november 2017 - Congregation Habonim

NOVEMBER 2017 CHESHVAN / KISLEV 5778 103 West End Ave / New York, NY 10023 ph 212-787-5347 / fax 212-595-3542

www.habonim.net

From the Rabbi One of the important threads of the communal narrative of Congregation Habonim are the stories of our members' escape from Germany. The ability to cross borders led to the creation and building of our beloved Congregation Habonim. We honor this history, the tremendous courage of so many, and the commitment to remember our past so as to build a robust and mindful future each year in close proximity to Kristallnacht - the Night of Broken Glass. This year we'll commemorate this part of our history on Friday, November 10, 2017/ 22 Cheshvan 5778 during our Erev Shabbat Worship Service, beginning at 6:30 pm at Congregation Habonim. We welcome Dr. Shira Kohn who will offer remarks entitled, Saving the "Cream of German Jewish Youth," Student Refugees in America's Jewish College Fraternity System, 1936-1940. Dr. Kohn's talk stems from a paper entitled From German Jews to Jewish Greeks, Jewish student refugee programs in America's Jewish Frats and Sororities. The paper has been accepted into the Journal of American Jewish History and will be published in 2018. Dr. Kohn was the inaugural Taube/Koret Early Career Scholar at the Center for Jewish History and has taught Jewish Studies and Modern History at JTS, Barnard College and Stern College among other institutions of higher education. She is co-editor, along with Hasia Diner and Rachel Kranson, of A Jewish Feminine Mystique? Jewish Women in Postwar America (Rutgers University Press, 2010). Currently a member of the History Faculty at the Dalton School, Dr. Kohn will stay to chat with members of the congregation at the Oneg Shabbat following our prayer services.

Join me and Cantor Halev to welcome Shabbat and learn from Dr. Kohn on Friday evening, November 10, 2017. You'll experience the blessing of community and honor what it means to build from memory. l'Shalom, Rabbi Lisa Gelber Kristallnacht Remembrance at Congregation Habonim, during Erev Shabbat Worship Service Friday, November 10, 6:30 pm Guest speaker, Dr. Shira Kohn, will speak during the service, on the topic, Saving the "Cream of German Jewish Youth," Student Refugees in America's Jewish College Fraternity System, 1936-1940.

KRISTALLNACHT – REMEMBERING, HONORING, AND CARRYING IT FORWARD It was a weekday in November. There had been signs that the world around them was changing. In addition to the transformations in the political arena were the rifts in friendships and workplaces. But most clung to their way of life, sure that in the end things would return to ‘normal’ in the country they loved. But that November day would change everything. This was Germany in late 1938. Kristallnacht (the word understood among German Jews to describe this singular, cataclysmic event), was the public announcement of the German government’s ultimate goal of annihilation of all of Europe’s Jews. Those in Germany at the time saw it and felt it first hand, but Jews across the continent finally understood that the end, their end was near. Borders were closing, visas were not being issued, the world was turning its back. Kristallnacht, it is said, was the beginning of the end for the Jews of Europe. It took place in Germany but it transcended boundaries, as did the Shoah. Congregation Habonim was formed in New York City from the ashes of

Kristallnacht on its first anniversary. It is our tradition to remember all those who perished, at a Shabbat evening service close to November 9. Together, we can continue to remember and honor those millions of family members who died only because they were Jews. History and its lessons come alive if we make it so. ---Susan Grant NOVEMBER 2017 Kabbalat Shabbat Services Fridays, 6:30 pm, 11/3, 11/10 (includes Kristallnacht remembrance with Dr. Shira Kohn), 11/17, 11/24 Shabbat Morning Services Saturdays, 9:30 am, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25 Torah Tots (age 5 and under with parent/caregiver) Saturdays, 11:00 am – 12:00 noon, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25 Religious School Youth Shabbat (K – 5) Saturday, 11/4, 10:45 am – 12:00 noon Queens Service Friday, 11/17, 8:15 pm Museum Exhibit with Sisterhood Thursday, 11/2, 6:00 pm, guided tour of Modigliani Unmasked, at the Jewish Museum. “From Where Does My Strength Come” with Rabbi Gelber Monday, 11/6, 7:30 – 9:00 pm. Register at goo.gl/Y2Vurc. Author Event Tuesday, 11/7, 10:00 am, Ilana Kushner, author of If All the Seas Were Ink. Presenttation/discussion, books will be available for sale. Registration encouraged, but not required, register at goo.gl/pnvS87. Weekly Parasha Study with Rabbi Gelber Tuesdays, 10:00 am, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28 Community Shabbat Dinner Sponsored by Sisterhood (all invited) Friday evening, 11/17, Kabbalat Shabbat service followed by dinner at 7:30 pm. Register online at goo.gl/BBEiJk. Community Havdalah Saturday, 11/18, 5:20 pm

OFFICE CLOSINGS Thursday, 11/23 & Friday, 11/24 Offices closed, Thanksgiving. CONGREGATION HABONIM [email protected] / www.habonim.net / 212-787-5347 Rabbi Lisa B. Gelber Cantor Bruce Halev x. 107 x.109 Richard Kargauer, Rina Cohen Schwarz, Executive Director, Religious School Director, x.101 x.105 Tina Lobel, Nursery Ann Obsatz, Associate School Director, x.108 Nursery School Director, x.123 OFFICE STAFF Kenny Altman, x.103 Roy Ramsey, x.106 Adina Rifkin, x.100 Louise Rode, x.102 MAINTENANCE STAFF Matvey Khazanov, Jesus Guttierez, x.122 x.122

Please send all donations and payments to: Congregation Habonim c/o Kesef Accounting Services POB 418, Montvale, NJ 07645 Please inform the Habonim office of all life cycle events in your family: births, deaths, anniversaries, awards, promotions & other significant events. Contact Adina at 212-787-5347 x.100, [email protected].

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OFFICERS Neil Goldstein, President Stephen Berman, Treasurer Susan Grant, Secretary David Feuerstein, Vice President Michael Harwayne, Vice Richard Verner, Vice President President TRUSTEES Mindy Abramson Beth Bornstein Jonathan Chariton Deena Ecker Nita Gottesman Wendy Halperin Debra Karlstein Jennifer Kenter Michael Massen Marc Mehl Maya Levy-Merdinger Jeffrey Moelis Abigail Schlaff Howard Stoffer Elaine Witkoff HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS Arthur Falkenstein, z”l Herman Lichtenberg, z”l Peter Mayer, z”l Marga Walter, z”l EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS (non-voting) Rabbi Lisa Gelber Cantor Bruce Halev Richard Kargauer, Saul Sanders Executive Director John Keller PAST PRESIDENTS Elaine Witkoff Saul Sanders Leo Asen John Keller Carol Kahn Strauss Ralph Stein, MD, z”l

CONTRIBUTE TO HABONIM    

Yahrzeit/Memorial Plaques Tree of Life Leaves – to acknowledge a special occasion or remember a loved one Prayer Books – book plate dedications for all occasions Kiddush Sponsorships

CEMETERY PLOTS Plots are available at Cedar Park Cemetery, Paramus, NJ, in the Habonim section. Contact Adina at 212-787-5347 x.100, [email protected]

Habonim Bulletin Coordinator and Editor – Kenny Altman

CONDOLENCES  

To Deborah, John, Avery and Lucy Meer on the passing of Deborah’s mother, Joan Schwartz, z”l. To Beth Lawrence and family on the passing of Beth’s mother, Hilda Cooper, z”l.

and Cantor Bruce to celebrate Shabbat in song and dance. Habonim’s After-School Program is underway. This fall, children will have an opportunity to explore Science with Professor Apple, Fun and Games with April, Soccer with Super Soccer Stars, Imagination Club with Jillian, Israeli Culture with Daniella and much more. We look forward to many exciting programs in the coming year. We started a new fun-filled class called Baby/Toddler Book Club taught by Vivien, our School Librarian. This interactive class introduces the joy of books to our youngest members using stories, music, singing, movement, finger plays, puppets and story boards. Vivien carefully chooses activities that spark curiosity in a safe and nurturing environment. Please contact Ann Obsatz at [email protected] for more information. In an effort to work more closely with the Habonim community as a whole, we have appointed Nursery School teachers to serve as a liaison to the Synagogue. The Red Roomers are excited to make Hanukkah candles with members of the Sisterhood and look forward to future collaborations in the year ahead. We are thrilled about all of these new developments and are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead. Tina Lobel Nursery School Director

If All the Seas Were Ink – author event with Ilana Kurshan Our classrooms are filled with children enjoying creative activities and playing cooperatively with friends. The teachers are dedicated to getting to know the unique qualities of each and every child. Every year our calendar changes in the fall based on the Jewish Holidays and this year has been a great year for celebration in school. Children in the Orange, Purple, Blue and Red Rooms had an opportunity to decorate the sukkah, shake a lulav, smell an etrog and dip apples in honey. These are just a few of the special moments that we have shared thus far. Rock Shabbat began at the end of October and, now that it is underway, the school will gather every Friday in the Sanctuary with Rabbi Gelber

Tuesday, November 7, 10:00 am Register online at goo.gl/pnvS87 “An intriguing, scholarly memoir” – Kirkus Reviews Ilana Kurshan is a graduate of Cambridge and Harvard, and has worked in literary publishing, both in New York and Jerusalem, and as the books editor for Lilith magazine. Copies of the book will be available for sale.

is encouraged to communicate suggestions with the Committee. Jonathan Chariton, Chair of the Ritual Committee, stated that the Committee will soon send out surveys to gather feedback about the High Holidays. Please respond in a timely manner, so that we can make our services even better and more meaningful to our community. The Board discussed the very important role of Gabbai in our Shabbat morning and holiday services. This is especially important when the clergy are off-site for B’nei Mitzvah. Interested Board members and any other synagogue members who regularly participate or who wish to participate in services should contact the Cantor at [email protected]. -----Susan Grant, Board Secretary

Sisterhood Torah Fund Pins Torah Fund pins are available. If you would like a pin, please send a check for $180, payable to "Torah Fund" to Janet Schwartz in care of Habonim, 103 West End Avenue, NYC 10023. Torah Fund supports the institutions that educate Conservative rabbis, cantors and educators including the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) in New York, Ziegler School of Rabbinical Studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles, Zacharias Frankel College at the University of Potsdam in Germany, Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem and Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano, in Buenos Aires. For more information, please contact [email protected]. From Where Does My Strength Come: Option B – Facing Adversity, Building Resilience and Finding Joy Join Rabbi Gelber to read Option B together Our Gan Class Visits the Sukkah, October 2017 NEWS FROM THE BOARD At its October 3 meeting, among other items, the Board heard a report on the progress of the Rabbi Transition Committee, co-chaired by Laura Meislin and Tony Robins. Rabbi Gelber and the Committee are working together to make Congregation Habonim the best it can be. Everyone

and to explore the Jewish themes and values that emerge as guideposts for building resilience as individuals and community. Mondays: 11/6, 12/4, 1/8, 2/5, 3/5, 4/9, 7:30 – 9:00 pm. Register online at goo.gl/Y2Vurc

Timeless traditions, tasty additions

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Thursday, November 9, 7:30 pm, Challah Baking Class at Or Olam, the East 55th Street Synagogue. Friday evening, November 17, Community Shabbat Dinner sponsored by Sisterhood, 6:30 Kabbalat Shabbat service will be followed by dinner at 7:30 pm. $18 per person, $54 maximum for families of 3 or more, no charge for age 5 and under. Sign up at goo.gl/BBEiJk or contact Adina at [email protected]. Tuesday, December 5, 7:00 pm, Book Group, The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish. Thursday, January 18, 7:00 pm, Book Group, The Mathematician’s Shiva by Stuart Rojstaczer.

The Habonim Sisterhood Cookbook is available for sale – a great gift idea for Hanukkah! Cookbooks are $36, including shipping & handling. Send check for $36, payable to Sisterhood, to Sisterhood c/o Congregation Habonim, 103 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10023, or contact Adina at 212-787-5347 x.100 or [email protected].

From Our Sisterhood President So much going on in the world and so many options – it is overwhelming. One option that is not overwhelming is getting involved in Sisterhood of Congregation Habonim. Getting involved in Sisterhood is getting involved in Congregation Habonim and in the community. If you have an idea for a program, event or project, let's make it happen. In the past year, events like the Hanukkah toy drive, movie afternoons and evenings at Habonim, Honey for the Holidays, and participation on Team Sharsheret at Race for the Cure, all began with someone’s suggestion. Let’s take a project or event that you worked on for another group, organization or school and adapt it for Habonim. Many projects and programs are not costly and working together, the time commitment can be minimal. Please send your comments and suggestions to [email protected]. ---Janet Cord, Sisterhood President Sisterhood, Upcoming Events (all invited, unless noted otherwise), contact [email protected] for information or to RSVP. Find us on the Web at www.habonim.net/sisterhood.

Sisterhood Luncheon, October 15, 2017

Better Together… Celebrating Community Habonim Community Gala 2017 Saturday, December 2, 7:30 – 11:30 pm Congregation Rodeph Sholom 7 W. 83rd Street Purchase tickets online at goo.gl/6TjAkc.

Nominating and Adult Ed committees. She currently serves on the Habonim Board and the Ritual Committee, and is the Recording Secretary of the Sisterhood Board. Robert jumped in to fill the need as a volunteer to be a leader for the Saturday morning children's program when we were still housed on West 66th Street, is currently a backup leader of the Torah Tots Service on Shabbat mornings and is co-chair of the L'Chaim Committee.

Dear Friends,

Dail Stolow and Norbert Fruehauf joined Habonim in 2005, finding our synagogue to be a meaningful fit for them given its German Jewish refugee origins, as Norbert was a refugee from Germany and Dail’s career centered on advocating for refugees and immigrants. Over the years, they have been Shabbat regulars and active members with Dail having served as Treasurer of Sisterhood and, on its behalf, led tours of exhibits at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, where she served as a researcher and docent. She has been busily poring over archives about our founders and our history for use in our new building. Norbert has played a consistent leadership role throughout his time at Habonim. Among key activities, Norbert has served on the Habonim Board of Trustees, was Vice President for Operations, co-chaired the Rabbinic Search and Transition Committees (2008), served on the Interim Rabbinic Search Committee, chaired the Membership Committee, most recently chaired the Adult Jewish Education Committee and, since its inception, continues his service on the Real Estate Committee.

The Gala Committee is busily preparing for this year's event set for Saturday night, December 2, beginning at 7:30 p.m, in the ballroom of Congregation Rodeph Sholom. This year's theme is "Better Together... Celebrating Community." This year's honorees were chosen because of their collective leadership contributions to strengthen the fabric of Habonim and enhance the Jewish lives of our members. Renée S. Edelman became a member of Habonim on July 3, 2006. Her trip to Israel with Habonim in June 2011 greatly strengthened her own Jewish identity and deepened her connection with Habonim. She has served over the past several years on the Gala Committee, where she uses her skills in media relations and communications. Renée also is a member of the newly formed Public Relations & Marketing Committee. She enjoys visiting with members of the Queens community, participating in the Shabbaton Retreats, and supporting our community, most recently by participating in the "Race for the Cure." She is a self-designated ambassador of Habonim, welcoming new faces at Shabbat Kiddush and bringing her family, friends and other New Yorkers to Habonim. Abigail and Robert Schlaff joined Habonim in 2011 shortly after they moved to the Upper West Side. They were looking for a warm and welcoming Conservative synagogue for their growing family. Habonim fit the bill. Since then, they have become synagogue regulars along with their sons Blake (8) and Ari (5). Both Blake and Ari are students in our Religious School, and Ari is a graduate of our Nursery School. Abigail quickly assumed an active role in the Habonim community. She has served on the

We hope you will join us to honor these dedicated members for their many contributions to support and enrich Habonim. It promises to be such a fabulous night! During the evening, which will include a full bar and cocktail hour, passed hors d'oeuvres, dinner, dessert, dancing, and a photo booth, we will not only pay tribute to the honorees, but also present a moving In Memoriam video, and offer desirable raffle prizes. Also, the Journal, which will provide a look back at the year 5777 featuring life cycle events as well as tributes commemorating our honorees, will be distributed. This pictorial compilation of last year's highlights will surely provide our members and

our honorees with a keepsake they and future generations will cherish throughout the years. The Gala is also the synagogue's major fundraiser. Proceeds are critically important to help support our budget of $2,800,000. Our goal is to net $150,000. Dues and tuition are simply insufficient to support the full range of programs and services Habonim provides. For example, contribution support our weekly Shabbat services, Kiddush, the growing Religious School, social activities, adult Jewish education, and, importantly, provides subsidies to those members who cannot afford the full cost of membership or tuition. So, please, support this fun event in however many ways you can: purchase tickets and catch up with old friends and make new ones; take out an ad in the Journal expressing your gratitude to our honorees; donate an

item that you think is a desirable raffle prize; purchase raffle tickets and eat, dance and celebrate the blessing of being part of this wonderful community. Many thanks to the dedicated members of the Gala Committee: Renée Edelman Norbert Fruehauf Sheryl Goldstein Jean Hellering Kori Rehfield Ellie Schaffer We look forward to celebrating with all of you! Wendy Halperin and Elaine Witkoff, Gala 2017 Co-Chairs

TEAM HABONIM

BUILDING A JEWISH COMMUNITY TOGETHER

THANK YOU TO THE SISTERHOOD OF CONGREGATION HABONIM FOR ITS GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE MONTHLY BULLETIN MAILING

CONGREGATION HABONIM 103 West End Avenue New York, NY 10023