FEBRUARY 2019 | SHEVAT / ADAR I 5779 Saturday, February 23 • Services begin at 9 am Be part of a special Shabbat recognizing all that Cantor Caplan has brought to our community in his first 36 years. The festivities will continue during an enhanced Kiddush Luncheon. Donations to this special Kiddush are greatly appreciated. Suggested donations of $18, $36, $54, $72, or $100+ are welcomed. To show appreciation for the many ways that Cantor Caplan has touched each of our lives, we invite every household to share thoughts and/or photos with a page in our memory book, to be presented to him on February 23. To RSVP, donate to the Kiddush, or learn how to create your Memory Book page, please visit agudath.org/events.
2 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex FEBRUARY 2019 | SHEVAT/ADAR I 5779
Contents
2. Double Chai Shabbat for Cantor Caplan 15. One Happy Camper NJ 26. Torah Fund
4. Schedule of Services 16. Early Childhood Center 27. Extending Hands of Friendship
5. From the Pulpit: Rabbi Silverstein 17. Shabbat in Pajamas 28. CAI Cemetery Association From the Pulpit: Rabbi Lucas Shabbat Meditation 6. Torah for Tots 7. CAI/GOA/Ramah Berkshires Film: Angst 30. B'nei Mitzvah 18. Development News 8. Cantor's Notes Mahjong Madness 20. Purim 10. Education Matters 31. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Dates 2022 21. Guess Who's Coming to Shabbas? 11. Family Super Bowl Shabbat Dinner 32. Tributes & Donations 22. Social Worker: Resilience and Refuah 13. The Kindness Advantage Book Talk 40. Yahrtzeit Donations 14. Adult Education 24. Men's Club 42. Personals Interfaith Committee: CUFI Malvin Sumka's Induction Jewish Singles
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
This message above an ad means the advertiser is a member of Congregation Agudath Israel. Please thank them for supporting CAI by supporting them!
Special thanks to Abby Meth Kanter for her assistance in editing this publication
Cover art by Eugene Ivanov
The Voice is published monthly from September to June by Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex. 20 Academy Road, Caldwell, New Jersey 07006 973-226-3600 | fax 973-226-7480 | www.agudath.org Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 3 Schedule of Services
February 2019
Friday, February 1 Friday, February 15 Erev Shabbat Service ...... 4:55 pm Erev Shabbat Service...... 5:10 pm Super Bowl Shabbat Service/Dinner...... 5:45 pm Saturday, February 16 Saturday, February 2 Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Shabbat. 9:15 am Shacharit...... 9 am Shabbat Friends K-2...... 11 am Shabbat Friends K-2...... 11 am Minchah/Talmud Study/Maariv ...... 5:05 pm 6th grade Mincha/Maariv/Havdala...... 4:30 pm Friday, February 22 Minchah/Talmud Study/Maariv ...... 4:50 pm Erev Shabbat Service ...... 5:20 pm Sunday, February 3 Shabbat in PJs...... 5:30 pm Men’s Club World Wide Wrap...... 9:45 am Shabbat Social for 6th Grade and Families...... 6:30 pm
Friday, February 8 Saturday, February 23 Erev Shabbat Service...... 5 pm Shacharit...... 9:15 am Torah chug...... 10:15 am Saturday, February 9 Minchah/Talmud Study/Maariv ...... 5:15 pm Shacharit...... 9:15 am Bat Mitzvah – Rebecca Clements...... pm Torah chug...... 10:15 am Special 4s Tot Shabbat Program...... 11 am Minchah/Talmud Study/Maariv ...... 4:55 pm
Candle Lighting Times Daily Services Saturday Schedule
Friday, February 1...... 4:56 pm Mornings Services begin ...... 9:15 am Shabbat ends, Monday & Thursday...... 6:45 am (When B'nei Mitzvah)...... 9 am Saturday, February 2...... 6:06 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday...7 am Torah Study Group...... 9 am Friday, February 8...... 5:05 pm Sunday Talmud Study...... 8:15 am Shabbat Meditation...... 9:30 am Shabbat ends, Sunday Shacharit...... 9 am (per monthly schedule) Saturday, February 9...... 6:15 pm Torah Reading Chug..... 10:15-11 am Evenings (twice a month, ages 9-12) Friday, February 15...... 5:14 pm Sunday-Thursday...... 7:30 pm Shabbat ends, Torah for Tots (ages 0-4)...... 11 am Friday (see schedule) February 16...... 6:24 pm Shabbat Friends...... 11 am (twice a month, grades K-2) Friday, February 22...... 5:22 pm Shabbat ends, Jr Congo (grades 3-6)...... 11 am Saturday, February 23...... 6:32 pm
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4 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex From the Pulpit
RABBI ALAN SILVERSTEIN Only in America
In February, as we celebrate the birthdays of American of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and presidential luminaries George Washington and Abraham enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants — while every Lincoln, we are reminded of the unparalleled blessings that one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and the United States has provided for its Jewish citizens. there shall be none to make him afraid.” In 1654, 23 Jews fleeing the Portuguese Roman Catholic 2. Separation of church and state Inquisition in Brazil arrived at the Protestant Dutch outpost of New Amsterdam (which a decade later became British New Both Democratic and Republican Party platform preambles York). Although they were not the first individual Jews to affirm that “We honor the central place of faith in the lives of arrive on these shores, they were the first to be permitted to our people…. We believe that our nation, our communities, settle permanently and to establish a communal presence. and our lives are made vastly stronger and richer by faith.” This refers to religion, but not to any particular religion. According to Robert Rifkind, chair of the 2004 celebration of 350 years of Jewish life on these shores, “The entire destiny As President Eisenhower stated: “Our government makes no of the Jews was forever changed by that migration.” sense unless it is founded in a deeply felt religious faith — and I don’t care which specific faith it is.” Noting the uniqueness Consider what would have happened if there had been no of America, Alexis de Tocqueville in 1835 observed: “State migration to America by so many European Jews in the religions may serve the interests of political power but they decades before the Nazi genocide. When I visit Ukraine, are always sooner or later fatal for the church. Prague, Poland, and so forth — As the saying goes, “There, but for the grace of God….” “Religion has flourished in America in contrast to modern- day Europe, precisely because it has been separated from Presidents’ Weekend should evoke a collective expression of government — with its corruption and self-interest and gratitude from American Jews. Here are just a few reasons power politics.” for our appreciation. Alan Dershowitz aptly concluded: “The separation of church 1. The unique philo-Semitic nature of and state has been the single most important reason for the American culture success of the American-Jewish community.” From the time of its origins, this country uniquely affirmed and 3. America’s cultural pluralism is a blessing embraced its Jews. Only in America did a nation’s founders to American Jews identify themselves not against but with the people of Israel. “Rabbi, why do we need our religious or ethnic or cultural The Puritans of New England linked Jewish and Anglo- heritage in this age of the American melting pot?” Saxon destinies. They identified with the people portrayed in Hebrew Scripture. They referred to their new land as Yes, “melting pot” is a welcome image, but it applies only Canaan, their towns were given biblical place names, like to civics, like learning the English language and ways to Bethlehem and Goshen. Knowledge of Hebrew was a sign of function in our society. That metaphor urges us to “melt” into erudition in colonial America. The rebelling colonists likened one civic polity. the tyrant King George to a modern-day Pharaoh. Benjamin Yet the dominant overall American ethos is that of Franklin proposed that the seal symbolizing the new nation philosopher Horace Kallen, who furthered the idea of our include a depiction of Moses lifting his wand to divide the Red country embracing “cultural pluralism.” Kallen said that Sea to make a way to freedom for the Israelites. America has believed that each religious, ethnic, and In response to the warm welcome Washington received cultural group “has something of peculiar value which it from the Jewish congregation in Newport on his first visit as can contribute. Think of the image of the orchestra playing president to Rhode Island, the president wrote to Yeshuat a symphony. Each group should preserve and play its own Israel in 1790: instrument to the finest quality.” “…happily, the Government of the United States, which gives Preserving the diversity of our religious and ethnic identities to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires promotes the greatness of America. American Judaism is only that they who live under its protection should demean among the proud pillars upon which this great country stands. themselves as good citizens…. May the children of the stock Let’s celebrate our country and its multifold blessings.
www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 5 From the Pulpit
RABBI ARI LUCAS
“Wired to the Holy Blessed One”
In 2001, when the Internet was I agree with her. There is, in my still in its infancy, Rabbi Avram opinion, no substitute for in-person Reisner wrote a responsum for human connection. Luckily, CAI the Conservative movement is great at providing a forum for about whether one could pray building those connections. Every via the Internet. Could a minyan Shabbat, people come to shul and be convened in a chat room or greet one another. We pray and through email? (Those were the we shmooze. Attending services most common communication on any given Shabbat probably technologies at the time; Snapchat won’t change your life, but the and Facebook Live hadn’t yet relationships built over time been invented.) In the 18 years have the cumulative power to be since that paper was written, our transformative. And not just on capacity to connect via the Internet Shabbat; every day of the week, has increased considerably. So much so that streaming all year round, there are people physically present in our live video and advances in virtual reality are eroding the building: at daily minyan, learning in classes, coming to boundary between being physically and virtually present. Religious School or the ECC.
Rabbi Reisner concluded that physical proximity of We also know that people’s busy lives and personal 10 people (i.e., being in the same room as the prayer circumstances make it increasingly challenging to show up leader) was necessary to constitute a minyan. He in shul — especially during the week. added that once the minyan was constituted, additional participants could join virtually and participate in the So at CAI we’re trying to do two things simultaneously minyan if they were unable to be physically present. This — continue to deepen and enhance the opportunities we is extremely helpful for people who are hospitalized or who offer for cultivating in-person community AND find more otherwise can’t make it to synagogue for health reasons ways for people to connect to us virtually. For example, but still want to join a minyan to pray or say Kaddish. I’m going to be offering CAI’s first-ever virtual class via the Zoom platform (I look forward to sharing details I was reminded of Rabbi Reisner’s teaching when I read a soon). We’re also in the process of revamping our website recent “New York Times” op-ed titled, “Internet Church Isn’t so that it will be more responsive on mobile devices — so Really Church.” The writer, Laura Turner, describes how she you can connect with CAI while on the go. Additionally, and her husband struggled to come to church while they we are looking into posting more of our content (rabbis’ were dealing with infertility and miscarriages. “There were sermons, lectures, concerts) in podcast or other formats. so many Sundays when streaming a church service would This isn’t so simple when we’re also trying to uphold have been preferable to getting out of bed…,” she wrote. Shabbat as a low-tech “palace in time.” But the physical experience of being in community was healing and built bonds that carried her through challenging We’re hoping that these new ways to connect with CAI moments — bonds, she argues, that would not have been will supplement what we already do so that the net result the same if she had cultivated them through the Internet. will be deeper connections and more Jewish participation. She concludes, “This, then, is the beauty of the church: not I’d love to hear your thoughts about all of this. Feel free that it is perfect or convenient or fits easily into my life but to send me an e-mail or, better yet, make an in-person that without it, my life would be deficient.” meeting so we can continue the conversation.
6 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 7 Cantor's Notes
CANTOR JOEL CAPLAN
We Sang Our Way Through Israel
We’re back! Last month, I and let tourists write messages reported that nine of us from CAI of hope on the tiles and glue would be joined by six others in them onto the sign. a HaZamir NJ Teen Choir trip to Soon the side of the inner wall Israel. facing the moshav was covered We did it! It was a wonderful trip. with color and messages of peace. I wrote that we would strengthen Then Tzameret started taking our ties with our federation groups to the other side of the partnership community of wall, where people in parts Ofakim and the surrounding of Gaza can see it. And that’s area of Merchavim; that we where we were, gluing our Newspaper article about our concert in Ofakim would be staying in the homes messages of hope to the huge of fellow choir singers, getting to words: Peace, Shalom, Salaam. know them personally; that we would take part in HaZamir’s We stood there, faced Gaza, and sang “Yachad Na’amod” “Nofshon,” an overnight retreat for the nine-or-so HaZamir (“Together We Stand”), a song from the HaZamir repertoire. Teen Choirs in Israel; and that we would perform our music I had made a sing-able English version, the second verse of in high schools, hospitals, nursing homes, kibbutzim, shuls, which is: and street corners during our stay. Together we stand, all for one, one for all. Well, we did all that — and more. Here are some highlights, We’re changing the world, breaking down ev’ry wall. including some “change of plans” experiences: We’ll shape a new world without blood, without war, A world with no fire or fear anymore. 1) Concert in Ofakim: At the end of the “Nofshon” retreat, the 100 Israeli high school singers there — plus our 12 from We’ll all live as one, ev’ry color there is. New Jersey — gave a concert in Ofakim. The main cultural Yours sing with ours, hers sing with his. auditorium in town, named after Yitzchak Rabin (z”l, may We’ll build a new world raising hope up above, his memory be a blessing), had been undergoing major A world united, whose banner is love! renovations for months, and our concert was the first one in Naive? Over-idealistic? Perhaps. But when can you hope, if the refurbished space. I was honored with conducting one not as a teenager? of the songs and broke into an Irish jig only one time during rehearsals (ask one of the singers). Tzameret brings all kinds of groups to the wall, and she was near tears. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” she said. We 2) Singing at the “Peace Wall”: This is at Moshav Netiv surrounded her with a group hug. Ha’asara, right on the northern Gaza border. The moshav is lovely, with trees and flowers all around (and it’s part of the 3) Change of Plans: singing “Yerushalayim Shel Negev desert). Our hostess was Tzameret Zamir (no relation Zahav” underground: I prepared several songs to be sung to “HaZamir,” but a nice coincidence), a ceramic artist and at specific places and thought we might sing “Yerushalayim mother of four who wanted her children to grow up in this Shel Zahav” (“Jerusalem of Gold”) at the Haas Promenade beautiful place. lookout, with its (usually) beautiful and impressive view of the Old City of Jerusalem from the south. But when terrorists in Gaza started firing rockets into Israel, the moshav residents had to deal with it. Besides the But, as they say in Yiddish, “Der mensch tracht, un Gott border wall, a second inner wall — 30 feet high or so — was lacht” — “People plan, and God laughs” — or, “The best- constructed in front of the moshav for protection. laid plans of mice and men….” When we got to the Haas Promenade, it was raining heavily, and the wind was so About six years ago, Tzameret designed a huge sign on strong it blew my cap off my head more than once. part of that inner wall, facing the moshav, that said “Peace” in English, Hebrew, and Arabic. She created little colored So we ended up singing “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav” ceramic tiles with such words as Hope, Love, Faith, and Song underground, in a tunnel that was part of the City of David
8 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Above: At the Tel Aviv beach; Top right: Robyn Liss, daughter of Liz and Jonathan Liss and granddaughter of Hynda Feit at Ben-Gurion Airport; Right: Michael Fichtenbaum, son of Joyce and Steve Fichtenbaum excavations near the Kotel. Beautiful! — but in a way I Josh, with raised eyebrows: “Um, yes! I was in Estonia recently.” couldn’t have predicted. It turns out that they had both been in Tallinn, Estonia, on 4) Change of Plans: at Michael Levin’s grave: Our different choir tours, and she had seen his group rehearsing. teenagers had learned about Michael (z”l ) from Rabbi Talk about small world…. Silverstein before we left New Jersey — about Michael’s B) We sang for residents of a Jerusalem nursing home, burning desire to leave Philadelphia, make aliya, and serve in where we were introduced as “a professional youth choir from the IDF; about his tragic death fighting in Lebanon; and about America.” (Wow!) A volunteer there told us, “That song you the huge crowds who came to the funeral of this Lone Soldier. just sang — we used to sing it together on our bus as we His name kept coming up on our trip, and we went to the traveled to do battle in Lebanon in the 1980s.” Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin in Jerusalem. C) In Ofakim, Aliza Danino — head of Ofakim Cultural We were really primed to visit his grave, but when we got Activities, coordinator of the HaZamir Ofakim/Merchavim there, a cemetery worker was using a leaf blower to clear choir, and wife of Ofakim Mayor Itzik Danino — invited us and away vegetation. He continued and continued, and we asked her own local HaZamir teens to a party at her beautiful home. him if he could stop just for 30 seconds to let our group The teens were doing loud karaoke out in the yard. I asked sing a brief song in Michael’s honor in front of the grave. one of the local mothers, “Don’t the neighbors object to all “No,” he said, “I really can’t, because there are three groups the loud music?” “Well,” she replied, “it’s the mayor’s house.” behind you who also want to stand by the grave. What am I Later, I asked Aliza the same question, and she said, “Eh, it’s supposed to do? Wait for all these groups?” the mayor’s house….” We ended up singing the song a bit further away, overlooking Again, thanks to Sherri London, who led the trip with me, and the hillside where Michael’s grave is. But isn’t it wonderful that to Ed Finkel, who organized it! And to our Greater Metrowest there were so many people who wanted to visit Michael’s grave Federation, the CAI Israel Committee, the CAI Sisterhood, that we had to change our plans? and the CAI Men’s Club, and an anonymous donor, who Three Quick Items: all helped subsidize the trip and make it possible for these families to take part! A) An elderly woman at Kibbutz Erez, near the Gaza border, to Josh Gonzalez (Pine Brook Jewish Center): “Have I seen On Sunday, March 31, our HaZamir NJ singers will join 400 you before? Were you in Estonia?” other Jewish teen choir singers from across the United States and Israel in a wonderful concert at Lincoln Center! For ticket Me, to myself: “Seriously?” information, see me!
www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 9
Education Matters
SUSAN WERK, EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Awareness, acceptance, and inclusion
ebruary is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and The truth is, peo- FInclusion Month. The following information was pro- ple with disabilities vided by JDAIM to help foster inclusion of people with dis- and mental health abilities in community life. conditions want what everyone More Than Awareness and Inclusion else wants — to For over 10 years, JDAIM has focused on awareness and belong! inclusion. Every February, Jewish communities worldwide That’s why “acceptance” is part join together to advocate for inclusion of people with disabil- of the JDAIM name. ities and mental health conditions as active participants in Jewish life. With a Jewish Lens But inclusion is a term that is interpreted along a spec- A human being mints many coins from the same mold but the trum. To some, it means that any program or service open to Holy One, Blessed be God, strikes us all from the mold of the all people is “inclusive.” Others go well beyond programs first human, and each one of us is unique. Therefore, every and services; they actively encourage and support people single person is obligated to say, “The world was created for with disabilities and mental health conditions and those who my sake.” — Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5 love them so that they may participate in Jewish life as deeply as they wish. And there are many variations of “inclu- The relationship between Judaism and those with disabili- sion” in between. ties goes back to our roots, and there are many texts that inspire us regarding acceptance and inclusion. Congregation Agudath Israel, Having a disability is not and should never be used as a Ramah Berkshires, & Golda Och Academy reason to exclude someone from meaningful participation present and contribution to this wonderful place we call “the Jewish community.” Everyone has gifts to share as well as needs for comfort and the embrace of community. Wednesday, Inclusion is the opportunity for every person to participate in meaningful ways in the life of the Jewish community. February 6, How can we know what is meaningful and important to 7:45 pm another person? We can open our doors, we can ask, we can listen, and we can take the journey together. Appropriate for We do not do things for people with disabilities; we do ages 10 and up things with people with disabilities. JDAIM is a time to rein- force the concept that Inclusion is simply treating people as individuals, not as a group of “those” people whose needs can be met through special programs or occasional visits to Panel discussion with: synagogues. Lori Jaffe, MSW, GOA guidance counselor, Just like you, people with disabilities can and should family therapist make decisions about how they participate in Jewish life. Leslie Tubul, LCSW, psychotherapist JDAIM should be just the first step in a year — and beyond — of commitment to ensure that all people feel they Geula Zamist, CAI Early Childhood Center director belong. Karen Legman Segal, MSW, director of camper care, Camp Ramah Berkshires ***** Susan Werk, CAI education director, moderator Every day — not just during JDAIM — we strive to fol- Sponsored by the Doris R. Werk College Youth Fund low these precepts in our community. On Shabbat, Feb. 16, Register at Agudath.org/Events during morning services, we will be mindful about what we are doing and what we can do to secure a complete commit- ment to awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of all.
10 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 11 Education Matters (Continued)
TorahTorahTorah Pillar:Pillar: Pillar: Every Every Age Age Age and and andEvery Every StaStage Stagege ofof of Jewish JewishJewish Learning Learning Learning ProgramsProgramsPrograms for forall for allAgudath all Agudath Agudath Israel Israel Israel dayday day school school school and and and religious religious religious school school school students students students and and adults adults and adults EarlyEarly Childhood Childhood Center Center MiddleMiddle School School (Sixth-Eighth (Sixth-Eighth Grade) Grade) Friday,Friday, Feb. Feb. 1: 1:Super Super Bowl Bowl Shabbat, Shabbat, 5:45 5:45 pm pm Friday,Friday, Feb. Feb. 1: 1:Super Super Bowl Bowl Shabbat, Shabbat, 5:45 5:45 pm pm Saturday,Saturday, Feb. Feb. 9: 9:ECC ECC Special Special 4’s 4’s tots tots program, program, 11 11 am am Saturday,Saturday, Feb. Feb. 2: 2:Sixth Sixth Grade Grade Mincha/Maariv/ Mincha/Maariv/ Monday,Monday, Feb. Feb. 18: 18: ECC ECC closed closed Havdalah,Havdalah, 4:30 4:30 pm pm Tuesday,Tuesday, Feb. Feb. 19: 19: ECC ECC closed, closed, Extended Extended Day Day is isopen open Wednesday,Wednesday, Feb. Feb. 6: 6:Angst: Angst: Raising Raising Awareness Awareness Friday,Friday, Feb. Feb. 22: 22: Shabbat Shabbat in inPajamas, Pajamas, 5:30 5:30 pm pm AroundAround Anxiety, Anxiety, 7:45 7:45 pm pm Sunday,Sunday, Feb. Feb. 24: 24: Al Al Galgalim, Galgalim, 10 10 am am Sunday,Sunday, Feb. Feb. 10: 10: Kadima Kadima (TBA) (TBA) Sunday, Feb. 17: RS closed PrimaryPrimary (Kindergarten (Kindergarten – Second– Second Grade) Grade) Sunday, Feb. 17: RS closed Tuesday, Feb. 19: RS closed Friday,Friday, Feb. Feb. 1: 1:Super Super Bowl Bowl Shabbat, Shabbat, 5:45 5:45 pm pm Tuesday, Feb. 19: RS closed Saturday,Saturday, Feb. Feb. 2: 2:Shabbat Shabbat Friends, Friends, 11 11 am am TeensTeens (Ninth-Twelfth (Ninth-Twelfth Grade) Grade) Sunday,Sunday, Feb. Feb. 3: 3:Chaverim: Chaverim: Magic Magic Bob, Bob, 11:30 11:30 am am WednesdaysWednesdays are are Teen Teen Nights Nights at atCAI CAI: Pizza: Pizza & &Shmooze, Shmooze, Sunday,Sunday, Feb. Feb. 10: 10: Monthly Monthly RS RS K-1-2, K-1-2, 9:30 9:30 am am CurrentCurrent Issues, Issues, Modern Modern Hebrew, Hebrew, and and more more Saturday,Saturday, Feb. Feb. 16: 16: Shabbat Shabbat Friends, Friends, 11 11 am am Friday,Friday, Feb. Feb. 1: 1:Super Super Bowl Bowl Shabbat, Shabbat, 5:45 5:45 pm pm Sunday,Sunday, Feb. Feb. 17: 17: RS RS closed closed Wednesday,Wednesday, Feb. Feb. 6, 6,13, 13, 20, 20, 27: 27: Teen Teen Wednesday Wednesday Night Night Friday,Friday, Feb. Feb. 22: 22: Shabbat Shabbat in inSweats, Sweats, 5:30 5:30 pm pm Wednesday,Wednesday, Feb. Feb. 6: 6:USY USY event: event: Chocolate Chocolate Making, Making, Saturday,Saturday, Feb. Feb. 23: 23: Breathe Breathe in ina Blessing,a Blessing, 11 11 am am 7:457:45 pm pm Wednesday, Feb. 6: Angst: Raising Awareness Around ElementarElementary Schooly School (Third-Fifth (Third-Fifth Grade) Grade) Wednesday, Feb. 6: Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety , 7:45 pm Friday,Friday, Feb. Feb. 1: 1:Super Super Bowl Bowl Shabbat, Shabbat, 5:45 5:45 pm pm Anxiety , 7:45 pm Saturday,Saturday, Feb. Feb. 2: 2:Special Special RS RS programming, programming, 10:30 10:30 am am AdultsAdults Sunday,Sunday, Feb. Feb. 10: 10: Chalutzim Chalutzim Escape Escape Room, Room, 11:30 11:30 am am Saturday,Saturday, Feb. Feb. 2: 2:Shabbat Shabbat meditation meditation with with Karen Karen Frank, Frank, Sunday,Sunday, Feb. Feb. 17: 17: RS RS closed closed 9:309:30 am am Tuesday,Tuesday, Feb. Feb. 19: 19: RS RS closed closed Sunday,Sunday, Feb. Feb. 3: 3:Men’s Men’s Club Club World World Wide Wide Wrap Wrap Meeting, Meeting, 9:459:45 am am Tuesday, Feb. 5: “The Last Angry Man” screening, 1 pm Adult Ed Classes Tuesday, Feb. 5: “The Last Angry Man” screening, 1 pm Adult Ed Classes Wednesday,Wednesday, Feb. Feb. 6: 6:Angst: Angst: Raising Raising Awareness Awareness Around Around Fridays:Fridays: Feb. Feb. 1, 1, 8, 8, 15, 15, 22 22 Anxiety,Anxiety, 7:45 7:45 pm pm 7:45-8:157:45-8:15 am: am: Sighing Sighing and and Soaring Soaring in inthe the Psalms, Psalms, Sunday,Sunday, Feb. Feb. 24: 24: Adult Adult Ed Ed trip trip (TBA) (TBA) RabbiRabbi Hammerman Hammerman Saturdays,Saturdays, Feb. Feb. 2, 2, 9, 9, 16, 16, 23 23 12:45-212:45-2 pm: pm: Second Second Temple Temple Literature, Literature, ScreeningScreening Phil Kruger Phil Kruger “The Last Mondays:Mondays: Feb. Feb. 4, 4, 11, 11, 25 25 “The Last 1010 am: am: Israel’s Israel’s Milestones Milestones and and Their Their Meanings, Meanings, AngryAngry Man Man” ” RabbiRabbi Michael Michael Jay Jay Tuesday, Tuesdays: Feb. 5, 12, 26 Tuesday, Tuesdays: Feb. 5, 12, 26 February 5, 1 pm 9:45-10:159:45-10:15 am: am: Hebrew Hebrew with with Nancy Nancy Caplan Caplan February 5, 1 pm 10:30:12:1510:30:12:15 am: am: Text Text and and Coffee, Coffee, Nancy Nancy Caplan Caplan 12:30:1:3012:30:1:30 pm: pm: Jewish Jewish Law Law and and Customs, Customs, In Inthis this acclaimed acclaimed 1959 1959 film, film, famed famed actor actor Paul Paul Muni Muni (who (who began in Yiddish theater) plays Sam Abelman, an aging NancyNancy Caplan Caplan began in Yiddish theater) plays Sam Abelman, an aging doctordoctor devoted devoted to to the the inhabitants inhabitants of ofhis his poor poor Brooklyn Brooklyn Thursdays:Thursdays: Feb. Feb. 7, 7, 14, 14, 21, 21, 28 28 neighborhood.neighborhood. A ATV TV producer producer sees sees this this “Schweitzer “Schweitzer of of 9:30-10:309:30-10:30 am: am: Contemporary Contemporary Jewish Jewish Thinkers, Thinkers, thethe slums” slums” as as ideal ideal fodder fodder for for his his series series celebrating celebrating Musicians,Musicians, Artists, Artists, with with Rabbi Rabbi Silv Silverersteinstein everydayeveryday heroes, heroes, but but Sam Sam is ismore more interested interested in inspending spending 10:30-11:30 am: Elijah the Prophet & the Evolution hishis time time tending tending to to his his community, community, particularly particularly a delin-a delin- 10:30-11:30 am: Elijah the Prophet & the Evolution quent (Billy Dee Williams, in his screen debut) who is ail- ofofJewishJewish Storytelling, Storytelling, Susan Susan Werk Werk quent (Billy Dee Williams, in his screen debut) who is ail- inging but but afraid afraid to to seek seek medical medical attention. attention. The The doctor’s doctor’s desperationdesperation to to break break through through to to the the seriously seriously ill youngill young WatchWatchWatch for newsfor for news of news spring of of springAdult spring Ed Adultclasses, Adult Edbeginning Ed classes, classes, in March. manman moves moves the the narrative narrative to toits its emotional emotional conclusion. conclusion. beginningbeginning in in March. March. 12 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 13 Adult Education Watch for news of spring Adult Ed classes, SUSAN WERK, EDUCATION DIRECTOR beginning in March.
February Adult Ed Programs
"Israel's Jewish Tour the Milestones and Film Series Metropolitan Their Meanings: Tuesday Museum of Art The Legacy of Matinee: Sunday, Feb. 24, the Past and The Last 12:30 pm the Challenge Angry Man Join us for a unique of the Future," Tuesday, experience touring with Rabbi Michael Jay Feb. 5, 1 pm the Met with Nachliel Mondays,Feb. 4, 11, 26, 10 am The stirring and still effective Selavan, a Jewish educator and self-taught This class covers great moments of social drama directly links its museum guide whose specialty is looking the State of Israel from the Balfour main character's morality to at Jewish texts and history through ancient Declaration to the Six-Day War his Jewish heritage, presenting artifacts. Selavan connects items and ideas and beyond, and how these audiences with the sympathetic mentioned in Torah texts with artifacts on view moments have impacted Israel, but unsentimental image of a at the museum. Space is limited so sign up the Jewish people, and the world. devoted Jewish healer. Film will be early! Transporation is not provided. We will $240 for non-members. followed by discussion. Register meet at the museum promptly at 12:15 pm. Register at agudath.org/events. at agudath.org/events. Cost: $40 Register at agudath.org/events.
Save
the Date! CAI Interfaith Committee Is proud to sponsor Pastor/Author Victor Styrsky Christians United For Israel Thursday, April 11, 2019 at 7:45 pm "With over 5 million members, CUFI is the largest pro-Israel organization in the nation and one of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world. CUFI is the only Christian organization devoted to transforming millions of pro-Israel Christians into an educated, empowered, and effective force for Israel. Pastor Strysky is CUFI's National Outreach Director and Eastern Regional Coordinator. He is a sought after speaker in churches, synagogues, universities, and pro-Israel events across the nation. Free of Charge • Refreshments will be served • Register at agudath.org/events. Congregation Agudath Israel 20 Academy Road, Caldwell, NJ 07006
14 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex s THINK SUMMER... s s THINK CAMP! s It’s a great time to plan for…summer! Jewish overnight camp offers the chance to gain independence, meet new friends, and enjoy exciting – all in the beautiful outdoors, with a special sense of community and spirit not found at other camps. Plus, you’ll help ensure a strong Jewish future, because Jewish campers become future leaders. One Happy Camper NJ is a non-profit, FREE resource of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest to connect you with the amazing array of Jewish summer programs: s Access to over 190+ Jewish overnight camps, day camps, specialty camps (from sports to arts to farming and more!), and teen programs s Guidance on financial resources for camp, including One Happy Camper grants up to $1,000 and needs-based scholarships for eligible campers s Free, personalized consultation from local camp expert Tracy Levine to find the right summer experience for your child There have been 91 One Happy Camper grant recipients from Agudath to date – who will be recipient #100? One Happy Camper NJ has a $25 Starbuck’s gift card waiting for you! Visit www.OneHappyCamperNJ.org or contact Tracy at 973-929-2970 or [email protected].
www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 15 Early Childhood Center
GEULA ZAMIST, EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER DIRECTOR Family Havdalah
Families of children from the Early Childhood Center and of kindergartners and first- and second-graders came together for a special evening, including Havdalah and bedtime Sh’ma. After our beautiful musical service, families worked together to create pillowcases that will remind them of the bedtime Sh’ma ritual.
16 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Friday, February 22
5:30 pm: Child-friendly dinner 6 pm: Service with Susan Werk and Cantor Caplan Adult Lounge & Conference Rooms There is no cost for the dinner. RSVP required so we can plan accordingly. Please email [email protected] to attend.
Just as Havdalah engages all our senses to help us hold onto the beauty of Shabbat, Shabbat in Pajamas is an Early Education Center Family Program experiences like this help families hold onto the Susan Werk, Education Director joys of the early childhood years.
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AND PARENTS!
Weekly Shabbat program led by Alexis Gruber, Adrienne Himmelberger and Tal Wolf
FOR KIDS: Saturdays, 11 am Shabbat friendly activities, games, plays and more AL GALGALIM (WITH PARENTS) Sunday, Feb. 24, 10 am Social Youth Group led by Adrienne Himmelberger Join our Al Galgalim “Training Wheels” program designed for families with Preschool age children. Children will enjoy crafts, games and songs while learning about the Jewish holidays and Shabbat.
www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 17 Development News
MICHAEL E. BRESSMAN , DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR The 2018-19 Annual Fund: Mid-Year Honor Roll of Donors A heartfelt thanks to those who give, plus a reminder of all their philanthropy makes possible.
Congregation Agudath Israel is proud to Our effort to imprint Jewish values on each other and acknowledge those who have supported this the wider world is also strengthened by the Annual Fund, year’s Annual Fund campaign. Their charitable touching lives through the work of the Caring Committee, gifts are furthering our community’s tradition of Israel Committee, Environmental Committee, Interfaith converting philanthropy into meaningful Jewish experiences. Hospitality Network, and more. It also provides resources for our Congregational Nurse and Zeller Family Social The influence of the Annual Fund is evident across the full Worker so they can bring their expertise to bear on spectrum of CAI’s lifecycle programming, from birth to improving our members’ physical and emotional well-being. b’nei mitzvah and beyond. It impacts Mommy & Me; the ECC; the Religious School; USY; Adult Education; Wise The opportunities made possible by the Annual Fund move Aging; and more. us spiritually, academically, culturally, and civically. That’s why those who give philanthropically (list below) are playing It also plays a leading role in enabling our vibrant religious an important role in sustaining and growing all that makes life from daily minyanim to Shabbat and holy day services, our community so special. giving our clergy the tools to inspire us through davening, Haven’t made your 2018-19 gift yet? Don’t worry — music, and sermons that connect timeless Jewish teachings there’s still time! Give before our fiscal year ends on to contemporary life. June 30, 2019, to see your name in our Annual Report.
2018-19 ANNUAL FUND
BUILDERS ($25,000 and up) Eric Edelstein Karen and Ted Eisenberg Leonard Cohen Jane and Ned Gladstein Judy and Steven Elbaum Susan and Matthew Horn Jennifer and Nathan Dany Amy and William Lipsey Daryl and Andrew Epstein Wendy and Scott Newman Esta Edelman Kelly and Gerald Lustig Marisa, Dan, Ari, and Jayne and Victor Nhaisi Dorie and Seth Eisenstein Adam Fishman Debbie and Stuart Rabner Linda and Leslie Elfenbein SUSTAINERS ($10,000 - $24,999) Sheryl and Sam Pearlstein Lisa Hochman and Marc Rudoltz Lori and Michael Etkin John and Judy Craig Janice and Barry Schindler Rachel and Paul Scherzer Erica and Greg Filosa and Family Bernard Greene Randi and Murray Spiegel Amy and Ira Steinberg Anita and Edward Finkel Lianne and Stan Gulkin Bea and Nat Taubenfeld Lori and Hal Wolfson Helaine and Richard French Marlene and Gad Janay Wendy, Stephen, Allie, Sydney Michele and Jason Frieder Blanche and Irwin Lerner and Kate Weinstein PATRONS ($1,000 - $2,499) Joyce and Lee Gladstein Mindy and Alex Opper Helene and Gary Wingens Anonymous (1) Sylvia Gladstein Gayle and Larry Wieseneck Kerry and Matthew Atlas Maddy and Hank Heller BENEFACTORS ($2,500 - $4,999) Stephanie and Alan Bonder Alice and Steven Hirsh PILLARS ($5,000 - $9,999) Rebecca and Ari Berman Lynda and Craig Brown Toni and Irwin Horowitz Claire Akselrad Mindy and Evan Blum Beth and Howard Cannon Esther and Harry Kartus Rachel and Adam Broder Shani and Louis Drogin and Cantor Joel and Nancy Caplan David Korn Shari and Mitchell Broder Family Greta and Ira Cohen Judy Levenstein and Phil Kruger
18 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex 2018-19 ANNUAL FUND
Rabbi Ari Lucas and Talya Phyllis and Marvin Friedman The Wertheim Family Helaine and Michael Mund Oberfield Deanna and Allan Gitlow Lucille Zonis Felice and Art Nichols Jean and Mark Mandell Sharon and Aaron Glauberg Shari and Charles Ornstein Michele and Jonathan Mehl Robin and Mark Goldman FRIENDS ($250 - $499) David and Diane Reidenberg Marsha and Michael Messer Andrea and Stephen Granet Anonymous (1) Renee and Joel Reiser Karen Nerlfi and Neil Schreffler Leslie, James, and Ariel Gurland Robin and Stephen Abrams Nogah and Bruce Revesz Laura and David Ostheimer Susan and Franklin Gurtman Suzanne and Walter Baumgardt Susan and Jack Rosenkranz Geraldine and Thomas Panitch Harvey Hershkowitz Arlene and Melvin Berkowitz Sheryl and Joseph Rosenthal Mandi and Brett Perlmutter Steve and Debbie Holinstat and Gail and David Black Lila Rubin Erika and Kenneth Remsen Family Rosanne and Ira Bornstein Tara and Ramin Saeedian Debbie and Scott Rosen Reina and Myron Jacobowitz Gail and Leo Bressman Judith Fabricant and Alison and Stuart Rosenthal Abby and Randy Kanter Michael Bressman Rabbi David Saltzman Jeanne and Joseph Samet The Boshak/Kotlewski Family Selma Brookman Debra and James Schenkel Gail and Bruce Shapiro Amy and Scott Lewin CAI Men’s Club Jennifer and David Schiefelbein Marianne and Laurence Shulman Sharon and Michael Liebert Carrie Halper and Carlos Castro Estelle and Paul Seligman Jordan and Joseph Shumofsky Erica and Daniel Lotto Fran and Jeffrey Chase Carole and Paul Shapiro Rabbi Alan and Rita Silverstein Jeanette Paktor and Alfred Mahler Sharon and Andrew Chavkin Arthur Sherman Andy and Ami Talkow Stephanie and Gary Sherman Marian Garber Marlowe and Sharon and Andrew Chavkin Nina and Arnold Wasserman Keith Marlowe Mindy and David Clements Joan and Mark Shufro Deborah Arbit and Etta and Froman Mehl Jane and David Cohen Allegra and Michael Simon Nathan Weisman Lori Fuchs-Meyers and Bonnie and Sheldon Cytron Lynn and Michael Simon Susan Werk Adam Meyers Barbara and Murray Dobro Ken Slutsky Barbara and Benjamin Zimmer Carol R. Morman Carri Dolce The Sperling Family Joel Nitzberg Sharon and Aubrey Stoch SPONSORS ($500 - $999) Manny Eijadi Carol and Harris Nydick Bonnie and Richard Fertel Jennifer Trauman Anonymous (2) Marjorie Nydick Donald and Sally Garson Carol Berman and Lisa and Andrew Abramson Richard Waxman Seena and Arthur Pajonk Andrea and Jason Gendel Naomi and Sam Adelberg Hilary and Howard Rabner Ilana Gluck Liza and Liad Amir SUPPORTERS (Up to $249) Michele and Larry Raiken Michael and Stacey Gold and Robin and William Antoshkiw Anonymous (6) Marjorie and Keith Remland Family Irma and Peter Berman Rose-Marie and Yair Alroy Marsha and Ronald Rickles Susan Goldberg Cheryl and Ian Bernstein Susan and Rubin Bedell Cindy and Joseph Roth Judith Gould and Merri and Ned Braunstein Michael Cavalier The Ben Nathan Family Marian Rothenberg Shari and Jeffrey Bricker Amy and Steven Greenberg Debra and Michael Berwald Nancy and Marvin Ruderman Anne and Howard Burg Jackie and Kevin Haney Joan Billig Laura and Glenn Sacks Renee Kaufman and Rosa and Robert Joseph Irene Blumberg Drs. Jordan and Amy Schecter Arthur Cytryn Evette and Glen Borgenicht and Family Ellen and Marc Kaplan Rachel and Mark Davis The Bramnick Family Dara Horn and Gail and Max Kleinman Amy and Larry Dodyk Brendan Schulman Susan and Edward Levey Cindy and Edward Braverman Lois and David Dranikoff Harriet Sepinwall and Stacey and Morris Lewis Steven Chiaet Deborah and Bradley Eckstein Jeffrey Rosenberg Eileen and Harvey Lieberman Becca and Rob Cossin Susan and Steven Eisen Michele and Brad Shiffman David, Debbie, Sam, and Beth and Robert Daniel Anne and Marvin Elmowitz Lori and Jerry Solomon Michael Lurie Amy Dell Karen and Harry Engel Collene and Larry Stout Alice Mikulak Roberta Diamond Barbara and Michael Erlichman Samantha Strulowitz-Steinberg Rabbi Clifford and Deborah Miller Joan Bronspiegel and Jill and David Feder and Ofer Steinberg Orna Rappoport and David Moses Stuart Dickman Joyce and Steven Fichtenbaum Sue and Donald Weinberger Sherry and Stuart Moses Margalit Edelson Samantha and Seth Fliegler Sandy Weintraub Roberta and Norman Mulkowsky Nina and Alan Egger
www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 19 2018-19 ANNUAL FUND
SUPPORTERS (Up to $249) Leah Janus Marcia and Scott Mickley Bonnie and Steven (continued) Elisa Jeffay Sol Moglen Schwartzman Barbara Sebiri Michelle Zeman and Evie and Gary Kabler Marcia and Gerry Mohl Howard Feiwus Esther and Steven Kamenetsky Diane and Harvey Moskowitz Marci Shulman Gruber Jessica and David Fenster Eileen Dombrowsky and Sheila Nathanson Diane and Alan Sklar Anne and Raymond Fogelson Harold Kaplan Meryl Natter Eric and Melissa Sobel Beatrice Freiheiter Limor and David Karpatkin Natalie and Corey Neubauer Stephanie Bash-Soudry and Michael Soudry Joan and Myron Freling The Mayer Kass Family Phyllis Novick and Edna and Charles Stone Debra Gallanter Louis Kaufman Murray Sternberg Allison and Jeffrey Stupak Lois and Norman Gebeloff Deena and Idan Keren Fae and Warren Page Susan and Stephen Sunshine Amy and Alex Glickman Lauren and Samuel Robert Perelman Kestenbaum Fay Susskind Marvin Glickman Saundra and Michael Podell Susan Turitz Sandy and Jared Green Danielle and Tuvia Kimmel Sybil Preisler Jennifer and Seth Wartski Lisa and Brad Greenbaum Adele Kleiman Elyse and David Prince Debra and Seth Weisleder Arlene Grodsky Genna and Neal Koral Sharon and Alan Rein Celeste and Barrie Werfel David Grossman and Lauren and Benjamin Krinsky Lisa and Evan Robbins Alix Rubin Frances and Ben Larkey Marilyn Rose Joseph Werk Pia Gutierrez Wendy Biermann-Leeds and Ellen and Bob Rosen and Lea Whitney Beverly and Saul Gutterman Steve Leeds Family The Wiederhorn Family Melissa Gutworth Risa and Mannie Levi The Rozman Family Lauren and Evan Wormser Judith and Jess Haberman Nancy and Howard Levine June and Leonard Rudin Judy and Allen Zaks Sharon and Rabbi Richard Jill and Richard Lichtig Renee Sachs Lisa and Mikhail Zeltser Hammerman Zena and John Lisa Judith Salomon This list was current as of Beverly Hecht Elaine and Arnold Litt Gloria Saltz January 2, 2019. Please forgive Andrea and Bradley Hecht Linda and Israel Majzner Marion and Leslie Savoy errors or omissions. Contact Michael E. Bressman, Director Josh Henry Regina and Isaac Manevitz Michelle and Carl Schaerf of Development, at 973-226- Terry Izraeli Helen and Alex Manziyenko Elisa and Martin Schenker 3600 ext. 113 or mbressman@ Natalie James Alana and Paul Massie Susan and Marvin Schwartz agudath.org with questions.
Purim is Coming!
And Purim baskets, too! Your personalized ordering link will come by email in mid-February. CAI Carnival If it doesn’t, contact Cantor Caplan March 17! at 973-226-3600, ext. 116, or [email protected]. Details to come
20 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex ,
Friday, March 1 CAI is relaunching “Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas?"— a nationwide community-building program.
In past years, CAI members invited The nature of the program is other CAI members into their homes that hosts will identify their own resulting in over 175 families sharing guests, but if you would like some Shabbat dinner together. suggestions, please let us know.
Our goal is to get to know one If you are interested in hosting, another beyond synagogue walls, contact Debbie Lurie at and sharing Shabbat is a wonderful [email protected] or Debbie Rosen way to build and deepen our at [email protected], and CAI relationships. let us know who you are having as We are identifying hosts who are guests. All hosts will be provided willing to invite CAI friends or with challah, candles, prayers and members of the CAI community who brochure, and tote bag. you may not know well, but would like to get to know better. Better yet — More information mix your new friends with your old is available at friends and make new connections! agudath.org/events.
www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 21 Social Worker: Resilience and Refuah
ANDREA MALMUD, LCSW, JFS ZELLER FAMILY CAI SOCIAL WORKER
Balancing Work and Life
Procrastination: Friend or Foe The Dark Side — Now that we live — When Walter Issacson was in more advanced forms of housing asked how he managed to run than did our early ancestors, the brain major organizations such as CNN function of procrastination has been while writing lengthy, thought- perfected to an art form. Our schedules/ provoking biographies (including plans/deadlines are more fluid, and our one of Albert Einstein), he said brains are way more complex, enabling that he never procrastinates. us to perfect ways to: put…things…off. Aha! I thought, an easy solution Fear/Perfectionism/Negative to the problem of work-life Thinking — A recent “New York Times” balance. I continued to work on article, “The Four ‘Attachment Styles’ my jigsaw puzzle as I pondered and How They Sabotage Work/Life this idea. As I completed a red bird feather, I considered Balance” (Dec. 19, 2018), talks about how fear and anxiety can that the issue warranted closer inspection. lead to “fight or flight” mode in the way we approach a task. The author recommends calming strategies such as peer support and Side note: I write about this knowing all too well that our positive self-talk. modern schedules do not allow time to do nearly all that is expected of us. Having said that…. Why is peer support so important? Many of us delay in completing tasks because of a worry we will lose the love/support/respect of A Brief History of Procrastination — Rewind to life in those around us if the final product does not meet with resounding the cave. It’s early morning, time to head out in search approval. We get caught up in the following cycle: delay, crunch of breakfast, but our early ancestor hesitates at the door: time, completion, positive (quite often) feedback. The last part, Do my cave drawings need a little more color, did I put the positive feedback part, gives us an adrenaline rush that out the fire, did I remember to feed the whatever? reinforces this cycle. We have been procrastinating for as long as we have been capable of complex thought processes. Once our How To Break Out of The Cycle — Give thought to how the brain’s prefrontal cortex developed, our tendency toward above information may be influencing your balance in life. Nike spontaneity began to lapse. famously put it: “Just Do It.” Runners will encourage the habit of morning runs because of the great feeling of “run and done.” We The Good News About Procrastination — This oft- will feel comforted if we can tell ourselves that our cave drawing maligned feature of the human experience has enabled does not have to be perfect, especially since we won’t see its true us to slow down and problem-solve. It has given us the colors until we “let the paint dry.” time we need to use logic to come to clear, adaptive solutions. — Andrea Malmud, [email protected].
Zeller Family Jewish Family Service of MetroWest Social Worker at CAI Questions about aging loved ones, financial pressures, concerns about children? Contact Andrea Malmud for guidance, information, referrals, and support. There is no fee, and all conversations are strictly confidential. Andrea Malmud, 973-226-3600, ext. 143, [email protected]
This is a partnership of the Zeller Family, Jewish Family Service of MetroWest, and the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ.
22 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 23 Men's Club
ALFIE MAHLER, PRESIDENT CAI Fantasy Football Champions Crowned
Greg Feig Charlie Ornstein Rabbi Ari Lucas Joseph Kelmanovich
Two champions emerged from the inaugural season of most points in one game, were awarded ESPN T-shirts and Men’s Club Fantasy Football. caps. In the 10-team League One, Greg Feig bested all competitors Depending on the interest level, the group is considering in a six-week playoff to claim the trophy. In the eight-team hosting fantasy leagues in other sports, like baseball and League Two, it was Charlie Ornstein who ran the table in a basketball. Keep checking the “Voice” for announcements four-week playoff to win top prize. about joining a league in the future.
Second-place finishers and those who excelled in other Thanks to all who played and made it a fun season. statistical categories, like most points all season and —Adam Shandler
Malvin Sumka's Induction into the Do a Mitzvah! Recycle at CAI! Parsippany High School Hall of Fame! Malvin (Mal) Sumka (father/ WHAT? grandfather to David, Grace, Gabby, and Used batteries, Toner and ink cartridges, Elly Sumka) has been selected to the Compact fluorescent light bulbs Parsippany High School Hall of Fame for his success as a Teacher of Math WHERE? and Science, Director of Vocational Education, and In the drop-off box at the bottom of Administrator (1960-1979) who pioneered and led the stairs leading to the religious school students and the school district into the computer age including building Parsippany's first Data Center. WHO? The induction ceremony is on Tuesday, February Dr. Gerry Buchoff will bring all your items 12, at 5 pm with a presentation prior to the boys to the recycling center. basketball game at 7 pm in the gym at Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Rd, Parsippany, NJ 07054. A message from the CAI Environmental Committee
24 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex ADVERTISEMENT Eat Your Peas & Carrots! The Importance of Good Nutrition at Every Age
By Lester Senior Living them in our General Store so residents can enjoy them any Even the most active of older adults may find it difficult to keep time in their apartments.) Working with a nutritionist can help up with creating and eating nutritious meals. Trouble chewing, ensure you’re getting what you need to stay healthy. Some decreased sense of taste or smell, dietary restrictions due to physical exercise is also important, whether it’s walking at a physical conditions, medication side effects, mobility issues comfortable pace for some distance or working out in the gym. (hard to shop or cook), or feelings of loneliness may present If you’re thinking of a retirement community and want to challenges. However, a well-balanced, varied and nutritious diet sample the dining options at Lester Senior Living, we invite you is vitally important to help maintain not only physical health to contact David Rozen about our Friends & Neighbors weekday but cognitive health as well. program or take advantage of a short-term respite stay in our Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is the key to getting all assisted living residence. These both enable guests to sample the important vitamins and minerals. B vitamins, Vitamin D, delicious, glatt kosher meals with others in our elegant dining calcium, and potassium are especially important. Fresh produce rooms. Contact David at (973) 929-2725 or [email protected]. also adds wonderful color to meals and is a great source of fiber. Including a variety of high-fiber foods every day (whole Lester Senior Living is located at 903-905 Route 10 East on the Alex grains are in that category) also helps you improve digestion, Aidekman Family Campus of the Jewish Federation in Whippany. The distinctive retirement community offers independent and assisted maintain a healthy weight, and reduce your risk of heart living as well as memory care options for seniors, ages 62+. For more problems by moderating blood pressure and lowering high information visit www.jchcorp.org. Stay connected — Make sure you cholesterol. have someone who checks in on you periodically, in person or by There are several health maintenance nutritional programs phone — a friend, neighbor, or relative. recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). • For people 50+, the USDA food patterns suggests 1.5 to 2.5 cups of fruit (such as a two-inch peach or 1/4 cup of dried fruit) and 2 to 3.5 cups of vegetables (this is measuring uncooked leafy vegetables) daily. • The USDA Food Guide MyPlate Plan (https://www. choosemyplate.gov/myplateplan) recommends making half your plate fruits and vegetables. • The DASH Diet is designed to help reduce blood pressure and emphasizes foods that are heart healthy. (https:// www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/dash-eating-plan) • Avoid high-calorie/low-nutrient foods such as chips, cookies, soda, and alcohol (of course, an occasional treat is always fun). • Pick foods that are low in cholesterol and fat (especially saturated and trans fats). • Eat together. Research suggests that people eat better when they are in the company of others. Whether at Kiddush, a community Shabbat dinner, a senior center program, or lunch with friends or family, social meals are happier meals for everyone around the table. In cold weather, vegetable soups are a great way to fill up with good-for-you ingredients, and adding legumes, beef or chicken for protein makes for a well-rounded meal in a bowl. (At Lester Senior Living, our homemade soups are so popular, we stock
www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 25 26 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Extending Hands of Friendship from Caldwell, NJ to Hanover, Germany
An unusual and unique opportunity Is it possible to become friendly today with citizens of Germany for education, whose own parents, grandparents, and relatives were perpetrators of the Shoah? As inspiration, and Jews, can we have an honest and open relationship with contemporary Germans? Can we spiritual renewal. build personal bridges with those whose backgrounds are so different from ours? These are some of the questions that Agudath Israel’s Interfaith Committee, under Consider joining the leadership of Glenn Sacks and with the educational direction of Dr. Debby Miller this select group and the Dr. Ursula Rudnick of Hanover, Germany, are trying to answer. The first step in of Agudath Israel answering these questions took place last spring. members for a Under the auspices of CAI’s Interfaith Committee, over a dozen Christian Germans (many not-to-be-forgotten of whom are clergy) visited Agudath Israel, prayed and studied with us, and stayed in our experience. homes. The next step in answering those questions is being taken now as we prepare a visit to Germany from Aug. 6 to 11, 2019, with the cooperation of the World Jewry Contact CAI Committee. Interfaith Committee Chair, Glenn Sacks, Not only will we renew friendships in this most unlikely locale, along with German Christians who are performing teshuvah, but we will also trace Germany’s long and distinct Jewish for details at roots. In addition, we will meet the contemporary progressive Masorti Jewish community [email protected]. and observe how Germany now represents the fastest-growing Jewish community in Europe. Space is limited. Our trip will include Hanover, Germany, where we will stay at the homes of our hosts, Reserve now! and Berlin. There will be optional trips to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Worms (where Rashi lived and studied), and Cologne.
www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 27 CAI Cemetery Association
Rabbi Lucas teaches at Cemetery Association meeting
In an effort to get to know all the “ins and outs” of Congregation Agudath Israel, Rabbi Lucas visited CAI’s CAI Cemetery Association members Cemetery Association meeting in January. Always the teacher, Rabbi Lucas linked his visit with the week’s Torah reading. PRESIDENT: SECRETARY/TREASURER: Arthur Franklin Mel Berkowitz It’s no surprise that he found a connection. home: 973-228-2033, home: 973-226-8623, The portion, “Vay’chi,” he pointed out, contains Jacob’s work: 732-752-8200, cell: 201-532-1489 instructions to his children concerning his own burial cell: 973-477-3545 TRUSTEE: arrangements. The Torah records Jacob saying, “V’asita imadi VICE-PRESIDENT: Keith Marlowe hesed ve’emet.” Though the first part, V’asita“ imadi,” “You Steve Eisen home: 973-533-9114, should do for me,” is straightforward, the latter part, “hesed home: 973-618-0530, work: 973-376-0909, ext. 120 v’emet,” is a difficult phrase to parse. The words literally cell: 973-602-9091 mean “gracious and true,” but the Jewish Publication Society TRUSTEE: translates them as “steadfast loyalty.” Rabbi Lucas taught that VICE-PRESIDENT: Rabbi Richard Rashi comments that “hesed shel emet” means “altruistic Susan Turitz Hammerman kindness.” cell: 973-865-0203 home: 973-287-3455, cell: 732-814-6499 Turning to the members of CAI’s Cemetery Association and referring also to CAI’s Hevra Kadisha, Rabbi Lucas said, “The mitzvah of caring for the dead is the ultimate kindness, opinion, of ultimate significance — ensuring that people can because it cannot be repaid.” be buried in a dignified way, according to Jewish tradition. Following the meeting, in discussing the Cemetery Association That is truly kindness and generosity.” and its work on behalf of the congregation and community, If CAI’s Cemetery Association can assist you or your family, Rabbi Lucas said, “I was so moved by the committee’s please be in touch with one of the members listed above; to dedication to provide a genuine service to the community. reach all the officers, contact [email protected]. The people who gather to do this work don’t get rich from it; they don’t get famous. But the work they’re doing is, in my — Rabbi Richard Hammerman
Begin Shabbat Shabbat Meditation in Stillness Saturday, Feb. 2, 9:30-1:45 am Instructor: Karen Frank, RN, Congregational Nurse Shabbat is the time for quieting, stepping back from the hectic workday world, and entering a time of peacefulness and communion with nature and spirit. Begin your Shabbat with meditation. You will feel a sense of peace, tranquility, and awareness that will enhance your Shabbat experience. Sessions are usually held the first Shabbat of each month. Upcoming sessions: Mar. 2, Apr. 5, May 4, Jun. 1
28 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex • MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 29 B'nei Mitzvah
Rebecca Clements Her mitzvah project will be to spend time teaching soccer Saturday, February 23, 2019, pm to those less fortunate. She will also use some of her bat Daughter of David and Mindy Clements mitzvah gifts to buy the children much-needed soccer equipment. We are honored and proud for Rebecca to become a bat mitzvah at Rebecca’s other passions are family and friends. She loves Congregation Agudath Israel, which her two younger brothers, Noah and Jacob, and works hard her Mom and her family joined in to be a great role model. 1981. Rebecca is a dedicated seventh- grader at West Essex Middle School. She also rescued two dogs that we adopted, Chief and Her favorite part of middle school is singing in the chorus, Bailey, and has provided a wonderful home for them. She as her beautiful voice gets put to good use. Rebecca has so continues to donate to this rescue organization. many passions, but her love of soccer is at the top. She plays on two teams, including the Jersey Crew Academy team and We appreciate the rabbi, cantor, and all the wonderful team the West Essex travel team. When not at home, she can at Agudath Israel who prepared her for this special day. always be found on a soccer field. Mazel tov, Rebecca!
3rd AnnuAl MAhjong MAdness! Sunday, March 3, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Please join us for a day of Mahjong! Play a few games or stay all day. All levels are welcome. Come alone or bring your regular group. We will rotate tables throughout the day. • Tables and sets will be provided. • Bring a 2018 card, if you have. We will have extras. • Lessons are available — if you would like a lesson or are willing to teach, please let us know when registering. Register at agudath.org/events. $10 includes coffee, bagels, and light snacks. Contact: Rachel Broder at [email protected] or Julie Rosen at [email protected].
SPONSORED BY CAI SISTERHOOD NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED
30 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex • MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Dates for 2022 We’re currently working on scheduling bar/bat mitzvah dates for calendar year 2022. If your child needs a date that year and you haven’t received information about it, please contact Cantor Caplan at 973-226-3600, ext. 116, or [email protected]. Thanks!
Need Help with Your Mitzvah Project? If you are working on a project and would like to publicize it to gain support from the congregation, email a description of your project (in 50-75 words), and the type of support you need, to [email protected].
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL • • MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
Love to prepare food? Socialize? Help your CAI community? DEBORAH RABNER, M.D., F.A.A.D. Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology Sign up for CAI Kiddush Co-op!
Helping hands are always needed to prepare 1129 Bloomfield Avenue the tuna salad for Shabbat Kiddush. Please Suite 205 Tel. (973) 575-6880 contact Meryl Natter at [email protected]. West Caldwell, NJ 07006 Fax. (973) 575-1616
www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 31 Tributes & Donations
THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2019
We gratefully acknowledge all who generously support Congregation Agudath Israel’s many programs by remembering and honoring friends and loved ones. Donations can be made on our website, www.agudath.org, or by sending a check to the synagogue office. If you would like to send out a tribute card or have any questions, please contact Allison Robinson, member services assistant, at 973-226-3600, ext. 110, or [email protected].
THE BARRY ROZMAN Phil and Gina Vinick THE ADULT EDUCATION FUND TECHNOLOGY FUND Jacqueline and Kevin Haney In memory of Mike Zonis In honor of the marriage of Dani Rozman and Marian Rothenberg Lucille Zonis Manuela Delnevo Bernice Engel Zena, John, Michael, and Justin Lisa In memory of June Rudin’s mother, and Ariel and THE CAI TRIBUTE FUND In memory of Edith Mishkin Philip Rudin’s grandmother, Rose Minoff Gerald Stolar Margie Rozman Margie and Larry Samuels In honor of Benjamin Solomon’s Bar Mitzvah In memory of Eta Gershen Cohen’s mother, David Moses, Orna Rappoport, and Family THE CAI LIBRARY FUND and Micah, Ethan, Avi, and Talia Cohen’s Ari and Becky Berman In honor of the marriage of Debbie Kruger and grandmother, Mildred B. Gershen In honor of the marriage of Rich and Pam Robby Tepper Margie and Larry Samuels Chassen’s son, Daniel Chassen, to Emily Michael and Miwako Chiaet In memory of Polly Weinstein’s husband, Schwartz Carol and Marc Berman Milton Weinstein Paul and Judith Kantrowitz Jean and Ben Alter Murray and Barbara Dobro In honor of Meryl Natter In honor of Jacki and Howard Levine’s David Sumka anniversary THE CAI RELIGIOUS SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory of Mindy Blum’s mother, and Matthew Ellis and Joyce Hoch and Corey Blum’s grandmother, Judy Davis In honor of Jack and Katie Holinstat’s B’nai In memory of Helane Kipnees’ husband, and Mitzvah Kerry and Matthew Atlas Gabe, Shira, Josh, and Tara Kipnees’ father, Irma, Peter, and Jana Berman Robert Kipnees Beth and Marc Rudofsky In memory of Irwin Halper Karen Nerlfi and Neil Schreffler In memory of Mindy Blum’s mother, and Matthew and Corey Blum’s grandmother, Judy Davis Marji Nydick In memory of Jennifer Vespole’s father, Donald In memory of Helane Kipnees’ husband, and Jensen Joan, Stuart, and Molly Dickman Gabe, Shira, Josh, and Tara Kipnees’ father, Murray and Barbara Dobro THE CAI SCHOLARLY ADULT Robert Kipnees In memory of Robert Page’s wife, Olga Page JEWISH LEARNING FUND Barry and Phyllis Bochner Murray and Barbara Dobro In honor of the marriage of Debbie Kruger and In memory of Rick Arson’s sister In memory of Marjorie Samuels’ father, Robby Tepper Barry and Phyllis Bochner Rebecca Nelson’s father, and Ayla and Bryn Rabbi Clifford and Debby Miller In memory of Sheila Nathanson’s brother, Nelson’s great-grandfather, Mort Rachelson Judith and Allen Zaks Louis Stiglitz Ira and Greta Cohen Iris Bashi Barry and Phyllis Bochner Carol and Marc Berman In honor of the marriage of Austin Mahler and Judy and Harvey Zeller In memory of Marjorie Samuels’ father, Rebecca Nurit Sachs-Lasarow Nelson’s father, and Ayla and Bryn Nelson’s Joan and Mark Shufro Rabbi Clifford and Debby Miller great-grandfather, Mort Rachelson Ellen Arian In honor of the birth of Davey and Ed Irma and Peter Berman Ellis and Joyce Hoch Rosenbaum’s granddaughter, and Shoshi and Michael Bressman Murray and Barbara Dobro Ethan Goldberg’s daughter, Hadar Goldberg Hilary and Howard Rabner Anita and Ed Finkel Rabbi Clifford and Debby Miller
Tribute Cards Custom-printed tribute cards can be sent out from our office. Donations can be in any denomination above $10. We also offer the option of purchasing a packet of five cards for $40, which you can send out yourself. Member services assistant Allison Robinson can assist you. Please contact her at [email protected], 973-226-3600, ext. 110.
32 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Tributes & Donations
THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2019
Barry and Phyllis Bochner THE CANTOR’S THE DORIS R. WERK Harriet Felper DISCRETIONARY FUND COLLEGE YOUTH FUND Debbie and Stuart Rabner Richard and Ellen Caplan In memory of Doris R. Werk Amy and Bill Lipsey In memory of her son, Kenneth Jeffrey Rogers Joseph and Susan Werk In memory of June Rudin’s mother, and Ariel Anita Dellal THE ECC EDUCATIONAL and Philip Rudin’s grandmother, Rose Minoff In memory of Minnie Makovsky ENHANCEMENT FUND Hilary and Howard Rabner Stanley Makovsky In honor of Eliana Rosen’s Bat Mitzvah Anita and Ed Finkel In memory of Mindy Blum’s mother, and Dorie and Seth Eisenstein Debbie and Stuart Rabner Matthew and Corey Blum’s grandmother, Judy Amy and Bill Lipsey Davis In honor of Katie and Jack Holinstat’s B’nai In memory of Eta Gershen Cohen’s mother, Mindy and Evan Blum Mitzvah and Micah, Ethan, Avi, and Talia Cohen’s Dorie and Seth Eisenstein grandmother, Mildred B. Gershen THE DAVID TAUBENFELD In honor of Benji Amir’s 4th birthday Anita and Ed Finkel RAMAH SCHOLARSHIP FUND Gabe Cossin Debbie and Stuart Rabner In memory of Chaim Gould Audra Konner Amy and Bill Lipsey Judith Gould Evie Sperling and the Sperling Family Packet of tribute cards In memory of David J. Gould In memory of Mindy Blum’s mother, and Rickie and Robert Morrison Judith Gould Matthew and Corey Blum’s grandmother, Judy Davis Beth and Stuart Sackman
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 33 Tributes & Donations
THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2018
THE ECC EDUCATIONAL In memory of Mindy Blum’s mother, and Matthew THE GEORGE AND MOLLY KAPLAN ENHANCEMENT FUND and Corey Blum’s grandmother, Judy Davis CARING FUND (Continued) Amy and Bill Lipsey Alice and Allan Kaplan In memory of Marjorie Samuels’ father, Rebecca Karen and Ken Rosen In honor of the birth of Nan and Howard Nelson’s father, and Ayla and Bryn Nelson’s Roz Ehrlich Greenwald’s granddaughter great-grandfather, Mort Rachelson In memory of Diane Sklar’s father, and Steven Gerry and Naomi Eisenberger Lesley and Stan Weilgus Sklar’s grandfather, Meyer Burgstein In honor of the birth of Marilyn Rose’s Sue and Seth Udasin granddaughter, Ziva Margalit Buchoff THE FERTEL FAMILY FUND In memory of Helane Kipnees’ husband, and Jean and Ben Alter In honor of Rabbi Steven Wernick’s new Gabe, Shira, Josh, and Tara Kipnees’ father, In honor of Harriet and Shelly Greenholtz position as Rabbi of Beth Tzedec in Toronto Robert Kipnees Gerry and Naomi Eisenberger Bonnie and Richard Fertel Karen and Ken Rosen In memory of Marjorie Samuels’ father, In honor of the engagement of Lynda and Rickie and Robert Morrison Rebecca Nelson’s father, and Ayla and Bryn Craig Brown’s son, Corey, to Joanna Elliott Nelson’s great-grandfather, Mort Rachelson Bonnie and Richard Fertel THE GEORGE GREENE June and Len Rudin In memory of George Amankwah HOUSE AND GROUNDS FUND Bonnie and Richard Fertel In memory of George Amankwah THE GERALD EDELMAN Nogah and Bruce Revesz MEMORIAL EDUCATION FUND THE GENERATION TO In memory of Marjorie Samuels’ father, GENERATION FUND Rebecca Nelson’s father, and Ayla and Bryn In honor of the birth of Carol and Marc Nelson’s great-grandfather, Mort Rachelson Berman’s granddaughter, June Lois Esta Edelman Lisa and Jay Baranker
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34 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Tributes & Donations
THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2019
THE ISRAEL COMMITTEE FUND In memory of June Rudin’s mother, and Ariel THE KIDDUSH CONTRIBUTORS In honor of the engagement of Hope and Paul and Philip Rudin’s grandmother, Rose Minoff In honor of the Aufruf of Daniel Chassen and Aronoff’s son, Toren Lesley and Stan Weilgus Emily Harris and in memory of Rich’s father, Marian and Keith Marlowe In memory of Diane Sklar’s father, and Steven Leon Chassen In memory of Sheila Nathanson’s brother, Sklar’s grandfather, Meyer Burgstein Pam and Rich Chassen Louis Stiglitz Felice and Arthur Nichols In honor of Eli’s Bar Mitzvah Harvey and Jeanette Hershkowitz Leah and Adam Kaufman THE JERRY SEPINWALL In memory of June Rudin’s mother, and Ariel JEWISH ENVIRONMENTAL FUND In memory of Marvin’s mother, Dina Elmowitz and Philip Rudin’s grandmother, Rose Minoff Marvin and Anne Elmowitz In memory of Dr. Jerry Sepinwall Harvey and Jeanette Hershkowitz In memory of Marsha’s father, Hy Rosner Deborah Sepinwall Marsha and Burton Henry In memory of Marjorie Samuels’ father, Alyssa Sepinwall Rebecca Nelson’s father, and Ayla and Bryn In honor of the engagement of their Nelson’s great-grandfather, Mort Rachelson THE JIM WEINTRAUB granddaughter, Danielle Porwich, to Gavin Harvey and Jeanette Hershkowitz ADULT LECTURE FUND Greenberg and in memory of Herb’s brother, Robert Wolf In memory of Jim Weintraub THE JEREMY SAVITZ Maxine and Herb Wolf MUSIC EDUCATION FUND Melvin and Ina Shore Marcia Solkoff Eskin In honor of Howard Cannon’s birthday In honor of the birth of Davey and Ed Annie and Beth Cannon Rosenbaum’s granddaughter, and Shoshi and THE KIDDUSH SPONSORS In honor of his father’s 100th birthday Ethan Goldberg’s daughter, Hadar Goldberg In honor of Benjamin’s Bar Mitzvah Arthur Cytryn Felice and Arthur Nichols Serena and Aaron Solomon In memory of her mother, Roslyn Garfinkel Renee Sachs
www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 35 Tributes & Donations
THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2019
THE KIDDUSH CONTRIBUTORS In memory of their loving mother and bubbe, THE KIDDUSH FUND (Continued) Sally Waxman In honor of the birth of their grandson, Trevor Richard Waxman and Carol Berman and In memory of Fredelle Ben-Avi Max Erlichman family and Larry and Perri Waxman Mike, Gadi, Dana and Paulie Ben-Avi Barbara and Michael Erlichman In memory of David’s mother, Miriam Stein In memory of Michael’s father, Sol Messer In memory of her mother, Shirley Silver David and Diane Reidenberg Michael and Marsha Messer Barbara and Michael Erlichman In memory of their mothers, Pearl Davis and In memory of Doris R. Werk In memory of Doris Werk Elaine Merwin on their first yahrzeits Joseph Werk Joseph and Susan Werk Babette and Jeff Davis In memory of Mindy Blum’s mother, and Matthew In memory of Maddy’s parents, Diana and Eli In memory of her husband, Stephen Sachs Stiftel and Hank’s parents, Lee and Bernard Heller and Corey Blum’s grandmother, Judy Davis Renee Sachs Maddy and Hank Heller Kelly and Jerry Lustig In memory of Claire’s father, Harold Greenspan In memory of Karen’s mother, Martha Rogoff Claire Akselrad and Family THE LOUIS AND MILLIE FAIN Karen and Ted Eisenberg CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory of Paul’s grandfather, Nathan Libman In memory of Fern’s father, Arthur Daum The Scherzers In memory of Ellis Fain Fern and Mark Kumar Stephen and Judith Fain Wishing North Jersey HaZamir safe travels to In memory of her father, Louis Walker Israel: Sarah Kitchner, Jenny Barbag, Cantor Renee Savitz Joel Caplan, Hynda Feit, Michael Fichtenbaum, In memory of her mother, Gail Sterman Zahava Finkel, Robyn Liss, Sherri London and Leah Kabrt Hadassah Solomon Melissa and Jonathan Kitchner
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
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• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
36 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Tributes & Donations
THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2019
THE MARTHA AND SOL ROGOFF In memory of Helane Kipnees’ husband, and In memory of Abe Akselrad CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY FUND Gabe, Shira, Josh, and Tara Kipnees’ father, The Daniel and Davids Families In honor of the marriage of Debbie Kruger and Robert Kipnees In memory of Mindy Blum’s mother, and Matthew Robby Tepper Helane Kipnees and Corey Blum’s grandmother, Judy Davis Karen and Ted Eisenberg In memory of Mark Effron’s mother, Ruth Effron Mindy and Evan Blum In honor of Benjamin Solomon’s Bar Mitzvah Mark and Anne Effron In memory of Helane Kipnees’ husband, and Karen and Ted Eisenberg In memory of Mindy Blum’s mother, and Matthew Gabe, Shira, Josh, and Tara Kipnees’ father, Robert Kipnees In memory of Marjorie Samuels’ father, and Corey Blum’s grandmother, Judy Davis Rebecca Nelson’s father, and Ayla and Bryn Mindy and Evan Blum Helane Kipnees Nelson’s great-grandfather, Mort Rachelson In memory of Bernie Danis The Vinick Family Karen and Ted Eisenberg Elie Yudewitz In memory of Anne Effron’s mother, Marilyn Kurtzman THE PRAYER BOOK FUND RABBI SILVERSTEIN’S Anne and Mark Effron In memory of Dena Lee Fliegel Bocian DISCRETIONARY FUND In memory of Marjorie Samuels’ father, Arthur Bocian Michele and Brad Shiffman Rebecca Nelson’s father, and Ayla and Bryn Howard and Jacqueline Levine Nelson’s great-grandfather, Mort Rachelson RABBI LUCAS’ In honor of the birth of Lori Kopperman and The Marx Family DISCRETIONARY FUND Stephen Rossman’s daughter, Juliet Rossman In memory of Christopher Frey’s mother, In honor of the baby naming of Jessica and Lori Kopperman and Stephen Rossman Gertrude Frey David Fenster’s daughter, Sydney Fenster In honor of Eliana Rosen’s Bat Mitzvah Lisa and Jason Marx Jessica and David Fenster Debbie and Scott Rosen In memory of Marion Philip and Gina Vinick
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
Serving the Congregation over Decades
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL • Arthur Franklin Susan Turitz 973-228-2033 973-865-0203
Mel Berkowitz Keith Marlowe 973-226-8623 973-533-9114 Rabbi Richard Steven Eisen Hammerman 973-602-9091 973-287-3455
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www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 37 Tributes & Donations
THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2019
THE RACHEL HOPE THE ROSLYN HOFFER In memory of Mindy Blum’s mother, and Matthew ENGLANDER FUND EDUCATION FUND and Corey Blum’s grandmother, Judy Davis In memory of June Rudin’s mother, and Ariel In honor of the birth of Davey and Ed The Frost Family and Philip Rudin’s grandmother, Rose Minoff Rosenbaum’s granddaughter, and Shoshi and In memory of Karen Susan Turitz, Josh, and Danny Ethan Goldberg’s daughter, Hadar Goldberg Alison and Lee Frost Karen and Jerry Glaser THE REISER THE TOBY SHAPIRO FUND CHILDREN’S CHOIR FUND THE SYDNEY GROSS TEEN MITZVAH FUND In memory of Mindy Blum’s mother, and In memory of Sheila Nathanson’s brother, Matthew and Corey Blum’s grandmother, Judy Louis Stiglitz In honor of Nikki and KJ’s engagement Davis Renee and Joel Reiser The Frost Family Roy Shapiro and Gail Grollman In memory of Alfred Goldberg In honor of the birth of the Davis family’s In memory of Sheila Nathanson’s brother, Linda and Israel Majzner granddaughter, Ava Louis Stiglitz Alison and Lee Frost In memory of Roberta Cohen The Wieseneck and Shapiro Families Cindy Winick In honor of the birth of the Aisler family’s In memory of Marjorie Samuels’ father, grandson, Jordan Rebecca Nelson’s father, and Ayla and Bryn Alison and Lee Frost Nelson’s great-grandfather, Mort Rachelson In honor of the engagement of Deb and Mike The Shapiro and Wieseneck Families Alison and Lee Frost and Family
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38 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex The Jewish Memorial Chapel provides funerals at low prices that only a not-for-profit can offer When we help you pre-plan your funeral you’ll see the value of doing business with us. As a not-for-profit organization our goal is superior customer service. Any money generated over operating expenses is returned to our member organizations. We uphold the highest standards of Jewish law pertaining to funerals. We are a Shomer Shabbos facility and have a state-of-the-art chapel in Clifton that is near local cemeteries. We also make other state and world-wide arrangements. The Jewish Memorial Chapel is owned and managed by synagogues and Jewish organizations in the area. We encourage pre-planning a funeral. Pre-planning allows families the time needed to make decisions regarding funeral options without the emotional stress related to the loss. The Jewish Memorial Chapel funeral directors will lead you through the pre-arrangement process and be attentive to your every need. They will answer all your questions and never pressure you into making uncomfortable decisions. Contact us for more information at: 973-779-3048. Ask for our free color brochure.
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www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 39 Yahrtzeit Donations
AS OF DECEMBER 27, 2018
Abe Akselrad from The Akselrad Family Harold Greenspan from The Akselrad Family Rachel Akselrad from The Akselrad Family Herbert Grossman from Robin Mangino Betty Aron from Miriam Block Ibrahim Hedvat from Ned Hedvat Gordon Asnis from Helane Kipnees Ruth Hendel from Helene Arzt Cecelia Bandler from Phyllis Friedman Edward Hollander from Darrell and Beth Rigel Aaron Bar-Illan from Nogah H. Revesz Ebrahim Saeed Ijadi from Manuchehr Eijadi Norma Bernstein from Ruth Percely Sarah Ijadi from Manuchehr Eijadi Rose Biermann from Wendy Biermann Leeds Fred Kann from Michael and Phyllis Kann Stanley Block from Matthew Block Joseph Katz from Helene Lowy Allan Bochner from Phyllis and Barry Bochner Morris Kaufman from Louis Kaufman Tillie Brell from Karen Eisenberg Edith Konner from Dean Konner Louis Cohen from Arlene Feinberg Hannah Levine from Myra Levine-Lerman Morris L. Cohen from Robin Goldman Lillian Levitt from Sylvia Bloom Judy Coven from Arlene Feinberg Morris Lewis III from Morris Lewis Roberta Darwin from Felice and Art Nichols Roslyn Linker from Susan Horn Arthur Daum from Fern and Mark Kumar Walter Linker from Susan Horn Esther Dicker from Harriet Seidner Joshua Littman from Abi Spierer Helen Dolgenas from Beatrice Freiheiter Leon Majzner from Israel Majzner Benjamin Doniger from Robert Doniger Sol Messer from Michael Messer Rhoda Eisdorfer from Maxwell and Arthur Eisdorfer David Morris Miller from Arthur Sherman Bernard Elfenbein from Anita Elfenbein Mitzi Mittelman from Evie Kabler Allan Engel from Bernice Engel Marci Sue Orens from Deborah and Jeffrey Orens Steven Engel from Madeleine Koenig Mitchell Packer from Marcia Packer Barbara Fass from Melanie and Steven Glass Esther Panitch from from Thomas M. Panitch Maurice Feinberg from Arlene and Arnold Feinberg Walt Phillips from Joan Shufro Morris Fine from Sherry and Stuart Moses Karl Plawner from Jacob Plawner Ida Fishman from Sandy Fishman Lynn Beth Postal from Marcia Packer Robert Fishman from Lois Jacobs Max Rochlin from Eli Rochlin Felix Freiheiter from Beatrice Freiheiter Martha Rogoff from Karen Eisenberg Mickey Fried from Paula Saginaw Solomon Rosen from Ken Rosen Mary Friedman from Marvin Friedman Ann Rosenfield from Jill Feder Martha Fritz from Rosanne Bornstein Leon Rosenfield from Jill Feder Roslyn Garfinkel from Renee Sachs Annette Roth from Judy Zeller Betty Geftic from Jules Geftic Stephen Sachs from Renee Sachs Lewis Glauberg from Aaron Glauberg Helen “Honey” Sampson from Marjorie Nydick Alfred Goldberg from Linda and Israel Majzner Dinah Schargel from Rebecca and Theodore Zimmerman Leonard Goldberg from Sue Goldberg Joan Schenkel from James Schenkel Shirley Goldwater from Lora Goldwater Meyer Scholack from Joel Scholack Joseph Grant from Joan Billig Bernard Schonfeld from Sybil S. Preisler Alfred Green from Marion Savoy Pearl Schonfeld from Sybil S. Preisler Beverly Greenbaum from Brad Greenbaum Sandra Schwaighofer from Rosanne Bornstein Max Greenberg from Bernard Greene Regina Schwartz from Vera Ehrlich
40 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex Yahrtzeit Donations
AS OF DECEMBER 27, 2018
Louis Sebiri from Barbara K. Sebiri David Urman from Judy Elbaum Eugene Seidner from Harriet Seidner Rachel Weiser from Tina Adest Sidney Seidner from Harriet Seidner David Weissman from Sharon Glauberg Abraham Selsman from Phyllis Friedman Jacob Werfel from Barrie Werfel Theodore Sherman from Arthur Sherman Doris Rita Werk from Joseph Werk Joseph Shinbein from Aaron Shinbein Golda Riva Werk from Joseph Werk Shirley Silver from Barbara Erlichman Claire Wertheimer from Ruth Percely Abraham Sloan from Phyllis and Barry Bochner Jacob Wiener from Deborah Rabner Hyman Sobelman from Jeanette Hershkowitz Laura Wiener from Saundra Podell Maxine Sperling from Deborah and Jeffrey Orens Max Wiener from Saundra Podell Herbert Stein from Jill Stein Albert Stone from Charles and Edna Stone Harold Wolf from Carol and Marc Berman Louis Tollin from Helaine French Helen Yeager from Joan Block Molly Trommer from Charles and Edna Stone Max Zimmerman from Rebecca and Theodore Zimmerman
• MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 41 Personals
THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2019
MAZEL TOV TO:
Risa and Mannie Levi on the birth of their grandson Lauren and Evan Wormser on the birth of their daughter, Morgan Reese Marilyn Rose on the birth of her granddaughter, Ziva Margalit Buchoff Glenn and Lisa Malat on the engagement of their daughter, Jaclyn
SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF:
Robert Kipnees, husband of Helaine Kipnees, and father Mort Rachelson, father of Marjorie Samuels, of Gabe, Shira, Josh, and Tara grandfather of Rebecca Nelson, and great-grandfather of Ayla and Bryn Nelson Louis Stiglitz, brother of Sheila Nathanson George Amankwah, husband of Mavis Amankwah, Jerome Haberman, father of Jess Haberman, and long-time CAI custodian grandfather of Samuel and Benjamin Haberman Mildred B. Gershen, mother of Eta Gershen Cohen, and Rose Minoff, mother of June Rudin, and grandmother grandmother of Micah, Ethan, Avi, and Talia Cohen of Ariel and Philip Rudin
Is your contribution missing? Sometimes tributes come in after deadline. Sometimes it's a clerical error. Please let us know and we will make sure it appears next month. We apologize for any oversights.
42 Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex • MEMBER OF CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL •
www.agudath.org | FEBRUARY 2019 43 Congregation Agudath Israel NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE 20 Academy Road PAID Caldwell, New Jersey 07006-5426 CALDWELL, NJ Address Service Requested PERMIT NO. 9
TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL If your address is incorrect, PLEASE DELIVER ASAP please notify our office
Victor Nhaisi Gayle Wieseneck Shani Drogin Anita Finkel Alison Rosenthal David Moses Jordan Shumofsky Helene Wingens Adam Shandler President Senior Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Treasurer Financial Executive Secretary Counselor
CONGREGATION AGUDATH ISRAEL 973-226-3600
RABBI ALAN SILVERSTEIN EXT. 111
RABBI ARI LUCAS EXT. 125
CANTOR JOEL CAPLAN EXT. 116
EDUCATION DIRECTOR, SUSAN WERK EXT. 122
SYNAGOGUE ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR, MERYL NATTER EXT. 115
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER DIRECTOR, GEULA ZAMIST EXT. 121
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR, DEBBIE LURIE EXT. 118
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, MICHAEL E. BRESSMAN EXT. 113
OPERATIONS MANAGER, DANA BEN-AVI EXT. 117
COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING MANAGER, ELLEN OXILD EXT. 112
MEMBER SERVICES ASSISTANT, ALLISON ROBINSON EXT. 110
BOOKKEEPER, ROSALIE FELBERBAUM EXT. 114
ASSISTANT TO THE CANTOR, DORIT ELI EXT. 126
DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, MELISSA STEB EXT. 134
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR OF EDUCATION, LORI WEINBERG EXT. 124
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FOR ECC, JESSICA PABLO EXT. 120
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FOR RELIGIOUS SCHOOL, JACELYN GLUSKA EXT. 123
USY ADVISOR, SHAI LEWITTER EXT. 127
CONGREGATION NURSE, KAREN FRANK EXT. 141
JFS ZELLER FAMILY CAI SOCIAL WORKER, ANDREA MALMUD EXT. 143