Congregation A Traditional, Egalitarian, and Participatory Conservative Synagogue

HESHVAN/KISLEV/TEVETO 5772rZarua NEWSLETTER/VOLUME 24:2 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 CVK 2011: An Israeli-Style Summer by Ortal Isaac

n June 28, 2011, clad in a screamingly loud teal T-shirt labeled “CVK 2011,” I waited in line by the El Al gate at JFK Oairport. I stood alone. I didn’t know any of the other teenagers standing around me, some of whom were already chatting and laughing, wearing the same shirt as me. I was off to Israel for one whole month, on a program called Tzofim Chetz v’Keshet (meaning “Scouts: Bow and Arrow”). This program, organized by the Israeli Scouts movement, is a four- week trip for teens, ranging from the ages of 13 to 18. Most of the participants were from the U.S., yet there were some from France, England, and Brazil. Most impor- tantly, we, the teens coming from abroad to visit Israel, would be mixing with local teenagers who are part of the Israeli Scouts movement—an Israeli youth program. About 11 hours later, I walked into Opening week of Tzofim Chetz v’ Keshet in Jerusalem. Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, exhausted. Our group was greeted by clusters of smil- finally three teams, or tzevets, within each the Old City, and getting to know our fellow ing, singing, poster-brandishing teens in platoon. Our counselors were all IDF sol- chanichim (campers) over Shabbat dinners Scout uniforms. Our Israeli counterparts, diers completing their service. and team-building activities, we were off to with whom we’d be spending the next Having grown up speaking Hebrew with Gadna. We would undertake this five-day month, were there to greet us. We divided my father, I am fluent in the language. Yet introductory training for the Israeli Army, into groups and were welcomed with the being immersed in Israel and being able which all Israeli 12th graders go through, Tzofim movement’s traditional songs, to see signs everywhere in Hebrew, Tnuva at the Joara Army base in Northern Israel. clapping and enthusiasm. It felt as if we advertisements and “Gilad Adyayyin Chai” During the days that followed, we pitched were coming home, back from a long posters, was at first odd, but it quickly the tents that we slept in, were taught journey. grew into a wonderful feeling. In addition, how to navigate and maneuver when out We first drove to Jerusalem, all piled we were divided according to age and lan- in the field, learned about and shot M-16 into buses, the foreigners aboard tired yet guage proficiency, so my tzevet was made rifles, had discussions about the military keeping their eyes open, watching the hills up entirely of Hebrew speakers, many of and its importance in Israel...we were around Jerusalem pass by. It was only whom, like myself, were the children of basically put into the shoes of the average then that it struck us: We were in Israel! Israeli emigrants. The first day, I struggled Israeli 18-year-old getting a taste of his or The entire CVK group was split into two a little to follow the conversation, but over her future in the IDF. It was tough to companies, or plugas, then six platoons the following weeks I felt my skills grow at endure at times, but the lessons in self- divided into buses, or machlakot, and an exponential rate. I had never felt my discipline and, most importantly, team- Hebrew improve so easily back at home. work were significant. It was also during Ortal Isaac is a senior at Lycée Français Only a few days after staying in Gadna that we saw our commanders, our of New York. Jerusalem and seeing the Kotel, Ir David, continued on page 4

1 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 President’s Message Congregation by Diane Okrent

here is always a Shabbat Dinner. On November 20, our OrZarua Tlet-down when the Hebrew School students will present their A CONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUE holidays are over. We, annual talent show to benefit the children FOUNDED 1989 as individuals and as a of S’derot, Israel. In addition, on the Eve community, put a lot of of Thanksgiving, our Hesed Committee 127 East 82nd Street time and effort into will collect food and distribute it to the New York, NY 10028 planning and making needy. We will have another Family and phone: 212-452-2310 fax: 212-452-2103 sure that Rosh Friends Shabbat Dinner on December 9. www.orzarua.org Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hoshanah Everyone in the OZ family is welcome Rabbah, Shemini Atzeret and Simhat Torah at all these events. DR. HARLAN J. WECHSLER, Rabbi are meaningful, memorable, and delicious. Our success at Or Zarua depends on DIANE OKRENT, President And then they’re over! your participation. Our services are so HENRY GLANTERNIK, Treasurer What wonderful holidays they were! much better with many voices, and our HARVEY M. BRENNER, FTA, Executive Director Congregation Or Zarua was able to hold programs are more interesting with many ILANA BURGESS, Youth Education Director three simultaneous services during Rosh participants. So, come and share our light! CHARLES SPIELHOLZ, Newsletter Editor Hashanah, Kol Nidre, and Yom Kippur with As I mentioned on Kol Nidre, so much extraordinary professional and lay leader- of our success is due to our wonderful vol- ship. The reviews were very positive! unteers who lead services, teach classes, Yasher Koach to all who volunteered as run programs, create ads promoting Or OZ Committee Chairs leaders, readers, gabbai’im, and ushers Zarua, maintain our website, write for and during the High Holy Days. edit our newsletter, arrange for our High Holy ADMINISTRATION Sara Stone Sukkot, Hoshanah Rabbah, Shemini Day services, usher, oversee the integrity of AESTHETICS Aaron Shelden Atzeret and Simhat Torah also were beauti- our building, manage our finances, and basi- ful, inspiring, and joyous! Yasher Koach to cally run this institution. We always need ART GALLERY Bobbi Coller those who volunteered to read and lead, more volunteers, so please let me know BOOK DISCUSSION Reed Schneider build and decorate the Sukkah, and what you would like to do for the community. BUILDING Benjamin Marcus arrange for our Sukkah meals. We keep discovering our members’ CEMETERY Aliza Kaplan Now fall is really setting in. Daylight is hidden talents. Do you sing? If so, would Mort Schwartz fading earlier and earlier, and soon we will you like to learn to lead a service or read CRAFTS CLUB Terry Edelstein turn the clocks back. Torah or chant Haftarah? Just let me know DEVELOPMENT Andrew Plevin We are now in the month of Heshvan, and we can arrange for a tutor or a class. often referred to as Mar Heshvan, or Bitter Do you like to write? We can always use HESED Richard Stadin Heshvan. This is because there are no help with the newsletter. Do you like to HEVRA KADISHA Vera Silver holidays in Heshvan, in contrast to the plan events? Join our Programming Gerry Solomon preceding month, Tishri, which is full of Committee. Would you rather work “behind ISRAEL Aliza Kaplan holidays. Heshvan also marks episodes of the scenes”? Join the Hevra Kadisha or LIBRARY Barry Feldman pain and suffering for the Jewish people, the Hesed Committee. MEMBERSHIP Michael Schwartz including the deaths of Rachel, We can only be a truly participatory MINYAN Sheldon Adler Nachmanides, and Yitzchak Rabin. Congregation if you participate. Come and But the good news is that just as we help us sow light in the winter darkness. PROGRAMMING Karen Kaplan finish reading the Torah, the cycle begins Or Zarua latzadik ul-yishrei leiv simcha— PUBLIC RELATIONS Aaron Shelden again: Bereshit—In the beginning. We get Light is sown for the righteous and joy for PURIM SPIEL Arthur Rosenbloom to explore the family dramas that bring us the upright of heart. Bonnie Maslin to Exodus and the defining moments of Tibor Feldman our peoplehood. SAVE THE DATE Barbara Sassoon Then next month, Kislev, will bring SCHOOL Betsy Dizengoff Hanukkah and more light to our lives. Or Zarua Gala Between now and Hanukkah, there TORAH/HAFTARAH Henry Glanternik Monday, June 4, 2012 WEBMASTER Jay Palmer will be several light-giving events at Or Zarua. On November 10, we will be privi- Special Guest: Chancellor Arnold Eisen If you are interested in serving on a synagogue leged to host Natan Sharansky. The next 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. committee, please contact the office for the night, we will have a Family and Friends Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers committee chair’s email address. 2 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 Natan Sharansky to Speak at Or Zarua “Israel, the Arab Spring and World Jewry," Thursday, November 10, 8:00 p.m. RSVP required. I S

R atan Sharansky, in 1977. In 1978, he was convicted and Jerusalem Report. In 1995, he created a A E L I Soviet refusenik, sentenced to 13 years in prison. He served new political party, Yisrael b’Aliyah, K N N E

S political prisoner, his sentence in Moscow, often in solitary designed to help immigrants become S E T human rights activist, confinement, and in the Siberian gulag. His absorbed into Israel. He became a mem- member of the Israeli wife, Avital, who had emigrated to Israel, ber of the Knesset and held several Knesset, and author, campaigned for his release. Diplomatic ministry positions. will be speaking at efforts to secure Sharansky’s release from In 2006, Sharansky resigned from the Congregation Or Zarua prison finally met with success in 1986, Knesset and became chairman of the on Thursday evening, November 10, at with an East-West prisoner exchange. Adelson Institute of the Shalem Center in 8:00 p.m on “Israel, the Arab Spring and Upon his release from prison, Jerusalem. In 2009, he was elected chair- World Jewry.” Sharansky was met by the Israeli ambas- man of the Jewish Agency for Israel. Born Anatoly Borisovich Sharansky in sador at the border between East and In addition to his memoir, Fear No the Ukraine, he trained as a mathematician West Germany, and was presented with Evil, Sharansky has also written The Case at the Institute of Physics and Technology an Israeli passport issued in the Hebrew for Democracy: The Power of Freedom to in Moscow. Sharansky became involved name Natan Sharansky. Overcome Tyranny and Terror, as well as with the human rights movement in the Sharansky’s experiences as a Defending Identity: Its Indispensable Role Soviet Union and eventually became one “Prisoner of Zion” are described in his in Protecting Democracy. of the most important and outspoken book Fear No Evil. After the presentation, there will be a dissidents in support of Soviet Jewry. In Israel, Natan Sharansky became reception in the Or Zarua social hall. In 1973 the Soviets refused to grant involved with Israeli politics. He was elected To attend this event, RSVP to the Sharansky an exit visa to Israel. His acti- president of the Zionist Forum in 1988 OZ office at 212-452-2310, extension 39, vities as a Soviet refusenik led to his arrest and became associate editor of the by Monday, November 7.

Family and Youth Activities ANNUAL November 2011 Sunday, November 20 • 3:00 p.m. RECEPTION FOR OR ZARUA TEEN MOVIE Thursday, November 10 • 8:00 p.m. Kazablan for ages 12 and up. CONGREGATION NATAN SHARANSKY LECTURE See page 5 for details. “Israel, the Arab Spring and World Jewry.” OR ZARUA This lecture may be of interest to December 2011 high school students. MEMBERS Monday, December 5, RSVP required. See above details. through Sunday, December 18 Thursday, December 1 Friday, November 11 • after services HANUKKAH GIFT, COAT SHABBAT DINNER AND CLOTHING DRIVE ongregation Or Zarua will be holding WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS See page 5 for details. Cits yearly reception for members on RSVP required. See page 14 for details. Thursday, December 1, 2011. All OZ Friday, December 9 • after services Congregants are invited to the home Sunday, November 20 • 3:00 p.m. SHABBAT DINNER of Kendra Collins and Andrew Plevin ANNUAL TALENT SHOW WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please Singing, dancing, music, and more! RSVP required. See page 14 for details. Take part as a performer or a guest. join us in this Or Zarua tradition. See page 5 for details. Don’t miss a wonderful opportunity to socialize with both new and long- standing members of the OZ community in the friendly, informal setting of EDITOR’S NOTE If you have an idea or article that is appropriate for publi- a member’s home. RSVP by Monday, cation in the OZ Newsletter, please contact Charlie Spielholz at [email protected]. All November 28, at 212-452-2310, copy for the January/February 2012 issue should be received by Monday, December 5. ext. 39.

3 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 CVK 2011: An Israeli-Style Summer continued from page 1 mefakdim, change from the cheery, fun soldiers we had seen them as for the first days into tough IDF commanders who expected the best from their teams and would accept no nonsense from their chayallim, their soldiers. These men and women, most of whom were not above the age of 25, stayed with us for the entire month, becoming our friends and mentors. After Gadna, we spent the rest of the trip travelling all around Israel. The second week was North Week, during which we spent our time in the Golan Heights, sleeping by the serene Kinneret, rappelling and hiking at Keshet cave, being hosted by Druze families for an evening. We saw the border between Israel and Syria, learned about how Israel had acquired this territory, and discussed a controver- Tzevet 16 in uniform, Northern Israel. sial issue facing Israel today amongst our- selves: Should Israel return the Golan? house just on the edge of the Miztpeh Part of the program was to inform us and Ramon crater. Back in Jerusalem and help us form opinions about modern-day Tel Aviv, we went to Yad Vashem, Rabin issues in Israel. Square, Rechov Ben Yehuda, Independence When not traveling, we also got the Hall, and so much more. And then, all too chance to explore Israel on our own time soon, it was time to say good-bye to Israel, during free weekends, during which we and all the friends I had made. The closing could be hosted by families or new Israeli ceremony in Tel Aviv was full of laughter, friends from the program. One weekend I hugs, and tears. We all agreed that the spent in Tel Aviv exploring the city with a past month had gone by in the blink of an friend from Or Zarua who had moved to eye, and yet we still all felt as if we had Israel a few years before, and the next I known each other for years. was welcomed into the home of a new My trip to Israel was truly a life-chang- friend from my machlaka, and really got a ing experience. I returned to the U.S. with taste of the local lifestyle: being wel- a different outlook on my relationship to comed and feeling like family in the home Israel, a new confidence built from the of Israelis whom I had never met before. experiences and things I learned from my Additionally, the family lived not far from commanders and peers, and countless the Kav HaYarok (Green Line), which memories and photos of the best summer marks the border of the West Bank, a I have ever had. Not only did I have the A tent with an Israeli flag brought by a place I had never really imagined myself time of my life, but I also learned a great chanich from Hawaii. staying at for a weekend. CVK had been deal about Israel, Jewish history, and the advertised as a summer in Israel, “Israeli Hebrew language. I also began the pro- encourage others, especially teens, to go style,” and after this experience I really gram not knowing a single person, and on one of these trips and have the journey felt that statement to be true. returned with many new friends living in of a lifetime! My month in Israel helped South Week and Closing Week were both Israel and America, whom I talk to me forge a much deeper and more real devoted to seeing the Negev, more of regularly. I know that some of the friend- connection to Judaism and the State of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. We hiked in the ships I made on this trip will last a lifetime. Israel. Now, when I watch the news and spectacular Red Canyon, rode camels and There are so many trips to Israel see images of Israel, I see a country that took Jeep rides in the desert, visited the available—for different ages and levels of is as much a home for me as New York home and grave of David Ben-Gurion, hiked observance—it is easy to find a group City—the place in which I was born and up Masada at sunrise, slept in a guest that matches a person’s interests. I really brought up.

4 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 Hebrew and Jewish Studies For post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah students

Post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah students were photographed with their teachers between classes. On the left, the students finished their conversational Hebrew class with Or Zarua’s youth education director Ilana Burgess. The Hebrew class is taught in the form of an ulpan. In the center, the students are about to begin their class in Torah and Talmud with Or Zaura’s rabbinic intern, Joseph Schwartz. These students are all former Jewish day school students who have begun their high school years at secular schools. The class is held on Mondays starting at 6:00 p.m. and begins with a pizza dinner. On the right, the eighth-grade class, with its teacher, Yael Goren, is learning Hebrew ulpan-style and exploring various religious movements within Judaism.

OZ’S ANNUAL TALENT SHOW HEBREW SCHOOL CALENDAR Sunday, November 20, 3:00 p.m. veryone is invited to either perform or be a guest at OZ’s Annual Talent Show on November 2011 ESunday, November 20, at 3:00 p.m. Build community and spirit while becoming Wed 2 Classes in session part of the OZ “family.” Support a worthy charity, make new friends, see old ones, Mon 7 Classes in session and have fun! All proceeds will be donated to the JNF playground in S’derot. Recommended donation is $10 per person. Wed 9 Classes in session Please email Karen Perlman Norflus at [email protected] or Ilana Burgess at Sat 12 Junior Congregation, [email protected] if you have any questions. 10:30 a.m. Mon 14 Classes in session Wed 16 Classes in session Hanukkah Gift, Coat and Clothing Drive Mon 21 Classes in session/ ongregation Or Zarua's Youth Education Department is collecting new, unwrapped B’nai Jeshurun gifts for school-age children, such as educational toys, books, and CDs, as well C Mon 28 Classes in session as clothes and coats in good condition for the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty from Monday, December 5, through Sunday, December 18. Collection boxes will be Wed 30 Classes in session located on the 6th and 7th floors and the social hall. Coats will be collected in the coat room on the basement level. December 2011 Mon 5 Classes in session Wed 7 Classes in session KAZABLAN: OZ TEEN MOVIE Sat 10 Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m. Sunday, November 20, 3:00 p.m., for ages 12 and up Mon 12 Classes in session azablan, an army veteran turned gang leader in the Israeli port of Jaffa, masks Wed 14 Classes in session his feelings of bitterness with a lot of bravado. He’s sweet on Rachel, a young K Sun 18 Winter Break (no classes) woman who lives with her father and stepmother. The budding relationship scandal- izes the neighbors (not to mention Rachel’s parents) and infuriates Yanush, a middle- January 2012 aged shoe store owner who wants Rachel for himself. (Yanush feels he’s entitled to marry Rachel since they’re both Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern European origins, where- Mon 2 Classes resume as Kazablan is a Sephardic Jew from Morocco.)

5 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 Building On: Or Zarua by Benjamin Marcus

n the past year, 5771, Congregation Or Zarua has been busy making mod- est and meaningful improvements to our synagogue building. As shown Iin these photographs, building improvements have been done to both the outside and the inside of the building. On the outside of our building, new three-dimensional stainless steel signage looks east and west, up and down the sidewalk from atop our canopy. The signage clearly announces our name, Congregation Or Zarua, to our neighborhood, while main- taining the dignified, modern aesthetic of our existing design. Adding to our public face is our new digital display, a contribution from the Gold family. The video display allows us to present ourselves to the Upper East Side community. Display information includes the many regular and special dates in our programming schedule, the weekly parashah and Haftarah readings, worship times, and colorful photographs of past events. The project was done within the Stainless steel signage atop the canopy announces our name to people on the street. footprint of our existing marquee box—

The redecorated Or Zarua library on the fourth floor. In addition to its namesake purpose, the library also serves as a classroom, discussion hall, youth service sanctuary, quick space, and backup social hall. Note the portable Ark located on the east wall and the television screen on the north wall.

6 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 so as to be both attractive and discreet. We have a new, portable Ark, our sec- ond one. Again, a gift from Congregants, it has been designed to carry our Sifre Torah with the modern visual sensibility and warmth of the Or Zarua design idiom “on-the-road.” This Ark will be used during the High Holy Days and at other times. This Ark will be maintained in storage when not in use. Inside our building, our fourth-floor library has undergone a carefully chosen set of renovations. Initiated by past presi- dent Andy Frackman, and made possible by the generous contributions of several Congregants, these changes kept the warmth and improved the functional flexi- bility of our library space. We cleared out and opened up the east wall, making a place for one of our portable Arks and, with a new height-adjustable shulchan, the table from which the Torah is read, a more suitable home for our youth minyan. New The view looking down at one of the new chairs in the OZ library shows how the pattern of the fabric on the chair contrasts with the pattern of the carpet. The old furnishings from the library were donated to two synagogues with assistance of the North American Association of Synagogue Executives.

both larger and less obtrusive than our While these photos serve to illustrate previous one. Hanging alongside, and at a the enhancements to our building,we complementary scale, to existing artwork hope you will take the opportunity to by Rudi Wolff, it presides over a pared- experience the renovations directly and in down workcenter, where obsolete equip- person. In the coming year, 5772, Or ment makes way for multiple purposes. Zarua will be waging a major campaign to Holding it all together is new, more richly repair and protect our building envelope, colored carpeting, which also allows for and ensure the integrity and beauty of our occasional food service. spiritual home for the future.

A video display containing information about activities taking place inside our building was designed to fit in the existing marquee box. tables share the substantial scale and continuity with existing cherry woodwork, but are foldable and easily reconfigured. New seating—the classic David Rowland “40/4”—is comfortable and economical, lending texture, clean lines and portability to the varied programmatic uses of the room. A wall-mounted, flat-screen televi- sion, with integral Internet capabilities, is Our new, portable Ark will be kept in storage when not in use. The inset shows a detail of the hardware used on the door.

7 127 East 82nd Street G G November 2011 Heshvan/Kislev 5772 OrZarua New York, NY 10028 212-452-2310 SUNDA Y MONDA Y TUESDA Y WEDNESDA Y THURSDA Y FRIDA Y SATURDA Y

1 G 4 Heshvan 2 G 5 3 G 6 4 G 7 5 G 8 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 7:00 pm Context: Kraemer 8:00 pm Talmud Class 10:00 am Tot and Toddler Lekh-Lekha 7:00 pm Context: Gampel 5:31 pm Candlelighting, Bat Mitzvah of Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat Sophia Katz

6 G 9 7 G 10 8 G 11 9 G 12 10 G 13 11 G 14 12 G 15 8:45 am Sunday Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit Daylight Savings Time Ends 7:00 pm Context: Kraemer 8:00 pm Talmud Class 8:00 pm Natan Sharansky 10:00 am Tot and Toddler Vayera Lecture 4:24 pm Candlelighting, Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat Family and Friends Dinner

13 G 16 14 G 17 15 G 18 16 G 19 17 G 20 18 G 21 19 G 22 8:45 am Sunday Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 7:00 pm Context: Kraemer 8:00 pm Talmud Class 10:00 am Tot and Toddler Haye Sarah 7:00 pm Context: Gampel 4:18 pm Candlelighting, Bar Mitzvah of Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat Joshua Gold

20 G 23 21 G 24 22 G 25 23 G 26 24 G 27 25 G 28 26 G 29 8:45 am Sunday Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan Thanksgiving 8:45 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 10:15 am Crafts Club 7:00 pm Context: Kraemer No Hebrew School 8:45 am Minyan 4:13 pm Candlelighting. Toledot 3:00 pm Talent Show 7:00 pm Context: Gampel Office closed Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat 3:00 p.m Kazablan Movie 7:30 pm Book Discussion

27 G 1 Kislev 28 G 2 29 G 3 30 G 4 Rosh Hodesh Kislev 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 8:45 am Minyan 7:00 pm Context: Kraemer 8:00 pm Talmud Class 7:00 pm Context: Gampel 127 East 82nd Street G G December 2011 Kislev/Tevet 5772 OrZarua New York, NY 10028 212-452-2310 SUNDA Y MONDA Y TUESDA Y WEDNESDA Y THURSDA Y FRIDA Y SATURDA Y

1 G 5 Kislev 2 G 6 3 G 7 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 6:00 pm Members’ 10:00 am Tot and Toddler Vayetze Reception 4:11 pm Candlelighting, Bar Mitzvah of Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat Benjamin Ades

4 G 8 5 G 9 6 G 10 7 G 11 8 G 12 9 G 13 10 G 14 8:45 am Sunday Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 7:00 pm Context: Kraemer 8:00 pm Talmud Class 10:00 am Tot and Toddler Vayishlah 7:00 pm Context: Gampel 4:10 pm Candlelighting, Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat Family and Friends Dinner

11 G 15 12 G 16 13 G 17 14 G 18 15 G 19 16 G 20 17 G 21 8:45 am Sunday Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 7:00 pm Context: Kraemer 8:00 pm Talmud Class 10:00 am Tot and Toddler Vayeshev 7:00 pm Context: Gampel 4:11 pm Candlelighting, Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat

18 G 22 19 G 23 20 G 24 21 G 25 22 G 26 23 G 27 24 G 28 8:45 am Sunday Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 10:15 am Crafts Club 7:00 pm Context: Kraemer No Hebrew School 10:00 am Tot and Toddler Miketz 7:00 pm Context: Gampel 8:00 pm Talmud Class 4:14 pm Candlelighting, Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat

Hanukkah: 1 Candle Hanukkah: 2 Candles Hanukkah: 3 Candles Hanukkah: 4 Candles Hanukkah: 5 Candles

25 G 29 26 G 30 27 G 1 Tevet 28 G 2 29 G 3 30 G 4 31 G 5 8:45 am Sunday Minyan Rosh Hodesh Tevet I Rosh Hodesh Tevet II 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 7:00 am Minyan 7:00 am Minyan No Hebrew School 4:19 pm Candlelighting, Vayigash No Hebrew School 8:00 pm Talmud Class Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat

Hanukkah: 6 Candles Hanukkah: 7 Candles Hanukkah: 8 Candles CONGREGATION OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 The Universal Torah Registry Program Securing Or Zarua’s Torah Scrolls

orah scrolls, Judaism’s most international law enforcement authorities. have been stolen have been returned to sacred religious objects, are Torah scrolls registered with the their owners. Since the inception of the central to worship and study Universal Torah Registry Program are given Universal Torah Registry Program, the in the synagogue. However, a certificate of registration. By checking number of stolen Torah scrolls has TTorah scrolls are also extremely with the program, a purchaser of a Torah decreased from approximately 200 per valuable monetarily. Unfortunately, their scroll can be assured that the scroll is not year to less than six. Perpetrators of this monetary value has led to an active black stolen. A legally purchased, registered crime have been prosecuted on the basis market in Torah scrolls. Torah scroll can then be registered with of information maintained by the registry. Since the loss of a Torah scroll would the new owner. Each of Congregation Or Zarua’s be a significant tragedy, Congregation Or The Registry Program has been very Torah scrolls is fully registered with the Zarua has taken steps to protect its Torah successful. Registered Torah scrolls that Universal Torah Registry. scrolls. In addition to the installation of Z E V locks and alarms, Or Zarua participates in G R E the Universal Torah Registry Program. E N F I E

The Universal Torah Registry Program L D / G is an independent, not-for-profit organi- R U B E zation founded by the Jewish Community R

P H O

Relations Council of New York. The T O G R

Registry Program, based in New York City, A P H E

developed a halachically acceptable R S method to identify and register individual Torah scrolls. Each Torah scroll that is registered with the program is marked with a unique pattern of microperforations. Using a template provided by the program, the pattern is applied to several specific, secret locations throughout the scroll. This unique pattern, which is impossible to obliterate, makes each Torah scroll unique and easy to identify. The unique identity pattern inscribed into each scroll is then communicated to the Universal Torah Registry, which main- The day before his Bar Mitzvah, Adam Pell helped Harvey Brenner apply security marks tains the data. Should a registered Torah to an Or Zarua Sefer Torah using a unique template. His parents, Owen and Pearl, and scroll be stolen or otherwise become miss- his brother, Nathan, observed the process. Each Torah owned by Congregation Or Zarua ing, the registry provides the information has been registered with the Universal Torah Registry Program. that identifies it to local, national and

VISIT WWW.ORZARUA.ORG Explore Or Zarua’s past, present, and future

ave you missed an Or Zarua lecture, class or discussion? Ruth R. Wisse, David Roskies, and James Kugel, and Rabbis Would you like to hear a presentation a second time? David Silber and Harlan Wechsler. You can even listen to the HOr Zarua’s website, www.orzarua.org, contains recordings Or Zarua Klezmer Band. of many of the presentations given by guest speakers and There are many other resources on the Or Zarua website, teachers at the synagogue. including upcoming events, service schedules, current art For example, by clicking on the drop-down menu titled gallery shows, minyan sign-up and much more. So take a “Learning” and choosing “Adult Study” followed by “Recorded moment to explore www.orzarua.org and see what has been, Talks,” you will arrive at a webpage with lectures by Professors is currently, and will be happening at OZ!

10 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 Choosing Our Next Rabbi RABBI WECHSLER by the Rabbinical Search Committee TEACHES ON SIRIUS XM RADIO uring September, approximately the general high level of Jewish (and Sundays at 3 a.m, 5 a.m. 150 Congregants participated non-Jewish) learning within the Congre- and 7 a.m. in five facilitated discussion gation. S I R

group meetings led by Annie Our second question was: “What are I U S X DMarks, a professional facilita- the most important qualities that we are M tor. Overall, everyone who participated looking for in our next rabbi?” Since this enjoyed the experience. was much more difficult to answer, there The input from the Congregation, tended to be less agreement. Neverthe- together with that from the Board/Search less, a few answers seemed to stand out. Committee, will be invaluable in complet- Important attributes are that our next ing a lengthy questionnaire from the rabbi be an intellectual, learned teacher Rabbinical Assembly. This questionnaire and scholar who is able to communicate will describe our Congregation in detail well. We also would like a rabbi who can abbi Wechsler can be heard on to any rabbis who may be interested in build our community by reaching out to SiriusXM Stars Channel three times becoming our next rabbi and is thus a everyone, but especially by appealing to R each Sunday. Subscribers to SiriusXM critical tool in the search process. The young families; is pastoral, kind and com- Satellite Radio can access the program, Search Committee thanks everyone who passionate; and has good people skills. “Rabbi Wechsler Teaches,” on Channel participated in this process for your Although it is not likely that a single per- 107. Non-subscribers can obtain a thoughtful comments. At the same time, son exists who embodies all of these free, three-day trial at www.siriusxm.com. it is important to remember that many characteristics, we will strive to identify factors besides the data generated at the the best candidate. discussion group meetings will be consid- And finally we asked: “What would ered in formulating our answers to these you change to make Or Zarua an even questions. better place?” Here there was much diver- Or Zarua Minyan The discussion group meetings dealt gent opinion. Among the suggestions o be part of the OZ minyan on any with three questions. The first question most often mentioned were finding more given morning, all you need to do was: “What qualities distinguish Or Zarua ways to engage young people and teens, T is attend; minyan times are listed on from other congregations?” It is not a and improving the music in our services. the calendar pages. To help strengthen surprise that the most noted character- All of the suggestions for change have the Or Zarua minyan, please sign up for istics were that our services are partic- been noted and will be given due consid- a day or two each month by contacting ipatory, lay-led, traditional, egalitarian, and eration at the appropriate time. Sheldon Adler at sheldon.adler@ intellectual, and that our shul is a place Again, thanks to everyone who partici- skadden.com. You may also sign up of learning and study. Also noted was pated in this process. online at www.orzarua.org by choosing “Daily Minyan” under the “Prayer” drop-down menu. Sponsorship Opportunities

November 11 April 7 CONGREGATION FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHABBAT DINNER, SECOND NIGHT SEDER, $3,000 OR ZARUA $1,000 April 26 OFFICE HOURS December 9 YOM HA’ATZMAUT, $2,000 FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHABBAT DINNER, May 26 Monday through Thursday $1,000 SHAVUOT PANEL, $1,000 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. January May LUCY S. DAWIDOWICZ LECTURE, $3,000 Friday ANNUAL MEETING, $2,000 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. February 5 For additional information, please contact The Or Zarua office is closed Saturday SUPER BOWL PARTY, sponsored in full the synagogue office at 212-452-2310, and Sunday, as well as on Jewish and March 8 extension 14. federal holidays. PURIM SPIEL, sponsored in full

11 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 JTS Releases 2011 Israel Study Rabbinical students and alumni continue their strong attachment to the Jewish State

he Jewish Theological Seminary current JTS students retain the high levels ter among the more senior rabbis to one has released a new survey of of passionate relation to Israel of their more firmly situated on the moderate left JTS-ordained rabbis and current predecessors in the Conservative rab- of the Zionist and pro-Israel camp among rabbinical students, the results binate,” said Chancellor Eisen. “Political younger rabbis and current students. Tof which show continued strong opinions have shifted over the decades, “In short, younger rabbis and stu- attachment to Israel among both the stu- but love for Israel remains strong. I am dents do indeed differ from their elders dents and their older colleagues. Conducted grateful to Steve for undertaking the study and predecessors in their attitudes about by Professor Steven M. Cohen, senior at my request and carrying it out so Israel. But the differences are not at all counselor to JTS Chancellor Arnold M. promptly.” about declining connections or attachment Eisen, the survey—“JTS Rabbis and Israel, Added Professor Cohen, “In compar- to Israel. Rather, they signal the advance Then and Now: The 2011 Survey of JTS- ing young with old, we’re seeing no change of a more ‘liberal Zionism,’ one that bears Ordained Rabbis and Current Students”— in the traditionally high levels of attach- many parallels with that advanced by clas- demonstrates that current JTS rabbinical ment to Israel, marked by high levels of sic Labor Zionists of the past, or many of students are no less passionate about Israel connection and Israel-based experi- Israel’s opposition parties today. This Israel and their connection to the Jewish ences. At the same time, we are seeing a move may cause some anxiety among state than their older counterparts, JTS- clear shift leftward in younger rabbis’ and some right-wing Zionists or supporters of ordained rabbis. rabbinical students’ Israel-related political the current Israeli government, but it does “In light of widespread concern in our attitudes and identities. Most strikingly, not constitute any diminution in attach- community (which I share) about decreas- younger rabbis and students see Israel as ment to Israel—at least not by rabbis ing attachment on the part of younger less vulnerable, social justice issues as recently trained, or now studying, at JTS.” North American Jews to Israel, and con- more compelling, Palestinians as less For information about the new study comitant concern about weakening bonds threatening, and Israeli government lead- on JTS rabbinical students and alumni, to Israel and the Jewish people of future ers as less compromising. The center of and to support JTS, please contact Conservative leaders, it is reassuring to gravity on the political spectrum is moving Bonnie Biondi at (212) 678-8056 or learn from Steven Cohen’s research that from a position slightly to the left of cen- [email protected].

OZ YOUTH ART CALENDAR PURIM SPIEL Fundraiser for Or Zarua’s Youth Education Department REHEARSALS he Or Zarua Youth Department has produced a calendar featuring artwork by Begin Sunday, January 8 student-aged members of the Or Zarua community. Each month of the calendar T ome one, come all! Actors, singers, features artwork from a different young member of Congregation Or Zarua. Copies dancers, backstage folks—it’s time of the calendar were mailed to Congregants during the summer in an effort to raise C to join the OZ Players as we prepare funds for the Or Zarua Youth Education Department. We hope you are enjoying the for our 2012 Purim Spiel extravaganza, calendar and will show your support by sending a donation to the Or Zarua office. whose working title is “Much Ado About Gornischt.” Rehearsals begin on Sunday, January 8 in Or Zarua’s social hall from LIFE EVENTS 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday rehearsals, at Congregation Or Zarua also in the social hall, are from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Spiel will be performed community such as ours shares good times and bad with its members. When at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, Asomething good happens in your family—birth, graduation, engagement, or 68th Street between Lexington and marriage—let us share your joy. When something bad happens—illness, hospital- Park Avenues on Wednesday, March 7. ization, or death—let us share your burden. Participation is fun and is guaran- Sometimes people are reluctant to communicate these issues on their own. If teed to add vocabulary words to boost you know of a member who is coping with illness or loss, please contact the OZ office your SAT scores. at 212-452-2310, extension 12 or 14, so that Rabbi Wechsler can be informed. Don’t be shy, give it a try!

12 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 Or Zarua Book Discussions In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson on Sunday, November 20

lease join us for our next Or den from pub- Both Dodd and Martha (who was Zarua book discussion on lic view with encouraged to write about what she saw Sunday, November 20, at 7:30 growing alarm. by Thornton Wilder and Carl Sandburg, p.m. in Or Zarua's library. Fred Martha finds family friends in Chicago) made extensive PMendelsohn will lead us in herself rather notes of their observations and corre- discussing Erik Larson’s best seller, In the enchanted by sponded actively, providing Larson rich Garden of Beasts. all the glam- source material for this gripping, inside In the Garden of Beasts depicts the orous men in look at America’s ambivalence to early interlocking stories of the American uniform. developments in Germany under Nazi rule. ambassador to Germany, William Dodd, Having worked Our selection for the following book and his daughter, Martha. Dodd obtained as an assis- discussion on January 22 is the very well- his Ph.D. in Leipzig on his way to becom- tant literary received work, The Hare With Amber Eyes: ing a University of Chicago history profes- editor at the A Hidden Inheritance by Edmund De Waal. sor when President Roosevelt appointed Chicago If you would like more information on him to the Berlin post in 1933. Tribune before going to Berlin with her par- Or Zarua book discussions or have a book Dodd sees placid normalcy walking ents, she left her job and husband behind suggestion, please contact Reed Schneider the well-tended Tiergarten paths, but to gallivant with French diplomats, Russian at 212-860-8611 or Deborah Wenger in the receives much information of violence hid- agents and the head of the Gestapo. synagogue office at [email protected].

Hesed Events and Programs “The world exists for the sake of kindness.” —Rashi

Erev Thankgiving and Erev Christmas for their own local needy. Ronald McDonald House and have no local G Hands and vans needed to glean and support system of friends or relatives. The Home Visit Volunteers pack food from Eli’s and The Vinegar chaplain at Ronald McDonald House alerts G Volunteer to visit and cheer ill or home- Factory on Wednesday, November 23, and us when OZ may be of service to families bound Or Zarua Congregants. Saturday, December 24, from 8:45 to 9:45 who may require kosher meals, synagogue p.m. The food will be delivered to The Monday Night Pizza at NCS services, and other assistance. Neighborhood Coalition Shelter’s (NCS) G Or Zarua Congregants serve pizza, Chemotherapy Caps East 81 Street Residence, Yorkville salad, soda, and good cheer to men and G Attractive knitted caps in all sizes for Common Pantry, Ronald McDonald House, women with a range of mental health and children from babies to teenagers residing and The South Bronx Salvation Deliverence addiction issues at The Neighborhood at Ronald McDonald House while undergo- Church. Coalition Shelter’s (NCS) East 81st Street ing chemotherapy are welcome donations. Residence each Monday from 6:00 to Salvation Deliverance Church 7:00 p.m. Please consider making a $180 Butterfly Garden G “Pre-owned” adult and children’s clothing, contribution to the Hesed Fund to cover G “Green thumbs” are needed from spring toys, dolls, games and related items can be OZ’s weekly food costs. through fall to help care for Ronald put to good use by the many transitional McDonald House’s 7th Floor Terrace homeless residents in the South Bronx, Ronald McDonald House Butterfly Garden. including single, jobless mothers and their G Jewish children come from across the children, as well as unemployed men. OZ U.S. and around the world to undergo To participate in any of these Hesed partners with Salvation Deliverance Church, serious medical treatment at New York City programs, please contact Richard Stadin whose members are housekeepers caring hospitals. Many reside with their families at at [email protected] or 212-879-0448.

OR ZARUA CRAFTS CLUB The next meetings of the Or Zarua Crafts Club will be on Sundays, November 20 and December 18, at 10:15 a.m. in the OZ library. Remember, no experience is necessary to join the Crafts Club, and older children and nonmembers are also welcome to attend.

13 for the hospitality of the daily minyan on recent visits

Purim Spiel Fund Roz Goldberg and Alan Bandler

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Susan and Stanley Alt, in memory of Susan’s parents, Celia and Joseph M. Benbasset Judith Buchman-Ziv, in memory of Sarah and Harry Buchman Bobbi and Barry Coller, in honor of Rabbi Wechsler Sara and Paul Gottlieb, in honor of Rabbi Wechsler for officiating at the wedding of their daughter, Laura Aliza J. Kaplan, in memory of her sister, Varda Jupiter Lana Lewin-Ross and Scott Ross, in honor of Rabbi Wechsler Ninette Lukashok Pearl and Owen Pell, in honor or Adam’s Bar Mitzvah Laura Sebi and Ira Glauber, in memory of Hezzy Dattner’s mother, Rachel Dattner

Designated Gifts Marcel and Sheldon Adler, Mimi Braun and Andrew Frackman, Bobbi and Barry Coller, Ruth Horowitz and Michael Nachman, Susan and Edward Kopelowitz, and Miriam Wallerstein for the new, portable High Holy Day Ark Pamela an

WWW.ORZARUA.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 The Or Zarua Community Fund contributions received between August 1 and September 30, 2011

TALMUD CLASS Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. in the OZ Library This year we will be studying Tractate Sanhedrin, which deals with the laws of capital punishment, composition of the courts and judicial procedures. The first class will be held on November 2. Classes are taught by RABBI WECHSLER No prior knowledge of Talmud, Hebrew or Aramaic is required. OZ Cemetery Gravesites for Members

he Or Zarua section of Beth El Cemetery is located in Washington TTownship (Bergen County), New Jersey, just 10 miles away from the George Washington Bridge. Beth El Cemetery is H A R V E Y

B R E N N E R

A view of the Or Zarua cemetery section.

well maintained and landscaped with trees and shrubs. The cemetery’s design provides a serene and beautiful final resting place that reflects the values and aesthetics of Congregation Or Zarua. Gravesites within the Or Zarua section are available for sale solely to members of our Congregation. Burial is limited to per- sons of the Jewish faith. If you are inter- ested in buying gravesites in the Or Zarua section, please contact the synagogue office at 212-452-2310, ext. 14. 15 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA 127 East 82nd Street New York, NY 10028-0807

CONGREGATION OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 November/December Checklist

G Make a reservation to hear Natan Sharansky speak about G Attend the reception for all members on Thursday, December 1, “Israel, the Arab Spring and World Jewry,” Thursday, November 10, 6:00 p.m. RSVP by Monday, November 28 (see page 3). 8:00 p.m. (see page 3). G RSVP by Monday, December 5, for a Shabbat Family and Friends G RSVP by Monday, November 7, for a Shabbat Family and Friends Dinner on Friday, December 9 (see page 14). Dinner on Friday, November 11 (see page 14). G Hanukkah Gift, Coat and Clothing Drive starts December 5 and G Participate in or attend the Annual OZ Youth Talent Show for the runs through December 18. See page 5 for details. benefit of S’derot, Sunday, November 20, 3:00 p.m. (see page 5). G Help out with a Hesed program (see page 13). G OZ Teen Movie presents Kazablan, Sunday, November 20, G Sign up for the morning minyan (see page 11). 3:00 p.m. (see page 5). G Purim Spiel rehearsals begin on Sunday, January 8 in Or Zarua’s G Or Zarua Book Discussions reviews In the Garden of Beasts social hall, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. All who wish to participate are by Erik Larson, Sunday, November 20, 7:30 p.m. (see page 13). welcome to attend. (see page 12). G OZ Crafts Club meets on Sundays, November 20 and December G Call the Or Zarua office (212-452-2310) if you have questions 18 at 10:15 a.m. (see page 13). about or wish to sponsor any OZ program or event. G Talmud Class with Rabbi Wechsler begins on Wednesday, G Have an idea or article for the OZ newsletter? If so, please November 2 (see page 15). contact Charlie Spielholz ([email protected]). WELCOMING GUESTS TORAH READERS NEEDED It is important for us as a community to make guests and new If you are able to read Torah or Haftarah and would like to members at our services and kiddushim feel comfortable and do so on a Shabbat, please contact Henry Glanternik at welcome. If you are seated next to someone whom you do not [email protected]. Alternatively, you may sign up online at know, please reach out and introduce yourself. Making this www.orzarua.org by choosing “Read Torah” under the “Prayer” effort is consistent with our culture and will repay dividends. drop-down menu.

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