APRIL 2017 NISSAN 5777 Features Religious School...2 Preschool Primer..3 B’nai Mitzvah Spotlights..…….....4 Welcome New Members…….…...4 Modim Minute.…...4 JCCNV Outreach Program for 55+ Adults….…..……...5 Teen Athletes Sought for JCC Maccabi Games....5 Tzedakah Touts….6 Mazon presents: Myths About SNAP...…………...8 May Calendar…....9 Sukkot in Spring is Evolving By John Faith For at least the past decade, Congregation Etz Hayim has partnered with Temple Rodef Shalom and Rebuilding Together (http:// rebuildingtogether.org/) for an annual fix-up/clean-up project benefiting folks in our local communities known as Sukkot in Spring. Rebuilding Together puts it best: “Rebuilding Together is a national US non- profit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing free home repairs and modifications to low-income homeowners.” The annual Sukkot in Spring project brought volunteers from CEH and TRS, “Jews With Tools,” together for a “one- day project” that usually morphed into a Herculean effort requiring 3-4 days in actuality. We’re currently working with Rebuilding Together to change the focus of our efforts from this one major annual project to a handful of smaller, more manageable projects spread throughout the year. This will, hopefully, enable us to engage a larger number of congregants over the course of the year, and will also relieve the aging, long- suffering senior members of the CEH/TRS team from the more onerous aspects of this very worthwhile endeavor. We also hope to entice more of our younger congregants to participate. As soon as we have more details, we’ll get a message out to the congregation. In the meantime, should you have questions about Rebuilding Together or our participa- tion, please contact John Howard, [email protected]; John Faith, [email protected]; or Brian Stern, [email protected]. If you or someone you know is possibly in need of Rebuilding Together's services, you can contact them directly: Phone: 703.528.1999 Virginia Relay: 711 Email: info@rebuildingtogether-aff.org To be considered for home repair services you must meet the following requirements: • Own and live in the home to be repaired located in Arlington, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, or the City of Falls Church, • Intend to live in your home for at least two more years, • Meet the income guidelines on the application, and • Complete an application and provide proof of ownership and total household gross income. The link for applying for Rebuilding Together's services can be found here: http:// rebuildingtogether-aff.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/VHR-2016-Homeowner- Application-fillable-042016.pdf
Transcript
APRIL 2017 NISSAN 5777
Features
Religious School...2
Preschool Primer..3
B’nai Mitzvah
Spotlights..…….....4
Welcome New Members…….…...4
Modim Minute.…...4
JCCNV Outreach Program for 55+ Adults….…..……...5
Teen Athletes Sought for JCC
Maccabi Games....5
Tzedakah Touts….6
Mazon presents: Myths About SNAP...…………...8
May Calendar…....9
Sukkot in Spring is Evolving
By John Faith
For at least the past decade, Congregation Etz Hayim has partnered with Temple Rodef Shalom and Rebuilding Together (http://rebuildingtogether.org/) for an annual fix-up/clean-up project benefiting folks in our local communities known as Sukkot in Spring. Rebuilding Together puts it best: “Rebuilding Together is a national US non-
profit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing free home repairs and modifications to low-income homeowners.” The annual Sukkot in Spring project brought volunteers from CEH and TRS, “Jews With Tools,” together for a “one- day project” that usually morphed into a Herculean effort requiring 3-4 days in actuality.
We’re currently working with Rebuilding Together to change the focus of our efforts from this one major annual project to a handful of smaller, more manageable projects spread throughout the year. This will, hopefully, enable us to engage a larger number of congregants over the course of the year, and will also relieve the aging, long-
suffering senior members of the CEH/TRS team from the more onerous aspects of this very worthwhile endeavor. We also hope to entice more of our younger congregants to participate.
As soon as we have more details, we’ll get a message out to the congregation. In the meantime, should you have questions about Rebuilding Together or our participa-tion, please contact John Howard, [email protected]; John Faith, [email protected]; or Brian Stern, [email protected].
If you or someone you know is possibly in need of Rebuilding Together's services, you can contact them directly:
To be considered for home repair services you must meet the following requirements:
• Own and live in the home to be repaired located in Arlington, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, or the City of Falls Church,
• Intend to live in your home for at least two more years, • Meet the income guidelines on the application, and
• Complete an application and provide proof of ownership and total household gross income.
The link for applying for Rebuilding Together's services can be found here: http://rebuildingtogether-aff.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/VHR-2016-Homeowner-Application-fillable-042016.pdf
To sponsor flowers on the Bima, an Oneg, or Kiddush in honor of a special event or in memory of a loved one, please email [email protected] or call the Etz Hayim office at 703-979-4466
By Laura Naide, Director of Religious Education
Thank you to all the volunteers and lay leaders who made our Purim services and celebrations such a success! Thanks to Jill Shenk for once again coordinating the Purim Carnival, which took place on Sunday, March 12, and to Lyn Shenk for building many of the games.
Religious School: Purim Carnival Pictures
Photos by Jill Shenk and Stacey Viera
APRIL 2017 NISSAN 5777 Page 3
Tikkun Olam
Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC): Our synagogue collects dry and canned goods for AFAC. Specific items needed include cereal, pasta, rice, macaroni & cheese, peanut butter, jelly, baking products, canned vegetables, etc. Collection baskets are located in the vestibule.
Bikkur Cholim (Helping the Ill) &
Bereavement Committees
These committees are on standby to help in the hour of need for those who are ill or recuperating by visit-ing, calling, helping with grocery shopping, provid-ing transportation to doctors or the synagogue, bringing meals, etc. (Bikkur Cholim) or to assist a bereaved family in arrang-ing for the funeral, Shiva Minyan, and meal of condolence. Notify the Etz Hayim office or Rabbi Bass about your needs. In the event of a death, Rabbi Bass should be notified immediately (but not on Shabbat). Please contact Sherri Edgar (Bikkur Cholim) or Jerry Jacobs (Bereavement) if you'd like to join their committees.
Preschool Primer: Day Without Immigrants—February 16, 2017 By Alexis Joyce, Preschool Director From Wikipedia: “Day Without Immigrants was a protest and boycott that took place on February 16, 2017, to demonstrate the importance of immigrants to the economy, and also to protest possible racial profiling of U.S. citizens by immigration enforce-ment. The strike called for immigrants not to go to work, to avoid spending money, and keep children home from school.”
A heartfelt thank you to all the parents, volunteers, and substitutes who staffed the preschool so that our teachers who are immigrants could participate in the protest. We could not have held preschool that day without your help! We thank you for help-ing us send the message that we appreciate and acknowledge the contributions of the immigrants in our community and specifically those on our staff.
Photos by Stacey Viera
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B’nai Mitzvah Spotlight: Ethan Kimelheim
What is your full name?
Ethan Mica Kimelheim
Where were you born? Fairfax, VA
What is the date of your Bar Mitzvah?
April 22, 2017
How long have you been in our Religious School? What is your favorite subject? I’ve been at Etz Hayim since 4th grade. It was interesting to learn
more about the Holocaust.
What Haftorah will you be chanting? I will be chanting 2 Samuel as my Haftorah.
Has anyone else in your family become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah here? My sister (Jeana) became a Bat Mitzvah at Etz Hayim.
What school do you attend? What is your favorite subject? I attend Williamsburg Middle School and don’t really have a favorite subject. All my classes are pretty good.
What are your hobbies or extra-curricular activities?
I like to play football and hang with my friends. I also watch a lot of TV.
What accomplishments are you proud of? I’m proud of getting good grades in school and of preparing for my Bar Mitzvah. I also stayed up all night once!
Please write a thoughtful statement about what becoming a Bar Mitzvah means to you. Becoming a Bar Mitzvah means that I am now counted as an adult in the Jewish community. Being an adult means having more responsibility for myself and my community.
B’nai Mitzvah Spotlight: Jacob Singer
What is your full name?
Jacob Gregory Singer
Where were you born? Arlington, VA
What is the date of your Bar Mitzvah?
April 8, 2017
How long have you been in our Religious School? What is your favorite subject? Since 1st grade. I like learning about the
Jewish holidays.
What Haftorah will you be chanting? Shabbat HaGadol
Has anyone else in your family become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah here? No, not yet. I have two younger sisters.
What school do you attend? What is your favorite subject? Swanson Middle School and my favorite subject is Science.
What are your hobbies or extra-curricular activities?
Bicycling, reading, playing trumpet, spending time with my family and the card game Magic the Gathering.
What accomplishments are you proud of? I've biked more than 4,300 miles in the last three years, by myself and with my family.
Please write a thoughtful statement about what becoming a Bar Mitzvah means to you. It's helped me learn more about Judaism and lets me express my Jewish identity in a good way.
Welcome New Congregation
Members!
Evan Vanderveer & Julia Krieger
Modim Minute (A Moment of Gratitude)
• From Sylvia Gordon: A heartfelt thank you to Edgar and three anonymous men who chipped out the ice under my car when it got stuck in front of Etz Hayim on Shabbat, March 18. It was stuck, wouldn’t move, and was in the path of traffic.
APRIL 2017 NISSAN 5777 Page 5
For programs at the synagogues, bring a dairy lunch and stay for coffee and dessert. Unless otherwise specified, cost is $2M JCCNV or any synagogue, and $4/NM. This program is a warm and friendly group of men and women age 55+. They are funded by the JCCNV and graciously supported by Beth El Hebrew Congregation and Etz Hayim Congregation. For more information contact Shelly at [email protected] or 703-537-3062.
JCCNV Outreach Program for 55+ Adults May Bulletin By Shelly Rosenstein
Wednesday, May 10 -- Cuba: Up Close and Personal with Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer Presenter: Sunny Schnitzer, Rabbi, Bethesda Jewish Congregation; President, The Cuba America Jewish Mission
While visiting Cuba is currently all the rage and many American Jewish tourists stop by the Havana synagogues, the Cuban Jewish community faces unique pressures concerning its future. Will new freedoms and the tourist economy trickle down to alleviate the poverty experienced by most Cubans? Will freedom to emigrate reduce the Cuban Jewish population further? Will it survive the 21st Century? Join Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer, a 15-time visitor to the island, for an in-depth look at Cuban Jewish history, an update on Cuba today and the outlook for the future. 10:30am –12:00pm. Beth El Congregation
Tuesday, May 16 -- Joint Program with Agudas Achim Congregation: Jewish Composers and Their Music from the 1920s-1940s
Presenters: Shelly and Jay Rosenstein NOTE CHANGE OF DAY, TIME AND LOCATION) Join us as Shelly (our J/Beth El coordinator) and her husband Jay present a program about great Jewish composers and lyricists who created some of the most memorable music between the 1920s and the 1940s. Come learn what the real names of some of these musicians were, or why so many Christmas songs were written by Jewish composers. Shelly will serenade you on the piano, and for extra fun, song sheets will be given out so anyone can sing along. What a nice, relaxing way to end the season! A free, kosher lunch will be provided prior to the program. 12:00pm –2:00pm. Agudas Achim Congregation, 2908 Valley Drive, Alexandria
Wednesday, May 24 -- The Minorities in Israel Presenter: Na’ama Gold, JCCNV-JAFI Shlicha (Israeli Emissary) NOTE LATER START TIME
As Jews, we know the struggles of being a minority. But how is it to be a Jewish minority in Israel, the land of the Jews? Join us as Na’ama returns to talk to the group about Mizrahi Jews, Ethiopian Jews, women, members of the LGBT community and other minorities in Israel. Learn about their rights and duties as Israeli citizens. Na’ama presents wonderful programs so don’t miss out on this important one! 10:45am –12:00pm. Beth El Congregation
Calling Teen Athletes: Compete in the JCC Maccabi Games! Join JCC’s Northern Virginia delegation as they head to Albany to compete in this one-of-a-kind Jewish experience! Maccabi athletes must be 12-17 years old and MUST NOT have reached their 17th birthday by 7/31/17. If you are an athlete and are interested in participating in this year’s Maccabi Games, please contact Allison Merims at [email protected] or 703-
537-3097.
More information on the Maccabi Games can be found here: www.albanyjcc.org/maccabi-games/maccabi-games-home/
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Tzedakah Touts
Annual Fund Barry & Jeanette Astrow in honor of Laura Naide's special birthday (contribution to Religious School Fund) Lester Droller in memory of Gerard Droller Allen Elstein in memory of Lea Elstein Albert and Miriam Elstein
Elise Kane
Adrienne Levinson in honor of Beth Wolffe
Jack & Susan Pevenstein in memory of Luba Billowitz, Philip Billowitz, Laura Marsh, Anna Hillman and Sylvia Billowitz
Ray & Roslyn Samuelson in memory of Rose Samuelson
Alan Savada & Will Stevenson in honor of the Roismans' new baby
Perry & William Schlosburg in memory of Mae Shulman
Beth Wolffe in gratitude for Rabbi Julia Watts Belser's adult education class
Beth Wolffe in memory of Linda Sparke's mother Beth Wolffe in honor of the birth of Roberta Wasserman and Philip Abrams' granddaughter, Mikayla Sussman
Jean Koshar Rothstein Memorial Fund Robert Rothstein & Christie Phillips in memory of Hazel Miller Robert Rothstein & Christie Phillips in memory of my mother on Valentine's Day
Molly Sandler Children’s Book Fund Sylvia Gordon in honor of Roberta Wasserman's newest granddaughter, Mikayla
Phyllis Sandler and Family in loving memory of Molly Sandler, beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother & friend
Perry Schlosburg in memory of William Schlosburg
Stephen Sousk & Phyllis Sandler in loving memory of my mother, Ethel Sousk, my father, Philip Sousk, and my grandmother, Jennie Guterwill Stephen Sousk & Phyllis Sandler in loving memory of my dear son-in-law, Ezra Cooper. He was loved by all. Stephen Sousk & Phyllis Sandler in memory of my father, Jacob Sandler, forever loved and missed
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Jo Ann Cadeaux in memory of Gussie Firestone
Phyllis Cassell in memory of William and Helen Davis, Irving Cassell and Ronald Grandon
Brian Stern in memory of Sadie Sternstein
Mimi Youkeles in memory of Alan Youkeles
Scholarship & Awards Fund Mathilda Esformes in memory of Morris Esformes
The following represents contributions made to the synagogue from February 1 to February 28, 2017. We apologize for any errors or omissions.
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Mazon presents: SNAP Series #3: Three Common Myths about SNAP
Modified from Mazon.org
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, our nation’s frontline defense against hunger, suffers from some pervasive myths about the program and the people in our nation who struggle with hunger.
Let’s take a moment to identify and understand the truth behind three common myths about SNAP.
MYTH ONE: SNAP RECIPIENTS ARE LAZY MOOCHERS
Detractors often portray those who rely on SNAP as those who are “just after a free lunch.” In reality, the majority of SNAP recipients (75%) who can work, do so. Those who are employed, often at multiple jobs, simply cannot always earn enough to cover their costs and afford the nutrition necessary for themselves and their family. And many of those who are not employed want to work, if only jobs were available to them. It’s also important to know that the majority (64%) of those on SNAP are senior citizens, people with disabilities, or children, and working is simply not an option for them.
MYTH TWO: ONLY CERTAIN PEOPLE DESERVE FOOD ASSISTANCE
Some opponents to SNAP single out ABAWDs–Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents. These are individuals who are between 18 and 49 who, according to critics, “should be able to work;” as such, they are subject to strict time limits, allowing them to receive SNAP benefits for only 90 days in three years. The ABAWD classification, however, covers a wide range of individuals and circumstances, not all of whom fit neatly into a simplified para-digm. ABAWDs include single parents of children over the age of 18. They are college students, and veterans, and people with undiagnosed disabilities. They are homeless people who struggle to find employment and 19 year-olds who have aged out of foster care and have no family on whom to rely.
MYTH THREE: FOOD INSECURITY ISN’T THE GOVERNMENT’S PROBLEM
Some policymakers like to point to charity as a better answer to addressing hunger in our nation. But the math simply doesn’t support their theory. According to The National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS), in Decem-ber 2015 there were 3,073 public charities that provided food to hungry people as identified in their Form 990 with the IRS. In total, their 2015 revenues totaled $11.47 billion. Total federal spending just on SNAP in 2015 was $75 billion. For these charities to replace SNAP, they would have to increase their annual revenues by more than 650%.
Please listen carefully to our nation’s policymakers when they talk about SNAP and the people who rely upon it. We hope this information helps you discern at least a few facts from myths. You can find answers for dispelling more common myths here: http://mazon.org/the-reality-of-hunger/hunger-myths
In case you missed it: SNAP Series #1: We Cannot Stand Idly By: http://mazon.org/inside-mazon/snap-series-1
SNAP Series #2: The Facts: http://mazon.org/inside-mazon/snap-series-2
May 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 Yom Hazikaron
2 Yom Ha’atzma’ut
3 Religious School: 4:45pm
4 Minyan: 7:00am
5 Shabbat Services w/Potluck: 6:15pm
6 Shabbat Services w/Bar Mitzvah of Kyle Wilson: 10:00am
7 Religious School: 9:30am Minyan & Muffins for Families with Preschool-ers: 9:30am Adult Education class “Discovering Israel with an Israeli” part 2: 10am Adult Education class “Parent-Child Yoga”: 3:00-4:30pm
8 9
10 Religious School: 4:45pm
11 Minyan: 7:00am Religious Committee Meeting: 7:30pm Israeli Folk Dancing Class: 8:00pm (BOS)
12 Musical Shabbat: 6:15pm
13 9:30 Club Meditation: 9:30am Shabbat Services: 10:00am Adult Education: Shabbat Book Club: 12:30pm (after services)
14 Lag Ba’Omer Mother’s Day Religious School: 9:30am Lag Ba’Omer Preschool & Religious School Event: 9:30am Adult Education class “Parent-Child Yoga”: 3:00-4:30pm
15 16
17 Religious School: 4:45pm
18 Minyan: 7:00am
19 Young Children’s Shabbat & Dinner: 5:30pm Shabbat Unwrapped: 6:15pm
20 9:30 Club Parashat HaShavuah: 9:30am Shabbat Unwrapped: 10:00am
21 Religious School: 9:30am Executive Committee Meeting: 10:00am Preschool End of Year Picnic: 10:30am Board Meeting: 11:00am Adult Education class “Parent-Child Yoga”: 3:00-4:30pm
22
23 Preschool Open House: 10:00am
24 Yom Yerushalayim Religious School: 4:45pm
25 Minyan: 7:00am Israeli Folk Dancing Class: 8:00pm (BOS)
26 Shabbat Services: 6:15pm
27 Shabbat Services: 10:00am
28 Religious School CLOSED
29 Memorial Day Office & Preschool CLOSED
30 Erev Shavuot Ben & Jerry’s Shavuot Ice Cream Torah Study: 8:30pm (at the home of Rabbi Bass)
31 Shavuot 1 Office, Preschool & Religious School CLOSED Shavuot Services: 10:00am
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2920 Arlington Boulevard Arlington, VA 22204
Unless otherwise indicated, the opinions expressed herein are those of the indicated author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Congregation Etz Hayim, its Trustees, Directors, or officers.
