A Traditional, Egalitarian, and Participatory Conservative Synagogue

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

IYAR/SIVAN/TAMMUZ 5775 NEWSLETTER/VOLUME 27:5 MAY/JUNE 2015 Shavuot Book Share Tikkun The Aleppo Codex, with Scott Bolton and Michael Schwartz TIKKUN LEYL SHAVUOT, SATURDAY NIGHT, MAY 23 Ma’ariv begins at 9:00 p.m., followed by the Tikkun and cheesecake

his Shavuot join us for a unique widely available from booksellers. You can and participatory Tikkun—a find reviews of the book at the Jewish community book discussion led Book Council website (www.tinyurl.com/ by Rabbi Bolton and Congregant OZTikkun2015) and in Tablet (www.tinyurl. TMichael Schwartz. Our book, com/OZTikkun2015A ). The Aleppo Codex: A True Story of Obsession, A famous scribe, cited by the leg- Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible endary Maimonides, wrote the Aleppo by Matti Friedman, tells the amazing story Codex in the tenth century. It was written of the creation, preservation, loss, and at the same time as the Mishneh Torah rediscovery of a crucial Biblical text. It is and was protected for centuries in the HRI SPIELHOLZ CHARLIE

ancient synagogue of Syria’s largest Jewish community. When the Aleppo com- munity began to disperse in the 1940s and 1950s, the Codex found itself in tran- sit for the first time in hundreds of years. However, pages are missing. Where are the missing pages? What did human hands do with a relic that was thought to preserve the experience of Sinai? We look forward to seeing everyone on Shavuot and, of course, for the cheesecake—and other dairy treats— afterwards!

JOIN OZ FOR THE 51st ANNUAL , SUNDAY, MAY 31. The 2015 theme, “Israel Imagines,” encompasses the dreams that Israel’s founders OR ZARUA envisioned for the newly formed country as a home for all Jews and the dreams of the generations of Jews who currently live in Israel. For OZ marchers, assembly location GALLERY OPENING and step-off time will be announced by email. To sign up and reserve your parade T-shirt, One Family contact Ilana Burgess at 212-452-2310, extension 15, or [email protected]. Sunday, May 3, 6:00–8:00 p.m. For observers, the parade will be held along , from 57th to 74th Street, Skype interview with the artist, Israeli beginning at 11:00 a.m. OZ Youth, above, led our Congregation’s contingent among photographer Vardi Kahana, 7:00 p.m. the more than 35,000 participants in the 2014 Celebrate Israel Parade. See page 3 See page 5 for pre-celebration parade preparations.

1 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2015 President’s Message by Marc D. Ashley

inally, spring is rain, when the abundance and awesome- A CONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUE upon us. After ness of nature are self-evident. FOUNDED 1989 a brutally pro- It is noteworthy that this extraordinary tracted winter, blessing over a flowering tree is said upon 127 East 82nd Street the days are the tree’s flowering but before the tree , NY 10028 F now longer, brighter, and actually bears fruit. That is, we thank God phone: 212-452-2310 fax: 212-452-2103 more cheery. The world in advance for fruit yet to come; once the www.orzarua.org seems transformed. fruit has ripened, the blessing may no Trees are blooming and pedestrians’ longer be said. The blessing thus reflects SCOTT N. BOLTON, Rabbi smiles are more prevalent. the reality that spring is a time of bloom- DR. HARLAN J. WECHSLER, Rabbi Emeritus is glorious and welcoming once again. And ing and rebirth, but it is not an end in MARC D. ASHLEY, President at its epicenter stands Or Zarua, beckon- itself. It is a period of regenerative transi- ALAN ILBERMAN, Treasurer ing to us to feel the warmth and joy of tion and transformation, designed eventu- HELENE SANTO, Executive Director springtime together as participants in a ally to achieve a higher plateau, in which ILANA BURGESS, Youth Education Director vibrant and buoyant shul community. the world settles into a natural rhythm of Each day and every year, out of warmth, beauty, and grace. CHARLES SPIELHOLZ, Newsletter Editor darkness comes light. As we move in the The passage from flowering tree to Jewish calendar from Passover toward fruit-bearing tree sometimes takes weeks, Shavuot, along the ascending path from but it is worth the wait. The longer spring OZ Committee Chairs redemption to revelation, we should take lasts, the better. It is a pleasure to enjoy note of the changing world around us. We the enveloping comfort of spring, when all ADMINISTRATION Pamela E. Gold must rouse ourselves from our recurring is suffused with color, while anticipating ADULT EDUCATION Laura Resnikoff complacence and inattentiveness to the steady warmth of summer. That annual AESTHETICS Aaron Shelden appreciate the regeneration of life all seasonal trajectory is both reassuring and ART GALLERY Bobbi Coller around us. The seasons may be predictably invigorating, and can inspire us to capture BOOK DISCUSSION Reed Schneider cyclical, but each can be enjoyed for its the splendor of the moment as we derive Nora Yood own special character. pleasure from the world beyond ourselves. So, too, in the life of Or Zarua. Each BUILDING Ed ward Kopelowitz Jewish tradition certainly takes note of God’s grant of a revitalized world each year and from generation to generation, CEMETERY Aliza Kaplan spring. Indeed, Jewish law mandates that we must work hard to move beyond the Mort Schwartz we pause to praise God for renewed cold of winter, to appreciate the transfor- EDUCATION Dara Shapiro nature that surrounds us. The annual mative quality of spring, so that we can AND YOUTH rebirth of the natural world is not to be then enjoy the fruits of our labor. We must HESED Susan Lorin taken for granted, lest it be neglected. pause, individually and communally, to HEVRA KADISHA Roberta Hufnagel The Shulchan Arukh, the authoritative take account of and give thanks for what Gerry Solomon and comprehensive 16th-century code of has been provided to us and for all we ISRAEL Aliza Kaplan Jewish law authored by Rabbi Yosef Karo, have achieved. The past must be honored, LIBRARY Barry Feldman prescribes a specific blessing—birkat even as we recognize that the present is ha-ilanot—upon our initial viewing of a the gateway to our future. We nurture the MARKETING Aaron Shelden blooming fruit tree each spring. The bless- blossoming trees that accompany the MEMBERSHIP Andrew Plevin ing, which is traceable to the and springtime, as they herald fruits to come. Sheldon Adler can be said once each year starting in the To move from season to season ORAL HISTORY Mimi Alperin springtime, extols God’s ongoing renewal takes effort and patience, but the sight of of creation and gracious provision for us a newly blooming tree—or the flourishing PUBLIC RELATIONS Aaron Shelden of a bountiful world. “Blessed are You, of our synagogue community—is cause READERS Marc Ashley Lord our God, King of the universe, who for thanksgiving and celebration. As we AND LEADERS Jay Palmer has made nothing lacking in His world, enjoy this seasonal bounty, may our energy, STRATEGIC Sheldon Adler and created in it goodly creatures and optimism and happiness abound. DEVELOPMENT goodly trees so that people can take WEBMASTER J ay Palmer pleasure in them.” This once-a-year mitz- If you are interested in serving on a synagogue vah is preferably fulfilled in the presence committee, please contact the office for the of a group of trees and in the absence of committee chair’s email address. 2 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MAY/JUNE 2015

The music of a great klezmer group, Too Many Davids, will light up the night! Lag B’Omer is a night of bonfires and parties throughout Israel and the Jewish world. Come join the celebration of this unique day on the calendar.

TORAH LEARNING COALITION TWENTY-SIXTH East Side synagogues studying together ANNUAL MEETING ith the completion of Pesah, the East Side Torah Learning Coalition Tuesday, May 19 W(TLC) began its annual tradition 6:30 p.m. Dinner/8:00 p.m. Meeting of studying Pirke Avot. During the Omer, The agenda will include the TLC studies a chapter of the Pirke Avot G The election of trustees and in a different synagogue and with different officers teachers every week leading up to Shavuot. G This year, the study theme is “Life Treasurer’s Report with a Guidebook.” As of the end of April, G Remarks from the President we are halfway through the cycle of this and Rabbi year’s study. The schedule of the remain- According to the By-Laws, we need a ing sessions is shown in the flyer at left or quorum of approximately 200 members at www.tinyurl.com/OZTLC2015. Note that to conduct synagogue business at our there are afternoon (1:00 p.m.) and Annual Meeting. Please plan to attend evening (7:00 p.m.) sessions. Or Zarua this important meeting. invites everyone to attend these TLC ses- sions to learn and to be part of building Please make reservations for dinner our greater Jewish community. You may and the meeting at http://tinyurl.com/ attend any session at any time; each ses- 2015-OZ-Meeting or by calling the sion is independent of the others. The program is free of charge; there is no sign-up. synagogue office at 212-452-2310, The TLC is founded on what unites us all—Torah and text study! extension 39, by Monday, May 11.

ISRAEL PARADE PRE-CELEBRATION OZ SOCIAL HALL The Or Zarua social hall is available to rent for appropriate repare decorations for the Celebrate Israel Parade with the Israel Committee! functions. Contact Helene Santo, 212- Watch the email blasts for a date and time on a Sunday in May. Arts and crafts P 452-2310, extension 14, for information. will be mixed with socializing and fun. All ages are invited!

3 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2015

Scholarly Sabbath OZ BOOK with Rabbi Judith Hauptman, Saturday, May 30 DISCUSSION Sunday, May 3 abbi Judith Shabbat for this year at Or Zarua, entitled 7:30 p.m., OZ Library Hauptman, “Protest or You’re Guilty: An Exploration of the Talmudic Principle.” Rabbi Hauptman will ladimir E. Billi Ivry speak between Shaharit and Musaf on Jabotinsky Professor Saturday, May 30, and will lead a discus- V(1880–1940), R novelist, Russian of Talmud and Rabbinic sion after kiddush. Culture at The Jewish The Scholarly Shabbat program is journalist, and Theological Seminary, free of charge, and no advance registra- founder of the will present the fourth and final Scholarly tion is required. branch of Zionism now headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, has been the most misunderstood of all Zionist politicians. Hillel Halkin’s Jabotinsky: A Shabbat Presentation Life dispels many stereotypes that with Christopher Miller, Saturday, May 16, after kiddush have limited an understanding of Jabotinsky as a writer, a political thinker, and a leader. Join us as ongregant through the Romantic era. Congregant Mark Somerstein leads a Christopher After kiddush on Saturday, May 16, discussion of this splendid biography. Miller, asso- he will be discussing his recently pub- ciate pro- lished book Surprise: The Poetics of the Cfessor of Unexpected from Milton to Austen. The English at the College book studies the changes in the meaning of Staten Island of surprise in fiction “from violent attack TALMUD CLASS (CUNY), specializes in to pleasurable experience, and from exter- Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. the poetry and prose nal event to internal feeling.” almud class meets on most fiction of the Long Eighteenth Century— This event is open to everyone. No Wednesdays in the OZ Library that is, from the late seventeenth century RSVP is required. Tfrom 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with Rabbi Bolton. We are now studying in a chapter of Masekhet Sanhedrin, Perek HaCheilek. You may use either The Opposite of Spoiled the Artscroll (Schottenstein) or Koren with Ron Lieber, Wednesday, July 1, 7:30 p.m. (Steinsaltz) edition, or obtain copies of the chapter from the Rabbi. Our last class will be Wednesday, ew York The book is a guide for parents who want May 20; we will celebrate with a siyum. Times “Your to have conversations with their children Watch for announcements for summer Money” regarding money and good values. It is Talmud classes. columnist both a New York Times and a Wall Street Anyone may join the class at any Ron Lieber Journal bestseller. Lieber’s columns about time; previous participation is not nec- N essary. No prior knowledge of Talmud, will be discussing his student loans won the 2011 Loeb Award, recently published book, business journalism’s highest honor, in the Hebrew, or Aramaic is required. The Opposite of Spoiled. personal finance category.

SPONSORING KIDDUSH On a yahrzeit SIGN UP FOR OZ MINYAN it is customary to remember our loved ones in the bonds of community. If you ongregants are needed for the OZ minyan. For the weekday morning service, con- wish to sponsor a kiddush after services tact Sheldon Adler at [email protected]. For the Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat in someone’s memory, please call service, contact Richard Stadin at [email protected]. You may also choose “Daily C Deborah Wenger at 212-452-2310, Minyan” under the “Pray” menu on www.orzarua.org to sign up for a day or two each month. extension 12.

4 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MAY/JUNE 2015

Or Zarua Hesed Programs ONE FAMILY “The world exists for the sake of kindness.”—Rashi OZ Gallery Opening Sunday, May 3, 6:00 p.m. A Solution to Hunger issues at the Neighborhood Coalition G Help feed the hungry in our community Shelter’s East 81st Street Residence by donating to or volunteering with the from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. on the last two New York Common Pantry. Each month, Mondays of each month. Volunteers are collection bins are placed in the social needed, as are donations to the Hesed hall for food donations of healthy (low- Fund. Please contact Richard Stadin sodium, whole wheat, low-fat or nonfat), at [email protected] or 212-879-0448. packaged grocery items. Volunteers from Ronald McDonald House OZ are needed the first Wednesday of each G Children from across the U.S. and from month, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, in the around the world come to New York City pantry’s distribution center, located off hospitals for cancer treatment. Many Fifth Avenue at 8 East 109th Street. Contact reside with their families at Ronald Lesley Palmer at lesleypalmer123@gmail. lease join us for the opening of McDonald House and have no local sup- com to sign up for May 6, June 3, and July 1. “One Family,” an exhibition of the port system of friends or relatives. The works of Israeli photographer Home Visit Volunteers chaplain at Ronald McDonald House alerts P Vardi Kahana. This is a personal, G Volunteer to visit and cheer ill or home- us when OZ may be of service to Jewish moving, and powerful chronicle of her bound Or Zarua Congregants. Please con- families who may require kosher meals, immediate family: parents, aunts and tact Roberta Hufnagel at robertahufnagel synagogue services, and other assistance. uncles, brothers, cousins, their children, @gmail.com, 212-744-6572 (home), or Please contact Richard Stadin at and grandchildren—four generations of 978-835-5445 (cell), if you are interested. [email protected] or 212-879-0448. post-Holocaust Israelis. In Kahana’s Monday Night Pasta and Salad at NCS For additional information about any words, “It is the entire Jewish-Israeli nar- G Or Zarua Congregants serve hot food of these programs, please contact rative embodied in a single family. This and good cheer to men and women with Susan J. Lorin, Hesed Committee Chair, is my family. ‘One Family’ is literally my a range of mental health and addiction at [email protected] or 212-717-4647. life’s work. This is a picture of our com- plex lives here in this land at this time.” Kahana’s show, which has been exhibited throughout Europe and Israel, SIDDUR CLASS: will provide a contemporary counter- History, Meaning, and Commentaries on the Jewish Prayer Book point to the historical narrative of Rudi Thursdays, 8:30–9:30 a.m., Social Hall Weissenstein’s recent work. r Zarua’s siddur class, taught by Rabbi Bolton, studies the history of, laws about, The exhibit opens at 6:00 p.m. on teachings on, and approaches to Jewish prayer. The topic for this year’s study is the Sunday, May 3, with a Skype interview OAmidah. Prior knowledge is not required; you may attend any or all of the classes. with the artist at 7:00 p.m.—a first for The final siddur class for this year will be on Thursday, May 21. Siddur classes an OZ gallery opening! Refreshments will resume in the fall. will be served. HRI SPIELHOLZ CHARLIE

“For You Have Chosen Us: The Blessing and Burden of Chosenness” is an adult education course led by Congregant Marc Ashley that has examined Jewish sources and perspectives on, and diverse responses to, the ambitious assertion that Jews are God’s chosen people. We began our conversation about this centuries-old debate on three Sundays in April following Pesah. The final class session will meet on Sunday, May 3, at 10:00 a.m. in the library. All are welcome to join.

5 127 East 82nd Street G New York, NY 10028 G 212-452-2310 May 2015 Iyar/Sivan 5775

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 G 12 Iyar 2 G 13 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 5:30 pm Shabbat & Me Aharei Mot/Kedoshim 6:30 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Bat of Eve Butler 10:30 am Torah Tots, Torah Shabbat Kids, and Mah Zeh Shabbat 7:00 pm Young Profes- 8:38 pm Shabbat ends sionals Israeli Shabbat 7:33 pm Candlelighting

3 G 14 4 G 15 5 G 16 6 G 17 7 G 18 8 G 19 9 G 20 Pesah Sheini 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan Lag B’Omer 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 8:45 am Shaharit Minyan OZ Hebrew School 1:00 pm Torah Learning 9:00 am NYCP 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 6:30 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Emor 10:00 am Study with 7:00 pm Talmud Hevruta Coalition (Park Avenue OZ Hebrew School 8:30 am Siddur Class Shabbat 10:30 am Torah Tots Marc Ashley Seminar Synagogue) 7:00 pm Musical and 7:00 pm USY Citywide 10:30 am Torah Kids 3:00 pm Teen Film Festival Mystical Lag B’Omer Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner 8:46 pm Shabbat ends 6:00 pm Gallery Opening No Talmud Class 7:41 pm Candlelighting 7:30 pm Book Discussion

10 G 21 11 G 22 12 G 23 13 G 24 14 G 25 15 G 26 16 G 27 Mother’s Day 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit Behar/Behukkotai 8:45 am Shaharit Minyan OZ Hebrew School 7:00 pm Torah Learning OZ Hebrew School 8:30 am Siddur Class 6:30 pm Minhah/Kabbalat 10:30 am Torah Tots 10:00 am Hebrew 8:30 pm Bir’nana Rehearsal Coalition (Congregation 7:30 pm Talmud Class Shabbat 10:30 am Torah Kids Conversation Group Kehilath Jeshurun) 7:48 pm Candlelighting After kiddush, “Surprise: The Poetics of the Unexpected” with Chris Miller 8:53 pm Shabbat ends

17 G 28 18 G 29 19 G 1 Sivan 20 G 2 21 G 3 22 G 4 23 G 5 Yom Yerushalayim 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan Rosh Hodesh Sivan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit 9:00 am Shaharit Bemidbar 8:45 am Shaharit Minyan OZ Hebrew School 7:00 am Shaharit Minyan Last Day of Hebrew School 8:30 am Siddur Class 6:30 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Erev Shavuot 11:30 am Brunch in Tribute 7:00 pm Talmud Hevruta 1:00 pm Torah Learning 7:30 pm Talmud Class (final session) Shabbat Light candles after 8:59 pm Coalition (Sutton Place to Ilana Burgess with a Seminar and Siyum (final session) 7:54 pm Candlelighting 9:00 pm Ma’ariv, Synagogue) performance by Bir’nana followed by Tikkun Leyl 6:30 pm Dinner on the Roof 9:00 pm Tween/Teen 8:00 pm Annual Meeting Tikkun 24 G 6 25 G 7 26 G 8 27 G 9 28 G 10 29 G 11 30 G 12 Shavuot: First Day Shavuot: Second Day 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit 9:00 am Shaharit 9:00 am Shaharit Memorial Day 6:30 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Light candles after 9:02 pm 8:45 am Shaharit Minyan Shabbat Scholarly Shabbat with Rabbi Judith Hauptman Yizkor 8:00 pm Candlelighting 10:30 am Torah Tots Festival ends 9:07 pm 10:30 am Torah Kids Office closed 9:05 pm Shabbat ends

Congregation Or Zarua Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Friday 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. The office is closed Saturday and Sunday, as well as on Jewish and federal holidays. 127 East 82nd Street G New York, NY 10028 G 212-452-2310 June 2015 Sivan/Tammuz 5775

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

31 G 13 Sivan 1 June G 14 2 G 15 3 G 16 4 G 17 5 G 18 6 G 19 8:45 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 11:00 am Celebrate Israel 7:00 pm Talmud Hevruta 9:00 am NYCP 5:30 pm Shabbat and Me Beha’alotekha Parade, “Israel Imagines” Seminar 6:45 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Bat Mitzvah of Bella Drucker Shabbat 10:30 am Torah Tots, Torah 7:00 pm Young Professionals Kids, and Mah Zeh Shabbat Board Game Shabbat 9:10 pm Shabbat ends 8:05 pm Candlelighting

7 G 20 8 G 21 9 G 22 10 G 23 11 G 24 12 G 25 13 G 26 8:45 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit Shelah Lekha 7:30 pm Bir’nana Rehearsal 7:00 pm Talmud Hevruta 6:45 pm Minhah/Kabbalat After kiddush, Hevra Seminar (final session) Shabbat Kadisha Discussion with Sam Klagsbrum 8:09 pm Candlelighting 10:30 am Torah Tots, Torah Kids, and Mah Zeh Shabbat Mah Zeh Picnic in the Park 9:14 pm Shabbat ends 14 G 27 15 G 28 16 G 29 17 G 30 18 G 1 Tammuz 19 G 2 20 G 3 8:45 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan Rosh Hodesh Tammuz Rosh Hodesh Tammuz 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit/Korah 7:00 pm Bir’nana Siyum 7:00 am Shaharit Minyan 7:00 am Shaharit Minyan 6:45 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Bar Mitzvah of and Dessert 7:15 pm Young Profes- Shabbat Zachary Nachlis sionals Happy Hour with 8:12 pm Candlelighting 10:30 am Torah Tots Rabbi Bolton 10:30 am Torah Kids 9:17 pm Shabbat ends

21 G 4 22 G 5 23 G 6 24 G 7 25 G 8 26 G 9 27 G 10 Father’s Day 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 8:45 am Shaharit Minyan 6:45 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Chukkat Shabbat 10:30 am Torah Tots 8:13 pm Candlelighting 10:30 am Torah Kids 9:18 pm Shabbat ends

28 G 11 29 G 12 30 G 13 1 July G 14 2 G 15 3 G 16 4 G 17 8:45 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 7:15 am Shaharit Minyan 8:45 am Shaharit Minyan Independence Day 9:00 am NYCP 6:45 pm Minhah/Kabbalat 9:00 am Shaharit 7:30 pm The Opposite of Shabbat Balak Spoiled with Ron Lieber 8:13 pm Candlelighting 9:18 pm Shabbat ends Office closed

Congregation Or Zarua Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Friday 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. The office is closed Saturday and Sunday, as well as on Jewish and federal holidays. CONGREGATIONWWW.ORZARUA.ORG OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBERMAY/JUNE 20152009

Hebrew Conversation Group OZ SHABBAT First meeting, Sunday, May 10, 10:00 a.m. PROGRAMS For youth of all ages re you interested in conversing a passion for the Hebrew language and in Hebrew? OZ Congregants has studied Hebrew at JTS, the JCC, and G Shabbat and Me. Or Zaruans aged Frank Bocian and Aliza Kaplan Ha-Ulpan at Machon Avi. Presently, he par- 6 and younger join with Rabbi Bolton in are organizing a group to help ticipates in a class in contemporary Israeli song, story, and simple prayers to wel- you do just that. literature and studies Tanach with Yosi come Shabbat on Friday, May 1, at 5:30 A p.m., and Friday, June 5, at 5:30 p.m. A certified Jewish educator, Aliza is an Levi, an Israeli of Yemenite background. experienced Hebrew and Judaics teacher, At the first meeting, on Sunday, May 10, G Torah Tots and Torah Kids, who enjoys Hebrew conversation. She from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., we can Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to noon. studied at Hebrew University, worked in discuss the best times for future meetings. Weekly morning Shabbat programs. Tel Aviv, and holds dual American-Israeli You need not be fluent in Hebrew to G Mah Zeh Shabbat welcomes students citizenship. attend—just have a desire to expand your in grades 4 to 8 to meaningful and Frank, a retired ophthalmologist, has experience with conversational Hebrew. exciting Shabbat services, featuring Breakfast Club and Torah Talk, on select Shabbatot at 10:30 a.m. in the UHEUAINDEP EDUCATION Y OUTH OZ Library. Upcoming dates are May 2, June 6, and June 13. On June 13, Mah Zeh will be followed by a picnic in .

ARTMENT Check the weekly OZ eBlast and messages from [email protected] for updates about these and other youth events.

KADIMA AND USY EVENTS

May 2015 SATURDAY, MAY 2 Mah Zeh Shabbat, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY, MAY 3 The Reel Shpiel Film Festival: David: One Boy, Two Faiths, 3:00 p.m. FRIDAY, MAY 8 USY Citywide Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner at OZ, for grades 8-12, 7:00 p.m. $15 per person. RSVP at www.wizevents.com/register/3480 SATURDAY, MAY 23 Tikkun Leyl Shavuot for grades 6-12, 9:00 p.m. June 2015 SATURDAY, JUNE 6 Mah Zeh Shabbat, 10:30 a.m. SATURDAY, JUNE 13 Mah Zeh Shabbat, 10:30 a.m. Followed by a picnic in Central Park YOUTH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT MODEL SEDER. Beginning with bedikat hametz, OZ Please contact Sigal Hirsch and Elana Hebrew School students were introduced to the traditions of the Passover. The model Mendelowitz at [email protected] seder provided an opportunity for the students to learn how a seder is conducted. The for information about Kadima or USY, or last day of Hebrew School for this academic year is Wednesday, May 20. For information to be added to the OZ Youth email list. regarding the OZ Hebrew School, please contact Ilana Burgess at [email protected].

8 CONGREGATIONWWW.ORZARUA.ORG OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBERMAY/JUNE 20152009

Physician-Assisted Suicide RABBI WECHSLER with Samuel Klagsbrun, M.D., Saturday, June 13, after kiddush TEACHES ON SIRIUS XM RADIO arlier this year, a lawsuit filed in Shabbat, June 13, Dr. Klagsbrun will Sundays at 4:00 a.m., 8 a.m., New York State Supreme Court discuss his participation in the lawsuit by a group of doctors and and the many issues it raises for a med- and 8:00 p.m. terminally ill patients asked the ical professional and a person of faith. SIRIU S Ecourt to declare doctor-assisted Questions include: How do Jewish teach- XM suicide legal. Currently New York State ings about death and the end of life view law prohibits helping people to take their the taking of a life? How is the physician’s own lives. mandate to “do no harm” reconciled with Or Zarua Congregant Dr. Samuel an act that might be considered as Klagsbrun, a psychiatrist and the executive delivering the “ultimate harm?” medical director of Four Winds Medical This post-kiddush discussion is spon- Center, is one of the plaintiffs named in sored by the Hevra Kadisha of Or Zarua. abbi Wechsler can be heard on that lawsuit. Following kiddush on All are invited to attend. SiriusXM Stars Channel three Rtimes each Sunday. Subscribers to SiriusXM Satellite Radio can access “Rabbi Wechsler Teaches” on Channel IA ISHADEAAMENDELOWITZ ELANA AND HIRSCH SIGAL 106. Nonsubscribers can obtain a free, three-day trial at www.siriusxm.com.

KADIMA AND USY EVENTS. Kadima and USY members gathered for game night (top). When Jews Were Funny, the first of three films in The Reel Shpiel Film Festival, was shown on Sunday, March 29 (above). The second in the series, The Soap Myth, ran on Sunday, April 19. The final selection, David: One Boy, Two Faiths, will be screened on Sunday, May 3.

9 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA NOVEMBER/DECEMBERMAY/JUNE 20152009 Bir’nana’s Community Debut OZ’S A CAPPELLA GROUP PERFORMS AT JNF YOM HA’ATZMAUT EVENT by Rabbi Amy Bolton E AB HTGAH N H JNF THE AND PHOTOGRAPHY GABBY BEN

Bir’nana sang a medley of Israeli classics at the first New York ir’nana made its community-wide debut at the first City Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) Community New York City Yom Ha’atzmaut Israeli Independence Celebration, sponsored by the JNF, at Park Avenue Synagogue. Day Community Celebration. The event, sponsored by the JNF and held at Park Avenue Synagogue, brought Btogether Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox syna- gogues to commemorate Israel’s independence. Bir’nana had the honor of representing Or Zarua by singing a medley of Israeli classics, alongside Best Cantors of the Upper East Side. Anna Richlin, the event organizer, wrote the following note of thanks to our home-grown a cappella group: “It was inspiring to be in a room filled with such ruach [spirit] and hear vocalists from all denominations and backgrounds come together to share a unified message in honor of Israel’s 67th birthday. With your partnership, we were able to attract a multigenerational audience and experience the true meaning of kehila [community] as we embodied the values represented in our Megillat Ha’atzmaut [Israeli Declaration of Independence]. May this beautiful new tradition continue to grow in communities around the world. From strength to strength.” Barbara Bluestone of Bir’nana summed up the experience: With joyous clang We stood and sang Led by Amy and Judy, Harmoniously. Chaverim, it was splendid, From the start ’til it ended. Hurrah, hurrah For Bir’nana! Bir’nana rehearses on Sunday evenings. We are a congregant- led a cappella group, focusing on Jewish and Hebrew music. Our co-conductors have musical and professional backgrounds and make utmost efforts together with our singers towards achieving a polished and professional sound, while having a good time. We are looking for a few new singers for the coming year—please consider joining us! Contact Aliza Kaplan at [email protected] for details.

10 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA 127 East 82nd Street New York, NY 10028-0807

CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MAY/JUNE 2015 Or Zarua’s Young Professionals by Liora Avitan Seltzer

wenty Or Zarua Young Profes- PR YOUNG OZ sionals joined OZ’s fabulous

Purim celebration on Wednesday, OFESSIONALS March 4. Two of our members, TMarc and Jeremy, read Megillah. The following party was a blast and every- one had an awesome time. We felt wel- come and lucky to be part of the greater community. We look forward to future col- laborative events. The next scheduled Or Zarua’s Young Professionals events are: G Friday, May 1, Israeli Shabbat, 7:00 p.m. G Wednesday, May 6, Lag B’Omer with Congregation OZ, 7:00 p.m. G Friday, June 5, Board Game Shabbat Or Zarua’s Young Professionals partied at the Purim celebration on March 4. (back by popular demand), 7:00 p.m. Young Professionals. All of our events are additional information or to be added to G Wednesday, June 17, Happy Hour with posted on our Facebook page (Or Zarua’s the Young Professionals email list. Rabbi Bolton on the roof, 7:15 p.m. Young Professionals) and are distributed We encourage everyone in the Or We have begun planning for 2015- by email. Contact Susan (susan.steinman Zarua community to tell any young adults 2016. Our rapid growth means we will be @gmail.com), Liora ([email protected]) out there (single, married, and everything increasing the number of events for OZ’s or Marc ([email protected]) for in between) about our group! 12