Beth El Bulletin

December 2019 Beth El Hebrew Congregation Kislev/Tevet 5780

Worship Services Friday, December 6 Erev Shabbat Services 7:30 pm Saturday, December 7 Hanukkah is just around the corner! Shabbat Morning Services and Bat Mitzvah of Leah Schechter, daughter of The WRJ gift shop cordial- Andrew Schechter and Sarah Kline ly invites you to begin 10:30 am your Hanukkah shopping Hanukkah Tot Shabbat 11 am with our new mini bou- Friday, December 13 Erev Shabbat Services tiques. This year enjoy 7:30 pm two opportunities to get Saturday, December 14 Shabbat Morning Services ALL your shopping done! 10:30 am Friday, December 20 See page 14 for more information! Shabbat Family Services 6 pm Erev Shabbat Services/Sixth In this Issue Grade Student Led Services 7:30 pm Rabbi’s Remarks ...... 2 Chapel in the Woods ...... 8 Permanent Endowment Saturday, December 21 Cantor’s Corner ...... 3 Member News ...... 9 Fund ...... 13 Shabbat Morning Services ECLC News ...... 3 Bat Mitzvah...... 9 Judaica Shop ...... 14 10:30 am Hanukkah Tot Shabbat Renaissance Group ...... 3 Two Hanukkah Tot Annual Giant Book Sale ...... 14 and Luncheon President’s Point of View ...... 4 Shabbats ...... 9 Lox and Legislators 11 am Executive Director’s Readers of Beth El ...... 9 Breakfast...... 14 Friday, December 27 Entry ...... 4 Calendar ...... 10-11 Beth El/Pozez JCC Erev Shabbat Services 7:30 pm Religious School Report ...... 5 20- and 30- Somethings Events ...... 15 Saturday, December 28 Congregational Kudos ...... 5 Group ...... 12 Heller High Five ...... 16 Shabbat Morning Services Membership Team News ...... 5 Caring Community Donations ...... 17 10:30 am WRJ News ...... 6 Committee ...... 12 WRJ Book Club ...... 6 Youth Groups ...... 12 ...and lots of tantalizing tidbits Brotherhood News ...... 7 ALIVE! ...... 12 scattered throughout, so don’t WRJ Social Action ...... 7 Join a Chavurah ...... 13 skip a page! Inclusion Team News ...... 8 Culture Club ...... 13

Page 2 Rabbi’s Remarks

AM A STUDENT and lover her late husband’s place on the pulpit until a new rabbi of Jewish history, and occa- was found. After considerable deliberation, as well as I sionally in this space I take the consultations with officials at the Union of American opportunity to raise a note of Jew- Hebrew Congregations (now the Union for Reform Ju- ish historical interest. daism), she agreed. On Dec. 12, 1950, Paula Ackerman, the widow of In a letter to Rabbi Jacob Schwartz, then the national Rabbi William Ackerman, became the first female rabbi director of synagogue activities at the UAHC, she ex- in America. Although Mrs. Ackerman was not officially pressed her understanding of the gravity of the decision ordained by the Hebrew Union College or any other rab- she was considering: “I… know how revolutionary the binical seminary, “rabbi” simply means “our teacher” idea is… therefore, it seems to be a challenge that I pray and, in acceding to the request of her late husband’s con- I can meet. If I can just plant a seed for the Jewish wom- gregation, Temple Beth Israel in Meridian, Mississippi, an’s larger participation… if perhaps it will open a way she began serving as the synagogue’s spiritual leader. for women students to train for congregational leader- Mrs. Ackerman continued as the community’s unofficial ship then my life would have some meaning.” rabbi for nearly three years, making her the first woman Schwartz gave her his blessing, but UAHC President to fulfill such a role in a mainstream North American Rabbi Maurice Eisendrath, after initially giving her his Jewish movement, and she did so with the tacit approval informal support, told her that after further considera- of the national movement. tion, he had concluded that her not having ordination Born in 1893 and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Mrs. presented too many obstacles for the experiment to be Ackerman grew up in a family that was active in Temple worthwhile. Of course, it would be until Rabbi Sally Beth El, the state’s first Reform synagogue. An excellent Priesand was ordained by HUC in 1972 that a woman student, she was offered a scholarship to study in New was ordained in the Reform, or any other, movement. Orleans, at Sophie Newcomb College. But when her By then, however, the synagogue board was set on father told her he would not permit her to attend medical having her as their spiritual leader. Mrs. Ackerman school following her undergraduate degree, she opted served in that position from January 1951 until the au- out of an undergraduate education altogether. Instead, tumn of 1953, leading services, and officiating funerals, Mrs. Ackerman worked as a music teacher, a math and weddings, and conversions. The novelty of a female rab- Latin tutor, and she taught Hebrew school at Temple bi garnered attention nationally, and after Beth Israel Beth El. The temple was also where she fell in love with hired a permanent rabbi and Ackerman resigned, she William Ackerman, the synagogue’s young new rabbi. began to teach and lecture around the United States. After a seven-year courtship, the two married and In 1962, she received a request from her childhood moved first to Natchez, Mississippi, and, in 1924, to synagogue in Pensacola and served as its leader until the Meridian, when William Ackerman became rabbi of board could find a new rabbi. She agreed and held the Reform Temple Beth Israel. He served in that position position for nine months. Thus, she wound up becoming until his death on November 30, 1950. a de-facto rabbi not once, but twice, despite never being Over the years, Paula Ackerman had taught in Beth ordained. Israel’s Hebrew school and had filled in for her husband Mrs. Ackerman remained in Pensacola until 1982, when he was traveling or sick. With those things in when she moved to Georgia, and died in Thomaston, mind, and with the understanding that it might take them Georgia, in 1989 at the age of 95. some time to hire a new rabbi for their congregation, Beth Israel’s board asked the rebbetzin if she would take — Rabbi Spinrad

As part of the Religious School Family Day on Nov. 10, John Jankowski led first grade family tours of the synagogue. The first graders and their parents visited the sanctuary via the new bimah ramp to view the Torahs, the new Ner Tamid, the organ loft, and the stained glass ark doors; the photos and paintings of the rabbis in the Learning Center, the Tree of Life Chapel in the MPR, the Star of David in the Hayman Foyer, the Meditation Room, and the post-B’nei Mitzvah student lounge, as well as some secret stairwells!

Beth El Bulletin December 2019 Beth El Hebrew Congregation Page 3 Cantor’s Corner

HANK YOU to the entire Beth El community for your love, generosity, and kindness as we were blessed to have T our aufruf with our synagogue family. It was an evening we will never forget, full of family and friends from every part of our lives. We feel grateful and honored to be a part of this sacred and special synagogue.

— Jason and Kirk

ECLC News So Proud of the School We Are NOT!

HOSE WHO KNOW us know that we do not in learning, as well as documentation consider ourselves a traditional, run-of-the-mill of the process to demonstrate learn- T preschool. In incorporating the Reggio Emilia ing; philosophy, we have let go of some of the old standards.  Our rooms do not display (many) pre-fabricated bul- We have broken new ground, and our kids are thriving. I letin boards and decorations, but rather the walls of want to share my pride in our ability to shed the old and each classroom show the personalities of the commu- embrace the new. nity in the classroom; I am proud that:  We are replacing our plastics, colored roll paper, and  Our kids are not learning by rote, but instead are packaged materials with natural fibers, cloth, and learning to explore and question the world around organic materials that bring a natural feel into our them; classrooms.  We are not in an “academic” setting where kids are learning about letters, numbers, etc., by sitting at a And, finally, I am proud of the parents who don’t table and repeating after a teacher, but instead are close their minds to new possibilities but instead, trust in learning in the context of the daily explorations that us and allow us to have this wonderful adventure with respond to the children’s interest and curiosity; their children.  Our explorations are not an exercise in one- Here’s to celebrating all that we are, AND all that we dimensional learning, but that our teachers are adept are not! at tying in science, art, math, and language arts, as the classes explore each topic; L’Shalom  We are not a school that sends home cookie-cutter Dina Backer projects, but rather focuses more on the process of art [email protected]

Renaissance Group News

HE RENAISSANCE Group opened its 13th year with a fabulous Antique Roadshow presented by Steve Gouteman and Todd Penestra. T More than 50 of our members enjoyed a catered dinner and brought items to be presented and appraised by our two experts. There were many surprises and lots of fun. The next Renaissance Group event will be Sunday night, Jan. 12, entitled, “Broadway comes to Beth El,” presented by Steve Freidman. Stay tuned for more information. The Renaissance Group is open to any 50 plus empty-nester. There is a one-time fee to join of $10 per person. Pro- grams and events are generated by the members and are varied. Most of the time, our events revolve around food and wine. For more information email Linda Vogel at [email protected].

Page 4 President’s Point of View Exodus 25:1-8…(1) The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: (2) Tell the Israelite people to bring Me offerings; you shall accept offerings for Me from every person whose heart so moves him… (3) And these are the gifts that you shall accept from them: gold, silver, and copper; (4) blue, purple, and crimson yarns, fine linen, goat’s hair; (5) tanned ram skins, dolphin skins, and aca- cia wood; (6) oil for lighting, spices for the anointing oil and for the aromatic incense; (7) lapis lazuli and other stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece. (8) And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.

S THE WEATHER turns and the calendar flips income, the book sale, general donations, and most im- from November to December, it is that time of portantly THIS annual supplemental giving letter. In A the year when the leadership at Beth El Hebrew order to fill its spot in the budget, we need to raise at Congregation asks our members to consider making a least $35,000 each year from the supplemental giving supplemental donation to the congregation. letter campaign. These are critical funds, and meeting or Let me tell you why we ask this of our membership. beating this target amount is essential for keeping Beth Some facts. Beth El’s total annual operating budget for El’s budget in balance. But we can do FY 2019-2020 is $1.75 million. With these funds we pay better. Let’s beat this goal! our clergy, staff, and administrative salaries, fund em- As I said in my Rosh Hashanah remarks from the ployment benefits, operate the building daily and pay for bimah, our vision for Beth El is of individuals, families, its basic upkeep, and, of course, pay for the mundane and a community transformed by wise, loving, and soul- things, like keeping the lights on! ful Jewish living. The best way for us to accomplish that Beth El’s annual “free-will” dues system only ac- vision is on firm financial footing, and that starts with us counts for a little more than 63% of our total revenue meeting our annual supplemental giving goals. So I needs. So how do we make up for the difference? Fund- thank you in advance for helping us reach our needs. ing comes from a variety of sources, but the largest sources are: pre-school income in partnership with the — Alan Cohn Pozez JCC, Religious School fees, outside rental

Executive Director’s Entry

WANT TO WISH you and your cy situation. There are a number of reasons why having family a happy Hanukkah! As we these drills at Beth El were beneficial to the congregation. approach the end of the month, I I It is important that our synagogue is viewed as a hope that the new year brings you happi- ness, good health, and success. community resource. Beth El has been a staple in Alex- A sincere thank you goes out to Lenetta Mallory. If andria for 161 years. Our synagogue has been a favorite you hadn’t heard, Lenetta decided to leave Beth El. She venue of the city government, local nonprofit organiza- was originally hired by Barry Smith to help run the Reli- tions, and area residents in terms of hosting events. Beth gious School. When we experienced staff turnover in the El is also a local polling site. Opening our doors to the front office, Lenetta stepped right in with a positive atti- larger community and being a good neighbor helps keep tude and great work ethic. I am happy to report that us safe. Making sure that police, fire and rescue, and Lenetta left us to begin a career as a government con- other first responders are familiar with our facility also tractor in her chosen field. helps improve our safety and security. I want to also share with you that on Veterans Day, Adam Wallach Alexandria first responders conducted two drills at Beth Executive Director El. Their goal was to practice responding to an emergen-

Beth El Bulletin December 2019 Beth El Hebrew Congregation Page 5 Religious School Report The Rabbi’s Christmas Ornaments

WENT HOME to New Orleans a few weeks ago to number of homemade ornaments celebrate my mom’s 60th birthday. We had a lovely with pictures of me growing up. I time, but inevitably she asked what I wanted to do As a rabbi, and as a Jew by with the Christmas ornaments in our attic. And this year, Choice, I hope to one day share my just like every other year for the last decade, I told her to ornaments with my children. I want to use them to ex- keep them with the hope that one day I’ll go through plain that their overtly Jewish Imma (mother), who’s them and share them with my children. also a rabbi, once had a Christmas tree too. I want to As you might know, I converted to Judaism when I show them that although we don’t celebrate Christmas, I was 19 years old. My mother, a recovered Baptist turned hold onto these objects because they’re filled with mem- Buddhist, no longer celebrates Christmas without me in ories of my parents, grandparents, and great grandpar- the house, so the Christmas ornaments from my child- ents. These ornaments honor my family and the Torah hood remain in a box in the attic. More than ten years they passed down to me. after I emerged from the mikvah, why do I still hold on- On Dec. 8 at 10 am in the Social Hall, I will be lead- to this box of ornaments? I don’t have a Christmas tree. I ing a family education session titled The Christmas Di- don’t celebrate Christmas in my home. So why would I lemma: Raising Jewish Children in Interfaith Families. keep this box in my mother’s attic? Jews by Choice and During this time, we’ll explore and discuss the joys and some in interfaith marriages and partnerships have been challenges of raising Jewish children in general and es- able to give up having a Christmas tree. However, it’s pecially during the holiday season. I hope you will join sometimes more difficult to let go of the wonderful me to share your experiences of honoring your parents’ memories we have of the twinkling lights and ornaments traditions as well as the traditions you’ve created with we grew up with as children. your own family today. Some of my favorite ornaments from my childhood include Harry Potter riding on the Nimbus 2000 I re- Rabbi Bailey Romano ceived for my 11th birthday (before there was any Harry [email protected] Potter memorabilia you could buy in stores everywhere), a twirling ballerina my dad got me when I was 7, and a

Membership Congregational Kudos

Team News A huge thank you to Anne Levy, Annette Paley, Debbie Spitzer, Di- ane DeMaio, Dina Katz, Elissa Baum, Gerrie Sturman, The Heller AVE YOU noticed a lot of con- High Girls, Jane Kraft-Burstein, Judy Jankowski, Michele Milden, gregants around Beth El? Our Pat Collins, Janet Garber, Sally Schneider, and Sheryl Leeds for H membership has increased over making the Book & Author Program so successful. the past two years. If you see someone The authors Marvin Kalb, Dale Russakoff, and Robert Watson you aren’t familiar with, please welcome each had an interesting story to share. Robert Siegel did a masterful job them to Beth El. As head of the Member- as moderator. ship Team, I would like to invite anyone The proceeds will benefit the Brandeis Library and the Beth El youth interested in joining the team to contact programs. me. I would like my team to help me dream up ways to invite people to be- — Jo Ann Allen come involved with temple life, be an ambassador for new membership in your community, and to help plan activities to recognize and welcome our newest friends. You can contact me via email; [email protected]. — Joanne Rhodes

Page 6 WRJ News

RJ AND ITS MEMBERS continue to be busy. Remember, you can join WRJ any time during the The day after Yom Kippur, Gerrie Sturman, year. Beth El members can pay their WRJ dues via W Judy Jankowski, Spruce Fraser, and Jo- ShulCloud by logging into the Beth El website, or by anne Rhodes gathered in the sanctuary to help us check payable to BE-WRJ, sent to the Beth El office or decorate the sukkah on the bimah. Special thanks to Ger- brought to any WRJ event. The WRJ membership form rie for treating us to a pizza and salad lunch, and to the can be downloaded from the WRJ web page of the Beth maintenance staff for erecting the sukkah frame for us. El website. Not sure whether you’ve paid your dues this The weather cooperated to allow us to hold our third year? Contact one of our Membership Team members, annual Interfaith Women’s Tea in the outdoor sukkah. Joanne Rhodes ([email protected]) or Jeanette The attendees included representatives from Dar Al- Astrow ([email protected]). Hijrah Islamic Center, as well as several of our neigh- boring Catholic and Protestant churches. Jo Ann Allen WANTED: gave a tour of the sanctuary to our guests.  Members with programming ideas, members who The Oct. 27 Book & Author Event, co-sponsored want to help with programming, members who can with the Brandeis National Committee of Northern Vir- help with communications and publicity! ginia, logged a record attendance of more than 150 at-  A WRJ representative to the Religious Practices tendees, and took in almost $4,000. WRJ’s share of the Committee. proceeds will be used to benefit Beth El youth. Thank

you to Jo Ann Allen and Michele Milden for their hard Upcoming events and activities: work organizing the Book & Author Event, to Janet Gar- ber and Dina Katz for their supporting efforts, and  WRJ’s Board Meeting, Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 to Judy Jankowski for her photography. pm. All members are welcome. This year’s Hanukkah Luncheon and Latke Dinner  Mah Jongg, Tues,. Dec. 3, 10, & 17, 1 pm; Thurs., Social will feature a new holiday craft activity, for those Dec. 5, 12, 19, & 26, 6:30 pm; Sun., Dec. 8 & 15, 10 feeling creative: the opportunity to make a set of four am. Judaica-themed wine charms, suitable for giving as a  WRJ Judaica Shop Mini-Hanukkah Boutiques, gift or to keep. The luncheon will also include the tradi- Sunday, Dec. 8 & 15, 10 am – 2 pm. tional Hanukkah sing-along. The menu for both events will include chicken, salmon, latkes, and salad, with suf-  Simply Mahj Annual FUNdraiser, Sunday, Dec. 8, ganiyot (jelly donuts) and brownies for dessert. The cost 2 pm – 5 pm. for each event is $20 for WRJ members, $25 for non-  WRJ Book Club , Tues., Dec. 10, 11 am. members. The materials fee for the craft activity is $2.  WRJ Hanukkah Luncheon, Wednesday, Dec. 18, Come schmooze with old friends, make new friends, and noon – 2 pm. enjoy great food!  WRJ Hanukkah Latke Social, Wednesday, Dec. 18, Sue Rabin and Bobbie Gershman are spearhead- 6:30 pm – 8 pm. ing the ongoing effort to reorganize the Sisterhood china and silver closets in the kitchen. Please keep in mind  Carpenters Shelter food prep., Tues., Dec. 23, 2 pm – that items in these closets are only to be used for WRJ- 5:30 pm. sponsored events and activities, events catered by Broth- erhood, and events catered by pre-approved outside ca- Linda Shapiro and Pat Collins terers. WRJ Co-Presidents [email protected] and [email protected] WRJ Book Club 2019-2020 Schedule  Dec. 10: Patrimony by Philip Roth The WRJ Book Club has been in existence for more than 20 years and is, I believe, a cultural benefit to the  Feb. 11: Inheritance, A Memoir by Dani Shapiro congregation. We try to choose and read the best in Jew- ish themed literature!  April 14: American Pastoral by Philip Roth — Rita DiTrani  June 9: Spies of No Country by Matti Friedman

Beth El Bulletin December 2019 Beth El Hebrew Congregation Page 7 Brotherhood News N EARLY November, Brotherhood once again host- Brotherhood to cater Max’s Bar Mitzvah luncheon. As ed a very successful Sunday morning Bagels and always, the success of these simchas would not be possi- I Banter, providing an unstructured forum for men to ble without the dedicated assistance of numerous volun- just gather, eat, and schmooze (thanks to Ron Sturman teers, including our chefs Joel Bernstein and Jake Gal- for its organization). And hopefully many of you were lun, event organizer Bob Shaver, food purchaser Ju- able to participate in the return of our traditional Beth El dy Jankowski, event manager Roberto Mosse, set-up -Christ Church Interfaith Thanksgiving program, held lead Sue Rabin (her crew, Julie Fields, Bobbie Gersh- this year at Christ Church on the Sunday before Turkey man, Barbara Mintz, Susan Mosse, Myra Roney, and Day. (Jeremy Flachs was the Brotherhood point of con- Roberta Sultzer), and our kitchen helpers, servers tact for this Interfaith effort.) and clean-up crew (Jeanette Astrow, Spruce Fraser, While rainy days kept our sukkah standing a bit long- Matt Mutterperl, Donna Sachs, Faren Sachs, Bill er than is the norm, thanks also are extended to the vol- Schneider, and Kate Schneider). Whether you would unteers who took time during a weekday to help in its like to learn how you might volunteer a little of your dismantling. This quick take-down effort was possible time, or seek information on how Brotherhood catering under the direction of lead Jeffrey Sachs, with fantastic can help with your own celebrations, contact us at cater- assistance from Stuart Davis, Jeff Davidson, John-David [email protected]. All proceeds earned from Broth- Engle, Roberto Mosse, and Roger Smith. Jeremy erhood catering are contributed back to Beth El causes, Flachs did some preparatory work in the rain on the and, most specifically, to help our Religious School and previous Sunday removing bamboo shoots and branches Beth El youth programs. in anticipation of the full effort yet to come. Brotherhood annually provides funding for our As we move into the Hanukkah season (already!?!), Youth Scholarship Program. The purpose of this pro- there is a slight pause in Brotherhood-organized events, gram is to financially help Beth El youth in grades 8 but the list of upcoming activities remains impressive. through 12 enhance their Jewish identity through learn-  Jan. 12: Initiation of Brotherhood’s “Witness to His- ing experiences and leadership programs ranging from tory” series featuring Dr. Itzhak Brook, author of attendance at Jewish camps to participation in national A Physician’s Account of the Yom Kippur War. Jewish young leadership activities. Interested students  Feb. 9: Public Policy Forum on Presidential and their parents can find application forms at Brother- Primaries, moderated by Robert Siegel. hood’s URL, https://www.bethelhebrew.org/community/  Feb. 11: 62nd Annual Interfaith Dinner with brotherhood. Fairlington United Methodist Church, hosted by Beth El Brotherhood. Have a happy Hanukkah and a joyous winter season,  Feb. 23: Assistance with the Inclusion Committee’s ReelAbilities Film Festival Sneak Peek. John Jankowski Brotherhood President Catering remains in the forefront of Brotherhood ac- [email protected] tivities. Thank you to the Sherman family for choosing

WRJ Social Action

Slippers: We are collecting slippers and slipper socks for the women of Friends of Guest House. You can put your donations in the social action bins in the temple lobby, or bring them to the WRJ Hanukkah celebrations on Dec. 18. We have events at lunch and dinner on this date. Calendars: We are still collecting 2020 calendars for our social action partners in Alexandria who have residential components. If you have calendars you would like to donate, please place them in the social action bins in the Beth El lobby. Giving Tuesday: Save the date for Giving Tuesday 2019: Dec. 3, all day. After Black Friday and Cyber Monday comes Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is a global day dedicated to giving back to your favorite charities and nonprof- its. Think about supporting our BEHC social action partners, e.g., ALIVE!, Carpenter’s Shelter, Alexandria Domestic Violence Program (ADVP), and Friends of Guest House. Janet Garber, [email protected]

Page 8 Inclusion News Chapel in the Woods Inclusion Committee Meeting Dec. 5, 7 pm Like Jews, Some Plants are Survivors All Are Welcome! LEASE JOIN Beth El’s Inclusion Committee on HE PROLONGED drought this year that fol- Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7 pm for a general meeting. All lowed a wet 2018 was particularly hard on P are welcome — you do not need to be a member. At T plants, as roots that have been weakened by too the meeting, we will focus on selecting a film for Beth much water and accompanying fungi are more vulnera- El’s ReelAbilities Film Festival Sneak Peek event that will ble the following year. When choosing species to plant be held on Sunday, Feb. 23. Beth El’s own Dawn Kaye in your garden, keep in mind the likelihood of these heads the committee that selects films for the Northern conditions repeating themselves in the future. Here are Virginia ReelAbilities Film Festival that will be held Feb. a handful of Virginia native plants that did particularly 20 - March 1, 2020 and is managed by the Pozez JCC VA. well in the Chapel in the Woods’ gardens this year, de- Dawn will share information about the films; we will have spite the drought: Threadleaf coreopsis, Coreopsis ver- the opportunity to ask questions, to possibly see some film ticillate; New England aster, Symphyotrichum novae- trailers, and to discuss which film/topic would best serve angliae; Blazing star, Liatris spicata; and Cardinal our community. flower, Lobelia cardinalis. Now the birds will eat at We will also discuss Beth El’s Disability Inclusion least some of the seeds of these plants throughout the Shabbat that will be held Friday, Feb. 7, 2020 in coordina- winter. tion with the Religious School. Both the Disability Inclu- Come enjoy the winter forest during workdays on sion Shabbat and the ReelAbilities Film Festival event are Sundays, Dec. 8, Jan. 26, and Feb. 23, weather permit- held in recognition of Jewish Disability Awareness and ting. We will pull invasive species such as English ivy, Inclusion Month (JDAIM). JDAIM is a unified effort to porcelain berry vine, and garlic mustard from 10 to raise awareness of and champion the civil rights of people noon, followed by a light lunch. Please bring work with disabilities. It has been observed by Jewish organiza- gloves and trowels if you have them, other equipment tions and communities worldwide each February since will be provided. 2009. For more information, contact Stuart and Nancy M. The Inclusion Committee aims to eliminate physical Davis, 703-671-5906. barriers in Beth El’s building and grounds, to raise awareness about including people regardless of their abilities or disabilities, and, ultimately, to welcome all who come through our doors so that they can participate fully in worship and other activities. All of us benefit through Beth El’s commitment to awareness, accessibility, and inclusion. We have made progress, but we’re not finished. Join our discussion and help us to continue making progress. We look forward to meeting you.

Jeanne Holden  Cardinal flower Inclusion Committee Chair [email protected] ↓ New England aster

Do you have or work for a business that would like to do business with Beth El or its members? Please consider advertising in The Bulletin. Email [email protected] for more information.

Beth El Bulletin December 2019 Beth El Hebrew Congregation Page 9 Member News Bat Mitzvah Welcome New Members: Leah Schechter Marcelle and Seth Yeager, and Vivienne, Abraham, and December 7, 2019 Adela Leah Schechter is a Frost Middle School honor stu- Condolences to: dent. She likes studying history, but she especially loves Burton Arnold, Dana Arnold, Randy and Dennis Harry Potter. She belongs to Slytherin House, and her Meaney, and Annie Levin, on the loss of beloved wife, favorite book is the sixth. She is also a brown belt in Tae mother, and grandmother Judy Arnold Kwon Do and loves cooking, theatre, and creative writ- ing. Karina and John Cory, on the loss of beloved mother Leah’s Bat Mitzvah project is helping with Beth El and Beth El Member Ann Cory political action, phone banking for Get Out the Vote. She Howard Cohen and Lucy Civitello, and Lori Cohen and would like to thank all her school teachers (regular and Woodrow Wheeler, Rochelle, and Michelle, Lisa, Leah Beth El), her tutor Laura Mandeles, Rabbi Spinrad, and (Benjamin), and Audrey on the loss of beloved mother, Cantor Kaufman. Finally, Leah thanks all her family and sister, grandmother, and Beth El Member Shirley Cohen friends for their continuous support, especially her mother, father, and sister, Acadia. Two Hanukkah Tot Shabbats! ANUKKAH is so much fun that Tot Shabbat is celebrating the holiday twice! H At the Dec. 7 Tot Shabbat, Miss Carol will include a Hanukkah story and a few Hanukkah songs to help get the children ready for the holiday, which starts at sundown on Dec. 22. And at the Dec. Swingin’ Hanukkah Tot Shabbat, Miss Carol will do all that (with a different Hanukkah story), and she’ll be joined by musicians Mr. John on djembe and Mr. Allen on string bass to help make the music swing. Plus the service will be followed by the annual potluck Tot Hanukkah luncheon and Hanukkah cookie decorating. All families who attend bring at least one food item to share. What fun! To sign up for the Hanukkah luncheon, please use this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b4ea8af2ea5fd0 -beth4. Alternatively, contact Ross Kaplan at [email protected], and he’ll help you get signed up.

Readers of Beth El

HE READERS of Beth El, a book group of Beth El members who live in the Springfield/Burke area, will meet on Dec. 9 at 7:30 pm to discuss Promised Land by journalist and novelist Marvin Fletcher. This historical novel T is set in Israel’s first two decades, following the families of two brothers — one seeking to build a new country and one trying to protect it. The history in the story alone is worthy of discussion. For those who want to read ahead, our January book will be The Last Watchman of Old Cairo: A Novel by Michael David Lukas. Lynne Orens [email protected]

Page 10

~ December 2019 ~ Kislev/Tevet 5780 ~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Torah 1 World AIDS Awareness Day/National 2 International Day for the Abolition of Slavery/ 3 Giving Tuesday 4 Wear Brown Shoes Day/National Sock Day 5 International Ninja Day/National Sacher Torte 6 National Microwave Day/National 7 National Cotton Candy Day/International Civil Vayeitzei Rhubarb Vodka Day National Mutt Day 10a Book Sorting 10a Book Sorting Day Pawnbrokers Day Aviation Day

NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 1p WRJ Mah Jongg 10:30a JCC/BEHC Event: Spot a 10a Book Sorting 6:30p Shabbat Social Hour 9a Torah Study Genesis 28:10 - 32:3 7p EC Meeting Stroke, Stop a Stroke, Save a Life 6:30p WRJ Mah Jongg 7:30p Erev Shabbat Service 10:30a Shabbat Morning Service and Hosea 12:13 - 14:10 Bat Mitzvah of Leah Schechter 7p Genius of the Rabbis 5:30p RS Canteen 7p Inclusion Committee Meeting 6:15p Religious School 7p Bridge 11a Hanukkah Tot Shabbat 6:15 Book Sorting

6:30p WRJ Meeting

8:15 Mussar 4:28p Candle Lighting 5:36p Havdalah 8 International Children’s Day/National Brownie 9 National Pastry Day/International Anti- 10 International Human Rights Day/National 11 12 Poinsettia Day 13 National Violin Day/National Salesperson 14 International Monkey Day/National Vayishlach Day Corruption Day Lager Day NO ECLC Day Bouillabaisse Day 10a Religious School Readers of Beth El 11a WRJ Book Club 10:30a JCC/BEHC Event: An Inside 6:30p WRJ Mah Jongg 6:30p Shabbat Social Hour 9a Torah Study Genesis 32:4 - 36:43 10a Family Education: The Christmas 1p WRJ Mah Jongg 7:30p Erev Shabbat Service 10:30a Shabbat Morning Service Look at the Census Bureau 7p Bridge Obadiah 1:1 - 1:21 Dilemma: Raising Jewish Children in 6p RSY Team Meeting 5:30p RS Canteen Interfaith Families 6:15p Religious School 10a and 11a Adult Hebrew 10a Chapel in the Woods Workday 10a Leadership Development Group 10a WRJ Hanukkah Boutique 10a WRJ Mah Jongg 1p Beth El ALIVE! Furniture Delivery Event 1p Bridge 2p Simply Mahj 4:29p Candle Lighting 5:37p Havdalah 15 Bill of Rights Day/National Wear Your 16 National Chocolate Covered Anything Day 17 National Maple Syrup Day/Wright Brothers 18 National Roast Suckling Pig Day 19 Oatmeal Muffin Day 20 International Human Solidarity 21 Crossword Puzzle Day/National Fried Vayeishev Pearls Day Day NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 10a Book Sorting Day/National Shrimp Day 10a Religious School 10a Book Sorting Sangria Day 9a Torah Study Genesis 37:1 - 40:23 10a Book Sorting 1p JCC/BEHC Event at the J: When 11:30a Culture Club Meets Visits the 10a and 11a Adult Hebrew 1p WRJ Mah Jongg 10:30a Shabbat Morning Service Amos 2:6 - 3:8 Noon WRJ Hanukkah Luncheon Harry Met Sally: The Jewish Deli in National Portrait Gallery 10a Leadership Development Group 7p Board Meeting Pop Culture 11a Hanukkah Tot Shabbat and 6:15 Book Sorting 6p Shabbat Family Service 10a WRJ Hanukkah Boutique 7p Genius of the Rabbis 6:30p WRJ Mah Jongg Luncheon 6:30p WRJ Hanukkah Latke Social 6:30 Community Dinner 10a WRJ Mah Jongg 7p Bridge 5:30p 6th Grade Immigrant Dinner 8:15 Mussar 6:30p Shabbat Social Hour 1p 20s and 30s Group 7p Caring Community Meeting 7:30p Erev Shabbat Service/6th Grade 1p Bridge 7:30 Interfaith Learning Student Led Service

4:31p Candle Lighting 5:40p Havdalah 22 Erev Hanukkah/Winter Solstice 23 Hanukkah (Cont.)/Festivus 24 Hanukkah (Cont.)/National Egg Nog Day 25 /Hanukkah (Cont.)/Christmas Day 26 Hanukkah (Cont.)/National Candy Cane 27 Hanukkah (Cont.)/National Fruitcake Day 28 Hanukkah (Cont.)/Card Playing Day Mikeitz NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 2p Carpenter’s Shelter Food Prep NO ECLC NO ECLC Day 6:30p Shabbat Social Hour 9a Torah Study NO ECLC 1p Bridge OFFICE CLOSED NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 7:30p Erev Shabbat Service 10:30a Shabbat Morning Service Genesis 41:1 - 44:17 6:30p WRJ Mah Jongg BUILDING CLOSED Numbers 28:9-15 7p Bridge 4:35p Candle Lighting 5:44p Havdalah 29 Hanukkah (Cont.) 30 Hanukkah (End)/National Bacon Day 31 New Year’s Eve NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 5p ECLC CLOSES EARLY NO ECLC 1p Bridge OFFICE CLOSED

Beth El Bulletin December 2019 Beth El Hebrew Congregation Page 11

6:30p WRJ Meeting

Page 12 New Group Forming for Youth Groups 20- and 30- Somethings EMBERS OF BeFTY and CLUB 67 joined ranks for an awesome afternoon OLKS BETWEEN the ages of 20 and 39 are invit- M at the movies. On Nov. 10, 16 members ed for snacks, games, and hanging out on the 3rd of both youth groups hung out in the youth F Sunday of the month (Dec. 15) from 1-3 pm. If you lounge: eating pizza, popcorn, and cookies, and have questions or dietary restrictions, please email Hank enjoying movies together! Samuelson at [email protected].

Caring Community Committee Mitzvah Opportunity Special Event! HE GOAL OF THE Caring Community Committee is to “be there” for Beth El members when an extra pair of hands, eyes, or ears would be helpful. E NEED YOU, yes YOU, on Sunday, T Dec. 8 to go out with the ALIVE! furni- In order to provide help, however, the committee must W ture trucks. This is Beth El’s day to pick know of the need. The CCC has an on-call list of people who up and deliver furniture. You don’t need to be are willing to do such things as prepare and deliver a meal, strong (we need door holders and lamp carriers); pick up a prescription, or provide a ride to or from a doctor’s you just need to be at least 16 years old. appointment, if such need is made known to CCC Chair Ruth Imagine bringing a table and chairs to a family Perlstein, 703-978-9341 or [email protected]. who has been eating on the floor. Imagine the look More volunteers would be most welcome so that no one on the face of the child who sees you walk through volunteer is asked to do too much. If you would like the oppor- the door with a bed when she hasn’t slept in one tunity to help a fellow congregant in this way, please let Ruth since her family moved out of a shelter. This might know, and she will be happy to add you to the on-call list. You be one of the most rewarding volunteer activities you ever do. Really. would truly be performing a mitzvah. We start at 1 pm and should be done by 4 pm. Please contact Deborah Schaffer, [email protected], for more information and to sign up.

Beth El Bulletin December 2019 Beth El Hebrew Congregation Page 13 Join a Chavurah, Build Friendships OOKING TO DEVELOP more meaningful relationships with other Beth El members? Beth El’s Chavurah program provides the opportunity for adults, families, couples, or singles to build friendships and Jewish life inside L and outside the synagogue. Plan on attending a Beth El Chavurah Open House and learn about Beth El’s Chavurah program: Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 Noon – 1:30 pm Multi-purpose Room Beth El Hebrew Congregation  Hear how joining a Chavurah can provide you with opportunities to celebrate the joys of Jewish life by socializing, worshiping, celebrating simchas, eating, and studying together;  Hear from members of Beth El’s Chavurot, and how they have supported each other and have become an extension of their families;  Explore ways for how to get matched-up and connected with families who have similar interests and have children who are the same age as your children. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Please RSVP to [email protected]. For questions, email: Linda and Larry Vogel: [email protected], or Cheryl Anne and David Colton: [email protected]. Culture Club Friday, December 20 — National Portrait Gallery EET AT 11:30 am in the Kogod Courtyard connecting the Portrait Gallery and the Museum of American Art for a quick lunch and schmoozing before exploring one or more of the wonderful current exhibits such as In M Mid-Sentence, Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence, and Outwin 2019. After our indoor exploration, head outside to the annual Winter Market DC and shop the many vendors for last mi- nute Hanukkah and hostess gifts while enjoying live music, the festive atmosphere, and maybe a cup of hot chocolate or something from one of the bakeries! The Portrait Gallery is free; lunch and shopping are pay-as-you-go. Culture Club welcomes all adult Beth El members and their guests. Please let me know if you are joining us: [email protected].

Meryl Goldhammer End the Year with the Permanent Endowment Fund HE PERMANENT Endowment Fund (PEF) is Beth El’s only fund designed to grow in perpetuity to meet Beth El’s unfunded capital requirements “to maintain, repair, replace, reconstruct, or expand” Beth El’s physical facili- T ties. The PEF also helps with other Beth El needs, such as assisting with the mortgage payments. To better serve our Jewish principles, a portion of the PEF is now invested in a socially responsible investment fund maintained by the Reform Pension Board. We also have divested ourselves of tobacco stocks and will make future in- vestments consistent with Jewish values. The PEF’s growth is entirely dependent on member and other contributions and the fluctuations of the marketplace into which all contributions are invested. While we had a successful investment year, we cannot rely on the financial markets alone to grow the fund principal. We urge our congregants to contribute, particularly as part of year-end tax activity to provide the necessary means for the Fund’s continued growth. Please become a PEF voting member by contributing through check or credit card. Each donor level can be achieved through single donations or by cumulative donations over time, with the thresholds for the three levels as follows: Mem- ber: $500, Sponsor: $1,500, and Visionary: $5,000. Donors are recognized on the donor hall plaque outside of the sanctuary. Please join and contribute to Beth El’s future! You (and your children) will be glad you did. Ernie Levy PEF Trustee

Page 14 Judaica Shop Hanukkah Boutiques E HAVE A beautiful selection of candles and Chanukiah, sweet treats, unique jewelry in all price ranges, so W many lovely gifts for hearth and home. New this year… Chewjaica, for furry loved ones on your list! Our experienced sales crew takes delight in helping you select something perfect, then gift wraps it for free! Mark your calendar for 2 days of fun, food and finishing your list while supporting WRJ. Chag Sameach, see you soon, Sara Deshong-Rojas, manager

Did you know that the annual book sale is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year? We can’t do it without your books and movies and CDs and jigsaw puzzles — bring them in now for the 2020 Annual Giant Book Sale! Please come help us sort books! Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 3, Wednesday, Dec. 4, Thursday, Dec. 5, Tuesday, Dec. 17, Wednesday, Dec. 18, Thursday, Dec. 19, starting at 10 am. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Rhoda Goldman at [email protected] or 703-992-9370.

The JCRC of Greater Washington invites you to meet and mingle with federal, state, and local Virginia elected officials as we unveil our 2020 Legislative Agenda, including:

 Expanding hate crimes protections and fighting discrimination;  Protecting immigrant communities;  Disability advocacy;  Preventing gun violence;  Support for Israel.

For more information and to register, please go to http://jcrc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1452486115?view=Detail&id=112101

Beth El Bulletin December 2019 Beth El Hebrew Congregation Page 15 Beth El/JCCNV Events

Spot a Stroke, Stop a Stroke, An Inside Look at the Where Harry Met Sally: The Save a Life Census Bureau Jewish Deli in Pop Culture

Wednesday, Dec. 4 Wednesday, Dec. 11 Thursday, Dec. 19 10:30 am – noon 10:30 am – noon 1 – 3:30 pm Location: Pozez JCC Presented by Alan Stillman, Public Presented by Joe Quartullo, Data Health Advocate leading Stroke Smart Dissemination Specialist, US Census Presented by Ted Merwin, Former Alexandria, CEO of Kwikpoint; Adam Bureau Professor of Religion and Judaic stud- Dodd BSN, RN-BC, Heart Failure & ies at Dickinson College; Pre-Op Open Heart Navigator, Inova The 2020 Census counts every per- Alexandria Hospital son living in the United States and five “In New York, LA, Chicago, and US territories. Many people think that other cities, the Jewish deli was a gath- Stroke Smart Alexandria is a cam- the Census Bureau only works every 10 ering place on par with the synagogue, paign to stop the scourge of stroke. One years, but there’s a good chance you a convivial space where the overstuffed in six people will have a stroke in their are seeing or hearing about work that it sandwiches symbolized nothing less lifetime that will cause disability or conducts the other nine years. Im- than the achievement of the American death. There are very effective treat- portant information on employment, dream. Over time, the deli also became ments that can completely stop a stroke unemployment, health, crime, consum- an iconic part of American popular and save a life. The treatments are very er spending, the number of new homes entertainment, in dozens of plays, time sensitive, so it is critical to know constructed, and the number of people films, TV shows, songs, and stand-up how to spot a stroke immediately. in poverty are just a few of the topics comedy routines. From Aaron Lebe- Alan, a 30-year resident of Alexan- collected in the Bureau’s monthly, deff’s signature tune, Rumania, Ruma- dria, saw his family devastated by quarterly, and annual surveys. Infor- nia to John Belushi’s “Samurai Deli” stroke and is committed to educating mation from these surveys supply vital sketch on Saturday Night Live to Rob the city on how to stop strokes. He has statistics used by, among others, gov- Reiner’s film When Harry Met Sally, given a TED talk on the topic and will ernment officials, corporations, Cham- the deli and its fare became emblematic be sharing this critical information as bers of Commerce, academicians, re- of Jewish culture for Jews and non- well as donating some educational tools searchers, and librarians. Jews alike.” to support the campaign. Adam will Joe’s presentation will highlight the — Website of Jewish American also share ways to help prevent heart social, economic, demographic, and Heritage Month. problems. housing data available from these sur- Sale and signing of Mr. Merwin’s veys at the national, state, county, and books follows the presentation. All programs are $5 unless noted local levels. Easy online tools to access this data will also be demonstrated, 1 pm: Boxed Lunch (included in fee); otherwise. RSVP to along with an update of the planning 1:40pm: Program [email protected], and status for the 2020 census. Count 703.537.3062. yourself in on this program! Fee: $28 (includes program and boxed deli lunch — 1/2 corned beef sandwich, knish, side salad, and dessert). Notify Michele for vegan/gluten-free meal (hummus, salad, side dish, and fruit) at least one week prior to the program. No substitutions. Code: #10090

RSVP: Submit payment and registration payable to “Pozez JCC” by noon on Monday, Dec. 15, Attn: Registrar with “12/19” on memo line or call 703.537.3043 to pay with credit card. Note: Lunch is not available for walk- ins.

Page 16

December Updates and Offerings

from the Heller High Five

IVE BETH EL teens — Alexis Colton, Aurora Mercer, Kate Schneider, Dahlia Spinrad, and Samara Tanner — will be F studying for a semester in Israel during the 2020 school year at the URJ’s Heller High. From Israel, Fall 2019: From Oct. 28 to Nov. 5, Naomi Mercer and Kerry Takenaka visited their daughter Aurora in Israel during the Parent Pilgrimage offered by Heller High. The parent group attended classes and took a field trip to Tzfat, the birthplace of Kabbalah, with their teens. Naomi and Kerry visited the Kotel and the Old City in Jerusa- lem, including many markets, and enjoyed several dinners on Ben Yehu- da Street with Aurora and some of her friends. Other visits included Tel Aviv, Jaffa Port, the Belvoir Fort ruins from the Crusades, Yad Vashem, the Mount Herzl national cemetery, Masada, and the Dead Sea. Aurora is halfway through her semester at Heller High and was very excited to see her parents (including asking for another suitcase). Naomi and Kerry learned about the Heller High program in addition to experiencing the rich culture, art, and history of Israel, and enjoyed time with Aurora.

Planning for Israel, Spring 2020: A November conference call with the vice president of URJ Camps, NFTY, and Immersive Experiences, along with the Heller High School principal, assistant principal, and admissions director made the anticipated Israel semester even more real and sparked additional excitement among the Beth El teens who will be attending in spring 2020. The teens continue to focus on completing their fall semester classes, and will be departing at the end of January. Babysitting & Pet Sitting: Are you looking for a reliable and experienced babysitter for your child(ren) or someone to care for your pets? Alexis, Dahlia, Kate and Samara are available on an individual basis between now and the end of 2019 for babysitting and pet sitting. Babysitting is $11/hour for the first child, $5/hour for each additional child. Pet sitting rates to be negotiated depending on what is required. To schedule, please email [email protected]. Fundraising: The Heller High silent auction and raffle continued through Nov. 15. Congratulations to the win- ners! Thank you to all who bid on auction items and supported the raffle. The Heller High Five are extremely thankful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington for granting each teen a scholarship towards the cost of attending Heller High. We also want to thank Beth El’s Women of Reform Judaism and Brotherhood for their support of our fundraising efforts and for the opportunity to volunteer at their events throughout 2019. If you would like to support the Heller High Five’s fundraising efforts, checks can be made out to Beth El Hebrew Congregation with Heller High Fund in the memo line. Please email us at [email protected] with any questions. Thank you!

Beth El Bulletin December 2019 Beth El Hebrew Congregation Page 17 The Congregation Gratefully Acknowledges the Following Donations

ARNOLD G. FINK LEARNING CENTER PERMANENT ENDOWMENT FUND Donor In Memory of Donor Stacy & Mark Weiner ...... Florence Apar Audrey Liebross & Jay Jarvis Donor In Appreciation of BETH EL GENERAL FUND Sue Rabin ...... Hospitality, Bobbie Gershman Donor Sue Rabin ...... Hospitality and music by Lisa Sheldone Natasha Clark Donor In Honor of Christine & Michael Michaelis Sandy & Mel Rosenblatt ...... Linda Vogel’s special birthday Eva Obarzanek & Morton Nashman Donor In Memory of Donor In Appreciation of Rae Ellen & Charles James ...... William R. Frank Barry Weinstein ...... Becky McMurry Jay Lucas & Maxine Cohen ...... Beatrice Lucas Janet Hlatky ...... Beautiful High Holidays services Barry & Jeanette Astrow ...... Eleanor & Robert Klinkman Burton Greenstein ...... Reciprocity for the High Holidays Janet Hlatky ...... Judy Arnold Donor In Memory of Audrey Liebross & Jay Jarvis Alan Gropman ...... Miriam Gropman Ann & Ernie Levy Lucille Weener ...... Sumner Weener Shelli Ross Rose & Jerel Silver ...... Lillian Daniels Rhoda & Lennie Goldman Annette Kilian Karen & Michael Weinberger ...... Milton Horn CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Sue Rabin ...... Sadie Dangel Donor In Celebration of Vicki Warren ...... Marjorie Harris Myra Wendel Roney ...... Marriage of Cantor Jason Kaufman & Janet Hlatky ...... Kirk McPike Myrna & Paul Beck PRAYER BOOK FUND Lynne & Allan Somoroff Donor In Memory of Linda Waller & Chris Kocsis Sheila Fieldman ...... Ann Cory Donor In Memory of Millicent Rosenberg ...... Jack Malenka RABBI’S GOOD DEED FUND Donor CHAPEL IN THE WOODS Dawn Levy O’Donnell Donor In Memory of Diane & Martin Maslia Audrey Liebross & Jay Jarvis ...... Sybil Levin Donor In Appreciation of Sheila Fieldman ...... On-line services Donor In Memory of RICHARD FAKOURY MUSIC FUND Ronald Levin ...... Sybil Levin Donor In Celebration of Jacqueline Zuker-Akselrad & Edward Akselrad...... Lillian Daniels Enid & Jerry Liess ...... Linda Vogel’s 80th Birthday Rhoda & Lennie Goldman Ruth Perlstein ...... Marriage of Cantor Jason Kaufman & Annette Kilian Kirk McPike Anne & Stewart Levy Donor In Memory of Nancy & Alan Soschin ...... Leonard Soschin Barry & Jeanette Astrow ...... Roslyn & Sidney Astrow Marjorie Bauman ...... Gertrude Bauman & Carol Bauman Donor In Memory of INCLUSION FUND Sam Kirzner ...... Gerard Kirzner Donor In Memory of David Itkin ...... Isaac Itkin Janet Hlatky ...... Gladys Leon RABBI ISSEROW PLAYGROUND FUND INA LERNER ISRAEL FUND Donor Donor Mr. and Mrs. Redmon Barbara Rosenfeld Donor In Memory of Audrey Liebross & Jay Jarvis ...... Gladys Leon LANDO FUND Donor In Memory of SECURITY FUND Ziskind Family ...... Julie Lando Donor In Memory of Mary Goldwag ...... Edmund I. Goldwag MARC ROSS SCHOLARSHIP FUND Donor In Appreciation of SHAPIRO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Neil Schlussel ...... Rosh Hashanah services Donor In Memory of Donor In Honor of Vicki & Alan Rosenberg ...... Marshall Baram Shapiro Donna & Warren Rothman ...... Danny Oltman’s Bar Mitzvah Donor In Memory of SOCIAL ACTION FUND Paul Polinger & Susan Miller ...... Oscar Polinger Donor In Support of Audrey Liebross & Jay Jarvis ...... Lillian Daniels Lotte Goldman ...... ALIVE! Shelli Ross

Thank you for your generous donations. No donation is too small. All donations are acknowledged in The Bulletin two months following their receipt. Acknowledgements are mailed with a minimum of $18 per person per acknowledgement.

Page 18

Joyous Judaism! The POZEZ JCC-BETH EL ECLC is ready for you! Schedule your tour now! Registration opens in January for the 20-21 school year. Our Early Childhood Learning Center offers a 12-month program with part-time and full-time options for children who will be two, three, or four years old by September 30.

Our full-time toddler program accepts students from 16 to 23 months old.

The ECLC, offering a Reggio Emilia-inspired educational philosophy, is licensed by the State of Virgin- ia and is open to all members of the community. For more information or to set up a tour, please contact Director Dina Backer at 703-537-3084 or [email protected].

Beth El Bulletin December 2019 Beth El Hebrew Congregation Page 19

Page 20

The Bulletin Beth El Hebrew Congregation 3830 Seminary Road Alexandria, VA 22304 Member: Union for December 2019 Reform Judaism Volume 75 – No. 3 Founded in 1859 School: 703-370-6644 Office 703-370-9400 [email protected] www.bethelhebrew.org [email protected]

Rabbi David Spinrad Rabbi Emeritus Brett Isserow Cantor Jason R. Kaufman Executive Director Adam Wallach Director of Education Bailey Romano Preschool Site Director Dina Backer

President Alan Cohn Executive Vice President David Weinraub Vice Presidents Jake Gallun Donna Sachs Treasurer Clair Sassin Secretary Dorrit Lowsen Brotherhood President John Jankowski WRJ Co-Presidents Linda Shapiro Pat Collins Bulletin Editor Janet Hlatky

Hold the Date

Theater J: Sheltered, Jan. 9-Feb. 20, 2020 Experiencing the Jewish Italian Renaissance — Il Montovano Hebreo at Rodef Shalom, Jan. 25, 2020 Pozez JCC: Les Chansons Juives: Portraits of Jewish Music in France, Jan. 11, 2020 Cantor’s Concert, Feb. 8, 2020

Renaissance Group, Jan. 12, 2020 Brotherhood Policy Forum: Presidential Primaries, Feb. 9, 2020 Brotherhood Witness to History Event: The Y om Kippur War, Jan. 12, 2020 Northern Virginia ReelAbilities Film Festival, Feb. 20 – March 1, 2020 Alexandria Martin Luther King, Jr. Service, Jan. 15, 2020 Purim Carnival, March 8, 2020

NFTY MAR Winter Kallah, Jan 17 – 19, 2020 Brotherhood Policy Forum: The Future of Reform Judaism, March 15, 2020 Annual Giant Book Sale, Jan. 19 – 20, 2020

Religious Action Center Day for All People Lobbying Oral Rehydration Therapy Project, March 22, 2020 Day, Jan. 22, 2020 Mahj Mayhen, May 3, 2020