the jewish center€¦ · the upper west side, inspires its members and embraces the broader jewish...

THE JEWISH CENTERFALL PROGRAM GUIDE 2015/5776

The Modern Orthodox Center for Jewish Life and Learning

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Rabbi Dovid LauAshkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel

The Honorable Irwin CotlerCanadian Member of Parliment

Dana Weiss Israeli TV and Political Personality

Dr. Erica BrownJewish Center Community Scholar

The Jewish Center131 WEST 86TH STREET

NEW YORK, NY 10024

TELEPHONE: 212.724.2700

FAX: 212.724.5629

WWW.JEWISHCENTER.ORG

CLERGY AND STAFF Yosie LevineRABBI

Dovid ZirkindASSISTANT RABBI

Chaim David BersonCANTOR

Daniel FridmanRESIDENT SCHOLAR

Ari LammRESIDENT SCHOLAR

Noach GoldsteinWILLIAM FISCHMAN RABBINIC INTERN

Erica BrownCOMMUNITY SCHOLAR

Aaron StrumEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Eliane Dreyfuss GlassmanDIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING & COMMUNICATIONS

Jenn & Gaby MinskyYOUTH DIRECTORS

OFFICERS Avi SchwartzPRESIDENT

Andrew BorodachFIRST VICE PRESIDENT

Andrew KaplanVICE PRESIDENT

Mark SegallVICE PRESIDENT

Rose Lynn SherrVICE PRESIDENT

Michael Jacobs ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT

Yaron KinarTREASURER

Len BermanASSISTANT TREASURER

Miri LipskySECRETARY

The Jewish Center, a cornerstone of Modern Orthodox Jewish Life on the Upper West Side, inspires its members and embraces the broader Jewish community through vibrant prayer, serious Torah study, spiritual inquiry, charitable endeavors, appreciation of world culture and an abiding commitment to the State of Israel.

In these pages, you will discover a Center that is the religious, intellectual and spiritual home for each of its members as well as a Modern Orthodox Center for Jewish Life and Learning that is welcoming to all.

XOur theme for this semester’s programming is Going Global: Exploring Judaism’s Reach Worldwide. We welcome The Honorable Irwin Cotler who’s distinguished career has been devoted to Human Right, world peace and combating Anti-Semitism. In October we partner with Israel Bonds to host a conversation with Israeli Media personality Dana Weiss and The Forward’s JJ Goldberg on how Media reports globally in times of crisis. Chief Rabbi Dovid Lau and Rabbi Shmuel Goldin will be discussing Conversion Challenges in their respective countries. Visiting Scholar Dr. Erica Brown will deliver a public lecture on the timely issue of How Jew’s Talk About Race. These special programs along with our regularly scheduled weekly learning will highlight the unique role we can play in shaping the world around; our privilege and responsibility to engage in the most pressing issues of the day.

Table of contents:Tefillah at The Jewish Center ........................................................ Page 3 Upcoming Events ............................................................................. Page 4 Youth Department .......................................................................... Page 6 Carlebach Davening & Musical Havdalah .................................... Page 8 Seudah Shlishit Series .......................................................................... Page 9Jewish Center University Course Listings and Descriptions .... Page 10Fall Lecture Series .......................................................................... Page 12 JC Book Club ................................................................................... Page 14Chesed Opportunities .......................................................................... Page 15Faculty and Staff ............................................................................. Page 16Support The Jewish Center ................................................................. Page 18

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The Jewish Center | Fall Program Guide 2015/5776

Main Sanctuary 9:00AM

Cantor Chaim David Berson leads the service with melodies and songs that never fail to inspire. Rabbi Yosie Levine’s weekly sermons address timely and timeless issues and speak to the congregants’ relationships with one another and with Hashem.

Hashkama Minyan 7:45AM

With a close knit feel, this minyan features a 15 minute shiur in conjunction with a hot Kiddush immediately following davening.

Young Leadership Minyan 9:30AM

This minyan is the nucleus of the Young Leadership Committee’s social and religious programming. Led exclusively by our young professionals and Assistant Rabbi, Rabbi Dovid Zirkind, the minyan combines beautiful Tefilah and conversation on relevant issues.

Young Couples & Families Minyan 9:30AM

Once a month the YCF community organizes a minyan and a kiddush. This family friendly environment is a wonderful opportunity to meet others couples, and to lead services. Please check our website to find out when the next minyan will be hosted.

Teen Minyan9:30AM

All Upper West Side teens and their friends are welcome to join! This minyan is held once a month. Davening and leining are led by, and Divrei Torah are given by, teens under the guidance from Rabbi Daniel Fridman. Following davening, teens will enjoy an amazing hot kiddush.

Tot Shabbat

This fall, youngest members of our congregation will experience their own Friday night services with Devra Seidel, a very talented performer. She will celebrate Shabbat by singing Shabbat songs, telling Shabbat stories and playing some musical games. Our first Tot Shabbat will be on November 13th during Friday night davening in the Geller Youth Center. Stay tuned for December and January dates!

Carlebach MinyanLed by Cantor Chaim David Berson this service uses the tunes of Shlomo Carlebach to inspire us and transform our Friday night experience.

MJE Beginners Service 9:30AM

Led by Rabbi Mark Wildes, this Saturday morning service is designed for people who know little or nothing about Jewish prayer. Service is followed by Kiddush, refreshments and socializing. No charge. Co sponsored with NJOP

SHABBAT SERVICES

Sunday and Weekday ServicesOn Sundays and legal holidays, Shacharit is held in the Max Stern Auditorium at 8:30AM. On weekday mornings, Shacharit is at 7:00AM and 8:00AM in the Marion and Max Grill Beit Midrash (4th floor). For Minchah and Maariv, Rosh Chodesh, fast days, Chol Hamoed and Selichot days the times are adjusted (see calendar on our website).

Women’s Tehillim 7:15PMJoin us every other Monday as we recite the entire Book of Tehillim for those who need our spiritual support and for the safety and well being of our brothers and sisters in Israel. Please visit our website for more information.


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Israeli Chief Rabbi Dovid Lau in Conversation with Rabbi Shmuel Goldin Conversion to Judaism: Challenges and Opportunities In Israel and America TodayWednesday, October 14 from 8:00-10:00PM

Rabbi Shmuel Goldin has served as spiritual leader of Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood, NJ, since 1984. Rabbi Dovid Baruch Lau has been the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel since the summer of 2013. He previously served as the Chief Rabbi of Modi’in-Maccabim-Re’ut, Israel and as the Chief Rabbi of Shoham.

Seudah Shlishit in Honor of Our ChattanimShabbat, October 17

Join us for a festive and entertaining Seudah Shlishit which honors members dedicated to the core values of the Shul. Come and show your support for our Center and the honorees at this program which is not to be missed! Chattan Torah: Rabbi Jonathan HelfandChattan Bereishit: Jeff BogurskyChattan Maftir: Moshe Fruchter

Media Coverage in Crisis: The Ethics of Contemporary Journalism A Conversation with Israeli Journalist and TV Personality Dana Weiss Moderated by JJ Goldberg, Editor-at-Large, The ForwardTuesday, October 20 at 8:00PM

Dana Weiss is the presenter of the weekend news on Channel Two Israel. Previously she was the host of “Meet the Press” on the same channel. She is also a documentary producer, investigative journalist and a lawyer. Weiss is a Guest Lecturer at the Sammy Ofer School of Communications at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya. Sponsored by Israel Bonds

Kiddush - Launching The JC’s Volunteer Improvement ProgramShabbat, October 24

The Volunteer Improvement Program (VIP) is a new initiative to get more people involved in The JC in meaningful ways and to improve the experience of our volunteers. This Kiddush will recognize our current volunteers and provide information about volunteering opportunities which require varying levels of time. For more information email [email protected].

Thanks to the vision and generosity of the UJA Federation’s Live w/ Purpose Initiative, The Jewish Center is proud to launch an exciting Social Action fellowship for young professionals (22-35) this coming year. The fellowship will include monthly seminars led by experts on a wide array of social issues; including homelessness, effective philanthropy, human trafficking

and more. Co-taught by Rabbi Dovid Zirkind, the seminars will focus on the synthesis of text-based Torah study and the innovative social justice programing. In addition, the group will make bi-monthly site visits to organizations and institutions forging new paths in the world of social action, including Dorot, Met Council, JCC Adaptations and others. Space in this program is limited. To apply please email Rabbi Zirkind before October 11th.

Announcing the Launch of The Jewish Center Young Professionals Action Fellowship (JCAF)

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The Honorable Irwin Cotler A Global Perspective of the Jewish Condition Today: Challenges and ResponsesShabbat, October 30-31 Shabbat Morning Public Lecture: Globalizing Hatred – The New AntisemitismSeudah Shlishit: The Iranian Five-Fold Threat and the New International Disorder

Irwin Cotler is the Member of Parliament for Mount Royal and the Liberal Party of Canada’s Critic for Rights and Freedoms and International Justice. He is also an Emeritus Professor of Law at McGill University, former Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Canada, and an international human rights lawyer.

Book Club Meeting: Ally: My Journey Across the American-Israeli Divide by Michael OrenSunday, November 1 at 7:30PM

This meeting will be led by Professor Jerome Chanes. All are welcome to join the book club. If you have any questions, please email Dinah at [email protected]. For more information please see page 14.

Annual Clothing Drive Sunday, November 15 from 10:30AM-1:30PM

Even if you have worn them already, or don’t want to, your clothes can still perform good deeds by being donated to our clothing drive. For more information and to get involved as a volunteer, please visit our website.

Chanukah Toy Drive Sunday, November 1 - Thursday, November 26

The JC is collecting new toys to be donated to children at Ohel. Stop by The JC lobby to drop off a toy.

Yachad Shabbaton Shabbat, December 18

The Jewish Center is proud to partner with Manhattan Day School as they host their annual Yachad Shabbaton in conjunction with the Orthodox Union. Yachad members will be davening with us throughout shabbat and joining us for a communal Shabbat Dinner. For more information and opportunities to get involved, please contact Rabbi Zirkind.

A Continuing Legal Education Course in Conjuction with the Beit Din of AmericaThursday, November 5Clergy Confidentiality: Rabbi Yona ReissAv Beth Din, Chicago Rabbinical Council Chaver Beth Din, Beth Din of America

Wednesday, November 18Arbitrator Impartiality and the Beth Din Process: Rabbi Shlomo WeissmannDirector, Beth Din of America

Wednesday, December 2Legal Issues Relating to the Beth Din of America Prenuptial AgreementBenjamin S. Kaminetzky, Esq.Partner, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Thursday, December 17Does Jewish Law Have a Problem with Female Witnesses? [Hint: No]Michael Avi Helfand, Ph.D.Faculty, Pepperdine School of Law

The Beth Din of America has been certified by the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board as an Accredited Provider of continuing legal education. Financial aid to reduce or waive the fees for the lectures is available upon request. Each session is worth 1.5 credits and costs $75. Sign up for all 4 and receive the fourth lecture free of charge.

All sessions are from 8:00PM-9:30PM. For more information please contact [email protected]. For more information about subjects, lecturers and price, please visit our website.

For more information about events and programs at The JC, contact Eliane Dreyfuss Glassman at 212-724-2700 x110

or [email protected].


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2 year olds with Morah Judy KatzMorah Judy runs a fun and active program, where parents encourage their children to try out songs, games, and age-appropriate conversations for Shabbat and holidays. The group always ends with kiddush before the children join their parents for Adon Olam in the Main Sanctuary. 3-4 year olds with Ilana ShimunovWith Morah Ilana our children daven, sing Shabbat songs, learn about the weekly parsha, play Shabbat games, and listen to Torah-related stories. The children enjoy kiddush before they go upstairs and lead Adon Olam with Cantor Berson in the Main Sanctuary.

5-6 year olds with Rachel KarpfOur children spend time each week learning about tefilah and playing elaborate parsha and holiday related games. Children also get parsha time, stories, guided play, and kiddush. Then the children go upstairs and lead Adon Olam with Cantor Berson in the Main Sanctuary.

2nd-3rd grade with Isabel TsesarskyChildren have opportunities for free play, then take part in advanced davening in the form of a “Junior Congregation”. Our youth play

more complex parsha related games, answer parsha quizzes, play ice breakers, learn new games, have guided play, and story time. The group ends with kiddush.

4th-6th grade with David ShimunovOur children are ready to be leaders in our “Junior Congregation”, leading daverning, even more parsha time and quizzes, and more elaborate games and icebreakers. The Rabbis visit this group and engage with the children. Our children get to participate in guided play where they can be more creative and take charge.

Teen LoungePost Bar/Bat Mitvah age teens are welcome to join our new teen lounge after davening. Come hang out, play ping pong, fuseball, chill, have a snack or schmooze with your friends.

Shabbat Afternoon Park Meet-UpLooking for an activity for your children (up to age 8) on Shabbat afternoon? Join other JC families at various parks on Shabbat afternoon in the Fall. See weekly Shabbat bulletin for park or location of the week.

Afternoon GroupsFor boys and girls in 2nd-7th grade there’s no better way to spend Shabbat afternoons in NYC. With full access

to the JC gym and interactive games, your child will play with friends in a fun and safe environment. Led by our experienced teacher, Yael Kahn Pinto, and her husband Tony, your child will have a great time playing sports and games, munching on snacks, and discussing topics in Jewish life. Times vary according to the Mincha schedule.

Teen MinyanThe Jewish Center teen minyan, which meets once a month, is a forum for young men and women to take leadership roles in their religious lives. Davening and leining are led by the young men, and our young women deliver divrei Torah exploring the Kriat HaTorah and explicating Shabbat Tefillah. The minyan is followed by a wonderful Kiddush where the teens can socialize. Tot Shabbat with Devra Seidel Family Minyan Toddlers through KindergartenThis fall, youngest members of our congregation will experience their own Friday night services with Devra Seidel, a very talented performer. She will celebrate shabbat by singing Shabbat songs, telling Shabbat stories and playing some musical games. Our first Tot Shabbat will be on November 13th during Friday night davening in the Geller Youth Center. Stay tuned for December and January dates!

JEWISH CENTER YOUTH DEPARTMENT

The Jewish Center Youth Department is one of the most successfully run youth programs on the Upper West Side and remains a wonderful draw for young families in our community. With professionally run Shabbat programs in The Geller Youth Center and Beit Midrash and a plethora of exciting and educational year-round events, parents of children in preschool through 6th grade can participate fully in synagogue and holiday services while their children are exposed to introductory tefillah education, Parsha study, and some wonderful peer fun as well. The Jewish Center is the center for the entire family, including your tots and teens. For more information about our Youth events, please contact our Youth Directors, Jennifer and Gaby Minsky - [email protected].

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UPCOMING EVENTS

For more information about Youth events or to become a sponsor, please contact our Youth Directors, Jenn and Gaby, at [email protected].

Teen Minyan Shabbat, October 10The Teen minyan will take place about once a month. See shabbat bulletin for details.

Zumba and Krav Maga Night!Saturday night, October 24 • 7:30PM Join Camp Zeke at The Jewish Center for an evening of Zumba and Krav Maga! Get your heart racing in a high-energy Zumba class or join an action-packed Krav Maga session with a master instructor. Lots of fun (and sore muscles!) guaranteed. The program costs $18 for members and $24 for non-members. Please visit our website to register.

Parent Child Cooking Class with Jackie TopelSunday, November 1 • 11:00AM to 1:00PM Join us in the kitchen for a fun, fall-inspired cooking class! We welcome parents to join their kids as we cook brunch together. Recommended for children

ages 5 and up. The program costs $40 per member family and $45 per non-member family. Sponsorship opportunities available. Visit our website to register.

Youth Department Movie NightSaturday night, November 21Join us for our first movie night of the year! Popcorn and pizza will be served.

Thanksgiving Day Firehouse VisitJoin the youth department to decorate gratitude cards and to deliver delicious home baked goods to our local fire department.

Clergy Youth Basketball!Saturday night, December 19Join us for this blockbuster basketball match. Come and cheer on your favorite rabbis as they are challenged by our great youth players!

JEWISH CENTER YOUTH DEPARTMENT


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Musical Havdalah in the WinterAll are welcome to join our family-friendly musical Havdalah led by Cantor Chaim David Berson and various musical guests. Please visit our website for dates.Do you play an instrument? Would you like to perform at musical Havdalah? Contact Rabbi Dovid Zirkind at [email protected].

Carlebach Davening This monthly Friday night service meets every Shabbat Mevarchim. Led by Cantor Chaim David Berson, this minyan uses the tunes of Shlomo Carlebach to inspire us and transform our Friday night experience.

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October 10: Erica BrownJC Community ScholarJudaism and Creativity: Thinking About and Beyond the Arts

October 17: Seudah Shlishit in Honor of Our ChattanimChattan Torah: Rabbi Jonathan Helfand Chattan Bereishit: Jeff Bogursky Chattan Maftir: Moshe Fruchter

October 24: Rabbi Dovid ZirkindInternational Campaigns and Individual Redemption: Lessons from The

Legacy of Avraham Avinu

October 31: Honorable Irwin CotlerThe Iranian Five-Fold Threat and the New International Disorder

November 7: Adena BerkowitzJCU FacultyFrom Rome to Jerusalem: A 50 Year Perspective

November 14: Dr. Chaim Peri When a Yaakov Becomes a Yisrael: Effective Transformation

of at-Risk Youth in Israel - from Survival to LeadershipChaim Peri has served as educator and director of the Yemin Orde Youth Village in Israel for 30 years. He holds degrees from Bar Ilan University, Columbia University and University of London. Dr. Peri is the recipient of numerous Awards in the field of Education and is the author of The Village Way.

THANK YOU to our Education Committee for helping construct this semester’s theme and programs:

Leora Botnick • Naomi Cohen • Bernard Falk • David Meyer Mark Segall • Lori Zeltser • Rabbi Dovid Zirkind

We welcome your feedback and ideas. The committee can be reached at [email protected]


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David, King of IsraelSadye and Henry Bayer Chumash Class

Rabbi Yosie Levine Tuesdays at 8:00PMBegins October 27

With an eye toward contemporary applications, this special class will look anew at the most charged narratives in the life of Israel’s king. Using both classical and contemporary commentaries, this class will re-engage timeless questions in an attempt to unpack the human elements beneath the national story.

Timing Is Everything: Studies in Mesechet KedushinRabbi Dovid Zirkind Mondays at 8:00PMOctober 19 - December 23

The Mishnaic principle of time-bound mitzvot leads the Talmud deep into the core of Juda-ism’s halachik gender distinctions and parent/child relationships. This three month course will take an in-depth look at one of the Gemara’s classic sugyot and the way it has shaped the dynamic of our community and religious life, ever since.

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Parshah/Haftarah Roundtablewith Rabbi Daniel Fridman Wednesdays at 7:15-8:00PM

This weekly class will select one or two themes from the weekly portion and develop them through classical commentaries. Topics will be selected based on current events.The Advanced Talmud Chaburah will follow from 8:00-9:30PM.

Jewish History: Judaism in a Christian EmpireRabbi Ari Lamm Tuesdays at 7:15PM (Begins October 27)

In the modern world, Judaism and Christianity are seen as two great, but sharply divergent religious traditions. Yet too often we forget that, on the one hand, the earliest Christians actu-ally identified proudly as adherents of the Torah, while on the other hand, many Jews, from the same period and later, espoused ideas that would eventually be thought of as originating with Christianity. In this course - suitable for advanced students and beginners alike - we will ask: to what extent were there sharp lines dividing early Jews and Christians, and to what extent were those lines blurred? At what point - and how - do Judaism and Christianity transform into com-pletely separate religions? And, of foremost importance, how should these questions impact upon the lives of aspiring ‘ovedei Hashem?


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Israel Friedman Daf YomiRotating JCU FacultyWeekdays at 7:45AM, Shabbat afternoon between Mincha and MaarivLocation: 1st floor classroom

Timing Is Everything: Studies in Mesechet KedushinRabbi Dovid ZirkindMondays at 8:00PM(Begins October 19)Location: 4th floorFor more information, please see page 10.

Nosh and DrashDr. Adena BerkowitzTuesdays 10:15-11:30AMLocation: 4th floorJoin us for this weekly Parsha shiur focusing on the intellectual and spiritual insights from the Torah. For women only.

David, King of IsraelSadye and Henry Bayer Chumash ClassRabbi Yosie LevineTuesdays at 8:00PM (Begins October 27)For more information, please see page 10.

Women of the Bible: Book of SamuelRabbi Yosie LevineWednesdays at 11:00AMLocation: 4th floorBeginning with Eve, this series explores the lives and legacies of the women of the bible. Through close textual readings and exploration of the classic Biblical commentaries, this class for women will attempt to gain a deeper understanding of the characters we know so well.

Jewish History: Judaism in a Christian EmpireRabbi Ari LammTuesdays at 7:15PM For more information, please see page 11.

Parshah/Haftarah RoundtableRabbi Daniel FridmanWednesdays at 7:15PMFor more information, please see page 11.

Advanced Talmud ChaburaRabbi Daniel FridmanWednesdays at 8:00PMLocation: 8th floor

Rabbi Israel Silverstein Mishnayot ClassRabbi Yosie LevineShabbat Mornings at 8:30AMA freewheeling discussion of Jewish law and custom.

Hashkama Shiur Rotating JCU FacultyShabbat mornings at 9:15AMLocation: 5th floor dance studioTaught in conjunction with a hot Kiddush every Shabbat morning , this highly participatory class uses topics that relateto the weekly Parshah as well as pertinent contemporary halachic issues.

39 MelachotRabbi Dovid ZirkindShabbat afternoonsOctober 31 - December 26

Jewish Center University runs from October 12 to December 18

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Dr. Erica Brown, JC Community Scholar Shabbat, October 10-11

Shabbat Morning Public Lecture:In God’s Image: How Jews Talk about Race

Seudah Shlishit: Judaism and Creativity: Thinking About and Beyond the Arts

Israeli Chief Rabbi Dovid Lau in Conversation with Rabbi Shmuel Goldin Wednesday, October 14 from 8:00-10:00PM Conversion to Judaism: Challenges and Opportunities In Israel and America Today Rabbi Shmuel Goldin has served as spiritual leader of Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood, New Jersey, since 1984. Rabbi Dovid Baruch Lau has been the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel since the summer of 2013. He previously served as the Chief Rabbi of Modi’in-Maccabim-Re’ut, Israel and as the Chief Rabbi of Shoham.

Media Coverage in Crisis: The Ethics of Contemporary JournalismA Conversation with Israeli Journalist and TV Personality Dana WeissModerated by JJ Goldberg, Editor-at-Large, The ForwardTuesday, October 20 at 8:00PM Dana Weiss is the presenter of the weekend news on Channel Two Israel. Previously she was the host of “Meet the Press” on the same channel. She is also a documentary producer, investigative journalist and a lawyer. Weiss is a Guest Lecturer at the Sammy Ofer School of Communications at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya.Generously sponsored by Israel Bonds.

The Honorable Irwin Cotler A Global Perspective of the Jewish Condition Today: Challenge and ResponseShabbat, October 30-31

Shabbat Morning Public Lecture: Globalizing Hatred – The New Antisemitism

Seudah Shlishit: The Iranian Five-Fold Threat and the New International Disorder

Irwin Cotler is the Member of Parliament for Mount Royal and the Liberal Party of Canada’s Critic for Rights and Freedoms and International Justice. He is also an Emeritus Professor of Law at McGill University, former Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Canada, and an international human rights lawyer.


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JEWISH CENTER BOOK CLUB 5776/2015-16 This year The Jewish Center Book Club features a new and diverse crop of recent releases. Our season begins with Michael Oren’s Ally: My Journey Across the American -Israeli Divide, which chronicles Oren’s years as Israeli ambassador to the United States (2009 -2013), and his personal journey from Jewish -American historian to Israeli diplomat and political figure. We shift gears for our second selection, The Betrayers, David Bezmozgis‘ prize winning (National Jewish Book award 2015), page turner novel about an ex -Soviet Israeli politician who confronts the man who betrayed him to the KGB. Our final selection is Shulem Deen’s All Who Go Do Not Return: A Memoir, his compelling account of growing up Hasidic and his struggle to define his own beliefs.

The meetings, which take place in the home of a Jewish Center member, are led by a discussant. They generate stimulating and lively back and forth and are followed by refreshments. We welcome new participants – so please join us for a new year of reading and discussing three new and engaging books!

Sunday, November 1, 2015 at 7:30PMAlly: My Journey Across the American- Israeli Divide by Michael Oren • Discussant: Professor Jerome Chanes

All are welcome to join the book club. If you have any questions, please email Dinah at [email protected].

Sunday, January 10, 2016 at 7:30PMThe Betrayersby David Bezmozgis • Discussant: Esther Nussbaum

Sunday, May 22, 2016 at 7:30PMAll Who Go Do Not Return: A Memoirby Shulem Deen • Discussant: Rabbi Dovid Zirkind

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Upper West Side Gemachlocated on the 6th floor of The Jewish CenterThis is a repository for new and gently used clothes for those in need - both within our community and beyond it. The Gemach is stocked with clothes for all ages and seasons. All are welcome to schedule a confidential and private appointment with the Gemach.

This initiative is volunteer-driven – by both teens and adults. We request that volunteers help sort clothes as donations come in, greet shoppers during their private appointments, and donate clothes during our clothing drive.

Interested to become a volunteer or know more about the Gemach? Email Adira Hulkower at [email protected].

Bikkur Cholim The Jewish Center’s Bikkur Cholim Committee invites you to participate in one or all of our programs. We have Shabbat visits to Mt. Sinai Hospital on a weekly basis, weekly visits to the Jewish Home and Hospital Nursing Home and Bikkur Cholim by Phone. Please see The Jewish Center weekly bulletin for programming dates or email Shira Silton for more information at [email protected].

Bikkur in the Home (BKITH)Bikkur in the Home Group is the exciting initiative within the Bikur Cholim committee. Our goal is to ensure that community care and support is made present to the homebound. Building relationships between the homebound and the community is facilitated through the

following activities: home visits, telephone calls during the week, and errand assistance. Through these mitzvot, a meaningful foundation of companionship and reciprocal appreciation is cultivated. Please see The Jewish Center weekly bulletin programming dates or for more information visit our website or email [email protected].

Youth Bikkur Cholim Since October 2013, there has been a remarkable expansion of the BKITH program that includes a partnership with The Jewish Center Youth Department! Once a month, on Shabbat afternoons, BKITH leaders pair up with our youth to visit home bound residents. We are eagerly looking forward to another incredible year of collective chesed activities with both The JC youth and now High School students, all of whom are emerging as the next generation of talented BKITH leaders!


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XYOSIE LEVINERABBIRabbi Yosie Levine joined The Jewish Center’s rabbinic team in 2004. He earned a BA in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia College and was awarded

the university’s William F. Curtis award for outstanding oratory. A Wexner Graduate Fellow, Rabbi Levine received rabbinic ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary and was the winner of RIETS’ writing prize. He holds an MPA in Public Policy from NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Modern Jewish History at Yeshiva University’s Bernard Revel Graduate School. Rabbi Levine served as Rabbinic Intern, Assistant Rabbi and Associate Rabbi at The Jewish Center where he received practical rabbinic training and mentoring from Rabbi Ari Berman. Before joining the Center, he served as the educational director of the Lauder Foundation’s Beit Midrash in Berlin, Germany and as the visiting scholar of Congregation Knesseth Israel in Birmingham, Alabama. Rabbi Levine has taken a leadership role in the issue of day school affordability and and serves as the chair of Manhattan Day School Political Advocacy Committee. He is active in numerous communal organizations including AIPAC, the Beth Din of America, UJA-Federation of New York and the Rabbinical Council of America. Rabbi Levine’s wife, Rachel, is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Manhattan. They are the proud parents of four children.

DOVID ZIRKINDASSISTANT RABBIRabbi Dovid Zirkind attended Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh for two years. He attended Yeshiva University, graduating with honors with a B.A. in Psychology. He then attended the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological

Seminary. Most recently, he served as Kollel Fellow at the Yeshiva University Beit Midrash in Toronto and served as the Rabbinic Assistant at Shaarei Shomayim Congregation. He and his wife Ariella, are the proud parents of Amira and Gali.

DR. ADENA BERKOWITZJCU FACULTYDr. Berkowitz, co-founder of Kol HaNeshamah, has a background in both law and Jewish Studies from Yeshiva University’s

Cardozo School of Law and the Jewish Theological Seminary. She co-authored Gates of JOY, a mini prayerbook-- the first liturgical work in the modern era written by Orthodox women for use in the Jewish community. She is a visiting lecturer at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School. She lives in New York with her husband Rabbi Zev Brenner and their children.

CHAIM DAVID BERSON CANTORBorn and raised in Jerusalem, Israel, Cantor Chaim David Berson received his education at the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem.

Subsequently, he graduated from the Tel Aviv Cantorial Institute. Cantor Berson has served as Associate Cantor at the Shaar Hashamayim Synagogue in Montreal, and is constantly in demand to lead services in prestigious synagogues worldwide, including

the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem. He has been the Cantor at The Jewish Center since 2010. In the summer of 2013 he married Batya, who is currently studying to be a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Columbia University.

DANIEL FRIDMANRESIDENT SCHOLARDaniel Fridman was raised in Teaneck, New Jersey. He attended The Frisch School, Yeshivat Har Etzion, and graduated summa cum laude from Columbia University. He was ordained by Rabbi Isaac Elchanan

Theological Seminary of Yeshiva University, where he is a fellow of the RIETS kollel, and is pursuing a graduate degree in Jewish Philosophy. His wife, Dr. Chaya Fridman, a neuropsychologist, is currently Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College. They are the proud parents of Eliana. Daniel and Chaya Fridman are thrilled to be a part of The Jewish Center community, where Daniel has been Resident Scholar since 2009.

ARI LAMMRESIDENT SCHOLARAri Lamm serves as Resident Scholar at the Jewish Center. He is a graduate of Yeshiva University with a B.A. in History and Jewish Studies. Upon graduation from

Yeshiva, he earned a U.S. U.K. Fulbright Scholarship to complete his M.A. in Hebrew & Jewish Studies at University College London. He completed his rabbinic studies at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. Currently he is a PhD candidate at Princeton University studying ancient Judaism and Christianity, as well as an Executive Committee member at Global Unites, a Sri Lanka based organization promoting anti radicalization among youth in conflict areas. He and Shlomit are the proud parents of daughters Perri, Sarit and Maya.

NOACH GOLDSTEINWILLIAM FISCHMAN RABBINIC INTERNNoach Goldstein is beginning his fourth year in the Semichah Honors Program at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan

Theological Seminary. He is also working toward an M.A. in Medieval Jewish History at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Yeshiva University. Originally from Teaneck, Noach spent two years studying at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Israel prior to majoring in History and English at Yeshiva University’s Schottenstein Honors Program. Noach studied for five years with Rabbi Michael Rosensweig and was the Editor-in-Chief of the Beis Yitzchak Torah journal. Noach currently lives in Washington Heights with his wife, Alexis (Mayer), a quick train ride away from the Knicks and Yankees.

MARK WILDESMANHATTAN JEWISH EXPERIENCERabbi Mark Wildes is the Founder and Director of MJE. He holds a BA in Psychology from Yeshiva University, a law degree from the Cardozo School of Law, a

master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and was ordained by the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. Since founding MJE, Rabbi Wildes has become one of America’s most inspirational and dynamic Jewish educators.

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POLINA BERDICHCONTROLLERPolina Berdich has been the Controller of The Jewish Center since August of 2005. She received her B.A. from Touro College and her MA Odessa University. Born in Ukraine, Polina immigrated to America

eleven years ago. She and her son, Boris, currently reside in Brooklyn.

ERICA BROWNCOMMUNITY SCHOLARDr. Erica Brown is an educator and author who consults for the Jewish Agency and other Jewish non-profits. She previously served as the scholar-in-residence for The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington,

where she directed the Jewish Leadership Institute. She also held that position at the Combined Jewish Philanthropies. Erica was a Jerusalem Fellow, is a faculty member of the Wexner Foundation, an Avi Chai Fellow, winner of the Ted Farber Professional Excellence Award, and is the recipient of the 2009 Covenant Award for her work in education and the 2012 Bernie Reisman Award (Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program, Brandeis University). Erica has degrees from Yeshiva University, University of London, Harvard University and Baltimore Hebrew University. She lectures and writes widely on subjects of Jewish interest and leadership and lives with her husband and four children in Silver Spring, Maryland. She writes a monthly column for the New York Jewish Week and has blogged for JTA, Psychology Today and Newsweek/Washington Post’s “On Faith” and tweets on one page of Talmud study a day at DrEricaBrown. She also writes Weekly Jewish Wisdom. Erica is the author of 10 books. Access her articles and the books she has written at ericabrown.com.

ELIANE DREYFUSS GLASSMANDIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING AND COMMUNICATIONSEliane earned her B.A. in Sociology and

Social Anthropology and Religious Studies in from Dalhousie University. She has worked for the Jewish Community Relations Council’s Israel Action Center in Boston, Hebrew University’s Hillel in Jerusalem and the World Zionist Organization in Boston. Eliane was married in December 2012 and resides on the Upper West Side.

SABA LAWRENCEADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTBorn and raised in Pakistan, Saba comes to The JC with years of experience as Administrative Assistant at Manhattan Pentecostal Church. She received her Bachelors Degree in Arts and Education

and taught junior high school for many years before coming to New York. Saba volunteers as a Sunday school teacher at her church and as a Troop Leader for the Girls Scouts of Greater New York.

BATSHEVA RITHOLTZ EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Batsheva studied at Tiferet Seminary in Ramat Beit Shemesh and received a BA in psychology from Queens College. She joined The JC staff in the summer of 2012. She was married to Jeff in December 2011

and they are the proud parents of Abigail.

AARON STRUMEXECUTIVE DIRECTORAaron Strum joined The Jewish Center in September 2008. He holds a B.S. Degree in Management from Touro College. Aaron came to The Jewish Center with over 12 years of experience as an Executive

Director, having served in that capacity at Congregation B’nai Torah in Indianapolis and the Jewish Community Center of Paramus in Paramus, NJ. Aaron was born in Brooklyn and raised in Staten Island.

JENN AND GABY MINSKY YOUTH DIRECTORSGaby is a born and bred Londoner and moved to the UWS two years ago. He is a real estate broker by profession and enjoys

the opportunity this provides to see different neighborhoods of New York. He has experience as a youth leader that stems from his past involvement with Bnei Akiva in the UK. Gaby has also led Shabbat afternoon groups for pre-school age boys. He enjoys playing and watching tennis and soccer. Jennifer, originally from New Jersey, has been living on the west side for 5 years. She has taught first, second, and third grades in a public school and currently teaches Basic Skills to children needing extra support in reading and math in grades K-3. She has camp counseling experience, has led a variety of Shabbat groups such as Bnos on Shabbat afternoons and recently started a children’s program at MJE’s beginner service. Jenn loves spending time with her new puppy, cooking, working out and hosting events.Gaby & Jenn met in 2012 and were married in 2013. They are excited to join The Jewish Center family, contribute their new and exciting ideas and look forward to getting to know The JC families.

ILANA GADISH YOETZET HALACHAIlana Gadish is a graduate of Nishmat’s U.S. Yoatzot Halacha Fellows Program. She also teaches Talmud and Tanach at the Ramaz Upper School. She previously served as an intern on the clergy of

Lincoln Square Synagogue, and before that as a congregational intern at United Orthodox Synagogues in Houston, Texas. Ilana received her M.A. in Biblical and Talmudic Interpretation at the Graduate Program in Advanced Talmudic Studies (GPATS) at Stern College for Women, where she also received her B.A. with a major in Judaic Studies and a minor in Biology. She spent a year studying at Midreshet Lindenbaum in Jerusalem, as well as two summers at the Drisha Institute. Ilana currently lives on the Upper West Side with her husband Moshe Peters.


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The Jewish Center is pleased to offer many classes, programs, and social opportunities to the Jewish community free of charge. To continue to fulfill our mission as the Center for Jewish Life and Learning on the Upper West Side, we depend on the munificence of our participants. We invite you to join the growing number of members and donors who so generously support us.

For more information please visit www.jewishcenter.org

Library/Beit MidrashThe Jewish Center aims to make the Library/Beit Midrash a place where everyone will feel comfortable to learn and study. We are continuously expanding our literary resources with relevant works and greatly appreciate your book requests and donations. To support our learning center, please contact [email protected] or visit our website.

Kiddush or Seudah Shlishit SponsorshipOne of the best parts of The Jewish Center is shmoozing during Kiddush. This time helps us build the connections that make us a strong, vibrant community. By sponsoring a Kiddush, you participate in supporting and fostering that sense of community. You can honor someone, remember someone, celebrate a simcha or a personal accomplishment.

There are many different Kiddushes (Community Kiddush, Hashkama Kiddush, Young Leadership Kiddush, Youth Birthday Kiddushes) and levels of Kiddush sponsorship. To support our Kiddushes, please contact Aaron Strum at [email protected].

Memorial PlaquesWe recently installed a new Memorial Board on the west side of our Main Sanctuary. Purchasing an individual or family plaque is a wonderful way to memorialize a loved one. If you would like more information, please contact our Executive Director, Aaron Strum at 212-724-2700 x107 or at [email protected].

Rabbi Leo Jung Memorial FundThroughout the year, hundreds of people and places turn to The Jewish Center for financial assistance: orphanages, hospitals, poor people, yeshivot, and others. They come to The Jewish Center from our local community, from across the United States, and from Israel because The Jewish Center is known as an institution that embodies the values of chessed and tzedakah. Our charity fund, named after and created by Rabbi Dr. Leo Jung, zt”l, was established to help Jews in need throughout the world. Monies from this account are distributed at the discretion of the Rabbi.

These are just some of the ways you can show your appreciation and support for The Jewish Center. For more information about other sponsorship opportunities, please contact Aaron Strum at [email protected] or call 212-724-2700.

Become a Member of The JC Membership at The Jewish Center provides a wide array of outstanding social, cultural, recreational, educational, and religious activities for people of all ages. Our programs and services celebrate Judaism, community, family, and the creation of friendships. The Jewish Center is the Modern Orthodox Center for Jewish Life and Learning that is welcoming to all; it’s where you belong.

Join today!Apply online at www.jewishcenter.org or pick up a membership application in The JC lobby.

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The Jewish center131 West 86th StreetNew York, NY 10024Telephone: 212.724.2700Fax: 212.724.5629www.jewishcenter.org

Inside The JC:

Join us for a program with Israel’s Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Dovid Lau

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Attend a Shabbaton with Yachad Page 5

Shabbat with The Honorable Irwin Cotler

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Learn about our Chesed opportunities Page 15

JC Delegation to AIPAC Policy ConferenceMarch 20-22 in Washington, DC

Over three jam-packed days, Policy Conference participants choose from hundreds of informative sessions and participate in the pro-Israel community’s largest and most important advocacy sessions. If you have questions or are interested in joining the delegation, please contact Eliane at [email protected] or call 212-724-2700

the jewish center€¦ · the upper west side, inspires its members and embraces the broader jewish...

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