Asj Kue MARCH/APRIL 2012 • ADAR/NISAN/IYAR 5772

KOL HADASH. new voIce asj kue MARCH/APRIL 2012 • ADAR/NISAN/IYAR 5772

Jerusalem by Night Rabbi J. ROLANDO MATALON

Besides the many insights I have "From what time may we recite the Shema in the evening?" (Berachot 2a) These are the opening gained and the sheer pleasure words of Talmud, and the rabbis usher us into a discussion about the experiences of evening of learning Talmud with such a and night. With exquisite sensitivity, the rabbis guide us through evening and night and call our “ fascinating group, this study attention to the light changes, to human concerns at the day's end, to the night's divisions, to its noises and its music, its dangers and its potential. has given me a new appreciation for nighttime.” Why does the entire Talmud begin with the evening, when most human beings return home from their daily activities and get ready to get some rest and go to sleep, as opposed to the morning when we begin a new day? How is time established, does nature establish it or do humans? What is the night for? What scares us at night? What does it open up for us? What does night represent? What is the relationship between night and prayer? Between night and study? New Members Cook I had the privilege to explore these and many other questions during my three-month sabbatical for the Shelter in Jerusalem at Beit Midrash Elul with a group of about 25 people: academics, artists, businesspeople, educators, observant and non-observant, a few with advanced degrees in Talmud, others who are encountering the Talmud for the first time. Besides the many insights I have gained and the sheer pleasure of learning Talmud with such a fascinating group, this study has given me a new appreciation for nighttime.

During my time in Jerusalem, I rented a small apartment in the neighborhood of Nachlaot, which was established toward the end of the 19th century and where Jews arriving from Iraq, Kurdistan, Iran, Turkey, and Syria in the following decades made their residence. Right next to the colorful Machane Yehuda open market, Nachlaot is a charming neighborhood of narrow streets and alleys, old houses interspersed with a few modern buildings. Nachlaot contains a huge number of little synagogues, and it has been an incredible experience to pray there and discover the variety of customs and musical traditions. Every Shabbat I would get up at 2:45AM and walk the narrow streets of Nachlaot in order to attend the singing of bakashot. During the winter months, a crowd of about 120 people, ranging in age from 8 to 80, gathers at the Ades synagogue in Nachlaot on PHOTO: BELINDA lASKY Shabbat at 3:00AM in order to sing a collection of 64 devotional poems, written over a span of New members prepare a meal for the BJ/SPSA 1,000 years, known as bakashot (petitionary poems or poems of supplication; le-bakesh—to ask, Shelter, December, 2011. See page 14 for more information about this year’s new members. to request, to petition). The practice of Jewish devotional singing at night was quite prevalent in pre-expulsion Spain, and it was strengthened by the 16th-century kabbalists of Safed. It has been perpetuated until today by some communities, such as the Jews of Aleppo. For four hours, ending (continued on page 13)

Social Action/Social Justice. . . . 2-3 Community ...... 4 Executive Director ...... 5 inside: Youth & Family Education . . . . . 6-7 Purim...... 8-9 Sylvia’s Story: A Path to Leadership...... 2 The BJ Maintenance Team . . . . .10 How BJ Is Measuring Success...... 4 Member Profile...... 11 Dreams and Visions for Jewish Education...... 6 Yom HaShoah ...... 12 Confessions of a Purim Addict...... 8 Membership ...... 14 Announcements ...... 15 The Men Behind the Scenes at BJ...... 10 Contacts...... 16 Meet Jeannie Blaustein, BJ’s New President...... 11

synagogue: 257 W. 88th St. • office: 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), Suite 203, New York, NY 10023 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org KOL HADASH. new voIce • MARCH/APRIL 2012

Social Action/Social Justice

Sylvia’s Story: A Path to Leadership By Larissa Wohl I wanted to get even more active, and so when I saw the he Aging in New York Hevra is one aging parents, isolation, navigating benefits Panim el Panim Community t of two new campaign groups of and services, accessibility, and the ability “Cafés advertised last spring, Panim el Panim: BJ’s Community to retire and live with dignity after work. I decided to go. I attended and Organizing and Advocacy Initiative and These issues resonate for me, so I joined. participated in those community Sylvia Vogelman is its newest co-chair. I work at the Medicare Rights Center, a conversations to learn more Sylvia has been a member of B’nai nonprofit that counsels people who are on about what issues were most Jeshurun since 1995, but it is only recently Medicare—people who are either elderly pressing in the BJ community. “ that our social justice volunteers have had or handicapped or both. I felt I had a lot to the privilege of her leadership. We couldn’t bring to the committee, that it was a natural Larissa: What does it mean to you to have be happier! role for me to play—and at the same time, taken on this leadership role? an opportunity to do something positive for Larissa Wohl: Hi, Sylvia. Can you tell me a the congregation. Sylvia: I feel a tremendous sense of bit about how you came to B’nai Jeshurun. responsibility. I am—we all are—committed What made you join? to making this happen. And I think it will be a great thing for the Sylvia: I was looking for a synagogue that congregation and for the community. was inclusive of a whole community— I know how powerful volunteerism and BJ fit the bill. I like and respect the can be, how much of a difference rabbis, and I really like the spirit of the an individual can make in an congregation. When I come into the shul on organization and in another person’s Friday nights something very special comes life. I was the Co-Chair of the Board alive in me. And I sense that it’s the same of Directors for God’s Love We for everyone in attendance. This is what I Deliver for more than 10 years, and wanted from a congregation. I went to other I’m very proud of what we have been synagogues, but they just didn’t feel right. I able to do. I feel the same way about love the sense of openness; of being there my day job, as the Development all together. Director for the Medicare Rights Center. Larissa: Have you ever volunteered at B’nai Jeshurun before? Larissa: Does your Judaism inform the work you’re doing or the other Sylvia: I was a sleep-over volunteer at the way around? BJ/SPSA Homeless Shelter for a year and then became a substitute volunteer. At that Sylvia: I think it’s because I’m a Jew time, I had my own consulting business, that I feel that I want to give back. I so I could easily work the time into my feel a responsibility to my community schedule. Larissa: Has joining the Aging in New York and to my city. That’s why I got involved in Hevra deepened your relationship to BJ and God’s Love We Deliver, a nonprofit that 25 Larissa: But that wasn’t enough for you? to other members as you hoped it would? years ago began as an organization that delivered hot meals to people with HIV/ Sylvia: No. As much as I liked being helpful Sylvia: Yes. Or, I guess you could say, that all AIDS. I had friends passing away from and doing direct service, it wasn’t enough. of the potential I had hoped to find is there HIV/AIDS. I wanted to help in any way I wanted to get even more active, and so for a deeper relationship. The committee is that I could—raising money, working in when I saw the Panim el Panim Community just starting, so we haven’t made much of the kitchen—and that was a feeling that I Cafés advertised last spring, I decided to an impact yet, but I’ve gotten to know some shared with all of the other volunteers. In go. I attended and participated in those people who I wouldn’t have known before. fact, that powerful urge we all had to “do community conversations to learn more So, I’m beginning to build relationships, something” has helped the organization about what issues were most pressing which makes me feel more connected to grow and evolve. Today, they also deliver in the BJ community. In the end they the community. And I’m gaining a deeper meals to people with other serious announced the formation of an Aging in appreciation of BJ’s inner workings. It’s an illnesses, in addition to those with HIV/AIDS. New York Hevra in response to the amazing place. We felt if we did such a good job for our palpable sense of anxiety in our original clients, why couldn’t we help others congregation about aging, taking care of in need? (continued on page 3)

2 synagogue: 257 W. 88th St. • office: 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), Suite 203, New York, NY 10023 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org ADAR/NISAN/IYAR 5772 • new voIce asj kue

Larissa Wohl Introduces Herself

ello! I’m Larissa Wohl, and I am I’m looking forward to becoming h excited to be the new Social Action part of an environment at B’nai Program Assistant working with Jeshurun that recognizes the need Channa Camins in the SA/SJ Department. “for both organizing community I am fortunate to be working with the co- members and making a difference chairs and volunteers of our CSA and our on an individual level.” four direct-service programs: BJ Reads, the BJ/Ralph Bunche School tutoring partnership, the Judith Bernstein Lunch Program, and the BJ/SPSA Shelter. Despite having only been at B’nai Jeshurun for a few short months, I can already say that I’m beginning to feel a part of this community. As a former corps member in AVODAH: the Jewish Service Corps, I’m Village are as successful. Not all of them looking forward to grappling with similar view homeless and low-income individuals issues around direct service and advocacy as whole people. How do we replicate the that both I and the nonprofit social service PHOTOS: DENISE WAXMAN organizations that are working? How do organization I worked for last year faced. Larissa Wohl and Channa Camins. we utilize their models on a larger scale to How do we, as individuals and as part of current client and volunteer receptionist affect change in a broader way? a larger community, make a significant team leader in the Wellness Center. She, change for the 30,000 homeless men, like many other Americans within the last My work this past year both solidified my women, and children in NYC every day? I’m few years, became sick, needed hospital faith in what social services are capable of proud to be working with a synagogue that care, and was subsequently fired from her accomplishing and forced me to continue is committed to social action and social job while in the hospital. Unable to afford thinking about how to reconcile the need justice; a synagogue that has created both her mortgage she lost her home and had for direct service and advocacy at the same direct service programming and advocacy nowhere to turn. She found herself at time. It was difficult for me to want to affect initiatives designed to address this and N Street Village where it took her many change on a large scale, to fix the system other issues our society faces today. months before she regained the drive to which had failed many of the women I get herself back on her feet and to involve met, but to also focus on the daily needs. My work last year in AVODAH with N Street herself in the community of women, but I’m looking forward to becoming part of Village, a community of empowerment and once she did, she found she was in a an environment at B’nai Jeshurun that recovery for homeless and low-income supportive, warm environment where she recognizes the need for both organizing women in Washington, D.C., had a huge began to thrive. She began mentoring other community members and making a impact on how I view work in direct service women, started her own crocheting class, difference on an individual level, whether and advocacy. Through this amazing and took on more and more responsibilities. it’s reading with a child once a week or nonprofit, I had contact with women whose For her, an organization like N Street Village providing a safe and welcoming space for 10 stories taught me so much about the is helping her back to where she needs to women at the shelter. My work has only just struggles of our society’s most vulnerable be to move out on her own again. It is direct begun, but the discussions and important individuals. One woman, with whom I worked service at its best. Unfortunately, not all conversations are ongoing and I can only and developed a very close relationship, is a social-service organizations like N Street imagine what’s in store. n

Sylvia’s Story continued from page 2 Larissa: But BJ allows you to have a fairly limited, the way the Aging in New Sylvia: I’m a huge theater- and dance-goer. different kind of volunteer experience? York Hevra was being formed—through And I love spending time with my friends. conversation, exploration, and planning—is Sylvia: Yes, it does. It’s more than being right up my alley. It’s something I think is For more information about how you can willing to put in the time and effort. very worth giving time to. lend a hand in the advocacy There are other things at work here. efforts of the Aging in New York Hevra, The spirituality is very powerful. I love Larissa: And when you’re not here, or at please contact Sylvia Vogelman, going to synagogue. I love being part of work or at another volunteer “job,” what do [email protected] or the community. I love the vibe. And while you do? call x259. n the time I have available to be active is

synagogue: 257 W. 88th St. • office: 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), Suite 203, New York, NY 10023 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org 3 KOL HADASH. new voIce • MARCH/APRIL 2012

COMMUNITY

How BJ Is Measuring Success Compiled by Belinda Lasky

he B’nai Jeshurun community program. Measuring Success handled the to glean as much as we can from the survey t is as strong and vibrant in spirit data collection, analysis, and reporting. It data. We have held a number of meetings to and action as ever. Together we also assisted in interpreting the findings and review the survey results and discuss next reacquired the 89th Street building. Now, setting priorities for action. steps. Here are some of the key findings that the rabbis and BJ’s leadership are busy have emerged from this work: planning for what comes next. The results of the survey are helping us to move from impressionistic to fact-based • BJ can do more to create a sense of Last spring, a timely opportunity arose for decision making. Its purpose was to: welcoming and hospitable environment BJ to take part in a special cohort of six for everyone who walks through our urban and suburban New York synagogues • measure our performance and perceived doors. through Synergy: UJA-Federation and quality • We need to do a better job creating an Synagogues Together. UJA-Federation • identify key areas of strength and integrated community of children, teens, works in conjunction with Measuring opportunity and adults. Success, a firm with an excellent history • create benchmarks against which to working with synagogues to measure measure future performance These general observations from the survey performance. • provide input into our process of data serve as a platform on which we will continuous improvement and planning conduct secondary research around key The critical tool of measuring performance topics and further analyze the data. We hope was a community survey designed to assess The feedback we received through the you’ll continue to be part of the process, our strengths and weaknesses. We invited survey has been invaluable in better and we will continue to update you. The members to complete the survey in May understanding the needs of our community, May issue of the Kol Hadash will provide 2011 and were delighted that 48 percent of and your input and suggestions are being even more data results, so stay tuned. We you took the time to share your thoughts and taken very seriously. Since the survey appreciate your continued enthusiasm and feelings around everything from our Shabbat period, a team of dedicated lay leaders and assistance around helping BJ reach its full and holiday services to social action/ professionals have participated in an intense potential. n social justice work to our Hebrew School process of data analysis and interpretation

Harold Goldman: An Appreciation

driving force at BJ during one his life experience and intelligence give him a of the most momentous and an ability to help others to see the bigger transformative periods of our picture. Harold quickly earned the kavod, recent history, Harold Goldman helped us to the respect, of our staff and lay leaders, return to our home at 89th Street. With that and everybody who interacted with him has accomplishment complete he is now retiring become a closer person to BJ. from his position as Executive Director. Harold: We say good-bye to you from the Harold came to BJ originally to assist us office with a deep sense of gratitude. We are with the development department, which all better because of the blessing of having is his field of expertise, but very soon we worked with you. We are looking forward to realized that we had at home what we were having you and John at services without your looking for in a greater leadership position. needing to concern yourself about the day- He has brought to the office wisdom, calm to-day issues of the congregation. and serenity, an appreciation for the Jewish communal experience, as well as charm and With tremendous fondness and appreciation, elegance. He has the skill to navigate stormy — Rabbis and Staff waters with a sense of control and optimism; PHOTO: DENISE WAXMAN

4 synagogue: 257 W. 88th St. • office: 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), Suite 203, New York, NY 10023 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org ADAR/NISAN/IYAR 5772 • new voIce asj kue EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Steve Goldberg: Hitting the Ground Running By Sian Gibby

lthough Steve Goldberg laughingly “unique brand of spirituality and energy. I’ve One of the things I’m really a says he’s not a morning person, heard it called an ‘avant-garde’ spirituality.” looking forward to is further you would never know it to talk With all the people he has met here, “there’s developing BJ’s brand of to him bright and early on a Monday. a passion and commitment that’s so evident “cutting-edge educational and His enthusiasm for his new position and necessary—I don’t take it lightly. If social action programming. It’s at B’nai Jeshurun is so manifest in his people aren’t engaged on a visceral level, as such an important and compelling manner—audible in his voice and forcefully they are here, then you won’t succeed in the corollary to the charismatic articulated in his words—that you’re left same manner. You want people to find the leadership of the rabbinate with the unmistakable sense that he’s value in what you’re doing… I would love to and hazzan.” ready to hit the ground running as our new see us find ways to engage as many people Executive Director. in the congregation as possible.” He acknowledged the success of the capital campaign and how difficult it will Asked about the opportunities and be to fill Harold’s shoes. With Harold’s challenges facing BJ at this critical juncture leadership, we reached the historic moment in the congregation’s history, Steve spoke in of purchasing the 89th Street building. a way that indicates he has given the topic “I’m very excited about bringing everyone a great deal of thought; ideas came pouring together into our new home. And what out of him. He knows how BJ got to where better gift to ourselves than to fill every we are, and is in awe of our achievements. inch of our new home with an energy and And he brings a compassionate and enthusiasm befitting this congregation—a refreshing perspective to his new duties vibrant and engaged congregation with an born of his experience in the Jewish world equally exciting and sustainable future.” (particularly in his years as director of Hadassah’s Executive and Member and Unit Steve, a native of Connecticut who has Services Divisions). lived in Israel and worked at the American Embassy in Tel Aviv, has a degree in This experience provided critical lessons international relations with a concentration that will help him in his leadership role with in cross-cultural negotiation from the BJ. One lesson has to do with the power University of Connecticut. His mother’s of grassroots engagement, something he family left Spain during the Inquisition and sees becoming of particular significance settled in Jerusalem. Steve’s grandfather’s at BJ. The challenge, he explains, “will be entrepreneurial spirit brought the family to to create the necessary balance. You don’t Steve spoke very appreciatively of his Cali, Colombia, where his mother was born: want to get so clinical about the business experience thus far at B’nai Jeshurun, She is a violinist and violin instructor, and aspects of the congregation that you forget getting to know the synagogue and its Steve’s father is a retired middle-school about the importance of doing creative and community. In particular he expressed principal. Steve grew up in a Conservative inspiring things to engage people. I’ve seen his admiration for Jeannie Blaustein, her home, the third of four children. He on the ground level [at Hadassah] what a intelligence and warmth in welcoming currently lives on the Upper West Side with movement can accomplish.” And he can him and getting him up to speed. “Jeannie his longtime partner, Greggor Petrovic, and envision how at BJ the grassroots power can has an incredible depth of understanding; their pup, Grover. n be similarly harnessed. “One of the things not just of the challenges that face BJ, I’m really looking forward to is further but of the amazing opportunities that Sian Gibby has been a BJ member since 2005. developing BJ’s brand of cutting-edge exist to overcome them. I am thrilled She is the copy editor for Tablet Magazine and educational and social action programming. to be partnering with Jeannie and this is writing a book about Jewish food. It’s such an important and compelling wonderful leadership team—the Board, the corollary to the charismatic leadership of rabbis and hazzan, and all the dedicated the rabbinate and hazzan.” professionals—to further develop and articulate a vision that aligns with needs When I asked him what had impressed of the community while striking a balance him initially about B’nai Jeshurun, he between thinking strategically and doing immediately mentioned the congregation’s creatively.”

synagogue: 257 W. 88th St. • office: 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), Suite 203, New York, NY 10023 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org 5 KOL HADASH. new voIce • MARCH/APRIL 2012

YOUTH & FAMILY EDUCATION

Dreams and Visions for Jewish Education In 2012 we will pilot a Jewish By Ivy Schreiber and Emily Walsh Journey Project (JJP), a vibrant new model to transmit Jewish s we began our respective journeys a year-long enriched learning track. Today, “culture, language, and values.” a as Jewish educators, we each that track has become the annual Reach for had visions of developing Jewish Shabbat Retreat that brings all 3rd-, 4th - education defined not by the four walls of a and 5th-grade Hebrew School families to classroom, but rather by the people, values, Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center beliefs, and practices in our tradition. We each fall to experience a full Shabbat as envisioned educating a new generation a community. This year, we added a new to be knowledgeable, participating, pilot program to the retreat with a 6th grade committed, and dedicated Jewish leaders. B’nai Mitzvah family track. We continue to In their book A Jew Within, Dr. Steven Cohen innovate, creating new opportunities for and JTS Chancellor Arnie Eisen write, families to engage with our tradition as a “American Jews speak of their lives, and community. One highlight for families is our of their Jewish beliefs and commitments, ritualized opening program for 4th grade as a journey of ongoing questioning and families to kick off the b’nai mitzvah journey. development.” Our work at BJ gives us We open up the entire Torah scroll and the opportunity to transform our goals for families find the place in the Torah that will Jewish education into reality every day by be the child’s parasha (portion) when s/he Now a great new opportunity is in the supporting learners and families along that is called to the Torah to become a bar/bat works. In 2012 we will pilot the Jewish journey of ongoing development. mitzvah. Journey Project (JJP), a vibrant new model to transmit Jewish culture, language, and Six years ago through the process of Our desire to innovate remains strong as we values. Together with the JCC in Manhattan Re-Imagine, a project of the Experiment enter into the next chapter of BJ’s history. and other area synagogues we have been in Congregational Education that guides We stand at the cusp of a great opportunity working for months to create this project synagogues through innovation, the Hebrew as we expand our vision, yet again, for collaboratively. The launch of JJP will School created an opt-in pilot program Jewish education in our new Community dramatically transform the traditional where 19 4th-grade families participated in Home on 89th Street. Hebrew School experience for children in the years leading up to b’nai mitzvah by drawing on the rich programming resources in the greater New York area to serve as a living learning laboratory for Jewish children and their parents. Rabbi Joy Levitt, Executive Director of the JCC in Manhattan and the visionary behind JJP says, “We look forward to creating new models that will work for children and parents, helping them grow and learn while strengthening Jewish life and community.”

Cohen and Eisen remark, “The most important thing a Jew should do as a Jew is to pursue a Jewish journey.” We are excited to now be designing maps for our learners’ and families’ Jewish journeys. Our early dreams and visions for Jewish education are coming to fruition. We will continue to explore the best and most innovative ways to bring Jewish practices and knowledge to life and so to inspire our learners and families on a path toward a committed Jewish life. n

Left and above: At the Reach for Shabbat Retreat at Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, PHOTOS: DARA Schaefer October, 2010.

6 synagogue: 257 W. 88th St. • office: 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), Suite 203, New York, NY 10023 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org ADAR/NISAN/IYAR 5772 • new voIce asj kue

Meeting Rabbi Marcelo The students (ages 4-6) were invited to ask him any question they wanted.” By Galit Ben-Joseph n Monday, Dec. 5, BJ’s Gan and “ o Kitah Aleph groups had the very special opportunity to meet with Rabbi Marcelo. The students (ages 4-6) were invited to ask him any question they wanted. Some came prepared with questions, others thought on the spot. Everyone eagerly awaited Rabbi Marcelo’s arrival, and when he got there, he joined the children on the floor, told us a little about his background, and then opened it up for questions. We learned that Rabbi Marcelo was at Camp Ramah for a very long time, until he was 30 years old! And that he studied Clinical Psychology!

We also learned that he loves his job, especially when he gets to spend time with people. The part he likes least is reading through the hundreds of emails he receives every single day! Other questions included: “How many times have you read the Torah?” Answer: “Many.” and “How many times can you use a Havdalah candle?” Answer: “Depends on how flat or thick it is—sometimes, it can last for many, many times.” We concluded by taking an adorable picture of Rabbi Marcelo with all the children. Everyone had a fantastic time, and it was very special to be able to learn with our Rabbi. Rabbi Marcelo, thank you so much: You are amazing!

Galit Ben-Joseph is an investment adviser at Neuberger Berman and Professor at Yeshiva University. She lives on the Upper East Side with her husband, Neil, and two children, Rachel and Joshua. She first began attending services at BJ almost 20 years ago.

PHOTOS: Galit Lopatin Bordereau

synagogue: 257 W. 88th St. • office: 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), Suite 203, New York, NY 10023 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org 7 KOL HADASH. new voIce • MARCH/APRIL 2012

PURIM 1994

Confessions of a Purim Addict By George Klas

t started off innocently enough We rented costumes, i when a newly minted rabbi asked volunteers built sets, while me to help out with a Purim Spiel. It choreographers, directors, was 1987, and Roly had just joined Marshall “make-up artists, and musicians to help re-build BJ. added to the joy of standing- room-only audiences of kids Our first effort, Robbery at Jeshurun and adults in outrageous Junction, was a forgettable spaghetti costumes.” western. The following year we hit the hard stuff with our own script, Follow the Elvis, meat-head goons, amorous lions, Hamentash Road. So started a decade- an aerialist flea, minstrels, Miss Ethiopia, long habit of shamelessly stealing ideas Mayor Ed Koch, Barbra Streisand (actually from luminaries such as Rodgers & sighted at BJ), and R2D2. All worked for Hammerstein, Walt Disney, The Beatles, scale. and George Lucas. Of the nine plays I wrote and produced, High on success, we became more Purim Circus was my favorite. Two screwy ambitious with the plays. We rented clowns (guess who?) both named Biff, costumes, volunteers built sets, while anchored a series of zany acts that included choreographers, directors, make-up artists, a weakling strongman, an opera singer and musicians added to the joy of standing- who swallows a flea, a maestro conducting room-only audiences of kids and adults Beethoven with an orchestra of toy in outrageous costumes. Heady stuff for a instruments, and a hot doo-wop group. In bunch of amateurs. the name of art I took the prerequisite pie in the face. Bravo. But we had our challenges. One year the stage was extended to handle a larger cast. After years of Purim dependence it was 1994 Predictably, in mid-performance it buckled, time for rehab. So, in 1995 the tradition was the sound system failed, and a petrified handed off to the next generation of Purim Esther lost her voice. On another occasion junkies. n 1991 a grand finale that took days to stage was overshadowed when a dramatic drop of George Klas, his wife Enid, and son Noah have hundreds of balloons was miscued and been members since 1985. When not clowning kids ran around wildly popping them. The around, he is a marketing consultant. pandemonium was delicious. The photographs and program covers shown Over the years an odd assortment of were provided by George and Enid and have characters graced our stage: a lamé -suited been added to the BJ Archive.

Purim Spiels Revisited

1987...... Robbery at Jeshurun Junction 1991...... Purim Circus On Wild, Wild, West 88 St. A flea tamer and his daredevil star steal the show. 1988/94...... Follow the Hamentash Road 1992...... Miss Purim Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore. A politically correct beauty pageant. 1989...... Sound of Purim 1993...... Esther and the Beast Unemployed social worker becomes a nanny to A beastly king is tamed by a brave woman. NYC mayor’s adopted kids. Don’t ask. 1995...... Purim, A Rock Musical 1990...... Purim Wars Graceland meets Shushan. The BJ Force prevails with a little help from The Beatles.

8 synagogue: 257 W. 88th St. • office: 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), Suite 203, New York, NY 10023 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org ADAR/NISAN/IYAR 5772 • new voIce asj kue

1994

Many contributed to my rich memories of our Purim Spiels. Apologies to those inadvertently left out. Support Myriam Abramowicz, Elizabeth Amelkin, Jill Nathan Astrow, Seth Baumrim, Steve Brennan, Tami Crystal, Penny Dannenberg, Leonardo Farkas, Marta Felcman, Gene Ferrell, Carol Gelles, Jennifer Hakkov, Phyllis Katz, Mark Kaufman, Jonathan Memmert, Jill Nathanson, Ari Priven, Angela Racolin, Gabriela Ricardes, Mark Sameth, 1995 Helene Schingh, Ricki Segall, Roma Serdtse, Purim Scenes From Years Past April Stewart Klausner. Ingenues Jonathan Berger, Danielle Bergman, Sophie Eisner, Rachael Ettenger, Noah Klas, Rachel Levi, Sarah Levithan, Susie Levithan, David Lieberman, Alexandra Newman, Lindsey Newman, Suzanne Polivy, Marianna Racz, Rachel Rosenthal, Rebecca Rosenthal, Danielle Segal, Jessica Segal. Cast Ilana Abramson, Vivien Bacaner, Cherise Barri, Jacob Bender, Marion Capriani, Susan Bodnar, Phyllis Carson, Todd Chanko, Melah Gindl, Bruce Gitlin, Joyce Goodman, George Golden, Aviva Hay, Sigfrida Herma, Lydia Herman, Ed Joyce, Abigail Katz, Phyllis Katz, George Klas, Below: Cast party, 1990 Tamara Leeds, Esther Levi, Suzanne Levi, Nick Levitin, Roly Matalon, Sara Meyer, Sue Miller, Alison Pepper, Mark Perman, Kim Radsken, Jeff Roberts, Sam Schatsky, Laurie Schwartz, Jeff Segall, Nan Siegmun, Julie Siegmund, Johanna Skilling, Deborah Stern, Phil Turner, Nancy Wayne, Cindy Weiner, Hadassah Weiner, Tom Weiss, Marshall Wise, Elaine Zeldman.

synagogue: 257 W. 88th St. • office: 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), Suite 203, New York, NY 10023 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org 9 KOL HADASH. new voIce • MARCH/APRIL 2012

THE BJ MAINTENANCE TEAM

Roma Serdste The Men Behind the Scenes at BJ By Guy Felixbrodt

hen I started working at BJ, I All of the men on this team w assumed that we would all be were born in the former Soviet under one roof—literally. It didn’t Union, except for Damian, who take long for me to realize that BJ has “was born in Poland. Damian three “roofs,” between 88th Street, 86th communicates in English Street, and the BJ office, and that during to the rest of the crew, who Raman Khaklou the High Holy Days BJ is in two additional mostly speak to each other in locations! We wanted to discover a bit about Russian.“ the team that makes it happen against all odds of limited space and multiple locations, and who have been doing it When asked about his men, Roma said: “I faithfully for years—the building caretakers enjoy working with my team very much. I and maintenance staff. can rely on them anytime, especially when the unexpected happens. They always step All of the men on this team were born up to the plate and put everything else aside Mikhail in the former Soviet Union, except for till the situation is resolved!” Kremerov Damian, who was born in Poland. Damian communicates in English to the rest of So, next time you see them at BJ, say “hi” the crew, who mostly speak to each other or “privyet” (pree-vyet), and you can thank in Russian. Damian and Raman both take them in person for everything that they do classes and like the flexible work schedule to allow us all to enjoy our communal life at that allows them to combine work and B’nai Jeshurun. n study. Raman also volunteers in the NYPD as an auxiliary police officer. Both Mikhail Damian and Dmitry love spending time with their Mazuchowski respective grandchildren; Dmitry also enjoys visiting his family in Israel. Leonid is a graduate of the Soviet army academy and attained the rank of colonel there; Boris Serheyev when he wanted to join his family in the United States, his younger brother Vladimir suggested he join him working at BJ. The brothers are happy working together as Lyubomir Mulyava literally a part of bigger Jewish family. Lyubomir’s hobbies are fishing and traveling on his free time, and Solomon is an avid basketball fan and player. Boris likes it much better in America since it never gets as cold as it does in his birthplace: Siberia!

Dmitry Ziskin

Leonid Tayts

Vladimir Tayts Solomon Tsveitel

PHOTOS OF B. SERGHEYEV & V.TAYTS: ROMA SERDSTE ALL OTHER PHOTOS THIS PAGE: DENISE WAXMAN

10 synagogue: 257 W. 88th St. • office: 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), Suite 203, New York, NY 10023 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org ADAR/NISAN/IYAR 5772 • new voIce asj kue MEMBER PROFILE

Meet Jeannie Blaustein, BJ’s New President By Susan Reimer-Torn

ithe and energetic, her youthful When her first daughter Sophie was born l face framed in long curls, Jeannie’s in 1995, however, Jeannie felt a need manner is open, lively and to reconnect with Jewish tradition. She unpretentious. She is assuming a leadership returned to the Shabbat traditions of her position at a crucial time in BJ’s history. childhood, the celebration of Jewish holidays What, I wonder, has led her to devote all in her home with family and friends, and the her time and considerable skills to this search for a Jewish community. She is now endeavor? the mother of two daughters, Sophie, 16 and Livia, 13, each of whom went through BJ’s As she holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology, Hebrew School, became a bat mitzvah at BJ, we begin with a chat about psychotherapy. and is active in BJ’s Teen Service Learning Although she remains a believer in its Program. benefits, Jeannie is aware of some missing components, “We need a path to hope, She recalls that instant feeling of home optimism, connection, faith, community.” when she and her husband Peter Bokor first Working in a hospice, she was struck by the came to a BJ Friday night service. need to address the spiritual needs of the dying. “Whether they were Jewish or not, “The rabbis’ authenticity, the singing, the people saw their lives in terms of a journey, aesthetic—it was beautiful and real and there were powerful biblical themes that accessible to us as a place of transformation

kept emerging.” of both oneself and the world. It felt like PHOTO: DENISE WAXMAN home. It was perfect.” We, like the angels on Yaakov’s we worship, educate our children, and act in ladder, must move between the “Is it a tension? Is it a synergy?” At BJ, the world. It is also a guiding light to other world of human affairs and the Jeannie was finally able to find a deeply institutions in a rapidly evolving Jewish “world of all that is sacred, holding satisfying synthesis between her belief world.” a space for the awareness and in personal spiritual growth and her honoring of both. “ commitment to tikkun olam, “as well as Is it a tension? A synergy? Jeannie a new understanding of the personal and replies,“Marcelo put it beautifully during a Jeannie decided to complement her communal power of mitzvot through the recent Kabbalat Shabbat service: As Jews, education with training in pastoral care and deeply engaging work of the Bikkur Holim we can never be all in one world at the a Doctor of Ministry degree from HUC-JIR as committee.” expense of the other. We, like the angels well as four years of study with the Institute on Yaakov’s ladder, must move between for Jewish Spirituality. Jeannie thinks about synagogue leadership the world of human affairs and the world in a probing, original way. of all that is sacred, holding a space for “Is it a tension? Is it a synergy?” Jeannie the awareness and honoring of both. My asks. Her own life reflects a quest for a “Is it an organization or is it a community? hope is that at BJ, we will continue to hold synthesis between apparent polarities. Of course, it is both. This is a big part of this awareness as well, and move ahead in Jeannie was born into a prominent Jewish the challenge,” Jeannie says. “On one creating for ourselves a more effective and family in Baltimore who dedicated their hand, BJ is large and complex, so we sustainable organization even as we deepen commitment to Jewish life through need a professional level of organizational our commitment to BJ’s transformational philanthropy and volunteer work in local, management. But we also need mission of social justice, tikkun olam, national, and international organizations. psychological and spiritual awareness spiritual growth, and Jewish tradition.” n While the focus of her socially conscious when dealing with the needs, longings, and family was outward, and Jeannie did spend vulnerabilities that people inevitably bring Susan Reimer-Torn is an author and a year in Israel during college, her early to the place they call their extended family executive coach. She blogs on her travels adult life was shaped largely by her clinical or spiritual home. BJ is a spiritual home and with Roly in Talmud land and other things at training as well as her more private practice it is also a model community to the outside susanrtorn.wordpress.com. of meditation and inner work. world. It’s a place where we celebrate newborns and bury our loved ones, where

synagogue: 257 W. 88th St. • office: 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), Suite 203, New York, NY 10023 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org 11 KOL HADASH. new voIce • MARCH/APRIL 2012

YOM HASHOAH

Each of Us BJ Yom HaShoah Commemoration Has a Name Wednesday, April 18 | 6:45PM | 88th Street Sanctuary By Zelda The reading and hearing of the names of those killed during the Shoah will follow the Yom Translated by Marcia Falk HaShoah service. A panel discussion will follow, featuring the BJ members who shared their personal stories of the Shoah at the Eileh Ezkerah service on Yom Kippur. The panel, Each of us has a name moderated by Myriam Abramowicz, will discuss both the stories as well as the difficult given by the source of life logistical and emotional process of gathering and writing them. and given by our parents

Each of us has a name given by our stature and our smile and given by what we wear

Each of us has a name given by the mountains and given by our walls

Each of us has a name given by the stars and given by our neighbors

Each of us has a name given by our sins and given by our longing

Each of us has a name given by our enemies and given by our love

Each of us has a name given by our celebrations and given by our work

Each of us has a name given by the seasons and given by our blindness

Each of us has a name given by the sea and given by our death.

Zelda Schneersohn Mishkovsky (June 20, 1914-April 30, 1984), widely known as Zelda, was an Israeli poet. She received three awards for her published works.

Published here with permission from Marcia Falk, The Spectacular Difference: Selected Poems. Trans. Marcia Falk. Cincinnati, Hebrew Union College Press, 2004. Page from a book of names of those killed during the Shoah. PHOTO: DENISE WAXMAN

12 synagogue: 257 W. 88th St. • office: 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), Suite 203, New York, NY 10023 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org ADAR/NISAN/IYAR 5772 • new voIce asj kue

PHOTO: Yahel Matalon

Jerusalem by Night RABBI J. ROLANDO MATALON continued from page 1 at 7:00AM when the time for Shaharit Yehuda Amichai, the great 20th-century hunger, the growing religious zealotry arrives, the singing goes through the variety poet of Jerusalem wrote: that segregates and humiliates women, of middle-eastern musical modes, with as well as the mounting, ugly winds of an each side of the congregation alternating in “Jerusalem is built on the vaulted antidemocratic nationalism. call and response, interspersed with short foundations improvisations by expert hazzanim. Tea of a held back scream. If there were no In the narrow alleys, in the cold of the is passed around in trays, and eventually reason Jerusalem winter nights, the held-back the changes of light become perceptible for the scream, the foundations would scream has penetrated my soul, as well as until the sun comes out. These are the crumble, the city would collapse. the bakashah for a hope that is still elusive. fastest four hours I have ever experienced. If the scream were screamed, Jerusalem Our faith seeks to turn oppression into Being immersed in religious poetry and would explode into the heavens.” redemption, darkness into light, scream song at a propitious time for the soul, from into song. Perhaps that is why the Talmud the darkest time of the night until dawn, Jerusalem has much to scream about: the begins by discussing the evening Shema. when everything around is quiet, was one absence of peace, endless strife among May we learn to bring about the Shema of a of the most significant of my sabbatical its communities—haredim, secular Jews, new dawn. n experiences. Ashkenazim, Oriental Jews, Palestinians— injustice and inequality and discrimination, demolition and evictions, poverty and

synagogue: 257 W. 88th St. • office: 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), Suite 203, New York, NY 10023 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org 13 KOL HADASH. new voIce • MARCH/APRIL 2012

MEMBERSHIP

Welcome! BJ welcomes new members to the community (as of November 2011):

Andrea Adelstein Jessica Feldman Seth and Lindsay Jacoby Jordan Rochelson Cara Akselrad Alexander Fellman Lisa and Steven Jaffe Adam Roffman and Shira Wallach Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee Nancy Fried Simon Jaffe Eleanor Rooks Angie and Norman Atkins Mitchel and Meggan Friedman Steven Solomon Lois Rooks Laura Ballance Andrew Garland and Moira Jaffe-Solomon Deborah Rosenbaum Kate Ballen Lisa Gelber Barbara Jerud-Lorch Ari and Jennifer Rosenberg Anna Bank Adam and Sarah Gerber Rachel Kaplan Viki and Jon Rosman Michael and Margaret Bayer Michael and Rita Gerber David Katz and Lauren Hurvitz Joseph and Wendy Rosner Richard Behfarin Orly Gilat Nancy Kaufman Howard Roth Nancy Beltrandi Sara Giovanitti Madelyne Kirch Alana Rouff Brett Benowitz Robert and Cecilia Gluck Ilana Kirschbaum Jesse and Keri Ryback Manor Ben-Shaul Allison and Gary Goldenstein Sue Koch and Kiyoshi Otsuka Rollene Saal Naomi Berkowitz Steven Goldman Allison Kohn Melanie Sackheim Alexandra Berman Maia Gottesfeld Shanna Kowalsky Jessica Safir Genya Bernstein Seth Greene Dan Kramer Barbara Schwartz Rebecca Blum Laurabeth Greenwald David Kravitz and Lisa Fernandez Jonathan and Oriyan Schwartz Barbara Bock Scott Greiper Lindsay Kulla Daniela Sciaky and Reed Jonathan Bock and Angelica Mojarro Sarah Kurz Corderman Matthew Bock Harold Grinspoon David and Amy Landesberg Alona and Lacarya Scott Abram and Melissa Bohrer and Diane Troderman Lucy Langenkamp Ellen Selditch Ron Bondy Jonathan Grossberg and David Feldman David and Lori Sherman Elise Bornstein Aaron Grossman Ruth and Ira Langer Marjorie Siebert Laurence Bromberg Steven Grossman Cheryl Lazarus Bradley Silver and Michael Franco and Renee Rachelle Olivia Grubman Barry Le Vine Itorye Silver Rebecca Lederhausen Rosalind and David Silver Luciana and Alon Lederman Audrey Simons Robert Leventhal Marilyn and Jim Simons Evan Levine Sharon Sklar Alice Lewin Laura and Andrew Slabin Joseph Litman David and Michele Slifka Jonathon and Michelle Luft Robert Dolman Stacy Malin and Heidi Slimm-Dolman Stacy Menzer Aaron Smargon Joshua Meredith Aaron Soffin and Emily Metz-Meredith Sandra and Alexander Southwell Jenna Michael Marlene and Arthur Spielman Lesley Michael Thomas Stanton Sandra Michael and Martha Zaslow Hilary Miller Miriam Steele PHOTO: HARRIET R. Goren Laurence Miller Gregory Stein At the November 2011 New Member Orientation Program. and Karina Romao Carol Stella Barry Brown Laurie Gruhn and Ira Feinberg Ari Mintz Samara Stern Eduardo Butelman Nicole Hadad Katherine Moss Bill Swersey Judy and Matthew Cahill Avery Halfon and Douglas Hochstadt Elizabeth Szaluta Steven Cohen and Kirk Iwanowski Scott and Lauren Henkin Marilyn Moss and Sam Hanson Barbara Taranto Ariana Cooper Anne Herlick David and Wendy Nanasi Caryn Teitelbaum Debra Cooper Beth Herz Saul Nathan-Kazis Meryl Teitelbaum Casey Corey Allyson Himelstein Michael Nazarian Marjorie Tiven Paula Crane Elisheva Hirshman-Green Rachel Nazarian Ina Torton Jaime Davidovich and Steven Finston Rachel and Gregory Obenshain Rachel Travis and Michael Chiert Samantha Dines Joshua and Alison Holden Jesse Paikin Josh Trutt Allie Drabinsky Yael Holoshitz Adena Philips Tor Tsuk Marcy Drogin Eveline Hunt Bill Platt Ria Van Ryn Miriam Duron Josh Hurwitz Caroline Racond Jesse Weinberg Steven East and Katie Cone Ana Ines Leibovici Margaret Ray Benjamin Weiss Tamara Epelbaum Estelle Irwin Joshua Rechnitz Shira White Benjamin Everett Joan Jablow David Rochelson Harry Zlokower Nasim Farjad Laura Jacobs Ellis Rochelson Jeremy Zweig

KOL HADASH new voIce • MARCH/APRIL 2012 The Kol Hadash is published every other month. We would love to print The Kol Hadash is printed using soy-based inks on 50% recycled your stories and articles about BJ! For submission guidelines, contact paper by an online, eco-friendly printer at a substantial cost saving [email protected]. All material is the property of B’nai Jeshurun compared to traditional printing methods. and cannot be reprinted without permission. Designer: Harriet R. Goren

14 synagogue: 257 W. 88th St. • office: 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), Suite 203, New York, NY 10023 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org ADAR/NISAN/IYAR 5772 • new voIce asj kue ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mazal Tov Condolences (through January 27)

To the following members and their families on their B’nai Mitzvah (January and February): The community of B’nai Jeshurun mourns the death of our beloved members: Gabriel Barnett • Arthur Margulies, and we extend sincere condolences to his Max Schatsky family, Hannah Margulies, Sharon Feuer, and their families.

Aurie Greenberg • Otto Knoller, and we extend sincere condolences to his wife, Lotte Knoller, and their entire family.

To the following members and their families (through January 27): • David Hochman, and we extend sincere condolences to Joan Hochman and Christopher Reid, Marcia Hochman and Joel Mitnick, • Hazzan Mordechai Schram and Sonia Gordon-Walinsky and and their families. Peninnah Schram on the birth of their son and grandson, • Bonnie Goldman, and we extend sincere condolences to her Yitzhak Eliyahu. husband, A. David Lori, her daughter Hilary, and their entire family. • Susan, Stephen, and Joanna Samuels and Jeremy, Natan, and Orli Hockenstein on the engagement of their daughter, sister, and The community of B’nai Jeshurun extends sincere condolences to aunt, Alicia Samuels, to Eric Rosenstock. the following members and their families: • Michael and Rita Gerber on the death of Michael’s father, • Peter Geffen and Karan Kessler and Jonah Geffen and Julia Robert Gerber. Mannes on the engagement of their son and brother, Dan Geffen, to Luanne Tyzzer. • Amy Moses and and Linda Moses and Arthur, Eric, Jason, and Matthew Gurevitch on the death of Amy’s and Linda’s mother, • Isabelle Sarah Kish (3rd Grade, BJHS) on being selected as a Carol Moses. finalist in the 2011 Yaldah Magazine Jewish Fiction Contest. • Dov Bronner and Shula Wiener and Danielle, Arielle, and • Joseph and Wendy Rosner on the birth of their daughter, Michael Bronner on the death of Dov’s father, Gamiliel Bronner. Naomi Brooke. • Cindy Wachenheim and Hal Bacharach on the death of Cindy’s father, Kurt Wachenheim. • Mira and Barry Schlein on the birth of their granddaughter, Arden Rose. • Cindy Levy on the death of her stepfather, Herbert Steinhardt.

• Wendy Leiser and Robby Dykan on their recent engagement. • Bruce and Marsha Noble on the death of Bruce’s brother, Ken Noble.

• Jeffrey, Chirona, and Manny Silverstein, Erin Santana, and Stacie Deiner on the death of Jeffrey’s father, Herbert Silverstein.

• Robin Glasser Sacknoff on the death of her daughter, Tray Glasser.

• Melvin Prostkoff and Helen Hanan on the death of Melvin’s ) mother, Edith Prostkoff. • Peter Goldman and Peter Eckert on the death of Peter’s father, Eugene Goldman.

• Suzanne Levy and her entire family on the death of her father, Marvin Levy.

• Kathleen Peratis, Richard Frank, Dimitri, Ellen, Stephen, and James Willert, Katherine Peratis Willert, Samuel Peratis Frank, Julia Peratis Frank, and Christopher Spannaus on the death of Kathleen’s mother, Mae Peratis.

synagogue: 257 W. 88th St. • office: 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), Suite 203, New York, NY 10023 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org 15 2109 Broadway (Ansonia) • Suite 203 • New York, NY 10023 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 530 New York, NY

KOL HADASH. new voIce • MARCH/APRIL 2012

SYNAGOGUE: Committees & Services: 88th Street Rental...... 255 Membership Information...... 224 257 West 88th Street Accounts Payable...... 227 Family Activities: Hotline...... 318 Ralph Bunche School Accounts Receivable...... 237 Hakhnasat Orhim...... 255 Partnership...... 301 OFFICES: Adult Education Information..... 233 Havurot...... 255 Social Action...... 259 2109 Broadway (Ansonia), #203 Bar/Bat Mitzvah...... 223 Hevra Kadisha ...... 233 Teen Programming...... 253 Bikkur Holim...... 233 Homeless Shelter...... 212-339-4250 Torah/Haftarah Reading...... 232 Main Telephone Number BJ Reads...... 391 Interfaith Committee ...... 379 Tze’irim ...... 264 212-787-7600 Communications...... 275 Kiddush Scheduling...... 255 Ushering...... 233 Community Programs...... 255 Kol Jeshurun...... 275 Visiting Groups...... 250 Fax Number (2109 Broadway) Conversion...... 261 Kol Hadash...... 275 Volunteer Information...... 255 212-496-7600 Daily Minyan...... 232 Life Cycles...... 233 Youth & Family Education...... 225 Development Lunch Program...... 338 Website & Donation Information...... 228 Mekusharim...... 224 www.bj.org

Rabbis: Director of Events: Board of Trustees: Beth Kern J. Rolando Matalon Guy Felixbrodt, x255 Jeannie Blausteinº Henry Meer Marcelo R. Bronstein President Bernie Plum Felicia L. Sol Interim Director of Development: Irv Rosenthal Arlene Swartz, x228 Jonathan Adelsbergº Jack Stern Hazzan and Music Director: Chair Emily Weiss Ari Priven Director of Communications: Michael Yoeli Denise Waxman, x275 Sally Gottesmanº BJ Rabbinic Fellows: Vice President Honorary Trustees Jonah Geffen, x262 Director of Administration & Finance: Virginia Bayer* Adam Roffman, x261 Ron Seitenbach, x226 Joel Kazisº Ted Becker* Vice President Frederic Goldstein Cantorial Intern and Teen Educator: Director of Facilities: Marcy Grau* Shoshi Rosenbaum, x242 Roma Serdtse, x258 Stephen Stulmanº David Hirsch* Vice President Richard Janvey* Executive Director: Assistant to Rabbi Matalon: Robert Kanter Steve Goldberg, x266 x234 Debra Fineº Joan Kaplan Treasurer Susan Kippur* Assistant Executive Director: Assistant to Rabbi Bronstein Sara Moore Litt* Belinda Lasky, x224 and Hazzan Priven: Andrew Littº Naomi Meyer Naomi Goodhart, x240 Secretary Judith Stern Peck* Director of Education for Youth and Family: Assistant to Rabbi Sol: Katie Boyar General Counsel Ivy Schreiber, x225 Sarah Guthartz, x233 Robert Buxbaum Richard Kalikow Anne Ebersman º Executive Committee Member Director of Social Action/ Assistant to Executive Director Christina Gantcher * Past President Social Justice: Steve Goldberg: Barbara Glassman Channa Camins, x259 Jacob Shemkovitz, x256 Sofia Hubscher