October 2013

Mishpachah Matters

Issue 74.1 and 74.2 Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774 The Newsletter of Bet Mishpachah, Founded in 1975

September by Members of the Washington, DC, Gay Community and October 2013

Join Bet Mishpachah for the High Rabbi Green Offers October Classes Holy Days: New Year Begins Sept. 4 On Five Great Biblical Women

Labor Day, which typically serves as a transition from If you haven’t yet met Rabbi Laurie Green, or if your summertime to the realms of work and school, will have exposure to her during the High Holy Days leads you to want additional significance for American Jews this year. Labor to hear more from her, you will have an opportunity as she Day week will also feature Rosh ha-Shana and the beginning prepares to teach her first classes in October. The series of of the Days of Awe, the holiest time of the Jewish calendar. classes is “Pious Prostitutes and Political Prophets: Great Erev Rosh ha-Shana is Wednesday, September 4, the first Biblical Women You Probably Know (Almost) Nothing day of Rosh ha-Shana is the following day, Kol Nidrei is About.” Friday night, September 13 and Yom Kippur is September 14. Each session will explore a different Biblical character, and As usual, Bet Mishpachah will offer a full slate of High Holy these are guaranteed NOT to be the stories you learned in Day services at the DCJCC and Luther Place Memorial Hebrew school. The classes will survey traditional Jewish Church (LPMC) on Thomas Circle. Our lay leaders and texts such as Torah, Midrash, Talmud, and Kabbalah as well Rabbi Laurie Green have been working throughout the as contemporary interpretations, including feminist critique, summer to plan meaningful services that will assist queer theory, contemporary midrash, and English and congregants to repair themselves and begin a new year with a Hebrew poetry. fresh perspective. Tach’shitim, Bet Mishpachah’s choir, will enhance spirituality and delight the senses with its vocal The class will be held five Wednesdays in October at the performances at several LPMC services. A complete service DCJCC, with the first class on October 2 and the final session schedule appears on page 7 of this newsletter. on October 30. Classes begin at 7:00 pm and will last for about 90 minutes. Refreshments will be served. Each Services at LPMC and the Break-the-Fast at the Washington session is independent, so people can attend a class even if Plaza Hotel will be ticketed. Information about ticketing, they did not attend preceding sessions. As usual, the class is parking, and other logistics can be found on the free to all Bet Mishpachah members. However, if you are not congregation’s website at www.betmish.org/HHD. a Bet Mishpachah member, the cost is $5 per session, which is payable when you attend. The High Holy Days are an excellent time to engage in good deeds. Please consider contributing generously to the 7th Further information about the individual sessions is available annual Not Just Food Drive to benefit the N Street Village at www.betmish.org. If you have additional questions, you women’s shelter run by LPMC. A list of items that will be may email Rabbi Green directly at [email protected]. collected at Kol Nidrei and Yom Kippur services may be found at www.betmish.org/SASJ. www.betmish.org

Washington DC’s Egalitarian Synagogue Embracing a Diversity of Sexual and Gender Identities

Table of Contents: Page 6: Page 11 (continued): Page 3: October Calendar September 2013 Member Birthdays Help Bet Mishpachah’s Team Page 7: and Anniversaries Raise $12,000 for Oct. 26 AIDS Walk High Holy Days 5774/2013 Service Schedule October 2013 Member Birthdays Join in Celebrations of Sukkot, Simchat Torah From the Rabbi: Do We Still Need and Anniversaries Transgender Activist Dana Beyer Synagogues for LGBT Jews? Page 12: to Speak on Oct. 18 after Services Page 9: Thanks to Our July and August Oneg Nominating Committee Open for Business, Bet Mishpachah Members Attend Deaf-Blind Shabbat and Kiddush Sponsors Your Suggestions Shabbaton in Maryland Thanks to Our July and August Page 4: Page 10: Service Leaders From the President: Thoughts on Our New The Sin of “Lashon Hara” and How to Avoid It Page 13-15: Rabbi and the Coming New Year Part 2 Donations What’s This? Page 11: Page 16-18: Page 5: Four Bet Mishpachah Members Visit Winnipeg Member Yartzeits September Calendar for 21st World Congress Page 19: Directory Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 2

Bet Mishpachah Communications Electronic Newsletter Subscription

This newsletter is published bimonthly by Bet Mishpachah, Do you want to receive Mishpachah Matters electronically and P.O. Box 1410, Washington, DC 20013. Articles must be in living color, while saving the synagogue money? Send an received by the first Tuesday of the month prior to publication email to [email protected]. Include all the email and should be sent to [email protected]. The addresses where you would like to receive the electronic newsletter is sent to members, donors, and various newsletter and your mailing address, as you will no longer organizations. For a three-month trial subscription, write to need the paper version. [email protected]. To advertise in our newsletter, contact Address, Phone, Email Changes [email protected]. Send your name and old and new information to The congregation also publishes ATCBM, the electronic [email protected]. bulletin board of Bet Mishpachah, which contains late- ATCBM Subscription breaking congregational news, as well as other Jewish and/or GLBT news that cannot be printed in this newsletter. We If you wish to receive ATCBM, our electronic announcements maintain a website at www.betmish.org with synagogue about events at Bet Mishpachah and of interest to the Jewish information and links to other Websites of interest. GLBT community, please send an email to Information contained in any of our publications may be [email protected] with ‘ATCBM’ in the subject line and reprinted without permission, but acknowledgment of the the email address where you would like to receive mail. source is required. Direct any questions about our editorial or advertising policies to [email protected]. ATCBM Item Submission

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Bet Mishpachah holds Shabbat services every Friday at 8:00 Bikur Cholim — We Care About You pm and the second and fourth Saturdays of every month at 10:00 am at the District of Columbia Jewish Community Become a partner in the mitzva of Bikur Cholim—visiting the Center (DCJCC), 16 and Q Streets, NW. Sign Language sick—by advising our Bikur Cholim Committee, rabbi, or interpretation is available by request to [email protected] with president when you or a relative is hospitalized. We can stay a minimum of two weeks notice. Any changes to this regular informed ONLY if we receive the information. Please email us schedule will appear on our website (www.betmish.org), in the at [email protected]. month’s printed calendar, and/or in our electronic bulletin Death Notices, Bereavement Services board ATCBM. If you are in need of bereavement services or to announce a Enter the DCJCC building on Friday nights through the Q death in your family, email [email protected]. Street door. You will be buzzed in by our shammas. Shabbat worship will be in the DCJCC Kay Community Hall, on the Donations right as you enter. A parking lot is available behind the To make a donation to our congregation, please send it to Bet DCJCC and may be entered from Q Street. It has Mishpachah, Department 0520,Washington, D.C. 20073-0520. approximately 20 spaces, including one designated for disabled Or you can donate via PayPal from the “Donations” page on drivers. our web site, www.betmish.org.

On Friday evenings, there a several parking options: the To Schedule a Bet Mishpachah Event DCJCC lot often has some space, the church lot at 15th and P is available on Friday nights, and the underground parking lot Email the date, space needs, and number of expected attendees on the south side of P St. between 16th and 17th is a reliable to [email protected]. fallback as well. To Sponsor an Oneg Shabbat or Kiddush

Mishpachah Matters Staff Send an email to [email protected], with the date you’d like Newsletter Coordinator — Amy Heffernan to sponsor, and the occasion. Design/Layout — Amy Heffernan Proofreaders — Alex Carter, Mindy Gasthalter, Bet Mishpachah’s Affiliations

Elke Martin, and Martin Robinson Bet Mishpachah is a member of: Network of Independent Transliteration Consultant — Scott Reiter Jewish Communities and Havurot; Jewish Community Council Vice President/Communications — Marc Bernstein of Greater Washington; World Congress of GLBT Jews: Keshet Ga’avah; Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington; and Celebration of the Spirit Coalition. Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 3

Help Bet Mishpachah’s Team Transgender Activist Dana Beyer Raise $12,000 for Oct. 26 AIDS Walk to Speak on Oct. 18 after Services by Jack Hillelsohn Make sure to attend Bet Mishpachah’s Friday night Shabbat Saturday morning, October 26 will mark the 27th Annual AIDS service at 8 pm on October 18 to hear a special guest speaker. Walk Washington, benefitting Whitman-Walker Health. Dana Beyer, a leading local advocate of rights for the Whitman-Walker, a nonprofit community-based health transgendered, will speak after services on “Coming Out, organization. provides dependable, high-quality, comprehensive Going In, Fear & Loathing.” Her appearance is sponsored by and accessible health care to those infected with or affected by the Education Committee. HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Walk provides needed funds for Whitman-Walker to carry out its mission. Bet Mishpachah is a Dana Beyer, M.D., a retired eye surgeon, is Executive sponsor of the AIDS Walk. As a sponsor, Bet Mishpachah Director of Gender Rights Maryland, chair of the national receives 20 free team registration slots. I encourage you to use advisory board of Freedom to Work, and a weekly columnist this opportunity to join our team and help us meet or exceed our at the Huffington Post. A well-known advocate for health goal of raising $12,000. issues as well as gender rights, she practiced medicine and surgery in Washington, Miami, Mississippi, Africa, and Asia. If you would like to join Bet Mishpachah’s team, follow this She was a candidate for Maryland State Delegate in 2006 and link: http://www.aidswalkwashington.org/index.cfm? 2010. She has been Vice President of Equality Maryland, fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=5042. Click on “Join Executive Vice President of Maryland NOW, a member of this Team.” Start the registration form! Choose from one of the Board of Governors of the Human Rights Campaign, a these options: Runner (5K), Sleepwalker (5K) (great if you founding member of the Progressive Working Group, a board want to organize a slumber party to raise money for the AIDS member at Mobile Medical Care, Montgomery County’s Walk), Student/Senior Walker, or Walker. Registration fees primary service provider of health care to the uninsured, and vary between categories. a board member of the National Center for Transgender Equality. She is currently a board member of Keshet, the Next chose your role—if you are joining the Bet Mishpachah nation’s foremost Jewish LGBT advocacy organization, and a Team, click “Join a Team.” Bet Mishpachah will come up. steering committee member of Progressive Neighbors. She Answer the questions. Click (Continue to Next Step) and enter co-authored The Dallas Principles in 2009. She has served your promo code if you are among the first twenty people to as Senior Adviser to Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg of join the Bet Mish Team. That code is: BETMISH. (There the Montgomery County Council, and on the Rules was an error in the previous newsletter—use this code.) There Committee of the Democratic Party. A mother of two adult is space to make an additional donation if you wish. Fill out the sons, she lives in Chevy Chase. information on the page and you are a team member. Nominating Committee Join in Celebrations of Sukkot, Simchat Torah Open for Business, The High Holy Days may conclude with the final blast of the Shofar on N’ila Your Suggestions and the subsequent Break-the-Fast, but these hardly end the Jewish autumn holiday season. Sukkot, the festival that begins four days after Yom Kippur Have you ever observed a fellow member of Bet and commemorates the agricultural harvest, is a major Jewish festival. So is Mishpachah and thought to yourself that he or Simchat Torah, which commemorates when a new annual cycle of Torah she would make a great member of the Board of readings begins. Directors? Have you ever observed yourself and thought the same thing? If you are that kind of Celebrate Sukkot at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, September 18, at the home of observant member of the congregation, the Allan Armus, 4309 11th St North in Arlington. Allan’s house is a short walk Nominating Committee is eager to hear from from the Ballston Metrorail station. For driving or walking directions, call you, because it is now beginning the process of Allan at 703/525-4261. Allan’s celebration will begin with decorating his filling the slate of members to serve on next sukka. Those attending are asked to bring a decoration. There will then be a year’s Board. Share your observations about brief festival service, at which everyone can shake a lulav. A festive kosher potential Board members with the committee dairy/vegetarian dinner will follow. through email at [email protected], or simply chat with one of the committee members Bet Mishpachah will celebrate Simchat Torah by joining with Am Kolel and (David Fox, Mindy Gasthalter, Jeff Nakrin, and other local groups for dancing in the street at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue on Noah Wofsy). Rabbi Green’s arrival makes this Thursday, September 26 at 7:30 pm. Expect a raucous, music-filled an exciting time for the congregation, and with celebration. The Sixth & I Historic Synagogue is only two blocks from the your help, we can ensure that Bet Mishpachah Gallery Place Metrorail station. will have a great Board of Directors to keep the momentum going throughout next year. Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 4

From the President: Thoughts on Our New Rabbi and the Coming New Year by Joel Wind President Rabbi Laurie Green’s Welcoming Shabbat Shabbat. Thanks also to Rick Bowman and Ralph for going beyond the call of duty. On July 19, Bet Mishpachah formally welcomed its new spiritual leader, Rabbi Laurie Green. About 125 members of The publicity in the Blade, MetroWeekly and Washington Bet Mishpachah and guests from Washington’s LGBT faith Jewish Week was the result of the efforts of Communications community attended the event. That night was the Chair Mike Goldstein and Marc Bernstein, VP/ culmination of a long journey that began towards the end of Communications. Aaron Hoffman, Secretary, posted the 2012 when the Rabbinic Search Committee was appointed by @CBMs and Sharon Greenbaum, Program Coordinator, Sarajane Garten. Keith Cohen, Vice President/ Membership, posted the notices on our Facebook page. Our sign language served as chair with Judy Barlas, Glenn, Larry Neff, Ruth interpreters made sure the service was accessible to all. A big Potts, and John Winterson as committee members and Rabbi Toda Rabba to everyone involved! Bob Saks serving in an advisory capacity. The Search Committee polled the congregation and its input played an I am grateful to Rabbi Laurie for agreeing to join our important role in the selection. Thanks to all who participated congregational Mishpachah and become our spiritual leader. in the selection process and for recommending that the Board Buffalo’s loss is Washington’s gain. I am confident that this engage Rabbi Green as our spiritual leader. And thanks to the is a marriage in which Bet Mishpachah will grow to ever Board for accepting the recommendation. greater heights. We also extend a hearty welcome to Mira, Rabbi Laurie’s wife, and wish her well in her new position in The welcoming service was made possible by the efforts of Baltimore. And special accolades to their four-year old son, many individuals and I want to thank all of them. Kabbalat Gus, who single-handedly brought down the average age of Shabbat was led by Alex Carter and Ruth Potts. Ma’ariv was our congregation. led by Sarajane Garten and Scott Reiter. And Rabbi Laurie gave an inspiring D’var Torah, which is reprinted on page 7, Rosh ha-Shana 5774 that stressed the continuing relevance of a LGBT congregation. Larry Neff was to have led the procession from On behalf of the Board of Directors of Bet Mishpachah, I the steps of the DCJCC to the social hall. But as the saying would like to wish everyone a Shana Tova, a sweet and happy goes, what man wants God laughs at, and the weather did not new year. I hope that the coming year will be a joyous one, cooperate. The entire service was coordinated by Al Munzer. full of life, blessings and happiness. I hope that all our dreams and aspirations come to fruition. I hope that our Barry Friedman, VP/Administration, gained a few more grey LGBT community will have the strength to defend the rights hairs dealing with logistics. Barbara Goldberg, our Oneg we have won and withstand continuing hatred and Shabbat/Kiddush coordinator, was responsible for the spread homophobia. I hope that marriage equality will spread to all that awaited us in the lobby. LySandra Brady and William 50 states. And I hope that we all will live and love in peace Selenger provided invaluable help in setting up the Oneg and freedom.

What’s This?

Scan it with a QR code reader on your smartphone and find out! Web: www.betmish.org Facebook: facebook.com/betmish Twitter: twitter.com/betmish Email: [email protected]

Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 5

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High Holy Day 5774/2013 From the Rabbi: Do We Still Need Service Schedule Synagogues for LGBT Jews?

Locations: The following is the sermon Rabbi Green held at her DCJCC—D.C. Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th Street welcoming service on July 19. NW @ Q Street LPMC—Luther Place Memorial Church, 1226 Vermont Ave. by Rabbi Laurie Green NW @ Thomas Circle WPH—Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle NW @ So there I was on the checkout line at the Coop about a Vermont Ave. month ago and it caught my eye—the June cover story of The Atlantic. It read, in BIG letters, “What Straights Can Learn S’lichot From Same-Sex Couples: Why gay marriages tend to be Saturday, August 31, 8:00 pm, DCJCC happier and more intimate—by Liza Mundy.” Now I had to get that. Erev Rosh ha-Shana I Wednesday, September 4, 8:00 pm, LPMC The article compiles studies which statistically compare heterosexual couples, gay men, and lesbians on a number of Rosh ha-Shana I different matrices, such as how they divide up the Morning Service: Thursday, September 5, 10:00 am, LPMC housework. You should all get the article because there are a couple of things in there that actually surprised me. But yes, Erev Rosh ha-Shana II most of it we already knew, even if our straight friends Thursday, September 5, 8:00 pm, DCJCC didn’t. I’m sure you couldn’t possibly (sarcastically) guess:

Rosh ha-Shana II  Who plays more power games with money? Friday, September 6, 10:00 am, DCJCC  Who is obsessed with egalitarianism to the point of absurdity? Erev Shabbat Shuva  Who cheats most? Friday, September 6, 8:00 pm, DCJCC  Who cheats least?  And who doesn’t have to cheat because they’re in an Kol Nidrei open relationship? Friday, September 13, 7:00 pm, LPMC Yeah, I thought so. Duh. Yom Kippur Saturday, September 14 But apparently, we fight fairer, and thanks to us, the straight Morning Service/Yizkor: 10:00 am, LPMC world is starting to discover that men can fold strollers. It’s Study Session: 2:30 pm, LPMC not all that hard after all. So I guess the straight world is Mincha/N’ila: 4:30 pm, LPMC starting to catch on. Break-the-Fast: 7:00 pm, WPH And yes, we Jews apparently have a few things to teach the Tickets: Each member was to receive by mail by August 15 rest of the world, as well. The Dalai Lama asked several one ticket for services and one ticket for Break-the-Fast. To Jewish leaders for our secret to surviving in exile and by request additional tickets for friends and family members, several accounts he’s actually implementing some of our including additional Break-the-Fast tickets, please see the advice. Membership Table at LPMC. Nicky, a congregant of mine in Buffalo, is finishing her Ph.D. Non-Members: Bet Mishpachah does not charge for in sociology focusing on how Rwandan women have rebuilt admittance to services. Tickets for Break-the-Fast cost $36 after the genocide. She tells me that Rwandans are convinced per person and must be purchased by the second day of Rosh that 90% of white people are Jews because all the white ha-Shana. Tickets for services or the Break-the-Fast can be people they see are Jews. Nicky has made several trips to obtained at the Membership Table at LPMC. Rwanda over several years, and she keeps trying to convince them that most white folks and most Americans are actually Christian, but they think she’s crazy because all the whites working in Rwanda are Jews. Apparently there are hundreds of them and twice a year, for Rosh ha-Shana and for Pesach, they all converge on the capital to be Jewish together and (Continued on page 8) Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 8

From the Rabbi make Shabbat while loving Jesus, we’re glad you’re here. (Continued from page 7) It’s okay. Jesus made Shabbat. We need all of you. Bet then return to whatever villages they were volunteering in. Mishpachah wouldn’t be the same without you. No wonder Rwandans love Jews. We have all been asked “Do We Still Need LGBT Perhaps it is not coincidental that in a few days, we have a Synagogues?” After all, now there are so many straight Jewish observance of love and hope—Tu B’Av. No, not Tu synagogues that are welcoming and inclusive, well, only to a B’Shevat or Tisha B’av (which was a few days ago) , but Tu point, of course, but certainly it’s a whole new world than it B’Av, also known as Israeli Valentine’s Day and as Yom was 20 or even five years ago. In a few cities, there are even Ahava (Love Day). Tu B’Av actually dates back over 2000 Orthodox communities where one can be out. Even gay years. The Mishna in Ta’anit 4:8 tells us: “There were no people will suggest that we don’t really need gay synagogues days more joyous than the 15th of Av (Tu B’Av) and Yom any more. Kippur, for on those days the daughters of Jerusalem would go out in borrowed white clothing . . . and the daughters of I want to suggest otherwise, that indeed we still need LGBT Jerusalem would dance in the vineyards seeking marriage synagogues. I’d like to share four particular reasons why we partners.” as gay Jewish communities have much to teach.

Just as the rabbis give us a list of tragic things that happened One of our greatest strengths is our commitment to k’lal on Tisha B’Av to make it a day of mourning, we are also Yisrael and to Independent Judaism. This is out of necessity. given a list of joyous things that occurred on Tu B’Av to We couldn’t have a gay Reform Temple and a gay make it a day of joy and love. As I was studying a few days Conservative shul and so on. We don’t have the luxury of ago, I found the list and I was pleasantly surprised— the closed nature of a particular denomination. We have to overjoyed actually. make room for everyone, and this is one of our greatest strengths. Some of you may remember that on my first Shabbat here two weeks ago, I spoke about the Supreme Court victory over Another of our strengths is our ability to be traditional, yet section 3 of DOMA and how it came during the week the progressive. For the last four months, since we made our Torah spoke of Zelophehad’s daughters. In Parshat Pinchas, match, I’ve been telling everyone who will listen that I’m a man named Zelophehad dies leaving five daughters and no most looking forward to wanting to daven in my own shul. sons. The women go before Moses to ask to inherit in their You may know this is most unusual for rabbis. I used to think father’s name. Moses takes the question before God and God this was just a problem for Reform rabbis but I’ve asked replies, “their cause is just.” God creates a new law that countless Conservative and Orthodox colleagues, and they allows women to inherit when they don’t have any brothers. report the same problem, albeit for different reasons. 95% of But just a week later, in Parshat Matot-Masei, some men rabbis are most unhappy in this regard. But Bet Mishpachah complain to Moses that if the women marry outside the tribe is exactly how I like it, lots of traditional Hebrew chanting the tribal holdings will be reduced. This time Moses doesn’t and nusach, with just enough feminist grunge and creative go to God, but amends the law himself, saying that women poetry to be my style. must marry within the tribe in order to keep their inheritance rights. I complained how it’s always the women or LGBT I suspect there are two reasons why we are so good at being folks or racial minorities or the poor or whoever has no both traditional and progressive. The first is related to our power that have to sacrifice their few rights for the greater commitment to k’lal Yisrael and Independent Judaism. You good. Well, apparently on Tu B’Av, the marriage ban was can’t get the organ and choir Classical Jews and the lifted and women who inherited land were permitted to marry conservadox nusach Jews in the same room on Yom Kippur whomever they chose! How gay! without figuring this out. What a blessing of independent congregations. I ask, “What is the purpose of LGBT Jewish community?” I also think this is precisely because we are gay and religious. Now I want to be clear that if you’re here tonight, I’m Religiosity requires a reverence for tradition. Being out including you in our LGBT Jewish community, even if you requires a progressive viewpoint, even if you are a Log Cabin are neither Jewish nor LGBT. If you’re cool enough to be Republican. I know I couldn’t get up every morning if I here, you’re cool with us! We are so blessed by our hadn’t figured out that it is possible to be both traditional and wonderful straight members. We don’t care who you sleep progressive in the same breath. with. If you join a gay synagogue, you are an honorary gay. We are so blessed by our wonderful non-Jewish members as well. Now, some of you are not Jewish on a mere Another unique attribute of most LGBT synagogues is that technicality, which is easily rectified by the way, if you’re they are for adults. We don’t offer pediatric Judaism. interested. But even if you never make Shabbat or if you (Continued on page 9) Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 9

From the Rabbi No match is perfect. No rabbi is perfect. But I think I just (Continued from page 8) might have found my beshert (destined) congregation. Somehow, in the 1950s, in the midst of the suburban, stay-at- home mom, 2.2 children phenomenon we forgot that Torah is So my true beshert, my wife, Mira, our son, Gus, and I are so not for children. We’ve made it all about the kids, and thrilled to be here. We are overjoyed to be part of the Bet grown-ups need only drive carpool. But not gay shuls. Even Mishpachah mishpucha (family). gay synagogues that offer great children’s programs usually do a better job of serving adults. This is Shabbat Nachamu, the Shabbat after Tisha B’Av. This is the day when God stops being angry at us, and we In early June, I was at my last meeting of the Buffalo Board begin to usher in the period of consolation and forgiveness of Rabbis and my colleagues were asking me about you. I leading up to Yom Kippur. No wonder Tu B’Av and Yom told them that I was so excited to go to a place where Kippur are the happiest days of the year. A day celebrating Judaism is for adults. Mostly jokingly, but with a little romantic love, and a day dedicated to personal renewal. seriousness, I suggested that without pediatric Judaism I had What could be more Jewish, more gay, or more joyous? no idea what to do, and I asked for suggestions to program What a cause to celebrate! for grown-ups. My Conservative colleague, who is a very wise rabbi, said, “I know.” Perry often offers sage advice, so So my wish for each and every one of you, is that we be I really eagerly awaited his thoughts. “What, what should I blessed with a Shabbat full of shalom, and a Tu B’Av full of do?” Perry answered, “God, Torah . . . ” at which point I love. interrupted “and Israel. Gee thanks, why didn’t I think of that?” I have never before in my life seen a congregation Bet Mishpachah Members Attend where not one single member is there for the kids. Not one. Some of us have kids, that’s great, but that’s not why you Deaf-Blind Shabbaton in Maryland came to Bet Mishpachah. by Steven A. Frank and Ed Knight

Finally, we have a greater sense of ownership of our On June 7, 17 deaf-blind participants from eight U.S. states community. We really make Bet Mishpachah our home. and Israel assembled at the Pearlstone Retreat Center in Because it’s not for the kids or for the in-laws. It’s only for Reisterstown, Maryland, for a Shabbaton weekend of us. Because we can’t do it anyone else’s way. We can only accessible, educational, and enjoyable activities. More than do it our own way. 50 volunteer “support service providers” (SSP) and interpreters came to assist and interpret, both tactile and I have a confession to make. close-up as needed.

I never thought I’d serve an LGBT congregation. I wasn’t During the Shabbaton, deaf-blind participants braided opposed but it was never in my plans. I never thought I’d be Challah dough, crafted tactile flags for Israel using felt and here for two reasons. fabric, played a trivia contest game about Israeli history, and made falafel balls. There were also deaf-blind-friendly First of all, I didn’t want to be marked in that way. It’s hard Shabbat morning and evening services, Israeli dancing, and enough to be young, and female, and lesbian, and fairly wonderful workshops on topics such as “Israel in Our newly ordained. I figured who needs it. But after two very Prayers,” and “Eras of Israel.” Two deaf-blind visitors from straight pulpits, I figure that if folks aren’t convinced by now Israel spoke about what life is like there for deaf-blind that I can lay nicely with straight people, then forget it. people.

The Kosher buffet was delicious and the accommodations at Second, we LGBT Jews are crazy. You know it’s true. Jews the retreat center were nicer than one would expect at a camp. have their own particular brand of meshugana (crazy). And queers have their own flavor of meshugana. A congregation This was a good opportunity for Steven to catch up on some full of gay Jews, my God, that sounds insane. But there is Jewish learning he missed out on because of lack of mishagas (nonsense) everywhere. After two congregations interpreters when he was younger. Ed learned a few things as each with their own unique mishagas, I figure this is a crazy I well. understand. On Saturday, Ed was SSP for a mutual deaf-blind friend from

New York, and on Sunday morning Steven met a deaf For the record, there are a number of straight synagogues that woman who was an SSP whom he had last encountered share these values of k’lal Yisrael, progressive tradition, nearly 50 years earlier, when both were members of Merry- ownership and Judaism for adults. There are even a few here Go-Round, a club for deaf teenagers and adults in Manhattan. in the DC Metro area. They are great shuls. We missed the final activity, which was a visit to the farm

connected to the retreat center, to be able to attend the Capital But we are unique. We are special! Pride Festival. Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 10

The 17 Negative Commandments people and tend to ridicule and deprecate others. Degrading other people by speaking lashon hara increases the self- of Lashon Hara, Sin of “Evil Tongue” esteem of a conceited person. The Talmud equates arrogance to idolatry which is one of the three worst sins, the other two Part two being murder and adultery.

Note: The following is adapted from a presentation 6. You shall not profane My holy name (Lev. 22:32). This Charles S. Stewart gave during Shavuot. Most of the commandment forbids chillul ha-Shem or the profaning of material comes from Guard Your Tongue by Rabbi Zelig God’s name. There are at least three aspects to chillul ha- Pliskin (Benei Yakov Publications, 1975). Shem in relationship to lashon hara.

In the July/August edition of Mishpachah Matters we looked First, if a person commits a sin without deriving physical at lashon hara, a sin which is literally translated as “evil pleasure from it, this is considered a type of chillul ha-Shem tongue.” (Note: past newsletter editions can be downloaded and lashon hara falls into this category. Second, the lack of from www.betmish.org.) We learned that in 1873 Rabbi Israel seriousness attached to the prohibition against lashon hara is Meir Kagan wrote a book called Chofetz Chaim that examined another kind of chillul ha-Shem. For example, if a person all the laws concerning lashon hara in one volume for the first unknowingly was eating pork and someone said, “That’s time. The book was such a sensation that Rabbi Kagan was pork you’re eating!” the person would immediately spit out thenceforth known by the title of the volume, the Chofetz the offending meat. On the other hand, if a person was Chaim. unknowingly bad-mouthing someone and the listener said, “That’s lashon hara you’re speaking!” that person would In his book the Chofetz Chaim identified 31 commandments probably say, “But it’s true!” and keep on going. having to do with lashon hara. Of these, 17 are negative “you- Disregarding a commandment on purpose and with full shall-not” commandments and 14 are positive “you-shall” knowledge is also chillul ha-Shem. Third, chillul ha-Shem commandments. In this installment we will look at 9 of the 17 occurs when a distinguished, knowledgeable and negative commandments and see how they prohibit lashon authoritative person such as a sage, scholar or rabbi hara. transgresses a commandment and others follow suit. Therefore, such highly esteemed people have even a greater 1. You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people obligation not to speak lashon hara lest their admirers (Lev. 19:16). This is the negative commandment that conclude it is allowable and acceptable to do so. specifically prohibits both lashon hara, derogatory or damaging speech, and r’chilut, or gossip. The latter is defined 7. You shall not hate your brother in your heart (Lev. as derogatory or damaging speech directed at the listener by a 19:12). This commandment refers to concealed hatred and third party that is reported by the speaker to the listener. being “two-faced.” A person who is friendly and speaks Whether true or not, both are prohibited. nicely to a person whom the speaker secretly hates and then turns around and speaks lashon hara behind the detested 2. You shall not utter a false report (Ex. 23:1). Besides “not person’s back is transgressing this commandment. utter,” this commandment is also interpreted as “not listen to.” Hence, both speaking and hearing lashon hara is prohibited. 8 & 9. You shall not take vengeance nor bear any grudge against the children of your people (Lev. 19:18). This is 3. Take heed concerning the plague of leprosy (Deut. 24:8). actually two commandments in one. The first part has to do In the Bible, leprosy and lashon hara are related. Miriam was with “vengeance” and the second part with “grudges.” Here punished with leprosy for speaking lashon hara. This is an example showing the difference in the two concepts: A commandment could be reworded as “Take heed concerning asks B to borrow B’s shovel and B says, “No!” Later B the plague of lashon hara.” comes to A and asks to borrow A’s ladder. If A says “No, you didn’t lend me your shovel so you don’t get to use my 4. Do not put a stumbling block before the blind (Lev. ladder,” it is vengeance. If, on the other hand, A says to B: 19:14). This refers not only to a “physical” stumbling block “OK, even though you did not lend me your shovel, you can but also a “spiritual” one. This commandment is violated borrow my ladder,” it is bearing a grudge. In both cases, if A whenever a person causes another person to sin. So no matter tells the incident to C this is lashon hara and A has whether a person speaks or listens to lashon hara, not only is transgressed two if not three commandments. Person A is that person sinning but s/he is also causing her/his interlocutor obligated to forget the incident and tell no one about it. to sin. In the next newsletter we will take a look at the remaining 5. Beware lest you forget the Lord, your God (Deut. 8:11). eight commandments having to do with lashon hara. Until This commandment is interpreted as forbidding conceit. then guard your tongue especially during the month of Elul Conceited people usually consider themselves superior to other and the upcoming Days of Awe. Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 11

Four Bet Mishpachah Members Visit Winnipeg for 21st World Congress by Barbara Goldberg World Congress Delegate

More than 100 people from six countries assembled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, during July 5-7 for the 21st World September 2013 Congress of GLBT Jews. Bet Mishpachah had the single largest contingent from any organization outside of Canada Member Birthdays with four attendees: Allan Armus, Jeff Nakrin, Nat Deutsch and myself. 14 Vanessa Prell 17 Carl H. Spatz The convention began at the Winnipeg Convention Centre 19 Carol J. Manheim Friday evening with a Shabbat service led by Rabbi David 23 Georgia Korn Dunn Bauer. After Shabbat dinner, Joy Ladin delivered a 24 Diane B. Citron heartfelt keynote address titled Rainbow Blossoms On The 26 Letitia Gomez Tree of Life: How Torah Grows When Read Through GLBTQ Eyes. Dr. Ladin made headlines with her public Member Anniversaries transition from male to female while a professor at Yeshiva University in New York. 2 Barrett Brick & Antonio Ruffini 5 Al Munzer & Joel Wind Shabbat morning services were split into three options: a 11 Carol J. Manheim & Rhonda Ferris conservative one led by Shaarey Zedek’s Rabbi Green and Cantor Leslie Emery, a progressive one led by Rabbi David October 2013 Dunn Bauer, and an alternative one, which I attended, led by

Rabbi Rokie Bernstein. Later Saturday there was a selection Member Birthdays of several conference sessions. 1 Jerald Goldberg Saturday night’s gala dinner featured entertainment by 2 Joan Sherman Winnipeg’s extremely talented Rainbow Harmony Project, 9 Eytan Apelberg classical musicians Justin Odwak and Joseph Tritt, and San 10 Murray Woldman Francisco comedian Lisa Geduldig. After an awe-inspiring 12 Roger Schechter havdala that left tears in my eyes for my sadness of Shabbat 17 Mary Arras ending, attendees were invited to a Winnipeg sweet table 22 Stuart Sotsky after which we partied at Fame, the area’s premier LGBT 23 Seymour Stern nightclub. 25 Catherine Tarabochia

On Sunday, the formal conference ended and an optional 27 Judith Salomon post-conference tour took us by bus to a number of 29 Beth Cohen impressive Winnipeg venues. 30 Scott L. Reiter 31 Warren Snaider As a Board Member at Large, Western Hemisphere, of the World Congress of GLBT Jews, and Bet Mishpachah’s Member Anniversaries delegate, I was privileged to attend the annual board 15 Georgia Korn & Diane R. Liff meeting, capably hosted by Congregation Shaarey Zedek 28 Jack M. Hillelsohn & Charles Stewart and attended by individuals from as far away as London, 31 Steven Frank & Ed Knight Buenos Aires and Mexico City. The board meeting dealt with venues for future meetings, elections, and the future outlook of the World Congress as mainstream synagogues and other Jewish organizations become increasingly significant in the lives of LGBT Jews.

The World Congress board of directors meets every year and holds an international conference on a regular schedule. Membership is open to organizations and individuals. Visit its website at www.glbtjews.org and support LGBT Jews around the world! Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 12

Thanks to Our July and August Thanks to Our July and August Oneg Shabbat and Kiddush Service Leaders Sponsors July 5: Rabbi Laurie Green and Eileen Greenberg Please sponsor an Oneg Shabbat or Kiddush luncheon. July 12: Jutta Brettschneider and Michael Gonen Contact Barbara Goldberg at [email protected] or call her at (703) 548-1086 to save your date. The Onegs on August July 13: Scott Reiter 24th and 30th are still looking for loving sponsors. July 19: Alex Carter, Ruth Potts, Sarajane Garten, and Scott Can’t sponsor? Consider sending a donation of Chai ($18) or Reiter. Darshan: Rabbi Laurie Green more to bring extended life to the Joel & Murray Woldman Oneg Shabbat & Kiddush Fund, established by a generous July 26: Larry Neff bequest from our beloved member Joel Woldman. Send donations to Bet Mishpachah, Department 0520, Washington, July 27: Jeff Burka Torah Study: Marc Bernstein DC 20073-0520. August 2: Jack Hillelsohn Thanks to LySandra BradyGoldberg, Keith Cohen, Barry Friedman and Allan Armus for assisting with shopping. August 9: Rabbi Laurie Green and Allan Armus

July 5: Murray Woldman, In memory of my Father Philip August 10: Jeff Burka and Liora Moriel Woldman and Grandfather Sam Sharp whose Yartzeits August 16: Sarajane Garten and Allan Armus occurred recently July 12: Joel & Murray Woldman Oneg Shabbat & Kiddush August 23: Rabbi Laurie Green and Louis Blank Fund August 24: Rabbi Laurie Green and Larry Neff July 13: Joel & Murray Woldman Oneg Shabbat & Kiddush Fund August 30: Ruth Potts July19: Congregation, Welcome to Rabbi Laurie, Mira and Gus August 31 (Sl’ichot): Rabbi Laurie Green July 26: Barry Kropf, Just because I haven’t sponsored an Oneg in a while July 27: Joel & Murray Woldman Oneg Shabbat & Kiddush Michael David Garbus is pleased to Fund announce that his son, Keyon Lee Garbus, August 2: Jeff Nakrin, Just because Kenan Avraham Schmuel ben Moshe David, August 9: Joel & Murray Woldman Oneg Shabbat & will be called to the Torah and become Bar Kiddush Fund Mitzva on Shabbat Chol Hamoed Sukkot, 17 August 10: Joel & Murray Woldman Oneg Shabbat & Tishrei 5774, Saturday, the twenty first of Kiddush Fund September, two thousand and thirteen. August 16: Barbara & LySandra BradyGoldberg, Michael would like to thank Bet Mishpachah Celebrating our anniversary for its many years of support as his House of August 23: Louis Blank & Dan Yost, In honor of Louis’ Family that sustained him and enabled 48th birthday Keyon and him to reach this season. Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 13

Donations  David M. Bachman, additional donation with membership renewal We appreciate the generosity of our members and friends, and  Barbara Becker & Jutta Brettschneider, additional recognize them for their support. Contributions may be made donation with membership renewal at any time during the year. To make a contribution, send a  Joel T. Berelson, additional donation with check payable to Bet Mishpachah, to Bet Mishpachah, membership renewal Department 0520,Washington, D.C. 20073-0520.  Jeffrey Berns, additional donation with membership renewal June 2013  Marc A. Bernstein & Jeff Burka, additional

donation with membership renewal Member Donations  Louis Blank, additional donation with membership

renewal Operating Fund  Barrett Brick, additional donation with  Jeffrey Akman, additional donation with membership renewal membership renewal  Philip M. Budashewitz, additional donation with  Eytan Apelberg, additional donation with membership renewal membership renewal  Jeff Burka, in memory of Jane R. Burka  Mary Arras, additional donation with membership  Patricia Carlton, additional donation with renewal membership renewal  Alexandra G. Carter, additional donation with membership renewal  Beth Cohen & Fran Sneider, additional donation Elyse Wander with membership renewal  Keith Cohen, additional donation with 202-262-7954 Cell membership renewal 202-237-8686 Office  Andres Doernberg, additional donation with membership renewal  Ruth Eisenberg & Letitia Gomez, additional donation with membership renewal  Miriam Eisenstein & Carol Stern, additional donation with membership renewal  Hollis Fleischer, additional donation with membership renewal  Devra Floyd, additional donation with membership renewal  David Fox, additional donation with membership renewal 4403 W St, NW  Steven Frank & Ed Knight, additional donation with membership renewal  Eva Freund & Elke Martin, additional donation Possibilities abound in this grand, sun-splashed 6BR/4.5BA with membership renewal home! Elegantly scaled rooms include baronial living & dining rooms, a lovely master bedroom with en suite bath and 3 more  Barry Friedman, in memory of his parents, Ann bedrooms upstairs while a light suffused lower level offers 2 and Morris Friedman additional bedrooms along with a full bath and wonderful  Mindy Gasthalter, additional donation with family room. Soaring ceilings, windows galore, incredible moldings, 2 fireplaces, newly redone hardwoods and a large membership renewal fully fenced yard make this A TRUE FIVE STAR PROPERTY!  Barbara Goldberg & LySandra Brady, additional donation with membership renewal YOUR MEMBER REALTOR!  Jerry Goldberg, additional donation with realestatestars.com membership renewal All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. (Continued on page 14) Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 14

Donations  Roger Schechter & Craig Ziskin, additional donation (Continued from page 13) with membership renewal  Sheila Hess, additional donation with membership  Michael Singer, additional donation with renewal membership renewal  Michael Hoffman, additional donation with  Warren Snaider, additional donation with membership renewal membership renewal  Bruce Horowitz, additional donation with  Carl H. Spatz, additional donation with membership membership renewal renewal; in memory of Anna Greenberg, niece of  Jeffrey Kahn, additional donation with membership Eileen Greenberg renewal  David Steinhorn, additional donation with  Kenneth Kennedy, additional donation with membership renewal membership renewal  Milton Stern, additional donation with membership  Maxine Klane, additional donation with membership renewal renewal  Seymour Stern, additional donation with  Annabel E. Kramer, in honor of the birth of her great membership renewal -niece, Katharine Isabell Kramer  Harvey L. Stoler, additional donation with  Barry Kropf, additional donation with membership membership renewal renewal  Morris Umansky, additional donation with  Arthur Leabman, additional donation with membership renewal membership renewal  Steven Weinberg, additional donation with  Carol J. Manheim, for a speedy recovery of Rabbi membership renewal Saks  Noah Wofsy, additional donation with membership  Robert L. Mapou, additional donation with renewal membership renewal  Reginald McBee, additional donation with Mark Leonard Goldfarb Memorial Accessibility Fund membership renewal  Allan Armus, in memory of Judy Barlas’ mother,  Scott Mezistrano, additional donation with Ruth membership renewal  Jeff Burka, in memory of Edythe Pollack  Al Munzer & Joel Wind, additional donation with

membership renewal Joel & Murray Woldman Oneg Shabbat & Kiddush Fund  Beverly Nissenbaum & Marlene D. Cohen, in memory of Judy Barlas’ mother, Ruth; in memory of  Jeff Burka, in memory of Fred and Louise Burka Martin Reiter, father of Scott Reiter  Mindy Gasthalter, in memory of Judy Barlas’  Martin Noretsky, additional donation with mother; in memory of Anna Greenberg, niece of membership renewal Eileen Greenberg  Joseph M. Pomper, in honor of Dr. Seymour Pomper  Georgia Korn & Diane R. Liff, in memory of Anna and Ms. Judith Pomper Greenberg, niece of Eileen Greenberg  Ruth L. Potts, additional donation with membership renewal Non-Member Donations  Scott L. Reiter & David Vos, additional donation with membership renewal Operating Fund  Martin Robinson, additional donation with  Bernie Kipperman & Millie Kipperman membership renewal  Rene Rodriguez & Howard Stark, additional (Continued on page 15) donation with membership renewal  Thomas A. Sachs, additional donation with membership renewal  Alicia Saffer, additional donation with membership renewal  Judith Salomon, additional donation with new membership Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 15

Donations  Margy Kohn, additional donation with membership (Continued from page 14) renewal  Georgia Korn & Diane R. Liff, additional donation July 2013 with membership renewal; in honor of Rabbi Emeritus Bob Saks Member Donations  Jeffrey Nakrin, additional donation with membership renewal David Green Memorial Special Projects Fund  James Nathan, additional donation with membership renewal  Martin Less, in memory of David M. Green  Larry Neff, additional donation with membership Operating Fund renewal  Mitchell Plave, additional donation with membership  Lawrence E. Berman, additional donation with renewal membership renewal; in memory of Dorothy  Nancy Polikoff, additional donation with Sendrowitz, grandmother of Larry Berman membership renewal  David Bachman, additional donation with  Vanessa Prell, additional donation with membership membership renewal renewal  Larry Ira Cohen, additional donation with  Judith & Elyse Wander, additional donation with membership renewal membership renewal  Nathaniel Deutsch, additional donation with  Cecilia, additional donation with membership membership renewal renewal  Devra Floyd, additional donation with membership  Joanna Cohan Scherer & Noel Penney Elliott, renewal additional donation with membership renewal  James Fortinsky, additional donation with  Susan Silber, additional donation with membership membership renewal renewal  David Fox, in honor of Rabbi Saks and his speedy  Alvin Stern, additional donation with membership and full recovery renewal  Barry Friedman, in memory of Paul Jarrett and  Neal Strauss, additional donation with membership Michael Schuchat renewal  Barry Friedman, in memory of his parents, to fund  Carol Wayman, additional donation with the work of our new Program Director membership renewal  Bruce Frishman, additional donation with  Mark Weinberg, in memory of Max and Annette membership renewal Weinberg  Michael G., additional donation with membership  Murray Woldman, additional donation with renewal membership renewal  Richard, additional donation with membership renewal Joel & Murray Woldman Oneg Shabbat & Kiddush Fund  Eileen M. Greenberg, additional donation with membership renewal  Murray Woldman, in memory and in honor of his beloved twin, Joel Woldman  Hazel, additional donation with membership renewal  Robert M. Hollis & Donald E. Jewler, additional Non-Member Donations donation with membership renewal  Jocelyn Kaplan, for Rabbi Saks’ health  Florene Bernstein & Sandor Bernstein, in honor of  Andi H. Kasarsky, in loving memory of her the wedding anniversary (June 13) of Marc extraordinary mother, Lorna Kasarsky; additional Bernstein and Jeff Burka donation with membership renewal  Maxine Klane, in honor of her marriage on May 26, 2013  Dov Kliger, additional donation with membership renewal Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 16

Member Yartzeits

Announced on Friday, September 06 Mitchell Barlas September 6 Cousin of Judy Barlas Max Lewin September 6 Uncle of Larry Neff Frieda Waksman Tishri 2 Grandmother of Liora Moriel Shirley Zeizel September 6 Aunt of Michael Singer Sam Capeloto Tishri 3 Grandfather of Scott Mezistrano Israel Sneider September 7 Grandfather of Fran Sneider Jane Zirinsky-Wyatt September 7 Friend of Sarajane Garten Michael Brick Tishri 4 Father of Barrett Brick Zena Levine Tishri 4 Grandmother of Mark A. Levine Samuel Silberstein September 8 Grandfather of Eileen Greenberg Goldie Lax Sotsky Tishri 5 Mother of Stuart Sotsky Ed Gelman September 11 Friend of Catherine Tarabochia Hymen Neidich September 11 Grandfather of Michael Gonen Sophie Weinstein September 10 Grandmother of Michael Singer Ida Fox Tishri 8 Grandmother of David Fox Gloria Lev September 12 Aunt of Larry Neff Dvoire Rosetsky September 12 Grandmother of Judy Barlas Mildred Saffer September 12 Grandmother of Alicia Saffer Rose G. Stern September 12 Grandmother of Milton Stern

Announced on Friday, September 13 (Kol Nidre) and Saturday, September 14 (Yom Kippur) Louis Greenwald September 13 Father of Michael Greenwald Bessie Klane September 13 Grandmother of Maxine Klane Benjamin Korn September 13 Father of Georgia Korn Joseph M. Lev September 13 Cousin of Larry Neff Joyce Leftwich September 14 Friend of Beth Cohen Jerome Nakrin Tishri 10 Father of Jeffrey Nakrin Gadi Raz Tishri 10 Cousin of Liora Moriel Gussie Sobel September 15 Grandmother of Carol Stern Doris Winer September 15 Mother of Diane Citron Bernard Lev September 16 Uncle of Larry Neff Joseph Sotsky Tishri 12 Grandfather of Stuart Sotsky Freda Steinberg Lev September 17 Aunt of Larry Neff Mathilda Mezistrano Tishri 13 Grandmother of Scott Mezistrano Bernard Most September 17 Cousin of Morris Umansky Sylvia Nakrin September 17 Mother of Jeffrey Nakrin Ilene Brana Skuratofsky September 17 Niece of Morris Umansky Himey Snaider Tishri 13 Father of Warren Snaider Joseph Umansky September 17 Grandfather of Morris Umansky Ruth Magid Jacobs Tishri 14 Aunt of Carl Spatz Jack D. Edwards September 19 Friend of Sarajane Garten Helen Smirnoff Spatz Tishri 16 Grandmother of Carl Spatz

(Continued on page 17) Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 17

Member Yartzeits (Continued from page 16)

Announced on Friday, September 20 Frances Isaacs Garten Tishri 19 Mother of Sarajane Garten David Wandersman Tishri 19 Father of Suzanne Wandersman Milton Berelson September 24 Grandfather of Joel Berelson Elsie Goldfield September 26 Grandmother of Martin Robinson Goody Gottfried September 26 Great Aunt of Joel Berelson Esther Rosenberg Lax Tishri 22 Grandmother of Stuart Sotsky

Announced on Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28 Leonie Doernberg September 27 Mother of Andres Doernberg Helen Aiken Estrin September 27 Grandmother of Don Jewler Robbie Floyd September 28 Mother of Debra Floyd Benny Waxman Tishri 24 Member of Bet Mishpachah, Past Board Member, Friend of Stuart Sotsky Martin H. Berman Tishri 25 Father of Larry Berman Mary Levitt September 30 Mother of Morris Levitt Anton Weber September 30 Stepfather of Denise Leish Rose Youngman Tishri 26 Grandmother of Joel Wind Sol Weinshelbaum Tishri 27 Grandfather of Eryca Kasse Linda Lev Cohen October 2 Cousin of Larry Neff Estelle Dembo October 2 Aunt of Jocelyn Kaplan William Carter October 3 Father of Alex Carter, Father-in-law of Ruth Potts Eva Leabman Tishri 29 Mother of Arthur Leabman

Announced on Friday, October 04 Ruth Pomper Cheshvan 1 Grandmother of Joseph Pomper Reva L. Hoffman October 9 Mother of Michael Hoffman Arthur M. Hollis October 9 Father of Robert Hollis Bertha Halpern October 10 Grandmother of Roger Schechter Rose Kahn October 10 Grandmother of Jeffrey Kahn Cliff I.S. Leabman Cheshvan 6 Father of Arthur Leabman

(Continued on page 18) Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 18

Member Yartzeits (Continued from page 17)

Announced on Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12 Fannie Blum Neff October 11 Grandmother of Larry Neff Edmund Fleischer October 13 Father of Hollis Fleischer Stella Rosenberg October 13 Grandmother of Hollis Fleischer Steven Greenfield October 14 Cousin of Eryca Kasse Robert Lattomus October 14 Godfather of Hollis Fleischer Fay Reflowitz Most October 14 Aunt of Morris Umansky Alexander Dardikman October 15 Grandfather of Liora Moriel Carole Bibula October 16 Aunt of Mindy Gasthalter Esther Cohen October 16 Aunt of Denise Leish Louis Wolpert October 16 Friend of Catherine Tarabochia Sarah Accornero October 17 Aunt of Denise Leish Theodore Isaacs Cheshvan 13 Grandfather of Sarajane Garten Fay Stoler Cheshvan 13 Mother of Harvey Stoler

Announced on Friday, October 18 Ruth Elving Castle October 18 Cousin of Larry Neff Lillian Masia October 18 Grandmother of Martin Daniel Robinson Marya Kirshner October 20 Sister of Susan Kirshner Bryan Akman October 22 Brother of Jeffrey Akman George Preston Cheshvan 17 Uncle of Joel Wind Marian Smolin October 21 Aunt of Michael Singer Margot Hirsch Cheshvan 19 Aunt of Jack Hillelsohn Alvin Baraff October 24 Member of Bet Mishpachah Morton Sherman October 24 Father of Joan Sherman William Verdin October 24 Grandfather of Catherine Tarabochia

Announced on Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26 Marie Bollinger October 25 Aunt of Charles Stewart Allan Nesvisky October 25 Cousin of Larry Neff Arthur L. Wolf October 25 Uncle of Jerald Goldberg Sylvia Casel October 26 Cousin of Larry Neff Freda Dobkin Casel October 27 Great-Aunt of Larry Neff Rene Rodriguez October 27 Father of Rene Rodriguez Paula Levin Cheshvan 25 Friend of Ruth Potts Vasco T. Jones October 29 Stepfather of Debra Floyd Gedalia Londner October 29 Father of Hank Londner Abraham Isaac Armus Cheshvan 26 Grandfather of Allan Armus Sol Seidman Cheshvan 28 Uncle of Larry Berman Mishpachah Matters Elul 5773 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5774/September and October 2013 Page 19