NOVEMBER 2018

CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5779
NUMBER 3

THE BULLETIN

AGUDAS ACHIM
CONGREGATION

2908 V•alley D•rive

Alexandria, V•
A 2• 2302
 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Candlelighting.......................5:49 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat Service......6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha........45 minutes after Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................6:47 p.m.
BAR MITZVAH OF BEN WILSON
HERSHAL TIVON BEN SCHMUEL MOSHE
V’RACHAEL GILA
PARSHA CHAVEI SARAH
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Candlelighting.......................4:42 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat Service......6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha........45 minutes after Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................5:41 p.m.
BAR MITZVAH OF JEREMY FAGEN
ADIN SHALEV BEN HESCHEL V’SHOSHANA
PARSHA TOLDOT
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Candlelighting.......................4:35 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat Service......6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha........45 minutes after Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................5:36 p.m.
BAT MITZVAH OF DALIA FISHMAN
DALIA RUT BAT SHIMON V'VARDA
PARSHA VAYEITZEI
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Candlelighting.......................4:32 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat Service......6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha........45 minutes after Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................5:32 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Candlelighting.......................4:29 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat Service......6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha........45 minutes after Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................5:30 p.m.
DAILY MINYAN SCHEDULE
(UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ABOVE.)
Monday through Friday
Mornings................................7:30 a.m.
Sundays and Federal Holiday
Mornings............................... 9:00 a.m.
Sunday through Thursday
Evenings................................7:50 p.m.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION
RABBI’S
MESSAGE
WHAT DOES JUDAISM SAY ABOUT…
Health care, the economy, immigration, gun policies? What does Judaism say
about these, or any number of other contemporary concerns? We ask the question
all the time. In doing so, I think we overlook the most interesting part of the
question – namely, the working premise that Judaism does have something to say
about any given issue. Unlike other spiritual regimens, Judaism is neither so
parochial nor so other-worldly that it turns a blind eye to the condition of our shared
humanity. In fact, Jews insist that our faith has an opinion or proof-text about
everything. To put the question another way – have you ever heard a Jewish
educator say: “Judaism has nothing to say about X”? There is something about
Jews and Judaism that – like a chatty guest at the dinner table – does not allow a
topic to be raised without somehow believing that it is deserving of being weighed
in on.
This belief is the source of both our vitality and our angst. It is our fierce
insistence that our ancient texts speak forcefully to contemporary concerns that
ensures Judaism’s continued relevance. It is for this very reason that the Torah is
called a “tree of life.” With roots spread across the millennia, the wisdom of our
sacred scripture continues to bear fruit in every season.
And yet, it is this very claim that also tangles us in knots. Does our tradition
lean to the political left or right? Is there such a thing as “the Jewish vote"? Should
there be? Certainly in this month of mid-term elections we are acutely aware of how
our Jewishness informs our ballots, and the degree to which “religious values” are
co-opted into the polemics of political debate. It is a slippery slope. If we insist that
Judaism has something to say about everything, then how do we control who does
and doesn’t speak with authority on the Jewish view on any given issue?
There is no doubt in my mind that the results of Election Day will be the talk
of the town for much of November (and beyond). I also have no doubt that many
of us will attempt to use our tradition to justify our positions and points of view. To
that end, a few words of wisdom: More important than what Judaism has to say
about any particular issue is what Jews do about those concerns. As many have
noted, our faith is one of deed, not creed. Our commitment to this conversation will
ultimately be measured in good deeds performed, tzedakah given and advocacy
commitments fulfilled. At the end of the day, we should follow the counsel of the
rabbinic sages: “Say little and do much.” Ultimately, indeed, our Judaism is
measured by way of our actions.
TORAH B’BAYIT: JEWISH LEARNING IN YOUR HOME
Monthly | Flexible Dates/Times
Contact Rabbi Steven Rein at srein@agudasachim-va.org
What Jewish topic do you want to learn about or discuss? What text have
you always wanted to explore but never had the opportunity? What current
Jewish issue is on your mind? Torah B’bayit: Jewish
Learning in Your Home is an opportunity for you to open
up your home to a small group of friends and members of
our community, come up with a Jewish topic, and Rabbi
Rein will bring the materials to study. Start brainstorming
Jewish topics your group would like to delve into, then
contact Rabbi Rein to schedule a date and time.
PAGE 2
 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S
MESSAGE
Barry Nove Needless to say, our office staff has
undergone a great deal of change over
This is my first opportunity to share the news of the damage and repairs from the past year and I believe you’re going
the lightning strike on Erev Yom Kippur which knocked out one of our three to be more and more impressed with the
transformers and the HVAC. The lightning strike only affected Agudas Achim. It level of team work and member support
hit at about midnight during the storm the night before that felt like it was right over we’ll be offering. Preparing for the
Alexandria. High Holy Days, the Erev Yom Kippur
lightning strike, and changing to a new
The power surge shot through the power line, blowing a circuit breaker off the
membership database aside, we’ve a
pole across Kenwood Drive about fifty feet into the back parking lot. The lightning
staff you can count on to answer any
then knocked out a transformer, leaving the synagogue with only two phases of
questions and meet our congregation’s
power, which effectively took out the HVAC system, and a third of the lights in the
needs.
building, as well as our computer network. The freezers went down as well, but as
Thank you.
soon as we realized that, Diana Weil and her staff were able to transfer all the
Barry Nove
chicken we had stored for the Sukkah Dinner into one of the working refrigerators.
My major focus on repair leading up to Yom Kippur was to call in Dominion AAC ACTIVE SENIORS
Virginia Power and our HVAC company, both whom arrived in the afternoon. LUNCH AND LEARN PROGRAM
Dominion work crews managed to get a new circuit breaker and transformer in
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20
place about an hour before Kol Nidre. The HVAC tech, who had been on stand-by, 12:00 NOON – 2:00 P.M.
checked to make certain the HVAC, which normally trips internal circuit breakers LAINOF AUDITORIUM
during such a power surge, had not taken damage and when the power returned
Join us as we welcome Helping
could be reset. As was announced at Kol Nidre, we managed to get the air
Hearts through the Arts (HHA). Get
conditioning back up about a half hour before services.
ready to tap your toes, click your heels,
It was the day after Yom Kippur when we learned that what was still affecting and shimmy like your sister Kate. We
our access to our computer network was the loss of our Comcast router. We also will be entertained by this group of
learned that our largest freezer was still not working, nor were a bank of lights in dancers, ranging in age from 40s-70s,
the Lainof Auditorium and the outside light to the front door. who voluntarily dance with this group.
I brought in an electrician who replaced the entrance light and repaired the We look forward to welcoming AAC’s
switches to the bank of lights in the Lainof Auditorium. Our IT tech brought the Rachel Goldberg and her colleagues at
network back up, and Comcast came in and replaced the router. The following day this event.
we had computer and internet access until right before Shabbat when we lost access This program is funded in full by
to the internet. It was only after the first days of Sukkot that we were learn that our AAC Sisterhood although donations are
Firewall router had taken damage and had to be replaced. At the time of this writing welcome and reservations are required.
we are still waiting for a replacement relay for the damaged freezer. Once we have RSVP by Thursday, December 6 to
that relay in place, we will know if the freezer works or if I’ll be filing an insurance Jane Bergen (janebergen@verizon.net
claim to purchase a replacement. /703-861-6419) or Nancy Siegal
(nsiegal@comcast.net/703-671-0957
Now, as an executive director, I must admit a lightning strike on Erev Yom prior to November 27).
Kippur seemed… a challenge from Heaven. I must thank our entire staff for all they
did to complete preparations for Yom Kippur without access to our computers, and
under limited lighting. The kitchen staff adapting to the loss of the freezer was also ANNUAL INTERFAITH
a “yeoman’s job.” I can’t thank the staff enough for all they did under trying T HANKSGIVING SERVICE
circumstances and with limited time due to the crush of the Yom Tovim and with
limited resources. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 | 7:00 P.M.

Preparing for the High Holy Days was a bit challenging due to another reason AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION
our summer hire for receptionist/administrative assistant took another position after COHEN SANCTUARY
about two months on the job. We brought in a temp for three weeks, during which
time I ran another job search and did interviews. The temp trained our new Maariv will
receptionist/administrative assistant, NaKisha Jenifer, who has served as both in follow in the
administrative assistant and office manager roles. Members and those staff who Flax Family
have interacted with NaKisha have come up to me afterward to tell me how Chapel.
wonderful she is. We’re looking forward to a long working relationship.

NOVEMBER 2018 P AGE 3

CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT GROUP FOR
INDIVIDUALS WITH DEPRESSION
First Wednesday of the month
Beginning November 7
8:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Agudas Achim
The group will be facilitated by
Naomi Brown from the Jewish Social
Service Agency (JSSA). Join us for
support and discussion surrounding
living with depression.
Room will be announced in the
weekly update email and the Shabbat
Announcements.
LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS:
HANUKKAH BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
Wednesday, November 14 | 7:00 p.m.
Rooms 1&2
After a loved one dies, the holiday
season can bring to the surface painful
reminders of the loss. Participate in a
meaningful discussions designed to
explore ways of preparing for Hanukkah
while honoring those you have lost in the
context of the holiday.
Join other bereaved Jews to talk
about ways to allow for grief, while still
seeking meaning and comfort in the
themes of the season.
Facilitated by:
Naomi Brown, LICSW, LCSW, JSSA
Rabbi Steven Rein
INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM
WITH RABBI STEVEN REIN
Thursdays, October 11 - February 28
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Flax Family Chapel
Always been curious about Judaism?
Never paid attention in Hebrew school?
Thinking about (or is someone you love
thinking about) officially joining the
Tribe?
Introduction to Judaism covers both
Judaism’s biggest and most life-
changing ideas, as well as the nuts-and-
bolts of daily Jewish living. The class is
geared towards both Jews and non-Jews
who want to learn more. Bring your
questions and explore the wisdom, depth
and joy of Jewish living.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION
DEAR HAZZAN
Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey
MOURNING A GRANDPARENT
Dear Hazzan,
I heard that your grandmother passed away recently. I’m so sorry for your loss. I
have found the Jewish laws of mourning to be so comforting. What have you found
to be most helpful in this process? May your grandmother’s memory be for a
blessing.
-Hamah Comb
Dear Hamah,
My grandmother, Betty Linver, z”l, was an amazing woman - it was a privilege
to have her in my life for forty-five years. And it is with great sadness that I begin
this next part of my life without her. I, too, have observed, on numerous occasions,
the great comfort Jewish laws of mourning bring those who are grieving and am so
grateful I am familiar with the various customs and laws.
Mourners are instructed to bury their loved ones as soon as possible so they can
address their grief promptly. They refrain from work, entertainment, and unneces-
sary travel for seven days, anything that would distract them from their mourning.
They light a candle, cover mirrors, sit low to the ground, take off their shoes and
allow others to take care of them - physical reminders that they should struggle
with and embrace their grief. And then there is kaddish - words that praise God -
anticipating that there will be anger and frustration and reminding us that despite
everything, God is there.
However, the fact is, the laws of mourning really apply only to those relatives
who are closest to the deceased: spouse, parent, child, sibling. Grandchildren,
though certainly not forbidden from observing the laws of mourning, are not
particularly encouraged, mostly due to superstition and community custom. As I
spent time with my family at the funeral and shiva, I found it awkward to be among
my father and his siblings, feeling the sadness, but knowing I could never under-
stand the loss they were suffering - the loss of a parent. I am blessed with two
healthy parents - how can I say kaddish or sit shiva?
My siblings, cousins and I struggled with this. How do we mourn Jewishly in
an appropriate and respectful manner while at the same time address our profound
sorrow? In our discussions amongst the cousins, we talked about how each of the
customs helps mourners heal, but it was something my sister mentioned about
Kaddish that caught our attention. When my brother-in-law lost his father, he
regularly attended minyan during the entire year of mourning. My sister said he
was able to go back to work, back to LIFE, because he knew at the end of each day
he would be saying kaddish - taking those few minutes with community to
remember his father.
I think that is what we all need when we lose someone, to be assured that we
will never forget them. Although I am just at the beginning of this next chapter in
my life, my plan is to take the time to address my fear of forgetting, and take a
moment every day to remember Grandma. It might be saying kaddish, or making
one of her famous recipes, listening to or singing one of her favorite songs, wearing
a piece of clothing or jewelry that she gifted me, or simply saying her name.
(Continued on page 5.)
PAGE 4
 PRESCHOOL NEWS paint over the paper, which at this point
Jen Halpern, Director had become a lovely purple. Some were
covered up to their elbows. Finally, the
teachers added glitter to the mix, which
created a whole new feel to the paint.
As you heard me say in this space last month, the preschool is proud to Not a single child shied away from
celebrate its 13th anniversary this year. This special birthday has provided us with getting gritty and sticky.
an opportunity to reflect on where we've been and where we'd like to go in the This ended up being a full-body
future. It's also the perfect time to introduce you to the preschool's incredibly sensory experience as well as a collab-
talented, dedicated, and professional teaching staff, and to share with you some of orative art project. The children found
what goes on in our classrooms every day. new ways to use the tools and materials
Introducing Kitah Adom they'd been given, and the teachers took
advantage of that enthusiasm, which led
Morah Virginia and Morah Traci teach Kitah Adom, often with the help of to even more experimentation and
Morah Shonda, one of our floaters (teachers who float between classrooms and more creativity.
substitute when necessary).
After the paint dried, the teachers cut
Morah Virginia has been teaching two-year-olds for 16 years, and she's been out large dreidel shapes, stapled them
with Agudas for six of those years. Before she was a preschool teacher, she was a back to back, and stuffed the insides
lawyer, at one point working on Capitol Hill. She says she prefers working with newspaper. A lovely 3-D dreidel
with two-year-olds to anybody else. She has two daughters in their 20s, one of hung in the classroom for the rest of the
whom works at the preschool, too. year, a memory of a great day.
Morah Traci received her B.A. in Biology from Mount Holyoke College in
1995. She has two boys, the younger of whom attended Agudas Achim Preschool.
She's been working at the preschool for 4 1/2 years and is looking into completing
a Child Development Associate credential (CDA) sometime in the next year or two.
THANK YOU TO
Morah Shonda has been with the preschool for seven years. She's also an ELLEN FINGERMAN AND
Alexandria City Public Schools bus driver in the early mornings and afternoons; as NANCY SIEGAL FOR
a result, she occasionally sees some of our graduates on field trips, though they can't PROOFREADING THIS
always remember why she looks familiar! Her daughter graduated from TC Wil- MONTH’S BULLETIN.
liams last year.
Kitah Adom begins every day on our playground or social hall. This makes the DEAR HAZZAN…
transition at drop-off a little easier for our youngest ones to handle. The teachers (Continued from page 4.)
engage with the children the moment they arrive. They encourage the children to
We are a people that is constantly
use their big muscles to climb, run, and dig. They talk with them constantly,
encouraged to remember - from Yom
observing the world around them, introducing them to new vocabulary and new
Hazikaron where we remember those
concepts at the same time. They play. They pretend. They find bugs. And they eat
who have fallen for our people, to Shab-
snacks outside whenever possible.
bat Zakhor where we remember to blot
Once they return to the classroom, it's snack time followed by a short circle out the name of our enemies, to Yizkor,
time. After that, it's time to get messy. the service for which we gather to re-
The Kitah Adom teachers are not afraid of paint or big projects. One of my member all our loved ones - several
favorites was the dreidel they created as a group last year. times a year, so that even after our first
year of mourning we set aside time to
The ten children were seated at two tables, and on each was large piece of poster recall those who are gone.
board. One teacher squirted a little red and blue paint on each one while the other
passed out paint brushes. Very carefully the children began drawing their brushes My grandmother was Betty Jean
across the poster board. After a minute, one child experimented by turning their Linver and I loved her; tomorrow I will
brush upside down and dragging it across the page, creating a clean line in the still remember her.
process. The teachers seized the opportunity and encouraged all the children to do
the same. Hamakom Y’nachem Otanu - May God
It wasn't long before another child gingerly used their finger to draw in the comfort us all.
paint. After saying, "What a good idea! Let's all use our fingers!" the teachers
collected the paint brushes. Soon, the children were using both hands to smear the L’shalom,
Hazzan Dienstfrey

NOVEMBER 2018 P AGE 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
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, November 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, November 16 | 5:30 p.m.
Friday night service for kids 0-5 and
parents with songs, instruments, scarves,
dancing, parachutes, challah, and juice.
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:
aacyoungfamilies@gmail.com
Hannah Kraushaar
Jennifer Munz
MacKenzie Silverman
SAVE THE DATE
YOUNG FAMILY HANUKKAH
CANDLELIGHTING
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2
Join us for the first night of
Hanukkah on Sunday, December 2.
We will light candles, play dreidel
and do fun crafts. Details and RSVP
information coming
in the Weekly
Update email and on
the Young Families
Facebook page.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION
“MAH KOREH” - WHAT’S HAPPENING IN
THE EDUCATION AND YOUTH DEPARTMENT
Chaya Silver
Youth/Education Director
“WHICH ONE ARE YOU?”
At a recent Shabbat morning service, a student asked me what the difference
was between the Kohen, Levi, and Israel aliyot. I shared the short version with her
describing the tradition of having decedents of the High Priests, the Kohanim,
receiving the highest honor with the first Torah aliyah, that the second highest
honor and aliyah is traditionally reserved for descendants of the tribe of Levi who
once assisted the priests, and the remaining aliyot are given to the rest of us, the
Israelites, the beneficiaries of the work of the Kohanim and Levites.
My answer seemed to satisfy the child for a bit and she sat quietly while the
Torah Service continued. By the time we reached the haphtarah, the child asked,
“Why are people in one group seen as more important than another?” This was a
question only a child raised in a democracy would ask! I chuckled but thought
seriously about her question and gave the following answer.
“The distinction between the three groups was very important once, however,
now we do this to honor the tradition. What is important is to realize that each Jew
has inside of him or her characteristics of the Kohen, the Levite, and the Israelite.
When we take on a leadership position, we “channel the spirit” of our inner Kohen.
When we provide support to our leaders, when we take on some of the tough tasks
needed to make a dream a reality, we demonstrate our Levitical personality; and
when we reap the benefits of the hard work of our leaders and our volunteers, we
are in our role as Israelites. For our community to be successful, each of us must
take on different roles at different times. It is a wise person who knows when to
lead, when to serve, and when to appreciate and participate in the work of others.
By understanding that each of us takes on different roles at different times in our
lives, we gain empathy and appreciation for one another when we are in roles of
leadership, service, or participant.”
As the service came to a close, the child ran up to me and thanked me for
speaking with her. We laughed as we walked to our Shabbat community Kiddush
lunch, a program that our leaders dreamed about to help us build a strong
community; a meal that many worked hard to create and serve; and one that we
would enjoy with our fellow “Israelites.”
To all who envision a dynamic school for our children (Kohanim), thank you.
To all who do the tough day to day work to make these dreams a reality (Levites),
your work is invaluable. For our families and children who benefit from this hard
work and service (Israelites), you will continue to “learn Jewish and do Jewish” for
years to come, appreciating the need for people who take on each of these three
roles. Watching the child laughing with her friends, I felt confident that the day will
come when, thanks to the seeds planted and nourished by Agudas Achim’s
Religious School leadership, volunteers, and dedicated parents, a dynamic Jewish
future will flourish, and we will all take on the role of Kohen, Levite or Israelite
for the Jewish future visualized by our children.
USY ELECTION DAY BAKE SALE
Tuesday, November 6 during voting hours 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
USY will be hosting a bake sale at Agudas Achim on
November 7. All proceeds will go to AAC Tikkun Olam
program. Donations of baked goods and teens volunteers are
needed. Details coming soon in the Weekly Update email.
PAGE 6
 BRINGING ISRAEL TO memorable speeches in Israeli history,
AGUDAS: OUR SHLICHA, in which he declared that as a life-long
MIRI BERNOVSKY soldier who had fought in war-after-
war for Israel, he was proud to finally
participate in the most important war
November for me is a month that always starts with a sad occasion. Every year
of all: the war for peace.
on November 4, Israelis mark the date of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s
assassination. Rabin was murdered on that day 23 years ago, but for so many That war cost him his life. In
Israelis, it feels like this event happened just yesterday. I can very clearly remember, November 1995, a religious extremist
as a young child, hearing about it from my parents, seeing adults all around me crying, who opposed his peace policies shot
and noticing respected figures like my teachers at school looking shocked. him at the end of a pro-peace rally in
Tel Aviv. The assassin, Yigal Amir,
Rabin was Prime Minister of Israel twice. His first term was from 1975-1977.
said he was influenced by the
During that period, he took one of the most courageous decisions ever made by an
“verdicts” of prominent rabbis who
Israeli leader: He ordered the IDF operation in Entebbe, which became a world-
had declared Rabin a traitor that
wide success story. No Israeli Prime Minister before or after Rabin had sent IDF
should be killed. He was sentenced to
soldiers for action so far away from Israel’s borders.
life in prison.
Less than a year after that unbelievable success, Rabin resigned from office
Ever since I was a teenager, I used
over a corruption scandal. It was discovered that his wife, Leah, had opened a bank
to go every year to the central rally in
account in the United States while he was Israel’s ambassador to Washington.
commemoration of Rabin, which is
Today this wouldn’t have been considered a scandal of such magnitude, but back
held at the square named after him in
then it was illegal, and Rabin set a personal example by stepping down from office.
Tel Aviv. It’s a strange feeling for me
He continued serving Israel in other positions, most notably Minister of Defense in
to miss that event for the second year
the mid-1980’s.
in a row, as a result of being here in the
He returned to the Prime Minister’s office in 1992 and during three years in United States. But I’m happy that I
office, signed the 1993 Oslo Accords with the Palestinians and the 1994 peace have had a number of opportunities to
agreement with Jordan. He won the Nobel Peace Prize and gave one of the most (Continued page 8. )

THIS SPACE IS

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 BRINGING ISRAEL TO AGUDAS SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
(Continued from page 7.) VOLUNTEER. ORGANIZE. ADVOCATE.
bring up Rabin’s story of service and SAMARA WEINSTEIN, CHAIR
leadership during my work here at
Agudas. It was especially important Don't just sit there! Join the Social Action Committee!
for me to teach our teens and religious Help us "repair the world." Come join us as together we build a better world.
school students about him. We welcome new ideas, new participants, and new leaders! Pitch in however works
On November 10, during the best for your time and availability. Social Action Committee Meetings take place on the
monthly “Window on Israel” session, second Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at Agudas Achim in the Library.
we’ll discuss Rabin’s life and legacy. I OUR NOVEMBER EVENTS
hope many members of the community
Upstander Training!
will join.
Sunday, November 4 | 10 a.m.
Flax Family Chapel
MONTHLY PROGRAMMING Join the Social Action Committee and Collective Action for Safe Spaces for a
WITH OUR SHLICHA, MIRI facilitated training on how to recognize and counter discrimination, hate, and
harassment without escalating the situation. We will practice awareness of signs of
MONTHLY BOOK CLUB aggression and reflect on when and how to intervene. Participants will gain role play
Wednesday, November 7 | 10:00 a.m. practice and receive a handout of strategies to use both with aggressors and with
Our first book of the new Jewish targets of harassment to preserve the dignity of all human beings. Don't be a
year is “All the Rivers”, a novel by bystander, be an upstander! There is a limit of 25 participants for this session.
award-winning Israeli author Dorit Please RSVP by Sunday, October 30 to goo.gl/Zhb6WZ.
Rabinyan, which was a number one Welcoming International Students
best seller in Israel and stood at the Friday, November 9 during Kabbalat Shabbat Services
center of a national political In keeping with our theme of Hachnasat Orchim, we will once again welcome
controversy. as guests, a multifaith group of students from Asia, South America and Africa who
are studying at NOVA as participants in the State Department Community College
WINDOWS ON ISRAEL Initiative (CCI). We will hear from several students about their experiences in the
Saturday, November 10 | 12:30 p.m. United States and visit together during the Oneg Shabbat.
This month will focus on the SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE COMMUNITY EVENTS
murder of Prime Minister Yitzhak
Rabin, an event which Israelis mark Brunch with Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom
every year in the beginning of Sunday, December 9 | 9:30 a.m., Lainof Auditorium
November. We will talk about Rabin’s A joint program with AAC Sisterhood
life and service for the state of Israel - JCRC’s Inaugural Legislative Breakfast
from his days as a young officer in the Wednesday, December 12
1948 War of Independence, through
his role as the IDF Chief of Staff, all TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 IS ELECTION DAY!
the way to his two terms as Prime THE JEWISH DUTY TO VOTE!
Minister in the 1970’s and early Visit http://bit.ly/duty-to-vote.
1990’s. One specific issue we’ll
discuss is Rabin’s close relationship
with the United States, both as Israel’s TODA RABAH - OPERATION ISAIAH WAS A BIG SUCCESS!
ambassador to Washington and later as Thank you all so much for your generosity with Operation Isaiah food
Prime Minister. donations on Erev Yom Kippur. Agudas Achim Congregation collected 1,825
lbs. of non-perishable food for ALIVE! (ALexandrians InVolved Ecumenically).
ISRAEL MOVIE NIGHT
A BIG shout out to our teens who sorted and packed the food for
Wednesday, November 14 | 6:00 p.m.
distribution. In about an hour they schlepped all the food from the coat room to
“The Angel” is a thriller drama based
the social hall, sorted it, loaded 50 banana boxes, and stacked the boxes for
on real-life events that paved the way for
delivery to the Food Program warehouse.
Israel’s peace agreement with Egypt.
Newspaper reviews have described it Agudas Achim collects food for ALIVE! on an ongoing basis. Non-
as “riveting,” “fascinating” and perishable and canned goods can be left in the bin in the coat room anytime.
comparable to a John Le Carre novel. Visit http://www.alive-inc.org or call: 703-837-9300 for information or to
volunteer with ALIVE!

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 8

IN THE FAMILY
OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO: CEMETERY FUND
Michael Linver, Elisheva Dienstfrey, and family In memory of Father Jacob Abraham
on the death of Michael’s mother and Elisheva’s Max Abraham and Jasen Melson
Grandmother, Betty Jean Linver. In memory of Irwin Goodwin
Hanna Hunt
Sharon Saferstein and family
In memory of Isaac & Louise Chapman
on the death of her brother, Sheldon Saferstein.
Jerome and Bernice Chapman
Victor Tynes, Jr. and family In memory of James Kelly
on the death of his father, Dr. Victor Tynes, Sr. Patricia Franklin
MAZEL TOV TO: COMMUNITY CARING FUND
Jack and Kendra Asher Get well wishes to Sam Ashkenas - wishing a speedy recovery
on the birth of their son, Henry Avriel Asher. Barry Landau
SCHONBERGER LIBRARY FUND
Natalie Berkowitz, Nicholas Davis, Miriam and Jeffrey Berkowitz, In memory of Arnold Moore
and Don and Lynne Sandler on the birth of Natalie and Nicholas’ Phillip and Farideh Schonberger
son, Miriam and Jeffrey’s grandson, and Don and Lynne’s In memory of Joan Berman
great-grandson, Silas James Davis. Phillip and Farideh Schonberger
Yoni Elmalem and Sarah Manthey PRAYERBOOK FUND
on the birth of their daughter, Hannah Odelia Elmalem. In loving memory of my husband, David
Sheila Bicoff
David and Shaina Goldberg In memory of Judith Bregman, wife of Robert Bregman
on the birth of their son, Jeremiah Robert Goldberg. Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog
RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
YOUTH ENRICHMENT SCHOLARSHIP In honor of George Bernstein's 85th Birthday
In honor of Akiva Dienstfrey for his pitch perfect blowing of the shofar Jay Warshawsky & Carole Pollner
Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog In honor of Joan and Les Edelman's 60th anniversary
In honor of Sam Meyers for his assertive and inspiring Shofar blowing Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog
Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog In memory of Arnold Moore, husband of Joan Hartman Moore
HENRY H. KREVOR SOCIAL ACTION FUND
Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog
In honor of the yahrzeit of Robert Kaminsky, beloved father of Leib In memory of Morris Turk and Jerome Turk
Kaminsky Anita Turk
Victor and Judith Tynes In memory of Rose Zafren
In memory of Arnold Moore Jonathan and Ruth Ruskin
Neil Lindenbaum and Esther Miller In memory of Rubin & Elaine Berson, Aaron H. & Claire Meller
In memory of Donald Miller Jack and Rhoda Berson
Neil Lindenbaum In thanks to Rabbi Steven Rein for participating in the bris of
In memory of Howard Raiten Silas Davis
Jeffrey and Sharyn Tureck Jeffrey and Miriam Berkowitz
In memory of Marian Aranoff Miller Mazel tov to Ellen & Charles Wayne on the birth of their
Neil Lindenbaum grandson Akiva Benjamin Wayne
ENDOWMENT FUND
Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog
In honor of Birth of Don and Lynne Sandler’s Great Grandson Silas
Mazel tov to Sharon & Arnold Rosenblatt on the birth of twin
James Davis
granddaughters
Paul and Elizabeth Frommer
Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog
In honor of the birth of our grandaughter, Esther Arava Zukerman
Thank you to Rabbi Rein for your participation in our great-
Robert Levy and Suzanne Schneider
SPIRO ADULT EDUCATION FUND
grandson's brit milah
In honor of our dear friend, Harvey Stoler Donald and Lynne Sandler
SYNAGOGUE FUND
Donald and Lynne Sandler
In appreciation for my high holiday honors
In honor of the special birthday of George Bernstein
Nancy Siegal
Donald and Lynne Sandler
In honor of Andy Effron receiving The Justice Tom C. Clark
In memory of Carlyn Herman
award for outstanding government lawyer
Donald and Lynne Sandler
Jonathan and Ruth Ruskin
In memory of Daniel Edelman, brother of Les Edelman
In honor of her appointment as "el jefe" Julie.”
Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog
SAM & ANITA TURK FUND
Ellen Glimcher
In memory of Max Schmier & David Abraham In honor of the birth of Berkowitz’s grandson
Max Abraham Gloria Canter
In memory of Shirley Silberberg In honor of the birth of the Sandler’s great- grandson
Howard and Lois Silberberg Gloria Canter
In memory of my beloved father, George Silverman
Barbara Silverman (Continued on page 10.)

NOVEMBER 2018 PAGE 9

IN THE FAMILY In memory of Susan's mother Naomi Loble Stern & her father
(Continued from page 9.) Eugene Loble
SYNAGOGUE FUND Arnold and Susan Auerhan
In memory of Arnold Moore In memory of the father of Leib Kaminsky
Jeffrey and Sharyn Tureck Robert and Maureen Shapiro
In memory of Beloved mother, Anne Schwartz SIMCHA SHABBAT
Gordon and Ellen Horwitz In honor of Judy Tynes for her 75th birthday from Bob &
In memory of Father, David Terner Barbara Cline - Happy Birthday Judy - and many more!
Elaine Malyn Barbara & Bob Cline
In memory of Max & Minnie Stein YOUNG FAMILY CONTRIBUTIONS
Eugene Stein A donation
In memory of Stephen Bodzin Jake Joshua Soutar
Gloria Canter C APITAL CAMPAIGN

In memory of my father, Francis Siegal In celebration of Silas James Davis

Nancy Siegal
SEFER TORAH FUND
In honor of George Bernstein's Birthday & Haftorah chanting
Jim & Mindy Bernstein
In memory of Joan Berman
Victor and Judith Tynes In honor of Rachel Goldberg for chanting Haftarah
JACK MOLINE LECTURE SERIES
In memory of Eileen Wayne - Charley's mom
Janet Barnett
In memory of Joan Berman, Jack Berman's mother
Janet Barnett
KIDDUSH DONATION
In memory of Marlena Gelboin's yahrzeit
David Milewich and Tamara Gelboin
In memory of Ray Kelly
Patricia Franklin
MUSIC FUND
In memory of Dear Sister, Barbara Tregub
Gordon and Ellen Horwitz
In memory of Stephen Bodzin
Marcia Glickman
Richard Morton and Dottie Bennett
Suzanne & Evan Brooks
Bernard and Veda Engel
Dr. Fred Kessler & Pearlena
Barry Landau
Myra Wendel Roney
Robert and Maureen Shapiro
Nancy Siegal
Stanley and Rhoda Sulak
In memory of our dear friend, Stephen Bodzin
Donald and Lynne Sandler
Thank you to Hazzan Dienstfrey for your participation in our
great-grandson's brit milah
Donald and Lynne Sandler
With thanks to Hazzan Dienstfrey for participating in the bris of
Silas Davis
Jeffrey and Miriam Berkowitz
PRESCHOOL DONATIONS
In honor of George Bernstein's 85th Birthday
Robert and Maureen Shapiro
In honor of Judy Tynes for her 75th birthday from Bob & Barbara
Cline - Happy Birthday Judy - and many more!
Barbara & Bob Cline
In memory of Rose Zafren
Jonathan and Ruth Ruskin
Robert Levine and Robin Miller
In honor of Linda Lichtman for chanting Haftarah
Patricia Franklin
In honor of Miriam Perlberg for reading Torah
Patricia Franklin
Patricia Franklin
In honor of Sharon Bliss reading Torah
Patricia Franklin
In honor of the Ritual Committee
Patricia Franklin
In memory of Joan Berman
Arnold and Susan Auerhan
SISTERHOOD’S JUDAICA SHOP
Open on the Sundays Religious School meets from
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon and by appointment.
Shop with us and help support lots
of local worthy causes.
Check out our new merchandise and remember
we can do special orders on items as requested.
We are your source for B’Nai Mitzvah needs
as well as gift suggestions.
Chairs: Michelle (202-288-9856)
Susan (703-489-5068)
ANNUAL HANUKKAH BAZAAR
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11
9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Everything you need to celebrate the
Festival of Lights in one place!
Contact us for special
orders so we can have them
ready for you to pick up.

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 10

 ProfilesofOurLEADERS
NANCYSIEGAL by Carol Backman

Nancy Siegal retired in 2015 When Nancy’s mother passed away in 2002 and she
after working 41 years in the non- was no longer commuting to Connecticut, she decided to
profit sector. She feels fortunate tojoin Agudas Achim since it was very convenient to her
have time to give back to the home in Cameron Station. Since then she has worn many
community and has become an hats at the synagogue. “For the last three years since I
active volunteer at Agudas Achim retired, I became Torah Fund chair at the urging of Edie
Congregation. Nancy is a familiar Kaufman and Jen Halpern,” says Nancy.
face in the AAC office and has At the encouragement of Sharyn Tureck and Mickey
been introduced as, “The lady who Lazarus, she co-chairs the Seniors’ “Lunch and Learn”
knows everything.” While this is with Jane Bergen. They do five programs a year for the
quite a compliment, Nancy says seniors at AAC and the JCCNV. Nancy works with Lynne
she sometimes gets more questions Rosenblum and Jane Bergen on the monthly Bulletin
than she knows how to handle. mailings, and she is a member of the Sisterhood Executive
Nancy grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut where her Board.
family attended the Conservative Emanuel Synagogue. “I had Nancy volunteers with Caryl Salters on the High
a Friday night Bat Mitzvah, but there were so many kids that it Holiday Ticket seating committee. “We affix the labels
turned out to be a double Bat Mitzvah with another student,” and make sure each ticket shows which seat you get. It’s a
says Nancy. She was also a member of USY, celebrated her huge project, and a group of people help with it,” she says.
10th grade confirmation, and graduation from religious school. Nancy also represents AAC, along with Bruce Brown, for
Nancy earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from Lesley the City of Alexandria Holocaust “Days of
University in Cambridge, Massachusetts and an M.S. from Remembrance.” The committee is tasked with finding a
Central Connecticut State University. She taught for two years speaker and planning the program.
at the Solomon Schechter Day School in West Hartford until In the last three state and national elections, Nancy has
her best friend convinced her to move to Washington with her done data entry on the campaign for her party. She logs in
and her husband. Her first job in D.C. was as membership the information about voters, gleaned from phone banks
assistant with B’nai B’rith Women. She recalls that AAC and neighborhood canvassing, into the data base. Nancy
congregant Rebecca Cofman’s mother was her first boss. had been active in Hadassah for many years both in the
“While working for B’nai B’rith Women, I was offered the group and chapter board level.
opportunity to teach Sunday School at Beth El Hebrew Congre- Although she hasn’t had much time to travel while
gation in Alexandria. While I had made a conscious decision working, shortly after she retired, Nancy took a three-week
not to teach when I moved to the D.C. area, I needed to vacation (which included a two-week cruise) to Australia
supplement my salary and taught middle school grades at Beth and New Zealand with a friend. “We flew to Honolulu for
El for about five years,” recalls Nancy. two nights and saw Pearl Harbor and then to Sydney where
After two years Nancy moved to the Association of Aca- we enjoyed the Jewish museum. It was a trip that was on
demic Health Centers where she hoped to learn meeting plan- my bucket list,” Nancy notes.
ning. “The woman who trained me said that I also needed to She has been to Israel twice. She spent a summer there
learn accounting,” she remembers. Nancy worked there for while teaching at Solomon Schechter Day School, and she
nearly 25 years using her financial, administrative and meet- went on the synagogue tour seven years ago with Rabbi
ing planning skills, leaving as Assistant Vice President for Jack and Ann Moline. Nancy is now looking forward to
Finance and Administration. joining the up-coming AAC congregation tour to Israel in
Nancy then moved on to become Director of Finance and November/December with Miri Bernovsky and Rabbi
Administration at The Corps Network for almost 14 years. “I Rein.
was especially proud to work for this organization, because the Nancy says she feels fortunate with the good life she
member organizations train young adults to give back doing has had and quotes the old adage, “To whom much is
community and national service as well as getting life skills, given, much is expected.”
job skills and, if necessary, a high school diploma or GED,”
Nancy explains.

NOVEMBER 2018 P AGE 11

 CARPENTER SHELTER
DINNER
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Carpenter Shelter Dinner
Committee provides a dinner item or
helps serve dinner the second Monday
of every other month. The Carpenter
Shelter is temporarily located at
Landmark Mall. We always need
volunteers to cook items or to help
serve the meal at the shelter.
Please contact Debi Leekoff or
Julie Keller for information
Debi Leekoff djleekoff@gmail.com
Julie Keller
Julieringkeller@gmail.com
MACHAR AND SHORESH
RACHELLE KROMASH, ADVISOR
Shoresh (Gr 3-5) Goes to Rebounderz
Sunday, November 11 | 12:30 p.m.
Come with your friends to the
Rebounderz Indoor Trampoline Park in
Sterling. We will jump until we can't
jump anymore! Please bring a dairy
lunch to AAC to eat before we drive to
Rebounderz. Drivers and chaperones
will be needed for this event along with
parent volunteers!
Machar (Gr K-2) Goes to Pump it Up
Sunday, November 18 | 12:30 p.m.
Come with your friends to Pump It
Up, an indoor moon bounce extravaganza
to unleash the fun! Please bring a dairy
lunch to AAC to eat before we drive to
Pump it Up. Drivers and chaperones will
be needed for this event along with
parent volunteers!
USY
KYRA SCHUSTER, ADVISOR
AAC USY Lounge Night
Wednesday, November 8 | 6:30 p.m.
We will be making our banner for
Fall Convention and need your help.
Seaboard USY Fall Convention
Friday, November 16 - Sunday, November 18
Capital Camps and Retreat Center
Waynesboro, PA
Join over 200 students in grades 9-
12 from Maryland, Virginia, North
Carolina, and Washington D.C.! You
won’t want to miss a weekend full of fun
and new friends! Highlights include: a
weekend full of non-stop FUN with
AMAZING and EXCITING activities
and games, ruach-filled song sessions, a
beautiful Shabbat experience, a bonfire
with s’mores, our annual Seaboard Sailor
pageant and Locks for Love/Pantene
Beautiful Lengths programs and more!

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Contact Scott Messner to place an ad today!

smessner@4lpi.com or (863) 875-1101

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

 IN MEMORIAM
NOVEMBER 1, 2018 HESHVAN 23, 5779 Isidore Goldberg John Krieger
* Nathan Botuck Joel Alan Opper William Kushnick
* Jacob Finn Lois Ranck * Doit Shotts
* H. David Kafka
NOVEMBER 12, 2018 KISLEV 4, 5779 NOVEMBER 23, 2018 KISLEV 15, 5779
* Harry Laurence Richman
Theodore Weiss * Ruth Blacker
* Leah Spiro
NOVEMBER 13, 2018 KISLEV 5, 5779 * Morris Schwarzman
Sara Warshawsky
Shirley Cutler * Max Snyder
NOVEMBER 2, 2018 HESHVAN 24, 5779 * Harry Stych
Celia Goldenberg
* Sophia Abramson Hazel Tynes
Terri Hirsch
Leonard Sattler
NOVEMBER 14, 2018 KISLEV 6, 5779 NOVEMBER 24, 2018 KISLEV 16, 5779
* Julius Stier
Emanuel Fusfield Rita Dorsen
NOVEMBER 3, 2018 HESHVAN 25, 5779 * Allan Goodman
* Murray Goldberg
Judy Chesley Bruce H Millen
Michael Kushnick
Meyer Klestzick Nancy Miller
Irving Marcus
* Robert Rumshin Abraham Rosenfeld
Marc Walter NOVEMBER 15, 2018 KISLEV 7, 5779
Phil Weinkrantz * Joseph Kleinman NOVEMBER 25, 2018 KISLEV 17, 5779
* Caroline Z. Lossef Sonya Dunie
NOVEMBER 4, 2018 HESHVAN 26, 5779 Marie Langbart
* David Cohen NOVEMBER 16, 2018 KISLEV 8, 5779
* Evelyn Levine * Dan Kerbel NOVEMBER 26, 2018 KISLEV 18, 5779
* Israel Kleinman Joseph Graboyes
June W. Stier
* Israel Krevor Arlene Katz
* Ada Wachtel
* Lilly Lainoff Lawrence Salzberg
NOVEMBER 5, 2018 HESHVAN 27, 5779 * Jacob Serody
Elayne Latish
* Judith A. Friedel
Rose Potts NOVEMBER 27, 2018 KISLEV 19, 5779
* Mildred Evelyn Kaufman
* William Rosen * Julius Abramson
George Kornfein
* Moshe Shapiro Joseph Chapman
Lillian Rosenthal
* Leo Wachtel * Michael Friedson
NOVEMBER 6, 2018 HESHVAN 28, 5779 Sadelle Lazarus
NOVEMBER 17, 2018 KISLEV 9, 5779
Albert Arsenault Eve Mamber
Fred Edelson
Nathan Perlman Sylvia Zetkin Saiger
* Beatrice Heller
Isabell Strasburger Stanley Stier
Galina Kreynin
Helen Trockman * Pearl Stokols
Morris Weinkrantz
* Nora Woolf Aaron Wigutow
NOVEMBER 18, 2018 KISLEV 10, 5779
NOVEMBER 7, 2018 HESHVAN 29, 5779
Harvey Baum NOVEMBER 28, 2018 KISLEV 20, 5779
Isadore Bob Helene Alper
Faye Bloom
Augusta Dorsen * Judith Goldberg
Burton Borden
Eleanor Roth * Mildred Kutner
* Sara Lea Cohen
Rubin Zwirn Morris Yutz
* Abraham Friedel
NOVEMBER 8, 2018 HESHVAN 30, 5779 Lisa Lange NOVEMBER 29, 2018 KISLEV 21, 5779
Donald Hirschfeld Carl Palman * Maurice Henry Binder
* Pearl Pinson Anne Sandler * Isadore Bregman
Harold Yatt * Sandor Weiner Sanders Levine
NOVEMBER 9, 2018 KISLEV 1, 5779 Norman Kenneth White * Theodore Lurie
* Jacob J. Brown NOVEMBER 19, 2018 KISLEV 11, 5779 NOVEMBER 30, 2018 KISLEV 22, 5779
* Allan Labowitz * Mildred Friedlander Helen Andler
Rafael Lopez, Sr * Morris Louis Kerster Martin Bookfor
* Isidore Shapiro * Esther Siegel Libby Diamond
Edward Yalowitz Jack Zitrin Shimon Frost
NOVEMBER 10, 2018 KISLEV 2, 5779 NOVEMBER 20, 2018 KISLEV 12, 5779 Shirley Graboyes
* Dr. Leo O. Bierman Julius Barder Ivan Hamberg
* Abraham L. Cohen Gary Bob Helen Krieger
* Ruth Frank * Ethel Drooz Rosenblatt * Stanford M. Levin
* Goldie Levinson Herbert Moline
NOVEMBER 21, 2018 KISLEV 13, 5779
Jack Meritz B. Pat Sherry
* Hyman Nathanson Brown
* Dora Rabinovitz Rose Kramer Sokolove
* Mildred Isaacs
Alvin Rosenbloom
Nathan Kahn
* Ann Sanders
Philip L. Kay
Gladys Schoenberg
* Jack Koso
* Jennette Sherter
* Ellis Joel Rabinowitz
* Rose Tauber
* Louis M. Teitelbaum
NOVEMBER 11, 2018 KISLEV 3, 5779
NOVEMBER 22, 2018 KISLEV 14, 5779
* Meyer Abraham
* Ernest Ceisler
Susan Gal-Edd
* A memorial light will be lit in the synagogue for those names marked with an asterisk.

NOVEMBER 2018 P AGE 13

 SISTERHOOD DOINGS MEN’S CLUB MENSCHENINGS
BY JUDITH FOGEL, PROGRAMMING VICE PRESIDENT ELLIOT PARKIN, MEN’S CLUB PRESIDENT

MORNING WITH THE FUTURE MAYOR (BRUNCH) Supper in the Sukkah on September
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2018 | 9:30 A.M. - 11:45 A.M. 27 (moved to the Lainof Auditorium
Join us as we welcome Alexandria Presumptive Mayor Justin Wilson to the due to inclement weather) was a smash
Sisterhood stage. Come for the coffee, bagels and lox. Stay for a vibrant presentation for the second year running. Yasher
by the Vice Mayor. Mr. Wilson will address all your favorite issues: education, taxes, Koach to Judith Fogel, Louis Marcus,
safe streets, economic development, Metro, and sewage. This event is free and open Diana Weil, and all the volunteers who
to the entire congregation. Visit the AAC website calendar to RSVP. You can also supported them. Co-chairs Judith and
RSVP directly to Event Chair, Judith Fogel (JFOGEL2000@aol.com/703-801-8088). Louis applied their seemingly
boundless energy to every detail.
Free babysitting available. Please give us one week's notice.
Diana’s culinary knowledge and labor
SEPTEMBER RETROSPECTIVE of love in the kitchen contributed to a
Eighty-four people gathered most-enjoyable meal.
in the Lainof Auditorium for our Our next board meeting will take
second annual Supper in the place on Thursday, November 8 at 7:00
Sukkah on Thursday evening p.m. in the library. All are welcome to
September 27. This year, alas, it attend. Following minyan, the meeting
turned into Supper not in the will adjourn to the bar at the Carlyle
Sukkah. We renamed the event Grand Cafe in Shirlington for good and
Enjoying a beautiful event.
Noah’s Ark, two weeks ahead of welfare and NFL Thursday night
schedule. On the bright side, the Lainof Auditorium gave us more space. football (Go Steelers!).
Yasher Koach to Men’s Club co-chair Louis Marcus who slaved away in the Join us for our first lox and bagel
kitchen to produce a fabulous Sukkot dinner and to Diana Weil who whipped up a brunch of the New Year on Sunday
luscious apple crisp dessert. Thank you to the following hard working volunteers November 18 at 10:00 a.m. in the Lainof
without whom this dinner would not have been possible: Robin Braverman, Josh Auditorium when our own Michael
Hirschorn, Susan Auerhan, Harvey Stoler, Joan Arsenault, Lynne Rosenblum, Ken Drobnis will speak on Cybersecurity –
Notis, Lenore Garon, Nancy Siegal, Arden Levy, Sara Krumbein, Elyse Krumbein, Keeping Your Family Safe. Michael is
Rebecca Cofman and Elizabeth Margosches. Todah Rabah to Diana Weil, Cheryl the founder and CEO of OptfinITy.
Nelson and the entire kitchen crew. And finally, thanks to Lawrence Mawunya- Come learn how to minimize the risks
Yawson (KB) for his custodial contribution. that we are exposed to and how to keep
Mazel Tov to Sisterhood President Lenore Garon for her honor as B'reisheet your children safe as we conduct many of
Kallah on Simchat Torah. Lenore was recognized for her many years on the our everyday activities on the internet.
Sisterhood board and now in her second term as president. This year the president The Men’s Club Israel Pilgrimage
role is shared by Susan Auerhan. Yasher Koach to all the bridesmaids, Sisterhood Scholarship Program provided has
board members all, who held up each of the four corners of the chuppah during the provided 100 scholarships over the past
October 2 service. Thanks to board member Nan Berman's husband Jack for the use thirty years to teens of the Congregation
of his tallit to create the chuppah. for Israel experiences. If you have a
Seeking Sisterhood Kitchen Coordinator teen who is interested in a peer trip to
Virtually all Sisterhood events involve food! For each event, we need a Kitchen Israel, please contact Mike Scheinberg
Coordinator, someone who plans the menu, orders food, oversees food the day of the at mike@schuschein.com or me for
event, and recruits volunteers. Sisterhood will provide mentors to assist while you scholarship details.
learn. You volunteer as Coordinator for just one program or more. Contact Judith We would greatly appreciate your
Fogel (JFOGEL2000@aol.com/703-801-8088) if you are interested. support by sending in your membership
UPCOMING SISTERHOOD PROGRAMS dues if you have not already done so for
the New Year 5779. Our nominal dues
Brunch with Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom | December 9
are $36, but please consider donating
Joint program of Sisterhood and Social Action Committee.
“Chai’er” amounts, such as $54, $72,
Sisterhood Shabbat | February 2, 2019 $90, or $108. We welcome your ideas
Are you a Sisterhood member who is interested in taking part in this meaningful for future events as well as your help
service? Please email Sara Naphtali-Krumbein at skrumbein@gmail.com. with activities. Please contact me at
Want to know the latest Sisterhood happenings? Send an email to Jodi Wittlin at elliot.parkin@gmail.com or 703-575-
jlwitlin@yahoo.com to be included in Sisterhood’s TinyLetter. 7879 with your particular interests.

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 14

 Enjoy the Carefree Lifestyle You Deserve! RABBI MICHAEL HENESCH
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 WHAT’S INSIDE . . .
Agudas Achim Congregation RABBI’S MESSAGE...........................page 2
2908 Valley Drive SCHEDULE OF SERVICES..................page 2
Alexandria, VA 22302 TORAH B’BAYIT...............................page 2
Phone: 703-998-6460 Fax: 703-998-5843 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE...page 3
AAC ACTIVE SENIORS LUNCH.........page 3
The Bulletin is published monthly - ISSN1084-9858 DEAR HAZZAN.................................page 4
Rabbi ...….................................................................….………Steven I. Rein DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP........page 4
Hazzan..........................................................................Elisheva R. Dienstfrey HANUKKAH BEREAVEMENT GROUP..page 4
Rabbi Emeritus...............................................................................Jack Moline INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM.............page 4
Executive Director.....................................................................….Barry Nove PRESCHOOL NEWS..........................page 5
Youth/Education Director...........….……….................................Chaya Silver MAH KOREH - EDUCATION...............page 6
Preschool Director……............................................................….Jen Halpern YOUNG FAMILIES.............................page 6
Shlicha.………………………………………………………Miri Bernovsky BRINGING ISRAEL TO AGUDAS.........page 7
President……..……………………………………………Kenneth Labowitz SHLICHA PROGRAMMING..................page 8
Sisterhood Co-Presidents..............................Lenore Garon and Susan Auerhan SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE............page 8
Men’s Club President..........................…..………………………Elliot Parkin TODAH RABA...................................page 8
Communication Specialist.....………………….………………Marya Runkle IN THE FAMILY.................................page 9
SISTERHOOD JUDAICA SHOP..........page 10
Email: synagogue@agudasachim-va.org Twitter: @agudasachim
Web: www.agudasachim-va.org Facebook: facebook.com/agudasachim PROFILES OF OUR LEADERS...........page 11
YOUTH GROUP NEWS....................page 12
CARPENTER’S SHELTER.................page 12
WHAT’S AHEAD . . . IN MEMORIAM................................page 13
MEN’S CLUB MENSCHENING...........page 14
Thursdays, 7:00 p.m......................................Introduction to Judaism Class SISTERHOOD..................................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

THE MONTH AT-A-GLANCE

Sunday, November 4.................................................Preschool Fall Festival
Oh, Say Shalom Playgroup
Upstander Training
Tuesday, November 6......................................USY Election Day Bake Sale
Wednesday, November 7................................Monthly Book Club with Miri
Support Group for Those with Depression
Friday, November 9................................Welcoming International Students
Saturday, November 10....................................................Windows on Israel
Sunday, November 11......................................................Hanukkah Bazaar
Wednesday, November 14.............Hanukkah Bereavement Support Group
Israel Movie Night
Friday, November 16..........................................Shababy Kabbalat Shabbat
Sunday, November 18....................................................Men’s Club Brunch

Time Value
Alexandria, VA
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Agudas Achim Congregation