congregation shearith israel THe bulletin January–February 2013 Tebet–Adar 5773 tage Paid tage Nonprofit Org Nonprofit Pos U.S. Norwich, CT 51 No. Permit Inc. ohde enenholtz . Goldfarb asky dam Hyman eon Hyman srael League. he Shearith Israel Facilities Manager Facilities (x223) [email protected], Ruth Y Financial Associate (x228) [email protected], The Bulletin by published in 1922 First T Design, Design: Associate Hazan Associate [email protected] Mrs. Lisa R Services Women’s of Coordinator (212-787-3161) [email protected], Rafi Blumenthal Leader Junior Congregational [email protected] L Choirmaster A Choirmaster Associate Arnie T Sexton Honorary Arthur T Shamash Honorary ff Office sta Maria Caputo Manager Office (x230) [email protected], Maia Kane Associate Communications (x225) [email protected], Diana Landau Associate Communications (x221) [email protected], John Quinones Alana Shultz Director Program (x209) [email protected], Philip L. Sherman ohde . Angel tanton dinger eiss dgar Altchek onald P. S onald P. oy J. Zuckerberg J. oy dward Misrahi dward aberman G. H va 3rd Nathan, dgar J. tuart Marks Jack Rudin R Zachary E Shamash (x216) [email protected], Saul Laniado S de Sola Mendes E sabbatical) (on [email protected] D Rabbi Marc Rabbi Emeritus (x205) [email protected], R Barbara Director Executive (x215) [email protected], Rabbi Shalom Morris Director Educational (x208) [email protected], L. R Rabbi Ira Hazan (x217) [email protected], Beispel J. Paul Henri Bengualid Arthur A. Goldberg E R ff sta professional Angel J. Rabbi Hayyim TRUSTEES HONORARY E Parnas Honorary Dennis B. Freilich Dr. Parnas Honorary Alvin Deutsch Parnas Honorary E Dr. Israel Shearith Congregation Synagogue and Portuguese Spanish The Street 70th 8 West NY 10023 York, New dinger, 917-584-3787, 917-584-3787, dinger, tanton very E. Neumark very ouis M. Solomon Joshua de Sola Mendes Treasurer Clerk Elliot Freilich Honorary Parnas Honorary Harriet Ainetchi R. Bengualid Victoria Dr. Norman S. Benzaquen Esmé E. Berg Daar Karen Seth Haberman Lustig Michael P. A L. Gilles Sion S Oliver Sutton Ralph J. L Neustadter Peter Nathan J. David Parnas Michael Katz Segan OF TRUSTEES BOARD 212-873-0300 (x 216) 212-873-0300 General Inquiries Tel212-873-0300 Fax 212-724-6165 [email protected] www.shearithisrael.org contact arrangements funeral For Zachary E Washington’s Letter to the Jews, Purim and Shearith Israel Barbara Reiss, Executive Director EXPERIENCE SERVICES

Diaspora Jews and civic people (‘the stock of Abraham’ was the in their broader community out of their engagement in early term used in the letter), we were not inherent sense of civic responsibility, if American History centralized, organized under one govern- not at least, enlightened self-interest. By and For Women First, let me start with a confession. ing umbrella or beholden to one religious The reference to Washington’s letter in authority. Yet, somehow we shared a Jewish civic engagement the title to this piece is somewhat of a endures WOMENS’ SHABBAT SERVICES notion of connectedness to each other bait and switch. I really want to focus Held in the Little Synagogue, these and at the same time, of allegiance to our While Seixas was a pioneer in Ameri- services are an opportunity for women on Moses Seixas’ letter to President new president and all fellow American can Jewish activism, perhaps Mordecai to lead prayer, read from the Washington to which the famous letter citizens. and Esther were his inspiration. These and perform the mitzvot associated by Washington was penned in response. ancient and later models of civic engage- with our services. Many of us who were in attendance at the Finding a model of Jewish ment have persisted throughout our SHABBAT MINHAH/ARBIT Symposium that we held in early Decem- civic engagement in history in America and nowhere are there SERVICE: ber witnessed a lively and illuminating Megillat Esther better examples than at Shearith Israel. January 5 at 4:15 pm conversation between Dr. Louise Mirrer, Where do these attitudes come from and While we are known for maintaining the SHABBAT MORNING SERVICE: Professor Jonathan Sarna and Rabbi Dr. what does this have to do with Purim? As Spanish Portuguese tradition for over 350 April 13 at 9:15 am Meir Soloveichik, three leading schol- we know, Megillat Esther is the one book years, our congregants also have a long- ars of American and American Jewish in the Bible which does not reference standing tradition of leadership and par- HAKAFOT History. Among the many nuggets that God’s name. Is God the concealed hero of ticipation in a wider range of communal On the evening of Simhat Torah, a was shared that evening, we learned that the story as Esther’s name suggests (shar- affairs. The breadth of causes to which parallel hakafot ceremony for women Seixas’ letter, which he wrote on behalf of ing the same root as the Hebrew word, our congregation and members have been is held in the Little Synagogue, the Jews of Newport, Rhode Island, and nistar, meaning, hidden and related to involved is staggering: From educational accompanied by a choir of women the English word, star and mystery)? congregants. by extension, the entire Jewish com- institutions such as Columbia University munity in America (which numbered Or is Man or rather, Woman, as the case and Barnard College to civic institutions only around 3,000 at the time) was one of may be, the hero? And who were these such as Mt. Sinai Hospital and the Jewish READING OF MEGILLAT people? Esther and her uncle, Mordecai, ESTHER ON PURIM many letters that was sent to Washington Guild for the Blind. Even neighbor- On the morning of Purim, the by leaders of various religious com- were quintessential Diaspora Jews, by ing religious institutions have benefited women of the synagogue conduct a munities. However, Seixas’ letter, which no means marginal members of society. from our members’ generosity – many women’s Megillah reading in the Little elicited the most famous of Washington’s They lived comfortably as fully inte- of whom contributed to the building of Original artwork by Tamar Messer: www.tamarmesser.com Synagogue. messages to any religious group, was grated and successful Jews in the Persian Trinity Church in 1711. Our congrega- actually one of three letters that were sent empire… until things changed and the tion and its members have helped raise GIRLS’ SHIR HASHIRIM GIRLS’ BOOK OF RUTH WOMEN’S ACTION by the Jewish communities alone (one flames of anti-semitism were fanned by awareness for political causes of Jewish After Musaf on the the eigth On Shabuot, at the conclusion COMMITTEE was sent by the Jews of Savannah and the the villainous but politically powerful concern, such the Damascus Blood Libel day of Pesah, the girls of the of Musaf, the girls of the Exploring the needs of women synagogue recite Megillat other, a joint message from the commu- Haman. I will not recount the story as you in 1840 and the Mortora affair in 1858, synagogue read The Song of at Shearith Israel. Songs in the Main Sanctuary Ruth for the congregation in nities of Philadelphia, Charleston, Rich- will have heard it twice, beautifully read as well as for more universal politi- the Main Sanctuary. for the congregation. mond and Shearith Israel in New York). by our Hazan, on Purim eve and morning. cal issues such as the women’s suffrage As Professor Sarna suggested, aside from But I do want to point out that Mordecai movement in the late nineteenth and For more information, please contact Alana Shultz at [email protected]. appealing for full acceptance and not just and Esther’s scheme to save the Jews was early twentieth centuries. Our members To participate in women’s services, please contact Mrs. Lisa Rohde at [email protected]. toleration, the very fact of these letters predicated on their political acumen and have served in distinguished roles of civil demonstrates something extraordinary status as citizens who could work within service, from local politics to the United Central Park West at 70th Street, New York City • www.shearithisrael.org about Jewish political engagement from the system. They used their political States Supreme Court. Our members the very outset. Even back then, when insight and access to save their Jewish were influential in the Settlement House Jewish numbers in America were so brethren. I’d like to believe that until that movement in the early twentieth century small, while we identified ourselves as a was necessary, they were actively involved and much more recently, the parsonage

2 the bulletin January – February 2013 3 Washington’s Letter to the Jews, Purim and Shearith ANNOUNCEMENTS CLASSES, LECTURES, AND PROGRAMS Israel continued

building on Central Park West was used Congratulations Louise Defez Shabbat Dinner* with Dr. as a homeless shelter during the 1990’s. We wish mazal tob to the following: SCHOLARS IN Jon Greenberg, Biblical Programs and David O. Habib Ethnobotanist When specific needs arise our members RESIDENCE events Birth of a baby girl Olga Rachel to Dahlia Friday night, February 1 have answered the call, raising money for Karla Homburger and Joe Cohen. Rabbi Jonathan In celebration of Tu b’Shebat, experi- Women’s Service victims of the Irish Pototo famine in 1847 Hanna de Leon Rosenblatt ence Jewish history through food and January 5 and much more recently lending a help- Birth of baby boy Ari Shemuel to Bob Tam Robert M. Geskin Saturday, January 5 drink with Biblical Ethnobotanist Dr. Shabbat Minhah/Arbit 4:15 pm ing hand in the aftermath of this years and Susan Pinke-Tam Rabbi Rosenblatt has been the Senior Jon Greenberg. Through the hand- By and for women, these services are an devastating hurricane Sandy. Birth of a baby boy Skyler Phoenix to Thank you to the sponsors of our 2012- Rabbi of the Riverdale Jewish Center picked menu items and Dr. Greenberg’s opportunity for women to lead prayer, Danielle and Andrew Goodman. Danielle 2013 Scholars-in-Residence Program: It is gratifying to see members of our since 1985. Rabbi Rosenblatt holds a fascinating elucidations, learn how food read from the Torah and perform the is the daughter of members Sofia and community continue in our tradition of The Solomon Family BA and an MA from the Johns Hopkins and agriculture is entwined with Jewish mitzvot associated with our services. In Chaim Katzap. strong civic engagement and so many who Barbara & Guy Reiss University in Comparative Literature and philosophy and history. addition to Shabbat services, we also have simply get involved when help is needed. Birth of a baby boy Aryeh Zeev to Dinah a Ph.D. from Columbia University in the women’s hakafot on Simhat Torah and Karen & Jack Daar *Shabbat dinners always include childcare. My Purim wish is that we continue to have Herlands and Joshua Safran Foer. Dinah field of Modern British Literature. a women’s Megillah reading on Purim Advance registration required. Please visit the strength and wherewithal to make our is the daughter of members Rachel and Ronen Korin morning. For more information about Rabbi Haim Ovadia www.shearithisrael.org to reserve tickets. country and the world around us a better Jonathan Herlands and the granddaugh- Women’s Services at Shearith Israel, con- Joshua de Sola Mendes Shabbat, January 12 place while we dedicate ourselves to tak- ter of Debbie and Mel Neumark. Aryeh Green tact Mrs. Lisa Rohde. Joy and Bruce Roberts The Rabbi of the Mikdash Eliyahu syna- ing care of our own Jewish sprits and our Jonathan Katz on his recent marriage to Shabbat, February 2 gogue in Brooklyn, Rabbi Haim Ovadia Assigned Junior spiritual home in Shearith Israel. Aryeh Green is the director of MediaCen- Zena Herman. Jonathan is the son of our New Members was born in Israel and received his ordi- Congregation This article was prepared with the assistance members Michael I. Katz and the late We welcome the following individuals to nation from the then Chief Sephardic tral, a -based project of Honest Shabbat, January 12 of our Shamash and institutional historian, Barbara Katz. the Shearith Israel family: Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Moderkhai Eliyahu. Reporting providing support services to Shabbat, February 9 foreign journalists based in or visiting 10:30 am in the Little Synagogue Zachary Edinger. Elisabeth Shamoon on her recent David and Sara Berman Rabbi Ovadia holds an MA in Hebrew Israel. marriage to Jeffrey Wessler. Elisabeth is Literature from UCLA. Junior Congregation is a lively, participa- Samuel Flaks the daughter of our members Kathleen tory service for children ages 5-12. While Rabbi Daniel Bouskila A Special Series: and Alan Shamoon. Lauren Schneider prayer is always a part of youth groups, Shabbat, January 19 and the Origins of America this more formal youth services takes Saul Laniado on his 90th birthday In Memoriam Rabbi Bouskila is the Director of the Shabbat, February 9 place on select weeks. Children learn Sephardic Educational Center with Sam Cohen on his 85th birthday We mourn the loss of our members: Morning Seminar delivered by Rabbi Shearith Israel’s melodies and have headquarters in the Old City of Jerusalem. opportunities to lead prayers, read Torah Philip Stanton on becoming a bar Raquel Benaim. Condolences to her Meir Soloveichik on “From the to He was the Senior Rabbi of Sephardic and perform mitzvot. Regular Shabbat mitzvah. Philip is the son of Ronald P. children Carlos Benaim, Helene Benaim- Thomas Paine: The Rabbinic Influence Temple Tifereth Israel in West Los Ange- groups still begin at 10:00 am and con- Stanton and Mei Wu Stanton and brother Hachuel, and, Gladys Bunan. on American Independence.” les for 17 years. tinue at the conclusion of Junior Con- of Hedi and Oliver Stanton. Abraham “Barry” Cohen. Condolences to gregation. For more information and to his wife Mrs. Yvonne Cohen and children Shoshana Yael Goldfarb on becoming a Rabbi Richard Hidary have your child lead a part of the service Yvette Cohen Pomerantz, Denise Cohen Shabbat, January 26 bat mitzvah. Shoshana is the daughter of contact Rafi Blumenthal. Heidi and David Goldfarb and the niece Toperich, and, Daniel Cohen. Rabbi Richard Hidary is an assistant professor of Judaic Studies at Yeshiva of Rabbi Ira and Lisa Rohde. Phyllis Nissim Literary Lunch University, Stern College for Women and Thursday, January 17 In Appreciation Condolences an assistant Rabbi at Sephardic Syna- Thursday, February 14 We have recently received bequests from We extend our sincere condolences to: gogue in Brooklyn. He holds a Ph.D. in 12:15-1:45 pm the following friends and members for Hebrew and Judaic Studies from New Join our monthly gathering where we Bentsi Cohen on the loss of his brother which we are deeply grateful: York University. read and discuss a variety of works (fic- Mark Cohen Phyllis Nissim tion, nonfiction, memoir, personal essay, poetry) from across the ages and around the world. Led by Shearith Israel’s own

4 the bulletin January – February 2013 5 CLASSES, LECTURES, AND PROGRAMS, continued BUILDING BRIDGES

poet and member, Janet R. Kirchheimer, Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concert SUNDAY MONDAY WEEKLY CLASSES each session is an independent class and Series is a program of the Weill Music Maimonides Bet Midrash (House of Study: is accompanied by a delicious lunch and Institute. The concert is free and open Through May 12 (except January Study Hall and Partnered Study) SHABBAT stimulating conversation. Meets in the to the public although registration is 27, February 24) Winter: January 14 – March 11 Elias Room. $10/session. RSVP to Alana encouraged. Please visit shearithisrael. Learners’ Service 8:40 – 9:40 am (except February 18) 7:00-9:00 pm Shultz. org/carnegiehall2013 to register and for 9:45-10:45 am Rabbi Marc Angel Through June 15 more information. Explore Talmud, Bible, Jewish Law Discussion with Dr. Join Rabbi Shalom Morris in the Little Study texts from the Mishneh Torah, the or Jewish Thought with a student of Mordechai Kedar: Pre-Purim Party Synagogue to experience meaning- classic code of Jewish law written by advanced Judaic Studies. Engage in the “Terror Unmasked: Why Sunday, February 17 ful prayer. Prayers are accompanied by Rabbi Moses Maimonides, with the goal study of Jewish texts in small groups is the Middle East Such a 12:30 pm explanations with an eye towards applica- of understanding the laws and their ethi- Violent Area?” and gain a personal connection to the At the JICNY Annual Gala, June 2012: cal underpinnings. Breakfast is served. Thursday, January 17 Start Purim festivities early by bring- tion to our daily lives. This is an oppor- tradition of Jewish learning. Light dinner Alana Shultz (JICNY Honoree and 7:00 pm ing your smile and creativity to a Purim tunity to learn about prayer and become served. ‘Dedication to Jewish Life Award’ The Book of Beliefs and Opinions Shpiel-watching, costume-making, arts familiar with Shearith Israel’s services. recipient) with JICNY Founders Jodi and Join us for an exclusive event with Dr. Through May 12 and crafts-creating, Mishloah Manot The service concludes in the adjoining Tefillah B’Shanah Gavin Samuels and Steve Eisenberg, and Mordechai Kedar, the Director of the 9:40 – 10:40 am the other honorees for the evening. packaging and merry-making event. All Elias Room with a light Kiddush and Through May 20 Center for the Study of the Middle East Sjimon den Hollander 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm and Islam. Wine and refreshments will ages welcome. RSVP to Alana Shultz. Torah study session. No knowledge of Rabbi Shalom Morris hearith Israel is delighted to wel- be served. Hebrew is necessary. For more informa- The Book of Beliefs and Opinions Tuesday Morning Run tion please contact Rabbi Shalom Morris. (Emunot V’Deot), was the first serious come JICNY – Jewish International Before Morning Services This 20 part course looks at the historical $20 until January 10th . $25 after or at attempt to synthesize the Jewish tradition SConnection of NY – as part of our development of the siddur, the meaning the door. Co-sponsored by One Heart, Join our Hazan, Rabbi Ira Rohde and Shabbat Afternoon Class programming team and young leadership with philosophical teachings since Philo of Jewish prayers, differences in Sep- American Friends of Likud, and Alge- other serious runners in the congrega- Modern Responsa outreach initiative. Over the years we (about 900 years earlier). It was written hardic and Ashkenazik traditions, ritual meiner. tion on a weekly run through Central Park Class begins one and quarter hours have worked closely with JICNY, host- before Minhah by Sa’adiah Ga’on (882 – 942), the head of guidelines and the philosophy of prayer. prior to Tuesday morning minyan and the Academy of Sura in Baghdad. ing Shabbat meals and cultural events Carnegie Hall at Shearith breakfast. Contact Rabbi Ira Rohde for Rabbi Marc Angel* This course is free, though registration is with its community of international Jews Israel with the Gerard details. Adult Hebrew Classes required. Visit our website to register. in their 20s and 30s. Shearith Israel is Edery Ensemble This class will analyze modern responsa Winter: January 13 – March 17 a perfect synagogue to host this orga- Wednesday, February 13 beginning with those of Rabbi Haim Tuesday Morning Minyan 10:00 – 11:00 am THURSDAY 7:00 pm nization because of our long history of and Breakfast David Halevy (d.1998), who served for Hebrew courses are $70 and include a Thai Chi welcoming immigrants from around the In collaboration with Carnegie Hall’s Minyan, 7:15 am, Breakfast 7:50 am many years as the Sephardic Chief Rabbi light breakfast. To register, contact Rabbi 11:00 am globe and our warm inviting character. Neighborhood Concert Series, Con- of Tel Aviv. The class will analyze the Our morning minyan crew has been Shalom Morris. While we seek to extend a hand to the gregation Shearith Israel presents the inner workings of the Halakhic process Lewis Paleias meeting for a weekly breakfast on community, we are also ever conscious of Gerard Edery Ensemble. Gerard is one on issues of contemporary interest. Level I Tuesdays, an idea pioneered through This ancient practice helps balance, our future sustainability. Our hope is that of the world’s foremost experts in the the generosity of our member Chaim *Guest lecturers will occasionally present. Learn the Hebrew Alphabet and the strength, circulation, mindfulness and as more young Jews share in our syna- wide-ranging music of the Sephardic Katzap, who has subsidized it in the Check the Scholars-in-Residence page and/ basics of Hebrew reading. more. Tai Chi is a wonderful form of gogue life, they will come to feel a close Diaspora, including repertoire from the past, although he and the minyan have or the Shabbat handout for updates. Level II exercise for all ages, especially seniors. connection to the congregation. Judeo-Arab, Judeo-Spanish, Argentinian, welcomed other sponsors. All morning Improve the reading fluency and begin to Our teacher offers individual attention Middle-Eastern, Northern European and minyan attendees are welcomed. Con- focus on comprehension. and adapts the class based on the group. Eastern European musical worlds. tact Rabbi Ira Rohde if you would like to $10 per class or $50 for 6 classes. Walk- sponsor the minyan breakfast in honor of Level III ins and beginners welcome. a special occasion. Develop Hebrew vocabulary and reading comprehension skills.

6 the bulletin January – February 2013 7 America’s Classic synagogue Rabbi Ira Rohde, Hazan

’ve often said that the best description ideals, but the value system we must use Classic music and liturgy American Jewish congregations which the Baroque culture of the Reformation Jewish life, and may feel like playing an I can give of Congregation Shearith to decide what those ideals are we must Music and poetry also contribute to the use such “Romantic” music and also value and Counter-Reformation, and the ratio- unfamiliar role, creating discomfort with IIsrael is to call it “America’s Classic derive from elsewhere. classical feel. The importance given dignity and decorum in the conduct of nalist culture of the eighteenth century, its falseness and phoniness, along with Synagogue.” Shearith Israel is “classic” to music, the care given to conducting services and poetic language of a high all of which were key to the culture of our the difficulty of the role itself. But like the or “classical” in a number of ways. The A classic space services in the most harmonious way, style as we do have long styled them- “mother congregations” in the Nether- classical roles of fatherhood and mother- most apparent sense in which we are Architecture and design contribute the attention given to finely structured selves by the term “Classical Reform.” lands and Western Germany, in England, hood into which new parents are thrust, “classic” is that we are historic, America’s greatly and obviously to Shearith Israel’s poetic expression and the best grammar The perfection of form in classical music, and in Italy. when we resolve to play those and other oldest Jewish congregation. But not “Classical” aesthetic, since our building in both Hebrew and English – these are drama, poetry, and dance, as well as in roles which Jewish life thrusts upon us to everything old is worth preserving. Only was consciously built in a “neo-classical” hallmarks of the classical appreciation classical sports and martial arts, is always A classical judiasm the best of our ability, those roles come some historical relics have the value of style. And by this I do not simply mean of simple, direct, but well-structured achieved through much practice in fol- Ultimately, though, the emphasis upon to constitute, define and solidify a major “antiques.” Only when history presents that the architects copied ancient pat- poetry and music. Much of the liturgy is lowing the strictures of the fixed form. classical form and formalism at Shearith part of our very essence and substance. us with models and forms which are or terns from the “Classical” period of simple chant in praise of and thanks- These are rehearsed arts, practiced again Israel goes far deeper. That is because become “classic” are those artifacts worth Greco-Roman civilization, but that the giving to the Divine and beseeching and again in the same way until perfec- Judaism itself, in particular any form of preserving. perfected proportions that were used His Favor, although the classic notes of tion is achieved, like the fixed form of our Judaism which lays claim to authentic reflected the ideals of balance, symmetry, penitence and the need for sacrifice are synagogue service. Gradually the partici- Orthodoxy, is ultimately about structur- Earlier generations instinctively under- and proper ratio which were the ideals also sounded. There are parts which are pant becomes an authentic interpreter of ing life by following classical forms and stood what was worth preserving as of Greek civilization. Inside our sanctu- alternately led and responded to, mostly the fixed form, and the fixed form in turn ideals. That is what the complex rules of a corollary to the belief that “history ary, the tablets of the Ten Command- in unison, by the assembled congrega- becomes imprinted upon the participant. Jewish Law are ultimately about. Already teaches values,” and selectively chose to ments are at the top of our “Hekhal,” our tion, demonstrating the value of follow- two thousand years ago, Philo Judaeus of preserve and venerate that history which “Temple,” but directly underneath them ing leadership, along with coordinated A classical ethos Alexandria noted how well Jewish Law elaborated instructive models. But over is an isosceles “Golden Triangle” of 108, communal active response. Harmony in Our congregation’s Sephardic Jewish and lore accorded with the ideal forms the last half-century our generations 36 and 36 degrees. The inscription above music, as demonstrated by the Pythago- as well as its Western European Jewish of the Platonists and the Pythagoreans. have been taught to study history while the columns reads “Know before whom reans who were one of the main influ- heritage also contribute greatly to its Plato’s ultimate conception of God is of suspending interpretive value judgments. you stand,” which, I believe is a tran- ences upon Plato, also is created by classical ethos. It has been said that there the Demiurge, who gives the universe Since a religious institution, on the other scendental monotheistic analogue to the following proper mathematical ratios, were no “Dark Ages” in Spain; that under form and structure. By “structuring” the hand, is all about values and making value inscription upon the Temple of Apollo as has been borne out by the ancient and the rule of the Arabs the Classical culture universe, by “participating” in formal judgments as to what is an ideal model at Delphi, “Know thyself.” The other modern physics of sound. And harmony of Greece and Rome continued to survive structure, the world gains in solidity and or what has reached some degree of bal- inscription from Delphi, “Everything in in group musical or dramatic perfor- and was passed on to Christian Spain, substance, “defining” its self, becoming ance and perfection, in aesthetics as well measure,” the ideal of the Golden Mean,” mance means learning how to play one’s from which that culture was transmit- an ordered cosmos. Training in follow- as in ethics, I’ve consistently preferred doesn’t have to be inscribed to be clearly part proportionally and coordinate the ted to Northern Europe. And Sephardic ing classical forms is not just about the to describe Shearith Israel as “classic” in evidence. Knowledge, especially ratios and rules of proper timing. Of Jews were at the forefront of that classical perfection of what we are; that striving rather than use the term “historic” which “rational” knowledge, is, after all, epito- course, a good part of our choir’s music culture in Spain and even in the lands of after ideal form is ultimately constitu- was in vogue a few generations ago. My mized in classical philosophical thought and other composed pieces come from their dispersion. They cultivated poetry, tive of who and what we are. Participa- former experience in the Conservative by the knowledge of the proper geometric later eras and aesthetics. But Baroque music, grammar and the study of multiple tion in classical Jewish forms does not Movement of Judaism, a movement which “ratios.” The stone steps and the columns music was the elaboration and ornamen- classical languages, psychology, hygiene merely mold or perfect Jewish character, rooted itself in the “Historical School” echo the Golden Age of Greece, the era tation of the classical Renaissance, and and medicine, physics and other natural it actually constitutes that character out and taught that faithfulness to Judaism of the Greek philosophers, as well as the Romantic era began as an elaboration and worldly and social sciences, medita- of undifferentiated chaos. Structure could be maintained by inculcating a kind pay tribute to the Neoclassicism of our of the “classical” style. Ancient Classi- tion, and, crowning them all, philosophy. gives coherent, intelligible meaning, and of allegiance to Jewish History, dur- American democratic republic, since, cism, too, had its place for the lyrical and They tempered and balanced the religious meaning gives life substance, by a process ing a period when the interpretation of according to Aristotle, the proportional the Dionysian, in its proper place and bent of the Middle Ages with this classical of alchemy and “transformation” which is values from history was subject to intense equality of a true democracy constitutes proportion. “Romantic Era”-styled music knowledge. Our Western European heri- semi-mystical. It can be challenging and debate and little consensus, had left me justice. such as we use is still called “classical tage transmitted to us the neo-classical difficult to stick with the structure of disappointed. History can indeed provide music” for good reason, and Liberal culture of the Renaissance, us with classic realizations of perfected

8 the bulletin January – February 2013 9 SERVICES

JANUARY 18–19 FEBRUARY 8–9 Notes About The “Special Presidents’ Day Legal Notes About Purim WEEKDAY SERVICES Candle Lighting, 4:39 pm Shabbat Shekalim Shabbatot” Holiday The Fast of Esther commemorates the day Friday Evening, 4:45 pm Candle Lighting, 5:05 pm Shabbat Shekalim: During Temple Monday, February 18 when the Jews of Persia donned sackcloth MORNINGS (SHAHRIT): Shabbat Morning, 8:15 am Friday Evening, 5:15 pm times the call for the payment of the poll Morning Service, 8:00 am and ashes, went without food, and prayed Sunday, 8:00 am Zemirot, Sjimon den Hollander Shabbat Morning, 8:15 am tax of half a shekel by every adult Jew was that they be spared the massacre planned Monday–Friday, 7:15 am Purim Services announced on the first day of the twelfth for them by Haman. Men don tefillin at the Torah Reading, Bo Zemirot, Jack Daar Fast of Esther month (Adar). As a reminder of this duty, EVENINGS (MINHAH & ARBIT): Haftarah, Jared Lang Torah Reading, Mishpatim–Shekalim Thursday, February 21 Minhah service on Thursday Evening at 5:00. January 1–February 20, Arbit (only), the passage from Exodus 30:11–16 was Class, 3:30 pm Haftarah, Steven A. Okin Fast Begins, 5:29 am 6:30 pm read on the Sabbath preceding. Purim commemorates the day when, Minhah & Arbit, 4:45 pm Class, 4:00 pm Morning Service, 7:15 am February 24–28, Minhah & Arbit, through the intervention of Mordecai and Shabbat Zakhor/Mi Khamokha 5:30 pm Habdalah, 5:26 pm Minhah & Arbit, 5:00 pm , is Fast Day Minhah & Arbit Service (men Queen Esther, the Jews of Persia narrowly Habdalah, 5:54 pm the Sabbath preceding Purim. We read wear tefillin), 5:00 pm escaped being victims of Haman’s evil plot to JANUARY 25–26 Deut. 25:17–19, which begins with the Fast Ends, 5:58 pm exterminate them. Instead, “The Jews had Shabbat Shirah–Tu Bishbat FEBRUARY 15–16 SHABBAT SERVICES word “Zakhor”–”Remember [Amalek].” light and gladness, joy and honor.” Candle Lighting, 4:47 pm Candle Lighting, 5:13 pm Eve of Purim Haman, because of his wicked designs Saturday Evening, February 23 JANUARY 4–5 Friday Evening, 4:45 pm Friday Evening, 5:15 pm Purim Shushan, the day following Purim, to exterminate the Jewish people, was Saturday Afternoon Minhah & Arbit, Candle Lighting, 4:24 pm Sabbath Morning, 8:15 am Shabbat Morning, 8:15 am was the actual day of celebration observed in thought to be a spiritual descendant of 5:30 pm Friday Evening, 4:30 pm Zemirot, Avery E. Neumark Zemirot, Zachary Edinger Shushan, the capital of ancient Persia, and is Amalek, the first presumed “annihilators” End of Shabbat, 6:12 pm Shabbat Morning, 8:15 am Torah Reading, Beshallah Torah Reading, the day Purim is observed in Jerusalem. of the Israelites. Sephardic congregations Evening Reading of Megillah, 6:30 pm Zemirot, Sjimon Den Hollander (Reading of the “Shirah” Song of the Haftarah everywhere mark the occasion with the Late Evening Reading of Megillah, This year the usual date upon which Purim Red Sea) Torah Reading, Shemot Class, 4:00 pm reading of Yehuda HaLevi’s poem, 8:00 pm is celebrated falls on Shabbat. Consequently, Haftarah, David Braunschvig Haftarah, Barukh B. Rohde Minhah & Arbit, 5:15 pm “Mi Khamokha,” which will take place at Purim Day that Shabbat becomes Shabbat Zakhor, Class, 3:30 pm Class, 3:15 pm Habdalah, 6:03 pm the beginning of the Shahrit Service at Sunday, February 24 Purim and Shushan Purim celebrations are Minhah & Arbit 4:15 pm Minhah & Arbit, 4:45 pm 9:00 am. postponed to Sunday and Monday, and the FEBRUARY 22–23 Morning Service, 8:00 am Habdalah, 5:10 pm Habdalah, 5:35 pm Fast of Esther is moved back by one day to Shabbat Zakhor–Mi Khamokha Reading of Megillah, 8:30 am Thursday. JANUARY 11–12 FEBRUARY 1–2 Candle Lighting, 5:22 pm HOLIDAYS & Women’s Megillah Reading (concurrent), 8:30 am Shabbat Rosh Hodesh Shabbat Yithro Friday Evening, 5:30 pm OBSERVANCES Candle Lighting, 4:31 pm Candle Lighting, 4:56 pm Shabbat Morning, 8:15 am Late Morning Reading of Megillah, 11:00 am Friday Evening, 4:30 pm Friday Evening, 5:00 pm Zemirot, Sjimon den Hollander New Year’s Day Federal Purim Afternoon Minhah & Arbit, Shabbat Morning, 8:15 am Shabbat Morning, 8:15 am Torah Reading, Tetsavveh–Zakhor Holiday Tuesday, January 1 5:30 pm Zemirot, Adam Jackson Zemirot, Adam Jackson Haftarah Morning Service, 8:00 am Purim Shushan Torah Reading, Vaera–Rosh Hodesh Torah Reading, Yithro Class, 4:15 pm Monday, February 25 Haftarah, Mark B. Vieyra (Reading of the Ten Commandments) Minhah & Arbit, 5:30 pm Shabbat Rosh Hodesh Class, 3:15 pm Haftarah, Dr. Yossef C. Blum Habdalah, 6:12 pm Shebat Friday–Saturday, January 11–12 Minhah & Arbit, 4:30 pm Class, 3:45 pm Hamisha Asar Bishebat Habdalah, 5:17 pm Minhah & Arbit, 5:00 pm Habdalah, 5:44 pm Tu Bishbat & Shabbat Shirah Friday–Saturday, January 25–26

Rosh Hodesh Adar Sunday & Monday February 10 & 11

10 the bulletin January – February 2013 11