Volume 55, Issue 21 December 8, 2014

Join Us in January to Honor the Legacy of Dr. King

Reverend Dr. Martin

Luther King Jr. led the Civil Rights Movement for less than 13 years. Yet during that brief period, African Ameri-

cans achieved more genuine progress toward racial equality than they had in the previous 350 years. Dr. King used the power of words and nonvio-lent resistance — protests, grass roots organizing, and civil disobedience — to achieve seemingly impossible goals. He went on to lead similar campaigns against poverty and international conflict, always maintaining that all

people, regardless of color or creed, are equal members of society.

Social justice and advocacy are also among the central tenets of Reform Judaism, and each January we remem-ber Dr. King with a weekend dedicated to his legacy. Join us on Friday, Janu-ary 16 (register online: whctemple.org/mlk_shabbat) as we host our neighbor churches for dinner and at a special 7:00 pm Shabbat service featuring Cornell William Brooks, the new presi-dent and CEO of the NAACP.

Come back to Temple on Monday, January 19 at 10:00 am for our annual MLK Day of Service and make your “day off” a “day on” as we create meals, pack clothing, and more to help those in need in our community and beyond.

Nigun to Bring Modern Klezmer Performance to WHC

For one special night, the spirit of Eastern European Jewish music

will make its way to Temple in a per-formance from the band Nigun on Sunday, December 14 at 6:00 pm. Comprised of mostly Hungarian-Jewish musicians, Nigun describes itself as “klez-jazz” with a sound steeped in Ashkenazi tradition as well as modern styles like jazz and rock.

Meaning “tune” in Hebrew, nigun refers to a style of religious music sung with repetitive sounds instead of words. Popularized in the 18th century, nigunim influenced many Jewish folk songs, including “Hava Nagila.” Bridg-ing the gap between music of the past and present, Nigun’s performance will demonstrate the ongoing strength and

vibrancy of Jewish culture in Hungary and Eastern Europe.

The performance is free and open to the public. RSVP requested at whctemple.org/december_concert or 202-895-6309. This program has been coordinated under the auspices of the Embassy of Hungary.

Teens to Lead Shabbat Service in January

Please join us for a special

Shabbat service at Temple on Fri-day, January 9 at 6:00 pm designed and led by our teens. The service will feature Rebecca van Bergen, founder and ex-ecutive director of Nest — a nonprofit organization that works with some of the world’s most promising artisans in some of the world’s most challenging places: areas of drought, environmen-tal disaster, human conflict, and chaos.

Eighty-nine percent of Nest ar-tisans are impoverished women — a demographic with a proven record of reinvesting earned income in food, ed-ucation, and community enrichment. By treating every artisan as not just an individual, but a family provider and community leader too, Nest maximizes its impact through a powerful ripple effect. They estimate that for every ar-tisan employed, an additional 20 lives are touched. To date, Nest has helped over 28,000 artisans build sustainable businesses and transform their com-munities.

During her Shabbat talk, Ms. van Bergen will share how Nest— through its core social values of promoting peace, empowering women, and alle-viating poverty — gives people around the world opportunities to better their lives. Nest products will be on display in Kreeger Lobby.

WHC News

We Can Be ReachedTemple Office ................................................ 202-362-7100 (M-Th: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm; F: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm)Weekends/After Hours ............................... 202-895-6341Temple Fax .................................................... 202-537-1091Julia Bindeman Suburban Center .............. 301-279-7505JBSC Fax ....................................................... 301-354-3200Listen In ........................................................ 202-895-6333Website ......................................................... whctemple.orgJennifer Millstone, EditorThe Washington Hebrew Congregation Journal (Permit No. 4240) is published two times a month and monthly in June, July and December by the Washington Hebrew Congregation. Send address changes to the Washington Hebrew Congregation Journal, 3935 Macomb Street, NW, Washington, DC 20016.

Washington Hebrew CongregationMeg Jacobs Flax, President

M. Bruce Lustig, M.A.H.L., D.D., Senior RabbiSusan N. Shankman, M.A.H.L., A.M.R.S., RabbiAaron Miller, M.A.H.L., Associate RabbiJoseph A. Skloot, M.A.H.L., M.A., M.Phil., Assistant RabbiMikhail Manevich, CantorSusan R.A. Bortnick, M.S.M., CantorDJ Schneider Jensen, M.S. Ed.

Director, E-T Early Childhood CenterFran Miller, M.S. Ed., Director RJW Early Childhood CenterIra Miller, Director of Informal EducationStephanie Tankel, M.A., M.A.J.E., RJE,

Interim Director, Religious SchoolSteven Jacober, Executive DirectorNaomi Abelson, Director of Temple Programs & TOVMiriam Feffer, Director of DevelopmentLindsay Fry, Director of Member ServicesMohan Mistry, Director of Engineering & MaintenanceStephen Stoupa, CPA, CGMA, Director of FinanceJoshua O. Haberman, D.H.L., D.D., Rabbi EmeritusSusan J. Hanenbaum, Executive Director Emerita

Congratulations to…Mildred Amer, who was awarded the Woman of Valor Award from the Women of Reform Judaism – Mid-Atlantic District in recognition of her untiring service and continued dedication to the ideals of the Women of Reform Judaism.Norma & Eric Lee, on the birth of their granddaughter, Megan Jane Lee; and to Megan’s parents, Kerry & David Lee, big sister Madelyn Elizabeth, and maternal grandparents, Roni & Barry Nudelman.Joan Peugh & Jonathan Mayer, on their marriage; and to their parents, Joanne & Dave Peugh, Myra Mayer, and Stanley Mayer.Beth & Scott Ross, on the birth of their granddaughter, Marley Claire Ross; and to Marley’s parents, Deb & Shelby Ross, big sister Pia, and maternal grandparents, Fran Ruffalo and Karen & Harry Ruffalo.Laura & Gary Siegel, on the engagement of their son, Steven Siegel, to Bari Solomon; and to Bari’s parents, Robyn & Steven Solomon, and the couple’s grandparents, Carol & Morton Spivack and Sylvia Posner.Ann & Richard Young, on the birth of their granddaughters, Marni Kinneret Young and Eliana Jordyn Young; and to the girls’ parents, Beth & Danny Young, and maternal grandparents, Nikki & David Zarefsky.

Our Condolences to the Families of…Paul B. Abrams, husband of Natalie Abrams; father of Michael Abrams (Sandra), Lawrence Abrams (Charo), and Jennifer Abrams; grandfather of Stephanie, Alexander, Jeremy, Nathaniel, Ethan, and Elliot.Bernard Lipin, husband of Joan Lipin; father of Hilary Dworkin; grandfather of Emily and Madeleine.Fay Lipsic, mother of Renee Lipsic Loeb and Gary Lipsic (Helene); grandmother of Stephanie Sicard (David), Alex Loeb (Yvonne), Dana Lipsic, and David Lipsic (Dana Loren); great-grandmother of Liam, Bodhi, and Max.Rabbi Isaac Neuman, husband of Eva Grunstein; father of David A. Neuman and A. Mark Neuman; stepfather of Jeanne Grunstein.

Mazel Tov on a Major Milestone!Our “Congratulations” column is one of the WHC Journal’s most popular features. In this issue, we are happy to share an especially significant milestone with you.

Miriam Rothstein Feldman is celebrating her 100th birthday! Miriam is the matriarch of a multi-generational WHC family: she was confirmed and married by Rabbi Abram Simon; her children, Bruce Feldman (Sherry), Jane Abrams (Larry), and Douglas Feldman (Eileen) were WHC confirmands; and her seven grandchildren became B'nei Mitzvah at WHC.

Lend a Hand — Yad B’Yad: The WHC Annual FundSeeking a meaningful year-end giving opportunity? Support Yad B’Yad:

The WHC Annual Fund, co-chaired by Past Presidents John Nannes and Bob Shapiro. Yad B’Yad, Hebrew for “Hand in Hand,” brings members together to sustain our community. With membership revenues and fees support-ing only 77% of our annual costs, Yad B’Yad helps bridge the gap between membership-based income and our ongoing expenses. Funds from Yad B’Yad support our exceptional programming and help us welcome families regardless of means.

There are many convenient (and tax-deductible) ways to participate, includ-ing giving by check, credit card, stock, online, or billing your WHC account. To learn more, contact Development Director Miriam Feffer, 202-895-6312 or mfeffer@whctemple.org. Every gift counts as a generous investment in our financial future. Please extend your hand in partnership and be counted!

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WHC News ServicesFriday, December 12

Lay-Led Service 5:30 pmSimeon Kriesberg

Shabbat Service 6:00 pmAll Clergy

Honoring the retirement of Fekade Habteyes

Saturday, December 13Early Torah Study 9:00 amRabbi Lustig

Morning Service 10:30 amRabbi Lustig, Cantor Bortnick

¡ Bar Mitzvah of William Barlia

Tot Havdalah & Hanukkah 4:00 pmRabbi ShankmanJBSC

Afternoon Service & Havdalah 5:30 pmRabbi Skloot, Cantor Manevich

¡ Bar Mitzvah of Logan Meierhoefer ¡ Bat Mitzvah of Olivia Rothfeld

Friday, December 19Lay-Led Service 5:30 pmDavid Berz

Shabbat Hanukkah Service 7:00 pmRabbis Shankman and Skloot, Cantor Bortnick

2239 Metro Minyan 7:00 pmRabbi MillerCalvary Baptist Church

Saturday, December 20Early Torah Study 9:00 amRabbi Shankman

Morning Service 10:30 amRabbi Shankman, Cantor Bortnick

Afternoon Service & Havdalah 5:30 pmRabbi Miller, Cantor Bortnick

¡ Bat Mitzvah of Lainey Morris

Friday, December 26Lay-Led Service 5:30 pmShel West

Joint Shabbat Service 6:00 pmRabbi MillerTemple Micah

Saturday, December 27Early Torah Study 9:00 amRabbi Skloot

Morning Service 10:30 amRabbi Skloot

Friday, January 2Lay-Led Service 5:30 pmShel West

Shabbat Service 6:00 pmRabbi Skloot, Cantor Manevich

Saturday, January 3Early Torah Study 9:00 amCantor Manevich

Morning Service 10:30 amCantor Manevich

New Years Resolution: Dust Off the Cognitive CobwebsWHC’s Solutions: WHC Academy, Back to Basics, Conversational Hebrew, and Congregational Conversations

Come in from the cold and warm up your mind with the second semester of our signature adult education programs. Whether you are continuing from the fall or just starting, we guarantee terrific instructors, compelling concepts, insightful dialogue, and warm beverages!

WHC Academy7:00 – 9:15 pm on Mondays at TempleCore Course: “Introduction to the History of Jewish Civilization:

From Columbus’ Voyage Through the Founding of the State of Israel,” taught by Rabbi Skloot; begins January 5

First Mini Course: “Friendship, Love, Sex, and Marriage,” a four-week session taught by our clergy; begins January 5

Second Mini Course: “One God: Many Images,” a four-week session taught by Stephanie Tankel, Interim Director of Religious School; begins February 9

Third Mini Course: “Who Wrote the Bible?” a three-week session taught by Steve Jacober, Executive Director; begins March 30

Semester cost: $25 for WHC members; $54 for non-membersRegistration: whctemple.org/whc-academyMore information: Marsha Humphries, mhumphries@whctemple.org

or 202-895-6303

Back to Basics 7:30 – 9:30 pm on Tuesdays at Temple; begins January 13,10:00 am – 12:00 pm on Wednesdays at JBSC; begins January 14, or7:30 – 9:30 pm on Wednesdays at JBSC; begins January 14Semester cost: $150 for WHC members; $250 for non-membersRegistration and more information: Gerdy Trachtman, gerdyt@erols.com

or 301-762-6994

Conversational Hebrew10:00 – 11:00 am on Thursdays at JBSC; begins January 15Semester cost: $36 Registration and more information: Gerdy Trachtman, gerdyt@erols.com

or 301-762-6994

Congregational ConversationsIt’s not too late to join the Conversation! Monthly book club style conversations – facilitated by rabbis, educators, and trained lay leaders – will guide you through My Promised Land. Keynotes will provide greater depth. Registration and more information:

whctemple.org/congregational-conversations

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Our B’nei Mitzvah

WHC Teens Gear Up for a Little Friendly Competition in Clash of the Classes Crazy games and tons of spirit will take over JBSC on Saturday, January 10. Beginning at 7:00 pm, our 8th, 9th, and 10th graders will compete in an annual color war for the coveted Clash of the Classes trophy. Judging the competition (objectively, of course!) and helping to staff the games are our Clash experts, WHC’s high school juniors and seniors. Visit our website to register, or contact Ira Miller, imiller@whctemple.org or 301-354-3209, for more information.

Shabbat AcknowledgementsDecember 12–13, 2014Presenting the Kamy Loren Nathanson Bar/Bat Mitzvah Kiddush Cup: Dan KohlSponsoring the Oneg Shabbat:Phyllis & Alvin Arnold and Hindy Kempler, in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Billy Barlia; the Rothfeld family, in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Olivia; and Melissa & Cameron Meierhoefer, in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Logan.Contributing to the Carrie Simon Altar Flower Fund:Joanne & Brian Barlia, in honor of Billy; Paige & Gary Rothfeld, in honor of Olivia; and Melissa & Cameron Meierhoefer, in honor of Logan.

December 19–20, 2014Presenting the Kamy Loren Nathanson Bar/Bat Mitzvah Kiddush Cup: Jim KleinSponsoring the Oneg Shabbat:The Morris family, in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Lainey.Contributing to the Carrie Simon Altar Flower Fund:Sharone & Gary Morris, in honor of Lainey.

Saturday, December 13 730 - 1030 pm at JBSC

8th - 12th Grade

to benefit Pencils for Promise’s global educational programs

$10 in advance; $15 day of/at the door

Bring school supplies we’ll donate to DC-area kids in need and a few $$ for yourself for a chance to win great prizes!

Purchase tickets online: d4ac2014.eventbrite.com

Sponsored by Washington Hebrew Congregation and Temple Sinai

December 13, 2014 December 20, 2014Havdalah Service

Lainey Rebecca MorrisDaughter of Sharone & Gary MorrisLainey is a seventh grade student at Robert Frost Middle School. She is the sister of Jaimie and Hallie; the granddaughter of Haya & Mark Weinbaum and Trudy & Jeffrey Morris; and the great-granddaughter of Rena Morris.

Havdalah ServiceLogan Alexander MeierhoeferSon of Melissa & Cameron MeierhoeferLogan is a seventh grade student at Alice Deal Middle School. He is the brother of Lily and Audrey; and the grandson of Donna & Paul Kelman and Barbara & Eric Meierhoefer.

Havdalah ServiceOlivia Hope RothfeldDaughter of Paige & Gary RothfeldOlivia is a seventh grade student at Julius West Middle School. She is the sister of Elle, and the granddaughter of Gayle Legum and Frances & the late Dr. Herbert Rothfeld.

Morning ServiceWilliam Aaron BarliaSon of Joanne & Brian BarliaBilly is a seventh grade student at the Sheridan School. He is the brother of Joseph, Adrienne, and James; and the grandson of Phyllis & Alvin Arnold, and Hindy & the late Donald Kempler.

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WHC News

Hanukkah at HomeHanukkah begins on Tuesday, December 16 and lasts eight nights. On the Shabbat of Hanukkah, which occurs this year on the Friday, December 19— the fourth night of Hanukkah — kindle the Hanukkah lights first and then the Shabbat candles.Place candles in the hanukkiyah from the right side to the left (the candle for the first day is the candle on the far right). Recite the blessings, then light the candles from left to right, with the newest candle being lit first.

ברוך אתה יי, אלהינו מלך העולם, אשר קדשנו במצותיו, וצונו להדליק נר של חנכה. Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.

ברוך אתה יי, אלהינו מלך העולם, שעשה נסים לאבותינו ואמותינו בימים ההם בזמן הז ה.Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, she-asah nisim laavoteinu v’imoteinu bayamim hahaeim baz’man hazeh.Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who performed wonderous deeds for our ancestors in days of old at this season.

ברוך אתה יי, אלהינו מלך העולם, שהחינו וקימנו והגיענו לזמן הז ה.Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, shehecheyanu v’kiy’manu v’higianu laz’man hazeh. Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season.

On the first night only:

Celebrate the Retirement of Beloved WHC Caretaker Fekade Habteyes

On Friday, December 12, nearly 25 years to the day he immigrated to the Unites States, we will cel-ebrate Fekade Habteyes’ life and dedication to WHC at our 6:00 pm Shabbat service, followed by a festive oneg.

It was the Jewish Community Center in Rockville, Maryland and their immigrant assistance program

that first connected Fekade and Washington Hebrew. Originally hired to perform part-time maintenance work, within a matter of months, Fekade found himself not only employed as the Temple’s full-time caretaker, but also living at WHC in an apartment few people are aware exists.

Fekade knows every inch of Temple — not just the physical space, but also its heartbeat. How it transforms every day depending on what is happening within its walls. From the laughter that comes from the ECC and Religious School students running up to their classrooms, to the solemn hush that accompanies mourners into the chapel, Fekade is here watching over it. Before WHC had formal security at our door, there was Fekade, greeting

CelebrateShabbat Hanukkahat WHC Friday,

December 196pm Dinner 7pm Service 8pm Oneg

Join us for a family-style dinnerBring your hanukkiyah to light during the serviceCelebrate at our festive oneg

RSVP for dinner: whctemple.org/hanukkah_dinner$18 for adults & teens; $10 for children ages 3–12; free for children under 3.

For more information contact Jonathan Honigman, jhonigman@whctemple.org or 301-354-3223.

Continued on page 7.5

Tributes in this WHC Journal reflect contributions received through November 18.

WHC Thanks Its Generous ContributorsH. MAX & STEPHEN C. AMMERMAN PERFORMING ARTS FUND Donor In Honor of:Mr. Andrew Ammerman

Birth of Jeffrey & Theodore Ferguson Speedy Recovery of Gary Nath Birthday of Steve KohnDonor In Memory of:Ada Adler Josephine AmmermanMr. Andrew Ammerman Bernie White

JULIA & JACK BINDEMAN FUND Donor Robert & Betsy Bindeman

CANTORIAL & CONCERT FUND Donor In Honor of:Lauren & Jeff Gage Cantor ManevichCraig Yokum Cantor ManevichDonor In Memory of:Doris & Ken Kraemer Nathan MalkinBev & Lee Rosenblatt Lori Ross

EMPTY NESTERS FUND Donor In Memory of:Joan Rosenbach Maurice Trebach

GENERAL FUND Donor In Memory of:Joan & Oscar Dodek Ella M. Blieden Alvin D. BliedenSherry & David Kahn & Family Adele BindemanPhyllis Kasnett Daniel MelnickGail & Bob Siegel Donald Sigmund Daniel Melnick Ruth KoenigMel & Lan Swerdloff Edwin Gittelman

LEO & ELIZABETH GOODMAN PUBLIC ISSUES ENDOWMENT FUND Donor In Honor of:Joan & Anthony Churchill

Marriage of Peter Lipson & Hap E. Hollibaugh III Special Birthday of Ellen Lipson Marriage of Rabbi Hessel & James Hexter Birthday of Leah Margaret Goodman Birthday of Lily Goodman LandauDonor In Memory of:Joan & Anthony Churchill Tea Stiefel Dr. James J. Goodman

ZENA MASON EDUCATION FUND Donor In Memory of:Larry & Rosemary Minkoff Robert Keith Engel

MITZVAH DAY Donor ContributionsThe Jacob and Charlotte Lehrman Foundation Donor In Memory of:Cheryl & Herbert Baraf Tea StiefelBetsy Grossman Gary Russell Sheldon Wilkes Daniel Melnick Donald Sigmund

STEPHANIE MORRIS PRIME TIMERS PROGRAMMING FUND Donor In Honor of:Anne C. Golder Suzy MorrisGreta Goldman Suzy MorrisDonor In Memory of:Suzy & Al Morris Leonard Burka

ALBERT & SCOTT PELMOTER YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND Donor In Memory of:Shirley Pelmoter Drs. Louise & David Fox

SYLVIA & SAUL RITZENBERG HUMANITARIAN FUND Donor In Memory of:Carole & John Nannes Tea StiefelLayne Weiss Tea Stiefel

SHELDON & JUDY SADUGOR MEMORIAL FUND OF ECC Donor In Honor of:Linda & Ron Recht Speedy Recovery of Ceil FoxDonor In Memory of:Debbie & Steven Robins Sheldon Sadugor Judith SadugorCoby Rodman Seymour Rodman Sheldon SadugorLori & Bob Rodman Seymour Rodman Sheldon SadugorShira Rodman Seymour Rodman Sheldon Sadugor

CARLYNN & LAWRENCE SILVERMAN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND Donor In Honor of:Sandra Kouzel Speedy Recovery of Carlynn Silverman

ABRAM SIMON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAMP FUND Donor In Honor of:Mr. Andrew Ammerman Birthday of Mick Heller

ABRAM SIMON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FUND Donor In Honor of:Deborah & Bruce Berman Joyce IsaacsonDonor In Memory of:Janet & Ed Lublin Frieda DublirerLinda & Ron Recht Tea StiefelRobert Tracy & Martha Gross Tea Stiefel

CARRIE SIMON HOUSE Donor In Honor of:Al & Linda Neuman

65th Wedding Anniversary of Skip & Frances Ross

TIKKUN OLAM VALUES (TOV) FUND Donor In Memory of:Tina & Albert Small Jr. Phyllis Seresky

RABBI JOSEPH WEINBERG YOUNG LEADERSHIP COMMUNITY SERVICE Donor In Honor of:Rudy & Betty Ressler WHCDonor In Memory of:Judy & Mike Herman Dr. Jerome “Jerry” Sandler

WHC HUNGER PROJECT Donor Jeffrey & Holly Bergman Elaine Silver & Family Shaare Tefila Congregation

WORSHIP & MUSIC FUND Donor Susan Levin Donor In Honor of:Phyllis & Marshal Cole Rabbi LustigLauren & Jeff Gage Rabbi Lustig

WORSHIP & MUSIC FUND Donor In Honor of:The Family Tea Stiefel Rabbi Lustig Cantor BortnickPeter D. Hart & Florence R. Hart Rabbi LustigSusan & Jim Salomon Rabbi ShankmanAnita Solomon Rabbi LustigEllen & Bruce Winston

Marriage of Lauren Resnick & Jeffrey Cage Bar Mitzvah of Ethan IsaacsonDonor In Memory of:Chelsea, Drew, Ury & Toby Emsellem

Alexander Charles Emsellem

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (22-39) FUND Donor In Honor of:Cindy & Steven A. Michael

and the Family of Danny Melnick Rabbi Miller

YOUTH FUND Donor In Honor of:Nancy, Rick, Rachel & Josh Simon

Birth of Lucy Isabella Miller

IVY ZOLA’S HELP-A-FRIEND FUND Donor In Honor of:Andrea & Geoffrey Zola & Sherry & Gary Cohen

Gerdy Trachtman Rabbi ShankmanDonor In Memory of:Janet & Jeff Abramson Deborah CohenAlvin Brooks & Gail Berman Deborah CohenKaren & Dudley Dworken Deborah CohenBob & Shelley Katz Deborah CohenThe Ney Family Deborah CohenFroma Sandler Deborah CohenMr. & Mrs. Robert Scherer Milly IrisHarriet Smith & Family Deborah CohenAndrea & Geoffrey Zola Ruth Checker Dr. Sidney Greenspan

COMING TO WHC SUNDAY, JANUARY 11

Author: J.D. Salinger: The Escape Artist Seduction Theory The Sleep-Over Artist How to be a Man

Contributor: The New Yorker, The New York Times, Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Slate, Salon, Spin, and many more

Founder and Editor: Open City Magazine and Books Mr. Beller’s Neighborhood

Professor: Tulane University

THOMAS BELLER

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WHC News

Prime Timers to Celebrate Hanukkah

On Monday, Decem-ber 15, the Prime Timers will meet at 12:30 pm at Temple to celebrate the festival of Hanukkah and a program of American musi-cal theater with so-prano Elana Lippa accompanied by Cerlene Rose.

Ms. Lippa has an impressive musi-cal background. Well-versed in jazz and classical vocal technique, in 2000 she was a finalist in the National Symphony Orchestra’s Young Soloist Competition, College Division; and in 2001 she became a member of the Washington National Opera Chorus. She teaches advanced Jewish music classes at Temple Beth Ami.

Ms. Rose is one of the Prime Tim-ers’ most active members, and we’ve been privileged to have her entertain us prior to our luncheon meetings for many years. This collaboration is a special treat, and one that you’ll be sure to enjoy.

The cost for this luncheon is $12 for Prime Timers and $15 for non-members. RSVP by December 11 to Jo Ellen Fishman, 202-363-9264.

Sisterhood to Discuss Once We Were Brothers Friday, December 12, 10:00 am at JBSC

Once We Were Brothers is Ron-ald H. Balson’s compelling tale of two boys, once as close as brothers, who find themselves on opposite sides of the Holocaust.

A family who struggles to survive in war-torn Poland, and a young love that struggles to endure the unspeakable Nazi terror: two lives, two worlds, and 60 years converge in an explosive race

to redemption. These make for a mov-ing and powerful tale of love, survival, and ultimately, the triumph of the human spirit. Balson’s highly readable plot line and strong narrative give a new look at an old story, making this moving — and uplifting — novel stay with you long after you finish it.

Marcia Weinberg will facilitate the discussion, which is open to all Temple members.

Contact Janice Burne with questions or to RSVP, 240-401-8849 or jbburne@comcast.net.

Sisterhood Receives WRJ AwardAt the Women of Reform Juda-

ism Mid-Atlantic District’s an-nual convention last month, WHC Sisterhood was presented with the District Innovative Programming Award for Large Sisterhoods in recogni-tion of the success WHC Sisterhood has had with the WRJ-Israel Twin-ning Program. The Twinning Program gives North American sisterhoods the opportunity to “twin” or pair with a WRJ-Israel women’s group and build a

long-term, mutually-beneficial relation-ship between the groups to help them both grow and thrive. WHC’s “twin” is Natan Ya Congregation in Netanya, Israel, a relationship that was initiated by WHC Sisterhood member Holly Lobel.

everyone who entered our building with a smile or a hug.

Fekade has made Washington, D.C. and Washington Hebrew Congregation his home. He sat on the bimah with Rabbi Weinberg in 1991 during a Shabbat service dedicated to Ethiopian Jewry, where he led prayers in his native Amharic. He came to the bimah once again when his grand-daughter became a Bat Mitzvah with Rabbi Meszler and Cantor Bortnick. And now, on Friday, December 12, we will once again call Fekade to the bimah, as we thank and bless him for his service to our congregation.

Fekade Habteyes (continued from page 5) WANTED

Save the Date and Make it MatterMITZVAH DAY APRIL 19. 2015-

ROUND UP AT WHC AND JBSCLast seen in hotel bathrooms around the globe

BOTTLES - BARS - TUBES

HOTEL TOILETRIES FROM YOUR HOLIDAY TRAVEL

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NON-PROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE

PAIDSUBURBAN, MD

PERMIT NO. 4240

WH

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urna

l“Washington Hebrew Congregation”

Making the Holidays Happy at Carrie Simon House

If you would like to do something special for Car-rie Simon House mothers, children, and alumni, please consider giving store and quick service restaurant gift cards or filling a “wish” on the Amazon.com Carrie Simon House Wish List. Contact Janet Katz, katzfam3@aol.com for more information.

TOY DRIVE!THROUGH DECEMBER 15

BRING NEW, UNWRAPPED TOYS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS TO WHC & JBSC

Hey Kids!

Family Hanukkah Concert & Party

Grab your air guitar and come spin like a dreidel, boogie down, and get latke-fied at the Hanukkah Fever concert with the Mama Doni Band!

RSVP online: $20/family whctemple.org/family_hanukkah or call 301-279-7505

Sponsored by:

Saturday, 12/134:00 pm at JBSC

Bring your parents, grandparents, and siblings – make it an intergenerational celebration!

Help make this a happy holiday for a child in need, and bring a new or gently used book with you, too.

Registration Now Open for 2015-2016 Early Childhood Programs

With two campuses; a curriculum that stimulates a child’s natural creative interests; and a warm, nurturing atmosphere that helps build a positive self-image, WHC’s Early Childhood Centers and Kindergarten are the perfect place for children to begin their educational journeys.

Learn more about their programs, schedule a tour, or register your child online: whctemple.org/education.