2013 Fall Newsletter
Rabbi’s Message Hagim, I say TODAH--THANK YOU.
Carie Carter A midrash teaches that the day will come when there will Gratitude is on my mind as we leave "Zman no longer be a need for ritual sacrifices of any kind. But Simchateinu"--"The Season of Our Joy", knowing even in those days, one offering will remain, the Korban full well that one cannot find true Simcha, real joy, Todah--the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving--for there will without a sense of gratitude and appreciation for ALWAYS be a need to give THANKS. what one has. But I also know that gratitude is not something that comes easily for most of us. It is a I've been thinking about this teaching quite a bit lately as quality we must work to develop. It is easy to want
I look back on the Yamim Noraim, the phenomenal more, to be aware of that which is lacking in our lives, but to be able to say dayeinu ("I have enough") power of the High Holy Days when we essentially gather for a month, singing and praying, learning and dancing and to truly feel grateful for what we have takes together. I am filled with deep gratitude to this conviction and effort. community for creating a space where the power and the joy of the holidays could truly be felt. I am grateful to Strengthening our appreciation for the gifts which our cantor, Judy Ribnick, whose song and soul guided us are ours is something we have the opportunity to do so beautifully throughout the Days of Awe. I also want during this quiet month of Heshvan, as we look to express sincere thanks to the members of the Avodah forward to the next highlight of the Jewish calendar, committee for their tremendous efforts in helping to namely Hanukkah, or this year, as it is known,
organize and energize our services from the first apple of Thanksgivukkah. Yes, one of the fun facts of 2013 is that the first day of Hanukkah, our Festival of Rosh Hashanah to the last dance of Simchat Torah. Thanks as well to the PSJC staff that worked for hours on Dedication in which we are commanded L'hodot u- end to make things run smoothly, and to all those who l'hallel--"to give thanks and to praise" for that which volunteered your time and energy to lead services, to read is ours--coincides with the holiday of Thanksgiving. Torah, to chant Haftarah, to teach and to sing, to usher, This, as you may have heard, is the first time the organize, and coordinate, to schlep and to shop. To all Jewish and Gregorian calendars have converged in those who stepped forward to lend a hand during these this way since President Lincoln established Thanksgiving as a holiday in 1863. And it is the last time it will happen until the year 79,811. So, as we INSIDE THIS ISSUE approach this once-in-79,961-year occurrence, may we remember the great commentator Rashi's Rabbi’s Message 1 teaching (BT Shabbat 24a): "All the matters of 2 President’s Corner Hanukkah were essentially established for Hodaah, for praise and acknowledgment". As we approach 4 A Note from our Executive Director this convergence of Hanukkah and Thanksgiving, 5 A Message from our Education Director may we use the days leading up to these holidays as an opportunity to cultivate our sense of gratitude, to 5 Security Update focus not on what is lacking from our lives but to give thanks for all that we have. Introducing ShulCloud 7 11 Thank you! - Rabbi Carie Carter
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 1
MAZAL TOV! President’s Corner There has been much to celebrate Ruth Kaufman Babies
Mazal Tov to Rabbi Jeni Friedman and Noah Brozowsky It was wonderful to celebrate the High Holidays and on the birth of their son Osias Nathan Brosowsky and to the holidays through Simchat Torah with all of you and to Friedland-Zelko family on the birth of their grand-daughter, be able to greet everyone at the top of our new Nina Zelko Kalish, daughter of Shayna and Ari Kalish.
entranceway! Bnai Mitzvah Celebrations this Fall and Winter I am in complete awe of the time and energy expended Hannah and Maya Gmach Isaiah Klein-Cloud by Rabbi Carie Carter as she balances the spiritual and Emma Rose Klein Matthew Neretin emotional needs of so many in our congregation Alana Leeds Elana Nussbaum-Cohen throughout the entire year as well as in tactical ways Zoe Sarullo Isaac Dubow and in programming. During the High Holidays Rabbi Carter and Cantor Judy Ribnick make a terrific team Weddings that elevates us to new spiritual heights each year. Rachel Roseman and Daniel Merker Rabbi Carter’s leadership and divre Torah and Cantor Rachel Efron and Linda Gaal Ribnick’s voice provide inspiration to us during the Days of Awe. Our Executive Director, Casey Baker, Congratulations to Jason Hutt for the positive press and made sure the i’s were dotted and the t’s were crossed NYC premiere of his documentary film Sukkah City. and our Facilities Manager, Patrick Francis and his Congratulations to Ezra Goldstein, who was highlighted team made sure our synagogue was in tip top shape. In in The Forward as the Oracle of Literary Brooklyn addition, we are excited about the energy provided by Community. Roland Lewis has received a fair amount our new Director of Youth Education and Family of press time in the NY Times and on NPR for his role as Programming, Aileen Heiman. head of the nonprofit Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance.
We want to share important events as we rejoice in good times, and send We have SO much to celebrate! comfort to those who are ill or in need. Please let us know if there is Sometimes it seemed that Gaudi's church in Barcelona information you would like us to include in the newsletter or weekly flier. – the one that’s been under construction for over 130 committee meetings and the all-important rental years - was the only construction project to have lasted longer than ours. The blue wall came down earlier in income. We have seen our downstairs space the summer - and our front entrance is usable for the transformed into a gorgeous party space for our auction first time in at least a decade and not only that, it’s and for b’nai mitzvah celebrations and brit milah and beautiful! How did you like being able to walk up baby namings. Our space is getting great use! those stairs into shul for the High Holidays?! Here’s the thing: In the way that we are a casual community - We encourage everyone – new and not so new - to though, yes, we do clean up nicely - we did not make participate in our activities and volunteer in your areas luxury renovations; it was about making our space of interest and make your mark. We need you None of usable and safe and now we have the benefit of using what happens at PSJC – ensuring there is a minyan for and enjoying them. Managing our construction project a family sitting shiva, pulling off a fun and financially has been very challenging, and would have been successful auction, the Finance Committee, our various impossible without the constant support of volunteers - communications including quarterly newsletters, our this year that’s mostly been Michael Snyder and Day of Service and social action programs, our Israel Jonathan Hurwitz, but key volunteers for this effort committee, Adult Ed, Hebrew School, etc – can happen include Esther Schwalbe, David Nachman, Tori Rosen, without the efforts of the entire PSJC community. What as well as Rabbi Carter and our Executive Director, occurs here at PSJC that appeals to you, what Casey Baker. capitalizes on your strength or provides a new learning or growth opportunity for you? Volunteer! Is there But everyone in our congregation has benefited from something you’re looking for that you haven’t heard this project, making summer services bearable in the mentioned? Help make your mark! Are you a graphic heat, creating comfortable classrooms for Hebrew or website designer? Do you have hidden talents? Can school, Talmud study, book groups, Board meetings, you help make wonderful things happen at PSJC? President’s Corner continued on page 3
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 2 President’s Corner continued from page 2 There are many ways in which to contribute: end, we have created a Finance Committee consisting of both Board and non-Board members to Plan and execute an event, teach a class, usher. review the fiscal position of the synagogue and
Visit or make a meal for someone who is sick or just provide recommendations to ensure we have a responsible budget that also supports the spiritual had a baby. Join our Hevra Kadisha. needs of our community. This has been achieved Become part of the Building, Adult Education, by some belt tightening, cost savings and Israel, Membership task forces (to name just a few). efficiencies. Additionally, our renovated space has Sponsor a kiddush for a specific milestone or simply attracted a number of one-time rental opportunities in gratitude for everything you have. for meetings and simchas, some of which have had the added benefit of leading to new members. And Pull off a fundraising event, help us find and write we have increased the number of on-going rentals, grants and otherwise help us pay off our mortgage. which leads to a steady and dependable income source for PSJC. Our development as a community has been borne on the backs of ordinary people who stretched themselves to do As our Hebrew School continues to grow, it is what needed doing. Few of them had anticipated important that we consistently evaluate what is becom ing part of a synagogue’s backbone but in the working for our students, their families, and the process they found volunteering a great way to bond larger PSJC community. This fall the Hebrew school with other people and make a place for themselves. began a pilot program for a small group of 3rd graders who attend Wednesday Hebrew School and Our goal is 100% participation, in every manner. And a Shabbat program, including Family Torah with not just in opening your pocketbooks, though we their parents. This one-year pilot will give Rabbi cert ainly need your financial contributions too! We’re Carter, Aileen and the Hebrew School Committee an opportunity to explore potential programmatic looking for you to push yourself to get involved in new and expanding ways. Raise your hand and say Hineini! options for our Hebrew School moving forward. Here I am and THIS – you fill in the blank – is how I Since last September we’ve had Tot Shabbat, Mini can make my mark on our PSJC community. Minyan and Junior Congregation on every Shabbat that school is in session. And our Teens requested a B’shalom, Torah class that meets monthly. In addition to adding special children’s’ holiday programming and Ruth events we are introducing PSJC Family Torah, an interactive parsha study We remain a Caring Community coming together to
What Else Do We Have To Celebrate? provide support for each other through good times but also difficult times with active G’mach, Hevra As a result of Justine Henning’s vision and tenacity Kadisha and Cemetery committees to administer to and patience, we have an Israel Committee for the the needs of our community. Sadly, they came first time in many, many years with several together just before Rosh Hashanah to make sure programs planned for the fall. one of youngest members of our community was A very successful inaugural Martin Luther King Day lovingly taken care of prior to burial. of Service program! Service is a vital force in Jewish communal life. So much so, that after Hurricane
Sandy, people here at PSJC had energy to give to the
wider community. For our first MLK Day of Service Share your news with PSJC nearly 80 volunteers were involved in projects here Your congregational wants to share your joys in at shul – cooking for local shelters, sorting through good times and support you during difficult times. donated books and clothing – and volunteering at the Please contact the synagogue office – Masbia soup kitchen and on a Habitat for Humanity [email protected] – with information about your project. family accomplishments, engagements, awards, We resurrected the PSJC newsletter and have been marriages, births, illnesses, hospitalizations and announcing agendas for upcoming Board meetings. bereavements. When appropriate, and with your If you’re interested, know that meetings are open. permission, we will include this news in shul One of the key objectives of the Board of Trustees is communications. to ensure the on-going fiscal health of PSJC. To that
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 3 President’s Corner continued from page 4
intentional and deliberate way as our systems and A Note from our Executive membership models continue to evolve and grow. The staff and leadership team are very excited about the Director possibilities that this opportunity has for PSJC. We Casey Baker were one of six synagogues selected from New York City, Long Island and Westchester that were chosen Behind the scenes at PSJC, we have a lot of very based on the merits of our application and the
exciting changes in the works. You will read about our reputation that PSJC has built within the community as new database, ShulCloud, and what that will mean for a synagogue that is willing to try new things as we did PSJC. We are embarking upon an exciting new program with our sustaining membership dues model, as well as in partnership with UJA-Federation of New York called the Synaplex program and others. Connected Congregations which will provide PSJC with professiona l coaches and consultants to work with our Stay tuned for updates regarding this exciting new senior staff and lay leadership to help PSJC become program and keep an eye out for more news on our new even more connected to our members and increase our database system, ShulCloud outreach to new members as well as assist us with new ideas for future fundraising. B'Shalom,
Casey As Ruth Kaufman has already mentioned, our programming calendar is chock full of new or returning programs like the Aging In Our Community series BRUCHIM HABA-IM ! presented by Yehudit Moch and Rabbi Carter as well as the full slate of Israel Programming brought to us by the A Leader in Israeli Scouts from Netanya newly re-formed Israel Committee led by Justine Henning with help from Danny Marcu, Joel Levy, and Ellen Simon. Led jointly by Rabbinic Fellow, Ben Resnick and Rabbinic Intern, Amanda Schwartz, our
ATID: 20s and 30s group has already held three events
this fall and I am excited about welcoming in a new group of passionate leaders who will work together with Ben and Amanda to increase PSJC's profile within this cohort of Brooklynites.
The mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim, the welcoming of guests, is ranked among the most important spiritual Yuval is a passionate and talented artist who enjoys imperatives in Judaism. As our community continues to acting, photography and reading. She has been a
grow and expand, it is incumbent upon each and counselor for 5th and 6th graders in Israeli scouts and she
everyone of us to recognize that among the trains older students to be counselors. Yuval participated in leadership program that combined study congregation, there may be people who have wandered into the building for the first time and just as Abraham of Jewish texts and community service. About coming and Sarah welcomed the angels into their tent, we must to New York, Yuval writes: “This program contains a continue to share the warmth and hospitality to those lot of things that I really care about. I think the unfamiliar faces that join us on Shabbat, holidays and relationship between Israel and Jews from abroad is programs. Speaking of new faces, we have welcomed important, and I would like to take part in the in 28 new member units to our community since July development of this connection. It is important to me to and each new member will or already has contributed to do all I can to develop and promote it.” After her army the amazing and diverse community that we have built service, Yuval wants to study animation. here. As we continue to grow and evolve, we cannot forget what attracted each and every one of us to PSJC, We are already benefiting from Yuval's involvement in we need to maintain the hamishness of PSJC. our Hebrew School, exciting our children around Hebrew as a Living Language, and we look forward to Our participation in the Connected Congregations her leadership and involvement with our teens. We are program will help us step back and analyze our thrilled to have Yuval as a part of our PSJC communications, our practices and systems in a more community!
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 4
A Note from our Education dialogues to seek out what our members are looking Director for.
Aileen Heiman At PSJC, we are working to strengthen our community by bridging the gaps between the It is difficult to believe that I have only been a part of the different groups that form our own congregation. PSJC community for three months, as it is has been a busy The new PSJC Tzedek Text Project seeks to unite transition and start to the year. We have over 130 students all of us, from the Hebrew School families to the enrolled in the Hebrew School, saw over 100 families Day School families, from our 20s and 30s group to participate in Family Programming over the High Holidays, our oldest members, from Shabbat regulars to those built and decorated the sukkah with our largest construction only here every once in a while. Through text, we team ever, launched a USY chapter for our teens, with will work as a community to transition from study to hopes for a Kadima (middle school) chapter soon to follow, action on the yearly theme – hunger. Discuss the and with the start of Family Torah and Mishpacha Shabbat, text at your Shabbat table, take a moment to talk we’re working to build an even stronger Shabbat about it with someone you do not know at Kiddush, community across the generations at PSJC. or sit with me on the stoop at Hebrew School dismissal. The Cheshvan text is about the mitzvah With so much happening in my first few months at PSJC of gratitude for food. Each Hebrew month a new and as a resident of Park Slope, there have been limited text will be available on the website or in hard copy opportunities to say, “todah rabbah,” to the community at the synagogue, and we look forward to creating for welcoming me and my husband Brian so warmly. We new opportunities for learning and action throughout nd are delighted to be a part of the PSJC and Brooklyn the year. Join the Hebrew School on February 2 Jewish community and look forward to meeting more of for the bi-annual PSJC Tzedakah Fair, when our you in the coming months. students will present organizations around NYC and the world that are doing work to combat hunger. The recent survey published by the Pew Research Center The Tzedek Text Project is just one small way we on the Portrait of American Jews has caused quite a stir in are working to strengthen our community and to the Jewish community. Some professionals see the results make our home, our neighborhood, our city, and our as negative, others see sparks of potential, and the world a better place through text-study and action. mathematicians see the weaknesses of a small sample size If I have not had the opportunity to meet you yet, and the wording of questions. Whatever your opinion on please stop by my office or come up to me on the survey results themselves, as a Jewish educator, I see Shabbat and say hello, and if you’re interested in the positive within the existence of the survey itself. As a joining the Tzedek Text team, please let me know! community, a people, a religion, we are striving to find ways to make Judaism and Jewish identity meaningful B’shalom, from generation to generation, using surveys and Aileen Shul Security Update
In addition to maintaining the sanctity of the synagogue, the main priority for our staff and volunteers is to ensure the safety and security of the building as well as all of its occupants. With that in mind and in response to several incidents over the past few years, the Board decided in the spring to upgrade existing security. We installed new security cameras inside and outside the building as well as an alarm system.
The cameras are in strategic locations that allow the staff to see who enters the building and to monitor key areas at PSJC including the main sanctuary where our most valuable possessions are stored.
We do not expect this to interfere with the sacred activities that take place inside the sanctuary. Activity captured by the cameras is stored for approximately 30 days before being automatically deleted to make room for new footage. The sanctuary cameras are not actively monitored and are to serve as a deterrent. Were a triggering event to occur, a designated senior staff member is responsible for reviewing the footage and sharing it with the proper authorities (i.e. police, etc.). It is a delicate balance to maintain our sacred space as well as the safety and security of everyone and everything inside the building.
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 5
What’s on tap…. th th Hanukkah – November 27 -December 4 ATID Dinner – December 6th 6:30 pm (and January 10th) Lev Tahor Kabbalat Shabbat – December 6th 6:30 pm (and January 3rd) Learn with Amanda – Magical Mitzvot: Menachot 44a – December 7th 1:30 pm PJ Library Havdalah – December 7th 5 pm New and Old Rituals for Aging – December 8th 4-6 pm Israel Committee – December 11th 7 pm Hebrew School Class Dinners – December 13th 6 pm Learner’s Minyan – Saturday, December 14th 10:45 am Feasts & Fantasies (Night 1) – Saturday evening, December 14th Parents Night Out – December 14th 7 pm Board of Trustees Meeting – Tuesday, December 17th 7 pm Get Acquainted Lunch - Saturday, December 21st after services and kiddush at Ellen and Gary Briefel’s home Annual Meeting, followed by Wine & Cheese Celebration and Shmoozing – January 12th Tu B'shvat Dinner Party – Friday, January 17 Martin Luther King Day of Service – Sunday, January 19th Feasts & Fantasies (Night 2) – Saturday evening, January 25th Find additional programs on our web site at psjc.org/calendar. Ongoing Non-Shabbat morning minyanim are Wednesdays at 7:15 am and 7:00 am for Rosh Hodesh Mini Minyan, Tot Shabbat and Junior Congregation takes place on Shabbat when public school is in session Teen Torah and Family Learning meets on the 1st and 3rd Shabbatot of each month when public school is in session
Save the Dates for Family Programming!
Mini Minyan, Tot Shabbat and Junior Congregation take place each Shabbat when public school is in session.
Family Torah: October 19th, November 2nd & 16th, December 7th & 21st -| 10:30am - 11:10am Join us for a family parsha-study designed for 3rd - 6th graders and their families. We'll use movement, theater games, song, bibliodrama, and much more to truly engage with the text of the parsha!
Teen Torah December 7th and 21st Helene Santos will guide our teens in discussions on the important questions of the day! January 4th 11:00am - 12:30pm
Teen USY Shabbat dinner Friday, December 6th at 5:30 PJ Library Havdallah December 7th Hebrew School Class dinners Gimel and Zayin Friday, December 13, 6pm – 7pm Hebrew School class dinner Daled Friday, January 10, 2014, 6pm – 7pm Hebrew School Dinner Friday, January 31, 2014, 6pm – 8pm
Find additional programs on our web site at psjc.org/calendar.
See Amy Deutsch for more information about PJ Library ([email protected])
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 6
Introducing ShulCloud! Welcome New Members Amanda Aronczyk and Rob Rapley To improve the efficiency and accuracy of PSJC’s Isaac Baley financial and membership information database Michael Bardash and Lea Myohanen system, the Board decided earlier this year to upgrade Adam and Sarah Bass from Rakefet to ShulCloud. Rakefet, which we’ve Jeff Sugarman and Rebecca Brodky used since 2002, is outdated and has been a challenge Thomas Brown and Kate Gitnick to work with for several years, and it no longer meets Heela and Jesse Capell our needs. After an exhaustive process, we identified Jed Mullens and Molly Dubow ShulCloud as the system best serving our purposes at Elaine Elworth an affordable price. ShulCloud stores information Steve Ellworth securely in the “cloud,” so it is accessible both in the Efrem Fisher and Eva Freeman PSJC office as well as to members. Elizabeth and Paul Giamatti Lawrence Quigley and Julie Greenspon Using ShulCloud, members are able to create an Lisa Hickey online profile to: Sheryl Katzin ● Review statements, including confirming that Lev Kaye and Jennifer Singer all payments have been recorded properly Traci Kaye ● Update contact information and yahrzeit Barbara Kramer reminders Ben Krull ● Pay bills Marilyn Levin-Cuff ● Make donations Danielle Lewis ● Sign up for programs Wendy Weiser and Aaron Rosenfeld ● Renew membership Samuel and Caitlin Roukin ● Enroll children in Hebrew School Jillian Rowen Reggy Sonsino ShulCloud was just introduced. You should have Tuvi Voorhees received an individual email with instructions on how Neil and Julie Weintraub to log into and navigate ShulCloud. We anticipate that Ellysheva Zeira there may be questions about technical and administrative features of the system and we are PSJC extends its condolences to: excited to help introduce you to its features. Please Mindi Wernick on the death of her father, Marshall call the PSJC office (718.768.1453) if you find any Wernick billing information is entered incorrectly or should Roland Lewis on the death of his sister, Leora Lewis you need assistance in accessing the system or Michael and Ellen Sande, and Banjo Sande on the making changes to your account. death of their son and brother, Caleb Sande
Warren Spielberg on the death of his stepfather, Leo While many of the benefits of ShulCloud will be Werner behind-the-scenes in office and administrative Marlene Weisman-Abadi on the death of her father, efficiency, we hope you will also see direct benefits in Leon Weisman using the new database. Kris Franklin on the death of her father, Lawrence
Stone Franklin A special thank you goes to David Pollack and Ruth Steinberg for their assistance in selecting and Lori Levine on the death of her step-father, Donald Gallagher implementing this system. Zichronam Liracha May their memories be for a blessing Save the Date – PSJC Annual Meeting – Sunday, January 12
The Annual Meeting and election of new Officers and Trustees will take place on Sunday, January 12th at 4:30 p.m., as required by our by-laws. A wine and cheese reception will follow.
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 7
Capital Campaign only were they an eyesore, but they were also just plain dangerous. Now we have a safe, usable and The following is from Elizabeth Schnur’s Capital attractive entryway. We have all – each and every one Campaign address on the High Holidays. of us – benefited from these renovations, and now we need to finish paying for them. First I want to take advantage of being up here to apologize to anyone I may have inadvertently offended Even though all of the renovations were done with in the past year. And I also want to explicitly apologize community input, you may find that you do not like in advance for talking about a topic that people prefer to some aspect of the renovations. And, you may think ignore: the Capital Campaign. that perhaps we should have had other priorities in the work that we did. You also may have some During the Yamim Noraim – the Days of Awe – there is complaints about how the synagogue operates. a lot of talk about “Chesbon Nefesh” – the accounting of your soul. But I would like to talk (very briefly) That’s all fine, but my message to you today is that about a different kind of Cheshbon. In Israel, the word none of this matters. This cheshbon – this bill – is cheshbon is most usually heard in what context? That’s due, and we all have to be part of paying it. right, in restaurants. You ask for the bill, for the cheshbon, after a meal. And – not counting the tip – in This is your community, where you come for Shabbat Israel as in the United States and world over, you don’t services, where your children come for Hebrew decide to pay more or less of your bill if you didn’t like School, where you come for Rosh Hashana,Yom a part of the meal – say the falafel was too heavy – or if Kippur, and other holiday and festival services, where it wasn’t exactly what you expected – maybe you you come for concerts and lectures and films, where thought chocolate mousse was a meat-based dessert? – your children and many adults in our community have or even if the service was lousy. Paying the bill when it become bar and bat mitzvah, where you come to share comes at the end of a meal is part of what social a meal, and so much more. This is your spiritual psychologists call a “social contract” between home. restaurants and customers – you have partaken of their service and now you need to pay for it. We have managed to finance a great deal of this work with support from a fraction of the congregation. But The members of PSJC, and everybody in this room, it will not be possible to pay this cheshbon – to pay have a significant cheshbon that has come due – a hefty this final bill – without the support of each and every bill that we still need to pay for the work that was done one of you. Very few of us in this community are in our beautiful synagogue building. Though much of wealthy, but we know that we have the resources to the work has at last been completed, we still need to pay complete this final phase of the Capital Campaign if for it. everybody participates at whatever level they can. Everybody. For those of you who are new to the community, or who have a short memory, not so long ago our sanctuary was So when a Capital Campaign volunteer – a fellow literally falling apart – we had extensive water damage member of the congregation – calls you to set up a that destroyed most of the plaster in this room, some of meeting to discuss what part of our shared bill you can the columns around the room had collapsed, the clouds pay, please don’t put them off. Make an appointment literally had disappeared from our ceiling and many of and let them come to visit with you. If we write to the stained-glass windows were broken. Look around you about the Capital Campaign, please respond to the you: you see a beautiful sanctuary with plaster, letter. Be a part of this. Fulfilling our responsibilities windows and clouds intact. We used to have no real to the community – being part of paying this very spaces for Hebrew School or adult education – classes concrete, real world cheshbon, is an important part of took place spread across the sanctuary and Kiddush the more challenging work that we do throughout the room, our social space was not inviting, and our Days of Awe to grapple with the cheshbon of our bathrooms were downright scary! Now we have the souls. capacity for multiple classrooms, an inviting social hall and modern facilities. And, as Ruth has mentioned, up until last month our front stairs were not usable – not
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 8
Please join us for MLK Day of Service!
Sunday, January 19, 2014 | 11 am - 4 pm
We’re looking to double the number of volunteers and will have projects for all ages and interests with added service and craft projects. Volunteer to plan a project or to volunteer just for the day. Email [email protected]. Please volunteer with us; it's a great day for a great cause, and it's a lot of fun too!
The MLK working group thanks Cheryl Berkowitz for her creative talents on a tight deadline -- and with a newborn!
From Treasurer, David Pollack’s Kol Nidre Address:
It seems like it was just yesterday that I was here, fidgeting on the bimah, hands shaking slightly as I delivered my first Kol Nidre appeal. A year has passed, and while my delivery may still be shaky, many things have changed around us, while many have not.
One constant over the years is that PSJC is still deeply indebted to its volunteers. Volunteers daven, chant Torah and haftorah every week. They are crucial to running the Hebrew school. Volunteers resurrected the Israel committee, and planned and executed the auction earlier this year. Volunteers arranged to move the pews you are sitting on now.
Perhaps most importantly, it is a group of incredibly dedicated volunteers who mobilize on a moment's notice when there is a death in the community to perform the sacred rites of tahara and sh'mira. PSJC would not be the place we know and love without these people's efforts; we all owe them a great deal of gratitude.
But as I'm sure you realize, the work is not done by volunteers alone. We have an extraordinary group of people working here, led by Rabbi Carter. They keep the shul operating smoothly, and clean it with care. Patrick Francis, our new facilities manager, refinished & sanded our floors before the holidays. Thank you Patrick! They teach our children, and run groundbreaking programs for all of our members. Rabbi Carter and the rabbinic interns lead us in worship, and guide us spiritually. In ways both massive and minuscule, our staff keep PSJC operating every day of the year. Salaries are our single largest expense, but also our most important. Those salaries are only partially paid by your dues and Hebrew school tuition. We rely on generous contributions-- especially those on Kol Nidre--to recognize and compensate our staff for all they do for us every day.
This year, with significant help from the Finance committee (specifically, Matt Maron), a balanced budget was presented to the Board for approval. We went over every line of income & expense with a fine toothed comb, looking to hold expenses down while simultaneously funding programs & services. We will have higher expenses for staff, Family Programming, and many other items. We also expect to spend significantly less on building maintenance; passing credit card fees on to those who choose to use charge cards will save the shul
Treasurer’s Update continued on page 10
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 9 Treasurer’s Update continued from page 9 thousands of dollars per, and Casey Baker has a keen eye on reducing operating expenses wherever possible. We made ambitious, but realistic assumptions on the income side – including how much we expect to take in at next year's fundraisers, and on your Kol Nidre contributions, which make up approximately 10% of the annual operating budget. Every dollar you give counts.
While it falls under a separate account, and is not an operating expense, I'd be remiss if I didn't speak to the elephant in the room – the mortgage we hold, which financed the capital improvements. Obviously we cannot sweep it under the rug, nor should we pass it on to future generations. If we don't deal with it head on, PSJC may not exist as we know it in 10 years. You heard about the Capital Campaign on Rosh Hashanah. I won’t elaborate on it here, other than to say we're aiming for 100% participation.
I know that everyone here has (hopefully) just renewed your membership, taking on a financial commitment to the PSJC community for the coming year. Maybe you're thinking “I just paid my dues! Isn't that enough? Can't they make do with that??” The truth is, no, we can't. Membership dues cover approximately half of the operating budget. The Hebrew school runs an operating deficit, so that we can offer reduced rates to families that need them. Membership dues & tuition must be supplemented by additional giving in order to keep us “in the black”. With your undivided attention tonight, this is our best opportunity to ask.
And so, here's the awkward part of this speech: the pitch. I’ve squirmed through this, seated where you are now, resenting the timing of the message while acknowledging its necessity. We need your help. PSJC needs your help. Your neighbors here need your help.
The Park Slope Jewish Center does not allow financial circumstances to be a barrier to membership. To repeat: The synagogue never allows financial circumstances to be a barrier to membership. This is powerful. This is one of the aspects of this Congregation that makes it so special.
At the same time, we have to hold each other accountable for giving as much as we possibly can, even to the point of a little bit of discomfort – I really feel that we should each be stretching our individual budgets, whatever they may be, to support the synagogue: otherwise, we compromise our diversity by depending on a few to support the participation of the many – and that’s not the spirit that has held PSJC together for so many decades.
Generosity is a relative term - it depends on your resources. So now, as you take out your Kol Nidre appeal cards, rather than ask you to make a generous contribution this year, I'll reiterate what I asked last year - that you make an uncomfortable contribution this year, and be a more active participant in this community. Please take a moment - think about what you took away from PSJC this year – was it that sense of calm on Shabbat as we sing Etz Chaim & return the Torah to the ark? attending a class, talk or Talmud session? working on a social action project? attending a shiva, or, receiving PSJC members in your home during a time of need? schmoozing at Kiddush? kvelling at your child's Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
I'm urging every member of this Congregation to step up. Whether you can give $18 or $1800, every dollar counts.
I am hoping that you'll welcome the end of my pitch, by folding down that tab just to the right of your comfort zone. You may have also noticed “the fine print” on the on your card, reminding you of last year's donation. This is a deliberate nudge. With your financial support, please join me in making 5774 a year where PSJC is more inclusive. A year where PSJC runs more programs, and holds more events. A year where PSJC expands social action and enriches the lives of everyone who enters this sanctuary.
Thank you for your attention, and your support. I wish you all an easy fast, and a happy, healthy new year.
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 10
Board of Trustees Nominating Committee
A seven member Nominating Committee will choose a slate of nominees. Per our by-laws, the Nominating Committee consists of seven members of the congregation, four of whom are current members of the Board of Trustees. The Nominating Committee consists of the following members of PSJC: Mark Schwartz, chair Eric Fieldman, trustee Bella Holzkenner, trustee Shelly Klainberg Gavrielle Levine Rachel Levine, trustee (2nd VP) David Pollack, trustee (Treasurer)
Please let a member of the Nominating Committee know of any recommendations you would like the committee to consider for open Trustee and Officer positions. Be sure to include what you believe the individual will bring to the Board (e.g. skills, "know how", attributes, proven track record, etc). The Nominating Committee will take all suggestions into consideration but is charged with the responsibility to make its final recommendations to the Board and community.
Members entitled to vote belonging to the congregation for more than six months shall be eligible for any office, except President. (A member who shall have served one year in any office shall be eligible for the office of President.) Any members of the congregation in good standing may nominate by petition any other qualified member of the congregation in good standing for Trustee or Officer to be elected at the end of the annual meeting, provided such nominating petition has: (a) been signed by at least 75 voting members; and (b) been delivered to the Recording Secretary not less than 18 days prior to the date of the January annual meeting (by December 25 for January 12th meeting). The Recording Secretary shall forward (on paper or electronically) all nominations to the voting members of the congregation at least 14 days prior to the annual meeting.
PSJC Executive Director Search Committee Formed
Our Executive Director, Casey Baker is resigning, effective January 24. Casey and his family will be moving to Durham, North Carolina, where he has accepted the position of Executive Director for Beth El Congregation.
A Search Committee for a new Executive Director has been formed. The members were chosen based both on their skills and experience, involvement in and knowledge of different facets of PSJC operations and activities, for their experience as current or past PSJC leadership and/or in non-profit management as well as experience in search processes. Members of our Search Committee are:
Neil Connuck, co-chair Jackie LeBlanc, co-chair Freddie Brooks Carol Diamond Roland Lewis Matt Maron Esther Schwalb
Please refer any qualified candidates to the job posting that appears on JewishJobs.com and Idealist.org. While we acknowledge the significant depth of talent and expertise within our own membership, the Board will continue to follow the existing PSJC policy of not hiring from within the congregation for full-time staff.
The Search Committee is committed to hiring an Executive Director who possesses strong organizational, management and leadership skills. An important step in this process was to obtain input from the congregation as to what skills members feel we should be looking for in an Executive Director. Information was sent via email regarding the process for sharing members’ thoughts on this important matter.
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 11 Sukkot and Simchat Torah
Thanks to the nice crowd who helped - build as well as those who dismantled - our sukkah, led by David Haase, Ezra Goldstein, Robert Saffer and to the kids for making terrific decorations under Aileen Heiman’s direction, to everyone who filled our sukkah throughout the holiday, to Cantor Judy for leading us in song on Shabbat in the sukkah, to Amanda Schwartz and Ben Resnick who organized the very successful Atid Bluegrass in the Sukkah event hosting 120 20- and 30-somethings with good music, good times and lots of l'chaims! Thank you to Sukkah Hop hosts (David & Miriam Fleischmann, Aron Halberstam and Jane Dorlester, Brenda Schachter, Gavrielle Levine & Alan Palmer, Elizabeth Schnur & Peter Holmes).
Thanks to Alan Palmer, our Simchat Torah coordinator, for everyone who led singing and danced with the Torah scrolls, to everyone who held the Torah as we unfurled it around the sanctuary on erev Simchat Torah, to Rabbi Carie who led us through Torah highlights and the teens who read from their B’nai Mitzvah parshiot (portions), and to Ellen Brickman and Helene Santos who leyned for tens of Aliyot as each of us came up to the Torah for our own aliyah.
On Simchat Torah we honored Rabbi Jeff Marker and Gavrielle Levine as our Hatan Torah and our Kallah
Bereshit!
Gavrielle Levine is greeter, “connector” and hostess extraordinaire. Gavrielle’s vegetarian cuisine, hospitality, Get Acquainted Lunches, absolute kindness and generosity of spirit are legendary. We thank Gav for her strength and dedication, and her kindness and compassion to all in our community.
Rabbi Jeff Marker’s quick wit, great puns, and wise and generous soul has been a critical part of this community for well over two decades. With an ability to step in on a moment's notice, Jeff has gotten us out of a bind on many occasions. With his keen eye for justice, Jeff has helped us always look out for "the right and the good."
Thank you to all our High Holiday Volunteers
It takes a village – or at least a shul – to ensure that our High Holidays are inspirational.
In addition to the overall coordination, preparation, teaching and efforts of Rabbi Carie Carter and Cantor Judy Ribnick, Executive Director, Casey Baker, Director of Youth Education and Family Programming, Aileen Heiman who oversaw children’s (Zoe and Abe) and teen services (Dina and Helene), baby sitters and Facilities Manager, Patrick Francis and his team – Kris and Ben – there were many, many volunteers including:
Service Participation Coordinator Elizabeth Schnur Ushering Coordinators: Brian Newcombe, Susana Honig, Stuart Baron and the many greeter and usher volunteers who helped keep the peace Day of Service Coordinators: Ellen Brickman, Florence Hutner, Elizabeth Schnur, Angela Weisl Overflow Kol Nidre leaders David Rosen and Angela Weisl and D’var Torah Rabbi Jeff Marker Leyners: Joseph Braude, Ellen Brickman, Harolyn Cohen, Avi Fisher, Aron Halberstam, Florence Hutner, Ben Kligler, Rabbi Sue Oren, David Pollack, Helene Santo, Josh Schnur-Holmes, Leora Singer Daveners: Freddie Brooks, Matt Eilenberg, Joel Levy, Alan Palmer, David Rosen, Leslie Salzman, Brenda Schachter, Elizabeth Schnur, Angela Weisl Haftorah: Lisa Hellerstein, Cantor Judy Ribnick, Al Steinfeld, Helen Zelon Community Address: Justine Henning Kol Nidre Address: David Pollack Capital Campaign Address: Elizabeth Schnur Shofar blowers – Thanks to all of our wonderful shofar blowers for your beautiful sounds. Thanks also to everyone who helped us prepare the building and yard for the holidays.
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 12
UJA-Federation of New York with Darim Online Israel Committee
Launches Connected Congregations, A Catalyst Friday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m. – Poet/Author, for Building Strong, Meaningful and Engaged Almog Behar. Locating Arab-Jewish Literature: Jewish Community Between Jewish Liturgy, Arab Music, and Israeli
Hebrew following our first Lev Tahor service of the season and a Park Slope Jewish Center was chosen by UJA- wonderful dairy/vegetarian potluck dinner. Federation of New York and Darim Online to participate in Connected Congregations, a pilot Wednesday, December 11th at 7:00 p.m. cohort of six New York area congregations on an Tsahal: Military Service in Israel, the Territories, intensive and supported journey to explore and and Around the World. We will share what we know and experience what it means to become a more explore ways to learn more about the Israeli army. Join us for the discussion and to begin to plan a PSJC trip to Israel. connected congregation. Over the course of the Wednesday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m coming year, teams from each of the six congregations will participate in cohort-wide face- Come hear Fordham University History Professor to- face workshops and webinars, team meetings Daniel Soyer talk about "The History of American supported by expert coaches, synagogue projects Zionism." that put their vision into action, peer visits to learn Compliments of the Israel Committee: The following from others in the cohort, a book club to infuse the publications can be found in the PSJC Library: initiative with current research and best practices Yediot Ahronot (Hebrew) from within and outside the Jewish arena, and social The Jewish Week media spaces to encourage ongoing conversation The Jerusalem Report The Jerusalem Post and knowledge sharing. The Forward The Joy of Kosher Cooking In Gratitude Spread the word and come and read these terrific publications!
We are grateful to Elizabeth Schnur who has long End of Year: Stock Incentive? chaired the Avodah Committee for her many years With the calendar and tax year drawing to a close, we wanted of passionate and deeply dedicated service leading to ask you to consider donating to PSJC as part of your end- the Avodah committee and for her ongoing of-year giving. dedication to our shul. Elizabeth took on the immense task of the behind-the-scenes organizing of The stock market is up over 25% in the past year. Did you our High Holy Day services and helped us to know that PSJC accepts gifts of appreciated securities (stocks, respond to issues of ritual, halachic, and communal bonds, or mutual funds held for more than one year)? These importance to PSJC. Elizabeth has handed the reins gifts are excellent ways to support PSJC, are easy to make, and may provide a greater tax benefit than an equivalent gift in of the Avodah Committee over to the capable hands cash. If you own an asset that has appreciated in value, you of Ellen Brickman. normally pay capital gains tax once you sell the asset, however if you donate the stock instead, you don’t incur For almost twelve years Charlie Urich has been capital gains on the appreciation. You are then able to deduct
Mr. Friday Night." Charlie has organized davening the full value of the appreciated shares, thereby saving on for Kabbalat Shabbat services with commitment, with taxes. Moreover PSJC could also benefit from a larger gift kindness and with care, often treating us to his own than you may otherwise have been able to give. musical stylings around this beautiful opening to
Shabbat. We are glad that Charlie's enthusiastic Securities donations can cover any of the fully tax-deductible donations you make to PSJC, including membership dues, presence will still be a part of PSJC's Kabbalat Shabbat experience even as Freddie Brooks takes Kol Nidre donations, Capital Campaign donations, contributions to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, Yahrzeit over the reins to organize Friday night davening. memorial donations, etc.
If you are planning a donation of securities, stock, bonds or Congregation Contributions mutual fund shares, please notify Casey Baker, our Executive Director, or Les Honig, our Financial Secretary, Celebrate the good times! Make a contribution to for further information on how to make this gift. But make PSJC in honor of a birthday, anniversary, a special sure to act now, to realize these tax benefits before occasion or just because you care. Contributions can December 31, 2013! also be made in memory of a loved one. Thank you!
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 13 Efrem Fisher & Eva Freeman Leslie & Janet Fraidstern Thank you to the Patrick Francis Ruth Franklin Braude & Joseph Braude following people and Karen Friedland & Gary Zelko Pauline Friedland & Vivian Schulkin who have made Sally Friedman & David Gmach Todd Friedman & Regina Weiss donations to PSJC Rosalie Friend Jill Fruchter since June… Jill & Stephen Gandel Anonymous Dina & Noah Garfinkel Michael Abadi & Marlene Weisman-Abadi Aliza Geretz & Benjamin Mayer Brad Alperin & Jody Drezner Rachel Gertzog & Rodrigo Naranjo Lisa Altshuler & Leon Goldstein Richard Glassman & Ann Smith Richard Anderson & Gail Green-Anderson George & Sherry Glatter Marilyn Appelbaum & Fran Sarullo Erma Globerman Lenore Arons & Marc Korashan Joyce & Martin Goldin Shloimah Auerbach Ezra Goldstein & Annette Jaffe Barbara Auslander Josh & Rachel Goldstein Sarah Barnard Clay Gordon & Laura Wolff Stuart Baron Tuvia Gorin & Ronnie Wax Richard Bashner & Audrey Buxbaum Scott Groom & Marla Kessler Judith Belasco & Mark Berkowitz BruceLee Gross & Elizabeth Kaczmarczyk Esther & Kenneth Berkowitz Reva Grossberg & Carmela Senese Jean Berman & Aric Press Malkie Grozalsky & Mindi Wernick Marsha Blank & Lenny Goldstein Adam Grupper & Maxine Resnick Eve & Ralph Blatt David Haase & Esther Schwalb Barry Blumenfeld & April Cantor Kate Hammon & Ruth Steinberg Peter Bornstein & Loretta Lurie Merrie Handfinger Allen & Edith Brafman Beth Harris & Joseph Ugoretz Ellen Brickman Fran Hawthorne & Pete Segal Fredrica Brooks KarenLouise Heau Thomas Brown & Kate Gitnick John Hecht & Victoria Sher Stella Bugbee Lisa Hellerstein & Ira Singer Diane Buxbaum Kenneth & Julie Hendel David Caplan & Cindy Switzer Justine Henning & Anthony Scott Andrew Ceresney & Rachel Levine Steve & Sue Herskovits Howard Chernick & June Zeitlin Martine & Parry Hess Sarah Chinn & Kris Franklin Steve Hirschhorn Neil Cohen & Sarah Person Stephanie Hochman & Daniel Mollin Paul & Harolyn Cohen Russell Hollander & Helena Prigal David & Shoshana Cooper Peter Holmes & Elizabeth Schnur Karen Cuchel & Jason Dubow Bella Holzkenner & Isaac Pickett Rachel Danzing & Michael Fortier Leslie & Susana Honig Carolyn Diamond Barbara & Stanley Hopard Amy & Dan Downs Linda & Samuel Hornick Diana Duchowny Paula Horowitz & Scott Horn Jeffrey Easton & Abby Ingber Jonathan Hurwitz & Mona Schnitzler Sara Effron & Geoff Lieberman Jason Hutt & Wendy Bassin Stefanie & Oren Efrati Harriet Ingber Rachel Efron Adina Kalet & Mark Schwartz Todd Ehrlich & Karen Jarmon Seth Kamil & Traci Kamil Matthew Eilenberg & Helene Santo Deborah Kapell & Daniel Tinkelman Ithran Einhorn & Beryl Nightingale LyndaB. Kaplan & Richard Rabinowitz Torrene Einhorn Pamela Kaplan & William Miller Eric Eisenstadt & Fay Rosenfeld Marilyn Kardeman & Christina Weiland Herman & Berta Epelbaum Ruth Kaufman Barbara Factor Grace Kerr Eric Fieldman & Martha Harrison Mark King & Sara Zaslow
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 14 Rachelle & Joshua Klainberg Lila & Michael Rieman Amy Klein & Jeremy Lechtzin Russell Roberts Jason Klein Susan Robins & Michael Serrill Oscar & Rebecca Klein David & Tori Rosen Susan Koch Dale Rosenberg Ray Kosarin Joel Rothenberg & Marjorie Barbara Kramer Ilene Rubenstein Todd Krichmar & Naomi Schrag Carrie & Nir Sadovnik Daniel Kummer & Lisa Landau Robert Saffer & Marcy Wasserman Jane & Neil Kuttner Leslie Salzman Ned Lager Ellen & Michael Sande Deborah & Mark Langosch Amy Sandgrund & Avram Fisher Maggie & Andy Laucius Nathaniel Sasson & Helen Zelon Ken Leeds Brenda Schachter David Lefkowitz & Sharon Tepper Stanley & Lifsa Schachter Susan Lehrer & Chalo Smukler Joshua Schnur-Holmes Leslie McKinley Marlene & David Schwartz Gerson Levin Harry Schweitzer & Carol Wiener Marilyn Levin-Cuff Yael Seligman Gavrielle Levine & Alan Palmer Iris Sheber Lori & Myron Levine Yael Shmilovitz Steven Levine Sylvia & Jeremy Shweder Renanit Levy & Steven Mazie Alan Sidman & Sharman Yoffie-Sidman Danielle Lewis Jonathan Silverblatt & Katerina Faye & Roland Lewis Arline Simon Jonathan & Judith Lief Ellen Simon Helen Lowery & Lonnie Klein David & Samantha Slarskey Larry Magarik & Linda Safron Michael & Reba Snyder Joy & Sol Makon Daniel Soyer Daniel Marcu Rina & Warren Spielberg Ariella & Matt Maron Ellen Spilka & Mo Weissfellner LizAnne Mazal Andres Spokoiny David Mikics & Victoria Malkin Robert Squillace & Angela Weisl Brian & Juliette Milberg Alvin & Deena Steinfeld Richard Millen Ari Steinfeld & Amanda Gropp-Steinfeld Yehudit Moch & Judith Ullman Carole Strumph Cathy Monblatt & Stewart Pravda Michal Tamuz Martin & Roberta Moskowitz Mari & Rick Tetzeli David Nachman & Amy Schulman Matt Thomases Stefanie Nanes Bonnie & Seth Ullman Josh Neretin & Wendy Rogers Charles Urich Brian & Chava Newcombe Brigitte Valentine Susan & Christopher O'Connor Sandy Rothberg Vos Lisa Ochs Marc Weiner Jan Orzeck Charles Weiss & Tiffany Cummins Ellen & Keith Pearlman Terry Weiss Jenny Peters & David Pollack Barbara Wollman & Michael Wollman Noah D. Powlen Elizabeth Lara Wollman & Andrew Dunn Adine & Roger Schuman Pusey Ellysheva Zeira Judy Ribnick & Diane Burhenne
It's never too late...
While the Kol Nidre "appeal" is made on Yom Kippur, the needs are with us all year. If you haven't already done so, you can still make your gift to the Annual Kol Nidre/Yom Kippur Appeal. It's easy to do! Click http://psjc.org/2013/10/kolnidre/ or reach out to the PSJC Office ([email protected] or 718.768.1453). Thanks for your support!
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 15 FEASTS & FANTASIES 2013-2014
DECEMBER 14th JANUARY 25th
It’s time once again for Feasts & Fantasies: eight sumptuous multi-course dinners at the homes of esteemed PSJC chefs, featuring special themed menus, festive libations and lively conversation…all to benefit our synagogue.
$136 per person for dinner, dessert, and wine
Choose one night or both, but reserve soon to get your first choice – Reservations are first-come, first-served.
Saturday, December 14th 7:30pm Saturday, January 25th 7:30pm
Fungi Fantasy A Taste of India [sold out!] HOSTS: Elizabeth Schnur & Peter Holmes (k) HOSTS: Leslie Salzman & Her Lovely Assistant Beloved F&F chefs offer their new Exotic cocktails, savory chutneys and Mushroom Madness menu.* fragrant curries from across “The Subcontinent.”
Italian-Brooklyn Provincial (k) Carthaginian-Ashkenaz Fusion [note new date] HOSTS: Kate Hammon & Ruth Steinberg HOST: Eric Heuberger Southern Italy meets South Brooklyn, Flavors from the ancient Near-East and Europe all paired with great wines.* mingle across the Mediterranean in this debut dinner.*
Medieval Banquet Fantasia Fantastica di Sicilia [sold out] HOSTS: Angela Weisl and Bob Squillace HOSTS: June Zeitlin, Howard Chernick & Assistants A perennial fantasy favorite: food, drynke Pastas, salads and other Sicilian specialties, and costumes of the Middle Ages.* prepared with native expertise.
Golden City of Jerusalem [sold out] HOSTS: Tori and David Rosen Straight from the crossroads of the world, as expressed in Ottolenghi’s and Tamimi’s famous recipes.*
Tastes of Fall [note new date] HOSTS: Arielle & Matthew Maron A celebration of the hearty foods and seasonal produce of the late autumn.*
To view menu details, reserve and pay for seats, visit: www.psjc.shulcloud.com/f&f
A (k) indicates a home observing Kashrut according to Halacha as interpreted by the Conservative Movement. All meals will be prepared with Kosher ingredients, are dairy/vegetarian, and may include fish, as indicated by *.
Subsidized seats may be available, in order to enable more community members to participate.
For further information, or to make a contribution in support of this effort, please contact event organizers: [email protected] or [email protected].
The teens are running a Parents Night Out on 12/14 to provide a low cost babysitting option while you go to a dinner.
Park Slope Jewish Center Quarterly Update 16