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Mishpachah Matters Iyar-Sivan-Tamuz 5780/ May/June 2020 Page
Mishpachah Matters
Issue 80.9 and 80.10
Iyar–Sivan-Tamuz 5780
May and June 2020
Table of Contents on page 2
Mishpachah Matters The Newsletter of Bet Mishpachah, Founded in 1975
by Members of the Washington, DC, Gay Community
www.betmish.org
Washington DC’s Egalitarian Synagogue Embracing a Diversity of Sexual and Gender Identities
Mazal Tov to Rabbi Jake and his wife, Rabbi Rachel,
on the birth of their baby girl on Tuesday, April 14, 2020
at 8:39 pm
Bet Mishpachah Shabbat services go Virtual
Since the stay-at-home order was issued, many
houses of worship, Bet Mishpachah included, have
been holding services virtually. What does “holding
services virtually” mean exactly? Due to modern
technology and the wonderful software package
called Zoom, each of us with a computer, iPad, or
smart phone, can participate in services from the
comfort of our own home. You do not need to have
the software on your computer, you do not even need
a camera – although it is nice to see everyone’s face –
all you need is a “link” to click on in order to join the
meeting and participate.
If you don’t have a computer, smart phone or
iPad, you can actually just dial a phone number, put in
a meeting code, and listen. We are holding services
every Friday at 8:00 pm, and on the 2nd and 4th
Saturday of the month at 10:00 am via Zoom.
We’ve had more than 50 participants at each
Friday night service and we would love for you to
join us if you have not yet tried. Many, many people
are finding it comforting during this difficult time of
self-isolation, and we think you will, too.
Fear of the Unknown By Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin “‘Comfort, O comfort My people’, says God” (Isaiah 40:1). As I write these words, I am inside my home, looking out the window and yearning to be out and about in the world. And yet, I know that it is not safe to do so. Our lives have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. What makes this even more difficult is all of that which we do not yet know. When will this end? Will people I love contract the virus, and if so, will they make it through? What will happen to the neighborhood businesses that I regularly enjoy and rely on? Will I be financially secure when this is over? These questions without firm answers are the ones that keep us up at night, and they make a trying situation even more anxiety-provoking. There is so much that we don’t know. This not knowing may be new to us, but it is not new to the Jewish experience. Avram followed God’s call of “Lech l’cha - go forth” in the unknown and forged a relationship with the Divine. The Israelites escaped the familiarity of Egypt for the unknown wilderness of Sinai. My more immediate ancestors fled from Eastern Europe, and took a ship across the ocean to a land and reality that was unknown to them. Of course, the difference between those experiences and our own is that they were leaving a narrow place with the hope of entering into (continued on page 3)
Siddurim Available - Bet Mishpachah's Sid-dur, Shavat va-Yinafash, is available for a suggested donation of $40. During this time of self-isolation, you may find it a comfort to have a Siddur at home for reference, personal reflection and prayer. Of course, the logistics of getting the Siddurim out to congregants may be a little more difficult in light of Coronavirus, but if you are interested, email [email protected]. If more people had their own Siddur during this time while we are leading virtual services, rather than hav-ing the text on the screen, we could focus on the ser-vice leader while folks follow along at home.
Mishpachah Matters Iyar-Sivan-Tamuz 5780/ May/June 2020 Page 2
Contents: Page 1: Bet Mishpachah’s new Virtual services Rabbi’s comments Page 2: Women’s First Friday Pre-Service Potluck Mizmor Shabbat Musical Services Continue on 2nd Fridays Amazon Smile Page 3: Rabbi’s comments—continued Rabbi Jake’s Spring class Page 4: President’s Message Community news Richard A. Kopley Memorial Assistance Fund Page 5: Book Group Bereavement Committee Bet Mishpachah’s Ark High Holy day volunteers Page 6-7: May and June 2020 Calendars Page 8: May and June Birthdays and Anniversaries Membership Matters Page 9: Thank You to Our March and April Service Leaders Thanks to Our Oneg Shabbat and Kiddush Sponsors Jewish Music Page 10: Donations Volunteers Needed Page 11-13: Condolences Member Yarzeits Page 14-15: Directory
Do you want to join Bet Mishpachah? Membership is an opportunity to develop
friendships, learn, become involved in your heritage, and support the only LGBTQ synagogue in the Washington, DC area. To join Bet Mishpachah is easy, just visit
www.betmish.org today. Questions, e-mail [email protected].
What’s This? Scan it with a QR code reader on
your smartphone and find out!
Web: www.betmish.org Facebook: http://on.fb.me/BetMishpachah Twitter: twitter.com/betmish E-mail:[email protected]
Mizmor Shabbat Musical Services Continue on 2nd Fridays Bet Mishpachah’s popular, lively and uplifting Mizmor Shabbat musical services continue on the 2nd Friday of every month through the spring. The following professional musicians will be leading singing with
their guitars at Mizmor Shabbat musical services at 8:00 PM on: May 8, 2020 — Rabbi Ben Shalva June 12, 2020—Robyn Helzner Mark your calendars now and plan to join us for these special musical services filled with lots of singing and ru-ach (spirit). With the musically talented Rabbi Jake in our congregational family, we’ll have even more services with a skilled song-leader / guitarist every month. The Psalmist wrote: “Shìru l’Adonai shir chadash, shìru l’Adonai kol ha-àretz” — “Sing unto G-d a new song, sing unto G-d all the earth!” We look forward to having you join Bet Mishpachah in uplifting songs at our musical services.
Amazon Smile Amazon Smile was created by Amazon as a way for those who shop on Amazon (and who doesn’t – especially now) to give to their favorite charity. Every time someone enrolled in Amazon Smile shops, .5% goes to the charity of their choice. Bet Mishpachah is now enrolled in Amazon Smile, so now you can shop and have .5% of what you buy come to your favorite synagogue. Amazon Smile is the same Amazon you know – same products, same prices, same service – but now you can have a part of your purchase price donated to Bet Mishpachah. To enroll, visit Amazon Smile. Enter your user name and password as you
would normally do. At the next screen “Start Picking Your Charity,” enter
Bet Mishpachah, hit “select,” click “Yes, I understand that I must always start
at smile.amazon.com to support Bet Mishpachah,” so START SHOPPING
and support Bet Mishpachah with every purchase.
Women’s First Friday Pre-Service Potlucks Join us for our next continuing virtual First Friday women’s outreach pre-service potluck on May 5. Pour your favorite beverage to drink and make your favorite dinner dish to eat while you Zoom into our gathering and usher in your Shabbat with great company and conversation. Last month we had a wonderful interstate gathering. What a unique opportunity to see one another in these trying times. Our gatherings will be followed by our uplifting Erev Shabbat services. Of course we are not sure if by June we will be back at the EDCJCC or we will still be virtual. Either way, please join us. May 1 - Let’s take a few minutes to celebrate the American Equal Rights Association (AERA), an organization that formed on May 10, 1866. The organization worked to “secure Equal Rights to all American citizens, especially the right of suffrage, irrespective of race, color, or sex.” June 5- LGBT Pr ide Month begins. What are some of the things that you are proud of in your life? If you are willing to share your knowledge, experience, hobby, or just have an idea for a Women’s Outreach theme or have any questions, please email Paula at [email protected]. **We use an inclusive definition
of "woman" and "female" and we welcome trans women, genderqueer women, and non-binary people.
Mishpachah Matters Iyar-Sivan-Tamuz 5780/ May/June 2020 Page 3
By Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin (continued from page 1) a better reality. We are struggling because we pray that our journey will not take us in the opposite direc-tion, but expect it might. There is so much we do not know, and yet we know some things. We know that the virus spreads quickly and easily. We know that it will go on for quite a while. We know that the everyday behaviors that we took for granted before the virus hit are now curtailed, and require preparation and second thoughts. Here’s what else I know - this difficulty is made easier when we support one another. Though we can-not at this moment be together physically, I know how powerful it is to be part of a community of individuals who care for one another, who look out for one anoth-er, who check-in on one another. I know that praying virtually is not the same as gathering together in the same room, but I also know the holy feeling that I ex-perience when I see familiar and friendly faces on my computer screen - mouthing the words I sing aloud in my apartment, smiling at me, and wishing each other a “Shabbat Shalom.” This doesn’t mean that our situation is easy. Our lives have changed, and change can bring great pain. The events that we were looking forward to at this time of year - Passover seders with the usual crowd, the Capital Pride Festival, Bet Mish’s annual Shabbaton, and many others - have been cancelled or postponed. Surely, the world will look different when we emerge from this isolation. At the time of my writing, some of us have already lost loved ones, and more are likely to follow. In this time of awful change, I want you to know that your Jewish community - your synagogue family - is here for you. We are here and we lift one another up when we are down. We offer prayers of healing for those who are suffering, and we offer words of comfort when our friends are in mourning. We sing together (even if we’re on “mute”), and we mark time in Jewish ways with each other. We rejoice in one another’s suc-cesses, and cry when our friends experience pain. That is something that will not change, and that is what it means to be part of a kehila kedosha - a sacred com-munity. We will get through this, and we will do it socially and spiritually together, even if we must be physically distant. I draw strength from this knowledge, and I hope that you do too.
Rabbi Jake’s Spring Class: Reading Genesis Through a Gender-Expansive Lens Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin will be teaching one more exciting class this spring. This is a great opportunity to interact with our rabbi. Reading Genesis - Saturday May 23, 2020, following the Shabbat morning service at 12:45 PM: Through a Gender-Expansive Lens - Accord-ing to the Torah, who was the first human and what was that person like? Going beyond the traditional way of reading our creation story, we find that the text itself allows for a more nuanced view of sex, gender, identity and expression. Using rabbinic texts as our guide, we’ll examine ancient Jewish views regarding gender that have their basis in our core texts. It’s not just about male and female, folks! Classes are always free for members of Bet Mishpachah. There is a suggested donation of $10 for nonmembers.
We know that these are challenging times for
us in many ways. If any member is in need of
help getting food and supplies, needs advice
for a particular situation, or would like to have
someone to talk with, please contact Paula at:
Mishpachah Matters Iyar-Sivan-Tamuz 5780/ May/June 2020 Page 4
President’s message: The Year of Coronavirus By Mindy Gasthalter, President
I was saying the other day, “I hope that when De-cember rolls around and I’m at the Annual Meeting giving my remarks that I have something to talk about other than the Coronavirus.” Well, two months into my Presidency and it does feel like I’m a one-issue President. This Board has been amazing and the one you want at the helm during this difficult time. The EDCJCC closed in early March and we will be without our home for at least two months, and I have no doubt the closure will be even longer once we get closer to the end of April. We’ve figured out how to lead services virtually (the first service had 75 par-ticipants, the second 48), Women’s Outreach virtually (we had 18 join the group) and even held the Rabbi’s class on Passover in the same manner (there were 16 participants). We have postponed the Shabbaton, which was scheduled for May 8 and 9, because it’s highly unlikely that the EDCJCC will reopen by then, and part of the ruach of the weekend is being together for our Shabbat dinner, and the kiddish lunch so it didn’t feel that it would have the same impact if we held it virtually. Pride has been postponed as has our June 12 service so the two can coincide. The Bereavement Committee is discussing wheth-er or not virtual shiva services make sense, and if so, what would they look like. Bikur Cholim continues to reach out and check on those who are ill and may need support during this difficult time. The Board is calling congregants to check on them and ensure they are okay, to see if they need help, and to remind them about virtual services. In typical Bet Mishpachah fashion, we’ve had more people say they can help as opposed to they need help. In one of my calls, I did learn about a service called www.errandfolks.com that provides assistance for the elderly, immunocompro-mised, disabled and chronically ill. Behind the scenes, we’ve started to talk to the JCC about renegotiating our lease which ends June 30th. We are working on plans for the High Holy Days, and pray that we will all be able to be together in one room by September when they roll around. The work of the Strategic Planning Committee moves ahead. The Board continues to discuss how we can help congre-gants who may be impacted by Covid-19 and whether or not streaming services once we are able to be back at the EDCJCC is a possibility. And since this article seems like nothing but bad and difficult news, I wanted to end on a positive note which is that we joyfully welcome Baby Girl Acker-man-Singer who was born April 14, 2020. Congratu-lations to her parents—Rabbis Jake and Rachel, as we eagerly await to hear her name.
A Blast from the Past Who do you know in this photo? From
Bet Mishpachah’s move to the EDCJCC in 1997
The Richard A Kopely Memorial Emergency Assistance Fund The Bet Mishpachah Emergency Assistance Fund was renamed the Richard Kopely Memorial Emergency Assistance Fund effective with the initial $2,000 contribution made in its name by Stan Goodwin in December, 1993. The purpose of the fund is to provide short-term, emergency financial assistance to people in need, through small grants or loans. If you are in need, or know someone who may benefit from a loan or grant from this fund, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
Community News: Pride Service Postponed: Capital Pride 2020 has been postponed. Bet Mishpachah will defer our Pride service, originally scheduled for June 12, until such time as Capital Pride is rescheduled. Spring Shabbaton Postponed: The Spring Shabbaton and Congregational Dinner, scheduled for May 8-9 with Rabbi Avi Strausberg as our scholar-in-residence, is postponed. No new date has been announced. Interest-Free Loans: The Hebrew Free Loan Association of Greater Washington is offering $1,500 interest-free loans to eligible borrowers. If you have been financially impacted by COVID-19, visit www.hebrewfreeloandc.org/covid19 to apply.
Mishpachah Matters Iyar-Sivan-Tamuz 5780/ May/June 2020 Page 5
Bet Mishpachah’s Ark
Bet Mishpachah’s Ark (donated by Stuart Sotsky) with our rainbow-hued Torah mantles (donated by Michael Strom) with the quotation: “And when the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my Covenant” (B’reishit/ Genesis 14b—15a). Our Ner Tam-id (perpetual light) in the shape of a burning bush on top of the Ark, was created by artist Rebecca Kamen.
has been named Best LGBTQ Group by the Washington Jewish Week! Like our facebook page www.facebook.com/betmish
Bet Mishpachah Book Group We continue to meet virtually during this time of social distancing. Our next discussion will take place via Zoom on Sunday, May 24, at 4:00 p.m. We'll be discussing "Outwitting History: The Amazing Adventures of a Man Who Rescued A Million Yiddish Books" by Aaron Lansky. Lansky is the founder and President of the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, MA and the recipient of a MacArthur "genius" fellowship. Lansky was a 23-year-old graduate student in 1980 when he came up with an idea that would take over his life and change the face of Jewish literary culture: He wanted to save Yiddish books. With few resources save his passion and determination, Lansky and his fellow dreamers traveled from house to house, dumpster to dumpster, saving Yiddish books wherever they could find them—eventually gathering an improbable 1.5 million volumes. Our discussion is open to all Bet Mish members. Simply email [email protected] for the Zoom address and password.
From the Bereavement Committee: "When your loved one dies . . . will you know what to do?" This is the title of the Bet Mishpachah Bereavement Brochure, which has just been approved by the Bereavement Support Committee. It explains traditional Jewish customs and practices. It tells what resources are available, whom to contact in arranging a funeral and/or burial and what services Bet Mishpachah can provide. It also suggests what advanced planning should be done prior to an immediate crisis. Admittedly, the current pandemic environment has resulted in less-than-ideal changes. For example, Bet Mishpachah will provide virtual, rather than in-person, Shiva services. The Bereavement Committee can provide up to date information regarding current DC area funeral home and cemetery practices as promulgated by the Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington. The new brochure is available on the website and will be available at Shabbat Services once we meet again in person. In the meantime please address questions to the Bereavement Support Committee at [email protected].
High Holy Day Services - We need you! While it’s just Spring we’re already looking ahead to September and the High Holy Days. As we did last year, we’ll be holding services at the Friends Meeting House and the EDCJCC. What makes services so special and successful are the contributions by the member volunteers that keep not only the services running smoothly with the service leaders and gabaiim, but also handle the many logistical details. These include staffing the check-in desk; ushers, greeters and welcomers; service leaders; and the many members who helped with the set-up of equipment and the Ark and help with the Onegs and Break the Fast. Think of where you would like to participate. If you are able to lend a hand, please contact [email protected]
Mishpachah Matters Iyar-Sivan-Tamuz 5780/ May/June 2020 Page 6
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Mishpachah Matters Iyar-Sivan-Tamuz 5780/ May/June 2020 Page 8
Member Anniversaries May Tom Sachs and William Moses Beth Cohen and Fran Sneider Jeffrey Kahn and Tony Alverno Scott Reiter and David Vos Margy Kohn and Myrna Chasanow Evan and Jackie Brettell Jeffrey Berns and Richard Bennett Susan Silber and June Peters Maxine Klane and Elaine Raksis Joel Berelson and Charles Maples
June Marisa Uchin and Molly Kelly Hank Londner and Keith Pickerel Marc Bernstein and Jeff Burka Mary Arras and Vicki Brown Loretta and Bob Saks Rene Rodriquez and Howard Stark Howard Menaker and Patrick Gossett
Member Birthdays May Nathaniel Deutsch Ruth Potts Alan Carb David Sobelsohn Eileen Greenberg Jeffrey Kahn Ed Knight Robert Margrave Judith Retchin Bruce Horowitz Reginald McBee
June Elyse Wander Joel Wind Maxine Klane Carol Wayman Diane Liff David Fox Noah Wofsy Morris Levitt James Nathan Deborah Kramer Michael Aaron Hoffman Mark Levine Rod Ross Steven Weinberg Kasey Bigsby Sarajane Garten Alicia Saffer Lawrence Berman Philip Budashewitz Cookie Backelman Hazel Groman
Membership Matters
More now than ever, our house of worship — our sanctuary is our safety net on which we all depend during these chaotic times. Our congregation contains some courageous and dedicated founding members who, 44 years ago in a very different time, took the risk to create a place of worship where they could be safe within their minyan. You may not see them at services on a regular basis or even know their names, but they continue to be among Bet Mish’s most generous financial supporters. Now it is our turn to step up and provide them the assurance that we will continue to fund our house of worship and provide a safe sanctuary for LGBTQ prayer into the future.
Even though our doors at the DCJCC sanctuary are closed by the pandemic, we still are able to attend our Shab-bat services in the safety of our homes through the virtual doors made possible by video conferencing. Over the past month, many of our members have worked together in order to successfully provide us a way of virtually connecting each week at services and our Rabbi’s classes.
Our annual Membership drive is soon upon us. Supporting our own house of worship is a Jewish value. The most obvious parallel in the Torah is the half shekel we read about every spring. Every adult Israelite is obligated to give a half shekel to the community every year. There’s also the Rabbinic interpretation of one’s obligation to give 10% of one’s income every year to Tz’daka, which is for the synagogue, the poor, Jewish education, Mikva, etc.
Tz’daka is the feminine form of Tzèdek, the Hebrew root that means fairness, righteousness and justice. It’s the right thing to do. We are obligated to give a certain amount every year to pay our fair share of maintaining our commu-nal institutions. In our case, it costs $1,200 per person per year to run Bet Mishpachah’s current programs.
In many European countries, the Jewish community gave you a bill for what you were obligated to pay, and they could legally force you to pay it. In America where belonging to the Jewish community and supporting Jewish institu-tions is voluntary, we are even more in need of everyone paying their fair share and a little bit more.
A quick note on the difference between Tz’daka and charity: While Tz’daka is a mitzva and an obligation, Charity is from the Latin and it means that we give out of caring and love. These are the vital contributions we receive from you that are in addition to your annual membership dues.
I promise we won’t send a battalion of arm twisters to knock at your doors to force you to pay your dues. How-ever, as your Membership Director, I am tasked with contacting you in hopes that you will fulfill your Jewish obligation of Tz’daka. The ‘ask’ will be fair and necessary. Please give as generously as you can. Our Jewish values call us to take good care of our House — our beloved Bet Mishpachah. In unity and faith, Deb Hyman, Membership Director
Mishpachah Matters Iyar-Sivan-Tamuz 5780/ May/June 2020 Page 9
Thank You to Our March and April Service Leaders
Friday, March 6: Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin and Rachel Wolkowitz Friday, March 27: Rabbi Singer-Beilin Friday, April 3: Paula Morris Friday, April 10: Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin and Robyn Helzner Saturday, April 11: Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin Friday, April 17: Scott Reiter and Al Munzer Friday, April 24: Allan Armus Saturday, April 25: Scott Reiter
Consider sponsoring an Oneg Shabbat or Kiddush when we return to the EDCJCC and see each other in person again!
Thank You to the Board of Directors for Sponsoring our March 6th Oneg Shabbat and to all the people who shopped in support of the Onegs and Kiddushes.
Would you like to honor the yarzeit of a loved one, celebrate a simcha, or just contribute to the Bet Mishpachah community? Why not sponsor an Oneg Shabbat or Kiddush lunch after services on Fridays or Saturdays? You can sponsor by bringing refreshments yourself or by donating to sponsor on a specific date. Signups are available through 2020, so you can reserve your preferred dates well in advance! Sign up via the 'Get Involved' section of our website at https://www.betmish.org/get-involved or by email at [email protected]. Can’t sponsor? Consider sending a donation of Chai ($18) or more to bring extended life to the Joel and Murray Woldman Oneg Shabbat and Kiddush Fund, established by a generous bequest from our beloved member Joel Woldman, z”l. Kindly donate via the link at: http://www.betmish.org/index.php/donate or mail a check to Bet Mishpachah, P.O. Box 1410, Washington, D.C., 20013.
The Genesis Prize Foundation created this video (posted on YouTube in Aug. 2019) about Jewish musicians (or those from Jewish families):
https://youtu.be/xTk21PhgB2E
If Jewish composers had been included, they could have added Salomone Rossi, Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn, Giacomo Meyerbeer, Jacques Offenbach, Salomon Sulzer, Gustav Mahler, Arnold Schoenberg, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Ernest Bloch, Darius Milhaud, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Kurt Weill, Aaron Copeland, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Philip Glass, and many more.
Nominations Still Open for Bet Mishpachah's Harvey Milk (z"l) Chesed Award, r ecognizing someone who has made significant contributions to the greater LGBTQ and/or Jewish Community. Social Justice Committee Chair Needed Bet Mishpachah is seeking a member to volunteer to lead the critical Social Justice Committee. Please contact Bruce at: [email protected]
Mishpachah Matters Iyar-Sivan-Tamuz 5780/ May/June 2020 Page 10
Donations We appreciate the generosity of our members and friends, and recognize them for their support. Contributions may be made at any time during the year. To make a contribution, send a check payable to Bet Mishpachah, and mail to Bet Mishpachah P.O. Box 1410, Washington, D.C. 20013.
February & March 2020 Member Donations
Mark Goldfarb Memorial Accessibility Fund Judy Retchin and Elyse Wander, in memory of Adeline Kaplan
Woldman Oneg and Kiddush Fund Douglas Auerbach
Mindy Gasthalter, in memory of Norman Wofsy
and Ellie Frishman
Jerald Goldberg Judy Retchin and Elyse Wander, in memory of Adeline Kaplan
Queen Esther Fund Douglas Auerbach
Kasey Bigsby and Evan Zukerman
Keith Cohen Mindy Gasthalter
Bruce Horowitz Larry Neff
Joseph Pomper
Warren Snaider
Rachel Wolkowitz Paula Morris and Deb Hyman
Operating Fund Lawrence Berman, in memory of his grandmother, Fanny Berman Jeffrey Berns, in honor of his father, Gary Berns Evan and Jackie Brettell, for Shabbat Shekalim Nathaniel Deutsch, in memory of Adeline Kaplan and Eleanor Frishman Barry Friedman, in honor of the new Board Mindy Gasthalter Rachel Hamberger Bruce Horowitz JonRobert Johnson Diane Liff and Georgia Korn, in memory of Adeline Kaplan and Cheryl Swannack Deborah Hyman and Paula Morris, in memory of Adeline Kaplan, Eleanor Frishman, Norman Wofsy and Gary Berns Rodney Ross Rabbi Bob and Loretta Saks, in memory of Adeline Kaplan Stuart Sotsky, in memory of Adeline Kaplan Howard Stark, in memory of Adeline Kaplan
Like our facebook page www.facebook.com/betmish Please join our new facebook community group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/betmish. This is a private group where you can have conversations with other members. This is a monitored group.
Richard Krampf Social Action Fund
Eva Freund and Elke Martin, in memory of Adeline Kaplan Jacob Krampf, in memory of Eleanor Frishman
Non-Member Donations: Operating Fund Julie Wadler, in honor of Naomi’s Bat Mitzvah Daniel Salomon, in honor of Eva and Elke’s anniversary Diane Abelman Wattenberg, in honor of Mindy Gasthalter, Mazal Tov Madame President!
Queen Esther Fund Jill Swederski
Mark Goldfarb Memorial Accessibility Fund Gary Taverman
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Julie Wadler, in honor of Naomi’s Bat Mitzvah
Volunteers Needed Bet Mishpachah is always looking for volunteers to help in several committees. Give your gift of time or skills and join a committee. Get to know other members and enjoy being part of the Bet Mishpachah community. Please email [email protected]. If you can't afford to sponsor an Oneg but you'd like to do more, please consider joining the newly-reactivated Hospitality Committee. Volunteers for this committee help Bet Mishpachah foster a welcoming community by assisting with Onegs, Kiddush lunches, Congregational dinners and special events. For more information, contact [email protected].
Mishpachah Matters Iyar-Sivan-Tamuz 5780/ May/June 2020 Page 11
Member Yarzeits Announced Friday, May 1 (Yarzeits observed May 1—7; Iyar 7 - 13) Isaac Fox, Grandfather of David Fox May 1 (Iyar 7) Fred Rausch, Grandfather of Jeremy Rausch May 1 (Iyar 7) Michael Garcia, Friend of Howard Stark May 2 Leona Cason, Great aunt of Patricia Carlton May 4 Nathan Hyman, Father of Batya Hyman May 4 Ellen Cenzer, Aunt of Michael Singer May 4 Morris Grossman, Father of Richard Grossman May 4 (Iyar 10) Molly Dickson, Aunt of Stuart Sotsky May 4 (Iyar 10) Jenny Severs Foster, Grandmother of Tric Nelson May 5 David Youngman, Uncle of Joel Wind May 5 (Iyar 11) Pauline Karron, Grandmother of David Fox May 6 (Iyar 12) George Kingsley, Uncle of Seymour Stern May 6 Joel Woldman, member of Bet Mish & beloved twin brother of Murray Woldman May 6 Oscar Sotsky, Uncle of Stuart Sotsky May 7 (Iyar 13) Etta J. Kaplan, Grandmother of Ruth Potts May 8 (Iyar 14) Announced Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 (Yarzeits observed May 8 - 14, Iyar 14 - 20) Miryam Rivka Szachter, Grandmother of Ruth Eisenberg May 8 Harold Saffer, Grandfather of Alicia Saffer May 9 Richard Spector, Friend of, member CBM Stuart Sotsky May 9 (Iyar 15) Cynthia Sachs, Mother of Tom Sachs May 11 Anita Lomberg, Sister of Allan Armus May 11 (Iyar 17) Channah Wind, Grandmother of Joel Wind May 12 (Iyar 18) Herman Wind, Uncle of Joel Wind May 12 (Iyar 18) Yehoshua Wind, Grandfather of Joel Wind May 12 (Iyar 18) Rosalind S. Greenwald, Mother of Michael Greenwald May 12 Sarah Sheinbein, Mother of Israel Sheinbein May 13 Adrienne Carter, Sister of Alex Carter and Sister-in-law of Ruth Potts May 13 Hilda H. Lehman, Maternal Grandmother of Michael Aaron Hoffman May 13 (Iyar 19) Helen Weinstein, Aunt of Stuart Sotsky May 13 (Iyar 19) Mildred Spatz Shubs, Aunt of Carl Spatz May 14 (Iyar 20) Isaac M. Casel, Great-uncle of Larry Neff May 14 Announced Friday, May 15 (Yarzeits observed May 15 – 21, Iyar 21 - 27) Sam Blank, Grandfather of Louis Blank May 15 Richard Crowley, Grandfather of Tric Nelson May 16 Peter Condliffe, Grandfather of Jackie Brettell May 16 Yvette Frances Frank, Sister of Steven Frank May 16 Anne Magid Londoner, Aunt of Carl Spatz May 16 (Iyar 22) Celeste Hanline Cohan, Mother of Joanna Cohan Scherer May 17 Jack Hillelsohn, Husband of Charlie Stewart May 18 Thelma K. Menaker, Mother of Howard Menaker May 18 (Iyar 24) Belle Hollis, Mother of Robert Hollis May 19 Justin Kramer, Father of Deborah Kramer May 20
We extend our sincerest sympathy to our members who have experienced recent losses:
Joe Pomper, on the loss of his mother, Judith Irene Pomper Tric Nelson, on the loss of her niece, Destinee Sims
LySandra Brady, on the loss of her uncle, Howard Gene Isom Ben Mendelson, uncle of Barry Friedman Cheryl Swannack, wife of Nancy Polikoff
Mishpachah Matters Iyar-Sivan-Tamuz 5780/ May/June 2020 Page 12
Announced Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23 (Yarzeits observed May 22- 28, Iyar 28 – Sivan 5) Zoia Avram Umansky, Sister-in-law of Morris Umansky May 21 Evelyn Rosenblatt Goldfarb, Mother-in-law of Allan Armus May 22 Leon Kasarsky, Father of Andi Kasarsky May 22 Leonard Hecht Cohan, Father of Joanna Cohan Scherer May 22 Alex Armus, Father of Allan Armus May 22 (Iyar 28) Sigmund & Gisella Redlich, Maternal grandparents of Bruce Horowitz May 22 (Iyar 28) Max Youngman, Grandfather of Joel Wind May 23 (Iyar 29) Celia Lewin, Aunt of Larry Neff May 23 Geoffrey MacLellan, Dear Friend of Louis Blank May 24 David Cobden, Step-Grandfather of Jeffrey Berns May 24 (Sivan 1) Gisele Munzer, Mother of Al Munzer May 25 (Sivan 2) Sidney Spindel, Uncle of Carol Stern May 25 (Sivan 2) Katherine Kane, Friend of Elke Martin May 25 Rev. Wendell R. Johnson, Father of JonRobert Johnson May 25 Leah Lev, Aunt of Larry Neff May 26 Paul Neff, Uncle of Larry Neff May 27 Jerry Moore, Friend of Catherine Tarabochia May 27 Winnie Siegel, Dear Friend of Diane Liff and Georgia Korn May 27 Anna Cela Greenberg, Niece of Eileen Greenberg May 28 Albert Jaco, Grandfather of Tom Sachs May 28 Polly Less, Mother of Martin Less May 28 (Sivan 5) Announced Friday, May 29 (Yarzeits observed May 29 – June 4, Sivan 6 - 12) David Sikowitz, Grandfather of Judith Retchin May 29 Namon Johnson, Sr., Father of LySandra Brady May 30 Henrietta Isom, Grandmother of LySandra Brady May 30 Harry Karron, Grandfather of David Fox May 30 (Sivan 7) Abraham Stern, Grandfather of Al Stern May 30 (Sivan 7) Feiga Stern, Grandmother of Al Stern May 30 (Sivan 7) William V. Greenberg, Father of Eileen Greenberg May 31 Frank Gasthalter, Uncle of Mindy Gasthalter June 1 Murray Jaco, Uncle of Tom Sachs June 1 Morton (Mike) Tannenbaum, Father of Gail Tannenbaum June 2 Edward S. Levy, Sr., Grandfather of Ellen Levy June 3 Bernard Leish, Father of Denise Leish June 3 (Sivan 11) Fred Burka, Grandfather of Jeff Burka June 4 (Sivan 12) Selma Reid, Aunt of Devra Floyd June 4 Jerald Weinstein, Cousin of Mindy Gasthalter June 4 Joel McBee, Father of Reggie McBee June 4 Mary Ann Cohen, Aunt of Larry Neff June 4 Jay Gilbertson, Friend of Catherine Tarabochia June 4 Announced Friday, June 5 (Yarzeits observed June 5 - 11, Sivan 13 - 19) Helene Rausch, Grandmother of Jeremy Rausch June 6 Herta Snaider, Aunt of Warren Snaider June 7 (Sivan 15) Paul Caine, Grandfather of Rachel Wolkowitz June 8 (Sivan 16) Jan Berelson Dickstein, Mother of Joel Berelson June 8 Leo Stern, Uncle of Larry Neff June 8 Clara Sachs, Grandmother of Tom Sachs June 8 Bill McCreight, Friend of Ruth Potts June 9 Samuel Groman, Father of Hazel Groman June 9 (Sivan 17)
Member Yartzeits (Continued from page 11)
Mishpachah Matters Iyar-Sivan-Tamuz 5780/ May/June 2020 Page 13
Morris Milgram, Father of Betty Milgram June 9 (Sivan 17) Sedonia Cohn Sneider, Grandmother of Fran Sneider June 11 Announced Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13 (Yarzeits observed Sivan 20 – 26) Phil Rosenbloom, Grandfather of Jeff Burka June 12 (Sivan 20) Brian Meringof, Cousin of Larry Neff June 12 Leonard Sneider, Father of Fran Sneider June 12 Jimmy Cockerham, Friend of Charles Stewart June 12 Paul Pelkonen, Partner of Jessie T June 12 Alexander Cohen, Uncle of Larry Neff June 13 Murray Backelman, Father of Cookie Backelman June 13 Samuel Sendrowitz, Grandfather of Lawrence Berman June 13 (Sivan 21) Anna Smelo, Grandmother of Betty Milgram June 14 (Sivan 22) Nettie Wofsy, Mother of Noah Wofsy June 14 (Sivan 22) Elizabeth Jacobson, Partner of Eileen Greenberg June 16 Roberta Clair Hyman, Sister of Deb Hyman June 16 Kato Samuels, Cousin of Howard Stark June 17 Elizabeth Weissman, Grandmother of Jeffrey Kahn June 18 Hyman Lev, Uncle of Larry Neff June 18 Announced Friday, June 19 (Yarzeits observed June 19 – 25, Sivan 27 – Tamuz 3) Elise Hanline Cheslock, Aunt of Joanna Cohan Scherer June 19 Anita Morris, Mother of Paula Morris June 19 (Sivan 27) Gertrude Armus, Mother of Allan Armus June 20 (Sivan 28) Arvin Cohen, Uncle of Marc Bernstein June 20 (Sivan 28) Sarah Elman, Grandmother of Diane Liff June 20 (Sivan 28) Salvatore "Ben" Zinnanti, Uncle of Alex Carter June 20 Morris Hyman, Paternal Grandfather of Deb Hyman June 20 Marc Rubenstein, Cousin of Roger Schechter June 20 Edgar Halpern, Uncle of Roger Schechter June 22 Hazel F. Boland, Close Friend of Devra Floyd June 22 Eva S. Baer, Grandmother of Ellen Levy June 23 John Willig, Friend of Larry Neff June 23 Samuel Masia, Grandfather of Martin Robinson June 23 Pearl Magid, Aunt of Carl Spatz June 23 (Tamuz 1) Albert Saks, Father of Rabbi Bob Saks June 24 Doiv Ber Berlas, Father of Judy Barlas June 25 James Berns, Grandfather of Jeffrey Berns June 25 (Tamuz 3) Announced Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27 (Yarzeits observed June 26 – July 2, Tamuz 4 - 10) Jan Berns, Uncle of Jeffrey Berns June 26 (Tamuz 4) Israel Pomper, Paternal Grandfather of Joe Pomper June 26 (Tamuz 4) Ruth Barlas, Mother of Judy Barlas June 26 Hannah Lippert, Great Aunt of Deb Hyman June 26 Ida Grossman, Grandmother of Susan Kirshner June 26 Marta Kusic, Friend of Reggie McBee June 26 Genia Gloger, Grandmother of Erica Gloger June 27 Charles Lewis, Father of Barbara Lewis June 27 Lillian Spindel, Mother of Carol Stern June 27 Gordy Severs Foster, Foster Grandfather of Tric Nelson June 27 Herman Kropf, Father of Barry Kropf June 27 (Tamuz 5) Chad Allen, Cousin of Larry Neff June 28 Ruth Verdin, Aunt of Catherine Tarabochia June 28 Samuel Gasthalter, Grandfather of Mindy Gasthalter June 29 Rabbi Ira Eisenstein, Father of Miriam Eisenstein June 29 (Tamuz 7) Ursula Petersen, Friend of Elke Martin June 29
Member Yartzeits (Continued from page 12)
Mishpachah Matters Iyar-Sivan-Tamuz 5780/ May/June 2020 Page 14
Shabbat Services Bet Mishpachah holds Shabbat services every Friday at 8:00 pm, followed by an Oneg Shabbat social hour , with refreshments and on the second and fourth Saturday of every month at 10:00 am. Saturday morning services include a short Torah reading, a lively Torah discussion (in lieu of a sermon) and a Kiddush lunch, usually with bagels and lox. Location: Our Shabbat services are held at the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center (EDC JCC) at 16th and Q Streets, NW. Enter through the door on Q St, NW — the front desk staff will buzz you in. Shabbat services are held in Kay Community Hall; walk past the piano in the lobby and turn right, the entrance is just before the box office. Parking: A small parking lot is available behind the EDC JCC — enter the lot from Q St, NW. It has about 20 spaces, including one for disabled drivers. Additional free parking for Friday night services is available in the surface lot behind the Scottish Rite Temple starting at 7:30 PM. The lot will be closed and locked and all cars must be removed by 10:30 PM. Parking is at your own risk. The Temple is located at 16th and S Streets, NW; enter the lot from the alley that connects 15th and 16th St. in the block between R and S St. Sign Language interpretation for Shabbat services is available by sending an email request to [email protected] with a minimum of two weeks notice. Any changes to our regular Shabbat service schedule (e.g., due to inclement weather) will be posted on our website (www.betmish.org) and will be included in our weekly email broadcast — see next column to subscribe to both. To Sponsor an Oneg Shabbat or Kiddush Lunch, send an email to [email protected], with the date you’d like to sponsor and the occasion. To Schedule a Bet Mishpachah Event, email the date, space needs, and number of expected attendees to [email protected] Bet Mishpachah’s Affiliations Bet Mishpachah is a member of the: * World Congress of GLBT Jews: Keshet Ga’avah * Jewish Community Council of Greater Washington * Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington * Network of Independent Jewish Communities and Havurot Mishpachah Matters Newsletter Staff Coordinator — Liat Novek Design/Layout — Liat Novek Proofreaders — Alex Carter, Larry Neff, Mindy Gasthalter and Elke Martin Transliteration Macher — Scott Reiter Secretary — Erica Gloger Communications Chair — Mike Goldstein
Bet Mishpachah Newsletter Our newsletter, Mishpachah Matters, is published bimonthly by Bet Mishpachah, P.O. Box 1410, Washington, D.C., 20013. The newsletter is sent to members, donors, those interested in the congregation, and various Jewish and/or LGBTQ organizations. Articles, columns and content should be submitted by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Email them to [email protected] For a free electronic subscription, send an email to [email protected] To advertise in our newsletter, contact [email protected] Weekly Email Broadcast The congregation also distributes a weekly email blast which contains late-breaking congregational news about upcoming programs, as well as other Jewish and/or LGBTQ news that cannot be printed in our newsletter. To receive our weekly email broadcasts, send an email to [email protected] Congregational Website Be sure to check out our website at www.betmish.org with information about our congregation’s current and upcoming programs, our rabbi, and our history, as well as links to other websites of interest. Reprints. Information in any of our publications may be reprinted without permission, but acknowledgment of the source is required. Communications Policy. For questions about our editorial or advertising policies, send an email to [email protected] Membership To join our Bet Mishpachah family and become a member, email [email protected] Reduced membership is available for students, young people, new members, and those who live outside the DC metro area. Address, Phone, and Email Updates Send your name and old and new information to [email protected] Bikur Cholim — We Care About You Become a partner in the mitzva of Bikur Cholim — visiting the sick — by advising our Bikur Cholim Committee, rabbi, or president when you or a relative is hospitalized. We can stay informed ONLY if we receive the information. Please email us at [email protected]. Death Notices, Bereavement Services If you are in need of bereavement services or to announce a death in your family, email [email protected]. Donations To donate to our congregation, please mail your check to Bet Mishpachah, P.O. Box 1410, Washington, D.C. 20013 or donate via PayPal from the “Donations” page on our web site, www.betmish.org
Mishpachah Matters Iyar-Sivan-Tamuz 5780/ May/June 2020 Page 15
DIRECTORY
RABBIS Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin ................................... .............................. [email protected] Rabbi Bob Saks, Emeritus ................................. 301/864-1240 ...... [email protected]
BOARD OF DIRECTORS and COMMITTEES President: Mindy Gasthalter ............................. .............................. [email protected]
Rabbinic Liaison Committee: Al Munzer ......... .............................. [email protected]
Treasurer: Douglas Auerbach .......................... .............................. [email protected] Secretary: Erica Gloger .................................... .............................. [email protected]
Communication Committee: Mike Goldstein . .............................. [email protected] Director of Religious Affairs: Mitchell Haymes ... .............................. [email protected]
Choir (Tach’shitim) .......................................... .............................. [email protected] High Holy Days (HHD) Paula Morris .............. .............................. [email protected] Liturgy Committee: Scott Reiter ..................... .............................. [email protected] Religious Affairs Committee: Mitchell Haymes .............................. [email protected]
Director of Membership: Deb Hyman ................ .............................. [email protected] Director of Administration: Barry Friedman ....... …………………….. [email protected]
Hospitality Committee: Jessie Oneg/Kiddush Coordinator: ........................... .............................. [email protected] Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator: Devra Floyd ................... [email protected]
Director of Programming: Paula Morris ............. .............................. [email protected]
Book Readers’ Group: Art Leabman .............. .............................. [email protected] Education Committee: Jeff Kahn ..................... .............................. [email protected]
Director of Community Affairs: Brian Parks ........ .............................. [email protected] Director of Congregational Affairs: Bruce Horowitz .......................... [email protected]
Bereavement Support: Rod Ross ………………………………….. . [email protected] Bikur Cholim (Visiting the Sick): Letitia Gómez ............................. [email protected] Cemetery Committee: Allan Armus ................. .............................. [email protected] Northern Virginia Chavura: Eva Freund ......... .............................. [email protected] Social Justice: ................................................ …………………….. [email protected]
STAFF
Congregational Administrator: Liat Novek………………….. ............. [email protected] Congregational Bookkeeper: Elke Martin
Bet Mishpachah PO Box 1410
Washington DC 20013 www.betmish.org
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