JANUARY 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781

VOLUME 78 NUMBER 5

STAY CONNECTED facebook.com/groups/BnaiIsraelCong/ www.bnaiisraelcong.org

UPCOMING SISTERHOOD IS SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 UPCOMING See page 14 for details.

RACIAL JUSTICE L.I.F.E. LECTURE SHABBAT & Islam: Bridging the Great Divide with

Ambassador Akbar Ahmed Friday, January 15 6:15 PM Sunday, January 31 with Guest Speaker Reverend Timothy Warner 7:30 PM with AMBASSADOR See page 7. Honor the Legacy of Reverend Dr. MartinIDO Luther AHARONI King and His CommittmentSunday, November to Racial 15Equity and10:30 Justice AM SeeSee page page 5 for details.7. Healing from Hate: Battle for the Soul of a Nation Inside Film Screening & Discussion B’nai ...... 2 with Rabbi’s Message ...... 3 Notes by Cantor Bolts ...... 4 Meredith Weisel of the ADL Judaica Shop ...... 4 Leadership Message ...... 5 HINEINI Annual Campaign ...... 5 Lessans Adult Learning Institute ...... 6 HAZAK ...... 6 Early Childhood ...... 8 Youth & Education ...... 9 Shabbat Magic ...... 9 Youth Events ...... 10 The Winter/Spring 2021 Israel Corner ...... 11 Program Guide will be Blumberg-Zalis Family Library ...... 12 mailed in early January. Men’s Club ...... 13 Social Action ...... 13 Be sure to check out all Sisterhood ...... 14 Tuesday, January 12 of the exciting upcoming Mazal Tov ...... 15 Members in Mourning ...... 16 See page 12 to learn more. events! Notes on Hayman Chapel ...... 17 Donations ...... 18 B’NAI MITZVAH Mitzvah Day(s)

B’nai Israel Mitzvah Days on Sunday, December 6 and devn ipa Wednesday, December 9 were huge successes. Thank you to everyone in our community for your Joshua Natan Burstein inspiring generosity! January 9 | 9:00 AM Joshua Burstein, son of Ari Burstein and Laura Kol HaKavod to Committee Chairs Abigail Bortnick and Dawkins, grandson of Pinchas Burstein (z”l) and Yvonne Klinger, Blood Drive Committee Chairs Rob Carol Burstein (z”l), Curtis and Kathy Dawkins, and Loewy and Barbara Kopelman, as well as Rachel Hyman Cathy and Will Bublitz is a seventh-grade student and Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz who organized these at Landon School. For his mitzvah project, Joshua wanted to find ways to help animals in need and meaningful events. animal homelessness, and to assist in pet adoptions. To that end, he has been collecting donations for the Montgomery County Humane Society, particularly through raising supplies from their “wish list” to help meet the Society’s needs for taking care of their animals, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zachary Ilan Burstein January 9 | 9:00 AM Zachary Burstein, son of Ari Burstein and Laura Dawkins, grandson of Pinchas Burstein (z”l) and Carol Burstein (z”l), Curtis and Kathy Dawkins, and Cathy and Will Bublitz, is a seventh-grade student at Landon School. For his mitzvah project, Zachary wanted to focus on the environment, particularly conservation efforts across our local region. To that end, Zachary has been raising money for various environmental focused organizations, including the Nature Conservancy. He also has been helping pick up trash left behind in the local parks and assisting in other efforts to keep the land and water clean.

Noah Rafael Kaufmann January 23 | 9:00 AM Noah Kaufmann, son of Lara and Ken Kaufmann, grandson of Sharon Seidel and Steve Moss, Perry Saidman, and Sue and Joel Kaufmann, is a seventh- grade student at Cabin John Middle School. For his mitzvah project, Noah wanted to focus on getting food to the hungry in our community, particularly given the impact of COVID-19 on the economy. Over the last few months, Noah has collected food for Manna Food Center, packed boxes of food with Nourish Now, helped So What Else deliver boxes of food to families in need, and cooked meals for families staying in the Stepping Stones Shelter.

HOLIDAY MINYANIM

Friday, January 1 – 9:00 AM & 6:15 PM Monday, January 18 – 9:00 AM & 8:00 PM

2 JANUARY 2021 annual special Shabbatot: Men’s Club, Sisterhood, Social Action, Inclusion, Teen, Welcome to the Newest and Volunteer Shabbat. Some of these have a rich history in our congregation, and Members of Our others are relatively new innovations. All B’nai Israel Family of them share a common goal: to honor that (October 7–December 4) particular segment of our community on Shabbat for their outstanding contributions New Members ... to our congregation and to the greater community. Each group does this in their RABBI PAUL LEVENSON own way, and each one is an integral part of what it means for us to be B’nai Israel. ALI & CHARLES LEVINGSTON Like all other programs and events, these RABBI'S MESSAGE special Shabbatot are sure to look and by RABBI MITCHELL BERKOWITZ feel different this year. Following COVID Brukhim habaim! guidelines, fewer will be able to participate The entire congregation shares our joy in person. There will be no special . in welcoming you into our B’nai Israel The majority of the attendees will be Around this time of the year, the staff of family. B’nai Israel receives an email reminding on the other side of the camera, instead them to prepare for an upcoming calendar of physically present with us in Dweck meeting. That meeting, typically held in Sanctuary. Nevertheless, these special February, gives the staff an opportunity to Shabbatot are as important, if not more so, look at the calendar for the year ahead (fall than they have been in the past. The various of this year through the spring of next year), branches of our congregation, with their and pencil in their major programs and diverse programming, creative initiatives, and commitment to keeping our community events, which is followed by discussions There is ALWAYS with committee chairs and lay leaders to open even when our building is relatively add in all of the meaningful programs that closed, all deserve to be celebrated and something happening we offer. It is a process that requires a great honored. at B’nai Israel! deal of preparation and a fair bit of patience. In Pirkei Avot, Hillel teaches, al tiforsh I share this with you because, about one min ha-tzibbur, “Do not separate yourself STAY CONNECTED year ago, the B’nai Israel clergy, staff, and from the community.” In her commentary lay leaders planned the calendar for Fall on this teaching, Rabbi Tamar Elad- If you are not receiving our 2020 through Spring 2021. It goes without Appelbaum says “The individual’s inner electronic connections, saying that none of us could have foreseen awakening is necessary for the communal please send your email address to the dramatic changes that would interrupt awakening.” The community depends upon [email protected]. those plans. It is because of our ability to the individuals of which it is comprised. prepare and plan in advance that we were If even one person separates themselves able to pivot to online, virtual, and outdoor from the community, then the nature of the programming. When the pandemic struck, community fundamentally has changed, and we were not starting from scratch. The goals something is lost. Each one of us, however and objectives of our programs and events it is that we engage with and support remained the same, even if their form had this community, is vital in making B’nai Israel the warm, welcoming, and inclusive B'NAI ISRAEL to dramatically change. With creativity and CONGREGATION enthusiasm, we sought new ways to achieve community that we strive for it to be. It is in 6301 Montrose Road these goals given the new, albeit temporary, this spirit that I invite you all to participate in Rockville, Maryland 20852 reality. For nearly ten months, we have the upcoming special Shabbatot to celebrate 301-881-6550 developed ways to keep our community the various groups within our congregation www.bnaiisraelcong.org together, support those who are in need, and and all of their contributions to it. continue to do the holy work of engaging our Affiliated with The United community members in meaningful Jewish Synagogue of Conservative Judaism experiences.

Now, as we enter 2021 and see that there is light at the end of this long, dark tunnel, we continue to do things differently, even B’nai Israel Congregation is while trying to achieve the same goals. an accessible building. We are in the midst of celebrating the JANUARY 2021 3 SHABBAT Candlelighting MICHAEL J. SAFRA Senior Rabbi MITCHELL H. BERKOWITZ & Havdalah Associate Rabbi JONATHAN A. SCHNITZER Rabbi Emeritus MATTHEW H. SIMON, DD, DHL Rabbi Emeritus JANUARY JOSH C. PERLMAN Hazzan 1/2 4:39 PM/5:16 PM SARAH BOLTS Associate Hazzan/Music Director 8/9 4:45 PM/5:24 PM ROBERT KIEVAL Hazzan Emeritus NOTES 15/16 4:52 PM/5:31 PM HAL OSSMAN by CANTOR SARAH BOLTS 22/23 5:00 PM/5:39 PM Executive Director MOSHE BEN-LEV 29/30 5:08 PM/5:48 PM Education Director RABBI PENINA ALEXANDER When I was living in Boston, my friend Assistant Principal Matt Lowe (son of B’nai members Fonda RACHEL SIEGEL and Jeff Lowe) started a monthly event Early Childhood Director KAREN GERTON called a “” that became one of my Early Childhood Director Emerita favorite things to do on a Shabbat afternoon. NANCY GOLDBERG A farbrengen is a festive gathering that’s Schilit Nursery School Assistant Director SISTERHOOD SARAH JARVIS common in Hasidic communities, in which Director of Youth Engagement a group of men gets together to sing nigunim JUDAICA SHOP JILL GENDELMAN Librarian (wordless melodies), drink l’chaims, and NETTA ASNER-MINSTER listen to teachings by the or another Winter and COVID Congregational Shlicha speaker. AVERY SUDOW doldrums got you down? Communications and Development Director It may be time for a little JOSE (PEPE) STRAUSS Matt’s idea was to take the format of a Facilities Director farbrengen and make it egalitarian. At his retail therapy. PATRICIA SIMITAKOS , anyone of any gender could Events Manager Weddings, B’nai or special participate; anyone could share a teaching occasions coming up? Visit your OFFICERS or a nigun (and teachings didn’t necessarily STEVEN ROTHENBERG Sisterhood Judaica Shop and check President have to be from Jewish sources); and there out our lovely hostess gifts, tallitot, SCOTT HODES were snacks and beverages of many kinds President-Elect over which to say l’chaim. The structure Judaica ritual items and more. Every ROBERT LOEWY purchase benefits B’nai Israel. Vice President Administration was informal; anyone who wanted to DAVID STEIN share a teaching or a nigun could share Vice President Development DINA COHEN GRUBER it at any time during the farbrengen. To Vice President Membership guide people’s choices of teachings or DANIEL FISHER nigunim, each farbrengen would have a Vice President Religious Affairs FONDA LOWE theme, usually related to the time of year. Vice President Youth and Education So for December’s farbrengen, we might JESSICA LIEBERMAN Secretary be invited to share teachings on , KAREN POST light, assimilation, and so on. We would Treasurer usually either start or end the farbrengen ROBERT ALTNEU Assistant Treasurer with havdalah, depending on the time of MARC LEVINE year. It was an informal, warm, reflective Parliamentarian space, perfect for a peaceful end to Shabbat. MARLA SCHULMAN Immediate Past President JULIANN GOLDMAN | ALISA ISENBERG I’m excited to be bringing this much- By appointment only. Contact CHERYL ROD Sisterhood Co-Presidents beloved gathering to B’nai this spring, with Debbie Anolik ([email protected]), WAYNE BERMAN | LEWIS GERTZ the first one occurring virtually on January or Lisa Isenberg (301-963-4511 Men’s Club Co-Presidents 9. See page 6 for details. In honor of the [email protected]). STEVEN COHEN DR. PATRICIA GREENWEL-ROJKIND January holidays of Tu Bishvat and Martin DR. STEVEN HAUSMAN Luther King, Jr. Day, the themes for our For personalized kippot DR. FRED MESSING firstfarbrengen will be nature, growth, and DR. STEPHEN B. ROBBINS and benchers, contact JOEL SHANKMAN justice. Please bring a melody or a word of Suzy Levy

JAY WECHSLER wisdom (no matter how small!) to share, (301-460-9636). Gabbaim grab a snack and something to drink, and join me as we say farewell to Shabbat. 4 JANUARY 2021 community that had settled in the Northwest Washington, DC neighborhoods outside of downtown. Today, as then, we are rooted as a community-based congregation that meets the needs of all who engage with us and we are committed to providing education to secure the future continuity of the Jewish community. In the coming months, planning will begin for the celebration of B’nai’s centennial. If the last year is a predictor of HINEINI our future, we should all be enthusiastic Annual Campaign about B’nai’s second century. 2020–2021 Even though we are in a new year, it is NOT LEADERSHIP too late to make a gift to Hineini. Gifts can Thank you to everyone be booked for this fiscal year through June who has already MESSAGE 30, 2021. If you have not yet made a gift, participated! Our by DAVID STEIN or would like to increase your contribution, Hineini Giving Week in please contact Avery Sudow at avery@ Vice President Development December was a huge bnaiisraelcong.org or 301-816-5569. success. We are so appreciative and there is As we say goodbye to 2020 and welcome still time to participate. a New Year, the B’nai Israel community RACIAL JUSTICE has much to be proud of. In the face of Our community’s generous support tremendous difficulty, the clergy, staff, and SHABBAT each year for our Hineini annual the entire congregation joined together and campaign allows us to do so our community is now stronger than ever. Friday, January 15 much to foster Jewish identity In a show of support, the Hineini campaign 6:15 PM and grow our entire B’nai Israel has shaped-up to be the most successful we with community. Thanks to your have ever had! Thank you to everyone for Guest Speaker support, we are continuing to host your unwavering support. Reverend Timothy meaningful programming and Warner worship opportunities that keep Beyond the obvious challenges of pivoting us connected even as we socially to virtual education, programs, and services, Honor the Legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin distance. while also offering in-person opportunities Luther King and His Committment to that meet COVID safety protocols, the Racial Equity and Justice As we cannot stand shoulder-to- pandemic had an immediate impact on our shoulder at this time, we must stand ability to generate annual revenue. This Reverend Timothy B. Warner is Pastor up in other ways. Supporting the year’s fundraising efforts set the ambitious of Emory Grove United Methodist institutions that have held us up in goal of increasing support for Hineini AND Church and Senior Pastor of Mill Creek this crisis is not just philanthropic asking those who purchased additional United Methodist Church. He served in this year, it is imperative. High Holiday seats in 2019 to make a gift County Executive Ike Leggett’s Office of of equal amount in 2020. We asked, and the Community Partnerships as Community This is the time to support Jewish community responded! Liaison for the African American and life. This is the time to build on our Faith Communities, and then as Chief success. This is the time to make With the growth and success of our Engagement and Partnership Officer for a difference. We hope you will fundraising efforts, we have also been Montgomery County Public Schools. consider raising your hand to say strategically involving more members of “Hineini/ Here I am” with a gift to the B’nai community in the process. This Reverend Warner’s presentation to B’nai this year’s campaign. year we achieved 100% participation from Israel is part of a “preacher swap,” our Board of Governors. Also, the campaign which will have Rabbi Safra speaking at Make your gift today by returning leadership involves both of our rabbis,the Reverend Warner’s churches on January the pledge card you received in the Vice President of Membership, the 17. Reverend Warner and Rabbi Safra mail, visiting www.bnaiisraelcong. Immediate Past President, and the President have been meeting regularly for study and org/hineinicampaign, or by of our congregation. conversation, and they are eager to a piece contacting our Development of their friendship with their respective Director, Avery Sudow (301-816- Looking at our successes, I have never been communities. 5569, [email protected]). more optimistic about B’nai and our potential for the future. In 1925, our congregation Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/788352437 was founded in Washington, DC as one Password: 6301 of the first synagogues to serve the Jewish JANUARY 2021 5 SARA & SAMUEL J. LESSANS ADULT LEARNING INSTITUTE

Talmud on Tuesdays The Book of Esther: Farbrengen: Tunes Lunch & Learn Diaspora Novella, and (formerly Shabbat Political Zionist with Cantor Sarah Bolts Afternoon Tract or Theological Saturday, January 9 Study) Statement 5:30–7:30 PM with Rabbi Mitchell with Steve Kerbel Share melodies, words Berkowitz Begins Wednesday, of Torah, and some nosh Tuesdays, 12:30–1:30 PM January 6 (continuing as we gather (virtually) to say farewell A Shabbat afternoon favorite moves seven more Wednesday to Shabbat. Bring your favorite niggun to the Tuesday lunch hour! We will mornings, concluding (wordless melody); your favorite brief continue our exploration of the talmudic February 24) teaching; or just bring yourselves. The tractate Beitzah, focusing upon the 9:30–11:00 AM gathering will include havdalah. celebration of our festivals. Newcomers $90 Haberman Institute Friends and are more than welcome to join us. No B’nai Israel Members prior knowledge is necessary. Register $105 General Public Book Talk "The Night online at www.bnaiisraelcong.org/ The Book of Esther, at best, gets looked at Archer and Other adulteducationprograms.Zoom information by observing for a few days before Stories" will be included in the confirmation email. Purim, on the holiday itself, and then with Ambassador Michael rarely if at all. The story itself is rich and Oren complex and is related to other Biblical Sunday, January 10 books in ways not usually discussed while 10:30–12:00 PM Drop-In Hebrew Prayer Reading celebrating Purim. During this deeper dive, Tuesdays, January 5, 12, 19, 26 Statesman, historian, and we will look into some of the literary aspects 2:30–3:30 PM parliamentarian, Ambassador of Esther, some of the politics simmering Michael Oren has devoted Practice your Hebrew reading of prayer between the lines, and deal with the Jewish and text with our Shlicha Netta Asner- his life to serving Israel and diety’s absence from the book. Please have the Jewish people around Minster. This is designed for those who a Tanakh (, English translation want to strengthen their Hebrew reading and the world. Oren will join is fine) for this course. Presented by the us virtually on to discuss his familiarity with prayers. Recommended to Haberman Institute for . Go bring and use the Sim Shalom prayerbook for latest book, a collection of short stories, to https://www.bnaiisraelcong.org/event/ The Night Archer and Other Stories. This Shabbat and Festivals. Zoom link: https:// bookofesther for registration information. us02web.zoom.us/j/404382516 event is co-sponsored with our sister congregation in Jerusalem, Ya’ar Ramot. Register at https://www.bnaiisraelcong. Rabbi Safra's Office Hour org/event/booktalkwithambassadororen and with Special Guest to purchase The Night Archer and Other Friday Morning Rep. David Trone Stories. (formerly Shabbat Morning Torah Thursday, January 7 Study) 12:00–1:00 PM Friday, January 8 (Shemot) Rabbi Safra interviews with Judy Saks Rep. David Trone about his Singing Circle with Cantor Sarah Bolts Friday, January 22 (Bo) experience in Washington Thursday, January 14 with Netta Asner-Minster and his interests of concern 7:15–8:00 PM 10:00–11:00 AM for the Jewish and larger Prepare for Kabbalat Shabbat services Engage with the weekly parsha during these community. by singing together and learning new interactive discussions led by community tunes with Cantor Sarah Bolts.Register members and by clergy. Contact Wendy Individuals are encouraged online at https://www.bnaiisraelcong.org/ Fanaroff with questions. Register online to submit questions in event/singingcirclewithcantorbolts.Zoom at https://www.bnaiisraelcong.org/event/ advance to Susan Grinnan-Long (susang@ information included in confirmation email. fridaymorningtorahstudy. Zoom information bnaiisraelcong.org). will be included in the confirmation email.

6 JANUARY 2021 SARA & SAMUEL J. LESSANS ADULT LEARNING INSTITUTE

HAZAK Israel’s Most Daring HAZAK: Role of the Operations Special Envoy for with Netta Asner-Minster FAMILY Holocaust Issues Thursday, January 28 TU BISHVAT with Cherrie Daniels 7:30-8:30 PM CELEBRATION Thursday, January 14 Join our shlicha, Netta 7:00–8:00 PM Asner-Minster, for this series Sunday, January 31 Join us for this first HAZAK program of the exploring Israel’s most daring operations. 12:30 PM season. Cherrie Daniels will describe what Learn how Israel created an intelligence the State Department’s Special Envoy for agency that has become world-renowned and Join our shlicha, Netta Asner-Minster, for Holocaust Issues has achieved in the last about the less-known fascinating operations a special Tu Bishvat event! During this few years to advance Holocaust property that showcase the Mossad’s unique abilites. event, we will be creating a grasshead restitution and promote historically accurate Register online at www.bnaiisraelcong. together using parsley seeds, sing some Holocaust commemoration and education. org/event/israeldaringoperations. Zoom songs, do a little seder and learn about She will discuss the Department’s recent information included in confirmation email. Tu Bishvat in Israel! JUST Act Report to Congress under the Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today Please register for this event below. Pick- (JUST) Act and share her vision on all of up of some materials will be required these issues as she continues in this role. L.I.F.E. LECTURE prior to the event. Specific dates and Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8720 Judaism & Islam: times for pick-up to be announced. 1625306?pwd=SzdaMnNMTVNWRnVKa Bridging the Great StrT1YxbjJEdz09. Divide Contact Netta (netta@bnaiisraelcong. with Ambassador Akbar org) with questions about amounts for Ahmed your family and we will be happy to do Sunday, January 31 what we can to accommodate. MEN'S CLUB 7:30 PM This event is in cooperation with JNF. Hearing Men’s Voices: A Men’s No two religions are closer than Judaism and Club Monthly Dialogue on Men’s Islam, yet ironically, no two religions are Register online at https://www. Concerns further apart. Using history, culture, and bnaiisraelcong.org Sunday, January 17 theology as his guide, Ambassador Ahmed /event/tu-bishvat- family-event.html 10:30 AM reflects on the challenges and opportunities Men’s Club members meet monthly for open for building bridges between the Muslim conversation on personal, societal, cultural, and Jewish communities. He will also offer religious, and political, and/or economic strategies for traversing the political divide concerns led by Jeff Moss. Zoom link: in world affairs. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125430584 Ambassador Akbar Ahmed is the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University in Washington, D.C. and the former Pakistani High Commissioner MEN'S CLUB to the U.K. and Ireland. Named “the world’s Jews and Brews leading authority on contemporary Islam” by with Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz the BBC and “perhaps the most influential Thursday, January 21 living authority on contemporary Muslim 7:30 PM societies” in the Saudi Gazette, Ahmed is For more information Judaism teaches us about the importance of a member of the Washington Muslim-Jewish on these and upcoming , righteous giving. But how much Advisory Council. His most recent book, of our money do we give away? To whom do Journey into Europe: Islam, Immigration programs go to: we give? Do we give a few large donations, and Identity, appears on Newsweek or many smaller ones? Learn about the Magazine’s list of “The 50 Coolest Books to www.bnaiisraelcong.org/ values that animate a practical approach to Read this Summer: 2018’s Best Fiction and adulteducation tzedakah. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom. Non-Fiction (So Far).” The film version us/j/2125430584 (2015) is on YouTube.

JANUARY 2021 7 not go inside, but they also invited parents into the classroom to love waving and saying celebrate birthdays via this same technology. hello to the “Bubbies It is our hope to welcome the beloved and the Zaydes.” I’m tradition of “Shabbat Families” this month looking forward to the using this technology. day when it’s safe for these generations to visit one another in person. But what a beautiful connection the children are making!

EARLY CHILDHOOD by RACHEL SIEGEL Early Childhood When the Gan Shemesh children learned Director that their special afternoon security guard, Jonathan, wasn’t going to be sitting at the front desk of our synagogue anymore, Connection is important they created a “thank you’ sign for their to all of us, and right now, we are living in friend. This connection developed overtime a very disconnected world. When opening since the beginning of the school year, B’nai Israel Schilit Nursery School four All of our classes experienced the connection emphasizing the different important roles months ago, one of our driving forces was of our community a few months ago when each member of our community holds. just this: connection. Early childhood we met for the first time all together in the education is all about forming, making, and parking lot for an all-school Shabbat Sing. nurturing connections. What a lovely expression of togetherness to have each class socially-distant from Connections: one another in the parking lot, separate but between children and other children together celebrating Shabbat. between children and teachers between children and parents between parents and teachers between parents and parents between teachers and teachers between children and exploration between children and learning Connections create community. Connections create learning. Despite the disconnected And so many more connections, none of world all around us, what beautiful which can be replicated to their highest connections we are creating this school potential in a virtual capacity. year at B’nai Israel Schilit Nursery School!

The children are deepening the connections between one another daily in the classroom. And, there are many other connections happening, too. I wanted to share some of the special connections that we are We’ve even tried to take advantage of cultivating here at BISNS, even in our technology to help us spark connections. disconnected world. When Artist-in-Residence Eliana Light shared her talents with the B’nai Israel Our youngest children, Gan Prachim, community, BISNS joined her in a virtual love to take walks outside and explore the Shabbat Sing from our classrooms. Utilizing immediate neighborhood around us. At least the Smart TV screens and our Google once a week, you can find them on a morning Chrome Books in each classroom, the stroll over toward the Charles E. Smith Life children Zoomed in together. Some even Communities of Ring House, Cohen-Rosen spied their parents or younger siblings House, and Landow House. They do who tuned in from their homes. We have 8 JANUARY 2021 developed and nurtured. What have I learned as a congregational educator during this period of time? Shabbat

Before COVID, I was rustrated by the lack of great teachers who we could hire. Magic The pool has shrunk over the years and the commitment was not always apparent. During COVID when we created a virtual- only program, I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that all our teachers were more YOUTH than willing to teach in zoom and learn new technologies and teaching styles. The level of PROGRAMS compassion, love of teaching and connecting YOUTH & with students has been one of the greatest gifts I have witnessed. However, as Miriam January EDUCATION Heller Stern so succinctly states it, “we can by MOSHE BEN-LEV see plainly that good teachers are among the Education Director essential workers of Jewish life. They should TOT SHABBAT be cherished and supported. They are our (Ages 5 and under with eternal flames during dark times. We must parent) As a new year begins, I am increasingly not burn them out. The lesson for tomorrow January 9 aware of how much has changed in the Jewish is that no matter what media we have at our January 23 educational world. In late November, I read fingertips, our true hope lies in multiplying 9:30 AM an article in EJewish Philanthropy, “COVID- exponentially the number of good teachers Keepers: Leaders on the who can curate Jewish learning.” so true, yet, JUNIOR Possibilities Emerging from the Pandemic” so hard to achieve unless we are willing to CONGREGATION (by Benjamin Berger, Paul Bernstein, David make an investment in them. Bryfman, Jeremy Fingerman, Anna Hartman, (Grades K–6) January 9 (2nd Grade Shabbat) Miriam Heller Stern, Susan Wachsstock) This leads to my next revelation during outlining how Jewish educators are not COVID. One that shouldn’t surprise me as I January 23 “just looking to life beyond the proverbial have always advocated for investing in our 10:30 AM cave and the day after COVID, but are teens, but nevertheless impactful in ways I continuing to do what good educators do: couldn’t have imagined. Our Madrichim, FAMILY MINYAN reflect on their practice and learn from their or teen helpers have become true partners January 16 prior experiences. From these adverse and in educating our K–6 graders that I can January 30 confronting times, educators have begun foresee a time when they naturally transition 10:15 AM to see pedagogic practices that will impact from helper to teacher. It requires extensive Tune in for these Jewish education beyond the pandemic.” training, patience and supervision but our morning services with meaningful teens have been stretched from assisting learning, spirited prayer, and Profound and justly so, we are at an apex teachers with technology to teaching groups engaging . All are of seismic change that cannot be ignored or of students in breakout rooms to one-on-one welcome. Contact Rabbi Berkowitz placed back into its box. New technologies, tutoring. All resulting in a richer classroom with questions (mhberkowitz@ platforms, and teaching techniques and environment where teacher and madrichim bnaiisraelcong.org). engagement have shifted the possibilities. work harmoniously to enrich our students. “Some educators are bold enough to declare Eager, self-driven, and very responsible, TEEN MINYAN that from this great disruption will emerge these teens, and there over twenty-five of tremendous innovation, that the new normal (Grades 7–12) them, have exponentially raised the level of January 23 will look nothing like what existed prior instruction that we offer. to pandemic, or even just that technology 10:30 AM has opened their eyes up to new potential So what of the future of Jewish supplemental BIRTHDAY SHABBAT and possibilities.” While I certainly can education in general? We have just begun January 9 agree with these comments, innovation asking the questions. Over the next five and meeting full potential can only happen months we will be looking closely at what with certain systems in place. A dynamic we have learned and take the positives, and curriculum, great teachers, partnerships there are many, to see how we can adapt them with families and ultimately, a consensus to a new reality. While the term, “COVID- that we are all clear about our expectations Keepers” doesn’t appeal it will leave its will lead to innovation, creativity, and impact. It’s up to us to use the new found enlightened educational goals. As you can knowledge and make it our own so that we imagine, these lofty components need to be can grow and prosper.

JANUARY 2021 9 To end such a crazy year with such exciting Israel news was a gift. Aaron and I met in Israel Engagement 5 years ago and have been together ever Fellowship since. He works at another synagogue in BY MIA the area and is a teacher in our B’nai Israel MIKOWSKI Talmud Torah. We connected over our love The Israel Engagement for Jewish life and have grown as Jewish Fellowship (IEF) was professionals together. If you had asked me a great experience not 5 years ago when I went to study abroad in only because of the Israel if I thought I would meet my future extensive information husband, I would have laughed. But now you learn about Israel, look at where I am, growing as a Jewish but because of the different perspectives you Professional and as a Jewish family. gain about why Israel is so special to people. YOUTH EVENTS With a new year comes new chances. It is In my class, students came in with a broad by SARAH JARVIS the end of one cycle and the beginning of range of beliefs, but everyone had a shared Director of Youth Engagement another. This is how I see these exciting love for Israel. Together we learned first things as well. They are both a part of my about Israel’s historical and religious lifecycle. Continuing my education with a significance, next about Israel’s path to With the new year beginning, after one of master’s degree was hard to imagine a few independence, then post 1967 Israel, and the hardest years of our lives, I can’t help years ago, but now I see that it is making me finally Israel’s issues after the second but look back on the year and reflect on two more passionate about what I do and helping Intifada. exciting things that happened and how they me invest in my future. impacted my life and career, helping me to While learning all of this information, it grow in countless ways. With 2020 behind us I hope we can all look was interesting to see what different people forward to 2021 with open minds, hearts, viewed as the most important events that The first is that I started graduate school. and dreams that will become realities. helped create today’s Israel. Discussing I am studying for my Master of Jewish Wishing everyone a happy new year full of this with my peers helped me figure out Professional Studies from The Spertus exciting news. what I feel is most influential to Israel and Institute in Chicago. Getting my master’s it’s global perception today. After covering degree was something that I have thought the history, we as a class were able to have about for some time and finally I decided to mature conversations about what the future go for it. I am extremely passionate about of the Israel-Palestine conflict could look my work in the Jewish communal world and like, and as individuals we could form more I wanted to continue to learn as much as I Carl & Doris Lane nuanced opinions on the topic. can about the ins and outs of this profession. My program started in March, the week YOUTH IEF was a great introduction to Israeli after we “shut down.” I was scheduled to DEPARTMENT Advocacy, and after finishing the program I fly to Chicago and meet the 15 other people can confidently say that I am more educated, with whom I would study for the next two EVENTS more excited, and more involved with the years. Instead, I walked to my living room Jewish state. and opened Zoom. I was disappointed by the change in plans, but I quickly realized BONIM & MACHAR that this was still the right decision. I now (GRADES K–5) speak with my classmates, who have turned Movie Night into friends, every day. They are all amazing Saturday, January 9 resources, and they help make me better at 6:30 PM COLLEGE my job every day. They have helped me Zoom link and registration information develop programming, we bounce ideas off CONNECTION! will be sent via email. of each other, and so much more. If you are a college student or the I am almost halfway done with my program TEEN MINYAN (GRADES 7–12) parent of one, sign up for College now and the time has flown. I have learned Saturday, January 23 Connection today. Packages have about Jewish history, Jewish values, 10:30 AM included Starbucks gift cards, holidays fundraising, North American Jewry, and so gifts, candy, and more. much more and I can’t wait to bring all that I learn into my role at B’nai Israel. Don't miss out! www.bnaiisraelcong.org/college The other exciting news from this year is more recent. In November I got engaged. 10 JANUARY 2021 13. How beautiful nature is 14. How much fun walks are! UPCOMING ISRAEL 15. Prayer 16. Writing (especially nettatheshlicha. PROGRAMS com!) 17. Every person from B’nai who has ever sent an email with kind words to me ♥ 18. Reading Drop-In Hebrew Prayer Reading 19. Learning new things Tuesdays, January 5, 12, 19, 26 20. Ice cream! 2:30–3:30 PM 21. Amazon See page 6. 22. The power of social media (it is good too!) Israel’s Most Daring Operations 23. Kosher restaurants in the DMV area with Netta Asner-Minster israel corner 24. Shabbat Thursday, January 28 by NETTA ASNER-MINSTER 25. Breathing deeply 7:30-8:30 PM Congregational Shlicha See page 7. Wishing you a wonderful 2021 with wonderful experiences, smiles, good food, 2021 is finally here, the change we have Tu BiShevat Family Celebration good people and incredible moments! Happy Sunday, January 31 been looking forward to since March 2020. New Year! 12:30 PM We are able to disconnect from the year that See page 7. has passed and look forward to renewing once again.

For me January is always exciting as my The congregational shlicha program is made birthday is January 24. For the first time, I possible by a partnership with the Jewish will be older than my birthday date. I will Federation of Greater Washington. be turning 25 and thus I will have been officially alive for a quarter of a century. I am aware how young that is but at the same time, it is also a significant period of time. Although a lot has happened during my 25 years, it seems that so much has taken place Calling All Day specifically during this past year. It might not have been as eventfully packed as usual, but Israel Date School Families! for me this has been a year to truly take a step back and appreciate what I have, what with Netta! B'nai Day School parents are invited, is important to me, and how I want to grow. welcome, and encouraged to join the I decided to share a list of 25 things I have Are you interested in learning how to Day School Committee. In past years, learned to appreciate more this past year and make Israeli food? Or learning how to the committee has planned a number of hope that it will be an inspiration for you play an Israeli game? Or do you have popular events over the course of the to go into 2021 with a smile and renewed some burning questions about Israel? year to engage Day School families in strength: shul life. We may not have as many Families, adults, and teens are invited to opportunities for in-person gatherings 1. My best friend that I live with arrange a virtual or social distanced this year, but we are still committed 2. My family in Israel “Israel date” with our shlicha, Netta! to building a "community within a 3. My family in the U.S. Please fill out this form and Netta will community" at B'nai. 4. My wonderful B’nai Israel community get back to you soon. 5. Smiling! Stay tuned for more information about 6. Working out https://bit.ly/3aR9701 an upcoming planning meeting and feel 7. Learning to bake [email protected] free to contact co-chairs Leah Tulin 8. Creating a session/class/project from ([email protected]) or Paula Correa scratch Silver ([email protected]) with 9. Seeing that session/class/project grow any questions. and be meaningful 10. My friends 11. My colleagues (shoutout to the DC Shlichim!) 12. The comfort of being at home

JANUARY 2021 11 the appeal of hate groups, as well as the role of drugs and alcohol. Ultimately, messages of compassion and teamwork dominate: We Continue • "Mandatory viewing."- LA Times. • "A hopeful expression of how hate does not need to be the end of the road."- CBS News to Gather • "Powerful & risky documentary that looks at racism in America... and how to enact With the health and change." – AIPT safety of our community Co-sponsored by Men’s Club, Sisterhood as the top priority, our and Blumberg-Zalis Family Library. world and our community have changed. Thank you Book Discussion Group for joining us virtually BLUMBERG-ZALIS Wednesday, January 13 during this time. FAMILY LIBRARY 11:30 AM–12:30 PM by JILL GENDELMAN Discussion Leader: Jill Gendelman Librarian The Book of V.: A Novel by Anna Solomon It is with little regret that I say goodbye Discussion Leader: Adrienne Rulnick to 2020 and hello to a more hopeful 2021. The Book of V. interweaves the stories Wishing you all peace, safety, and health of three women from different centuries, in the New Year. Once again, 2021 brings illuminating how motherhood, desire, a calendar full of exciting programming power and femininity have changed and throughout the synagogue and a new also remained the same through the years. Program Guide coming soon. Please check Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/92566980865. it out and join us for whatever interests you. Monday Night at the Upcoming Programs Movies Discussion Monday, January 18 Screen the Movie 7:30–8:30 PM www.bnaiisraelcong.org/ Healing from Hate: Mr. Kaplan joinvirtually Battle for the Soul A hilarious, crowd- of a Nation anytime pleasing black comedy between January revolving around a Jewish Holocaust 4–11 for $6 using the survivor retiree who is convinced the shy, old following link: German owner of a local seafront restaurant https://watch.eventive.org/healingfromhate/ is in fact a former Nazi. We recommend play/5fbe8d1f72b9b808694a8ec3 watching the movie prior to the discussion. Rent it for $0.99 on Amazon or free with Join in the Discussion Amazon Prime. (1hr. 38min.; English) Zoom Support with Meredith Weisel of the Anti- link: https://zoom.us/j/92940669544. Defamation League B'nai Israel by Shopping Tuesday January 12 in Your Sisterhood 7:00–8:00 PM Reading Recommendations Judaica Shop! Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84 488106151?pwd=OENXbHA2MHhEbkd4 The Origin of Antisemitism by John Gager We have all that you need for your akFnYTV1dXdyZz09 In Search of Anti-Semitism by William holiday shopping as well as your Buckley, Jr, Healing from Hate: Battle for the Soul of a Antisemetism in America by Leonard other gift-giving needs. Nation is a documentary directed by Peter Dinnerstein Hutchison that turns its lens squarely on How to fight Anti-Semitism by Bari Weiss Thank you in advance for your the history of White supremacy in America. Anti-Semitism in the 21st Century (DVD) support! It’s about the rise of the alt-right movement To see the complete listing use our online and Life After Hate, a group that tries to See page 4 for details. help members of White supremacy groups catalog found at www.bnaiisraelcong.org/ exit them. Many crimes and terrorist acts library. Use the search term Antisemitism. connected to hate groups are described, some graphically. The film underlines the connection between childhood trauma and

12 JANUARY 2021 MEN’S CLUB SOCIAL Service to B’nai Israel & ACTION Community Strengthening Jewish Values THANK YOU to everyone who participated As we transition into 2021, the Men’s Club in the Holiday Snowflake Project. Your is also transitioning into new executive generosity helped to brighten the holidays leadership. We want to show our appreciation for the children in the Linkages for Learning to Wayne Berman who will be stepping away Program at Weller Road Elementary School. from his role as senior co-president and welcome Jonathan Salant, assuming the THANK YOU also to all who provided position of junior co-president with Lewis Lewis Gertz & Jonathan Salant brunch items and other items to the Interfaith Gertz moving into the senior co-president Men's Club Co-Presidents Works Women’s Shelter. The brunch was role. enjoyed by the women in residence and • Sunday January 17, 10:30 AM: Hearing staple items will go a long way to fill the This is the end of Wayne’s second term as Men’s Voices, Moderated by Jeff Moss. shelter’s pantry. president and it was truly a remarkable term: Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom. providing us with a foundation of structure, us/j/2125430584 Meals for Interfaith Works Women’s programming, social action and tzedakah • Tuesday, January 19, 7:30 PM: 2021 Shelter that enabled us to meet this unexpected Financial Outlook with Our Member Sunday, January 24 pandemic of 2020 with purpose and vision David Sotsky. Zoom link: https://us02web. 6:00 PM for the future. I will forever be indebted for zoom.us/j/2125430584 B’nai Israel social action committee, Wayne’s guidance and mentoring me over • Thursday, January 21, 7:30 PM: Jews and Sisterhood and Men’s Club will be providing the last two years which has prepared me Brews with Rabbi Berkowitz. Open to dinner for the women at the Interfaith Works for my new role. men and women. See page 6 for details. Women’s Shelter. We need your help in • Sunday January 24, 10:30 AM: “Dreams supplying various parts of the meal. The Wayne is not going anywhere: he has Never Dreamed” an inspirational talk meal items can be purchased or prepared in accepted the new position as Chair of the from Israel with Rabbi Kalman Samuels, your home. In addition to the dinner items, Promotions Committee. the founder and director of the Shalva we are also collecting winter hats, scarves, National Center in Israel for children gloves, bed socks/warm socks, and throws Jonathan Salant is well known to everyone with differing abilities. This program is a for the residents of the shelter. There will be as the Washington correspondent for various prelude to February's Jewish Disabilities various options for drop off of your items. New Jersey media outlets, past-president of Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) The meal items should serve 6 to 8 people the National Press Club and the moderator of and is co-sponsored by the Sisterhood and our political forums and most importantly: and be in disposable pans. See sign up the Disabilities and Inclusion Committee. manager of our very successful Men’s Club information below for volunteer options. Register at https://www.bnaiisraelcong. softball team! Jonathan and his wife Bonnie org/event/dreamsneverdreamed.html. Cole have been B’nai members since 2003 https://www.signupgenius.com/ • Sunday, January 24, 6:00 PM: Meals for and their son Isaac (Izzy) is a graduate of go/20f094aacac22a02-dinner1 Interfaith Works Women's Shelter. See B’nai’s Talmud Torah. Jonathan will be column to the right for details. serving in his new capacity through June For more information, contact Signe 2022 and when he will assume the role of Wetrogan ([email protected]) or Thank you to Steve Goldberg for organizing senior co-president. We all wish him great Wayne Berman ([email protected]). success! the informative talk by Alan Ronkin of the AJC on the Abraham Accords. This JANUARY EVENTS very important discussion provided the • Tuesday January 12, 7:00 PM: Healing congregation with behind-the-scenes From Hate: Battle for the Soul of a Nation information on the role the AJC played in Screen this film anytime from January negotiations and advice given to Israel in 4–11 for $6 and then join Meredith Weisel regards to the agreements signed. Thank you of the ADL for a discussion on January 12. also to Andy Iserson for providing the Zoom. See page 12 for more information. • Thursday January 7, 7:30 PM: Jeff Stay warm and safe this month! Fredman will give us the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccines. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom. www.bnaiisraelcong.org/ us/j/2125430584 mensclub

JANUARY 2021 13 SISTERHOOD “Healing From Hate: Battle For the What is Torah Fund? Mah Soul of a Nation” The Seminaries Jongg Movie viewing January 4–11 (Part Three) Sisterhood will Discussion Tuesday, January 12 order 2021 Mah Jongg cards. The standard 7:00-8:00 PM Seminario Rabínico card is $9 and the large card $10. Orders Co-sponsored by Men’s Club, Sisterhood Latinoamericano must be received by Wednesday, January 27. and Blumberg-Zalis Family Library. See (Buenos Aires) The cards will be mailed directly to your page 12 for more information. Also known as the Marshall T. Meyer home by the National Mah Jongg League Latin American Rabbinical Seminary, the approximately late March. Contact Harriet Sisterhood Shabbat “Seminario” was certified in 1962. Since Levi at 301-598-3957 or Linda Reisner at Saturday, January 16 then, 110 rabbis have graduated and been 301-519-1776 ([email protected]) with Please join us either in ordained. The graduates serve in Jewish questions. Use the form below to order. person or on Zoom for communities throughout Latin America, Sisterhood Shabbat. We including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, WOMEN’S LEAGUE FOR know that it will be special Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM in many ways! If you are a Sisterhood Dominican Republic, Mexico, Paraguay, (only available to paid up members) member and planning to come in person, let Peru, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Uruguay, Register on wlcj.org home page Haidee Bernstein ([email protected]) and Venezuela, as well as Israel, the United Jews in Comedy (3 sessions) – free for or Joanne Zuckerman (jczuckerman@msn. States, and Europe. The Seminario is “a Sisterhood members com) know. Jewish religious, cultural, and academic Monday, January 11, 3:00 PM center whose primary purpose is to educate Paula Shoyer - Plant based recipes for Meals for Interfaith Works Women’s and ordain rabbis from Latin America who Tu B’Shvat – $18 Monday, January 25, Shelter will help to strengthen and sustain Jewish 2:00 PM Sunday, January 24, 6:00 PM communities throughout the region.” Co-sponsored with Men’s Club and Social Mah Jongg Card Order Action Committee. See page 13 for details. Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies (Jerusalem) When Home Isn’t Safe: An Israeli path added to Conservative/ COVID & Domestic Masorti rabbinic training was launched in Name Violence 1984 by the Jewish Theological Seminary Tuesday, January 26, 7:30 PM along with Israel’s Masorti Movement. For some of us, sheltering at home could Initially known as “The Bet Midrash”, the Address mean being isolated with an abusive relative institution broadened its educational mission or partner, unable to get help. Amanda Katz, and changed its name to “The Schechter City/State/Zip Code JCADA Executive Director, along with a Institutes”. The Schechter Rabbinical domestic violence survivor and advocate Seminary has ordained more than 90 rabbinic Is this a new address? q Yes q No will give us insight into this ongoing crisis. graduates, serving in various capacities Learn what is happening in our community, inside Israel, in Europe and in the USA. The Phone Number how JCADA and other agencies are working Schechter Rabbinical School “trains the next during these times, and what you can do to generation of Jewish leaders who will inspire Email Address help someone in trouble. Register at juliann. and influence Israeli society, as well as raise [email protected]. Zoom link provided a committed Masorti/Conservative Jewish ______# Standard card @ $9 = $______with confirmation. voice for religious pluralism and tolerance.” ______# Large print @ $10 = $______SAVE THE DATE Contact Sue Taffet ([email protected]) The Jewish Museum of Maryland or Debra Fredman ([email protected] ), Mail this form along with a check payable “Jews in Space” Virtual Tour Torah Fund Co-chairs, to contribute. to B’nai Israel Sisterhood (with a notation Sunday, February 14, 4:00 PM of Mah Jongg cards in the memo line) to: Registration coming soon and is limited. Harriet Levi Rachel Glaser: The World of Greek 3701 International Dr. # 712 Jewry Silver Spring, MD 20906 Wednesday, March 17 Attn.: Mah Jongg 7:30 PM

www.bnaiisraelcong.org/sisterhood

14 JANUARY 2021 Join Our Services by mazal tov Video Live Stream or aeh lfn Telephone Shabbat Friday evening, 6:15–7:15 PM January Anniversaries Saturday, 9:00 AM –12:00 PM *Limited in-person attendance is New Cameras Installed In Dweck Sanctuary Eddie and Janet Aaronson – 1 available for this Shabbat service. Please send an email to allison@ for Shabbat Morning Albert and Sharlene Klotz – 1 bnaiisraelcong.org. Services Howard and Diane Schilit – 1 Bradley and Sarah Amron – 4 Daily Minyan B’nai Israel is excited to announce Mark and Amanda Goldstein – 4 Monday–Thursday, that we have installed two new HD Robert and Karen Keats – 4 7:15 AM & 8:00 PM cameras in our Dweck Sanctuary and Paul and Gail Chod – 6 Friday, 7:15 AM we will offer our Shabbat morning Barrett and Fran Penan – 6 Sunday, 9:00 AM & 8:00 PM services on a livestream platform. Forrest and Judith Tucker – 7 Video Live Stream Access Scott and Debbi Mayster – 9 These new cameras and the new www.bnaiisraelcong.org/dailyminyan Arnold and Rhoda Seigel – 9 livestream will provide a similar user experience to what you saw over the Paul Berger and Stephanie Mensh – 10 Audio Dial-in: 1-929-436-2866 High Holidays with multiple angles James and Anne Ackerman – 11 Meeting ID: 788 352 437 # and a high definition picture. Randy and Susan Bick – 13 Justin and Tamar Epner – 15 Phone Instructions Important: Please note that the Robert and Jaye Greenfest – 15 Dial 1-929-436-2866 livestream will only be “live” on Cantor Josh Perlman and Sherri Gollins – 15 Meeting ID: 788 352 437 # Shabbat mornings. For all other Jonathan Salant and Bonnie Cole – 15 minyanim, please continue to use Charles and Linda Heller – 18 Zoom as we have been. Mike and Audi Nagi – 19 Jonathan Spector and Julie Friedman – 20 This information and links for the livestream and Zoom can always be Arthur and Sharyn Fuchs – 22 Support B’nai Israel’s Allan and Barbara Hurwitz – 23 found on our website by visiting: Mike Wilcove and Susan Weinmann – 23 www.bnaiisraelcong.org/ dailyminyan. Melvyn and Andrea Kopstein – 25 PROJECT Jeffrey and Phyllis Brenner – 26 Fred and Stephanie Goodman – 27 MANNA Louis and Mindy Berger – 30 Urgently Needed Food Items Richard and Lorraine Rose – 31 (though we take all nonperishable food items) and Mazal Tov to... • Instant Oatmeal Packets (Original Flavor) Julie and Dr. Rand Fishbein on the birth • Brown Rice • Whole Grain Pasta 2021 of their granddaughter, Leora Ava Fishbein. Mazal tov to the proud parents, Elanna and • Tuna/Salmon/Chicken (in Water) Eitan Fishbein. • Dry/Canned Beans (Low Sodium) HAPPY • Natural Nut Butters IF YOU ARE HEADING • Canned Vegetables (Low Sodium) NEW YEAR! SOUTH FOR THE WINTER . . . • Canned Fruit (in Juice) Please contact Candace in the synagogue • Fruit Cups office (301-881-6550, candace@ • Shelf-stable Individual Milk Boxes bnaiisraelcong.org) to let her know • Cooking Oils & Spices FROM YOUR the date you will be heading south and Thank you for your commitment to this B'NAI ISRAEL the date you plan to return, so that you life-giving mitzvah! All food items will will continue to receive our synagogue be directed to the Manna Food Center. mailings. FAMILY

JANUARY 2021 15 "For everything there is a IN SYMPATHY season, and a time for every dkxal mpexkf purpose...   ...a time to be born, and a time to die..." B'nai Israel Congregation mourns the loss of our beloved members:  B’NAI ISRAEL LILA MENSH CEMETERIES We are all touched by ANN ROSENTHAL B’nai Israel Congregation maintains B’nai Israel. B'nai Israel Congregation extend three attractive cemetery sympathies to our members: locations. It makes a difference in our lives. And it is our endeavor to ensure that it makes Larry Bensignor on the loss of B'nai Israel Historic Cemetery a difference in our community for many his mother, Adele Bensignor. Oxon Hill, Maryland years to come. Judean Memorial Gardens Dina Cohen-Gruber on the loss of Olney, Maryland her mother, Shulamith Cohen. As our parents planted for us, let us sow Garden of Remembrance the seeds that will make a difference for Amy Gudelsky on the loss of her Memorial Park our children and grandchildren. brother, Andrew Gudelsky. Clarksburg, Maryland –Talmud Ta’anit 23a

Sara Kish on the loss of her For information, please contact our brother, Michael K. Marion. executive director, Hal Ossman at CREATE YOUR JEWISH the synagogue office (301-816-5563, David Matyas on the loss of his [email protected]). LEGACY father, Martin Matyas. www.jewishlegacygw.org

Stacy Schlactus and Stephanie Mensh As we celebrate our successes, we on the loss of their mother, are grateful for the commitment and Lila Mensh. generosity of those who came before us. Dues and annual donations do not Cindy Easton on the loss of provide sufficient resources for all we her father, Jack Rayman. Opportunities to Memorialize and must do to sustain Jewish life at B’nai Israel. And so we invite and encourage Tema Sternberg on the loss of her Honor Your Loved Ones brother, Jack Perry Rimland. you to create your own legacy. Our beautiful Synagogue provides many meaningful opportunities to It is so easy to make a planned gift or arrange dedications in memory of or in bequest through B’nai Israel’s Create a honor of loved ones. Jewish Legacy Program. Simply include B’nai Israel in your estate planning as Visit a beneficiary in your will, under your MyJewishGeneticHealth.com Memorial plaques, endowments, scholarships, capital gifts, fine arts, retirement plan or life insurance policy. a free website designed to educate and educational programs are among It carries no financial obligation in the the Jewish community about the possibilities available at B’nai present, but it will have a huge and genetic health conditions for which Israel Congregation. lasting impact on our future. they may be at higher risk. For further information, please contact MyJewishGeneticHealth.com Allison Karasik (240-221-2507, Avery Sudow consists of individual “lessons” [email protected]). Development Director covering various topics relevant to the 301-816-5569 Jewish community, including specific [email protected] diseases and medical conditions, genetic technologies, and bioethical issues.

16 JANUARY 2021 Do you see a resemblance in our photo?

The new and expanding B'nai Israel Judaica Museum is actively soliciting fine antique/ vintage Judaica for its collection. If you have any items you would like to donate or would consider lending to B'nai Israel for display, please contact Randy Sager, Lara and Me Fine Arts Chairperson ([email protected]). Notes on Hayman Chapel by Allison Karasik Assistant to the Cantors

I Discovered a B’nai Israel Cousin!

Coordinating the plaques in Hayman Chapel continues to enrich me in many ways that I hadn’t anticipated. As I have become exceptionally familiar with all of the plaques, I can’t help but think I may Jacob Saidman’s plaque. Jacob is Lara’s have a few ancestors memorialized on the great-grandfather and my great-great uncle. wall. After all, I am a fourth generation Interesting fact: His plaque is made of Washingtonian and each of my eight great- plastic, and the fading paint is noticeable. grandparents had between eight and fourteen In 1942 the War Production Board ordered siblings. This makes for an extensive family Confirmation Class of 1988 a reduction of use in metals in civilian tree and a lot of third cousins! packaging to redirect the use of metals for The Fine Arts Committee military purposes. Several of the plaques One memorial plaque in particular, the Needs Your Historic plaque of Jacob Saidman, which hangs in Hayman Chapel made circa WWII are B'nai Israel Photos! outside of Hayman Chapel, piqued my actually plastic. interest. I recalled that there is a Saidman The Fine Arts Committee is working on in my family tree. Does this mean I could a project to display the history of B'nai Israel through photographs. We are in be related to Lara Saidman Kaufmann, a need of the following: member of B’nai Israel, who I happen to be in touch with quite a bit because her son Confirmation Class Noah is becoming a bar mitzvah this month? photos for the following years: any photos prior to 1954, Same family! Lara and I share the same 1958, 1959, 1964, 1967, 1970, 1972–1982, great-great grandparents, Nachum and AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic 1984–1986, 1994–2001, 2009–2013. Bluma Schneidstein of Ukraine. Nachum way for you to support B'NAI ISRAEL Historical photos and Bluma had ten children, several who CONGREGATION every time you came to settle in the DC area. All of of B'nai Israel synagogue and/or events shop, at no cost to you. When you shop that have taken place throughout it's those who came over shortened their at www.smile.amazon.com, Amazon will long history—weddings, b'nai mitzvahs, surname from Schneidstein to Stein (thank donate a portion of the purchase price programs, graduations, class photos, goodness!) Their daughter Pearl Stein to your favorite charitable organization. etc. married Jacob Saidman and they are Lara’s great-grandparents. Their daughter Mary On your first visit towww.smile.amazon. If you have any of these photos, Stein is my great-grandmother and the com, select B'nai Israel Congregation please consider sending them to us to younger sister of Pearl. in Rockville to receive donations reproduce. Your original photographs from eligible purchases before you will be returned once they are copied. The Kaufmann family have been B’nai begin shopping. Your selection will be Please contact Randy Sager Israel members since 2005, and Lara and remembered, and every eligible purchase ([email protected]) her parents and grandparents are a multi- you make will result in a donation. for more information. generational B’nai family. JANUARY 2021 17 B’nai Israel Congregation deeply appreciates all contributions directed to the various funds of our congregation.

Please note: DONATIONSDue to increased printing and labor costs: Etz Hayim Humash 1. Each contribution will be acknowledged by mail to one designated recipient. dedication: $60, 2. Only contributions of $18 or more will be printed in the Scroll. Siddur Sim Shalom 3. Donor acknowledgements will be sent by email and will also appear on year-end statements. dedication: $30 Donations Made in November | DONATIONS CAN BE MADE AT bnaiisraelcong.org/donate

Karen Gerton Nursery School Enhancement In Memory Of: Endowments Endowment Fund Geraldine Gittleson by Barbra and Howard Goldberg A Speedy Recovery For: David Meltzer by Barry and Carole Forman Karen Gerton by Lisa, Mike, Hayley and Zachary Gerry Mendelson by Christina and Scott Mendelson Abrutyn Family Leadership Endowment Miller David Meltzer by Fonda and Jeff Lowe In Memory Of: Karen Gerton by Stacy Ganz Kahn and Rhoda Ganz Gerry Mendelson with thanks to Rabbi Berkowitz David Cohen, beloved father and grandfather by for his kindness and performing our service, by the Vickie Abrutyn Louis and Helyn Fanaroff Sustaining Endowment Mendelson Family Billy Aronwald, beloved husband, father and In Honor Of: Dr. Richard (Dick) Meltzer by Thelma Fisher grandfather by Vickie Abrutyn Steve Moss for his special birthday by Debby and Gary Bortnick Jay, Gail, Emily and Olivia Wasserman Beverly G. Schnitzer Tikun Olam Endowment In Memory Of: Communications Endowment In Appreciation Of: Geraldine Gittleson by Abigail Bortnick In Memory Of: Rabbi Jonathan A. Schnitzer for officiating at the Geraldine Gittleson, loving mother of Joanne Crantz, Leon H. Burka by Denise and Sheldon Iskow marriage of Jamie Golob and Michael Zerkin with Michael Gittleson, Richard Gittleson, and Robin David Meltzer by Michael and Lynn Gittleson deepest thanks by Sheri and Barry Golob Bortnick by Debby and Gary Bortnick Wilma and Ron Lenkin Holocaust Education Cantor Ilana Wolpert Music Enrichment Fund Mandel and Stein Prayer Book Fund Endowment In Celebration Of: In Memory Of: In Memory Of: The birth of your granddaughter Olivia by Fonda and Celia Spilka by Chet, Rita, Jonathan, Amanda, Emma Hank Etes with deepest sympathy by Joe and Susan Jeff Lowe Goldie, and Benjamin Stein Milzman Geraldine Gittleson by Gail and Paul Chod Diane Lipson Schilit Youth Endowment Phyllis Snider Blumson by Gail and Paul Chod In Appreciation Of: Funds The B’nai Israel clergy for their help and support for Marie Lebowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund B’nai Israel Men’s Club Sydney’s bat mitzvah by Ellen and Joe Robinson In Memory Of: In Honor Of: Our uncle and great uncle, “Mr. Uncle Danny” by Lewis Gertz’s honor of Hatan Torah aliyah on Simhat Ethan Ross Alperstein Sanctuary Garden Dave, Suzanne, Isaac and Simi Torah by Debbie and Jeff Moss Endowment Fund In Honor Of: Mildred and William Kaplan Social Action General Fund The birth of Ella Meyer Cohen by Carole and Billy Endowment A Speedy Recovery For: Glick In Memory Of: Carolyn Hayman by Sharon and Howard Metro The birth of granddaughter Ella Meyer Cohen by William Kaplan by Linda Kaplan In Appreciation Of: Robin and Bruce Bortnick Mildred Kaplan by Linda Kaplan The High Holiday streaming services by M. Yarus Herman Oshinsky by Linda Kaplan In Honor Of: Gudelsky Family Sustaining Fund for Gudelsky Cecelia Oshinsky by Linda Kaplan Steve Moss’ special birthday by Arnold and Judith Hall Joseph Kaplan by Linda Kaplan Westerman In Memory Of: Leah Kaplan by Linda Kaplan Michael and Michelle Schrier’s participation in Andrew Gudelsky, loving brother of Amy Gudelsky Doris Friedlander by Linda Kaplan leading services by Rena Holzer by Sharon Seidel Edith Silberman by Linda Kaplan Thank you to B’nai for allowing us to daven with our family during the pandemic by Rena Holzer Helen And Herman Glazer Youth Endowment Rabbi Isadore Breslau Israel Scholarship In Memory Of: Fund Endowment Geraldine Gittleson by Anne and Jeffrey Abend In Honor Of: In Memory Of: Pyllis Snider Blumson by Anne and Jeffrey Abend The engagement of Richard Wachtel and Lauren Gates Linda Freedman by Sharon Seidel and Steve Moss Renee Kuff by Dorothy Cohen by Robin and Bruce Bortnick Harriet Reines by Carol and Gary Berman Rabbi Michael Safra Adult Programming Phyllis Fishbein by Larry Fishbein Jonathan A. Schnitzer Rabbinic Chair Endowment Endowment Fund Alan Fishbein by Larry Fishbein A Donation Was Made By: In Appreciation Of: Harold Doses by Phyllis Bernstein Anonymous Rabbi Berkowitz for his encouragement and support David Meltzer by Scott and Robin Koenig of the Wise Aging class Geri Gittleson by Sharon and Howard Metro Joseph and Lillian Tudor Endowment for Adult Rabbi Safra for performing the funeral service for David Meltzer by Sherry and Morrie Gold Education Geraldine Gittleson Andrew Gudelsky by Susan and Milton Koch In Memory Of: In Honor Of: Gerry Mendelson by Susan and Milton Koch Our beloved daughter Loni Kaplan on her 6th yahrzeit Judy Saks for her Kallat Breishit aliyah on Simchat Harold Doses by the Lieberman Family by Harriet and Ira Platt Torah, by Debbie and Jeff Moss

18 JANUARY 2021 Hineini Campaign Arlene Cole by Bryan and Amy Cole Morris Chernikoff by Lolly Shapero and Mike In Honor Of: Gertrude Wintner by Carol Vogel Chernikoff Esta Grollman, beloved sister, suffering with cancer Pearl Wintner by Carol Vogel Susan Weiss by Marcy, Rachel, and Nan by Albert and Sharlene Klotz Adeline Wintner by Carol Vogel Schechter President, Steve Rothenberg and Hineini Co-Chairs, Morris Pollekoff. by Carol Vogel Irv Levin by Marilyn Levin Dina and Jay Gruber by Renee and Gilly Arie Jean Feinstein by Carol and Arthur Besner Anne Merzel by Marilyn and Stan Burns In Memory Of: Alvin Himmelfarb by Carole and David Preston Arleen Merzel Linehan by Marilyn and Stan My parents, George Michaels and Mildred Mollie Haas by Charlotte Freeman and Family Burns Markowitz by Rabbi James Michaels Celia Spilka by Chet, Rita, Jonathan, Amanda, Emma Martin J. Marks by Marjory and Alan Siegel Larry Levine beloved father, grandfather by Rene Goldie, and Benjamin Stein Ira L. Levin by Martha Nudel, Sala and Adam Schecker Ben Goldberg by David and Anita Gross Levin Anne Goldberg by David and Anita Gross Anita Peggy Lennson by Michael Garson Kiddush Fund Manuel Weiser by Debbi and Mike Herbst Cynthia Nadel by Mindy and Larry Nadel In Appreciation Of: Rosalind Novinsky by Debbie Moss Samuel Best by Miriam Best Diane Steren and Family for their continued passion Meryl Liss Goodman by Donald E. Goodman and Dr. Morris R. Best by Miriam R. Best to serve others and ability to make everyone feel like Family Samuel R. Dweck by Moe Dweck family by Caroline Hall Matlya Shilman by Dora Vinokur Morris Neustadt by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Neustadt Mr. Alex Berlin by Dr. Jay and Lynn Katzen Thelma Leshner by Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence L.I.F.E. Lecture Fund Mr. Samuel Shier Blustein by Dr. Jay and Lynn Katzen Revzan A Donation Was Made By: Dorothy Slifkin by Dr. Nancy Scher Billig Dr. Harold P. Wittman by Sheryl and Bradley Charles Heller Frances Keller by Dr. and Mrs. Steven H. Keller Schwartz Elsie Tisch by Eddi Tisch and Family Judith A. Wittman by Sheryl and Bradley Morning Minyan Fund Dinah Miller by Edith Black Schwartz In Memory Of: Robert Miller by Edith Black Mother by Nancy Politzer Claire Rosoff by Janice Raffel Charles Tauber by Edward and Alice Tauber Grandmother by Nancy Politzer Shirley Samet by Janice Raffel Jerry Ross by Edward and Alice Tauber Edna Van Grack by Nancy Van Grack and Family Ron Raffel by Janice Raffel Rachel Ouaknine by Edward and Alice Tauber Irving Van Grack by Nancy Van Grack and Selma Vigderhouse by Edward and Alice Tauber Family Tzedakah and Welfare Fund Joan Gindes by Edward Kaplan Martha Footer by Norman and Evelyn Levy In Honor Of: Louis Kaplan by Edward Kaplan Raya Ravich by Olga Ravich Rabbi Berkowitz by Jackie Mendelson and Family Mary Kaplan by Edward Kaplan Betty Dondershine by Pamela Zingeser The Odinec family on the occasion of Ella’s bat Irving Brown by Elinor and Michael Flyer Francine Schwartz by Pamela Zingeser mizvah by Mark Ellenberg and Nancy Abramowitz Dr. Sidney Novenstein by Evan and Judy Novenstein Terry Roth by Patricia Hoff and Michael Kurman The Levine Family on the occasion of Noah’s bar Sara Feldman by Faith-Robin and Steve Feldman Shirley D. Manning by Paula Gartman mitzvah by Mark Ellenberg and Nancy Abramowitz Rubin Kaplan by Fran and Barrett Penan Dora Aronson by Philip Aronson The Forseter family on the occasion of their Sidney Goodman by Fred Goodman Leon Burka by Phyllis Burka granddaughter’s bat mitzvah by Mark Ellenberg and Harold Phillips by Gail and Steven Niedelman and Ida Rosenblum by Rabbi Herbert Rosenblum Nancy Abramowitz Family Jay Heimlich by Robbi and Jeff Shane In Memory Of: Max Teitel by Gail Schwartz Sylvia Spiegel by Roberta Spiegel Hantman Gerry Mendelson by Jackie Mendelson and Family Rebecca Teitel by Gail Schwartz Sidney Spiegel by Roberta Hantman David Meltzer by Linda Weiner Myrna Cooperstein by Gerald Cooperstein Mildred O. Kaplan by Robin Kaplan and Abram George Kerchner by Marcia and Robert Kerchner Martha Kruglak by Glen and Fran Kruglak Kronsberg Harry Davis by Marcia and Robert Kerchner Martin Friedman by Gregory Friedman Herbert Mautner by Rochelle and Andy Iserson David Meltzer by Marilyn Levin Myer Prosky by Heather Prosky Isidore Irving Iserson by Rochelle and Andy My grandmother, Phyllis Waldman, on her first Hugh Christenson by Herb and Brenda Jacobson Iserson yahrzeit by Rebecca Ravski and Rabbi Mitchell Morris Friedenberg by Irwin and Sylvia Rosenthal Abraham Luchs by Ronald Lenkin and Lorin Berkowitz Ida Rose Solomon by Irwin and Sylvia Rosenthal Luchs Jack Schiff by Janet Schiff Rita Glany by Rosalie Machalow Yahrzeit and Yizkor Fund Ruth Friedenberg by Janis Friedenberg Datz Oscar F. Igersheim by Roy and Adele Igersheim In Memory Of: Jean O. Cohen by Jerry C. and Carole J. Cohen Theresa Epter Bortnick by Robin and Bruce Rose Engel by Aaron I. Engel Joan Friedenberg by Jonathan and Izzy Salant and Bortnick Allen Hillman by Ady Hillman and Family Bonnie Cole Betty Ressler by Rudy Ressler Abe Pollin by Alan Pollin Dr. George Kitzes by Julie Herr and Family Max Horenstein by Ruth and Hank Modlin Albert Gudelsky by Amy Gudelsky Nettie Kitzes by Julie Herr and Family Eugenie M. Sacks by Sarajane Sacks Henry Gudelsky by Amy Gudelsky Lillian Bolnick by Karen Bolnick Irving Honikman by Shelley Honikman Cynthia Arrow by Andrea and Melvyn Kopstein Selma Seidel by Lara and Ken Holzer Bill Fisher by Sherry and David Meltzer Minnie Bregoff by Arlette Snyder Josephine Zeitlin by Laurie Gershman Ruth Meltzer by Sherry and David Meltzer Mildred Katzen by Arnold Seigel Joseph Gershman by Laurie Gershman Pearl Richmond by Shirlee and Bill Blanken Samuel Seigel by Arnold Seigel Sylvia Forman by Laurie and Steven Forman Arnold S. Light by Shirley Light Michael Leib Greenberg by Audrey and Bert Dr. Israel ‘Sonnie’ Shulman by Lawrence and Roberta Simha Ohayon by Simon Ohayon Greenberg Shulman Selma Seidel by Steve Moss and Sharon Seidel Annette W. Novak by Audrey, Barry, Alex, and Fred Shulman by Lawrence and Roberta Shulman Moss Jordan Suskind June Alton by Leslie and Larry Kline Sara Feldman by Steven and Faith-Robin Mildred Katzen by Barbara and Harvey Katzen Ethel Chait by Lin Solomon Feldman Florence Cohen by Barry and Amanda Modlin Sylvia Danovitch by Linda Danovitch Bicks Dr. Charles Balkman by Susan and Larry Lesser Josephine Zeitlin by Bennett Gershman Stuart Danovitch by Linda Danovitch Bicks Rose Lee Berman by Terry Irwin and Family Joseph Gershman by Bennett Gershman Rose Reich Margolius by Linda and Stanley Margolius Charles Stein by the Geber/Yaffe Family Howard N. Bernstein, MD by Bernice G. Bernstein Benjamin Weinstein by Linda and Stanley Margolius Joan Geber by the Geber/Yaffe Family Louis Balotin by Betty Anne and Alan Levy Lois Sauve by Linda Molayem Bernard Kanstoroom by Vicki Berman Dora Gordon by Bev and Ray Scharff Anita Levinson by Lisa, Michael, Elyssa, and Ethan Beatrice Rosenthal by Bev and Ray Scharff Garson Jack Chernikoff by Bonnie and Robert Chernikoff Herbert Levinson by Lisa, Michael, Elyssa, and Ethan Maria Kofman by Boris Kofman Garson Dr. Sanford Kay by Bruce and Marcia Kay Anne Chernikoff by Lolly Shapero and Mike Chernikoff JANUARY 2021 19 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Gaithersburg, MD SCROLL Permit No. 2707 6301 MONTROSE ROAD ROCKVILLE, MD 20852-4120

Schilit Nursery School 301-816-5578 301-881-6550 Talmud Torah 301-816-5576 www.bnaiisraelcong.org

We want your child to spend EVERY DAY with us! Schilit Nursery School HALF-DAY & FULL-DAY Options • Ages transitional 2s, 2, 3, and Pre-K • Half-day until 12:30 PM • Full-day option until 6:00 PM • Flexible scheduling options We are so glad to have out students back in the building!

WE ARE OPEN! 2020–2021 Registration is still available. www.bnaiisraelcong.org/nurseryschoolregistration

RACHEL SIEGEL NANCY GOLDBERG Early Childhood Director Schilit Nursery School Assistant Director

301.816.5578 | www.bnaiisraelcong.org/nurseryschool Contact us to schedule a tour.

20 JANUARY 2021