February 2013 - The Jewish Center

February 2013:Layout 1 1/30/2013 2:54 PM Page 1
SHEVET / ADAR 5773
February Highlights
Purim
Egger Shabbaton
Schools
Programs
Contributions
MESSAGE FROM RABBI TUCKER
February 2013
pg. 3
pg. 4
pg. 6-8
pg. 10-15
pg. 16-17
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Vol. 63 No. 7
A few years ago, my good friend Shira and I dressed up for
Purim festivities on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. My
costume consisted of platform sandals, bell-bottoms, and a bohemian tunic, my hair parted down the middle and secured
with a colorful head-band. Shira wore blue jeans, a tiara, and
a black t-shirt bearing the motto: “Safe Homes. Healthy Relationships. Strong Women.” As we walked from party to party,
rooms filled with Bush doppelgangers and cartoon characters
and my personal favorite- a pregnant baker (with a bun in the
oven!), it was easy for revelers to identify me as a 70’s gal. Shira’s costume, however,
was more difficult to discern. An activist? A princess? Gloria Steinem’s granddaughter? None of these guesses, in fact, were so far off the mark. As Shira would
proudly tell anyone who asked, “I’m a modern day Queen Vashti.”
SERVICE SCHEDULE
I have always had great sympathy and admiration for the great Queen Vashti, perhaps the bravest and most misunderstood figure in the entire Purim story. Ordered
to flaunt her beauty (naked, according to the midrash) before a room of boisterous
men who have been drinking without restraint for seven days straight, Vashti has
the temerity to refuse her husband’s command, and is deposed. Were our own
daughters to find themselves in a similar situation, I hope we would all praise their
courage, good judgment, and ability not to succumb to peer pressure. Vashti, however, is vilified for her impudence and banished from the royal kingdom.
BAR/BAT MITZVAH SCHEDULE
Famously, Vashti is criticized not only for embarrassing the king but, rather, for
“mak[ing] all wives despise their husbands” (Esther 1:17), striving for a kind of marital relationship in which each party is autonomous, able to make his/her own decisions rather than being forced to cater to a partner’s every whim. King Ahasuerus’
advisors fear less for the honor of their ruler and more for their own self-interest,
concerned that the model of a woman allowed to say “no” will diminish the control
and power they each wield over their own households. “There will be no end of
scorn and provocation,” argue the ministers, “[Unless] the judgment executed by
Your Majesty resounds throughout your realm…and all wives will treat their husbands with respect, high and low alike” (Esther 1:18 and 1:20). It seems that there
is nothing as threatening as a woman allowed to speak her own truth and make her
own decisions!
The t-shirt that Shira wore so many Purims ago was developed by Jewish Women
International, an organization devoted to empowering women and girls, and one
of the most important pieces of its mission is ending violence against women. Here
in our local community, Project S.A.R.A.H. of Jewish Family and Children’s Services
has a similar goal, helping to lift the barriers that prevent women from acknowledging the problem of domestic abuse, connecting them to appropriate services,
and providing education focused on building strong and healthy relationships. Current research indicates that one in four women will experience abuse in her lifetime,
often starting as early as her teens, and this violence will take many different forms,
(continued on page 2)
Shabbat Worship Fridays at 6:30 p.m.;
Saturdays at 9:45 a.m.
Library Service
Saturday, February 9 & 23
at 10:15 a.m.
Midweek Minyanim Sunday at 8:30 a.m.;
8:15 a.m. on February 10
Wednesday at 7:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 2
Bar Mitzvah of Griffin Kaufman,
son of Gregg and Jill 4:30 p.m.
Purim Extravaganza Details
see page 3
SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING
February 1
4:58 p.m.
February 8
5:07 p.m.
February 15
5:15 p.m.
February 22
5:24 p.m.
The Jewish Center Newsletter
is a monthly publication of
The Jewish Center,
435 Nassau Street
Princeton, NJ 08540
February 2013:Layout 1 1/30/2013 2:54 PM Page 2
(Rabbi Tucker’s message cont’d from pg. 1)
from physical and sexual harm to financial exploitation, engineered social isolation, severe emotional cruelty and more.
Women will often stay in a situation that is dangerous out of
concern for their own safety or that of their children, or because they do not have the financial resources to make a new
home for themselves. They fear that they will not be believed,
that they will have no legal recourse, and that their children
will be taken away from them. Women are told by well-intentioned friends and family members to give things another try,
and they are told by their rabbis that Judaism values shalom
bayit (peace in the home). Under these terrifying circumstances, making the choice to finally leave an abusive partner
is an act of supreme courage and strength.
Abuse against women, both domestic and dating, is not about
anger but rather about power – it is the attempt to dominate
and control an intimate, and it can often begin innocuously,
escalating rapidly over time. Recognizing the warning signs of
unsafe relationships and helping our sisters and mothers and
colleagues and friends to leave situations that are harmful is
one important way that we can help to combat this growing
threat. Educating our daughters about what it means to be in
a healthy, safe, and equal relationship with a partner is perhaps even more vital.
At the end of this month we will celebrate the holiday of Purim
and again read the story of Esther and of Vashti, two strong
heroines who, each in their own unique way, present role
models for the young girls and women of today. Purim has become one of the high-points of our programming year here at
TJC, with costumes, skits, carnivals, and other revelry all orchestrated by the creative genius and vision of the extraordinary Neil Wise. I, for one, cannot wait to see what he has in
store for us! This year our holiday theme is “There’s No Place
Like Home” as we celebrate the wonder and whimsy of the
Wizard of Oz. How well this theme, too, ties into my message
this month – that home should be a place where people are
at their safest and most well cared for, that home is a place in
which violence and abuse should never be tolerated. As we
enter into the festive weeks leading up to Purim, let us prepare
for the fun that is sure to come. Let us remember, too, the important messages of Megillat Esther and commit ourselves to
ensuring secure homes and secure relationships for women
and men alike.
Safe Homes. Healthy Relationships. Strong Women. May this
soon become the ideal not only for ancient Persia but for our
modern world as well.
Chag Purim Sameach (Happy Purim),
Rabbi Annie Tucker
ANNUAL FUND DONORS
since
late December 2012
Scott and Charlene Borsack
Roland Chen and Sarah Gooen Chen
Joel Deitz and Barbara Berko
Ted and Jess Deutsch
Richard and Sheryl Feinstein
Rabbi Robert and Sally Freedman
Benjamin and Debbi Gitterman
David Goldfarb
Rob and Ruth Goldston
Steve Hudis and Merrye Shavel
Bret and Lisa Jacknow
Scott and Debra Krutan
Arthur Lehrhaupt
Michael and Judy Leopold
David and Marci Lieberman
Sy and Phyllis Marchand
Moshe and Judith Margolin
Josh and Linda Milstein
Leslie Azaroff
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Jeffrey and Robin Persky
Robert and Mary Pickens
George and Ellen Pristach
Norman and Tricia Rosenthal
Rabbi Justus Baird and Rabbi Julie Roth
Jan and Lois Safer
Ronald Schnur and Sandra Sussman
Robert Seidenstein and Marilyn Riley
Steven Sheriff and Michele Alperin
Andrew and Lisa Smukler
Fredric and Winifred Spar
Paul and Nancy Steinhardt
Barry Vogel and Peggy Lindsley
Adam and Ann Warner
Irv Newman and Myra Weiner
Harlan and Sally Weisman
Rich Weiss and Sue Gertner-Weiss
Ross and Lesley Wishnick
Eran and Amu Zacks
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The Ellen M. Egger ShabbatonMarch 1 – 3
Rabbi Matthew Berkowitz
www.rabbimattberkowitz.com
Friday Night Session – Following Shabbat Dinner; Approx.
8:30 p.m.
RembrandtandtheRabbis:ImagingandImaginingthe
ExodusfromEgypt
This session will explore the pivotal narrative of the Israelites
crossing the Red Sea. What imagery is evoked by the Exodus
narrative? How have master artists interpreted this episode?
To what extent do our own interpretations of the p’shat (literal
text) dovetail with the artistic and rabbinic voices?
Shabbat Morning – During the Service
TheDelicateDance:ExploringJudaism’sArtisticInterplay
withOtherCultures
Using the biblical ritual of Passover as a jumping-off point,
we will explore how Judaism has consistently been shaped
and enriched by the larger cultures in which the Jews have
found themselves. Examples will be showcased from the
Biblical, Rabbinic, Medieval and Modern Periods.
The “Art” of Torah:
HowtheArtsBringGod’s
PresenceintoOurMidst
Rabbi Matthew L. Berkowitz
Director of Israel Programs, JTS and
Co-founder, Kol HaOt: Illuminating Jewish Life
Through Art, Jerusalem (www.kolhaot.com)
This very special program will explore the role of the visual and
exegetical arts in creating sacred community. What role can
art play in Jewish education and bringing God’s presence into
our midst? Classical and modern artists in concert with rabbinic voices will animate a unique weekend of Jewish learning.
Biography: Rabbi Matthew L. Berkowitz is the Director of Israel
Programs for The Jewish Theological Seminary of America and
co-founder of Kol Ha-Ot, a new Jerusalem-based venture devoted to exploring the arts and Jewish learning. An accomplished artist, Matt was formally trained in Jewish scribal art in
Jerusalem and completed the writing of Megillat Esther, the
illumination of several ketubbot, and a limited edition artist
portfolio entitled Passover Landscapes: Illuminations on the
Exodus which was acquired by Yale University, shown at Yeshiva
University Museum (April, 2006), exhibited at The James Francis Trezza Gallery (Madison Avenue and 79th April, 2008) and is
on permanent exhibit at The Jewish Theological Seminary. He
is the author of The Lovell Haggadah, published by The
Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem. In 2008-2009,
Rabbi Berkowitz studied illustration and oil painting at The
Jerusalem Studio School; this past year, 2011-2012, he studied
printmaking at The Jerusalem Print Workshop.
Rabbi Berkowitz resides in Jerusalem. He is married to Rabbi
Miriam Berkowitz, author of Taking the Plunge: A Practical and
Spiritual Guide to the Mikveh. They have three children, Adir,
Rachel and Shira.
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Shabbat Afternoon – Following Lunch; Approx. 1:00 p.m.
PassoverLandscapes:IlluminationsontheExodus
Passover Landscapes: Illuminations on the Exodus represents
a five year journey of Jewish learning and art. Illuminated and
authored by Rabbi Matthew L. Berkowitz and inspired by an
original commission for a new family haggadah for Dedee and
Stephen Lovell, Passover Landscapes offers a unique window
into the seder experience. The project consists of three components: a portfolio of twenty-seven giclée prints (including
three papercuts), a haggadah, and a book of commentary. It
is a piece rich with influences and history, bringing the experience of the Exodus to a deeper and more meaningful level.
The portfolio is entirely produced in Israel, bound in Jerusalem
with end papers made of parsley in Zichron Yaakov, inspired by
manuscripts from the Rare Book Room of The Jewish Theological Seminary, and woven together by a painting of a characteristic Israel landscape.
Sunday Morning – Following Minyan at 9:30 a.m.
TheTreeofLifeShtender
(contingentonavailabilityofshtender)
The Tree of Life Shtender was conceived and designed by David
Moss and Noah Greenberg. Based on the traditional
reading/prayer/study lectern, The Tree of Life Shtender is an
intricate sculptural work of art, an elegant piece of furniture,
and a treasure chest containing a complete series of the daily,
weekly, and yearly objects of Jewish practice.
Join us for Shabbat dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
($25 per person, reservations required) Contact the main office at (609-921-0100 x200) to make your reservation. Please
RSVP by February 22. For any other questions about the
Shabbaton, please contact Rabbi Adam Feldman –
afeldman@thejewishcenter.org.
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Religious Affairs News
Shabbat at TJC: February - June Lineup
Our Shabbat service offerings keep growing and improving! In addition to our Sanctuary service – where our Rabbis will be and where all B’nai Mitzvah take place – plus
Bible BaBoker, and our existing services described below,
here are the plans for the next five months. NOTE: All
dates and service schedules are subject to change; please
watch for the weekly Shabbat email or check the TJC website calendar for updates.
NEW: SHABBAT KATAN - Join us on February 2 for Shabbat Katan, a new monthly service designed for preschoolaged children and their families. Warm and spirited, this
interactive Shabbat experience is led by parents and will
include stories, prayers, songs, and a brief Torah reading.
Stay for Shabbat Katan lunch and get to meet other families with little ones. Bring your friends - everyone is welcome. We will meet at 11:15 a.m. in the Adult Library.
Upcoming service dates are: February 2, March 2, April
6, May 4, and June 1.
ZAMRU – This Princeton-area independent minyan will
be davening at TJC at 6:30 p.m. in the Social Hall on these
Fridays: February 8, March 8, May 10, and June 14.
and a Shabbat post-Kiddush “Shira and Schmooze” discussion/learning/singing session as follows:
8:00 p.m. Service
February 22-23
x
March 22-23
April 12-13
x
May 17-18
x
June 7-8
x
Post-Kiddush Session
x
x
x
The 8:00 p.m. service will include a variety of melodies,
short explanations of certain prayers or melodies, and a
relaxed, participative mood. The Post-Kiddush sessions
(lasting approximately one hour) will include topics such
as the Havdalah service and new melodies, the sources
and stories behind certain Shabbat melodies, explanations of and variations for familiar Pesach songs, and
much more.
ONGOING SERVICES – In addition to our lineup of childrens’ services (held when Religious School is in session),
you can select among these:
The Library Minyan, a chavurah-style minyan featuring a
The Zamru service will be in addition to our regular 6:30 variety of service formats, singing, discussion, Torah study
p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat service in the Beit Midrash. For and more, meets the second and fourth Shabbatot each
more information on the Zamru service, including details month at 10:15 a.m. in the Adult Library. For more inforon its potluck dinners, please visit their Web site mation about the service or to be added to its mailing list,
www.zamru.org.
contact Herb Abelson at 609-921-6130 or
herbelson@gmail.com.
KAVANNAT TEFILAH – The Kavannat Tefillah service is offered monthly. The nuance intended is “immersion in He- Shabbat LaMishpacha is a family service conducted by
brew prayer,” and the service will have the ambiance of Ellen Pristach, and designed for children ages 3-6 and
Hebrew liturgy (we will use the Conservative liturgy and their parents. It meets the first and third Shabbatot each
siddur), with extensive congregational singing, and lay month (when Religious School is in session) at 11:00 a.m.
leadership of the davening and leyning. The next service in the Youth Lounge.
will be held on February 16 in the Adult Library, once
again with lay leadership of the leyning and davening. It If you haven’t been to The Jewish Center for Shabbat in a
begins at 10:30 a.m. and ends in time for attendees to while, or are looking for new ways to celebrate Shabbat,
join the congregation for the Kiddush afterward. Atten- we invite you to sample these offerings to enrich your
dance at the inaugural service on January 19 exceeded Shabbat and join with friends in the Sanctuary service
forty congregants at the high point. Contact Jonathan and/or these other services and sessions. Questions or
Gross gross@cs.columbia.edu, the initial organizer, if you comments about Shabbat offerings? Contact Gil Gordon,
would like to daven or leyn, or offer comments and sug- VP of Religious Affairs, at 732-329-2266 or
gestions. Upcoming service dates are: February 16, gil@gilgordon.com
March 30, April 20, May 18, and June 15.
Shabbat Shalom!
CANTOR TAHL BEN-YEHUDA – Cantor Ben-Yehuda will
continue to be with us one Shabbat a month. She will
lead our Shabbat morning Sanctuary service, and will also
be leading an 8:00 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat service Friday
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Early Childhood EducationNews
Shalom,
I have just returned from the JEA
(Jewish Educators Assembly)
Conference where the Early Childhood Education track focused on
connecting Jewish values in the classroom with the opportunity to visit two schools in the Dallas area. We discussed Documentation and how to relay
the lessons taught in the classroom to our ECE parents
and beyond. It’s always a unique and welcoming experience when the opportunity arises to sit with other educators from around the country and talk about the
wonderful things happening in our early childhood classrooms. Closer to home but along the same lines, the ECE
staff visited Crossroads Nursery School, here in Princeton,
last week as part of our continuing education requirements of the state for all staff members each year. This
school was chosen for our visit by Rick Ellis, our mentor
is helping our school transition to a “Child-Directed,
Teacher-Instructed” Curriculum, which we began last
year. Rick has worked with Crossroads and has watched
Enroll now for our
2013-2014 school year
it successfully use this method of teaching, and thought
a visit there would be valuable to our teachers and our
program. There are two other conferences some of the
teachers and I will participate in this month--one specifically for pre-k teachers and the next on the value of
using technology in the pre-school classroom. There is
still another program in March that the entire staff will
participate in as we do every year, just over the state line
in Bucks County with our friends at Ohev Shalom in Richboro. This year that conference will deal with early intervention and playtime. The knowledge gained from
these conferences is what keeps us on top of our game
and gives us the tools to better educate our young students.
The ECE invites you to share in our Purim fun on Friday,
February 22 at 11:00 a.m. when our students present
their Purim Parade and Songfest. Please join us!
B’Shalom,
Gayle
gwagner@thejewishcenter.org
MACHANEYNU,
Our Camp
Child-directed, teacher-instructed curriculum
Programs for toddlers and
2 1/2 - 5 year olds
l 2 day, 3 day and 5 day options
l Before care and extended hours
(8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
l Licensed and certified teachers
l Enrichment classes
l Solomon Schechter Award-Winning
Hebrew Immersion class
l Mini-Camp programs between
school and camp
Summer Camp program for 2-6 year olds
*Young Toddler class (9-20 months)
began in January
l
l
For Children Ages 2-6
Registration opens February 1, 2013
Mini Camp: June 10-June 21 (3-6 year olds)
New Daber Ivrit Mini Camp too!
Summer Camp: June 22–August 9
State of the Art Playground, Water Play, Arts
and Crafts, Sports, Music, Nature Walks
(on premises), Special Events and More!
Please contact Gayle Wagner 609-921-7207 or gwagner@thejewishcenter.org
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for more information
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Religious School News
Our Jewish Family Stories
The Zayin Museum — “Our Jewish
Family Stories“ — was held on Sunday,
January 13. The Zayin Museum, a culmination of our 7th grade immigration
unit, is an opportunity for our students
to illuminate their personal family stories through photographs, family heirlooms, documents, narratives, and
everyday household objects. The Zayin students became
docents, sharing their exhibits with the entire Jewish Center community and their religious school peers. Religious
school students were treated to a scavenger hunt; they
even received prizes for their participation.
Pride was everywhere—students, parents, grandparentsand yes, teachers too!
Throughout the year, students in the “Jews in America”
class have been on a journey. We have explored events,
personalities and ideas that illustrate the integral place of
the Jews in the history of our country. We have particularly tried to help our students develop a sense of their
personal relationship to the American Jewish experience.
We came from different places at different times and for
different reasons, but we all wound up here, in the Princeton metro area. Throughout this journey, we have
learned that each student’s story is both unique and sim-
ilar—similarities that tie us together as a community.
Family trees, online ancestry searches, and a life -sized
classroom timeline were all part of the preparation for
this special day. These students are artists, historians,
statisticians, and proud Jews. Many parents have commented on how this project has opened up lines of communications between the generations and may have led
to the discovery of previously unknown familial histories.
Yearbooks were distributed for the students to share with
their classmates and their families. The yearbooks contained recipes, photos, classroom excerpts and class immigration statistics.
Finally, we ended our day with “Bubbe’s Kitchen”— a buffet consisting of all our families’ favorite foods. Zayin families participated in a yummy potluck brunch for almost
100 family members. It was such a nice way to kvell about
the students, and to get to know each other in this very
special year.
Thank you Cyndi Kleinbart, for organizing and coordinating the course and, especially, the Zayin Museum and the
“Bubbe’s Kitchen.
Gila Levin
Director of Religious School
Zayin students prepared displays of their
family’s Jewish history.
Families enjoyed a pot-luck (“Bubbe’s
Kitchen) brunch.
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Hesed Projects
Griffin Kaufman has been working for
five years at SAVE, A Friend to Homeless
Animals, animal shelter in Princeton. The
largest shelter for companion animals in the
Princeton area, SAVE is dedicated to protecting the health and welfare of homeless
companion animals, and works to build,
foster, and strengthen the human-animal
bond. The shelter facility houses approximately 75 dogs and cats at a time, and helps
an average of 400 animals a year.
Griffin explained, “During the many hours
that I volunteered at SAVE, I made many
connections with animals there. This project was meaningful to me because I was
able to give comfort to those who were
abandoned. I learned that if you give of
yourself, you can make a difference in the
lives of others.” Griffin will speak at Kabbalat Shabbat February 1.
In Memoriam
Dear Parents and Congregants,
Do you have any special talents? An area of expertise that
would interest a school-aged child? Do you want to work
with eager, young Jewish students?
Every Sunday at 11:00 a.m., our third to sixth graders finish their Religious School morning by participating
in Chugim (clubs). They come together for one hour, in
small groups, to cook Jewish food, to play Jewish games,
to write inspirational writings and more.
We are looking for members of our community to help us lead new
clubs. Perhaps Jewish Art or Music, Photography, Yoga, Israeli Dancing,
Theater, Hebrew Reading Club, or School Newspaper? We are open to
ideas! We would love to have you join us in providing a fun, rewarding
experience for our students that will continue to expand their Jewish horizons and enrich their Jewish souls.
If you are interested in leading one of our Clubs, call Gila Levin.
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Gila Levin
Religious School Director
609-921-0100 ext. 220
glevin@thejewishcenter.org
We extend our deepest
sympathy in remembering
Jane Mitnick
Mother of Polly Strauss
Rachel Lehr
Our long time congregant
Morton Braverman
Grandfather of Andrew Braverman
Evelyn Persky
Mother of Jeff Persky
Hans Schapire
Father of Robert Schapire
William Rabb
Brother of Perrisue Silverstein
Phillip Zachter
Father of Mort Zachter
February 2013:Layout 1 1/30/2013 2:54 PM Page 9
Todah Rabbah
A very big thank you to all our service leaders for the month
of January. We could never have done it without you! Don’t
see your name on this list? Contact Cantor Tahl Ben-Yehuda
(who is coordinating our Leyner/Davener scheduling) at
tahl@thejewish center.org, and we’ll get you into the game!
Torah Chanters (Ba’alei K’riah)
Margie Atwater, Noah Curtiss, Stephen Curtiss, Jacob Curtiss,
Rachel Davner, Hazzan Joanna Dulkin, Yaacob Dweck, Leslie
Gerwin, Rabbi Robert Goldenberg, Sam Goldman, Jonathan
Gross, Chloe Heller, Rachel Humphrey, Jason Korn, Sandy
Kutin, Jane LeGrange, Mindy Langer, Jose Matiella, Summer
Pramer, Robert Schapire, Zachary Schapire, Mike Sommer,
David Spiegel, Tirza Wharman
Haftarah Chanters (Maftirim)
Jacob Curtiss, Rachel Davner, Jonathan Gross, Chloe Heller,
Jerry Neumann
Gabbaim
Bernard Abramson, Bruce Afran, Dan Brent, Leslie Gerwin,
Linda Milstein, Jerry Neumann
Shammashim
Richard Fishbane, Gil Gordon, Jane LeGrange, Nancy
Lewis
Daveners
Cantor Tahl Ben-Yehuda, Jacob Curtiss, Hazzan Joanna
Dulkin, Rabbi Adam Feldman, Leslie Gerwin, Jonathan
Gross, Sandy Kutin, Tirza Wahrman
Mazal Tov
To Ellen and Gil Gordon on the engagement of their
son, Adam to Kari Hexem
To Heather and Seth Adler on the birth of their son,
Stefan Alexander.
To Alan Medvin and Harriet Kass on the birth of
their grandson, Elliott David Medvin.
Welcome New Members
Colin and Ronit Minchom and their
children, Dan and Jack.
TJC Book Club
We will meet on Tuesday, February 19, at
7:30 p.m. in the Beit Midrash to discuss I
am Forbidden by Anouk Markovits. The
novel follows four generations of members of the Satmar Hasidic sect, with a focus on two sisters
and their life growing up in Paris. One sister is obedient
and content but the other longs for an education and freedom. While the work is fictional, it draws upon the author’s own experiences as a woman raised in France in a
Satmar home who broke away from the community when
she was nineteen to avoid an arranged marriage.
All of our books can be ordered on-line through the TJC
website at www.thejewishcenter.org, where you can click
on the Amazon link to earn a commission for the Synagogue. Copies of our selections are usually available at
the Princeton Public Library on the “Book Club” table by
the entrance or can be ordered through the inter-library
loan program. For a list of previous books see: http://thejewishcenter.org/Participate-With-Us/TJC-BookClub/Previous-Selections.aspx. For more information
about the Book Club, please contact Louise Sandburg at
louise@sandsmith.com or (609) 683-8395.
Cantor Search Update
The Cantor Search Committee continued its selection process
by conducting telephone interviews of several additional candidates and inviting two more candidates for in-person midweek interviews with the Committee, supplemented by
meetings with our clergy and staff. We received several other
resumes that were not suitable for further consideration.
We also hosted Hazzan Joanna Dulkin for a visit on Shabbat
weekend of January 25-27. An on-line survey was conducted
to collect the reactions of the congregation to her participation in Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat services; meetings with
ECE parents, Gan-Alef parents, and baby boomers and others;
her davening on Shabbat morning; and her presentation after
Kiddush luncheon on Shabbat. The Committee will incorporate this feedback, as well as the experiences of Search Committee and Board members and past presidents who met
Hazzan Dulkin, in evaluating her candidacy.
The Committee will assess the other mid-week interviewees
to determine if a Shabbat weekend invitation is appropriate,
and advise the congregation accordingly.
If you have any questions about the Cantor Search process,
please feel free to contact Cantor Search Committee CoChairs Dan Brent dfbrent@gmail.com or Naomi Perlman
bjpnep@msn.com.
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Adult Education
February Highlights
NEW Course: the NHC Summer Institute. In Princeton, he has facilitated study sessions in the Library Minyan and String of Pearls Congregations. Assistant Director of Princeton University Press (Director of Editing,
Design & Production), he holds a Master’s Degree in American Literature from CUNY. Read his Talmud blog at http://amhaaretz.wordpress.com/.
Ruth Goldston is a founding member of the Library Minyan at TJC, a
former chair of the National Havurah Committee, an occasional
artist, a creative davener, and a psychologist in private practice in
Princeton. Together with her husband and two grown sons, she has
been a member of The Jewish Center since 1981; you can find her
on the bema each year on Yom Kippur afternoon when she leads the
Mincha prayer service in the main sanctuary.
“Creating Midrash Through Art: The Burning
Bush” with Eleni Litt, Neil Litt, and Ruth Gold- NEW Shabbat Afternoon Rabbis’ Roundtable
ston and Se’udah Shlishit: “The End of the Bar
Combining facets of an open studio, writing workshop, and Mitzvah?” with Princeton Rabbis
beit midrash, this class provides an environment for artists
and writers to explore Jewish texts in hevruta and to create
new works inspired by the texts studied. Classes will weave
text study with opportunities to create and share visual
and/or written responses in different genres.
Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush is one of the
pivotal moments in Jewish history. We will study the Biblical
text of the burning bush, as well as Rabbinic, Talmudic, modern (post-Enlightenment), and contemporary commentaries,
and then express and share our personal responses to them
through visual art and writing. Participants will further develop their work between classes and bring in for discussion
works-in-progress that have been inspired or informed by the
class.
Beginning and experienced artists and writers are all welcome. Students are encouraged to bring their own materials
(with some guidance as to what is practical in the space);
some basic materials will be available as back-up and for experimentation. Students may consider holding a public showing and reading of their works at the end of the course. Four
(non-consecutive) Sunday evenings: Feb. 3, March 10, April
14, May 5; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Youth Lounge)
Eleni Litt is a visual artist and independent scholar/teacher combining art-making with work in Jewish Studies, Mussar, Art History, and
Anthropology. She is a long-time Havurah teacher and a member of
Tobi Kahn’s Artists’ Beit Midrash in New York City. Her artwork has
been shown in group shows at The Arts Council of Princeton, The
New School, the sukkah at The Jewish Theological Seminary, Temple
Emanu-El, and Beth Torah in Brooklyn (juried). Her training includes
a PhD in Social Anthropology from The London School of Economics
(UK); and Certificates in Fine Arts from Parsons The New School of
Design and in Creative Arts Therapies from The New School. Eleni
works professionally in higher education administration as Assistant
Provost of Faculty Affairs at The New School in New York. In Princeton, she and husband Neil Litt daven with the Library Minyan at The
Jewish Center.
Neil Litt is a former chair of the National Havurah Committee. He
has taught several courses, at the NHC Summer Institute and the
NHC Chesapeake Retreat, on aggadic texts from Talmud and their
influence on modern Jewish writers and artists. For several years he
10 also facilitated an early morning daily writers’ beit midrash at
Rabbis Justus Baird, Dov Peretz Elkins, Bob Freedman, Bob
Goldenberg, Julie Roth, and David W. Silverman will come
together to discuss Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Jewish education.
Attendees may submit questions and comments in advance
as well as at the roundtable. Discussion begins at 4:00 p.m.,
followed by Se’udah Shlishit (traditional light third meal)
and Havdalah. Saturday, February 9; 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
RSVP by February 4 to AdultEducation@thejewishcenter.org.
NEW SPECIAL PROGRAM: “Secret Conduit to Freedom — the Story of the
Secret Negotiations between Israel and Hamas
for the Release of Gilad Shalit” with Gershon
Baskin, Ph.D.
Dr. Baskin, scholar and veteran Israeli peace activist, will describe his role as initiator and person responsible for the back
channels of communication that resulted in the release of the
abducted Israeli soldier in 2011 after more than five years of
captivity. He will also discuss the failed Israel-Palestinian
peace process and address the viability of future options for
peace.
Presentation at 1:00 p.m. following Kiddush Luncheon
February 16 (Presidents’ Day Weekend)
Social Hall
Gershon Baskin is the founder and former co-director of the
Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information (IPCRI), a joint
Israeli-Palestinian public policy “think and do” tank based in
Jerusalem. An advisor to two Israeli Prime Ministers, he initiated the
founding of IPCRI in 1988 following ten years of working in the field
of Jewish-Arab relations within Israel, through Interns for Peace and
the Ministry of Education and as Executive Director of the Institute
for Education for Jewish-Arab Coexistence established by the Ministry of Education and the Prime Minister’s Office. Baskin holds a
Ph.D. in International Affairs from the University of Greenwich (U.K.).
He is also a founding chairman of the progressive Synagogue Kehilat
Kol Haneshama in Jerusalem, writes a regular column in the
Jerusalem Post, and hosts a weekly radio show.
February 2013:Layout 1 1/30/2013 2:54 PM Page 11
Course: “Are Ancient Jewish Ethics Relevant Bible BaBoker (Bible in the Morning) with
for the 21st Century?” with Rabbi Dov Peretz Rabbi Annie Tucker
Come join our weekly Shabbat morning discussion of Parashat
Elkins
Join our Rabbi Emeritus for a discussion of the mishnaic text
Pirkei Avot, with ancient, medieval, and modern commentaries. How do ethical standards of two thousand years ago
help us live moral lives today? Course will continue from sections that follow the chapters studied in 2011. Four
Wednesday evenings: February 27, March 6, 13, 20; 8:00
to 9:00 p.m.
HaShavuah (the weekly Torah portion). Filled with lively exploration and debate of the Torah’s many wonderful (and often
challenging) stories and themes, our Bible BaBoker group has
been meeting for six years and always welcomes new participants, regardless of background. Study with us every week, or
whenever you can make it! Every Shabbat morning, 8:45 to
9:45 a.m.
STARTING IN MARCH:
Hebrew Language on Sundays with Edna BrynNoiman
NEW Course: “The American Jewish Experience” with Dr. Regina Stein Our small-group classes are just the right size for making great
strides in conversational Hebrew.
Many Americans subscribe to a belief in “American exceptionalism,” a unique role that America plays in the world. Are
American Jews exceptional as well? What are the similarities
and differences between European and American Jews? We
will ask these questions as we explore topics in American Jewish history such as the early settlement and communities of
the 17th and 18th centuries, the process of political emancipation and involvement, expressions of Judaism, and the stories we tell ourselves about our history as American Jews. Four
Thursday evenings: March 14, 21, April 4, 11; 7:30 to 9:00
p.m.
9:00 to 9:50 a.m.
10:00 to 10:50 a.m.
11:00 to 11:50 a.m.
She’s back! Regina Stein, Ph.D., who taught “Israel 101” at The Jewish
Center in Fall 2011, is the current Scholar in Residence at the Museum
At Eldridge St. She also teaches at the Skirball Program for Adult Jewish Learning at Temple Emanu-El, the Context Program of the Jewish
Theological Seminary, and other New York area synagogues and institutions. Dr. Stein served as National Director of the Hadassah Leadership Academy from 1998 to 2009. She previously taught for the
Wexner Heritage Foundation, CLAL, and the Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel, as well as the Academy for Jewish Religion, JTS, Temple
University, and the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem.
CONTINUING:
Talmud Study on Shabbat Afternoons with
Rabbi David W. Silverman
Come join Rabbi Silverman in exploring the minor tractates of
the Babylonian Talmud to discover their fascinating insights
into the manners and mores of the ancient Rabbis. Some of
the texts have direct relevance to our own times – either in
agreement, opposition or qualification. February 2 and 23;
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Yiddish Reading Group
Do you remember hearing or reading Yiddish? All that comes
alive again at The Jewish Center when we meet every Monday
to read literature and stories in the original Yiddish. For further
information, call Ziona Silverman at 732-329-1069. Monday
afternoons, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Mat’hilim 2 (Beginners 2)
Mamshikhim 1 (Intermediate 1)
Mat’hilim 1 (Beginners 1)
Adult B’nai Mitzvah Program with TJC rabbis
and others
One of TJC’s most intense and rewarding programs of study,
the two-year adult B’nai Mitzvah course involves Hebrew language instruction, training in Torah cantillation, and more. It
culminates in a Shabbat morning service led by members of
the class. Sunday mornings, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Sherry Rosen and Miki Mendelson
Co-Chairs, Adult Education
adulteducation@thejewishcenter.org
Nominating Committee
I am pleased to announce the formation of the
Nominating Committee:
Linda Grenis, Chair
Susan Kanter
Bob Lebeau
Mark Merkovitz
Richard Fishbane
Susan Falcon
Andrea Silverstein
The Nominating Committee is charged with presenting
a slate of officers and trustees for 2013-14 to the congregation at the Annual Meeting on May 19 at 7:00 p.m.
The officers and trustees comprise the Executive Committee of the Board and provide the core of the volunteer leadership for the congregation.
The committee has already begun their work. You can
expect the final slate of officers to be presented to the
congregation in advance of the Annual Meeting. I invite
you to direct any suggestions or comments directly to
the committee.
David Greenberg
President
11
February 2013:Layout 1 1/30/2013 2:54 PM Page 12
55 PLUS LECTURE SERIES
Date:
Topic:
Thursday, Feb. 7; 10:00 a.m.
Is the West Over? What Would
Keynes Say?
Speaker: Sylvia Nasar, James S. and John
L. Knight, Professor of Business
Journalism at Columbia University
The Jess Epstein
Lunch and Learn
with Princeton Scholars Lecture Series
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 AT NOON
presents
Really smart people have argued that the western model of
economics and democracy has reached its limits since at least
1848. Might they finally be right now? What about the worst
financial crisis since the 1930s, a nasty first world recession,
Islam-terrorism and rising sea levels? Professor Nasar draws
on the thinkers from her latest book, Grand Pursuit: The Story
of Economic Genius, and the historical record to parse the evidence.
Date:
Topic:
Thursday, Feb. 21; 10:00 a.m.
The Politics of Taking and Settling the Continental United
States in the 19th Century
Speaker: Paul Frymer, Associate Professor of Politics at Princeton University
The talk will be focused on the massive geographical expansion of the U.S. How did it go in its first century from 13
colonies to the 48 continental states? Professor Frymer will
describe in both how and why we ended up with these geographic boundaries—why we ended up with the current U.S.,
but not a larger or smaller version, and how we accomplished
these tasks. He will focus in particular on the politics of this
process, and the role of the U.S. Federal government in successfully bringing about expansion and settlement.
The 25th Annual
Amy Adina Schulman
Memorial Lecture
“A Journey towards an
Inclusive and Pluralistic Israel”
Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Speaker: Anat Hoffman
Chair of Jerusalem’s Women of the Wall,
Executive Director of the Israel Religious
Action Council, and leader in the struggle
for human rights and gender equality.
12
A superb speaker, her talk will be followed
by a Q and A, and a dessert reception.
Shan Ellentuck
My,HowKids’ Books
HaveChanged!
The shifting world of publishing for children is not a simple
one. As an old maxim in the kids’ book trade has it, “it’s just
bunny eat bunny.” From the days of Mary Poppins to Everyone Poops, there have been incredible changes in children’s
books. “We’ll talk about how books published for children reflect our changing society,” says Shan Ellentuck, the author
and illustrator of half a dozen books for children, including
The Upside-Down Man, Yankel the Fool and the award-winning A Sunflower As Big As the Sun. “I’ll show books that I’ve
written and illustrated and talk about how they got from the
spark of an idea to the shelves of a bookstore.”
Shan Ellentuck, like many writers and illustrators, was born
and grew up in the heart of Brooklyn. Shan went to Antioch
College. She’s lived in Roosevelt, New Jersey for almost 60
years with her architect husband and four children, two of
whom still live down the block with their families. In addition
to her children’s books, Shan has designed museum displays
and stained glass windows and, for 25 years, was a partner
and creative director of an advertising agency specializing in
radio and TV commercials.
The popular Jewish Center lecture series continues as wellknown writers, artists, scientists, educators and other scholars
share their insights and learning. Preceded by lunch at noon in
the social hall, the programs, including questions and answer periods, generally conclude by 1:20 p.m. The lectures are open to
the public, so plan to bring a friend, along with a dairy or parve
lunch. Coffee, tea and cookies will be provided.
February 2013:Layout 1 1/30/2013 2:54 PM Page 13
Simple Mitzvot
A Warm Thank You
A big and hearty “thank
you” goes out to all of
the congregants and
friends who contributed
to our winter clothing
drive. Our community
has greatly benefitted
from your donations.
Delivering Holiday Cheer
And yet another “thank you” to those of you who baked,
bought, wrapped and delivered munchies. Twenty-four trays
were wrapped and delivered to various places such as the
Princeton Hospital, Police stations in Princeton, Plainsboro and
West Windsor, Ronald McDonald House in New Brunswick,
Acorn Glen, The Windrows and Greenwood House.
The Apple Jews and
the Orange Jews…
by Suzanne Estermann
This is how my family thinks of Purim – our wonderful holiday celebrating, what else?, our ancestors’ ability to avoid extinction. But what, you may
ask, does fruit have to do with this joyous, noisy,
drunken masquerade? While we associate prunes
with hamentaschen, we usually don’t think of apples
or oranges…but for you, like us, that is about to
change.
Now, our boys were young – Dillon had just turned
3 and Jeremy was a mere 9 months – and true to
form, we got to services after the reading began. I’ll
be honest with you, I really don’t remember any of
what went on at the shul but what I do remember is
what happened as soon as we were all strapped back
in the car…
Since we arrived late, I began recapping the whole
Megillah on the ride home. And while, technically,
I might’ve changed the order, I told him about Mean
Man Haman and how he wanted to kill all the Jews
because Mordechai wouldn’t bow to this advisor to
King Achashverosh. And how this King wasn’t the
nicest of guys either because he ditched Queen
Vashti for keeping her clothes on during his party
and decided to choose his next Queen by holding a
beauty contest. Blech. (Yes, I preached feminism to
my boys right from the beginning!)
Mark Your Calendars!
Upcoming Events:
l Social Action Hunger Forum: January 31; 7:30 p.m.
l TJC Blood Drive: April 21; 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
l Fancy Dress Drive: April 21; 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Reminder: TASK We visit the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Anyone interested in attending should
meet in TJC parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Please contact Dana
Rosen (drosen234@aol.com) for more information.
Thanks for your support,
TJC Social Action Committee
So, Mordechai enters his niece Esther into the contest. And wouldn’tcha know? She won! And won
his favor to boot. When she told King Achashverosh
of Mean Man Haman’s terrible plot to do away with
the Jews of Persia, the King hanged Mean Man
Haman on the gallows he built for the Jews! Yay us!
Dillon enjoyed the story so much, he asked me to
tell it again. When I finished the second go-round,
he said: “No, Mommy! He didn’t wanna kill all da
juice, not da Orange juice and only summa da Apple
juice.”
So, there you have it! John and I laughed till we
cried the rest of the way home, blotting out What’s
His Name’s name as it should be!
Suzanne Esterman is the author of “A Recipe for
Disaster”. Read it at www.2nitesdinner.blogspot.com
13
February 2013:Layout 1 1/30/2013 2:54 PM Page 14
Jewish Center Women
Jewish Center Women seeks to strengthen the bonds between the women of The Jewish Center community
through social, spiritual and educational experiences and
to offer support for the identified needs of our congregation. We are so fortunate to have dedicated professional and volunteer leadership to create wonderful
experiences for our membership. JOIN US!!!!
UPCOMINGPROGRAM:ArtandArtifact–BusTripto
The Jewish Museum, NYC on Thursday, March 7.
Housed in the historic Wahrberg Mansion on 5th Avenue,
The Jewish Museum’s extensive permanent collection
and impactful exhibits and events make it the foremost
Jewish museum in America . A special tour of the permanent collection, catered lunch and time to explore the
museum are the day’s agenda. (see flyer)
Please join us for our upcoming programs:
JCW Shabbat this coming Saturday, February 2nd! With
“Commandment and Commitment” the theme of our
service, members of JCW will lead services, read Torah
and Haftarah, and share their personal “11th Commandment”. JCW is sponsoring a catered luncheon after the
service. Join us!
We look forward to seeing you soonat these and all our
programs!
B’shalom,
Judi Fleitman and Nancy Lewis
Co-chairs, JCW
Yoga Continues!!! Session three of Brigitte AflaloCalderon‘s popular yoga classes begins Thursday evening,
February 28. Fee for six weeks of classes is $25. (see
flyer)
Men’s CLUB
The men’s club held an organizational meeting for the
spring softball season. Spring training hasn’t begun yet,
so there’s still time if you are interested in playing softball. Send email to tjcmensclub@gmail.com for more
information.
Upcoming events
February 10 – We will have a Men’s Club meeting to
discuss plans for the rest of the year at 9:00 a.m. in the
social hall. Coffee and bagels will be served, so please
RSVP if you haven’t already. Bring any ideas or suggestions, along with a new member, and look for details
in your email.
April – We’re planning a guest lecture. Details TBD.
Stay tuned for more information.
We are also happy to announce that the men’s club is
again sponsoring a gift for our B’nai Mitzvah students.
Along with other gifts from The Jewish Center, our
B’nai Mitzvah students are now also receiving a set of
travel Shabbat candlesticks.
Look for more details in your email and send us any
suggestions or ideas. And, as always, if you are interested but are not currently getting our email, please
let us know by sending us an email at
tjcmensclub@gmail.com.
March 9 – The Men’s Club Shabbat. It’s an annual tradition that should not be missed.
April 8 – We’re getting together to watch the NCAA
men’s basketball championship game.
14
David Cheskis & Josh Zinder
Men’s Club Co-Chairs
tjcmensclub@gmail.com
February 2013:Layout 1 1/30/2013 2:54 PM Page 15
Join Jewish Center Women on our Journey
~ByPopularDemand~
Art and Artifact
JewishCenterWomenis
pleasedtoannounce
with instructor Brigitte AflaloCalderon
Bus Trip to The Jewish
Museum, New York City
The Pre-eminent Museum of Jewish Art and
Culture in America
Thursday, March 7
Depart The Jewish Center at 9:00 a.m.
Return at 4:30 p.m.
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in the
Youth Lounge
m
Special docent-led tour
Catered kosher lunch at Museum’s Café
Weissman
Cost is $25.00 for 6 sessions
m
Classes will be held February 28, March 7, 14
and 21, April 4 & 19
m
No prior experience necessary. Pace will be gentle.
m
10% discount at Museum Gift Shop
• Improve flexibility, muscle strength and balance • Relax your body • Soothe your mind •
m
Deluxe touring bus
Classes begin February 28
~ Register Now for Spring Series!
Kindly register by February 15. Complete the attached form
and send to: The Jewish Center, 435 Nassau Street, Princeton NJ
08540 or e-mail JCW@thejewishcenter.org (e-mail registration
is “charge to account” only)
--------------------------------------Name: ___________________________________
“Free time” for exploring special exhibits
and collections
Cost: $65.00
RSVP by February 15 to JCW, The Jewish Center, 435
Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ or
JCW@thejewishcenter.org
Questions? Contact JCW@thejewishcenter.org or
phone Judi at 609-454-0110 or Nancy at 609-275-0057
________________________
Name: _______________________________________
e-mail: __________________________________
E-mail: _________________ Phone: ___________________
____Please charge $25 to my TJC account OR
____ $25 enclosed, payable to JCW
Bring a towel. Wear comfortable clothes or no shoes.
Mats will be provided (if you have one, please bring it).
Walk-ins admitted for $8 per session, if space allows. If you have any questions regarding class content, please email Brigitte, at
yogabrigitte@gmail.com .
____Please charge $65 to my TJC account
OR
____$65 enclosed. Check Payable to JCW
15
February 2013:Layout 1 1/30/2013 2:54 PM Page 16
Contributions
We appreciate the thoughtfulness of
those who support The Jewish Center
by remembering and honoring friends
and loved ones through their generous
contributions:
General Fund
from Constance and Morris Marks,
Joan Alpert, Hilary Coller and Leonid
Kruglyak, Lois Shindelman, Susan and
Stephen Rosen
from Eileen and Robert Garber
from Jose Matiella
In honor of
Gil Gordon
from Robert Lebeau and Leora Batnitzky
The Wonderful Clergy and Staff at TJC
from Anonymous
In memory of
Janet Gottlieb Lickerman
from Naomi Boretz
Milton Mandel
from Joan Efron
Chester Rapkin
from Eva Rapkin
Jeanne Schiff Talpers
from Harriet and Alan Bogdonoff
Jack and Sue Rosenthal
from Mike Rosenthal
Max Abelson
from Fay and Herb Abelson
Roz Familant
from Linda and Art Meisel
Marshall Hunovice and Stanley
Schwartz
from Harriett and Howard Schwartz
Claire Loew
from Susan and Harold Loew
Danny Stillson, Jonathan Roth, Jeanne
Schiff Talpers and Jane Mitnick
from Marc and Marcie Citron
Nathan Gerwin
from Leslie Gerwin and Bruce Leslie
Jane Mitnick
from Donna Gabai, Esther Schor, Tirza
Wahrman and Warren Mitlak
Herb Gurk
from Susan and Joel Heymsfeld, Lori
and Michael Feldstein, Laura and
John Sillars, Edith Neimark, Felice and
Alvin Gordon, Norma and Phil Papier,
Arlene and Arthur Miller, the Mangel
family, Anne Bagley
16
Jane Mitnick, Danny Stillson, and
Jeanne Schiff Talpers
from Judy and Robert Levine
Adult Education Fund
In memory of
Jane Mitnick
from Heidi Joseph and Dave Saltzman, Marilyn and Reli Tal, Debbie and
Randy Brett
Adult Library Fund
In honor of
The 50th wedding anniversary of Steve
and Shelley Barnett
from Marci and David Lieberman
Arts and Cultural Affairs Fund
In memory of
Claire D. Hoffman
from Carol E. Hoffman
Children’s Library Fund
In memory of
Danny Stillson
from Marnie, Ross, Henry and Ethan
Bear
Jane Mitnick
from Marjorie and Joel Chernikoff
Confirmation Class Israel Trip Fund
In memory of
Jane Mitnick
from Anne and Phil Rutman
Feldstein Israel Travel Scholarship
Fund
In memory of
Nathan Feldstein
from Marsha and Eliot Freeman
Fran Amir Community Service Trip
Fund
In memory of
Betty Lieber
from Debbie and Randy Brett
Feldstein Israel Travel Scholarship
Fund
In memory of
Herb Gurk
from Lenore and Irwin Gurk
Hattie Griffin Fund
In honor of
Sasha Albert
from Marian Bass and Jeffrey Albert
In memory of
Jane Mitnick
from Ricky and Andrew Shechtel
Evelyn Persky
from Andrew and Ricky Shechtel
Irving N. Rabinowitz Conversational
Hebrew Fund
In memory of
Irving N. Rabinowitz
from Sandie Rabinowitz
Israeli Affairs Fund
In memory of
Jane Mitnick
from Lori and Michael Feldstein
Dr. Aaron Shatkin
from Sanjay Thakur
Jewish Center Women Fund
In memory of
Mickie Brett
from Debbie and Randy Brett
Evelyn Persky
from Ann and Brian Zecher
Joan Levin School
In memory of
Evelyn Persky
from Andrea and David Gaynor
Prayerbook Fund
In honor of
The 50th birthday of Michael Falcon
from Carol and Mark Pollard
In memory of
Morris Vogel
from Barry Vogel
Evelyn Persky
from Lisa and Mark Tobias
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
from Marilyn and Josef Rosen
In honor of
The 80th birthday of Jack Marrero
from Cary and Elisa Spiegel
Irv and Cindy Urken, Nat Bottigheimer
and Eve Ostriker
from Beatrice Bloom
Gabriel Bar-Cohen becoming a Bar
Mitzvah
from Joe, Barbara, Sam and Kay
Schwartz
Rabbi Feldman, Nancy Lewis, Rabbi Silverman, Eileen and Bob Garber
from Mildred and Lewis Weisblatt
February 2013:Layout 1 1/30/2013 2:54 PM Page 17
Nir Yakoby
from Cindy Urken
Rabbi Adam Feldman and his outreach
to the community after Hurricane
Sandy
from Rachel Kurshan
The engagement of Adam Gordon to
Kari Hexem
from Anita and Leonard Feldman
In memory of
The father of Carol Lerner
from Matty and Hedy Shavel
Jeanne Schiff Talpers
from Marsha and Eliot Freeman,
Virginia Lutzer and Rickel Weisblatt
from Mildred and Lewis Weisblatt
Jane Mitnick
from Debra and Matt Kestenbaum
Silver Circle Scholarship Fund
In honor of
Samuel Goldfarb
from Joseph Straus and Sally Goldfarb
Social Action - Housing Fund
In honor of
Meg Jacobs and Julian Zelizer
from Beatrice Bloom
Shabbat Luncheon Fund
In honor of
The birth of Martha Friedman and
Harold Heft’s grandson, Ronan
from Debbie and Randy Brett
Steven Levine Special Education Fund
Sally Shakun
Torah Repair Fund
from Jose Matiella
from Madelen Fizicki
In memory of
Jane Mitnick
from the Kutin family
Herb Gurk
from Joe, Barbara, Sam and Kay
Schwartz
In memory of
Moe Gordon
from Ellen and Gil Gordon
Margaret Berger
from Jeanne and Sher Leiman
Religious School Fund
from Barry Wexler
Shabbat Meal for Mourners Fund
In memory of
Arnold Sarett
from Rebecca and Joshua Sarett
Youth and Family Program Fund
In memory of
Herb Gurk
from Tam and James Noble
In honor of
Gabriel Bar Cohen becoming a Bar
Mitzvah
from the Religious School Staff
Social Action Fund
In memory of
Jane Mitnick and Jeanne Schiff Talpers
from Alison and David Politziner
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Milano Cleaners
4095 U.S. Highway Route 1 South
South Brunswick Square Mall (next to Home Depot)
Monmouth Junction, N.J. 08852.
(732) 329-1100
Ask about our FREE Pick up & Delivery
Tutoring/Enrichment
All Elementary Subjects
High School English, History, Math
SAT Verbal & Math, ACT, SSAT, ISEE
Study Skills ESL
Suzanne Bressler
Experienced, Certified, Caring Teacher
(609) 924-2610
suzannekbressler@gmail.com
Come visit our Gift Shop
Look in our Gift Shop for:
* Gifts for Home, Holidays, New Babies, Bar/Bat
Mitzvah, Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays &
more
* Candles (Holidays, Shabbat, Havdalah, Memorial, etc.)
* Tallitot for Men and Women
* Kippot (Single or Quantity Orders)
* Greeting cards for all occasions
* Books (for kids & adults)
* Special order items
* FREE Personalization upon request
The shop is open during Religious School hours on
Sunday 10:00 a.m. - noon or by appointment.
Call the main office for more details.
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February 2013:Layout 1 1/30/2013 2:54 PM Page 20
Papier Photographic
S T U D I O S
papierphoto.com
136 Riverside Drive
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone 609.924.0560
pbp99@yahoo.com
Need A Tallis?
Fabulous Selection for Women and Men
& Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
732-613-8018
Discount Prices Call for an appointment
www.ekippah.com
Yarmulkas by Amy L.L.C.
Plus Ladies’ Head Coverings & Judaica Gifts
We capture the spontaneity and spirit of your special occasion,
recording your treasured moments in an unobtrusive manner.
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
l
Weddings
l
Family Portraits
To hear about our affordable package offers
and see samples of our work contact us today at 732l565l0554.
References available upon request.
www.saskiamarina.com
Post
Scripts
Wedding Invitations l Birth Announcements
l Bar & Bat Mitzvah Invitations
l Personalized Social & Business Stationery
Hours By Appointment l Discount Prices
Barbara Litt 609-921-3854
l
20
February 2013:Layout 1 1/30/2013 2:54 PM Page 21
BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED AND GROW!
With Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Residential Specialist
During 2013 I will donate $180 in honor of each
of my Jewish Center clients who buy or sell a
home. The donation will be made to The Jewish
Center fund of their choice.
To schedule a free confidential consultation, contact me at
cell. 609-577-2989 or email: info@BeatriceBloom.com or
visit www.BeatriceBloom.com
350 Nassau Street
Princeton, NJ 08540
609-921-1900 x 125
Progression
Physical Therapy
of Princeton
Ruth Kaplan, PT, DPT
Promoting improved function and healing
through hands-on, individualized treatment
Convenient day, evening, and Saturday hours
Close to town with ample parking
11 State Road (Rt. 206) Suite 400
Princeton, NJ 08540
609-454-3536
www.ProgressionPT.com
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February 2013:Layout 1 1/30/2013 2:54 PM Page 22
TJC HAPPENINGS
for February 2013
Visit our website at:
www.thejewishcenter.org/calendar/index.asp for room locations
Friday, February 1
Friday, February 8
Friday, February 15
Candle lighting 4:58 p.m.
Candle lighting 5:07 p.m.
Candle lighting 5:15 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Saturday, February 2
Saturday, February 9
Parashat Yitro
8:45 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
11:15 a.m.
3:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Zamru Musical Shabbat
Bible BaBoker
Shabbat Morning Service/
Hold for JCW Shabbat
Religious School
Vav Zayin Seminar
Jr. Congregation
Shabbat LaMishpacha
Shabbat Katan
Talmud in the Afternoon
Mincha Service/Bar Mitzvah
of Griffin Kaufman
Haverim & Kadima: Philly
Zoo Sleepover
Sunday, February 3
8:30 a.m.
Minyan
9:00 a.m.
Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class
9:00 a.m.
Adult Hebrew
9:00 a.m.
Religious School
7:00 p.m.
Adult Ed: Midrash Through
Art
Parashat Mishpatim
8:45 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
4:00 p.m.
Bible BaBoker
Shabbat Morning
Service/Teen Shabbat
Religious School
Vav Zayin Seminar
Library Minyan
Jr. Congregation
Shabbat LaMishpacha
Rabbis’ Roundtable
Sunday, February 10
Rosh Chodesh Adar
8:15 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
4:00 p.m.
Minyan
Men’s Club Breakfast
Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class
Adult Hebrew
Religious School
Membership Event for
Princeton University Community
Monday, February 4
1:30 p.m.
Yiddish Reading Group
Monday, February 11
Tuesday, February 5
4:00 p.m.
Religious School
Tuesday, February 12
4:00 p.m.
Religious School
Wednesday, February 6
7:00 a.m.
Minyan
9:30 a.m.
Adult Ed: Parents’ School
4:00 p.m.
Religious School
6:00 p.m.
Zayin and Tichon
Wednesday, February 13
7:00 a.m.
Minyan
9:30 a.m.
Adult Ed: Parents’ School
4:00 p.m.
Religious School
6:00 p.m.
Zayin and Tichon
7:30 p.m.
Executive Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 7
10:00 a.m. 55 Plus Lecture
7:00 p.m.
Bereavement Group
7:30 p.m.
JCW: Yoga
7:30 p.m.
Lashir Rehearsal
7:30 p.m.
School Committee
22
Rosh Chodesh Adar
1:30 p.m.
Yiddish Reading Group
Thursday, February 14
7:30 p.m.
JCW: Yoga
7:30 p.m.
Lashir Rehearsal
6:30 p.m.
ECE Closed — Presidents
Weekend
Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Saturday, February 16
Parashat Terumah
8:45 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
Bible BaBoker
Shabbat Morning Service
No Religious School —
Presidents Weekend
Kavannat Tefillah
Adult Ed: Gershon Baskin
Presentation
Sunday, February 17
8:30 a.m.
Minyan
9:00 a.m.
No Religious School —
Presidents Weekend
Monday, February 18
Presidents Day
9:00 a.m.
ECE Closed — Presidents
Weekend
Tuesday, February 19
4:00 p.m.
Religious School
7:30 p.m.
Book Club
Wednesday, February 20
7:00 a.m.
Minyan
9:30 a.m.
Adult Ed: Parents’ School
12:00 p.m. Jess Epstein Lunch & Learn
4:00 p.m.
Religious School
6:00 p.m.
Zayin and Tichon
Thursday, February 21
10:00 a.m. 55 Plus Lecture
7:30 p.m.
Lashir Rehearsal
Friday, February 22
Candle lighting 5:24 p.m.
11:00 a.m.
11:55 a.m.
6:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
ECE Purim Show
ECE Early Dismissal
Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Late Night Musical Kabbalat
Shabbat Service
February 2013:Layout 1 1/30/2013 2:54 PM Page 23
Saturday, February 23
Parashat Tetzaveh
Erev Purim
Sunday, February 24
8:45 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
3:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
8:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
7:00 p.m.
Bible BaBoker
Shabbat Morning Service
Religious School
Vav Zayin Seminar
Library Minyan
Jr. Congregation
Shabbat LaMishpacha
Talmud in the Afternoon
Megillah Reading and Purim
Extravaganza
Purim
Minyan
Purim Carnival
Religious School
Board Meeting
Monday, February 25
1:30 p.m.
Yiddish Reading Group
Tuesday, February 26
8:00 a.m.
TASK Casserole Drop-off
4:00 p.m.
Religious School — End of
2nd Trimester
Wednesday, February 27
7:00 a.m.
Minyan
9:30 a.m.
Adult Ed: Parents’ School
4:00 p.m.
Religious School — End of
2nd Trimester
6:00 p.m.
Zayin and Tichon
8:00 p.m.
Adult Ed: Pirkei Avot with
Rabbi Elkins
Thursday, February 28
7:00 p.m.
JCW: Yoga
7:30 p.m.
Lashir Rehearsal
23
February 2013:Layout 1 1/30/2013 2:54 PM Page 24
Office:(609) 921-0100 Fax: (609) 921-7531 School: (609) 921-7207
E-Mail info@thejewishcenter.org Web: www.thejewishcenter.org
Adam Feldman . . . . . . . . .Rabbi
Anne E. Tucker . . . . . . . . .Rabbi
Dov Peretz Elkins . . . . . . .Rabbi Emeritus
Murray E. Simon . . . . . . . .Cantor Emeritus
Amy Rubin . . . . . . . . . . . .Director of Administration
Gila Levin . . . . . . . . . . . . .Director of Religious School
Gayle Z. Wagner . . . . . . . .Director of Early Childhood Education
Neil Wise . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Director of Programming
Fran Amir . . . . . . . . . . . . .Principal Emerita
David Greenberg . . . . . . .President
Randy Brett . . . . . . . . . . . .Vice President-Administration
Susan Kanter . . . . . . . . . . .Vice President-Education
Naomi Perlman . . . . . . . .Vice President-Finance and Development
Polly Strauss . . . . . . . . . . .Vice President-Programming
Gil Gordon . . . . . . . . . . . .Vice President-Religious Affairs
Bruce Hecht . . . . . . . . . . .Recording Secretary
Jesse Treu . . . . . . . . . . . . .Past President
Deadline for MARCH Newsletter - February 1.
Contributions
Or Current Resident
The Jewish Center is grateful for the many donations that you give both in honor of
joyous occasions and in memory of beloved family and friends. To make the logistics
easier and the gifting choices clearer, a donor form is printed on the back of each monthly
newsletter. Donor forms are also available in the Main Office. We thank you for the
generosity that goes into each of these donations!
Your name(s) as you would like it to appear in newsletter: __________________________________________________________
Donor’s Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________
p In honor of:
Occasion: p In memory of:
Name(s) as you would like it to appear in newsletter: ______________________________________________________________
Send donation acknowledgement to:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Please remember, acknowledgments are sent for contributions of $18 or more. A listing will be posted as you would like it to appear in the newsletter for any donated amount.)
Amount Enclosed: ______________________
Please indicate your choice below and mail this form and a check to The Jewish Center, 435 Nassau St., Princeton, NJ
08540. If you are interested in planned giving opportunities, please call The Jewish Center office, 609-921-0100 ext. 200.
Funds
p General
p Adult Education
p Adult Library
p Arts & Cultural Affairs
p Building Development Fund
p Cantor’s Music Fund
p Children’s Library
p College Connection
p Confirmation Class Israel Trip Fund
p Cy and Jackie Meisel Nursery
Scholarship Fund
p Early Childhood Enrichment Fund
p ECE - Hebrew Immersion Fund
p ECE - Playground Fund
p Feldstein Israel Travel Scholarship Fund
p Fran Amir Community Service Trip Fund
p Gould Nursery Scholarship Fund
p Hattie Griffin Fund
24
p Irving N. Rabinowitz Conversational Hebrew Fund
p Israeli Affairs Fund
p Jess Epstein Lunch-and-Learn Fund
p Jewish Center Women
p The Joan Levin School
p LASHIR
p Marchand Espir Family Holocaust Education Fund
p Men’s Club
p Neimark Senior Mitzvah Fundior
p New Siddur ($36) New Chumash ($75)
p Rabbis’ Discretionary Fund
p Religious Affairs Fund
p Religious School Fund
p Sapoff Art Purchase and Restoration Fund
p Shabbat Luncheon Fund
p Shabbat Meal for Mourners Fund
p Silver Circle Scholarship Fund
p Social Action
p Social Action - Housing Fund
p Steven Levine Special Education Fund
p Torah Repair Fund
p Youth and Family Programs
p Wallack Family Fund
Plaques and Remembrances
p Memorial Plaque $350
p Tree of Life Leaf $216
(to commemorate a simcha)
Giving Opportunities
p Adult Ed Lecture or Series $300-$600
p Sponsor a Shabbat Congregational Luncheon $2,500 or Shabbat Kiddush $600
*Now you can donate through our website. Go to www.thejewishcenter.org and
follow the instructions!