the newsletter of woodlands community temple

June 2016

Iyyar-Sivan 5776

Reform Leader Coming to WCTby Gary Stern

When Rick Jacobs was studying to be a rabbi during the early 1980s, he and his classmates at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New

York City had their eyes on a pretty young congregation up in the suburbs: Woodlands Community Temple. “Woodlands was a synagogue that all the young rabbis wanted to learn from,” he remembered. “It was one of the most cutting-edge synagogues with a participatory, creative, very real sense of community. That’s going pretty far back — not 50 years — but pretty far back.”

More than thirty years later, Rabbi Jacobs is the president of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and the de facto leader of Reform Judaism internationally. And he’s still a big fan of the Woodlands Way. “Woodlands has become a beacon of exciting, face-to-face relational Judaism,” he said. “People know one another, care about one another. It’s what our movement is all about. What everyone talks about, Woodlands just does it.”

On Friday, June 17, Jacobs will visit Woodlands for our 50th anniversary “Jubilee Mishpakha ShaBBQ.” He’ll take part in the 6:00 p.m. outdoor service, including Woodlands’ annual blessings for summer campers, which will be followed by a barbeque. “It’s going to be a treat,” Jacobs said. “I’m thrilled to be coming back to Woodlands.”

Jacobs is actually a familiar face to many at Woodlands, having served for two decades as senior rabbi at a neighboring congregation, Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale. He became URJ president in 2012, replacing Rabbi Eric Yoffie, who retired after a long, distinguished

Shavuot Reignitedby Rabbi Billy Dreskin

Okay, we admit it. Shavuot has never been one of those holidays that animate our Jewish spirits. The Reform movement cleverly

placed Confirmation on Shavuot and that pretty much guaranteed attendance. But here at Woodlands, we’re hoping to do oh-so-much more. Read on.

How to get folks like you to come celebrate Shavuot, to do so

willingly and enthusiastically, presents quite the challenge. But we think we’ve come up with a pretty wonderful solution. Presenting WCT’s

“Shavuot Picnic Dinner and Sinai Challenges.”

Have we got your attention?Okay, here’s how it works. You sign up

(with or without family in tow – this works either way). Choose what kind of dish you’ll bring to our potluck picnic dinner table which we’ll gobble together. Then it’ll be time for “The Sinai Challenges.”

Shavuot is all about Mount Sinai. After 40 days and night, Moses brought down that great Jewish playbook, the Torah, and three millennia of “The Sinai Challenges” began. We won’t test you on the original 613 mitzvot

Ramadan @ WCT?!Wed, Jun 22 at 7:00 pm

Yes, indeed. Woodlands has begun reaching out to our Muslim neighbors, to build bridges and friendships. Ramadan is a month of daytime fasting that commemorates God’s revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. Each evening, after a day of fasting, Muslims gather for the Iftar meal.

On Wed, Jun 22, you’re invited to share in the

Iftar meal in the comfort

of our own sanctuary.

We’ll gather at 7:00 pm, at

7:30 our friends from the Turkish Cultural Center in Elmsford will teach us about Ramadan and about Islam in general. Then at sundown (about 8:35), there will be a very brief call to prayer followed by dinner. Turkish entertainment during the meal will fill our spirits along with our bellies, and we’ll go home around 9:30.

If you’re interested in joining us, you may sign up at wct.org/ramadan. You’ll also have an opportunity online, if you like, to volunteer.

We’re both thrilled and honored that our synagogue has begun this project. We hope that you will want to participate as often as possible. If you have any questions, contact Irv Adler (irvadler@outlook.com).

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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 BemidbarNum 1:1 - 4:20 ... Hos 2:1-2242nd day of the Omer

Fri, Jun 3A Joyful Noise at 8:00 pmA service for everyone, from oldest to youngest. With a dozen musicians and your voices, we’ll fill the Sanctuary with a joyful noise! Visual Worship tonight... all prayers and readings will be projected onto screens. Installation tonight of WoodSY Board. Special welcome to our WoodSY families!

Sat, Jun 4Shabbat Morning Worship at 10:30 amCelebrate with us as David Green, son of Amy and Fred Green, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Shabbat NasoNum 4:21 - 7:89 ... Judg 13:2-2549th Day of the Omer

Fri, Jun 10Jammin’ Shabbat at 7:00 pmPut 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! Babynaming this evening for Scarlett Isabel Tyler, daughter of Tracy and Evan, granddaughter of Marsha and Lenny Green.

Asher Young Naming at 8:00 pmAs we ponder the completion of our annual counting of the Omer, we’ll welcome to the congregation young Asher Young, son of Rabbi Mara and Mark Young. Please be with us for this joyous celebration of new life in our beloved rabbi’s family.

Sat, Jun 11Shabbat Morning Worship at 10:30 amCelebrate with us as Danielle Arbore, daughter of Bonni and Tony Arbore, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.

Shabbat Beha’alotkhaNum 8:1 - 12:16 ... Zekh 2:14 - 4:7

Fri, Jun 1750th Jubilee Mishpakha ShaBBQ at 6:00 pmA one-hour Mishpakha Shabbat, followed by our annual cookout. This time, in special celebration of our 50th birthday, we welcome Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). Also, camp blessings to send our kids off to a summer of fun and growing. Reservations for the BBQ a must: wct.org/shabbq. Bring a friend to “Taste of Woodlands” at 5:30 to meet the clergy and leadership.

Sat, Jun 18Shabbat Morning Worship at 10:30 amCelebrate with us as Kaleigh Silverstein, daughter of Madelyn and Rich Silverstein, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.

Shabbat Sh’lakh LekhaNum 13:1 - 15:41 ... Josh 2:1-24

Fri, Jun 24Board of Trustees Installation at 8:00 pmJoin us as we thank our outgoing leader-ship and welcome our new Board.

Throughout the SummerFridays throughout July and August

Summer Outdoor Services at 8:00 pmUnder the stars (weather-permitting), a bit less formal and lasting about an hour.

Saturdays through Simkhat TorahHevra Torah Learning, 9:15-10:15 amLed by members of Hevra Torah and/or visiting faculty. Good conversa-tion on the weekly Torah parashah is always happening. Drop by any Shabbat morning! Visit wct.org/hevratorah for schedule of facilitators.

hShavuot @ WCTSat, Jun 11Shavuot Potluck Picnic and Sinai Challenges at 6:00 pmA different kind of Shavuot. Bring yourself and/or your family to our potluck dinner, then stick around for “The Sinai Challenges,” a collection of mind and body competitions to get you to the top of that mountain. Traditional ice cream oneg will follow. Sign up at wct.org/shavuotpicnic.

Sun, Jun 12Shavuot Yizkor at 9:00 amA sweet hour of song, prayer, story and heart to remember our loved ones.

Confirmation at 10:30 amYou are cordially invited to join us as our 10th graders present a Shavuot Morning service during which they will ascend Mt. Sinai and receive the Torah to give thanks for childhood, family, Judaism and life.

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Hevra Torah LearningSaturdays, 9:15-10:15 am

There’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.

Jun 4: Parashat BemidbarFacilitated by Rabbi Billy

Jun 11: Parashat NasoFacilitated by Rabbi Mara

Jun 18 - Oct 22Visit wct.org/hevratorah for list of sum-mer/fall facilitators

Camp BlessingsFri, Jun 17 at 6:00 pm

Just before our sweet young ‘uns take off for points known and unknown — summer camp or otherwise — we invite you to bring them to temple. We’ll bless’ em and send ‘em on their way ... with much love and hope for a summer of fun, growing, learning and friendship.

Hope you and your kids can join us! Shabbat Barbecue follows. RSVP for dinner at wct.org/shabbq.

A very special thank you (from our congregation and from the Dreskin family) to Herb Friedman, Norman and Pat Friedman, Beth and Todd Benjamin, and Evan and Faye Friedman, for generously underwriting this year’s Jonah Maccabee Concert in memory of their beloved and much-missed Elaine.

Zikhronah livrakha ... remembering her is our blessing.

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ELUL: A Month to Get Ready

While packing bags and kicking back for summer fun, you may want to circle Saturday, September 3 on your calendar. That evening is the beginning of the Hebrew month of Elul, which means Rosh Hashanah is only four weeks away (Sunday evening, October 2).

During the month of Elul, Jewish tradition urges us to begin the intro-spective process that will occupy our attention during High Holy Days. As we begin to wind down from the sunny (hopefully), lazy (also hopefully) days of summer, Elul reminds us it’s time to begin examining ourselves — our actions, our outlooks — and begin considering why we’ve made the choices we’ve made in the past year, and how we might modify those choices in the months ahead.

We’ll give you more to think about when Elul gets here. But for now, we encourage you to make Sept 3 a red-letter eve in your summer/fall schedule.

Babysitting at 8:00 pm Shabbat services is provided by teens from our religious school. This month, babysitting will be available on Jun 3 and Jun 10, and will resume in the fall. There is no charge and no advance notice is required. For further information, contact babysitting@wct.org.

Summer Outdoor ServicesFriday Evenings All Summer

Jul 1 - Sep 2, 8:00-9:00 pm

You are cordially invited to join us — beneath a canopy

of enchanting summer skies — for our Shabbat summer outdoor services. About an hour long, come and relax with friends and neighbors. These services are less formal (if that’s even possible at Woodlands), filled with music, prayer, and meaningful words of humor and hope. A very friendly crowd will join you following the service for an oneg of noshing and even better shmoozing. Such a delightful way to celebrate Shabbat. Children are most definitely welcome! And if the weather does not cooperate, we’ll move inside for air-conditioned spiritual comfort.

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That “ARZA Check-off” on Your 2016-17 Billby Rabbi Billy Dreskin

If you’re like me, when you think of Israel, you want to feel proud that she honors and protects all of her citizens – including women, Reform Jews and Muslims – and that she builds bridges to peace with her Palestinian neighbors. ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America, is the Reform Jewish voice in the Holy Land. ARZA promotes advocacy for a Jewish, pluralistic, just and democratic Israel. It takes the concern that you and I share for Israel, and translates it into constructive and substantive action.

Included on your membership statement is an opportunity to support (for $50) and join ARZA. It’s a small but important gesture from each of us. It’s a step we can take to connect to, and help build, the kind of Jewish homeland of which we can be justly proud.

When you see the invitation to join ARZA on this year’s membership statement, please say “Yes” to ARZA membership. It’s one way that each of us can truly help.

Visit arza.org for more information.

tenure. Jacobs still lives in Westchester – but said his wife often jokes that he lives on airplanes. As the leader of about 900 congregations representing some 1.5 million Reform Jews, he is often on the road.

A lifelong dancer and choreographer, Jacobs is both scholarly and warm. He’s capable of speaking spontaneously and eloquently about any element of Jewish life or the major social and political issues of the day. He has challenged Reform congregations to practice “audacious hospitality” by reaching out to and welcoming all comers. And he has called on Reform Jews to continue to pursue tikkun olam (repairing the world) – but within the context of Jewish study and tradition. “Social justice not grounded in text and ritual is ephemeral and unsustainable,” he said at the URJ’s biennial convention in November.

Woodlands President Dayle Fligel recently returned from a seminar for the presidents of Reform congregations, at which Jacobs was a leading figure. She said she came away a major fan. “The first thing he wants is to see the presidents open up to everybody,” Dayle said. “He was role-modeling how to do it the whole time, really getting to know us. He sat with us at every meal, talked with us, and listened to us. At Woodlands, we are very open and don’t close our doors to anyone. But he made me think that we can still do better.”

Jacobs is an articulate and unapologetic defender of progressive Jewish values, and expects Reform congregations to, as he put it, “reach way beyond the walls of organized Jewish life.” He said he is confident that Woodlands will continue to do so as it enters its second 50 years. “I’m sure Woodlands will keep asking how we nourish our spirituality as we raise our moral voice. The world around us is changing so dramatically. We can’t change our core values, but we can find ways to grow our communities, not just in size but in depth.”

Please join us in welcoming Rabbi Jacobs at our Jubilee Mishpakha ShaBBQ on Friday, June 17 at 6:00 pm. Reservations for the BBQ at wct.org/shabbq. And bring a friend to “Taste of Woodlands” at 5:30 to meet the WCT clergy and leadership.

Reform Leader, continued from p.1

Shavuot Reignited, continued from p.1

(okay, we might). But we’ll definitely test your general trivia knowledge and your aptitude for cleverly solving challenging puzzles. We’ll also play a bunch of lawn games, but none too strenuous.

Tikkun Layl Shavuot is the traditional observance of staying up on Shavuot night to “prepare for God to once again give Israel the Torah.” Come join us as Woodlands turns Shavuot and Mount Sinai upside down, renewing a great holiday by bringing together some great people (that’s you) for some great activities. And just cuz you’re nice, we’ll finish things off with everybody’s favorite Shavuot tradition (except for the lactose-intolerant): ice cream sundaes!

Stop by wct.org/shavuotpicnic and sign yourself up for WCT’s Shavuot Picnic Dinner and Sinai Challenges! It all happens on Saturday, June 11, starting at 6:00 pm.

Summer Reading of the Lofty Kind

If you’ve ever wanted to re-read sermons given by the WCT clergy, get your spirit-fix right here! Many of these writings live on in cyberspace and

we’ve got the details below. So fire up some popcorn, stir yourself a tall glass of iced tea, and settle back for some adventures in soul-searching at:

wct.org/sermons (writings from the WCT clergy)

wct.org/hhdsermons (High Holy Days sermons)

billydreskin.wordpress.com (Rabbi Billy’s writings)

divreitorah.wct.org (Rabbi Mara’s writings)

Clergy Availability During the Summer ...

Either Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara or Cantor Jonathan will be “on call” throughout the summer. Please understand, however, that summertime is one of the very few times our clergy can get away for rest and relaxation. If you should have need, you need only contact the temple office (592-7070) or our temple president Dayle Fligel (282-9019).

Just Israel

The Jubilee Tablecloth 140 participants! 2 exquisite tablecloths! 1 incredibly generous donation from all of us to Mazon!

Please Join Us!On Friday, June 10 at 8:00 in the evening,

our son, Asher Russell Young, will receive his Hebrew name and blessing before the synagogue community.

We would be honored and delighted if you would attend.

Rabbi Mara and Mark Young

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f r o m t h e r a b b i Noah BudinFri, Aug 26 @ 8:00 pm

Just as we’re getting ready to put away the beachballs and switch back from iced tea to hot coffee, come spend a summer’s Shabbat eve with Jewish folksinger-songwriter Noah Budin. Noah’s an old friend of Woodlands, having spent some cherished time with us back in 1999. We’ve missed him and can’t wait to welcome him back to our bimah. Stop by oysongs.com to hear some of his music. Then draw a big circle around Fri, Aug 26, because Noah lives in Cleveland and it may be another 17 years before we get to see him again!

The 50th Jubilee CoffeehouseCelebrating 50 Years of Awesome In-House Talent @ WCT!

Looking Back on Looking BackCantor Jonathan Gordon

We have been celebrating our Jubilee year in so many ways. I guess if it is repeated often enough, it sinks in: we are 50 years old. Woodlands reached its middle age. It’s been quite a party, ain’t it?

This year we had special events that express where we have been and affirm who we are today. Clergy from the past, throwback Sabbath services, intergenerational programming, a festive coffeehouse with 50 and more performers of all ages, visiting dignitaries, literary figures, the premier of a new old prayerbook. Things are always happening at Woodlands.

That’s one thing that has stayed the same since our inception – we are a busy and energetic bunch. And democratic, too. Here everybody pitches in; everyone has a voice at the table.

As I look back, I see seeds of the past that have bloomed, and things that reach ahead into the future, as well.

I study the photograph of Rabbi Sandy Ragins teaching Confirmation in our library – how cramped and intimate we were. That feeling must be recreated in the library every Saturday morning in Torah Study, when we dig into the traditional texts with our eyes wide open, and affirm the spiritual and intellectual treasures that are our inheritance. We are modern and ancient at the same time.

I see the faces of the 12-year olds who study with me weekly en route to the spiri-tual moment of becoming Bat and Bar Mitzvah. They are just like the 12-year olds of a half-century ago: vulnerable and wise, funny and full of promise. They will always be the future forming as we watch.

It’s natural that we celebrate our half century. Not that we have endured the changing world with sufficient numbers of members and the inevitably needed finances, although that is something to be thankful for! Let us celebrate the message we carry on: the warmth that affirms the value of every individual in our community; the idealism that powers our social justice initiatives, and our compassionate outreach. Our loyalty to the Jewish people and the teachings of our faith, affirmed in our education of children as well as adults; our embrace of lively Jewish culture, shown in our music and our special programming from Yoga Shabbat to Book Club, to group singing. These things are prayer; they form the testimony we offer to God.

When one considers the year, a Jewish turn of phrase comes to mind: Khazak, khazak, v’nitkhazek ... may we always go from strength to strength!

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Summer Happenings & BeyondL e a r n i n g

Hevra Torah Summer LearningSaturdays 9:15-10:15 am

Change Is in the Air!Throughout the summer and until Simkhat Torah, the rabbis and cantor do not regularly lead the weekly Shabbat morning Torah discussions. To give them time off during the summer and to keep their schedules lighter as they prepare for the High Holy Days, we will be featuring a pretty wonderful team of lay leaders and “ringers” who’ll be dropping by once each to lead a session. This will create tremendous variety in style and content, offering lively opportunities for exploring ancient Scripture.

The schedule will appear in the weekly email and online at wct.org/hevratorah.

Spiritual learning and growth never stop at Woodlands. You’re always invited to stop by.

B’nai BinahAdult Jewish Learning in the 21st Century

B’nai Binah is a special, adult opportunity to study Judaism. Whether you feel like you know little or you want to deepen what you do know, there’s a place waiting for you here. We’ll explore Jewish history, ritual and thought in a fun, creative atmosphere, spend-

ing half the evening learning Hebrew (with small classes of beginner, intermediate and advanced levels) and half exploring Jewish thought, practice, history and culture, devel-oping skills that can help you access Judaism at deeper levels of personal meaning.

We’ll meet weekly for two years (Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 pm, starting October 20). A big commitment, yes, but we think the payoff is fantastic. Your journey culminates on Simkhat Torah 2018, the holiday where we celebrate Jewish learning in all its forms. And you’ll read from the Torah to seal the deal!

Oh yes! B’nai Binah is also an excellent opportunity to deepen temple friendships and make new ones too. We bring you our A-team of teachers: Hebrew faculty (Harriet Levine, Margot Serwer, and Rabbi Joan

Glazer Farber) and our Jewish studies faculty (Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara, Cantor Jonathan and intern Jason Fenster). We’re thrilled to be on this learning journey with you!

Classes begin this fall (Thu, Oct 20, 2016). Tuition is $250/year (financial assistance is available – contact Rabbi Mara). Register (right now!) at wct.org/bnaibinah so you can be part of the new world of Jewish learning.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Woodlands to Participate in New Israel Education Project!We’re pleased to announce that Woodlands will be part of a new, cutting-edge initiative through the Jewish Education Project (in partnership with Makom) called “The Four Hatikvah Questions: Transforming Israel Education in New York.” The initiative is a comprehensive, philosophical approach to Israel education that empowers educators to develop meaningful and relevant Israel educational experiences for their site.

We’re honored that WCT was specifically tapped to be part of the program’s pilot year, serving as one of only eight cohort members from around the NYC, Westchester and Long Island areas. Rabbi Mara will be the main participant, working next year to develop new curricular models for Israel education through workshops and with a one-on-one consultant.

To jump-start the process, she will be traveling with the other initiative participants to Israel this summer. In an 8-day workshop, she will meet with Israelis, Palestinians, and organi-zation heads. Traveling around the country, they will explore the complexities of modern Israel and the ways to best educate about these complexities back at home. N’siya tovah ... have a great trip!

WCT Book ClubWed, Jun 15 at 7:30 pmKaren Margulies will lead a discussion of “The German Suitcase” by Greg Dinallo, a World War II thriller focused on the conscript-ed Nazi doctors who were given the task of carrying out Hitler’s Final Solution. This novel raises fundamental questions about war crime and guilt and how justice is best served.

All are welcome.

Daytime Diversions: Staying SafeWed, Jun 8 at 10:00 amA member of the Greenburgh Police Department will address safety for ourselves, our loved ones, and our congregation. The discussion will include how to be safe in our homes and in the community.

Current Events DiscussionWed, Jun 15 at 10:00 amBob Steinhardt will return to facilitate our lively current events discussion.

S o c i a L a c t i o n

Our 50th Anniversary Jubilee Tablecloths

After nearly a year’s work, our Jubilee tablecloths had their debut on Fri, Apr 29. Nearly 140 families contributed squares to make the two

tablecloths. The tablecloths, which will be used by our congregation and future Woodlands generations, raised $3,879 to assist Mazon in its fight against hunger. A check from Woodlands was presented to our Shabbat speaker, Rabbi Jonathan Stein, Mazon board member and lifelong mentor to Rabbi Billy. We’re so proud of our congregation for helping those who are hungry as we celebrate our Jubilee year.

Tutoring ProgramThe First Community Church of the Nazarene runs an established tutoring program in their building across Saw Mill River Rd from Woodlands. We would love to partner with them. Teach-ers, learning specialists and caring adults are needed to work with elementary to high school students on Saturday morn-ings, starting in September. To volunteer to be a tutor, email socialaction@wct.org.

Advocacy Task ForceWear orange on Thu, Jun 2 for National Gun Violence Awareness Day. But don’t stop there. Email socialaction@wct.org if you’re interested in working on a com-mittee for sensible gun laws.

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Summer Collections • School Supplies for Friends of Karen (until Mon, Aug 8). Donate NEW school supplies for families with critically ill children.

Go to wct.org/socialactionprojects for the complete list of items being collected.

• School Supplies for Tutoring Program. Needed items include pencils, crayons, markers, erasers, writing paper and copier paper.

• Non-Perishable Food. Many children who receive school-based breakfast and lunch do not receive these meals during summer recess, creating a greater need for food assistance for their families. We collect healthy, non-perishable food at our religious school entryway all year long.

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

Hey, WCT! I’m off to the URJ Crane Lake Camp as the Upper Nitzanim unit head. I’m looking forward to a meaningful and fun summer with some of our WCT kids and teens. I hope everyone has a

wonderful summer, and I’ll see you when I’m back!

Todah (thanks),

Michael Arbore son of Tony and Bonni Arbore

Rachel Best daughter of Robert and Carolyn Best

Cozette Blumenfeld daughter of Jeff Blumenfeld and Mardene Miller

Rachel Dames daughter of Thomas Dames and Deborah Kuhn Dames

Charlotte Dorn daughter of Freddie Dorn and Jeanne D’agostino Dorn

Jacob Frank son of Terry Frank

Joel Gardner son of Michael Gardner and Eve Gordon

Liam Kaufman son of Mark Kaufman and Rachel Wineberg

Madeleine Lesser daughter of Adam and Nicole Lesser

Jenna Meltzer daughter of Steven and Jodie Meltzer

Amy Mendelson daughter of Jay Mendelson and Evalyn Cohen

Jonathan Montague son of Mark and Michele Montague

Emma Oren daughter of Richard and Nancy Oren

Denali Sagner daughter of Steve Sagner and Jennifer Tower

Samara Scharf daughter of Doron Scharf and Joanne Levine

Ryan Turell son of Jonathan and Shari Turell

Jacob Wise son of Andrew and Michele Wise

Mia Wolosky daughter of Lee Wolosky and Frengiz Surty

America’s hotel employees work

hard to ensure we feel at home while

traveling. Yet they are often poorly compensated and sustain injuries at more than twice rate of other service-sector workers. During this summer’s vacation travels, here’s how we can all help:

Keep a Tidier RoomInjuries commonly sustained by hotel workers include back aches, shoulder pain and “Housemaids’ Knee.” We can help by throwing away trash and organizing personal items so they don’t need to be moved.

Leave a Meaningful GratuityWe can show appreciation for quality service and help hotel employees better care for their own homes and families.

Stay at Unionized HotelsVisit hotelworkersrising.org to find union hotels where workers earn an average of 33.3% more.

In Deuteronomy 24 we are taught, “Do not abuse needy and destitute laborers. Pay them their wages on the same day, before the sun sets ... lest they cry to God and you incur guilt.” For 3000 years, Judaism has advocated on behalf of those unable to lobby for themselves: the poor and the homeless. Let’s do our part.

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

To the Confirmation Class of 5776 :Mazal tov from all of us at Woodlands! The mountain awaits. With hearts and minds open, on Sunday morning, June 12 at 10:30 am, our 10th Grade Confirmands will transport us back to an ancient time when, standing at the foot of Mt. Sinai, we claimed what would become our eternal legacy ... the Torah. Now, it is received by a new generation.

Mazal tov to our Confirmands and their families:

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Board of Trustees InstallationFri, Jun 24 at 8:00 pm

Each year, a wonderfully dedicated group of volunteers steps forward to share the responsibilities of leading

our congregation. Our Board of Trustees works tirelessly to make our synagogue community a home for Judaism for us all. Please join us as we honor them with a gala Shabbat celebration.

Our sincere thanks to these outgoing members of our

Board of Trustees ...Gloria FalkAndy FarberLisa SacksMark Selig

For your leadership and dedication,todah rabbah ... thank you.

And welcome to our 2016-17 Board of Trustees ...

Dayle Fligel, President

Rachel Wineberg, VP Education

Bob Apter, VP Facilities

Michael Wiskind, VP Finance

Nancy Fishman,

VP Programming/Ritual

Irv Adler, Financial Secretary

Steve Sagner, Secretary

Andrea Einhorn, Treasurer

David Bertan, Trustee

Aliza Burton, Trustee

Dan Emery, Trustee

Herb Friedman, Trustee

Yvette Gralla, Trustee

Amy Green, Trustee

Elka Klarsfeld, Trustee

Jenna Lebowich, Trustee

Barry Leibowitz, Trustee

Lisa Linn, Trustee

Mike Scafidi, Trustee

Michele Wise, Trustee

Stu Berlowitz,

Immediate Past President

We wish you a year of unparalleled success!

The 50th Jubilee CoffeehouseCelebrating 50 Years of Awesome In-House Talent @ WCT!

The 50th Scavenger HuntWe were lost (all over Ardsley), but then we were found! A grand time was had by all!

Upcoming Meetings

Executive CommitteeMon, Jun 13 at 8:00 pm

Board of TrusteesMon, Jun 27 at 8:00 pm

Calendaring MeetingThu, Jun 16 at 8:00 pm

SHOREMon, Jun 20 at 7:30 pm

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Todah Rabbah (thank you) to...Our extraordinary Jubilee Tablecloth

crew: Julie Stein, Roberta Roos, Jeanne Bodin, Dotty Miller, Evie Lieb and Deborah Wiskind. An extra, very special thank you to Dotty Miller for sewing together our two beautiful Jubilee tablecloths. And thanks also to all the families that supported this project with a donation to Mazon.

The Jubilee Scavenger Hunt planning committee: Fran Weingast, Leora Co-hen Friedman, Eric Katz, Amy Mendel-son, Tara Levine, Dan and Miriam Em-ery, Aliza Burton and Nancy Fishman. Thanks as well to Michele Montague for helping out by keeping Rabbi Billy under control.

Our fabulous Jubilee Gala Celebration committee: Roberta Roos, Julie de Winter-Stein, Andrea Einhorn, Stu Berlowitz, Barry Leibowitz, Debbie Trias, Susan Aibinder, Faye Friedman, Michele Montague, Mitch Klein, Juli Klein, Fran Weingast, Nancy Fishman and Dayle Fligel. Since we went to press on this in May, we don’t

yet know who came to decorate before-hand, but thank you to each of you.

Our incredible 50th Anniversary Committee chairs: Mitch Klein, Fran Weingast, Michele Montague and Faye Friedman. Oh what fun and celebration you’ve brought us this year!

Jane Wachs and Michael Silverman for organizing our Breakfast Run into NYC.

The 2015-2016 WoodSY Board for your hard work, dedication, teamwork and passion: Abigail Ripin, Amy Mendelson, Denali Sagner, Dan Hirth, Isabelle Ripin, Jeremy Sipe, Leah Goldberg and Maddie Lesser. You’ve made great strides this year!

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

Mazal Tov to...

B’nai MitzvahDavid GreenJune 4

Torah Portion B’khukotai

Hebrew Name David

Kaleigh SilversteinJune 18

Torah Portion Naso

Hebrew Name Vikhna Sarah

Danielle ArboreJune 11

Torah Portion Bemidbar

Hebrew Name Esther Khaya

Frederic and Amy Green, as their son, David, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Tony and Bonni Arbore, as their daughter, Danielle, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.

Rich and Madelyn Silverstein, as their daughter, Kaleigh, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.

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 ofJordan Barash father of Rori Burke

Barry Fishman brother of Chuck Fishman

Martin Shore father of Kathy Sirotin

Donald Jay Weiner father of Ellen Bloom

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.

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A Rewarding EveningFri, Jun 17 @ 5:30 pm

“Membership has its rewards.” Once the defining commercial tagline for a credit card, the Woodlands Membership Committee thinks the phrase also speaks to what it means to belong to our temple. Visiting can be a wonderful experience. Belonging to our temple is something else entirely. We hope that you will consider bringing a friend, interested in learning more about Woodlands, to our next Prospective Member “Taste of Woodlands” on Friday, June 17. Clergy, lay leaders and Membership Committee members will be on-hand to talk about why Woodlands is so special. The evening begins at 5:30, followed by our Jubilee Mishpakha Shabbat service (with extra special guest, URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs), camp blessings, and then our annual ShabBarbecue! Membership at Woodlands definitely has its rewards! Come taste it on Friday, June 17 ... and bring a friend!

Memorial Garden WallInscribe Your Loved One’s Name

Twice a year, Woodlands adds names to our beautiful outdoor Memorial Garden Wall (just outside the sanctuary on the other side of the Ark) and dedicates them during a Yizkor Memorial Service. The fall dedication will be held during Yizkor on the last day of Sukkot (Monday, October 24 at 9:00 am).

Please visit wct.org/memorialwall if you wish to have names inscribed on our Memorial Garden Wall in time for the Sukkot dedication, and supply the information requested there – not later than Friday, October 7.

The price for inscription is $800 per name. Space may be reserved on the Wall for future inscriptions with full, advance payment. All names (whether they are to be inscribed or reserved) should be submitted at the time of reservation. This allows the engravers to allocate appropriate space for future inscriptions.

Zekher tzadik livrakha ... their memories are for a blessing.

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.

Rabbi Billy’s Mitzvah FundIn appreciation of Rabbi Billy for officiating

at the funeral of my father, Jerome Lurie, from Rani Walz.

In appreciation of Rabbi Billy for officiating at the funeral of Coralie Gaines, mother of Steve Gaines, from The Gaines Family.

In honor of Ralph Lawrence’s 80th birthday, from Linda Lucks.

In honor of Max Galkin becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Joshua and Meryl Elkin.

In honor of Max Weinhouse becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Brett and Deena Weinhouse.

Rabbi Mara’s Mitzvah FundIn honor of Asher Russell Young, son of

Rabbi Mara and Mark Young, from Dean Chang and Heidi Gralla, Todd Gordon and Susan Feder, Ed and Dotty Miller, Rochelle Novins, 3rd Grade Religious School, Scott and Julie Stein.

In memory of Helen Harper, mother of Emily Harper, from Peter and Sandy Rosenthal.

Cantor’s Discretionary FundIn memory of Bill Falk, from Ken and

Gayle Dubensky.

Chai FundIn memory of Ruth Berlowitz, mother of Stu

Berlowitz, from Abore Family, Robert and Selena Barron, Richard and Amy Bohrer, Andrew and Gaby Bordwin, Andy and Joan Farber, David and Dayle Fligel, Dale, Elly, Maya and Zachary Glasser, Larry and Yvette Gralla, Lois Green, Barry and Judith Kessler, Chuck and Carol Kessler, Michael and Leslie Litsky, Mark and Michele Montague, Don and June Moskovitz, New York Wranglers Hockey Team, Phyllis Opochinsky, Alfredo Perez, Potischman Family, Jon Richer and Lisa Sacks, Ruth Rugoff, Mark and Marjory Selig, Michael and Stacey Silverman, Ira and Fern Stein, Scott and Julie Stein, Roger, Roberta and Allison Wetherbee, Andrew and Michele Wise, Michael and Deborah Wiskind.

In honor of Asher Russell Young, son of Rabbi Mara and Mark Young, from Larry and Yvette Gralla, Don and June Moskovitz, Roger, Roberta and Allison Wetherbee.

In memory of Helen Harper, mother of Emily Harper, from Bob and Clare Feldman.

In memory of Donald Jay Weiner, father of Ellen Bloom, from Adam and Fran Stein.

In memory of Bill Falk, from Melissa Burns.In memory of Mark Solomon, husband of

Linda Solomon, from Lois Green.In memory of Donald Jay Weiner, father of

Ellen Bloom, from The Kronenbergers.

In memory of Barry Fishman, brother of Chuck Fishman, from David and Dayle Fligel, Corey Friedlander, Herb Friedman, Dale, Elly, Maya and Zachary Glasser, Todd Gordon and Susan Feder, Larry and Yvette Gralla, Lois Green, David Griff and Roni Beth Tower, Barry and Judith Kessler, Chuck and Carol Kessler, Jeffrey and Elka Klarsfeld, Steve and Evi Lieb, Mark and Michele Montague, Phyllis Opochinsky, Potischman Family, Frances Rosenfeld, Ruth Rugoff, Mark and Marjory Selig, Michael and Stacey Silverman, Ira and Fern Stein, Roger, Roberta and Allison Wetherbee, Michael and Deborah Wiskind.

Social Action FundIn honor of Jason Fenster for leading an

inspiring Just Justice program, from Scott and Julie Stein.

In honor of Sidney Fligel’s graduation from law school, from Roger, Roberta and Allison Wetherbee.

Rabbi’s Winter Hunger AppealIn honor of Asher Russell Young, son of

Rabbi Mara and Mark Young, from Michael and Stacey Silverman.

In memory of Helen Harper, mother of Emily Harper, from Michael and Stacey Silverman.

Education and Youth Activities FundIn memory of Helen Harper, mother of

Emily Harper, from David and Dayle Fligel, Jay and Lois Izes, Steve Sagner and Jennifer Tower.

Education Enrichment FundIn memory of Robert Brown, brother of

Larry Brown, from Sheldon and Doris Klein.In memory of Mark Solomon, husband of

Linda Solomon, from Peter and Sandy Rosenthal.

In honor of Asher Russell Young, son of Rabbi Mara and Mark Young, from The WCT School Board.

In memory of Mark Solomon, husband of Linda Solomon, from Emily Harper and Matthew Gilfus.

In memory of Ruth Berlowitz, mother of Stu Berlowitz, from Michael and Jenna Lebowich.

In honor of Asher Russell Young, son of Rabbi Mara and Mark Young, from Michael and Jenna Lebowich.

In honor of Max Galkin becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Michael and Jenna Lebowich.

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Save the Date!

Jubilee Mishpakha ShabBBQwith very special guest Rabbi Rick JacobsFri, Jun 17 at 6:00 pm

A very special congregational celebration of our 50th Jubilee year. Bring everybody for one of our wonderful, outdoor Shabbat services, including a brief presentation by URJ President

Rick Jacobs, followed by everybody’s favorite barbecue dinner. Sign up at wct.org/shabbq.

The Judaica Shop at Woodlands Loves June!

We get to help

congregants and friends celebrate milestone and life-cycle events. From Graduation and Confirmation to weddings and anniversaries … celebrate them all with a special gift from “your neighborhood gift shop for gift giving … and getting.” Choose a mixed-media print from One World Project, Cape Town for a one-of-a-kind anniversary gift, or the most perfect Torah pointer for a WCT Confirmand.

Starting to put together camp trunks? Need fresh ideas for rainy day staycation projects? Our “Kidz Korner” is well-stocked with games, craft projects and our favorite family activity, Aleph Bet cookie cutter sets. YUM!!

Sun, Jun 19 is Fathers Day. Celebrate him and his love of Judaism with a sterling silver chai or mezuzah.

The Judaica Shop is open by request every day the temple office is staffed. Evening and

weekend hours are noted in the weekly temple email.

Have a suggestion of an artist to carry? Looking for a fun volunteer opportunity? Email us at JudaicaShop@wct.org.

Donations, continued

Geraldine and Gerald Weinberger Lifelong Learning FundIn honor of the WCT University program,

from Phyllis Opochinsky.In memory of Marsha Block, mother of

Margot Serwer, from Emily Harper and Matthew Gilfu.In honor of Harriet Levine from the Thursday

morning Jewish Studies Class.

Project Ezra FundIn honor of Harriet Kohn for coordinating our

Passover food collection, from Scott and Julie Stein.

In memory of Barry Fishman, brother of Chuck Fishman, from Herb Friedman.

Steve’s H.O.P.E. FundIn memory of Raphael Bocher, father of Jackie

Leicht, from Nelson and Jackie Leicht.In support of Steve’s H.O.P.E. Fund, from

Meyer & Norma Ragir Foundation.

Mishkan Hanefesh Prayerbook FundIn memory of Robert Kushman, cousin, from

Max and Sondra Tuchman.

The Expanding Jewish Horizon FundIn memory of Ruth Berlowitz, mother of

Stu Berlowitz, from Emily Harper and Matthew Gilfus.

The Bernard and Frances Shapiro Chesed Caring FundIn appreciation of the Chesed Caring and

WCT Communities for the kindness and support for Helen Harper, from Emily Harper and Matthew Gilfus.

Domestic Abuse Task ForceIn appreciation for the support of our

community, from Emily Harper and Matthew Gilfus.

Midnight Run FundDonation from Sandi and Nathan Froimowitz.

Honey, Torah’s Doing Something Funny Again!

You may or may not notice it, but Torah at WCT is going its own way for a while. Because we, as a Reform synagogue, didn't observe the eighth day of Pesakh (nor, by the way, does anyone in Israel), we went “out of sync” with

many other North American synagogues jumping one week ahead of the traditional Torah-reading cycle. We'll rejoin them on Aug 6, when the traditional world reads the “double-portion” of Mattot-Mass'ei and we split them up. It’s kind of nice to remember that Reform Judaism sometimes re-shapes traditional Judaism in order to meaningfully adapt it to contemporary life.

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

Makom Ads DeliverReserve ad space for the fall! Call 914.592.7070, or email makom@wct.org

Thank you to all our advertisers for your support throughout the year. See you in September!

We thank o ur A d ve r t i s e r s f o r th e ir Sup p o r t 13

Ben's is proud to support Woodlands Community Temple

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current resident or:

Jubilant Reflections

On a late-spring morning in 1979, with our 2-1/2-year-old daughter, Lauren, in hand and our younger daughter, Debbie,

two weeks from making her debut (our son, Robby, would arrive three years later), we moved into our house on Woodlands Avenue. The tree-lined streets were a stark contrast to life in an 11th floor apartment in Queens.

Donna grew up in Newark and West Orange, NJ, enjoyed Jewish summer camps, and attended a Conservative synagogue. David grew up in Forest Hills, NY. “My father’s five sisters and their families in Warsaw were murdered in the Shoah, and while my Dad’s religious beliefs were shattered, he committed himself to raising my younger brother and me as Jews. Unfortunately, the rabbi at our Reform temple apparently committed himself to telling us why we were failing as Jews. During each sermon, his voice would steadily grow louder, and his entire head would turn crimson and seem on the verge of exploding all over the bimah. Not the Judaism I wanted.”

What we both wanted was to raise our children in a loving, supportive, open-minded Jewish community, and so we attended services at area temples. At Woodlands, the setting, the congregants who greeted us and the tenor of the services convinced us it was the one.

Our three children attended religious school and celebrated becoming B’nai Mitzvah there, and Donna taught 3rd and 5th graders for six years. “Watching those children grow into terrific adults with Woodlands to cheer them through every rite of passage, was a privilege.” She has loved singing in the Choir and in Billy’s purimspiels while continuing to learn Hebrew with Rabbi Joan Farber.

For David, the ridiculous (writing scripts and performing in purim-spiels as Archie Bunker and Groucho

Marx) and the spiritual (for the past 28 years arranging Shiva services conducted by temple members and serving on the Ritual Committee) have complemented one another perfectly. “I am so fortunate

to be able to team with other temple members in personally conveying the love and thoughts of the entire congrega-tion. We know that it helps comfort the families, not only because they tell us, but because at one time or another each of us has been a mourner and, likely, has been consoled by the presence of Shiva Committee members.”

There are so many things to love about Woodlands. Rabbi Billy and Cantor Jonathan: open, uplifting,

talented, intelligent, talking with us, not to us. Rabbi Mara, Lay Leader Corey Friedlander and the indominatable “ermeritus” Harriet: such integral parts of the whole. The many friends we have made, especially those who have unselfishly done so much to give life to our temple and are always there, hand raised, to volunteer time and effort. The missions to help Katrina victims. And, always, entwining arms and hearts as we sing Adonai Oz at the end of services.

We continue to reside on Woodlands Avenue, but that special place on Worthington Road will always be our second home.

Donna and David Berliner joined WCT in 1985.

WCT Members Gaze Across 50 Years

Donna and David Berliner: The 90s