MARCH 2018

ADAR/NISAN 5778
NUMBER 6 ISRAEL AT 70!
THE BULLETIN A DELICIOUS ANNIVERSARY
WITH JOAN NATHAN
MARCH 18 | 2:00 - 4:00 P.M.

AGUDAS ACHIM Join Agudas Achim Congregation for a culinary celebration of

Israel's 70th Anniversary, open to the entire Jewish Community. We'll
CONGREGATION enjoy a sampling of popular dishes from the Israeli kitchen and hear
from Jewish cooking authority Joan Nathan. Joan will share stories
and recipes from her newest book, King Solomon’s Table: A
Culinary Exploration of Jewish Cooking from Around the World.

Ticket Information:
● $20.00 Adult
● $5.00 Child (under age 12)
● $75.00 Patron (Includes 2 adult tickets, and a copy of
Ms. Nathan’s book, which she will autograph.)

King Solomon’s Table may be purchased separately

at the event for $30 a copy.
RSVP BY MARCH 11. DON’T MISS OUT, SEATING IS LIMITED. VISIT
HTTPS://WWW.AGUDASACHIM-VA.ORG/JOAN-NATHAN TO PURCHASE TICKETS.

For further information contact Miri Bernovsky at

mbernovsky@agudasachim-va.org.

THIS PROGRAM IS MADE POSSIBLE BY A GENEROUS GRANT FROM

THE UNITED JEWISH ENDOWMENT FUND OF THE
JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER WASHINGTON D.C.
AND THE JEWISH FOOD EXPERIENCE.

2908 V•alley D•rive

Alexandria, V•
A 2• 2302
 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
FRIDAY, MARCH 2
Candlelighting.......................5:44 p.m.
Shehecheyanu Service...........6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 3
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha....................following Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................6:43 p.m.
BAR MITZVAH OF LEVI REECE GILMAN
LEVI HERSCHEL BEN MICHAEL V’ TOVAH
PARSHAT KI TISA
FRIDAY, MARCH 9
Candlelighting.......................5:52 p.m.
Friday Evening Service.........6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 10
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha....................following Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................6:50 p.m.
BAR MITZVAH OF ASHER MILBERG
ASHER BEN CHAIM SHAYA
V’ RACHEL HANNAH
PARSHAT VAYAK’HEL-PEKUDEI
FRIDAY, MARCH 16
Candlelighting.......................6:58 p.m.
Friday Evening Service.........6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha....................following Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................7:57 p.m.
BAT MITZVAH OF JILL R. MANKOVSKY
CHAYA RACHEL BAT ANSHEL V’LEAH
PARSHAT VAYIKRA
FRIDAY, MARCH 23
Candlelighting.......................7:05 p.m.
Friday Evening Service.........6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 24
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha....................following Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................8:04 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 30 - FIRST SEDER
Siyyum of the First Born.......7:00 a.m.
Candlelighting.......................7:12 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 31 - PASSOVER 1
Pesah Day 1 Service..............9:30 a.m.
Mincha....................following Kiddush
Candlelighting After..............8:11 p.m.
SUNDAY, APRIL 1 - PASSOVER 2
Pesah Day 2 Service..............9:30 a.m.
Mincha....................following Kiddush
Holiday Ends.........................8:12 p.m.
Evening Service.....................8:15 p.m.
THURSDAY, APRIL 5
Candlelighting.......................7:12 p.m.
Evening Service.....................6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, APRIL 6 - PASSOVER 7
Pesah Day 7 Service..............9:30 a.m.
Mincha....................following Kiddush
Evening Service.....................6:30 p.m.
Candlelighting.......................7:19 p.m.
SATURDAY, APRIL 7 - PASSOVER 8
Pesah Day 8 Service..............9:30 a.m.
Mincha....................following Kiddush
Holiday Ends.........................8:18 p.m.
Evening Service.....................8:20 p.m.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION
RABBI’S
MESSAGE
THE STORIES WE TELL
Our founding narratives tell us not only about our past, but also about our
present self-perception. Think about the stories you tell about how you chose your
profession, how you fell in love with your spouse, or how you became who you are
today. Only in hindsight did my college experience prepare me to become a rabbi
and not a doctor. Only upon reflection did a shabbaton at UPenn lead to Jodi and I
meeting on a commuter train. We emphasize or downplay parts of the stories based
on the context we are in, or the point we are trying to make. Hopefully, our stories
are always based in the truth of what actually “happened,” but we all know that in
describing the past we are also very much describing our present. Nations, I would
contend, are no different. The choices Americans, Israelis, or members of any tribe
or faith make in telling their histories signal the core tenets of that particular people.
As we are about to celebrate Passover, it is worth pausing to consider the
“choice” we Jews have made in designating the Exodus as our founding narrative.
Not Abraham, not the giving of the Torah, not the entrance into the Promised Land,
rather it is the Exodus from Egypt that we ritually tell over and over again – a tale
of an oppressed people from humble origins who are freed from Egyptian bondage
in order to serve God. From the scene of the four sons, to the very fact that the word
Haggadah derives from the Hebrew root “to tell,” this is a story that must be told,
interpreted, understood, and absorbed by people in dialogue with one another. The
lessons we extract from our history – identifying with the stranger and oppressed,
the gift of serving God – are all contained in it.
Most importantly, the Passover Seder – ever ancient and ever new – continues
to shape the contours of Jewish identity. In many ways, our sitting down with
family and friends serves as a yearly checkup on our Jewish identity, personally,
locally and globally. In addition to the four questions, we should also ask what are
the present challenges and opportunities facing our people? Our family? Our
country? Could our ancestors of old have imagined our present moment? What
answers must we generate given our new circumstances? By focusing on our sacred
history, we not only bring our past and present into focus, but also our anticipated
future.
In regard to the message of Passover, the Haggadah states, “This wonderful old
promise how constant is its power! It sweetens all our sorrows and brightens each
dark hour.” Our founding story has provided a constancy and comfort for Jews
throughout the ages. It is the anchor to our past, the rudder to our present, and the
horizon ahead of us. On behalf of the entire Agudas Achim staff, I wish you a
sweet, joyous and kosher Passover.
MARCH SHABBAT SPEAKERS
March 10 - Rabbi Rami Schwartzer will speak about the Jewish Millennial
Engagement Project (JMEP) and its expansion into Northern Virginia. JMEP offers
a holistic Jewish experience rooted in spiritual and interpersonal connections and
provides a sacred space for rabbinic-guided identity exploration.
March 17 - Rabbi Emeritus Jack Moline will share resources to help enrich
conversation and dialogue at our Seder tables.
March 24 - Miri Bernovsky will speak about International Good Deeds Day and its
origins in Israel.
PAGE 2
 INFORMATION ABOUT THE AAC BOARD MEN’S CLUB
(Continued from previous column.)
In response to many requests for accessible information about the AAC Board
The Men’s Club Israel Pilgrimage
of Directors, we are trying to make improvements in the type of information which
Scholarship Program provides
is available to all members and the timeliness of that information. We hope this is
scholarships for Israel experiences for
helpful. Please let us know.
our teens. Emphasis is on trips
(1) The list of current Board members is on the AAC website on the Board sponsored by the Conservative
Page. (https://agudasachim-va.org/welcome/board-and-committees) Movement and Jewish day schools.
Over 100 of our teens have been
(2) Board meetings are scheduled on the third Tuesday of each month. These scholarship recipients in the past 30
meetings are on the overall AAC calendar. Occasionally meeting dates are years. Herb Quint provided the idea for
changed and the calendar will be updated to reflect that. Meetings begin at the program, and a bequest from Robert
Lainof enabled the program to become
about 8:15 after Minyan. The meetings are open to the public.
self-sustaining over time. If you have a
(3) Agendas for the board meetings are generally available about 2 days be- teen who is interested in a peer trip to
Israel in 2018, please contact Mike
fore the meeting. Scheinberg at mike@schuschein.com
for scholarship details.
(4) Minutes are available for members in the office and will be made avail-
able on the website in a future members only section. We would greatly appreciate your
support for Men’s Club this coming
(5) If you are interested in a Board agenda item and wish to make a comment year by sending in your membership
or contribution, please contact our president, Ken Labowitz. dues for 2017-18 (5778). Our nominal
dues for the year are $36, but please
Staff and Leadership Updates consider donating a Chai’er amount
Staff and leadership updates are generally provided in articles in the Bulletin or such as $54 (i.e., triple Chai). If you
in the Executive Director’s monthly report to the Board. have any suggestions for events or
would like to help with any of our
AAC Constitution, Bylaws, Policies activities, please contact me at
There is a complete set of these documents maintained in a Board binder in the elliot.parkin@gmail.com.
AAC office. In addition, these documents are being prepared in PDF format and
will be placed on the AAC website on the Board page.
NEW MEMBERS!
Sunday, March 4 | 9:30 a.m.
MEN’S CLUB MENSCHENINGS Lainof Auditorium
Please join us for a New (and
Elliot Parkin, Men’s Club President Newish) Member conversation on
In conjunction with FJMC’s World Wide Wrap on February 4, Men’s Club March 4th at 9:30 a.m. at Agudas
provided Tefillin instruction at morning Minyan and initiated a project to provide Achim.
up to a dozen sets of Tefillin for use in B’nai Mitzvah training. We welcome This is an opportunity share your
donations of underutilized sets to the congregation for this purpose. Men’s Club thoughts about the future of our
will augment donated sets with the purchase of additional sets necessary to achieve congregational community. Our hope
the goal. Following Minyan, about 40 congregants and guests enjoyed a bagel and is to receive your feedback on a range
lox brunch and the presentation by Executive Director Barry Nove on The History of issues on synagogue life from your
of Jewish Surnames from Eastern Europe. Barry answered many questions from the vantage point as a new member.
audience and sparked enthusiasm for individuals to conduct their own genealogical This conversation will be moderated
research. by trained facilitators.
Please sign up via http://bit.ly/aac-
Our next brunch is Sunday, March 18 at 10:00 AM when our speaker will be conversations. We look forward to
Leah Bergen, Project Manager at the Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor meeting you in the Social Hall on
Care. Leah is the daughter of long-time congregants Les and Jane Bergen. The March 4.
brunch will also be the kickoff for our 2018 Yellow Candle campaign in memory
of those who perished during the Holocaust. Mindi Maline
(m_maline@yahoo.com)
Save the date for the 2018 Blue Yarmulke Person of the Year dinner on May 6, Jane Shichman
at B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville. Our well-deserving honoree is Mike (jane_schichman@yahoo.com)
Scheinberg. Details on reservations and tributes will be forthcoming on the Member Services Vice Presidents
Seaboard Region FJMC web site. (Continued next column.)

MARCH 2018 PAGE 3

 WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS ARE “MAH KOREH” - WHAT’S HAPPENING IN
BACK (ONCE-A-MONTH) THE EDUCATION AND YOUTH DEPARTMENT
Wednesdays, March 21, April 25 Chaya Silver
5:15 p.m. Youth/Education Director
We are excited to announce that this
spring we will be holding a monthly
Wednesday Night Pizza Dinner for
students in 3rd - 6th grade prior to
Wednesday night religious school. The The Third Grade Hebrew
menu for all four dinners will be cheese class wrote and performed
pizza, veggies and dip, lemonade, and puppet shows to practice
dessert. Dinner is $12.00 per month for their Hebrew skills.
each student. To purchase dinner visit:
http://bit.ly/Wednesday-Dinners.
For further information visit the
Religious School page on the AAC
website.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL AND ATID! WILL

BE ON SPRING BREAK FROM
MARCH 24 - APRIL 1.
CLASSES WILL RESUME ON
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4.

KNITTING CLUB
March 18 | 12:00 noon
AAC Lobby
If you love to knit or
have ever wanted to Noa Kammerman and The students in grade two visit
learn, join us for Gabby Wilson proudly Morah Chaya to say,
fellowship and creativity. display their work. “Boker Tov.”

~ MEKHIRAT HAMETZ – THE SELLING OF HAMETZ ~

Ideally, each of us would use up, give away, or destroy all our hametz (food that is not acceptable during
Passover) before the start of Pesah. Recognizing that not everyone can remove or destroy all leavened products, the
rabbinic sages provided a legal remedy. Through mekhirat hametz, the selling of hametz to a non-Jew, we arrange
technically not to own whatever hametz food and utensils are stored in our homes. We accomplish this by authorizing
the Rabbi to act as our agent to sell all our hametz and hametz utensils and by putting away the hametz food and
utensils so that we will not accidentally use them during the holiday.
Although in other sales, the seller receives money, in this one it is customary for the seller to include with the sale
authorization a donation, called ma’ot hittin, “money for wheat,” which will be placed in the Rabbi’s Discretionary
fund to help those in need.
The “Authorization to Sell Hametz” form can be accessed three different ways:
1. Visit www.agudasachim-va.org/hametz to fill out the form and give a donation, if you choose.
2. Visit www.agudasachim-va.org/hametz to print out the form and mail it to the synagogue with a
donation check, if you choose. (Forms can also be scanned and emailed to
dparker@agudasachim-va.org.)
3. Stop by the AAC office to fill out a form and give a donation in person.
Forms must be received no later than March 27, 2018 before the office closes at 4:00 p.m.
If you wish to make a donation to Ma’ot Hittin, please make your check payable to Agudas Achim Congregation
– Ma’ot Hittin or go to the AAC website to donate online.

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 4

 SAVE THE DATE!
DEAR HAZZAN Bima to Broadway to Beltway -
Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey Celebrating Israel @70
Sunday, April 22
We will host a special Spring concert
JEWISH ROCK RADIO here at Agudas Achim featuring the
As I write this, I am looking forward to attending SLBC (Song Leader Boot voices of Hazzanim Ari Brown, Hinda
Camp) in St. Louis, which takes place annually around Presidents’ Day each Labovitz and our own Elisheva
February. I came home totally inspired last year – stimulated by innovative artists, Dienstfrey. Details to come.
new friends, and a renewed love of all things having to do with Jewish music. One
of those ‘things’ is an app for my smart phone created by Rick Recht, the founder WINDOWS ON ISRAEL
of SLBC, called “Jewish Rock Radio.” They have a website as well: ISRAEL AND THE U.S. JEWISH
www.jewishrockradio.com. COMMUNITY - PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE
Like any radio station app, the Jewish Rock Radio app plays music – Saturday, March 10 | 12:30 p.m.
specifically, Jewish music – mostly contemporary American Jewish music and Flax Family Chapel
Israeli music. Instead of commercials, however, songs are interspersed with little Mincha to follow at 1:45 p.m.
vignettes from (mostly) young Jews who have been inspired by various Jewish
programs – everything from Moishe House to the Jewish Theological Seminary to Ahead of Israel's 70th Independence
the Jewish summer camp for adults, Camp Nai Nai Nai. And, like most radio Day, this month's Window on Israel
stations, there are DJs who engage us with fun tidbits and interesting ideas. Unlike will feature a discussion about Israel's
most radio stations, however, it is all Jewish: fun facts about Kosher food, relationship with the U.S. Jewish
soliloquies on Jewish texts, thoughts about prayer, Israel, and, of course, Jewish community, from the country's early
music. days to the 21st century. We'll learn
about the trends and developments that
If you don’t have a smart phone, you can get all of this and more on the website. the relationship has gone through, and
Sections of the website are devoted to emerging artists (like Elana Arian, Hannah try to map the challenges it will be
Spiro and, you guessed it – Josh Warshawsky!), celebrity interviews (with the likes facing in the future.
of songwriter Julie Gold, comedians Randy and Jason Sklar, and the folk singer and
actor Theodore Bikel), and featured artists (like David Broza, Matisyahu, and
Neshama Carlebach). There are biographies of all the artists, photos of various AAC ACTIVE SENIORS
music events around the country, and so much music! You can listen to the radio, LUNCH AND LEARN PROGRAM
of course, but you can also choose to see videos from any of the artists singing their Tuesday, March 6, 2018
most recent musical endeavor – usually with other extremely talented musicians. 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m.
Curious about postal scams? Please
The best part of the website and app, I think, is the energy that lies behind every
join AAC Active Seniors for our Lunch
piece of music, every DJ, every motivated person who speaks about their Judaism.
and Learn session on the US Postal
It reminds me why we do what we do – why we continue to pray, to learn, to sing,
Inspection Service (USPIS). We will
to DO Jewish (as our education director, Chaya Silver, says).
learn about sweepstakes advertising,
I challenge all of you to DO Jewish and to visit the Jewish Rock Radio website consumer fraud, identity theft, and re-
or to upload the app onto your smart phone. Listen to the music, listen to the silly shipping scams. Inspectors will inform
stories and fun facts, listen to Jews who love being Jews. us about suspicious powders and pack-
*Please Note: This column will alternate between music ages. We’ll hear about real cases target-
reviews/recommendations and “Dear Hazzan” letters. If you would like to ing seniors. Come prepared with your
introduce or recommend recordings, or if you have a question for the Hazzan questions for the Q&A session follow-
regarding the ritual, liturgy, and/or music of the synagogue, please write Hazzan ing the presentation.
Dienstfrey at the synagogue (2908 Valley Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302) or email This event is open to the AAC Ac-
her at HazzanERLD@hotmail.com. tive Seniors and the JCCNV Active
Retirees at no charge. Reservations are
required.
MORNING/EVENING MINYAN RSVP to either Jane Bergen at 703-
Please help us to maintain our daily minyan. If someone is saying kaddish and 861-6419 (janebergen@verizon.net) or
we don’t have ten people, kaddish cannot be recited. Nancy Siegal at 703-671-0957
Morning minyan meets at 7:30 a.m., Monday-Friday. Evening minyan meets at (nsiegal@comcast.net).
7:50 p.m. every night except for Friday when we have Kabbalat Shabbat, and Saturday Please let us know if you can help in
(unless someone requests a minyan on Saturday evening for saying kaddish). the kitchen.

MARCH 2018 PAGE 5

 YOUNG FAMILIES
Programming and community
focused on families with
children ages 0-5.
ONGOING EVENTS
Gan Shabbat
Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Rooms 1 &2
Volunteer led service for kids ages
0-5, accompanied by an adult. Looking
for volunteers to lead – no experience
necessary.
Oh Say Shalom Sing-a-Long and
Playgroup
Sunday, March 4, | 11:00 a.m.
Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey leads
songs for the first half hour with free
play after. No Jewish knowledge or
experience necessary. Each child
requires a grownup.
Shababy Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, March 16 | 5:30 p.m.
Friday night service for kids 0-5
and parents with songs, instruments,
scarves, dancing, parachutes, challah,
and juice. If you are interested in
volunteering to lead visit the AAC
website Young Families page.
Young Families Passover Event
Sunday, March 25 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Lainof Auditorium
We will have singing, stories, crafts
and some traditional Passover Seder
foods to taste. Please register here:
http://bit.ly/YFPassover.
CONNECT WITH YOUNG
FAMILIES
  Find  us  on  the  Facebook  ‟Agudas
Achim Young Families” Group to keep
track of what is going on and receive the
latest updates! For more information or to
get involved contact:
Hannah Kraushaar
at hannah.kraushaar@gmail.com
Sarah Leffler
at lefflersarah@hotmail
Debbie Perry
at debbiekperry@gmail.com
Pam Kesner
at phkesner@hotmail.com.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION
PRESCHOOL NEWS
Jen Halpern, Director
Last month, you were introduced to our new STEAM Lab. I outlined the
foundational principles of the space and described how we’ll be using it. This
month, I’d like to share some of the room’s specifics.
The children are introduced to engineering concepts at the ramps station, where
they use ramps, balls, and tubes to construct trails and paths. They develop an
understanding of physics-based concepts such as incline, elevation, mass, force,
and motion in an organic way as they play. The children must work together to plan
ahead, test their designs, fail at first, and then try again and again until they succeed.
In the beginning, the children were simply presented with the materials to
explore. The next week, they were challenged to build a pathway that went from
one end of the room to the other. The week after that, they were challenged to build
a pathway that could carry a ball from one end of the room to the other. With each
passing week, the pathways get more sophisticated as the children become more
familiar with the materials and their confidence grows.
At the light laboratory the children explore the color, hue, and intensity of light
by controlling the table’s knobs. They mix red, green, and blue light to create a
rainbow of colors, and use multi-colored translucent discs and cups to discover
even more about colors and color mixing. Added features such as a marble board,
weaving ring, drawing board, and messy material tray offer the children
opportunities to practice other skills with the added element of light and color, for
an experience that keeps them engaged for extended periods of time.
The creation station currently is outfitted with all different kinds of paper and
paper-like materials of different thicknesses and textures for cutting. Just cutting.
There’s wrapping paper, recycled coffee bags, old x-rays, rolls of receipt tape,
cardboard, gift bags, running bibs from old 5K races, note cards, paint color chips,
and much more. After spending weeks cutting, and building up the muscles in their
hands and becoming more dexterous, the children sorted all the cut pieces by color
and have begun creating color collages. Soon, the creation station will become an
area for color mixing, and each child will mix and name their own color of paint.
Finally, the sensory table is currently filled with unrolled VHS tape, silvery
icicles, and magnets. Because these materials are so novel (most sensory tables are
filled with rice or beans), the children initially didn’t know what to make of them.
But many soon learned that with one big swirling motion you could gather up most
of the tape and icicles in one hand. One friend even “poured” the tape all over his
body; thankfully, the cleanup was quick and easy. The look of surprise on
children’s faces when they picked up the magnet wands and discovered all the
magnetic pieces at the bottom of the table was precious. They delighted in finding
this “treasure.” Now that we’ve had fun with these unusual materials and since
Pesach is right around the corner, we’ll be filling up the table with water soon. The
children will be challenged to create a basket out of tinfoil for Moses that can hold
a few pennies, and they’ll be challenged to see if they can get the waters to “split.”
These are just a few of the stations and materials in our STEAM Lab right now.
It will continue to grow and evolve over time. Thank you again to everyone who
has made this possible. Your generosity has been overwhelming. Todah rabah!
PAGE 6
 pronounce. My "students" at the weekly
BRINGING ISRAEL TO Hebrew class at Agudas, in fact, were
AGUDAS: OUR SHLICHA, the ones who taught me how to say it.
MIRI BERNOVSKY
How did we come to discuss anemones
Ever since I arrived at Agudas Achim, I feel like I've added many new words to my in Hebrew class? I wanted to tell the
English vocabulary. Almost every day, I run into a word that I didn't previously class about one of my favorite events in
know. The subjects in which I've increased my arsenal of words are very diverse. Israel, that takes place ever year in
February and early March. It's called
In what I call "Jewish vocabulary", I've learned that what Israelis simply call "joint "Darom Adom," which means "red
prayer" (of men and women) should actually be called "egalitarian", and that a south" in Hebrew. It's a nature festival
synagogue is not just a "shul", but also a "congregation". that is celebrated in the western Negev
- the part of Israel where we lived
In sports, I learned that while in Hebrew, we use the word "judge" (like in a before coming to the United States. As
courtroom) for the person with the whistle making the most fateful decisions, here winter is about to end and spring is
that function is called "referee." I've also learned terms like "wide receiver" and about to start, the entire area around the
"fumble" that I never imagined I'd actually enjoy understanding. Gaza border is flooded with thousands
of beautiful anemones, that pop out of
One of the early and most important lessons was that the kind of coffee that Israelis the ground in dozens of locations.
call "hafuch" (upside-down), is closer to a "cappuccino" here in America then to a
"latte." And last but not least, there are the names of some of my favorite vegetables The name "Darom Adom" isn't just a
- leeks (the ones you use in soup, not the ones you see in the newspaper), okra, reference to the color of the anemones.
squash, and scallions. It also touches on the name of the
missile-alarm system in our area,
A recent word I learned how to say - and spell - is "anemone". You know, those "Tzeva Adom" - Hebrew for "code red."
little red flowers that, at least in Israel, usually blossom in late winter and early
spring. It's a word I've actually heard before, but didn't memorize or know how to (Continued on page 8.)

THIS SPACE IS

3-D-4-5 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 • www.4lpi.com 14-0995

 BRINGING ISRAEL TO AGUDAS
(Continued from page 7) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S
The festival attracts tens of thousands MESSAGE
of Israelis to the Gaza border area every Barry Nove
year, and it shows that even in an area
usually famous for war and conflict, Entering March, I suppose winter is really behind us and means the time is
nature has a special power to create fast approaching when a major repair identified last summer, months in the
beauty and bring hope. It allows people planning, is about to happen. From May 1 through May 15, the Lainoff
to forget about the "Tzeva adom" siren, Auditorium’s original roof is schedule to be replaced. The HVAC duct work will
and focus on the "Darom Adom" be removed by crane, piece by piece, and carted off-site, followed by the
festival. complete removal of the roof and the old water resistant membrane. As you may
know, we have ballast stones that hold down that membrane, which is no longer
When we lived in Kibbutz Nahal Oz, water tight. We will be re-using the stones to hold down the new materials.
the festival period - which lasts for just Alexandria Roofing is doing the “bulk” of the work on this project, rebuilding the
over a month - was very busy. Friends roof above our dropped ceiling and adding another layer of water resistant
and family from all over the country material which is what is typically done to roofs, assuring they remain completely
would come to see the flowers, and "on water resistant. The auditorium roof is now over sixty years old and was not part
the way" stop for coffee at our home. of the renovation in the 1990s.
One Saturday, we had four couples of
As a result of this work being done, the Sanctuary will not have air
friends visit us, one after the other,
conditioning or heating during this two week period. Shabbat morning services,
between breakfast and dinner. And of
May 5 and May 12 will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, which has
course, as is customary in Israel, none
graciously offered to host our congregation. Needless to say, the Lainoff
of them told us in advance they'd be
Auditorium will be closed during this renovation and the playground unavailable.
coming - they just called from the road
The cost of this project, should no issues be found with the removal of the HVAC
to let us know they're on their way.
duct work (the concern is possible rust damage, although the ducts are wrapped
with a water proofing material), is approximately $80,000. If a major issue with
I miss the anemones - not just for they
the duct work were to found, the maximum cost would be an additional $35,000.
beauty, but also for what they represent
in this context. Luckily, friends from Alexandria Roofing needs one week to complete the removal and
home are sending us a lot of pictures replacement of the roof process. The HVAC company we will be using the
from the festival this year, and they're remaining days first removing and later re-installing the duct work, which
absolutely stunning. Check out my connects the HVAC system serving the auditorium and Sanctuary.
Facebook account if you want to see A far less major project about to be undertaken, but planned for in the capital
them. budget, is new windows for the house on Kenwood Drive. The new windows are
ISRAEL FILM SERIES scheduled to be installed this month.
Wednesday, March 21 | 6:00 p.m. We have also been doing even far less major repairs to the building over the
Flax Family Chapel last few months. We brought in a plumber who fixed leaks in the bathrooms,
reviewed our Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, and has and
"The Women's Balcony" starts with will be making continued adjustments, helping make our building inclusive for
an accident during a bar mitzvah the needs of the disabled. On the preventative maintenance side, we have
celebration at a devout orthodox replaced decades old small electric hot water heaters in the Education Wing,
community in Jerusalem: the women's which were no longer able to maintain temperature for the classroom sinks. With
balcony collapses, leading to an a preschool, the code requires a steady 120 degrees Fahrenheit for the safety of
unexpected gender rift, and a state of small children.
shock in the community. As the
current Rabbi loses his hold on the During this time, as mentioned in last month’s accounting system update, we
community, a new charismatic Rabbi have now completed our transition from our old Quickbooks Desktop accounting
takes his place, and begins pushing a system to Quickbooks Online, with our streamlined Chart of Accounts. We have
fundamentalist agenda. Soon enough, been carefully reviewing all our numbers, some of which were found to have
the women of the community find been incorrectly mapped in the new system, and will be presenting to the Board
themselves speaking truth to of Director this fiscal year’s financials through December 31, 2017 shortly. After
patriarchal power - and putting their we have presented the financials to the Board, an invitation will be going out to
life-long friendships and loyalties the congregation about a meeting showing our financials to the membership in
before an ultimate test. The LA Times the new reporting formats and to discuss the new formats and finances of the
describes the film as "a warm culture- congregation. Information will be going out shortly regarding the budget
clash comedy that makes sharp points." (Continued on page 10. )

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 8

IN THE FAMILY
SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO: HAZZAN'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In memory of Julia Bayar
Ann Moline and family Jonathan and Ruth Ruskin
on the death of her father, Eugene Davidson In memory of Seymour Kwerel
Brad Canel and family Evan Kwerel and Linda Feldman
on the death of his grandmother, Corrine Wolff CAMP RAMAH FUND
Deb Gilman and family In memory of our beloved grandson, Taylor Lazarus
on the death of her aunt, Naomi Decter Allan and Mickey Lazarus
Phil Schonberger and family RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
on the death of his uncle, Phillip Stein In appreciation of the Rabbi's and congregation's outreach on the
Richard Fogelson and family death of Mark's mother, Lillian Richer
on the death of his father, Robert Fogelson and uncle Edgar Alster Mark and Diane Richer
Paul Frommer and family In honor of Rabbi and Jodi Rein
on the death of his brother, Herbert Frommer Vic and Judy Tynes
Simon Gershman and family In memory of Eugene Davidson, Ann Moline's father
on the death of his father, Al Gershman Gloria Canter
REFUAH SHLEMAH TO: In memory of Julia Bayar
Alice Quint Jonathan and Ruth Ruskin
In memory of Mirza Lopez’s father for Puerto Rico relief
MAZEL TOV TO: Anita Turk
Jack and Ann Moline Stanley and Rita Blacker
on the birth of their grandson, Miles Dominic O’Holleran Marilyn Levine
In memory of beloved father, Leonard Roberts
HENRY H. KREVOR SOCIAL ACTION FUND
In memory of Ann Moline's father, Eugene Davidson Marla Popkin
Carole Pollner and Jay Warshawsky In memory of dear sister, Harriet Bondareff
Samuel and Carol Backman Anita Turk
Anita Deitch In memory of my daughter, Ruth Helman
June Krevor and family Gerald Helman
In memory of Gail Newman In memory of my friend, Anna Batchev, who always spoke highly of
Samuel and Carol Backman Agudas Achim
In memory of Lawrence O. Sanders Jose Diaz-Sofer
SYNAGOGUE FUND
Stefanie and Michael Levy
In honor of the special birthday of Les Ravitz
In memory of Ramon Ruiz
Lester and Jane Bergen
Samuel and Carol Backman
In memory of Adrienne Warshawsky
ENDOWMENT FUND
Thank you to Aviva Lieberman Jay Warshawsky
Paul and Elizabeth Frommer In memory of Ann Moline's father, Eugene Davidson
SPIRO ADULT EDUCATION FUND Arnold and Susan Auerhan
Happy Birthday to Gwen Stokols Arnold and Ellen Levin
Lester and Joan Edelman Helene Schrott
In memory of David Sattler In memory of Bertha Schrott
Lester and Joan Edelman Helene Schrott
In memory of Eugene Davidson In memory of David Sattler, may he rest in peace
Donald and Marilee Perkal Amy Ershler
In memory of Mark Schoenberg's mother, Gladys Schoenberg Bruce Ershler and families
Lester and Joan Edelman Benjamin D Pelton
SAM & ANITA TURK FUND In memory of Mirza Lopez's father, Ramon Ruiz
A donation Howard and Sherri Kohr
Harriet Moulder JACK MOLINE LECTURE SERIES
Anita Turk In honor of Jack and Ann Moline's new grandson
CEMETERY FUND Melvin and Dene Garbow
In memory of Herbert S. Quint In memory of David Sattler
Richard E. Quint Janet Barnett
In memory of Mirza's father, Ramon Ruiz In memory of Eugene Davidson, Ann Moline’s father
Gloria Canter Melvin and Dene Garbow
COMMUNITY CARING FUND James and Elizabeth Robbins
In memory of David Sattler Robert and Gayle Weiss
Maura Shapiro and family MUSIC FUND
Amy Schwartzman or Kevin Moss A donation
In memory of Joseph E. Shuman Karen Kaufman
Jay and Paula Grossman
(Continued on page 10.)
MARCH 2018 PAGE 9
IN THE FAMILY
(Continued from page 9.)
MUSIC FUND
SISTERHOOD’S JUDAIC SHOP
In appreciation of Elisheva, thank you for all your support and For all your Pesach needs…
beautiful, heart-warming music buy here and help Sisterhood
Margaret Feinstein support our Synagogue.
In honor of David Blumenstein and Jane Pollner We are open during
Reuben & Tami Warshawsky Sunday Religious School hours.
In honor of Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey
Reuben & Tami Warshawsky Questions? Appointment?
In honor of Jay Warshawsky and Carole Pollner Special Orders?
Reuben & Tami Warshawsky Contact either Michelle (202-288-9856)
In memory of Harriet Lee Fay Bondareff or Susan (703-489-5068).
Erwin Bondareff
In memory of Harry Bondareff
Erwin Bondareff EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
In memory of beloved husband, Joe (Continued from page 8. )
Sonya Singer Livingston presentation meetings, which are scheduled to begin
PRESCHOOL DONATIONS
In memory of Naomi Decter Thursday evening, April 12.
Richard and Rachel Albert, Aviva and Micha As reported in last month’s update, concurrent to the
In honor of the Moline's new grandson transition to Quickbooks Online, we have begun
Bruce and Marcia Brown transitioning to a new online-based membership database
Edward and Rhonda Friedlersystem, which will connect to our new website (a Jvillage
In memory of Gayle Newman, Staci Newman's mother and Reina
product). After signing the contract, and in preparation to
Rothman's grandmother
Arnold and Susan Auerhan move forward, Jvillage was bought out in January by their
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DONATIONS competitor Chaverware. This delayed the start of our
In memory of Malka Chester and Annan Sklarewitz transition process, which is now moving ahead full steam.
Beatrice Sklarewitz The membership database transition takes 90 days.
Mazel tov to Nan and thanks to Jack and Nan Berman for their
kindness
Moving to a browser based system allows you, our
Audrey Bashkin members, to not only view your account online. You will
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN also be able to update demographic and contact information,
In memory of Eugene Davidson pay dues on your credit card directly, even register for events
Robert Levine and Robin Miller and register children in our Religious School. We will also
Elliot and Karen Parkin be looking into the option of offering members the ability to
In memory of Harriet Finn pay through ACH. These transactions can be directly
Russell and Carolyn Finn uploaded to Quickbooks Online from the new database,
In memory of Ramon Ruiz
ending our days of double entering transactions manually.
Elliot and Karen Parkin
In other words, we are moving to greater efficiency in
MARCH LUNCH AND LEARN every way and look forward to sharing how you can do all
WITH RABBI STEVEN REIN these things online, or the old fashioned way, if you prefer.
We will be rolling out certain features in phases, helping to
Thursday, March 15 | 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. introduce our congregation to them.
Schonberger Library
This month’s topic is “Passover Haggadot Throughout the Finally, I cannot compliment the synagogue leadership
Ages – 500 Years of Unique Celebrations.” Bring your dairy enough for their support of this financial upgrade. This has
or parve lunch. been one of my top priorities and will allow us to keep our
financial data accurate and reporting up-to-date.

CONGREGATION FUNDS
Celebrate the good times – make a contribution to an Agudas Achim fund in honor of a birthday,
an anniversary, a special occasion or just because you care. And, remember the sad times – make a
contribution in memory of a loved one. Contributions in any amount may be made to these funds.
Donations can be made online at https://www.agudasachim-va.org/donate or by check.
A minimum donation of $10 is requested for an acknowledgement card to be sent by mail. All
donations will be acknowledged in the “In the Family”column in The Bulletin.

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 10

 ProfilesofOurLEADERS
BARBARAELKIN by Carol Backman

Long time synagogue member Barbara specializing in disability rights. Finally, in 2008 she
Elkin has a passion for social justice. This joined the Disability Rights Section of the Department of
has been reflected in her career as a Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division working on updating
disability rights lawyer as well as her regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities
current work with the Agudas Achim Social Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Barbara
Action Committee. retired from DOJ right before the end of the Obama
Barbara was born and grew up in the Administration.
Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York. She commented, “I have been active at Agudas Achim since I walked
“Growing up, I was often frustrated with the second class status in the door,” says Barbara. She served on the Board of
of women and girls in the synagogue. I had a Friday night bat Directors for eight years, worked with the Youth and
mitzvah, and I was only allowed to read Haftorah. We were not Religious School Committee (YRSC), and chaired the
allowed to lead services or read Torah.” For many summers, Landscape Committee for the first decade after the 1990’s
Barbara went to Wel-Met camp, a Jewish summer camp run by building renovation. Many of the trees and plants on the
the NY Federation of Jewish Philanthropies. At Wel-Met grounds were planted during Barbara’s tenure. Barbara is
Shabbat mornings were spent learning about the civil rights involved in the Christmas holiday Carpenters Shelter
movement and other important social justice issues of the times. dinner sponsored by Sisterhood and participates in the
Barbara earned a B.A. in history from Cornell University in bimonthly Monday night dinner at the shelter as well.
New York and her law degree from Duke University Law Beginning in the early 2000’s, Barbara chaired the
School. She recalls, “I went to law school to become a civil Agudas Achim Bereavement Committee, a part of the
rights lawyer. I wanted to use the law to advocate for the rights Chevra Kadisha. She has recently stepped down from
of people who were underserved and in need.” that position, as well as her long-time job assigning
Barbara has been married for 38 years to Paul Klein, a solid Shabbat Torah readers in order to focus her energies and
state research physicist, who is semi-retired from the U.S. Naval her passion on her work with the Social Action
Research Lab. Barbara moved to D.C. right after law school to Committee. Last year Barbara co-chaired with Esther
be with Paul, and they were married six months later. Miller Agudas Achim’s first ever community-wide Good
Deeds Day.
Barbara and Paul have two children, Matt, and Sarah. Their
son Matt graduated from the Jewish Theological Seminary in Barbara continues to be heavily involved in numerous
2010, and he is currently the Hazzan at Beth El Congregation in Social Action Committee events, including co-chairing this
Akron, Ohio, sharing the pulpit with his wife Rabbi Elyssa year’s Good Deeds Day and organizing Agudas Achim’s
Austerklein. Matt and Elyssa have a two-and-a-half year old son observance of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion
named Georgie. Month this past February. “I am very excited to be part of
the work of the Social Action Committee and its efforts to
Barbara and Paul’s daughter, Sarah, is married to Isaac Hoft make a difference in the community. I encourage people to
and lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she works as an art plan on participating in this year’s Good Deeds Day events,
therapist, and Isaac works as an acupuncturist. Both children which take place on April 15, 2018,” says Barbara.
were raised at Agudas Achim where the family have been Barbara is also the chair of the newly formed Agudas
members for twenty-eight years. Achim Disability Inclusion committee.
Barbara began her career in 1980 at the Mental Health Since her retirement, Barbara has had more time for
Division of the D.C. Public Defender Service (PDS) her favorite activities: spending time with her grandson,
representing individuals facing civil commitment to St. Georgie, visiting with Matt and Elyssa in Akron, visiting
Elizabeth’s hospital. After five years at PDS, Barbara became Sarah and Isaac in Colorado, and her longtime passion—
the Director of Legal Advocacy at the Epilepsy Foundation of gardening. Barbara grows many of the vegetables she and
America in Landover, Maryland. In that capacity, Barbara Paul eat, and her front yard has a big flower garden.
advocated for the legal rights of individuals with epilepsy, as “Some people even follow my garden on Facebook,”
well as individuals with disabilities in general. After Sarah was Barbara notes. She volunteers with the school garden
born in 1988, Barbara took a seven year break to be a stay-at- program at Quander Road School, a small alternative high
home mother but continued to be involved as a volunteer in a school for kids with disabilities. She also has been a
variety of capacities. long-time volunteer at the D.C. Wendt Center for Loss
In 1995, Barbara went back to work as a Fair Housing lawyer and Healing’s annual children’s grief camp.
for the Department of Housing and Urban Development,
MARCH 2018 P AGE 11
 SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Volunteer. Organize. Advocate.
Monthly Meeting
Thursday, March 8 | 7:00 p.m.
Schonberger Library
With a growing agenda and full calendar of events we need your help! To
learn more, contact Samara Weinstein at samarajw@yahoo.com. To Join the
Agudas Social Action Committee Facebook page contact Deborah Siegel at
dnsiegel@yahoo.com.
Community Social Justice Seder
Sunday, March 11, 2018 | 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Lainof Auditorium
Agudas Achim’s Social Action Committee and the Alfred Street Baptist
Church Social Justice Ministry will join together to host our second Community
Social Justice Seder.
Why is this Seder different from all other Seders? This Seder is an opportunity
to celebrate a traditional Passover Seder while focusing on contemporary struggles
for justice and equality.
If you’d like to join us for the Seder, please RSVP at http://bit.ly/AAC-Social-
Justice-Seder . If you’d like to volunteer with set-up or clean up, please use this
sign-up genius: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/8050D4BAEAF2BA20-social
If you have any questions about the Seder, please contact Deborah Siegel at
dnsiegel@yahoo.com
(Continued on page 14.)

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3-D-4-5 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 • www.4lpi.com 14-0995

 IN MEMORIAM
MARCH 1, 2018 ADAR 14, 5778 MARCH 7, 2018 ADAR 20, 5778 MARCH 16, 2018 ADAR 29, 5778
Evelyn Berman Francis Mulligan Edna Ruskin
* Helen Brown * Goldie Wall Rimson Freda Shevitz
Sylvia Esformes * oris Scher MARCH 17, 2018 NISAN 1, 5778
* Samuel W. Hoffman * Jennie Siegel * Sidney Abramson
* Menachem Levinson Blanche Willenz Esther Aronovitz
* Miriam F. Shapiro MARCH 8, 2018 ADAR 21, 5778 Marcus Berman
Irving Spatz * Anna Handel Bernanke Leo Herskovitz
Barbara Spelman George Horsefield Florence Pickell
Edith Wolfe * Jacob Schwarzber Inga Ringskog
MARCH 2, 2018 ADAR 15, 5778 Emanuel Walter * Sydney Scholl
Harry Bodzin MARCH 9, 2018 ADAR 22, 5778
* Alvin Schonberger
* Edith Kramer Mary Blecher
Edith Weiner
Lawrence Kurlind Lynn Esformes
Louis Wiseman
Frances Passner Harriett Gutterman MARCH 18, 2018 NISAN 2, 5778
Ben Pollner * Joseph Schifrin Ethel Spector Davis
MARCH 3, 2018 ADAR 16, 5778 * Toibe Gitel Shain * Monroe Fendrich
Frank Cassens Betty Weiss * Rebecca Grenadier
Leonard Cohen MARCH 10, 2018 ADAR 23, 5778
Samuel Kreiger
* Maurice Ezrine * Anna Kutchinsky
Ruth Linden
* Abe Lieberman Richard David Lax MARCH 19, 2018 NISAN 3, 5778
* Celia Mendelson * Ellen Levine Richard Raymond Bieschke
* Jean Richman * Alex Moskowitz * Samuel Cohen
Isadore Schifrin Beverly Shulman * George Kramer
Marie Shor Nathan Spiro * Zelig Matzkin
* Albert Silver * Rose Spiro * Helen Merzbach
* Miriam Smith * Dennis Wilson * Joseph Mogel
Dora Soforenko * Celia Yuter MARCH 20, 2018 NISAN 4, 5778
MARCH 4, 2018 ADAR 17, 5778 MARCH 11, 2018 ADAR 24, 5778 Haran Boral
* Lawrence Charles * William Amorky Albert Esformes
* Sol Heller * William Binder * Irving S. Hochheiser
* Albert Isaacs * Rebecca Busch * Gertrude Pauline Palder
* Michael Kutner rving Greenblatt * David L. Ruben
Goldy Pritzker Coleen Hersson Hyman Weinstein
Sheldon Sandler * Jacob A. Kamerow Herman Weintrob
MARCH 5, 2018 ADAR 18, 5778 Gertrude Kugelman MARCH 21, 2018 NISAN 5, 5778
Leon M Adler Hyman Seidenberg * Esther Abramovitz
Libby Frieda Brin MARCH 12, 2018 ADAR 25, 5778 * Morris Amchan
* David Chadekel Frances Beatrice Barth Henrietta Cooper
* David Chitlik Alan Harris Cummings Rena Cylinder
Julius Cohen * Annete Fagelson Rachel Banov Gould
Florence Dimentstein * Rose Tepper William Graboyes
MARCH 13, 2018 ADAR 26, 5778
Peggy Frost Irving Greenfield
Karl Dahl
Bernard Gollomp * Robert Kramer
Marcella Glantz
* Chane Stire Hoffman Rose Rothleder
Moritz Lesor Kleisdorf
Jeanette Rose Samuel Sanders
Joseph Linver MARCH 22, 2018 NISAN 6, 5778
Betty Saks-Lotstein
* Marvin Shotts * Louis Hertzenson
Abraham Schaofsky
Marlowe Solomon Helen Schindler
* Joseph Schonberger MARCH 14, 2018 ADAR 27, 5778
MARCH 6, 2018 ADAR 19, 5778 David Schwartz
Marjorie Orent
Dr. William Feinstein * Simon Julius Shalloway
* Ilene Deborah Sandler MARCH 23, 2018 NISAN 7, 5778
Nettie Greifer MARCH 15, 2018 ADAR 28, 5778
* Shara H. Kerbel Leon Banov
Edwin Brown
* Rhoda Labowitz * Nathan Blacker
Sol Fogelson
* Phyllis Shapiro * Sanford Elovitz
* Ida Lehman
* Alan Jay Silverman Rose Gaidelman
Jack Melnick
Faye M. Snowhite * Albert Grenadier
Edith Novak
Sidney L. Sulak * Dr. Moses Katz
* Eugene Schonberger
* Isador Witkin * Anna Rachel Roskin
Stanley Zedd
MARCH 7, 2018 ADAR 20, 5778 MARCH 16, 2018 ADAR 29, 5778 Glenn Rounsevell
Rita Banov * Joseph Amorky Edythe Meritz Weiner
* Milton Beck MARCH 24, 2018 NISAN 8, 5778
* Irvin Fanaroff
Gretel Biel Samuel Auerhan
* Bernard N. Flax
Carol Davidson Sharon Sue McGowan
* William Kasenetz
Harold I. Deutsch * Harry A. Passow
* William Kline MARCH 25, 2018 NISAN 9, 5778
Betty Eger MARCH 16, 2018 ADAR 29, 5778
Sarah Blecher Frank
Rose Katz * Mae Z Nordell
* A memorial light will be lit in the synagogue for those names marked with an asterisk.

MARCH 2018 P AGE 13

 IN MEMORIAM
MARCH 25, 2018 NISAN 9, 5778 MARCH 28, 2018 NISAN 12, 5778 MARCH 30, 2018 NISAN 14, 5778
Paul Benard Katz Arthur Flax * Joseph Noson Fagelson
Elsie Kodish Fannie K Goldberg Scott Friedel
* Louis Rossen * Albert Herman Nancy Friedman
* Leah Schwarzman Gertrude Kahn * Hannah Gerstein
Chris Vivithes * Dr. Daniel Yuter * Anne Goldstein
MARCH 26, 2018 NISAN 10, 5778 MARCH 29, 2018 NISAN 13, 5778 Frances Goldberg Krasik
Jerome David Rosen * Mitchell Biron Rochelle Lerner
Jack Ziskind C. David Cooper Ezra Stein
MARCH 27, 2018 NISAN 11, 5778 * Dr. Charles David Cooper MARCH 31, 2018 NISAN 15, 5778
Bernice Bauman * Noah Grenadier * Albert E. Baker
* Jeffrey David Klivans * Milton Kirschbaum * Florence D. Klein
Robert Lange Sylvia Levy * Israel Kramer
Anna Levine * Jack Nordell * Anne Lipnick
Oscar Levine * Jack Raiten * Charlotte Samuelson
* Benjamin Jacob Ludwig Irma Rosenblum
* Betty Mendelson Helen Sirott
* Rachel Leah Shaw * Annie Stein
Roslyn Fingerman * Sarah Wolf

SISTERHOOD DOINGS remarkable Moshe Feldenkrais, an Israeli scientist, Judo

NETWORKING TO ENGAGE, ENRICH AND EMPOWER Master, and lifelong adventurer who invented a new way of
CONSERVATIVE JEWISH WOMEN. helping people feel better. Ingrid will then guide us in some
BY JUDITH FOGEL seated chair movements, progressing to gentle floor work.
Please bring a mat. We'll have a few extras on hand if you
On January 20, the women of Agudas Achim rose to the don't have one. You will likely feel the benefits
bimah to conduct the entire Shabbat service. Sisterhood of Feldenkrais on your drive home!
members led the service, prayers, chanted the Torah aliyot
and sang the blessings. Sisterhood also delivered the sermon Donations to Support BRAWS
and address. We were represented by four generations of Sisterhood is collecting tampons, pads, panti-liners as well
women, the youngest an eleven year old who took on the as new bras and underpants (please leave tags on) for BRAWS
ambitious effort of learning an entire Torah portion just two (Bringing Resources to Aid Women's Shelters). The Mission
weeks before the big day when a slot opened up. A of BRAWS is to bring dignity and empowerment to women
remarkable display of Dor L'dor, from a child to a great and girls living in shelters by providing new, personally fitted
grandmother. Sisterhood Ensemble treated us to a beautiful undergarments and menstrual supplies. Please bring all your
rendition of Adonai roi. Yasher Koach to all Sisterhood items to the Sisterhood brunch on Sunday April 22.
Shabbat participants. The biggest thanks must go to Questions? Contact Mindi Maline at m_maline@yahoo.com.
Sisterhood Chair Sara Naphtali-Krumbein for executing a SOCIAL ACTION
flawless morning. Todah Rabah to Hazzan Elisheva (Continued from page 12.)
Dienstfrey for her musical direction and leadership. Much
appreciation to Lynne Sandler for designing the eye catching GOOD DEEDS DAY IS COMING! SAVE THE DATE!
program. Kudos to our talented kitchen staff, Cheryl Nelson, Mark your calendar for April 15, 2018 when Agudas
Diana Weil, and Al Forman for whipping up the delectable Achim joins Jewish organizations around the world for a day
kiddush spread. of service during our celebration of 2018 International Good
Need a donation receipt for tax purposes regarding the gift Deeds Day. This year’s projects will include working with
you made to our collection for Children's Hospital? Please Yachad to provide home repair/maintenance for a low
email Lenore Garon (lenore.garon@gmail.com) or call (703- income family, painting and other projects for the Alive
532-0341). We are very grateful for everyone's fabulous Child Development Center in Alexandria, knitting and
contributions. crocheting for infants and children at Fairfax Children’s
Hospital, young families visiting homebound congregants, a
Ides of March Day Hike Stream cleanup at Four Mile Run, teens volunteering at DC
Thursday, March 15 | 8:45am carpool departure Central Kitchen, a concert at Woodbine nursing center, and
Destination: Harpers Ferry. Breathtaking vistas of two activities during religious school.. We will also be collecting
snaking rivers along the trail. Dinner follows in the a variety of items for a range of non-profit organizations.
picturesque historic town. Pack lunch.
Registration will start in March and more detailed infor-
Ingrid Willenz-Isaacs, Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner mation will be available in the weekly update, by email, and
March 19 | 7:00 p.m on the Agudas Achim website. If you are interested in help-
Lainof Auditorium ing out, please contact co-chairs Esther Miller
Come nosh with friends and then listen to AAC (nykoftyme@gmail.com), or Barbara Elkin (bjelk@aol.com).
member Ingrid Willenz-Isaacs tell a few stories about the
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 14
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 WHAT’S INSIDE . . .
Agudas Achim Congregation JOAN NATHAN EVENT......................page 1
2908 Valley Drive RABBI’S MESSAGE...........................page 2
Alexandria, VA 22302 MARCH SHABBAT SPEAKERS...........page 2
Phone: 703-998-6460 Fax: 703-998-5843 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES..................page 2
BOARD INFORMATION.......................page 3
The Bulletin is published monthly - ISSN1084-9858 MEN’S CLUB MENSCHENINGS...........page 4
MAH KOREH....................................page 4
Rabbi .....................................................................….…………Steven I. Rein SELLING OF CHAMETZ......................page 4
Hazzan..........................................................................Elisheva R. Dienstfrey DEAR HAZZAN.................................page 5
Rabbi Emeritus...............................................................................Jack Moline WINDOWS ON ISRAEL.......................page 5
Executive Director.....................................................................….Barry Nove ACTIVE SENIORS LUNCH..................page 5
Youth/Education Director...........….……….................................Chaya Silver PRESCHOOL NEWS..........................page 6
Preschool Director……............................................................….Jen Halpern YOUNG FAMILIES.............................page 6
Shlicha.………………………………………………………Miri Bernovsky BRINGING ISRAEL TO AGUDAS.........page 7
President……..……………………………………………Kenneth Labowitz EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE...page 8
Sisterhood President.….……….........….……………………...Lenore Garon ISRAEL FILM SERIES........................page 8
Men’s Club President..........................…..………………………Elliot Parkin IN THE FAMILY.................................page 9
Communication Specialist.....………………….………………Marya Runkle LUNCH AND LEARN........................page 10
Email: synagogue@agudasachim-va.org PROFILES OF OUR LEADERS...........page 11
Web: www.agudasachim-va.org Facebook: facebook.com/agudasachim JTS EVENING OF LEARNING...........page 12
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE..........page 12
WHAT’S AHEAD . . . IN MEMORIAM................................page 13
Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m............................................Conversational Hebrew SISTERHOOD DOINGS.....................page 14
Fridays, 9:00 a.m...........................................................Talmud Study Class
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. ....................................................Parashat Ha’Shavua
Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.................................................................Gan Shabbat

March 4, 9:30 a.m..............................................New Member Conversation

March 4, 11:00 a.m.........................................Oh Say Shalom Sing-a-Long
March 6, 12:00 noon.................................Active Seniors Lunch and Learn
March 11, 3:00 p.m...................................Community Social Justice Seder
March 10, Shabbat Speaker....................................Rabbi Rami Schwartzer
March 10, 12:30 p.m........................................................Windows on Israel
March 14, 12:00 noon............................Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Rein
March 15, 8:45 a.m......................................Sisterhood Ides of March Hike
March 16, 5:30 p.m............................................Shababy Kabbalat Shabbat
March 17, Shabbat Speaker............................Rabbi Emeritus Jack Moline
March 18, 2:00 p.m..................A Delicious Anniversary with Joan Nathan
March 18, 12:00 noon..............................................................Knitting Club
March 18, 10:00 a.m......................................................Men’s Club Brunch
March 19, 7:00 p.m................................Sisterhood - Ingrid Willenz-Isaacs
March 21, 6:00 p.m...........................................................Israel Film Series
March 24, Shabbat Speaker...................................Miri Bernovsky, Shlicha
March 27, 4:00 p.m. ......................................Selling of Hametz Forms Due

Time Value
Alexandria, VA
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Non-Profit Org. 2908 Valley Drive
Agudas Achim Congregation