The Prophet. At Temple Isaiah This Month. (Rabbi continued on next page) Friday, January 6 Munchkin Minyan Shabbat Service

Transcription

1 The Prophet Last month, I used this space to share the message I delivered at the kick-off event for County Executive Allan Kittleman s #OneHoward initiative. In that message, I acknowledged a sense of being both scared and angry as a result of the proliferation of acts of hatred and intolerance witnessed in recent months in our community and around the country. However, I maintained, I am more ENCOURAGED than afraid due to the fact that many people of good will appear to be galvanizing around the commitment that we will not allow the shrill voices of hate to win. I wish I was writing this month to relate all of the ways in which that faith and hope have been strengthened in recent weeks. However, I need to write instead that I am convinced that we will need to be even more vigilant and aware as we move through a period where acts of hatred and intolerance seem to be only increasing. The most recent act that hit close to home for me was the defacing of the primary entry sign of the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati with a large swastika in the first days of (Picture 1 on next page.) Founded in 1875, HUC in Cincinnati is the epicenter of historic Reform Judaism in the United States. While I attended HUC s campus in New York City, and the College-Institute also maintains significant campuses in Jerusalem and Los Angeles, it was in Cincinnati that American Reform Judaism was born, and where the very first rabbis (of any denomination) were ordained in America. Though I may engage in a good-natured rivalry with Rabbi Plotkin (who was ordained at the Cincinnati campus) about the relative merits of my campus versus his, it truly is one institution and the beating heart is in the center of this country. Additionally, HUC has been one of the most important institutions in the city of Cincinnati a center for civic engagement, scholarship and interfaith action. Folks with no Jewish connection whatsoever in Cincinnati seem to know HUC. My personal experiences at the campus are limited, though it is where I first interviewed for jobs at the end of my rabbinical school years, as well as where I spent time with colleagues in multiple retreats. But, as with hundreds of my rabbinic colleagues across the world, the image of a swastika spray-painted on the sign that welcomes you to the Hebrew Union College hit home in a deeply troubling way. Rabbi Aaron Panken, the President of HUC-JIR, wrote this in his public response: For more than 140 years, HUC-JIR has been devoted to the values of pluralism, open dialogue, and the pursuit of knowledge. We pride ourselves on being a vital and engaged part of the Cincinnati community. Our academic institution of Jewish higher education lives, teaches, and brings the values of diversity and tolerance to the community, the nation, and the larger world. Our faculty, students, staff, and alumni, proudly representing all faiths and backgrounds, work together to build a just and humane world. We will not let this act of hate alter our important work. We are indebted to the people of Cincinnati who have stood by us for generations and who have offered their support again today. Tomorrow, a new day will dawn and the values we hold dear will continue to light the way. Added to the incidents of graffiti and destruction of property that took place in recent months closer to my physical home, including swastikas on Tot Lots in River Hill; (picture 2) added to the vicious acts of anti-semitism around the country and around the world, such as the cruel rearrangement of a Chandler, Arizona family s menorah into the shape of a swastika; (picture 3) added to the sense that the State of Israel is increasingly being isolated and targeted by bodies like the United Nations, who never miss an opportunity to pass one-sided and deceptive condemnations of Israel while remaining silent on so many incidents of real genocide and oppression around the world; these and so many other issues of concern leave me in a state of genuine anger and concern, bordering despair. Tevet/Shevat 5777 January 2017 At Temple Isaiah This Month Friday, January 6 Munchkin Minyan Shabbat Service Friday, January 7 Torah Study Bar Mitzvah Daniel Tuma Friday, January 13 Shabbat Service Saturday, January 14 Tot Shabbat Friday, January 20 Shabbat Service Saturday, January 21 Torah Study Friday, January 27 Family Shabbat Service Saturday, January 28 Community Shabbat & Schmooze Friday, February 3 Shabbat Service Scout Shabbat Saturday, February 4 Torah Study B nai Mitzvah Joshua Hirschfeld/Zachary Shord Friday, February 10 Shabbat Service 6pm 8pm 9am 10am 8pm 10:30am 8pm 9am 7pm 10am 8pm 9am 10am 8pm Saturday, February 11 Bat Mitzvah Bryn Schwartz 10am Tot Shabbat 10:30am (Rabbi continued on next page)

2 I say bordering despair very consciously though because my faith tells me that we can allow ourselves to approach the boarder of despair, but never to cross its threshold. I hold strongly to what Holocaust survivor and theologian Emil Fackenheim ( ) taught as the 614 th commandment:... we are, first, commanded to survive as Jews, lest the Jewish people perish. We are commanded, second, to remember in our very guts and bones the martyrs of the Holocaust, lest their memory perish. We are forbidden, thirdly, to deny or despair of God, however much we may have to contend with him or with belief in him, lest Judaism perish. We are forbidden, finally, to despair of the world as the place which is to become the kingdom of God, lest we help make it a meaningless place in which God is dead or irrelevant and everything is permitted. To abandon any of these imperatives, in response to Hitler's victory at Auschwitz, would be to hand him yet other, posthumous victories. I will not despair and I hope you will join me in redoubling efforts to bring light into the darker places of the world! With prayers for light and strength, Rabbi Craig Axler 1 2 3

3 from the President Happy New Year! Did you make a New Year s resolution? Sometimes I do and sometimes I don t, and I cannot recall if I have ever followed through with one. As I was contemplating this new year, it dawned on me that we use the calendar as a benchmark for making resolutions. We are trained that change must come according to a certain time frame- I ll start my diet on Monday; I ll go to services next week; I ll volunteer more hours next month; I ll go to the gym after the new year, etc. If a resolution becomes neither gratifying nor enlightening, we often wait until the next cycle to make our next resolution. What are we waiting for? Maybe we wait because we tend to remain a part of the status quo, doing things when it is expected of us and when everyone else does them. It is comfortable and familiar to start a new exercise regime after the first of year, or to start a diet on Monday, or to make a donation only when we receive the annual call or to volunteer only when an announcement is posted, etc. Going against the trend feels uncomfortable, but we need to change things up, feel uncomfortable, re-invent ourselves in order to make change and better ourselves. A resolution can be made at any time. As Jews, we are here because of our ancestors who were faced with many challenges and who resolved to make changes in order to persevere and survive as a people. We should do as our ancestors did and resolve to make proactive changes when we feel we should, and not when it is expected. The next time you think to yourself maybe that is something that I should do or I like that idea, then just do it! At Temple Isaiah there are numerous opportunities to make a difference. I believe that many of us in the TI family would love to take advantage of the opportunities at Temple Isaiah but feel that now is not a good time. Is there ever a good time? Why wait? Resolve to change and make now the time! Sign up for Cold Weather Shelter; join Sisterhood or Men s Club; volunteer on a committee; come to Shabbat services; join Torah study; walk up to someone you don t know and make a new friend, etc. Resolve not to wait to have new experiences that would benefit your personal growth while helping others and you will feel gratified and enlightened. Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and gratifying new year! Chag sameach, Donna Kasoff Board Summary Temple Isaiah has 4 new members. The current total membership is 495 families. The Pre-Thanksgiving multi-faith service was very well attended. 13 different local congregations participated. Feedback regarding the Scholar-in-Residence program was positive.

4 Synagogue Life to our January Bar Mitzvah Daniel Tuma...to Glenn & Bohne Silber on the birth of their granddaughter, Nora Rivka Lesser...Matt & Abby Haven and big sister Penelope on the birth of their son & brother, Hudson Beckett. Book Discussion with Rabbi Axler Join Rabbi Axler on Thursday, January 19th at 7pm for a book discussion of The Secret Chord a historical fiction version of the story of King David by Geraldine Brooks. We will look at the ways in which Brooks uses the Biblical story, traditional commentaries/ midrash and her own imagination to make this compelling story even more full. RSVP or questions to lori@templeisaiah.org All are welcome! ANCIENT WISDOM Modern Family Study with Rabbi Axler the Torah in the light of what it teaches us about our families and our lives. ALL ARE WELCOME Jan 8, Feb 5 & May 7 at 11:30am Shabbat & Schmooze Saturday, January 28 at 10am Don't miss this opportunity for warm, casual worship, Torah learning and a light Kiddush lunch. Shabbat and Schmooze is open to all and is free of charge If your New Year's resolution is to do more mitzvot, here's a chance to start the year off right! Be a volunteer at the 4th Annual Temple Isaiah/Grassroots Cold Weather Shelter Three lists have been set up in Sign Up Genius to cover all of our needs to ensure the success of the Cold Weather Shelter. Please click on the link for the type of help you'd like to give: Click the TRANSPORTATION sign up, dedicated solely to those who want to transport guests to and from the mall. Click the FOOD/SUPPLIES sign-up to donate food and supplies as well as to volunteer to set up, serve, and clean up dinners. Click the GENERAL VOLUNTEERS sign up, for volunteer jobs not related to either driving or food/supply donations. Please don't hesitate to contact Susan Gordon at susebg@gmail.com with questions

5

6 Volunteer Corner Doris Geisler was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico where she was a member of the only Conservative temple around, most temples are Orthodox, and none are Reform. She raised two children, while she was teaching in a Jewish day school K- 3 rd grade and volunteering at WIZO. Her daughter Carla still lives in Mexico and her son Jorge lives in Miami. Fifteen years ago, she married Allan Geisler who also had two children; Jen lives in Gaithersburg and Andrew in Philadelphia. All together Doris and Allan have nine grandchildren. Allan has been a member of Temple Isaiah for over thirty years so when they got married, Doris also joined. For the next ten years, she slowly became comfortable with the life in the US, different language, way of life, food, sense of humor and she also became accustomed to the Reform movement and traditions. Rabbi Axler had previously been Andrew s Rabbi in Philadelphia and he had told her that Temple Isaiah was stealing their treasure! Before Rabbi Axler, Doris only attended services and spent her time volunteering at Gilchrist Hospice Care. However, Rabbi Axler brought new warmth to TI and Doris decided to get more involved. She joined the Renaissance Board, is a part of the Care Committee and is in charge of Fundraising for Sisterhood. She is organizing together with a great committee a Casino Night for April 22 nd that she hopes it s going to be a very successful evening. She volunteers at the Jewish Federation of Howard County making bema baskets for bar/bat mitzvahs. She can t imagine not being a member of a temple and loves everything that TI does for its members. Doris is always looking for ways to help the community and enjoys offering help to anyone in need; all you have to do is ask.

7 Sisterhood Bonding, connecting, serving, creating ruach With the cold weather swooping in, I hope everyone is staying warm and cozy! At this time of year, it's easy to make a cocoon with family and friends, and that's a good thing. We also have a wonderful opportunity to help others build a warm cocoon via the Cold Weather Shelter. This year, Sisterhood is hosting dinner for the Cold Weather Shelter on Sunday, January 29th. We will be performing mitzvot to help people who need it... people who are all to often forgotten as even though we all live in Howard County, oftentimes we don't really "see" them. But, this doesn't just benefit the CWS guests -- we get something out of this, too! We can better understand the world outside of our cocoons and, in a way, grow our cocoon to encompass others. And that's a good thing. Thank you (as always), Allison January 22: Yoga for the soul 11:15am -1:00pm (sanctuary) Come try some easy chair yoga. Cost: Free for all Sisterhood members $5.00 for nonmembers RSVP to Barbara Lisle btlisle@comcast.net. January 26: - Fortune Cookie Bingo - 6:30pm (Snow Date - February 2) Come join in an evening full of fun, food and festivities at the East Moon Asian Bistro 5725 Richards Valley Rd, Ellicott City, MD Cost: $30 Sisterhood members only (Sorry, no guests. Space is limited.) Please RSVP to Beth Buchalter - bethbuc@yahoo.com. Checks can either be submitted to the TI Sisterhood mailbox or to Beth Buchalter: Beth Buchalter, 9696 Old Annapolis Rd, Ellicott City, MD January 29: Sisterhood's day to help with the Cold Weather Shelter. We are providing dinner for the shelter. Sign up to help at go/20f0849aeaf22a7ff2-sisterhood2 Mark Your Calendar For: Join Temple Isaiah Sisterhood for Casino Night Date: Saturday APRIL 22 Time: 7:30pm Cost: $75 per person Place: Temple Isaiah All proceeds to benefit Jewish Emergency Network and Champions Against Cancer. Details Coming Soon

8 Religious School It s never too late From time to time I meet a Jewish family who, for a variety of reason, has never affiliated with a synagogue or sent their kids to religious school. Despite their lack of involvement in organized Jewish life, most families of this type I encounter still feel a strong connection to Judaism through community, cultural aspects and family. Often what I hear from them, especially for those with kids in 3 rd grade and higher, is it s too late to start their children in religious school. A quick story: In ancient Israel there was a poor shepherd who was 40 years old. He wanted to marry the daughter of a very rich man, but the father insisted she marry a learned man. One day, the shepherd saw a rock that had been worn down by the water. He reasoned if the soft water can wear down the hard rock, then even my soul of 40 years of hard labor, can be softened by the words of Torah. He married the woman and promised to learn. That man s name was Akiva and he became one of the leading Rabbis in Jewish history. The point is, of course, it s never too late to start learning. While it is best that a child begins formal religious education in Kindergarten or at least by 3 rd grade, it is never too late to get started. While a child entering later may have to work harder to keep up with the class, we have students of all levels, and we have support for those who need extra help. The bottom line is that each student succeeds in his or her own way. While we check on student progress from time-to-time, we don t have tests. Besides academic concerns, parents express social concerns about their child fitting in, especially if they don t go to the right school. Well, the fact is that while we have a significant amount of students who are on track to attend either River Hill or Atholton High, we have students who go or will go to just about every High School in Howard County: Howard, Mt Hebron, Glenelg (public and Country Day), Centennial, Wilde Lake, Long Reach, Hammond and more (including a few in Carrol and Montgomery Counties). We are our own community, and every child has a place, regardless of where they spend their weekdays. The other concern that I hear is that a child will not be ready for Bar/Bat Mitzvah on time. At Temple Isaiah we have ways to make it work for every family. There is no rule or Jewish law that says a child must celebrate Bar/Bat Mitzvah within a certain time of the 13 th birthday. The ceremony is a recognition of the status of being responsible for one s own religious and spiritual development. The ceremony (and party) can happen whenever a child is ready. So when you are out and about and the topic comes up with a friend, neighbor, co-worker or random person on the street and they tell you it s too late let them know that at Temple Isaiah, it s never too late to get started. L Shalom, Rabbi Daniel Plotkin

9 Preschool I don t think I heard the word playdate until I was an adult. I don t remember having arranged playdates. My strongest memories are of being outside playing, from a pretty young age, with whomever on my block also happened to be outside. We played until it got dark or we got hungry. I had many friends and a variety of best friends over the years. To keep us outside with friends, even longer (or maybe, on second thought, as a way to just keep us closer to home) my father installed a working drinking fountain on the outside of our house! It was awesome. Sadly, I didn t feel I could raise my children quite this way and most parents aren t raising children with this much freedom currently. Luckily, though, this hasn t diminished children s desires to make friends and spend time with them. It has, however, increased the effort that parents must make to provide these opportunities as well as the importance of sending young children to preschool. One of my favorite things about being in a preschool is watching children s friendships develop and observing the differences in what it looks like to have or to be a friend among the varied ages. From day one, our teachers use language in the classroom that encourages friendship. Come to the rug for a story, friends, Listen to your friend s words, Each friend will have a turn, It s important to use gentle hands with your friends or Maybe a friend could help you fasten your smock are some examples. Teachers set up their classroom environments to encourage positive social interactions and the development of friendships. For example, you might see the dramatic play area labeled so that children know only four friends can play there at one time, encouraging a more quality play experience. In addition to the actual experience of making and being a friend, reading together about these experiences helps children to master some of these skills as well. A few of our favorite friendship books include: How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends by Jane Yolen, How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends by Jane Yolen Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney, Do You Want to Be My Friend? By Eric Carle Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel, Bear s New Friend (and many others in the Bear series) by Karma Wilson Friendships that begin in preschool are vibrant, meaningful and so important. Preschool made friendships can last for years and years as well as become the building blocks of the skills needed for a life time of making and keeping friends.

10 Renaissance Renaissance Dinner & Movie Night The Cobbler starring Adam Sandler Max Simkin (Adam Sandler) repairs shoes in the same New York shop that has been in his family for generations. Disenchanted with the grind of daily life, Max stumbles upon a magical heirloom that allows him to step into the lives of his customers and see the world in a new way. Sometimes walking in another man's shoes is the only way to discover who you really are. Sunday, February 26 at 5:30pm Cost $23, vegetarian option provided Arlene Gillis: arlenebg1@verizon.net & send check to Quarterstaff Road, Hold the Date and Mark Your Calendars - On Sunday, March 19th at 4:00pm, the Renaissance Group is sponsoring a "Lunch and Learn at Dinnertime" featuring Howard County's Israeli Shlicha, Hadar Shahar. More details to follow. Renaissance Committee Ann Goldscher (410) Jeff and Sue Dreifuss (301) Arlene Gillis (410) Larry and Carol Levin (301) Ellen Strichartz (410) Gary & Meg Weinberg (410) Milt and Judy Kline (410) Sue Appletree (410) Doris Geisler (410) Robyn Gold (410) Carol Friedhoffer (410) Judy Golub (410)

11 Federation Live Nominations The Jewish Federation of Howard County s annual gala, Fed Live, will take place on Wednesday, June 7, As the community building organization of Jewish Howard County, we wish to honor four individuals who have a passion for serving our community. We are now asking for nominations for individuals in these categories: Community Builder, Young Leadership, Woman of Valor and Tikkun Olam Volunteer Award (new this year). Please submit a nomination form by February 1 st. For more information, contact Meghann Schwartz at mschwartz@jewishhowardcounty.org. Purim Palooza Call for Volunteers The Purim Palooza and Kids Activity Expo will be here sooner than you expect! The 25th annual event is on Sunday, March 5th, from 12:30-3:30 pm and we need 150+ volunteers to make this day a success! Volunteer opportunities include event set-up, supervising games, helping with craft projects, giving out prizes, and more! Volunteer shifts are an hour and a half. All volunteers will receive a 2017 Purim Palooza t-shirt! Visit to sign up today! For more information about the event, please visit jewishhowardcounty.org/purim2017. Women s Lunch N Learn: Hot Off the Press Wednesday, February 1 11:30 am-1:00 pm Little Patuxent Pkwy, Suite 121 (1 st Floor Conference Room) The Jewish Federation of Howard County's Women's Division presents a four-part Lunch N Learn program about current events in Israel, led by our shlicha, Hadar Shahar. Bring a brown bag lunch we ll provide the dessert and drinks. For more information, contact Sophie Novinsky. To register, visit Associated.org/lunchnlearn. Maryland Jewish Community Advocacy Day Tuesday, February 7 4:30-8:00 pm Miller Senate Office Building, Annapolis Join the Jewish communities of Baltimore, Washington and Howard County to make our voices heard in Annapolis. Advocacy Day includes group meetings with your district legislator, followed by a joint reception with political leaders. Find more information here.

12 Andy Goldberg Tuition Assistance Fund Contributor s Guide to Funds Temple Isaiah strives to be a place where prayer, learning and tikkun olam are vital and fulfilling components of our Jewish community. Temple Isaiah s General Fund Where It s Needed Most : For the general benefit of TI to support and enhance programs, allowing for the greatest flexibility in fulfilling our mission A House of Learning Beit Midrash Religious School Fund to be used for equipment and special activities that support the religious school. Preschool Fund to be used for equipment and special activities that support the TI Panoff preschool. Andy Goldberg Tuition Assistance Fund to be used to provide financial assistance for tuition to Religious School and Preschool families. Andy was a life-long member of TI who died at 40. Library Fund to be used for books and materials that support TI s Library. This fund honors Dalia Feldman, TI s long-time B nai Mitzvah tutor. A House of Prayer Beit T filah Prayer Book Fund to be used to purchase and maintain prayer books. The fund honors Michael Brunner, TI s 3 rd president, who passed away at a young age. Judaica/Life Cycle Fund to support life cycle events as well as the worship needs of the temple, sanctuary and ritual objects. A House of Gathering Beit Knesset Building Enhancement Fund to be used to enhance and beautify our building. Mortgage Reduction Fund to be used to reduce the principal of the building s mortgage balance. Programming & Cultural Funds Tarbut Yehudiah Shir Isaiah Fund to be used to cover the costs of our adult choir. Cultural Arts and Speaker Fund to be used to support enrichment programs such as speakers, concerts, lectures and performances. Discretionary Funds These funds accept contributions in appreciation of the Rabbi and President and are to be used at their discretion to support temple families in need and programs: Rabbi Axler s Discretionary Fund Rabbi Plotkin s Discretionary Fund President s Discretionary Fund Youth Funds Ben Topus Shabbaton Fund Ben Topus Shabbaton Fund to be used to support the annual Shabbaton for teens. Ben died tragically as a teenager. His love for the Reform Jewish youth movement is the spirit behind this program for our youth. Youth Fund to be used to support youth activities and programs (including camps and leadership conferences). This fund also supports special needs children, assisting in providing them access to TI programs and activities. The Youth Fund honors three TI members: Dick Goldbergan early leader and past president of TI, Ellen Brill- a teenage member of TI who passed away at an early age and Rabbi Richard Sternbergerthe Mid-Atlantic Director of UAHC who helped form TI. Youth Services Fund to be used for supporting the costs of Youth Services. Repairing Our World Tikkun Olam Social Action Fund to be used to support social service agencies and social action projects. This fund honors Jonathan Altman, a TI member who tragically died in his twenties while serving on the TI board; this fund remembers his commitment to social action causes. Caring for Each Other G milut Hasadim Financial Assistance Fund to be used to provide financial assistance for dues to families in need. SEND DONATIONS TO: Temple Isaiah, Scaggsville Rd., Fulton, MD Donor s Name: Address: Phone: Donation is: o In Honor of o In Memory of: Please send a card to: Name: Address: Donation is to the following Fund: Temple Isaiah s General Fund A House of Learning Religious School Fund Special Needs Fund Preschool Fund Renèe s Garden Fund Andy Goldberg Tuition Assistance Fund Library Fund A House of Prayer Prayer Book Fund Judaica/Life Cycle Fund A House of Gathering Building Enhancement Fund Mortgage Reduction Fund Programming and Cultural Funds Shir Isaiah Fund Cultural Arts and Speaker Fund Discretionary Funds Rabbi Axler s Discretionary Fund Rabbi Plotkin s Discretionary Fund President s Discretionary Fund Youth Funds Ben Topus Shabbaton Fund Youth Fund Youth Services Fund Repairing Our World Social Action Fund Caring For Each Other Financial Assistance Fund

13 Donations May their memories be for a blessing. May the family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Mark Strichartz, beloved brother of Stanley (Ellen) Strichartz Samuel Spiegel, beloved grandfather of Allison Fishbein (JR Mace), great-grandfather of Emma & Benjamin Mace Doris Fishman, beloved mother of Steve Fishman ( & Stacey), grandmother of Sam, J.D., Rachel & Lexi Temple Isaiah General Fund from George Laniado In memory of David Brown from Arlene Gillis In honor of Zachary Newman from Cindy & Andrew Newman In honor of Nathan Kessler from Frona & Robert Dubin from Frona & Robert Dubin from Beth & Cary Millstein from Beth & Cary Millstein from Simpson Gardyn & Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn, P.A. from Toni & Jerome Carr from Marian & Wayne Cascio from Ann & Jay Goldscher from Jacqueline & Roger Norden from Susan & Bernard Leibtag from Natalie Jeffrey from Sarita & Milton Eisner from Vicki & Howard Margolis from The Greenfeld & Weinstein Families from Sheila Footer In memory of Ethel Potash from Carole Potash from Lily & Wayne Gold from Lois Lebovitz In memory of Emily Soifer from Susan & Matthew Soifer In honor of The Ott Family from Harold Michels from Stefanie Feldman from Barbara Bally from Margie & Joe Hoffman & Family from Judy & Jayson Slotnik In honor of Nathan Kessler from Natalie Stein from PNC Real Estate In honor of Rob Freedman from Jane & Michael Glick from Janice & Joe Hurwitz In honor of Larry Davis from Harvey Jacobs from Susan & Matthew Soifer In memory of Hedi Katzen from Diane & Bob Goodridge In memory of Mark Strickhartz from Margie & Denny Rapport A House of Learning Religious School Fund In honor or Nathan Kessler from Sheilah & Simon Kalderon In memory of Herb Chapnick from Caryl & Howard Winter In memory of Martin Singer from Caryl & Howard Singer Preschool Fund from Nicole & Alan Koch from Madelyn Shapiro from Barbara & Jim Marks from Roberta Breslow from Fran Clay from Lenore Schiff from Elaine Liss Marilyn Payton from Debra Shapiro from Roberta & Stuart Breslow Religious School Fund In memory of Katherine Schwartzberg from The Schwartzberg-Brayton Family Special Needs In honor of Cindy Sandler from Carol & Larry Levin Andy Goldberg Tuition Assistance Fund In appreciation of Ron Abrams from Lila & Rabbi Mendel Abrams Library Fund from Cathie & Gary Perolman from Patricia & Lawrence Taubman In appreciation of Rabbi Axler from Shirley & Richard Burger from Sharon & Andy Nussbaum from Monica & Joel Recht In memory of Bernardo Kotelanski A House of Prayer from Monica & Joel Recht Prayer Book Fund In memory of Alexander Wasserman Judaica/Life Cycle Fund from Barbara & Martin Wasserman In honor or Nathan Kessler In memory of Loris Wasserman from Carol & Larry Levin from Barbara & Martin Wasserman In memory of Helen Pearson A House of Gathering from Barbara & Martin Wasserman Building Enhancement Fund In memory of Meyer Pearson In memory of Deborah Beth Fink Green from Barbara & Martin Wasserman from Janis & Jeff Goldman Rabbi Daniel Plotkin s Discretionary from Lynn & David Abramson Fund In appreciation of Rabbi Plotkin from Jeanie & Manuel Lazerov from Shirley & Richard Burger Programming and Cultural Funds Shir Isaiah (choir) Fund In appreciation of Marshall Kohen from Shirley & Richard Burger In appreciation of Gary Perolman from Shirley & Richard Burger In appreciation of Ed Gillis from Shirley & Richard Burger Cultural Arts & Speaker Funds from Gail & Jay Boyar Youth Funds Youth Fund from Jeanette Stein In honor of Nathan Kessler from Beth & Cary Millstein In honor of Nathan Kessler from Jeanie & Manuel Lazerov Repairing Our World Social Action Fund from Arlene & Roger Gerst Discretionary Funds Rabbi s Discretionary Fund from Frona & Robert Dubin In memory of Deborah Beth Fink Green In memory of Jerry Katzen from Janis & Jeff Goldman from Mark Katzen In memory of Katherine Schwartzberg In memory of Lotte Ohlmann from The Schwartzberg-Brayton Gottschlich Family from Linda & David Gottschlich In appreciation of Rabbi Axler In memory of Ilse Ohlmann Gottschlich from Lori & Howard Levitas from Linda & David Gottschlich In memory of Walter Ohlmann from Susan Horowitz from Linda & David Gottschlich Caring for Each Other from Matthew Flyer Financial Assistance Fund In memory of Leah Schreibstein from The Schreibstein Family from Margie & Denny Rapport In memory of Elaine Kaufman In honor of Nathan Kessler from Eydie Hammers from Margie & Denny Rapport from Cindy & Ben Sandler from Carol & Larry Levin In appreciation of Rabbi Axler from Barbara Lisle from Lori & Howard Levitas In memory of Alice Krulee from Jo Ellen Roseman from Diana & Steve Newman In memory of Samuel Spiegel from Barbara Green from Jeanie & Manuel Lazerov In memory of Samuel Spiegel from Barbara Green from Beth & Cary Millstein from Susan & Larry Rooner from Susan & Larry Gordon Elaine & Sheldon Kramer

14 January 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 4pm Kaskeset Concert am Gift Shop 5 6 6pm Munchkin Minyan 8pm Shabbat Service 7 9am Torah Study 10am Bar Mitzvah Daniel Tuma 8 9am TIRS, Beresheet Gift Shop - Dot Sale Men s Club / Sisterhood Brunch 11:30am Adult Ed 2:30pm College Reunion 4pm Crossing the Line-The New Face of Anti-Semitism 9 9:30am TIPS PTA Meeting am Gift Shop pm Shabbat Service 14 10:30am Tot Shabbat 7pm ConnecTIon Havdalah 15 TIRS Closed 16 MLK Jr. Day Office Closed 17 7pm Torah on Tap 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal 18 11am Gift Shop 19 7pm Book Discussion w/rabbi Axler The Secret Chord 20 8pm Shabbat Service 21 9am Torah Study 10am B nai Mitzvah Retreat 4pm Vance Gilbert & Ellis Paul Concert 22 9am TIRS, Beresheet Gift Shop 9:30am Babies & Bagels 10:45am Jr. Choir 11:15 Sisterhood Yoga for the Soul 1pm JYTI Painting Cold Weather Shelter 11am Gift Shop pm Family Shabbat 28 10am Family Shabbat & Schmooze am TIRS Gift Shop 1pm Club 34 - Pottery 6pm Gesher, Next Dor

15 A Reform Congregation of Central Maryland Scaggsville Road Fulton, Maryland Phone Fax Religious School Preschool to Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism URJ Rabbi Craig Axler Rabbi Mark J. Panoff, Emeritus Rebecca Droller Cantorial Soloist Rabbi Daniel Plotkin Rabbi Educator Amy Snyder Preschool Director Helen Winoker Administrator/Facilities Manager Lori Levitas Rabbi s Assistant Rachel Petroff Kessler Family Educator Beth Luntz Administrative Assistant Board of Trustees Donna Kasoff President Marshall Kohen Executive Vice President Gary Perolman Financial Vice President Barbara Lisle Membership Vice President Diana Newman Religious Vice President Michael Nord Treasurer Michelle Markow Secretary Rick Maltz Trustee Ellen Strichartz Trustee Lisa Welch Trustee Eric McCormick Trustee Andrew Maslan Trustee/TIPS Committee Lisa Welch Trustee/TIRS Committee Larry Gordon Past President Michael Witlin Men s Club President Allison Hoffman Sisterhood Ben Levitt Men s Club Representative Rebecca Fields Sisterhood Representative