-
the newsletter of woodlands community temple
January 2016
Tevet-Shvat 5776
Continued on page 4
Family Learningby Rabbi Mara Young
Its easy to access Jewish information today. For example, you
want to know more about Shabbat? A quick trip to
MyJewishLearning.com will give you more information than you need
to know. An easy-to-find tutor can deliver Bnai Mitzvah instruction
on a weekly basis. But in the case of both of these, we have to
ask: What is the context? How do we optimize these Jewish
experiences?
The synagogue is uniquely equipped to make Jewish learning real
and relevant in a persons life. We do this through transformative
experiences (communal holidays, rituals, and immersive learning)
and we do this by being in conversation with one another.
Over the past five years, Woodlands has made a conscious shift
toward engaging the entire family in Jewish life and learning at
the same time. We always encouraged intergenerational programming
and were even pioneers in the world of family education with our
PACT (Parents and Children
Empathy, Altruism, or Something in Between?Social Action: Why We
Careby Rabbinic Intern Jason Fenster
Project Ezra: 40 Years Strongby Harriet Kohn
When Woodlands Community Temple first opened its doors to the
folks from Project Ezra (a non-profit agency assisting indigent
seniors on the Lower East Side), little did we know that forty
years later this program would still be going strong and considered
to be one of the most successful social action programs at our
temple. Each year, WCT has hosted Ezra seniors by providing them
with a lavish dairy meal lovingly prepared by temple volunteers
(adults and kids!) who give of
their time and culinary skills to create a wonderful experience
of breaking bread with our Lower East Side neighbors.We have gone
through many changes since Ezra began, but what has not changed is
our interest in and commitment to the program, as well as the
unflagging devotion of our volunteers. Thank you for forty loving
years!Please contact Project Ezra coordinator Harriet Kohn
([email protected]) if you'd like to volunteer at our 40th
anniversary luncheon, Sun, Jan 10 in our Sanctuary at 12:00 noon.
Bring your kids and grandkids! Help usher in the next generation of
Project Ezra at Woodlands!
Repairing the world, loving my neighbor, welcoming the stranger
... these are the seminal Jewish values I learned growing up. We
teach these values to our third graders; we ask our Bnai Mitzvah
students to make commitments to giving tzedakah; we bring Academy
to the Coachman Family Center to put those values into action.
These values sit at the core of our identity at Woodlands and are
part of the stories that we tell about our 50-year history. Just
look back at Rabbi Billys Kol Nidre sermon!
But why? What inspires this desire and this need to
support and strengthen the world around us? Surely, we have a
long history of social justice and social action. The foundational
documents of Reform Judaism describe it; traditional texts
explicate our responsibilities and commitments. But why is it there
in the first place? Why does our faith insist on the centrality of
social justice?
A few weeks ago, my classmates and I were talking about the
Syrian
refugee crisis and the scores of posts from various news
outlets that we were seeing on Facebook and Twitter. In
particular, we spoke about the many articles from
Sukkot family experiences.Continued on page 3
-
2 www.wct.org
Worship ScheduleOur Woodlands CommunityRabbi Billy Dreskin
[email protected]
Rabbi Mara Young [email protected]
Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon [email protected] Levine, Director
of Youth Engagement [email protected]
Corey Friedlander, Shliakh Khilah [email protected]
Jason Fenster, Rabbinic Intern [email protected]
Executive CommitteeDayle Fligel, President
[email protected] Wineberg, VPEducation [email protected]
Apter, VPFacilities [email protected] Farber, VPFinance
[email protected] Fishman, VPProgramming/Ritual
[email protected] Friedman, FinancialSecretary
[email protected] Einhorn, Secretary
[email protected] Selig, Treasurer [email protected]
Board of TrusteesAliza Burton Dan EmeryGloria FalkYvette
GrallaElka KlarsfeldJenna Lebowich
Barry LeibowitzLisa LinnLisa SacksSteve SagnerMike
ScafidiMichele Wise
Office Staff Liz Rauchwerger, Office Coordinator [email protected]
Marjorie Mattel, Office Assistant [email protected]
Michele Montague, Education Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Bookkeeper [email protected]
Woodlands Community Temple50 Worthington RoadWhite Plains, NY
10607914.592.7070 main office914.592.1790 religious school direct
line914.592.7376 [email protected] School:
[email protected]
Woodlands Community Temple is affiliated with the Union for
Reform Judaism
Art Director: Melanie RoherAdvertising Director: Bob Apter
Stuart Berlowitz (ex-officio)
Shabbat ShemotEx 1:1 - 6:1 ... Isa 27:6 - 28:13, 29:22-23
Fri, Jan 1New Years Shabbat at 8:00 pm
While the rabbis are away, Cantor Jonathan will take the lead in
welcoming the new year tonight.
Sat, Jan 2No service this morning. Kaddish can be recited by
request at Hevra Torah.
Shabbat VaeraEx 6:2 - 9:35 ... Ezek 28:25 - 29:21
Fri, Jan 8Jammin Shabbat at 7:00 pm
Put on your jammies, bring a bedtime friend, and cmon over for
30 minutes of Shabbat song, stories and blessings to get you ready
for bed. Bring a buck for tzedakah!
50th Anniversary Throwback Shabbat at 8:00 pm
The second of three special services this year that will explore
50 years of Woodlands Community Temple alongside 50 years of
American and world history. This month, well look at the 1980s and
1990s.
Sat, Jan 9Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am
Celebrate with us as Michael Fischgrund, son of Debra and Robert
Fischgrund, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.
Shabbat BoEx 10:1 - 13:16 ... Jer 46:13-28
Fri, Jan 15A Joyful Noise at 8:00 pm
A service for everyone, from oldest to youngest. With a dozen
musicians and your voices, well fill the sanctuary with a joyful
noise! Visual Worship tonight ... all prayers and readings will be
projected onto screens. Special welcome this evening to our 5th
grade families!
Sat, Jan 16No service this morning. Kaddish can be recited by
request at Hevra Torah.
Shabbat BeshallakhEx 13:17 - 17:16 ... Judg 4:4 - 5:31
Fri, Jan 22Shabbat Shira at 8:00 pm
A singing-fest to affirm, in this time of uncertainty and fear,
our hope and idealism, our determination to work for what is good
and just. Featuring the Greenburgh Interfaith Choir and WCT
musicians.
Sat, Jan 23Shabbat Morning Worship/Learning Experience
9:30-11:30 am
Just Justice? Why We Do Tikkun Olam
Join Rabbinic Intern Jason Fenster for a unique Shabbat
experience learning, brunching, and sharing with members of the
community as we explore our personal commitments to social justice
and tikkun olam (repair of the world). Brunch included! Please sign
up at wct.org/justjustice.
Shabbat YitroEx 18:1 - 20:26 ... Isa 6:1 - 7:6, 9:5-6
Fri, Jan 29Mishpakha Shabbat at 7:00 pm
For the entire congregation, just earlier meaningful for adults,
engaging for kids! If you like, join us for a quick dinner at 6:00
pm make your reservation at wct.org/mishpakha.
Sat, Jan 30Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 am
Celebrate with us as Jordan Fox, son of Jamie and Andrew Fox,
becomes a Bar Mitzvah.
Babysitting at 8:00 pm Shabbat services is provided by our
religious school teens at no charge, no advance notice required.
This month, babysitting will be available on Jan 8, Jan 15 and Jan
22. Contact [email protected].
-
3www.wct.org
Hevra Torah LearningSaturdays, 9:15-10:15 amTheres abundant room
around our table. Drop by once or often. Wed love to have you join
our lively conversation. In the Meeting Room or Library.
Jan 2: Parashat ShemotFacilitated by Cantor Jonathan
Jan 9: Parashat VaeraFacilitated by Rabbi Mara
Jan 16: Parashat BoFacilitated by Rabbi Billy
Jan 23: Parashat BeshallakhFacilitated by Cantor Jonathan
Jan 30: Parashat YitroFacilitated by Rabbi Billy
If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Abuse, please
share this confidential hotline:
Together) programs. And the need for integrated
parent/child/grandparent experiences is even more pressing
today.
On a given day, families run in five different directions.
Moments of coming together for meaningful interaction may not
happen as frequently as we would like. Our family experiences at
Woodlands, both inside and outside of the religious school, are
meant to be a reprieve from the busy-ness of life and an
opportunity for families to actually grow together. There are our
communal holiday and social experiences (Passover Morning Learning,
Havdalah on Ice, and Woodlands Reads are past favorites) as well as
formal learning experiences.
Jump-started by a grant from the Jewish Education Project back
in 2010, our family learning was transformed into Kindling (Grades
K-2) and SPARK (Students and Parents, Acting, Relating, Konnecting
... Grades 3-6) initiatives. They have had different looks over the
years, but nowadays, these parent/child experiences are
opportunities to enjoy Jewish music together and take part in
skills-building workshops. Its a few hours with no phones and no
logistics; just quality time together.
Within this context, we encourage family members to challenge
one another on their beliefs, building their own in the process. We
also encourage families to share with other families, helping to
build a stronger Woodlands community.
While our Kindling and SPARK sessions are special times we
achieve this, there are also many other family learning
experiences. Seventh grade Family Torah Study is a special time
that parents and Bar/Bat Mitzvah students meet with Rabbi Billy and
learn the basics of digging into the Torah text. Weve even moved
family learning
sessions into Academy, where our 8th-12th grade families meet
with both rabbis to discuss various topics like Jewish identity,
eating Jewishly and more.
But learning doesnt just happen in a formal setting. All kinds
of temple experiences work to bring families together. Look out for
worship experiences like Mishpakha Shabbat (next one is Fri, Jan
29) and Yoga Shabbat (Sat, Feb 6). Or social action opportunities
like the Project Ezra Luncheon where we host elderly Jewish folks
from the Lower East Side (Sun, Jan 10).
All of these opportunities provide a context for Jewish
learning. Its great to know something, but its even better to be
enriched by it. By learning with our loved ones, we strengthen
ourselves and one another.
SPARK Jonah Maccabee family concert.
Quality time together.
Woodlands Community?
Were all proud of the warmth and friendliness in our synagogue.
Its our community. But not everyone feels that way. Some have come
to a Friday night service and no one said hello. Others have
attended a temple event or were just waiting for someone in the
hallway, and no one acknowledged them. If each of us considers
ourselves ambassadors of The Woodlands Way, if were the ones to say
hello, its a pretty sure bet folks will feel welcome. Woodlands is
a warm, welcoming, open and embracing community ... when were the
ones to make it that way.
Family Learning, continued from page 1
-
4 www.wct.org
Israel and the RefugeesRabbi Billy Dreskin
Syria and Israel have never shared official peace, so the
question of whether or not Israelis would assist Syrian refugees is
a compelling one. Heres the answer: IsraAID, founded in 2001, sends
teams of medics, search and rescue squads, trauma experts and more
to the front lines of humanitarian crises worldwide. In Greece,
Israeli volunteers have been working alongside Christians and
Muslims from across Europe and elsewhere, to welcome the thousands
of weary travelers who arrive each day, providing a meal and
perhaps clean clothes, maybe some counseling, and helping them
understand how to begin the next leg of their journeys to freedom.
IsraAID volunteers have turned up in Hungary too, assisting
refugees entering from nearby Serbia. Most of the refugees had
never met an Israeli but when they find out thats whos been helping
them, the joy and gratitude (and perhaps a bit of surprise) are
palpable.
United We Sing A Service for Our TimeFri, Jan 22 at 8:00 pmA
musical night to remember as we celebrate Shabbat Shira, the
Sabbath in Song. The service will include a singing-fest of music
from our folk tradition to affirm hope and idealism. We will be
joined by members of the Greenburgh Interfaith Choir, as well as
guitarists and folk music enthusiasts from our congregation.
Shabbat Shira commemorates the song/poem our ancestors sang when
they crossed that Red Sea and later came to belong to all the
people who sang it and passed it on. Our peoples music contains our
hopes, our beliefs, our spirit. Both as Jews and as Americans, we
embrace the best in our tradition. In the current climate of fear
and anger that seems to swirl in our news and political arguments,
it is a great tonic to join with friends and affirm our core
beliefs. This service will affirm the vision of unity and optimism
that sustains our world. Come be inspired by our common legacy of
faith in song.
the Jewish community tying the immigration from Nazi Germany in
the 1930s and 1940s to the current crisis facing the Syrian
population. Surely, those arguments are compelling, but some long
for a different attitude: We should not care just because we
experienced hardship; rather, we should care because we have a
moral obligation to provide aid to those in need.
Of course, there is not a firm line in the sand: either we care
because of past experiences OR we care because of our own sense
(hopefully inspired by Jewish principles!) of right and wrong. The
truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. And, naturally, the
Torah has something to say on this front.
In Exodus 22:20 (and in other places as well), we are commanded
not to oppress the stranger: kee geirim hayitem beretz mitzrayim
... because you were strangers in the land of Egypt. We know the
experience of the stranger. That experience compels us to empathize
with the stranger in our midst, and we must treat him with the love
that we wish we had received during our own time of strife.
And then, we turn to the Holiness Code in Leviticus. Chock full
of all our favorite moral declarations. Take Leviticus 19:18 for
example: You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.
Why? Ani Adonai ... I am the Eternal. Thats the only reason the
Torah gives. We have ethical responsibilities because God said so.
Because those are simply the right thing to do, no questions asked,
with Gods name at the end as if to say, Im God, and I approve this
message.
Our tradition recognizes both ends of this spectrum, and we see
that we have to land somewhere in the middle. We face myriad moral
crises from gun violence to the refugee crisis, from an
ever-expanding prison population to the destruction of the
environment. We have work to do, and I believe we can be most
effective in that work when we understand what it is that inspires
us. We need to comb our experiences to find where our empathy lies,
and investigate the imperatives from our tradition that call us to
action.
Im Jason. And I approve this message.
Caption goes here
Shlakh ManotA Purim Tradition Begins this Month!
You are invited to honor the tradition of giving at Purim by
participating in Woodlands Shlakh Manot program. Ordering
information will be mailed to you this month online ordering will
be available as well at wct.org/purimgoodybags. Please complete
your ordering by Sun, Feb 14! For $118, your family can send
shlakh
manot (Purim Goody Bags) to the entire Woodlands family. In the
letter that will be
included in each Goody Bag, we will include your name along with
all other families that are sending Purim wishes.Purim Goody Bags
will be sent home with our students from religious school and
available for pickup after our Congregational Purim Celebration
(Wed, Mar 23). Any questions? Want to help? Please contact us at
[email protected].
Just Israel
Empathy, Altruism..., continued from page 1
-
5www.wct.org
The Privilege of Learning from My Kid
In December, I was one of those lucky parents who gets to
experience first-hand his childs accomplishments during college. My
youngest, Aiden, is a senior at NYU in the Playwrights Horizons
writing and directing program. His project, entitled Kingdom of
Shadows, was a 40-minute play based upon old Russian folktales,
bringing a number of characters from those stories and legends into
a retelling of his own creation.
Needless to say, I was a proud dad.
But his storytelling got under my skin. The characters that
Aiden shared with his audience were complex in personality and
deed. The innocent, light-hearted twin sisters, Roza and Stoya,
revealed a mean streak that brought death to their family. The
monster, Baba Yaga, came to understand love and regret. The caring,
devoted father selfishly betrayed those who had depended on him.
And the hard-hearted, self-consumed step-sister, Vasilisa, through
her missteps learned compassion and heroism.
Aiden may already know what took me decades to understand that
people are multi-dimensional. And what may seem like a concise
assessment of anothers character rarely, if ever, turns out to be
100% true. We are ever-changing and frequently riddled with
inconsistency, which may be our hope for redemption. What weve done
before may suggest how we will act in the future, but it is not
inevitable. Almost always, we can choose a different path.
One of my very favorite hasidic tales involves Rabbi Moshe Leib,
the Tzaddik of Sasov. One night, with heavy snow falling outside,
he heard someone tap at his window. Moshe Leib saw a strange man
dressed in tatters, lacerations on his hands and face, and the
gleam of madness in his eyes. For a moment, he hesitated but then
he thought, If there is room for a man like that in Gods universe,
surely there is room for him in my home. And with that, Moshe Leib
opened his door and invited the man in.
We live in such contentious times. Frequently, we deem those who
disagree with us to be unenlightened, or worse. Only rarely do we
follow the dictum, before criticizing another, to walk a mile in
their shoes. A young writer-director whom I love dearly reminded me
to never close the book on another human beings potential.
f r o m t h e r a b b i Throwback Shabbat 80s/90sFri, Jan 8 at
8:00 pmSave the date for our second Throwback Shabbat. Well
continue celebrating WCTs 50th birthday by exploring temple life
during the 1980s and 1990s. With iyyunim (creative prayer
introductions) written by members who were active during those
decades and a retrospective on temple life from Rabbi Billy, were
hoping itll be as wonderful an evening as our first Throwback
Shabbat in October. Hope you can join us!
Yoga Shabbat Returns!Sat, Feb 6 at 10:30 amReflect, free your
mind, relax, and spend time with the ones you love. Led by Rabbi
Billy, Tara Levine and Rebecca Smith DeFelice, owner of Woodbridge
Body Works (Woodbridge, CT). Rebecca is not only a master yoga
instructor, she is deeply spiritual as a Jew and will seamlessly
and inspiringly connect each yoga position to the prayers of our
tradition. Regardless of your age (and weve covered the spectrum,
from age 3 to 83!) or level of experience, there is a place for you
in our circle. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat
if you have one, and get ready for a lovely, invigorating Shabbat
morning.
Shop Amazon, Raise Bucks for WCT!Do you shop online at
amazon.com?
Did you know that if you get there by using our wct.org/amazon
link, Woodlands will receive 5% of your payment. Doesnt get much
easier. So please shop amazon and help raise bucks for your temple.
Thanks!
Craig Taubman in Concert (WCT BetterTogether Initiative)Nov 16,
2015
-
6 www.wct.org
January Happenings & BeyondL e a r n i n g
Daytime Diversions
Private Wealth Advisor Geri PellWed, Jan 6 at 10:00 amLongtime
temple member Geri Pell, CEO of Pell Wealth Partners who has been
named to Barron's Top 100 Women Financial Advisors six years
running, always has something great to offer us from the world of
personal finance. Geri will lead a discussion that centers on how
Federal policies and the presidential election will impact the
financial markets and our lives.
LauraWed, Jan 13 at 10:00 am
Our very own Cantor Jonathan will view and discuss with us the
1954 film-noir crime drama, Laura, starring Gene Tierney, Dana
Andrews, Clifton Webb
and Vincent Price. The film tells the fateful tale of a police
detective who falls in love with the woman whose murder he is
investigating.
Current Events DiscussionWed, Jan 20 at 10:00 amHere's your
chance to comment, agree, or disagree with factors affecting local,
national and worldwide news. Come join us and have some fun.
Adult Education Celebratory BrunchSun, Jan 31 @ 9:30 amWere only
halfway through the academic year and weve already experienced
incredible community trips, top-notch educators, and
thought-provoking discussions. But on to next year! We welcome all
congregants to brainstorm with us for next years programming. What
field trip would you like to see happen? What kinds of courses
would speak to you and your friends? Come with new and interesting
ideas. Also bring your appetite ... well provide a bagel brunch
with all the trimmings! Email [email protected] to RSVP.
Just Justice? Why Do We Do Tikkun Olam?Rabbinic Intern Jason
Fenster
Sat, Jan 23, 9:30 am - NoonEver wonder why at Woodlands were
always talking about tikkun olam (repairing the world) and social
justice? Come investigate why these values are a fixture of our
community and sit at the center of Reform Jewish identity. We will
celebrate Shabbat, share a meal (of course!), explore the Jewish
call for social justice and our own motivations for working making
the world a better place.
A note from Jason: What matters most to you? Why does it matter
so much? And what are we going to do about it? I hope youll join me
for a Shabbat morning of learning, brunching, and sharing with
members of our temple community as we explore our personal
commitments to social justice and tikkun olam. Well combine
liturgy, learning, and conversations about the Jewish roots of
social justice. Whether you are an experienced activist, a lover of
text study, or someone looking to explore your personal
commitments, Im hoping this will be an exciting and engaging day.
P.S., teenagers, youre invited too!
WCT Book ClubTue, Jan 19 at 7:30 pm
My Fathers Paradise: A Sons Search for his Familys Past by Ariel
Sabar explores an isolated Kurdish Jewish community, an
Aramaic-speaking group of self-made mystics, storytellers and
peddlers living in the mountains of northern Iraq. Ariel Sabar, who
grew up in Los Angeles, explores his fathers heritage. All are
welcome. Note: This event will take place at Jeanne Bodins home in
Hartsdale (contact the office for info).
My Promised Land: Confronting our Understanding of IsraelRabbi
Joan Farber
3 Wednesdays starting Mar 2, 7:30-9:00 pm
In My Promised Land, Ari Shavit presents an articulate and
compelling glimpse of the history of Israel, her challenges,
successes and tragedies. We will discuss sections of the book and
how our relationship with and
understanding of modern Israel changes and challenges us. For
session one, please read the Introduction and Chapter 1 prior to
the class.
Stacy Beyer at WCTFri, Feb 26 & Sat, Feb 27 at 8:00 pmJoin
us Shabbat evening, Feb 26 at 8:00 pm, as Nashvilles premiere
Jewish musician, Stacy Beyer, shares her spiritual talent with our
community. She will lift up our worship as she shares her spirit
and soul with the Woodlands community. There is no charge.After you
discover her unique talent and passion on Friday evening, join us
Saturday evening, Feb 27 at 8:00 pm, as Stacy and her band share
the full spectrum of their music. Visit wct.org/beyerconcert to
reserve tickets ($18/adult members, $25/non-members; $10/youth
members, $18/non-member). This will be a great weekend for the
entire family! Dont miss the amazing Jewish talent thats coming out
of Nashville! Stop by stacybeyer.com and fall in love.
-
7www.wct.org
Wine @ Woodlands: Life Beyond Manischewitz Sat, Mar 12 at 8:00
pm
A local wine expert will guide us through the many
different types of Kosher wines, from light and sweet to
full-
bodied and robust. Its a great time to meet and chat with
fellow temple members and spend a relaxing evening. Music too!
Babysitting provided.
S o c i a L a c t i o nSocial Action MeetingMon, Jan 4 at 8:15
pm
Committee chairs, members and new members welcome. Help plan our
winter and spring projects. Take a look at
wct.org/socialactionprojects for all our programs.
Project Ezra LuncheonSun, Jan 10, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Katzs Deli, Guss Pickles, Yonah Shimmels Knish bakery theres
wonderful food to be found on the Lower East Side, but nothing
beats the delicacies at the Project Ezra luncheon held right here
at Woodlands! Project Ezra seniors from the Lower East Side are
treated to a homemade dairy lunch made by Woodlands families as we
share food, music and a little history during an enjoyable
afternoon together.
Cantor Jonathan, Adam Hart and the 5th grade religious school
students provide entertainment and opportunities to learn from our
guests.
Families of all ages are welcome to participate. Each table is
hosted by two Woodlands families, who together provide a lunch of
bagels, lox, kugel and more. To volunteer for the luncheon, contact
Harriet Kohn ([email protected] or 693-0751). Learn more about
Project Ezra at wct.org/socialactionprojects.
Knitting and Crocheting GroupSun, Jan 17, 3:00-5:00 pm
This is a busy group! There are lots of squares ready to be sewn
into blankets or you can continue making new squares or
chemotherapy caps. We have instructions and welcome kids who want
to learn. Email Angela Adler at [email protected] to let her know
youre coming.
Sign Up To Make Dinner for Shelter Sun, Feb 7
A home-cooked Sunday dinner for teens living in The Sanctuary
shelter in Valhalla is provided on a rotating basis by the temples
and churches in the Interfaith Caring Community. You can volunteer
to provide part of the meal on Feb 7 by emailing
[email protected]. Let us know what youd like to make main dish,
vegetable or starch side dish, salad, fruit or dessert.
Jubilee TableclothDont leave your family name off our
special 50th anniversary tablecloth. Pick up your fabric square
in the Sanctuary lobby. At the end of January, well be sewing
together all the completed squares into a magnificent collection of
Woodlands families working together to help those who are food
insecure. To make your square, sign up at wct.org/jubileetablecloth
or choose to have the committee make a square for you. Proceeds
from the project will
be donated to Mazon A Jewish Response to Hunger. Email
[email protected] if
you have questions, need design ideas or materials.
How Do You Tikkun Olam (Repair the World)?
Send your photo to [email protected] to be part of our Tikkun
Olam Collage for WCTs 50th anniversary year.
Mensch of the MonthFor January, its the 4th Grade! Help
them fill the Food Cart with cake mixes and frosting, and
nonperishable food.
On Jan 31, will your family be
at the table?
Call for Photos!Still have those 1969 Bar Mitzvah pix with you
wearing tie-dyed bell-bottoms? Photos from WCT from yesteryear?
Were seeking photos from the 1960s through the 2000s featuring
congregants and events taking place at Woodlands for use in our
Jubilee year celebrations. Please send them to Liz in the office
([email protected]).
-
8 www.wct.org
Yo u t h e n g a g e m e n t
Thanks for an amazing Camp in the Winter shul-in! On Dec 4-5, we
had an amazing event for 8th-12th graders, hosted by WoodSY, our
temple youth group. Jewish friends from WCT and the area joined us
for Shabbat and a night of camp-themed activities led by teens on
the WoodSY Board. It was a fun night with thirty Jewish teens
spending quality time together.
Attention, parents of 9th-12th graders! The next NFTY-NAR event,
Winter Kallah, is Fri-Sun, Jan 29-31. Friday night, we will be
home-hosted at Temple Sinai of Roslyn (Long Island) and will spend
the beginning of Shabbat there
with host families and NFTY friends! Saturday, well head into
NYC for a day of meaningful service with children from the
Department of Homeless Services. Then on Saturday night, well have
a fun group dinner, participate in a surprise social evening
program in the city, and sleep at a hotel! Register NOW at
nfty.org/nar/events and, as always, contact me with any questions
([email protected]).
The Woodlands Logoby Melanie Roher
Our Woodlands logo has been in use for about five years, and is
integral to temple life, but it wasnt always so. Before we decided
to develop one image, our temple communications were visually very
different, often confusing members who wondered if they were even
from the same organization.
When we started the process, we first listed all the attributes
we assigned to our congregation, some of which were: Reform
Judaism, egalitarian, open-minded, creative, socially active,
community-oriented, and multi-generational. As the designer, I
always kept these words in mind while exploring what this image
might look like. The goal was that this new image should be the
visual embodiment of our purpose and core values and reflect the
nature and quality of our programs.
In the final result, the Star of David represents our Jewish
faith, and its hand-drawn appearance reflects both our innovative
approach and our informality. The branch and leaves represent our
setting in the woods, and our environmental sensibility. The
lyrical quality of these elements connotes vibrancy and growth. The
leaves on the branch vary in size to represent the diverse
character of our congregation, as well as our intergenerational
population. Their shapes are reminiscent of the flames of the
lights of the menorah, a symbol of Judaism. Our temple name appears
in a sans serif font and in lower case to match our informality and
egalitarian character. The word community stands out in a different
color or weight for emphasis, and in the vertical arrangements it
is slightly indented, again to emphasize our informality and
friendliness. Including our unofficial tagline, Makom Shelibi
Oheyv, in the Hebrew equivalent of sans serif type, immediately
connects us with our heritage.
The Woodlands Logo Interpreted by Us!A month or so ago we asked
you what the Woodlands logo meant, what it symbolized to you and
what you thought it said about our congregation. Here are some of
the heartfelt responses we received:
Growing together under an umbrella of Judaism.
Keith Pray
A place for growth and safety within Judaism.
Joanna Starrels
Woodlands brings the outside/world into Judaism.
Caroline Rosengarden
Woodlands is a community, a team, a family. The vibe is: low
key, down to earth, friendly, low maintenance, soft, FUN!
Red (color of love) blossoms contained within the heart of a
Jewish community.
Susan Goldman
First image is a reflection of the flowers on the Torah
covers.
Then, wondering about the design of the star, darker bold to the
left, light on the right, I see (feel, imagine, interpret) an open
and welcoming message.
Next, that open message is affirmed by the opening at the bottom
of the star, where the flower blooms.
Community in a highlighted different color as our middle name is
too obvious to require comment.
The Hebrew letters (no vowels needed) for Makom Shelibi Ohev add
a message: open, sharing, inclusive and modern as we may be, Hebrew
is still included - Torah style.
David Griff
It says strength, solidity AND flexibility and openness (the
varying thickness of the star and the opening).
It suggests the generation of life and room to grow (the sprig a
dominant image but doesnt fill / isnt outgrowing the space). Its
Jewish and universal - Judaism is the frame for life.
Its simple and accessible, Jewish without heavy orthodox or
nationalistic overlays.
And I love the emphasis on the word community.
Fran Smith
Continued on page 9
-
9www.wct.org
T h e S i m k h a P a g e
Mazal Tov to...
Bnai MitzvahMichael FischgrundJanuary 9
Torah Portion Vaera
Hebrew Name Peretz Alter Moshe
Jordan FoxJanuary 30
Torah Portion Yitro Hebrew Name Velvel
Robert and Debra Fischgrund, as their son, Michael, is called to
the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.
Andrew and Jamie Fox, as their son, Jordan, is called to the
Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.
Len and Marsha Green, on the birth of their grandson, Max Henry,
son of David and Nika Green.
Too cold for a yard sale but not for our closet sale!!
The Judaica Shop is having its first January
clean-out-the-closet sale!
With limited storage space and about to bring in new Passover
and spring merchandise, the gift shop has a selection of items to
sell at a deep discount. Items will be on sale all month long but
visit us on Sun, Jan 17 for additional deals!Have a life cycle
event coming up? A brit or baby naming? Visiting a friends new
home? Stop by The Judaica Shop at Woodlands for a meaningful gift
that celebrates the moment. A framed print honors a birthday or
Bar/Bat Mitzvah; a tzedakah box starts a new baby on the mitzvah of
charitable giving, and candlesticks and candles bring the joy of
Shabbat to a new home.
The Judaica Shop at Woodlands is open, by request, every day the
temple office is staffed. Weekend and evening hours are noted in
the weekly email blast. With the recent closing of the Judaica shop
in New Rochelle, we are truly your neighborhood gift shop for gift
giving and getting. Our prices are generally better than retail or
online. And yes, we take credit cards! Please tell your non-temple
friends!! Email [email protected].
Im going to recuse myself because I was part of the team that
discussed and designed it. I will say that there was an ongoing and
interesting discussion as to whether to close or leave open the
bottom triangle.
David Berliner
My heart is Judaism and all it signifies.
It is open for open mind and possibilities.
It is letting in life from the earth to be kept alive and dear
to my heart.
Laura Stevens-Orefice
To us, the star symbolizes traditional Judaism. The plant, which
is rooted inside the star, continues to grow and evolve over time.
Both of these representations are manifest in our temple.
The Place That My Heart Holds Dear is where we go for
reinforcement and renewal in company with each other.
We noticed that at the base of the plant on the right-hand side,
the outline of the star starts out thin and gets thicker as it goes
around. We havent figured this out yet.
Nelson and Jackie Leicht
Openness in general to the changes in our lives, to the
evolution of Jewish study, religion and culture, openness to
studying and understanding comparative religions and cultures ...
The vine, the olive branch, aside from the obvious, can also be a
flower representing the cultivation and nourishment of the
congregants, as one would take care lovingly of a plant or tree.
And at Woodlands we try to carry that cultivation out to the
world.
Susan Brubaker
The most important part of the logo is that "community" is our
middle name and is highlighted and stands out from the rest of our
name-that is the essence of WCT, community. I think there are no
capital letters because we are all equal in this community-no one
part stands out as more important, not even the temple is more
important than the community it serves. The Jewish star is not
completely closedthere is an open space for change and ingenuityit
is not static but malleable and flexible. The branch indicates our
connection to nature--we are in the woods after all-but also I
think is like the olive branch a symbol of peace. Makom shelibi
oheyv I think requires no explanation-WCT is the place our hearts
hold dear; this is both in Hebrew and in English so that the Hebrew
honors our tradition and our connection to our history, but the
English shows that we evolve and are in touch with our modern
community which speaks English.
Nancy Fishman
Logo Interpreted by Us!, continued from page 8
-
10 www.wct.org
Donations We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support
Woodlands Community Temple by remembering and honoring their
friends and loved ones through their generous contributions.
HaMakom ynakhem otam may God bring comfort to all who are in
mourning.
Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a
blessing.
The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss of
Scheduling Weddings or Funerals The rabbis and cantor want very
much to be with you during significant life-cycle moments. Please
speak with them before setting any dates or times for weddings or
funerals. Dont be disappointed to learn theyre not available at the
time youve already arranged, so bring them into the loop at the
very beginning of your planning.
Rabbi Billys Mitzvah FundIn honor of Adam Kawalek, grandson,
becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Linda Lucks.In memory of Bill Falk,
from Herb Friedman.In memory of Bill Falk, from Richard and Jill
Newhouse.In memory of Bill Falk, from Julian and Sharon Price.In
memory of Bill Falk, from Dick and Sheila Sweet.In memory of Iris
Siegel, mother of Ellen Dreskin, from Dick and Sheila Sweet.In
memory of Laurie Gaines Goldberg, from Steve and Barbara Gaines.In
memory of Max Goldberg, grandfather, from Heather Brubaker.In
appreciation for your help and guidance with Brendan, from Bob
Smith.
Rabbi Maras Mitzvah FundIn honor of the naming of Lily and Luke,
children of Dan and Liz Mueller, from Jim and Alice McNamara.In
honor of the naming of our daughter, Amelia Roughan, from Dan and
Sarah Roughan.In appreciation for your help and guidance with
Brendan, from Bob Smith.In memory of Bill Falk, from Herb
Friedman.
Cantors Discretionary FundIn appreciation for your help and
guidance with Brendan, from Bob Smith.
Chai FundIn memory of Bill Falk, from Mort and Susan Aron, David
and Donna Berliner, Murray and Jeanne Bodin, Martin and Miriam
Cohen, Lee and Andrea Falk and Marty and Edna Falk, Herb Friedman,
Steve and Marge Glusker, Larry and Yvette Gralla, Jay and Lois
Izes, Jonathan and Gloria Jaffess, Myron Katz, Barry and Judy
Kessler, Harriet Kohn and Jack Rockafellow, Ruth Lefkowitz, Nelson
and Jackie Leicht, Linda Lucks and
Ralph Lawrence and Family, Edward and Dorothy Miller, Don and
June Moskovitz, John and Barbara Neuner, Corey and Suzanne
Newhouse, Jim and Debbie Pollowitz, David, Janice, Andrew and Sarah
Rosenfeld, Irene Ross, Alice Seelig, Randie and Marty Mishan and
Family, and Jan and Frank Berman and Family, Jesse Seligson and
Nancy Gladstone, Barry and Arlene Silberman, Bob and Roberta
Silman, Marge Thrope, Max and Sondra Tuchman, Irwin and Amelia
Wieder, Our mah jongg group: Susan Aron, Sheila Drogy, Bea Geller,
Barbara Goldberg, Yvette Gralla, Olive HiIl and Mickey Milbauer.In
honor of Fran Rosenfelds special birthday, from Michael and Deborah
Wiskind.In honor of the High Holy Days, from Roger Fox.
Geraldine and Gerald Weinberger Lifelong Learning FundIn memory
of Bill Falk, from Gerry Weinberger.
Education Enrichment FundIn memory of Bill Falk, from Herb
Friedman.
Jonah Maccabee FundThank you so much Rabbi Billy for blessing
our grandaughter, Eloise Neugeborn, from Bob and Bonnie George.In
honor of the birth of our grandson, Oliver Django Rosenau Berliner,
from David and Donna Berliner.In honor of the birth of our
grandson, Lucien Sandor Martin-Berliner, from David and Donna
Berliner.In memory of Bill Falk, from Dave and Renee Doynow.In
memory of Iris Siegel, mother of Ellen Dreskin, from Gloria Falk,
Steve and Marge Glusker, Nelson and Jackie Leicht, Mickey Milbauer,
Mark and Michele Montague, Bob and Jane Steinhardt, Dave and Renee
Doynow.
Laurie Goldberg sister of Steve Gaines
Hilde Goldberg mother of Susie Brubaker
Marla Weizner daughter of Marty and Rhoda Payson
We Want to Hear from You!It is always a pleasure to hear good
news from members of our WCT family. It often helps to share the
not-so-good too. Please let us know if you or someone else is in
need of a visit or phone call from our clergy. Many assume that
everyone knows, but this is not always true. A note or call to our
temple office or clergy will ensure that we are able to extend
support to Woodlands members in a moment of need.
Yes, Jews are Organ Donors!Contrary to popular misconception,
Jews do register as organ donors! Wont you participate in the
mitzvah of matan hayyim the gift of life? Register online at
donatelifeny.org. Rabbi Billys written more online about the Jewish
view of organ donation (tinyurl.com/organdonation613). Help close
the gap between the number of donated organs and the number of
people waiting.
Todah Rabbah (thank you) to...Bonni Arbore (and her handy
helpers,
Michael and Danielle Arbore) for making our Yad Workshop happen
so smoothly!
Judy Flamm and her team, Stacey Kach, Tanya Briendel, Elly
Glasser and Rachel Flamm, for sending lots of love to our college
kids through their Hanukkah mailing.
Chuck Bauer for his dedication in running the Blood Drive.
Jennifer Tower for heading the Thanksgiving Cooking, and to the
Confirmation Class families who cooked on Thanksgiving morning to
provide a holiday meal for the young people at The Sanctuary
shelter.
Ellen Donat for sponsoring the lunch for the William Donat
Visiting High School Holocaust Education Program.
Barry Leibowitz, Lois Izes, Jonathan Jaffess and their team of
teens for making Maccabee Madness Trivia for the kids so
successful.
-
11www.wct.org
a m e S S a g e f r o m r a b b i b i l ly a n d r a b b i m a r
a
Dear friends,In 1985 and 2009 respectively, we
arrived to Woodlands Community Temple as your new rabbinic
interns. With our very first experiences at WCT, it became clear to
us that this was a different sort of synagogue.
We both fell in love with Woodlands openness, curiosity, sense
of family, and serious dedication to Jewish learning and living.
After two years each as interns, we graduated from Hebrew Union
College, were ordained rabbis and, although on different calendars,
we joined the WCT family full-time. And in the years since our
internships ended (for Mara, five; for Billy, twenty-seven!), the
impact of those brief years remains monumental.
A Hebrew Union College education is top-notch and the learning
is exciting. Yet, in those last days of rabbinical school, we found
that the most important learning we were doing was right here at
Woodlands Community Temple. For the twenty interns who have served
this synagogue since 1976, it has
been the opportunities to teach and schmooze, to learn from you
and from your professional staff and volunteer leadership, that
have cultivated in all of us an ever-deepening appreciation for the
beauty of Jewish living, and a lifelong love for Woodlands.
At its December meeting, your Board of Trustees expressed this
same fondness for the WCT rabbinic intern program, unanimously
approving a call to raise funds for a new intern beginning next
fall. If you and/or members of your family have enjoyed the
presence of a rabbinical student in our temple community, if you
appreciate the profound impact such an expereince has on the entire
career of a young rabbi, we hope you will help make this happen so
that our current intern, Jason Fenster, can return next year and,
after Jason, we can invite intern #21.
Were asking for pledges of three annual gifts, as little or as
much as you can afford, to underwrite the cost of this
program. The cost will be $20,000 per year, $60,000 over the
course of the three years. If youre budgeting, keep in mind that no
payment on your pledge will be due until after July 1, 2016. Well
bill you on your temple statement.
You may make your pledge online at wct.org/intern. If you have
questions, contact one of us ([email protected], [email protected]) or
temple president Dayle Fligel ([email protected]).
Thank you so very much. May you go mee khayil el khayil ... from
strength to strength.
In friendship and shalom,
Rabbi Billy DreskinWCT Intern 1985-89
Rabbi Mara YoungWCT Intern 2009-11
-
We thank our Adver t isers for the ir Suppor t12
Welcome to our new Makom AdvertisersThe Ardsley Diner &
Stagioni
-
We thank our Adver t isers for the ir Suppor t 13
Please Note!There are only 4 Ben's Deli gift cards remaining for
purchase at $36.00 each. For more info please call the temple
office.
-
We thank our Adver t isers for the ir Suppor t14
Heislers Bakery1321 North Avenue New Rochelle NY
914-235-8201
Quality Pastrys, Breads , Pies, Cookies & Decorated
CakesFruit Platters Shiva Platters Catering for all affairs
Kosher NUT FREE FAMILY OWNED
A proud vendor of Woodlands Community Temple
Ben's is proud to support Woodlands Community Temple
-
We thank our Adver t isers for the ir Suppor t 15
-
50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607
Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage
PAIDWhite Plains, NYPermit No. 1112
DATED MATERIAL- DO NOT DELAY
current resident or:
Jubilant Reflections
Finding the right temple to join is very personal. Its different
from finding a home or a job. You dont belong to those. Belonging
is a basic human need. Sura and I spent several years figuring out
where to belong. We went to Shabbat services and High Holy Days all
around Westchester County well before we had school-age children.
We were looking for the right Jewish fit. There was always
somethingthe music, the vibe, the take on God, the lack of gender
sensitivity in prayers, the juvenalization of worship. There was
always something. We attended Woodlands a number of times and then
something happened when Rabbi Billy arrived.
We were home. We found our Jewish home. Woodlands spoke to us.
Of course, Steve Zizmor spoke to us too. We attended services
during the summer with Rabbi Billy. High Holy Days were inspiring.
However, what cemented the grip of this temple on our hearts and
minds was the conclusion of Yom Kippur Neilah. We were standing
throughout the service, as is our tradition, when all of a sudden
everyone dropped their makhzorim on their chairs, put their arms
around each other and began to sing Adonai Oz. It was our first
time singing this prayer, yet it seemed that
we had always been singing it. We were in tears at the
outpouring of love and inclusion we felt.
Building a new sanctuary was on everyones minds in 2000 and
before. What started out as a sanctuary beautification project
turned into a campaign to create a new sanctuary. During
construction, we held services, coffeehouses, simkhas, and holiday
celebrations first at the Greenville Community Church in Scarsdale
and then the JCC on the Hudson.
Just as we were beginning the fundraising drive, the World Trade
Center was hit. Each night, people spontaneously gathered at
Woodlands to hold hands and to be with their cherished community.
Our Rabbinic Intern, (now Rabbi) Darren Levine, led us all in
prayer. Members and friends in the community gathered to share our
common bonds in sorrow and shock.
When we moved into our new sanctuary, we were a little anxious.
Would the spirit of Woodlands still be inside our walls? Well, we
found out that what we do and what we have is more than bricks and
wood. It exists wherever we exist. We the people, so to speak, are
and have always been the spirit of Woodlands. I think everyone
eventually came to feel at home in our bright, airy, beautiful new
sanctuary.
We were present for our childrens simkhas, the deaths of our
parents, and building a new sanctuary. Adonai oz lamo yiten, Adonai
yvarekh et amo vashalom ... God has given us strength and peace.
Amen.
Lance and Sura Rosenthal joined WCT in 1995. Lance served as
President 2001-2004.
WCT Members Gaze Across 50 Years
Lance and Sura Rosenthal: The 00's
We were home. We found our Jewish
home. Woodlands spoke to us.