and delight.
whctemple.org/Worship Beth Donaldson: bdonaldson@whctemple.org, 202-895-6309
2239’s Metro Minyan
Friday, January 27, 6:15 pm at Calvary Baptist Church
This Shabbat evening for Young Professionals begins with “A Shot of Torah,” an opportunity to study the weekly Torah portion and dive into some Jewish discussion. The guitar-led, come-as-you-are service starts at 7:00 pm and is followed by dinner. Registration required ($) whctemple.org/2239 Valerie Bluestein: vhillman@whctemple.org
Back to Basics
Uncover the answers to the “why” behind Judaism as you dig deep into holidays, life cycle events, history, theology, Jewish religious movements, Torah laws, the Mishnah, the Talmud, and Kabbalah. This course began in the fall, but fresh material is always added, and new registrants are welcome!
Conversational Hebrew (Intermediate/Advanced)
Thursdays, beginning January 19, 10:00 am at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center
Practice and improve conversational Hebrew skills. The ability to read or write Hebrew is not necessary.
Registration required ($) whctemple.org/Hebrew Gerdy Trachtman: gerdyt@erols.com, 301-762-6994
Conversational Hebrew (Beginner)
Thursdays, beginning January 19, 11:15 am at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center Mondays, beginning January 23, 10:00 am at Temple
Ideal for those with no knowledge of or familiarity with Hebrew. Our innovative instructional method emphasizes conversation over decoding the aleph bet.
Registration required ($) whctemple.org/Hebrew Gerdy Trachtman: gerdyt@erols.com, 301-762-6994
Family Shabbat Service
Friday, January 27, 6:30 pm at Temple
We invite you and your family to join us at Temple for an opportunity to pray, reflect, and welcome Shabbat. This participatory, multigenerational service led by Rabbi Shankman and songleader Audrey Katz will begin at 6:30 pm and will provide a perfect opportunity for students to put their Hebrew learning into practice.
whctemple.org/Worship Jonathan Honigman: jhonigman@whctemple.org, 301-354-3223
Tikkun Olam
Community Issues/Social Action Meeting
Wednesday, January 11, 7:30 pm at Temple
Join committee members for an in-depth discussion of social action issues and to plan social justice and interfaith relationship-strengthening events/activities.
whctemple.org/CISA Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307
SHABBAT HOME DINNERS with The
Boomers
Celebrate the warmth of Shabbat with a family-style dinner hosted by your fellow Boomers.
Friday, January 27 at 7:00 pm (Snow Date: February 3)
Space is limited! RSVP by Friday, January 20
whctemple.org/Boomers
Questions? Contact Beth Donaldson, bdonaldson@whctemple.org, 202-895-6309
WHC Journal – January 2017 | Page 13
January 2017 Sunday
Monday
1
New Year’s Day No Religious School (M&B)
8
9:30am Religious School (M&B) 9:30am Parent/Child Learning Day for the 2020 B’nei Mitzvah Class (M&B) 9:30am WHC 175: Visioning Workshop (B)
Tuesday
12:00pm Sisterhood Lunch and Learn (M) 7:00pm London Trip Interest Meeting (B) 7:15pm WHC Academy (M)
15 No Religious School (M&B)
2
Offices Closed (M&B) ECCs Closed (M&B)
9
16 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Offices Closed (M&B) ECCs Closed (M&B) 10:00am MLK Day of Service (M)
22
9:30am Religious School (M&B) 10:30am Amram Scholar Series Lecture with David Kinney (M) 12:00pm Jr. ETY and ETY Petting Farm Program (M) 5:30pm Post Confirmation (OUT)
9:30am Religious School (M&B)
29
Page 14 | WHC Journal – January 2017
10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Beginning (M) 7:15pm WHC Academy (M)
10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Beginning (M) 7:15pm WHC Academy (M)
23
30
Wednesday
No Hebrew School (B)
3
4:00pm Continuing Ed. for ECC (M)
10
4:00pm Continuing Ed. for ECC (M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (B) 6:30pm WHECTY Board Meeting (M) 7:00pm The Red Stone (M) 7:00pm Israel Trip Interest Meeting (M)
17
4:00pm Continuing Ed. for ECC (M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (B) 6:30pm 9th Grade Program – Students and Parents/Guardians (B) 7:00pm Back to Basics (M)
4:00pm Continuing Ed. for ECC (M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (B) 7:00pm Back to Basics (M)
24
4:00pm Continuing Ed. for ECC (M) 4:30pm Hebrew School (B) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (B) 6:30pm Confirmation and Post Confirmation (B) 7:00pm Back to Basics (M)
No Hebrew School (M)
4
4:00pm Continuing Ed. for ECC (B)
11
4:00pm Continuing Ed. for ECC (B) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M) 7:30pm Community Issues/Social Action Meeting (M) 7:30pm Copenhagen with WHC at Theater J (OUT)
18
10:00am Back to Basics (B) 4:00pm Continuing Ed. for ECC (B) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M) 6:30pm E-T ECC “Baskets & Bourbon” Fundraiser (M) 7:00pm Back to Basics (B) 7:00pm Wise Aging (M) 7:00pm Israel Trip Interest Mtg (B) 10:00am Back to Basics (B) 4:00pm Continuing Ed. for ECC (B) 4:30pm Hebrew School (M) 6:00pm JAM Rehearsal (M) 7:00pm Back to Basics (B)
25
31
B: Julia Bindeman Suburban Center
M: Temple
OUT: Not at a WHC location
Thursday
Friday
5
10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B) 5:00pm Tot Shabbat Family Dinner (B)
Saturday
6
12
10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B) 5:30pm MLK Shabbat Dinner (M)
19
Inauguration Day Temple Office Closed (M) E-T ECC Closed (M)
14
13 Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) Bar Mitzvah of Julian Galkin 5:30pm Havdalah (M) Bar Mitzvah of Dason Miller
Services: 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 7:00pm MLK Shabbat Service (M) 10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Intermediate/ Advanced (B) 11:15am Conversational Hebrew: Beginning (B)
7
Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) 5:30pm Havdalah (M) Bat Mitzvah of Lily Abel
Services: 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 6:00pm Shabbat Service (M) 6:00pm Tot Shabbat (B) 9:30am E-T ECC Tour (M)
6:30pm WHECTY Clash of the Classes (OUT)
21
20
Julia Bindeman Suburban Center Office and RJWECC Will be Open (B) 10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B) Services: 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 6:00pm Shabbat Service (M)
26
10:00am Conversational Hebrew: Intermediate/ Advanced (B) 11:15am Conversational Hebrew: Beginning (B)
Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M)
28
27
10:30am Sisterhood Mah Jongg (B) 4:00pm 9th Grade Retreat (OUT through Sunday) 5:30pm Tot Shabbat Family Dinner (M) 5:30pm NFTY-MAR MAJYK (OUT through Sunday) 7:00pm Shabbat Home Dinners with the Boomers (OUT) Services: 5:00pm Tot Shabbat (M) 5:30pm Lay Led Service (M) 6:00pm Shirei Shabbat (M) 6:15pm 2239’s Metro Minyan (OUT) 6:30pm Family Shabbat Service (M)
Services: 9:00am Early Torah (M) 10:30am Shabbat Service (M) Bar Mitzvah of Noah Ehrenberg 5:30pm Havdalah (M) Bar Mitzvah of Benjamin King
WHC Journal – January 2017 | Page 15
In January …
WHC Programs & Events Lifelong Learning
Opportunities for Adults to Engage
Prophetic Judaism: The Books of the Prophets Monday, January 30, 7:15 pm at Temple
Wednesday, January 18, 6:30 pm at Temple
WHC Academy
The message of the Books of the Prophets touches our hearts in a unique and profound manner, especially on Shabbat and holidays when we read selections from them in the haftarot. They call us to action to repair the world; they highlight the moral and ethical heights of our religious and social landscape. This class will explore the historical and cultural context of the haftarot as well as their meaning and influence for today’s world. We will read their words, walk in their shoes, and study their message for our world today.
Registration required ($) whctemple.org/WHCAcademy Marsha Humphries: mhumphries@whctemple.org, 202-895-6303
Opportunities for Adults to Engage Mah Jongg with Sisterhood
Fridays at 10:30 am at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center
Bring your mah jongg card and take a seat at the table. We meet every Friday to play, connect, and catch up.
RSVP preferred (free) whctemple.org/Sisterhood Hillary Blackton: hillary@divinelifeyoga.com
Sisterhood’s Monthly Meeting
Monday, January 9, 12:00 pm at Temple
Learn about upcoming programs and how to get involved while catching up with friends at this monthly meeting.
whctemple.org/Sisterhood Sandy Nesbit: WHCSisterhood@gmail.com
WHC and Theater J: Copenhagen
Wednesday, January 11, 7:30 pm at the Edlavitch DCJCC
Join Rabbi Skloot for a performance and post-play discussion of this Tony Award-winning play. In 1941, the German physicist Werner Heisenberg traveled to Copenhagen to meet his Danish counterpart, Niels Bohr. Old friends and colleagues, they find themselves on opposite sides in a world war and embroiled in a race to create the atom bomb. Why Heisenberg went to Copenhagen, and what he wanted to say to Bohr, are questions that have intrigued and divided historians and scientists ever since.
Registration required ($) whctemple.org/TheaterJ Layne Weiss: lweiss@whctemple.org, 202-895-6307
Baskets & Bourbon: An E-T ECC Fundraiser
We invite you to sip ‘n bid at Baskets & Bourbon, an evening benefiting Washington Hebrew Congregation’s EdlavitchTyser Early Childhood Center (E-T ECC). The evening includes a silent auction, wine, bourbon & Scotch tastings, light fare, and more! Registration required ($) whctemple.org/ECCDC DJ Schneider Jensen: djensen@whctemple.org, 202-895-6360
Shabbat Home Dinners with The Boomers
Friday, January 27, 7:00 pm at the homes of The Boomers
Celebrate Shabbat with a family-style dinner hosted by your fellow Boomers. Over the warmth of the Shabbat candles, we’ll enjoy an evening of conversation and togetherness. The host at each home will provide the main course. Guests will be responsible for bringing side dishes, desserts, and wine.
Registration required (free) whctemple.org/Boomers Beth Donaldson: bdonaldson@whctemple.org, 202-895-6309
EmptyNesters’ Afternoon at the Movies Sunday, January 29, 1:00 pm at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center
Spend the afternoon enjoying lunch and watching a movie with your fellow EmptyNesters. Following the film, there will be an interactive discussion.
Registration required: Yes ($) whctemple.org/EmptyNesters Beth Donaldson: bdonaldson@whctemple.org, 202-895-6309
Baskets & Bourbon
A Fundraiser for the Edlavitch-Tyser Early Childhood Center
Wednesday, 1/18 6:30 pm at Temple
$36/person RSVP: whctemple.org/ECCDC
Page 16 | WHC Journal – January 2017
In January …
WHC Programs & Events
Registration is Open! 2017-2018 ECCs
For Youth
Clash of the Classes
Saturday, January 7, 6:30 pm at ZavaZone in Rockville
Which grade will reign supreme? Find out at our annual color war for the coveted Clash of the Classes trophy! This year’s color war is bigger and better than ever! This event, which will be one of the most epic Clash of the Classes ever, is open to all 8th through 12th graders.
Registration required (free) whctemple.org/WHECTY Ira Miller: imiller@whctemple.org, 301-354-3209
Toddlers through Pre-K at WHC Toddlers through Kindergarten at JBSC Flexible, extended day hours on both campuses!
Nurture • Support • Connect
Discover what makes us the best choice for your preschooler. Learn more or schedule a tour: whctemple.org/ecc
ETY & Jr. ETY: Petting Farm
Sunday, January 22, 12:00 pm at Temple
Discover local wildlife first-hand when Green Meadows Petting Farm joins us for a day of interactive learning. An introductory youth group experience, Kindergartners through 4th graders are invited to learn about life on a farm while getting to meet (and pet!) the animals. Registration required ($) whctemple.org/ETY Debbie Letter: dletter@whctemple.org, 301-354-3217
D.C.: 202-895-6334 Maryland: 301-279-7505
For Families
Tot Shabbat & Family Dinner
Friday, January 6, 5:00 pm Dinner, 6:00 pm Service at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center Friday, January 27, 5:00 pm Service, 5:30 pm Dinner at Temple
Our rabbis and song leaders make going to Friday night services a fun, fulfilling event for families with young children — or grandchildren! Registration required for dinner only (free) whctemple.org/TotShabbat DJ Schneider Jensen: djensen@whctemple.org, 202-895-6360 (Temple) Deb Miller Young: debmilleryoung@whctemple.org (JBSC)
WHICH GRADE WILL REIGN
SUPREME?
Clash of the Classes Saturday, January 7
7:00 - 10:00 pm at ZavaZone whctemple.org/ClashoftheClasses WHC Journal – January 2017 | Page 17
Lily Claire Abel January 7, Havdalah Lily is a seventh grade student at Cabin John Middle School. She is the daughter of Jana & Bennett Abel, the sister of Jack, and the granddaughter of Frayda & Sydney Abel, Mikki Meyer, Ira & Phyllis Zuckerman, and the late Frank Meyer.
Julian Harper Galkin January 14, Morning Julian is a seventh grade student at Georgetown Day School. He is the son of Robin & Todd Galkin, the brother of Charli, and the grandson of Shelly & Harry Friedman and Gail & James Galkin.
Dason Benjamin Miller January 14, Havdalah Dason is a seventh grade student at Robert Frost Middle School. He is the son of Cheryl & Eric Miller, the brother of Madeline, and the grandson of Sara & the late John Lovelace and Judy & Preston Miller.
Noah Solomon Ehrenberg January 28, Morning Noah is a seventh grade student at Westland Middle School. He is the son of Rachel & Jason Ehrenberg, the brother of Zachary, and the grandson of Steven & the late Susan Lipper and Randy & Ronald Ehrenberg.
Benjamin Eichwald King January 28, Havdalah Ben is a seventh grade student at Cabin John Middle School. He is the son of Stacy & Seth King, the brother of Sophia, and the grandson of Deanna & Gerald Eichwald and Maxine & Donald King.
Sodom and Gomorrah is not a story about destruction, but ultimately, redemption. Out of the ashes, we see the very beginning of our messianic age. Tracing biblical genealogy, our rabbis highlight how the messiah will descend from the line of King David. King David is a descendant of Ruth, from the Moabite tribe. The first Moabite, Moab, is born right after we read about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and Moab is a descendant of Lot, not Abraham. Redemption, our tradition teaches, begins and ends with those who jump into the fray. Page 18 | WHC Journal – January 2017
We know what it is like to live in uncertainty, or as Rabbi Heschel says, in the interlude between lightning and thunder. Like Lot, we have endured the fires of history and emerged with a hard-won awareness for how broken the world has always been. We begin 2017 knowing that the world needs more than our talk. It needs more than our prayers. The world needs us, as it always has, to jump into the fray. Then our world may become whole once again. Then our world will know peace.
Marjorie & Matthew Schneider, on the naming of their grandson, Cameron Edward Schneider (Ephraim Yitzlak); and to Cameron’s parents, Sharon Momenian Schneider & Adam Schneider; big sister, Mila; and maternal grandparents, Yordanka Momenian and Houshang Momenian. Madge & Robert Novel, whose son, Maximillian A. Novel, was admitted to the New Jersey State Bar Association.
Life Cycle
Karen & Sherman Telis, on the birth and naming of their granddaughter, Willow Rose King Telis (Shoshana); and to Willow’s parents, AnnaRose King & Michael Telis and maternal grandmother, Alison Moore. Karen & Sherman Telis, on the naming of their grandson, William “Liam” McNair Zelig Telis (Sholom Alyosha); and to Liam’s parents, Kate & Alex Telis. Stephanie & Barry Hartzberg, on the birth and naming of their daughter, Grace Marie Hartzberg (Shifra); and to Grace’s big sister, Emma; and grandparents, Renee Korda & Mark Olson and Sherrie & Murray Hartzberg.
Pauline Berliner, mother of Guy Berliner (Bonnie) and Mitchell Berliner (Debra); grandmother of Samantha, Paul, Sherry, Marissa, Adam, and Gregg; great-grandmother of seven. Donald Colby, husband of Selma Colby. Joan Kaplan Gindes, wife of Samuel “Ted” Gindes; mother of Adrienne Broider and Steven Gindes; sister of Jerome Kaplan (Deena) and Edward Kaplan (Irene). Esther Haar, wife of Bernard Hildebrand; mother of Michael Haar (Therese), Robert Haar (Robin), and Cheryl Haar (Thomas Arledge); stepmother of Debi Lebbin (Roger) and Joanne Byrnes (John). Roberta Kronheim, sister of Nancy Kronheim. Jeanette Feldman Levin, mother of Robert Levin (Abby) and Barbara Spector (Robert); sister of Connie Levine; aunt of Bruce Feldman (Sharon), Douglas Feldman (Eileen), and Janet Abrams (Kenneth). Naomi Tuck, mother of Steven Tuck (Heather) and Andrew Tuck; grandmother of Emily, Adam, Lucius, and Jackson.
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.
WHC ACADEMY Prophetic Judaism: The Books of the Prophets January 30 - February 13 From Tablet to Scroll to Codex and Back Again: The History of the Jewish Book February 27 - April 3 American Jews and Israel: A Three-Session Taste of the Shalom Hartman Institute’s iEngage April 24 - May 8
Mondays at Temple, 7:15 - 9:15 pm Learn more and sign up online: whctemple.org/DinnerWithDavid
$25 members, $54 non-members whctemple.org/WHCAcademy
WHC Journal – January 2017 | Page 19
Contributions
Amram Sunday Scholar Series Endowment Fund Donor Elisabeth Posner Schouten
General Fund
In Memory of: Lawrence D. Posner
H. Max & Jodie and Stephen C. Ammerman Performing Arts Fund
Donor In Honor of: Andrew Ammerman Django & Theodore Ferguson’s Birthdays Mick Heller’s Birthday Steve Kohn’s Birthday Donor In Memory of: Andrew Ammerman Yvette Kalter
Julia & Jack Bindeman Fund
Donor Carol K. Bindeman Stuart & Martha Bindeman
In Memory of: David P. Bindeman Julia Bindeman David Bindeman David Paul Adele Bindeman
Jane Burka Sisterhood Leadership Fund
Donor In Honor of: Mildred & Howard Amer Scott Burka’s Special Birthday David Burka’s Special Birthday Donor In Memory of: Sandra Kouzel Oscar Levy
Dr. Edward A. & Mildred B. Cafritz Prayer Book Fund
Donor Bonnie Sherman
Cantorial & Concert Fund
Donor In Honor of: Suzan & Barry Friedman Cantor Manevich Doris & Ken Kraemer Margolit Stell Kraemer’s Birth Robert Levin & Barbara Spector Cantor Bortnick Melissa Schwartz, David, Ben & Emily Muenzer Cantor Bortnick Megan Leone Perkins & Todd Perkins Bat Mitzvah of Ella Tate Perkins Beverly Rosenblatt Sylvia Eidlin’s Speedy Recovery Alyson & Josh Weinberg Cantor Manevich Donor In Memory of: Janice & Tom Burne Marion Ladell Mimi & Tommy Nordlinger Leon Kraft Bev Rosenblatt Lee Rosenblatt Cathy Scheineson Eugen Zeisel Barry & Marilyn Wessler Kate Schwartz
Lois & Richard England Special Needs Endowment Fund
Donor Florence R. Hart Lynn & Larry Silverberg
In Memory of: Norma Rubenstein Sarah Rubenstein Alan Silverberg
Edlavitch-Tyser Early Childhood Center Fund
Donor Marsha Pinson & Family
General Fund
Donor Estate of Harriet Lilienfeld Glickfield Family Foundation
Page 20 | WHC Journal – January 2017
In Memory of: Pearl Pinson
Donor In Honor of: Hal, Rick, Jack, Max & Ike Grodin Linda Grodin Jonathan Sherman Bat Mitzvah of Julia Jean Sherman Lee Tiedrich & Ian Simmons Bat Mitzvah of Joyce Lillian Simmons Donor In Memory of: Carol Barron Rose Sherman Thomas A. Bensinger, MD Frances Bensinger Diane & Howard Benson May Shapiro Leiner Sandra & David Berler Ann Haas Charles Berman Mitzi Mandell Stuart A. Bernstein Evelyn Bishoff Dr. & Mrs. F. Norman Berry Abraham Blumberg Marjorie & Harold Bingham Hyman Rosenthal Ethel Rosenthal George F. Bingham Shirlee & Bill Blanken Molly Cohen Schecter Gail Brenner Claire Kaplan & Maurice “Moe” Kaplan Vivian S. Brodsky Jeanette F. Levin Laurie Cohen Jeanette F. Levin Phyllis Cole, Stacy Wilson, Lauren Gage & Hillary Cole Marshal Livingston Cole Nancy & Ed Colodny Dr. Joseph Dessoff Lynne Ann Davidson Irving Davidson Sam Dodek, II Bernardine Dodek Muriel B. Feldman Paul Sommers Louis Fireison Helen Fireison Carol B. Fischer Ruth I. Baer James Frank Robert Frank Linda & Jay Freedman Alan J. Newman Arlene Friedlander Morris Lutzky Jack Friedlander Carl & Nancy Gewirz Edith B. Hariton Betty Glassman Alice Bortnick Dr. Harold Goald Isadore Goald Dr. Larry Goldbaum, Dr. Ronald Rosenberg & Staff Jeanette F. Levin The Demarco/Goldman Family Lillian DeMarco Mr. & Mrs. William Goldman Jane A. Goldman Marcia Goldsmith Ellen Goldsmith Stephen Grafman Ida W. Grafman Nancy & John Harris Carolyn W. Harris Richard B. Herzog Grace F. Herzog Ronnie & Robert Jersky Lilyan Aronchick Bill & Marilyn Lane Albert E. Lane Charlotte P. Brody Alicia & Mark Levin Stanley Silverman Robert Levin & Barbara Spector Jeanette F. Levin Sandre Lustine, Marcy & Gary Lustine, Robin & Bob Cohn J. Gerald Lustine Jim & Ellen Myerberg Doris Myerberg The Band & Olinger Family Bernard A. Band Terri & Zach Oppenheimer Jeanette Feldman Levin Irene Pollin Abe Pollin Jerome & Jane Putnam Lawrence E. Putnam Susan & Arnold Quint Esther Quint Dr. & Mrs. Herbert Rabin Mordka Rozencwajg Charles A. Resnick Sandra Resnick Robert Schott Murry M. Schott Gail K. Siegel Edgar Louis Kaufmann Linda Singer Melvyn Newman David & Roslyn Spott Bessie G. Lyons Hugh M. Steinberger & Family Margery Saks Steinberger Edward G. Stevens Milton Stevens Emily & Sam Stiebel Alan Gewirtz The Swisses Jeanette Feldman Levin
General Fund
Donor In Memory of: Jacqueline R. Werner Frederic Werner William H. Rosenfeld Linda Wertlieb Mildred Silverberg Tina J. Winston, Colette & Gigi Winston The Honorable Lester Schlitz Roslyn Wolf Stephen J. Wolf Rachel Carren & Mark Young David S. Young Tiffany Zalis Charles Nelson Zalis Ava & Allen Zweig John Olshin
Carol Kellner ECC Memorial Fund
Donor In Honor of: Jill & Todd Wasserman Bat Mitzvah of Nicole Julia Wasserman Donor In Memory of: Bruce Kellner & Family Carol Kellner Blanche Kellner Bessie Wool Carol Kellner Samuel E. Wool
Rose E. Koenig Religious School Fund
Donor Steve Rosenthal
In Memory of: Jeanette F. Levin
Kol Rinah Choir
Donor In Honor of: Anita Solomon Cantor & Mrs. Mikhail Manevich Donor In Memory of: Dana Jo & Marvin Mermelstein Harry Mermelstein Murray R. Stein & Dr. Barbara Baylus Stein Louise Deitz Baylus
Harriet M. Kriesberg Fund for the Study of Torah
Donor Bonnie Sherman
In Honor of: Renee Bitoun’s Speedy Recovery
Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig Scholarship Fund
Donor In Honor of: Melissa Schwartz, David, Ben & Emily Muenzer Rabbi Lustig
Mitzvah Day
Donor In Honor of: The Jacob and Charlotte Lehrman Foundation Rabbi Lustig Donor In Memory of: Betsy Grossman Claire Dratch Anita Bobys
Stephanie Morris Prime Timers Programming Fund
Donor Lillian Smuckler
In Memory of: Ralph Smuckler Arthur Dunn
Kamy Loren Nathanson Bar & Bat Mitzvah Kiddush Cup Endowment Fund
Donor In Memory of: Randy Cutler Ida Handelsman Amy Bronrott Munaker & Alan Munaker Sylvia Bragman Schwartz Rega Krasner Mona M. Wolf Sophie Miller
Albert & Scott Pelmoter Youth Scholarship Fund Donor Shirley Pelmoter
In Memory of: Warren Klawans Scott Pelmoter Continued on page 22.
Contributions
Introducing the H. Max & Jodie and Stephen Ammerman Interfaith Fund
I
n 1983, in memory of their beloved son and brother, the Ammerman family established the Stephen C. Ammerman Performing Arts Endowment at Washington Hebrew Congregation, underwriting special musical presentations open to the public. Fifteen years later, Josephine and Andrew R. Ammerman honored their late husband and father’s memory by renaming the endowment the H. Max and Stephen C. Ammerman Performing Arts Fund, which continued to provide an annual arts experience, featuring performers including Theodore Bikel, Lainie Kazan, and Itzhak Perlman. With the passing of Josephine Ammerman in 2015, Andrew Ammerman began to reflect on both his mother’s legacy and his own ongoing impact at WHC and in the greater Jewish community. To commemorate her dedication to the Congregation and to American Jewish life, he concluded that the time was right to rename the endowment in his mother’s honor and to shift its purpose to interfaith engagement, a focus of his involvement with the Fund for the Future of Our Children, which makes peacemakers of our youth.
“Our endowment is like a chrysalis, now entering its third iteration,” explained Ammerman. “It began as a performing arts fund to draw talent to Temple, then evolved into a fund to support the December arts and music program, and is now turning outward to help amplify WHC’s impact as a builder of understanding and peace.”
by an explicit code of civility and by colorful Peace Benches painted by our WHECTY youth group alongside Christian and Muslim teens. At this year’s Faith Over Fear march, which took place on December 18, we called all of our partners into conversations on civility, welcoming the stranger, and being created in the divine image. In these uncertain times, there is a widespread yearning to build relationships within our Congregation and with communities outside our walls — both to explore our shared traditions and to express our commitment to unity, understanding, and inclusion. This year, thanks to the H. Max & Jodie and Stephen Ammerman Interfaith Fund’s support, we will introduce a three-month Congregational Conversations program in concert with houses of worship drawn from a broad spectrum of faiths. Each month, we will join with partner congregations to delve into a topical religious concept together, building on our history of leadership in the interfaith arena.
Interfaith initiatives have long been a hallmark of WHC’s success, with each rabbi acting on a shared moral vision of interfaith dialogue. Rabbi Lustig’s lifelong passion for social action and interfaith outreach — one shared by many of our lay leaders and dedicated volunteers — guided him to expand on the Kristallnacht and MLK Shabbat services; partner with embassies to take our interfaith efforts to the international level; and introduce the MLK Day of Service, Unity Walk, and many related efforts, each of which reaches hundreds of participants. Rabbi Lustig has been recognized as an interfaith leader on the national “Being a people of portability, with even our sacred Ark of level, including praise from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the Covenant designed to be moved, Jews have a healthy Time Magazine for the Faith Over Fear march and an respect for change that is central to my thinking around award from the King of Morocco for advancing interfaith tzedakah,” says Ammerman. “As a Jewish man educated understanding. at Christian schools, having worked in a Buddhist Kingdom and lived in an Islamic Republic, I can easily see the value Last year, our Congregational Conversations program of intercultural understanding. I’m pleased that our Fund concluded a sobering examination of religious violence can play a role in moving WHC closer to our neighbors with a rousing evening of interchange with the National from different faith traditions, highlighting our common Cathedral and several local mosques. Throughout this spiritual foundation and promoting coexistence.” special gathering, our common humanity was underscored WHC Journal – January 2017 | Page 21
Contributions
Contributions (continued from page 20) Sylvia & Saul Ritzenberg Humanitarian Fund
Donor Ellen Berlow Anonymous Cathy & Scot McCulloch Trisha & Jim Ritzenberg Scheineson Family
Tikkun Olam Values (TOV) Fund
In Memory of: Ralph F. Berlow Tea Stiefel Sylvia & Saul Ritzenberg Sylvia & Saul Ritzenberg Charles Zeman
Abe & Sylvia Shrinsky Creative Worship Program Fund Donor Faith & Jim Kirk Margery Shrinsky
In Memory of: Philip Goldstein Harvey W. Freedman Sylvia Shrinsky Ida Weinstein
Carrie Simon House
Donor Banner Team Management, LLC The Golden Family Maya Jane Glazer-Skloot The Stier Family Donor In Memory of: Steven C. Fischer & Linda J. Adler Ruth G. Adler Lori & Barry Wise Eugene R. Jacobs, MD
Sisterhood Youth, Education & Enrichment Fund Donor Linda & Ron Recht
In Honor of: Bar Mitzvah of Sam Labuda
Tikkun Olam Values (TOV) Fund
Donor In Honor of: Melissa Schwartz, David, Ben & Emily Muenzer Dorothy & Lou Kornhauser Holly & Jeff Bergman Joan & Stan Adoff Larry Oladipupo Linda & Ron Recht Howard Gary’s Speedy Recovery
Donor In Memory of: Anonymous Shirley Levin Linda & Ron Recht Frances Recht Scheineson Family James Harris Tina & Albert Small Jr. & Family Robert Blumenthal Rich & Monica Sussman Bernice Miller Gerdy Trachtman Ernest Teichner
Rabbi Joseph Weinberg Young Leadership Community Service Fund
Donor Mike & Judy Herman Bunnye Levey Renee Lipsic Loeb Marcia Weinberg
In Memory of: Freda Gordon Dr. Allan C. Levey Fay Lipsic Anna Slotsky
Wender Memorial Archives Fund
Donor Dorothy D.C. Kornhauser
In Memory of: Burton M. Cooper Jennie W. Diamond Sidney B. Diamond Melvin Diamond
WHC Hunger Project
Donor Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Bergman Donor In Honor of: Ann H. Bistritz Bat Mitzvah of Emily Muenzer Alan Cooperman Bat Mitzvah of Emily Muenzer Jennifer Hills Bat Mitzvah of Emily Muenzer Mark MacDougall Bat Mitzvah of Emily Muenzer Melissa Schwartz & David Muenzer Bat Mitzvah of Emily Muenzer Michael Phillips & Julia Bucknall Bat Mitzvah of Emily Muenzer Christopher Torres Bat Mitzvah of Emily Muenzer Donor In Memory of: Ann F. Joseph Martha G. Friedman
During the cold, dark winter, we dream of snowmen like this. So we are heading to Florida to see you and make our dreams come true!
“Snowbirds” and Florida Travelers: Mark your calendars to join us for the
2017 Florida Reunion Concert & Reception in Palm Beach Monday, February 13 at 5:30 pm
Invitations are in the mail! If you’d like to be added — or check to see that you are on — our mailing list, please contact Miriam Feffer, mfeffer@whctemple.org or 202-895-6312. Page 22 | WHC Journal – January 2017
Worship & Music Fund
Donor In Honor of: Janet & Jeff Abramson, Katherine & Michael Abramson Rabbi Shankman Mary & Russ Albert Rabbi Lustig Tim & Laura Dupree Rabbi Shankman Robert Soofer Rabbi Skloot Donor In Memory of: Ray & Wilma Dorris Ethel Dorris Steven C. Fischer & Linda J. Adler Rhoda S. Fischer Deana Rose Halperin Eliot J. Halperin Helma Rose Alan & Priscilla Levine Rose Katzel Dr. Eileen Polinger Edith Corenfield Max Corenfield Mary & Jim Salander Susan M. Walsh Corie & Victor Tanenholz Ira & Esther Dellis Leil & Henna Tanenholz Eve & Nate Wallace Seymour Sherman Steinberg Layne Weiss, Rachel, Ryan, Brian, Ilyssa, Ethan & Halle Frances Schooler Craig Yokum Otis M. Yokum
Young Professionals (22-39) Fund Donor Charles A. Resnick Alyson & Josh Weinberg
Ivy Zola’s Help-a-Friend Fund
In Honor of: Rabbi Miller Rabbi Miller
Donor In Honor of: Andrea & Geoffrey Zola Bruce Ochsman’s Birthday Donor In Memory of: Ellis & Mildred April Family Dr. Ellis April
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
Join us to envision the future of Washington Hebrew Congregation We want to hear your ideas and thoughts. Come to a group discussion with our extended WHC family — members, ECC parents, and 2239ers — to share what is important to you and your family and how you envision the future.
Sunday, January 8, 9:30 - 11:30 am at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center
Tuesday, March 7, 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Washington Hebrew Congregation
RSVP: whctemple.org/Visioning If you are interested but not able to attend either of these sessions, please register your name for potential future events. Questions? Contact Lindsay Fry Feldman, lfeldman@whctemple.org or 202-895-6321.
Envision Our Future
175