Brotherhood Synagogue h’’bZ 28 Gramercy Park South New York, NY 10003 Phone (212) 674-5750 Fax (212) 505-6707 www.brotherhoodsynagogue.org

Volume XXXIX Number V Shevat / Adar 5780 February 2020

Shtisel Shabbat Services by Rabbi Daniel Alder FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 6:30 pm s a relatively late adopter of technology social, political and religious conflicts that SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 9:30 am Aand popular culture, I’ve just this past are quite real and play a significant factor month completed watching the two seasons of in Israel’s national elections. Its charm is in FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 6:30 pm Shtisel streaming on Netflix. The hit Israeli TV portraying haredi life in a way that softens Following services: Shabbaton dinner series follows the day-to-day dramas of a the community in the eyes of its fellow and speaker, Mark Hetfield of HIAS Haredi — that is, Ultra-Orthodox — family in citizens. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 9:30 am Jerusalem. It is excellent TV: superbly written, Would the builders of New York’s Temple Bar Mitzvah of Zachary Buscemi well-acted, with compelling characters and Emanu-El ever have imagined that their rich story lines. There’s also, no doubt, a congregation’s sanctuary would one day be FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 6:30 pm certain voyeuristic appeal: an opportunity to packed to the balconies with thousands of SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 9:30 am gaze into a mysterious and cloistered world. devout followers of a black-hatted Orthodox Baby Naming of Hazel Yager Haredim are the most visibly identifiable rabbi and his family? That was the scene yet least understood segment of world last spring when the citadel of high Reform FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 6:30 pm Jewry. The word “haredi” means “one who Judaism on the Upper East Side was SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 9:30 am trembles,” as in fervent prayer and is the overtaken by Shtisel-mania. preferred term among those who strictly Fans of the series filled the synagogue FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 6:30 pm adhere to Jewish law, shun secular society and to see the show’s three stars discuss their SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 9:30 am in many cases don’t recognize the legitimacy surprise hit. Demand was so intense that Bar Mitzvah of Jared Glatzer of the State of Israel. the organizers added a second night when This definition applies primarily to Israeli the first quickly sold out. Some 4,600 haredim, who are resented by many of their people attended over the two nights. The countrymen because the male population actors recounted their more modest initial Please save the date generally doesn’t serve in the army, and expectations for the show. values full-time Torah study over gainful Yet this quiet show about private for the Brotherhood employment. Hasidim are a segment of family dramas in Jerusalem’s insular haredi haredim who have a spiritual leader while the community made a big splash. In Israel, Synagogue Nursery “yeshivish” haredim, like the Shtisel family, its popularity bridged the secular-religious School Benefit. A fun tend to be more worldly and emphasize divide, and TV-less haredi Jews found ways scholarship over mysticism. to watch avidly and surreptitiously. evening of drinking, It’s undeniable that haredi Jews in Israel Now there are plans for a third season and dining, dancing and and the majority of American Jews live also for an American version set in Brooklyn. in different worlds and have a strain of We non-haredi Jews can appreciate that schmoozing. animosity toward each other, resentful of haredim are connected to us, that they are the other’s lifestyle as an embarrassment. So our mishpocha (family). Yet our connection to why the remarkable popularity of the show the haredi world is attenuated by a profound here, and such deep empathy for Reb Shulem religious chasm. Shtisel allows us to bridge Thursday May 7. Shtisel, the widowed teacher, and his grown that divide from the comfort of our couches. children, especially Kiva, the gentle would- Our haredi co-religionists are under Mark your be artist in search of love? increasingly anti-Semitic attack in nearby The show deals with issues we all deal Brooklyn. The more we know and understand calendars! with in life, and in doing so, Shtisel opens a each other, the better we will be prepared to window, closes a gap and brings us all closer stand up for them and see our connection to to each other. The show avoids the kind of them. l Life Goes On Shabbat Club | February 1, 1:00 pm

Life Goes On is a group for those of us On February 1, Cantor Isaac Yager will lead us not mere melodies; they are expressions who have lost a spouse or life partner and in an exploration of music in Jewish liturgy as of the harmony of creation and mark want to experience the beauty, joy, and we prepare for Shabbat Shirah (The Sabbath monumental transitions in history. opportunity that New York life offers sur- of Song), which occurs on February 8. We Another of these Songs appears in the rounded by supportive friends who un- will discuss such topics as why Conservative haftarah portion for the week (Judges derstand and share in the loss. and Orthodox Jews do not allow musical 4:4-5:31): the Song of Deborah. The Song Our January tour of the Jewish Muse- instruments to be played in the synagogue of Songs is, of course, one of the Ten um’s special exhibit was sensational, on Shabbat and holidays although they were Songs. Interestingly, the Tenth Song has used in the ancient Temple. He will teach not yet been sung: it is the Song of the thank you Sheila Zaslower for arranging some simple call and response songs from coming of the Mashiach, which will be such an interesting and informative the day's Parasha. sung at the End of Days (see Isaiah 26:1).“ event. After the tour, our big happy — from the Judaism 101 website group adjourned for dinner and enjoyed “Shabbat Shirah is the Shabbat when we spending time together discussing the read Parshat Beshalach (Exodus 13:17- The meeting, which is open to all, will be held events of the day. 17:16), which is the Torah portion that at 1 pm in the second floor reception room, On Tuesday, February 25, we’re not includes the Song at the Sea. Tradition opposite the sanctuary. Light refreshments going anywhere, we’re staying home! We’re teaches that there are only ten true will be served. If you have any questions or meeting in the 2nd floor reception room Songs (Shirot, the plural of Shirah) in the suggestions please contact Deborah Newman history of the world. These true Songs are or the office. of Brotherhood Synagogue for dinner and a movie. Dinner will start at 6pm, and then we will watch Mr. and Mrs. Bridge; the award winning 1990 film starring Brotherhood Film Series Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. This should be particularly interesting to our book club members who read Mrs. AMERICAN MUSLIM Bridge recently. Details regarding a deli- (2019, 82 minutes) cious dinner with popcorn and treats for the movie will follow to Life Goes On Wednesday, February 12, 7:00 pm members only. Please notify Brenda Pace ([email protected]) and Paulette n this documentary, filmmaker Adam Zucker chronicles Lerner ([email protected]) if you’re planning Ifive Muslim Americans, each one an immigrant and now a to join us. naturalized citizen, who are forced to contend with a chang- Our January book club discussion of ing world in the Age of Trump. Drive Your Plow over the Bones of the Dead Firmly committed to the U.S., they find their presence proved to be more than just a discus- here questioned in ways they never imagined, and each fights sion — an analysis of our beliefs regarding back against the Muslim ban while continuing to explore a the sanctity of life and the definition of Muslim identity. Across the year and a half period from the sanity — yes, we do get into such import- President’s inauguration to the Supreme Court’s decision on ant topics! Our next book club will be on the ban, Shamsi, Kobir, Debbie, Aber and Mohamed navigate Wednesday, February 26 at 7pm. We’re the constantly evolving reality of being an American Muslim. reading The Body In Question by Jill Following the screening we will be joined by Adam Ciment, which is described by the New Zucker for a Q & A. York Times as “smart and funny and com- Adam Zucker’s previous films are The Return (2014), about young Jews in pletely surprising…”. Thank you, Ellen Poland today and Greensboro: Closer to the Truth (2007), about the first Kenigsberg, for keeping our group orga- Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the U.S. He directed episodes of nized so efficiently! Please make sure to the Emmy-award winning series Free to Dance (PBS) and edited dozens of [email protected] notify Ellen ( ) if documentaries, including American Masters and American Experience. you plan to join us. We are seeking suggestions and lead- ers for winter-spring activities. If you have an idea for an outing and are willing to lead it, please call or email Agnes or Brotherhood Book Club | February 20, 7:00 pm Roberta. Gail Pierris will lead a Save the dates for upcoming book club If you or someone you know would discussion of The Starlet and the meetings: like to be a part of Life Goes On, please Spy by Ji-min Lee. A dazzling come to our meetings — we would be March 19: Marilyn Williams will lead a work of historical fiction, happy to see you! If you have any ques- discussion of A Woman of No Importance by based on true events, about tions, please call Agnes Marton at Sonia Purnell two women who seem the 917.519.4427 or e-mail her at 1agnesm- April 16: Judith Oringer will lead a discussion most unlikely to ever meet: [email protected] or call Roberta in the of Flight Portfolio by Julie Orringer Alice, a Korean war survivor Synagogue office at 212.674.5750, email and translator for the American forces in Seoul, If you are interested in joining the Book Club, [email protected]. l and Marilyn Monroe, who is visiting Korea on please contact Margie Katz at margie.katz@ a four-day USO tour. me.com. All are welcome!

2 Brotherhood Synagogue Shevat / Adar 5780 February 2020 SHABBATON@ KNOWLEDGE FOR COLLEGE Upcoming K4C Event • March 15, 2020 BROTHERHOOD “On The Frontlines of Progressive Anti-Semitism” Friday–Saturday, February 7-8 George Washington University Sophomore Blake Flayton unpacks his thought-provoking OpEd from the New York Times: An evening with On the Front Lines of Progressive Anti-Semitism (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/14/opinion/college-israel- Mark Hetfield, HIAS President and CEO anti-semitism.html) Welcoming the Stranger: A Jewish Response to the Refugee Crisis Brotherhood Adult Ed Classes oin us for Friday night services on February 7 Beginning in February & March! Jand a delicious congregational dinner, which Please register online or contact the office to register. will be followed by a talk with Mark Hetfield, President and CEO of HIAS. Over the last year, Beginning in February the number of refugees and displaced people Winter Intensive Learning Class: across the world has grown to more than 70 Biblical Characters Outside the Bible million — more than any time in history. Be- with Alex P. Jassen, Chair of the Skirball Department of Hebrew cause of our experiences and our values, the and Judaic Studies and Ethel and Irwin Edelman Associate Jewish people have a unique connection to Professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies at New York University these most vulnerable people. Join us to learn 8 Wednesdays beginning February 5, 7:00 – 8:30 pm more about Jewish displacement in history and the current global refugee crisis, and explore how Jewish values call on We’ll explore the portrait of biblical characters in the literature of Second us to respond. Temple Judaism: the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the writings of Philo and Josephus. These later texts craft Mark Hetfield is President and CEO of HIAS, which, founded in 1881 as expanded portraits of biblical characters for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, is the world's oldest organization dedicated to refugees. they create backstories or parallel stories in order to respond to glaring challenges or inconsistencies in the Bible. Other times, these texts provide a richer portrait of an otherwise underdeveloped biblical character. At Friday, February 7 Saturday, February 8 times, the later texts seek to make the biblical characters and their stories 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Shabbat 9:30–Noon: Shabbat Services more entertaining and relevant for readers. Biblical characters who will be Services with Rabbi Alder and with Rabbi Alder and discussed include: Adam and Eve, Enoch, Noah, Joseph and Aseneth, Cantor Yager Cantor Yager Miriam, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. We’ll also explore how the Bible — as we 7:30 pm: Congregational 9:30 am: Torah Talk with Phil know it today — came to be and why many of the texts we are reading ulti- Dinner for members and Rothman: “Go Forward.” mately were excluded from the canon and how we know about them today. friends Noon: Kiddush Lunch in the Cost: $200. Please email Trudi Bartow if you have any questions 8:30 – 9:15 pm: Community Room about this class: [email protected] Speaker - Mark Hetfield 1:30– 2:30 pm: Spiritual Yoga Beginning in March 9:15 – 9:45 pm: Oneg with Rebecca Kryspin. All Shabbat Stay for dessert, levels welcome. Enlivening your Passover Seder coffee, and after-dinner with Rabbi Daniel Alder conversation. 4 Tuesdays beginning March 3 7:30 – 8:30 pm Dinner tickets are $30 for each adult; $16 for children under 13. To reserve We’ll discuss how to better engage the seder seats, please send this order form and a check payable to Brotherhood Synagogue to the Synagogue officeby February 5. We encourage you to participants through tales, texts, and activi- sign up early, as congregational dinners tend to sell out! Please, no phone ties. By encouraging fresh perspectives and reservations. lively dialogue, we hope to make the ritual You may also visit the Brotherhood website to sign up and pay for the less rote and help you feel as if you personal- dinner online at www.brotherhoodsynagogue.org. ly had gone out of Egypt. There is no charge for this class. Save the Date! Interfaith Bible Study SHABBATON at BROTHERHOOD with Rabbi Daniel Alder & Friday March 20 Rev. Jacob Smith of Calvary St. George’s Following services and a delicious (2nd Avenue 4 Wednesdays beginning March 4, 12:00 – 1:00 pm Deli!) dinner, we will be joined by author, Julie Join in a study of the Passover and Easter holidays from their origins in Salamon, who will speak and answer questions the Bible to their practice today. We will examine the relevant texts from about her book, An Innocent Bystander: The Killing both Jewish and Christian perspectives. Classes meet alternately at of Leon Klinghoffer. Brotherhood Synagogue and Calvary Church (61 Gramercy Park North). The first meeting will be at Brotherhood. There is no charge for this class.

Shevat / Adar 5780 February 2020 Brotherhood Synagogue 3 Happenings in Our President’s Post Kehilah by Tracie Basch

B’nai Mitzvah, Mazal Tov to: n a beautiful, sunny but chilly, Sunday to Surprise Lake! So glad to Oin January, over 25,000 Jews, including hear that it is still around!” George and Beverly Buscemi on the Bar Mitzvah a large contingent from Brotherhood, Then we started to of their son, Zachary Buscemi. Zachary, a student came together to march and rally against march. It was wonderful to at 75 Morton, will celebrate his simcha with his something ugly — anti-Semitism. I know see Jews who practice the re- older brother, Alex. that I have spoken and written about this ligion differently come together in solidarity Howard and Rachel Glatzer on the Bar Mitzvah a lot in recent months, but the situation to march against hate and fear. Several times, of their son, Jared Glatzer. Jared, a student at is NOT getting any better, and in fact, it the crowd burst into song — David Melech Friends Seminary, will celebrate his simcha with is getting worse — and the statistics prove Yisrael, Am Yisroel Chai, and several others his older brother, Evan. it — New York City saw a 20% increase in from my youth. It was a very warm feeling. Births, Mazal Tov to: hate crimes with most of those being against I am under no misconception that this Jews. one rally will change things — I know it z”l Michelle and Larry Abraham on the birth of Back to the march….. won’t. But, any opportunity we have to come their daughter, Petra Laurence Margot Abraham. As I mentioned, it was a beautiful day. And together as a community and take a stand Condolences to: when my family arrived at Foley Square in against something that directly impacts each Faye and Richard Silberberg on the passing of Lower Manhattan, it was amazing to see so one of us, is something positive. Together, their son, Eric Silberberg. many people gathered in support. Like any we will be able to support each other and typical gathering of Jews, it felt a bit like a educate others and put an end to hate — not Michele Teichner on the passing of her brother, reunion. People running into people they just against Jews, but against all people. Billy Teichner. knew, but didn’t know would be at the rally; Shalom, Caryn Pace on the passing of her father, Ronald Sam was wearing his camp sweatshirt and was Kaplansky. stopped several times by people saying “I went Dov Barnett on the passing of his mother, Donna Tracie Barnett. Janna Stern on the passing of her father, Barry Fishman. Karen Putterman on the passing of her father, The Brotherhood Sheldon Putterman. BCRIC UPDATE Committee Larry Van Blerkom on the passing of his father, (Brotherhood Committee on the on the Refugee and Arthur Van Blerkom. Refugee and Immigration Crisis) Immigration Crisis Dianne Rose and Cindy Rose on the passing of their son and brother, Paul Rose. Brotherhood members have continued ects sponsored by other synagogues and The family of our member Rita Swedlow on her to participate in dinners with asylees and faith-based organizations. As part of HIAS’s passing. asylum-seekers at Seafarers International Metro Card Drive, we collected Metro Cards Larry Seigelstein on the passing of his father, House, and we are exploring ways to in- that will enable asylees and asylum-seekers Leonard Seigelstein. clude a broader range of asylees and asy- to travel to job interviews and jobs, court lum-seekers. We are also meeting our goal hearings, and other appointments. We also of strengthening personal connections to joined other synagogues in donating $500 Hadassah Meeting asylees and asylum-seekers by spending toward the Multifaith Alliance for Syrian time together for meals and entertain- Refugees’ shipment of medical equipment Tuesday, February 11, 1:00 pm ment, and by donating needed items such and supplies and backpacks to Syria. Join us at our next meeting. as laptop computers. If you are interested Brotherhood Synagogue is also spon- in attending dinners or making personal soring or co-sponsoring a number of events connections to asylees and asylum seekers, related to immigrants and refugees. On The Chesed* Committee please contact Barbara Stern at blee50@ January 28, we co-sponsored the film Sallah verizon.net. Shabati as part of the 14th Street Y’s Israeli WANTS YOU TO KNOW… Brotherhood members continue to train Film Series on Immigration Stories. Barbara JASA (the Jewish Association Serving the for and participate in volunteer programs to Stern and Debra Aaron joined a panel Aging) provides opportunities for those support immigrants and asylum-seekers with discussion of the film. On February 12, aged 55 and older to “Discover Your Next their legal struggles. If you are interested in Brotherhood will be showing the film Act,” including through learning about in- joining other volunteers in accompanying American Muslim, and on February 7 HIAS teresting public policy issues, meeting peers, people to legal proceedings, please contact President and CEO Mark Hetfield will speak and becoming activists so that seniors can Ellie Wertheim at [email protected]. If about “Welcoming the Stranger: A Jewish have a positive impact in their communi- you are interested in helping prepare legal Response to the Refugee Crisis” at a congre- ties. For more information, call 212-273- documents (as a lawyer or layperson), please 5260 or email [email protected]. gational dinner following services. contact Bob Wolf at [email protected]. *The Chesed Committee provides help and compas- — In partnership, sion to Brotherhood members in times of need. We The BCRIC Committee has also spear- can be reached at chesed@brotherhoodsynagogue. headed Brotherhood participation in proj- Barbara Stern and Ellie Wertheim org or through the synagogue office.

4 Brotherhood Synagogue Shevat / Adar 5780 February 2020 YAHRZEITS Social Action News ^Garden of Remembrance *Book of Remembrance

February 1-7 Rosenbaum, *Benjamin Rosenberg, ^*Elizabeth *Helen Belle Aaronson, ^Dr. Bernat Abraham, Blume Rossman, Mabel Sarner, Louis Schiffman, Sam Alter, Robert Arias, Beatrice Babitz, Clara S. Benjamin, Shapiro, Ben Sherman, ^Lillian Turtletaub, *William Joel Bernstein, ^Pauline Birnbach, ^Alice Blumenthal, Werner, ^Blanche Wind, ^Margo Wolff *Lilian Blye, *Temma H. Bohrer, Claire Klaits Cohen, February 22-28 Bertha Cooperman, Elliot Domow, Sarah Eisenberg, Ardelle Allenson, Altagracia Alvarez, Stan Berger, During the month of February we Carole Epstein, David Fener, ^Soi Fink, ^Cyril ^Natalie Brickman, Fredrick Bryan, Lillian Burack, are collecting new and gently used Freed, ^Charles Samuel Ginsburg, Sophie Gipsman, Linda Chernick, Tillie Cohen, ^Harry L. Cohen, Paul Glimcher, ^Hattie Gold, Harold H. Goldberg, books appropriate for kindergarten-high ^Selim Eliahu Cohen, Stanley Esratz, *Burton school age children for Project Cicero Marty Goldstone, Anna Gottlieb, Charlotte Grabisch, Farland, Myrtle Feinsilber, ^Sarah Lerner Feldman, ^*Sabina Graetzer, ^Henrietta P. Green, *Fred (www.projectcicero.org), a non-profit Meyer Glazer, ^Sally F. Gold, ^Anne Goldsmith, organization which provides books to Greenberg, ^Morris Greene, Kurt Grubler, Norman ^Morris Goldstein, *Sadie Goldwasser, *Harry Gross, Halper, ^Yetta Halpern, Esther Ir, ^Philip Kimmel, Dora Haber, Jenniel Harrison, Shirley Helfant, under-resourced NYC schools. Project Clarice Lefkowitch, *Beatrice Levine, ^Barney Levine, ^Selma Hochhauser, Donald Michael Iskowitz, ^Jack Cicero’s mission is to enable children to Elayne Lieberman, *Sidney Liebowitz, Hyman Lipkis, Janal, Bernard Kitover, Milton Klein, ^Fred Krupnik, build a love for reading by ensuring that Mollie Meadow, ^Jeanne C. Moskowitz, ^Solomon *Michael Lasser, Cary Leeds, ^Judith Levenstein, each classroom has a viable library. Novom, *Renee Pollack, Bessie Potell, ^Lee Avram ^Anna Jelosnik Levine, ^Rose Levine, ^Samuel Lubell, Kindly bring your new or gently used Rappaport, ^Michael Remba, ^George Schwartz, Herbert Mindlin, ^Rachel Novom, Ilse Nussbaum, hardcover or paperback books suitable for Ruth Share, *David Milton Solomon, ^Fritz A. Sontag, ^Rose Perlstein, ^George W. Rabinoff, ^Lee Avram Daniel Stacher, ^Lena Steinberg, Alice Teviovitz, children and young adults to the collection Rapapport, Theresa Rogoff, ^Sam Rothstein, box in the lobby. Picture books, early *Augusta Toby, Seymour Weinstein, ^Solomon Yaker, ^Rebecca Rubinoff, ^Ina Safra, ^Frieda Schindel, readers, reference books, fiction, non- Rachel Leah Zacks ^Rose Wade Settle, Marilyn Shapiro, ^Albert Shear, February 8-14 Ruth Sherman, Sheila Siderow, ^Irving Silberstang, fiction, and biographies are welcome. NO textbooks, library discards, or reference Sasson Abada, ^Ruth Appelbaum, *Lilian Bachrach, ^Florence Solomon, ^Emma Stahl, Esther Toback, books more than five years old. Nathan Barry, Harriet Bernstein, Lorraine Cohen, ^Louis Warmbrand, *Rifke Weingast, ^Fannie Harold Dessler, Emanuel Evans, Robert Feuer, Judith Weisman, *Hyman Werner, *Pauline Werner, Esther High school aged students may fulfill Friedjung, Maitin Gelber, ^Sylvia Glassman, Ethel Wolf, ^Morris Zelmanowicz school community service requirements Gostin, ^Helen Green, Solomon Greenberg, ^Felicia February 29-March 6 by volunteering to help with this project. For more information, contact Abby Greene, ^*Daniel Franklin Greenhouse, *Rose Gross, ^Fannie Abraham, ^Charles Barron, Anna Baslow, ^*Louis Gross, Felicia Grubler, ^Irving Handler, *Jane ~^*Chaim Berglas, Mel Berk, Lauretta Berkman, Goldstein through the synagogue office. Deborah Hansen, Beatrice Harper, Mimi Herbst, Fritz Elliott Berman, Claire Bernstein, Solomon Bersoff, Coming in March: Project Ezra Herz, ^Benjamin Janow, ^Sandra Jelin Plouffe, *Moshe Marjorie Bobker, *Mae Caplan, Rita Cohen, *Hannah Josephson, *Rose Katz, Ephriam Komar, ^Joan Koven, Cohen, Jenia Distenfeld, ^Anna Eidelberg, Ernestine Kosher for Passover Food Phyllis Kurland, *Betty Lampert, ^Flora Landsman, Feinland, Nora Fenton, ^Isidore Flame, ^David Fox, Collection Thelma Levine, Rose Levine, *Morris Levine, ^Anna David Frommer, Eleanor Giman, Morton Globus, Levine, Martin Licht, Alice Lichter, Sarah Liebowitz, We will again be collecting KOSHER Richard Globus, ^Mary J. Goldstein, ^Paul Goldstein, FOR PASSOVER (only!) foods for Project *Florence Liebowitz, ^Melvin Lipp, Frieda Belkowitz ^Henry Greenbaum, ^Ethel Haber, Mordechai Maloff, Lawrence Maloff, ^Ruth Weichman Mantel, Horton, Gloria Jacoel, ^Karen Jeffreys, Sydelle Ezra from March 1-26 and the Passover Max Miller, David Miller, Edzia Esther Oblegorski, Karasyk, ^Betty Kimbel, ^George Lester, Anna Levins, package delivery to the elderly on the LES Isidore Olsfanger, Belle Plutzer, Dov Rahav, Irene *Abraham Lewinstein, Morris Lichter, Herman will be held on Sunday, April 5. More Raphael, ^Carole Reiff, ^Rose Schindel Rich, Aaron Lutwak, Anni Lutwak, ^Frances Mann, ^Hazzan details to come in our March bulletin. Rosenbloom, ^Bertha Russ, ^Philip Satonoff, Selma David Mann, Gerard Marx, Pearl Memling, ^Joseph Sponsored by the Social Action Committee Schecter, Jack Schor, ^Dinah Simila Chaya Schumer, Meresman, Miriam Miller, *Katie Naftalis, *Hyman ^Ann Silberberg, Brenda Silver, ^Jack Silverman, Nemser, ^Harry Pollak, Minnie Pollick, Sadie ^Evelyn Singer, Tessie Sklar, Judge Sidney Squire, Primack, Gerald Charles Randolph, ^M.E. Reckson, ^Rose Teitelbaum, ^Sylvia Tint, Helene Vassil, ^*Jonas ^Claire G. Rich, ^Howard I. Rich, Murray Rockower, Weintraub, ^Michael Weiss, David Weissman, *Ida David Ross, ^Catharine Roth, Dorothy Rubin, *Irving Robinove Weller, Murray Zenkel Schaffel, Cynthia Scheffris, Dr. Louis Scheib, ^Jacob The Brotherhood February 15-21 Schindel, Simon Schurberg, Rae Shulman, *David Siepser, Dorothy Silverman, ^Jean Silverman, *Louis Synagogue Morris Adelsberg, Gustave Altman, *Celia Berkowitz, 28 Gramercy Park South *Steven Mark Berkowitz, Mary Blum, Leon H. Solomon, Jeanette Spira, David Sussman, Susan Tabor, ^Clara Tucker, ^Martin Warmbrand, Shirley New York, N.Y. 10003 Blumenthal, *Herbert Blye, Sara Borochov, Benjamin Phone: (212) 674-5750 Braff, Bertha Brenner, *Lillian Cantor, ^Eve Cassell, Warren, Abraham Weinman, Louis Weprin, Florence Fax: (212) 505-6707 Yarkow, ^Bessie Zacks, ^Paula Zweibach Stanley Chusid, ^Yetta Dienstag, Rosalind Donziger, www.brotherhoodsynagogue.org *Aaron Fassler, Howard Feinstein, Charles Fell, *Rose M. Finneman, Eva Glimcher, Sid Grossman, Nelly RABBI DANIEL ALDER Guggenheim, Klara Halpern, *Max Hamburger, ^Marl Homeless Shelter Donations CANTOR ISAAC YAGER Hendel, ^Lillian Hoffman, ^David Janow, Bernard RABBI IRVING J. BLOCKZ’’L D.D.: Founding Rabbi Jereski, Judith Kaleko, Hyman Kampel, Arthur Our homeless shelter runs through the end HERMAN DIAMOND: Cantor Emeritus Kantor, J. Lawrence Katz, ^Hannah Kirshbaum, of March. We will be providing shelter and TRACIE BASCH: President food for 8 men each Monday, Tuesday and Brenda Klotz, Ilene Korach, ^Mollie Kronenberg, PHILLIP ROTHMAN: ^Victor Kuhne, ^A. Harry Kupersmith, ^Marc Thursday night. Donations of unused scarves, Executive and Education Director Lashley, ^Harold Levine, ^Dr. Paul Pincus Lippman, hats, gloves and underwear will be much appreciated. Please bring them to Leah in the Congregation founded in 1954 ^Herbert Magram, Gail AnnLowe Maidman, ^David Historic Landmark Building erected in 1859 Manischewitz, Adolf Markovitz, Morton Maxwell, Synagogue office. ^Sara Miller, *Louis Nudelman, Miriam Olken, *Tillie

Shevat / Adar 5780 February 2020 Brotherhood Synagogue 5 Hebrew School News: Tu B’Shevat Heegiyah! Tu B’Shevat is Arriving!!!

week before Presidents’ Day, on February thanking G-d for the good harvest. On the fruits and nuts native to the Land of Israel— A10, we celebrate the Birthday of the Trees fifth year and after that we are permitted to barley, dates, figs, grapes, pomegranates, (Rosh Hashana L’Ilanot – The New Year of the eat their fruits. One of the three pilgrimage olives, and wheat. Additionally, four kinds Trees), more commonly known as Tu B’Shevat holidays—Shavuot—is also known as The Fes- of wine (or grape juice) are served at the Tu (15th Day of the Hebrew month tival of First Fruits (Chag ha Bikkurim). B’Shevat Seder. They are a white, pink, a light of Shevat). Tu B’Shevat, although not mentioned In ancient Israel, it was the custom to red and a dark red (representing the seasons in the Torah, is first mentioned in the Mishnah, plant a tree when a child was born—a cedar of the year) and three kinds of fruit are eaten: the code of Jewish law that dates back to around for a boy and a cypress for a girl. When the fruits with pits such as dates, peaches and olives, 200 C.E. There, in Rosh Hashanah 1:1, the text baby grew up and was ready to wed, branches fruits with shells, such as nuts, oranges and speaks of four new years, all of which are from the couple’s trees were woven together pomegranates; and fruits that can be eaten connected to an ancient cycle of tithes, including to create the marriage canopy (chuppah). completely—both inside and out—such as the new year of the trees. One of my favorite TuB’Shevat stories is raisins and figs. We recite blessings and sing Trees have always that of Honi, an old man who was planting songs thanking G-d for the many gifts of had an important a carob tree in his garden as the king rode by. nature, and we remember our responsibility place in Jewish life. The king asked Honi how long it will be be- to be caretakers of the world. The Torah (Parashat fore the carob tree bears fruit? Honi replied Trees are also a metaphor for our children’s Ki Tavo, describes “70 years” The king asked, “Do you think Jewish education. We invest in our children the ritual of bik- that you will be alive 70 years from now to now — planting, nurturing, watering, and lov- kurim, first fruits eat of its fruit? Honi replied, “I have often ing… with the hope that in years to come, our (Deut. 26:2) and in- eaten carob from trees planted long before children will grow tall and flourish, engaging structs us that for the I was born. Years from now, after I am long in maasim tovim (good deeds), as they mature first three years after a tree has been planted, gone, my grandchildren will be able to eat the into adult life in our Jewish community. we may not eat of its fruit. The fourth year fruit of this tree.” Chag Tu B’Shevat Sameach! (which is the first good year) we are instruct- In our times, many celebrate Tu B’She- —Barbara Simon, ed to offer the first fruits to G-d as a way of vat with a TuB’Shevat Seder—filled with Hebrew School Principal l

Teen Groups Please join us on the following Downtown BBYO at Brotherhood for teens grades 8-12! Friday evenings to welcome Shabbat together with stories Chapter Meeting: February 20, 6:30 – 8:00 pm and song! BBYO, the world’s leading pluralistic youth movement for Jewish teens in grades 8-12, has a co-ed chapter that meets every other Thursday at Brotherhood and offers a full array of activities — social, community service, and leadership development — all with Jewish teens in charge! BBYO fosters leadership and friendship and is an interna- tional movement of more than 80,000 teens. Come get involved! Missed any of our previous meetings? No worries! Just come to any of our meetings and see what it’s all about! Brotherhood Synagogue will cover the cost of 50% of member- February 14 ship! Contact Jon Zeftel with any questions ([email protected]). 5:30 pm - Children up to 3 years old with Daphna Mor or Saskia Lane 6th & 7th Grade Weekly Youth Group!! 5:30 pm - Children ages 3-6 years Eat dinner with your friends — and make new friends, too! Plan activities, including field old with Katie Shea trips to museums, exhibitions, plays, and concerts! Participate in Social Action programs… and so much more! And, have fun and learn about Judaism and being Jewish, of course! February 28 The 7th Grade Group meets on Tuesdays from 6:00- 7:00 pm. 5:30 pm - Children up to 3 years old with Daphna Mor or Saskia Lane The 6th Grade Group meets on Wednesdays, from 6:00-7:00 pm. 5:30 pm - Children ages 3-6 years No need to enroll. Just come when you can. We look forward to seeing you! (The Youth old with Katie Shea Group does not meet when Hebrew School is on vacation). If you have any questions about the Teen Groups, please contact Michael Mantell at 6:30 pm - Grades 2-7 with [email protected]. Phil Rothman

6 Brotherhood Synagogue Shevat / Adar 5780 February 2020 A Note from Development: Nursery School Thoughts: BAM! Don’t Forget the Salt Update on the Rothman Educational Fund for the by Jared Averbuch Benefit of the Hebrew School Photo Shea by Katie As we have welcomed so n the midst of taping his 14th show in two days, chef Emeril many new families — and new ILagasse noticed his camera crew was getting sleepy. It made Hebrew School students — to sense. Repeatedly cutting, spicing and slowly stirring was routine the Brotherhood as members and sleep-inducing. Then, spontaneously, instincts overcame him. over the past 3+ years, many BAM! BAM! BAM! He shouted for joy and threw down the salt, of you may not have been infusing his food and his show with life. The food didn’t create his here when we launched the excitement; his excitement created the food. “year of Phil” in September In the Netflix documentary, Salt Fat Acid Heat, the narrator of 2016. At that time, in honor of Phil Rothman’s 36 years of starts the show by saying “salt brings food to life.” Our Talmud goes service as Executive and Educational Director at The Brotherhood even further. “Remove the salt from a piece of meat, and you may Synagogue, an endowed fund was established in his name — The then toss the meat to a dog, as it has become worthless.” (Niddah Rothman Educational Fund for the Benefit of the Hebrew School. 31a) In other words, without the salt, or without the passion, the The purpose of the fund is to secure the future of the Hebrew meat, which is normally a luxury, is void of value. School for generations to come by providing funds for innovative In Leviticus, it is written three times in a single verse that salt is required for a sacrifice. “…You shall not omit the salt.” (Leviticus programming, student scholarships and teachers’ salaries. The fund 2:13) Salt brings out the inherent flavor of food; without it, the is a most fitting tribute to Phil as it honors his lifelong commitment essence is hidden. The same for our actions. The Torah tells us to Jewish education and secures his legacy as a champion of Jewish that we must infuse every deed with intent, excitement and joy. learning. We have been blessed by the love and support of so many Otherwise, the action is meaningless. If I read a book to my Red members who have donated to the fund and, while the official “year Roomer Millie without excitement and wonder, is it worth reading of Phil” has concluded, the endowed fund established in his name at all? Can it even be considered reading? But what if I become the remains an active giving opportunity. characters and play out their lines in our theatre of two? That is We are thrilled to announce that our total Rothman Fund reading with salt. balance currently stands just short of $900,000, as we get closer Thankfully, Jews have an opportunity to reinforce this message and closer to the $1million mark! We thank all those who have every week. Since the destruction of the Second Temple, we’ve contributed to the fund as we continue to strive toward our $1 considered the dining table as an alternative to the altar, and that million goal. is why we dip the challah in salt. So, this week, try this: let your Please contact me at 212-674-5750 or at mstrozak@brotherhood sons and daughters throw the salt down on the plate (BAM! BAM! synagogue.org for more information on the Rothman Fund or if you BAM!), raise the challah as high as they can above their little heads, wish to make a significant investment in our current and future and finish with “hamotzi lechem min HAARETZ!” The salt turns Hebrew School students’ lives. We welcome and appreciate your the action into a blessing and unleashes the boundless joy held participation in this effort and no gift is too large or too small! within our beautiful kids. —Marilyn Strozak, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in Director of Development l it.” (Psalm 118:24) l

♪ Cantor’s Notes ♪ by Cantor Isaac Yager

he cantorial internship program we Larry Abraham z"l. Larry was a great admirer a cantor. During her time at Brotherhood Tinitiated this year with our cantorial of synagogue music who also possessed a Cantor Mira has lead Shabbat services, student intern Mira Davis has demonstrated solid set of vocal pipes. I can recall conducted our congregational choir in our to be a wonderful addition to both our several instances of Larry’s distinct Gramercy Park Hanukkah concert, helped Shabbat services and synagogue program- tenor singing with the congrega- lead sanctuary time with our Nursery School, ming. Having a reliable and skilled person to tion as he stood in the wings of the and will continue to develop and integrate help lead services and our congregational sanctuary (his preferred spot for musaf ) and her role in the coming months. It seems choir Harmoni-AH! during the time of my feeling secure enough in my surroundings to fitting that Larry’s legacy be attached to this daughter’s arrival was also fortuitously catch a breath in the middle of a song since important opportunity in which aspiring positive timing to say the least. I am grateful Larry was at the helm with me. I benefited cantors can cultivate this ancient and holy to Cantor Mira and feel fortunate that we will immensely from my experience as a cantorial craft in a warm and supportive environment. be able to continue our cantorial internship intern while I was a student at the seminary. If you are interested in supporting the Larry program for years to come under its new title, It afforded me real-world experience, a forum Abraham Cantorial Internship Program please The Larry Abraham Cantorial Internship to grow and make mistakes, and the reach out to me directly at cantor@brotherhood Program, named for our dearly missed friend opportunity to develop and hone my skills as synagogue.org to learn more. l

Shevat / Adar 5780 February 2020 Brotherhood Synagogue 7 Brotherhood Shevat / Adar 5780 Synagogue February 2020

✡ Saturday Mornings: Shabbat Corner 9:45 am / Junior Congregation 10:30 am / Alef-Bet Club 11 am

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 ✡ 9:30 am: Services 1 pm: Shabbat Club

BO 2 9 am: Tikvah 3 4 pm: Hebrew School 4 9:30 am: Toddler Class 5 10 am: Pre-Toddler Class 6 9:30 am: Toddler Class 7 5:02 pm: Candles 8 ✡ 9:30 am: Services 5 pm: Torah Study 10 am: English in Action 11 am: Baby Class 10 am: Pre-Toddler Class 3:30 pm: Tikvah Bar Mitzvah of Zachary Buscemi 7 pm: Jewish 10:45 am: Toddler Class 4 pm: Hebrew School Noon: Lunch and Learn 6:30 pm: Services 9:30 am: Torah Talk Current Events 4 pm: Hebrew School 5:30 pm: Summer 2 pm: English in Action 7:30 pm: Dinner 1:30 pm: Yoga 8 pm: Prayerbook Hebrew 5:40 pm: Minyan Camp Fair 3 pm: Thursday Corner 8:30 pm: Speaker-

7 pm: Biblical Characters 4:15 pm: Thursday Corner II Mark Hetfield

SHABBATON

BESHALACH 9 9 am: Tikvah 10 4 pm: Hebrew School 11 9:30 am: Toddler Class 12 10 am: Pre-Toddler Class 13 9:30 am: Toddler Class 14 5:11 pm: Candles 15 ✡ 9:30 am: Services 5 pm: Torah Study 10 am: English in Action 11 am: Baby Class 10 am: Pre-Toddler Class Baby naming of Family Shabbat Hazel Yager 6 pm: BCRIC/Seafarers 10:45 am: Toddler Class 4 pm: Hebrew School Noon: Lunch and Learn 5:30 pm: (up to age 3) 1 pm: Shabbat Club Dinner 1 pm: Hadassah Meeting 7 pm: Biblical Characters 2 pm: English in Action 5:30 pm: (Ages 3 to 6) 7 pm: Jewish 4 pm: Hebrew School 7 pm: Brotherhood Film 3 pm: Thursday Corner Current Events 5:40 pm: Minyan Series - American Muslim 4:15 pm: Thursday Corner II 8 pm: Prayerbook Hebrew

TU B'SHEVAT YITRO

23 16 17 18 10 am: English in Action 19 20 Noon: Lunch and Learn 21 22 5:19 pm: Candles 22 ✡ 9:30 am: Services 5:40 pm: Minyan 2 pm: English in Action 6:30 pm: Services 6:30 pm: BBYO 7 pm: Brotherhood Book Club PRESIDENTS DAY OFFICE CLOSED

MISHPATIM 23 24 4 pm: Hebrew School 25 9:30 am: Toddler Class 26 7:30 am: Minyan 27 9:30 am: Toddler Class 28 5:27 pm: Candles 29 ✡ 9:30 am: Services 5 pm: Torah Studay 10 am: English in Action 10 am: Pre-Toddler Class 10 am: Pre-Toddler Class Bar Mitzvah of Family Shabbat Jared Glatzer 7 pm: Jewish 10:45 am: Toddler Class 11 am: Baby Class Noon: Lunch and Learn 5:30 pm: (up to age 3) Current Events 4 pm: Hebrew School 4 pm: Hebrew School 2 pm: English in Action 5:30 pm: (Ages 3 to 6) 6:30 pm: (Grades 2-7) 8 pm: Prayerbook Hebrew 5:40 pm: Minyan 7 pm: Life Goes On 3 pm: Thursday Corner 6:30 pm: Services 6 pm: Life Goes On Book Club 4:15 pm: Thursday Corner II 7 pm: Security Training

ROSH CHODESH ROSH CHODESH TERUMAH

Brotherhood We invite all members of our community to join us on Wednesday evening, February 26, for a security information and training session Synagogue Security with Amit Bigelman, Brotherhood Synagogue’s Security Advisor. We will Training Meeting discuss recent hate crimes and the current rise in anti-Semitism and how Brotherhood has prepared to prevent and mitigate similar incidents. Wednesday, February 26, Learn how to use our lock down system and other security/emergency 7:00-8:00 pm measures we have in place.