May 2004 I lyar-Sivan 5764

U1!Temple Rodef Shalom Bulletin

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June 116 12A weekend to Celebrate & Honor Judy Seiff's 36

years at Temple Rodef Shalom upon her retirementa Temple Adminitr:ior. See page iI.

MayHabbt & Other ServicesShabbat Achare Mot/Kedoshim -April 30 & May 1Leviticus 16:1 - 20:27Friday, April 308:15 pm Israel ShabbatSaturday, May 019:00 am Torah Study10:30 am Shabbat Morning Worship

B'nai Mitzvah of Mat Eis & Madeline HorwathTuesday, May 046:45 pm Service of Strength, Comfort & Healing

Shabbat Emor - May 7 & 8Leviticus 21:1 - 24:23Friday, May 076:45 pm Bo'i Shabbat7:30 pm Family Shabbat with Teacher recognitionSaturday, May 089:00 am Torah Study10:30 am Shabbat Morning Worship

B'nai Mitzvah of Michael Howard &Leslie Steiger

Shabbat Behar/Bechukotai - May 14 & 15Leviticus 25:1 - 27:34Friday, May 148:15 pm Sisterhood ShabbatSaturday, May 159:00 am Torah Study10:30 am Shabbat Morning Worship

B'not Mitzvah of Hannah Fish &Muriel MacDonald

10:30 am Parallel Shabbat Morning Minyan

Shabbat Bemidbar - May 21 & 22Numbers 1:1 - 4:20Friday, May 216:30 pm Tot Shabbat8:15 pm Erev Shabbat Worship ServiceSaturday, May 229:00 am Torah Study10:30 ani Shabbat Morning Worship

B'nai Mitzvah of Alex Chamberlain &Talia Roth

Tuesday, May 257:30 pm Frey Shavuot, Confirmation Service

Shabbat Naso - May 28 & 29Numbers 4:21 - 7:89Friday, May 288:15 pm Erev Shabbat Worship ServiceSaturday, May 299:00 am Torah Study10:30 am Shabbat Morning Worship

B'not Mitzvah of Zoc' Efrus & Liza Rozen

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Sunday, May 2310:00 am - Check-in for Religious School Students*

Artisans Open for Parents

10:30 am - Religious School Awards Ceremony

11:00 am - Games Open for TRS Members

:00 pm to 3:00 pm - Festival Opens to the Community

All Religious School Families should attend thisspecial portion of the day— it is a regular Religious

School Day. Attendence will be taken and therewill be a special Closing Day Program!

,tudents who check-in between 10-10:30 am receive FREE Game Tickets!

\ full day of Entertainment, Games, Food, Crafts,Artisans, Silent Auction, Free Shuttle and more!

Jt ?inth e'/e/ ?m14'

Sunday, May 211:30-1:15pm

Mom,ori@ of a World Goi@ M.d

Leon Leyson, Osker Schindler's Youngest Jew,

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will share his experiences and those of his familyduring the holocaust. See page 7.

ive the Dates!

OURAS

Did you know thatthere are sevendifferent types ofservices at TempleRodef Shalom?

Each onc has a different perspective and -ever one oilers the chance to learn, pray,and connect with oilier members of' the)congregation Although you may not think thatvon to into each crVicc posbiltv, \Vh\ doni 101 H

all? E-a.1 I II

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Shabbat and other WorshipOpportunities at Temple Rodef Shalom

Friday evenings 8:15 pm - Shabbat Ft•'cmo,Worship in the sanctuary. This warm and welcominEservice includes prayer, music, and usuall y a presentatiotof sorts - a sermon or d'var torah, speaker, and/ortorah reading. This service is not held the first Fridaythe month.

- Saturday mornings 10:30 am - ShalMorning 'i 1iorslnp in the sanctuary. This service i. lcdby the '116 clergy and by young mcii and women who art-becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah, All are welcome.

- First Friday of Month 7:30 pm This ShabbatFamily service is designed for children aged 5-12 andtheir parents, siblings, and friends. The rabbis or cantortell a story in place of a sermon or other presentation.Israeli dancing and instruction follows the service.

- First Friday of Month 6:45 pm - This service iscalled Bo 'l Shabbat, or "Welcome Shabbat' ']'his newlydesigned service, led by student Cantor Leigh Korn, is anadult alternative to the later Family Service. It is a tradi-tional Friday night service with an emphasis on music.

- Third Friday of Month 6:30 pm - Our TotShabbat service lasts about 30 minutes and is designedfor children under 5 years old accompanied b y parents.The service consists of age-appropriate ihabbat music, astory and prayer.

- Third Saturday of Month 10:30 am —The ParallelShaL,bat Morning Minyan is led by members of the con-gregation and includes a torah reading, d'var torah, andother personalized shared thoughts. A pot-luck vegetarianluncheon follows the service and all are encouraged to cele-brate Shabbat in an intimate and informal way. Please con-tact Rabbi Burstein if you would like to participate.

— First Tuesday of Month 6:30 pm Service olStrength, Corn fart and Healing. This intimate service kdesigned to provide respite and comfort to all those whoneed strength and support during times of need.

Table of Contents07 - Adult Education11- B'nai Mitzvah

31- Calendar

20 - Caring Committee03 - Clergy10 - Connectingo6

Cu tü ra I / M us i c26 - Donations22-

Israel Solidarity24 - Library05

Membership25- Men's Club

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Outreach12- Religious School

16 - Scrapbook09

Seniors21- Sisterhood

17- Social Action

14- Youth Activities

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Youth Committee

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S121

.Sukkahs for Sukkot, Matzah

for Passover, and for Shavuot...?Sliavuot for some reason, does not get thesame attention as Sukkot and Passover.Sliavuot in the Torah has the same statusof Sukkot and Passover - it is one of thethree pilgrimage festivals when our ances-tors would go to The Temple in Jerusalemto make sacrifices. Yet, although the litur-gy is similar, there are not nearly as manycustoms and traditions. Maybe becausethe holiday is only one day long and notan entire week it does not have the sameamount of preparation and ritual? Forwhatever the reason, there are a few thingsthat are good to know about Shavuot...

Shavuot, in addition to being a harvestfestival, celebrates the receiving of theTorah on Mount Sinai. Did you realizethat we try to emulate the receiving of theTorah at each and every Torah service?(That's why there are people next to the

Torah readers - to make sure that thewords are read correctly.) In the spirit ofour ancestors receiving the Torah, we readfrom the Book of Ruth. She is one of thefirst "official" converts to Judaism. Weread her story, because she, too, took onthe responsibilities of the Torah, just asour ancestors did years before that.

In the Reform Movement, we havealso connected the lifecycle event ofConfirmation with Shavuot. Those stu-dents who continue to study after becom-ing a bar/bat mitzvah publically re-affirmtheir dedication to the Jewish people andthe Torah on this holiday. We celebratetheir achievement as a group and proud-1y participate with them as they symboli-cally re-dedicate themselves to the Torah.Please join us for this year's Confirmationand Shavuot service on May 25 at 7:30

pm. The class will be sure to delight youwith their spirit.

The words of the Torah are supposedto be as sweet as "milk and honey" to us.This concept is the reason behind eatingdairy products on Shavuot. Whilethroughout the rest of the year it is tradi-tional to eat meat (which throughout his-tory and now is much more expensivethan vegetables) to celebrate a Jewish hol-iday, on this holiday we eat blintzes, bagelsand cream cheese.

I hope that you will join us in cele-brating Shavuot this year. Unlike Sukkotand Passover, there's only one chance, sohe sure not to miss it.

May the words of the Torah always besweet to you and your family!

Rabbi Marcus Burstein

Temple Rodef Shalom's Keshet GroupInvites the Entire Congregation to

Two Special Programs This Month:

Sunday, May 2 • 2:00 pm Between Sodom and EdenA Gay Journey through Today's Changing IsraelTemple Member Lee Walzer will discuss his book (2000, Colombia V. Press)which deals with Israel's political and social revolution with respect to gay rightsin the 90's.A short film "Gotta Have Heart", by Eytan Fox and Gal Vahovsky will also beshown.

Sunday, May 16 • 9:30 am"Towards a Greater Understanding of our Gay & Lesbian Brothers and Sisters"Rabbi Amy Schwartzman will facilitate a discussion on issues including gaymarriage, adoption, civil unions and civil rights—all in the context of Jewishtradition, old and new.

Keshet is Temple Rodef Shalom's affinity group for gays, lesbians, their families and friends.Everyone is welcome to attend.

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Erev Shavuot/Confirmation

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M'zo1 byIt'abbi bursipiry D.Mii.

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Doctor of Ministry in PastoralCounseling from Hebrew Union

College -Jewish Institute of Religion

May 20, 2004

Imeet at TRS every Thursday at 10:00

AM all summer. For more informa-

tion, email dfeist@hotmail.com .

—Danielle Heyman Feisi

7:30 pm-May 255 Sivan 5764.

The Clergy, Staff and Board ofDirectors of Temple Rodef Shalom

would like to Congratulatethis Year's Confirmands:

• Michael Abraharns• Emily Bass• Erin Briskin• Jenny Chalmer• Daniel Cincinnati• Alison Deich• Stephanie Eiss• David Fink• Laura Fletcher• Larissa Flores• Lauren Forman• Sarah Frizzell• Sarah Greenbaum• Matthew Jones• Rachel Korn• Michael Laguaida• Adam Laufman• Wendy Leitner• Joseph Levy• Alexandra Lieberman• Laura Marshall• Jeffrey Morse• Alexander Palumbo• Ruben Polo-Sherk• Eric Reif• Scott Schulman• Arielle Seligson• Lauren Singer• Rachel Squire• Avra Stackpole• Jonathan Weiss• Alicia Wolman• Michelle Zw i

Those wishing to honor uiir (olJimniuinby purchasing Union Grams (see Pu'

21/Sisterhood page) may do so by contactingRachelle M. Bennett at 7031573-0323

s your child too young for TRS Camp but too old for the

Monday Baby Playgroup? Come join us for a Summer

Playgroup especially for THREE-YEAR OLDS. This

group will include kids who were in the

TRS Nursery School Two-Day

Program already. We will

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Membership Chairs:Jud y Sue703/864-1852Judy@'JudvSue.cuinMembershipMike Rankiri 703/536-36Y8 NavvDocnova@aul.com Ar

OshetJudy SueSI ikc Irnkin

kkmp!e Rodef Shalom's gay and lesbian affinity group.Chaverim (Single Parent Family Group)

ri dctils contact Mike Rankin at 703/536-5698 or NAVY-Please contact lee Berner for details at 703/827-8332Do(:NOvA@aol.com . or email Lee at leherner@hhlaw.com .

• Sunday, May 2, 2-4pm —TRS member Lee Waizer willdiscuss his hook on gay life in Israel.

• Sunday, May 16, 9:30-1 lam—Rabbi Schwartzman willspeak at a prograni called "Toward a Better Understanding ofour (ay and Lesbian Brothers and Sisters."

The entire events, which willtake place at the 'rcmple. Please see page 3.

Sunday, June 13—Keshet will join members of,.otherReform synagogues in the Washington Area for a PidcCelebration and Festival on Pennsylvania Avenue. All mein-hers of the congregation are invited to join us. Anyone want-ing more information can contact Mike Rankin.

Vatikim(A social group for our senior members ages 70+)Stir ii rilating activities including lunch gatherings, guest speak-ers, holiday meals, trips to the theatre and museums provide

WH RIC17fil day time opportunities for our seniors. Transpor-trt run is provided for all of our temple events. For furtherrrthrrniation or to he added to this mailing list for upcomingevents, please contact Anita Thornton, Program Director at703/532-2217 ext.30 1, or thornton@templerodefshalom.org .Please see Seniors page for trip information on page 9.

TappersTemple Activities for Parents and Preschoolers. If you wouldlike to volunteer to plan or implement activities, please con-tact: Anita Thornton, Program Director at 703/532-2217 ext.301 or by email at athornton@templerodefshalorn.ort.

Zip Code Coffee22124&22181 • May 2It your neighborhood has not yet been"zipped" and you would like the opportunity to host a zip codecoffee for your area, please contact us. You can rest assured thatit is the easiest party you will ever give! Our fabulous caterer,Dennis, will arrive at your home with all of the goodies andeverything you need to host your neighbors in style. All youhave to do is answer the door and enjoy the companionship ofother I'RS congregants who live near you. When the evening is

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1 1, I cnnis cleans up! This is a great chance to meet or get bet-.rcquainted with folks you've seen at your local bus stop or

uoiind the neighborhood. Contact Judy Sue, MembershipChair for further information.

RenaissanceUpcoming TRS Renaissance events include:

May 2—Steve Cell will lead a visit to several ethnic food mar-kets, with tastings.

May 7—Round Robin Shabbat

May 16—Visit to Breaux Vineyard and lunch alfresco

May 22—A Shabbat Walk will be led by Michael Lerner—celebrate Shabbat with other TRS members and enjoy the beau-ty of spring.

June 13—Day-long bus trip to Richmond to tour the VirginiaHolocaust Museum and the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden(note date changed from June 6)

July 25—Charles Town Races

To learn details, check the email letter. lb add your name to theemail list, contact Steve Taub and Jeanne Ormsby at Jeanne.orms-by@verizon.nei or phone 703-534-8051.

Membership Committee MeetingThursday, May 20 . 7:30pm-8:30pm

Thinking about joining our committee? We'd love to seeyou-so please come to the meeting this month and checkit out!

Wine & Cheese Welcome(formerly New Friends Wine & Cheese)

Friday, May 14 at 7:45 pm . LibraryI!1ItJoin us at the Friday night wine and cheese heldthe second Friday of each month.

We'll enjoy light refreshments and head intoservices together. Prospective and new mem-bers are especially welcome. Would you like to-host a Wine & Cheese? If so, please e-mailJudy@JudySue.com or call 703/864-1852.

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Cultural/MusicThis is a great timeto join Koleinu, our

Volunteer Choir!Koleinu is actively looking for additional congregantswho want to share their enthusiasm forfor music andprayer! This is a great time to join the choir because inthe month of May we are having special basic repertoirerehearsals for new and recently joined Koleinu mem-bers. Members of Koleinu will be leading these specialSunday rehearsals. The objective is to learn some of thebasic repertoire in May, (Sunday, May 2 at 9:00; Sunday,May 16 at 11:30) join our regular rehearsals in June, andsing for Volunteer Shabbat oil 18. If you have anyquestions, please contact Cantor Shochet at 703/532-2217 or Cantor(TTenipleRodefShaloni.org

Carior KocKQt ir"/col\cQrt t ltookvill@ JC

turday, May 8 8:30

For tiok@fr or ii'foriatioi,c'aii 301-977-5397.

koleinu NC\V Members#0Sunday, May 2. 9-10:30 am Basic Repertoire Rehearsal

Sunday, May 16. 11:30-1:00 pm Basic Repertoire

Rehearsal

Koleinu Regular Choir RehearsalsTuesday, May 4: Full Koleinu for Jewish Festival &

Shavuot; 7:30 pm

Tuesday, May ii: Women of Koleinu for Sisterhood

Shabbat; 7:30 pm

Friday, May 14: Sisterhood Shabbat (Women);

rehearsal 7:30 pm

Tuesday, May 18: Full Koleinu for Jewish Festival &

Shavuot; 7:30 pm

Sunday, May 23: Full Koleinu performs at Jewish

Festival; time: tba

Tuesday, May 25: Full Koleinu Shavuot Service;

Rehearsal: 6:45 pm; Service 7:30 pm

Shabbat Rocks Band RehearsalSunday, May 16:11:15-1:15 Rehearsal

Sunday, May 23: Jewish Festival, time: tba

Chai Notes Band RehearsalSunday, May 9:12 - 1:30 pm

Sunday, May 16: 9-10:30 am

Sunday. May 23: Jewish Festival, time: tba

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Cantor Shochet will lead a MemorialService for Jewish law enforcement offi-

cers killed in the line of duty around thecountry on Friday, May 14 at lftOO am at

the National Law Enforcement OfficersMemorial in Judiciary Square in DC. Thisevent is one of many taking place in DC

for Law Enforcement Memorial Week.

Shir lIarmony RehearsalsSunday, May 2:10:45-11:15 am

Sunday, May 16: 10:45-11:15 am

Sing on Sunday, May 23: time: tba

King's Dominion Trip: Sun., June 6

Kol M achar Rehearsals:Sunday, May 9:10:45-11:15 am

Sunday, May 16:10:45-11:15 am

Sing on Sunday, May 23: time: tbd

Kings Dominion Trip: Sun. June 6 L

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Adult Education

The TRS Adult Education Committee is honored to Present:Leon Leyson

Sunday, May 211:30-1:15 pm

For almost 50 years, I cih Le j zon, l,nown today as Leon Leyson, rarely spoie about the. 1 lolocaust or his person-

al experience as a survivor, even to h5 children. It has onl' been 10 years since the release of chindlers List,

when be hean to ten h5 story as Oslar Schindler's youngest Jew. On M ay 2, Le-on, affectionately nicknamed

LIII l I cvsoIi hcliindler, will share 1115 cxper1cLlcc and tliosc (if h5 family in Krakow and Sl11 iicllcrs Iictorv.

it --

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^711 A0 NO MATTER HOW DIVERSE WE ARE, WE ARE ALL ONE PEOPLE.

'ACaring for those in need.

Mmw-- Deepening engagement in Jewish life.

Now—

The Jewish Federationof Greater Washington

!) C %iI).

Strengthening bonds among Jews.

Come loin Us. Donate Today.

AS ONE WE CAN DO MORE.(301) 230-7200 • tS/omDC.w

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My Party PartnerLauren Massey

703-477-7765 EM* Corporate Events * Private Parties * Bar/Bet Mitzvahs *

Centerpieces (non floral/theme) BalloonsSpecialty Candy & Gifts CalligraphyPrinted Napkins & Place CardsCustom Signs/Books

lour.nemypartypcirtn.r.com Oakton. VA'

OutreachOutreach Chair: L__

The Outreach Committee offers a variety of programs or ourmembers who are part of interfaith families, or for recent Jews 1wChoice who want to feel more comfortable within our community.

Mindy Facenda • 7031255-3941mindyfacenda@hotmail.com

Interfaith Couples ,.Discussion Group JjSunday, May 16(11:45 —12:45 Pmr

'IA '1Join us for a group discussionwith Rabbi Burstein. This is anopportunity to share your concernsand expectations about issues thatarise in interfaith families, and to ask questions youmay have about Jewish traditions, beliefs and practices.Babysitting will be available by RSVP only. Please contact MindyFacenda by the Wednesday beforehand to reserve babysitting.

GERIATRICARE MANAGEMENT, Inc.individualized Services for the Elderly and their Families

Our mission is to act as afamily representative orfamilySubstitute for clients at a point in lift when added personalizedSupport is needed We will develop an individualized care planto best suit the needs of the client andfamily.

Stephanie I. Thomopoulos LCSW, Owner, 703-313-6114Judith S. Burkitt LCSW Geriatric Care Manager, TRS Member703-538-5342

We Can Help You Avoid A Stroke...

INTEf FAITI1 FAMILY COOKOUT:

Saturday, May 8

5:00 PM

oin olber interfaith families for an informal gather-

ing at the home of Eve anti Scott Edwards. Plan to

bring a side dish or nut-free dessert for

8-10. Please RSVP with: name, # of

adults/kids, type of dish you plan to

bring and phone # to Eve

ldwar(is bv Thursday, \lay 6 to

coordinate dishes. Contact Eve by

phone at 703/893-4447 or by e-mail

at eveandscott@cox.net .

In Just 10 Minutes.

I Stroke Screening/Carotid Artery145Scars the carotid artery for buildup of faOy pLique,the el cause of stroke

2 Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening145Screens for the existence of an aneurysm (enlargement) in the abdominalaorta that could lead to a ruptured aortic artery.

3 Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening'45Scrnnns for peripheral artenal disease in the lower extremities which islinked to coronary artery disease

4 Osteoporosis Screening $35Ultrasound screen for abnormal bone mass density in men and worrrerr

Sign up for all 4 tests and pay only $125.

Where: Kemper-Macon Ware Lodge,Falls Church

When: Thursday, May 27,2004

ikLine screnil o'-%Oe

Protect your health Protect your lifeL

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181

SeniorsSENIORNET COMPUTE CLi\SSES

JCAI 1RSiScniornet classes in Digital Photography and Genealogywill be offered starting May 17 and 19 respectively.

T

hese courses require Computer basics with Seniornet or equiv-alent. Need to be comfortable with Windows and know theuseage of files as well as saving and printing from windows

programs. These classes are for adults 50+ taught by volunteers 50+.The Digital Photography course will teach you how to use your

computer to edit and touch-up digital camera pictures, and create andtormat/size them for email and color printing. Using PhotoshopElements, learn how to crop and resize photos, sharpen, add text,eliminate red eye, and adjust color balance/contrast, retouch andrestore.

The Genealogy Course will cover software and tracing roots.Using the latest Family Treemaker software (Release II) you will learn

to organize your family History, create abase and use that database to create dilkrent types of trees, charts, and other dotu-ments and displays. In addition, the couiewill introduce you to offlinc and Internet-based genealogical collections and resources.

If you have any questions on the programplease do not hesitate to contactleresa Simmons at JL. 30I/55-111 /or send email to Teresa attsimmonsPjcagw.org or to TiborSchonfeld at tschonfeld@y cox.net TheTemple office or Teresa can provideyou with registration forms.

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7614?*bn cpOktÜZ9/Wednesday, May i

Bus will leave promptly at ii:o amWe should return to the Temple at about 7

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oin us on a fun and interesting Spring outing! We'll havelunch (on our own) at the fabulous food court at the brandnew WEGMAN'S in STERLING.

Then we're scheduled for a private tour of the newUDVAR HAZY AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM at Dulles tV

This trip is limited to the first 20 participants who• Cost is $8.00 per member (S12.00 per non mc

• Please bring money to buy yourand wear comfortable walking sho

igifieeded,)

• The building is fully wheel-cha'and there is an elevator to -

(The Temple has two w

ek payable to TRS,Arite: VATIKIM TRIPregistration below and payment

to:

7 Temple Rodef ShalomZZ Attn: Vatikirn Trip00 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043

For questions, please contact Anita Thornton,Program Director at 703/532-2217 Ext 301

SPACE IS LIMITED! PLEASE SIGN UP TODAY!

,c'I/WE would like to participate in the VATIKIM SPRING OUTING toN'S AND THE UDVAR HAZY CENTER on Wednesday, May 19 at 11:30am.

J$8 U$12NAME

JS8 J$I2

l)a. ,Phone# IO'IAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $

191

'lEiis month we feature the Seiff family, inhonor of Judy's impending retirement asTemple Administrator. Judy spent almosther entire working life at the temple, as herstory below tells. Hank is airengineer, who served as temple presidentfrom 1978-80. Judy and I lank have threegrown children, two of whom are married,and two wonderful grand-dogs. All of thechildren (Joanne, Josh and Dan) attendedNursery School, celebrated their Bar/BatMitzvah and were confirmed at TRS. 'IRSClergy officiated at Joanne's and Josh'smarriages. The Scuffs have lived half a milefrom the temple for over 30 years and werejoined by Judy's mother, Esther Gleicher,after her husband died two years ago.

What first brought you to the Temple?Hank and I moved here from Ann Arbor,Ml in 1968. We helped found a Reformsynagogue there and wanted to continueOur involvement in Virginia. Hank's Par-ents were among the founders of RodcfShalom, and although they were not in theimmediate area at the time, we felt weshould follow in their footsteps.

What drew you in closer?The congregation was small, warm andwelcoming in those days (today it is large,but still warm and welcoming!). Many ofthe members were part of the group thathad left Beth El to form a new congrega-tion in the wilds of Fairfax County andFlank, having grown up at Beth El, knewsome of them. We were welcomed as oldfriends and one of the few "young cou-ples" at the time.

Rodef Shalom needed a volunteeryouth group advisor, and Hank's motherMarion suggested to Rabbi Berkowits that"her kids" might he interested. We tookthe job and had a wonderful five-year stintas advisors, The senior youth group (thenknown as "Li'l Rody") and their parentsbecame our closest friends and marl)' stillare to this day. Hank brought two cars full

Of youth groupers to the hospital to wel-come Joanne, our first born. Baby Joannebecame an honorary youth grouper andspent many an overnight "shul-in" playingwith the big kids.

Five years with the youth group tiredus out, but we were hooked for a lifetimeof involvement with the temple.

Rabbi and Judy Berkuwits becameclose friends. Their two girls were olderthan our three kids and Jud y B. taught usall we know about raising babies. Inexchange we were frequent baby-sitters forJulie and Deborah.

As Deborah got near nursery schoolage, Larry and Judy Berkowits felt both theyand the temple needed a nursery school.With my background in child develop-ment, and my full-time job teaching psy-chology and child development atYorktown H.S. and running their nursery"lab school;" the match seemed made inheaven and led to the establishment andrunning of the nursery school for 15 years.

But one summer Hank and I and thekids took a vacation in Europe, and I cameback to find myself "drafted" to accept apromotion to direct the temple's religiousschool. Much as I loved the little kids, Iwas looking for a new challenge and hap-pily accepted.

Oh, did I forget to mention that bothI Link and I held i number of other volun-

CCiciiij'ludung ihc \\,iIvolunteer . areer reached its high point astemple president, during which time (mcwas especially proud to lead the temple tosponsor a number of Vietnamese andother refugee families. He was also veryactive in social action and outreach, but IiWithin the temple and in the regional andnational Union for Reform JLidaism.

By 1991 the temple was big enough tohire its first administrator. Unfortunatelythat didn't work out, so during anotheroverseas vacation the "powers that be"thought I needed another promotion, andI became administrator.

I grew up during the "women's lib"generation that held that a woman coulddo it all, be successful in her career ANI) asuccessful wife and mother. With the helpof a wonderful husband, supportive par-ents, three great kids, AND a great groupof people to work with at Rodef Shalom, Ithink I've been blessed all around. Now, inour oncoming "semi-retirement," Hankand I plan to continue our involvem cutwith the tem pie. Once vu u've been "drin, iiclose" to the Rodef Sli,il ammi miiiyou'll never want to leave.

What would you tell someone who wantsto get more involved?Watch out - you may get what you ask for!Even for someone who has been therepretty much since the beginning, andworked to help it grow at each step of theway, it is awesome and wonderful to seetoday's number of activities. Within whathas become a large Jewish community,there are many small groups that welcomethe involvement of both new and longer-term members. Rodel Shalom is fullJewish communit y, a Beit I la'Midrash(house of study), Beit Ha"lihilah (house ofworship) and Beit I la'Knesset (house ofassembly). It's a wonderful communit vand we look forward to many more yearsof active participation at the temple.

But 00 one is'il?its to read mthoui nac" isalmost everyone's first reaction to being fnilured in this series. That first reactioninevitably leads to a feature story that isengaging, funny, touching or instructivc-and sometimes all of the above. Pleaseus your story, Call Barbara Sarshik at448-7453.

r

e all know that belonging to Temple Rodef Shalom shouldmean more than just being able to attend High Holy Day serv-

ices. But how can each of us truly belong to Rodef Shalom?Where can we begin? One way is to see how others have done it.

To that end, each month, our Bulletin will feature a member of theTemple who has recently found a way to truly belong here. As they share their sto-ries with us, perhaps each of us will be inspired to find our own ways to belongto our sacred community in the fullest sense of the word

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j May 01 • Matthew EissMatthew is the son of Donald and Betsy Eiss. He is a sev-

-enth grade student at Williamsburg Middle School. Matt-plays basketball and baseball with the Arlington Senior

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Babe Ruth Team. He enjoys fencing, hobbies include videogames and he likes creating things. Matt is a mentor/buddy

to disabled baseball players in the Arlington Challenger Little League.lie would like to have a career as a lawyer.

01 • Madeline HorwathMadeline is the daughter of Michael and FlIen l-lorwath,She is a seventh grade student at Frost Middle School. Sheenjoys fencing, drama, drawing, science, and U.S. history.Site feels fortunate to have traveled to Australia, France,

__K England, Hawaii, and the Bahamas. Madeline volunteers atthe Arlington Animal Welfare league and would like to have a careeras a zoologist or movie star.

May 08 • Michael HowardMichael is the son of And y and Robin Howard. He is in the7th grade at Longfellow Middle School where he partici-patesiii the Math Counts team program. Mike plays soc-cr for the McLean Renegades travel team and has wrestled

competitively for six years. Currently with the Knights\l,itli Club, he took 3rd place in the Virginia State championshipsthis year. Mike and Daniel Lipsey are collecting soccer uniformsand donating them to underprivileged children. He hopes tosomeday he an actor and governor of California.

May 08 • Leslie SteigerI eslie is the daughter of John and Laurie Steiger. She is inlie 7th grade at Lake Ridge Middle School where she

hclongs to the tennis club and plays violin in the orchestra.I c-she is a Girl Scout Cadet, she likes to write poetry and isii nember of the Martha Washington Virginia Button Club.

She enjoys bike riding and swimming. Leslie visits elderly residentsat the Westministcr Nursing Home, sings with Kol Machar, playsclassical piano, is a member of JR TRSTY and hopes to have acareer as a veterinanan.

May 15 • Muriel MacDonaldMuriel is the daughter of Lawrence MacDonald andI t,innah Moore. She attends Swanson Middle School

Awhere she plays the clarinet in the Wind Ensemble andMarching Band. Muriel also plays piano and sings inthe Temple's Kol Machar Choir. She likes acting,

directing and will be a counselor in training at the EducationalTheater Co. Summer Shakespeare Camp. Muriel is an enthusiasticparticipant in Jr. TRSIY, enjoys playing soccer, loves to read, andrecently collected books for a local reading program. She aspires toperform on Broadway.

May 22 • Alex Chamberlain

fl

Alex is the son of I lenrv Chamberlain and lisa Burns.He is in the seventh grade at Longfellow Middle Schoolwhere he plays clarinet in the Concert Band. Alex alsoplays basketball with the 7th/8th Grade White Team,enjoys football, tennis and travel soccer with the

Mclean Celtics.

May 22 • Talia Roth

i),lalia is the daughter of Mark and Patti Roth. She is inthe seventh grade at Longfellow Middle School. Sheplays basketball with the Purple Peppers, and also likesto play soccer and swim. Talia has a dog named Max,and an older sister. She loves to write, read, hake goods

for and donate clothes to homeless shelters. Talia hopes to have a.1! cer as a journalist.

May 29 • Zoey Efrus/oev is the daughter of Rob and Nancy Ifrus of

-.\icnna. She is a seventh grade student at Kilmer-Idle School where she is on the honor roll. She has

ied lacrosse for Vienna Youth and plays tennis forilden Creek Country Club. In the summer, Zoey

to the Margate, NJ shore and has gone to CampSaginaw in Oxford, PA, for the past four years. Zoey plans careersin pediatric medicine and/or fashion merchandising.

May 15 • Hannah FishI lannah is the daughter of David Fish and lhmara

-, I )revfus. She is a 7th grade student at II. B. Woodlawnwhere she plays percussion/drums in the school hand.She also likes to help out as a drama technician or withtage management. I lannah volunteers in an S.O.L. club

for cleitientary school children. She enjoys playing soccer withthe Hot Spurs, piano, horseback riding, reading, pamperingher clog, cooking omelettes, and would like to be a moviedirector and playwright.

May 29 • Liza RozenLiza is the daughter of Bobby and lhbi Rozen. She isa 7th grade student at Williamsburg Middle Schoolwhere she participates on the lëen Advisory Board.

WrTeam sports include track at Williamsburg, soccer andbasketball. She also enjoys tennis, baseball, horseback

riding, and swimming. Liza volunteers to tutor children in math atASFS. She looks forward to a career as a lawyer or medical roomtechnician.

Ml

From the Educator

A

nother year is coming to a close, and I am proud to sayhat this has been a wonderful year filled with fun andearning. So many happy memories will go with us as we

head into summer and I am inspired by the accomplishments ofour school, the classes and the individual students. We havemarked our place in Jewish tradition with the dedication of ournew Sefer Torah, and we celebrated our connection to Israelwhen we were the first Northern Virginia congregation todonate an Ambulance via the Magen David Adorn. However,life is not just about celebration. As a community, we havelearned together, prayed together and worked together. SocialAction continues to he a focus in our classrooms as doesJewish Identity.

Our teachers are the best, and I know you join me in wish-ing them a hearty mazal to y along with our deepest thanksand gratitude for the work that they do each and every day.What an amazing group of people who work tirelessly to planexciting ways to help our kids understand and participate intheir Judaism. It is an awesome task, and they do it well, Out-terrific teachers do not operate in a vacuum but are part of agreater circle, the Religious School Senior Staff. YisodotAssistant Principal, Barbara Brot Bailey, and Aliyah/Haskalah Assistant Principal, Judy Cincinnati, continue tohe the back bone of our school. Joined by our newest dedi-cated Assistant Principal in charge of Madregot, JanisWexier, the team is now complete. These wonderful leadershave done yeoman's work at keeping our school set andready to go. They are masterful at anticipating the needs ofthe teachers and I am blessed to be working with such tal-ented hardworking people. Our Religious School office is abusy place, and we are so appreciative of the excellentadministrative skills of Steve Jacobs, Monica Holt, AndrewRohrbach and Elana Divine. We thank them for their hardwork and the warm smiles that greet each and every per-son that comes in to the office.

Our thank yous could not be complete without men-tion of our extended family! The Religious School is for-tunate to operate in a loving and caring environment,supported completely and fully by Rabbi Schwartzman,Cantor Shochet, Rabbi Burstein and Student CantorKorn. Rabbi Berkowits remains involved in our pro-grams as well. In most congregations it is rare yet here weare with clergy involvement in our school every singleweek. WOW are we blessed!! No other congregationcan boast about the involvement of ALL its clergy. Trulythe Rodef Shalom Staff, including not only the Clergybut everyone else in the other offices - from TempleAdministrator, Judy Seiff, and Program Director, AnitaThornton, to all of the support staff to Karen Simpson

and the Nursery School staff to Building Engineer GabrielMercado and his Custodial Crew, —all work together to makeour school and our synagogue the vibrant, active place it is.

It is a privilege and a pleasure to he part of our KehillahKedosha, a sacred community. You, our treasured families,share so much of yourselves: your energy, your spirit, and mostespecially your children Together we have created an environ-ment of learning, of community and of pride in our heritage.I am humbled each day at the awesomeness of what we accom-plish, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part ofsomething SO wonderful!

Dina Backer, RJE

Sunday, May 2 Grade 5 'T,-,10\ 11 HAPPENING"

Friday, May 7Shabbat Family Worship 7:3() pm

Teacher RecognitionGrade 4 singsGrade 1 Shalihat dinaLr lu i

()00p iiSunday, May 16 7th grade in the house"Tuesday, May 18 Closing night -- Madregot Hebrew classesWed., May 19Closing night -- Madregot I lebrew classes

Sunday, May 23 \isodot and Madregot Closing Day:10:00 am- 0mm IRS Jewish Arts Festival

2004-05 RELIGIOUSSCHOOL REGISTRATIONReligious School registration for the 2004-5

School Year will be mailed on MAY 15 to all

members in good standing with the Teniple. If

you have not received your Registration packet

shortly after that, please contact t lic RS ffim' At

703/532-2207.

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