March | 2020 Aviv | 5780 NEWSLETTER HAR SINAI–OHEB SHALOM CONGREGATION CONNECTING OUR PATHWAYS

STAYING CONNECTED By Vicki Spira and Ken Bell, Co-Presidents

The COVID-19 journey ahead will be a time of uncer- tainty and uncomfortable for many of us. While we continue to practice social distancing, Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom remains focused on keeping our community connected. Here’s what we have been doing: Caring Calls — Over 230 of our congregants are over the age of 75. A group of 25 volunteers and staff are reaching out to them by phone and will be following up weekly to keep them connected. Rabbi Emeritus Floyd The Har Sinai–Oheb Shalom Board, Executive Com- Herman, who received a call, said “this is what commu- mittee and staff, have been meeting regularly by Zoom nity is all about.” and conference calls. While our leadership team cannot be together in person, we continue to work closely on A Shabbat Experience — With candle lighting, music temple business and operations. and a spirited message, Rabbi Disick, Leslie Pomerantz, Cantor Gerber will offer an online Shabbat.You’ll receive Zoom links by noon on Friday via email. If you’d like Rabbi Religious School — The faculty is committed to Disick to read the name of someone you loved at Kad- continuing Jewish education for our students. Updates dish, please email him, rabbidisick@hsosc-baltimore.org. will be sent home regularly including links to readings, You can also find a copy of the Mishkan Tfilah on line at songs, craft projects, and questions as we prepare our www.ccarnet.org/publications/mishkan-tfilah-for-shabbat/ students for Passover. Learning Ladder Shabbat — Rabbi Disick and our Confirmation Class —We are revising our program Learning Ladder’s famous Rosie “Boa” Murphy will serve to meet the needs of our confirmation class in an online up their regular musical-treats to our children, from Put format. a Chicken in the Pot to David Melech. Rosie will also We believe that these first steps will make a big differ- read a story! You’ll receive Zoom links by noon on Friday ence in helping us weather this crisis together. We could via email. not be more committed to staying connected. We are Zooming with Rabbi Katz — Both our regular Bi- working on live streaming capabilities in the chapel, ble class on Tuesday morning’s at 10:15 and Shabbat among other initiatives. Torah Study on Saturday’s at 8:45am are now available If you have any suggestions on other things we can be on Zoom. You’ll receive Zoom links by noon on Friday via doing or perhaps would like to host a Havurah Group to email. meet via Zoom we are happy to set that up for you. B’nai Mitzvah Preparation — Tutoring sessions are We continue to pray for health and safety for all. Please still happening! Students and tutors are meeting online email either of us if you need anything, Vicki Spira, and are continuing to prepare for upcoming bar and bat [email protected] or Ken Bell, [email protected]. mitzvah services.

7310 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21208 Phone: 410-358-0105 | Fax: 410-358-3313 [email protected] 1 Har Sinai - Oheb Shalom Congregation 7310 Park Heights Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21208 Phone: 410-358-0105 Fax: 410-358-3313 Email: [email protected]

Member of the Union for Reform Judaism BITACHON RABBI EMERITI By Rabbi David Katz Rabbi Floyd Herman, Rabbi Donald Berlin STAFF Every day a government agency or a frustration. Those things which are Rabbi David Katz, Co-Interim Senior Rabbi political figure updates us about the beyond the range of human strength [email protected] pandemic that has spread across the and insight, we should calmly com- Rabbi Marc Disick, Co-Interim Senior Rabbi globe and disrupted our personal mit to God. (Rabbi S.R. Hirsch on [email protected] lives. No hour goes by when we do Psalms 127: 1-2) Amy Mallor, Interim Executive Director [email protected] not read or hear the words ‘virus,’ On the other hand having “bitachon” ‘illness’ or ‘quarantine.’ We contin- Cantor Robert Gerber, Cantor does not mean we should not spend cantorgerber@hsosc-baltimore ue to live in a state of metaphysical all our time praying to God for help us Aviva Janus, Director of Congregational anxiety. when we are in danger. No, we must Learning and Programming take every action we can, every precau- But our tradition offers guidance [email protected] tion we are advised, to protect ourselves Nina Pachino, Director of Youth Education and on to how to feel more secure and from anything which would harm us. B’nei Mitzvah Concierge we should listen carefully to what A disposition of reasonable fatalism [email protected] it says. We are advised to have a may be a sign of spiritual maturity but Althea Carrington, Events Coordinator particular sort of faith in God—not it should never lead to passiveness. As [email protected] a passive, unintelligent, blind faith our prayer book puts it so eloquently, Aileen Friedman, Learning Ladder Director we should pray as if everything depend- [email protected] but an active, wise and discerning ed upon God and act as if everything Sara Flechner, Asst. Learning Ladder Director faith. In Hebrew this faith is called [email protected] “bitachon.” depended upon us. Barbara Kirk, Executive Assistant Literally, “bitachon” means “securi- Nor does “bitachon” mean that any [email protected] ty” or “trust” and it begins with the time there is a doubt about how Judy Sees, Bookkeeper accounting@hsosc-Baltimore-org simple acknowledgment that the events will turn out we must believe Harvey Betts, Facility Manager final decisions in life are up to God, all will be well. Rather having “bita- [email protected] not us. Our food, our shelter, our chon” means we should always allow Michael Paige, Facility Manager health and our illness, our very life ourselves to be hopeful. It is a lack [email protected] and death, are in the hands of God. of “bitachon” to think that events (on medical leave) will not turn out as well as we want. SHLEIMUT DEPARTMENT There is a popular phrase, “Leave This would be a mistake because we Robin Lumpkin, LCSWC, Social Worker nothing to chance.” With this do not know God’s plans in advance [email protected] statement, there is an implicit and therefore we should never think Beth Philipson, RN, Nurse expression of arrogance. There is [email protected] the worst. (Chazon Ish; Emunah no way we can completely control uvitachon 2:1) As it is written in BOARD OF TRUSTEES any event in life when God has the Psalms, “Hope in God. Be strong Executive Officers final say. If our peace of mind was and let your heart take courage.” Ken Bell, Co-President dependent upon our believing that Vicki Spira, Co-President In these challenging times, let us Sam Dansicker, Co-Vice President we had complete control over every David Sachs, Co-Vice President situation and possibility that might turn from doubt to confidence and Sharon Balan, Co-Treasurer arise, we would be bound for disap- from fear to faith. Let us strive to Joan Roth, Co-Treasurer pointment. It is incorrect to think have “bitachon.” And let us pray David Buchalter, M.D., Secretary we have the ability to foresee every with all our hearts that the day will Trustees last thing which might go wrong in soon come when our nation—and Lisa Budlow Adam Rosenberg Micah Damareck Jason Savage life. It is an impossibility and to de- the world—will return to full vigor Jill Gansler Barbara Schlaff mand the impossible is to guarantee and health. Michael Greenebaum Adrienne Shutt Mandee Heinl Jordan Small Abigail Hoffman Glenn Ulick Debbi Jacobs Andrew Weinman Wendy2 McChesney Barry Yaffe Richard Milner Monroe Zeffert LEARN AND PLAY By Aileen Friedman, Director, Learning Ladder

The staff and families of the Learn- ing Ladder would like to welcome all of the new members and families of the newly formed Har Sinai– Oheb Shalom Congregation. Please feel free to come and check us out. We would love to meet you and greet you! I would like to personally thank challenging, since the equipment enrollment for next year. Our infant all the families, grandparents and was put in the end of January when classes are completely full this year. friends of the Learning Ladder who the weather was not quite condu- We even have a wait list so make contributed to our Playground cive to outdoor play. We are looking sure that you get your registration Fund. The children are so hap- forward to many years of fun and forms in as soon as possible to py to be able to play on the new engaging outdoor playtime! ensure placement in the Learning equipment now that the weather Ladder. is getting warmer. It was a little We are currently running open

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU By Aviva Janus, Director of Congregational Learning and Programming, and Nina Pachino, Director of Youth Education

Programming and education at HS– ming. We have already begun with allows us to delve deeply into many OSC will proceed, albeit in a new Sisterhood Bible study, B’nei Mitz- aspects of the Passover holiday and format. The religious school, the vah tutoring, Learning Ladder, and centralize our content on one of the confirmation program, madrichim, other children’s online gatherings. most important Jewish holiday of B’nei Mitzvah tutoring, and adult This Shabbat we plan to pioneer our the year. learning opportunities will adjust to Shabbat Sing with Rabbi Disick and We are deeply appreciative of all the an online format during this time of Rosie along with services to join, so support from our families during caution and uncertainty. that everyone in the temple can find this time and we feel that we are a way to connect. We want you to know that our the hub of a wheel, both giving and professionals are working extremely Our religious school will spend the receiving support from this new hard to make sure that the needs of next month focusing on Passover congregation. There is much work this community are met. We have a and we have already sent our fam- to be done in the form of increasing dedicated staff who are committed ilies materials to learn and review programming for teens, religious to the spiritual, educational, and the four questions at home. Despite school students, minyan etc. social interests of our members, the situation, our students will be We are once again showing our- and we will do our best to serve and prepared for their family’s seder. In selves that we are a resilient people to be an integral part of your fami- the coming weeks we will spend and a Congregation with an abun- ly’s life. We are balancing this with time on chametz (unleavened bread) dance of sound leadership, and peo- doing our utmost to keep our most vs. matza, freedom vs. slavery, the ple dedicated to building a better vulnerable populations safe and 10 plagues, Moses and the other future. Thank you for partnering healthy. characters, Passover songs, foods with us during this time. on the seder plate and more. We To that end, we are putting together realize that this unique opportunity a wide array of virtual program-

3 Member Spotlight DR. JAY PERMAN: A STORY OF GIVING BACK By Kenneth Bell, Co-President, Board of Trustees

In January of this year, Dr. Jay versity of Maryland School of Medicine, and then served Perman, a member of as Dean and Vice President for Medical Affairs at the Har Sinai–Oheb Shalom Con- University of Kentucky College of Medicine—all before gregation, became the fifth becoming President of the University of Maryland, Bal- Chancellor of the University Sys- timore (UMB). It was from this position that he became tem of Maryland. In this position, Dr. Perman oversees a chancellor. When asked what he hoped for in his new university system with more than 172,000 students in 12 position, he answered, “I want to do something so that institutions and three regional higher education centers. every kid and adult will have access to higher education and can afford it.” On February 27, Vicki Spira and I had the honor and privilege to sit down with Dr. Perman to talk about his We asked Dr. Perman how he tied his Jewish values to new role, how he brings his Jewish values to the job, and his work. It only took him a brief second to answer: how our congregation could partner with the University “Tikkun Olam—Repair of the World.” He recently deliv- System of Maryland on social action. ered a presentation—his annual State of the University Address at UMB—centered on the importance of Tikkun We asked Dr. Perman what made him decide to go into Olam. Tikkun Olam is how he defines himself, he said, administrative work from his career as a distinguished and his position as chancellor is his vehicle for living pediatric gastroenterologist. He answered that it went Tikkun Olam. back to his early childhood in Chicago. Dr. Perman was an only child of Ukrainian immigrants. The family Even with his busy schedule as an administrator, Dr. owned a small hand laundry and lived in an apartment Perman still spends every Tuesday afternoon seeing behind the storefront. After losing his father at a young pediatric patients. He said this allows him to continue age, the family then lost the laundry business, and his to work with students and to share his ideas about how mother supported the two of them by doing piece work, medicine is a team operation, involving everyone—not sewing hats in a “sweatshop.” Dr. Perman said he knew just the doctor. at a very young age that he wanted to be a doctor, but Dr. Perman has devoted much of his time and effort to he didn’t know how he would be able to afford to go to improving life in Baltimore for those in need, and we medical school. talked about how our new congregation could partner After graduating from Northwestern University, which with the University System of Maryland on social action he attended on scholarships, he applied to the univer- projects in the city of Baltimore. This is something we’ll sity’s medical school. Shortly after being accepted, he follow up on with him in the near future. received a letter saying his medical education would be Dr. Perman and his wife, Andrea, just celebrated their paid for in full through a named scholarship. He men- 50th wedding anniversary. They and their four chil- tioned that he always tried to find the woman behind dren—Corey, Marissa, Chad, and Saranne—were mem- the scholarship to thank her, but was never able to. bers of Har Sinai Congregation when Dr. Perman was Nevertheless, receiving the scholarship that allowed him in Baltimore at Johns Hopkins University (1984 to 1996), to attend medical school would change his outlook on and served on the Board of Trustees. (Rabbi Herman life—and he knew that someday he wanted to be able to performed the Bat and Bar Mitzvah for three of his chil- repay his good fortune by giving to others. dren and wedding ceremonies for two of them.) Reflecting on these early experiences, whenever Dr. Per- After returning to Baltimore in 2010, Dr. and Mrs. Per- man had the opportunity to give back, he did. He first man rejoined Har Sinai Congregation. His four children joined the faculty of the University of California, San are now spread across the country—one in Columbia, Francisco. He then became a division head at the Johns Maryland, one in Chicago, one in Philadelphia, and one Hopkins University School of Medicine, followed by in Durham, North Carolina, at Duke University. Dr. and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Virginia Com- Mrs. Perman have a home on Hilton Head Island, South monwealth University’s Medical College of Virginia. He Carolina, where they enjoy spending their time together went on to chair the Department of Pediatrics at Uni- just walking on the beach.

4 Each month HS-OSC’s Co-Presidents along with other leaders will share their thoughts and reflections. Vicki Spira won the coin toss this month. CONNECTIONS By Vicki Spira, Co-President, Board of Trustees

Just about a year ago I remember gregants have worked together on the rabbinic search writing to legacy Temple Oheb Sha- committee, they have formed deeper connections to lom members and welcoming spring. each other and found joy and friendship in undertaking A year later I am writing to Har this sacred task for our community. Likewise, our new Sinai–Oheb Shalom Congregation. Caring Hands committee is reaching out to congregants What a year this has been! in need. Recently, I went with a fellow congregant to visit a gentleman who lives far and can no longer par- On March 7th, along with many of you, I laughed and ticipate in Temple life. Multiple new friendships were almost cried through a very funny and at the same time formed that day as we all enjoyed getting to know one poignant Purim Spiel! Thanks to all who put their heart another. and soul into this endeavor. As we celebrated together, I felt pride in how hard we are working to become a In so many settings, large and small, public and private, relevant, meaningful, and new-yet-old home for Reform we are forging new connections. For me, this reflects Jews in Baltimore. what is most special in Jewish life—the creation of meaningful relationships and connections with others, I have been spending time with our mission and vision enhanced by the sweetness of Jewish teachings and statements (see back cover) and wanted to share my re- rituals. flections on how we are already living our way into these goals. I am honored to participate in this sacred work of creat- ing a spiritual and communal home for all of us. In the statement, we emphasize the importance of fos- tering profound connections to one another. As our con-

SOMEWHERE ON THE EAST COAST By Amy Mallor, Interim Executive Director

Back in late November 2019 I received an unexpected dinners so that members can have reserved seating. I call from a recruiter. She said she had an Interim Exec- have worked to increase morale in our workplace, met utive Director position available with a synagogue of with members, attended meetings and now am focused note. I asked her if she could be more specific and she on the Coronavirus and working with professionals and said not really. I asked her if the synagogue was on the lay leaders to prepare our community to have protocols West coast, mid west or East Coast. When she said it’s in place so that our community will be safe during the between Maine and Florida I said, “Great! That really pandemic. narrows my search down!” In my twenty years working as an Executive Director of I knew it was on the East Coast, I had no idea where on both urban and suburban synagogues, I must confess the East Coast. I told her I would definitely be interest- Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom has the highest degree and level ed, and about two weeks later I received a call from Mina of volunteerism I have witnessed. The passion and ded- Wender. And about six weeks later I relocated to Balti- ication of our volunteers to move our two legacy con- more to serve as your Interim Executive Director. gregations together is so evident in the amount of hours our lay leaders and volunteers dedicate to our mission. I’ve been here since January 21st, and as I write this arti- cle I’ve been here less than two months. May we continue to follow our mission and vision state- ment so that our future is bright. Admittedly, I have been part of accomplishing a great deal since my arrival. We have installed new computers, upgraded an inefficient server, getting ready to install a new phone system, revamped our Congregational

5 Hello fellow Shiepelers! Now that the 2020 HS–OSC Purim Shpiel is a very pleasant memory, I want to express my appre- ciation to every one of you for your steady commitment, your hard work, and your great ideas that made the Shpiel a rousing success. And it was indeed a great success in many dimensions—the show script was amazing; the direc- tion and performing were memorable; the music delivery was delightful; the physical space for our guests was beautiful; the food was delicious and plentiful; the dependable HS–OSC professional and technical support was unfailing; and the cooperation and encouragement we all gave each oth- er was a joy to behold. It was one of the most positive experiences I’ve had since Susan and I joined the Park Heights campus more than six years ago. Thank you for that! More importantly, I believe our extended team formed or enhanced existing relationships through the last few weeks that will last a long time and motivate all of us to continue to build HS–OSC to be an exemplary communal and spiritual home for many people in Baltimore for decades to come. Onward to 2021! — Barry Yaffe, Board of Trustees

6 Dear Purim Shiepelers, Yesterday I had occasion to visit Lloyd’s Carrot Cake Company in the Bronx which sells one thing and one thing alone, you guessed it: Carrot Cake. As you might imagine, Lloyd’s has an exceedingly limited and highly focused menu: Carrot Cake, sizes from six to twelve inches, raisins, yes or no, nuts, yes or no, and that’s about it. After standing in line for a while, I was sorely tempted, when asked “Can I help you?” to answer: Got Blintzes?! Only a few weeks back, when Barry Yaffe, aka Mr. Ziegfeld, asked me what we’re doing for Purim this year I realized that I had to get cracking…and immediately, Crackleville was born. And the rest is now a deliciously fond memory. I split a side watching the show, one moment more deliciously absurd than the next. Of course, a PurimSpiel helps us laugh in the face of anxiety. And laughing together really helps to build a community! It is quite a thrill to create a ridiculous plot, find some words that rhyme with well-worn songs and Voila! Truly, please accept my deeply felt thank you. I’d write more but I’ve got a rash! — In friendship, Rabbi Marc Disick

Want to watch our Shiepelers! Check out these YouTube Videos: https://youtu.be/_5s1jPHhwvM https://youtu.be/Fu_lZbOXnFo

7 HAR SINAI–OHEB SHALOM CONGREGATION 7310 Park Heights Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21208

Virtual Worship Schedule WHO WE ARE Har Sinai–Oheb Shalom goes We are the combination of two historic Reform synagogues beyond our walls for the next working together to create one joyful, warm, inclusive, and few months. socially conscious congregation. Because we are striving to We offer the following: live our Jewish values through the lens of a dynamic mod­em- BIBLE STUDY CLASS world, we are constantly growing and evolving in pur­suit of Every Tuesday 10:15 am that goal. via Zoom

FOR OUR ADULTS WHAT WE VALUE AND FAMILIES We are a Congregation that... Weekly pre-recorded Shabbat ... Fosters profound connections to one another. We work Service. Watch anytime and more than once in the comfort of your together in sacred partnership, building a community where home. all are included, respected, and valued. We celebrate with each other in our happiest moments and lift each other up in our FOR OUR PARENTS, most difficult ones. BABIES AND TOTS Weekly pre-recorded Learning ... Advances our foundational value of repairing the world Ladder Shabbat. Watch Rosie at home, in the Baltimore community, and far beyond our “Boa” Murphy and Rabbi Disick as walls. We are committed to performing acts of loving kind­ they serve up their Shabbat treats. ness, providing service to others, and advocating for justice and peace. Please refer to our email messages for correct links. Or email ... Appreciates the rich diversity of the Jewish community [email protected], or and invites all who desire a connection to Jewish life to [email protected] join us. Our doors and hearts are open to interfaith couples and families, as well as people of all backgrounds, ages, races, financial means, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We welcome children and adults with disabilities and their families. We strive to ensure that our programs and facili­ties are accessible to all, and to accommodate special needs. ... Engages in vibrant, innovative, and transformational ex­periences that stimulate a lifelong love of Judaism in all generations. Through learning, music, prayer, lifecycle events, and social gatherings, we are creating a spiritual home 8 for all of us.