the newsletter of woodlands community temple

May 2014

Iyyar - Sivan 5774

may HIGHLIGHTS

Who Are These People?

They’re nine of the 51 founding members we’re honoring at our WCT gala on Sat, Jun 7. To see the full list and more details about the event, turn the page. To see all the photos (taken by our own Andrew Bordwin), come to the event—and pick up The Times They Were a’Changin’ journal.

Scan this QR code for more WCT information.

Israel Turns 66May 2

Woodlands Coffeehouse

May 3

WCT High School Graduation

May 9

Dan Geffen’s Ordination

May 11

Annual Budget MeetingMay 15

Teacher Recognition ShabbatMay 16

Annual Congregational

MeetingMay 21

WoodSY Board Installation

May 30

A Joyful Noise!May 30

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Our Woodlands Community

Rabbi Billy Dreskin rabbi@wct.org

Rabbi Mara Young rabbimara@wct.org

Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon cantor@wct.orgRoss Glinkenhouse, Youth Director youth@wct.org

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

Dan Geffen, Rabbinic Intern intern@wct.org

Executive CommitteeStu Berlowitz, President president@wct.orgJenna Lebowich, VPEducation education@wct.ogCliff Schoen, VPFacilities facilities@wct.orgAndy Farber, VPFinance finance@wct.orgDayle Fligel, VPProgramming/Ritual programming@wct.orgHerb Friedman, FinancialSecretary financialsecretary@wct.orgAndrea Einhorn, Secretary secretary@wct.orgMark Selig, Treasurer treasurer@wct.org

Board of Trustees

Rochelle Stolzenberg (ex-officio)

Nancy BrownAliza BurtonGloria FalkNancy FishmanJill GarlandYvette Gralla

Lois GreenBarry LeibowitzLisa SacksMike ScafidiJay WernerMichele Wise

Office Staff Patricia Nissim, Temple Administrator

pat@wct.org

Liz Rauchwerger, Rabbi’s Assistantliz@wct.org

Michele Montague, Religious Schoolmichele@wct.org

Lori Bluberg, Bookkeeperbookkeeper@wct.org

About Our TempleWoodlands 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

Editor: Mike WinklemanArt Director: Melanie RoherDesign and Production: Kate Levy

Don’t Miss The Bus… The Times They Were a’Changin’ Fanfare for Our Founders Woodlands’ 2014 Gala Sat, Jun 7, 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.

Who We’re Honoring (people pictured on page 1 are noted with asterisks)

Mort and Susan Aron

Tony and Selena Barron

Marilyn Bergman

Charles and Brenda Block

Sam and Beverly Borwick

Dean Chang and Heidi Gralla

Lois Diamond

Sy and Sarah Donner

Evan and Faye Friedman*

Herb Friedman

Harriet Gollin

Larry and Yvette Gralla

Irene Gurdin

Diana Horowitz

Lori Hudson*

Lila Judelson

Ruth Lefkowitz*

Nelson and Jackie Leicht*

Mickey Milbauer

Irwin Miller*

Don and June Moskovitz*

Rochelle Novins

Audrey Rosen

Bob and Judy Rosen

Ken Rosenberg and Susan Morduch

Jack and Sue Safirstein

Hal and Elaine Shames

Irwin and Sara Silverman

Bob and Jane Steinhardt

Dan and Adele Tomasetti

Renee Trell

Ron and Meg Tvert

Fran Weingast

What We’re DoingCocktails at 7:00

Dinner at 8:00

Program at 9:15

Welcome Stu Berlowitz, WCT president Video The Times They Were a’Changin’ Remarks Rabbi Sandy Ragins (WCT’s first rabbi) Havdalah

Chain of Tradition (“Adonai Oz”)

Dessert at 10:00

How to Join Us$75 per person

Register at wct.org/gala

Dress: Festive casual

And while you’re waiting for June 7 to roll around…How Much Do You Know About 1966?

Whether you were there or not, send in your answers to these questions by May 30. The answers will be posted in the June issue of Makom. The winners will be announced at the gala on Jun 7.

1. What TV show was “beamed up” for the first time in 1966? And what TV show that evoked the ’50s aired its last episode?

2. What was 1966’s top pop song? What group had two songs in the Top 10?

3. What 1966 cult film was named after a Westchester village and featured such ’60s icons as Ravi Shankhar, Allen Ginsberg, and The Fugs?

4. Name two organizations (besides Woodlands) that launched in 1966.

5. Woody Allen’s first play opened on Broadway. What was it called?

6. What change in cigarette package design became mandated?

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Worship Schedule

Hevra Torah Learning: Saturdays, 9:15-10:15 am

Shabbat Emor Leviticus 21:1 - 24:23 ... Ezekiel 44:15-31 18th day of the Omer

Fri, May 2 Kidz Israel Shabbat at 7:00 p.m. In addition to our monthly 30-minute shenanigans, we’ll join in Shabbat celebration of Israel’s birthday too.

Israel Shabbat (Yom HaAtzma’ut) at 8:00 p.m. In celebration of Israel’s 66th birthday, special readings, special music, and more. Visual worship tonight.

Sat, May 3 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate with us as Nell Sirotin, daughter of Cathy and Gene Sirotin, becomes a Bat Mitzvah.

Shabbat Behar Leviticus 25:1 - 26:2 ... Jeremiah 32:6-27 25th day of the Omer

Fri, May 9 High School Academy Graduation at 8:00 p.m. A special evening to honor students in the 12th grade who have completed our highly acclaimed Academy program. (See page 7 for more details.)

Sat, May 10 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate with us as Grace Korten, daughter of Jennifer and Michael Korten, and Brandon Restler, son of Debra and Todd Restler, become B’nai Mitzvah.

Shabbat Bekhukotai Leviticus 26:3 - 27:34 ... Jeremiah 16:19 - 17:14 32nd day of the Omer

Fri, May 16 Shabbat HaMoreh at 7:00 p.m.

Teacher Recognition Shabbat honoring our religious school and adult education faculty for their dedication to us and to our children. This year, during Mishpakha Shabbat (note earlier time).

If you like, join us for dinner at 6:00 p.m.; reservations at wct.org/mishpakha.

Sat, May 17 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate with us as Duncan Pell, son of Geri and Doug Pell, becomes a Bar Mitzvah.

Shabbat Bemidbar Numbers 1:1 - 4:20 ... Hosea 2:1-22 24th day of the Omer

Fri, May 23 Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 p.m. In observance of Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Sat, May 24 No service this morning.

Shabbat Naso Numbers 4:21 -7:89 ... Judges 13:2-25 46th day of the Omer

Fri, May 30 A Joyful Noise! and WoodSY Installation at 8:00 p.m. A service for everyone. With a dozen musicians and your voices, we’ll fill the Sanctuary with a joyful noise! Installation of 2014-15 WoodSY Board tonight. Visual Worship tonight – no siddurim ... all prayers and readings will be projected onto screens.

Sat, May 31 Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate with us as Ashley Klein, daughter of Juli and Mitchell Klein, and Eli Bertan, son of David and Deborah Bertan, become B’nai Mitzvah.

•••••••

Babysitting at 8 p.m. Shabbat services is provided by teens from our religious school. This month, babysitting will be available on May 9, May 23, and May 30. There is no charge, and no advance notice is required.

May 3: Parashat Emor Facilitated by Rabbi Mara

May 10: Parashat Behar Facilitated by Cantor Jonathan

May 17: Parashat Bekhukotai Facilitated by Rabbi (!) Dan Geffen

May 24: Parashat Bemidbar Facilitated by Rabbi Billy

May 31: Parashat Naso Facilitated by Rabbi Mara

WCT Intern to Hit the Big-time!

It is with tremendous nakhes that we announce that our rabbinic intern Dan Geffen will become an ordained rabbi at 9:00 am on Sunday, May 11, at Temple Emanu-El in NYC. Prior to

attending Hebrew Union College (HUC), Dan graduated with a B.A. in History from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He has served as the Rabbinic Intern at Jewish Home Lifecare of Manhattan (New York City), Education Intern at Leo Baeck Temple (Los Angeles), Rabbinic Resident at Shaaray Tefila (NYC), Congregational Educator at Park Avenue Synagogue (NYC), and Director of Digital Operations for the Center for Online Judaic Studies (NYC). After a year with Dan as our own intern, we now understand why HUC awarded him the 2011 Gavi Klonsky Award for Amitz Lev – for Spirit, Character and Strength of Heart.

Next year, Dan will serve as rabbi for Temple Adas Israel in Sag Harbor, NY. We wish Dan (and wife Lu) mazal tov, kol hakavod, joy and contentment down the road ahead. Thanks, Dan, for giving so beautifully of yourself this past year at Woodlands.

Please join us on Friday evening, June 6, to bid Dan farewell and b’hatzlakha (much success) on his new adventure.

To meet our Summer Rabbinic Intern, Allie Klein, see page 8.

There’s abundant room around our table. We’d love to have you join our lively conversation.

May Committee MeetingsBoard of Trustees Mon, May 19, 8:10 p.m.

Adult Ed Sun, May 18, 9:00 a.m.

Finance Mon, May 12, 8:10 p.m.

Ritual Mon, May 12, 8:10 p.m.

School Board Sun, May 18, 7:00 p.m.

Social Action Thurs, May 8, 8:00 p.m.

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Full Strength at 30?

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

P irkei Avot (chapter 5, verse 21) says that at the age of 30 one attains full strength…meaning that the body reaches its peak physical performance. So, I guess it’s all

downhill from here because I turn 30 on May 10. I don’t mean that last sentence seriously, of course, and I

know that it’s a bit chuzpadik (gutsy) of me to imply that at 30 I’ve hit some sort of old age. Even so, 30 feels significant to me. It certainly seems to be so within our tradition. For example, Jewish law discusses which qualities a congregation should look for when choosing someone to serve as a service leader. One of these qualities is that the person should be at least 30 years old. Why? Commentators on the law explain that a 30-year-old is humble and broken-hearted, and can thus sincerely “pray from the heart.”

Yowch! Does 30 mean I’m broken-hearted?I feel quite the opposite, actually. I feel pretty full. I’ve got a

growing family and a position in a community that I genuinely love. So maybe when Pirkei Avot says one achieves “full strength” at 30, it means emotional maturity. Perhaps it’s the emotional strength to begin to tackle the rest of life, a maturity that comes with three decades under your belt and now bigger decisions to make. Indeed, the greatest transition that happens

from your 20s to 30s seems to be a more solid take on who you are and where you want to be going.

I don’t mistake this with having answers, though. Certainly there is a lot more to learn in my own life; hurdles undetermined that I pray I won’t have to face, but know I will at some point. But I’ve found a moral compass by which I want to navigate the future and I’ve collected the people I want with me on the adventure.

I usually celebrate my birthday around Israel’s birthday, Yom HaAtzmaut. This year, Israel turns 66. The rabbis of Pirkei Avot do not give wisdom on this particular age, but they do say that 60 is the age at which one achieves maturity.

It would seem, though, that this is the case with every age, either nation or person. We are never completely developed, but moving forward nonetheless.

What counts in your life? Dollars? Calories? Rungs ascended? Accolades?

In ancient Israel, on the second day of Pesakh, our ancestors brought the first sheaf (omer) of barley reaped that season as an offering to God. From that day, they began counting the days and weeks to Shavuot. Even after the Temple was destroyed and offerings no longer brought, Jews have continued to count the days from Pesakh to Shavuot.

Every night, from the second night of Pesakh to the night before Shavuot, we recite a blessing and state the count of the Omer in both weeks and days. So on the 16th day, we would say, “Today is 16 days, which is two weeks and two days of the Omer.”

S’firat haOmer emphasizes the link between Pesakh (which commemorates

the Exodus) and Shavuot (which commemorates the giving of the Torah). It reminds us that our redemption from slavery was not complete until we received the Torah, until we willingly limited our new-found freedom so that our communal life could thrive.

Each year, the same challenge is issued to us. How will we count our days? Judaism advises, as Rabbi Chaim Stern wrote, “Let us be sure that the One we invoke is the Most High, not a god of battles, of state or status or ‘success’ – but the Source of peace and mercy and goodness. It behooves us to be careful what we are worshiping, for what we are worshiping we are becoming.

Counting the Omer Apr 16 - Jun 3

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c o m m i t t e e r e p o r t s

Social Action

Adult Education

Spring Into Action! is our tikkun olam program that started in April and continues in May. Register now at SpringIntoAction@wct.org. For the full list of activities and important details about each activity, go to wct.org/social-action/projects. Discover what a difference you can make with just a few hours of your time—and we’re betting you’ll feel great about it, too.

Sat, May 3: Hope’s Door Childcare (12:30 – 4 p..m or 4 to 7 p.m.) Play games, read, and babysit the children living in Hope’s Door, a domestic abuse shelter. Share in a pizza dinner during the later childcare shift.

Sat, May 3: Hope’s Door Mom’s Salon Afternoon and Dinner (12:30 – 7 p.m. or dinner only 5 - 7 p.m.) Accompany the moms living in Hope’s Door to an afternoon at a beauty salon, Salon Elle in Armonk, and then go out to dinner at a casual restaurant.

Sun, May 4: Breakfast Run (6:45 a.m.) Drive together into the city to serve breakfast and provide clothes and toiletries to homeless and working poor.

Sun, May 4: Knitting Chemo Caps or Squares for our Hope’s Door blanket (6 – 8 p.m.) Join the knitting and crocheting brigade and learn how to knit caps to donate to chemotherapy patients.

Mon, May 5: Reform Jewish Voice of New York State Advocacy Day Advocacy training, legislative briefings, and meetings with legislators in Albany.

Tues, May 6: WJCS Kids Kloset (7 – 9 p.m.) Organize kids clothing donations at their White Plains location and match up clothing outfits for kids in need.

Collections: Kabbalat HaSiddur, May 4: Donate a book for a boy living in Children’s Village.

Action for Post-Soviet Jewry: Clean, good condition adult clothing, shoes, and accessories to benefit Action, an organization that provides food, medicine, clothing and social assistance to Eastern European Jews.

Monetary contributions to support Spring Into Action! programs are welcome.

S’forim Forum Cantor Jonathan Gordon Sat, May 10, 4:30 p.m. Join us for a discussion of Everyday Jews, a modern Yiddush masterpiece by Yehoshue Perle.

Book Club Wed, May 28, 7:30 p.m. Please join us for a discussion of The Glass Room by Simon Mawer. This is the story of a Bauhaus villa built in the 1920s for wealthy honeymooners Viktor and Liesel Landauer. The novel follows the villa’s occupants after the original owners leave their life behind and attempt to flee the Nazis. The book was inspired by the real-life Villa Tugendhat built by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in Brno, Czech Republic.

Woodlands Singers Cantor Jonathan Gordon Wednesdays at 8:15 p.m.

Ongoing Classes: Jewish Studies (Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.) Hebrew (Thursdays at 8:00 p.m.)

Daytime Diversions Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.

The Movie: May 7—My Favorite Year—a 1982 comedy with Peter O’Toole, Joe Bologna, Bill Macy, and others.

The Talk: May 14—Our guest is Berhnhard Storch, a 92-year-old concentration camp survivor who left Poland just ahead of the advancing German army. During his military service he helped liberate four extermination camps.

The Discussion: May 21—Current events with Bob Steinhardt

Please check the WCT Adult Ed. brochure or wct.org for more information.

Yes, we can finally say we have Spring, a time of renewal, sunshine, open windows, and Mother’s Day!

Our featured artist, Rachel Kranzberg Miller, has beautiful pieces that will help you honor your love for Mom and her love of Judaism with Rachel’s unique necklaces. Rachel discovered a revolutionary fine silver material called Precious Metal Clay and has found that creating wearable Judaica that ties her love and devotion to her faith to her craft is especially gratifying.

And check out Rachel’s woven bracelets. They’re perfect for an “off to camp” gift.

Thinking about bringing more Judaica into your home? Come see our wide array of mezuzot, home blessings, and Shabbat items.

The Shop is open, by request, every day the temple office is open. Weekend and evening hours noted in the e-newsletter. Email us at: judaicashop@wct.org

One-of-a-kind necklaces, signed by artist; Sterling Silver $72.00

Macrame bracelets, $30

Just Israel

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Ronkarama for the Mayor of MacDougal Street Woodlands Coffeehouse Sat, May 3 at 8:00 p.m.

Dave Van Ronk was a brilliant musician and personality who left a vibrant legacy of recordings and protégées. The Woodlands Coffeehouse will host a gathering of his friends and students who are well known in their own careers but remember Dave and will saluie him through his music. The roster that night will feature nationally known songwriter and humorist Christine Lavin, folksinger/songwriter and Appalachian dulcimer player David Massengill,

singer/guitarist/songwriter Eve Silber, and singer Chris Lowe, who plays a famous 1936 Gibson guitar. These artists are creators in their own rights, but they each got so much from their association with Van Ronk and will share some of that with us that night. Join these brilliant artists to salute the Mayor of MacDougal Street in a night to remember and savor. Admission is $20. Sign up at wct.org/coffeehouse.

Annual Temple Meetings: Make Your Voice HeardCongregational Budget Meeting: Thurs, May 15, 8:00 p.m.

Congregational Meeting: Wed, May 21, 8:00 p.m.

High School Graduation Shabbat Fri, May 9 at 8:00 p.m.

It’s really rather extraordinary, but your synagogue has done it again. Twelfth graders ... still in Religious School ... and they refuse to leave until they really leave ... for college! And more in 11th grade, who’ll all be conducting this Graduation Service with them.

SAMANTHA AIBINDER, daughter of Susan Aibinder

JORDAN EINHORN, son of Adam and Andrea Einhorn

JOCELYN FINE, daughter of Lawrence Fine and Laura Winston

SHAYA GINSBERG, daughter of Bruce Ginsberg and Jan Ginsberg

ZEV KAUFMAN, son of Mark Kaufman and Rachel Wineberg

EMILY LINN, daughter of Greg and Lisa Linn

ZACHARY LINN, son of Greg and Lisa Linn

RACHEL MALKIN, daughter of Peter and Nancy Malkin

JENNA SALOMON, daughter of Philip and Marla Salomon

ADAM SCHARF, son of Doron Scharf and Joanne Levine

MATTHEW SHEAR, son of Jeffrey and Susan Shear

ELIJAH SWIFT, son of Tom Swift and Melissa Swift

EMILY TRIAS, daughter of Angel and Debi Trias

MELISSA WISHNER, daughter of Jerry and Barbara Wishner

This is not an evening just for the graduates’ families. This is a celebration of Jewish life and continuity and integrity for us all! Do you know what Oneg Shabbat means? It means “Shabbat delight.” And this service is going to be one truly delightful celebration of Shabbat. Join us!

What do you do when your neighbor, with whom you have had a strained relationship, is bleeding? It is no secret that the Israeli government has provided medical treatment for hundreds of Syrian civilians wounded in Syria’s civil war. Less known are the many acts of kindness from ordinary Israelis.

To alleviate suffering faced in this harsh winter, Israeli Flying Aid launched a nation-wide drive to transport life-saving supplies to Syria. The group has provided similar assistance in Georgia (FSU), Mayanmar, Sri Lanka, and Eritrea, all victims of natural disasters or territorial conflicts.

Another group, IL4Syrians, has been providing Syrians with food, medicine and basic supplies. When responding to questions of why they are helping citizens of an “enemy,” IL4Syria emphasizes its identity as “Israeli citizens who love their homeland and believe in a Jewish tradition and culture that values a compassionate, open-minded respect for the sanctity of human life and dignity.”

Yom HaAtzmaut Service: Israel’s 66th birthday Fri, May 2, 8:00 p.m.

Kidz Shabbat at 7:00 p.m.

May Happenings

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To the Confirmation Class of 5774:Mazal tov from all of us at Woodlands!The mountain awaits. With hearts and minds open, on Tues evening, Jun 3 (7:30-10:00 p.m.) 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:JENNA ANSELL, daughter of Dan and Liz Ansell

ALEXA ARCERI, daughter of Thomas and Janine Arceri

RACHEL BARNARD, daughter of Sandi Zelniker

ELANA CONFINO-PINZON, daughter of Joseph Pinzon and Marni Confino

SYDNEY GABAY, daughter of Russell and Elizabeth Gabay

LEAH GOLDBERG, daughter of Michael Goldberg and Jenny Ottinger

ARIANE GOTTLIEB, daughter of Paul Gottlieb and Barbara Rosenberg

MAYA HEYMAN, daughter of Tom and Michelle Heyman

DANIEL HIRTH, son of Leon and Dora Hirth

JULIA KACH, daughter of Jeffrey and Stacey Kach

MELANIE KATZ, daughter of David and Amy Katz

ANDREW LEVINE, son of Gary and Iris Levine

ZACHARY MONTAGUE, son of Mark and Michele Montague

ANNA POTISCHMAN, daughter of Harold Potischman

and Ruth Rugoff

ABIGAIL RIPIN, daughter of Peter and Marianne Ripin

ANDREW ROSENFELD, son of David and Janice Rosenfeld

EMMA SCHNEIDER, daughter of Tracy Schneider

MICHELLE SHEAR, daughter of Jeffrey and Susan Shear

ETHAN SIPE, son of Kirk Sipe and Karen Golden

JEREMY SIPE, son of Kirk Sipe and Karen Golden

ALLISON STEIN, daughter of Scott Stein and Julie deWinter-Stein

JULIET WISHNER, daughter of Jerry and Barbara Wishner

A Taste of Woodlands Fri, Jun 13, 6:00 p.m. Welcome prospective members with Woodlands delicacies, plus a Kidz Shabbat service (7:00 p.m.) and a congregational service (8:00 pm.).

Board of Trustees Installation Fri, Jun 13, 8:00 p.m.

Mishpakh Kabbalat ShaBBQ/Annual Camper Blessings Fri, Jun 20, 6:00 p.m.

High Holy Days 5775Rosh Hashanah, Wed evening, Sept 24-Fri, Sept 26 Kol Nidre, Fri evening, Oct 3 Yom Kippur, Sat, Oct 4 Sukkot, Wed, Oct 8 Simkhat Torah, Wed, Oct 15

Shavuot Tue-Wed, Jun 3-4

Tikkun Layl Shavuot – Celebrate Torah and Jewish Learning Tues, Jun 3, 7:30-10:00 pm

Tikkun Layl Shavuot is an age-old Jewish custom ... to remain awake through the night of Shavuot — much as our ancestors may have done when they stood at the base of Mt. Sinai — and

receive the Torah anew. We study our sacred Text, examine what others have said about it, share our own thoughts and views ... maybe even nosh a little ... and enjoy being a part of a community that values learning about the purpose of human existence.

Well, maybe we won’t stay up quite through the night, but please join us anyway as our rabbis and cantor, many volunteer group-facilitators and our Confirmands, lead our journey back to Sinai. Together, let’s renew that partnership with God we began so many centuries ago. Come and probe the meaning of peoplehood, Covenant, and God’s revelation. Did it happen? And even if it didn’t, can it still be true?

Come renew the ancient mystical path of those who walked before us. Our 10th grade Confirmation families will join us in celebrating their children’s Jewish life ahead!

Yizkor Wed, Jun 4 at 9:00 a.m.

An hour of remembrance for loved ones who have died.

Confirmation Wed, Jun 4 at 4:30 p.m.

Our 10th graders conclude their Confirmation experience, giving thanks for childhood, family, Judaism, and life. The entire congregation is encouraged to be part of this significant milestone.

June and Beyond

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

Mazal Tov

Thank You...

Mazal Tov to Gene and Cathy Sirotin, as their daughter, Nell, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.Mazal Tov to Michael and Jennifer Korten, as their daughter, Grace, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.Mazal Tov to Todd and Debra Restler, as their son, Brandon, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.Mazal Tov to Doug and Geri Pell, as their son, Duncan, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.Mazal Tov to David and Debbie Bertan, as their son, Elijah, is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.Mazal Tov to Mitchell and Juli Klein, as their daughter, Ashley, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah.

Mazal Tov to Jack Bluett on the birth of twin grandchildren, Kody Aaron and Kaylee Eva Frye, children of Lisa Bluett-Frye and Kevin Frye.Mazal Tov to Alan and Ilene Hersh on the marriage of their daughter, Lisa to Meir Braunstein, son of Gabriel and Edit Braunstein.Mazal Tov to Ed and Susie Brubaker on the birth of a granddaughter, May Leonte, daughter of Heather Brubaker and Zach Yeskel.Mazal Tov to Bob and Jane Steinhardt on the birth of a great-grandson, Israel Nathan David Carasso, son of Judie and Daniel Carasso.

To Jon Kleinman, Adam Hart and Mark Kaufman for sharing your amazing musical talents when Michael Ochs and Alaa Ali visited us recently.

To those who intrepidly went where none had gone before during SciFi Purim: WoodSY; Ed and Susie Brubaker; Barbara Cerf; Sura Rosenthal; Juli, Mitch, and Ashley Klein; Chuck and Nancy Fishman; Jill Garland; Lee Brickman; Margot Serwer; Rabbi Joan Farber; Cantor Ellen Dreskin; Rabbi

Dan; Rabbi Mara; and Rabbi Billy. And, of course, tech wizard Don Levan.

To those who hosted tables at the Interfaith Passover Seder: Phyllis Hirth, Carol Intner, Harriet Kohn, Sandi Lieb-Geiger, Lloyd and Roberta Roos, Janice Rosenfeld, Charlie and Jill Strick, Steve and Gail Zizmor, Julie de Winter-Stein, Mickey Milbauer, Chuck and Nancy Fishman and Dayle Fligel. And to Rabbi Billy, Rabbi Mara, and Cantor Jonathan for leading the service.

B’nai MitzvahGrace Korten May 10 Torah Portion Behar Hebrew Name Gavriella Yaakova

Duncan Pell May 17 Torah Portion Bekhukotai Hebrew Name Dov Aryeh

Ashley Klein May 31 Torah Portion Naso Hebrew Name Khassa

Nell Sirotin May 3 Torah Portion Emor Hebrew Name Nekhama

Brandon Restler May 10 Torah Portion Behar Hebrew Name Binyamin Nota

Elijah Bertan May 31 Torah Portion Naso Hebrew Name Moshe Eliyahu

Welcome Allie Klein, Our Summer Rabbinic InternWe’re very pleased to welcome Alexandra Klein as our summer rabbinic intern. Here’s a note of introduction from Allie:

Shalom!

My name is Allie Klein and I am a fourth-year rabbinical student at Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion. I grew

up in Montclair, N.J., and spent many formative summers at URJ Camp Harlam in Pennsylvania as a camper and staff member. I graduated from Haverford College in 2007 and spent three years serving Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, Mass., as their Youth Educator where I fell in love with congregational life and decided to become a rabbi. I live in Brooklyn with my fiancé, Adam, and serve as the student rabbi of Beth Sholom Temple in Fredericksburg, Va. I am very excited to be joining the Woodlands community from May 19 - Jul 6 as your rabbinic intern through the HUC-JIR Tisch Rabbinical Fellowship!

I wanted to learn at a synagogue that places a high priority on building relationships and deepening community, as well as being dedicated to innovation to meet the evolving needs of the congregation. I look forward to learning from each of you and thank the entire community for this wonderful opportunity. See you soon!

WCT Youth Engagement

Thurs, May 1: “This is your brain on healthy snack food” AP exams and finals are right around the corner. Come learn about, prepare, and taste foods you can make to keep your brain going in high gear.

Sat, May 10: NFTY-NAR Gala Contact Ross for more information and to register.

Fri, May 30: Teen Celebration Dinner Followed by WoodSY board Installation at A Joyful Noise! Keep an eye out for an email with more information and registration details.

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DonationsWe 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 CommunityMourns the Loss of

Sylvia Magid aunt of Gayle Dubensky

Harriet Knapp aunt of Jay Werner

Raymond Solomon father of Mark Solomon

Edith Wiskind mother of Michael Wiskind

Rabbi’s Mitzvah FundIn honor of the marriage of Lisa Hersh and Meir Braunstein, from Lisa Hersh and Meir Braunstein.In gratitude to Rabbi Billy for the beautiful naming ceremony for Mollie Sage Tyler, granddaughter, from Marsha and Lenny Green.In memory of Gerry Weingast, from Sandy and Max Tuchman.In memory of Kurt Zimmermann, from Sandy and Max Tuchman.

Chai FundIn honor of Evi Lieb for her beautiful artistry and hard work on the Rel. School’s “blessing quilt”, from Rabbi Mara and the 5th and 6th grade.Wishing Corey Friedlander a speedy recovery, from Dayle and David Fligel.In memory of Myra Schiffmann, aunt of Rachel Posner, from Judy and Don Levan.In memory of Stuart J. Lowenthal and Esther Griff, from David Griff and Roni Beth Tower.In memory of Jack Moskovitz, from June and Don Moskovitz.In memory of Gerry Weingast, from June and Don Moskovitz.In memory of Gerry Weingast, from Gralla/Chang family.In memory of Gerry Weingast, from Dayle and David Fligel.In memory of Gerry Weingast, from Chuck and Nancy Fishman.In memory of Gerry Weingast, from Jane and Bob Steinhardt.In memory of David Steinhardt, from Jane and Bob Steinhardt.In memory of Edith Wiskind, from The Fligel Family.In memory of Edith Wiskind, from Michele and Mark Montague.In memory of May Kaskawits, mother of Howie Shlom and Step-mother of Rick Kaskawits, from Dayle and David Fligel.In memory of Joseph Bromberg, mother of Rich Bromberg, from Dayle and David Fligel.In honor of Abigail Loose becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from David Griff and Roni Beth Tower.In honor of Marina Lebowich becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Gloria and Bill Falk.In honor of Duncan Pell becoming a Bar Mitzvah, from Gloria and Bill Falk.In memory of Harriet Knapp, aunt of Jay Werner, from Gloria and Bill Falk.

Mitzvat Mississippi FundIn memory of Harriet Knapp, from Roberta, Roger and Allison Wetherbee.In memory of Harriet Knapp, from The Fligel Family.In memory of Harriet Knapp, from Michele and Mark Montague.

In memory of Harriet Knapp, from Andy and Joan Farber.In memory of Harriet Knapp, from David Griff and Roni Beth Tower.Wishing Lucas Werner a speedy recovery, from Dayle and David Fligel.

Music FundIn memory of Dan Kerness, from Miriam Kerness.

Special Education FundIn memory of Dan Kerness, from Miriam Kerness.

Lifelong Learning FundIn memory of Frieda Karsh, mother of Babette Wasserman, from Sandi and Jerry Turetsky.

Torah and Ritual FundIn memory of May Kaskawits, from Vic and Karen Hansen.In honor of Marina Lebowich becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Chuck and Nancy Fishman.

Library FundIn honor of Marina Lebowich becoming a Bat Mitzvah, from Lois and Jay Izes.

Education and Youth Activities FundIn honor of Leora Cohen-Friedman’s amazing work putting together the Harry Potter Purim Spiel, from Lisa Sacks and Jonathan Richer.In memory of Dan Kerness, from Suzanne Dibble.

Annual FundIn honor of David and Dayle Fligel, from Kathie and Jerry Kamiel.

Social Action FundIn memory of Gerry Weingast, from Terri and Steve Levin.

Steve’s H.O.P.E. FundIn memory of Raphael Bocher, from Jackie and Nelson Leicht.

The Bernard and Frances Shapiro Chesed Caring Comm FundIn memory of Arnold Laubich, father of Lori Laubich, from Rhoda and Marty Payson.Thanks for all the WCT support and in memory of Edith Wiskind, from Deborah and Michael Wiskind.

Gates of Repentance BookplateIn memory of Enreck Feinsilber, from Adriane and Joel Belmont.In memory of Sally Feinsilber, from Adriane and Joel Belmont.In memory of Diana Belmont, from Adriane and Joel Belmont.

To find out more about all the funds that are available for your support and for information about how to donate to these funds, please visit www.wct.org/donate

Honor a Loved One Bookplates Now Available

It is a time-honored Jewish tradition to honor people we love by making a tzedakah contribution on their behalf. Now, in addition to contributing to our regular funds, you and your family may purchase bookplates to dedicate individual copies of our High Holy Days makhzor, Gates of Repentance. And your donation will help us purchase new prayerbooks as the need arises.

• Bookplates cost $36 each.• One plate will be lovingly inscribed

with both your and your loved one’s name

• Each plate will be placed inside one synagogue copy of our High Holy Days prayerbook.

Order online at wct.org/bookplate

Scheduling Weddings or Funerals with Our Clergy

The rabbis and cantor want very much to be with you during significant life-cycle moments. Please speak with them before setting any dates or times for weddings or funerals. Don't be disappointed to learn they're not available at the time you've already arranged, so bring them "into the loop" at the very beginning of your planning.

We thank o ur A d ve r t i s e r s f o r th e ir Sup p o r t10

Weinstein Memorial Chapel914-793-3800

1652 Central Park Avenue • Yonkers, New York 10710 (1 Block North of Tuckahoe Road)

E-mail: wmc1652@verizon.net

The Only Jewish Family Owned Chapel in Westchester County

A Family Commitment to the Jewish Community with Dignified, Respectful Service.

Four Generations of Personalized Service Mildred, Jack*, Seymour & Edward Weinstein (Owners)

Arrangements Available in Westchester and Metro NYC 24 Hours a Day • 7 Days a Week

We Accept All Major Credit Cards.

MEMBER: Jewish Funeral Directors Assoc. of America

New York State Funeral Directors Association Westchester Funeral Directors Association *Deceased

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 11

Sell ads to support Makom.• • •

Market and promote temple activities.• • •

Work on the temple website.• • •

Keep the gardens pruned.• • •

Keep the budget balanced.• • •

Work on membership development and retention.

• • •Plan fundraisers.

• • •Plan the annual temple “gala.”

• • •Pursue tzedakah and tikkun olam.

• • •Bake latkes and hamentaschen.

• • •And anything else you can think of!

Write to volunteer@wct.org and we’ll put you in touch with the right

person for the right job.

Needs You!

YourTemple

50 Worthington Road White Plains, NY 10607

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDWhite Plains, NYPermit No. 1112

DATED M ATERIAL- DO NOT DEL AY

current resident or:

The College Connection

What Defines Me As a JewBy Andrew Fishman

As a freshman, I wasn’t quite sure what role Judaism would play in my life while at college. I experimented by going to services on the High Holy Days, attending some

dinners at Hillel, and even trying out the Chabad house for dinner a few times.

While I have a strong Jewish identity, I didn’t feel that any of these outlets did anything for me. But just because I don’t attend many Jewish-based events, doesn’t mean that what I experienced during my time at Woodlands hasn’t remained a big part of my life. In my immediate friend group, I am the only Jewish person. I keep an open mind to my friends’ traditions, asking questions and supporting them. Similarly, I encourage my non-Jewish friends to celebrate with me during my holidays. This mostly revolves around food, including apples and honey on Rosh Hashanah, macaroons and matzah during Passover, and gelt (as well as lighting the menorah) on Hanukkah.

As a nonfiction writing major, I am exposed to a lot of interesting writing material, sometimes religious. One author I read for class this year in particular is Jeff Sharlet, who writes extensively about religion. I also had the opportunity to hear him speak in person. His work continued to churn my thoughts on God and religion in general, taking me back to the “God-Shopping” we did in 10th grade.

I have begun to really find myself while away at school, as a person and as a Jew. The number of Jewish events I attend on campus should not define me as Jew, but rather, the feeling I get when helping a student (I work at both my university’s Writing Center and at an afterschool program with kids of all ages), or my ability to discuss religion in a respectful manner. While maybe not in the most obvious ways, Judaism is still a huge part of my life.

Andrew is a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in English Nonfiction Writing and minoring in film studies, on an Education track.

Learning with a PurposeBy Aaron Leibowitz

Out of all that I learned at Woodlands before leaving for college, the concept of tikkun olam—repairing the world—has stuck with me most. To be Jewish, I was

taught, means to do anything in my power to make the world a better place.

How could I apply such a big concept on campus? I discovered the answer while considering another refrain: that I was going to college to “learn for learning’s sake.” Some people, the logic went, were going to college to master a trade. I, on the other hand, was going to liberal arts school: to learn how to think; to learn for learning’s sake.

But when you learn only for the sake of it, who benefits? I’ve come to believe that this is no way to achieve tikkun olam. Learning for learning’s sake is a luxury. I want to learn with a purpose. I want to gain a better understanding of the world so that I can think, talk, write, and act to make it better.

That’s not to say learning isn’t fun. I’m incredibly lucky to have spent the past four years taking classes and gaining new perspectives. But what’s the point if I don’t use what I’ve learned in a positive way—not just to advance my career, but to improve the communities around me?

Knowledge is only power if you use it. It’s only tikkun olam if you use it for good.

Aaron is a senior at Tufts University in Medford, Mass., where he will graduate in May. He is a 2010 graduate of Ardsley High School and, more importantly, of Woodlands Community Temple.

College Students! We are having a Starbucks Meetup at the Starbucks in Ardsley @11:30am on Wed, May 28. Wake up and join Rabbi Mara, Ross, and lots of good friends. Catch up over some delicious coffee! See ya there!