SO JUDAISM INTERESTS YOU? THINK ABOUT JOINING OUR SUNDAY MORNING “INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM” COURSE THAT WILL BE RUN AT BCRC IN 2012-2013!

• A journalist who is simply curious in finding out more about Judaism.

• A partner of a Jew who after 20 years of “living Judaism” with his family has decided to make it his own.

• A Jewish woman in her 70’s who was never sent Religious School because it was not a “girl’s thing”.

• A couple who just had an “interfaith” Jewish wedding who are deciding what religion to have in their lives as a family unit.

• A non-Jewish husband who has no desire to convert who wants to explore how he can sup-port his Jewish partner in raising Jewish kids

• A woman who has just always “felt” a connec-tion to Judaism.

This is just a sampling of the type of some of the folk I have taught in previous “Introduction to Judaism” classes. “Introduction to Judaism” is a 16-18 week course that is run throughout North America, sometimes by the Union for Reform Judaism, some-times by a synagogue itself. It is what it sounds like:

Rabbi Linda Joseph

Mark Raffman, President

Building a House of Friends in Three Dimensions

The following is adapted from the “President’s Report” delivered at our Annual Congregational Meeting on May 10, 2012.

It has been my honor to serve as President of Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation over the past year. It is traditional for the President to give a brief report on the state of the congregation at the annual meeting, followed by the Rabbi, the Treasurer, and several board members.

It is said that a synagogue has three main functions: • A House of Prayer (Beit T’filah)• A House of Study (Beit Midrash)• A House of Assembly (or Community)

(Beit Knesset).I want to focus on these three functions to give

a broad sense of what we have tried to do, and what we’ve accomplished, over the past year.

House of Prayer We are blessed to have Linda Joseph as our

Rabbi, and to have a strong and deep bench of canto-rial soloists including Phil Kane, Sue Mandel-Giblin, Stacy Kafka, and Sheri Sackett, and also a cast of vol-unteer musical accompanists.

We observed the High Holy Days together. We met for regular Shabbat services (including some “specials” like Jammin’ Shabbat) and had huge turn-out for our monthly Tot Shabbat services. We held the largest number of festival services that we have ever done. My favorite was Purim – if you missed our Rabbi dressed as Wilma Flintstone, you’ll have to wait to see how she can top that next year.

We celebrated numerous bar- and bat-mitzvahs together. The kids were fantastic and the parents so proud, as always. Sadly, we grieved together at the loss of loved ones.

Through it all, we tried to engender an atmo-sphere of warmth and accessibility – holiness within reach for all, and with all welcome to join and par-ticipate.

House of StudyOur religious school is as strong as it has ever

been. We offer Sunday morning religious school pro-grams from pre-school through high school. We imple-mented a new curriculum this year to strong reviews.

FROM THE RABBI’S STUDY

Out of the Rabbi’s Mind

FROM THE PRESIDENT

(Continued on page 3)

(Continued on page 7

June/July 2012 Volume X Issue V Sivan/Tammuz 5772

What’s InsidePage TwoFrom the Board

Page FourB’Nai Mitzvah

Page FiveJewish Studies

Page EightActive Retirees

Page ElevenSisterhood Update

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Summary of Board Meeting held Thursday, May 10, 2012

1. Annual Reports were given at the Annual Congregational Meeting just prior to this Board meeting. The Budget was also reviewed at the Annual Congregational Meeting.

2. An update on progress with ADAMS was presented. The Board reviewed a Letter of Intent for Lease Revision.

3. An update on URJ reorganization was presented. URJ is implementing Cohort Groups to include: Interest Cohort Groups (e.g., Membership Interests), Size (of the congre-gation) Cohort Groups, and Geographic (location of he congregation) Cohort Groups.

Summary of Board Meeting Held Thursday, April 26, 2012

1. Treasurer reported on congregational finances.

2. Membership Report - two new families joined.

3. Report on progress with ADAMS.

4. Presentation of slate of officers for FY 2012-13. Board thanked the Nominating Committee and approved the slate of nominees.

5. Proposed budget for FY 2012-13 was presented. Discus-sion ensued, proposed adjustments to certain line items were incorporated and the motion carried to approve the budget for FY 2012-13.

Rabbi’s Report from the Annual General MeetingI feel very blessed to be the rabbi of BCRC. So many volunteers have been true partners with me as we work to build and

strengthen this congregation. So much so, that much of what I do, is integrated into the reports of the committees themselves. With-out staff, this partnership is so crucial.

Some general trends I have seen over the last year include:• Increased participation in services• The strengthening of our Holy Day and Festival Celebrations• Engagement of so many folks to increase our volunteer capacity for events, office administration and committees.• Participation and learning in special events, including the visit from the Sofer, Neil Yerman (who gave loving care to one

of our scrolls and helped ornate another); and the Ellen Allard concert.

I wish to thank all the committees I work with and those who act independently of me to bring vitality to this community. And I am so grateful to this magnificent Board who has given thought and action to make this House of Friends a stronger place.

FROM THE BOARD

Shelly Slebrch, Secretary

What is a Mitzvah?A mitzvah is a commandment from God. Since Judaism is more of an action-based than faith-based religion, performing

mitzvot, or God’s commandments, is central to leading a Jewish life. Judaism believes that all moral laws are derived from these divine commandments. And today the term mitzvah is often used to refer to any good deed.

Jewish tradition holds that the Torah [the Five Books of Moses] contains 613 mitzvot - 248 positive commandments (mitzvot aseh or commands to perform certain actions) and 365 negative commandments (mitzvot lo ta’aseh or commands to abstain from certain actions). An example of a positive mitzvah is to give charity. An example of a negative mitzvah is not to steal.

Some mitzvot are ethical, and others are ritual. Ethical mitzvot guide our interaction with others, and ritual mitzvot guide our interaction with God. An example of an ethical mitzvah is not taking revenge. An example of a ritual mitzvah is building a sukkah.

Furthermore, the 613 mitzvot in the Bible are called mitzvot d’oraita or commandments of the law. In addition, there are seven rabbinical mitzvot. These are called mitzvot d’rabbanan or commandments from the rabbis. An example of a commandment from the Bible is to keep the Sabbath day holy. An example of a commandment from the rabbis is to light Shabbat candles.

According to Jewish law, Jewish children become obligated to follow God’s commandments when they reach maturity. A boy becomes a bar mitzvah (son of the commandment) at age 13. A girl becomes a bat mitzvah (daughter of the commandment) at age 12 in orthodox Judaism and age 13 in more liberal branches of Judaism [e.g. Reform Judaism]. After one becomes a bar or bat mitzvah, God’s commandments apply to them and they are considered responsible for their actions.

Source: About.Com

WORDS OF WORSHIP

Carol Currier, Worship VP

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Our Education Committee has grown, we have teachers for every class, and there are more people involved in our school program that I can ever recall. To my delight, this includes several new member families who jumped right in to serve as volunteers and as teachers in our school.

As the star chart in our foyer lobby attests, the kids are meeting their service requirements and learning Jewish wor-ship and culture. And we have exciting new ideas for next year, including a recent grant to fund early childhood learning programs.

Learning doesn’t stop with our youngsters. We have presented adult education programs and learning activities throughout the year, and will do so again next year (potentially including an “Introduction to Judaism” class led by our rabbi.

House of AssemblyIf Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation were only a place

to come to services and drop our kids for religious school, we would not be complete as a synagogue. We would not be a community.

This past year, we have undertaken many community events and programs. Our members have enjoyed a multitude of social programs presented by our Social Committee, Broth-erhood, and Sisterhood. We have an active Youth Group whose members have enjoyed getting together with their peers in a Jewish setting, in keeping with the Union for Reform Judaism’s priority to “engaging our youth.” Regular dinners and social events give our members a place to relax together and get to know each other better.

Regarding the broader community, we have undertaken joint programming with our friends from the ADAMS Center, such as the “twinning” program we held earlier this year focus-ing on the story of Abraham and his two sons. And our Tikvah Committee is very active with Loudoun Bridges, pursuing in-terfaith understanding and harmony.

Thoughts for the FutureBeth Chaverim Reform Congregation will thrive if it fulfills

its mission as a House of Prayer, a House of Study, and a House of Assembly (Community). I am often asked how can we do this

if we are operating at a deficit each year. My answer is that ful-filling the mission will drive the financial result, and not the other way around. A synagogue that succeeds in providing a warm and welcoming environment within which its member families can experience the joy and togetherness of a Jewish community will attract the financial support that it needs to continue.

We are not proposing to increase dues or fees this year. And we are not projecting a balanced budget. But we are work-ing on a number of ideas that would, if they bear fruit, close our deficit gap without the need for additional fees or assessments. This may take some time, but it is one of our priorities for the coming year.

ConclusionI want to close by saying “thanks.” First to the Board members. My challenge to the Board

at the beginning of the year was, think of what you want to do, build your team, and get it done. And this Board met that challenge. Everything good that has come from leadership this year has been the result of good ideas, sound planning, and hard work by the members of this Board. Every committee has more volunteer participation and more energy than when the year began. We are already planning for next year in Educa-tion, Worship, Membership and a host of other committees. To the members of the Board, I say Thank You and Yasher Koach.

Second to the Congregation. For your faith and trust. For your dedication. For your smiles in the hallway. For your time and your family’s time. For your children who come here to learn Jewish culture and values. You make this a community. You support our programming and activities. You make it pos-sible for Reform Jewish worship, learning, and community to exist here in Loudoun County. You give your time, you give your funds, you give your energy and your spirit. And we appreciate it.

The tradition, when we finish reading a book in the Torah, is to shout together, “Hazak! Hazak! V’nit Hazek!” It means “Be Strong! Be Strong! And May We Be Strengthened!” Tonight, as we close the book on one congregational year and prepare for the next, let us say together:

“Hazak! Hazak! V’Nit Hazek!”

FROM THE PRESIDENT

(Continued from page 1)

High Holiday Planning Committee!

Come join the fun! Yes, it is that time again to begin planning for high holidays. Most of our committee members from last year have agreed to continue on this year, but we would love to have you join us! If you are interested, contact cindy hack at chack18@gmail.com.

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Zachary Kyle Berman Zachary Kyle Berman was born on

April 18, 1999, in Arlington Hospital, Arlington, VA. With the exception of three years spent in Jacksonville, FL, Zachary has spent his life in Ashburn, VA, and he lives with his sister Taylor, who preceded him as a Bat Mitzvah, and his mother Debbie. He is currently finishing the 7th grade at Farmwell Sta-tion Middle School where he is taking all honors classes, as well as Spectrum. In addition, he plays the tenor sax in the 7th grade band. He has been playing soccer

with LYSA on Coach Steven’s team for the last 8 seasons and has just starting refereeing soccer games this past spring.

Not only does Zack enjoy soccer, he enjoys video games, riding his bike and spending time at the pool in the summer. He also loves it when his family gets to “baby sit” friends’ dogs since he really wants to get another dog. He also is hoping to learn how to cook and bake because two of his favorite shows are Cake Boss and Chopped.

For his Bar Mitzvah project, last August he spent the day volunteering at the Loudoun Community Health Center in Lees-burg during a free back to school vaccination/physical program that the clinic offers. He helped entertain children while they were waiting for their vaccinations/physicals. He enjoyed doing this because he likes to be around younger children, and he was able to help the children feel comfortable about their vaccina-tions/physicals.

Zack is very appreciative to Mr. Dan Shain for coming out of B’Nai Mitzvah retirement to help him prepare for his special day on June 30, 2012.

Laila Gallant Laila Gallant became a Bat Mitzvah on May 19, 2012. Laila is a 7th grader at Seneca Ridge Middle School

in Sterling, VA. Laila and her family have been with Beth Chaverim for the past three years and she is a member of the Mezzuzahtone Trio that sings with the choir on special

holidays. Singing is a big part of Laila’s life as she takes Vocal lessons and has made All-County Chorus 2 years in a row. Laila has just finished three years of guitar and has moved on to the piano which she definitely prefers. Along with singing, Laila is an avid writer and hopes to publish a book before finishing high school. Her favorite style of writing is fiction/fantasy and she is a big fan of J.K. Rowling and Suzanne Collins. Laila has a younger brother, Max, who’s in third grade and two kitties she adores. In fact, her service project involves helping cats and other animals find good homes. Laila would like to thank her tutor, Marshall Medoff, and Rabbi Joseph, and of course her parents, Andrea and Dan for helping her reach her special day.

Ryan Rubenstein Ryan Rubenstein became a Bar Mitzvah on May 5, 2012.

His bio appeared in the May/June bulletin.My Bar Mitzvah project was to volunteer at an Adult Day-

care Center where my Grandma goes. I felt very comfortable choosing this project because I have a lot of experience looking after and helping older people. For example, my Grandma lives with me so I always check on her to make sure that she’s OK.

When I was at the Daycare Center, I was a part of pretty much everything. I played many games with them like a big red balloon toss game, I helped pass out and pick up the chips when they played bingo and I threw away their trash after lunch.

With all that said, I realized that older people are actually one of the most funny people you could ever meet mostly be-cause they just say whatever’s on their mind. They are also one of the nicest people you could ever meet. It was an overall great experience and it allowed me to learn to have a lot of patience and compassion for the elderly.

B’NAI MITZVAH

Rabbi Joseph instructing the proper way to put on a tallit at the May 20 B’nai Mitzvah Meeting.

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Religious Service DescriptionsFriday Night, Traditional Erev Shabbat Service The Kabbalat Shabbat service, followed by an oneg, is appropriate for congregants of all ages.

First Friday - 7:00pm ServiceBirthdays and anniversaries of congregants occurring during the month are celebrated. Second Friday - 7:00pm Service Upper grade Sunday school classes may participate. Third Friday - 2 Services - Tot Shabbat at 6:30pm, a “preneg” at 7:00pm and Adult Service at 7:30pm.Tot Shabbat 6:30pm30 minute service that introduces children from newborn to 3rd grade to the prayers, songs, and traditions of Shabbat. Lower grade Sunday school classes often participate in Tot Shabbat services. Service followed by a “Preneg,” a joint oneg between the Tot Shabbat and adult service.

Adult Service - 7:00 “Preneg” and 7:30pm service.Regular Kabbalat Shabbat service

Fourth and Fifth Fridays - 7:00pm Service/Regular Kabbalat Shabbat and/or Jammin’ Shabbat:Quarterly Friday night service features live music and singing appropriate for all age groups. Congregants interested in participating should contact worshipvp@bcrcva.org.

Saturday Morning, Shabbat Service, 10:00amSaturday morning Shabbat services usually include a Bar or Bat Mitzvah and Torah service followed by an oneg. This service is open to all congregants.

Voices from Theresienstadt (Terezin)Dates: Every Wednesday, May 23, 2012 – June 13, 2012Time: 12:15 pm - 1:30 pmSpeaker: Cantor Abraham Lubin

Terezin, a town located in what is now the Czech Republic, was called Theresienstadt by the Nazis. It was the propaganda “show camp” to the outside world and was portrayed as a camp where artists, writers, and musicians were “well” treated. Com-posers and performers produced outstanding musical riches under tragic and inhumane conditions. This course will present examples of musical works created in the camp between 1941 and 1945. Rare film footage of life in the camp, produced in 1944 by the Nazis, will be shown.

Program is held at and co-sponsored by:Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington6125 Montrose RoadRockville, MD 20852301-881-0100

Meet at 12:15 pm with a brown bag pareve/dairy lunch. Hot drinks are provided. Study will follow from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm.

The cost is $35 for FJS members & $45 for non-members. More information can be found here: http://www.foundjs.org/Calendar.php?evntId=634.

The Gifts of the JewsJCC of Northern VirginiaDates: Every Tuesday, June 05, 2012 - June 26, 2012Time: 12:00 pm - 1:30 pmSpeaker: John Rybicki

Two books and two seemingly uncorrelatable theses: The Gifts of the Jews (1998) and How Judaism Became a Religion (2011). The first treats the development of a new way of think-ing about God, man, and time that emerged in embryonic Juda-ism; the second treats modern Jewish thought. From both, how-ever, an essence of Judaism emerges which truly has “changed the way everyone in the modern western world thinks and feels.” From disparate thought to essential unity, this class will examine these texts and their underlying message.

Program is held at and co-sponsored by:Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia8900 Little River TurnpikeFairfax, VA 22031703-323-0880

Meet at 12:00 pm with a brown bag pareve/dairy lunch. Hot drinks are provided. Study will follow from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm.

The cost is $35 for FJS members & $45 for non-members. More information can be found here: http://www.foundjs.org/Calendar.php?evntId=638.

JEWISH STUDIES

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Shabbat Service ScheduleDATE SERVICE COORDINATING HELPINGJune 1 Erev Shabbat Family Service 7:00pm Cooper Tiller, Trost, Tucker,

Villagomez, Vought

June 2 Shabbat Morning Service and Noah Brazer’s Bar Mitzvah 10:00am Medoff

June 8 Erev Shabbat Family Service 7:00pm Skaer Waldman, Weiner, Welz, Zelman, Zelman

June 15 Tot Shabbat Followed by Adult Service 6:30pm Mendolsohn Zimmet, Zuckerman/Grady. Andruzzi, Angioli, Arbetter

June 22 Special Tot Shabbat followed by Adult Service 6:30 pm Giblin Belt, Benezra, Berman, Bernier

June 29 Erev Shabbat Family Service 7:00pm Lechner Berry, Bloom, Boehm, Brazer, Brendlinger, Brunner

June 30 Shabbat Morning Service and Zachary Berman’s Bar Mitzvah 10:00am Raffman

July 6 Erev Shabbat Family Service 7:00pm Burger, Butterman, Carlson, Chait, Champagne

July 13 Erev Shabbat Family Service 7:00pm Chance, Cooper, Cooper, Cooperman, Daftner

July 20 Erev Shabbat Family Service 7:00pm Lourenco Eckhaus, Edgell, Elbaum, Fischel, Fletcher

July 27 Erev Shabbat Family Service 7:00pm Fogelson, Frager, Frank, Freed, Gallant

CALLING ALL HELPER FAMILIES - WE NEED AND WE GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP!About twice a year, each Beth Chaverim member (family or individual) is called upon to serve as a Helper Family at either

our Shabbat services or a holiday event. Dates are announced in advance in an email, weekly email news blast, and the Chaverim Bulletin. In addition to bringing food or drinks for the Oneg, we ask that you arrive at services early to help set up and then stay afterwards to help clean up.

The Worship Committee has assigned each member a date. If a date is not convenient for you, we ask that you let the Worship Vice President know a date that would work. Then plan on being at the service on your date to help. Fulfilling your obligation to the temple is truly a mitzvah.

Mutual Review Committee (MRC) - What’s On Your Mind?The Mutual Review Committee (MRC) was established so that any congregant can go to any member of this committee with their thoughts regarding any aspect of the temple. First and foremost, the MRC is an extension of the congregation and your voice mat-ters greatly. To ensure the MRC hears you, please tell us what you think as often as you would like! We welcome your feedback, questions, and comments any time via email at mrc@bcrcva.org or you can contact Tracy Cirone, Jason Cooper, Rachel Pritchard or Shelley Sheinwald directly. Please tell us what we are doing right, what we should continue to do and, more importantly, where there is room for improvement (all comments can be made anonymously). As the “eyes” and “ears” of the congregation, the members of this committee have the opportunity to discuss these matters with Rabbi Joseph at MRC meetings held quarterly.

Rabbi Joseph’s Office Hours Rabbi Linda Joseph will have office hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Other times can be made by appointment. Rabbi Joseph can be contacted at rabbi@bcrcva.org or (703) 729-1659.

BETH CHAVERIM REFORM CONGREGATION MISSION STATEMENTThe Members of Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation will provide the Jewish community with a forum for experiencing the religious, cultural and celebratory aspects of Jewish life, offering this experience in an organized, open, egalitarian environment where all members are comfortable with their diverse beliefs and Jewish heritage. Beth Chaverim will foster the viability of the Jewish people by providing Jewish religious education to our children and providing our members with an active Jewish community in Loudoun County, Virginia, and its surrounding areas.

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The Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation Board Members and Primary ContactsNAME POSITION EMAILMark Raffman President president@bcrcva.org

Larry Deigh Executive VP executivevp@bcrcva.or

Carol Currier Worship VP worshipvp@bcrcva.org

Arlene Lechner Education VP educationvp@bcrcva.org

Brian Giblin Membership VP membershipvp@bcrcva.org

Jennifer Elgin Ways & Means VP waysandmeansvp@bcrcva.org

Lynn Blumen Social VP socialvp@bcrcva.org

Shelly Slebrch Recording Secretary secretary@bcrcva.org

Abby Champagne Weekly Blast blast@bcrcva.org

Heather Katz Treasurer treasurer@bcrcva.org

Jennifer Kasmer/Adrienne Skapura-Butterman Financial Secretary financialsec@bcrcva.org

Jody Rosas Public Relations VP publicrelationsvp@bcrcva.org

Stephanie Meister Bulletin Editor bulletinvp@bcrcva.org

Bari Cooper Youth Group VP youthgroupvp@bcrcva.org

Leslie Skaer House Affairs VP houseaffairsvp@bcrcva.org

David Mendelsohn/Jason Cooper Brotherhood Co-Presidents brotherhood@bcrcva.org

Lisa Kimball Sisterhood President sisterhood@bcrcva.org

Tracy Cirone Immediate Past President nmcrjc@verizon.net

Marshall Medoff Past President colbyseider@gmail.com

Ray Daffner Tikva Committee Chair tikva@bcrcva.org

Debbie Sexton Fuller B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator bnaimitzvah@bcrcva.org

Rabbi Linda Joseph rabbi@bcrcva.org

Todah Rabbah - Thank YouLarry and Nadine Schneider generously donated Chumashim (Torah Books) presented to B’nai Mitzvah students on behalf of Brotherhood. In addition, Nadine hand makes each specially designed for Beth Chaverim glass mezuzah gifted to B’nai Mitzvah students on behalf of Sisterhood. Further examples of Nadine’s beautiful stained glass work can be seen on the mezzuzot throughout our temple, the glass panels on the Holy Ark doors, the eternal light above the Holy Ark, and the Days of Creation glass window panels in our lobby area.

a course to give one the basic building blocks of knowledge about Judaism and the Jewish way of life.Typically an “Introduction to Judaism” course covers such basics as Jewish life-cycle, Jewish holy days, theology, conversion,

Jewish history, the decoding of Hebrew. It is both study-based and psycho-social. There are “pre-readings”, classes, journaling and events that are part of the “Introduction to Judaism” experience. There is an opportunity for questions, discussion and for processing one’s learning.

Though it is not just a conversion course, “Introduction to Judaism” is a pre-requisite of the choosing Judaism process. For those who are considering conversion, it is highly recommended that this course is taken with their partners (if they have one) as the course will present Jewish concepts which may change the Jewish dynamics of your family’s life. And for those considering conversion: it is necessary to find yourself a “sponsoring rabbi” (come have a conversation with me!), to be committed to a year of Jewish experience of festival and Shabbat services, and an openness to make Judaism integrated into your life and soul!

“Introduction to Judaism” participants often become a support for each other in their Jewish considerations. It is one of my favorite courses to teach and I am thrilled to be able to make this opportunity available at BCRC next year at minimal costs to non-members, no cost to members, but on the understanding that everyone will purchase the books they require for the course.

The exact details of this course will be communicated over the summer months (dates, times, course curriculum, readings etc.) but please feel free to speak with me if being introduced to Judaism has some appeal to you and you wish to travel on a Jewish exploration journey. It would be great to have you with us!

FROM THE RABBI’S STUDY

(Continued from page 1)

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Leesburg Area Active Retirees The Leesburg Area Active Retirees will have some wonderful programs in June and July! Please join us! We would love to

see more Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation members, friends and family at our programs. All are welcome! We meet in the Leisure World Clubhouse, Monroe Auditorium, on the third Monday of the month, from 10:30 a.m.-noon. If transportation is an issue, please contact me at budoff3@cox.net , and I will try to arrange to pick you up on my way to Leisure World.

Here’s what’s happening in June and July: “The Virginia Plan,” True Story of Richmond Department Store Owner William B. Thalhimer’s Rescue of Jewish Students from Nazi Germany

On Monday, June 18, from 10:30 a.m.–noon, Bob Gillette will discuss his book, “The Virginia Plan: William B. Thalhimer and a Rescue from Nazi Germany.” When Mr. Gillette first heard a reference to “Jew Huts,” he was intrigued – what were “Jew Huts,” and what in the world were they doing in rural Central Virginia? Through his extensive and tireless research, Mr. Gillette uncovered this inspiring and almost-lost story of courage, persistence, and hope. His new book brings to light the heroic rescue by Richmond department store owner William B. Thalhimer of dozens of Jewish agricultural science students from Nazi Germany, bringing them to Hyde Farmlands in rural Burkeville, Virginia. A beloved retired teacher and religious educator originally from Connecticut; Mr. Gillette now resides in Lynchburg, VA. He has spoken and consulted nationally on educational topics, and has already won critical acclaim for “The Virginia Plan.” In August, Mr. Gillette delivered a Banner Lecture on “The Virginia Plan” at the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond, and he was selected to participate in the Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlot-tesville in March. Mr. Gillette has agreed to bring copies of his book for sale and signing. This should be quite an event! RSVP: Sheila Budoff at leesburgseniors@gmail.com or (703) 537-3068

The Power of Words: Israel in the MediaEric Rozenman, Washington Director of CAMERA, the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting, a well-known jour-

nalist, news media analyst and author, will be speaking to our group on Monday, July 16, from 10:30 a.m. -noon. As the head of CAMERA, Mr. Rozenman is responsible for monitoring U.S. and overseas news coverage for anti-Israel bias and setting the record straight. Mr. Rozenman will discuss his work at CAMERA and his extensive journalistic background, including serving as executive editor of B’nai B’rith’s International Jewish Monthly magazine, editor of the Washington Jewish Week, editor of Near East Report, newspaper reporter and freelance journalist. He is also the author of two novels, and will talk about the more recent of the two, Kill Them Before They Die, which was published in 2011. Take advantage of this fabulous opportunity to meet this very distinguished expert on Israel in the media and hear his views! RSVP: Sheila Budoff at leesburgseniors@gmail.com or (703) 537-3068

The Active Retirees are a warm and friendly outreach group of men and women age 55+. Newcomers are always welcome! Our meetings are usually on the third Monday of the month in the Clubhouse at Leisure World at 10:30 a.m. Please join us for guest speakers, trips, holiday celebrations and “schmoozing.” The cost is $2 for members of the JCCNV or any synagogue or residents of Leisure World, and $4 for non-members. All are welcome!!

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Sheila Budoff at (703) 537-3068 or e-mail leesburgseniors@gmail.com.

ACTIVE RETIREE

Sheila Budoff, Coordinator

JulyEthan & Kathy Klass June 1 Kenneth & Heather Kern June 3 Sheri Sackett & Lisa Householder June 4David Holberton & Marcia Drucker June 5Howard & Sharon Solomon June 6Jay & Betsy Smith June 7William & Renee Gupp June 12Alex & Kim Fogelson June 13Jan & Jill Weiner June 13David & Ellen Waldman June 15Matt & Betsy Goodwin June 17Soop & Jan Saferstein June 17

David & So-Ching Brazer June 19Steven & Michelle Harper June 19Jeff & Shawn Zelman June 20Tony & Sarah Welz June 26Karl Boehm & Stephanie Glasser June 30

JulyMarc & Susan Benezra July 3Michael & Vicki Goodman July 8Mark & Lori Chait July 18Earl & Cheryl Suitor July 18Hernan & Stacia Villagomez July 24

ANNIVERSARIES

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JuneRose Abrams Grandmother of Jody Rosas Belle Livingston Berry Mother of William Berry Robert Braiman Grandfather of Daryl Braiman-BloomBella Brunner Mother of Charles Brunner Michael Brunner Brother of Charles BrunnerRobert Brunner Brother of Charles BrunnerRose Cantor Grandmother of Eric ZelmanRichard Carlson Father of Lisa CarlsonAbe Dubnick David Hack Father of Bill HackVirginia Quinby Hack Mother of Bill HackH. Aaron Jacobs Grandfather of Dianne AndruzziZachary Macy Uncle of Stacia VillagomezJulius Roberts Father of Burt RobertsHyman Sackett Father of Sheri SackettJoseph Schwartz Grandfather of Susan Mandel GiblinRubin Sheinwald Father of Jesse SheinwaldClara Sussman Grandmother of Jody RosasCarlie Ulrich Friend of Marty & Faith Shoup and

William & Renee GuppJeff Ulrich Friend of Marty & Faith Shoup and

William & Renee Gupp

Lexi Ulrich Friend of Marty & Faith Shoup and William & Renee Gupp

Ronni Ulrich Friend of Marty & Faith Shoup and William & Renee Gupp

JulyNathaniel Alent Grandfather of Daryl Braiman-BloomHelen Bernier Mother of Albert BernierAndrew Block Brother of Jody RosasJoseph Deigh Father of Larry DeighLeslie Denmark Sister of Marcy ManningIrving Dunkel Father of Ellen KaneJoel FriedmanDorothy Jacobson Aunt of Daryl Braiman-BloomCarl Kane Father of Phil KaneElla Kluge Grandmother of Elizabeth CooperHerbert Louis Father of Richard LouisSidney Macy Grandfather of Stacia VillagomezMorris Mandel Grandfather of Susan Mandel GiblinIda Menter Grandmother of Stacia VillagomezBertha Stein Grandmother of Betsy SmithMartin (Moshe) Stellman Grandfather of Michelle ChanceLarry Wolfson Grandfather of Stephanie Meister

YAHRZEITS

JuneJacqueline Chance June 2Adam Shinberg June 3Michelle Chance June 4Albert Bernier June 5Andrew Lourenco June 6Ben Perkinss June 10Emmett Helmes June 11Douglas Gardner June 13Alyxis Harper June 13Karl Boehm June 14Evan Kimball June 14Jeff Zelman June 14Steven Pergament June 19Emily Champagne June 20Noah Pritchard June 21Elizabeth Matson June 23Jared Smith June 24Bob Arbetter June 25Russell (Rusty) Smith June 26Leah Trost June 26Neil Frank June 28Deborah Halpern June 28Sandra Frager June 29

Julia Kern June 29Addie Zuckerman June 29Chloe Meister June 30

July Abby Champagne July 1Ethan Meech July 3Alexandra Villagomez July 4Jill Zelman July 5Jared Blumen July 6Hannah Chait July 6John Manning July 6Sammy Boehm July 7Gary Slebrch July 7Bradey Meech July 8Sammy Cooper July 9Daniel Mayer July 10Marcia Drucker July 11Alyssa Villagomez July 11Debra Berman July 12Zachary Pritchard July 12Samuel Brazer July 13Addison Welz July 13Erica Levi July 14

Andrew Matson July 14Marc Benezra July 15Aaron Villagomez July 15Rebecca Slatkin July 16Barbara Mendelsohn July 17Aaron Deigh July 19Faith Shoup July 19Larry Deigh July 20Natalie Horowitz July 20Eric Zelman July 20Don Cooper July 21Deborah Sexton-Fuller July 21AJ Ikner July 22Jason Soifer July 23Bill Hack July 25Alexandra Slatkin July 25Jack Zelman July 26Jill Eskin-Smith July 28Owen Welz July 28Emelia Angioli July 29Rebecca Chance July 30Jordan Smith July 30Sharon Solomon July 30Ken Tucker July 30

BIRTHDAYS

10

(703) 726-6561 42882 Truro Parish Drive, #210, Ashburn, VA

(Located in Broadlands Office & Retail Center)

Dr. R. Ron Hessamfar,

D.M.D., M.S., P.C.

Free Initial Orthodontic Consultation & TMJ ExamEvening and Saturday Appointments Available0% Financing Available up to 24 MonthsInvisaligne, Aesthetic, and Traditional BracesMulti-family Member DiscountMost Insurances Accepted

BRACE 4 Your LIFE

www.braces4yourlife.com

Building FundSusan and Brian GiblinJody RosasDan and Anne Wasserman donated in

memory of Evelyn Mendelsohn, mother of David Mendelsohn

General FundMarc and Sue Benezra donated in memory

of Evelyn Mendelsohn, mother of David Mendelsohn

Robert and Marjorie Chelsey donated in memory of Evelyn Mendelsohn, mother of David Mendelsohn

Burt and Sheila Roberts donated in memory of Evelyn Mendelsohn, mother of David Mendelsohn

Howard and Sharon Solomon donated in memory of Evelyn Mendelsohn, mother of David Mendelsohn

Harold and Sandra Wicker donated in memory of Evelyn Mendelsohn, mother of David Mendelsohn

Rabbi’s Discretionary FundJan and Soop Saferstein donated in memory

of Jan’s father, Norton KesselJan and Jill Weiner donated in memory of

Evelyn Mendelsohn, mother of David Mendelsohn

Torah FundAmy Lourenco

THANK YOU

Tree of Life

Ellen and Phil Kane donated in honor of Beth Chaverim

Condolences to...David Mendelsohn on the passing of his mother, Evelyn Mendelsohn

Sue Benezra on the passing of her mother, Esther HornerBarry Labell on the passing of his mother, Joan Labell

Beth Chaverim would like to extend a warm welcome to our new members

who have joined our “house of friends!”

The Lissak Family The Silien Family

NEW MEMBERS

11

For the latest calendar please click here http://www.bethchaverim.org/calendar.htm

In this, my final installment of ‘Sisterhood: New Jersey, circa 1976 / Sisterhood Virginia 2011-2012’, I find myself reflecting on another year of service and fun. Beth Chaverim’s Sisterhood accomplished much this year – from our participation and support of the annual BCRC picnic through successful completion of yet another annual Teachers’ Appreciation Breakfast. Throughout this year, BCRC’s Sisters have presented each B’Nai Mitzvah with a beautiful mezuzah case … gifted our teachers and madrichim with delicious cookies … generously donated time and gifts to support and honor women in our county who are in abusive situa-tions … baked hundreds of hamantoshen … cooked and cleaned and given enormously of ourselves to our congregants … enjoyed evenings of learning and laughter … and, through our Gift Shop, provided the congregation – and Loudoun County’s Jewish community – with convenient, affordable, meaningful Judaica. We have so much to be proud of – and so much to be grateful for.

Yet, as was the case in 1976 when my mom finished the year as President of her Sisterhood, there is still so much that can and should be done; there are still questions of great import to answer. For instance, how can we make BCRC’s Sisterhood more welcoming and open to all of BCRC’s women? Should BCRC’s Sisterhood rejoin Women in Reform Judaism (WRJ) next year? Should there BE a Sisterhood at Beth Chaverim next year? If so, who’s going to lead it?

As to the last two questions, I offer the following for your consideration: Sisterhood has always had – and continues to have – an immeasurable capacity to evolve; Sisterhood can be – should be – what YOU need it to be. So:

BE THERE. Open up to new opportunities. Say ‘yes’ as often as possible. Say ‘no’ when necessary. Speak kindly. Trust your-self to lead. Allow yourself to follow. Welcome all. Believe in your Sisters. BE A SISTER.

Be a Sister who is truly there for the members of Sisterhood, of the Congregation and of the greater community. Provide sup-port and warmth and friendship; ensure that acceptance and help and love and laughter are ALWAYS there for all of the families of our congregation. Be a “Service Sister”; be a “Social Sister”; be a “One Event a Year Sister” … be whatever kind of Sister you want to be … BE THERE.

If you’re reading this, and you’re a woman, and you’re even a little bit interested in being a part of what’s next for BCRC’s Sisterhood … or (perhaps even more importantly) if you’re a Sisterhood cynic; if you’ve ever felt that BCRC’s Sisterhood was a clique from which you were excluded or if you’ve ever opined that Sisterhood doesn’t really do anything that interests you, please join us on Saturday, June 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the synagogue for our annual end of year meeting, dinner and Havdallah service. Share your voice – please – be there.

An Immeasurable Capacity to Evolve

SISTERHOOD UPDATE

Lisa Kimball, Sisterhood President