Mishpachah Members' Monthly

Home , Jewish Virtual Library

JulyMishpachah 2021 Members ’ Monthly Sivan –TamuzMishpachah 5781/ June 2021 Members ’ Monthly Page Tamuz/Av, 5781 The Newsletter of Bet Mishpachah, Founded in 1975 by Members of the Washington, DC, Gay & Lesbian Community Issue 80.23 Table of Contents - Page 2 www.betmish.org

From the Archives bringing the board year from February-January. By Joel Wind, Archivist Next month: 2000 – 2003 Continuing our look back at Bet Mishpa- chah’s history, I present years 1996 – 1999. Rabbi’s Message By Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin 1996: In February, it was announced that the $6,000 fundraising goal set by the board for the US Holocaust Beginning on July 17th, the Memorial Museum’s Gay and Lesbian Programs reached $23,000. Jewish people observe the @CBM was launched in March. In April, the board voted to move mournful holiday of Tisha to the new DCJCC and in May, Beth Cohen was elected president. B’Av. This day commemorates th The 7 Northeast Regional Conference of Gay and Lesbian Jewish the destructions of the First and Organizations took place in August in Philadelphia. In September, Second Temples in Jerusalem, as well as many other the Erev Rosh ha-shana Machzor was introduced, and the congrega- tragedies that have befallen our people. For some, it is a day tion landed on the World Wide Web as www.BetMishpachah.org. The AIDS Quilt came to DC in October, and Rabbi Saks started a of fasting, reading the book of Lamentations, and recalling series of Lunch & Learn D’Var Torah sessions in November. events including the Spanish Inquisition. Unexpectedly, six days after Tisha B’Av comes a lesser known holiday of love: 1997: At the end of March, the Congregation moved to the new Tu B’Av. DCJCC with a Torah procession, service, and Oneg. The first Shab- bat Service took place in April. Georgia Korn was elected President In Talmud Bavli, Ta’anit we read: Rabbi Shimon ben in May. In June, Tzedaka was given to Metro Teen AIDS and to the Gamliel said, "There were no days better for the Israelites Green Door. A new High Holy Days ticket policy was announced in than the fifteenth of Av and Yom Kippur.” For on these August whereby every member will receive a ticket for all HHD ser- days, Jerusalemite girls go out in borrowed white dresses— vices, and a suggested $50-$100 donation from non-members. In so as not to shame those who owned none. All the dresses September, the first Mishpachah Matters was rolled out, and our new had to be immersed. And the Jerusalemite girls go out and Rosh Ha-shana morning Machzor was introduced in October. dance in the vineyards.

1998: In January, a New Member Shabbat Service took place and a On Tu B’Av, the Jewish people celebrated a day of searching Shabbaton in February. The Art and Design Committee selected Reeva Shaffer to design and make the rainbow Torah scroll mantles for a beloved by dressing up, dancing, and singing. It in April, and Joe Pomper was elected President in May. Rabbi Saks’ celebrated the grape harvest. Where did this holiday come contract was renewed in July. In August, Mishpachah Matters was from? It is certainly not in the Torah, but is found later in awarded the Apex ’98 Award for Publication Excellence in the cate- Jewish texts. And why this day in particular? There are gory of Most Improved Newsletter. At the same time the Eastern Re- several possible answers: gional Conference of Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Jews took place at the Westin City Center Hotel. In September, the Elul Project was  - While the Jews wandered in the desert for forty years, inaugurated. At the Simchat Torah Service in October, the New female orphans without brothers could only marry Rainbow Torah Scroll Mantles, donated by the Strum Family Founda- within their tribe, to prevent their father's inherited land tion, were dedicated. The First Harvey Milk Chesed Award was giv- in the Land of Israel from passing on to other tribes. On en to Dace Stone and Michael David Garbus at Family and Friends the 15th of Av of the 40th year, this ban was lifted. Shabbat in November.  - That same year, the last of the generation of the sin of

1999: In January, the board discussed the possibility of changing the spies, which had been forbidden to enter the the board year to February 1 through January 31. 35 people attended Promised Land, found that they were not destined to die. the Shabbaton in February. In March, the board approved the crea- For forty years, every Tisha B'Av night, the Jews made tion of the Mark Goldfarb Accessibility Fund. April saw a Family graves for themselves which they slept on Tisha B'Av; and Friends Shabbat Service with the choir singing. Mindy Gasthal- every year a proportion of them died. In the 40th year, ter was elected President in May. In July, the Congregation selected the fifteen thousand who had remained from the first Shalom Bayit, peace and harmony, as the theme for the year 5760. generation went to sleep in the graves and woke up the The Elul Project was kicked off in August. The 25th Anniversary next day to their surprise. Thinking they made a mistake Celebration took place in October at National City Christian Church. nd with the date, they did this until they reached Tu B'Av. In November, the 2 Harvey Milk Chesed Award was given to Marc Only then did they know they were allowed to live. Bernstein and Evelyn Beck at Family and Friends Shabbat. Mindy Gasthalter remained President at the annual meeting in December Continued on page 4

Washington DC’s Egalitarian Synagogue Embracing a Diversity of Sexual and Gender Identities

Mishpachah Members’ Monthly Sivan –Tamuz 5781/ June 2021 Page 2

Volunteer Recognition Shabbat—Friday, July 23rd Contents: Presenting the 2021 Harvey Milk Chesed and the Page 1: 2021 Dace Stone Awards From the Archives Rabbi’s message This year, the Bet Mishpachah Annual Volunteer Recognition Service Page 2: will be held during the (virtual) Friday, July 23rd during Erev Shabbat Volunteer Recognition Shabbat Services. High Holy Day Update

Page 3: We will be circulating in advance a Commemorative Booklet listing all D’rash from the past volunteers and their specific activities. They will also be recognized in a brief ceremony during the service. We look forward to recognizing the Page 4: Rabbi’s Message—continued from page 1 many helpful contributions James Radack and Devra Floyd have made Social Justice Committee to our Congregation and the greater LBGTQ community. Bet Mishpachah Book Group

Page 5: Please help us appreciate the many members who have volunteered Machzor Benefactors during this past year and especially honor James and Devra by joining us Donations Friday, July 23rd at Erev Shabbat Services! Pages 6: Celebrations—July Birthdays and Anniversaries Thank You to our June Service Leaders Look forward to our July Service Leaders Donations—continued from page 5 Tisha B’Av

Page 7: Yizkor Book form

Page 8 and 9: High Holy Day Update Member Yartzeits

It’s official! The High Holy Page 10:: Days will be observed again About us this year. Please mark Page 11: Monday, September 6th as the Directory first service of Rosh ha-shana and Wednesday, September 15th for Kol Nidre as we usher in 5782! Thinking of membership at Bet While we are still working on the details, we are happy to announce that this year Mishpachah? all High Holy Day Services will be offered both in-person and virtually. If you would like to join us in person, we welcome seeing you again. If you are unable Membership is an opportunity to to attend, all services will be livestreamed. Stay tuned for an email with details in develop friendships, learn, become the coming weeks. We will also include updates in our electronic newsletter, involved in your heritage, and This Week and Beyond. support the only LGBTQ synagogue in the Washington, DC area. We are also excited to unveil Bet Mishpachah’s new edition of Chadeish Ya- To join Bet Mishpachah is easy; just meinu, the Machzor we will use during these High Holy Days. If you would like visit www.betmish.org today. to donate towards a copy, plans will be unveiled soon as how they will be distrib- uted. Questions, e-mail [email protected] Once again, High Holy Day tickets are included with your membership to Bet Mishpachah, and renewal season has just begun. If you have any questions, Like our Facebook page  please do not hesitate to contact us. www.facebook.com/betmish Shana Tova! May we all celebrate a happy and healthy New Year! Please join our new facebook community group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/betmish. This is a private group where you can have conversations with other members. This is a monitored group.

Mishpachah Members’ Monthly Sivan –Tamuz 5781/ June 2021 Page 3

A D’rash from the Past—July 20, 2020 By Larry Neff In essence, Moses is interpreting what has already been said in Parshat ha-Shavua: D’varim the earlier four books. This makes Moses himself the first inter- Deut. 1:1 - 2:1 (Triennial Year 1) preter of Torah, which is why he is called Moshè Rabbèinu — Moses our Rabbi, our Teacher. How many of you — like me — love to watch the home reno- vation shows on HGTV? Especially where they take an old The Greek name Deuteronomy means “second law.” But is Mo- house and bring it back to life. One of the special treats of ses merely repeating for a second time what came earlier in the those shows is when, during the renovations, they open up the Torah? No, even by traditional rabbinic count there are 70 new walls and find something inside, whether an inscription on the laws in Deuteronomy that are nowhere to be found in the earlier inside, or an old newspaper, even an old shoe. Just seeing the four books. So when the text says “Moses expounded on this inside of the walls is fascinating, at least for some of us. Torah,” it really means that he both interpreted and expanded on the earlier Teachings. In Jerusalem in 622 BCE, Josiah was King of the southern Kingdom of Judah — you remember that the northern King- In D’varim, the narration has shifted from God to humankind, dom of Israel had been conquered by the Assyrians a hundred who will now be fully responsible for putting into practice the years earlier, when many refugees fled south and brought their high ideals of the Torah — its vision for a sacred, just, and equi- unique northern traditions with them. So in 622 BCE King table community. And as we know all too well from trying for Josiah was renovating the first Temple, which by then was 244 years to put the high ideals of America’s Declaration of Inde- about 300 years old. And lo and behold, they found a book, a pendence into practice, this is never easy. scroll hidden in the walls that had been opened for the renovations. What they found is generally considered to be basically This narration shift in Deuteronomy is not the only major change. the Book of Deuteronomy — in Hebrew: D’varim, which King Josiah used the so-called “finding” of this ancient book in means “words.” Moses’s voice to make radical changes in Judaism, for example, to eliminate the old local altars where sacrifices had been offered The weekly Torah portion or parshat ha-shavua for this (sometimes to pagan gods) and to centralize the sacrificial cult Shabbat is the 44th portion in our annual cycle of reading the exclusively in the Temple in Jerusalem. We in Washington un- Torah, the Five Books of Moses. With it, we begin reading the derstand especially well how the pendulum can swing back and Book of Deuteronomy — D’varim, which is also the name of forth between the centralization or decentralization of programs this week’s portion. and authority. King Josiah pushed that pendulum far to the other side, and he used the Book of Deuteronomy to do so. Mah nishtana ha-sèfer ha-zeh? — How is this 5th book dif- ferent from the four earlier books of the Torah? For more than 2,500 years, our task as Jews has been to study and wrestle with and interpret and expound on the high ideals of jus- In the other four books, probably the most frequent beginning tice, equality and holiness set forth in the Torah, and to figure out of a paragraph or a section is the phrase: Va-yomeir Adonai el how we can put these ideals into practice both in our community Moshè leimor — And God spoke to Moses saying.... The text and in our own lives. of the other four books is generally presented as God speak- ing, or God as narrator. While there is a strong continuity of texts in our tradition, Juda- ism has also been radically changed and adapted again and But D’varim starts differently: Èileh ha-d’varim asher dibeir again. Not only the major religious revival and reformation made Moshè el-kol-Yisraël b’eiveir ha-Yardein ba-midbar — These by King Josiah in 622 BCE, but also the radical changes made by are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel in the wilderness the rabbis of the Talmud, who completely transformed Judaism on the other side of the Jordan River. The Hebrews have en- away from the sacrificial cult of the priests in the Temple in Jeru- dured 40 years of wandering in the wilderness and are about to salem and into a religion based on synagogues, prayer, study and enter the Land of Israel by crossing the Jordan River from the interpretation. And since then Judaism has had many other ma- east. Moses has led them around the country to invade it not jor changes, such as the development of Jewish mysticism in by the shortest route from Egypt, where they’ve come from, Kabbalah starting with the publication of the Zohar in Spain in but from all the way around the other side. In Deuteronomy the 13th century, the Chassidic movement starting in eastern Eu- Moses, who will not be allowed to enter the Land himself, is rope the 18th century, the Reform movement starting in Germa- giving the people his final instructions and wisdom to guide ny in the 19th century, the Reconstructionist movement starting them in establishing a sacred community in the Land. in America in the 20th century, and more recently the Jewish Re- newal movement and our own LGBTQ movement within Juda- And in this fifth book of the Torah, we hear Moses’s voice all ism. the way through. While God is the primary voice, the primary narrator in the first four books, in Deuteronomy it’s the voice Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan z”l, who founded the Reconstructionist of Moses we hear. movement, defined Judaism an “evolving religious civilization.” And as we learn from the change to a human narrative voice in Moses begins by recounting the story of what has happened to D’varim, It Is Up To Us to study and expound and interpret and this band of wanderers since they escaped from Egypt — Mitz- adapt Judaism as a force for justice, compassion and holiness, rayim, the narrow place, the place of constriction. But Moses both in our own lives and in our community. does not just repeat the story. Verse five says “Moses expounded on this Torah, on this Teaching.”

Mishpachah Members’ Monthly Sivan –Tamuz 5781/ June 2021 Page 4

Rabbi’s Message Continued from page 1 Social Justice Committee: Mid Year Report By James Radack Even though this holiday is not as famous as its calendrical neighbor, it is one that has found an audience. According to As Jews, as members of the LGBTQ community, as Americans, as Jewish Virtual Library, “In Israel, Tu B’Av is a day of love. human beings, we stand for a more safe, just, and equitable world, and against homophobia, transphobia, anti-Semitism, racism, xeno- While it is a regular workday, music and dance festivals are phobia, misogyny, discrimination, and white supremacy. typically held to celebrate the day. Israelis give cards and flowers to their loved ones on Tu B’Av and the date is popular As we began the New Year of 5782 and in light of the time of for weddings. These customs are observed by all segments of pandemic and unrest, the Social Justice Committee looked to reaf- Israeli society, whether they consider themselves religious or firm the collective commitment Bet Mishpachah has made to non-religious.” Tikkun Olam and tz’daka. To guide its future efforts, we launched a Congregational Survey to gather current thoughts, interests, and How do we make sense of the Jewish calendar where within priorities on a variety of social justice issues. one week we go from the lowest low to a day of love? This juxtaposition of holidays teaches us that despite horrible With more than 70 participating, the survey results were a clear indi- things happening to the Jewish people, love still exists – cator of the congregation’s core belief in social justice and provided a road map for action, including the following: between each other, and between humans and God. It renews  Reposition focus on LGBTQ, Jewish, DMV area, and racial jus- the relationship, telling us that God has not abandoned us, and tice causes we have not abandoned God. It gives us hope, illustrating  Build longer term relationships with fewer organizations vs one that goodness is on the horizon. Let this year’s Tu B’Av, time activities which falls on July 24-25, be one of love, singing, and  Diversify committee activities to encompass service and tz’daka, dancing. Let it be one that grants us renewed hope for the education, and action future and a sense of relief from the pain and restrictions of the past. Let it be a day on which we can channel the words Based on these findings, we crafted a plan of action for 2021. The of the 30th Psalm and proclaim “You turned my lament into plan includes the prioritization of attention and action on/for/with the dancing, you removed my sackcloth and girded me with joy Trans community and LGBTQ youth; Jews of Color and Multicultur- that my whole being might sing to You, Adonai, my God. I al Heritage; Immigration/Resettlement; and Hunger. will praise you eternally!” Here is the report on what we have accomplished so far this year:

Service and tz’daka Join our next Book Group Meeting  Created and hosted, with our partners at GLOE, the first annual Drag Queen Esther Fest (DQEF) to raise money for our Queen Sunday, August 8th at 4:30 pm Esther Fund. To initiate our new multi-year partnerships, we selected SMYAL, Wanda Alston Foundation, and Casa Ruby as the recipients of the 2021-23 grants. The virtual DQEF included The Bet Mishpachah Book Group will discuss A Passion remarks from each of the groups and an amazing retelling of the for Truth by Dr. Abraham Joshua Heschel. The book pre- Purim story aka ‘The Dragillah’ with performances, and raised sents a surprising parallel study of two figures, the Hasid- more than $2000 for each group! ic tzaddik Reb Menachem Mendl of Kotzk (1787-1859,  Selected Avodah, DC and Mary’s House for Richard Krampf known as the Kotzker Rebbe), and the Christian mystic and Fund grants and identified opportunities for non-financial activi- father of existentialism, Danish theologian Soren Kierke- ties. gaard (1813-1855). Both were extremists, radicals who in  Promoted and supported the virtual and socially distanced ser- the eyes of most people went too far in their views and vice programs of the EDCJCC Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility. their demands. Education  Organized post-Shabbat discussions for MLK Day of Service Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-72), one of the foremost (featuring Avodah Corps Members) and Refugee Shabbat Jewish minds of the twentieth cen- (featuring The Rainbow Railroad) tury, was internationally known as  Co-sponsored the Rabbi’s discussions on White Fragility and a scholar, author, activist, and the- How to Be an Antiracist ologian. The book is available in Action Kindle, hardcover and paper-  Assigned to develop a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy back. As always, all Bet Mish and plan for the congregation and beyond. To initiate the members are welcome to join the work, we will participate in a four-part DEI Community discussion! Please email Training Series (July 28, August 4, August 11, and August [email protected] for the 18) sponsored by the Religious Action Center. Zoom meeting number.  Explored opportunities for sponsorship of local refugee(s) with HIAS, The Rainbow Railroad, and others. More will be deter- mined as immigration policies improve.  Discussed the creation of liaisons to monitor issues and coordi- nate action in the various jurisdictions of the DMV area.

Mishpachah Members’ Monthly Sivan –Tamuz 5781/ June 2021 Page 5

We are truly appreciative for all those who donated as David M. Bachman, M.D. Benefactors for our new Machzor, Chadeish Yameinu to Catherine Tarabochia and Sarajane Garten be initially used this year at our High Holy Day Services. Rabbi JoHanna Potts Neal Strauss Mindy Gasthalter and Janine Levin Jeffrey Kahn and Anthony Alverno Barry Friedman and C.K. Yim Wendell R. Johnson and Mina J. Johnson Joseph Pomper Michael Singer Matthew Saal Isaac C. Belfer Rod Ross Susan Silber and June Peters Barry Kropf Gilbert Swift Louis Blank Barbara Lewis Douglas Auerbach and Nick Mower Letitia Gomez and Ruth Eisenberg Mark David Agrast and David Michael Hollis Noah Wofsy April, May and June Donations Rabbi Beth Cohen and Fran Sneider We appreciate the generosity of our members and friends, JonRobert Johnson and recognize them for their support. Alfred Munzer and Joel Wind Rachel S. Wolkowitz Operating Fund Elke Martin and Eva Freund Doug Auerbach, in memory of Marilyn Snaider Deborah Hyman and Paula Morris Doug Auerbach, in honor of Sue Silber and June Peters Loretta and Rabbi Robert Saks becoming grandmas Hank Londner Barbara Becker and Jutta Brettschneider, in memory of Rhonda Goodman and Dottie Moskowitz Rachell Eisenberg Debra Montanino and Joan Sherman Kasey Bigsby and Evan Zukerman Michael Greenwald Barry Friedman, in memory of his uncle, Henry James Bruce Frishman Barry Friedman, Shavuot offering memory of his three uncles Nathaniel Deutsch Barry Friedman, Passover offering in memory of Jerald M Goldberg Morris and Ann Friedman Marc Bernstein and Jeffrey Burka Mindy Gasthalter, in memory of Harold Agrast David Vostrizansky and Scott Reiter Mindy Gasthalter, in memory of Marilyn Snaider Dr. Stuart Sotsky Mindy Gasthalter, in memory of Rachell Eisenberg Warren Snaider Mindy Gasthalter, in honor of Hudson Skye Silber Pettis, the Batya Hyman and Belinda Cross first grandchild of Sue Silber and June Peters Devra Floyd Barbara Goldberg and LySandra Brady, in honor of Georgia Korn and Diane Liff Sue Silber and June Peters Morris Umansky Michael Anschel Joness Elyse Wander and Judith Retchin Ronni Karambelas Roger Schecter and Craig Ziskin Alvin Stern, in memory of his grandparents, Abraham and Jordan Potash and Adam Nelson, Stephanie Handel and Feige Stern Madeleine Remez, Jeremy Rosenblatt, Robin and Tonya Diane Liff and Georgia Korn, in memory of Winnie Siegel Katcher, Kenneth J. Carroll Diane Liff and Georgia Korn, in memory of Sarah Elman Robert Hollis and Don Jewler Diane LIff and Georgia Korn, in memory of David S. Schwarz Rachell Eisenberg Allan Armus Diane Liff and Georgia Korn, in memory of Marilyn Snaider Larry Neff Henry Morris Thomas Sachs Charles Stewart Jocelyn Kaplan Nancy Polikoff, in memory of Rachell Eisenberg Ruth Potts and Alex Carter Christopher R Miller Woldman Oneg and Kiddush Fund Maxine Klane Murray Woldman, in memory of his dear twin brother, Joel Jeff Nakrin Evan Zukerman and Kasey Bigsby Richard Krampf Social Action Fund Seymour D. Stern Eva Freund and Elke Martin, in memory of Marilyn Snaider Vinny Prell and Neela R Taub Eva Freund and Elke Martin, in honor of Sue Silber and Gena Schoen and Richard Edwards June Peters Andi H. Kasarsky Continued on page 6

Mishpachah Members’ Monthly Sivan –Tamuz 5781/ June 2021 Page 6

July Birthdays July Anniversaries

Joel Berelson Paula Morris and Deb Hyman Jeffrey Berns Richard Gondelman and Frank Marino LySandra Brady Carl Spatz and Thomas Hesselbrock Belinda Cross Patricia Carlton and Margaret Detwiler Ruth Eisenberg Sarajane Garten and Catherine Tarabochia Patricia Carlton Elyse Wander and Judith Retchin Glenn Garelik Michael Resnick and Michael Farley Deb Hyman Ellen Levy Kenneth Kennedy Denise Leish Thank You to Our June Service Leaders Jon Monger Robert Saks Friday, June 4: Paula Morris, Whitney Babash Theodore Xakellis and Deb Hyman Craig Ziskin Friday, June 11: Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin and Neal Strauss Robyn Helzner Evan Zukerman Saturday, June 12: Larry Neff Friday, June 18: Allan Armus Belated birthday to: Friday, June 25: Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin Rod Ross Saturday, June 26: Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin



Donations continued from page 5 We Look Forward in July to our Service Leaders Year End Donation Isaac & Leah M. Potts Foundation Friday, July 2: Paula Morris Ruth Potts Friday, July 9: Robyn Helzner Saturday, July 10: Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin Richard Kopley Emergency Assistance Fund Friday, July 16: Eryca Kasse and Rachel Wolkowitz Barry Kropf, in memory of Marilyn Snaider Friday, July 23: Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin Mark Goldfarb Memorial Accessibility Fund Saturday, July 24: Jeff Burka and Marc Bernstein Devra Floyd Friday, July 30: Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin

Non-member donation:  Daniel Salomon, in honor of Eva’s and Elke’s Anniversary

Tisha B’Av Of the days remaining in the Jewish calendar, the most significant is Tisha B’Av (the 9th of Av), observed this year starting at sundown on Saturday, July 17th. Tisha B’Av is a day of profound mourning, as, according to our tradition, the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem took place on this day. The day also commemorates other major calamities of Jewish history, many of which have clustered on or around the 9th of Av. These include: the expulsions from England, France and Spain; the commencement of the First Crusade; and the beginning of the Holocaust. The period of mourning actually starts three weeks before Tisha B’Av, with the Fast of the Seventeenth of Tamuz. On that day, the Romans first broke through the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the Second Temple. The mourning intensi- fies once Av begins and culminates with the rituals of Tisha B’Av, which call for fasting and other abstentions similar to those for Yom Kippur. The Book of Lamentations and dirges are read in the synagogue as is the Book of Job in Sephardic synagogues. While Bet Mishpachah will have no program on Tisha B’Av itself, we hope that you will take time on this day to remember the tragedies of our history and mourn the millions of Jewish martyrs lost over the millennia.

Mishpachah Members’ Monthly Sivan –Tamuz 5781/ June 2021 Page 7

Bet Mishpachah Yizkor Booklet for 5782

In Jewish tradition, when we write the name of result in the names being published in the Yizkor book- someone we love or respect who has died, we append let. You must take the active step to perform the the Hebrew letters zayin and lamed after their name. mitzva by making a donation to publish their names in This stands for zichrono l’vracha, “may they be remem- the Yizkor book. bered as a blessing.” It means that when we call them to mind, we should remember the good that they did in We suggest a donation from everyone of at least $18 their lives and keep it alive through our own actions. (chai = life) per name. But what you give is up to you. What we do and how we behave is a reflection of our All donations are greatly appreciated. parents’, teachers’, and other loved ones’ influence on our own lives. We keep our memories of them alive, not Names and donations should be mailed to: just by a passive recollection, but by doing something — Bet Mishpachah - Yizkor, c/o Armus a mitzva — and associating their names with our 4309 11th Street North actions. Arlington, VA 22201-4748 One way to do this is by making a donation to the congregation in their memory and having their names Do not send your list and donation to the congrega- published in Bet Mishpachah’s annual Yizkor booklet. tion’s post office box or include it with your dues. This This booklet is used on Yom Kippur and other holy days will only delay the process and increase the chance of when Yizkor is observed. This is not the same as ob- errors. Listings must be received by serving a Yartzeit, the anniversary of a death. Sub- Friday, mitting names for Yartzeit announcements will not August 27, 2021.

*********A. Please print clearly using block letters. Names will be listed alphabetically. *********

First Name Last Name First Name Last Name

1. 6.

2. 7.

3. 8.

4. 9.

5. 10.

B. Please list in the section below names and relationships of those who have died during 5781(since last Rosh ha-Shana). These names will be read aloud during the Yizkor service on Yom Kippur.

First Name Last Name Relationship Donor First Name Donor Last Name

Example: Arthur Einberg Father of Morris Einberg

1. 2. 3.

I am making a donation of $______, in memory of the above. May their names be remembered as a blessing.

Name of Donor (please print) ______

EMAIL Address ______

Street Address ______City, State______Zip Code ______

Payment can be made through our website, with PayPal Giving, send a check or contact: [email protected]

Mishpachah Members’ Monthly Sivan –Tamuz 5781/ June 2021 Page 8

We extend our sincerest sympathy to our members who have experienced recent losses: Warren Snaider on the loss of his sister, Marilyn Snaider Ruth Eisenberg on the loss of her mother, Rachell Eisenberg Nathaniel Deutsch on the loss of his mother, Sylvia Deutsch Dan Yost and Louis Blank on the loss of their mother and mother-in-law, Norma Jean Yost,

Member Yartzeits

Announced Friday and Saturday, June 25 and 26 (Yartzeits observed June 25 – July 1; 15 – 21 Tamuz)

Sheba P. Scher, Aunt of Ruth Potts July 1 (Tamuz 21) Zelda Gordon, Aunt of Maxine Klane July 1 George Singer, Uncle of Michael Singer July 1 Alessandro Nobile, Nephew of Catherine Tarabochia July 1

Announced Friday July 2 (Yartzeits observed July 2 -8; 23 – 28 Tamuz)

Evelyn Rheingold, Grandmother of Mindy Gasthalter July 3 Sylvia Seidman, Aunt of Lawrence Berman July 3 (Tamuz 23) Jack Kahn, Grandfather of Jeffrey Kahn July 4 Ricardo Alcaraz, ex-Brother-in-law of Judy Barlas July 6 Morton Retchin, Father of Judith Retchin July 6 Israel Eisenberg, Father of Ruth Eisenberg July 7 (Tamuz 27) Paul Kaufman, Uncle of Michael Resnick July 7 (Tamuz 27) Lillian Dembo, Grandmother of Jocelyn Kaplan July 7 Morrie Ringelheim, Brother-in-law of Georgia Korn July 7 Anna Reich Lifshitz, Grandmother of Diane Liff July 7 William Lifshitz, Grandfather of Diane Liff July 8

Announced Friday and Saturday, July 9 and 10 (Yartzeits observed July 9 - 15; 29 Tamuz – 6 Av)

Robert Marcus, Grandfather of Susan Silber July 9 Harold Leftwich, Friend of Beth Cohen July 9 Daniel Morales, Friend of Alicia Saffer July 9 Morris Rosetsky, Grandfather of Judy Barlas July 10 Eleanor Berelson, Grandmother of Joel Berelson July 10 Jeffrey Bernstein, Friend/neighbor of Larry Neff July 10 David Lax, Uncle of Stuart Sotsky July 11 (Av 2) Dorothy Neiterman, Grandmother of Michael Resnick July 13 (Av 4) Richard Horovitz, beloved Friend of Stuart Sotsky July 14 (Av 5) Robin Aleo, Niece of Steven Weinberg July 14 (Av 5) Dorothy Uchin, Grandmother of Marisa Uchin July 14 Elizabeth Gossett, Mother and Mother-in-law of Patrick Gossett and Howard Menaker July 14 W. James Roddie, Uncle of Reggie McBee July 14 Ana Besa Selbin, Grandmother of Denise Leish July 15 Jacob Spindel, Grandfather of Carol Stern July 15 Shirley Nigberg, Aunt of Jocelyn Kaplan July 15

Mishpachah Members’ Monthly Sivan –Tamuz 5781/ June 2021 Page 9

Announced Friday, July 16 (Yartzeits observed July 16 - 22; 7 – 13 Av)

Thelma Adams, Aunt of Patricia Carlton July 16 Edward Levy, Jr., Father of Ellen Levy July 16 Commander James Alan Graf, former Partner of Tom Sachs July 16 Monroe Fabian, Friend of Larry Neff July 18 Michel Frisch, Grandfather of Mitchell Haymes July 18 (Av 9) Jane Schapiro, Friend of Ruth Potts July 18 (Av 9) James Scher, Cousin of Ruth Potts July 19 (Av 10) Joan Berelson, Aunt of Joel Berelson July 19 Lorna Kasarsky, Mother of Andi Kasarsky July 19 Judy Himpler, Dear Friend of Ruth Potts July 19 Robert Segovia, Stepfather of Letitia Gomez July 17 Bernice Hyman, Mother of Deb Hyman July 21 Marjorie Lewis, Mother of Barbara Lewis July 21 Mac Gottfried, Great uncle of Joel Berelson July 22 Consuelo Sides, Mother of LySandra Brady July 22 Marilyn Simms, Sister of LySandra Brady July 22 Ethel Morris, Grandmother of Paula Morris and Ronni Karambelas July 22 (Av 13) Ethel Morris, Mother of Hank Morris July 22

Announced Friday and Saturday, July 23 and 24 (Yartzeits observed July 23 - 29; 14 – 20 Av)

Bessie Montgomery Prather, Mother of Mark’s partner July 23 Leonard I. Frank, Father of Steven Frank July 23 Belle Bergman, Aunt of Georgia Korn July 23 Grace Milgram, Mother of Betty Milgram July 23 Gloria Marcus Silber, Mother and Mother-in-law of Sue Silber and June Peters July 23 Pearl Nissenbaum, Aunt of Beverly Nissenbaum July 23 (Av 14) Fay Stern, Mother of Al Stern July 23 (Av 14) Simcha Munzer, Father of Al Munzer July 24 (Av 15) Emile Bocian, Grand Uncle of Jocelyn Kaplan July 24 Lee Desjardins, foster Grandmother of Catherine Tarabochia July 26 Eva Schindler-Rainman, Friend of Eva Freund and Elke Martin July 27 Joseph Lev, Grandfather of Larry Neff July 27 Walter Winslow Hollis, Father-in-law of Mark David Agrast July 27 Gertrude Stein, Historical Figure July 27 Charles Haymes, Father of Mitchell Haymes July 28 (Av 19)

Announced Friday, July 30 (Yartzeits observed July 30 & 31; 21 & 22 Av)

Leo Umansky, Father of Morris Umansky July 30 Shirley Sklar Umansky, Grandmother of Morris Umansky July 30 Joseph Horowitz, Father of Bruce Horowitz July 30 (Av 21) Rose Cohen, Grandmother of Marc Bernstein July 31 (Av 22) Abraham Levine, Grandfather of Mark Levine July 31 (Av 22) Kris Bowman, Partner of Vinny Prell July 31 (Av 22) Leon Gasthalter, Father of Mindy Gasthalter July 31 Eva Kaplan, Grandmother of Jocelyn Kaplan July 31 John Scott, Nephew of Barbara Goldberg and LySandra Brady July 31

Mishpachah Members’ Monthly Sivan –Tamuz 5781/ June 2021 Page 10

Shabbat Services Bet Mishpachah Newsletter While the Edlavitch JCC building is closed for the Our newsletter, Mishpachah Members’ Monthly, is pandemic, all Bet Mishpachah Shabbat services will be published monthly by Bet Mishpachah, P.O. Box 1410, held virtually by Zoom. Please check our website for Washington, D.C., 20013. The newsletter is sent to details on connecting or our weekly electronic members and posted on our website. Articles, columns and newsletter, “This Week and Beyond.” content should be submitted by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Email them to [email protected] Bet Mishpachah holds Shabbat services every Friday at 8:00 pm, followed by a virtual Oneg Shabbat social Weekly Email Broadcast hour, and on the second and fourth Saturday of every The congregation also distributes a weekly email blast, This month at 10:00 am. Saturday morning services include Week and Beyond, which contains late-breaking a short Torah reading, a lively Torah discussion (in lieu congregational news about upcoming programs, as well as of a sermon) and a virtual Kiddush lunch. other Jewish and/or LGBTQ news of partner organizations. To receive our weekly email broadcasts, send an email to [email protected] Sign Language interpretation for Shabbat services is available by sending an email request Congregational Website to [email protected] with a minimum of two weeks Be sure to check out our website at www.betmish.org with notice. information about our congregation’s current and upcoming programs, our rabbi, and our history, as well as links to Any changes to our regular Shabbat service other websites of interest. schedule (e.g., due to inclement weather) will be posted on our website (www.betmish.org) and will be included Reprints. Information in any of our publications may be in our weekly email broadcast reprinted without permission, but acknowledgment of the source is required. To Schedule a Bet Mishpachah Event, email the date, and number of expected attendees Communications Policy. For questions about our editorial to [email protected] or advertising policies, send an email to [email protected] Bet Mishpachah’s Affiliations Bet Mishpachah is a member of the: Membership * World Congress of GLBT Jews: Keshet Ga’avah To join our Bet Mishpachah family and become a * Jewish Community Council of Greater Washington member, email [email protected] * Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Reduced membership is available for students, young Washington people, new members, and those who live outside the DC * Network of Independent Jewish Communities metro area. and Havurot Address, Phone, and Email Updates Send your name and old and new information Mishpachah Members’ Monthly Newsletter Staff to [email protected] Coordinator — Liat Novek Design/Layout — Liat Novek Bikur Cholim — We Care About You Proofreaders — Mindy Gasthalter, Nathaniel Deutsch Become a partner in the mitzva of Bikur Cholim — visiting and Elke Martin the sick — by advising our Bikur Cholim Committee, rabbi, Transliteration Macher — Scott Reiter or president when you or a relative is hospitalized. We can Secretary — Erica Gloger stay informed ONLY if we receive the information. Please Communications Chair — Mike Goldstein email us at [email protected].

Donations Death Notices, Bereavement Services To donate to our congregation, please mail your check to If you are in need of bereavement services or to announce a Bet Mishpachah, P.O. Box 1410, Washington, D.C. death in your family, email [email protected]. 20013 or donate via PayPal from the “Donations” page on our web site, www.betmish.org

Mishpachah Members’ Monthly Sivan –Tamuz 5781/ June 2021 Page 11