December 2022 .......................Rabbi Eric L. Abbott
Kislev 5783 ..................... .............Rabbi Emeritus Sunny Schnitzer
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IN THIS ISSUE
The Rabbi's Message, Hanukkah at BJC, The Abraham Accords
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PLEASE MAKE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE ENTIRE
"INSIGHTS" EMAIL TO SEE ALL ARTICLES AND EVENTS
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CLICK for the Complete BJC December Events Calendar
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Hanukkah: Bringing Light into Darkness
The Talmud tells us about a debate between two famous schools of rabbis, Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel, on how to light the Hanukkah candles. Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel often disagreed about Jewish ritual and proper behavior, from conversion to celebrating a bride to how to recite the Shema—and the Hanukkah candles were no different. The first school, Shammai, taught that one should begin with eight candles on the first night of Hanukkah and subtract a candle for each subsequent day: seven for Day 2, six for Day 3, and so on, ending with one candle on the very last night of Hanukkah. Hillel, on the other hand, taught the opposite: begin with one candle on the first day and add a candle on each subsequent day: two for Day 2, three for Day 3, etc1.
When celebrating Hanukkah today, most of us observe the candle-lighting ritual following Hillel: we add a candle each night. Why do we do this? I like to believe that we do so because, in following Hillel’s model, we add light each night. We begin with more darkness but then burn more and more fuel to add more and more light in our houses—and beyond.
Like many winter religious holidays, Hanukkah is about adding light during the darkest part of the year. (Notice all the Christmas lights in our neighborhoods—more light!) The days are short, the nights are long, the weather is cold—but with our candles, we make the world just a little bit brighter and warmer.
Lately, unfortunately, the world has been even darker—and not physically. Our country seems constantly on the brink of fracture with political infighting. Headlines warn of war, pandemic, and persecution. Antisemitism has reared its ugly head yet again with celebrities embracing its evil and even antisemitic graffiti right here in Bethesda. I can understand why we might feel afraid and vulnerable.
Thankfully, Hanukkah tells us exactly what to do—add more light!
When the world seems too dark, when it may feel easy to despair, then we must not succumb to the darkness. We must light our candles. And not just one—but another and another and another until the whole room—the whole world—is full of light.
So let us do exactly that right here at BJC and in our homes. Join our Social Action Committee (SAC), which partners with local and national organizations for volunteerism, service, and advocacy. Come together on a Friday evening or Saturday morning to pray, reflect, and schmooze. Spend time with family and friends (whether at BJC or beyond). And celebrate Hanukkah together with our big Chanukah Celebration on Friday, December 16th!
Most importantly, just as our Maccabee ancestors demonstrated over two thousand years ago, let us proudly show off our Judaism. Let us not be afraid to wear that Star of David necklace or to hang that mezuzah on our doorway. Let us remember that the Chanukiah (Hanukkah menorah) should sit in our windows, announcing in clear terms that, “Yes, we are Jewish—and yes, we will bring light into our world.”
On Hanukkah, we praise the God of our ancestors who helped deliver them in their time of need. This Hanukkah season, may we once again turn to God even as we also bring that light and redemption into the world through the work of our own hands.
1.Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 21b
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Rabbi Abbott's Calendly is now open!
Want to meet one-on-one?
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LET THE RABBI PROVIDE PASTORAL SUPPORT |
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. If you have a pastoral need, please call the BJC office at (301) 469-8636 or email me at rabbiabbott@bethesdajewish.org. For a lifecycle emergency during non-office hours, please call (301) 664-4585.
When I am away, please contact Geryl Baer in the BJC office at (301) 469-8636, admin@bethesdajewish.org. She will know how to contact me or my substitute.
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All of us are looking forward to the upcoming holiday of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights! We want our BJC community to know that the light each of you possesses continues to glow through your generosity and dedication to BJC and beyond. Whether you participate in the many wonderful BJC events and social action opportunities, sit on one of our important committees, serve on the board, are part of our exciting education programs, provide an Oneg, participate in Chesed, share this newsletter with friends and so much more, each of you continues to brighten our future. Everything we do at BJC has a purpose and with that knowledge, it allows you to be an inspiration to those around you.
We strongly encourage each of you to participate in our Good As We Give Campaign that was just launched. This is BJC's annual fundraising drive and is essential to funding the services, programs, and operations of BJC. You may not be aware, but BJC – like many other synagogues – relies on donations as part of our annual budget. Please consider giving a generous gift to BJC! Our Fundraising Committee Co-Chairs, Sandra Walter, Robin Sorkin, and committee member Helen Dalton, have been very busy launching this campaign. Please see their article about Good As We Give in this edition of Insights for more information.
"A Candle is a small thing. But one candle can light another. And see how its own light increases, as a candle gives its flame to the other. You are such a light." Moshe Davis
Please join us on Friday, December 16 to celebrate Hanukkah. We’ve got Maccabee Warrior training for the kids at 5:30, a dinner together for all of us at 6:15, and an early service at 7:00 PM. Each year as we light our Hanukkiah together, it is more than just all the candles a glow simultaneously. There is a special aura that we all feel. We hope you join us!
May the Festival of Lights bring good health, happiness, and peace to you and your loved ones. Wishing each of you a very HAPPY HANUKKAH!
L’Shalom,
Harri and Wynne
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A new month means a new value for the BJC religious school. In December, we will be learning about the value of Gevurah, or heroism, bravery and strength. This value is placed appropriately during the same month as the holiday of Hanukkah. Hanukkah celebrates the strength and heroism of a small group of Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, who fought against the Greeks in order to maintain their Jewish identity.
On Friday, December 16th at 5:30 pm the BJC Education committee will be hosting our Maccabee Training before our BJC Hanukkah Shabbat dinner and service. Our Maccabee Training will be an activity for all families to learn about and celebrate Hanukkah with a fun obstacle course. We need some supplies to make this obstacle course a success. If you have any of the following that we can borrow for the evening, please let Geryl know by December 8th.
- Hula hoops
- Kids bowling sets and/or ring toss sets
- Kiddie pool and ball-pit balls
Don’t forget to RSVP for the event! All are welcome, so invite your friends. Dinner is $20, but only $10 for enrolled BJC Ed students.
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Show your Face!
We are asking everyone to upload their photos on the synagogue directory on our website. This will help congregants, and our new Rabbi, learn everyone’s names better.
Uploading your photos is easy. Here’s how to do it from your computer:
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Go to our website, https://www.bethesdajewish.org/
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On the top Right of the screen, please log in. If you do not know your log in information, please email Geryl, geryl@bethesdajewish.org to reset your log in.
- Once logged in, there will be a new tab, slightly lower, on the right hand side labled “My Account.” There you will find a drop down menu where you can click on “Directory.”
- Here is a list of all of our congregants. Below the alphabet, there is a button that reads “Edit My Account Info”. Click on that.
- Scroll down just a little until you see “Change Directory Listing” and the second item there is “Picture”. To the right you will see a button that says “Upload a File”. Click on that.
- Find the photo that you want to use on your computer and insert.
- Before closing the website, scroll down to the bottom right side of the page and make sure that you click “Save Changes”
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Click for the complete BJC December Calendar
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE UPDATE
BJC continues our Friday night worship at 7:30 PM and Saturday morning services at 10:30 AM. Consult BJC Now for the latest information about in-person activities and for links to services if you prefer to worship virtually.
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We are honored to have Retired U.S. Navy Captain Mark Vandroff speak to the BJC community about his experience on the American team of the historic Abraham Accords. Q and A session to follow. Join us on Jan 8 at 3 pm in Covenant Hall.
Mark Vandroff is Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri Marinette Marine, Marinette, Wis. Previously he was the Senior Vice President of Business Development for Fincantieri Marine Group in Washington D.C.
Immediately prior to joining FMG, Mark served as the Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Defense Policy on the National Security Council staff at The White House. In this role, he served as the President’s senior White House advisor on a broad array of matters including defense capabilities, irregular and non-traditional warfare, strategic weapons, international security cooperation, military personnel, emerging defense technology, and space security. Prior to his time at the NSC, Mark worked at Zenetex, LLC as Vice President of Maritime Programs.
Before his civilian career, Mark served in the U.S. Navy, retiring from active duty with the rank of Captain. His command-level tours included service as the Major Program Manager for ARLEIGH BURKE Class destroyers and Commanding Officer of Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock, Maryland.
He holds a B.S. in Physics from the United States Naval Academy and an M.S. in Applied Physics from The Johns Hopkins University. He has been a frequent contributor to publications such as Proceedings of the Naval Institute, The Strategy Bridge, and the Center for International Maritime Security. He was the recipient of the 2018 Gold Medal for Engineering Excellence by the American Society of Naval Engineers.
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Book Club
Wednesday, December 28, 8 PM
The BJC Open Book Club will continue to meet virtually for the foreseeable future. We usually meet at 8 pm on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Our upcoming selections are:
December 28-Agent Sonya by Ben Macintyre is a fascinating chronicle of modern espionage focused on the true story of Ursula Kuczynski, a member of a prominent and wealthy German Jewish family, who became a Communist because she saw the Soviet Union as the strongest enemy of fascism. She spent years in Shanghai, Mukden, Moscow, Switzerland, and eventually rural England on various espionage assignments using the code name Sonya.
January 25-The Cold Millions by Jess Walter is a novel about two brothers swept up in the turbulent class warfare of the early twentieth century. Featuring an unforgettable cast of cops and tramps, suffragists and socialists, madams and murderers, it offers a kaleidoscopic portrait of a nation grappling with the chasm between rich and poor, between harsh realities and simple dreams.
Evelyn Ganzglass eganzglass@gmail.com will send out the Zoom link prior to each meeting. If you are not already on the book club’s email list and would like to join us for any or all of our meetings, please let Evelyn know and she will add you to the list.
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There's not much time left to order
Hanukkah Care Packages!
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Hanukkah is almost here! If you have loved ones far away, show them you're thinking about them with a fun Hanukkah package from BJC.
These fun gifts are perfect for sending to college students or grandchildren. Each package has a menorah, candles, wacky Hanukkah socks, latke mix, and more!
$36 per package, including shipping.
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Torah Study is back!
Join Rabbi Abbott online weekly on Wednesdays for a discussion about the current weeks parsha.
Zoom Link will be in BJC Now every class week.
You have questions, and Rabbi Abbott wants to hear them!
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Make This the Year You Learn Hebrew!
Join our adult Hebrew class this year and deepen your understanding of prayer book Hebrew. Classes are free to BJC members and cost $200 a year for non-members.
Class meets Saturday mornings before services.
Please contact the BJC office with any questions. We're happy to help!
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GET INVOLVED- BJC SOCIAL ACTION |
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FIGHTING INVASIVE PLANTS—A WALK IN THE WOODS
By Bill Banta
Bill Banta, Rochelle Banta, and Karen Levi met in Rock Creek near Lavelle Ave and Jones Mill Road to discuss the environmental agenda of SAC.
Bill, an Emeritus Professor of Biology, has many grants and publications in evolutionary biology, water quality and stream degradation in the Washington area. For years he taught that “climate change” is a misleading euphemism that vastly understates its ultimate cause: global extinctions of thousands of species, especially in forests and marine ecosystems. These changes are so sudden and profound that the earth’s atmosphere is in immediate jeopardy.
As they walked the path the members noted what Rock Creek was like just 40-50 years ago, when the creek bed sloped gently into a diverse biota. Soil erosion from construction upstream resulted in a dangerous vertical cliff that now borders a flat sandy bed where many fewer species now survive. Healthy streams are hard to find.
Our forests are seriously endangered by invasive plants. Arguably the worst of these is porcelain-berry (pictured above) , a grape-like vine native to the far east. You can see it bordering almost any roadway in Maryland or Virginia. Vast blankets of these and other vines smother our trees and exterminate our native wildlife.
Porcelain-berry only prospers along the forest edge. Anyone carrying clippers can have a huge effect by cutting its vines where they enter the soil. A few snips every day where you walk your dog can clear and save an entire park.
To quote Rabbi Abbott, “If you change your physical setting in some way, your lived experiences can change as well.” And it’s not just yourself who benefits—it’s everyone.
To see ways you can help in your own yard, read this pdf from Montgomery County. If you would like to get involved with the environmental group of SAC, please contact Karen Levi.
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Thanks to all who donated at the High Holy Days to the Manna Food Center.
Unfortunately, food insecurity is a year-round problem, and it is only exacerbated by the oncoming winter season when scare family funds have to be diverted to keeping warm.
Did you know that BJC, along with BHPC, supports a local charity all year long that helps with food insecurity?
Perhaps you have seen a shopping cart at the top of the stairs near the office? Bethesda Help (https://www.bethesdahelp.org/) , provides critical safety net services—food assistance and limited financial assistance—to those in need who reside within their service area, which includes Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Kensington and parts of Potomac, Silver Spring, and Wheaton.
Consider bringing in nonperishable food and leaving it in the shopping cart. You will be helping neighbors in need.
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THANKSGIVING INTERFAITH SERVICE AND BRUNCH
By Marty Ganzglass
A joyous crowd of congregants, from BHPC, BJC, the Islamic Community Center of Potomac, the Maqaame Ibrahim Islamic Center and the Idara y Jaferia Mosque, packed the Sanctuary on Sunday, November 13th to join together to celebrate our annual Thanksgiving service.
The theme of this ecumenical service was the role of religion in healing a divided world. Attendees listened to inspirational thoughts and readings by Pastor David Gray, Rabbi Eric Abbott, Imam Refai Arefin, Pastor Denise Diaaab and Ms. Anika Manzoor.
There was something incredibly spiritual about hearing from the leaders of all three Abrahamic faiths, with brilliant sunlight streaming through the sanctuary's stained glass windows.
Following the service, attendees filled Thanksgiving baskets with canned vegetables and fruit, pasta and other foods for Manna and then proceeded to Memorial Hall for a delicious brunch, catered by Bill Edelblut, a member of BHPC and owner of O'Donnell's Market in Potomac. More than 100 congregants enjoyed a brunch of poached salmon, roasted vegetables, pasta, egg salad, tuna salad, and of course, O'Donnell's famous rum buns.
In addition to the delicious food, the vibe in the room was one of sheer delight to be together with friends and to meet new people. The tables were decorated with placemats bearing the upbeat message of "Love One Another" and the symbols of the three Abrahamic faiths. After the harsh, frightening isolation caused by Covid, it seemed like a coming out party- a celebration of renewal of spirit. And what better place to celebrate than at 6601 Bradley Boulevard, our collective spiritual home.
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THANK YOU TO OUR NOVEMBER ONEG VOLUNTEERS
Amy Rubinstein
Diane Horn
Ruth Salinger
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
Casey & Emily Berman
Bryan & Kaitlin Blackburn
Kim & Josh Cover
Margo Genderson & Jacob Fingert
NACHAS NOTES
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Mazel Tov to:
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Jonathan and Lisa Peterson on the October 1st marriage of their daughter, Hannah, to Matthew Byers. The wedding was held in New Cuyama, California. The couple lives in Los Angeles.
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Barry Dwork for his Letter to the Editor published in Washington Jewish Week
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Karen Levi for her Letter to the Editor published in Jewish News of Northern California
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Maran Gluckstein on her 75th birthday
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Photo credit: Keith Birmingham |
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REMEMBRANCES
Ever confused about when we remember the yahrzeit of your loved one? You can choose to remember this special date according to the Hebrew or English calendar. Get in touch with Geryl Baer in the office to review and verify the accuracy of your records.
Shloshim:
Yahrzeits: December 2022
Evelyn Adlerstein, mother of Maran Gluckstein
John Allmendinger, father of Amy Kertesz
Kermit Bailer, father of Byron Bailer
Henry Barak, father of Diane Horn
Robert Blaney, father of Maureen Pelter
Esther Blumberg, grandmother of Linda Blumberg
Herbert Abraham Blumenthal, father of Diane Blumenthal
Lawrence Bogorad, father-in -law of Cynthia "Cindy" Bogorad
James Brenits, brother of Donald (Don) Brenits
Martin Cohen, father of Donna Goldberg
Frank Cover, father of Albert Cover
Helen Davis, grandmother of Wynne Busman
Zena Feldman, mother of Helen Dalton
Phyllis Frank, mother of Stuart Frank
Rose Gordesky, grandmother of Joan G Kaufman
Rhoda Horowitz, aunt of Wynne Busman
Clara Landaw, grandmother of Lance Pelter
Jeff Schafer, beloved of Carie Schaffer
Jack Scott, father of David Scott
Cookie Solomon, aunt of Burton Bachrach
Jordan Stepper, father of Shirley Altschuler
Lisa Sternfeld, sister of Eliot Sternfeld
Yetta Sternfeld, mother of Eliot Sternfeld
Mildred Zisman, sister of Henry (Al) Folsom
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THANK YOUS
DONATION GENERAL
Karen Jerome & Jonathan Eig
Barbara & Marty Faigin in memory of Naomi & Howard Faigin
Alan Lichter in memory of Rosalie Lichter
Carie Schaffer
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PLAYHOUSE BUILD
Howard Berkof & Lauren Rathmann
Russ Hogya & Harri Kramer
RABBI ERIC ABBOTT'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Russ Hogya & Harri Kramer in memory of Vivian Levitas Kramer
Lorrie Van Akkeren
GOOD AS WE GIVE
Russ Hogya & Harri Kramer in honor of Amy Kertesz & Geryl Baer
Ben & Kelley Landy
Karen Levi
Jim Korelitz & Liz Sloss
Judy & David Scott
Lorrie Van Akkeren
YIZKOR BOOK
Michael Chase and Dana Mikelson
And to all of our members who “round up” their synagogue support and donate their time.
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MODERN TRIBE
We are now an affiliate partner with Modern Tribe! Shop for all your Judaica needs though this link or by clicking the image. Bethesda Jewish Congregation earns 5% of all purchases! You get wonderful new items, and you support BJC in the process. Happy Shopping!
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AMAZON SMILES
Sign up for Amazon Smiles and benefit BJC! Those pennies, nickels, dimes, and sheckles add up. It costs you nothing, but by doing your Amazon shopping through their Smiles program and designating BJC, we profit a little bit at a time -- BJC will get 0.5% of your purchase. Sign up now and choose BJC. It never costs you anything, and it's very easy to do. Just click below.
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Board of Trustees (As of 7/1/2022)
Co-Presidents
Wynne Busman & Harri Kramer
Co-Vice Presidents
Ken Fine & Issie Resti
Treasurer Steve Turow
Secretary Michelle Goldstein
Trustees
Helen DiStefano
Shoshanah Drake
Karen Levy
Ted Posner
David Slacter
Lorrie Van Akkeren
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Board Members & Committee Chairs
Chesed Society Lorrie Van Akkeren
Education Amy Rubenstein & Shoshanah Drake
Financial Advisor Terri Reicher
Fundraising Robin Sorkin & Sandra Walter
High Holy Days Jim Korelitz
Intercongregational Partnership Liaison
Marty Ganzglass
Membership Diane Blumenthal & Liz Sloss
Immediate Past President Sandra Walter
Programs Diane Horn & Joan Kaufman
Social Action Karen Levi
Student Representative Gabby Mendelsohn
BJC Administration
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Bethesda Jewish Congregation
6601 Bradley Boulevard
Bethesda, MD 20817-3042
Tel: 301-469-8636
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