IN THIS ISSUE
- National Mall Interfaith Prayer Service and March Against Racism
- Great Names Community Lecture Series:Steve Friedman
- Shabbat Under the Stars Is Back!!!
- Rebetzin Yaffah’s Chant Circle and Spirit Spa
- Kids' Kiddush
- BJC Book Club
- Choral Shabbat
- In Case You Missed It
- Get to Know Yachad
- Nachas Notes
- Meet A Member
- What's On Your Mind
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April 2018 Newsletter
Rabbi Elhanan ‘Sunny’ Schnitzer
Adar / Nisan 5778
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CLICK
for the Complete BJC April Events Calendar
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Kriat HaRav—The Rabbi’s Call
Rabbi Elhanan “Sunny” Schnitzer
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This month I am in a reflective mood. There is nothing like
shiva and the subsequent
shloshim, the 30-day mourning period, to focus your attention on what matters in life. Memory is a powerful and transformative thing. Bad people can be remembered as good. Good people become saints.
But the truth is that the vast majority of us are neither saints nor sinners. We are, as Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad Chasidism taught,
beyonim, we are in-between-ers. Most of us are striving to be
tzadikim, righteous people, even though we will, at times, fall short.
We Jews are given a set of rules or guidelines in our tradition to move us towards becoming
tzadikim—(Saints) through our observance of mitzvot. Key within these 613 rules for living are the
Aseret Dibbrot, commonly called the Ten Commandments. Most of them are easy to observe. Few of us commit murder, theft, or adultery. Some of us have a little more trouble with the prohibition against coveting. In fact, our sages recognized that economic activity, work, and achievement can be driven, in part, by a desire to keep up with the Joneses …or the Cohens. But what about the 5th commandment—
Kibud Av Va’eim—honor your father and your mother. How do we fulfill this mitzvah? Does it mean we can never disagree with our parents? Never argue?
I believe that demanding such blind obedience misses the point of the mitzvah.
Perhaps the reason is to cultivate in us the “attitude of gratitude.” Gratitude is the mother of all virtues, without which humanity is fundamentally underdeveloped and wholly incomplete. Regarding a
tzaddik Rebbe Nachman of Bratslav taught:
Know that the telling of stories about tzadikim, the righteous men, telling over things that happened to them is a very great thing. And through this a person can purify his mind. But only he who is comparable to G-d can tell such tales. In other words, the storyteller, like G-d, must be able to differentiate between light and darkness.
All distinction depends on the person who separates light from darkness. He knows, and he can interpret the great disparity between stories. For the stories of
tzadikim come from the Side of Holiness and are the result of prayer. But the stories told of
r'shaim (sinners) are rooted in wicked plans, deceptions, magic; those things that come from the
Sitra Achra, the Other Side of Holiness.
Hence, only one who knows how to separate light from darkness, good from evil, can differentiate between stories. But also one who lacks this knowledge, yet possesses whole and simple faith—faith that there exists this strong distinction—can tell the stories of
tzadikim. Such faith must be perfectly clear, as if it were actually seen though not intellectually comprehended. For faith is both hidden and revealed.”
So here is a story of a
tzadik.
Once there was a young man who traveled through many distant countries in search of a master craftsman from whom he could learn a trade. After a while, he returned home and announced to his family that he had become an expert designer of chandeliers. “I have become so talented in my new-found trade,” he explained, “that my work far surpasses even the greatest masterpieces of my teacher.”
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Then, realizing that the family was a bit dubious about the measure of his success, he asked his father to invite the leading chandelier craftsmen in the city to view a sample of his own creation.
The craftsmen came and carefully examined the young man's work. They all agreed that they had never before laid eyes on such a monstrosity. “It's a disgrace to our entire profession,” said one, “though this particular piece right here is quite good.” “It's absolutely hideous,” said another, “but that particular piece over there is excellent.” “It should be burned,” said a third, “so that others need not suffer the experience. However,” he added, “that piece there is perfection itself.”
When they had gone, the young man approached his father and said, “Now you know that I was not exaggerating at all, I am indeed the master of all master craftsman.” His father looked at him in bewilderment. “What do you mean?” he exclaimed. “You heard their conversation; your chandelier is a monstrosity!”
“I heard,” replied the young man. “However, did you notice that each of the craftsman admired a particular piece of my work, but no two craftsmen admired the same piece. For when I was abroad I studied the work of each of these men. Then I decided to make a chandelier that combined all of their imperfections. Today you saw every craftsman recognize the imperfections of his associates, while pointing to his own mistake and seeing it as nearly perfect.”
Rebbe Nachman concluded this parable by stating:
If a man could know all the possible imperfections and shortcomings of a given thing, then he would also know the exact makeup and appearance of that same thing in its perfect state, though he had never seen it before.
Each of us has the potential to be a
tzadik and to bring light into the world through stories of other
tzaddikim.
During the
shiva last month for my late blessed mother, so many of you came to be with Yaffah and me, to share your stories and to listen to ours. Each telling eased my mother’s way into Olam Habah, the World to Come, and soothed our spirits.
We are taught in our tradition not to say thank you to the person who comes to visit a mourner during shiva. But I am a liberal Jew, so I will make a different choice. My family is grateful for each and every word of compassion and act of kindness you brought to us. Every presence removed a bit of our sadness. For this we are truly grateful.
The Rabbi’s Rave – We Marched for Life, Now Let’s Get Serious About Action
When the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting happened in Florida, we were once again dismayed at the ongoing specter of gun violence that plagues our country. And I have wondered what we could do as individuals and as a synagogue community to move beyond thoughts and prayers to concrete actions.
Read more
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From the President—Shoshanah Drake
Confirming Your Beliefs
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The other day I told my friend I was driving to Tichon. She asked what it was, and so I explained. Tichon is a class that meets every other week with students in grades 8-10 as a continuation of their Jewish education post Bar/Bat Mitzvah age. My son, now in 10th grade, will be confirmed on May 18th with the other 10th grade students in his class.
My friend didn’t know that Jewish people got confirmed and had many questions. Explaining it to her made me realize what a milestone this will be for all of us. My son started at BJC religious school when he was in kindergarten. For 11 years, he has had a specific reason to walk through the doors of BJC, meet with his friends, and build his knowledge of living a Jewish life.
Throughout that time, he has made dear friends and has learned how to form his own thoughts, questions, and opinions about his Judaism. Now he will need to make choices of when he walks through the doors and why. When confirmation comes, he and the other confirmands will have the opportunity to stand, three years after they became
B’nai Mitzvot, and say they are confirming their faith and their beliefs as Jewish adults.
I had my own confirmation many years ago, and as the youngest of four kids, I couldn’t wait to go through what I had seen my siblings do at the service, but now I have such a different perspective of my own Judaism. I am sure the beliefs I confirmed when I was 16 are not the same ones I would confirm today. My own Judaism has grown and changed as I have, and I am thankful BJC is a place where I can continue to grow and explore my Judaism.
How do you confirm your beliefs? What makes you choose to walk in the doors of BJC? What do you do in your daily life that shows your confirmation of your Judaism? Do you actively participate in services? Do you work towards
Tikkun Olam, making the world a better place? Do you participate in tzedakah?
There are so many ways, I cannot possibly list them all here, but whatever you do, let BJC be a place to help make it happen. Do you have an idea of something you would like to see at BJC? Let me or any other board member know. If you are a parent with a student in grades K-7, I urge you to help your student continue into Tichon post Bar/Bat Mitzvah. There is still so much we all can learn and ways we can grow.
Finally, I invite you to celebrate with the confirmands on May 18 during services led by the students. I hope to see you there!
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From the Director of Congressional Education—Mindy Silverstein
Friends
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When I was going for my master’s degree in Jewish Education, I took a liturgy class taught by Dr. Saul Wachs. I remember his opening line as if it was yesterday, “Today, we’re going to discuss something which I know you all know something about, being friends.” I haven’t thought about that for years, until very recently when I heard my three-year-old twin grandsons say to each other, “You’re not my friend anymore.” They then segued to saying that to the adults who feigned extreme sadness, which encouraged the twins to say, “I’m only kidding.”
While this was perceived as a game for all of us, it did raise a question for me. Do all people really know something about being friends? I’ve heard people compare the number of friends they have on Facebook with each other because the higher the number, the more “friends” they have. Imagine what it must be like for a person to have over 5,000 friends on Facebook. Maybe that’s why, to unfriend a person is such a simple thing to do. If one of your 5.000 friends does or says something to upset you, all you need to do is delete them from your page, and that’s OK because you still have about 5,000 friends remaining…what’s one more or less?
Compare that to the person who has three or four friends. If one of those people does something to upset you, will that person be deleted? Or, would more of an effort be made to work out the differences between the two? Should the number of friends one has determine the level of effort that goes into maintaining a friendship?
In
Pirke Avot (1:6) we learn to “Acquire for yourself a friend.” It is interesting to note that the singular is used and not the plural. According to Susan Friedman in Teaching Jewish Virtues, “The kind of friendship that nurtures our best selves is something very rare. We can have many acquaintances, people with whom we enjoy spending time, but a true friend is unique. A true friend is a partner, one who shares our journey.”
Friends do not always have to agree with each other; they do not have to share “one mind.” Friends should be able to respect each other’s differences. Friends can keep secrets; they can share their most innermost thoughts. Friends share happiness and sorrow with each other.
As I think back to my first day in Dr. Wachs’ class, I wonder if he’d have the same introduction today as he did all those years ago? I also wonder, will I respond differently to my grandsons when I hear them say, “I’m not your friend anymore.”
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Please be in touch with me in times of joy, sadness, or illness in your life or in the lives of a loved one or another member of the congregation. This is particularly necessary now that HIPAA regulations have made getting information from hospitals extremely difficult. I greatly appreciate your help keeping me informed of the health needs of our congregation. Please call: 301-469-8636 #3.
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Events
CLICK
for the Complete BJC April Events Calendar
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National Mall Interfaith Prayer Service and
March against Racism
Wednesday April 4, 8 AM; March and Rally begin at 9 AM
Join Rabbi Schnitzer and 20 Interfaith leaders as we mark 50 years since the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968. We will commit to do our part to eradicate the entrenched racism that grips the United States and paralyzes our ability to see every human being as equal. We challenge ourselves and our communities to join in truth-telling, leading to actions that right the wrongs, and, with God’s grace, bring healing and wholeness to all people, and unity to the nation.
Read more
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Great Names Community Lecture Series:
Steve Friedman
Sunday, April 8, 3-5 PM
Wouldn't you like to know what goes on behind the curtain of a Broadway musical—warts and all—especially at today's stratospheric prices? A trained classical tenor by leading vocal teachers nationally, Steve brings style, wit, and backstage stories of musicals as an internationally recognized Broadway musical historian. He retains the passion for performing from the vantage point of credits in Camelot, Damn Yankees, and Sweeney Todd (to name a few), and at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. You'll hear him relate tales from his book, The Ultimate Broadway Musical List Book, exploring the musicals of the last 90 years—favorites and flops alike. A Q&A session will follow the discussion, then you'll have an opportunity to meet and mingle with Steve.
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Yom HaShoah
Wednesday. April 11, 7 PM
Yom HaShoah—the day where we remember the sacrifice of the Six Million Jews who perished under Nazi tyranny. It is a day of memorial, but also a day to pledge ourselves to renewed vigilance. In these times, when the ugly specter of Anti-Semitism raises its head once again, in many places around the world, this observance takes on new meaning. Join Rabbi Schnitzer and our religious school students in Covenant Hall as we remember and pledge, “Never Again!”
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Shabbat Under the Stars Is Back!
Friday April 13 & May 11, 6:30 PM
With the coming of spring, BJC takes it out of the house. Join us for a one-hour multimedia service with the BJC Simcha Band. Bring your friends. Please RSVP to the BJC office by telephone or on the BJC website ticket and reservations page for this FREE event
HERE.
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Rebetzin Yaffah’s Chant Circle and Spirit Spa
Saturday April 14, 4:30 PM
Chanting is a form of meditation that can open the doors of the heart. Repetition of a sacred phrase can clear the mind of clutter and connect us to each other and the divine. In April, we take a Walk to Freedom on a Pesach spiritual journey.
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Kids’ Kiddush
Friday April 20, 6:30 PM in the Lounge
HAS YOUR CHILD OUTGROWN TOT SHABBAT, BUT IS NOT QUITE READY FOR THE MAIN SERVICE? Have we got the solution! KIDS’ KIDDUSH, An age-appropriate, one-hour service for the 2nd-5th grader. Songs, music, story, discussion, and of course, a Tot Shabbat favorite, Rabbi Menachem Mendel. RSVP to Mindy Silverstein at
eddirect@bethesdajewish.org by April 18.
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Open Book Club
The BJC Open Book Club meets in the Lounge at 8 PM, usually on the 4th Wednesday of every month. Anyone is welcome to join or just drop in for a specific book discussion. For more information, please contact Evelyn Ganzglass
eganzglass@gmail.com.
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BJC Choral Shabbat
Friday April 27, 8 PM
Join us for another evening of worship led by our sweet singers of Israel under the leadership of Shoshanah Drake, Karen Levy, and Joan Wolf. A splendid time is guaranteed for all.
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In Case You Missed It
The Whole Megillah
A Look Back at the 5778 Purim Spiel
by Helen Dalton
‘Ol Blue Eyes would have faced stiff competition on Saturday, March 3rd when the BJC Purimspiel Players took to the stage and declared, “It’s Purim, Babydoll.” They not only declared it, but also they sang their way through an evening of Frank Sinatra’s biggest hits as they told the Purim story. The highly entertaining evening featured specialty cocktails, Raspberry Ricky (Pink Prosecco) and Fly Me to The Moon (Curaçao and Mango Juice), and a delicious menu of Frank’s favorite dishes lemon chicken piccata, salads, vegetarian and side dishes, provided by Annie Cifarelli. The fabulous and assorted Hamantashen lovingly made by BJC volunteers were accompanied by a dazzling array of jelly molds with many flavors reminiscent of the 1960s, made by Harri Kramer the way her mother used to.
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About 125 BJC members, family, and friends shook graggers and booed every time Haman was mentioned, groaned and laughed at the jokes, and gave the “whole megillah” a standing ovation. Of special note was the applause and the well-deserved praise heaped upon BJC “star” Joan Wolf, who not only organized and directed the spiel, but also stepped in—at the last minute— into the starring role of Haman. If you weren’t able to come this year, watch for the announcements promoting next year and plan ahead so you, too, can schmooze, laugh, and dine while supporting BJC. Better still join the show!
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Sneak Peek: Upcoming Events
- Thursday, May 10 Annual Congregational Meeting
- Friday, May 18 Confirmation Shabbat Service
- Friday, June 1 David Gray Preaches at BJC
- June 10, Museum of the Bible Family Day with BHPC
- Learn to Chant Torah May 22, 29, June 5 7:30 PM
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Committee News
The Social Action Committee Wants You to Get to Know Yachad
Acts of Loving Kindness—One House at a Time
by Lisa Hershey, Program Director for Community Outreach, Yachad
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Gemilut Chasadem
—acts of lovingkindness—takes all kinds of forms. At Yachad, a Jewish affordable housing nonprofit, our acts of kindness for over 25 years has resulted in the repair and preservation of hundreds of homes for lower income families in the metro DC area. Many of our neighbors are in silent crisis as they lack the means for costly repairs. Less than 20 minutes from our comfortable homes, families live with leaky roofs, broken furnaces, and dilapidated kitchens.
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By tackling critical repairs, we ensure homes are safe and healthy, and if someone has a disability, accessible. Yachad also creates new equity for our families—creating greater wealth—because homes in better shape are worth more to a homeowner.
Our name, Yachad, means together in Hebrew, which is how we do our work—together with volunteers, homeowners, community partners, and tradespeople. Volunteers and community support help extend our resources and are integral to our success.
Here’s how you and your friends can help:
Every spring, if you listen closely, you can hear the sound of tool boxes jangling and rollers swooshing through paint trays during Yachad’s signature program, Sukkot in Spring, the nation’s largest community/home repair program sponsored by the Jewish community. Groups from across DC, Maryland, and Virginia address much-needed repairs and give neighbors a fresh start in their home.
www.yachad-dc.org/sukkotinspring.php
Individuals with handy skills can give back to the community year-round by becoming a Handymensch volunteer. Assist Yachad staff with small home repair projects after the professionals have finished. Handymensch grow their skills through trainings and enjoy a friendly supportive environment.
www.yachad-dc.org/handymensch.php
Teens also have a unique opportunity to lend a hand through our Ramp It Up! summer program. Alongside a professional contractor, teens build a wheel chair accessibility ramp while earning service learning hours.
www.yachad-dc.org/rampitup.php
Mitzvah Parties are other ways individuals, families, or businesses can get involved. Celebrate a special occasion by sponsoring a house and doing meaningful work.
www.yachad-dc.org/mitzvahparty.php
We all need a functioning home to thrive. Working
b’yachad we can transform houses and lives.
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Communications Team: BJC In the News
In case you missed the terrific press BJC has been getting, you now have the chance to get caught up. Go to:
www.bethesdajewish.org/bjc-in-the-news
and see the cover story from Washington Jewish Week about the volunteer Hamantashen baking with photos of several members at work. BJC and our relationship with Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church was also featured in an article about our in
Montgomery County Magazine
, “Are We Happy In Montgomery County?” It contained thoughtful and inspiring quotes from Rabbi Sunny and BHPC’s Reverend Gray.
If you or someone in your family has writing, graphic design, or digital communications skills, or brilliant and imaginative ideas, (or any you would like to share), why not help us show that BJC is more than a synagogue. Contact Helen Dalton at
daltonmh@verizon.net
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Nachas Notes
Editor’s Note: Here’s a spot to kvell with your BJC community. Let us know what you’re celebrating. An engagement? A new baby? Grandbaby? Got into that great college? Send your good news to:
hjk.obx@verizon.net.
Rabbi Sunny and Yaffah Schnitzer welcomed granddaughter Fiona Diana Marie Worshtil (Esther Meira bat Zachariah v’Sura Shulamit), daughter of Claire and Zach Worshtil, born January 21, 2018.
- Mazel Tov to Ethan Schenker and his family on his Bar Mitzvah on March 3.
- Mazel Tov to Jack Sherling and his family on his Bar Mitzvah on March 10.
- Mazel Tov to Cassie Gottlieb and her family on her Bat Mitzvah on March 17.
- Mazel Tov to Michael French and his family on his Bar Mitzvah on March 24.
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Meet a Member
Sandra Walter, Vice President, Board of Trustees
I love fundraising—of which asking for money is only a very small part of the job. Fundraising is really about getting people interested in a shared vision for making the world a better place, for helping better people’s lives. That’s been my career—talking about the causes I’m passionate about and the ways we can work together to make an impact. Actually, it’s been part of my whole life—rooted in me since I was a 6-year-old kid and my Grandma put me in her Hadassah fundraising luncheon play in Memphis. My costume was bandages, the set was the Hadassah Hospital, and my line, “I opened the Tootsie Roll can and it exploded on me.” An Oscar-worthy performance as far as she was concerned. My parents and grandparents’ commitment to Tikkun Olam in gifts and in action, shaped my beliefs about my role in this world to lend a hand, lead the way, leave it better.
Their commitment has shaped mine personally and professionally. I’ve worked on behalf of people with developmental disabilities and those with rare diseases, as well as urban economic development and the green building movement. Today, I’m the Development Director for Airlink, which connects nonprofits and the aviation sector to deliver disaster responders and supplies in the wake of natural and other humanitarian crises worldwide. It’s a cool job— and the impact we make makes me feel good about my work each and every day.
Being part of BJC make me feel good each day, too. As a decade-long member and now Vice President of the Board, the best thing about BJC continues to be the people who’ve become friends and family. Seeing friends and sharing a BJC Friday night Shabbat service after a long week is both joyful and comforting. Even better now, my cousins Lisa Savitt and Mike Phillips are also BJC members. And it’s become a place where my partner, Victor, feels spiritually engaged and welcomed as someone who is not Jewish. BJC is our family shul now.
To know me is to know that I’m teaching myself to be a watercolor and an acrylic painter; mostly landscapes, though I’m trying to include people more in my work. For now, my favorite subject is my dog Cooper, a 5-year-old hound/lab rescue, who can run from 0 to 100 mph when I say, “Squirrel.” My goal is to make him as famous in art as the corgi Blue Dog or the Weimaraner Man Ray someday. I am a proud American University alumna. I’ve been writing haiku regularly since February 2016, and I just wrote #107, moved by the recent school shootings: “Too young to know why, to really understand why. Innocence lost, why?”
My life is inspired by my family. Albert Einstein is the source of my favorite quote: “Imagination is more important than Knowledge.”
I look forward to meeting you at BJC and hope you’ll join me in getting involved as we work to build our congregation, make an impact make on the world – together! Imagine the ways we can fulfill the mitzvot together.
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What’s On Your Mind?
To BJC,
On March 23rd, Rabbi Sunny gave a passionate sermon (see Rabbi's Rave above) on preventing gun violence and asked the BJC family to become involved. He spoke about the students from Parkland and how their efforts have led to a movement not just around the United States, but around the world. Rabbi Sunny will join others from BJC for the March to Save Our Lives.
While BJC is a small congregation, Rabbi Sunny reminded congregants we have the potential for impact far beyond our numbers—just as the students from Parkland have demonstrated. Our Rabbi urged us to act and make a difference, and not leave it to others. We each have our own networks of friends and relatives, we have our partnership with BHPC, we have our friends in the media, and so much more. Rabbi Sunny emphasized to the congregation he is not advocating against the 2nd amendment, just for sensible gun laws that make America safer.
He cited the leadership of Dick's Spring Goods in stopping the sale of automatic weapons at its stores and preventing anyone under 21 from purchasing a firearm. Airlines such as Delta and United have stepped forward to stop offering discounts to NRA members—the same with rental car companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise, and MetLife with insurance.
Rabbi Sunny also recognized there are companies who profit from automatic weapons that do business around us. While perhaps few BJC members are gun purchasers, we do business with companies that are associated with such weapons. As an example, the Rabbi mentioned Cerberus Capital Management, a private equity firm that owns several companies such as Chrysler, Safeway, and Albertson's. They also own Remington Outdoor Company, which manufactures automatic weapons.
Rabbi Sunny suggested two things we can do immediately to act.
1. We can thank those companies that are taking a stand against gun violence, when we visit their stores. We can leave a “Thank You” card that shows our appreciation.
2. We can boycott those companies that profit from the manufacture of automatic weapons. Instead of shopping at Safeway, for instance, perhaps we should consider another supermarket not affiliated with a manufacturer of weapons of mass destruction. Instead of Chrysler, we can consider other auto manufacturers.
The more we act and get the word out the more effective we will be. Let's give it a try. We can do this. As the kids from Parkland say, "Enough is enough!"
Alan Kirschner
BJC Member
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Yahrzeits
April
Edith Baum, mother of Bruce Baum
Jack Blagman, father of Diane Blagman
Leo Blumberg, grandfather of Linda Blumberg and Mark Blumberg
Nancy Brenits, mother of Donald Brenits
Rose Brucker, mother of Anita Farb
Dorothy Coplan, mother of Lois Rose
Tony Di Stefano, husband of Helene Wolfe
Rose Warner Dubrow, mother of Laurie Dubrow
Annette Franzel, aunt of Maran Gluckstein
Gordon Goldstein, father of Lorrie Van Akkeren
Rose Krettmeyer, mother of Nancy Glassman
Lily Laufer, mother of David Laufer
Alice Lieberman, mother of Ruth Rosenberg
Duane McMillen, father of Dale McMillen
Sidney Robbins, grandfather of Richard Kochman
Laurence Rosenberg. husband Ruth Rosenberg
Selma Saxe, grandmother of Gary Kotz
Louis Singer, father of Marlene Zakai
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Thank You
The following list recognizes those donations made through February 2018.
To the General Fund
Al & Judy Folsom, In memory of Cecelia K. Folsom
Susan Schaefer, in support of the Purim Spiel
To the Enhancing the Flame Fund
Lorrie van Akkeren
To the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
Shoshanah Drake, In honor of the Rabbi's new granddaughter
Harri Kramer & Russ Hogya, In memory of Vanessa Mallory Kotz's father
Lorraine Van Akkeren, In memory of Ida R. Goldstein
Song Dedications at the Purim Spiel
Wynne & Bruce Busman
Helen Dalton
Donna & Dan Goldberg
Harri Kramer
Rachel Mosher-Williams
Judy & David Scott
Linda & Stephen Turow
A Special Thank You
All who “rounded up” their Synagogue Support payments
All who continuously donate their time to volunteer at BJC
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A Note from the Interim Editor:
With this issue, we’ve migrated to Constant Contact. We’re returning to monthly newsletters, and creating some new features, such as “Nachas Notes” and “Meet a Member.” As we make changes, please let us know what works and what doesn’t.
Our success depends on you. We also welcome short (250 words) articles that you believe would be of interest to the congregation. The working title for this feature is “What’s on Your Mind?” Contact me at
hjk.obx@verizon.net to ask questions, comment, or submit an article. I remain the Interim Editor and would love someone to work with me. No prior experience necessary at all.
Harri j. Kramer
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Board of Trustees
President Shoshanah Drake
Vice-President Sandra Walter
Treasurer Lance Pelter
Secretary Amy Kost
Trustees
Howard Berkof
Diane Blumenthal
Barry Cantor
Helen Dalton
Lorraine McMillen
David Slacter
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Committee Chairs
Communication Team Helen Dalton/Robin Sorkin
Financial Advisor Barry Cantor
High Holy Days Warren Farb
Student Representative Aaron Kirkpatrick
Intercongregational Partnership Liaison Bruce Busman
Membership Dan Goldberg
Past President Rachel Mosher-Williams
Programs Ruth Magin
Social Action Harri j. Kramer
BJC Administration
Spiritual Leader Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer
Director of Education Mindy Silverstein
Synagogue Administrator Diana Abadi
BJC News
Design Layout Vanessa Mallory Kotz
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Bethesda Jewish Congregation
6601 Bradley Boulevard
Bethesda, MD 20817-3042
Tel: 301-469-8636
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