Congregation News
President's Message
Letter from the Incoming President - The Future of HTAA
There’s a common theme in this month’s “Reporter”— everyone is wishing you a happy, healthy, peaceful 5768. The Sisterhood and the Men’s Club leaders have been busy planning meetings and special events for the coming year. Sharon Wolfson has been working on ideas for the ECC’s new school year all summer; and our new Religious School and Education Director has been planning, organizing, and interviewing teachers and youth group leaders who are all determined to make this a successful year for our students.
So we have a common theme, but we also have another common denominator—our members. June and Elliott have asked for input from their members—Sisterhood and Men’s Club want to provide programs of interest, education and fun. Both Nina and Sharon have asked for parental involvement—let them know what your needs and expectations are, so that they can best serve our children. “The Reporter” still wants to know about your simchas, mitzvot and ideas, so please share with all of us. The Rabbi is waiting for questions to fill his “Ask the Rabbi” column— surely there are things you’ve always wanted to know but haven’t had the opportunity to ask.
The members of HTAA drive everything—wanting to educate you about Judaism; wanting to meet the needs of your family; and wanting to make HTAA a vital part of the Jewish community are the goals on which the synagogue leadership focuses. We have some ideas, and we continue to explore new ones—but it all comes back to your willingness to be a vital, participating part of our community. We need and look forward to your presence and enthusiasm.
On October 27th, we will have our second annual Membership Appreciation Kiddush. This is an opportunity to welcome the people who have joined us during the previous year, but (more importantly), it is a chance for all of us to begin the new year together. The holidays will be over, but 5768 will just be starting— what better way to begin than with one another. Please mark your calendars now so that you can join us for this special occasion.
Margit, our children and grandchildren, and I wish all of you a joyous, healthy, peaceful 5768.
Phillip Beckman
President
president@htaa.org
HTAA Blood Mobile 2008
We have all read and heard reports of how this country's donated blood supply has dwindled dangerously low. Here is your opportunity to perform a mitzvah - on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 HTAA will be holding its semi-annual Red Cross Blood Mobile. Donation hours are from 2:00 pm until 7:30 pm. Please phone Louis Numkin at 301-933-0537 (before 10:00 pm) to sign up for a donation time. There is a 56-day wait for donating blood, in other words, should you donate elsewhere and the time is less than 56 days, you will not be permitted to donate at HTAA, as rules state that your body needs 56 full days for replenishment before your next donation.
Your single gift of life-sustaining fluid could help up to six people survive. And remember that once you contribute, you and your family are then able to receive blood in time of need at no cost during that year. In an effort to make our 35-pint quota, we will again solicit our previous donors, HTAA member families, and Cornerstone Masonic Lodge families. But, as this group ages and/or is otherwise unable to donate, the quantity diminishes.
If you are 17 years of age or older and in good health, please consider joining in this life-saving community effort. Walk-ins are also welcome though people with reservations will have priority. Remember, if you have given blood within the past 56 days, you cannot donate again. Please mark your calendar to come to HTAA on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, and donate blood. If you have any questions/concerns about eligibility, phone Louis Numkin at the above number. Thanks, and may you live and be well.
Louis Numkin
A BISSEL HUMOR
A Russian Jew wanted to immigrate to Israel.
The local commissar calls him in for questioning and asks:
Q. Haven't we allowed you the right to worship in your synagogue?
A. Can't complain.
Q. Haven't we let you live in peace with your fellow Jews?
A. Can't complain.
Q. Haven't we allowed you to travel freely within and beyond the village?
A. Can't complain.
Q. Haven't we allowed you to teach your children Torah?
A. Can't complain.
Q. Haven't we let you practice your profession?
A. Can't complain.
Q. Then why do want to go to Israel?
A. He replies, "There, I can complain!"
****************************************************************
The world-renown concert violinist/conductor Isaac Stern, k"z, was once asked by a reporter, "Tell us, maestro, "Why is it there are a large number of Jewish concert violinists; Misha Elman, Yasha Heifetz, Yehudi Menuhin, David Oistrakh, Yitzchak Perlman, Nathan Millstein, Isaac Stern, to name a few, and very few Jewish concert pianists?" Stern thought for a very long minute, scratched his jaw and finally replied, "Have you ever tried to run with a piano?"
Submitted by: Lester Klein
A POEM FOR COMPUTER USERS OVER 40
A computer was something on TV
From a Science Fiction show of note
A window was something you hated to clean
And ram was the father of a goat.
Meg was the name of my girlfriend
And gig was a job for the nights
Now they all mean different things
And that really mega bytes.
An application was for employment
A program was a TV show
A cursor used profanity
A keyboard was a piano.
Memory was something that you lost with age
A CD was a bank account
And if you had a 3-in. Floppy
You hoped nobody found out
Compress was something you did to the garbage
Not something you did to a file
And if you unzipped anything in public
You'd be in jail for a while.
Log on was adding wood to the fire
Hard drive was a long trip on the road
A mouse pad was where a mouse lived
And a backup happened to your commode.
Cut you did with a pocketknife
Paste you did with glue
A web was a spider's home
And a virus was the flu.
I guess I'll stick to my pad and paper
And the memory in my head.
I hear nobody's been killed in a computer crash
But when it happens they wish they were dead.
Author unknown
Improve Your Mind with Crossword Puzzles!
There is more and more evidence that the human brain needs exercise just as our muscles, the danger of not exercising our muscles is atrophy. A similar result is possible when we fail to exercise our brains. In that event, a likely result is the onset of Alzheimer disease or some other form of dementia. According to a number of studies, like the recent cover story in USNews and World Report, doing crossword puzzles is a good way of doing "mental gymnastics". In addition to crossword puzzles (there is at least one in every issue of the Washington Post, there are 2 other forms in the post: in the Saturday edition there is always a "QUOTE-ACROSTIC puzzle in the style section, and every day there are SUDOKU puzzles also in the style section), you now have an opportunity to learn how to solve these other 2 types of puzzles.
A new member of HTAA, Lester Klein, has offered to teach the intricacies of these challenging puzzles. There are no pre-requisites, no tuition and everyone who is interested is welcome.
If you are interested, please call the office at 301-649-3800 for more information.
Welcome New Staff Additions
Yes, we all know that broad synagogue policies are formed by the Rabbi, Board of Directors and other elected officials. But carrying out those policies and turning them into everyday realities is the responsibility of the permanent, unelected staff. HTAA has recently undergone some staff changes which brighten the future. So say shalom to Nina Uzick, the new director of education. Nina has been teaching at the Jewish Day School, is a graduate of a Hebrew Union college in Los Angeles, which she attended on a scholarship and emerged with a master’s degree in Jewish education. Nina was born and grew up in Houston. Why Houston, of all places? Because the docks at Ellis Island were filled and the boat which brought her grandparents from Poland and Russia was diverted to the port of Galveston. So, like Jewish (and non-Jewish) refugees everywhere, they headed for the nearest big city. She grew up in a strictly Jewish, strictly kosher home and hasn’t turned her back on it yet. She spent two years in Israel during the wars in the 1970s, and attended an ulpan where she learned to read and write in Sephardic and now teaches her pupils to do so “because it is the language of Israel.” She can and does read in both Sephardic and Ashkenazi texts.
Meet the new bookkeeper in the office. Her name is Lois Simpson and she comes to us after 18 years of service as the office bookkeeper for Temple Shalom. She is a member of Temple Emanuel in Kensington. Many years ago her grandfather helped found Tifereth Israel. A native of Washington and a former accounting student at American University, Lois says she brings these assets to her new job: five grandchildren, three children, a husband, a mortgage and a dog. In addition, she was a member of the very first confirmation class at Tifereth Israel in its present location.
She’s not exactly new to the HTAA scene because she has been secretary to Rabbi Landman for 2 1/2 years — but Beryl Feldman deserves belated recognition. In addition to her secretarial responsibilities, she teaches a class at the Hebrew School three days a week. Beryl and the Torah have been close friends for many years and so it is hardly newsworthy when she recites the Haftorah on Shabbat. She comes to HTAA from Temple Israel, where her parents were longtime activists, and where Beryl achieved a measure of fame for her key role in devising and directing the Purim Shpiels, which got boffo reviews.
Chanie Beckman is the new office secretary. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 2001 with a degree in psychology — a perfect major for a synagogue secretary! She is married to Patrick Bohan. Outside of the synagogue her interests include theater and gardening.
A Look Back - November 8, 1964: Congregation Har Tzeon Bar Mitzvah Dinner-Dance
We were lucky enough to be given some old memorabilia from the early days of Har Tzeon (before the merge). We’d like to thank Al Gruber (who was the Executive Director “back in the day”) for finding these treasures. The following is an excerpt from the “Bar Mitzvah” of Har Tzeon program which recounts the beginning days of our shul. In the beginning, and there was a beginning, there were 100 families. And today, there are over four hundred. In between there were thirteen years of growth, of pain, of frustrations, of tears, of joys, and of accomplishments. And this is a short account of the years in between . . . of the growth of Har Tzeon.
It all began in the late summer of 1951. A small group of women residing in the Connecticut Avenue Estates area of Silver Spring banded together to form a Sunday School for the religious training of their children. Aware of the need to relate this to a synagogue framework, a dozen families enlisted the support of their husbands and set about to establish a Conservative Congregation to be called Har Tzeon. Thus the die was cast. On Sunday, October 28, regular Sunday School classes began at the Wheaton Recreation Center. The School was entirely staffed by a group of volunteer teachers headed by Mrs. Nathan Krevor as principal.
In the meantime the necessary legal documents were prepared, and on October 29, 1951, Har Tzeon achieved legal status under the laws of Maryland. A membership rally soon followed and its success was assured when 100 families joined together to perpetuate their heritage of Judaism. Herbert Bass became the first president of the Congregation.
1952 arrived, and the infant Har Tzeon began to take its first steps. Regular Friday evening services were inaugurated on February 29. In the same year the first High Holy Day services were held in the Kensington Armory, and full-time Hebrew School was established for the following year.
1953 saw more progress and growth. In August, the first fulltime spiritual leader, Rabbi Arthur Talmadge, was appointed to lead the Congregation. The following month the Congregation had its first Torah, and a dedication was held in celebration and commemoration of the event.
Then came the land. A campaign was launched to collect funds for the property on which the Synagogue now stands. With over $12,000 collected, the land was purchased and preliminary plans were made for the building.
In the summer of 1955, Rabbi Joseph M. Brandriss was appointed the spiritual leader of the Congregation, a post he has held to the present day. In May of 1956 the building was completed and Har Tzeon took its place in the religious life of Montgomery County. In the summer of 1957, Cantor Elijah Olkon was appointed as Har Tzeon’s Cantor, a position which he currently holds.
But Har Tzeon was not standing still. Every year it became more and more evident that the facilities available were not sufficient to accommodate the needs of the Wheaton Jewish Community. Finally, in mid-September of 1964, the Congregation at a special meeting, voted to build a new and larger sanctuary, with additional educational, social, and other facilities to supplement the present Har Tzeon building. At the present time committees are busily probing into the many details involved in building a new structure. It is expected that the actual construction will begin about April, 1965.
What does Har Tzeon have to offer its members, other than religious facilities? There is its Sisterhood, without which we could not picture ourselves. The Hay-Vovers, the Junior, Intermediate and Senior USY chapters; a choir for adults and one for its youngsters; the Har Tzeon Players; Boy Scouts; a young adult organization. It also offers a variety of adult education programs and a host of social activities.
Whatever its many accomplishments, the members and officers of Har Tzeon are not content to rest on past laurels, but look forward to the future with hope, interest and dedication to make Har Tzeon a worthy representative of all that is fine and noble in Judaism.
1965 . . . and beyond.
Seymour Green and Irving Berlin, by Gershon Fishbein
Seymour Greene remembers the day like it was yesterday. An Army corporal, he was called in from a training session by his company commander, who told him to pack his gear and his trombone and report to Camp Upton, Long Island, to join the troupe being put together by famed songwriter Irving Berlin.
It was 1942, the country was at war and, among many other things, needed some entertaining diversions from the daily killings. Irving Berlin’s show, called This Is the Army, based on his enormously popular song, “This Is the Army, Mr. Jones”, was one of the important diversions.
From July 4, 1942 to March 1943 they toured theaters throughout the U.S. and Sy Greene and his trombone were part of the mix. Then they went to Hollywood to make a movie of This Is the Army. Among the cast members were Ronald Reagan, Joan Leslie and many other stars. After making the movie, the troupe spent two years overseas, entertaining troops in many camps.
It all began in Seymour’s home town of Newark, NJ. He started out taking violin lessons at the age of 11 and one year later received his first trombone as a gift, which he loved. A few years later he joined various traveling bands, with the full approval of his parents.
It’s a long way, figuratively speaking, from Newark to the Broadway Theater in Manhattan and the studios of Hollywood and the far-flung Army camps throughout the world — but Sy Greene and his trombone made all the stops.
Many stories have circulated about Irving Berlin’s Jewishness, or lack of it. So let Sy set the record straight: “His wife came from a religious Catholic family. Her father was very much opposed to his daughter marrying a Jew, even one as prominent as Irving, and sent her to Europe for a year in an effort to separate them. But she returned and they did marry. Later his father-in-law arranged for a private audience with the Pope for Irving when the troupe was in Italy. Seymour said Berlin was not especially a very observant Jew “but he and I became good friends and one of my proudest possessions is a picture and letter he sent to my mother about me.”
Still, there were gaffes. He was once invited in Detroit to sing before a Jewish women’s group. He planned to sing White Christmas! Another Jewish member of the troups suggested that another song might be more appropriate.
Now Sy sits with his memories in the back row of HTAA. Can he still sound the shofar? No problem, he says.
Were you surprised to learn about the connection between Seymour Greene and Irving Berlin? You see Seymour every Shabbat, but it’s a safe bet that the above story is new to you.
Every member of HTAA is special; and several of them have shared pieces of their life-stories with us, but there are so many histories we don’t know.
Once again, we are asking you to share your simchas with us; to share a story about someone who did a special mitzvah —and now we’re also asking you to share yourself with the other members of our HTAA community (or the story of someone you know who may be too shy to let us know that there’s an interesting event in his/her past.)
Please send your contributions to the office, attention “Reporter.”
Change in HTAA Hiring Policy, by Cynthia Greene
The HTAA Board has changed a previous policy that did not allow synagogue members to be employed at HTAA. Now that members are eligible to work for HTAA, we would like to let you know that there is an opening in the office for a full-time Administrative Assistant.
We are looking for someone who can manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced office; is well-organized; has excellent communication and interpersonal skills; and focuses on details. Duties include, but are not limited to, answering the telephone; maintaining a data base; dealing with bulk mailings; handling donations; general typing skills, and typing contracts. Solid computer skills are a must.
The position is for 35 hours a week, and there are excellent benefits. If you are interested, or know of someone who is interested, please send resumes to: Congregation Har Tzeon- Agudath Achim, 1840 University Blvd., West/Silver Spring, MD. 20902, attention, Cynthia Greene. Resumes may also be faxed to 301-649-3112, or e-mailed to exedir@htaa.org.
Hazak Chapter Being Formed
Hazak is the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s organization for mature Jews. The function of Hazak is to deal with programming for, addressing the needs of, and working with “Senior Citizens,” (55+) who are members of full service affiliated congregations of the United Synagogue.
There is a trip to New York on April 25 &26th. There is also a retreat coming up June 13-20. For more information contact Jo-Anne Tucker-Zemlak (Zemlak@uscj.org) at the United Synagogue Seaboard Regional Office at (301) 230-0801.
Hazak Camp, by Joan Eisenberg
If you are 55 or older, consider going to The Pocono Mountains for a carefree week, from June 13-20th. The accommodations are comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, with private baths and daily housekeeping. Three glatt kosher meals are offered each day, with choice of entree at lunch and dinner. Snacks and coffee are available at all times, and they are included in the price.
Among the activities from which to choose are: swimming, water aerobics, boating, hiking, fishing, yoga, computer classes and lectures by educators. There is planned entertainment each night. A doctor is on call. Round-trip transportation is included in the cost.
For information, visit Empire Region’s web site at: http/uscj.org. Click on resources tab at the top of the screen, then on “Hazak – Programming for Congregants fifty-five years of age and older” link for the brochure and registration form, or call Jo-Anne Tucker-Zemlak at (301) 230-0801 ext.2.
Attention High School Students!
Looking for a way to make your community service hours add up? Come to Har Tzeon-Agudath Achim! We have many opportunities to sign you up, including work in our Religious School, around the building or helping with synagogue mailings. Call us to see how we can help you help us!
Montgomery County Public Schools Presents Distinguished Service to Education Awards
The Montgomery County Board of Education honored 13 individuals and organizations in the county during its 10th annual Awards for Distinguished Service to Public Education on October 19th. The awards were established by the Board to recognize and show appreciation for exemplary contributions to the public education and to Montgomery County Public Schools.
School Service Volunteer
Bernice Albert has traveled to Forest Knolls ES once a week for the past five years to help first grade students learn to read. The classes she assists are includsive, with children who have a range of physical disabilities. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in recent years, Albert continues to make the one-mile trip to Forest Knolls in her motorized scooter, serving as a role model for students.
The Masorti (Conservative) Movement in Israel
Masorti is the Hebrew name for the indigenous religious movement in Israel affiliated with the Conservative Movement in the United States. The Masorti Foundation for Conservative Judaism in Israel supports the work of the Masorti Movement, raising funds to enable the Movement to further its activities in Israel. The Foundation also serves as the Movement's voice to American media, public officials, and Jewish leadership. The following highlights Masorti's recent initiatives in Israel:
Marom joins forces with Hillel House
The opening of the academic year has seen the beginning of a new joint venture between Marom, Masorti's students and young adults organization, and the local chapters of Hillel House at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beer Sheba. The venture includes joint programming by the two bodies and the employment of staff to run the events.
The first meeting in Jerusalem, attended by over 70 students, addressed the subject of single parenthood in a diversified Jewish community. In Beer Sheba the joint venture will take the form of a series of events to discuss the matzav (situation) from various standpoints. Finally, a pilot project is also taking shape at the Orthodox Bar-Ilan University , just outside Tel Aviv, where a group of students has expressed its wish to participate in pluralistic Jewish activity on its campus.
New from NOAM
NOAM, the Masorti youth movement, began its present year of activities with the opening of a new chapter in Eilat, Israel's southernmost city. The new chapter is being run by a member of one of the NOAM Garinei Nahal (IDF units), presently serving in Kibbutz Ketura, in the Arava.
During Succot, over 400 NOAM members took part in the annual Succot hike, which this year marked 30 years since the death of Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion. The hike took place in various sites around the Negev, which Ben-Gurion fought to populate. Alongside the NOAM members, many NOAM graduates and Garin members took part, both as staff and as regular hikers.
Bar/Bat-Mitzvah-for-the-Special-Child Director to receive Liebhaber prize
Bar/Bat-Mitzvah-for-the-Special-Child Program Director, Judith Edelman-Green, has been awarded the Marc and Henia Liebhaber Prize for Religious Tolerance 5764, for encouraging cooperation and religious tolerance in Israel. The prize will be conferred upon Judith by the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies during a special ceremony later this month. The Masorti Movement congratulates Judith and lauds her and the rest of the staff for their tireless efforts in this singular Masorti program.
During a fundraising trip to the U.S. last month, Judith told a New Jersey parlor meeting of an ultra-Orthodox father of a child with CP and developmental disabilities who said, "The Masorti Movement is the first official body to welcome my son as a Jew, thank you." A mother of another child on the program declared, "All societal doors were closed. You opened them and made us welcome."
Contact information: Masorti Foundation for Conservative Judaism in Israel
Development Department
475 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10115-0068
1.212.870.2216
1.877.287.7414
info@masorti.org
www.masorti.org
A Call To Action From The Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center
Looking for a way to do some Tzedakah work while visiting Israel? Pack an extra bag!
The following items are needed for distribution:
* Used and new eyeglasses: for a non-profit clinic
* Dental supplies (floss, toothbrushes, small toothpastes, rubber gloves):
for a free dental clinic
* Used wedding dresses
* School supplies (pens, pencils, colored pens and pencils, markers, erasers,
small rulers [if they have
centimeters on them], pencil cases, colored paper, constructions paper, backpacks
* Small travel supplies (little deodorants, little shampoos, soaps, etc.)
* Packages of hard candies (kosher) for care packages for soldiers
The staff at the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center will be glad to arrange for you to deliver the supplies you bring to the appropriate Tzedakah organization, to meet the dedicated people involved, and to learn about their work. If pressed for time, simply bring the supplies directly to the Center and we will be happy to deliver them for you.
The Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center Lipson-Schilit-Family-Gemilut-Hesed Project connects United Synagogue members visiting Israel with a choice of meaningful volunteer opportunities. For more information, contact the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center at israel@uscj.org, phone 972-2-625-6386; or drop by our office at Beit Rapaport, 8 Agron St. Jerusalem.
Lois Goldrich
Department of Public Affairs/United Synagogue Review
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Tel: 212.533.7800, ext. 2601
Direct Dial: 646-519-9320
E-mail: goldrich@uscj.org
Website: www.uscj.org
News from the Hebrew Home
Regarding New Opportunities for Seniors
Landow House, a new state-of-the-art assisted living community with 60 apartments is under construction and will open June 2004 in Rockville. This new building will offer seniors an enhanced level of assisted living with a wide range of services and amenities. A climate-controlled walkway connecting Landow House to Ring House, an independent retirement community on the Hebrew Home’s campus, will allow residents to easily enjoy the many advantages offered in both buildings.
The 37 apartments currently offering assisted living services at Ring House will be converted to independent living units once Landow House opens, creating an unprecedented opportunity for those interested in independent living at Ring. Many of these apartments will be available at below market rents to low and moderate-income seniors. For information about the opportunities at Ring House or Landow House, call 301-816-5012 or call 301-770-8341 and ask for Marilyn Feldman.
Kurtze Hoizen Minyan
Har Tzeon-Agudath Achim conducts a morning minyan every weekday morning. This minyan has been meeting for over many decades. It is well known throughout the community judging by the number of non members including those from other Synagogues who come to us when they have a yahrzeit to observe.
The "Minyanaires" can be counted on to attend morning services in all kinds of weather- sunny or showery, cold or hot! This past summer has been no exception. Even with the numerous days the thermometer skirted the high nineties, our minyanaires came to daven as usual.
HTAA attendees at the morning minyan were helped in maintaining their 'cool' by wearing a newly designed uniform: short pants and a thin cotton T shirt. The T shirt bore the printing" KURTZE HOIZEN MINYAN" WHICH TRANSLATES TO "SHORT PANTS MINYAN." Most of our minyanaires wore the summer uniform, as shown in photo, and were quite a bit more comfortable before, during, and after davening. This then became the "KURTZE HOIZEN SOCIETY." For the winter their headquarters moved to Florida, but the loyal members of the Society remained faithful to HTAA and can be seen every morning in Tallit and Tefillin fulfilling their mitzvah of prayer.
Come join them and when the weather warms up you may want to don the Kurtze Hoisen yourself. Who knows you may even receive a T-shirt.
An Attorney's Advice and It's Free!
A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company and it may be helpful to you:
The next time you order checks, have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name but your bank will know how you sign your checks.
When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.
Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box, use that instead of your home address. Never have your SS # printed on your checks (DUH!), you can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will then know what you had in your wallet, when, and if, it is stolen, and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel.
Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We have all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc.
Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more.
But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know: We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily.
File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
But here is what is perhaps most important: (I never even thought to do this).
Call the three national credit-reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name.
The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done.
There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them in their tracks.
The numbers are:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything. Pass this information along. It could really help someone you care about.
Jewish Council for the Aging's Misler Adult Day Center
The Misler Adult Day Center in Rockville, a program of the Jewish Council for the Aging, provides a safe, socially stimulating place for older adults to spend daytime hours. They will be surrounded by other people, engaged in activity and conversation, and will also be supervised by well-trained and caring staff. If you have a loved one who is socially isolated, dependent on others for care or activity, facing cognitive or physical challenges but striving to remain in the home, then a day center like the Misler Center may provide just the help you need.
If your formerly active family member is facing physical, cognitive or emotional challenges, chances are that his or her world of social contacts is shrinking. At the Misler Adult Day Center, activity leaders, registered nurses and social workers provide structured, stimulating activities designed to meet the needs of people with a range of cognitive and physical abilities. Misler provides dignified assistance while allowing participants to make new friends, rekindle former interests, and regain a sense of engagement and connection to the community. Plus, Misler provides much-needed respite and peace of mind for caregivers.
A hot four-course Kosher lunch is served daily. Door-to-door transportation is provided from most of lower and middle Montgomery County. For eligible participants, sliding scale and financial assistance is available through state and county programs, the V.A. and Misler Opportunity Grant funds. For more information about the Misler Center, call social workers Harley Lattner or Carol Neustadt at 301-468-1740. You may visit us online at www.mislercenter.org.
Cemetery News
Thinking Ahead
You have a wonderful family with children and grandchildren. You look forward to graduations, weddings, anniversaries and simchas galore. Time seems infinite and there is plenty of it.
Life, however, does not consist of simchas only. Remember that ultimately you and your family will need a final resting place. How simple it is to take care of it now and help ensure that your loved ones can be together forever.
Securing a final resting place in advance is intelligent, economical and also responsible; you can make your decision in a thoughtful, unhurried, less costly manner. Then you know that you have truly taken care of all of your family's needs - now and for the future, just as our father Abraham did for his family's thousands of years ago. To learn about your options at Har Tzeon-Agudath Achim's beautiful new cemetery at Gan Ha Zikaron - the Garden of Remembrance, please contact Cynthia Greene at the shul office or Al Gruber at (301) 949-7148. You may also check our website which has a link to Gan Ha Zikaron, and you will see the beauty and grandeur of the only Jewish and community owned cemetery in the area.
Prices are still only $1500 per site and arrangements can be made for payments without interest.
Think about it.
Al Gruber, Cemetery Chair
New Funeral Contract Price Effective July 1, 2006
The contract price between the Funderal Practices Committee of Greater Washington and the Hines Rinaldi Funeral Home has been established from July 1, 2006 until June 30, 2008.
To review services provided in the contract, please see a copy of the contract in the HTAA office.
Albert Gruber, Chairman
Funeral Practices Commitee
TATER (as in "Potato") PEOPLE
Some people never seem motivated to participate, but are just content to watch while others do the work. They are called "Spec Taters".
Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted at finding fault with the way others do the work. They are called "Comment Taters".
Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what to do, but don't want to soil their own hands. They are called "Dick Taters".
Some people are always looking to cause problems by asking others to agree with them. It is too hot or too cold, too sour, or too sweet. They are called "Agie Taters".
There are those who say they will help, but somehow just never actually get around to doing the promised help. They are called "Hezzie Taters".
Some people can put up a front and pretend to be someone they are not. They are called "Emma Taters".
Then there are those who love others and do what they say they will. They are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing and lend a helping hand. They bring real sunshine into the lives of others. They are called "Sweet Taters".
Adult Education at HTAA
In early December, Rabbi Philip Pohl led a workshop entitled "12 Steps to Enhance Jewish Living." The group discussed several small, yet significant ways in which to enhance a family's Jewish education and observance. Rabbi Pohl suggested that two of these steps are most important, however, including daily study and worship, which could include reciting the Psalm of the day or reciting the Shema before bedtime.
Other "steps" included:
- Not only celebrating Shabbat by lighting candles and reciting kiddush and ha motzi, but also blessing the children, reciting the Birkat Ha Mazon, singing Shabbat songs, and creating a family Havdalah service. Another way of observing Shabbat is by not turning on the computer or opening mail in order to designate it as a special day.
- Keeping Kosher even in a bite-sized form, such as eating no milk and meat together, allowing only Kosher wine and/or grape juice in the house or making a blessing before all meals.
- Engaging in Jewish cultural activities, such as reading books by Jewish authors, or on Jewish or Israeli topics; listening to CDs by Jewish musicians, seeing movies and plays by Jewish creators or with a Jewish theme; attending lectures, a Jewish film festival, subscribing to Jewish publications such as the Washington Jewish Week.
- Visiting Israel, reading about the country, purchasing Israeli products and bonds.
- Becoming familiar with Hebrew, learning to read and write; learning the Hebrew calendar, celebrating Hebrew birthdays and holidays in your home such as Sukkot.
Those interested in daily study can go to www.virtualjewishlibrary.org and click on the link for the bibliography of websites. Additionally, www.beliefnet.com is another good resource.
Judy Slotnik
ECC Parent
Har Tzeon-Agudath Achim Supports Israel
In Its Struggle for Peace and Security
A banner with the above message has been ordered for HTAA to be placed in the front of the Shul. As you may know, over the past year the DC Area Coalition of Synagogue Israel Support Groups (Committees) has sponsored a number of important Israel education and advocacy projects. One such project is the Israel Banner Campaign, being coordinated by the Jewish Community Relations Council, in which more than 20 synagogues have decided to put up a banner.
It may seem obvious that synagogues support Israel but it's important to tell everyone. Some activists, who have been trying to counteract churches' attempts to divest from Israel, found that many mainstream Protestant groups do not realize how important Israel is to the Jewish people. We have to tell them.
Rabbi William Rudolph of Beth El, the first to put up a banner, said: "These are serious times for Israel and we thought it was time to make a strong statement." The JCRC, with the help of the Support Groups, hopes to extend the campaign to non-Jewish religious institutions that support "Israel's quest for peace." As an Ohr Kodesh member said: "One case is genocide and the other is in response to the genocidal threat of the Iranian president."
SHALOM!
Ed Morenstern
A Beautiful Plaque for a Beautiful Person
With the money that was donated by friends in Memory of Isabel Davidoff, we now have a beautiful plaque on display in the lobby on the Simcha Wall in Honor and Appreciation of her contribution to Sisterhood and Congregation. The remainder of the monies will be used towards a Congregation project.
A Special Thank You
This is a long overdue thank you to our Sisterhood Members and friends who worked for many months behind the scenes to enable the smooth operation of the stuffing of 184 Chanukah bags for delivery to 14 Nursing Homes to be completed within an hour.
A special thank you to Bea Marx for always being available with ideas and constantly looking and shopping for bargains in Chanukah Gelt, razors, candy, tissues and whatever items we didn't get in donations. Larelda Gruber donated the fabric and cut out practically all the bags. The Herculean task of sewing was then taken over by Barbara Sitkoff, Jean Fauer, Ruth Cohen, Zorach Serkin and yours truly. Theda Perlman did the finishing touches and inserting the string in all 184 bags. It was a wonderful feeling having the participation of so many who came to help stuff the bags. Last but certainly not least with appreciation to Ken Marx, Theda Perlman, Barbara Kagan and Karen Bellis who made the deliveries to the Nursing Homes. Don't want to forget to say thank you to the Sitkoff family who packed the boxes for delivery, Alysis Eisenberg who cutout the decoration and the USY who once again came to stuff bags.
Guess this sounds like Academy Awards Night, but a sincere thank you was past due for all who worked and those who donated to our Chanukah Nursing Home Project. Now we will once again start saving toiletries for next Chanukah.
Thanks again
Lil Goldberg
Endowments - If Not Now, When?
This is the third and final installment about our Synagogue Endowments. Recall the Hillel quotations that introduced this series:
"If I am not for myself, who will be for me?"
"Being only for myself, who am I?"
"If not now, when?"
The third question tells us that there is an urgency to accomplishing the first two objectives. When we provide nothing and give back "nothing" that "nothing" is both what we become and the legacy we leave.
What then are the ways in which we can assure leaving a legacy both for our families and for our inner and outer communities?
Including the Synagogue in a will is the simplest method for achieving the goal of "paying back."
A Life Insurance policy listing the Synagogue as owner and beneficiary is also a simple and effective means for assuring continued membership payments or establishing a philanthropic fund. It has the added advantage of tax deductibility for premiums paid to the Synagogue.
A variety of Trusts may be established for the mutual benefit of the Synagogue and the person establishing the Trust. The purpose of a trust is to set aside money or other assets to provide an income for yourself or another person without the bother of money management. Charitable Trusts have the additional advantage of establishing a tax-deductible gift for qualified non-profit organizations. A list of a few types of trusts follows:
Charitable Annuity Trusts
Charitable Remainder Unitrusts
Charitable Lead Trusts
Charitable Gift Annuities
No attempt is made to define these trusts. When considering establishing a Trust it is best to consult an attorney to assure that a choice is made to suit individual needs and objectives.
Finally, a letter of intent follows which can be sent to the Synagogue indicating a type of non-binding intention to establish an endowment fund using one or another of the methods listed above.
If not now when?
LETTER OF INTENT
Chairman, Endowment Committee
Congregation Har Tzeon-Agudath Achim
1840 University Boulevard West
Silver Spring, MD 20902
I am writing this letter to confirm my intention to contribute to the future continuation and growth of Har Tzeon-Agudath Achim by making a gift to the Congregation as indicated below:
____ I have already provided for HTAA by bequest in my will.
____ I intend to include a legacy to HTAA in my will.
____ I intend to establish a trust with HTAA as beneficiary.
____ I intend to purchase a life insurance policy with HTAA as owner and beneficiary.
Comment or supplementary details regarding items checked above
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Sincerely,
Name___________________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________
City, State Zip_________________________________________________________
By signing this Letter of Intent, the signer affirms his intention to include Har Tzeon-Agudath Achim in his will or as beneficiary of a life insurance policy, or as a Trust Beneficiary, but makes no binding commitment to do so. This letter does not constitute a legal obligation but only a moral obligation.
New HTAA Directories are Ready
You've been hearing about them all year and now they are here. The new HTAA directories are ready for you. If you did not pick up your copy at the 55th anniversary dinner, they are available in the synagogue office. If you would like us to mail one to you, please send $3.50 to cover the cost of shipping and we'll send it right out.
Want to join our Chavurah?
We are a group of HTAA members who have been meeting informally a few times a year for the last dozen or so years. We are now all empty-nesters in our 50's and 60's who are looking to expand our group and our range of interests. If you would like to participate in our Chavurah for activities, discussions, holiday celebrations, theater nights, local outings and of course, eating, please contact Ruth Shapiro at (301) 593-0563. We are a cooperative group, and everyone shares in the planning and hosting of programs.
Israel Emergency Campaign
For several weeks, Israelis have faced an endless barrage of Hezbollah rocket fire. As the attacks continue, Israelis have been killed and injured, homes destroyed, businesses forced to close and urgent social, economic and human needs have grown. Every Jewish community across the United States is reaching out to help support urgent humanitarian needs in Israel. In response, our Federation has mobilized an effort to raise approximately $500,000 for humanitarian aid for Israel over the next month. Please join this effort and make an immediate difference in the lives of our Israeli brothers and sisters.
100% of all money donated to Federation's Israel Emergency Campaign will go directly to Israel to help where it is most critically needed - social services, educational programs, and projects designed to reduce the risk of physical harm. Please call our Donor Center at (301) 230-7239 for more information, or you can get a lot of good information from the website at www.ShalomDC.org.
Your donation will help where needs are most critical.
The immediate needs alone have been estimated at $50 million per month while the fighting is going on. We know that significantly more - upwards of $250 million - will be needed for longer-term needs and challenges.
In addition to many other services, your generous support right now will:
· Move children from the north of Israel to safer summer camp locations in the central and southern regions of the country. We anticipate needing to support camp experiences for 20,000 children.
· Provide emergency assistance to the disabled, food and medicine to the elderly, and special support for new immigrants; and
· Relief and support for soldiers and their families, and trauma counseling to anyone who needs it
· Longer term, your gift will help rebuild the infrastructure of the country:
· Provide vocational training and temporary housing;
· Repair and re-equip libraries, community centers, daycares, and homes for the elderly; and
· Continue support of trauma victims and vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, those with special needs, new immigrants, and more.
You may donate by credit card. If you prefer to donate by mail, please send to:
Israel Emergency Campaign
c/o The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
PO Box 96140
Washington, DC 20090-6140
Payments can be made to" The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington"
Please write "Israel Relief" in the memo section of your check.
Thinking Ahead
You have a wonderful family with children and grandchildren. You look forward to graduations, weddings, anniversaries and simchas galore. Time seems infinite, and there is plenty of it.
Life, however, does not consist of simchas only. Remember that ultimately you and your family will need a final resting place. How simple it is to take care of it now and help ensure that your loved ones can be together forever.
Securing a final resting place in advance is intelligent, economical and also responsible; you can make your decision in a thoughtful, unhurried, less costly manner. Then you will know that you have truly taken care of all of your family's needs - now and for the future, just as our father Abraham did for his family's thousands of years ago. To learn about your options at Har Tzeon-Agudath Achim's beautiful new cemetery at Gan Ha Zikaron - the Garden of Remembrance, please contact Cynthia Greene at the shul office or Al Gruber at (301) 949-7148. You may also check our website which has a link to Gan Ha Zikaron, and you will see the beauty and grandeur of the only Jewish and community owned cemetery in the area.
Prices are still only $1500 per site and arrangements can be made for payments without interest.
Think about it.
Al Gruber, Cemetery Chair
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