Asj Kue SUMMER 2014 • TAMMUZ / AV / ELUL 5774 / TISHREI 5775

KOL HADASH. new voIce asj kue SUMMER 2014 • TAMMUZ / AV / ELUL 5774 / TISHREI 5775

Finding A Voice in the Chain By Sarit Horwitz and Alex Braver, BJ Rabbinic Fellows

It is a blessing to have the open Pirkei Avot begins by describing how the Torah was first received, and how it began to be and honest space to speak about transmitted to others: “Moshe received the Torah from Sinai and transmitted it to Yehoshua, and theological challenges, a modern Yeshoshua transmitted it to the Elders…” Each person in the chain of transmission occupies a ‘‘ understanding of halakhah, or very sacred space, one of both reception and transmission. Yet Pirkei Avot clearly distinguishes how personal components of a difference between the words l’kabel and limsor (reception and transmission). Moshe received our lives intersect with the role the Torah from Sinai and transmitted it on to future generations. In many ways, rabbis treasure of a rabbi. ” this space that allows us to continuously learn and teach. The language used in Pirkei Avot particularly resonates with us as we develop our rabbinic identities. As BJ Rabbinic Fellows, we are able to constantly receive and teach Torah, making us a part of the ancient and beautiful line of transmission.

Much of the Torah we receive comes from our relationship with the rabbis. Each week, the five of us sit together for an hour. We use part of the time to discuss whatever may be going on in Nigun Halev Teens Visit BJ our different areas of work, and part of the time is to help us cultivate a greater sense of who we are as rabbis. Certainly, in the beginning, many of the conversations were about officiate at b’nai mitzvah or conversions, or about best practices for a D’var Torah. But we’ve also been able to explore what it means to have a 21st century rabbinate; how we can try to engage people in prayer; and how can we incorporate music into our future communities. This past week, we discussed both how to lead a memorial service and what it means to be entrepreneurial as a rabbi. This is a space for us to explore different questions we have with the rabbis, drawing on their immense collective experience serving the Jewish people.

Yet there’s also an acknowledgement that the transmission of Torah isn’t only in the tachlis and the “how-tos” of becoming a rabbi. We’re privileged with individual time with one rabbi each week where we are able to explore the individual, personal elements of becoming a rabbi. It is a blessing to have the open and honest space to speak about theological challenges, a modern understanding of halakhah, or how personal components of our lives intersect with our roles as Nigun Halev and BJ teens take a break from mapping the BJ cemetery. See pages 10-11 for rabbis. All of these conversations have been formative not only as Rabbinic Fellows, but also in story and more photos. who we are becoming as recipients and transmitters of Torah. (continued on page13)

Social Action/Social Justice. . . . 2-3 Community ...... 4, 6-7 inside: Membership ...... 5 Bringing Farmworkers to the Table...... 2 Youth & Family Education . . . . . 8-9 Membership Renewal and High Holy Days Season is Here!...... 5 Israel ...... 10-11 Oh, What a Night!...... 6 Rabbi Marshall T. Meyer . . . . 12-13 It’s a Teen Thing...... 8 Announcements ...... 15 A Far-Flung Extended Family...... 10 Contacts...... 16 Rabbi Matalon Speaks at Marshall T. Meyer Exhibit and Conference...... 12

sANCTUARY: 257 West 88th Street • office: 270 West 89th Street, New York, NY 10024-1705 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org KOL HADASH. new voIce • SUMMER 2014

Social Action/Social Justice

Bringing Farmworkers to the Table: Expanding our Understanding of Ethical Consumption By Jennifer Hirsch and Channa Camins, Director of Social Action/Social Justice

air trade, organic, cage-free or of reference for small group conversations f local—each trip to the supermarket about what counts as ethical eating. forces us to balance a cacophony of ethical claims. And yet, what about the Over the course of the evening, we heard people who picked those apples, milked about the struggles of laborers that are the cows, or gathered the eggs? They are essential to New York’s multi-billion- invisible in most conversations about food dollar agricultural industry. In New York, ethics. We can buy food that demonstrates there are an estimated 80,000-100,000 our care for chickens, cows, workers migrant, seasonal and dairy farmworkers.1 on plantations in distant lands, or the This $4.7 billion industry is expanding, environment, but not for the workers on but most farmworkers are not reaping farms right here in New York State (NYS). the benefits. According to a 2007 Hudson Valley Farmworker Report: “The need Workers are often dependent for subsistence income is so great that, on their employers for housing, for many farmworkers, it tends to be the transportation, heat and hot water. underlying incentive for their decisions “In these circumstances, human and often overrides other concerns about dignity and personal security are all their personal well-being.”2 This largely too frequently compromised if basic immigrant workforce, made up of both labor rights are not established. “ documented and undocumented laborers, is vulnerable to exploitation. Workers are Meanwhile, Paz shared her own personal Through its advocacy for the NYS often dependent on their employers for story. As a teenager, she left her indigenous Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act, housing, transportation, heat and hot water. community in Oaxaca, Mexico, and found Panim el Panim’s Economic Justice Hevra In these circumstances, human dignity and herself picking fruits and vegetables in has created an opportunity for the BJ personal security are all too frequently fields across the United States, including community to use its collective power to compromised if basic labor rights are not New York. Paz worked at an adult pace, align our local food system with our Jewish established. shared overcrowded housing, and suffered ethics. physical and sexual abuse from supervisors Stories shared by Kennedy and Paz and contractors. Unfortunately, Paz’s On the evening of April 3, nearly 150 illustrated the daily problems faced by experience is not uncommon. Under current people filled the BJ sanctuary for the farmworkers. Kennedy spoke to us of federal laws, children as young as 12 years launch of BJ’s campaign in support of the unspeakably low wages and poor housing old may legally work in an industry where Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act. With conditions, illustrating her point with a they are exposed to all the dangers and Passover soon to come, Roly, Marcelo and story about meeting a man who worked indignities of large-scale agriculture.3 Felicia challenged us to see the connections 12 hours a day, seven days a week, for 10 between the struggle for farmworker years without a single day off. He was paid A legacy of the Jim Crow era, the Fair justice and our own passage from slavery minimum wage. And though he earned it, Labor Standards Act (1938) and the to freedom. Human rights advocates he could not claim overtime pay. “Overtime National Labor Relations Act (1935)—two Kerry Kennedy and Librada Paz spoke that would be paid to any deli worker in New transformative federal labor laws—exclude compellingly of the abject conditions faced York City,” she said. “If he tried to form a domestic workers and agricultural workers by farmworkers, not far from where we union, he could be fired.” from wage and hour laws, the right to comfortably sat. Tables laden with delicious collective bargaining, and many other basic NYS cheese, wine, apples and crackers protections. But there is reason for hope. provided sustenance and a concrete point

1. Worker Justice Center of New York, Work Place Safety, available at www.bj.org/farmworkerarticles 2. New York Civil Liberties Union, 2013 Legislative Memo from Bard College Migrant Labor Project, The Hudson Valley Farmworker Report: Understanding the Needs and Aspirations of a Voiceless Population 8 (2007), available at www.bj.org/farmworkerarticles 3. The Speak Truth to Power Defenders Curriculum, a project of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights available at www.bj.org/farmworkerarticles

2 sANCTUARY: 257 West 88th Street • office: 270 West 89th Street, New York, NY 10024-1705 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org TAMMUZ / AV / ELUL 5774 / TISHREI 5775 • new voIce asj kue

progress can address what we consider to accountable and demand that they act to be among the most racist laws in America. protect the most vulnerable members of our Agricultural workers, however, remain society. unprotected. According to some farmworker accounts, New York is a particularly hostile There is a long history of Jewish leadership climate, with active U.S. border patrol in the and involvement in the American labor western part of the state contributing to a movement. In fact, early in the 20th century, climate of fear and easy exploitation. Jewish garment workers in New York were pioneers in demanding a 40-hour workweek; Many BJ members remember Cesar Chavez minimum wage protections; the right to as a hero in the fight for migrant worker collective bargaining; and safe working justice. Many of us may even have stood in conditions. Today, Jews in America have solidarity with his movement, boycotting many opportunities. Though most of us no longer earn our living through manual labor, it does not mean that we should not stand with those who do. Indeed, the question must be asked: Are we with Moses or with Pharoah? Advocating with workers and community leaders of PHOTOS: Melissa T. Goldman the statewide movement Left: Kerry Kennedy, President of the Robert F. to improve conditions for Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. agricultural laborers, and Above: Librada Paz, Farmworker Activist, 2012 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Laureate. standing up for those who RIght: Right: Kennedy and Paz answer questions. are often too vulnerable, exploited, or fearful to advocate for improved The Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act, Advocating with workers and conditions, reconnects us passed for many years in the New York State community leaders of the statewide to both our historical roots and to our most Assembly and currently only a few votes shy basic values. movement to improve conditions of Senate passage, would grant agricultural “for agricultural laborers, and workers essential labor protections, The practice of keeping kosher offers a standing up for those who are often including the right to collective bargaining; means to eat deliberately, to make every bite fair pay for overtime; and a guaranteed day too vulnerable, exploited, or fearful a meditation on what is fit or unfit for our of rest. to advocate for improved conditions, consumption. Similarly, a modern Jewish reconnects us to both our historical ethics of consumption, which speaks to NYS Senator Adriano Espaillat, the lead roots and to our most basic values.“ those of us who want to make food choices sponsor of the Farmworker Fair Labor that demonstrate care for others, forces Standards Act, urged those at the April lettuce and grapes in the 1960s and 70s. us to pull back the veil and consider the 3 event to go beyond “preaching to the Despite these efforts and more in the last well-being of the person who produced that converted” and take the fight for farmworker 40+ years, New York State has yet to catch up food. We should remember, as we sit down justice to both local farmers’ markets with the advances secured by United Farm to a Shabbat dinner or take a quiet walk on and Albany on May 5. Rather than “having Workers in California. Saturday afternoon, that there are those for a margarita to commemorate a victory whom every day is a work day. We should against colonialism at the battle of Puebla,” We are surrounded by evidence of the know that there is something we can do to Senator Espaillat suggested we show our exploitative conditions under which so make sure farmworkers are guaranteed a solidarity with the largely Latino farmworker much of what we consume is produced. fair wage, safe working conditions, and a day community by getting on the BJ bus to Whether blood diamonds from Africa, of rest. n Albany to ensure that the Farmworker Fair collapsing factories in Bangladesh, or the Labor Practices Act is passed by the Senate subcontracting practices of multinational Jennifer Hirsch is Professor and Deputy this year. electronics producers with factories in Chair of Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia’s China, much of the global supply chain Mailman School of Public Health. A BJ Not long ago, Panim El Panim was part of a is shaped by factors that are beyond our member since 2005, she has worked on Panim broad coalition that advocated successfully control as individual consumers or citizens. El Panim’s campaigns for comprehensive for the passage of the historic NYS Domestic The Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act sexuality education, marriage equality and Workers’ Bill of Rights. That legislation presents a new opportunity to use our power domestic worker’s rights, and served on the has echoed across the country, providing as citizens to hold our political leaders Hebrew School Advisory Committee. a profound example of how state-level

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COMMUNITY

Kippot and Kindness: On Being a Shabbat Usher By Bernice Todres

eing an usher on Shabbat morning other on the right. few. It’s nice to have someone seat you, b is both a pleasure and a privilege. We don’t have park your wheelie, and then ask someone lacy coverings nearby to bring it back at the end of a For me, being an usher is first and for ladies’ heads; service. No one has ever refused me when I foremost about welcoming members, sometimes we ask this favor. guests and strangers. It is about being do not have awake and aware. Not everyone arrives at bobby pins And so it goes awake and aware…an a service in joy. There are those who have (sorry); but we do awesome privilege and honor. experienced loss or are in pain; there are have white kippot. those who are challenged, or are living with PHOTO: DENISE WAXMAN Thank you BJ, and our head usher Elaine someone who is challenged. Everyone is We do not have a bathroom on the same Nevins, for this repeated opportunity to welcome, including the one who has just floor as the sanctuary. I do not know why, serve. n argued with her mother’s caregiver before except that the building was built a long arriving to say kaddish on her father’s time ago. Of course, the directions are Bernice Todres, mother of three, and yahrzeit. Who would know this? A BJ usher “down the stairs or take the elevator,” but grandmother of two, has been a BJ member who welcomes everyone and listens to each often a bubbe, here for a baby naming for 16 years. She is an active BJ volunteer, person’s needs. or a Bar Mitzvah, needs an escort. including the BJ/SPSA Homeless Shelter, Since BJ ushers work in pairs, there is hevra kadisha, and serving as a Shabbat BJ often has two B’nai Mitzvah on Shabbat always someone to continue the greeting usher. She teaches mindfulness meditation mornings. Guests are surprised. There and welcoming, so we’re happy to help. and is on the faculity of Makom: The Center are many questions to answer with And then there are the older adults with for Meditation and Spirituality at The JCC in kindness. One family is on the left, the ‘wheelies.’ Sometimes there are quite a Manhattan.

Moving to the Community House: The Color of Connection By Stephanie Berger, Director of Marketing and Communications

hile speed-deleting unwanted “BJ is anxious perhaps, of the possibilities that await our w items from my personal email to connect the community as we reunite with the building account, I fortunately noticed Community where BJers laid the cornerstone in 1927. color consultant Bonnie Krims’ newsletter House with the before it landed in the virtual trash bin. I sanctuary—both For the rooms and offices, Bonnie’s goal discovered Bonnie’s work more than seven literally and was to find a balance between over- and years ago while searching for paint colors figuratively. You understimulating colors. According to for my century-old home. might want to take Bonnie, “white walls can be as irritating some time looking as a deeply saturated color.” With the As I scrolled through Bonnie’s email, at the palette of exception of the Membership office, for

the familiar images of the BJ sanctuary PHOTO: sTEPHANIE BERGER the sanctuary and which she intentionally chose a warm, unexpectedly jumped off the screen. Mosaic at the 89th Street figure out how to welcoming yellow, the other rooms are My mind flashed back to a mid-March Community House. carry it over to the painted in a variety of subtle colors, with a conversation I had with Steve Goldberg, Community House magical quality. BJ’s Executive Director, about preparing the so that people have that ‘BJ feel’ in both Community House for the interim move of buildings.” Since moving back to the Community House our offices from the Ansonia. I remembered in May, our offices on the second and his excitement about the paint colors that Noting the importance of echoing the fourth floors are starting to feel like home. were selected by a “color expert” to reflect boldness of our mission, Bonnie took her In three years, we will temporarily relocate the feeling of our sacred spaces. first floor wall color cues from the mosaics so that “real” construction can begin on the around the water fountain and outside the building. For now, however, we are joyfully In her newsletter, Bonnie shared the chapel. The energetic, lively orange colors experiencing a connection to our sacred direction she received about BJ’s vision Bonnie ultimately chose for the common heritage and our potential, both of which are during this interim period: areas are tones of the sanctuary colors, yet reflected in the depth and vibrancy of the not an exact match—a metaphorical hint, colors of our Community House walls. n

4 sANCTUARY: 257 West 88th Street • office: 270 West 89th Street, New York, NY 10024-1705 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org TAMMUZ / AV / ELUL 5774 / TISHREI 5775 • new voIce asj kue

MEMBERSHIP

Membership Renewal and High Holy Days Season is Here! A Note From the Membership Department

Thank you for being a vital part of the BJ maximize our use of space, Family Services applications must be received by Friday, community. Your personal passions and will return to 88th Street after a two-year September 12. unique strengths help make this a vibrant, hiatus. Members who are going to services • In order for us to provide entrance cards progressive community that supports not at 89th Street and Jazz at Lincoln Center for Yom Kippur, membership applications only individual growth and transformation, (JALC) will still have the opportunity to be in must be received by Friday, September 19. but also our collective need to heal the world. the sanctuary for the first night, second night • Beginning Monday, September 15, and second day of Rosh Hashanah services. entrance cards will only be available for The important partnership between our pick up at the B’nai Jeshurun office, members, rabbis, hazzan and staff makes Adult Services: now located at 270 West 89th Street. it possible for BJ to offer a rich tapestry of • 86th Street SPSA Sanctuary at • For membership or High Holy Days services and programs to the community. 86th Street and West End Avenue questions, please contact Amy Please take a moment today to affirm this • 89th Street Community House* at Greenstein, Director of Membership and partnership by renewing your membership 89th Street between Broadway and Community Engagement, at x224 for 2014-2015 and selecting your service West End Avenue or [email protected]. location for the High Holy Days at • JALC* at 60th Street and Broadway www.bj.org/renew. Additional High Holy Days Information * Those who choose the 89th Street Visit www.bj.org/hhd for general High Holy Community House or JALC will attend Renew Early Days information, to see the detailed service services at the 88th Street Sanctuary on Since High Holy Days service locations are schedule, or to complete our Special Needs the first night, second night and second day determined on a first come, first served Seating form (if needed). of Rosh Hashanah. basis we urge you to renew early. If your family and friends wish to be at the same Family Services: Volunteer to Usher location, we suggest you all renew at the 88th Street Sanctuary between Broadway We ask all BJ members to consider ushering same time. and West End Avenue on the High Holy Days. You can select one or more of the two-hour slots on days of Note: All entrance cards are accepted at High Holy Days Locations your choice. Please make a meaningful Family Services. Our community is blessed that more than contribution to the BJ community while 4,100 members, families and friends will having the pleasure of wishing others Hag Please consult the full service schedule at experience the sanctity of the High Holy Sameah. The Usher Volunteer form can be www.bj.org/hhdschedule for details. Days at BJ. This year we are also pleased found at www.bj.org/usher. to be using our air-conditioned 89th Street Entrance Cards Community House as one of our adult Tips: • Entrance cards are required for service locations, instead of Symphony ■■ If you wish to sit with family and friends, admission to all services for adults and Space and, as a result, saving considerable arrive early and together as seating at children of all ages. Cards will be mailed rental fees. services is first come, first served. between July 23-September 12. Please keep your cards in a safe place. ■■ Up to two seats may be reserved for To provide a greater opportunity for everyone • In order for us to provide entrance family members until 11:00AM. n in our community to experience the beauty cards for Rosh Hashanah, membership of the 88th Street sanctuary, as well as to

Important High Holy Days Dates and Deadlines: September /October 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Deadline to Sept. 7 8 9 10 11 12 request entrance 13 cards for Rosh Hashanah 14 15 16 17 18 19 Deadline to 20 request entrance cards for Yom Kippur

21 22 23 24 Erev 25 Rosh Hashanah 26 Rosh Hashanah 27 Rosh Hashanah Day 1 Day 2

28 29 30 Oct. 1 2 3 Kol Nidre 4 Yom Kippur

sANCTUARY: 257 West 88th Street • office: 270 West 89th Street, New York, NY 10024-1705 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org 5 KOL HADASH. new voIce • SUMMER 2014

COMMUNITY

Oh, What a Night! People talked about the joyousness of the evening; how good it feels to come together as a community to celebrate who we are and what we do.” By Samara Minkin he Night of 100 Dinners will go “soup kitchen, the homeless shelter, the his pride in BJ. Our community is blessed by t down in BJ history as a terrific literacy programs, the Panim projects, the a lot of leaders with great vision. Steve is an evening. advocacy, our classes, the list goes on and embodiment of the best of us, the best part on—they all benefited from the Night of of ourselves. It was marvelous to pay tribute Like so many memorable nights, the 100 Dinners. After all, the evening was a to his achievements. evening started with a dinner party and fundraiser and participants helped BJ meet ended with a dance party. At 6:30PM, over our goals. There was much to celebrate that After Steve was honored, the festivities From left: Madeline Cohen, Elizabeth Cohen, Rochelle Friedlich, Gail Ressler. 30 BJ families opened their homes and night. picked right back up. Ours is a community hosted friends for dinner, while more that dances during Lekha Dodi at the end than 125 BJ members joined the rabbis The best part of the Night of 100 Dinners of exhausting work weeks, so it was no for dinner in the Community House. After may have been the opportunity to surprise that the dance floor was packed Havdalah, the various dinner guests met acknowledge and honor one of our own. after a restful Shabbat! We were powered up with other members who just wanted to The only moments of quiet during the by yummy desserts, plenty of wine, and party—and our community came together evening occurred when Steve Stulman was rock-n-roll music—but most empowering for a fabulous celebration in the sanctuary. presented with the Spirit of BJ Award. A of all was the BJ spirit, the sense of sweet video featured interviews with our community and purpose that brings us Drinks, desserts and music make for a rabbis and leadership, attesting to Steve’s together. good time, but the Night of 100 Dinners was energy and philanthropy on behalf of our more than just a great event—it was a BJ community. Steve shared stories of his We learn in Pirkei Avot that the world rests bash. Community warmth permeated the boyhood love of Israel; he spoke of his belief on three things: Torah, Tefillah and Gemilut crowd. People talked about the joyousness in person-to-person relationships between Hasadim. We do a pretty good job at BJ of the evening; how good it feels to come Americans and Israelis, his understanding providing the opportunity to live by that together as a community to celebrate who of Jewish plurality, and the importance of teaching. On the Night of 100 Dinners, we we are and what we do. And those things liberal Judaism in Israel. He spoke of his learned that there is one more thing to add that we do that make us who we are—the early involvement with BJ, of his family, and (continued on page 7)

PHOTOS: MAX ORENSTEIN

6 sANCTUARY: 257 West 88th Street • office: 270 West 89th Street, New York, NY 10024-1705 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org TAMMUZ / AV / ELUL 5774 / TISHREI 5775 • new voIce asj kue

NIGHT OF to that list: every once in a while, we all can use a good party. n

A member of BJ since 2004, Samara Minkin found her way into the community by volunteering at The Judith Bernstein Lunch Program. Since then, she has co-chaired the Membership committee; assisted with various 1 initiatives, including the Night of 100 Dinners; 00 and is currently working with Toby Baldinger DINNERS on the Hesed committee. Samara lives on the Upper West Side with her husband, Trent Gegax, and daughters, Stella and Hattie.

Gabriella Kohen

7 KOL HADASH. new voIce • SUMMER 2014 YOUTH & FAMILY EDUCATION

It’s a Teen Thing By Ivy Schreiber, Director of Education for Youth and Family, and Ayala Wasser, Teen Coordinator

fter my Bar Mitzvah, I’m done.’ Judaism. Under the guidance of trained “ ‘a Those words strike fear into the facilitators, these groups impact the lives The Brotherhood at BJ lays out a heart of any parent who is deeply of our teens, and allow them to relate to path for our sons to do more than committed to raising children for whom Judaism in meaningful and relevant ways. grow into men—it brings them Judaism is something they are, rather than “into a conversation about changing something they once did. In a rare moment Several teens involved in our Moving what it means to be a man.” of wisdom, I realized that the month before Tradition groups, as well as parents and Isaac stepped up to the bimah to become group leaders, have reflected on their a bar mitzvah was perhaps not the time experience with Rosh Hodesh and The through an obstacle course while they were to argue about this, so I let it slide…and Brotherhood, noting how an irony-free zone blindfolded, helping build camaraderie then BJ’s Brotherhood group came to the of camaraderie and support has positively within our group. Every session ends rescue. The Brotherhood at BJ lays out a impacted their lives. with a Talmud study that relates to that path for our sons to do more than grow into day’s topic. The Brotherhood is important men—it brings them into a conversation “I joined Rosh Hodesh as a timid 6th grader, because it acts as a guide for young men on about changing what it means to be a man.” and have remained in the program to this their journey through life.” — Jennifer Hirsch, parent of a Brotherhood day. While the discussions, leaders and — Eilam Lehrman, Brotherhood participant participant, expresses what dozens of BJ girls in the group have changed over the ... members with teens feel about the Rosh years, one element that has always stayed Hodesh and Brotherhood programs. constant is our group tablecloth. The cloth “The Brotherhood is a setting where I can is filled with powerful quotations, Jewish express anything I want without having to holiday-themed poems, and whimsical worry about censoring myself. Everyone doodles in every color of the (Crayola is open to different thoughts and marker) rainbow. The cloth is covered with discussions. It’s a great forum to get candle wax, another of our Rosh Hodesh feedback, give advice, and find other traditions that has maintained through opinions.” the years: we light candles at the end of —Ethan Geismar, Brotherhood participant each meeting and discuss our hopes for the coming month, ultimately blowing out ... the candles and sticking our fingers in “I keep coming to Rosh Hodesh each month PHOTO: David Lieberman the hot wax, letting the wax cool before not only because I want to learn about Above: The Brotherhood boys in 2011 after doing peeling it off. In this way, the Rosh Hodesh holidays and famous Jewish women, but trust falls off a dining room table. Three years later, tablecloth preserves activities, memories also because of the people that make up my the group is tighter than ever! and traditions of our group, and continues group. Rosh Hodesh is a no-judgment zone, Five years ago, B’nai Jeshurun partnered to evolve with each monthly meeting.” a place where all of us can talk about our with Moving Traditions, an organization that — Maddie Bender, Rosh Hodesh participant lives, our problems and opinions. The Rosh helps teens apply a gender lens and Jewish Hodesh girls are like my sisters; they know values to the challenges of their everyday ... me better than anyone. Every teenage girl lives. Today, two Moving Traditions “Rosh Hodesh has given me the confidence needs people like that.” programs—Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl’s Thing and courage to face the world as a young, — Maya Rubin, Rosh Hodesh participant and Shevet Achim: The Brotherhood— Jewish woman. Our meetings are amazing are staples of the B’nai Jeshurun teen as they give me insight to face real and ... program. modern issues under a logical Jewish light. “The Brotherhood is a workshop that brings After four years, the participants have together teenage boys and transforms them Rosh Hodesh gives girls a place to feel grown to become my sisters, and with every into insightful, analytical men. The group safe; articulate their deepest concerns; one of them I share a special bond.” discusses the true role and responsibility consider the impact of gender on their daily —Rachel Fischer, Rosh Hodesh participant of masculinity within a zeitgeist where lives; and have fun with their peers. The masculinity is associated with misogyny and Brotherhood gives guidance, friendship, ... stereotypes. Through physical activities, and a sense of purpose to post-b’nai “In The Brotherhood we learn about intellectual discussions, textual analysis, mitzvah boys who are transitioning to young important topics. One day, we spoke about and sharing experiences of growing up men. The groups truly give adolescent men money and wealth and its relevance to our as teenage males in New York City, the and women a space to express themselves lives. Another time, we had trust exercises members of The Brotherhood bond into and explore their own connections to where one person guided the other an indestructible community, establishing

8 sANCTUARY: 257 West 88th Street • office: 270 West 89th Street, New York, NY 10024-1705 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org TAMMUZ / AV / ELUL 5774 / TISHREI 5775 • new voIce asj kue

“The first day of Rosh Hodesh, I was relationships grow into crucial friendships introduced to a group of girls I basically as they count on each other for advice, already knew. I was also familiar with the support and a wish for the month ahead.” concept of Rosh Hodesh because my sister, — Leah Silver, Rosh Hodesh leader Maddie, had been in the program for four years. Despite knowing so much about Rosh ... Hodesh and my group, it still managed to “I have shared many meaningful exceed my expectations. I began to see experiences with the boys in The these girls in a whole new way. I soon Brotherhood: jam sessions, cook-offs, realized that Rosh Hodesh wasn’t just about trips to the mikvah, and blindfolded sprints the Torah portion or prayers; it was about around the 88th Street Sanctuary. Perhaps ourselves, and how the Torah portion and my favorite moment came last month when prayers relate to us girls. Because of Rosh they invited me on what they’ve dubbed ‘The Hodesh I have come to see Judaism in a way Brotherhood Walk.’ Three years ago, the that relates to me.” boys could barely make eye contact with one

PHOTO: Shoshi Rosenbaum — Eliza Bender, Rosh Hodesh participant another and I really had to work to convince Above: The 10th grade Rosh Hodesh group and their Ritual Cloth, around which they gather at their monthly meetings.

trust, honesty, friendship, family and interdependence.” — Joshua Nodiff, Brotherhood participant

Rosh Hodesh has given me the confidence and courage to face the world as a young, Jewish “woman. Our meetings are amazing as they give me insight to face real and modern issues under a logical Jewish light.”

“I am so grateful to BJ for integrating Rosh Hodesh into its programming. It has provided a forum for girls across our community from public schools, independent schools and day schools to unite in a safe environment. Meeting monthly with a trained facilitator has allowed [my daughter] Eve to engage in

ongoing conversations about issues that PHOTO: Ayala Wasser matter to her, and to forge an independent Above: The 8th and 9th grade Rosh Hodesh group after sharing their wishes for the upcoming month. link to BJ—her own community within the larger community. What a blessing it has “Watching my Rosh Hodesh group evolve them to share personal stories in the been to see her cohort grow up together.” has been a wonderful experience. I’m group. Now, in a spontaneous expression — Carole Balin, Rosh Hodesh parent seeing teen girls grow into confident, of camaraderie, they walk home together mature, curious and clever young adults. I along West End Avenue, continuing the ... feel fortunate to be part of their Jewish and conversations started in our sessions. To “As an 11 year-old first starting in Rosh adolescent journeys, and help them each see the way the group has come together, Hodesh, I was nervous to be with girls see that these two paths aren’t independent how they support and care for each other, I’d never met. I felt very vulnerable; it’s of one another. We look at adolescent has been incredibly powerful for me, and not easy to share intimate things with issues through the eyes of our tradition, so has challenged me to be more sensitive, new people. But I found myself feeling they see that through the difficult times of thoughtful and empathic.” comfortable almost immediately because I their teen years they can partially rely on — David Lieberman, Brotherhood leader n realized that these girls were just like me.” the wisdom of our texts and role models in — Eve Gertzman, Rosh Hodesh participant our community. With each month, I see their

sANCTUARY: 257 West 88th Street • office: 270 West 89th Street, New York, NY 10024-1705 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org 9 KOL HADASH. new voIce • SUMMER 2014 ISRAEL

A Far-Flung Extended Family: Building a Living Bridge By Orli Moss, Director of Israel Engagement

grew up in a family with parents Over the past year, the ties that bind us Twelve teens from Nigun Halev, i who made aliyah to Israel and left together were strengthened by visits to our led by Rabbi Chen Ben Or Tsfoni, large families behind in South partner communities during a series of BJ were hosted by BJ families who Africa. Despite the vast distance that Israel trips. In February 2013, our teens “welcomed them as if they were separated us, I grew up with these people traveled to Israel for the first time on a their own. The Nigun Halev teens playing an active role in my life. In my short service learning trip led by Rabbi Marcelo immersed themselves in the time as the Director of Israel Engagement, Bronstein. Two of the BJ teens, Amelia BJ community, as well as the I have come to learn that BJ’s relationship Geser and Sammi Lubliner, described wider Upper West Side Jewish with its partner communities is very much meeting the Nigun Halev teens: “The community. ” like having a far-flung extended family such last few hours have been amazing. We as my own. walked off the bus to open arms. The teens Then, this past December, Rabbi Felicia welcomed us into their building, where we Sol led 35 adults and children on a Family The BJ community has family in Israel, all introduced ourselves and played ice Israel Trip. In the BJ in Israel blog and its partner communities in Israel— breakers. Their English is amazing—they’re (www.bj.org/ilblog) Ellen Silver reported Nigun Halev, Beit Tefilah Israel and just like us! They wear the same clothes, on the beautiful Shabbat experience with HaMidrashsa—have family here.Together have the same sense of humor, and know Nigun Halev in Ginosar. “The Israelis, with their leaders, we are collectively all the same music. We took a walk around with their beautiful, strong singing voices helping to develop and deepen our the neighborhood to see trees, horses and and confident Hebrew, sang prayers we connection between our peoples. We want a breathtaking sunset. Currently, we are knew from BJ, with some of our distinct Israel to be not just a headline in the New sitting in front of a huge bonfire enjoying melodies,” she said. “It was strangely York Times, or the place one spends a junior individual stove-cooked pizzas. Bonding comforting to sing and pray together with year abroad, but to be the home of Chen, with the Israeli teens has been amazing, these people that we had just met, and feel Guy, Nir, Michal and Shay. and we can’t wait for our home stays so connected through our melodies and tonight!” spirit. There was some major ruah!”

Above: Nigun Halev teens and their parents in Nahalal. Page 11, clockwise from top right: 1. In Central Park. 2. Together with BJ teens, mapping the BJ cemetery. 3: BJ and Nigun Halev teens out and about. 4: Saturday night at the BJ Community House.

10 sANCTUARY: 257 West 88th Street • office: 270 West 89th Street, New York, NY 10024-1705 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org TAMMUZ / AV / ELUL 5774 / TISHREI 5775 • new voIce asj kue

The third major bonding experience between our communities took place just this past April, when a long-wished-for, week-long trip to BJ by Nigun Halev teens came to fruition. Twelve teens from Nigun Halev, led by Rabbi Chen Ben Or Tsfoni, were hosted by BJ families who welcomed them as if they were their own. The Nigun Halev teens immersed themselves in the BJ community, as well as the wider Upper West Side Jewish community. They volunteered at the Judith Bernstein Lunch Program and with West Side Campaign Against Hunger; taught at the BJ Hebrew School; and met with students at the teens walked across the Brooklyn Bridge; regular rabbi-led Israel trips for adults, Abraham Joshua Heschel School. They took in a bird’s eye view of Manhattan from families and children. The BJ teens will had conversations with Rabbis Matalon, Top of the Rock; and took the ferry to Ellis travel to Israel every third year for an Bronstein and Sol about the history of Island and the Statue of Liberty. Many international service learning trip. Nigun the New York Jewish community and how thanks to the families who hosted the Nigun Halen teens plan to visit us again in April community provides support to the people, Halev teens, and to BJ members who took 2017. Other initiatives are in the works to and they reflected deeply about what they the time to help make the visit successful! forge new personal relationships between would take away from their visit. With Rabbi members of our communities as we deepen Jonah Geffen, the teens also grappled with existing ones, ensuring that our far-flung issues of Jewish and Israeli identity and the As we delve deeper into what it means to extended family is a tight one. n complexities of having a strong connection be in partnership with another community, with Israel while living in Manhattan. There our wisdom on these issues will continue was also time for sightseeing: the Israeli to grow. One essential component will be

sANCTUARY: 257 West 88th Street • office: 270 West 89th Street, New York, NY 10024-1705 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org 11 KOL HADASH. new voIce • SUMMER 2014 RABBI MARSHALL T. MEYER

Rabbi Matalon Speaks at Marshall T. Meyer Exhibit and Conference in Montreal By Stephanie Berger, Director of Marketing and Communications “This lecture series allowed n the dual role of spiritual leader at General of the Argentine Republic. “Rabbi students and professionals from i B’nai Jeshurun and disciple of Rabbi Meyer’s life is an example of dedication and various backgrounds to come Marshall T. Meyer, Rabbi Matalon courage, like that of many others who fought “together and discuss why the took to the podium on April 24 as the keynote in defense of human rights. He helped build impetus to repair the world is and speaker at a University of Quebec at Montreal a path from truth and memory towards should always be the foundation (UQAM) lecture series focusing on issues justice—an essential goal in any mature of our vocation.” central to Rabbi Meyer’s life work. and responsible society. Argentina would not be the same today without the actions of those who believed, as Rabbi Meyer did, as a rabbi after studying chemistry there in that individuals have no right to remain silent the mid-1970s was a moving experience. “I when confronting injustice.” knew some of the attendees from the time of my studies at the University of Montreal,” Organized by faculty of the Departments he said. “There is a great deal of admiration of Law and Political Science at UQAM and for Marshall’s work in Argentina and in New the Institute of International Studies of York City; at the lecture and throughout the Montreal, the I Have No Right to Remain Silent exhibit, people were inspired as we spoke exhibit ran from January through April. It about Marshall’s efforts to create religious marked the first time this exhibit, which is communities dedicated to social justice permanently housed in the Duke University activism. His vision still has great meaning Library along with Rabbi Meyer’s personal today.” papers, was displayed outside of the United States. To learn more about Rabbi Marshall Meyer and his impact on social action, please “We learned these archives existed when a visit the online version of his archives: UQAM sociology student focused his doctoral www.bj.org/ihavenorighttobesilent n thesis on Meyer’s work,” Exposed to Rabbi Meyer’s passion for social said Julian Durazo justice and human rights since childhood, Herrmann, Director of Rabbi Matalon felt the conference was a rare the Political Science opportunity to address a diverse group of department at UQAM. attendees from the legal, sociology, religious The exhibit and studies and political science disciplines. conference addressed “This lecture series allowed students and topics related to Rabbi professionals from various backgrounds to Meyer’s moral and come together and discuss why the work intellectual legacy, towards human dignity and sanctity of life is “…which remain a burning and should always be the foundation of our issue,” said Professor vocation,” he said. Durazo Hermann. “This man had the courage of Also present at the lecture were people from his convictions. Marshall the Jewish and Argentine communities, Meyer was involved in the including the Argentine Consul and the construction of dialogue President and Former President of the between Jews, Christians Muslim Human Rights Association of Quebec. and Muslims, as well as the rights of women and “The exhibit and lectures accomplished the homosexuals.” objective of keeping Marshall Meyer’s cause alive in a thought-provoking, deeply reflective For Rabbi Matalon, way,” said Guillermo I. Tagino, Consul returning to Montreal PHOTO: Julian Durazo Herrmann, Director of the Political Science Department at UQAM Above: Marshall T. Meyer Exhibit, I Have No Right To Remain Silent, at University of Quebec at Montreal

12 sANCTUARY: 257 West 88th Street • office: 270 West 89th Street, New York, NY 10024-1705 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org TAMMUZ / AV / ELUL 5774 / TISHREI 5775 • new voIce asj kue

About Rabbi Marshall Meyer Rabbi Marshall Meyer was an ordinary man whose extraordinary convictions, faith and impetuous personality impelled him to become one of the most important human rights activists during Argentina’s Dirty War, also known as El Proceso (1976-1983). Rabbi Meyer is most remembered for what he did, namely his human rights work and social justice activism, but his legacy is made that much greater by his ability to articulate why we are all responsible for speaking out against injustice.

This exhibit, drawn from the Marshall Meyer papers at Duke University Libraries, is not only a commemoration of Rabbi Meyer’s social activism and human rights work, but also explores the making of an activist. It examines the life of a man who had an average childhood in suburban Connecticut, shaped by a brand of Judaism that demanded social engagement, then molded by the political and social realities of life in 1960s and 1970s Argentina. — Courtesy: Duke University Archive

As B’nai Jeshurun’s rabbi from 1985-1993, Rabbi Marshall Meyer attracted many people with his impassioned Judaism, blending social activism, spirited musical worship, and a vision of an open and inclusive community. The vision he articulated then remains the same: B’nai Jeshurun believes a community synagogue that responds to authentic questions about love, anxiety, longing, death and the search for meaning can attract Jews—families and individuals—if it is willing to grapple with the great issues of life.

sANCTUARY: 257 West 88th Street • office: 270 West 89th Street, New York, NY 10024-1705 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org 13 KOL HADASH. new voIce • SUMMER 2014

Finding A Voice in the Chain By Sarit Horwitz and Alex Braver , BJ Rabbinic Fellows (continued from page 1) The network of former BJ Fellows is an often unnoticed component of our learning. The email listserv with near-daily activity both highlights accomplishments and asks serious rabbinic questions of the group. With 20 Fellows before us, the network boasts a broad range of the ways people serve as rabbis, from college Hillel rabbis to solo rabbis of small suburban synagogues to rabbis on teams at large urban synagogues. All of us have shared a very particular experience here at BJ, and have found ways of taking what we’ve gained at BJ and translating it into another context. While the majority of our learning happens “in-house,” these past Fellows are crucial in serving as models of the different types of rabbinates we can create for ourselves.

You’ve allowed us to walk with you on your journeys into Judaism and life, and more than anything “have wanted to be both our teachers and our students.” At the Annual BJ Fellows Retreat. Left to right, back row: Rabbis Dara Frimmer, Felicia Sol, Eric Solomon, Jonah Geffen, Marcelo Bronstein, Brent Spodek and Joshua Grater. Middle row: BJ Fellow Sarit Horwitz and Rabbis Finally, you, the BJ community, are also Yael Ridberg and Roly Matalon. Kneeling: Rabbis Adam Roffman, Michelle Dardashti and Rachel Gartner with BJ valuable teachers of ours. You welcome us Fellow Alex Braver above. into your homes to lead shiva minyanim; give us the bimah to offer Divrei Torah on Shabbat of giving a bat mitzvah student a b’rakha of Torah and a transmitter. Sinai was the mornings; and walk into our classrooms to after witnessing their journey. On our first place where Moshe received Torah, but his learn about Hassidut or an upcoming holiday. Shabbat davening as Fellows, many of you job truly began when he had to teach it to You’ve allowed us to walk with you on your approached us afterwards with unexpected others. Each of us has our own experience of journeys into Judaism and life, and more beautiful statements. You expressed not Sinai, where we become part of the process than anything have wanted to be both our only your excitement to take our classes, but of ongoing revelation of Torah. You have teachers and our students. Each of these also your enthusiasm in being a part of our become a part of our process of receiving different experiences has allowed us to rabbinic journey. We are all part of that line Torah, with the hope that we can transmit simultaneously act as contributing members of reception and transmission of Torah. our learnings both here and elsewhere as of this community and find our own unique we continue our rabbinic journeys. Thank rabbinic voices. More than just elements Following Pirkei Avot’s description of this you for allowing us to be your talmidim, of our job descriptions, these moments chain of transmission, we are taught to holding that sacred space of reception and nourish us religiously and rabbinically. They have many students, or talmidim. The text transmission. n speak to the power of experiential learning; acknowledges that the talmid occupies there is no textbook to teach the power a sacred space; they are both a receiver

KOL HADASH new voIce • SUMMER 2014 The Kol Hadash is published four times a year. We would love to print The Kol Hadash is printed using soy-based inks on 50% recycled your stories and articles about BJ! For submission guidelines, contact paper by an online, eco-friendly printer at a substantial cost saving [email protected]. All material is the property of B’nai Jeshurun compared to traditional printing methods. and cannot be reprinted without permission. Designer: Harriet R. Goren

14 sANCTUARY: 257 West 88th Street • office: 270 West 89th Street, New York, NY 10024-1705 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org TAMMUZ / AV / ELUL 5774 / TISHREI 5775 • new voIce asj kue ANNOUNCEMENTS

Finding A Voice in the Chain By Sarit Horwitz and Alex Braver , BJ Rabbinic Fellows (continued from page 1) Mazal Tov Condolences (through May 16)

To the following members and their families on their B’nai Mitzvah (April, May, June): The community of B’nai Jeshurun mourns the death of our members: • Danny Anker, and we extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Mariel Priven Ayelet Horn Myles Model Donna Santman, their daughters Adi and Eliza Anker, and their entire Katya Shykind Tema Zeldes-Roth Guy Haninovich family. Mariana Zieve-Cohen Chloe Arons Ossian Heller Parker Stern Isabel Kramer Sophia Reif • Gertrude Litowitz, and we extend our sincere condolences to her Harrison Stern Leah Smiley Zachary Cohen entire family. Kate Diament Beckett Jenen Zachary Kotz Federman Joey Gertzman Jylen Stux The community of B’nai Jeshurun extends sincere condolences to the To the following members and their families (through May 16): following members and their families:

• Robert and Jane Baum on the birth of their grandson, Jonah Ezra • Steven and Sandy Lenger on the death of Steven’s mother, Baum. Trudy Lenger. • Michael Bar and Gabriel Katz on the birth of their twins, Amelia • Ruth Jarmul and Irv Rosenthal on the death of Ruth’s aunt and Rachel Bar-Katz and Zachary Meir Bar-Katz. uncle, Florence and Bernard Ross. • David Gold and his children, Rachel, Joshua and Nathan Gold on the • Judy and Jules Love on the death of Judy’s sister, Alice Nemetz. birth of their daughter and sister, Deena Eliana Gold. • Max Rudin, Amy Schatz, Eve and Noah Rudin, on the death of Max’s • Andrew and Tanya Borrok, and Charles Borrok, on the birth of mother, Elinor Rudin. their daughter and granddaughter, Katherine Charlotte Borrok. • Louis Geser, Ilene Rosenthal, Amelia and Cara Geser, on the death • Eve and Serge Appel on the birth of their daughter, Celine Anna of Louis’s father, Alvin Geser. Appel. • Jonathan Legum and Annette Zygmunt, and their daughters Nina • Nancy Ramsey and Steve Brand on the birth of their son, Caleb and Roza Legum, on the death of Jonathan’s father, Cyril Legum. Emmett Ramsey Brand. • Allen Bromberger and Lauren Goldstein, and their daughters • Judith Felsenfeld on the publication of her book, Blaustein’s Kiss. Abigail and Eliza Bromberger, on the death of Allen’s mother, Nancy • Karyn and Joe Gold on the birth of their grandson, Eli Felix Katsir. Bromberger. • BJ Assistant Director of Education Emily Walsh on her engagement • Heidi Cohen and Larry Aronson on the death of Heidi’s father, to Ari Fox. Norman Cohen. • Allison Weinger Miniati and Filippo Miniati on the birth of their • Nancy Beltrandi and Rivka Rudner on the death of Nancy’s mother, twins, Emma Hanna Miniati and Luca Alexander Miniati. We also Teresa Beltrandi. extend a mazal tov to the twins’ grandmother, Lilli Platt, and aunt, • Marlene Jurman on the death of her father, William Jurman. Emily Weinger. • Deborah, Ivan, Jacob, and Aaron Gottesfeld on the death of • Jack David Marcus on the birth of his grandaughter, Ella Mae Deborah’s father, David Konicius. Marcus. • Susan and Stephen Kippur on the birth of their granddaughter, • BJ Teen Coordinator Ayala Wasser on the death of her father, Noemi Adele Lambert. Rabbi Joel Wasser. • Brian and Yim Neugeboren on the naming of their daughter, • Lyudmila Brodsky, and her children Aviva and Josh Verbitsky, on the Layla Charlotte Neugeboren. death of Lyudmila’s mother, Ida Brodsky. • Shalini Tewari and Robert Morrison on the naming of their son and • Carl and Miriam Stern on the death of Carl’s sister, Trudy Stein. daughter, Amir Kedar Morrison and Anaiah Rania Morrison. • Sheila and Norman Bleckner on the death of Sheila’s brother, Jacob • Marti Meyerson and Jamie Hooper, and their children Hannah, Kushner. David, and Sandy Hooper, on being honored at the JCC Manhattan • Gail Amsterdam on the death of her mother, Elizabeth Amsterdam. Annual Benefit on May 18. • Theo and Lisa Kisch on the death of Theo’s mother, Gloria Kisch. • Arlene Brandon for 20 years of dedicated service to the community. • Rebeca Izquierdo and Paimaan Lodhi on the birth of their son, Chauncey Khan Lodhi. • Matthew Aborn and Monica Judge on the birth of their daughter, Ione Sabine Aborn. We also extend a mazal tov to her grandparents, Allyson Aborn and Bruce Doniger. )

sANCTUARY: 257 West 88th Street • office: 270 West 89th Street, New York, NY 10024-1705 • tel: 212.787.7600 • fax: 212.496.7600 • website: www.bj.org 15 270 West 89th Street • New York, NY 10024-1705 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 530 New York, NY

KOL HADASH. new voIce • SUMMER 2014

SYNAGOGUE: Committees & Services: 257 West 88th Street Accounts Payable...... 227 88th Street Rental...... 255 Mekusharim...... 224 Accounts Receivable...... 237 Family Activities...... 260 Membership Information...... 224 OFFICES: Adult Education Information..... 264 Hakhnasat Orhim...... 250 Panim el Panim...... 259 270 West 89th Street Bar/Bat Mitzvah...... 233 Havurot...... 255 Social Action...... 272 Bikkur Holim...... 264 Hevra Kadisha ...... 264 Teen Programming...... 242 Main Telephone Number BJ Reads...... 272 Homeless Shelter...... 272 Torah/Haftarah Reading...... 232 212-787-7600 Communications...... 275 Interfaith Committee ...... 224 Tze’irim ...... 250 Community Programs...... 255 Kiddush Scheduling...... 255 Ushering...... 264 Fax Number (270 West 89th Street) Conversion...... 261 Kol Jeshurun...... 275 Visiting Groups...... 250 212-496-7600 Daily Minyan...... 232 Kol Hadash...... 275 Volunteer Information...... 255 Development Life Cycles...... 264 Youth & Family Education...... 225 Website & Donation Information...... 228 Lunch Program...... 272 www.bj.org

Rabbis: Director of Israel Engagement: Board of Trustees: Bernard Plum J. Rolando Matalon Orli Moss, x229 Irv Rosenthalº Suzanne Schecter Marcelo R. Bronstein President Jack Stern Felicia L. Sol Director of Development: Judith Trachtenberg Lisa Steinberg, x228 Jeannie Blausteinº Scott Weiner Hazzan and Music Director: Chair Michael Yoeli Ari Priven Director of Marketing and Communications: Sally Gottesmanº General Counsel BJ Rabbinic Fellows: Stephanie Berger, x275 Vice President Ellen Corenswet Alex Braver, x262 Sarit Horwitz, x261 Chief Financial Officer: Frank Kernº Hebrew School Advisory Member Alyce Gunn, x226 Vice President Melanie Sherman, BJHS Representative BJ Student Hazzan: Shoshi Rosenbaum, x242 Director of Facilities: Debra Lernerº Tze’irim Representative Roma Serdtse, x258 Vice President Jason Herman Executive Director: Steve Goldberg, x266 Rabbinic Department Manager: Emily Weissº Honorary Trustees Billie Di Stefano, x264 Vice President Jonathan Adelsberg* Director of Membership and Virginia Bayer* Community Engagement: Assistant to Rabbi Matalon and Anna Winderbaumº Ted Becker* Amy Greenstein, x224 Executive Director Steve Goldberg: Secretary Frederic Goldstein x234 Marcy Grau* Director of Education for Alan Mantelº David Hirsch* Youth and Family: Assistant to Rabbi Bronstein Treasurer Richard Janvey* Ivy Schreiber, x225 and Rabbi Sol: Robert Kanter Sandra Ghiorzo, x240 Board Members: Joan Kaplan Director of Social Action/ Galit Ben-Joseph Susan Kippur* Social Justice: B’nai MItzvah Coordinator: Dale Bernstein Sara Moore Litt* Channa Camins, x259 Beth Tarson, x233 Anne Ebersman Naomi Meyer Nancy Freireich Judith Stern Peck* Moshe Horn Stephen Stulman, Trustee Emeritus Franklin Kern Samara Minkin º Executive Committee Member Josh Penzner * Past President 16