Eyes Covered, WE Are One by Rabbi Adam Zeff

Volume 28, Issue No. 3 Tevet 5781 / January 2021

EyEs CovErEd, WE ArE onE by Rabbi Adam Zeff

Why do we cover our eyes when I have long been influenced by Rabbi Arthur Green’s teaching we say the first line of the Sh’ma? that “to assert that all is one in God is our supreme act of faith.” Even though we refer to this This is true, he writes, because “life as we experience it seems practice, traditionally done twice infinitely fragmented. Human beings seem isolated from one daily, as “reading the Sh’ma” another, divided by all the fears and hatreds that make up (k’riyat Sh’ma), for the first line human history. Even within a single life, one moment feels cut we do not read it; we memorize off from the next, memories of joy and fullness offering us little it early in our lives, and then we recite it with our eyes not only consolation when we are depressed or lonely.”1 closed but also covered. Why would this first line, the line that says that God is One, be said without using one of our primary Especially when we are actually experiencing every day the senses, the sense of sight? Why do we cover our eyes all the way ultimate in isolation and division, for us to recite the Sh’ma and through the word “One”? to proclaim the oneness of all things through God requires an enormous exertion of the imagination, pushing back against the In the Talmud (B’rachot 13b), the ancient rabbis agree that all evidence of our senses to reach the truth of a greater oneness three paragraphs of the Sh’ma should be recited, but they beyond all that divides. This is what I now think is going on when disagree about how much concentration is necessary for each we cover our eyes for the Sh’ma. We need to shut out the vision part of it. It is notable that they believe that concentration is of our separation in order to be able to sense, deep within a hard thing to require, even for a few paragraphs of prayer! ourselves, the reality of our connection with other people and Some argue that concentration is required for the whole thing, with the divine, despite all the barriers that seem to lie between some just for the first paragraph, and so on. Rabbi Yehudah, the us. Maybe this is even what Rabbi Yehudah was doing when he compiler of the Mishnah and one of the leading authorities of put his hands over his eyes, amid all the stresses and trials of his the Talmud, seems to take an extreme position. He was days: blocking out the world for just a few seconds to recapture observed saying only the first line of the Sh’ma, and holding his his sense that somehow, in some way, all is One. hand over his face while doing so, and there was debate over whether he even said the rest of the Sh’ma at all. The unstated May we each take a moment every day, even for a few seconds, assumption is that Rabbi Yehudah thinks that only the first line to sense the connections that hold us through our physical of the Sh’ma requires concentrated intent. Although his position separation, the love that surrounds us and the people who care seems to be an outlier in the disagreement, it is the one that for us, even though they may be far away. For just a moment, carries the day. The early law code called the Tur codifies this as we, too, can hide our eyes from our material reality and believe a requirement that all who say the Sh’ma cover their eyes for that we are one. the first line, and that is the practice we follow to this day.

In the times that we are living through, this year of pandemic and isolation, our lives cut off from each other, I have been rethinking the assumption that covering our eyes for that first 1See his commentary to the Sh’ma in Kol Haneshamah Prayerbook for line of the Sh’ma is about enhancing our level of concentration. the Days of Awe (Elkins Park, PA, 1999), page 303. KE'K/E'^Zs/>/E<^

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MAZAL TOV! In MEMorIAM In CELEBrATIon oF... (June 8, 2020 – August 2, 2020) rebecca Ladenheim, sister of Judith Rossman, and lifelong member of Germantown Jewish Centre Anna Herman, on her special birthday Arthur nevins, father of Neysa Nevins and grandfather of Tani Art Ellis, on his special birthday Helen & Michael Feinberg, on the October marriage of their son, dennis spivack, longtime member of Germantown Jewish Ari, to Kate Sheridan Centre Ari Feinberg & Kate sheridan, on their marriage on October Gloria Weiss, mother of Barbara Weiss and grandmother of 2, 2020 Dalya and Zachary dan Piser & deb White, on the birth of their grandson, Noah, son Lila Booth, mother of Beth Rosenbaum, grandmother of Ben and of Rebecca Piser & Yakein Abdelmagid Aaron, and longtime member of Germantown Jewish Centre Marty Kaplan, on his 91st birthday Barbara Bloom, wife of Robert Rossman, and longtime member WELCoME rETUrnInG MEMBErs! of Germantown Jewish Centre Shai Ben-Yaacov & Kate Dugan Joan Groner, mother of Judy Groner www.germantownjewishcentre.org 3 THE PrEsIdEnT’s CoLUMn by Dan Livney

“Every community is established felt like an ongoing trauma that we have all experienced. Much for the sake of some good.” of it, as I’ve observed it, has to do with seemingly irreconcilable ~ Aristotle, Politics views on what constitutes “good." That ideal that Aristotle postulated was the start of all meaning-making about individual Dear Community — Except for the and social life but steadfastly refused to define. sounds of ECP, the synagogue is quiet now. Yet there is still One of the startling things I have observed over this time is synagogue business going on. You just how much of the functioning of the amygdala—our probably already know about— anxieties—are shared with little to no regard for specific political and may be benefitting from— leanings. Over the past four years I have seen so much hurt in this our ongoing support groups. nation: I have witnessed Black lives senselessly lost to police Perhaps you have met with the violence. I have treated patients whose White families have been Calico Hill Collective consultants, here to help us understand our devastated by repeated deaths from overdoses of pain racial climate. We are working hard to keep our ECP open, medications that should have never been on the streets. I have primarily by keeping our children safe, and our staff feeling safe spoken to law enforcement officers beaten while honestly trying and supported. Also, we are starting up a COVID committee, as to keep the peace. I have seen Jewish families who worry about we work on figuring out how to make decisions about usage of their children in universities where any mention of Israel has our building in this period. All of these things are important, and become demonized. I have listened to Black families who wonder I hope to be able to fill you in on some of them in a future column. why the police don’t come when shots are fired in their neighborhoods. But for the moment I have some thoughts I want to share; I am writing this about three weeks after the election. Perhaps this will We are a nation in pain. Though how we understand our pain not read as the usual President’s column, and maybe this will all might be different, if one pays attention to the amygdala, we feel out of date by the time you read this in January. sound much in chorus: Don’t “they” understand that my way of life is under attack? Do “they” even care about me, or those I care Our community is splintered, separated to our individual homes. about? Do my feelings, or even my life matter? Yet we are all experiencing the same effects of the recent elections, and of the pandemic. I am not going to write about One day, in the lead-up to the election, and as tensions came to politics, but I would like to discuss the effects I imagine the a head, I experienced an unexpected moment of calm. The image political climate is having on us. As you read this, imagine these which brought this on was that of remembering the nation I had thoughts are part of a dialog we might be having in the synagogue spent most of life thinking of as home. I have been fortunate. hallways, something I value and miss. While we can’t have a back I have largely experienced kindness from strangers, friends and and forth here, please feel free to reach out and let me know what colleagues alike. I don’t mean I haven’t had my struggles. But you think, if you feel so inclined. I realized that when I go to the store, or walk down an unfamiliar street, or attend a conference in a far away city, I have not come Neuroscientists tell us that from an evolutionary standpoint, the to expect random acts of disrespect from strangers around me. amygdala is considered the old part of the brain. It is the primitive The other side of that awareness is there as well. This is not brain, concerned with deep and powerful emotions such as fear, a country that treats everyone equally; not everyone has had this anger, pleasure, and arousal. It is the part of ourselves that is most same privilege of being able to trust a stranger. There are connected to our animal sense of belonging, and of threat and narratives of cruelty and of sorrow that run through our country's survival. The frontal cortex, the part that is concerned with logic history which run parallel with the struggle to allow each of us to and reason, is the newer part. It has had, frankly, less practice. partake more equally of its benefits. In that rare moment of calm Much of the time we like to think of ourselves as beings of that I realized that in all of the division and tumult, I had forgotten newer part. But in moments when we feel threatened, we readily about our better selves, which represent this nation, too. devolve to the more basic parts of ourselves, sometimes without so much as noticing the change in focus. That tension of interplay In this time of schism, I have come to believe that it is not the between those two neural areas (very roughly speaking) accounts presence of division that matters, it is what happens on its for much of the drama of human life. boundary. It is the space between ourselves and those whom we call others which separates healing from tragedy, and possibility The past years have been distressing ones for those of us who are from sorrow. Finding sympathy and perhaps even similarity with political animals, and by that, I mean most of us. We are animals those with whom we (even vehemently) disagree does not mean who live in concentric circles of greater and lesser communities. that we give up our right to fight for what we believe is right and The elections and the anxieties of our political times have often (Continued on page 5) www.germantownjewishcentre.org 4 THE PrEsIdEnT’s CoLUMn (continued) good. Nor should it mean that we must find sympathy with some reach back. May we all return soon, as the saying goes, to less of the positions that are held, separately from the person who interesting times. holds them. In spite of our current political climate, I do not believe that most people around us are out to do harm, though For myself, I hope to return to a more traditional President’s some few undoubtedly are. I believe that most of the damage in column in the next Center Call. I will just say that while there is this world comes from people who are honestly straining for the much uncertainty ahead, our synagogue’s situation remains as good as best as they know how, even when harm is the result. strong as it can be given the circumstances. Our amazing staff, With sadness, I do not hold myself above that belief, and I admit our dedicated volunteers and our lay leadership are all working to yearn for sympathy for my own lapses, as I attempt to find it for overtime to make that happen. others—even, and especially, for those for whom that sympathy is hardest to find. “It's a little embarrassing that after 45 years of The election is over, but our nation’s divisions seem far from it. research & study, the best advice I can give people is I do not know the way forward, other than it will involve reaching to be a little kinder to each other.” out, if not to all, then at least to those who are willing to ~ Aldous Huxley

In MEMorIAM: Judy Meisel by Marjorie Gleit

Judy Meisel, a former member of Germantown While raising her three children, Judy attended Jewish Centre, passed away on November Temple University and earned a degree in Early 3, 2020. She died at her home in St. Louis Park, Childhood Education. She then began the Nursery Minnesota at the age of 91. She was a Holocaust School at the Centre (the predecessor to ECP). Our survivor, civil rights activist and human rights children attended as well as many others. The activist in the truest sense of the word. environment was warm, loving and fun, and Judy was in her element. Born in Lithuania, Judy survived the Kovno ghetto and the Stutthoﬀ concentration camp, where her Years later Judy moved to Santa Barbara and again mother died in the gas chamber. Judy and her started a synagogue Nursery School that continues sister, Rachel, escaped during a death march in Judy Meisel to thrive. Judy would say that all her students were 1945 as the Russians advanced toward the camp. her grandchildren, and she was always invited to She was 16 when she was liberated in Denmark. More than 75 all the family occasions of her students. The Santa Barbara years later, she provided key witness testimony in recent German Community treasured Judy and will continue to treasure her as indictments and trials of SS guards from Stutthoﬀ. will our family, and thousands of students, teachers and others.

As a result of her horrific experiences with prejudice and hostility A very significant contribution by Judy was her book and during World War II, “Meisel was steadfast and outspoken in her documentary, entitled “Tak for Alt—Survival of a Human Spirit,” pursuit of justice, sharing her story as a lesson to fight hatred, which tells her remarkable story as a Holocaust survivor during bigotry and indifference,” her obituary states. “I hate hate,” she and after World War II, which inspired her life-long campaign was often quoted as saying. against bigotry, intolerance and racism. (“Tak for Alt,” translated from Danish means “Thank you for Everything.”) For 20 years, In Philadelphia, Judy and her family joined the Centre in the I helped arrange visits for Judy to Philadelphia schools to share 1950s, living on Ellet Street. Once, at a dinner at a neighbor’s her experiences with young people, taking her to many public home, Dr. Martin Luther King was one of the guests—before he high schools, including Gratz, Kensington, Overbrook, Northeast, became famous. Later Judy worked on the March on Washington, Germantown High, Masterman, High School for Creative and and in 1963 was on the scene of one of the absolute worst race Performing Arts, Girard Academy Music Program, and many riots, which took place in Folcroft. That all white neighborhood Catholic Schools, private schools, colleges, universities. Wherever was beyond cruel to a young African American couple, the Bakers. Judy went she made a powerful impact and opened hearts and The Bakers left Folcroft and moved to West Mt. Airy where Judy minds to promote acceptance of all people. Many GJC members and others welcomed them. Fifty years later a huge “Anniversary” heard Judy speak. She was beyond remarkable. article appeared inThe Inquirer with a number of quotes by Judy. May her memory be a blessing.

5 www.facebook.com/germantownjewishcentre/ GJC THAnKs oUr nEdIv LEv And rosH PInAH MEMBErs

“A gift from generous hearts” (Exodus 25:2) Within the GJC community, we are fortunate to have a growing number of extraordinarily generous members who give $10,000 or more to the Centre annually, providing a backbone to GJC. This group of donors who belong to the nediv Lev (generous of heart) giving circle enable the shul to serve our community, and their commitment enables the shul to provide for the needs of all our members. We especially thank the Nediv Lev circle below for helping Germantown Jewish Centre to continue to offer the highest possible level of education, religious, and social programming: Marcy & dan Bacine Chris & steve Levin dveera segal & Brad Bridge Jane & richard Baron Barbara & dick Menin Patty & steve segal Eileen & richard Bazelon sandy & Jim Meyer Elise singer & don Perelman Peninah & Albert Berdugo Paul Minkoff z”l Harold Berger Martha & Chuck schleifer Thank you also to our Barbara Jaffe & Howard Langer Allyson & david schwartz nediv Lev member who would like to remain anonymous. Linda z”l & Jake Kriger denise scott Brown ***************** “The humblest of stones has become the chief cornerstone.” [‘Rosh Pinah’] (Psalm 118:22) GJC expresses its deep gratitude for the generous support of those congregants who have chosen the rosh Pinah (Cornerstone) level of membership. Their contributions provide crucial support, enabling us to serve the entire GJC community. We cannot adequately thank the following members for their commitment to Germantown Jewish Centre: Marta & Chip Becker dayle Friedman & david Ferleger Beth rosenbaum & noel Eisenstat Michael Beer The Hahn & Weiss Family stefanie & Alex seldin sarah Braun & shai Gluskin Myra & Gert Jacobsohn Jessica & Mathieu shapiro Evelyn Eskin & david Major Hillary & Judd Kruger Levingston Beth stearman rachel Falkove & Michael Masch Katie & Geof Margo Betsy & david Teutsch Helen & Michael Feinberg Cyrilla rosen denise Wolf & Paul rudick

For information on joining one of these giving circles, please contact Nina Peskin at [email protected].

GJC THAnKs HIGH HoLIdAy APPEAL donors

Todah rabbah to everyone who generously gave to the High Holiday Appeal! Below is a list of gift dedications, representing the many ways each of us connects to Judaism and to this beautiful community. If you have not yet contributed, but would still like to, please contact the oﬃce. We will list your name and dedication in the next issue of the Centre Call.

Jeffrey Alexander & Miriam Goldberg, in Michael Beer, in honor of the GJC staff Tamara Cohen & Gwynn Kessler, in honor memory of Miriam’s mother, Deborah Lizanne Berger of the entire staff of GJC working Minden Alice Berman tirelessly during this time and all the George & Kathy Amrom, in loving memory Lila & dan Berman, in honor of all the GJC volunteers giving of their time to keep our of Leon, Ida, Louis, and Miriam Amrom members who have fought for political community going and serving its many Louie & steve z'l Asher, in honor of their change constituents in new and creative ways grandchildren, the next generation: Michelle Bernstein Lyn davis Maia, Nina, and Sam; Silvia; Henry Barbara Bloom vinny diLorenzo & Andi Brockman and Mirabelle Jeremy Brochin & reena spicehandler Latifa diPaolo McLeary, in honor of Rabbi Ben Barnett & Wendy schwartz, in Helene Broitman Zeff, for his wonderful presence in her celebration of the GJC community Albert & Ellen Brown son, Gabriel’s, Jewish education nancy Bauer James Casey scott & sandra donover richard & Eileen Bazelon rennie Cohen Michael & Linda dzuba rose Beck, in honor of Rabbi Zeff sara Engel www.germantownjewishcentre.org 6 HIGH HoLIdAy APPEAL donors (continued)

nancy Epstein, in honor of her parents Howard Kunreuther Chris rugen & Alisa Kraut, with thanks for richie & Linda Feder & Gail Loeb Kunreuther the hard work of the GJC staff, religious Eric Frank & Billie schnall Joseph & Marilyn Kushick and lay leadership, and volunteers John & Elaine Frank Jerry Kutnick & Wendy Weingarten, in keeping our congregation vibrant during Jonathan Frank & Cheryl roth-Frank honor of Rabbi Adam Zeff and Rabbi this challenging year Marsha Friedman, in honor of Rabbi Rebecca Richman Elliot schwartz Adam Zeff Jim Lammendola & Mindi snoparsky norman & Leah schwartz Marcy Garb, in memory of Alan Kasselman Marcy Landesberg Alex seldin & stefanie Fleischer seldin, in who was lost to the COVID-19 pandemic Christopher & sally Lane honor of GJC’s rabbis and staff richard Gold & Cheryl Kritz, in memory of Greg Lattanzi & Haviva Goldman, in honor Mathieu & Jessica shapiro Lila Booth of Rabbi Zeff and all the GJC and ECP sandy sherman Joshua Goldblum & deborah Fishman staff who have kept GJC going through stuart shils scott & Leona Goldshaw the months of the pandemic Michael slifker & Michelle Friedman, in Julie Greenberg, in honor of David Craig & Addie Lewis Klein honor of Rabbi Zeff and his extraordinary Mosenkis for his caring leadership Mark Lipshutz & nan Myers efforts during this extraordinarily difficult Marsh Greenberg & Addy sugarman Peter Maas & Lesley Carson time Alex & Jessica Gurvich sam & Tamar Magdovitz, in memory of Alanna sklover & rebecca Kirzner, in shawn Hennessey & Iris shamir Tamar’s father, Edward Siff honor of GJC’s ECP families steve & Marlene Hilkowitz richard & Alice Mandel Alan soffin & Maxine Margolies Jeremy & shellie Holl, in loving memory of Geof & Kate Margo Michael & shelley spear their departed parents: Muriel & Maurice Morgan Marks & rachel sitkin Marks Jordan & Paula spivack Steier and Albert E. Holl, Jr. steve Masters & Beu Trey david stern & Kathryn Hellerstein, in Juha & Elana Hollo Andrew & Ellen Mermelstein memory of their parents, Herman Wendy Horwitz, with gratitude to Rabbi Alex Molot & Adena Klem & Mary Hellerstein z"l and Kurt Zeff, Rabbi Richman, Nina Peskin, and the William Moody & Louise Leibowitz & Florence Stern z"l whole team for holding the community dan Moscow & sharon strauss George & debbie stern, in honor of the together Jonathan & Andrea Moselle clergy, staff, and members who have nan Ides, in memory of her parents, norm & Adina newberg, in honor of the worked so assiduously to keep our holy Adele & Martin Ides GJC staff for doing such a wonderful job community safe and vibrant Gert & Myra Jacobsohn during such difficult times Jeff sultar & Julia Bell dean Kaplan & Barbara Mattleman, in Marc newman, in memory of Jeanette susan swartz, in gratitude to Rabbi memory of Barbara's mother, Marciene S. Dudnick Fredi Cooper Mattleman Jill nissen Bob Tabak & ruth Loew Phyllis Kauffman david & susan Pardys Howard & ronit Treatman Gerry Kaufman & shelly yanoff david Picker & Ann Trail Alex volin Avelin & sheila Allen Avelin, in Bill Kavesh Mark Pinsky & Jennifer Paget honor of the GJC staff and lay leaders who raymond & Cynthea Kimmelman devries, daniel Piser & deborah White, in honor have kept services and programs running in honor of the entire GJC community for of the birth of their grandson, Noah, son while the building is closed giving them such a warm welcome of Rebecca Piser & Yakein Abdelmagid sonia voynow & Bret Boyer, in honor of Julie Klein, in honor of Rabbi Zeff and the Bob & sherry Pomerantz Rabbi Zeff whole staff team, for doing a tremendous Curt & Leslie Pontz, in memory of steven Wade & Martha Millison job in difficult times Evan Pontz deborah Waxman & Christina Ager Kevin Kleinman & Chana rothman Michael Posner & Wendy smith Ivan & Becky Wolnek Bernie & Ellen Kolodner Ameet & Genie ravital Matt Wray & Jill Gurvey Myra Kranzel, in memory of her beloved Marge richman Adam Zion & nicole Kaminski, in honor of husband, Isador Kranzel Miles rittmaster & Melva sanzon Adam’s parents, Mike & Linda Zion, OBM ned Kripke & Karen schiller Kripke, in Ivan & rina rosenberg, in honor of honor of their grandsons, Jordan Jacob Rabbi Zeff Thank you also to our donors who and Leo David Kripke susan rothschild wish to remain anonymous. Linda Kugler

THAnK yoU

Germantown Jewish Centre extends thanks and gratitude to the Wolfe Family Foundation for generously supporting and making our programming possible.

7 www.facebook.com/germantownjewishcentre/ GJC Pastoral Care Team by Rabbi Rebecca Richman

We launched our Pastoral Care Team in the Spring of 2020, ● Helping Kids Navigate Online Learning, with Martha when Philadelphia first shut down. We had no idea how long we Millison (third Thursday of the month, 8PM) would be in a period of physical distance from each other. ● Homeschooling Parents Support Group, with Sonia Through this unknown, making calls, supporting our clergy, and Gordon Walinksky (first Thursday of the month, 9-10AM) connecting through support groups has given our community ● Navigating Work & Money Today, with Allison Pokras an enormous platform for maintaining and building connection. & Susan Sussman (Mondays, 7-8PM) ● No Time to Travel: Children Living Abroad in the Time Rabbi Beth Janus, one of our Pastoral Care Team captains, of Covid... How Do We Cope?, with Rabbi Fredi Cooper organized a group of volunteers from within our community to (second Thursday of the month, 10-11AM) reach out to all of our members to check in. If you didn’t receive ● Prayer Group for Safe and Fair Elections, with Genie a call, it may mean that we have the wrong contact information Ravital (Wednesdays, 8-8:15AM) for you/your household. If this is the case, please call our main ● So You Miss Your Grandchildren?, with Rabbi George office (215-844-1507) so we can update our records. Thank you Stern and Sandi Cohen (second Wednesday of the so much to our incredible volunteer callers for your support of month, 2:30-3:30PM) our community. ● Support Group for Parents of Young Children, with Tamar Magdovitz and Nini Engel (every other Wednesday, 7:30- Everyone is invited and encouraged to join a support group. 8:30PM) Take a look at our current groups, below, and visit our website (https://germantownjewishcentre.org/pastoral-care-team/) for an If you’d like to learn more, are interested in volunteering, or if up-to-date list with new offerings: you have a support group you would like to see us launch, please contact one of our Pastoral Care Team Captains: ● Caring for Aging Parents During a Pandemic, with Geoffrey Margo (second Tuesday of the month, 4-5PM) ● Genie Ravital – [email protected] ● Grief Support, with Neil Beresin (every other Wednesday, ● Rabbi Beth Janus – [email protected] 6:30PM) ● Rabbi Marsha Friedman – [email protected] ● Healing Ourselves: A Group for People with Medical Challenges, with Rabbi Fredi Cooper and Irene McHenry (every other Wednesday, 4-5PM)

BELATEd HIGH HoLy dAy THAnK yoU - MInyAn MAsorTI

daveners Adam Zion Sherry Pomerantz Greeters Zoom Hosts Debbie Aron Minna Ziskind Ivan Wolnek Linda Cherkas Avi Decter Louie Asher Patty Wright Joel Fish Aaron Finestone Sarah Braun divrei Torah Minna Ziskind Dan Livney Shai Gluskin Lawrence Charap Liz Bloch-Smith Dick Menin Karen Kripke Linda Cherkas Reba Carmel Haftarah readers Ivan Rosenberg Amy Cohen Avi Decter Reena Friedman Karyanim Beth Stearman Aryeh Friedman Aaron Finestone Sylvia Lifschitz Avi Decter Becky Wolnek Mark Spiller Minna Ziskind Sherry Pomerantz David Franklin Ivan Wolnek Dveera Segal Ned Kripke service Leaders Torah readers Pearl Raz HHd Mazkirut Shai Gluskin Art Ellis shofar Blowers Hideko Secrest Neil Actor David Hahn Lynne Ellis Chana Bonn Ellyn Specker Chana Bonn Yitzchak Kornfeld Ari Miller Shai Gluskin Beth Stearman Aaron Finestone Ned Kripke Becca Miller Ivan Rosenberg Wendy Weingarten Ned Kripke Rachel Pomerantz Sarah Miller Barbara Weiss Sherry Pomerantz Jonathan Zimet Danielle Nagelberg Ivan Rosenberg

www.germantownjewishcentre.org 8 KoLEInU BEIT MIdrAsH AT GErMAnToWn JEWIsH CEnTrE by Rabbi Rebecca Richman Koleinu Beit Midrash (“Koleinu”) is Germantown Jewish Centre’s community learning hub. Inspired by the wisdom of our ancestors, our learning gives us language, tools, and strength to create a more just world. Koleinu is a beit midrash (house of learning) for each of us, one that that values our life wisdom as essential to our learning of traditional text; it’s one that works hard to bring in the people and voices who have traditionally been left out of the beit midrash, and it’s a space where we harmonize our different voices and perspectives, honoring the Jewish tradition of sacred argument. Join us for communal study, spiritual inquiry, and creative expression inspired by text. Learning opportunities in 5781 / 2020-2021

nEW! open Beit Midrash — Tuesdays, 7-8:30PM Introducing the inaugural Open Beit Midrash series through Koleinu Beit Midrash at Germantown Jewish Centre! The Open Beit Midrash offers text-based, hevrutah (partnered)-style classes, each of which will run for three consecutive weeks, facilitated by a different teacher/guide for each group of sessions. Each Tuesday evening, there will be something to learn. If the topic doesn’t pull you in, just wait another three weeks for a new class to draw you into the beit midrash. All texts will be provided in the original and in translation, giving each hevrutah (learning pair) the ability to learn at their own level and pace. All sessions are on Zoom (until further notice) on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30PM. Coming Up next We All need somebody to Lean on: Learning and Creating spiritual Practices for Mitzvot Mutalot Al Hatzibbur, a Tough Time, with rabbi nancy Fuchs Kreimer with rabbi Erica steelman Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30PM Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30PM on January 12, 19, & 26 on March 16, 23, & 30 Jewish Ecotheology: Learning and reflecting Exploring Traditionally radical Talmud on our relationship to the natural World, with svArA, with Laynie soloman with rabbi nathan Martin Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30PM Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30PM on April 6, 13, & 20 on February 2, 9, & 16

Creation Theology in the Bible, reading & Writing Talmud with a Queer, with dr. Tamar Kamionkowski Anti-racist, Feminist in the 21st Century, Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30PM with dr. Gwynn Kessler on February 23, March 2, & 9 Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30PM on April 27, May 4, & 11 To learn more and register, visit https://germantownjewishcentre.org/open-beit-midrash-series-5781/ ongoing Learning opportunities

Weekly Torah study Lunchtime Torah with rabbi Fredi Cooper with rabbi Zeff Mondays, 1-2PM Tuesdays, 12-12:30PM

virtual Art Beit Midrash nEW! with rabbi richman shai Held Book Club Mondays & Wednesdays, with rabbi richman 8:30-9:30AM Wednesdays, 10-11AM

Women’s Talmud study Center City Lunch & Learn: with rabbi richman Economic diversity and Legal Ethics First Tuesday of the month, with Maria Pulzetti and rabbi Adam Zeff 1-2PM Wednesdays from 12:30-1:30PM December 2, January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, and May 5

Questions? do you have an idea for something you want to learn or see offered this summer or in 5782 (Fall 2021-spring 2022)? Contact Assistant Rabbi and Beit Midrash Director, Rabbi Rebecca Richman: [email protected].

9 www.facebook.com/germantownjewishcentre/ KoLEInU BEIT MIdrAsH (continued)

ongoing Learning opportunities Biblical Hebrew III rabbi richman & rabbi Arthur Waskow with rabbi Fredi Cooper weave a Book Conversation about his Wednesdays, 1 - 2PM newest book, “dancing in God’s Earthquake: from January 6, 2021 to February 24, 2021 The Coming Transformation of religion” Sunday, January 10, 2021 from 7:30 - 9:00PM

Additional new Classes for 2021! nEW! Prepare My Prayer: recipes to Awaken the soul nEW! Freedom Texts with rabbi Mira Wasserman with rabbi sheila Peltz Weinberg Mondays from 7-9PM on March 1, 8, & 15 Thursdays from 7-8PM on January 28, February 4, 11, & 18 Register here: Register here: https://germantownjewishcentre.org/ https://germantownjewishcentre.org/ prepare-my-prayer/ freedom-texts/

Be sure to visit our website https://germantownjewish centre.org/koleinu-beit midrash/ and online calendar for an up-to-date list of offerings and links to register.

GrEETInGs FroM HAZAK by Helen Feinberg and Coleman Poses, Co-Chairs

Late fall and winter weather oftentimes stifle our efforts to move unusual for our group to attract over 20 participants for our around as freely as we would like, and this year, we are hunkered discussions. This is very exciting. down to an even greater degree because of a new wave of shutdowns due to the coronavirus. Recent selections have included Olive Again by Elizabeth Strout, Apeirogon by Colum McCann, and The Book of Intimate Grammar HAZAK members have been addressing these issues with a series by David Grossman. Our discussions have spanned a wide range of distance programs that have been constantly engaging our of topics covering issues such as aging, Israeli-Palestinian community. relations, and literary criticism.

Recently, we celebrated our annual HAZAK (non) Shabbat, by Our selection for January is As a Driven Leaf by Milton Steinberg. hosting Peter Winslow, of the Philadelphia Public Banking First published in 1939, the novel reaches further back into the Coalition, for a discussion of how a public bank can address 2nd century to portray rabbinic Judaism’s attempt to reconcile government budget deficits, structural racism, and loans for with Hellenistic society. borrowers who have traditionally had no access to credit. February’s selection will be Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. Wilkerson We have also teamed up with GJC’s Tikkun Olam, to host argues that race in America can be better understood as part of a discussion of the film, They Ain’t Ready for Me, a documentary a strict caste system such as can be found in India, or in Nazi about Tamar Manasseh, a Jewish female African American, who Germany. has addressed gun violence in her Chicago neighborhood, while tackling the issues of gender within her synagogue. If you are interested in participating in any of our programs, please contact Helen Feinberg at [email protected], or Coleman Our book group has enjoyed a healthy participation of GJC 55+ Poses at [email protected]. members over the course of the pandemic. It has not been dId yoU KnoW? HAZAK programs are planned for those age 55+, and are geared to reflect both common interests and get us to “stretch” to try new activities as well. Our well-attended book group meets monthly all year long. HAZAK also sponsors book talks by local authors, as well as speakers on topics of particular importance to our interests, and several times a year we show great films. We also take day trips to cultural and natural sites in the area, often to places members have never been. HAZAK is for all of us to stay connected to GJC and to each other: to venture out and experience parts of our city we haven’t seen before, to read, learn and talk together, to keep us strong. We hope you will join us. Membership is $10/year.

www.germantownjewishcentre.org 10 MEn’s CLUB by Dick Menin, President Ah, change… Although we all have our own unique stories, stresses and Although compared with the challenges of telemedicine and successes in dealing with the changes the pandemic has remote learning, the stresses on programming for the GJC Men’s necessitated, there are some things that can be generalized. Club seem trivial. Fortunately we’ve been able to deal with it Although the exact date has not been finalized as of the writing of successfully for the most part. this article, we will be hosting Maiken Scott of WHYY’S “The Pulse” to talk about the mental and emotional challenges we’ve For only the second time in its 20 or so year history, the Hanukiyah been experiencing for lo these many months. What techniques was not put up. Constructing the menorah requires those doing we and others have employed to help smooth out the road will the work to be literally on top of one another at times and it was be shared. We are planning this program for late January or early felt not to be Covid-safe. I hope we can go back to the actual February. Stay tuned to Men’s Club and synagogue emails for structure in the future. We were able to salvage the spirit of the specific information as we get closer to the date. holiday with a virtual work around. I’d like to thank everyone who came through with candle sponsorship. Even though we were not Speaking of Men’s Club emails, you will receive these only if you able to be physically together for the lightings, at least the format are a member. Membership is open to all regardless of your self allowed us to remain warm and dry for the ceremonies! identification. Dues remain $45 and should be sent to treasurer Ed Lake. We continued to have regular programming. In November, Sherman Aronson gave one of his signature informative and The Club is still working monthly with the Jewish Relief Agency timely programs. This time it was on getting GJC placed on the to pack and deliver food to the increasing number of our National Registry of Historic Places. The history of the registry neighbors lacking in food security. Over the last several months and what was needed to be added to it was discussed, complete JRA has evolved a contactless several day protocol to do with graphics of the evolution of our physical space. Germantown what previously had been done by a few hundred people in Jewish Centre was at the vanguard of new thought around one morning. It is a very worthwhile and fulfilling experience. synagogue construction in the immediate post war era. It was also If interested please contact me at (267)625-1895 or interesting to see how our architect evolved some of his concepts [email protected]. in the years preceding our design. (See Sherman’s article on this topic elsewhere in this issue.)

In late December, Joel Spector from the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Philadelphia spoke on how to get started or expand your capabilities in researching your family history. The internet has made this easier than it used to be when microfilmed records had to be painstakingly scanned. However, knowing the right questions to ask and what sites are available to use remains This is an example of the key. Although DNA tests can help figure out the big picture, it isn’t plaque which will be placed going to answer the specifics of one’s personal family. at GJC. THE WoMEn oF GJC by Linda Cherkas and Marilyn Silberstein, Co-Presidents Despite an unusual online program year, Women Zentangle. Stay tuned for details on these programs in the weekly of GJC have accomplished a great deal. We had and daily bulletins. two exciting programs in the fall: one on Racial Inequality in Philadelphia, with Sam Katz, and one Our Board meetings have been expanded to include on Supreme Court Decisions, with Kitty Kolbert presentations from the professional staff and leadership of GJC and Chip Becker. Both were thought-provoking during the first half hour. So far, we have heard from Abby and stimulating, and—thanks to Zoom—very well attended. In Weinberg and Rabbi Rebecca Richman. All are welcome to attend December, we also had two great programs: a wonderful cook- these informative presentations. Our next meeting will be on along program with our own Susan Weiss, in which she March 14, online, of course! demonstrated preparation of Knafeh, a sweet Middle Eastern dessert; and a presentation by author, Rachel Adler on her book, In preparation for the eventual revision of our ByLaws, we have Tales of the Mysticat. formed an ad hoc committee to begin the process of re-defining our organization, now that our primary function is no longer Looking ahead, January will feature a program, “Safe Haven: the fundraising. This group will brainstorm various aspects of Women Only Refugee Camp in America for Jews during WWII,” presented of GJC and make recommendations to the Board. Although we by our own Rhonda Mandel. February will bring Rabbi Lynnda all miss the camaraderie (and the good food) of our in-person Targan to talk about her book, Funny, You Don’t Look Like events, we are staying connected to GJC and to each other. a Rabbi. In March, Mindy Shapiro will treat us to a session of

11 www.facebook.com/germantownjewishcentre/ GJC yoUTH And FAMILIEs by Abby Weinberg, Education Director

“I thought I was scared to read Hebrew, 1. Individuality: Learners get focused attention from their but now I like it because it’s so easy and teacher who is able to tailor the lessons to that child. If fun!” said GJC third grader, Dani McDevitt, a child takes more or less time to learn the V’ahavta, that’s in the middle of her on-line Hebrew lesson okay. If a learner needs kinesthetic activities to remember in November. Like most of the second the difference between a dalet and a resh, it can happen. Abby Weinberg through sixth graders in the GJC Religious If a child has a question about God in the middle of School, Dani has been learning Hebrew one-on-one with her a session? It’s not an annoying tangent after which the teacher since the beginning of the school year, and loving it. teacher has to get the class back on track; it’s an opportunity to explore and discuss. When the Religious School (RS) made the shift to a fully virtual school this past summer, we decided that the Wednesday classes 2. Stronger Relationships: The opportunity to connect in would consist of shorter, individualized Hebrew lessons between small groups or one-on-one, allows teachers to learn more the class teacher and a group of one to three students. While there about the student and build rapport to support the are definite advantages and disadvantages to small group and one- learning. The teacher sees the family cat wander through on-one teaching and learning, most agree that the pros the screen or the sports uniform the child is wearing and significantly outweigh the cons. uses that in the teaching. Intensive learning with only two or three other students also allows the children to know RS Parent, Melissa Gartenberg, describes the one-on-one Hebrew each other better and learn from each other in a deeper lessons as “hitting the mark” for both of her kids who are in Kitah way. Bet (2nd) and Kitah Dalet (4th). She writes that: “after spending long days in a virtual learning environment, the much shorter time 3. Lower Stress & Improved Performance: Outside of the frame is appreciated, and I think the kids really value having the classroom setting, many students feel safer to share and opportunity to interact so personally with their teacher whose make mistakes openly. Kids are not able to hide “at the attention is only on them. A highlight of my week, as a parent, is back of the room” and are challenged to take full eavesdropping on Ezra’s class with Morah Malkah. Listening to him responsibility for their learning. In addition, without the discover and decode a whole new world is pretty exciting. distraction and overstimulation of a room full of peers, According to Ezra ‘it is really fun to get to learn a new language, students are able to focus all of their attention on their and my favorite letter so far is Nun.’” instructor and the material being learned.

“Morah Malka,” (aka, Melanie Berman) is a master educator and We all know that, for the most part, on-line learning is not the ideal longtime GJC teacher and “a strong proponent of teaching Hebrew format for meaningful education or community building. However, one-on-one.” She writes: one-on-one or small group Hebrew instruction online may provide enough benefits to our students that we are considering exploring “I began teaching this way with my Gimel students last spring such a long term program even after the pandemic ends. Whatever when we made the switch to remote learning, and have continued happens, the GJC Religious School will continue to search it this fall with my Bet and Gimel students. By individualizing relentlessly for ways to stay connected to our students and families instruction, I am able to tailor the pace of learning and provide the through this period of physical separation, while fanning the flame support and enrichment so that every student can thrive. of our communal love of Jewish life and learning. Students who kept quiet in the classroom are blossoming, and showing increased confidence. I am able to learn so much about each student, and use that knowledge to become a more effective teacher.”

GJC is not alone in trying this new method of teaching Hebrew. Many synagogue schools have been experimenting with this approach, both locally and around the country. (For example, KAM Isaiah Israel in Chicago has been teaching Hebrew online in small groups for the past six years—since well before the pandemic made it a necessity—with excellent results.) The key advantages to one-on-one learning can be summarized as follows: sylvie Fallon, 6th grader, Peter Fisher learning Hebrew on line with teacher, Kitah dalet (4th grade) Lee silverman and several classmates.

12 www.facebook.com/germantownjewishcentre/ GJC’s EArLy CHILdHood ProGrAM (ECP) by Michelle Bernstein, ECP Director

In the midst of the pandemic, the ECP continues to focus on the positive. The day before Thanksgiving, the ECP participated in CHOP Pajama Day Fundraiser. The children and staff came to ECP in their favorite sleep-time outfits, and enjoyed a day of cozying up with breakfast goodies, friendship, fun and most of all, gratitude for our health and well-being. We are reminded often that not everyone is healthy and may need support in any way we can provide. The ECP planned a goal of raising $300 for CHOP accepting donations online from parents, friends and family members. In ECP style, we surpassed our goal TREMENDOUSLY, raising over $1200! We are fortunate to have CHOP in our backyard and to support the ongoing efforts, care and resources they provide to our children.

CALEB’s CooKIEs rAIsE doUGH For CHArITy by Eve Pinkenson

This has got to be one of the best stories to come out of the not want them, so Caleb donated pandemic. them to a center in Asbury Park which is a residence for people with Caleb Shapiro Mendelsohn, who is a junior at the Jack M. HIV and AIDS and also a soup Barrack Hebrew Academy, has started Caleb’s Cookies for kitchen for the neighborhood. The a Cause. He sells homemade chocolate chip cookies to make unclaimed Caleb’s Cookies were a little extra cash for himself and to raise money for several included in the prepared lunches at organizations. Caleb taught himself to bake cookies last year the soup kitchen. His next donation when he spent the summer at his mother’s shore house in Ocean will be to the Mitzvah Food Pantry Grove, NJ, after Camp Ramah was cancelled because of the through Federation. “I wanted a way to support myself and coronavirus. support others,” he said.

Selling packs of 12 cookies for $10 a pack, Caleb uses a recipe of Since school started, Caleb continues to bake when he can, his own that brings together what he believes are the best making deliveries from his home in Mt. Airy. He works out of the elements of several different chocolate chip cookie recipes. He family kitchen, and the largest number of cookies he’s baked in delivers the cookies himself by bike, or by car—driven by his one session is 400! parents. Caleb is the son of Mindy Shapiro and Alan Mendelsohn. Rumor The organizations Caleb supports have importance to him. has it that Caleb’s cookies are “incredible.” He loves basketball, donated some Bar Mitzvah money to Philadelphia Youth basketball, and he wanted to continue If you are interested in tasting Caleb’s Cookies for a Cause, Caleb to support them. Then his mom read that diaper banks were low can be reached at [email protected]. When he is ready to on diapers due to the coronavirus, so Caleb was happy to add bake again, Mindy has promised that she will reach out via a diaper bank near their Ocean Grove place to his list of email. recipients. At one point, some people ordered cookies but did

www.germantownjewishcentre.org 13 MEMBEr sPoTLIGHT: CYRILLA ROSEN by Charlotte Peitzman

Cyrilla Gaber Rosen is the oldest to wear flats or heels for their first date. Cyrilla must have picked continuous member of GJC alive. the right shoes and Irv was sure he had picked the right girl. They Soon to turn 90, her personal journey were married by Rabbi Elias Charry in 1952. reads like a historic roadmap of the Centre’s development. Cyrilla and Irv’s wedding was in a makeshift space in the still-new School Building. Only the furniture-juggling skills of Ralph and his Cyrilla attended GJC Hebrew School dedicated custodial crew made their wedding ceremony and and became a Confirmand; she met the celebration dinner in the same space physically possible. her future husband in the Canteen The center aisle between the rows of folding chairs was so Room, and was married in the narrow that Cyrilla had to walk alone to the chupah in her hoop- School Building. She has seen all of skirt gown. Cyrilla enjoys relating, “I can still hear Ralph’s stage her children become B’nei Mitzvah whisper, ‘Go, Cyrilla’ and feel his hand on my back, pushing me Cyrilla Gaber rosen and some married in the Charry down the aisle.” Sanctuary. Cyrilla is now a classic GJC figure, an always-present, strong-voiced, independent-minded source of incisive questions After settling into their first apartment at Malvern Hall in at Shabbat afternoon programs in the Marcus Auditorium. West Mt. Airy, Irv began his long career as an administrator for RCA in Cherry Hill. They moved to the Plymouth-Whitemarsh The Centre existed only on paper when Cyrilla’s parents, Abram area to raise their four children, Jordon, Marlene, Andrea and and Rose Gaber, joined GJC in 1931, soon after Cyrilla was born. Diane. Today Cyrilla is the very proud grandmother of eight Jewish families living in Germantown and Mt. Airy had been grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of the latter living holding house meetings, at first just for fellowship but later to in Israel and now just a Zoom click away. draw up a charter for a full-program religious, social and cultural institution. In their homes they envisioned what Cyrilla would Captivated by Rabbi Charry's teaching that “Judaism is a way of come to call her “home away from home.” life,” Cyrilla was eager to send her children to GJC for religious education. One of Cyrilla’s best memories from her time as By 1940 Cyrilla was enrolled in the new GJC Hebrew School. It was a school parent is of Israeli-born Cantor Benny Maissner preparing an easy walk from the Gaber home at 7011 Emlen Street to the three generations of her family to read the Book of Jonah as Centre’s rented, improvised quarters in the Ross House at 6815 a playlet on Yom Kippur. Her son Jordon chants Jonah annually Emlen. The school enjoyed ambitious academic standards set by to this day. Jordon keeps in touch with Benny, who recently its director, Bill Lakritz. Cyrilla’s teacher was Gerda Galter, who retired after a stellar forty years as music director at Holy Blossom became Gerda Lakritz. Temple in Toronto.

Because hard liquor flowed freely at the adjoining Pelham Club, With a ten-year pause for child-rearing, Cyrilla used her University Cyrilla remembers custodian Ralph Granger being very watchful of Pennsylvania degree in education to forge a 25-year career whenever the GJC kids were near the club members. Ralph was as a Philadelphia public school teacher of first and second a non-Jewish African-American who was a beloved mainstay of grades. Although her students were all socio-economically Centre life until he retired in 1980. Cyrilla likes to point out that disadvantaged, she noticed differences in their social behavior Ralph’s portrait hangs next to Rabbi Charry’s in the sanctuary based on where their homes were situated. lobby. At the East Falls School inside the insular Schuylkill Falls public Her Jewish identity well set, Cyrilla grew up a true Philly girl, housing project, Cyrilla remembers the children as “not worldly.” graduating from the Henry School, Germantown High School and When they came out to play at recess, their protective mothers the University of Pennsylvania. In the early 1950s the city’s two would watch from their apartment balconies to make sure they social hot spots for tribal young adults were house parties in played safely. In sharp contrast, when Cyrilla later taught at the Wynnefield and dances at GJC’s Canteen Room on Ellet Street. Pastorius School on Chelten Avenue in East Germantown, her After a thorough tour of the Wynnefield scene, a handsome seven- year-old students were already “streetwise.” young man from Logan, named Irv Rosen, decided to try Germantown. Spearheading the formation of the Centre’s Israel Committee is Cyrilla’s proudest accomplishment as a GJC member. The original On the night they met in the Canteen Room, Irv and Cyrilla never committee met at Bertha Pepp’s home on Sedgwick Street. Its actually danced, but sat and talked until closing. Cyrilla panicked early members included Bob Dishler, Carol and Marty Kaplan, and when Irv later phoned to ask her out; she was quite a tall young Palestine-born Harold Solomon. They focused on planning panel lady, but because they had met sitting, she had no idea whether (Continued on page 20)

www.germantownjewishcentre.org 14 MEMBEr sPoTLIGHT (continued)

discussions about Israel, and prized the times when Miriam Gafni a striking wall display at her plant-filled apartment in Plymouth was a speaker. Meeting.

Cyrilla’s family’s interest in Israel grew with her daughter Andrea’s Irv passed away in 2010, and Cyrilla no longer drives, so it’s aliyah and marriage to Iraqi-born Sephardi Yechezkel Chai in the become harder for her to travel to GJC. Before the pandemic, mid-1980s. Becoming Bat Mitzvah not being an option in Israel Cyrilla began to go with some more mobile neighbors to Shabbat for Andrea’s daughters, Chofit and Leetal, Cyrilla asked Rabbi services at Chabad of Lafayette Hill. Curiously, Chabad’s house Sandy Hahn to let them do so at GJC. Once they had learned services echo the original haimish meetings that created GJC. In Torah trop, Rabbi Hahn was happy to welcome them to the a more stunning coincidence, Chabad now occupies the very Charry bimah. same house on Spring Mill Road in Lafayette Hill where Cyrilla and Irv lived and raised their family. Surprise inheritances of antiques from Cyrilla’s mother and a favorite aunt in the late 1980s launched Cyrilla and Irv on Today Cyrilla is happy to credit Germantown Jewish Centre for a fruitful 20-year second career as flea-market dealers. Irv dusted having shaped her thoughtful and passionate pride in being off bargain-hunting skills learned from his mother. At the same Jewish, and to see the Centre’s influence flourish in three new time, Cyrilla dusted off an Israeli Seder plate her mother had given generations of her family. Deeply attached to the Centre’s roots, her and built a collection of some three dozen Pesach plates, now she is much pleased with how GJC has blossomed in recent years. BnEI MITZvAH In JAnUAry And FEBrUAry

This is the second installment of the Centre Call’s new column highlighting the Bnei Mitzvah teens for the next two months. We have asked these young people to tell us a little about themselves. One shared a poem he wrote. Judah Wolf Barnett Why can’t we just sit down and open the doors, Judah is the child of Benjamin To the possibilities and what we don’t need anymore, Barnett and Wendy Schwartz. His There is too much discrimination, Bar Mitzvah is scheduled for In our nation, February 6. Too much for one to withstand, Together let’s create this promised land, I go to Abington Friends School. Turning thirteen is a big leap, I am most excited to chant from Time to stand up out of that hole that was once too deep, Judah and his sisters the Torah and to be a part of the Now I am standing on the stage, Jewish community. I am also Talking about I’m coming of age. very excited about seeing my family and friends. The most interesting part in my Torah portion is probably when * * * * * * * Moses receives the Ten Commandments. My Hebrew name is Yehudah Moshe, Yehudah means “to sadie Wade praise” or “to thank.” My Hebrew name was chosen from Sadie is the child of Steven Wade my English name Judah by the first initial being the same and Martha Millison. Her Bat as my great-great-grandfather Jacob Rosenblit. Moshe is Mitzvah is scheduled for after my Dad’s Uncle Marty Finkelstein. February 20. One thing in the world that I would like to see change is the discrimination that has been happening based on race, I go to the William Penn Charter class, political perspectives, and ethnicity. I wish we could School. I’m excited to be a Bat sadie Wade live in a world where we are all treated equally with respect. Mitzvah because there has been a lot of buildup for most of my life. It is supposed to be exciting Here and now and it is a big milestone. by Judah Wolf Barnett My Hebrew name is Esther Gila. My parents named me after two women who were very important to them. Esther is My Bar Mitzvah was only a few days away, after my Great Grandmother, Ethel, and Gila is named after But of course, we got corona and everything went grey, my father’s close friend Gail. Just turned thirteen, so I guess I’m getting old, I would like to change systemic racism. It is a big problem in Our world is falling apart so I’m trying to stay bold, our country. A lot of people are dying and being discriminated There are protests, riots, and people starting wars, against and it’s not fair.

15 www.facebook.com/germantownjewishcentre/ GJC JoIns THE nATIonAL rEGIsTEr oF HIsTorIC PLACEs – PArT 1 by Sherman Aronson

Back in 2015, Herb Addison, a non-GJC member volunteer and architectural history buff, talked to the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, asking for a suggestion of a mid-century modern building that could use research to add to the National Register. The Alliance recommended GJC and so our saga begins.

Herb worked with Nina Peskin to gather information, looked at our history (which was well-documented by Jay Furman), and started to ask questions. I was fortunate to assist Herb with some of the technical information and drawings as he started the process.

So, what is this all about? Why is there a National Register? Why is GJC interested? Germantown Jewish Centre - dedication services, May 21-22, 1954 The earliest organized effort to save our American material A. be associated with events that have made a significant culture and preserve it for future generations, in addition to contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or monuments and commemorative sites, was the founding of The B. be associated with the lives of persons significant in our Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association in 1853. The home of George past; or and Martha Washington was, to many Americans, an important C. embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, landmark in our development as a country. The Association or method of construction, or represent the work of worked to restore the building and its grounds, eventually a master, or possess high artistic values, or represent becoming a place for many of us to visit and learn about the early a significant and distinguishable entity whose life of Washington and the founders of the United States. components may lack individual distinction; or D. have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information Starting with Teddy Roosevelt’s “Antiquities Act” in 1906, important in history or pre-history.” Congress enacted a series of laws to foster historic preservation. The major milestones were the “National Historic Preservation Criteria A and C were used by Herb Addison in the Nomination Act” and the Department of Transportation Act in 1966, including Form for GJC, but more about that in Part 2 of this report. creation of the National Register of Historic Places, and the “Tax Reform Act” of 1976 under Gerald Ford. A major event that In practice, the administration of the National Register is spurred the creation of the 1966 acts was the demolition of delegated to state governments. The Pennsylvania Historic and Pennsylvania Station in New York in 1964, followed by the saving Museum Commission acts as the State Historic Preservation of Grand Central Station in 1975 (led by Jackie Kennedy Onassis Office (SHPO) and manages the program in Pennsylvania. and many other leading public figures). It was The Tax Reform Generally, the steps in the National Register process are as Act that created tax incentives for private development of historic follows: it starts with a Historic Resource Survey Form; properties, leading to tremendous activity in Philadelphia determination of Eligibility by the SHPO; preparation of converting unused commercial buildings to residences, among a National Register Nomination package; review by the State other projects. Review Board; and then the National Park Service gets the final review and approval. The GJC application has been positively “The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official reviewed by the Board and we are now awaiting written list of properties that are recognized for their significance in comments to use to finalize the package. American history, architecture, archeology, engineering and/or culture. National Register properties include districts, sites, A few examples of the many local places that are on the National buildings, structures, and objects and they can be significant to Register include: Alden Park Manor, Central High School, a local community, a state, a Native American tribe, or the nation Mennonite Meeting House, Grace Epiphany Church, Cliveden, as a whole.” Delmar Morris Apartments, Germantown Cricket Club, and the Mt. Airy Station. “To be eligible for listing in the National Register, a property must meet the National Register Criteria for Evaluation. These criteria Once a building or site is eligible for listing on the Register, there require that a property be old enough to be considered historic are Keystone Grants available from the state for investigation, (generally at least 50 years old) and that it still look much the planning and design as well as performing approved same way as it did in the past. In addition, the property must: rehabilitation work. GJC could apply for such a grant, for instance,

16 www.facebook.com/germantownjewishcentre/ nATIonAL rEGIsTEr oF HIsTorIC PLACEs (continued) to get a professional assessment of the stone pointing conditions The Narrative Description portion starts with the exterior, its key and recommended work. features, the entrances, dimensions for the façade, roof elevation and the levels on the site. The dramatic limestone wall facing The National Register web page provides access to information Lincoln Drive is highlighted. The Hebrew text replicating the Ten on all listed buildings, including a full copy of the Nomination Commandments and designed as “tablets” set between granite Form, its photos and data at walls is described. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/index.htm This is a great resource and it is fun to browse the database. There The Architect was insistent on the use of the specific granite, also is an Instagram page with thousands of photos from the coming from Port Deposit, Maryland. “This rock is noted for its mundane to the amazing: rich variability of color and texture.” He worked with the stone https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/nationalregisterof masons to create varying patterns of rectangular, horizontal historicplaces/. stonework. The projecting mortar joints accentuate the geometric patterns and catch the sun to make varied shadows. The GJC Nomination Form drafted in December 2019 follows The Architect and the Master Mason rejected stones that were the standard guideline for sections and topics. It includes chipped or cracked and required square-cut corners. One can see an introductory summary that describes the sloped site, its this stonework introducing detail and interest to the facade, using location, and the two major elements that combine to form modern design rather than applying traditional ornament or the one building: the “International Style” School wing and the decoration. Look at the walls in varying sun and shade and note “Dramatic” Synagogue wing. The use of two distinct elements, the colors and patterns (somewhat suggestive of a Mondrian rather than combining them in a traditional rectangular painting). shape, forms an important link to future modern synagogue design. In Part 2 of this report we will start with the section called “GJC Chooses an Architect” and review Harry Sternfeld’s As GJC members know, the design was started in the mid-1940s; background, importance and accomplishments, as well as the the School was completed in 1947, and the Synagogue wing in controversy as to the first model for the modern suburban 1954. The Nomination notes that “the completion strictly synagogue. Stay tuned. followed the design, except for a monumental stair from Lincoln Drive to the east side of the Sanctuary, and the interior is overwhelmingly intact.” rIsInG sonG InsTITUTE on LInE by Charlotte Peitzman Do you miss the awesome ruach and stunning melodies that Joey Josef Goldman’s voice calls out like a pleading shofar on his Weisenberg’s Rising Song Institute brought to our erev Shabbat “Shalom Aleichem” and “Sefirat HaOmer.” Although it’s not an services in the Maslow Auditorium last year? Only a force as RSI production, check out Josef’s sweet duet of “Mah Tovu” powerful as the COVID-19 pandemic could have paused the with his wife, our former Assistant Rabbi Annie Lewis. For soulful momentum of GJC’s gloriously creative musical artists-in- takes with a Yiddish twang, sample Deborah Sacks Mintz’s residence. “Eil Adom,” “Dodi Li,” and “Eli Attah.” All RSI songs are backed by Joey Weisenberg on strings and his crew of talented Just move from the Maslow in person to the Charry Sanctuary in instrumentalists. YouTube cyberspace to continue enjoying inspiration from Joey’s RSI. A good two dozen of their new compositions of Jewish Looking for a Jewish music treat for music, recorded in the Charry over the past two years, are a few the kids? Search for YouTube mouse clicks away: On YouTube, select Music, then search for performances by the Maccabeats. Rising Song Institute. After opening any RSI selection, scroll Can anyone forget their tremendous through the sidebar boxes to recognize the signature Charry rendition of “Adon Olam,” using woodwork background that marks your picks. Israeli Ron Eliran’s melody “Sharm el Sheikh,” that was hosted by Jake To see and hear your favorite GJC erev Shabbat artists, select Kriger in the Charry Sanctuary years the July, 2020 release of “Nechama” featuring Batya Levine. ago? You’ll find our full Friday night team singing backup, including GJC member Rabbi Josef Goldman and Rabbi Ariel Wolpe, Top row: Gedalia Penner, Ariel root who became Bat Mitzvah here. For more from Batya Levine, Wolpe, Eitan Kantor; Middle row: rena The residents of the rising enjoy her powerful, cutting-edge “Lecha Dodi,” “Karov,” and “We Branson, rebekka Goldsmith, Batya song Institute enjoy a warm Rise.” Levine; Bottom: sam Tygiel and friendly break.

17www.germantownjewishcentre.org www.germantownjewishcentre.org17 ArTIsTs In oUr MIdsT: sherman Aronson

Sketching and painting have always been part of my life. I have In addition to representational views I make abstract images, always made drawings; it is how I look at the world, think about linoleum block prints and line drawings that are spontaneous, my work, and how I dream. My professional architectural work is energetic, exploratory and many of them express a sense of urban in historic preservation and adaptive reuse, transportation context. My website (www.shermanaronson.com) always needs renovations, green design and sustainable building. My art is to be updated, but it offers a glimpse of the variety of subjects, an extension of that interest and passion. As an artist and an media and images that I have been thrilled to work on in recent architect, I look closely at the places we share, build and grow. years.

When I started using an early Mac in 1990, I began digital artwork For this article I selected “Mt. Airy Fall No. 2,” which is part of the with MacPaint and MacDraw, leading to Adobe PhotoShop and Urban Nature series, and “Vases Kitchen Window No. 60” as an working in color on PCs. I often sketch on paper with pencil or ink, example of the Still Life series. scan the original, and add color in virtual layers on the screen, working until it is ready to be printed. Recently I completed several private commissions for larger work using images that are printed on metal panels with concealed I also use an iPad to draw on the touch screen, sometimes frames that can easily be wall mounted and seem to “float.” My working with a photograph I composed at the scene, adding line prints work in many media, from photographic papers and water- work and then color using virtual brushes. It is an engaging and color sheets to glass panels. Every year I make a series of small satisfying process. notecards to share. For exhibits I usually produce a printed book to capture the excitement of the show. In recent years I developed a series of images called “Green Cities/Urban Nature” to illustrate the importance of green spaces My recent art exhibits and shows include a solo show at the within our cities, and to heighten our awareness of nature around University of Pennsylvania Burrison Gallery; a group show at us. Even in the dense urban contexts where we live, trees, flow- the Old City Jewish Arts Center; solo shows at the Metropolitan ers, gardens and wooded areas, whether large or small, can offer Café, 4000 Walnut St, and the High Point Café at Allens Lane; and a sense of well-being as well as a direct environmental benefit to group shows at the Site: Brooklyn Gallery, Mt. Airy Art Garage, life around us. I hope that these images enable people to look at the Philadelphia Athenaeum, and the Drexel University our neighborhoods with a fresh view, to see places with visual Architecture Department where I was an Adjunct Professor for dynamism, and the opportunity for finding meaning in everyday many years. One of my earliest solo shows was at the former surroundings. Sedgwick Theater Art Gallery, a Mt. Airy landmark that I have helped renovate and preserve. As a counterpoint to the urban context for appreciating green places, I also explore simple forms, colors and shapes in still life If you would like more information you can reach me at settings and abstract designs. I use our home collection of glass https://www.instagram.com/scagreen08/ or vases, objects and bottles, set on a table or on a sill against https://www.facebook.com/sherman.aronson a window with a garden view. This approach challenges our view of ordinary objects, perception of light and transparency, and adds an element of contemplation to the art subject.

“Mt. Airy Fall no. 2” by sherman Aronson “vases Kitchen Window no. 60” by sherman Aronson www.germantownjewishcentre.org 18 TWIns on TWIns by Donna Tartasky From my mother’s estate I have a portrait of the places fooling their teacher who they later let in on the joke. well known physician John Coakley Lettsom, born Ruth Loew, the mother of identical twin sons, notes that her boys in 1744, who lived most of his life in the London understood each other in a magical way when growing up. area. On the back of the photo is a sticker with some facts, the most notable being that he was David Kraut, Rebecca and Alisa’s father discussed some of the the youngest of seven sets of identical twins. On Wikipedia it is difficulties I remember hearing my own mother say. The Kraut noted that Lettsom and his twin brother were the only survivors twins—like my brother and I—were premature and had to stay in of these multiple births. the hospital for a few weeks. Since I was born, neonatal technology has advanced negating many of the effects of Can you imagine having so many sets of twins? There were prematurity. But having two little babies at once is hard work. In certainly no fertility drugs in those days and one can only wonder particular, as David notes, two crying babies need two parents to why one person would have so many sets of twins. So, is the birth feed them both at the same time. of twins a genetic or a random occurrence? Rabbi Dayle Friedman and her husband, the parents of fraternal Being a fraternal twin myself, I have pondered this for years. My twins, were thrilled when they were born. Now that the twins are paternal grandmother was a twin and there are three other sets adults they are pursuing their separate interests in college and of fraternal twins in her extended family. Although I could find no yet remain close. evidence of this is the literature, I tend to think there is something to the fact that fraternal twins often run in families. Margaret Shapiro, another member, reports that she has several sets of fraternal twins in her family. Margaret is the grandmother Fraternal or dizygotic twins occur when two eggs (ova) are of fraternal twins and said her daughter’s doctor told her that she fertilized by two sperm and produce two genetically unique had a 50% chance of having another set should she get pregnant children. With identical or monozygotic twins, one fertilized egg again. She observes that it is a gift to have a twin with whom you (ovum) splits and develops into two babies with exactly the same have a shared history. Again, I was unable to find any genetic information. documentation of this in the research I did for this article.

People often ask what’s it like being a twin? Frankly, I don’t know In conclusion, the parents of twins and the offspring themselves anything else. One of the more ridiculous questions I am asked all said that having or being a twin is a blessing. Most twins, even by people knowing I have a twin brother is: Are you identical? My when geographically separates them, remain close. answer while a little sarcastic is: well, he’s a boy and I’m a girl. But really, there are pluses and minuses to being a twin. Let’s see * * * * * what some of our members say about this. Author’s note: In preparing this article about twins and twins at Rebecca Kraut and her identical twin sister Alisa are long time GJC, I had many responses from congregants who were interested members of GJC. I spoke with Rebecca who said they are “two in contributing. Unfortunately, I was not able to speak with halves of the same coin.” She noted that people regard twins with everyone. I apologize to those whom I was unable to meet, and “fascination and suspicion,” and ask silly questions such as can they thank those who found the time to share their experiences with me. read each other’s mind? Once in Hebrew school they switched

rebecca and Alisa Kraut don and donna Tartasky, a “few” years ago.

19 www.facebook.com/germantownjewishcentre/ TIKKUn oLAM Facing Systemic Racism by Margaret Shapiro, Tikkun Olam Coordinating Committee

The Tikkun Olam Coordinating Team’s are driven by systemic racism as are their higher rates of theme for this year is anti-racism. In line conditions like diabetes and tobacco use. These groups are also with that we have been offering a monthly series of presentations much less likely to be able to work remotely and are more likely under the rubric of “Facing systemic racism.” The goal of this to live in crowded housing where it is difficult to safely isolate series is to become more aware and informed, and subsequently or quarantine.” She talked about the Philadelphia Department be more effective in working toward anti-racism in our of Public Health’s COVID-19 Racial Equity Response Plan congregation, in our northwest neighborhood and in our city. and provided accessible and interesting literature describing Through these presentations and the accompanying readings, we this plan. hope to comprehend more fully the many layers of systemic racism: how they contaminate our culture, and how we can begin In December, Dana Bazelon discussed her work with the current to make changes in our communities, both within and outside of District Attorney Larry Krasner around policing and how we might GJC. We hope to address the inequity, unfairness and danger come closer to achieving safety, fairness and more accountability within the systems that are the foundation of our society: the for unjust police actions. legal, economic, education, housing, justice, political and health. Our speakers are not planning to offer up easy solutions to these In 2021 we hope to present programs connected to the education, complex concerns, but rather to elucidate their complexity and housing, economic, and legal systems. We welcome your help us be more aware of the possibilities that might diminish suggestion of presenters who would be able to discuss how racism in our society. systemic racism infiltrates their fields of expertise, how it interferes with providing equity, justice and fairness, and what In November, Dr. Cheryl Bettigole spoke about COVID-19 are the current ideas and/or plans to alter this. and how Black and Latinx people in Philadelphia have been experiencing substantially higher rates of illness, hospitalization All sessions are held on Zoom, on the first Thursday evening of and death than white people. She stated, “those disparities the month, and are open to all. Please join us.

The Little Shop is OpenTwice a Week !!!

All of us at THE LITTLE SHOP hope that you continue to keep healthy and safe and connected. Until we can open at full capacity, The Little Shop is open twice a week for all your holiday, life cycle and gift needs, and will provide a personal shopper experience. We have new items arriving weekly, including giftware, jewelry and toys, and a variety of gift selections for family and friends during the winter season! Store Hours and Procedures Hours: Tuesdays 10AM-12PM • Fridays 11AM-1PM Check out the GJC weekly newsletter for any changes to this schedule. 10% discount on ALL items !!!!

Ordering E-mail Marcy Bacine ([email protected]) about any purchases you wish to make. You will receive a prompt return call to answer any questions you might have about items in stock. We can do FaceTime or take photos of our inventory to help you pick out the perfect item. Customer service is our priority. As always, we provide complimentary gift wrapping upon request.

Payment We have only contactless credit card payment at this time. Credit card information will be taken by phone when we take your order and will be secure.

Picking-up your purchases All pick-up will be done from the GJC driveway during store hours; customers do not need to enter the building.

YOU PERFORM A MITZVAH every time you make a purchase from The Little Shop: 50% of your purchases go right back to support all of GJC’s wonderful programs.

20 www.facebook.com/germantownjewishcentre/ TodAH rABBAH!

ConTrIBUTIons from oCToBEr 1, 2020–novEMBEr 30, 2020 Sincere thanks and appreciation to those who remember and honor their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions. FUnd By oCCAsIon Adult Education Fund Phyllis Kauffman in memory of Raymond Tatarsky, brother Assistant rabbi’s discretionary Fund Marcy & Dan Bacine in appreciation of Rabbi Rebecca Richman Sheila Erlbaum in memory of Miriam Erlbaum, mother Marty & Carol Kaplan in memory of Marc Kaplan, son Bar & Bat Mitzvah Fund Dena & Ed Lake in honor of Zekie Lieberman, son of Rabbi Beth Janus & Seth Lieberman, on becoming Bar Mitzvah in honor of Ezra Goldshaw, son of Scott & Leona Goldshaw and grandson of Ivan & Rina Rosenberg, on becoming Bar Mitzvah Beck scholar-in-residence Fund Rose Beck in memory of William Beck, husband Dena & Ed Lake in memory of Miriam Garber Setlow, mother of Marcy Fish Bess schick Memorial Fund Marcy & Dan Bacine in appreciation of the maintenance staff and the office staff Ralph Colflesh in memory of Lee Schick, brother of Mariann Schick Arlene Fickler in memory of Lee Schick, brother of Mariann Schick Dena Lake in memory of Eva Lamar, aunt Ed & Dena Lake in honor of Helen & Michael Feinberg, on the marriage of their son, Ari, to Kate Sheridan in honor of Peninah & Albert Berdugo, on the birth of their new grandson in honor of Dick Menin, on the marriage of his son, Scott Mariann Schick in memory of Lee Schick, brother Shelly & Steve Serota in memory of Lee Schick, brother of Mariann Schick Camp scholarships Fund Michael Simon in honor of Marcy Bacine, on her special birthday Chesed Fund Sherman Aronson in memory of Stanley Aronson, father Liz & David Nover in appreciation of GJC, for sharing holiday links as we consider changing affiliation Daniel Piser in memory of David Piser, brother Chava Weissler in memory of Pearl Weissler, mother Children’s services Fund Martin Itzkowitz in memory of Anne Itzkowitz, mother dorshei derekh Joanne Buzaglo in honor of Sonia Voynow & Dayle Friedman, for welcoming her in Dorshei Derekh Early Childhood Program Fund Diane Ajl in memory of Adele Ajl, mother Marcy & Dan Bacine in memory of Elaine Rudsky Spear, mother of Michael Spear Bonnie Buyum in memory of Benjamin Kaufman, grandfather Lynne & Art Ellis in honor of Linda Cherkas & Chaim Dworkin, on the birth of their twin grandsons Sam & Connie Katz in honor of Peninah & Albert Berdugo, on the birth of their new grandson in honor of Linda Cherkas & Chaim Dworkin, on the birth of their twin grandsons in honor of Louie Asher, on the marriage of her daughter, Reena Devorah Lissek & Josh Barash in memory of Elaine Rudsky Spear, mother of Michael Spear William Moody in memory of Violet West, mother Floral Fund Rochelle Fellman in memory of Esther Abrams, mother General Fund Ramy Djerassi in memory of Isaac Djerassi, father Don Joseph in memory of Lorraine Siegel, sister of Sheila Peltz Weinberg and aunt of Abigail Weinberg in memory of Arthur Nevins, father of Neysa Nevins Hillary & Judd Levingston in appreciation of Michael & Shelley Spear, for their friendship Kruger and family in honor of Zekie Lieberman, son of Rabbi Beth Janus & Seth Lieberman, on becoming Bar Mitzvah in memory of Benjamin Levy, father of Dan Levy in memory of Miriam Garber Setlow, mother of Marcy Fish Marcia Landesberg in memory of Tillie Passon, mother Ellen & Andrew Mermelstein in memory of Suzanne Hyman, mother of Elana Hollo Jennifer Paget in memory of James Paget, father Mark Pinsky in memory of Rheta Pinsky, mother Aviva & Paul Schieber refuah shleimah to Sylvia Lifschitz, for a speedy recovery Barbara Schindler in memory of Simon Kleiner, father Patricia Segal in memory of Caryl Bateman, mother Marta Sivitz in honor of Rabbi Adam Zeff, for all his hard work during COVID-19 in memory of Irene Hackel, mother of Connie Katz in memory of Bill Hahn, son of Rabbi Sanford Hahn z"l and stepson of Linda Hahn

www.germantownjewishcentre.org 21 Contributions continued FUnd By oCCAsIon General Fund (continued) Wendy Smith & Michael Posner in honor of Gayle & Harold Beratan, on the birth of their new granddaughter, Sydney Danielle Michael & Shelley Spear in memory of Jerome Zaslow, father of Rebecca Zaslow in memory of Paul Minkoff, father of Debra Minkoff & David Minkoff in memory of Irene Hackel, mother of Connie Katz in memory of Allan Shapiro, brother of Mindy Shapiro in honor of Juha & Elana Hollo, on the marriage of their son, Matti, to Ilana Weinstein Michael Spear in memory of S. Andrew Spear, father Beth Stearman in memory of Irving Stearman, grandfather Debbie & George Stern in memory of Rebecca Ladenheim, sister of Judith Rossman Joan W. Stern in memory of Meyer Winderman, grandfather Susan Swartz in memory of Irene Hackel, mother of Connie Katz Brigitte & David Thalheimer in memory of Irene Hackel, mother of Connie Katz Women of GJC in memory of Miriam Garber Setlow, mother of Marcy Fish HAZAK Fund Mindelle Goldstein in memory of Rebecca Ladenheim, sister of Judith Rossman Sam & Connie Katz in honor of Helen & Michael Feinberg, on the marriage of their son, Ari, to Kate Sheridan Jim & Sandy Meyer in honor of Ari Feinberg, son of Helen & Michael Feinberg, on his marriage to Kate Sheridan Ilene Blitzstein & Coleman Poses in memory of Rebecca Ladenheim, sister of Judith Rossman Interfaith Hospitality network Louie Asher in memory of Elaine Rudsky Spear, mother of Michael Spear in honor of Peninah & Albert Berdugo, on the birth of their new grandson in honor of Linda Cherkas & Chaim Dworkin, on the birth of their twin grandsons Martha Millison & Steven Wade in memory of Arthur Nevins, father of Neysa Nevins in honor of Zekie Lieberman, son of Rabbi Beth Janus & Seth Lieberman, on becoming Bar Mitzvah Israel Affairs Fund Marcy & Dan Bacine in honor of Marty & Carol Kaplan, on the birth of their new great-grandchild Koleinu Beit Midrash Fund Jonathan Blumenfeld in honor of Ina Lontorfos, on her conversion to Judaism Howard & Yona Diamond Dansky in memory of Miriam Garber Setlow, mother of Marcy Fish Carol Fisher in appreciation of Rabbi Malkah Binah Klein, for leading the Tuesday Morning Meditation group Men’s Club Bonnie Buyum in memory of Sam Buyum, grandfather Minyan Masorti Memorial Sara Engel in memory of Simon Gruber, father shabbat Fund Music Fund Marcy & Dan Bacine in appreciation of Nan Daniels in appreciation of Beth Rosenbaum in appreciation of the GJC choir in appreciation of Nina Peskin Ellen & Andrew Mermelstein in memory of Paul Minkoff, father of Debra Minkoff & David Minkoff Charles & Martha Schleifer in memory of Miriam Garber Setlow, mother of Marcy Fish in memory of Rebecca Ladenheim, sister of Judith Rossman Charles Schleifer in memory of Elaine Ives-Cameron, sister Martha Schleifer in memory of Klara Furman, mother Debbie & George Stern in honor of Ari Feinberg, on his marriage to Kate Sheridan Playground Fund Bonnie Buyum in memory of Alan Buyum, father Program Fund Ellen & Andrew Mermelstein in memory of Howard Levingston, father of Rabbi Judd Kruger Levingston rabbi’s discretionary Fund Kathy & Saul Axelrod in honor of Barb Menin, on her special birthday Marcy & Dan Bacine in appreciation of Rabbi Adam Zeff in appreciation of Maria Pulzetti Sarah Sandra Cohen in memory of Gerald Cohen, husband Nan Daniels in memory of David Shapiro, father Alan Furman in memory of Klara Furman, mother Mindelle Goldstein in memory of Lillian Markovitz, aunt in memory of Charles Meilachowitz, father Sam & Connie Katz in memory of Elaine Rudsky Spear, mother of Michael Spear in memory of Miriam Garber Setlow, mother of Marcy Fish in memory of Rebecca Ladenheim, sister of Judith Rossman Edith Klausner in memory of Rebecca Ladenheim, sister of Judith Rossman Myra Kranzel in memory of Rossi Reibman, sister in memory of Elaine Rudsky Spear, mother of Michael Spear

22 www.germantownjewishcentre.org Contributions continued FUnd By oCCAsIon rabbi’s discretionary Barbara Lissy in memory of Mark J. Rosenberg, husband Fund (continued) in memory of Hannah Lissy, mother in memory of Frank M. Lissy, father Tim & Jill Lynch in memory of Andrew Michael Wade, brother of Steven Wade Eric Maron in memory of the Maron & Samuelson Families Jim & Sandy Meyer in honor of Dick Menin, on his 75th birthday in honor of Dick Menin, on the marriage of his son, Scott in memory of Miriam Garber Setlow, mother of Marcy Fish Linda & Marty Millison in memory of Andrew Michael Wade, brother of Steven Wade Nan Myers in honor of Dick Menin, on the marriage of his son, Scott in memory of Elaine Rudsky Spear, mother of Michael Spear Jeffrey Needleman in memory of Nathan Needleman, father Betsy Richman in memory of Jerome Rosner, father Hershel Richman in memory of Abraham Richman, father Susan Rothschild in memory of Moritz Heimann, father Gloria Salmansohn in memory of Herman Salmansohn, father-in-law in memory of Lena Salmansohn, mother-in-law Alan Schindler in memory of Lillian Schindler, mother Judy Schwartz in memory of Rebecca Ladenheim, sister of Judith Rossman in memory of Miriam Garber Setlow, mother of Marcy Fish Ellie Seif in memory of Max Cohen, father Stuart Shils in honor of Anna Herman, on her special birthday Joan Silver in memory of Rebecca Ladenheim, sister of Judith Rossman Bev Somerson in memory of Ira Somerson, husband Michael Spear in memory of Elaine Rudsky Spear, mother religious school Fund Nathan Martin in memory of David Shreiner, brother-in-law Michael & Shelley Spear in honor of Scott & Leona Goldshaw, on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Ezra in memory of Allan Shapiro, brother of Mindy Shapiro special Education Fund Ellen Fleishman in memory of Edward Fleishman, father Phyllis Kauffman in memory of Esther Tatarsky, mother Brigitte Thalheimer in memory of Haia Frida Saadoun, mother Tikkun olam Fund Lynne & Art Ellis in honor of Louie Asher, on the marriage of her daughter, Reena David & Betty Ann Fellner in honor of Art Ellis, on his special birthday refuah shleimah to Joan Pitzele Sacks, for a speedy recovery in honor of Sheila Erlbaum, for her heroism in honor of Cheryl Bettiigole, for leading the way to health for all Hyman Zelkowitz in memory of Tillie Zelkowitz, mother Torah restoration Fund Eve & Yale Pinkenson in memory of Miriam Garber Setlow, mother of Marcy Fish in memory of Joseph Pinkenson, father & father-in-law Eve Pinkenson in memory of Rebecca Ladenheim, sister of Judith Rossman in memory of Jane Blumenthal, mother in memory of Abraham Blumenthal, grandfather Women of GJC Marcy & Dan Bacine in honor of Linda Cherkas & Chaim Dworkin, on the birth of their twin grandsons in honor of Peninah & Albert Berdugo, on the birth of their new grandson refuah shleimah to Sylvia Lifschitz, for a speedy recovery in memory of Rebecca Ladenheim, sister of Judith Rossman in memory of Miriam Garber Setlow, mother of Marcy Fish Arnold Barr in memory of Frances Barr, mother Phyllis Kauffman in memory of Rebecca Ladenheim, sister of Judith Rossman Devorah Lissek & Josh Barash in memory of Irene Hackel, mother of Connie Katz Ellen & Andrew Mermelstein in memory of Irene Hackel, mother of Connie Katz in memory of Isador Kranzel, husband of Myra Kranzel in memory of Lita Manheim, mother of Paula Spivack in memory of Linda Kriger, wife of Jake Kriger in memory of Evan Pontz, son of Curtis & Leslie Pontz in memory of Edward Siff, father of Tamar Magdovitz Sherry & Bob Pomerantz in memory of Irene Hackel, mother of Connie Katz Susan Rothschild in memory of Kay Strauss, sister Beth Stearman in memory of Miriam Garber Setlow, mother of Marcy Fish Joan W. Stern in memory of Miriam Garber Setlow, mother of Marcy Fish Susan Weiss in memory of Jeanette Goldenberg, aunt youth Activities Fund Lynne Ellis in honor of Zekie Lieberman, son of Rabbi Beth Janus & Seth Lieberman, on becoming Bar Mitzvah Curtis & Leslie Pontz in memory of Elaine Rudsky Spear, mother of Michael Spear in memory of Miriam Garber Setlow, mother of Marcy Fish

www.germantownjewishcentre.org 23 Germantown Jewish Centre 400 West Ellet Street PRST STD Philadelphia, PA 19119 u.s. Postage Pa I d new berlin, Wi Inside Centre Call Permit no. 188 Rabbinic Message...... page 1 Service Links...... page 2 Program Links...... page 3 What’s New in the Mishpoche...... page 3 In Memoriam...... page 3 Welcome Members...... page 3 President’s Column...... page 4 In Memoriam...... page 5 Nediv Lev & Rosh Pinah...... page 6 High Holiday Appeal Thanks...... page 6 Pastoral Care Team...... page 8 High Holiday Thanks...... page 8 Koleinu Beit Mirdrash...... page 9 HAZAK...... page 10 Men’s Club...... page 11 Women of GJC...... page 11 GJC Youth and Families...... page 12 Early Childhood Program...... page 13 Caleb’s Cookies...... page 13 Member Spotlight...... page 14 Bnei Mitzvah Teens...... page 15 GJC & Historical Register...... page 16 Rising Song Institute...... page 17 Artists in our Midst...... page 18 Twins on Twins...... page 19 If you are interested in writing for The Centre Call, we would Tikkun Olam...... page 20 love to hear your ideas! Please contact Kate Lawn at 20 Little Shop Ad...... page [email protected]. Contributions...... page 21 The deadline for every issue is the 1st of the previous month.

A community of communities www.germantownjewishcentre.org Ph. 215-844-1507 F. 215-844-8309 Dan Livney P r e s i d e n t Adam Zeff r a b b i Rebecca Richman a s s i s ta n t r a b b i & b e i t M i d r a s h d i r e c t o r Nina Peskin e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r Gloria Geissler F i n a n c e d i r e c t o r Michelle Bernstein e a r ly c h i l d h o o d P r o g r a M d i r e c t o r Abby Weinberg e d u c at i o n d i r e c t o r Kate Lawn P r o g r a M d i r e c t o r Eric Word Fa c i l i t i e s d i r e c t o r Leonard D. Gordon r a b b i e M e r i t u s Linda Cherkas & Marilyn Silberstein W o M e n o F gJc c o -P r e s i d e n t s Dick Menin M e n ’ s c l u b P r e s i d e n t Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism www.germantownjewishcentre.org www.facebook.com/germantownjewishcentre/