Kehillah The Newsletter of the Fuchsberg Center DIANE AND HOWARD WOHL The United Synagogue of ’s Shirley and Jacob Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center A Passion for Issue 5 • www.uscj.org.il Securing Jewish Continuity Spring 2007 • 5767

In June 2005, two of Diane Wohl’s personal friends, Temma Kingsley and the late Kenneth Kornhauser, invited her to lunch with United Synagogue’s Executive Vice President Jerome Epstein and Director of Campaign Development and Marketing Ron Friedman. Their aim was simple and straightforward — to inform Diane about the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center. Knowing that Diane is a committed Conservative Jew with a passion for and Jewish continuity, they thought the Center and Diane would be a perfect fit. THE CONSERVATIVE They could not have been more right. Two weeks later, Diane visited the Fuchsberg Creating a Center. After touring the complex, meeting with students, faculty and administrators and lunching in the Temma and Alfred D. Kingsley Dining Hall, Diane knew exactly what she Knowledgeable wanted to do next — to join her friends in supporting the Center. Jewish Laity

About a decade ago, Iris Lav began taking classes with her synagogue rabbi — an experience that triggered her enduring interest in Jewish learning.

So, three years ago, Iris enrolled in an intensive, three-week summer program at the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center’s . The classes proved so invigorating that she returned last summer for another three-week session.

Since opening in 1995, the Conservative Yeshiva has welcomed an ever-increasing number of men and women to learn for the pure joy of learning. Within its growing complex of classrooms and a beit , the yeshiva offers courses on everything from psalms to advanced Howard and Diane Wohl to midrash. “To be part of the is to be part of a strong Conservative movement The yeshiva runs two three-week summer sessions and worldwide,” says Diane. “The Center stands tall and proud, providing Conservative a yearlong program, and, through its volunteer program, with a place where we can all feel comfortable.” Gemilut Hesed, students’ efforts include visiting the elderly and assisting in an environmental project. While visiting the Center, Diane was “taken with the warmth and beauty of the Fuchsberg Center and what was being accomplished within its walls,” she says, and she also enjoyed having lunch with USY teens, becoming immersed in their songs and reflections about their summer in Israel.

So last year, Diane and her husband, Howard, decided to make a $500,000 gift that names the Diane and Howard Wohl Main Lecture Hall in the Center’s headquarters building. While Diane spearheaded the family gift, Howard says it dovetails with his own profound interest in Jewish continuity.

As he sees it, the Center provides ’s Conservative Jews with another — and much-needed — entry point for accessing Jewish knowledge and connecting them to Judaism. “The Conservative movement must be able to offer multiple gateways that will Last summer, Iris Lav studied at the Conservative Yeshiva. engage and inspire individuals to deepen their relationship with Conservative Judaism, and the Center clearly does that,” says Howard. “Our gift to the Center expresses our “The only reason people come and study at the yeshiva is passion and involvement in engaging the Jewish people in different ways and at different because they want to; we don’t give graduate degrees or times in their lives.” certificates,” says Rabbi Daniel Goldfarb, the yeshiva’s director. The yeshiva is dedicated to creating an informed As part of their deep-seated interest in making Conservative Jews and the greater Jewish and knowledgeable Jewish laity, although some students community more aware of their Jewish connections, Diane and Howard support many become rabbis and cantors. charities in New York, Israel and across the globe. The Wohls, who live in Mill Neck, NY, (Continued on next page) are Long Island overall chairs for UJA-Federation of New York’s 90th anniversary mission to Israel.

Among his philanthropic efforts, Howard serves as international chair of BBYO Inc. (B’nai B’rith Youth Organization) and is a member of UJA-Federation of New York’s Commission on Jewish Identity and Renewal, heading its Task Force on Congregational

(Continued on back page) THE CONSERVATIVE YESHIVA Creating a Knowledgeable Jewish Laity

The Conservative Yeshiva: (Continued from front page) Summer Learning “We are providing an opportunity to study at any age A Pittsburgh native, Jen Feder enrolled in the year in a non-Orthodox institution that reconnects Jewish program last September after graduating from This year, the Conservative Yeshiva’s two summer laity to original Jewish texts,” says Rabbi Shmuel Washington University in St. Louis. “Studying at the sessions, which run from July 1 to July 19 and “Richie” Lewis, the head of the yeshiva. Conservative Yeshiva has given me the tools I need to from July 22 to August 19, will provide participants continue learning Jewish texts on my own,” says Jen. Participants hail from all walks of life and from North with an opportunity to study classic Jewish texts, America and throughout the world, and they may including rabbinic literature, Bible and philosophy. “ enroll as full or part-time students. Last year’s Studying at the Conservative The courses will incorporate the traditional model summer sessions drew 120 students, with the average of chevruta, learning one-on-one with a study Yeshiva has given me the tools partner, and , a seminar-style class. of above 40-years-old. In contrast, students in the year program are younger, usually one to five years out I need to continue learning Jewish Classes run from Sunday through Thursday and of college. Currently, about 70 students are enrolled in are held in the mornings and afternoons. Faculty texts on my own.” the year program, with half of them engaged in all-day members are also available to assist students in — Jen Feder study. The rest are part-timers. independent study, which can be done with or The Conservative Yeshiva also runs the , an without a study partner. “For both the summer and year programs, tuition is advanced study program with generally five set at reasonable levels so that students of all ages and This summer’s first session will include three participants, some with doctorates in their fields. levels of ulpan, introduction to rabbinics, advanced backgrounds can participate, and thanks to the , advanced halakha, and tefilah/prayer. generosity of our donors, the Center is able to provide “They are inspiring role models for young people who, The second session also will feature three levels scholarships to many students,” says Rabbi Gail in theory, have finished their education but still want of ulpan, as well as courses on biblical Elijah, Diamond, the yeshiva’s assistant director. to learn more,” says Rabbi Lewis. the midrash, advanced halakha, psalms, and six Hasidic masters.

For more details about the summer session or year program, please email Rabbi Daniel Goldfarb or Rabbi Gail Diamond at [email protected]. Regional Presidents Committed to Raising Support for Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center

In January, the United Synagogue Council of Regional videos and brochures, but to actually be there is Presidents’ annual multi-day meeting was held in something else.” Kehillah Israel, and for many, it was their first visit to the Alexandra Cyngiser, the new president of the Pacific Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center. The Newsletter of the Northwest region, helped organize the multi-meeting. Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center Now that they’re back home, council members are “It was heartwarming and inspiring to see young working within their regions to raise awareness and Conservative Jews from across North America so The United Synagogue of financial support for the Fuchsberg Center. committed to Judaism and our movement,” says Conservative Judaism’s Alexandra. Shirley and Jacob Fuchsberg “All of us were very much impressed by the facility,” Jerusalem Center says Irwin Scharf, president of United Synagogue’s Metropolitan New York region. “Before visiting the Issue 5 • www.uscj.org.il Fall 2007 • 5767 Center, we really had no idea about its magnitude, so now when I visit different congregations, I will be very Raymond B. Goldstein, PhD proactive in trying to raise money for the Center.” International President Traditionally held in North America, the meeting took Temma Kingsley Chair place in Israel to support the Jewish homeland and the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center, as well as to acquaint Center Campaign participants with Conservative and Masorti Franklin D. Kreutzer institutions and aspects of Israeli life. Chair Fuchsberg Jerusalem The event attracted more than forty participants, Center Operations including United Synagogue international board (From right) Paul Kochberg, president of the Council of Regional Presidents, Benjamin Netanyahu, former prime minister and current head of the Rabbi Jerome M. Epstein members and spouses. opposition party, and Dr. Ray Goldstein, international president Executive Vice President Along with meeting with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Rabbi James M. Lebeau Margie Pomerantz, president of the Northern Director of Fuchsberg former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jerusalem Center California region, was excited about her study session Tourism Minister Isaac Herzog, the group enjoyed the with a rabbinic student in the yeshiva’s beit midrash. Ronald Friedman Fuchsberg Center’s many amenities, including Director of Campaign Steve Golub, president of the Connecticut Valley region, Development meals, services at Congregation Moreshet and Marketing Yisrael, study sessions at the Conservative Yeshiva, and his wife, Louise, were also impressed. “I will be

Barry Mael and a Monday Evening Forum lecture by David trying now to drive up support for the Center by Director of Regional Activities Horovitz, The Jerusalem Post editor. Some members encouraging people to spend a day there,” says Steve. also stayed in the Center’s guesthouse. Joanne Palmer Richard Helfand, president of the Mid-Continent Director of Communications “Everyone was very inspired,” says Paul Kochberg, region, says, “The Center is an amazing place.” He Deborah Cheerman chairman of the Council of Regional Presidents, who plans to promote the Center in many ways, including Development Associate spearheaded the change of venue. “It’s one thing to on listserves and in visits to synagogues by the Cara S. Trager region’s executive director and himself. Writer hear about the Fuchsberg Center and to see it in Major Contributors

With their vision and generosity, the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center’s major contributors play a pivotal role in securing and strengthening the Conservative movement’s home in Israel.

Founders Roberta & Irwin Chafetz Michelle & Marc Gary Suzanne & Joseph Gruber Holder in Residence Hall $5,000,000+ Congregation Beth T’fillah of Alice Gurwitsch New Major Gifts and Learning Center Overbrook Park, Philadelphia PA Fuchsberg Family Foundation Laura & Jerold Jacobs Rabbi Ed Romm’s Office Nancy & Sheldon Gilman – Robin & Alan Fuchsberg United Synagogue expresses its appreciation to Bed in Residence Hall and Learning Lois G. & Barry Jacobs – Rosalind & Richard Kaufman Joan & Ted Cutler Center the newest major contributors to the Fuchsberg – Janet & Peter Levine of Somerset, Meryl & Ron Gallatin Jerusalem Center: – Susan & Ralph Raphaelson Marjorie & Joseph Hess Hunterdon & Warren Counties, NJ The Center Rae & Joseph Gann Garden Area Behind Building Y Library Bookshelf Entrance, United Synagogue Congregation Beth T'fillah of Overbrook Park, Felecia & Harold * Kalb Rosalind & Gary Judd Philadelphia, $50,000 Headquarters Building Gertrude & Elmer Kaplan Mollie & Jack Karlin Rabbi Ed Romm’s office Benefactors The Aaron and Cecile Goldman $2,500,000+ Family Foundation Shelly & Michael Kassen Arlene & Seymour Katz Shari & Harold Levy, $18,000 Cobey & Robert Rapaport Main Student Lounge In Long Term Corridor in the Residence Hall Sheryl & Fred Katzenstein Library bookshelves The United Synagogue Residence Building and Learning Center Headquarters Building Barbara & Paul Kochberg Doris & Ernest Goodman Suzette & Rabbi Harold Kushner Library Bookshelf Kathy & David Cullen, $10,000 Entrance, United Synagogue Rabbi’s Study in Religious Center Headquarters Building Farla & Harvey Krentzman Adrienne & Julian Brook, $5,400 Patrons Barbara & Jerome Levin Charlotte & Louis Kaitz Dorothy & Rabbi Meyer Kripke Mezuzah $1,000,000+ Kitchenette in Long Term Barbara & Leo Karas Mezuzah Lois & Leonard Green Residence Building The Morris and Beverly Baker Foundation, $5,000 Student Lounge (C510) in Nat Landes Overall Pavilion Courtyard Residence Hall and Learning Center Shari & Harold Levy Mezuzah Library book shelves Betty & Lou Meltzer Arthur Koven Alexandra & Harvey Cyngiser & Family, $5,000 Henia & Marc Liebhaber Phyllis & Kalman Miller Guardians Lippman Kanfer Family Library Bookshelf Library bookshelf $500,000+ Foundation Ann & Bruce Littman Nina & Harvey Mintzer Netilat Yadayim in Residence Hall Roz & James Marks Harriet & William Freedman, $5,000 Brooklyn Jewish Center and Learning Center The Sanctuary in the Religious Dormitory Room Terrace in Beth & Gabriel Nechamkin Laura & Jerold Jacobs, $5,000 Center, Beit Midrash Furnishings Lynette & J.B. Mazer Residence Hall and Learning Jack Porter Corner Terraces in Residence Hall Center The Oran Family and Learning Center Laurie & Eric Roth Barbara & Paul Kochberg, $5,000 Aron Kodesh in Religious Center, Dianne & Martin Newman Library bookshelf Entrance Lobby in Residence Hall Marjorie Shuman Saulson Dormitory Room Terrace in Melissa & John Rosen Residence Hall and Learning Dormitory Room Terrace in and Learning Center Judy & Mark Yudof Center Residence Hall and Learning Temple Zion Israelite Center, Center Miami, FL Seymour Panitz Franklin D. Kreutzer, President Sponsors Torah Holder in Residence Hall Jacqueline Saltz Amphitheater, Auditorium, $25,000+ and Learning Center Library Bookshelf Hanukkiah Frances & Hubert J. Brandt Vicki B. & Gary Phillips Norma & David Schechner Diane & Howard Wohl Meeting Room in Residence Hall Reception Desk in Residence Hall Eunice & Jay Shapiro Main Lecture Hall in United and Learning Center and Learning Center Library Bookshelf Synagogue Headquarters Building Congregation Ahavath Achim, Irving Pozmantier Bruce Sholk Belleville, NJ Naming Opportunities Joseph Pressman Temple Emanu – El, Closter, NJ Architects Donald J. Fleishaker David Renzer The Morris and Beverly Baker $250,000+ Ner Tamid in the Beit Midrash of Lectern in Conservative Yeshiva The Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center represents the The Conservative Yeshiva Foundation Epstein/Geller/David Families Beit Midrash Mezuzah Beit Midrash Esta Fuchsberg heart of Conservative Judaism for North Americans Joan & Harry Samet Fran & Butch Weaver in Israel. You can be part of its exciting develop- Catherine & John Farahi Susan & Michael Gelman Lisa & James Schlesinger Torah Holder in Religious Center Samuel Weinberg Harold Kalb Memorial/ ment with a generous gift that will forever convey Mel F. Seidenberg Amy & Perry Weinstein Temple Beth Sholom Campaign Alice Goldfarb your commitment to securing a vibrant home in The Cantorial Room Kathy & Henry Sender Cherie & Alan Weiss Rosalind & Mervin D. Gray Dormitory Room Terrace in Israel for Conservative/Masorti Jews. Here are Temma & Alfred D. Kingsley Diane & Harold Grinspoon Residence Hall and Learning Alfred Weissman Main Dining Hall in Residence Hall Center Clarence Wolf Jr. and Alma B. some naming opportunities for your consideration: and Learning Center, Sukkah Shelley & Scott Kaplan Helen R. & Sydney J. Shuman Wolf Foundation Inc. Morrine and Dan Marantz Judy & Franklin D. Kreutzer Lectern in Residence Hall and Ruth & Melvin Wolzinger Long-Term Residence Building — $3 million Yeshiva Library Shari & Harold Levy Learning Center Lea & Saul Zatz Main Campus Entrance — $750,000 The Tichnor Family Library Bookshelves David Sholk Ttee – Marjorie & Alan* Tichnor Shira Zeller Jan & Charles Nirenberg Sherry & Richard Skolnik Multi-Purpose/Dining Room — $500,000 – Susan & Dr. Howard Alfred Roberta & Eugene Zinbarg – Karen & Michael Tichnor Anonymous Bette-Ann & William* Spielman Gallery — $100,000 – Amy Tichnor Dormitory Room in the Residence Small Seminar Room in Residence Hall and Learning Center – Nancy & Sidney Lejfer Hall and Learning Center *Deceased Lobby (Religious Center) — $75,000 Patio Entrance to Residence Hall Irene & Norman Sholk and Learning Center Joyce & Allan Sugarman Dormitory Floors — $75,000 each Silver Family Temple Beth Sholom, Roslyn USCJ deeply appreciates every USCJ Youth Activities Window in Religious Center Student Lounges — $50,000 each USY Complex Heights, NY contribution, but space does Sosland Foundation Patricia & Arthur Werschulz not permit a complete listing Dormitory Rooms — $36,000 each Library Bookshelf Builders Arleen & Marc Sternfeld of all contributors to the Merritt, Mildred S. & Davita Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center. Mezuzot — $5,000 each $100,000+ Sutton Place Synagogue, New York, NY Yoelin Susan & Jack* Becker Window in Religious Center Dormitory Room Terrace in Project Oded Residence Hall and Learning Brenda & Alexander Tanger Center For more information about these and other Family of Theodore Kirshner Mezuzot Bracha & Martin Werber Harold Zatz naming opportunities, please call Ronald Friedman, Ner Tamid in Residence Hall and Benjamin Z. Kreitman Learning Center United Synagogue’s director of campaign Study Halls in Residence Hall and Learning Center Marilyn & Gary Wind development and marketing, at 646.519.9260, USY Lounge in Residence Hall and Gloria & Eugene Landy Learning Center Friends or email [email protected]. Ner Tamid in Religious Center $5,000+ Women’s League for Deede & Stephen J. Lovell Conservative Judaism Arthur Ainsberg Carol & A. Mark Rosen Meeting Room/Shelter in Leonora & Leonard Ayre Residence Hall and Learning Main Kitchen in Residence Hall Rhoda & Jordan Baruch and Learning Center Center Phyllis & M. Barry Bochner Harold Rosen* Anne & Henry Zarrow Computer Lounge in Long Term Terrace in Long Term Residence Adrienne & Julian Brook Residence Building Building Mezuzah Alfred Viertel* Maxine & Jack Zarrow Bobbi & Barry Coller Entrance Doorway – Long Term Conservative Synagogue of Residence Building Jamaica Estates, NY Staircase To “A” Entrance Library Bookshelf Barbara & Jay Wiston Contributors Alexandra & Harvey Cyngiser Reception Area in Residence Hall $10,000+ and Family and Learning Center Jane & Dennis Carlton Library Bookshelf Elysia & Stephen Wolnek Dormitory Room Terrace in Sybil & Alan Edelstein Aron Kodesh in United Synagogue Residence Hall and Learning Mezuzah Conservative Yeshiva Center Harriet & William Freedman Ruth & Irving Claremon Esther & Seymour Fuchsberg Supporters Bernice & Alan Cohen Jody and Raymond Goldstein $50,000+ Kathy & David Cullen Library Bookshelf Lila & Rabbi Mendel Abrams Micha Dorfzaun David Gortz Bima in the Religious Center Palphot LTD James Gould Ruth & Alan Ades Mosaics above Netilat Yadayim Netilat Yadayim in Residence Hall Marcy & William Forster and Learning Center Dormitory Room Terrace in Jacqueline Bodin Residence Hall and Learning Center Council of Regional Presidents Student Lounge in Long Term The Fraade Family Residence Building Dormitory Room Terrace in Residence Hall and Learning Center Rosalie & Meyer Fuchsberg Dormitory Room Terrace in Residence Hall and Learning Center DIANE AND HOWARD WOHL A Passion for Securing Jewish Continuity

(Continued from front page)

Education. Howard is also involved with the Board of credits her first visit — in 1985 — with cementing her wife and my business partner, Larry Simon, there,” Jewish Education of Greater New York, SAJES enduring love for the land and its people. At that says Howard, who earned his undergraduate degree in (Suffolk Association for Jewish Educational Services), time, the Wohls had traveled to Israel to celebrate accounting from Brooklyn College and master’s in the Brooklyn College Foundation, Brooklyn College’s their daughter becoming a bat mitzvah. taxation from Baruch College. Hillel, International Hillel, and the Solomon Schechter “I always felt strongly about Israel, and even as a After six years as an accountant, Howard, along with Day School of Nassau County. Through the years, he teenager I felt committed to the notion that as Jews, Larry, started Wall Street Concepts, an early data has held executive board positions at the Wohls’ we have a place that we can call home. So when I processing firm that provided record-keeping for Conservative synagogue, Temple Beth Torah in went to Israel for the first time, I immediately felt investors. Fourteen years later, having sold Wall Westbury, NY. very comfortable, and I wanted to know more about Street Concepts, Howard and Larry co-founded Ivy For her part, Diane is a past Sisterhood president and the country and to be more connected to it,” she says. Asset Management, one of the pioneering firms president of Temple Beth Torah, and she holds “I always feel happy when I’m in Israel, and a investing funds in many hedge funds. “The concept leadership positions in Hillel International, List calmness sweeps over me.” was in its infancy at the time,” he says. College, and Hillel at Hofstra University on Long Married 37 years, the Wohls are the proud parents of In October 2000, the Bank of New York bought Ivy Island. Diane also serves as a member of the national three grown children. Alexander works in finance and Asset; Howard and Larry stayed on to co-manage the board of directors of Women’s League for Conservative is married to Allison, who holds a master’s degree in business. Last year, Howard was named vice Judaism and its Torah Cabinet, and she sits on the special education; Hilary is married to Zack, and both chairman, a position that gives him more free time to board of Project Kesher, which connects women in the are launching an Internet company; and Pamela works pursue his nonprofit interests, including supporting former Soviet Union to their Jewish roots. for a healthcare hedge fund. Diane and Howard have institutions that strengthen the Jewish community, Other organizations benefiting from Diane’s support four grandchildren. such as the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center. include higher education and health care institutions Their mutual commitment to Jewish life aside, it seemed “While Jews today are among the most literate, we are in Israel, as well as Livnot, which connects marginally inevitable that Diane and Howard would someday not as informed when it comes to our own religion, affiliated college graduates to Israel and their Jewish meet and marry. Not only were they born in the same and the Fuchsberg Center plays an important role in heritage. Diane is also committed to UJA-Federation Brooklyn hospital, within 36 hours of one another, but supporting the lifelong pursuit of Jewish learning,” of New York and on Long Island and has served on they also lived in the same neighborhood, Bensonhurst, says Howard. “How can we be a light unto other many of its committees, including the Caring albeit at different times. In addition, Diane and nations unless we are connected to the power source?” Commission and its board of directors. In addition, Howard worked in buildings that faced each other. Diane is a member of the Jewish Women’s Foundation. And clearly a bright light shines on the Jewish The two finally came face to face at an accounting community — here and in Israel — thanks to Diane Though Diane has traveled to Israel about 20 times firm, where Howard says he met his one true love. and Howard Wohl’s illuminating vision and leadership. (“not as many times as I would like,” she says), she “That place launched my life as I met both my future

Calendar of Events in Jerusalem

Continuing Education Series Tarbut Conservative Yeshiva Activities The Monday Evening Forum Cultural programs every Sunday and Tuesday July 1: First summer session begins. – A weekly event, throughout the year, each evening July 22: Second summer session begins. with a different guest lecturer July 1: Wine & cheese reception for United Septemebr 2: Fall semester begins. May 22: Tikun Leyl Shavuot. All-night study to Synagogue visitors to Israel commemorate Shavuot for the general public July 6, 13, 27, and August 3: Friday morning Project Oded Continuing Education Program trips around Jerusalem Nativ – Year-Long Program – Through June, an ongoing series of classes Date to be announced: Barbecue reception for Semptember: Students arrive to begin their from Sunday to Thursday Conservative/Masorti rabbis studies in Jerusalem. July 1: First day of Project Oded summer program Center On Campus Happenings For the latest information about the August 19: First day of Project Oded Elul Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center’s events, program Wednesday Evenings call 212.523.7800, ext. 8, Hevruta learning community meets through May or go to www.uscj.org.il. May 22: Tikun Leyl Shavuot is preceded by USY Israel Pilgrimage dairy dinner for overseas students. June through August: The Fuchsberg Center May 30: Barbecue marks the end of the hosts USY’ers and staff. semester. August 5: Summer ulpan programs begin.

NONPROFIT Kehillah U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEW YORK, NY The Newsletter of the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center PERMIT NO. 7906 The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rapaport House 155 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10010