Adar I/Adar II 5782 / March 2022
Volume V
No. 43
Rabbi's Message: Reflection As I write this, my month in Tel Aviv is coming to an end. It was obvious to me that, if possible, I would spend a large portion of my sabbatical this winter in Israel. In the end, I have been here just over a month. Seven or eight years ago, I would not have made the same choice. For many years, my feelings toward Israel were ambivalent. I supported its right to exist as a nation, but was troubled by the Israeli/Palestinian issue. I was also very angry about the rabbinic establishment’s stance toward those who convert to Judaism through the Reform Movement and toward Reform rabbis (especially women). Several years ago, I developed very close relationships with a number of Israelis, and I now consider them family. It is because of them that I now travel to Israel whenever I can. Israel is no longer just a country to me; it is the home of people I love very much and long to see as often as possible. Because of them I have spent more time here, and that has given me the opportunity to get to know the Israeli culture and atmosphere better. I have also been working on my conversational Modern Hebrew for the last five years. I am still troubled by the Israeli/Palestinian issue, and I have a better understanding of its complexity. I am still angry about the way Israel’s rabbinic establishment handles issues of conversion and liberal Judaism in general, and I understand that even if I feel like the leadership of the country doesn’t want me as a Jew, plenty of the citizens of Israel do. Lots of people have asked what I have done on this trip. My goal was not to do things, but just to be, to take it easy, and to be outside of my usual life for a while. I have been walking three or four miles every day as I explored and shopped. I visited a few museums and read about six books (none of them very serious). I met a ceramics artist at the Nachalat Binyamin art market (Tuesdays and Fridays) who does conversation with people who are learning Hebrew, and met with her three times to practice my Hebrew. I also did my best to speak Hebrew in shops, restaurants, and the shuk (the market). Most important, I spent time with my Israeli friends and family, people whom I love deeply. I very much enjoy being in a place where the dominant culture is Jewish. There are casual biblical references all over the place—not in a moralizing way, but more in a descriptive way. For example, I visited a photo exhibit in which one of the photos was of the ocean and the sky, and it was titled “Beinmayiml’mayim”—between the water and the water—a reference to the story of God’s creation of the world at the very beginning of the Torah. The ancient history here is also familiar, because it’s Jewish history. To visit places that are two thousand or more years old, to see evidence of our spiritual ancestors here, is moving to me. I have had the opportunity to relax and experience life in a different way than I do at home. It’s time for me to come home, but I do look forward to my next opportunity to visit Israel. I will be back to work on March 3, and I look forward to seeing you soon. Rabbi Hoover
Voice of Truth
President’s Message Moving Forward There’s a scene from The World According to Garp (the 1982 movie, not the book) that’s always stayed with me. T. S. Garp (Robin Williams) and Helen (Mary Beth Hurt) are looking to buy their first home. They’re standing outside a lovely suburban house when a small airplane, presumably suffering mechanical failure, suddenly crashes into it. “We’ll take the house,” Garp says to the real estate agent. And then to his wife, “Honey, the chances of another plane hitting this house are astronomical. It’s been pre-disastered. We’re going to be safe here.” The idea of feeling immune to devastation is intoxicating, and it can provide great comfort when you need it. I can attest to that. When I was 27, I was perfectly healthy and working as a newspaper editor when I felt a lump in my neck. It turned out to be Hodgkin’s lymphoma. One major surgery and several months of radiation later, with no evidence of disease, I managed to convince myself that this was just a blip on the radar—a potentially catastrophic event that I got out of the way earlier than most people and which granted me license for an adventure-free future, health-wise. Hey, I was pre-disastered! It’s helpful to be naïve, unduly hopeful, or very young (or all three) to fall for this this type of magical thinking. (In my case it worked for a long time, several decades, until it didn’t. But that’s a story for another day.) COVID gave rise to its own kind of magical thinking. Some of it has been dispelled by time and acquired knowledge: We now know that the vaccine, while a lifesaver, doesn’t make you immune to COVID. We know that you can get COVID multiple times even while vaccinated, and that while COVID can make a vaccinated person sick, you likely won’t be hospitalized or die. There’s also the truly dangerous kind of magical thinking, the kind that is rooted in misinformation and that causes people to avoid getting vaccinated, putting themselves and others in peril. The COVID vaccine has given us the ability to inoculate ourselves, literally and figuratively, against disaster. But do we truly feel safe? What does safe even mean these days? And then there are the sub-questions: Do we feel safe gathering indoors with people outside our family? Do we feel safe sharing food with other people, which requires removing our masks? And how long are we going to keep wearing masks, anyway? As most of you know, B’ShERT has been operating remotely since the Omicron surge late last year. When the COVID infection rate citywide started returning to pre-Omicron levels, the Reopening Committee, chaired by Phyllis Schweiger, and the leadership at B’ShERT decided to revisit the topic of resuming in-person services/activities and building-wide protocols. Here’s what we decided, along with answers to some anticipated questions: Proof of vaccination: Proof of vaccination is required for anyone entering the building. This includes a booster for all who are eligible. Masks: Although the city and state have recently scaled back on mask mandates, we continue to require that masks be worn in the building at all times. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated guidelines, we strongly suggest N95 or KN95 masks, which provide more protection than cloth masks. Shabbat services: Multi-access Shabbat evening services will resume on Friday, March 4 at 8 p.m. Multi-access Shabbat morning services will resume on Saturday, March 5 at 11:45 a.m. Religious School: In-person Religious School will resume on Saturday, March 5 at 9:45 a.m. Confirmation Class: In-person Confirmation Class will resume on Wednesday, March 9 at 6 p.m. Banquet Hall: Beginning in April, the banquet hall may be used for Temple activities if committees and affiliates choose to do so. (Committees/affiliates may continue to have meetings/activities on Zoom. It’s up to them.) We are still working out the details/protocols for activities where food is involved, like potlucks, but we will likely have designated food servers. Masks must be worn except when people are eating. In addition, we are renting out the banquet hall to members only for bar/bat mitzvahs and other parties starting in April. What About Airflow in the Banquet Hall? We decided to resume using the space because the infection rate has declined sharply, and other indoor venues are operating. We are still exploring the feasibility of upgrading the airflow in the room and are awaiting a structural engineer’s report to determine whether to take further action. What About Zoom? Will that continue? Multi-access Shabbat services are here to stay. We recognize that some people cannot come to in-person services or do not feel comfortable doing so because of health concerns or other issues. And let’s face it—sometimes you just don’t feel like leaving the house. Zoom will continue for all Temple activities whenever and wherever possible. What About Trustees’ and Executive Board Meetings? While some of us feel the absence of Entenmann’s snacks more deeply than others, and some of us miss the opportunity to socialize, it is hard to dispute that board meetings run more efficiently and are better attended on Zoom than in person. We aren’t ruling out some in-person meetings. We’ll see. If you have any questions or concerns about the Temple’s reopening, feel free to reach out to Phyllis Schweiger at ps1003@aol.com or to me at president@bshert.org. Best, Adrienne Knoll
Building Security Committee
Photo by Lore Croghan, courtesy of The Brooklyn Daily Eagle.
Save the Dates: Security Training at B’ShERT March 28–30, 2022 We have been working hard to enhance the safety of our Temple community. We are happy to report that the Security Protocol Committee has selected expert consultants to update our emergency procedures and to conduct active threat prevention and response training and exercises/drills. Active Shooter Prevention Project, LLC, led by Chris Grollnek (chrisgrollnek.com) and Greg Shaffer, and assisted by Elisa Mula, our security equipment consultant, will be at B’ShERT on Monday, March 28 through Wednesday, March 30. We are building the schedule to ensure we have the greatest participation of congregants possible. Please MARK YOUR CALENDARS with these dates. We will send updates in the coming days. We welcome all suggestions and comments as we move forward and ask for your support and participation. Thank you! Faye Guskin and Adrienne Knoll Co-Chairs, Building Security Committee
We hope this report finds everyone warm and well, and that you’re as happy as we are about returning to multi-access programming and services in just a few days. The months since the onset of Omicron have felt very long and we missed the chance to spend time in person, but we are grateful we were still able to connect with many of our fellow congregants virtually, including during two events sponsored by our committee. We’re thrilled to report that “The Crow Nation and the Jewish People” was a major success! We had 80 people attend live from across the country, and hundreds of viewers watched at least part of the program on Facebook afterward. It was an honor to be able to learn from our guest speaker Heywood “Third” Big Day III, and Rabbi Pinsky was able to highlight many parallels between our two communities. If you haven’t watched it yet, you can do so here: https://fb.watch/bfZ4B72MzT/. Many thanks to Rebecca and Ellyn Rothstein for introducing us to Third and bringing this program to life, and we’re already in discussion to bring Third back for another program in the future. Our Virtual “Valentine’s Wine Tasting” was another great success. We had more than 20 participants with us on Zoom, which we take as proof that we’re not the only people who don’t watch the Super Bowl. Wine enthusiasts Emma Tattenbaum-Fine and Luke Krafka taught us almost everything we need to know about wine: how to open the bottle, how to identify scents and flavors, and what to do with our leftover wine (we sampled five bottles, so there were lots of leftovers). You can watch the Wine Tasting video here: https://fb.watch/bf_eXvgzOs/. If you’re a wine lover, we’re also in the early stages of starting a Small Group all about wine and wine tastings. Please reach out to pr@bshert.org if you might be interested! And speaking of Small Groups news, look elsewhere in this issue of the Voice of Truth for more information about our Dungeons and Dragons and Monthly Mitzvah small groups, which are both forming now and ready to kick off soon. Finally, we’re happy to announce our inaugural nut-free Hamentashen Exchange, which will take place on Saturday, March 12 around 11 a.m. (immediately following the Religious School Tefilah). Whether you’re a baker or a bakery customer, you can participate by bringing in prepackaged baggies of 3 to 5 cookies each to trade or give to other members. It’s a great way to spread some early Purim joy and enjoy a sampling of flavors from our many very talented B’ShERTbakers. If you’re interested, please sign up here: https://bit.ly/bshertcookies. Our next committee meeting will be on Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. We have several plans cooking in the background, and we’d love for you to be a part of bringing them to life. Please email Ellyn (pr@bshert.org) or Joanie (jmhschaffer@gmail.com) for the Zoom link. If you can’t make it but have suggestions or ideas for helping to build connections between our members, please reach out to us via email. Best, Ellyn Rothstein and Joanie Holland Schaffer Co-Chairs, Membership Committee
Membership Committee
Special Message From Rabbi Pinsky Dear B’ShERT Family, When I came to B’ShERT almost three years ago, I was thrilled to be joining such a loving, warm, and dedicated community. After moving back to New York and seeking a community to grow with and call home, the open part-time Rabbi/Educator position spoke to me and revealed itself to be everything that I was looking for. After initial meetings with the search committee and leadership, there was an instant synchronicity, and it became clear that a beautiful match was being made. Please allow me to use the only verbiage that feels appropriate; it was b’shert—meant to be. These years have been filled with blessings, challenges, learning, spirituality, and celebration. I am truly grateful for every moment of being your rabbi. It is therefore a bittersweet moment as I anticipate the next chapter of my rabbinic journey and share with you that this will be my final year at B’ShERT. As I reflect on my time in this community, I am deeply grateful for the partnership and blessings in working with Rabbi Hoover, the incredibly dedicated lay leadership, our professional staff, and with each of you. When I began my tenure in the summer of 2019, none of us could have anticipated the shifts that our world would face. Together, we have faced a pandemic with grace and creativity. We have reimagined the possibilities of learning, shifting our religious school online with little notice, and even growing the number of families and students in our community. Not only did we move our regular programs online but together we used technology to our advantage, and dreamed of entirely new programs and ways to come together as a community. In one of the most difficult periods in our collective global society, our community has grown ever more connected and stronger. It has been a joy and blessing to be your rabbi, and I’m not nearly done! I will be with B’ShERT through the end of June. I look forward to the time that we have together in the months ahead. There are still so many opportunities to come together, celebrate, learn, and pray. While I cannot yet fully announce my next step, I can tell you that I will be staying in the New York area and taking on a full-time congregational position. Please know that as I continue in my rabbinate, I will always take so much of B’ShERT with me. With gratitude and love, Rabbi Alexis Pinsky
Monthly Mitzvah Small Group - Forming Now Are you someone who wants to “be the change you wish to see in the world?” Do you believe that “many hands make light work”and that “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much?” There are so many brilliant and inspirational words about the importance of volunteering to help others in our community, but perhaps the simplest is to “say little and do much.” To that end, we are forming a new Small Group dedicated to community service projects, or monthly mitzvot. The vision is for members of our group to volunteer together once a month with organizations like Masbia, the Kings Bay Y, Repair the World, the Marine Park Alliance, and Lasagna Love. Because “every person can make a difference, and every person should try.” If you’re interested in joining this group, please send an email to Joanie Schaffer (jmhschaffer@gmail.com) including the words “Small Group” in the subject line.
Dungeons & Dragons Small Group - Forming Now Do you thirst for adventure? Does the idea of exploration excite you? Would you fight a dragon to achieve your dreams? Then we have a proposal for you: Join our Dungeons & Dragons campaign starting in March! D&D (as it’s collectively known) is a fantasy-themed, pencil-and-paper tabletop game where you are an adventurer on a mission given to you by your Dungeon Master to go out into the world to perhaps save a village from bandits, fight some fearsome monsters, or even prevent total annihilation by a dark wizard. Creativity and imagination are key aspects to immersing yourself in a role-play adventure that will test your sense of camaraderie, your courage, and even your moral compass. Maximum players: 8 No experience necessary (we will teach you!) All Ages Welcome (probably best for ages 8+) No materials needed to start (we have the books and the dice) Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Games will take place in person (with COVID protocols). An initial information session will be held via Zoom prior to starting the campaign. If you are interested in joining, or if you have any questions, please contact Bill Schaffer (bill.schaffer@bshert.org).
Mah Jongg Small Group - Forming Now A new group is being formed for those who know Mah Jongg and would like a familiar place to play or meet new players. In addition, an instructor will be available to teach new players and answer questions about rules and strategy. We can all share - men, women, young adults and children - the fun, challenge and journey of this popular game loved by our mothers and grandmothers. How many of you have your mother's Mah Jongg set tucked away in a closet or garage? We have kept these cherished vintage sets with the beautifully painted tiles as a remembrance of sweet times in our homes. Come join us. Dates and times will be finalized at a later time. Contact Irene Nachinoff at bklynirene@aol.com for more information.
Do you enjoy doing hobbies in a group setting? Do you prefer a place with no teachers and no classes, just people coming together and enjoying their common interest? Small Groups will soon be forming around the following topics: Wine Tasting Rhythm and Music Dungeons & Dragons Beading and Portable Crafts (Embroidery, Jewelry Crafting, Knitting) Email pr@bshert.org for details.
The Women of B’ShERT held their first event of 2022 on Tuesday, January 11. Our guest speaker was congregant and our own Co-Vice President, Candi Friedman. Candi’s topic was “My Road to Becoming a Jewish Woman.” Emcee Doreen Aronow welcomed everyone, wishing us all a very happy and healthy New Year. Charlotte Russell then read one of her excellent prayers, which sets the mood of our events: “Open my mind, let me hear the rhythms of the life You have granted to me. All of them. Help my ears to hear the sound of love and goodness. Help my eyes to read the signs of giving of those who are near, and sometimes of strangers who put concerns for me before themselves.” Amen! Doreen introduced Candi, who took us on a tour of her young life. She grew up in Washington Heights, where there were lots of German Jews, Greeks, and Blacks. She lived with her parents and older brother, Eddie, who occasionally made her life miserable, as sometimes older siblings will do. Her father was Italian, and head chef for a restaurant. Her mother was Puerto Rican and moved to the United States when she was five years old. She worked as a forelady in a book bindery. Both came from large families, and both were the youngest in their families. Also, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and Yeshiva University centered the neighborhood. At the age of six, Candi went with her best friend, Elaine, to St. Rose of Lima Catholic School. Elaine, who was a talkative child, with heavy legs, often got into trouble with the nuns, who smacked her legs. Candi was so upset over this that she told the nuns to stop doing that. The nuns retaliated by putting a bar of soap in Candi’s mouth! Candi’s mother was so outraged by this the marched back to the school with Candi, telling the nuns “to never do that again!” However, by Christmas, Candi was asked to leave the school. She transferred to a public school, where the school was ninety percent Jewish. One girl, Barbara O’Keefe, who was Jewish because her mother was, stayed home from school on the Jewish holidays. Candi, who didn’t want Barbara to get in trouble for being out, always answered for Barbara during these times, and the teacher never knew that Candi was covering for her. And so, even at this young age, Candi was an activist. And, since her friends were Jewish, Candi went to synagogue, bar mitzvahs, and sweet sixteen parties. At the age of seven, Candi was invited to a seder where she didn’t get home until midnight! She was so excited she told her mother, “I’m going to be Jewish when I grow up!” Her mother replied, “You’re going to sleep. It’s after midnight.” The next day, Candi repeated her intention to become Jewish. Her mother then said to Candi that she had to make her confirmation and, “we’ll talk again.” When she was eleven, Candi made her confirmation. However, when the Sunday arrived after her confirmation, Candi’s mother woke her up to go to church. Candi defiantly replied, “I’m not going!” Her mother called her father, Joe, to make Candi go to church. Her father said, “She made her confirmation and that’s it. She’s done. Candi, go to sleep, and Rose, go to sleep!” And Candi never set foot in church again, although she did go to her brother Eddie’s wedding there. In high school, and later in college, Candi delved into Lutheranism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and even the Baha’i. She just knew that Catholicism wasn’t for her. Her parents wanted her to be educated, happy, and have a religion. They knew she wasn’t happy being a Catholic. Her parents, who were Roman Catholic, never went to church services. However, her father wore a religious medal and her mother had religious statues that she prayed to. In Candi’s early and mid-twenties, she said, “Judaism is really it.” By then she was dating a Jewish man who lived in Bensonhurst. He took Candi to Beth Sholom Synagogue where she met Rabbi Sangerman who said, “I’m not going to convert you.” He then closed the door on Candi who, undeterred, knocked on the door and said she wasn’t going away. Three times Rabbi Sangerman closed the door on Candi, and three times Candi knocked on the door. Candi’s persistence finally paid off, and the Rabbi started studying with her. Thus began a pattern of Candi studying with Rabbi Sangerman on Wednesday evenings, going to a class at the Union Temple on Thursday evenings, and attending services on Friday evenings, where Candi met congregants Diane and Lester Schenker and Fran and Manny Arnowitz, who befriended her. While Candi and Rabbi Sangerman butted heads many times, Candi finally received her conversion, and 32 people witnessed. Candi stayed with Beth Sholom after her conversion, and felt that the people there were a “community.” In the meantime, Candi, still on her quest, studied everything she could at Hebrew Union College, and Brandeis University. And, with congregant Marcia Wilkow, who kept her tethered, went far and wide to all symposiums and classes. Meanwhile, Beth Sholom merged with Temple Ahavath Sholom, and again merged with Progressive Temple in Boro Park, home to many religious Jews. Candi attended services at Progressive Temple Beth Ahavath Sholom, where she met a good-looking guy named Rob through his three-year-old daughter, Jenn, who was also at services. And thus began a period of Candi attending services at Progressive, running into Rob and Jenn, and saying hello. Finally, Rob said to Candi in December of 1988, “We should meet outside of Temple.” Candi said okay, and Rob said, “I’ll call you after New Years.” And Rob did. Their first date was a New York Rangers game. By St. Patrick’s Day, they were secretly engaged! Way to go! In 1990, Candi and Rob were married at Temple with 300 people in attendance. Candi and Rob stayed at the Temple until Cantor Suzanne Bernstein became Spiritual Leader. At that point, Rob and Candi, already living in Bay Ridge, joined the Bay Ridge Jewish Center. They left after six years there. However, Candi knew she needed to be in a synagogue. She called Rabbi Hoover, who used to substitute for other rabbis. Rabbi Hoover told her not to join anything right away, but to take a break, saying, “You will find your way back.” In the meantime, Rob missed being in a synagogue, and he decided to join Beth Emeth. Candi decided she had better join also. She had found her way back. “I’m a wonderer and a wanderer, and I think I will always wonder and wander,” said Candi. “We find our place if we look. It’s a journey—and journeys are not bad. You’re all part of my family.” Bravo! The evening ended with the showing of a few childhood photos, where we had to guess who these cuties were, and again, they were all cute! “Isn’t She Lovely?” by Stevie Wonder, also set the tone. Thank you to Candi for a wonderful talk; to Charlotte Russell and Doreen Aronow for coordinating this enjoyable event. And a special thanks to our wonderful audience. Our next event is on Tuesday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m., when Temple member and Executive Vice-President Susan Sysler will give a talk on “Jewish Women Activists: Then & Now.” Zoom details to follow. Hope to see you there! Submitted by Jane Gleiberman Mona Goldberg, Charlotte Russell, Sara Meyer West Co-Presidents, Women of B’ShERT, A Sisterhood Organization
Women of B'ShERT: A Sisterhood Organization
Brotherhood Affiliate at B'ShERT
Brotherhood and the Temple membership would like to extend a special thank you to Jonathan Schachter for the great job he did in his January presentation about U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
Brotherhood, along with our entire congregation, mourns the loss of Fran Arnowitz, long-time Temple member who was active in all Temple events and a strong supporter of all Brotherhood activities. Fran was always there to support her husband, Manny, who is now moving to Las Vegas to be with his daughter. For many years Manny was the Recording Secretary at all Brotherhood events and served as Brotherhood representative at Trustees meetings the last few years. He will be difficult to replace. Manny has indicated he would like to continue his duties on Zoom, but I wonder if he realizes the time difference between New York and Las Vegas means he would need to get up at 6:30 a.m. to join. Stay well Manny, and stay safe. And a special thanks to Alan Zarrow for volunteering to step in as Recording Secretary in case Manny is unavailable. Everyone is invited for a special treat on Sunday, March 13 at 10:30 a.m. for a virtual tour of West Point. This will be given on Zoom and led by long-time Temple member Alan Zarrow. Anyone who has attended Alan’s many lectures knows how interesting and informative they are. There will be a quiz (with prizes) and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. See the enclosed flier in this edition of the Voice of Truth for further details. A brief Brotherhood meeting will be held starting at 9:45 a.m. preceding Alan’s presentation. Remember Daylight Savings Time begins on March 13, so you need to turn your clocks ahead one hour so you won’t miss this wonderful event! We are not done yet! Save this date, Sunday, April 10 at 10:30 a.m., for a stress management workshop given by Temple members Gail and Bob Fried. More details in next month’s edition of the Voice of Truth. Mike Rose has generously agreed to do another one of his highly successful trivia nights, and we are looking forward to our membership breakfast at the Mirage Diner on Sunday, June 26, and a trip to see the Cyclones game in Coney Island this summer. Please check the Voice of Truth, your emails, and voice mail messages for other possible future Brotherhood events. We wish everyone a joyous Purim! Stay Well and Stay Safe everyone, Joel Moss and the Members of your Brotherhood Affiliate at B'ShERT
A special thanks to all Brotherhood members who woke upon an early Sunday morning in November to share ideas and plans for the next few months. I am happy to report that all men who were members of Brotherhood the last few years have all joined again. We welcome new member Paul Dann and hope he enjoys his time with our affiliate. Of course, you do not have to be a member to join our meetings or participate in our events, although some new blood is always welcome. On Sunday December 5, at 9:30 a.m. on Zoom, all members and any male who would like to see what we are all about are invited to our Brotherhood meeting. At this meeting we will finalize plans for our Brotherhood Shabbat on Friday night December 10, at 8 p.m. Friday December 10 at 8 p.m. everyone is invited to our annual Brotherhood Retro Shabbat. You are welcome to attend this service in person, masks and proof of vaccine required, or you can watch and participate on Zoom, no mask required on Zoom. Hopefully next year things will be back to a more normal state and we will be able to have the Brotherhood Shabbos dinner before the service as we had in pre-pandemic years. We hope to see many of our fellow Temple members at this service. Brotherhood has many events planned for 2022 including a lecture on Brooklyn-born and Brooklyn-educated Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, an interactive workshop on stress management, another fantastic trivia contest hosted by Mike Rose, a virtual tour of West Point on Zoom by the always-interesting Alan Zarrow, the annual Brotherhood membership breakfast at the Mirage Diner, and a trip to a Cyclones game sometime this Summer. At this time we are not sure about an outdoor picnic in June. Stay tuned for updates! Please check the Voice of Truth, emails, and phone tree messages for more information about upcoming events. We hope everyone is having a wonderful Hanukkah and we wish those celebrating a wonderful Christmas and or/ Kwanzaa. Stay safe and stay well everyone! Joel and the members of your Brotherhood Affiliate at B'ShERT
Tuesday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m., the Women of B'ShERT, A Sisterhood Organization, welcomes Temple and Women of B'ShERT member Susan Sysler who will present... "Jewish Women Activists -- Then and Now" Susan's presentation will take a look at women who stood up for both human and women's rights and Judaism across the centuries. We welcome everyone to join us for this very informative evening which will take place virtually via Zoom. Zoom link will be sent prior to the presentation. After the discussion, we will continue with our next edition of showing childhood pictures where everyone has the opportunity to guess who we're looking at. ALL pictures are welcome. This is the final showing of pictures this season so please send in your pictures if you haven't already so you can join in the fun.They can be sent to me/Doreen via email or text at womenofbshert@aol.com or (917) 584-9519. We hope you will join us. Have a good day! Thank you, Doreen Aronow Women of B'ShERT, A Sisterhood Organization
It’s safe to say that for the most part, either we are immigrants ourselves or we are a few generations removed from immigration. We certainly live in communities with immigrants. The policies and procedures surrounding immigration to the United States are a major focus of contemporary political concern.There has been much national conversation on this topic, yet many of us need basic information about laws and policies. We are very pleased to present “Let’s Talk About Immigration” on Zoom on Sunday, March 6 at 11:30 a.m. Our speaker, Cynthia Groomes Katz, is a supervising attorney working in this field through HIAS and will be providing us with plenty of information. See the flyer with registration details. Register at Eventbrite: https://bsherthias.eventbrite.com/ The Interfaith Coalition of Brooklyn will have its next book discussion on Zoom on Monday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. Our selection is Death Comes For The Archbishop. You are cordially invited to all events! Yvette Pomeranz and Lori Silverman Co-Chairs, Social Action Committee
Social Action Committee
The following was printed on 2/10/2022 in the Blogs Section of The Times of Israel, co-authored by Naama Kelman and Rabbi Nava Hefez. Suddenly, the soldier noticed the woman’s kippah Trees are essential for living. Our tradition celebrates them on TuBishvat. One Israeli custom associated with the holiday that began in the early 20th century was the act of tree planting. The newborn Teachers’ Union (HisdatrutHaMorim), early Palestine, circa 1912, wanted to reaffirm this forgotten day of the Jewish calendar, so they joined what was one of the greatest efforts of reforestation in the land of Israel. Seemingly apolitical, even tree planting has become politicized in present-day Israel. There are Jews unsympathetic to the Bedouins who plant trees on TuBishvaton contested Bedouin land to reclaim it for other uses, and there are Jews who plant trees in Palestinian villages to replant the trees that have been uprooted by West Bank settlers. This year, Rabbis for Human Rights (RHR) set out to the Palestinian village of Awarta to replenish the tree supply, given the uprooting that has gone on there. RHR has picked olives from the olive trees, and the area has become a place where the settlers have tried to stop such gatherings, sometimes using force, but always accompanied by hostile threats. Nestled under the settlement of Itamar,hence, the IDF is routinely called in to keep an uneasy quiet between the rabbis and their allies who have come to plant trees and pick olives with their Palestinian sisters and brothers and the settlers who oppose them. When Rabbi Nava Hefetz, director of education for RHR, Rabbi Michael Marmur, Chair of RHR and faculty member of Hebrew Union College,and Rev. Gavriella Zander of Agusta arrived in Awarta by car, buses with volunteers to assist them from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv pulled up as well. Rabbi Hefetztold the group to get started along with the villagers. Within minutes, an IDF jeep pulled up with soldiers, and asked the group to leave. Rabbi Hefetz, taking full responsibility, and calming the agitated volunteers, asked the soldiers to speak to their commanders. The soldiers responded affirmatively to this request and Rabbi Hefetz recognized, once the officers’ jeep pulled up, that these men were most likely seasoned officer reservists. As one officer began to question why these volunteers were there, the other officer started to film the exchange. “What are you doing?” one officer asked. Rabbi Hefetz answered, “We are here to replant the trees that the settlers have uprooted. We are not here to provoke, just to honor Tu Bishvat and honor the local Palestinian farmers.” “Who are you?”, the officer wanted to know, and RabbiHefetz responded, “We are Rabbis for Human Rights.” At that moment, the officer noticed that Nava was wearing a kippah, and said, “This is quite unusual, a woman with a kippah! Are you a rabbi?” “Yes,” she responded. “I am the director of education for RHR.” The officer then continued, “Are you a Reform rabbi?” and the questioning began to take a different turn. The tone was now almost conciliatory, and Nava answered,“Yes, I am a graduate of Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem.” “Wow,” said the officer, now smiling, “I had my bar mitzvah in a Reform synagogue in Modiin with a woman rabbi, I don’t remember her name.” Nava adds, “You must mean Rabbi Kinneret Shiryon!” “Yes, that’s her!” he exclaimed. Then the second officer chimed in. “Hey, my son had his bar miztvah (at the Reform synagogue) in Raanana, also with a woman rabbi!” Rabbi Hefetz nodded. “You must mean Rabbi Tami Kolberg,” and together, the two officers asked in unison, “Do you know all the rabbis?” To which she said, “Certainly — those who are affiliated with Rabbis for Human Rights.” Rabbi Hefetz then returned to the matter at hand. “We are not here to provoke. We are here to plant olive trees and be on our way.” The officers then instructed the soldiers to leave and, turning to Nava, added, “Have a good day!” On January 14, 2022, with rain coming down, 150 saplings were planted, a Hebrew and Arabic ceremony was held, with the prayer: “It is a tree of life for all who uphold it, and its ways are the paths to peace.” Trees restore breath, trees give life, trees renew our hope. And sometimes, seeds planted by women rabbis in Reform synagogues, demonstrating equality, fairness, and progress, bear the fruits of justice and light. To stay informed and up to date with all that's Israel, the Progressive Jewish Movement and ARZA please go to arza.org, urj.org or IRAC.org. Tamara Kerner Chair, ARZA Committee
ARZA Committee
We welcome your Voice of Truth news. Let the B'ShERT community know of events in your community, family or your own life. Send your news to news@bshert.org.
Jewish Cultural Committee
Hebrew has been the language of Jewish prayer and holy books, and of course modern Hebrew is the language of Israel. We know that Jews have lived all over the world, and most of us know that there have been significant Jewish communities speaking Yiddish and Ladino. Hebrew Union College has embarked upon a Jewish Languages Project, studying many other Jewish languages, most of which are considered endangered today as the number of speakers dwindle. Such languages include Judeo-Arabic and Sephardic Jewish Papiamento (spoken on the island of Curaçao). The Jewish Languages Project even questions if we now have a Jewish English! Check HUC’s website for information about specific presentations from this project. If you wish to learn more about people from the Sephardic world who hid their Jewish faith and ancestry, visit the Bernard Museum of Judaica (part of the Streicker Center of Temple Emanuel in Manhattan). The exhibit “In the Footsteps of the Crypto-Jews” opens on March 21 and follows this story from the Golden Age of Spain to communities in the Balkans, North Africa, and the New World. If you wish to learn more about the Jewish people in Eastern Europe, there are many opportunities to study Yiddish, both in-person and on-line. See the Yiddish Book Center, the Workmen’s Circle, YIVO, and the Folksbiene Theater, just to get started. Moreover, don’t forget that Jewish culture includes Jewish literature. Yiddish literature, in addition to its artistic merit, really shows us the flavor of Jewish life in Eastern Europe. Read I. L. Peretz and Sholom Aleichem! Yvette Pomeranz and Helene Smith Co-Chairs, Jewish Cultural Committee
Fundraising Committee
The fundraising committee is pleased to announce that B’ShERT has received $280 in matching funds from Facebook for Giving Tuesday. This brings the total to $4,548.00. Thank you to all the early morning risers here that sat at their computers, with their beverage of choice, and logged on at 8 a.m. that day. Pam Glantzman and Yvette Pomeranz Co-Chairs, Fundraising Committee
B'ShERT Bio: New Member Edition
Rosanne Levitt I am a happily retired single Senior living near Greenwich Village since 1974. I had visited B’ShERT only twice—for my parents’ yahrzeits—before COVID quarantine restrictions. The warm welcomes had made me feel at home, so I took advantage of YouTube’s availability, deciding to become a member in thankfulness for the opportunity to overcome the distance, and now to participate via Zoom. I value Rabbi Hoover as a rare combination of Torah scholar and “people person,” a positive, energetic “leader of the flock”; someone who truly embodies the Rabbinic calling. Like many others during the Great Depression who came seeking Federal government employment in Washington D.C., my parents also found each other. We moved to Philadelphia the year after my birth and then to Brooklyn when I was seven. I attended PS 197, JHS 234, James Madison HS, and Hunter College, majoring in Zoology. Shunning animal experimentation, I worked as a Lab Tech in Bacteriology and Microbial Research. Inspired by the late '60s War on Poverty, I became a NYC Welfare Caseworker and had a long career in various agencies and titles, returning to Hunter College for an MSW degree in 1981 as a commitment to the field. I was confirmed at Temple Ahavath Sholom where my mother Ethel Levitt was Rabbi Steinbach’s Secretary and my parents regularly attended services and were actively involved. I will always be grateful to my mother for insisting I remain in various Hebrew schools long enough to gain Hebrew literacy. My current beliefs were originally influenced by the writings of Sylvia Boorstein, a Jewish Buddhist, who has braided the two strands together. As many (including King Solomon) have said, “Everything is changing all the time.” The challenge is to live in the present which is the only time in which we are free to act. I enjoy writing haiku an attempt to capture the moment otherwise missed. Music is the river on which my life flows. My maternal grandfather was a Rabbi and Hazan, and I always credit my love of music and singing to his inheritance. I’ve sung with synagogue groups, Workmen’s Circle, secular choruses, and informal folk music groups and also have played the recorder (“Chalil”) for many years. In a religious context, I think prayers most easily travel outward on the breath of song and look forward to Nonie’s heartfelt singing. Although COVID stopped my twice weekly Y attendance, a big plus of this area is the nearby Hudson River pathway and the maze of uncrowded far West streets which feel historical despite recent gentrified incursions. I am a former runner (Marathon ’89) and current city walker on my own or with groups and “thanks” to COVID and Zoom, discovered TaiChi/Chi Kung at the nearby Senior Center, which I’m enjoying. Wellness and independence always rank number one in importance to me.
Jews Across the Pond
Dear Temple Family: Our friends in the Cork Jewish Community continue to inform us of worship services and educational events. Please see the e-mail below advising of Shabbat services at 1:00 p.m. every other Friday, a lecture on Jewish genealogy which has been recorded, and a Purim party on Wednesday, March 16 at 2:00 p.m. We pray for a peaceful and safe Shabbat for all. Yvette Pomeranz From the Cork Jewish Community Erev Shabbat Zoom Room will open at 5:45 p.m., with the service starting at 6 p.m. You will be given the opportunity to mention people for healing, as well as for the remembrance of loved ones. Feel free to contact us if you would like to take part in a specific psalm or other text in the service. Zoom link click HERE! Meeting ID: 8139746 4214 Passcode: Shalom Winter Lecture 4: An Introduction to Jewish Genealogy: Melody Buckley was very interesting and appreciated by all who attended. If you would like to re-watch the lecture, or missed it the first time, please find it on our CJC YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxgJy4G5AfM PURIM Save the date: Wednesday 16 March at 7 p.m. Irish Time/2 p.m. EST via Zoom. Louise will provide a Purim storytelling, and there will be a hamantaschen show off, as well as a funny hat/beard contest. More information to follow! Shabbat Shalom, Sophia Spiegel Secretary, Cork Jewish Community UPCOMING SERVICES Services start at 6 p.m. on Zoom - we will send out the link a day or two before each service as a reminder. * 11 March - Sarah * 25 March - Louise Zoom link click HERE! Meeting ID: 8139746 4214 Passcode: Shalom UPCOMING EVENTS AND FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS Wednesday 16 March at 7 p.m. Irish Time/2 p.m. EST via Zoom. Louise will provide a Purim storytelling, and there will be a hamantaschen show off, as well as a funny hat/beard contest. More information to follow! MEMBERSHIP If you haven't already, you can support our community by becoming an official member of the Cork Jewish Community. The suggested membership fee is €20, but we understand that in current times €20 can be a significant amount, and we appreciate all contributions. Please email us to let us know when you make a payment, so we can keep track, since we have received several payments without names in the past. Renewal Membership renewal for 2022 is due now, so you are warmly invited to contribute your annual membership fee of 20 Euro. Our bank details are Account name: Munster Jewish Community IBAN: IE36 AIBK9340 1134 3190 19 BIC: AIBKIE2D
Offerings of the Heart Contributions Gratefully Acknowledged
Rabbi Hoover's Discretionary Fund ~Milton Platt Rabbi Pinsky's Discretionary Fund Thank you for the Children's Service ~Suzanne Levine For the Caring Committee In memory of Fran Arnowitz ~Stan & Terry Hollander In memory Selma Carl ~Joel Moss Thank you to Eric Platt & Pam Glantzman for their kindness ~Deborah Kossman The Charity Fund In memory of Fran Arnowitz ~Mona Goldberg In memory of Selma Carl ~Susan Sysler ~Helene Smith The Accessibility Fund In memory of Fran Arnowitz ~Hazel Tishcoff ~Charlotte Russell ~Helene Smith ~Suzanne Levine ~The Women of B'ShERT In memory of Selma Carl ~Hazel Tishcoff For the General Fund Valentines Wine Tasting ~Matthew Holland Mazel Tov Derly & Teddy Moskowitz on the birth of your new grandson Rafael ~Lori Pandolfo In memory of Fran Arnowitz ~Joel Moss ~Shirley Spivack ~Gerard & Judy Soffian ~Joanie & Bill Schaffer ~Jeff & Loren Levinson ~Alan Zarrow ~Susan Sysler ~Jan Lisa Huttner & Rich Miller ~Yvette Pomeranz ~Paul & Sandy Dann ~Stan & Terry Hollander In memory of Sylvia Baron ~Shirley Spivack In memory of Selma Carl ~Mona Goldberg ~Shirley Spivack ~Gerard & Judy Soffian ~Stan & Terry Hollander In memory of Leon Davis ~Mona Goldberg In memory of Ethel Davis ~Mona Goldberg In memory of Charles Fenster ~Gale Resnicoff In memory of Eugene Fried ~Bob & Gail Fried
For the General Fund (cont.) In memory of Edwin Huttner ~Jan Lisa Huttner In memory of Leah Hyman ~Grace Schneider In memory of Estelle Karp ~Shirley Spivack In memory of Bill Kossman ~Deborah Sharky Kossman In memory of Bessie Leopold ~Shirley Spivack In memory of Joan Harriet Moses ~Roz Bialor ~David Chorlian & Helen Holtz In memory of Stanley Schatzman ~Ruth Schatzman In memory of Ethel Spivack ~Shirley Spivack In memory of Fannie Rudman ~Shirley Spivack In memory of Staff Sgt. Milton Wolfson ~Bob & Gail Fried
The United State Military Academy at West Point is the oldest of America’s five service academies. Its story goes back to the late 1700s when it played a vital part in the American Revolution and was the focal point of our young country’s first great case of treason. Since then, it has evolved into one of the nation’s foremost engineering schools as well as the Alma Mater of some of the greatest military leaders in history. But West Point is more than a school. It is the sight of amazing architecture and awesome views. And, of course, there is Army football. “On, Brave Old Army Team !” Using many of his own photographs as well as archival material, Alan, who is a longtime Temple and Brotherhood member here at B’ShERT, will take us on a walk through the open parts of the campus located on the banks of that winding upstate river that is the home of the Black Knights of the Hudson. And it’s right here in our own geographical backyard. There will be a quiz and prizes. Everyone is encouraged to come with their thinking caps—along with their Sunday morning bagels. Zoom link will be sent out closer to the time of the presentation. DON’T FORGET TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS ONE HOUR AHEAD THE NIGHT BEFORE ! Joel Moss and the members of your Brotherhood Affiliate of B'ShERT
Allyson Bechtel Emily Brown Ursula Cooper Melissa deLeon Pam Glantzman Matthew Holland Arthur Hyun Jerry Jaffee Parker Jonas Sylvia Kaplan Stella Kubersky Max Levinson Sue May Martin McGee Martin Murowtiz Eric Platt Saul Radow Julia Rousakis Jackson Scott Lieb Fred Siegel Daniel Silverman Gerard Soffian Shirley Spivack Susan Sysler David Tarcia
...and Happy Anniversary to... Brian & Karen Wilkow
Torah Portions - March 2022
Date
Torah Reading
Reference
March 4
P'kudei
Exodus 38:21-40:38
March 11
Vayikra
Leviticus 1:1-5:26
March 18
Tzav
Leviticus 6:1-8:36
March 25
Sh'mini
Leviticus 9:1-11:47
Simcha Corner Happy Birthday, March Babies!
Mazel Tov!!
Ken Brown Photography The best for Your Mitzvah! (or any other event, personal or professional) Longtime established pro; temple member; references available. editman1000@gmail.com • 718-670-3256.
JESSICA SCHULMAN • TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE SPECIALIST COMPUTER SERVICES & GRAPHICS ARTS SERVICES 718 338-2043 • fax 718 377-7919 jstech@optonline.net
Maxine Feldman Teaches… Piano, Voice, Guitar, Sight-Singing Ms. Feldman has 35 years of experience teaching all ages. She has served on the music faculties of NYU, Brooklyn College, The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and Hebrew Union College. She has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Recital Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, the United Nations, at PTBAS and now at the new consolidated congregation! For further information, please call Maxine at 718-490-7556
You Are Invited to Join THE HANNAH SENESH SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. The Hannah Senesh Society honors the memory of one of the greatest heroines in modern Jewish history during World War II. Membership: Family —$20 Individual —$10 Lifetime—$100 Contact: Jacqueline Mizrahi, Co-President (718) 666-7418
B'ShERT's Caring Chesed Committee: We're Here to Help Volunteers are needed to make phone calls and/or visits to those who are ill or have suffered a loss. It is especially important to keep in touch with those who are grieving after the initial mourning period. If you know that someone is in need of a visit or a call, please contact one of our co-chairs. We are always looking for new members and would appreciate any ideas to make the committee more effective. "It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, but neither are you at liberty to desist from it…" Pirke Avot Gene Guskin (917) 533-6231 Ruth Bile (646) 732-2650 Frema Schneier (917) 459-0904 Debbie Belsky (718) 252-8030 B'ShERT Caring Chesed Committee
Wolf's Appliance Repair Prompt, Friendly Service in Brooklyn Fridges, Stoves, Ovens, Gas Ranges, Washers, Dryers and So Much More Call us! 718 998 3238
Are you looking to advertise?? The Voice of Truth would love to hear from you! Please call the Office at 718-282-1596 or email Office@bshert.org for details!
MARCH CALENDAR