The past year has been very busy for Beth El and its Board of Directors. We planned for Rabbi Bill Rudolph’s re-tirement, selected Rabbi Greg Harris to serve as head rabbi, and conducted a search that brought us Rabbi Fabian Werbin.

By comparison, 5776 seems calm. However, the Board continues to work hard at providing governance and over-sight for Beth El and focusing on key initiatives in the areas of strategy, security, and development. Atid ReviewThis winter, the Board began work on

the development of a new long-term strategy for Beth El. The strategy pro-cess, called Atid (Hebrew for future), is chaired by David Topol and Dale Rosenthal. The Atid Committee is be-ginning with an examination of the needs and interests of our members, the changing demographics of the Bethesda area, and the evolving “market” for Jew-ish and congregational engagement.

The Atid process will include several large task forces that will focus on key components of the synagogue’s strategy: spirituality, communications, education,

SERVING THEJewish Community

The famous teaching in Pirke Avot (1:14) states, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I?” Hillel’s adage reminds us we have concentric circles of responsibility. We, as individuals, are in the center. Our families, synagogue, the broader Jewish community, the wider secular commu-nity and the larger world make up the outward circles. As we shift from the inner to the outer rings, our ability to make a direct positive impact changes.

This issue of the Scroll focuses on ways Beth El members are engaged in one of these spheres of influence – the greater Jewish community. Our purpose is to celebrate the impact Beth El mem-

bers make in the Jewish community. We hope these stories of leadership will in-spire you to become more engaged. To Be ObligatedJudaism is built on the belief that we have a sense of obligation within each of these rings. The truest understanding of mitzvah is to be commanded or obli-gated. For some, a sense of responsibility comes from Divine commandments to take certain actions. Others derive their sense of responsibility from transcendent characteristics of Jewish peoplehood that have been embraced across generations. The title of Rabbi David Hartman’s book, A Living Covenant, has always

S c r o l lCongregation Beth El

The Scroll is a recipient of three Solomon Schech-ter Gold Awards from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

February 2016 • Shevat-Adar I 5776 Vol. 65 No. 6

From the Clergy

Theme Beth El in the Community • 1, 6-10

From the Clergy • 1

From the President • 1

Rabbi Harris Installation • 2

Library Corner • 5

Create a Jewish Legacy • 11

Departments

Sisterhood • 3

Men’s Club • 4

Contributions • 13

Bulletin Board • 16

By Rabbi Greg Harris

continued on page 13

continued on page 12

From the PresidentOur Board’s Busy YearBy Jerry Sorkin

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S c r o l l8215 Old Georgetown RoadBethesda, Maryland 20814-1451Phone 301-652-2606 Fax 301-907-8559Web www.bethelmc.orgAffiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative JudaismRabbi Gregory Harris gharris@bethelmc.orgAssociate Rabbi Fabian Werbin fwerbin@bethelmc.org Hazzan Matthew Klein mklein@bethelmc.org Clergy Emeriti Rabbi Samuel Scolnic z”lRabbi William Rudolph wrudolph@bethelmc.orgHazzan Abraham Lubin salubin1@verizon.netExecutive Director Sheila H. Bellack sbellack@bethelmc.orgEducation DirectorRabbi Mark Levine mlevine@bethelmc.orgAssociate Education DirectorElisha Frumkin efrumkin@bethelmc.orgDirector of Community Engagement Geryl Baer gbaer@bethelmc.org Preschool Director Kim Lausin klausin@bethelmc.orgYouth Director Adam Zeren azeren@bethelmc.orgPresidentJerry Sorkin sorkinj @cebglobal.comExecutive Vice PresidentLarisa Avner Trainor ltrainor@cig.comAdministrative Vice PresidentCarolyn Berger cbergerl@aol.comCommunications and Tikkun Olam Vice PresidentLarry Sidman larrysidman@live.comCommunity Building Vice President Ivy Fields ivyfields@gmail.comDevelopment and Finance Vice PresidentMark C. Bronfman mark.bronfman@gmail.comEducation and Lifelong Learning Vice PresidentSara Gordon saragordon18@gmail.comWorship and Spirituality Vice PresidentRebecca Musher Gross rebeccamgross@gmail.comTreasurerJoseph B. Hoffman jhoffman@kelleydrye.comSecretarySue Emmer emmerconsulting@verizon.netScroll Committee scroll@bethelmc.org Janet Meyers, Chair, Sharon Apfel, Judy Futterman, Mara Greengrass, Susan Jerison, Davida Kales, Marci Kanstoroom, Helen Popper, Marsha Rehns, Walter Schimmerling, Larry Sidman, and Katie Smeltz. Graphic designer: Tiarra Joslyn 4U editor: Jennifer KatzScroll, USPS Number 009813, is published monthly by Congregation Beth El of Montgomery County, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814. Periodi-cal postage rate paid at Bethesda, Maryland and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Scroll, 8215 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.

The full name of AIPAC was improperly identified in the January issue of the Scroll. It is the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. The Scroll regrets the error.

Installation of Rabbi Greg Harris Guest Speaker: Erica Brown

Saturday, February 20, 7:30 pm

Rabbi Greg Harris will be installed as Beth El’s head rabbi on Saturday evening, February 20, 7:30 pm. Rabbi Harris joined Beth El’s clergy team in July 2002, following his ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary, and became head rabbi in July 2015.

Erica Brown, currently the commu-nity scholar at The Jewish Center in Man-hattan and formerly the scholar-in-resi-dence at the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, lectures and writes widely on Jewish education and leadership. The evening will include a formal installation followed by a dessert reception.

In keeping with Rabbi Harris’s interest in community responsibility, there will also be several tikkun olam projects in which congregants can participate on Sunday morning, February 21. More information will be available soon on the Beth El website and listserv.

No admission charge for the Saturday evening program, but RSVPs are required. Suggested donation: $180/couple; pro-ceeds will go to Beth El as well as some of the non-profits included on Sunday morning’s tikkun olam project list.

Yes, I/We plan to attend the installation of Rabbi Harris on Saturday, February 20, at 7:30 pm.

Name

Email Phone

# of attendees

Enclosed is my/our voluntary contribution of $_____ in honor of Rabbi Harris. Checks should be made payable to Beth El.

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“Every one of us has a creative spark inside us, given to us from the very beginning by God,” said Amanda Ford, Beth El congregant, Judaic artist, and Sisterhood Tallit Workshop chair. In her Resnik Memorial Lecture delivered at Sisterhood Shabbat on January 9, Amanda expounded on the origins of creativity and the ways each of us can cultivate our own creative sparks. The talk tied in with this year’s synagogue theme, American Jewish Creativity.

The creation story found in B’reishit is “the most creative story of all time,” Amanda said, noting that God had to begin with “an astonishingly empty canvas.”

“We don’t know how many atoms God tried out before he decided it was good and which ones would make our world work the way it does, but wow, what fun it is to think about it,” Amanda said. “I imagine that God could not settle on one shade of red in a sunset, because it was just too much fun to make an infinite number.”Divine Creative SparkHumans are the last thing God makes, and they contain that Divine creative spark since they are made in the image of God. Amanda recounted a midrash about Moses trying to make a menorah. No image comes to him – even though he has tried very hard. God first gives Moses a visual image of the menorah and then steps in again when Moses tries to make it but still has trouble.

“The sages teach that only after Moses begins his job of making the menorah does God step in to help him,” said Amanda. “This is how God typically performs miracles: first man must do what he can, and then God comes to his aid.”

The Biblical stories and commentaries teach us that God gives us creativity – and helps us realize our creative po-tential when we work with others to gain knowledge and wisdom. “We all have a creative spark given from God, and

when we share this with others to make something new, like the first Tabernacle or our new sanctuary, we are doing the very Jewish act of making the world a better place,” said Amanda.Hiddur MitzvahBeing Jewish lends itself to using the creative spirit, she pointed out. Reading the same stories in the Torah over and over and still finding something new each time “demands creativity,” she said. And, of course, there is hiddur mitzvah, or the beautification of a commandment. Amanda noted that a good example of hiddur mitzvah is the Tallit Workshop, run by a group of “very creative Sisterhood women,” whose par-ticipants have produced nearly 400 tallitot since 1994. Each tallit is unique, said Amanda. “I have even had two different participants in the same class buy the same base material, but the end products were so very different.”

Creativity can be elusive at times, Amanda said. She told about how discouraged she sometimes feels after attending a quilt exhibit. “At times I come out inspired,” she said, “but more often than not I come out discouraged, saying that it’s all been done before, that I can never make something

Sisterhood

UPCOMING SISTERHOOD/ZHAVA EVENTSTuesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23, 6:30 pm Mah

Jongg Tuesday, February 9, 7:30 pm Rosh Chodesh: It’s a

Woman Thing Sunday, February 21, noon Mah Jongg tournament

On Being CreativeBy Janet Meyers

Mah Jongg TournamentSponsored by Beth El Sisterhood

Sunday, February 21Lunch and Registration: noon-12:45 pm,

Play: 1:00-5:00 pm

Entrance fee: $36 for Sisterhood members, $40 for non-members

Play three rounds of Mah Jongg for points. Afternoon in-cludes lunch, snacks, door prizes, 50/50 raffle, and first-, second-, and third-place prizes.

For questions, contact Nancy Kay or Sheryl Karlsberg. Remember to order your 2016 card. RSVP by Sunday, February 14.

Name: ____________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _____________________________________

Phone: _________________Email: _____________________

Payment: $_______ payable to Beth El Sisterhood.Please check below: I can be east I can be persuaded to be east I can bring a Mah Jongg set

Mail check and registration form to 8215 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814, Attn: Mah Jongg. Confirmation, directions, and tournament information sent upon receipt of your reservation.

continued on page 4

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Men’s Club

UPCOMING MEN’S CLUB EVENTSThursday, February 4, 8:30 pm Hearing Men’s Voices.

David Richman will lead the discussion on “Are Sci-entists Different?”

Sunday, February 7, 8:45 am World Wide Wrap 10:00 am David Margulies will discuss “The Hows

and Whys of Tefillin.” Sunday, February 14, 10:00 am Andrea Golden, con-

gregant, special educator, and licensed social worker, will present and discuss Including Samuel, a DVD about a boy with cerebral palsy. Andrea will speak on behalf of the Bruchim Habayim Committee, which facili-tates full participation in services and other synagogue events for those with disabilities.

Sunday, February 21, 10:00 am Open discussionSunday, February 28, 10:00 am Henry Kahn, con-

gregant, and Andrew Zatman, who together taught a course on this subject at the Scolnic Institute, will present “American Jewish Creativity,” covering Irving Berlin and prominent Jewish songwriters.

Men’s Club of Congregation Beth Elpresents the

44th Annual Kavod AwardsSunday, March 6, 9:45 am

26 Adar I 5776

Honoring

Bob Litman for Service to Beth El

David Rifkind and Doug Davisonfor Service to the Community at Large

Brad Stillmanfor Service to the

Jewish Community

All are welcome. Cost is $18 per adult. RSVP by March 1.

Name ____________________________________________

Email _____________________ Phone _________________

___ # Attendees @ $18 Total Enclosed $_______Mail checks payable to Men's Club, to Congregation Beth El,

8215 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814

original, that there is nothing new left to make.” Creativity returns by asking, “What if I did it a different way?” and then trying again.

Being creative can create expectations. “The trouble with making something beautiful is that people expect you to do it again,” Amanda said. But creativity is all about taking risks – and in the process, possibly failing. “In the tallit workshop, we teach that a mistake is a great excuse to be creative,” said Amanda. “One of my artist friends said, ‘Everyone has an eraser.’”

Amanda counseled congregants to recognize that we are all creative and that creativity flows from everyday experi-ences. She suggested that they ask “what if ” in order to spark their creativity. “Start something, anything,” she said. “Empty your busy head and let the creative spirit in.” n

ON BEING CREATIVE continued from page 3

Scholar-in-Residence

Ulysses S. Grant’s order expelling the Jews during the Civil War later turned into a significant issue during the general’s campaign for the presidency, said Jonathan D. Sarna, professor of American Jewish history at Brandeis University, in his concluding talk as scholar-in-residence at Beth El January 15-17. Dr. Sarna noted the 1868 elec-tion marked the “first time that a Jewish issue took on na-tional importance.” Over the weekend, he also discussed the history of and the future for American Jewry.Photo by Mitchell Solkowitz

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The legendary “Shootout at the O.K. Corral” looms large in tales of the American West. On October 26, 1881, in Tombstone, Arizona, lawmen Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan Earp, together with their friend Doc Holliday, faced down some shady local ranchers near the O.K. Corral. Thirty seconds later, only Wyatt Earp was still standing – the others were dead, wounded, or had run away. The bloodshed didn’t end there; multiple re-venge killings followed the gunfight.

Miraculously, Wyatt Earp (1848-1929) managed to die a senior citizen and, curi-ously, is buried in a Jewish cemetery in California. Credit for that belongs to his common-law Jewish wife of nearly a half-century, Josephine Sarah Marcus, who decided Wyatt should eternally rest next to her parents, brother, and (someday) her-self. This strong-minded woman, a pivotal player in the Tombstone episode, is the subject of the biogra-phy, Lady at the O.K. Corral, by Ann Kirschner (2013), and a primary character in the fact-based novel, Epitaph, by Mary Doria Russell (2015). Both are good reads, especially Epi-taph, a companion to the author’s 2011 hit, Doc, about Doc Holliday. Here are some background facts, drawn from these books and other sources. Tombstone, ArizonaThe town of Tombstone got its name, not from the shoot-out, but from an intrepid prospector who staked his first sil-ver claim in the area in 1877. The prospector couldn’t resist naming his claim “the Tombstone,” as a retort to doomsayers who had predicted that he would find only his tombstone in the dangerous wilderness. Rich in silver deposits, Tombstone rapidly grew into a boomtown that attracted both miners and business entrepreneurs. A newspaper, the Epitaph, was founded in 1880 with the wry motto, “Every Tombstone needs an Epitaph.”

The Earp brothers came to Tombstone to make their fortunes but wound up working in law enforcement. This put them into conflict with a raucous band of cattle rustlers called “cowboys” (an insulting name then) and local ranch-ers who conspired together to steal cattle from Mexico and sell it in Tombstone for beef. Moreover, the Earps suspected the cowboys were also to blame for some daring stagecoach robberies.

Josephine Sarah MarcusJosephine Sarah Marcus (c. 1860-1944) was the daughter of immigrant Jews from Prussia. As a teenager, Sadie (as she was called) ran away from her San Francisco home. She joined a traveling acting troupe that performed Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta, H.M.S. Pinafore, a wildly popular show at the time.

While on tour, Sadie fatefully met Johnny Behan, an Arizona businessman and as-piring politician. In 1880, she moved to Tombstone as Johnny’s fiancée.

Sadie soon transferred her affections from Johnny to Wyatt Earp. The two men were political rivals, both vying for the position of county sheriff. The ranchers and cowboys backed Johnny, who was willing to turn a blind eye to rustling and other thievery; the town leaders supported Wyatt, hoping he could rein in the lawless

cowboys. Because of Sadie, the rivalry between Johnny and Wyatt became personal. Their mutual animosity exacerbated conflicts that led to the storied gunfight and its bloody after-math. Indeed, an Earp biographer called the love triangle the “key to the whole yarn of Tombstone.”

Wyatt and Sadie left Tombstone soon after the gunfight. They led a nomadic life, running saloons, gambling, and speculating in land deals. But in later years, Sadie collabo-rated with authors on books that cleaned up Wyatt’s life, successfully shaping his legacy as a heroic lawman. Wild West movies and television shows followed – all glorifying Wyatt Earp and bygone days on the American frontier. n

Meet the Author Book Chatat Adas Israel

Boris Fishman, author of A Replacement Life Sunday, March 13, 10:00 am

Beth El book lovers are invited to Adas Israel (in Cleveland Park, D.C.) to hear the ebullient Boris Fishman talk about his award-winning Soviet Jewish emigré novel.  Questions? Contact

Robin Jacobson. Co-sponsored by the Adas Israel and Beth El book groups.

Library Corner

A Jewish Gal at the O.K. CorralBy Robin Jacobson

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Joe Hoffman: Bringing People Together to Help the ElderlyBy Susan JerisonJoe Hoffman credits his interest in helping the elderly with growing up in a large extended family in Pittsburgh, includ-ing his grandmother and several great-aunts and uncles on his mother’s side, and a grandfather from his father’s side who served as a long-distance pen pal.

“Although I didn’t realize it at the time, my relatives served as great role models and were an important influence in my life,” Joe recalls. Since joining the board of Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) more than 25 years ago, he has devoted much of his volunteer life to helping seniors in our community. After holding several positions on the CESLC board including chairing the development and finance committees, Joe became Board of Governors chair in 2015. Dramatic ChangesThe organization has changed dramatically since Joe first became involved. “When I first joined the board, the agency was called the Hebrew Home, and we defined our mission as providing nursing care to the elderly. Today, CESLC serves over 1,100 people each day who live or receive care in six different buildings on our campus in Rockville.”

CESLC provides seniors with a range of living options in a Jewish environment, from independent care at the Ring House to skilled nursing at the Hebrew Home, and every-thing in between. CESLC has a budget of almost $100 mil-lion and is the third largest non-profit, single-site campus for seniors in the United States. Joe credits CESLC CEO Warren Slavin with the vision to build CESLC’s elder care offerings and provide housing and support services to the elderly at all stages.

Joe first came to Washington as an undergraduate at the University of Maryland. He attended The George Washing-ton University Law School and is now a partner at Kelley Drye, specializing in corporate and real estate law. Joe and his wife, Margie, joined Beth El more than 20 years ago when their older daughter, Ellen, was ready for preschool. Their younger daughter, Erica, also attended, and both cel-ebrated their b’not mitzvah and confirmations at Beth El.

Joe also currently serves as Beth El treasurer and a mem-ber of the synagogue’s executive committee. He has served on both the finance and development committees. Margie is

the co-chair of NUBEENS, a group for empty nesters, with Lori Ross. Last year, Joe and Margie co-chaired the Rabbi Rudolph tribute with Carolyn and Paul Weinberg. “My big-gest challenge is having time to do everything,” remarks Joe. He spends about 10 hours a week on volunteer activities.

A friend and colleague encouraged Joe to become in-volved in community work. “When I had been practicing law for about 10 years, another attorney and close friend of

mine recommended that I take his place on the board of the Hebrew Home because he was moving out of town. My mother-in-law was amazed that I had been invited to join because I wasn’t from the area,” says Joe. “She thought of the Hebrew Home as a bedrock Washington institution sup-ported only by families with long-time ties to the Washington community.”

Over the years, the CESLC board has evolved into a more diverse group, a trend that Joe plans to continue as board chair. “This is a complex, heavily regulated in-dustry and we need people with all types of expertise,” Joe explains.

Building Relationships“I am a good dot connector. I like to identify people who can help and connect them to the organization, a skill I also use in my professional work,” says Joe. This ability helped him secure a $1 million gift when he was a new board member, because he was able to make a connection with someone close to the potential donor. Joe is also interested in leadership development for board members and profes-sional staff. “I want to make sure that every board member finds their service meaningful,” says Joe. “As volunteer lead-ers, we need to be educated about the full scope of services we offer. It will help us delve more deeply into the challeng-es facing the organization and, ultimately, be more successful board members.”

Joe commented that over the years he has learned that no detail is unimportant. Recently, he was approached at a Beth El Shabbat kiddush by a Ring House resident. She complained that residents had not been able to enjoy movie nights for several weeks because the screen was broken. “By Tuesday, we had that screen fixed. I’m happy to help in that way, too,” Joe says. “We are responsible for 1,100 lives. I’m passionate about making a difference for all our residents.” n

Theme Editor: Susan Jerison

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Robert Zahler: Building a More Vibrant Jewish CommunityBy Susan Jerison

continued on page 10

Solving complicated issues is Bob Zahler’s passion – both in his profession and in his volunteer work. As a lawyer, he brings this skill to help his global corporate clients with the legal and business aspects of technology outsourcing. And, as president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, he is helping Federation to build partnerships and implement a new grants system – driven by its commitment to strength-ening Jewish identity and supporting those in need.

“I’m a big believer in the notion of communal giving,” says Bob. “It’s the Federation’s job to work with Jewish orga-nizations and synagogues in the Washington area, understand their needs, and bring them together to strengthen the Jew-ish community.”Getting InvolvedBob has been on the Federation board for 12 years. “No one asked my opinion during my first 18 months,” Bob remem-bers. “Finally, I was approached by Misha Galperin, the Fed-eration CEO at the time, and through a series of conversa-tions, I was assigned to the allocations and planning commit-tee. I began to help the Federation look more strategically at their relationships with the organizations receiving grants and the impact of the dollars that Federation contributes.”

Bob says he sees himself “as a technician first. I’m some-one who can help make operations better and move the system forward,” he adds. He moved up quickly through the Federation system serving as secretary, treasurer, and vice president of financial resource development before becom-ing president this past June.

“I was a little circumspect about taking the position. I wasn’t sure I was well known enough in the community. And my legal clients are not in D.C.,” says Bob. “But I saw this as an opportunity to give back. Federation has broad impact in the Jewish community. This year we will work with 36 local, 12 national, and four overseas agencies as well as 90 synagogues in our local area.” Setting Three GoalsIn order to help Federation foster a more inclusive Jewish community, Bob has set three goals for his presidency: to increase the bonds between Federation and local synagogues, to work more closely with partners in Federation’s com-munity building efforts, and to increase fundraising by 25

percent over the next three years.

Bob began his presidency by meeting with the leaders of each partner agency to discuss how Federation could add more value to their orga-nization in addition to fund-ing. “I was joined by Fed-eration CEO Steve Rakitt and Susan Schor, vice-president for community and global impact, for these conversations. We met with impressive lay leadership at these organizations, but they didn’t know much about the details of Federation,” recalls Bob.

“We also want to strengthen our relationships with syna-gogues in the community. Beth El is unique in its ties to Federation,” says Bob. “And, to my knowledge, it’s the only one that does a High Holiday appeal for Federation.” New Initiatives at Home and in IsraelBob’s enthusiasm for Federation is most visible when he de-scribes its community-building initiatives here and in Israel. For example, Federation now supports a program for inter-faith couples in partnership with Interfaith Families/DC to connect them more fully to Jewish life. In partnership with the JCC of Northern Virginia, new programs are being cre-ated for families with young children. In Israel, Federation supports Ravtech, which works with ultra-Orthodox men to teach them computer programming and to offer them employment while they continue their Torah studies.

Bob grew up on Long Island in Merrick, New York. He has a B.S. in physics from MIT and a law degree from Har-vard Law School. He and his wife, Rhonda, moved to Wash-ington in 1975 when he took a job at Shaw Pittman, now part of Pillsbury. He is a partner in the firm’s global sourcing practice.

The Zahlers moved to Bethesda in 1986 and joined Beth El the following year. Their three children, Karen, Jeffrey, and Michelle, all now in their 30s, celebrated their b’nai mitzvah at the shul. Rhonda is a former Sisterhood president. Bob has been a long-time member of the Finance Committee,

Beth El in theCOMMUNITY

8 9

As I sit at my desk and contem-plate my tasks for the week, I find myself eager for tomorrow’s Café Europa socialization program for Holocaust survivors. As director of Jewish community outreach at the Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA), I oversee a number of meaningful programs and ser-vices, including our synagogue liaison program, clergy training, Jewish chaplaincy services, and volunteers. Through my involve-ment with our volunteer pro-gram, I am privileged to work with talented staff and volunteers who support and care for Holocaust survivors. The circumstances are changing rapidly; the survivors are aging and have greater and more varied health concerns and concrete needs. Many live on very limited means, and a large influx of Russian Holocaust survivors has brought new challenges, including language.

As JSSA strives to support the survivors, I feel I am participating in an important chapter in Jewish history. I am powerless to change the trauma survivors experienced during the Holocaust. I am able to effect some changes today, at a particularly vulnerable time in their lives. At Café Europa, I will facilitate survivors gathering to celebrate and affirm life. I will dance with survivors and communi-cate our Jewish community’s message: We remember you and will not abandon you. n

Natalie with Anna Grosz

Vivian with JFGH residents and staff during Sukkot

Helping Holocaust SurvivorsBy Natalie Merkur-Rose

Advocating for Those with DisabilitiesBy Vivian G. Bass

Beth El in the Community Continued

As CEO of Jewish Foundation for Group Homes (JFGH), I eagerly anticipate February, a relevant period for us as we actively engage in Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month. Throughout the year, we have pro-grams, educational sessions, and events for our residents, their families, and the larger commu-nity. However, there is something extraordinary when the entire Jewish community throughout the nation is unified to advocate for persons with disabilities.

JFGH, along with dozens of representatives and self-advocates who share our passion for persons with disabilities, will convene in Wash-ington on February 10 for Jewish Disability Advocacy Day (JDAD), for which we at JFGH are honored to serve as a co-sponsor.

On JDAD, with one voice, we meet with key members of Congress, policymakers, and experts to address public policy and federal funding priorities. Our residents, staff, and families will share their poignant experiences

Changing Lives at BBYOBy Rabbi David KesselBy 12th grade, only about one out of seven b’nai mitzvah teens in this country is involved in Jewish activities. In BBYO, we change teens’ lives. BBYO has become the largest pluralistic Jewish teen movement in the world. Yet, all of us know teens who are not in-volved in anything Jewish.

Beth El was among the first congregations to welcome BBYO as a partner and complement to USY. Teens want to do great things, have fun, and make a difference. The more options, the better. When thousands of teens get involved, we reach a tipping point where momentum builds expo-nentially. Being involved becomes the thing to do.

Today, Beth El has an array of vi-brant options for teens because BBYO is fully integrated. I feel proud being part of a community dedicated to teen engagement and committed to the vi-sion of “Stronger Together.”

One of my goals at BBYO, where I am chief strategy and stakeholder relations officer, is to work strategically with synagogues and or-ganizations across North America to create compelling opportu-nities for Jewish teens. Lisa Eisen, also a Beth El congregant and the vice president of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, and I serve on a committee organizing the Summit on Jewish Teens in Baltimore, to be held February 11-12. I invite you to join us and more than 300 other community leaders to chart the future of Jewish teen life. For more information, visit www.jewishteensummit.org. n

in overcoming architectural, attitudinal, and communication barriers with elected officials face-to-face. These meaningful conversations have been a catalyst for monumental achieve-ments, such as the ABLE Act (Achieving a Bet-ter Life Experience).

Beth El, a recipient of JFGH’s Congrega-tional Inclusion Award in 2013, has been an ex-emplary model in educating and sensitizing the next generation, in particular, on the impor-tance of advocating for persons with disabilities.

For more than a decade, Beth El’s members have hosted JFGH residents for a Purim party and also integrated our residents into Religious School activities and other holiday and social functions.

Whether it’s a day on Capitol Hill or a day in one of the residences, it is a privilege to be a leader in such a forward-thinking and inclu-sive community that promotes independence, choice, and dignity within the fabric of our Jewish community. n

What I love about working at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washing-ton is that no two days are ever the same. It is never dull. Most of our building, which creates the environment where we deliver most of our programs, has not been renovated since it was built in 1970.

The major project that is taking my attention as CEO of the JCC is our Centennial Capital Campaign and the building renovation that it is funding. We have raised about $10.5 million towards our goal of $12 million. While we are close to our goal, closing out a campaign takes time, energy, and persistence.

In the next few weeks, I have to follow

up with a number of prospective donors, as well as hold strategy meetings with our development director and lay leaders.

The renovation is the flip side of this project, and despite a detailed construc-tion plan, unexpected issues regularly necessitate changes. I am the point per-son with our building task force that sets the priorities, and in many areas I make the final decision on the unforeseen problems that arise. Coming up are more meetings with architects and contractors to assure that we are staying on schedule and on budget, and that we are creating a warm and welcoming space that will serve so many in our community. n

Raising Funds, Overseeing RenovationBy Michael Feinstein

Michael Feinstein (left) and Brad Stillman, Beth El congre-gant and past JCC president, join “Bob the Builder” to an-nounce renovation plans in 2015.

Meeting the Leadership ChallengeBeth El counts among its congregants many talented Jew-ish professionals who provide leadership to both local and national Jewish organizations. The Scroll asked six of them to share a snapshot of what they were working on over the course of a recent week. Their comments offer a

look at the range of issues and challenges being addressed in the Jewish community. Whether they are running na-tional programs or helping Jews in need, they collectively share a passion for building a warm and inclusive Jewish community. 

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From New York to San Francisco, OneTable created 10,000 seats at the Shabbat dinner table in 2015, and we want to welcome even more hosts and guests in 2016. When our new social dining platform launches in January, hosts and guests will be able to create, find, and share dinners, and access original and cu-rated Jewish content.

The Shabbat dinner table is an oppor-tunity to be fully present through ritual and to express the deeply Jewish value of hachnasat orchim, welcoming guests. How will our new platform present these opportunities? What kind of Jewish content will inspire belonging, ownership, and the under-standing that Shabbat dinner hosts and guests are a part of something bigger than themselves?

As we head into 2016, I am thinking about these questions and more. My calendar for January and Febru-ary includes a weekend retreat with Bring Israel Home, a post-Birthright engagement initiative; five days at Rekindle, a national gathering in San Diego sponsored by the Schus-terman Foundation and designed to facilitate our connec-tions to other innovators of creative Shabbat programming

around the world; trips to Iowa and New Hampshire to host Shabbat dinner at the caucus and primary; a weeklong retreat with the Ruskay In-stitute for Jewish Professional Leadership; and a weekend at the annual Limmud NY Jewish learning conference.

I can’t wait to see you all again for the High Holidays this year. Until then... never a dull moment! n

Rabbi Minnen is the resident rabbi at OneTable. For several years, she has conducted

the Beth El High Holiday Family Service.

and the Zahlers gave the lead gift for the Zahler Social Hall. At the Federation High Holiday appeal on Kol Nidre at

Beth El last September, Bob talked about Federation’s com-mitment to community building and its tagline, “Make it Yours.” He encouraged all congregants to become involved in Jewish community. “Don’t just be Jewish; do Jewish … your own way and through Federation,” Bob said. He invites us all to engage in building a stronger Jewish future. n

Evaluating Conservative Movement ProgramsBy Jerry HermanAs chief operating officer of United Synagogue of Conser-vative Judaism (USCJ), I devote much time to implementing our strategic plan and working with staff and our board on financial, human resource, marketing, and operational mat-ters necessary to further our leadership and USY programs, as well as many other initiatives for the benefit of our syna-gogues, or kehillot.

This week, my two major projects are:• Overseeing a comprehensive evaluation of USCJ’s

International Convention, “Shape the Center,” held in No-vember in a Chicago suburb and attended by more than 1,100, including members from 200 synagogues and 170 rabbis. Our evaluation will analyze 350 surveys and in-depth interviews to see if our program achieved its goal of pro-viding synagogue leaders with valuable and pragmatic take-home learning in this period of substantial change.

• Advancing our major branding effort with our con-sultants, Good Omen Partners, who will be conducting meetings at congregations and elsewhere throughout the

D.C. area (in-cluding most likely at Beth El) as part of a national audit communi-cating with thousands of Conserva-tive Jews. The goals of this outreach are to provide a comprehensive perspective of our stakeholders’ views on Conservative Juda-ism, our kehillot, and USCJ. We will use this information to prepare new marketing, communications, and branding strategies to enable USCJ to serve our kehillot with greater resources and innovations.

My week will also include helping our staff put the fin-ishing touches on our annual USY International Conven-tion in Baltimore to be attended by more than 800 youth. n

Beth El in the Community Continued

Jerry (seated), with Adam Kofinas, USCJ director of facilities and operations

ROBERT ZAHLER continued from page 7

Getting More People to the Shabbat TableBy Rabbi Jessica Minnen

11

The Beth El Create a Jewish Legacy Committee is proud to report that our synagogue is again leading among the 11 Washington area organizations participating in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY program. Beth El has received commitments from 50 members to secure Beth El’s future.

Our congregation has joined other Jewish organizations in the Washington area to participate in the Create a Jew-ish Legacy bequest program, with support provided by the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. In 2014, Create a Jewish Legacy in the Washington area was selected to par-ticipate in the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY program as one of the first 15 Jewish commu-nities in North America. LIFE & LEGACY is a two-year program that assists communities, through partnerships with Jewish Federations and foundations, to promote after-life-time giving to benefit local Jewish day schools, synagogues, social service organizations, and other Jewish entities. The program also offers matching-fund incentives to organiza-tions that reach their goals in gaining new commitments. Beth El will receive a portion of the Washington-area incen-tives.Exceeding Our GoalsDuring the 2014-2015 project year, we met and exceeded the goal of 22 commitments. A new goal of a total of 40 commitments by the end of 2015 was then set for the Grin-spoon program participants in the Washington area. Beth El now has 50 commitments from members. They will help preserve Beth El as a visionary leader of the Conservative movement and a source of vibrancy for the Bethesda Jewish community.

This accomplishment again puts us in the lead in the

Washington-area Jewish community, and we will garner more of the incentive funds for our endowment fund. Thanks to the efforts of current and past Beth El CJL com-mittee members Mark Bronfman, Cary Feldman, Sid Getz, Larry Kaplan, Mark Levitt, Ellen Tillman, and Larry Sid-man, Beth El is well on its way to creating a meaningful be-quest program that will be indispensable to the future overall health of our synagogue.

Join these 50 Beth El visionaries in creating your Jewish legacy here at Beth El. It can be as simple as including Beth El in your will or as a partial beneficiary under your retire-ment plan or life insurance policy. If you have already made a bequest to Beth El, we would love to know about it and acknowledge your vision. For more information or to notify us about your bequest, contact Andrea Glazer at aglazer@bethelmc.org or 301-652-6206, ext. 318. n

Beth El Board of Directors OpeningsIn accordance with the bylaws, six at-large director posi-tions will become vacant at the annual meeting on Thurs-day, May 19, 2016. Adult members of Beth El who are in good standing may be considered for nomination. We ex-pect more members to apply than positions are available, and some current Board members are eligible to be con-sidered for a second term. Regular attendance at Board meetings on the fourth Tuesday evening of the month is expected. Potential nominees should contact David Mills, Nominating Committee chair, at dmills@cooley.com or mail to Beth El to his attention no later than Monday, February 15. He will then send interested individuals a questionnaire concerning their background, experience, and areas of interest.

Israel Needs UsWe Need Israel

The more that we know about life in Israel, the better equipped we are to support and strengthen our broth-ers and sisters living there. Please consider the follow-ing:

LEARN more about the work of Magen David Adom, the front line Israeli organization responsible for sav-ing lives every day throughout Israel. Visit www.afmda.org. to go behind the scenes of the all too distressingly familiar photos of Magen David Adom ambulances rushing to the aid of terrorist victims to gain a full ap-preciation of this organization’s mission and needs.

READ Doomed to Succeed: The U.S.-Israel Relationship from Truman to Obama by Dennis Ross, currently dis-tinguished fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Having advised successive administrations on Middle East and Israel policy for nearly 30 years, Ross combines personal experience with historical analysis in this illuminating work.

BUY Israeli products. As we contemplate Purim and Passover purchases, there is no better time to develop more permanent patterns of purchasing products made in Israel. This is a thoroughly enjoyable – and effective – response to the BDS movement. Please check out the selection of Israeli wines at Moti’s Market or Total Wine or visit www.buyisraelgoods.org for ideas.

Beth El Leads in Create a Jewish Legacy CommitmentsBy Suzanne Bronheim

12

finance, and internal and external engagement. There will be many opportunities for congregants to be involved in the Atid process – including a congregational survey, parlor meetings, and participation on the task forces.

The committee aims to produce recommendations and a final report by the end of 2016. Improving SecurityAnother vital area that the Board has been addressing is se-curity. The Beth El security committee, chaired by Larisa Trainor, executive vice president, is responsible for ongoing monitoring and evaluating of our security procedures.

This fall, Beth El engaged a private security company, Lennon Security, to conduct an independent assessment of the synagogue’s security needs and vulnerabilities. Lennon completed a thorough examination of Beth El’s security personnel, lighting, intrusion detection, and access control processes. Based on the recommendations of Lennon and the security task force, the Board approved additional secu-rity expenditures for this year. Other security investments and changes will be implemented over the next two years. Although some of these changes will not be visible to con-gregants, others, such as a change in security guards, will be visible and are already in place.

The security of the Beth El community – our children, our members, guests, clergy, and staff – is a top priority for the Board. Recent world events have heightened security concerns at Beth El and elsewhere. Changes to our security strategy will be made in a way that takes into account our desire to maintain an open community with the need to

be vigilant. As the Board continues to evaluate our security protocols, the Board will consider whether an additional as-sessment fee is necessary to fund new security measures.B’YachadA third major area of Board activity this year has been development. Our development committee, led by Mark Bronfman with the assistance of Andrea Glazer, our develop-ment director, has been working to ensure a more stable and consistent approach to synagogue fundraising. This fall, Beth El introduced B’Yachad (meaning “Together”), a personal philanthropy program. B’Yachad provides congregants the opportunity to direct their financial contributions to Beth El to specific program areas so they can support Beth El in ways that are most meaningful to them while minimizing annual solicitations. New Shabbat SiddurimFinally, at our December meeting, the Board approved the purchase of new Shabbat siddurim. The new prayer book, produced by the Rabbinical Assembly, is called Siddur Lev Shalem and will replace our existing Sim Shalom Siddur. A few years ago, we began using Mahzor Lev Shalem for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Like the new Mahzor, Siddur Lev Shalem features a four-column format, new translations in contemporary language, commentary providing histori-cal context, as well as kavanot, poetry, and prose to expand and enrich the reader’s relationship with the text. We expect to begin using the new prayer books for Shabbat services within the next few months. n

FROM THE PRESIDENT continued from page 1

Grandparent’s Memory Book for Jewish Families – Second Printing

Written by Beth El Sisterhood members and published by Kar-Ben, this interactive publication is available for $16.95 in the office, the Judaica Shop, by mail, and at select Sisterhood events. The beautifully designed book provides an opportunity for grandparents to write down important and meaningful details about their lives and to pass along to their grandchildren their personal his-tory, values, Jewish practices, and heritage. The book can also be used as a guide for grandchildren to interview grandparents and to record special memories and family history in the book or on audio or videotape. Quantity discounts available. For more information, visit www.bethelmc.org or contact Ina Young.

Child Adoption: A Jewish Communal Conversation

Wednesday, February 10, 7:30 pm

Join an adoptive parent, clergy, and a representative of The Barker Adop-tion Foundation to learn about adoption

of older children from the foster care system and spe-cial considerations for Jewish families. This session will explore, through a Jewish lens, the joys and journeys of adopting older children through the foster care system. All are welcome to join this conversation. RSVP to Geryl Baer at gbaer@bethelmc.org.

For more information on the program, visit bethelmc.org/older-adoption.

13

FROM THE CLERGY continued from page 1

ContributionsPlease remember that contributions can be made easily, quickly, and securely via our webpage – www.bethelmc.org

Donations made from November 25 to December 17, 2015 Beth El ForestIn Memory Of:Izak Roditi by Aylin EdelmanMarc Russell Devinsky by Paul DevinskySuzanne Winarsky, mother of Lew Winarsky, by Simcha

HavurahCantor’s FundIn Honor Of:Hazzan Klein, for his help with preparing Ben Doniger for his

bar mitzvah, by Luan and Michael DonigerHazzan Klein, for his help with Jocie’s bat mitzvah, by Hillary,

Doug, Jocie, Erin, and Ezra MintzAlex Landy’s bar mitzvah by the Landy familyIn Memory Of:Anna Dickler by Elliott and Phyllis Dickler

Ben Kirsch by Laurence S. and Celia Goldman KirschMaurice Horowitz, my beloved father, by Rita LiebowitzDisabled Access FundIn Memory Of:Irvin Goldstein by Sherry and Dennis AskwithFine Arts FundIn Honor Of:Florence Gang on her special birthday by Irwin and Rita

KopinGeneral FundBy: Elliot and Barbara RosenthalIn Honor Of:Amanda, Eric, Alexandra, and Roman Posner by Gary and

Pennie Abramson Charitable FoundationBat mitzvah of Rhoda Nichaman’s granddaughter by Judy and

Alan Gann

Writing Workshop with Michelle BrafmanFebruary 28, 9:30 am-noon

Everyone has a story to tell. What’s yours?

Join Michelle Brafman, Beth El congregant and author of Washing the Dead, for a fun writing workshop as part of this year’s synagogue theme of American Jewish Creativ-ity. This workshop will be a supportive space for novice or veteran writers seeking prompts to generate works of fiction, memoir, or poetry. There will be technique tips and a community of fellow scribes. Bring a pen and notebook, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Space is limited. RSVP required to Geryl Baer at gbaer@bethelmc.org or 301-652-2606, ext. 352.

Auction Items Needed for BEPS’s “The Big Event”

Do you have sporting event tickets you could donate? Have a connection to a spa or salon? Do you own a beach house or vacation house? Know a jewelry designer who might want to donate a beautiful necklace or bracelet? Or a favorite restaurant that you feel comfortable asking for a gift card or special dining experience? Beth El Preschool (BEPS) is seeking items for its silent auction at its annual fundraiser, “The Big Event,” to be held Saturday, March 5. To donate, please contact Lauren Mezrahi. All proceeds from The Big Event go to BEPS programs.

Beth El Does Shabbat Across AmericaFriday, March 4 to Saturday, March 5

Please join your friends and fellow congregants to participate in “Shabbat Across America” on March 4-5. We will use the power of Shabbat meals at members’ homes to strengthen our sense of community. Participants

may host others at Friday night Shabbat dinner or Shab-bat lunch on Saturday, or they may request to be guests at the homes of others.  This special event will conclude at Beth El at 7:00 pm with a congregational celebration of Havdalah and dessert.

To participate as a host or guest, contact Geryl Baer at gbaer@bethelmc.org. Hosts will receive a challah for their Shabbat table.

inspired me in my thinking about the origins of this obliga-tion. This implies a living, evolving covenant. I believe in a dynamic covenant between God and the Jewish people.

The articles in the Scroll are not about theology, though. They are expressions of fulfilling the sense of obligation to others through the important work of our communal orga-nizations. These works act as proof that we are not “only for myself,” as Hillel warns. Countless members of Beth El take on the responsibility to make a positive impact on others within each concentric circle.

I hope you will be inspired to share your own stories of formal and informal leadership as we continue to nurture a culture of community leadership beyond the walls of Beth El. n

14

Contributions Continued

Birth of Benjamin Asher Simowitz, son of Aaron and Emmeline Simowitz and grandson of Amy and Lee Simowitz, by Beth El Opera Havurah

Hazzan Klein, Rabbi Harris, and Ricardo Munster for assistance with celebration of my father’s 100th birthday by Henry Kahn

Etta Kline’s 90th birthday by Helen FriedkinEveryone at Beth El for honoring my birthday by Esther

IsralowJocie Mintz by Prescott and Erica BullardSamuel Alexander Ferber’s bar mitzvah by Stanley and Rhoda

FischerRachelle and Mitchell Solkowitz by Esther IsralowIn Memory Of:Alex and Annie Levine by David and Jacquelyn LevineBeloved father, Bernard Bobb, by Anita and Howard RatainBeloved parents, Helen and Charles Merlin, by Marcia and Paul

MerlinBernice Kuhn by Adam D. KuhnElliot Wasley by Herman Venick and Narda EhrlichFlora Askin by Sara LiebermanFred Schulman by Sharon and Richard SchulmanGeorge Barron by Karyl Barron and Jeffrey MoakHans Hirsch by Howard and Adam Hoffman and Michael and

Suzanne FeinsteinHenry Berger, my father-in-law, by Bea BergerSuzanne Bauer Winarsky, mother of Lew Winarsky, by Jack

and Stephanie Ventura, Judy and Alan Gann, and Howie and Holly Stein

Jordan Walerstein by Faith WalersteinJudy Levine by Ken Levine and Diana HuffmanLeonard Saxe by Barbara KotzMilton Goldstein by Steven and Susan GoldsteinMy beloved husband, Warren, by Judith H. GreenbergMy beloved mother, Phyllis Frank, by Wynne SitrinNorman Barshai by Benita FormanRose K. Wallerstein by Lee and Gloria DerkaySidney Hoffman by Howard J. HoffmanElaine Silverman Gessow College Activities FundIn Memory Of:Toni Bloom by Hellaine and Irwin NepoGreen Tikkun FundIn Memory Of:Edward H. Koenig by John FatatisGroner Camp Ramah Scholarship FundIn Honor Of:Daphne Kaplan’s bat mitzvah by Craig YokumIn Memory Of:Hans Hirsch by Erwin and Leena GronerHanukkah Wish ListBy: Dov and Sharon Margolis ApfelJudith and Jonathan LevinMarvin and Barbara KotzMark and Lisa BronfmanBarbara and David EisensteinSanders FoundationHerbert TanenbaumDena and Stanley Forster

Rosalie SpornIn Honor Of:Corina Thiel by Elliott Stern and Tania CondarcoIsrael Experience Teen FundIn Honor Of:Myrna Yalon, excellent Judaic art teacher, by Irwin and Rita

KopinIn Memory Of:Pauline Resnick by Bernard ResnickLibrary FundIn Memory Of:Samuel Orenstein by Alan OrensteinLitman Holocaust (Shoah) Education FundBy: Ruth and Benjamin CohenIn Memory Of:My beloved mother, Edith Orban, and my aunt, Lillian Stransky,

by Annamarie SokolyMazonIn Honor Of:Dale Gold’s birthday by Anne and David HamburgerMyer Kahn’s 100th birthday by Rachelle Bernstecker and Bob

AbramsonSuzanne and Bruce Strauss by Sabina ShalomIn Memory Of:Harold Feigenbaum by Ken FeigenbaumKate Schwartz by Dov and Sharon Margolis ApfelMintz Landscaping FundIn Memory Of:Sanford Altschul, brother of Carolyn Feigenbaum, by Carolyn

and Ken FeigenbaumMorning Minyan FundBy: Jeffrey Snyder and Lynn Shapiro SnyderIn Memory Of:Anita “Peggy” Levinson, my mother, by Karen LevinsonBenjamin Edenbaum by Bob and Sandy Edenbaum and familyHenrietta Bruckheim by Arthur BruckheimIrving Ehrenthal by Thera SwerskyJanet Weis by Joseph and Ellen GoldsteinMy mother, Martha Geller, by Suzanne StraussPaul Goldstein and Lillian Goldstein Lande by Joseph and Ellen

GoldsteinZeev Gendelman by Rita GendelmanPrayer Book FundIn Memory Of:My beloved brothers, Reuven and Zeev Gendelman, by Boris

GendelmanRabbi’s Fund By: Aaron and Jennifer SnyderDena and Stanley ForsterIn Honor Of:Rabbi Harris, for his comfort and help during my dad’s shiva,

by Danielle and Joe WagnerRabbi Harris, for his help in preparing Ben Doniger for his bar

mitzvah, by Luan and Michael DonigerRabbi Harris for helping with Jocie’s bat mitzvah by Hillary,

Doug, Jocie, Erin, and Ezra Mintz

15

Contributions Continued

Rabbi Werbin and family, on his first holiday season at Beth El, from Rosh Hashanah to Hanukkah, by Dov and Sharon Margolis Apfel and family

Rabbi Rudolph’s officiating at the wedding of Michael Prada and Hillary Mishan by Jana Singer and Larry Sidman

Alex Landy’s bar mitzvah by the Landy familyIn Memory Of:Annie Sherman by Libby GordonArthur Block by Herbert and Cheryl BarafBeatrice Gilbert by Robert and Ariella GilbertBenjamin Miller by Elliott and Phyllis DicklerBertha Gomberg Kirsch by Laurence S. Kirsch and Celia

Goldman KirschDaniel Kweller by Howard KwellerEdward Fohrman by Elizabeth Fohrman and Richard ZorowitzHerbert Harvey by Lila HarveyHyman Jacob Rifkin by Morton and Lillian DavisIrene Golden, beloved aunt of Jerome Wernick, by Jerome and

Ina WernickLeo Eule by Norman EuleMy mother, Fay Yudkovitz, by Howard FeibusPhyllis J. Posnick by Lauren RobinRichard Marcus by Judith MarcusCelia and Audrey Resnik Memorial Lecture Endowment

FundIn Memory Of:Audrey Resnik by Rebecca G. ResnikScolnic Adult Institute FundIn Honor Of:Refuah Shleimah to Bennett Harte by Rhoda NichamanRefuah Shleimah to Helen Popper by Irwin and Rita KopinIn Memory Of:Arnold Safer by Roberta SaferFreda Rosenthal by John and Sue RosenthalMy loving brother, Lawrence, by Rhoda NichamanSuzanne Bauer Winarsky, mother of Lew Winarsky, by Ilene

and David JacobowitzSenior CaucusIn Honor Of:Myer Kahn’s special birthday by Tricia and Howard SachsJordan Rosner, for hosting the Gray Panthers meeting, by Irwin

and Rita KopinDr. Elaine L. Shalowitz Education FundIn Honor Of:Sarah Roark, superb educator, by Irwin and Rita KopinSimos Music FundIn Memory Of:Charlotte Simos by Rosalie SpornSisterhood Kesher Nashim FundIn Memory Of:My beloved father, Abraham Bernstein, by Susan and Lewis

Winarsky

My beloved mother, Romayne Nogi Bernstein, by Susan and Lewis Winarsky

Sisterhood Kiddush FundIn Honor Of:Shoshannah Freilich, for helping with Jocie’s bat mitzvah

kiddush by Hillary, Doug, Jocie, Erin, and Ezra MintzIn Memory Of:Goldie Margolis Abelson by Dov and Sharon Margolis ApfelLillian Cohen, beloved mother and grandmother, by Barbara S.

SpitzerSisterhood Shiva Meal FundIn Memory Of:Irv Nurik, my beloved husband, by Margy NurikIsrael Weinstein, my father, by Margy NurikSisterhood Torah FundIn Honor Of:The Sisterhood Torah Fund award given to Mindy Davis z”l

and Michelle Gips by Bill and Mindy Davis Charitable FundSisterhood-General ContributionIn Memory Of:Elie Hazan by Danielle SultanSisterhood Flower FundIn Honor Of:Janet Meyers receiving the Golda Meir Award by Dov and

Sharon Margolis ApfelSybil Suls Youth Activites FundBy: Dennis CarltonElaine Tanenbaum Religious School Enrichment FundIn Honor Of:Beloved daughter, Sarah Leventhal Roark, and her 25 years as

an educator at Beth El, by Carl M. LeventhalMark Levine and Elisha Frumkin and their wonderful staff by

Irwin and Rita KopinIn Memory Of:Bertha Schwartz by Robert DeckelbaumTilly Amcis by the Portnoy familyTransportation FundIn Memory Of:Ernestine T. Goldstein, beloved mother of Judith G. Levin, by

Judith and Jonathan LevinHilda Teitel, beloved mother of Richard Lieberman, by

Richard Lieberman and Helene WeiszMy parents, Haim and Nina Catz, by Charlotte CatzWeker Family Program FundIn Memory Of:Trudy and Si Weker by Laurie Weker LiptonWerner Liturgical Music FundIn Honor Of:Pat and Jerome Danoff by Craig Yokum

Follow us for pictures, upcoming events, and more: fb.me/congregation.beth.el

Mazal Tov toLynn Goldin and Henry Birnkrant on the engagement of

their daughter, Aviva Birnkrant, to Evan BlankJoan and Joel Simon on the engagement of their son, Daniel,

to Lisa YanniDaniel and Samantha Whitney on the birth of their daughter,

Alayna Whitney. Proud siblings are Ryan and Stella.

Condolences to Norton and Sandy Elson on the death of Norton’s brother,

Clifford ElsonDaniel Hirsch and Brenda Gruss on the death of Daniel’s

father, long-time congregant Hans HirschEliezer May on the death of his mother, Milka NakarDavid and Karen Sultan, on the death of David’s father, Meyer

SultanLewis and Susan Winarsky on the death of Lewis’s mother,

Suzanne Bauer Winarsky

NoteworthyBridge – the greatest game ever! Join us every Monday and Thursday (except the 3rd Monday and Thursday) from noon to 3:00 pm. Drop in and join a game; no partner necessary. For in-formation or transportation, contact Ricardo Munster at 301-652-2606, ext. 316, or rmunster@bethelmc.org.  

Senior Caucus Meeting, Wednesday, February 3, 1:00 pm. These active retirees join to hear about the ongoing programs and plan new activities. Be one of them. This program is followed by: 

Roundtable with the Rabbi, Wednesday, February 3, 2:00 pm. Join us to celebrate February’s birthdays (yours and those of others) with desserts, coffee, and a lively discussion led by Rabbi Harris. Birthday celebrants receive a special invitation, but all are welcome. 

Dor L’Dor, Thursday, February 4, noon. The Beth El Pre-school (BEPS) 4s Class and a group of Beth El seniors blend to-gether to form Dor L’Dor. To participate and share pizza with the preschoolers, RSVP to Susan Bruckheim, or Ricardo Munster at 301-652-2606, ext. 316, or rmunster@bethelmc.org.

Senior Caucus, Thursdays, February 11 and 25, noon. Brown Bag lunch. Come and socialize with your friends and en-joy refreshments and dessert.

Senior Caucus-Vatikkim Luncheon Program, Thursday, February 18. Starts with lunch at noon. Following lunch, we will continue with the opera series introduced by Len Topper. He will present Il Signor Ruschino, another early Rossini comic opera in one act by Gioachino Rossini with a libretto by Giuseppe Maria Foppa. Lunch costs $10. To RSVP for lunch, call Ricardo Munster at 301-652-2606, ext. 316, or rmunster@bethelmc.org, by Tuesday, February 16. The program is free and begins at 1:00 pm.

While we know you’ll want to read every word in this issue of the Scroll, when you’re finished, please recycle it.

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C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h E l 8215 Old Georgetown RoadBethesda, Maryland 20814-1451

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Send submissions to the Scroll to scroll@bethelmc.org

Descriptions of ServicesMinyan Chaverim offers the ruach of the Shabbat services in USY, BBYO, and Hillel. We have a lay-led, traditional, participatory, spirit-filled service, including full repetition of the Shacharit and Musaf Amidah, as well as the full Torah reading with an interac-tive Torah discussion. A pot-luck lunch follows the service at a nearby home. For information, contact Debbie Feinstein at debbie_feinstein@yahoo.com or Sheryl Rosensky Miller at sherylrosemiller@gmail.com.

The Worship and Study Minyan is conducted by members of the congregation and combines evocative Torah study with ample singing and ruach. Children are welcome, although the service is oriented toward adults. For information, contact Dan Hirsch at 301-654-7289, DOHirsch@gmail.com Sid Getz at 301-530-2215, sidgetz01@gmail.com Mark Levitt at 301-365-5365, MLevitt@Nelliscorp.com.

Minyan Olamim, led by Hazzan Klein and guests, includes chanting, niggunim, meditation, and a focus on the inner journey of the prayers. Mixing Hebrew and English, it is an opportunity for people of different backgrounds to sing, pray, converse, and find a deeper spiritual meaning in their Shabbat experience.

Zhava Shabbat Morning Service Gathering is an opportunity to learn more about this service with a member of Beth El’s clergy in a small group setting. Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, March 12, and May 14 at 10:30 am.

B e t h E l C a l e n d a r&We e k l y P a r a s h i o t

Daily Services M-F 7:30 am Sun-Th 8:00 pm Fri 6:30 pm Sun 9:00 am

Shabbat Services (all services are weekly, except as noted) Early Morning Service 7:30 am Main Service 9:30 am Babysitting (2-6 years old) 9:15 am Minyan Chaverim (3rd Shabbat) 9:30 am Minyan Olamim (4th Shabbat) 10:45 am Worship and Study Minyan (1st Shabbat) 9:45 am

Youth Shabbat Services Teen Service (1st Shabbat) 10:00 am Junior Congregation (5th grade +; Library) 10:00 am Shitufim 10:30-11:30 am (2nd– 4th grades; 2nd & 4th Shabbat; Zahler Social Hall)

Gan Shabbat (kindergarten-2nd grade; 1st & 3rd Shabbat; MP 1&2) 10:30-11:30 am Nitzanim (birth - kindergarten; 2nd, 4th, 5th Shabbat; MP 1&2) 10:30-11:30 am

For information, contact Elisha Frumkin, 301-652-8573, ext. 319, efrumkin@bethelmc.org.

Weekly ParashiotSource: Siddur Sim Shalom

MishpatimFebruary 6, 27 ShevatThe civil laws, along with moral and religious precepts, are presented after the Ten Commandments. The people accept the Torah wholeheartedly, vowing, “All that Adonai has commanded, we will do.” Israel affirms the Covenant, and Moses returns to Mount Sinai to receive the law, etched in stone, from God.

T’rumahFebruary 13, 4 Adar IWhile Moses remains on Mount Sinai, God provides detailed instructions regarding the construction and decoration of the Mishkan. This Tabernacle is to house the Ark and allow the Divine Presence to dwell among the people.

T’tzavvehFebruary 20, 11 Adar IGod commands that a lamp filled with oil should burn all night in the Mishkan, that priests serving therein should wear holy garments, and that the High Priest should wear a breastplate with 12 precious stones, one for each tribe. God provides directions for the consecra-tion of Aaron and his sons as priests and prescribes their duties.

Ki TissaFebruary 27, 18 Adar IGod names Bezalel as chief artisan to oversee the craft-ing of the Mishkan’s appointments. On Mount Sinai, God presents Moses with two stone tablets with God’s words etched upon them. In Moses’ absence, however, the people make a golden calf as a god. God sends Moses back to the people. Moses sees the calf and, in anger, shatters the tablets. God punishes the Israelites, but Mo-ses intercedes on their behalf. He then returns to Mount Sinai to receive a new set of tablets.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1 1 2 3 4 5 Candles 5:16 pm 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 Candles 5:24 pm 13`

14 15 16 17 18 19 Candles 5:32 pm 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 Candles 5:39 pm 27

28 29 26 27 28 29 Candles 5:08 pm 30

C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h E lMonthly Calendar

9:00 am Minyan9:30 am Men’s Club Breakfast9:30 am Sisterhood General Meeting &

Education Program10:00 am Men’s Club Program10:00 am Female Physicians Group7:00 pm Talmud Class

Noon Bridge7:15 pm Boy Scouts

Rosh Hodesh Adar I8:15 am A Taste of Talmud6:30 pm Mah Jongg7:00 pm Series of 3’s: Judaism 101 and

Beyond (offsite)7:30 pm BEPS Board Meeting7:30 pm Rosh Chodesh: It’s a Woman

Thing

Rosh Hodesh Adar I9:30 am Rabbi Harris’s Torah Class9:30 am Rabbi Werbin’s ‘King David’

Class7:30 pm Older Child Adoption for Jewish

Families Panel

9:30 am M. Fine Torah ClassNoon Senior Caucus Brown Bag LunchNoon Bridge6:30 pm Tallit Workshop (snow date)7:30 pm Executive Committee Meeting

10:00 am Gray Panthers 2 Meeting6:30 pm Friday Evening Service

7:30 am Early Shabbat Service9:30 am Main Shabbat Service9:30 am Gabriel Schaner Bar Mitzvah10:30 am Nitzanim12:45 pm Shabbat Mincha Service7:30 pm BEENS Movie

Offices and Schools Closed9:00 am Minyan9:30 am Men’s Club Breakfast10:00 am Men’s Club Program7:00 pm Talmud Class

8:15 am A Taste of Talmud6:30 pm Mah Jongg

9:30 am Rabbi Harris’s Torah Class9:30 am Rabbi Werbin’s ‘King David’

Class1:30 pm Conversational Hebrew

9:30 am M. Fine Torah ClassNoon Senior Caucus Luncheon

6:30 pm Kol Haneshama Friday Evening Service

7:30 am Early Shabbat Service9:30 am Minyan Chaverim9:30 am Main Shabbat Service10:15 am Jr. Congregation10:30 am Gan Shabbat12:45 pm Shabbat Mincha Service7:30 pm Rabbi Harris Installation

9:00 am Minyan9:30 am Men’s Club Breakfast10:00 am Men’s Club ProgramNoon Mah Jongg Lunch & Tournament7:00 pm Talmud Class

Noon Bridge7:15 pm Boy Scouts

8:15 am A Taste of Talmud6:30 pm Mah Jongg7:30 pm Board of Directors Meeting

9:30 am Rabbi Harris’s Torah Class9:30 am Rabbi Werbin’s ‘King David’

Class

9:30 am M. Fine Torah ClassNoon Senior Caucus Brown Bag LunchNoon Bridge7:00 pm Red Stone Group

6:30 pm Friday Evening Service7:15 pm Day School Shabbat Dinner

9:00 am Minyan9:30 am Men’s Club Breakfast9:30 am Telling Your Story Workshop

with Michelle Brafman10:00 am Men’s Club Program7:00 pm Talmud Class

Noon Bridge7:15 pm Boy Scouts

6:30 pm Friday Evening Service 7:30 am Early Shabbat Service9:30 am Main Shabbat Service9:30 am Daniel Barrett Bar Mitzvah9:45 am Worship & Study Minyan10:00 am Teen Service10:15 am Jr. Congregation10:30 am Gan Shabbat12:45 pm Shabbat Mincha Service

Noon Bridge7:15 pm Boy Scouts

8:15 am A Taste of Talmud1:30 pm Conversational Hebrew6:30 pm Mah Jongg7:00 pm Suzin Glickman Memorial

Program

9:30 am M. Fine Torah ClassNoon Senior Caucus Dor L’ Dor LunchNoon Bridge6:30 pm Tallit Workshop8:30 pm Hearing Men’s Voices

February 2016Shevat-Adar I 5776

President’s DayOffices and Schools Closed9:00 am Morning Minyan

9:30 am Rabbi Harris’s Torah Class9:30 am Rabbi Werbin’s ‘King David’

Class2:00 pm Roundtable with the Rabbi

7:30 am Early Shabbat Service9:30 am Main Shabbat Service9:30 am Alexander Margolis Bar

Mitzvah9:30 am Sophia Klubes Bat Mitzvah10:15 am Jr. Congregation10:30 am Minyan Olamim10:30 am Nitzanim10:30 am Shitufim12:45 pm Shabbat Mincha Service5:00 pm BEPS PJ Havdalah7:30 pm Israel Media Series