VOLUME 78N U M B E R 9

I M P O R T A N T I M P O R T A N T

facebook.com/groups/BnaiIsraelCong/ www.bnaiisraelcong.orgSTAY CONNECTED

JUNE/JULY 2021Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz 5781

Inside B’nai Mitzvah ........................................................ 2Lenkin Building Anniversary .......................... 2Rabbi’s Message ................................................. 3Leadership Message .......................................... 5Lessans Adult Learning Institute ................. 5Summer Speaker Series .................................. 6HINEINI Annual Campaign ............................. 8Judaica Shop ....................................................... 10Sisterhood Endowment ................................. 11Project Outreach ................................................ 11Early Childhood .................................................. 12Youth & Education ........................................... 13Shabbat Magic ....................................................13Youth Events ...................................................... 14Israel Corner ....................................................... 15Blumberg-Zalis Family Library .....................16Social Action ...................................................... 16Sisterhood ........................................................... 17Men’s Club .......................................................... 18Mazal Tov ............................................................ 19Members in Mourning ................................... 20Donations ............................................................. 21

Rabbi Matthew Simon and Dr. Sara Rubinow Simon

Create a Legacy Endowment for Jewish Engagement

See page 11.

WITH APPRECIATIONWe honor and recognize those who supported the

2020–2021 Hineini Annual Campaign

See page 8.

HINEINIAnnual Campaign

2020–2021

Tish’a B’AvThe Ninth of Av

On this day we commemorate the destruction of the Temples and other tragedies of Jewish

history.

Saturday, July 17and

Sunday, July 18

See page 3 for more information.

SUMMER Speaker Series

Community members speak on Shabbat mornings about the interesting ways that they connect special experiences to their Jewish identities.

See pages 6–7 for details.

High Holiday Ticket Mailing See page 4.

Summer Edition

MAZAL TOV to the Confirmation Class of 2021/5781

JASON ALTNEU GABRIELLE BARKE

ELIZABETH KOTLOVEETHAN LENKIN

During a beautiful celebration on Shavuot, our confirmands presented reflections on

their intensive educational projects. Visit www.bnaiisraelcong.org/

confirmation2021 to view their reflections.

!cuy kzn

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devn ipaB’NAI MITZVAH

Jacob Ari KrantzJune 12 | 9:00 AMJake Krantz, son of Tracy and Stefan Krantz, grandson of Sondra (z”l) and Richard (z”l) Evans and Lenore and Fred Krantz, is a seventh-grade student at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School. For his mitzvah project, Jake is planning to collect sports equipment for Leveling the Playing Field, an organization that gives underprivileged children the opportunity to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of youth sports participation.

Benjamin AmdurJune 19 | 9:00 AMBenjamin Amdur, son of Alexander Amdur and G a b r i e l a R o s e n b e rg , grandson of Samuel (z”l) and Anita Rosenberg, and Millard (z”l) and Sheila Amdur, is a seventh-grade student at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School. For his mitzvah project, Benjamin is helping with distributing food at the MidCounty United Ministries Mobile Pantry.

Simon PugachJune 19 | 9:00 AMSimon Pugach, son of Susan and David Pugach, grandson of Janice and Gary Bilchik and Simon (z”l) and Marilyn Pugach, is a sixth-grade student at North Bethesda Middle School. For his mitzvah project, Simon is helping people experiencing food insecurity by preparing food for Martha’s Table.

B'NAI ISRAEL CELEBRATES 18 YEARSFOR LENKIN EDUCATION AND ACTIVITIES CENTERby RABBI JONATHAN A. SCHNITZER

In our Jewish tradition, 18 is a special number. It signifies Chai, life, and an affirmation of our human potential. Last month, 18 years ago, on a bright Sunday morning—May 18, 2003—we at B’nai Israel celebrated an extraordinary accomplishment: the dedication of the Thelma and Melvin Lenkin Education and Activities Center, which launched an era of exceptional growth and vitality for our congregation, from which all of us continue to benefit. It was one of my most memorable moments as a rabbi. Reaching that milestone was daunting: there were construction delays, pauses in generating the required funds and other obstacles inevitable in such a complex project. But throughout the process, there was also a palpable sense of commitment and excitement, as hundreds and hundreds of our B’nai Israel members helped in activating our vision for the future. Many in our B’nai Israel ranks vividly remember the dedication event of 18 years ago and the fulfillment of that dream. They deserve our gratitude for the courage, caring, love and generosity which they exemplified for our congregation. Others have become part of our Synagogue community in the intervening years and have been impressed by both the physical and spiritual beauty of our facility. God willing, as the pandemic lessens, we will convene once again at B’nai Israel under more normal circumstances. It will be heartwarming to see our community streaming back to the Lenkin Education and Activities Center for a myriad of purposes. But this much is also certain: the pandemic has upended many aspects of Jewish life, including at our Synagogue.

Just as we did 18 years ago, we will need a surge of energy, creativity and agility for our post-pandemic B’nai Israel blueprint. Most of all, we will need you. How fortuitous it is that the 18th anniversary of the dedication of the Lenkin Education and Activities Center coincided with the Festival of Shavuot...when we the Jewish people recognize the centrality of Torah. At its essence, our Synagogue is a living laboratory of Torah, its values and responsibilities. So...Mazal Tov to all of us, L’ Hayyim—to life—and onward to B’nai Israel’s Centennial and the next chapter in our destiny!

This dedication plaque hangs near the entrance to the Thelma and Melvin Lenkin Education and Activities Center. Each name represents an entire committee of volunteers who dedicated themselves to this tremendous community endeavor.

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RABBI'S MESSAGEby RABBI MITCHELL BERKOWITZ

IN-PERSON SERVICES

are Happening at B'nai Israel

You are invited to join us for in-person services every Wednesday morning at 7:15 AM, Saturday morning at 9:00 AM, and as announced for holidays and special occasions. With rapidly changing public health guidelines, we appreciate the recommendations of our Roadmap to Reopening Task Force. At this time masks and reservations are still required to attend any in-person

worship services.

Email Allison Karasik (allison@bnaiisraelcong.org) to reserve your space. View our safety protocols at www.bnaiisraelcong.org/shabbatguidelines.

We appreciate your participation. All of our services continue to be broadcast at www.bnaiisraelcong.org/dailyminyan.

Tish’a B’AvThe Ninth of Av

On this day we commemorate the destruction of the Temples and

other tragedies of Jewish history.

SATURDAY, JULY 178:00 PM Shabbat Minha service

followed by a Tisha B'Avlearning session

Havdalah, Ma'ariv and the reading of Eikhah-Book of Lamentations will follow when Shabbat ends at

9:02 PM

SUNDAY, JULY 189:00 AM Shaharit

2:00 PM Minha8:00 PM Ma’ariv

Fast ends at 9:02 PM.

Tisha B’Av, or the 9th of Av, is not the most widely observed day on the Jewish calendar. Often arriving in July or August, this day is the only one that mirrors the customs of Yom Kippur: a complete 25-hour fast coupled with other abstentions. It is a dark day on the Jewish calendar for on it we recall not only the destructions of the Jerusalem Temples but other calamities of Jewish history. But even less well-known is a celebration which follows six days later: Tu B’Av, or the 15th of Av, a celebration of love and courtship with somewhat obscure origins.

The Mishnah teaches us that Tu B’Av and Yom Kippur were actually some of the most joyous days on the calendar in the ancient Jewish world, because on these days “the daughters of Jerusalem would go out in white clothes, which each woman borrowed from another” (Mishnah Ta’anit 4:8). The mishnah goes on to teach that these were the days upon which the unmarried women and men of ancient Israel would go out to meet one another and find their beloved. This ancient celebration of matchmaking seems to have fallen into obscurity by the medieval period, but has been revived in the modern State of Israel as a festival of love.

This year, Tu B’Av coincides with Shabbat Nachamu, the Shabbat of Comfort, which follows Tisha B’Av. On the preceding Shabbat we read a special haftarah that warns of the dire consequences of turning away from God, and the following Shabbat we read this special haftarah of comfort. The coinciding of Tu B’Av with Shabbat Nachamu is not entirely uncommon (it

happened most recently in 2008 and it will happen again in 2025), but it offers us a unique opportunity as a community: a chance to explore the notions of consolation, return, and love. These themes are most appropriate for us to consider as the pandemic wanes and we each reemerge into a newfound experience of life.

The opening lines of this special haftarah read, “Comfort, oh comfort My people, says your God. Speak to the heart of Jerusalem…” (Isaiah 40:1-2). The phrase “speak to the heart” evokes courtship and love; God seeks reconciliation with God’s people after a difficult and trying time. Reconciliation between estranged parties is about learning how to rebuild and how to heal. After what has been a terribly trying time for us all, we seek moments for healing and rebuilding—with ourselves, with each other, and with God. All of us have been tested this past year, and all of us have faced loss and disappointment. Shabbat Nachamu teaches us that after pain, there is yet hope for healing and comfort.

Healing and comfort are necessary, but they are insufficient. We strive not only to recover and return, but to thrive and flourish. In order to do that, we need love. We need to reawaken that sense of love for ourselves, love for each other, and love for our sacred tradition. Tu B’Av presents us with an opportunity to do so.

So please join us on July 24 for the celebration of both Shabbat Nachamu and Tu B’Av. We will host a Service of Consolation and Renewal. Our traditional Shabbat morning services will be enhanced with this special service at its end, as well as a return to some of our most treasured customs: parading the Torah around Dweck Sanctuary, lifting the Torah, and perhaps a modified kiddush (details of which are yet to be determined). We will share additional details as the date approaches.

May the year ahead be one of hope, healing, and renewal.

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LEADERSHIP MESSAGEby STEVEN ROTHENBERGPresident

When I was deciding on whether I could take on the role of President of B’nai Israel and going through all the different scenarios of what the job would entail, the thought of a global pandemic never crossed my mind. None of us were prepared, and yet this was the challenge that defined my term as President. It got me thinking. Every B’nai Israel President has had challenges, either internal or external to the organization, that they had to face head on. Think about it, all the critical decisions over the past 95 years: moving from Washington, DC to Montgomery County; building the Lenkin Education and Activities Center; providing women the same opportunity as men to participate in religious activities; creating membership opportunities for Jewish families of all kinds including interfaith, interracial, or LGBTQ. These are just some of the challenges and decisions our presidents and lay leadership had to progress through to bring us to where we are in 2021.

Behind every president are many dedicated, hard-working people who spend hours of their time, money, energy and other resources for B’nai. My presidency will be defined by the pandemic and I am OK with that. I saw first-hand the support, love, dedication and power of our B’nai community. Lay leaders, clergy, and staff came together to work tirelessly towards B’nai’s best interest. We found new ways to reach our members, bring religious services, programs, and other experiences outside the walls of our building and into your homes.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I cannot say the past two years were as I had imagined, never in a million years. Life is uncertain, but when you have the support and strength of a community like ours, these defining moments keep us going. B’nai Israel is thriving.

Thank you to President-Elect Scott Hodes and our Roadmap to Reopening Task Force Committee members for keeping our members and staff safe while finding ways to offer in-person services and keep our Schilit Nursery School open to provide quality education to our youth.

Thank you to our Executive Committee, Board of Governors, and Leadership Advisory Committee members for their dedication as well. Although we were not able to meet in person, we still worked together, managed committees, and focused on maintaining relationships with our members in new ways.

Thank you to our clergy—Rabbi Safra, Rabbi Berkowitz, Cantor Josh, and Cantor Bolts. Each of you excelled in front and behind the camera and for that we are all so grateful.

Thank you to Hal Ossman, our facilities, administrative, program, Schilit Nursery School, Youth Department, and Talmud Torah staff, who are extremely dedicated and were able to pivot to provide online content and continue our mission during this most difficult time.

Thank you, our members, for remaining engaged, for your consistent financial support, and for once again giving me this opportunity. Being involved in our lay leadership has been a rewarding experience. The people I have met, friendships made, and feeling I get when I walk into our building. I would not trade that for anything.

And above, all, thank you to my wife, Shelley, and sons Danny and Jack. I could not have taken on this role without their support.

Our synagogue is in a good position, to emerge from the pandemic and sail into our next 100 years. Through attending services, programs, taking a class or joining our Sisterhood, Men’s Club, or a committee, the opportunities to find value in your membership are endless.

I look forward to continuing to be involved (in a different capacity) and helping B’nai Israel through future challenges, and continue to be your Jewish home away from home.

Drop-In Hebrew Prayer ReadingConcludes Wednesday, June 16

3:00–4:00 PM*Practice your Hebrew reading of prayer

and text with our Shlicha Netta Asner-Minster.

Visit the calendar on our website for access.

*Please note the new date and time for this class.

Friday Morning Torah Study Concludes Friday, June 18

10:00–11:00 AMParshat Hukat with

Sue Edwards & Samuel EdwardsRegister at https://www.bnaiisraelcong.

org/event/fridaymorningtorahstudy.

SARA & SAMUEL J. LESSANS ADULT

LEARNING INSTITUTE

Rabbinic Solidarity Mission to IsraelRabbi Safra traveled to Israel earlier this month as a part of a Rabbinic Solidarity Mission to Israel arranged with the Jewish Federat ion of Greater Washington. He wrote daily reflections on the experience that you can view at www.bnaiisraelcong.org/IsraelSolidarity.

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MICHAEL J. SAFRA Senior RabbiMITCHELL H. BERKOWITZAssociate RabbiJONATHAN A. SCHNITZERRabbi Emeritus MATTHEW H. SIMON, DD, DHL Rabbi Emeritus JOSH C. PERLMAN HazzanSARAH BOLTSAssociate Hazzan/Music Director ROBERT KIEVAL Hazzan EmeritusHAL OSSMANExecutive DirectorMOSHE BEN-LEV Education DirectorRABBI PENINA ALEXANDER Assistant PrincipalRACHEL SIEGELEarly Childhood DirectorKAREN GERTONEarly Childhood Director EmeritaNANCY GOLDBERG Schilit Nursery School Assistant DirectorSARAH JARVISDirector of Youth EngagementJILL GENDELMAN Librarian NETTA ASNER-MINSTERCongregational ShlichaAVERY SUDOWCommunications and Development DirectorJOSE (PEPE) STRAUSS Facilities DirectorPATRICIA SIMITAKOSEvents Manager

OFFICERSSTEVEN ROTHENBERGPresidentSCOTT HODESPresident-ElectROBERT LOEWYVice President AdministrationDAVID STEINVice President DevelopmentDINA COHEN GRUBERVice President MembershipDANIEL FISHERVice President Religious AffairsFONDA LOWEVice President Youth and EducationJESSICA LIEBERMANSecretaryKAREN POSTTreasurerROBERT ALTNEUAssistant TreasurerMARC LEVINEParliamentarianMARLA SCHULMAN Immediate Past PresidentJULIANN GOLDMAN | ALISA ISENBERGCHERYL ROD Sisterhood Co-PresidentsWAYNE BERMAN | LEWIS GERTZMen’s Club Co-PresidentsSTEVEN COHENDR. PATRICIA GREENWEL-ROJKINDDR. STEVEN HAUSMANDR. FRED MESSING DR. STEPHEN B. ROBBINSJOEL SHANKMAN JAY WECHSLER Gabbaim

High Holiday Ticket Mailing Arriving Late JunePlease be on the lookout for the official High Holiday ticket request forms being mailed out at the end of this month. Thank you to everyone who participated in our High Holiday survey. In this time of rapidly changing public health guidance, we are committed to ensuring a meaningful and safe High Holiday season for our community. We continue to thank our Roadmap to Reopening Task Force for interpreting all of the guidance and working diligently to update B’nai Israel protocols related to the pandemic.

We anticipate that this High Holiday season will not be a full return to normal, although we look forward to welcoming many more people to the building than we did last year. The virtual livestream option from Dweck Sanctuary will continue to be offered. In order to ensure ticketing is completed in time for people to plan, we are asking that everyone fill out their High Holiday ticket request form by July 15.

If you have any questions, please contact hhdseats@bnaiisraelcong.org.

Thank you for renewing your B'nai Israel membership!During this past year of unprecedented disruption, suffering, and uncertainty, our congregation has demonstrated incredible fortitude, creativity, and resilience. We have learned the true power of the B’nai Israel community. We continue to educate our children; worship and celebrate holidays together in new ways; learn virtually through adult education classes; serve the pastoral needs of our congregation; and create connections through holiday workshops, virtual office hours, book clubs, and more. Even with our building largely closed, we were able to safely open our Schilit Nursery School and assemble in Dweck Sanctuary for Shabbat and Holiday services and to celebrate b’nai mitzvah. This is what community is all about; and we thank you for being a part of ours, now and into the future.

As we do every year at this time, if you have not already done so via the mailing we sent last month, we invite you to renew your membership commitment to B’nai Israel. Our Board of Governors has proposed a very modest 2% dues increase, which recognizes both our rising operating costs and the ongoing uncertainties of the moment.

We make this request from a place of understanding, as we know that the pandemic has touched members of this congregation in different ways. We want to be flexible and responsive to all situations and work with everyone who wants to be a part of the synagogue. If you have any concerns, please contact Executive Director Hal Ossman at hossman@bnaiisraelcong.org. If you just need assistance setting up a payment plan, you can email our accounting department at mecca@bnaiisraelcong.org or call directly 240-221-2514.

We look forward to the day that we can gather again as we once did. In the meantime, our congregation continues to thrive because of those in our community, including you. On behalf of our entire synagogue, thank you for being a part of B’nai Israel.

Thank you to so many B’nai Israel members who have already paid membership dues for 2021–2022!

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JUNE 26Keeping Your Family on Track for the Next Normalwith Erik FeigAs more opportunities and choices become available as the world continues to move beyond remote, to hybrid, to in-person activities, parents and families are faced with new sets of decisions, logistics, and transitions to manage. Clear communication is crucial. Join Erik Feig for a discussion about ways that parents can stay-in-step, and help their families be resilient and reduce stress as we all continue to move into the pandemic’s next phase - and whatever comes after.

Erik Feig and his family are longstanding members of the B'nai community. He is the founder of Feig Mediation Group in Bethesda, where he helps parents have more productive dialogue when they get stuck, especially when important issues, decisions and conflicts affecting their neurodiverse families are on the table.

JULY 3Creating Generational Change: A Look Inside the Ground Game for Israeli-Palestinian Peacewith Avi MeyersteinIsraeli-Palestinian relations are at all-time lows and getting worse. But there's another story building just beneath the surface. A network of thousands of Israelis and Palestinians building deep partnerships is gaining steam, and a U.S. law passed just weeks ago will invest hundreds of millions of dollars to scale up their efforts. Together, they're building schools, countering extremism and incitement, delivering clean water, launching start-ups, facilitating life-saving medical care, and building trust. Avi Meyerstein, longtime B'nai Israel member and the founder and president of the Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP), will share an inside look.

Avi Meyerstein is the founder and president of the Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP). In 2003, as a lawyer working pro bono, Avi brought together dozens of NGOs to join forces in a single umbrella coalition, creating ALLMEP. On behalf of the coalition, he then led a team of volunteer attorneys to develop proposals and advocacy strategies to significantly expand resources and scale up Israeli-Palestinian people-to-people activities. Their advocacy resulted in over $130 million in annual U.S. funding for Israeli-Palestinian people-to-people activities. Avi also proposed, launched, and has shepherded the initiative to create an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace. Those efforts most recently led to the bipartisan passage by Congress of the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act of 2020, which provides $250 million for joint economic and people-to-people projects. Avi continues to lead ALLMEP's board as its president.

JULY 10Finding Connection and Purpose Through Children’s Musical Theaterwith Naomi Gerstenblith During the pandemic, Naomi discovered that virtual theater productions can be a riveting and powerful way to build community, keep kids connected and involved in Jewish life, and learn Jewish stories and values. Naomi will share her new startup, Curtain Up Creative, and how it has helped her to find connection and purpose during this challenging year. Naomi and her family have been members of B’nai Israel for the past eight years. She wrote and directed B'nai Israel's last two Purim Productions, A Peter Pan Purim, and The Wizard of Oz Purim Mashup. Her three children, Ayla, Eden and Levi each graduated from the B’nai Israel Schillit Nursery school. Naomi earned her masters degree in Speech and Language Pathology and worked with young children for many years. She has a passion for singing and theater and has performed in community theater since she was a child. She also has written original lyrics and performed songs for countless family occasions. Naomi is the founder of Curtain Up Creative, which offers custom lyrics and musical theater productions for families, schools, and the community.

JULY 17Community is a Verb: Creating a Space of Belongingwith Stacey WatsonHow can we apply the principles of Universal Design to community building? Just like the need for food and shelter, a sense of belonging is a basic human need. We create vibrant communities and fulfill this need in others and ourselves with a mindset of inclusion and accessibility.

Stacey Watson is the Director of Member Experience at Main Street Connect, a community center and apartment building in Rockville, Maryland founded on the principles of affordability, inclusivity and sustainability. Stacey earned her MSW in Management and Community Organizing from the University of Maryland and a BS in Policy Studies and Communication and Rhetoric from Syracuse University. Stacey is proud to be a 3rd generation member of the B’nai Israel community.

During the summer months, we invite members of our community to speak on Shabbat mornings and address the congregation about the interesting ways that they connect special experiences to their Jewish identities.

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/788352437, Password: 6301

SUMMER SPEAKER SERIES

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JULY 31Resiliency and Adaptation: Adult Jewish Engagement Through the Pandemic and Into the Futurewith Matthew SilvermanThe Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies provides adults with high-quality, in-depth encounters with Jewish thought, history, and culture. Our Institute’s demographic has historically consisted of local to the area, older Jewish adults. The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to become solely reliant on an online platform, and a silver lining quickly emerged. The Institute’s vision of a Jewish community enriched through lifelong Jewish learning flourished in many new ways, now reaching a larger and more geographically diverse audience with more programs and classes than ever before! So what happens next?

Matthew Silverman became the Executive Director of the Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies in April 2020. He is native of Northern VA and graduated magna cum laude from James Madison University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and religion. He also attended the Candler School of Theology at Emory University where he received a Master of Theological Studies degree and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College where he received a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies degree. Most recently he served as the Assistant Director of the religious school at Congregation Emanu El in Houston, TX where he developed and implemented programs for all ages. Matt has worked and taught in numerous Jewish organizations throughout the country including: the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, Camp Ramah Darom, Hillels of Georgia, and Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Philadelphia. Matt lives in Maryland with his wife, Jill, and two daughters, Nava and Miri. Family time is filled with gardening, fused glass art projects, chasing their dog, and bouncing on their new trampoline.

AUGUST 7A Look at Zoharwith Rabbi Jim MichaelsMany Jews have heard of Zohar and recognize it as the foundation source of Jewish Mysticism. Very few people study it in any depth. For the past two years, Rabbi Jim Michaels has engaged in on-line learning with one of the experts on Zohar. He will give an introduction to this classic work, and explain some of its basic ideas. He will also provide information about how others can access it.

Rabbi Michaels served as the Director of Pastoral Care at the Charles E. Smith Life Communities from 2003 to 2018. Prior to coming to Rockville, he served communities in New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Since retirement, he has worked as a substitute community chaplain through the Jewish Social Service Agency. His wife Karen is the clinical manager of pharmacy at Holy Cross Hospital, Germantown. They have five children and nine grandchildren.

AUGUST 14Intergenerational Programs Fuel Connectionswith Rachel LanmanThis pandemic has touched every person in a unique way, but it has connected all of us through the shared experience of feeling disconnected and isolated. The JCA's Heyman Interages Center has connected people of all ages throughout the pandemic, helping hundreds to feel supported, make new friends and develop meaningful intergenerational relationships.

Rachel Lanman is a program coordinator with the JCA Heyman Interages Center working to break stereotypes and help people build mutually beneficial intergenerational relationships. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from The University of Texas at Austin, and earned a Master of Music in Music Education from Kent State University while raising a family and teaching music in Beijing, China.

AUGUST 21My Experience with “Student to Student”with Noah LenkinMy work with "Student to Student" consists of two main discussions with peers in the DMV area. One gives us a chance to teach other faith groups about our faith while we learn about theirs. Another gives us a chance to educate students in schools about Judaism. Through these discussions, we are able to share more about who we are as Jews and educate our peers about Judaism and Jewish life.

Noah Lenkin will be a freshman at Boston University this fall studying political science. Noah enjoys playing tennis, going to the beach, and reading a book. He and his family have been part of the B’nai Israel community for multiple generations.

SUMMER SPEAKER SERIES

Candlelighting & HavdalahzaySHABBAT

June 18/19 8:19 PM/9:08 PMJune 25/26 8:20 PM/9:09 PMJuly 2/3 8:20 PM/9:07 PMJuly 9/10 8:18 PM/9:05 PMJuly 16/17 8:14 PM/8:32 PMJuly 23/24 8:09 PM/8:57 PMJuly 30/31 8:03 PM/8:49 PM

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HINEINIANNUAL CAMPAIGNThank You to Our HINEINI Annual Campaign 2020–2021 Supporters

We are honored to recognize the 2020–2021 Hineini Campaign supporters. We sincerely appreciate their dedication and generous commitment to B’nai Israel and thank them for sustaining and strengthening our synagogue. In a year like no other, thank you for supporting our community in this way.

Steve Rothenberg, PresidentDavid Stein, VP Development

Sustainers ($20,000 and Above)Elaine and Dr. David (z"l) GoodmanIrene and Edward KaplanThelma LenkinDiane and Howard SchilitJune and Rep. David Trone

Pillars ($10,000–$19,999) Wilma and Ronald LenkinDr. Ellen and Dr. Stuart LessansMarla and Bruce SchulmanRita and Dr. Chester SteinMarjorie and Brian TommerNancy and Mark Weinberger

Guardians ($5,000–$9,999)Carol and Gary BermanVicki Berman and Yeheskel Dori Edith BlackGail and Paul ChodYvonne Schlafstein Distenfeld and Jeffrey DistenfeldNancy and Wayne EigDr. Patricia Greenwel-RojkindErwin GudelskyBarbara and Gerald HersonDenise Leish and Suzanne WandersmanKaren Post and Jonathon NevettRobert and Randi PoliMindy and Charles PostalSharon and Rabbi Michael SafraSusan and Laurence SchorNanci and Jay Wechsler

Builders ($2,500–$4,999)David BaumDr. Joanne and Dr. Frank CrantzNancy Abramowitz and Mark EllenbergWendy FanaroffThelma FisherAnnette and Bernard ForseterAnita and David GrossDina Cohen Gruber and Jay GruberDr. Kim Lee Sim and Dr. Stephen HoffmanDeedee and Jeremy JacobsohnRobin and Craig LenkinSusan and Marc LevinePaula Pascal Levine

Linda and Jeffrey ReisnerAbby and Dr. Philip RogersWilma Braun and Dr. Victor SchneiderSherry and Lawrence WachtelAnonymous

Benefactors ($1,800–$2,499)Rebecca Ravski and Rabbi Mitchell BerkowitzBeth and Daryle BobbLora and Gary ByalaElinor and Michael FlyerJewish Federation of Greater WashingtonSusan and Robert LoewyArleen and Lorin LuchsJaime and David MatyasJennifer and Craig MeyersRachel and Hal OssmanSherri Gollins and Cantor Josh PerlmanLorraine and Richard RoseBradley and Sheryl SchwartzAdrienne and Michael SelisSusan and Richard Taffet

Founders ($1,000–$1,799)Jennifer CassellKimberly and Steven CohenKathy and Morris DweckNava and Ronald DweckSusan DweckCharles and Diane EdwardsRona and George EisenbergerRobert FonnerCarole and Barry FormanDebra and Jeffrey FredmanHarriet and Gregory FriedmanDeborah and Daniel GlazerAmanda and Dr. Mark GoldsteinBeth and Nathan GreenbaumBonnie and Charles HarabCarolyn and Richard HaymanRochelle and Scott HodesBarbara and Allan HurwitzAnn JacobsDaniel Amodeo and Ilana JolsonRachel and Steven KerchnerSusan and Dr. Milton KochBarbara and Dr. Jerome KopelmanSarah and Douglas KotloveMarjorie and Dr. Lawrence KravitzHarry and Judith LappingHarriet LeviGail LibinJessica and Aaron LiebermanPhyllis and Dr. Ira LiebermanJane and Joel LubinPhyllis and Ted MeyersonDr. Gail and Ronald MinskLinda and Benjamin MolayemFrances and Rajmiel OdinecFrances and Barrett PenanRuth and Andrew RitwoShelley and Steven RothenbergEllen and Jacob RothmelGail and Gene Rubinson

Jenna and Jonathan SchilitBeverly and Rabbi Jonathan SchnitzerSuzanne and Joshua SchonfeldEstelle SchwalbRoberta and Lawrence ShulmanAvery and Noah SudowCara and Marc TommerMarilyn and Mark WetterhahnAmy Hackmyer Wish and Dr. Marc WishCynthia and Morton ZetlinAnonymous

Partners ($500–$999)Vickie AbrutynJoyce and Joseph BandSylvia BassIsaac BenkinRobert BennaDebby and Gary BortnickDr. George BronskyBonnie and Robert ChernikoffMyra and Richard CohenDr. Herschel CutlerDara and Ryan DanielsCindy and Glenn EastonMelissa and Dr. Albert FaroEllen Rice and Daniel FisherJoey FrancoMarjorie and Robert GertnerBarbra and Howard GoldbergPhilip GoldmanEleanor and Dr. Michael GoodeStephanie and Fred GoodmanRita HoffmanStephanie and Jeffrey HoltzmanAdele and Roy IgersheimAnne Jarrett and Shelley HonikmanSherry and Stuart KaswellJill and Mitchel KiderLeslie and Lawrence KlineJudy and Howard KramerJennifer and Ariel LavinbukMarilyn and Dr. David LevineNatalie and Dean LevitanSuzanne and Solomon LevyFonda and Jeffrey LoweDana Lande and Avidan MeyersteinLisa and Michael MillerJacqueline MilzmanRina and Dr. Sylvan MintzIrma Goff-Morton and Dale MortonBarbara Wachter Needle and Martin NeedleMincy NeilPatricia and Arthur NeustadtBrenda PascalDr. Peggy PearlsteinAnnette PerlinNaomi and Richard ResnickLinda and Richard RosenbluthAlisa and Aaron RulnickDeidre and Michael SacksJudith SaksJodi and Mark ShulimsonAnne and Norman Silberman

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Robert SternTema and Dr. Yaron SternbergMatlee and Mordechai Yadin

Supporters ($180–$499)Anne and Dr. Jeffrey AbendJill AlexanderRabbi Penina and Rabbi Aaron AlexanderSandra and Howard ArnoldBernice and Dr. Gilbert AugustJudith AvruninIlene and Irwin BarneyEugene BeckerFern and Laurence BensignorMindy and Louis BergerStephanie Mensh and Paul BergerLeslie and Mark BerlinAnn BermanDenise and Wayne BermanDr. Haidee BernsteinDr. Nancy and Ernst BilligB'nai Israel Men's ClubB'nai Israel SisterhoodDiane BoehrLinda BorisRobin and Dr. Bruce BortnickLevi BrandrissJuliann Goldman and Kenneth BrownRonnie and Arthur ChantkerLisa and Lawrence CinesAmy and Bryan ColeDr. Gerald CoopersteinJeffrey CosiolValerie and Eric EisensteinKathleen Watson and Lawrence FishbeinJo-Anne and Dr. Nicholas FleischerSheila FranksHarriet and Theodore FredmanJudith and H. Richard FreemanSharyn and Arthur FuchsLesley and Robert GasperowDavid GeberJill and Asher GendelmanLaurie and Carl GershmanLynn and Lewis GertzGeraldine Gittleson (z"l)Lynn and Dr. Michael GittlesonBonnie Glick and Paul FoldiSanford GoldVictoria and Jonathan GoldbergMichael and Patti GoldmanDonald GoodmanKaren and Dr. Joel GoozhAmy GordonDavid GordonEllen and Morton GreenbergLisa Swartz and Mitchell GrossIlene GruenfeldAmy GudelskyRuby and Herbert HalperinAlice HarrisCarol and Barry HartmanRita HatwellDr. Steven HausmanLaurence HermanHilde HofmannCheri and Randolph HolmesStacy ImmermanRochelle and Andrew IsersonDr. Susan and Ira JaffeBonnie and Robert JohnsonDr. Heather and Michael Kalish

Allison and David KarasikDr. Julia KatzenLara and Kenneth KaufmannMarcia and Bruce KayElaine and Dr. Steven KellerDr. Marcia and Dr. Robert KerchnerJill and Andrew KleinNina KoenickDr. Robin and Dr. Scott KoenigAnita and Dr. Ralph KornbluthDebra and Weston KosovaEmily and Stanley KotlerRene and Dr. Louis KozloffJoan and Harold KrauthamerStefanie and Frederic LangsamMarjorie and Arthur LappenElda and Joseph LavinbukSusan and Brett LazerusStephanie and Adam LenkinRenee and Michael LessansShirley LightDina and Alan LipschultzElise Kleinwaks and Eric LuftmanCheryl Luria and Mark MlynarczykDr. Mindy and Dr. Steven MaggidSharon and Michael MelikerSharon and A. Howard MetroDr. Karen and Rabbi James MichaelsJennifer Russel and Joel MichaelsErica and Lewis MorseMindy and Dr. Lawrence NadelStephanie and Ivan NalibotskyMartie and Dr. Jack NebbCarol and Howard NelsonJessica and Jason NeuringerBetty NkaluboJudith and Evan NovensteinBarry NussbaumDeborah and Michael OblonLiz Lauren-Oser and Aaron OserMadeline Pellish and Mike TellerMarcie and Craig PetersDr. Marci and Dr. Adam PossnerJoyce Dubow and Daniel PressLeah Tulin and Seth RappaportEllen and Phillip RatnerStanley RatnerNancy and Dr. Gerald ReedBeverly and Dr. Joel ReiskinAlexis and Jeremy RobbinsDeborah and Nicholas RodinGerald RosenkrantzSusan RubinAnne and Dr. Robert RubinovitzLisa and Bradley SacharCarol and Stanley SacharHortensia SaginorBonnie Cole and Jonathan SalantRene ScheckerStacy and Dr. David SchlactusAnat and Howard SchwartzJoanne and Martin SevereStacey and David ShapiroBeth and Richard SheerDr. Barbara and Andrew ShipDaniel SiegelSharon and David SlotkinLeslie and Gerald SolomonCarolyn and David SteinDebbie and Dan StillmanRena and Pepe StraussCharlotte Streidel

Amy and Craig StrentMichele and Thomas SudowAudrey and Barry SuskindDaniel and Jamie SusskindBluma and Dr. Jeffrey SussmanSusan and Gary TabachRobert TebeleffMiriam and Sheldon TommerStephanie and Aaron UdlerSandra and Dr. Kenneth UllmanVictoria and Gennady VinokurCarol and Dr. Donald VogelJanna Lynn WallenShulamith WeismanJudith and Arnold WestermanSusan Weinmann and Michael WilcoveBrenda and Dr. Gerald WolfPamela and Joel ZingeserAnonymous (3)

Friends ($18–$179)Esther and Milton AdelmanMarcia and Abraham AkreshHarriet AlbersheimCharlotte and Joel AlbertDavid AlhadeffBonnie and Robert AltneuHarriet and Morris AltschulerGabriela Rosenberg and Alexander AmdurCarol and Hugh AprilRenee AriePamela and Ian ArwasMelissa and Darren AshWilliam BakshiRachel BeckerCarol and Gary BermanBernice BernsteinIlana BernsteinRuth and Dr. Leonard BinnRoslyn and Robert BlackCantor Sarah Bolts and Michael ChernicoffLeah CaroSandra and Paul CartonCarol and Howard ChalkerMichael ChernikoffSheila ChodorovDeborah CohenDorothy CohenBarbara and Richard DaumitEtta DorisNate DotsonSharon and Barry DruckerJonina Duker and Alan LichtmanAnn EdenMelissa Segal and Seth EdlavitchSuzanne EdwardsJoan and Emanuel EisenfeldJennifer and Joel EisenfeldRuth Elenberg-EisenbergTamar and Justin EpnerRobin Wind-Faillace and Walter FaillaceNancy and Arnold FanaroffBonnie and Stanley FavinMichael FieldsBernice and Donald FingeretSheila FooterMartin FormanElizabeth Auster and David FrankMuriel Rubin Frankel and Eric FrankelCharlotte FreemanRaymond FriedmanLeslie Garber

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Rina and Joseph GelmanPaul GertnerKaren and Manny GertonSharon GlickmanMargaret and Marc GoldNancy GoldbergInna and Lev GoldfarbJoan and Jerry GoldsteinLaurie and Jordan GoldsteinShawn and David GoozmanShelley GordonJune and Stuart GraffGale and Ronald GreenbaumAmy GreenbergKay and Barry GreenbergJaye and Robert GreenfestSusan Grinnan-Long and Spencer LongNellie and Joel GroverDean and Ellyn GutridgeMarion and Andrew HabermanBarbara and Andrew HalpernMelvin HalpernMargaret HanerfeldRachel HansenGina and Bram HassMarlyn and Michael HeisermanLinda and Charles HellerDeborah and Dr. Michael HerbstHerbert HodesSusan HoltzmanLisa HurwitzRachel HymanBlanka and Israel IlkovichTerry and Dr. David IrwinStacy and Adam IsenbergAlisa and Alan IsenbergAndrew and Chiara JaffeScott JarvisPaulette and Joshua KaffeeLisa KahnApril and Rob KaplanMona Chase and Robert KaplanRachela KleinSharlene and Albert KlotzSusan and Dr. Martin KnellerJule KonickJack KrantonHelene and Victor KrauthamerMatthew KremerToby Newman Kullback and Dr. Joseph KullbackSelma KunitzPatricia Hoff and Michael KurmanRachel and Scott LanmanSusan and Eric LawrenceCharlotte LazrusSusan and Lawrence LesserMarcia and Dr. Jules LevineMona and Kenneth LevineRobert LevineSharon and Stephen LevineBruce LewisJanet Lobatz (z"l)Judith MagidayClara and Avi MargolisAmy and Dr. Benyamin MargolisLinda and Stanley MargoliusDeborah and Scott MaysterWarren MillerArasteh MoaadelSharon Seidel Moss and Stephen MossAmy and Joseph MusherGail and Arthur Nimetz

Martha NudelJennifer Cohen and Dr. Benjamin PeckLynette and Dr. Bruce PfefferHarriet and Ira PlattJean PolatsekSusan PollackKaren Foxman and Jeffrey PollakHeather ProskyHarriet RabenovetsLynn RaymanNancy RobinsEllen and Joseph RobinsonCheryl and Bernard RodFrances RosarioHarriet RosenSheila and Rabbi Herbert RosenblumBertram RothenbergSylvia RozinesElizabeth and Lanny RubinDr. Adrienne and Rabbi Arthur RulnickRandy SagerDr. Edward SalomanBrenda SandlerBillie and Dr. Steven SandlerAndrea and Elias SavadaCandace SawyerDr. Wendy and Jonathan SchiffBarbara Mulitz and Richard SchimelWendy and Gary SchonmanGail SchwartzSarit Scott and Russell Scott, Jr.Roberta and Dr. Jeffrey ShaneTammi and Bruce ShapiroNancy and Irving (z"l) ShapiroCheryl and Jason SheerRhona and Yosef ShemeshGail and Dr. Peter ShererLisa and Andrew ShulmanMarjory and Alan SiegelMarilyn SilbergliedNancy and Bert SilverPatricia SimitakosAnne and Frederic SingerLynne SingerPhyllis and Robert SniderRiva and Dr. Felix SokolskyJennifer SolomonDavid SotskyJeffrey and Rebecca StalloneCheryl SteinHarriet and Dr. Harvey SteinHarriette and Barry SteineDawn and Adam SternDr. Wendy and Jeffrey StickleRachel and Douglas SunshineRebecca TaffetAlice and Edward TauberNeil TenderEddi TischSandra and Harris TokayerMecca WalkerDr. Gail and Dr. Arthur WassermanElizabeth and Philip WeintraubSheri and Andrew WeissRabbi Bernice WeissHelen WertliebErin and Benjamin WillcherDr. Sam ZarembaLeah and Allan ZendelSteven and Joanne ZuckermanMarshall Zwick

FOR ALL YOUR JUDAICA NEEDS

SISTERHOOD JUDAICA SHOP

Plan ahead! Rosh Hashanah begins on Monday night September 6! Let your Judaica Shop help you celebrate a sweet New Year.

We have:• Apple and Honey dishes• Shofarot and Holders• Honey Spoons• Children’s Items• New Men’s & Woman’s Tallitot• Kiddush Cups• Holiday & Shabbat Candlesticks • Hostess Gifts

During COVID we are open by appointment ONLY so please give us a call or drop us an email to come in and see all the beautiful things your Judaica Shop has.

Remember when you support the shop you really support B’nai Israel.

Contact Debbie Anolik (kilona613@gmail.com), Lisa Isenberg (301-963-4511) or B’naijudaica@gmail.com.

For personalized kippot and benchers,contact Suzy Levy 301-460-3636.

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Last year, the pandemic hit hard for everyone, especially those living alone or without access to computers. While we often speak about the importanc of B'nai Israel's "community", a massive undertaking was put in place last year by the Membership Committee to call every member of our congregation to check in on how they were dealing with this difficult time. The Wise Aging class at B’nai Israel volunteered to assist with these phone calls for Project Outreach. Class members including Harriet Fredman, Norma Krupenie, Nancy Eig, Esther Kravitz, Arlene Polangin, and Beverly Greenfeid made phone calls to members.

Now, a year later, Beverly Greenfeig and Olga Resnicoff, who were paired together as a part of this outreach, have developed an enduring friendship at a time when so many have felt isolated. One call turned into two and then many check-ins.

"Beverly has a beautiful heart. Inside and out. She's warm and friendly and we clicked immediately," said Olga. In fact, while they continue to speak regularly on the phone, the only time they have met in person was when Beverly and Esther Kravitz delivered a kugel and gefilte fish to Olga before Rosh Hashanah.

"Because Olga is such a special person, it makes it easy to talk to her every week," said Beverly. "I look forward to our talks. And one time when I wasn't able to call, Rabbi Safra called her and it was very meaningful to her. Just wonderful."

"To me, B'nai Israel feels like home," said Olga. "I first joined in the 1960s and it immediately felt like I was back home in the synagogue I grew up in in Argentina. I am so glad to hear stories of others who were set up in these phone calls as well and know that B'nai Israel is doing a good job."

FRIENDSHIP FORMS AFTER B'NAI ISRAEL'S PROJECT OUTREACH

B'nai Israel extends deep appreciation to Dina Gruber and Dana Lande who spearheaded this initiative last year with the Caring and Membership

Committees.

If you are interested in making calls to our members as a part of Project Outreach, please reach out to Beverly

Greenfeig at 301-340-9060.

With this endowment in place Sisterhood now has the option to contribute to it and grow it further to fund more exciting projects each year. And so do you!

If you are making a gift to B’nai and want to recognize Sisterhood when doing so, consider directing your contribution either to this endowment, or to the Miriam Tommer Endowment for the Judaica Shop. In this way, you can demonstrate your support for both Sisterhood as well as for our greater B’nai Israel Community.

The B’nai Israel Sisterhood Endowment for JewishEngagement Projects

If you haven’t yet heard of the B’nai Israel Sisterhood Endowment for Jewish Engagement Projects, it could be because it is one of B’nai Israel’s newer endowment funds. In the spring of 2019, then Sisterhood President Cheryl Rod was thinking about the many ways Sisterhood supports B’nai Israel. Sisterhood creates opportunities for B’nai Israel women to socialize and learn with one another, as well as to volunteer for many different projects supporting the wider community. What you may not know is that Sisterhood is also a generous financial supporter of our congregation.

Above and beyond donating funds we count on annually to support various initiatives, including education and kids’ kiddushim, Sisterhood had also been presenting the congregation with generous donations each year as they identified extra of their funds that had become available. In addition to dues, a major source of revenue for Sisterhood is the Judaica Shop and thanks to its great success, Sisterhood was able to regularly recognize additional income that could be donated to B’nai, while still retaining enough funds to support Sisterhood as well as the upkeep of the Judaica Shop.

As Cheryl thought about this, she thought about how wonderful it would be to maximize the financial support provided, and at the same time find some way to demonstrate Sisterhood’s interest in the continuity of our community and the integral role Sisterhood plays in our vibrancy. She brought the idea of establishing an endowment to the Sisterhood Board, and after some discussion, the plan was set in motion.

A Sisterhood Task Force met with synagogue leadership and clergy and explained that they wanted to establish an endowment with a purpose that would best serve B’nai’s needs while reflecting the theme that “Sisterhood has Heart.” In December 2019, the B’nai Israel Sisterhood Endowment for Jewish Engagement Projects was established, and the initial $25,000 in funding was completed last year. The purpose of the endowment is to support the congregation’s continually evolving efforts at Jewish engagement by funding a creative project each year to help people access their Judaism in ways that are personally meaningful. Each year, the proceeds from the endowment will fund an engagement project to be chosen by the clergy, staff and leadership team, in conjunction with designated Sisterhood members.

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EARLY CHILDHOODby RENEE LESSANSCurriculum Specialist

Mazal tov to our BISNS graduates! We are so proud of you!

Devin BortnickSam Daroff

Harrison EskowLilah Fialkov

Penelope FisherBrayden Garbis Blake GinsbergZoe Goldberg

Maya HandwergerAvery Kaufman

Jenna MaletAiden Perlman Ruth Schlaifer

Noah Weinstein

We look forward to sharing details and photos from our Siyyum and the end of our BISNS program year in the

next issue of the Scroll!

My joyful interactions with the children of B’nai Israel Schilit Nursery School often give me pause and opportunity to think about the ways that we value and honor our children. Below is a story about risky play. Enjoy!

The children had an idea. I took a deep breath and watched as Sam jumped over the motorcycle. Then went Aiden! “I did it!” he cried out with so much joy that I knew my decision to allow some risk in this play was worth it.

Moving to the cardboard blocks, I suggested maybe they could make a tower to jump over. “Let’s try five,” they said as they counted out the blocks. “This one is too long and this one is too short!” “We are using our building skills!” Jump, jump, jump. Ruthie came over feeling more confident about this jumping obstacle. Success!

The tower got higher. “This will make it harder.” “We did the other ones; we can do this!”

Over and over they constructed and jumped, sometimes with success, sometimes landing on their tummies and knees, quickly

recovering, and trying a g a i n . I w a t c h e d carefully monitoring their activities. I checked in when they fell. “We are having much, much fun!” Aiden announced.Here is what I learned as I watched these capable children. They knew their own abilities. They built their own confidence. They were having too much fun to be bothered by a bumped knee.

As hard as it is for us to allow risky play, the benefits to children are so very important. They build self-confidence, resilience, risk management skills and motor skills. This hour of play allowed them to make their own decisions, experience fear and exhilaration, communicate and listen to one another and all while having fun!

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Shabbat Magic

VIRTUALYOUTH

PROGRAMSYOUTH & EDUCATIONby MOSHE BEN-LEVEducation Director

OUTDOOR SUMMER TOT SHABBAT(Ages 5 and under with parent)

Saturdays, 10:30 AM

June 26July 10July 24August 7August 21

See our website calendar for additional details about Tot Shabbat during the summer months. Visit www.bnaiisraelcong.org/ShabbatMagic.

June & July

Talmud Torah REGISTRATION

2021–2022Online Talmud Torah

registration is now open.

www.bnaiisraelcong.org/talmudtorah

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer (240-221-2508, jenniferc@bnaiisraelcong.org).

“Your son is stupid!” was all my parents heard. The rest of the conversation was easily forgotten.

I was six years old, and I couldn’t read. Each Friday, I would hesitantly enter the headmistress's office and sit in front of her desk. On that desk was a huge jar of large and supposedly delicious jellybeans. I was asked to open the book I was reading and read. Every completed page earned a jellybean. I never received one! After several frustrating months, my parents were called and without any rachamanut, (compassion,) or understanding of special needs challenges, I was labelled with those four devastating words.

Many years later with a great deal of self-motivation and some encouraging teachers, I was able to earn both a degree in English/Archeology and a Master’s degree in Jewish Studies.

When my daughter was in 2nd grade, I found myself again seated in the office of a principal. My daughter had been diagnosed with a list of learning issues and her principal had a plan to help her feel included and accepted in addition to being accommodated appropriately.

When I first began my career as a synagogue educator, I devoted much energy to children with learning challenges. I was particularly focused on their self esteem and acceptance in the Jewish community. It was through learning about and then teaching and adopting middot, Jewish values that I could finally understand how I should have been

treated and, more importantly, how everyone should be treated equally and fairly so that no child feel excluded or pushed aside.

Last year, we began a new and unique program at Bnai Israel. We hired our very first (and also the only position of its kind in the region!) inclusion specialist at Talmud Torah. Gabrielle Joseph, a highly qualified and experienced MCPS educator whose specialty is working with children who have been diagnosed with autism, joined us at a particularly difficult time, as we entered COVID.

She has focused on working with teachers by observing them and advising them. She works with children who have either been diagnosed with learning challenges or those who simply struggle. Gaby works with parents, asking questions, guiding them, and connecting them with the teacher. She has led some trainings and most importantly for me, she is a part of a new Education Leadership Team that we created to monitor classrooms and advise us.

Next year, as we return to the in-person classroom, Gaby's role will be even more helpful and essential.

While I had to overcome my own academic struggles alone, today we are blessed with amazing resources, understanding educators, and a Jewish community that cares and wants to ensure that when we say, “inclusive” we mean every child who steps through our doors.

STAY CONNECTED

There is ALWAYS something happening at B’nai Israel!

If you are not receiving our electronic communications,

please send your email address to

laurie@bnaiisraelcong.org.

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YOUTH EVENTSby SARAH JARVISDirector of Youth Engagement

www.bnaiisraelcong.org/youthprograms

Happy summer everyone! We had an amazing year of programming and can't wait to be back together in a few months. For now, use this page for some fun while on vacation or just hanging at home.

Riddles

1. What has to be broken before you can use it?

2. I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I?

3. What gets wet while drying?

4. I follow you all the time and copy your every move, but you can’t touch me or catch me. What am I?

Crossword PuzzleRiddle Answers:1. an egg, 2. a candle, 3. a towel, 4. your shadow

Coloring

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israel cornerby NETTA ASNER-MINSTERCongregational Shlicha

www.bnaiisraelcong.org/israelaffairs

Throughout my life I have always had a plan in my mind and, more often than not, things would end up looking different. As we know the saying, “Man plans and God laughs” I had planned to go to national service so I could return to my community as a national service girl, but I ended up going to the IDF instead (and came back just a few years later!). I had planned to be an officer in the IDF but I didn’t get in and ended up going on a Birthright trip that shaped who I am today. It is through this trip that I became an Onward Israel madricha, I met John, and later came on shlichut.

Finally, when I began shlichut I expected to be here for two years. That’s what I told my family and my friends before I left in the summer of 2019. Two years seemed to me like a good period of time to make connections, make a mark, create interesting content, and then return. In fact, that is what I mentioned to most congregants who had asked me when I arrived.

But 2020 surprised us all and brought many people to rethink any plans that they had for the near future. This was our case as well. Although I am happy and appreciative of the online opportunities this year had in store, John and I have felt that we have missed out, both personally and professionally, on the connections, the meals, the in-person meetings that we enjoyed in the beginning of shlichut.

For this reason and others, we have decided to stay a third year. It is definitely not what I planned. It is definitely going to be difficult

The congregational shlicha program is made possible by a partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

Follow Along LIVE on Netta’s Trip Home!

Our Congregational Schlicha Netta Asner-Minster is returning home to Israel this summer and will be sharing some amazing adventures LIVE in our B’nai Israel Facebook group. We will share when she will be going “live” and hope you enjoy following along!

If you are not yet a part of the Facebook group, please join at www.facebook.com/bnaiisraelcong.

for me to be away from my family, my friends, and the place that has been my home for the majority of my life for another year. But I am excited to make up for the many missed opportunities of this past year. I look forward to seeing you in the building, having conversations in the hallway, teaching students face-to-face for Talmud Torah and for adult programming as well. I also look forward to Shabbat and holiday meals when the right time comes for that.

Thank you for making these past two years meaningful, for the kind comments and emails, which definitely assisted us in our decision to stay an additional year. I cannot wait!

I will be in Israel from the end of June until early August so stay tuned for some fun video content on the B’nai Facebook group! In the meantime, see you soon!

HONEY FROM THE HEART

Sisterhood Fundraiser

What better way to wish family, friends and business associates a “Sweet and

Healthy New Year” than sending a jar of honey?

Each Honey from the Heart gift contains an 8 oz. jar of pure clover honey, certified

Kosher by the Orthodox Union. It is accompanied by a personalized gift card reading “L’Shana Tova—Wishing You

a Healthy and Happy New Year,” and is delivered in time for Rosh Hashanah. The

card also lets the recipient know that a donation has been made in their honor to

B’nai Israel Sisterhood.

The $13 cost per jar includes free domestic shipping for orders placed by

Wednesday, July 7. After July 7, the cost increases to $18.50 per jar. Orders can also be mailed outside the United States for an additional fee. Orders received by

August 6 are guaranteed delivery for Rosh Hashanah to domestic addresses.

To place an order, go to www.honeyfromtheheart.org/ROC.

For more information, contact Debra Fredman (301-231-4866,

jnfpatent@msn.com).

News with Netta

Sign-up online at https://www.bnaiisraelcong.org/form/newswithnettasignup.

NEWthis

year!

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BLUMBERG-ZALIS FAMILY LIBRARYby JILL GENDELMANLibrarian

Recommended Reading

Summer is finally here. After an unusual year, hopefully we will be back to spending time with family and friends and enjoying the outdoors. This year, as many folks were stuck inside, many authors were busy writing and publishing. Below is a list of suggested reading from books published in 2020 and 2021.

All books are available in the B’nai Israel Blumberg-Zalis Library

The Mermaid Mahjong Circle: A Fairy Tale for Women by Claudia GrossmanThe Mermaid Mahjong Circle follows two lifelong friends and artists, Evie, and Hannah, as they embark on an adventure that takes them from the present to the past and back again, thanks to a tale about a mysterious mahjong tile crafted a century ago.

Lilyville: Mother, Daughter, and Other Roles I've Played by Tovah Feldshuh From Golda to Ginsburg, Yentl to Mama Rose, Tallulah to the Queen of Mean, Tovah Feldshuh has always played powerful women who aren't afraid to sit at the table with the big boys and rule their world. But offstage, Tovah struggled to fulfill the one role she never auditioned for: Lily Feldshuh's only daughter. This heartwarming and funny memoir from a beloved actress tells the story of a mother and daughter whose narrative reflects American cultural changes and the world's shifting expectations of women.

The Other by Sarah BlauA biting and propulsive thriller in which a pact made twenty years before lands one woman at the heart of a murder investigation—but is she the next victim, or the primary suspect? One of Israel’s preeminent feminist scholars and Sheila’s oldest friend—has been found murdered, the word “mother” carved into her forehead and a baby doll fixed to her hands. For Sheila, that word is a warning.

Phillip Roth by Blake BaileyNew York Times BestsellerAppointed by Philip Roth and granted independence and complete access, Blake Bailey spent years poring over Roth’s personal archive, interviewing his friends, lovers, and colleagues, and engaging Roth himself in breathtakingly candid conversations. The result is an indelible portrait of an American master and of the postwar literary scene.

The Light of the Midnight Stars by Rena RossnerDeep in the Hungarian woods, the sacred magic of King Solomon lives on in his descendants. Gathering under the midnight stars, they perform small miracles, and none are more gifted than the great Rabbi Isaac and his three daughters. Hannah, bookish and calm, can coax plants to grow even when the weather is bitterly cold. Sarah, defiant and strong, can control the impulsive nature of fire. And Levana, the fey one, can read the path of the stars to decipher their secrets. But darkness is creeping across Europe, threatening the lives of every Jewish person in every village. Each sister will have to make an impossible choice to survive - and change the fate of their family forever.

Soles of a Survivor: A Memoir by Nhi AronheimSoles of a Survivor isn’t just another inspirational survival story. It’s about the lessons Nhi learned about humanity, diversity, and unconditional love since arriving in the United States. She now has a deeper appreciation for the parallels between the Jewish and Vietnamese cultures, and others. After she met her Jewish beau, they got married. She eventually converted to Judaism, though the process was challenging for an Asian woman adopted into a Christian household. Her story shows it matters less what religion we’re part of, as long as we radiate goodness to those we meet.

SOCIAL ACTIONDinner for Interfaith Works Women’s ShelterSunday, July 185:00 PMAs we mourn the great tragedies of Jewish history on Tisha B'Av (Sunday, July 18), we rededicate ourselves to bringing God's Presence into the world by supporting the needs of others in our community by providing dinner for the women at the Interfaith Works Women’s Shelter in Rockville on at 5:00 PM on Sunday, July 18. The meal items can be purchased or prepared in your home. There will be various options for drop-off of your items. The meal items should serve 4– 6 people and be in disposable pans. Contact Signe Wetrogan (signe0420@verizon.net), Wayne Berman (waynebe4me@aol.com) or Randi Poli (randipoli@gmail.com) for information and to volunteer.

www.bnaiisraelcong.org/socialaction

Support B’nai Israel’s

PROJECT MANNAUrgently Needed Food Items (though we take all nonperishable food items)

• Instant Oatmeal Packets (Original Flavor)

• Brown Rice• Whole Grain Pasta• Tuna/Salmon/Chicken

(in Water)• Dry/Canned Beans

(Low Sodium)• Natural Nut Butters• Canned Vegetables

(Low Sodium)• Canned Fruit (in Juice)• Fruit Cups• Shelf-stable Individual

Milk Boxes• Cooking Oils & Spices

Thank you for your commitment to this life-giving mitzvah! All food items will be directed to the Manna Food Center.

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www.bnaiisraelcong.org/sisterhood

SISTERHOODTorah Fund Successes

Having raised nearly $106 million over the past 79 years through the grassroots efforts of dedicated, resilient women, Torah Fund continues as the philanthropic heart and soul of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. Torah Fund provides the opportunity to support Jewish educators of tomorrow and perpetuate Conservative/Masorti Judaism.

Show someone you care. Our beautiful Torah Fund e-cards are available for any occasion. Tell someone you’re thinking of them, congratulate them on an accomplishment, welcome a new child, send encouragement, offer wishes for a speedy recovery, share an uplifting quote, or comfort a mourner. At only $5 per recipient, our e-cards are a fantastic way to renew your connection. And you can even select the day and time you’d like your e-card to be sent! Revenue from Torah Fund e-cards will go to the B’Yachad campaign, and for purchasers who indicate their sisterhood, (please do so), credit will be applied at the end of the campaign year.

You can also send multiple card designs to different recipients in one transaction. When you're entering recipients, the advanced options let you customize a specific card and message per recipient. Once you customize it for the first recipient, you are given the option to add additional recipients. Send Torah Fund e-cards anytime and bookmark our e-cards platform so you can use it often.

If you want actual cards sent, please contact Sue Taffet at suetaffet@aol.com or by phone at 301-460-5403.

Thank you for your purchases and your continued support!

Honey from the Heart FundraiserLast year, more people than ever reached out to send holiday greetings through this “sweet” fundraiser. Sales for Sisterhood’s annual honey fundraiser have begun. Each jar is $13 (includes domestic shipping). Important – deadline for free shipping is Wednesday, July 7. After July 7, the cost increases to $18.50 per jar. Place orders at www.honeyfromtheheart.org/ROC. Questions? Contact Debra Fredman (jnfpatent@msn.com).

Flowers for Summer!You don’t need to plant a garden to have beautiful flowers in your house! Arrangements can be customized. $55 local delivery, $65 out-of-area delivery. Contact Linda Heller for details (hellerbehr@gmail.com).

Judaica ShopThe B'nai Israel Judaica Shop is the 2019 and 2020 Winner of Best Judaica Shop by the Washington Jewish Week! Contact Debbie Anolik for an appointment (kilona613@gmail.com).

Washington Jewish WeekWashington Jewish Week subscriptions are $55 for one year and $100 for two years (for seniors 55+, $42 and $76). Contact Linda Reisner for more information (301-519-1776, lreisner@me.com).

Meals on WheelsSisterhood volunteers deliver kosher Meals on Wheels every Friday morning. To become involved, contact Alice Harris (alicemetrobug@gmail.com) or Lynn Rayman (alrayman@verizon.net).

Mazal tov to Cheryl Rod!This gift was presented to Cheryl as her term of Sisterhood President came to an end. Kol ha’kavod on a job well done for our community! Look at her eyes—she's smiling under that mask!

Support B'nai Israel by Shopping

in Your Sisterhood Judaica Shop!

We have all that you need for your holiday shopping as well as your

other gift-giving needs.

Thank you in advance for your support!

See page 10 for details.

18 J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 1

MEN’S CLUB

www.bnaiisraelcong.org/mensclub

Service to B’nai Israel & CommunityStrengthening Jewish Values

Upcoming Programs

Summer is finally upon us and with it brings a new hope of easing restrictions, opening up our synagogue, and finally getting back to some in-person activities in the fall. This past year has been one of extreme adjustment for everyone and your Men’s Club has been able to accomplish much under very trying conditions. We didn’t know what to expect when our programming switched to Zoom in September but we quickly understood that our community was ready to accept us and welcome us into their homes. Although we were not able to offer breakfast and dinner at our Speaker Series events with the Sisterhood this year, we nevertheless drew enthusiastic audiences. We want to express our gratitude to our many featured speakers who made this possible.

We were able to re-invent and hold on Zoom our signature events: The Health and Wellness Week, Sports Night, the Political Forum, and the Political Year in Review. Our Jews and Brews events, usually held for men only at Lakewood Country Club, was opened to everyone on zoom this past year and was a huge success. Thank you to Rabbis Schnitzer, Safra and Berkowitz, and also to Steve Kerbel, Moshe Ben-Lev and Netta Asner-Minster for leading discussions on a variety of topics.

In November we held our first in-person event, the socially distanced self-guided walking tour of the Historic Downtown African-American Community, coupled with a Zoom presentation by the Peerless Rockville Historic African-American Museum. Our gratitude goes to David Stein for assuming the role of our de-facto tour guide. This unique learning experience was recognized by the Seaboard Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs with a coveted Torch Award at its annual convention in June, as well as a Quality Club award for our many and varied activities.

The meals for the Women’s Interfaith Shelter continued (minus the serving) thanks to the efforts of Wayne Berman, Sisterhood, and the Social Action Committee. Wayne also put together our Sports Night, featuring the Voice of the Terrapins, Johnny Holliday. We were also able to continue the Hearing Men’s Voices, the once-a-month small group discussion on topics relevant to men, led by Jeff Moss.We hosted three guest speakers from Israel this year: Avi Samuels from the Shalva Institute, Aviva Mangisto and Netta Asner-Minster on Ethiopian Israeli Jews, and Nathan Hoffman from the JNF Galilee Culinary Institute. And if you were in attendance, who will ever forget Josh Schonfeld’s very personal and emotional presentation on his father’s life as a Holocaust survivor?

In February the FJMC honored Alan Isenberg as our Blue Yarmulke winner and Bernie Rod with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Our biggest initiative and the one that reached the entire congregation was our Yellow Candle Program for Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom Hashoah). After cancelling last year due to COVID, we were able to come up with a plan to safely sort and mail candles to every household at B’nai. This could not have been done without the leadership of Rob Loewy and the volunteers who sorted, picked up, packed, labeled and returned the candles to the synagogue for mailing. And a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made a donation to the Men’s Club to support this program this year and in the future.

We want to thank those who made our programming possible and a huge success. Besides the mentions above, a special thank you goes to Steven Goldberg and the program committee, and to Andy Iserson for running the Zoom site for most of the programming.

Please join us for our final Zoom of the year: On Thursday, June 17th , at 7:30 PM, Jews and Brews will feature Netta Asner-

Minster’s reflections on her two years as our synagogue’s Shlicha. We are expecting a big turnout to show our appreciation to Netta for all she has done for our synagogue.

Have a safe summer and we will hopefully see you in person this September.

Lewis Gertz & Jonathan SalantMen's Club Co-Presidents

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support B'NAI ISRAEL CONGREGATION every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at www.smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization.

On your first visit to www.smile.amazon.com, select B'nai Israel Congregation in Rockville to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Your selection will be remembered, and every eligible purchase you make will result in a donation.

B'NAI ISRAEL CONGREGATION6301 Montrose RoadRockville, Maryland 20852301-881-6550www.bnaiisraelcong.org

Affiliated with The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

B’nai Israel Congregation is an accessible building.

19J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 1

July Anniversaries

Sam and Julie Gallo – 1Kenny and Janis Lefkowitz – 1David and Rachel Weinstein – 1Rob and Bonnie Altneu – 2Don Amodeo and Ilana Jolson – 2Fred and Stefanie Langsam – 2Ariel and Jennifer Lavinbuk – 3Josh and Leah Lipsky – 3Victor Schneider and Wilma Braun – 3Lawrence and Allee Burka – 4David and Shelly Freishtat – 4Bob Kaplan and Mona Chase – 4David and Marilyn Levine – 4Michael and Ellen Glazer – 5Hal and Rachel Ossman – 5David and Pam Rothenstein – 5Dean and Natalie Levitan – 7Richard and Barbara Daumit – 8Noah and Alicia Gottesman – 9Michael Chernicoff and Sarah Bolts - 10Seth Edlavitch and Melissa Segal – 10Paul and Vicki Goldberg – 10Brian and Julie Barke – 11Ezra and Abby Cohen – 11Paul Foldi and Bonnie Glick – 11Adam and Stacy Isenberg – 12Robert and Barbara Phillips – 12Joel and Pam Zingeser – 12Darren and Melissa Ash – 13Joseph and Elaine Potosky – 16Richard and Beth Sheer – 16Harris and Emily Trobman – 17Bruce and Karen Main – 18Bill and Ruth Oshinsky – 18Steven and Elaine Keller – 20Noel and Devon Kesterman – 20Nimrod and Hannah Levy – 20Daniel Press and Joyce Dubow – 20Michael and Sharon Safra – 20Jason and Jessica Neuringer – 21John and Tracy Shefferman – 23Aaron Oser and Liz Lauren-Oser – 25Alan and Lisa Isenberg – 27David Weinstein and Adi Zaken-Weinstein – 29Barry and Sara Marcus – 30Peter and Deede Schaumberg – 30Bruce and Robin Bortnick – 31Stanley and Joanne Milobsky – 31Brian and Marni Zweig – 31

aeh lfnmazal tov

The next issue of the Scroll will feature plans as they begin the next stage of life's journey next year! Please visit www.bnaiisraelcong.org/collegeconnection to let us know your plans and to learn more about the fun ways B'nai Israel can stay in touch!

Mazal Tov to Our B'nai Israel Graduates!

Joseph BarkeAddie BassinLila Berger

Rebecca BernsteinKayla Bobb

Dylan BortnickKelsey ChaikinDaniel Cohen

David EllerBrian Epstein

Faith FaroBrett Feyerick

Harrison ForestEthan Garson

Alexa GoldElla Gorodetzky

Caleb Hart Carrie HirschLogan KalishNoah KandelNoah Kanter

Brandee KaplanAlexis Kende Allison Kende

Sophie KotloveSophie KrantzMatthew KrinnJordan Levin

Rachel LacoretzNoah Lenkin

Maggie LiebermanSara Logsdon

Mackenzie Matyas Zachary Miller

Oren MinskDanielle Nevett

Sarah PaulMaddy Pollack

Adam Rothenstein Jacob RulnickNoah Schiff

Shelby SchlactusIsaac Schulman

Samuel SchwartzCarly Sheer

Julia Silberberg Madison Sunshine

Sydney WeissCharlotte Wenk

Jenna YaffeMoshe Zaremba

Welcome to the Newest Members of Our B’nai Israel Family (April 6–May 5)

New Members ...ADI & JOSH KANERRUTH & MARK KRESLOFFMICHELLE & ROMAN LEVITMARLENE & STEVEN MIRMANLINDA & BARRY ROSENBERGLISA VARDI

Returning Members ...EFRAT TALA & PAUL SLOVIN

Brukhim habaim! The entire congregation shares our joy in welcoming you into our B’nai Israel family.

and Mazal Tov to ...

Vicki and Dr. Paul Goldberg on the birth of their granddaughter, Hadassah Silverman.Mazal tov to the proud parents, Michelle and Michael Silverman.

Dr. Helene and David Emsellem on the birth of their grandson, Mason Philip Kutner.Mazal tov to the proud parents, Elyssa and Aaron Kutner.

Samuel Edwards on becoming Seaboard Region Religious/Education Vice President.

Shelly Gordon, Marc Gordon, and Wilma and Ron Lenkin on the engagement of their daughter and granddaughter, Danielle Gordon to Haim Yeger.

Jason Altneu on becoming Seaboard Region Membership/Kadima Vice President.

B'nai Israel USY for winning Best Religious Program for our Snacking Seder program as well as a Chapter of Excellence award.

20 J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 1

We are all touched by B’nai Israel.

It makes a difference in our lives. And it is our endeavor to ensure that it makes a difference in our community for many years to come.

As our parents planted for us, let us sow the seeds that will make a difference for our children and grandchildren. –Talmud Ta’anit 23a

CREATE YOUR JEWISH LEGACY

www.jewishlegacygw.org

As we celebrate our successes, we are grateful for the commitment and generosity of those who came before us. Dues and annual donations do not provide sufficient resources for all we must do to sustain Jewish life at B’nai Israel. And so we invite and encourage you to create your own legacy.

It is so easy to make a planned gift or bequest through B’nai Israel’s Create a Jewish Legacy Program. Simply include B’nai Israel in your estate planning as a beneficiary in your will, under your retirement plan or life insurance policy. It carries no financial obligation in the present, but it will have a huge and lasting impact on our future.

Avery SudowDevelopment Director

301-816-5569avery@bnaiisraelcong.org

IN SYMPATHYdkxal mpexkf

B'nai Israel Congregation mourns the loss of our beloved members:

Joan AbelsonDr. Stanley BragerArnold Fanaroff

Dr. Irwin “Buddy” Feldman

B'nai Israel Congregation extends sympathies to our members:

Madelene and Francine Benjamin on the loss of their husband and

father, Dr. Stanley Brager.

Natalie Zatz on the loss of her brother, Fred Dosik.

Jonina Duker on the loss of her mother, Roberta Lillian Katz Duker.

Nancy Fanaroff and Michael Fanaroff on the loss of their husband

and father, Arnold Fanaroff.

Marilyn Feldman on the loss of her husband, Dr. Irwin “Buddy” Feldman.

Brett Friedman on the loss of his grandmother, Miriam Friedman.

Dr. Phil Kaplan on the loss of his mother, Bunny Kaplan.

Dr. Laurie Brachfeld on the loss of her brother, David Klein.

Dr. Ralph Kornbluth and Deborah Berger on the loss of their brother and uncle, Harvey Kornbluth.

Stephen Levine on the loss of his sister, Anne "Annie" Levine.

Gary Tabach on the loss of his father, Melvin Tabach.

Opportunities to Memorialize and

Honor Your Loved Ones

Our beautiful Synagogue provides many meaningful opportunities to arrange dedications in memory of or in

honor of loved ones.

Memorial plaques, endowments, scholarships, capital gifts, fine arts, and educational programs are among the possibilities available at B’nai Israel

Congregation.

For further information, please contact Allison Karasik (240-221-2507,

allison@bnaiisraelcong.org).

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose......a time to be born, and a time to die..."

B’NAI ISRAEL CEMETERIESB’nai Israel Congregation maintains three attractive cemetery locations.

B'nai Israel Historic CemeteryOxon Hill, Maryland

Judean Memorial Gardens Olney, Maryland

Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park Clarksburg, Maryland

For information, please contact our executive director, Hal Ossman at the synagogue office (301-816-5563, hossman@bnaiisraelcong.org).

21J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 1

Funds

B’nai Israel Congregation deeply appreciates all contributions directed to the various funds of our congregation.

Donations Made March 31–April 30 | D O N AT I O N S C A N B E M A D E AT bnaiisraelcong.org/donate

DONATIONSDue to increased printing and labor costs:

1. Each contribution will be acknowledged by mail to one designated recipient.2. Only contributions of $18 or more will be printed in the Scroll.3. Donor acknowledgements will be sent by email and will also appear on year-end statements.

Please note:Etz Hayim Humashdedication: $60,

Siddur Sim Shalomdedication: $30

Endowments

Abrutyn Family Leadership Training EndowmentIn Memory Of:Phyllis Dillinger Jacobson, very special mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to Deidre Sacks and family by Vickie Abrutyn

Arnold and Sylvia Heft Sustaining EndowmentIn Memory Of:Sam Abramson by Harriet and Marty FeldmanSylvia Heft by Harriet and Marty FeldmanHarry Heft by Harriet and Marty Feldman

Beverly G. Schnitzer Tikun Olam EndowmentA Speedy Recovery For:Bernie Rod by Suzy and Sol Levy In Honor Of:The marriage of David Barney to Sophia Rappaport by Abby and Phil Rogers In Memory Of:Sophie and Rubin Gertz by Robert Johnson Phyllis D. Jacobson, beloved mother of Deedee Sacks by Suzy and Sol Levy

Chester and Rita Stein Environmental FundIn Honor Of:The Bat Mitzvah of Anita and Alvin Lann’s granddaughter, Aviva by Andrea and Melvyn Kopstein

Comer-Ritwo Elevator Endowment FundIn Memory Of:Edward Comer by Ruth and Andrew Ritwo

David Easton Endowment for Video EducationIn Memory Of:Jack Rayman by Cindy and Glenn EastonAnnette Rayman by Cindy and Glenn EastonDavid Easton by Cindy and Glenn Easton David Easton by the Easton and Michel families Robert Schultz by the Easton and Michel families

Ethan Ross Alperstein Sanctuary Garden Endowment FundIn Celebration Of:Stanley Cohen’s special birthday by Lois and Leslie Alperstein In Memory Of:Arthur Abraham Jackson, beloved father of Lois Alperstein on the 55th anniversary of his passing by Lois Alperstein Phyllis Jacobson, beloved mother of Deidre Sacks. by Lois and Leslie Alperstein Arthur Abraham Jackson, beloved father, by Sherri and Joseph Pleva

Hazzan Deborah Togut Memorial Endowment FundIn Appreciation Of:Cantor Josh Perlman and the entire Perlman Family for a happy, beautiful, and meaningful virtual second Passover Seder by Marsha and Sidney TishlerIn Honor Of:Cantor Josh’s 20th anniversary at B’nai Israel by Diane Boehr

Hazzan Robert Kieval Music Library FundIn Honor Of: Cantor Josh by Cherie Baer Cantor Josh with gratitude for the opportunity to say Kaddish for my beloved mother via Zoom by Marshall Lewis

Jay, Gail, Emily and Olivia Wasserman Communications EndowmentIn Memory Of:Sharon Iskow Glazier by Sheldon and Denise Iskow

Jonathan, Suzanne and Amy Schilit Nursery School EndowmentIn Honor Of:The birth of Alon Nechemya to Elkana and Ayala Bar-Eitan and Family by Diane and Howard Schilit and FamilyIn Memory Of:Phyllis Dillinger Jacobson, beloved mother to Didi Sacks and Family by Diane and Howard Schilit and Family

Louis and Helyn Fanaroff Sustaining EndowmentIn Memory Of:Milton Freedman, loving father of Mona Bobrow and Family by Debby and Gary Bortnick

Mandel and Stein Prayer Book FundIn Memory Of:Philip Mandel by Rita, Chet, Jonathan, Amanda, Emma Goldie, and Benjamin Sidney Stein

Mary and Israel Shulman Student Community Service Endowment FundA Speedy Recovery For:Paulette Shulman, with love by Sharon Seidel and Steve Moss

Meisel Family Endowment For Special NeedsIn Celebration Of:Jake Weiner’s Bar Mitzvah by Diana and Steve Newman In Memory Of:Andrea Tilles, with gratitude for the Morning Minyan by Ravid and Yaffa Tilles

Mildred and William Kaplan Social Action EndowmentIn Honor Of:Dr. Frank Crantz’s retirement by Sharon and Paul Levine

Rabbi Safra Fund for Programming and Service Leadership TrainingIn Appreciation Of:Rabbi Berkowitz’ outstanding D’var Torah by Bruce LewisRabbi Safra’s misheberach for my sister by Ellen Rothmel Rabbi Safra for the calls and concern during these past months by Dottie Cohen Rabbi Berkowitz for officiating the funeral of Milton Freedman by Linda FreedmanRabbi Safra for officiating the funeral services for our mother and mother-in-law, Bernice Cohn by Marjorie Cohn and Martin Ruta Rabbi Safra for hosting us and for everything your family and you so lovingly do for us by Mark and Clara Safra Rabbi Safra for his support by Rachel ManchesterCantor Josh for his support by Rachel Manchester Rabbi Safra for his help and beautiful service on the bat mitzvah anniversary of Devin Sheer by the Sheer FamilyRabbi Berkowitz for his help and beautiful service on the bat mitzvah anniversary of Devin Sheer by the Sheer FamilyIn Memory Of:Leon Prosky with thanks to Rabbi Safra for the beautiful service by Heather Prosky and Family

Rose and Frank David Epstein Educational EndowmentIn Honor Of:Miriam Minsk’s graduation with honors from the University of Pennsylvania by Barbara and Richard Daumit In Memory Of:Bunny Kaplan by Barbara and Richard Daumit

Aliyot and Honors FundIn Appreciation Of:Pesach aliyot by Leonard Neuringer

B’nai Israel Men’s ClubA Donation Was Made By:Darren and Melissa Ash Steven and Kimberly Cohen

22 J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 1

In Appreciation Of:Men’s Club Yom HaShoah by Ann BermanB’nai Israel Men’s Club by Robin and Bruce BortnickIn Honor Of:Steve Goldberg’s birthday by Carol and Donald TenderLynn and Lewis Gertz by Robert Johnson In Memory Of:Ernest Gruenfeld by Mr. and Mrs. Robert AltneuSandra Altneu by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Altneu

Capital Campaign Fund/Building FundIn Appreciation Of:Cantor Josh for your support and preparation for both the bat mitzvah and anniversary service for Devin Sheer by the Sheer Family

Edith and Charles Pascal Library Book FundIn Celebration Of:My wonderful brother on his birthday with love by Nancy Paul

General FundA Donation Was Made By:Peshie ChaifetzMonroe GrossnickleBerta KolyakovaIn Appreciation Of:Rochelle Hodes’s cousin, Pete, who helped my dad get vaccinated by Dan FisherIn Honor Of:Gila Safra’s bat mitzvah by Judith AvruninFrancesca Madison Brown’s bat mitzvah by Michael and Samantha Brown In Memory Of:David Goodman by Anita Kornbluth Milton Freedman by Barbara Ritenour Bobby Greenberg by Beverly R. GreenfeigMilton Freedman by Corinne Kamerow and Family Joyce Stromberg by Diane E Burns Mickey Freedman, husband of Linda Freedman by Donald and Marcia McComb Milton Freedman by Dr. Sidney and Carolyn Markowitz Milton Freedman by Joanne and Allen GardnerEvelyn Dymand by Judith Black Milton Freedman with condolences to Linda Freedman and Family by Judy and Jay Shapiro Milton “Mickey” Freedman by Michael Audet Joseph G. Stein by Murray Stein Phyllis Furman by Pam and Joel ZingeserEllie Kahan’s sister, Peggy Koller by Sharon and Steve Levine Milton Freedman by Waple & O’Hazza Partnership

Hineini Campaign 2020–2021In Honor Of:My grandson, Ross Chudow by Sharon Glickman

L.I.F.E. Lecture FundA Donation Was Made By:Lois and Leslie AlpersteinIn Appreciation Of:Stuart Lessans for a successful Good Deeds Week and all you do for the community by Suzy and Sol Levy In Memory Of:Babs Greenstone by Mr. and Mrs. Robert JohnsonMurray Greenstone by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson

Morning Minyan FundIn Memory Of:Bernard D. Fish by Ellen Francois

Refugee Aid FundIn Memory Of:Philip Mandel by Betty Mandel

Tzedakah and Welfare FundA Donation Was Made By:Lin SolomonIn Appreciation Of:Rabbi Safra for conducting the funeral service for Joy Stromberg by Robert Stromberg HAZAK by Anonymous

Yahrzeit and Yizkor FundA Donation Was Made By:James and Karen Michaels Paula Pascal Levine Stanley and Carol SacharIn Memory Of:Chuck Levin by Abbe LevinMarge Levin by Abbe Levin Helen Siegel by Alan and Marjory Siegel My departed relatives by Alice Harris Arnold Gross by Amy Rosselle Henrietta Kay by Andrea L. KayBen Kay by Andrea L. KayBertha Schrott by Andrea L. KayDavid Schrott by Andrea L. Kay Nathan Greenblatt by Andrew and Phyllis Isaacson Howard Isaacson by Andrew and Phyllis Isaacson Dr. William Wolf by Andrew and Phyllis Isaacson Viola Greenblatt by Andrew and Phyllis Isaacson Dr. Benjamin Isaacson by Andrew and Phyllis Isaacson Elizabeth Isaacson by Andrew and Phyllis Isaacson Morris Zilber by Arlene and Earle FingerhutGerald Snyder by Arlette Snyder Charles V. Amsellem by Arlette SnyderFrank David Epstein by Barbara and Richard DaumitBernard Levy by Barbra and Howard Goldberg and Family Shmil Biderman by Bella Klich Roza Glickman by Bella Klich Dr. Richard Scott Benjamin by Benjamin Family Zvia Margolis by Benyamin and Amy Margolis Mickie Greenberg by Bert and Audrey Greenberg Leon Sandler by Brenda Sandler and FamilyRose L. Lyman by Brenda Sandler and FamilySydney Siegel by Brenda and Herb Jacobson Janet Christenson by Brenda and Herb Jacobson David Sokoloff by Carol, Sherwin, Scott, and Samantha Kevy Natalie L. Clayman by Caryn ClaymanDanny Baer by Cherie Baer Martin Alexander by Christina Hersh and family Zvia Margolis by Clara, Avi, Yoav, Zev, Ariel, and Tsvi Margolis Shulamith Elster by Corinne Kamerow and Family Moshe Klein by Corinne KamerowSaul Brooks by Cynthia and Morty ZetlinElaine Zetlin Pollin Korn by Cynthia and Morty Zetlin Joan Fisher by Dan Fisher Murray Meisel by Deborah and Joel MeiselEvelyn Meisel Reichel by Deborah and Joel Meisel Bertram Freedman by Debra CowenDanny A. Boehr by Diane Boehr The Family by Donald W. Wiczer Rosalie Cohen by Dorothy Cohen Sam Chicovsky by Dorothy Cohen Ina Silber by Dorothy Cohen Arthur Sperling by Dr Melvin and Eileen Arnold Sylvia B. Katzen by Dr. Jay and Lynn Katzen Maurice Brager by Dr. Stanley Brager Oscar Goldstein by Elaine Goodman Anna Dickman by Elaine Goodman David Dickman by Elaine Goodman Betty Katz Kahan by Ellie and Steven KahanTillie Gold by Eugene and Rachel Becker Melvin Lepow by Faith-Robin and Steven FeldmanEunice Lepow by Faith-Robin and Steven Feldman Sophie Shermen Kaplan by Fran and Barrett Penan

Mel Ehrlich by Fred Ehrlich Frances Wolk by Fred Ehrlich Alexander Langsam by Fred, Stefanie, and Samara LangsamFlorence ‘Geri’ Langsam by Fred, Stefanie, and Samara LangsamSamuel Sidlik by Frima Gorbach and Victoria Geftman Fannie Frank by Gerald Frank Faye T. Wolf by Gerald and Brenda Wolf Morris Broida by Harriet LeviJoseph Balailo by Harriet LeviSima Balailo by Harriet Levi Solomon Linchitz by Harriet and Morris Altschuler Toby Cutler by Herschel Cutler Rivy Cutler by Herschel Cutler Dora Rappaport by Herschel Cutler Samuel Cutler by Herschel Cutler Harry Rappaport by Herschel Cutler Lillian Broider Gross by Howard Gross Toby Nelson by Howard and Carol NelsonAl Nelson by Howard and Carol NelsonBrian Pollack by Howard and Carol NelsonIrvin Pollack by Howard and Carol Nelson Ruth Kramer by Howard and Judy Kramer Ernest Gruenfeld by Ilene R. GruenfeldDr. Gerhard Gruenfeld by Ilene R. GruenfeldPauline Seiler by Ilene R. GruenfeldMax W. Seiler by Ilene R. GruenfeldDr. Jerome Seiler by Ilene R. GruenfeldLeonard Seiler by Ilene R. Gruenfeld Milton Freedman by Jane and Richard Evans Hiller Porway by Janet Arnowitz Jackie Aaronson by Janet and Eddie Aaronson Annette Meyers by Jaye and Bob Greenfest Marlene Meyers Brager by Jaye and Bob Greenfest Cheryl Lynn Rimerman by Jaye and Bob Greenfest Dr. Stuart H. Brager by Jaye and Bob Greenfest John Yazdi by Jeff, Rachel, Sarah, and Aaron Fenster William Gotkin by Jeffrey and Yvonne DistenfeldShirley Gotkin by Jeffrey and Yvonne Distenfeld Dorothy Distenfeld by Jeffrey and Yvonne Distenfeld Alan Distenfeld by Jeffrey and Yvonne Distenfeld Irv Distenfeld by Jeffrey and Yvonne Distenfeld Dr. Shulamith Elster by Jim and Maxine PerlmutterShula Cohn by Jim and Maxine PerlmutterBarbara Duchovnay by Jim and Maxine Perlmutter Gitlya Gelman by Joseph and Rina Gelman and FamilyAbraham Gelman by Joseph and Rina Gelman and Family Adele Shapiro by Judge Allan and Susan GoodmanLeonard Goodman by Judge Allan and Susan GoodmanJoshua Goodman by Judge Allan and Susan Goodman Lois Glickson by Julie, Jeff, and Zoe Bethke Dr. Elton Herman by Larry Herman Leah Goldstein by Lawrence and Lisa Cines Fanny Tommer by Lawrence and Lisa Cines Bernard Lipps by Leslie and Paul Gnatt and Family Kathleen Lovell by Linda Molayem Frances Adler by Linda and Jay Weiss Esther Garson by Lisa, Michael, Elyssa, and Ethan Garson Bernie Gittleson by Lynn and Michael Gittleson Bena Dublin Frank by the Maier FamilyMartha Gross by Marcia and Robert Kerchner Charles Gillman by Margie HanerfeldClara Gillman by Margie Hanerfeld Walter Diener by Marilyn Cohen Mortimer Heutlinger by Mark Heutlinger Irving Green by Mark and Leslie Berlin Bessie C. Lewis by Marshall Lewis Phillip Lewis by Marshall Lewis

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE.

23J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 1

The Fine Arts Committee Needs Your Historic B'nai Israel Photos!

The Fine Arts Committee is working on a project to display the history of B'nai Israel through photographs. We are in need of the following:

Confirmation Class photos for the following years: any photos prior to 1954,1958, 1959, 1964, 1967, 1970, 1972–1982, 1984–1986, 1994–2001, 2009–2013.

Historical Photos of B'nai Israel synagogue and/or events that have taken place throughout it's long history—weddings, b'nai mitzvahs, programs, graduations, class photos, etc.

If you have any of these photos, please consider sending them to us to reproduce. Your original photographs will be returned once they are copied.

Please contact Randy Sager (randysager@gmail.com) for more information.

Miriam Greenberg by Martin and Elaine Book David Schrott by Marvin KaySidney Katleman by Matlee and Mort Yadin Abraham Gudelsky by Medda Gudelsky Norman Heiserman by Michael and Marlyn Heiserman Jack Herbst by Mike and Debbi Herbst Esther Polsky by Miriam Best Golda Chernowsky by Miriam and Sheldon Tommer Annette Brannon by Mona, Nikki, and Bradley,Bobrow Dr. Charles Kaplan by Mr. Stuart Graff and Mrs. June Graff Curt A. Reisner by Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey J. Reisner Blaine Eig by Nancy and Wayne EigNoah Eig by Nancy and Wayne Eig Berta Melman by Neli Melman Rabbi Ralph Simon by Rabbi Matthew SimonKelsey Simon by Rabbi Matthew Simon Ann N. Heimlich by Roberta and Jeff Shane Mickie Greenberg by Randy Greenberg Paul Katz by Rhona BortnickAnne Katz by Rhona Bortnick Edith Lebowitz by Richard Silbert Ronald J. Hatwell by Rita Hatwell Philip Mandel by Rita, Chet, Jonathan, Amanda, Emma Goldie, and Benjamin Sidney Stein Ernest Gruenfeld by Robert and Bonnie AltneuSandra Altneu by Robert and Bonnie Altneu Abraham Novick by Roberta and Jesse Palmer Bernie Gittleson by Robin and Bruce Bortnick Hazzan Deborah Togut by Sam Zaremba Charles Pascal by Samuel Pascal Lena Chidakel by Samuel Pascal Herbert L. Goda by Saralee G. Hillman Irving Mirsky by Sheila and Herbert Rosenblum Chaskel Goldberg by Malka Finkel Harvey Metro by Stuart MetroSonia B. Steppa by Sunny and Mark Polsky Robyn Faye Weinstein by Susan Pondfield, Bill Mentlik and Stacey Weinstein Lottie Katzman by Suzy and Sol Levy Andrew Solomon by Sylvia and Irwin Rosenthal Rabbi Baruch Goldstein by Taffet Family Aurelia Florenstein by Tamara Schoenbaum Beckie Prosky by The Prosky Family Marie Cohen by The SchaechtersLeon Cohen by The Schaechters Richard Evans by Tracy, Stefan, Stu, Gabe, Sophie, and Jake Krantz Zalman Ryaboy by Vladislav and Hana Ryaboy Sonia B. Steppa by Wendy Fanaroff Meyer ‘Mike’ Shuman by Zelda and Ronnie Silas Emery Fleischer by Nicholas Fleischer Suetelle Liss by the Goodman/Liss Family

Youth Activities FundIn Honor Of:The bat mitzvah of Jillian Nalibotsky by Rina Mintz

The new and expanding

B'NAI ISRAEL JUDAICA MUSEUM is actively soliciting fine antique/vintage Judaica for its collection.

If you have any items you would liketo donate or would consider lending

to B'nai Israel for display, please contact Randy Sager,

Fine Arts Chairperson (randysager@gmail.com).

Join Our Services by Video Live Stream or Telephone

ShabbatFriday evening, 6:15–7:15 PMSaturday, 9:00 AM –12:00 PM*Limited in-person attendance is available for this Shabbat service. Please send an email to allison@bnaiisraelcong.org.

Daily MinyanMonday–Thursday, 7:15 AM & 8:00 PMFriday, 7:15 AMSunday, 9:00 AM & 8:00 PM

Video Live Stream Accesswww.bnaiisraelcong.org/dailyminyan

Audio Dial-in: 1-929-436-2866 Meeting ID: 788 352 437 #

Phone Instructions Dial 1-929-436-2866 Meeting ID: 788 352 437 #

For IN-Person attendance information, see page 4.

During this time of social distancing, make sure to stay connected with us via social media for latest updates, Facebook Live events, and more.

Join our group on FBhttps://www.facebook.com/

groups/BnaiIsraelCong/

Follow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/

bnaiisraelcong/

Get Social With Us

24 J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 1

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDGaithersburg, MD Permit No. 2707

Schilit Nursery School 301-816-5578Talmud Torah 301-816-5576

301-881-6550www.bnaiisraelcong.org

SCROLL6301 MONTROSE ROADROCKVILLE, MD 20852-4120

301.816.5578 | www.bnaiisraelcong.org/nurseryschool

Contact us to schedule a tour.

RACHEL SIEGELEarly Childhood Director

NANCY GOLDBERG Schilit Nursery School Assistant Director

• Ages transitional 2s, 2, 3, and Pre-K • Half-day until 12:30 PM• Full-day option until 6:00 PM• Flexible scheduling options

We are so glad to have out students back in the building!

HALF-DAY & FULL-DAYHALF-DAY & FULL-DAYOptionsOptions

We want your child to spend EVERY DAY with us!

2021–20222021–2022 Registration is Open!Registration is Open!www.bnaiisraelcong.org/nurseryschoolregistrationwww.bnaiisraelcong.org/nurseryschoolregistration

Schilit Nursery School