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The Centre Call germantown jewish centre www.germantownjewishcentre.org Volume 22, Issue No. 5 IYAR 5774 MAY 2014 What is ? “ charged us with Torah, the heritage of the community of .” Deuteronomy 33:4 By Zeff tion between heaven and earth. There is this relationship and make Torah our much debate in the about what, heritage when we connect ourselves to his well-known teaching about if anything, the could learn of the revelations and interpretations of TTorah is traditionally one of the first the specific content of revelation in that those who came before us, when we verses that children are taught, and we moment. While that debate remains seek to understand the mysteries of life still follow that tradition today. Rabbi alive, it is clear from the text that the peo- by joining in the amazing Jewish con- Lewis and I always enjoy singing the ple have a powerful experience of Torah, versation that has lasted through the song based on this verse (“Torah, Torah, even if its meaning has to be discovered centuries. And we find Torah when we Torah…”) with our youngest children in and teased out later, in a process that come together as a community of peo- the Early Childhood Program on Friday stretches through the millennia and con- ple who choose to link our lives to a mornings as we celebrate Shabbat to- tinues today. The idea that the experience tradition that began long before us and, gether, parading with the Torah scrolls of Torah comes before its content is re- G-d willing, will last long after us. To around the Magil Chapel. But this flected in the Israelites’ famous statement study the words of the Bible in isolation seemingly simple verse conceals a dif- that “We will do and we will obey,” be- from the history of their interpretation ficult question: What is this “Torah” fore they have heard any of the content and apart from a community that tries with which Moses has charged us? of Torah. The word “Torah” is used frequently After Sinai, the debate over Torah continued on page 3 in the Bible, but scholars still debate to shifts to the question of which under- what this word refers. Does it indicate standings of this revelatory experience Program Highlights a particular teaching (“this Torah”)? A are authoritative. Whose words count as set of rituals (“the Torah of the Torah? The words of Moses? The visions Tour of the Baseball Exhibit Nazirite”)? A specific body of law (“the of the prophets? What about the poetry at the National Museum Torah of the ”)? A certain book of the Song of Songs? Are the interpreta- of American Jewish History of the Bible (e.g., Deuteronomy)? A tions of the – the “Oral Torah” – May 1 collection of Biblical books (e.g., the truly Torah? What about interpretations Hazak Shabbat Five Books of Moses)? The entire He- of non-rabbis? Minors? Women? Non- May 3 brew Bible (Tanach)? The Bible plus ? Although some boundaries are Women’s Club Torah Fund Brunch the ancient rabbinic writings of the drawn, the ancient rabbis tend to be ex- May 4 Mishnah, Midrash, and Talmud? Or pansive in their vision of whose Torah is Young Families Retreat perhaps, as the ancient rabbis them- Torah, often including all of the possibil- May 9-11 selves seem to argue, “Torah” refers to ities I have mentioned, inside of Torah. In the sum total of all knowledge, Wis- our community, we also take a wide view Red Cross Blood Drive sponsored by Men’s Club dom with a capital “W?” Jewish tex- of whose Torah counts, and we pride our- May 11 tual traditions contain support for all of selves on the diversity of voices that make these views of the meaning of “Torah” up our understanding of Torah. Hatufim (Israeli TV Screening) May 14 & May 28 and more! So where are the boundaries? What When Torah is given at , is Torah and what is not-Torah? The verse Women’s Club Sharing Our Stories there is confusion. The world seems to from Deuteronomy has something to Sharing Our Lives & turn upside down and inside out, with teach us here as well. We find Torah in Israel 66 Celebration – featuring lightning and thunder obscuring the vi- the relationship we forge with that mo- GJC’s Melevah Malkah Band (offsite) sion and the hearing of those gathered ment at Sinai, the moment in which we May 18 to experience this moment of connec- were “charged” with Torah. We create

germantown jewish centre • 400 west ellet street • Philadelphia, Pa 19119 • tel 215.844.1507 • fax 215.844.8309 iYar 5774 • maY 2014 President’s Message One Last Column for the Road By Mitch Marcus, GJC President his column is lation of a new chair lift that makes the approved by the Executive Committee Tmy last as 2nd floor of the school building accessi- and we are delighted that she is going president of Ger- ble to folks with restricted mobility, leav- to be a continuing member of our staff mantown Jewish ing only the Maslow auditorium with team. Centre, my last difficult access for some. One of the great joys of being Pres- chance to kvell in print about GJC. We have again put Israel back into a ident has been learning how truly ex- Here, in no particular order, are a set of prominent place in our programming, re- cellent and committed our personal observations of the past year sponding to Rabbi Zeff’s Rosh Hashanah professionals are, both the folks that at GJC and where we now stand: challenge “to engage substantively with everyone knows but also our “behind First, and foremost, we have amaz- the issues surrounding Israel, … to shape the scenes” staff, with roles largely un- ing rabbis and amazing professional programs in ways that both acknowledge known to many of our members. Glo- staff at GJC. Equally amazing, we all the diversity of our community’s visions ria Geissler, our Finance Director, not seem to know it. The two comments I of Israel and encourage us to engage only makes sure that we know exactly get most often when at Weaver’s Way with each other in the spirit of mahloket where we are financially, saving us about GJC are (1) how strong and pos- l’shem shamayim (controversy for the money at every turn, but also quietly itive Rabbi Zeff’s leadership is, and (2) sake of Heaven), focusing on learning, and efficiently mentors our lay leader- how remarkably fortunate we are to mutual respect, openness to each other, ship (me, for example!) in the conser- have found Rabbi Lewis as our second and deep listening.” Building on Rabbi vative financial management and rabbi. (Comments about Nina Peskin Zeff and Rabbi Lewis’s “Tough Social Is- budgeting that keeps us on a steady are slightly more varied, divided sues in Israel” course, our new Israel Pro- course. Eric Word, our Maintenance roughly evenly between (1) she’s gramming Group, co-chaired by Joel Supervisor, in addition to the duties his tremendously effective, (2) she’s a men- Sweet and Josh Peskin, initiated two suc- title implies, manages a variety of com- sch, and (3) she sings like an .) cessful programs this spring, an Israel plex building projects that have in- Despite the risk of putting a kina Speed Sharing event, and a bi-weekly cluded over the past two years - hora on our finances, we are in very group viewing of Hatufim, the Israeli in- conversion to a dual fuel heating sys- strong financial shape. For the first time spiration for the Homeland TV show. tem, recovery from the external electri- in the past twenty years, due to efforts Our religious school and ECP are cal fire of last summer, installation of over that entire time, we now have al- going strong. With Rabbi Alanna Sklover the chair lift, installation of our new se- most 6 months of operating reserves to joining our staff as Rabbi Educator this curity system, and others. Elana Shaw, cushion unexpected financial bumps. year, there is a noticeable energy in the our Program Director, coordinates, fa- Our 75th endowment campaign, spear- halls of our Religious School. Rabbi cilitates, and stage manages a remark- headed by Curt Ponz and initiated by Alanna’s smile and passion for experien- able stream of programming with more my predecessor Chris Levin, has been tial education have already changed the constrained resources than most of us a tremendous success, raising over $1.4 way our school operates, as has the first imagine. Kate Lawn, Administrative million, with participation of over 360 phase of implementation of the new cur- Operations Manager, makes sure that households, 50 more than even our riculum developed by our Religious all the details for absolutely everything 60th campaign. School Committee over the past few else are taken care of, while making At a time when most years. Our Early Childhood Program was everyone who walks in feel warmly are shrinking in membership, GJC is most capably directed for most of this welcomed. actually growing. We are now at about year by Jodi Gordon on an interim basis, The collaboration between our rab- 525 family units, the largest we’ve been who stepped in as Mindy Pitofsky, our binic, professional, and lay leadership, in many, many years. ECP Director of many years, decided to between Rabbi Zeff, Executive Director Making this complex building ac- retire. The ECP Director search commit- Nina Peskin, Executive Vice President cessible has been a gradual process tee, chaired by Craig Barkan, recently Mat Shapiro (our nominee to become over many decades. The Women’s recommended unanimously and enthu- GJC’s next president), and myself, has Club was responsible for putting in the siastically that we hire Jodi as Director of been both deep and effective, a model elevator in the 1960s (or so), making ECP, reporting that parents and teachers for synagogues. Being part of this team the Silver Kiddush lounge and the Mar- alike have been delighted with Jodi’s has been a personal joy over the past cus Auditorium accessible. As I write presence. Jodi's move from Interim ECP two years. It has also been a great this, we are days away from the instal- Director to permanent ECP Director was continued on page 5

2 www.germantownjewishcentre.org The Centre Call germantown jewish centre In CeLeBRaTIOn… Joel , on the publication of his new Shabbat Chai-Lites book, 101 Ways to be a Terrific Sports Parent, and his interview on WHYY May 2 & 3 & Nahariyah Mosenkis, on the • Carlebach Shabbat • Hazak Shabbat (January 2014 - March 2014) birth of their new grandson • Kol D’mamah • Torah Yoga for Kids Helen & Feinberg, on the birth of their granddaughter • Musical Marching Minyan • Pirke Avot (offsite) Gabrielle Austin Feinberg May 9 & 10 Isa Barnett, daughter of Wendy Schwartz & Barnett & • Minyan Masorti (9:30 AM) – Mazal tov to Elisheva Hollo, granddaughter of Elliott Schwartz, on becoming Bat Mitzvah daughter of Elana & Juha Hollo, on becoming Bat Mitzvah Nayan Klur, son of Klur & Nilmini Klur, on becoming • Torah Yoga for Kids • Parshat ha-Shavua b’Ivrit Bar Mitzvah • Pirke Avot/Social Justice Text Study (offsite) Tillie Donover, daughter of Scott & Sandra Donover, on becoming • Family Retreat Weekend (offsite) Bat Mitzvah May 17 Alexis Braverman, daughter of Rona Pietrzak & Amiel Braverman, • Minyan Masorti/Charry Service (9:30 AM) – and Charlie Gandelman, on their aufruf and wedding Mazal tov to Avi Wolnek, son of Becky & Ivan Wolnek, Rebecca Rome, daughter of Jack & Susan Rome, on becoming on becoming Bar Mitzvah Bat Mitzvah • Torah Yoga for Kids • Pirke Avot (offsite) Bonnie Buyum, on her 50th birthday May 24 Caleb Rudick, son of Denise Wolf & Paul Rudick, on becoming • Pirke Avot (offsite) Bar Mitzvah David Kanthor & Burgandy Holiday, on the birth of their May 30 & 31 nephew Sami • Kol Zimrah Rabbi Jacob Staub & Michael Spitko, on the birth of their grandson • Charry Service – Mitch & Sue Marcus, on the engagement of their son Benjamin to Mazal tov to our Confirmation Students and their families Betsy Liekar • Pirke Avot (offsite) & Norm Schwartz, on the marriage of their grandson, Yehuda June 6 & 7 Leib Schwartz, son of & Tanya Schwartz, to Rivka • Carlebach Shabbat Aptowitzer, in • Minyan Masorti/Charry Service (9:30 AM) – Marcy Landesberg, on her 87th birthday Mazal tov to Ariadne Miller, daughter of Rabbi Julie Greenberg, on the publication of her new book, Just Minna Ziskind & Gavi Miller, on becoming Bat Mitzvah Parenting: Building the World One family at a Time • Kol D’mamah • Musical Marching Minyan Judy Schwartz, on the birth of her great granddaughter June 14 • Charry Service – Mazal tov to Jared Taylor, son of Jessica In MeMORIaM Baskin Taylor & Thomas Taylor, on becoming Bar Mitzvah Lewis John Goldberg, father of Jacob Goldberg & grandfather of • Parshat ha-Shavua b’Ivrit Jared, Hannah and Gabe June 21 Ruth Feinberg, mother of Michael Feinberg & grandmother of • Charry Service – Mazal tov to Levy, daughter of Josh & Ari Jonathan Levy & Claire McCusker, on becoming Bat Mitzvah Robert Michaels, father of Gina Michaels June 28 Rabbi Spicehandler, father of Rabbi Reena Spicehandler & • Kol Zimrah grandfather of Ari & Elana Kabbalat Shabbat/Carlebach Shabbat/Kol Zimrah David Striar, grandfather of Jessica Shapiro Fridays at 6 PM Shabbat Morning Rabbi’s Message Continued from page 1 Services at 10 AM (unless otherwise noted above) Kol D’mamah at 10 AM to plumb their meaning today may be an interesting exercise, Musical Marching Minyan at 10:15 AM but it is not Torah. Torah requires linking ourselves to both his- Parshat ha-Shavua b’Ivrit at 11 AM tory and community. As we move toward re-enacting the mo- ment of Sinai on Shavuot, may we be blessed to experience a Shabbat Morning Kids Space - Room 305 closer relationship to revelation, a more intense link to the Kids are welcome to play Shabbat-friendly games in Room 305 - bring your own and some will be provided. past, and a stronger connection to each other. “This is Torah, Please respect the space, clean up after yourselves and I must study it” (Babylonian Talmud 62a). and put all games away after use.

www.germantownjewishcentre.org 3 iYar 5774 • maY 2014 Member Spotlight by Linda Kriger building. Her eyes shone as she remem- Jean Dashevsky, donated a silver bered the ceremony. “We marched, the breastplate for one of the that band was playing, everybody was sits on the bimah in the Charry sanc- dressed in white, non-Jews marched tuary. The Torah her grandfather along with us, black and white. It was a brought from Europe and gave her fa- very big thing.” Her father became pres- ther, also sits on the bimah. Of Irene’s ident of the and her mother three daughters, Rivvy, Susan and Judy, Irene and Bernard Feldman president of the women’s auxiliary. Years only Judy, the youngest, became bat “She’ll be in a wheelchair, she has later, Ohavas Chesed merged with B’nai mitzvah, which was a brand new con- dark hair and she’s very pretty,” is how Jeshurun, then on Stenton Ave, which cept at the time. the attendant at the front desk at Sun- much later became B’nai Tikvah-B’nai When her family became members rise Assisted Living in Abington de- Jeshurun on Paper Mill Road in Erden- of GJC, Irene remembers a very differ- scribed Irene Feldman, a longtime heim. ent synagogue than the one that now member of Germantown Jewish Cen- Irene attended the Fitler School in exists, with its multiple services, casual tre, who hadn’t arrived back from a Germantown, Roosevelt Junior High clothing, and informality. She remem- shopping trip with her aide, Ethel. School on Washington Lane and Ger- bered a full choir and an organ and the Now 93, Irene has outlived her mantown High School, where she met thrill of the pageantry on the high hol- husband, her five siblings and most of her first Jewish classmates. “All my idays. her contemporaries at GJC. Irene re- friends were non-Jews until I went to She also remembered the social members GJC when it was, as she put Germantown high school, “ she said. “I events with nostalgia. “We had formal it, still “over a garage on Emlen St.” was informed immediately about the affairs at GJC,” she recalled. “We had Her memory for people, places and two tables in the lunchroom where the wonderful formal dinner dances for events in her life is remarkably keen. Jewish kids collected and I met them.” Thanksgiving and New Year’s , Irene was the youngest of six chil- Four of her high school friends are still when we came dressed up. It was so dren, two brothers and three sisters, living. One is 94 and others 93 and she beautiful.” On Kol Nidre night, she the oldest of whom was 15 years older is still in touch with them. says, officers of GJC would line up to than she. “I don’t have anyone now,” Irene met her husband, Bernard, make their procession to the bimah, she said, with a resigned grin and then when she was 16. He saw her one night, holding torahs, just as they do today. moves on to her memories. “My got her phone number and called her. The difference was, they were wearing mother was an amazing woman,” she She attended Temple University for two tuxedos. She also remembered putting continues. “She ran more organiza- years and by that time World War II had on stage shows at GJC. tions and helped more people when broken out. “Bernie and I decided we Perhaps one of the reasons Irene they came over from Europe. She wanted to get married. So I told my fa- has lived this long is that she doesn’t helped them get settled and still had ther and he said, ‘Marriage and school live in the past. She understands that time to help other people in the com- don’t go together. You make the deci- new generations are doing religion in munity. My father was wonderful, sion.’” new ways. Irene feels GJC had gotten too.” They married when Irene was 19 and more intellectual than spiritual in re- Her mother died of cancer when Bernie was 21. “The marriage was the cent years, although she thinks the Irene was 16, and her father moved his most amazing thing,” she said. “It was trend is reversing. “I think the young family in 1937 from Germantown to wonderful.” Bernie was shipped off to people who have taken over are doing an apartment on Ellet St., very near war when their daughter, Rivvy, was 2½ a wonderful . The Centre is so where GJC is now. The semi-detached and didn’t come back until she was five. much stronger now than when people houses across the street were not yet They were married 53 years, until started moving away. It doesn’t really built. When Irene first moved to the Bernie’s death 22 years ago. Starting matter what they wear. Our time was neighborhood, the land across from when her youngest daughter was 14 and just a different time. Everyone was for- her apartment was forest. for for 25 years thereafter, Irene taught mal.” Irene was initially involved in the adult education at various sites around One change that Irene said was dif- shul founded by her parents in Ger- the of Philadelphia. ficult “and this has to do with me, was mantown, called Ohavas Chesed, on Irene’s involvement with GJC began that they did away with a of the West Rittenhouse St., just off German- when her oldest daughter, Rivvy, was English readings during the holidays town Avenue. When she was six, the seven years old. Not only did her own and unless you know how to read He- cornerstone of Ohavas Chesed, which family join Germantown, so did her two brew, it was difficult. But I followed on Irene said was the first synagogue in brothers and their families. In fact her Germantown, was installed in the brother and sister-in-law, Isadore and continued on page 5

4 www.germantownjewishcentre.org The Centre Call germantown jewish centre

Member Spotlight hats. It’s very nice even for that moment better tomorrow. Take care of my par- Continued from page 4 you’re living it.” ents and all those I love. Watch over the English page. I didn’t want it all in Going back to GJC in the 1950s, us while we sleep that we may wake English, but I felt a loss when English Irene shut her eyes for a moment and again to the light of thy love.” prayers got fewer and fewer.” said, “There was something exciting Irene says that as a child, “I felt en- Irene didn’t have much formal Jew- about the high holidays, just closing compassed by that prayer. So when ish education – she quit Sunday school your eyes and listening to that beautiful I’d feel scared to death, I’d put the cov- at her parents’ synagogue. “My total choir. It made such an impression on my ers over my head and say that prayer. experience as far as the Germantown children and they were always so proud It worked for me.” Jewish Centre is wonderful and any- to see their Dad on the bimah.” Bernard Says the woman who lost her thing that became less than wonderful was comptroller of GJC in those days. mother in the middle of her teenage is my fault, not the synagogue’s,” she Her health and the distance from GJC years, “The most wonderful thing is said. “I should have studied Hebrew mean that Irene hasn’t come to high-hol- that I’ve lived long enough to see my and taken classes.” iday services in three years. Still, she de- three daughters become women. The She found Hebrew School in her scribes herself as spiritual. Asked what relationship is very different than own youth stultifying. “Hebrew school she means by that, she answered this when you lose your mother at 16. I’m then isn’t what Hebrew school is way. a great grandmother. My daughters all today,” she said. “The entire world is “I found it as a child. I always felt a live far away in California and Col- so different now. It takes getting used close connection to . As a child, I orado, but they’re here very often.” to. There are lots of wonderful things was very frightened at night. I always Her oldest daughter, Rivvy Ne- happening now and we’ve gone into a said my prayers. I still say the same shamah, who lives in Boulder, Col- cycle that’s so amazing, it’s almost like prayer I’ve said since I was 6 years old. orado, has written a book called learning a new language.” Ohavas Chesed was run by the Hebrew Recipes for a More Sacred Life. Rivvy, Irene sees why the religious serv- Sunday school society, and they weren’t the next generation, took what she ices at GJC of today are nothing like teaching Hebrew then. But they did a learned from her mother and ran with what she experienced as a young wonderful job of instilling a feeling of it. As it says on her website, “Rivvy mother. “I see why they wanted to God. When I was a kid and I went to Neshama is a writer, editor, and com- change the format we’d used all those Sunday school, you just got this feeling.” munity organizer whose spiritual path years,” she said. “It’s a religious holi- This is the prayer she was taught. draws from many sources: Eastern and day, not a get dressed up holiday.” But “Heavenly father, now that the day is Western religions, Native traditions, nostalgia for grand formality of the past over, and the quiet night has come, I ask Sufis and shamans, and her mom.” makes its way back into her conscious- you once more to bless me before I “Life is amazing,“ Irene says. “It’s ness. “In England, I believe, the Jews sleep. Forgive me if I have done anything quite a journey.” on Kol Nidre night wear tails and high wrong during the day and help me to be Hazak President’s Message Continued from page 2 Programming for Adults 55+ pleasure working with GJC’s Execu- By Hazak Co-Chairs, Cherie Goren & Sonia Dishler tive Committee, in another effective collaboration. Working in teams hankfully we were in between pating in the service in some way, where many voices are heard, dis- Tsnow storms on March 9 for a please contact Sonia Dishler. Our agreements are all for the sake of fantastic program with Gratz College monthly book group meets on Wednes- Heaven, and wise voices win out, is history professor and GJC member, days at 10 AM, please join us on May always a pleasure. Similarly with the Michael Steinlauf on Polish Jewry 14 and June 11. Also stay tuned for GJC board. We have set out a new then and now. Overall our Sunday more details about our next program on model for committees in a major morning programs have been quite Sunday, June 22. bylaw revision, clarifying how com- successful this year and we plan to Hazak is the United Synagogue of Conser- mittees work with professional staff, schedule more in 2014-15. vative Judaism’s organization for Jewish and begun to set out formal policies Upcoming this Spring, please join men and women, 55 years and older. The on a range of hard issues, with strong us for Hazak Shabbat on Saturday, name HAZAK is an acronym. The het discussions followed by, in my view, May 3, it’s a wonderful way to honor stands for Hokhma (wisdom), that zayan wise decisions. I thank you all for for Ziknah (maturity) and the kuph for the seniors of GJC. Hazak members your thoughtfulness, your time and Kadima (looking ahead). The Rhea Shils your dedication. will participate in leading the service Chapter of Hazak at Germantown Jewish and Hazak will host a delicious kid- Centre has offered programs that appeal to This is a wonderful place. As far dush. If you are interested in partici- a wide audience since 2003. as I can tell, it keeps getting better.

www.germantownjewishcentre.org 5 iYar 5774 • maY 2014 Women’s Club news

Barb Menin and Dena Lake, co-presidents of Women’s Club

PURIM BASH afternoon performance of ten-minute year’s Torah Fund nominee is Kathy Our annual Purim Bash on March plays unmasking the stories of women Amrom. Dr, Elizabeth Bloch-Smith 8th was a huge success! After a win- from biblical text entitled UNMASKED will speak on Ancient Balabustas: ter that inundated us with snow- Jewish Women from Page to Stage. Women’s Lives in Biblical Israel. storms and snow accumulation, Adena Potok, President of Theatre For further information contact Judy everyone welcomed the Under the Ariel’s board, faciliated this creative Schwartz([email protected]) Boardwalk theme. The colorful beach women’s Shabbat. or Bev Somerson (beverly@securityof- towel table decorations and bathing Theatre Ariel is Pennsylvania’s only fice.com) suits strung overhead along with fa- professional theatre dedicated to illumi- WOMEN’S INTERGENERATIONAL vorite boardwalk fare was a harbinger nating the social, cultural and spiritual GATHERING of sunnier skies and warmer days. heritage of the Jewish People. They cre- The next Women’s Intergenera- The choir performed another original ate and produce new and established tional Gathering is Sunday, May 18th Purim Spiel and we all danced to work that reflects on the global Jewish at 10:00 AM. Michael Lazar’s records. experience. Theatre Ariel enlightens, The topic is What do we know WOMEN’S SHABBAT entertains and enriches audiences about our parents’ lives before we In keeping with GJC’s Judaism & through the telling of Jewish stories, cel- were born (Immigrants from where? the Arts programming theme this ebrating the laughter and lessons of the What kind of work did they do?) year, the Scholar in Residence for shared human experience. For further information contact Women’s Shabbat on Saturday, April TORAH FUND Maxine Feldman (maxfeldman1709 5th was Theatre Ariel. They lead us The Women’s Club Torah Fund @aol.com) or Sue Sussman (Susan@ in an interactive Torah study and an brunch will be Sunday, May 4th. This Americoach.org).

PEOPLE OF While flowers bloom and birds sing THE BOOK Leslie, Marcy and Connie are bustling Making sure that the Shop GJC’s Jewish Book Reading Group Is bright and new e meet at Germantown Jew- With wonderful things just for you. Wish Centre in the Quitman Li- You will need some presents brary. We read fiction and nonfiction For Mother’s Day. books of Jewish interest written mostly, but not solely, by Jewish writ- There are purses and scarves ers and chosen by the group. And if I also might say, Volunteer group members Jewelry, bowls, dishes and a vase lead the discussion. For more For every conceivable taste. information, contact Vilma Lieber- And for that very smart child who has man at [email protected] or graduated and is now ready to fly 215-885-5753. *Combine our monthly special in May There are clocks, and watches, and books to buy. May 13 (10% off Challah Boards, Knives and Covers) with the Early Bird Special for 20% off our already low, low prices. And Father’s Day will soon be here The Lost Wife So there are items which will put a sparkle in his eye. by Alyson Richman Early Bird Special: A hostess gift? A present for a friend? 10% off You’ll find it here, again and again. purchases made between And lest we forget, and none of you will, June 10 12 pm and 3 pm Tuesdays thru Friday. We have the best Judaicia on Mt. Airy hill. People of Forever Are Too much to list, and it’s all the best, Not Afraid Sunday: 9:30 – 12:30 Wednesday: 12:00 – 7:30 So come early, come often, and never forget, by Shani Boianjiu Monday: Closed Thursday: 12:00- 5:00 We wrap that present with a big bright bow, Tuesday: 12:00- 7:30 Friday: 12:00 – 5:00 And we take credit cards as you know.

6 www.germantownjewishcentre.org The Centre Call germantown jewish centre Purim Bash

Purim Mishloah Manot Tzedakah project another success!

his year we collected just over Betsy Teutsch T$2,700; after covering the ex- Michelle Friedman penses of putting together the gift George Stern & his friends baskets, we were able to donate a from Texas! total of more than $1,600 to four Ameet Ravital organizations that help fight hunger Rona Pietrzak locally and nationally – Weaver’s Nina Israel Way Community Garden at Stenton Phill Goldberg Manor, Mazon, Female Hebrew Abby Weinberg Benevolent Society and Northwest Hadassah Weinmartin Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Yehudah Weinmartin Network. Sheila Erlbaum Tani Nevins Klein In addition to the more than 60 Yossi Ravital Tamara Cohen families that donated funds to the Danielle Stillman Toby Kessler Cohen project, a special thank you to Leila Stillman Utterback Eleanor Brownstein Genie Ravital for organizing the Helen Feinberg Elana Shaw, Takia Raneri, Rabbi project and these additional volun- Gloria Geissler Alanna Sklover & Gloria Geissler teers for their hands on work: Melissa Klein from the GJC Office

early Childhood Program (eCP) Spring is in the Air at ECP By Jodi Gordon, ECP Director JC’s Early Childhood Program preparing for Passover including search- school wide Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebra- G(ECP) is bustling with creative ing their rooms for Chametz, making tion. We will board an El-Al energy and many opportunities for our own matzah and designing their airplane for an imaginary trip to Israel the children to explore and discover. own seder plates! The Gesher, Bonim, where we will visit a Shuk, sample We celebrated Purim with a very fes- and Gan katan classes came together for some Israeli foods at a Tel-Aviv café tive Purim parade, singing songs and a very special Seder lead by Rabbi and dig for shekels in the sand. baking hamantashen. We truly en- Annie and Rabbi Alanna. Our infant and We will end our trip to Israel with joyed the retelling of Megillat Esther toddler rooms celebrated with their own a little Israeli dancing and a good by Rabbi Adam and Rabbi Annie as it individual mini seders where they tasted nap! brought a deeper meaning to our hol- some of the delicious and symbolic We will also be celebrating iday activities. foods found on the seder plate, sang Grandparents and Special Persons April means Spring finally arrived songs and pretended to trek across the Day at ECP on Friday, May 2. We are and we celebrated Passover! Each of desert! so excited to celebrate Shabbat with our ECP classes was extremely busy We look forward to May and a all of our special visitors!

www.germantownjewishcentre.org 7 iYar 5774 • maY 2014

Men’s Club news adult education 2014/5774

Please review the chart below for our courses at a glance. Advanced registration is requested for all courses. Contact the office to register.

              

         !"               #       $  %&   '   ( &)   Men’s Club co-President Rod Griffth (right)  **+ congratulates Elaine & John Frank, this year’s   ,- Passport to Israel fundraiser grand prize  winners 

Religious School Bridging the Generations and Making Learning Real By Rabbi Alanna Sklover s we conclude the third blessing occurs within the context of the family which each of our classes is Aof the Amidah, we chant, “L’dor – around the dinner table, on trips to connected with a maven (an expert) va dor nagid godlecha, u’netzach Israel and other places with ancestral within our congregation: a storyteller, ties, when looking through photo an artist, the child of a Holocaust רודל netzachim k’dushatcha nakdish albums, playing catch with an old survivor, an historian, a lawyer, a ךתשדק םיחצנ חצנלו ,ךלדג דיגנ רודו From generation to baseball mitt, or cooking a special rabbi, a medical ethicist; someone – שידקנ generation we will tell of Your recipe together on the eve of a holiday. who would work with the teacher to greatness, and from strength to But I want to suggest that, in addition make a certain aspect of the strength we will sanctify Your to these modalities, the Synagogue curriculum come alive in a new way. holiness. For me, this is not only a setting, especially in one like ours, Through the benefit of the maven’s piece of liturgy, but also a daily presents a wonderful opportunity to life experience and wisdom, students reminder of the critical place in our explore rich new ways to explore and will build a new and more personal – tradition for intergenerational live out the kind of intergeneration more real – connection to material learning and living. It speaks to the relationship described in our liturgy. that was previously merely academic. importance of fostering a In our “Community of com- In the lens of Jewish education, is strong connection between the munities,” we are blessed to have so there really any better way to generations, allowing ritual and rite, many talented, skilled, and passionate “sanctify Your holiness”?! values and history, music and people who come from such a diverse This question of “L’dor va’dor wisdom to fill the mouths and array of backgrounds – Jewishly and nagid godlecha”, is the one I sit with imaginations of the next step in the professionally – who help keep our today – and that which I invite you to great journey of the Jewish people. It community strong. What would it look help me think about as we move into is through this cyclical, like to bring these skills, this passion, the next school year. May we go from intergenerational, relationship, the and the wellspring of wisdom alive in strength to strength together, and liturgist suggests, that allows us to the GJC community across the inspire our students, children, and truly tell of the greatness and the threshold of our classrooms and into grandchildren to not only come along holiness of Divinity. the lives of our students? on that journey with us, but take up Often times, this transmission In my imagination is a scenario in the mantle and make it their own!

Special Thanks to the Wolfe Family Foundation for generously supporting programming at GJC

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www.germantownjewishcentre.org 11 iYar 5774 • maY 2014 The fastest way for your contribution to be processed is for you to fill out a Contribution Form (available in the office or on our website) and return it to the office along with a check. Or just send in a check with a note. Contributions For the period of January, 2014 through March, 2014 Todah Rabbah! Sincere thanks and appreciation to those who remember to honor their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions.

FUND BY OCCASION Adult Education Fund Linda Dzuba in memory of Rose Pinkenson, mother Maura Sostack Bess Schick Memorial Fund Dena & Ed Lake in memory of Natalie Levine, mother of Herb Levine in memory of Polly Wright, mother of Patty Wright Finestone in honor of Eric Word & the GJC Maintenance Staff in memory of Ruth Feinberg, mother of Michael Feinberg Camp Scholarship Fund Berel & Susan Sternthal refuah shleimah to Debbie Stern, on recovering from knee surgery Chesed Fund Beth Stearman in memory of Lillian Stearman, grandmother Lynne & Art Ellis in memory of Polly Wright, mother of Patty Wright Finestone Berel & Susan Sternthal in memory of Seymour Meyers, partner of Marilyn Silberstein Early Childhood Program Fund Neil Kitrosser & Diane Ajl in honor of Josh Goldblum & Deborah Fishman, on the birth of their grandson in honor of Mark Smith & Liz Bloch-Smith, on the birth of their grandchild Mitchell Berk & Beth Stearman in appreciation of Anna & Phill Goldberg, for their friendship & support Shelley Weber in memory of Benjamin Marged, father General Fund Dan & Marcy Bacine in memory of Lewis John Goldberg, father of Jacob Goldberg Albert & Peninah Berdugo in memory of Polly Wright, mother of Patty Wright Finestone Mitchell Berk & Beth Stearman Mikael Elsila & Dina Pinsky in memory of Hyman Oliver Schneier, father of Joel Schneier in honor of Mitch & Sue Marcus, on the birth of their granddaughter Lynne Furman in memory of Nathan Klieman, father Harry Kissileff in memory of Bertha Reisman, grandmother in memory of Julia R. Kissileff, mother Judd Levingston & Hillary Kruger in memory of Ruth Feinberg, mother of Michael Feinberg in memory of Natalie Levine, mother of Herb Levine in memory of Polly Wright, mother of Patty Wright Finestone in honor of Rona Pietrzak & Amiel Braverman, on the wedding of their daughter, Alexis Braverman & Charlie Gandleman & Sam Magdovitz refuah shleimah to Howie Langer in honor of Rona Pietrzak & Amiel Braverman, on the wedding of their daughter, Alexis Braverman & Charlie Gandleman Denise Wolf & Paul Rudick in honor of Jose, Eric & the GJC Maintenance Staff, for all of their help & assistance with Caleb’s Bar Mitzvah in honor of Nina, Kate & Elana, for all of their dedicated assistance with Caleb’s Bar Mitzvah Bev & Ira Somerson in memory of Seymour Meyers, partner of Marilyn Silberstein Marna Sternbach in memory of Maurice Sternbach, father Berel & Susan Sternthal in memory of Polly Wright, mother of Patty Wright Finestone Hazak Fund Cy & Rennie Cohen in memory of Victoria M. Howitz, niece Sonia Dishler in memory of Henry Feinberg, brother Sam Feinberg in memory of Gitel Feinberg, mother Cherie Goren in memory of Leo Fleischman, father refuah shleimah to Weber

12 www.germantownjewishcentre.org The Centre Call germantown jewish centre Contributions Continued Hazak Fund Berel & Susan Sternthal refuah shleimah to Hilda Minkoff Aaron Weber in memory of Weber, brother in memory of Ida Weber, mother Interfaith Hospitality Network Fund Janet Elfant in memory of Sylvia Elfant, mother Tamar & Sam Magdovitz in memory of Natalie Levine, mother of Herb Levine refuah shleimah to Steve Asher Cecile & Sam Merion Israel Affairs Fund Carol & Marty Kaplan in memory of Dorothy Snellenburg, sister of Marcy Landesburg refuah shleimah to Mitchell Berk Marcy Landesberg refuah shleimah to Hilda Minkoff Cyrilla Rosen in memory of Dorothy Snellenburg, sister of Marcy Landesburg in honor of Mitch & Sue Marcus, on the birth of their granddaughter in honor of Marty Kaplan, on his 84th birthday in memory of Seymour Meyers, partner of Marilyn Silberstein in honor of Helen & Michael Feinberg, on the birth of their granddaughter, Gabrielle Austin in memory of Cecelia Creshkoff, grandmother Leah & Norman Schwartz in honor of Raphael & Tanya Schwartz, on the marriage of their son, Yehuda Leib to Rivka Aptowitzer in honor of Carol & Marty Kaplan, on the birth of their great grandson, Snir David Boutavia Norman Schwartz in memory of Hannah Garnick Good, mother Israel Garden Fund Evelyn Caplin in memory of Herman Barash, uncle Mitchell Hirsch & Sylvia Lifschitz in memory of Polly Wright, mother of Patty Wright Finestone Catherine E. Niallon in memory of Alice “Rainy” Loraine Ebert, grandmother David Picker in memory of Morris Picker, father Kiddush Fund Andrea Brockman & in memory of Milton Sanders, husband of Freida Sanders and Vincent DiLorenzo father of Susan Weiss Berel & Susan Sternthal in honor of Joyce & Sheldon Eveloff, on their 50th wedding anniversary Library Fund Marilyn Barr in memory of Edward I. Greenstone, father Ruth Rosenthal in memory of Robert Rosenthal, son Minyan Masorti Memorial Wendy Weingarten in memory of Robert M. Traub, father Shabbat Fund in memory of Rose Weingarten, mother-in-law Music Fund Dan & Marcy Bacine in memory of Seymour Meyers, partner of Marilyn Silberstein Michael Blackman in memory of Polly Wright, mother of Patty Wright Finestone John Frank in memory of Lillian Frank, mother Chuck & Martha Schleifer in memory of Polly Wright, mother of Patty Wright Finestone in memory of Natalie Levine, mother of Herb Levine in memory of Seymour Meyers, partner of Marilyn Silberstein Chuck Schleifer in memory of Betty Schleifer, mother Prayerbook & Ritual Item Fund Alan Mendelsohn & Mindy Shapiro in memory of Natalie Levine, mother of Herb Levine in memory of Hyman Oliver Schneier, father of Joel Schneier in memory of Paul Actor, father of Neil Actor in honor of Alexis Braverman & Charlie Gandelman, on their wedding in honor of Rabbi Zeff & Cheryl Bettigole, on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Mati Zeff Program Fund Mitchell Berk & Beth Stearman Doug Lerner & Ken Cohen

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Contributions Continued Rabbi Lewis’ Discretionary Fund Michael Beer in memory of Seymour Beer, father Mitchell Berk in memory of Mollie Needleman, grandmother Brenda & David Laigaie & in appreciation of Rabbi Lewis, for her help & support during Roselle Numerof Sid’s passing Chuck & Lyndall Miller in memory of Natalie Levine, mother of Herb Levine in memory of Polly Wright, mother of Patty Wright Finestone Catherine E. Niallon in memory of Bonnie Ebert Clark, mother Barbara Pearson in memory of Morris Balis, grandfather Charlotte Peitzman in memory of Seymour Meyers, partner of Marilyn Silberstein Denise Wolf & Paul Rudick in honor of Rabbi Lewis, for her wonderful mentoring of Caleb for his Bar Mitzvah Leah & Norman Schwartz in honor of Joyce & Sheldon Eveloff, on their 50th wedding anniversary in honor of Denise Wolf & Paul Rudick, on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Caleb in honor of Jack & Susan Rome, on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Rebecca Rabbi Zeff’s Discretionary Fund Dan Bacine in memory of Nathan Bacine, uncle in memory of Jeanette Bacine, mother Michael Beer in memory of Seymour Beer, father Lila Booth in memory of Elizabeth Wolfman, mother Geof Margo in memory of Eli Margo, father Linda & Jeff Needleman in honor of Ed & Dena Lake, on their daughter's engagement Frances Friedmann Neiman in memory of Bernie Goldstein, father of Mrs. William Winters Catherine E. Niallon in memory of Theoris M. Ebert, grandfather Roselle Numerof in appreciation of Rabbi Zeff, for his help & support during Sid’s passing Pearl Raz in memory of Estelle Admonit, mother Denise Wolf & Paul Rudick in honor of Rabbi Zeff, for his meaningful support for Caleb’s Bar Mitzvah Michael Sivitz in memory of Sidney Sivitz, father Jacob Staub & Michael Spitko in memory of Ruth Feinberg, mother of Michael Feinberg Susan & Ken Weiss in memory of Ruth Feinberg, mother of Michael Feinberg Religious School Fund Sheila & Alex Avelin in honor of Dove Rosenberg, for 18 years of teaching in the Religious School Dan & Lila Berman in honor of Dove Rosenberg, for 18 years of teaching in the Religious School Rebecca Meyer & Kevin Bernstein in honor of Dove Rosenberg, for 18 years of teaching in the Religious School Lawrence & Ellyn Charap in honor of Dove Rosenberg, for 18 years of teaching in the Religious School Richard & Linda Feder in honor of Dove Rosenberg, for 18 years of teaching in the Religious School Connie & Sam Katz in honor of Dove Rosenberg, for 18 years of teaching in the Religious School Janet Kroll in honor of Dove Rosenberg, for 18 years of teaching in the Religious School Brenda & David Laigaie & in appreciation of Rabbi Sklover, for her help & support during Roselle Numerof Sid’s passing Judd Levingston & Hillary Kruger in honor of Dove Rosenberg, for 18 years of teaching in the Religious School

14 www.germantownjewishcentre.org The Centre Call germantown jewish centre Contributions Continued Religious School Fund Nathan Martin & Abby Weinberg in honor of Dove Rosenberg, for 18 years of teaching in the Religious School Genie & Ameet Ravital in honor of Dove Rosenberg, for 18 years of teaching in the Religious School Sue Rochman in honor of Dove Rosenberg, for 18 years of teaching in the Religious School Denise Wolf & Paul Rudick in honor of Dove Rosenberg, for 18 years of teaching in the Religious School in honor of Rabbi Alanna Sklover, for her enthusiastic support of Caleb’s Bar Mitzvah Stefanie & Alex Seldin in memory of Anne Kalcheim Zaslow, mother of Rebecca Zaslow Steve Weinberg & Elisa Goldberg in honor of Dove Rosenberg, for 18 years of teaching in the Religious School Social Action Fund Barbara Bloom in memory of Natalie Levine, mother of Herb Levine Chana Bonn in memory of Hirsh Segal, loved one of Ruth Segal David & Betty Ann Fellner in memory of Ruth Feinberg, mother of Michael Feinberg in memory of Natalie Levine, mother of Herb Levine in memory of Polly Wright, mother of Patty Wright Finestone David Fellner in memory of Werner Fellner, father Mitchell Hirsch & Sylvia Lifschitz in memory of Natalie Levine, mother of Herb Levine Maxine Margolies in memory of Irene Margolies, mother Denise Wolf & Paul Rudick in honor of Sharon Webber, for reading Torah at Caleb’s Bar Mitzvah Debbie Stern in memory of Myron Schoen, father Torah Restoration Fund Kathy & George Amrom in memory of Polly Wright, mother of Patty Wright Finestone in memory of Natalie Levine, mother of Herb Levine in memory of Ruth Feinberg, mother of Michael Feinberg Denise Wolf & Paul Rudick in honor of Devorah Lissek, for reading Torah at Caleb’s Bar Mitzvah Judy Schwartz & Jay Seitchik in memory of Seymour Meyers, partner of Marilyn Silberstein Joan Silver in memory of Seymour Meyers, partner of Marilyn Silberstein Berel & Susan Sternthal refuah shleimah to Phyllis Kauffman in memory of Polly Wright, mother of Patty Wright Finestone Women’s Club Florence Kobran in memory of Samuel Z. Kobran, husband Youth Activities Fund Curt & Leslie Pontz in honor of Sheldon & Joyce Eveloff, on their 50th wedding anniversary in memory of Seymour Meyers, partner of Marilyn Silberstein in memory of Ruth Feinberg, mother of Michael Feinberg in honor of Jack & Susan Rome, on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Rebecca in memory of Robert Michaels, father of Gina Michaels Curt Pontz in memory of Selma Goodman, aunt Denise Wolf & Paul Rudick in honor of Chip Becker, for reading Torah at Caleb’s Bar Mitzvah Joan Stern in memory of Charles B. Stern, husband

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18 www.germantownjewishcentre.org The Centre Call germantown jewish centre Sesame/RockwoodSSeeesssaaammmee /RRooocckkkw wwo ooodood CampsCCampamampmpppss SESAME DAY CAMP • CAMP ROCKWOOD ROCKWOOD ADVENTURES TEEN TRAVEL Q Day Camp: 4 to Q Extensive Sports Program 8 Week Sessions Q Great Lunches, Snacks* Q Mini-Day Option & Much More! (3, 4, & 5 year olds) Q Teen Travel Program: Q American Red Cross 1 to 8 Week Options Swim Program for 6th thru 9th Grades Q Arts & Outdoor Q Door-to-Door Adventure Activities Transportation *Food served is not under Kosher supervision. Offering Your Child the Finest in Caring Staff, Diverse Programming & Outstanding Facilities. Howard & Dale Baerman, Owners/Directors

610.275.CAMP www.srdaycamps.com

Tutoring for Reading and Language Arts PERSONAL TRAINER Wilson Reading System Certified Zachary Segal, NASM CES PES (215) 688-6241 www.threadmovement.com NASM Certified Fitness Trainer Ellen Reese Tel: 610 668 9865 “Training for Health Through Effort, Flow, and Focus” Cel: 267 971 7970 e-mail: [email protected] Train In–Home or at Local Gym

ISRaeLI danCIng Sundays at 10 AM $5 per session For more info call Tamar Magdovitz at 215-247-9614

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Inside Centre Call Rabbi’s Message ...... Page 1 President’s Message ...... Page 2 Shabbat Chai-Lites ...... Page 3 What’s New in the Mishpoche . . . .Page 3 Member Spotlight ...... Page 4 Hazak ...... Page 5 Women’s Club News ...... Page 6 Little Shop ...... Page 6 ...... Page 6 ECP ...... Page 7 Adult Education ...... Page 8 Men’s Club News ...... Page 8 Religious School ...... Page 8 Spring Concert ...... Page 9 Shavuot ...... Page 11 Contributions (begin on) ...... Page 12

Please submit all articles via email to (215) 844-1507 fax: (215) 844-8309 [email protected]. Web: www.GermantownJewishCentre.org Deadline for the Summer Online Only Issue is June 2. Mitchell P. Marcus P RESIDENT Adam Zeff Save the Dates R ABBI Annie Lewis A SSISTANT R ABBI Nina Peskin Spring Concert & Family Fun Day E XECUTIVE D IRECTOR Alanna Sklover honoring Leslie & Curt Pontz R ABBI E DUCATOR Gloria Geissler June 1 F INANCE D IRECTOR Jodi Gordon E ARLY C HILDHOOD D IRECTOR Shavuot Night of Study: Revelation & the Arts Elana Shaw P ROGRAM D IRECTOR June 3 Leonard D. Gordon R ABBI E MERITUS Rod Griffith & David Fish Women’s & Men’s Club Installation M EN ’ S C LUB C O -P RESIDENTS Barb Menin & Dena Lake June 8 W OMEN ’ S C LUB C O -P RESIDENTS affiliated with the United synagogue of conservative judaism

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