NOVEMBER 2018 | CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5779 2 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex masthead
NOVEMBER 2018 | CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5779
Contents
2. 17th Annual Israel Walkathon 10. Education Matters 21. Congregational Nurse
4. Schedule of Services 12. Adult Education 23. Sisterhood 5. From the Pulpit: 14. Shabbaton Sponsored by Annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive Rabbi Alan Silverstein The Honey Foundation 24. The New Jersey Devils 15. Early Childhood Center 6. From the Pulpit: Rabbi Ari Lucas 25. Men's Club Caldwell Hadassah — The Robyn Helzner Trio Debbie Kruger Aufruf So You Think You Can Dance 27. Environmental Committee 7. CAI 2nd Annual Comedy Night 16. Dev elopment News with Judy Gold 28. B'nei Mitzvah 19. Shabbat in Pajamas Cantor's Notes 32. Tributes & Donations 8. Rich Recht Family 9. The Michael and Barbara Chanukah Concert 37. Yahrtzeit Donations Erlichman Film Series: GI Jews The Daffodil Project Personals CAI Super Bowl Shabbat Dinner 19. Torah for Tots 38. Photos of the Month CAI Men's Club 20. Social Worker New Jersey Jewish Singles Ping Pong Tournament Shabbat Meditation
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Special thanks to Abby Meth Kanter for her assistance in editing this publication.
The Voice is published monthly from September to June by Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex. 20 Academy Road, Caldwell, New Jersey 07006 973-226-3600 | fax 973-226-7480 | www.agudath.org Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 3 Schedule of Services
November
Daily minyan as per usual; Saturday Torah study, children’s services, as per usual
Friday, November 2 Friday, November 16 Erev Shabbat Service ...... 5:30 pm Shabbat in PJs...... 5:30 pm RS Family Shabbat Service, dinner ...... 6:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service ...... 4:15 pm Saturday, November 3 Shabbat Social for 4th Grade and families...... 6:30 pm Shacharit...... 9:00 am Saturday, November 17 Bat Mitzvah – Orly Feldman...... am Shacharit...... 9:15 am Shabbat Meditation...... 9:30 am Bar Mitzvah – Hayden Bier- Off Premises Guest Speaker: Rabbi Yerach Meiersdorf...... 11:00 am Aufruf for Debbie Kruger...... 1:30 pm Shabbat Friends K-2...... 11:00 am Minchah/Talmud Study/Maariv ...... 4:10 pm Lunch 'n' Learn with Rabbi Yerach Meiersdorf Bar Mitzvah – Brayden White...... pm and Rabbi Elisha Wolfin...... 12:45 pm Minchah/Talmud Study/Maariv ...... 5:25 pm Friday, November 23 Havdalah and book signing with Rabbi Elisha Wolfin...... 6:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service ...... 4:10 pm Friday, November 9 Saturday, November 24 Honey Foundation Shabbat Shacharit...... 9:15 am Erev Shabbat Service ...... 4:20 pm Minchah/Talmud Study/Maariv ...... 4:10 pm Guest Speaker Rabbi Seth Farber ...... 7:30 pm Bat Mitzvah – Eliana Rosen...... pm
Saturday, November 10 Friday, November 30 Shacharit...... 9:15 am Erev Shabbat Service ...... 4:10 pm Honey Foundation Shabbat Guest Speaker Seth Farber...... 11:00 am Saturday, December 1 Lunch 'n' Learn with Rabbi Seth Farber...... 12:45 pm Shacharit...... 9:15 am Minchah/Talmud Study/Maariv ...... 4:20 pm Shabbat Meditation...... 9:30 am Shabbat Friends K-2...... 11:00 am Sunday, November 11 Minchah/Talmud Study/Maariv ...... 4:05 pm Bat Mitzvah – Sophie Hacker...... am B'nei Mitzvah – Jack and Katie Holinstat...... pm
Candle Lighting Times Daily Services Saturday Schedule
Friday, November 2...... 5:33 pm Mornings Services begin ...... 9:15 am Shabbat ends, Monday & Thursday...... 6:45 am (When B'nei Mitzvah)...... 9 am Saturday, November 3 ...... 6:43 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday...... 7 am Torah Study Group...... 9 am Friday, November 9...... 4:25 pm Sunday Talmud Study...... 8:15 am Shabbat Meditation...... 9:30 am Shabbat ends, Sunday Shacharit...... 9 am (per monthly schedule) Saturday, November 10...... 5:35 pm Torah Reading Chug...... 10:15-11 am Evenings Friday, November 16 ...... 6:02 pm (twice a month, ages 9-12) Sunday-Thursday...... 7:30 pm Shabbat ends, Torah for Tots (ages 0-4)...... 11 am Friday (see schedule) Saturday, October 13...... 6:12 pm Shabbat Friends...... 11 am Friday, November 23...... 5:52 pm (twice a month, grades K-2) Shabbat ends, Jr Congo (grades 3-7)...... 11 am Saturday, November 24...... 5:25 pm Friday, November 30...... 4:12 pm Shabbat ends, Saturday, December 1...... 5:22 pm
4 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex From the Pulpit
RABBI ALAN SILVERSTEIN
It is a “Mitzvah” to Exercise the Right to Vote
For centuries, Jews lived as isolated minorities within Commentary: A community with the opportunity to Christendom and Islamic caliphate empires. choose its own leadership makes a statement about its own character by virtue of the choice it makes. We are We were not eligible to be considered as a valid part of therefore responsible for creating a community that fosters decision-making in formulating public policy. the growth of good leadership and choosing wisely among Thankfully, in countries influenced by modern Western values, the candidates who wish to govern. Both of the opinions in this discriminatory status started to end with the reforms the passage from the Talmud quoted previously express the initiated following the French Revolution of 1789. belief that a leader’s character is causally related to that of his or her generation. What we do, or don’t do, on Election Gradually, in one country after another — in America, in one Day will define the character of our nation. state after another — Jews were granted both citizenship and voting rights. “Rabbi Chanina, the Deputy of Priests, would often say, We must never take this privilege for granted. ‘Pray for the welfare of the government, for were it not for the fear of it, people would swallow each other alive.’” Whether a Jew is a liberal, a conservative, or a moderate; (Pirkei Avot 3:2) a Democrat, a Republican, or an Independent, we should go to the polls and vote our conscience. Commentary: Wherever we live, it could become like ancient Egypt. We must always strive for The following traditional Jewish sources with a better place, a promised land…. There is commentary are provided by the Jewish Council no way to get from here to there…except by for Public Affairs. joining together and voting — and sometimes “Dina d’malchuta dina.” — “The law of the land stumbling through the wilderness…for an is the law.” (Talmud, Nedarim 28a, Gittin 10b, Bava opportunity to act. — Michael Walzer, “Exodus Kama 113a-b, Bava Batra 54b-55a) and Revolution,” adapted. Commentary: Already during the period of the “The heads of your tribes, your elders, and your compilation of the Talmud, the rabbinic principle that civil laws officers (Deuteronomy 29:9).” “Even though I appointed over must be recognized and honored had been developed. What you heads, elders, and officers, all of you are equal before an uncommon pleasure it is to comply with this mandate in a Me, for the verse concludes, ‘All are the people of Israel.’” land whose legal code offers its citizens the opportunity to go (Tanchuma, Nitzavim 2) to the polls and elect the officials who rule the land. This is a Commentary: The beauty of democracy is that each citizen nation that in its founding documents prohibited religious tests has an equal voice in the election process. The Tanchuma for office and laws respecting establishment of religion, while teaches that each of the children of Israel [and each citizen guaranteeing free exercise of religion. This not only secured of any group] has equal worth in the eyes of the Almighty. our freedoms, but ensured that our rights as citizens would Though some may take on leadership roles and rise in not depend upon our religious identity or practices. In the visibility, our Creator values each person’s voice. We express United States, we have known unprecedented freedoms and that voice by voting. opportunities. Exercising the right to vote is indispensable to ensuring our children also enjoy such freedom. When Nov. 6 arrives, we should go to the polls. We should cast votes for our choices for the Senate, Congress, and for regional “This is the generation and those who seek its welfare.” and local elections. (Psalms 24:6) This is a “mitzvah” in which we must all partake as individuals Rabbi Judah the Patriarch and the sages differed in this matter. and as a polity. One opinion was that the character of the generation is determined by its leader. According to the other opinion, the character of the With friendship, leader is determined by the generation. —Talmud, Arachin 17a Rabbi Alan Silverstein
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 5 From the Pulpit
RABBI ARI LUCAS
Taking Out The Trash
Our trash from Los Angeles followed us to New We’re now over two months into the new Jewish Jersey. As Talya and I were unpacking in our new year. Many of the commitments and resolutions we home, we opened a box and were surprised to find made on Rosh Hashanah, though sincere when we a trash can with the trash from LA still in it. That made them, have now faded from our consciousness. junk made the 3,000 mile trip across the country. It We’ve returned to the same old patterns and habits. appears that in the frenzy to pack up the final items of The “trash” we tried to take out during the High our house in LA, one of the movers threw a trash can Holy Day season has resurfaced in the new year. We into a box — contents and all. I don’t blame them. It’s promised to be more patient with ourselves and with not their job to take out the trash. That’s my job. But others, and we find ourselves getting more frustrated as I schlepped the Californian refuse to my New Jersey curbside, than ever. We wanted to take on new roles in our families and I wondered if there is a lesson to be found in this experience. communities, but life somehow got so busy that we can’t find time to bring them to fruition. So what’s a Jew to do? Each of us carries invisible “junk” with us all the time (perhaps “baggage” is a better word). We carry anger, damaged relation- There’s a way to break this difficult cycle. In the daily Amidah ships, bad habits, disappointments. We make the mistake of we recite a mini Yom Kippur prayer. We beat our chests twice thinking that if we change some external aspects of our lives, and ask forgiveness of God for the many small ways in which then we’ll be magically transformed, and those challenges will we missed the mark. We do a little Teshuva every day. This go away. Perhaps if we move to a new house, change schools ritual is intended to offer us a daily opportunity to revisit our or jobs, then our emotional state will change in tandem. True, our resolutions and recommit to them. Genuine change is difficult. tradition teaches, “meshaneh makom, meshaneh mazal — a change But rather than resigning to accept our spiritual baggage, we in place leads to a change in fortune.” (Bavli Rosh Hashanah 16b) profess that with hard work and regular attention, our lives But that statement appears in a larger context about how change can be transformed. So this is my reminder to all of us that it’s in a person’s deeds (e.g. giving tzedakkah or turning to prayer or time to “take out the trash” again - so that we can continue to other mitzvot) has the power to transform one’s destiny. experience renewal and growth in this (not-so-) new year.
Debbie Kruger Aufruf – at Mincha, Shabbat November 17, 1:30 pm
There will be a special Mincha service on Shabbat day, November 17 at 1:30 pm, following the regular Kiddush. This service will include an Aufruf aliyah for Debbie Kruger, daughter of Judy Levenstein and Phil Kruger. The service will feature a number of Jewish rituals taken largely from Sephardic Jewish communities; rituals that have been adapted to the idea of a bride having an Aufruf. The service is open to all, and the Levenstein / Krugers hope that their entire CAI family / community (women and men) will join them for this event. Following the service, there will be a dairy dessert reception. Gifts are very much discouraged. Donations to CAI, its library and / or its adult scholarly education group are, of course, always welcome. An RSVP to the synagogue office made more than a week in advance would be very much appreciated. Please register at agudath.org/form/kruger-auf-ruf.html.
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6 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Third Annual CAI Comedy Night In Loving Memory of Abe Akselrad z”l
Featuring the Comedy of JUDY GOLD
Judy has appeared on The Steve Harvey Show, The View, The Today Show, and The Wendy Williams Show. She has written for The New York Times, Huffington Post, and CNN.com.
JudyGold.com
COMEDIAN ACTOR WRITER HOST BIGMOUTH
AS SEEN ON TELEVISION OFF BROADWAY THE PUBLIC THEATER HBO 30 Rock Clinton! The Musical All female production of Comedy Central The Big C Disasater! The Musical Shakespeare in the Park’s LOGO Anderson Live The Judy Show – The Taming of The Shrew Next Food Network Star My Life as a Sitcom APPEARED ON Dr. Oz The Late Show with Sex & The City Stephen Colbert Law & Order SVU Showtime: I’m Dying Up Here The Drew Carey Show Netflix: Friends From College The Rosie O’Donnell Show SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 Pop TV: NightCap Friends From College TBS: Search Party The Unbreakable Kimmy 7:30 pm: Doors open with wine and latkes Woody Allen’s series Schmidt Crisis In Six Scenes Inside Amy Schumer 8 pm: Show HOST OF HBO’S Difficult People At The Multiplex with 2 Broke Girls 9 pm: Elegant Dairy Dessert Judy Gold The Insiders Tonight Show with Jay Leno $30/person - Register on agudath.org/events
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 7 Cantor's Notes
CANTOR JOEL CAPLAN
Cantor Arianne Brown: Here Nov. 18 Because Rabbi Silverstein Babysat
It’s true, and I’ll even name my sources. Why is Cantor Arianne Brown — senior cantor at Cantor Arianne Brown, Adas Israel Congregation in Washington, DC — senior cantor at Adas Israel Congregation performing here on Sunday, Nov. 18, at 4 pm? in Washington, DC will perform at CAI. Admission is $18 for CAI members, Beside the fact that she’s one of the most talented hazzanim alive today (no hyperbole; you’ll see $25 for non-members, $10 for seniors; when you come), she’s a relative of Eileen Stein, free for children up to 18. lady friend of CAI member Stan Blank. Register at agudath.org/events Stan reports, “Eileen and I were at a luncheon at CAI last spring, honoring participants in I wrote in the September and October VOICE about how the Better Together program.” (Better Together, steered by phenomenal Cantor Arianne was as a student in my classes Educational Director Susan Werk, puts seniors together with at JTS, how she has sung solo at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln selected middle-school students. They meet repeatedly and Center, and how she served at Temple Sinai in Los Angeles for learn each others’ stories.) six years, with Rabbi David Wolpe and others. Stan says, “Eileen met Rabbi Silverstein there, and they got And I mentioned that she has released a solo album titled to talking. Small world — they both grew up in Philadelphia, “Eternal Flame: A Yiddish Love Story.” As of this writing, I’m sure and Rabbi Silverstein lived on the same block as Cantor that she’ll be singing at least some of the songs from that CD. Save Arianne’s grandparents. What’s on it? Among other songs, “A Yidishe Mame,” “Papirosn,” “In fact, Rabbi Silverstein “Oy Mame, Bin Ikh Farlibt,” “Unter Dayne Vayse Shtern,” and the Date! babysat for Arianne’s mother! others that you might not know... “Also, Rabbi Silverstein’s sister Plus duets with stars such as Mike Burstyn, Craig Taubman and played with Arianne’s mother, Simon Spiro! as kids.” In the concert, there’ll be Yiddish songs and other songs as Small world indeed! So we’re well, and at least one duet with me. It’ll be great fun, and a delighted that Rabbi Silverstein lovely way to honor Stan and Eileen. See you there! suggested we host Cantor Arianne to give one of our Please register at agudath.org/events. Admission is $18 for concerts this year, in honor of CAI members; $25 for non-members; $10 for seniors; free for Eileen Stein and Stan Blank Stan and Eileen. children up to 18.
Zeller Family Jewish Family Service of MetroWest Social Worker at CAI Questions about aging loved ones, financial pressures, concerns about children? ContactAndrea Malmud for guidance, information, referrals, and support. There is no fee, and all conversations are strictly confidential. Andrea Malmud, 973-226-3600, ext. 143, [email protected] A partnership of the Zeller Family, Jewish Family Service of MetroWest, and the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ.
8 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex • THE MICHAEL AND BARBARA ERLICHMAN FILM SERIES • March 27 Bag of GI Jews Marbles Wednesday, November 7, 7:45 pm GI JEWS: Jewish Americans in World War II tells the profound and unique story of the 550,000 Jewish men and May 15 women who served in World War II. Through the eyes of the Heading servicemen and women, the film brings to life the little- known story of Jews in World War II – as active participants Home in the fight against Hitler, bigotry and intolerance.
These brave men and women fought for their nation and their people, for America and for Jews worldwide. Like all May 29 Americans, they fought against fascism, but they also waged RBG: a more personal fight—to save their brethren in Europe. Ruth Bader After years of struggle, they emerged transformed, more Ginsburg Register on powerfully American and more deeply Jewish, determined agudath.org / events to continue the fight for equality and tolerance at home.
Save
the Date!
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 9 Education Matters
SUSAN WERK, EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Every Age & Every Stage of Jewish Learning Focus on Thankfulness he Education Department is looking with intent at our Many historians Tvirtues — in Hebrew, middot — to emphasize striving for believe that Thanksgiv- the goal of “being a mensch.” Thanks to the “Let It Ripple ing has its roots in the Project,” we have on hand a wealth of materials to help impart Jewish holiday of Sukkot ways to build character development for all ages and stages. — with which the early When we refer to virtues/middot, we are talking about Puritans would have strengths. Kindness was the virtue that we promoted and been familiar from read- explored in October, sharing stories of good deeds undertaken ing the “Old Testament” to benefit others and assisting and taking care of members of — since the themes are our community and family. identical: religious free- The month of November is being devoted to the value of dom and giving thanks for the good fortune bestowed on us. “gratitude.” The focus is on being aware of and thankful for Judaism teaches us that we must care for the poor and the the good things that happen in our lives and taking the time to homeless, the stranger and the environment. And, of course, express thanks. Key questions we are asking are: Who in your we must always try to be “rodfei shalom,” seekers of peace. life represents this strength and how? How could this strength Reciting a Shehecheyanu — thanking God for keeping us help you achieve a goal you have set? How can you help oth- alive, sustaining us, and enabling us to reach this day — and ers develop this strength? Join us in promoting the value of sharing our appreciation of the blessings of life would also be gratitude this month by sharing stories and insights of ways to a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving table. grow and be thankful. Reflecting on gratitude reminds me of the Jewish sages who instruct us to look every day for 100 blessings, leading to A Reading for a Jewish-American Thanksgiving 100 daily expressions of our thankfulness for acts of kindness, As we begin our Thanksgiving gathering, we pause for a few recognizing the gift of family and friends, acknowledging that minutes to contemplate our personal connection to this cele- belonging to a sacred community like CAI affords us opportu- bration, as Americans and as Jews. Just as the Pilgrims coura- nities to grow, to learn, and to contribute. Expressing our grati- geously came to this land in search of religious freedom, our tude every day brings increased happiness to ourselves and, by relatives also crossed the oceans with similar hopes and example, spreads happiness to our loved ones dreams. Their efforts have enriched America in the areas of and community. the arts, the sciences, business, education, and even sports. Here’s to a month Our Pilgrims also endured hardships and fought battles that filled with gratitude. B’Shalom, led to our ability to sit here today in relative comfort and free- Susan Werk dom. To all of these Pilgrims, we give thanks today. Educational Director
Mitzvah Madness Trip to the Community FoodBank Women’s Rosh Tuesday, Nov. 13 Chodesh Group Students in grades 6-12 are encouraged join Parents and siblings 10 and Join our monthly Rosh the annual trip to do a “hands-on mitzvah” older are also invited to Chodesh women’s gath- sorting donated food at the Community Food- attend. The bus will leave ering for the month of Bank of NJ in Hillside, from which the food is the synagogue at 4 pm, Kislev to learn, share, distributed to charities that feed the needy. and return at 7. and grow in a safe, lov- Participants: Wear warm ing environment. clothing and do not wear Monday, Nov. 12, 8 p.m. open-toed shoes (including flip-flops), bring gloves, and At the home of Susie Bruch, eat dinner before the trip. 40 Hillcrest Road, West Caldwell
10 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex TorahTorah Pillar: Pillar: Every Every Age and & Every Every StageStage of of Jewish Jewish Learning Learning ProgramsPrograms for all Agudathfor all Agudath Israel Israel day day school school andand religious religious school school students students and adults and adults Early Childhood Center Thursday, Nov. 29: Teen Buddy begins, 3:45 pm Thursday, Nov. 8: ECC closed Adults Friday, Nov. 9: ECC closed (Extended Day is open), Friday, Nov. 2: Rabbi Yerech Meyersdorf and Rabbi Elisha 7 am-6 pm) Wolfin, 7:30 pm Thursday, Nov. 15: Early dismissal, noon Saturday, Nov. 3: Rabbi Meyersdorf, 11 am; Lunch & Learn Friday, Nov. 16: Shabbat in Pajamas, 5:30 pm with Rabbi Meyersdorf and Rabbi Wolfin, 12:45 pm; Hav- Sunday, Nov. 18: Al Galgalim, 10 am dalah program & book signing with Rabbi Wolfin, 6:30 pm Wednesday, Nov. 21: Early dismissal, noon Monday, Nov. 5: Dr. David Dalin, Jewish Justices of the Thursday, Nov. 22: ECC closed Supreme Court, 7:45 pm Friday, Nov. 23: ECC closed Tuesday, Nov. 6: Prof. Sidnie Wednesday Nov. 28: ECC Parent-Teacher Workshop, White Crawford , 6:30-9 pm 7:45 pm Wednesday, Nov. 7: Screening Primary (Kindergarten – Second Grade) of “GI Jews: Jewish Americans Saturday, Nov. 3: Shabbat Friends at 11 am in World War II,” 7:45 pm “GI Jews” Sunday, Nov. 4: CAI Israel Walkathon, 10 am Thursday, Nov. 8: Memoir Writ- Sunday, Nov. 11: Religious School closed ing Club, 7:45 pm Friday, Nov. 16: Shabbat in Sweats, 5:30 pm Monday, Nov. 12: Trip to The Jewish Museum, 11 am Saturday, Nov. 17: Breathe in a Blessing, 11 am Monday, Nov. 12: Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group at the home Sunday, Nov. 18: Monthly K-1-2 Religious School of Susie Bruch, 8 pm program, 9:30 am Tuesday, Nov. 13: Matinee at CAI “Daniel,” 1 pm Sunday, Nov. 18: Chaverim Superhero Encounters, 11:30 am Wednesday, Nov. 14: Current events with Max Kleinman, 11:30 am Elementary School (Third-Fifth Grade) Thursdays, Nov. 15 & 29: Film expert Eric Goldman, The Saturday, Nov. 3: Family Shabbat program, 10:30 am Holocaust in Film, 7 pm Sunday, Nov. 4: CAI Israel Walkathon, 10 am Sunday, Nov. 11: Religious School closed Adult Ed Classes Friday, Nov. 16: Shabbat Social for fourth grade, 6:30 pm Sunday, Nov. 18: Mindful Fun Thursdays: Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29, 9:30 am — Contemporary Wednesday, Nov. 21: Religious School closed Jewish Thinkers, Musicians, Artists, with Rabbi Silverstein Thursday, Nov. 22: Religious School closed Thursdays: Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29, 10:30 am — Elijah & Prophet Sunday, Nov. 25: Religious School closed & Evolution of Jewish Storytelling, with Susan Werk Middle School (Sixth-Eighth Grade) Fridays: Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30, 7:45 am — Sighing and Soaring Friday, Nov. 2: Middle School dinner with Rabbis Yerech in Psalms, with Rabbi Hammerman Meyersdorf and Elisha Wolfin Fridays: Nov. 2, 16, 30, 10:30 am — Shabbat Is Awesome, Sunday, Nov. 4: CAI Israel Walkathon, 10 am with Rabbi Ari Lucas Sunday, Nov. 11: Religious School closed Saturdays: Nov. 3, 10, 24 12:45 pm — Second Temple Tuesday, Nov. 13: Mitzvah Madness Trip to Community Literature with Phil Kruger FoodBank in Hillside, 4 p.m. Mondays: Nov. 5, 19, 26, 10 am — Israel's Milestones Sunday, Nov. 18: Mindful Fun and Their Meanings: The Legacy of the Past and the Sunday, Nov. 18: Kadima Challenge of the Future, with Rabbi Michael Jay Wednesday, Nov. 21: Religious School closed Tuesdays: Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27, 9:15 am —Hebrew with Thursday, Nov. 22: Religious School closed Sunday, Nov. 25: Religious School closed Nancy Caplan Tuesdays: Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27, 10:30 am— Text and Coffee, Teens (Ninth-Twelfth Grade) with Nancy Caplan Wednesdays are Teen Nights at CAI: Pizza & Shmooze, Tuesdays: Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27, 12:30 pm —Jewish Law and Current Issues, Modern Hebrew, and more Customs, with Nancy Caplan Sunday, Nov. 4: CAI Israel Walkathon, 10 am Wednesdays: Nov. 7, 14, 28, 10 am —The Book of Ezra Wednesday, Nov. 7: Teen night, 6 pm and Nehemia, with Rabbi Silverstein Wednesday, Nov. 14: Teen night, 6 pm Wednesdays: Nov. 7, 14, 28, 11 am — Selected Issues of Wednesday, Nov. 14: USY event, 7:45 pm the Holocaust, with Rabbi Silverstein Thursday, Nov. 15: Teen Buddy orientation, TBA Wednesday, Nov. 21: Teen program closed Tuesdays: Nov. 13, 20, 27, 7 pm — Leaving Jubilees out of Wednesday, Nov. 28: Teen night, 6 pm the Bible, with Phil Kruger
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 11 Adult Education For a comprehensive program listing, see our 2018-19 CAI Adult SUSAN WERK, EDUCATION DIRECTOR University brochure.
November Adult Ed Programs
be rewritten to bring in new GI Jews: Jewish interpretations, resulting in an Americans in expanded text or a whole new World War II composition. The lecture will Wednesday, discuss all these issues, with Nov. 7, 7:45 pm illustrations and examples. The profound Book Event Register on agudath.org/ and unique Monday, Nov. 5, 7:45-9 pm events. story of the 550,000 Jewish Thanks to the generous Sidnie White Crawford is men and women who served The Jewish Museum donation from the Toby a Willa Cather Professor in World War II. Through Monday, Nov. 12 — Meet at Shapiro Fund and from Phil of the Hebrew Bible their eyes, the film brings Museum entrance at 11 am. and Gina Vinick emerita at the University to life the little known story of Nebraska-Lincoln and a 1109 Fifth Ave at 92nd St., NY, Guest speaker Dr. David Dalin, of Jews in World War II as Visiting Scholar at Princeton New York. $15 per person; author of Jewish Justices active participants in the Theological Seminary. She is transportation to the museum of the Supreme Court, from fight against Hitler, bigotry, an internationally recognized and intolerance. These brave is not provided. Brandeis to Kagan. Register scholar in the areas of the men and women fought for on agudath.org/events. Dead Sea Scrolls and the A private tour of the new Textual Criticism of the their nation, their people, exhibit: Chagall, Lissitzky, CAI Adult Scholarly Hebrew Bible. Her most for America and for Jews Malevich: The Russian Avant- Committee presents recent book, edited with worldwide. Like all Americans, Garde in Vitebsk, 1918-1922. “Sacred Scripture in the Cecilia Wassen, is The Dead they fought against fascism, Register on agudath.org/ Second Temple Period: Sea Scrolls at Qumran and but also waged a more events. Interpretation Inside and the Concept of a Library, personal fight to save their Outside of published by Brill (2016). Dr. brethren in Europe. After years Crawford currently serves as the Text” of struggle, they emerged Chair of the Board of Trustees transformed, more powerfully by Professor of the W. F. Albright Institute American and more deeply Sidnie of Archaeological Research in Jewish, determined to White Jerusalem and as a member Crawford: of the Society of Biblical continue the fight for equality Rosh Chodesh Tuesday, Nov. 6, 6:30-9 pm Literature Council. She is and tolerance at home. Women’s Group - Kislev Dr. Crawford will discuss the also a member of numerous Register on agudath.org/ Monday, Nov 12, 8 pm textual history of the Hebrew editorial boards, including events. At the home of Susie Bruch, Bible and its interpretation in Hermeneia: A Commentary 40 Hillcrest Road, West Series (Fortress Press) and the Second Temple period, Memoir Writing Club Caldwell, NJ 07006. . The Hebrew Bible: A Critical Thursday, Nov. 8, 7:45 pm as revealed by the Dead Sea Looking for a meaningful Edition (SBL Press). She now Led by Barbara Erlichman. Scrolls. The scroll fragments lives in Stroudsburg, PA. women’s experience? Join discovered in caves along the "We all have stories to our monthly Women’s Rosh tell." Participants will Dead Sea in the 20th century The Michael and Barbara Chodesh Group led by Susan share stories they wish taught us a great deal about Erlichman Film Series: Werk. Learn, share and grow the text of the Hebrew Bible to tell friends, children, in a safe, loving environment. Thanks to the generous before the fall of the Temple and grandchildren. In this No prior knowledge of donation of Dr. Michael and interactive, non-judgmental, in 70 CE. The text of the Barbara Erlichman, we have an Hebrew or Torah needed, just biblical books was fluid, and opportunity to celebrate our and curious way, the written the desire to learn and share in many cases interpretation rich Jewish heritage through word will be passed on to with your fellow congregants. was brought into the text. film. Screenings will be our loved ones. Register on Register on agudath.org/ Also, biblical books could followed by discussions. agudath.org/events. events.
12 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Israel Walkathon Weekend Shabbaton Sponsored by The Honey Foundation Rabbi Yerach Meiersdorf and Rabbi Elisha Wolfin Rabbi Seth Farber Orthodox Rabbi and founder Rabbi Yerach Meiersdorf (left), of ITIM, an advocacy Nationwide Director of Israel’s organizaiton fighting for NOAM Youth Movement, and a more inclusive religious Rabbi Elisha Wolfin (right). establishment in Israel. Saturday, Nov. 3, 11:15 am: See page 14 for more Presentation by Rabbi Yerach Meiersdorf information and this event. 12:45 pm: Lunch ‘n’ Learn with Rabbis Yerach Meiersdorf and Elisha Wolfin Friday, Nov. 9, 6 pm: Kabbalat Shabbat 6:30 pm: Havdalah program and book signing with Rabbi Elisha Wolfin Saturday, Nov. 10, 11:15 am: Rabbi Seth Farber Sunday, Nov. 4, 10:30 am: Walkathon 12:45 pm: Shabbat Lunch ‘n’ Learn Register on agudath.org/events. Register on agudath.org/events
Jewish Film Series at CAI of ancient interpretation, Part I, 1944-1990: professor of cinema at Yeshiva Tuesday Matinee: Daniel composed by an unknown Thursday, Nov. 15, 7-9 pm University and the author of Tuesday, Nov. 13, 1 pm author who thought deeply Part II, 1990 to the present: “The American Jewish Story about the Torah and Judaism. Thursday, Nov. 29, 7-9 pm through Cinema.” He was Based on the co-host with Robert Osborne Jubilees was prized by the Incorporating film clips and book by E.L. on the Turner Classic Movies Dead Sea Scrolls community: analysis, Dr. Goldman will Doctorow, "The television network of the series, parts of some 15 manuscripts explore how cinema reflects Book of Daniel," “The Projected Image: The of the book were hidden by memories and experiences the movie reflects Jewish Experience on Film.” them in the caves of Qumran. of the Holocaust, as well as on the story of Although rabbinic Judaism how it affects and shapes our Mindfulness: An Eight- Julius and Ethel Rosenberg rejected Jubilees because understanding of the Shoah. Week Plan and the legacy of pain that of some of its doctrines, Even before World War II for Finding occurs after their execution as many of its interpretative came to an end, filmmakers Peace in a atomic spies during the 1950 traditions are paralleled in central and eastern Europe Frantic World cold war. Register on agudath. in the Talmud and various began the task of representing Nov. 28; Dec. 5, org/events. midrashic collections, as well the Shoah on film. Western 12, 19; Jan. 9, 16, as in the early poetry of the Europe was largely in denial 23, 30, 7-8:15 pm Phil Kruger: synagogue. It also played and Hollywood avoided Instructor: Karen Frank, Leaving an important role in early Holocaust subject matter for CAI Congregational Nurse Jubilees Out Christian communities, and nearly 15 years. In the early No cost for members; of the Bible has been preserved in its 1970s, French filmmakers $200 for non-members. Tuesdays, entirety to this day.” (J. Kugel, began exploring the Shoah Nov. 13, 20, Learn how to feel less anxious, A Walk Through Jubilees: on film and some initial 27; Dec. 4, 11, 18; Jan. 8, 15, and more peaceful and An Exegetical Commentary, reaction was caustic. In Israel, 22, 29, 7-9 pm optimistic using mindfulness Introduction, p.1 (Brill 2012)). the first feature that dealt techniques and meditation in just An in-depth look at “the most The classes require no prior with survivors was made in eight classes. Find out how our interesting and important knowledge. Register on 1979. We will screen clips being in a default “busy” setting, composition of late agudath.org/events from a variety of films and keeps us from appreciating Second Temple Judaism” explore how and why the all that is good in our present Explore the Book of Jubilees, CAI Adult Scholarly Shoah was put on film and lives. Learn techniques that an ancient retelling of Genesis Committee presents how the culture of Holocaust will increase joy and gratitude. and the first part of the book Reflecting filmmaking has changed A mindfulness practice is of Exodus. In the words of and around the world. Particularly accessible to anyone willing to Professor James Kugel, Affecting fascinating is the plethora of consider that there is another [t]he book of Jubilees is Memory: Holocaust films being made way to respond to stressors arguably the most important Cinema as these last dozen years in and practice it 10-20 minutes a and influential of all books Haggadah Germany and Poland. Register day. To register, contact Karen written by Jews in the Second for the Holocaust on agudath.org/events. Frank at 862-485-9062 or Temple period. It is a treasure with Dr. Eric Goldman Dr. Eric Goldman is adjunct [email protected].
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 13
You are cordially invited to a Shabbaton sponsored by The Honey Foundation November 9-11, 2018
Rabbi Seth Farber, Founder of ITIM, an organization dedicated to contributing to positive and significantSunday, Novemberencounters 11 with Jewish Life as Israeli’s navigate the Religious10:30 Establishment a.m. in Israel. Rabbi Farber is a Modern Orthodox rabbiJCC and MetroWest historian. The New York Times 760 Northfield Avenue called Farber a “pragmatic idealist” who believes that Orthodox Jews — West Orange including the rabbinate — and non-Orthodox Jews need to learn “to trust each other” sufficiently to work together on difficult issues of personal status. Visit https://nyti.ms/2EvFAfZ for Rabbi Farber’s most recent Op-Ed, Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz Rabbi E. Samuel Klibanoff Rabbi David Hoffman ”Fighting for Judaism in the Jewish State”B'nai in Jeshurun, The New Short HillsYork Times.Cong. Etz Chaim, Livingston Jewish Theological Seminary Moderated by Sarah Lipsey Brokman, President of The Honey Foundation for Israel
Friday, November 9 6:00 pm ...... Kabbalat Shabbat
Saturday, November 10 9:15 am ...... Services 11:15 am...... Rabbi Seth Farber 12:45 pm ...... Shabbat Lunch ‘n’ Learn
The Honey Foundation for Israel was The Honey Foundation for Israel was created to be a catalyst for the growth of open Congregation Agudath Israel created to be a catalyst for the growth of access to Jewish life in Israel, and by doing so, to enhance the connections between 20 Academy Road, Caldwell, NJ open access to Jewish Life in Israel, and by Israeli and North American Jews. Buildingdoing an inclusive so, to enhancecommunity the is a priority.connections Contact us and we will make every effort to meet your needs. Register on agudath.org/events between Israeli and North American Jews.
Breakfast and a panel discussion with: Building Up, Not Tearing Down Rabbi How American Jews Can Help Open Doors Matthew Gewirtz To Religious Choice in Israel B’nai Jeshurun Short Hills Rabbi Seth Farber Sunday, November 11 , 10:30 pm Orthodox Rabbi and Founder of ITIM, an Community Town Hall: Rabbinic Panel Discussion Rabbi advocacy organization “Building Up, Not Tearing Down” E. Samuel Klibanoff fighting for a more Cong. Etz Chaim With Rabbis Farber, Gewirtz, Hoffman, and Klibanoff inclusive religious Livingston JCC MetroWest establishment in Israel 60 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ Rabbi For information or to RSVP, email [email protected] Moderated by David Hoffman Sarah Lipsey Brokman, Jewish President of The Honey Theological Foundation for Israel Seminary
14 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Early Childhood Center
GEULA ZAMIST, EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER DIRECTOR
Learning Through Play
Our school is inspired by the belief that all This handmade wooden toy was built nearly children learn through play. If we provide 80 years ago and the woodturner’s great great grandchildren delight in playing with it! the right environment, with the right materials and the right support — we see the learning happen! We chose the toys for the • Look for toys that will stand the test of classrooms carefully and intentionally so that time. Things made from good, natural they will provide the most play value. materials can stand up to some wear and As parents and relatives and friends begin tear. looking for toys to buy for Chanukah gifts, The simpler the toy is, the more imagination they too should think about the play value of a child has to bring to the play. Toys that do the toys they choose. all the thinking for children take away their Some tips include: chance to expand their own ideas. • Look for toys that can be used in many ways. Open-ended In school we see that very simple objects can become phones, toys are not limited by one right way to use them. houses, magic wands — the possibilities are endless. • Look for toys that appeal to children of different ages. Be As we honor and respect every child’s potential, let’s make sure mindful of opportunities they give the child to engage others. the toys we give them honor that potential as well.
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 15 Development News
MICHAEL E. BRESSMAN , DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Profile in Generosity: Sandy Weintraub shares the backstory of CAI’s first Legacy gift
Sandy Weintraub got a call recently While studying to become a bat mitzvah, from her grandson, who told her he had Sandy says she was deeply moved by been waiting at a traffic light at a busy the musical elements of Jewish prayer, intersection when he saw an old woman which later led her to join a small choir at dodging traffic as she tried to cross the the JCC led by Cantor Joel Caplan. street. “We weren’t particularly good,” she says “He asked himself, ‘What would Grandpa with a laugh. “But after that experience, I have done?’” she says, referring to her was hooked. I’ll still sing anywhere at any late husband Jim. “He said ’Grandpa was time with Joel Caplan.” always a mensch and I’d like to be one, Jim felt the same way, Sandy too.’” remembers, which is why they both So the college freshman parked his car, joined the High Holy Day Choir. helped the woman safely to the sidewalk, On their application for membership and carried her groceries to her home a at CAI, the Weintraubs indicated their few blocks away. interest in lifelong learning. Rabbi Inspiring his grandson to help others Silverstein immediately invited them to is one example of how Jim Weintraub, join the Adult Education committee, who passed away on June 6 after nearly which met just a few days after they 30 years of CAI membership, made made their membership official. That first the world a better place. Thanks to a Sandy and Jim Weintraub meeting made an impact and was crucial generous planned gift to CAI made to their active participation. together with Sandy, his wife of 44 years, his positive impact is “It made CAI a house of learning for us,” Sandy says. “We still multiplying. brought in Jewish scholars, professors, and rabbis, along with The couple joined the synagogue in 1990 after outgrowing a our own CAI teachers. We were also students of the Florence smaller, less active congregation back in the late 1980s — a Melton Adult Mini School and Me’ha, a college-level program move that signaled their increasing desire to make Judaism a of Jewish studies." significant presence in their life. Jim, who retired as a vice president from Sun Chemical “Our first time at CAI was for a Friday night Shabbat service,” Corporation, held a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering Sandy remembers. “Rabbi Silverstein offered us a very warm and a master’s in industrial engineering. He was very bright, welcome from the bima and we knew we had found a home.” says Sandy—who began her own career as a teacher before taking the helm at an employment agency. Jim grew up attending Jewish day school in an orthodox community and was observant until college; Sandy had no Their Legacy gift to CAI, which was realized this fall as part of formal Jewish education as a child. In the early 1980s, they Jim’s will, is laying the groundwork for a sustainable future by attended the adult bat mitzvah ceremony of a neighbor, and growing the synagogue’s endowment, a financial resource that’s when things began to change. invested in growth and income-producing securities that generate interest to supplement the operating budget. “I was so impressed with the service and it hit me just at the right time,” she says. “Jim was very supportive of my becoming “It was the sheer gravity of the program’s impact that convinced a bat mitzvah, which I did at the age of 47. That experience us to participate,” Sandy says. “This is far more than a donation. brought him back to his Jewish roots and gave me a chance to It’s our investment in the continued strength of an institution build my own Jewish identity from the ground up.” that has meant the world to us.”
16 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex • MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
Written by CAI Member Michael Ehrenreich Limited Engagement (14 Shows Only) Buy tickets and support CAI at the same time! USE COUPON CODE: cai $10 per ticket will be donated to the synagogue! Buy tickets at: www.MedicineTheMusical.com HERE Arts Center 145 6th Avenue, New York, NY (Enter on Dominick St. one block south of Spring St.)
MEDICINE THE MUSICAL follows a group of first year "The show is not about medicine. It's about this group medical students as they tenaciously fight their way of young people going through this crucible. It's about through a grueling year, grappling with their lives, loves, struggle, drive and the will to succeed...and it rocks!" and the rigors of an education in medicine. —Michael Ehrenreich, playwright
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agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 17 5:30 pm: Child-friendly dinner 6 pm: Service with Susan Werk and Cantor Caplan Adult Lounge & Conference Rooms Friday, November 16 Congregation There is no cost for the dinner. Shabbat in Pajamas is an Agudath Israel RSVP required so we can plan accordingly. Early Education Center Family Program Please email [email protected] to attend. Susan Werk, Educational Director Sunday, Nov. 4 10 am-noon Details to come The Daffodil Project aspires to build a worldwide Living Holocaust Memorial by planting 1.5 million daffodils in memory of the 1.5 million children who were murdered during the Holocaust and in support of children suffering in humanitarian crises around the world. To date, 180,000 daffodils have been planted, including Family Chanukah Celebration 1800 in Clarkston. The presented by yellow daffodil bloom Sol and Martha Rogoff Children’s Fund is reminiscent of the and Nat and Bea Taubenfeld Yellow Star that Jews throughout Europe Sunday, December 9, 2018 were forced to wear during the Holocaust. 10:00AM The daffodils are symbolic because For more information call they are resilient and CAI at 973-226-3600 return with a burst of color and energy each spring, reminding us that life is eternal.
“How can a person, whether religious or secular, not be moved by compassion? And above all, how can Agudath Israel anyone who remembers 20 Academy Road remain silent?” Caldwell, New Jersey 07006 —Elie Wiesel Holocaust Survivor
18 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex AND PARENTS!
Weekly Shabbat program led by Alexis Gruber, Adrienne Himmelberger and Tal Wolf
FOR KIDS Shabbat friendly activities, games, plays and more, Saturdays, 11 am
AL GALGALIM (WITH PARENTS) Social Youth Group led by Adrienne Himmelberger 10 am on the following dates: Nov. 18 Dec. 16 Jan. 20 Feb. 24 Mar. 17 Apr. 14 May 5 Join our Al Galgalim “Training Wheels” program designed for families with Preschool age children. Children will enjoy crafts, games and songs while learning about the Jewish holidays and Shabbat.
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 19 Social Worker
ANDREA MALMUD, LCSW, JFS ZELLER FAMILY CAI SOCIAL WORKER
“Jews Don’t Drink” Coming Out of the Shadows and the Shame of Addiction
When I decided to write an article about this topic, I contacted name Rosenzweig to stop them from putting food on the table, a colleague who is an addictions specialist. He sent me a few so they took the common action of Americanizing their name. research articles with this note: “Wow, not much out there.” This was stigma as a result of anti-Semitism. When we plan weddings and B’nei Mitzvah, we tend to talk more Stigma now exists within our community regarding the labels about Viennese tables than vodka, shoes more than Slivovitz. In “alcoholic” and “drug addict.” We’re proud of our ability to face fact, the research that I could find suggests that our rates of drug life’s struggles with a clear mind; we prefer pound cake over and alcohol addiction are lower than that of other cultures. pubs. And in part because of this, we tend to experience intense shame when we need to use drugs or alcohol to help us fight Prevalence our demons. According to an article in a 2014 issue of the journal “Religions,” Isolation a 1962 study stated that alcoholism and drug addiction were “entirely absent” among the Jewish population in the United Due to lack of high prevalence of abuse among Jews, we often States, and that in 1995, that same data was reported in a study feel isolated and embarrassed by our own dependence and in the United Kingdom. In spite of these studies, the article that of our loved ones. Denial runs rampant and can be seen goes on to say, awareness of Jewish alcoholism began to be in such phrases as, “I can stop at any time” or “My child is just acknowledged in the U.S. in the 1970s, substance abuse in the going through a phase.” It is painful for us to see some of our 1980s. And yet treatment facilities and locations to hold Jewish siblings or children become doctors while another can’t get up AA groups remained scarce, due in part to stigma. in the morning to go to work, or be incarcerated. Hope and Help Stigma and Shame If you or someone you love is dealing with addiction, I urge As Jews, we place the highest value on education and success. you to leave the shame on the doorstep, contact me at In spite of early-20th-century restrictions on admittance to [email protected], and come talk to me. If you require many universities and on employment at many companies, more assistance, I will help you to get connected. Jews climbed the ladder of success — sometimes at the cost of changing names. In my own family, my uncles did not want the Reminder: It’s confidential.
Begin Shabbat in Stillness Shabbat Meditation Saturday, November 3, 9:30-10:45 am Conference Room, Toby Shapiro Library, Learning and Conference Center Instructor: Karen Frank, RN, Congregational Nurse Shabbat is the time for quieting, stepping back from the hectic workday world, and entering a time of peacefulness and communion with nature and spirit. Begin your Shabbat with meditation. You will feel a sense of peace, tranquility, and awareness that will enhance your Shabbat experience.
Sessions are usually held the first Shabbat of each month. 2018/19 Schedule: Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb. 2, Mar. 2, Apr. 5, May 4, Jun. 1
20 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Congregational Nurse
KAREN FRANK, RN, BSN, CSD
Techniques of Mindfulness
The world can feel a frantic place and our response to it We will use the book of the same title by Perman and can be anxiety, fear, and depression. Williams. It is available at many book stores and Amazon. Learn how to feel less anxious, and more peaceful and Our dates are Wednesday evenings, Nov 28; Dec 5, 12, 19; optimistic using mindfulness techniques and meditation Jan 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 7-8:15 in the CAI Adult Wing. in just eight classes. Find out how our being in a default Cost for the eight weeks is free for members and $200 for “busy” setting keeps us from appreciating all that is good non-members. An adjusted rate is available as needed. in our present lives. Learn techniques that will increase joy and Please note the dates as our eight sessions are not contiguous. gratitude. A mindfulness practice is accessible to anyone willing to consider that there is another way to respond to stressors To register for the course, please contact me at 862-485-9062 and practice it 10-20 minutes a day. or by email, [email protected].
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 21 22 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Sisterhood
Participate in Sisterhood Shabbat
Sisterhood Shabbat — this year on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019 — is a wonderful opportunity for many Sisterhood: 80 years and Counting! women at Congregation Agudath Israel to take an active role in the Shabbat morning service. You may choose to lead a part of the service. Some women have had their first aliyah during the service or participated in the multi-generation family aliyah. Please consider being a part of Sisterhood Shabbat, as a congregant or as a Torah reader, by chanting the haftarah, or by leading a prayer in English or Hebrew. Nonverbal parts are also available.
Be in touch with Judy Levenstein at jmlevenstein@ Sisterhood celebrated 80 years at CAI with Mira Davis as the gmail.com for Torah readings or Sharon Hammerman annual Torah Fund speaker. More than 50 supporters of at [email protected] for any other part of the Torah Fund and fans of Mira enjoyed hearing her teach, sing and service. We look forward to hearing your voice and speak about being in cantorial school. seeing you at Sisterhood Shabbat.
IHN Mitzvah Project: A Time for Giving! Annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive The Interfaith Hospitality Network is holding their annual drive to help families in need for the Thanksgiving holiday. Please The Finest in donate a dinner item from this list: Kosher Catering • Frozen turkey* • Package of bread, • Fruit juices cake or brownie mix • Wedding • Kiddush • Bris • (apple, grape, or cranberry) • Packages of jello and/or pudding • Baby Naming • Corporate Event • • Large box of mashed potatoes • Packages of rice or • Cookies, nuts, or crackers We take meticulous care of every detail rice preparation mix • Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate from start to finish • Cans of green beans, peas, • $10 gift certificate to corn, yams, turkey or chicken Shop-Rite Supermarket • Gravy, cranberry sauce, • Napkins, tablecloths, and SignatureCreationsCaterers.com chicken broth placemats are also welcome 908-486-7889 Please deposit your donation in the bins by the main office by • Culinary Chefs on Staff • Professional Service • Sunday, Nov. 18. (*turkey drop-off date to be determined) • Custom Designed Menu • For information, contact Karen Eisenberg at 973-226-7493 or Karen Eisenberg [email protected].
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 23 CAI MEN’S CLUB
• Discounted group ticket • Group seating at a game 01/10/19 100 LEVEL $ 50.00 $
• Group Welcome on scoreboard 01/10/19 $10 Food & $5.00 $ • Group Gift for everyone in attendance Bev Voucher $
$
ORDER DEADLINE: 12/20/18
CAI Men’s Club
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to David Moses at [email protected] or 973-600-6783
24 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Men's Club
ALFIE MAHLER, PRESIDENT
Come to the Man of the Year dinner
The Men’s Club hopes that everyone had a meaningful High Holy Day season. Many thanks to Mark Englander and all of those who helped with the ushering in the synagogue. As always, it helped the services run smoothly. The picture at right shows all the men who helped build the sukkah last month. We had particular difficulties to overcome this year, so it was especially helpful to have had such a large group to build our old sukkah. We recently presented to the Board of Trustees initial plans for the building of a new sukkah. We Get in touch with and get your checks to David Moses to will have updates as more detailed analysis is performed. reserve a place for this wonderful event. Our annual Spirits in the Sukkah was another success, with The Men’s Club is looking for volunteers to marshal the CAI over 30 participants. Unfortunately, the weather did not hold Israel Walkathon on Sunday, Nov. 4, at 10 am. out, so only a few of those attending partook of cigars in the sukkah after the official program. You can order tickets for our Night with the New Jersey Devils event on Jan. 10 at the Prudential Center. See the order form on David Sumka will be the CAI Men’s Club honoree at the 2018 page 24. Man of the Year dinner of the Northern NJ region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs. The event will take place on President-elect Len Rudin will run this month’s Men’s Club Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael in Springfield. meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 8 pm.
SAVE THE DATE! • SATURDAY, JANUARY 12 • CAI CONCERT The Robyn Helzner Trio The Robyn Helzner Trio has captivated audiences with their performances of Jewish World Music. Robyn was the cantor for a congregation in Hong Kong and conducted the first Bar Mitzvah in Beijing. Experience the captivating melodies of modern Israel, folk tunes of Eastern Europe, love songs of Sephardic Spain, eclectic compositions of contemporary North America — all in a single concert! The Robyn Helzner Trio includes Dov Weitman on mandolin and guitar, and Matt Holsen on bass and keyboard
STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS AND REGISTRATION
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 25 • MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
26 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Environmental Committee
Go Green: Plastic We can all help to keep our world’s environment a little cleaner. Here are a few tips and points of information from committee member Bruce Revesz.
1. Take reusable bags when shopping — If you have any tips to suggest, not only at the food market, but at any please send them to the CAI Jewish type of store. Environmental Committee at [email protected]. We welcome 2. Did you know that Target gives away your input! enough plastic bags to wrap around the earth seven times? Americans use 100 Bruce Revesz is a member of the CAI Jewish billion plastic bags a year, which requires Environmental Committee. He retired as a 12 million barrels of oil to manufacture. trumpet player who performed on Broadway with The Threepenny Opera and Camelot, 3. Use health approved reusable and for 40 years with New York City Opera bottles for drinking water or any other 30 billion of them in the US. We use Orchestra. He also taught trumpet at Kean beverages. Fifty billion water bottles are 17 million barrels of oil each year just to University, William Paterson University, and used worldwide every year — about produce those water bottles. Montclair State University.
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 27 B'nei Mitzvah
Orly Feldman Sophie Hacker Saturday, November 3, 2018, am Sunday, November 11, 2018, am Daughter of Eric and Sara Feldman Daughter of Stuart and Tracy Hacker Orly is a seventh-grader at Glenfield Sophie is a seventh-grader at Grover Middle School in Montclair. In her spare Cleveland Middle School in Caldwell. time, Orly enjoys dancing, playing She is hardworking, caring, funny, guitar, and being with her friends. She artistic, compassionate, and kind. She spends her summers at Camp Ramah enjoys playing tennis, painting, and in the Poconos, where she has been a drawing. She loves spending time with camper for four years. her family and friends. Orly is a loving sister to brothers Shai and Jonah. Sophie is a devoted big sister to her brother, Max, and a great big cousin to Milo, Cate, and Dillon. She is enjoying For her mitzvah project, Orly is making and selling friendship her new role as “the babysitter” and is always very nurturing. bracelets, the proceeds of which will help young people She appreciates all the time she gets to spend with her from across Eastern Europe go to Camp Szarvas. Camp grandparents, whether it be going to a Broadway show in Szarvas is an overnight camp that helps Jews from across NYC or doing puzzles in New Jersey. She is always eager to Central and Eastern Europe feel comfortable practicing their learn about her families’ histories and is interested in carrying unique experience of Judaism. (For more information visit on various traditions. szarvas.org/camp-szarvas.) To support Orly’s mitzvah project and purchase a customized friendship bracelet, please visit We are so proud of Sophie for all of her hard work and for orlyfeldman.myevent.com. the amazing person she has become. We look forward to celebrating this special time with family and friends. Mazel tov, We are all so proud of you, Orly! Mazel tov! Sophie! We love you!
Hayden Jesse Bier Need Help with Your Mitzvah Project? Saturday, November 17, 2018, am Son of Jeffrey and Elizabeth Bier If you are working on a project and would like to publicize it to gain support from the Hayden lives in West Caldwell with congregation, email a description of your his parents, his older brother Jacob, his dog Charlotte, and his goldfish project (in 50-75 words), and the type of Swimmy. Hayden is a seventh- support you need, to [email protected]. grader at The Winston School in Short Hills. His favorite subjects in school are social studies and gym. He spent the past summer on the Teen Adventure program of Harbor • MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL • Hills Day Camp. Hayden loves baseball, especially the Yankees, watching YouTube videos, and learning how to design video games. For Hayden’s mitzvah project, he will be donating money to The Salad Trail in Israel, an immersive tour of greenhouses with the most up-to-date agricultural technologies in the northern Negev. The Salad Trail has been negatively affected by the recent fire attacks. We are so proud of Hayden and can’t wait to celebrate his bar mitzvah!
28 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex • MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL • B'nei Mitzvah
Brayden White Saturday, November 17, 2018, pm Son of Ashley and Jamie White Brayden is a seventh-grade student at Grover Cleveland Middle School in Caldwell. He enjoys playing basketball, skateboarding, hanging out with his friends, going to the movies, and playing video games. Brayden looks forward to his summers spent at his second home at Camp Walden in the Adirondacks, where he especially loves playing hockey and gaga alongside his best friends. Brayden loves spending time with his two older sisters, Amanda and Madison, and really misses being spoiled by them when they are away at college. He enjoys playing with his dog, Bentley, and taking him for walks around the neighborhood. For Brayden’s mitzvah project, he is volunteering at the Friendship Circle. We are all so proud of Brayden for the amazing young man he has become. We are so excited to celebrate this special day with family and friends. We love you, Brayden! Mazel tov!
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
Eliana Hannah Rosen Saturday, November 24, 2018, pm Daughter of Scott and Debbie Rosen Eliana is a seventh-grader at West Essex Middle School. Kind, caring, funny, and smart, Eliana is a loving family member, a loyal friend, and a big sister extraordinaire. With her big heart, Eliana is always willing to lend a hand. For her mitzvah project, Eliana is volunteering with Succeed2gether, which provides free tutoring to children in need, and plans to volunteer with the Friendship Circle. Eliana enjoys acting and singing and has been in several school plays, including as Captain Hook in last year’s “Peter Pan Jr.” She was in the chorus at the Gould School, is in the chorus at West Essex, was a member of CAI’s Tov M’od choir for five years, and has joined HaZamir Prep. Eliana eagerly awaits the summer and Camp Ramah in the Poconos, which she loves. We could not be prouder of Eliana for the person she is and the hard work she has put in for her bat mitzvah.
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 29 • MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
30 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex • MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
Serving the Congregation over Decades
Arthur Franklin Susan Turitz 973-228-2033 973-865-0203
Mel Berkowitz Keith Marlowe 973-226-8623 973-533-9114 Rabbi Richard Steven Eisen Hammerman 973-602-9091 973-287-3455
www.agudathcemetery.org
Plots Available for Members
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 31 Tributes & Donations
THROUGH OCTOBER 3, 2018
We gratefully acknowledge all who generously support Congregation Agudath Israel’s many programs by remembering and honoring friends and loved ones. Donations can be made on our website, www.agudath.org, or by sending a check to the synagogue office. Please contact Allison Robinson, member services assistant, at 973-226-3600, ext. 110, or [email protected], if you have any questions.
MEMORIAL PLAQUES THE CAI - SUSAN WERK’S Lynda and Craig Brown IN MEMORY OF: SPECIAL FUND Lisa and Jay Baranker Myra Shoub, from her CAI friends Judith Abrams In memory of Lois Labendz’s husband, and Carol Fay Kestenbaum, daughter of Rita In honor of Susan Werk Marilyn Labendz’s brother-in-law, Philip Labendz Kestenbaum, sister of Sam Kestenbaum Lloyd Werk Ken and Reesa Portnoy THE ANNUAL FUND In memory of Michael Simon’s father, Donald In memory of Barbara Tabachnick Simon Susan and Ed Levey In memory of Michael Simon’s father, Donald The Kartus Family Simon In memory of Mark Effron’s mother, and Micha and Leah’s grandmother, Ruth Effron Adina and Dan Podell and the Podell THE CAI TRIBUTE FUND Pressman Rodnyansky Family Stuart and Debbie Rabner Marvin and Anne Elmowitz THE BARRY ROZMAN In honor of Alan Bonder THE CANTOR’S TECHNOLOGY FUND Myra and Mal Sumka DISCRETIONARY FUND Sam and Michael Lurie In honor of the birth of Sarah and Yuval In honor of the marriage of Jeanette Paktor Brokman’s daughter, Randi and Oron Brokman and Alfred Mahler’s son, Austin Mahler, to Nurit In honor of Cantor Caplan and Amy and Bill Lipsey’s granddaughter, and Sachs-Lasarow Lea Wolff Rosenberg Adele Kleiman’s great-granddaughter David Moses and Orna Rappoport Dr. Harriet Sepinwall and Jeffrey Rosenberg Margie Rozman In honor of the marriage of Jean and Ben Alter’s Arlene and Mel Berkowitz son, Seth Alter, to Julian Jarboe In honor of the marriage of Jeanette Paktor THE CAI LIBRARY FUND Beth and Stuart Sackman and Alfred Mahler’s son, Austin Mahler, to Nurit Sachs-Lasarow In honor of the marriage of Jeanette Paktor In honor of Joshua Adelsberg’s Bar Mitzvah and Alfred Mahler’s son, Austin Mahler, to Nurit Jean and Ben Alter Ari and Becky Berman Sachs-Lasarow In memory of Ken Slutsky’s mother, and Rhoda In honor of their children, Margie and Larry Philip Kruger and Judy Levenstein Stern’s sister, June Slutsky Samuels In memory of Gary Friedlander’s mother, Fay Ken Slutsky Dr. and Mrs. Morton Rachelson Friedlander In memory of his mother, Reba Fisher In honor of Rickie and Robert Morrison Murray and Barbara Dobro Hyman Fisher Constance Novek In memory of Michael Simon’s father, Donald In memory of Rina Meyers Simon In memory of Marjorie Nydick’s husband, Adam Meyers and Lori Fuchs-Meyers Margie and Larry Samuels Harris Nydick’s father, and Alyssa and Philip’s grandfather, Barry Nydick THE CILI & SOL NEUFELD Steven and Shelley Sampson THE CAI SCHOLARLY ADULT SCHOLARSHIP FUND JEWISH LEARNING FUND Stephanie and Alan Bonder In memory of Rita Silverstein’s mother, Rabbi In honor of the marriage of Warren and Fae Wendy and Jay Sabin David and Amy Buchsbaum Alan Silverstein’s mother-in-law, David and Page’s daughter, Keren, and Jess Hurwitz Lisa Silverstein and Rebecca Silverstein’s Iris Bashi In memory of Michael Simon’s father, Donald grandmother, and Noa, Ezra, Elisheva, and In honor of Tikva, Zahava, Hannah, and Dorothy Simon Michal’s great-grandmother, Cili Neufeld Mahlab Anita and Ed Finkel Sharon, Mickey, Rebecca, Ethan, and Iris Bashi Stuart and Debbie Rabner Gila Safra Mindy and Evan Blum Roberta Ferrara
Tribute Cards Custom-printed tribute cards can be sent out from our office. Donations can be in any denomination above $10. We also offer the option of purchasing a packet of five cards for $40, which you can send out yourself. Member services assistant Allison Robinson can assist you. Please contact her at [email protected], 973-226-3600, ext. 110.
32 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Tributes & Donations
THROUGH OCTOBER 3, 2018
THE DEENA AND MEL THE GENERATION TO In honor of the marriage of Warren and Fae HOLLANDER FUND GENERATION FUND Page’s daughter, Keren, and Jess Hurwitz In memory of Deena Hollander In honor of the birth of Carol and Marc Gail and Max Kleinman Ann and David Kehrer Berman’s granddaughter, Nora Hazel Flanagan In memory of Karen Sandler’s mother, and Ben Abel Torres Gwen and Richard Chattman and Elana Sandler’s grandmother, Helen Alice Lisa and Jay Baranker Heller THE ECC EDUCATIONAL Jean and Ben Alter In memory of Michael Simon’s father, Donald ENHANCEMENT FUND Simon THE GERALD EDELMAN In honor of the marriage of Debby and James Judy and Harvey Zeller MEMORIAL EDUCATION FUND Schenkel’s son, Andrew, to Jessie Debbie and Tom Spiesman Jill Block Evie and Gary Kabler In memory of Morty Greene Michelle and Carl Schaerf Melanie and Jan Zlotnick Esta Edelman and Sandy Brodsky In honor of the birth of Carol and Marc In memory of Mary Messer’s mother, and Blake In memory of Elaine Berkenfeld’s husband, Berman’s granddaughter, Nora Hazel Flanagan and Whitney Messer’s grandmother, Elaine Richard Michelle and Carl Schaerf Larkin Esta Edelman In memory of Michael Simon’s father, Donald Karen and Ken Rosen THE INTERFAITH COMMITTEE Simon Susan and Steven Greenbaum and Family Beth and Stuart Sackman In honor of the marriage of Glenn and Laura THE GEORGE AND MOLLY Sacks’ son, Jacob, to Rachel In memory of Mary Messer’s mother, and Blake KAPLAN CARING FUND and Whitney Messer’s grandmother, Elaine Larkin Rabbi Cliff and Debby Miller Beth and Stuart Sackman In honor of Sam and Michael Lurie Jacqueline and Kevin Haney Helen Bramnick
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 33 Tributes & Donations
THROUGH OCTOBER 3, 2018
THE ISRAEL COMMITTEE FUND In honor of their recent return from Palo Alto In honor of the Aufruf of their son, Andrew where they met their granddaughter Maya Aviv Schenkel, and Jessica Krauss In honor of the birth of Sarah and Yuval Majzner for the first time Brokman’s daughter, Randi and Oron Brokman Debra and James Schenkel and Amy and Bill Lipsey’s granddaughter, and Linda and Israel Majzner In honor of the B’nai Mitzvah of their children, Adele Kleiman’s great-granddaughter In honor of the engagement of their daughter Olivia and Aaron Nogah and Bruce Revesz Lauren to Liam Krausz, and their 33rd wedding Sylvia and John Itzhaki anniversary In memory of their aunt, Barbara Brogadir In honor of Joshua’s Bar Mitzvah Hilary and Howard Rabner Scott, Eric, Melissa, Ali, and Jake Jeffay Margo and Greg Adelsberg In honor of their 25th wedding anniversary In honor of Kelly and Mason’s birthdays THE KIDDUSH SPONSORS Debbie and David Lurie Kelly, Jerry, Kim, Steven and Jodie Lustig In honor of the naming of their granddaughter, In honor of Lesley’s milestone birthday and Adam Wattstein Janie Bryn, daughter of Pamela Fertel Weinstein Stan and Lesley Weilgus To welcome Rabbi Lucas and his family to CAI and Marc Weinstein In honor of next week’s wedding of their son, and GOA and in honor of the anniversary of Bonnie Bornstein Fertel and Richard Fertel Jacob, and Rachel Nathan and Aaron’s B’nei Mitzvah In honor of the Aufruf of their son, Austin Mahler Laura and Glenn Sacks The Scherzer Family Al Mahler and Jeanette Paktor In honor of their anniversary In honor of Max’s Bar Mitzvah In honor of Sarah and Yuval’s new baby girl and Harriet Sepinwall and Jeffrey Rosenberg Caroline and Neal Goldstein their new granddaughter In honor of their 44th wedding anniversary and In honor of Rabbi Clifford B. Miller’s birthday Randi and Oron Brokman and Amy and in memory of Judy’s grandfather, Sam Schwartz Dr. Deborah D. Miller and family Bill Lipsey Allen and Judy Zaks In honor of Jordan’s Bar Mitzvah aliyah THE KIDDUSH CONTRIBUTORS In honor of their 45th wedding anniversary Lisa and Michael Sang Michelle and Larry Raiken In honor of the Aufruf of their son Stephen, and In memory of the third yahrzeit of Toby Rachel Schiffman In honor of Paula Spack and Michael Nelson Rosenberg Rich and Pam Chassen Barbara and Eliot Spack Jeffrey Rosenberg and Harriet Sepinwall In honor of their 30th wedding anniversary In honor of her 25th re-birthday In memory of Esther’s mother, Frances Hanover Richard Tancer and Margaret Karcnik Deborah Orens Esther and Harry Kartus In honor of the birth of their granddaughter, In honor of Brett’s Bar Mitzvah In memory of Jerry Sepinwall’s 20th yahrtzeit Katharine Anne Reidenberg, daughter of Scott Barry and Stacey Bachenheimer Harriet Sepinwall and Jeffrey Rosenberg and Dr. Karen Leibowitz Reidenberg In honor of their 53rd wedding anniversary and In memory of Jerry’s father, Art Lustig Diane and David Reidenberg their granddaughter Alina’s 7th birthday Kelly and Jerry Lustig In honor of Paulie’s first birthday Michael and Helaine Mund In memory of the yahrzeits of Steve’s father, Dana Ben-Avi In honor of their 66th wedding anniversary Lawrence Eisen, Steve’s grandparents, Fannie In honor of Paulie Ben-Avi’s birthday Marv and Phyllis Friedman and Jack Eisen, and Steve’s aunt, Marcia Eisen Diane and Alan Gerberg Susan and Steve Eisen
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL • • MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
34 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Tributes & Donations
THROUGH OCTOBER 3, 2018
In memory of Richard’s father, Leslie Tancer In memory of David Taubenfeld In memory of his father, Dr. Joseph Stern Richard Tancer and Margaret Karcnik Nat and Bea Taubenfeld Merrill and Rhoda Stern In memory of Michael’s father, Walter Erlichman In memory of Sabina Taubenfeld In memory of Lisa Hochman’s father, and Tobi Michael and Barbara Erlichman Nat and Bea Taubenfeld and Hannah Rudoltz’s grandfather, Eli Hochman In memory of Alix’s mother, Rae Rubin, on her In memory of Kelly’s mother and Jodi and Lisa Hochman and Marc Rudoltz first yahrzeit and in honor of Paula Spack and Steven’s grandmother, Sybil Shack In memory of Cindy Brooks’ grandfather, and Michael Nelson on making aliyah Kelly, Jerry, Jodi and Steven Lustig Samantha and Tyler Brooks’ great-grandfather, Alix Rubin and David Grossman Erwin Honig THE KIDDUSH FUND In memory of Michael Fabricant’s 20th yahrzeit Cindy and Jonathan Brooks Judi Fabricant In honor of the marriage of Jean and Ben Alter’s In memory of Mary Messer’s mother, and Blake son, Seth Alter, to Julian Jarboe and Whitney Messer’s grandmother, Elaine Larkin In memory of Sloane’s father, Alexander Harris, on his first yahrzeit Kelly and Jerry Lustig Michael and Barbara Erlichman Sloane and Bryan Lipson THE MARTHA AND SOL ROGOFF THE RACHEL HOPE ENGLANDER In memory of Stan’s father, Jacob “Jack” Weilgus CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY FUND FUND Stan and Lesley Weilgus In honor of the marriage of Glenn and Laura In memory of Sharon Marcus In memory of Arthur’s mother, Helen Cytryn Sacks’ son, Jacob, to Rachel Susan Turitz, Josh and Danny Arthur Cytryn and Renee Kaufman Karen and Ted Eisenberg THE STEPHEN LAPOFF In memory of Herb’s father, Arnold Wolf In memory of Michael Simon’s father, Donald SPORTS FUND Herb and Maxine Wolf Simon In memory of Erwin Lehr In memory of her mother, Helga Franklin Karen and Ted Eisenberg Barbara and Michael Brien Carol Mormon RABBI LUCAS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND In memory of Jill Wolberger and Tovah Abi and Alan Spierer THE SYDNEY GROSS Wolberger TEEN MITZVAH FUND Moshe Wolberger In honor of Rabbi Lucas Dr. Harriet Sepinwall and Jeffrey Rosenberg In honor of the engagement of Leslie and Linda In memory of Paul’s mother, Esther Aronoff Elfenbein’s daughter, and Anita Elfenbein’s Paul and Hope Aronoff In memory of Michael Simon’s father, Donald granddaughter, Jana Simon Alison and Lee Frost In memory of his wife, Norma Moglen Jared and Sandy Green Sol Moglen In memory Debbie Minion’s brother In memory of Jeffrey’s father, Nate Davis RABBI SILVERSTEIN’S Alison and Lee Frost Jeffrey and Babette Davis DISCRETIONARY FUND THE TOBY SHAPIRO FUND In memory of her mother, Laura Slutzky In honor of Joshua’s Bar Mitzvah In memory of Stephen Weinstein and Dana Marian Rothenberg Gregory and Margo Adelsberg Lathrop’s aunt, Gwenn Feldman In honor of Rabbi Alan Silverstein In memory of Howard’s father, Irving Cannon Gayle and Larry Wieseneck Howard, Beth and Annie Cannon Dr. Harriet Sepinwall and Jeffrey Rosenberg
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL • • MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
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agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 35 The Jewish Memorial Chapel has been serving the Jewish community for over 95 years The Jewish Memorial Chapel has the distinction of being the first non-profit, community-owned funeral home in the United States. We were founded by a civic-minded group of Jewish businessmen in 1921. We uphold the highest standards of Jewish law pertaining to funerals. We are a Shomer Shabbos facility and have a state-of-the-art chapel in Clifton that is near local cemeteries. We also make other state and world-wide arrangements. The Jewish Memorial Chapel is owned and managed by synagogues and Jewish organizations in the area. We encourage pre-planning a funeral. Pre-planning allows families the time needed to make decisions regarding funeral options without the emotional stress related to the loss. The Jewish Memorial Chapel funeral directors will lead you through the pre-arrangement process and be attentive to your every need. They will answer all your questions and never pressure you into making uncomfortable decisions. Contact us for more information at: 973-779-3048. Ask for our free color brochure.
841 Allwood Road Clifton, NJ 07012 973-779-3048 • Fax 973-779-3191 www.JewishMemorialChapel.org Vincent Marazo, Manager NJ License No. 3424 • COMMUNITY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1921 • NON_PROFIT •
36 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Yahrtzeit Donations
AS OF SEPTEMBER 26, 2018
Emanuel Rothschild Blumberg from Karen and Harry Engel Arthur Nichols Sr. from Art Nichols Krenya Boorman from Helen and Alex Manziyenko Rosalind Nitzberg from Joel Nitzberg Zahava Burack from Deborah Rabner Dr. Arthur J. Perelman from Sandy Perelman Carl Caplan from Cantor Joel and Nancy Caplan Ralph Podell from Michael Podell Iylene Caplan from Cantor Joel and Nancy Caplan Selma Podell from Michael Podell Rose Marie Caplan from Cantor Joel and Nancy Caplan Berthold Myer Raeburn from Roy Raeburn Leonard Cohn from Cantor Joel and Nancy Caplan A.L. “Woody” Rose from Marilyn Rose Murray Davidson from Beth Sackman Dr. Elliot Rosenberg from Jeffrey Rosenberg Renata Rowicka from Jeffrey Rosenberg Ruth Eisenberg from Ted Eisenberg Jonathan Eric Rudin from Leonard Rudin Sara Feder from David Feder Leon Schargel from Theodore and Rebecca Zimmerman Jeanne Feinman from Sally Garson Zella Schiefelbein from Dennis Schiefelbein Matthew Ferrara from Roberta Ferrara Phyllis Shapiro from Bruce Shapiro Bessie Glass from Rabbi Alan and Rita Silverstein Benjamin Sideman from Cantor Joel and Nancy Caplan Max Gottesman from Sandra R. Glassman Irene T. Sideman from Cantor Joel and Nancy Caplan Natella Gvaramiya from Helen and Alex Manziyenko Seymour Sperling from Deborah and Jeffrey Orens Andrew Herskovits from Donna Zlotnik Dr. Joseph Stern from Merrill Stern Susan Holland from Gail Black Dave Stiglitz from Sheila Nathanson Molly Kaplan from Barbara Sebiri Sophie Stiglitz from Sheila Nathanson Phyllis Koock from Nina Wasserman Lillian Tollin from Helaine French Gladys Levine from Howard Levine Harold Weinberger from Marcia Mickley Gladys Levine from Barrie and Celeste Werfel Jeannette Werfel from Barrie and Celeste Werfel Philip Levine from Howard Levine Michael Young from Roberta Ferrara Dorothy Mazer Litt from Arnold D. Litt Philip Zimmerman from Theodore and Rebecca Zimmerman
Personals
THROUGH OCTOBER 3, 2018
MAZEL TOV TO: SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF: Jane and Daren Silverstein on the engagement of their son, Helen Alice Heller, mother of Karen Sandler, and grandmother Jason, to Lauren Blumenthal of Ben and Elana Leslie and Linda Elfenbein on the engagement of their Gwenn Feldman, aunt of Stephen Weinstein and Dana Lathrop daughter, and Anita Elfenbein’s granddaughter, Jana Donald Simon, father of Michael Simon Sarah and Yuval Brokman on the birth of their daughter, Daniel Swartz, father of Alan Swartz Randi and Oron Brokman and Amy and Bill Lipsey’s granddaughter, and Adele Kleiman’s great-granddaughter Ruth Effron, mother of Mark Effron, and grandmother of Micah and Leah Carol and Marc Berman on the birth of their granddaughter, Nora Hazel Flanagan Elaine Larkin, mother of Mary Messer, and grandmother of Blake and Whitney Oliver and Debby Shapiro on the birth of their grandson, Jace Beckett Shapiro Martin Borgenicht, father of Glen Borgenicht, and grandfather of Aiden and Andrew
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 37 November Photos of the Month
The items were created by our Create for a Cause knitting and crocheting group. These and others have been donated to Hadassah Hospital, Pretty mosaic Hamsas were created by Valley Settlement House, and CAI 4th Grade students to give a “helping Interfaith Hospitality Network. hand” for hurricane relief, and sold at the CAI ECC art fair on Oct. 28, with Have good news to share? Please let us know! proceeds going to Jewish Federation for Contact Allison Robinson at [email protected]. hurricane victim relief.
New Jersey Jewish Singles 45+ “Where Friendships Begin”
Chanukah Party Food, Fun, and Mingle Game and Prizes
Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. Congregation Agudath Israel, 20 Academy Road Caldwell, NJ 07006 ADMISSION: $10.00 – RSVP Required
For information and to RSVP: Contact Sue Grossbard at [email protected] or 973-226-3600, ext. 145
38 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex • MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
agudath.org | NOVEMBER 2018 39 Congregation Agudath Israel NON-PROFIT ORG. 20 Academy Road U.S. POSTAGE PAID Caldwell, New Jersey 07006-5426 CALDWELL, NJ Address Service Requested PERMIT NO. 9
TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL If your address is incorrect, PLEASE DELIVER ASAP please notify our office
Victor Nhaisi Gayle Wieseneck Shani Drogin Anita Finkel Alison Rosenthal David Moses Jordan Shumofsky Helene Wingens Adam Shandler President Senior Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Treasurer Financial Executive Secretary Counselor
RABBI ALAN SILVERSTEIN EXT. 111 RABBI ARI LUCAS EXT. 125 CANTOR JOEL CAPLAN EXT. 116 EDUCATION DIRECTOR, SUSAN WERK EXT. 122 DIRECTOR, SYNAGOGUE ADMINISTRATION, MERYL NATTER EXT. 115 EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER DIRECTOR, GEULA ZAMIST EXT. 121 MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR, DEBBIE LURIE EXT. 118 DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, MICHAEL E. BRESSMAN EXT. 113 OPERATIONS MANAGER, DANA BEN-AVI EXT. 117 COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, ELLEN OXILD EXT. 112 MEMBER SERVICES ASSISTANT, ALLISON ROBINSON EXT. 110 BOOKKEEPER, ROSALIE FELBERBAUM EXT. 114 ASSISTANT TO THE CANTOR, DORIT ELI EXT. 126 DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, MELISSA STEB EXT. 134 ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR OF EDUCATION, LORI WEINBERG EXT. 124 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FOR ECC, JESSICA PABLO EXT. 120 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FOR RELIGIOUS SCHOOL, JACELYN GLUSKA EXT. 123 USY ADVISOR, SHAI LEWITTER EXT. 127 CONGREGATION NURSE, KAREN FRANK EXT. 141 JFS ZELLER FAMILY CAI SOCIAL WORKER, ANDREA MALMUD EXT. 143