1302 February 13 Scroll vWEB

Scroll
Congregation Beth El
February 2013 • Shevat–Adar 5773
Shehecheyanu
From the Clergy
Theme
Be Happy,
It’s Adar! • 1, 10-14
From the Clergy • 1
Ask the Clergy • 1
Shabbat Across
America • 2
Youth Activities • 7
Musician-in-Residence • 8
Library Corner • 9
Shir Atid 4U • 15
Departments
Sisterhood • 4-5
Men’s Club • 6
Contributions • 17
Bulletin Board • 20
By Rabbi Greg Harris
Jews know about joy. We know how
to celebrate, dance the hora, and say
l’chaim. We are a people that laugh
with Jackie Mason, Andy Kaufman, and
Sarah Silverman. The holiday of Purim
(beginning the night of February 23)
brings our own Megillah Madness, which
is Beth El’s amazing and joyous telling of
the story of Queen Esther, Haman, and
Mordechai.
It might seem natural that we are a
people keenly aware of joy because our
history seems overflowing with hardship.
As the joke goes, Jewish holidays are
basically this: they tried to kill us, we
won, let’s eat. Maybe joy was the antidote
to our centuries of despair. It is possible
that the quintessential prayer of joy,
Shehecheyanu, emphasizes moments of
Ask the Clergy
No, really. Why do we
eat hamantaschen on
Purim?
By Hazzan Matthew Klein
This issue is partially underwritten with the generous support of Sharon Margolis Apfel
and Dov Apfel.
The Scroll is a recipient
of three Solomon Schechter Gold Awards from
the United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism.
Vol. 62 No. 6
Jews are great at puns. Look at the names
of most people in the Bible; they are allusions or puns on some event or name
in the person’s life. Cain’s name means
“gotten,” for, said his mother, Eve, “I have
gotten a son from the Lord! (Gen. 4:1).
Jacob is so named because he “follows behind (ya’akov)” his brother and Moses, the
Bible explains, means “drawn” because
they drew him from the water. Perhaps
joy precisely because those moments are
unpredictable.
Today, Everything Seems Joyous
Today, however, we seem to live a life full
of joyous moments. We turn everything
into mini-celebrations. They include not
only promotions, weddings, births, and
significant birthdays but also doing well
on an exam or a concert performance.
We create celebrations for everything,
yet I do not think we feel our lives are
more joyous. For many, joy is no longer
a “peak experience” in life because
we expect it in every activity we do.
Happiness, accomplishment, and pride are
important emotions, and joy is something
even greater. Two examples of joy in the
Tanach underscore its unique position.
The first example is that joy is the
continued on page 6
in English they would have named him
“Drew.”
The hamantasch comes from a pun
dating back to the German Middle Ages.
The pastries were originally a dessert
known as mohntaschen, meaning “poppyseed (mohn) pockets (taschen).” But
put a “Ha” sound in front of it, and you
get something that sounds like Haman’s
name: “HaMOHN-taschen.” Thus a clever pun in the Middle Ages gave birth to a
timeless Purim treat.
But this isn’t the end to Jewish puns
about food. Rosh Hashanah has a long
custom of making food puns for the fes-
continued on page 16
Scroll
8215 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20814-1451
Phone 301-652-2606 Fax 301-907-8559
Webwww.bethelmc.org
Affiliated with United Synagogue
of Conservative Judaism
Senior Rabbi
William D. Rudolph wrudolph@bethelmc.org
Rabbi
Gregory Harris gharris@bethelmc.org
Hazzan
Matthew Klein mklein@bethelmc.org
Executive Director
Sheila H. Bellack sbellack@bethelmc.org
Interim Religious School Director
Elisha Frumkin efrumkin@bethelmc.org
Director of Community Engagement
Geryl Baer gbaer@bethelmc.org
Preschool Director
Elaine Auerbach eauerbach@bethelmc.org
Youth Director
Adam Zeren azeren@bethelmc.org
Rabbi Emeritus
Samuel Scolnic, z"l
Hazzan Emeritus
Abraham Lubin alubin@bethelmc.org
President
Dale Rosenthal
Executive Vice President
David Mills
Communications and Tikkun Olam
Vice President
Jerome Sorkin
Education and Lifelong Learning
Vice President
Amy Kaufman Goott
Worship and Spirituality Vice President
Mitchell Solkowitz
Administrative Vice President
Larisa Avner Trainor
Community Vice President
Carolyn Weinberg
Development and Finance Vice President
Bradley Wine
Treasurer
Robert Rubin
Secretary
Sharon Zissman
Scroll Committee
scroll@bethelmc.com
Janet Meyers, Chair, Sharon Apfel, Judy Futterman, Mara Greengrass, Davida Kales, Marci
Kanstoroom, Helen Popper, Kim Redlich, Marsha
Rehns, and Jerry Sorkin. 4U editor: Jennifer Katz
Scroll Design and Layout
Adina Moses adinagraphica@verizon.net
2
Scroll, USPS Number 009813, is published monthly by Congregation
Beth El of Montgomery County, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda,
MD 20814. Periodical postage rate paid at Bethesda, Maryland and
additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Scroll, 8215 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Shabbat Across
America, March 1
By Rabbi Laura Rappaport, Beth El Family Education
Specialist
“More than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the
Jews.” This expression that the Shabbat day is the very heart of
our heritage was written by Zionist thinker, Ahad Ha-am. How
beautiful that we are a people united by sacred time, carved from
each hectic, frenzied week. The Shabbat day is our holy opportunity to connect with loved ones, our highest values, and God. This
most ancient of observances is more relevant than ever to spiritual
health in an often-overwhelming modern world.
On Friday evening, March 1, Beth El will join with hundreds of synagogues nationwide to encourage celebration
of this most holy of Jewish days as part of Shabbat Across
America, a project of the National Jewish Outreach Program.
This is the second year that Congregation Beth El has participated as an official program site for SAA. As part of our SAA
observance, all Beth El members are invited to participate in
a musical, family-friendly service (featuring Beth El’s own
Marak HaYom) and dinner. We are especially encouraging individuals and families who have not yet incorporated Shabbat
observance into their Jewish lives. You may also order a Shabbat-in-a-Bag kit, which contains lovely Israeli candles, kosher
grape juice, challah, chocolates (perhaps not mentioned in the
Talmud, but necessary for any special occasion), and a guide
to Shabbat home observance. Also plan to join Sisterhood for
a challah-baking workshop, Thursday, February 28, at 9:30 am
(see page 4).
Unplug Yourself
For that same Shabbat, Beth El will be a partner in
Reboot’s “National Day of Unplugging” (see more at
http://www.sabbathmanifesto.org/unplug) for which
individuals pledge to unplug their devices from Friday evening,
March 1, through the end of Shabbat on March 2 in order to
focus on face-to-face communication, quiet introspection, and
connection with the natural world. On the Sabbath Manifesto
Web site, you can find videos and articles from a variety of
national sources on the crucial importance of regular “unplugging”
to our intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Our Biblical ancestors could not have envisioned a world
in which technology pulls us, distracts us, and demands our
constant attention. They could not have foreseen how much
greater would be our current need for Shabbat peace – necessary for the health and growth of our individual spirits, our
family lives, and our communities. Join together with other
Beth El members to refresh our spirits and connect nonvirtually with one another. We hope to see you at shul on
Friday night, March 1. n
In a New Year with a New Congress
and a New Presidential Term
“Making Our Democracy Work”
Monday, February 25, 7:30 pm
at Beth El
U.S. Supreme Court
Associate Justice
Stephen G. Breyer
in dialogue with
Kenneth R. Feinberg, Esq.
Attendance is free.
Honoring the Legacy of Rabbi Samuel Scolnic:
A Rededication of Beth El’s Adult Institute
Wednesday, February 13, 7:30 pm
(snow date - February 20)
Congregation Beth El
You are invited to a program to rededicate
The Saul Bendit Adult Institute as:
The Rabbi Samuel Scolnic Adult Institute
Founded in 1977 in Memory of Saul Bendit
Speakers:
Rabbi William Rudolph, Beth El’s Senior Rabbi
Dr. Emile Bendit, son of Saul Bendit z”l
Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic, son of Rabbi Samuel Scolnic z”l,
offering the keynote:
Does My Father Still Live? Jewish Perspectives on the Afterlife
A reception follows the program.
There will be an opportunity to register for courses in the spring semester,
starting March 5 and 6, of the newly renamed institute.
Attendance is free.
3
Sisterhood
Upcoming Sisterhood/Zhava Events
Sunday, February 3, 10:00 am Author Beyhan Cagri
Trock, The Ottoman Turk and the Pretty Jewish Girl
Tuesdays, February 5, 12, & 26, 6:30 pm Mah Jongg
Saturday, February 9, 10:00 am Zhava Learner¹s Service
Sunday, February 10, 11:15 am Book Club, In the Garden
of Beasts
Tuesday, February 12 Provide dinner at Rainbow
Shelter
Tuesday, February 19, 7:15 pm Leesa Fine: “What Were
the Rabbis Thinking?”
Wednesday, February 20, 9:30 am HamantaschenBaking Workshop
Thursday, February 28, 9:30 am, Challah-Baking
Workshop
Thursday, March 7, 7:30 pm Miriam’s Cup Workshop
Miriam’s Cup
Workshop
Sisterhood Challah-Baking Workshop
Reservation Form
Led by Annette Abrams
Thursday, March 7, 7:00-9:00 pm
Fee: $18 per cup
Name: _______________________________________
Annette will provide the materials and confidence
to create your own hand-painted Miriam’s Cup for
your seder table. Open to women, men, and youth,
Thursday, February 28, 9:30am-11:45am
Email: _______________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________
Enclosed is $2 in (circle one) cash/check made payable
to Beth El Sisterhood.
Please return this form with the workshop fee to Beth
El, attention Sisterhood.
13 years and up. Space is limited.
WHAT WERE THE
RABBIS THINKING?
Miriam’s Cup Workshop Registration Form
Name_______________________________________
Email _______________________________________
Phone ______________________________________
Check amount $______________
($18 per cup, payable to Beth El Sisterhood)
RSVP by February 28 to Annette Abrams,
info@bethelmc.org
4
Tuesday, February 19, 7:15 pm
An erotic love poem? A spinmaster’s political
guide? A great beach read?
Join our own Leesa Fine as she uncovers these and other
gems found in “Writings,” the fascinating and underappreciated third section of the Hebrew Bible. Discussion
will center on one of this section’s famous literary jewels,
the Book of Esther.
For information on this Sisterhood/Zhava program,
contact Susan Winarsky at 301-652-2606 or info@bethelmc.org, or Marge London at info@
bethelmc.org. Book Club
Discussion
The Ottoman Turk and
the Pretty Jewish Girl
A Taste of Turkish Food and Culture
In the Garden of Beasts by
Erik Larson
Sunday, February 10,
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
For more information, please
contact Marge London or
Robin Jacobson at info@
bethelmc.org
Sponsored by the Library
Committee, Sisterhood, and Men's Club
Explore Turkish culture, history, and cuisine through the eyes
of author, architect, and artist Beyhan Cagri Trock. In her
cookbook, The Ottoman Turk and the Pretty Jewish Girl, Trock
tells the story of her Jewish mother and Muslim father living
in Turkey. Her book is filled with recipes from both cultures
in addition to an intriguing tale. Trock will speak at Beth El
on Sunday, February 3, at 10:00 am. Sisterhood and Zhava are
this presentation,
discussion,
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5
Men's Club
Health Care Speaker
On Sunday, February
17, at 10:00 am, author
Rosemary Gibson
will speak to the Beth
El Men’s Club about
healthcare in the U.S. Ms.
Gibson is the principal
author, with Janardan
Prasad Singh, of The
Battle Over Health Care:
What Obama’s Reform
Means for America’s Future,
a non-partisan analysis
of “Obamacare.” As senior program officer at the Robert
Wood Johnson Foundation in Princeton, N.J., for 16 years,
Ms. Gibson was chief architect of its $200 million national
strategy to establish palliative care in the U.S. health care
system. She worked with Bill Moyers and Public Affairs
Television on the PBS documentary, “On Our Own
Terms,” about how the U.S. health care system can better
care for seriously ill patients and their families.
Ms. Gibson is also author of Wall of Silence, which
contains narratives of patient experiences with medical
errors, and The Treatment Trap, which examines unnecessary
medical treatments. n
Beth El Men’s Club presents
the 2013
Purim Carnival
Sunday, February 24
11:45 am to 3:00 pm
Games, fun, prizes, food,
and a magician!
Tickets:
3/$1 in advance
2/$1 at the door
Buy tickets on Sundays
at Religious School drop-off.
Upcoming Men’s Club Events
Sunday, February 3, 8:45 am World Wide Wrap will be
held at the morning minyan.
Sunday, February 10, 10:00 am Akiva Lichtenberg will
talk about Uri L’Tzedek, an Orthodox social justice
organization guided by Torah values and dedicated to
combating suffering and oppression.
Sunday, February 17, 10:00 am Rosemary Gibson,
national leader in U.S. health care, will discuss her recent
book The Battle Over Health Care:What Obama’s Reform
Means for American Health Care Costs.
Sunday, February 24 Purim Carnival
6
Learning to appreciate a good brewski at
the Men's Club tasting in December. Photo by
Mitchell Solkowitz
Youth Activities
Don’t Miss the USY
Silent Auction
By Adam Zeren
One of the biggest thrills the teens at Beth El get is the opportunity to repair the world. All the Youth Groups do many
tikkun olam activities, such as building stuffed bears for sick and
homeless children and brightening up animal shelters. But the
silent auction that USYers run during the Men’s Club Purim
Carnival is easily the most fun activity they have each year. The
USY Purim Silent Auction has raised more than $13,000 over
the past five years I’ve been youth director. Much of the money
we have raised has gone to the National Tay Sachs Foundation.
We’ve also donated to many other organizations including Magen David Adom and the Dysautonomia Foundation.
The teens who make up the USY board spend hours of
their free time going to area businesses soliciting donations to
the auction. Then they dedicate the entire Sunday of the carnival to set up the auction items and tables and promote the
auction to the hundreds who attend.This year, the Purim Silent
Auction will be held on February 24, from noon until 2:30 pm.
Our auction items will include two pairs of VIP tickets to "The
Daily Show With Jon Stewart," two tickets to a Washington
Nationals game, Shabbat dinner with Rabbi Harris, video editing services for your simcha, babysitting, coffee from Quartermaine Coffee Roasters, and much more.
The success of the auction also depends on you. In
addition to all of the incredible fun of the carnival, please
help support our great causes.
Mazal tov to Beth El's Charles E. Smith Jewish
Day School seniors, who graduate on February 10.
From left to right: David Kessler, Olivia Farber,
Tamar Eisen, Elana Handelman, Michael Paretzky, and David Solkowitz.
February Happenings
We also have many other amazing activities going on this
month. February's highlight is the annual Winter Fun Extravaganza for 9th through 12th graders, Saturday and Sunday, February 9-10. The Extravaganza is an overnight ski,
snowboard, and snow-tubing trip to Seven Springs in Western Pennsylvania. There’s still space available, so sign up now!
The 6th through 8th graders are also going away this month
to join 150 other middle-school kids for the Winter Kadima
Kallah at Capital Camps. Snow tubing is part of this trip as
well. It takes place Friday through Sunday, February 15-17.
Our Bonim (K-2) kids will celebrate Purim with 25,000
Lego bricks on Sunday, February 10. Keep up to date with
all of the Youth Group events through email or get in touch
with me at azeren@bethelmc.org. n
Beth El’s Shir Atid children’s choir, directed by
Sandy Lederman, performed at the kickoff event
celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Jewish
Community Center of Greater Washington in
January.
7
Off the Charts & Off the Bimah
Musician-in-Residence Weekend
by Hazzan Matthew Klein
Beth El’s Musician-in-Residence Weekend was a huge
success. Not just because we had a great time singing; we
did. And not because it made everyone happy; it didn’t. But
because the weekend challenged us to ask deep questions
about how we sing together and how we pray together.
How does having a visual aid (being able to see the Hazzan
or leader) advance prayer and how it can engender passive,
responsibility-free roles for worshipers? How does the
placement of the leader affect participation? How does
where we sit in synagogue affect our musical and spiritual
experience?
Our guide to answering these questions was Joey
Weisenberg, one of the foremost composers, prayer leaders,
teachers, and musicians in the world of independent
minyanim (prayer groups). While at Beth El, Joey was
the center of a whirlwind of activity. He led Friday night
services, worked with our minyanim, harmonized during
Musaf, gave a sermon, held a communal sing, and facilitated
a Jewish Instrumental Workshop. The Beth El community
had a blast and explored a lot of new ideas.
Singing Close Together
Our first idea was about space - that to sing together,
we need to be close together. An a cappella group could
never make harmony if the singers were spaced far apart;
they simply couldn’t hear each other.Yet in churches and
Special Service with Prayers and Songs
of Comfort, Healing and Renewal:
7:15 pm, Sunday, February 24
Music-suffused traditions have long served to comfort
us in the face of life's challenges and to help us find
renewal when we, or others we know, are confronted by
emotional, physical, or spiritual pain. In recognition of
this truism, Evan Krame and Scott Glick have created a
new service meant to engage the Beth El community in
an exploration of faith, comfort, and healing through the
liturgies, melodies, and poetry of Jewish music. Please
join them for a special service on Sunday, February 24, at
7:15 pm, when they will incorporate traditional as well
as contemporary prayers melodies in a special service,
including some by the legendary Debbie Friedman
(z"l), who has given the world Jewish music that is
transformative, offering joy and comfort, hope and faith,
healing and inspiration. The regular Ma'ariv service will
take place immediately afterwards at 8:00 pm.
synagogues, people often sit far away from one another and
even farther from the leaders. Sometimes we do go to shul
just to sit, to be quiet, to be alone, or to talk to people we
care about, but if we are there to sing, we might also think
differently about how we sit.
Our second idea was about the placement of the hazzan
or leader. One would never conduct an orchestra from the
other side of a room - it is hard to communicate musically
(and spiritually) at a far distance.Yet when the leader is
moved off the bimah and into the congregation, it seems
like there’s an empty space up front.
Reconfiguring the Space
Joey’s experiments at Beth El played with both of these
questions, with the goal (well achieved) of getting the
singing community closer together. On Friday night, the
chapel was rearranged with the wooden reader’s desk in the
middle of the room, with the chairs around it in a threequarter circle. We warmed up before services for half an
hour with a niggun (wordless melody) so that we were
ready to sing by service time. Other Beth El members and
I also stood next to the prayer leaders and harmonized. The
effect was transformative singing. For Musaf in the morning,
instead of singing from the bimah, we moved a podium into
the middle of the room, clumped some Beth El members
around the podium, and led from there.
The result? Singing that was - hands down - the best
I have ever heard. To use a popular phrase, “the house was
rocking.”You don’t have to take my word for it – two
highlight recordings of that Musaf are available online (http:/
www.soundcloud.com/beth-el-melodies/sets/beth-el-sings/).
Because with two Jews, you have three opinions, there
were several objections to the singing. Some congregants
were unable to hear the hazzan when he led Musaf
(unamplified) and some felt disconnected if they couldn’t
see the leader. Some were also a little taken aback at
how bluntly Joey offered his message on Saturday as he
challenged the current culture of synagogue music. These
objections were important and made us think about our
core values - making sure that everyone can hear and
connect to the service.
Continuing the Conversation
Our time with Joey was well spent, and we had a ball. The
success and conversations that we had demand a follow-up
to see if this style of service can be helpful in augmenting
the musical and spiritual quality of worship at Beth El.
Several months ago, I wrote asking you to think of your
continued on page 19
8
Library Corner
Words Like Sapphires
By Robin Jacobson
A rare display of splendid Judaic treasures is on view at
the Library of Congress in Washington until March 16.
Showcased like royal jewels, these precious manuscripts,
scrolls, and books invite visitors to imagine the long-ago and
not-so-long-ago worlds of the Jews who labored over these
texts, enshrining tradition in words and art.
“Words Like Sapphires: 100 Years of Hebraica at the Library
of Congress, 1912-2012” celebrates the centennial of the
Hebraic collection of the Library of Congress.The exhibition’s
sparkling “sapphire” imagery is taken from medieval writings,
described in the visitor’s guide. Rabbis and poets likened “the
clarity and brilliance of the well-chosen word and the beauty of
the written page” to “shining sapphires.” You can take a special
Beth El guided tour of the exhibition on Thursday, February 28
(see announcement, this page).
A Seminal Gift
In 1912, Librarian of Congress Herbert Putnam persuaded
philanthropist Jacob Schiff to purchase for the Library a
magnificent collection of nearly 10,000 Hebrew books
and pamphlets from more than 300 localities and spanning
almost 500 years. Befitting this grand beginning, the
Library’s Hebraic Section has grown into one of the world’s
great treasure houses of Judaica, with close to 200,000 works
in Hebrew,Yiddish, Ladino, Judeo-Persian, Judeo-Arabic,
Aramaic, Syriac, and Amharic. (A Beth El connection is that
congregant Claire Marwick’s husband, Lawrence Marwick
z”l, served as head of the Hebraic Section from 1948-1980.)
Exhibition Highlights
The exhibition encompasses 60 objects, each a gem with its
own fascinating story. Here is a sample.
• “The Washington Haggadah” (1478). Small in size for
easy use at the seder table, this haggadah is celebrated
for its beautiful calligraphy, vivid illumination, and subtle
commentary implicit in the illustrations. The illustration of
the wicked son, for example, is placed below and removed
from the text, just as the wicked son removed himself from
the Jewish people.
• In another 15th century treasure, “Psalms with
Commentary,” the heavy ink marks made by a zealous
Christian censor have faded with time to reveal the original
text underneath, almost as if the ordinary processes of nature
were undoing the censorship.
• Ironically, the author of the “First Hebrew Grammar in
America” (1735) had to convert to Christianity in order to
become a Hebrew instructor at Harvard College. For nearly
40 years, Judah Monis taught Harvard students, perpetuating
the language of the religion he was forced to relinquish.
• The publication of the “Hebrew Bible Printed in 1933” in
Berlin coincided with the consolidation of Nazi power in
Germany; nonetheless, two Bible verses promising that the
Jews shall triumph over their enemies were defiantly printed
in red.
• Another moving Holocaust-era item is the 1948 “Talmud
Created for Holocaust Survivors” living in Displaced
Persons Camps. The Talmud’s cover illustration depicts a
Nazi labor camp lined with barbed wire and contrasting,
hopeful images of Israeli palm trees and scenery.
• On a lighter note, it is hard to resist smiling at a Yiddish
version of Winnie the Pooh, charmingly transliterated as
“Vini-der-Pu.”
• Another delight is “The Playing Card Art of Arthur Szyk,”
a 20th-century cartoonist and illuminator. In Szyk’s deck
of cards, each of the kings, queens, and jacks represents a
Biblical figure. As King of Clubs, David holds his lyre, while
the Queen of Diamonds, Deborah, a judge, is shown with
the scales of justice.
“Words Like Sapphires” is open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am
- 4:30 pm. Preview the exhibition online at www.loc.gov/exhibits. n
Words Like Sapphires
Guided tour of the 100th Anniversary Exhibition of the Hebraic
Section of the Library of Congress, “Words Like Sapphires”
Led by Dr. Peggy Pearlstein, head
of the Hebraic Section, with
Rabbi Greg Harris
Thursday, February 28, noon
– 1:00 pm
Metro transportation recommended
The tour is free, but attendance is limited, and
registration is required.
For more information and to register, please contact
Robin Jacobson. (info@bethelmc.org).
Sponsored by the Library Committee
9
Fifth Annual Latke-Hamantasch Debate
By Linda Orenstein, Photos by Lee Shekter
You’ve seen parades and performances. Perhaps you’ve traveled the world and viewed great wonders of nature, history,
and culture.You may be acquainted with masterpieces of art,
music, and theater. The Latke-Hamantasch Debate at Beth
El includes all those delights, and you don’t have to leave
Bethesda to get them.
December 9, 2012,
a few minutes before
10:00 am. The Swoff
Memorial Chapel is
filled with a boisterous crowd eager for
the entertainment to
begin. The microphone is switched
on, ready for “testing,
testing.” The computer equipment is set
Herb Tanenbaum
up and (presumably)
functional to enhance
debaters’ presentations.
Jerry Danoff
sounds his trumpet.
The solemn procession of participants
in their no-wash, no
dry-clean robes (according to Rabbi
Hazzan Matthew Klein
Rudolph) enters the
room, and the audience rises to its feet and applauds thunderously. The Fifth Annual Latke-Hamantasch Debate commences.
After the singing of Hatikvah and the Star Spangled Banner, Rabbi Rudolph gave a brief history of the debate, noting that it started at the University of Chicago. Then, ever
the just, impartial moderator, Rabbi Rudolph announced
that there would be no coin toss. The coin toss had been
abandoned because there had been issues about which
coin was used and how far it rolled. He also said that there
would also be no follow-up questions and that it was not
actually a debate. Progress often means leaving some tradi-
tions by the wayside.
Feinstein for the Defense of the Hamantasch
The first debater, Debbie Feinstein, was pro-hamantasch.
She and her husband Steve, Beth El members for 15 years,
founded Minyan Chaverim with Aryeh Portnoy. Debbie and
Steve have two children, Noah and Tali. Debbie is an assistant state’s attorney
for Montgomery
County and chief of
the family violence
division. As she
began, two young
men declared the
Court of Shushan
in session. The case
was that of the State
versus Larry Latke.
Debbie proceeded
Debbie Feinstein
to analyze a crime
scene in the Beth
El kitchen where
oil had been stolen.
The perpetrator was
trying to sabotage
Purim!
According to
Debbie’s brief, Larry
had long lived in
Harriet HamanPeter Friedmann
taschen’s shadow,
and the stress finally propelled him to resort to the crime
and to “strike while the oven was hot.” He was obsessed
with the sweet smell of hamantaschen and the portability of
the Purim treat. A Timberland boot, an egg-cracking method, fingerprints, a prune-poppy witness, and the discovery
of a quantity of oil at his home all pointed to Larry Latke’s
guilt. Larry was caught and charged with theft, malicious
destruction of property, and an attempt to derail the celebration of Purim. It was a tragic end to the career of a community latke maker.
Friedmann for the People’s Latke
Peter Friedmann, a lobbyist, was the first defender of the
continued on page 13
10
Be
Happy
,
It's Adar!
Megillah
Madness Director Steve Escobar Interviews Steve Escobar
How long have you been a Beth El member?
About seven years. My wife, Elisabeth, however, grew up a
Beth El member. Her parents, Sheila and Henry Roth, were
married here by Rabbi Scolnic in 1963.
What is your theatrical
and musical background?
I was in a lot of plays in my
high school in Georgia, but
I was in only one musical –
“The Sound of Music,” in
which I played the Captain.
It was a bit unusual since I
was in the 10th grade and
some of my “children” were
a couple of years older than I
was. I also competed in the
state one-act play championships, which we won twice. I
didn’t participate too much in
theater when I was in college, but I actually was surprisingly
quite involved in musical theater in law school. I went to
Columbia, which turned out to be full of frustrated writ-
ers, singers, actors, and dancers. In fact, Elisabeth and I met
during one of these “Law Revue Shows.” After becoming a lawyer, I took another hiatus from acting, until about
10 years ago, when I became active in community theater
in our area. I did several
plays at Rockville Little
Theatre and Silver Spring
Stage. My favorite of these
was a socialist Italian farce,
“We Won’t Pay! We Won’t
Pay!” for which I received
a best actor nomination in
the D.C. area community
theater “Oscars.”
In 2006, after 16 years
of practicing law, I decided
to make a career change
and became a residential
real estate agent. Building
my business from the ground up didn’t leave a lot of time
for theater, so when Elisabeth suggested I become involved
in Megillah Madness, I was hesitant at first. But then I saw
continued on page 14
Writing the Whole Megillah (Madness)
By Mara Greengrass
The annual Purim shpiel is one of the biggest events at Beth
El; crowds of 700-800 people are a yearly sight. What many
people don’t realize, however, is how much work goes into
planning Megillah Madness. I have (thankfully, gratefully, and
deliberately) never directed the event, but I’ve been a writer
for the past few years, so I can provide some insight into part
of the massive process.
Did you know that writing often begins in June? Since
we’re not exactly full-time shpiel employees, planning begins
over the summer to give us as much time as possible.
The director comes up with a theme (such as Billy Joel,
Disney, or Cole Porter) and either provides a list of songs to
parody or gathers writers together to come up with that list.
And then the solo work begins.
Personal Approach
Each writer has his or her own way of creating a parody, but
I begin with the song’s theme, looking at the chapter of the
Book of Esther it will accompany. Then I copy the current
lyrics of the song into a Word document and examine the
structure. I’ll look at the rhyming scheme, the repetition,
and what the song is saying. Last year, for example, I wrote
the closing number, “Anything Goes (in Shushan).” It had
to include the Jews’ winning the day, but the original song
suggested I could take it one step further. Not only had the
Jews won, but now we can also live together with people of
all different races, religions, and creeds. Each verse described
continued on page 14
11
Be Happy, It's Adar! Continued
Soon-to-Debut at a Shabbat Kiddush
All preschool-aged children and their families are invited to
Sunday, February 24
11:00 am—11:45 am
Featuring Rechov Shushan
with
Beth El’s own Sesame Street Players!
Exciting changes are coming to Shabbat kiddushim as Sisterhood keeps an eye on the health of the congregation and
the planet. To start, the Catering Committee has decided
that all purchased food will arrive via bicycle courier. Keep
an eye out for the new delivery service.
The recently purchased house has been torn down and
will be replaced by a vegetable and grain garden, tuna and
herring pond, and free-range chicken enclosure to provide
ingredients for new menus such as this one:
• Old Georgetown Road tuna salad with an infusion of
herring foam
• Beth El free-range egg salad
• Chai 18-grain bagels with ingredients from the Beth El
garden
• Heavenly brownies made with cocoa grown in the shade
of the rear of the sanctuary.
Sunday February 24
5:30-7:00 pm
Bender Social Hall
$25 per family includes pizza,
drinks, and snacks
Elvis and the
BeATLES:
LIVE IN SHUSHAN
Saturday, February 23, 8:00 pm
Megillah Madness is a musical extravaganza and a great way to celebrate Purim! It combines the
reading of selected verses of the Megillah with musical parodies, all written and performed by
members of Beth El. A brand-new production – “Elvis and the Beatles: LIVE in Shushan” – is slated for
this year, and it will prove to be fun for all ages, so don’t miss it.
Please note: A traditional reading of the Megillah will also take place on Saturday evening,
February 23, at 8:30 pm.
12
Be Happy, It's Adar! Continued
Latke-Hamantasch Debate continued from page 10
comes from the olive groves of the wicked.
latke. A latke necklace with a latke on a plate underscored
The Hazzan summarized the opposing foods in simple
his preference. Peter declared he was a “layman for the
terms. The latke, a circle, may lead to paganism, as in Stonelatke” and railed against the “big talent” (lawyer and clergy)
brought in to defend the hamantasch. He compared it to the henge, a séance, the Kabbalah, Madonna, and the Dallas
Cowboys’ stadium. The latke is violent, oily, dull, wicked, condefense team of the O. J. Simpson case.
servative, stingy, and faithless. The hamantasch, by contrast, is
Peter cited one authority on Jewish cuisine – the
monotheistic, charitable, and righteous.
Manischewitz Company. He pointed out that many mixes
Tanenbaum for the Long-Lived Latke
are sold to make latkes, but no hamantaschen mixes exist.
The final debater, Herb Tanenbaum,
Peter had polled delicatessens – Katz’s,
a board-certified internist and cardiLansky’s, and the Carnegie Deli – none
ologist, presented a case for the latke.
ever sold hamantaschen. But…they
Herb, a long-time Beth El member,
sold latkes daily.
served as governor for the American
Peter displayed charts showing
College of Cardiology. He established
wheat subsidies. The potato requires no
the cardiac lab at Washington Hospital
subsidies. He explained that in the biand the cardiac rehabilitation program
partisan states of Washington, Oregon,
at the JCC.
and Idaho, Republicans and DemoHerb analyzed his favorite food, the
crats coexist amicably. They are models
latke, from several perspectives includfor the rest of the country. The shape
ing scientific, economic, and religious.
of the latke is round, like the Round
Debate judge Rabbi Bill Rudolph
He indicated that research into the
Table. The latke is a symbol of equal
molecular structure of the potato latke
status, a circle of equality. The rabbi
was being considered for a Nobel
quipped that Peter was “appealing to
Prize. Herb revealed that archeologists
the women’s vote.”
had analyzed DNA from the patriarchs
Hazzan Klein for the Holy Haand matriarchs. The DNA resembled
mantasch
that of the potato latke, not of the haHazzan Matthew Klein supported the
mantasch.
hamantasch. The second full-time hazA successful businessman backs a
zan at Beth El, Hazzan Klein is the
product that needs no changes, Herb
editor of Sacred Sounds, the Cantors Ascontinued. This epitomizes the potato
sembly lay newsletter, and is a founding
latke, the same for centuries. The hamember of the Wizards of Ashkenaz, a
Hamantasch and latke in a
mantasch requires improvements such
Jewish singing group.
midnight wrestling match
as different fillings. Herb suggested that
Hazzan Klein stated there is “pernicious
danger” inherent in the latke. The hamantasch traces its origin filling a hamantasch with potato latke would be a definite
upgrade.
to the Book of Esther and is canonical. The latke appears in
When it comes to religion, the latke rules. The Book
the books of the Maccabees and not in the Bible. Jewish valof Genesis, Herb claimed, indicates that the latke existed
ues, gifts to others, and charity for the poor may be traced to
in the Garden of Eden. If Eve had served latkes instead of
the Book of Esther, a savvy Jewish heroine. The Book of the
hamantaschen with apple filling, we would all still be in the
Maccabees, deplorably, contains no female characters.
According to Hazzan Klein, the hamantasch stands for the Garden of Eden.
Rabbi Rudolph declared that everyone in the audicore precepts of Judaism - Torah, prayer, and good works. The
ence had two votes. He called for votes for latkes and for
gematria (numerical value) of the hamantasch is 404, which
equals religion, faith, law and justice. The gematria of the latke hamantaschen, and hands were raised. Then he declared the
debate-non-debate a tie and sent everyone into the Zahler
is 445. This may translate to “bitterness.” So a life filled with
Social Hall for latkes and hamantaschen. n
latkes might be a life full of bitterness. The oil of the latke
13
Be Happy, It's Adar! Continued
Steve Escobar INterview
continued from page 11
the “Billy Joel” show, and I caught the fever again. I volunteered to be in “Shush-A-Lot,” and director Alan Simon
kindly gave me a nice role. The next year, he gave me my
own group to direct in “A Very Disney Purim” – my first
directing experience ever. And then, the coup de grace:
he offered me “the whole megillah” for the following year.
After a lot of consideration, I accepted, and it’s really been
a wonderful experience.
What’s the best part about being the director of
Megillah Madness?
I love picking the themes and the songs for the shows. This
is the most creative and fun aspect of my job – kind of an
early reward for the work that is to come. I have unusually
“old” tastes in music – hence last year’s Cole Porter theme
and this year’s Elvis/Beatles show. In fact, my worst nightmare – whether as a director or a performer – would be a
show spotlighting modern pop music, as my favorite period
of music is from about 1915 to 1964. My children, Miranda
and Nicolas, love to play a game with me in which they play
songs from their phones or MP3 players and ask me to guess
the artist. I pretty much guess Kylie Minogue for every
song until one of her songs actually comes up.
What’s the worst part about being the director of
Megillah Madness?
My one regret about being the director of Beth El’s Megillah Madness is that I can’t do it full time. Seriously. As with
all “extracurricular” projects we undertake, family, work, and
other personal obligations limit the total commitment that
even an obsessive perfectionist can devote to a task as delightful as putting on a show.
How early in the year do you start preparing for
the show?
I’m now in my second season as director, and a clear pattern
has emerged. Postpone when work gets crazy (in residential
real estate, this year was particularly so), postpone when the
kids’ schedules require extended shuttling and attending, and
postpone for sleep. And then, sometime around the third week
of August during our annual sojourn to the Outer Banks, it
happens. PANIC. It is at that moment that I call upon the
most powerful reserves of energy and commitment that I
possess - the Megillah Madness team of writers. Headed by
Mara Greengrass, this year’s crew includes Rachel Gafni, Sheldon Novek, Alan Simon, and Joel Taubenblatt. They are all
veterans of this process, having written several songs for me
last year and for Alan and other directors who preceded me.
They invariably pull my kishkes out of the fire by generating eight to 10 songs of incomparable quality that make me
laugh and sway as I sing along to them at my computer. And
speaking of people who save me, in addition to the writers,
if it weren’t for the performers, band members, cheerleaders,
chapter sign holders, stage hands, office and facilities staffs, and
all the folks who coordinate these people – first and foremost
among them assistant director Alisa Lipkind, whose unenviable task is to coordinate me – the show could not go on.
So, all in all, Megillah Madness is emblematic of the best of
Beth El - a community that comes together to have fun, support one another in times of need, and ultimately do good acts
– 10 of them, in our case. I hope you and your families will
enjoy this year’s Megillah Madness, “Elvis and the Beatles: LIVE
in Shushan,” as much as everyone on the Megillah Madness
team will enjoy putting it together for you. n
Writing the WHole MEgillah continued from page 11
people we can now co-exist with.
That makes it sound like a quick process, which (for me)
it decidedly isn’t. I break out my beloved rhyming dictionary and figure out how my idea fits with the song structure.
Then it’s a slow slog of coming up with ideas for each verse
and making them fit the number of syllables and correct
word emphasis from the original. It doesn’t matter how
clever my words are if they can’t be sung to the tune!
Bridging the Chapters
For several years, I’ve also jumped at the opportunity of writing the narration that occurs between the Megillah chapters
and the songs (even though, as my husband pointed out to
me, “nobody listens to the narration”). I actually find this task
harder than writing the songs. The goal is to write something
14
pithy and witty that bridges the gap between the chapter
and the song, which usually only covers one small part of
the chapter’s story. Some years I think my narration is good
(Disney), and some years I realize that all the funny lines were
added in by the director after I finished writing (Cole Porter).
Once the songs are collected from all the writers and
passed on to the director, my job is done. The director gets
the unenviable task of finding performers, divvying up
songs, and making sure groups rehearse. My hat is off to all
the cast and crew that bring you your yearly fun because
they work harder than you imagine.
Writing Megillah Madness always ends up being more
stressful than I remember, but I wouldn’t miss it for the
world! n
SHIR ATID
4
U
Photos by
Marci Ruderman
and Ben Katz
Beth El’s Children’s
Choir, Shir Atid (Song
of the Future) has
been very busy over
the past couple of
months. The choir,
led by the incomparable
Sandy Lederman, includes
students in grades 3 –
7, and rehearses every
Thursday at Beth El.
So far this year, they have performed to rave reviews at
the Interfaith Thanksgiving concert in November and at the
Rockville JCC’s Centennial kick-off celebration in January.
Next up, Shir Atid will open the Friday evening service on
January 25. The Choir will continue entertaining the community
when they take to the stage on February 23 during Beth El’s
renowned Megilla Madness program.
Here are some highlights from Shir Atid’s annual December
holiday variety show, Maccabean Idol. Individual and group
acts performed just for fun, in front of a small audience
comprised of choir members and their families. The judges,
Beth El’s Rabbi Greg Harris and Elisha Frumkin, were amazed
and delighted by all the students’ incredibly diverse talents.
15
Ask the Clergy
continued from page 1
tive meal. Fish or lamb heads are
customary dishes, in order that
we may celebrate the new year
“at the head and not at the tail”
(Deut. 28:13). Pumpkin (k’ra’a)
in Hebrew bears resemblance to
the word “to call (k’ra),” so we
say “may our good deeds ‘Call/
pumpkin’ (yi-KRA) our merits
before you.” You might try this
in English, perhaps saying over
the salad “Lettuce have a sweet and
happy new year.” Or “may we
relish our time together.” Or perhaps “may our roof have no leeks.”
In conclusion, I offer you my
own personal stash of food-related
puns (prepared with the help of my
colleagues in the Wizards of Ashkenaz). These are the culmination
of my life-long aspiration to be the
proprietor of a kosher Mexican
restaurant called BURRIT-Olam.
Featuring a broad menu
of Jewish-Mexican favorites,
including Ve’Ahav-tacos,
Menschiladas, Ir Tzion Tamales,
HaKadosh BBQ, Pidyon HaBean,
Tofu Vavohu, Talmud Torah-tillas,
Chiri-biri-chimmichangas, El
Guaca-Mole, and Rachamim Sour
Cream (pareve, of course). And
wash it all down with an ice-cold
glass of Cola-Neshama.
Everything above will be
funnier the more time that you
spend in synagogue. And if they’re
not funny yet...come to shul!
Author’s note: Financial backers
should email Hazzan Klein privately
for investment information. n
16
Congregation Beth El is proud to be a participant in Shabbat Across America on
Friday, March 1
Join us for some or all of the Shabbat activities we have planned:
 Purchase a Shabbat-in-a-Bag kit for $15 
(Includes candles, challah, grape juice, and other Shabbat goodies
and info in a reusable Beth El shopping bag)
 Sisterhood Challah-Baking Workshop on Thursday, February 28, at 9:30 am 
 Special Friday evening service with Marak HaYom at 6:30 pm
followed by Congregational Shabbat Dinner 
For more information, contact Rabbi Laura Rappaport
(lrappaport@bethelmc.org or 301-652-2606, ext. 310)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Shabbat Across America
Congregational Dinner Reservation Form & Shabbat-in-a-Bag
RSVP by Tuesday morning, February 26.
Please make checks payable to Congregation Beth El and return to:
 Congregation Beth El  Attn: SAA  8215 Old Georgetown Road 
Bethesda, MD 20814
Family Name(s) ________________________________________________________
Phone ________________________ Email _________________________________
_____ Shabbat-in-a-Bag @$15 each
Total ________________
Dinner Reservations
_____ # Member Adults/Teens @ $22 each
Total _________________
_____ # Non-member Adults @ $27 each
Total _________________
_____ # Children 6 - 12 @ $10
Total ________________
_____ # Children 2 - 5 @ $5 each
_ Total _________________
Total Due (Household dinner maximum $64): _________________
Please provide ________ vegetarian meals. If vegetarian, is fish okay? _____________
Please list any food allergies __________________________________
I would like to sit with _______________________________________
Contributions
Please remember that contributions can be made
easily, quickly, and securely via our Web page –
www.bethelmc.org
Donations made from November 22 to December 19
Bendit Adult Institute Fund
In Memory Of:
Sarah Cherkas by Milton Nichaman
Freda Rosenthal, mother of John Rosenthal, by John Rosenthal
Beth El Forest
In Memory Of:
Eleonora Semo, mother of Joe Semo, by Joan and Joel Simon
Leona Fribush, beloved mother of Gail Fribush, by the
Bregman family
Sylvia Ozarin by Lucy Ozarin
Beth El Israel Fund
By: Manuel A. and Solange L. Barrera
Building Fund/Capital Campaign
In Memory Of:
Goldie Margolis Abelson by Dov and Sharon Margolis Apfel
Howard Jacobs, father of Nancy Feldman, by Mark Levitt and
Kay Klass
Zelda and Herman Levine by Sandy and Dick Pollen
Anna Dickler, mother of Elliott Dickler, and Benjamin Miller,
father of Phyllis Dickler, by Elliott and Phyllis Dickler
Cantor’s Fund
In Honor Of:
Hazzan Klein, for his presentation in support of the hamantasch
by Rita and Irv Kopin
Hazzan Klein for his help preparing Jenny for leading the
Kabbalat Shabbat service by Shelly and Jerry Belson
In Memory Of:
Beloved father, Maurice Horowitz, by Rita Liebowitz
Harold Feigenbaum by Kenneth Feigenbaum
Sara Socher by Jorge and Sharona Sapoznikow
My beloved mother, Ericka Kaplan, by Rosalie Sporn
Chevra Kadisha Fund
In Memory Of:
Erika Meyerhoff, mother of Gabriela Bebchick, by Gabriela
Bebchick
Leona Fribush, mother of Gail Fribush, by Ellen and Norman
Eule
Henrietta Bruckheim by Arthur Bruckheim
Disabled Access Fund
In Memory Of:
Shirley Orenstein, beloved mother and grandmother, by Audrey
Berger
General Fund
In Honor Of:
Doris Meyer’s 93rd birthday by Deborah Reiser and Bart
Widom
Ellen and Norman Eule by Rabbi Stephanie Bernstein and
Henry Winokur
Kay Klass and Mark Levitt by Stacey and David Topol, Susan
Kitt and Steve Teitelbaum, and Susan D. and Howard Feibus
Beth El staff by Bob Janney and Susan Levine
Matthew Landy’s bar mitzvah by Dianne and Jonathan
Brickman
Harriet and David Brooks’ birthday by Susan Cohen
Bnai mitzvah of Ruth Assal’s grandchildren, Emma and Oren,
by Ann and Bruce Barcome
Birth of Jacob Benjamin, first grandchild of Fran and Robert
Rubin, by Kathy Hooley
In Memory Of:
Howard Jacobs by Deborah Reiser and Bart Widom
Walter Solomon by Steve Solomon
Gregory Dvorkin by Etia Dvorkina
Margaret Kahn by Harriet K. Rabin
Herb Levinson by Margie and Joe Hoffman, Diane and Laura
Rosenberg, and June and Marty Levin and family
My mother, Fay Yudkovitz Feibus, by Howard Feibus
Gladys Eisler, sister of Howard Ratain, by Anita and Howard
Ratain
Rose Tilles and Morris Shapiro by Hy and Barbara Shapiro
Regina Ohlbaum by Paul Love and Kathy Sklar
Rose Wallerstein, mother of Gloria Derkay, by Gloria and Lee
Derkay
Klare Heinemann, aunt of Howard Stein, by Howard and Holly
Stein
Fred Schulman by Richard Schulman
Ruth Zahler, mother and mother-in-law of Robert and
Rhonda Zahler, by Beth El Sisterhood and Gale and Ron
Dutcher
Jordan Walerstein by Faith Walerstein
Max Kurz by Leesa Fields and Jonathan Band
Erika R. Behrend by Susan Jerison
David Berkowitz by Dr. and Mrs. E. David Appelbaum
Herbert Tabb by Abby Nathans
Phyllis Frank by Wynne Sitrin
Louis Rosoff by Janice Raffel
Herb Levinson by June and Marty Levin and family
William Davis by Libby and Harvey Gordon
Elaine Silverman Gessow College Activities Fund
In Memory Of:
Alejandro Munster by Ricardo and Irene Munster
Beloved grandmother, Emma Gessow, by Dr. and Mrs. Marc
Michelson
Beloved mother-in-law, Emma Gessow, by Mrs. Alfred Gessow
Toni Bloom by Hellaine and Irwin Nepo
Jeanette Rosing by Barbara and Douglas Rosing
Groner Ramah Scholarship Fund
In Honor Of:
Harrison Arnberg’s bar mitzvah by Erwin and Leena Groner
In Memory Of:
Leona Fribush by Judith and Jonathan Levin
Ernesto Rosenfeld by Erwin and Leena Groner
Gideon Arie by Erwin and Leena Groner
Kimball Nursery School Fund
In Memory Of:
Marc Russell Devinsky by Paul Devinsky
Civia Berman and Evelyn Berman by Stuart Berman
Library Fund
In Honor Of:
Cheryl Kreiser, for her invaluable services to Beth El, by Sabina
Shalom
In Memory Of:
My beloved father, Abraham Bernstein, by Susan and Lewis
Winarsky
Robert Loss by Rita and Irv Weiss
17
Contributions Continued
Litman Holocaust Education Fund
In Memory Of:
Abraham Yellowitz by Beatrice Y. Golfer
Masorti
In Memory Of:
Mark Reed by Shimshon Plotkin
Mazon
In Memory Of:
Milton Goldstein by Steven Goldstein
Leon and Esther Matsas by Ninetta Feldman
Mintz Landscaping Fund
In Memory Of:
Harry Bruckheim by Arthur Bruckheim
Morning Minyan Fund
In Honor Of:
Peter Novick, in appreciation, by Andy and Katey Koblenz
Sam Kessler’s aliyah by Sam and Miriam Kessler
In Memory Of:
Benjamin Levine by Shirley R. Levine
Herb and Peggy Levinson by their children and grandchildren,
Hellaine and Irwin Nepo, Lynn and Philip Metzger, and the
Mahj girls
Sylvia Cantor by Judy Goldman
Isadore Routhenstein, our dear father, by Irene Routhenstein
and Shirley R. Levine
Edward Shapiro, beloved father, grandfather, and brother-in-law,
by Madelyn Shapiro
Benjamin Edenbaum by Bob and Sandy Edenbaum
Harold Cohen, father of Barbara Lerman, by Barbara and Allen
Lerman
Prayerbook Fund
In Memory Of:
Our beloved grandfather and great-grandfather, Joseph
Woolman, by the O’Brien family
Samuel Orenstein by Alan Orenstein
Beloved brothers, Reuven and Zeev Gendelman, by Boris
Gendelman
Abraham Katz by Linda Katz and Don Stein
Minnie Bobb by Sharon Bobb
Herb and Peggy Levinson by their children and grandchildren
Rabbi’s Fund
In Honor Of:
Irene and Ricardo Munster by Reina Lerner
Rabbi Harris by Lucas Kiel
Rabbi Rudolph by Brenda Gruss and Daniel O. Hirsch
Rabbi Rudolph, for his introduction and impartial mediation
of the Latke-Hamantasch Debate, by Rita and Irv Kopin
In appreciation of Rabbi Harris for our daughter Jenny’s bat
mitzvah by Shelly and Jerry Belson
In appreciation of Rabbi Rudolph by Cary and Nancy
Feldman
In appreciation of Sisterhood and members of the congregation
for their support after the death of Regina Ohlbaum, our
mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, by Estie, Ed,
Matthew, and Allison Lipsit
In appreciation of Peter Novick for his support after the death
of Regina Ohlbaum by Estie, Ed, Matthew, and Allison Lipsit
18
In appreciation of Rabbi Rudolph and Hazzan Klein for their
support after the death of Regina Ohlbaum by Estie, Ed,
Matthew, and Allison Lipsit
Rabbi Rudolph, for leading the naming ceremony of Ella
Sydney Stromberg, by Dan and Ariele Stromberg
In Memory Of:
My cherished father, Edward Ian Henry, by Tricia Sachs
Leona Fribush, mother of Gail Fribush, by Rosine and Bob
Nussenblatt, Hellaine and Irwin Nepo, Ace and Linda Lipson,
and Lois Hartman and family
My beloved mother, Edith Orban, and aunt, Lillian Stranszky,
by Annamarie Sokoly
Annie R. Sherman by Libby and Harvey Gordon
My parents, Itz and Judy Fine, by Leesa Fine
Beatrice Gilbert by Robert Gilbert
Joseph Auerbach by Fran and Robert Rubin
Fannie Stein by Ruth Stein
Helen Fried by Jerry Herman
My beloved mother, Romayne N. Bernstein, by Susan and
Lewis Winarsky
Ben and Ester Levin and Sylvia and Ben Lesselroth by Edgar
Levin
Howard Jacobs by Rhoda Jacobs
Ruth Zahler, beloved mother of Robert Zahler, by Jerry and
Ina Wernick and sons
Abraham and Louise Wagman, and in appreciation of Rabbi
Harris for his support, by Bonnie Wagman and Clif Hancock
Louis Pernick by Irwin Pernick
Irene Golden, beloved aunt of Jerome Wernick, by Jerome and
Ina Wernick
Robert Einzig by Judith and Bert Spector
Gloria Orin and Leon Eisenstein by Harry and Rhonda
Eisenstein
Herb Levinson by Kathy Sklar
Steven Michael Fefferman by Adeen Postar
Israel Greenberg, Theresa Greenberg, and Daniel Greenberg by
Lois Hartman and family
Hyman Jacob Rifkin by Morton and Lillian Davis
Enta Feldman by Reina Lerner
Max Kurz by Fran Katz Watson and Robert Watson
Benjamin Lerner by Reina Lerner
Senior Caucus
In Memory Of:
My beloved mother, Carola Shapiro, by Yael Greenberg
Dr. Elaine L. Shalowitz Education Fund
In Honor Of:
Louis Nagel’s years of service to Beth El education by Erwin
Shalowitz
Simos Music Fund
In Memory Of:
Lea Glick by Scott and Debbie Glick
Sisterhood Kiddush Fund
In Honor Of:
Peter and Debbie Friedmann, for the Latke-Hamantasch
Debate, by Rita and Irv Kopin
In Memory Of:
Florence Mermel, mother of Shoshannah Freilich, by Barbara
and Barry Friedman and Judy and Murray Blank
Ethel Reed by Shim Plotkin
Contributions Continued
Sisterhood Shiva Meal Fund
In Memory Of:
Howard Jacobs, father of Nancy Jacobs Feldman, by Estie and
Ed Lipsit
Sisterhood Torah Fund
By: Hilda Getz
In Honor Of:
Marge London by Joan and Joel Simon and Ilene and David
Jacobowitz
Social Action Fund
In Honor Of:
Diana Huffman by Courtney Schenk
Noah and Avi Kuperberg, for their introduction of Debbie
Feinstein, and her presentation in Latke-Hamantasch Debate,
Rita and Irv Kopin
Cheryl Kreiser by Rita Kahn
In Memory Of:
Ruth Zahler, mother of Bob Zahler, by Michael Polis and
Rhoda Barish
Elaine Tanenbaum Religious School Enrichment Fund
In Honor Of:
Sheldon Novek by Lucas Kiel
Rapid and complete recovery of Esther Isralow by Herbert
Tanenbaum
First great-grandchild of Sanford Kay by Herbert Tanenbaum
Dina Kallay and Paula Kahn by the second grade Religious
School class
In Memory Of:
Joseph Lieberman by Herbert Tanenbaum
Herbert Levinson by Herbert Tanenbaum
Transportation Fund
In Memory Of:
Julius J. Gottlieb, husband, Hyman D. Papernik, father, and
Gussie Gottlieb, mother-in-law, by Charlotte Gottlieb
Ernestine Goldstein, devoted mother of Judith G. Levin, by
Judith and Jonathan Levin
Barbara Wolf “Israel Quest” Fund
In Memory Of:
Florence Mermel, mother of Shoshannah Freilich, by Fay
Rosen Wolf n
HACHNASSAT ORCHIM: SHABBAT
HOSPITALITY
Volunteer homes are occasionally needed for Shabbat to offer sleeping arrangements and a possible meal
for Shomer Shabbat visitors to Beth El. Please contact Marilyn Hammerman at 301-652-2606 or info@
bethelmc.org if you are willing to participate in this
mitzvah. n
Musician-in-Residence continued from page 8
favorite memory of singing together. It could be around a
campfire, at a concert, at a Jewish event or not. Hold that
thought in your mind, and think of the closeness of those
who sing. In my heart, I’m hoping we can bring some of
that closeness to Beth El -- some of which is the work of
how we organize our musical space. But in the end, it is
all the work of caring for each other that will bring the
closeness and freedom that we desire.
On the second Saturday of each month, starting on February 9, Beth
El will host “Shabbat-in-the-middle,” in which the Shacharit and
Musaf services will be led, amplified, from the middle of the room. It is
our hope that this will not only enhance our singing but also encourage
conversation about prayer at Beth El. Honest feedback, both positive
and negative, will help our community grow. n
INTERNET INVITATION AND
STATIONERY PURCHASES CAN
BENEFIT BETH EL
For years, Beth El congregant and Sisterhood member
Marilyn Hammerman has run an invitations and stationery service out of her home in North Bethesda. The
proceeds of this service go entirely to Beth El’s Sisterhood and in turn benefit the Congregation. Now, those
same purchases and the selection can be made online
without leaving your home.
In addition, Marilyn says she “will match prices of other
invitation and stationery providers” and has “the best selection available.” Sisterhood and Beth El receive 100 percent
of the profits.We can obtain invitations or stationery at the
lowest prices available, and it is an easy process on line. So
there’s no reason to use anyone else,” Marilyn said.
For details on selecting and ordering invitations or stationery, contact Marilyn Hammerman by phone at 301652-2606 or at info@bethelmc.org. n
19
Congregation Beth El
8215 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20814-1451
Periodicals
Postage
PAID
Bethesda, MD
20814
While we know you’ll want to read every word in this issue of the Scroll, when you’re finished, please recycle it.
Bulletin Board
Mazal Tov to
Alan and Deborah Pollack on the engagement of their
son, Michael, to Lyndsi Silberman.
Kerry and Carol Reynolds and Lee Harvey on the
engagement of their daughter and granddaughter, Rachel,
to Dean Baxtresser.
Fran and Robert Rubin on the birth of their grandson,
Jacob Benjamin Katthagen, on November 30, 2012.
Proud parents are Elyse and Michael Katthagen.
Jon and Sandy Simon on the engagement of their
daughter, Ilana, to Terry Rubin.
Rabbi Bill Rudolph and Gail Fribush on the
engagement of their son, Marc Rudolph, to Karen Terry.
Condolences to
Sheldon Bolasny on the death of his mother, Celia
Bolasny
Ester Kurz on the death of her father, Max Kurz
Estie Lipsit on the death of her mother, Regina Ohlbaum
Joe and Judy Semo on the death of Joe’s mother,
Eleonora Semo
Noteworthy
Senior Caucus Meeting, Wednesday, February 6, 1:00
pm. These vibrant, active retirees join to hear about the
ongoing programs and plans new activities. Be one of them.
This program is followed by:
Roundtable with the Rabbi, Wednesday, February
6, 2:00 pm. Join us celebrate February’s birthdays (yours
and those of others) with desserts, coffee, and an inspiring
discussion lead by Rabbi Rudolph. The discussion is always
lively and challenging. Birthday celebrants receive a special
Send submissions to the Scroll to scroll@bethelmc.org
invitation, but all are welcome.
Dor L’Dor, Thursday, February 7, noon. Join the
Beth El Preschool (BEPS) 4s Class,Vatikkim, and Senior
Caucus for this intergenerational program connecting kids
with seniors. To participate and share some pizza with the
preschoolers, RSVP to Audrey Berger at 301-652-2606 or
Ricardo Munster at 301-652-8569, ext. 316, or rmunster@
bethelmc.org.
Senior Caucus Luncheon/Program, Thursday,
February 14, noon. Following lunch, watch the film,
“The Tomashefskys – Music and Memories of a Life in the
Yiddish Theater.” The stage version of The Thomashefskys
has been performed at sold-out houses in New York, San
Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Miami, and
Tanglewood in Massachusetts. The San Francisco Chronicle
said, “Tilson Thomas and his collaborators do what Yiddish
artists always meant to do. They make you forget your
troubles for an evening, plunge into another world and feel
your own more fully in the end.” Lunch costs $8.00. To
RSVP for lunch, call Ricardo Munster at 301-652-2606,
ext. 316 or rmunster@bethelmc.org by Tuesday, February 12.
The program is free and begins around 1:00 pm
Senior Caucus Brown Bag Lunch, Thursday,
February 28, noon. Come and socialize with your friends
and enjoy some light refreshments and dessert.
Bridge – the greatest game ever! Join us every Monday
and now also on Thursdays (except the 3rd Thursday) from
1:00 to 4:00 pm. Drop in and join a game; no partner
necessary. For information or transportation, contact
Ricardo Munster at 301-652-2606, ext. 316 or rmunster@
bethelmc.org.
Weekly Parashiot
Source: Siddur Sim Shalom
Yitro
Terumah
Moses spends much of his time explaining
God’s statutes and laws to the people; his
father-in-law, Jethro, suggests that he delegate
some of this judicial authority. After ascending
Mount Sinai to speak with God, Moses returns
to prepare the people for Revelation. Amidst
awesome thunder, lightning, and flame, God,
glorious and holy, reveals to Israel the Divine
Presence—and the Ten Commandments.
While Moses remains on Mount Sinai, God
provides detailed instructions regarding the
construction and decoration of the Mishkan.
This Tabernacle is to house the Ark and allow
the Divine Presence to dwell among the people.
February 2, 22 Shevat
Mishpatim
February 9, 29 Shevat
The civil laws, along with moral and
religious precepts, are presented after the Ten
Commandments. The people accept the Torah
wholeheartedly, vowing, “All that Adonai has
commanded, we will do.” Israel affirms the
Covenant, and Moses returns to Mount Sinai to
receive the law, etched in stone, from God.
February 16, 6 Adar
Tetzaveh
February 23, 13 Adar
God commands that a lamp filled with oil
should burn all night in the Mishkan, that
priests serving therein should wear holy
garments, and that the High Priest should wear
a breastplate with 12 precious stones, one for
each tribe. God provides directions for the
consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests
and prescribes their duties.
Beth El Calendar
&Weekly Parashiot
Descriptions of
Services
Minyan Chaverim offers the ruach
of the Shabbat services in USY, BBYO,
and Hillel. We have a lay-led, traditional, participatory, spirit-filled service,
including full repetition of the Shacharit and Musaf amidah, as well as the
full Torah reading with an interactive
Torah discussion. A pot-luck lunch follows the service at a nearby home. For
information, contact Debbie Feinstein
or Sheryl Rosensky Miller at info@
bethelmc.org.
The Worship and Study Minyan
is conducted by members of the
congregation and combines evocative
Torah study with ample singing
and ruach. Children are welcome,
although the service is oriented
toward adults. For information, contact
Dan Hirsch, Sid Getz, or Mark
Levitt at 301-652-2606,
info@bethelmc.org.
Teen Service is a cool service
without parents, conducted by and for
post-b’nai mitzvah teens, with a great
kiddush. To volunteer to read Torah,
conduct part of the service, or help
with a discussion, contact
David Solkowitz at 301-652-2606,
info@bethelmc.org
Other Youth /Family Services,
for information, contact Elisha
Frumkin, 301-652-8573, ext. 319,
efrumkin@bethelmc.org.
Daily Services M-F
7:30 am
Sun-Th 8:00 pm
Fri
6:30 pm
Sun
9:00 am
Shabbat Services (all services are weekly, except as noted)
Early Morning Service
Main Service Babysitting (2-6 years old) Minyan Chaverim (3rd Shabbat)
Worship and Study Minyan (1st Shabbat)
Mincha, Seudah Shlishit, Ma’ariv,
& Havdalah (3rd Shabbat)
Youth Shabbat Services
7:30 am
9:30 am
9:15 am
9:30 am
9:45 am
5:00 pm
Teen Service (1st Shabbat)
10:00 am
Junior Congregation (5th grade +; Library) 10:00 am
Shitufim 10:30-11:30 am
(2nd– 4th grades; 2nd & 4th Shabbat; Zahler Social Hall)
Gan Shabbat
(kindergarten-2nd grade; 1st & 3rd Shabbat; MP 1&2) 10:30-11:30 am
Nitzanim
(birth - kindergarten; 2nd, 4th, 5th Shabbat; MP 1&2) 10:30-11:30 am
Congregation Beth El
February 2013
Monthly Calendar
Sunday
1
Shevat–Adar 5773
Monday
1 Sukkot
Tuesday
1 New Year’s Day
Wednesday
2
Thursday
3
Friday
1 Candles 5:11 pm
10:00 am BEPS Shabbat
6:30 pm Friday Evening Service
6:30 pm Nitzanim Kabbalat Shabbat
7:15 pm B’nai Mitzvah Family Dinner
Saturday
2
7:30 am Early Shabbat Service
9:30 am Main Shabbat Service
9:30 am Eve Strickberger Bat Mitzvah
9:45 am Worship & Study Minyan
10:00 am Jr. Congregation
10:00 am Teen Service
10:30 am Gan Shabbat
12:40 pm Hazzan’s Shabbat Melodies
Class
3
9:00 am Minyan
9:30 am Men’s Club Breakfast
10:00 am Men’s Club Program
10:00 am Sisterhood/Zhava Program
6:30 pm Yoga
7:00 pm Talmud Class
10 Rosh Hodesh Adar
6th Grade Brooklyn Trip
9:00 am Minyan
9:30 am Men’s Club Breakfast
10:00 am Men’s Club Program
10:00 am Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class
11:15 am Book Group
4:30 pm Nitzanim Pizza Party
6:30 pm Yoga
7:00 pm Talmud Class
17
Offices and Schools Closed
9:00 am Minyan
9:30 am Men’s Club Breakfast
10:00 am Men’s Club Program
10:00 am Megillah Madness Rehearsal
6:30 pm Yoga
7:00 pm Talmud Class
24 Purim
9:00 am Minyan
9:30 am Men’s Club Breakfast
11:00 am Bit O’Megillah
11:45 am Purim Carnival
5:30 pm Jewish Fdn. for Grp. Homes
Purim Party
6:30 pm Yoga
7:15 pm Healing Service
4
1:00 pm Bridge
7:30 pm Boy Scouts
7:30 pm RS Committee Meeting
11 Rosh Hodesh Adar
1:00 pm Bridge
7:30 pm Boy Scouts
5
8:30 am A Taste of Talmud
6:30 pm Mah Jongg
12
8:30 am A Taste of Talmud
6:30 pm Mah Jongg
7:30 pm BEPS Board Meeting
6
9:00 am Rabbi’s Torah Class
9:30 am M. Fine Class
9:30 am Rabbi’s Haftarah Class
2:00 pm Roundtable with the Rabbi
13
9:00 am Rabbi’s Torah Class
9:30 am BEPS Juliet Wolff Session
9:30 am M. Fine Class
9:30 am Rabbi’s Haftarah Class
7:30 pm Bendit/Scolnic Inst.
7
Noon Senior Caucus
1:00 pm Bridge
8:30 pm Hearing Men’s Voices
14
Noon Senior Caucus
1:00 pm Bridge
7:00 pm Executive Committee Meeting
8 Candles 5:19 pm
9
10:00 am BEPS Shabbat
6:30 pm Traditional Friday Evening
7:30 am Early Shabbat Service
9:30 am Main Shabbat Service/Day
6th Grade Brooklyn Trip
Service
6th Grade Brooklyn Trip
School Shabbat
6:30 pm Kol Haneshama
10:00 am Jr. Congregation
10:00 am Learners Service
10:30 am Shitufim
10:30 am Nitzanim
15 Candles 5:27 pm
16
10:00 am BEPS Shabbat
6:30 pm Friday Evening Service
Rededication Program
7:30 am Early Shabbat Service
9:30 am Main Shabbat Service
9:30 am Emma Sorkin Bat Mitzvah
9:30 am Minyan Chaverim
10:30 am Gan Shabbat
5:00 pm Shabbat Mincha, Seudah
Shlishit, Ma’ariv, Havdalah
7:30 pm Israel Media Series
18 President’s Day
9:00 am Morning Minyan
25
1:00 pm Bridge
7:30 pm Boy Scouts
7:30 pm Feinberg/Breyer Dialogue
19
8:30 am A Taste of Talmud
6:30 pm Mah Jongg
7:15 pm Sisterhood Education Program
26
8:30 am A Taste of Talmud
6:30 pm Mah Jongg
7:30 pm Board Meeting
20
9:00 am Rabbi’s Torah Class
9:30 am M. Fine Class
9:30 am Rabbi’s Haftarah Class
9:30 am Hamantaschen Baking
27
9:00 am Rabbi’s Torah Class
9:30 am M. Fine Class
9:30 am Rabbi’s Haftarah Class
21 Fast of Esther
7:00 pm Sisterhood Exec. Board/Regular
Board Mtng.
22 Candles 5:35 pm
6:30 pm Friday Evening Service
23
7:30 am Early Shabbat Service
9:30 am Main Shabbat Service
9:30 am David Huberman Bar
Mitzvah
9:30 am Katie Rosenfeld Bat Mitzvah
10:00 am Jr. Congregation
10:30 am Shitufim
10:30 am Nitzanim
8:00 pm Megillah Madness
8:30 pm The Whole Megillah
28
9:00 am Sisterhood Challah Baking
Noon Senior Caucus
1:00 pm Bridge
1 Candles 5:42 pm
Shabbat Across America
10:00 am BEPS Shabbat
6:30 pm Friday Evening Service
7:15 pm Congregational Shabbat Dinner
- Shabbat Across America
2
7:30 am Early Shabbat Service
9:30 am Main Shabbat Service
9:30 am Jessica Ravitch Bat Mitzvah
9:30 am Joshua Eisen Bar Mitzvah
9:45 am Worship & Study Minyan
10:00 am Jr. Congregation
10:00 am Teen Service
10:30 am Gan Shabbat
12:40 pm Hazzan’s Shabbat Melodies
Class