Get documents about "UMC_8136 letterhead
Document Sample
Congregation Ohav Shalom
A Conservative/Egalitarian Synagogue
Volume 34, Number 8 DASH SEPTEMBER 2011 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
The Days of Awe: A Season of Renewal
Rosh Hashanah: the Jewish New Year moments in our people’s history. Tradition also associates
The name “Rosh Hashanah” literally means “head of the the primitive sound of the shofar with cries
year.” In Biblical times, the Jewish New Year began in the of the heart, which might be expressions of pain, or of
spring with the month of Nisan, two weeks prior to yearnings towards teshuva and a deeper relationship with
Passover. Later, the rabbis associated the first day of the God and with other people.
seventh month, Tishrei, which is also designated in the Jewish tradition also identifies Rosh Hashanah as the
Torah as a holy day, with the Jewish New Year. In the world’s birthday. Just as the creation of the world was
ancient world, the fall was the time of year for corona- completed at the start of Tishrei, it is as if we ourselves
tions. Rosh Hashanah became known as the time when have an opportunity at this time to re-create our lives,
God is – as it were – “crowned” the supreme ruler of to be renewed. Continued page 9
the universe.
On each day of Rosh Hashanah (with the exception of We extend to the entire
Shabbat), 100 blasts of the shofar – the ram’s horn – are Ohav community our wishes for
sounded. The Torah tells us that when God revealed the
a sweet, healthy and happy year
Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, the sounds of a sho-
far were heard, and the blasts of the shofar recall these Shanah Tovah u’Metukah!
Meet the High Holy Days Cantor
With Thanks To God
And With Great Joy:
Rebecca Pohl, a third-year student
at the H.L. Miller Cantorial School, is
We Are Pleased And Honored not the only one in her family to
To Invite The Entire Ohav Family
attend school at The Jewish
To Join Us As Our Daughter, Vered,
Theological Seminary, but she is the
Becomes A Bat Mitzvah.
first whose future was predicted long
before she arrived at JTS: "People
September 10, 2011, Shabbat Ki Tetzei.
always told me that I should be a can-
Morning Service Begins At 9 am
tor," she reveals.
Rebecca's father, Rabbi Philip
Kiddush Luncheon To Follow.
Pohl, an alumnus of both the Albert
A. List College of Jewish Studies and
Rabbi Dan Ornstein
The Rabbinical School of JTS, raised
And Marian Alexander.
Rebecca and her siblings in a musical
Continued page 12
1
Check out our website www.ohavshalom.com for events, newsletters, forms and more!
SEPTEMBER 2011 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
DAILY MINYAN
SERVICES
SHABBAT MORNING SERVICE
Warmest, friendliest and most inclusive G Services begin at 9:00 am
in the Capital Region G Torah Reading begins at approximately
G Sunday 8:30 am
10:00 am
G Monday and Thursday, 6:45 am
G Kiddush follows services
G Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 7:00 am
113 New Krumkill Road
G Federal Holidays, 8:00 am SHORASHIM PRE-SCHOOL THROUGH K
Albany, New York 12208 G 11:30 am in the chapel, beginning with
Check our website for holiday times
518-489-4706 the sanctuary Torah procession at about
Fax: 518-489-5094 FRIDAY EVENING SERVICE
11:15 am
GKabbalat Shabbat, 6:30 pm at Ohav
––E-mail––
Shalom Apartments
www.info@ohavshalom.com
––Web Site––
THIS YEAR:
http://www.ohavshalom.com
JOIN US IN ISRAEL
B’Yachad & Nursery School Offices: SEPTEMBER 2011
518-489-4894 ext. 16 CANDLELIGHTING TIMES
Our next informational meeting
FOUNDED 1915 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
for Ohav's biennial trip to Israel
A Conservative/Egalitarian Synagogue Light candles at 7:11 pm
will be: Thursday, September 22,
affiliated with The United Synagogue of
Shabbat ends at 8:11 pm
Conservative Judaism
Rabbi Daniel Ornstein
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
2011 at 7:30 pm in the chapel
Rabbi Rena H. Kieval Light candles at 6:59 pm
Cantor Emeritus: Dan Chick Shabbat ends at 7:58 pm
President: Jeff Suitor
Executive Director: Caren J. Feinberg FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Business Manager: Molly Getnick Light candles at 6:47 pm
Office Manager: Nancy Pandolfo
Shabbat ends at 7:45 pm
For more information, please
Education Director: Lita L. Katzer
Nursery School Director: Amie Bloom
contact Rabbi Ornstein at
Administrative Assistant: Bonnie Molitor
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
ohavrab@gmail.com.
Light candles at 6:34 pm
DASH Shabbat ends at 7:32 pm
A Hebrew acronym for
Save the Date!
Derishat Shalom (Greetings of Peace) Eve of First Day
Editor: Terry Tyson Rosh Hashanah
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
DASH appears 11 times annually.
Light candles at 6:25 pm
Articles and family news are welcome
and must be submitted by the first of the A Weekend of Celebration with
Eve of Second Day
month prior to publication to
Rosh Hashanah Rabbi Gustavo Surazski, our
Nancy@ohavshalom.com
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Torah scribe from Israel
If you are interested in placing an ad in December 2-4, 2011
the DASH, please contact Nancy
Light candles after 7:23 pm
Pandolfo at the synagogue office,
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Look for details about our exciting
489-4706 X10.
Light candles at 6:22 pm Torah Writing Campaign in the
Design courtesy of
Shabbat ends 7:20 pm October issue of DASH.
COMMUNICATION SERVICES
SEPTEMBER 2011 2 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
SEPTEMBER 2011 ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE
FAMILY NEWS When:
Sunday, September 11, 2011
David Rothschild, son of Morey and Hilda Rothschild, 8:00 am- 2:00 pm, in 15 minute intervals
was engaged to Sarah Winkler. Where:
Julia Loeb Garfinkel, daughter of Evelyn Loeb and Miles Congregation Ohav Shalom, Social Halls
Garfinkel, was married to Jonathan (Yoni) Kantarovsky 113 New Krumkill Rd, Albany 12208
Eligibility:
Condolences Regular blood donors who have not donated after
To Ann and Shelly Lippman and family upon the death July 17. Double Red Cells donors who have not
of Ann’s mother, Miriam Warshaw donated after May 22.
To Joseph and Debra Lewanda and family upon the Appointments:
death of Joseph’s mother, our long time congregant, Please email Nathan Erlbaum nerlbaum@gmail.com
Ruth Lewanda or call (518) 489-6720 to make an appointment
to donate blood.
To Harris and Sandy Oberlander and family upon the
death of Harris’ father, Benjamin Oberlander.
Thank you for participating in
The family of Barbara Gruft, our long time congregant. this wonderful mitzvah!
2011-2012 CONGREGATION OHAV SHALOM
LEADERSHIP
OFFICERS
Jeff Suitor, President Libby Post, First Vice President Marc Newman, Treasurer
Sol Goldstein, Secretary Marc Berlinsky, Housing President Jeff Cohen, Immediate Past President
BOARD OF TRUSTEES COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
(listed by term ending) Endowment: Mort Borzykowski, Ira Lobel
2012: Social Action: Dan Gordon, Sharon Miller
Roberta Berko, Steve Gally, Kevin Grossman, Wendy Kay Bates, Communications: Terry Tyson
Cindy Laks, David Levine, Ira Lobel, Sharon Lozman, David Weinstein, Religious Life: David Levine
Jay Worona Fundraising: Libby Post
2013: Membership: Jen Fox, Dan Tyson
Marci Galinkin, Dorothy Ganz, Kathy Golderman, Ed Jacobs, Cemetery: Irwin Adler, Mel Carr
Amy Knapp, Sharon Miller, Danny Sanders, Dan Tyson, Youth: Gregg Fox
Lianne Wladis, Libby Post Scholarship: Terry Tyson
2014: Education: Amy Knapp, Kathy Golderman
Gregg Fox, Jim Hendler, Jeanette Perkins, Alan Pfeffer, Barry Pollack, Adult Studies: Jeanette Perkins
Julie Pollack, Diane Rosenbaum, Terry Tyson, Margery Zucker DASH: Terry Tyson
Ex-Officio: Website: Bess Wadler
Marc Berlinsky House and Grounds: Sharon Lozman, Steve Gally
PAST PRESIDENTS
Jeff Cohen Cindy Laks David Weinstein
Alan Dorn Buzz Rosenthal Walter Greenberg
SEPTEMBER 2011 3 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
WORDS FROM RABBI KIEVAL
Coming Home? Reflections on Israel and Judaism
(from a Dvar Torah delivered on July 23, 2011)
To live in the land, or not to live in the land? As reminder of what should make us proud of this great
I made my way through Ben Gurion Airport last Jewish enterprise: the attempts to combat the ethnic
week, and prepared to fly back to the US, I asked and religious intolerance, Israel’s commitment to an
myself the same questions I ask each time I return open press and free speech, which allows its citizens
from Israel. How can I leave this place, the land for to dialogue about its flaws (which is why we even
which my ancestors yearned for centuries? How know about those flaws.) Energy,
can I not settle in our homeland, the focus of the creativity and innovation abound in so many areas -
prayers and texts I encounter every day? The answer medical treatment, technology, academic scholarship
always seems like a “no-brainer:” of course I should live in and a generally vibrant culture and economy. One still feels
Israel, all Jews should live in Israel, right? After all, the tradi- the diversity of Jews from around the world; on this visit, I
tional Jewish view places Israel at the very center of the especially felt the presence of Ethiopians and Russians, a
world. It is like the famous New Yorker cartoon that shows a reminder that one of Israel’s raisons d’etre is eternally present
great big New York City and then off in the distance, every- – to serve as a haven for all Jews, as well as for many non-
place else in the world. We Jews have always called Israel Jews.
“ha-aretz”: THE land; everyplace else is just “everyplace Being there, one is reminded of so many miracles. On
else” - Chutz La’aretz! this trip, Shalom and I visited a number of sites from the
Being there is always a reminder that the modern state of early days of the state’s history, which inspired us with
Israel is the great Jewish enterprise of our time. Being there, descriptions of the courage, wisdom and sheer determination
I could see first-hand its flaws and its struggles – the different of so many heroes who rescued and settled war refugees,
flavors of religious and ethnic intolerance, of political corrup- and who against all odds built a thriving, modern state from
tion; its limited natural resources; and the complex, life and just about nothing.
death challenge of living among enemies with whom we have Israel is no utopia, but its human values shine through in
not yet succeeded in making peace. Being there is also a its provision of universal health care and social services,
Continued page 10
A TIME OF REMEMBERING: SHABBAT, SEPTEMBER 24
On the eve of the High Holy Days season, it is a Jewish tradition to commemorate those who are no longer with
us. At Ohav Shalom, it is our custom to read the names of congregants, family members and friends who have
died during the past year on the
Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah.
This year we will gather to read
Names for Selichot – 5771
the names of the following indi- Sue Herbach Edith Segore Joseph Motto
viduals and to chant a memorial Piri Meyers Harold Kessler Joan Halle
prayer for them on September 20, Marilyn Freedman Barnett Edwards Selma Cohen
about a half hour after the con- Sylvia Rosenshein Shirley Bernstein Jay B. Stern
clusion of morning services. Alfred Engel Myron (Mickey) Strasser Miriam Warshaw
Plan to join us in the chapel to Morris Zusman Hy Rosen Ruth Lewanda
honor their memory and to Morris Mirochnik Irwin Galinkin Benjamin Oberlander
express comfort and solidarity Ira Pfeffer Sydney Kaplan Barbara Gruft
to their families and friends. Leonard Ernst Jay Fischer
SEPTEMBER 2011 4 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
HIGH HOLY DAYS PROGRAMMING
FAMILY PROGRAMS!
This year, we will be offering four different programs All services and programs will be conducted in the school
and prayer services for four different age brackets, on wing or the chapel, beginning at 10:30 each morning on
all three days of the high holy days: Thursday, 9/29, Friday 9/30, and Saturday, 10/8. Please
a) Shanah Tovah Tots: For families with note that Shanah Tovah Tots will NOT meet on Friday, 9/30.
very young, preschool age children. All children and parents are welcome. We will be posting all
b) Grade K-3 children's service. locations of these programs on line in the near future. Please
c) Grade 4-7 children's service. look for the signs throughout Ohav that direct you to each
d) Pre USY/USY service for 8th graders program, when you are with us for High Holy Day services.
and high school students.
Shanah Tovah Tots: Celebrate the Jewish New Year!
All tots and preschoolers are invited to join us at Ohav Shalom for special young children's services on September 29,
the first day of Rosh Hashanah, and on October 8, Yom Kippur, from 10:30 - 11:30 am Rabbi Rena will lead us in
song, story and crafts as we welcome in the New Year. Further information can be obtained from the office or from
Shalom Tots.
Renew this Year for Us –
A Creative Musaf Celebration
at Ohav Shalom
PREPARING
Ohav Shalom will hold its third annual creative Musaf
prayer service parallel to the beautiful, traditional Musaf
YOUR HEART
service held in our sanctuary. This creative Musaf Rabbi Kieval and Rabbi Ornstein are always available to
worship will include a blend of inspirational chanting, set up a time to meet with you to catch up, or offer guidance
meditation, selected prayers, storytelling and the blasts and assistance. As we enter the High Holy Days season of
of the shofar. The program is intended for all adults and introspection and spiritual review, each Rabbi will also be
older children from all backgrounds. We will meet in the available for 3 sessions to meet in small informal groups or
large social hall on the second day of Rosh Hashanah with individuals. Come share what’s on your mind, as the
5772, Friday, September 30, at approximately 11:45 am, Rabbis share thoughts about the inner preparation of this
as Musaf begins in the main sanctuary. season. RSVP’s directly to the Rabbis will be appreciated.
Everyone from the community is welcome to join us. ~Rabbi Kieval~
Please note: The creative Musaf celebration will not 9/13: 8-9:30 am; 9/22: 7-8:30 pm; 10/6: 8-9:30 am
be a full, traditional High Holy Day service. In addition,
drumming may be used at this program.
~Rabbi Ornstein~
9/19, 9/26 and 10/3 all from 7-8:30 pm
SEPTEMBER 2011 5 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
ADULT EDUCATION
We have a very exciting year planned. Please note NOV. 7 - Monday Night Football-Cheering On The
the list of events for September included in this DASH. "Big Ten" -Commandments, That Is! Taught by
The brochure for the year will be available for Rosh Rabbi Ornstein. On six Monday nights, we will look
Hashanah and will be in the October DASH. There are closely at the Ten Commandments, the basic moral
a number of classes and speakers coming up soon. and religious laws whose impact on Western society
has been monumental. Plan for engaging study and
OCT. 15 - We will have the first monthly meditation
discussion of our Jewish tradition, along with food,
immediately following services. They will continue on the
socializing and maybe even some "Big Ten
third Saturday of every month, with the exception of May
Conference" paraphernalia! The class continues
which will be on the 26th.
11/14, 21, 28, 12/11 and 18 from 7-9 pm.
NOV. 2 - Meditation and Pre-Meditation class taught by
NOV. 7 - Check in and Catch Up with the Rabbis.
Jeanette Perkins. If you've ever tried to meditate but just
Both of our Rabbis are always available to meet with
couldn't get into it, this is the class for you. You will
you on an individual basis. They hope that you will
learn different meditation methods and how to select
not hesitate to reach out for support and consultation
the one best suited for you. In addition, simple easy
in times of transition and crisis. They also appreciate
techniques to help you relax and focus will be taught.
the opportunity to catch up with members of the com-
These techniques serve as a bridge to more easily access
munity to hear what is on your mind, and what is
meditation. The class continues on 11/9 and 16 from
happening in your lives. To this end, they will set
7-8:30 pm.
aside time each month for conversation and catch-up
NOV. 6 - Israel's Strategic Dilemma: The Gordian Knot and invite you to call or email if you'd like to meet
of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Speaker: Dr. Victor with one of them at these times at a local coffee shop
Asal. Israel's presence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip between 8 and 10 am. Initial dates are:
has important strategic advantages and equally impor- Rabbi Ornstein – 11/7, 12/5
tant strategic disadvantages. Much of the key factors Rabbi Kieval – 11/15, 12/13
underlying the long term strategic decision Israel needs
NOV. 10 - Restoring Jewish Cemeteries in Eastern
to make are often obscured in discussions because of
Europe: A Transforming Experience Speaker:
ideology and biases. Dr. Asal, a professor of political
Dr. Michael Lozman Undertaking the task of helping
science, will give a power point presentation focusing on
to preserve Jewish history by restoring ten Jewish
the security issues tied to the West Bank and Gaza Strip
cemeteries in Eastern Europe has been a major
and will attempt to give the proper weight to all of these
undertaking for Dr. Lozman, an orthodontist and
issues without trying to "sell" any particular prospective.
member of Ohav Shalom. Dr. Lozman will share the
The presentation will be from 10:30 am - noon and a
sense of traveling through time to the village of our
light brunch will be served.
grandparents generation while emphasizing the
current state of cemeteries in Europe. 7 pm.
SIDDUR HEBREW Julie Pollack
This is a basic Hebrew reading course, designed for those haura. com. Sundays, September 18 and 25,
with little or no experience reading Hebrew. Students will October 2, 16, 23 and 30, November 6, 13 and 20;
learn the letters and vowels of the Hebrew alphabet, and 10-11 am Fee: $36 - Members; $40 - Non Members
will acquire decoding skills. We will also begin to develop a
reading vocabulary of common Hebrew words. Julie Pollack has successfully taught Hebrew to adults
The textbook for this course is L’Shon ha-Kodesh, which and children for the past 30 years at the Hebrew
can be ordered from Torah Aura productions at www.tora- Academy and many area Synagogues.
SEPTEMBER 2011 6 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
B’Yachad News
The hallways and classrooms may be dark at this program. In September, continuing through December,
time of year, but the Education Office is bright and busy our classes meet at Temple Israel. In January, we move
with planning and preparations for the school year to Ohav Shalom to complete the year. There are some
ahead. innovations in teaching coming to our school this
As most of you know, B’Yachad year, which will not only better serve our
(“Together”) is our collaborative reli- students, but make their experience even
gious school, merging the Hebrew more productive and enjoyable.
schools of Temple Israel and
Registration forms were mailed to
Congregation Ohav Shalom. We
all students/families enrolled last year.
are entering our second year. The
In addition, a survey was e-mailed to
transition from two separate reli-
all synagogue families who have a child
gious schools to one has been quite
entering eighth grade. If you did not
successful, judging from parent and
receive these, or if you have any questions
teacher feedback, and the smiling faces
about our school, please contact our B’Yachad
of our students. We are fortunate to have
Director, Lita Katzer, litabyachad@gmail.com or at
clergy actively involved in our school. This coming
Temple Israel, 438-7858 ext. 118. More information
year, Rabbi David Eligberg at Temple Israel will join
about our upcoming programs will be found in our High
Rabbi Ornstein and Rabbi Kieval in leading a variety of
Holy Days booklet. Additionally, the school calendar will
programs. Our Family Education series has brought
be posted on the Ohav Shalom website.
together parents and children from two synagogues, who
have learned, listened, and socialized with one another. I am joyfully anticipating our opening day on
September 11th, at Temple Israel.
Our classes range from Gan (Kindergarten) to Chet
(8th Grade). There is no tuition charge for our Gan ~ B’Shalom, Lita Katzer
WANTED: a part time Special Education teacher for B’Yachad.
If interested, please contact Lita Katzer at litabyachad@gmail.com or 438-7858 ext. 118
Preparing for Jewish Adulthood: Middle School Family Education Programs
Rabbi Kieval and Rabbi Ornstein guide our sixth and seventh grade students and their families as they prepare for
becoming bar and bat mitzvah. These programs are a regular part of the sixth and seventh grade B’Yachad program,
but include all sixth and seventh grade Ohav and Temple Israel families. A third program date for each grade is still to
be announced. This year we welcome Rabbi David Eligberg of Temple Israel who will be leading some programs as well.
Grade Six: November 6, February 12, March 11
Grade Seven: September 25, November 20 and January 22
SEPTEMBER 2011 7 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
The Nursery School Camp has been fabulous!
We were thrilled to have so many old
and returning campers! The campers
enjoyed sprinkler play, art experiences,
playground time and free play every day!
One of the highlights this summer was our
trip to the fountains at SUNY Albany! We
started off splashing in the pool and then
at 11:30 the fountains turned on. It was
fabulous to see the children all so excited
to watch the fountains, and playing in
the water. One of the children figured out
how to make a fabric frisbee by putting
it over the fountain and letting go!
We are gearing up for a fabulous school year! We are sad to say
goodbye to Erin Reynolds, who worked in our toddler classroom. Erin is
leaving us to teach 3rd grade at one of the local charter schools. All of the
other teachers are returning to Ohav Shalom for another great school year!
This year the focus will be on Torah and exploring all of the different
Torah Stories! We can't wait to hear all of Rabbi Dan's Torah Stories at
Shabbat Party.
We are looking to expand our substitute teacher list for the
school year. If you are interested in working with children and being
a sub, please let us know! We have limited openings in our 3 and 4
year old classrooms. If you are intersted in coming for a tour of
Ohav Shalom Nursery School, please call Amie Bloom, 489-4894.
Shalom Tots is excited to kick-off another year with a program about the High Holy Days. Come join us on
Sunday 9/18 from 10:00-11:30 as we learn about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, sing songs, read stories, craft,
snack and play together. For more information about the 9/18 program or about Shalom Tots in general, please
email ohavshalomtots@gmail.com.
SEPTEMBER 2011 8 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
"FOOD for THOUGHT"
Nourish your soul by volunteering on Sunday, September 18th from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm to help sort and pack
food for distribution at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, 965 Albany-Shaker Rd., Latham.
Join others, singles, couples and families, for this Ohav Social Action Committee project. We guarantee that you
will gain satisfaction and pleasure. To volunteer, contact Sharon Berko at 446-0476 sharonleeberko@yahoo.com
Book Club EMBRACING TORAH: THE ADULT
B’NAI MITZVAH PROGRAM
The book club continues to meet monthly, reading In the fall of 2011, Rabbi Kieval will begin a two-
books with some Jewish content. The group has year course of study designed to enrich knowledge
grown and we have all enjoyed reading and dis- of and connection with Jewish tradition and the
cussing many excellent books. The group meets on Jewish people. Join us and make Jewish tradition
Sunday mornings at the synagogue. If you would like your own as we explore Jewish practice, literacy,
to join us, come to a meeting or contact Jeanette spirituality and prayer in a process that is serious
Perkins at 438-1573 or jeanetteperkins@yahoo.com. and joyful, challenging and supportive, and filled
Our first meeting will be held on Sunday, September with learning. The course will culminate in a
25 at 10:30 am at Ohav Shalom. The club will Shabbat morning B’nai Mitzvah ceremony.
discuss Gertruda's Oath by Ram Oren. This class meets two Thursday evenings each month,
with an introductory meeting on September 15 at
7 pm. Please contact Rabbi Kieval directly to learn
more about the program.
The Days of Awe: A Season of Renewal continued from page 1
Aseret Yemei Teshuvah: the 10 Days of Repentance gifts so that we can focus on moral and spiritual aspects
The period from Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur is of our lives. Thus, on Yom Kippur Jews refrain from
considered a particularly auspicious time for the work of eating, drinking, sexual relations, the use of cosmetics
teshuva, as we bring the themes of the season to a higher and the wearing of leather products.
level of intensity. We engage in soulful introspection, and A primary theme of Yom Kippur is individual and group
ask forgiveness of God and of our fellow human beings. confession of sin before God, called in Hebrew “viddui.”
Special lines are added to the daily liturgy and an extra The viddui recitations are not meant to absolve us of
word (“u’lelah”) is added to each recitation of Kaddish, responsibility. Rather, the prayers acknowledge that each
elevating God to an even higher status in our thoughts. of us is flawed, and has need of forgiveness. Jewish
tradition emphasizes that before we ask forgiveness of
Yom Kippur: Day of Atonement God, we must ask forgiveness directly from anyone we
This is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, when the may have wronged.
process of teshuva is at its most intense and serious. Yom
Kippur is not a sad day: it is a day of solemn joy, giving Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah
us an opportunity as individuals and as a community to The season continues for a few more weeks with days of
feel connected to God and to one another, to consider joy and boisterous celebration, as well as additional days
what is important to us, and to resolve to better ourselves. of solemnity.
On this day we refrain from enjoying some of God’s
SEPTEMBER 2011 9 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
WORDS FROM RABBI KIEVAL Coming Home? Reflections on Israel and Judaism
(from a Dvar Torah delivered on July 23, 2011) continued from page 4
affordable education, and in its rushing to other countries home as I watched Israel welcome group after group of
with aid in times of disaster. Jewish teens, and of Christian sightseers of all ages, touring
Most of all, Israel is the Jewish homeland. Yet here we and seeing that we Jews have built something incredible, that
are. The questions tear at me, as they do for many commit- we are strong.
ted Jews. We wonder about continuing to live by choice in To my mind, one does not have to make a case as to why
the diaspora, in galut, in exile. We wonder - should our goal the Jewish people needs Israel. That case has been made.
be that all Jews live in the land? What is best for the Jewish But: Israel, and the Jewish people, also need the diaspora.
people? Why? Certainly, there are global, political reasons that make
The issues are complicated, and they are not new. In fact, it important to have Jews outside the land supporting and
the same dilemma arises in the very Torah portion we read advocating for it. There are also religious and national
today, Mattot. As the Israelites are about to finally enter the Jewish reasons - Judaism needs outside places, outside the
Promised Land, two of the tribes, Gad and Reuven, ask if they land of Israel, to grow and thrive.
might stay outside the land, east of the Jordan, where the A friend once said to me, I could never live in Israel - it’s
grazing is better for their livestock. They plead with Moshe too hard to be Jewish there! The statement was tongue in
bluntly, "Don't make us cross the Jordan." cheek, but also literally true. It is also a painful statement. It
Moshe’s first response is anger. He sees their request as is hard to be Jewish in Israel, in a different way than it can
undermining the entire mission, and associates it with the be hard outside of Israel. In some areas of religious life,
demoralizing report of the scouts, who caused the Israelites to Israel is subjected to the singlemindedness of the Rabbinate,
panic and refuse to cross into Canaan 39 years earlier. How who seek to impose fundamentalist views on all. And, for a
can Gad and Reuben abandon them at such a moment? variety of reasons, Israelis overall have not learned about the
Our sages respond to these tribes as adamantly as richness of Judaism in all of its possibilities. Many have been
Moshe. In Midrash Rabbah they liken them to fools, whose shown only one possible Jewish path, and it is a path that
decisions are based on the pursuit of riches instead of on true they reject, leaving them with little or no religious connection.
values. The sages do not mince words about the spiritual Outside of Israel, we have the freedom to branch out in
superiority of living in the homeland. The rabbis of the many directions. Especially here in the US, we are able to
mishnah note that the only place one can fully observe the nurture and develop a Judaism that grows and evolves and is
Torah is in the Land of Israel. One "goes up" to Israel and multi-faceted. This is authentic Judaism. The Torah, as our
"goes down" upon leaving. One dramatic statement in the sages said, has 70 faces, it looks out in a multitude of direc-
Talmud even says – “Whoever lives outside the Land of Israel tions. Ironically, that multi-faceted Judaism seems to grow
is as one who does not have God." and evolve best of all outside the land. This is not true only
For someone like me, who was raised on Zionism, the in our time – after all, the Diaspora produced the Babylonian
spiritual and emotional intensity of those words feels natural. Talmud, Maimonides, Chasidism and the modern streams of
Like many Jews, in Israel I feel truly at home as nowhere else. Jewish thought, to name just a few examples of tremendous
The cities we walk in are places we read about in the Hebrew Jewish creativity.
Bible, and the streets are named for great sages of our Judaism grows and evolves outside the land, but always
tradition, or heroes of Jewish history. That makes it home. in reference to the land. Ideally, its growth is shared with our
The fact that on Fridays, everyone in Israel – Jewish, religious brothers and sisters in the land. One would hope that as this
or not - from shopkeepers to bus drivers to the random happens, the day will come when it might become not so
person on the street – wishes you Shabbat Shalom, makes it “hard to be Jewish” in Israel. There are hopeful signs of this
home. Hearing modern Hebrew, our national language, a all over the country. I think of the kibbutz we visited where
living language reborn out of our ancient Holy Tongue, in the our son has studied this year - founded in the 1980’s by
mouths of small children chattering away, or of people con- Americans who grew up in Zionist camps and who still affili-
versing with their pets, makes it home. I felt proud of our ate and practice as Reform Jews. I think of the Masorti rabbi
Continued page 11
SEPTEMBER 2011 10 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
WORDS FROM RABBI KIEVAL Coming Home? Reflections on Israel and Judaism
(from a Dvar Torah delivered on July 23, 2011) continued from page 10
I met who teaches Judaism classes in the Israeli army, to men and our Torah portion. He strikes a deal with the two tribes who want
women who are learning about Judaism for the first time in a to stay outside the land. They are to settle their families on the
thoughtful way. I think of the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, east bank and then join the rest of the Israelites as they cross the
where I have studied, which runs a modern Orthodox high river. They are to support the mission of God and of their people.
school and teaches children and adults Judaism with an open- Once they do so, Moses promises, he will not object to their
minded, pluralistic approach. I think of my niece and other teens returning later and making their permanent homes east of the
we met, who are active in Jewish youth groups that are connect- river.
ed with the progressive Jewish movements, whose synagogues It is our obligation, as it was their obligation, to support our
are also found throughout the country. All of these organizations people and our land. We need to visit Israel, to advocate, to
and enterprises enrich Jewish Israel; all originated in the diaspo- share our Jewish learning there, to donate funds, and some of
ra and are nurtured by the work and Jewish growth that we con- us need to live in the land. We must remain committed to the
tinue outside the land. At least for now, the Jewish homeland mission. As Moshe tells the tribes of Reuben and Gad, if they
needs the diaspora because Judaism needs the diaspora. support their people and their homeland, when they return
Some of us will never feel completely resolved about from Canaan, they “shall be clear before the Lord and before
living outside of Israel. And so it should be: we absolutely need Israel.” May each of us find our way to meet our responsibility
Jews to continue to settle in Israel, to make aliyah, which remains to Israel, for the sake of Jewish life, and for the sake of our
a great mitzvah and an essential way to support the state. But as eternal homeland.
to the question about where all of us should be, perhaps the best
answer we can come up with is the one that Moshe arrives at in
The TWC Committee
Needs YOU!
Would you like to be part of our amazing
journey toward the creation of a new sefer
Torah for our congregation?
Our Torah Writing Campaign (TWC) needs
a few more volunteers to help with youth and
adult program planning and implementation.
TWC is an exciting and important project for
our shul and your participation on the committee
will only enhance its success .
Please contact David Levine at
dlevinedds@aol.com to volunteer.
The Massry
Residence
For a Jewish
experience in
gracious assisted living at assisted living it’s
Daughters of SARAH
got to be the best.
Committed to Jewish values and traditions.
www.massryresidence.org 182 Washington Avenue Ext
(518) 689-0453 Albany, NY 12203
SEPTEMBER 2011 11 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
Meet the HH Cantor continued from page 1
household that had a profound influ- stronger than ever, joined S’madar, more year, Rebecca says, "I had to
ence on her. "I have always loved the Jewish Womens’ a cappella assign aliyot for Parashat Ki Tavo
music—I've been singing since I was group of the Columbia/Barnard ,including an aliyah 62 verses long,
two and playing piano since I was Hillel, that performs both English and I could not find enough people to
eight," says Rebecca. and Hebrew music, and arranged read it. It took me two weeks to learn,
After growing up in Olney, over 10 songs for the group to and after I finished it, I was moved to
Maryland and graduating from the perform. tears—and that had never happened
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School In addition to branching out to me before." It was at this moment
in Rockville, Maryland in 2005, musically during her time at List that Rebecca realized the cantorate
where she was part of an a cappella College, Rebecca also took on a was the perfect outlet for her.
choir, Rebecca followed her father's leadership role at Saturday morn- "The H.L. Miller Cantorial School
footsteps to 3080 Broadway, ing services for Koach, the Jewish and College of Jewish Music was the
enrolling in the Joint Program outreach program of United obvious choice," says Rebecca,
between Columbia University’s School Synagogue of Conservative "because you get to learn what the
of General Studies and the Albert A. Judaism, at the Columbia/Barnard job is like from people who have
List College of Jewish Studies, Hillel. Rebecca recalls that she experience in the pulpit. They want
graduating in 2009 with majors in often couldn't find people to read you to learn how to create your own
Music and Midrash, respectively. Torah and would take on the service."
With her love of singing growing responsibility. During her sopho- Though Rebecca heard its melodies
most of her life, the cantorate did
indeed turn out to be the best avenue
for her musical and scholarly proclivi-
ties. Says Rebecca, "The prophecy
came true, and I couldn't be happier.”
Rebecca has led services and
worked at multiple synagogues
around the United States and Israel,
including her most recent positions as
High Holiday Cantor at Beth Samuel
Jewish Center of Ambridge, PA for
the 5771 High Holidays, Torah
Reader/B’nai Mitzvah tutor at the
Society for the Advancement of
Judaism in New York City in Spring
2011, and Cantorial Intern at
Congregation Agudas Achim in
Alexandria, VA for Summer 2011.
Rebecca is very excited to lead
services at Congregation Ohav
Shalom for the 5772 Yamim Noraim,
and can’t wait to be a part of your
community this year!
––Edited from her bio on the JTSA
website
SEPTEMBER 2011 12 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
~DONATIONS~
Donations support the present and future of Ohav Shalom. They provide our congregation and members of the
community an opportunity to honor or memorialize a loved one or friend. All contributions are acknowledged both
in the DASH and to individuals and family members.
The following contributions are acknowledged as received through Friday, August 5th, 2011
RABBI ORNSTEIN’S Rabbi Ornstein for all of his prayers Jay B. Stern from Edward and
DISCRETIONARY FUND for Philip from Lynn Sternklar Lianne Wladis
In Memory Of: Rabbi Dan for his help and support Mae Silfen from Ruth Goland
David Rubin from Beth Elitzer during our father’s illness from Gertrude Berkowitz from Reuben
Selma Cohen from Jeffrey and Yelena and Simon Bricklin Robinson
Jeanette Perkins In Honor Of:
Wolfe Kaufman from Barbara RABBI KIEVAL’S Dr. Edward Jacobs upon receiving
Jacobs DISCRETIONARY FUND the Blinder Award from Margery
Betty Kaplan Basen from Rosalie, In Memory Of: and Alan Zucker
Mel and Marci Sovitsky Marcia Goldman from Ken and Rabbi Dan Ornstein for making
Saul Ikler from Linda and Louis Anita Rabinoff-Goldman Frederich’s bar Mitzvah a
Gilboord Isadore Steinberg from Bernie and wonderful experience from Lisa
Harry Pollack from Martha and Ruth Steinberg Muhlmann Theuer and Ernoe
Arnold Proskin Jack Vogel from Linda Richter Theuer
George Getnick from Ken and Harry Pollack from Martha and Rabbi Dan Ornstein from Claire
Molly Getnick Arnold Proskin Siegal
Joseph Shelofsky from Mark Marv Glazier from Addie Glazier The Gold family upon the birth of
Shelofsky and Nancy Gutterman Jay B. Stern from Sally and Matthew their daughter, Leah from
Julius Rosenblum from Suzanne and Greenblatt Edward and Lianne Wladis
Charles Rosenblum Louis Bartfield from Joel and Andrea Don Cohen and Linnie Gitnick upon
Irving Lippman from Suzanne and Bartfield their recent marriage from
Charles Rosenblum In Honor Of: Bev and Herb Venner
Harry Novick from David and Rabbi Rena Kieval from Jeffrey Ohav Shalom from Audrey and
Gwen Novick Bernstein and Sue Swartz Leslie Fisher
Miriam Warshaw from Yvonne and Rabbi Rena Kieval from the family of
Joe Simon Doris Martin YAD YONATAN FUND
Miriam Warshaw from Sheryl and Dan Scher upon his speedy recovery In Memory Of:
Len Motto from Stephen and Nona Joseph Laine from Barbara Stein
Arthur Schallop from Amy Schallop Deitcher Rose Buck Stein from Les Stein
Morton S. Greenstein from Rabbi Rena for all of her prayers for
Less Greenstein In Honor Of:
Philip from Lynn Sternklar
Ellen Rothstein from Joel and Rabbi Rena Kieval for all of your
Rabbi Rena for her help and support
Andrea Bartfield help and support upon the
during our father’s illness from
Ruth Lewanda from Zvi and death of Judi’s father, Jay, from
Yelena and Simon Bricklin
Beth Klopott Judi and Dan Flax
SYNAGOGUE FUND
Rabbi Dan Ornstein for all of your
In Honor Of: In Memory Of:
help and support upon the
Jane Ginsburg upon her speedy Selma Cohen from Sandy, Nancy,
death of Judi’s father, Jay, from
recovery from Jeffrey and Elana and Rachel Weissman
Judi and Dan Flax
Jeanette Perkins Bernhard Drucker from Hanna Aron
Rabbi Dan Ornstein for officiating at Esther Serman from Ruth and Bernie
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FUND
Frederich Muhlmann’s Bar Steinberg
In Memory Of:
Miztvah from Al Kaplan Selma Cohen from Mike and
Selma Cohen from Nancy and
Mike Scher upon his speedy Barbara Scher
Norman Levine
recovery from Stephen and Selma Cohen from Edward and
Selma Cohen from Capital Markets
Nona Deitcher Lianne Wladis
SEPTEMBER 2011 13 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
Advisors, LLC and Ed Jacobs Berger and family
Selma Cohen from Kenneth Gibbs Evelyn Loeb and Miles Garfinkel
Selma Cohen from Aaron and Joyce upon the marriage of their DAVID SCOTT ROMANOFF
Harrison daughter, Julia to Jonathan FUND
Selma Cohen from Joel and Julia (Yoni) Kantarovsky from Ira In Memory Of:
Helfman and Sheila Lobel Samuel Gorfinkel from Marjorie and
Selma Cohen from Molly and Jeff Cohen for his outstanding Stuart Gang
Ken Getnick service as Ohav’s President from Edward Rosenberg from Ellyse
Selma Cohen from Leslie and Amy Klein Rosenberg
Barry Feinman Mort Borzykowski for his outstanding
Selma Cohen from Dan and service as Ohav’s Treasurer from PRAYER BOOK FUND
Terry Tyson Amy Klein In Memory Of:
David Fox from Jeffrey Fox Lori and Michael Levine upon their Bertha Goldberg from Phyllis Ross
Joseph Brociner from Pauline and son, Ethan’s engagement to Fred Aron from Hanna Aron
Ron Brockiner Emma Edelman from Jeff and
Joseph Brociner from Dorothy and Robin Suitor ROSENBLATT LIFE EDUCATION
Rob Ganz Bette and Charles Schiffer upon the FUND
Jay B. Stern from Laura and birth of their granddaughter, In Memory Of:
Ed Jacobs Sydney Isabel from Jeff and Saul Ikler from Thelma Ikler
Ted Siegel from Sarah Siegel Robin Suitor
Martha Stagnitta from Sarah Siegel Hilda and Moritz Rothschild upon MICHAEL DAVID BANNER FUND
Marian Cohen from Sarah Siegel their son, David’s engagement to In Memory Of:
Selma Cohen from Amy Klein Sarah Winkler from Jeff and Jay B. Stern from Tobie and Alan Dorn
Faye Kashunck from Eugene and Robin Suitor Selma Cohen from Tobie and Alan
Cynthia Laks Evelyn Loeb and Miles Garfinkel Dorn
Miriam Warshaw from Jeff and upon the marriage of their Michael David Banner from Christopher
Robin Suitor daughter, to Jonathan (Yoni) and Mary Taylor
Ruth Lewanda from Jeff and Kantarovsky from Jeff and In Honor Of:
Robin Suitor Robin Suitor Charles and Bette Schiffer upon the
Benjamin Oberlander from Jeff and birth of their granddaughter,
Robin Suitor B’YACHAD FUND Sydney from Tobie and Alan Dorn
Barbara Gruft from Jeff and In Memory Of: Lois and Steve Lewis upon the
Robin Suitor Joy Eson from Nancy and Jud Eson engagement of their son, Alan to
In Honor Of: Miriam Lippman from Neil and Trisha Cohen from Tobie and Alan
Steve and Lois Lewis upon the Helena Davidoff Dorn
engagement of their son, Alan Joseph Motto from Neil and Judy and Hal Tanzman upon the
to Trisha Cohen from Laura and Helena Davidoff engagement of their daughter,
Ed Jacobs In Honor Of: Brooke to Brian Carlisi from Tobie
Charles and Bette Schiffer upon the Phyllis Cohen upon the marriage of and Alan Dorn
birth of their granddaughter, her daughter, Linda to Michael Ellen and David Weinstein upon Jason’s
Sydney Isabel from Laura and Yood from Neil and Helena graduation from veterinary school
Ed Jacobs Davidoff from Tobie and Alan Dorn
Bob Ellenbogen upon Rachel’s Dick Weisz and Diane Rosenblum upon
graduation from High School NURSERY SCHOOL FUND Jessica’s graduation from medical
from Laura and Ed Jacobs In Memory Of: school from Tobie and Alan Dorn
Lisa Kay upon Rachels’ graduation Brenda Borzykowski from the Lita Katzer upon becoming the
from High School from Laura Borzykowski family B’Yachad Director from Tobie and
Eli Mason from Judy and Jerry Alan Dorn
SEPTEMBER 2011 14 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
In Honor Of: SCHRIEBER SPECIAL
SACKLOW ISRAEL Mr. and Mrs. Norman Rosenthal EDUCATION FUND
SCHOLARSHIP FUND upon the birth of their grandson, In Memory Of:
In Honor Of: Seth from Joan and David Ethel Winter from Stanley Winter
Gary Gleckman upon his retirement Cohen Leah Schreiber from Dr. and Mrs.
from Harriette and Stew Sacklow Phyllis Ainspan upon a full and Edward Schreiber
Natalie Finkle upon her graduation speedy recovery from Joan and Samuel Teitelbaum from Bernard and
from Harriette and Stew Sacklow David Cohen Eleanore Butler
Scott Suchman upon his special Sidney Butler from Bernard and
birthday from Harriette and GOLDSTEIN/GOLDHAR Eleanore Butler
Stew Sacklow YOUTH FUND Irving Zorn from Charlotte Zorn
In Memory Of: In Honor Of:
SAMUEL TABACHNECK Phyllis Erner from Stuart Erner Lita Katzer upon becoming the
MEMORIAL FUND In Honor Of: B’Yachad Director from Beth
In Memory Of: The Nussbaum family upon Jake’s Laddin
Flora Tabachneck from Alan Bar Mitzvah from Sara Lee and
Tabachneck Barry Larner HILDA AND BEN GORDON
Harry Feder from Charlotte Zorn BUILDING FUND
KIDDUSH FUND In Honor Of:
KRANTMAN ISRAEL In Memory Of: Ohav Shalom from Adele Isen
SCHOLARSHIP FUND Claire Novick from David and
In Memory Of: Gwen Novick
Sid Rosenbaum from Joni and
David Cohen
~YAHRZEITS~
September 1/2 Elul September 8/9 Elul September 14/15 Elul Lewis Weisberg September 26/27 Elul
Martin Bates Jack Hershkowitz Freida Grode September 21/22 Elul Samuel Dworkin
Pauline Eisenstadt Philil Schwartz Julia Miller Gregory Beil Doris Fogelman
Solomon Flax September9/10 Elul Chester Rosenwall Alvin Rubin Abraham Lipton
Nettie Flint Karl Israel Abraham Schips Elaine Weinstein Nettie Paskin
September 2/3 Elul Irving Kirsch September 15/16 Elul September 22/23 Elul September 27/28 Elul
Jack Adler Matilda Tocker Ruth Robinson Irwin Agel Nancy Dunning
Warren Fein September 10/11 Elul Harold Solomon Sarah Agel Florence Eisenberg
Abraham Levy Julius Ikler September 16/17 Elul Elaine Rubin Irwin Greenbaum
Bruce Piper Sadie Ikler Minna Berejansky Nathan Shatsoff Shirley Orris
Muriel Shrager Herman Pollack September 17/18 Elul September 23/24 Elul Irving Warshaw
September 3/4 Elul Pepi Silber Frank Flesh Ida Miller September 28/29 Elul
Norman Brickman Mena Stern September 18/19 Elul Sam Silverstein Gladys Naviasky
Ida Fialko September 11/12 Elul Samuel Diamond September 24/25 Elul Morris Winter
Lilliam Suitor Orkin Seymour Ellenbogen Lipman Fialko Jesse Leban September 29/1 Tishrei
September 4/5 Elul Harold Halle Florence Neifeld Arthur Naviasky Ruth Caplan
Lewis Chapman Rebecca Lida September 19/20 Elul Sylvia Rosenthal Minna Schneider
Alice Israel September 12/13 Elul Joseph Rosen Samuel Sovitsky September 30/2 Tishrei
Ellis David Tocker Joseph Lev Lena Schips Ilona Stern Leonard Hecker
September 5/6 Elul Harvey Olian Sue Shelofsky September 25/26 Elul Suzanne Herbach
Julius Silbergleit Morris Weissberg Sophie Steinberg Herbert Goldstein Martin Kay
September 7/8 Elul September 13/14 Elul September 20/21 Elul Belle Kurland
Michael Shuman Sol Marx Sheldon Kushner
SEPTEMBER 2011 15 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
Congregation Ohav Shalom NONPROFIT
113 New Krumkill Road
ORGANIZATION
U.S. Postage
Albany, NY 12208 PAID
Albany, NY
Permit No. 87
If you have any requests we may help fulfill, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Gregg C. Kelly • Director of Sales • (518) 441-1825 • greggk@nefj.com
SEPTEMBER 2011 16 ELUL 5771/TISHREI 5772
