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FROM RABBI ZEMEL Ari Shavit at Micah: NEW QUESTIONS TO RECREATE JUDAISM Thoughts on Israel, DEAR FRIENDS, New Questions. American Jewry and the Our Judaism will be alive if we learn to ask ourselves new questions. Doing Jewish Future so will help us become what I like to think of as religious artists. By Shelley Grossman Artists are people who ask When Ari Shavit, the best-selling was a big deal for Temple Micah and new questions. How many Israeli author of My Promised Land: The Shavit indicated the whole experience times have you been to an Triumph and Tragedy of Israel, spoke at has been a big deal for him, too. art gallery or museum and Temple Micah on Nov. 2, he had just “I’m so into your country!” he seen the ordinary or mun- dane turned into stunning spent several weeks traveling the United exclaimed. He had been to Washington art? Think Warhol soup cans, States addressing Jewish organizations many times in his capacity as a jour- Calder mobiles, Oldenburg… in every region. He acknowledged the nalist—Shavit is a reporter and colum- everything. Artists take the deep impression this experience made nist for —but he didn’t equate everyday and make it into art, causing on him, which in turn influenced his Washington’s mostly liberal Jewish com- the rest of us to say, “Why didn’t I think talk about the history, the current munity with other Jewish concentra- of that?” situation and the future of Israel—the tions around the country. He marveled An artist learns the disciplines of the themes of his book and the original that American Jews “have managed to past and uses them to create something reason for his tour. His perspective has create a Jewish home. You maintain a new. That’s what we need to do with been broadened, he said. Jewish life on a voluntary basis. I am our Judaism. “The Jewish future. That is my deeply moved.” Much of the surprise On Yom Kippur I referred to this as the balancing act between histori- main passion,” Shavit said. And that in this revelation is most likely due cal fidelity and contemporary meaning. future intimately involves Israel, North to how little he—like most — Contemporary meaning is birthed when American Jews and the relationship knows about Judaism in America. Israeli we ask new questions. As I write this it between them. schools don’t teach about Diaspora is Sukkot, which provides a good exam- The book itself is “the must read Judaism and there is no real incentive ple. Historically, the sukkah itself was a Jewish book of the last 25 years,” Rabbi for Israelis to learn about it on their temporary hut that a farmer built in the Zemel said in introducing Shavit a few own, Shavit acknowledged. Indeed, the field to live in during harvest season. At days before heading to Israel with 34 classic that built Israel all but some point, some creative Jewish mind temple members on the latest Micah dismissed the Diaspora. asked a new question: “Can this hut also Mission to Israel. The rabbi had been But a vibrant Israeli future—in which be a symbol for the dwellings of our in negotiations to schedule Shavit’s talk Shavit believes wholeheartedly, he ancestors who wandered in Sinai?” Still later, someone who was not a farmer since last November and was rewarded says—depends on a more equal relation- built a sukkah in a village. What was the with a full house of eager and appre- ship with America built on two-way meaning of the first urban sukkah? We ciative audience members. And, not understanding and trust. He indicated do not know, but the people who built everyone had to show up in person. The that American Jews could teach liberal it were asking new questions. temple used this event to launch its new and centrist a lot about I long for us to recreate our Judaism program to live stream servicesSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER and politics and lobbying, for example, 2012 and in the mold of Adam Two, the spiri- other important gatherings. (An audio only half-jokingly endorsed the idea of tual voice that is inside each of us. As tape of the full presentation and a video an “Israeli AIPAC” to steer the Knesset you might recall from my Yom Kippur of the last 45 minutes are available on toward more favorable U.S. policies. The CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 ; the Temple Micah website.) The lecture CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 ; 2 CHESHVAN/KISLEV/TEVET 5775

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN “ Every person shall sit under his grapevine or fig tree with no one to make him afraid.” MICAH, CHAPTER 4, VERSE 4 B’NAI MITZVAH: ENRICHING EXPERIENCE FOR ALL OF US Vine By Jodi Enda Vol. 50 No.2 The year started last November with tinue once or twice a week until their TEMPLE MICAH— Thomas and ends this month with b’nai mitzvah. In fifth grade, they begin A REFORM JEWISH CONGREGATION Dylan. In between, another 28 of their attending Machon Micah on Tuesdays 2829 Wisconsin Ave, NW seventh- and eighth-grade classmates after school, in addition to Sunday morn- Washington, D.C. 20007 would become a bar or bat mitzvah at ings and random other days for all-com- Voice: 202-342-9175 Temple Micah. munity events. Fax: 202-342-9179 Email: [email protected] My daughter, Ilana, Seventh grade is the crunch year, the [email protected] fell somewhere in the year many of our kids sacrifice most or Web: www.templemicah.org middle. all of their outside activities to pre- There is a consider- pare for their big day. They still attend Daniel G. Zemel RABBI able amount of contro- Machon Micah on Tuesdays and Sundays versy about b’nai mitz- and other days for all-community Esther Lederman ASSOCIATE RABBI vah in the United States events. They still have Skype tutoring these days. There is a once a week. In addition, beginning six Rachel Gross EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR fair amount at Temple months before their bar or bat mitz- Micah, as well. vah dates, they meet with cantor Meryl Josh Beraha RABBI, DIRECTOR OF They’re too much work and too Weiner or music director Teddy Klaus CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING time consuming, too indulgent and once a week to learn their Torah and Meryl Weiner waaaaayyyy too expensive. On Saturday Haftarah portions. They meet every CANTOR mornings, temple members are outnum- other week with teacher Ken Goldstein Teddy Klaus bered by students’ friends and rela- to explore the meaning of their Torah MUSIC DIRECTOR tives; it doesn’t feel like a real Shabbat. and Haftarah portions. They practice American synagogues have become bar their chanting most every night at home. BOARD OF DIRECTORS and bat mitzvah mills. Starting several weeks before their bar Jodi Enda To be sure, some of the criticism is or bat mitzvah, they also meet once a PRESIDENT valid, in full or in part. And at Temple week with one of our rabbis. They pose Ed Lazere Micah, we have changed the way we a question that the rabbi will address in VICE PRESIDENT prepare for and conduct b’nai mitzvah a sermon and discuss other things that Marc Levy services to address members’ concerns they don’t necessarily share with their VICE PRESIDENT and, I expect, will continue to do so. parents. At home, they write their D’var David Diskin We do not want to be a b’nai mitzvah Torah, a lesson about their portions. SECRETARY assembly line, a place where people On top of all that, they attend Shabbat Joel Korn check off a box and move on. We also services many Fridays and Saturdays, TREASURER do not want to lose Shabbat in all the both to lead prayers and to support Martha Adler hullaballoo that can surround a bar or their classmates as, one by one, they are Larry Bachorik bat mitzvah. called to the Torah. Sheri Blotner But the criticism doesn’t tell the For that six months, our kids practically Patty Brink entire story. It overlooks the most live at the temple. It’s a whirlwind for the Jeff Davis important part of the whole shebang: students and for their families, a crazy- Marina Fanning Helene Granof the meaning. And I’m not just talking busy time—and also an emotional one. Victoria Greenfield about the meaning for the student or I attended many b’nai mitzvah this Alison Harwood the family. Our b’nai mitzvah services past year. At every single one, I either carry a larger meaning for the whole teared up or cried outright when grand- VINE STAFF community of Micah and for the greater parents and parents passed the Torah Dorian Friedman community of Jews. to their children and grandchildren. I sat CO-EDITOR Honestly, it’s not all about the party. with other parents from the class, and Shelley Grossman Our kids spend years learning Hebrew many of them were wiping their eyes, CO-EDITOR and studying Judaism. Most enter too. To us, this was it. L’dor v’dor. We AURAS Design Machon Micah, our education program, knew the kids would chant well, because PRODUCTION in kindergarten or first grade. In third all our kids do. We knew they would grade, they begin one-on-one Hebrew give a good D’var Torah. We knew we’d tutoring via Skype, which they will con- CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 ; NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 3

YACHAD HONORS MICAH STALWARTS By the Editors Every spring for two neighborhoods throughout decades, Micah volunteers Washington. have put on old clothes, This year, Yachad, the picked up hammers, screw- Jewish housing and com- drivers and paint brushes munity develop- ment organization that sponsors the program, honored Micah and four other congrega- kindness,” according to the Israel Congregation, Adat tions—and their Yachad mission statement. Shalom Reconstructionist volunteer leaders— Micah members Roberta Congregation, Temple Rodef for 20 years of hard Goren, Ed and Shelley Shalom and Washington physical labor in Grossman, Doug Meyer and Hebrew Congregation. furtherance of the Bill Page were singled out at Congratulations, Micah “Jewish commit- Yachad’s annual Community team, for sticking with ment to seek jus- Builder’s Bash on November the program for 20 years. tice by engaging 9, along with Sukkot in Your recognition is well in acts of loving Spring leaders from Adas deserved! •

and taken part in Sukkot in Spring, a program through which syn- agogue volunteers help repair the houses of low-income homeowners who aren’t physically or financially able to make their own repairs. The effort not only enables these people to keep their houses, but also helps pre- serve housing and stabilize

SEEKING VINE CONTRIBUTORS! Do you love to find out what’s really going the Temple Micah community, and a little spare on—and tell others about it? Get a kick out of time a few months during the year. If you’d like writing? Seeing your name in print? The Vine toSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER learn more, please contact Dorian Friedman 2012 is looking for contributing reporters like you! or Shelley Grossman at [email protected] Only requirements: an interest in news about or leave word in the temple office. 4 CHESHVAN/KISLEV/TEVET 5775

COMING ATTRACTIONS INTERESTING SPEAKERS! Here’s a sampling of Micah Temple Micah features two monthly lecture series—on Sunday activities on tap during the morning and Wednesday noon. For more details, go online to next two months. For a detailed www.templemicah.org. schedule of all upcoming events, check out templemicah.org. SUNDAY SPEAKER SERIES

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21 • 7:30 PM–9 PM Sundays from 10:15 to 11:45 am Autumn Community Shabbat December 7 – Diana Butler Bass, on “Faith and Dinner Practice in a Post-Religious World.” Author, speaker, Join friends for a festive Shabbat and independent scholar specializing in American dinner. See details on page 8. religion and culture, Bass is a leading voice in pro- gressive Christianity. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23 • All Day Temple Micah Book Fair at Politics & Prose Do some Hanukkah shopping and support Temple Micah at the same LUNCH & LEARN time. This year’s event features the Wednesdays from noon to 2 pm Temple Micah Youth Choir, perform- ing at 11 AM. A monthly program sponsored by the Aging Together Team of Temple Micah. Reserve online at www.templemicah.org. Please SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 • 9:30 AM–2 PM contact Nancy Raskin, [email protected], or call the Annual Hanukkah Gift & Craft temple office, 202-342-9175, for details. Fair Beautiful wares by Micah members: November 12 – John Hirschmann, on “Mostly Jewish Jewelry, glass, pottery, and wearable Geneaology.” Hirschmann, a longtime member of art. See details on page 11. Micah, will discuss the many new dimensions gene- alogy has taken in recent years. Information now FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 • Oneg at 6 PM. available on the Internet has dramatically changed Service at 6:30 PM the way we can learn about known relatives, dis- Hanukkah Kabbalat Shabbat cover new relations and connections and, most Bring a menorah and four candles for importantly, make actual connections with them this magical annual celebration. or their descendants. This is not going to be a class on how to “do” genealogy. Rather, Hirschmann will talk about what is possible, what has FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 • 8 PM changed, and the unique ways in which breakthroughs now can occur. He Next Dor-DC Hanukkah Dinner will also share how genealogy inevitably expands your knowledge of the Next Dor connects Jewish adults in diverse ways in which our ancestors lived. their 20s and 30s to each other and to Judaism. December 10 – Jennifer Gruber, on “Connecting to Our American Story.” Filmmaker, creative direc- FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26 • Oneg at 6 PM. tor and producer of educational media, Gruber Service at 6:30 PM explores the role of media programs in muse- Community Kabbalat Shabbat ums across America. Her credits include Academy Welcome Shabbat with mem- Award-winning films, immersive media theaters, and bers of the wider community as interactive touchscreen experiences. Gruber works we host members of Temple Sinai, with institutions to create media that offer the Adas Israel and Washington Hebrew public ways to connect, think, feel and understand. Join her for this dis- Congregation. cussion and explore examples of her work for projects including the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Oklahoma City National Memorial and the National Park Service. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 5

STAFF PROFILE NEW ADDITIONS TO MICAH STAFF BRING TOTAL TO A DOZEN By The Editors Three recent hires round out Temple Temple Micah. We have such Micah’s hardworking staff, bringing a great spectrum of members the total to 12. Here’s some background with different life paths and information on the new faces. Please talents.” join in welcoming them to the Temple Micah family. Kelley Kidd, Engagement and Communications Jeannelle D’Isa, Administrative Fellow Assistant Kelley joins us after a Jeannelle is thrilled to be at Temple year as a corps member Micah. She holds a bachelor’s degree of AVODAH: The Jewish in English (Creative Writing) from Service Corps, when she Kelley Kidd comes to Micah after a year’s Brandeis University, was just about worked as a Case Manager service in AVODAH, the Jewish Service Corps. equally interested in Near Eastern at Miriam’s Kitchen, a local An international relations major at Georgetown social service University, she also worked in theater design. organization dedicated to ending chronic and starting to meet some of Temple homelessness. During her Micah’s members. Originally from time in AVODAH, she Pennsylvania, she has been living in became deeply invested in the Washington, DC area for about 2 social justice, Judaism, and years. When not punching numbers, DC as a place to call home she is a professional hair stylist, trained and to create change. She is at Aveda. She looks forward to getting excited to bring all of these to know more temple members in the things to her position at coming year. Temple Micah. Originally A Micah favorite: “A day at Micah from Knoxville, Tenn., guarantees I will laugh often and learn Kelley attended Georgetown unexpectedly, so I can easily say it’s the University, where she highlight of my week.” • studied International Relations and participated in theatre as a designer. Jeannelle D’Isa with daughter Noel Jane, age 4. A When she’s not at her desk former technical editor, the new administrative jamming out to music and assistant is a baker at work on her second novel. writing emails, Kelley loves to explore the free-in-DC and Judaic and Women’s Studies, and scene, particularly learning, music, and worked as a technical editor in the good food. nonprofit world for many years. She A Micah favorite: “I loved having the enjoys baking, is always sort of at work opportunity to help create the stunning on her second novel, and tries to make and moving Next Dor High Holy Days time for advocacy (marriage and gender services alongside Rabbi Lederman and equality). Jeannelle lives in Maryland (musician/songwriter) Michelle Citrin.” with her wife and daughter. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 A Micah favorite: “I really like the Rhiannon Walsh, Bookkeeper Rhiannon Walsh, the temple’s new Lunch & Learn afternoons, which are Since starting as bookkeeper in April, bookkeeper, is also a professional hair a great opportunity to get to talk to Rhiannon has had a fantastic time stylist. Will she include hair fashion tips some of the most involved people at getting to know the folks in the office with your next Micah statement? 6 CHESHVAN/KISLEV/TEVET 5775

Shavit FROM PAGE 1 ; absence of a deeper under- standing of our mutual inter- ests has helped skew Israeli government policies to the right, he argued. The author’s travels have also revealed some discourag- ing trends within American Judaism, he said. “I am con- cerned about your young- sters. They see Israel as tribal,” a narrow, somewhat distasteful slice of society that is an unfortunate throw- back, that they don’t need or want. That is a very dan- gerous development for the future, he said. The United States and Israel each have made mis- takes and suffered losses in the chaotic Middle East over the past decade or so. Correcting the course will require new ideas and approaches in each coun- try. “The old formulas won’t work,” he said. The invasion and subsequent dealing with Iraq was a major U.S. blun- der, and our country is now making similar errors in our attempt to defeat the Islamic State (ISIS), Shavit noted. “The greatest mistake is leav- ing the perception of being allied with the Shia against the Sunnis,” he said. “The only ones who can defeat ISIS are the moderate Sunnis.” Meanwhile, Israel has encountered setbacks in cop- ing with Hamas. Shavit con- population while hiding years after Auschwitz, people which would have back- siders Hamas a sophisticated behind its own civilian popu- have lost shame,” he said. fired on Israel and its moral fascist organization which, in lation.” Three things made Shavit argued that the authority. Even so, he said, combination with its military the summer of 2014 differ- main hero of the war was Israel’s problem was “not effectiveness, is proving to be ent, he said: the length of the Iron Dome, Israel’s anti-mis- having an elegant solution— a frustratingly difficult foe. war—50 days; the psycho- sile defense system, which so its offense was too heavy He spoke about the Gaza logical blow to Israeli society destroyed the Hamas rock- handed.” war this summer, “Israel’s that Hamas rockets could hit ets before they could inflict Classical Zionism embed- fourth asymmetric war in Tel Aviv even though no one death and widespread dam- ded in Israel a strong moral- less than eight years.” As was killed there, and the ugly age. If that had happened, ity. “It’s part of our DNA,” he described it, Hamas was reemergence of anti-Semitic Israel would have had to he said. But the occupation “attacking Israel’s civilian hatred in Europe. “Seventy retaliate and decimate Gaza, CONTINUED NEXT PAGE ; NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 7

Shavit FROM PREVIOUS PAGE ; and the Netanyahu government’s settle- JOURNALIST ELIZABETH DREW AT MICAH ment-building policy has undermined that fundamental tenet. And this loss “is eroding our relationship with the West and the moral foundation of our exis- tence,” he said. Israel must freeze settle- ments and pull out of the West Bank. Gaza needs a “Marshall plan” financed by Saudi Arabia with a political struc- ture supported by Egypt. But Shavit doesn’t see a peace agree- ment happening any time soon. “There won’t be a two state solution,” he said. “What we need is a two-state dynamic” to build physical and governmental infrastructure that will lead to the capa- bility to evolve into two states. “No more White House lawn cere- Veteran reporter and author Elizabeth Drew regales Micah members on monies,” he said, referring to past hand- Oct. 12 with her experiences in the early 1970s covering the Watergate shakes and signing of agreements with scandal and President Nixon’s departure from office, sharing highlights from great fanfare that ended in disappoint- her classic memoir which was newly released, Washington Journal: Reporting ment. “We need new ideas that combine Watergate and Richard Nixon’s Downfall. reality with idealism.” •

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 8 CHESHVAN/KISLEV/TEVET 5775

COMMUNITY SHABBAT DINNER ON NOVEMBER 21 Temple Micah’s Community Shabbat dinners, now in The cost is $20 for those 13 and over; $8 for stu- their fourth year, have become a wonderful social dents between 6 and 12; and free for children 5 gathering and a great opportunity for members to and under. Come alone, bring a friend, join us with connect. All are encouraged to join in the autumn your kids—but do come and stay for dinner. Please dinner on Friday, November 21. make reservations using the link The formula is simple. Following Kabbalat on the temple website or by calling the office at Shabbat services, everyone gathers in the social 202-342-9175. hall to eat great food, meet new members, renew Interested in volunteering? Please email acquaintances and catch up with long-standing [email protected] or let the friends. Dinner will be catered by Lebanese Taverna. office know.

Rabbi’s Message FROM PAGE 1 ; Bible?” Instead, we will ask, “How can we quiet and secure that our souls will speak use the resources of Judaism to teach and to us from somewhere hidden and sacred sermon, Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, a build character in 2014?” New questions that lies within. This is the beginning of a prominent 20th-century theologian, writes take nothing for granted. life of prayer. that every person has two distinct parts. The Adam Two in each of us longs for As you read these words, Thanksgiving He calls them Adam One and Adam Two, inner peace, firm moral direction, quiet will be upon us. Thanksgiving traditions based on the two creation narratives in confidence, meaningful and deep relations include family reunions, turkey, parades Genesis. Adam One is social and seeks with others and a transcendent reality— and football. Thanksgiving can also be mastery of the world. Adam Two is meta- God. Adam Two wants relief from pres- a time for family prayer. The beautiful physical, more concerned with the inte- sure, commitments and the need to com- American images of home and hearth rior life. (To read the complete sermon, pete, impress and achieve. I personally speak to us in this season. The fall colors, go to http://www.templemicah.org/ find myself in wonderful Adam Two space the feel of winter at our doorstep can aboutus/rabbi/sermons and look for Kol in the days after Yom Kippur, when I can instill in us reverie and a deep apprecia- Nidre 2014). relax and stop pushing myself so hard. For tion for nature’s ceaseless cycles. We can Finding our spiritual voice will require me, as a working congregational rabbi, the pause and be at peace in the world and in asking new questions of ourselves and sukkah has become my annual symbol for ourselves. This is Adam Two. our synagogue, and looking to the syna- letting go. Take time to allow Adam Two to grow gogue to discover what our lives can—or Temple Micah can be a place where this year. Look for every opportunity. Be should—be about. New questions will we can simply be and not strive to do— an artist. Create. Bring this spirit to Micah. elevate the importance of meaning over the case in the rest of our lives. It can be Sincerely, historical fidelity. For instance, we will not a place where we listen for deep inner Rabbi Daniel G. Zemel ask the old question, “How do we teach voices, a place that will allow us to be so

President’s Column FROM PAGE 2 ; one’s individual journey, and sometimes more beautiful worship experience, but a that, too, elicits parental tears. chance to get to know each other better eat well later and maybe even take to the Yes, the parties are overblown. They afterward. On a deeper level, these ser- dance floor. But passing the Torah from don’t have to be but, often, they are. vices offer us the opportunity to welcome one generation to the next? This was what And, yes, it certainly is a lot of work. It young people into the Jewish community, tore at our heartstrings. This was what it should be. The pressure along the route is to continue a very long and significant was all about. intense, and it is not for everyone. That’s tradition, to move it—and us—into the As a temple board member, I have OK, too. future. They are joyous, moving and, yes, been lucky to be able to serve as a But I don’t believe that our b’nai mitz- meaningful experiences—for the students Shabbat greeter, to go up to the bima vah services take away from Shabbat, no and their families, of course, but for the toward the end of a service and address matter how many guests fill our seats. rest of us as well. the bar or bat mitzvah and his or her In fact, I would argue that they enhance Our year in the whirlwind is almost family. I love looking into their faces – it. On a very basic level, the Shabbat over. It’s another group’s turn to study, to beaming, proud and, in the case of the experience is enriched by the glorious panic, to hug, to cry, to eat and to dance. kids, relieved. I like to talk about how the music of our choir and the generous It’s their turn to pass the Torah from one students have grown and matured. I like Kiddush lunches provided by the b’nai generation to the next. I will be there still, to say something personal about each mitzvah families, allowing us not only a tissue at the ready. I hope you’ll join me. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 9 TZEDAKAH 50TH ANNIVERSARY FUND IN MEMORY OF IN HONOR OF Laurel Bergold, by Robin Parry Peggy Banks on the naming of her IN MEMORY OF granddaughter, by Rhoda Hyde Robert Lewis, by Alan Carpien KALLEK ADULT EDUCATION FUND Shelley Grossman and Dorian Friedman for their work on the Vine, by Judith Hurvitz IN MEMORY OF ASSOCIATE RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY Zach Howell and Whitney Kasle on their FUND Donald Rothberg, by Lynn Rothberg engagement, by Ed and Bobbie Wendel Jane and Chaz Kerschner’s grandchildren, IN HONOR OF LANDSCAPE FUND by Susie and Harvey Blumenthal The occasion of their marriage, by Melissa IN MEMORY OF Rabbi Daniel G. Zemel, by Debra Attias and Guillaume Simard-Morissette Laurel Bergold, by Ed and Shelley Grossman Willen and Lawrence Fullerton BUILDING FUND IN MEMORY OF Laurel Bergold, by Susie Blumenthal, Debra IN HONOR OF LIBRARY FUND IN HONOR OF Knopman and David Weightman Kit Wheatley’s granddaughter, Leah Rivka Robert and Arlene Kamin, by Schwartz Narbonne, by Lora Ferguson Beverly and Daniel Yett’s 50th anniversary, by Barbara and David Diskin Harriet and Louis Weiner IN MEMORY OF Robert Lewis, by Rhoda Hyde James Howe, MD, by Rob Rosenbaum MACHON MICAH FUND Robert Morgenstein, by Susan Morgenstein and family IN HONOR OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT Lew Warshof, by Judy and Doug Warshof Rabbi Josh Beraha; Nathan Mitchell By Ed and Shelley Grossman Westreich, by Ed and Shelley Grossman RABBI BERAHA’S DISCRETIONARY CEMETERY FUND MICAH HOUSE FUND By Isadore Grossman Foundation James Bodner IN HONOR OF Arthur and Carol Freeman Rabbi Joshua Beraha’s installation as Director ENDOWMENT FUND Leslie Riggs of Congregational Learning, by Robert, IN HONOR OF Jennifer, Elisabeth, and Matthew Keller IN HONOR OF Miriam Grotte on the occasion of IN MEMORY OF her marriage, by Jeff Passel Beverly and Daniel Yett’s 50th anniversary, by Martin L. and Elizabeth G. Cohen Amy Keller, by Robert, Jennifer, IN MEMORY OF Elisabeth, and Matthew Keller IN MEMORY OF Laurel Bergold, by Steve Klitzman Barbara Landfield, by Susan Landfield Suzanne Blotner, by Jeff Passel SOCIAL ACTION FUND Gretchen White Oberman, by Bayla White Louis Levenson, by Brenda Levenson IN HONOR OF Pearl Levenson Simmons, by Brenda Jonathan and Grace Westreich on the birth of Levenson, Michelle Sender MUSIC FUND their son, Nathan, by Ed and Shelley Grossman IN HONOR OF IN HONOR OF GENERAL FUND Beverly and Daniel Yett’s 50th anniversary, Pessia Green’s marriage to Aryeh by Martin L. and Elizabeth G. Cohen Dannenberg, by Barbara and Isaac Green IN HONOR OF Rachel Diskin, daughter of Barbara IN MEMORY OF and David Diskin, on her marriage, Laurel Bergold, by David and Lucy Asher, THE RABBI DANIEL GOLDMAN ZEMEL by Nancy Lang, Nancy Raskin Jannet and Alan Carpien, Laura and Joe FUND FOR ISRAEL Hubbard, Jane E. Mago, Paul Parry, Gail Sarah and Jonathan Feuer on their Elliot Cafritz graduations, by Michael Feuer Povar and Larry Bachorik, Lisa Saks IN MEMORY OF Yom Kippur, by Susan Roberts, Florence Dickelman, by Jeff Passel mother of Jocelyn Roberts Walter Page, by William Page Adolph Blumenfeld, Sarah Blumenfeld, by Norman Blumenfeld IN MEMORY OF Harry E. Rockower, by Stephen Laurel Bergold, by Stuart Brown NEXT DOR FUND Rockower and Ann Sablosky Philip Blum, by Jared Blum IN HONOR OF Steven Sotloff, by Marilyn and William Paul Ray Faul, Everett and Helen Palmatier, and Rabbi Esther Lederman, by Ed Abraham and Janet Tapper, by Jake Tapper and Shelley Grossman Robert Lewis, by Nancy Lang Jerome B. Sewell, by Leslie Sewell ONEG FUND Gary Tell, by Sara and Stephen Niles IN MEMORY OF Bob Lewis, by Ed and Shelley Grossman HINENI FUND IN HONOR OF RABBI’S DISCRETIONARYSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER FUND 2012 Hannah Maier and Danny Sirdofsky Susie and Harvey Blumenthal’s grandson, by Jeff Passel 10 CHESHVAN/KISLEV/TEVET 5775

DYLAN WALDNER B’NAI MITZVAH NOVEMBER 22 / 29 CHESHVAN PARENTS: Elizabeth Thompson JANA WARNER and David Waldner NOVEMBER 1 / 8 CHESHVAN TORAH PORTION: Toldot PARENTS: Gail and Seth Warner MITZVAH PROJECT: Dylan is collecting TORAH PORTION: Lech-Lecha donations for Doctors Without Borders, MITZVAH PROJECT: Jana is volunteering with a highly regarded organization delivering the Montgomery Soccer program, helping emergency medical aid to people affected disabled children play soccer. She serves as by conflict, epidemics and disasters around a “buddy” to several youngsters, assisting the world, including the Ebola epidemic. them in learning the game and having fun. Jana is having fun too, since she loves soccer and loves working with children. DANA HERRNSTADT DECEMBER 6 / 14 KISLEV PARENTS: Stacey Grundman ELLA ROSE CHOTINER and Owen Herrnstadt NOVEMBER 8 / 15 CHESHVAN TORAH PORTION: Vayishlach PARENTS: Melissa and Michael Chotiner MITZVAH PROJECT: Dana is volunteering with TORAH PORTION: Vayera Friendship Circle to help provide friendship MITZVAH PROJECT: To be decided and fun for children with special needs when they celebrate their birthdays. EMILY GOULD DECEMBER 13 / 21 KISLEV PARENTS: Jon Gould and Ann Springer JACK MUOIO TORAH PORTION: Vayeshev NOVEMBER 15 / 22 CHESHVAN MITZVAH PROJECT: Emily will be helping provide PARENTS: Karen Mandel and food for the homeless through the Arlington Alberto Cerda; Reid Muoio Street People’s Assistance Network. TORAH PORTION: Chayei Sara MITZVAH PROJECT: Jack has been troubled by the homeless veterans he has seen around DC and in the media, and wanted to help them. While he is too young to work with them directly, he is contributing by creating “comfort kits” for the DC VA Medical Center to distribute, including hotel-size shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, and MAZAL TOV other toiletries. He welcomes donations in the collection box in the temple lobby. The congregation wishes a hearty mazal tov to: Melissa Attias and Guillaume Simard-Morissette on CONDOLENCES their marriage Emily Warheit and Lee McClure on their marriage The Temple Micah community extends its deepest Marilyn and Bill Paul on their eldest granddaughter condolences to: becoming Bat Mitzvah Miriam and Zachary Lynch on the passing of their mother, Micah member Laurel Bergold Jonathan Westreich and Grace Mitchell Westreich on the birth of their son, Nathan Mitchell Westreich Laura Ferguson on the passing of her uncle, Robert David Allender David and Barbara Diskin on the marriage of their daughter, Rachel Linda Schultz on the passing of her father, Stephen Schultz Zach Howell and Whitney Kasle on their engagement The Temple Micah community on the passing of Micah Kit Wheatley and Tom Sahagian on the birth of their member Bob Lewis granddaughter, Leah Rivka Caitlin Brazner on the passing of her grandmother, Gene and Helene Granof on the birth of their grandson, Barbara Donerkiel Isaac David Granof Mary Malgoire and Bea Birman on the passing of Mary’s mother, Marguerite Malgoire Barbara Green on the marriage of her granddaughter Peg Blechman on the passing of her aunt, Rolly Mulitz Yair Inspektor and Amanda Stone on their engagement Sara Morningstar and Phil Katz on the passing of Ruth Schimel on the publication of Choose Courage: Sara’s mother, Jane Morningstar Step into the Life You Want—Step into the Success You Want: Sparking Your Powers May their memories be for a blessing. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 11

BERAHA’S BLACKBOARD “REASON TO BELIEVE”: MACHON MICAH’S NEW POST-B’NAI MITZVAH INITIATIVE

By Rabbi Josh Beraha Being Jewish should enable us all to stand on firm ground and identifying our moral obliga- look out upon the world with a sense of sacred purpose. Armed tions to the Jewish world and with a vibrant history, culture, language, compelling texts and beyond. evocative rituals, we Jews should be empowered to elucidate and As I watch this new refine what it is we believe about the nature of the world, about endeavor take shape at Micah, God, about why there is something as opposed to nothing. In I am excited to work with exploring our beliefs, we learn to make sense of our personal parents and students to bring story. We clarify where we stand. it to life for families. In the words of the Psalmists, “L’dor v’dor: In the words of the educator Parker Palmer, “…when my little let one generation to the next extol Your deeds.” May our chil- story, or yours, is our only point of reference, we easily become dren know great blessings and recognize the bounty of God’s lost in narcissism.” And so, he argues, the bigger story must be great world. told, “stories that are universal in scope and archetypal in depth, that frame our personal tales and help us understand what they mean.” To refine our beliefs is Temple Micah sixth Annual to ultimately attach them to something more than the autonomous self. As I begin my tenure as Director of Congregational Learning here at Temple Micah, one of my goals is to ensure that our older students, following b’nai mitz- Hanukkah Gift vah, feel they have a secure path on their way to defining what it is they believe about themselves and the world around them, and that they find a deep purpose in all their endeavors. But most of all, it is &Craft Fair my prayer that students find hope in the future, a reason to believe. TH This year’s ninth-grade class is the pio- Sunday december 7 neer group in our new “Reason to Believe” 9:30 am to 2 pm program, with this year’s eighth grade also participating. By the 2015-2016 school year, the initiative will be fully implemented, CRAFT ART BY MICAH MEMBERS and the pioneers of Reason to Believe will participate in a unique ritual in which the JEWELRY, GLASS, entire Micah community will offer those POTTERY, WEARABLE ART tenth grade students a public blessing during one of our worship services. Each HANUKKAH ITEMS year, we hope to send off a new class of MENORAHS, CANDLES, Reason to Believe students, prepared to walk on a course of righteousness, justice GELT, GIFTS FROM ISRAEL and faith. In the program’s current iteration, ISRAELI FOODS each class meets monthly—sometimes PORTION OF ALL PROCEEDS at Micah, often offsite in locations that GOES TO THE TEMPLE. FOR MORE INFORMATION serve to strengthen relationships as well CONTACT ELLEN SOMMER as Jewish identity and knowledge. Eighth [email protected] grade focuses on the practical aspects of SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 Jewish ritual, while ninth explores what it means to be Jewish in the modern world. Next year, the tenth grade will focus on deepening our sense of social mission, and 12 CHESHVAN/KISLEV/TEVET 5775

10,000. . . and counting! Temple Micah’s annual Underwear Drive, led once again this year by Machon Micah’s sixth- grade class, has brought in more than 10,000 items of clothing for our homeless neighbors at the Community Council at Friendship Place. The drive was recently featured in an inspiring article in Washington Jewish Week. See: http://washingtonjewishweek.com/17004/ dedicated-donations/

Non-Profit Organization US POSTAGE PAID Washington, DC Vıne Permit No. 9803 2829 WISCONSIN AVENUE, NW WASHINGTON, DC 20007-4702 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED DATED MATERIAL TIME-SENSITIVE MATERIAL