A Capital Celebration

Transcription

1 May 2008 Nisan/Iyar Baltimore Road Rockville, Maryland Volume 2 Number 5 Israel@60: A Capital Celebration Tikvat Israel is a sponsoring organization for the regional celebration of the 60 th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. We hope to build on the excitement and sense of community begun by our own celebration on Yom Ha Atzmaut (May 8 see you there!) and carry it with us to the Mall on Sunday, June 1. We hope that a good-sized group from Tikvat Israel will participate in the celebration on the Mall. In order to make that participation easier, we ve arranged to rent two buses, which will depart from our parking lot on Sunday, June 1 at 11:45 a.m. One bus will leave the Mall at 3 p.m.; the second will leave at 5 p.m. We expect to make three package deals* available to those who d like to join the fun: Transportation and a special-edition Tikvat Israel T-shirt, commemorating the event. Transportation, T-shirt, and bagels before we leave for the Mall. T-shirt alone in case you want an extra or wish to arrange your own transportation. As a sponsoring organization, one of our responsibilities is to help staff the day s events on the Mall. Volunteer shifts will run in approximately two hour increments from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will range from assisting in the display tents to helping the overall event run smoothly (for example, greeting attendees, giving directions at nearby Metro stations, distributing water and assisting with clean-up). Most opportunities will involve standing, and many will be outside. For unaccompanied volunteers, the minimum age is 18. Teenagers may volunteer in groups with adult supervision. What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon with a group of fellow congregants, celebrating the anniversary of the State that was a dream for our people for over 2000 years! For more information, to volunteer, or to reserve your spot on the bus NOW, please contact Mary Meyerson (maryfmeyerson@gmail.com or ). *At press time, prices were not yet finalized watch the list serve and flyers in the shul for more information as it becomes available. Growing Trees, Bushes and Boy Scouts at Tikvat Israel While a Life Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community. (The project should benefit an organization other than Boy Scouting.) The project idea must be approved by the organization benefiting from the effort, your Scoutmaster and troop committee, and the council or district before you start. Thus it is stated in the Boy Scout Handbook. Tikvat Israel is the recent beneficiary of this requirement, due to the hard work of Eagle Scout candidate Scott Goodin of our very Continued on page 8 Weekly Religious Services Monday...6:45 a.m... 7:30 p.m. Tuesday... 7:30 p.m. Wednesday... 7:30 p.m. Thursday...6:45 a.m... 7:30 p.m. Friday...6:45 a.m... Kabbalat Shabbat*... 6:30 p.m. Shabbat...9:30 a.m... Sunday...9 a.m... 7:30 p.m. Services are also held at Shiva houses as needed. Kabbalat Shabbat with Instruments starts at 6:15 p.m. on May 30. Family and Youth Services Shabbat is Special...May :15 p.m. Jr. Congregation...May :30 a.m. Tot Shabbat...May :00 a.m. Kehilat Kids...May :00 a.m. Mincha May 3...7:35 p.m. May :40 p.m. May :50 p.m. May :55 p.m. May :00 p.m. Candle Lighting Times May 2...7:45 p.m. May 9...7:51 p.m. May :58 p.m. May :04 p.m. May :09 p.m.

2 Ways to Get Involved Bikur Holim Volunteers Louise Chatlynne Women s Jewish Network Bobbi Gorban: bprem@aol.com Membership Committee Debby Berlyne College Outreach Susan Apter skapter@comcast.net Elyse Bernstein jeffelyse@comcast.net Library Phyllis Leise Attend Minyans Len Lipton : llipton9@comcast.net Social Action Committee Robbi and Larry Cohen lcohendds@yahoo.com Kiddush Volunteers Marsha Lyons: mars545@comcast.net Shepherd s Table Richard Stoll rdstoll@aol.com Stepping Stones Shelter Jay Plafker jayplafker@verizon.net Roma Sohn romarvin@comcast.net Reading Mentors Ellen Eisner: eeisner@comcast.net Adult Education Committee Susan Apter skapter@comcast.net Betsy Miller bnahmiller@hotmail.com Rabbi Liason Committee Cliff Fishman fishman@law.edu Mary Wagner marydpwagner@gmail.com Jonathan Solomon jsnsssrs@verizon.net Haftorah Reading Assignments Susan Apter: skapter@comcast.net Torah Reading Assignments Sam Freedenberg sfreeden@yahoo.com Minyan Information Please call the minyan captain if you plan to attend morning minyan. Sunday Rob Kline Monday Sam Gilston Thursday David Gantz Friday Joelle Black Barry Buchbinder Decisions about whether to hold evening minyan are made by the rabbi and executive director. If minyan is canceled, a message will be put on the synagogue answering machine. If minyan is not canceled, there will be no message on the machine. You can reach the machine by calling , and press Cemetery Sites Judean Memorial Gardens has established a section for Tikvat Israel. Purchase a site through the synagogue office; it benefits you and the congregation. For details, call Michael Grossman at or David Gantz at Toiletries Collection Box When traveling, please remember to collect the small samples you receive and bring them to the synagogue. The toiletries will be distributed to a coalition of homeless shelters. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous Food Addicts inrecovery Anonymous, a 12-step program for individuals recovering from addictive eating, meets every Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Tikvat Israel in room 11. Newcomers are welcome. For more information, please call Susan at Tikvat Israel Directory Rabbi Howard Gorin hdgorin49@yahoo.com Rabbi Emeritus Lewis A. Weintraub Cantor Rochelle Helzner rhelzner@gmail.com Cantor Emeritus Mark Levi President Ronald L. Rabin, M.D. rlrabin@gmail.com Executive Director Michael Grossman execdir@tikvatisrael.org Office Staff Carol Barsky carolbarsky@tikvatisrael.org Peggy Mitchel office@tikvatisrael.org Amy Schneider amy@tikvatisrael.org Debbie Segal debbie@tikvatisrael.org Religious School Sandy Levine, Director slevine@tikvatisrael.org Early Childhood Rori Pollak, Director ecc.director@tikvatisrael.org Youth & Family Programming Lynn Berk, Director lberk@comcast.net Synagogue Office Phone Fax Bulletin Editor Andi Kronzek TIeditor@aol.com All phone numbers are in the 301 area code unless otherwise noted. 2

3 From the Rabbi s Desk Rabbi Howard Gorin When I was in Birmingham, AL, before walking down the block and across the street to the Reform temple where I was going to speak, I dropped by the Conservative synagogue to wish my colleague Shabbat Shalom. I found him in his office, tuning his guitar. Brian comes from a musical family; his father was the hazzan in Nashville for quite some time. Brian and the synagogue s cantor lead singing at the Kabbalat Shabbat service, both of them playing guitars. I told Brian that at Tikvat Israel, while we allow instrumental music for Shabbat simchas, we had not been allowing musical instruments to be played during services, except for children s and family services. His synagogue had the opposite policy: no instrumental music at Shabbat kiddushim and lunches, but music at services was, across the board, allowed. Imagine that! I recently met a woman who kvelled about the cantor at her synagogue. He is so creative, she said. He often sings the prayers to the melodies of Broadway show tunes or operatic arias. Of course, she continued, not everyone is pleased. Some roll their eyes when he does that. (My own eyes would roll right out of my head if our cantor would do the same.) I collect books, and occasionally I get to read them. I recently came across Professor Boaz Cohen s book, Law and Tradition in Judaism. It contains his monograph, The Responsum of Maimonides Concerning Music, reprinted from the Jewish Music Journal, May-June, I learned: In Provence in the thirteenth century there was a group of liberal scholars who permitted the playing of all kinds of stringed instruments upon the Sabbath on the ground that the Talmud only forbids clapping the hands and striking the hands upon the thigh, to keep in tune with singing, as that makes a loud noise. Strangely enough, it was a Polish Talmudist, Rabbi Joel Sirkes, of the sixteenthseventeenth century, who permitted the use of Gentile melodies which were not chanted in their houses of worship, for synagogal purposes. In the eighteenth century, Menahem Navarra of Verona informs us that it was a recent custom in his city to recite the Kaddish, the Kedushah and the Amidah to the melodies of well-known love songs and dance tunes. In one of [Rabbi Israel Moses Hazan s] responsa, he informs us that when he was in Smyrna he met some of the most renowned scholars and cantors of that city. When they were in need of fitting tunes for Rosh ha-shanah, they would frequent Christian churches in order to learn those melodies which invoked in the congregation a spirit of humility, and they adapted them in a marvelous manner to the Kaddish and the Kedushah. These liberal opinions hardly represent the majority opinion or prevailing practice. They do, however, afford us a glimpse at the diversity of Jewish practice. They also remind us that le plus ça change the more things change, the more they stay the same that what we do at Tikvat Israel is not without precedent. Last fall the Cantor and I discussed the permissibility of playing musical instruments at the Friday night service, even when that service starts after sunset. Up to that point, Kabbalat Shabbat with Instruments was restricted to the summer months, when services begin before sunset and then limited to the first part of the service, before we formally acknowledged the beginning of the Sabbath. No one who attended those services could fail to appreciate how lovely they were and how they attracted a much larger congregation than the norm. Couldn t we do the same during the winter months? Our analysis was as follows: Would we be doing something that was heretofore forbidden by our understanding of Jewish law? No: as far back as 1981 we approved the use of instrumental music on Shabbat. Would we be doing something that was an extension of our current practice? Yes: up to that point we allowed instrumental music on Shabbat only at kiddush lunches and at children s services. Would such a change inconvenience or disenfranchise those who regularly attended the Friday night service? No: a survey was taken; none of the regulars objected to this change; many were pleased with the innovation. Would such a change have the potential of increasing the attendance at the Friday night service? Without a doubt. Toward the beginning of his monograph, Cohen writes: It is unnecessary to expatiate here upon the tremendous role music played in the life of the Jews in Biblical times. This was true in their private life, where music and songs were of great significance. It was also true of the Temple worship. Have we made the right decision to turn the clock back and permit what our ancestors took for granted the power of music to inspire, to lift our spirits and elevate our souls? Time will tell. 3

4 From the President s Perspective Ronald L. Rabin, M.D. At the recent Jack Rosen Scholar s Weekend, Rabbi Burton Visotzky told us that upon meeting a group of Imams who were visiting the Jewish Theological Seminary, he announced up front, I am a Zionist. The visitors were visibly shaken, which perplexed the Rabbi until the interpreter explained that Zionist meant to them oppressor. Rabbi Visotzky replied that he meant that he believes that Israel is a home for the Jewish people, with the recognition that others call it home as well. The Imams were pleased, and the rest of the tour was an apparent success. Whether we are to the political right or the left of Rabbi Visotzky, we are all Zionists. On the occasion of the 60 th anniversary of M dinat Yisrael, together we support and celebrate this tough little democracy that has not simply survived, but thrived in one of the toughest neighborhoods in the world. Despite constant threat and frequent war, Israel is remarkably economically strong. Israel and Japan have the second highest school life expectancy in Asia (to South Adult Education Israel at 60 Lecture Series Dancing to Different Rhythms: Israeli and American Jewish Culture Join us on Wednesday, May 14 at 8 p.m. (after minyan) for the last in our series of lectures celebrating the 60th anniversary of the state of Israel. Dr. Nina Spiegel, visiting professor of Israeli history at the University of Maryland, will focus on dance as performed by American Jews and Israelis. She will discuss how the dances performed by each group reflect the culture of each country both their similarities and their differences. The fee is $5. RSVP to the office. Discussion Group on the Chumash Essays On Sunday, May 4 at 10 a.m. (after minyan), the discussion continues with the next essay in Etz Hayim. Copies of the essay will be available on the table outside the sanctuary. The single requirement for participation is reading the Korea). Microsoft built their first overseas R & D center in Israel, and is joined by such high-tech multi-nationals as IBM, Cisco Systems, and Motorola. Israel has the 22 nd - highest per capita GDP in the world*. Teva Pharmaceuticals not only developed a new treatment of multiple sclerosis, but is a world leader in the manufacture and sales of generic drugs. This is an incredible country. We all know the problems as well. The unsatisfactory outcome of the summer 2006 war with Hezbollah may be a prologue to a summer 2008 war in Gaza with Hamas. Currently, Israel s political structure is, well, troubled. And concerns about equality among all its citizens and the consequences on the national psyche of living under constant threat are topics of constant discussion in modern Israel culture. Precisely the point. Any of us who has read the Israeli press or experienced Israeli cinema (including films shown at our annual Israeli Film Festival) knows that Israel is a modern democracy that critically examines, essay before coming to the discussion. RSVP to Richard Stoll at rdstoll@aol.com or Jewish Literacy 101: Finding God in the Masterworks of Judaism s Library Responsa and the Cutting Edge of Judaism In the final class of the series on Monday, May 5 at 8 p.m. (after minyan), Rabbi Alana Suskin will lead participants in reviewing selected readings from this genre that offer perspectives on God. Feminism and Liturgy Discussion Group Dates for May are not yet set. For information, contact Rabbi Alana Suskin at Rabbi.al@ gmail.com. Chevruta b kehila: Friendship in the Holy Community Rabbi Alana Suskin will lead this class on Thursdays, May 15, 22 and 29 at 8 p.m. (after 4 questions, criticizes, praises and parodies itself. Self-examination, perhaps even to a fault, is a sign of a healthy democracy which has a capacity to correct the errors that any nation may make. This, I believe is one sign that Israel will remain a strong and vibrant nation for years to come. During this year of 5768, Tikvat Israel has had a wonderful series of events, many of which were organized by our excellent Adult Education Committee in honor of Israel s 60 th anniversary. On May 8, the Tikvat Israel community celebrates Yom Ha-atzmut together with a celebratory BBQ and program featuring music, Israeli dancing, and greetings of the Israeli Embassy. On June 1, the greater Jewish community celebrates together on the National Mall, and I know that we will be as well represented there as we were at the beautiful choral concert at Strathmore in March. So in the next month, let s all celebrate together with pride on Israel s 60 th anniversary. Because we are all Zionists. *Information from Wikipedia minyan). This course will focus on sources that talk about friendship: between people, and between people and God. No Hebrew is necessary, although it might be helpful. Advance registration for ALL EVENTS is strongly requested so that we can plan accordingly. Please help us make these events as successful as possible by letting us know in advance that you plan to attend. IDEAS? We will soon begin planning for next year s classes and events. If you have ideas, suggestions and a willingness to help make your ideas happen, please contact one of the co-chairs of the Adult Education Committee, Susan Apter (skapter@ comcast.net or ) or Betsy Miller (bnahmiller@hotmail.com or ). Planning takes time and coordination in order to make our programming successful, so the sooner we hear from you, the more likely it is we can include your suggestions.

5 CANTOR S CORNER Cantor Rochelle Helzner Holocaust Remembrance at Tikvat Israel Yom Hashoa, the special day to remember the Holocaust, will be marked at Tikvat Israel on Thursday, May 1 at 8 p.m. (after 7:30 p.m. mincha/maariv). We will join together for a short remembrance ceremony followed by the viewing of the moving documentary The Power of Good. It tells the story of Nicholas Winton, a British citizen who saved more than 600 Jewish children from Czechoslovakia. It includes interviews of those children who, as adults, finally discover who was responsible for their freedom. Mr. Winton s story is amazing and inspiring. Our friends at the Silver Spring Presbyterian Church will be invited to attend. The program will be over by 9:30 p.m. Purim Kudos Another joyous Purim was had by all. Many people were involved to make sure that it was! For our family service, Lisa Krell directed a most winning Purim Puppet Shpiel. Thanks and appreciation go out to all of the puppeteers: Rachel Lipsy, Shaina Lipsy, Karen Lipsy, Steve Eiserke, Amy Matathias, Rebecca Matathias, Arielle Gross, Jody Sachs, Noam Lautman, Daniel Freedman, Tony Freedman and Rachelle Fobe, and to the character voices: Jeff Smith, Hannah Smith, Gail Pressman, Jerry Schuchman, Laurie Weker, Michael Amster and Paul Grayson. Special thanks to Phyllis Schwartz for back stage direction and Gail Pressman for maintaining the puppets. Also, yasher koach to Jason Schwartz who enthusiastically gave us a taste of the chanting of the Megillah in Hebrew. At the late service, Michael Grossman davened Maariv followed by our wonderful and competent Megillah readers Eliezer May, Richard Lederman, Kalman Knizhnik, Mark Schaffman, Rachel May, Susan Apter, Wendy Morrison, Gedaliah Knizhnik, Eliott Cowan and Mark Lautman (who read in the morning). Kabbalat Shabbat with Instruments The next Kabbalat Shabbat with Instruments will be held on May 30 at 6:15 p.m. (note earlier time) in the library. Kabbalat Shabbat with Instruments is a traditional Tikvat Israel Shabbat evening service and includes special melodies accompanied by guitar, piano, bass and percussion. Instruments will be played THROUGHOUT the service. All are welcome to attend. Congregational Shabbat Dinner Join us for a delicious Shabbat dinner following Kabbalat Shabbat with Instruments on Friday, May 30. The service will begin at 6:15 p.m. and the dinner at 7:30 p.m. The cost of the dinner is $18 for adults and $8 for ages Call or the office to make reservations, which are due by May 26. A Purim Shpiel followed which kept everyone s sides aching. Thanks to writers Steve Raucher, Louise and Chuck Chatlynne, Marlene May, Jonathan Solomon, Cantor Rochelle Helzner, Judy Katz, Larry Levine, Michael Rubinstein and John Melmed. Additional cast members included Cliff Fishman, Mike Amster, Michael Grossman, Susan Brannigan and Ron Rabin. The next morning, we had a full minyan followed by a Purim Seudah breakfast. We do Purim well at Tikvat Israel! Women s Network The Rosh Chodesh group will meet on Monday, May 5. Our book group, led by Paula Kasper, will meet on Monday, May 12 after minyan to discuss People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. The Rosh Chodesh group and the book group are the two ongoing programs the Women s Network has held this year. Since we have not had a great response, we are looking at another format for next year. Come to the end-of-year event in June and find out what that will be. Watch for details. Tikvat Israel Celebrates Israel s 60th Bring the whole family to Tikvat Israel on Yom Haatsmaut, Thursday, May 8 as we celebrate the 60 th anniversary of the State of Israel. This will be a joyful event bringing together our Tikvat Israel community in the marking of this important milestone! Schedule of Events 5:30 p.m. Mincha 5:45-6:45 p.m. BBQ in the parking lot with hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers (fee; advance reservations required) 7 p.m. Celebratory program in the sanctuary, including singing of Israeli songs by all. 8-9 p.m. Maariv, Israeli dancing with Moshe Shem-Tov (for all levels), film of Israel s vistas Awaiting Your Economic Stimulus Check? Please donate $180 (30%) to Tikvat Israel s landscaping project so that we may beautify our grounds. If you wish to sponsor a tree ($1,000) or a section of the front grounds ($1,800-$5,400), contact Debra Diamond. Either of these sponsorships include a dedication plaque. 5

6 60 Harvey T. Kaplan TI Representative on the Israel Educators Institute (IEI) of the Washington, DC Jewish Community We have two more major events in our 60 program at Tikvat Israel. Mary Meyerson, also of IEI, discusses the June 1 Washington area community event elsewhere in this issue. Don t miss what s shaping up to be a phenomenal experience on the National Mall that day! I d like to focus on the program that TI is conducting on Yom Ha atzmaut (Israel Independence Day), Thursday, May 8. If you join us, I guarantee that you won t forget the event we have planned for this day of celebration. If you didn t sign up for our Israeli-style barbecue dinner, do so if you still can but absolutely don t miss the program that begins at 6:45 p.m. It s on a school night, but it only happens once in 60 years, so keep the kids out a little late! I promise that it will be worth attending, featuring: (1) An outdoor Israeli-style barbecue; (2) Official greetings from the Government of Israel; (3) Music, song, and dance; (4) A bag of mementos; (5) An aerial video of today s Israel; (6) A preview of the June 1 National Mall community-wide event; (7) Israeli dancing; (8) Fun for all! One of the items in the memento bag that will be distributed only to those in attendance on May 8 is a new Israeli ½ shekel coin. Why a ½ shekel, you may ask. We ll give you the answer on May 8 but, for now, our coins are en route (as I write this column) to the USA from Israel by special emissary of the people of Israel. They were personally selected by him for presentation to our members on May 8. Why? The ½ shekel in the Torah was originally used for the construction of the Mishkan, and the custom of presenting such a coin has been maintained for over 3,000 years. The purpose of the ½ shekel was to maintain the Beit Ha mikdash (Holy Temple) and, afterward, to maintain Jewish places of worship up to the present day. [This also served as a means to conduct a census.] The rich were not allowed to give more and the poor were not allowed to give less. In other words, everyone had an equal responsibility. Even today this continues to be a unifying factor for many Jews around the world. Therefore, it is fitting on Israel s 60 th anniversary for all of us at TI to be presented with ½ shekel. I recommend that we keep our ½ shekels, in the spirit of being one with the people of Israel. Israel is a nation with more than its share of problems. Yet this is a time to celebrate Israel s accomplishments. Israel has more companies listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange than any other country, with the exception of the United States. In the Spring 2008 issue of B nai B rith magazine, Uriel Hellman also reports that the leading technology companies of the world, including Intel, IBM, and Microsoft, maintain extensive R&D facilities in Israel. Further, Israel has the highest proportion in the world of university graduates per capita. Outside of Europe and North America, Israel leads in the number of patent applications. In the arena of inventions and innovations, Israelis invented the video camera that fits inside a pill, giving doctors a new, noninvasive way to view their patients insides. Four young Israelis invented the first instantmessaging technology, known as ICQ, which was later sold to America Online. The flash drive, which has become the common replacement for the less versatile diskette, is an Israeli-created device. There are long lists of the inventions of Israelis in use throughout today s technological world. Sallai Meridor has served as Israel s ambassador to the United States since In a recent interview by Janet Lubman Rathner of B nai B rith, he commented on the critical link between the people of Israel and Jews around the world, including in our country. He spoke of Israel as an achievement of the Jewish people, and he declared that this unbelievable achievement of the State of Israel would not [have] been possible if not for the Jewish people. Obviously, friends of Israel helped. Obviously, our greatest friend, the United States of America, was and is essential to the success of Israel. From the perspective of the Israelis, he went on to assert that, there is hardly anything that we are doing that is not in major partnership with the Jewish people. I think you will appreciate his statement in regard to the challenges Israel faces: We have accomplished a lot and there is much more to accomplish, and this is the beauty of Zionism and, maybe, even in a deeper sense, this is the beauty of Judaism that, as much as you go forward, the road is never-ending. In the spirit of the never-ending celebration of the existence of the State of Israel, the public affairs representative at the Israeli Embassy in Washington assured me that Israelis will celebrate their 60 th anniversary for a year beginning on May 8, and they will be pleased to support Israelrelated programs at TI. During the current Hebrew calendar year, we have conducted/ scheduled a total of programs. Let those 18 events contribute in our own way to Chai, or continued life (including health, prosperity and peace) for the State of Israel. Let us go from strength to strength as we continue our educational efforts and strengthen our connections with Israel. In that regard, Mary Meyerson and I plan to continue our work to provide comprehensive and meaningful Israel programming. Tony Freedman (chair of the Israel Affairs Committee), Betsy Miller and Susan Apter (co-chairs of the Adult Education Committee), and many others will continue with the same level of enthusiasm. Our thanks go to Sandy Levine, Rori Pollack, Rabbi Gorin and Cantor Helzner for their invaluable contributions. Ron Rabin s support and enthusiasm throughout the entire year has been appreciated greatly by all of us! In earlier columns, I ve mentioned the increasing Israeli interest in baseball. Here s another sports-related connection that Americans have with Israelis: there s an Israel Football League! It s not yet a professional league, with only four teams and less than 12 regularseason games scheduled this year. The player base is in Israel, with some representation of Jews from America who have made aliyah. 6

7 ISRAEL AT Tikvat Israel Congregation Tikvat Israel CELEBRATES ISRAEL at 60 Thursday, May 8th 5:30 PM BBQ- Hot Dogs, Meat and Veggie Burgers, Israeli Salads- in an area of Parking Lot CELEBRATORY PROGRAM featuring: Greetings from Embassy of Israel Songs of Israel with Cantor Helzner, Eine Kline Tikvah Band, Wendy Morrison, T.I. Choirs, and Youth Israeli Folk Dancing with Moshe Shem Tov Inspiring Visuals of Israel Mementos 5:30 - Mincha 5:45-6:45 - BBQ 7:00 - Celebratory Program in Sanctuary 8:00 - Maariv, Israeli Dancing, Film of Israeli Vistas Cost for BBQ: Adults & Children ages 9 and over -$10. Children ages $6. Reserve by April 30 Pay by check, or call or office: Office@tikvatisrael.org for billing Yom Ha Atzmaut BBQ Dinner - May 8, (served between 5:45-6:45 only) Name Number of 9 years and older Number of 3 to 8 years Number of Vegetarians Amount enclosed $ Design by AVY 7

8 Rori Pollak, Director Broadman-Kaplan Early Childhood Center This year has flown by so quickly. It is hard to believe that it is already May. As I write this it feels like just last month the children enjoyed parading around the parking lot in their Purim costumes. Now as I look at the calendar, I realize that it is already Pesach. Walking down the halls I can still hear children singing dayeinu and the practicing of the four questions in Hebrew. The children were very excited to see Rabbi Gorin back from his travels as they welcomed him into their rooms. The Rabbi read some delightful Pesach stories. The cantor also joined in the Pesach fun when the children searched for bedikatz chametz. The teachers hid chametz crumbs for the children to find with spoons, feathers and flashlights. Cantor Helzner then took the children out back to burn the last bits of chametz before Pesach. The children were very excited to travel by t h e BIG YELLOW school busses to the Matzah Factory. The children heard the story of Passover and learned how matzah is only water and flour mixed together. Each child was given a piece of dough to roll out and make their own piece of matzah. I m not sure which was more exciting making matzah or riding a bus. The parents were invited to the model seder the children performed the portion of maggid, the telling of the story. The children helped tell the story of the Exodus. As I read the story the children filled in the left-out words and answered questions posed to them. In addition, Judy Mael, the music specialist, joined in with her keyboard as the children sang old favorites about matzah, frogs and Pharaoh. Todah Rabah: I wish to thank the Rabbi and Cantor for joining in our holiday celebrations. The children truly enjoy their visits. Secondly, I wish to thank Ruth Lefcoe for the thousands of hours she put into making the silent auction such a huge success. Her efforts and diligence are a true benefit to our organization. I also wish to thank the many, many helpers who assisted Ruth. Ruth and her committee of assistants called vendors, copied, ed, stuffed envelopes, set-up, packed-up, cooked, and so on. In addition to working on the silent auction, Ruth also designed our new website. Looking Ahead: We are all very excited to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut. Several of our Hebrew immersion teachers are putting together a special Yom HaAtzmaut celebration for the whole school. Everyone enjoyed singing, dancing, activities, art projects and games, culminating in a big birthday bash. As our school year comes to an end June 6 is our last day we will need to say goodbye to friends and teachers leaving for other programs and different schools. We will need to welcome new friends and families to the ECC. Fall 2008: The ECC is currently accepting registration for fall We welcome children between the ages of 18 month and 5 years. Application/waitlist forms and registration information can be found on our website at We strongly suggest prospective parents sign-up for a personal tour. All they have to do is call the ECC office at Play Is Children s Work Many parents may wonder if a program that focuses on academics is better than one that emphasizes learning through play. It s unfortunate that people too often take polarized positions on this issue. Some who recognize the importance of play feel it is inappropriate to push academics. Others believe that children will fall behind if they are not taught academics at a young age. We believe this either/or thinking misses the point and does not reflect current knowledge. Contrary to what one might expect, the benefits of rich play experiences during the preschool years are extensive and address academic goals for reading and writing, math, science, social studies and the arts. Several decades of research show that high-quality preschool programs that aim to strengthen social and emotional skills through play have positive effects on all aspects of children s development including their cognitive or intellectual development. What s more, these positive effects are long lasting. Programs that overemphasize academic learning through teacher-directed instruction in preschool may produce short-term results, but they fail in the long run to improve children s success in school and in life. When children play, they take the initiative choosing where they want to play, coming up with ideas, and trying them out. In any one play period, your child might choose to work on a puzzle, build a block tower, look through a familiar book and retell the story, or play a game with a friend. When children are free to follow their interests within an environment that supports and extends their exploration learning happens. I wish everyone a joyful spring. BOY SCOUTS cont. from page 1 own Troop To see the result of the efforts of Scott and the rest of the troop, take a look at the saplings they recently planted in front of the entrance to the school wing. If you had a sapling in your hand and were told that the Messiah had come, first plant the sapling, then go out to greet the Messiah. (Midrash Avot d Rabbi Natan 8,31). Troop 1948, chartered and sponsored by Tikvat Israel, is one of only three Jewish troops in Montgomery County. It provides a complete Scouting experience in a Jewish context. The Troop is shomer Shabbat v kashrut (observes the Sabbath and the dietary laws) in all its activities so that all Jewish Scouts can participate in, and benefit from, the Scouting program. The aims of the Boy Scouts of America are to build character, fitness and citizenship. We accomplish this through the indoor program (meetings and merit badges) and the outdoor program (camping and hiking). The Boy Scout program is open to boys between 11 and 18. For information, contact Chuck Chatlynne (chatlynne@ comcast.net). 8

9 Religious School Sandy Levine, Director Please join us for the 10 th -grade confirmation on Shabbat morning, May 3. This particular class holds a very special place in my heart as they were the kindergarten class the very first year I came to Tikvat Israel. It is profoundly touching to see how they have grown into magnificent young adults. The confirmation ceremony celebrates the commitment to Jewish study beyond Bar/Bat Mitzvah. These students are affirming their desire to live a Jewish life and to be life-long learners. We honor them as individuals and as a group for their commitment to Jewish learning and for striving to live a meaningful and informed Jewish life. The members of our confirmation class are: Miriam Bachman, daughter of Debby Berlyne and Daniel Bachman Zachary Baer, son of Naomi and Jeff Baer Claire Bernstein, daughter of Dr. Jeffrey and Elyse Bernstein Jeremy Ehrlich, son of Lisa and Damon Ehrlich Samuel Matathias, son of Dr. Daniel and Amy Matathias Alexander Pinkus, son of Susan Kort and Lawrence Pinkus Elizabeth Pinkus, daughter of Susan Kort and Lawrence Pinkus Rachel Plafker, daughter of Susan and Jay Plafker May each of you go from strength to strength. May Judaism always be a source of joy, insight and comfort to you. There will be a wonderful Yom Ha Atzmaut celebration for the entire Tikvat Israel community on Thursday, May 8. Please join us as we celebrate Israel at 60! It will be a joyous time for all. Enjoy Goldberg s fresh bagels with all the toppings as well as coffee and juice on Sunday, May 4 in the school wing lobby. Our Hebrew immersion teacher is back from maternity leave. Prospective students and their parents are encouraged to come to our Hebrew immersion open house on Monday, April 28 at 6 p.m. Aren't the budding trees and blooming flowers glorious? Take time with your child to enjoy the wonderful change of seasons. Religious School Fundraiser Bagels to Go! What? Fresh Bagels from Goldberg s. Hot coffee. Relax at TI or take home a dozen bagels (or two!) When? Sunday, May 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Where? Room 14, Religious School Wing How to order: Return the order form and your check made out to Tikvat Israel Religious School to Sandy Levine or the Synagogue office by Wednesday, April 30 for pick-up on Sunday, May 4. Questions? Call Stuart Berlin at BAGEL ORDER FORM For pick-up on Sunday, May 4 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Name Telephone number Number of bagels: Please order by the 1/2 dozen ($6 each) or dozen ($10 each). Minimum advance order is 1/2 dozen of each kind. Plain Sesame Everything Raisin Egg Poppy Flavor of the Month! Black Russian Total = $ 9

10 SAVE THE DATE JUNE 1, 2008 Sunday Afternoon The National Mall Be There! Our community-wide 60: A Capital Celebration will be one of the most exciting festivals honoring Israel ever! Join us to cheer Israel s 60th birthday and its tremendous accomplishments in the arts and sciences, technology and business and many other areas. Highlights will include: Main Stage with headliner performances by internationally recognizeded entertainers, well-known Israeli musicians, artists, and more. Multiple Festival happenings with music, dance and theater performances, cultural presentations, children s activities and family workshops. Exhibits showcasing Israeli achievements in technology, communications, medical research, agriculture and science. Interactive Activities for people of all ages. 60: A CAPITAL CELEBRATION MUSIC DANCE THEATER HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES Contact Beri Kravitz at (301) or israel.60@shalomdc.org. For event volunteer opportunities, contact or volunteer@shalomdc.org. 10

11 Youth and Family Programming Department Lynn Berk, Director As we celebrate the 60th birthday of the State of Israel, our youth groups, the synagogue and the Jewish community are holding a variety of programs. On Sunday, May 4, Bonim and Machar will hold special programs about Israel. Bonim will travel to Israel and will have the chance to sample Israeli snacks, visit the shuk and bargain for items, daven at the Wailing Wall, and sift through ruins at an archaeological dig in Jerusalem. Machar will visit historic old synagogues and buildings to see famous mosaics floors and walls, and then create their own mosaics. They will stop by an Israeli falafel bar for a quick snack. On Sunday, May 18, Kadima will celebrate Israel by participating in an Extreme GaGa Challenge at B nai Tzedak Congregation with other Kadima groups. GaGa is a fast and fun Israeli version of a cross between soccer and kickball. USY will participate in Israeli programs being held at their regional spring convention May Tikvat Israel will celebrate with a BBQ dinner, games, speakers, entertainment, singing and Israeli dancing on Thursday evening, May 8. Join us for the community celebration on the Mall on Sunday, June 1. We will head to the Mall as a group. Join us for brunch, get a TI tee shirt and Israeli pin, and transportation to and from the Mall. For details, see page 1. I Drive Smart drivers education, taught by law enforcement officers, will be offered at Tikvat Israel June from 10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Each instructor has more than 150 hours of specialized training in Maryland motor vehicle law, emergency driver s training, and traffic collision HAZAK Visits Ratner Museum investigation and reconstruction. The program includes a 36-hour state certified driver training course, registration and course materials, and an MVA-approved course textbook. There is a discount for TI members. Seats are limited; please register early. At least 15 students are needed to hold this class. To see the complete schedule and register online, visit YOUTH GROUP CALENDARS Bonim May 4...Tour of Jerusalem Machar May 4... Trip through Jewish History Kadima May 4...BBQ & Kickball. Special welcome to 5th graders. May 18...Extreme Gaga Challenge USY May 2...Shabbat Dinner May 18...Laser Tag May Regional USY Spring Convention FAMILY PROGRAMMING CALENDAR May 4...Baltimore Road Clean-up May Family Game Day following Shabbat Kiddush On Wednesday, May 21 at 2 p.m., HAZAK will go to the Ratner Museum in Bethesda for a great afternoon. We ll have a docent-led tour of the general exhibit, and then of their May exhibit entitled, Four Visions: Eight Hands, featuring the works of four accomplished artists. The museum is only a short ride from the shul area and we are asking folks to provide their own transportation. This program is free, although reservations are required. RSVP to the office as soon as possible, but no later than Thursday, May 15. Details on parking will be provided to those with reservations. From the Mailbag On behalf of my family and myself I want to thank you for all of the support we received when my husband, Gordon, passed away in February. From the lovely Shabbat dinner, those who came to conduct our evening prayers, as well as members who attended to ensure that we have a minyan, we were truly comforted. Your thoughtfulness and support helped us through a very difficult time. Janet Oppenheimer Thank you for the Sh lach Manos in honor of Purim. We enjoyed the goodies and thank the congregation for delivering them to us. With our best wishes, Richard and Anita Stoll When Shaloch Manot appeared at my door for Purim, it made me realize once again that being a Tikvat Israel member has many rewards. The treats were delicious. Thank you so much for thinking of me. Elaine Moses Mazel Tov to the family of our April bar mitzvah, Daniel Behrman Helen and Steve Raucher on the bar mitzvah of their grandson, Jacob Ross Raucher, on April 5 at Nishmat Am Congregation in Plano, Texas. the families of our upcoming B nai Mitzvah: Ilana Matheson (May 10), Rachel Solomon (May 24), Noam Lautman (May 31) and Josh Drucker (June 7) the families of our May 3 confirmands: Miriam Bachman, Zachary Baer, Claire Bernstein, Jeremy Ehrlich, Samuel Matathias, Alexander Pinkus, Elizabeth Pinkus and Rachel Plafker Special thanks to Drs. Chuck and Louise Chatlynne who donated 37 volumes of The Anchor Bible Series to the Herman Flax Library. 11

12 Inscribe a Brick on Our Synagogue Patio The Ways & Means Committee is again offering congregants an opportunity to purchase bricks for the commemorative area of our new Front Patio. The purchase price per brick is $ To honor your family, friends, or loved ones with an engraved brick, simply complete the form below, and return to the synagogue with your check by May 15, Tikvat Israel Brick Order Form Yes, I want to purchase brick(s). Enclosed is my check for $ per brick. (Please make check payable to Tikvat Israel Congregation Patio Inscription examples: (l) In Memory of (or: In Honor of) (Insert name) (2) The Family (Insert your family name) See patio for additional examples. Please keep in mind that your brick inscription can be no more than three lines. Each line may include up to 14 letters. Spaces between words count as a letter. Use the space below to indicate how you would like your brick(s) inscribed. PLEASE PRINT AS NEATLY AND CLEARLY AS POSSIBLE. (For multiple bricks, please use additional forms available in office.) Line 1: Line 2: Line 3: Please return this form, with your check, to the synagogue office by May 15, Your name: Telephone number: address: Questions? Contact Ellen Eisner at or eeisner@comcast.net Buy a Brick and leave your imprint on our shul 12

13 Donations The Congregation gratefully acknowledges the following contributions which were received from March 16 through April 15, Donations made on the occasion of yahrtzeit in memory of: Joseph Apatoff and Lily Sims by Irv Apatoff Rhoda Zuskin by Shari Barash Myron Bishow by Joseph Bishow Isaac Flehinger by Elizabeth Chambre Lea Chernoff by Rosie and Howard Chernoff Sadie Eckstein by Norbert Eckstein Sol Wachovsky by Michele Eisenberg Ann Eisler by Ronald and Jeannette Eisler Hannah Barrack by Dorothy Engel Louis Auerbach by Marsha and Arthur Fabel Benjamin Fleitell by Evelyn Gietter Elizabeth Grishman by Melanie Grishman Samuel Grossman by Bernice Grossman Alice Katz by Madeline Guzman Hyman Schreiber by Annabelle Jaffe Mark Kabik, Theresa Kabik and Alvin Kabik by Irving Kabik Marguerite Eldredge by Joel and Annie Kahn and daughters Anne Kaiser by Jesse and Marian Kaiser Simon Katz by Howard and Sheryl Katz Sandra Tolpin by Leah Keilsohn Edith Adler and Jennie Kornhauser by Dotty and Lou Kornhauser Marion Laken and Ethel Toney by Sharon and Barry Laken Morris Lane by Amor and Anita Lane David Leise by Phyllis Leise Stanley Leithold and Jean Lewis by Betty and Donald Lewis Jacob Levi by Cantor Mark Levi Lottie Shankman by Lena Levine Abraham Moskowitz, Morris Polansky and Aaron Polansky by Harry and Ann Moskowitz Ida Weisbord by Susan and Neil Newman Mary Nussbaum by Edward Nussbaum Edward Rabin by Ronald Rabin Joseph Podgor and Anna Rom by Rose Rom Mark Kabik by Fannie Salzer Barbara Saltzman by Eli Saltzman Donald Linden by Karen and Charlie Sanders Stuart Schaffman by Mark Schaffman Nadia Schuchman by Celia and Leonard Schuchman Reuven Shacham by Ziva Schuchman Sam Katz by Dudley and Allison Schwartz Kalman Sokolow by Jayme Sokolow Helen Gross by Marilyn Teitelbaum Carolyn Wermiel by Jerry Wermiel Esther Salit by Minna Williamowsky Rabbi s Fund In memory of Harry Silverman By Barbara and Mel Gelman; Rena Shochet and family In memory of Bernard Flax By Herman Flax In memory of Albert Stutz By Freda Stutz Herman J. Flax Library Fund In memory of Bernard Flax By Herman Flax In memory of Pearl Gottesman By Sara and David Harris Cantors Fund In memory of Bernard Flax By Herman Flax In honor of Dorothy Engel By Marilyn and Michael Greenwood In memory of Pearl Gottesman By Susan and Neil Newman Refuah Shlemah to Judy Katz By Susan and Neil Newman; Jonathan and Nancy Solomon In memory of William M. Oppenheim By Belle and Bernie Schechter In memory of Leroy Moses By Elaine Moses In appreciation of Cantor Helzner By Barbara and Phil Katz; Janet Oppenheimer General Fund In honor of Rebecca Kurowski s graduation from Boston University Law School By Cliff and Betty Fishman In honor of Laura Silverstein s graduation from the University of Maryland Medical School By Cliff and Betty Fishman In honor of May Bernstein s Birthday In honor of Maurice Dunie s Birthday By Bess and Bud Lavine In appreciation of Tikvat Israel In appreciation of Sarah Sokolow In appreciaton of Laura Savely In honor of Larry Selwyn s 80 th birthday By Phyllis Leise In memory of Moodey Grishman By Cliff and Betty Fishman In memory of Mollie Harris By Cliff and Betty Fishman In memory of William Oppenheim By Barbara and Phil Katz; Susan and Neil Newman In memory of Pearl Gottesman By Phylis and Dan Ermann; Cliff and Betty Fishman; Paula and Sid Horowitz; Annabelle and Barry Jaffe; Marian and Jesse Kaiser; Barbara and Phil Katz; Susan and Jay Plafker; Roma and Marvin Sohn For a refuah shlemah to Judy Katz By Cliff and Betty Fishman; Barbara and Phil Katz For a refuah shlema to Rhoda Sakolsky By James Hendler and Terry Horowit In memory of Steve Kahn s mother, Arlene By Cliff and Betty Fishman; James Hendler and Terry Horowit In honor of Bess and Bud Lavine s 60 th anniversary By David and Phyllis Leise; Susan and Neil Newman In memory of Yitzhak Armoza By Marsha and Arthur Fabel In appreciation of Tikvat Israel By Debbie and Harry Segal In memory of Howard Dickenson s father By Aaron Mannes In memory of Harry Silverman By Michael and Freda Goldberg Kiddush Fund In honor of Charlotte Zeidman and Roz Kram By Col. and Mrs. Harvey Kaplan For a refuah shlemah to Judy Katz By Elaine Moses Beautification Fund Roz and Ted Kram In memory of Dora Kishner In memory of Aaron Seinmark By Elaine and Micah Krichevsky Bereavement Committee In memory of Lewis Greenwood In memory of Lottie Greenwood In memory of Hannah Barrack By Marilyn and Michael Greenwood Women s Jewish Network In memory of Mollie Harris By James Hendler and Terry Horwit In memory of Pearl Gottesman By Sara and David Harris; James Hendler and Terry Horwit; Sandy and Larry Levine Social Action Fund In memory of Pearl Gottesman By Dr. Richard and Ellen Lederman Cowan Torah Club Fund In honor of Rudy Fischer s special birthday By Roz and Ted Kram; Gertrude Krick In memory of Sara Berman By Howard Berman 13

14 Tikvat Israel remembers with respect those whose yahrzeits occur from 26 Nisan to 26 Iyar May Nisan/May 1 Joseph Glucksman David Leise Faye Raff Joseph Zalen 27 Nisan/May 2 Marilyn Bloomberg Julius Lifshutz Stuart Schaffman Cora Weil Oscar Zaccagni 28 Nisan/May 3 Evelyn Spector 29 Nisan/May 4 Esther Duker Pollack 30 Nisan/May 5 Evelyn B. Kaplan Ethel Melmed Paul Waltzer Harry Yudkoff 1 Iyar/May 6 David Fischer Herbert Horowitz Theodore Perlman Joseph Wagman Gary Yudkoff 2 Iyar/May 7 Sarah Bachman Isidore Cohen Harold Gorschman Hilda Klein Vinokur 3 Iyar/May 8 Linda Bressler Stella Suskind 4 Iyar/May 9 Reva Bloch Hannah Edelman Esther May Feinsilber Jacob Sweet 5 Iyar/May 10 Bernice Belasco Celia Bressler Allan Danoff Sylvia Weinstein Levine Harry Loeb Mona M. Martin Gisela Reich Hilde Scheraga Bernard Stern 6 Iyar/May 11 Nathan Kerson Harry Lifshutz Toba Ohr Harry Sneiderman 7 Iyar/May 12 Max Bloom Nachman Burdett Ethel Freedenberg Vincent Gesumaria Ruth Goldman Samuel Katz Hyman Kram Gela Marmor Samuel Marmor Libby Deutsch Rosen Philip Wilchins Josephine Wottitzky 8 Iyar/May 13 Dora Alper George Boroff Morris Gateman Louis Harrison Nachama Williamowsky 9 Iyar/May 14 Max Regensteiner 10 Iyar/May 15 William Brick Selma Goldstein Robert Kopp Lillian Miller Murphy 11 Iyar/May 16 Lillian Bishow Frank Einbinder Meshel Kirschbaum Howard C. Penenburgh 12 Iyar/May 17 Edna Gorfine Helyn Mulitz Celia Shetzich Isadore Zeidman 13 Iyar/May 18 Eva Fessler Esther Goldman William Prince Max Shetzich Harry Shulman Rose Weiss Nathan Wermiel 14 Iyar/May 19 Bertha Apt Rose Crasnick Bernard Yudkoff 15 Iyar/May 20 Joseph Axelrod Sandra Baruch Irving Goldman Hugh Hochberg 16 Iyar/May 21 Sadie Bauman Philip Danoff 17 Iyar/May 22 Rae Danoff Harry Eisler Anna Knopp Rebecca Podgor Eli Rubinstein 18 Iyar/May 23 Louis Grossman Samuel Nathan Kaplan Alexander Levine Andrew A. Levinrad Martin Miller William Shapiro 19 Iyar/May 24 Mollie Exler Morris Gisser Ethel Gold Bernard Grob Bertha Luchs Saul Seigel 20 Iyar/May 25 William Fessler Adolph Fullenbaum Ida Kirschbaum 21 Iyar/May 26 William Berk Mindl Mina Lustig Faye Toporek 22 Iyar/May 27 Lee Buchbinder Frieda Sneiderman 23 Iyar/May 28 Jennie Fischer Salomon Koricki David Rubin 24 Iyar/May 29 Robin Freedman Ruth Grayson Bernice Elvin Meiselman Rose Seligman 25 Iyar/May 30 Rachel Ginsburg Fannie Kerson 26 Iyar/May 31 Frank Goldstein Alex Weiss CONDOLENCES Congregation Tikvat Israel extends condolences on the deaths of: Pearl Gottesman, mother of Shelly Goldin Gloria Levinrad, wife of Samuel Levinrad Harry Silverman 14