Larchmont Temple News

Larchmont Temple News
FEBRUARY 2013
THE AMERICAN JEWISH ADVENTURE
HISTORY LESSONS FOR 21ST CENTURY COVENANT-LIVING
Winter Opportunities - The Origins and Development of American Jewry
American Jewish history…evokes a sense of pride that spurs a commitment to Jewish
survival…By taking pride in their history, the Jewish people can be summoned to heroic
achievement. - The Dynamics of American Jewish History, Dr. Gary P. Zola.
ScHOLAR-IN-RESIdENcE RABBI GARY ZOLA • FEBRUARY 1-3, 2013
Exploring the treasure trove of artifacts and articles, personal documents
and public achievements in the largest collection of any Jewish community’s historic record, Rabbi Zola, Executive Director of the Jacob Rader Marcus
Center of the American Jewish Archives and Professor of the American Jewish Experience at HUC-JIR, Cincinatti, Ohio, will enable us to reconsider how
the past experience of Jews in America over this last century has made us
into the community we are today.
Friday, February 1, 8 PM Profiles in American Jewish Courage • Saturday, February 2, 9 AM, Chevra
Torah, 4 PM, Havdalah Study, George Washington & the story of religious freedom in America, 7:309:30 PM Dessert and Discovery, Great Voices, Civil Rights and American Reform Judaism. • Sunday,
February 3, 10 AM Brotherhood Breakfast: “He was one of us!”- The American Jewry’s relationship
with Abraham Lincoln.
SAVE THE DATE FOR
OUR SPRING
ScHOLAR-IN-RESIdENcE
DR. STUART ROCkOFF
MARcH 8-10
Dr. Stuart Rockoff, Director, History Department
Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish
Life, will share the story of how Jews found a home
in the south, explore our pivotal role in the Civil
Rights movement and help us consider what it is
to be a Jew beyond the east coast and other major
community centers throughout the United States.
Friday, March 8, Southern Jews & Slavery
Saturday March 9, Chevra Torah, 9 AM
Good for the Jews? – The Galveston Movement, 1907 - 1914
Havdalah Study, 4 PM - Southern Jews in the Crucible of Civil Rights
Sunday, March 10
Bagels & Grits: How Jews Made a Home in the South
In this issue:
Congregational Learning ........ 1
From the President ................. 2
From the Cantor ...................... 4
Brotherhood news .................. 4
Sisterhood ...........................4
Social Action .......................5
Events...................................5
Temple Youth.......................5
Our Congregational Family .......... 6
Thank You ....................................... 6
Ads................................................... 7
Monthly Worship Schedule .......... 8
For updated information on Temple happenings, visit us at www.LarchmontTemple.org
LARCHMONT TEMPLE
75 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont, NY 10538
914-834-6120; FAX: 914-834-6503
www.LarchmontTemple.org
a member of the Union for Reform Judaism
JEFFREY J. SIRKMAN
Rabbi
MARA S. NATHAN
Associate Rabbi/
Director of Congregational Learning
FREDDA R. MENDELSON
Cantor
RENA FRAADE
Director of Religious School
DEBRA FRANKEL
Director of Early Childhood
ZE’EV AVIEZER
Executive Director
H. LEONARD POLLER ‫ז“ל‬
Rabbi Emeritus
EDWARD GRAHAM ‫ז“ל‬
Cantor Emeritus
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
RON HAUBEN
President
MEG FIENBERG
Honorary President
HARRI TARANTO
Executive Vice President
ROBERT GOODMAN
1st Vice President
STACEY CHERVIN-SIGDA
2nd Vice President
ROBERT ROTHMAN
Financial Vice President
LISA SAMSON
Administrative Secretary
DAVID SZABO
Treasurer
DAVID BECKER
ELLEN BLUMSTEIN
SHEILA CHERVIN
YVETTE GOOREVITCH
BARBARA LEWIS KAPLAN
MICHAEL NATHAN
MARK OSTER
RICHARD SHAPIRO
TOBY SKLAREW
MARTHA STEINMAN
STEVEN TANENBAUM
KENT YALOWITZ
Trustees
SCOTT RIEMER
Brotherhood President
MICHELE METSCH
Sisterhood Representative
BRIAN COUSIN
KAREN ZIMMERMAN
Youth Education Committee Chairs
JENNIFER KISLIN
TAMI MOSKOWITZ
LTNS Steering Committee Chair
JULIA ROTHMAN
LarFTY President
Thank you for submitting
by the 10th of each month to
afagon@larchmonttemple.org
Andrea Fagon, Editor/Designer
Carol Scharff, Proofreader
Printed on recycled paper
2
FROM THE PRESIDENT
The World We Live In
On an otherwise peaceful and unmemorable Friday morning in December, our country was
rocked once again by violence. Newtown thought of itself much the way we do - a quiet comfortable community a world away from the craziness of the big city. But in a terrible few minutes, a
mentally ill gunman transformed Newtown - perhaps forever.
While we hear about acts of violence or terrorism all too often, this time it seemed different.
The events took place nearby, in the serenity of a peaceful New England hamlet; the shooter’s
mayhem was committed with assault weapons legally purchased by his mother; Newtown was on
the heels of our own frazzled nerves from the chaos of hurricane Sandy; and it was an act against
defenseless children. For these reasons and many more, Newtown has taken its toll on all of us
– triggering debates about major political issues relating to the mentally ill and assault weapons.
Inevitably and appropriately, the subject turned quickly to what we are doing about safety and
security closest to home at Larchmont Temple. Larchmont Temple’s clergy, staff and leadership
have always viewed this as a critically important issue, which we evaluate by balancing two vital
but sometimes conflicting principles: first, we must maintain secure facilities so that those who
come to Larchmont Temple are and feel safe; second, we must be true to ourselves in maintaining
an open, welcoming, covenantal community.
Before and since Newtown, we have paid substantial attention to this issue:
• We periodically reassess the adequacy of our security. In 2010 our congregation was subject to
a thorough pro bono security assessment by Kroll, one of the world’s leading security firms. Based
on Kroll’s recommendations we substantially upgraded Larchmont Temple’s alarm systems, security cameras and panic buttons which are connected directly to the Larchmont Police.
• In July 2012, we launched a Security Task Force, chaired by two of our congregants, Dan Karson
and David Becker. Dan comes to this role with invaluable expertise; he is the Chairman of Kroll in
the Americas. The Task Force was charged with reassessing the adequacy of Larchmont Temple’s
security, and making recommendations to our Board by the Spring of 2013 on potential areas for
improvement. Sadly, we were prescient in recognizing the need for this reassessment.
• We have for many years had comprehensive lockdown, evacuation, communications and disaster protocols for our Nursery School and our Religious School; we run drills to ensure readiness on
a regular basis. However, just as local school districts are re-challenging their contingency plans,
we are also reviewing the adequacy of our own programs.
• In January 2013 we held an open meeting with our Nursery School parents. Our January 2013
Board of Trustees meeting was substantially focused on the reassessment of security and related
issues at Larchmont Temple.
• As a part of these efforts, the Security Task Force will be reaching out to many other constituencies over the coming weeks for our congregants’ input on how we can continue to provide safe
and secure facilities, while at the same time ensuring that Larchmont Temple remains open and
accessible to all of our congregants and communities.
We are not complacent while we await the results of the Security Task Force’s work. Effective in
mid-January, we concluded that as an interim measure we should have a security guard in place
at Larchmont Temple during much of the day. While we will reconsider the longer term need
for a security guard in the context of the Security Task Force’s recommendations, we concluded
decisive action was required to allow our parents to continue to feel their children were in a safe
and controlled environment.
These are vitally important issues for us to contend with as a community and as a congregation.
Please let us know your thoughts and concerns by participating in our open meetings or by contacting the chairs of our Security Task Force, Dan Karson (dkarson@kroll.com) and David Becker
(david425b@aol.com).
With thanks for your support,
Ron Hauben
President
Outreach Shabbat Service • Friday, February 8, 8:00 PM
Jeffrey J. Sirkman
Rabbi
Rabbi Sirkman and the Outreach Committee invite you to share in a wonderful
blessing for our Outreach families, a Southern style “Pie Social” oneg, and a closeup look at a Jewish family journey spanning the generations of Outreach from
the pre-Civil War era to present day.
For more information, email Outreach@larchmonttemple.org
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BAGELS & GRITS - JEWISH LIFE IN THE SOUTH
•
MARcH 4 - ApRIL 21
This photographic essay of contemporary southern Jewish life by acclaimed photographer Bill Aron features rich
selections from the Museum’s large collection. The show consists of images and text panels that explore home and
community life, Jewish traditions and sacred spaces, livelihood, and the south’s changing character.
In addition to the exhibit, we are planning a cooking demonstration, lectures, and other fun activities. We want to
enhance the event with stories, recipes, old photos (or new ones); music, memories, and the history of our members, who have a connection to the Southern States (sure, we’ll include Texas!)
If you have family members from the South, or if you have a southern connection, please contact Nancy Goodman
(preferably by email at nancygoodman@msn.com) or by phone at 914 833-9234, so we can get in touch with you.
FROM THE CANTOR
SHIR AMI
LT’s Adult Choir for anyone who loves music and
loves to sing. Contact Cantor Mendelson at 8346120, ext. 18 or fmendelson@larchmonttemple.org.
February Rehearsals: Feb. 6, 13
Monday, February 25, 7:30 PM
Celebrate Purim with the All-Star Improv Players
Friday, March 8, 8:00 PM
Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Stuart Rockoff
Saturday, March 23 at 2:30 PM
Sarah Newman Performance
JUNIOR cHOIR/LT SINGS!
If you are a 3rd, 4th or 5th grader and you love to
sing, this is the place for you!
Wednesdays at 3PM in the Grant Conference Center
February Rehearsals: Feb. 6, 13
Monday, February 25, 7:30 PM
Celebrate Purim with the All-Star Improv Players
Sunday, March 3, 11:00 AM
“Nick Jr. Purim”
Learn the 2000 year old art of chanting Torah.
Celebrate a milestone or just review the skills you
once learned. Contact Cantor Mendelson for
information. 834-6120, ext. 18
BROTHERHOOD
BROTHERHOOD BREAkFAST, Sunday, February 3,
9:30 AM. Winter Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi Gary
Zola, will conclude his weekend at Larchmont Tem4
ple by discussing “He was one of us! The American
Jewry’s relationship with Abraham Lincoln.”
BROTHERHOOD BREAkFAST, Sunday, March 10,
9:30 AM. Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Stuart Rockoff
will continue his weekend-long look at Southern
Jews and the “Bagels and Grits” Exhibition.
SISTERHOOD
Larchmont Temple Sisterhood
Presents
6th Annual Women’s Seder
March 14, 2013
6:00-9:30 PM
Social Hall, Larchmont Temple
$40 per person
Dinner and Dessert will be Served
Mail in or drop off your check for $40 made out
to Larchmont Temple Sisterhood
by Wednesday, March 6
To be involved or for more information contact
Carol Scharff at
cscharff@optonline.net
Reserve Your Space Today!
GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR LT STUDENTS ATTENDING
JEWISH SUMMER cAMpS & pROGRAMS
Is your child going to a Jewish summer camp (i.e.,
Eisner, Kutz, NFTY Israel trip or some other program
sponsored by a Jewish organization)? Larchmont
Temple students in grades K-12 who are enrolled in
Religious School programs and/or LarFTY are eligible
to apply for a grant to be applied to the camp’s tuition. Grants are awarded based on need.
Applications are available on the Temple website:
www.larchmonttemple.org/programs_Events/camps
All applications are confidential. The 2013 deadline for applying for this summer is March 15, 2013.
Grants will be awarded shortly after the deadline. If
you have any questions please contact Rabbi Nathan
mnathan@larchmonttemple.or or 834-6120.
These grants are made available through the generosity of the Larchmont Temple Youth Basket Endowment Fund, and Larchmont Temple Sisterhood.
SOCIAL ACTION
MIDNIGHT RUN, March 9. Plan ahead to join our
Midnight Run as a driver, sorter or food maker. This
is a rewarding way to share with those less fortunate
Help clothe and feed the homeless on the streets of
NYC. 4-6PM - sorting at Larchmont Ave Church. Contact: Linda.riefberg@gmail.com, Yablum@aol.com or
jeffrosenzweig@optimum.net if you can help.
PLEASANTVILLE COTTAGE, February 10, 12:30 PM
Enjoy a seasonal celebration with residents of Pleasantville Cottages, a residential school for troubled and
disadvantaged youth; games, pizza and arts and crafts
with the children. Meet at Larchmont Temple at 12:30
PM or drive yourself. Children are welcome! A small donation per family is recommended to help cover costs.
Contact: Robin Gensberg, rdgensburg@gmail.com
DOROT MATZAH DRIVE & BREAkFAST BAR, Sunday,
February 10, 9:30 AM – 12 PM. Help homebound seniors in Westchester and NYC observe Passover by patronizing a breakfast bar created and run by JYGLT. A
variety of freshly prepared breakfast treats will be for
sale. Additional donations will be accepted and proceeds will help purchase Passover supplies for DOROT.
LT has pledged to collect Macaroons, this year. Donated
Passover items will be collected February 10-March 10
at the Willow Avenue and the Blum Building lobbies.
Contact: Andrew Paull, apaull@larchmonttemple.org
TEMPLE YOUTH
4TH ANd 5TH GRAdE JYGLT JUNIOR YOUTH
GROUP, Wednesday, February 6, 5:30-7:00 PM.
Immediately after Religious School, at Larchmont
Temple. More information available soon!
6TH ANd 7TH GRAdE JYGLT EvENT! Saturday,
February 9, 6:00-9:00 PM. More information available soon!
SHEVET ACHIM: THE BROTHERHOOD: A special
program for LT 9th grade boys – Explore what it
means to become a Jewish man. First session meets
Wednesday, March 6, 6:00-7:45 PM. Facilitated by
Andrew Paull, Youth Programs Coordinator. Dinner
included. Cost: Free! Email Andrew at apaull@larchmonttemple.org to sign up.
EVENTS
dROp IN LUNcH RESUMES! Tuesday, March 12,
12:30 PM, Grant Conference Center. Lynn Reichgott
returns to talk about how “At Home on the Sound”
has grown since its inception 3 years ago. Lynn will
discuss other services available for seniors and about
the new way we think about aging. Bring your lunch
and the Caring Committee will provide dessert and
coffee. Questions? Call Wendy Sandler at 381-0681
or Juli Karson at 381-3007
SAVE THE DATE: BAGEL, GRITS and MORE….POT
LUCk SAMPLING EVENT, April 21, 4:30 PM
Taste traditional Jewish “family favorites”, regional
recipes, or “healthier” lighter nouveau cuisine. Share
your fondest culinary memories. Details to follow.
NEED A RIDE?
Let the Shul Shuttle transport you to Temple.
Contact Rhoda Sumberg at 834-2713
VIEW THE MONTHLY CALENDAR AT
www.LarchmontTemple.org/calendar
The Downstairs Minyan
Saturdays, 10:30 - 11:30AM
Please join us for a casual, intimate,
and musical Shabbat observance.
We are committed to harnessing the
peaceful energy of Shabbat through
highly participatory worship.
The Downstairs Minyan is also great for
anyone wishing to...
• Observe a yahrtzeit and say kaddish
• Offer a prayer for healing
• Connect with fellow congregants
Contact Dave Cohn, Music and T’filah Coordinator
dcohn@larchmonttemple.org or 914-834-6120, ext. 16
5
OUR CONGREGATIONAL FAMILY
Deepest Sympathies to the family of
Leona Sirkman, mother of Rabbi Jeffrey Sirkman
Jean Mansell, mother of Howard Mansell
Joe Kochen, partner of Judy Darksy
Jacob Cohen, grandfather of Barri Becker
Thelma Cohn, grandmother of Dave Cohn
Herbert Lippsett, grandfather of Glenna Lee
Evelyn Wilensky, aunt of Barbara Coleman
Mazel Tov to
Ellen & Henry Korn on the marriage of their son Gregory Korn to Carla
Rodman in June and on the marriage of their daughter Joanna Korn to
Aaron Venar in October
Lauren Wagner & Robert Meyers on their marriage
THANK YOU
RABBI SIRKMAN’S MITZVAH FUND
In honor of our son Garret becoming Bar Mitzvah by Sam & Ben Katz
In honor of our daughter Dylan becoming Bat Mitzvah
by Lisa & Keith Schuman
In honor of our daughter Mallory becoming Bat Mitzvah and in memory
of Robert Warner by Steve & Jennifer Warner
In honor of our daughter Sofia becoming Bat Mitzvah
by Laura Jacobs & Robert Girvin
With gratitude and in memory of Ralph Steinman
by Martha Steinman & Gil Herzberg
In memory of John’s father, John J. Delehanty and Judy’s mother Adelaide
Prince by John & Judy Delehanty
In gratitude by Richard Rubin
In gratitude by Deb & Steve Chapin
In gratitude by Jane Axelrod
In appreciation of your spiritual guidance and friendship
by Deborah & Steve Chapin
In gratitude for the shiva minyan service and in memory of Marton
Mauskop by Alex and Karen Mauskop
In memory of Rabbi Sirkman’s mother, Leona
by Rose Wolf
Judy & Steve Gutmann, Gary & Jamie Gordon
Karen & Bob Frankel, Hope & Daniel Zimmerman
Brant & Sheryl Odentz Maller, Jean Heller
Neil & Wendy Sandler, Maude Fribourg
Florence Trent, Gloria & Harold Cohen
Ina & Arthur Gordon, Selma Bernstein
Bob & Toby Sklarew, Bob & Minna Immerman
Susan Litwer, Marion & Morton Malkofsky
RABBI NATHAN’S MITZVAH FUND
In Celebration of Dylan becoming Bat Mitzvah by Lisa & Keith Schuman
In Memory of Ralph Steinman by Martha Steinman & Gil Herzberg
In Celebration of the birth of Reese Finkelstein
by Danielle & Matthew Finkelstein
CANTOR MENDELSON’S MITZVAH FUND
In Appreciation of Cantor Mendelson by Jenny & Larry Reibstein
In Memory of Cantor Graham by Priscilla Poller
In Celebration of Alex becoming Bar Mitzvah by Melanie & Lee Rothman
In Celebration of Sofia becoming Bat Mitzvah by Laura & Robert Girvin
In Celebration of Dylan becoming Bat Mitzvah by Lisa & Keith Schuman
6
In Celebration of the birth of their great grandson George Michael
by Marcia & Bob Wofsey
In Appreciation of Cantor Mendelson by Emily Laitmon & Steve Marcus
In Memory of Ralph Steinman by Martha Steinman & Gil Herzberg
MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Leona Sirkman
By Gilbert & Martha Herzberg
By Barbara Klein
In memory of Adolph Pusrin
By Richard & Janet Spier
In memory of your beloved mother
By Jerry & Norma Strassler
In memory of Eugene Ungar
By Lawrence & Pauline Ungar
GENERAL CONTRIBUTIONS
In memory of Sarah Demsky
By Sy & Hilda Demsky
In memory of Philip Weiss
By Gilbert & Martha Herzberg
In honor of Carol Scheffler
By Barry & Susan Lewen
In memory of Marton Mauskop
By Robert & Amy Stavis
LOIS & JULIAN BRAUN/CANTOR GRAHAM
ADULT EDUCATION FUND
By Andrew L. Braun
In honor of Phoebe & Chloe Weiser’s Bat Mitzvah
By Gary & Jamie Gordon
In memory of Lois C. Braun at yahrzeit
by Carole, Kenneth, Elise & Aaron Shutzer
By Kenneth & Carole Shutzer
By Mark & Leslie Sweeney
NURSERY SCHOOL ENRICHMENT
In memory of Thelma Cohn
By Susan & Grody Ruben
SOCIAL ACTION TZEDAKAH FUND
By Joseph & Caryl Feldmann
In memory of 30th yahrzeit of my late husband Harry Firestein
By Shirley G. Firestein
In memory of Katherine and Donald Nathan and Gerald Kreisberg
By Michael & Amy Nathan
In memory of Leo Reichgott
By Michael & Lynn Reichgott
In memory of Arthur Bleemer
By Seth & Jill Weitzman
GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUNDS
In memory of Irving M. Dichter
By Barry & Judith Dichter
In memory of Laura Cummings
By Andrew Cummings
By Mark & Kim Greenfield
RABBI SIRKMAN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In gratitude for the aliya honoring our 40th wedding anniversary
By Barry & Judith Dichter
7
FEB WORSHIP SCHEDULE
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE
WEEKEND
Friday, February 1
YITRO (Exod. 18:1-20:23)
6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat
8:00 PM Shabbat Worship
with Dr. Gary Zola
Saturday, February 2
9:00 AM Chevrah Torah
with Dr. Gary Zola
10:30 AM Downstairs Minyan
4:00 PM Havdalah Study
with Dr. Gary Zola
7:30 PM Dessert and Discovery
with Dr. Gary Zola
Friday, February 8
MISHPATIM (Exod. 21:1-24:18)
8:00 PM Service for the Soul
Saturday, February 9
9:00 AM Chevrah Torah
9:00 AM Family Shabbat
10:30 AM Downstairs Minyan
Friday, February 15
TERUMAH (Exod. 25:1-27:19)
6:30 PM Pre-Oneg/Kabbalat Shabbat
Saturday, February 16
9:00 PM Chevrah Torah
10:30 AM Shabbat Worship
Bat Mitzvah of Carly Levin-Santalone
10:30 AM Downstairs Minyan
Friday, February 22
TETZAVEH (Exod. 27:20-30:10)
6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat
NO 8 00 PM SERVICE
Saturday, February 23
9:00 AM Chevrah Torah
10:30 AM Downstairs Minyan
Larchmont Temple
NONPROFIT
75 Larchmont Avenue
Larchmont, NY 10538
914-834-6120
www.LarchmontTemple.org
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
WHITE PLAINS, NY
PERMIT NO. 1123
CELEBRATE PURIM AT
LARCHMONT TEMPLE!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25
6:00 PM
Haman’s Happy Hour
Purim ‘n’ Pasta
Gather in the Garden Room for a pre-performance dinner.
All ages (and appetites) welcome!
7:00 PM
Chicago City Limits Presents… An Improv Purim
Hear the Purim tale– improv style. This hilarious troupe of actors
returns for a 2nd year. Megillah reading, musical numbers by
Shir Ami & LT Sings included. All ages are welcome to parin this interactive Purim experience!
ticipate
SUNDAY, MARCH 3
11:00 AM
A Nick Jr. purim play & Sing-Along
LT Sings - our Junior Choir tell the Purim tale– Nick Jr. style.
Sing along to your favorite TV melodies & hear how Esther
saves the day! Perfect for kids of all ages!
11:30 AM-1:30 PM
Purim Carnival
Share in this LT Tradition! Rides, games, food, crafts,
prizes and fun for kids of all ages.
(Game tickets available for purchase at the door!)
To get involved or for questions, contact Rabbi Nathan mnathan@larchmonttemple.org
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
MENUCHA MONTH
More than the Jews keep Shabbat, Shabbat keeps the Jews.- Ahad Ha’Am
SATURdAYS, March 9, 16, 23 • 9 AM – 11:30 AM
LTRS will run on Shabbat, our Jewish day of Rest
Kindergarten through 3rd grade and Chaverim will meet for Religious School
on Shabbat in lieu of our Sunday program.
Your family will have the opportunity to explore and experience
a ‘restful’ Shabbat in fun, engaging and relaxing ways.
Reminder: Sunday School will NOT meet on March 10, 17, or 24.