AUGUST 2020 Av/Elul 5780
VOLUME 77 NUMBER 11
STAY CONNECTED facebook.com/groups/BnaiIsraelCong/ www.bnaiisraelcong.org
UPCOMING Our Shabbat Summer Speaker Series UPCOMING Continues. See page 9. UPDATES FROM OUR EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS
First Day of B’nai Israel Schilit Nursery School Despite changes and a Tuesday, September 8 For updates, see page 10. new reality, the education Watch your mail for the of our children remains First Days of Talmud Torah Fall Program Guide a top priority. Sunday, September 18 to be mailed by the for Grades K–6 Tuesday, September 15 for end of August. Noar B'Yachad Grades 7–12 REGISTRATION For updates, see page 11. Inside IS OPEN! For updates from our B’nai Mitzvah ...... 2 Youth Department, Rabbi's Message ...... 3 see page 12. Notes from Cantor Perlman ...... 4 HINEINI Campaign ...... 4 Leadership Message ...... 5 High Holiday Information ...... 6 Lessans Adult Learning Institute ...... 8 HIGH HOLIDAY Summer Speakers ...... 9 Early Childhood ...... 10 Update from our 2020/5781 Youth & Education ...... 11 Youth Events ...... 12 Roadmap to Reopening INFORMATION AND Blumberg-Zalis Family Library ...... 13 SCHEDULE Social Action ...... 13 Task Force News with Netta ...... 14 We’re preparing a meaningful holiday Men's Club ...... 16 See page 5 for Refugee & Immigration Aid ...... 16 Scott Hodes' article. experience that we look forward to Sisterhood ...... 17 sharing with you and your loved ones. Honey From the Heart ...... 17 Mazal Tovim ...... 18 Learn more on page 6. Notes on Hayman Chapel ...... 19 Donations ...... 20 Members in Mourning ...... 23 B’NAI MITZVAH devn ipa
Benjamin Adam Kish Nolyn Brooke Ziman Julian Asher Goldberg August 15 | 9:00 AM August 29 | 9:00 AM September 5 | 9:00 AM Benjamin Kish, son of Sara Nolyn Ziman, daughter Julian Goldberg, son of and Udi Kish, grandson of Lesley and Dr. Andrew Victoria and Jonathan of Vivien and Dr. Lester Ziman, granddaughter Goldberg, grandson Marion, and Tamar and Eli of Marilyn and Rony of Leslye and Ernest Kish, is a rising seventh- Werthamer, and Susan and Schlesinger, and Shirley grade student at North Alan Ziman, is a rising seventh-grade student (z”l) and Harry Goldberg Bethesda Middle School. For his mitzvah at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School. For (z”l), is a rising seventh-grade student at project, Benjamin is hosting a virtual meal as her mitzvah project, Nolyn will participate in Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School. For his part of A Wider Circle’s 30 Days of Dinners the Twinning Project through Yad Vashem mitzvah project, Julian is raising money for in June. This educational experience will to honor a person who was not able to have Rainforest Trust and Ocean Conservancy, also be a fundraiser with two matching gift a bat mitzvah. She will also be working organizations working to preserve and opportunities to benefit A Wider Circle. with Greyhound Welfare to support their protect critical ecosystems. He is also He has also volunteered there many times efforts to rescue Greyhounds, particularly as volunteering with the Little Falls Watershed donating money and items, and sorting and Greyhound racing tracks are closing faster Alliance to clear trash and invasive plants organizing donations for future shoppers. than planned due to COVID-19. from the watershed. Benjamin also helped to run his family's Thanksgiving drive which brought in over $15,000 to A Wider Circle. Eytan Idan Edelman Nehemiah Isaiah August 30 | 9:30 AM Driskill Eytan Edelman, son of September 5 | 12:30 PM Jeremy Matthew Aylin and Scott Edelman, Nehemiah Driskill, son Silberglied grandson of Norma Wilbur of Lisbeth and Brian August 29 | 9:00 AM and Daniel Edelman (z”l), Driskill, grandson of Lucia Jeremy Silberglied, son of and Eva and Izak Roditi and Al Coronel, Lisbeth Gail Ravnitzky Silberglied (z”l), is a rising eighth- Balladares, and Vance and and Steve Silberglied, grade student at Charles E. Smith Jewish Winnie Driskill, is a rising seventh-grade grandson of Karleen Heller, Day School. For his mitzvah project, Eytan is student at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day Jerry Ravnitzky, and Marilyn and Bob organizing a chapter at his school to support School. For his mitzvah project, Nehemiah Silberglied (z”l), is a rising seventh-grade Lone Soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces is volunteering for The Nature Conservancy student at Tilden Middle School. For his (IDF) with a special emphasis on Lone and raising funds for them. mitzvah project, Jeremy is raising money for Soldiers who are graduates of CESJDS. Sports Plus, and adaptive sports program. Lone Soldiers are foreign volunteers in the When he was younger, Jeremy participated IDF or IDF soldiers from broken homes or Dylan Himelfarb in this program which was instrumental families who opposed their enlistment, and September 6 | 4:00 PM in developing his athletic ability. Jeremy thus lack the normal level of family support Dylan Himelfarb, son of now volunteers with the program; its first in Israel of other soldiers. Debi and Evan Himelfarb, “graduate” to do so. Sports Plus is working grandson of Eileen and to transition to an online format to continue Donald Himelfarb, and serving children with disabilities during the Jordan Silverstein Mindy and Rabbi Edward pandemic. August 30 | 9:30 AM Cohen, is a rising eighth- Jordan Silverstein, son grade student at Tilden Middle School. For of Stacey Cooperman, his mitzvah project, Dylan joined Bowling and Michael Silverstein, Buddies, a program through the Jewish grandson of Patti Silverstein Foundation for Group Homes where he and Eli Silverstein, and provides assistance and companionship for Mavis (z”l) and Abie residents with special needs. They meet Cooperman (z”l), is a rising eighth-grade monthly for an afternoon of bowling. student at Tilden Middle School.
2 AUGUST 2020 people; we cannot act as though one life is more important than another. We are not Welcome to the Newest racists; but we live in a society where racism Members of Our persists. We cannot simply assign blame to
police officers or politicians or rioters or B’nai Israel Family “those people” (whoever they might be, but (April 16–July 10) certainly not me). When it comes to creating a better society, we all matter. We have to New Members ... join the national conversation and become part of the solution to a problem that has LESLIE & IRWIN plagued our country for too long. ALTSCHULER I think about that message as it relates to ISAAC BENKIN our congregational community as well. I CHIARA & ANDREW RABBI'S MESSAGE am proud of the lay and professional leaders JAFFE by RABBI MICHAEL SAFRA who work so hard to keep our community open. But we are more than the religious A. CHARLES SHALMAN services and virtual gatherings. At our core, This has been a Very Strange Summer … we are individuals. Each of us confronts the on the heels of a Very Strange Spring. Fall challenges of the moment differently, and Returning Members ... is not looking too promising either. It looks each of us feels the inevitable frustrations at like it will be a while before communal and different times. We need to do everything we individual routines return to “normal.” REBECCA ADLER can to remind ourselves that each individual JENNELYN & DAVID matters. Of course, there are two ways to view all BILKER the disruptions of the past months. We could Over these past months, we have been look at how our lives have been upended, working to reach out to every member of our mourn the loss of life, lament the missed Brukhim habaim! community. It is an imperfect process. Some celebrations and altered vacation plans, The entire seem to be waiting by the phone; others are and fret about the uncertainties that still congregation pleased by the personal contact but aren’t lie ahead. Or we can marvel at how our shares our joy in necessarily expecting it; and, undoubtedly, community has come together to maintain welcoming you into there are names on the various lists that get twice-daily services, youth and adult our B’nai Israel family. missed. programming, schooling, and other essential synagogue functions. We can praise the And that’s when we need to remember tireless efforts of those who are helping us that the calls do not only go one way. In make small strides towards reopening parts addition to proactively reaching out to our of our operation in a safe and responsible Get Social members, we have set a standard for our way. These aren’t the conditions we would staff that all calls and emails be returned in have chosen, but we know this isn’t the first a timely manner. If you call the synagogue With Us time life has thrown a series of curveballs. and receive an automated message, rest
assured that the message will be received If there is a Jewish value that permeates the and returned. But, to quote my mother’s crises of the moment, it is the uniqueness outgoing voicemail message, “if you don’t and divinity of each individual. It is tempting leave a message, I can’t call you back.” The to deal with a pandemic through the crisis of this pandemic has taken away a lot lens of statistics: How many people died of the personal contact that is a hallmark of yesterday and where? How do these numbers B’nai Israel; but this is our current reality. compare? But Judaism teaches that each We can only promise to do our best. person is created in the image of God, During this time of social distancing, make sure to stay connected with us b’tzelem Elohim. It becomes our duty to Whether it applies to strangers, causes, or via social media for latest updates, get to know each person, to remember that the people we love and care about most, Facebook Live events, and more. each number represents somebody’s father the message of the moment is clear. Every or grandmother, sister or brother. We have individual counts. We will get through this Join our group on FB to search out the individuals amidst the together. https://www.facebook.com/ statistics. groups/BnaiIsraelCong/
That is the message of those fighting for Follow us on Instagram racial justice and equity as well. Every https://www.instagram.com/bnai- individual matters. We cannot pre-judge israelcong/
AUGUST 2020 3 MICHAEL J. SAFRA Senior Rabbi MITCHELL H. BERKOWITZ HINEINI Associate Rabbi Annual Campaign JONATHAN A. SCHNITZER Rabbi Emeritus 2020–2021 MATTHEW H. SIMON, DD, DHL Rabbi Emeritus JOSH C. PERLMAN IN THIS Hazzan SARAH BOLTS Associate Hazzan/Music Director TOGETHER ROBERT KIEVAL Hazzan Emeritus B’nai Israel’s 2020–2021 Hineini HAL OSSMAN Executive Director NOTES Campaign will be kicking off soon. MOSHE BEN-LEV by CANTOR JOSH C. PERLMAN Education Director Please look for information in your RABBI PENINA ALEXANDER Assistant Principal mail, email and the September Scroll RACHEL SIEGEL As we approach the High Holy Day season, about how you can invest in our Early Childhood Director we are realizing that things are going to be community and ensure our financial KAREN GERTON strength during this challenging Early Childhood Director Emerita very different this year in so many ways. NANCY GOLDBERG You may be feeling that it will be hard to time. Schilit Nursery School Assistant Director make the spiritual connection participating SARAH JARVIS Hineini will continue to be our only Director of Youth Engagement in services from home or you will miss being major fundraiser! JILL GENDELMAN able to see your B’nai family to shake a hand Librarian NETTA ASNER-MINSTER or give a hug. Thanks to our congregation’s Congregational Shlicha generous support of last year’s AVERY SUDOW Communications and Development Director I am thinking that this year, more than ever, campaign and commitment to our JOSE (PEPE) STRAUSS prayer will be our connection to each other. membership dues, we have been Facilities Director As I think of the melodies and messages able to grow, engage more members PATRICIA SIMITAKOS of the community, and implement Events Manager of the season, I would like to invite you to explore one of your cherished prayers from programs of the highest impact. OFFICERS This is the time to be a part of our our High Holiday services or one you would STEVEN ROTHENBERG success, invest in our home for President like to get to know better. Maybe you would Jewish life, and imagine our future. SCOTT HODES like to become more comfortable with the President-Elect ROBERT LOEWY Hebrew, search for a deeper meaning or As this year has shown us, B'nai is Vice President Administration learn how to chant the prayer. here for you—especially when DAVID STEIN Vice President Development we need it the most. DINA COHEN GRUBER I would love to go on this journey with you Vice President Membership DANIEL FISHER to elevate your connection with the liturgy. Vice President Religious Affairs We can meet by phone or a Zoom call or go FONDA LOWE back and forth via e-mail; whatever your Vice President Youth and Education JESSICA LIEBERMAN comfort level is. If you are timid about the Secretary new technologies we are using, I will help KAREN POST Treasurer you there. Send me an email (cantorjosh@ ROBERT ALTNEU gmail.com) and let me know what you would You may notice our printed Assistant Treasurer like to study. I will do the rest. MARC LEVINE Parliamentarian calendar is missing. MARLA SCHULMAN Although COVID-19 has kept us physically Immediate Past President JULIANNE GOLDMAN | ALISA ISENBERG apart, I believe we can find ways to connect. Due to the evolving nature of our CHERYL ROD I believe getting closer to our prayers will events, please continue Sisterhood Co-Presidents not only elevate our relationships with each WAYNE BERMAN | LEWIS GERTZ Men’s Club Co-Presidents other, but also with God. to check STEVEN COHEN www.bnaiisraelcong.org/calendar DR. PATRICIA GREENWEL-ROJKIND DR. STEVEN HAUSMAN Shalom and be safe. I look forward to for our latest calendar of events DR. FRED MESSING hearing from you. DR. STEPHEN B. ROBBINS and access information. JOEL SHANKMAN JAY WECHSLER Gabbaim
4 AUGUST 2020 throughout the congregation. The sub task forces include individuals not on the main task force that have interests or expertise in SHABBAT the matters discussed. We have been able to tap into a large number of members in Candlelighting assisting B'nai to reopen. & Havdalah After completely shutting down our physical facility, we our now beginning to reopen AUGUST to allow in person attendance. As of this July 31/1 8:03 PM/8:51 PM writing, we have begun Shabbat services 7/8 7:55 PM/8:42 PM with in person attendance of up to 20 people. Attendance is pre-selected and requires a 14/15 7:46 PM/8:32 PM pre-screening evaluation, completed prior to 21/22 7:37 PM/8:21 PM Shabbat. Those in attendance are currently 28/29 7:26 PM/8:11 PM LEADERSHIP required to arrive prior to 9:00 am and MESSAGE attend the entire service. It is anticipated by SCOTT HODES that as local officials move into the next phase of reopening, more congregants President-Elect will be permitted in person, and timed entries, requiring less time in the sanctuary will likely become an element of Shabbat When I accepted the Nominating attendance. Committee's invitation to serve as President Elect for this term late last Winter, I did The reopening is a work in progress. Each not imagine what the future would hold week provides new lessons and feedback that AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic for us, both at B'nai or the world at large. are currently incorporated into best practices way for you to support B'NAI ISRAEL Pre-Covid life looked very different, even with the task force and the clergy. Science CONGREGATION every time you if it was only a few months ago. In early continues to put out new information on the shop, at no cost to you. When you shop May, I was asked to lead the Roadmap to virus that we learn from and adopt into the at www.smile.amazon.com, Amazon will Reopening Task Force. In consultation guidelines. The task force will continue its donate a portion of the purchase price with professional, lay leadership and clergy, work as long as needed. Currently, we are to your favorite charitable organization. a task force of extremely able members working with clergy and synagogue staff was assembled to work on reopening the on issues surrounding the High Holy Days. On your first visit towww.smile.amazon. Montrose Road facilities. The task force com, select B'nai Israel Congregation began its discussions prior to Memorial The one thing that constantly comes in Rockville to receive donations Day on the guidelines for reopening the through is that we have an active and caring from eligible purchases before you shul when permitted by local officials. The community at B'nai Israel. Be it from begin shopping. Your selection will be task force's mission is to present guidelines participation on a task force or reaching remembered, and every eligible purchase that allow reopening of programs in as safe out to lay leadership, professional staff you make will result in a donation. a matter as possible under state, local, and or clergy with constructive suggestions, national guidance. Experts on the task B'nai's members are dedicated, vibrant and force include physicians, scientists, law interested in the renewal of our in-person enforcement professionals, indoor space activities. There is no wonder why B'nai is specialists and others with knowledge of a leader in the Conservative movement. It our physical space and our congregation. is with this spirit that I am proud to be part B'NAI ISRAEL of this community and am honored to serve CONGREGATION The task force created two sub-task forces. as President Elect of B'nai Israel. 6301 Montrose Road One is the Education Task Force, chaired Rockville, Maryland 20852 by Vice President of Youth and Education 301-881-6550 Fonda Lowe which is working on reopening www.bnaiisraelcong.org the Talmud Torah and the Nursery School in the Fall. The second is the Services Task Affiliated with The United Force, chaired by incoming Vice President Synagogue of Conservative Judaism of Religious Affairs Dan Fisher which is responsible for guidelines and procedures for religious services. It is anticipated that there will be another sub task force in the future to work on reopening programming B’nai Israel Congregation is an accessible building.
AUGUST 2020 5 HIGH HOLIDAYS 2020/5781 The High Holiday experience will be different, but together we will make it just as meaningful.
All services in Dweck Sanctuary will be broadcast as an enhanced virtual experience, which will serve as the primary worship portal for most of our congregation. We will be allowing some people to gather in person in Dweck Sanctuary and another traditional service in Goodman Assembly Hall. Exact numbers are subject to county rules that remain in flux, but we are planning to operate at approximately 10% capacity. In addition to our traditional services, we will be hosting non-traditional in-person family services and reserving a couple of prayer opportunities exclusively for seniors. Learning and discussion opportunities, including Ask-the-Rabbi, will take place during the week via Zoom. All of this information and the full schedule is laid out online at www.bnaiisraelcong.org/highholidays.
This month, you will receive information about requesting tickets. Our goal is to provide each interested member the opportunity to attend at least one in-person service. We do not anticipate being able to accommodate nonmembers at our services this year. Please send back your ticket request form as soon as possible.
Congregational policy requires members to pay 1/3 of their membership dues or set up a personalized payment plan by September 1 in order to receive tickets. We have this policy from a place of an understanding—every year, and especially during a pandemic—and our Executive Director, Hal Ossman ([email protected], 301-816-5563), is available to address any questions about membership status or payment plans.
HIGH HOLIDAY TICKETING & VIEWING 2020/5781 In August, all B’nai Israel members will be mailed a ticket form and will be asked to rank their choices of services they hope to attend. All in-person services will require a ticket with assigned, socially distant seating. With limited space this year, we know that not every request will be filled. Our goal is to give every interested member at least one of their choices. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate nonmembers at in-person gatherings this year.
Start and end times are staggered to eliminate traffic in hallways or parking lots and allow time for additional cleaning. All times besides the start of services are approximate. Participants will not be allowed to congregate in public spaces and will be asked to leave immediately upon the conclusion of each service. Rosh Hashanah Services
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 – ROSH HASHANAH EVENING 6:15–7:15 PM Evening Service in Dweck Sanctuary/Bimblich Hall/Gudelsky Hall (LIVESTREAM) 8:00–9:00 PM Evening Service in Parking Lot
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 – ROSH HASHANAH DAY ONE 8:45 AM–12:30 PM Traditional Service in Dweck Sanctuary/Bimblich Hall/Gudelsky Hall (LIVESTREAM) 9:30 AM Torah Service 10:45 AM Sermon 9:15 AM–1:00 PM Traditional Service in Goodman Assembly Hall 2:00–3:30 PM Renew: A Contemplative & Holistic High Holiday Service with Rabbi Aderet Drucker (LIVESTREAM only) 7:00–7:45 PM Evening Service in Dweck Sanctuary/Bimblich Hall/Gudelsky Hall (LIVESTREAM; in-person tickets available for seniors only)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 – ROSH HASHANAH DAY TWO 8:45 AM–12:30 PM Traditional Service in Dweck Sanctuary/Bimblich Hall/Gudelsky Hall (LIVESTREAM) 9:30 AM Torah Service 10:45 AM Sermon 9:15AM–1:00 PM Traditional service, Goodman Assembly Hall 2:00–3:30 PM Renew: A Contemplative & Holistic High Holiday Service with Rabbi Aderet Drucker (LIVESTREAM only) 6:45–7:00 PM Tashlikh, Outside (note the earlier Tashlikh with the family service) 7:00–7:45 PM Evening service 6 AUGUST 2020 HIGH HOLIDAYS 2020/5781 Yom Kippur Services
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 – KOL NIDRE 6:30–8:30 PM Traditional Service in Dweck Sanctuary/Bimblich Hall/Gudelsky Hall (LIVESTREAM) 6:45–8:45 PM Traditional Service in Goodman Assembly Hall
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 – YOM KIPPUR 8:45–11:45 AM Traditional Service in Dweck Sanctuary/Bimblich Hall/Gudelsky Hall (LIVESTREAM) 9:45 AM Torah Service 11:10 AM Sermon/Yizkor 9:15 AM–12:00 PM Traditional Serivce, Goodman Assembly Hall 2:00–3:30 PM Renew: A Contemplative & Holistic High Holiday Service with Rabbi Aderet Drucker (LIVESTREAM only) 1:00–3:00 PM Mussaf (including Yizkor) in Dweck Sanctuary/Bimblich Hall/Gudelsky Hall (LIVESTREAM) 1:00 PM Sermon/Yizkor 1:30 PM Mussaf 5:15 PM Traditional Afternoon and Evening Service in Dweck Sanctuary/Bimblich Hall/Gudelsky Hall (LIVESTREAM) 5:15 PM Minha (including Jonah) 6:25 PM Neilah 7:30 PM Shofar 5:30–6:00 PM Special Service for Seniors, Sermon and Yizkor ONLY in Goodman Assembly Hall
YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICE OPTIONS Youth and Family Services are offered virtually and in-person, indoors and outside. Youth services will be designated by age level. The Family Service is for families with children of all ages, especially targeted towards elementary school. The Tot Service is for chidren 5 and under. Tickets are required and space is limited for all in-person gatherings.
Rosh Hashanah
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 – ROSH HASHANAH DAY ONE 9:30–10:45 AM Virtual Youth Services (grades K–6) 10:00–11:15 AM Virtual Teen Service (grades 7–12) 2:00–3:00 PM In-Person Teen Service in Fanaroff Auditorium 4:30–5:15 PM Virtual Tots Service 4:30–5:30 PM Outdoor Family Service (Rain plan: Dweck Sanctuary/Bimblich Hall/Gudelsky Hall; service will be livestreamed)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 – ROSH HASHANAH DAY TWO 9:30–10:45 AM Virtual Youth Services (grades K–6) 10:00–11:15 AM Virtual Teen Service (grades 7–12) 4:30–5:15 PM Virtual Tots Service 4:30–5:45 PM Outdoor Family Service with Tashlikh (Rain plan: Dweck Sanctuary/Bimblich Hall/Gudelsky Hall; service will be livestreamed) Yom Kippur
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 – KOL NIDRE 4:00–4:45 PM Virtual Tots Service 6:45–8:00 PM Virtual Family Service
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 – YOM KIPPUR 9:30–10:45 AM Virtual Youth Services (grades K–6) 10:00–11:15 AM Virtual Teen Services (grades 7–12) 3:45–4:45 PM In-Person Teen Service in Fanaroff Auditorium 3:45–4:45 PM Outdoor Family Service (all ages invited) (Rain plan: Dweck Sanctuary/Bimblich Hall/Gudelsky Hall; service will be livestreamed) AUGUST 2020 7 HIGH HOLIDAYS 2020/5781 SARA & SAMUEL J. LESSANS ADULT Opportunities to Enhance the High Holidays Throughout the month of Elul and the week between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we LEARNING will be offering opportunities to enhance the experience. Stay tuned for more details about these and other programs. INSTITUTE This Week in the Torah ELUL with Rabbi Mitchell • Elul in Your Inbox – Receive a thoughtful message each day in the month leading up Berkowitz to Rosh Hashanah Mondays, August 3, 17, • High Holiday Workshops (virtual) – Explore the liturgical and scriptural readings of 24, 31 the Days of Awe 2:15–3:15 PM • Shofar Workshop – Learn to sound the shofar Somehow the Torah always • Neighborhood Shofar Squads – B’nai Israel joins other synagogues in creating unique manages to speak to us in the opportunities in public spaces present. Its lessons are timeless, and that is what makes it a sacred, living text. Explore BETWEEN ROSH HASHANAH & YOM KIPPUR the weekly Torah portion through the lens • Kever Avot Cemetery Services of Rashi, the essential biblical commentary. • Ask the Rabbi (virtual) No prior experience required. All texts will • Lay-led Adult Discussions (virtual; topics to be announced) be provided in both English and Hebrew. • Operation Isaiah Food Drive to Benefit Manna Food Center Register online. The Zoom link will be provided in the confirmation email. We look forward to continuing to share our High Holiday offerings with you. Please be on the lookout this month for additional information and ticket request forms. Ticket requests Klezmer: American will be available in August. Music with Seth Kibel Thursday, August 6 High Holiday Workshops 7:30 PM Klezmer, which literally Preparing for the Days of Awe: Israeli-Style means “tool of song” in with Netta Asner-Minster Yiddish, is the secular folk Tuesday, September 1 music of the Jews of Central and Eastern 7:30–8:30 PM Europe. In the first decades of the 1900s, Learn about the unique events and programs that take place during the month of Elul this music flourished in the New World, in Israel. From selichot tours to Elul programs, this month offers ways to connect for in the immigrant community of New York religious and secular communities in Israeli society. City. There, the sounds of the European “fiddler on the roof” mixed with the sounds Past, Present, and Future: Reflecting on the Year that Was and Will Be of early jazz and Tin Pan Alley. The result with Rabbi Michael Safra was a quintessentially American sound. Tuesday, September 8 This presentation will trace the history and 7:30–8:30 PM evolution of this music, up until the modern The High Holidays are a moment for reflection. We look back in time and we look ahead klezmer revival. Vintage recordings and to the future. The liturgy stays the same, but the way that we relate to it changes as we "live" performances from the instructor change. We will look at the verses of the Hebrew Bible which give structure to the Musaf will make this program as exciting as the service (Malchuyout, Zichronot, & Shofrot), and understand how we can derive meaning music itself. from the liturgy this year. Register online. The Zoom link will be sent to you in the confirmation email. It’s Complicated: Our Relationship Status with God Sponsored by Judy Saks and the Benjamin with Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz Tuesday, September 15 Saks Judaica Art Endowment. 7:30–8:30 PM Presented by the Arts Task Force of the Adult Maintaining a relationship with the Divine is not always an easy task. We have expectations Education Committee. for what we derive from a relationship, and we know that we must also invest ourselves in order for the relationship to grow and flourish.Anu Amekha is a short, yet powerful, piyyut Women in the Bible (liturgical poem) from the Yom Kippur liturgy. Join me in exploring how it highlights the with Netta Asner-Minster Thursday, August 13 possibilities, and the challenges, for maintaining a relationship with God. 7:30–8:30 PM See page 15 for details.
8 AUGUST 2020 SUMMER SPEAKER Join Our Services by Video Live Stream or Telephone SERIES Shabbat Friday evening, 6:15–7:15 PM During the summer months, we invite members of our community to speak on Saturday, 9:00 AM –12:00 PM Shabbat mornings and address the congregation about the interesting ways that *If you are interested in attending our very they connect special experiences to their Jewish identities. limited in-person Shabbat service, please Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/788352437 email [email protected].
August 1 Oren is a senior at the Charles E. Smith Daily Minyan Can a magazine of Jewish Day School. He attended Camp Monday–Thursday, Jewish ideas replenish Ramah in New England for eight years, is 7:15 AM & 8:00 PM the moral confidence interested in engineering and politics, runs, Friday, 7:15 AM of American Jewry? debates, and is co-editor of the CESJDS Sunday, 9:00 AM & 8:00 PM with Jonathan Silver student newspaper. Even when not facing Video Live Stream Instructions threats to our physical https://zoom.us/j/788352437 existence, the Jewish people confront August 22 severe challenges to our identity, our staying What it Means for Me Audio Dial-in: 1-929-436-2866 power, and our very reason for being. Can to be a Shlicha Meeting ID: 788 352 437 # a magazine of Jewish thought inspire the with Netta Asner- confidence we need to flourish as a people? Minster, Congregational Phone Instructions In addressing these challenges head-on, Shlicha Dial 1-929-436-2866 and in depth, Mosaic publishes analysis Shlichut literally means Meeting ID: 788 352 437 # and judgment on issues of politics, society, “mission.” For many, the culture, religion, and the arts. term refers to Israeli emissaries who spend a year or two in various communities or Jonathan Silver is the editor of Mosaic, host on college campuses. Shlichut in and of of the Tikvah Podcast, and senior director itself is a challenge: you must adapt to We Continue at the Tikvah Fund. He previously served and learn about different communities as the executive director of the Jewish and cultures. This past year, however, to Gather Leadership Conference. Along with Rabbi presented unprecedented challenges for us all, which compelled us to quickly adapt to Meir Soloveichik, he is the coeditor of With the health and safety Proclaim Liberty Throughout the Land, a new circumstances and find ways of being book of primary sources that demonstrates together while physically apart. In honor of of our community as the top the influence of Hebraic texts in early the beginning of our shlicha's second year, priority, our world and our American political history. Netta Asner-Minster will share her personal community have changed. experiences of this past year, including the Thank you for joining us challenges and the successes in adapting virtually during this time. August 8 to the circumstances by creating new and Bronfman Fellowship, unique online opportunities. A Virtual Summer Experience Netta Asner-Minster is beginning her second with Oren Minsk year as our shlicha (Israeli Emissary). Netta Oren Minsk is participating was born in Silver Spring, Maryland and in the 2020 Bronfman moved to Israel in 2004. She completed Fellowship, a program founded by the her BA prior to her Shlichut from Hebrew late Edgar Bronfman in 1987. Bronfman University in International Relations and Fellows typically spend a summer in Israel Jewish History and Contemporary Judaism. exploring existential questions and Jewish Netta's passion is to engage with Israeli ideas, with ongoing programing over the and American Jews, strengthening the ties course of their high school senior year. This between the communities, and has worked summer the program was moved online with various organizations such as Onward where Fellows have explored questions Israel, the Israeli Parliament, and of course of Jewish identity, pluralism, and other the Jewish Agency to further promote this www.bnaiisraelcong.org/ topics in the Jewish community. Oren looks goal. She recently got married to John in forward sharing his experiences and insight December 2019. joinvirtually from the past month. AUGUST 2020 9 Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center. I am thrilled to return Schilit Nursery home to the Jewish community! When School I’m not at school, I enjoy being outside, Registration is now open for the going on adventures, 2020–2021 school year! trying new restaurants, binge watching tv www.bnaiisraelcong.org/ shows, and playing with my Yellow Lab nurseryschoolregistration mix, Charlie.
We have every intention and are One of my guiding principles as an early EARLY childhood educator is the importance of diligently making plans to open this fall, relationships. I love inspiring children to with certain restrictions, but with hopes CHILDHOOD play, question, think, write, draw, explore, for open classrooms, open hearts, and by RACHEL SIEGEL wonder, create and become lifelong learners. even open arms. Director I enjoy partnering with parents and families in the best interest and care of their children. I take pride in collaborating with other WINNE R Hi B’nai Israel teachers to provide the highest quality community! learning environment for children. B'nai Israel Happy Summer! I hope this finds you and It has been a pleasure to get to know so your loved ones healthy, well, and safe many of you over the past few weeks, Cookbook as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic whether by email, phone, Zoom, or our Project and all of the uncertainty and challenges. Parking Lot Shabbat Sings. As I write this article in early July for the August scroll, I Now that it is August, I cannot believe am working from my very quiet new office that I have been a part of the B’nai in the synagogue. I am hopeful and cannot Israel community for one month now. wait to open up our doors one month from And what a month it has been! Much now and see all of you in person. We are so of my time has been spent learning excited that (barring any mandates from the and understanding about the school, Governor) we are planning to open in-person Be a Part of the B’nai synagogue, and community, meeting with for the 2020–2021 school year, five days per Israel Cookbook teachers and families, researching and week, with both half and full day options developing our reopening plans, while starting on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. I Do you LOVE to bake and cook? Even also thinking about curriculum and the know I look forward to hearing the sounds if you don't, send your favorite recipes social emotional needs of our community of children giggling and playing throughout (up to three) for our new B'nai Israel at this time. Through my contact and the halls. Our top priority remains the health Cookbook. During this difficult time, we can share our favorite recipes with connections with you, I already feel the and safety of both our students and teachers. each other and with our families. positive energy the community embodies We are working diligently to create protocols and feel very welcomed by everyone: and changes (including grouping children in thank you! Once completed, this cookbook “bubbles” and designated outdoor spaces for will be sold as a fundraiser and will each classroom) to reflect our new reality, make a great gift and addition to I wanted to share a little bit about and I look forward to continuing to share your kitchen! We'd also appreciate myself. I have been in the field of early them with you as we finalize all the details. any photos of your food, your family childhood education for a little over enjoying your food, or your family a decade and I cannot imagine doing This is definitely a strange time to be cooking your food, that you'd be anything else. For the past three years, transitioning to a new job, but I am willing to allow to be published in the I was a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher at enthusiastically up for this challenge. I am cookbook. Norwood School, an independent day grateful to Karen Gerton and Fonda Lowe Send your recipes to either Lynn school for children in grades PK–8. I for both of their frequent communication was an integral member of the founding Rayman ([email protected]) or and support to ensure a smooth transition Jeff Fredman ([email protected]). team that both created and integrated for our community. Please feel free to email the new Pre-Kindergarten program into me anytime at: [email protected] the Norwood community. Prior to that, and know my “door” is always opened. I’m I worked both as the Assistant Director looking forward to meeting you soon! and Classroom Educator for ages 2–5 at
10 AUGUST 2020 This fall will see an approach to our classrooms and begin a year of great congregational Jewish education that learning. Even if those faces are masked, is unprecedented. Some congregational our job will be to put smiles on those hidden schools will follow a hybrid as well as faces! a virtual approach to segments of the curriculum. Other religious schools will remain completely in a virtual space until sometime in 2021. Whatever the approach, each synagogue is working day and night to determine what the best approach will be for their community. Talmud Torah REGISTRATION At our Talmud Torah, we are working now 2020–2021 on a hybrid approach, which will bring YOUTH & our K–6 students into our building every other Sunday for Judaic instruction. K–3 Online Talmud Torah EDUCATION would come two Sundays a month as registration will open on May 26. by MOSHE BEN-LEV Early bird discount through would 4–6. On the “off” Sundays, students June 30. Education Director would take part in a vigorous and creative virtual Judaic and prayer program. Hebrew www.bnaiisraelcong.org/ In the Jewish religious school world, instruction for Grades 3–6 will remain in talmudtorah small group virtual classes mid-week. With August is an important month of planning If you have any questions, please and putting the finishing touches on what is less face-to-face instructional time each contact Jennifer (240-221-2508, hoped will be a well-organized, inspiring, week, participation in Junior Congregation [email protected]). and eventful school year. The month often on Shabbat will be ever more important. We concludes with a major teacher orientation are designing a robust Shabbat program that which translates into a long day of meetings, will also take place in the virtual space. We trainings, sharing and planning the first days remain prudent and so we have also created a of school. Over the last thirty years, both as fully developed all virtual program, as well. a teacher and education director, August has This allows us to be prepared for whatever followed this general pattern. Predictable, occurs. With two strong and well thought hectic, and in many ways comforting, the out programs, we are confident that we can Support B’nai Israel’s cycle has been a constant reminder of what fulfill both our educational goals and sense we need to do to begin a successful school of community. year as well as mentally prepare for an PROJECT opening day when the building is filled with Our Roadmap to Reopening Task Force has students who have been absent from late worked very hard to develop safety protocols MANNA May through September. Seeing students and procedures, which are being shared with Urgently Needed Food Items who have grown over the summer, eager our teachers and parents. The new reality (though we take all nonperishable to see their friends, and share camp and also demands increased training for our food items) vacation stories never fails to strengthen teachers, which I am designing together with my sense of community and joy in being Rabbi Penina Alexander and our talented • Instant Oatmeal Packets staff. Teachers will also be collaborating (Original Flavor) together for learning and teaching one • Brown Rice another. with teachers in devising new and innovative • Whole Grain Pasta strategies to educate our children. • Tuna/Salmon/Chicken (in While this year summer has been filled Water) with uncertainty and its many challenges, One item we are sure of is that teachers will • Dry/Canned Beans (Low be asked once again to be creative, out-of- Sodium) it has also given us an opportunity to step • Natural Nut Butters out of our comfort zone and be creative, the-box thinkers and planners as they reach • Canned Vegetables (Low inventive, and more reflective of what their curriculum goals. Sodium) occurred in the spring as we entered a virtual • Canned Fruit (in Juice) Talmud Torah. From the positive feedback Since early June, we have been working • Fruit Cups without pause on these issues and how we • Shelf-stable Individual Milk Boxes we received about small group Hebrew for • Cooking Oils & Spices 3rd–6th grades to concerts, tefillah, and fun can meet our educational goals. We know we educational lessons to music, and a Matza can achieve great things because we have all Thank you for your commitment to this making workshop, we were able to reach the ingredients necessary; resources, staff, life-giving mitzvah! All food items will our students and families with astonishing experts, and most importantly, partnership be directed to the Manna Food Center. ease thanks to a combination of our amazing and collaboration. I’m hoping and praying teachers, support staff and the technology that come September, I will be able to itself. see the faces of our students as they enter AUGUST 2020 11 new! Although the Youth Department does not typically offer summer programming of this kind, I am excited to be able to offer COLLEGE our community ways to stay connected even if we cannot be together at camp, in the CONNECTION! synagogue, or elsewhere. I look forward to the creative opportunities this summer and to If you are a college student or the making awesome memories with all of you. parent of one, sign up for College Connection today. Packages have Looking ahead to the fall, we will continue included Starbucks gift cards, holidays to offer programming primarily in the virtual gifts, candy, and more. space with new and exciting programming for all ages. I am hopeful that in a few Don't miss out! months we will look back on this time and www.bnaiisraelcong.org/college YOUTH EVENTS remember that while it was challenging, by SARAH JARVIS it was also a time when we learned about Director of Youth Engagement ourselves, our community, and so much more. I am excited to continue offering smaller scale programs twice a month and With the summer months ticking by I have one larger program for each youth group found that with this pandemic I have had once a month! the opportunity to be even more creative SHANA with my programming than in the past. I I want to congratulate more of our 2020 FRENKEL, have really enjoyed getting to run summer graduates whose names were not included LCSW-C programming, which is a new and exciting in the June/July Scroll. Mazal tov, and I wish Synagogue initiative for this year. During this time, I you all the best in your next adventures! have examined the priorities of the youth Liaison groups and designed programs that would Ari Schlactus – Indiana University The JSSA Synagogue be fun, educational, and engaging all at the Molly Zatman – University of Maryland Liaison program is same time. I am enjoying my continued Amy Ackerman – University of Maryland a partnership between work of developing programming for the Douglas Cantor – Tulane University JSSA and local rest of summer and beyond, and hope you Sam Eig – Oberlin College congregations as an all are enjoying “seeing” each other once a Micah Gritz – Tufts University additional support to families. Shana week as much as I am. Ava Solomon – New York University Frenkel, LCSW-C, is available to discuss Danielle Tauber – University of Texas a whole range of issues—from parenting As part of a new initiative this spring, I made to aging, communicating to stress-relief. it a priority to call our high school students Also, a hearty mazal tov to: If Shana is not the right person to help, and their families during these difficult times Jason Altneu, Maddy Pollack, and she will make the connection to other to check in and see how they are doing. Madison Sunshine on being selected for professionals from JSSA and beyond. Thanks to these phone calls I was able to Seaboard USY’s Regional General Board. hear about what you are up to and get to Shana can be reached at (sfrenkel@jssa. know you better. These phone calls have org, 301-610-8396). been a highlight for me, and I look forward to connecting with more students and their families this summer. Carl & Doris Lane I have also had the chance to bond with our youth during our continued online YOUTH B'nai Israel programming. When the pandemic started, DEPARTMENT we offered programming from week to SPIRIT WEEK week for each of the four youth groups: is Coming Bonim, Machar, Kadima, and USY. As we EVENTS pivot towards the summer and fall, we are planning full monthly calendars of programs Let's have some fun! and initiatives. The summer programming Be sure to check out our latest Check your inboxes for events and resources at calendar for the Youth Department features fun themes, challenges special programs led by parents from our www.bnaiisraelcong.org/ and ways to connect community, moments for rising grades to joinvirtually from August 10–14! transition into their new youth groups, and opportunities for you to try out something
12 AUGUST 2020 Both of these books will be a part of our upcoming fall B’nai Israel Book Discussion selections. Others to look forward to in the SOCIAL fall include, The Hilltop by Asaf Gavron; The Book of V by Anne Solomon; Hidden in ACTION Plain Sight by Karen Batshaw and Division by Goldie Goldbloom. Thank you to our volunteers who helped provide items for the Interfaith Works Reading Recommendations Women's Shelter meal: Dina and Alan Lipschultz My Wild Garden: Notes David Sotsky (Chase and Tyler), and Shira from a Writer's Eden Kaplan by Meir Shalev Mickey Goldstein BLUMBERG-ZALIS A colorfully illustrated Marcia Kerchner round of the season in the Harriet Fredman FAMILY LIBRARY garden of the best-selling Judy Saks by JILL GENDELMAN novelist, memoirist, and Nancy Eig Librarian champion putterer with a wheelbarrow. Michelle Finkel Mehlman On the perimeter of Israel’s Jezreel Valley, Cindy Oser with the Carmel Mountains rising up in the Esther Teller Our two August Library programs listed west, Meir Shalev has a beloved garden, He below will be via Zoom. The Zoom links Randy Goldberg extolls the virtues of the lemon tree, rescues Harriet Stein can also be accessed on our website (www. a precious variety of purple snapdragon bnaiisraelcong.org.joinvirtually). Linda Reisner from the Jerusalem–Tel Aviv highway, and Signe Wetrogan does battle with a saboteur mole rat. He Wayne Berman B’nai Book Discussion even gives us his superior private recipe for Group curing olives. Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner The Dutch Wife Wednesday, August 12 by Ellen Keith 11:30 AM–12:30 PM From the Netherlands to A deliciously funny, remarkably poignant, Germany to Argentina, and simply ‘unputdownable’ novel about The Dutch Wife braids the power of friendship and complexities of together the stories of three female relationships, the lure of frenemies, individuals who share a and the importance of making peace with dark secret and are entangled in two of the yourself through all life’s ups and down, the most oppressive reigns of terror in modern pitfalls of living out loud and online, and the history. This is a novel about the blurred resilience of the human heart. lines between love and lust, abuse and Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/93070011211 Meal for the Interfaith Works resistance, and right and wrong, as well as Women's Shelter the capacity for ordinary people to persevere Author Presentation Sunday, August 2 and do the unthinkable in extraordinary The B’nai Israel Social Action Committee with David Spiegel circumstances. “The Promise” together with the Sisterhood and Men’s Tuesday, August 25 Club will be providing a brunch meal for the Everything in your Life 7:00–8:00 PM residents of the Interfaith Works Women's by B. Morgenroth Shelter at noon on Sunday, August 2. We A priest in King Solomon’s Can one good deed change need your help in supplying various parts Jerusalem temple is desperately trying everything? Weeks away of the meal. The items can be purchased or to save two mysterious artifacts that are from being ordained as a prepared in your home. There will be vari- connected to the sacred religious rites of rabbi, Ben Belasco turns ous options for drop off of your items. The ancient Israel and God. When a celestial away from his life’s path items should serve 8 to 10 people and be in messenger appears, he agrees to give the and becomes a magician. On a rainy night, disposable pans. To see the options or to be artifacts to her in exchange for a seemingly Ben finds himself stranded in upstate New involved, please see our sign up at: benevolent promise. Now, in modern day York with no money and no job. Overhearing https://www.signupgenius.com/ United States, three people must deal with Ben, Mabel offers him a place to stay—Ben go/20f094aacac22a02-brunch. the promise’s unintended consequences and says yes. When Mabel asks Ben to stand in a life and death prophecy that affects each for the missing Methodist minister he says For more information and delivery details, of them and the world in which they live. yes. .He couldn't repair the world, but maybe contact Signe Wetrogan (301-384-2994, Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/93152944590 he could help this one small town. [email protected]) or Wayne Berman (240-888-0843, [email protected]).
AUGUST 2020 13 חֲדָׁשֹות עִ ם נֶטַ ע News with Netta August 2020 5780 lel`/a` As these words are shared with the community, I am in Israel traveling around on my vacation, which is longer than expected due to the circumstances of the pandemic. Upon arrival in Israel, you must quarantine for 14 days at home or at any location where you have your own room and bathroom (which I am lucky to have), otherwise you are sent to a COVID hotel.
At the time that I wrote these words, I was still in the U.S. preparing and excited for my trip. I want to share my excitement with you by offering a different version of what had been a monthly “Israel paper.” It is difficult to write about current events when things change each day, so I will share the other sections of the Israel paper in a more personal way to show you Israel through my eyes.
Enjoy!
THIS MONTH IN ISRAEL’S HISTORY EXPLORE ISRAEL
The First International Bible Quiz Welcome to my Neighborhood: Har Homa! August 19, 1958
Har Homa, formally known as Homat Shmuel, is the most southern One of the main events that takes place on Yom Ha’Atzmaut is the neighborhood of Jerusalem, bordering Bethlehem. There are about International Bible Quiz for youth. This idea began in 1958 for 25,000 residents. The neighborhood was founded officially in 1997 adults as part of Israel’s first decade celebrations. although the land was acquired by JNF after the Six Day War in 1967. The neighborhood is built on a hill and has five different The winner of the first national bible quiz, Amos Chacham, became levels, showing the expansion of the neighborhood since it was famous as his was a “Cinderella story.” He went from working as first founded. a clerk who had to borrow a suit from a friend for the competition to the well-known national bible champion. On August 19 Amos This neighborhood is controversial because it is beyond the green competed and won the international bible quiz which took place in line and during its early years there were claims that approximately Jerusalem, with about 66% of Israel’s population listening via radio. 30% of the neighborhood is on Palestinian territory. However, over time it has become concensus to be part of Israel for any potential The international bible quiz for youth began in 1963 and has become future agreement. On another note, most of the residents who live well-known as it takes place on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, with youth from there do so because of the availability of affordable housing, not all over the world competing in Jerusalem. because of religious or political ideals. This reality makes it such that the neighborhood has an array of political opinions despite the discussion about it worldwide.
14 AUGUST 2020 HEBREW SLANG GUESS THE PHOTO
Tachles Where Were These Photos of Me Taken? This is one of my personal favorite Hebrew slang words that I use Send your answers to Netta ([email protected]). all the time! תַ כְ לֶ ס tachles = the bottom line
It comes from Yiddish and means ‘the actual point’ or ‘the bottom line’
Example of use: “I have so many things I want to do in Israel but tachles, I really just want to hang out with my family”
ISRAELI SOCIETY
Hardal: National Ultra-Orthodox #1 #2
Sixty percent of my neighborhood is comprised of National Ultra- orthodox people. This means that they have religious practices that are similar to the ultra-orthodox (Haredi) community, however they are Zionist and truly support the state. They serve in the army, they #3 #4 work and pay taxes, the girls participate in national service, they vote, and simultaneously they share a lot of ideals with the Haredi society. This comes across through modest dress and separation between boys and girls in youth groups as well as in educational settings.
This term has become more popular in recent years due to known figures using it. For example, Naftali Benett, Israel’s former minister of education and defense minister, defined himself as ‘Hardal’ during a political ad.
UPCOMING ISRAEL PROGRAMS #5 #6 Women in the Bible Thursday, August 13, 7:30–8:30 PM Netta Asner-Minster Join our Shlicha, Netta Asner-Minster, for a discussion about women Congregational Shlicha and their representation in the Tanach (bible). This is the first session 240-221-2504 about women in Judaism, a subject Netta will be leading additional [email protected] sessions on during the year Netta will be hosting Chelsea Feuchs, a third year student at HUC, who has created a unique theory of women in the tanach as part of a fellowship in Israel, connecting the women through shared themes. This session will help to expand and deepen the understanding of the Tanach through feminist interpretation. This session is in cooperation with the B'nai The congregational shlicha program is made possible by a Sisterhood and Men's Club. partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82806383879 AUGUST 2020 15 MEN’S CLUB REFUGEE AND IMMIGRATION Service to B’nai Israel & Community Strengthening Jewish Values AID COMMITTEE Building Friendships
While that the Men’s Club has canceled Dear B’nai Israel Community, all of its face-to-face contact programs for June through August, we have been busy On behalf of the Refugee and Immigration organizing several Zoom sessions and Aid Committee , we want to thank you for delivering meals to the Interfaith Women’s your continued support of the refugee fam- Shelter in Rockville. Throughout the ily. This continued support has meant a great fall, we do plan to embark on a series of deal to us and to the family, particularly in programs that can either be held via Zoom these difficult times. Your very generous online sessions or, as circumstances allow, contributions were delivered to the family then delved into the mechanics of each we can do in smaller, socially-distant, who wanted to make sure we shared the type of vaccine currently being developed face-to-face events. We will continue to thank you notes made by the children (see for protection from Covid-19. Jeff also offer a speaker series, a political forum, a below) with the community. provided an update on the latest publicized health awareness weekend, and more. We status of some of the top vaccine candidates are also planning to continue the ROMEO and answered many questions about risks Dinners and we are considering starting a and rewards of the different vaccines. This new Walking Club on Sunday mornings. was another fascinating Zoom session that Events, topics, and potential speakers are attracted over 60 people. We want to thank being determined at this point. So stay Jeff for doing this fascinating and engaging tuned to the B’nai Israel Program Guide session for us. and Homepage for announcements of future programming by the Men’s Club. We also want to thank Signe Wetrogan of the Social Action Committee and all the We want to thank a few people who Sisterhood members who made or bought helped make our summer programming so food for us to deliver at lunchtime to the successful. Interfaith Works Women’s Homeless Shelter on Sunday, June 7th. It is always On June 4th, the Men’s Club and the terrific to work with these folks. We will Sisterhood did host a joint Zoom session again be delivering lunch to the Shelter on that featured Chet Stein talking about Sunday, August 2nd, so anyone wanting to his recent trip to Antarctica with the help is welcome. Please contact Wayne National Geographic Society. Chet shared Berman to help. spectacular photos that he took of the landscape, the birds, the sea mammals, and For questions about the Men’s Club and/ of course the penguins. He also had some or to get involved, please contact our co- very interesting stories to share about the Presidents Wayne Berman (wayneb4me@ ship he traveled on and the conditions in aol.com) or Lewis Gertz (lewger1643@ Antarctica. All in all, it was a fascinating gmail.com). For more information on session. Over 60 people joined on this Men’s Club programming, please visit Zoom session. We want to thank Chet for our website at www.bnaiisraelcong.org/ doing this fascinating and engaging session mensclub. for us. We look forward to seeing you again soon! On June 30th, the Men’s Club and the Sisterhood hosted another joint Zoom session that featured Jeff talking about “How it works: A deep dive into Covid-19 vaccines.” Jeff presented a very short primer on the human immune system and
www.bnaiisraelcong.org/mensclub
16 AUGUST 2020 SISTERHOOD Welcome to the new Executive Save the Date Board and General Board HONEY FROM On June 24, the new Sisterhood officers were August 13 THE HEART installed. Mazel Tov to Presidents Juliann “Women in the Bible” – virtual presentation Goldman, Lisa Isenberg, and Cheryl Rod with Netta Asner-Minster Sisterhood Fundraiser and to the new and returning board members. See page 15.
Sisterhood Membership September 9 Join Sisterhood for the 2020–2021 season. Our first event of the year! Virtual cooking Although we currently cannot meet in with Paula Shoyer person, Sisterhood continues to plan various fun and educational virtual programs. Mark your calendars for our kick-off Holiday Flowers program for the year, Wednesday evening, Keep in touch September 9 at 7 p.m. Join Sisterhood with a beautiful members as cookbook author, Paula Shoyer, arrangement of demonstrates some innovative dishes to fresh flowers for the change up your Rosh Hashanah meal. holidays—$55 for What better way to wish family, friends local delivery and $65.00 for out-of-area and business associates a “Sweet and Sign up for Sisterhood membership and delivery. Order forms can be found online Healthy New Year” than sending a jar of receive updates and details for this and at www.bnaiisraelcong.org/sisterhood. honey? future programs. Your membership dues Orders are due by Friday, September 10. will enable Sisterhood to continue to offer Checks payable to B’nai Israel Sisterhood Each Honey from The Heart gift contains these programs and continue our support and mail to B’nai Israel Sisterhood, Attn: an 8 oz. jar of pure clover honey, certified for various synagogue activities. We look Flowers, c/o Linda Heller, 11420 Strand Kosher by the Orthodox Union. It is forward to having you as part of our B’nai Drive #8, Rockville, MD 20852. For accompanied by a personalized gift card Israel Sisterhood. Joining is easy. more information, contact Linda Heller reading “L’Shana Tova—Wishing You ([email protected], 240-462-1108). a Healthy and Happy New Year,” and is You can: delivered in time for Rosh Hashanah. The card also lets the recipient know that a Print out and complete the membership dues Washington Jewish Week donation has been made in their honor to form found online at www.bnaiisraelcong. Linda Reisner continues to coordinate B’nai Israel Sisterhood. org/sisterhood. Mail it together with new and renewed subscriptions for the your check made payable to B’nai Israel Washington Jewish Week. Please contact The $17.50 cost per jar includes fee Sisterhood to B’nai Israel Sisterhood, c/o her directly ([email protected], 301-519- domestic shipping. Orders can also be Lisa Isenberg, 18313 Amber Meadows 1776). mailed outside the United States for Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20879. an additional fee. Orders received by September 4 are guaranteed delivery for Or, if you cannot print out the membership Meals on Wheels Rosh Hashanah to domestic addresses. dues form: Sisterhood volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels every Friday morning. To To place an order, go to Mail your check to Lisa Isenberg and become involved, contact Alice Harris www.bnaiisraelcong.org/sisterhood. provide the information from the online form ([email protected]) or Lynn For more information, contact Debra in an email to Signe Wetrogan (signe0420@ Rayman ([email protected]). Fredman (301-231-4866, verizon.net). [email protected]).
For more information, contact Debbie Judaica Shop Moss ([email protected]), or Signe The Judaica Shop is open by appointment Wetrogan ([email protected]). only. Contact Debbie Anolik (kilona613@ gmail.com) for information.
AUGUST 2020 17 mazal tov aeh lfn August Anniversaries Bruce and Marcia Kay – 15 Robert and Joy Stromberg – 30 Daniel Lacoretz and Jill Furman – 15 Scott and Jodi Cohen – 31 Roger Moncarz and Douglas and Rita Lewis – 15 Shawn and Becca Eskow – 31 Amy Corbman Moncarz – 1 Kevin and Alexis Tinsley – 15 Abe and Barbara Osofsky – 31 Noah and Shera Sacks – 1 Tom and Barbie Gluck – 16 Craig and Amy Strent – 31 David and Stacy Schlactus – 1 Ben and Amy Margolis – 16 Matt and Jenni Weinstein – 31 David and June Trone – 1 Fredric and Laura Messing – 16 Jeff and Anne Abend – 2 Jonathan Anderson and Hava Shirazi – 17 David Tannenbaum and Maggie Xu – 2 John Su and Lauren August – 17 and Mazal Tov to... Donald and Carol Tender – 2 Bob and Lesley Gasperow – 17 Ed and Bonnie Belkin – 3 Adam and Dana Goldberg – 17 Sherry and Larry Wachtel on the birth Ira and Terri Cohen – 3 Lowell and Micki Gordon – 17 of their grandson, Miles Saul Scholnick. Jeffrey and Yvonne Distenfeld – 3 Stephen and Andra Metz – 17 Mazal tov to the parents Melissa Wachtel Matt and Jennifer Mandel – 3 Howard and Carol Nelson – 17 and Andrew Scholnick. Sam and Jennifer Block – 4 Mark and Sunny Polsky – 17 Larry Fishbein and Kathleen Watson – 4 Larry and Julie Weber – 17 Vicki Berman and Dr. Richard Reff on Ted and Harriet Fredman – 4 Mark and Marilyn Wetterhahn – 17 the birth of their granddaughter, Chloe Stanley and Carol Goldman – 4 Harold and Joan Krauthamer – 18 Gabrielle Reff. Mazal tov to the proud Jared and Reyna Farber – 5 David and Linda Richin – 18 parents, Michael and Estelle Reff. Michael and Ellie Flyer – 5 Jeff and Stephanie Zweig – 18 Nicholas and Deborah Rodin – 5 Stuart and Tobi Bassin – 19 Gina and Bram Hass on the birth of their Jed Weiner and Veronique Nussenblatt – 5 Charles and Lois Price – 19 grandson, Daniel Frank Seligman. Mazal Lewis and Erica Morse – 6 Ted Avraham and Frida Belinky – 20 tov to the proud parents, Jessa Hass and Jake and Ellen Rothmel – 6 Daniel and Alisa Berger – 20 Ben Seligman. Larry and Bobbi Shulman – 6 Michael and Samantha Brown – 20 Chet and Rita Stein – 6 Joel and Jane Lubin – 20 Carol and Gary Berman on the birth of Mike and Debbi Herbst – 8 Sidney and Marsha Tishler – 20 their granddaughter, Anna Hadassa Berman. Avi Meyerstein and Dana Lande – 8 Howard and Carol Chalker – 21 Mazal tov to the proud parents, Emily and Seth and Lori Mininsohn – 8 Buddy and Marilyn Feldman – 21 Adam Berman. Neil and Yolanda Moyer – 8 Sheldon and Denise Iskow – 21 Barry and Amy Schneider – 8 Herbert and Brenda Jacobson – 21 Dr. Morris Cohen and Ellen and Grant Jason and Jaime Froehlich – 9 Nicholas and Jo-Anne Fleischer – 22 Ottenstein on the birth of their great Michael and Eleanor Goode – 9 Erik and Marjorie Kane – 22 grandson and grandson, Arlo Cohen Shaya and Beverly Markowitz – 9 Allan and Leah Zendel – 22 Ottenstein. Mazal tov to the proud parents, Brian and Marisa Michnick – 9 Len and Laurie Lipton – 23 Aubrey and Joseph Ottenstein. Jimmy Vainstein and Diana Mayer – 9 Sheldon and Mim Tommer – 23 Elliot and Paula Aleskow – 10 David and Penny Doman – 24 Yuchao Li and Adam Goodman on the Harry and Arlene Gildenhorn – 10 Edward and Galia Greenberg – 24 birth of their son, Alexander Li Goodman. Steve and Lois Gutmann – 10 David and Natasha Hurwitz – 24 Mazal tov to the proud grandparents, Steven and Stacy Kahn – 10 Jeffrey and Linda Reisner – 24 Lisa and Andrew Goodman; and proud Scott and Robin Koenig – 10 Marty and Harriet Feldman – 25 great-grandparents Elaine and Dr. David Lawrence and Laurie Brachfeld – 11 Ivan and Stephanie Nalibotsky – 26 Goodman. Henry and Ruth Modlin – 11 Mark and Zsuzsanna Zetlin – 26 Evan and Judy Novenstein – 11 Larry and Judy Berg – 27 Sara and Barry Marcus on the birth of their Aaron and Alisa Rulnick – 11 Joshua and Rachel Dhyani – 27 granddaughter, Elora Joyce Neal. Mazal Steve and Susan Zweig – 11 Barry and Carole Forman – 27 tov to the proud parents, Paula Marcus and Ryan and Dara Daniels – 12 Leon and Signe Wetrogan – 27 Michael Neal. Mark Ellenberg and Nancy Abramowitz – 12 Mitch and Janet Arnowitz – 28 Ron and Wilma Lenkin – 12 Mitchell Berkowitz and Abby and Philip Rogers on the marriage of David Levin and Norda Kittrie – 12 Rebecca Ravski – 28 their son Jonathan Rogers to Tamara Brown. Eric Luftman and Elise Kleinwaks – 12 Gil and Tammy Cohn – 28 Hugh and Carol April – 13 Morris and Kathy Dweck – 29 Alan and Debby Berger – 14 Rand and Julie Fishbein – 29 Ken Brown and Juliann Goldman – 14 Marc and Susan Levine – 29 Alan and Marjory Siegel – 14 Arthur and Gail Nimetz – 30 Kamran and Susan Azhdam – 15 Jeremy and Lexi Robbins – 30 18 AUGUST 2020 My favorite board is the “G” board—the one on the left back wall when you enter Opportunities to the chapel. It is my particular favorite as the plaques are all pretty old and they are all a Memorialize and little different in style. Most of theyahrzeit Honor Your Loved Ones months are in Hebrew and it forces me to practice my Hebrew skills when the new Our beautiful Synagogue provides month comes around. many meaningful opportunities to arrange dedications in memory of or Some interesting notes on Hayman Chapel: in honor of loved ones. • There are 2058 total plaques. • The most popular first names: Morris Memorial plaques, endowments, (55), Harry (52), Rose (46), Sam (44), scholarships, capital gifts, fine arts, Joseph (41), Ann (38), Sarah (35), Ida and educational programs are among Notes on Hayman Chapel (31), Fannie (29). the possibilities available at B’nai Israel by Allison Karasik • The plaques in the chapel made around Congregation. Assistant to the Cantors WWII are actually plastic because in 1942 the US War Production Board For further information, please contact The word yahrzeit is Yiddish and translates ordered a reduction in the use of metals Allison Karasik (240-221-2507, to “time of year.” A yahrzeit date is an in packaging of civilian products. [email protected]). anniversary of the death of a parent, • The oldest plaques in Hayman are in sibling, child, or spouse. The specific date memory Nathan Rutkin, born in 1843 is calculated annually based on the Hebrew (John Tyler was president), and in calendar. A yahrzeit is observed by lighting a memory of Sholom Kassan, born in memorial candle and reciting the Mourner’s 1849 (Zachary Taylor was president.) Kaddish the night before at the evening • On some of the older plaques on the service, and also at the morning service the “G” board, the date of death is noted next day. as holiday, like Simchat Torah or Rosh Hashana or Sukkot, and is in Hebrew. At B’nai Israel, Hayman Chapel is our memorial chapel where we recognize We recite the Mourner’s Kaddish for every Confirmation Class of 1988 yahrzeits with memorial plaques throughout plaque in Hayman once a year, whether or not they have any living observers. We still the room. It was named for Shirley (z”l) The Fine Arts Committee and Stanley Hayman (z”l). Both Shirley read the Mourner’s Kaddish for Sholom Kassan, who died 123 years ago in 1897. Needs Your Historic and Stanley were Washington DC natives B'nai Israel Photos! and at one time lived across the street from A memorial plaque is long-standing Jewish Rabbi Henry Segal (z”l). Stanley became practice to honor your loved ones. If you The Fine Arts Committee is working on president of B’nai Israel in the 1970s and are interested, please feel free to call or a project to display the history of B'nai was known for being especially tough on the email me. And if you happen to be related to Israel through photographs. We are in contractors building our current site. He was Sholom Kassan or Nathan Rutkin, I would need of the following: in the cash register business and founded an love to know! association for cash register dealers. Shirley Confirmation Class did administrative work for the association. photos for the following years: any photos prior to 1954, They were charitable to B’nai Israel and the 1958, 1959, 1964, 1967, 1970, 1972–1982, Hebrew Home. 1984–1986, 1994–2001, 2009–2013. The new and expanding As part of my job, I spend a lot of time in Historical photos Hayman Chapel. I manage the purchases of B'nai Israel of B'nai Israel synagogue and/or events the memorial plaques. Once a month on the Judaica Museum that have taken place throughout it's new Hebrew month, I take a ladder around is actively soliciting fine antique/ long history—weddings, b'nai mitzvahs, the room and twist on and off hundreds of vintage Judaica for its collection. programs, graduations, class photos, etc. mini light bulbs. The bulb remains on for the If you have any items you would like entire Hebrew month of the yahrzeit. It takes to donate or would consider lending If you have any of these photos, about 90 minutes and I actually enjoy this to B'nai Israel for display, please consider sending them to us to time alone and away from my desk; Hayman please contact Randy Sager, reproduce. Your original photographs Chapel is a peaceful place. Fine Arts Chairperson will be returned once they are copied. ([email protected]). As a result, I have become quite familiar Please contact Randy Sager with all of these plaques. I have my favorite ([email protected]) names and my favorite memorial boards. for more information. AUGUST 2020 19 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 May and June | DONATIONS CAN BE MADE AT bnaiisraelcong.org
Dr. Mitchell And Thelma Goldfarb Rubinow Arnie Gross, beloved Father (Pa) by Mincy Neil and Endowments Endowment for Special Needs Family In Memory Of: Bess and Irving Kamins Lecture Fund Susan Abramowitz by Michael and Lynn Gittleson Jonathan A. Schnitzer Rabbinic Chair Endowment In Memory Of: In Memory Of: Irving Kamins, by Mark Kamins and Sue Potechin Ethan Ross Alperstein Sanctuary Garden Fund Susan Fonner by Howard Metro In Memory Of: Beverly G. Schnitzer Tikun Olam Endowment Betty Alperstein by Franklin and Jackie Paulson Jonathan, Suzanne and Amy Schilit Nursery School In Celebration Of: Betty Alperstein by Morton Faller In Memory Of: Alexa Goldstein’s graduation from Walter Johnson Lily Feuerstein by Howard and Tamra Feuerstein and going on to Northwestern University by Mickey Goldie and Henry Stein Endowment For Special Anne Spiegel by Matthew and Jenni Weinstein Goldstein Education Sue and Richie Taffet’s 50th wedding anniversary by In Memory Of: Joseph and Lillian Tudor Adult Education Fund Suzy and Sol Levy Ellen Phillips by Rita and Chet Stein In Honor Of: In Honor Of: Marjorie Weber by Rita and Chet Stein Kristin’s Schulman’s participation in the “Following Rabbi Jonathan Schnitzer for his generosity during Barbara Duchovnay by Rita and Chet Stein Ruth” event by Stefanie, Fred, and Samara Langsam the funeral of my husband, Dr. Benjamin Avrunin by Judy Avrunin Harry Hofberg Community Garden Endowment Karen Gerton Nursery School Enhancement Rabbi Michael Safra for the warmth, care, and In Memory Of: Endowment Fund consolation he offered to the family of Joseph Warren Dan Stillman’s beloved mother, Anita Stillman by In Celebration Of: z”l, beloved father of Laura Messing, grandfather of Marsha Mirman Goldwater Karen Gerton by Lauren and Ryan Perlin Alexis Tinsley, and great grandfather of Shoshana and Karen’s retirement and dedication to BISNS by Sari, Hava Tinsley by Laura and Fred Messing Hazzan Robert Kieval Music Library Fund Ben, Ian & Alex Britz In Memory Of: In Appreciation Of: In Honor Of: Daniel Robert Baer by Barbara Matorin Cantor Josh Perlman by Billye Roberts Karen Gerton in honor of her retirement after 32 years Marjorie Weber by Lynn and Michael Gittleson Cantor Sarah Bolts for her dedication in helping our by Avery Sudow Susie Abramowitz by Meg and Marc Gold daughter, Zoe, become a bat mitzvah by Julie and Barbara Duchovnay, beloved sister of Marjorie Jeff Bethke Louis and Helyn Fanaroff Sustaining Endowment Goldberg by Suzy and Sol Levy In Honor Of: A Speedy Recovery For: Sherry Gollins with thanks for keeping us safe with Our dear friend, Sunny Polsky by Sharon and Steve Bruce R. Saypol Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund face masks by Dina Cohen Gruber Moss A Speedy Recovery For: Sherry and Josh Perlman for their generosity and Gail Rubinson by Jerry and Nancy Reed kindness in assisting congregants during these difficult Mandel and Stein Prayer Book Fund Nancy Ellenberg by Jerry and Nancy Reed times by creating and giving masks to congregants out In Memory Of: In Memory Of: of the goodness of their hearts, by Moshe Ben-Lev Mollie Stein by Chet, Rita, Jonathan, Amanda, Emma Susan Fonner by Alice Harris Goldie, and Benjamin Stein Helen and Herman Glazer Youth Endowment Fund Philip Mandel by Chet and Rita Stein Cantor Ilana Wolpert Music Enrichment Fund In Memory Of: In Honor Of: Our beloved parents and grandparents by Sherry and Mary and Israel Shulman Student Community Cantor Josh Perlman for his generosity during the Larry Wachtel Service Endowment Fund funeral of my husband, Dr. Benjamin Avrunin by Judy In Memory Of: Avrunin Israel Feldman Family Endowment Fund Ilan Zafran by Michael and Marlyn Heiserman In Memory Of: Henry Nachlas by Mr. and Mrs. Michael Heiserman Chester and Rita Stein Environmental Fund Izzy Feldman by Sharon Doner-Feldman In Honor Of: Mildred and William Kaplan Social Action The bar mitzvah of Jonathan Frederick, great-grandson Jerry Neil Memorial Sustaining Endowment Endowment of Shirley Light by Leslie and Jerry Solomon In Celebration Of: In Honor Of: Mincy Neil’s birthday by Tommy and Sheila Hutman Our daughter Ellen Ginsberg becoming President of Comer-Ritwo Elevator Endowment Fund In Honor Of: Beth Shalom Congregation in San Francisco by Leslie In Memory Of: Abby and Phil Rogers’ simchas, 40th Anniversary and and Jerry Solomon Edward A. Comer by Ruth and Andrew Ritwo Abby’s birthday by Mincy Neil Mincy Neil’s special birthday from Toby Hollenberg Rabbi Jeshaia and Hilde M. Schnitzer Israel and David Easton Video Education Endowment and Michael Bonder Camp Ramah Scholarship Endowment Fund In Memory Of: In Memory Of: A Speedy Recovery For: Robert Schultz by Easton and Michel Families Barbara Duchovnay, Marjorie Goldberg’s beloved sister Our dear friend, Bill Blanken by Sharon Seidel David Easton by Easton and Michel Families by Denise and Wayne Berman Denise Moss by Sharon and Steve Moss Barbara Spirer, beloved mother and grandmother with deepest sympathy by Mincy Neil
20 AUGUST 2020 In Celebration Of: Men’s Club The Musher’s wonderful granddaughter, Jenna Funds In Honor Of: Goldberg’s bat mitzvah by Sharon and Steve Moss Lynn and Lewis Gertz by Bob and Bonnie Johnson In Honor Of: Adult Education Fund Zoe Kaufmann’s confirmation from B’nai Israel by In Memory Of: Morning Minyan Fund Sharon Seidel Moss Marjorie Weber by Sheldon and Denise Iskow In Appreciation Of: In Memory Of: Capital Campaign/Building Fund Larry Fishbein and the B’nai Israel community and Richard Fingerhut, beloved father of Leslie, Scott, Lynn In Memory Of: clergy by Brian Lubin and the Fingerhut family by Sharon and Steve Moss Gertrude Tadman Iskow by Sheldon and Denise Iskow In Memory Of: Baruch Rosenberg by Adiva Sotzsky Rabbi Michael Safra Adult Programming Fund Early Childhood Enrichment Fund George and Helen Michaels, Bill Michaels by James In Appreciation Of: In Honor Of: and Karen Michaels Rabbi Safra for performing the beautiful service for The birth of our grandson, Jayden Martin Siegel by Marjorie Weber, mother of Denise Leish by Joanne and Karen Maged by David and Marci Maged and Family, Alan and Marjory Siegel Steven Zuckerman Hollee Maged Gritz and family My grandfather, Hazzan Louis Simon by Steven Rabbi Safra conducting the funeral for Judy’s father, Edith and Charles Pascal Library Book Fund Hausman Samuel Kramer by Judy and Steve Kerbel In Memory Of: Rabbi Safra for his support during my mother, Lois Harvey Metro by Ann Berman Sisterhood Glickson’s, decline and for leading her shiva service Arthur Goldstein, beloved father and grandfather by In Memory Of: by Julie Bethke Jo-Anne and Nick Fleischer Margie Goldberg’s sister by Donald and Carol Vogel Rabbi Safra for his support and kindness and for Jerry Halpern by Susan, Marc, Shelby, Josie, and Ellie conducting the funeral services for Wendelin Lipp, a Tzedakah and Welfare Fund wonderful wife and mom, by Robert Tebeleff, Hilary General Fund A Donation Was Made By: Tebeleff, and Alexander Tebeleff A Donation Was Made By: Errol Forgosh Rabbi Mickey Safra’s friendship, caring and concern Monroe Grossnickle In Appreciation Of: during my illness by Sharon Glickman In Memory Of: Our wonderful B’nai Israel clergy’s assistance with Rabbi Safra’s words of condolence at the funeral of Ellen Phillips, sister-in-law of Bobbie Berger by Ann Lily’s bat mitzvah by Alisa, Aaron, Lily and Jake Susan Fonner by the Labonski family S. Berman Rulnick In Memory Of: Anita Stillman by Avi, Dana, Ellie, Noa, and Lilah Zoom yahrzeits by Cynthia and Morty Zetlin Harley Felstein by Alice Harris Anita Stillman by Dana and Ken Weinstein The wonderful Perlman family seder on the 2nd day of Arnie Gross by Amy Rosselle Paul Botvin by Gayle and Ted Kaplan and family Pesach by Dina and Alan Lipschultz Karen Maged by Dee Abteen Teymourtash Arnold Gross by Harriet and Ted Fredman Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz for guiding our daughter, Bernard Morcheles by Sharon Safra Leslye Siegel, sister of Daniel Siegel, our sincerest Zoe, as she became a bat mitzvah by Julie and Jeff condolences by Harriet and Ted Fredman Bethke Rose and Frank David Epstein Educational Ava Sebastian by Harriet and Ted Fredman Rabbi Michael Safra for guiding our daughter, Zoe, Endowment Ava Sebastian, sister of Denise Leish by Joanne and as she became a bat mitzvah by Julie and Jeff Bethke In Memory Of: Steven Zuckerman Rabbi Safra for helping with tefillin by Marshall Lewis Helen Cohen by Barbara and Richard Daumit Bessie Lewis by Linda and Jeffrey Reisner In Celebration Of: Carolyn and Arnold Gross by Linda and Jeffrey Reisner The birth of Peter Bernstein, grandson of Renee and Rabbi Matthew and Dr. Sara Rubinow Simon Susan Abramowitz, sister of Danny Abramowitz by Michael Bernstein by Anonymous Endowment for Childhood Programming Lisa and Larry Cines Sue and Richie Taffet’s 50th wedding anniversary by In Honor Of: Ralph Gittleson by Marilyn Levin Rachel and Jeff Goldfarb Rabbi Matthew Simon for his generosity during the Anita Stillman, mother-in-law of Debbie Stillman and Sue and Richie Taffet’s 50th anniversary by the Schrier funeral of my husband, Dr. Benjamin Avrunin by Judy a valued employee of the National Partnership, by family Avrunin National Partnership for Women and Families In Honor Of: Anita Stillman by the Wolly/Horowitz family Art Nimetz’s birthday by Bernard Ascher Rabbi Matthew and Dr. Sara Rubinow Simon Susan “Susie” Abramowitz by Phyllis, Jeff, Matt and Scott and Randi Gritz’s new grandson by Bonnie and Legacy Endowment for Jewish Engagement Sophie Lavine Arty Berko In Appreciation Of: Norman Brachfeld by Ruth and Les Heltzer Rabbi Michael Safra for his generosity during the Rabbi Simon for officiating at our wedding 40 years Barbara Duchovnay by Stephen Goldberg funeral of my husband, Dr. Benjamin Avrunin by Judy ago by Michael Kurman and Patricia Hoff Daniel Robert Baer by Sue Tabach and Eli Nadel Avrunin Robert Rosenthal, grandfather of Rebecca Ravski and Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz for his generosity during Wachtel Family Senior Programming Endowment great-grandfather of Ruby by Susan and Larry Lesser the funeral of my husband, Dr. Benjamin Avrunin by In Honor Of: Judy Avrunin The birth of Sherry and Larry Wachtel’s grandson, HAZAK My grandaughter, Jessie Schulman receiving her Miles Saul Scholnick by Alan Isenberg In Memory Of: Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology by Phyllis In Memory Of: Arnold Gross by Arthur Fuchs Jacobson Our beloved parents and grandparents by Sherry and Marjorie Weber, mother of Denise Leish by Ted and Jerry Goldstein celebrating his one year “rebirth” by Larry Wachtel Harriet Fredman Robin and Dan Shapiro In Memory Of: Jay, Gail, Emily and Olivia Wasserman Hineini Campaign 2019-2020 Anita Stillman by Dan and Sammie Moshenberg Communications Endowment In Appreciation Of: Barbara Duchovnay by Dina and Alan Lipschultz In Memory Of: Rabbi Safra’s help and advice regarding our son’s bris Morris Selss by Karen and Ira Selss Bernie Gittleson by Michael and Lynn Gittleson and Hebrew name by Melissa and Lee Siegel Ellen Phillips by Lisa and Larry Cines Ralph Gittleson by Michael and Lynn Gittleson Daniel Baer, beloved father of Jeff Baer by Lawrence Kiddush Fund and Lisa Cines Wilma and Ron Lenkin Holocaust Education In Memory Of: Anita Stillman by Marcia and Robert Kerchner Endowment Phillip Lewis by Marshall Lewis Walter and Sylvia Zukin, parents by Nancy Reed In Memory Of: Marjorie Weber by Rachel and Ben Turk Tolub Susan Fonner by Matthew Fonner L.I.F.E. Lecture Fund Susan Fonner by Robert Fonner Jack Friedman by Sheila Chodorov In Celebration Of: Karen Maged, beloved mother of Hollee Gritz by Ellen Phillips by Wilma and Ron Lenkin Harvey Stein’s 80th Birthday by Sol and Suzy Levy Sandy Sugar In Honor Of: Ellen Phillips by Sheldon and Miriam Tommer Gertz and Greenstone Family by Bob and Bonnie Johnson In Memory Of: Barbara Duchovnay by Jo-Anne and Nick Fleischer CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE.
AUGUST 2020 21 Yahrzeit and Yizkor Fund Dr. Cyrus Katzen by Dr. Jay and Lynn Katzen The grandfather of Rebecca Ravski by Lin Solomon In Memory Of: Mrs. Sylvia B. Katzen by Dr. Jay and Lynn Katzen Susan Fonner by Lin Solomon Ruth Friss by Abby and Phil Rogers Marilyn Cummings by Dr. and Mrs. Joel Reiskin Charles Pincus by Linda Koricki, Susan D. Manna, Marcus Goldman by Alan and Leah Zendel Melvin Lenkin by Edward Lenkin Jodi Koricki Harold Siegel by Alan and Marjory Siegel Bernice L. Wishner by Eileen A. Smith Kathleen Lovell by Linda Molayem Helen Siegel by Alan and Marjory Siegel Bruce A. Smith by Eileen A. Smith Judy Platt Bernhart by Linda Solomon Adele Shapiro by Allan Goodman Anna Dickman by Elaine and David Goodman Jan Leslie Tucker by Linda Tucker Boris Jack Schneider by Allan M. Schneider Oscar Goldstein by Elaine and David Goodman Jerome Rosen by Linda and Ted Rosen Sol Zendel by Allan and Leah Zendel Lillian Brown by Elinor and Michael Flyer Mary Rosen by Linda and Ted Rosen Saul Gordon by Amy S. Gordon Abraham “Al” Kahan by Ellie and Steven Kahan Ada Brein by Lisa and Larry Cines Martin S. Meyerson by Amy and Bryan Cole Betty Kahan by Ellie and Steven Kahan Esther Garson by Lisa, Michael, Elyssa, and Ethan Walter Kirsch by Andrea Kirsch Joseph Schonberger by Emma Schonberger Garson Stanley G. Halpern by Andrew S. Halpern Robert Lee Teller by Esther Teller Esther Gindes by Lolly Shapero and Mike Chernikoff Dr. Benjamin Isaacson by Andy and Phyllis Isaacson Frances Lish by Ethan and Ilene Lish Morris Luchs by Lorin and Arleen Luchs Elizabeth Isaacson by Andy and Phyllis Isaacson Allan Doris by Etta Doris and family Cesia Blitzer by Lynn and Wolf Blitzer Dr. William Wolf by Andy and Phyllis Isaacson Susan Fonner by Eugene Becker Herbert Greenfield by Lynn and Wolf Blitzer Mr. Leon Wolf by Andy and Phyllis Isaacson Tillie Gold by Eugene and Rachel Becker Edgar Levy by Lynne Slud Mr. Howard “Pete” Isaacson by Andy and Phyllis Joseph Kleinman by Fae Beloff Sophie Levy by Lynne Slud Isaacson Golda Chernowsky by Faye Friedlander Leo Sidlin by Madelene Brager Mr. Nathan Greenblatt by Andy and Phyllis Isaacson Betty Fruman by Florence and Aaron Engel Ann Kerchner by Marcia and Robert Kerchner Viola Greenblatt by Andy and Phyllis Isaacson Florence Langsam by Fred, Stefanie and Samara Herbert Davis by Marcia and Robert Kerchner Goldie Bobb by Anita Ratain Langsam Charles Gillman by Margie Hanerfeld Marlene Posner Harris by the Applebaum family Shirley Libin by Gail Libin Clara Gillman by Margie Hanerfeld Morris Zilber by Arlene and Earle Fingerhut Rosa Beloglovsky by Galina Beloglovsky Ross Jordan Lawrence by Margy and Gary Lawrence Stephen Westerman by Arnold and Judith Westerman Fannie Frank by Gerald I. Frank Saul Lawrence by Margy and Gary Lawrence Charles Besner by Arthur and Carol Besner Rita Reitman by Gerald Rosenkrantz Bea Lawrence by Margy and Gary Lawrence Ray Besner by Arthur and Carol Besner Sam Reitman by Gerald Rosenkrantz Herman Goldberg by Margy and Gary Lawrence Ronald Greenberg by Audrey and Bert Greenberg Charlotte Reitman by Gerald Rosenkrantz Sol Zendel by Mark Zendel Jerome Nelson by Barbara Nelson and Thomas Gluck Norman Solomon by Gerald Solomon Walter Diener by Marilyn Cohen and family Faye T. Wolf by Gerald and Brenda Wolf Goldie Greenberg by Marilyn Levin Esther M. Nelson by Barbara Nelson and Thomas Steven Albersheim by Harriet Albersheim and family Leonard Stein by Marlene and Stuart Schooler Gluck and family William and Lillian Blechman by Harriet Friedman Ann Tishler by Marsha and Sidney Tishler Susan Tash by Barbara Polin Jeffrey Gildenhorn by Harry and Arlene Gildenhorn Miriam Greenberg by Martin and Elaine Book Newton Oshinsky by Barbara and Harvey Katzen Doris Cohen by Helen Wertlieb and family Arthur Kneller by Martin and Susan Kneller Roza Glickman by Bella Klich Howard Schlactus by Helene and David Emsellem Bruce Feldman by Marty and Harriet Feldman Shmil Biderman by Bella Klich George Rozanski by Helene and David Emsellem Jeannette Feldman by Marty and Harriet Feldman Zvia Margolis by Ben, Amy, Zack, Gabby, and Nate Seth Winter by Henry Winter Daniel Robert Baer by Mary Bennett Margolis Michael Rosenblum by Herbert Rosenblum Albert Catzva by Maxine Himmelfarb Esther Bernstein by Bernice G. Bernstein Rivy Cutler by Herschel Cutler Anna Gudelsky by Medda Gudelsky Helen Goldfeder by Bernice G. Bernstein Lillian Gross by Howard Gross Homer Gudelsky by Medda Gudelsky Mickie Greenberg by Bertram Greenberg Ernest Gruenfeld by Ilene R. Gruenfeld Abraham Gudelsky by Medda Gudelsky Frieda Balotin by Betty Anne and Alan Levy Max W. Seiler by Ilene R. Gruenfeld Benson I. Offit by Meg and Marc Gold Dora Weiss by Blanka Ilkovich Pauline Seiler by Ilene R. Gruenfeld Judith Henry by Michael Kurman and Patricia Hoff Rose Pascal by Brenda K. Pascal Dr. Gerhard E. Gruenfeld by Ilene R. Gruenfeld Berton Heiserman by Michael and Marlyn Heiserman Clara Jacobson by Brenda and Herb Jacobson Julia Gruenfeld. by Ilene R. Gruenfeld Norman Heiserman by Michael and Marlyn Heiserman Morris Cutler by Carl Goldberg Goldie Shulman Rosenfield by Iris Rosenfield Esther Polsky by Miriam Best Seymour Gardner by Carl Goldberg Gertrude Barney by Irwin and Ilene Barney Abraham Polsky by Miriam Polsky Abraham Pollekoff by Carol Vogel Dorothy Kappel by Janet Schiff Golda Chernowsky by Miriam and Sheldon Tommer Jackie Wintner by Carol Vogel Abraham Stein by Janet Stein Gita Braude Belkindas by Misha Belkindas and David Pollekoff. by Carol Vogel Jackie Sue Aaronson by Janet and Eddie Aaronson Leonora Karasina Rella Wintner by Carol Vogel Harry Friedenberg by Janis Datz Masha Braude by Misha Belkindas Frances Sachar by Carol and Stan Sachar Sarah Greenfest by Jaye and Robert Greenfest Solomon Linchitz by Morris and Harriet Altschuler Martin Mandon by Carol and Stan Sachar Wilbert Levine by Jeffrey Distenfeld H. Richard Freidin by Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Lewis Philip Goldstein by Carol and Stanley Goldman Bernie Gittleson by Jerrie Gittleson Jeannette Walker by Myrtle Katzen Leonore Goldstein by Carol and Stanley Goldman Dr. Arthur Robert Cohen by Jerry Cohen Naomi Dweck by Nava and Ron Dweck David Sokoloff by Carol, Sherwin, Scott, and Samantha Jean Cohen by Jerry Cohen Berta Melman by Neli Melman Kevy Sarah Jane Leftow by Joel M Schwarz Emery Fleischer by Nicholas Fleischer Natalie L. Clayman by Caryn J. Clayman Harry Salant by Jonathan and Izzy Salant and Bonnie Freda Lifshutz by Paula Pascal Levine Sarah Chevan by Charlotte Freeman Cole Anna Levine by Paula Pascal Levine Lenny Werber by Cookie Lazrus, Adde, Carol, and Jay Liubov (Luba) Zviagina by Joseph Gelman Ava. Sebastian by Yevgeniya Perelmutor Mollie Stein by Chet, Rita, Jonathan, Amanda, Emma Julius Kraft by Judith and Arnold Westerman Daniel Baer by Phyllis Baylin Goldie, and Benjamin Stein Dr. Benjamin Avrunin by Judy Avrunin and family Arthur Post by Paula Post Zvia Margolis by Clara, Avi, Yoav, Zev, Ariel, and Lillian Rosen Ratner by Judy Cohen Ruth Miller by Polly and Manny Miller Tsvi Margolis Louis Cahan by Jules I. Cahan M.D. Irving Selesnick by Polly and Manny Miller Moshe Klein by Corinne Kamerow Simon Mannheimer by June and Stuart Graff Carrie Selesnick by Polly and Manny Miller Leslye Siegel by Corinne Kamerow Jacqueline Aaronson by Karen and Doug Monsein Irving Mirsky by Rabbi Herbert Rosenblum Anna Klein by Corinne Kamerow George Charles Pitler by Kay and Barry Greenberg Ruth Becker by Rachel and Eugene Becker Anna Geber by David Geber Anita Stillman by Lara and Ken Kaufmann Herman Becker by Rachel and Eugene Becker Herman Glazer by Debbie and Danny Glazer Ray Wachtel by Larry and Sherry Wachtel Ronald S. Savage by Melanie Kandel and Family Murray Meisel by Deborah and Joel Meisel Herman Glazer by Sherry and Larry Wachtel Karen Martin by Richard and Naomi Resnick Evelyn Meisel Reichel by Deborah and Joel Meisel Saul Karasina by Leonora Karasina Frank David Esptein by Richard and Barbara Daumit Karen Maged by Deborah and Joel Meisel Irving Green by Leslie Berlin Philip Mandel by Rita, Chet, Jonathan, Amanda, Emma Suetelle Liss by Donald Goodman and Family Bernard Lipss by Leslie and Paul Gnatt Goldie, and Benjamin Sidney Stein Marcus Mensh by Donald Mensh Sylvia Lipps by Leslie and Paul Gnatt Gita Braude by Riva Sokolsky Rabbi Joseph Wintner by Donald and Carol Vogel Louis Ulanow by Leslie Jay Ulanow Misha Braude by Riva Sokolsky Sol Wiczer by Donald and Jacklyn Wiczer Gloria Lubin by Marc, Susan, and Josie Levine Elaine Burk by Robert Burk Ida Prince by Doris Brott Abraham Simon by Miriam Tommer Joel Novick by Roberta and Jesse Palmer Sam Chicovsky by Dorothy Cohen Ada Brein by Miriam Tommer Bernie Gittleson by Robin and Bruce Bortnick 22 AUGUST 2020 Belle Golden by Rodney Golden Lynn Golden by Rodney Golden Ruth Klewans by Samuel N. Klewans Julius Cohen by Selma C. Kunitz IN SYMPATHY Bahereh Bakhsandeh by Shahnaz Ahdoot Dr. Klara Glottmann Tulsky by Shayne Tulsky dkxal mpexkf Rosenfeld Howard Tuwiner by Sheila Chodorov B'nai Israel Congregation mourns the loss of our beloved members: Tillie Toline by Sheila, Lois Gutmann and family Zelda Leikach by Sidney and Marsha Tishler Harold and Sylvia Horwitz by Steve and Emily Horwitz GARRY GARBER Robert Rosenthal by Steve and Shelley Rothenberg Howard Schlactus by Steve and Shelley Rothenberg DR. MORIS SHORE Beth Susan “Susie” Abramowitz by Steve and Shelley Rothenberg Mitzi Cutler by Steve and Shelley Rothenberg We also extend sympathies to our members: Herbert Brody by Steven and Laurie Brody Jeanne Greenfeig by Stuart and Beverly Greenfeig Sylvia Rosenfeld by Stuart and Beverly Greenfeig Joan Hayman on the loss of her brother, Mark Alderman. Sara Lessans by Stuart Lessans Dr. Charles Kaplan by Stuart L. Graffpasca Mark Berlin on the loss of his sister, Jo Anne Berlin. Rebecca Sillman by Sue and Richie Taffet Karen Maged by Susan, Marc, Shelby, Josie, and Ellie Levine Alicia Gottesman on the loss of her uncle, Jonathan Birnbaum. Lottie Katzman by Suzy and Sol Levy Violette Levy by Suzy and Sol Levy Mona Chase on the loss of her uncle, Norman Chase. Andrew Solomon by Sylvia and Irwin Rosenthal Bessy Friedenberg by Sylvia and Irwin Rosenthal Jack Kenneth Bronsky by the Bronsky family Sari Tublin on the loss of her father, William Friedlander. Jerome Rosen by the Geber/Yaffe family Adele Stein by the Geber/Yaffe family Rabbi Baruch Goldstein by the Taffet family Jennifer Cassell on the loss of her father, Richard Kadish. Dr. Myra Richman Togut by the Zaremba Togut family Gladys Krauthamer by Victor and Helene Krauthamer Bobbie Berger on the loss of her sister-in-law, Ellen Phillips. and family Dr. Richard Scott Benjamin by Wayne and Francine Benjamin Norma Krupenie on the loss of her sister, Hannah Schwartz Schorr. Thelma Kinland by Wendy Fanaroff Ida Fanaroff by Wendy Fanaroff Georgina Kenez on the loss of her husband, Dr. Moris Shore. Elizabeth Rothfeld by Wilma Lenkin Aileen Whitman by Wilma Lenkin Meyer Mike Shulman by Zelda and Ronnie Silas Denise Leish on the loss of her mother, Marjorie Weber. Bessye Shuman by Zelda and Ronnie Silas Isidore Zingeser by the Zingeser family All our loved ones by Janice Raffel Robert Zimmerman on the loss of his sister, Pamela Zimmerman.
Youth Activities Fund In Memory Of: Lois Glickson by the Nadler family "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose...... a time to be born, and a time to die..."
There is ALWAYS B’NAI ISRAEL CEMETERIES something happening B’nai Israel Congregation maintains three attractive cemetery locations. at B’nai Israel! B'nai Israel Historic Cemetery in Oxon Hill, Maryland STAY CONNECTED Judean Memorial Gardens in Olney, Maryland Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park in Clarksburg, Maryland If you are not receiving our For information, please contact our executive director, Hal Ossman at the electronic communications, synagogue office (301-816-5563,[email protected] ). please send your email address to [email protected].
AUGUST 2020 23 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 look forward to safely welcoming our students back in the building! WE ARE OPENING! 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.
24 AUGUST 2020