A Traditional, Egalitarian and Participatory Conservative

ELUL 5777/TISHREI/HESHVAN 5778 NEWSLETTER/VOLUME 30:1 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 Or Zarua Annual Tshuvah Lecture Selihot Study with Bolton Rabbinic Irreverence: Repentance and Forgiveness Imagining a Repentant God at the Time of the Spanish Expulsion: Rabbi Dov Weiss, PhD Abarbanel’s Take on Tshuvah Department of Religion University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Saturday, September 16 8:00 pm: Dessert Reception Sunday evening, September 24, 6:00 pm 8:30 pm: Selihot Study s we approach transgressing law. Dr. Weiss (son with Rabbi Bolton the High Holy of Rabbi Avi Weiss) recently published a 9:30: pm Selihot Service Days, the process book, Pious Irreverence: Confronting God of repentance in Rabbinic , that ach of 5777 we have Amust become our focus. explores these daring Egleaned from Don Yitzhak Abarbanel's As the High Holy Day Rabbinic texts. erudite commentary on the weekly Torah liturgy makes clear, our In this Tshuvah Lecture, portion. At Selihot, as we turn towards fate for the coming year Dr. Weiss will address why the new year, we will study selections may hinge on the efficacy some envisioned a from the masterwork that address and of our tshuvah, which must involve genuine perfect God as performing explore repentance. This past year, while introspection, a thoroughgoing refinement tshuvah and what religious we have seen some of those passages as of character, and a deep commitment to values and insight might they arose in the context of our reading improvement in our conduct. Each year at Or be expressed in these radical texts. As we of the weekly parashiot, for our Selihot Zarua we gather to contemplate the nature look ahead to , we will consider study, we will study various comments of the daunting challenge that authentic how these Rabbinic depictions of God, sin, and commentaries that Abarbanel made tshuvah poses for us. and our relationship with the divine can on tshuvah. This year’s annual Tshuvah Lecture, reinvigorate our own process of tshuvah. during the between Finding guidance and inspiration in classical unique feature of Or Zarua’s Shabbat and Yom Kippur, will feature Jewish texts is a hallmark of learning Aand learning culture is the Rabbi Dr. Dov Weiss, Assistant Professor at Or Zarua. in-depth study we make of one darshan of Jewish Studies in the Department of Dr. Weiss received his PhD (with (commentator) per year. Studying Religion at the University of Illinois at distinction) in the History of Judaism at the Abarbanel's take on tshuvah for Selihot Urbana-Champaign, who will discuss certain University of Chicago Divinity School and will be a fine way to wrap up our study of innovative and even radical aspects of the was also a fellow at Harvard University’s Abarbanel, before we launch into another Rabbis’ conceptions of God and of tshuvah. Center for Jewish Studies. Specializing in wonderful commentator on the Torah. Dr. Weiss will highlight Rabbinic passages the history of Jewish biblical interpretation about God and repentance that are often and Rabbinic theology, Dr. Weiss’s scholarly Prepare for the overlooked but which may reveal for us new interests encompass various facets of pathways and opportunities of tshuvah. ’ conceptions of, challenges to, and with Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz Judaism is often described as a religion confrontations with God throughout the So Full a Voice from So Empty a Heart: that tolerates, even celebrates, arguing range of Jewish historical periods. The Significance of the Sounds with God. Unlike Christianity and Islam, Dr. Weiss will lecture and answer of the Judaism seems to endorse a tradition of questions, before we together mark the end protest, as first expressed in the biblical of the Fast of Gedaliah with Ma’ariv and a Thursday, September 14, 7:00 pm stories of , Job and Jeremiah. nosh. Please join us for what promises to See Page 3 Less well known are those Jewish texts that be a stimulating and inspiring lecture as we imagine God as conceding error. Strikingly, embark on our own journeys of tshuvah in New Hesed Program: TutorMate in several of these texts, God even admits this High Holy Day season. See Page 4 1 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 President’s Message by Sara Stone ummertime problems, more medicine but less wellness. “and the livin’ “We drink too much, smoke too much, A CONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUE is easy.” But spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive FOUNDED 1989 not so much too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV 127 East 82nd Street Shere at Or Zarua where there has been a lot too much, and pray too seldom. We have New York, NY 10028 of activity happening multiplied our possessions, but reduced phone: 212-452-2310 fax: 212-452-2103 over the summer. I our values. We talk too much, love too www.orzarua.org hope as you return this seldom and hate too often. fall, you will notice our even more beautiful “We have learned how to make a living, SCOTT N. BOLTON, Rabbi sanctuary. The ark has new lighting, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not DR. HARLAN J. WECHSLER, Rabbi Emeritus the woodwork on the bimah has been life to years. We’ve been all the way to the SARA STONE, President refinished and so have all of the pews. moon and back, but have trouble crossing WILLIAM ZAIENTZ, Treasurer Many thanks to Shelden and the the street to meet a new neighbor. We KAREN KAPLAN, Secretary Aesthetics Committee for the work they did conquered outer space but not inner space. HELENE SANTO, Executive Director on this project. We’ve done larger things, but not SIGAL HIRSCH, Director of Youth Education Secondly, we have arranged to welcome better things. and Programming the Sephardic Academy of Manhattan to “We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted CHARLES SPIELHOLZ, Newsletter Editor our building. Approximately 10 kindergarten the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but children will be making Or Zarua their not our prejudice. We write more, but learn OZ Committee Chairs home beginning in September. We look less. We plan more, but accomplish less. forward to offering some joint after school We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more ADMINISTRATION Gerry programming with these students and our information, to produce more copies than AESTHETICS Aaron Shelden Or L’Atid students. And what would summer be without ever, but we communicate less and less. ART GALLERY Bobbi Coller programs on our roof. Many enjoyed These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, BOOK DISCUSSION Reed Schneider “Parents’ Night Out” in July. But our most steep profits and shallow relationships. Nora Yood successful summer “roof” program had “Remember, to spend some time with BUILDING Diane Okrent to be held in the social hall, not because your loved ones, because they are not going of rain but because of such overwhelming CEMETERY Aliza Kaplan to be around forever. Remember, say a kind response! Our roof simply could not Mort Schwartz word to someone who looks up to you in accommodate everyone who came to DEVELOPMENT Alan Ilberman awe, because that little person soon will see “The Women’s Balcony.” This was grow up and leave your side. HESED Susan Lorin one of the most amazing Or Zarua events “Remember, to say ‘I love you’ to your ever. Special thanks to Gerry and Phyllis HEVRA KADISHA Roberta Hufnagel partner and your loved ones, but most of all Solomon and Rabbi Bolton for making this Gerry Solomon mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend a Aliza Kaplan happen. If you missed our summer roof hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. programs, sign up for dinner in our rooftop LIBRARY Barry Feldman (From Words Aptly Spoken by later this fall. Bob Moorehead.) MARKETING Dana Gross And now it is , time to turn our As we welcome the year 5778, please Dara Shapiro thoughts to reflection and renewal. As I take time to enjoy a sunset, share a hug read the passage below, I found it so clearly MEMBERSHIP Melissa Kashan Lader and hold a hand. expressed my thoughts about the state Sheldon Adler of our lives and our world that I decided L’Shanah Tovah NOMINATING Jay Palmer to share it with you. What is especially AND LEADERSHIP distressing is that these words are truer ORAL HISTORY Mimi Alperin today than they were in 1990 when they were written. I hope they will inspire all of PROGRAMMING Marc D. Ashley us to live more meaningful lives in the PUBLIC RELATIONS Aaron Shelden year ahead. READERS Marc D. Ashley “The paradox of our time in history is AND LEADERS Jay Palmer that we have taller buildings but shorter STRATEGIC Arthur H. Rosenbloom tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower DEVELOPMENT viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have WEBMASTER Jay Palmer bigger houses and smaller families, more YOUTH EDUCATION Eric Schmutter conveniences, but less time. We have more If you are interested in serving on a synagogue degrees but less sense, more knowledge, committee, please contact the office for the but less judgment, more experts, yet more committee chair’s email address. 2 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 So Full a Voice from So Empty a Heart: The Significance of the Sounds of the Shofar with Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz; Thursday, September 14, 7:00 pm here is uncover their corresponding meanings. a forthcoming book, Rewriting the , nothing more The blowing of the shofar can be deeply on the effect of tradition from the Land of emblematic inspiring and motivational to us only if we Israel on the composition of the of the High appreciate its varied purposes as reflected Babylonian Talmud. THoly Days than the in classical Jewish sources. Rabbi Schwartz will help bring to life shofar, yet its symbolic Rabbi Schwartz is an assistant professor in our minds and hearts the sounds and resonance may remain of Talmud and Rabbinics at JTS and the themes of the blowing of the shofar. As obscure. Although we find the sounds research coordinator for its Center for we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, please emitted from the shofar familiar, many of Pastoral Education, as well as the director attend this enlightening discussion by a us remain in the dark as to the specific of the JTS Beit and Nishma Talmud scholar on a fundamental but still significance each sound conveys. summer program. He is a past recipient of mysterious Jewish ritual practice. This Please join us for this stimulating the prestigious Professor Saul Lieberman High Holy Day season, listen to – and lecture by Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz, as we and Dr. Judith Berlin Lieberman Graduate genuinely hear and appreciate – the interrogate each of the shofar sounds and Fellowships in Talmudic Studies, and has sounds of the shofar.

Life in the Streets on the Lower East Side During Save the Date the Iconic Period of Immigration and Settlement New Members Reception Jewish History with Barry Feldman Thursday, October 26 Four Sundays: October 22 & 29 and November 5 & 19, 10 am–12 noon r Zarua Congregant accommodation to life in . Details to Follow. Barry Feldman will For the first three sesions, we will be again be leading reading from oral histories and memoirs a four-session that offer insight to social institutions and Addiction, Oethnographic and historical cultural patterns of the period. inquiry into institutions The fourth session (November 19), will Wilderness Therapy, and incidents that shaped be a tour and accompanying narrative: American Jewry during the iconic period of courtship, romance and marriage on the and Jewish immigration at the turn of the 20th century. Lower East Side. Details for gathering for the Each session will involve discussion; class tour will be provided in class, by email and in Responsibilities participation is urged. the next issue of the newsletter. Thursday, November 2, 7:00 pm During the iconic period, fire escapes Barry is an urban historian, museum became bedrooms, stoops doubled as living educator, and licensed New York City tour e must raise our awareness of rooms, storefronts became social halls, guide. He has created and developed tours addiction and how to treat the Hester and Orchard Streets were precursors of the Jewish Lower East Side covering the Wdisease. Join us for this important of contemporary malls. Using ethnographic late 18th century to the present. In the fall evening. We will begin by hearing from OZ and primary sources, this course will of 2014, he taught a class at OZ about the Congregant Susan Zilberman, whose life examine how overcrowding, frigid winters, growth of the Jewish population of New York was impacted by the addiction that her oppressive heat waves, poor ventilation, from the end of 19th to the beginning of the son (of blessed memory) experienced. The and lack of sanitary facilities fostered 20th centuries. evening will include a presentation from Jory Hanselman, the Director of the nation's first Jewish wilderness therapy program, BaMidbar Wilderness Therapy. BaMidbar Wilderness Therapy is a program of Ramah in the Rockies. The program incorporates clinical treatment, wilderness-based experiences, and Jewish learning and values for a uniquely Jewish pathway to recovery. Program Director Jory Hanselman will discuss the intersection of Judaism, wilderness, and whole-health wellness. We will also hear from an addictions counselor about clinical Last year, OZ congregant Barry Feldman taught a four-session class entitled “Machlokis, understanding and treatment for the disease Tzuris & Achdus: Disputes, Troubles, and Unity During the Iconic Period of Jewish Settlement in of addiction. Rabbi Bolton will initiate a NYC.” The class attracted between 20 and 30 people per session. Barry's classes are open to discussion about how our community can all, prior knowledge is not required, and you may attend any or all sessions. We hope to see you play a supportive role for those in the this year as we continue to study NYC Jewish history with Barry. healing process. 3 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 Say Yes! To Hesed Programs Talmud & Classes Get involved through Or Zarua and help those in need with Rabbi Bolton Talmud Class New Hesed Program: TutorMate The Gates Are Unlocked: Would you like to help a child be a better reader? The Yom Kippur Experience All it takes is a computer, telephone, and half an hour each week! In The Talmud oin OZ’s TutorMate Team and commit to reading remotely with a child using Wednesdays, 7:30 pm your computer and phone each week. Each OZ volunteer will be paired with an First Class: October 18 underperforming child in a school in a low-income neighborhood to read with every J The last chapter of week for a 30-minute session (which can easily be rescheduled via an online calendar). In (Tractate Yom Kippur) begins with the addition to reading, tutors and children can play online word games like tic-tac-toe. All you about how we observe need is internet access and genuine interest in helping a child. No experience Yom Kippur. The chapter includes is necessary. philosophical reflections on repentance TutorMate is the nation’s leading online volunteer tutoring program. Nearly 200 leading and deals with practical matters US companies engage their employees as TutorMate volunteers, and the program is now such as what happens if a expanding to enlist individuals through community and religious organizations. TutorMate person is unable to fast. makes it easy to volunteer. Join the class on Wednesday evenings For more information, visit http://www.innovationsforlearning.org/leader-for-literacy. (7:30–9:00 pm) this fall. Participants If you would like to participate, please contact Lesley Palmer by September 25 should purchase Artscroll Yoma Vol. 2 ([email protected]). OZ will cover the cost of participation. or a Gemara Yoma that contains Volunteer for DOROT’s Home Visit Volunteers the last chapter. Rosh Hashanah Package Delivery Volunteer to visit and bring cheer to ill or All levels of learners are welcome Brighten the holidays for a senior! Volunteer home-bound OZ Congregants. Contact to join Talmud Class. to deliver a package and visit with an Deborah Wenger: [email protected] older person on Sunday, September 17. or 212-452-2310, ext 12, if you Siddur Class OZ volunteers will meet at 10:15 am at are interested. The Torah Service Temple Israel, 112 East 75th St, between Thursdays, 8:40 am South Bronx Salvation Park and Lex. The entire project requires First Class: October 19 approximately 2.5 hours including a visit of and Deliverance Church up to one hour. Ages 8 and up are Pre-owned adult and children’s clothing, We will continue investigating the history welcome. Contact Lesley Palmer toys, dolls, games, and related items can and meaning of the siddur and Jewish ([email protected]) be put to good use by the many transitional prayer experience. We are up to the part in for more information or to register. homeless residents in the South Bronx, the siddur when the Torah is on the table. including single, jobless mothers and their How ancient are the blessings we say? One in Five NYC Children Rely children, as well as unemployed men. OZ Blessings done over the reading come on Food Programs partners with South Bronx Salvation and from a different age than prayers for the Please remember to donate food for or Deliverance Church, whose members are sick or for remembering loved ones. We volunteer with New York Common Pantry. OZ housekeepers caring for their own local will look at the prayers we insert on the volunteers are needed the first Wednesday needy. Contact Richard Stadin at Sabbath after the Torah reading, as well. of each month, 9:00 am to noon, in NYCP’s (212) 879-0448 or [email protected] to The class will meet Thursday mornings distribution center, 8 East 109th Street. arrange for donations. (8:40–9:40 am) beginning this fall. Contact Lesley Palmer ([email protected]) to sign up Monday Night Pasta and Salad at NCS Background knowledge of either Talmud for September 6, October 4, or November 1. OZ congregants serve hot food and good or the siddur is not necessary for these Collection bins are in the Social Hall for food cheer at the Neighborhood Coalition for classes; everyone is welcome to attend. donations of healthy (low-sodium, whole Shelter’s East 81st Street Residence Each class session is independent of one wheat, low-fat or nonfat) packaged from 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm on the last two another so individuals may join a session grocery items. Mondays of each month. Contact at any time. Texts that are supplied in Jeffrey Haberman at [email protected], class are in both Hebrew and English. for information. Refer to the calendar in the OZ Newsletter For more information about Hesed or online for specific meetings days. programs, please contact Susan J. Lorin, Hesed Committee Chair, at Smile for [email protected] or 212-717-4647. When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of eligible Photo at left: Or Zarua volunteers at the purchases to OZ. Here’s how: NY Common Pantry this past August. From Visit smile.amazon.com and search for left: Nora Yood, Lynda Wertheim, Charlie Congregation Or Zarua. Shop for your Spielholz, Mina Greenstein, and favorite items any time of the year through Dore Hollander. AmazonSmile! 4 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 Or Zarua Book Discussions Book Launch Two She-Bears Moonglow by Meir Shalev by Michael Chabon Sunday, September 10, 7:30 pm Sunday, November 5, 7:30 pm r Zarua’s Book ulitzer Prize– Lioness: Discussions winning author Owill resume on PMichael Golda Meir and the Sunday, September Chabon’s novel 10, 7:30 pm, with Moonglow begins Nation of Israel Two She-Bears, by with a deathbed Israeli author Meir by a man by OZ Congregant Shalev. This novel is to his grandson. a story of a murder The man, known as Francine Klagsbrun that occurred in “my grandfather,” Thursday, October 19, 6:30 pm the early days of describes his view British rule over Palestine, as recalled by and the implications of American history The Jewish Museum a schoolteacher 70 years later. The author and technological development during his rancine was born in 1948 on Nahalal, Israel’s first lifetime, beginning with the Jewish slums of Klagsbrun’s new moshav (agricultural cooperative). Replete prewar Philadelphia. “Written as a faux- Fbook, Lioness: with Biblical texts and exploring themes of memoir of the recollections of the narrator's Golda Meir and the personal responsibility, guilt and renewal, grandfather.....Chabon renders an entire era Nation of Israel, a revenge and forgiveness, it seems an ideal within a single deathbed confession” definitive biography choice as we approach the High Holidays. –New Yorker, November 20. 2016. “of the iron-willed leader, chain-smoking political operative, and tea-and-cake- serving grandmother who became the fourth prime minister of Israel.” The book called “majestic” by Tom Brokaw and “a masterwork” by Cynthia Ozick, will be published in October. Francine, a founding member of Congregation Or Zarua, teaches annually at our Yom Kippur services. She is the author of more than a dozen books, including The Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day, and was the editor of Free To Be...You and Me. She will speak and sign Or Zarua Book Discussions meet in the OZ library on select Sunday evenings at 7:30 pm. books at the book launch at the Jewish In addition to the two dates listed above, future Book Discussion dates (and titles) are Museum (1109 Fifth Ave at 92nd St) on January 7 (Putting God Second: How to Save Religion from Itself by Donniel Hartman), March 4 Thursday, October 19 at 6:30. Everyone is (A Horse Walks into a Bar by Grossman), and May 6 (Lioness: Golda Meir and the Nation welcome to attend. She will also be happy of Israel by OZ Congegant Francine Klagsbrun; see column on the right). Additional information to sign books purchased at other times for and updates will be published in upcoming issues of the OZ Newsletter, in eblasts, and on anyone who wishes it. the OZ website. Attendance is open to members, guests, and newcomers. For additional information, contact Deborah Wenger in the OZ office, 212-452-2310, ext 12. Keep Our Daily Bir’nana Minyan Strong Your hour’s time one morning a month Help Make “Joyful Song” at Or Zarua will allow members who have lost loved ir’nana, which means “in joyful song” in Hebrew, is ones to say . You’ll be doing a Or Zarua’s a cappella group. Its repertoire includes and helping them to do one, as Israeli, Ashkenazic, and Sephardic liturgical pieces well. If you choose a Monday or Thursday, Bfrom the 18th through 20th centuries, and modern having a minyan will allow us to read Israeli and American songs. Conducted by Rabbi Amy Torah. And so that you leave the shul filled Bolton, Bir’nana enhances OZ’s musical experience both spiritually and nutritiously there’s a and holiday celebrations. During the past year, the group performed on , , breakfast. Contact Sheldon Adler , and Yom HaShoah. If you love to sing (that’s the only prerequisite!), Bir’nana would ([email protected]) and tell him the welcome you. Contact Aliza Kaplan ([email protected]) with questions or just drop in day that’s best for you. Services begin at to any of the group's rehearsals; rehearsal dates are listed on the OZ calendar. 7:15 am on weekday mornings and 8:45 am on Sundays.

5 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Selihot Welcome-Back Kiddush High Holy Day Services Saturday Night, September 16 Saturday, September 9 5778/2017 after services 8:00 pm Dessert Reception Congregation Or Zarua Erev Rosh Hashanah 8:30 pm Selihot Study welcomes everyone Wednesday, September 20 with Rabbi Bolton back with a post summer kiddush Minhah/Ma’ariv: 6:15 pm–7:15 pm “Repentance and Forgiveness at beginning immediately after services. at Congregation Or Zarua the Time of the Spanish Expulsion: Guests and newcomers Abarbanel’s Take on Tshuvah” are welcome to attend. First Day Rosh Hashanah (See Page 1) Thursday, September 21 9:30 pm Selihot Service Zimriyah Shaharit: 8:30 am–1:00 pm for the High Holy Days at Wallace Hall Annual Tshuvah Lecture Tashlikh: 6:00 pm–6:30 pm Saturday, September 9 at Central Park Reservoir, south end After Kiddush in the OZ Art Gallery “Rabbinic Irreverence: Minhah/Ma’ariv: 7:00 pm–8:00 pm Imagining a Repentant God” Please join us to sing Shabbat songs and at Congregation Or Zarua learn High Holy Day melodies. with Dov Weiss, PhD Rabbi Bolton, Marc Ashley, and our Second Day Rosh Hashanah service leaders will sing new tunes and Friday, September 22 Sunday, September 24, 6:00 pm review familar ones for the High Holy Days. See Page 1 Everyone is invited to participate. Shaharit: 8:30 am–1:00 pm at Wallace Hall Minhah/Ma’ariv: 6:15 pm–7:15 pm High Holy Day Services 5778/2017 at Congregation Or Zarua

General information Shabbat Shuva ur High Holy Day services will be is not a drop-off service. It will be held in the Saturday, September 23 held at Wallace Hall, on the west Or Zarua library from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm Shaharit: 9:00 am–12:00 noon side of Park Avenue between on the second day of Rosh Hashanah and on at Congregation Or Zarua 83rd and 84th Streets, not far Yom Kippur. Grandparents are also invited. from our synagogue building on Times and locations are listed on the Youth East 82nd Street. services schedule on page 10. Erev Yom Kippur O Friday, September 29 OZ offers three types of services for If you know of people who might be the High Holy Days: a main service, led by without a place to go for High Holy Day Minhah, 1:30 pm–1:55 pm Rabbi Scott Bolton; youth services, divided Services, please have them contact at Congregation Or Zarua by age; and a Family Learning Experience, the office (212-452-2310, ext 12). led by Rabbi Amy Bolton. Youth services will The schedule for all main services for the : 6:15 pm-8:45 pm be held on both days of Rosh Hashanah, High Holy Days will be printed on the reverse at Wallace Hall Kol Nidre, and Yom Kippur. Please note side of your ticket. Tickets will be mailed that children 2–4 years old must be in mid-September to all members in good Yom Kippur accompanied by no more than one parent. standing; remember to bring your ticket with Saturday, September 30 There will be a Mah Zeh?! program for Teens you to all services at both Wallace Hall and on Yom Kippur. Teenagers are encouraged OZ. Call the synagogue office with questions Services Begin: 9:00 am–7:28 pm to attend the main service. Please review the regarding your membership. Note that all at Wallace Hall High Holy Day services schedules, on this children through the age of 22 are included page (see right) and the services for youth in family membership; children 23 and older Service Locations on page 10 for times and locations. are required to have guest tickets. Call the Congregation Or Zarua The Family Learning Experience (FLEX), synagogue office, 212-452-2310, ext 10, or 127 East 82nd Street described on page 10, led by Rabbi Amy go online to Chaverweb to purchase between Lexington and Park Avenues Bolton, is designed for the entire family and guest tickets. Wallace Hall MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: Letters regarding renewal of membership at Or Zarua have west side of Park Avenue been mailed. Please contact the synagogue office at 212-452-2310, ext 10 with questions between 83rd and 84th Streets regarding membership at Congregation Or Zarua. Tickets are required for all services ADDITIONAL HIGH HOLY DAY TICKETS: Guest tickets for all High Holy Day services are at both locations, $360 each for adults; $180 each for children ages 5–17, college students, and young except on Shabbat Shuva. professionals (ages 18–30). Children age 4 and under do not need a ticket. Tickets for nonmembers wishing to bring their families to the Family Learning Experience are $180 per High Holy Day Programing for family. To order, contact Luisa Paulino at [email protected] or 212-452-2310, ext 10. Youth is on Page 10. 6 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Meals in the Sukkah Festival Services t is a mitzvah to eat in the sukkah during Bring-Your-Own Shabbat Dinner the Festival of Sukkot. Or Zarua offers Friday, October 6 5778/2017 Congregants several opportunities to After Services (7:00 pm) have lunch or dinner in the sukkah on the You bring dinner and all service items, Erev Sukkot Isynagogue’s roof. including beverages, plates, cups, napkins, and utensils. Dessert and are Wednesday, October 4 Dinner (catered) on Erev Sukkot provided. All food brought to the sukkah Minhah/Ma’ariv: 6:15 pm Wednesday, October 4 must be kosher. Please conclude your Minhah Ma’ariv: 6:15 pm evening meal by 9:00 pm. Dinner begins after services (7:15 pm) First Day Sukkot Includes a performance by Bir’nana To bring your own Shabbat dinner to the Thursday, October 5 RSVP by Tuesday, September 26 at : sukkah or to eat in the sukkah at other Shaharit: 9:00 am http://tinyurl.com/SukkotDinner10-4-2017 times, please notify Deborah Wenger in Festival Ma’ariv: 7:00 pm the synagogue office at 212-452-2310, Dinner (catered) on Night 2 Sukkot ext 12, of the number of people in your Thursday, October 5 group by noon, Monday, October 2. Second Day Sukkot Festival Ma’ariv 7:00 pm Friday, October 6 Dinner begins after services (7:30 pm) Kiddush in the Sukkah Shaharit: 9:00 am Includes a performance by Bir’nana Thursday, October 5, Friday, October 6, and Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat: 6:00 pm RSVP by Tuesday, September 26 at : Saturday, October 7, immediately http://tinyurl.com/SukkotDinner10-5-2017 after services Shabbat Hol Hamoed Sukkot Catered dinners on require reservations: After our daily Shaharit minyanim during Saturday, October 7 $45 for adults, $25 for children ages 5–12, Hol Hamoed Sukkot and on Hoshanah Shaharit: 8:45 am no charge for children under 5. Use the links Rabbah, the breakfast will be held in the (includes reading of Megillat Kohelet) specified above or call 212-452-2310, ext Sukkah. Please join us for services, coffee, 39 or log into your Chaverweb account OJ and bagels in the sukkah! Hol Hamoed Sukkot (weekday) Festival Programing for Youth is on page 11. Sunday, October 8 Shaharit: 8:45 am Monday & Tuesday, Order Your Etrogim and Lulavim October 9 & 10 he joyous holiday of Sukkot begins Wednesday evening, October 4. Congregation Shaharit: 7:00 am TOr Zarua will again arrange for the purchase of etrogim and lulavim. All orders are delivered in complete sets: in a box, with hadassim, and aravot in a bag. Hoshanah Rabbah Three options, each certified for use on Sukkot, are available: Wednesday, October 11 •Special Set (Aleph), $75.00 each Shaharit: 7:00 am •Choice Set (Bet), $65.00 each •Standard Set (Gimmel), $55.00 each •Extra set of Hoshanot-Hadassim-Aravot, $7.50 each Erev Wednesday, October 11 To order, contact Deborah Wenger at 212-452-2310, ext 12, or [email protected], or Minhah/Ma’ariv: 6:00 pm log into your Chaverweb account at http://tinyurl.com/OZ-Etrog-2017, by noon on Tuesday, September 26. We cannot accept any orders without payment. Sets will be available for pickup between Yom Kippur and Sukkot on a date to be determined. Shemini Atzeret Thursday, October 12 Shaharit: 9:00 am OZ’s Young Professionals Erev Simhat Torah Annual Sushi in the Sukkah Thursday, October 12 Tuesday, October 10, 7:00 pm Ma’ariv and Hakafot: 7:00 pm OZ’s Young Professionals will gather in the roof-top sukkah for drinks and sushi. Simhat Torah RSVP online: http://tinyurl.com/YP-Sushi-10-20-16. Friday, October 13 For additional information on programming Shaharit: 9:00 am by OZ's Young Professionals, see page 16. Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat: 6:00 pm

7 127 East 82nd Street New York, NY 10028•212-452-2310 September 2017•Elul 5777/Tishrei 5778 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1•10 Elul 2 •11 Elul 7:15a Shaharit 9:00a Shaharit 6:15p Minhah/Kabbalat Ki Tetze Shabbat 8:15p Shabbat Ends 7:10p Candlelighting

3•12 Elul 4•13 Elul 5•14 Elul 6•15 Elul 7•16 Elul 8•17 Elul 9•18 Elul 8:45a Shaharit Labor Day 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 9:00a Shaharit No Bir’nana Rehearsal 8:45a Shaharit 9:00a NY Common Pantry 6:15p Minhah/Kabbalat Ki Tavo Office Closed Shabbat 11:00a Torah Kids 6:58p Candlelighting 11:00a Torah Tots After Services: Welcome Back Kiddush After Kiddush: High Holy Days Zimriyah 8:03p Shabbat Ends 10•19 Elul 11•20 Elul 12•21 Elul 13•22 Elul 14•23 Elul 15•24 Elul 16•25 Elul 8:45a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 9:00 am Shaharit 7:30p Book Discussion: 10:15a Shalom Sing-A-Long 10:00a Music Together 7:00p So Full a Voice 6:15p Minhah/Kabbalat Nitzavim-Vayelech 10:30a Shabbat & Me Two She-Bears 11:15a Shalom Sing-A-Long Sing Shalom (Free Trial) from So Empty a Heart: Shabbat 10:30a Family Learning 7:30p Bir’nana Rehearsal 4:00p Hebrew School 4:00p Hebrew School The Significance of the 6:46p Candlelighting Experience Welcome Back Nightl Sounds of the Shofar with 6:00p Young Professionals 12:30p Family Lunch 6:00p B'nei Mitzvah Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz Shabbat Dinner (Happy 7:51p Shabbat Ends Scholars Hour, Services, & Dinner) 8:00p Sinful Desserts 8:30p Selihot Study 6:30p Rock Ivrit 9:30p Selihot Service 17•26 Elul 18•27 Elul 19•28 Elul 20•29 Elul 21•1 Tishrei 22•2 Tishrei 23•3 Tishrei 8:45a & Shaharit 7:00a Selichot & Shaharit 7:00a Selichot & Shaharit Erev Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah I Rosh Hashanah II Shabbat Shuva 10:15a Dorot 10:15a Shalom Sing-A-Long 7:00a Selichot & Shaharit 8:30a Shaharit (WH) 8:30a Shaharit (WH) 9:00 am Shaharit Rosh Hashanah Package 11:15a Shalom Sing-A-Long 6:15p Minhah/Ma’ariv (OZ) 10:45a Youth Service 10:45a Youth Service (WH) Ha'azinu (WH & OZ) 7:40p Shabbat Ends Delivery (at Temple Israel) 4:00p Hebrew School 6:38p Candlelighting 5:00p Family Tashlikh for 10:45a Family Learning 7:30p Bir’nana Rehearsal 6:00p B'nei Mitzvah No Hebrew School children (Carl Schurz Park) Experience (OZ) Scholars 6:00p Tashlikh (Central 6:15p Minhah/Kabbalat 6:30p Rock Ivrit Park) Shabbat 7:00p Minhah/Ma’ariv (OZ) 6:35p Candlelighting Light Candles after 7:35p 24•4 Tishrei 25•5 Tishrei 26•6 Tishrei 27•7 Tishrei 28•8 Tishrei 29•9 Tishrei 30•10 Tishrei Fast of Gedaliah observed 7:00a Selichot & Shaharit 7:00a Selichot & Shaharit 7:00a Selichot & Shaharit 7:00a Selichot & Shaharit Erev Yom Kippur Yom Kippur 8:45a Selichot & Shaharit 10:15a Shalom Sing-A-Long 10:00a Music Together 7:00a Selichot & Shahari 9:00a Services Begin 10:45a Youth Service (WH) 5:24a Fast Begins 11:15a Shalom Sing-A-Long Sing Shalom 1:30p Minhah (OZ) 4:00p Hebrew School 10:45a Family Learning 7:30p Fast Ends 4:00p Hebrew School 6:15p Kol Nidre (WH) Experience (OZ) 6:00p Annual Tshuvah 6:00p B'nei Mitzvah 6:15p Youth Service (WH) 3:00p Mah Zeh High Holy Lecture with Dov Weiss Scholars 6:23p Candlelighting; Days?! 6:30p Rock Ivrit No Bir’nana Rehearsal Fast Begins Yizkor 6:30p Teen Sushi & Study 7:28p Yom Kippur Ends; with Rabbi Bolton Fast Ends Congregation Or Zarua Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Friday 9:00 am–1:00 pm. The office is closed Saturday and Sunday, as well as on Jewish and federal holidays 127 East 82nd Street New York, NY 10028•212-452-2310 October 2017•Heshvan/Kislev 5778 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1•11 Tishrei 2•12 Tishrei 3•13 Tishrei 4•14 Tishrei 5•15 Tishrei 6•16 Tishrei 7•17 Tishrei 8:45a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit Erev Sukkot Sukkot First Day Sukkot Second Day Hol Hamoed Sukkot 3 7:30p Bir’nana Rehearsal 10:15a Shalom Sing-A-Long 7:15a Shaharit 9:00a Shaharit 9:00a Shaharit 8:45 am Shaharit 9:00a NY Common Pantry 11:00a Torah Kids 11:00a Torah Kids 11:15a Shalom Sing-A-Long 6:00p Minhah/Kabbalat 11:00a Torah Tots 10:00a Music Together 11:15a Torah Tots 4:00p Hebrew School Sing Shalom Shabbat 6:00p Family Se'udah 6:00p B'nei Mitzvah 6:15p Candlelighting 7:00p Festival Ma'ariv 6:11p Candlelighting Shilshit and Scholars 6:15p Minhah/Ma'ariv Light Candles after 7:11p 7:00p Bring Your Own 7:16p Shabbat Ends 6:30p Rock Ivrit 7:15p Sukkot Dinner in the 7:30p Sukkot Dinner in the Shabbat Dinner to the 7:30p Sukkah Sleepover 7:30p Parents' Night in the OZ Sukkah (RSVP needed) OZ Sukkah (RSVP needed Sukkah No Hebrew School Sukkah 8•18 Tishrei 9•19 Tishrei 10•20 Tishrei 11•21 Tishrei 12•22 Tishrei 13•23 Tishrei 14•24 Tishrei Hol Hamoed Sukkot 4 Hol Hamoed Sukkot 5 Hol Hamoed Sukkot 6 Hoshanah Rabbah 9:00a Shaharit Simhat Torah 9:00a Shaharit 8:45a Shaharit Columbus Day 7:00a Shaharit Erev Shemini Atzeret Shemini Atzeret 9:00a Shaharit Bereshit No Bir’nana Rehearsal 7:00a Shaharit 7:00p Young Profesionals: 7:00a Shaharit Erev Simhat Torah 6:00p Minhah/Kabbalat 7:05p Shabbat Ends 6:30p Teen Sushi & Study Sushi in the Sukkah 10:00a Music Together 9:00a Shaharit/Yizkor Shabbat in the Sukkah Sing Shalom 6:00p Ice Cream at Sinai 6:00p Candlelighting No Hebrew School 6:00p Minhah/Ma’ariv 6:00p Kadima-USY Dinner 6:03p Candlelighting Light Candles after 7:00p No Hebrew School 7:00p Ma’ariv and Hakafot

15•25 Tishrei 16•26 Tishrei 17•27 Tishrei 18•28 Tishrei 19•29 Tishrei 20•30 Tishrei 21•1 Heshvan 8:45a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit Rosh Hodesh Rosh Hodesh 7:30p Bir’nana Rehearsal 10:15a Shalom Sing-A-Long 10:00a Music Together 8:40a Siddur Class 7:00a Shaharit 9:00a Shaharit 11:15a Shalom Sing-A-Long Sing Shalom 5:50p Minhah/Kabbalat Noah 4:00p Hebrew School 4:00p Hebrew School Shabbat 11:00a Torah Kids 6:00p B'nei Mitzvah 7:30p Talmud Class 5:50p Candlelighting 11:00a Torah Tots Scholars 6:00p Young Professionals 6:55p Shabbat Ends 6:30p Rock Ivrit Shabbat Dinner (Happy Hour, Services, & Dinner)

22•2 Heshvan 23•3 Heshvan 24•4 Heshvan 25•5 Heshvan 26•6 Heshvan 27•7 Heshvan 28•8 Heshvan 8:45a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 9:00a Shaharit 10:00a Life in the Streets 10:15a Shalom Sing-A-Long 6:30p Context 10:00a Music Together 8:40a Siddur Class 5:50p Minhah/Kabbalat Lekh-Lekha on the Lower East Side 11:15a Shalom Sing-A-Long Sing Shalom TBA New Members Shabbat 11:00a Torah Kids with Barry Feldman 4:00p Hebrew School 4:00p Hebrew School Reception 5:40p Candlelighting 11:00a Torah Tots 7:30p Bir’nana Rehearsal 6:00p B'nei Mitzvah 7:30p Talmud Class 6:45p Shabbat Ends Scholars 6:30p Rock Ivrit

29•9 Heshvan 30• 10 Heshvan 31•11 Heshvan 1 Nov•12 Heshvan 2 Nov•13 Heshvan 3 Nov•14 Heshvan 4 Nov•15 Heshvan 8:45a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 7:15a Shaharit 9:00a Shaharit 10:00a Life in the Streets 10:15a Shalom Sing-A-Long 6:30p Context 9:00a NY Common Pantry 8:40a Siddur Class 5:31p Minhah/Kabbalat Vayera on the Lower East Side 11:15a Shalom Sing-A-Long 10:00a Music Together 7:00p Addition, Wilderness Shabbat 10:30a Shabbat and Me with Barry Feldman 4:00p Hebrew School Sing Shalom Therapy and the Jewish 5:31p Candlelighting 10:30a Family Learning 7:30p Bir’nana Rehearsal 6:00p B'nei Mitzvah 4:00p Hebrew School Community Experience Scholars 7:30p Talmud Class 12:30p Family Lunch 6:30p Rock Ivrit 6:36p Shabbat Ends

Congregation Or Zarua Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Friday 9:00 am–1:00 pm. The office is closed Saturday and Sunday, as well as on Jewish and federal holidays CONGREGATION OR ZARUA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 Celebrate the High Holy Days with your Family and Or L’Atid High Holy Day Family Learning Experience Friday, September 22 (Rosh Hashanah), 10:45 am–12:45 pm Saturday, September 30 (Yom Kippur), 10:45 am–12:45 pm hare the High Holy Days in uplifting, discussions and activities centered on Jewish family-centered ways with your kids values and High Holy Day themes. Learn at the Family Learning Experience new tunes and explanations for key holiday and our other High Holy Day prayers as you find new meaning in High Holy Shabbat Sprograms. Day services. Join with other families for prayer, music, Children not participating in a Youth at Or Zarua interactive discussion, Service or the Family Learning Experience and parent-child learning are encouraged to join their parents in the Celebrate Shabbat with Or L'Atid at the Family Learning main service (see page 6). Join us for Torah Tots and Torah Kids Experience with Rabbi A schedule of High Holy Day services for (see below for times) as we come Amy Bolton. youth at OZ is printed below. It is also listed back together on September 9 with a The Family Learning on the OZ calendar, and online at Welcome Back Kiddush for the whole Experience is a unique orzarua-orlatid.org. Congregation. inter-generational For questions or information about opportunity for families youth High Holy Day programming at Or Then, make Shabbat extra special with Zarua, contact Sigal Hirsch, Director of to blend High Holy Day Rabbi Amy Bolton Family Shabbat on September 16! prayer, music, play and Youth Education and Programming, at Join us for a family lunch will be leading Q&A. Led by Rabbi Or Zarua’s [email protected], or after youth programs: Amy Bolton, FLEX has Family Learning 212-452-2310, ext 15. something wonderful Experience for the Nonmembers wishing to attend these Shabbat & Me Saturday in store for everyone. High Holy Days. youth programs should contact Luisa (for Pre-K and younger) Little ones play, while Paulino at [email protected] or Sing, pray, learn, play, and older kids, parents and grandparents enjoy 212-452-2310, ext 10, for guest tickets. celebrate together.

And, introducing our new Family High Holy Day Youth Services 5778/2017 Shabbat programs for Elementary, Middle, and High School students: First Day Rosh Hashanah Erev Yom Kippur - Kol Nidre Thursday, September 21 Friday, September 29 Family Learning Experience (for Elementary School and parents) Youth Services: 10:45 am–12:45 pm Youth Services: 6:15 pm–8:45 pm Enrich your lives with monthly parent- High Holy Days Tots High Holy Days Kids child learning. Kick off the year with (Nursery/Pre-School/Pre-K) (Elementary School) a High Holy Day workshop as Rosh at Congregation Or Zarua at Wallace Hall. Hashanah approaches! High Holy Days Kids (Elementary School) Yom Kippur Shabbat Buddies at Wallace Hall Saturday, September 30 (for Middle School) Beginning November 4 Second Day Rosh Hashanah Youth Services: 10:45 am–12:45 pm Pair up with High School buddies Friday, September 22 High Holy Days Kids to develop skills and knowledge for (Elementary School) participation on Shabbat! Youth Services: 10:45 am–12:45 pm at Wallace Hall High Holy Days Kids Join us every Shabbat for (Elementary School) Family Learning Experience Torah Tots, 11:00–11:45 am at Wallace Hall with Rabbi Amy Bolton (Pre-K and younger) 10:45 am–12:45 am and Family Learning Experience For families with children through 6th Torah Kids, 11:00–11:45 am with Rabbi Amy Bolton grade. Older siblings are welcome. (Elementary School) 10:45 am–12:45 am at Congregation Or Zarua For families with children through 6th Teens, join us on grade. Older siblings are welcome. Mah Zeh High Holy Days?! September 9 at 2:30 pm Note that this program is not a drop-off. 3:00 pm at Congregation Or Zarua to explore Teen Programming (6th-12 grades) for the year, at Wallace Hall and to challenge us in basketball! -Sigal and Rabbi Bolton Tickets are required for all services listed above.

10 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 Join Us in the Sukkah as we Celebrate Sukkot Together Festival Events for Youth and Families Sukkot, Shemni Atzeret, & Simhat Torah Family Se’udah Shlishit and Havdalah Teen Sushi in the Sukkah Saturday, October 7, 6:00 pm Monday, October 9, 6:30 pm Families with children of all ages, join us as Join us for the second session of our we end Shabbat together with a light meal, yearlong exploration of Leadership & songs, and Havdalah. Character Development. Together, we’ll For details, including sign-up, for High study sources from the Tanakh, the Talmud, Holy Day and festival events for youth Join us after Havdalah for the annual and Mussar literature that speak to the and families at Congregation Or Zarua Sukkah Sleepover development of personal accountability, contact our youth education director, Saturday, October 7, 7:30 pm leadership qualities, and the refinement of Sigal Hirsch, Children ages 5–13, join us for our annual character. Join us for a special session in at [email protected] or Sukkah Sleepover! Enjoy fun and games, the sukkah as we explore 212-452-2310, ext 15. snacks and a movie. Little ones are “Humility and Power.” welcome to stay after dinner for games. Teens are invited to help out, and to Ice Cream @ Sinai Hebrew School sleep over as well! RSVP to Sigal Hirsch Thursday, October 12, 6:00 pm at Or Zarua at [email protected] by 5:00 pm on Children are invited to open the ark and Begins Monday, September 11 Thursday, October 5. take an up-close look at the Torah! Join Rabbi Bolton to learn about the Torah egister for Hebrew School at Or together, sing songs, read stories, and Zarua using Chaverweb. Log in and enjoy ice cream before the community-wide click “School Registration.” You will Simhat Torah celebration. For families with R be able to choose your class from the children from birth through age 8. Older drop-down menu. siblings welcome. RSVP to Sigal Hirsch by Be sure to register before the start 5:00 pm on Tuesday, October 10. of classes! Visit orzarua-orlatid.org/ Parents’ Night Out in the Sukkah hebrew-school/ for more information, or Saturday, October 7, 7:30pm–9:30 pm Kadima-USY Simhat Torah Dinner contact Director of Youth Education and Thursday, October 12, 6:00 pm For the first time, parents are invited to Programming Sigal Hirsch at shirsch@ enjoy cocktails in the sukkah during the Middle School and High School students orzarua.org or 212-452-2310, ext 15. sukkah sleepover. Children not sleeping are invited to join us for our annual Simhat If you are not a member of Or Zarua over are invited to join us for the Sukkah Torah Dinner! Meet new people, reunite with or if you are not able to access your Sleepover festivities while parents socialize old friends, enjoy dinner and then join the Chaverweb account but you would like to up on the roof in the OZ Sukkah! community-wide Simhat Torah celebration! register for Hebrew School at Or Zarua, RSVP to Sigal Hirsch at [email protected] RSVP to Sigal Hirsch by 5:00 pm on please contact Sigal to register. by 5:00 pm on Thursday, October 5. Tuesday, October 10. Bring Music into your Little One’s Life With Two Music Programs at OZ on Monday and Wednesday mornings Join us on Mondays and Wednesdays for Shalom Sing-A-Long and Music Together Sings Shalom, two new music classes for you and your little one! Sign up for one, or try both. Each class is a unique, fun experience! Shalom Sing-A-Long Music Together For children ages 1–4 years Sing Shalom Monday mornings at either For children ages 0–5 years 10:15–11:00 am or 11:15 am–12:00 pm Wednesday mornings, 10:00–10:45 am tart your little one’s day the happy and ome together each week to sing, dance healthy way with song, dance, stories, S and play along in a class led by a trained balls, bubbles, puppets, instruments, C Music Together teacher. This parent-child and more! music class is uniquely designed for Jewish Parents, grandparents, and caregivers families with young children using the join us as we learn simple Hebrew, Jewish internationally recognized Music Together values, and favorite tunes! early childhood music education program, Sign up for Shalom Sing-A-Long at: enriched with songs from throughout the OrZarua-OrLatid.org/Shalom-Sing-A-Long/. Jewish world. Visit Newcomers are welcome to try a first class www.eswsmusictogether.com/Sing-Shalom free using promo code “tryshalom.” for more information and to register.

11 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 LEARN • PRAY • PARTICIPATE • CONNECT with Congregation Or Zarua Annual Lucy Dawidowicz Memorial Lecture. This annual lecture, LEARN At Or Zarua we learn in many ways—about Judaism, established to celebrate OZ’s birthday, honors the memory of a great Talmud, Torah and all aspects of Jewish life. Through its Adult historian of the Holocaust and Or Zarua member Lucy S. Dawidowicz. Education programming OZ presents an extensive variety of This year the lecture will mark the 29th birthday of the Congregation. interesting, expert speakers on all aspects of Jewish life—religion, After the lecture, dessert and birthday cake will be served in honor of culture, history and language. OZ’s 28th birthday.

Pre-High Holy Days Discussion with Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz, Marc D. Ashley’s Adult Education Course. Join Congregant Marc Thursday, September 14, 7:00 pm 20, 7:00 pm. Rabbinic D. Ashley as he teaches an annual adult education course on four Irreverence: Imagining a Repentant God. Sunday mornings in the spring—between Pesah and —ranging in theological and historical topics from the authority of the Oral Selihot Study with Rabbi Bolton, Saturday night, September 16. Law to messianism, chosenness, and Jewish pluralism. No prior Repentance and Forgiveness at the Time of the Spanish Expulsion: knowledge is required. The specific topic for this year’s class will be Abarbanel’s Take on Tshuvah. announced in the OZ Newsletter and on the OZ website, www.orzarua.org. Annual High Holy Days Tshuvah Talk with Rabbi Dov Weiss, PhD, Sunday, September 20, 7:00 pm. So Full a Voice from So Empty a Tikkun Leyl Shavuot, Saturday night, May 19. See the Or Zarua Heart: The Significance of the Sounds of the Shofar. website, www.orzarua.org, or the April-May issue of the OZ Newsletter for the topic and other details. Shabbat Family Learning Experience, monthly, 10:30 am. For elementary school kids and their parents. First session of the year Teen Tikkun Leyl Shavuot, Saturday night, May 19. Youth, 6th-12th is Saturday, September 16. Sessions for the High Holy Days are grade, are invited for our fifth annual Teen Tikkun Leyl Shavuot. Join Friday, September 22 (second day of Rosh Hashanah) and Saturday, us as we learn from our teachers including some OZ teens! September 30 (Yom Kippur). See the OZ calendar for future dates.

Shabbat & Me for Pre-K and younger, monthly on Saturdays, Prayer is central to our religious experience. Or 10:30 am. Sing, pray, learn, play, and celebrate together. First PRAY Zarua’s services are traditional with equal participation of men seesion of 5778 is Saturday, September 16. and women. We have no choir, we use no musical instruments, and we read the entire weekly Torah portion, explicated by Rabbi NYC Jewish history with historian Barry Feldman. This year, we will Bolton’s d’var Torah. Our services are led by members of the be studying Jewish life on the Lower East Side at the turn of the congregation. Visit us for Shabbat, on Yom Tov, or at our weekday 20th century. This four-session class begins Sunday, October 29, morning minyan (followed by breakfast and lively conversation!). 10:00 am. A tour of the Lower East Side is included. The High Holy Days. Rosh Hashanah begins Wednesday night, Addiction therapy, the wilderness, and Judaism. BaMidbar September 20 and Kol Nidre is Friday night, September 29. Services Wilderness Therapy is the first Jewish wilderness therapy program. at Wallace Hall, Park Avenue between 83rd and 84th Streets. Check Learn about the challenges of treating addiction and treatment your tickets for schedule details. approaches offered by this program. Thursday, November 2, 6:30 pm. Kabbalat Shabbat, Friday evenings following minhah. As the sun Shabbat Buddies. Middle School students pair up with High School sets, make the transition from the busy work week to a quieter but buddies to develop skills and knowledge for participation on Shabbat. uplifting Shabbat in an intimate, warm setting—relaxing but festive. Begins November 4. Check the OZ Calendar for future dates. Shaharit Services for Shabbat, 9 am, followed by kiddush. Teen Sushi and Study Learn with Rabbi Bolton, monthly on Newcomers are invited to come see for themselves what makes Mondays, 6:30 pm. This year, we will be studying concepts of worship at Or Zarua uplifting. Leadership and Character Development in the Tanakh, Talmud, and Mussar literature. Our first meeting of the year is Monday, September Daily Services each Weekday Morning. Sunday at 8:45 am; Monday 25; our second meeting, on October 9, will be in Or Zarua’s Sukkah. through Friday at 7:15 am (7:00 am on Rosh Hodesh or when Musaf See the OZ calendar for future dates. is part of the service. Talmud Class with Rabbi Bolton, Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. This Torah Tots for infants–kindergarten, Shabbat, 11:15 am. Parents year we begain on October 18 and will be studying Masekhet Yoma and children together celebrate Shabbat in song, prayer, movement (Tractate Yom Kippur.) All levels of learners are welcome to join. and interactive learning experiences. Parents accompany their youngsters, participate in the service and activities and enjoy the Siddur Class with Rabbi Bolton, Thursdays, 8:40 am. Our first class spiritual and social experience of observing Shabbat with other this year is on October 19. We will be studying the Torah service, the parents of young children. blessings, their meanings and history. Torah Kids for kindergarten-grade 5, Shabbat, 11:00 am. Kids JTS's Context Program, Tuesdays, 6:30 pm. This fall the class will celebrate Shabbat with us every week as we pray, sing, and learn in be the Jews of Italy with Stefanie Siegmund beginning October 24, interactive, exciting ways. Children in Kindergarten or 5th grade are registration required. welcome at whichever service feels more comfortable for them. 12 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 LEARN • PRAY • PARTICIPATE • CONNECT with Congregation Or Zarua Shabbat & Me for pre-k and younger children, select Shabbat Hesed and Purim. We will again celebrate Purim with Project ORE, a mornings, 10:30 am. Monthly, beginning Saturday, September 16. program for vulnerable older adults with song, crafts and fun. Look Sing, pray, learn, play, and celebrate together. for details on the OZ Newsletter and the OZ website, www.orzarua.org.

Shabbatons, Purim Spiels, Festivals Services. Each year, Or Zarua Zayin Adar Dinner. Held on the traditional date of death, sponsors Shabbatons with visiting scholars from JTS, universities, the Zayin Adar Dinner acknowledges the work of the the OZHevra and from the US, Israel and other countries are preceeded Kadisha. Information regarding the dinner will be posted to the OZ by pray services. Our Annual Purim Spiel attracts a large crowd. And website, www.orzarua.org, and in the Newsletter. No fee required to we celebrate all festivals. attend this dinner, but contributions are welcome.

Congregational Second Seder. Saturday night, March 31. Experience PARTICIPATE At Or Zarua, we draw strength the Second Night Seder with Rabbi Bolton and fellow Congregants. from the active participation of our members. It is what keeps us RSVP and fee required. vibrant. We come together to strengthen our connectedness to our community and to the larger Jewish community as well. We Lag B’Omer, Wednesday night, May 2. See upcoming issues of the come together to celebrate festivals and milestones, and we come Newsletter and the OZ Website for details. together to support one another in times of stress and sorrow. We encourage attendance and participation in events at OZ.. CONNECT There are numerous ways to become Hesed and DOROT, Rosh Hashanah Package Delivery, Sunday, involved with the Or Zarua community—through our many activities September 17. Brighten a senior’s day by delivering a package and special events. We welcome all to join in the diverse array of of treats and engaging in friendly conversation for about an hour. events and wonderful happenings at OZ. Families with children welcome. See the OZ Newsletter and website, www.orzarua.org, for details. In December, OZ will participate in the Services and Dinner with OZ’s Young Professionals. Shabbat dinner Hanukkah Package Delivery. on September 15 and October 20; Sushi in the Sukkah on Octobr 10; The Joy of Text with Rabbi Dov Linzer and Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus, Dinner in OZ’s Roof Top Sukkah. Catered dinners on Wednesday, November 16. Shabbat dinners, happy hours, and other events are October 4, and Thursday October 5; Bring-Your-Own Dinner, Friday scheduled throughout the year. If you are 30 or under, connect with October 6. Dinners follow after Ma’ariv services; RSVP and payment OZ’s Young Professionals. required for catered dinners; RSVP only for Bring-Your-Own Dinner. Please log on to your Chaverweb account or call 212-452-2310, Sukkah Sleepover for Kids; Saturady night, October 7. OZ’s annual ext 39, for reservations. sleepover for kids 5-13. A movie, games, and snacks. RSVP needed.

Kadima and USY Simhat Torah Dinner, Thursday, October 12, Family Se’udah Shilshit and Havdalah. A beautiful way to close 6:00 pm. Before the synagogue-wide holiday celebration for Simhat Shabbat and bring in the new week. Families with children are invited Torah, youth (6th-12th grades) are invited to our fourth annual to join for special a meal and Havdalah. The first one of the New Year Simhat Torah dinner. Catch up with friends and make new ones! Then is Saturday, October 7. join the rest of the Congregation in celebrating Simhat Torah together. OZ Art Gallery Openings. OZ’s usually hosts two openings per Hesed and The New York Common Pantry. On teh first Wednesday year. The next opening will be Sunday, November 12: That Tree: of each month, from 9:00 am to noon, volunteer at The New York Photography by Mark Hirsch. Common Pantry, the city’s largest community-based food program. Shabbat Shirah. Celebrate the reading of the Song at the Sea Or Zarua Book Discussion, select Sundays, 7:30 pm. Our first (Parashah Beshalah) with a Shabbat dinner and lunch and a guest two book discussions for this year are Two She-Bears by Meir Shalev a cappella group. Friday, January 26 and 27. (Sunday, September 10) and Moonglow by Michael Chabon (Sunday, November 5). Future titles are January 7 Putting God OZ’s Birthday Kiddush. We will be celebrating 29 years! Our Birthday Second: How to Save Religion from Itself by Donniel Hartman Kiddush is tied in with Annual Lucy Dawidowicz Memorial Lecture. (January 7), A Horse Walks into a Bar by David Grossman (March 4), Birthday cake incled. and Lioness: Golda Meir and the Nation of Israel by OZ Congegant Francine Klagsbrun (May 6). Celebrate Israel Parade. Come march and show your support as Or Zarua joins the entire New York community when we march up Super Bowl Party and Tzedakah Drive in support of Project ORE, Fifth Avenue in the annual salute to Israel. Sunday, February 4. We begin with Minhah and Ma'ariv and then we watch the NFL’s big game. We enjot Bar-B-Que, Deli Sandwiches, and The listings above are just a small sampling of the events scheduled good drinks. And we collect needed funds for Project ORE (OutReach at Congregation Or Zarua for 5778. Many more lectures, guest to the Eldery). speakers, classes, presentations, programs, dinners, and social events throughout the year. See the OZ website, www.orzarua.org, or the Celebrate Purim at OZ, Wednesday night, February 28 and Newsletter (published every two months) for listings of new events Thursday, March 1. Services, costumes, food and a spiel with throughout the year and to confirm dates, times, and future events. Bir’nana, OZ's a cappella group. 13 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 The Or Zarua Community

Or Zarua’s Cemetery For Members and their Families

The OZ section at Beth El Cemetery is located in Washington Township, NJ, 10 miles from the George Washington Bridge. The cemetery is well maintained, and its design provides a serene and beautiful final resting place that reflects the values and aesthetics of Congregation Or Zarua. Gravesites within the OZ section are available for sale to members of our congregation. Burial is limited to persons of the Jewish faith. For information concerning gravesite purchases, contact Helene Santo at 212-452-2310, ext 14. Fields 14 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Or Zarua’s Young Professionals Welcome Back Shabbat Dinner Or Zarua Young Professionals Friday, September 15 Present the Joy of Text 6:00 pm: Happy Hour Thursday, November 16, 6:30–9:00 pm 7:00 pm: Kabbalat Shabbat A panel discussion on the intersection of Judaism and 8:00 pm: Shabbat Dinner sexuality with special guest speakers Rabbi Dov Linzer and Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus. Sushi in the Sukkah Come have drinks and learn Tuesday, October 10, 7–10 pm about one of the least talked Come celebrate Sukkot with drinks and about topics in Judaism! handmade sushi in OZ's rooftop Sukkah. RSVP online: http://tinyurl.com/YP-Sushi-10-20-16.

Shabbat Dinner OZ’s Young Professionals are a group in their 20s and 30s committed to building a welcoming and vibrant Jewish Friday, October 20 community within Or Zarua. For more details, follow their 6:00 pm: Happy Hour Facebook page (Or Zarua’s Young Professionals). Contact OZ’s 7:00 pm: Kabbalat Shabbat Young Professionals with any questions or suggestions, or just 8:00 pm: Shabbat Dinner to say hi, via email: [email protected].

Sponsor Kiddush or Jews of Renaissance Italy With Stefanie Siegmund, PhD Minyan Breakfast JTS Context Class at Or Zarua Consider sponsoring a Shabbat kiddush Six Tuesdays beginning October 24, 6:30 pm or minyan breakfast. Sponsoring a ur next JTS Renaissance. This course will examine kiddush can be a meaningful way to Context class, the social history and elite cultural history remember your loved ones or celebrate “Jews of of Renaissance Italian Jews, considering a birthday or anniversary with fellow Renaissance Jewish-Christian relations as reflected in congregants while enhancing the OItaly,” is a six-session the everyday relations of merchants and community’s Shabbat or minyan course presented by neighbors, but also in the enforcement of the experience. Contact Deborah Wenger Dr. Stefanie Siegmund, Jewish badge and ghettoization. (212-452-2310, ext 12) for details. Women’s League The course meets in the OZ library Professor of Jewish Gender and Women’s and begins on October 24 (see the OZ Studies, Department of Medieval and Early calendar); tuition is $325. This reading- Or Zarua’s Memorial Wall Modern Jewish Studies, JTS. intensive seminar is designed for graduates Between 1300 and 1600, Jews migrated of the Me’ah or Context two-year program to the northern and central Italian states or for those with similar Jewish learning For information about plaques for our from all directions: from southern Italy, backgrounds. If you are uncertain whether Memorial Wall, please contact from Franco-Germany, and from the Iberian the course is right for you or for more Helene Santo at [email protected] or peninsula and North Africa and the Levant. information regarding registering, please 212-452-2310, ext 14. Though never large populations, Jews of contact Lynn Feinman at 212-678-8821 or We will place another order when we have Renaissance Italy lived in many hundreds [email protected]. You may register for the sufficient interest. of villages and cities, and in many ways class at www.jtsa.edu/italy; final enrollment participated in what is still known as the date is Tuesday, October 17. Order forms are available online at http://tinyurl.com/OZMemorialPlaque or from the OZ office by calling The Or Zarua Social Hall Rabbi Bolton’s Source Deborah Wenger at is available to rent 212-452-2310, ext 12. for appropriate functions. Sheets are on Sefaria Contact Helene Santo, Sefaria is a web-based program of Jewish 212-452-2310, ext 14, for information. texts that allows users to prepare source sheets. Rabbi Bolton has used the platform to prepare lecture handouts and class Rabbi Wechsler Teaches supplements. Go to: On SiriusXM Satellite Radio https://www.sefaria.org/ Sundays, 4:00 am & 8:00 pm search for “Scott Bolton,” click “Sheets,” Channel 106 and you will find Rabbi Bolton's www.siriusxm.com collection of materials.

15 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA 127 East 82nd Street New York, NY 10028-0807

A white parochet (curtain) adorns the ark at Congregation Or Zarua for the High Holy Days. Information about services and programming for Selihot, the High Holy Days, and the festivals is on pages 1, 6 and 7. Programming specific for youth is on pages 10 and 11. L’Shana Tova!

CONGREGATION OR ZARUA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

That Tree: Photography by Mark Hirsch Exhibit opening in the OZ Gallery Sunday, November 12, 6:00 pm he next presentation in the Or Zarua Gallery will inspire us to consider the wonder of God’s creation as exemplified by one majestic tree. During a trying period in his Tlife, author and photographer Mark Hirsch was uplifted and healed through his yearlong connection -- by taking an iPhone image of it every day -- with a venerable Bur Oak Tree. The upcoming exhibition will connect his breathtaking images of that tree with many examples of Jewish citations from the Torah, Talmud, and Midrash about trees. That Tree: HaEytz HaHu will open in the OZ Gallery on Sunday, November 12. Mark Hirsch is scheduled to speak at the opening.

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