Cheshvan – Shevat 5778 | November 2017–January 2018 Issue No. 105
the connection
Addiction & Recovery of a “Nice Jewish Boy” p. 14
also in this issue Caring Congregation 2.0 Always caring, p. 2
The Evolution of a Youth Group Accessible: learning & practice, p. 8 Behind-the- URJ Biennial sustainability, p. 17 Scenes Look p. 4
Check out our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/RodefShalomPgh Cheshvan–Shevat 5778 | November 2017–January 2018 Contents issue no. 105
caring 3 Teamwork We are a Reform Jewish congregation president 11 What Is Tu B’Shevat dedicated to melding the traditions of Caring Congregation Anyway?! our faith with contemporary life. Our congregation was chartered in 1856 and 2.0 joint jewish education program is one of five synagogues on the National rabbi bisno Register of Historic Landmarks. We are 12 8 Books for Hanukkah a diverse congregation engaged in social 4 Always Accessible: library issues, culture, and learning—made up Behind-the-Scenes of multigenerational, multicultural, and Look 13 An Immigrant’s Story interfaith families and individuals; our executive director archives doors are open to everyone. 6 Simchas sustainability member engagement Staff Phone Extensions 14 Addiction & Recovery of 412.621.6566 learning & practice a “Nice Jewish Boy” pursuer of peace Sherry Bell x 137 Martha Berg x131 8 The Evolution of a Youth Group 16 Rodef Shalom Rabbi Bisno x123 Legacy Society Rachel Cohen x183 nfty president Yael Eads x130 development Kate Kim x111 9 Camp Scholarships Music with a Mission Carolyn Frischer x178 brotherhood Rabbi Henry x126 sisterhood Dr. Jacob x125 17 URJ Biennial Kristen Karsh x120 10 Oh, Hanukkah, rabbi henry Marlena Keffer x112 Oh, Hanukkah! Amy Langham x117 preschool 16 Contributions Mimsie Leyton x127 Liron Lipinsky x116 Michael McHugh x144 Don Megahan x190 Hope Nearhood x122 Rabbi Aaron B. Bisno Barry D. Weisband Rodef Shalom Congregation is a member of the Frances F. & David R. Levin Murray Klein Union for Reform Judaism. Helena Nichols x132 Senior Rabbinic Pulpit Executive Director Christine Ranasinghe x182 Rabbi Sharyn H. Henry Miriam Leyton Mayda Roth x140 Sidney & Shirley C. Rapport JoAnn Ruffing x110 Walter Jacob, DHL Family Center Director Rabbi Emeritus/Senior Dave Seskey x128 Scholar Liron Lipinsky Sam Siskind x179 J-JEP Religious School Director Barry Weisband x119 Don Megahan Lauren Wolcott x124 Music Director & Organist
The bulletin of Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, is published bimonthly, six times The Gift Corner x115 annually. Periodical postage paid at Pittsburgh, Pa. Lippman Library x180 Postmaster: Send address changes to: Hakesher, 4905 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. USPS 537–660 Rodef Shalom Congregation
Our mission: The mission of Rodef Shalom Congregation is to build and sustain a vibrant Reform Jewish community. We guide and support our members in living full Jewish lives throughout the life cycle, based on Torah (study), avodah (worship), and gemilut hasadim (acts of loving kindness). We strive to be a national and international leader in Jewish thought and practice. caring Teamwork Caring Congregation 2.0 Harlan Stone, President Rabbi Aaron B. Bisno, [email protected] Frances F. & David R. Levin Senior Rabbinic Pulpit (412) 621–6566 [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x122 ∧ @rabbibisno
ho cares? We do—that’s the message very Shabbat morning service includes a Mishnaic (early the Board of Trustees sent when talmudic) text called Eilu D’varim. This piece of our liturgy Wthey adopted a new strategic plan Eenumerates the timeless acts of decency all of us are commanded for the congregation last spring. That plan to do and includes deeds such as visiting the sick, comforting the identified being a “caring congregation” as mourner, and sharing our neighbors’ simchas. Performing these one of the three strategic priorities for Rodef acts, our Tradition teaches, makes for a robust Jewish communal life. Shalom. That said, identifying “caring” as a strategic priority and demonstrating that The remarkable thing about Eilu D’varim is there is no hierarchy. we are in fact a caring community are two The prayer does not say, “These are the things every Jew must do, different things. We cannot just talk the and these are the additional things a rabbi must do.” Instead, Eilu talk. We have to walk the walk. D’varim simply states, “These are the obligations whose reward is beyond measure.” The message? Ultimately every member of our That’s why, the Board of Trustees, in community shares the same responsibilities. And there is meaning partnership with the rabbis and staff, have and joy in sharing life with others. committed to working together on a number of initiatives to implement our new strategic I share this because we have recently initiated a new protocol plan. If there is one thing I have learned for sharing news of lifecycle events within our congregation. In as president, it is just how important team particular, we will be sharing news of births and deaths as well as work is to successful implementation of other significant occasions so that we all may have the opportunity policy and strategy. Our strategic planning of fulfilling the mitzvot of rejoicing with brides and grooms, new recognizes the value of teamwork. We saw parents, as well as comforting the bereaved. this on display recently during the High Holiday season when the board, the rabbis, For two thousand years (since the destruction of the Second Temple), and staff combined their creative energy and there has been no sacrosanct priestly class. Instead, all Jews have resources to make the experience especially the same obligations, the same chance for joy, the same potential meaningful and inspirational. That’s the to discover the divine. Reform Jews often look at the things their value of teamwork. By working together we rabbis are doing—visiting the sick, leading funerals, attending shiva can accomplish so much more than any one minyanim—and say to themselves, “I could never do that.” But in the of us is capable of doing alone. And together words of my professor, Rabbi Rick Sarason, “This is not about being with volunteers from the congregation, we a rabbi; it’s about being a Jew.” can all play an important role in making the strategic plan a reality. Watch for opportunities you will have to learn more about when and how you can fulfill these obligations. In this new year, we shall be Working together as a team, we can make offering everyone the chance to participate more fully in the life of Rodef Shalom the “caring congregation” we our congregational family. After all, Eilu D’varim teaches that the would all like it to be. path of mitzvot is meant for all of us.
issue no. 105 Cheshvan – Shevat 5778 | November 2017–January 2018 haK esher the connection 3 Always Accessible: Behind-the-Scenes Look Barry D. Weisband, Murray Klein Executive Director [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x119
very day of every week Rodef Shalom is here to serve you by ensuring that our facilities and cemeteries are open and accessible to everyone at any time. From the Shabbat services to J-JEP Sundays and every week day there are always multiple activities taking Eplace in our facilities. In addition to these important daily events and functions, families experience the happiest of occasions and, unfortunately, sad times. Then, too, this is when we need our synagogue to be open and at-the-ready to provide for all of the sacred needs of our vibrant community.
The critical “behind-the-scenes” work that is conducted by Our five maintenance staff and the three cemetery staff members our stellar maintenance and cemetery staff allows for Rodef have the ability to turn on a dime. They set up for several Shalom Congregation to be accessible to all of our members functions in one day or over a busy weekend which allows us to and guests 24/7, year round. From the cold, blustery, snowy enjoy Shabbat services, social activities, or educational events. mornings to the warm days of summer our staff works diligently to make sure that each congregant has access to the synagogue How can such a few number of staff members implement the needs and cemetery. Here are just a few examples of the staff’s work: of our large and growing congregation? Experience is a large part of the answer. Their expertise has developed over the 111 years • Before dawn, Wayne can be seen plowing the snow in of combined service to Rodef Shalom Congregation. The eight the parking lot. maintenance and cemetery staff have spent decades learning about the congregation’s needs and honing their knowledge into • Tony shovels the snow away from all the entry points an almost exact set of operational standards that guarantees and sidewalks before you arrive. access for all at almost any time of the day, week, month, and year. • Dave conducts monthly walk arounds to spot any potential hazards that may exist and that they are We have individual Rodef Shalom staff members who have worked resolved. here over 10, 20, and 30 years! This, in itself, is a testimonial to the commitment that each of them has in order to ensure that • Steve readies the sanctuaries and the social halls for all our synagogue continues to be professionally managed and occasions. maintained on a continuous basis and open to all.
4 rodefshalom.org Building Accessibility At-A-Glance
Rachel Cohen, Director of Facilities and Rentals [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x183 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides regulations to businesses regarding accessibility requirements. While the ADA does not apply to religious organizations, Rodef Shalom feels very strongly about being a welcoming community that is accessible to all.
In short, our staff’s significant experience and teamwork ADA Accessibility at Rodef Shalom: guarantees that each congregant has access to all of the religious • Reserved spaces in the parking lot services, programs, and events that continue to be the pride and • Automatic accessible doors at main entrance joy of our congregation. • Elevators to all floors of building • Wheelchair accessible restrooms I would like to personally thank all of our custodial and cemetery • Accessible routes to all our worship spaces team members: • Wheelchair accessible seating in the Sanctuary and Levy Hall • Dave Seskey, Building Superintendent • Levy Hall and the Sanctuary sound provisions, including a hearing loop that is a special sound • Steve Johnson, Custodial Supervisor system for use by people with hearing aids and headphones provided at all services • Tony Campbell, Custodian and Maintenance In order to keep Rodef Shalom accessible all year round, • Luis Marquez, Custodian and Maintenance our cemetery and maintenance staff work hard to keep the property safe. • Bob Kelly, Kitchen Supervisor Winter snow removal: • Diana Martino, West View Cemetery Manager • Cemetery staff arrive early to plow the parking lot and salt it. • Wayne Hunkele, Cemetery Foreman • Rodef Shalom custodians ensure that the sidewalks all around the building are snow-free and salted. • John Dalfonso, Cemetery Maintenance Building Maintenance: When you are in Rodef Shalom or at either of our two cemeteries, • Our safety committee meets monthly to discuss any I encourage you to take a moment and thank the custodial and safety concerns; for example a tripping hazard in the cemetery staff for their commitment to Rodef Shalom. hallway, to ensure our congregants and employees have a safe environment. Thank you! • Our building staff ensures that the facility stays clean, up-to-date on repairs, and ready to host all programs, events, and services. BarryMurray Klien Weisband Executive Director issue no. 105 Cheshvan – Shevat 5778 | November 2017–January 2018 haK esher the connection 5 caring
B’nai Mitzvah
Olivia Ann Kaufman Ethan Matthew Goetz November 11 December 16 Olivia is a 7th Grader at Marshall Ethan is in seventh grade at Marshall Middle School in the North Allegheny Middle School. He runs cross country School District. She has one younger for North Allegheny and also plays brother, Henry, whom she loves to the violin in both the Chamber the moon and back. She enjoys playing Orchestra and the concert orchestra at piano and clarinet. Olivia is also a soprano his school. In his free time, Ethan is an in the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus. She is the daughter of Paul active Boy Scout, working toward his Eagle rank. He spends and Tina Kaufman and the granddaughter of Ninette Kay his summers traveling and enjoying the outdoors. Ethan and the late Mickey & Baila Kaufman. is the son of Jill and Adam Goetz, the brother of Brandon, Addison, and Hannah Goetz and the grandson of Linda For her Mitzvah project, Olivia has elected to raise money for and Jeffrey Raden and Janice and David Goetz. My Brother’s Keeper International. More information can be found at www.oliviasbatmizvah.net. For his Bar Mitzvah project, Ethan is volunteering at Animal Friends. He is assisting with the socialization of the animals and helping to promote their adoption into good homes.
Remmie Greenwald Patrick Hilton December 9 January 6 Remmie attends Winchester Patrick enjoys playing soccer, Thurston School. She is a soccer and basketball, and violin in the CMU basketball player. She is the Young Artists Orchestra. He has daughter of Amanda Welsh and Jason raised money in his community for Greenwald and the granddaughter Hurricane Harvey aid and JDRF. He of Linda Welsh and Janice and Louis hopes to study biomedical engineering. Greenwald. Patrick is the son of Chad & Yvonne Hilton and the grandson of Audrey & Harvey Hiton.
Births
Noah Joseph Fine Penelope Wainwright Oliver Magrish Son of TJ & Jessica Fine, Daughter of Taylor & Tim Son of Heidi & Dan Magrish grandson of Jacki & Jeff Herzog Wainwright, granddaughter of Susan & David Kaplan Erza Soltz Sophia Eve Samson Grandson of Jacki & Jeff Herzog Daughter of Ben & Betsy Eve Irma Spear Samson, granddaughter Daughter of Scott Spear & Christine of Mimsie Leyton, great- Manfredo, granddaughter of granddaughter of Hope Leyton Stan Spear, granddaughter of Sandie & Bob Brand Weddings
Susannah Glick and Bryan Friedman
6 rodefshalom.org caring
Moments From the High Holy Days
Anniversaries Caryl and Irv Halpern were accidentally omitted from October
November Howard & Bette Rom Dale & Rachel Middleman Robbie & Patrice Americus Vadim & Svetlana Shvartsman Bob & Marcia Netzer Pete & Anna Baird Alyssa Silver & Jen Butchart Mark & Jill Portland Stephen & Suzanne Baker Keith Somers & Deborah Moss Shivdev & Dahlia Rao Stuart & Susan Beckerman Robert & Cissy Stone Robert & Gail Raphael Alan & Marsha Bramowitz Adam & Lauren Sufrin Fred & Debbie Rokasky D.J. & Erin Connolly Jason & Shauna Wagner Steven & Nicole Shapiro Larry & Susan Deitch Ron & Fran Weingrad Emil & Barbara Trellis Edward & Holly Dobkin Bill & Patty Weisberger Don & Barbara Werner Shelley & Nancy Farber Eric Goldberg & Elizabeth December January Schano-Goldberg Daniel & Jennifer Brandeis Buzzy & Joanie Bloch Jeff & Beth Gusenoff Alan & Jane Bress Lawrence & Barbara Felman Malcolm Harris & Amy Lipshie Mel & Chana Brody Michael & Lana Kaleny Dan & Vicki Holthaus Brian & Lori Cohen Jonathan & Angela Kamin Larry & Natalie Kaplan Gary & Carol Cozen Jack & Ellen Kessler Rich Keitel & Beth Roark Albert & Vera Donnenberg Tom & Mollie Lang James & Barbara Klein Murry Gerber & Cindy Akers Gerber Deb Polk & Val Monaco Arthur Levine & Linda Melada Nachum Golan & Steve Hough Charles & Audrey Reichblum Marty Gass & Aimee Miller Barney & Susan Guttman Joel & Michelle Reisz Errol & Enid Miller Duane & Jacki Larson Al & Bobbie Rosenfeld Marc & Kathy Oklin Caroline & Lane Liston Kenneth & Linda S. Simon Art & Pat Parness Alex & Lisa Lubchansky Jeffrey & Jackie Robinson Milton & Lois Michaels issue no. 105 Cheshvan – Shevat 5778 | November 2017–January 2018 haK esher the connection 7 The Evolution of a Youth Group Isabel Segel , NFTY-PAR President [email protected]
y fellow congregants, At the beginning of my freshman year of high school, I walked into Rodef Shalom’s Youth Lounge for what I was told was the Mfirst meeting of a “Youth Leadership Board.” I knew nothing beyond that. At the beginning of the meeting, the incredible duo of Yael Eads potential for both Rodef Shalom’s presence in our region and for and Marissa Tait gave us each a copy of “NFTY’s Temple Youth what we could learn about teen-powered engagement to bring Group Starter Guide,” a binder branded with the NFTY logo. I back to TheRSTY. learned that day what NFTY was: the North American Federation of Temple Youth, a leadership organization of Reform Jewish Surely enough, throughout the next few years, my friends and I teens. What I didn’t learn that day was what NFTY would become became increasingly involved in NFTY. We traveled all around for Rodef and for me. the country for events, constantly learning about teens engaging teens, all while making connections with Jewish young adults Throughout that school year, some of my best friends and I everywhere on the map. embarked on a journey that was driven by a few teens and dedicated advisors who wanted youth at Rodef to be involved in It is now 2017, three years after that initial meeting in our youth fun and meaningful Jewish programming. We named our youth lounge. If I could write all that NFTY has done for my development group TheRSTY, short for The Rodef Shalom Temple Youth. We as a young adult, as a leader, and as a Jew, in those few years, I planned events throughout the year, brought our friends, told would far exceed my word limit for this article. To keep it short, I them to bring other friends, and more. We even started a Temple took a leap of faith at the end of my junior year, ran for, and won Youth Group (TYG) Board to facilitate the planning of said events. the position of regional president of NFTY-PAR, the organization I walked into as a part of the small but mighty Pittsburgh delegation A few of us even started attending weekend-long regional in 2015. One of my best friends, Abby Adelman, a current junior NFTY events in eastern Pennsylvania with teens from central at Rodef, is the regional programming vice president. This marks Pennsylvania, greater Philadelphia and New Jersey. This group first time in at least a decade that two teens from Pittsburgh (let of teens is called NFTY-PAR, NFTY-Pennsylvania Area Region. As alone Rodef Shalom) are on the regional board of NFTY-PAR. soon as I attended my first regional event in April 2015, I saw great
8 rodefshalom.org WINSTY — We Need You! Yael Eads, Director of Informal Jewish Life [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x130
As we prepare to welcome over 100 teens from across the NFTY-PAR region to our synagogue in January, we want to extend an invitation to every single Rodef Shalom Congregation member to be a part of this sure to memorable weekend. WINSTY may be a teen event, but in order to make it the best it can be, we need everyone’s help,
There are going to be so many volunteer opportunities available that everyone—and I mean EVERYONE—can play a part!
• House a small group of teens • Help chauffer teens to and from Rodef Shalom • Help serve a meal (or two) • Chaperone a group during: • Learning sessions • Lectures • Service projects • Social events
Most importantly, be present, be excited, and be supportive. Our teens and youth department are working very hard to show just how amazing the Rodef Shalom community is, and nothing demonstrates that better With this opportunity, TheRSTY decided than YOU! to apply to host WINSTY, short for Winter Institute (the only synagogue hosted NFTY-PAR event). Being a social action themed event, we knew that the possibilities Rodef presents are endless, from its urban Camp Scholarships location to the synagogue-wide dedication to tikkun olam. Available From Sisterhood Jan Shaw, Sisterhood President [email protected] Now that our bid to host has won, it will be a congregation-wide effort to welcome and facilitate a successful WINSTY for over Sisterhood has a long and glorious history of supporting various facets of 100 teens from all over Pennsylvania and our congregation, not the least of which is our youth. We consistently and New Jersey. The opportunity to host this generously support the Religious and Preschools as well as the children’s event in Pittsburgh, let alone our very own library, and now we also offer grants for our students going to overnight synagogue, is historic both for the NFTY camp! Just started last year, this program helped send almost 10 kids to region and our congregation. four different camps in four states.
There is a plethora of ways to help out, We do have some requirements for the grants: They need to go to Jewish all of them listed in Yael’s excerpt here. overnight camp, and the length of their stay determines how much they Knowing the dedication and warm sense receive (the money goes to the camp to help pay their tuition). A parent of community that lies within our walls, I must also be a member of Sisterhood, although the first year they can have know that there is boundless opportunity to membership dues waived. In addition, because they can get grants from make WINSTY a memorable success. Let’s One Happy Family for the first summer only, we will supplement campers do this, Rodef! who are in their second or longer summer of camp.
Best, Jewish summer camp is a wonderful experience and has proved to have long-term benefits for all involved. The kids make new friends, have great experiences, and tend to be more connected with Judaism. It is a great investment in our youth! IsabelNFTY-PAR President Segel and Proud Rodef Shalom Member issue no. 105 Cheshvan – Shevat 5778 | November 2017–January 2018 haK esher the connection 9 preschool Oh, Hanukkah, Oh, Hanukkah! Mimsie Leyton, Family Center Director [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x127
espite our unseasonably warm autumn, just turned our clocks and rapidly move to the time of year when daylight is in short supply. Just as we approach the winter solstice, it will be time to celebrate Hanukkah, when we Dcommemorate the miracle of eight days of light from one day’s supply of oil. Here are eight interesting and fun ways to celebrate each day of the Festival of Lights with family and friends:
Give each child his or her Light a gratitude menorah. own hanukkiah, or better When you light your menorah ask still, make them. Decorate everyone to share something for an eight-inch block of wood with which they are grateful. Try this paint, markers, stickers, sequins, more than once! etc. Glue nine 3/8” hex nuts in a straight(ish!) line, stacking a tenth Host a brunch and serve latke hex nut on top of one at one end waffles. Below is Tori Avey’s or in the center for the shammash. delicious recipe. Great with lox! During one of the last nights, when Have sufganiyot for dessert. the room is bright with Hanukkah lights, take a family photo. This The URJ designates the sixth night custom can become a chronicle of of Hanukkah Ner Shel Tzedakah. how your family grows over the Decide on a cause that is important years. to your family and donate to a charitable organization Give your family the gift of a instead of exchanging gifts. membership to a place where you can learn and play together all Talk about miracles. year. Unplug and take time to enjoy Each night at bedtime, gather as a being with family. Spend leisurely family and read a Hanukkah time talking and laughing with story together. Our Glick loved ones. Sing songs or listen Children’s Library has a large to musician and songwriter Ellen collection of picture books for the Allard’s super fun Hanukkah holiday. songs.
Tori Avey’s Latke Waffles Ingredients Cut the potatoes into large chunks Beat eggs together with salt and 2 ½ lbs russet potatoes and shred. Soak in cold water. pepper. 1 large onion 4 eggs Grate onion Mix the egg mixture into the potato 1 tsp salt (or more to taste) and onion shreds to thoroughly ½ tsp pepper Wrap drained potato shreds and combine. Nonstick cooking oil spray grated onion in the center of a clean tea towel or multiple layers of cheese Scoop ¼ cup of the potato mixture Preheat the waffle iron & spray cloth, twisting to secure the bundle and squeeze gently to drain off excess generously with nonstick cooking and squeeze firmly to remove the liquid. Place into the center of each spray on both sides. excess liquid. waffle area, Cook for 6-10 minutes, until fluffy and browned.
10 rodefshalom.org religious school What Is Tu B’Shevat Anyway? Liron Lipinsky, J-JEP (Joint Jewish Education Program) Director [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x111
his winter we will be celebrating Tu B’Shevat on January 31. While I always found Tcelebrating Tu B’Shevat covered in snow hilarious, the holiday has a fascinating history. No really. I promise that you, too, will find Tu B’Shevat fascinating after you read this brief history.
Truth be told, I was always very confused by Tu B’Shevat, that is until I read Tu B’Shevat: The People and the Book: Deeper Roots, Wider Branches by Nigel Savage of Hazon originally published in The Jerusalem Report. As children we celebrate it as the birthday of the trees, by planting parsley that will sprout in time to use for Passover. As an adult I went to Tu B’Shevat Kabbalistic Seders, which I never really wrapped my head around—where did these come from? What happened to the birthday cake for the trees and the parsley?
Tu B’Shevat, or the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, dates back to the beginning of Jewish life- as TAX DAY. The Mishnah (Tractate Rosh Hashanah) indicates that Tu B’Shevat helped divide the tithing of one year’s crop from the next, thereby marking the beginning and end of a tax year/season (#fascinating).
Fast forward to Jews being expelled from the Land of Israel, and then expelled from Spain in 1492. As Jews relocated, some to Tzfat (a city northern Israel, a center of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism since the 16th century), the kabbalists took on Tu B’Shevat and changed it into a mystical celebrations and seders.
Early Zionists (around 1890) transformed Tu B’Shevat as to celebrate their reconnection to the Land of Israel, which brings us right up to the JNF tree certificates and planting trees.
In the 1970s, with the formation of Earth Day and a growing concern for how we use our natural resources, Tu B’Shevat became the Jewish version of Earth Day, encouraging environmental awareness.
It makes absolute sense for the meaning of a day to transform with the times, but learning about our roots (pun intended) gives us a greater appreciation of where we came from.
issue no. 105 Cheshvan – Shevat 5778 | November 2017–January 2018 haK esher the connection 11 lippman library 8 Books for Hanukkah Sam Siskind, Librarian [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x180 Simon and the Bear King Solomon’s Table By Eric Kimmel By Joan Nathan A young boy gets stranded in the ocean This new cookbook contains a rich variety on his way to America and ends up of recipes connected with Jewish cooking celebrating Hanukkah with a polar bear from around the world. on an iceberg. For children.
Are You Anybody? The Lights of Hanukkah, By Jeffrey Tambor A Book of Menorahs This new release is a memoir in which By Barbara Rush Tambor discusses his upbringing and his This colorful book provides pictures and life. descriptions of menorahs from all over the world spanning nine centuries. Hanukkah at Valley Forge By Stephen Krensky Defining Moments: Stories of An award-winning book for children, Character, Courage, and Leadership this is a tale about George Washington By Gordon Zacks observing a Hanukkah celebration. Though not specifically about Hanukkah, this book describes notable individuals Chanukah, Eight Nights of who possessed some of the traits that are Light, Eight Gifts for the Soul central themes of the holiday. By Shimon Aprisdorf Takes a look at the traditions of the Celebrate Hanukkah: Hanukkah holiday from a spiritual angle. Songs to Treasure The library is more than just books! This CD contains many favorite songs, performed by various artists. learning & practice
1. Text your college friend when you see something that reminds you of them. 10 Ways to 2. Stock your pantry with your parent’s favorite snack if they’re always stopping by. Practice Caring 3. Mention to your kids a random but favorite memory you have of them. There are times we let our busy schedules get 4. Make a big deal out of an accomplishment of theirs, big or the best of us rather than sharing ourselves small—did someone say cake? with our friends and family. This season, let’s 5. Baked too many cookies to have lying around the house or try to make a few easy, underrated gestures made too much pasta salad? Bring some over to your neighbor that will make a mountain of difference for and share a bite together. your loved ones and, in turn, yourself. Here 6. Start a new tradition with your family. For some ideas, look for are 10 tips to reach out this winter, and trust games and easy craft in our Sisterhood Gift Shop. us, you have the time for these! 7. Call your long distance friend when you’re waiting for water to boil or during some other tiny chunk of time. 8. Thank your friends for the things they do for you after the fact. 9. Send someone a postcard. For no reason. Because handwritten things are just inherently more personal. 10. Set up a meal train for a friend who just got back from the hospital. Better yet, let Rodef Shalom be part of it at www.mealtrain.com/rodefshalom.
12 rodefshalom.org from the archives An Immigrant’s Story Martha Berg , Archivist [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x131
oung job-seekers are now expected to hold a series of sometimes unrelated positions over the course of their working life. Use of the current in-words “pivot” and “nimble” makes this seems like a 21st-century concept, but if you look Yat any immigrant story—and every family has them— you’ll see that adaptability to changing circumstances has for generations been crucial for success in a new environment.
Recently I have been inspired by the life of David Seeking expression for his philosophical ideas of Lubin, a once-famous immigrant American universal brotherhood, Lubin in 1900 published who deserves to be better known today. a novel, Let There Be Light, about a His life took many twists and turns, Workingmen’s Club. and, though not a Pittsburgher, Lubin nevertheless had a Rodef Shalom Prosperity did not protect David connection. Lubin from heartbreak. He had five surviving children with Louisa David Lubin was born in Poland Lyons, but after twenty years of in 1849; as a child, he moved marriage, Lubin discovered that to England with his family. Louisa was having an affair After his father died, his with a close friend, and he mother remarried and the decided to end the marriage. family moved to New York, After his divorce, Lubin where David received a few married Florence Platnauer, years of formal education. a sister of Rabbi Levy’s wife, Leaving school at twelve, Hettie. Rabbi Levy performed David apprenticed with a the ceremony in Philadelphia, goldsmith in Attleboro, Mass. where he was then assistant The work felt confining, so he rabbi at Keneseth Israel. soon traveled west. He worked David and Florence had three at a jeweler’s in San Francisco children. Their two daughters and a timber yard in Los Angeles lived for a year with the Levy and moved on to Arizona, where family in Pittsburgh and were both he was a cowboy and prospector. confirmed at Rodef Shalom. On a trip to New York in October, 1871, Lubin had the bad luck to be in Chicago Lubin began to envision an international the night of the Great Fire, escaping with agricultural congress, where farmers from nothing but his violin. all over the world could share information and advocate for agricultural stability. Finding little support in Later Lubin started over again in Sacramento with the U.S. for his innovative idea, Lubin moved to Europe. Lubin’s One Price Store, selling overalls at set prices—no Hettie Levy, who in her early years in England had, in her bargaining—to local farmers. Within ten years, he and two words, “lived among people who knew what to do when siblings owned the largest department store in California. they saw a king or a queen,” taught him court etiquette, and In Sacramento, Lubin met Rabbi J. Leonard Levy, whose eventually King Emmanuel III of Italy provided financial first American pulpit was at Sacramento’s B’nai Israel and backing for the International Institute of Agriculture. who in 1901 became rabbi here at Rodef Shalom. The IIA, which opened in 1908, was the forerunner of the current Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, the After Lubin bought a fruit orchard and wheat farm, he library of whose headquarters in Rome is named for David found his true calling in the study of agricultural practices. Lubin. He learned about diseases of crops and domesticated animals, advocated for price supports for farmers, founded Adept at “pivoting” and nourished by an optimistic sense the California Fruit Growers’ Union, and was director of the of human possibilities, David Lubin made the most of International Society for the Colonization of Russian Jews, challenging life circumstances and eventually made a helping to settle Eastern European refugees on California lasting contribution in his chosen field. farms. issue no. 105 Cheshvan – Shevat 5778 | November 2017–January 2018 haK esher the connection 13 sustainability
Addiction & Recovery of a “Nice Jewish Boy” Anonymous Written by the Family of a Rodef Shalom Member
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” —Mark Twain
was born on September 6, 1950. I was raised in Squirrel Hill in a nice Jewish home. My grandfather owned a drugstore and passed it on to my dad and his brother; my dad’s dream was for me to follow in their footsteps and one day work side by side with him, and Ithen one day take over the family drug store. “He” was born on October 6, 1930 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to a long line of Chassidic greats of the Chernobyl and Sanz dynasties; his ancestry traced back to the Baal Shem Tov. He was raised to stand at the pulpit alongside his father and one day take over for him.
We first met around 1974 when I went to detox from a narcotics you forever.” He then said something that nobody else that knew addiction (which everyone knew didn’t happen to nice Jewish me would have ever said at that time. He said one day I would boys). He was the medical director of the psychiatric unit at, get clean and sober and wind up helping others just like him. Not of all places, St. Francis hospital, where the detox was located. only that, but because I am one of them, they will listen to me For the next six years we would continue meeting there, and more. I remember thinking that HE must have been on drugs! he would continue trying to help me. He was always thinking By some miraculous set of circumstances, and with the love and outside the box and tried many ways to get through to me. One grace of a G-d I will never understand, his prediction finally did time he pointed to the cemetery outside his office window and come true. However, it was a few years later. said, “Those people are all dead and don’t have another chance.” Another time he pulled out his little index card file box that I was living down in South Florida in the early years of my contained the information on all the former patients that had died recovery and we would keep in touch. He called me one day and and said I would hate to see your name in these files. asked me if I would do him a favor. Imagine the man that saved my life asked me to do him a favor! I would have walked through The point is, this wonderful man never gave up on me and gave hell for him—it was a neighborhood I lived in for 14 years before I me many second chances. finally listened to him.
One day I remember saying to him, “Dr. T., how can you continue He asked me to go to a particular synagogue and speak to doing this kind of work where you meet people, get close to the families and break down the myth that Jews do not have them, and watch them die or experience all the other horrors of drug and alcohol problems and that it is a disease of the addiction?” This was over 40 years ago and I still remember his brain and not about morals and values. answer. He said, “The ones that make it, make it all worthwhile, and when you become a part of that transformation, it changes
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I told the congregation about all the Rosens, Levys, and Golds I know in recovery or in need of recovery. One of his greatest missions was to change that myth. That is just one of the many causes he has devoted his life to. Another time, he called and asked me to visit a cantor who was in detox. He had a beautiful voice but could not stop smoking crack day and night (he added a new meaning to the term high holidays! )
As you know by now that other man I have been talking about is the one we are honoring. He is without a doubt the wisest and most compassionate man I have ever known, Rabbi Abraham Twerski M.D.
He is the only person I have ever met that has that unique gift to be able to talk to a rocket scientist or homeless town drunk and be able to speak in their language. One of the common bonds among those who suffer with substance abuse is that if you have not been there then they don’t want to hear you. Dr. Twerski is someone that anyone of us listened to because we understood that he knew what he was talking about.
Through his many books, talks, and private audiences, he has been able to help separate the difference between religion and spirituality which is not an easy thing to do. He once told me that the key ingredient of spirituality is gratitude. The key ingredient of gratitude is humility, and the key ingredient of humility is anonymity. With all the people he has helped and all the awards and accomplishments he has amassed, he remains a very humble man and servant of G-d. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to learn from him and hear him tell his many stories and his use of parables to make a point. He can combine Torah values and apply them to modern day life in a way that is logical and makes sense. You don’t have to be Jewish to understand.
A few years ago I attended the big Gateway Gala to raise funds. It was held in the ballroom of a big downtown hotel with close to a thousand or more people there. They were all there to honor him. I went up to have a private moment with him and remind him of what he told me over 40 years ago—that the ones who make it, make it all worthwhile. I said, “Dr. T., look at this huge room filled with people who all owe their lives to you from your guidance.” His eyes began to tear up and he said in the humblest way, I had nothing to do with it, G-d just spoke through me.
I find it very interesting that we both found out why we were born and neither was the path our fathers would have chosen! Each generation has its select group of people in their various professions that others will say someone like them only comes along once in a lifetime. I am so grateful that in my lifetime I was allowed to get to know one of those people.
When I met him I did not want to live. I had no reason or purpose to live, and I had no clue how to live. Thank you, Dr. T., for providing me with the road map that has changed all of that for me and the countless others worldwide to whom you have made a difference in their lives. issue no. 105 Cheshvan – Shevat 5778 | November 2017–January 2018 haK esher the connection 15 sustainability Rodef Shalom Legacy Society Mayda Roth, Director of Development [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x140
tories are one of the first ways that we engage young children. Most of us can recall stories that our parents told us. For my family, the Tommy and Jimmy series was our go-to set. You haven’t heard of them because they were bed Stime stories made up by my father-in-law for my husband, who carried on that tradition for our children. Stories are important. Support for our Rodef Shalom Congregation has thousands of them. One can imagine the stories that our members have told their children and grandchildren through the decades about why they support our congregation. Perhaps the stories were about going to Sunday school or building a sukkah or lighting candles for Shabbat or Hanukkah. Maybe the stories include remembering a Bar Mitzvah or confirmation…all of those celebrations or events that revolve around synagogue life.
The Rodef Shalom Legacy Society is all about stories, too. Why else would anyone leave a gift in their will to the congregation unless they had a story? There is the gift we received because the donor was a fifth-generation member. There is the gift that was in honor of a dear uncle. There is the gift in tribute to the memory of parents. Every gift to the Rodef Shalom Legacy Society is an important one. It’s a payment, down the road, to sustain the future of our congregation.
Consider writing your story by including the congregation in your estate plans. And more importantly... thank you. brotherhood Music With A Mission Stephen Fisher, Brotherhood President [email protected]
he Brotherhood had a great success with the Norman Kanel “Music with a Mission” Concert featuring the East Winds TSymphonic Band on Sunday, October 15. (Pictured right.)
We also provide ushering for services, a monthly discussion group (Brothers All) on the first Sunday Morning of each month at 9:30 a.m., and a monthly get-together at a local restaurant for drinks and snacks (fellowship, food, and fun). Our board meeting is the 1st Tuesday evening of each month at 6 p.m. Dinner is provided and ALL are welcome to attend and partake.
We will be sponsoring periodic speaker breakfasts, father and child suppers, discussion, get-togethers on topics related to reform Jewish values, and cooking and serving for congregational picnics and parties.
We have a great time together and would really welcome any and all male members of the Temple Rodef Shalom community to participate.
16 rodefshalom.org sustainability contributions URJ Biennial donations & endowments Rabbi Sharyn H. Henry [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x126 thanks to the donors who support our congregation
BUILDING & TEMPLE FUNDS BUILDING FUND Dr. Richard and Jane Meltzer
ver twenty Rodef Shalom members of all ages, SOLOMON B. FREEHOF FUND including two teens, and staff will be joining Dr. and Mrs. Sidney N. Busis by Oren Speigler hundreds of others from across North America O RODEF SHALOM CONGREGATION FUND at the URJ Biennial 2017, December 6–10, in Boston, Mass. Designed to energize and inspire, the Biennial Mary Coleman doesn’t disappoint. We will hear great music, sing, pray with thousands of other Reform Jews on Shabbat Donations by Gwen Miller Speedy recovery to (and in smaller groups throughout the week), listening, Rita Wenkert, Lila Hirsch Brody, discussing, and debating. Mary Marks In memory of This year we are pairing staff members with lay leaders William Katz in each of four main areas—Music Lab, Audacious In honor of Hospitality, Strengthening Congregations, and Youth— Violet Marcus, Barbara Rogal learning from and with our peers from all over the URJ. Here are a couple of highlights from each track: Donations by Teri and Bart Cowan In honor of • In the Music Lab, we will learn how to use music Violet Marcus, Barbara Rogal as a tool for inclusive worship and to reflect a social justice message, and attend services of all kinds Donations by Ileanne and Manny Smith (God-Optional Tefilah and Healing, for example, as In honor of well as those led by our Rodef Shalom friends Alden Bob Brand’s grandchild Solovy and Nava Tehila). Teri Cowan, Marla Perlman • The Audacious Hospitality programs include Donations by Violet Marcus sessions on how to support people with mental In honor of illness in our communities and how to create more Teri Cowan, Marla Perlman, Bob and Nancy Rosenthal, meaningful B’nai Mitzvah experiences. We will also Sally Seed hear from congregations who have won URJ awards in hospitality. In honor of • The Strengthening Congregations track includes Carolyn Frischer and Alex Sciuto by Peter and everything from “Collaboration Techniques to Sabina Rosenfeld, Lori and Richard Guttman Improve Your Congregation” (timely, given the Rebecca Lesser and Sam Allen by Andrea and demographics and trends in Jewish Pittsburgh) to Michael Lowenstein “Engaging Baby Boomers” (also appropriate for us) Hope Leyton’s great granddaughter, Sophia Eve by and a program on preserving, protecting and using Amy Lowenstein a congregational archive (interesting!). Chuck May by Ellen and Frank Toker • Our teens and staff will be exploring the Youth Bob and Nancy Rosenthal by Deeni and Harold Linton, Programming, and all of us will hit the exhibition Marjorie Goldfarb, Ruth Rubenstein Sydney Stark, Jr. by Joe and Toby Wolfe hall for great shopping, music and running into Jackie Wechsler by Carol and Irving Halpern, Audrey Lazar people we know. William Weisberger by Lee Weisberger, Seymour and Ruth Drescher I am truly grateful that so many of us are attending the Biennial—not only will we have a great time, but we In memory of expect to return refreshed and ready to implement some Bernice Alpern by Stephanie Finder of the great ideas we learned in Boston into what we do Bruce Americus and Myrna Kobre by Mayda and Barry Roth at Rodef Shalom. issue no. 105 Cheshvan – Shevat 5778 | November 2017–January 2018 haK esher the connection 17 contributions
Ira Askin by Ellen Stein, Mark B. Karyn and Steven Wagman Jackie Wechsler by Mayda and Aronson and Karen K. Shapiro Maddie Watton and Max Reisman Barry Roth Lawrence Berlin and Bernard Mars by Jacob Weinstein Carolyn Frischer and Alex Sciuto by Joanne Bloom and Thomas Tanzer Sheila Werner Sally and Lanny Seed Lauri Weisberg Goldberg by Jonathan Women of Reform Judaism Finkel, Paul Silverman and Family, Robert Whitehill In memory of Susan and Bruce Weiner June Whitehill-Dukehart by Barbara Jerome Hahn by Audrey Lazar In memory of: and Alan Ackerman Joan Kaplan by Barbara and Marshall Katz by Marcia Rosenthal Aaron Loether by Barbara and Alan Gary Bloom Ackerman, Miles Barel, Timothy and Marshall Katz by Mark B. Aronson, In honor of Linda Burke, Mitchell and Jennifer Marolee and Dr. Burton Pollock Julie Klein and Evan Macmillar by Creinin, Sandra and Daniel Golding, William Katz by Gwen Miller Kathryn and Cary Klein Joshua, Jennifer, Chloe, Lylie, Lilly Aaron Loether by Ruth Rubenstein, Carolyn Frischer and Alex Scuito by and Joshua Fox, Kenneth Krupa, John Spear, Roelie and Debbie and Harry Frischer Frances Levin, Marcia Levaur, Lane Robert Whitehill In memory of and Caroline Liston, Anne Molloy and Doris Robinson by Violet Marcus, Rosalyn A. Serrins, Isaac Serrins, Henry Posner, III, Carol, Michael and Ruth Rubenstein Dorothy Weiss, Sherman Weiss Matthew McPherson, Lisa and Barak Leonard Stept by David Burstin Naveh, Roberta and Dr. Herbert* Marvin Tanzer by Audrey Lazar, RABBI WALTER JACOB Needleman, Helen Orringer, Nancy Joni Ostrow and Leonard Stern EDUCATIONAL FUND and William Rackoff, Sabina and June Whitehill-Dukehart by Betty Jo and In memory of Peter Rosenfeld, Laura and Richard Howard Louik, Frederick and Marian Dr. Herbert Needlman by Shur, Leah M. Student Orringer, Marolee and Dr. Burton Rabbi Burt E. Schuman Lazarus Pettko by Susan Rosen Pollock, John Spear, Toby Wolfe Beverly Weinstein by Oren Spiegler LEARNING ALAN AND MARSHA BRAMOWITZ FUND ROBERT H. AND SUSAN L. BERKMAN FAMILY CENTER In honor of WOLF FUND In honor of Rabbi Aaron Bisno by Alexander Casillo Donations by Susie Wolf Jackie Wechsler by Barbara and Alan In honor of Ackerman VIGDOR W. KAVALER Nancy and Bob Rosenthal SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory of In memory of Donations by Mina Kavaler Natalie Berez, Jerome Hahn, Anne Meritzer and Dr. Leonard Stept by In honor of Aaron Loether, Barbara and Alan Ackerman Teri Cowan, Ada Davis, Symoine Laufe, Doris Robinson, Elinore Sherwood, Violet Marcus, Marla Perlman, Nancy June Whitehill-Dukehart RICHARD A FINEGOLD FAMILY and Bob Rosenthal, Susie Silversmith, PRESCHOOL FUND Roberta Schwartz, Sondra and Donations by Marian Finegold Dr. Marvin Weiner WORSHIP In memory of In memory of Ira Askin, Jean Chosky, Aaron Loether, Bruce Americus, Robert Frankel, THE PRAYERBOOK FUND Dr. Herbert Needleman, Arthur Aaron Loether, Marshall Katz, Dr. In memory of Spiegel, Bernard Werner, Herbert Needleman, Doris Robinson, Marshall Katz by Racelle and Beverly Weinstein Sol Ruben, Arthur Spiegel, Marvin Dr. Morton Goldstein Tanzer, Beverly Weinstein, June PLAYGROUND FUND Whitehill-Dukehart RABBINIC DISCRETIONARY FUND Elizabeth and Jesse Coslov, Georgia In appreciation Davidson, Mollie and Thomas Lang, LIBRARY FUND Nicki Abravanel Baker and Lynn Rosenfeld Family, In memory of Abravanel, Marc Bilder, Frederick Mayda and Barry Roth, Esther and Lois Jackson by Helen Orringer Frank, Goldblum Family, Dr. Charles Stephen Winikoff Gratz and Friendship Village, Janet COMMUNITY Hahn, Fred and Victoria Kaplan, Elliot In honor of BIBLICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN Kramer, Susan and Richard Loether, Great-grandson Reid Harrison Silver’s Donations by Bernard Mars Family, Dr. Richard and first birthday by Marjorie Greenberger Kathy Arnheim, Gene Dickman, Jane Meltzer, Beth Paransky, Bob and Sophia Eva Sampson by Heidi, Dan, Patricia Lowry, Osher Lifelong Nancy Rosenthal, Sol Ruben*, Logan, Parker and Oliver Magrish, Learning Institute at Carnegie Mellon St. Edmund’s Academy, Sally and Lanny Seed University, Temple David Michael Starke and Carolyn Gerecht,
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In honor of COMMUNITY October 2 – Sylvia Schutzman by Violet Marcus by Barbara and Alan Herbert Schutzman Ackerman, Louise Friedman, BIBLICAL GARDEN 30th October 6 – Benjamin Frank by Susie Wolf ANNIVERSARY Frederick Frank, Esquire Lois Michaels by Joan Friedberg Michael and Carol Bleier October 12 – Irving (Buddy) A. Mimsie Leyton, Barbara Rogal and Joan and Bernard Bloch Wechsler by Jacquelin G. Wechsler Nancy and Bob Rosenthal by Scott Wirtzman and Family Hanna Gruen October 15 – Leonard Singer by his Bilder children by Sally Herrup RUTH AND BERNARD LEVAUR family; Olga B. Stark by William Rose Blodgett, Chase Deaktor and CONTEMPORARY Stark* and family Barbara Rogal by Dr. Walter Jacob LECTURE SERIES October 16 – Dora Stiglitz Wechsler and Kaddie Goldberg by Amy Lowenstein In memory of Abraham Wechsler by Jacquelin and Nancy and Bob Rosenthal by Barbi and Jerome Hahn by Marcia Levaur Irving (Buddy)* Wechsler Hal Mendlowitz October 19 – Rebecca Weisberg Siegel Carolyn Frischer and Alex Scuito by ROGAL GENETIC TESTING FUND by Naomi Weisberg Siegel Dr. Milton and Lois Michaels In honor of October 23 – Julian Ruslander by Sharon Weisberg by Carol and Barbara Rogal by Leonard and Marilyn Lee Ann Freeman Richard Nathenson Asimow, Eve and Bernard Bauer, October 28 – Alex Edward Seed by Jackie Wechsler by the Joanie and Buzzy Bloch, Mimsie Sally and Lanny Seed Weizenbaum family Leyton, Helen Orringer, Hava and November 6 – Karen Lynne Kotovsky Irving Rothman, Sabina and Peter by Dorothy, Irwin and Cher Kotovsky In memory of Rosenfeld, John Spear November 8 – Robert Wolf by Ira Askin by Barbara and Susie Wolf Alan Ackerman SISTERHOOD FLORAL November 9 – David Alan Binakonsky Joan Kaplan by Barbara and Howard ENDOWMENT FUND by Dr. Harry Binakonsky, Mr. and Bernstein, Wendy and Peter Mars, Listings are in loving memory of Mrs. Leonard Weitzman Barbi Mendlowitz and Millie Rogow, unless otherwise noted November 11 – In honor of Olivia Susie Wolf Kaufman by Tina and Paul Jaufman; Aaron Loether and Doris Robinson by September 1 – Loved ones by Helen Gloria Spiegler by Oren Spiegler Hanna Gruen E. Blumberger and family; Charles November 17 – Dr. Falk and Marian Shirley and Milton Bilder by Martha Deaktor by Marcia Deaktor and Lambie Arnheim by Louise Arnheim; Hunter and Michael Elmer family; Helen and Bruno Doher by Phillip I. Lynch by Beatrice L. Conn Shirley Bilder by Maria I. Kitay and Edward Doher; Samuel J. Golden by November 19 – Rhea Fischer Ryan by Anita Iurlano Audrey N. Golden; Eva Levenson Thomas C. Ryan, William H. Ryan, Barbara Markel, Lesa Morrison and by Edgar Levenson*; Cecil and Maizie Louise Ruben Arthur Spiegel by Annette and Norman Rom by Trudy and Larry November 24 – Richard Hohenstein by Joel Kranich Hamburg and children; Harriet Little Marian Hohenstein Cheryle Hall by Margaret Matejevich Sherman by Marilyn and Norman November 26 – Oscar Balter by Ira Askin and Marshall Katz by Barbi Weizenbaum and family Marjorie Balter and Hal Mendlowitz September 8 – Abraham Wedner by November 30 – Edward J. Kelsky by Rosalyn Gaines, Aaron Loether, Frank Lucille Wedner and family Judith K. Lebovitz and Family Lowenstein, Lesa Morrison, Dr. September 10 – Harry M. Perrin by December 2 – Sara J. Singer by Janie, Herbert Needleman, Dr. David Segel, Beatrice L. Conn Dr. Barry, and Lauren Kart Janet Spear and June Whitehill- September 14 – Warren J. Shapera by December 5 – Lillyann G. Parker and Dukehart by Dr. Milton and Sue Shapera, Hal Shapera and Anne Hyman Parker by their children, Lois Michaels Clair Goodman grandchildren and Bernard Mars and June Whitehill- September 20 – In appreciation by great grandchildren Dukehart by Helen Orringer Harriet Cooper December 6 – Irene Jacob by Rodef Sol Ruben by Nancy and September 21 – Sadye and Samuel Shalom Sisterhood Bob Rosenthal Adler by Dr. Lawrence Adler, Natalie December 7 – Joey Apter by Marcella Edith Bernstein and Lauri Weisberg and Judge Lawrence Kaplan Apter; Mrs. David J. Levenson Goldberg by Rose and Robert C. Westerman by Ruth by Edgar L. Levenson*; Jerry T. Chuck Schwartz Westerman, Jeff and Mark Silverman by Marjorie, Stephen and David Herrup, Gerri Schreckengost, Westerman and Diane Reichblum Jane Silverman Beverly Weinstein by Janet Slifkin September 21 – William V. Conn by December 11 – Sam B. Morris by Claire Bernard Werner by the Staff of Beatrice L. Conn Morris, children and grandchildren; Dr. Robert Werner September 23 – Dr. Virginia L. Oliver by Norman H. Schlesinger by Beatrice Margot, Todd and Jane Cavalier Schlesinger and family September 24 – William M. Horne by December 12 – Ginny Shenkan by Edwin and Martha Horne* Paula Ohringer issue no. 105 Cheshvan – Shevat 5778 | November 2017–January 2018 haK esher the connection 19 contributions
December 14 – Stanley W. Rosenbaum September 16 – Lillian Adlow HISTORY and Robert Alan Rosenbaum by Friedberg by Joan B. Friedberg and Lois A. Rosenbaum family; In honor of Allison Schwartz BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE December 17 – Dr. Joseph R. Sugerman by Beth and Darrin Schwartz Apologies to the Berlin family for the by Jean P. Sugerman Septmber 22 – Betty and Robert error in the Book of Remembrance. December 20 – Esther Wool Greenberg Bobrow by Ellen and Ron Nestico; Their tribute should have read and Samuel Greenberg by Lawrence Strong and Louis Skeegan David Berlin and Emilie Schwab Anna R. Greenberg by Mardi and Sam Skeegan; Berlin in memory of Larry Berlin, December 21 – Florence M. Rosenberg Jacquelin O. Terner and Marcelle L. Berlin, Gloria S. Berlin, by Shirley Katz and Irwin S. Terner by Carolyn Terner Ruth Berlin, Rebecca Berlin, Nathan Marjorie Silverman September 27 – In appreciation by Berlin, Sydney Berlin, James Schwab December 28 – Anna R. Lynch by Sidney Somers Beatrice L. Conn September 29 – Myrna Kobre, December 30 – Lillian Feinert Golden Mel Kobre and Nathan Bacharach by BROTHERHOOD YAHRZEIT by Audrey N. Golden Valerie and Paul Bacharach; FUND December 31 – Clara Jeanne Cooper Jerome J. Wolken by Toby Wolken Emanuel Ackerman by Alan Ackerman Kline by The Kline Family October 6 – In appreciation by Joanie Dr. Mayer A. Green by Patti and Sandy January 1 – In honor of Margie Ungar and Sam Kamin Berman and family by Paula Ohringer October 20 – Irving (Buddy) A. Henry C. Berns by Barbara Berns January 5 – Bernice and Marvin Herzog Wechsler by Jacquelin Wechsler Leah Hirsch Lauter by by Jeff Herzog and Lynn Gorman October 27 – Gail Perlut Ryave by Harry Binakonsky January 13 – Dr. Raymond Stept by his Sharon Ryave Brody and Jack Wolf by Barbara Braunstein wife and children Zola Pober Munter Sidney Brody by Felice Brody January 16 – Alex Edward Seed by October 28 – In honor of Stephanie Brooks by Marion Brooks Amy Schlesinger Julian Alexander Gass by Gerald Brostoff by Pearl Brostoff January 17 – Vigdor W. Kavaler by Jordan Harper Gass Norwin Brovitz by Stacy Brovitz Mina, Kelly and John David Kavaler December 15 – Belle and Gilbert Krause James Balter by Bernita Buncher and Marti and Barry Fischer by Judy and Ed Spahr Richard S. Crone by Lois S. Crone January 17 – Maurice and Irma January 17 – Sylvia Ziff Landay by Eva Freedel by Susan Farrell Schoenberger by Michael and Melanie Landay and Elliot Finkel by Lois Finkel Eleanor L. Schoenberger Steve and Barb Landay Zola Gold by Steffi Gold and family January 25 – Bertha Louik by Myron Broff by Barbara Broff Goldman Anna R. Greenberg Harold Gondelman by January 27 – Murray C. Thaw by Gerry Gondelman Cecyl M. Thaw ARTS AND CULTURE Howard Harris by Malcolm Harris Allen Goodman by Barbara Horowitz SISTERHOOD PULPIT SOL RUBEN FUND Ann Berman, Hyman Berman, Eugene DECORATIONS In memory of Crawford and Herman Jonas by Listings are in loving memory of Sol Ruben by Nancy and Lester Hans Jonas unless otherwise noted Berkowitz, Fran and Dr. Harvey Nathan H. Kart and Sara J. Singer by Borovetz, Honey and Harold Forman, Janie, Dr. Barry H. and Lauren Kart July 28 – Albie Marcus by Gerry Gondelman, Lucille Gordon, Elinor Cooperman Katz by Violet Marcus Mr. and Mrs. Myles Haffer, Michelle Diane C. Katz August 10 – Sophie Half Newman and Herwald, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Helen Marcosky and Ann “Angee” Mayor Sophie Masloff by Heyman, Ellen and Richard Kitay, Marcosky Pumpian by Phyllis Klein Frederick Frank Catherine and Mark Loevner, Violet Chaim Korman by David Korman September 1 – Vigdor Kavaler by Marcus, Sabina and Peter Rosenfeld, Sylvia Rosenzweig by Marjorie Landay Mina Kavaler; Darrell H. Lazarus Karen K. Shapiro and Mark B. Goldie Recht by Audrey Lazar by Cathy and Tom Tyma; Frania Aronson, John Spear, Michael and Lily and Curtis Lefkowitz by Dodors Letichevsky and Adolpho Carol Rubenstein Yahr Alan Z. Lefkowitz Letichevsky by Selena and Arnold David R. Levin by Frances F. Levin Davis; Marshall S. Levy, M.D. by Lois MUSIC FUND Bernard Levin by Zita O. Levin, G. Levy and family; Stephanie F. In honor of William Levin Mallinger by Bernard Mallinger; Dale Chuck May by Nancy and Gary Tuckfelt Gretchen Levine and Ronella Levine by Silverman by the family of Sam Levine Paul Silverman IRVING AND JACQUELIN J. Leonard Linton by Robert M. Linton September 13 –Marlene Brand by WECHSLER GALLERY Ruth Green Lippard by Kenneth S. Brand In honor of Thomas E. Lippard Jackie Wechsler by Marjorie Landay Belle G. Comins by Amy Lowenstein
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Joyce G. Harris and Celia Mallet by In honor of Adrienne and Herbert Mallet Hope Leyton by Bibe Schlesinger How To Donate Stephanie Mallinger by Sally and Lanny Seed by Lillian Wolff Dr. Bernard Mallinger Donations & Endowment Contributions Ethel Sachnoff by In memory of To:______Barbara Sachnoff Mendlowitz Beverly Weinstein by Amy Schlesinger, Address:______Harry Meth by Jeanne Meth Beatrice Schlesinger, Carol Gluck and Fund Name:______Dr. Bernard Michaels by Albert Weiner, Pearl Brostoff In Memory of:______In Honor of:______Pauline Michaels Sol Ruben by Bibe Schlesinger Donor:______Lena Mitchell by Leslie and Address:______Robert Mitchell SISTERHOOD REMEMBRANCE Minimum contribution–$10 Ethel Friedman by Pearl Moore FUND Prayerbook with bookplate–$36 Leo Stern by Judith Nesvisky In honor of Mail with check, payable to Rodef Shalom Ruth Obernauer by Somer Obernauer Barbara Rogal by Marcia Levaur Congregation, to the Temple. Rose Yamron by Charlotte Pasekoff Gladys Maharam by Marcia Levaur and Morris Morrison by Marolee and Linda Buchaman, Frances Levin, Sisterhood Remembrance Fund To:______Dr. Burton Pollock Nancy and Bob Rosenthal, Address:______Melvin Levine by Betty Reilly In Memory of:______Stanley Arnheim and Ann Rosenthal by In memory of In Honor of:______Nancy and Bob Rosenthal Dr. Herbert Needleman by Maxine and Donor:______Dorothy Schuman and William Dr. Stephen Fisher Address:______Schuman by Rabbi Burt Schuman Jerome Hahn by Marcia Levaur Library Fund–$5* Fanny R. Schwartz and Florence Beverly Weinstein by Catherine and Glick Children’s Library–$15** Comensky Schwartz by Mark Loevner Lippman Library–$25** Restoration Fund–$10* Linda Schwartz Doris Robinson by Carolin Mauer, Sandy *minimum Pauline Silk by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Silk and Larry Rosen **single volume with bookplate Lillian Silverman and Rae Labovitz by Lois Jackson by Anne Molloy Mail with check, payable to Rodef Shalom Arnold Silverman Sisterhood, to the Temple. Gilbert M. Gerber and Martin B. Smith by Dahlia Gerber Smith Sisterhood Pulpit Decorations Leonard Barmark by Janet Snyder It is a custom for individuals and families to Mervin Stewart by Marcia Stewart *Z’L~ of blessed memory sponsor Shabbat pulpit flowers to celebrate a simcha or remember a loved one. For questions, Samuel Gruber by Adeline Tabor call Chana Brody at (412) 782–5806. Morris Waldman by Dr. John Waldman Date:______In Memory of:______BRICK FUND In Honor of:______In honor of Donor:______Barbara Rogal by Janet Hirshberg and Address:______Robert Gaines Minimum contribution–$40 Mail with check, payable to Rodef Shalom In memory of Sisterhood, to the Temple office. Joan Kaplan, past sisterhood president Brotherhood Yahrzeit Reminders by Rodef Shalom Sisterhood Name of Deceased:______Relationship:______ALEX SEED MEMORIAL MENTAL Every effort is made to accurately Date of death (M/D/Y):______HEALTH FUND recognize the generosity of our donors. Name:______Donations by Sally and Lanny Seed: Address:______In honor of Please contact Christine Ranasinghe at To receive annual yahrzeit reminders, mail 412-621-6566 x182 should you have any this form to the Temple, Attn: Brotherhood Rosie Finegold, Hope Leyton, Violet Yahrzeit Committee. Marcus, Eitan Zev, Marriage of Molly changes. and Nate, Awards to Dede Fink, Jeff Herzog, Barry Roth, Janet Spear*, John Spear Don’t forget you can make your own donation In memory of online at www.RodefShalom.org/donate Bruce Americus, Ira Askin, Natalie Berez, Maria Borrero, Aaron Loether, Beverly Weinstein, Lauri Weisberg, Sol Ruben issue no. 105 Cheshvan – Shevat 5778 | November 2017–January 2018 haK esher the connection 21 4905 Fifth Avenue Periodical Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213–2953 Postage rodefshalom.org PAID Pittsburgh,PA
The Quarterly Bulletin of Rodef Shalom Congregation, Pittsburgh, Pa
December 6 ∙ 7p.m. Jeremy Dauber Jewish Comedy: A Serious History A rich account of Jewish humor: its nature, its development, and its vital role throughout Jewish history. Columbia professor Jeremy Dauber traces the origins of Jewish comedy and its development from biblical times to the age of Twitter.
Free Admission ∙ Free Parking Book Available for Purchase RSVP: rodefshalom.org/authors
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