MAY/JUNE 2011 Learning to Read Torah at Or Zarua Four New Torah Readers Are Now Ready to Read

Congregation A Traditional, Egalitarian, and Participatory Conservative Synagogue

NISAN/IYAR/SIVANO 5771rZarua NEWSLETTER/VOLUME 23:5 MAY/JUNE 2011 Learning to Read Torah at Or Zarua Four new Torah readers are now ready to read

Congregation Or Zarua is a lay led congre- camaraderie that developed, the mutual Benjamin Charkow gation. Congregants guide and participate support that grew, the entire atmosphere in all aspects of the service, including the of friendliness mixed with commitment to round the time of my Bar reading of the Torah. In order to guarantee a common purpose. It has been a pleas- Mitzvah, I was given a tape of sufficient numbers of congregants who are ure to watch the growth that has taken the Torah reading for Yom capable of reading Torah, Or Zarua offers place, as the students brought their own Kippur. Later I received a tape classes in Torah reading taught by congre- experiences and ways of learning to bear Afor Rosh Hashanah. Then, for gant Mark Somerstein. In this issue of the on the process. I learned much from the nearly 25 years I have read Torah on one Or Zarua Newsletter, Mark and this year’s students as well. In a burst of creativity, or both of these days when I attend the students—Benjamin Charkow, Sharon we even developed a new way to repre- shul where I grew up. I haven’t seen the Seiler, Lynda Wertheim and William Zaientz— sent a difficult note combination. We tape in years, but I still remember the reflect on the reasons they decided to began at the very beginning, learning rich, Ashkenazic voice from the old coun- undertake this important mitzvah. It is trope in a seventh floor classroom, and try, chanting the aliyot, which I repeat in hoped that by reading these short essays, ended with practice sessions in the my head when I brush up each year. each of you might be inspired to consider Sanctuary, reading from the Torah itself. However, I wanted more. For years I Mark’s class and join the cadre of Torah On the last day of Passover, Tuesday, have wanted to expand beyond my two readers at Congregation Or Zarua! April 26, and the second day of Shavuot, tapes and learn the trope. Yet, despite a —CHARLIE SPIELHOLZ Wednesday, June 2, our group will exhibit failed attempt to do so in eighth grade— the fruits of our collective and individual from which I retained the knowledge of Mark Somerstein efforts by doing the Torah reading for the two notes—my desire has been unreal- day. As I look forward to those holidays, I ized, until now. hen I was a teacher, I can already say that there is no longer a Mark Somerstein approached me used to envy the school need to envy the music department. continued on page 8 music department. At the C June concert, every year, H A R L I their pupils could demon- E

S P I W E strate what they had learned, by perform- L H O L

ing in front of everyone. Even if my stu- Z dents had mastered their conjugations, I would not have wagered on their ability to speak Spanish ﬂuently, in public. Many years later, enter Torah and Haftarah reading instruction and Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring. I had always loved the Hebrew language and the texts, liked singing, enjoyed teaching, and loved the students. And, as in the music department I envied, the results of the entire process were performance based. Everyone could see it. Something of this order has developed with the latest adult Torah reading class at Or Zarua, except in spades. I was Or Zarua’s current Torah Reading class (from left): Sharon Seiler, Lynda Wertheim, struck by the motivation to learn, the Mark Somerstein, William Zaientz and Benjamin Charkow. 1 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2011 President’s Message Congregation by Andrew J. Frackman

s I finish my three-year term ler. We have purchased a new portable ark OrZarua as president of Congregation for use on the High Holy Days and for chil- A CONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUE Or Zarua, I would like to share a dren’s services in the library. We are updat- FOUNDED 1989 few thoughts with you. One of ing the layout of the library so that we can the key gifts of being president use that space more effectively for youth 127 East 82nd Street A was having the opportunity to spend regu- and other alternative minyanim. We have New York, NY 10028 lar time with Rabbi Wechsler. I have upgraded our accounting system, and we phone: 212-452-2310 fax: 212-452-2103 learned much in the course of those meet- are in the process of improving our web- www.orzarua.org ings and I will miss them. Similarly, it has site, including making it possible for pay- been a privilege to work with the commit- ments to be made on-line with credit DR. HARLAN J. WECHSLER, Rabbi ted and capable group of fellow officers cards. We face a number of very significant ANDREW J. FRACKMAN, President and trustees at Or Zarua. The vice presi- capital projects as our building begins to dents and other officers bear much of the age. These capital projects include repair- ALAN NADEL, Treasurer burden of the detailed work of running our ing and improving the lighting in the sanc- HARVEY M. BRENNER, FTA, Executive Director synagogue—whether it be programming or tuary and possible external facade work ILANA BURGESS, Youth Education Director finance or building issues. To the extent required to comply with Local Law 11. We CHARLES SPIELHOLZ, Newsletter Editor we have had modest success in certain will need to commit significant resources areas over the past three years, it is largely to these capital projects and will need a the result of their hard work and dedication. capital campaign to accomplish them. As I look back over the past three Fourth, we have a number of new mem- OZ Committee Chairs years, I take greatest pride in the following bers, and we continue to bring on to the accomplishments. Board new trustees and appoint new offi- ADMINISTRATION Diane Okrent First, through persistent focus, we cers. This is all part of a generational ART GALLERY Bobbi Coller have made significant steps in upgrading change that we, as all institutions, must the musicality of our tefilah. The quality of undergo. I have heard repeatedly the state- AESTHETICS Aaron Shelden our tefilah is central to our raison d’etre. ment that there is an “in” group that runs BOOK DISCUSSION Reed Schneider In order to keep our services fresh, we Or Zarua. Those of us who hold leadership BUILDING Benjamin Marcus need to train new service leaders and positions and have served on the nominat- Torah readers. We will need to commit ing committee find that assertion to be far CEMETERY Aliza Kaplan additional resources, both time and from the truth. We are constantly looking for Mort Schwartz money, to this effort, whether it be for new leaders, who are interested in partici- HESED Richard Stadin additional classes with Joey Weisenberg pating actively in a collegial manner in HEVRA KADISHA Vera Silver (or a similar musician), hiring a suitable addressing the challenges facing our com- Gerry Solomon cantorial intern, or, ultimately, appointing a munity. Not everyone can serve as a trustee music director. The principal obstacle to or an officer, certainly not at the same time, ISRAEL Aliza Kaplan doing even more in this area is funding. but if you are interested in doing so, you LIBRARY Barry Feldman Second, we have expanded program- should let one of the officers know. MEMBERSHIP Michael Schwartz ming considerably, both in volume and vari- Now, let me say a few words about ety. Our programming is varied because we the main challenge facing us this year. You MINYAN Sheldon Adler are a diverse community. I am particularly have all received my letter and the Rabbi’s PROGRAMMING Sara Stone proud of the Friday night programming that letter concerning his retirement on July 1, PUBLIC RELATIONS Aaron Shelden we have put in place, including our suc- 2012. As one could anticipate, this cessful Shabbatonim. The Family and announcement has caused some concern, PURIM SPIEL Arthur Rosenbloom Friends Friday night dinners that we recently indeed, anxiety, among some in our com- Bonnie Maslin started are key to our ability to attract and munity. That is to be expected, especially Tibor Feldman retain younger members, which is critical with the retirement of a founding rabbi. As Barbara Sassoon for our long-term viability. As we struggle I tried to make clear in my letter, we have SCHOOL Betsy Dizengoff with the need to control our budget, we a plan to address this transition in an TORAH/HAFTARAH Henry Glanternik will face new challenges to our ability to orderly fashion, and our search committee continue this level of programming. Again, will begin work soon. Despite what I said WEBMASTER Jay Palmer the answer is we need more funding. in my letter, some in the community have If you are interested in serving on a synagogue Third, over the past three years, we already expressed their anxiety by miscon- committee, please contact the office for the have undertaken a number of projects that struing my intent. We will have an appro- committee chair’s email address. may not be obvious to all. We have hired a priately transparent process, consistent new executive director and a new comptrol- continued on page 3 2 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MAY/JUNE 2011 The Arab Spring: What Does It Mean to Israel? Herb Keinon, Jerusalem Post diplomatic correspondent, speaks on Yom Ha’atzmaut, Monday, May 9, 7:30 p.m.

erb Keinon, diplomatic corre- the various diplomatic attempts at solving it. spondent for the Jerusalem In addition, Mr. Keinon appears fre- Post, will speak on “The Arab quently on a variety of radio and television Spring: What Does It Mean programs in the U.S., Canada, and Europe Hto Israel?” at Congregation as a guest commentator on the situation Or Zarua on Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Inde- in Israel. He has also lectured widely both pendence Day, Monday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the U.S. and in Israel on the subject. Mr. Keinon has been at the Jerusalem Originally from Denver, Mr. Keinon Post for the last 20 years. During this time has a B.A. in political science from the he has covered a wide variety of different University of Colorado, Boulder, and an beats, including Jerusalem, immigration M.A. in journalism from the University of and absorption, religious parties, haredim, Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. He has lived and the settlements. He has also been a in Israel for 25 years, is married with features writer and weekly columnist at four children, and lives in Ma’ale Adumim, the paper. Mr. Keinon took over the diplo- just outside of Jerusalem. matic beat in August 2000, just after the A reception with Israeli food will follow failed Camp David summit, and just before Mr. Keinon’s presentation. He will also be the start of the current violence. signing copies of his book, Lone Soldiers: Mr. Keinon is responsible for covering Israel’s Defenders from Around the World, the prime minister and the foreign minister, which be available that night and in and often travels with the prime minister on Herb Keinon, diplomatic correspondent advance from the Or Zarua ofﬁce for $28. his trips abroad. As such, Mr. Keinon has for the Jerusalem Post, will give the Please help the Program Committee with up-close knowledge and an intimate per- Yom Ha’atzmaut lecture at Or Zarua. planning by contacting the ofﬁce at 212- spective of the current confrontation and 452-2310, ext. 39 with your reservations.

President’s Message continued from page 2 In this Issue

with the Rabbinical Assembly’s recom- mended best practices. You all will be Learning to Read Torah at OZ ...... 1 Monthly Calendars ...... 10 kept informed, and you all will have an President’s Message ...... 2 The Kosher Konnoisseur ...... 12 opportunity to participate, through Town Hall meetings and other processes. Herb Keinon on “The Arab Spring”...... 3 Rabbi Wechsler on Sirius XM Radio...... 13 As we work on this challenging task, Hebrew and Jewish Studies ...... 4 22nd Annual Meeting...... 13 we must exercise the discipline to avoid taking actions that could be divisive. We Tikkun Leyl Shavuot...... 4 “Do You Believe in Miracles?” Class...... 14 all know of communities that have failed Hebrew School Calendar ...... 4 Book Discussions...... 14 to meet the challenge of selecting a rabbi in a cohesive and productive manner. Our Program Sponsorships ...... 4 Family and Youth Activities ...... 15 community, as any diverse community, Jonathan Canick on “Aging and Mind” .....5 Daily Morning Minyan 101...... 16 has and will have differing views on every- thing that we do. But, it is incumbent on Review of “Through the Window” ...... 5 JTS Party in the Garden...... 17 all of us, especially our leaders, to work Hesed Events and Programs ...... 6 Yehuda Nir Exhibit...... 17 to ensure that our discourse remains civil Celebrate Israel Parade...... 6 Talmud Class...... 17 and that together we achieve that which we all surely desire—the continuation of Bagels, Babka and Balabustas...... 7 Or Zarua Cemetery ...... 17 a community embodying those attributes Program Committee Meeting...... 7 Or Zarua Community...... 18 on which we were founded 22 years ago. I hope and am conﬁdent that, with the Or Zarua Crafts Club ...... 9 May/June Checklist...... 20 requisite discipline and good will, we as a community will succeed in this effort. 3 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2011

HEBREW SCHOOL CALENDAR Hebrew and Jewish Studies For post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah students May 2011 Sun 1 Yom Hashoah/Holocaust Memorial Day, 7:30 p.m. tarting this coming fall (5772), edge of Torah or Talmud. Or Zarua will be offering a The class will meet from 6:00 to 8:00 Sat 14 Junior Congregation, class for post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah p.m. on Mondays. After a pizza dinner at 10:30 a.m. students who are looking to 6:00 p.m., a 45-minute Ulpan, to be taught Mon 16 B’nai Jeshurun continue their Jewish educa- by Ilana Burgess, will encourage students Mon 25 Last day of school S tion while developing social relationships to hone their Hebrew skills and speak the with like-minded kids. The class will offer language as it is used daily in Israeli life. June 2011 the students two major opportunities. The Students will then engage in the study of ﬁrst will be an environment to advance Torah or Talmud for 45 minutes. For further Sat 4 Junior Congregation, their ability to use conversational Hebrew information, please contact Ilana Burgess 10:30 a.m. in the form of an Ulpan. The second will at 212-452-2310, extension 15, or email be the chance to build upon their knowl- [email protected].

SPONSORS NEEDED FOR OZ PROGRAMS The Social Network and Shavuot Ice Cream Sundaes and Cheesecake the Internet: Friend or Foe? Full Sponsorship: $600 Tikkun Leyl Shavuot, Tuesday night, June 7 Israel Independence Day Food Full Sponsorship: $1,000 rev Shavuot will begin at Or Zarua privacy and other issues involving the Tar Beach Picnic with Minhah/Ma’ariv services social network. before the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 7 at 8:00 p.m. After the panel discussion, everyone Full Sponsorship: $2,000 in the sanctuary. Following the is invited to the social hall where a feast If you wish to sponsor one of these Eservice, a panel of Or Zarua of ice cream sundaes and cheesecake will popular programs, either in part or in members, led by Rabbi Wechsler, will be served in keeping with the tradition of full, please contact the synagogue discuss “The Social Network and the eating dairy on Shavuot. office at 212-452-2310, extension 14 Internet: Friend or Foe?” in the Or Zarua A brief discussion of some traditions or Sara Stone at 212-628-0129. library. It is planned that the panel will on Shavuot can be found in the box address such topics as cyberbullying, below. Blintzes and Branches on Shavuot Why is it customary to eat dairy foods on the first day of Shavuot? mong the many explanations is that the custom derives from a verse in the Song of Songs, “Honey and milk shall be under Ayour tongue....” This is considered a reference to the sweet and nourishing Torah, which we received on Shavuot. A practical explanation is that the Israelites at Sinai, having just received the Torah, realized that any meat they had already prepared was not kosher, so they had to eat whatever dairy foods they had on hand. A symbolic explanation is that consumption of meat represents indulgence while consumption of dairy foods represents restraint, and the Torah is more accessible to those who exercise restraint and self-control. Why is it customary to decorate the synagogue with foliage on Shavuot? n addition to its association with receiving the Torah, Shavuot is an agricultural festival—the beginning of the wheat harvest (and Ithe end of the counting of the omer) and the beginning of the fruit harvest. The Torah itself refers to the holiday in terms of the first fruits that grow in the Land of Israel. During Temple times, Shavuot was a pilgrimage festival, and bikkurim—first fruits—were brought to the Temple as offerings. Bringing the fields into the synagogue recalls these ancient customs.

4 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MAY/JUNE 2011 Aging and the Persistence of Mind A presentation by Jonathan Canick, Ph.D., Tuesday, June 14, 7:30 p.m.

teep mental decline is neither Congregation Or Zarua on Tuesday, June He integrates inevitable nor a normal part of 14 at 7:30 p.m., Light refreshments will be his knowledge aging. Cognitive function gen- served after the discussion. of the brain and erally persists in normal and Dr. Canick is a licensed psychologist mind in his Ssuccessful aging, and in some and neuropsychologist at California Pacific evaluations and areas actually increases. Myths about cog- Medical Center and assistant clinical pro- treatments of nition and aging abound despite a revolu- fessor at the University of California individuals and tion in our understanding of aging and Medical Center, San Francisco. For over 25 their families those living long. Biases about the nature years, he’s provided evaluation and treat- who have of aging result in pathological, potentially ment of cognitive disorders, memory suffered a head treatable, conditions going undiagnosed. decline and dementia. He trains residents injury, stroke, By contrast, there are many benefits to in both internal medicine and psychiatry dementia, or the aging mind. And it is possible to pro- regarding cognition and aging. Dr. Jonathan Canick, brain tumor, mote those conditions that favor neuroge- In addition to co-authoring several psychologist and helping them nesis—the brain’s capacity to generate scientific articles, Dr. Canick has been neuropsychologist manage their new brain cells throughout the lifespan. mentioned in The New York Times, changing lives. Jonathan Canick, Ph.D., will discuss O Magazine, USA Today, and a book on Dr. Canick also practices psychotherapy “Aging and the Persistence of Mind,” at memory and aging entitled Carved in Sand. in San Francisco.

Seeing the World Through the Eyes of a Child A review of “Through the Window: Enchanted Places and Magical Spaces” by Madeline Austin

ome people are blessed with a After all these years, it is evident that into another world. Look deeper, and gift for making meaning and she still feels the same enjoyment from Ms. Golden’s art offers even more, for true beauty out of their memo- fairy tales and relishes stories just as there is also melancholy in many pieces. ries and, above all, never letting much as she did when she was a child. Being young is a rare, beautiful moment Sgo of their childhood fantasies. Her collages bring this enthusiasm to life in life that sadly does not last forever. Artists like Caroline Golden, remind us for her audience and offer them a “peek” I am learning that if you completely let that we can recapture the wonder of our go of this cherished time, some of these youth and live in those stories and magical moments will be gone forever. pictures through our imagination and art. Ms. Golden reminds us not to let go On Monday, January 31, Ms. Golden completely and to ﬁnd ways to weave the came to speak to Congregation Or Zarua, past into the present. and the 7th grade of the Hebrew School To me, collages are like any person’s about her art collage collection, “Through life. Every little detail is there, layered the Window: Enchanted Places and upon another, overlapping but never com- Magical Spaces,” on display in the social pletely obscuring or covering something hall. She shared stories of when she that came before. Every one views these was a young girl, and expressed the thrill extraordinary collages in a different way, she derived from fairy tales of all kinds. just like everyone has an individual per- Ms. Golden shared a Jewish fairy tale spective and way that he or she sees the with us, based on the very well-known world. But few possess a unique insight story, Cinderella. She recalled that even like Ms. Golden, who can see the world as a child, she preferred to be on the through the eyes of a child and make it a outside looking in, assuming the role of world we wish to recapture. an observer rather than the stunning princess, “almost as though I were peek- Madeline Austin is in seventh grade and ing out from behind the bushes.” A collage by Madeline Austin attends the OZ Hebrew School.

5 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2011 Hesed Events and Programs “The world exists for the sake of kindness.” —Rashi

G Or Zarua feeds formerly homeless men serious medical treatment at New York City Terrace Butterﬂy Garden. and women at NCS’s East 81 Street hospitals. Many reside with their families at G Donations needed for the Hesed Fund! Residence on Mondays from 6:00 to 7:00 Ronald McDonald House and often have no Please consider making a donation to p.m. Volunteers are needed to commit to local support system of friends or relatives. cover the $180 cost per week of Monday one Monday a month to serve pizza, soda, The Chaplin at Ronald McDonald House evening dinners for the residents of the salad and good cheer. alerts us when OZ may be of service to Neighborhood Coalition for the Homeless families who may require kosher meals, G Visit and cheer up ill or homebound Shelter Residence. synagogue services and other assistance. Or Zarua congregants. To participate in any of these Hesed G "Green Thumbs" are needed from G Jewish children come from across the programs, please contact Richard Stadin spring through fall to help care for The U.S. and around the world to undergo at [email protected] or 212-879-0448. Ronald McDonald House's 7th Floor

Celebrate Israel Parade Sunday, June 5, 2011

Participate with Congregation Or Zarua, like these enthusiastic members marching in the 2010 Salute to Israel Parade on a sunny day last spring. This year’s parade takes place on Sunday, June 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. along Fifth Avenue, starting at 57th Street and ending at 74th Street. Details regarding the step-off time for the OZ contingent will be available soon.

6 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MAY/JUNE 2011 Bagels, Babka and Balabustas New Menu Item in the Or Zarua Gallery, opening Thursday, May 19, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

eave it to the Jews to put the vived and thrived. One hundred years later, Jewish cookbooks, and current trends in “Ess!” in U.S.A! Could it be other- the fastest-growing segment of the kosher foods. wise? Are we not the people whose American food industry today is kosher This new exhibit will be on display at observance of a major festival is food—healthy and nutritious! Today’s bala- Or Zarua into the fall. In the meantime, Lcalled Chag Ha’matzot? Do some busta is more than likely to be an obser- recent Or Zarua Gallery shows are going not jokingly recall our history in these three vant, health-conscious calorie-buster! (He on the road. “From Yankel to Yankee” is simple phrases: “They tried to conquer us. might even be a man! ) slated for SAJ on Manhattan’s West Side We won. LET’S EAT!” In many ways we are “Bagels, Babka and Balabustas” is and the recent “From Jaffa to Java,” the what we eat, and cook, and celebrate. based on the collection of Rabbi Michael celebration of Israeli foods and wine, prod- This loving—some might say reveren- Strassfeld, supplemented by cherished ucts and technology, is being exhibited at tial—relationship between Jews and food is cookbooks and kitchen utensils owned by Temple Beth El in Fairﬁeld, Connecticut. the impulse behind the new exhibit opening in the Or Zarua social hall on Thursday, May 19 at 6:00 p.m. Special guest Rabbi Michael Strassfeld of SAJ will speak at 7:00 p.m. “Bagels, Babka and Balabustas: 100 Years of Jews and Food in America” is a colorful and vivid display of Jewish food signs, advertisements, food products, vin- tage cookbooks and cooking tools. It pays tribute to the rich blending of America and Jewish food and to the devoted homemak- ers—the balabustas—who have prepared and preserved these foods for generations. As exhibit curator Bobbi Coller notes, the exhibit begins at the turn of the 20th century, the period of peak Jewish immigration to America. Most of the Jews who came to these shores followed traditional foodways. But as time passed and the impulse to assimilate and adapt to new American and ethnic foods grew, many of The denizens of Katz’s Delicatessen on the Lower East Side in 1932. those traditions were relaxed. But they were never completely forgotten. How Or Zarua congregants. Panels in the exhi- Or Zarua congregants and friends are not Jews adapted and conserved traditional bition will cover the Americanization of the only ones tasting our exhibitions. Our foodways is a major part of the story. The eating, kosher wines, Passover food, deli- neighborhood and regional friends are also exhibition traces how tradition was blended catessens and Jewish eateries, Jewish now able to feast on the fruits of Or Zarua. with modernity, or how it adapted and sur- foods that entered mainstream America, —GERRY SOLOMON

PROGRAM COMMITTEE MEETING KOSHER DELIS Wednesday, May 18, 8:15 a.m. in the Or Zarua Library IN NEW YORK

he Program Committee of Congregation Or Zarua is looking for new members. by The Kosher Konnoisseur TWe need the creative input from congregants who can be instrumental in advancing Savor Louis Barash’s critique of four and enhancing the variety of programs that Or Zarua offers. If you are interested in traditional kosher delicatessens still helping out, please attend the next meeting of the Or Zarua Program Committee, which serving in New York—2nd Avenue Deli, is scheduled for Wednesday, May 18 at 8:15 a.m. in the Or Zarua Library. If you are Fine and Schapiro, Ben’s Kosher Deli, unable to attend on that day or that time, please contact the Or Zarua ofﬁce. and Mendy’s—on page 16.

7 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2011 Learning to Read Torah at Or Zarua continued from page 1 after services one day last fall to ask if I Sharon R. Seiler able following the Torah reading in syna- would be interested in joining his Torah gogue and listening to others read from class. My initial reaction was to decline— lthough I grew up in the the Torah. Having grown up in an Orthodox we have two small boys at home and the Conservative movement, I cele- family, I did not have the opportunity to thought of consistently getting out of the brated my Bat Mitzvah in an era have a Bat Mitzvah and Torah study was apartment weekly seemed unfathomable. when girls and women were not simply part of my daily class schedule in In fact, it is something I haven’t done in Acounted in a minyan, were not school. over six years. Further, eating at home called for aliyot and, most certainly, did Maybe I decided to take the class together as a family is very important to not read from Torah. For my Bat Mitzvah, I because it was being held at a convenient us and ten weeks at a class seemed like read the Haftarah at a late Friday night time in the evening or maybe because I a long break in our routine. service that seems to have existed almost have always dreamed of being able to Nevertheless, I thought it over, con- entirely as a vehicle for Bat Mitzvahs. By chant parashat Lekh-Lekha, the first sulted with my wife, Anna, and thought: If the time that the Conservative movement parashah I learned in yeshiva. Or maybe I not now, when? decided that women should, in fact, be chose to take the course because of an So I contacted Mark and told him I counted in minyanim, be called for aliyot encounter I had with a female scribe who would be interested in the class. And, as and read from Torah, my formal Jewish was writing a Torah at the Contemporary they say, the rest is history. education had ended, and, although, I sup- Jewish Museum in San Francisco. The class started on Thursdays at pose, I could have found an opportunity to I approached Mark’s class knowing I 8:30 p.m., late enough so that I was still learn to read Torah, I didn’t. I enjoy the had a strong command of Hebrew and no able to dine with my family. (The one night Torah reading at Or Zarua, and I like the command of music or singing. As an I needed to watch the kids, we met earlier, idea that the Torah is read by congre- accomplished Moreh, Mark knew how to my boys made a guest appearance at the gants, but, initially, it didn’t occur to me introduce the elements of the course to a class, and they still got to bed on time.) that I, myself, could or should read Torah. group of aspiring Torah readers with varied The class was an intellectual indulgence In the last year or two, my daughter and abilities. I left the first class with a sense and wholly-satisfying on many levels. Not her friends celebrated their Bar and Bat of confidence that at least I could pro- only did I leave the class able to sight Mitzvahs; virtually all read Torah (even the nounce the words with no difficulty and read the trope and with the ability to pre- girls whose families belong to Orthodox the first notes sounded melodious to my pare a reading sans tape, the class delved congregations). It dawned on me that, if unsophisticated ear. The second class left into arcane grammatical minutiae that has twelve and thirteen year olds could read me a little less enthusiastic because my given me a new-found appreciation of the Torah, probably I could, too. Then, with Or ears could not adjust to the sounds of the Hebrew language. I cannot look at the Zarua calling for more Torah readers, it next series of musical notes. With the Shema or any other prayer that still retains dawned on me, that, since I am in shul vir- help of some Torah reading internet sites the trope without hearing the proper cantil- tually every Shabbat, probably, I should and Mark’s encouraging pedagogical style, lation in my mind. read Torah (as my father did and as one of I am now able to read from the Torah. I I am privileged to belong to a shul my sisters does). I have neither a great have come to feel more comfortable with where such evening study is possible and ear nor a great voice, and a teacher less the melodies which previously were am grateful to Mark for giving his time— patient than Mark Somerstein might have “unmelodious” to my ears and have adopt- and to my fellow students for helping us dissuaded me, but he and I and my class- ed two series of tones as my “personal reach the critical mass needed to make mates have persevered, and I hope to favorites.” such a class possible. As I was let in the become, over time, a frequent reader of While I am far from joining the ranks door the last few sessions by the Purim Torah at Or Zarua. of the Olympic Torah readers at OZ, I am Spielers, who were busy rehearsing for proud that I can stand at the bimah, ”yad” their big performance, I was reminded Lynda Wertheim in my hand and chant the first aliyah in each time by the diversity and breadth of he total number of letters in the the Torah reading for last day Pesah and the offerings by our shul. Torah is 304,805. Thanks to last day of Shavuot. I look forward to our “graduation” Mark Somerstein, I am fortunate Who knows, reading the first aliyah in reading on the last day of Pesah. If you to have learned how to chant the parashat Lekh-Lekha may yet be in my miss it, we will be giving a reprise on the words which comprise 231 of future. second day of Shavuot. T continued on page 9 that total. I am not quite sure why I decided to take Mark’s Torah reading class. As a for- mer yeshiva student, I was very comfort-

8 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MAY/JUNE 2011 The Or Zarua Crafts Club A retrospective of the past year

continued from page 8 his past year, the Or Zarua the newly restored Chagall Wall Hangings Crafts Club expanded the scope at Lincoln Center with a docent in order to William Zaientz of the Sunday morning group’s appreciate anew the majesty of both their programming. In January we art and fabrication. first learned to read Torah when I held one of our meetings at the We also want to continue encouraging became Bar Mitzvah, reading one T Annie & Co. Knitting Shop. There we interested youngsters to join us, either aliyah. I read a few more times in high received guidance and enjoyed conviviality independently or with their mothers school, but in the subsequent decade while knitting blanket squares at the or friends. By building on the successful had stopped, and forgotten much of I shop’s large wooden table. start with this initiative at Annie’s this what I had learned. This past year, I was In February, Or Zarua hosted fiber year, it is hoped that we can pass our looking for ways to get more involved with artist Heather Stoltz. Her wonderful work- experiences with this craft on to future the shul, and thought about learning to shop, “Translating Text to Textile” explored generations. read again. On Simhat Torah, “bidding” on Jewish holiday themes for inspiration. We invite the OZ community at large the verses of Atah Hareitah, I made the Participants quilted individual squares to be collateral members of the Crafts Club promise that this year I would learn, and I displaying by knitting signed up for Mark’s class shortly there- montages squares after. of holiday and baby It is interesting coming back to read- concepts in blankets at ing Torah after being away from it for so fabric. The home. Such long. Some skills came back easily, and final part of pieces can some I don’t even remember learning. In that project be included approaching Torah reading as an adult, is to assem- with our there was much more that I was able to ble those contribution understand and appreciate. Chief among squares to the these is the structure that trope, the can- into a wall Jewish tillation marks that set the melody, adds hanging. Board’s to the verses of Torah. More than being The com- Sanctuary just musical notes, the trope serves as a pleted wall Stitchery sort of punctuation for the verse, leading hanging will Project. to connections between some words, and be donated The simple separation between others. Understanding to Jewish instructions this has made me much more sensitive to Heather Stoltz Board of for the proj- the meaning of many verses. It is also Miriam and the Israelites rejoicing Children ect squares amazing that the basic principles learned in song after crossing the Reed Sea and Family are listed in this class will allow me to read any part approximately 35" x 45" Services below and of the Torah (JBFCS) group homes. there will be a designated drop-off at Or I am really glad that I had made the On Sunday, April 3, our small but lively Zarua for all contributions. You may also decision to learn to read Torah again. I group scheduled a home meeting in the participate in sewing the squares together. would like to thank our teacher, Mark tradition of knitting or sewing circles of The JBFCS Sanctuary Blanket Project Somerstein, who is extremely knowledge- the past. The purpose of these circles is instructions are as follows: The squares able about all aspects of reading Torah to share hand-crafted art and cherished need to be 7" x 9" and can be knitted or and is able to convey them in a very family textiles which have been either crocheted with washable worsted weight accessible way. I would also like to thank acquired from or made by our mothers, wool. All knitting should be tightly woven. the other students in the class who were sisters or grandmothers. This past tradi- Note that the patterns call for 7" knitting supportive as we tackled this together. I tion has recently experienced a revival. needles, but some yarns require 8" nee- know that I have only scratched the sur- Next year’s programming for the dles. More information on patterns and face with my learning; I look forward to Crafts Club will continue with occasional other details can be found at www.sanctu- continuing to learn more. I am proud that ventures from our Sunday morning meet- ary stitchers.org. the promise I made on Simhat Torah will ings in the OZ Library and will expand the The next meetings of the OZ Crafts be fulfilled by Passover. frame of reference in terms of knitting and Club are Sundays, May 22 and June 12 at other textiles and our community service. 10:15 a.m. We hope to schedule a special viewing of —TERRY EDELSTEIN

9 127 East 82nd Street G G May 2011 Nisan/Iyar 5771 OrZarua New York, NY 10028 212-452-2310 SUNDA Y MONDA Y TUESDA Y WEDNESDA Y THURSDA Y FRIDA Y SATURDA Y

1 G 27 Nisan 2 G 28 3 G 229 4 G 30 5 G 1 Iyar 6 G 2 7 G 3 8:45 am Sunday Minyan Yom Hashoah 7:15 am Minyan Rosh Hodesh Iyar I Rosh Hodesh Iyar II 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 10:00 am Ashley Adult 7:15 am Minyan 7:00 am Minyan 7:00 am Minyan 6:30 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Emor Education Course 8:00 pm Talmud Class 6:00 pm Party in the Shabbat Bat Mitzvah of 7:30 pm Yom Hashoah Garden at JTS 7:38 pm Candlelighting Yael Rayport Service

8 G 4 9 G 5 10 G 6 11 G 7 12 G 8 13 G 9 14 G 10 Mother’s Day Yom Hazikaron Yom Ha’atzmaut 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 8:45 am Sunday Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:00 am Minyan 8:00 pm Talmud Class 6:30 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Behar Yom Ha’atzmaut Shabbat 10:30 am Junior 7:30 pm Herb Keinon on 7:45 pm Candlelighting Congregation “The Arab Spring: What Does It Mean to Israel?”

15 G 11 16 G 12 17 G 13 18 G 14 19 G 15 20 G 16 21 G 17 8:45 am Sunday Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 10:00 am Ashley Adult 8:15 am Program 6:00 pm OZ Gallery 6:30 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Behukotai Education Course Committee Meeting Opening: “Bagels, Babka Shabbat Bat Mitzvah of 8:00 pm Talmud Class and Balabustas” 7:52 pm Candlelighting Alexis Kushner

22 G 18 23 G 19 24 G 20 25 G 21 26 G 22 27 G 23 28 G 24 Lag B’Omer 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 8:45 am Sunday Minyan 7:00 pm Rooftop Picnic 6:30 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Bemidbar 10:00 am Ashley Adult 8:15 pm Annual Meeting Shabbat Education Course Last day of Hebrew School 7:58 pm Candlelighting 10:15 am Crafts Club

29 G 25 30 G 26 31 G 27 8:45 am Sunday Minyan Memorial Day 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan Ofﬁce closed 127 East 82nd Street G G June 2011 Iyar/Sivan 5771 OrZarua New York, NY 10028 212-452-2310 SUNDA Y MONDA Y TUESDA Y WEDNESDA Y THURSDA Y FRIDA Y SATURDA Y

1 G 28 Iyar 2 G 29 3 G 1 Sivan 4 G 2 Yom Yerushalayim 7:15 am Minyan Rosh Hodesh Sivan 9:00 am Shaharit 7:15 am Minyan 7:00 am Minyan Naso 8:00 pm Talmud Class 6:45 pm Minhah/Kabbalat 10:30 am Junior (ﬁnal session) Shabbat Congregation/Teen-led 8:04 pm Candlelighting Services

5 G 3 6 G 4 7 G 5 8 G 6 9 G 7 10 G 8 11 G 9 8:45 am Sunday Minyan 7:15 am Minyan Erev Shavuot Shavuot: First Day Shavuot: Second Day 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 11:00 am Celebrate Israel 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 8:45 am Shaharit 6:45 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Beha’alotekha Parade 8:00 pm Minhah/Ma’ariv 8:00 pm Minhah/Ma’ariv Yizkor Shabbat Bat Mitzvah of and Tikkun Leyl Shavuot 8:08 pm Candlelighting Isabella Negrin 8:06 pm Candlelighting

12 G 10 13 G 11 14 G 12 15 G 13 16 G 14 17 G 15 18 G 16 8:45 am Sunday Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 10:15 am Crafts Club 7:30 pm Jonathan Canick 6:45 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Shelah 7:30 pm Book Discussion lecture on “Aging and the Shabbat Persistence of Mind” 8:11 pm Candlelighting

19 G 17 20 G 18 21 G 19 22 G 20 23 G 21 24 G 22 25 G 23 Father’s Day 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:00 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 8:45 am Sunday Minyan Bat Mitzvah of 6:45 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Korah Madeline Austin Shabbat 8:13 pm Candlelighting

26 G 24 27 G 25 28 G 26 29 G 27 30 G 28 8:45 am Sunday Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2011 The Kosher Konnoisseur by Louis Barash

Four New York Delis: two iconic establishments, Carnegie and times have a yen for a good pastrami sand- 2nd Avenue Deli, Fine and Schapiro, Stage, constantly crowded despite being wich, here is a rundown on some of the few Ben’s Kosher Deli, and Mendy’s just two blocks apart. Tourists flock to kosher delicatessens left in Manhattan. these famed citadels of Jewish food, cer- t is subject to fair argument whether tainly unaware that their progenitors— 2nd Avenue Deli New York has the best restaurants in kosher delis—verge on extinction. 162 East 33rd Street, 212-689-9000 the world. While its supporters might Kosher delis do not have that long a www.2ndavedeli.com ardently claim that title, international history. They are a New York phenomenon, (Kosher certified, open on Shabbat) reviewers seem to favor Paris and first sprouting up with the huge immigra- Things are so bad for kosher delis that I this famous establishment isn’t even on Tokyo. But it is almost beyond reasonable tion, starting in about 1880, of Jews into a debate that any city in the world comes then very German city. Yiddish-speaking Second Avenue. It’s new, smaller location, close to New York in terms of the breadth Jews from Romania, Lithuania and tucked away on a side street in Kips Bay, of its fine cuisine. Asian and Continental Bessarabia discovered a city filled with still has the trappings of a traditional deli, cooking dominate in Paris and Tokyo, but German delicatessens: retail shops with a including the hanging salamis in the front New York has excellent examples of those, variety of foods including smoked German window. (An outpost on the Upper East plus countless other cuisines. As befits the meats and fishes, wieners, wursts, her- Side is scheduled to open this year.) The largest city in the melting pot of the world, rings, pickles and sauerkraut. In German, food at 2nd Avenue is marvelous. Pastrami one can find outstanding examples of fine “delicatessen” means eating (“essen”) is warm, moist, salty, spicy and delicious, cuisine from the four corners of the globe. delicacies; it has the same meaning in served on excellent rye bread. The rye also Over the last quarter century, that pic- Yiddish, and not surprisingly kosher ver- hosts terrific corned beef and beef brisket. ture of New York dining has been mirrored sions of the delicatessen were established Round (baked) knishes are meals in them- in its kosher restaurants. Many new estab- for the growing Jewish population. selves: the potato version almost a puff lishments have opened, representing a Originally retail shops where one might pastry with a creamy potato filling, the broad range of cultures. Visitors from also get a sandwich to go, some of the kasha version nutty with groats. Mushroom abroad are astounded by the range of more successful ones, like Volks on and barley soup is well seasoned and quality kosher fare in New York. From Delancey Street, expanded into full fledged fresh, and the chicken soup, with a fair sushi to spaghetti, pongal to pistou, one restaurants. The best and most famous heaping of dill (and perhaps a little too can find it featured on the menu of a (like Katz’s, still open but no longer kosher) much salt) comes with a choice of sublime- kosher establishment. The range and grew into gastronomic palaces. ly light matzoh balls and perfectly meaty quality clearly exceed any city in the world, Walking into a real delicatessen, one pierogen (don’t agonize: ask for one of including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. In this is immediately in a uniquely ethnic world, each). A perfectly good kosher hot dog is cornucopia of fine cuisine, what more yet on familiar turf. Salamis hang from the available as are square (fried) knishes. The could the kosher diner conceivably ask? ceiling. A long glass counter displays a cole slaw is more of a health salad than a Well, how about a pastrami sand- variety of smoked meats and salads and traditional deli slaw. The stuffed cabbage, wich? Or a potato knish? A kosher hot often smoked fish. Behind the counter are in the Romanian sweet and sour style, had dog? In case you hadn’t noticed, the ubiq- huge jars of pickles and peppers. far too much sugar, but that is one of the uitous corner kosher deli is neither ubiqui- Somewhere a grill is heating hot dogs and few criticisms. Prices are a little higher tous nor on the corner any more. If you knishes. Further into the establishment is than the others, a pastrami sandwich is desire traditional kosher deli, you’re going a dining area, and by the time you arrive at $14.50, but overstuffed with meat and to have to search for it. your seat the scents of garlic and steamy more than one person can likely finish. The reasons for this decline (and the meat have surely whetted your appetite. Fine and Schapiro virtual extinction of traditional kosher dairy The waitstaff is almost always surly, but 138 West 72nd Street, 212-877-2721 with the demise of restaurants like your food will come quickly. In addition to www.fineandschapiro.com. Ratner’s and Famous) are not completely what’s on display up front, one can usually (Kosher certified, open on Shabbat) clear. Certainly, dining trends have order a variety of soups, Eastern European In business since 1927, one can changed, and a desire for greater variety delicacies like stuffed cabbage and stuffed believe that not much has changed in that and the cuisines of other cultures must be derma, and full meals (including sides of time. The pastrami and all of the other a part of it. And the kosher deli menu is a impossibly overcooked green vegetables). meats are still wonderful, available on very high fat, high cholesterol smorgasbord not There’s no need for a wine list, everyone is good rye and club roll, with excellent sour exactly in tune with modern dietary recom- drinking Dr. Brown’s. pickles. Hot dogs and knishes are all very mendations. Yet the non-kosher version of Those delis are an ever dwindling num- good, potato salad and cole slaw are tradi- the traditional delicatessen is thriving, with ber. For those who, like this diner, some- tional deli recipe, and while not a deli stan-

12 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MAY/JUNE 2011 dard, the french fried potatoes are excel- tasty and delicious and the delicate noo- lent. Mushroom and barley soup is flavor- dles remind me of the homemade ones I RABBI WECHSLER ful, and the pierogen in chicken soup are grew up with (don’t agonize: skip the mat- outstanding, as are the fried pierogen, a zoh ball and the pierogen , ask for extra TEACHES ON delicacy infrequently found these days. (If noodles). Stuffed cabbage is well sea- you’ve never had fried pierogen, you might soned and the cabbage not overcooked as SIRIUS XM RADIO find a picture in a dictionary, accompanying so many versions of this dish can be. Sundays at 3 a.m., 5 a.m. the definition of cholesterol.) The matzoh Kasha Varnishkas are an excellent accom- balls are quite good, not as feathery light paniment or appetizer. Prices are very rea- 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. as 2nd Avenue, for that reason they will sonable, the pastrami sandwich is $10.50 more likely remind you of those your grand- and sides and appetizers very fairly priced. mother made. Chicken or Flanken in the Pot is a Fine and Schapiro standout, a full Mendy’s meal for two with soup, boiled chicken or 61 East 34th Street, 212-576-1010 rich, fleshy flanken, matzoh balls and veg- (and other locations in Manhattan etables. Stuffed cabbage, stuffed derma, and Brooklyn), www.mendysdeli.com kasha varnishkas and egg barley with (Kosher certified, closed on Shabbat) mushrooms are often outstanding, but it is Mendy’s barely qualifies for this list; best to ask when they were prepared, they only its 34th Street location is a true eat-in deli, the rest—in the Park Avenue Atrium, sometimes sit for a few days and are not abbi Wechsler can now be heard on Rockefeller Center concourse and Grand quite as tasty then. While dessert is usual- SIRIUS XM Stars Radio four times Central Station (where there is also a R ly more than I want when eating at a deli, each Sunday. Subscribers to SIRIUS Dairy Mendy’s)—are essentially fast food the apple strudel here is tasty, the filling Radio can access the program, “Rabbi places with extremely limited seating. sweet with apples and cinnamon, the crust Wechsler Teaches,” on Channel 102, Although lacking the deli experience, one heavy, not really flaky, in the old world and XM Radio subscribers can tune in stretches to include it because it appears style. Prices are reasonable, the pastrami to Channel 155. Non-subscribers to to be the only kosher delicatessen in sandwich is $10.50, but it is not nearly as SIRIUS Radio can obtain a free, three- Manhattan that is closed on Shabbat. overstuffed as at 2nd Avenue. day trial at www.sirius.com. Unfortunately, the quality of the food does Ben’s Kosher Deli not match its seven-day-a-week competi- 209 W. 38th Street, 212-398-2367 tion. The soups are very good, as are the (and other locations outside of Manhattan) knishes. The sandwiches—pastrami, www.bensdeli.net corned beef and brisket—are okay, certainly (Kosher certified, open on Shabbat) as good or better than what passes for 22ND ANNUAL Ben’s doesn’t have the history of the those treats outside of New York City, but MEETING, others. Opened on Long Island in the early not nearly as flavorful or as warm as they 1970s, the Manhattan outpost, an enor- should be. The stuffed cabbage, one of PICNIC DINNER mous, high ceiling expanse, is more the limited specials, isn’t very special. One recent. Ben’s art deco-inspired room is of the soups and a half sandwich make a AND MUSIC packed at lunch with “rag dealers” from perfectly pleasant, and reasonably priced, Wednesday, May 25 the nearby garment district; at dinner the lunch. But the truth is that if time travelers cavernous, almost empty space feels like from the heyday of the New York deli- ongregation Or Zarua’s 22nd late innings at a Mets game. No matter catessen were to visit, they would surely Annual Meeting on Wednesday, the crowd, the food is quite good. say, “You call this a deli?” CMay 25 will begin at 7:00 p.m. Pastrami, corned beef and brisket are thick The sidewalk in front of the original with a festive picnic on the roof of our cut and tasty, served on quality rye bread. 2nd Avenue Deli featured a tribute to the synagogue and a performance by the The round potato knish certainly meets the stars of the New York Yiddish theatre, a Or Zarua Klezmer Band. The business definition: about the size of a softball, the Lower East Side parallel to Grauman’s meeting at 8:30 p.m. will include potato filling is tasty and the perfect tex- Chinese. The sidewalk plaques remain, reports from Rabbi Harlan J. Wechsler, ture. The cole slaw is somewhat unique, now incongruously the welcome mat to a President Andrew Frackman and neither a creamy deli style, nor a vinegary Chase bank branch. It is sad to think that Treasurer Alan Nadel, as well as the health slaw, simply fresh shredded, lightly the kosher deli could go the way of the election of officers and members of the dressed cabbage and carrots that is sur- Yiddish theatre and its stars. The good Board of Trustees. prisingly addictive. The matzo balls are news is that, at least for now, there is still Please make dinner reservations okay, light but not very flavorful, but dis- excellent pastrami to be found in New on www.orzarua.org or by calling the tinctly better than the pierogen, a taste- York. It seems timely to recommend get- synagogue office at 212-452-2310, less meat filling in thick, doughy shell. But ting it while it is hot. extension 39. the chicken soup in which they come is continued on page 15

13 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2011 Do You Believe In Miracles? Between Divine Providence and Intervention An Adult Education Course on Three Sundays Between Pesah and Shavuot by Marc Ashley

n appreciation of miracles lies between Pesah and Shavuot. This year’s “a wise man proportions his belief to the at the heart of notions of reli- course, “Do You Believe In Miracles? evidence,” and our empirical observations gious belief and conceptions of Between Divine Providence and Intervention,” seem to discredit the plausibility of mira- truth and reason. Our under- will focus on Jewish conceptions of the cles. For many modern thinkers, miracles Astanding of how God may oper- miraculous in human experience. have been deprived of their miraculous ate within history or beyond nature can Should Jews believe that miracles import, presumably to be stranded in the shape our perception of what is possible indeed occurred in the past and can yet realm of crude religious aspiration and in the natural world. Miracles in the occur today? Does God actually intervene even delusion. ancient world may have been taken for in the affairs of human history? The But perhaps irrelevance need not be granted. Yet in this age of cynicism and course is open to all congregants and the fate of miracles for modern Jews. skepticism—when talk of miracles likely does not require prior knowledge of any Confronting the possibility of miracles in leads many people to think most readily of kind. We will meet on Sunday mornings at human experience can continue to inspire an Olympic hockey game featuring an 10 a.m. on May 1, 15 and 22 in the OZ and engage our religious imagination even unlikely and dramatic upset—can the library. in the contemporary world. miracles of the Bible speak to the modern The “problem” of miracles has exer- Please join us for stimulating dis- Jew? What should we make of the Torah’s cised the minds of great thinkers through cussion of this pivotal aspect of Jewish proliﬁc narratives of wondrous miracles time, particularly since Enlightenment thought. And push yourself to consider a that belie our everyday experience? thinking began to privilege reason in the question more challenging for Jews today Please join congregant Marc Ashley in quest for knowledge and truth. The mod- than ever before—do you believe in his annual adult education course held ern philosopher David Hume declared that miracles? Or Zarua Book Discussions Foreign Bodies by Cynthia Ozick on Sunday, June 12

lease join us on Sunday, June 12 could easily have Iris leaves her studies to join her brother at 7:30 p.m. in the Or Zarua stepped out of in Paris. library to discuss Foreign Bodies one of Philip Over the course of a few months, by the award-winning author Roth’s stories: Bea travels from New York to Paris to PCynthia Ozick. Rich and domi- Hollywood, aiding and abetting her nephew In her sixth novel, Ozick retells and neering Marvin and niece while waging a war of letters extends Henry James’ The Ambassadors. orders his with her brother. Finally Bea faces her In James’ 1903 book, middle-aged divorced sister ex-husband and shakes off his lingering Lambert Strether is dispatched to Paris by Bea from New sneers from decades past. As she inad- his wealthy fiancée to bring her culture- York, where she vertently wreaks havoc in their lives, every accumulating son back to the United teaches English one of them is irrevocably changed. States. Strether finds the “remarkable” in high school, The following book discussion will be young man in immoral “intimacy” with a to fly to Paris to convince his 23-year-old on September 18. If you would like more married woman, and the failed ambassa- son Julian, an unemployed waiter and information on Or Zarua book discussions dor returns alone to America. sometime writer, to return home. But or have a book suggestion, please contact As Ozick’s title suggests, her charac- Julian has secretly married Lili, a Reed Schneider at 212-860-8611 or Dina ters lack Jamesian refinement. Set in Romanian widow and Holocaust survivor. Linsk in the synagogue office at 1952, the characters of Foreign Bodies Complicating Bea’s mission, Julian’s sister [email protected].

EDITOR’S NOTE If you have an idea or article that is appropriate for publication in the OZ Newsletter, please contact Charlie Spielholz at [email protected]. All copy for the July/August 2011 issue should be received by Thursday, June 2.

14 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MAY/JUNE 2011 Family THE LUCY S. DAWIDOWICZ and Youth LECTURE IS ONLINE Activities Visit www.orzarua.org A L I Z

ou may have missed A

K A

May 2011 P

Or Zarua’s 22nd birth- L A Sunday, May 1• 7:30 p.m. Yday celebration and N YOM HASHOAH the custom cake (pictured at Holocaust Memorial Service right) on Wednesday, February 2, but that does Monday, May 9 • 7:30 p.m. not mean you have to miss YOM HA’ATZMAUT WITH HERB KEINON The Lucy S. Dawidowicz Israel Independence Day lecture on Lecture by Lawrence H. “The Arab Spring: What Does It Mean Schiffman on “The Dead Sea to Israel?” Scrolls: Judaism, Christianity Saturday, May 14 • 10:30 a.m. and the Western Tradition Reevaluated” because it is available online! Just go to JUNIOR CONGREGATION/TEEN-LED SERVICE www.orzarua.com and look under the Resources heading on the right of the Or Zarua for 2nd grade and older. Service led by home page for the lecture. You will also find many other features on the Or Zarua students, teachers and parents. website, including the calendar of events. So take some time and visit the site! Thursday, May 19 • 6:00 p.m. BAGELS, BABKA AND BALABUSTAS Exhibit opening in the Or Zarua Gallery. The Kosher Konnoisseur son, it is surprising and disappointing that Wednesday, May 25 • 7:00 p.m. continued from page 13 this city has rarely seen delicious kosher ROOFTOP PICNIC AND ANNUAL MEETING Chinese food. There is simply no reason Details on page 13. Kosher Knibbles: As Kosher restaurants that high-quality and completely authentic strive to deliver varied foreign cuisine, the kosher Chinese food cannot be prepared, June 2011 strictures of kashruth impose certain limi- yet I have never dined at a Chinese Saturday, June 4 • 10:30 a.m. tations. Interestingly, the prohibited foods restaurant in this city where the food was JUNIOR CONGREGATION/TEEN-LED SERVICE (certain kinds or cuts of meat, certain fish of high quality. (Fortunately, the same can- for 2nd grade and older. Service led by and all shellfish) are not really a signifi- not be said of Japanese-inspired cuisine, students, teachers and parents. cant obstacle. While it is true that such as there are a number of good dining foods are a meaningful element of many spots.) This is particularly surprising Sunday, June 5 • 11:00 a.m. non-Jewish cuisines, there is more than because Chinese food was the earliest CELEBRATE ISRAEL PARADE adequate variety within the permitted Asian cuisine to reach New York, and was Tuesday, June 7 • 8:00 p.m. foods to permit an authentic kosher repre- something that many New York Jews TIKKUN LEYL SHAVUOT sentation of almost any culture’s fare. became familiar with. Indeed, among Jews Panel discussion on “The Social Network The greater challenge to authenticity of an earlier generation, there was a not and the Internet: Friend or Foe?” is the separation of milk and meat. In insubstantial number who kept kosher many kitchens, particularly those on the homes, would never consider eating in a Tuesday, June 14 • 7:30 p.m. Continent, milk, butter, cream and cheese “non-kosher” deli, but would dine in a AGING AND THE PERSISTENCE OF MIND are constant recipe companions to meat, Chinese restaurant. with Jonathan Canick, Ph.D. or are staples in dishes traditionally Admittedly, New York has come some served with meat. That is not to say that way since the days of Schmulka Bernstein exceptional French and Italian food cannot and Moshe Peking (if you never dined at be served kosher, it can and often is. But them you are fortunate; those who have TORAH READERS adjustments need to be made and probably still have trace amounts of MSG NEEDED authenticity often must take a back seat. in their systems). Yet, so far as I can tell, Notably, however, the mixing of meat it has never reached nearly the heights If you are able to read Torah or with dairy is rarely, if ever, a feature of that it should. If you are familiar with a Haftarah and would like to do so on Asian cuisine. One can search the menu kosher Chinese establishment in the city a Shabbat, please call the synagogue of innumerable non-kosher Asian restau- that you think worthy of a visit (and per- office at 212-452-2310, ext 12. rants, and the only milk to be found haps a review), the Konnoisseur would be comes from soy or coconut. For this rea- interested in your recommendation. 15 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2011 Daily Morning Minyan 101 What happens at Or Zarua’s weekday service

n weekday mornings at Or not included on Shabbat. If the Torah is to who attend the daily minyan read or follow Zarua people begin to drift be read, the Torah service occurs after along in English. Most of the men and a into the sanctuary for Tahanun. The weekday Torah reading is few of the women put on tefillin. Or Zarua Shaharit, the morning service. brief—just three short aliyot. The conclud- owns a few sets of tefillin for use by OThe first arrivals glance ing section of the daily service includes those people who do not have their own. around to assess the number of atten- Ashrei, Aleinu, and another Mourner’s And not knowing how to put tefillin on is dees—will there be enough, 10, for the Kaddish and ends with the psalm of the not a concern; someone will help you. first mourner’s kaddish? Yes, we will need day as was recited in the Temple. People attend Or Zarua’s weekday 10 not only for kaddish but for Barechu, After the service is concluded, Rabbi minyan for a variety of reasons. There is a the repetition of the Amidah and, on Wechsler teaches for approximately three core group of attendees and there are new Mondays and Thursdays, the Torah read- minutes on a topic that is always informa- recruits. Or Zarua is committed to having ing. The weekday morning service requires tive and relevant. a minyan each morning to ensure that we a minyan as do all other services. Why 10 So, how long does the service last? are able to have a full service and to allow and why not, say, 14 or 9? Rabbi Wechsler We begin at 7:15 a.m. Monday through those who are mourners or observing a explains that the number 10 is based on Friday (8:45 a.m. on Sunday) and on non- yahrzeit to say Kaddish. Some people Numbers 14:27, in which 10 of the 12 Torah reading days finish at 8:00 a.m. Add attend the weekday service because they tribe leaders appointed to “scout the land 15 minutes on the days the Torah is read. originally did so as mourners. Others have of Canaan” to determine the condition of If your ability to read Hebrew is rusty come to appreciate the value of daily com- the land and the prospects for conquering or non-existent that is okay. Some people munal prayer and understand the impor- it, return with a negative report. They are tance of being available for those who are called “edah,” an assembly. Leviticus in need of saying Kaddish. Others wish to 22:32 and Numbers 16:21 use the same LIFE EVENTS say a prayer for healing either silently dur- word “edah” to refer, under somewhat dif- at Congregation Or Zarua ing the Amidah or aloud on the days that ferent circumstances, to the community, the Torah is read. giving rise to the mandate that 10 people embers of our congregation are If you would like to have an aliyah in create the necessary context for sanctify- Msometimes faced with painful, observance of a yahrzeit or for any other ing Him. Therefore, a minyan of 10 is and, in some cases, tragic events in reason, come on Monday, Thursday or on required for communal Jewish prayer. their lives. If you know of a member of other special days that the Torah is read. What goes on at that morning serv- the congregation who is coping with On those days the opportunity is also ice? What do I need to know and do? How extended illness, hospitalization, or a available to raise or dress the Torah. On long does the service last? Who else will death in their family, please contact all weekdays, for those who are able, be there? What if I can not read or follow the synagogue office at 212-452-2310 there is the opportunity for people to lead Hebrew? Will it be an alien intrusion into so that Rabbi Wechsler can be the service. my morning routine? informed. Press extension 14 for the The unexpected, unanticipated reward Let us start with what happens: the executive director or extension 12 for of beginning the day with shared and per- weekday Shaharit contains many elements the rabbi’s assistant, Dina Linsk. sonal prayer, bringing a new aspect to that are similar to the Shabbat service. It each day, turns out not to be an alien begins with 14 brief blessings of grati- intrusion at all. These just touch on some tude, although some people who arrive of the highlights of Shaharit. Choose a day early start their personal prayer with a CONGREGATION —any day—and come. All will be so glad selection from the prayers and blessings to have you join us. Spring and summer, that appear in the Siddur Sim Shalom OR ZARUA when many of our regular attendees are before those 14 blessings. The minyan OFFICE HOURS away, present a special opportunity for us then continues with a number of brief to welcome new people to the minyan. If blessings and prayers that lead into the Monday through Thursday you have questions or would like more first Mourner’s Kaddish. Following 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. information, please contact Sheldon Adler Mourner’s Kaddish are a series of psalms, Friday ([email protected]). selections from scripture and the three One more thing. After services, we 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. paragraphs of the Shema, which then lead serve a light breakfast along with interest- into the Amidah. The Amidah is followed The Or Zarua office is closed Saturday ing conversation. by Tahanun, which contains supplications and Sunday as well as on Jewish and and confessions of sin, and is therefore federal holidays.

16 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MAY/JUNE 2011

JTS Party in the Garden TALMUD CLASS Thursday, May 5, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. in the OZ Library ne of the perquisites of being JTS Chancellor Eisen will moderate a a New York City synagogue is discussion among Rabbis Wechsler, This year we will be studying the first our proximity to the Jewish Schranz, and Cosgrove, loosely based on chapter of Masechet Hullin (Ordinary Theological Seminary. Due to the theme, “Spread over us a shelter of Things). The tractate is mostly devoted its world renowned library and peace,” a quotation from the Hashkivenu to the Laws of Kashrut. The first O chapter covers shechting (kosher its outstanding faculty who conduct fre- prayer. We will then have a choice of quent public seminars and special events, attending any of several breakout sessions slaughtering). June 1 is the final class. JTS is a natural focal point for the rich conducted by one of JTS’s extraordinary Classes are taught by Jewish intellectual life in New York City scholars, including Rabbi Dr. David RABBI WECHSLER and the country. Hoffman and Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Diamond. Join us again this year on Thursday, Last year’s multi-synagogue party was No prior knowledge of Talmud, Hebrew May 5, as members of Park Avenue a fabulous success. Needless to say, we or Aramaic is required. Synagogue, Sutton Place Synagogue, hope that your appreciation of JTS and its and Congregation Or Zarua convene for role will be enhanced, and that you will be a Garden Party at JTS. This will be an motivated to increase your support for evening of celebration, education, and JTS’s efforts. For more information, see surprises in a relaxed and stimulating your invitation that arrived by mail or setting. Following refreshments outdoors, contact Sara Stone at 212-628-0129. OZ Cemetery Gravesites for Members

he Or Zarua section of Beth El Yehuda Nir Exhibit Cemetery is located in Washington TTownship (Bergen County), New at the Gelman Library of The George Washington University Jersey, just ten miles away from the George Washington Bridge. Beth El Cemetery is H A

he Gelman Library of The Palestine. The exhibit concludes with his R V E Y

George Washington University, identity as Yehuda Nir, developed in B R E N

in Washington, D.C., is currently Palestine and, finally, his life in America. N E showing an exhibit entitled This exhibit was created by GWU R T“Narrative of a Life: The students who read Dr. Nir’s memoir, The Identities of Yehuda Nir.” Yehuda Nir is Lost Childhood, as part of their class on a child survivor of the Holocaust and a Holocaust Memory taught by Dr. Walter member of our congregation. The exhibit Reich. He holds the Yitzhak Rabin Chair explores the various chapters of Dr. Nir’s at GWU and was the first director of the life, beginning with his birth as Julian Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. Gruenfeld to prosperous Polish Jews; The exhibit centers around a dona- the assumption of a false identity as a tion of 1,700 books that Dr. Nir collected A view of the Or Zarua cemetery section. Catholic after the murder of his father; on matters related to the Holocaust from well-maintained and landscaped with and his adoption of a second false World War II and the immediate post-war trees and shrubs. The cemetery’s design identity, this time from a Jewish family period. The exhibition and collection are provides a serene and beautiful final from Palestine that was killed in Poland located in an endowed exhibition space, resting place that reflects the values and during a “summer vacation” in August the Dr. Yehuda Nir and Dr. Bonnie Maslin aesthetics of Congregation Or Zarua. 1939, in order to effect his family’s Exhibit Hall, developed in order to support Gravesites within the Or Zarua section are entrance into the British Mandate of scholarship of the Holocaust. available for sale solely to members of our Congregation. Burial is limited to per- sons of the Jewish faith. If you are inter- WELCOMING GUESTS ested in buying gravesites in the Or Zarua It is important for us as a community to make guests and new members at our services section, please contact the synagogue and kiddushim feel comfortable and welcome. If you are seated next to someone office at 212-452-2310, ext. 14. whom you do not know, please reach out and introduce yourself. Making this effort is consistent with our culture and will repay dividends.

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

CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2011 May/June Checklist

G Remember Yom Hashoah by attending the Holocaust Memorial G Learn about the new class for post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah students Service on Sunday, May 1, 7:30 p.m. who wish to continue to develop their skills in Hebrew, Torah G Learn with Marc Ashley: “Do You Believe in Miracles? Between and Talmud (see page 4). Divine Providence and Intervention” meets on three Sundays, G Help out with a Hesed program (see page 6). May 1, 15 and 22, at 10:00 a.m. G Read about the special exhibition on Yehuda Nir in Washington, G Go to the JTS Garden Party on Thursday, May 5, 6:00-10:00 p.m. D.C. on page 17. G Hear the Yom Ha’atzmaut lecture by Jerusalem Post diplomatic G Listen to “Rabbi Wechsler Teaches” on Sirius XM Radio correspondent Herb Keinon on “The Arab Spring: What Does It (details on page 13). Mean to Israel?” on Monday, May 9, 7:30 p.m. G Discuss Cynthia Ozick’s new novel, Foreign Bodies, on Sunday, G Attend the opening of “Bagels. Babka and Balabustas,” the June 12, 7:30 p.m. new exhibit in the Or Zarua Gallery on Thursday, May 19, from G Knit with the OZ Crafts Club on Sunday, May 22 and June 12, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 10:15 a.m. or become a collateral member (see page 9). G Attend OZ’s 22nd Annual Meeting, complete with picnic dinner G Sign up for the morning minyan. and music, on Wednesday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m. G Study Talmud with Rabbi Wechsler on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. G March in the Celebrate Israel Parade on Fifth Avenue on G Become a member of the OZ Program Committee by attending Sunday, June 5 from 11:00 to 4:00 p.m. the meeting on Wednesday morning, May 18, 8:15 a.m. or by G Participate in the Tikkun Leyl Shavuot discussion, “The Social contacting the Or Zarua ofﬁce (212-452-2310). Network and the Internet: Friend or Foe?, on Tuesday, June 7, G Befriend Or Zarua on Facebook. 8:00 p.m. Then indulge with fellow congregants and guests in G Call the Or Zarua ofﬁce (212-452-2310) if you have questions the Shavuot tradition of ice cream sundaes and cheesecake. about or wish to sponsor any OZ program or event. G Come to the presentation on “Aging and the Persistence of G Have an idea or article for the OZ newsletter? If so, please Mind” by Jonathan Canick, Ph.D. on Tuesday, June 14, 7:30 p.m. contact Charlie Spielholz ([email protected]). G Sponsor a program or event at OZ (see page 4).