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6 Personal thoughts and reflections from the High Holiday Study Service
WESTCHESTERJEWISH CENTER
NOVEMBER 2017 – VOLUME 77NUMBER 3 – CHESHVAN, 5778
TH
EREVIEWNovember 2017 Highlights
2 Pop-up Rabbi @ Stan’z Cafe – 9:30am
5 Mitzvah Day – 9am - 1:00pm
6 Israeli Dancing – 7:30pm
7 TGIT Thank God It’s Torah – 9:45am
Library Writing Workshop – 7:30pm
9 Kristallnacht Program – 7:30pm
10 Veterans Day Observed
Schools and Offices Closed
11 Veterans Day
Simple and Soulful – 10:15am
12 JOY Program – 2pm
14 TGIT Thank God It’s Torah – 9:45am
Library Writing Workshop – 7:30pm
16 Pop-Up Rabbi @ Stan’z 9:30am
Ross Lecture Series – 7:30pm
18 WJCenter Stage: Dan Nichols – 8pm
21 TGIT Thank God It’s Torah – 9:45am
Library Writing Workshop – 7:30pm
22 WJC Offices close at 3pm
23 Thanksgiving Day
29 Sisterhood Opening Event – 7:30pm
Youth & Teens Programs5 RS meet the Teachers – 10am
K-2 Youth Program – 2pm
METNY USY Fall Kinnus (9-12 grades)
6 ECC Parent/Teacher Conferences – 5pm
7 ECC Parent/Teacher Conferences – 9am
WJC USY Goes to Sky Zone (8-12 grades)
12 3rd Grade Family Program – 10am
5th grade B’Nei Mitzvah Meeting
14 Hebrew High – 6pm
17 USY Emek Overnight (9-12 grades)
19 3rd-6th Grade Youth Program – 12pm
WJC USY Mall Scavenger Hunt – 1pm
21 Hebrew High – 6pm
22 RS closed
26 RS closed
28 Hebrew High – 6pm
Bob Ross Inspired Paint Night
8 “The Immigration Crisis: JewishPerspective, Past and Present” 12 Sisterhood Opening Event:
“How To Navigate Our Ever-Changing World”
1
Goebbels...From Kristallnacht to Los AngelesKristallnacht Commemoration at WJC, Thurs. Nov. 9, 7:45pm
DAN BERKOWITZ HOLOCAUST LEARNING CENTER CHAIR
Join the HLC in commemorating November 9th, 1938, the night that a deliberate, coordinated and massive attack on Jews throughout Germany began. After a brief memorial service led by Rabbi Segelman, hear from guest speaker Laura B. Rosenzweig as she tells the spellbinding story of how America was fighting Nazism in Hollywood. Rosenzweig’s book: Hollywood’s Spies: The Undercover Surveillance of Nazis in Los Angeles, chronicles the fight against Nazism in a domestic theater of operations before formal hostilities were even declared. She reveals the hitherto untold story of Jewish resistance to Nazi infiltration, not in Berlin or Warsaw but in Los Angeles during the 1930s, a time when Nazism, a distant rumble on the horizon for most Americans, was for tens of thousands of others a siren call to action.
The true suspense story is set against the dramatic and tragic turns of events that were occurring in Germany in 1938. Kristallnacht or “The Night of Broken Glass,” as the attack became known, occurred after Herschel Grynszpan, a 17 year old Jew living in Paris, shot and killed a member of the German Embassy staff there in retaliation for the poor treatment his father and his family suffered at the hands of the Nazis in Germany.
www.wjcenter.org November 2017 - The WJC Review
continued on page 4
Giving and GratitudeMitzvah Day • WJC Lobby, Sun. Nov. 5, 9:00am-1:00pm
SHARON SILVER SoJAC CHAIR
Rabbi Shai Held, at a recent discussion at WJC, spoke of the deep connection between gratitude and giving in Judaism. He said that gratitude is like a vessel; it comes in as we are grateful for things in our lives, and flows out as giving. This is a powerful image, especially in response to often dire need among Jews and non-Jews near and far. Mitzvah Day, our biggest collection day of the year, is on November 5th, in the same month of Thanksgiving.
There have been many changes in the items we are collecting for local partner agencies. Details on Page 12.
Our sincere thanks go to all who donated to help the victims of natural disasters. The items collected for Puerto Rico were packed and brought by volunteers to drop-off points run by the New York State Relief and Recovery Efforts for Puerto Rico in Yonkers, and Chabad of Puerto Rico in New Jersey.
Thanks to everyone who donated cash vouchers to the Pelham Parkway JCC so fellow Jews could celebrate the holidays with dignity and joy, and donated cereal and stable milk for our local food pantry. Your giving made a difference in many lives.
WJCenter Stage Presents Dan Nichols in ConcertSaturday, November 18 • 8pm See insert for more information
www.wjcenter.org November 2017 - The WJC Review2
Saturday, November 4: Vayera - And He AppearedAbraham and Sarah introduce us to vital concepts of radical hospitality and fighting for those less fortunate. We are told of the birth of two children who turn into two great, warring nations: Isaac and Ishmael. We culminate with one of the most dramatic tales of our tradition: the near sacrifice of Isaac. Who do you side with? Abraham? God? Sarah? A true action-packed portion!
Bar Mitzvah of Adam KaufmanI am currently in eighth grade at Hommocks. My favorite subjects are Social Studies and Science and my favorite sports to play are basketball and baseball. I have fun every summer at Camp Tevya in New Hampshire. I look forward to celebrating my Bar Mitzvah at WJC. I thank Rabbi Segelman, Rabbi Yolkut and Cantor Goldberg for all their help. Finally, I would like to thank my parents and siblings Aaron, Courtney and Dalia for all of their love and support.
THE REVIEW ofWESTCHESTER JEWISH CENTER
Published Monthly (except July & August)Westchester Jewish Center
Mamaroneck, NY 10543914-698-2960 • wjcenter.org
Editor: Pat TintoDesign & Production: Evan J. Schapiro
Rabbi JEFFREY T. SEGELMANAssistant Rabbi ADIR YOLKUTCantor ETHAN GOLDBERGRabbi Emeritus DR. IRVING KOSLOWE z’’lRitual Director Emeritus MAX FRIEDMAN z’’lExecutive Director DAVID GOLDSTEINEduc. Dir. & Cong. Program Coord ALEZA R. KULPEarly Childhood Director SABRINA LANDAU Communications & Marketing Director PAT TINTOLibrarian ARLENE RATZABITeen Engagement Director ADAM BENDERBuilding Superintendent JOSE LUIS FONSECA
OFFICERSPresident JEFFREY LAVINEExecutive Vice President SETH SCHAFLERFinancial Vice President LAURENCE THALERTreasurer HAROLD TREIBERAsst. Treasurer MICHAEL LAPIDESFinancial Secretary YALE ZOLANDAsst. Financial Secretary NANCY SHERMANAdministration ROBIN NAZARZADEHAdult Programming JEFFREY TAFFETChildren & Families SETH SCHAFLERCommunications & Member Relations EVAN J. SCHAPIRODevelopment IAN WINTERSSpiritual Life SUSAN MILLERSynagogue Arms MARK BERGERTikkun Olam EVE EDELMAN RUSSRecording Secretary AMY LEVINE-KENNEDYAsst. Recording Secretary ELLEN MARCUSChair of the Board GAIL MARCUS
TRUSTEES
Presidents, Brotherhood CRAIG RUBIN, STUART SELTZERPresidents, Sisterhood ILEEN GREENBERG, CAROL FASMANPresident, Cemetery Association RON ROSENBERGCo-Chairs Parents Association LAURA GRILL, MIA KANDEL
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Mixed EmotionsRABBI JEFFREY T. SEGELMAN
This is a month of mixed emotions. In the Hebrew calendar, the month is called Mar Cheshvan. The actual name of the month is Cheshvan. The prefix “Mar” means “bitter.” Tradition tells us that we add the prefix “mar” because it is the only month of the calendar in which there is no special day. Ok - on the one hand, the fact that there is no particular Jewish observance this month may be sad. On the other hand, coming on the heels of Tishrei in which we observed Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah, some of us may find something relaxing and enjoyable in a month that has no commemorations at all. Mixed emotions.
However, that tradition which gave the prefix “mar” to the Cheshvan is, at the same time, no longer true and, in a sense, deeply prophetic. Since 1938, there is a commemoration. On the 15th of Cheshvan in that year, the horrors of Kristallnacht unfolded. It was November 9th. And since that day, our people have marked November 9th as a day to remember the events that would foreshadow the Holocaust. I encourage you to join us for our annual Kristallnacht observance. The focus of that program will not be the events that took place in Germany. Rather, our speaker will address the American resistance to Nazism and particularly the role that Hollywood played. Mixed emotions - a commemoration of enormous
sadness on the one hand, and courage and conviction on the other.
And when that observance is over, our thoughts will turn to Thanksgiving. Established by President Lincoln as the Civil War raged, this is also an experience of mixed emotions. Lincoln called upon the American people to somehow find a way to mix their feelings of sadness and anger with feelings of thankfulness and gratitude. Even today, when our country struggles with so many feelings of sadness and anger, we are called to mix those emotions with feelings of thankfulness for the blessing we enjoy simply being citizens and residents of this blessing called America.
Mixed emotions are a great challenge of being human. The ability to balance contradictory feelings about people, events, or even God, gives life great meaning. We all strive and help each other to rise to that challenge so that the feelings of pride and love and gratitude prevail over those of sadness and anger and despair. When we do this, we become stronger individuals and together we become a stronger community.
May the blessing of MarChesvan/November - the blessing of mixed emotions - make us strong and hopeful.
Benjamin AllikerIlene BellovinMark BergerLouise CohenEve Edelman RussAmy FastenbergJanie FriemanBetsy GoldmanAlison GottsegenLaura GrillHoward HusockLawrence IasonJacqueline KaplanLisa KernRandi Klaber
Michael LapidesJeffrey LavineAmy Levine-KennedyAndrea LightmanEllen MarcusSusan MillerPam MizrachiJulie MusicusCheryl NatbonyRobin NazarzadehDina NelsonRobin NichinskyCraig RubinAlbert SassoonRobert Sassoon
Seth SchaflerEvan J. SchapiroNancy ShermanJacques SteinbergJodi SternMarc StronginJeffrey TaffetLaurence ThalerSherry ThalerHarold TreiberGiselle WeissmanRob WeisstuchIan WintersJennifer WintersYale Zoland
Victor Badner Alan Benet Dan Berkowitz Louis Brause Ruth Brause Beverly Cannold David Cannold z”l Jill Caslin Saby Castro Martin Freiman Stuart Gilbert Jules Gorlitz Cindy Heller
Randy Heller Mark Jacoby Greta Koppel z”l Howard Lazarus Albert Lefkowitz z”l Gail Marcus Martin Marcus Richard Melchner Zabathy Meltzer Abraham Mizrahi Lenny Queen Shirley Queen Josef Raboy z”l
Marilyn Reader Ronny Rosenberg Elaine Stein Roberts Robert Savin z”l Sol Schargel Stuart Schapiro Sarene Shanus Gerhard Spies z”l Norman Treiger z”l Edward Weinberg z”l Rhona Wexler Irving Yasgur z”l Gerald Zeidner
Simple & SoulfulSaturday, Nov. 11 • 10:15-11:45am
Rhythm & RuachFriday, Dec. 1 • 7:30pm Service (Optional Dinner: 6:30pm; Dessert/Guest Speaker: 8:30pm)
Renewal ServiceSunday, Dec. 3 • 7:00pm
Novembet 2017 - The WJC Review www.wjcenter.org 3
Saturday, November 11: Hayyei Sarah - The Life of SarahA parsha of loss and new beginnings all around. Perhaps because of the events of the binding of Isaac, we are told of Sarah’s death. Following Abraham’s mourning, we then learn of his finding a wife for his son Isaac which turns out to be our Matriarch Rebecca, an incredibly important step in the development of the Jewish people. Finally, Abraham remarries at the end of the portion, perhaps, as some commentators suggest, reuniting with Hagar, his former maidservant!
Bar Mitzvah of Alexander MusicusI am in 7th grade at Rye Neck Middle School. My favorite subjects are Spanish and Social Studies. I am passionate about sports and love to play basketball and baseball. My favorite teams are the Yankees, Knicks, Dolphins and Syracuse. I enjoy playing guitar and love going to Camp Winadu in the summer. I am very excited to celebrate my Bar Mitzvah with family and friends at WJC where I started as a preschool student. A special thank you to Cantor Alcott for helping me learn my Torah portion. A big thank you to Rabbi
Adir for helping me write my D’var Torah. I’d also like to thank Aleza Kulp, my WJC teachers and Rabbi Segelman for my Jewish education. Lastly, I would like to thank my mom and dad and my sister Sabrina for their encouragement and love.
Saturday, November 18: Toldot - GenerationsJacob and Esau are introduced to us in womb, where even there, they are fighting one another. The complicated tale of Rebecca and Isaac’s favoritism plays out in this portion, as Jacob ends up deceitfully purchasing Esau’s birthright as well as receiving his 1st born blessing. The portion ends with their parting, as Jacob fears for his life from his brother Esau. And you thought your family was complicated!
Bar Mitzvah of Max FinkI am a student at Hommocks Middle School where my favorite subjects are Math and Science. I like playing soccer and tennis. I also love technology, traveling, and Amazon. I want to be a pilot when I grow up. My dad is from England, so I’m half British, and we go to England to see family every year. Next summer, I will visit Israel to celebrate my Bar Mitzvah with my family. I have been coming to WJC since I was one. I want to thank Rabbi Yolkut, Rabbi Segelman and Cantor Goldberg for all their help. I also want to thank
my sister Olivia and my parents for their love and encouragement throughout this process, and always.
Sunday, November 19 Bar Mitzvah of Andrew GlenerI am an eighth grader at Rye Neck Middle School. My favorite subject is Biology. I play percussion in the school band. Some of my hobbies are playing soccer and piano and acting in musicals with the Port Chester Council for the Arts Theatre Summer Camp and at RNMS. I played Mufasa in the Lion King! I would like to thank Cantor Goldberg for helping me learn my Torah and Haftorah portions, and Rabbi Segelman for helping me write my D’var Torah. I would like to thank my mom and dad for their love and support
on this journey, and my sisters Lynn and Mara.
Saturday, November 25: Vayetzei - And He LeftJacob dreams a dream, sees a ladder, and builds an altar to God because this is a holy place and he didn’t even know it! Jacob ends up “working” for his soon to be father-in-law for 14 years in order to marry his daughters (Rachel and Leah) and from them are born a number of the future tribes of Israel. After a middle of the night stealth departure, Jacob and Lavan end up making a pact and Jacob goes on his merry way with his growing family.
Bar Mitzvah of Benjamin FortinskyI am a seventh grader at Schechter Westchester Middle School. Over the summer I go to Camp Modin in Maine, which I love. I have two sisters named Rachel and Sarah, a brother named Jacob and two dogs named Coco and Mocha. I love baseball and basketball and hopefully I will be a pro when I grow up. I am very excited to celebrate my Bar Mitzvah at WJC. I would like to thank Cantor Goldberg, Rabbi Yolkut and Rabbi Segelman for helping me with my studies. But most of all, I would like to thank my parents for always
helping and supporting me.
CENTER OF PRAYER& CELEBRATION
Shabbat & Holiday ServiceCheck weekly emails as programsand times are subject to change
Friday, November 3 Kabbalat Shabbat 5:30pm
Saturday, November 4 Pesukei D’Zimra 9:00am
Shabbat Services 9:30am
Mincha Ma’ariv 5:30pm
Friday, November 10 Kabbalat Shabbat 4:30pm
Saturday, November 11 Torah Class 8:45am
Shabbat Services 9:30am
Simple & Soulful 10:15am
Mincha Ma’ariv 4:15pm
Friday, November 17 Kabbalat Shabbat 4:15pm
Saturday, November 18 Torah Class 8:45am
Shabbat Services 9:30am
Mincha Ma’ariv 4:15pm
Friday, November 24 Kabbalat Shabbat 4:15pm
Saturday, November 25 Shabbat Services 9:30am
Mincha Ma’ariv 4:15pm
Torah For Tots (ECC – K) and Youth Service (Grades 1 - 6) begin at 10:45am
Daily Minyan – Allen A. Stein Memorial ChapelMonday through Thursday mornings* at 7:00am
& evenings at 7:30pm
Fridays at 7:00am and Sundown
Sundays and Legal Holidays at 8:30am & 7:30pm
New! Rabbi Adir’sMonthly QuizThose who answer correctly will have their name appear in next month’s Review. And one lucky winner will recieve a special prize.
What soup did Esav trade his birthright for?
What was the name of Abraham’s second wife?
Send answers to: [email protected]
Shout out to last months’s Faithful Review Readers:Iris Scopp, Miriam Turkel and Melanie Appelbaum
www.wjcenter.org November 2017 - The WJC Review4
Synagogue FamilyMazel Tov & Best Wishes to Fran & Jay Fisher on the birth of a granddaughter, Sascha Naomi to Aliza Fisher & Jason Pruzansky...Ellen & Howard Lazarus on the wedding of their daughter, Laura to Adam Schreiber… Raelin & Jeff Kantor on the wedding of their daughter, Arielle to Joe Kimsal…Iris & Leeland Scopp on the engagement of their son, Daniel to Begum Oral.
CondolencesOur deepest sympathy is extended to David Polson & Fam-ily on the loss of his mother, Elaine Polson…Daniel de Sa on the loss of his father Luiz Sa…Jerry Malett & Family on the loss of his mother, Dorothy Malett…Jonathan Nissenblatt & Family on the loss of his mother, Edith Nissenblatt…Richard Krasner & Family on the loss of his mother, Beverly Krasner…Linda Falk & Family on the loss of her mother, Irene Rubin Levy…Craig Jacobson & Family on the loss of his father, Sheldon Jacobson…Randy Stavis & Family on the loss of her mother, Beverly Bielsky….Ben Alliker & Family on the loss of his brother, David Alexander Alliker.
CENTER OFCOMMUNITY
STU SELTZER & CRAIG RUBIN CO-PRESIDENTS
Reflections as AIPAC President Sunday, December 3 • 9:00amWe are honored and excited to hear from Bob Cohen, long-time WJC member and former president of AIPAC, who will share his experiences in working with US Presidents and Israeli Prime Ministers while leading the largest and one of the most important, American organizations supporting Israel. Note: This is not an AIPAC event… it is a WJC Brotherhood event.
W J C B R O T H E R H O O D
ILEEN GREENBERG & CAROL FASMAN CO-PRESIDENTS
Opening Evening Event:“How to Navigate Our Ever-changing World”Wednesday, November 29 • 7:45pm We are thrilled to welcome speaker Lesley Jane Seymour, former Editor-in-Chief and new media maven. See back page for details.
Mah Jongg & Canasta EveningsTuesday, November 14 • 7:45pmOur first Mah Jongg & Canasta evening will take place at WJC. Wine and Snacks will be served.
Progressive DinnerSaturday, December 9Cocktails, conversation, fine dining and a little night music will be the stars of this intimate evening. RSVP to Cindy, [email protected]. See back page for details.
Modigliani Unmasked at The Jewish MuseumTuesday, December 12Limited number of spaces available for this docent led tour. Reserve early with Joanne Weiner at [email protected], 914-262-0510.
W J C S I S T E R H O O D
From Kristallnacht to Los Angeles…continued from page 1
For Adolf Hitler and Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels, the shooting in Paris provided an opportunity to incite Germans to “rise in bloody vengeance.”
Mob violence broke out as the regular German police stood by and crowds of spectators watched. Nazi storm troopers along with members of the SS and Hitler Youth beat and murdered Jews, broke into and wrecked Jewish homes, and brutalized Jewish women and children. About 25,000 Jewish men were rounded up and later sent to concentration camps where they were often brutalized by SS guards and in some cases randomly chosen to be beaten to death.
The unassuming hero of Rosenzweig’s book is Leon Lewis — WW I veteran, prominent lawyer, and the kind of Jewish activist not content to limit his resistance to B’nai B’rith dinners. For 12 years, Lewis orchestrated a private counterintelligence campaign. With no formal training in espionage, he remade himself into a virtuoso spymaster, running a network of undercover operatives who penetrated into the inner circles of the Bund and the Silver Shirts. Aided by a cohort of mostly non-Jewish, Aryan-looking Americans who did the actual infiltrating, Lewis monitored the Nazis’ movements, sabotaged their schemes, and used agent provocateurs to mess with their minds. If this book sounds like a thriller, it truly is. Do not miss the opportunity to hear the story told by our distinguished guest speaker, Dr. Laura B. Rosenzweig at our annual Kristallnacht Commemoration. To RSVP, email adminasst@wjcenterorg or call Rosie in the office at 914 698-2960.
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Novembet 2017 - The WJC Review www.wjcenter.org 5
The Bittersweet MonthJEFFREY LAVINE WJC PRESIDENT
P R E S I D E N T ’ S C O R N E R
November is a bittersweet month for us when we remember one of our saddest moments in Jewish history but look forward to a bright future. As Americans, we have the joy and hope of Thanksgiving, but sadness as we remember Kristallnacht and the onset of the Shoah. Today, we are fortunate to be able to embrace our religion openly and celebrate freely in the United States.
As I write this article for November, we have finished the Jewish “holiday season.” We just celebrated Simchat Torah with programing involving children and adults alike, with everything from a family dinner to Hakafot outside. We unrolled a Torah and Rabbis Segelman and Yolkut gave us a guided tour around a scroll, held in a circle, with our children sitting in the center of the action. The Rabbis went through the Torah from creation to the death of Moses, with our children’s rapt attention. We ended the evening with a tisch of singing, learning and, of course, a little nosh.
But November is a solemn month. Our Holocaust Learning Center Committee (HLC) is holding a program in commemoration of Kristallnacht on November 9. I hope you can attend. The HLC is instrumental in helping us to remember an important part of our history, who we are and how to learn from it. Their programming creates many teaching moments. HLC is leading The Daffodil Project again this year, planting daffodils around our Holocaust Memorial in memory of the children lost in the Holocaust. The HLC is coordinating with our schools to make this project a teaching moment where our children can be actively involved while learning about our past and remembering. Thank you to Dan Berkowitz for his leadership of HLC, Aleza Kulp and Glenna Lee, who is spearheading The Daffodil Project.
For me, the contrast of emotions this month is a reminder of how important the synagogue is and can be to us emotionally, spiritually and communally. I find WJC provides spiritual relief with guidance from the Rabbis or time for reflections while listening to the Cantor and singing along with him. We can enjoy going to activities, such as Rabbi Shai Held’s visit in October. As our immediate past Scholar-in-Residence, he shared words of Torah with us in a thoroughly modern style. Thank you to Myra Glajchen and Karen Everett for chairing Adult Education and for arranging for Rabbi Held to speak. We have our Renewal Service, now in its 10th year, which is typically moving and brings community together. We also have future events such as the WJCenter Stage Performance featuring Dan Nichols on November 18, and the Progressive Dinner to look forward to on December 9. In this bittersweet month, we have a vibrant thriving Center that we can call our home and for which we should feel grateful.
WJC World Jewry Committee Makes Strides for Local RefugeesHOLLY ROSEN FINK SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIR
The White House has formally announced that it will cap the number of refugees who will be able to resettle in the United States to 45,000. This is the lowest annual level set since the passage of federal legislation in 1980 that gave this power to the president. Last year, President Obama set the annual cap at 110,000, although far fewer refugees have actually arrived in the United States. Meanwhile, immigrants’ rights groups are firing back, and the resolution of the group we have partnered with, Neighbors for Refugees, has not diminished. The Pakistani refugee brought over nine months ago who is now settled in Mamaroneck continues to thrive. He is taking ESL classes again to improve his language skills, is apprenticing at a local gas station to master the auto mechanic craft, works at Hampshire Country Club as a groundskeeper, and he continues to work to get his driver’s permit. We are always in need of companions for him and will also soon need volunteers to help him learn to drive. NFR also continues to care for a Syrian family in New Haven. We are also looking for faith-based and civic organizations based in that area who are interested in helping families like them. This support is particularly important to help families succeed after the three-months of support provided by resettlement agencies have ended. If you have contacts in these areas or want to help aid the work of NFR, please contact [email protected]. We will continue to update you on the work of NFR and other ways to assist with our efforts.
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www.wjcenter.org November 2017 - The WJC Review6
High Holiday Study ServicePersonal thoughts and reflections
BONNIE SILVERMAN STUDY SERVICE SUBCOMMITTEE The High Holiday Study Service represents an alternative approach to prayer committed to learning and spirituality, with individual and group participation. As is our tradition, we typically have a High Holiday theme. This year we focused on the topic of “New Beginnings.” Our fellow congregants were asked to write down brief personal thoughts on new beginnings, reflecting over the previous and upcoming year. Throughout the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur service, these words were read anonymously by another congregant. With this format, we were able to share everyone’s thoughts without the burden of over-personalizing or exposing anyone’s deepest personal experience or feelings. Participants shared past experiences and prayers for the future. It is our hope that you take the time to both read and reflect on them during this post High Holiday season.
Anonymous Personal Reflections
“New beginnings start with stopping the endless stream of self-recriminations. How can I expect others to allow me to have a fresh start, if I myself won’t let go of the past? I have a choice with every day, every hour, every minute, as to what I’m going to put my energy into. If I spend it reliving and regretting past events, past decisions and past actions, there is no time or energy for the new. So new beginnings entail learning the lessons from the past, and taking those lessons - not the past - into a new day.
“When I think of a “new beginning” at this point in my life – it is more about trying harder in my relationships with others, especially family and friends. It is investing time and energy together with patience, love and understanding. It is not that we do not know what to do – it is the opportunity to start again and do it better, recognizing we will not always succeed. It is about the effort and the intent – that is the newness I seek. With knowing that you did all you could – the reward will be the effort. Zchar mitzvah – mitzvah.
“The prospect of “a new beginning” in the near future is a cause for me to take stock not only of those things for which I need improvement, but also for those things for which I am thankful. 24 hour news, the internet and enhanced communication in fifteen second sound bites creates a cacophony that makes it difficult at best to hear myself. At Rosh Hashanah, I try to hear that still. small voice that sits within me with words of thankfulness for all that I have been given. As to “improvements,” I have miles to go, but for now I am deeply appreciative.
To read all the personal reflections shared, please visit: wjcenter.org/reflections
The Reviewin Review
October 10 - Celebrating SukkotECC children explore the beautiful decorations in the WJC Sukkah
October 22 - Back to Basics JudaismRabbi Adir’s course shifts rapidly from the ancient to the contemporary with a snap of a selfie!
October 10 - WJC USY ChoppedTeens planned a full three-course meal to be judged by culinary mavens: Adam “Man vs. Food” Bender and Rabbi Adir “ Meet Me in St. Louis - Bourdain.”
Memoir Writing: “The Places We Come From....The Stories We Tell.”
November 7 – December 19, 2017Join the Hendel Library Committee and WJC member and work shop leader Professor Emerita Judith Summerfield in six weekly sessions on how to write your story.
Professor Summerfield will use her latest book, A Man Comes from Someplace: Stories, History, Memory from a Lost Time, as well as objects, recipes, photos and artifacts to elicit stories from workshop participants. RSVP now to save your place: [email protected]! Enrollment limited to 15 participants. $18 fee to cover the cost of the book.
Judith Summerfield, Professor Emerita of English at Queens College at the City University of New York earned a BA and MA from the University of Pittsburgh and her PhD from New York University.
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Novembet 2017 - The WJC Review www.wjcenter.org 7
Religious School StudentsHelp Sarah Neuman SeniorsALEZA KULP EDUCATION DIRECTOR
& CONGREGATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR
As we all prepared our Sukkot at home with our children, WJC Religious School 5th graders helped the seniors at the Sarah Neuman Center get ready for the holiday. The children worked in groups with the seniors creating decorations for their Sukkah.
Rabbi Sandy Bogin, Director of Religious Life at the Center wrote us after our visit, “What a lovely event! The residents and kids all seemed to be enjoying themselves, making very colorful decorations for our Sukkah. Thank you so much for organizing the kids and the craft. Looking forward to next time!”
Of course, we can’t wait to go back and help our friends across the street celebrate each holiday.
Adding Thankfulness to Your Weekly Football DietADAM BENDER TEEN ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR
As I have gotten older and moved away from home, Thanksgiving has always been one of those holidays that surprises me. As Jews, we have a rich heritage in taking care of our families and spending time with those we love. Thanksgiving has always served that purpose as a refresher. A time for the entire family to come together for a meal, sometimes from faraway places. As much as I love our annual Thanksgiving dinner, and seeing my parents, especially now that I no longer live at home, I’m still surprised by its relevance within the Jewish community.
Right under our noses lies Shabbat. Each and every week we have the rare opportunity to put aside the stresses of the week, and spend the time with our families that we crave so much. It’s as if at times we don’t recognize what can be such a meaningful opportunity. I try my best to remember that during the year, and have weekly Thanksgiving, instead of just the annual.
This year, while football is blaring in the background and the smell of turkey and gravy takes over, remember that the opportunity to get together with family, rest, and enjoy each other’s company is right under your nose, all year long.
CHECK DATES FOR NOV. TEEN PROGRAMS ON COVER PAGE
R E L I G I O U S S C H O O L
W J C T E E N S
WJC KIDS
Nature & JudaismChildren in the Religious School elective, Nature and Judaism, learned to build their own “lean-to” thanks to WJC Naturalist Gail Koller. One student shared, “I found sticks and leaves to make my own lean to. We all were able to go into it. It was lots of fun.”
Owner’s Representative & Construction ConsultantsFor Residential & Commercial Projects
New York, NY & Larchmont, NY [email protected]
JamesGaita.com 914.834.8787
LET’S GET READY FOR HANUKKAH!Sunday, November 19 • 12:00—2:00PM
3rd—6th grade WJC ChildrenFollowing a WJC pizza lunch, we will walk to MADE
Drop off at WJC - 12:00PMPick up at MADE 118 Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck - 1:45PM
RSVP (Limited Space): Aleza - [email protected] • 914-698-2966
www.wjcenter.org November 2017 - The WJC Review8
American Politics:The Times They Are A-Changin’Join the JOY (Just Older Youth) Club for a Discussion
with Dr. Alfred Hunt, Professor Emeritus and Dean of Letters & Science at Purchase College, SUNY
Sunday, November 12 • 3:00-5:00 PM
JUDY AND HOWARD ZWEIG JOY CO-CHAIRS
American politics are changing significantly, ushering in an era of sustained gridlock that contrasts sharply with our past culture. These changes threaten the future of the United States as a global power and its ability to provide citizens with an effective form of government. Professor Hunt will explore what caused these changes and how we can confront this “Brave New World.”
Dr. Alfred Hunt was Dean of Letters and Science, SUNY Purchase and professor of history for 30 years. Twice a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Venice, Italy and at the University of the West Indies in Barbados. He also taught Semester-at-Sea Programs.
Discussion followed by a Buffet Supper. Please RSVP to Kim at 914 698-2960 or [email protected] by Friday, November 3rd.
CENTER FOR LEARNINGFOR ALL AGES
Excitement Builds: WJC Welcomes Renowned Rabbi Michael Paley as Scholar-In-Residence
January 26-28, 2018MYRA GLAJCHEN & KAREN EVERETT ADULT EDUCATION
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
WJC’s Scholar-In-Residence program showcases Judaism’s thought leaders; this year, we are pleased to introduce Rabbi Michael Paley.
Rabbi Paley grew up in the Boston suburbs. Raised in a Conservative synagogue and Hebrew school, his commitment to Jewish learning took hold during his teenage years. A chance meeting at an anti-war demonstration led him to Havurat Shalom, an experimental shul in Cambridge. After high school, Rabbi Paley earned his BA at Brandeis, completed graduate work in Jewish and Islamic philosophy at Temple, and obtained his rabbinic degree under Rabbi Zalman Schachter.
Rabbi Paley is considered one of the most influential rabbis in the US. He is the Scholar-in-Residence and Director of the Jewish Resource Center at UJA-Federation of New York. Rabbi Paley has held leadership positions at many educational institutions, including Bard College, the Wexner Heritage Foundation, Columbia University and Dartmouth. Rabbi Paley was founding director of the Edgar M. Bronfman Youth Fellowship to Israel. He has taught extensively on a wide range of topics from medieval and modern Jewish philosophy, to Islamic law, pluralism and multiculturalism, Black-Jewish relations, and the Jewish Year in Modern Jewish Thought.
The SIR program Enduring Jewish Values and Their Relevance to Everyday Life will feature five distinct discussions over three days:
1. Commitment to the life of the mind
2. Global connection and community
3. Prosperity and material well-being
4. Tzedakah
5. One God or less
See the enclosed brochure for registration details.
S C H O L A R - I N - R E S I D E N C E
J O Y C L U B
J A N U A R Y 2 6 - 2 8 2 0 1 8
“The Immigration Crisis: JewishPerspective, Past and Present”
A special talk presented by Rachel Feinmark, Of the Lower East Side Tenement Museum
The Ross Family Lecture SeriesThursday, November 16 • 8:00 PM
The UN estimates that more than 50 million people have been forced to flee their homes over the past year, creating a refugee crisis that approaches population displacement not seen since World War II. This humanitarian disaster has led many Americans to look for answers in our past, bringing renewed attention to the United States’ response to those fleeing war and its aftermath in the 1940s. Dr. Feinmark will tell the story of the American Jewish labor movement and the ways that they acted to aid refugees after the War. Forced to slowly come to terms with the wartime devastation of European Jewry, these first generation immigrants struggled to balance outreach to friends and family in danger abroad with the need to maintain community cohesion at home. She will examine the complicated relationship between American Jews and American labor, challenged by the rising tide of Communism, and colored by the ways that recent immigrants remembered and idealized their former homes.
Rachel Feinmark, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, is an historian of 20th Century US labor, religion, and human rights with a PhD in American History from the University of Chicago.
Novembet 2017 - The WJC Review www.wjcenter.org 9
The deadline for content submission for December is November 6th – [email protected]
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[email protected] [email protected]
Richard Bardari
65 Anderson AvenueMoonachie, NJ 07074
201-664-2465Fax: 201-664-1376Cell: 201-481-3609
# T B T
Taken From The Review of November 1988JILL CASLIN ARCHIVIST
Henryk Grynberg, noted author, lecturer and Holocaust survivor, will be the featured presenter at a WJC Brotherhood Brunch on November 15. All are welcome.
“Birthplace,” an autobiographical film, is the harrowing account of Polish Jews in WWII as experienced by a young boy who miraculously lived through the torment and despair of Jews of Poland in 1945. He describes the agonizing choices with which they were constantly confronted. As an adult, he returns to Poland in an attempt to validate his surreal memories.
Mr. Grynberg grapples with issues of his Jewishness, selfhood, moral obligation and ethical malleability, in the face of the unspeakable horror of war and the tensions of Polish-Jewish relations.
Henryk Grynberg was born in Warsaw in 1936 and emigrated to the U.S. in 1967.
Recipient of a coveted literary award in Poland, he will surely meet with a warm welcome here. He will bring copies of his book, The Victory, which covers the period of 1944 to 1947 - from the final months of WWII until the Communist takeover. This book is a MUST for any Holocaust library.
Novembet 2017 - The WJC Review www.wjcenter.org 11
Assistant Rabbi’s FundIn honor of…the holidays
From Martin & Sheila Freiman
Rabbi Yolkut’s engagement to Lauren Binder
From Judy & Howard Zweig
Cantor’s FundIn honor of…the holidays
From Martin & Sheila Freiman
Thank you so much for such an inspiring & spiritual High Holiday period
From Judy & Howard Zweig
Comfy SpacesIn memory of…
Morris SilverbergFrom Susan Lewen
Greg LewenFrom Barry LewenIrene Rubin Levy
From Sarene Shanus & Harold TreiberDorothy Malett
From Sarene Shanus & Harold Treiber
Memorial FundIn memory of…Renee Osten
From Melissa Gitelman & Steven SilvermanSanford Lefkowitz
From Melissa Gitelman & Steven SilvermanRachel Shemtob
From Violet SassoonCharles B. Singer
From Marla & Robert SassoonEsther Freides
From Shirley & Richard LesserDorothy Malett
From Randy & Cindy HellerIrene Rubin Levy
From Katie McLoughlin & Roy KatzBeverly Krasner
From Katie McLoughlin & Roy KatzCindy & Randy Heller
Beverly BielskyFrom Arthur & Shamala Seelenfreund
Cindy & Randy HellerDorothy Malett
From Arthur & Shamala SeelenfreundMorton Crandall
From Miriam CrandallNathan Cohen
From Glen Applebaum & Cynthia CohenElaine Cohen
From Glen Applebaum & Cynthia CohenBenjamin Applebaum
From Glen Applebaum & Cynthia CohenGoldie Applebaum
From Glen Applebaum & Cynthia CohenAlex Reimer
From Glen Applebaum & Cynthia CohenAnna Reimer
From Glen Applebaum & Cynthia CohenJeannette Maybruck
From Glen Applebaum & Cynthia CohenBenjamin Maybruck
From Glen Applebaum & Cynthia CohenEsther Cohen
From Glen Applebaum & Cynthia Cohen
Yizkor donation from…Marcie & Mark Berger
Holocaust Learning Center FundIn memory of…Beverly Krasner
From Bill & Jill Caslin
Social Justice Action FundIn honor of…
WJC Mitzvah DoersFrom Sharon & Jeff Silver
Library FundIn honor of…
Gideon Rosenbaum’s Bar MitzvahFrom Judy & Howard Zweigthe birth of Shalom RosenFrom Judy & Howard Zweigthe marriage of Stephanie
Schulze & Eliot MarcusFrom Judy & Howard Zweig
In memory ofGregory Shafritz
From Judy & Howard ZweigAaron Meadow
From Judy & Howard Zweig
Kiddush FundIn honor of…
Susan Lurie’s retirementFrom the WJC Officers, 2016-17
Hadas ReutFrom Michael & Heidi Weiss
In appreciation for High Holy Day honorsFrom Marcie & Mark Berger
Rabbi’s Discretionary FundIn honor of…
receiving an AliyahFrom Swain Weiner
the holidaysFrom Martin & Sheila Freiman
In appreciation of everyone at WJCFrom Irene Pfeffer & Stanley Wiener
With thanks for the opportunity to learnFrom Elizabeth Handelsman
With thanks for a most spiritual High Holiday period
and such an inspiring letter to your childrenFrom Judy & Howard Zweig
In memory of…David Alexander Alliker
From Ritchie, Lisa & Margot ZeitounBurt Kaufman
From Mr. & Mrs. Jack KaufmanJonathan & Nancy KaufmanDiana Haft’s mother-in-lawFrom Doris Oppenheimer
Adelyn & Myron SegelmanFrom Marilyn Weisbrot & Ira Abrams
Jeffrey & Linda SolomonBeverly Bielsky
From Jackie & Sol IsraelCathy Dobkins
Philip FeuerFrom Susan Feuerwerger
Gita & Henry FeuerwergerFrom Susan Feuerwerger
Sol ShanusFrom Susan Feuerwerger
Cornelius & Naomi YoungFrom Susan Feuerwerger
Musical Enrichment In honor of…
the wedding of Eliza Schafler & Adar Eisenbruch
From Judy & Howard Zweig
General FundIn appreciation
From Jennifer & Andrew Davids
Sisterhood Tree of LifeCommemorate your joyous occasions by inscribing a leaf on the WJC Sisterhood Tree of Life.
Sisterhood Gift ShopBeautiful items are available as gifts or to enhance your table. Keep your eyes open for the date of our Hanukkah Boutique.
We are always looking for additional gift shop volunteers.
For all of your shopping needs or to volunteer, contact Carol Fasman at [email protected], 914-450-6661.
www.wjcenter.org November 2017 - The WJC Review12
The Review of The Westchester Jewish Center Mamaroneck, N.Y. 10543
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
WHITE PLAINS, NY
PERMIT NO. 4317
ISRAELI DANCE CLASSESLed By Choreographer Shmulik Gov-Ari
November 6, 13, 20, 27WJC Activity Center or GymBeginners: 7:30pm - 8:45pm
Intermediate/Advanced: 8:45pm -10pm$10 WJC members • $13 non-members
TEENS (13-18) are Free
Contact: Linda Alpert Karell, [email protected]
www.wjcenter.org November 2017 - The WJC Review12
The Review of The Westchester Jewish Center Mamaroneck, N.Y. 10543
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
WHITE PLAINS, NY
Mitzvah Day 2017 Sunday, November 5
9 am to 1 pm Clothing Drive—Note Changes Donate nearly new children’s winter coats, winter clothing, boots and sneakers to benefit the Community Resource Center and WJCS Kids’ Kloset.
Toiletry Drive—Note Changes
Donate full-size, new and unopened toiletries for residents of Providence House of New Rochelle, My Sisters' Place of Westchester and Caritas Port Chester. Items needed for both women and men are toothbrushes and toothpaste, bar soap and body wash, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant and baby wipes.
Community Resource Center and Caritas Port Chester Gently used or new hooded sweatshirts, warm socks and gloves in small men’s sizes for Day Laborers. Men’s sweatshirts, socks, gloves and warm scarves in men’s sizes M/L/XL.
Help The Hungry—Note Changes Join fellow congregants at 12:00 pm to make healthy snack bags for distribution to needy recipients from Caritas Port Chester. Donate quart plastic bottles of vegetable oil and plastic squeeze bottles of mayonnaise.
Diaper Drive Donate diapers in sizes 5,6 and 7 for Providence House and My Sisters' Place and diapers in sizes newborn, 1 and 2 for WJCS Kids’ Kloset.
My Sisters' Place, Providence House, and WJCS Kids’ Kloset Donate the following new and unopened items for children: crib sheets, twin sheet sets, twin comforters, new socks and underwear for boys and girls of all ages/sizes.
ISRAELI DANCE CLASSESLed By Choreographer Shmulik Gov-Ari
November 6, 13, 20, 27WJC Activity Center or GymBeginners: 7:30pm - 8:45pm
Intermediate/Advanced: 8:45pm -10pm$10 WJC members • $13 non-members
TEENS (13-18) are Free
Contact: Linda Alpert Karell, [email protected]
