THE JEWISH CENTER SPRING PROGRAM GUIDE 2016/5776. Erica Brown The Jewish Center Community Scholar

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1 THE JEWISH CENTER SPRING PROGRAM GUIDE 2016/5776 Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman Noted Speaker and Author, Former Rabbi of The Jewish Center Erica Brown The Jewish Center Community Scholar Ruth Calderon Former Member of Knesset Professor Samuel Rascoff Faculty Director, New York University Center on Law and Security Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman Rosh Yeshiva, RIETS, Yeshiva University Layaliza Soloveichik Assistant United States Attorney at the U.S. Attorney s Office The Modern Orthodox Center for Jewish Life and Learning INSIDE: Complete Spring JCU listings Upcoming Events and Programs

2 The Jewish Center 131 WEST 86th STREET NEW YORK, NY TELEPhONE: Fax: CLERGY AND STAFF Yosie Levine Rabbi Dovid Zirkind ASSISTANT Rabbi Chaim David Berson CANTOR Daniel Fridman RESIDENT Scholar Ari Lamm RESIDENT Scholar Erica Brown COMMUNITY SCHOLAR Noach Goldstein WILLIAM FISCHMAN Rabbinic Intern Aaron Strum Executive Director Eliane Dreyfuss Glassman Director of Programming & Communications Jenn and Gaby Minsky YOUTH DirectorS Ilana Gadish YOETzet Halacha OFFICERS Avi Schwartz President Andrew Borodach First Vice President Andrew Kaplan Vice President Mark Segall Vice President Rose Lynn Sherr Vice President Michael Jacobs ASSISTANT Vice President Yaron Kinar TREASURER Len Berman ASSISTANT Treasurer Miri Lipsky Secretary The Jewish Center, a cornerstone of Modern Orthodox Jewish Life on the Upper West Side, inspires its members and embraces the broader Jewish community through vibrant prayer, serious Torah study, spiritual inquiry, charitable endeavors, appreciation of world culture and an abiding commitment to the State of Israel. In these pages, you will discover a Center that is the religious, intellectual and spiritual home for each of its members as well as a Modern Orthodox Center for Jewish Life and Learning that is welcoming to all. We invite you to explore the full gamut of our fresh classes and new programs and we look forward to seeing you at The Jewish Center. X Inside these pages, you will find opportunities to: Engage your children in enriching and meaningful Jewish activity Thank our outgoing officers and welcome our new officers at our Annual Membership Meeting Attend talks by top scholars and leading Jewish professionals Celebrate the State of Israel Table of contents: Tefillah at The JC... Page 3 Jewish Center University Course Listings and Descriptions Page 4 Shabbat Afternoons at The JC... Page 6 Youth Department... Page 7 Upcoming Events and Programs... Page 10 Celebrate Israel with The JC... Page 12 The Hanno Mott Lecture... Page 13 Spring Lecture Series... Page 14 Keter Torah Awards... Page 16 Shavuot at The Jewish Center... Page 17 Support The Jewish Center... Page 18

3 SHABBAT SERVICES X Main Sanctuary 9:00AM Cantor Chaim David Berson leads the service with melodies and songs that never fail to inspire. Rabbi Yosie Levine s weekly sermons address timely and timeless issues and speak to the congregants relationships with one another and with Hashem. Hashkama Minyan 7:45AM Young Leadership Minyan 9:30AM Young Couples & Families Minyan 9:30AM Friday Night Carlebach Minyan MJE Beginners Service 9:30AM 10th Floor Friday Night Late Minyan 8:00PM With a close-knit feel, this minyan features a 15 minute shiur in conjunction with a hot Kiddush immediately following davening. This minyan is the nucleus of the Young Leadership Committee s social and religious programming. Led exclusively by our young professionals and Assistant Rabbi, Rabbi Dovid Zirkind, the minyan combines beautiful tefillah and conversation on relevant issues and Jewish ideas. Twice a year the YCF community organizes a minyan followed by a kiddush or a luncheon. This family-friendly environment is a wonderful opportunity to meet other couples, and to lead services. Please check our website to find out when the next minyan will be hosted. Led by Cantor Chaim David Berson, this service uses the tunes of Shlomo Carlebach to inspire us and transform our Friday night experience. Led by Rabbi Mark Wildes, this Saturday morning service is designed for people who know little or nothing about Jewish prayer. Service is followed by kiddush, refreshments and socializing. No charge. Co-sponsored with NJOP. This minyan meets in June and July. Tefillah at The JC Sunday and Weekday Services On Sundays and legal holidays, Shacharit is held in the Max Stern Auditorium at 8:30AM. On weekday mornings, Shacharit is at 7:00AM and 8:00AM in The Max and Marion Grill Beit Midrash (4th floor). For Minchah and Maariv, Rosh Chodesh, fast days, Chol Hamoed and Selichot days, the times are adjusted (see calendar on our website). Women s Tehillim 7:15PM Join us every other Monday as we recite the entire Book of Tehillim for those who need our spiritual support and for the safety and well-being of our brothers and sisters in Israel. Please visit our website for more information. 3

4 Department of Tanach Jewish Center University Hashkama Shiur Rotating JCU Faculty Shabbat mornings at 9:15AM 5th floor dance studio Taught in conjunction with a hot Kiddush every Shabbat morning, this highly participatory class uses topics that relate to the weekly Parshah as well as pertinent contemporary halachic issues. Israel Friedman Daf Yomi Rotating JCU Faculty Weekdays at 7:45AM, Shabbat afternoon 45 minutes before Minchah 1st floor classroom Women of the Bible Rabbi Yosie Levine Wednesday at 11:00AM 4th floor Beginning with Eve, this series explores the lives and legacies of the women of the Bible. Through close textual readings and exploration of the classic Biblical commentaries, this class for women will attempt to gain a deeper understanding of the characters we know so well. Department of Talmud Rabbi Israel Silverstein Mishnayot Class Rabbi Yosie Levine Shabbat Morning at 8:30AM 1st floor A free-wheeling discussion of Jewish law and custom. Nosh and Drash Dr. Adena Berkowitz Tuesdays 10:15-11:30AM 4th floor Join us for this weekly Parsha shiur focusing on the intellectual and spiritual insights from the Torah. For women only. The Book of Ruth Rabbi Daniel Fridman Wednesdays at 6:45PM 8th floor Beit Hamikdash to Barbecue: Exploring the Mitzvah of Shechita Rabbi Noach Goldstein, William Fischman Rabbinic Intern Tuesdays at 7:45AM (beginning May 10) 8th floor 4

5 Department of History X Jewish History: Judaism in a Christian Empire Rabbi Ari Lamm Tuesdays at 7:00PM (beginning May 10) 4th floor In the modern world, Judaism and Christianity are seen as two great, but sharply divergent religious traditions. Yet too often we forget that, on the one hand, the earliest Christians actually identified proudly as adherents of the Torah, while on the other hand, many Jews, from the same period and later, espoused ideas that would eventually be thought of as originating with Christianity. In this course - suitable for advanced students and beginners alike - we will ask: to what extent were there sharp lines dividing early Jews and Christians, and to what extent were those lines blurred? At what point - and how - do Judaism and Christianity transform into completely separate religions? And, of foremost importance, how should these questions impact upon the lives of aspiring ovedei Hashem? Department of Jewish Thought David, King of Israel Sadye and Henry Bayer Chumash Class Rabbi Yosie Levine Tuesdays at 8:15PM (from May 10-24) 4th floor With an eye toward contemporary applications, this special class will look anew at the most charged narratives in the life of Israel s king. Using both classical and contemporary commentaries, this class will re-engage timeless questions in an attempt to unpack the human elements beneath the national story. Like Father Like Son: Contemporary Readings of Pirkei Avot Rabbi Dovid Zirkind Mondays at 7:00PM (from May 9-23) 4th floor This three-part series will study Pirkei Avot along the traditional cycle between Pesach and Shavuot. Beginning with the second Chapter, the Mishnayot studied each week will serve as a platform to discuss the relationship between tradition and revolution, and Orthodox s confrontation with the changing ethics of Western values. Jewish Center University 5

6 Jewish History Series Shabbat afternoons: One hour before Minchah Shabbat Afternoons at The JC May 7 at 6:15PM Rabbi Noach Goldstein William Fischman Rabbinic Intern Jews or Gentiles? Rabbinic and Communal Responses to the Conversos of 1391 and their Descendants May 14th at 6:30PM Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman Jews and Christians in the Medieval Era and Today: A Thirteenth Century Conversation of Enduring Significance Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman is a noted speaker and author and former Rabbi of The Jewish Center. He now serves as Rosh ha-merkaz of Heichal Shlomo in Jerusalem. May 21 at 6:30PM Rabbi Adam Mintz The History of Belief in God: What is the Obligation? Rabbi Adam Mintz is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Jewish Studies at City College, New York. He is the Rabbi and founder of Kehilat Rayim Ahuvim, a Modern Orthodox synagogue in Manhattan. June 4 at 6:45PM Talia Graff Between Two Worlds: Mendelssohn, Wessely and the Move Toward Modernity Talia Graff holds a BA and MA from Brandeis University in Near Eastern & Judaic Studies, as well as an MA in History from UCLA where she continues her studies toward a PhD in Jewish history. June 18 at 7:00PM Tamara Morsel-Eisenberg Femme Fatale: A Responsum on Isha Katlanit as a Window into Conceptions of Magic, Medicine and Science in the Early Modern Period Tamara Morsel-Eisenberg is a PhD candidate at the History Department of the University of Pennsylvania. She is currently a Leo Baeck Fellow as well as a Scholar in Residence in the Gruss Library of Talmudic Law at NYU Law. Tamara is working on a dissertation about the intellectual and cultural history of Ashkenaz in the Early Modern period, focusing on halachic writings, primarily responsa literature (She elot u Tshuvot). Seudah Shlishit Speakers Series: May 7: The Annual Yom Hashoah Seudah Shlishit A Personal Story of Surviving the Holocaust by Fran Maklin May 14: Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman is Rosh ha-merkaz, Heichal Shlomo Israel June 4: Rabbi Eric Grossman Head of School at the Ramaz School May 21: Elliot Zweig Deputy Director of the Middle East Media Research Institute June 18: Shimon Mercer Wood Consul for Media Affairs at the Israeli Consulate 6

7 JEWISH CENTER YOUTH DEPARTMENT The Jewish Center Youth Department is one of the most successfully-run youth programs on the Upper West Side, and remains a wonderful draw for young families in our community. With professionally-run Shabbat programs in The Geller Youth Center and The Max and Marion Grill Beit Midrash, and a plethora of exciting and educational year-round events, parents of children in preschool through 6th grade can participate fully in synagogue and holiday services while their children are exposed to introductory tefillah, education, parsha study and some wonderful peer fun as well. The Jewish Center is the center for the entire family, including your tots and teens. For more information about our Youth events, please contact our Youth Directors, Jenn and Gaby Minsky at jennandgaby@jewishcenter.org. 2 year olds, with Isabel Tsesarsky Geller Youth Center Morah Isabel runs a fun and active program for 2-yearolds, where children sing songs, play games and engage in age-appropriate conversations about Shabbat and holidays. The group ends with kiddush, before the children join their parents for Adon Olam in the main sanctuary. 3-4 year olds, with Ilana Shimunov Geller Youth Center With Morah Ilana, our children daven and sing Shabbat songs, learn about the parsha, play Shabbat games and listen to Torah-related stories. The children also choose games to play, stories to hear and enjoy kiddush before they go upstairs and lead Adon Olam in the main sanctuary. YOUTH GROUPS 5-6 year olds, with Rachel Karpf Geller Youth Center At this group, our children spend time learning about tefillah and play parsha and holiday-related games. Children also hear stories and participate in guided play, followed by kiddush. Afterwards, the children go upstairs and lead Adon Olam in the main sanctuary. 2nd-3rd grade, with Molly Goldmeier 7th floor Children engage in free play before the Junior Congregation davening begins. Our youth play parsha games, challenge themselves during parsha quizzes, play ice breakers, have guided play and story time. Before they leave, the group has a lively and delicious kiddush. Youth Department 7

8 4th-6th grade, with David Shimunov 7th floor This group aims to create a welcoming environment for tweens from a variety of schools. They spend Shabbat morning leading the Junior Congregation, delve further into their study of the parsha, play games and do ice breakers. The rabbis visit this group and engage in lively contemporary conversation about the parsha. Group games and sports build camaraderie and allow kids to make new friends. Spend Shabbat mornings with the youngest members of our shul. Being a Youth Group Assistant entails playing games, reading stories, davening and being a role model to youth members. Gaby and Jenn for more information on becoming a Youth Group Assistant. SHABBAT AFTERNOONS Youth Department Shabbat Afternoon Park Meet-Up Families with children ages 8 and younger are invited to spend Shabbat afternoons socializing in the park. Once the weather warms up, you will find the location and time in the weekly Shabbat Bulletin. Afternoon Groups 5th floor For boys and girls in 2nd-7th grade, there s no better way to spend Shabbat afternoons in NYC. With full access to The JC gym and interactive games, your child will play with friends in a fun and safe environment. Led by our experienced teacher, Yael Kahn Pinto, and her husband Tony Pinto, your child will have a great time playing sports and games, munching on snacks and discussing topics in Jewish life. Times vary according to the Minchah schedule, so make sure to check the Shabbat Bulletin. Shabbat Afternoon Parent-Child Learning This year long learning opportunity for parents and children is taught by our energetic and inquisitive clergy. We offer two different programs for children of different ages. The programs are thematically coordinated and touch upon Parshat HaShavuah and upcoming Holidays. Please check the weekly Shabbat Bulletin for more details. Host your Birthday Party at The JC Host your child s birthday party at The JC with Super Soccer Stars or Elliot s Gymnastics. Jewish Center members receive a 10% discount on birthday parties and classes. 8

9 UPCOMING EVENTS Annual Challah Bake Thursday, May 5 at 7:00PM, Located at a private residence on the UWS All women and girls are invited to join us for this annual program featuring Rachel Ringler. Rachel, challah baker extraordinaire, will delight us with her demonstration of how to make the most delicious challah, which we will all have a chance to make on our own and take home. In addition, Dr. Adena Berkowitz will share the various segulot (mystical traditions) connected with challah baking and the tradition of putting a key in the challah after Pesach. The address of the event will be given upon RSVP. Please direct questions to Jenn and Gaby at jennandgaby@ jewishcenter.org. Israel Shabbat Shabbat, May 7 All groups will spend the Shabbat before Yom Ha atzmaut engaging in Israel-themed interactive educational programs. Yom Ha atzmaut Family BBQ Thursday, May 12 Join us for a special JC rooftop family BBQ in celebration of Israel s Independence Day. Enjoy delicious food and music as your children create Israelthemed crafts. Teen Minyan and Kiddush in a Private Garden Shabbat, May 14 at 9:30AM The Jewish Center teen minyan, which meets once a month, is a forum for young men and women to take leadership roles in their religious lives. Davening and layning are led by the young men, and our young women deliver Divrei Torah exploring the Kriat HaTorah and explicating Shabbat tefillah. The minyan is followed by a wonderful kiddush where the teens can socialize. To participate or sponsor, contact Jenn and Gaby Minsky at jennandgaby@jewishcenter.org. End-of-the-Year Family Seudah Shlishit in Honor of Morah Judy Shabbat, May 21 Join us in celebrating Morah Judy and her Israeli heritage during this delicious Seudah Shlishit. Relax, hang out with your friends and make new friends while our youth are entertained. Teen Girls Basketball Clinic Sunday, May 22 from 11:00AM to 1:00PM Get ready to improve your skills at a teen girls basketball clinic! Alexis Goldstein will lead a clinic covering various aspects of the game like, passing, shooting, transitions, defensive stance and zone and communicating with your team. After the clinic we will have a delicious lunch! Birthday Kiddush Shabbat, June 4 Join us and celebrate all birthdays from March-June. Graduation Kiddush Shabbat, June 18 Join us as we celebrate the academic achievements of our community graduates. From preschool to PhD, if you, a family member or a friend flipped a tassel this spring, please let us know by contacting Eliane at eliane@jewishcenter.org. If you would like to sponsor the Graduation Kiddush, please contact Aaron Strum at astrum@jewishcenter.org or Jenn & Gaby Minsky at jennandgaby@jewishcenter.org. Youth Department 9

10 Upcoming Events and Programs Reading of the Names: UWS Yom Hashoah Commemoration Wednesday evening, May 4 at Congregation Rodeph Shalom (7 West 83rd Street) Once again we come together to commemorate Yom HaShoah in The Reading and Hearing of the Names of those killed during the Shoah. The Jewish Center reading will be from 4:00-4:20AM. For more information, please visit our website. A Special Private Tour with Rabbi Yosie Levine in Commemoration of Yom Hashoah: Anti-Semitism at the New York Historical Society Thursday, May 5 Join Rabbi Levine and the Advanced Leadership committee for a guided tour of this exhibit. Tickets cost $20 per person. Visit our website to register. Please direct questions to Batsheva, clergy assistant, at batsheva@jewishcenter.org. Annual Shlissel Challah Bake Thursday, May 5 at 7:00PM, located at a private residence on the UWS (address given upon RSVP) All women and girls are invited to join us for this annual program featuring Rachel Ringler. Rachel, challah baker extraordinaire, will delight us with her demonstration of how to make the most delicious challah which we will all have a chance to make on our own and take home. In addition, Dr. Adena Berkowitz will share the various segulot (mystical traditions) connected with challah baking and the tradition of putting a key in the challah after Pesach. Please register on our website. Questions can be directed to jennandgaby@jewishcenter.org. Young Couples & Families Picnic Shabbat, May 14 Join other young couples and families for a potluck picnic Shabbat lunch in Central Park! For more information and to RSVP, visit our website or contact Yael & Tony Pinto and Jessica & Noam Zeffren at ycf@jewishcenter.org. Blood Drive Sunday, May 22 from 10:00AM - 2:30PM Join The JC for our annual blood drive and help save a life. For questions, eliane@jewishcenter.org. Sisterhood Annual Brunch Sunday, May 22 at 10:30AM at the home of Heidi & Jeff Abraham Featuring a special tribute to past Sisterhood president Paulette Papilsky, z l and a special address by Best-Selling Author and Jewish Center Member, Seth M. Siegel, Good News: Why the BDS Bullies are Losing Every Battle. For more information and to register please sisterhood@jewishcenter.org. Book Club Meeting: All Who Go Do Not Return: A Memoir by Shulem Deen Sunday, June 5 at 7:30PM, at the home of Maureen & Laszlo Marcus, 645 West End Ave All are welcome to join for our final book club meeting of the year. The group will discuss All Who Go Do Not Return: A Memoir by Shulem Deen. Rabbi Dovid Zirkind will lead the discussion. If you have questions, please Dinah Mendes at bookclub@jewishcenter.org. 10

11 Graduation Kiddush Shabbat, June 18 Join us as we celebrate the academic achievements of our community graduates. From preschool to PhD, if you, a family member or a friend flipped a tassel this spring, please let us know by contacting Eliane at eliane@ jewishcenter.org. If you would like to sponsor the Graduation Kiddush, please contact Aaron Strum at astrum@jewishcenter.org or Jenn & Gaby at jennandgaby@jewishcenter.org. Annual Membership Meeting Monday, June 20 Each year we hold an annual meeting to conduct an open forum on shul business, elect new officers and members to the Board and Administrative Committee and welcome new members and remember departed ones. The Jewish Center Annual Dinner Tuesday, June 7 at Guastavino s 5th Annual Keter Torah Awards Shabbat, June 11 Shabbat Morning Public Lecture by Rabbi Daniel Fridman, And All of your Children Shall Learn of God Shabbat, June 25 The topic of the lecture will be determining appropriate goals and strategies for Jewish education, with a focus on individual instruction. Save the Date: Special Briefing by Maurizio Molinari, Editor-in-Chief of La Stampa Shabbat, July 30 We look forward to recognizing Lily Kaplan and Adina Wagman this year. Please visit our website for more information and to support this program. Tikkun Leil Shavuot Sunday night, June 12 Women and Girls Megillat Ruth Reading Monday, June 13 at 1:00PM Join JC women of every generation for this special event in the main sanctuary followed by lunch at 1:30PM. For more information contact Beth Schwartz at bethschwartz18@gmail.com Guests of Honor: Shira Orenstein & Daniel Kahn Rabbi Dr. Leo Jung Memorial Award: Yael Kahn Pinto & Tony Pinto Community Service Award: Rabbi Dovid & Ariella Zirkind Visit our website for more information. X Upcoming Events and Programs For more information on events and programs, contact Eliane Dreyfuss Glassman at eliane@jewishcenter.org or call x

12 Celebrate Israel with The Jewish Center Young Professionals Yom Hazikaron Memorial and Yom Ha atzmaut Celebration featuring the Moshav Band Wednesday, May 11 at The Jewish Center Minchah at 6:20PM followed by a Yom Hazikaron Tekes and then a Musical Ma ariv Chagigit and Tefillah Chagigit The evening will begin with a special tekes for Yom Hazikaron, Israel s Remembrance Day, followed by a Ma ariv chagigit for Yom Ha atzmaut with a musical Hallel. Afterwards, everyone is invited to a concert with Moshav Band. Co-presented by The Jewish Center, Congregation Ohab Zedek, Congregation Ramath Orah, Kehilat Rayim Ahuvim, Lincoln Square Synagogue, Young Israel of the West Side, West Side Institutional Synagogue, Darkhei Noam and Congregation Shearith Israel The Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue. This event costs $5 and pre-registration is required. Please visit to register. Yom Ha atzmaut Family BBQ Thursday, May 12 at 4:30PM Join us for a special JC rooftop family BBQ in celebration of Israel s Independence Day. Enjoy delicious food and music as your children create Israel-themed crafts. Salute to Israel Parade Sunday, June 5 from 11:00AM to 4:00PM Join The Jewish Center at one of the largest gatherings in the world in support of Israel. Celebrate the 68th anniversary of the State of Israel as we march up Fifth Avenue. This year s theme is Sight, Sound & Spirit. For more information please visit Community-wide Party By the Shore Thursday, May 12 at the 79th Street Boat Basin Join The JCC of Manhattan as the Hudson River becomes the Tel Aviv Tayelet (promenade) to celebrate Yom Ha atzmaut. Come early for kids activities, or join us at 6:30PM for an after-work celebration. Great Israeli music and food included in the $5 ticket price. Your first drink is on us! Visit for more information and to RSVP. 12

13 The Hanno Mott Lecture on Contemporary Jewish Ethics X An Armchair Conversation featuring: Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman and Professor Samuel Rascoff Technology, Surveillance and the Ethics of Personal Privacy Tuesday, May 31 Lecture begins at 8:00PM In an age of social media and ever-expanding technological capabilities, the limits and possibilities of personal privacy continue to change. Join two leading thinkers as they discuss the legal, ethical and religious implications of our ever-evolving digital landscape. Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman, Rabbi of Congregation Ohr Saadyah of Teaneck, is a Rosh Yeshiva at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary at Yeshiva University, as well as an instructor in the Sy Syms School of Business and the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, and serves as the Executive Editor of the RIETS initiative of YU Press. He is an alumnus of Yeshivat Kerem B Yavneh and received his ordination (Yoreh Yoreh and Yadin Yadin) from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, where he was a fellow of the Bella and Harry Wexner Kollel Elyon. Rabbi Feldman is the author of The Right and The Good: Halakhah and Human Relations (Jason Aronson, 1999; expanded edition, Yashar Books, 2005); Divine Footsteps: Chesed and the Jewish Soul (Yeshiva University Press, 2008); False Facts and True Rumors: Lashon Hara in Contemporary Culture (YU Press/Maggid Books); as well as three volumes of Talmudic essays entitled Binah BaSefarim. Rabbi Feldman is the co-editor of more than ten volumes of Talmudic essays and has also written for publications such as The Orthodox Forum, and the Oxford Handbook of Judaism and Economics. He is a frequent lecturer in locations across America and abroad. Professor Samuel Rascoff Samuel Rascoff, an expert in national security law, serves as faculty director of the New York University Center on Law and Security. Named a Carnegie Scholar in 2009, Rascoff came to the Law School from the New York City Police Department, where he served as director of intelligence analysis. A graduate of Harvard summa cum laude, Oxford with first class honors, and Yale Law School, Rascoff previously served as a law clerk to US Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter and to Judge Pierre N. Leval of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He was also a special assistant with the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq and an associate at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. Rascoff s publications include Presidential Intelligence (Harvard Law Review); Counterterrorism and New Deterrence (NYU Law Review); Establishing Official Islam? The Law and Strategy of Counter-Radicalization (Stanford Law Review); Domesticating Intelligence (Southern California Law Review), and The Law of Homegrown (Counter-) Terrorism (Texas Law Review). The Hanno Mott Lecture For more information and to register, please visit 13

14 Scholar in Residence: Erica Brown, JC Community Scholar Shabbat and Shavuot, June Join us for lectures, learning and leadership training sessions over Shabbat and Yom Tov. Erica Brown is an educator and author who consults for the Jewish Agency and other Jewish non-profits. She lectures and writes widely on subjects of Jewish interest and leadership. She lives with her husband and four children in Silver Spring, Maryland. Spring Lecture Series Shabbat Morning Public Lecture by Scholar in Residence: Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman Wisdom and Humility in a World of Personal Autonomy In commemoration of the first yahrzeit of mori ve-rabbi, Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein Shabbat, May 14 following 9:00AM services Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman is a noted speaker and author who lectures widely throughout Israel and the United States. His shiurim combine profound psychological insight and sensitivity with deep erudition, conceptual sophistication, path-breaking creativity, humor, and inspiration. Rabbi Berman is the former Rabbi of The Jewish Center and Instructor of Talmud (Reish Metivta) at Yeshiva University. He earned a BA in Philosophy from Yeshiva College, an MA in Jewish Philosophy from the Bernard Revel Graduate School, and Ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, after which he continued his studies in RIETS Kollel Elyon. After making Aliyah, Rabbi Berman earned a PhD in the philosophy of Halacha at Hebrew University and now serves as Rosh ha-mercaz of Heichal Shlomo in Jerusalem. With thanks to our sponsors: Sharon & Sinclair Haberman, Dinah & Andy Mendes, Ilana & David Prager Shabbat Afternoon Jewish History Series Jews and Christians in the Medieval Era and Today: A Thirteenth Century Conversation of Enduring Significance Seudah Shlishit Shiur Living in Gush Etzion During a Wave of Terror: Reflections on Life in Israel 14

15 Former Member of Knesset Ruth Calderon and Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman in Conversation Challenges, Opportunities and Complexities of Jewish Life and Learning in Israel Today Sunday, May 15 at 7:30PM X Ruth Calderon earned her MA and PhD in Talmud from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In 1989, she established the first Israeli secular, pluralistic, co-educational, and egalitarian Beth Midrash. In 1996 she founded ALMA, which seeks to acquaint secular Israelis with Hebrew culture. In 2012 she joined the new Yesh Atid party and was made a Knesset member, a position she held until She lives in Tel Aviv with her three children. This event is co-hosted by Tov B Yachad which strengthens the connection between the Orthodox community and the UJA-Federation of New York. Tickets cost $10 for Jewish Center members and $18 for members of the community. Please visit our website to register for this event. Martha Sonnenschein Memorial Lecture by Layaliza Soloveichik Shabbat, June 4 following 9:00AM services Layaliza Soloveichik graduated from Yeshiva University as valedictorian in both Jewish Studies and General Studies. She then earned a JD from Yale Law School and clerked on the Supreme Court of Israel. She also clerked on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and became a litigation associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind Wharton and Garrison, LLP. Currently, she is an Assistant United States Attorney at the U.S. Attorney s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Along the way she also obtained an MS in Jewish Education, and has given lectures in many Jewish communities around the United States. She is a sci-fi junkie and a chocoholic, and regularly gets beaten at chess by her children. Spring Lecture Series For more information and to register, please visit our website. Thank you to our education committee: Leora Botnick, Naomi Cohen, Bernard Falk, David Meyer, Rabbi Dovid Zirkind We welcome your feedback and ideas. The committee can be reached at education@jewishcenter.org 15

16 Fourth Annual Keter Torah Awards S Shabbat, June 11 T Rabbi Shimon said, There are three crowns: the crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood, and the crown of kingship. And the crown of a good name is superior to them all. Keter Torah Awards OUR HONOREES In the spirit of Shavuot, which celebrates two great Jewish heroines, Naomi and Ruth, the Keter Torah Award ceremony will immediately precede Shavuot. The ceremony provides a unique opportunity for The Jewish Center family to show its high regard for the outstanding commitment and leadership of women in our community. This year s Keter Torah Awards will be presented on Shabbat, June 11, 2016, following Shabbat morning services in The Jewish Center s main sanctuary. Lily Kaplan Please mark your calendars and join us for this special event. Adina Wagman If you would like to acknowledge the women of our synagogue, and our honorees, please visit Your donation will contribute towards honoring these women, as well as to support the work of The Jewish Center. Your name will be published in the program to be distributed at the presentation. Keter Torah Sponsor: $180 Rimon Sponsor: $72 For more information on events and programs at The JC, contact Eliane Dreyfuss Glassman at x110 or eliane@jewishcenter.org. 16

17 Young Leadership Pre-Shavuot Dinner Friday, June 10 Kick off the three-day chag with this annual Young Leadership sell-out event. Visit our website for more information and to register. Please with any questions or to get involved. Women and Girls Megillah reading Monday, June 13 at 1:00PM, followed by lunch at 1:30PM Parent-Child Learning over Shavuot Tikkun Leil Shavuot kicks off with: A special session co-taught by Rabbi Yosie Levine and Dr. Erica Brown Saturday night, June 11 at 11:45PM Shiurim and classes throughout the night Shavuot at The Jewish Center 17

18 The Jewish Center is pleased to offer many classes, programs, and social opportunities to the Jewish community free of charge. To continue to fulfill our mission as the Center for Jewish Life and Learning on the Upper West Side, we depend on the munificence of our participants. We invite you to join the growing number of members and donors who so generously support us. Support The Jewish Center For more information please visit Sponsorship Oppotunities Library/Beit Midrash The Jewish Center aims to make the Library/Beit Midrash a place where everyone will feel comfortable to learn and study. We are continuously expanding our literary resources with relevant works and greatly appreciate your book requests and donations. To support our learning center, please contact lbm@jewishcenter.org or visit our website. Kiddush or Seudah Shlishit Sponsorship One of the best parts of The Jewish Center is shmoozing during Kiddush. This time helps us build the connections that make us a strong, vibrant community. By sponsoring a Kiddush, you participate in supporting and fostering that sense of community. You can honor someone, remember someone, celebrate a simcha or personal accomplishment. There are many different Kiddushes (Community Kiddush, Hashkama Kiddush, Young Leadership Kiddush, Youth Birthday Kiddushes) and levels of Kiddush sponsorship. To support our Kiddushes, please contact Aaron Strum at astrum@jewishcenter.org. Sponsoring a Learning Opportunity Celebrate a special occasion with a gift to The Jewish Center in honor of a friend or family member. Your contribution will be acknowledged with a gift card informing the person being honored of your generosity. You may also wish to remember those who have passed Become a Member of The JC Membership at The Jewish Center provides a wide array of outstanding social, cultural, recreational, educational, and religious activities for people of all ages. Our programs and services celebrate Judaism, community, family, and the creation of friendships. The Jewish Center is the Modern Orthodox Center for Jewish Life and Learning that is welcoming to all; it s where you belong. away with a memorial gift to The Jewish Center. There is no better way to pay tribute to a life lived in pursuit of Jewish ideals and values. Your thoughtfulness will be acknowledged with a gift card to the family or friends you designate. For more information on tribute gifts, contact Aaron at astrum@jewishcenter.org. Memorial Plaques We recently installed a new Memorial Board on the west side of our Main Sanctuary. Purchasing an individual or family plaque is a wonderful way to memorialize a loved one. If you would like more information, please contact our Executive Director, Aaron Strum at x107 or at astrum@jewishcenter.org. Rabbi Leo Jung Memorial Fund Throughout the year, hundreds of people and places turn to The Jewish Center for financial assistance: orphanages, hospitals, poor people, yeshivot, and others. They come to The Jewish Center from our local community, from across the United States, and from Israel, because The Jewish Center is known as an institution that embodies the values of chessed and tzedakah. Our charity fund, named after and created by Rabbi Dr. Leo Jung, zt l, was established to help Jews in need throughout the world. Monies from this account are distributed at the discretion of the Rabbi. These are just some of the ways you can show your appreciation and support for The Jewish Center. For more information about other sponsorship opportunities, please contact Aaron Strum at astrum@ jewishcenter.org or call Join today! Apply online at or pick up a membership application in The JC lobby. 18

19 In Pictures 19

20 Savc thc Datc Shira Orenstein & Daniel Kahn GUESTS OF HONOR The Jewish Center Annual Dinner Tuesday, June 7, 2016 Guastavino s X Yael Kahn Pinto & Tony Pinto RABBI DR. LEO JUNG MEMORIAL AWARD Rabbi Dovid & Ariella Zirkind COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD The Jewish Center 131 West 86th Street New York, NY Telephone: Fax: