Congregation beth Ahabah

b’yachad Volume 78 No. 04 february/March 2013 | Sh’vat/ADAR 1/nisan 5773 bethahabah.org

re-imagining through community by Linda Ferguson Dinner was provided by Six Points Sports Academy, a URJ summer sports On November 9, 2012, seven of your camp, at the American Hebrew Acadmy fellow congregants and friends as well in Greensboro. After dinner we were as Rabbis Beifield and Gallop headed for Greensboro, North Carolina for a Regional Shabbatone. Sponsored by Temple Emanuel and the idea and planing of its Rabbi Fred Gutman, we words, the need to strengthen Reform were involved in prayer, education, Judaism through community. music and, of course....food. Saturday morning we had Shabbat Our group was joined by about Services at Temple Emanuel and Rabbi 70 members of Temple Emanuel entertained by the wonderul music of Gutman led us in prayer and music. and about the same number from the Josh Nelson Project. He also talked about the need for congregations around the Mid Atlantic community and belonging. The choir and Region. We began the Shabbatone with The 24+ hours provided us with a two cantorial solists provided beautiful a delicious Shabbat dinner at Temple wonderful oportunity to pray, talk and music Friday night and Saturday Emanuel on Friday evening, followed by build community with members of morning. Our luncheon speaker was services that included an outstanding our sister congregations around our Rabbi David Saperstein Director and area. It is the start of our embracing Counsel of the Religious Action Center, the opportunity to reach out and one of the most significant religious bring in new friends and enhance our lobby groups in the country. Rabbi spirituality around our region. Saperstein is one of the most dynamic figures in our movement, and is known world-wide. He provided us with much needed analysis of the recent election both from a Jewish and a political D’var by Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Senior Vice President of the . Rabbi Pesner’s theme was “Re-imaging Reform Judaism,” which included comments about community....large and small ....and the The Union for Reform Judaism and work needed to build our synagogue Women of Reform Judaism will meet communities in our cities, regions, for their Biennials in San Diego in country and around the world....in other December 2013, with members from prespetive. The afternoon was filled North America, Israel, and Australia. with study groups and programs. Rabbi Please join us in this wonderful Beified, current CBA Vice President experience. Also when you hear about Katy Roeper, and Past President Earl another Shabbatone in our area, Ferguson presented an workshop on be sure to attend. It’s a wonderful leadership development. It was one of way to enhance your Reform Jewish several excellent workshops that were experience. presented.

Please see the Beth Ahabah Community Calendar on page 15 for the Schedule of Worship, 2 guns, Guns, guns by Rabbi Martin P. Beifield, Jr. belts in cars, to lessen it.

Once again Americans are talking about Make mental health diagnosis and guns. The terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook treatment a national priority. Elementary School has reopened the same debate which we’ve had before, Prohibit the manufacture, importation, usually after another mass murder possession, transfer, and purchase of perpetrated by someone with a gun. assault weapons except for the military President’s Thoughts Suggestions for what to do range from and law enforcement officials. by Ron Kasoff the completely impossible - repeal the second amendment - to the completely Prohibit the manufacture, importation, We’re looking for a few good people. nonsensical - arm every teacher - and possession, transfer, and purchase of The Marines say that and so do we. everywhere in between. I would like high capacity ammunition magazines We need leaders at Beth Ahabah at all to think we could all agree that there except for the military and law enforce- levels, now and in the future. We need are too many weapons in our country ment officials. leaders to run programs, engage oth- and too many weapons in the hands ers, chair committees, participate on of people who ought not have them, Require all sellers of weapons to con- the Board of Managers, be officers and and that it is too easy to around the duct background checks on prospective much more. Fortunately Beth Ahabah laws which regulate guns. Without even buyers and close the gun has been blessed with bright, engaged asking people to raise their hands, I am show “loophole,” which people who want to take action and probably wrong. Maybe we can allows unlicensed people fully participate in the congregation’s all agree that there is to sell guns without mak- activity. Getting involved is easy: start too much gun ing background checks by being on a committee, volunteer violence in our on prospective buyers. to help in an event, join WRJ, MRJ or country and in- Forty percent of gun BAMA, organize a Havurah. The Lead- sufficient effort sales in the United ership Development Committee looks to reduce it. That is States fall into this category. for active members and tries to match at least some place them with an appropriate fit, helping to start a discussion Insist on and enforce reporting by states the officers to insure that we have po- on what to do about it. If we to the National Instant Criminal Check sitions filled with capable leaders and could back away from the example set system. others working to follow in their steps. by many in Congress, which is to take The first step is to become an active an extreme position and do everything Increase and improve enforcement of participant and then see where your possible not to compromise, perhaps laws prohibiting the buying and selling enthusiasm and abilities take you and we could find some common ground of illegal guns. the Temple. and move inch by inch towards some practical plan to reduce the gun vio- In Jewish tradition, it is forbidden to lence which plagues our country and have dangerous things in one’s home which not only takes so many lives lest they cause harm to others. One may needlessly but also permanently scars not sell a weapon to another person if the survivors of the victims. there is a fear that the weapon will be used inappropriately. Jewish tradition Knowing full well that some will call me also permits a person to act in self-de- too liberal and others will accuse me of fense. How to balance these principles being too conservative, here’s where I in a modern society is a challenge which would start. defies simple answers. Even so, that does not excuse us from the obligation Instruct Vice President Biden’s task to try. Surely we can do better than we It’s Passover! Time to read Haggadah, enjoy a force on gun violence to assess the are doing now. warm seder and have a joyous time with your impact on society of the widespread family, friends and loved ones. and graphic violence in media, including video games, movies, TV shows, and Warm wishes from the Board of Directors, the typical evening news programs, and orchestrate a national campaign, much Clergy & Temple Staff like the one to get people to use seat- 3 In norfolk: the convention

AN UNFORGETTABLE Shabbat was completely different from eryone arrived dressed in 1920s attire, EXPERIENCE and following the conclusion of Shabbat, By Claire Mendelson anything I’d ever experienced before. Saturday was filled with many different we broke off into smaller groups where My first NFTY experience was, in a word, activities, including mixers, song ses- we received lessons in swing dancing in unforgettable. sions, and reflections on current events addition to learning about the invention such as Sandy and the conflict in Israel. of the waffle cone and playing a game From November 16 – 18 at Ohef Shalom The theme this year was “everyone of “Jewpardy”. Temple in Norfolk, Virginia, I met some needs an original moment”, which was amazing people, participated in lots of incorporated into some of our rotations We then honed our new swing dancing group activities, and even learned how to as we discussed maintaining our own skills in the social hall, where a live band swing dance! I enjoyed every moment of identities while remaining a contributing played the entire night. As a perfect end it, and the weekend left a great impres- member of our communities. to the evening, confetti rained down on sion on me. us as we sang the NFTY cheer. My favorite part of the entire weekend After a long and loud bus ride on Friday came that evening, when we all gath- The weekend concluded with a friend- to Norfolk, it was nice to mingle at a ered for Havdallah and a dance. The ship circle on Sunday morning and tear- quick Shabbat dinner before heading to Havdallah service was beautiful, with ful goodbyes as we departed for home. services. An entirely paperless service everyone gathered together in one big I made so many new friends, and have (the prayers, songs, and even a stream- circle complete with sparklers. found a community of Jewish teens that ing video of the Torah were projected is absolutely amazing. My first NFTY on to a screen above the bimah), this The surprise of the evening was that ev- experience was unforgettable. 4 “It’s so cool, being with other people who are like you...” by Melissa Nelson

The summer before ninth grade, I was on my way to overnight camp for four weeks at URJ’s Camp Harlam. I was, to say the least, a little nervous. As it turned out, I worried for nothing. I absolutely loved camp. When the next summer came about, I was on my way, this time excited, to spend another month at camp.

The two summers spent at Camp Har- lam created some of my best memories – singing loudly during Shabbat song sessions, cheering for my color war team, having a campfire in the morn- ing on backwards day, and best of all, new friends, and the laughs had and Melissa Nelson (center) and friends from Northern Virginia and Pennsylvania at Camp Harlam. memories made with them.

My favorite part of camp was the Shab- bat song sessions. They were sung with so much energy, spirit and enthusiasm that you couldn’t help wanting to join in, even if it meant you had to mumble a NFTY MAR THE VENT!! little at first, unsure of what the words March 15 - 17, 2013 The Vent is the most anticipated Kallah were. But what is really special about Washington, DC of the year, don’t miss out! those song sessions is that, during a Hebrew song, you look around you, FTY-MAR brings together Reform Jew- Eligibility: 8th – 12th grade see all those people singing it, and you ish teens from North Carolina, eastern Hosted by: Washington Hebrew Con- realize something. They’re all Jewish, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, gregation in Washington, DC. Early Bird and you’re Jewish too. It’s so cool, being Washington DC, Delaware and far-east- Rate (by February 14th): $160. Regular with other people who are like you, and ern Tennessee. Our members come Rate (by February 28th): $190. who understand that part of you. Going together at many times during the year to a Jewish camp was one of the best for learning, fun, worship, community For more information visit: http://www. experiences of my life, and I’m glad that service and fellowship to help young nfty.org/mar I had the chance to go. Jewish adults throughout the region build and strengthen lifetime ties with each other an Reform Judaism.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR JEWISH There are many terrific URJ sponsored SUMMER EXPERIENCES programs in which our children can participate. Children entering 2nd All Beth Ahabah young adults are grade through college can take advan- strongly encourages to attend a Jew- tage of them. ish camp or to visit Israel this summer. To help make this more financially To request a scholarship application or feasible students are encouraged to to learn more about these wonderful apply for a scholarship from the temple opportunities, please contact Russ (Priority is given to participants in URJ Finer or Rabbi Gallop. sponsored programs and applications CELEBRATE PURIM are due back to Russ Finer no later than February 11). MARCH 23rd & 24th 5

notes from the executive director...

He continued, “And that’s the way it is see that person again, it was probably with stress management. If we carry our worth it. burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, It may be that your sole purpose in life we won’t be able to carry on.” is simply to be kind to others. Never put both feet in your mouth at the “As with the glass of water, you have to same time because then you won’t have put it down for a while and rest before a leg to stand on. holding it again. When we are refreshed, we can carry on with the burden.” Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. “So before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don’t carry Since it’s the early worm that gets eaten it home, you can pick it up tomorrow. by the bird, sleep late. Russell Finer, Executive Director Whatever burdens you’re now carrying, The second mouse gets the cheese. let them down for a moment if you can.” When everything is going your way, Knowing how busy we all are and how So, my friend put down everything that you’re in the wrong lane. we feel so much stress so much of the may be a burden to you right now. Don’t time, I thought I should share the follow- pick it up again until after you’ve rested Birthdays are good for you. The more ing with you: a while.” you have, the longer you live.

STRESS Here are some great ways to deal with You may be only one person in the world, the burdens of life: but you may also be the world to one A lecturer, when explaining stress man- person. agement to an audience, raised a glass Accept that some days you are the pi- of water and asked “How heavy is this geon, and some days you are the statue. Some mistakes are too much fun to glass of water?” Answers called out make only once. ranged from 20g to 500g. Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them. We could learn a lot from crayons…some The lecturer replied, “The absolute are sharp, some are pretty and some weight doesn’t matter. It depends on Always read stuff that will make you look are dull, some have weird names and how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for good if you die in the middle of it. all are different colors, but they all live a minute, that’s not a problem. If I hold in the same box. it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my right Drive carefully. It’s not only cars that can arm. If I hold it for a day, you’ll have to be recalled by their maker. A truly happy person is one who can call an ambulance. In each case, it’s the enjoy the scenery on a detour. same weight, but the longer I hold it, the If you can’t be kind, at least have the Have an awesome day and know that heavier it becomes.” decency to be vague. someone has thought about you today. If you lend someone $25 and never

ADVERTISE IN OUR NEW AD Sizes: Discount 15% if ad purchased for all PRINTED BULLETIN: Business Card: 3.5” W x 2” H issues in the 2013-2014 year. Congregation Beth Ahabah is again 1/4 Page: 5” W x 3.75” H Full and half page ads will be accepted going to PRINT B’Yachad, the Temple 1/2 Page Vertical: 3.75” W x 9.99” H on a space available basis. bulletin. Now is your chance to let con- 1/2 Page Horizontal: 7.49” W x 5” H gregants know you are a part of their Full Page: 7.49” W x 9.99” H Because of Postage regulations, we community. Advertise your business, The deadline to reserve your ad space are unable to accept advertising for the practice or service and more than 800 is the 1st of the month before pub- following: households will see it. Remember, lication. The following are the rates • Credit, debit or charge cards congregants like to support their com- established for 2013 and 2014: • Insurance policies munity. AD Rates per issue: • Travel agencies Business Card: $80 We will need a camera ready copy or TIF, 1/4 Page: $140 If you are interested in purchasing an ad JPG, EPS, TIFF or PDF file. 1/2 Page: $240 to support the temple, please contact Full Page: $460 Russ Finer at (804) 358-6757 ext. 302 6

Passover at Home by Rabbi Martin P. Beifield, Jr. spelling: charoses. The accent for both is on the middle syl- lable. Charoset is a mixture of chopped apples. raisins, nuts, Celebrating Passover at home each year can be one of the cinnamon, and wine. Some people make it as a paste but most meaningful, enjoyable, and memorable Jewish experi- most just chop the apples into small pieces. Each person ences of a lifetime. It involves two parts. One is the seder; the only needs a spoonful but many families place bowls on the other is the food that we eat (or don’t eat) during Passover’s table for later. In addition, Charoset goes on the seder plate. seven days.First the seder. Passover has several important themes. Among them are the exodus of the ancient Hebrews Wine from Egyptian slavery; the meaning of freedom; and the cycle Traditionally, people drink four cups of wine during the seder. of nature and rebirth of spring. With prayer, music, readings, These days one sets a better example for children by sipping and symbolic foods, the seder explains all of this in rich, four times. The Haggadah tells you when to do this and when step-by-step detail. Participating in a seder is the essential only to raise the cup and replace it untasted. One also places ingredient of Passover observance. a ceremonial cup on the table for the prophet Elijah. After dinner, the seder explains the meaning. Seder Setup At each seder, participants eat several foods The large seder plate also contains two other ceremonial which symbolize different themes associ- items. One is a roasted egg, which just sits on the ated with Passover. The Haggadah clearly plate and is not explained. Some families give each explains what each means and when to participant a hard boiled egg but don’t look too eat what. hard for directions about eating it. The Haggadah won’t tell you. The other is a roasted lamb shank All of the symbolic foods are also placed the meaning of which is contained in the seder. on a “seder plate” which the leader refers to at the appropriate times. While The parsley is dipped and eaten early in the seder. one can use any plate for this, many fami- Later people eat a piece of Matzah alone, then lies own ceremonial seder plates which are a piece of horseradish with Matzah, then a Matzah used just at Passover time. Incidentally, seder sandwich of horseradish and Charoset. Except for the plates make wonderful gifts, especially for weddings. sandwich, there is a prayer for each. The Haggadah will guide you through all along the way. In preparing for the seder, one must have enough of the ceremonial foods for each participant. If there are many Haggadah people, it may take a long time to pass the dishes and serve Everybody attending the seder needs a Haggadah so they everybody. Instead, it might be helpful to prepare smaller, can follow along and actively participate. One person serves individual seder plates at each person’s place. as leader and should plan out the service in advance. The Haggadah is a mini-library; the leader should pick and choose Regardless of how you prepare, here’s what you need: keeping in mind the length of the seder and who is at the Matzah table. There are lots of different Haggadahs and it can be a Three full-sized pieces go on a plate (some people have spe- challenge to find one which is appropriate for your group. The cial ceremonial plates for this, too) next to the seder plate. Internet is the place to go. When the Haggadah tells the leader to break the middle Matzah and hide one half as the afikomen, it is referring to Now, the foods we eat and don’t eat all week. The rules are the Matzah on this plate. In addition, each participant will fairly simple and straightforward but when it comes to eating, need four bite-sized pieces during the seder. each family “dots its own i’s and crosses its own t’s.” During Passover we do eat Matzah. We don’t eat chametz - bread, Parsley cake, pasta, and cereals. More precisely, we do not eat foods Everybody needs one sprig which is dipped into salt water. which are leavened or made from five leavened grains: wheat, Some people have bowls of salt water on the table, others corn, oats, rye, and spelts (don’t ask!). Some people don’t “pre-dip” the parsley. In addition, a sprig of parsley goes on eat legumes because they swell up when cooked, i.e. they the seder plate. act like a leavened product. Most people, including Israelis, eat legumes. Bitter Herbs This is horseradish. Each person needs two small pieces. There are lots of variations and extensions of these rules In addition, a large slice of the root goes on the seder plate. and anyone who wants to know more should call the Temple office which will put you in touch with one of our designated Charoset Passover mavens. This is more commonly pronounced with the old fashioned 8

Purim Sylvia Lav’s Perfect solid. Hamantaschen* 8. Gradually, very slowly, add the rest of the eggs, oil, water, sugar and by Rabbi Martin P. Beified, Jr. Time 2 to 3 days lemon rind until everything is mixed in. Finally, mix in the rest of the walls. Your dough will be very sticky. Use a This recipe makes enough to send dough scraper to scrape it up. Knead out to relatives or feed a large party. it with small dustings of flour (not too You can reduce the recipe. The prune much extra!) until you get a nice, silky butter also stores well, and the dough dough. Wrap it up in waxed paper and works nicely for other pastries. put it in the fridge overnight. Ingredients -- For the prune butter: Assembly: This short description of Purim comes 3 pounds pitted prunes, ideally tart 9. Cut the dough into three segments. from the website of the Union for Re- ones On a floured surface, roll out one seg- form Judaism. There is more about Juice of 1 large lemon (or more if your ment evenly to about 1/8” thick. Purim on the URJ website. Here’s the prunes aren’t tart) 10. Melt some butter in a dish and link: http://urj.org/holidays/purim/ 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar set aside with a pastry brush. Water 11. Dip an “Purim is celebrated by the reading of For the dough: inverted the Scroll of Esther, known in Hebrew 4 cups flour glass or 2- or as the Megillat Esther, which relates the 4 eggs 3-inch-diam- basic story of Purim. Under the rule of 1 teaspoon baking powder eter glass or King Ahashuerus, Haman, the King’s A pinch of salt cookie cutter prime minister, plots to exterminate all 1 cup of oil into flour and of the Jews of Persia.His plan is foiled 3 tablespoons of warm water use it to cut by Queen Esther and her cousin Mor- Zest of 2 lemons as many cir- dechai, who ultimately save the Jews of 1 cup sugar cular pieces the land from destruction.The reading For assembly: of dough as possible, re-dipping into of the megillah is typically a rowdy affair, Melted butter, about one stick flour as needed. Paint an X of melted punctuated by booing and noise-making Extra flour butter onto the center of each circle when Haman’s name is read aloud. Method with the brush. For the prune butter: 12. Using two teaspoons, place a “Purim is an unusual holiday in many 1. Put prunes in large pot. Add lemon small amount of prune butter in the respects.First, Esther is the only Book of juice and sugar. center of each circle, on top of the the Bible in which God is not mentioned. 2. In a separate pot, boil water. Pour butter. If you use too much they will boiling water over the prunes. fall apart. Second, Purim, like Hanukkah, is 3. Cook the prunes on medium heat 13. Lift up the edges of the circle viewed traditionally as a minor festival, for 20 minutes. Turn heat off, cover, so they form a triangle. Gently pinch but elevated to a major holiday as a re- and let them sit overnight in the pot each corner closed. sult of the Jewish historical experience. on the stove. 14. Bake at 375 degrees for about Over the centuries, Haman became the 4. The next morning, beat the prunes 12 minutes. The corners should be embodiment of every anti-Semite in in a mixer on low until they form a just slightly golden-brown. Watch every land where Jews were oppressed. smooth mixture, with no pieces of them near the end because they go The significance in Purim lies not so skin visible. The consistency should from golden to burnt very easily. much in how it began, but in what it has be a smooth enough purée that it can become - a thankful and joyous affirma- drop off a spoon. tion of Jewish survival against all odds. “ -- * Deborah Gardener, The New York For the dough: Times, Diner’s Journal, March 9, At Beth Ahabah, Rabbi Gallop will de- 5. Make a pile of flour, baking powder 2009 vote his sermon to Purim on February and salt. Dig a well into the middle. 22nd, and we’ll have our annual Purim 6. Put two eggs in the middle with http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes. Shpiel on February 24th at 7:15 pm. On half the oil and water, half the sugar, com/2009/03/09/the-perfect-ha- Sunday, February 24th, the community- and half the lemon rind. Do not break mantaschen/ wide Purim Carnival is at the JCC start- the flour walls. ing at noon. 7. With a fork, use gentle circular motions to mix flour into the middle from the walls while keeping the walls 9

Israel: The ultimate sunday school Field trip

Clockwise from top: A panoramic view of Jerusa- lem; Richmond’s Jewish educators; Ramona at the Western Wall.

by Ramona Brand Hadera region in northern Israel where the Jewish Community Federation of Religious School Director we had a comprehensive interactive Richmond and the Richmond Council program with schools, museums and of Jewish Educators for their generous Beth Ahabah Religious School staff industries in the area. Of course no trip financial support. joined a delegation of 32 Jewish to Israel would be complete without educators to Israel this December/ a visit to Jerusalem. Several of our January. We spend 10 wonderful days as members also traveled to Masada and part of the P2G (Partnership Together) the Dead Sea. We truly enjoyed the program that brings educators from sites, food, shopping, learning, sharing sister cities in the United States and and new friendships made. In addition Israel together for a week of learning, to wonderful memories and thousands sharing and connecting. Fourteen of pictures, we brought back to our Jewish educators from Richmond schools a new connection with teachers, joined educators from Jacksonville, students and educators. We look forward FL; Knoxville and Chattanooga, TN to forging stronger and more personal and Charlotte, NC. From December bonds with our new friends in Israel 23rd to January 2nd we participated through exciting school programs and in a conference that took us to the personal interactions. Many thanks to 10 american Jewish History Upcoming Adult education Upcoming sessions: family shabbat dinners:

Make your reservations now! 4th & 5th Grade Family Dinner & Shabbat Friday, February 8th

6th & 7th Grade Family Dinner & Shabbat

Commodore Uriah P. Levy The Megillot of Esther and Ruth Friday, March 8th with Rabbi Beifield For reservations contact Ramona or Sunday, February 10th Lori Lacy ([email protected]). As part of our American Jewish History 9:30 AM curriculum the 7th grade will visit Mon- During the 6th Grade Gesher ticello on Sunday, March 3rd. The Diversity of Judaism in Israel The focus of the trip is Thomas Jeffer- with Rabbi Beifield son’s 1786 Virginia Statute for Religious Sunday, March 10th Upcoming Freedom and its impact on the Jewish 9:30 AM ruah chadash & community. During the 5th Grade Gesher Etz Chayim choir Performances The students will also learn about the the Levy family, who saved and restored Friday, February 8th Monticello after Jefferson’s death in 1826. at Shabbat Services following the 4th & 5th Grade Family dinner. We are fortunate to have this interest- Friday, March 8th ing opportuity to learn more about out American Jewish heritage! at Shabbat Services following the 6th & 7th Grade Family dinner.

Purim Shabbat Service Shabbat Services on Friday, February 22nd will be a worship service in the spirit of Purim ~ a fun and whimsical Shabbat experience ~ J-Town Chanukah Celebration at KDWHOME KITCHEN DESIGNWORKS Thank you so much to Cathy and Marvin Daniels for hosting J-Town’s Chanukah Celebration this past weekend. It was great fun for everyone who attended. KDW Home is dedicated to helping you realize a higher level of enjoyment, sophistication and pride in your home. Nowhere else will you find our unique combination of experienced, inspired design professionals, exclusive product lines and meticulous installation teams. Visit www.kdwhome.com to learn more about KDW. 11

b’nei mitzvah

and Fred Boswell. Ilan Chueca, the son of Miguel Chueca and Ruth Felsen, and older brother of Robert is a seventh grade honor student Shoshana Chueca, will be called to the at Chickahominy Middle School. He Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on March 16. enjoys playing baseball, basketball and He is the grandson of Harry and Marion football. Robert also enjoys Jewish sum- Felsen (Silver Spring, MD) and of Oswal- mer camp and attended 6 Points Sports do and Maria Luisa Chueca (Lima, Peru). Academy for the past three years. For his Mitzvah Project, Robert combined Ilan is an honors student in the gifted his passion for baseball and his compas- program at Manchester Middle School. isabel catheryn longstaff sion for people with special needs and He plays tenor saxophone in the Man- February 2, 2013 became a “buddy” for a baseball player chester MS band as well as in Ruach in the Richmond Miracle League. Chadash. He has earned a blue belt in Isabel Longstaff will be called to the Tae Kwon Do, and also enjoys sailing, Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on February 2, Robert’s family is very proud of him and ping pong, and video games. For his Mitz- 2013. She is the daughter of Melissa looks forward to celebrating with family, vah Project, Ilan designed holiday cards and Steven Longstaff and sister to Sara friends and the congregation. and organized his classmates to write Jane, Audrey and Benjamin Longstaff. notes and sign the cards, which he then sent to soldiers in the US Armed Forces. Isabel is an 8th grade honor student at Midlothian Middle School. She serves as a Madrichim at Beth Ahabah and loves animals, lacrosse, swimming, photogra- phy and music.

For her Mitzvah Project, Isabel held a 5K “Blue Butterfly” run to benefit Breanna’s Gift, a non-profit organization that brings the arts to children with cancer and other Jacob Paul Gordon serious illnesses. The event raised over March 16, 2013 $2,500 for her charity. Owen michael scher March 23, 2013 We are very proud of Isabel, and look Jacob Gordon will be called to the Torah forward to celebrating this special mile- as a Bar Mitzvah on March 16, 2013. Owen Scher will be called to the Torah stone with family and friends. Jacob is the son of Jeremy and Libby as a Bar Mitzvah on March 23, 2013. Gordon and younger brother of Anna- Owen is the son of Charley and Anne Suzanne. Scher and older brother of Katie. His grandparents are Norman and Joyce Jacob is a seventh grader at Pocahontas Scher of Richmond and Jack and Nancy Middle School. He swims on the YMCA Gaines of Maurertown, Virginia. Tritons travel swim team, plays the cello, and enjoys gaming. Owen is a 7th grade honor student at Collegiate School. He enjoys playing football, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse, and also loves reading and video games. Owen is a big fan of Duke, UVA, the Redskins, and the Robert Boswell Orioles. For his Mitzvah Project, Owen February 16, 2013 volunteered with the Miracle League of Richmond, an organization that Robert Boswell, son of Cindy Boswell and provides an opportunity for children with Rob and Carolyn Boswell, will be called to disabilities to play baseball. Games are The Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on February played on a special rubberized field in 16th, 2013. He is the older brother of Ilan Chueca Chesterfield County. Owen served as a Michael Boswell, and the grandson of buddy for a Miracle League player at the March 16, 2013 Susan and Howard Spielberg and Fran plate and in the field this past fall. 12

this event. [email protected] or Alan Corbett at [email protected] if you would Are you ready for some hoops? The like to participate. Brotherhood has purchased tickets for the University of Richmond basketball On Sunday, March 17th at 6 PM we will game on Saturday night, February 9th. hold a Men’s Seder in the Joel House. These tickets are available at a great This is a wonderful opportunity to inter- discount and will make for a wonder- act with fellow members and discuss Brotherhood has just completed another ful family event. Please contact Rob topics of interest and interact over a successful round of latke madness that Davidson for details at rob.davidson@ special meal. Please contact Ken Roeper served to make our annual Hanukkah aftonchemicals.com or 804.794.2519. at [email protected] to reserve your party even more special. Members of There are a limited number of seats so place. Brotherhood and Sisterhood joined don’t delay. Hint: there will also be food forces to crank out 120 pounds of deli- involved. Thanks to all for your continued support cious latkes. How many did you eat? of our programs. If you have any ideas or But, of course, who’s counting? I noticed Get ready for the annual Purim Carnival thoughts, please feel free to contact me many new faces this year and was ex- which will be held at the Weinstein JCC at [email protected]. cited that so many folks took the time to on Sunday, February 24th, following get involved. Everyone who participated religious school. Brotherhood members Yours in Brotherhood, deserves our thanks for their dedica- are needed to volunteer for the many dif- Martin J. Miller, president tion and time. I would especially like to ferent roles that need to be filled. Please recognize Rob Davidson for coordinating contact John Marshak at

and be our honored guest at the Centen- hats maybe even high button shoes. Get nial Tea on Saturday afternoon. those duds ready and we will have an old fashion afternoon with many surprises. We will begin the weekend with Erev Shabbat Services at 7:30 in the Sanc- We still have space for you to participate. tuary. This service has been written for Sing in the choir, of all women (rehears- the participation of all Sisterhoods. 600 als start February 4, at 7:00pm in the Sisterhoods from around the world will Chapel). Read at the Shabbat Service, use this service on Friday Evening March contribute a good or service to the silent by Meg Marshak, President 1. Our service will feature the Women’s auction, (at the Tea), or express an inter- Choir women leading the service and a est in learning more about leadership, Women get ready to CELEBRATE, few surprises. This service promises to call or e-mail Meg Marshak 746-2918, CELEBRATE, CELEBRATE! be inspiring and filled with music and [email protected] and request prayer to claim everyone’s spiritual side your spot or for more information. You March 1and 2 are fast approaching and and attention. may also contact: Linda Ferguson at the Celebration is about to begin. Your [email protected] or Katie Sisterhood is planning a very event filled Saturday brings on two exciting events. Roeper at katie.roeper@gmail .com weekend and you should plan on attend- Rosanne will conduct a Leadership ing all (or at least some of) the events. Forum, on Saturday morning. If you are Please RSVP to your invitation so we You should have received you invitation interested in increasing your leadership know who is coming to what event. via the mail. Please respond and join us skills, please let one of the people listed for our fantastic weekend. at the bottom of the article know of you The Centennial Committee hopes to interest. see all of the women at Beth Ahabah We are excited to share the weekend participating in one of the events of the with the Immediate National Past Presi- Saturday also brings the big event known weekend. As I said before GET READY dent of the Women of Reform Judaism. at the Centennial Tea. So choose your de- TO CELEBRATE! Roseanne Selfon will deliver our Sermon cade and dress for the occasion (as your on Friday evening, facilitate a Leadership mother or grandmother would have). We Training session on Saturday morning expect to see tea party dresses, gloves, 13

always ask for what you want. Beth Ahabah You just might get it! MuseuM& ar chives

the name of God, whom we all of us do worship, to give furlough to the soldiers of Jewish persuasion under your command.” Lee replied: “It would treasures from give me great pleasure to comply with the collection a request so earnestly urged by you… But the necessities of war admit of no relaxation of the effort requisite for its success.” In other words, they could not be spared at that time.

Not discouraged, Michelbacher wrote to Lee again several years later asking The famous “Trefa Banquet” fork clemency for a Jewish soldier who had been sentenced This small, but historic, object was donated by Virginia (Nikki) Fairman.* By David Farris, Director to death for desertion. He met with more In July 1883, Rabbi , Rabbis are seldom shy when it success this time, but founder of Hebrew Union College, hosted comes to going after things that that’s another story for a first-class banquet to celebrate the first are good for their congregations another day. graduating class. Since Jews of many and for Judaism. Maximilian persuasions were invited, he hired a Michelbacher, Beth Ahabah’s Visit the Museum prominent Jewish caterer named Gus first rabbi, was no exception. & Archives for more information on the Lindeman to provide the meal. Gus, for reasons not fully known, served several In 1861, he was concerned outcome of this second items forbidden by the Orthodox dietary laws by the fact that many Jewish appeal, and for other (“Tref”), causing several of the guest rabbis soldiers serving in the stories of the Jews in to walk out and triggering much controversy Confederate army were not the Civil War era and in the media. Since there is much scholarly being allowed time off to attend how they survived and discussion of this to be found online, we High Holy Days services. Not thrived in that difficult need not go into detail here. Google “Trefa being a shy man, he went time. Banquet” for more details and interesting straight to the top to request history. a solution to this situation – Rabbi Michelbacher he wrote directly to General This fork, bearing the name “Lindeman” Lee. In the formal manner of prominently, could easily have been used in the times, he wrote “. . . I deem it the famous (or infamous) banquet. my duty to beg of you the favor in Nikki Fairman, daughter of Edith Lindeman Calisch and a descendant of Gus’s, inherited the fork and has entrusted it to us. At present Currently on Exhibit in the Galleries: it is prominently displayed at the National •That You’ll Remember Me: Jewish Voice of the Civil War Museum of American Jewish History in •Jewish Women in the Arts Philadelphia, but will return to Richmond •Commonweath & Community where it can be seen, touched, and perhaps used to commemorate this milestone in the Museum Hours: history of Reform Judaism in America. 10 am to 3 pm Sunday - Thursday

The Museum & Archives is located next door to the Temple office at 1109 W. Franklin Street. For more information about the archives, to make an appointment to research in the archives or set up a group tour, please contact 804.353.2668. 14 MITZVAH: tional stones with single words or signs Many of this year’s projects focus on POSSIBLEYour mitzvah, should you choose to accept it... of peace and love for our loved ones at the Jewish obligation to feed the hungry. CONGREGATION BETH AHABAH : MAY 5TH, 2013 the Cemetery. These will then be placed There will again be the opportunity to by Heather Dinkin in buckets for visitors to use to leave at cook meals or bake desserts for Hos- the grave site of a loved one as an act pital Hospitality House which provides Mark Sunday, May 5th on your calendar of remembrance. lodging and non-medical services to because the Mitzvah Day Committee families and individuals in medical cri- and a team of committed Project Lead- Also on site, there will be a Blood Drive, sis. We will also again be making bag ers are gearing up for another busy, and The Pink Ribbon project that as- lunches to distribute to the homeless productive and fun day of service. The sembles education cards promoting in Monroe Park. We are excited to be Religious School Classes and volunteers breast health awareness. We will also adding a Stop Hunger Now food pack- of all ages will have the opportunity to be collecting cell phones, eye glasses aging event. Stop Hunger Now’s meal participate in 13 worthy projects that and toiletries. There will also be a hair- packaging program provides volunteers will have both local and global benefit. stylist to cut and style donors tresses for the opportunity to package dehydrated, Locks of Love. Locks of Love are a public high protein, and highly nutritious meals Those that want to get outside on a non-profit organization that provides that are used in crisis situations and in Sunday in May will be able to help hairpieces to financially disadvantaged school feeding programs for schools beautify Beth Ahabah or Binford Middle children under age 21 in the United and orphanages in developing countries School, or plant a vegetable garden at States and Canada suffering from long- around the world. The Religious school William Byrd Community House. Some term medical hair loss from any diagno- will help promote and fund the project can choose to put on gloves and help sis. Ten inches of hair measured tip to that will culminate with the packaging with the annual clean up of Hebrew tip in a pony tail is the minimum needed of at least 10,000 meals. Cemetery. Or stay at the temple and to for a hairpiece so start growing your work on a new project: Painting inspira- hair out now! So roll up your sleeves and accept the mitzvah, we’ll see you in May!

congregants & community Is Congregation Beth IN SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES OF: Irene & Matt Montero on the birth of Ahabah Mentioned In Gerald Adolf their daughter, Aleksa Montero, born Your Will? brother of Ronnie & Susie Adolf December 14, 2012. Susan Rosenberg Charles Daren Patsy & Donald Glazer on the birth Too often the wills of new and, of their granddaughter, Maya Jane especially longtime members do not CONGRATULATIONS TO… Glazer-Skloot, born December 6, include bequests to their congregation. Betty Sue & Todd LePage on the 2012. Also to parents, Erin Glazer & Hospitals, universities and other birth of their grandchildren, Sam Al- Joseph Skloot. worthwhile charitable agencies exander LePage & Max Oliver LePage, and organizations are generously born November 27, 2012. Also to remembered, yet too often we overlook parents, Matthew & Rebecca LePage. the compelling need to help preserve and maintain Judaism through Cathy & Marvin Daniel on the birth its key institution, the synagogue, of their granddaughter, Sadie Alyn when we make our testamentary Daniel, born December 13, 2012. gifts. Past generations endowed our Also to her great-grandmother, Shirley congregations to ensure they would be Plotkin. here for us. Now it is our responsibility to follow their lead and do the same for future generations. Please call Russell Finer in the congregational office (804- 358-6757 ext. 302) to discuss how you The first Seder can help perpetuate the good works of is celebrated on Congregation Beth Ahabah. Monday, March 25th 15

tzedakah

TEMPLE FUND Rose Goldstein RICKI KESTIN FUND IN APPRECIATION: Judith & Isaac Koziol IN MEMORY OF: Lillian & Robert Lansey Nina Kestin IN HONOR OF: THE RABBI’S PHILANTHROPIC FUND Michael Wolf Linda Ferguson receiving the 2012 These contributions were received in Sam Troy Award response to the Annual Appeal: HEBREW CEMETERY FUND Nettie Opper Heidi Levinson IN MEMORY OF: Ken & Katie Roeper Tamara & Lawrence Gelber Louise Creeger Babs & Larry Jackson IN APPRECIATION: Nancy Grandis White Elise Scherr receiving the Woman of Tara Langley Gloria Roffman Valor Award Dena & Dan Neuwirth Nancy Grandis White Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Hirsch Ruth Z. Perel The birth of Margot Elyse Zemmel, IN HONOR OF: MUSEUM & ARCHIVES daughter of Neil & Melissa Zemmel The naming of William Michael Arca- IN HONOR OF: Gail & Al Werner rese Fannie & Gilbert Rosenthal’s The special birthday of Mr. Norman Barbara & Michael Arcarese 65th Wedding Anniversary Morgan Judith & Isaac Koziol’s special anni- Mikki Evens Gail & Al Werner versary IN MEMORY OF: The birth of Sam Alexander LePage Evelyn Lampert & Martin Cohen Jayne G. Gross & Max Oliver LePage Evelyn & Bob Glasser Pam & Sandy Norman Scott & Nancy Belleman Heidi Levinson Nikki Fairman The birth of Sadie Daniel Harry L. Cohn’s speedy recovery Lynn Francis Scott & Nancy Belleman Frances B. Raphael Louise Rosenthal Creeger David Grandis speedy recovery Nancy Meyer Susan & David Farris Scott & Nancy Belleman Roberta Meyer Claire & Bob Rosenbaum Bobby Kastenbaum’s speedy recovery The birth of our granddaughter, Shirley & Bob Reinhard Scott & Nancy Belleman Maya Jane Glazer-Skloot Mrs. Frederick A. Carleton Gilbert & Fannie Rosenthal’s special Patsy & Don Glazer Anne Marie & Jon Perel anniversary IN MEMORY OF: Esther & Rudy Bunzl Marjorie Gunst Mrs. Marian Billy Benson & Jackie Viener & Helene Sowerby Ann Bendheim Mrs. Rose Greentree Weinfeld Elizabeth Reed Carter Norman Morgan’s special birthday Bob, Debbie, David & Emily Shapiro Friends at the Retail Merchants Association Trina & Jay McElligott Susan Rosenberg IN MEMORY OF: Jessica Alsieri Harry Grandis Charles Daren Karen & Barry Hofheimer The Daren Family Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Hirsch William B. Potash & Fern I. Jackson Louise Creeger Babs & Larry Jackson Karen & Barry Hofheimer Irving & Francis Chasen Ken & Katie Roeper Roberta Meyer Rebecca Morgan Francine & Norman Morgan CANTOR GOLDMAN’S MUSIC FUND Jacob Grossman IN APPRECIATION: Judith & Ike Koziol Maxine & Lawrence Cohen Jane Miller, our mother IN HONOR OF: Ken & Katie Roeper Natan Berenshteyn’s musical gifts dur- Mrs. Minnie Hirsch, Mrs. Anne Zeichner ing Brotherhood Shabbat & Mr. Morris Zeichner Ken & Katie Roeper Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Hirsch IN MEMORY OF: Eric Blumenthal Harry Stillerman, my father Lynn B. Stevenson Fern S. Cohen Marshall L. Lowenstein Marilyn Lowenstein & Family BIMAH FLOWER FUND Jacob Grossman IN MEMORY OF: Judith Koziol Sadie M. Levinson, Frank F. Levinson, An armed security guard is on duty Paul Corbett Joseph R. Sugerman, Jean P. Sugerman at Hebrew Cemetery on the first Ira & Maureen Goldstein & Harold J. Levinson Ita Brandman & Rachel Gorbaty Heidi Levinson and third Sundays of the month. Ita & Alex Berenshteyn Harry & Doris Levy David Levy 15 Beth Ahabah Community Calendar february 2013 March 2013

1 tot Shabbat Dinner & Service 5:30 pm 1 tot Shabbat Dinner & Service 5:30 pm Shabbat service 7:30 PM Sisterhood shabbat service w/ Guest 2 BAT mitzvah: 10:30 Am Speaker Roseanne Selfon 7:30 PM isabel lonstaff 3 Religious School 9:15 AM 3 Religious School 9:15 AM etz Chayim Rehearsal 11:30 AM etz Chayim Rehearsal 11:30 AM ruach Hadash Rehearsal 11:45 AM ruach Hadash Rehearsal 11:45 AM Grade 7 Field trip to Monticello 4 Monday 6:30 PM 4 No Midrasha Monday 6 Hebrew Wednesday 5:30 PM 6 Hebrew Wednesday 5:30 PM 8 4th & 5th grade shabbat 8 6th & 7th grade shabbat Dinner 6:00 pm Dinner 6:00 pm Family Shabbat service Family Shabbat service w/Etz Chayim w/Etz Chayim Choir 7:30 PM choir & Ruach Chadash 7:30 PM

10 Religious School 9:15 AM 10 Religious School 9:15 AM 6th grade gesher 5th grade gesher Etz Chayim Rehearsal 11:30 AM Etz Chayim Rehearsal 11:30 AM Ruach Hadash Rehearsal 11:45 AM Ruach Hadash Rehearsal 11:45 AM 11 Midrasha Monday 6:30 PM Youth Group trip to Monkey Joe’s 13 Hebrew wednesday 5:30 PM 1:00 PM 15 Shabbat service 7:30 PM 11 Midrasha Monday 6:30 PM 16 BAr mitzvah: 10:30 Am 13 Hebrew wednesday 5:30 PM robert Boswell 15 Congregational Shabbat Dinner shabbat service w/Adult Choir 7:30 PM 17 No Religious school 16 B’nei mitzvah: 10:30 Am 18 No Midrasha Monday Jacob Gordan 20 no Hebrew wednesday ilan Chueca 22 shabbat service w/Adult Choir 7:30 PM 17 Religious school 9:15 AM 24 Religious school 9:15 AM Etz Chayim Rehearsal 11:30 AM Purim Carnival at the Weinstein JCC Ruach Hadash Rehearsal 11:45 AM Purim shpiel at the JCC 3:00 PM Men’s seder in the Joel House 6:00 PM Purim Shpiel at Beth Ahabah 7:15 PM 18 No Midrasha Monday 25 Midrasha Monday 6:30 PM 20 Hebrew wednesday 5:30 PM 27 Hebrew wednesday 5:30 PM 22 Shabbat service w/ Adult Choir 7:30 PM 23 BAr mitzvah: 10:30 Am oWen Scher

24 Religious school 9:15 AM School-wide seder Please submit all information for 25 NO Midrasha Monday the April/May issue 27 no Hebrew wednesday of B’yachad by March 1st

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Congregation Beth Ahabah 1111 West Franklin Street Richmond, Virginia 23220 Telephone: (804) 358-6757

Successor to K.K. Beth Shalome...1789

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