ADAR II, NISAN, IYAR APRIL/MAY 2016 Or Chadash FOCUS THANK YOU! by Alison Kobey I know that I have shared these various prayers with you before, but this article calls for me to do so again. Traditionally in the INTERMARRIAGE morning, around the world recite a prayer, by Rabbi Alison Kobey Modeh/ Modah Ani. It is a prayer of There are many reasons that I love being a thanksgiving for our renewed life after our Reform Jew. We are not “reformed” Jews, as some hours of sleep. Additionally, in our morning people mistakenly call us. By definition, Reform and evening liturgy (prayers) we also say the means that we are always evolving, always Hoda’ah prayer, another prayer of reforming or shifting. For years, I have held the thanksgiving. They are prayers that I love and position that while I personally support any two regularly recite, sometimes in prose, sometimes people’s love leading to marriage and can in song, sometimes in Hebrew, other times in absolutely support the couple, I found myself on English, sometimes privately and also publicly the professional side unable to officiate at wedding within our services. Our tradition is ceremonies in which one partner was Jewish and clear about the importance of thanking God and one non-Jewish. I have struggled with the issue for expressing gratitude for our many blessings. years and years in my rabbinate. I have always Today, it is my turn to thank God, of prided myself on being welcoming and recognizing course, but also to thank you, my sacred family. the many entry-points into Judaism. I would work Todah Rabbah, thank you very much. I am with couples regardless of whether I would overcome with joy that your generosity and officiate and would truly welcome everyone into your collective spirit has enabled me to remain our . But, I also knew that it was as your Rabbi and Director of Education. I am difficult for me to say that I could not directly so grateful that we will be together for years to officiate at certain couples’ weddings and difficult come. When prospective members come to me for others to hear. and I share about the congregation, among the After much thought and struggle about it all many aspects of the synagogue that I always and an awareness of the ever-changing Jewish mention is the incredible heart within Or world, I am shifting my position and have found a Chadash. It is true – your hearts are wonderful, new perspective of Jewish wedding ceremonies. In and I am so blessed to serve as your Rabbi. I other words, I would be willing to officiate at a am truly touched at the advocacy and work of Jewish wedding in which only one person is many of you to support me. I know that the Jewish. As I always do, I would meet regularly Board spent countless hours on my retention as with the couple for pre-marital counseling and well and I am grateful to them for all their ceremony planning. For couples in which only one many hours of labor. I am grateful to all of you person is Jewish, I would also help them both who reached out to me with your words and understand what it means to have a Jewish hugs and who responded to the Board’s calls wedding ceremony and a Jewish home. If my for action. Thank you! criteria and objective standards, such as no Many of you also expressed a new or officiation with clergy from other faiths, are renewed willingness to volunteer. Thank you comfortable for the couple, then I am now content for volunteering too! We will be all the with my officiation at such ceremonies. stronger because of you. If you have not yet I realize over the years that I might have said said yes to volunteering, that is okay. I know it no to you or to a family member of yours. I am —continued on page 3 —continued on page 3

OR CHADASH FOCUS 1 ADAR II, NISAN, IYAR APRIL/MAY 2016

Rabbi E-mail Address: Rabbi Alison Kobey Contacting Us 301-482-1025 Mailing Address P .O . Box 88 Cantorial Soloist Damascus, MD 20872 Josh Rosenberg Web Address

Location Telephone and FAX 24800 Kings Valley Road (T) 301-482-1025 Damascus, MD 20872 (F) 301-482-1027 Office Hours To Receive E-mail Updates Tuesday - Friday Send your e-mail address to 8:30am to 1:30pm CONTACT US

Religious School Director ...... Rabbi Alison Kobey ...... 301-482-1025 ..... [email protected] Temple Administrator ...... Deanna Alpaugh ...... 301-482-1025 ..... [email protected] Religious School Administrator ...... Anisha Goyal ...... 301-482-1025 ..... [email protected] President ...... Alex Lebedinsky ...... 301-947-4881 ..... [email protected] Vice-President ...... Melissa Hyman ...... 301-428-2888 ..... [email protected] Treasurer ...... Karl Gussow ...... 301-963-3069 ..... [email protected] Secretary ...... Phil Dicken...... 301-926-7825 ..... [email protected] Immediate Past President ...... Karen Conner ...... 301-540-1567 ..... [email protected] At Large ...... Rob Eisenberg ...... 301-253-1922 ..... [email protected] Andrew Felrice ...... 301-515-8570 ..... [email protected] Heather Gould ...... 240-731-1307 ..... [email protected] Howard Lansat ...... 301-315-0818 ..... [email protected] Arthur Miller ...... 603-560-1154 ..... [email protected] Beth Sokoloff ...... 301-466-1216 ..... [email protected] Julie Swain ...... 301-916-9214 ..... [email protected] Amy Taylor...... 301-515-3245 ..... [email protected] CORY President ...... Ben Weishaar...... 240-638-6580 ..... [email protected] CORY Advisory Committee ...... Laura Jackel ...... 301-461-7955 ..... [email protected] Stephanie Weishaar ...... 301-528-7823 ..... [email protected] CORY NFTY Advisor ...... Jamie Hendi ...... 301-471-3611 ..... [email protected] Jr. CORY Advisor...... OPEN Kiddish Kids ...... Karl Nadler ...... 301-509-5081 ..... [email protected] WCOC/Sisterhood President ...... Sindi Siskind ...... 301-977-9839 ..... [email protected] Brotherhood President ...... Phil Dicken...... 301-926-7825 ..... [email protected] Ritual Committee Chair ...... Nancy Goldspiel ...... 301-916-7902 ..... [email protected] Adult Social Group ...... Joe Baum ...... 301-233-7482 ..... [email protected] Library Committee ...... Michael Abrahams ...... 301-428-1025 ..... [email protected] Membership Committee ...... Howard Benowitz ...... 301-947-4056 ..... [email protected] Fundraising Coordinator ...... OPEN Oneg Coordinator ...... Julie Swain ...... 301-916-9214 ..... [email protected] Social Action Coordinator ...... Linda Stein ...... 301-233-0731 ..... [email protected] Religious School Committee ...... Howard Benowitz ...... 301-947-4056 ..... [email protected] Building Administrator ...... Ray Lessans ...... 301-355-4990 ..... [email protected] FOCUS Editor ...... Beth Sokoloff ...... 301-466-1216 ..... [email protected] Webmaster ...... Marti Kerner ...... 202-957-9540 ..... [email protected] E-mail Updates ...... Deanna Alpaugh ...... 301-482-1025 ..... [email protected] Dues or Tuition Relief...... Andrew Colby

OR CHADASH FOCUS 2 ADAR II, NISAN, IYAR APRIL/MAY 2016 —Thank you, continued from page 1 —Interfaith Marriage, continued from page 1 is in part because of your own time constraints or sorry if I caused you any pain or any discomfort. I your own uncertainty as to what volunteering ask your forgiveness and hope that you know that my would mean. There are so many opportunities intent has always been, and continues to be, to follow within Or Chadash to help. Some are discrete time our tradition and to do good and to do right in the components, such as maybe coordinating a eyes of Judaism. Shabbat dinner (they do not have to be just within You might be asking why the change now for the Religious School) or helping staple papers or me. I think it is for a few reasons. One, I have not get a mailing out the door. Some might be bigger recently had to say no to a couple nor has a couple time commitments, such as serving on a asked me recently. Thus, this is not about any one committee. Whatever you give is wonderful and person or any one couple, and is not meant to be appreciated so please do not be shy. Just the other personalized in such a manner. Two, as I mentioned, day, I used our newly created “General Rabbi I have wrestled for years and feel that the times really help” list to see if someone could drive to are changing. Finally, the last several months have Wheaton/Silver Spring area to get a book order been an opportunity for great reflection about my that the bookstore cannot deliver. I sent out an e- rabbinate. mail to several people (blind carbon copying so While I still envision not being able to officiate at no public guilt or pressure) to see if someone every ceremony asked of me, I hope that my recent could help me. It is an activity that I have done decision will open more doors and further provide many times, but this e-mail generated a yes and people with an access to our synagogue and to our saved me a few hours of my time. So, don’t be sacred tradition. I know that this bulletin article and shy. You can set your parameters of when you say my decision may result in some of you having more yes or no or what activities might be possible or questions. As always, I am happy to talk further with not for you. For those of you already on this new you or help answer any questions. I appreciate your list, again, thank you. understanding and support of my new position. As I recite my daily prayers today, I am so L’Shalom, thankful to all of you and honored to be your Rabbi Alison B. Kobey Rabbi and for our lives to be intertwined. Todah Rabbah. Thank you all so very much. L’Shalom, Rabbi Alison B. Kobey

SERVICES AT A GLANCE

APRIL MAY • 1 – No Friday Shabbat Service • 6 – No Friday Shabbat Service • 2 – Saturday morning Shabbat Service begins at • 7 – Saturday Morning Shabbat Service begins at 10:00am • 9:00am • 13 – Friday Shabbat Service with Anniversary Blessing • 8 – Friday Shabbat Service with Anniversary and Teacher Appreciation Blessings • 20 – Friday Shabbat Service with Birthday Blessing • 15 – Friday Shabbat Service with Birthday Blessings • 21 – Saturday morning Shabbat Services begin at • 16 – Saturday morning Shabbat Service 10:00am • 22 – Friday Early Shabbat Service at 5pm • 27 – Friday Shabbat Service • 29 – Friday Shabbat Service

OR CHADASH FOCUS 3 ADAR II, NISAN, IYAR APRIL/MAY 2016

Torah Parashiyot (and Prophets) ______

Upcoming Parashiyot and some of the many topics to consider:

April 2- 10:30am Shemini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)- May 14- 9:00am Writings - Proverbs What are rituals for the priests? What are rituals for the chapters 11-20 people? How do they reflect modern day? Why does it May 14- 10:00am Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1- matter what we eat? What are our responsibilities with 20:27)- What does holiness really mean? How food today? What is Or Chadash doing to participate in can we have such variations within our Jewish this Torah portion? practices, yet be part of the same people? Can we April 9- 9:00am Writings - Proverbs chapters 1-10 both be holy in God’s eyes? What are the April 9- 10:00am Tazria (Leviticus 12:1-13:59)- boundaries? What advice are we given? What Why is ritual re-purification after childbirth different if obligations are thrust upon us and what if we do the baby is a boy or a girl? If sex is considered a sacred not want to participate? act, why is there a need for a sin offering? Is a priest a May 21- 8:30am Emor (Leviticus 21:1- doctor? How can a garment be afflicted? 24:23)- Does God want perfection? Are April 16- 8:30am Metzora (Leviticus 14:1-15:33)- exemptions from service a support or an Why is rehab so critical in Judaism? Why is gossip embarrassment to a person? Do we shame God? linked so closely to tza’raat? Why is a contaminated What is your favorite Torah holiday and why? house of concern? How does one physically and How have we held to the Torah principles and emotionally heal? What are the 7 things that impacts the how have we shifted? plague of tza’raat? May 28- 10:00am Behar (Leviticus. 25:1- April 23- 10:00am First day of Passover (Exodus 26:2)- Why is resting the land important? What 12:37-42; 13:3-10)- Who left Egypt? Is Israel really a happens if we do not listen to God? How do we land of milk and honey? When do we have to eat even “the playing field” in today’s society? What matzah? What do we tell our children? is our final reminder in this portion and how does April 30- 10:00am Eighth Day Passover it impact our connection to Or Chadash? (Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17)- Why are we reminded of the festivals? What are the rituals? How shall we appear before God? Who has to appear before God and why? May 7- 8:30am Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16:1-18:30)- How has Yom Kippur evolved over the years? What has been carried over from the past? From the earliest time to the present, which is more majestic in holiness? How and why do we practice self-denial? What are different types of laws? How do they reflect our society?

The FOCUS newsletter is now digital! If you are interested in receiving a paper copy and having it mailed to your home, you may still do so by sending an email to [email protected] and a check for $18 payable (annually) to Or Chadash. Please send the check to: Or Chadash P.O. Box 88 Damascus, MD. 20872 We will provide updated information for how to auto-renew or opt-in for the annual paper copy service soon.

OR CHADASH FOCUS 4 ADAR II, NISAN, IYAR APRIL/MAY 2016

Board Happenings

Rabbi Kobey’s status: I’m very happy to report that Rabbi Kobey has committed to stay long term as our Rabbi and Education Director, and has stopped exploring other career opportunities. We have formalized this with a signed agreement, and will be updating Rabbi Kobey’s contract accordingly. Under this updated agreement, Rabbi Kobey will continue to be our Rabbi through at least June 30, 2019. Thanks to all of you who helped make this possible by responding with your generous volunteer and financial commitments. Cantorial Soloist status: Joshua Rosenberg will be unable to continue as our Cantorial Soloist after his current contract ends on May 31, 2016; he will be moving to Israel. Thank you to Joshua for his excellent and dedicated service to our Congregation over the last several years. We will therefore be forming a committee to search for a new Cantorial Soloist. If you are interested in serving on this committee or know of any potential candidates, please contact me at [email protected]. New Board Members needed: There is usually some turnover on the Congregation Or Chadash Board each year as some members choose to leave the board, so we are always looking for new volunteers who want to give their time, energy and talent to help lead our vibrant Congregation. If you are interested in serving on the board for the next fiscal year starting June 1, 2016, please contact me at [email protected]. Volunteers needed: If you are able to volunteer your time to help the Congregation and the Rabbi, and have not yet sent in your name, please do so by sending an email to Phil Dicken at [email protected], or calling the Temple office at 301-482-1025 to leave this information. You can also contact Phil to get details regarding our volunteer needs. Financial Commitment Forms needed: If you have not yet completed and returned your Financial Commitment Form, please do so today. You can submit your completed form either via email to Karl Gussow at [email protected], by dropping it off in the Temple Office, or by mailing it to Congregation Or Chadash, PO Box 88, Damascus, MD 20872. You can also contact Karl to get a copy of this form if you don’t already have one. If you have any questions or concerns, are uncomfortable making a commitment at either the Option A or Option B level requested on the form, or want to have a confidential financial discussion, please contact any of the following: Karl Gussow, Treasurer, at [email protected]; Andrew Colby, Financial Committee Chair, at [email protected] or me at [email protected] If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please feel free to contact me at [email protected], or you can email the whole Board at [email protected].

L’Shalom, Alex Lebedinsky President

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OR CHADASH FOCUS 5 ADAR II, NISAN, IYAR APRIL/MAY 2016 Religious School Committee Update ______

Please welcome our new Religious School Administrator: Anisha Goyal. Our outgoing Administrator, Libby Scheichert, is retiring (again). She claims that this time, she really means it! Thank you, Libby, and enjoy the next chapter of your life.

We are almost at the end of the school year, and that means end of the year awards! It is not too late for your child(ren) to earn a reward. Here are the categories:

• Perfect Attendance – Sunday and/or Tuesday – attending every class • Excellent Attendance – Sunday and/or Tuesday – missing no more than 2 classes • Shabbat Service Attendance – attending 10 or more services over the course of the year • Hebrew Achievement – Pre K/K - 3rd grade students who master 5 of the prayers that they were expected to learn, and 4th grade and higher students who master 10 of the prayers that they were expected to learn (mastery of a prayer is determined by the Rabbi) • Torah Portion of the Week – submitting at least 10 sets of answers to the Rabbi’s weekly questions over the course of the year • Jewish Reading – reading at least 10 Jewish books over the course of the year • Being a Mensch – receive at least ten mensch tickets over the course of the year

Due to the large number of children in the parking lot during Religious School drop off and pick up times, parents are strongly encouraged to remind children to use the sidewalks and to supervise children in the parking lot. Please remember Or Chadash staff does not supervise outside areas before, during, or after school hours.

If you have a child in 7th grade or higher who will be attending Religious School next year (that’s Pre- Confirmation, Confirmation, or Post-Confirmation class), urge them to apply to be a madrikh or madrikhah (male or female teaching assistant). Contact our Education Director, Rabbi Kobey, or Religious School Administrator, Anisha Goyal, for more information.

Curious about what the Religious School Committee does? Please join us at our meetings in the synagogue at 7:00pm on April 6 and May 4.

L’Shalom, The Religious School Committee

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FACULTY MEETINGS April 10 at 8:15am and April 19 at 8:00pm

OR CHADASH FOCUS 6 ADAR II, NISAN, IYAR APRIL/MAY 2016

Adult Life ______

ADULT B’NAI MITZVAH ADULT SOCIAL CLUB Are you a Jewish adult that never had a Bar or Saturday April 16, at 5:00pm. Spring night out Bat Mitzvah ceremony? Are you interested in a group and pre-Pesach infusion of leavened items. We class and a ceremony? Are you wanting to participate will have dinner at the Brio Tuscan Grille at 20 but nervous about your Hebrew? NO PROBLEM! Let Paseo Dr. North Bethesda, MD 20852. Dessert Rabbi Kobey know of your interest and join an rd will be at the Bass residence at 20929 Scottsbury informational session on Tuesday, May 3 at 7:00pm. Drive, Germantown, MD and will be a BYOD Interested, but cannot attend the informational (Bring Your Own Dessert) event. This event is session? No problem on that front either, just let being hosted by Brenda and Jeff Bass, so please Rabbi Kobey know. Class itself will begin in the Fall RSVP to us by April 1, to [email protected]. of 2016 and will be scheduled based on class availability.

BROTHERHOOD Thank you Ron Isaacson for providing the beautiful music and the brothers that participated in the Brotherhood Shabbat Service. Now that the weather is warming up, we have another bike ride scheduled for April 24. We can work out the details once I know who is participating. If you are interested in participating, please let me know no later than April 17 by sending an email to [email protected]. We are once again trying to organize a Brotherhood rafting trip. The calendar lists the trip as May 14. However, this date might change depending on who wants to attend and when reservations are available. Please watch your email in the Yahoo group. If you are interested in participating, please generously provided bagels every Sunday reach out to Dave Bender, at for our CORY Bagel Bar. [email protected]. Please send me your ideas for the Brotherhood so I can schedule them at the annual calendar meeting. Guy’s Night Out usually happens the third Thursday of the month. Want to learn all of the happenings and latest information about the Brotherhood? Have you joined the Brotherhood Yahoo group yet? If not, please send an email to [email protected] with your email address. Thank you for continued interest and support of the Brotherhood. Thank you, Phil Dicken

OR CHADASH FOCUS 7 ADAR II, NISAN, IYAR APRIL/MAY 2016 Keeping Up With Or Chadash ______

TEACHER APPRECIATION SOCIAL ACTION IS We hope you will join us at Shabbat services on Friday, May 13 for a chance to thank our teachers TAKING ACTION for all their hard work over the year. Our teachers We are very excited to be partnering with give time, energy, knowledge, and a lot of love to some other local religious groups and helping our students. Join us in expressing our gratitude for Syrian refugees. We will be making a 6ish month their dedication to ensuring a strong Jewish future. commitment and be on the “Mentor Team” – helping refugees adapt to their new community. It will include tasks such as educational tutoring, CONGREGATIONAL professional development, English tutoring, or offering transportation. If you are interested in ANNUAL MEETING being part of this project, please let Rabbi Kobey Wednesday, May 25 at 7:30 PM at Or Chadash. know. All Congregation members are invited and encouraged to attend. The Congregation Or Chadash Board will host this meeting and present FOR ALL 9th GRADE key information about the status of the Congregation, and answer any questions. All PARENTS AND members will also vote on the budget and Board slate for next year. More information about this STUDENTS meeting will be mailed to all members in April. Come to a transition meeting to learn more about the 10th-12th Grade Religious School CURIOUS ABOUT THE program on Sunday, April 10 at 11:45am. CONGREGATIONAL TRIP FOR ALL 7th GRADE THAT WENT TO ISRAEL? PARENTS AND Come to the Congregation’s Annual Meeting on May 25 at 7:30pm for a brief presentation STUDENTS Come to a transition meeting to learn more about the 8th-9th Grade Religious School program CALENDARING MEETING on Sunday, April 17 at 9:30am. NEW MEMBER/ NOT-SO-NEW MEMBER, COMMITTEE CHAIR/ NEVER BEEN ON A COMMITTEE… COME ONE, COME ALL as we plan our calendar for the upcoming year on Wednesday, April 20 at 7:00pm. If you have events you wish to be added to the calendar, but cannot attend the meeting, please give Rabbi Kobey your ideas and preferred dates/ times for the events, to ensure it can be part of the master calendaring planning.

OR CHADASH FOCUS 8 ADAR II, NISAN, IYAR APRIL/MAY 2016 KIDDISH KIDS GOOD DEEDS DAY Kiddish Kids is bringing back an old Good Deeds Day is an annual event. Projects favorite! April 10 we will be holding our ice cream occur worldwide. In our area, it is sponsored by social & board game event. We would like the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. everyone to bring their favorite board game(s) to This year we are continuing our tradition making share with the group. This event will start Thoughtful Treasures for children staying at the at noon after Sunday school with pizza for lunch Children's Inn at NIH. Children stay there during followed by ice cream & games. treatment. Daily they receive a special item in Please mark May 1 on your calendar as we plan their mailbox. At noon we will be spending an to have an outing to the Mt. Airy Duck Pin hour making pretty pockets for the kids to keep Bowling. More details will follow as we get closer things in using fabric paint and old blue jeans. to each event. The minimum is 50. Participants do not have to be from COC, bring a friend. SSL hours are available. CORY Join the Greater Washington community and Spring has sprung, and that means that the over half a million volunteers from around the CORY year is almost over. It has been another world in a day of service. successful year full of fun for everyone in CORY, and now we only have one more event before our When: Sunday, April 10, 12:00pm – 1:00pm new board is elected on June 4. The annual night of mayhem is coming up on April 16. It will be a Where: Congregation Or Chadash sleepover at temple from Saturday night into Sunday 24800 Kings Valley Road with a campfire, dinner, snacks, and activities. If Damascus, MD 20872 you are interested in running for a position on the CORY board, elections will be held on June 4th, Learn more and register today! with a sleepover following. Information about www.GoodDeedsDayGW.org positions and how to declare intent to run will be distributed by email prior to the elections sleepover. If you have any questions about the Night of Mayhem or the elections sleepover please email UPCOMING COMMITTEE CORY president Ben Weishaar at [email protected] or CORY advisor Laura MEETINGS Jackel at [email protected]. Religious School Committee (RSC) April 6 and May 4 at 7:00pm. If you are interested in getting involved, talk to Howard Benowitz. CHAI MITZVAH Ritual Committee April 17 at 12:15. If you Upcoming sessions are Tuesdays, April 12 and are interested in getting involved, talk to Nancy May 10. Both sessions are 6:45pm-8:00pm. Goldspiel.

PASSOVER SEDER TO HOUSE OR BE HOUSED Come to Shabbat Services at 5:00pm on Friday, April 22 and then head to a house for seder. The first seder is Friday, April 22. Are you hosting a seder and willing/able to host extra people? Are you looking for a seder to attend? As soon as you know your plans, please contact the Temple office so that we have ample time to help make matches and ensure that everyone has a place for seder! Please send an e-mail to [email protected] with how many people you can host or how many people you wish for someone else to host, any food allergies, any pets, prefer with children/ prefer no children, etc. Together, we will make sure that everyone is part of a seder! OR CHADASH FOCUS 9 ADAR II, NISAN, IYAR APRIL/MAY 2016 Special Services ______SPECIAL SHABBAT EARLY SHABBAT SERVICES SERVICES No services April 1 or May 6 Every so often, we have the situation of the Services April 2, 9:00am first night of Passover being a Friday evening and Services April 16, 10:00am with Bat Mitzvah of we have it again this year. Friday evening, of Emily Rosenthal course, is also Shabbat. The first time it occurred, I Services April 22, 5:00pm Short service then go had been going back and forth in my mind for home for first seder months, avoiding the issue, returning to the issue, Services May 7, 10:00am with Bar Mitzvah of avoiding it again, returning to it, etc. I kept hoping Todd Benowitz that the calendar would magically adjust and the Services May 13, 7:30pm Teacher Appreciation two would be separated. Surprise, surprise, the Services May 20, 7:30pm with Or Chadash Singers calendar did not change and Pesach (Passover) still Services, May 21, 10:00am with Bar Mitzvah began on a Friday evening. The practical side of of Justin Bailen me thought to “skip” Shabbat worship and just have home seders, as most people would be busy with their Passover plans; the idealist inside of me SIMCHA said Shabbat trumps all, and so the internal debate Celebrate your birthday with your Or Chadash went back and forth weighing my own idealism family. Be called to the bimah and receive a with perceived practicality. special blessing and a birthday treat to mark the But, my internal trump card spoke and still occasion. We have birthday blessings every speaks to me: what if someone wants / needs month. For the month of April, come on April 15 Shabbat and wants/ needs an Or Chadash Shabbat? and for the month of May join us on May 20. I know I do. I rely on it heavily, not just because I We also celebrate anniversaries within our Or am a rabbi, but also because I am a person who Chadash family. Again, be invited onto the bimah leads a very busy life, and needs that reminder that for a special blessing. This is also monthly with I am commanded to rest. I want and need Shabbat anniversary blessings on April 8 and May 13. because I love the prayers and the conversations Do you have other simchas to share? Let with God, and especially because of the sense of Rabbi Kobey know, so we can rejoice together. community. And, maybe others of you have that same feeling. Maybe you need to say Kaddish, maybe you just need a place to dialogue with God, maybe you need fellowship, or maybe it is for your own reason, but maybe, just maybe, you need an Or Chadash Shabbat. Thus, on Friday, April 22, I will be leading a short Shabbat service at 5:00pm. Yes, it is early. But, the thought is that maybe you would join me because you want/ need an Or Chadash Shabbat. By having a service at 5:00pm, you could follow my model of welcoming in Shabbat and then moving forward with your seder. I understand if you are busy or out of town; but, if your timing allows for it, please join me for Shabbat services. Hope to see you on April 22!

OR CHADASH FOCUS 10 ADAR II, NISAN, IYAR APRIL/MAY 2016

ThankYou to Our Donors ______Thank you to our generous donors. Note that this list includes donations that were deposited during December thru February. Please contact the office for more information.

General Account Beth & David Sokoloff Susan Furr, in honor of Charlie Gellert Luis & Ruth Fajner, in honor of grandson, Joshua Molly Lipshy Charitable Trust Barbara Marx Barry Gore Laura & Dave Sardilli

High Holiday Robin Farquhar

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Kathleen Loreinz Andrea & Jonathan Pfeffer, in memory of Frances Blum

Building Fund Sherry Trahan & Daniel Shawen

Yahrtzeit Plaque Linda Stein, in memory of Morton Balon

Tree of Life Melissa & Andrew Hyman, in honor of Ryan Hyman's Bar Mitzvah

Condolences ______Congregation Or Chadash extends our sympathies to to the Schwartz family on the death of Leslie Schwartz, who died Thursday, March 17, 2016.

OR CHADASH FOCUS 11 ADAR II, NISAN, IYAR APRIL/MAY 2016 Oneg Calendar ______

Thank you to our oneg sponsors! After every Shabbat service, there are delicious treats for everyone to enjoy as we all chat and catch up. Oneg sponsors bring food before the service or donate to our oneg organizer, so that this service is provided every week. Birthdays and anniversaries are great times to sponsor an oneg. Family yartzeits are another meaningful time to sponsor an oneg. All families are expected to host approximately twice a year. Each sponsor will receive an email indicating whatfood and drinks to bring on their designated Shabbat date. If you have any questions, please email Julie Swain at [email protected] or call 301-916-9214.

Friday, April 08, 2016 7:30 PM Shabbat Service Sarah & Jay Friedman Ruth & Luis Fajner Friday, April 15, 2016 7:30 PM Shabbat Service Ting & Louis Rosenthal Saturday, April 16, 2016 10:00 AM Bat Mitzvah of Emily Ting & Louis Rosenthal Rosenthal Friday, April 22, 2016 5:00 PM Shabbat Service NO ONEG Friday, April 29, 2016 7:30 PM Shabbat Service Mindy & Alan Nagler Jane & Paul Green Saturday, May 07, 2016 10:00 AM Bar Mitzvah of Todd Benowitz Melissa & Howard Benowitz Friday, May 13, 2016 7:30 PM Shabbat Service Nancy & Ron Isaacson Greg & Debbie Diatz Friday, May 20, 2016 7:30 PM Shabbat Service Michelle & Rich Bailen Saturday, May 21, 2016 10:00 AM Bar Mitzvah of Justin Bailen Michelle & Rich Bailen Friday, May 27, 2016 7:30 PM Shabbat Service Andie & Jon Pfeffer Donna Goldsteen/Carl Hay Friday, June 03, 2016 7:30 PM Shabbat Service Dara & Stephen Santa Saturday, June 04, 2016 10:00 AM Bar Mitzvah of Alexander Dara & Stephen Santa Santa Friday, June 10, 2016 7:30 PM Shabbat Service Sharyn & Brian Bergman Ilene & Kevin Krom Friday, June 17, 2016 7:30 PM Shabbat Service Alana & Ted Kiviat Sara & Eric Moline Friday, June 24, 2016 7:30 PM Shabbat Service Kim Zuravsky Saturday, June 25, 2016 10:00 AM B’not Mitzvah of Abby & Kim Zuravsky Samantha Zuravsky

OR CHADASH FOCUS 12 ADAR II, NISAN, IYAR APRIL/MAY 2016

Yahrzeits ______If you have an upcoming yahrtzeit that is not listed, please call the office at 301-482-1025, and we will add any names you wish to remember. Names will be read at Shabbat services during the week of a loved one’s death. When two dates are shown, the names will be read during the Friday evening and Saturday morning Shabbat services. Note that the second column lists the observing member.

Friday, April 8th Friday, May 13th Dorothy Paley Mother of Linda Tharp Bruce Gould Uncle of Diane Levitus Hugo Wechter Father of Ruth Fajner Florence Braverman Grandmother of Jamie Hendi Francis Carmody Stepfather of Leslie Dicken Saturday, April 15th Friday, May 20th Ana Fajner Mother of Luis Fajner Dolly Grobstein Mother of Claire SanNicolas Ella Garfunkel Granmother of Diane Levitus Sherwood Slater Father of Beth Sokoloff Dorothy Petok Mother of Fred Petok Jon Clark Sr. Father of Jon Clark Stanley Sokoloff Father of David Sokoloff Samuel Rosenthal Father of Cindy Bender Norman Lobsenz Father of Michael Abrahams Dorothy Spitzer Grandmother of Amy Malla Friday, May 27th Friday, April 22nd Sybil Slong Great Aunt of Barbara Marx William Storck Father of Dara Santa Sharon Friedman Mother of Jay Friedman Werner Fridberg Father of Michelle Dickler Arnold Paley Father of Linda Tharp Bernard Haydu Grandfather of Amy Malla Sophie Blagman Grandmother of Karl Gussow Richard Gartenberg Father of Jane Harris B. Paul Heritage Father of Robin Farquhar Ted Petok Father of Fred Petok William Eisenberg Father of Robert Eisenberg “In the opening of the buds Nahum Lebedinsky Father of Alex Lebedinsky and in the rebirth of spring, Lawrence Arthur Young Father of Gary Young Marilyn Himmelfarb Mother of Scott Himmelfarb We remember them.” Alice Lieberman Grandmother of Daniel Rosenberg Friday, April 29th Norman Wickwire Father of Alison Felrice Harold Pfeffer Father of Jonathan Pfeffer Maxine Converse Mother of Cynthia Wolff Audrey Dicken Mother of Phil Dicken Rhoda Nagler Mother of Alan Nagler Fred Lafer Uncle of Ellyn Baum Linda Wickwire Mother of Alison Felrice

Saturday, May 7th We are the keepers of the past Sol Jackel Grandfather of Jonathan Jackel and visionaries of the future. Chet Sowiniski Father of Sara Exler Grete Sokoloff Mother of David Sokoloff 16 Years of Caring Service and Dedicated Support Regina Pfeffer Mother of Jonathan Pfeffer to the Jewish Community of Greater Washington Dorothy Grenadier Great Aunt of Ellyn Baum Harry Smith Father of Jeffrey Smith Charles Ogg Brother of Karl Gussow Richard Spector Friend of Michael & Susan Whit

Call our Help Line at (301) 428-3000, or visit www.gardenofremembrance.org.

Excerpt – Roland B. Gittelsohn

*Yahrtzeit plaque OR CHADASH FOCUS 13 ADAR II, NISAN, IYAR APRIL/MAY 2016

Congregation Or Chadash Passover Seder

Saturday April 23rd, 2016 at 6:30pm Doors open at 6pm 24800 Kings Valley Road Damascus, MD 20872

The Seder will be conducted by Rabbi Alison Kobey

Prices $38 for adult non­members $32 for adult members $10 for children ages 6 to 12 Free for children under age 6

Menu

Appetizers gefilte fish – hard boiled eggs – matzo charoset – matzo ball soup – mixed green salad – chopped liver

Main Dish roast brisket – grilled salmon – stuffed chicken breast ­ vegetarian kugel potato latkes – roasted mixed vegetables

Dessert and Drinks fruit salad – cookies – pastries – soft drinks – wine ­ juice ­ iced tea

RSVP by April 15th and please note if you need a vegetarian entrée or require special seating arrangements or ​ ​ ​ any other dietary needs

RSVP to Deanna at the temple and mail reservation form and check to the Temple

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… .. …………………… Please complete and mail this reservation form with your check made out to “Congregation Or Chadash” by April 15th to the Temple office at PO Box 88 Damascus, MD 20872 ​ Name: ______

Number of Adults______x $32 or $38 = $______

Number Children ______x $10 = $______

Total Check Amount $______Dietary needs and seating requests:

OR CHADASH FOCUS 14 ADAR II, NISAN, IYAR APRIL/MAY 2016

Congregation Or Chadash, an affiliate of the Union For P.O. Box 88 24800 Kings Valley Road Damascus, Maryland 20872 Rabbi Alison Kobey

Newsletter Advertisement Form

To order an advertisement for the Or Chadash FOCUS newsletter, please fill in the form below and mail your payment to the following address. Or Chadash, P.O. Box 88, Damascus MD 20872

$ Please make your check out to “Congregation Or Chadash” and include “Adv FOCUS” in the memo field.

NOTE: If you have only a hardcopy of your ad, mail it with your payment, and we will scan it. You can also submit your ad in .jpg, or any graphics format. Email artwork to [email protected]

OR CHADASH MEMBER PRICES Sizes For one issue For all six issues Business Card (2" by 3 1/2") $25 $125 1/4 page (4 3/4" by 3 1/2:") $30 $150

1/2 page (4 3/4" by 7") $40 $200

NON-MEMBER PRICES Sizes For one issue For all six issues Business Card (2" by 3 1/2") $40 $175 1/4 page (4 3/4" by 3 1/2:") $50 $200 1/2 page (4 3/4" by 7") $65 $275

Or Chadash Newsletter Advertisement $ My contact information and business name (include email): ______

______

$ I would like my advertisement artwork in the following size: ⬜ Bus. Card ⬜ ¼ page ⬜ ½ page

$ …to be placed in the following issues: ⬜ ALL 6 ISSUES ⬜ April/May ⬜ June/July ⬜ Aug/Sept ⬜ Oct/Nov ⬜ Dec/Jan ⬜ Feb/March

OR CHADASH FOCUS 15