the newsletter of woodlands community temple

February 2016

Sh’vat-Adar 5776

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Sh’lakh Ma-what?by Rabbi Billy Dreskin

Each year, our religious school sponsors a Purim Goody Bag sale in which

you and I send friends and neighbors sh’lakh manot, something tasty and fun for Purim. Delivering sh’lakh manot is an ancient Jewish tradition that traces its origins to the Book of Esther. After Mordekhai and Esther rescued the Jews of Shushan from the evil clutches of cruel Haman (boo!), a day of celebration was declared (Purim!) which was to include feasting (hamentashen!), merry-making (purimspiel!), and sending gifts (yep, sh’lakh manot) to friends and family and to those in need (source: Esther 9:22).

You may know them by their Ashkenazic name, sh’lakh manos, or perhaps their more formal moniker, mishloakh manot. Whatever they’re called, it’s a really old Jewish custom. In fact, giving sh’lakh manot is a Jewish law! So our ancient rabbis wanted to know how to get it right and would argue over what precisely qualifies. Can sh’lakh manot be food? What kinds of food? Can they be toys? One rabbi sent his father an essay he’d written as his sh’lakh manot.

Bluegrass on the Bimah: Award-winning Singer-Songwriter Stacy Beyer to Perform at WCTby Fran Smith

Yoga and Judaismby Rabbi Billy Dreskin

Stacy Beyer’s extraordinary musical odyssey has taken her from New York to the country music scene in Nashville to renown in the world of contemporary Jewish music. Now

her journey brings her to Woodlands, and we’re in for a treat.Beyer will join the clergy on the bimah on Friday evening,

February 26. The following night, she will perform a benefit concert for the temple. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear a remarkable blend of American sound and sacred music, by a woman whom Time magazine named as one of the ten stars of new Jewish music in 2013.

“Stacy has feet in both the religious and secular music worlds. She integrates the two seamlessly,’” says Ellen Dreskin. “I have seen Stacy perform many times. The first was at an enormous conference of Jewish educators. She engaged everyone through her warmth, her tremendous talent and her obvious connection to and passion for the values contained within.”

In Leviticus Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic midrashim from sometime around the 5th century, Rabbi Hillel is

walking with his students when he turns to leave them. “Master,” they ask, “where are you going?” “To perform mitzvah (a religious duty),” he responds. “Which mitzvah?” they ask. “To bathe in the bathhouse.”

His students, knowing that bathing, while commendable, is not a religious duty, ask, “Is that a mitzvah?” Rabbi Hillel responds, “If somebody is appointed to scrape and clean the statues of the king, how much more so should I, who am created in the image of God, take care of my body?”

Judaism teaches that our bodies are a gift to us. They are the primary tool with which we learn and live in the world. And if we’re talking about serving God, about doing mitzvot, or simply acknowledging that we have a responsibility to give back in response to this precious gift, then taking care of the body is essential.

About the time that Abraham and Sarah were setting out for a land that God would show them, the beginnings of yoga were getting underway in India. Allying mind with body in order to achieve well-being was a fundamental methodology for building a meaningful life.

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Worship ScheduleOur Woodlands Community

Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org

Rabbi Mara Young rabbimara@wct.org

Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon cantor@wct.orgTara Levine, Director of Youth Engagement youth@wct.org

Corey Friedlander, Sh’liakh K’hilah corey@wct.org

Jason Fenster, Rabbinic Intern intern@wct.org

Executive CommitteeDayle Fligel, President president@wct.orgRachel Wineberg, VPEducation education@wct.orgBob Apter, VPFacilities facilities@wct.orgAndy Farber, VPFinance finance@wct.orgNancy Fishman, VPProgramming/Ritual programming@wct.orgHerb Friedman, FinancialSecretary financialsecretary@wct.orgAndrea Einhorn, Secretary secretary@wct.orgMark Selig, Treasurer treasurer@wct.org

Board of TrusteesAliza Burton Dan EmeryGloria FalkYvette GrallaElka KlarsfeldJenna Lebowich

Barry LeibowitzLisa LinnLisa SacksSteve SagnerMike ScafidiMichele Wise

Office Staff Liz Rauchwerger, Office Coordinator liz@wct.org

Marjorie Mattel, Office Assistant marjorie@wct.org

Michele Montague, Education Administrative Assistant michele@wct.org

Bookkeeper bookkeeper@wct.org

Woodlands Community Temple50 Worthington RoadWhite Plains, NY 10607914.592.7070 main office914.592.1790 religious school direct line914.592.7376 faxwct@wct.orgwww.wct.orgReligious School: school@wct.org

Woodlands Community Temple is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism

Art Director: Melanie RoherAdvertising Director: Bob Apter

Stu Berlowitz (ex-officio)

Shabbat MishpatimEx 21:1 - 24:18 ... Jer 34:8-22, 33:25-26

Fri, Feb 5Jammin’ Shabbat at 7:00 pm

Put on your jammies, bring a bedtime friend, and c’mon over for 30 minutes of Shabbat song, stories and blessings to get you ready for bed. Bring a buck for tzedakah!

Simply Shabbat at 8:00 pm

A quiet evening with your clergy. Familiar melodies, familiar prayers, a bit of learning.

Sat, Feb 6Yoga Shabbat at 10:30 am

A Shabbat morning experience for everybody – adults and kids – that will include music, prayer, Torah, and easy yoga movements. A holistic celebration of creation! Rebecca Smith DeFelice of Woodbridge Body Works will once again gently lead the way. Wear loose clothing and bring a yoga mat if you have one.

Shabbat TerumahEx 25:1 - 27:19 ... I Kngs 5:26 - 6:13

Fri, Feb 12Wisdom from Our Own at 8:00 pm

Tonight, our iyyunim (prayer introductions) will be presented by temple members. Come and learn from our own!

Sat, Feb 13No service this morning. Kaddish can be recited by request at Hevra Torah.

Shabbat TetzavehEx 27:20 - 30:10 ... Ezek 43:10-27

Fri, Feb 19Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 pm

While Rabbi Billy’s away, enjoy Shabbat with Rabbi Mara and Cantor Jonathan. Rabbinic intern Jason Fenster will design the service and lead our clergy team.

Sat, Feb 20No service this morning. Kaddish can be recited by request at Hevra Torah.

Shabbat Kee TeesaEx 30:11 - 34:35 ... I Kngs 18:1-39

Fri, Feb 26Composer/Singer Stacy Beyer at 8:00 pm

Our Shabbat prayer tonight will be powerfully enriched by this soulful, Nashville tunesmith.

Sat, Feb 27Shabbat Morning Worship at 10:30 am

Celebrate with us as Scott Zarider, son of Ann and Craig Zarider, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Babysitting at 8:00 pm Shabbat services is provided by teens from our religious school. This month, babysitting will be available on Feb 5, Feb 12 and Feb 26. There is no charge and no advance notice is required. For further information, contact babysitting@wct.org.

What’s clear is that sh’lakh manot are a basic component of our Purim observance. We send gifts – to family, to friends, and to the needy – in grateful acknowledgment of the blessings our ancestors in Shushan received, and the blessings that you and I receive.

So now you know. Please visit wct.org/manot and order sh’lakh manot. You’ll be helping out our religious school while fulfilling a great Jewish mitzvah: extending a hand in friendship to all.

Happy Purim!

Sh’lakh Ma-what?, continued from page 1

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Hevra Torah LearningSaturdays, 9:15-10:15 amThere’s abundant room around our table. Drop by once or often. We’d love to have you join our lively conversation. In the Meeting Room or Library.

Feb 6: Parashat MishpatimFacilitated by Rabbi Mara

Feb 13: Parashat TerumahFacilitated by Rabbi Billy

Feb 20: Parashat TetzavehFacilitated by Cantor Jonathan

Feb 27: Parashat Kee TeesaFacilitated by Jason Fenster

If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Abuse, please share this confidential hotline:

Woodlands Community?

We’re all proud of the warmth and friendliness in our synagogue. It’s

our community. But not everyone feels that way. Some have come to a Friday night service and no one said hello. Others have attended a temple event or were just waiting for someone in the hallway, and no one acknowledged them. If each of us considers ourselves ambassadors of The Woodlands Way, if we’re the ones to say hello, it’s a pretty sure bet folks will feel welcome. Woodlands is a warm, welcoming, open and embracing community ... when we’re the ones to make it that way.

Beyer grew up in New York and began her career writing music for film and TV. While performing on NBC’s The Tom Snyder Show, she met country music legend Merle Haggard and her life changed. He encouraged her to move to Nashville and pursue a career as a country music songwriter. Her songs quickly found their way onto the charts. “Dancin’ With Elvis,” a song she co-wrote with hit songwriter Ron Harbin went to number one in Australia. Recorded by Australian artist Gina Jeffreys, the song won CMT network’s video of the year.

While enjoying this phase of her career, Beyer was asked to write two songs for the Warner Brothers recording, Must be Chanukah. One of the songs, “The Hand That Lights the Candle,” was later performed by the Nashville Symphony and the Metro School Children’s Choir and before she knew it, Beyer was in demand to create songs with Jewish content for events around Nashville. She compiled these songs in Find Your Voice, her first Jewish CD, and her life pivoted again.

Judaism became the focus of her creative expression. “I transitioned to Jewish music because it combined two parts of my life that were at my core – my faith and my music,” she says. “Each time I find that someone has connected with my music, I’m reminded that I made the right choice.”

Beyer has recorded four Jewish CDs, most recently UBU, released in 2014.

Many of the pieces, in particular her bluegrass “Oseh Shalom” and her “Candlelighting” (which we’ve fallen in love with here at Woodlands), have already become a regular part of Shabbat services around the country. Beyer has performed for just about every major Jewish organization and brings workshops and concerts to synagogues and Jewish community centers around the country. Three of her band members will join her onstage at the Woodlands concert. Proceeds will benefit the temple.

David and Dayle Fligel are underwriting the event. Country music fans, they were introduced to Beyer’s work by Rabbi Billy. He lent them one of her CDs, and a week later, asked if they’d support the concert as a fundraiser for the temple and an opportunity for the community to experience her work. The Fligels did not hesitate in saying yes. “We want to do what we can to help and promote Woodlands” Dayle says. “We’ve been here for twenty years. From the moment we set foot in the door, we felt like we were home.”

Dayle says you don’t have to love country music to love Beyer. Her appeal is universal and deep. “There’s a lot of soul in her music.”

Buy your tickets today for Stacy Beyer in concert, Saturday, February 27, at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $18 for members ($10 for member children) and $25 for non-members ($18 for non-member children). Visit wct.org/beyerconcert to get yours!

MishpaHanukkah ShabbatDecember 11, 2015

Stacey Beyer, continued from page 1

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Laughter Is No JokeRabbi Mara Young

Life in Israel is pretty ... normal. Look no further than Jewish-American comedian Jerry Seinfield’s recent stand-up shows in Tel Aviv. Seinfeld

sold out Menora Mivtakhim Arena, a basketball stadium of 11,000 seats.

Politics tend to overshadow or prevent entertainers’ tours to Israel. Yet Seinfeld’s visit illuminates the real Israel: a place filled with families and laughter. Seinfeld spent most of his set on the hallmarks that make him so popular: everyday topics like marriage and parenthood. These topics were most relevant to the enthusiastic, local crowd.

Appreciating the humor in life is a big part of Israeli culture, something Seinfeld knows well. Turns out, in 1970, 15-year-old Seinfeld lived in Israel and volunteered on a kibbutz. He noted, “That was the first time I thought that if I could spend my life making people laugh, it would be a great thing.” It is no surprise that kibbutz culture could have such an influence. Since before Israel’s founding, kibbutzim embodied the Israeli spirit of social justice and cooperation. The democratic spirit of the kibbutz acknowledges the value of each human and celebrates the hard work, as well as the humor, of life.

We strive for the same mind-body connection in Jewish life. The Jewish form of meditation is prayer. Meditation seeks to calm the mind and bring it into closer alignment with the positive forces in the universe. Prayer reaches for those same forces (we happen to call the forces “God”). And as yoga stretches and strengthens the muscles and tendons in the body, “Jewish yoga” stretches our hearts and spirits, urging us to reach out in kindness to others in need. One of our Reform prayerbooks reads, “Pray as if everything depends on God; act as if everything depends on you.” Meditate, then act. In yoga, quiet your inner self, and care for the vessel that houses you.

Jewish yoga (that is, Jewishly tending to our bodies) is a wholly different take on this idea. What makes a yoga session Jewish anyway? Do we twist ourselves into challah rather than pretzels? Well, maybe, but the idea is to connect Jewish ideas to physical movements. It might be the weekly Torah reading, or a Jewish

prayer, or a piece of wisdom from a Jewish sage. Blending our texts with traditional yoga positions opens up myriad possibilities for exploring the meanings of each.

Rabbi Myriam Klotz, who’s been teaching Jewish yoga for more than two decades, writes, “Yoga joins the intellectual and sensory levels of one’s intelligence. It does not privilege one over the other. It offers guidance to help us wake up and come present in a highly informed way. We do not leave our intelligent, aware selves off the mat, any more than we would check our intelligent self outside of the synagogue. Yoga informed with this Jewish intention of sitting in God’s presence is a highly integrative, highly conscious and intelligent venture.”

More and more, we understand the importance of caring for and integrating mind and body. Jewish yoga is an invitation to do just that. Please join us on Sat, Feb 6.

F r o m t h e P r e s i d e n t

Dear friends,

Our Jubilee Year is a time of joy and celebration of 50 years of Woodlands. We’ve been having a great time looking back and remembering how and why we began: activities from our very beginning, activities we still do today, and those we have added in

the decades since. Reviewing Woodlands’ amazing evolution has been fascinating and inspiring.

Our celebration took off in the Tent during the High Holy Days with Rabbi Billy and intern Jason Fenster sharing WCT’s past accomplishments. The anniversary picked up momentum at our Sukkot Barbeque and Activities Fair with a lively game of Golden Trivia. Our Throwback Shabbat services have focused on a few of the ways that Woodlands has thrived across the decades. And the Social Action Committee has invited us to create a Jubilee Tablecloth, an exquisite addition to our festivities that will also remind us of our passion to help those in need.

There’s plenty more ahead. Music abounds as we welcome Nashville songwriter/singer Stacy Beyer on Friday and Saturday evenings, Feb 26-27 ... first a Shabbat evening of spirit and faith, followed by a Havdalah concert of melody and delight – a perfect weekend. On Saturday, Apr 30, our Shabbat Around Town Scavenger Hunt will be a fun family outing to celebrate Woodlands as part of our wider communities. And the best is yet to come with a full-out gala celebration at Stone Manor on Saturday, June 4. Lastly, on Friday, June 17 at our Jubilee Kabbalat ShabBBQ, we’ll wrap up the year’s celebration by welcoming a very special guest, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism.

50 years of Woodlands, 50 years of vibrant, purposeful Jewish life – why we all joined, why we’re all so lucky to be part of this great temple community. There’s plenty for all – to plan (please volunteer!), to attend (don’t be the last to RSVP!) and, of course, a temple to love and be thankful for.

Just Israel

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“Happy Valentine’s Day”

Like many of our American holidays, Valentine’s Day’s origins are hazy. Those looking to understand Valentine’s Day often look to the figure of St. Valentine or to pagan fertility festivals. The more cynical look to Hallmark.

Yet because of these possible beginnings, we wonder if it is a “Jewish” holiday. The majority of us answer yes, simply because we see the holiday for what it really is: a non-religious observance that celebrates love through chocolate.

I find the more controversial aspect of the holiday is how it makes people feel left out or unappreciated. Plus, the pressure associated with it all!

I’m unfazed by the criticism, though. I think Valentine’s Day is great. If we take it out of the realm of romantic love, we find a day set aside for celebrating love of all kinds. This is something truly worth doing.

“But you should tell people how much you love them everyday,” you might say.Yes, that’s true. But life doesn’t often work that way. Either we don’t see or talk

to our loved ones (life is busy) or we don’t have the presence of mind to recount everything about a person that we appreciate. Valentine’s Day exists explicitly for this purpose. It provides motivation and inspiration to speak up and spread the love.

And this is a very Jewish thing! The purpose of Jewish prayers, holidays and rituals is to make us stop and set aside time: time to express thanks, time to say I’m sorry, time to mend the world and each other. We do all of these things on a daily basis, but having time set aside gives us no choice but to do it. No distractions or excuses.

I respond similarly to “You don’t need to be religious to be a good person.” That’s true. Just like you don’t need Valentine’s Day in order to say “I love you.” But religion provides a framework that demands mindfulness, intentionality, and expression of key values. Setting aside holy time takes us out of the realm of the everyday and helps us to concentrate on the eternal values that make us more fully human. Love is one of the big ones.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

f r o m t h e D i r e c t o r o f c o n g r e g at i o n a l l e a r n i n g

Shop Amazon, Raise Bucks for WCT!Do you shop online at amazon.com?

Did you know that if you get there by using our wct.org/amazon link, Woodlands will receive 5% of your payment. Doesn’t get much easier. So please shop amazon and help raise bucks for your temple. Thanks!

Yoga Shabbat Returns!Sat, Feb 6 at 10:30 am

Reflect, free your mind, relax, and spend time with the ones you love. Led by Rabbi Billy, Tara Levine and Rebecca Smith DeFelice, owner of Woodbridge Body Works (Woodbridge, CT). Rebecca is not only a master yoga instructor, she is deeply spiritual as a Jew and will seamlessly and inspiringly connect each yoga position to the prayers of our tradition. Regardless of your age (and we’ve covered the spectrum, from age 3 to 83!), or level of experience, there is a place for you in our circle. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat if you have one, and get ready for a lovely, invigorating Shabbat morning.

Star Wars Purim: The Farce Awakens!Wed, Mar 23 at 7:30 pmCome one! Come all! Bring the little ones! Bring the big ones! Bring your padawan! Bring your wookiee! Woodlands is celebrating Purim in style this year (as opposed to all previous years), sending up the new Star Wars movie.

So start thinking about your costume. Will you be coming as an X-wing pilot, a stormtrooper, or perhaps a droid or even a light saber? No matter. Just make sure you’re inside the Millennium Falcon (er, the sanctuary) on Wed, Mar 23. And may the FARCE be with you!

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February Happenings & BeyondL e a r n i n g

My Promised Land: Confronting our Understanding of IsraelRabbi Joan Farber

3 Wednesdays starting Mar 2, 7:30-9:00 pm

In My Promised Land, Ari Shavit presents an articulate and compelling glimpse of the history of Israel, her challenges, successes and tragedies.

We will discuss sections of the book and how our relationship with and understanding of modern Israel changes and challenges us. For session one, please read the Introduction and Chapter 1 prior to the class. Co-sponsored by ARZA and Adult Ed. Register online at wct.org/shavit.

Please read the following chapters prior to class:

Mar 2: Introduction: “Question Marks” and Chapter One: “At First Sight.”

Mar 9: Chapter Five: “Lydda 1948.”

Mar 16: Chapter Eight: “Settlement 1975.”

Wine @ Woodlands: Life Beyond Manischewitz Sat, Mar 12 at 8:00 pmA local wine expert will

guide us through the many different types of Kosher wines, from light and sweet

to full-bodied and robust. It’s a great time to meet and chat with fellow temple members and spend a relaxing evening. Music too! Babysitting provided. RSVP at wct.org/wine.

WCT University: The “Genesis” of Jewish Art and CultureSun, Apr 3, 2:00-5:00 pm

In the beginning … what did the Bible say about art and culture? Theologian Rabbi Michael Pitkowsky will provide a keynote address on “Bruce Springsteen and the Bible: Rock and Roll Meets the Torah.” Participants then will choose from four workshops in which they can interpret biblical themes through Music, Comedy, Art and Creative Writing. Register online at wct.org/genesis.

WCT Book ClubWed, Feb 24 at 7:30 pm.

We will discuss The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant, who brought the book of Genesis to life in The Red Tent. People magazine called The Boston Girl “an unforgettable novel about a young Jewish woman growing up in Boston in the early twentieth century, told with humor and optimism through the eyes of an irresistible heroine.” Mickey Milbauer will facilitate. This session will take place outside the building; contact the temple office for location.

d ay t i m e d i v e r s i o n s

“The Lemon Tree”Wed, Feb 3 at 10:00 am

This 2008 Israeli movie tells the story of a Palestinian woman who defends the long-time family-owned lemon grove when a new Israeli Defense Minister moves next to her and threatens to cut it down.

Staying SafeWed, Feb 10 at 10:00 am

How do you protect yourself against commonplace threats? A representative from the Greenburgh police will give a presentation on how to stay safe.

Purim Goody Bag Fun at Woodlands!Now through Sun, Feb 14Megillat Esther tells us that the Jews of Shushan celebrated their deliverance from Haman by sending gifts (sh’lakh manot) to one another. Please celebrate with our Woodlands community by sending in your Purim Goody Bag order form. You received ordering information by mail in January. If you prefer, visit wct.org/manot and place your order online!

Every Woodlands family will receive sh’lakh manot, but it is up to you to add your family’s name. With your order, we will make sure that happens.

Your sh’lakh manot will be available for pickup after the Congregational Purim Celebration (Wed, Mar 23) and during the Purim Carnival (Sun, Mar 20). They will also be sent home with religious school students.

Please honor this tradition of giving at Purim by participating in Woodlands’ sh’lakh manot program. Not only is sending sh’lakh manot a mitzvah, but you’ll feel great knowing that all proceeds will go directly to keeping our temple operating costs down and will also directly support our religious school.

A Very Special House Concert @ the DreskinsSat, Mar 26 at 7:00 pm

You are cordially invited to share in celebrating

the life and memory of Jonah Maccabee Dreskin by attending a House Concert with Jewish singer-songwriters Peri Smilow and Budd Mishkin. Proceeds from the concert, to be held at the Dreskin home in Ardsley, will help send Woodlands kids to URJ summer programs such as Eisner and Crane Lake Camp. Tickets cost $250 and may be ordered online at wct.org/jonahhouseconcert. Hors d’oeuvres, drinks and desserts will be served. Space is limited to 40 seats – we hope to see you there!

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Current Events DiscussionWed, Feb 17 at 10:00 am

Phyllis Hirth will facilitate this ever-popular discussion on current events. An agenda will be emailed to participants ahead of the meeting.

s o c i a L a c t i o n

As you read this, we have begun sewing together into a Jubilee Tablecloth the squares made by our congregants. In this way, we are uniting

our diverse membership through one great tzedakah project. If you haven’t yet completed your square, please let us know so we can save you a space – email jubileetablecloth@wct.org. And if you’d like our committee to make your square, we’re still taking a limited number of orders – but sign-up quickly at wct.org/jubileetablecloth.

Plus, it's for a good cause! 15.3 million American children, 5.4 million American senior citizens, 17% of rural American households, and 200,000 Westchester County residents struggle with hunger. In Israel, 873,000 children and 162,900 seniors live below the poverty line.

Your tablecloth square can help change these facts. All proceeds from donations to the Jubilee Tablecloth project will be donated to Mazon, A Jewish Response to Hunger. Thank you for your caring and generosity.

Interfaith Caring CommunityThu, Feb 11 at 7:00 pm

The Interfaith Caring Community of Greenburgh:

• Is a coalition of area churches and synagogues

• Works together to sponsor social justice activities in Westchester

• Promotes interfaith understanding and respect

• Meets monthly, rotating between houses of worship

We’re meeting at Woodlands this month and we’d love to have you with us! Interested? Contact socialaction@wct.org.

Knitting and CrochetingSun, Feb 28, 3:00-5:00 pm

Help create mitzvah projects for Hope’s Door and chemotherapy patients.

Something for all skill levels and kids who’d like to learn are welcome. Contact Angela

Adler at angeadler@aol.com.

Make Dinner for a Teen Shelter Sun, Feb 7

WCT provides home-cooked Sunday dinners for teens living in The Sanctuary shelter, rotating with other temples and

churches in the Interfaith Caring Community. Please volunteer to

provide part of the meal by emailing socialaction@wct.org. Let us know what you’d like to make: main dish, vegetable or starch side-dish, salad, fruit or dessert.

Mensch of the Month

For February, it’s the 3rd Grade! Help them fill the Food Cart with canned meats, fish

and beans.

Coming in March: The Blood DriveSun, Mar 6, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Give the gift of life. You can donate if you are between 17 and 75 years old and weigh at least 110 lbs. Sixteen-year olds may donate with a letter from their parents, those older than 75 with a letter from your doctor. To schedule an appointment, visit wct.org/blooddrive or email Chuck Bauer at lbauera@aol.com. Walk-ins are welcome, but you may need to wait.

y o u t h e n g a g e m e n t

8th-12th graders ...

Clear your calendars on Sat-

Sun, Mar 19-20, for our WoodSY Purim Shul-

in at WCT! It’ll be a night with friends, fun, food, an inspiring Havdalah service, and prepping for the Purim Carnival! You won’t want to miss it!

Call for Photos!Still have those 1969 Bar Mitzvah pix with you wearing tie-dyed bell-bottoms? Photos from WCT from yesteryear? We’re seeking photos from the 1960s through the 2000s featuring congregants and events taking place at Woodlands for use in our Jubilee year celebrations. Please send them to Liz in the office (liz@wct.org).

Fighting Hunger with The Jubilee Tablecloth

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Hope for the Formerly IncarceratedFri, Apr 1 at 8:00 pm

About two-and-a half years ago, Project Isaiah—the WCT Social Action program

to help formerly incarcerated people—began working with a New York City union to help people coming home from prison enter a union apprenticeship program. Since then, approximately thirty people have changed their lives through the initiative. Recently, this program took the step of incorporating as a non-profit organization called P2A (Pathways to Apprenticeship). P2A is now assisting a wider array of City residents, as well as expanding its work-placement opportunities through relationships with other unions. With some anticipation of Passover in mind, coordinators and participants in the program will be at services to share some of their experiences and reflect on the liberating impact of access to meaningful fairly-compensated employment and inclusion in a union community.

Stacy Beyer at WCT!

Join us Shabbat evening, Feb 26 at 8:00 pm, as Nashville’s premiere Jewish musician, Stacy Beyer, shares

her spiritual talent with our community. She will lift up our worship as she shares her spirit and soul with the Woodlands community. There is, of course, no charge for services.

After you discover her unique talent and passion on Friday evening, join us Saturday evening, Feb 27 at 8:00 pm, as Stacy and her full band share the full spectrum of their music. Visit wct.org/beyerconcert to reserve tickets ($18 for adult members, $10 for youth members, $25 for non-member adults, $18 for non-member youth).

This will be a great weekend for the entire family. Don’t miss the amazing Jewish talent that’s coming out of Nashville! Can’t wait? Stop by stacybeyer.com and fall in love.

The Judaica Shop at Woodlands Committee is told all the time about how pleased someone is with a gift they received from the

shop, or about the numerous compliments they receive regarding Judaica items on their holiday table or a piece of jewelry they’ve been wearing. So we thought all of Woodlands might want to hear it too! We asked a few of our congregant-customers to write a few lines about their purchases. This is what we received:

“I can’t help but check out the offerings in our Judaica Shop each week when I walk by the glass cases on the way to the sanctuary for religious school t’fillah. Karen’s eye for whimsy and artistic talent is very clear in her selections of both jewelry and Judaica. I have to say, our Judaica Shop has the most interesting selection of any temple I have been to. More than once I have just “had to have” something I saw in those showcases. I have necklaces, rings and even a car mezzuzah. My office at a Jewish high school has some of the artwork I’ve purchased here as well. I also bought myself a pair of beautiful Shabbat candlesticks several years ago with a gift certificate that my 6th grade class gave me. I’ve bought gifts there as well, choosing a beautiful yad for Rich’s nephew’s Bar Mitzvah celebration last year. I can always afford a “treat” for myself and I enjoy showing my Jewish pride in the items I’ve bought at our Judaica Shop.”

— Aliza Burton

“One of my favorite places to shop, which comes with a personal shopper, is the Woodlands Judaica Shop. I have worked with Karen Fox to find just the right wedding, baby and house warming gifts. Our shop has very beautiful gifts not found in traditional stores and are always received with great joy when opened.”

— Dayle Fligel

“Over the years, I have purchased many beautiful and original items from the Woodlands Judaica Shop, for myself and as gifts. Karen Fox, who runs the shop, has a great eye for locating unique and meaningful jewelry, home decor items and Judaica. I often marvel at the beautiful artists she features on the shelves. When I browse, it is hard not to find items to love and that are very well-priced. Especially nice are home decor items — very reasonably priced — that make great and original hostess or house-warming gifts.”

— Margie Berman

“Last month, I needed a wedding present for a young couple who are Sabbath observers, and I emailed Karen for ideas and gave her a price range. There were so many good options, it was hard to choose! I decided on a Beames Design Havdalah set, thinking that this is something they’d use every week. The thank you email I got from the new couple said it all: ‘Thanks so much for this beautiful havdalah set. Amanda and I are both into modern glassware (so far, we have a modern glass challah board and mini-kiddush cups), so this is a perfect addition to our growing collection.”

— Melanie Roher

9www.wct.org

“If I need a gift for a Jewish friend or family member, I love spending time shopping through the small glass doors of our Judaica Shop. I recently bought a beautiful, modern wall-hanging for a friend to congratulate her on her marriage (about $50). The same day I shopped for a tallit for my son for when he becomes a Bar Mitzvah. After taking some pictures of a few and going through them with my son Michael, we emailed Karen his selection and conveniently picked it up from the office.

It adds extra meaning to purchase religious items through the temple’s Judaica Shop since this is where my children receive their Jewish education and where we come to celebrate the holidays and spend time with friends. The selection is really unique and reasonable and Karen is always helpful. As I write this, my mind is wandering as to what I need that I can shop for when we return from vacation, or maybe a little something for myself - you never know.”

— Debra Gold Fischgrund

“The Woodlands Judaica Shop has been my “shopping mall” for all things Judaic. I have purchased a tzedakah box for a friend, bracelets for my grandchildren, a necklace for a relative, mezzuzot and Hanukkah toys (all at lower prices than in stores or online). No gift was as well received as the jellybean I bought for a young couple getting married. Yes, a beautiful hand-crafted glass jellybean. Karen Fox suggested it when I was looking for a wedding gift. My purchase began a wonderful and much appreciated journey. First, the couple chose a color for the jellybean which was shipped to the bride’s home. At their wedding, the groom customarily broke the wine glass and the bride, in a unique moment, stepped on the jellybean. The pieces were shipped back to the glass artist who recycled the shards into a beautiful wine glass. The wedding couple was thrilled to have such a meaningful memento of their special day! All because I met Karen Fox at the Woodlands Judaica Shop. Stop by if you need a gift. You will find a perfect gift and you’ll be supporting WCT.”

— Lois Bacharach

It is a treat for the Judaica Shop Committee

to know they have had a great impact on how our congregation views Judaic art, has brought more spirituality into their homes, and introduced everyday

Jewish learning to their children through our new “Kidz Korner.” All this, and every purchase supports Woodlands’ fundraising efforts.

We’ve just completed our winter buying trip and look forward to showcasing the new merchandise and artists we’ve found. We love hearing your reactions. Valentine’s Day is a few weeks away…honor your special someone with a unique piece of Jewish jewelry!

The Judaica Shop at Woodlandsis open every day, by request, the temple office is open. Evening and weekend hours are noted in the weekly email blast. Questions? Email JudaicaShop@wct.org.

Kindling K-2 HanukkahHavdalah

December 12, 2015

10 www.wct.org

Donations We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support Woodlands Community Temple by remembering and honoring their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions.

HaMakom y’nakhem otam… may God bring comfort to all who are in mourning.

Zekher tzadik livrakha ... may their memory be for a blessing.

The Woodlands Community Mourns the Loss ofRobert Brown brother of Larry Brown

David Federman father of Michael Federman

Stuart Hass father of Tara Vohnout

Louis Okin father of Elizabeth Okin Gabay

George Stern father of Judy Rosen

We Want to Hear from You!It is always a pleasure to hear good news from members of our WCT family. It often helps to share the not-so-good too. Please let us know if you or someone else is in need of a visit or phone call from our clergy. Many assume that “everyone knows,” but this is not always true. A note or call to our temple office or clergy will ensure that we are able to extend support to Woodlands’ members in a moment of need.

Yes, Jews are Organ Donors!Contrary to popular misconception, Jews do register as organ donors! Won’t you participate in the mitzvah of matan hayyim – the gift of life? Register online at donatelifeny.org. Rabbi Billy’s written more online about the Jewish view of organ donation (tinyurl.com/organdonation613). Help close the gap between the number of donated organs and the number of people waiting.

Todah Rabbah (thank you) to...The Confirmation Class families, for

bringing food and comfort to the homeless in NYC on the Christmas Eve Midnight Run.

Harriet Kohn for planning the Project Ezra Luncheon, and to the families who hosted tables for our Project Ezra guests.

Tara Levine, Abigail Ripin, Denali Sagner and all the WoodSY participants who made it possible for the women and children at Hope’s Door to have a real Christmas

celebration with special gifts and cards for all of them. A warm thank you, as well, to everyone who donated items that helped three families transition out of Hope’s Door and into their own homes between August and December.

The Ritual Committee and others who selflessly assist in directing traffic and showing people to their seats when a funeral takes place at temple.

t h e s i m k h a P a g e

Mazal Tov to...

B’nai MitzvahScott ZariderFebruary 27

Torah Portion Kee Teesa

Hebrew Name Shmuel

Craig and Ann Zarider, as their son, Scott, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Steve and Gail Fell on the birth of their granddaughter, Scarlett Eleanor Fell, daughter of Eric Fell and Jade Xiao Fell.

Alan and Ilene Hersh on the birth of their granddaughter, Naomi Cecilia Braunstein, daughter of Lisa and Meir Braunstein.

Rabbi Billy’s Mitzvah FundIn honor of the caring, sensitivity and

specialness of Rabbi Billy, from Gloria Falk.Thank you Rabbi Billy for the wonderful

naming ceremony for Eila Willson, from Marge Thrope.

In memory of Iris Siegel, mother of Ellen Dreskin, from Stacey and Michael Silverman.

In appreciation of Rabbi Billy and in memory of my beloved husband, Arthur Lucks, my loving parents, Mollie and Jules Bloomenfeld and Arthur’s loving parents, Minnie and Abraham Lucks, from Linda Lucks.

In appreciation of the aufruf for our wedding, from Melissa Swift and Diane Robertson.

In appreciation of Rabbi Billy’s support on the loss of our daughter, Marla Payson Weizner, from Marty and Rhoda Payson.

In honor of Marge Thrope’s birthday, from Meryl Lewis.

In honor of the marriage of Adrienne and Noah Tanzman, from Steve and Terri Levin.

In honor of Rabbi Billy, from Faye, Evan and Rachel Friedman.

In memory of Marilyn Dvorkin, cousin of Rochelle Novins, from Robert and Roberta Silman.

11www.wct.org

In memory of Marla Weizner, sister, from Jacqueline Jaeger.

In honor of Charlotte Ballan becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Jim Ballan and Elise Wagner Ballan.

Cantor’s Discretionary FundIn honor of Cantor Jonathan’s uplifting voice,

from Gloria Falk.In honor of Cantor Jonathan, from Murray

and Jeanne Bodin.In honor of Cantor Jonathan, from Faye,

Evan and Rachel Friedman.In appreciation of all your support and

in honor of Josh Grossman becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Eric Grossman and Betsy Schorr.

In honor of Charlotte Ballan becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Jim Ballan and Elise Wagner Ballan.

In memory of Louis Okin, father, from Liz Gabay.

Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah FundIn honor of baby naming of Lily and Luke

Mueller, from Richard and Ginny Coffina, Gordon and Rona Perkel, John and Deniese Valvano.

In honor of Rabbi Mara’s much needed hugs, from Gloria Falk.

In appreciation of Rabbi Mara for officiating at our wedding, from Melissa Swift and Diane Robertson.

In honor of Rabbi Mara, from Faye, Evan and Rachel Friedman.

In appreciation of all your support and in honor of Josh Grossman becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Eric Grossman and Betsy Schorr.

In honor of Charlotte Ballan becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Jim Ballan and Elise Wagner Ballan.

Chai FundWith a multitude of thanks to the incredible

Woodlands congregation. Your words, calls, hugs and presence have helped more than you could possibly know, from Gloria Falk.

In honor of the marriage of Diane Robertson and Melissa Swift, from Gloria Falk.

In honor of Lucas Werner becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Gloria Falk.

In memory of Bill Falk, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz, Faye, Evan and Rachel Friedman, Michael and Jenna Lebowich and Family, Michael and Stacey Silverman,

Phyllis Opochinsky, Peter and Eileen Reiter, Peter and Sandra Rosenthal, Ellen Rosenwald

In honor of Micah Kerness becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Miriam Kerness.

In honor of Lucas Werner becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Lee and Nanci Brickman.

In memory of Hilde Goldberg, mother of Susie Brubaker, from Gloria Falk.

In memory of Hilde Goldberg, mother of Susie Brubaker, from David and Dayle Fligel.

In memory of Jack Goodman, father of Patty Goodman, from David and Dayle Fligel.

In memory of Julius R. Steinhardt, from Bob and Jane Steinhardt.

In honor of Micah Kerness becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Gloria Falk.

In memory of Iris Siegel, mother of Ellen Dreskin, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz.

In memory of Marla Weizner, daughter of Marty and Rhoda Payson, from David and Dayle Fligel.

In memory of Roberta Sudock, mother of Gaby Sudock Bordwin, from Stu and Karen Berlowitz.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year, from Skip Friedman.

In memory of Shirley Brody, from Roger, Roberta and Allison Wetherbee.

In memory of Irwin Glantz, husband of Gene Glantz, from Irwin Miller and Barbara Gordon.

In memory of Louis Okin, father of Liz Okin Gabay, from David and Dayle Fligel.

In memory of Carl Smith, father, from Fran Smith.

Donation, from Evelyn Lieb.

Social Action FundIn appreciation for all your support, from Eric

Grossman and Betsy Schorr.Donation, from Michael Litsky.

Special Education FundIn honor of Lucas Werner becoming a Bar

Mitzvah, from Michael and Jenna Lebowich and Family.

In memory of Robert Brown, brother of Larry Brown, from Murray and Jeanne Bodin, Andy and Joan Farber, Corey Friedlander, Mark and Michele Montague,

Harold Potischman, Mark and Marjory Selig.

Adult Education FundDonation, from Dick and Sheila Sweet.

Education Enrichment FundIn honor of Melissa Swift and Diane

Robertson’s marriage, from Aliza Burton.In honor of Lucas Werner becoming a Bar

Mitzvah, from Roger, Roberta and Allison Wetherbee.

Education and Youth Activities FundIn memory of Hilde Goldberg, mother of

Susie Brubaker, from Andy and Joan Farber, Mark and Marjory Selig, Michael and Stacey Silverman, Roger, Roberta and Allison Wetherbee.

Rabbinic Intern FundIn memory of Maurice B. Cossman, from

Bonnie Mitelman.

Jonah Maccabee FundIn memory of Elaine Goldberg, from Nelson

and Jackie Leicht.In loving memory of Marla Payson Weizner

and on behalf of all children everywhere, from Marty and Rhoda Payson.

In memory of Iris Siegel, mother of Ellen Dreskin, from Jay and Lois Izes.

In memory of Iris Siegel, mother of Ellen Dreskin, from David and Dayle Fligel.

In memory of Iris Siegel, mother of Ellen Dreskin, from Peter and Eileen Reiter.

Bernard and Francis Shapiro Chesed Caring Community FundIn memory of our beloved daughter,

Marla Payson Weizner, from Marty and Rhoda Payson.

Makom Shelibi Oheyv Bookplate FundIn memory of Diana Belmont, from Adriane

and Joel Belmont.In memory of Emreck Feinsilber, from Adriane

and Joel Belmont.

High Holy Days Prayerbook FundIn memory of Dr. Barry Weinhouse, from

Brett Weinhouse.In memory of Bernard Leibowitz, from Barry

and Laurie Leibowitz.In memory of Bill Falk, from Chuck, Nancy,

Alexa and Kimberly Fishman.

Steve’s Hope FundIn memory of Stephen Lelewer and Maurice

B. Cossman, from The Seiger Family.In memory of Stephen Lelewer, from

Frederick Block.In memory of Stephen Lelewer, from Faye,

Evan and Rachel Friedman.

Music FundIn honor of Margot Serwer, from Fran Smith.Donation, from Jill Bloom.

Midnight Run FundIn honor of Charlotte Ballan becoming a

Bat Mitzvah, from Jim Ballan and Elise Wagner Ballan.

We thank o ur A d ve r t i s e r s f o r th e ir Sup p o r t12

Last Chance!!!There are only 2 Ben's Deli gift cards remaining

for purchase at $36.00 each. Call the office if interested in purchasing. There will be no more

gift cards available until the fall.

Welcome Back

Atlantic Tomorrow's Office Technology Today

Only 4 more issues this year.Get your ad in!

MakomAds Deliver

the newsletter of woodlands community temple

January 2016

Tevet-Sh’vat 5776

Continued on page 4

Family Learningby Rabbi Mara Young

It’s easy to access Jewish information today. For

example, you want to know more about Shabbat?

A quick trip to MyJewishLearning.com will

give you more information than you need to know.

An easy-to-find tutor can deliver B’nai Mitzvah

instruction on a weekly basis. But in the case of both

of these, we have to ask: What is the context? How

do we optimize these Jewish experiences?

The synagogue is uniquely equipped to make

Jewish learning real and relevant in a person’s life.

We do this through transformative experiences

(communal holidays, rituals, and immersive learning)

and we do this by being in conversation with one

another.Over the past five years, Woodlands has made a

conscious shift toward engaging the entire family

in Jewish life and learning at the same time. We

always encouraged intergenerational programming

and were even pioneers in the world of “family

education” with our PACT (Parents and Children

Empathy, Altruism, or Something in Between?

Social Action: Why We Care

by Rabbinic Intern Jason Fenster

Project Ezra:

40 Years Strong

by Harriet Kohn

When Woodlands

Community Temple first

opened its doors to the folks

from Project Ezra (a non-profit

agency assisting indigent seniors

on the Lower East Side), little did

we know that forty years later

this program would still be going

strong and considered to be one

of the most successful social

action programs at our temple.

Each year, WCT has hosted Ezra

seniors by providing them with

a lavish dairy meal lovingly

prepared by temple volunteers

(adults and kids!) who give of

their time and culinary skills to

create a wonderful experience of

breaking bread with our Lower

East Side neighbors.

We have gone through many

changes since Ezra began, but

what has not changed is our

interest in and commitment

to the program, as well as the

unflagging devotion of our

volunteers. Thank you – for forty

loving years!

Please contact Project Ezra

coordinator Harriet Kohn

(hrsw82@hotmail.com) if you'd

like to volunteer at our 40th

anniversary luncheon, Sun, Jan 10

in our Sanctuary at 12:00 noon.

Bring your kids and grandkids!

Help usher in the next generation

of Project Ezra at Woodlands!

Repairing the world, loving my

neighbor, welcoming the stranger ...

these are the seminal Jewish values I

learned growing up. We teach these values

to our third graders; we ask our B’nai

Mitzvah students to make commitments to

giving tzedakah; we bring Academy to the

Coachman Family Center to put those values

into action. These values sit at the core of

our identity at Woodlands and are

part of the stories that we tell

about our 50-year history.

Just look back at Rabbi

Billy’s Kol Nidre sermon!

But why? What

inspires this desire

and this need to

support and strengthen the world around

us? Surely, we have a long history of social

justice and social action. The foundational

documents of Reform Judaism describe it;

traditional texts explicate our responsibilities

and commitments. But why is it there in the

first place? Why does our faith insist on the

centrality of social justice?

A few weeks ago, my classmates and

I were talking about the Syrian

refugee crisis and the scores

of posts from various news

outlets that we were

seeing on Facebook and

Twitter. In particular,

we spoke about the

many articles from

Sukkot family experiences.

Continued on page 3

Reach out and touch a Woodlands member with your ad. One, five, ten times a year!

To reserve space, call the temple office at 914.592.7070, or email makom@wct.org.

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current resident or:

Jubilant Reflections

Woodlands has a very special place in the hearts of our family. These are words we never thought

we would say when we first joined Woodlands nineteen years ago. At that time, we were just looking for a place in which our children, Sammi and Josh, could go to religious school and eventually become B’nai Mitzvah. We never imagined we would become active members who are on committees, attend services regularly, and believe strongly in the “Woodlands Way.”

Jewishly, we both grew up in Reform households but had very different experiences with Judaism. Stu initially went to an Orthodox Hebrew school because that is where his friends were. When his family moved to Scarsdale, they joined Scarsdale Synagogue where he became a Bar Mitzvah. His father was very active, treasurer of the Men’s Club and attended services. Karen’s family only went to services on the High Holy Days and allowed her to drop out of religious school in third grade. So as you can see, Judaism played very different roles in our lives.

All that changed in 1997 when we joined Woodlands. Karen was nervous because she did not understand Hebrew or the prayers, and did not have a strong

connection to Judaism. Stu was more comfortable, but still a little nervous the first time we went to services. We were both immediately put at ease. Everyone was so friendly and wore comfortable clothes. We felt welcomed for who we were and not what we were wearing or what our financial background was. We were hooked.

Over the years our family has been

very involved at Woodlands. Karen has taught in the religious school and worked on committees. Stu has served on numerous committees including the Board of Trustees and being temple president (his three-year term finished last June). Both Sammi and Josh were involved with WoodSY, attending events

and Josh serving on the WoodSY Board. We all feel it is important to do our share and give back to Woodlands because of all it has done for us.

We have celebrated several life-cycle events here, but two of the

best were the Academy Graduations of Sammi and Josh in 2009 and 2012. We gave both kids a choice whether to continue going to Academy after Confirmation. They both chose to stay. Woodlands helped partner with us in providing a quality Jewish education full of the values that were important to us – community, lifelong learning, and taking care of the world. Listening to both kids’ statements about the experiences that made Woodlands special – Mitzvat Mississippi, Midnight Run, Sexuality Retreat, Civil Rights Journey, friends, and so much more – strengthened our belief that Woodlands is truly the “place that our hearts hold dear.”

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Karen and Stu Berlowitz joined WCT in 1997. Stu served as President from 2012-2015.

WCT Members Gaze Across 50 Years

Karen and Stu Berlowitz: The 10s

We felt welcomed for who we were and not what we were wearing or what our financial

background was.