Av 5778– Cheshvan 5779 | August–October 2018 Issue No. 108

the connection

Taking One Step Toward Adulthood p. 7

also in this issue One Step Led To... president’s message, p.3 A Look at Liturgy: Teshuvah, Avinu Malkeinu learning & practice, p. 5 Tefillah, Believe in Each Other’s Promise bisno’s message, p. 11 p. 4

Check out our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/RodefShalomPgh Av 5778– Cheshvan 5779 | August–October 2018 Contents Issue No. 108 learning & practice 3 One Step Led To... president’s message caring We are a Reform Jewish congregation dedicated to melding the traditions of 4 Teshuvah, Tefillah, 11 Believe in Each our faith with contemporary life. Our Tzedakah congregation was chartered in 1856 and Other’s Promise rabbi henry is one of five synagogues on the National rabbi bisno Register of Historic Landmarks. We are a diverse congregation engaged in social 5 A Look at Liturgy: 12 Simchas & News issues, culture, and learning—made up Avinu Malkeinu member engagement of multigenerational, multicultural, and learning & practice interfaith families and individuals; our 13 Let’s All Join In doors are open to everyone. 6 Teshuvah Story for executive director Family Discussions j-jep Staff Phone Extensions 14 Welcome Baby! 412.621.6566 7 Taking One Step family center Sherry Bell x137 Toward Adulthood sustainability Martha Berg x131 touth group Rabbi Bisno x123 15 New Brotherhood President Rachel Cohen x183 8 Start a New Tradition brotherhoof Yael Eads x130 learning & practice 25 Years of Rosh Chodesh Kate Kim x111 Rabbi Henry x126 women of rodef shalom Dr. Jacob x125 9 Resources to Grow Your Kristin Karsh x120 Jewish Journey 16 Pursuer of Peace Marlena Keffer x112 lippman library development Amy Langham x117 Mimsie Leyton x127 10 Each Generation and 18 Contributions Liron Lipinsky x116 Michael McHugh x144 Its Truth Don Megahan x190 archives Hope Nearhood x122 Helena Nichols x132 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 . Christine Ranasinghe x182 Senior Rabbinic Pulpit Executive Director Mayda Roth x140 Rabbi Sharyn H. Henry Miriam Leyton JoAnn Ruffing x110 Sidney & Shirley C. Rapport Dave Seskey x128 Walter Jacob, DHL Family Center Director Rabbi Emeritus/Senior Sam Siskind x179 Scholar Liron Lipinsky Barry Weisband x119 J-JEP Religious School Director Lauren Wolcott x124 Don Megahan Music Director & Organist The Gift Corner x115 The bulletin of Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, is published bimonthly, six times Lippman Library x180 annually. Periodical postage paid at Pittsburgh, Pa.

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. learning & practice One Step Led To... Karen Brean, President [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566

n the days leading up to the Rodef Shalom Annual Meeting and my installation as President of the Board, I found myself wondering, “How did I get here?” I think the route to leadership for me started almost 20 years Iago, when our daughter, Molly, started religious school. Up until that time, my husband, Rich, and I had nomination to become a board member. I felt that it been members but not extremely engaged. As Molly was time to step up and help, so I agreed. was preparing to attend Religious School, she was hesitant. I happened to read in the bulletin that When I walked into that first meeting, I knew very few the Religious School needed substitute teachers. I of the women around the table. Within a few short suggested going on Sunday mornings with Molly and, months, I was taken under their wing. I found them while she went to her class, I’d go to whatever class smart, involved, accomplished, and warmer and more needed a substitute. I was curious about what the welcoming than I ever expected. Again, my circle got students were learning on Sundays and how they were bigger and the connections grew deeper. progressing with Hebrew studies during the week. Finally, a few years ago, I was approached by the One of the themes that emerged was that, in many Temple Board’s Nominating Committee to consider cases, their parents had never learned Hebrew and being nominated for the position of Executive Vice were eager to learn as well. I proposed a pilot program President. Again, I thought, “Time to step up.” But I to the Religious School Director—to try teaching also thought, “Wait a minute; I’m not a leader!” And parents and children together. then I started hearing from the Temple community —board members, our , congregants, staff Each year, as the families coalesced, I found myself members—who had become part of my growing circle becoming part of that extended family. Each year, my at Rodef and who told me they stood ready to help circle at Temple got bigger and my connections grew in any way they could. Suddenly those connections, deeper. I started to carve out my place in the Rodef made one at a time, created the support structure I community. needed to step into this leadership position.

I was comfortable in that place when I received a call Gratefully, from a Sisterhood (now Women of Rodef Shalom) board member who asked me to consider accepting a

Issue No. 108 Av 5778– Cheshvan 5779 | August–October 2018 haK esher the connection 3 Teshuvah, Tefillah, Tzedakah Rabbi Sharyn H. Henry [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x126

or many of us, the purpose of the High Holy Days is to examine the ways in which we are living our lives. That we pray for another year requires, I would suggest, a notion of how we will spend the year. We remind Fourselves that teshuvah (repentance), tefillah (prayer), and tzedakah (giving) are at the heart of our Jewish practice because each of these components can help us live with more purpose, more intention, more gratitude, and ultimately…more joy.

In the spirit of “taking one step” toward incorporating these three practices into our daily lives, I offer these thoughts:

Teshuvah can be understood as an essential Tefillahis about our relationship with God. It is element in our relationships with ourselves. Teshuvah easy to understand that we “talk” to God during prayer, means not only “repentance” but also “returning.” For but it is just as important to consider that listening some, this means a return to our Jewish roots—our can also be prayer. When we are quiet we just might faith, history, traditions, and values—establishing hear what’s in our hearts—what do we really want to a closer link to those who stood at Sinai so many do and be? Who needs to be forgiven? Where would generations ago. Teshuvah asks us: did we grow in the more compassion be most helpful? past year or did we stand still?

Take one step: Make a list of ways to connect Take one step: Set aside 5 minutes a day for “prayer,” more deeply with Judaism and then choose ONE to with or without a prayer book. What arises for you? If explore this year. Hebrew? Text study? Jewish arts? you are more inclined toward the intellectual, what can A good history of the Jewish people? Shabbat candle you learn about the history of prayer? Or, challenge lighting? Shabbat morning services? Shabbat morning your usual approach and try the 5–minute idea! meditation? Havdalah?

Throughout the year we will be looking for ways to share our steps with one another. It’s exciting to imagine just how much we can learn, just how much we can grow, and just how much we can explore—one step at a time.

4 rodefshalom.org A Look at Liturgy: Avinu Malkeinu

Molly May Cantorial Soloist [email protected] (412) 621–6566

This petition prayer’s origin story is that Rabbi Eliezer, known for his party tricks such as moving a planted carob tree yards away, or making a river flow upstream, was praying for rain during a drought. He was unsuccessful. Suddenly Rabbi Akiva jumped up and started to pray: “Avinu Malkeinu, there is no other sovereign but you; Avinu Malkeinu, do with us for your name’s sake,” and the rain fell.

The last line of the prayer, which we sing in lovely unison each year on the High Holy Days, states: “Our Father, Our King—pardon us, answer us, though we have no worthy deeds within us. Grant us justice and kindness, Tzedakah is about our relationship with and save us.” Are we saying that nothing is other people, the good we do for others. Rabbi Lord ever good enough, so we should wallow in Jonathan Sacks teaches a lesson about tzedakah imperfection? Or are we saying, we may be from the life of Sir Moses Montefiore, one of the great imperfect, but God is perfect, so God will be figures of Victorian Jewry. Montefiore was a wealthy compassionate for God’s sake, if not for ours? man who devoted much of his long life to serving the Jewish people in Britain and worldwide (he built the The dichotomy of this prayer is evident windmill in Jerusalem, and the area of which it is a throughout—God is a parent who will keep part—Yemin Moshe—is named after him). Someone us close and bail us out, but God is a strict once asked him how much he was worth, and he ruler who dispenses justice. In this text, gave him a figure. “But,” said the questioner, “I know we petition God to “halt the onslaught of you own more than that.” “You didn’t ask me what I sickness, violence, and hunger” and to “fill own but what I am worth. The figure I gave you was our hands with blessings” even though “we how much money I have given this year to charity, have sinned before [God].” We are imperfect because we are worth what we are willing to share and fall short frequently, yet we are also with others.” That is tzedakah. created in the image of God. Whether we are appealing to our “parent” or our “sovereign,” Take one step: Make a list of causes you care about. we ask for God’s blessings. Write a check to one, and volunteer once a month at another.

Issue No. 108 Av 5778– Cheshvan 5779 | August–October 2018 haK esher the connection 5 learning & practice Teshuvah Story for Family Discussions Liron Lipinsky, J-JEP (Joint Jewish Education Program) Director [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x111

any agree that Yom Kippur is the most important and holiest day of the year. As adults we certainly feel the heaviness that comes with reflection and owning our transgressions of the past year. Speaking to Mchildren about such a subject is intimidating. I offer you the following story to aid with discussion: Fire Fire! Adapted from a story of the Dubno Maggid

Long, long ago, long before fire engines had been invented, when there was a fire in a town someone would raise the alarm by blowing loudly on a trumpet. All the people from the town would come rushing from their homes and form a human chain from the nearest well to the scene of the fire. They would pass buckets of water to each other and together they would try to put out the fire. One day a young boy from a tiny village came to visit some relations in the town. All of a sudden he heard the sound of a trumpet blaring through the village. “Why is someone blowing so loudly on a trumpet?” he asked a passer- by. “It’s to tell everyone that there is a fire in the town so that it can quickly be put out,” was the reply. The boy thought that was an amazing idea and he went and bought a new trumpet to take back to his village. Not long after his return a fire broke out in his village. The young boy picked up his shiny new trumpet and ran to the scene of the fire. He called out, “Don’t panic! I will put the fire out. Listen!” he put the trumpet to his lips and blew it with all his might. The flames continued to leap wildly from one roof to another and soon half of the village was burnt to the ground. “What a silly thing to do,” yelled the villagers. “Do you think that by blowing your trumpet the fire will be put out?” “The trumpet is just an alarm to warn everyone that there is a fire in the village. Then they can all run to the well and help carry the water to put out the fire.”

Leading up to Yom Kippur we ask God, our family and friends to forgive us for the wrong that we may have done. The trumpet in the story is like the shofar. The shofar is an alarm signal for us to wake up and remind us to do teshuva and ask for forgiveness.

6 rodefshalom.org learning & practice Taking One Step Toward Adulthood Yael Eads, Director of Informal Jewish Life [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x130

dulthood—that time of life that kids can’t wait to reach and that grown-ups start wishing they were kids again. How you define the start of adulthood can vary from person to person; is it turning 18, graduating Afrom college, getting married, buying a house? In Judaism, we have always equated adulthood with becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, but what does that really mean? Does it mean we are sending our 13 year old children out there on their own to face what the world has to offer? Of course not. Instead we are asking them to take a more active, adult role in their Jewish lives as well as begin to learn to hold themselves more accountable for their actions.

Being an adult within the Jewish community can look a This year, I encourage you, those who have recently bit different to everyone. Some choose to use this time become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, to take one step forward to learn something new, others use it as a time to try in your Jewish adulthood. Carry a Torah one time for something new, and some use it as a time to become Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur, take one aliyah, or do more involved. Each of these on its own can seem like one reading from the bimah. (Contact me to volunteer.) a big commitment and a lot for any one individual to Take your first step at the beginning of this New Year take on. Denying yourself the opportunity to grow and watch throughout 5779 how taking one step can because of the fear of failing will surely take its toll on lead to the next, and how slowly putting one foot in you as well. So what can you do? front of the other takes away the stress and fear and brings forward the happiness and pride.

Issue No. 108 Av 5778– Cheshvan 5779 | August–October 2018 haK esher the connection 7 learning & practice

Writer—Gratitude Journal. Whether it’s Shabbat Rituals and or a Wednesday, get yourself a beautiful journal traditions all got and write down what you are grateful for each their start by week. someone making a decision to do Feeling Artist—It’s a Snap! Whether it’s every day or something, and creative? once a week, get in the habit of taking a picture then doing it of something new, perhaps of something that gives you a smile, or a different friend each again (and again photo, snap away. When you have plenty of and again). photos, consider making an album to cherish and share your experience. Take the step to making your own tradition. Deepen your Jewish Mind—Read a bit of Torah. Sign up for Ten minutes of Torah from the URJ to read a bit of Torah each week. Or pick up a graphic novel version of Genesis or Pirke Avot to do on my own own on do my to and start each week with a page or two. Feeling introspective? Looking for something do do something for Looking Deepen Your Self-care—Unplug! Whether for an hour or a day, take a break from social media (resist the urge to go on Facebook). Spend your time reading the paper or a book, or go outside Start a for a mindful walk. New Tradition Food—Shabbat morning pancakes! Whether it’s going to a diner or making a mess in your kitchen, get together with family and loved ones for breakfast and bonding. Early Bird No food—Hello, it’s me! Every Shabbat morning give a call to a long distance friend or relative. Whether its five minutes or fifty, you’ll start your day feeling loved and loving.

Mover and Shaker—Horah Hootenany! Who says you need a bar mitzvah or a wedding to shake your tail feathers. Pull up hava nagila, grab some friends and dance till you're dizzy. Get the

do with others extra round and make sure everyone gets a turn in the chair. Night Owl Looking for something to to something for Looking Sitting is fine—Netflix and Cholent! Make dinner portable and eat in front of the screen with friends and family. Find a favorite film or pick from various Jewish/Israeli films (protip: we have some in the library) and get cozy. We won’t judge if you go for a tv marathon, too.

8 rodefshalom.org lippman library Resources to Grow Your Jewish Journey Sam Siskind, Librarian [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x180 here are many ways to develop a broader Jewish skills and knowledge set, and the library is a wonderful place to explore such things. The Rodef Shalom Library is a fantastic resource for exploring materials that Tprovide information and skills to help to develop a Jewish journey. The library has books for both younger and older readers on various Jewish-related subjects as well as a DVD collection. Though a full list would be extensive, here are just a few materials to explore that discuss the progression of Jewish ideas over the years and provide knowledge/skills: Entrée to Judaism. A Culinary 18 Voices Sing Kol Nidre (DVD) Exploration of the Jewish Diaspora By Tina Wasserman This 40-minute documentary explores the history of the iconic This cookbook features Jewish Yom Kippur prayer, including how traditions from all over the world, as it came to be an important, sacred, well as holiday dishes. It includes prayer. This is an educational standards like chicken soup and documentary for the approaching latkes as well as dishes from South High Holidays. Asia and Africa for you to explore and discover new traditions. How to Get More Out of Being Jewish by Gil Mann Evolving Halakhah: A Progressive Approach to Traditional Jewish Law For high school age and up, this by Rabbi Dr. Moshe Zemer book features various conversations exploring questions and issues such This book explores traditional as the relevance of Judaism today Jewish law in a way that is flexible and how to find meaning in Jewish and accommodates each developing prayer. and changing generation. Important Holiday Dates Friday, August 31: Rosh Hashanah Reservations Due • Dinner RSVP • Childcare Registration • Youth Program Registration • Baby Names to Be Read Friday, September 7: Yom Kippur Reservation Due • Dinner RSVP • Childcare Registration • Youth Program Registration • Yizkor Names to Be Read

Issue No. 108 Av 5778– Cheshvan 5779 | August–October 2018 haK esher the connection 9 from the archives Each Generation and Its Truth Martha Berg , Archivist [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x131 person who is praised for developing a new idea will often respond humbly, citing a version of a phrase that probably originated in the 12th century and then was popularized in the 17th century by Isaac Newton, A who wrote, “If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” Rabbi Solomon B. Freehof took the a man of inward, meditative life, concept in a slightly different direction a philosopher, a thinker.” Again, when he addressed the congregation Rodef Shalom’s rabbi rose to the on the occasion of his 75th birthday, challenge, and Rabbi Goldenson led which was celebrated a bit late, on the congregation in a more reflective, November 5, 1967 (he was born on philosophical direction. August 8, 1892). In his address, titled “Suitable for his Generation,” Rabbi Rabbi Freehof went on to attempt Freehof undertook an evaluation of two an evaluation of his own place in of the Rodef Shalom giants on whose Rodef Shalom’s history. Because shoulders he stood: Rabbi J. Leonard knowledge of the world had necessarily Levy, who served the congregation become greater, thanks to speedy from 1901 until his death in 1917; and communication and easier travel, “what Rabbi Samuel H. Goldenson, who was we have needed in these thirty years Rabbi here from 1918 to 1933. was a wider and deeper knowledge. We had to know people. We had to know A strong precept of Dr. Freehof’s was how they became what they are. We that each generation discovers and had to know the past. It was a time for defines a practice of learning.” With modesty, he declared that is shaped by and fits with its that he, too, had been the right person particular time in history, and so he placed his for the moment of his rabbinate: “My temperament predecessors firmly in the context of their respective has been pedagogic. I have loved to learn. And I was historical moments. At the beginning of the 20th blessed with a chance to teach, just at a time when century, he said, American were emerging from people wanted to learn.” He cited his lecture series their immigrant past and participating fully in American “Cities in Our Life” and “The Heart of Shakespeare,” life and culture, though not without pushback, chiefly as well as his phenomenally successful Wednesday from “hidebound [Christian] preachers.” “What that morning book reviews, as examples of topics that age needed at Rodef Shalom was a man with the might not have “played well,” so to speak, in a different temperament of a soldier, who would fight down the time. enemies of his people and his faith, who was utterly fearless, and could back his courage with intellectual How will 21st-century Rodef Shalom rabbis and skills.” Rabbi J. Leonard Levy was that man, and congregants define and practice Reform Judaism? In Freehof was full of admiration for Levy’s militant another address, (“Each Generation and its Truth,” attitude, particularly on social justice issues. delivered in 1950 to the graduating class of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion), Rabbi By Rabbi Goldenson’s generation, however, doubts Freehof provided this guidance: “Judaism is a great about the whole religious enterprise had swept ocean and it has been the function of our Reform to into American culture, and “the very foundations of bring up from the depths that which each age has religious conviction had to be rebuilt from the earth needed.” up. . . What was needed now was not a warrior, but

10 rodefshalom.org caring Believe in Each Other’s Promise Rabbi Aaron B. Bisno, Frances F. & David R. Levin Senior Rabbinic Pulpit [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x122 ∧ @rabbibisno

“There comes a point in most people’s lives when one’s opportunities no longer match their abilities ... a time when you are capable of doing more than is being asked of you. And the only way to get the experience you need is if someone is willing to believe in your promise.”

With these words, Rauh Program & Yet, how best to acknowledge and to repay the faith Archives at the Heinz History Center director and Rodef others placed in him by offering such an enviable Shalom member Eric Lidji shared his appreciation opportunity to step forward in a new direction? for the opportunity he’d been given by those commissioning a biography of Rodef Shalom’s Rabbi “If someone takes a leap of faith on you, you’ve been Emeritus Walter Jacob. given an opportunity that requires you to pay it back. Not in a transactional way, one to one; that cannot be The work, which Lidji entitled The Seventeenth done. Rather, we must pay it forward in the aggregate.” Generation: The Lifework of Rabbi Walter Jacob, released in July 2018, was launched at an event at As we have been encouraged and helped in innumerable Temple in early July. ways by so many who believed in us, Eric offers, so must we help others, as they, too, seek a first step in The occasion was full of poignant and heartfelt their own personal and professional growth. emotions, as congregants & friends from throughout Pittsburgh’s wider community reminisced about Walter Whence the confidence required to take that Jacob’s remarkable impact on their lives and those of audacious, oft intimidating first step? Inspiration for their families. that, Eric posits, can be found in the life-changing accomplishments of those who came before us, in our But among all that was shared in retrospect, I was parents and patrons, rabbis and role models, and in perhaps most taken, with the forward-looking our own sense of self. perspective first-time biographer Eric Lidji brought to the significance of his own circumstance. Beyond that, it’s between each one of us and our God. Take the first step! Encourage another!

Issue No. 108 Av 5778– Cheshvan 5779 | August–October 2018 haK esher the connection 11 caring Anniversaries

August Lazar Palnick & Susanne Gollin October Leonard & Marilyn Asimow Burton & Marolee Pollock Bill Adams & Joan Feldman Paul & Valerie Bacharach Reid & Abby Ruttenberg Shawn & Kirsten Albert Ray & Harriet Baum Darrin & Beth Schwartz Peter & Molly Lou Blasier Brad & Stephanie Berger Hersch & Ros Segall Bob & Sandie Brand Alan & Linda Berk Arnold & Susan Silverman Scott & Marsha Deaktor Charles & Patricia Bluestone Don Simon & Lea Black Michael Eisen & Meredith Shozda Rick & Karen Brean Donald & Nan Solow Adam & Matthew Falcone Richard & Susan Brok Bill & Hayley Staley Joe & Susan Freudenberg Alan & Donna Cabin David Stanger & Susheela Abe & Beth Frost Jeff Cohan & Kathryn Spitz Cohan Nemani-Stanger Mel & Cathy Gold Jonathan & Jana Finder Josh Adelman & Amy Sturtz Michael & E.T. Goldstein Bob Butcher & Alexis Galanter Buddy & Jane Valinsky Marvin Goodfriend & Martin & Sally Goldhaber Rick & Colleen Wolfson Marsha Shuler Lee & Sandy Goodman Steve & Linda Halpern Brad & Aviva Gross September Rick & Jan Henry Richard & Lori Guttman Jim Busis & Maureen Kelly Seth & Elizabeth Janavitz Michael Halpern & Steve & Mary Castelli Richard & Bobbi Kann Denele Hughson Michael & Maggie Cham Joel & Goldie Katz Matt Harinstein & Jenn Berliner Hal & Erica Coffey Nate & Jess Kaushansky Alex & Aislinn Imas David & Samantha Cohen Doohwan & Kate Kim Kevin & Karen Irwin Sion & Helaine David Bill Klingensmith & Julie Newman Bruce & Angie Jacobs Steven & Karen Feinstein Aaron & Amy Leaman Larry & Missy Jacobson Josh Hammerstein & Paul & Susan Lieber Blair & Lynne Jacobson Ann Williamson Leland Guthrie & Hope Logghe Sam & Joanie Kamin Richard King, Jr. & Barbara Gaines Rob & Cathy Long David & Amy Korman Jim & Cindy Lange Jeff & Linda Mates Nicholas & Eileen Lane Roger Loeb & Judith Kampert Michael & Andrea McHugh Jake & Ally Larkin Jay & Carol Rosenson Loy Bruce & Dee Parr Steven & Leslie Latterman Nick & Mara Mangini Marc Reisman & Roberta Hatcher Simon Leiderman & Kari Miller Dale & Linda McGary Howard & Susan Richman Bill & Stacy Levin David & Rachel Neuhaus Daryl & Mame Saltzman Malcolm & Angela Levy Peter & Melissa Rackoff Eric Schaffer & Michele James & Margie Lieber Loren & Barbara Rosenbach Gray-Schaffer Tom & Susie Lippard Jon & Sarah Rosenson Lanny & Sally Seed Thomas & Sally Litman Frank & Arlene Siegel Henry & Becky Seiner Richard & Susan Loether Brent & Alanna Sigut Jeremy Shapira & David Gilinsky Howard & Rosemary Loevner Peter & Susan Smerd Jerry and Phyllis Stanfield Allen & Elyse Lorenzato Michael & Debbie Sufrin Yoram Vodovotz & Xing Ma Ed & Phyllis Mandell Nancy & Steven Utiss BB & Susan Wechsler Barry & Janice Nathan Matt & Marcie Weinstein Randy & Karen Werrin Dick & Rhoda Neft Jim & Susan Williams Richard & Susan Nernberg Ron & Ellen Nestico Jack & Phyllis Ochs

12 rodefshalom.org caring

B’nai Mitzvah

Joseph Krokosky Jordan Wilson August 26 October 6 Joseph attends Shady Side Academy Jordan attends Franklin Middle school where he enjoys many things Regional Middle School especially science and robotics. He loves in Murrysville. His geology, building things, and conducting interests include playing science experiments. He additionally enjoys baseball and football. playing the saxophone in the jazz band. Jordan loves animals, Recreationally, Joseph enjoys many outdoor activities like hiking especially his cat, Chester! His mitzvah and biking while he competes in soccer and baseball. For Joseph’s project is to collect and donate pet food bar mitzvah project, he raised monies for Children’s Hospital of to Animal Friends’ Chow Wagon program. Pittsburgh of UPMC by starting a team for Walk for Children’s. He Jordan is the son of Michelle Einstoss and is the son of Benjamin and Dana Krokosky, and the grandson of Ed James Wilson and the grandson of Sheila and Nancy Krokosky, and James and Sharon Haberfield. and Howard Einstoss.

Mazel Tov to the Newlyweds

Ada Davis and Rachel Horovitz Shira Levenson and Michael Strunck Tessa Hochberg and Alex Ashoff

New Babies

Emerson Reddington Lubchansky Ezra Christopher Kalson Son of members Alex and Lisa Lubchansky Grandson of members Susan and David Kalson

Let’s All Join In Barry D. Weisband, Murray Klein Executive Director [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x119 odef Shalom volunteer committees represent the strength and vitality of the congregation. Past generations of Rodef Shalom membership moved the synagogue forward in so many different and Rproductive ways to achieve our vibrant Reform Jewish Community. As our new Board of Trustees and its Executive Committee launches into the next several years, we need for all to participate in the newly formed Board committees.

The Executive Committee officers developed portfolios that allow them to work more closely and directly with committee chairs and congregants who comprise each committee. This new model provides a direct connection to the various and important facets of congregational life.

This innovative approach to manage the Board of Trustees important governing issues works best if a diverse number of congregants volunteer for our sacred work to achieve our goals for years to come. If you are interested in finding out more information about our committees and what may be the best fit for your interests and experiences, please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss these important opportunities.

Issue No. 108 Av 5778– Cheshvan 5779 | August–October 2018 haK esher the connection 13 family center Welcome Baby! Mimsie Leyton, Family Center Director [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x127

Marlee Facility and Rental Coordinator Kate J-JEP Assistant Director Rachel Director of Facilities and Rentals here’s a warning in our building not to drink the water. If you do, you may find yourself expecting a baby! Over the last school year three congregation staff members and two preschool teachers became parents; Twhile twelve preschoolers became big brothers and sisters, and three others will become older sibs very soon. It’s quite a record.

Whether a first child or a latter born, welcoming an 1. There are no ground rules! That is, there are infant into the family is a major adjustment. For even no absolute truths. And while there are general the most well organized and seemingly well prepared guidelines to being a good parent, every baby, people, becoming a parent is one of the most sudden even in the same family, is different. and dramatic changes in adult life. There is an abrupt shift in one’s identity and lifestyle as parents realize 2. Check your priorities at the door. Your baby is they are responsible for a very little, vulnerable, and your priority. demanding person who needs them 24/7. Sleep deprivation and not knowing what to do when the baby 3. Go with your gut. Don’t go crazy trying to heed won’t stop fussing can make even the most competent everyone’s advice. Make the choices that work of us doubt ourselves. best for you and your family.

For those whose families are growing and are bringing 4. Schedule time for yourself, even if it’s just 15 another child into the family, Congratulations! But minutes alone to take a shower. now there is the added concern of thinking about how a new baby will affect an older child, and how best to 5. Call for favors. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and help with the adjustment of becoming a big sister or lean on relatives and friends, especially during brother. the early weeks.

There are an overwhelming number of resources 6. Believe in your choices. You know your baby best. available to parents (books, magazines, and the web), many helpful, many contradictory, and some Perhaps the best parenting advice still comes from Dr. unreliable. In their book Baby 411, authors Denise Benjamin Spock, the pediatrician whose book Baby Fields and Ari Brown offer six very reassuring ground and Child Care, first published in 1946 is one of the rules for being a good parent: best-sellers of all time. “Enjoy your baby.”

14 rodefshalom.org brotherhood New Brotherhood President Tim Litman, Brotherhood President [email protected] am Tim (Thomas) Litman the newly elected president of Brotherhood. I retired from being a pharmacist for 62 years, two and a half years ago. Looking for activities that I would enjoy to keep me busy, my cousin I Linda Doernberg suggested I join the Rodef Shira choir under the direction of her daughter, the magnificent Molly May. Her beautiful voice and outstanding leadership have been a great pleasure and experience for me to re-connect with my temple roots of more than 80 years. In the choir I made many new wonderful friends. I then began to attend services on a regular basis and renew my deep faith with the outstanding leadership of our wonderful rabbis. There I made and renewed more friendships and became involved in Brotherhood because of my friend, Jay Rogal.

As I become more involved with the causes of Brotherhood I became more passionate about giving back through service to temple and the community. When nominated to be President of Brotherhood, I was more than willing to accept the responsibility and the challenge to accomplish new goals for Brotherhood. We have many members in Brotherhood, but my goal is to get more participants and friends who will join me with new ideas and programs of interest to more people. I am looking forward to working with our outstanding executive director, Barry Weisband, our wonderful new congregational president, Karen Brean, and WRS president, Teri Cowan. Our mission in Brotherhood is to engage and lead the men of Rodef Shalom in fellowship, community service, and support for our congregation. I look forward to connecting with more of you. You may contact me at my email, [email protected] or through any of our board members. women of rodef shalom 25 Years of Rosh Chodesh Teri Cowan, Women of Rodef Shalom President [email protected] n 1993, when I was president of the Sisterhood of Rodef Shalom Congregation, we started the celebration of Rosh Chodesh, the day in the lunar calendar on which the new moon appears. It is a minor Jewish holiday. IThe new moon is just a sliver that you can hardly see. It is the potential of the new moon, and our faith in the potential of a new beginning, that we celebrate.

The holiday of Rosh Chodesh dates to the time when the Jews, after the exodus from Egypt, were in the desert. Moses went up to Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. He was there a long time, and the Jews grew restless. They began building the golden calf. According to the Midrash, Pirke De-Rabbi Eliezer, the women refused to participate in the sin of the golden calf. The Midrash says that God rewarded the women, they became destined to be renewed like the new moon. Thus, Rosh Chodesh is based on our faith in God and the potential that each new moon brings.

One year ago Jan Shaw, our immediate past president, brought a new book, called Chai Mitzvah, to our Rosh Chodesh group. Chai Mitzvah is a way to reconnect, recharge, and re-examine our Jewish life. It was designed to help answer the question: what would a meaningful Jewish life look like? Our Rosh Chodesh group meets once each month, from 6 to 8 pm, in the small dining room of the Temple. People come prepared for a fascinating and educational evening. They bring a brown bag dinner. Dessert and coffee are served. No reservations are needed, and the evening is free and open to the public.

Issue No. 108 Av 5778– Cheshvan 5779 | August–October 2018 haK esher the connection 15 sustainability Pursuer of Peace Mayda Roth, Director of Development [email protected] ∧ (412) 621–6566 x140 To everyone who made our Pursuer of Peace Award 2018 a happening, thank you. With our honorarium to Gateway Rehab, Pursuer of Peace continued the Rodef Shalom tradition of supporting organizations in our community that make Pittsburgh someplace special.

Fundraisers love to tell stories. That’s because stories engage us… bring to mind memories… make us think… and encourage us to tell our own story. The work of Gateway Rehab allows individuals to write a new chapter in their own stories, as well as for the families for whom the expansion and enhancement of education counseling services will be possible through the proceeds of this award.

Paul Bacharach, President & CEO of Gateway Rehab accepting the Pursuer of Peace Award 2018 on behalf of Rabbi Abraham Twerski & Gateway Rehab Silver — Thank You To Our Sponsors — Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote PC J.J. Morris & Sons, Inc. Dollar Bank Joanie and Sam Kamin Diamond Duquesne University Cantor Julie Newman and Federated Investors William Klingensmith PNC Bank Foundation, Inc. LG Realty Advisors The Fine Foundation Janice and Richard Pagliari Platinum Hefren-Tillotson, Inc. Peoples Gas Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh Highmark Blue Cross/ Ralph Schugar Funeral Chapel Robin and Peter Gordon Blue Shield Jewish Health Care Foundation Bronze Anonymous Henne Jewelers Nancy and William Tom Liebman Ainsman Law Jendoco Construction Rackoff Reed Smith Margaret Allen and JRG Advisors, LLC Lori Cardille and UPMC Daniel Jauchen Jessica and James Rogal Leatrice and John Wolf, Sr. Philanthropic Fund Debby and Dan Booker Rick Galardini Dr. Ellen and Karen and JusticeWorks Dr. Loren Roth Richard Brean Youthcare, Inc. Shrager Law Gold Sylvia and Littles Shoes Silvia and Marian and Tom Allen Oxford Development Dr. Sidney Busis Pittsburgh Jewish Alexander C. Speyer III Valerie and Paul Bacharach Company Campos Chronicle University of Dr. Michelle and The Rubinoff Family Carnegie Mellon Pittsburgh Mercy Pittsburgh Rita and David Pollock University of Rabbi Aaron Bisno Cindy and David Shapira University Debbie and Pollock Begg Pittsburgh School Duane Morris LLP Phyllis and Dr. Bill Demchak Komar Glasser of Medicine Sharon and Alan Lesgold Lawrence Wechsler Diane and John Fisher & Vertz LLC 90.5 WESA Linda and Steve Halpern

16 rodefshalom.org Steering Committee Co-Chairs: Phyllis Wechsler, Rabbi Aaron Bisno, Rabbi Sharyn Henry, Valerie Bacharach, & Marian Allen Bishop David A. Zubik, & Rabbi Walter Jacob

Volunteers: Adina Cohen, Georgia Davidson, Mina Honorary Chairs: Karen and Steven Feinstein, Kavalier, Marcia Levaur, & Nancy Rosenthal Robin & Peter Gordon Honorary Chairs Tribute Committee Karen and Steven Feinstein Congressman Mike Doyle Ina and Lawrence Gumberg Robin and Peter Gordon State Senator Jay Costa Jacki and Jeff Herzog State Representative Rabbi Walter Jacob, DHL Dan Frankel Joseph J. Kennedy IV Pursuer of Peace Co-Chairs County Executive Sharon and Alan Lesgold Marian and Tom Allen Rich Fitzgerald Betsy and Bishop Mayor Bill Peduto Dorsey McConnell Valerie and Paul Bacharach Councilman Corey O’Connor Becky and Tom McGough Phyllis and Dr. Lawrence Wechsler Councilwoman Erika Mary Lou McLaughlin Strassburger Linda Melada and Steering Committee Dr. Arthur Levine Rabbi Seth Adelson Mark Nordenberg Dr. Michelle and Rabbi Sharyn Henry Eva Tansky Blum Judy and Charles Perlow Rabbi Aaron Bisno and Dennis Grinberg Rev. Dr. Randy Bush Joanne Rogers Karen and Richard Brean Lynne Jacobson Alan Cabin Kris Rust Mary Ann Chijner Goldie Katz Dr. Neil Capretto* Iris and Philip Samson Dr. Sandy Davis Anne and Rabbi Danny Schiff Adina Cohen Laura and Harlan Stone Phillip Diamond Dr. Steven Shapiro Linda Halpern Meredith Strassburger Andrea and Dr. Andrew Eller Cecile and Eric Springer Sheila and Milton Fine Joy Starzl Maxine and Dr. Stephen Fisher William E. Strickland, Jr. Copper Debbie Frankel Brenda Tate Donnelly-Boland Lynne and Frances F. Levin Barbara and Rabbi Jamie Gibson Sarah Twerski, RN, BSN Dan Gilman Dr. Andrew Urbach and Associates Blair Jacobson Margie and Jim Lieber Dr. Jordan Golin Dr. Lawrence Wechsler Andrea and Ellen and Jack Kessler Marcia Stewart Cantor Michal Gray-Schaffer Bishop David A. Zubik Dr. Andrew Eller Eileen and Barry Weisband Marsha Grayson and Nicholas Lane Florence Zeve Rev. Glenn G. Grayson *z”l~ of blessed memory

Issue No. 108 Av 5778– Cheshvan 5779 | August–October 2018 haK esher the connection 17 contributions donations & endowments

thanks to the donors who support our congregation

Welcome to the newest members of our Our parents by Aleksandr Shulkin and ROBERT H. AND SUSAN L. WOLF FUND Rodef Shalom Legacy Society who Yelizaveta Kisler Donations by Susan Wolf have included Rodef Shalom in their Bob Rosenthal by Kathy Arnheim In memory will or trust: Betty Abrams*, Ruth Bachman, Harold Bigler, Natalie Karen Brean, Amy Langham, In memory Friedberg, Dorothy Grinberg, Hannah Marcia Levaur, Pauline and Ruth Bachman by Bernita Buncher and Marvin Kamin, Barbara Richman, Dr. Bernard Michaels, Helen Orringer, Harold Bigler by Gwen Miller Bibe Schlesinger Sabina and Peter Rosenfeld, Edith Diamond by Joni Ostrow and Bob Rosenthal, Mayda and Barry Leonard Stern Roth, Bill Stein, Harlan Stone, Dorothy Grinberg by Violet Marcus, WORSHIP Barry Weisband, Carol Williams, and Sabina and Peter Rosenfeld, Amy and Ruth Wintner* Robert Schlager, Cindy and PRAYERBOOKS David Shapira, Herbert Soltman, Donations by Racelle and Margaret Witkowski Dr. Morton Goldstein BUILDING & TEMPLE FUNDS Marvin Kamin by Cindy and In memory David Shapira, Bernita Buncher Robert Lane, Jodie Shensa Novick BUILDING FUND Hannah and Marvin Kamin by Honoring Eileen and Nicholas Lane RABBINIC DISCRETIONARY FUND Dr. Richard and Jane Meltzer Robert Lane by Eleanor Schoenberger Donation Ray Rosenblum by Jamini Vincent Dr. Richard and Jane Meltzer RODEF SHALOM CONGREGATION FUND Davies, Violet Marcus Honoring Jerome Wolk by Henry M. Schwan In appreciation Phyllis Henry by Lynn Edelman Robert Blockstein PURSUER OF PEACE Barbra L. Labbie Donations by John Spear Donors Julie and Jason Lichtenstein In memory Lisa Anderson and Irving J. Oppenheim, Andrew and Megan Meyers Ruth Bachman, Harold Bigler, Nancy and Lester Berkowitz, Sally and Lanny Seed Edith Diamond, Dottie Grinberg, Dr. Marian and Dr. Bruce Block, Ada Davis and Joseph Spirer Linda Marcus, Ray Rosenblum Joan and Bernard Bloch, Carabella, Harlan and Laura Stone Elizabeth and Jesse Coslov, Joel Donations by John Whitehill and the and Linda Coslov, Alfred A. Cupelli, In memory Whitehill Dukehart families DMD, Cynthia and Dr. Christopher Sol Ruben by Judy and Dr. Barry Alpert Honoring Daly, Helaine and Rabbi Sion David, Edith Diamond by Edward Diamond, Jr. Les Dukehart Philip Diamond, Phyllis and Phillip In appreciation Feinert, Lois Finkel, Maxine and Honoring Rabbi Aaron Bisno, Rabbi Andrew Hahn, Dr. Stephen Fisher, Hanna Gruen, Rabbi Aaron Bisno and Michelle Bisno Rabbi Walter Jacob, DHL Barbara and Richard Kann, Ellen and by Violet Marcus Jack Kessler, Susan and Eric Kruman, Adam Bisno by Kathy Krause, Honoring Eileen Lane, Mimsie Leyton, Amy and Carolyn and Robert Lebovitz, Amy Rabbi Aaron Bisno, Rabbi Sharyn Aaron Leaman, Frances F. Levin, Carol Lowenstein, Susan and Henry and Susan Loether by Jodi and Tobin Lewis, Margie and Jim Leiber, Mark Orringer, Amy Schlesinger, Andrew Weisfield Dr. Bernard Mallinger, Susan and Beatrice Schlesinger, Sally and Adam Bisno by Dr. Paul Caplan, Brian Richard Nernberg, Janet Ocel, Helen Lanny Seed and Lori Cohen, Louise Friedman, Orringer, Rodef Shalom Brotherhood, Ellen Kessler, Patricia Lemer, Nancy Barbara and Jay Rogal, Iris and Phillip and William Rackoff, Barbara and Samson, Cecile and Eric Springer, LEARNING Bryan Rosenberger, Bill Stein, Toby William Stein, Edith Twersky and and Joe Wolfe Edgar Landerman, Frank Wells Sudia, LEARNING FUND Frances Levin by Violet Marcus Shirley Tucker, Susan and Benjamin Honoring Ada Davis and Joe Spirer by Carol and Wechsler, Carol and David Wallach, Adam Bisno by Marjorie Mazer Harry Adelsheimer Dr. Malcolm Weiss, Amy and Greg Ezra Christopher Kalson by Mona and Winokur, Carol and Michael Yahr, RELIGIOUS SCHOOL E.J. Strassburger Ruth Yahr, Myrna and Allan Zelenitz Honoring Eileen and Nicholas Lane by Judy and Richard Burkitt by Judith and Barry Alpert Daniel Burkitt

18 rodefshalom.org contributions

RICHARD A FINEGOLD FAMILY Shulman, Dottie and Alan Silberman, PHYLLIS S. GOLDSTEIN & PRESCHOOL FUND Marjorie Silverman, Susan and Dr. HAROLD S. SOLTMAN MEMORIAL Donations by Marian Finegold Peter Smerd, Suzanne W. Somers, YOUTH ACTIVITIES FUND In memory John Spear, Mary, Samuel, Branden Honoring Alex Cohen, Barbara Eckstein, and Sophie Skeegan, Judy and Lindsay Geer and Madison Geer by Laila Fahey, Maria Lee, Edward Spahr, Jill and David Spear, Herbert Soltman and Hope Bassichis Simcha Rosenstein Laura and Harlan Stone, Amy Sturtz, Barbara and Dr. Emil Trellis, Fran and Honoring Howard Weiss, Leatrice and John COMMUNITY Adam Bisno Wolf, Sr.*, Carol and Michael Yahr, Ruth Yahr BIBLICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN ISRAEL AND DORA MICHAELS Honoring TEACHER TRAINING FUND Honoring David Hammerstein Honoring Adam Bisno by Nancy and Ezra Christopher Kalson by Adam Bisno by Lois and Lester Berkowitz, Anne Molloy and Lois and Dr. Milton Michaels Dr. Milton Michaels Henry Posner III Ada Davis and Joe Spirer by Linda and Donations by Annette and Joel Kranich In memory Alan Berk Honoring Natalie Friedberg by Lois and Joe Freudenberg, Bob Rosenthal, Earl Schaffer Dr. Milton Michaels Abby and Alec Stone by Mayda and In memory Barry Roth Harold Bigler, Barbara Eckstein, PLAYGROUND FUND Helen Orringer by Roberta Needleman Natalie Friedberg, Ray Rosenblum Donors Barbara Abraham and Susan Richman, Speedy recovery In memory Joshua, Ezra and Cora Adelman, Polly Wirtzman Craighill by Ruth Bachman by Charlotte Bluestone, Valerie and Paul Bacharach, Joan Scott Wirtzman Hanna Gruen and Dr. Bernard Bloch, Judith Brody, Dr. Zaga Blockstein by Lois and Susan Brody, Sylvia and Dr. Sidney In memory Dr. Milton Michaels Busis, Dr. Joelle Caplan, Jacob Ruth Lessing, Craig McKito, Barbara Eckstein by Rebeca Frankel, Carlson, Diane M. Cohen, Mary Mollie Rosen, Sam Rosen by Caryl and Irving Halpern, Coleman, Erica, Hal, Eli and Zachary Susan Rosen Maxine and Richard Horn, Coffey, Dean Damick, Phyllis and Robert Lane and Jack Malkin by Marjorie Landay, Marilyn and Phillip Feinert, Lois K. Finkel, Marcia Joni Ostrow and Leonard Stern Earl Latterman, Charilee Levy, Frumerman, Toby Frank and Martyn Jack Malkin by Harriet Cooper, Gwen Miller, Adria Reutzel, Gefsky, Maxine and Dr. Stephen Marjorie Landay Sue Shapera, Jessy and Jay Stein Fisher, Marjorie and Larry Goldfarb, Kenny Ross by Linda and Alan Berk and family Bradley, Aviva and Shira Gross, Mr. Natalie Friedberg by Janet Slifkin, and Mrs. Steven Irwin and family, LIBRARY FUND Sue Shapera and Earl Schaffer Rabbi Walter Jacob, DHL, Lynn and Honoring Dorothy Grinberg by Gardens Limited Blair Jacobson, Frances F. Levin, Lois Louise Freedman Hannah and Marvin Kamin by Levy, Carol Tobin Lewis, Sally and Caryl and Irving Halpern Thomas Litman, Susan and Richard VIGDOR W. KAVALER Joan Kaplan by Wendy Spector Kaplan Loether, Peter Longini and Margery SCHOLARSHIP FUND Philanthropic Fund Lubet, Sophie, Aaron, Jennifer Marin Donations by Mina Kavaler Shirley B. Lando by Ruth and Michael and Jeremy Kahn, Kathy Krause, Amy Speedy recovery Lando and family Lowenstein, Logan, Parker, Oliver, Joyce Kaiserman Robert Lane by Susan Wolf Heidi, and Dan Magrish, Violet Honoring Jack Malkin by Caryl and Marcus, Linda Levy and Dale McGray, Cheryl Americus, Ada Davis and Irving Halpern, Audrey Lazar and Jeanette Medgaus and Liviana Joe Spirer, Rabbi Walter Jacob, DHL, family Greenberg, Beverly Mermelstein, Martha Jaffe, Dr. Donald Kaiserman, Linda Marcus by Marcia and Rachel and Karl Meyers, Denise Lynda Kavaler, Lois London, Bob Netzer and Benjamin McFerren, Carol Bee Jee Morrison, Sara and Rena Shuldiner’s husband by and Richard Nathenson, Phyllis Ken Segel, Marjorie Silverman, Gwen Miller and Jack Ochs, Helen Orringer, Richard Simon, Hilary Skirboll, Grace Sweer by Hanna Gruen Marla Perlman, Jeffrey L. Pollock, Dr. Cyril Wecht, Dan Wecht, Linda Shensa Novick by Caryl and James Rich, Susan and Howard Valerie and Judge David Wecht, Irving Halpern Richman, Susan Rosen, Nancy and Sondra Weiner, Marti Zinnamon Bibe Schlesinger by Barbara and Bob Rosenthal, Mayda and Barry Alan Ackerman, Anne and Joel Berez Roth, Beatrice Schlesinger*, Miriam In memory and Family, Pearl Brostoff, Schaffel, Sally and Lanny Seed, Ruth Bachman, Hannah and Diane Beckerman and Jeremy Shapira and David Gilinsky, Marvin Kamin, Celia Kavaler, Robert Mandell, Hanna Gruen, Betty Lissa Geiger Shulman and Joshua Jack Malkin Gun and Eleanor Stone, Randee

Issue No. 108 Av 5778– Cheshvan 5779 | August–October 2018 haK esher the connection 19 contributions

Jacobson, Lois and September 15–In memory of Estelle and Jack Dr. Milton Michaels, Gwen Miller, 1–Zola Gold and Teddy Cohen by Kruman by the Kruman family Helen Orringer, Ellen and Nancy and Steven Cohen; Edward August Jeffrey Primis, Ilene and Jim Ross and L. Gordon by Betty Gordon; Hannah 9–In memory of Daniel Damick by family, Rabbi Burt Schuman, Kamin by Marvin Kamin*; Essie and Dean Damick and Marian Damick John Spear, Christina and Charles Ostrow and Carrie and Moe Scott Spear, James Waddell, Struminger by Lynn* and Gerald* Dr. and Mrs. Stuart Weiner, Jr., Ostrow; Rose and Doc Green by ARTS AND CULTURE Stacey Wettstein, The Wednesday Jackie and Bud* Wechsler, Roberta Book Club Samuels, Nancy and Michael MUSIC FUND Weisman; Martha and Hyman Rogal In memory Honoring by Ann and Alvin Rogal*; A. James Ruth Bachman, Edith Diamond and Shelley Goldbloom by Joanie and Speyer, Jean L. Speyer and Tillie S. Dorothy Grinberg by Susan Shapera Buzzy Bloch Speyer by Alexander Speyer, Jr.* Richard Kann by Marcia Ufberg 8–Abraham Wedner by Lucille Wedner JERRY T. SILVERMAN MUSIC FUND Richard Wagner by Susan Wolf and family Donations by Marjorie Silverman 10–Harry M. Perrin by Beatrice L. Conn Honoring RODEF SHALOM BROTHERHOOD FUND 14–Warren J. Shapera by Sue Shapera, Susan Wolf Speedy recovery Hal Shapera, and Anne Clair In memory Dean Damick by Violet Marcus Goodman Jack Malkin 21–Sadye and Samuel Adler by WALTER ELLMAN SOCIAL Natalie and Judge Larry Kaplan IRVING & JACQUELIN WECHSLER ACTION FUND and Dr. Lawrence Adler; William V. GALLERY Honoring Conn by Beatrice L. Conn; Robert In memory Kelly Burkitt by Judith and C. Westerman by Ruth Westerman, Edith Diamond, Robert Lane by Daniel Burkitt Jeff and Mark Westerman and Diane Jacquelin Wechsler Reichblum* In memory 23–Dr. Virginia L. Oliver by Margot, Betty Abrams, Renie Ellman by Todd and Jane Cavalier HISTORY Sabina and Peter Rosenfeld 24–William M. Horne by Martha Horne Renie Ellman by Susan Shapera and Edwin Horne BROTHERHOOD YAHRZEIT FUND October In memory HUNGER ACTION FUND 2–Sylvia Schutzman by Herbert Ida Korn by Barbara K. Abraham In memory Schutzman Allen Berkman and Esther Harris Hannah and Marvin Kamin, 12–Irving (Buddy) Wechsler by Ackerman by Barbara and Ray Rosenblum by Jeffrey and Jacquelin G. Wechsler and family Alan Ackerman Jackie Herzog 15–Leonard Singer by his family; Olga Pauline Americus, Norman Americus, B. Stark by William Stark* and family Calvin Morgan and Franae Morgan by WOMEN OF RODEF SHALOM 16–Dora Stiglitz Wechsler and Patti and Rob Americus FLORAL ENDOWMENT FUND Abraham Wechsler by Jacquelin and Lois “Moss” Weaver by Leslie Amper August Irving (Buddy)* Wechsler Andrew Wolf by Kathy Arnheim 5–Florence Bernstein McChesney by 19–In memory of Rebecca Weisberg Allan S. Apter by Marcella Apter Beatrice Bernstein Cody Siegel by Naomi Weisberg Siegel David Busis by Sylvia and 6–Audrey N. Golden by Women of 23–Julian Ruslander by Lee Ann Dr. Sidney Busis Rodef Shalom Freeman Zachary Caplan by Dr. Joelle Caplan 8–Solomon B. Freehof by 28–Alex Edward Seed by Sally and Shirley M. Bilder by Marc M. Bilder Lillian Freehof* Lanny Seed Tito Braunstein by Barbara Braunstein 10–Ethel Kaplan Stept by Morris Canter and Israel Davidson by Dr. Raymond Stept WOMEN OF RODEF SHALOM Georgia Davidson 11–Jerry T. Silverman by Marjorie, Jane, PULPIT DECORATIONS Audrey B. Roth by Holly and Stephen and Barbara Silverman April Edward Dobkin 12–Lillian S. Freehof by Women of 14–In honor of Nathan Rybski’s Bar Philip R. Dutch and Arthur Harlich by Rodef Shalom; Estelle and Jack Mitzvah by Elaine and Paul Rybski Laura and Elliot Dinkin Kruman, Gertrude and Dr. Simon May Dr. Howard Mermelstein by Margy and Berenfield, Bertha and Neff Kruman 11–In memory of Nancy Newman Frank Dr. Paul Dubner by the Kruman family by Frederick Frank Jerome B. Finegold by Lesa Finegold 21–Gilbert Broff by Rosella Broff*, June Sylvia Fisher, Jack Lundy and Rose Jerry “Pa” Lebovitz by Judith Kelsey 1– In honor of Gabriella Naveh’s Bat Sherman by Maxine and Lebovitz and Family Mitzvah by The Naveh Family Dr. Stephen Fisher 25–Edith Lieberman Glick by 9–In honor of Michael Ulis’ Bar Eleanor G. Caplan Mitzvah by Olga and Alex Ulis

20 rodefshalom.org contributions

Lillian M. Brest and Judith E. Friedberg Esther Kanin by Amy and David Korman, Audrey Lazar by Joan Friedberg Mr. and Mrs. Richard Silk and family, Pinky and Robert Lebovitz, Raymond Recht by Cathy Gold Belle Levin, Jacob Levin and Frank Violet Marcus, Ali, Barry, Lily and Gilbert Broff by Barbara Broff Goldman Silverman by Arnold B. and Drew Medintz, Linda Melada and Herbert Goldstein by Sonja Goldstein Susan L. Silverman Dr. Arthur Levine, Charilee Levy, Jane Dora and Clarence Gordon by Bess Barmak by Janet Snyder and Edward Moravitz, Hilary and Richard M. Gordon Alexander Genkin, Bertha Genkin, Stuart Nelson, Ruth Pickering, Harold Levy by Debbie Green Michael Kaplan and Tsila Kaplan by Sandra and Bernard Pinsker, Sabina Herbert Green, Edward Green, Alexandra Sokolsky and Peter Rosenfeld, Nicole, Andrew, Sydney Green and William Friedberg Leah Somers by Dr. Keith Somers Sidney and Skylar Ross, Ruth by Edythe Green Janet Cohen Spear by John Spear Rubenstein, Betty Weiner Shuman and Alice Harrison, David M. Harrison, Henry Spitzer, Martha Mischel Spitzer Edgar Shuman, Stefanie Small, Nancy Dylan Harrison, Mr. and Mrs. Zeff by and Daniel A. Marcus by Heather and Taper Smith, Suzanne Somers, Florita Daniel Leon Harrison John Spitzer Sonnenklar, Natalie, Brian and Audrey Bernice and Marvin Herzog by Harry Tabor by Adeline Tabor Valen, Ilene Venig, Cecilia Waspe, Jeffrey Herzog Jaqueline O. Terner and Jackie Wechsler, Susan and Benjamin Dr. Edward Waisbrot by Dr. Irwin S. Terner by Carolyn Terner Wechsler, Debbie Weiner and Paul Janet Weisbrot Hirshberg Betty Verbofsky by Linda and Symczak, Dr. and Mrs. Stuart Weiner, June Jonas and Sabina Jones by Alan Verbofsky Ruth Westerman and J. Robert Myers, Hans Jonas William A. Yahr by Carol and Rabbi Charles Rabinowitz and Wendy Herman Kamin and Henry Wallace Kamin Michael Yahr Weiner, The Wednesday Book Club; by Daniel Kamin Sharren Yamron by Lawrence Yamron Berkman Family Center Preschool Selma Goldberg and Helen Kamin by Louis and Nettie Walfish by Staff – Mimsie Leyton, Michelle Joan and Sam Kamin David Walfish Einstoss, Jamie Feldstein, Harriet Hyman Friedman by Pearl Moore Claire Lichtenstul by Susan Wolf Green, Nina Greenberg, Judy Sheffler, Rose Krasnopoler by Irving Krasnopoler Myrna and Henry Wolk by Sheldon Wolk Marlene Marcus, April Ohms, Mandy Ethel Halpern by Eileen Lane Monroe Huspel by Florence Zeve Steinsdoerfer, Lori Taper and Mac Rose Sugarman by Marilyn Latterman Wolfson Louis Leaman by Carol and ALEX SEED MEMORIAL MENTAL Salem Leaman HEALTH FUND SISTERHOOD REMEMBRANCE FUND Benjamin Levine by Samuel Levine Donations by Sally and Lanny Seed Honoring Sam Lewis by Carol Tobin Lewis Honoring Adam Bisno by Carol and Michael Yahr Robert E. Comins by Amy Lowenstein Skylar Ross Harold Marcus by Violet Marcus In memory Sam Gold, Martin Sachnoff, and Joe Calig, Herbert Chernoff, Jack Malkin, Ruben Sachnoff by Martin Tannenbaum Barbara Sachnoff Mendlowitz Cecelia Tracht by Leslie and In memory Robert Mitchell Bibe Schlesinger by Leslie and David A. Myers by Larry Myers Sanford Aderson, Cheryl Americus, Leo Stern by Judith Nesvisky Judy and Barry Alpert, Kathy, Jack, *z”l~ of blessed memory George Netzer by Robert Netzer Paula and Teddy Breig, Mark Aronson Ralph Ozan by Margaret Osofsky and Karen Shapiro, Marsha and Every effort is made to accurately Harry Yamron by Charlotte Pasekoff Alan Bramowitz, Pearl Brostoff, recognize the generosity of our donors. Beatrice Pollock by Marolee and Sandy and Bob Brand, Diane and Dr. Burton Pollock Jon Brillman, Francine and Please contact Christine Ranasinghe at Esther Reich by Samuel Reich Ivan Caplan, Isabel and Mark Chernoff, 412-621-6566 x182 should you have Minnie Benjamin by Arlene Roberts Janice and Dr. Marvin Dash, Lynne and any changes. Bella Feldman, Ralph and Robert Deangelo, Gene Dickman, Lenore Morganstern, Amiel S. Rogal Dr. and Mrs. David Fall, Phyllis, and Bell Rogal by Barbara and Phillip and Steven Feinert, Marian Jay Rogal Finegold, Ann and Harry Geggel, Shirley Bilder and Milton Bilder by Zandra and Arthur Goldberg, Sally and Sabina and Peter Rosenfeld Martin Goldhaber, Alex and Yossi Maurice Rosenthal by Nancy and Greenberg, Dr. Shelly Hanlon, Ilene Bob Rosenthal and Joel Iskoe, Kate Brillman Kassab, Clinton Lando and Anne Spindell by Lauren Pinsker Kushner, Laura Ruth Rubenstein Bromberg Kreiger, Keshira Halev Leonard S. Schneider by (Sarah Gross) Fife, Pamela Lederer Florence Schneider Helman, Susie Chernoff Melnick, Jane, Murray Shapiro by Harriet Shapiro Barry and Lauren Kart, Mina Kavaler,

Issue No. 108 Av 5778– Cheshvan 5779 | August–October 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

Erev Rosh Hashanah Kol Nidre Sunday, September 9 Tuesday, September 18

7:30 p.m. Evening Service* Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. Evening Service* Sanctuary Rosh Hashanah Day Yom Kippur Day Monday, September 10 Wednesday, September 19

9:00 a.m. Young Children’s Service Levy Hall 9:00 a.m. Young Children’s Service Levy Hall 10:00 a.m. Youth Service & Program Levy Hall 10:00 a.m. Youth Service & Program Levy Hall

10:00 a.m. Traditional Service* Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Traditional Service* Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. B’Yachad (Together) Service* Freehof Hall 10:00 a.m. B’Yachad (Together) Service* Freehof Hall

Congregational Kiddush to Follow Yizkor Service 4:30 p.m. Memorial Service & Neilah Sanctuary For Complete Holiday Information: Congregational Break-the-Fast to Follow www.RodefShalom.org Sponsored by Women of Rodef Shalom

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