Rabbi Cantor Alison Wissot

16 Pages·2016·1.17 MB·English

january/february 2016
January/February 2016
www.templejudea.com
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Senior Staff
Rabbi Joshua M. Aaronson
Rabbi Cantor Alison Wissot
Rabbi Samuel L. Spector
Cantor Yonah Kliger
Rabbinic Intern Daniel Shapiro
We are thrilled to announce that Theatre Dybbuk is our new artist-in-residence
Cantorial Intern Lily Tash
at Temple Judea. We are the first synagogue in the San Fernando Valley to
Margie Ipp, Director of Early Childhood Center
house an independent theatre company. Theatre Dybbuk’s mission is to
Rebecca C. Platt, Director of Education
illuminate the universal human experience by creating provocative theatrical
presentations and innovative educational opportunities based on Jewish Ellen Franklin, Executive Director
Diane Lennox, Director of Finance
folklore, rituals and history.
Eileen Aroesti, Director of Development
Pietro Capra, Facilities Director
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Board of Trustees
Teri Levin Grossblatt, President
Executive Committee
Kym Eisner, Executive Vice President
aaron henne
Todd Cobin, VP Finance & Development
artistic director Karen Twersky, VP Membership
Josh Rubenstein, VP Membership Commitments
Megan Fischer, VP Education
Ellen Israel, VP Personnel
Julie Fuld, Secretary
Bill Harris, Treasurer
Andy Keimach, Immediate Past President
Trustees
Gail Aspinwall Ron Milman
Janet Bornstein Ellen Opell
Gail Browdy Dani Rogers
Joann Kramar Judy Rutt
Steve Levitt Adam Saitman
Jonathan Littman Joe Woolf
Presidential Appointees
Michael Robbins
Irv Klasky
Arthur Jablon
Auxiliary Representatives
Judy Scharf, Caring Community
Tracey Poirier, Women of Temple Judea
Aly Besser, Senior Youth Group
David Daniel / Dean Piller, Brotherhood
Karen Liebrecht, ECC Parents’ Association
Submissions for the Judean may be sent to
[email protected].
1 Edited by Gail Aspinwall
Design and layout by Josh Geyer
Printing by Gam Enterprises
the judean
Promises, Vows, Resolutions and Growth
Rabbi Cantor Alison Wissot
Promises. The New Year is full of them. And, as American Jews, we have the occasion
to celebrate a multitude of New Years, so perhaps it seems that we are always making
resolutions, vows, promises.
This year is especially full of promises on the national scene, as we watch politicians aiming
for the Oval Office. Then there are the promises we all make to our families and friends, and
promises we make to ourselves in the name of resolutions. Torah holds that there are promises
made by God, a complex covenant that binds us to that which is holy.
The Talmud too has a complicated relationship with promises. According to the rabbis of the Talmud, there are two
kinds of promises that we might make. One is focused on the object, one is focused on the person. If a person says, “I
will place a ban on wine” in the hopes of controlling his or her drinking, this is a vow. If a person says “I swear I will
not drink wine,” this is an oath.
So what is the difference? Is this just semantics? The rabbis do not think so, as they spend pages of the Talmud arguing
over whether a vow or an oath is desirable or even allowed, and what happens if the promise is left unfulfilled.
In fact, the conversation goes back to Ecclesiastes, in which it is stated that it is better not to vow than to vow and not
accomplish the goal, and from this the rabbis generally conclude that it is better never to vow at all.
Why all of this conversation prohibiting vows? It speaks to a deep human need to strive for the future. For if the
rabbis feel the need to prohibit this, we must have been doing it all along. We NEED to promise. We NEED to hold
out hope that we can become more than we are, that we can make effective changes in our lives, that we can grow and
progress as human beings. We want to believe that not only we but our society can become better than it has been.
However, the pain of unfulfilled vows, and the unintended consequences of letting ourselves renege on promises, is
what prompts the rabbis to suggest that we never make them in the first place. For if we allow our promises to be
released freely, then our word cannot be trusted.
And yet… we make them. On the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah), we are also given Yom Kippur, an opportunity
to chant the Kol Nidre, which releases us from any vows or oaths we make that we simply were not capable of
accomplishing. But on the American New Year, we have no such release.
Perhaps that is the pressure of this time of year. We know we have not lived up to the resolutions and promises we
have made in this past year. And worse, we may see a legacy of unfulfilled resolutions in what seems like an endless
chain of years even further gone by.
I suggest that the American New Year needs its own “kol nidre,” its own ritual to release the pain of promises we
are unable to keep. One way we can do this is by forgiving ourselves our lack of perfection. We are human and
therefore flawed, and it is those very flaws which allow us the possibility of growth. Rabbis have interpreted the first
commandment in the 10 big ones (I am your God who took you out of the land of Egypt . . .) to mean quite literally
“I’m God, you’re not.” We would do well to remember the blessing in this! We are not supposed to be perfect. We are
not supposed to achieve every goal, and we are not supposed to be able to fulfill every promise. But the sheer act of
allowing ourselves to make these resolutions and promises means we are living a life in which we strive to be more. So
whether your resolutions are attempts to better care for your body, or for your soul, or for your family . . . may this
New Year release us from all promises we tried so hard to keep last year, and offer the promise of a life that is above
and beyond.
[email protected]
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january/february 2016
Purim, It’s Not Just Jewish Halloween
Rebecca Platt - Director of Education
Purim is not just the “Jewish Halloween.” I know this about breaking bread together that
statement may be surprising to some, but Purim is a really opens up conversation and con-
holiday that goes way beyond a great Haman costume, or nection. Use Purim as an excuse this
the opportunity to over indulge (adults only of course). year to sit down and share a meal with those you love and
Purim is actually a holiday that is expressive of Jewish open yourself up to the possibilities.
values and ethics in a really accessible way.
As you might know, Purim contains within it four
mitzvot (commandments). They are as follows:
1. The reading of the Megillah (Scroll of Esther)
2. Eating a festive Purim meal (Seudat Purim)
3. Sending gifts (Mishloach Manot)
4. Gifts to the poor (Matanot l’Evyonim)
I thought I would break down the mitzvot a bit here as they The third mitzvah of sending gifts, “Mishloach Manot,”
can be really accessible and family friendly. well, this is just fun! Many more traditional Jewish
communities annually send small gifts and tokens of care
First, as Rabbi Aaronson often says (and I agree), there
to family and friends on Purim. Mishloach Manot helps
are no private Jewish moments. Jews like to celebrate,
us remember the importance of simcha or happiness as a
commiserate, kvetch, kvell, and even mourn together.
Jewish people. Despite the challenges of our history and
That being said, the first mitzvah of reading the megillah
despite what might be confronting us in our own lives, it’s
(or at least hearing the megillah read), traditionally must be
important for us to remember the blessings in our lives
done in public. Usually, megillah readings are very festive
and focus on what is good, and how we can connect to
and definitely kid-friendly! Shameless plug, but think about
and share joy in the world. This year you might consider
experiencing this mitzvah with your family here at Temple
organizing a “white elephant” gift exchange with Jewish
Judea! The chanting of the megillah really emphasizes the
friends on Purim, or arrange one for your kids!
Jewish value of community and that as Jews, we truly are
our brother and sister’s keeper. Finally, the fourth mitzvah, that of Matanot l’Evyonim, or
giving gifts to the poor. Tzedakah is a significant Jewish
The second mitzvah of eating “Seudat Purim” or a
ethical imperative. We must give to others as we are all
festive meal is another great potential family activity. Maybe
responsible for each other as Jews. For Purim this year,
think about gathering your family and/or friends for a meal
consider creating small Purim baskets for a Jewish senior
together. You might even require costumes or have
home, or giving small gifts of any kind to a charity that’s
everyone choose a character from the megillah and require
important to your family.
the group to stay in character—perfect for LA! Seudat
Purim focuses on family and food. There can be almost no Wishing you and your family a Chag Purim Sameach
Jewish event that doesn’t include food! There’s something (Happy Purim)!
Purim is March 20, 2016
Save the date for our annual Purim celebration!
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the judean
Early Childhood Center
Margie Ipp - Director of ECC
Lisa Whitman - Assistant Director of ECC
It’s 2016, and we in the ECC are more dedicated than ever when the blocks fall.
to spreading the word that PLAY is the best way to educate He/she learns about
children. Play seems to be under attack these days with the size, weight, and physical space. A child who plays with cars, or
push to “educate” our kids earlier and earlier. Parents worry dolls, or dinosaurs can learn to sort by color, size, and attribute.
that if their children aren’t doing traditional school learning early All of these skills are gained in the most natural way – PLAY.
that they will fall behind. Should they be learning to read when
Today, because of TV, videos, computers, and smart phones,
they are two? Should they be doing addition and subtraction at
children often don’t have enough time to just play. Here in the
three? Do they need flashcards or computer programs? What
ECC, we are dedicated to giving children time and space to play
some parents don’t understand is that play holds the keys to
and learn; to explore and grow; to imagine and succeed. Give a
unlock all the skills for traditional learning once children are
child a cardboard box and see what happens. And while you are
developmentally ready.
at it, play is good for grown-ups too. Get down on the floor with
More and more research is showing a link between play and your children and let them invite you into their creative world.
the development of cognitive and social “school” skills that Having a young child is a great excuse for you to play, too!
are needed as children get older. Play is linked to developing
oral language, self-regulation, memory, social development,
mathematical concepts, and literacy skills. A child who plays
house with other children in class uses his/her imagination, but also
learns to listen and consider other people’s perspectives. A child
who builds a block tower learns to concentrate and persist even
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Development
Eileen Aroesti - Director of Development
OUR COMMUNITY RESPONDS - KOL HAKAVOD
Each year at Yom Kippur we are asked to participate in the mitzvah of Tzedakah. And each year, for a
moment, we stop our prayers, our time of reflection and repentance, to ensure that all of our community is
cared for and nurtured through the High Holy Day appeal. This year is no different. Thank you to everyone
who was able to respond to our appeal. Your act of Tzedakah ensures a stronger Temple Judea.
Herb & Jean Aaron Edward & Michele Fischer Daniel Lasman & Michele Craig-Lasman Harvey & Tobye Rubin
Bruce & Nancy Abrams Bert & Patty Fischler David & Iris Lassoff Tammy Rubin
Peter Adler Lyubov Fisher Andrew Lavick Jerry & Marla Sackler
David & Margaret Altschul Richard Fisher & Gail Goldstein Diane Lennox Saul & Marian Sacks
Ruth-Ellen Amen Hilda Fogelson Adam & Cecily Lerner Howard & Lynn Safenowitz
Jais & Karen Aseraf Steven & Janie Fogelson Elaine Levin Eric & Alexandra Sagerman
Gail Aspinwall Efmim Fridman Tracy Levin Adam & Lori Saitman
Ivan & Nikki Axelrod Aime Friedman Steve & Robin Levitt Yutaka & Helen Sakamoto
Jeff & Andrea Bacon Jeff & Gisela Friedman Elise Lewis Judy Scharf
Steve & Aileen Bailin Karen Friedman Will & Dorie Liang Barry & Lois Scherer
Owen Baker Ray & Lorraine Friedman Dave & Jil Lionelli Bill & Marian Schiff
Martin & Pamela Bakst Matthew & Valerie Friedrich Verna Liss Herb & Diane Schneider
Arnie & Robbie Balonick Julie Fuld Jonathan & Nancy Littman Jack & Lillie Schrier
Bob & Sandy Baral Loren & Stacie Funk Lou & Elaine Lovit Bonnie Schwab
Scott Barer Fred & Jill Gaines Gary & Barbara Luboff Victor & Kimberly Schwartz
Lorraine Barth Don & Debbie Gallo Saundra Mandel Mark & Lauren Schwartzbach
Ari & Heather Bass Jerry & Ann Gerstenfeld David & Amy Mandell Stephen & Marjory Sebolsky
Dorianne Bass Antony & Anna Gluck Selda Massion Craig & Kim Shapiro
Miriam Begg Ken & Donna Gold Leonard Meyberg Jr. Mark & Jill Shear
Philip & Elaine Benditson Arline Goldberg Randy & Jan Michel Loretta Shine
Andy & Judith Benson Irving & Esther Goldberg Celes Miller David & Laurie Siedelman
Evelyn Bergman Colin & Gillian Goldman Joel & Allison Miller Carol Silver
Dean & Karen Berkus Jeff & Jessica Goldsmith Judy Miller Jack Silver & Christine Kamps-Silver
Marcia Berman Irwin & Sally Goldstein Ken & Rose Lynne Miller Phil Silver & Dale Struman
Michael & Anne Berman Robert & Rena Golenberg Bob & Marlene Miller Roy Silver & Ellen Franklin
Stu & Marietta Bernthol Rick & Sandy Goor Alan & Nancy Mirman David Silverstein
Rob & Amy Besser Jerry & Myrna Gordon Michael & Jessica Mischna Robert & Debbie Silverstein
Bennett & Linda Bigman Aaron Graff & Barbara Roscoe-Graff Bob & Diana Morgenstern Carl & Carol Singerman
Leon & Mary Blankstein Dave & Jody Green Adam & Melissa Moskowitz Adam & Michelle Slobin
Jason & Laura Blatt Joel & Sandee Greene Libbe Murez Candice Slobin-Snidermann
Jacob & Ilene Blok Moe & Gloria Grossblatt David & Mara Naiditch Mike & Gerry Sobelman
Michael & Susan Blumenfield Philip & Geri Gutentag Richard & Lois Neiter Terry Sobo
Lee & Samantha Bothast Logan Hagege & Misty Zollars David & Stacie Nemetz Judy Soffer
Diane Breitman Jeffrey & Randy Hain Jerry & Beverly Nemetz Sandra & Jack Soll
Steve & Tiffani Bresnick Sally Harris David & Lianne Noddle Owen & Robbie Solomon
Justin & Danielle Brooks Cliff & Cindy Hassel Mark & Marsha Novak Steve Soroko & Claudia Bloom-Soroko
Gail Browdy Murray & Gail Heltzer Howie & Gina Nuchow Curt Gorlick & Penny Spark
Andrea Brown Jeff Hennes & Donna Weiser-Hennes Gary & Lisa Nudell David Spector & Bill Townsend
Shelly Browne Andre & Melissa Hilton Izak & Ronni Okon Sam Spector & Morin Zaray
Douglas & Lysa Burke Jake & Stephanie Hinck Lawrence & Susan Opas Ronnie & Romy Sperling
Carryl Carter Howard Hoffman Michael & Ellen Opell Sherman Sperling
Scott & Hallie Chavez Robert Holtzman & Lili Endlich Renee Opell Scott & Deborah Spungin
Zachary & Arielle Chesler Allen & Kathy Horwitz Joseph & Jo Ann Oster Rick & Leslie Steier
Todd & Barbara Cobin Scott Howard & Tiffany Shrier Alan & Alana Perper Susan Stone
Bernard & Paula Cohen Lloyd & Margot Hummel Adam & Bree Pessin Mark & Julie Stubington
Greg & Chris Cohen Stu & Ellen Israel David & Jo Pessin Brent & Lisa Stutman
Lester & Michele Cohen Arthur & Mady Jablon Harvey & Nancie Piccus Brian & Lisa Tepper
Dan & Jennifer Cooper Gary & Cory Jacoby Mollie Pier Michael Thal
Richard & Tracey Cooperstein David & Susan Jefferson Mark & Lya Pinkus Ron & Ellen Tinero
Daniel & Roza Crawford Joe & Marcy Jotkowitz David Plotkin Jack Turk
Matt & Linda Creager Jonathan & Heather Kadin Don & Melissa Plotsky Steve & Karen Twersky
Debra Curtis Ken & Judy Kamins Shirley Plutsky Jeffrey & Marla Vaughn
Jeffery Daar & Ruth Zacarias Richard & Wendy Kane Boris Polishchuk Leslie Wachs
Vivi Davidson Bruce & Marlene Kanter Drew & Pauline Pomerance Dorothy Watenmaker
Biff & Ilyce Dawes Dennis & Stacey Kass Louis & Michelle Posen Steve & Miriam Watenmaker
Myron & Nancy Dembo Saul & Rima Kay Jon & Aneta Prince Larry & Barbara Weintraub
Mort & Marj Denker Andy & Fern Keimach Gaye Rainey Corey & Monique Weiss
Michael & Elana Dombrower Diane Keller Alex & Cathy Reichman David & Sandra Weiss
Chris & Claire Doyle Melvin & Charlotte Kerber Cary & Suzanne Reisman Ethan Weiss
Marvin & Linda Drabinsky Jason & Camy Kingston Adam & Ariella Reisner Al & Nancy Wiener
Al & Sara Dreskin Roy & Barbara Koletsky Michael Robbins & Cathy Balin Jackie Wissen
Tom & Amy Dugan Stephen & Toby Koppekin Steven & Laurie Rodstein David & Nadene Wohlgemuth
Martin & Maxine Dusig Oscar & Sharri Kornblum Craig & Karen Roeb Robert & Ida Worth
Bernard & Rosemary Ecker Ron & Joann Kramar Michael & Dani Rogers Adam & Michelle Wright
Steve & Kym Eisner Michael & Colette Kramer Daniel Romey Michael Young & Marla Schwartz-Young
David & Susan Ellis Justin Krane & Suzanne Kamenir Al & Brendie Rosenbloom Jody Yusim & Shari Aarons
Paul & Bobbi Endler Nan Krasne Sandy & Frayne Rosenfield Steven & Nisa Zap
Craig & Jodi Erwich Gary Krausz & Caryn Leemon-Krausz Bruce & Lynn Ross Paul & Lonnie Zeltzer
Jeffrey & Laurie Evans Jeff & Roni Kritzberg Mike & Carolyn Rothberg Harry Zinn
Carolyn Fasteau Pejman & Natalie Lahiji Ronald & Melanie Rovin Jay & Lainie Zuckerman
Jon & Jaci Feldman Jeffrey & Nicole Lake Ivan & Merkie Rowan
Scott & Beth Fink Tony & Sharon Landler Josh & Jenna Rubenstein
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Donors at time of printing.
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january/february 2016
B’nei Mitzvah - January
RACHEL BODEN CARLY AREBALO
Daughter of Robert & Marla Daughter of Charles & Amy
1/9/2016, 10:30am 1/9/2016, 5pm
Project: Collected pull (pop) tabs and Project: Created “Carly & Campbell’s
bringing them to the Ronald McDonald Cookies for Canines” to raise money for
House. dog shelters – combining Carly’s love for
baking and dogs
JACK HERNANDEZ ELLA HERNANDEZ
Son of Marc & Carie Daughter of Marc & Carie
1/16/2016, 10:30am 1/16/2016, 10:30am
Project: Donated used and new books to Project: Donated used and new books to
The Friends of Carpinteria Library. The Friends of Carpinteria Library.
SAMANTHA SCHULMAN RILEY REUBEN
Daughter of Michael & Sandra Son of Moti & Kathy
1/16/2016, 5pm 1/23/2016, 10:30am
Project: Collected hotel-sized toiletries Project: Volunteered at Pet Shelter Hope
to donate to shelters around Southern of Thousand Oaks, giving lots of love and
California. attention to rescue dogs in an effort to
save their lives.
NOA GASWAY ELIZABETH KAPLAN
Daughter of Geoffrey & Allison Daughter of Michael & Inna
1/30/2016, 10:30am 1/30/2016, 5pm
Project: Has been raising money for the Project: Volunteered at the Jewish Home
past six years for CHLA with annual for the Aging by playing piano for the
bake sales. This year she will host a toy residents.
drive for the hospital.
VICTORIA KAPLAN
Daughter of Michael & Inna
1/30/2016, 5pm
Project: Volunteered weekly with Koreh
LA helping an elementary school student
learn to read.
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the judean
B’nei Mitzvah - February
BENJAMIN TUCKER DANIELA GOLDBERG
Son of Scott & Maria Daughter of Adam & Gabriela
2/13/2016, 10:30am 2/13/2016, 10:30am
Project: Lifted the spirits of our Active Project: Collected supplies and
Duty and Veteran communities while contributions for Los Angeles Animal
volunteering his services at Operation Services, to promote and protect the
Gratitude. health, safety, and welfare of animals and
people.
JADE BLOCK SAMUEL YABLON
Daughter of Darren & Debby Son of Brian Yablon & Joelle Hammerle
2/13/2016, 5pm 2/20/2016, 10:30am
Project: Jade is a huge animal lover and Project: Planted trees with Tree People.
has been volunteering her time at the
animal shelter.
AMANDA TAHI AIDAN SUSKI
Daughter of Michael & Candice Son of Sharon Rubin & Mark Suski
2/27/2016, 10:30am 2/27/2016, 5pm
Project: Had a bake sale and started a Project: Organized a food and book
tribute page for her great grandmother drive and volunteered for the SOVA
to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Community Food and Resource
Association. Program.
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Women of Temple Judea is excited to announce our
2016 Women’s Retreat
“Wrapped in Jewish Time”
May 21-22, 2016
For more information or to sign up, please contact
Danit Rothstein at [email protected] or
by calling the temple at [phone].
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