CHANUKAH/PURIM ISSUE KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN

Volume LXXVIII, Number 2 December 15, 2008 18 Kislev 5769 Women’s Scholarship Celebrated at KJ Lookstein’s 50 Years as Rabbinic Leader Honored

Great minds came together at a mini- that Avimelech could take Sarah for and the author of Waiting for Rain: Hakhel held at KJ on Sunday, November himself. In this case the fear of God is Reflections at the Turning of the Year, led 16, in honor of Rabbi Haskel Lookstein’s similar to the fear one has of a policeman off the program by raising the question of fifty years as KJ Rabbinic leader. or a judge who metes out punishment. who from Bnei Yisrael should be present at Sponsored by MaTaN, a -based Yirat Elokim is later attributed in the Hakhel, the gathering of the Jewish people Women’s Institute for Torah Studies, the parasha to Avraham when he demonstrated every seven years when the Torah is read. program embodied the commitment to a willingness to obey God’s command to After giving her audience opportunity tradition and learning shared by KJ and sacrifice his only son, Yitzchak. In this to independently study the texts on which Ramaz. situation, however, the fear of God comes her presentation was based, b’chavruta, Rabbi Lookstein welcomed the from total commitment to, and faith in, Dr. Levy reviewed the historical overflow crowd with a D’var Torah, God. Avraham may have been conflicted contributions of Shafan (the scribe of King inspired by Professor Yeshayahu and terrified by this commandment, but he Yoshiya), Ezra, and Rabbi Akiva to the Leibowitz, comparing the two types of was nonetheless prepared to obey God’s reading of, and the study of, Torah. She yirat Elokim mentioned in parashat Vayera. words. concluded, based upon the analysis, it was The first is mentioned in conjunction with The enthusiastic audience then had the determined that all of Bnei Yisrael - from Avimelech, king of Gerar. The reason opportunity to learn from four MaTaN the most scholarly to children - needed to Avraham lied to Avimelech about Sarah scholars, all of whom embody the concept be at Hakhel because we never know who not being his wife was because Avraham of yirat Elokim as emulated by Avraham. the next champion of the Torah will be. was afraid that there was no yirat Elokim Dr. Bryna Levy, Dean of the Joan and Rabbanit Malka Bina, the founder and in that city and he would surely be killed so Shael Bellows Masters Program at MaTaN continued on page 12

SAMUEL S. SILVERSTEIN SHABBATON Yoetzet Halakhah to Visit KJ JANUARY 30-31, 2009 The laws of taharat hamishpacha, family January 30 - Friday Evening Dinner purity, can seem daunting and confusing, immediately following 5:05 PM services: especially for those who are newly married “THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS and or/observant. A yoetzet halakhah is a Our Featured Scholar TO THE STUDY OF ” learned woman with recognized expertise in DR. LAWRENCE H. SCHIFFMAN the field, to whom women can turn for January 31 - Saturday Morning advice, answers and encouragement. FRIDAY EVENING SHABBAT DINNER at the conclusion of KJ is proud to welcome Atara Eis, who Members Non-Members 9:00 AM Shabbat services: learned at Nishmat’s Keren Ariel Institute to Adults: $35 $40 “ARCHAEOLOGY AND THE BIBLE: become a yoetzet halakhah, and who will Juniors (ages 12-18): $30 $35 FRIENDS OR FOES” address the congregation on February 7th, Children (ages 2-11): $18 $30 Shabbat Parashat Beshalach. Atara will also Dr. Lawrence H. Schiffman, chairman Studies. An expert on the Dead Sea offer monthly programs on a wide array of of New York University’s Skirball Scrolls, Professor Schiffman received women’s health and topics, and she Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, his BA, MA and PhD degrees from will assist the by advising serves as Ethel and Irvin A. Edelman Brandeis University and currently women on sensitive issues of taharat Professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies and serves as editor-in-chief of the Center hamishpacha and health. is also a member of the University’s Centers for Online Judaic Studies in New York. Atara can be reached at 610-639-7474 or at for Ancient Studies and Near Eastern [email protected] Page 2 KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN

HALAKHAH, SEX, AND SEXUALITY AT KJ Chanukah in

A fabulous new class for women, the Park taught by KJ's own Surie Sugarman, explores Jewish sources spanning the generations covering topics such as the Sunday, of marital sex, hilkhot , immersion in the mikvah, the mitzvah December 21 at of procreation, and contraception. The class will address the following 5:00 pm questions: What does have to say about sex and sexuality? What laws govern the sexual relationship Join KJ Beginners and Chabad - Lubavitch of the between husband and wife? Upper East Side as we celebrate and publicize the The class meets weekly on miracle of Chanukah at the 86th Street Thursday mornings at 8:30 in the Jess Ward Library. Surie Sugarman is a promenade in Carl Schurz Park. graduate of Barnard College and q Columbia Law School and is a Giant Menorah lighting practicing attorney. A frequent guest q Music teacher, she has studied Torah for q many years at KJ and at Drisha Chanukah treats Institute for Jewish Education. q Fun for the whole family!

WINTER YOUTH ACTIVITIES December 6- Open Gym Night for Grades 2-4 February 6- Tot Shabbat Program UPCOMING KESHER December 7 - KJBL February 7 - Open Gym Night for Grades 2-4 December 13 - Open Gym Night for Grades 7-12 February 8 - KJBL EVENTS December 13 - Family Mishnayot learning February 15 - KJBL with Rabbi Soloveichik for grades 2-4 February 21 - Family Mishnayot learning Funkey Monkeys Concert December 14 - KJBL with Rabbi Soloveichik for grades 2-4 Sunday, December 14th December 14 - Hello Yellow February 21 - Open Gym Night for Grades 7-12 December 20 - Open Gym Night for Grades 5-6 February 24 - KJBL December 21 - KJBL February 27 - Bnei Akiva Shabbaton Melave Malka January 11 - KJBL February 28 - Open Gym Night for Grades 5-6 Saturday evening, January 24th January 17 - Family Mishnayot learning March 1 - KJBL with Rabbi Soloveichik for grades 2-4 March 7 Family Mishnayot learning January 17 - Open Gym Night for Grades 7-12 with Rabbi Soloveichik for grades 2-4 Saturday Night Social Event January 18 - KJBL March 8 - KJBL Saturday, Febuary 28th January 24 - Open Gym Night for Grades 5-6 March 9 - Purim Bash January 25 - KJBL March 10- Purim Carnival February 1 - KJBL March 15 - KJBL New Mothers’ Breakfast February 1 - Hello Yellow April 5 - Hello Yellow February 1- Super Bowl Party Tuesday, March 24th Pre-Pesach Chesed Event WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Sunday, April 5th

Kehilath Jeshurun warmly welcomes the following new members who have joined the Congregation between the printing of the last Bulletin, September 4, and this Bulletin, which went to press on November 18: TO JOIN THE KJ ONLINE Lauren and Justin Brody Janice and Robert Montefiore COMMUNITY, SEND AN E-MAIL WITH Norma and Dr. Howard Bruckner Rachel and Craig Title YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME TO: Dr. Daniel L.Crane Leah and Joel Weinberg [email protected] Lisa Sopher-Deutsch Shahla and Barry Weiner BE SURE TO VISIT KJ’S WEBSITE and Jeremy Deutsch WWW.CKJ.ORG KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN Page 3 Simchat Torah day at KJ was truly joyous. responsibility was awesome; the And so it falls to me to announce our We had the opportunity to demonstrate our challenges were enormous and therefore choice of chatan Torah, and to explain Simchat Torah through the spirited dancing in the the new leader was commanded: “Rak why, of all members of our community, Main Synagogue and in the Women’s Tefilah chazak ve’ematz - be strong and we, this year, chose this person in Group. Limud Torah was evident at the excellent courageous.” particular. shiur delivered by Surie Sugarman in which she Without trying to be overly This Simchat Torah, we honor a melodramatic, the decision by the Officers member of our shul who comes from a examined the succession of Moshe Rabbeinu by and Executive Committee of KJ to confer family with a history of involvement here Yehoshua. Kriyat haTorah brought us the merit the highest Torah honors of the year on me at KJ; indeed he and his family have been of completing the Torah at which time we and upon my two associates in the involved in KJ for…as long as I can experienced a sense of loss with the death of Rabbinate at KJ, was not just a celebration remember. I mean, as far back as 2004 I Moshe and then the immediate rush which of my 50th Anniversary in this was mightily impressed by his dedication. accompanies the reading from Bereishit. congregation. It was also a statement He was someone who worked hard during What better representation could we at KJ about what a rabbi’s responsibility is: To the week at his job, burning the midnight have had as our three chatanim this year than our maintain the continuity of Torah in each oil at his office, yet on Shabbat morning he three beloved rabbis! We thank Rabbi Lookstein generation. This is the underlying theme was here quite early, earlier than most for reaching his 50th year in the KJ pulpit so that of the first chapter of the Book of Joshua: members, sometimes even earlier than me we could honor him, and Rabbis Weinstock and “Hemshech:” The ongoing survival and - and I know that’s hard to believe. This enhancement of Torah. And what better was a member of our shul who cared Soloveichik for their fine community service. way to focus on the theme of the passionately for chesed and tzedaka, so perpetuation of Torah than to speak about passionately in fact that he didn’t just Introduction of the Chatanim our Chatan Bereishit and our Chatan donate to the shul - he actually called up Simchat Torah 2008 Maftir as representing the past, the present other members and encouraged them to by Rabbi Haskel Lookstein and the future of Torah. give! Now nobody’s perfect, and there’s But first, before I speak about them, I always room for improvement; for hy was the first chapter of the would like to ask our Chatan Maftir to example, while our chatan Torah is quite Book of Joshua chosen for the present the Chatan Torah, me! In doing ready to criticize other for engaging in WHaftarah of Simchat Torah? The so, I am preparing myself for almost conversation during tefillah or kriyat question is asked by Dr. Bryna Levy in an anything that might be said because the haTorah, I myself have seen him speaking article which she submitted for publication presenter is particularly gifted in bringing during the sermon, sometimes for 15-20 in the Jubilee volume that is to be forth the unexpected, the unanticipated minutes at a stretch. And quite loudly- I published this winter in honor of my 50th and, sometimes, even the undreamed of. mean the whole shul can hear him! anniversary in the rabbinate. She observes, In all seriousness, this year we honor quite properly, that there is a fairly simple Presentation of Chatan Torah, our leader, our Rav, Rabbi Haskel answer to the question. At the beginning Rabbi Haskel Lookstein Lookstein as Chatan Torah. And you don’t of the Book of Joshua, God announces, by Rabbi Meir Soloveichik really need me to tell you why he is a “My servant Moses has died…, and the fitting person to conclude the story of time has come to transfer the torch of “ hemona pesukim she-ba-Torah,” Moshe Rabbeinu. My grandfather once leadership to Moses’ attendant, Joshua.” we are told by the , “yachid noted that Moshe, before being chosen by Joshua’s responsibility is exceedingly Skoreh otam.” The last verses of the God to lead the Jewish people, engaged in great. On the one hand it is his Torah are read by an individual. There are three actions. First he went out to his responsibility to bring the Jewish people to many interpretations of this passage, but brothers and saved a being beaten by a the and to conquer it. On one is that only a yachid, someone unique, non-Jew, an Egyptian; then, he intervened the other hand, he has a second who embodies the values of Moshe between two who were fighting; and responsibility: To continue the pattern of Rabbeinu, can finish the Torah and close then he saved non-Jews in crisis; Jethro’s life and the teaching of the Torah which the book on the biography of Moses. daughters at the well. Only then did the Moses gave to the people of Israel. The Every year Rabbi Lookstein introduces Almighty appear to him. In other words, a verse is clear: “Let not this Book of the our honoree by describing his unique Jewish leader must do three things. First, Torah move from your lips, but recite it qualities and explaining why he is he must cultivate concern for klal yisrael, day and night, so that you may observe uniquely suited to serve as a groom of the he must be our brother’s keeper, and faithfully all that is written in it. Only then law. For whatever reason, he did not feel remain ever vigilant against enemies. will you prosper in your undertakings and suited to introduce our honoree this year, Second, he must cultivate a community of only then will you be successful.” The maybe he doesn’t know him well enough. ahavat yisrael, one in which there is unity continued on page 4 KJ Rejoices on Simchat Torah Page 4 KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN continued from page 3 Lookstein, “are our heroic characteristics.” amidst diversity, where all sorts of Jews In a similar sense, if a groom and a rabbi can get along, and work together, where no are compared to a king, it is because the one is suffering because of the insensitivity true Jewish king is marked not by might Upcoming Sisterhood of another. And third, he must embody a but love, not koach, but compassion and concern that is ultimately universal; ahavat concern. After the Rambam writes of the Events yisrael is no excuse for insularity. honor due a Jewish king, he stresses that ויהיה חונן ומרחם לקטנם וגדולם Activism on behalf of our brethren, ahavat Ladies’ Night Out ויצא ויבא בחפציהם ובטובתם yisrael, universalism; these are the values Wednesday, December 17th ויחוס על כבוד קטן שבקטניהם that Rabbi Lookstein has embodied in every aspect of his leadership: as a rabbi, “And he shall be compassionate and as a scholar, as an educator. merciful to the great and the small, Brunch and Museum Event I conclude my introduction on a more and come and go on behalf of their Tuesday, February 24th personal note. It is the of KJ to needs and welfare, and be concerned rise for our chatanim as they are escorted about the smallest among them.” to the ark. This to me parallels the now Five years ago, Rabbi Lookstein Evening Cooking Class prominent minhag to rise for a chatan at invited me to give a speech from this Tuesday, March 17 his wedding, a tradition ostensibly based pulpit, with the possibility that I would on the sages’ become part the statement that rabbinic staff; I chatan domeh knew nothing about Weinstock? He has served at KJ first as lemelekh, A We identify ourselves as a KJ, but had heard Assistant Rabbi and now as Associate groom is akin to a of its formality of Rabbi for five years. He began here as the king. It’s people of rahmanim, service, and Director of Outreach and he has made interesting to note perhaps the regal Beginners his specialty and so we begin that another attire of its clergy. bayshanim and gomlei the next cycle of the Torah with someone position compared When I finished who might properly be called the to monarchy in the speaking, someone chasadim Beginnerer Rebbe. (I can only give him Talmud is the in the shul- I don’t that full title knowing that George Rohr is rabbinate. Now, remember who it in Florida this Yom Tov with his father.) having been both a groom and a rabbi, I was, maybe you can remind me - rushed During his five years at KJ, Rabbi found these statements difficult to over to me and said “It’s great to have you Weinstock and his wife, Naama, have understand. A chatan acquires the absolute here; don’t believe anything you heard become beloved religious leaders in our authority and power of a king, so that he about us on the West side.” But the truth is community: Their four children, Meira, can tell other people what to do? Not in that my time with Rabbi Lookstein has Yona, Aviva, and just this past year, Yakira, my experience. A rabbi possesses a taught me something about malchut and have grown up here. The elder two monarch’s military might? Of course not. Jewish virtue. It has taught me that royalty children are students in Ramaz where Though I’ve always attempted to explain is revealed not in the clarion call of Rabbi Weinstock is a beloved teacher of these statements, my understanding trumpets but in the response to the quiet Talmud as a member of the Middle School crystallized after, in preparation for a shiur cry of someone in distress. Malchut is faculty. over the summer, I read and quoted an made manifest not in the stately trappings Rav Elie, as he is affectionately known, essay written by Rabbi Lookstein in honor, of a castle court, but in a hospital room or has been involved in every aspect of and ultimately in memory of his father, a shiva home; glory achieved not in congregational life. He has led hundreds entitled the “Biblical Hero as non-Hero.” astonishing feats of military might, but in of Beginners through their first steps in Therein Rabbi Lookstein explained that the quiet touches of empathy and concern Jewish growth. He has supervised the while western culture may have glorified for our families that every one of us, over conversion process of many who came to power and military might, we Jews find fifty years, has been blessed to have us from outside the Jewish people and are glory a very different sort of virtue. experienced from our rabbi. Truly in such now loyal, observant Jews. He has “Among our national virtues we do not a situation, a rabbi can be compared to a demonstrated care and concern about number strength and power in the ordinary king; truly we can say that chatan Torah every aspect of the religious and ritual life sense. We identify ourselves as a people of domeh lemelekh. And so I ask you all to of KJ, and he makes sure that everything rahmanim, bayshanim and gomlei rise as our Rav, our chatan Torah, is here functions in the manner to which we chasadim. These,” writes Rabbi escorted to his place of honor alongside the are accustomed. He is, by knowledge, by holy ark. person, and by commitment, the WESTCHESTER SUMMER DAY embodiment of the message of the Presentation continuity of Torah which Simchat Torah A premier summer program for ages 2 ½ - 15 of Chatan Bereishit, 6th-10th grade Traveling CIT program is all about. Rabbi Elie Weinstock Located in Mamaroneck, New York We congratulate him upon meriting the Private beach on the Long Island Sound by Rabbi Haskel Lookstein honor of Chatan Bereishit, as we ask the Transportation available from Manhattan President and Vice President of the New family discount available ho could possibly be more Congregation to escort Rabbi Weinstock to 914-698-8900 ext 153 appropriate as the Honoree for his place of honor alongside the Holy Ark. Chatan Bereishit than Rabbi Elie www.WestchesterDay.org W continued on page 12 KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN Page 5

KJ TO PRESENT BNEI MITZVAH PROGRAMS NATHAN AND VIVIAN FINK MEMORIAL LECTURE KJ will once again be offering what it means to be a Jewish adult learning programs for children from today. Classes will be held on March 1, RAV HERSHEL our community who are of Bar and Bat 8, 15, and 22. SCHACHTER Mitzvah age. Girls of Bat Mitzvah age are Developed specifically for KJ, the invited to participate in a program Wednesday, January 28 Bar Mitzvah program is an opportunity developed by MaTaN, the world- to explore, in creative and interactive renowned Jerusalem academy for 8:00 PM ways, the challenges and opportunities women’s Torah scholarship, which Rav Hershel Schachter of reaching Bar Mitzvah. focuses on Jewish female role models is one of the foremost Through the text study of Jewish from the Matriarchs to Nehama halakhic thinkers of the sources on daily living and ritual Leibowitz. Modern Orthodox practice, projects, and interactive Led by Rachel Kraus, classes meet community. His annual learning led by Rabbi Elie Weinstock on January 11, 18, 25; February 1, 8, mini-course at KJ is a and Rabbi Jeffrey Kobrin, each 22; and March 1, 8, 15, 22. valuable resource and parent/child “chavruta” will connect To register or inquire, please we are honored to host with these Jewish sources and become contact Rabbi Elie Weinstock at 212- him in our community. partners on the spiritual journey of 774-5636 or at [email protected]

FINAL LECTURE: MARCH 4 DIRECT CONTRIBUTIONS FROM IRAs TO CHARITY EXTENDED FOR 2008 AND 2009 ACHAD HABBATON The recent federal bailout bill income taxpayers. Alternatively, for Y S extended to 2008 and 2009 the ability of taxpayers who utilize the standard February 20-21 IRA owners who are at least age 70½ to deduction, the direct contribution may Join the Ramaz Upper School and KJ make charitable contributions, including also be superior to receiving a taxable IRA and give of yourself by reaching out required minimum distributions, of up to distribution and giving the distributed to the special members of Yachad. $100,000 per year directly from their amount to charity because, with the Come discover how they bring IRAs to qualified charities, such as KJ. standard deduction, you do not get a happiness and joy to so many. The 2006 Pension Protection Act deduction for your gifts to charity. allowed IRA owners age 70½ or older to Qualified charities eligible for direct make direct charitable gifts from their IRA contributions include , SHABBAT MORNING IRAs to qualifying public charities such as such as KJ, and publicly supported PULPIT PRESENTATION KJ, but this law expired after 2007. The charities, but not private foundations or law has now been extended to 2008 and donor advised funds. The favorable tax RABBI JOSHUA 2009. treatment given to IRA direct charitable BERMAN If you qualify and wish to take gifts applies only to outright charitable February 28, 2009 advantage of this charitable gifting gifts and not to amounts used to fund a opportunity, the distribution must be made charitable lead or remainder trust. The Shabbat Parashat Terumah directly from your IRA custodian to your amount of the direct charitable gift can Rabbi Joshua Berman chosen charity. The amount gifted to also be used to satisfy your minimum studied at Yeshivat Har- charity will not be included in your gross distribution requirements for the year of income; consequently, you will not be the gift. Etzion, received a B.A. entitled to a charitable income tax If you are at least 70½ in 2008 or will in religion at Princeton deduction. However, because the amount be 70½ in 2009, you may wish to consider University, and holds a distributed from the IRA is not included in taking advantage of a tax free gift from doctorate in Bible from your income, for tax purposes, it is as if your IRA to KJ this year or next year. Bar-Ilan University the amount were included in your income Please check with your individual tax where he is a lecturer in and then you received an offsetting, dollar advisor to determine whether this is Tanach. He is the author of for dollar, charitable contribution income appropriate for you. If you or your Created Equal: How the tax deduction. For high income taxpayers, advisor have any questions, please contact Bible Broke with Ancient this treatment may be superior to taking a Leonard Silverman at (212) 774-5680 or Political Thought, in which taxable distribution from your IRA and [email protected] or the KJ Planned Giving he depicts how the Bible giving the distributed amount to charity, Committee Chairperson Lee Snow at blazed the trail for an egalitarian society- because of the limitations on itemized (212) 683-3636 or [email protected] deductions applicable to certain high where everybody is equal before God. Page 6 KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN CHANUKAH BEGINS SUNDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 21 Chanukah celebrates the miracles of Temple, we apply the same rules to both: with the candles unattended. the spiritual and military victories of the the candles and their flames become holy Lighting the Candles Maccabees against the Hellenist tyrants and as such cannot be used for any other The lights are lit from left to right – that imposed anti-religious rule and purpose. With the exception of the starting with the newest candle first. We desecrated the Holy Temple in 165 BCE. Shamash, we cannot read by their lights or begin by lighting the shamash, then we The 25th of Kislev was the day the use them to light another candle. say the blessings: (1) ner shel Chanukah, Maccabees entered the Temple following Time for Lighting (2) she-asa nisim, and on the first night we the battle and wanted to restart the Holy Candles must be lit after nightfall add (3) shehecheyanu. Once the blessings Service that had ceased under the foreign (about 40 minutes after sunset) and last for are said, we light the first candle and begin rule. The Maccabees found only one day’s at least a half-hour. On Friday afternoon, singing the songs “Hanerot Hallalu” – supply of oil that they could use to Chanukah candles should be lit before which explains the reasons for the rededicate the Menorah. Yet that tiny flask Shabbat candles, and should be of a type ceremony – and “Maoz Tzur” which lasted until they were able to create new, that will last over an hour (this leads to describes all the salvations wrought by pure oil – a delay of eight days. many adopting the custom of using olive- God for the Jewish People. The victory established Jewish oil based lamps). On Saturday night, the Publicizing the Miracle religious and political sovereignty in Israel candles are lit after Havdalah. We light the Menorah so we can during the times. This publicize the miracle to as many people as miracle of Jewish independence had not The Gift of Candles possible. We start with our own family but been seen since the destruction of the First Through the courtesy of the Kehilath we often place the Menorah in the window Temple and the assassination of the then Jeshurun Benevolent Fund, Chanukah to proclaim our belief to others. governor, Gedalyah. candles have been sent to every Moreover, we publicize the miracle by Primarily, we celebrate Chanukah with recipient of the KJ Bulletin. singing the complete Hallel in the spiritual expressions: (1) lighting candles The proceeds of the Fund are used morning service and by adding Al Ha- in commemoration of the miracle of the for deserving individuals who might not Nisim in our daily Shemona Esrei and in rededication of the Temple, (2) singing otherwise come to the attention of Birkat ha-Mazon. Hallel in praise of God’s deliverance from public charity. Material Pleasures our enemies, and (3) adding Al Ha-Nisim Those who receive candles are urged In addition to the spiritual nature of the in our prayers of thanksgiving in to contribute to the KJ Benevolent Fund holiday, we have added, in later times, the recognition of both aspects of the miracle by sending a check to the synagogue physical pleasures of special foods (latkes, of Chanukah. We also have physical office. jelly donuts), gift-giving (never a bad pleasures and celebrations by having (4) May you and your family have a idea, especially Jewish books), and parties special foods, (5) gift giving, and even (6) Happy Chanukah! (that serve as a means for fellowship and parties. for publicizing the miracle). The Candles Candle Arrangement Chanukah is a time when we should The prevailing custom is for each The candles are set from the right side renew our commitment and devotion to member of the family to light his or her of the Menorah as the candle lighter faces God. The brave Maccabees who risked own menorah which will have as many it. The Menorah should be placed in an their lives for religious freedom should candles as that night of the holiday plus the area where it will not need to be moved serve as a model for us to celebrate those shamash. Since the Chanukah candles are after being lit. Safety is also a major freedoms and our joy in service to commemorate the Menorah of the concern, so please do not leave the home to God. Where’s Your Yellow Card? In the current economic climate we Kippur: nothing can be further from the The response to the chesed appeal was frequently come across stories about the truth! While there is much to be said for a flood of yellow cards from potential decline and bankruptcy of businesses that being able to write a check to help those volunteers. It was truly heart-warming to but months ago were paying bonuses far who are in need, that is not the only way see how many people were ready to give of greater than many salaries. We ourselves that we can help others. We have plenty to their time and effort. If you still have your feel the necessity to tighten our belts, give without having a penny in the bank. card, it’s not too late to send it to the focusing our attention on getting ourselves The opportunities are many. The Rabbi’s synagogue office. Don’t remember what through these difficult times. We may feel chesed appeal focused on how much we happened to your card? Don’t worry! that we can not give to those less fortunate can give. Whether through Bikur Cholim Whoever did not respond to the first appeal than we in the manner in which we have or Hatzolah, being part of a shiva will have an opportunity to do so when the been accustomed, because we may feel or the Chevra Kadisha, we are in a position cards are mailed to those people who that now we are less fortunate. to bring great comfort to those who need inadvertently left them on their seats over As Rabbi Lookstein stressed on Yom more than money. the High Holy Days! Tizku l’mitzvot! KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN Page 7 PURIM SCHEDULE MEN’S CLUB EVENTS d FAST OF ESTHER, Monday, March 9 FOR THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY Fast begins at 6:07 a.m. and ends at 7:29 p.m. Shacharit at 6:50 a.m. & Mincha at 6:30 p.m. FILMS Please remember to bring tzedaka for machatzit ha-shekel and other holiday obligations. Tree of Life Sunday, January 4 at 7:00 p.m. d MINCHA, MAARIV & MAIN MEGILLAH READING A Los Angeles woman tries to come to terms with her father’s Monday Evening, March 9 death by traveling to his birthplace in Italy to trace her family Mincha is at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Synagogue. The readings of Megillat tree. With the help of her feisty 82-year-old aunt and some Esther will begin in both the Main Synagogue and the Gottesman Center inventive animation, the story chronicles her relentless travels as following Maariv at 7:15 p.m. The reading in the Main Synagogue will be she grows to understand the fascinating story of her Italian followed by a Purim Pizza and Ice Cream Party in the Heyman Jewish ancestors. Auditorium, featuring Rabbi Avrumi Sacks. Cost: $5.00/person. Rabin-Peres: Everything is Personal CHILDREN Sunday, January 11 at 7:00 p.m. d An extraordinarily gripping exploration At 7:00 p.m., children in 3-year-old Nursery through 1st grade should of the complex professional and personal ties linking assemble in the Max J. Etra Chapel, while children in 2nd through 6th Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres, two men with radically different grade should assemble in the KJ Gym. All children will receive groggers, backgrounds and temperaments whose actions—and rivalry— and will be escorted by Youth Department staff from their respective dramatically shaped today’s Middle East. assembly locations into the Main Synagogue for Megillat Esther. Throughout the service, children are expected to be either participating in Naf the Street Kid their special youth groups or sitting quietly next to an adult. Sunday, January 25 at 7:00 p.m. Why does Naftali live on the street? In his music, Parents are asked to join the regular service in the Main Synagogue until Naf tells the stories of his own misfortune, its conclusion, at which time they may pick up their children from the and that of many other kids who live on the streets of Jerusalem. specially designated child seating areas in the front of the Main Good Morning Israel Synagogue. Once reunited, families should proceed from the Main with director Amir Har-Gil Synagogue into the Heyman Auditorium for the Purim Pizza and Ice Sunday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m. Cream Party. Twenty years ago, Amir Har-Gil first documented the lives of five Israeli teenagers from widely differing backgrounds. d SECOND EVENING READING Here, he revisits them at 10-year intervals, 7:15 p.m. - Second reading (quiet, no children) of Megillat Esther with offering an illuminating profile of Israeli society. Rabbi Meir Soloveichik in the Gottesman Center. Wasted d THIRD EVENING READING Sunday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m. 7:15 p.m. - Megillah reading for parents and infants in KJ’s third floor A candid look at Israeli soldiers who served in the Beaufort dining hall. fortress in Southern Lebanon before Israel’s withdrawal in 2000. d BEGINNER’S MEGILLAH READING PECIAL VENTS 8:30 p.m. - Beginners Megillah Reading with Rabbi Elie Weinstock and S E Shilo Kramer in the Gottesman Center. Second Annual KJ Salon Featuring Bonnie Dietrich and other talented musicians d MORNING SERVICES AND MEGILLAH Tuesday, March 10 Saturday Evening, January 31 at 8:00 p.m. Morning Services at 7:00 a.m. in the Main Synagogue followed by at the home of Barbara and Dr. Terry Plasse Megillah reading and breakfast in the Heyman Auditorium. 1725 York Avenue Second Shacharit and Megillah reading starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Main Synagogue, followed by breakfast and Youth Carnival Men’s Club Shabbaton PURIM YOUTH CARNIVAL in memory of Dr. Stephen Stowe d featuring Guest Speaker Rabbi Joshua Berman In the Gottesman Center from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., 114 East 85th February 28 Street. Buy tickets in advance by contacting the KJ Youth Director at [email protected] KIDDUSH DISCUSSIONS PURIM SEUDAH d Scholarly and Revolutionary Insights Purim Seudah will be held in the Heyman Auditorium at 6:00. Advanced into the New Testament and Jesus reservations required. with Rabbi Judah Newberger Shabbat, January 24 KESHER YOUNG PEOPLE’S MINYAN Gottesman Center - 9:15 AM The Saudi Money Trial January 17, February 7, March 7 The story behind “Rachel’s Law” HASHKAMA MINYAN with Dr. Rachel Ehrenfeld Max. J. Etra Chapel - 7:15 AM Shabbat, February 7 December 20, January 10 & 24, February 7 & 21, March 7 & 21 TOT SHABBAT The Science and the Torah For families with children 5 years and younger with Rabbi Meir Soloveichik and Dr. Martin Grumet Riklis Social Hall Shabbat, February 28

SHABBAT AT KJ February 6 Page 8 KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN

THE JEWISH WAY TO REJOICE PURIM: March 9 & 10, 2009

WHAT IS PURIM? THE HISTORY OF THE HOLIDAY you shall obliterate the memory of Amalek, Purim, the holiday on the 14th of Adar, The Story of Esther you shall not forget.” According to most is one of the happiest days of the Jewish The story of Esther takes place while the authorities, it is a Torah level calendar. The Talmud (Taanit 29b) states Jews lived in the Persian empire, during commandment to hear this portion read in “when Adar begins we increase in Joy” the exile of 70 years (circa 366-355 BCE). synagogue. because Adar and Purim are hallmarks of The main characters are: Mordechai Taanit Esther (13th of Adar) God’s salvation of the Jewish people. (rabbi, hero), Esther (his cousin, becomes The day preceding Purim is a Even though Purim is not a Torah queen of Persia), Achashverosh (king of thematically connected fast day. The 13th holiday, there is a Biblical book (The Persia, easily swayed to either side), and of Adar is mentioned in the Megillah as the Scroll of Esther) which details the action Haman ym”sh (from Amalek; hates Jews, day chosen by Haman to destroy the of the holiday and the history of the events. tries to commit genocide). Jewish people. We fast in memory of the Being of Biblical level gives the holiday a Action of the Megillah war that took place on that day and, like great deal of importance, emphasis and The life for the Jews in exile is the fast of the first born, we use the fast to authority. precarious. Achashverosh holds a party recognize our salvation. (cf. Esther 9:31). MESSAGE OF THE HOLIDAY where he kills his wife in response to her Taanit Esther is unlike the other fasts of the Purim is a festive day because God insolence. The king then searches for a Jewish calendar, insofar that it is a day of rescued us from our enemies. Yet, as seen new queen and chooses the youthful thanksgiving and not sadness. in the ancient work Megillat Taanit, there Jewess Esther who was counseled by her Customs of the Fast Day were hundreds of days of the year that uncle Mordechai. Later on, Haman is Normally we go straight from the fast to were considered minor festivals of insulted that Mordechai does not pay him the Megillah reading - only eating after we thanksgiving. Only two, Purim and proper respect and Haman convinces have fulfilled that mitzvah. This year, Chanukah, were applied to all Jewish Achashverosh to allow him to kill all the 5769, we treat the fast day like any other. communities at all times because their Jews. Haman chooses the date of warfare The “half-shekel” is donated at the inherent messages were considered all by rolling dice (which are called pur in afternoon service (in commemoration of encompassing. Aramaic, see above). He rolls the date of the half-shekel census, cf. Exodus 25:11- Tradition teaches us that Purim is about the 13th of the month of Adar. Mordechai 16, we use the half currency of the realm, how God rescues the Jews in the Diaspora- hears of the plot and impresses on Esther e.g. three half-dollars.) The money is used where God needs to operate in a hidden to plead with the King to spare her people. for communal funds and synagogue repair. manner with hidden miracles. A popular At first she refuses, for fear of her life, but PURIM (14TH OF ADAR) lesson about the name Megillat Esther is then risks everything to appeal to the king. Work is not forbidden on Purim, but we that the word Esther means “hidden” (like The appeal is successful, Haman is also have no tachanun, eulogies or fasting; hester panim) and Megillah means thwarted, and the favor of the king is such a mourner displays no outward signs, like “revealed.” Hence Megillat Esther is the that he allows Esther’s people, the Jews, to on Shabbat. There are a number of “revelation of what’s hidden.” fight back on the 13th of Adar. We were commandments to fulfill on Purim (that God is hidden in the Megillah; the story able to fight back so successfully that we apply equally to men and women): is a set of confounding coincidences that created a holiday on the day afterwards as Night appear to be catastrophes until the critical a remembrance of God’s miraculous Megillah: The sages tell us we must hear turnabout when the Jews emerge mighty salvation that worked behind the scenes. every word of the Megillah reading. Please and victorious. God’s name is not help others fulfill this mitzvah by mentioned in the Megillah, but God’s HOW WE COMMEMORATE following the instructions of the invisible touch is active throughout. AND CELEBRATE community leaders as to when to cease The name of the holiday, Purim, comes Shabbat Zachor noisemaking. from the Persian word for randomness: The Shabbat preceding Purim (this year, Day pur. Our enemies used a lottery (purim) to March 7, 2009) is called Shabbat Zachor. Megillah: The obligation is both at night determine the date for the Jewish We choose this Shabbat to observe the and during the day. We cannot hear two at extermination. In the earthly realm, our commandment to remember the evil of the night or two during the day to count for the enemies see randomness and chaos, but we nation of Amalek who are central to Purim whole holiday. see God’s intervention especially in those as well. In Exodus 17:8-16, we read about Mishloach Manot Sending gifts of food events that go beyond human power. The their terror war against the Jewish people to friends: Two foods to one person is the holiday of Purim is, as a result, a holiday when they attacked us without mercy. The minimum. The foods must be ready-to-eat. where we in the Diaspora learn how God command in Deut. 25:17-19 states: Matanot l’evyonim: Gifts of money to interacts and communicates within the “Remember what Amalek did to you, on the poor. Two coins to each of two poor hidden. your way as you departed from Egypt... people. Money can be collected ahead of KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN Page 9 time with the intention that it will be their feet during the Megillah reading. dispensed on Purim day. We have a special Nowadays, we use groggers: specially collection in synagogue for this purpose. made noisemakers. ANNUAL Seudah: A festive Purim Seudah will be Another custom is to recite a few specific held in the Heyman Auditorium at 6:00. verses aloud as a congregation before the BNEI AKIVA Reservations are required. reader recites them. We read aloud four SHABBATON Intoxication: We are enjoined to drink verses: 2:5, 8:15, 8:16, 10:3 and the list of intoxicating spirits on Purim. Many the ten sons of Haman, 9:7-9. authorities limit the drinking to the Another widespread custom is to wear FEBRUARY 27, 2009 seudah, and even then, the command is costumes, while some authorities hold Experience the vitality, ruach and just to drink a bit more than we are used that “yom-tov” clothing should be worn togetherness of Bnei Akiva in a to. In no fashion should we become so (because it is called a Yom Tov in Esther Shabbaton filled with singing, great intoxicated that we would harm ourselves 9:19). Costumes are to depict the food, learning and special activities or others. “hiddenness” of the miracle of Purim, and brought to you by the world’s largest Special Prayers: We add Al Ha-Nisim also to highten the “turnabouts” of the day. Religious Zionist youth movement. to our shemona-esrei and to bircat . hamazon. Yet, we do not say Hallel on SHUSHAN PURIM FEATURING: Purim. Three reasons are given for the (15TH OF ADAR) Friday Night Dinner at 7:00 PM lack of Hallel. The first is that the Any city with walls since the time of following 5:40 PM services Megillah acts as Hallel; the second is that Joshua celebrates Purim one day later on the miracle of the day occurred secretly Adar 15. The Megillah relates how the war at KJ and outside the land of Israel; the third is against our enemies lasted one day later in Dinner is $15 per person that (in the words of the Talmud): “We are the city of Shushan. Nowadays, Shushan Registration deadline: February 20th still servants to Achashverosh.” Purim only applies to Jerusalem (although For more information, contact Purim Customs a few other cities in Israel have taken on Bnei Akiva Shlichot Adi and Tamar During the readings of the Megillah, we both days as a longstanding custom, e.g. at 347-297-9308 fulfill the commandment to “blot out” the Acco, Yaffo, Tiberias). May you have a or name of Amalek by making loud noises healthy, happy, freilichen Purim! [email protected] / [email protected] whenever Haman’s name is read aloud. Historians tell us that the custom started when people would write Haman’s name 10TH ANNUAL VOLUNTEER חג פורים שמח! on the soles of their shoes and then stamp RECOGNITION EVENT KJ Food Pantry Provides for New York’s Needy Special Gala Seudah Shlishit

The KJ Food Pantry is unfortunately KJ Food Pantry. With the increasing Honoring Members of: Chevra Kadisha busier than ever. With the current financial demands, we are continuing to fill our Bikur Cholim crisis, as well as soaring prices for even the clients’ food needs, as well as initiating Hatzolah most basic of food supplies, more and some new and exciting programs. Congregational Chesed Volunteers more individuals are seeking the assistance Since the beginning of this fall, our of emergency food providers, such as the Ramaz Upper School students and KJ February 28th volunteers have been preparing healthy Following 5:20 pm Mincha recipes for food pantry clients. Each week, along with their fruits and vegetables, This event is held in conjuction with clients are receiving healthy recipe cards in Moshe Rabbeinu’s yahrzeit (Adar 7) their bags. The response thus far has been very positive, with some pantry clients There is no charge, but we ask that you please confirm your attendance by offering their own recipes. Through this contacting [email protected] effort we are hoping to raise awareness to healthy eating on a limited budget for all, as well as to provide the opportunity for fruits and vegetables, adopting a holiday our students and members to become more with your children and providing either involved with helping those in need. holiday treats or cards, and seeking out Other areas in which the pantry is food donations from local distributors. If seeking volunteers include the following: you would like to get involved, please Delivering bags to homebound clients, contact Stacy Scheinberg at visiting with seniors, shopping for fresh [email protected] Student volunteers staff the KJ food pantry. KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN Page 10

WINTER LEARNING AT KJ KJ BEGINNERS PRESENTS Crash Course in Jewish History FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE with Rabbi Elie Weinstock Starts January 5th at 7:00 pm

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 AT 6:00 P.M. Explorations in Hebrew Reading Carlebach services followed by dinner with Shilo Kramer Starts January 7th at 7:00 pm Save the Date: March 20, 2009 at 6:45 p.m. Hebrew Reading Crash Course Shabbat Across America with Sara Rosen Starts February 4th at 6:30 pm Featuring Rabbi Haskel Lookstein Holiday Workshops Carlebach services followed by dinner with Rabbi Sam Shor Tu B’Shvat Monday, February 9th at 7:00 p.m. Purim JEWISH LEARNING INSTITUTE AT KJ Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:00 pm Passover You be the Judge II: Monday, April 6th at 7:00 pm Dive into the Sea of Talmud To find out about other learning opportunities With Rabbi Elie Weinstock at KJ, call 212-774-5678. How does an ancient system of law adapt to the modern world? See how Talmudic scholars respond to new advances in technology and society while remaining faithful to eternal THURSDAY NIGHT LEARNING principles. “You be the Judge II” presents six WITH new cases that invite you to pit your wits RABBI WEISER against some of the best minds in Jewish history. The Sabbath: Day of Eternity $79 per class; $135 per couple. January 8, 15, 22, 29; Try the first class for free! February 5 No one is turned away for lack of funds 6 Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. starting February 11 Who Said That? The Written and Oral Traditions in Judaism February 19, 26; March 5, 12 ,19 History at Home Passover: “The Jew in the Modern World” What it Means to be Free featuring Rabbi Alexander Kaye March 26 and April 2 After the French Revolution, Jews had more opportunities than ever before Nice Guys Finish First: to take part in the modern world. What challenges and choices did this Chesed in the Jewish Tradition change present to them? What were their responses in the realm of April 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21 philosophy, politics, religion, law, art, and culture? Explore the Jewish Classes start at 7:00 pm responses to questions that are still critical to us today as Jews in the contemporary world. Studies in the Weekly Portion with Rabbi Weiser January 17, 8:30 p.m. February 21, 8:30 p.m. at the home of Judy and David Lobel at the home of Diana Newman & Isaac Corre Starting January 8th at 8:00 pm 1040 Park Avenue, Apt. 9F 163 East 80th Street Page 11 KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN

A Tribute To usical emory by Cantor Mayer Davis

My love of music has taken me worshipers at KJ, where he officiated which is sung at Yom Hashoah upon many wonderful journeys, the as Cantor for 17 years. Needless to say, memorial services held all over the latest of which is a musical project my father’s davening also made a world. One of the lullabies that will be which is allowing me to explore my powerful and lasting impression on sung on the album was used by my family’s musical roots. The me, and his moving melodies continue beloved mother-in-law, Gitel culmination of this exploration will be to stir me 18 years after I assumed the (Shulsinger) Fastag to put our children an album entitled Bridge of cantorial mantle at KJ. to sleep. She remembers her Generations ... A Legacy of Song. This My father was not the sole musical grandmother singing it to her. homage to my musical past begins influence in my life. It behooves me to In a very real way, the stories and with the songs that I learned from mention the many other members of people associated with these melodies members of my family over the course my family who have had a very strong are just as important as the songs of decades. Other selections on this and lasting influence on themselves. As time passes and album are melodies written by me but me. memories fade, I find myself wanting strongly influenced by my family’s I learned many beautiful niggunim to remember and perpetuate the Jewish music. Many of these songs, zemirot, and zemirot from my mother, Esther musical heritage that has helped shape and niggunim have been handed down (Frankel) Davis, who even now me as a person...as a songwriter...as a from generation to generation in my continues to teach me. shaliach tzibur...as a father..as a family. In some cases they were I used to love hearing my maternal son...as a grandfather. composed by family members and grandfather, Reb Yehoshua Frankel* My hope is that another generation sung in shul. In others, they they were daven for the amud. He used to sing of children and grandchildren will simply songs that were “remembered,” beautiful and soulful songs to, and remember and sing these songs as sung and informally taught at our with, my grandmother, Pearl Elisheva well... and that they will transmit them Shabbat, Yom Tov, or Seudah Shlishit to their children and grandchildren at table. It wasn’t always clear what the their Shabbat, Yom Tov, Seudah origin of the niggun was. Shlishit and Seder tables. One of my fondest and warmest Keeping all this in mind, it was childhood memories is sitting with my important to me that the instrumental brothers on Shabbat morning in and vocal arrangements of these Shaarey Tefila in Far Rockaway (a shul melodies be done in a manner that that was remarkably similar in style treats the material in a way that would and outlook to KJ), and being Frankel*. I also absorbed a great deal uniquely, yet authentically, preserve enveloped by the spiritual atmosphere: from my uncles, Reuven Frankel, the beauty, joy, pathos and spirit of the the beautiful ark, the meaningful and Naftali Frankel*, R’ Yitzchak Davis* songs. powerful words of Rabbi Emanuel and my paternal grandfather Reb To this end, I have the good fortune Rackman. I would look toward the Shalom Davis* (who sang songs to, of working with three people whose Bima in the center of the sanctuary and and with, my Bubbe, Gitel Davis*). talents add immeasurably to this watch with pride as I listened to the One of the niggunim I learned was project: prolific composer and arranger golden prayer tones of my father, handed down by my great grandfather, Elliot Weiss (who, together with Ruby Cantor Avrum Davis, wondering with R’ Meir Eichler*. Davis, Harry Ballan and I comprise the the rest of the congregation how he When I married Rochelle, my Shultones, who add so much to the could possibly hit the high note that musical life was further enriched when Simchat Torah Musaf); Rami Yadid, was coming. I learned songs from her, and from my recording engineer par excellence, and My father had a remarkable ability father-in-law, R’Chaskel Fastag (a Howard Katz, a multi-talented graphic to bring people to spiritual heights as lover of Modzitzer niggunim). I am designer. Sof davar, I thank Rabbi they listened to his beautiful voice. told that his father, R’ Moshe Leib Lookstein for helping me be the best Yet, at the same time, he was able to Fastag* (who perished in the Shoah shaliach tzibbur I can possibly be and involve them in tefilah as they sang with many other family members), for encouraging my involvement in with him. It was a wonderfully moving was a wonderful Baal Tefilah. His this project. spiritual and religious musical cousin, Rav Azriel Dovid Fastag* was I look forward to sharing my experience. the composer of the world famous family’s music with all of you. My father continued inspiring standard melody for Ani Maamin *of blessed memory KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN Page 12 continued from page 4 Everything that we have seen of him in journals as Azure, Commentary and First the past four years has confirmed his Things. But, all of these glorious gifts of Presentation of Chatan Maftir, capacity to continue the exalted tradition scholarship and talent, are balanced by Rabbi Meir Soloveichik from which he comes. His teaching and very loving, human qualities of by Rabbi Haskel Lookstein preaching at KJ have been consistently relationship to families in times of need illuminating and inspiring- sometimes and on occasions of celebration. This ur Chatan Maftir, Rabbi Meir even entertaining. balance even extends to his ability to teach Soloveichik, who is beginning his He is at present a member of the Judaic complicated Torah subjects to elementary Ofifth year in the Rabbinate of KJ, Studies faculty in the Ramaz Upper School grade school children at a Mishnayot shiur, represents the quintessential meaning of where he teaches the best of the Talmud and fascinating halachot at group visits to the word “hemshech.” He is the newest students in the senior class and a very large the Central Park Zoo. member of a generation of exalted Torah class, which was He has also blessed us with the joy of scholars and saintly leaders whose impact limited only by the size of the room. Had his accomplished wife, Layaliza, and his upon modern Jewish religious history the 75 students, representing almost three- adorable children, Aharon, Pinchas cannot be overstated. He is the great, great quarters of the class who applied for Tanchum, and Serach. grandson of Rav Chaim Brisker, the great enrollment in the course been accepted, the What a wonderful privilege we have to grandson of Rabbi Moshe Soloveichik, the course would have been held in the honor Rabbi Meir Soloveichik as Chatan grandson of Rav Aaron Soloveichik, and auditorium. Maftir and to prophesy about all that he the son of Rav Eliyahu Soloveichik, who He is close to completing his Doctorate can bring to KJ and to the Jewish world. serves as a Rosh Yeshiva at Touro in Philosophy of Religion at Princeton. He We ask the President and Vice Rabbinical College. And, of course, he is has already published widely read and President of the Congregation to escort the grand-nephew of the Rav. acclaimed articles in such prestigious Rabbi Soloveichik to his place of honor

continued from page 1 chancellor of MaTaN, then offered her greetings and shared some of the history of MaTaN. She never envisioned a yeshiva for women; twenty years ago it was more of an oxymoron than anything else. It started with heavenly dreams but small realities. Rabbanit Bina then spoke about Rabbi Lookstein’s contributions to KJ. She recalled the words “Avraham zaken bah beyamim”, in parashat Chayei Sarah, expounding that zaken (old age) can be interpreted as chachmah (wisdom). How did Avraham come to wisdom? With all his days. Every day, Avraham had a new, illminating insight. He had an all- encompassing, illuminated wisdom. So, too, suggested Rabbanit Bina, Rabbi Lookstein’s days are filled with insight: insight for KJ, insight for the Jewish people, reaching the ultimate level of ziknah and chachmah. A lovely brunch followed the D’var Torah, (l-r) Rabbanit Malka Bina and Fanya Gottesfeld Heller in the mini-Hakhel audience sponsored by Fanya Gottesfeld Heller, a leader Midreshet Lindenbaum Beit and a graduate of MaTaN’s in women’s advanced Torah scholarship. Shortly thereafter, Ayelet Advanced Scholar’s program, who emphasized the importance of Hoffman Libson, a former Ramaz student and a graduate of children attending the Hakhel, because even they can add MaTaN, spoke of the wonder of the Hakhel ceremony, where the chidushim to learning. Hakhel gives the Jewish people an Jewish people gathered to experience the essence, the glory, and opportunity to re-experience Har Sinai, to come together to share the splendor of the Torah. She stressed the importance of bringing Torah interpretations, to embrace Torah, and to be passionate children to the ceremony. about it; just like the mini-Hakhel at KJ. For information about The final speaker was Shani Taragin, the head of the MaTaN’s programs, see www.MaTaN.org.il

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ELIANA LORCH ORLY MINTZ DANIEL BERG Mazal Tov to Susanna Kochan-Lorch and Mazal Tov to Dr. Elizabeth Wallach and Mazal Tov to Deborah and Barry Berg Dr. Steven Lorch upon the Bat Mitzvah of their Victor Mintz upon the Bat Mitzvah of their upon the forthcoming Bar Mitzvah of their son, daughter, Eliana, which took place on Shabbat daughter, Orly Rebecca, which took place on Daniel, on Thursday morning, December 18 at morning, October 11, at the Women’s Tefilah Shabbat afternoon, November 15th, 2008, at the 8:30, in KJ’s Main Sanctuary. Daniel is a student group at KJ. Mazal Tov as well to the proud KJ Women’s Tefilah group at KJ. Orly read grandmother, Hannah Lorch. Eliana read in the seventh grade at the Ramaz Middle Parashat Chayei Sarah and presented a D’var School. Parashat Ha’azinu and the Haftarah. She also Torah about her parashah. Orly is a student in led the Shacharit and Musaf services. Eliana the sixth grade at the Ramaz Middle School. presented a D’var Torah about the analogy between Shirat Moshe and the entire Torah and she made a presentation about her Chesed project, Agunah. Eliana is a student in the seventh grade at the Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan.

JOSEPH BARUCH TANI SPIEVACK GABRIELLA TEPPER Mazal Tov to Shira and Dr. Lawrence Mazal Tov to Susan and Jay Spievack upon Mazal Tov to Fran and Dr. Alex Tepper Baruch upon the forthcoming KJ Bar Mitzvah the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Tani, which will upon the forthcoming Bat Mitzvah of their of their son, Joseph. Mazal Tov, as well, to take place at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on daughter, Gabriella, on January 10. She will proud KJ grandparents Rabbi and Mrs. Haskel January 10. Mazal Tov to proud KJ deliver a D’var Torah on the subject of Moshe Lookstein, and Mrs. Gladys Baruch. Joseph will grandparents Gabriella Major and Rudolph and his family relationships. Gabriella is a read Parashat Vayeshev and make a siyum on Dresdner. Tani will read Parashat Vayechi. Tani student in the sixth grade at the Ramaz Middle Masechet Megillah on December 20. Joseph is a is a student in the seventh grade at SAR. School. student in the seventh grade at the Ramaz Middle School.

JACOB P. EISENSTEIN JORDANA GUREWITSCH JACLYN MEHL Mazal Tov to Randi and Dr. Howard Mazal Tov to Karen and Steven Mazal Tov to Robin Sheingold Mehl and Eisenstein upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Gurewitsch upon the forthcoming Bat Mitzvah Dr. Sydney J. Mehl upon the upcoming Bat Jacob, which will take place at KJ on March 14. of their daughter, Jordana, which will take place Mitzvah of their daughter, Jaclyn Esther, on Jacob will read Parashat Ki Tisa and will deliver on March 8 at which time she will deliver a Sunday evening, April 5, at the Museum of a D’var Torah. Jacob is a student in the seventh D’var Torah. Mazel Tov to the proud KJ Jewish Heritage. She will deliver a D’var Torah grade at the Ramaz Middle School. grandparents, Rae and Stanley Gurewitsch. on a topic related to Pesach. Jaclyn is a student Jordana is a student in the sixth grade at the in the sixth grade at the Ramaz Middle School. Ramaz Middle School. KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN Page 14

WITHIN OUR FAMILY BIRTHS Kim and Jonathan Kushner upon the birth of Math Olympiad challenge. Max won the Mazal Tov to: their second child and second son, Emanuel national award as one of the highest scorers in Randi and Zahi Ashkenazi of Beverly Hills Joseph. Mazal Tov to the proud KJ his school district and scored in the top 10 upon the birth of their second daughter, Kayla grandparents, Lee and Murray Kushner. percent of all participants. Arielle. Mazal Tov to the proud KJ Bess and Leor Landa upon the birth of their Jonathan Baumgarten, who trained and grandmother, Rachell Maidenbaum Gober. second child and first son, Eitan Meyer. completed the Marine Corps Marathon in Mazal Tov as well to the proud grandfather, Ira Livia and Elias Marcovici upon the birth of Washington, D.C. He was quite possibly the Gober. their first child, a son, Daniel Ezra. Mazal Tov youngest runner there and finished the course in Karine and Eric Attias upon the birth of their also to proud KJ grandparents Paula and Dr. a time of 5 hours, 4 minutes. He did so in honor third child and second son, Natan Pinchas. David Menche. of the Israel Defense Forces and said he sang Marie and Robert Briefel upon the birth of Miera and Alan Rechtschaffen upon the birth (to himself) the Marine Corps anthem to get their first grandchild, Jonah Lewis Briefel of their second child and daughter, Chava him through the last two miles which were Hecht, son of Dr. Aviva Briefel and Dr. David Temimah (Eve). Mazal Tov to proud KJ uphill! Hecht. grandparents Pamela and Rabbi Manfred Debbie Milstein, daughter of Judy and Ben Michal and Eric Creizman upon the birth of Rechtschaffen. Milstein, upon being the subject of an article in their second child and son, Caleb. Mazal Tov to Drs. Rachel and Craig Title upon the birth of the Israeli newspaper, Ha’aretz. Debbie is the KJ grandparents Vivian and Lawrence twin boys. Director of International Trade at the Israel Creizman. Leah and Joel Weinberg upon the birth of Trade Industry Department. She was the only Abby and David Doft upon the birth of their their first child and son, Jayden Gabriel. Israeli ever to be an arbitrator in international fourth child and second daughter, Victoria. May these children grow up in the finest disputes between Arab and Muslim countries. Mazal Tov to proud KJ grandparents Arlene and tradition of Torah, chupah, and maasim tovim. Avrom Doft. ENGAGEMENTS Barbara and Eric Eigen upon the birth of MILESTONES Mazal Tov to: their second granddaughter, Hazel Aviva. Happy 99th Birthday to Lillian Jacobs. Pamela and Rabbi Manfred Rechtschaffen Rebecca and Evan Farber upon the birth of Mazal Tov to Fannie Silverstein upon upon the engagement of their son, Eric, to Kim their first child, a daughter, Charlotte. turning 99. Gordon, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Neil Gordon Sarah and Rocky Fishman upon the birth of Happy 100th birthday to Morris Weiss. of Savannah, Georgia. their second child and first daughter, Samantha Many happy returns to Gertude Linzer upon May their wedding take place in happiness Rose. celebrating her 100th birthday. and blessing. Rosie (‘68) and Mark Friedman upon the birth of a grandson, Yaakov Yitzchak, born to BNEI MITZVAH CONDOLENCES their children, Yosef (‘04) and Rivkah Mazal tov to: Our condolences to: Friedman. Hannah and Ed Low upon the Bar Mitzvah Sandy April, upon the passing of her brother, Sophia and David Gomberg upon the birth of of their grandson, Max, son of Debbie and Harris Klein. their second child, a son, Alexander Nathan. Michael Doppelt, at the Young Israel of Jay Cinnamon, upon the passing of his Mazal Tov to proud KJ grandparents Gail and Scarsdale on November 8. mother, Ethel Cinnamon. Ephraim Propp. Zachary Zuckerman on the celebration of his Israel Englander, upon the passing of his Elizabeth and Dr. Shaun Honig upon the Bar Mitzvah on Shabbat, Parshat Noah. sister, Toby Wechsler. birth of their first child, a son, Harry Heller Zachary read the entire Torah portion and he led Dr. Daniel Fenster, upon the passing of his Honig. the whole davening at a special service held in brother, Jonathan Fenster. Naomi Ickovitz and Dr. Steven Rudolph his honor at the Heschel School. Zachary is the Elisa Pines, upon the passing of her father, upon the birth of their first granddaughter, Yaffa son of Alice Gottesman and Larry Zuckerman, Murray Pantirer. Shaindel, in Chicago, born to their children and is the grandson of our members Ruth and Tessie Postel upon the passing of her son, Sara Rudolph (Ramaz ‘02) and Mitchell David S. Gottesman. Sanford Postel. Hoberman. . Judy Steinhardt, upon the passing of her Debbie and David Kahn upon the birth of a PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL mother, Ruth Abrams. grandson, Henry, a second son born to their ACHIEVEMENTS Teri Szulc, upon the passing of her father, children Rachel and Jonah Rechnitz. Congratulations to: Leonard Freedman. Lori and Liron Kronzon upon the birth of Dr. Inna Bakker upon her grandson Max May they be comforted among all those who their first children, twin boy and girl. Grozovsky’s participation in the Worldwide mourn for Zion and Jerusalem

DEDICATE For Information about the weekly status of the Manhattan Eruv Members of the Congregation and Call the ERUV HOTLINE 212-874-6100, ext. 452 (Recorded Message) others are invited to honor a friend or relative, celebrate a milestone event or memorialize a loved one by dedicating East Side Mikvah West Side Mikvah Chumashim or Siddurim. 419 East 77th Street 234 West 74th Street CHUMASHIM - $45 each (between 1st & York Avenues) (East of Broadway) SIDDURIM - $25 each Call Riva Alper at 212-774-5670 Telephone: 212-359-2020 Telephone: 212-579-2011 KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN Page 15

In Memoriam OPPORTUNITY TO FRANCES FLATOW MEMORIALIZE LOVED ONES

Frances Flatow was the oldest member of our congregation. She died at the age of 102 after a number of years of illness. On the walls of the Main Synagogue are mounted seven tablet s Until her final illness, she was a regular bearing memorial plaques, representing a permanent and dignified worshiper on Shabbat and Yom Tov in our memorial opportunity to honor loved ones. At KJ, now in it s 137th synagogue. She was a woman of grace and year, we keep the light s lit on either side of the plaque each year dignity, intelligence and competence. She also contributed regularly to the Annual during the full month of the Y ahrzeit and also when we recite Y izkor Synagogue Appeal, never failing to be on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, Pesach and Shavuot. generous to the congregation of which she was a part. The two newest tablet s, each accommodating more than 150 An alumna of Smith College in the late plaques, were recently mounted at the very front of the Main 1920s, she was married to the late Sidney Flatow who, prior to his catering career, Synagogue,close to the Holy Ark, af fording an opportunity to new was one of the directors of United Nations purchasers to determine with great specificity the location of loved Relief and Rehabilitation after World War one s plaques. II. Mrs. Flatow joined her husband on a mission during Israel’s War of The cost of a plaque is $1,000, which is entirely t ax deductible. If Independence, and they were among the first civilians to enter Jerusalem following you have relatives whom you wish to permanently memorialize, its siege, and they followed the IDF into the and/or you would like to reserve adjacent plaque sp aces for Negev upon its capture. yourself and other living relatives (you should not need them until Frances Flatow was a caring and loving af ter 120 years), now would be a good time to order plaques and wife to Sidney, and a wonderful Jewish keep all of your family s plaques together in the same location. woman whom we will long remember. JERRY GRUENHUT If you would like to speak with someone about this opportunity, please cont act KJ Executive Director Leonard Silverman at (212) We lost a real mensch in the passing of 774-5680 or [email protected] Jerry Gruenhut. He was a wonderful husband to Lynnette and a proud and loving father to Jonathan and Johanna, both Ramaz alumni. He was extraordinarily bright; he knew APARTMENT HOUSE the answer to everything, sizing things up RENOVATIONS, REMODELING SUPERSOL insightfully and zeroing in on tasks clearly NEW CONSTRUCTION KOSHER SUPERMARKETS and powerfully. Like his namesake, Yosef, he anticipated things and planned Design and Construction Services 661 AMSTERDAM AVENUE accordingly. Registered and Licensed Professionals NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10025 He was a “people person” who was nice in New York and New Jersey TEL. 212-222-6332 FAX. 212-222-6335 to everybody, and who, in turn, was loved Filing with Dept of Building ONE STOP SHOP by everybody. He had the most wonderful KOSHER SUPERMARKET! smile on his face even when confronting an and other Agencies FULL SERVICE CATERING illness, about which nobody knew, for the [email protected] FRESH SUSHI EVERYDAY. DELIVERY TO ALL NYC & NJ past two years. He had a nice word for 212-289-6290 everybody, and as a result, everyone had GLATT KOSHER UNDER SUPERVISION only the nicest things to say about him. 631-335-7962 (cell) OF THE VAAD OF RIVERDALE.

212-769-4400 CREATE AN ENDURING LEGACY

PLAZA JEWISH COMMUNITY CHAPEL Please consider participating in the Congregation’s Endowment and Andrew Fier, Director Planned Giving Program, through which you can create an enduring Amsterdam Avenue and 91st Street SERVICES AVAILABLE IN FLORIDA legacy of active participation in KJ. Contact Leonard Silverman at 1-800-227-3974 212-774-5680 or [email protected] for information. Page 16 KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN

SHABBAT SCHEDULE Friday Saturday Lighting Evening Afternoon Sabbath of Candles Services Services Ends December Judaica Classics By Doina 19-20 Vayeshev 4:13 PM 4:25 PM 4:10 PM 5:12 PM 26-27 Miketz 4:17 PM 4:30 PM 4:10 PM 5:15 PM SEE MANHATTAN’S MOST OUTSTANDING COLLECTION OF January CONTEMPORARY JUDAICA 2-3 Vayigash 4:22 PM 4:35 PM 4:15 PM 5:20 PM 9-10 Vayehi 4:29 PM 4:40 PM 4:25 PM 5:27 PM Located in the KJ Lobby 16-17 Shemot 4:36 PM 4:50 PM 4:30 PM 5:34 PM 212-722-4271 23-24 Vaera 4:45 PM 4:55 PM 4:40 PM 5:42 PM 30-31 Bo 4:53 PM 5:05 PM 4:45 PM 5:50 PM

February 6-7 Beshalach 5:02 PM 5:15 PM 4:55 PM 5:57 PM 13-14 Yitro 5:10 PM 5:20 PM 5:05 PM 6:06 PM 20-21 Mishpatim - Shekalim 5:19 PM 5:30 PM 5:10 PM 6:14 PM 201-664-2465 27-28 Terumah 5:27 PM 5:40 PM 5:20 PM 6:21 PM Catering for Synagogues, Hotels, March 6-7 Tetzaveh - Zachor 5:35 PM 5:45 PM 5:25 PM 6:30 PM Homes, and Yachts. Now operating 13-14 Ki Tissa - Parah 6:42 PM 6:45 PM 6:35 PM 7:37 PM the cafe at the Jewish Museum. 20-21 Vayakhel - Pekudei: 6:50 PM 6:45 PM 6:40 PM 7:44 PM Hachodesh Under the supervision of the Star-K. 27-28 Vayikra 6:57 PM 6:45 PM 6:50 PM 7:52 PM McCABE’S WINES & SPIRITS SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Weekday mornings…………..7:30 AM Sunday mornings……………..8:30 AM 1347 Third Ave., New York, NY 10021 Mondays and Thursdays……..7:15 AM Rosh Chodesh Weekdays…….7:00 AM 212-737-0790 Sabbath mornings…………….9:00 AM “Manhattan’s Largest Selection of Kosher Wines and Spirits” EVENING SERVICES 20% DISCOUNT OFF ALL KOSHER WINE Dec. 21- 25 ...... 4:25 PM Jan. 18-22 ...... 4:50 PM Feb. 15-19 ...... 5:25 PM 10% DISCOUNT OFF ALL SINGLE MALTS Dec. 28 -Jan. 1...... 4:30 PM Jan. 25-29 ...... 5:00 PM Feb. 22-26 ...... 5:35 PM TO KJ MEMBERS (Excluding Sale Items) Jan. 4-8 ...... 4:35 PM Feb. 1-5 ...... 5:10 PM March 1-5 ...... 5:40 PM Prompt Delivery Jan. 11-15...... 4:45 PM Feb. 8-12 ...... 5:15 PM March 8-31 ...... 6:45 PM DATES TO REMEBER KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN Mon - Wed, December 22-24 Morning Service at 8:30 am Monday, February 16 Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun Chanukah Service at 7:10 am Tuesday, January 6 Morning Service at 8:30 am 125 East 85th Street, New York, NY 10028 Thursday, December 25 Fast of the 10th of Tevet Tuesday February 24 212-774-5600 Morning Service at 8:30 am Fast Begins at 6:08 am Rosh Chodesh Adar Synagogue Officials Friday, December 26 Morning Service at 6:50 am Morning Service at 7:00 am Dr. Haskel Lookstein ...... Rabbi Chanukah Service at 7:10 am Afternoon Service at 4:20 pm Wednesday, February 25 Meir Soloveichik ...... Associate Rabbi Sunday, December 28 Fast Ends at 5:20 pm Rosh Chodesh Adar Elimelech Weinstock . . . .Associate Rabbi Chanukah/Rosh Chodesh Tevet Monday, January 26 Morning Service at 7:00 am Alexander Kaye ...... Rabbinic Assistant Morning Service at 8:30 am Rosh Chodesh Shevat For Purim Schedule see page 7 Marc Herman ...... Rabbinic Intern Monday, December 29 Morning Service at 7:00 am Thursday, March 26 Avram Davis ...... Cantor Emeritus Chanukah Service at 7:10 am Monday, February 9 Rosh Chodesh Nisan Mayer Davis ...... Cantor Thursday, January 1 Tu B’Shevat Morning Service at 7:00 am Leonard Silverman . . .Executive Director Officers of the Congregation Eric Feldstein ...... President In preparing the Bulletin, we welcome all KJ members’ announcements of communal, academic Surie Sugarman ...... Vice President and professional achievements. Please e-mail [email protected] or mail news to the synagogue, Robert Kurzweil . . . . .2nd Vice President Elias Buchwald ...... 3rd Vice President marked “ATTN: KJ Bulletin”

Jacob Doft ...... Secretary

W Bulletin? Please e-mail [email protected] or call 212-774-5670. call or [email protected] e-mail Please ! know to need

Joel Katz ...... Treasurer e David Lobel ...... Assistant Treasurer the of copies double receiving you Are mail? the in late Bulletin KJ your receiving you Are Deena Schiff ...... Financial Secretary Dr. Diana Friedman . .Recording Secretary Past Presidents Benjamin Brown Fred Distenfeld Chaim Edelstein Samuel Eisenstat Stanley Gurewitsch Affiliate Presidents Susan Blinken ...... Pres. Sisterhood Dr. Mark Meirowitz . . . .Pres. Men’s Club Sherri Libin ...... Pres. Kesher Rina Kestenbaum ...... Pres. Kesher Bonnie Silvera ...... Pres. Kesher Office Staff

Riva Alper ...... Administrator

Rudy Arjune ...... Superintendent 10028-0928 NY York, New

Dina Farhi ...... Executive Assistant 2200 NO. PERMIT 2 at8t Street 85th East 125

Hattie Murphy ...... Comptroller N.Y. YORK, NEW

Rachel Lichtenstein.Outreach Administrator Jeshurun Kehilath Congregation

Arona Schneider...... Office Manager PAID POSTAGE U.S.

KEHILATH JESHURUN BULLETIN JESHURUN KEHILATH on-Profit on-Profit Eytan Zadoff ...... Youth Director N