WINTER 2018–2019 KISLEV–ADAR 5779

FROM RABBI ZEMEL As Sukkat Shalom’s First Campaign ZIONISM BEGINS Concludes, Sukkat Shalom 2.0 WITH JEWISH Launches To Help Others PEOPLEHOOD By Fran Dauth DEAR FRIENDS, It was at the National Refugee Shabbat The handful of volunteers were soon What is Zionism? service at Temple Micah in October joined by many others to look for ways When I discuss Zionism, I am often misunderstood. People say that Miriam Feffer, vice president of to provide necessities from housing to that my definition and inter- development for HIAS, offered this clothing, to transportation, to educa- pretation are outside the description of how her agency has tional opportunities, and jobs without mainstream. Historically, changed since its founding in 1881: knowing how many would be arriving Zionism has defied a singu- “We used to say the organization or even when. The group named itself lar, agreed-upon definition. helped refugees because they were Sukkat Shalom or Shelter of Peace. It has been called more of a Jewish, today we help refugees because In October of 2017 Sukkat Shalom conversation than an ideology. we are Jews.” members greeted a Muslim family of This attempt to put forward my own Those words rang true for those lis- five from Afghanistan as they arrived understanding of the term will most tening as the congregation contemplates at Washington Dulles International likely frustrate some readers and gener- the official end of its sponsorship of an Airport to embark on a new life in ate disagreements among others. If that is the case, it will be a good example of Afghan family while it studies how to America. the very nature of the ongoing Zionist aid those desperate to enter the United A year later, the family – Amin, 28, conversation. States now when the federal government Maleka, 25, and their children Rezwan, My Zionism begins with Jewish seems hostile to immigration. 6, Rukhsar, 4, and Amir, almost 3 – peoplehood. It is the simple belief that Less than two years ago, a small, but are settled comfortably in suburban Jews, wherever we live across the globe, dedicated group of Temple Micah mem- Maryland. Amin has a driver’s license comprise one very extended family. We bers began exploring how the congre- and works at a bakery. Maleka has are a far-flung, highly diverse family, but gation could help a family to resettle in attained Level 5 in English classes at we are one family. Jews share more than America. Soon a commitment was made Montgomery College. The children are a theology or a set of beliefs; we share to assist a family immigrating from, in school and pre-school. The family has an imagined past—a narrative, if you most likely, the Middle East. ; will. This sharing forms the essence of CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 our peoplehood. What is striking is that there are sec- tions of our narrative that coincide with SILENT PARTNERS, LONG SUPPORTED BY objective, documented history. Our family origins date to a time in which TEMPLE MICAH, CEASES AFTER 27 YEARS we lived in a single house together. That home was the Land of Israel—Zion. OF ASSISTING ONE SCHOOL In the ancient past, the Jews who By Fran Dauth lived in that land forged a shared nar- rative that we have come to call Torah. Twenty-seven years ago the late For 27 years Temple Micah has The legends and laws of Torah bound Lois Roisman, a former member of contributed funds annually to Silent the people together. The cruelties and Temple Micah, gathered a group of her Partners, the organization that grew out vagaries of the Jewish people’s experi- Northwest Washington neighbors in of that meeting long ago. ence drove them from that home, but her living room to discuss ways to sup- In the nearly three decades since the dream of that home persevered. port one elementary school in one poor its inception, Silent Partners supplied CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 ; area of Washington. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 ; 2 KISLEV–ADAR 5779

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN “Every person shall sit under his grapevine or fig tree with no one to make him afraid.” MICAH, CHAPTER 4, VERSE 4 HELP US ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO BE RELEVANT AND BOLD By Marcia Fine Silcox I once served on a local alumnae club find answers. We can look for patterns Vine board. The biggest decision of the year in the demographics or timing of joining Vol. 55 No.3 was how much to charge for the pecans and leaving the congregation. We can TEMPLE MICAH— we sold to raise scholarship funds. After assess fundraising successes and fail- A REFORM JEWISH CONGREGATION hours of debating the price of pecans, ures. We can ask bigger questions about 2829 Wisconsin Ave, NW I vowed not to serve being a young Jew or an old Jew or Washington, D.C. 20007 again on that or any unaffiliated Jew in the Washington area. Voice: 202-342-9175 other board. We can look for tested or novel ways to Fax: 202-342-9179 But now, here I am serve all groups. Email: [email protected] [email protected] -- hoping that what our We can look at trends in Machon Web: templemicah.org Temple Micah board enrollment and know more about our does has greater rel- needs for teachers or space. These gen- Daniel G. Zemel evance and thinking erative skills will be invaluable as the RABBI about how to make Micah board looks to reflect and serve Josh Beraha that happen. our congregation. ASSOCIATE RABBI, DIRECTOR OF CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING What is the role of a synagogue board? A Leading Us to New Places Stephanie Crawley In a recent conversation Rabbi Zemel ASSISTANT RABBI recent URJ seminar initiated some reflec- said that he thought the board should tion on this question. Like many other Rachel Gross have a more visionary role. Having our EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR congregations, we spend most of our hands full with the functional matters, meeting time dealing with day-to-day Meryl Weiner I disagreed. But I now think he may be CANTOR management issues that a small non- onto something. It’s going to be impera- profit faces: foremost the budget, then Teddy Klaus tive to find new board members and MUSIC DIRECTOR issues of policy, and nitty gritty matters encourage current ones to improve the concerning the building and program- ways in which we envision, articulate, and BOARD OF DIRECTORS matic efforts. Some congregations, I adopt bold steps to manage our future. Marcia Silcox learned, spend a lot of time on person- So in addition to our fiduciary/day-to- PRESIDENT nel issues and satisfying the whims of day duties, we need to find more ways to Joshua Berman high-level donors. be strategic. VICE PRESIDENT Fortunately, that’s not Micah. In some congregations, I imagine Harriet Tritell So what else can the board be doing there is resistance to change. At Micah, SECRETARY to reflect your concerns and interests, and we love to talk about change, but talking Jeff Davis to lead the congregation to new places. TREASURER about it and making it happen are very Martha Adler Reflecting You different. We are fortunate to have staff Shellie Bressler A nominating committee selects board at all levels willing to try new things. Marina Fanning candidates from the congregation. The The board supports change, and tries Jim Hamos committee adheres to by-laws about to anticipate it. At our annual retreat, Alison Harwood deliberation and congregational noti- response to change was our theme. We Todd Jasper fication. There are no specific crite- will continue to explore how to keep Ed Lazere ria. We try to balance age, tenure, and the Micah essence as we anticipate and Heather Moran interests, and sometimes knowledge. embrace the future. Sonia Pearson White (Yes, it can help to have an attorney or The board will be doing its part, to Robin Rudowitz Josh Seidman accountant, but that wouldn’t keep us act on current needs, ask prescient ques- from nominating a poet.) We tend to tions, and take new journeys. But we VINE STAFF be a competent crew that works both must rely on all members of the congre- Fran Dauth as individuals and in committees to get gation to add your skills to the board CO-EDITOR the job done. and its committees (several committees Kate Kiggins One encouraging direction of the have non-board members) and to all of CO-EDITOR board is to be more data driven, and to our programs and offerings. We will be AURAS Design ask sharper questions. Questioning has looking to you to help us ask the right PRODUCTION always been a Micah hallmark. But now questions, be creative in our answers, we are starting to use information to and step forward together. WINTER 2018–2019 3

The Feast THE CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY MOUSSE EDITION By Alexandra Wisotsky Long time Micah members Ed and Shelley Ed has long been involved Grossman are no strangers to the Micah with Micah Cooks and began foodie community. offering home cooked meals at Their themed dinner is consistently a his home during the early days top seller at the Micah Auction as well as of the Micah auction. Back a pizza-and-pasta dinner and a brunch the then, the “meals with mem- Grossmans do, often with other members. bers“ section of the auction You might say it was food, ice cream consisted of about six different to be exact, that brought the couple, both meals, at about $10 per seat. long time Micah members, together in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 ; first place. “In the spring 1998 auction, Shelley offered home-made/custom ice cream CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY MOUSSE which I purchased,” Ed explains, adding that Shelley “was widowed in 1996 and I • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate • 2 ½ tablespoons raspberry syrup had been separated in 1997.” • 6 large or extra large eggs at room • 2 cups heavy cream He says “we had known of each other temperature. • A pinch of salt by reputation before then, but had never • ½ tsp cream of tartar (if using met in person before.” pasteurized eggs) But before we get to the rest of the story, let’s hear from Shelley. Special Equipment: To whip the eggs properly, you will need a powerful hand- She notes that Ed bid on her ice cream held electric mixer or a standing mixer, one that can run at a high speed. because he figured it would be the per- Serves 14 to 20 fect dessert for the Fourth of July party Time to prepare: about 30 minutes, plus time to chill, ideally overnight he was hosting at his apartment with a view of the monuments. Step 1: Melt the chocolate, either in a microwave or in the top of a double The two negotiated the ice cream boiler over hot water on moderate heat. Cover until the chocolate is partially flavor (vanilla with raspberry and blue- melted. Uncover and stir until completely melted and smooth. Set chocolate berry ripples), to match the Fourth of aside, uncovered, briefly to cool. July theme. That evening, after the fire- works, when the ice cream that Shelley Step 2: Separate four of the eggs into yolks and whites. had stored in his freezer was brought out, Step 3: Place the egg yolks and the two whole eggs in a large mixing bowl. Ed discovered his freezer wasn’t work- Add raspberry syrup. Stir with a wire whisk to mix well (they should be thor- ing. Everyone enjoyed the soup anyway, oughly mixed but not beaten until airy). according to Shelley. Then some time later that year Ed and Step 4: Then gradually add the warm chocolate, stirring constantly with the Shelley were together again in the kitchen. whisk, until smooth. Set aside. Ed had offered a dinner at the same 1998 auction, something he and his former wife Step 5: In a chilled bowl with chilled beaters whip the cream only until it had done in years past. When it came holds a definite shape but not until it is stiff (stiff cream will make the filling time to prepare that dinner when the win- heavy and buttery instead of light and creamy). Set aside. ning bidder claimed it, Shelley was there to help put it on. Step 6: Put the egg whites in a clean bowl of an electric mixer and add the Ed and Shelley were married in June of salt and cream of tarter. Beat using clean beaters until the whites hold a shape 2000 at Temple Micah. or are stiff but not dry. Shelley’s commitment to feeding Step 7: Gradually add the whipped egg whites, one-third at a time, to the Micah members started long ago when she learned to bake to contribute to chocolate/egg mixture, folding them in using a rubber spatula. the Friday night onegs. Later she ran the Step 8: Then add the whipped cream, one-third at a time. Fold gently to Chocolate and Chamber Music event at blend ingredients. Micah, for which she made 24 different chocolate desserts for the 100 people in Step 9: Turn into a bowl and chill. Mousse is better if made the day before. attendance (plus a cheesecake for those If you are going to decorate the mousse, however, do it right before serving. that did not like chocolate). 4 KISLEV–ADAR 5779

SPEAKING AT MICAH Micah features two monthly lecture series—on Sundays and Wednesdays. For more details, go to templemicah.org.

SUNDAY SPEAKER SERIES Jan. 27, at 10:15 a.m. – Diana Butler Bass on her book, “Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks.” Bass, an author, speaker, and independent scholar specializing in American religion and culture, is a leading voice in progressive Christianity.

Feb. 10 at 10:15 a.m. – Alan Ronkin on “Facing anti-Semitism in a Time in a Division.” Ronkin, the director of the Washington Regional Office of the American Jewish Committee, has for more than 25 years focused on relationship building that reflects the best of Jewish values including sup- port for Israel, equity, and appreciation of difference.

LUNCH & LEARN Wednesdays from noon to 2 pm A monthly program sponsored by the Aging Together Team. Reserve online at templemicah.org. For details, contact Robin Stein at [email protected] or the temple office at 202-342-9175. Jan. 9 – Alan Kraut on “Anti-Immigrant Sentiment Throughout American History.” Kraut, a pro- fessor of history at American University focusing on immigration and ethnic history, explores the truth behind the adage “America beckons, but Americans repel.”

Feb. 13 – Margaret Henoch on “A Behind-the-Scene Look at the CIA.” How politics overtook sane decision-making in the run-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Can it happen again? Henoch is a former senior official at the Central Intelligence Agency.

Mar. 13 – Peter Edelman on his new book, “Not a Crime to Be Poor: The Criminalization of Poverty in America.” A senior official in the Clinton administration, Edelman is the faculty director of the Center on Poverty and Inequality and professor of law at . In his lat- est book he examines the impact of court imposed fines and fees, money bail and how state and local governments have criminalized being poor.

Rabbi’s Message FROM PAGE 1 ; were scattered throughout rise of nationalism in Central pogroms in Eastern Europe the ritual life of the people in and Eastern Europe, which and relentless prejudice a la It never was dropped from word, gesture, and art. intensified anti-Semitism; the Dreyfus in Western Europe, led the narrative that defined Zionism is, therefore, at its Haskallah, or Jewish enlighten- to a flowering of Zionist activ- our people’s existence. “Next core, about Jewish peoplehood ment, which ushered moder- ity and thought. year in Jerusalem!” “Let the and home. nity and the age of reason It is written that classic, winds blow and the rains fall Jewish life in late 19th- into Jewish culture; and Jewish 19th-century Zionism came in (in Israel).” “A great miracle century Europe saw a great nationalism, which spawned a three primary varieties. happened there!” References Zionist awakening spurred renewed interest in Hebrew. Political Zionism, most to and longings for the home by a variety of forces: the These forces, combined with CONTINUED NEXT PAGE ; WINTER 2018–2019 5

AARON ALTSCHUL MEMORIAL SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE WEEKEND Feb. 22–24, featuring Rabbi Andrea Weiss FRIDAY EVENING, SHABBAT SERVICE, 6:30 P.M., FEB. 22 SUNDAY MORNING, 10:15 A.M., FEB. 24 “Healing Division through Dialogue: Lessons Learned from “What’s So Funny About the Book of Esther?” American Values, Religious Voices” (Oneg at 6:00 pm) In advance of the upcoming holiday of Purim, we will study the The “American Values, Religious Voices: 100 Days, 100 Letters” one comedic book in the Bible, the book of Esther. Come learn campaign sent a letter a day to the President, Vice President, and about what classifies Esther as a comedy and what makes this Members of the 115th Congress for the first 100 days of the Trump ancient story still so relevant today. administration. The letters were written by a group of multi-faith scholars who spoke up in the wake of the 2016 election, con- Rabbi Andrea L. Weiss, Ph.D. necting core American values to our different religious traditions. is Jack, Joseph and Morton Recently published as a book, “American Values, Religious Voices” Mandel Provost and Associate offers us much needed wisdom, inspiration, and hope. Rabbi Professor of Bible at the Weiss will reflect on what we can learn from this project and how Hebrew Union College- it can provide an antidote to the acrimony and discord that per- Jewish Institute of Religion. vade politics today. She is co-editor of "American Values, Religious Voices: 100 SATURDAY MORNING, SHABBAT SERVICE, 10:15 A.M., FEB. 23 Days, 100 Letters” (University “The Message of Shabbat Zakhor: Why Memory Matters” of Cincinnati Press, 2019) and On Shabbat Zakhor (the “Sabbath of Memory”) that precedes associate editor of “The Torah: Purim, we will explore the significance of memory in the Bible and A Women’s Commentary” (CCAR Press, 2008). She has writ- how this key theme speaks to our contemporary lives. ten “Figurative Language in Biblical Prose Narrative: Metaphor in SATURDAY AFTERNOON, 4:00 P.M., FEB. 23 the Book of Samuel” (Brill, 2006) and numerous articles on biblical “Jeremiah 17 and the Teaching of the Trees” poetry, metaphor, and other topics. Her current research focuses We will delve into the literary artistry of the Bible as we study a on “God in the Biblical Imagination: The Mechanics and Theology poignant prophetic text that offers guidance on how to live in the of Metaphor.” face of tragedy as we move between moments of secure orienta- tion, tragic disorientation, and surprising reorientation.

Rabbi FROM PREVIOUS PAGE ; Zionism holds that the deep Jewish world—from Reform to all manifestations of people- Jewish problem of Europe was Orthodox—primarily fell out- hood. The Torah story is the commonly associated in its a sense of inferiority stemming side the secular Zionist camp. story of a people seeking earliest years with Theodor from centuries of denial and What is important to note to return to its home. It is, Herzl, centers on the world rejection. This argument holds is that both political and spiri- to use our modern term, a as an inhospitable and, fre- that Zionism is about two tual Zionism were rooted in Zionist narrative. quently, unsafe place for Jews. things: rebuilding the Jewish Jewish peoplehood and return Today, we struggle over Political Zionism wants to spirit through the revival to the land. Zionism without a the meaning of a word that establish a state where Jews of Judaism’s own language strong sense of Jewish people- has fallen into disfavor in would be safe. The agenda of (Hebrew), and the creation of hood is impossible, a contra- many circles. I believe that a this Zionism is creating secu- an organic Jewish culture in the diction in terms. Jewish mandate of our time is rity, gathering the exiles, and ancient Jewish homeland—a The Zionist strain of the to defend the beauty of the building a strong, self-suffi- majority culture that would Jewish tradition is as old as idea—from those outside the cient economy. not be subject to the critique, our oldest text. And people- Jewish camp, whose anti-Zion- Spiritual Zionism, also inspection or approval of a hood is central to the Torah. ism is a form of anti-Semitism, rooted in the 19th century, host country. The Torah is the story of a and from those on the inside, is most frequently associ- By contrast, religious growing family. Abraham, whose devotion to a politi- ated with Ahad Haam, a lead- Zionism, initially the weak- Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, cal agenda—left or right— ing intellectual of the Jewish est pillar of the three, saw in Rachel, and Leah form a threatens to render the Zionist enlightenment of Eastern the return of Jewish life to the family. Twelve brothers dream asunder. Europe in the late 19th and land of Israel an unfolding of a descend to Egypt, and the From an early age, I learned early 20th centuries. It is “Divine plan” and the fulfill- Book of Exodus begins with this lesson: “The entire Jewish not, strictly speaking, a reli- ment of a religious obliga- the recitation of their names. people is interconnected.” gious Zionism. In fact, Arthur tion. The other two strands of Moses is identified by his (B Talmud Shevuot 39a). Hertzberg, arguably the great- Zionism were either a-religious father’s tribe. The Sinai cov- This is peoplehood. est American Zionist scholar of or anti-religious. The begin- enant emphasizes that all This is Zionism. the 20th century, labels Haam nings of religious Zionism Israel is present as witness Shalom, “the agnostic rabbi.” Spiritual were halting, as the religious and stakeholder. These are Rabbi Daniel G. Zemel 6 KISLEV–ADAR 5779

; Silent Partners FROM PAGE 1 “We provided home- in Anacostia-Congress 1995. She and her Northwest backpacks and essentials baked pumpkin breads on Heights section of Ward 8. neighbors began Silent such as notebooks and the holidays and Safeway gift • Sister Mentors, a program Partners in 1991. In 1993 pens, paid for field trips, cards. We helped fund and in which high-achieving she told Washingtonian and provided tutors at the arrange special field trips women of color men- magazine the “silent” aspect Neval Thomas Elementary such as one to the Senate tor and support younger also taught a lesson to the School on Anacostia Avenue that included lunch in the women of color through children of the more-afflu- Northeast. Senate dining room. school, college, and often ent donors, that the “high- Silent Partners ceased to “She (Roisman) knew graduate school. est form of philanthropy exist when school began this enough that we were to be • Reading Partners DC, a is anonymous,” accord- past September. the “silent” partner, respond- program that trains and ing to her obituary in the The program disbanded ing to requests and sharing manages tutors of low- Washington Post. following a change in the guidance only in response to income students. The Post obituary also administration at Neval questions. She was all about “All four of these pro- included quotes she gave ear- Thomas and the decision empowering the people we grams are quite impressive,” lier to by Michael C. Barth to were helping.” Barth noted in announc- in explaining her leader- step down as the program In recent years, Silent ing the distribution of the ship of the Jewish Funds for coordinator. Partners has concentrated on remaining funds. Justice in which she said: “Lois Roisman was a hiring tutors, often retired Barth, an economist, who “The inner city was our first warm, wonderful, modest teachers, for students need- along with his wife Marilyn home and we cannot turn do-gooder who brought out ing help, particularly in was a member of the original our backs on it now that we the best in others by help- English and math. group that met in Roisman’s live in the suburbs. ing them know that they Silent Partners’ remaining living room, had been the “Education was the ticket too could be do-gooders and funds have been distributed program coordinator for the out of the ghetto and we she had the sensitive smarts to programs to assist other past seven years. must see others have the to only ask the reasonable Washington schools: Barth said he feels “good same opportunity.” and doable,” Rabbi Zemel • Friends of Ballou Senior about what we have done, Ratings by the national said of the founder of Silent High School, which takes and I feel very good about organization GreatSchools. Partners. students who other- having associated” with org, about Neval Thomas “Micah becoming a Silent wise could not do so on Silent Partners. Elementary indicate all of Partner was a no brainer. In trips to visit colleges and Roisman, who died in its students come from low- those earliest years, we acted universities. 2008 at age 70 in New income homes and score as a kind of silent PTA for the • Bishop Walker School Hampshire, lived in poorly on English and math class that we were assigned. for Boys, a K-5 school Washington from 1980 to proficiency tests. u

Feast FROM PAGE 3 ; DID YOU KNOW? The meal that Ed had put up for auction as a bachelor cook in 1998, which Shelley eventually helped prepare, was a Middle Eastern Two hundred twenty-two students are enrolled dinner for six. Since then, the Grossmans’ menus have spanned the currently in Machon Micah, Temple Micah’s inno- globe – from the British Empire to the Silk Road, from the New vative approach to Jewish education. That’s 186 World to Imperial Russia – each menu inspired by their travels. Ed still has all of the menus they have used going back 20 students in Pre-K through Seventh Grade and 36 years. In fact, they have done so many of these dinners that last students in Eighth through 12th grades. year’s winners got to choose their own cuisine. The enrollment includes 31 students new to And no, they told me when I talked to them; they hadn’t yet Machon Micah from 17 families, according to decided what the theme would be for this year’s auction dinner. You’ll have to come to the auction to find out. The date is March 16. Lesley Levin, assistant education director. This chocolate mousse recipe originally appeared in Maida Teaching them are 31 instructors, including a Heatter’s “Book of Great Chocolate Desserts” but has been mod- music specialist, an art teacher and four “swing” ified by Shelley over time. She made it most recently for their wedding anniversary. teachers who substitute where needed. Rich and delicious with a beautiful texture, it will serve a While Temple Micah does not have a tradi- crowd and is perfect for a celebration. To enhance the raspberry tional religious school or a Hebrew school, it does flavor, consider serving with a raspberry whipped cream or with promote learning that engages students creatively raspberry sauce and fresh raspberries. This mousse is best after a long rest (ideally overnight); so don’t plan on serving it 30 min- with Jewish values, Torah, prayer, and ritual. utes after it is made. WINTER 2018–2019 7

‘SHABBAT SHALOM AROUND TOWN’ TO TAKE PLACE FEB. 15 A highlight each winter for Temple always drew people in. I don’t know We’ve met and gotten to know so Micah members is Shabbat Shalom how many we had in the beginning, many interesting, cool people and it’s Around Town where members host but our numbers grew consider- the people that make Temple Micah fellow congregants at Shabbat dinners ably when we started calling new such a good place to belong.” in their homes. members who had joined within the Collins, who will be one of three Shabbat Shalom Around Town past year. They seemed grateful for SSAT coordinators this year, has prac- “offers the absolutely best way to the call and for the chance to meet tical advice for those who are hosting enter the MIcah community,” accord- some Micah friends over a Shabbat dinners for the first time. ing to Barbara Diskin, a long time meal,” Diskin said. Make as much as you can ahead of coordinator of the event, sometimes Another longtime SSAT coordina- time. referred to as SSAT. “If people love tor, Kathlene Collins, is succinct about Don’t make anything that takes to cook, it offers them a table full of her regard for the Shabbat dinner more than 30 minutes of preparation guests, many of whom love to eat but custom. “I think it is just wonderful,” before the cooking begins. don’t like to cook. she said. Don’t try to serve more than two “SSAT affirms the celebration of “I value Temple Micah for so hot dishes at the same time. Shabbat in a delicious way,” Diskin many things,” Collins said, citing Collins says following those rules said. Rabbi Zemel’s “leadership in bring- has allowed her to make Shabbat Last year, 13 Micah families served ing intellectual rigor (and humor) to dinner for as many as 16 people in Shabbat dinners to 55 fellow mem- tough subjects,” Cantor Meryl Weiner one afternoon. She also has com- bers (representing 33 families). and Music Director Teddy Klaus’s piled some recipes that are easy to This year’s Shabbat Shalom Around “incredible ability to find new spiri- make ahead of time and most of Town is set for Feb. 15. tual resonances in familiar music, the which are delicious served at room Diskin says that around 2008 she opportunities we have to hear from temperature. She has compiled began volunteering as a coordina- amazing speakers on a wide range them for SSAT hosts if they want tor after hosting because she realized of topics, and the coordination of suggestions. “that the people who had sat at my actions to make a difference in our If you are interested in hosting or dining table added to those I could community. attending a SSAT dinner, look for a call by name at Temple Micah. “But once a year, SSAT is a perfect sign-up form posted on the Temple “I saw their children grow up return home. Micah website. and have bar/bat mitzvahs. SSAT “And honestly, it’s just really fun. – Fran Dauth

Rabbi Zemel greets two young Muslim women who came to stand outside Temple Micah during Shabbat services one week after the attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. In addition to their sign, the two women handed out flowers. No one got their names. The photo is by Brent Goldfarb, a Micah member. 8 KISLEV–ADAR 5779

RABBI BERAHA’S DISCRETIONARY FUND TZEDAKAH IN HONOR OF In thanks for welcoming Scott Nover on Yom Kippur, by Teri Nover ENDOWMENT FUND RABBI CRAWLEY’S DISCRETIONARY FUND IN HONOR OF IN HONOR OF Rhoda Hyde’s birthday, by Thomas Hyde Rabbi Crawley, by Sheri and Brian Nerreau Rabbi Crawley on her installation, by Karen and Auby Paikin

GENERAL FUND IN MEMORY OF Jerrold and Gloria Lehrman Marilyn Brenner, by Dean Brenner Jonathan and Grace Westreich IN HONOR OF RABBI ZEMEL’S DISCRETIONARY FUND The marriage of Tory Klingenstein and Zachary Anonymous Toal, by Susan Baker and Rick Gilkey Paul Feinberg The Ottolenghi dinner hosts: Sheri and David Blotner, Betsy Broder Carol and Frederic Levison and David Wentworth, Laurie and Daniel Brumberg, Susan and Richard Lahne, Gail Povar and Larry Bachorik, by Mary Beth Schiffman IN HONOR OF Ed Grossman for his work on behalf of the Hebrew IN MEMORY OF Poetry Group, by Kenneth Liberstein Miriam Goldeen, by David and Livia Bardin Tory Klingenstein’s wedding, by Andrew and Julie Klingenstein Samuel S. Haber, by Mary Haber The marriage of Susan Landau and Danny Moss, by Vicki Jan Isler, by Lisa Grossman Bob and Lesley Landau, Phil and Susan Moss Robert Kamin, by Harriet and Lou Weiner Marjorie Sherman’s special birthday, by Louis and Nancy Melamed Ann Karp, by Sharon and Herbert Schwartz The wedding of Audrey Soffer and Sam Watzman, Sophie Paper, by Milton and Marlyn Socolar by Melinda and Douglas Soffer Carol Piness, by Lora Ferguson, Kathy Spiegel and Richard Fitz Wishing Kathy Speigel a healthy recovery, by Kenneth Liberstein Lillian Chait Pose, by Marilyn Paul Rabbi Zemel, by Janet Hahn, Aaron M. Kaufman Renee Reiff, by Isabel Reiff IN MEMORY OF Mike Achter and Gruine Robinson, by Susie and Harvey Blumenthal INNOVATION FUND Frank Buono, by Harriet Tritell IN HONOR OF David A. Feldman, Geraldine G. Feldman, by Howard Feldman Hineni, by Harriett Stonehill Leon Goldberg, by Susie Blumenthal The publication of Don Rothberg’s book, by Francie and Stuart Schwartz Robert Kamin, by Harriet Weiner Robert Weinstein, by anonymous Aaron Katz, by Philip Katz and Sara Morningstar In thanks to Rabbi Zemel, by Cynthia and Laurence Jack Pasarew, by Lee Pasarew Frank, parents of Rabbinic Intern Sam Frank Carol Piness, by Shellie and Andy Bressler Rabbi Zemel, the best wedding officiant we could have hoped for, by the Rabbis Moss SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND IN MEMORY OF Georgetown Shell Station Lee Knefelkamp, by Nancy Raskin IN HONOR OF Donald Lehmann, by Rich Lehmann Shelley and Ed Grossman, by Jessica and Harry Silver Carol Piness, by Sid and Elka Booth, Francie and Stuart Schwartz Hortense Platoff, by Sheila Platoff IN MEMORY OF Phyllis Appel Bell, by Harriette Kinberg LEARNING FUND Lee Knefelkamp, by David and Barbara Diskin Carol Piness, by Holly Hexter and Jeffrey Passel, Trish Kent IN HONOR OF Norman Sablosky, by Evelyn Schreiber Ed and Shelley Grossman, Richard and Susan Lahne, Ida Weinstein Schotz, by Ellen and Stanley Brand by Marcia Bordman and Marty Zatz Israel Socolar, by Milton Socolar Zev, the Zemels and Adam Goldstein, by Aaron Taylor David Sugarman, by Roger and Lynsey Sugarman IN MEMORY OF Alice Hirschmann, by Carole and John Hirschmann THE RABBI DANIEL GOLDMAN ZEMEL FUND FOR ISRAEL Lee Knefelkamp, by Sid and Elka Booth Paul Feinberg Carol Piness, by Nancy Raskin Ed and Shelley Grossman Marjorie Sherman MICAH HOUSE IN HONOR OF IN HONOR OF Helene and Gene Granof, by anonymous Amy and Josh Berman, by Jack and Barbara Berman Ben Mulitz, by Peg Blechman and IN MEMORY OF Rabbi Zemel, by Harriette Kinberg Lee Knefelkamp, by Celia Shapiro and Bob Dorfman IN MEMORY OF James and Lynn Levinson, by Jane Kerschner Ruth Jonas Bardin, by David Jonas Bardin Norman Sablosky, by Francie and Stuart Schwartz Lillian Lehmann, by Rich Lehmann David Warren Sugarman, by Steven R. Weisman Rolly Mulitz, by Peg Blechman and Paul Shapiro Carol Piness, by Roberta Aronson MUSIC AND WORSHIP FUND IN HONOR OF Cantor Meryl Weiner, by Suzanne Fuchs This list reflects donations received October 4–December The Divine Miss M, Meryl Weiner, by Karen Elkin 10, 2018. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, Francie and Stuart Schwartz’s 50th wedding anniversary, by Carol and Arthur Freeman but if there are any errors or omissions please accept our Joel Korn and Susan Bandler, by Sandra Brown apologies. For corrections or clarifications, please contact

IN MEMORY OF Rhiannon Walsh in the temple office. Thank you. Pearl Lazar, by Learita Scott Carol Piness, by David and Barbara Diskin WINTER 2018–2019 9

B’NAI MITZVAH MARA WARNER MAX COOPERMAN DEC. 1 / 23 KISLEV JANUARY 12 / 6 SHEVAT PARENTS: Gail and Seth Warner PARENTS: Alan Cooperman and TORAH PORTION: Vayeshev Martina Vandenberg INDEPENDENT PROJECT: Mara has decided to TORAH PORTION: Bo learn a little more about anti-Semitism INDEPENDENT PROJECT: An avid ice hockey and hate. She is reading “The Diary player and student at Alice Deal Middle of Anne Frank” and she listened to a School, Max is volunteering for the podcast called “Confronting Hatred: 70 Cool Cats, a nonprofit that provides Years After the Holocaust.” It discusses mentors to children with developmental factors that led to the Holocaust and disabilities who want to play hockey. how hate and anti-Semitism were able to spread during this time. PAIGE GEHRKE JAN. 26 / 20 SHEVAT LILY BENDAVID PARENTS: Jocelyn and Michael Gehrke DEC. 8/ 30 KISLEV TORAH PORTION: Yitro PARENTS: Naftali Bendavid and Dara Corrigan INDEPENDENT PROJECT: Paige has always TORAH PORTION: Miketz (Rosh Chodesh) loved animals. She is volunteering at INDEPENDENT PROJECT: Lily will be volunteering the League of Arlington at Shepherd’s Table, a local organization (AWLA) and is also making flannel providing food and social supports to blankets with her friends to donate for homeless individuals and others in need. the dogs and cats staying in the shelter.

GRYPHON MAGNUS REUBEN GARTENBACH DEC. 15 / 7 TEVET FEB. 9 / 4 ADAR 1 PARENTS: Manya and Magus Magnus PARENTS: David Ebenbach and Rachel Gartner TORAH PORTION: Vayigash TORAH PORTION: Terumah INDEPENDENT PROJECT: Gryphon has been INDEPENDENT PROJECT: Reuben is deepening working to elect politicians who will vote and investing in his Jewish learning by for gun control. His efforts helped college training a younger cousin (who does students (who often have barriers to voting) not have Hebrew school training) to cast absentee ballots in the midterms. Plus become a bar mitzvah—teaching him he himself volunteered at the polls and Hebrew and the Shabbat prayers. Seeing helped people know where to go to vote. the same process from the teacher’s side has been exciting and powerful.

CONDOLENCES The Temple Micah community extends its deepest condolences to: MAZAL TOV! Meryl Chertoff, on the passing of her father, Jesse Achtenberg and Sharon King, Joshua I. Justin on the birth of their son, Isaac Maggie Kirsh, on the passing of her grandfather, John Chalmers Chisholm Julie and Andrew Klingenstein, on the marriage Rabbi Susan Landau, on the passing of her of their daughter, Tory, and Zachary Toal grandfather, Dr. George Beckman Kim Parker, on the passing of her mother, Rabbi Susan Landau and Rabbi Danny Penny Lamb Parker Moss, on their marriage Nancy Piness, on the passing of her mother, Carol Waldman Piness Melinda and Douglas Soffer, on the marriage of Barbara Stephens, on the passing of her mother, their daughter, Audrey, and Sam Watzman Roselyn Kraus Donya and Igor Timofeyev, on the Jonathan Weisman, on the passing of his father, Evan Weisman naming of their daughter, Zora Steven Weisman, on the passing of his cousin, Sara and Trenor Williams, on the naming David Sugarman of their daughter, Stella Ruth May their memories be for a blessing. 10 KISLEV–ADAR 5779

Sukkat Shalom FROM PAGE 1 ; not only was reached, but the family, the has placed on the refugee program since volunteers and the Temple Micah com- its creation in 1980, and is a reduction a car donated by a Micah member, and munity accomplished so much more. of a third from the 45,000-person limit has moved to a new apartment in subur- The challenge now is to build on the President Trump set for 2018. ban Maryland. energy of that success knowing the next It is those numbers that have led At a lunch at Temple Micah to effort likely will take another form. Sukkat Shalom leaders to ask Micah celebrate their first year in America, On Nov. 29, speaking about what members to explore for suggestions for Karen Mark, a Sukkat Shalom member, Sukkat Shalom had accomplished in the the next project. . toasted their success. past year at a meeting called to discuss Robin Shaffert, one of the leaders “Their bravery in leaving all that was what the group could do next, Rabbi of the renamed Sukkat Shalom 2.0, familiar to them to face an unknown Zemel said: opened a meeting in late November future in a strange land struck a chord for “I’m just humbled by what you’ve by noting that her father’s immigra- so many of us whose parents, grandpar- done and done in the most biblical tion was supported by HIAS. That led ents, and great grandparents made that Jewish and utterly American way.” to nearly everyone there to recount his same journey to this country,” she said. He also suggested the effort to find or her family’s immigration history or In response, Maleka, in a burst of a new way to assist refugees constituted talk about why the work is important gratitude, exclaimed: “I am so happy, I “resistance to what is going on down the to them. cannot say anything,” but then added: street,” a not so subtle reference to the Among them was Alexandra “Thank you so much, I am so happy, White House’s immigration policies. Zapruder who said she “couldn’t think thank you so much.” “You are heroes,” he told the meet- of anything that more aligns with my ing of Micah members there to discuss values“ than the original Sukkat Shalom • • • • • what Sukkat Shalom should tackle next. and the goals of the re-booted version. Under the terms of an agreement with The possibility of resettling another Martha Adler, a leader from the Lutheran Social Services, the official family is unlikely given the shrinking beginning, said “this effort saved resettlement agency in the Washington number of refugees being admitted to me from emotional paralysis “ over metropolitan area, Temple Micah’s offi- the . the plight of refugees. She has often cial relationship with the family ceased In September, according to news remarked on the “added” value Sukkat at the end of October 2018. While reports, the Trump administration Shalom brought to Temple Micah in the the relationship will continue in a less announced plans to cap the number sense of community building. formal way, Sukkat Shalom members of refugees allowed to resettle in the She recalled how Rabbi Esther always knew self-sufficiency was the United States in 2019 at 30,000. The Lederman, who thought she knew most goal and rejoiced in the family’s success. New York Times said that number rep- of the members from her former work The goal, Sukkat Shalom leaders say, resents the lowest ceiling a president at Temple Micah, was so delighted to find she didn’t know anyone at the very first meeting of Sukkat Shalom. HELP FROM MICAH MEMBERS AND BEYOND Those there met in smaller groups to As Sukkat Shalom members sought ways to provide professional help to discuss what might be a viable next step, although no decisions were made other the Afghan family, answers came from Temple Micah members as well as than to keep meeting in hopes of having from folks outside the congregation. a plan in February. Stan Shulman, a Micah member, provided dental care for the adults in One possibility discussed came the family, in part because his cousin, Dorian Friedman, one of leaders of from Magus Magnus, an organizer of Sukkat Shalom, asked if he could help. Sanctuary DMV, who said he would There was another reason, he explained recently. like to see Temple Micah join other “For me, Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, is a bedrock tenet of Judaism. churches and synagogues that work with My father, who was also a dentist, always stressed that principle. He was a his group. community pillar and provided an example that I’ll never be able to match.” Others suggested working with Lauren Lewis, a pediatric dentist in Montgomery County, said she was intro- other synagogues or churches who have duced to the family through Micah member Susan Morgenstein, the widow of existing contracts with Lutheran Social Robert Morgenstein, the founder of the practice where Lewis works. Services, to support immigrant families. Possibilities include providing train- Lewis said that “Dr. Morgenstein was the most giving person I have ing to their volunteers based on Micah’s met, making a career of treating children and special needs patients. experience. “In carrying on his legacy, I embrace the opportunity to help anyone I The leaders of Sukkat Shalom 2.0 are can, especially those who may not be able to advocate for themselves.” Shaffert, Adler, Aurie Hall, and Dorian Friedman. Participation is open to all. u WINTER 2018–2019 11

BERAHA’S BLACKBOARD UNCOVERING THE TREASURE IN ONE’S SELF By Rabbi Josh Beraha Once upon a time there was a man named to our own minds and hearts, to our own Reb Isaac who had a recurring dream about lived experiences, and from paying atten- a treasure buried in a distant land. So real tion to that still, small voice within. was his dream that he believed if he trav- As I write this column I realize that the elled to this distant land and visited one urging to be one’s self might come across particular home, there, buried under the like a cliché, but sometimes the simplest kitchen floor, would be a chest full of gold. truths are often the hardest to keep in Though everyone thought Reb Isaac the forefront of our daily consciousness. a fool, determination to fulfill his dream What does it mean to be yourself, to prefer a certain kind of easy contented- was relentless. So one morning after find yourself, to discover the concealed ness to hard work and tension. Why learn months of having the same dream over truths about ourselves? My favorite four anything or seek your own answer to a and over—always with the same precise words: I do not know. I am no expert. question when other people’s answers are details—he awoke, packed his bags, and We live in a time—and a city—full so readily available elsewhere? departed to find this buried treasure. of experts, to whom we turn for out- Second, how can we become more self- After a two-day journey Reb Isaac side answers about our own internal, reflective? There is no easy answer but the arrived at the home where he thought lived experiences. We imagine them to be story of Reb Isaac provides a path to one. he would find his treasure. He knocked experts on a subject they can’t possibly We must learn to realize our own strengths on the door and the owner of the house know as well as we do: ourselves. and what we can accomplish ourselves, by greeted him with surprise and a bit of So, two questions to ask, but not ourselves. Self-reflection is of course not a unease asked, “Hi. Do I know you?” answer completely 1) why don’t we trust destination, but a journey in and of itself. “Well sir...” Reb Isaac but was quickly ourselves and 2) how can we become The age of the Internet favors scattered interrupted. more self-reflective? thoughts and surface level thinking. The “Wait!” said the slightly confused man First, why don’t we trust ourselves? 24-hour news cycle doesn’t allow for much standing in his doorway. “I do know you, Why has the self-help book industry time to process. Tweets and flashy news or at least I think I know you.” increased so dramatically over the past sev- articles and the latest book on the latest “You know me?” Reb Isaac asked. “But eral decades? What is our fascination with scandal exemplify the current moment and how? How do you know me?” experts? Why do we always think someone not much beyond. “Um...” said the owner of the home else has the answer, but never ourselves? At Temple Micah we include silence as trying to find the right words, “this might When did we stop relying on our own hard part of every worship service. Real silence. sound extremely strange, but every night work, our own thinking? I think at least Phones screens are out of sight (we hope!). I have a dream in which I travel to a dis- part of the answer has to do with laziness. And in silence we engage with an actual tant town, and find there a man named In 1899 Theodore Roosevelt declared: “I book for an extended, uninterrupted Reb Isaac. I ask to dig under his kitchen wish to preach, not the doctrine of ignoble period of time. In that book, our siddur, and find a buried treasure.” ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life, are themes like truth, life and death, love, When Reb Isaac heard this stranger’s the life of toil and effort, of labor and strife; family, God, nature, the universe, miracles, dream he understood the purpose of his to preach that highest form of success which redemption, revelation and more. In other journey had been to hear these words so comes, not to the man who desires mere words, the whole of human experience. that he would return to his own town to easy peace, but to the man who does not Part of being self-reflective is actively find his treasure buried underneath his own shrink from danger, from hardship, or from making time to pay attention differently, kitchen where it had been all along. bitter toil, and who out of these wins the to pay attention to the bigger questions splendid ultimate triumph.” of life. In listening and getting in touch • • • • • In my experience, modernity is less with the deeper parts of the self and the I first heard this story when I was a about the “strenuous life” and more about bigger questions of what it means to be child but only recently discovered it ease and efficiency. Struggle and deep human, we discover ourselves and learn again—in Michael Rosen’s The Quest thinking often take a backseat to conve- to trust who we are. That is the treasure for Authenticity: The Thoughts of Reb nience. You want a ride? Call Uber. Craving deep inside—the real you. And realness— Simhah Bunim. This time, the story’s cen- French food? No problem, you can have truth—is my idea of the great mystery, tral moral seems brighter than ever: a steak-frites delivered to your door within the Divine life force that flows within us. person inhabits his or her own reality, and an hour. Your closet door is broken? In other words, by understanding our- the truth of that reality is buried deep There’s an app that will send someone selves, we come to understand God. inside each of us. Any outward quest for right away! And what about those deep, Come join us in prayer and silence truth must eventually lead back to our philosophical conundrums, those real in order to go within, to search your innermost selves. Or, in other words, we doozies you don’t even know where to thoughts and notice where you stand. have no choice but to be ourselves, and begin to think about? Google them! Come and just be. You might even find the discovery of our truest self comes not I’m not sure why we don’t trust our- that in your stillness and quiet is a divine from turning outward, but from turning selves but I do know that we’ve come to treasure waiting to be revealed. 12 KISLEV–ADAR 5779

‘SHUL SHOPPING’ LEADS TO MICAH The headlines and stories in the national press can be discour- “We were looking for like-minded families at a congregation aging: Synagogue membership is declining. Young people are with a mission of social justice, “ Jacoby said. not interested in joining a synagogue. Or so they say. Mieka and Tony Polanco joined three weeks earlier, in part Fortunately no one told the cheerful people at the New because of their twin 11-year-old sons, Omer and Eitan. They Members lunch at Temple Micah in November where lots of got their introduction to Temple Micah when Arlington friends, people, including young couples with kids in tow, heard about Ron and Laura Ferguson, invited them to Micah’s Purim spiel. the various opportunities for learning, community involvement, Lisa Gordon, who, along with her fiancé Nick Brooke, joined and fellowship available. a couple of years ago. They, too, live in Arlington, but knew Here are what some of the new members had to say about several Micah families, an indication that “shul shopping” is why they joined Temple Micah. region wide. Jon Jacoby, who joined in October, had been a member of Peter and Andi Fristedt, who live in the District neighbor- Temple Micah for only a month earlier, said he and his family, hood of Chevy Chase, got introduced to Micah through Next which includes two young daughters, had been “shul shopping” Dor. Now, Peter Fristedt said, “We are all in.” for at least a year. Next Dor also was an attraction for Jane Yamaykin who chaired the New Members event. She joined 4 ½ years ago “because I missed my congregation in North Carolina,” she said. Various Micah veterans described a plethora of opportuni- ties to meet others with similar interests, such as musical (adult choir, pickup band, musical mornings), charitable (Hineni, Micah House, Mazon Micah, Sukkat Shalom), learning (Hebrew instruc- tion, Torah study, book groups, Lunch & Learn), and communal (Shabbat Around Town, Next Dor, the Annual Auction). All of the activities can be found on the Temple Micah website (templemicah.org). Click on the community tab and then on groups to find many of them. Upcoming events are listed on the email blast that members receive on Thursdays. And for the record, here is the membership activity at Temple Micah in recent years: In 2016, there were 66 inquiries about membership and 20 joined; in 2017, inquiries totaled 97 and 38 joined; in 2018, inqui- ries through October amounted to 85 and 32 joined. Not discouraging at all. —Fran Dauth

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