summer 5776/2016 - hebrew institute of white plainsquoting a verse in the song of devorah on...

Our “Next Century Together” Began With a Bang!

Our shul’s Testimonial Dinners have historically been memorable and joyful, and the 2016 Dinner was no exception. A record number of HIWP congregants and friends gathered at Bet Am Shalom synagogue on June 5th for the 66th Annual HIWP Testimonial Dinner. There, we paid tribute to this year’s worthy honorees – Liron Gitig, Rachel and Chazzan Yitzy Spinner, Leah Weitzman, and Rebecca Wolf – all of whom have contributed in countless and critical ways to the Hebrew Institute of White Plains. We also spent a few moments that night reflecting on our shul community through an interactive exercise that ultimately resulted in the creation of a “Wordle,” or a visual piece of art incorporating adjectives that capture our respective impressions of who we are as a shul and what makes us special. Although it was a rainy night, the weather did not put a damper on the spirit of the evening: there was a celebratory feeling in the air, and many have since commented that there existed an almost palpable sense of pride in our synagogue, optimism for the future, and true appreciation for our honorees. It was the perfect way to launch our next century together! In addition to buttressing our sense of community, the Dinner actually exceeded our fundraising goals. Thanks to the dogged efforts of several individuals – especially Marc Metson, our Journal Vice-Chair, and Jason Rosen, the Business Ad team leader – our journal/directory brought in record revenue, all of which will go toward providing essential support to the shul’s operations throughout the year.

Continued on page 11

Summer 5776/2016

In this issue…

From the Rabbi’s Desk 2 From the President 4 Annual Meeting Highlights 5

Family News 12 Gifts and Contributions 13-15 HIWP Events 16

Women’s Focus 6 Meet the B’Nai Mitzvah 9 Shul Shmooze 8-9 Annual Dinner Highlights 10-11

Rebuild HIWP Hits Fever Pitch

Have you noticed the thermometer in our lobby? We are presently at about $3,800,000 in pledges and other resources for our Rebuilding project, moving ever closer to our goal for the new construction that will be our home for many years to come and a home for future generations of members. Our goal is to reach out to every member of the HI family, as this is everyone’s spiritual home. We want to talk with each and every member of our community, about the project and the best way for you to participate in it. If you have not yet been contacted and can’t wait to talk with a member of the fundraising team, please contact Keith Reich ([email protected]) or Marc Guthartz ([email protected]). Please do not send in an unsolicited gift. As we go forward in the months ahead, watch for plan updates and fundraising news.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Hebrew Institute of White Plains

Streaks and Slumps- No Matter It's summertime, the period of streaks and slumps. Soon we’ll be hearing about this pitcher who is on fire, and that batter who suddenly is stuck in a rut, and especially about all of those who are paid big money to catch and pitch and hit. But streaks and slumps are not limited to the baseball diamond. Anyone in the creative world knows of such things; writers fighting against a deadline, artists of all sorts who experience “dry spells”. Many novelists who specialize in mysteries, thrillers and romance are on contract to write a book a year. It must be agony for them when it just doesn't come. I heard Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks speak not long ago about his summer routine, which involved going into the lovely cottage in his garden in July and emerging in August with another book. Developing a cogent message for each Shabbat morning is a challenge. I can't imagine how Rabbi Sacks can continue his streak year after year. I would hit a block shortly into the second paragraph. Streaks and slumps are present in our religious lives too. We have periods when we are especially motivated and engaged and then there are the times when it's harder for us to find the inner drive and inspiration. That's where an important midrash comes in. It appears in the opening words of the Book of Bamidbar ("in the wilderness"), which we read just a few weeks ago. The Midrash notes that the Torah is experienced in three ways: as fire/esh (Mt. Sinai was full of smoke as G-d descended upon it in fire), like water/mayim (quoting a verse in the Song of Devorah on revelation), and in the wilderness/midbar (Bamidbar 1:1). I read this Midrash as describing different points in our religious lives. It fully understands our spiritual ebbs and flows: Fire/esh: When we’re on fire- at points when we’re inspired, driven, yearning. Water/mayim: When we’re tranquil- a very different mental and spiritual state, also quite powerful. Wilderness/midbar: When we’re feeling all dried up - Wilting in

Hebrew Institute of White Plains 20 Greenridge Avenue White Plains, NY 10605

www.hiwp.org Tel: 914.948.3095 Fax: 914.949.4676

Rabbi: Chaim Marder: [email protected] Chazzan: Yitzy Spinner: [email protected]

Rabbi Emeritus: Murray Grauer Cantor Emeritus: Eli Berlinger

President: David Kahn [email protected] Administrator: Teri Kopp: [email protected]

Executive Officers—Management Committee Synagogue President ~ David Kahn

Co-Vice President ~ Marilyn Kneller-Rimsky Co-Vice President ~ Rena Fredman

Secretary ~ Dan Lehman Treasurer ~ Ellen Ungar

Senior Gabbai ~ Doug Hirshon Gabbai ~ Gadi Romm

House Officer ~ Mick Gilbert Programming Officers ~ Kara Olson, Talia Metson

Women’s Focus Officer ~ Meira Orentlicher Fundraising Officer — vacant

HIWP Committees 2016-17

* Adult Education – Uriel Heilman * Bikur Cholim –Richard and Debby Tolchin * Book Club—Audrey Reich * Bulletin – Debbie Guthartz * Boy Scouts – Evan Gilder * Capital Campaign – Keith Reich, Marc Guthartz * Chavurot – Jonathon Ament * Chazzan Liaison Committee – Rena Rosen Neil Rimsky * Chesed – Amy Ament * CPR/Blood Drive – Marc Guthartz * Donation Cards – Audrey Schulman * Facility Planning Committee – Todd Stern * Finance/Investments – Ellen Ungar, Alan Schulman

* Gabbayit - Leah Portnoy Worenklein * Girl Scouts - Paula Gilder * High Holiday Seating – Teddy Ganzarski, Rich Ehrenhaus * Historian - Dan Steinhauer * House –Mick Gilbert * Israel Action – Dean Ungar * Journal – Marc Metson, Jason Rosen * Kesharim - Talia Crystal * Kiddush – Keith Reich * Laining – Ari Walisever * Marketing - Leah Portnoy Worenklein * Mishloach Manot – Malka Helft, Rena Rosen * MOFIA: Members Over Fifty In Action – Judy Grant * Movie Club – Paul Orentlicher, Leah Portnoy Worenklein * New Baby Meals – Erica Fish * Nominating Committee – Rena Fredman, Marilyn Kneller-Rimsky, David Kahn, Norma Hurwitz, Adena Laufer, Marc Metson, Yael Slonim * Summer Onegs – David Siegel * Programming – Kara Olson, Talia Metson * Rabbi Liaison Committee – Michelle Brody Liron Gitig * Religious Services – Doug Hirshon, Gadi Romm * Security – Rena Fredman, Ken Sadinoff, Elize Beneke

* Shabbat Across HIWP – Malka Helft, Rena Rosen * Shiva Meals – Debbie Guthartz, Suzie Marder * Testimonial Dinner – Lisa Kahn Kriegel * Thrift Shop – Deborah Weinberger * Website – David Worenklein * Welcoming/Membership – Debbie Fein * Women’s Tefillah – Adina Steinberg * Women’s Rosh Chodesh – Tani Schwartz * Yahrzeit Cards – Jerusha Coltof * Youth Committee – Aaron Steinberg * Youth Shomrim – Debbie Lehman

From The Rabbi’s Desk

by Rabbi Chaim Marder

Hebrew Institute of White Plains Bulletin

HIWP Board of Directors

2016-2017

Alex Aronoff Joanna Blum Daniel Cohen

Kay Cohen Matt Crystal

Marina Feldman Rena Fredman

Mick Gilbert Evan Gilder

Marc Guthartz Doug Hirshon Beth Hurvitz David Kahn

Marilyn Kneller-Rimsky Adena Laufer Dan Lehman

Wendy Leibowitz Liz Marcus

Talia Metson Kara Olson

Meira Orentlicher Audrey Reich Neil T. Rimsky

Gadi Romm Kenneth Sadinoff

Yael Slonim Aaron Steinberg

Todd Stern Ellen Ungar

HIWP Bulletin Staff : Leah Weitzman, Meira Orentlicher, Daniel Rowley, and Teri Kopp Managing Editor: Debbie Guthartz Contributing Writers: Rabbi Marder, David Kahn, Marc Guthartz, Lisa Kahn, Debbie Guthartz, Adina Steinberg, Rebecca Amaru, Evan Gilder, Deborah Weinberger Photo contributions: Alan Schulman, Dan Rowley We welcome photos, articles and information for inclusion in the bulletin. Submissions can be sent via email to [email protected] or mailed to the HIWP office ATTN: Teri. All articles are subject to editing.

the heat, shivering by night, tired and lethargic.

That “midbarness” is where we often find ourselves. If we were writers, it would be writer’s block; if we were ball players, it would be a slump; in other creative work, a funk, a dry spell. For any religious person, there may be a reality, of periods of “uninspiredness”. We might experience just short periods of esh and mayim, and much longer ones of wildernesses; perhaps the majority of our lives (40 years or more) could be spent in the wilderness.

Our absolute goal of course, is to get out of the midbar. The midbar is the place which, if we need to enter it, we are desperate to traverse it quickly and get to the other side. We recite a birchat hagomel, a blessing of thanksgiving for survival when we do.

Yet, a promise is expressed in this midrashic read: This Midrash claims (I would claim about it) that we must not merely continue to trudge through the desert, for days, weeks or even decades, but that meaningfulness can yet happen there and then too. Torah can be given and received in the desert. If I might say, “I’m parched and I just can't fire up", or "I'm internally agitated, and can't settle into a good place religiously," "I'm in the wilderness" - the Midrash responds that there is spiritual life to me yet there, and more for me to experience.

No season of the year or of our lives, no internal cycle, is absent of opportunity. Meaning and even inspiration can be found in each. We are meant to experience richly in the fullness of the present state, whatever it may be; fire, water or wilderness. We just need to appreciate our state, inhabit it, and then try to experience what is there to be encountered.

Play ball.

Rabbi Chaim Marder

Two extra notes: Towards the end of the summer, our inaugural yoetzet halachah, Dalia Shulman will be stepping down from her post. We are close to finalizing with a wonderful woman who will, G-d willing, be taking up the position. In addition, we are in the final stages of arranging for a congregational intern to once more be present in our shul. Details of both will follow soon!

RCM


A Message From The President

by David Kahn

Across the Finish Line and Back to Start

We just finished up a fantastic year! YES!

We had a blast. Here are some recent highlights:

HIWPers Know How to Party! Clearly this year’s Dinner was a smashing success. Thanks to Lisa Kahn Kriegel and the rest of the Dinner Committee team, it was brilliantly planned, perfectly executed, and the best part of it was that it reinforced our already strong sense of Community, Home, and Family. On top of that, the fundraising achievements were well beyond our goals. Thanks to everyone for their generosity and participation! Mazal Tov to all the well deserving Honorees. And special congratulations to the “Thrift Shop” and “Honorees” for beating the “Management Team” and the “Newbies” in the Text to Pledge Song and Dance competition.

Torah, Torah, and More Torah! Shavuot was beyond amazing. Kids from 8 to 88 stayed up all night learning. Adults talked about Prayer and their relationship with G-d. Teenagers had intense discussions regarding Euthanasia. And 8 year olds had intense discussions with Sam regarding Internet Privacy and Halachik Frameworks (at 4 AM…). 3 to 10 year olds met up at the Helfts to learn yet more Torah with Sam and Ayala. Women gathered at Rebecca and Marc Wolf’s house to discuss Reishit Gemilut Artzenu. As a community, we finished and celebrated the completion of TANACH through Divrei Torah delivered by members all the way from 10 years to 81 years old. We are a cross/inter-generational shul and we are proud of it!

MOFIA Members over Fifty in Action – Enough said. If you qualify for this exciting group, you should participate—period. It is too fun to miss out on the extensive programming. There is no rest time for MOFIA.

Bar and Bat Mitzvahs Galore!

Security and Safety. Thanks to Elise Beneke, Rena Fredman, Kenneth Sadinoff, and the rest of the Security team who helped successfully coordinated the Fire/Emergency Drill fire drill. Well done everyone!

In March, I challenged all of us to reach $2.5 million in pledges towards the HIWP ReBuild campaign by Shavuot. And yes – WE DID IT! We are now at almost $2.8 million in pledges. Please make sure you connect with our Solicitation Team ASAP so we can get closer to meeting our fundraising goals and ReBuilding our shul to meet our community needs. $700,000 to go. We will make it, but only if everyone pitches in.

Thanks to Marc Guthartz, Keith Reich, and the rest of the solicitation team for all their efforts!

As we FINISH up this year, a special thank you to Rick Spitz, Steven Apple, and Deborah Weinberger who will be stepping off the Board as they complete their terms. Their insights and leadership have been priceless!

As we START the new year, we will bring on 3 new members to the Board – Marina Feldman, Neil Rimsky, and Matt Crystal. These are all fine leaders who have contributed to HIWP in meaningful ways. We look forward to their thoughtful counsel as full board members.

We have a lot of work to do over the summer to prepare for next year’s programming. Under the leadership of Kara Olson and Talia Metson, our lay leaders (including many of you) are already hard at work. I’m looking forward to another fantastic year.

Forever indebted to all of you….

Your President, David


The State of HIWP During a well attended Annual Meeting on Sunday June 26, a new Board of Directors and Management Committee were voted on and members were briefed on the “State of the Shul”. Steven Apple, Rick Spitz and Deborah Weinberger were thanked for their board service these past terms and new members Matt Crystal, Marina Feldman and Neil Rimsky were welcomed. Presenters included David Kahn, Marilyn Kneller-Rimsky, Ellen Ungar, Keith Reich, Todd Stern and Audrey Reich. David Kahn opened his remarks by sharing his goals as he took over the shul Presidency last year. He hoped for continued growth and engagement (meaning membership and participation), continued planning towards a beautiful renovated home for HIWP and increased opportunities for learning AND fun at every age level. He reported that we are “doing extremely well in all of these areas”. He thanked all members for their continued support and noted dedicated volunteers too numerous to mention, in making his goals a reality. We are very strong. · We are Financially Strong · We’ve brought onboard New Members · We’ve launched new innovative committees and by engaging more leaders, now have over 50 committees actively working · We’ve taken on more Learning than ever before, with over 50 learners

from the ages of 8 to 81 participating on Shavuot in a Siyum Tanach · We’ve reinforced our Security, working with our local government agencies to improve it, installing new locks, and training volunteers through the Community Security Service · We have brought Innovative Women's Programming to HIWP and Westchester in general, creating a position of Yoetzet Halacha · Our Youth Programming is innovative and exciting with over 150 children participating in various programs on a regular basis. Kahn stated that “there are too many

committees and lay leaders to mention, but you should all know that each of you contributes to the

fabric of our community to allow us to be HIWP.” He also thanked the office team, the custodial staff

and of course, Rabbi Marder and Chazzan Yitzy. Kahn thanked them for their “continued leadership

and inspiration… that drives us to continue to grow

and be better individuals and a community.” He

also noted that we have “a rock solid board that

are very insightful and try their best in their duty to

HIWP to represent our fellow members in the most

thoughtful way possible.” In closing his remarks,

David thanked everyone “for the honor and

privilege to serve HIWP.”


Women’s Focus

Women’s Tefillah News

Women's Tefillah at HIWP rounded out a wonderful year with our annual Shavuot learning. We were privileged this year to have a Jewish History session on Religious Zionism led by our own Adina Shoulson and Rebecca Wolf. We also recently celebrated the mincha Bat Mitzvah of Leora Brasch, which was a warm, joyful and inspiring Tefillah. The last Shabbat Women's Tefillah service before our summer recess was Shabbat Parshat Beha'alotcha on June 25, 2016. This past year was a quiet one from a Bat Mitzvah standpoint, but next year looks to be busier, and we greatly look forward to that. One of the highlights of the year has certainly been the "new tradition" of having pre-Bat Mitzvah girls layning Maftir. Several girls have taken on this challenge, and any adult who is ready to learn how to layn should be inspired by these girls, to start now! We are delighted to have added Bracha Waldman to our roster of Gabbayot and welcome any other volunteers who would like to serve in this position - we are happy to show you the ropes! As we approach the end of the year, a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who made our events happen is in order. From Simchat Torah to the Luncheon/Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat to the Friday night family dinner to Purim and Shavuot, all these events were successful due to the hard work of women in our community who have a lot of other things to take care of! We are so grateful that you all make time to help Women's Tefillah be the wonderful community within a community, that it is. We would like to give enormous and public thanks to Dahna Stadtmauer and Ilana Rosenberg, who served as our recruiters this past year. We couldn't have done it without you! Have a great summer, Adina Steinberg & Rebecca Amaru

WE WELCOME …

Leah Sarna, as our new HIWP

Congregational Intern and

Shiffy Friedman as our new

Westchester Community Yoetzet Halacha.

They both will be

joining our team in September.

Watch for more

Information to come!


Meet the B’Nei Mitzvah

Beni Romm

If you have davened at the Hebrew

Institute of White Plains in

the past ten years, chances

are you have met Beni

Romm. Beni is that kid in

the suit to the right of the

shulchan. On May 7, 2016,

Beni graduated from the pro

-forma leader of the children

who finish up Mussaf on

Shabbat to a full fledged

member of the minyan, as

he celebrated his becoming

a Bar Mitzvah. Beni celebrated by layning

parashat Acharei Mot, recanting the story of King

David and Jonathan in the Haftarah of Machar

Chodesh - the Haftarah on the eve of Rosh

Chodesh - and by leading the congregation in

Mussaf with some of his favorite Yitzy niggunim.

Beni also inspired the kehila with a unique

analysis of the Torah’s instruction in his parasha

to “live in the mitzvot.” His message was that the

mitzvot are not intended to be followed robotically

and also do not come with an expectation of

perfect adherence. Mitzvot are given to be lived,

knowing that with life comes failure, but with

learning from failure comes growth and a stronger

commitment and love for Hashem and his

teachings. Beni has already demonstrated his

commitment to these words by regularly attending

minyan during the week and proudly being

counted among “the regulars.”

Outside of shul, Beni is a black belt in Tae

Kwon Do. He has a love of animals and cares for

a crested gecko and a turtle. In school, he is the

anchor of the Torah Bowl team and has been a

regional finalist in Chidon HaTanach. Beni plays

piano, loves playing role-playing games with his

friends, and has even tried his hand at

programming his own adventure game.

In honor of his Bar Mitzvah, he is raising

money for Leket, an Israeli organization that

gathers, harvests, and rescues food in the land of

Israel and aims to ensure that no one in Israel goes

hungry. This summer, Beni will go to Israel and work

the Leket fields himself along with his family and will be

giving a portion of the generous Bar Mitzvah gifts he

received to Leket and other tzedaka organizations.

Bentzi Gitig

Bentzi was the first of the Gitig children to be born in White Plains, where he has grown up happily playing on Ralph field most shabbatot. Bentzi just completed seventh grade at Westchester Day School, which he has attended since he was three. He really enjoyed leyning parshat kedoshim for his Bar Mitzvah this past May, and sharing what he learned about the parsha with everyone in shul. Along with his siblings Oren and Adin, Bentzi spends his summers at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires where he enjoys playing Frisbee and soccer. Molly Flicker Molly Rae Flicker celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on May 20-21, 2016. She studied Pashat Emor with Rabbi Marder and Megilat Ester with Rebbetzin Hoffman and delivered a Dvar Torah on both Friday and Saturday. Molly is finishing the 6

th grade

at Scarsdale Middle School where she excels academically and enjoys cheerleading. This summer she will head back to Camp Tel Noar in New Hampshire.


Scouting News by Evan Gilder

Once upon a time, it was difficult or impossible for Shabbat-observant Jews to participate in weekend Boy Scouts camps, but for over a decade now, the annual scouting Kinus has provided just that. Every Memorial Day (except when it coincides with Shavuot), hundreds of scouts and their families spend Memorial Day weekend camping out at Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco (for North Bergen Boy Scouts) in western New Jersey, near the Delaware Water Gap. For Kinus, scout troops -- including cub scouts and girl scouts -- converge on the campground, from across the region. This year, for the second year in a row, our troop had the largest contingent -- 41 participants from 14 families. Rob Weber, Cubmaster of our Pack 613, says, "For our active scouts and their families, this is a chance to come together, complete requirements, get new collaborative ideas and recharge. For the first-timers, this is their introduction to scouting, so it's an immersion among friends and family and a beautiful Shabbat." The dozens of weekend activities included typical scout adventures and skills, from orienteering and home repair to citizenship and late-night skits by the fireplace. On Shabbat, participants divided among Orthodox or Egalitarian services, and a service geared to cub scouts and Girl scouts (daisies). The Scouts organized and led the main services, including layning from the Torah, and performed set-up and cleanup of all meals. Most families set up their own tents, but those that were not that brave chose cabins. The eruv and Glatt Kosher meals were prepared by a dedicated army of volunteers and scouts. Shabbat afternoon was a unique mix of hikes and Torah study. All participants from younger kids to teenagers, worked on specific skills that they chose, to help them advance in rank. Many were fun, such as shotgun and riflery, archery (referred to as sportsmanship), knife safety, knot tying and fire starting (in bad conditions), just to name a few. In addition to the daily flag-raising and lowering ceremonies, there were special presentations for Memorial Day, including a U.S. Air Force veteran who spoke to us, imparting the culture and meaning of military service and sacrifice. Back in Westchester, scout activities continue throughout the year, from instructional meetings to outdoor adventures, field trips, and service projects. More information is online at http://westchesterscouts.org/. The following Sunday, June 5, Troop 613 and other local Jewish scout groups led off the Celebrate Israel Parade up Fifth Avenue, as the Color Guard, showing their Jewish pride and scout's honor. It has been an amazing year for growth and development.

Volunteers Needed at Thrift Shop

As most of you know, we have a thriving thrift shop in the basement of our Shul. Thanks to dedicated volunteers we are open for business three days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10am-2pm. Not only does our thrift shop bring in significant revenue (upwards of $50K this year) but we serve the community by offering quality merchandise at affordable prices. Most of our customers are on a first name basis with our loyal and enthusiastic volunteers. It is a "win win" for our Shul and for the greater White Plains community. The summer months are a challenge for us staff-wise. Like all of us, our volunteers lead busy lives and have plans and commitments peppered throughout the summer. We need YOUR help to get through this summer season in order to continue to serve our loyal customers and generate needed sales revenue to help support quality programming for our shul. Please review your schedules and step up to assist us this summer. Ask any of our awesome volunteers how much they enjoy working in the shop: Lois Laitman, Kay Cohen, Jill Spitz, Ruth Levine, Jose Coltof, Leah Worenklein, Ricki Goodblatt , Norma Hurwitz, Wendy Leibowitz, Edie Hirshon, Debbie Schwartz, Lona Adler, Vivian Hedaya, Joyce Besdine, Mirav Orzo and Lorri Nadel Consider giving it a try. Your help could make the difference between us not being able to open for lack of staff or maintaining consistency with our scheduled hours to serve our clientele. Please feel free to call Deborah Weinberger at 914-774-2995 with any questions.

Shul Shmooze

http://westchesterscouts.org/


Shul Shmooze

Athletes Honored

Each spring Schechter Westchester High School honors a male and a female athlete for displaying excellence on the field as well as outstanding sportsmanship and middot. This year Schechter Westchester honored two of our own: Noah Dunn and Eden Gilbert. Noah played varsity soccer, basketball and baseball while Eden played varsity basketball and soccer. Yasher Koach to our HIWP athletes!

Mazal Tov to our Grads

Alyssa Adler Noah Adler

Ariella Cohen Gavriella Cohen Hannah Cohen Jacob Cohen Joshua Cohen Yakira Cohen Natalie Dicker Jeremy Gabor Elijah Gilbert Meira Gilbert

Michael Glatstein Noam Goldberg-Kellman

Ariella Goldman Tori Grant

Annie Press Grauer Jonathan Klein Rafi Kubersky

Julia Malits Jeremy Reich

Rebecca Rimsky Jacob Schwartz

Jessica Schwartz Samantha Schwartz

Max Spitz Liana Weinberger

Matt Werner Sophie Zimbalist

If you are interested in knowing what the

Bikur Cholim Committee does and/or if you are

thinking of joining

Please contact Debby or Richard Tolchin, Barbara or Marty Marks,

or Colin Goldberg


Dinner Continued from page 1

The efforts of Aaron Herman and the many dedicated volunteers who tirelessly chased down local businesses were likewise critical to our success. We are incredibly thankful to them, as well as to the other Dinner Vice-Chairs, all of whom were hugely instrumental in creating an event that was elegant, inspiring, and entertaining: Leah Portnoy Worenklein (Marketing); Malka Helft and Rena Rosen (Invitations, Décor, and Honoree Gifts); Rebecca Amaru and Adina Shoulson (Honoree Presentations); Gadi Romm and Aaron Steinberg (Audio-Visual) and Deborah Weinberger and Ari Walisever (Entertainment) all deserve our immense appreciation. Hats off, as well, to the entire 2016 Dinner Committee, for consistently being on-hand to assist with a multitude of tasks, both big and small. Special thanks also go out to Jill and Steven Abusch of the Play Group Theatre (PGT) for collaborating with Rebecca Amaru on a funny, touching, and memorable honoree presentation; to Richard Ehrenhaus for generously donating the framing for the honoree gifts; to Daniel Orentlicher, whose professional-grade videos expertly gave voice to the inspiring words of our honorees, and to Paul Orentlicher for designing this year’s eye-catching journal cover. We are also so fortunate to have inspiring leaders in our midst, including our Morah d’asra, Rabbi Marder, our incomparable Chazzan Yitzy, and of course, our tireless shul President, David Kahn, whose significant involvement in the Dinner represents just a tiny portion of the effort he exerts on behalf of our shul community. We couldn’t have pulled off such a successful evening without the hardworking HIWP Office staff. Teri Kopp, Crystal Powell, Daniel Rowley, Herber Barrera, and Michael Smith demonstrated once again how utterly dedicated and competent they are. Our shul is so fortunate to have such a terrific team, guiding us at every turn. May we continue to go me’chayil l’chayil and may our community derive strength and inspiration from this year’s successful Dinner. Onto the planning for next year!

Lisa Kahn Kriegel, Dinner Chair


Family News

By Leah Weitzman and Teri Kopp (April 2, 2016– June 30, 2016)

MAZAL TOV and Notables

Frida Benedek on her special birthday Barry Wasserman on his 1st Birthday Joyce & Ted Besdine’s grandson, Eliav Aviad has been promoted to Captain in the Israeli Defense Forces Adina Laufer & Zachary Saltzman on the birth of a daughter, Charlotte, born on April 11, 2016. Charlotte is welcomed by older brother Gabriel Jana & Gadi Romm on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Beni Romm Diana & Liron Gitig on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Bentzi Gitig Lisa & Russell Flicker on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Molly Flicker Eleanor Ehrenkranz on the marriage of her granddaughter Ilana Zur to Roi Shabtay in Israel. The parents of the bride are Pam Ehrenkranz & Yair Zur. Parents of the groom are Bela & Shabi Shabtay and his grandparents are Penina & Uri Azar Sandi & Robin Schwartz on the birth of a grandson, Max Brody Schwartz, born on May 16, 2016. The proud parents are Diana & Dan Schwartz. Max is welcomed by older siblings Jordan and Lexi. The maternal grandparents are Ruth & Rabbi Mitchell Serles. Max is the great nephew of Briana & Mark Schwartz, Felicity & Stanley Schwartz and Lisa & Terence Schwartz Mary Delaurentis & Avi Sklar on their marriage in Israel Juli Smith Brasch & Justin Brasch on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Leora Brasch Marilyn Kneller Rimsky & Neil Rimsky on the bris of their grandson, Jacob Maxwell Gilboa, born to Shira & David Gilboa Liron Gitig, Rachel & Yitzy Spinner, Leah Weitzman and Rebecca Wolf for being honored at the HIWP Annual Dinner

Chairs Lisa Kahn Kriegel, Marc Metson and Jason Rosen for their efforts for making the annual dinner, journal and directory a huge success Mazal Tov on receiving their first siddur or chumash: Nethaniel Cohen, Eliana Fein, Eliam Fish, Joey Kahn, Aiden Klein, Mali Goldberg-Kellman, Judah Hirshon, Rachel Lehman, Abigail Morris, Betzalel Nahmod, Nava Pollak, Deborah Puro, Benny Rosenblum, Isaac Rosenfield, Jordana Rosenfield, Ayelet Shrage, Orly Spinner, Dalia Stern, Jolie Waitman, and Zoey Wolf Marcy & Daniel Cohen on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Abraham Cohen Bobby Brody for being honored at the Young Israel of WP Annual Dinner Joyce & Ted Besdine on the marriage of their grandson Evyatar Aviad to Batya Rinsky in Beit Shemesh Israel. The groom’s parents are Rivka & Malkiel Aviad and the bride’s parents are Shuki & Tami Rinsky Jennifer & Jeffrey Lavine on the marriage of their son Josh to Rikki Brukner. Rikki’s parents are Lisa & Asher Brukner of Teaneck, NJ Lois & Danny Laitman on the birth of a great granddaughter, Lielle. Lielle is the daughter of Rachel & Dr. Moshe Klausner. Beth & Marc Epstein are the proud grandparents Felicity & Stanely Schwartz on the marriage of their daughter Desi to David Miller

We Extend Heartfelt Condolences To:

John Mclean on the passing of his mother Paul Orentlicher on the passing of his mother, Rebbetzin Jeanne Orentlicher Daniel Orentlicher on the passing of his grandmother, Rebbetzin Jeanne Orentlicher


Gifts and Contributions

A Message from the Rabbi:

Please be aware that I administer two special funds here at the shul.

HIWP fund for the Needy Purpose: This fund assists individuals who come to the synagogue seeking assistance, generally from outside the area. They are individuals who otherwise fall through the cracks, perhaps because they do not have employment or family support. Often times they are people whose origin was Israel or Russia, although not exclusively. We also assist small tzedakot, primarily Israeli institutions, whether orphanages or schools for the needy.

Contribution Source: synagogue charity boxes; direct contributions. We greatly need assistance in keeping this account replenished, especially as personal hardships have increased in the present climate. We greatly need assistance in keeping this fund replenished.

HIWP Chessed Fund Purpose: Established to assist congregants who might be in need of support due to temporary hardship of one sort or another. Any assistance will be offered with complete confidentiality.

Contribution source: direct contributions from members. At present, the fund has only a small amount of money in it.

If you have any questions about these funds, please contact Rabbi Marder.

(April 2, 2016—June 30, 2016)

Religious Articles Fund Rabbi Marder, in your honor

Linda & Steven Rothschild

Capital Fund: Ruth Levine in honor of her granddaughter's bat mitzvah Deborah & Jay Weinberger Beni Romm in honor of his bar mitzvah Audrey & Alan Schulman Louis Morris for his birthday Beth & Edward Morris Paul Orentlicher in memory of his mother, Rebbetzin Jeanne Orentlicher Teri & Bill Kopp Audrey & Alan Schulman

Marilyn Kneller Rimsky & Neil Rimsky in honor of the birth of their grandson, Jacob Teri & Bill Kopp Crystal Powell Marilyn & Ezra Berkowitz Lois Laitman Audrey & Keith Reich Roxanne & Eric Levine Carol & Herbert Corbin Diana & Liron Gitig Rena & Jason Rosen Kay & Arnold Cohen Selvia & Leonard Weinstein John McLean for the passing of his father Kay & Arnold Cohen

Bikur Cholim Fund: Bob & Shoshana Brody, Refuah Shelemah Alice & Mark Lebowitz

Chesed Fund: Adena Laufer & Zachary Saltzman in honor of the birth of their daughter Shoshana Peyser & Bob Brody

Happiness Fund:

Births: Ricki & Jonathan Goodblatt in honor of the birth of a granddaughter, Julianna Selvia & Leonard Weinstein David Kroun Sandi & Robin Schwartz in honor of a birth of a grandson Audrey & Keith Reich

Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Ruth Levine in honor of the bar mitzvah of her granddaughter, Jordan Levine Jane & Josh Grauer Betty & Joseph Fisch Michelle & David Levine in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Jordan Levine Jane & Josh Grauer Vicky Rubenovitch Fish & Larry Fish in honor of the bar mitzvah of their grandson Shai Fish David Kroun Beni Romm in honor of his bar mitzvah Betty & Joseph Fisch Kay & Arnold Cohen Debbie & Stephen Schwartz Audrey & Alan Schulman Barbara & Martin Marks Diana & Liron Gitig in honor of the bar mtizvah their son Bentzi Betty & Joseph Fisch Barbara & Martin Marks


Gifts and Contributions

Get Well Fund: Doris Dreyfuss on her recovery Barbara & Martin Marks Crystal Powell Leah Weitzman Heda Silverstein Selvia & Leonard Weinstein Ricki Goodblatt on her recovery Leah Weitzman Heda Silverstein Selvia & Leonard Weinstein Stephen Schwartz, refuah shelemah Teri Kopp Selvia & Leonard Weinstein Kay Cohen, refuah shelemah Teri Kopp Selvia & Leonard Weinstein

Audrey Schulman, refuah shelemah Dan Rowley, Crystal Powell & Teri Kopp

In Your Honor / Thank You: Joyce & Ted Besdine in honor of their grandson Eliav Aviad's promotion to Captain in the IDF Selvia & Leonard Weinstein David Kroun

Lisa Kahn Kriegel in honor of being chair of HIWP dinner Rita K. Rotter David & Reena Glick Liron Gitig Mazal Tov on being honored at the dinner Ilana & Mitchell Kahn David & Reena Glick Doug Hirshon, Thank you for your assistance with Josefa’s aufruf Esther & Dan Steinhauer

Josefa Steinhauer in honor of her marriage Esther & Dan Steinhauer Rebecca Wolf for her dinner honor David & Reena Glick Yitzy & Rachel Spinner in honor of their dinner honor Joyce & Stanley Raskas Leah Weitzman in honor of her dinner honor Joyce & Stanley Raskas Amy and Joel Wolfson Heddy Gold and Scott Wright Anita Rosenstock Civia & John Mclean

Remembrance Fund: Marina Feldman in memory of her father William Binichis Liz & Stephen Schwartz Rena Fredman & David Lichtenstein

Herb Corbin in memory of his father, H. Dan Corbin Alex & David Kahn Paul Orentlicher in memory of his mother, Rebbetzin Jeanne Orentlicher Lisa & Terence Schwartz Kay & Arnold Cohen Aliza & David Wasserman Audrey & Keith Reich Roxanne & Eric Levine Rena Fredman & David Lichtenstein Selvia & Leonard Weinstein

Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Amy & Jonathon Ament in honor of the twins' bar mitzvah Debbie & Stephen Schwartz

Jana & Gadi Romm in honor of Beni's bar mitzvah Natalie & Joshua Chadajo

Justin Brasch & Juli Smith Brasch in honor of Leora's bat mitzvah Audrey & Keith Reich

Engagement: Joyce & Ted Besdine on the engagement of their grandson, Evyatar Aviad to Batya Rinsky Selvia & Leonard Weinstein David Kroun

Jennifer & Jeffrey Lavine in honor of the engagement of their son Josh to Rikki Brukner Liz & Stephen Schwartz Alex & David Kahn Kay & Arnold Cohen

Wedding: Esther & Dan Steinhauer in honor of their daughter Josefa's marriage to Spencer Katzman Alex & David Kahn Eleanor Ehrenkrantz in honor of her grandchild's wedding Kay & Arnold Cohen Birthday: Aliza & David Wasserman in honor of their son Barry's 1st birthday Debbie & Stephen Schwartz Frida Benedek on her special birthday Selvia & Leonard Weinstein David Cohen in honor of his mother's birthday Debbie & Stephen Schwartz David Kroun


Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit # 8

White Plains, NY

Address Service Requested

Calendar of Events at HIWP

July 10 5 Synagogues/IAC presents Asaf Romirosky @ HIWP July 23 Oneg featuring Gezahegn Derebe and Demoz Debochand July 28 MOFIA NY Historical Society Tour August 6 Oneg August 14 Tisha B’Av August 21 Jewish Festival at Kensico Dam August 27 Bar Mitzvah of Toby Olson September 3 Bat Mitzvah of Talia Pollack September 10 Senior Shabbat

September 10 Last Oneg of the season September 17 Teen Minyan October 3-4 Rosh HaShanah I & II October 8 Teen Minyan October 11 Kol Nidre October 12 Yom Kippur October 12 & 13 Sukkot I & II October 24 Shimini Atzeret October 25 Simchat Torah

All events are subject to change! See HIWP.org for updated calendar information.

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