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Volume XXXI, Number 1 September 2021 | Tishrei 5782 Making Jewish UJA-JCC Greenwich Fairfield County Safer Women’s From its founding in 1955, the Jewish Federation of Greenwich put its Philanthropy resources and efforts toward sup- Virtual porting Jewish communities in need around the world. Now, with Fall hate crimes on the rise in North America – often aimed at Jewish Lunch institutions such as temples, day schools, camps, JCCs and other Jewish organizations – its successor organization, UJA-JCC Greenwich, With Guest Speaker Lori Gottlieb, has allocated some of those resources and Psychotherapist and New York Times efforts to support the safety of Jewish Fairfield County. bestselling author of The UJA-JCC Greenwich Board of Director members voted unanimously to hire a regional security advisor through the Secure Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. Community Network (SCN) and approved the contract on June 15. The SCN, a nonprofit organization, was created in 2004 under Wednesday, October 13, 2021 the auspices of The Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. 12:15 - 1:15 pm | Zoom Its strategy of information sharing and preventative security is rec- Lunch will be delivered to all participants who live ognized as a national model by the U.S. Department of Homeland in and around the Greenwich area. Security. UJA-JCC Greenwich will partner with the neighboring Event Chairs Federations of Stamford, New Haven and Western Connecticut to Marissa Cohen & Rachel Schneider enlist the SCN’s services. “Sadly, today’s escalation in extremism, terrorism and anti-Semitic Couvert - $136 • Sponsor - $180 violence has forced us to step up our preparedness and vigilance to protect our people and sacred spaces,” said Pam Ehrenkranz, (Includes a copy of the book) CEO of UJA-JCC Greenwich. “These attacks are often perpetrated To register please go to ujajcc.org by individuals acting alone, with little or no warning, after robust engagement with anti-Semitic websites. We look forward to work- or call 203-552-1818 ing with a SCN security professional to pool our intel and shore up The minimum gift to attend this event is $500. communal safety in Fairfield County.” Although your commitment is made now, it is payable on or before December 31, 2021. “The Secure Community Network will enhance our awareness on the ground through timely and credible threat information while also developing and implementing the infrastructure and protocols PJ Families Enjoying Wishing You and Your Family to keep our communities safe,” noted Board Co-President Bryanna Ice Cream Fridays A Sweet and Good New Year! Kallman. “And God forbid, in the event of an incident, our secu- rity advisor will be there to liaise with local, state and federal law enforcement and to provide crisis management as events unfold.” A critical facet of the SNC offering is to train and educate com- munity members. The SCN advisor will offer trainings for UJA- JCC Greenwich and its sister federations in Fairfield County. Refer to ujajcc.org for details about these programs, which will include situation awareness trainings as well as trainings to counter active threats. “A well-trained citizen corps can make a real difference in the safe- ty of a community,” said Michael Delikat, UJA-JCC Greenwich Co-President. “We are fortunate to soon have the opportunity to learn fundamental security routines from a pro and to proactively take measures against threats that may arise.” See more photos on page 23 Page 2 September 2021 Cori SaNogueira Steps into New Role Cori SaNogueira is thrilled to be taking on the role of PJ Library and Youth Experiences Picking For the Pantry Director. She is an Old Greenwich resident who happily had numerous PJ Library books delivered to her three children over the Silverman’s Farm years. As a past PJ Planner and Chair Easton, CT she has seen first hand the benefits of PJ family programming. Piloting the first Teen Start the year off right by doing Changemakers cohort brings her passions a mitzvah while coming together of community building, education, Israel with friends - old and new! and philanthropy together. We welcome the additional time that Cori will be investing in Sunday, September 12, 2021 the future of Jewish Greenwich! 3 - 4:30 PM PJ Pails Celebrates Tu B’Av – Event is SHINE ONLY $36 per family includes a bag of picked Holiday of LOVE! apples to be donated to Schoke Jewish The final PJ Pail in this year’s Family Service Kosher Food Pantry and series of four distributions was in to JFS Greenwich. This event will help honor of the Jewish Holiday Tu feed local families and provide critical B’Av, Holiday of Love. PJ children support. received red heart-shaped buckets filled with arts and crafts activities To register, please go to UJAJCC.org focused around the theme of love. or call 203-552-1818. For information about our next PJ Pail distribution, contact Cori Event chairs: Jessica Anderson and Michaelan Cohen SaNogueira at [email protected] or 203-552-1818. PJ Library Hosts Sweet Summer Soirée PJ Library members sipped wine and enjoyed delicious desserts under the stars at the beautiful Greenwich Historical Society on August 12, all to support PJ Library. A very big thank you to the event hosts: Jessica and Daniel Alterbaum, Marissa and Jarret Cohen, Rebecca and Marshall Cooper, Stacey Delikat and Robert Marmor, Morgan and Phillip Druce, Vlada and Joshua Epstein, Meredith and Oren Isacoff, Becky and Brad Leader, Staci and Jonathan Levy, and Lauren Yeager and Elliot Wagner. Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors: JESSICA & DANIEL ALTERBAUM KAREN & ERIC BEILEY MARISSA & JARRET COHEN REBECCA & MARSHALL COOPER STACEY DELIKAT & ROBERT MARMOR VLADA & JOSHUA EPSTEIN ASYA & MICHAEL GELLER JORDAN & DOUG SANDERS RITA & MATTHEW TEICHNER CHRISTINE & JEFF TOBACK
See more photos on page 22 September 2021 Page 3
COMMUNITY UJA-JCC Greenwich Welcomes DIRECTORY UJA-JCC Greenwich Newcomers at the Beach! (203) 552-1818 UJA-JCC Greenwich held a fun newcomers welcome event at beautiful Tod’s Point Beach. Everyone enjoyed a hot Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy cup of coffee, accompanying fresh bagels and cream cheese. While the adults mingled and introduced themselves to Lower School (203) 329-2186 one another, the kids had a blast engaging in arts and crafts at picnic tables, while making new friends. Thanks to our High School (203) 357-0850 Chavurat Deevray Torah event hosts, Abby Vorobeychik (Newcomers Chair), and Christine Toback (Women’s Philanthropy President). (203) 637-9478 or (203) 637-5877 Chabad Lubavitch of Greenwich Gan of Greenwich Preschool (203) 629-9059 Congregation Shir Ami (203) 900-7976 Greenwich Reform (203) 629-0018 Congregation Kehilat Shalom Hebrew Wizards (203) 249-4036 Jewish Family Services of Greenwich (203) 622-1881 Jewish Senior Services (203) 365-6400 Temple Sholom (203) 869-7191 Temple Sholom Selma Maisel Nursery School (203) 622-8121 SHABBAT & HOLIDAY CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES Erev Rosh Hashanah Mon., Sept 6...... 7:00 pm First night Rosh Hashanah Tues., Sept. 7...... 7:58 pm Second night Rosh Hashanah Weds., Sept. 8...... 7:56 pm Fri., Sept. 10...... 6:54 pm Fri., Sept. 17...... 6:42 pm Erev Yom Kippur Weds., Sept. 15...... 6:45 Yom Kippur, Thurs., Sept. 16....7:42 pm Erev Sukkot, Mon., Sept. 21.....6:37 pm Sukkot, Tues., Sept. 22...... 7:34 pm Fri., Sept. 24...... 6:30 pm Shemini Atzeret Tues., Sept. 28...... 7:22 pm Simchat Torah, Weds., Sept. 29.7:20 pm Fri., Oct. 1...... 6:18 pm Fri., Oct. 8...... 6:06 pm Fri., Oct.15...... 5:55 pm Fri., Oct. 22...... 5:45 pm Fri., Oct. 29...... 5:36 pm Fri., Nov. 5...... 5:25 pm Greenwich Jewish News Published by UJA-JCC Greenwich One Holly Hill Lane Greenwich, CT 06830 (203) 552-1818 ujajcc.org MICHAEL DELIKAT Co-President, BRYANNA KALLMAN Co-President, UJA-JCC GREENWICH CHRISTINE TOBACK President, Women’s Philanthropy PAMELA EHRENKRANZ Chief Executive Officer CLAUDIA BRENNER Director, Women’s Philanthropy CORI SANOGUEIRA PJ Library and Youth Experiences Director NANCY ZISSON Editorial Chairman JUDITH MARGOLIN Editor ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED Page 4 September 2021
THE IMPACT OF YOUR GIFT Bet Singer Youth Village Making a Difference in Young People’s Lives Our Greenwich Jewish Community is part of Southern children during the summer camp season and for ongoing New England Consortium (SNEC), which holds deep use in the learning center. These games and equipment connections with the Gilboa region, in Northeast Israel. help reduce the learning gaps the children experience, Some 100 children in need of a warm, safe house find it at greatly exacerbated during the pandemic. this boarding school. Here are some photos showing the kids with big smiles Not too long ago we contributed toward a therapeutic of gratitude. zoo for these young residents. Most recently, we were able If you wish to visit Bet Singer on your next trip to Israel, to donate box games and educational equipment for the please contact Pam at 203-552-1818 to tailor your trip.
DONATE TO DIGNITY GROWS™ Hebrew Wizards Brings Camp into the Classroom Each Year we choose two heroes whom we can honor and emulate as Captains of our Color War teams. This summer Blue team selected Zoom Founder, Eriam Gold to compete against Gold team selection, Pfizer CEO, Dr. Albert Bourla. Our Teams compete in the following four categories: Learning: Hebrew Reading, Bible Boards, Prayer Ladders and Jewish Holidays. Do You Wanna Be a Wizard? For more information: www.hebrewizards.com. 18 COLOR WAR 2021-2022 HEBREW WIZARDS dollars can make someone’s month! HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC The lack of menstrual supplies can negatively affect a person’s quality of life, making it difficult or impossible to do routine things like attend school or go to work. Federal grant programs don’t cover these items, which are rarely donated to food pantries. Dignity Grows™ provides assistance to people in need of menstrual products and toiletries by providing a pre-packaged, one month’s supply.
UJA-JCC Greenwich is the first chapter in this national initiative started by the Jewish Federation in Hartford. In 2020, we distributed 265 bags to Jewish Family Services Greenwich and Schoke Jewish Family Service of Fairfield County, Neighbor to Neighbor, MetCouncil on Jewish Poverty and the YWCA. Help us do even more this year! Visit www.UJAJCC.org to donate $18 or purchase products to impact someone’s life!
DR. ALBERT BOURLA, CEO OF PFIZER-AND VACCINE INVENTOR MR. ERIC WUAN, CEO & FOUNDER OF ZOOM COMMUNICATIONS September 2021 Page 5 Congregation Shir Ami to Affix a Greenwich Reform: New Eternal Light Exciting Programming Imagine a synagogue sanctuary – any sanctuary – maybe one from your travels or maybe one where for All Ages you grew up or one from an artistic rendering. Mark your calendars for these exciting programs. All In the sanctuary, right above the Holy Ark, often are welcome but reservations are required! stands the ner tamid, the “eternal flame.” Its presence in our sanctuaries is derived from a verse in Exodus, where we read that an “eternal flame was Rabbi Laura Geller, to burn on the golden menorah in the Holy Temple Sunday, October 10, at all times.” 10 am: Rabbi Geller Moreover, a 15th century source (known as the will lead a discussion Kol Bo) records that it was a universal custom to on Jewish sacred aging, have an Eternal Light in the sanctuary, and the reason for the light is to give honor to the Divine inspired by her book, Presence that rests wherever a quorum of Jews gather to pray. (see Ex. 27:20; Lev. 24:2). Getting Good at Getting While our physical sanctuary at Shir Ami has always been full of light and radiance, up Older. Jewish tradition until now we have lacked a permanent ritual Eternal Light. But now that has changed. and culture gives you To honor the memory of Dr. Harold Axe z’l, husband of Rabbi Emerita Vicki Axe, the tools to bring founding spiritual leader of Shi Ami, the congregation has procured a beautiful new meaning and purpose Eternal Light in Dr. Axe’s honor. In April, members of the congregation gathered to dedicate this new ner tamid on the occasion of Dr. Axe’s first yahrzeit. to this stage of life, Created by glassblowers on the Italian island of Murano, the new Eternal Light will and transforms the be a symbol of God’s presence. As part of the dedication, Cantor Jill Abramson offered paradigm of aging from decline to opportunity. a liturgical melody from the Italian Jewish community of Florence. In this way, the new Italian Eternal Light was sanctified with a corresponding Italian Jewish liturgical melody. Rabbi Noah Greenfield, Sundays, October 24 The text (of the melody) is heard when we return the Torah to the ark: Those precious words ever familiar on our lips: “It is a tree of life to them that hold it fast; its ways are and 31, 10:30 am: Back by popular demand, Rabbi ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace.” Greenfield will be continuing his popular series, “Morals and Mammon: Jewish Ethics and American Business.” TEMPLE SHOLOM HOSTS PARKING LOT PAJAMA SHABBAT FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Young families gathered in the Temple Sholom parking lot on June 25 for a spirited celebration of Shabbat filled with singing and dancing led by music specialist Joanna Levine. To learn more about events and programs for young families, contact Lori Baden [email protected].
Michal Nachmany, Sunday, November 14, 10 am: Join us for a multi-generational, family-friendly, multi-media collage-making workshop, led by Israeli artist Michal Nachmany: “The mixture of colors, sounds, and smells from the streets and the markets of Jerusalem shaped my awareness of the past as a foundation of the present. Together, we can create pieces with several layers, textures, and techniques, such as collaging, printmaking, acrylic painting, and 300 East Putnam Avenue drawing.” 203-869-7191 /TempleSholomCT www.templesholom.com For further details, call GRS at 203-629-0018, email [email protected], or visit www.GRS.org. Page 6 September 2021
HIGH HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 5782
Greenwich Reform High Holy Day Services 2021/5782
92 Orchard Street, Cos Cob (203) 629-0018 www.grs.org
Selichot Saturday, August 28 We welcome you to join Shir Ami and Cantor Jill Abramson Dessert Reception 8:00 pm Congregational Service 8:30 pm for our Virtual High Holy Day Services that promise to provide ~ Beautiful music and inspiration ~ Erev Rosh Hashanah Monday, September 6 ~ Intimacy and a sense of community ~ Congregational Service 7:00 pm ALL ARE WELCOME - reservations required. Zoom links will be provided to those who are registered. Rosh Hashanah Tuesday, September 7
Tot Service * 8:45 am 2021 ~ HIGH HOLY DAYS ~ 5782 Family Morning Service * 9:45 am SCHEDULE OF SERVICES VIA ZOOM Traditional Morning Service 11:30 am Drive In Shofar Service * 2:30 pm ì ROSH HASHANAH ì Erev RH Monday, September 6th 7:30 - 9:00 pm Second Day of Rosh Hashanah Wednesday, September 8 RH Morning Tuesday, September 7th 10:00 am - Noon Tashlich Tuesday, September 7th 2:00 pm (Location TBA) Tashlich Walk in Pomerance Park 10:30 am ì YOM KIPPUR ì Yom Kippur Kol Nidre Wednesday, September 15 Kol Nidre Wednesday, September 15th 7:30 - 9:00 pm Congregational Service 7:30 pm YK Morning Thursday, September 16th 10:00 am - Noon YK Afternoon Thursday, September 16th 3:30 – 4:15 pm Yizkor-Concluding Thursday, September 16th 4:15 - 5:00 pm Yom Kippur Thursday, September 16 Havdallah and Thursday, September 16th 5:00 - 5:30 pm virtual Break Fast Tot Service * 8:45 am
Family Morning Service * 9:45 am A 24/7 Meditation, recorded by Cantor Abramson, Traditional Morning Service 11:30 am will be available throughout the High Holy Day season. Yizkor/Neilah Services 5:00 pm MEMBERS – free ì GUESTS – minimum donation of $54 per screen
* Outdoor service Indoor services open to vaccinated persons only; You may register on our home page at www.congregationshirami.org | 203.900.7976 masks required at all services for those age 3 and up.
Y Y Y
To join GRS and ensure High Holy Day access, contact the office at [email protected] May the sound of the shofar herald in a year of health and peace for all
Find A Better Approach to Jewish Education at the Nature Therapy Placemaking with Maura Smotrich on July 19 Temple Sholom Learning Center UJA-JCC Greenwich hosted a Nature Therapy program at the home of Maura Smotrich, certified Nature Therapy Guide. Maura New to Greenwich? Schedule a Virtual Tour! led participants through an immersive experience, inviting them to awaken their senses through nature – and the lens of Judaism Contact David Cohen, Director of Schools, at [email protected]. for relaxation and restoration. The program ended with a tea REGISTERING NOW FOR FALL: ceremony. • A Taste of Religious School (3’s & 4’s) • Lower School (PreK-2nd Grade) • Upper School (3rd-7th Grade) • Post B’nai Mitzvah (8th Grade) • Social Action Sundays (7th-8th Grade) • Small Group Learning • 1:1 Instruction
Pictured from left to right: 300 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT www.templesholom.com Felice Robinov, Gaby Isman, Maura Smotrich, Ellen Wolfson, Heidi Lobel, Joan Mann, Randie Katzel and Phyllis Schondorf September 2021 Page 7
HIGH HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 5782
Kehilat Shalom/Hebrew Wizards High Holiday Services 5782 The First United Methodist Church 59 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT Rabbi Deb’s Home 130 Cummings Point Road, Stamford, CT 06902 Share Shabbat Pool Party (Rabbi Deb’s) Friday Sept. 3rd 6:00-8:30pm Rosh Hashanah 5782 Rosh Hashanah Day 1 (Methodist Church) Tuesday Sept. 7th 10:30am-12:15pm Rosh Hashanah Day 2 (Rabbi Deb’s) Wednesday Sept. 8th 10:30am-12:00pm Luncheon sponsored by Hebrew Wizards & the Bergman family Yom Kippur 5782 Kol Nidre Evening (Methodist Church) Wednesday Sept. 15th 7:30-8:45pm Yom Kippur Day (Methodist Church) Thursday Sept. 16th 10:30am-12:15pm Neillah & Break the Fast (Rabbi Deb’s) Thursday Sept. 16th 6:00-8:30pm Sukkot 5782 Sukkah Decorating (Rabbi Deb’s) Tuesday Sept. 21st 4:30-6:00pm We look forward to sharing these meaningful Holidays with you and your family. May you all be filled with gratitude & appreciation as we meet in person once again. Wishing you a very Happy & Healthy New Year 5782. With Love and Gratitude, Rabbi Deb and the Wizards Staff
Stay in the know stacy young about the happenings CONNECTICUT NEW YORK in our Greenwich Jewish Community. Helping clients open the door to the next Send your email address to [email protected]. chapter. One home at a time! We will keep you up to date on everything you need to know – about kids, teens, Stacy Young young families, travel, PJ Library, newcomers, Real Estate Salesperson Licensed in New York & Connecticut films, Lunch and Learn, Email: [email protected] Women’s Philanthropy, Israel, Cell: 917-816-6733 www.StacyYoung.Raveis.com and other Greenwich Jewish organizations. 45 Field Point Rd Greenwich, CT 06830 Page 8 September 2021
Greenwich Reform Synagogue Religious School Our Kids Love Being Jewish! Essential Jewish Conversation to Continue at Shir Ami Call it a symposium, a salon, a forum or a debate, Jewish life has long been centered around a vibrant exchange of ideas and viewpoints – a sacred conversation meant to bring meaning to our lives. The enthusiastically attended Essential Jewish Conver- sation class will continue this year at Congregation Shir Ami. Together we will explore a variety of topics which seek to explore the nexus of Jewish values and contemporary issues. The class is open to anyone and we’d love for you to Your kids will love these upcoming events and programs! join us! • Sukkot: Creating both model and edible sukkot At this time, we expect this class to be held via Zoom. • Simchat Torah: Dancing & singing with the Torah and a Torah Pre-registration will be necessary for each date in order to scavenger hunt receive the link. • Mitzvah Makers: Students earn “Mitzvah hours” through Details can be found on our congregation’s web site at performing acts of loving-kindness www.congregationshirami.org. • Student-led family services complete with creative Torah plays • Special music and art workshops and programs Join us! For details, call 203-629-0018, email Religious School Director, Cantor Michelle Rubin: [email protected], or visit www.GRS.org. Enrollment at Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy Soars Enrollment at Bi-Cultural these new students entering impressive increase in the sizable influx of families she notes. BCHA Upper Hebrew Academy (BCHA) pre-K and kindergarten, numbers, other grades in moving into the Stamford School Principal Rabbi is on a steep rise, with a Sperber says, for the first the BCHA Lower, Upper area from the New York Shimmy Trencher adds near record 70 new students time these grades will grow and Middle Schools, are also area. “A lot of families with that the school’s increased expected to enter the school from one or two classrooms seeing substantial increases. young children moved in numbers are also accounted this fall, according to Miriam to three classrooms. While Why? No one can say for this past year, and they’re for this year by the school’s Sperber, BCHA admissions the school’s two youngest sure, but Sperber believes it now looking for a Jewish day reach into New York’s director. With most of grades are seeing the most is at least partially a result of school for their children,” Westchester County. In fact, says Rabbi Trencher, “Many new students are coming to BCHA from other schools, a range of other Jewish day and public and private schools. Rachel Haron, BCHA Personal and interim associate head of Commercial Insurance school, believes there is yet another reason families from near and far attracted to the Jewish day school. “Rooted in Jewish teachings and values, Bi-Cultural is committed to nourishing, molding and shaping youngsters into lifelong learners inspired by curiosity, kindness and tikkun olam, improving the world,” she notes. “We are Steve Batkin thrilled to welcome so many P: 203-302-3880 [email protected] new children and families to Bi-Cultural Hebrew www.lampebatkin.com Academy!” September 2021 Page 9
Clergy’s Corner Y Children: The Answer to All of the World’s Problems Y by Rabbi Yossi Deren, Chabad of Greenwich One day some years back, I took a bunch of our children out to the dren are, of course, enjoying that pre-school today. supermarket for a pre-Rosh Hashanah shopping spree. We made our way Then there was the FaceTime call the birthday girl took from her up and down the aisles, filled the shopping cart and proceeded to check 3-month-old great-grandson. And then there was a friend named out. The kids were relatively well-behaved, but it’s always a challenge Barbara, who described walking down the street with her children responding to their requests for this treat, that snack or another drink. I some 30-odd years ago and bumping into this prominent woman. must have seemed a bit overwhelmed because the woman behind us in The friend complained about how she doesn’t have much time any- the check-out line gave me this pitiful look and said softly, “Why don’t more to devote to her artwork. “Barbara,” she said, while pointing you leave half your kids at home?” To which I flatly responded, “I did.” to Barbara’s young children at her side, ”these are your masterpiec- Talk about being overwhelmed – she almost fell to the ground. “I need es.” Barbara shared that encounter as a transformative moment, one to meet your wife!” “Oh, you bet you do.” that gave her a paradigm that she treasures to this day, and to which I take this opportunity in the days leading up to the Jewish New she attributes so much of the happiness in her life. Year when we celebrate the creation of the first human to address The key is to see parenting as an investment, not a burden that any parents-to-be in our community who are contemplating having gets in the way of anything else you would like to do. For there a(nother) child. No doubt you are pondering – as you should – this is nothing that any of us would like to do more than making this awesome responsibility and the demands it will make on you, on world a beautiful place. And there is nothing that makes this world your marriage, on your emotional capacity, and on your financial a more beautiful place more than raising beautiful children. resources. I’m not here to tell you that your concerns are exaggerat- Shana Tova U’Metukah! ed. They aren’t. Conceiving and bringing a new life into this world is serious business. But that’s exactly the point – “business.” What Editor’s Note: The spiritual leaders of Greenwich alternate in pro- a great analogy. Children are an investment. And when we bring viding messages for each issue of the Greenwich Jewish News. These everything to bear and focus our energies on this investment, then comments are those of the authors alone and are not meant to reflect the the rewards, the dividends and the profits to be gained far outweigh opinions of UJA-JCC Greenwich the costs and the risks associated with parenting. The “yield” rises to a scale that is absolutely unprecedented in any other type of invest- ment on planet Earth. It makes compound interest look like bubkes. High Holidays 5782 Recently, I had the privilege of attending the 70th birthday of a very prominent Jewish educator – may G-d bless her with many more years of health and happiness. What was fascinating about the family members, friends and students who had come to celebrate, was the multi-generational mix. There was the young mother who was a student in the first class of the pre-school this woman has founded. She showed me a picture of her Pre-K class, and pointed to her then-4-year-old husband sitting right next to her. Their chil- Inspiring a
Temple Sholom is gratefulN ew to be ableYear to gather Happy Rosh Hashanah safely in-person as a sacred community to from Please patronize celebrate the High Holidays this year. We hope you will join us in our beautiful sanctuary. We are excited to offer: the merchants and • Traditional services in an uplifting and inspiring atmosphere Personal and • Musical and interactive services for families and young children Commercial Insurance businesses that advertise • Virtual High Holiday services via live stream for those who prefer • Complimentary tickets for those who are new to the community in our paper and tell • Complimentary reciprocal tickets to members of other congregations New to the Greenwich area? Contact Lori Baden at 203-869-7191 them you saw to experience the High Holidays with Temple Sholom and receive a welcome High Holiday bag.
their ads in the L’Shanah Tovah Tikateyvu - May you be inscribed for a good year!
Steve Batkin No one is turned away for membership because of financial hardship. Greenwich Jewish News. P: 203-302-3880 [email protected] 300 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT
203-869-7191 • www.templesholom.com /TempleSholomCT www.lampebatkin.com Page 10 September 2021 It’s YOUR Avenue and We Want to Hear From You! The Town of Greenwich Department of Public Works is asking the community to visit greenwichstreetscape. com – a new and interactive website to solicit valuable public feedback during the conceptual stages of the Greenwich Avenue Streetscape project. With safety, accessibility, and aesthetics in mind, this project was created in an effort to revitalize Greenwich Avenue, an iconic street and the premier shopping destination in the heart of our town and to design key safety measures for everyone – including pedestrians, people with disabilities, bicyclists, motorists and baby carriages. To learn more about the Greenwich Avenue Streetscape project and to provide feedback, please visit greenwichstreetscape.com.
We'd Love to Hear from You! AmazonSmile We are delighted to welcome and You shop – Amazon gives to introduce you to Greenwich. If you know of newcomers in town who UJA-JCC Greenwich! would like to learn more about our Just select UJA-JCC Greenwich as your chosen vibrant and exciting Jewish community, please contact us at charity, and start your first shopping session at 203-552-1818. We will extend a smile.amazon.com. hearty "Welcome!" Happy shopping! Abby Vorobeychik, Chair ' UJA-JCC Greenwich Newcomer Committee September 2021 Page 11
Talmud LunchLunch & Learn & Learn Interactive Learning from great teachers Every Thursday from 12:30 – 1:30 pm via Zoom Every Thursday from 12:30-1:30pm via oom The Lunch & Learn program is generously Z sponsored by Rita Edelston. Generously sponsored by Rita Edelston September 2021
September 2 September 9 September 23 September 30 Teshuva as Would Sarah Have Jewish Gangsters Searching for Eden Confession of Sin: Sacrificed Isaac? Michael Feldstein Rabbi David Silber Jewish Guilt or Dr. Aaron Koller Christian Absolution Tanya White September 16 Yom Kippur, no class
October 2021
October 7 October 14 October 21 October 28 The Noahide Flood as Jewish Bioethics and Jewish Spirituality Joseph’s Bones and a Pandemic: Cosmic Public Health and Mindfulness the Jewish Tradition Vulnerability, Human Rabbi Lila Kagedan Rabbi David Ingber of Memory Responsibility and Reb. Simha Raphael, COVID-19 from PhD a Biblical Perspective Dr. Job Jindo
November 2021
November 4 November 11 November 18 November 25 The Most Radical To Repair the World: The Mishnah’s Lost Thanksgiving, no Time of the Year Which World and How Rabbi: The Maidser- class Rabbi Yonah Berman Much? vant of Rabbi Judah Rabbi Joanna Samuels the Prince Rabbi Leah Sarna
To register, please go to UJAJCC.org or THE CENTER FOR JEWISH COMMUNITY, call 203-552-1818. CULTURE & CARING Page 12 September 2021 Enjoy the Davis Film Festival
DAVIS FILM THE CENTER FOR FESTIVAL (at home)! JEWISH COMMUNITY, CU LTU RE & CARING Grab your popcorn and enjoy these quality films from the comfort of your own couch. All features streaming through 9PM on the final day of showing.
THE RABBI THE DEAD OF JAFFA IN THE NAME OF FROM HEZBOLLAH THE DAUGHTER
Itamar Chen | Documentary | Israel | 64 min. Double feature with In the Name of the Daughter. Double feature with The Dead of Jaffa. Who would believe that Avraham Sinai, an ultra- Ram Loevy | Drama | Israel | 96 min. Liran Shitrit | Dramatic Thriller | Israel | 39 min. Orthodox Jew living in Israel, is also Ibrahim Yassin– Three West Bank children are smuggled into Israel A father whose daughter was killed in a terror attack one of Israel’s top international spies with a turbulent and dumped on a Palestinian-Israeli couple in Jaffa. sets out on a quest for vengeance against the man association to Hezbollah? What sounds like the plot George fears that hiding illegal aliens will mean who took everything from him and is now about of an action movie comes straight from the annals of disaster, while Rita believes they could give meaning to be released from prison. This quest will test his Middle Eastern history. to her life. As he struggles to contain secrets, George values and beliefs while threatening to cross the fine Sun, Sept 12 at 5 pm through Tue, Sept 14 at 9 pm is cast in a historical drama set during the civil war in line between serving justice and blind revenge. British Mandatory Palestine. When the two stories Sun, Oct 17 pm at 5 pm until Tue, Oct 19 at 9 pm STREAM FOR $9 intertwine, tensions erupt. STREAM FOR $9 Sun, Oct 10 at 5 pm through Tue, Oct 12 at 9 pm STREAM FOR $9
THE TIGER WITHIN THE CONDUCTOR
Rafal Zielinksy | Drama | USA | 98 min. Alon Zingman / Drama / Israel / 40 min. per episode A young punk who thinks she knows it all and an old Co-starring Lior Ashkenazi and Shira Haas, this acclaimed series from the director of man who knows he doesn’t strike up a conversation Shtisel follows Noah, a world-renowned orchestra conductor who abandons fame on the streets of Los Angeles. He is a Holocaust and fortune to return home to Petah Tikvah after 30 years. There he finds his father survivor; she a massage-parlor worker on the run in a state of progressive Alzheimer’s, with singing in the community choir as his only and a Holocaust denier. She tells him she hates Jews; remaining joy. When the choir’s conductor passes away, Noah makes the choice of a he asks her if she needs a place to stay. The two form lifetime and decides to take his place. All the while, he is slowly going deaf. an unlikely bond. Ed Asner stars in this absorbing First five episodes available to stream from: drama that sparks larger questions about family, love and our divided world. Sunday, December 19 at 5 pm through Wednesday, January 19 at 9PM Sun, Nov 14 at 5 pm through Tue, Nov 16 at 9 pm Second five episodes available to stream from: STREAM FOR $9 Sunday, January 23 at 5PM through Tuesday, February 22 at 9PM STREAM BOTH FOR $18 To register, please go to UJAJCC.org or call 203-552-1818. September 2021 Page 13
UJA-JCC GREENWICH PROGRAMS
UJA-JCC Greenwich and AuthorsLive at Greenwich Library Present Wildland: An Evening with Author Evan Osnos. In Conversation with Andrew Marantz, Staff Writer, The New Yorker
Author Evan Osnos THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7 • 7:30PM Free - Reservation Required
To register, please go to UJAJCC.org or call 203-552-1818.
After a decade abroad, the National Book Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Evan Osnos returns to Greenwich and two other U.S. cities he once called home, to illuminate the seismic changes in American politics and culture that crescendoed during the pandemic. His conversations with local residents in all three places coax out intricate details of individual lives and how they entwine with the state of the nation. Whether exploring the rightward shift of the Republican Party here in Greenwich, the collapse of social infrastructure and possibility in Clarksburg, WV or the compounded effects of segregation and violence in Chicago, IL, Wildland: The Making of America’s Fury exposes critical fault lines in the national psyche and envisions what it will take to once again see ourselves as larger than the sum of our parts.
Limited (110) in-person attendance at The Berkley Theater, Greenwich Library, 101 West Putnam Avenue. First come, first served.
DecemberDecember 11 || 77 PMPM FergusonFerguson Library, Library, Stamford, Stamford, CT CT PatronPatron $613 $613 includes includes 4 4 tickets tickets SponsorSponsor $360 $360 includes includes 2 2 tickets tickets EventEvent Tickets: Tickets: $36$36 in in advance advance $50$50 at at the the door door
JoinJoin us us for for this this delayed—but delayed—but much much anticipated—Golden anticipated—Golden Ticket Ticket Series Series Event!Event! AnAn EveningEvening withwith thethe Gershwins Gershwins featuresfeatures thethe singingsinging quartetquartet ofof Building Bridges Not Boycotts Rebecca Cooper, Marissa Coretese, Jacob Litt and Brian Rosenblum who Rebecca Cooper, Marissa Coretese, Jacob Litt and Brian Rosenblum who 30 Minutes with...Ashager Araro Live From Israel will be accompanied by a three-piece orchestra. Also back for an encore will be accompanied by a three-piece orchestra. Also back for an encore is Broadway producer Jack Viertel, who will give commentary on lyrics, Tuesday, October 19, 10:30 am is Broadway producer Jack Viertel, who will give commentary on lyrics, plays and the history of George and Ira Gershwin. Born en route to Israel during Operation Solomon, this prominent Enjoyplays this and incredible the history performance of George orchestratedand Ira Gershwin. by Enjoy this incredible Ethiopian Israeli activist and IDF veteran is on the frontlines of performance orchestrated by Event Director, Rebecca Cooper, Artistic the faceoff against racism, anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism on Event Director, Rebecca Cooper, Artistic Director, campus and beyond. Hear her story and her battle plan. MarissaDirector, Cortese Marissa and Cortese Musical and Director, Musical ZacharyDirector, Kampler. Zachary Kampler. Zoom link will be provided upon Registration. FREE to attend. ToCLICK register, HERE please TO visit REGISTER. UJAJCC.org or call 203-552-1818. To register, please visit UJAJCC.org or call 203-552-1818. Page 14 September 2021
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BETH F. CUTLER, President & Founder 203-344-2400 [email protected] www.merrittpointwealthadvisors.com 1700 E Putnam Ave, Suite 211 Old Greenwich, CT 06870
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WIZ KIDZ DAY CAMP 6 WEEKS – 2021 “An Insider’s Perspective” t/d,&KZD Z/^Z >/D^^KZ Ron Dermer WE WERE SO PROUD TO OFFER 12 CAMPERS Tuesday, October 19, 7:00 pm at Temple Sholom WIZSCHOLARSHIPS KIDZ TO DA ATTENDY C OURAMP 6-WEEK CAMP. FROM ARTS & CRAFTS TO OUTSIDE Ambassador Dermer is an American-born Israeli WIZ SPORTS, 6 WEEKS- TO SWIMMING,KIDZ BOATING,2021 DA ANDY THE C AMP ƉŽůŝƟĐĂůĐŽŶƐƵůƚĂŶƚĂŶĚĚŝƉůŽŵĂƚǁŚŽƐĞƌǀĞĚĂƐƚŚĞ BEACH, OUR WIDZ KIDZ HAD A FABULOUS /ƐƌĂĞůŝŵďĂƐƐĂĚŽƌƚŽƚŚĞhŶŝƚĞĚ^ƚĂƚĞƐĨƌŽŵϮϬϭϯ WE WERE SO PROUD TO OFFER 12 ƚŽϮϬϮϭ͘,ĞŐĂǀĞƵƉŚŝƐŵĞƌŝĐĂŶĐŝƟnjĞŶƐŚŝƉŝŶ SUMMER. 6 WEEKS- IN-NEEDCAMPERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO ATTEND2021 ARE AVAILABLEOUR FOR6 WEEK SUMMER CAMP. FROM 2022. ARTS & ϮϬϬϱƚŽďĞĐŽŵĞ/ƐƌĂĞů͛ƐĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĐĞŶǀŽLJƚŽƚŚĞh͘^͘ CRAFTS, TO OUTSIDE SPORTS, TO ĚĚŝƟŽŶĂůůLJ͕ŵďĂƐƐĂĚŽƌĞƌŵĞƌƐĞƌǀĞĚĂƐƐĞŶŝŽƌ SWIMMING, BOATING, & THE BEACH, OUR INFO: RABBIWIZ KIDZ DEB HADWE 203-249-4036 A FABULOUSWERE SO SUMMER. PROUD TO OFFER 12 ĂĚǀŝƐŽƌƚŽŝŵŵĞĚŝĂƚĞƉĂƐƚ/ƐƌĂĞůŝWƌŝŵĞDŝŶŝƐƚĞƌ IN NEED SCHOLARSHIPSCAMPERS ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO ATTEND ĞŶũĂŵŝŶEĞƚĂŶLJĂŚƵĨŽƌĨŽƵƌLJĞĂƌƐ͘ FOR SUMMEROUR 2022. 6 WEEK CAMP. FROM ARTS & INFO: RABBICRAFTS, DEB 203-249-4036 TO OUTSIDE SPORTS, TO $18 for Temple Sholom members • $25 for Non-members SWIMMING, BOATING, & THE BEACH,ΨϭϴϬĨŽƌ/ŶƟŵĂƚĞŽĐŬƚ OUR ĂŝůZĞĐĞƉƟŽŶΘDĞĞƚΘ'ƌĞĞƚĞĨŽƌĞŚĂŶĚ WIZ KIDZ HAD A FABULOUS SUMMER. IN NEED SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLEWƵƌĐŚĂƐĞƟĐŬ ĞƚƐĂƚ͗ǁǁǁ͘ƚĞŵƉůĞƐŚŽůŽŵ͘ĐŽŵͬĂŵďĂƐƐĂĚŽƌĚĞƌŵĞƌ FOR SUMMER 2022. 300 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT • 203-869-7191 /TempleSholomCT INFO: RABBI DEB 203-249-4036
Your Used Vehicle Fuels Our Future Donate a used vehicle (car, truck, van, or boat in ANY condition) to UJA-JCC Greenwich! We pick up your vehicle for free You get a tax deduction
Proceeds from the sale help care for those in need here in Greenwich, in Israel and around the world WIZ KIDZ DAContactY Karen C at 203-552-1818AMP or [email protected] 6 WEEKS- 2021 www.ujajcc.org/donateacar WE WERE SO PROUD TO OFFER 12 CAMPERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO ATTEND OUR 6 WEEK CAMP. FROM ARTS & CRAFTS, TO OUTSIDE SPORTS, TO SWIMMING, BOATING, & THE BEACH, OUR WIZ KIDZ HAD A FABULOUS SUMMER. IN NEED SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER 2022.
INFO: RABBI DEB 203-249-4036 Page 16 September 2021
Bi-Cultural Upper School Grads Experience Israel Before Heading Off to College “This is my first time in Israel, and it has been one of the best experiences of my life,” says Leo Koganov, a recent graduate of Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy-Upper School who returned from spending the summer attending the Ascend program in Jerusalem. Koganov is one of four BCHA 2021 high school grads who were part of Ascend’s inaugural six-week summer program, which began on June 28. In addition to Koganov, the BCHA group included Sydney Hoffman, Logan Terr and Gavin Rakitt – all of whom will be attending college in the U.S. this fall. Shir Ami is a warm and welcoming Reform Jewish Congregation with Torah at the Affiliated with Onward Israel, OU Jewish Learning center; we embrace our heritage while creating newways to bring us closer to each Initiative on Campus, and Yavneh Campus, Ascend was other and to God through acts of worship, caring, learning, giving, singing and specifically created for high school grads who do not want celebration. to take a gap year but are eager to experience life in Israel. Participants live together in the Old City of Jerusalem, We welcome you to join us to our Zoom High Holy Days services at Shir Ami: work at an internship of their choice during the day and Beautiful music study Torah and explore Israel in the evenings and on Intimate sense of community weekends. Robust congregational participation in services Koganov, for example, interned at the Diplomatic Institute, where he researched the country of Albania and helped determine how to develop a startup ecosystem in We make it easy and safe to participate: that country. He also had the opportunity to meet the Families, singles, interfaith, boomers, seniors, and lgbtq–all are welcome. Albanian Minister of Entrepreneurship and to attend a Visit our website (below) to register for our Zoom services. conference led by a major Israeli law firm. His classmate Sydney Hoffman (BCHA ’21) sums up the experience, saying, “I am so thankful to have Cantor Jill Abramson leads Shir Ami with her joyful spirit and commitment to the opportunity to learn, work, and explore Israel so meaningful worship. We’ve remained vibrant during the pandemic with online independently. I have made a second home and family classes, worship and celebrations, and we will continue to be flexible and creative as here in the Old City of Jerusalem.” we meet the safety needs of this time. As a congregation we've pledged to pursue According to Ilana Bauman, an Ascend staff member justice for all. Shir Ami's membership forms may be found on our website. Join us who is also a Jewish studies teacher at BCHA Upper for a full year of meaningful and joyful congregational moments. School, the program’s 23 participants come from many different place and backgrounds. [email protected] For Bauman, who knew the BCHA students before they www.congregationshirami.org 1273 E. Putnam Ave, Box 312 arrived in Israel, the experience of watching them grow (203) 900-7976 Riverside, CT 06878 was very gratifying. “It’s very special for me to see them in this environment, where they’re really getting to focus on their own individual growth and figure out what it is that they want to contribute to the world,” she says. “They want to establish their own personal identity and build connections with this land and these people. It’s been great to be on this journey with them. It’s incredibly beautiful to be a part of that.”
Ascend program participants include (l to r) Leo Kogano, LoganTerr, Gavin Rakitt and Sydney Hoffman, accompanied by Ilana Bauman, an Ascend staff member and a teacher at BCHA. September 2021 Page 17
Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy’s Meditative Walk and Tashlich: Fall Line-up of Second Day of Rosh Hashanah at Free Family Programs Greenwich Reform Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy has announced its line-up of events for families with children ages birth to six years, scheduled for the 2021-22 school year. The FREE series is fun- filled, with children’s activities designed to inspire curiosity and discovery. The following schedule includes events from September through December. For more information or a full schedule of family events for the entire school year, contact Miriam Sperber, BCHA Director of Admissions, at [email protected]. Family Fall Fest Co-sponsored by UJF’s PJ Library The second day of Rosh Hashanah at Greenwich Reform will include an in-person meditative Sept. 19, 3 - 5 pm walk and Tashlich service. All are welcome! Details at GRS.org or call 203-629-0018.
Celebrate Sukkot Sept. 2, 4 pm Build a sukkah in the BCHA Makerspace
Tinker in the Garden Oct. 13, 10 am Planting & sing-along
Celebrate Chanukah Dec. 5, 10 am Little Chefs
Winter Break Fun Day Dec. 26, 9:30 am Co-hosted by UJF’s PJ Library
Suzanne Shemin Katz d: 203.618.3161 c: 917.902.4472 [email protected]
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Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. Page 18 September 2021 JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREENWICH In the Words of Our Families By Michael Garcia, Senior Case Manager Families Affected by Covid-19 Transition Services (FACTS) are forced to confront other pandemic related challenges, such as mental health issues, food insecurity and general CEO’s Corner economic hardship. The importance of our Exciting things are happening at JFS of Greenwich! services is perhaps best illustrated through the Counseling services are growing exponentially. voices of our clients. In the month of June alone, more than 550 In one parent’s words, “…as long as we have individuals in the greater Greenwich community food, a roof over our kids’ (heads) and clothing, received psychotherapy to improve the quality we are very thankful…I am so embarrassed to of their lives. Every week our Families Affected by ask for help, but we don’t want to have our COVID-19 Transition Services (FACTS) provides kids without food.” Before the pandemic, this more than 20 families with food, including fresh family managed their lives without assistance organic produce and dairy products. as a dual-income household. The stress of the With donations from the Salvation Army and entire family contracting COVID-19, then Mikes Organic the food is flowing, helping us recovery, managing the needs and wellbeing of reduce food insecurity for the families under our care. Our immigration their children, along with new medical issues, has not stopped them from services are picking up, with five new clients taking a step toward US fighting to move forward. The FACTS program is working with the father citizenship with the assistance of JFS of Greenwich. of this family to obtain his truckers license; the JFS Farmer’s Market assures After a “Covid hiatus” Bikur Cholim volunteers have returned to that the kids are nourished with organic eggs, milk, yogurt and fruit. The in-person services, comforting residents at the Nathaniel Witherell mom has been working with our case manager to participate in supportive Home and patients at Greenwich Hospital. Supermarketing for Seniors therapy to maintain her physical and emotional health. continues to expand, providing homebound seniors with food shopping A single parent we assisted had been affected from every angle with services and the support they need to remain independent. financial challenges: loss of work, divorce, a broken-down car, and health Please keep an eye out for our Family Life Programs featuring hot issues of a special needs child. JFS has helped this mother obtain benefits for topics such as managing the affects of antisemitism in our communities, her children, apply for Section 8 assistance, access almond milk and gluten suicide awareness and prevention, and navigating the world of social free options for her allergic child, and find resources to replace her car. As media. There is something for everyone at JFS of Greenwich! she put it, “Thanks again so much for advocating for me and for your help. Wishing you a happy and healthy high holiday season full of positive It is a blessing and I appreciate you. My kids got their final report cards… change and personal growth. and my daughter was inducted into the National Honor Society! Being a Be Safe and Well, single mother is a struggle, but I must be doing something right.” –Rachel Kornfeld, LCSW, SBL If you would like to support our FACTS families, please reach out Chief Executive Officer to JFS of Greenwich and find out about volunteer and philanthropic Jewish Family Services of Greenwich opportunities to help our neighbors in need. Nancy Peters, Dear Friend to Jewish Family Services On July 12, 2021, we mourned the passing of Nancy Peters, devoted the best decisions for the future of JFS, and always wife, mother, sister, friend, and long-time board member of JFS, where willing to lend an ear with sound words of wisdom she served in many roles, most recently as the Chairperson and Immediate and unwavering support. Past President. As one board member said, “When she had a recurrence of Nancy’s legacy lives on in everyone she encountered. cancer during her board presidency, she could have easily said she needed Her personality far exceeded her tiny frame. At JFS of to focus on her health, and could no longer serve, but she never stopped.” Greenwich we are grateful to have been the recipient Nancy was extremely helpful to Rachel as she assumed her new role of her support and guidance for so many years. and needed to learn all about our agency. She was a great historian for all Please keep her family in your thoughts, and may her things JFS and Greenwich! Nancy was a fierce leader, determined to make memory always be a blessing. Memorial Donations honoring Nancy’s legacy made to the Nancy Peters Fund at Jewish Family Services of Greenwich: Aaron Abelson Paul Harrison Eliot Riskin Joan Suter Patricia and John Bottomley Linda Hochman Bunny Rosen Catherine Tapsall Elyse Brown Melissa Hochman Alma Rutgers Rachel Towbin Rita Edelston Robin Hochman Laura and Gary Saulson Aaron Weil Lily and Ben Ellerin Amy Horbar and Allan Ruchman Sue Schweber Margaret Wein Donovan Ford Sheila and Larry Kantor Wayne Semmerling Lauren Wels Susan and Peter Furth Rachel Kornfeld Phyllis Shapiro and Marty Flashner Anne Wichman Sheryl Goodridge Robert Martella David Sices June Wolfman Cathy Gorlin Tom McLoughlin Jacob Silberberg Sima and Allan Greenberg Christine Prins Elaine Slocum Andrew Haber Caitlyn Reynolds Jan and Michael Sondberg September 2021 Page 19 JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREENWICH Bikur Cholim is Back! The Healing Power of Pets by Larry Stoogenke, Director of Community Engagement By Dr. Holly Schiff, Psy.D. Bikur Cholim is back! In June, after a 16-month layoff, two of our As a licensed clinical trained volunteers were allowed back into the the Nathaniel Witherell psychologist, I have cared Senior Care Facility, to visit sick and long-term residents. Tony Correale, for numerous emotional the Chaplain at Nathaniel Witherell, expressed the impact that our Bikur support animals. Recently Cholim volunteers have when he wrote, “…they are a great addition to there has been an uptick the chaplaincy team here, and are demonstrating each week that they are in requests, as the country providing valuable and meaningful care for the residents and patients.” opens up. Many mental Every week there are between 8-10 Jewish residents/patients who receive health issues, including the best of what Bikur Cholim has to offer: kindness, empathy and trust anxiety, depression, suicidal during the most challenging times. ideation, and substance I met with Rabbi MJ Newman, Palliative Care Chaplain at Greenwich abuse were exacerbated Hospital, to facilitate resumption of the Bikur Cholim program at the by the pandemic, and the Hospital. When our trained and dedicated Bikur Cholim volunteers resulting lockdown. As returned to the hospital at the end of July, not only did they bring we start to get back to comfort and companionship to patients, but they also helped ease an “normal,” resuming school and work in person, many people are fearful underreported consequence of the pandemic – the exhaustion that has and socially anxious and need the extra support a support animal can fallen on the chaplaincy, as they alone have managed pastoral care during provide. Travel is also becoming widely accepted again, and for those who this challenging time. After a 16-month hiatus, during which residents of have a fear of flying or using public transportation, emotional support long-term care facilities and patients in hospitals were limited to phone animals can offer comfort and lessen the severity of a wide range of calls and video chats, personal connections are very much needed – now symptoms. more than ever. Pet ownership can work wonders for mental health, even where an If you are interested in learning more about Bikur Cholim, please contact emotional support animal is not clinically warranted. Pets provide me at [email protected]. sensory stress relief – petting them can lower blood pressure and quickly help you feel calmer. Playing with a pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, reducing the incidence of depression. Pets also provide companionship, offer solace, ease anxiety and help build self-confidence. Be sure to thank your furry friend; if you don’t already have one, think about bringing a pet into your life!
Are you or do you know a Greenwich senior in need of help with grocery shopping? Call Supermarketing for Seniors at JFS for free shopping assistance: 203-622-1881. Summer Wine and Beer Garden Fundraiser – Success! Thank you to all those who supported our summer fundraiser. The weather cooperated as we reconnected outdoors at the beautiful home of Sandy and Stephen Soule. It was wonderful to host our first in-person event in over a year! The casual dinner, with spirits generously donated by Cap, Cork, and Cellar, was a great success. We exceeded our goal, raising crucial funds to support food insecurity, job loss, and mental health services in the Greenwich community. Page 20 September 2021 Temple Sholom Celebrates Official Installation of Rabbi Kevin Peters as Assistant Rabbi Congregation Shir Ami Temple Sholom is excited to announce Rabbi Kevin Peters as the synagogue’s new is 18 Years Old!!! Assistant Rabbi. Members of the Temple Sholom community gathered together Did you know ... to celebrate and bless Rabbi Kevin in his 18 years ago last month, Shir Ami celebrated its first new role during a special Musical Shabbat Shabbat Service together as a brand new congregation. Service with Cantorial Soloists Mikhal 18 years ago this Fall we had our very first High Holy Weiner and Ella Joy Meir in July. Day Service together. Since joining the Temple Sholom With hopes and prayers that we’ll be able to live life family as a rabbinic fellow in 2018, more fully and physically together this year, we are the Staten Island native has become an beginning to imagine a number of meaningful ways asset to the clergy team, leading services we will honor this 18th year over the next 12 months! regularly alongside Rabbi Mitchell M. Hurvitz and Shaliach Sibur/Ritual Director Ezra Stay tuned for more details on how we will mark this Konigsberg, and officiating at many life-cycle events. He has also been instrumental in milestone. fostering a vibrant Jewish learning environment for students in the religious school in his Blessed are You Eternal Source for creating us, sustaining role as Director of Judaic Studies. Part of his portfolio for the last three years has been to us and allowing us to reach this moment in time. develop new and innovative programming geared for youth and teens. “I’m really excited to begin my full-time career as the Assistant Rabbi at Temple Sholom,” said Rabbi Kevin. Rabbi Mitch added: “Rabbi Kevin blesses our Congregation with his vision, passion, integrity, and humility. He has a wonderful spiritual depth from which we all benefit.” HEBREW Earlier this year, Rabbi Kevin was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City, and was honored with the prestigious Kay and Rabbi Moshe Pomerantz Prize, WIZARDS awarded to a JTS rabbinical student who excels in congregational education. He holds Lets Be Jewish Together an MA from the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education and a BA in Psychology from CUNY College of Staten Island. Before deciding to pursue his rabbinic A RE -IMAGINED HEBREW SCHOOL studies, Rabbi Kevin worked for several years in the field of developmental disabilities. HEBREW WIZARDS WELCOMES OUR STUDENTS WITH OPEN ARMS. As someone with dyslexia and ADD himself, his goal is to make Jewish communal and WE HIGHLIGHT THE BEST OF BEING educational environments more inclusive and sensitive to the needs of individuals with JEWISH THROUGH OUR PROPRIETARY learning disabilities. CURRICULUM FOCUSING ON ALL LEARNING STYLES. OUR SHORT POWERFUL STATIONS INCLUDE: MUSIC, ART, HEBREW, JEWISH HOLIDAYS AND PRAYERS OF GRATITUDE. OUR FAMILY CONGREGATION KEHILAT SHALOM MEETS MONTHLY FOCUSING ON INCLUSION, ACCEPTANCE AND SPIRITUALITY; A PLACE WHERE YOU FEEL THAT YOU BELONG.
WWW. HEBREWIZARDS.COM Rabbi Deb 203-249-4036
September 2021 Page 21
From the ICC Command Center: THE CENTER FOR JEWISH COMMUNITY, Anti BDS Emergency Ops CULTURE & CARING
If you have a child in high school An experienced public affairs professional and campus organizer, Jacob Baime is an expert or college – they will face a new on pro-Israel campus affairs. As former National form of anti-Semitism: Field Director with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), he oversaw strategic campus The Boycott, Divestment initiatives, and managed AIPAC’s national training & Sanctions Movement. platforms for college and high school students. Baime most recently served as Area Director in Go behind the curtain with AIPAC’s New England Region. Jacob Baime leading strategists from the Executive Director, Israel on Campus Coalition Israel on Campus Coalition in the war on today’s shifting forces Megan Nathan is responsible for providing of anti-Semitism on campus. pro-Israel students across the country with the tools and the resources to support Israel and fight BDS on campus. Megan began her career with AIPAC, Tuesday, November 9, 7:30 pm then worked at the US Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) where she built coalitions of leaders from FREE top NGOs, Fortune 500 companies, and the U.S. VIA ZOOM military to educate Americans about the importance of global development. To register, please go to UJAJCC.org Megan Nathan or call 203-552-1818. Managing Director, Israel on Campus Coalition Page 22 September 2021 PJ Library Hosts Sweet Summer Soirée
Thank You to Our Giving Tree Donors Jessica and Dan Alterbaum Karen and Eric Beiley Mackenzie and Ryan Brumberg Marissa and Jarret Cohen Stacey Delikat and Robert Marmor Morgan and Phillip Druce Vlada and Joshua Epstein Stephanie and Marc Esquenazi Asya Geller and Michael Geller Emily and Daniel Keating Rachel and Robert Koven Staci and Jonathan Levy Jordan and Doug Sanders Samantha and Michael Soleimani Julie and Tom Wall Photos by Photography by Inga September 2021 Page 23 PJ Library Ice Cream Truck Fridays Makes Summer So Sweet! What’s a better way to start the weekend than with delicious ice cream and a PJ Library Storytime? Thank you to our incredible event hosts, Rebecca Cooper (PJ Library President) and Marshall Cooper, Lauren Yeager and Elliot Wagner, and Liza Kotler (PJ Planner) and Brad Kotler for hosting Ice Cream Truck Friday in their backyard. There were smiles all around as families enjoyed ice cream, arts and crafts and water activities. Friday has never been better! A special thank you to event chairs Rebecca Cooper and Becky Leader (PJ Library Planner). Page 24 September 2021
On Rosh Hashanah, the blast of the shofar calls to us – not just once, but 100 times – rousing us to a higher purpose. This year, that purpose could not be more clear. And the summons to answer that call has never been more urgent. This holiday, as we continue to confront a pandemic, there’s another threat, and it’s gaining momentum. Jewish people and institutions are under attack, whether through anti-Semitic slurs, hate speech, aggressive threats, or out-and-out violence. And still, we must respond to all those in need of food, shelter, comfort, or connection to Jewish community. This new year, the needs are great and the charge to defeat anti-Semitism is more urgent than ever. With each blast of the shofar, we are being called upon, to stand together, take action, and employ every available resource to stop the flood of hatred and bigotry. We must answer the shofar’s call – resoundingly – so Jews everywhere can live proudly. Openly. Free from anti-Semitism.
Want to help? Donate at ujajcc.org today!
One Holly Hill Lane THE CENTER FOR Greenwich, CT 06830 JEWISH COMMUNITY, ujajcc.org CULTURE & CARING