A Traditional, Egalitarian, and Participatory Conservative Synagogue

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

HESHVAN/KISLEV/TEVET 5774 NEWSLETTER/VOLUME 26:2 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 LN MENDELOWITZ ELANA OZ EVENTS November 2013/January 2014 Authors Speak Series Ruth Wisse “NO JOKE: MAKING JEWISH HUMOR” Sunday, November 3, 7:30 p.m. Torah Learning Coalition 7th Night, 7 Teachings “TORAH’S LIGHT AT HANUKKAH” Tuesday, December 3, 7:00 p.m. Central Synagogue See page 3 for details. OZ Cooking Competition Field a team or share a favorite recipe TOP LATKE Sunday, December 15, 2:00 p.m. See page 7 for details. Share-a-Night at Ronald McDonald House OR ZARUA TEENS in their newly decorated room dedicated to Havdalah and Hangout VOLUNTEERS NEEDED programs for youth. OZ offers several programs for young people, including Shabbat Thursday, December 5, 5:30 p.m. services, youth programs, the PJ Library, and Hebrew School. Please see pages 5 and See page 7 for details. 10 for details and schedules. Holiday Gleanings at Eli’s and The Vinegar Factory VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Wednesday, November 27 Shabbat Dinners with Thursday, December 24 See page 12 for details. Family and Friends Shabbat Shirah Friday, November 8, and Friday, January 10, following services A cappella group TIZMORET oin the OZ community for two festive FOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 January 10–11 dinners, on Friday nights, November 8 RSVP by Monday, November 4 See page 6 for details. Jand January 10, beginning after at http://tinyurl.com/OZ-Dinner-Nov-8 Lucy S. Dawidowicz Lecture Kabbalat Shabbat services. There will also FOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 Adina Hoffman and Peter Cole be singing. Guests and nonmembers are RSVP by Monday, January 6 “SACRED TRASH: THE LOST AND welcome. at http://tinyurl.com/OZ-Dinner-Jan-10-2014 Children’s activities and babysitting FOUND WORLD OF THE CAIRO GENIZA” or call 212-452-2310, extension 39 will be provided. Thursday, January 23, 7:30 p.m. $30 adults; $10 children ages 5–12; See page 3 for details. Dinner reservations are required: no charge for children under 5 1 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 President’s Message by Diane Okrent

n high school, I roles in our own community and provided A CONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUE loved USY (United me with a large group of Jewish friends, Synagogue Youth). which was not possible at my high school. FOUNDED 1989 And my involve- This background influenced my reli- 127 East 82nd Street Iment with USY gious observance in college and beyond. New York, NY 10028 was crucial to setting While in college, I was a USY advisor and phone: 212-452-2310 fax: 212-452-2103 me on the path to Sunday School teacher. I studied Yiddish www.orzarua.org where I am today. and Hebrew, and continued after college. I grew up in a semi-observant Jewish Then, at Or Zarua, I took the Me’ah course SCOTT N. BOLTON, Rabbi home on Long Island. We always gathered and have taken many Context classes. DR. HARLAN J. WECHSLER, Rabbi Emeritus for a wonderful Shabbos dinner, but only My personal story informs my convic- DIANE OKRENT, President occasionally went to shul on Saturday. We tion that it is of the utmost importance for HENRY GLANTERNIK, Treasurer went more often on Friday nights, because us to support Or Zarua’s programs for our HELENE SANTO, Executive Director my mother was in the choir, which sang at tweens and teens. I applaud the members Friday night services about once a month. who have provided the financial wherewithal ILANA BURGESS, Youth Education Director We certainly went to shul on the High Holy for us to hire advisors for our youth pro- CHARLES SPIELHOLZ, Newsletter Editor Days and strictly observed Pesah. grams. This past month, our teens and then We belonged to a Conservative syna- our tweens had Havdalah and Hangout gogue, where my brothers and I attended programs on consecutive Saturday nights. OZ Committee Chairs afternoon Hebrew School and had our Both evenings were very successful. The respective Bat and B’nai Mitzvah. But tweens and teens have their own Shabbat ADMINISTRATION Sara Stone afternoon Hebrew School in the 1950s services once a month. They also are par- ADULT EDUCATION Laura Resnikoff and 1960s was boring at best, and by the ticipating with neighboring synagogues in AESTHETICS Aaron Shelden 7th grade, I was ready to call it quits on Kadimah and, yes, USY activities. ART GALLERY Bobbi Coller my Jewish education. Fortunately, that Our youth programs have already summer I went to sleepaway camp with a engendered enthusiasm in our tweens and BOOK DISCUSSION Reed Schneider girl who she convinced me to try the syna- teens, and are attracting their friends. We BUILDING Alan Ilberman gogue’s Confirmation Class, a two-year are building the youth community so that CEMETERY Aliza Kaplan program of weekly classes with the rabbi they can come and spend time together. We Mort Schwartz to learn about the elements of prayer, anticipate that more young people will join DEVELOPMENT Andrew Plevin Jewish ethics, and history. I enlisted my the group as these great activities continue. EDUCATION David Bergman cousin and friends (there’s a photo of the Recently, much has been made of the AND YOUTH Dara Shapiro Confirmation Class in the Or Zarua social Pew Research Center study of U.S. Jews. HESED Richard Stadin hall), but my best friend would only join While there is reason for concern, we can- Susan Lorin me if I joined USY with her. So, I did. not despair. Rabbi Bolton’s analysis of the USY was a revelation. Here was a study is that the more opportunities we HEVRA KADISHA Vera Silver group of teenagers actively participating in create for social engagement for our youth, Gerry Solomon Jewish life of their own volition. At chapter the more likely they will connect with the ISRAEL Aliza Kaplan meetings, we discussed the ethics of hot Jewish community later in life. The best LIBRARY Barry Feldman topics of the day, e.g., Soviet Jewry, racial way to ensure Jewish continuity is to edu- MARKETING AND Mechele Flaum segregation, integration, and the death cate our children and to continue to provide COMMUNICATIONS Dara Shapiro penalty. We participated in tikkun olam proj- opportunities for them to explore their Aaron Shelden ects. At division and regional gatherings Jewish heritage and create their Jewish MINYAN Sheldon Adler and USY Encampment, we ran our own future. The last Al Heyt on Yom Kippur is ORAL HISTORY Mimi Alperin services—reading Torah and haftarah, giving the sin of giving in to despair. We must be divrei Torah, and discussing the Parsha. optimistic that the future of the Jewish PUBLIC RELATIONS Aaron Shelden This was completely different from my syna- community is bright. To ensure that future, READERS Marc Ashley gogue experience, where only the rabbi and we must support youth activities. AND LEADERS Jay Palmer cantor led services. It is no wonder that I As we approach Hanukkah, the festival WEBMASTER Jay Palmer loved Or Zarua immediately; it was USY of lights, let us remember: Or Zarua La If you are interested in serving on a synagogue grown up! The “kids” were leading services. Tzadik, u’lishrei lev simcha. Light is sown for committee, please contact the office for the USY allowed us to take leadership the righteous and joy for the upright of heart. committee chair’s email address. 2 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 The Lucy S. Dawidowicz Lecture Adina Hoffman and Peter Cole on Thursday, January 23, 2014, 7:30 p.m.

he Lucy S. Dawidowicz lecture, in the second their book is “a wonderfully passionate which honors the memory of a drama was and lively account of a civilization we great historian of the Jewish Solomon could not have imagined existed and of people, who was one of Or Schechter, the men and women whose enthusiasm TZarua’s early members, will itself who would and dedication brought it to light.” be a fascinating exploration of Jewish his- afterwards Copies of Sacred Trash will be avail- tory and Jewish historiography. Our speak- go on to able for purchase in the Or Zarua office ers will be Adina Hoffman and Peter Cole, become the two weeks prior to the lecture and at the authors of Sacred Trash: The Lost and leader of early event. Also for sale will be two anthologies Found World of the Cairo Geniza. Conservative translated and edited by Peter Cole, The The authors will discuss their book, Judaism, Poetry of Kabbalah and The Dream of the which is a double history. It tells, first, of serving as Poem: Hebrew Poetry from Muslim and the once-lost Jewish world of medieval president of Christian Spain, 950–1492,” and a collec- North Africa, whose details and character the Jewish Theological Seminary from tion of his own verse, Things on Which I’ve were restored to light by the rediscovery of 1902 to 1915. Stumbled. a vast trove of documents that had lain Sacred Trash is a work not only of After the presentation, dessert and forgotten and unread in the geniza of the careful history, but of high literary merit. birthday cake will be served in honor of Ben Ezra Synagogue in Fustat (Old Cairo). Adina Hoffman and Peter Cole, in addition Or Zarua’s 25th birthday. Please help us Second, the book recounts the unlikely to being skilled historical researchers, to plan by contacting the office at 212- series of events by which the documents are also both gifted writers, and the book 452-2310, extension 39, with a reserva- were found and their meaning and signifi- reflects their special mix of skills. As tion for the lecture by Monday, January 20. cance deciphered. Among the key actors The Wall Street Journal wrote in its review, —MICHAEL W. SCHWARTZ

Maintaining the Jewish Milieu Banding together like the Maccabees for Torah learning

he dedication ancestors of that time, essential Jewish Learning Coalition (TLC) is inviting everyone of which we principles, rituals, and cultural attach- in the group of partner synagogues to speak at ments were faithfully held. “7th Night, 7 Teachings” at 7:00 p.m. on Hanukkah is In our time, we too must rally and the seventh night of the Festival of Lights. Tthat of person- band together to hold on to what is essen- The event is being hosted by Central al conviction about and tial for the Jewish people to thrive now and Synagogue, which recently joined the attachment to our Jewish into the future. Not only do we find great Coalition. We will come together to kindle identities. A small group radiance and beauty in lighting the lights and to learn. Participants will be able of devoted nation builders—people who Hanukkah lights, keeping the Sabbath, and to choose from seven classes, each taught kept a Jewish way of life privately and pub- reading from our Torah publicly at our syna- in two time blocks of learning.A sufganiyah licly—overcame great forces. It was not only gogue, but we also find inspiration and (jelly donut) will help make the night sweet! Antiochus’s troops that provided the threat; enlightenment from Jewish learning. Our As we band together with those who assimilation and turning away from the foun- community continues to have weekly class- are in the TLC, we will keep the Jewish dational ideas and experiences of Jewish es on Wednesday nights in Talmud, and people’s flame bright. As we maintain the life were also attacking our identity. By Thursday mornings in the siddur. On energy and participation in services, pro- standing up to those forces, both physically Thursday evenings this coming winter, grams, and learning at OZ, we get the and spiritually, we have survived to this day. there will be a class in siddur Hebrew. sense that our story, like the Maccabees’ The Maccabean Revolt taught us that There will be a Megillah trope class serv- in their day, continues the triumph. We we do not have to entirely fall into soci- ing as a post-bar and bat mitzvah endeavor must be the ones to dedicate ourselves to ety’s zeitgeist. Although Hasmonean lead- for our teens to continue building their the Jewish way of life that can be blended ership used Greek-based names and limit- skills and providing an opportunity to enough with modern culture, but that is ed participation in Hellenistic culture was reflect on essential stories of our tradition. anchored in an authentic Jewish milieu. accepted and engaged in by our Jewish For Hanukkah, the East Side Torah —Rabbi Scott N. Bolton 3 CONGREGATIONWWW.ORZARUA.ORG OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20102013 Sukkah Sleepover: A Night at Or Zarua by Ortal Isaac

ast weekend, I returned to my When we gathered everyone in the ined gathered in the sukkah—a wonderful synagogue for yet another sukkah sukkah for havdalah and sang the bless- progression from the more intimate begin- sleepover—but this one was to ings together, I was overjoyed to see the nings of this great annual event. be quite different from my previ- new generation of Or Zarua children do It was particularly wonderful to see Lous ones. This year, I came back the same things I remember doing when I children I have watched grow taller and not as a kid, but as a staffer. Rather than was their age, all together on the same mature during my years in the congregation walk over to Or Zarua from home with my roof I remember from years before. New be joined by many others who were newer parents, I took the subway from my dorm memories are being made in our Hebrew to the synagogue, and how close to each room on the Columbia University campus, School, throughout the synagogue, and on other they have grown. When it was time where I’m currently a student, and got to that very roof, each year. for lights-out, whispers kept going through the familiar building, sleeping bag and pil- the room; these kids couldn’t stop talking low in tow. I was greeted by a wonderful he sukkah overnight was rela- and sharing jokes, anecdotes, and laughs. sight: the social hall downstairs already tively new when I began attend- The close friendships among all of these alive with the laughter and chatter of kids ing it, excitedly braving the ele- kids was heartwarming to witness (even busy telling jokes and playing a game of ments with my friends each year. though it was a bit of an endeavor to get ping-pong, along with children gathered in TA little less than 10 or so years the kids to sleep as a result!). the library and on other floors busy doing later, here I was, in the same place, wit- Ultimately, I left this year’s Or Zarua similar things. The building I remember so nessing this event having grown into a sukkah overnight with a sense of over- well from my own years at Or Zarua’s true tradition anticipated and loved by so whelming joy. Seeing the same path through Hebrew School was humming with energy. many—like many other activities Or Zarua’s Jewish education that I once took being I could tell that the building and school wonderful Youth Education Director Ilana continued, loved, and renewed with so much had changed and grown in wonderful ways Burgess has helped create. This time, energy by younger generations was tremen- since I had left it. more children than I could have ever imag- dously rewarding and wonderful. LN BURGESS ILANA

Or Zarua youth were invited to sleep in the sukkah on Saturday, September 21, after Shabbat. Activities included a pizza dinner, ice cream sundaes, ping-pong, pool, foosball, board games, and a movie.

HANUKKAH CAMPUS CONNECTION Holiday packages for OZ college students very year, Or Zarua strives to maintain contact with our please reply to Deborah Wenger at [email protected] or young adults who are away at college. For Hanukkah, 212-452-2310, extension 39, by Thursday, November 7, with Ewe send a “care package” to remind them that they are your child’s name and complete school mailing address (including still part of our extended family. dormitory room, apartment, or P.O. box number, if applicable), If you would like your child to receive a free package, as well as his or her email address and phone number.

4 WWW.ORWWW.ORZARUA.ORG ZARUA.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20102013 Or Zarua’s Youth Community is Happening Shabbat opportunities for children expand

r Zarua seeks to meet the youth lounge and their own address at OZ. Supervised by volunteer members of OZ, needs of every member. This Jewish friends from outside our community it is filled with songs, introductory prayers, year, our youth community has are welcome to be part of the OZ hevra dancing, Parsha activities, and stories. had a new infusion of energy (group), just as they participate with area All Shabbat youth services end with some- Othrough a youth advisory ini- Kadima and USY chapters. thing sweet to eat as part of the draw! tiative and fresh, new Shabbat programs Sigal and Elana are also building For information about the new OZ that have increased the depth and ruach bridges to area Jewish youth group leaders youth programs, please contact Sigal Hirsch (spirit) of what OZ is all about. with whom we have had historical bonds at [email protected] or Elana We have engaged Sigal Hirsch (top) or with whom we are making new connec- Mendelowitz at [email protected]. and Elana Mendelowitz as Co-Youth tions. From experience at Camp Ramah, And be sure to like Or Zarua on Facebook, Advisors for Or Zarua. Schechter schools, and their own Jewish which will be used to display photos and Their goals are to cre- youth groups, Elana and Sigal are prepar- news about OZ events. ate opportunities for OZ ing activities and programs that are engag- youth to socialize and ing and fun. Future plans include more OZ YOUTH EVENTS have Jewish experi- social events at the synagogue, hangouts ences within our com- on Saturday nights, tzedakah activities, Saturday, November 2 • 1:00 p.m. munity. In addition, they and participation in OZ programs. SHABBAT HANGOUT are connecting our As mentioned above, another feature Middle and High School students youth to other Jewish of our new youth engagement has been to 7th Floor Youth Lounge youth in the area. expand our Shabbat morning program- Beyond being here for ming. Elana and Sigal run our “Mah Zeh Saturday, November 16 • 10:30 a.m. Shabbat and heading Shabbat!” minyan. Two students from the TEEN SHABBAT up our “Mah Zeh Davidson School of Education at JTS, 4th grade and up Shabbat!” minyan Hannah Grossman (top) Library (which loosely trans- and Eliana Light, lead Saturday, November 16 • 6:00 p.m. lates as “whoa, this is our minyan for elemen- THANKSGIVIKKAH EVENT SOME Shabbat minyan! You wouldn’t tary school students Middle School Students believe it!), Sigal and Elana are creating (K–3) called “Ruach Or Zarua spaces, both metaphorically and physically, Shabbat” (the spirit of Sunday, December 1 • 4:00 p.m. for our youth from Hebrew, public school, Shabbat). Both of these DREIDEL SPINOFF private, and Jewish day schools to hang minyanim have a formal Middle and High School students out with each other and enjoy Jewish and and informal compo- Or Zarua social experiences. nent, with children Saturday, December 7 • 7:00 p.m. Elana and Sigal have already hosted learning, reciting, study- MEXICAN FIESTA Havdalah Hangouts for middle school ing the meaning of Middle School students (grades 5–8) and high school students, Shabbat prayers, and Or Zarua making our synagogue a unique destina- engaging in stimulating tion for our teens on Saturday night. Our Torah discussion. “Kef Saturday, December 14 • TBA middle school and high school youth have Shabbat,” is for our BOWLING NIGHT painted a room on the 7th floor to create a youngest members, aged 0 through pre-K. Middle and High School students LN MENDELOWITZ ELANA

Middle schoolers decorating a wall in their Hangout room at Or Zarua.

5 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 CAJAC TIZMORET.COM Saving Jewish at-risk cemeteries

n October 17, 2013, with support from Plaza Jewish Community Chapel and the New York Board of Rabbis, Othe Community Association for Jewish At-Risk Cemeteries (CAJAC) organized its conference, “Ensuring the Future of Jewish Cemeteries.” The confer- ence drew diverse representation includ- ing clergy, Jewish community leaders, and those involved in Jewish end-of-life issues. Representing Congregation Or Zarua were Rabbi Scott Bolton and Congregant Barry TIZMORET, will perform at Or Zarua for Shabbat Shirah, January 10–11, 2014. This Yood. Barry serves as a vice-president of professional Jewish a cappella group from Queens College Hillel, which has toured the CAJAC’s Board of Directors. East Coast and won several music awards, sings classic Jewish melodies, contempo- Dr. Jonathan Sarna offered the keynote rary Israeli tunes, and American pop songs. We will welcome Shabbat Shirah, together address, which focused on the religious, with the members of Tizmoret, beginning with Kabbalat Shabbat, followed by dinner. cultural, and historical significance of Festivities will continue Saturday morning with services for Shabbat, lunch, Minhah, Jewish cemeteries. He highlighted the role Seudat Shlishit, Ma’ariv, and Havdalah. Details, including event times and deadlines of burial societies, a frequent topic of dis- for dinner and lunch reservations, will be announced in the next issue of the Or Zarua cussion among CAJAC and its partners. Newsletter, on the website, and in email messages. Following Dr. Sarna’s address, a panel addressing several essential ceme- tery matters, such as cemetery regulatory JA SPIELHOLZ CHARLIE

compliance, financial management, and BLICKENST COB Eric Goldman best practices for operations, convened. Conference participants learned first-

hand about the complex nature of ceme- AFF tery operations and gained a clearer understanding of the “typical” cemetery concerns, including perpetual care, grounds Rabbi Bolton, Marc Ashley, maintenance, and gravestone care. and Ruth Calderon

“Ensuring the Future of Jewish SANTO HELENE Cemeteries” captured CAJAC’s mission- Rabbi Bolton, Abraham Foxman, Marcia Kalin, and Stephen Rayport critical purpose of educating and building awareness within the broader community regarding our individual and collective responsibilities for preserving Jewish cemeteries. For additional information on CAJAC and its work, please visit www.cajac.us or contact Andrew Schultz, Executive Director, at [email protected] or 914-357-4198.

OR ZARUA BEGAN 5774 WITH THREE PRESENTATIONS. During the Days of Awe, Dr. EDITOR’S NOTE Eric Goldman presented “Rated R: Repentance in American Film and Jewish Cinema.” If you have an idea or article that is Abraham Foxman, National Director of the ADL, spoke about “Addressing Today’s Hot suitable for publication in the OZ Topics” during Hol Hamoed Sukkot. MK Dr. Ruth Calderon discussed how her under- Newsletter, please contact Charlie standing of Talmud has affected her role in the Israeli Knesset. Future presentations Spielholz at [email protected]. All at OZ will include the Lucy S. Dawidowicz lecture, Shabbatons with art and music, copy for the January/February 2014 and the Authors Speak series. Information will be published in the Or Zarua Newsletter, issue is due by Monday, December 9. email messages, and on the OZ website.

6 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 Share-a-Night Hanukkah Celebration RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 5:30 P.M. Volunteer musicians, singers, hosts, and servers needed; all pre-registered guests are welcome

onald McDonald House, located Scott and Amy Bolton. Or Zarua, in part- Bir’nana has been practicing earnestly for at 405 East 73rd Street, will be nership with Temple Emanuel, will be serv- several months, and will display the fruits celebrating its annual Share-a- ing latkes and jelly donuts and providing of its efforts at an Or Zarua program or Night on Thursday, December dreidels and Hanukkah gelt to all who visit service in the near future. Please attend R5, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with us in the 9th-floor solarium. the event to hear the group sing! Tours of the House will include retrospec- Or Zarua’s recently launched a cappella All members of the community who tives from resident families and volunteers. group, Bir’nana, will be performing at the wish to attend must pre-register. If you Entertainment will feature performances holiday event to bring additional joy to can volunteer to help with the event, musi- by well-known celebrities. the candle-lighting ceremony and brighter cians, Israeli dancers, hosts, and servers This year the reception also will include smiles to the faces of the children. This are all needed. To volunteer or register as a special post-Hanukkah celebration, with will be Bir’nana’s inaugural performance a guest, please contact Richard Stadin at a menorah lighting ceremony by Rabbis and, hopefully, the first of many to come. [email protected] or 212-879-0448. HRI SPIELHOLZ CHARLIE JEWISH ART SALE in time for Hanukkah r Zarua will welcome artist Mordechai Rosenstein for a Oweekend filled with both educa- tional opportunities and hands-on proj- ects for all ages from Friday, February 28, through Sunday, March 2, 2014. In the meantime, please visit Rosenstein’s website, www.rosensteinarts.com, and take the opportunity to purchase one or more of his works. Use the form under “Contact/Order,” and be sure to specify that you are a member of BIR’NANA, OZ’S A CAPPELLA GROUP, rehearses most Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m., as Or Zarua. A portion of all purchases noted on the OZ calendar. Register to hear Bir’nana’s debut performance at the Ronald will go to OZ. Call the synagogue office McDonald House Share-a-Night celebration on Thursday, December 5, as described above. at 212-452-2310, extension 12, if you have any questions. Top Latke Competition SIDDUR CLASS: Post-Hanukkah Cook-off at OZ, Sunday, December 15, 2:00 p.m. History, Meaning, and o you prepare the best latkes? the entrance fee of $40 by Monday, Commentaries on Do you have the perfect latke December 2. Entrance fees cover the cost the Jewish Prayer Book recipe? OZ wants to know. of common ingredients: potatoes, onions, Thursdays, 8:30–9:30 a.m. On Sunday, December 15, OZ matzoh meal, oil, apple sauce, and sour in the OZ social hall Dneeds four to five teams to cream. Teams will have the option of using take part in a latke cooking competition. non-traditional ingredients, but these must ongregation Or Zarua’s siddur The teams will do their “quickfire” cooking be pre-approved for kashrut purposes. class, taught by Rabbi Bolton, in the OZ kitchen and latkes will be evalu- Interested in fielding a team? Contact Cstudies the history, laws, teach- ated by three judges, one of which will be David Bergman at [email protected], or ings, and approaches to Jewish prayer. Rabbi Bolton. Helene Santo at 212-452-2310, extension Prior knowledge is not required. Each team, which can consist of up to 14, or [email protected], for sign-up four individuals, must sign up and submit information. 7 127 East 82nd Street G New York, NY 10028 G 212-452-2310 November 2013 Heshvan/Kislev 5774

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 G 28 Heshvan 2 G 29 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 5:35 pm Candlelighting, Toledot Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat 1:00 pm Youth Hangout 6:40 pm Shabbat ends

3 G 30 4 G 1 Kislev 5 G 2 6 G 3 7 G 4 8 G 5 9 G 6 Rosh Hodesh Kislev Rosh Hodesh Kislev Election Day 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit Daylight Savings Time ends 7:00 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:30 pm Talmud Class 8:30 am Siddur Class 4:27 pm Candlelighting, Vayetze 8:45 am Minyan Hebrew School in session 7:00 pm Context Seminar Hebrew School in session Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat 5:32 pm Shabbat ends 7:30 pm Authors Speak Family and Friends Dinner with Dr. Ruth Wisse 6:00 pm Bir’nana rehearsal

10 G 7 11 G 8 12 G 9 13 G 10 14 G 11 15 G 12 16 G 13 8:45 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 7:30 pm Bir’nana No Hebrew School 7:00 pm Context Seminar 7:30 pm Talmud Class 8:30 am Siddur Class 4:20 pm Candlelighting, Vayishlah rehearsal Hebrew School in session Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat 10:30 am Teen Shabbat 5:25 pm Shabbat ends 6:00 pm Middle School Thanksgivikkah

17 G 14 18 G 15 19 G 16 20 G 17 21 G 18 22 G 19 23 G 20 8:45 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 7:30 pm Bir’nana Hebrew School in session 7:00 pm Context Seminar 7:30 pm Talmud Class 8:30 am Siddur Class 4:15 pm Candlelighting, Vayeshev rehearsal Hebrew School in session Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat 5:20 pm Shabbat ends 5:00 pm PJ Library, followed by melave malka with pizza

24 G 21 25 G 22 26 G 23 27 G 24 28 G 25 29 G 26 30 G 27 8:45 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan Thanksgiving 8:45 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit Hebrew School in session 7:00 pm Context Seminar Hesed Holiday Gleaning 8:45 am Minyan 4:12 pm Candlelighting, Miketz No Hebrew School Office closed Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat 5:17 pm Shabbat ends Office closed

Erev Hanukkah: 1 Candle Hanukkah: 2 Candles Hanukkah: 3 Candles Hanukkah: 4 Candles 127 East 82nd Street G New York, NY 10028 G 212-452-2310 December 2013 Kislev/Tevet 5774

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 G 28 Kislev 2 G 29 3 G 30 4 G 1 Tevet 5 G 2 6 G 3 7 G 4 8:45 am Minyan 7:00 am Minyan Rosh Hodesh Tevet Rosh Hodesh Tevet 7:00 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 4:00 pm Middle and High Hebrew School in session 7:00 am Minyan 7:00 am Minyan 8:30 am Siddur Class 4:10 pm Candlelighting, Vayigash School Dreidel Spinoff 7:00 pm Context Seminar 7:30 pm Talmud Class 5:30 pm Ronald McDonald Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat 5:15 pm Shabbat ends 7:00 pm TLC program at Hebrew School in session House Share-a-Night 7:00 pm Middle School Central Synagogue Mexican Fiesta Hanukkah: 5 Candles Hanukkah: 6 Candles Hanukkah: 7 Candles Hanukkah: 8 Candles Hanukkah: Last Day

8 G 5 9 G 6 10 G 7 11 G 8 12 G 9 13 G 10 14 G 11 8:45 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan Fast of Tevet 9:00 am Shaharit 7:30 pm Book Discussion Hebrew School in session 7:00 pm Context Seminar 7:30 pm Talmud Class 8:30 am Siddur Class 7:15 am Minyan Vayehi 7:30 pm Bir’nana TBA Middle and High 4:11 pm Candlelighting, 5:16 pm Shabbat ends rehearsal School Bowling Night Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat Hebrew School in session

15 G 12 16 G 13 17 G 14 18 G 15 19 G 16 20 G 17 21 G 18 8:45 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 2:00 pm Top Latke Hebrew School in session 7:00 pm Context Seminar 7:30 pm Talmud Class 8:30 am Siddur Class 4:13 pm Candlelighting, Shemot Cooking Competition (Make-up session, if needed) Hebrew School in session Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat 5:18 pm Shabbat ends 7:30 pm Bir’nana rehearsal

22 G 19 23 G 20 24 G 21 25 G 22 26 G 23 27 G 24 28 G 25 8:45 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 8:45 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit No Hebrew School Hesed Holiday Gleaning No Hebrew School 8:30 am Siddur Class 4:17 pm Candlelighting, Vaera Office closed Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat 5:22 pm Shabbat ends

29 G 26 30 G 27 31 G 28 8:45 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan New Year’s Eve No Hebrew School 7:15 am Minyan CONGREGATIONWWW.ORZARUA.ORG OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20092013 Family and Youth Activities

November 2013 December 2013 January 2014 Saturday, November 2 • 1:00 p.m. Sunday, December 1 • 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 10 • after Ma’ariv SHABBAT HANGOUT DREIDEL SPINOFF FAMILY AND FRIENDS DINNER Middle and High School students Middle and High School students RSVP required. See page 1 for details. Friday, November 8 • after Ma’ariv Tuesday, December 3 • 7:00 p.m. January 10–11 • various times FAMILY AND FRIENDS DINNER TORAH LEARNING COALITION SHABBAT SHIRAH WITH TIZMORET RSVP required. See page 1 for details. Central Synagogue See page 6 for details. S aturday, November 16 • 10:30 a.m. See page 3 for details. T hursday, January 23 • 7:30 p.m. TEEN SHABBAT Saturday, December 7 • 7:00 p.m. LUCY S. DAWIDOWICZ LECTURE Saturday, November 16 • 6:00 p.m. MEXICAN FIESTA Adina Hoffman and Peter Cole THANKSGIVIKKAH EVENT Middle School students Sacred Trash: The Lost and Found World Middle School Students Saturday, December 14 • TBA of the Cairo Geniza See page 3 for details. Saturday, November 23 • 5:00 p.m. BOWLING NIGHT PJ LIBRARY Middle and High School students Arts, crafts, dancing, singing, a story read Sunday, December 15 • 2:00 p.m. Weekly Programs by Rabbi Bolton, and pizza. TOP LATKE COOKING COMPETITION Shabbat • during services RSVP required. See page 11 for details. RSVP required. See page 7 for details. KEF SHABBAT: 0 through pre-K Wednesday, November 27 • evening Thursday, December 24 • evening RUACH SHABBAT: K through 3rd grade HESED HOLIDAY GLEANINGS HESED HOLIDAY GLEANINGS MAH ZEH SHABBAT: 4th grade and above See page 12 for details. See page 12 for details. See page 5 for details. D R SHAPIR ARA TOY, BOOK, AND O GAME DRIVE For Chai Lifeline r Zarua's Youth Education Department is collecting new Otoys, books, games (including electronic games) for Chai Life, a charity based in New York City that supports the emotional, social, and financial needs of seriously ill children and their families. Boxes are set up in the social hall and on the 6th and 7th floors. The drive ends on Friday, December 6.

WWW.ORZARUA.ORG

ome of the many resources on the Or Zarua website include Supcoming events, service schedules, current art gallery shows, FIRST DAY OF HEBREW SCHOOI. Ilana Burgess (right), OZ’s Youth Education Director, minyan sign-up, guest speaker presen- opened the new year with Rob Silverbush playing guitar for Hebrew School students. tations, and much more. So take a Direct all inquiries about OZ’s Hebrew School and Youth Education programs to Ilana moment to explore www.orzarua.org! Burgess at 212-452-2310, extension 15, or [email protected].

10 WWW.ORCONGREGATIONWWW.ORZARUA.ORG ZARUA.ORG OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20102013 Or Zarua Book Discussions Bread Givers by Anzia Yezierska, Sunday, December 8, 7:30 p.m. HEBREW LANGUAGE lease join us for edition, redesigned page for CLASS our next Or Zarua page with the previous ones, book discussion Bread Givers is an essential by Mark Somerstein on Sunday, historical work. ark Somerstein will teach a PDecember 8 at Dr. Friedman, who class on the siddur, establishing 7:30 p.m. in Or Zarua’s recently joined Or Zarua with Ma lexicon of prayer, ritual, and library. Natalie Friedman will her family, is a dean at ceremony. In addition to exploring deri- be leading our discussion. Barnard College and teaches vations, the class will ultimately lead to Bread Givers, a master- immigrant fiction. Bread modern Hebrew. work of American immigrant Givers is one of the many Beginning on Thursday, January 16, literature set in the 1920s examples of the genre, which the class will meet on consecutive on the Lower East Side of we chose for our discussion Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. (with the excep- Manhattan, tells the story of on her recommendation. tion of January 23), for a total of seven Sara Smolinsky, the youngest If you would like more sessions. daughter of an Orthodox information on Or Zarua For additional information or to sign rabbi, who rebels against her father’s rigid book discussions or have a book sugges- up for the class, please contact Mark at conception of Jewish womanhood. Sara’s tion, please contact Reed Schneider by 646-303-1076, or the synagogue office struggle towards independence and self- calling Deborah Wenger in the synagogue at 212-452-2310, extension 12. fulfillment resonates with a passion all office at 212-452-2310, extension 12, or can share. Recently published in a third emailing [email protected].

FIND US ON FACEBOOK. Please look for Congregation Or Zarua on Facebook and “Like” us. It will help spread the word about us! D R SHAPIR ARA PJ Library O at Or Zarua Saturday, November 23, 5 p.m.

he next PJ Library event will take place Saturday, November 23, beginning at 5:00 pm. Families with young children are invited Tto join together for Havdalah and melave malka (dinner after Shabbat) with pizza, followed by crafts, readings, songs, and dances on the theme of Hanukkah and Thanksgiving. The photos at left are from the PJ Library event that was held during Sukkot in OZ’s rooftop sukkah. The PJ Library event held at the end of October featured a visit to Abraham and Sarah’s tent with a reading of “Why Sarah Laughed.” To sign your child up for PJ Library, go to www.pjlibrary.org and find OZ using zip code 10028. Your child will receive 12 monthly mailings of free, wonderful Jewish Dancing, music, and story reading with Rabbi Bolton at PJ Library in OZ’s rooftop sukkah. children’s books and CDs. 11 CONGREGATIONWWW.OR ZARUA.ORG OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20102013

Hesed Events and Programs RABBI WECHSLER “The world exists for the sake of kindness.”—Rashi TEACHES ON SIRIUS XM RADIO Erev Thanksgiving and Erev Christmas whose members are housekeepers caring G Hands, vans, and hearts needed to for their own local needy. Sundays at 5:00 a.m, glean, pack, and deliver food from Eli’s 7:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. Monday Night Pasta and Salad at NCS and The Vinegar Factory on Wednesday, SIRIU S G Or Zarua congregants serve hot food November 27, and Tuesday, December 24. and good cheer to men and women with XM The food will be delivered to Ronald a range of mental health and addiction McDonald House on East 73rd Street, issues at the Neighborhood Coalition Neighborhood Coalition Residence (East Shelter’s East 81st Street Residence on 81st Street), Common Pantry (East 103rd the last two Mondays of each month from Street), and Salvation Deliverance Church 6:00 to 6:45 p.m., when the residents’ (South Bronx). Volunteers, please contact government checks are depleted. Richard Stadin at [email protected] or 212-879-0448. Ronald McDonald House G Children come from across the U.S. and abbi Wechsler can be heard on Share-a-Night at Ronald McDonald House around the world to undergo serious med- SiriusXM Stars Channel three G Volunteer to help with this special post- ical treatment at New York City hospitals. Rtimes each Sunday. Subscribers Hanukkah celebration. Musicians, Israeli Many reside with their families at Ronald to SiriusXM Satellite Radio can access dancers, hosts, and servers are all needed McDonald House and have no local “Rabbi Wechsler Teaches” on Channel (see page 7 for details). support system of friends or relatives. 107. Nonsubscribers can obtain a free, Home Visit Volunteers The chaplain at Ronald McDonald House three-day trial at www.siriusxm.com. alerts us when OZ may be of service G Volunteer to visit and cheer ill or home- to Jewish families who may require kosher bound Or Zarua congregants. meals, synagogue services, and other Salvation Deliverance Church assistance. G “Pre-owned” adult and children’s clothing, Winter Caps and Scarfs toys, dolls, games, and related items can TALMUD CLASS G Or Zarua congregants create attractive be put to good use by the many transitional Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. knitted caps and scarfs for children in need. homeless residents in the South Bronx, almud class meets on most T o participate in any of these Hesed including single, jobless mothers and their Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. with programs, please contact Richard Stadin children, as well as unemployed men. OZ TRabbi Bolton. This year, we at [email protected] or 212-879-0448. partners with Salvation Deliverance Church, are studying Chapter 16 of Masekhet Shabbat (Artscroll Shabbat Vol. 4 or Koren Steinsaltz Shabbat Vol. 2). Anyone may join the class at any time; it is not necessary to have par- Support the Common Pantry ticipated in Talmud class previously to Bring food or purchase a FreshDirect gift card join the class now. Rabbi Wechsler will be teaching he Common Pantry (formerly the Tea and coffee the class in January 2014. Yorkville Common Pantry) helps 100% real fruit juice No prior knowledge of Talmud, to fill the kitchen cabinets of Packaged dry beans Hebrew, or Aramaic is required. those who are hungry in New Canned soup or stew (low sodium) TYork City. You can help by drop- Whole grain items ping off food (using the list below) at Or Brown rice Zarua. Or you can donate a FreshDirect gift Oatmeal card by going to www.freshdirect.com/ycp. Peanut butter OZ MINYAN Contact Canned tuna, salmon, chicken Sheldon Adler at [email protected] Common Pantry Grocery List Shelf-stable milk (Nonfat or 1%, or choose “Daily Minyan” under the Whole wheat pasta such as 32 oz. Parmalat) “Pray” menu on www.orzarua.org to Tomato sauce sign up for a day or two each month.

12 WWW.ORCONGREGATIONWWW.ORZARUA.ORG ZARUA.ORG OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20102013 In an Emergency BRENNER HARVEY OZ staff and members trained to use AED and perform CPR

embers of the Or Zarua trained members are able to deal with situ- community have been ations in which a person is not breathing, trained to use an auto- is choking, or is having a heart attack, and mated external defibrillator to use the AED, when necessary. Only peo- M(AED) and perform CPR. ple specifically trained and certified in its Congregation Or Zarua maintains three use should operate an AED. AEDs in the building as required by New The members of our synagogue com- York State Law. An AED is located in the munity who are trained to use the AED back vestibule of our building on the first include a mix of congregants and OZ staff. (social hall), second (sanctuary), and sixth Trained staff are: Facilities Manager Anthony A view of the Or Zarua cemetery section. (Hebrew school) floors. Banfield and Hebrew school teacher Yael The AED is a device used in conjunc- Goren. Trained congregants are Jonathan tion with cardiopulmonary resuscitation Kaplan, Michael Katz, Alan Mayer, Diane (CPR). It first diagnoses arrhythmia and Okrent, Jay Palmer, Laura Resnikoff, Gerry OZ Cemetery then delivers an electric shock to the Solomon, and Charles Spielholz. For members and their families heart, stopping the arrhythmia and allow- If you suspect someone is not breath- ing the heart the opportunity to start ing, is choking, or is having a heart attack, he Or Zarua section of Beth El with a normal rhythm. first call 911 and then alert one of these Cemetery is located in Washington Emergency Skills, Inc. provides the trained people. TTownship (Bergen County), New training to members of the OZ community To volunteer for AED and CPR training Jersey, just 10 miles away from the George according to standards set by the American at OZ, please contact Laura Resnikoff by Washington Bridge. Beth El Cemetery is Heart Association. Each trained person calling the synagogue office at 212-452- well maintained and landscaped with must be re-certified every two years. Our 2310, extension 12. trees and shrubs. The cemetery’s design provides a serene and beautiful final resting place that reflects the values and LIFE EVENTS AT OR ZARUA aesthetics of Congregation Or Zarua. Gravesites within the Or Zarua section are community such as ours shares good times and bad with its members. available for sale solely to members of When something good happens in your family—birth, graduation, engagement, our congregation. Burial is limited to per- Aor marriage—let us share your joy. When something bad happens—illness, sons of the Jewish faith. For information hospitalization, or a death in your family—let us share your burden. concerning gravesite purchases, please Sometimes people are reluctant to communicate these issues on their own. contact Executive Director Helene Santo If you know of a member who is coping with illness or loss, please contact the at 212-452-2310, extension 14. OZ office at 212-452-2310, extension 12, so that Rabbi Bolton can be informed. HRI SPIELHOLZ CHARLIE WELCOMING CONGREGATION GUESTS AT OR ZARUA OR ZARUA OFFICE HOURS s a community, it is important for us to make guests and new Monday through Thursday Amembers at our services and 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. kiddushim feel comfortable and IN THE OZ GALLERY. “Today I Am: Jewish welcome. If you are seated next to Friday Coming of Age Rituals” examines the someone whom you do not know or 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. origins and practices of Bar and Bat see a new face at kiddush, please The Or Zarua office is closed Saturday Mitzvah ceremonies and celebrations. reach out and introduce yourself. and Sunday, as well as on Jewish and The exhibit features several OZ congre- Making this effort is consistent with federal holidays. gants. Above, Barry Feldman stands next our culture and will repay dividends. to a photo from his Bar Mitzvah.

13 CONGREGATIONWWW.ORZARUA.ORG OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20092013 The Or Zarua Community Fund contributions received between August 1, 2013, and September 30, 2013

Rabbi Wechsler in Israel With students from Ein Prat—The Academy of Leadership

ecently, Rabbi Wechsler spoke develop personal skills as well as their about “Jewish Identity and Jewish and Zionist identities so that they Conservative Judaism in can best serve the State of Israel and the America” at Ein Prat—The Jewish people in a leadership capacity. RAcademy of Leadership, in Kfar Graduates are serving as officers in elite Adummim, Israel. After completing high units, in the Ministry of Education, and in school, Ein Prat students spend a year other not-for-profit organizations. studying before performing their Army Rabbi Wechsler will return to Or Zarua service. The goal of their studies is to in January to teach the Talmud class.

14 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 The Or Zarua Community Fund contributions received between August 1, 2013, and September 30, 2013

TORAH READERS NEEDED f you are able to read Torah or haf- tarah and would like to do so on a IShabbat, please contact Marc Ashley at [email protected] or Jay Palmer at [email protected]. You may also sign up online at www.orzarua.org by clicking “Reading Torah” under the “Pray” heading.

OR ZARUA YOUTH ART CALENDAR Fund raiser for the Youth Education Department

HRI SPIELHOLZ CHARLIE he OZ Youth Art Calendar is a fund raiser for the Youth Education Department. This year’s calendar, which con- Tsists of collages of the faces of OZ youth, was created by one of our young congregants, Talia Spielholz. A copy of the calendar has been mailed to each OZ membership unit. While there is no cost for the calendar, all money raised will help to support holiday celebrations, field trips, and tzedakah projects for the Or Zarua Hebrew School. We hope that you enjoy the calendar and will show your support by sending a donation to the synagogue office.

15 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA 127 East 82nd Street New York, NY 10028-0807

CONGREGATION OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 November/December Checklist

G Middle and High School Shabbat Hangout, Saturday, November 2, G Top Latke, OZ Cooking Competition, Sunday, December 15, 2:00 1:00 p.m. (pages 5 and 10). p.m. Teams must sign up by Monday, December 2 (page 7). G “No Joke,” Authors Speak Series with Dr. Ruth Wisse, Sunday, G Holiday Gleanings at Eli’s and The Vinegar Factory, Wednesday, November 3, 7:30 p.m. November 27, and Thursday, December 24 (page 12). G Addresses for Hanukkah Campus Connection for OZ college G Volunteers Needed for OZ’s role in Share-a-Night at Ronald students are due Tuesday, November 7 (page 4). McDonald House, Thursday, December 5, 5:30 p.m. (page 7). G Friends and Family Dinner, Friday, November 8, after Ma’ariv. G Bir’nana, OZ’s a cappella group, will be meeting on Sundays at RSVP by Monday, November 4 (page 1). 7:30 p.m. in November and December 8 and 15 (page 7). G Teen Shabbat, Saturday, November 16, 10:30 a.m. (pages 5 G Jewish Art Sale for Hanukkah prior to Artist-in-Residence and 10). Shabbaton with Mordechai Rosenstein, February 28–March 2 G Middle School Thanksgivikkah Event, Saturday, November 16, (page 7). 6:00 p.m (pages 5 and 10). G Friends and Family Dinner, Friday, January 10, after Ma’ariv. G PJ Library, Saturday, November 23, 5 p.m. (page 11). RSVP by Monday, January 6 (page 1). G Middle and High School Dreidel Spinoff, Sunday, December 1, G Hebrew language class taught by Mark Somerstein begins 4:00 p.m. (pages 5 and 10). Thursday, January 16 (page 11). G Torah Learning Coalition, 7th Night, 7 Teachings, “Torah’s Light at G Upcoming: Shabbat Shirah with Tizmoret, January 10–11 (page 6). Hanukkah” at Central Synagogue, Tuesday, December 3, 7:00 p.m. G Upcoming: Lucy S. Dawidowicz Lecture, Adina Hoffman and G Toy, book and game drive for Chai Lifeline. Donations needed by Peter Cole, authors of Sacred Trash: The Lost and Found World of Friday, December 6 (page 10). the Cairo Geniza, Thursday, January 23, 7:30 p.m. (page 3). G Middle School Mexican Fiesta, Saturday, December 7, 7:00 p.m. G Rescheduled: Eric Kandel, “The Age of Insight,” Sunday, April 6, (pages 5 and 10). 7:30 p.m. G Or Zarua Book Discussion, Bread Givers by Aniza Yezierska, led by G Talmud Class, Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. (page 12). Dr. Natalie Friedman, Sunday, December 8, 7:30 p.m. (page 11). G Siddur Class with Rabbi Bolton, Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. (page 7). G Middle and High School Bowling Night, Saturday, December 14, G Support the Common Pantry (page 12). time TBA (pages 5 and 10). G Help spread the word about Or Zarua: “Like” us on Facebook. 16