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Tammuz 5779 - Cheshvan 5780 | August - October 2019 Issue No. 111

the connection

High Holy Days 5780: New High Holy Days Ticket Policy If Not Now, P. 15 When? Schedule on Back Cover

also in this issue:

Learn Hebrew: Alef-Bet Boot Camp If It Is To Karen Brean, President, p.3 Begin 5780 with a Sense of Urgency Be, It Is Rabbi Sharyn Henry, p.5 Up To Me Servant Leadership and Shared Success barry weisband, By Rabbi Aaron Bisno, p.4 Murray Klein Executive Director. p.6 Tammuz 5779- Cheshvan 5780 | August-October 2019 Contents Issue No. 111

3 Learn Hebrew at Alef- 11 Inspired Reading for Bet Boot Camp We are a Reform Jewish congregation the High Holy Days karen brean dedicated to melding the traditions of sam siskind our faith with contemporary life. Our 4 If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me congregation was chartered in 1856 and 12 RodefShalomCares: rabbi aaron bisno is one of five synagogues on the National Seize the Moment; Care for Register of Historic Landmarks. We are a diverse congregation engaged in social 5 Begin 5780 with a Our Community Now issues, culture, and learning—made up Sense of Urgency marian allen of multigenerational, multicultural, and rabbi sharyn h. henry interfaith families and individuals; our 13 Our Community is Defined and doors are open to everyone. 6 Servant Leadership Strengthened by Immigrants Staff Phone Extensions and Shared Success martha berg 412.621.6566 barry weisband 14 Mazel Tov: Archivist Martha Berg Celebrates 18 Years at Rodef Shalom Rabbi Aaron Bisno 123 7 New Director of J-JEP: Rabbi Sharyn Henry 126 anne molloy Sherry Bell 137 Rabbi Larry Freedman Martha Berg 131 15 West View Cemetery Intoduces Yael Eads 130 8 Telling The Story of New Pricing and Short-Term Rabbi Larry Freedman 116 Rodef Shalom Discounts Dr. Walter Jacob 125 mayda roth Kristin Karsh 120 16 Mazel Tov! B’nai Mitzvah Bob Kelly 148 9 Preparing for Another Kate Kim 111 17 If Not Now, When? Bringing Amy Langham 117 Successful School Year Mimsie Leyton 127 mimsie leyton Back Traditions Through Marlee Lyons 112 Women of Rodef Shalom Don Megahan 190 10 You’re Only a Kid Once: teri cowan Michael McHugh 144 Make the Most of It Now! Hope Nearhood 143 yael eads 18 Looking Ahead at Helena Nichols 132 Brotherhood in 5780 Christine Ranasinghe 182 tim litman Stephanie Rex 124 Mayda Roth 140 JoAnn Ruffing 110 Rodef Shalom Congregation is a member of the Rabbi Aaron B. Bisno Barry D. Weisband Union for Reform Judaism. Dave Seskey 128 Frances F. & David R. Levin Murray Klein Sam Siskind 179 Senior Rabbinic Pulpit Executive Director

Melanie Solomon 122 Rabbi Sharyn H. Henry Mimsie Leyton Olivia Tucker 133 Sidney & Shirley C. Rapport Walter Jacob, DHL Family Center Director Barry Weisband 119 Rabbi Emeritus/Senior Scholar Don Megahan Music Director & Organist The Gift Corner 115 The bulletin of Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, is published four times annually. Lippman Library 180 Periodical postage paid at Pittsburgh, Pa.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: Hakesher, 4905 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. USPS 537–660 Rodef Shalom Congregation

The mission of Rodef Shalom Congregation is to build and sustain a vibrant Reform Jewish community. We guide and support our members in living full Jewish lives throughout the life cycle, based on Torah (study), avodah (worship), and gemilut hasadim (acts of loving kindness). We strive to be a national and international leader in Jewish thought and practice. Learn Hebrew at Alef-Bet Boot Camp Karen Brean, President, Board of Trustees [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566

f learning how to read Hebrew is on your list of things to do one day, consider joining me to do it now. Beginning Sept. 8, I’ll once again be teaching an Alef-Bet Boot Camp, a five-evening class that will give Iyou the opportunity to learn how to read Hebrew letters and vowels. And, recognizing that a week is not enough time to • If you participate in Jewish prayers and rituals, solidify your knowledge, Rabbi Henry and I will be studying the Hebrew of the Bible will help you offering a follow-up class to meet semi-monthly to understand where the words came from and what build on your new language skills. they mean.

The class will focus • There is a unique on basic literacy way of conveying of the alef-bet, but ideas in the Hebrew will also provide Bible, a distinctive an introduction view of the human to the meaning condition, the of the words that mystery of God, you’ll be reading. and the sublime I recall that, as things in nature. a young Hebrew • Learning Hebrew student preparing forces you to slow for my Bat down, taking in one Mitzvah, I found word or phrase at a some satisfaction time. This leads to in being able to thinking about the read phonetically, relation between but I didn’t really words and phrases “get it” until I studied Hebrew at an ulpan (intensive, – something called close reading. immersive language program) in Israel. It was during that time that I began to understand the meaning of • And, finally: The language of prayer and Torah is the words I was reading, and as a result, I developed the heart of Jewish life. a much deeper connection to Jewish culture through I know that it may seem like a daunting task. It’s a language. new alphabet, written right to left, with odd marks

scattered above and below the letters. If you’re still wavering, I recently came across a blog

post by “The Hebrew Nerd” from 2015, giving a whole I invite you to spend five evenings with us and see raft of reasons to learn Hebrew. Here are some of my where it leads. If Not Now, When? favorites:

• Your cerebral cortex, the thinking part of your Please visit www.rodefshalom.org/rsvp for more brain, hasn’t done sit-ups since the days you left information on Alef-Bet Boot Camp and to sign up today. college behind. Seriously. It’s time.

Issue No. 111 Tammuz 5779 - Cheshvan 5780 | August-October 2019 haK esher the connection 3 If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me Rabbi Aaron B. Bisno, Frances F. & David R. Levin - Senior Rabbinic Pulpit [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x122 ∧ @rabbibisno

s I write this, I am seated on the grounds of the genteel, lakeside Wannsee Villa just outside of Berlin, Germany. From 1941-1945, this handsome (and now infamous) home was used by the German SS as a conference center and A guest house; it is here, on January 20, 1942, that senior representatives of the Nazi High Command met to plan the “evacuation” of the Jews of Europe.

I am in Germany as a faculty member for FASPE (Fellowships As we say, l’havdil... Nothing could be further from the truth! at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics) co- leading 14 seminarians of nearly as many faiths, each Responsibility for the world we imagine, the relationships one of whom has come here and to Auschwitz, outside we desire, and the people we are intended to be... Krakow, Poland, to study the choices (and lack thereof) which led to the systematic dismantling of democracy All of this rests in each of our own hands. The responsibility and the murder of more than 12 million innocents, fully six is fully our own. We are the very solution we seek. million of whom were Jews. Thus, if our world and we are to be better in 5780 than all Ours is a fellowship wherein future rabbis, priests, has been true in the years gone by, we must take seriously and ministers come together to reflect on the both the lessons of history and our own hopes for our responsibility we each have to confront, challenge lives. Or - as I’ve learned from the fellows (in ten simple and change the real problems we face in our society two letter words): (and within ourselves) today. IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME!! As we confront the darkest chapter of the last century, I cannot help but be struck by the enormous number of What a wonderful paraphrase of our High Holy Days theme, everyday decisions made by otherwise ordinary folks, which is, of course: who, through silence, selected ignorance, or complicity lent tacit (and often overt) support to the most horrendous IF NOT NOW, WHEN? of actions taken in their name. The stately Wannsee Villa stands in silent contrast to the How did this come to be? Simply. Good people chose to urgent need we have today for choices and voices that will ignore their responsibilities to self, to others, and to the bring a new reality (in a new year) into our world. timeless ideals of their faith. In this way, people not unlike you and me allowed themselves and their values to be May the year 5780 see each of us helping to fashion a co-opted, such that these fellow travelers came to believe reality that fully reflects our highest ideals. changing reality really wasn’t their role. I wish you a year of blessings yet to be. L’Shana Tovah!

4 rodefshalom.org Begin 5780 with Sense of Urgency Rabbi Sharyn H. Henry, Rabbi [email protected] ∧ (412) 621-6566 x126

n 2014, Emma Watson, who played the role of Hermione in the Harry Potter series, spoke before the United Nations in her capacity as Goodwill Ambassador for U.N. Women. Watson’s speech covered a wide variety of issues connected Ito gender equality. Fully aware of both her youth and lack of experience in international policy-making, Watson said, “You might think, ‘Who is this Harry Potter girl? What is personalizes it. It is a great question for us at the beginning she doing at the U.N.?’ And it’s a really good question of the new year, as it calls each of us to take responsibility — I’ve been asking myself the same thing.” for the urgent work we identify.

Her response to her own question is relevant to all of us: What if we asked ourselves the same question—if not me, who? If I don’t take my turn to offer the homeless person “All I know is that I care about this problem, and I want with the sign on Washington Boulevard some money, or to make it better. And, having seen what I’ve seen, and spend a few hours at the food bank, who will? If I don’t given the chance, I feel it is my responsibility to say take to the streets to show my support (or opposition to) something.” an issue, who will? If I don’t I write to my elected officials or call their offices, who will? If I don’t visit a detention center Then, Watson did something fascinating. Knowingly or to see for myself what is going on, whose version of the not, she reworked Hillel’s famous aphorism, found in truth will I believe? If I don’t reduce the number of plastic Pirkei Avot, and the theme of this year’s High Holy Day bags I use, or stop throwing the paper in the garbage programming. She shared: because it’s closer than the recycling bin, then what will become of the earth? “In my nervousness for this speech and in my moments of doubt, I told myself firmly:If Not Me, Who? If Not It’s our turn, and it’s time. Now, When?” If not now, when? How provocative! While the original question, “If not now, when?” conveys a sense of urgency, Watson’s version

Share Your Story! Tools for Elul - If Not Now, When?

We need YOUR personal reflections as we explore opportunities for growth during the month of Elul, and as we continue the tradition of Tools for Elul, our congregational writing project! Together, we will inspire each other as we prepare for the High Holy Days, reflecting on the theme: If Not Now, When? Submit your story at www.rodefshalom.org/tools-for-elul-2019 or email Director of Communications and Marketing, Stephanie Rex, at [email protected] for more information today!

Issue No. 111 Tammuz 5779 - Cheshvan 5780 | August-October 2019 haK esher the connection 5 Servant Leadership and Shared Success Barry D. Weisband, Murray Klein Executive Director [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x119

s I started my professional career, I had the pleasure of working directly with the CEO of a major nonprofit hospital corporation. He introduced me to a concept that has served me well for more than three decades. A As I began my work with him, he handed me the book “Servant Leadership” by Robert Greenleaf. This particular leadership philosophy and its practical applications have been a major focus of mine throughout my professional career.

Servant Leadership differs from traditional leadership, where the leader’s main focus is the success of the Save the Dates: company or organization. A Servant Leader shares power, puts the needs of the employees first, and helps people develop and perform as substantially as possible. Servant Leadership actually inverts the Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin, author norm. It puts customer service as a main priority. Our “customers” include our colleagues, our congregants, and preeminent Jewish and our rich and vibrant community. thought leader, visits our congregation during As a Servant Leader, I’m focused on helping our employees and congregants grow as professionals the following weekends: and as individuals in order to accomplish our September 13, Nov. 8, respective professional and personal goals. I believe January 10 , March 20, and May 8. that I prioritize and am more attentive to their health, wisdom, self-improvement and individuality. Hopefully, our staff and congregants are more likely to Please make plans to join us! carry forward the role of servant leader. In these ways, we all benefit as we acquire personal growth, and our Stay tuned for details at www.rodefshalom.org. Rodef Shalom community becomes stronger and also grows as a result of our employees’ and members’ active commitment and engagement to the philosophy and practices of servant leadership.

At Rodef Shalom, how do we actualize servant leadership and put it into practice? create a stronger sense of ownership and trust as we serve each other and our broader community. By way of example, I believe that for the past two years, we have created a planning and budgeting process I encourage all of our employees and congregational that allows our staff members, lay leaders, and other members to embrace the concepts of servant congregants to set directions together for our next leadership so that we as individuals realize significant fiscal year. Rather than having just one individual personal growth by focusing on others first. As we or a select few develop departmental budgets, as adopt and implement servant leadership we tear down servant leaders, we look to our staff and congregants our organizational silos and collapse departmental to work together during this process to help grow their tunnels. Together, we are stronger! talents and strengthen their skill sets. In this way, we

6 rodefshalom.org Welcome Our New Joint Jewish Education Servant Leadership and Shared Success Program Director: Rabbi Larry Freedman

ongregation Beth Shalom and Rodef Shalom Congregation are excited to announce the hiring of Rabbi Larry Freedman, who has returned to Pittsburgh to lead the Joint Jewish Education Program (J-JEP), our collaborative, Ccommunity-wide effort provided by the two congregations. Rabbi Freedman stepped into the role July 15 and will teaching spiritual leadership and an honest approach work closely with the senior rabbis and staff from to teaching Israel. He is also a chaplain in the NY Air both congregations. J-JEP provides K-7 students with National Guard holding the rank of major where, along religious and Hebrew education program and is open to with the entire chaplain team, he serves six Jews and a the Pittsburgh community. thousand others of every religious background.

Rabbi Freedman is delighted to return home to “We at Beth Shalom are very optimistic about the Pittsburgh, where he and his wife, Deborah, raised their future of J-JEP, led by the experienced and capable sons Ethan and Lev for 10 years when he previously Rabbi Larry Freedman,” said Rabbi Seth Adelson, Senior served as Rabbi-Educator at Temple Sinai in Squirrel Hill. Rabbi, Congregation Beth Shalom. “As we embrace that future with Rabbi Freedman, we will continue to “I am thrilled that we are able to welcome Rabbi Larry inspire, lead, and pass the knowledge of our ancient- Freedman back to Pittsburgh,” said Rabbi Aaron Bisno. yet-modern tradition on to our children through the lens “His previous successes and vast experience in various of experiential learning that J-JEP offers.” congregational and educational settings augurs well for J-JEP.” Rabbi Freedman looks forward to focusing all of his rabbinic and educator skills on the J-JEP population, Rabbi Freedman has been teaching at URJ Crane Lake including faculty, staff, parents, and of course, Camp for the last 11 years for a week each summer the students.

Issue No. 111 Tammuz 5779 - Cheshvan 5780 | August-October 2019 haK esher the connection 7 Telling The Story of Rodef Shalom Mayda Roth, Director of Development [email protected] ∧ (412)-621-6566 x140

n her book, My Life with Bob, Pamela Paul talks about writing. She says that you have to build an argument, back it up and make a point. Incidentally, Bob is her code for Book of Books, because rather than keeping a Idiary, she recorded, and likely still records, the title and author of every book she reads. No narrative in her BOB - just titles reminding her where she was and what was happening to her when she read a particular book. Her clever BOB precedes Goodreads, the app many now use to record reading history electronically.

Fundraisers are always looking to tell a good story. Our Save the Dates: task is to find the special words to encourage giving back. Finding the story is the challenge. Giving legs to URBAN ART: A discussion with Kent Bloomer - the idea, gathering enough data to make a case, and Kicking off the restoration of his sculpture then fully, clearly, succinctly coming to a conclusion is Monday, September 16 the writer’s dilemma. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Kent Bloomer, Adjunct Professor of Architecture at Yale Going to meetings about fundraising, attending University, will discuss the sculpture he designed in 1965 webinars, lectures and conferences, sharing information for Rodef Shalom Congregation. “Relief” is one of the with colleagues, whether locally or nationally, are all earliest and most prominent works of outdoor abstract meant to give people in development something to talk sculpture to be commissioned in Pittsburgh. Rodef about or write about. Actually, I’ve found that the best Shalom has launched a campaign to restore “Relief” to way to encourage people to support Rodef Shalom is its pristine beginnings! not to talk, but rather to listen. CONNECTING, A Photographic Exhibit As one congregant recently told me: “Rodef Shalom Opening Reception: Monday, September 23 is more than my spiritual home. Sure, I’m always 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Presented by Pursuer of Peace: In Action overwhelmed when I go into the Main Sanctuary. Exhibit Open: September 23, 2019 ~ October 31, 2019 Sure, all of the portraits and Judaica remind me of The exhibit features photographs from the Akko Center our heritage. But, it’s more than that. I’m delighted to for Arts and Technology in Akko, Israel. see children of all ages learning about our faith. I’m inspired by our rabbis. I love to see our bima decorated at Sukkot. Most of all, though, it’s the friendships I’ve Pursuer of Peace 2020: made that connect me most to our Congregation.”

There are so many stories about why people support Celebrate on Sunday, June 28, 2020 with our Congregation than you can imagine. I look forward honoree Gisele Fetterman, founder of to hearing yours. Thank you to everyone for supporting Freestore 15104, where surplus and donated Rodef Shalom through your donations and legacy gifts. goods are received and redistributed to neighbors in need, based in Braddock. Gisele I wish everyone a good holiday season as we welcome is also the co-founder of 412 Food Rescue, an the new in 5780. initiative to end hunger and food waste.

To learn more, contact Mayda Roth, Director of Development, at 412.621.6566 x140. rotrodefshalom.org.

8 rodefshalom.org Preparing for Another Successful School Year Telling The Story of Rodef Shalom Mimsie Leyton, Sidney & Shirley C. Rapport Family Center Director (412) 621-6566 x127 | [email protected]

y father was a retailer and said that summer lasted from Memorial Day until the Fourth of July. While my brothers and I always took issue, the older I get, the more I see my dad’s point of view. Here at the Family Center, we have Mbeen preparing for the start of the school year since mid-June.

Some things that can help ease the transition from Tot Shabbat: Bring your little ones and a nut-free home to school: side dish to share! AUG. 2 - 6 P.M., Tot Shabbat and Family BBQ! • Bring a “lovey.” If your child has a special stuffed SEPT. 6 - 6 P.M., Aaron Court, with very special animal, blankie, doll, or other beloved item used for musical guest Dan Nichols! comfort, bring it! It’s a wonderful link to home. We once had a child who never came without his Teflon spatula! Final Fridays: Welcome Shabbat with candles, Kiddush, Hamotzi, and singing! For families • Establish a predictable routine at drop-off.Rituals with children 5 years old or younger. make it easier to cope with the transition. AUG. 30, 11:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.: Final Friday with Open House; SEPT. 27, OCT. 25: NOON - 12:30 P.M. • Always say goodbye. As tempting as it can be, please don’t sneak away. Tell your child when you’ll be back, Contact [email protected] for more info! and then leave with a kiss and a hug without hesitation. If your child cries at the moment of departure, it usually The staff spends a lot of time and effort even before ceases after just a few minutes. school begins and in the early weeks of the new year thinking about the best ways to help children and families • Don’t be alarmed by some possible regression. adjust. While we pay especially close attention to our very During the opening weeks of school, much energy youngest students (many barely 18 months old), we try is spent coping with new expectations. It’s a lot like to be sensitive to everyone, whether they are coming to starting a new job – pretty overwhelming until you school for the first time, moving to a new group, or have learn the ropes! They may be a bit more tired or irritable been to school before, but are new to Rodef Shalom. at home, or a newly acquired skill may go on hold for a little while. It won’t be too long until they are back up For many children, enrollment in preschool or an early care to speed. and education center is a first group experience for the family. Staying with a grandparent or being cared for by a Most children take their cues from you. If you are babysitter at home are not the same as coming to school. enthusiastic and positive about starting school, they will be The behavior parents see and or how they feel about it, too. The trick is to empathize with the feelings but support Pursuer of Peace 2020: too, may be quite different from previous experiences. the competence. “I know it can be hard to say goodbye, Our school, like many others, is poised to support our but you’re going to have lots of fun until I come back. Your families through the initial adjustment period. teachers will take good care of you.”

During the first days of school, some children need a Preschool educators and kindergarten teachers value familiar adult in the classroom. Others are okay going parents as their children’s first teachers. We are honored to it alone. Still, others even have a delayed reaction and be your partner as other significant adults in your children’s require adult support later rather than sooner. It’s not at lives. We want to support their continued development all uncommon for a child to need a trusted adult nearby for and help them learn how to be successful learners. Please several weeks, and it’s also not uncommon for one child share what makes your family unique, and tell us about in a family to react very differently from their siblings. As I family changes and challenges at home that will help us tell our families, we’ve seen it all and we don’t judge. What better understand your child. When families and teachers we need from you is your patience and trust, knowing it work together, kids win! Have a great year! can take up to six weeks until the goodbyes get easier. Issue No. 111 Tammuz 5779 - Cheshvan 5780 | August-October 2019 haK esher the connection 9 You’re Only a Kid Once: Make the Most of It Now! Yael Eads, Director of Informal Jewish Life, [email protected], (412) 621-6566 x130

was explaining to my daughter recently that you spend much more time of your life as an adult than you do as a child – 18 years versus 50, 60, 70 years or more! How kids spend this very precious time in their lives is often up to us as Itheir parents, where we use their ideas and interests as our guide maps.

So, what are your kids up to? Are they participating in a sport? Are they part of a club? Do they spend time with friends in more informal ways? Do they participate in a Jewish youth group?

If your answer to that last question was “No,” then I have a follow-up question for you: Why not? I had the opportunity in 2017 to attend the URJ Biennial in Boston, where I sat in a room with Miriam Chilton, the URJ’s vice president of youth and members of Rosov Consulting as they engaged us as youth professionals in a survey through the Jewish Education Project to really find out what type of impact being involved with a Jewish youth program has on children and teens.

After interviewing tens of thousands of Jewish teens from different backgrounds across the country, throughout a number of different Jewish youth groups as well as those not involved with Jewish youth programming, the survey found:

• Teens involved with Jewish youth groups felt more connected to being Jewish, as well as having a better understanding of what being Jewish means to them. Upcoming Youth Events: • They had better relationships with family, friends, and other adults. K-4TH GRADE: SUNDAY, SEPT. 15: • Teens feel a sense of empowerment to make positive New Year, New Name Art Project Event changes in their world. • Most importantly, teens involved in Jewish peer 5TH-7TH GRADE: SUNDAY, SEPT. 22: groups tend to flourish better socially, emotionally, Junior Youth Group Escape Room Field Trip and spiritually than those who are not. 8TH-12TH GRADE: SUNDAY, SEPT. While Ms. Chilton wasn’t too surprised by these results, 22: THERSTY September Start Off she is excited to have data that demonstrates that participation in Jewish youth groups goes a long way towards supporting teens in achieving goals, finding meaning, and seeing themselves as being connected both Save the Date: to Judaism and to the world. FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE AND POTLUCK So back to my question, with a slight modification – Will Friday, Oct. 25 - 6:15 p.m. your child participate in a Jewish youth group? Childhood is only so long, so if they aren’t participating in Jewish youth programming now, when will they? And as our High Holy Days theme asks: If Not Now, When?

10 rodefshalom.org You’re Only a Kid Once: Make the Most of It Now! Inspired Reading for the High Holy Days Sam Siskind, Librarian (412) 621-6566 x180, [email protected]

nother High Holiday season is approaching, and with it comes our annual preparations and personal reflections. Whether the questions we ask be trivial: “What brand of honey for the apples this year?” or A more serious: “What have I done this year that I could have done better, and how do I go about it?” the High Holidays are a time of questioning and looking back at the year that is concluding as we look forward to starting off the next one with a clean slate.

Another way to prepare for the High Holidays is to explore a book that pertains to the holiday itself, as well as one that contains themes that are central to Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah. Rodef Shalom’s Lippman Library is home to such books, those that offer history and practices of the different holidays, offer wisdom and inspire thoughts and reflections, as well as those that offer suggestions on how to make the world a better place, an idea central to the High Holidays.

Yom Kippur Readings: Inspiration, This is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared: Information, Contemplation The Days of Awe as a Journey of Transformation - Edited by Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins - By Rabbi Alan Lew This anthology provides insights, Rabbi Lew takes a look at the Days meanings, and different ways of of Awe that proceed Rosh Hashanah. interpreting different aspects of Yom He examines how we can use the Kippur. Included is a whole section time as a period of contemplation on the Kol Nidre prayer, the prayer and repentance, and eventually that opens Yom Kippur, in which open our hearts to G-d in a process we declare our vows and promises. of transformation. Rabbi Lew Among the topics discussed: “Kol includes personal stories, example Nidre: Nothing Affects the Human of others, as religious sources. Brain More Than Music,” “Can a Sinner Dare to Pray?” and “Whose Vows - Ours or God’s?” Other sections in the anthology include Mitzvah Magic “Sin,” “Forgiveness,” and “Avinu Malkenu.” This book - By Danny Siegel and Naomi Eisenberger is a must if you have questions about certain practices of the holiday and wish to explore different views and Though not specifically a book on reasons for why we do things the way we do. the High Holidays, this book, for older children, can offer insights on how to do things for the world and The Shofar Calls to Us for others, themes that go along - By Katherine Janus Kahn well with renewal and celebrating the birthday of the world. It provides For very young children, this book, stories of mitzvahs various young in just a few words, introduces people have done, including giving the main themes of the High tzedakah, collecting old cell phones, Holidays, including listening to and donating stuffed animals. After the shofar to welcome in the new each story, this book invites children with questions year, helping others, learning and ideas for how they might be able to conduct similar and growing, and the wish for a mitzvahs. sweet new year. Issue No. 111 Tammuz 5779 - Cheshvan 5780 | August-October 2019 haK esher the connection 11 RodefShalomCares: Seize the Moment; Care for Our Community Now Marian Allen, Caring Committee [email protected]

hen Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led the March on Washington, he spoke of the “fierce urgency of now.” A half a century later, Dr. King’s words have renewed meaning. We are reminded each day of the urgent need W to support each other – in times of loss, illness, hardship, and celebration. RodefShalomCares, our Congregation’s Caring • Volunteers will deliver challah and soup for Shabbat Committee, is a vehicle for providing support. Our goal during the first 30 days of mourning. is to have our volunteers partner with our rabbis in the sacred work of performing acts of loving kindness (gemilut The Caring Committee will bring varied opportunities chasadim), visiting the sick (bikur cholim), honoring the to learn about support strategies for ourselves, our elderly (hiddur p’nai zaken), and comforting the mourner children, and our elderly loved ones. We will continue to (nichum aveilim). As members of the Jewish community, try new ways to expand participation and respond to the we are all called to perform these acts of kindness and needs of our members. are all, in fact, members of the Caring Committee. In the timeless words of Rabbi Hillel, “If I am not for This initiative provides a structured way to care, myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what connecting temple members who need help with other am I? And if not now, when?” The time is now to be there temple members who can help. A simple form on the for others and, in turn, to lift up ourselves. Rodef Shalom website will allow you to submit requests for friends and family who are in need of extra support. Make an impact! Volunteer. Contact our Caring Committee The online form also will allow our committee to track today by emailing [email protected]. requests for assistance and respond promptly to support congregants and community members in need.

Ours is an exceptionally large community. None of us can be everywhere to know all needs. With this process, anyone in our community can fill out the form as they become aware of another’s challenges or joyous events. The Caring Committee empowers us all to be “first responders” in sharing our concern and care, helping our community to provide support as broadly as possible.

RodefShalomCares builds on the caring work that Women of Rodef Shalom and Brotherhood have been doing for many years. To shore up the ways in which we give support, to reinstate some past initiatives, and to bridge any gaps, RodefShalomCares will support our members in a variety of ways, beginning with these first steps:

• Trained volunteers will visit or make caring calls to members of our congregation who have been ill, who have experienced a loss, or who just need some extra support.

12 rodefshalom.org Our Community is Defined and Strengthened by Immigrants Martha Berg, Archivist (412) 621-6566 x131 | [email protected]

f the 24 men who signed Rodef Shalom’s Charter in 1856, not one was born in Pittsburgh. All were migrants. At least 20 were immigrants from German-speaking areas of Europe. At that time, they did not have to obtain visas Oto enter the United States; all they had to do was find a way to get here. Once they arrived in North America, immigrants sought out relatives and landsmen, people from the same home town, who could help them with work and housing until the new arrivals could make it on their own.

Beginning in the 1880s, the United States imposed restrictions on immigration in order to exclude groups deemed undesirable. Immigration to the US reached its 20th century peak in 1907, when Rodef Shalom had approximately 375 member families. The Immigration Act of 1924 instituted nationality quotas, which severely limited immigration from Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe, where many of the newer members of Rodef Shalom originated.

“Americanization” can have both positive and negative connotations. As Rodef Shalom members settled in as Americans, many became prosperous in Pittsburgh’s industrial economy but did not forget their immigrant roots. Rabbis and congregants consistently expressed and acted upon their concern for newer immigrants, though sometimes the motivation might have been a fear that poorer, less-educated Eastern European Jews would May Day 2019: Casa San José celebrates the damage the good reputation the earlier German-speaking contributions of immigrants to American life Jews had worked so hard to build up.

A partial list of congregational activism on behalf of aid program for local Soviet Jewish refugees; and Rabbi immigrants includes the following: in 1882, Rabbi Mayer Jacob commissioned the translation of two prayer books started a school in the Temple basement to teach English to into Russian. Russian immigrants; the Columbian Council (now the NCJW, Pittsburgh Chapter), many of whose members belonged Jewish and non-Jewish immigrants need community to Rodef Shalom, supported English and Americanization support as much now as they did when this congregation classes in the Hill District in the early 20th century; Rabbi was young. Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) Levy, a strong proponent of acculturation, preached and Acculturation for Justice, Access and Peace Outreach powerfully about the struggles of Eastern European Jews; (AJAPO) are the two official refugee resettlement agencies Sisterhood set up a college scholarship specifically for in this area, while other organizations provide assistance Eastern European immigrants; David Glick traveled to to both documented and undocumented migrants. I am Germany in 1936-1938 to arrange passage for hundreds a regular volunteer for Casa San José (casasanjose.org), of refugees from Nazism; Rabbi Freehof supported HUC’s a resource and advocacy center for Western PA’s Latinx efforts to resettle German Jewish scholars; Rabbi Staitman community. I am grateful to Rodef Shalom for celebrating worked to bring Soviet Jews to Pittsburgh and include the 18th anniversary of my becoming your Archivist by them in congregational life; Brotherhood set up a legal making a donation in my honor to Casa San José.

Issue No. 111 Tammuz 5779 - Cheshvan 5780 | August-October 2019 haK esher the connection 13 Archivist Martha Berg Celebrates Mazel Tov: 18 Years at Rodef Shalom By Anne Molloy, Past President of the Board of Trustees, Rodef Shalom

t’s hard to believe, but it is true: Martha Berg has been the Archivist at Rodef Shalom Congregation for 18 years! I had the pleasure of working with Martha for 15 of those years while I was Librarian at the Temple, and it is my Ipleasure to offer some thoughts about Martha and her work in this position. Martha began her work for us available to speak about the archives at Temple events before we had an appropriate — both as a featured speaker and as an enhancement space to collect, store, and to programming at Temple. She has built the good protect our documents. reputation of the Rodef Shalom Congregation Archives, Instead, they were stored which is critically important. Rodef Shalom has made in a variety of seldom- an investment in its archives, and we want this valuable visited rooms and closets resource to be used by researchers of all kinds, both throughout Temple. The locally and globally. first work area was Freehof Hall. Boxes of documents But that’s not all! A true professional takes care to keep up had to be carried up from the their skills. Martha finds the time to attend conferences basement for work, then put away at and workshops — both contributing and learning. the end of the work period. The work consisted of filtering This is essential as we move into electronic document what should be retained, protecting those documents in preservation. It’s a major challenge for all archives. We archival folders and boxes, and organizing a system for are fortunate that Martha is plugged into the current making those documents accessible for research. It is best practices. painstaking work, requiring patience, persistence, vision and curiosity. It is the ongoing work of the archives, and Rodef Shalom receives an additional benefit because Martha excels in it. Martha enjoys research and writing. One example — a few years ago, Martha received a fellowship from Martha has been assisted over the years with interns the American Jewish Archives at HUC-JIR in Cincinnati from the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon to research Rabbi J. Leonard Levy. That resulted in a University, as well as a very dedicated group of Temple wonderful program organized by Karen Hochberg on volunteers. Martha has always put a lot of thought, time Dr. Levy at Rodef Shalom. Another example — Martha’s and energy into matching the work that needs to be done Hakesher articles. More than one Rodef Shalom member in the Archives with the skills and talents of volunteers. has told me that her articles are the first they read It takes thoughtful effort to make the volunteer/intern in Hakesher! experience a productive and satisfying one for both the individuals and the organization. Kudos to Martha for Finally and most importantly, it is a pleasure to work making this happen! with Martha. She goes out of her way to help everyone — archive patrons, Rodef Shalom staff, and visitors to Martha’s position at Temple is a part-time one. Just Temple. We are blessed to have Martha in our community. running the traditional activities of an archives could easily fill up her time, but Martha also sets priorities and To my friend Martha — Thank you! Mazel tov! May you go promotes the Rodef Shalom Archives. She developed from strength to strength. and nurtures relationships with other archives/archivists in the Pittsburgh area and beyond. She makes herself

14 rodefshalom.org New Tickets for the High Holy Days

By Anne Molloy, Past President of the Board of Trustees, Rodef Shalom his year, members are being given a T single ticket that will be used for all High Holy Days services. lease hold onto your ticket and Ppresent it at every service you attend. The schedule for services is conveniently located on the back. If you do not use a physical ticket, we request that you provide contact info as you arrive for services. Stay tuned for more information at www.rodefshalom.org!

West View Cemetery Introduces New Pricing & Short-Term Discounts Plan Ahead for Your Family and Make Your Purchase Today

Pricing at West View Cemetery will increase by 10 percent on Sept. 27, 2019, just before the beginning of the new year. Because of this upcoming change, Rodef Shalom now offers three different discount packages to congregants. The following packages are being offered and must be purchased and paid in full by Sept. 27.

BASIC: Includes the price of one plot, one vault, GREEN: Available for Green Section only, current plus opening and closing of the grave. package includes one plot, opening and closing of • Standard pricing for this option: $3,170 grave, headstone, and perpetual care: • Discount pricing until Sept. 27: $2,850 • Standard pricing: $3,820 • After Sept. 27: $3,490 each • Discount pricing until Sept. 27: $3,440 • After Sept. 27: $4,200 PERPETUAL CARE: Includes all of Basic Package plus one of two perpetual care offerings: Choose your package today for peace of mind tomorrow • Standard price without border of plants: $2,750 for you and your family. Make your purchase today: • Discount pricing until Sept. 27: $2,495 Contact [email protected] or call • After Sept. 27: $3,025 Diana Martino at 412-931-1600. • Standard price with border of plants: $5,500 • Discount pricing until Sept. 27: $4,950 • After Sept. 27: $6,050

Issue No. 111 Tammuz 5779 - Cheshvan 5780 | August-October 2019 haK esher the connection 15 Mazel Tov! B’NAI MITZVAH

Elsa Kiersten Blodgett September 7

Elsa Kiersten Blodgett, daughter of Dr. Helene Finegold and Dr. and Mrs. Todd Blodgett, will become a Bat Mitzvah on September 7. Elsa attends Shady Side Academy. She enjoys playing lacrosse, swimming and basketball, as well as dancing. Elsa enjoys studying languages and traveling with her family and friends. She volunteers at the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh and participates in a community project to help local children.

Aviva Faye Monaco-Polk October 19

Aviva Faye Monaco-Polk, daughter of Valerie Monaco and Deborah Polk, will become a Bat Mitzvah on October 19. Aviva is a seventh grader at Falk School. She enjoys playing sports and creating art.

Do you have a simcha to share with the congregation?

Weddings, births, B’nai Mitzvah, graduations, promotions, retirements, and birthdays! Email your news and a photo if possible to [email protected] to get started!

16 rodefshalom.org If Not Now, When? Bringing Back Traditions Through Women of Rodef Shalom Teri Cowan, President, Women of Rodef Shalom [email protected]

n keeping with our theme “If Not Now, When?” the Women of Rodef Shalom are now continuing two past traditions that Iwere almost lost – the Women’s Seder and the Rosh Chodesh group. In 1995, Michele Gray Schaffer started the Women’s Seder but many consist of small when she was President of the Sisterhood. However, for gatherings of women, called the past three years we have not held one. We intend to Rosh Chodesh groups. These resume this event next year on Monday, April 13, 2020. We groups engage in a wide will be inviting families (including men) to the Women’s variety of activities that center Seder so that all can share in our joy. If you would like to around issues important to be a part of the planning process for this event, please Jewish women. The activities contact Andi Kaufman at [email protected]. depend on the preference of the group’s members. Thus, Forty-six years ago, when I was president of the Rosh Chodesh groups may Sisterhood, we started the celebration of Rosh Chodesh. explore spirituality, religious Last year, however, we did not have that celebration. education, ritual and liturgy, This year, we will resume the celebration through our health issues, music, Rosh Chodesh group. Rosh Chodesh means “Head of the chanting, art, and/or cooking. Month.” It is the name for the first day of every month in the Hebrew calendar, marked by the birth of the new Our Women of Rodef Shalom moon. It is the day on the lunar calendar on which the Rosh Chodesh group will meet new moon appears. The new moon is just a sliver, which on the last Monday of each one can hardly see. It is the potential of the new moon, month beginning this October and our faith in the potential of a new beginning, that we through May 2020, with two celebrate on Rosh Chodesh. exceptions. The group will not meet in December 2019, The holiday of Rosh Chodesh, which is a minor Jewish or in May 2020, we will meet holiday, dates to the time when the Jews, after the exodus on the last Tuesday instead from Egypt, were in the desert. Moses went up to Mount of the last Monday. The dates Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. He was on the of the Rosh Chodesh group mountain a long time, and the Jews grew restless. meetings are: Oct. 28, Nov. 25, Jan. 27, Feb. 24, March 30, April 27, and May 26. According to the Midrash, Pirke De-Rabbi Eliezer, the men believed that Moses was not coming down from Mount The group will meet in Kamin Dining Room. We will begin Sinai. They began making the golden calf. However, the each meeting with a brown bag dinner at 6 p.m. Dessert women refused to participate in the sin of worshipping and coffee will be served. The group meeting will be from the golden calf. They had faith that Moses would return 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. This year, our Rosh Chodesh group will from Mount Sinai with the God-given commandments. focus on the Torah portion of the week of the meeting. We will use as our parasha resource, “The Torah, A Women’s The Midrash says that God rewarded the women because Commentary” (URJ Press and Women of Reform Judaism, they refused to surrender their jewelry for the creation 2008). of the golden calf. The women became destined to be renewed like the new moon. Thus, Rosh Chodesh is Co-chairs for our Rosh Chodesh group for the year will based on our faith in God and on the potential that each be Marilyn Asimow and Andi Kaufman. They will help new moon brings. facilitate our discussions. We hope that during the year other members of our group will assist in facilitating the Women-centered Rosh Chodesh observances vary, discussions. We will see you there!

Issue No. 111 Tammuz 5779 - Cheshvan 5780 | August-October 2019 haK esher the connection 17 Looking Ahead at Brotherhood in 5780 Tim Litman, President, Brotherhood [email protected]

s I start my second year as president of the Brotherhood of Rodef Shalom, I look back on a year of many successes and accomplishments. Our team of officers, the board of directors and members were most A helpful in creating programs of interest to many people. It also helped to work with Teri Cowan and the Women of Rodef Shalom.

For me personally, our volunteer of the year, Peter Rosenfeld, was most helpful for his outstanding service to me as a mentor and good friend to learn and carry out the duties as president. His commitment to Brotherhood and the congregation are exemplary.

Our humanitarian of the year award went to Dean Damick. He has been most reliable in his commitment to Brotherhood and to serve cheerfully as an usher. He is a regular at services and in general, just a good person, a mensch, with a pleasant smile, word, and thought for everyone.

What we at Brotherhood have done in the past does not identify what we will do in this coming year. With our team of leaders, our members, and our We all have busy lives with obligations to work, family outstanding executive director, Barry Weisband, his and friends, but I am urging you to consider attending staff, the rabbis, and anyone from whom I can seek our meetings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. the first Tuesday of counseling, I look forward to expanding our successes the month from Sept. through June, and help us plan in the coming year. another spectacular year. If not NOW, WHEN?

My main mission for Brotherhood is to find many Life is a journey. There is a beginning and an end. new people to become part of our team to help us to What we do in the middle is what counts the most. sustain our future and the future of our congregation. Giving a little of your time now to our Brotherhood and the Congregation is important to secure our future. You will feel better in your heart and mind by setting a good example for your friends and family now.

Please take the time to think of your gift of being Jewish and help us to sustain our congregation for future generations. I would like you to feel what I feel in my heart and my mind about our religion and our future. You all are in my thoughts and prayers for a good year. You may contact me at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you!

18 rodefshalom.org contributions Looking Ahead at Brotherhood in 5780 donations and endowments thanks to the donors who support our congregation

GENERAL/BUILDING RABBINIC DISCRETIONARY FUND and Cary Klein, Cantor Julie Newman and William Donations Klingensmith, Elliott and Bobbee Slotsky Kramer, Ronald Angerman, Roseanne Isay Harrison, Natalie Eileen and Nicholas Lane, Symoine Laufe, Carol RODEF SHALOM CONGREGATION FUND Kaplan, Mimsie Leyton, Gail Sanger, Bill Stein and Salem Leaman, Marcia Levaur, Frances Levin, Donations In appreciation Anne Lewis, Carol Tobin Lewis, Mimsie Leyton, Margot and Michael Brozost, Nancy and James Susan and Joseph Freudenberg, Alton and Frances Susan and Paul Lieber, Sally and Tim Litman, Ehrman, Myron Grauer, Pittsburgh Pathwork, Inc., Jolly, Janet Bowen and Linda Sloan, Sharon and Susan and Richard Loether, Catherine and Mark Lee Weisberger Seth Stark Loevner, Amy Lowenstein, Gladys Maharam, Honoring Honoring Bernard Mallinger, Myrna and Mark Mason, Barton Cowan by Sandie and Bob Brand Rabbi Sharyn Henry by Walter E. Ellman Doernberg and May Families, Denise and Benjamin Dr. Edward Diamond, Jr. by Andrea and In memory McFerren, Jane and Dr. Richard Meltzer, Beverly Michael Lowenstein Dr. Sidney Busis by Betsy and H. Robert Fiebach, Mermelstein, Katharine Metlay, Rachel and Karl David Strassburger by Jeffrey Lawrence Ann Ungar LEARNING Meyers, Gwen Miller, Cheryl Moore, Pearl Moore, In memory Carol and Richard Nathanson, Roberta Needleman, Marcia Adelsheim by Barbara and Alan Ackerman, RABBI SHARYN HENRY’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Marcia and Robert Netzer, Judy Roscow and Ruth Garfunkel, Sally and Alan Greenwald, Annette Honoring Stephen Oliphant, Helen Orringer, Barbara and Blum and Sheldon Marstine, Nancy and Bill Julia Freudenberg by Susan and Lester Parker, Amy and Edwynn Platt, Valerie Nightingale, Joan and Albert Schlesinger, Shirley Joseph Freudenberg Monaco and Deborah Polk, Anne Molloy and and Howard Wilinsky Henry Posner III, Nancy and Bill Rackoff, Theresa Myrna Blank by Barbara and Richard Skrinjar and RABBI HENRY SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND Greco and Reid Roberts, Laura and Jason Rock, family Donations Sandy and Larry Rosen, Barbara and Bryan Sylvia and Dr. Sidney Busis by Natalie Kaplan, Anonymous, Barbara Abraham, Barbara and Alan Rosenberger, Sabina and Peter Rosenfeld, Sarah Marla Perlman Ackerman, Sarah and Robert Alexander, Marion and Jonathan Rosenson, Marcia Rosenthal, Dr. Sidney Busis by Janet Hirshberg, Kathy and Cary and Tom Allen, Kathy Arnheim, Valerie and Paul Nancy and Bob Rosenthal, Drs. Ellen and Loren Klein, Eileen and Nicholas Lane, Violet Marcus, Bacharach, Nancy and Lester Berkowitz, Dr. Roth, Mayda Roth, Richard and Ann Bass Roth, Marla Perlman, Rabbi Burt Schuman, Laura and Michelle and Rabbi Aaron Bisno, Judith Nesviksy Ruth Rubenstein, Deborah Rubin, Mary Beth and Harlan Stone, Jacqueline Wechsler and Wechsler and Jerry Bitner, Joan and Bernard Bloch, Charlotte Guy Salama, Susan Shapera and Earl Schaffer, family Bluestone, Erin Barr and Jeff Bonno, Sandie and Eric Schaffer and Cantor Michele Gray-Schaffer, Milton Fine by Barbara Weizenbaum and Robert Bob Brand, Patricia and Miles Braverman, Karen Nancy Bernstein and Robert Schoen, Eleanor Gorby, Eileen and Nicholas Lane, Laura and and Richard Brean, Sharon Ryave Brody and Schoenberger, Rabbi Burt E. Schuman, Arline Harlan Stone family, Richard Burkitt, Maureen and Jim Busis, Schwartz, Sally and Lanny Seed, Elizabeth Segel, Judge Larry Kaplan by Melissa Bilsky, Sheila Neil Busis, Sylvia and Sidney Busis*, Joelle Caplan, The Segel Family, Jan and Don Shaw, Nataliya Feinberg, Harriet and Kenneth Franklin, Alice and Marilyn and Bernard Caplan, Sarah Castelli, and Grigoriy Shevchenko, Y.Kisler and A. Shulkin, Norman Jaffe, Carol and Neil Niren Margot and Todd Cavalier, Adina and Brian Cohen, Eleanor Siegal, Dorothy Silberman, Marjorie Baila and Michael Kaufman by Mrs. Pamela Naomi Siegel and Eric Cooper, Teri and Barton Silverman, Paul Silverman and Family, Richard Wagoner Cowan, Marion Damick, Georgia Davidson, Simon, Nancy Tapper Smith, Deborah Moss and Fran Lefkowitz by Natalie Kaplan and Ellen Teri Arnold Davis, Debra and William Demchak, Gene Keith Somers, Suzanne Weinthal Somers, John Kaplan Goldstein Dickman, Margie and Dr. Paul Dubner, Rubinoff- Spear, Carol Spero, Heather and John Spitzer, Bill Sydney Stark, Jr. by Marcia Frumerman Dunham Family, Eads Family, Mary Ellen Elias, Stein, Marcia Stewart, Laura and Harlan Stone, Susan Wolf by Natalie Kaplan Walter Ellman, Susan Sternburg and James Meredith and David Strassburger, Mona and E.J.

Epstein, Phyllis and Philip Feinert, Sharon and Strassburger, Rochelle Sufrin, Rowna Sutin, Laura ROBERT H. AND SUSAN L. WOLF FUND/LOCATION Morris Feldman, Sheila and Milton* Fine, Marian Swiss and Rick Swartz, Shirley Tucker, Pamela In memory Finegold, Lois Finkel, Maxine and Dr. Stephen Wagoner, Carole and David Wallach, Susan and Susie Wolf by Cheryl and Dr. Barry Bloch, Patty and Fisher, Frederick Frank, Joan Friedberg, Marcia Benjamin Wechsler, Andrea and Ron Wedner, Barry Allan Schreiber Frumerman, Rabbi James A. Gibson, Rebecca Weisband, Sarah and Richard Wertheimer, Robin Gildengers, Sharon and Jim Goldberg, Goldman Wertkin, Michelle Einstoss, James Wilson and Union Camp Institute, Jennifer Burnau and Richard Jordan Wilson, Lauren Wolcott, Myrna and Allan WORSHIP Gordon, Dennis Grinberg, Hanna Gruen, Ina Zelenitz, Doreen Zisla and Larry Gumberg, Beth, Jeff, Ellen and Jason PRAYERBOOKS Gusenoff, Lori and Richard Guttman, The Harrison LEARNING In memory family, Dan Heit, Justiceworks Youthcare Inc., Milton Fine by Racelle Goldstein and Dr. Morton Bryna Helfer, Janice and Richard Henry, Jacki and RICHARD A FINEGOLD FAMILY PRESCHOOL FUND Susie Wolf by Natalie Josephs Jeff Herzog, Phyllis Henry, Karen Hochberg, Carol Donations by Marian Finegold Skinger and John Horn, Aislinn Bohren and Alex In Memory PHILANTHROPIC FUND Imas, Dr. Walter Jacob, Lynne and Blair Jacobson, David Hausman and Leo Pasqueralli In memory Jennifer Marin and Jeremy Kahn, David and Susan Rose Wertheimer by Diane Carroll, Marcia Friedberg Kalson, Jane and Barry Kart, Goldie and Frumerman, Jane and Alan Lichtenstein, Mona and Joel Katz, Mina Kavaler, The King Family, Kathy E.J. Strassburger Issue No. 111 Tammuz 5779 - Cheshvan 5780 | August-October 2019 haK esher the connection 19 contributions

VIGDOR W. KAVALER SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory 4 − Marriage of Rachel Tobin and Ben Zachariah Donations by Mina Kavaler Sidney Stark, Jr. by Sue Shapera and Earl Schaffer Carol Tobin Lewis Honoring 18 − Nancy Frank by Frederick Frank Dustin Allen, Nancy Friedman, Linda Kavaler, PHYLLIS S. GOLDSTEIN AND HAROLD S. SOLTMAN 17 − In honor of Julia Freudenberg by Susan and Joyce Kaiserman, Bernice Lasser, Lois London, MEMORIAL YOUTH ACTIVITIES FUND Joe Freudenberg Bee Gee Morrison, Rhoda Neft, Hilary Skirboll, In memory 23 − In honor of Jake Maxwell Griffiths by Ada Davis and Joe Spirer, Richard Simon, Anna Sylvia and Dr. Sidney Busis by Herbert Soltman Marci Casselhoff and Dr. Daniel Wecht, The Honorable Judge David 24 − In honor of Lori and Alan Lori Sachs Wecht, Bruce Wolf, Debbie Kavaler and Chris 25 − In honor of Beatrice Fernandes by Erica Levin Wysopol, and Richard Fernandes Marti Zinnamon COMMUNITY 31 − Ruth and Jerome Lieber by Susan and In Memory Paul Lieber Madelyn Marcus and Doris Rutkowski BIBLICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN June Donation 8 − In honor of Jack Aaron Segall by Mia and SYLVIA AND SIDNEY BUSIS FUND Marilyn and Brett Kranich, Jane and Dr. Richard Arie Segall In Memory Meltzer, Joan Olden, PS Personal Solutions, Inc. 14 − Estelle and Jack Kruman by their children Dr. Sidney Busis by Barbara and Alan Ackerman, Honoring 21 − Marilyn Weizenbaum by Jacki and Jeff Herzog, Lois and Dr. Milton Joel Kranich by Dana, Mark, Hannah and Ben Barbara Weizenbaum Michaels, Gwen Miller Braun In memory WOMEN OF RODEF SHALOM RUTH AND BERNARD LEVAUR Marcia Adelsheim and Dr. Sidney Busis by FLORAL ENDOWMENT FUND - Listings are in loving CONTEMPORARY LECTURE FUND Sue Shapera and Earl Schaffer memory unless otherwise listed In Memory Dr. Sidney Busis by Hanna Gruen May Dr. Sidney Busis by Marcia Levaur, Barbara and Sylvia Busis by Ann Ungar 4 − Beatrice “Bibe” Schlesinger by Amy Donald Werner Marc Kimelman by Marcia and Bob Netzer Schlesinger, Caryn Schlesinger, Sally and Lanny Seed LIBRARY FUND JANET C. SPEAR ENDOWMENT FUND 23 − In honor of Jake Griffiths by Marci Casselhoff Honoring Donations by John Spear June Jane and Dr. Richard Meltzer In memory 1 − Jake Griffiths by Marci Casselhoff In memory Sylvia Busis, Marc Kimelman, Sidney Stark, Jr. 20 − Aaron Benjamin Loether by Susan and Milton Fine by Mayda and Barry Roth Richard Loether WEST VIEW CEMETERY July EDUCATION FUND Donation 1 − Birthday of Hannah Pink by Edgar Levenson*; In memory Joan Olden, PS Personal Solutions, LLC David Ryave by Sharon and Gail* Ryave Dr. Sidney Busis by Ronald Angerman 3 − Dr. Hyman Pober* by Melva Pober* Honoring ALEX SEED MEMORIAL MENTAL HEALTH FUND August Nate Weinstein by Patria Lemer In memory 5 − Florence Bernstein McChesney by MMUNITY Dr. Sidney Busis by Jane and Barry Kart Beatrice Bernstein Cody PLAYGROUND FUND 6 − Audrey Golden by Women of Rodef Shalom Donation Donations by Sally and Lanny Seed 8 − Solomon B. Freehof by Lillian Freehof* Martha and William Crean In memory 10 − Ethel Kaplan Stept by Dr. Raymond Stept* In memory Myrna Blank, Sylvia and Dr. Sidney Busis, Denise 11 − Jerry T. Silverman by Marjorie, Jane, Stephen Donations Malvin, Mother of Jane Yonas and Barbara Silverman Les Hafner, Mollie Rosen, Sam Rosen by Susan 12 − Lillian S. Freehof by Women of Rodef Shalom; Rosen, Denise Malvin by Mayda and Barry Roth IRVING AND JACQUELIN WECHSLER GALLERY Estelle and Jack Kruman, Gertrude and Dr. Simon Susie Wolf by Mona and E.J. Strassburger Donations by Jacquelin Wechsler Berenfield and Bertha and Neff Kruman by the Mother of Leslie Wendell Kruman Family ROGAL GENETIC TESTING FUND 21 − Gilbert Broff by Rosella Broff*; Jerry “Pa” In memory ARNOLD D., NORMA W. AND IDA J. WILNER Lebovitz by Judith Kelsey Lebovitz and family Francine Lefkowitz, Richard Meritzer, Susie Wolf HUNGER FUND 25 − Edith Lieberman Glick by Eleanor G. Caplan and Judge Larry Kaplan by Jay Rogal Donations by Thomas Wilner September Barbara Rogal by Bryna Helfer In memory 1 − Samuel Golden; Harriet Little Sherman by Dr. Sidney Busis, Judge Larry Kaplan, Marilyn and Norman Weizenbaum and Family MUSIC FUND Joey Shenkan 8 − Abraham Wedner by Lucille Wedner and family Donation In memory 10 − Harry Perrin by Beatrice Conn Linda and Alan Doernberg Judge Larry Kaplan by Dr. Mary Ann Wilner 13 − Mervin Stewart, M.D. by Marcia M. Stewart Honoring 14 − Warren Shapera by Sue Shapera, Hal Julia Freudenberg by Susan and WOMEN OF RODEF SHALOM PULPIT DECORATIONS Shapera, and Anne Clair Goodman Joseph Freudenberg Listings are in loving memory unless otherwise listed 21 − Sadye and Samuel Adler by Natalie and Judge Molly May by Walter Ellman May Larry* Kaplan and Dr. Lawrence Adler; William

20 rodefshalom.org contributions

Conn by Beatrice Conn; Robert Westerman by Tito Braunstein by Barbara Braunstein Daniel Marcus, Martha Spitzer and Henry Spitzer Diane Reichblum*, Ruth Westerman*, Jeff and Mark Renee Linder by Karen and Richard Brean by Heather and John Spitzer Westerman Zachary Caplan by Dr. Joelle Caplan Dr. Irwin S. Terner by Carolyn Terner 23 − Dr. Virginia Oliver by Margot, Todd and Jane Isabelle Sacks by Georgia Davidson Rose Weisz Marcus and Murray Thaw by Barbara Cavalier; Julian Ruslander by Lee Ann Freeman Norma Davis by Dr. Sandy Davis and Robert Thaw 24 − William Horne by Martha and Edwin Horne* Philip Dutch by Laura and Elliot Dinkin Paula Ohringer by Marjorie Ungar 29 − Hannah Kamin by Marvin Kamin*; Edward Dr. Howard Mermelstein by Margie and Marilyn Weizenbaum by Barbara Weizenbaum Gordon by Betty Gordon; Essie and Charles Dr. Paul Dubner Nettie and Louis Walfish by David Walfish and Ostrow, Carrie and Moe Struminger by Lynn and Jerome Finegold by Lessa Finegold James Walfish Gerald Ostrow*; Rose and Doc Green by Jackie and Sylvia Fisher, Jack Lundy and Richard Meritzer by Claire Weiner by Stanley Weiner Irving Buddy* Wechsler, Roberta Samuels, Nancy Maxine and Dr. Stephen Fisher Myrna and Henry Wolk by Sheldon Wolk and Michael Weisman; Martha and Hyman Rogal Robert Frumerman by Marcia Frumerman Martin Huspel by Florence Zeve* by Ann and Alvin Rogal*; Jean Speyer, Tillie Marlene Gold and Raymond Recht by Cathy Gold Dale Silverman by Paul Silverman and Family Speyer, and A. James Speyer by Alexander Gilbert Broff by Barbara Broff Goldman Philip Sattenstein by Norma Smith Speyer, Jr.; Zola Gold and Teddy Cohen by Herbert Goldstein and Eugene Joseph by Julius Sfarti by Cynthia and Dr. Michael Weisfield Nancy and Steven Cohen Sonja Goldstein and Family October Dora and Clarence Gordon by Richard Gordon WOMEN OF RODEF SHALOM REMEMBRANCE FUND 2 − Sylvia Schutzman* by Herbert Schutzman Harold Levy by Debbie Green Donation 8 − Alexander A. Bluestone by Mary Lou Harry Wallace Kamin and Herman Kamin by Daniel Bill Stein Bluestone; Loved ones by Helen E. Blumberger Kamin Natalie and Judge Larry* Kaplan and Family; Charles Deaktor by Marcia Deaktor Selma Goldberg by Joanie and Samuel Kamin Honoring and Family; Helen and Bruno Doher by Edward Jack and Estelle Kruman by Susan and Eric Kruman Dr. Edward Diamond by Carol and Doher; Eva Levenson by Edgar Levenson*; Cecil June Jonas and Sabina Jonas by Hans Jonas Richard Nathenson and Norman Rom by Trudy and Larry Hamburg and Leonard Singer by Jane and Dr. Barry Kart Hon. Dwayne Woodruff by Jeffrey Lawrence Pollock family Rose Krasnopoler by Irving Krasnopoler Pennley Rose Heyman by Bruce Rose 12 − Harriet Schneiderman by Laura and Henry Ethel Halpern by Eileen Lane In memory Schneiderman; Irving “Buddy”* Wechsler by Jackie Philip Kamin by Symoine Laufe Rose Wertheimer by Edward Crist Wechsler and family Margaret Kessler Levine by Robert Levine Francine Lefkowitz by Harriet and Kenneth Franklin 15 − Leonard Singer by his Family; Olga Stark by Benjamin Levine by Samuel Levine Ivan “Itzy” Balk by Jeffrey Lawrence Pollock William Stark* and family Samuel Levine by Carol Tobin Lewis Myrna Blank and Milton Fine by Larry and 16 − Dora Stiglitz Wechsler and Abraham Wechsler Robert Comins by Amy Lowenstein Sandy Rosen by Jacquelin and Irving Buddy Wechsler Freda Sockel by Linda Melada Marcia Adelsheim by Lindsay Schriftman 19 − Rebecca Weisberg Siegel by Allan Meltzer by Marilyn Meltzer Sylvia and Sidney Busis by Eleanor Siegal Naomi Weisberg Siegel Sam Gold, Martin Sachnoff and Reuben Sachnoff 27 − Edith Donnenberg from Drs. Vera and by Barbara Sachnoff Mendlowitz *z”l of blessed memory Albert Donnenberg Cecelia Tracht by Leslie and Robert Mitchell 28 − Alex Edward Seed by Sally and Lanny Seed Genevieve Molloy and James Molloy by 30 − Gail Ryave by Sharon Ryave Brody Anne Molloy Hyman Friedman by Pearl Moore RODEF SHALOM BROTHERHOOD FUND David Myer by Larry Myer Donation George Netzer by Robert Netzer Shana Tovah, wishing Bill Stein Margaret Osofsky by Dr. Murray Osofsky In memory Sherman Pasekoff by Charlotte Pasekoff you and your family Marc Kimelman by Nancy Hoffman and Beatrice Pollock by Dr. and Mrs. Burton Pollock Barry Tunick Bella Feldman, Lenore Morganstern, Ralph a sweet and healthy Mary Ann Stevenson by Paul Silverman & family Morganstern and Amiel Rogal by S. Jay Rogal Honoring Milton Rosenberg by Colin Rosenberg New Year! Dr. Stephen Fisher by Rabbi Sion and Helaine Shirley and Milton Bilder by Sabina and David Peter Rosenfeld Maurice Rosenthal by Nancy and Bob Rosenthal TRIBUTES Bee Schaffer by Eric and Michelle-Gray Schaffer Beatrice”Bibe” Schlesinger by Amy Schlesinger BROTHERHOOD YAHRZEIT FUND and Sally and Lanny Seed Ida Korn by Barbara K. Abraham Dr. Jodi Shensa Novick by Linda Shensa Esther Ackerman and Allen Berkman by Barbara Esther Kanin by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Silk and Alan Ackerman Belle Levin, Jacob Levin and Frank Silverman by Pauline and Norman Americus, Franae and Calvin Susan and Arnold Silverman Morgan by Patrice and Robert Americus Bertha Genkin, Alexander Genkin, Tsila A. Kaplan Allan Apter by Marcella Apter and Michael N. Kaplan by Alexandra Sokolsky Harry Azen by Helen Azen Leah Somers by Keith Somers

Issue No. 111 Tammuz 5779 - Cheshvan 5780 | August-October 2019 haK esher the connection 21 Full Ad Page 22 & 23

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The Quarterly Bulletin of Rodef Shalom Congregation

If Not Now, When? Let’s Do This Together: High Holy Days 5780

ff EREV ROSH HASHANAH - Sunday, September 29 ∙ 7:30 p.m. ff ROSH HASHANAH DAY - Monday, September 30 ∙ 10:00 am. ff KOL NIDRE - Tuesday, October 8 ∙ 7:30 p.m. ff YOM KIPPUR DAY - Wednesday, October 9 ∙ 10:00 a.m. ff YIZKOR SERVICE - Wednesday, October 9 ∙ 4:30 p.m. www.rodefshalom.org/high-holy-days-5780

Photo Credit: Dale Lazar

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