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Worship Services
Friday, May 2Family Shabbat 6:00 PM
Erev Shabbat Service 7:30 PM
Saturday, May 3Shabbat Service 10:30 AM
Bat Mitzvah: Georgia HazelDaughter of Stacy MeyerIsrael’s Birthday Tot Shabbat 11:00 AM
Friday, May 9WRJ Erev Shabbat Service 7:30 PM
Saturday, May 10Shabbat Service 10:30 AM
Bar Mitzvah: Daniel NarchoSon of Gracie and Herman Narcho
Friday, May 16Erev Shabbat Service and 7:30 PM
Junior Congregation
Saturday, May 17Shabbat Service 10:30 AM
Tot Shabbat 11:00 AM
Friday, May 23Erev Shabbat Service 7:30 PM
Saturday, May 24Shabbat Service 10:30 AM
Friday, May 30Soul Shabbat Service 7:30 PM
Martin Mintz Award Presentation
Saturday, May 31Shabbat Service 10:30 AM
Bar Mitzvah: Joshua HilbertSon of Michael and Grace Hilbert
The Bulletinof Beth El Hebrew Congregation
May 2014 Alexandria, Virginia Iyyar/Sivan 5774
Pirke Avot: The Ethics of the FathersFour Wednesday Classes with the Rabbi in May
Hillel said, "If I am not for myself, who is for me?"
Your fellow Beth El congregants!
"And if I am only for myself, what am I?"
Ready for Adult Education!
"And if not now, when?"
Wednesday nights in May!
Join Rabbi Isserow as he guides us in the study of Pirke Avot on Wednesdays May
7, 14, 21, and 28 at 7 PM . See Message from the Rabbi on Page 2 of this Bulletin for
a complete description of this four-part course.
- Maryn Simon
Alexandria Days of Remembrance
In1988 Jim Moran, then Mayor of Alexandria, visited Yad Vashem in
Israel. He was so touched by the experience that he initiated an annual
civic ceremony observing the Days of Remembrance of the Holocaust.
This was the first municipally-sponsored ceremony in the Washington
Metropolitan area and is now in its 27 year.th
The City of Alexandria will observe the Days of Remembrance at noon
on Thursday, May 1, in Market Square, 301 King Street. This year's
theme is Memory, Arts, and the Future. The centerpiece of this year's
ceremony will be a commemorative
quilt created by 35 students of
Commonwealth Academy following a
study of the Holocaust. Rabbi Isserow
a n d C a n to r K a u fm a n w il l b e
participating; Ruth Folkman, Ron
Sturman and I are on the planning
Committee.
We hope that many Beth El members
will be able to attend and use the
moment to reflect on the Holocaust, and
that future generations will remember
this horrifying period of history.
- Joyce Gordon
~ in this issue ~
Rabbi Isserow’s Message ........ Page 2Beth El Family ......................................... 3Cantor Kaufman’s Corner .................. 4Words from President Waller ......... 5Inclusion Committee Hearing .......... 5Wine Tasting ............................................ 6WRJ ............................................................... 7Religious School and ECLC ................ 8Social Action/Social Justice..9, 10, 11May Calendar ........................................ 15Attention 2014 Graduates! ......... 16
Page 2 The Bulletin
Message from Rabbi Isserow
Teach us to number our days that we
may obtain a heart of wisdom…
(Psalm 90)
It has long been part of our tradition to
consciously number the days between
the second day of Pesach and Shavuot.
This process, known as the Counting of the Omer, normally
takes place immediately before the Aleinu during the evening
service, i.e., after sunset, and it is done daily for 49 days until
Shavuot.
In ancient times the Omer was the measure of barley that was
brought to the Temple in the spring as an offering, after
which the Israelites were free to eat of the new harvest. With
the demise of the sacrificial cult, the practice took on other
meanings in order to maintain its relevance. It has been
connected to the restoration of the land of Israel and, with the
Omer's agricultural underpinnings, support for the continua-
tion of Israel's success.
The counting of the Omer culminates in the Biblically
ordained festival of Shavuot. This harvest/pilgrimage festival
was celebrated by the bringing and offering of the first fruits
of the wheat harvest, the "Bikkurim," to the Temple in
Jerusalem. Later, in the Rabbinic period, Shavuot came to
celebrate the "Giving of the Torah" at Mount Sinai. More
recently, in the nineteenth century when the Reform
Movement instituted Confirmation, Shavuot was chosen as
the propitious time for celebrating this affirmation of Judaism
by the graduates of our Religious Schools.
Traditionally, the period of the Omer is considered to be a
time of apprehension. Between the vagaries of the weather,
the prospect of a spring campaign by one of ancient Israel's
more adventurous neighbors and worry about the future of
one's crops, the 49 days between Pesach and Shavuot were
filled with trepidation. The Talmudic Rabbis instituted
various restrictions that they hoped would mollify God and
prevent the worst from happening. So the Omer is considered
a time of semi-mourning. Weddings are not performed,
eulogies not given and a series of other restraints on
celebrations imposed. To a large extent most of these
restrictions are not adhered to in the Reform Movement and
the ritual of Counting the Omer has almost disappeared in
our congregations.
However, the tradition of studying during the Omer is still
alive and well. Over the centuries it has become a practice to
study Pirke Avot during the seven weeks from Pesach to
Shavuot. And so to honor this tradition we will study Pirke
Avot on each of the Wednesday evenings in May. Within this
reasonably short collection of the "Wisdom of the Ancestors"
we find short, pithy nuggets of wisdom each of which can be
the catalyst for deep thought and discussion. º
Torah Talk
The weekly Torah portion is discussed in the
Seminar Room on Saturdays at 9 AM . All are welcome.
Mintz Award GoesTo Stuart Feldstein
The Martin M. Mintz Outstanding
Volunteer Award, established to honor
this past president, is awarded
annually to a member of Beth El "who
has contributed effective, unselfish , hum anitarian,
continuing, long-term outstanding service to the
Congregation." The 2014 award will be presented to Stuart
Feldstein at Shabbat services on Friday, May 30.
Stuart and Ellen Feldstein joined Beth El in 1963 on moving
to the area. Stuart’s service to Beth El over the next 51 years
has been exemplary and wide-ranging. He has chaired the
Adult Education Committee, the Administration Committee
and the Budget Committee and served on several others.
He served on the board of directors and was the treasurer of
the synagogue for six years. Among his accomplishments as
treasurer was the renegotiation of Beth El's mortgage twice
to obtain more favorable terms. Stuart is recognizable to
many members as he has been a High Holiday usher for more
than 25 years and worked with Brotherhood catering for
nearly as long.
Come congratulate this worthy Beth El volunteer on May 30.
- Bobbie Gershman
Some of the sayings will be familiar because they are often
quoted and several of the Rabbis too are well known — but
there are also more obscure pronouncements, many of which
take more than a moment’s consideration, whose
implications are deep and sometimes disturbing.
The point of systematically going through the text rather than
hitting the highlights is that it gives us a more comprehensive
understanding of how our teachers thought and understood
their world for better or for worse.
I will provide the texts and commentary and hope that you
will join us at 7PM each Wednesday as we submerge
ourselves in this pool of insight and wisdom which
culminates in the celebration of Shavuot, zman matan
Torateinu, the time of receiving of our Torah.
- Brett
May 2014 Page 3
Our Family
Mazel Tov to:Sue Rabin on the birth of a grandson, Noah Rabin Schwartz.
Noah’s parents are Drs. Tracy Rabin and Jeremy
Schwartz.
Jesse Olitzky, a rabbi at the Jacksonville, FL Jewish Center
and grandson of Sandra and Mel Rosenblatt, was
selected by readers of the Jewish Daily Forward as
one of America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis.
Harriet Whitman Dunkerley on her acceptance to Hebrew
Union College/Jewish Institute of Religion, where
she will study to become a cantor. Harriet is the
daughter of Gerda and Nelson Whitman.
Noah Wax, who won first place in Chemistry at the 59th
Annual Fairfax County Regional Science and
Engineering Fair held March 14-16 at Robinson
Secondary School.
Scott Gordon for receiving a PhD in Psychology from The
Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Scott is
the Executive Director of The 296 Project, a Veterans’
Service Organization that provides creative
therapeutic programs to combat Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. He is
the son-in-law of Carole and Joel Geisner.
Condolences to:Jay Schoendorf on the death of his mother, Ellen Schoendorf.
B’nei MitzvahGeorgia Hazel is in seventh grade at Gunston Middle School,
and has been in the Spanish Immersion program since
kindergarten. She plays saxophone in the school band and ice
skates competitively, successfully representing Kettler Capi-
tals Iceplex. For her mitzvah project, Georgia was a tutor and
assisted Nancy Tobin in her 4 Grade Sunday school class asth
madrecha. Georgia is grateful to her tutors Nancy Tobin and
Jeanette Astrow for their guidance, patience and persistence.
The family is also appreciative of Barry Smith for welcoming
us back to the temple, and for his support. Georgia looks
forward to celebrating with family and friends on May 3.
Daniel Narcho is a seventh grade honor student at
Williamsburg Middle School. He stays very busy playing
travel soccer for an Arlington team and lacrosse with the
Arlington Youth Lacrosse Club. For his Mitzvah Project, he is
collecting over 5,000 gently used books to help establish
Arlington Book Shelf programs. The program strives to get
books in the hands of children at Title I Schools. Daniel
would like to thank the incredible Lisa Sheldone for helping
him learn his Torah and Haftarah portions, as well as Rabbi
Isserow and Cantor Kaufman for their support. Daniel is
looking forward to celebrating this simcha with his family
and friends on May 10.
º
Brotherhood SpecialPolitical ForumSunday, May 18
One of the most hotly contested political races in Northern
Virginia this year will be the 8 District Democratic Primaryth
in June. Jim Moran is retiring after eleven terms in the U.S.
Congress in what is considered to be a safely Democratic
district. It is expected that whoever wins the Democratic
primary will win the election in the fall against the
Republican challenger.
Brotherhood will hold a special Political Brunch on Sunday,
May 18 from 10AM to noon, with all the leading candidates for
this race invited. The program is co-hosted by the Jewish
Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington
with support from Congregation Etz Hayim, Temple Rodef
Shalom and the Uriah P. Levy Lodge of B'nai B'rith's
Chesapeake Bay Region.
More than a dozen Democratic candidates announced they
would seek the Democratic nomination but the crowded field
has already dropped to ten and may continue to be in flux
until the June10 Primary. As of April 9, those still in the race
are former lieutenant governor Don Beyer, Alexandria mayor
Bill Euille, Virginia State Senator Adam Ebbin (Alexandria),
Delegates Charniele L. Herring (Alexandria) and Patrick A.
Hope (Arlington), businessmen Bruce Shuttleworth and
Satish Korpe, Virginia Tech professor Derek Hyra, former
non-profit CEO Lavern Chatman and radio host Mark Levine.
This promises be a most interesting and impactful Brother-
hood Political Forum. Register to attend so you can make an
informed vote on June 10. The cost is $12 before May 10 and
$15 after that date.
The moderator of the event will be Jeremy Flachs; for more
information, contact [email protected].
- Jay Jarvis, Jeremy Flachs and David Colton
Joshua Hilbert is a 7 grade student at Frost Middle School. th
He enjoys playing cello and is in the school orchestra. He is a
member of the Kol Nova Youth Choir and a boy scout with
troop #1346. He loves fixing computers and is the leader of
the school tech team. Josh thanks his tutor Lisa Sheldone for
her kindness and patience in helping him prepare for his bar
mitzvah, as well as Rabbi Isserow and Cantor Kaufman for
their support throughout the process. For his mitzvah pro-
ject, Josh learned how the Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT)
project helps children in developing countries. He is grateful
to Deborah Schaefer for mentoring him and providing the
opportunity to help with this year's ORT event. Josh looks
forward to celebrating his Bar Mitzvah on May 31.
Page 4 The Bulletin
Stop and Seethe Flowers
I admit it - I came down with a
case of Cherry Blossom fever
this year... big time.
Last year, one of my visits to Beth El actually occurred during
Cherry Blossom season. Everyone kept telling me how lucky
I was to be in town to see the trees. At that point, I wasn't yet
aware of the Cherry Blossom craze, and I didn't entirely
understand what all the fuss was about. Trying to learn the
local culture, I remember excitedly pointing out that I had
found a cherry tree, only to learn that I had incorrectly
pointed out either a dogwood or magnolia.
Fast forward to this year, and now I'm the one pointing out
which tree is which. I have fallen in love with these beautiful
little flowers. The weeks leading up to the peak bloom, I
would visit the tidal basin to see the deep red buds
developing, before they eventually bloomed into beautiful
red, pink and white flowers. I joined friends for many runs
around the Jefferson and Martin Luther King, Jr. memorials to
witness the beauty of these trees. In fact, one of my favorite
moments of the season was running around the tidal basin
during a rain storm. For a few moments, it felt that I had the
entire Cherry Blossom collection to myself.
I have been astounded by the tourists, and the traffic, that
these beautiful little flowers bring. It's quite remarkable that
with our increasingly busy lives, so many take the time to
stop whatever they are doing to be a part of the colorful
experience at the tidal basin. What's also quite remarkable is
how much the city of Washington DC transforms itself for a
season that lasts just about a week. I wonder if cherry
blossoms would be as special to us if they were part of the
landscape all year round. Perhaps it's the very fact that they
have such brief lives that the cherry blossoms are so special
to us. To witness them in full bloom is be a part of a fleeting
moment.
So much of what we do as a religious community is to add
meaning to moments in our lives that last for a brief moment.
Shabbat, for example, can be understood as a lesson of
moderation. No matter how busy or important we may feel,
our tradition demands that we spend an entire day, every
week, with loved ones, surrounded by community, free from
the burdens of our daily schedule. We are told that during
this time destruction, as well as creation, are forbidden.
Shabbat is about appreciating the act of just simply being.
As a Reform community, through the mantra of informed
choice through knowledge, we individually have made
choices on what our Shabbat observance looks like. However
you choose to engage with Shabbat, I encourage you to find
º
the wisdom in its intent to force us to exist within the
beautiful world that we find ourselves in.
When next year’s cherry blossom season comes around, may
everyone of us find a way to be a part of the experience.
Wake up before sunrise, if need be, to visit the trees before
you begin your work day. Go, even if it's a hassle. Go, because
it's a hassle. And if you can't go, there is even a website that
live streams the Tidal Basin!
Ultimately, is there really anything more important then
seeing beautiful little flowers?
- Jason
C A N T O R’SORNER
Beth El Klezmer Band: David Simon, Julienne Bramesco, Maryn Simonplaying at Cantor’s Installation Dinner. Band will play for Mother’s DayBrunch.
Treasurer Todd Levine and Cantor Jason Kaufman enjoy Purim!Photo by Diane Suchman
May 2014 Page 5
President’s Message
Pre-Oneg? What's That?
Pre-oneg? Never heard of that? It's a
Beth El-ism….what we call the 6:30 to
7:30 PM hour (5:30 to 6:30 in the
summer) every Friday evening before
the 7:30 Kabbalat Shabbat service.
Pre-onegs are not a replacement for our
traditional onegs after the service.
Rather, they're a time to transition from the hurry-up stress
of daily life to the calm of Shabbat.
If you haven't experienced our pre-oneg hour, please do come
try it out. You can have a glass of wine or non-alcoholic wine,
water, cheese, fruit, and crackers, or you can just chat with
fellow congregants, new members, and guests, along with the
rabbi and the cantor. (The wine's pretty decent, by the way.
If it's Manishevitz you want, you'll find that at the oneg.) You
can do some shopping too—WRJ's Judaica shop is open.
We hold the pre-onegs in Hayman Foyer, our front lobby, so
when you walk in it's the first thing you see. I'll always
remember those awkward days as a new member who knew
almost no one. I think there are still dents in the wall where
I held it up every Friday. The pre-oneg hour is meant to ease
some of that awkwardness. For new members and guests
alike, it's a lot less intimidating to make that long walk to the
sanctuary in the company of folks you've chatted with in a
quasi-social setting.
Pre-oneg really doesn't do the hour justice and we're looking
for a better name. Pre-oneg sounds, it must be said, a bit
strange; wine and cheese reception isn't what it is; if you've
got a better name, please let me know. And, if you'd like to
sponsor a pre-oneg to commemorate a special occasion,
honor someone, or just because, please let the office know.
The cost is $100 and it's tax deductible.
- Linda Waller
Inclusion Committee Wants to HearYour Needs, Interests and Concerns
At its May 4 Meeting
The Beth El Inclusion Committee was created nearly five
years ago to eliminate physical barriers in our building; to
raise congregational awareness about inclusion and create an
environment that is accessible regardless of an individual's
age, disability or other challenges; and ultimately, to welcome
all who come through our doors so that they can participate
to the full extent of their interest in worship, religious school
and other activities. We have made considerable progress,
but we are not finished.
We invite you to join us on Sunday, May 4, at 11 AM in the
multipurpose room for the first Inclusion Committee meeting
in 2014 and a light brunch.
We will briefly review the committee's achievements and
ongoing activities. Most important, we would like to hear
from you and learn about any needs, ideas, interests or
concerns that the Inclusion Committee might address. We
especially want to hear from families with religious school
age children. We need your help to develop our next set of
goals and programs.
Please contact either of the committee co-chairs, Julienne
B ram esco a t jw bra m esco@ gm a il .c o m o r m e at
[email protected] , if you have questions or
comments or to RSVP so that we know how much food is
needed. Thanks! We look forward to seeing you.
- Jeanne Holden
Enjoying Mad About Movies Photo by Diane Suchman
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Contact Ellen Feldstein, Bulletin editor, for information
about placing your one-time or monthly ad at 703-941-1723
Page 6 The Bulletin
Culture Club — It's Spring!Let's Head Outdoors!
We will meet at the Sculpture Garden of the National Gallery
at 11 AM Friday, May 9 to enjoy a variety of wonderful
sculptures and garden vignettes. The highlight will be the
museum’s newest addition, the Mark Chagall mosaic wall.
This fabulous piece was recently written about in The
Washington Post. You can learn more at the website:
www.nga.gov. After a leisurely stroll, we'll "do lunch" at the
museum's delightful cafe before heading back to Virginia.
There are no rosters for Culture Club — all adult Beth El
members and their guests are invited to participate every
month, or once in a while. Just let me know if you are coming
by May 7 at [email protected].
- Meryl Goldhammer
Spring Yoga is Coming
Weekly drop-in Yoga classes continue on Wednesday
evenings from 6:15 - 7:15 PM in the multi-purpose room. The
cost is $12 per session.
Erin will work with the class on May 14; Glory, a new
instructor, will offer classes on May 7, 21, 28 and June 4.
- Karen Jupiter
Speak Up!
Do you have something you would like to
say to your Beth El board of directors?
Each board meeting begins with a 15-minute open session,
from 7:15 - 7:30 PM , devoted to those members who have
something they would like to say to or ask of the board.
Board meetings are generally held the third Tuesday of each
month. The next meeting is to be held on May 20.
Renaissance Group to Take a Hike
The Renaissance Group is planning a hike at Mason Neck
State Park, Saturday, May 24, at 10 AM , with the rain date
being Saturday, May 31, same time. A non-hosted lunch will
follow the hiking at 1:00 PM , with the place to be announced.
This morning hike should appeal to everyone. There are five
miles of hiking trails, most in the easy category, and some
moderate, as well as some accessible, so everyone interested
can participate. There is also a nice Visitor Center, with some
exhibits, boating available, and possible bird-watching, as it
is the home of many eagles and ospreys. Some people may
simply wish to come and enjoy the park offerings, do a stroll
along the waterfront or the short boardwalk trail, and then
meet for lunch.
Trail maps will be available that morning, so people can
evaluate the trails, and put together a few of them for an
appropriate walk to match their interests and abilities. Some
are along the water and some are in the woods. No individual
trail is longer than 1.3 miles, but they easily connect, for
those who wish to do a longer walk.
We will meet at the Visitors Center at the end of the road into
the park. The park is in southern Fairfax County, about 20
miles from Washington, D.C. Access to the park is via U.S. 1,
then five miles east on Route 242 (Gunston Road) to the park
entrance. Directions will be emailed to those who sign up, or
c a n b e f o u n d o n l i n e o n t h e p a r k w e b s i t e .
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/mason-neck.shtml.
Lunch information will be posted on the Beth El website
(Renaissance section) when available, and more specific
information regarding the event can be found there, as well.
Please contact Enid and Jerry Liess, [email protected],
703-978-5168, with any questions or concerns. We welcome
everyone, and always have a great hike!
- Enid Liess
Wine
Tasting
Saturday, May 3
7—9 PM
Cost is $20; proceeds will benefit
the teen summer 2014 Israel trip
Event for ages 21 and up;
Babysitting will be available
RSVP to Beth EL Office at
703-370-9400 or
May 2014 Page 7
Has it really been a Year?
The programming year for WRJ is drawing
to a close with the celebration of the WRJ
Shabbat on May 9. Our annual potluck
dinner begins at 6 PM with entertainment
by the Beth El Klezmer Band, followed by Shabbat services at
7:30 PM . We will also be honoring our 2014 Women of the
Year, Sara Deshong and Susan Whitman . What a great way
to end my first year as Beth El's WRJ President.
You should have received your 2014 WRJ Raffle tickets in the
mail. The annual raffle raises essential funds for the opera-
tion of WRJ and for the support of Beth El. The winners of the
raffle will be drawn at the May 9 WRJ Potluck Dinner.
We have had a very successful year and that is mostly due to
the support of the board and all of our members. There are so
many who dedicate endless hours of their time to ensure our
continued success. This was obvious at the oneg on March 28
with the spread of delicious and beautiful oneg items
provided by our members in honor of Cantor Jason
Kaufman's installation.
I am truly thankful for all the support and encouragement I
have received this year and am excited about what we will
accomplish next year.
- Suzie Shalewitz, President, BE-WRJ
WRJ Book Group will meet on Tuesday, June 3, at 11 AM for
the last get-together of the season. Following the discussion
of this month’s book, This is Where I Leave You, by Jonathan
Topper , all will enjoy a light lunch as the guests of Sisterhood
before selecting a list of books for the 2014-15 season.
Questions? Contact Rita DiTrani, 703-272-8668.
Upcoming Events/Reminders/Volunteer Opportunities:
Monthly board meeting - May 7
Contact Suzie Shalewitz at [email protected]
Carpenters Shelter - Cooking - May 13 and Serving - May 14
Contact Karen Aftergut at [email protected]
Knitting Club - May 11 and 25
Contact Gail Lipkin at [email protected]
Oneg baking opportunities - Contact Jo Ann Allen at
M a h J o n g g - C o n t a c t S u s a n W h i t m a n a t
Tuesdays 2:15 - 4:15PM ,
Thursdays 6:30 - 8:30PM
- Suzie Shalewitz
Israel Street Festival
New location! Mosaic District, 2910
District Avenue, Fairfax (Lee Highway &
Gallows Road). Sunday, May 18, noon-5PM .
Headlining entertainment: Israeli band, Capaim . The festival,
which typically draws more than 3,000 patrons, celebrates
the sights, sounds and flavors of Israel by featuring
performances, exhibits and activities throughout the
afternoon. Highlights include: Gaga pit, Israeli dancing,
Israel-style shuk (marketplace), exhibits and more.
Food for purchase. Free parking, free admission and Metro
accessible. Presented by the Jewish Community Center of
Northern Virginia in partnership with The Jewish Federation
of Greater Washington, The Embassy of Israel, and area
agencies and synagogues. www.jccnv.org 703-323-0880.
Susan Whitman,Sara Deshong:
Chosen WRJWomen of the Year
Susan Whitman has served as treasurer of the Judaica Shop
since 2009. She has assisted Sisterhood with various
volunteer jobs including baking hamentaschen, cutting
apples, baking for onegs and most recently assisting Sara in
teaching Mah Jongg classes. Susan served a term on the Beth
El board of directors and presently chairs its college
committee. An attorney with the Federal Government, she
lives in Alexandria with her husband Lloyd. Her children
Julian and Alana are both post-con graduates, currently in
college. Susan is delighted to be recognized together with
Sara, truly a driving force and delightful partner in so many
of WRJ's endeavors. She is grateful to WRJ for the many
opportunities to build community and support Beth El.
Sara Deshong has served as Manager of the WRJ Judaica Shop
since 2008. Before that she spent several years assisting the
previous manager and learning the ropes. Sara has worked to
expand the number of WRJ women who volunteer in running
the shop. She travels to New York each summer to choose
Judaic and Israeli merchandise and oversees the annual
Hanukkah and Passover Boutiques. Sara was responsible for
starting the first of our now-annual Hanukkah dinners. She
also coordinated WRJ's first series of Mah Jongg classes with
Susan. An elementary school teacher in the Fairfax County
Public School system, she lives in Alexandria with her
husband Omar and their dog Petulia. Sara is grateful to work
with Susan, a dedicated treasurer and friend. Sara thanks the
WRJ Board for this year's Woman of the Year award.
- Suzie Shalewitz
Page 8 The Bulletin
Teaching A Meaningful
Lesson Is Hard Work
Sunday, April 6, was a very meaningful
day for me as a Jewish educator. I had
th e p riv ilege of tea chin g o u r
Confirmation Class. Confirmation teachers Mary Meyerson
and Brian Franklin try their best to assure that the Rabbi,
Cantor and I have at least one session a year with the
Confirmation class.
My lesson this year was introducing to the class Rabbi
Abraham Joshua Heschel. Rabbi Heschel was a great scholar,
philosopher and in my humble opinion, a modern day
Prophet who demanded that the Jews and the world
community take actions “of high moral grandeur and
spiritual audacity.”
As I prepared for this class, I was reminded how hard it is to
prepare a lesson that is exciting, interactive, meaningful, and
meets the goals one sets out to accomplish. Each week our
teachers are required to complete a form affectionately
known as “Windows Into My Class Room" (a.k.a Lesson Plan)
which includes the following components:
� Objectives: What do you want students to learn today?
How do these objectives match the curriculum?
� Active Learning Activities to Achieve Objectives
� Evaluation: Evidence of Learning: describe how you will
know if student has met the objectives for the lesson. Did the
students learn the objectives? If not, why and how would you
improve the lesson next time to achieve objectives?
Preparing the Windows Into My Classroom is hard work that
will ultimately result in a meaningful learning experience. As
a part of my lesson, I requested each student to identify an
action that they wanted a leader to take that required "high
moral grandeur and spiritual audacity." The actions
suggested related to a variety of topics from LGBT rights,
global warming, world peace, and more reasonable require-
ments by school administrators. I told the students my goal
was to ask them next year what they did to encourage leaders
to take such actions.
Teaching is hard, and we are blessed with Jewish educators,
including our Rabbi and Cantor, who work hard to create
meaningful lessons with the goal of increasing understanding
of how Judaism can be integrated into the students’ worlds.
To honor this hard work, please join us on Sunday, June 1, for
our Jewish Educators Appreciation Breakfast. Time and other
details will be found in the E-bulletin and on our Beth El Web
site.
L'shalom,
Barry Smith, Director of Education
Early ChildhoodLearning Center
Teacher appreciation week is at the
beginning of May, usually the second
week. While I hope we show our
appreciation for our teachers all year
long, this opportunity gives us a minute to
step back and make sure! Our teachers are the keys to our
success. They are on the front lines each day interacting with,
teaching with and learning from our kids. These wonderful
people are shaping the future of our young friends. They love
our kids on good days and bad and always go the extra mile
to create a great classroom.
This year we are blessed with a fantastic staff. A combination
of veteran teachers and teachers new to our school, everyone
has worked tirelessly to carry out our Reggio Emilia
philosophy, encouraging exploration and thoughtful
discoveries. Being a Reggio teacher is different than being a
teacher in a traditional classroom in that you can't plan too
far in advance. The work is more in the moment and after in
documenting the discoveries and the learning. Reggio
teachers need to be flexible and able to turn on a dime when
the class interest shifts. This is not to say that there is no
planning! Teachers are always ready—but it is not
uncommon for the plan to change.
Successful teachers are those who have the passion, energy
and love for a classroom full of small people. It is truly a
privilege to lead and guide a group that possesses these
wonderful qualities. -Dina Backer
Todah Rabbah
to Carolyn Cass, Suzie Shalewitz and all those who assisted
them in putting on a truly delicious and delightful Second
Night Seder for a packed house.
The Beth El/JCCNV Preschool
accepts students from 18 mo (by Sept 30)
to 5 years old, offers full time and part time
programs, is licensed by the
Commonwealth of Virginia and is open
to all members of the community.
Come join the warm and loving environment;
there are a few spots left for summer and fall
For more information about the preschool
please contact Dina Backer,
703-537-3084 or [email protected]
May 2014 Page 9
Social Action/Social Justice
Kudos to Bobbie Gershman for
once again leading the Oral
Rehydration Therapy Initiative.
Bar M itzva h stu d ent Josh
Hilbert and his family worked on
Saturday to set up for the event
and Josh worked all day Sunday.
Thanks, Josh!
This event, which involved 150 participants, 34 percent of
whom were BEHC members, will save many lives by
reversing life-threatening dehydration.
Good Deeds Day at Gesher Jewish
Day School resulted in many
young ones making pillowcases
for children hospitalized with
serious medical conditions. Molly
and M adelyn Backer were
a m o n g t h o s e w h o m a d e
pillowcases.
Mitzvah Mavens are hosting a Luncheon with Holocaust
Survivors. During this unique event, which falls on the eve of
Yom HaZikaron (Israel's Day of Remembrance), we will
engage in conversation focused on the power of Jewish
memory - both collective and personal - to connect, teach and
inspire us. Expect to share memories, join in meaningful
discussion with new friends and learn about the Jewish Social
Service Agency's Holocaust Survivor Program which, with the
support of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington,
provides assistance to 250 local Holocaust Survivors, many
of whom are living below the poverty line.
This program is for women ages 14+, no exceptions. It will be
held on Sunday, May 4, from 11 AM to 1PM and includes an
introduction to the JSSA program and what to expect and a
Lunch & Learn with Holocaust Survivors.
Note: your attendance is required for the entirety of the
event. JCC of Greater Washington 6125 Montrose Road,
Rockville, MD; $36 couvert.
Step ALIVE! for CDC
Join Team Beth El. The 33 annual Step ALIVE! Walkathonrd
will be held on Sunday, May 4, to raise funds for ALIVE!'s
Child Development Center (CDC), a full-day preschool
program serving children of low-income working parents.
This 5k or 5 mile (walker's choice) stroll kicks off at 2 PM at
First Christian Church, 2723 King Street, Alexandria, and
ends at the same place.
After the Walkathon, a picnic featuring food, music and prizes
will be provided by the CDC. Entertainment will be provided
by the Taste of Bluegrass band and Sixteenth Tabernacle A
Cappella choir.
Register in advance online at www.alive-inc.org or at the
event on May 4, or call 703-837-9321 to obtain a registration
form. Each registrant receives a specially-designed T-shirt.
The fee for walkers aged 19 to 70 is $20; those 12 to 18 and
over 70 pay $5. Those under 12 are admitted free.
If you are unable to participate, there is a special rate of $25
for "virtual walkers." On-site registration and T-shirt
distribution will start at 1:15 PM .
Contact the Beth El ALIVE! Representative, Deborah
Schaffer at [email protected] for more information.
*****
Help Postal WorkersStamp out Hunger
Don't forget that Saturday, May10, is the annual nationwide
Stamp Out Hunger letter carriers' food drive. Leave
nonperishable food in a bag by your mailbox to help feed the
hungry — wherever you live. ALIVE! receives the food
collected by letter carriers in Alexandria.
Caregivers' Support Group
The Caregivers' Support Group helps those caring for a
husband, child, or friend. We share strategies, resources, and
support one another to make day to day living a little easier.
The next meeting of the support group will be on Sunday,
May 18, from 11 AM to noon in Rabbi Isserow's study.
Congregants interested in attending are encouraged to call or
email me at 703-370-5552 or [email protected].
- Francie Fox-Schweber
Page 10 The Bulletin
Helping homeless families
transition to independence,
with dignity
BEH Household Donations
Over the years, Beth El has been extremely supportive in
keeping the Beth El House (BEH) program alive and thriving
for our resident mothers and their young children. Without
your support, we could not continue to keep our doors open
for the next homeless family needing a place to call home.
Since 1992, many changes to our program have taken place
that have enriched the lives of the families we serve. Besides
establishing greater professional services, one of the most
important changes has been in providing our families with
their own apartment to enjoy privacy and to create a
nurturing family environment—most especially after a very
traumatic experience with homelessness.
In 2008, we vacated the single family home that used to
house our resident families, and a home which had a storage
shed to receive donations. Since that time, each family is
placed into their own two-bedroom apartment. As a result,
we do not have a staging/storage area to store donations.
Each time we select a new resident, we assess their needs.
Each of our residents comes to us either with their own
household items (complete, because they once did have a
household or with nothing because they lost everything). In
the meantime, we have no way to store household goods
because we have no storage space. Beth El House works from
a virtual office space. Our two part-time employees both
work from home and use the temple office as a mailing
address and for meeting rooms for our Board of Director and
committee meetings.
We are always honored to receive the offer of donations from
each and every one of you as we realize how very important
this social action program is to the congregation. However,
we also hope you can understand our limitations in accepting
donations when our resident households are established and
set.
As always, we are more than happy to refer you to worthy
organizations that will place your donations into the hands of
those who are most in need. Working together within our
community, we can indeed make a difference!
If you have any questions or would like to discuss donation
information, please contact me at [email protected]
or 703-360-6296.
Happy Mother's Day!
- Kari Wright Warren , BEH Executive Director
JCCNV/Beth El 55+
DC's First Major Terrorist Attack: An Account of theB’nai B’rith Hostage Takeover
Wednesday, May 7, 10:30 AM - noon
Presented by Paul Green, author, Forgotten Hostages
Along with 125 of his colleagues, Paul faced threats of
beheading and death from the Hanafi Muslim terrorists who
violently captured the B'nai B'rith building on March 9, 1977.
Men and women were shot, stabbed, beaten and assaulted as
the attack gained momentum. Across town the future mayor
of Washington, Marion Barry, almost died from a shotgun
pellet and a young reporter, Maurice Williams, was killed. A
mosque, was also attacked and hostages taken. Washington's
first major terrorist incident, with its anti-Semitic vitriol and
explosiveness, left more than 150 lives hanging in the
balance. With Washington in chaos, it became an internation-
al event. For the hostages, it was 40 hours of terror, pain,
dismay, enlightenment and hope. Paul, who at the time was
an executive at B’nai B’rith International, shares with us his
first-hand account of this harrowing experience. He will be
selling his book, Forgotten Hostages, after the program.
RSVP: Shelly Rosenstein to [email protected], or
703-537-3062 by May 2.
L’Dor V’dor – From Generation to GenerationWednesday, May 14, 10:30AM- noon (includes lunch)
Presented by Beth El Early Childhood Learning Center
“You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book
and read to a child.”- Dr. Seuss.
They are sweet and precious and say the darndest things.
Here is your opportunity to enjoy a wonderful morning with
our own preschoolers from Beth El’s Early Childhood
Learning Center for our first intergenerational program. If
anyone would like to bring a picture of grandchild(ren), there
will be time to kvell about them. If you like, stay for a light
lunch with sandwiches after the program. It will be a great
time to catch up with other members.
Lunch cost: $7NM/$5M JCCNV or synagogue member
RSVP to Shelly Rosenstein (as above) by May 10
Israel and the MediaWednesday, May 21, 10:30 AM -noon
Presented by Ido Rakovsky, JCCNV-JAFI Community
Shaliach (Emissary) and Jewish Agency Israel
Fellow to Hillel at George Mason University
Israel has dozens of newspapers and magazines that play an
important role in Israel’s political, social and cultural life. But
who really are the forces behind the printed word in Israel?
Wednesday, May 28 – No Program
May 2014 Page 11
As we start planning our calendar of
activities for next year, we would welcome
your suggestions for exciting, enjoyable,
family-oriented events.
I want to single out Jeremy Flachs, Matt
M utterperl, Donna Blum-Kemelor;
Rachael Turner, Fred Reiner, and
Leocadia Conlon , for taking leadership
roles and working exceptionally hard to
make our annual Purim Carnival an outstanding success for
our Religious School students. These leaders were joined by
many volunteers, who pitched in to help, including: Ruth and
Shiri Abramovitch; Jonathon Ball; Henry Brooks; Arlyn
Childs; Leor, Sheir and Nava Clark; Brendan Conlon;
Taylor Daniels; Anna Ellis; Zeke Farkas; Art and Simon
Gershman; Diana Haemer; Jay Heltzer; Arlene Hewitt;
Carmen Honker; Hillary Howard; Sarah Jacobson; John
Jankowski; Jay Jarvis; Debbie Katz; Jack Kaye; Dylan and
Phil Kemelor; Ian Key; Jason and Justin LaKier; Liz
Leavitt; Sarah Leckman; Abbie Levine; Seth Lewis; Eric
Lotke; Marika Mortimer-Lotke; Sue, Hannah and Roland
Meisner; Thea Mills; Noah Mutterperl; Eric and Laura
Naide; Tatiana Rivera; Claire and Dani Sassin; Glenn
Seigal; Suzie Shalewitz; Lisa Shosteck; Roger Smith; David
and Ben Spindler; Sam Statter; Peter Suchman; Samara,
Shoshannah and Michael Tanner and Arlene Tave.
A big thank you to Art Gershman for managing our Yom
Ha'Shoah Yellow Candle initiative.
Plan to come to our annual Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday
May 11. See enclosed flyer.
And plan to come to our Political Forum Brunch on Sunday
May 18. Save money by pre-paying no later than May 1.
E-mail your reservations to [email protected], and leave
your check in our Brotherhood mail box.
A big thank you to Jim Goldwater, [email protected] and
Fred Silverberg, [email protected], co-managers of
our Beth El Brotherhood softball team. Our competitive
softball season got started with pre-season games on April
17, to be followed by games through the end of July. Our
team would sincerely welcome a fan club to root for them at
games. Please contact Jim or Fred for dates, times and
locations.
Plan to attend our annual Religious School picnic gala on June
8 at high noon immediately following Religious School.
Brotherhood's annual membership dinner meeting is planned
for June 20. E-mail your reservations to [email protected]
and leave your check at Beth El. Thanks to our Budget
Committee, chaired by Peter Suchman , our new draft budget
was developed and is ready for presentation to our general
membership for their consideration and approval.
º
Two Success Stories
Mad About Movies — the Big Winner! Peter Suchman created incredible posters that set the tone
throughout the opening reception.....
Sue Moss and Kitchen Gourmet presented a variety of
delicious foods from the hors d'oeuvres to custom-made
quesadillas, sliders and smokehouse specials. Guests roasted
marshmallows and created their own s'mores!
The dance floor was filled all night long thanks to the mixing
of Eddie of Davis DeeJays — line dances, swing, meringue
and motown - something for everyone!
Congregant Mark Sommerfield donated the services of his
Green Screen company and guests walked the red carpet to
have their photos taken with everyone from Marilyn Monroe
to the Shark.
Raffle drawings included the 50/50 and two baskets from
Fresh Market and Trader Joe's. Movie passes, donated by
Angelika, were won by the Perlsteins for best costume.
We are extremely grateful to our committee, Lennie
Goldman; Annette Kilian; Diane and Peter Suchman;
Henry Suchman; the office staff; the custodial staff; and to
all of you who attended and/or donated to this fundraiser.
Rhoda Goldman and Meryl Goldhammer
Fundraising Co-chairs
ORT Recap
Our tenth annual Oral Rehydration Therapy event on March
30 was another success. We filled 15,469 packets with sugar,
baking soda, salt and potassium and packed 69 boxes that are
on their way to save lives in the Philippines.
Thanks to Brotherhood and Religious school for their
financial support, to Rabbi Isserow and Barry Smith for
their always positive and spiritual support, to the Social
Action Committee members who spent the entire day
helping me get the job done, to the maintenance staff who
cheerfully put their backs into the effort, to the 125 adult
volunteers and 30 younger workers from congregations
around the area. My greatest thanks goes to Deborah
Schaffer who I always count on to have my back and get me
through all of the arrangements before and after the event.
- Bobbie Gershman
The Brotherhood Man of the Year award will be presented to
Henry Brooks at our annual membership dinner meeting on
June 20. Also, the JCS Golden Torch Bearer award will be
presented to Glenn Siegal that evening.
-Roger E. Smith, Brotherhood President
Page 12 The Bulletin
The Congregation gratefully acknowledges the following contributions:
ARNOLD G. FINK LEARNING CENTER & LIBRARY FUNDDonorEl Shaddai Gebreyes
Donor In Memory ofBeverly Jeanne Davis Rabbi Arnold G. FinkPamela Fisher Esther HirschDeborah Sherman Susan OlomHelene Butler Esther Fulleringer
BETH EL GENERAL FUNDDonor In Honor ofEllen & Stuart Feldstein Rhoda Goldman’s Special Birthday and
Barbara Mintz’s Special BirthdayDonorJoseph & Rosalie Johnson
Donor In Appreciation ofNat’l Pan Hellenic Council of NOVA Friday Night Services
Donor In Memory ofAlan and Jaqueline Gropman Hilda PassDr. & Mrs. Robert Luber David KraftShirley S. Freidson Morris FreidsonJack Wilkenfeld Esther Halm Wilkenfeld and Leo HalmRosalie & Monroe Lesser Jack Lesser and Israel, Rachel & Asher FriedWilliam Kramer Shirley FishbachOwen L. Greenblatt Goldie GreenblattGerrie & Ronald Sturman Louis SturmanAudrey Agranov Basya AronovaSybil J. Levin Mary Jacobson
BETH EL MORTGAGE FUNDDonor In Memory ofBrian Franklin Hy FranklinLucy Civitello & Howard Cohen Michael Civitello
ENDOWMENT FUNDDonor In Honor ofAnnette Kilian Max Goldstein’s Special BirthdayBeth El Social Seniors Bertha Shostak’s 100 Birthdayth
Annette KilianRuth & Michael Folkman The birth of Jeanne and Stan Binder’s
granddaughter, Maya
Donor In Memory ofJo & Steve Rochlis David Kraft Annette Kilian Barbara Mintz Joyce & Bert Snyder Sheila & Arnold Fieldman Myrna & Paul Beck Lucille ZinmanAnnette Kilian Rebecca & Joseph Love
and Lillian LindenbergMarjorie Harris Clyde K. WarrenJuliet & Michael Bluestein Herman NeedleBarbara Mintz Martin MintzJeanne Kortlang Ronald KortlangRoger Smith Faith SmithRuth & Michael Folkman Yetta FolkmanJuliet & Michael Bluestein Freda BluesteinGail & Gary Lipkin Bernard & Rhoda HermanKaren, Michael & Alyssa Weinberger Shirley Horn
RICHARD FAKOURY MUSIC FUNDDonor In Honor ofDiane Africk & Celia Katz Cantor Jason Kaufman Melinda Selden
INA LERNER ISRAEL QUEST FUNDDonor In Honor ofBarbara & Michael Kurtzig 8 Grade trip to Israelth
JACK KLEIN MEMORIAL GENEALOGY LIBRARYDonor In Memory ofFaith Klein May HerderLotte Goldman George Wohl
LANDO FUNDDonor In Celebration ofJulie Lando Bertha Shostak’s special birthday Erika Danty
Donor In Celebration ofLeona & Doug Johnson Joseph Keil
PRAYER BOOK FUNDDonor In Honor ofRobert Kline Brodell First service with Beth El
SHARON STEINBERG FUND FOR INCLUSIONDonor In Memory ofMimi & John Roberts Ronald Steinberg William Kramer Susan, Roland & Hannah Meisner Ruth GroverDaniel Weiss Sid & Gerry Weiss
RABBI’S GOOD DEED FUNDDonor In Honor ofThe Wertheimer Family Foundation Rabbi Brett Isserow Lindsey SeitchikChris Kocsis & Linda Waller Rhoda Goldman’s Special BirthdayGretchen Kugel Barbara Mintz’s Special Birthday
Donor In Memory ofCandace Goldblatt Seymour GoldblattDeborah Lesser Lois LesserJeff & Sara Lesk Arnold LeskJoan Rineberg Jean Hartman & Mae HartmanThe Kraft Family David Kraft The Singer Family The Tulla Family The Rashkin Family The Burstein Family Selma & Marvin Pizer Sandra & Mel Rosenblatt The Hayman Family Linda & Larry Vogel Francie Fox-Schweber Gretchen KugelHelen & Stanley Miller Harry WantJudy Stark Hannah StarkJane & Robert Siegel Edith SiegelCharlotte Strauss Arthur StraussGar Kaganowich Eileen and Saul LipmanErika Danty Bernie DantyNina Klauber and Liz Leavitt Dora ShankmanPaul Wessel Rosemary Wessel
MARC S. ROSS SCHOLARSHIP FUNDDonor In Memory ofShelli Ross Paul McGowan, father of Mike McGowan and
Martin Ratick, father of Sheri StroudShelli Ross David Kraft Allan & Lynne Somoroff Irene S. Rehbock Nancy & Steven Tumen
SOCIAL ACTION FUNDDonor In Memory ofJeanne & David Kahn David Kraft
Donor In Support ofAnnette Kilian ORT Lucy Savitz
May 2014 Page 13
The Permanent Endowment Fund: A Mission Worth Supporting
If you asked ten congregants to describe Beth El's Endowment Fund, you would get a handful of vague answers and probably
several blank stares. It stands to reason, because we have kept a low profile in past years. This is the first in a series of bulletins
re-introducing the Beth El Permanent Endowment Fund (PEF) to the congregation. We have been hard at work developing a new
mission statement, supporting Beth El in key financial endeavors and we are now launching a campaign to aggressively increase
Endowment Fund membership.
The PEF is a separate, auxiliary organization from Beth El. We have our own charter, a Board of Trustees and our own voting
membership base. Current Trustees include Evan Allen, John Jankowski, Sandra Seitz, Dan Solomon and me.
Over 30 years ago, 13 Beth El families decided to contribute capital to this trust, protected from the daily strains of the
congregational operating budget. They wanted to make sure that Beth El, through all of the high and low economic times, would
always have the financial resources to provide a rich Jewish environment for their children and grandchildren. We have tried to
capture that spirit in the new mission statement of the PEF:
To support the mission of Beth El Hebrew Congregation and to perpetuate the Jewish life of its congregants
now and into the future, through a vibrant endowment fund.
Take a second and re-read the mission statement again to make sure you've got it. Now let's walk through the mission. First, the
PEF is here to support the things that are important to Beth El. We don't take up causes on our own if they aren't central to Beth
El's mission. Second, we're here to foster and perpetuate a healthy Jewish environment for our congregants into the future. Third,
we are charged with keeping the PEF healthy and vibrant to ensure that it can pursue its mission. For us that means taking our
fiduciary duty as trustees seriously, maintaining a balanced investment posture, being judicious in the programs we support and
increasing our membership. So with the big picture defined, let's talk about how the PEF touches and can impact life at Beth El.
In years past, Beth El asked the PEF to replace HVAC units and office equipment which died unexpectedly. These were surprise
items that were not in the budget, but were vital to day to day operations. More recently, the PEF stepped in during a crucial
refinance of the Beth El mortgage and provided $100,000 of capital to Beth El to prepay its higher rate debt. It was the largest capital
outlay the PEF had ever made, but it was deemed true to our mission and was unanimously supported by our Trustees.
Now, we are pleased to announce that the PEF will purchase a new set of over 1,000 High Holiday prayer books for Beth El, at a cost
of over $25,000. You will hear more about the new prayer books, expected for delivery in time for the High Holidays in 2015, but
the selection committee and the PEF are very excited about them. The Trustees view prayer books as central to the mission of Beth
El and central to Jewish life at Beth El.
We are growing the participation of Beth El congregants in the PEF.
Anyone can make a contribution and many members have done so over years, $18 at a time. When a donor reaches $500 or more
in cumulative contributions, he/she becomes a voting member of the PEF. Currently there are about 70 voting members of the PEF,
which is less than 12% of the congregation. That means only 1 out of every 8 people walking our halls is a supporter of perpetuating
Jewish life at Beth El into the future.
So, we are raising our profile at Beth El, increasing our activity and creating momentum around our new mission statement. The
highest priority of the PEF right now is to increase our membership base through education and persistence. You will see frequent
Bulletin articles and will receive emails and/or letters in the coming months about joining the PEF. You may even receive a phone
call asking for support for the PEF. I hope you will be receptive, thoughtful and open to joining the Beth El Permanent Endowment
Fund.
We have over 150 years of Beth El history as a solid foundation and the PEF is dedicated to making sure that Beth El has the means
to provide a high quality Jewish environment for its congregants well into the future.
- Michael Bluestein , PEF Chairman
NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPERMIT NO. 209
ALEXANDRIA, VA
Attention,
20 2014 Graduates
(or their parents)
Beth El is proud of the accomplishments of all of itsmembers graduating from high school or anyinstitution of higher learning in 2014, and wouldlike to recognize them in a future issue of TheBulletin.
We ask that all graduates, or one of their parents, sendthe following information to Ellen Feldstein [email protected] no later than June 1.
Ø Name of GraduateÙ School conferring degree or diplomaÚ Degree earned, honors if appropriate Û Plans for fall (school, job, military, etc.)
We don’t want to leave anyone out; please respondASAP to the above e-mail address or 703-941-1723.
The BulletinBeth El HebrewCongregation3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304
Member: Union for Reform Judaism May 2014Founded in 1859 Volume 69 - No. 8Office: 703-370-9400 School: 703-370-6644www.bethelhebrew.org [email protected]
Rabbi Brett R. IsserowCantor Jason R. KaufmanExecutive Director Moshe A. TeichmanDirector of Education Barry H. SmithPreschool Site Director Dina Backer
President Linda WallerExecutive Vice President Julienne BramescoVice Presidents Bill Schneider
Ruth FolkmanTreasurer Todd LevineSecretary Miriam (Pat) CollinsBrotherhood President Roger SmithWRJ President Suzie Shalewitz
Bulletin Editor Ellen Feldstein
(Send news to [email protected])
Page 16 The Bulletin
Annual Mother's Day Brunch
Brotherhood continues an annual tradition, its Mother's Day
Brunch, on Sunday, May 11, at 10 AM in the Social Hall. Good
times and good food, by Brotherhood Catering, are promised
for all.
Enjoy the Beth El Klezmer Band , Carol Boyd Leon and the
Kol NoVa Singers, and a comedy show from the Brack n
Walls Comedy Group . Joe Brack, Katie Jett Walls, and Zach
Walls will make you laugh and laugh!
These three performers exemplify what being in the moment
actually means, in real time! The artists are of differing origin,
ranging across the eastern seaboard and Wisconsin, with
over 336 years of combined performance experience. These
secret soldiers in the sacred army of comedy have graced the
stages of The Upright Citizens' Brigade Theater NYC, The Dell
Close Marathon, Washington Improv Theatre, and Transac-
tors Improv Company, to name four.
Brunch is free for all women, $12 for all members of
Brotherhood and $15 for all others. Checks may be made
payable to Beth El Brotherhood. RSVP to [email protected].
- David Weinraub
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
May 2014
1
Alexandria Days of Remem-brance - noonMah Jongg - 6:30 pBeth El HouseBoD - 7 p
2Let's Get SpiritualNoon Family ShabbatService - 6 pShabbat Dinner -6:30 pErev ShabbatService - 7:30 p
3Torah Study - 9 aShabbat Service -10:30 aGeorgia Hazel BatMitzvahIsrael Birthday TotShabbat - 11 aWine Tasting - 7 p
4Religious School -10 aAdult Hebrew - 10 LeadershipDevelopment - 10 Yom HaatzmautCelebration -10:45 a
5 6Mah Jongg - 2:15 pExec. Comm. - 7 pMussar - 7 p
755+ - 10:30 aWRJ Board - 6 pMid-weekschool - 6:15 pPirke Avot - 7 pMussar - 8 p
8Mah Jongg - 6:30 pMembershipCommittee - 6:30 p
9Culture Club -11 aWRJ Pot LuckShabbat Dinner- 6 pErev ShabbatService/WRJShabbat - 7:30 p
10Torah Study - 9 aShabbat Service -10:30 aDaniel NarchoBar Mitzvah
11BulletinDeadline
Religious School- 10 aAdult Hebrew10 aBrotherhoodMother’s DayBrunch - 10 aWRJ Knitting-2p
12 13Mah Jongg - 2:15 pReligious SchoolCommitteeMeeting - 7 p
1455+ - 10:30 aMid-weekschool - 6:15 pPirke Avot - 7 p
15Mah Jongg - 6:30 pInterfaith BibleStudy - 7:30 p
16CongregationalShabbat Dinner- 6:30 pErev ShabbatService and Jr.Congregation -7:30 p
17Torah Study - 9 aShabbat Service -10:30 aLag Ba’Omer TotShabbat - 11 a
18BrotherhoodBoD - 9 aReligious School- 10 aAdult Hebrew10 aPolitical IssuesBrunch - 10 a
19 20Mah Jongg - 2:15 pBoard ofDirectors - 7:15 pMussar - 7 p
2155+ - 10:30 aMid-weekschool - 6:15 pPirke Avot - 7 pMussar - 8 p
22Mah Jongg - 6:30 p
23Erev ShabbatService - 7:30 p
24Torah Study - 9 aShabbat Service -10:30 a
25No ReligiousSchoolWRJ Knitting - 2 p
26MemorialDay
Building Closed
27Mah Jongg -2:15 p
28Mid-weekschool - 6:15 pPirke Avot - 7 p
29 30Soul ShabbatService - 7:30 pPresentation ofMartin MintzVolunteerAward
31Torah Study - 9 aShabbat Service -10:30 aJoshua HilbertBar Mitzvah
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