You have no excuse to be Bored In Shul!

You no longer have an excuse to be bored at shul!


On Sunday night, February 21, Dr. Erica Brown of the Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning gave an enlightening and entertaining talk to an overflow audience in the chapel based on her book Spiritual Boredom: Rediscovering the Wonder of Judaism. She was speaking as part of the special Sunday Night Lecture Series being held as part of the celebration of Rabbi Fishman’s 25th anniversary with Ohr Kodesh.

She skillfully engaged the audience in an interactive session, with individuals suggesting and identifying what they felt to be boring about prayer and services at Ohr Kodesh and in their own personal practices. Participants mentioned, among other things, the lack of relevance of Shabbat morning prayers and uninspiring English translations of these such prayers.

Among the many sources--e.g. philosophical, psychological, sociological, historical--she relied upon in her talk, Dr. Brown highlighted a 2,000 year old excerpt from the Mishnah which mentioned boredom in the context of the ketuba (marriage contract) requirements. The Sages of the Mishna counseled against a man promising his wife that she would have no responsibilities in life (and a woman from accepting such a promise-- better she should get an immediate divorce!) because such a boring or purposeless life is not acceptable.

And how does one avoid a boring life, or for that matter, a boring spiritual practice? Dr. Brown simply suggests the answer is to find something new within our lives and within our prayers. It is, she counsels, each individual's responsibility to find something new when we attend Shabbat morning services or engage in any of our Jewish rituals. By doing so we will regularly re-engage in that practice and find greater satisfaction and wonder in Judaism.

Following her talk, Dr. Brown remained on hand to sign copies of her book and to take additional questions.

Those interested in hearing more from Erica Brown should certain attend the Partnership’s “Routes” program on Sunday, March 7. In addition to Erica Brown, some other notable speakers include:

• Aryeh Ben David on loving difficult people;

• Steve Greenberg on being an Orthodox gay rabbi;

• Tamar Ross on the concept of God;

• Erica Brown on sex and politics

• Andy Polin on Jews and sports

The program will be held at the Washington Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place NW Washington, DC) located right by the Mt. Vernon Square/Convention Center Metro, which is on the Yellow and Green lines. Take advantage of pre-registration prices! $18 in advance/$25 at the door. Go to http://www.pjll.org/ to register or call 240-283-6200.

A Taste of Beit Shemesh

Last night’s Israel program, “A Taste of Beit Shemesh,” was a huge success; we had approx. 150 attendees who sampled the SUPERB dishes prepared by our visiting guests from Beit Shemesh, the Greater DC area’s Partnership 2000 sister city in Israel. The food was delicious, the background stories helped to provide affirmation of the incredible ethnic diversity of Israel and the evening was enjoyed by all.

Many thanks to the hard work of many volunteers who organized, purchased food, helped with kitchen prep and/or cleanup, etc: Mickey & Mordy Feinberg, Ellen Elow-Mintz, David Moses, Jan Feldman, David Friedman, Barbara Gerber, Rosalind Goldfarb Levitt, Martin & Donna Goldman, Sarah Hyams, Sherry & Ron Kabran, Sarah Kagan, Helene Kahan, Dora Klayman, Marilyn Polon, Jacqueline Rams, Marla Satinsky, Benson Silverman; Lisa Silverman. Special thanks also to Hannah Burke and to Farlee Wade-Farber for providing day-long oversight for the kitchen. (And my apologies if anyone’s efforts were overlooked!)

Kudos to the team from Beit Shemesh: Smadar Kaplinsky, who coordinated the effort from Israel, and each of the cooks:
· Ety Edlund (Egyptian)
· Rachel Hadar (Persian)
· Naomi Levy (Tunisian)
· Malka Nahmani (Moroccan)
· Leah Siboni (Kurdistan)
· Rachel Sopher (Cochin/Indian)

And thanks also to the staff at the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, Gilad Golani and Lisa Kleppel for bringing this wonderful opportunity to Ohr Kodesh.

Avoid Seder Panic!!

Ellen Elow-Mintz and Bob Kott are leading a "mini course" on ideas to improve your Pesach seder experience.

It's the antidote to the pre-Pesach panic about keeping everyone involved in the Seder. Come to the second part of the Pledge 25 session on Enhancing Your Family Seder on Wednesday, February 10 immediately following minyan.

This past Wednesday, Bob and Ellen shared ideas with congregants who TiVo'd President Obama's State of the Union message. The discussion centered on selecting a haggadah (haggadot) to meet the needs of those present and ways to incorporate different themes and materials without having a seder that runs until dawn.


For those who could not make the session, here's a link to materials discussed http://public.me.com/emamom . Click on Passover Seder Resources and you can download a variety of items. The session on Wednesday, February 10 will focus on mechanics, logistics, food and tips to make seder flow smoothly. Plan to be there!

Topical Tuesdays With Rabbi Fishman

Rabbi Fishman has been continuing his weekly Tuesday night teaching, this month focusing on the Amidah. Previous sessions have included discussions of the Poetry of Yehuda Amichai, the story of Samson, and the Shema. The classes have been warmly received, and all are invited to attend. Future monthly subjects include:

Selected Psalms -- In modern life, do these poems still resonate? Explore the relationship between selected Psalms and critical emotional moments of our lives.

Heroines of the Hagaddah -- Learn the fascinating stories and profound impact of the heroic women of the Exodus. including Moses’ mother Yocheved, the midwives Shifra and Puah, Pharaoh’s daughter Batya, and, of course, the prophetess Miriam.

Contemporary Israeli Holidays -- How should Jews outside of Israel observe modern Israel commemorations, including Yom Hashoah, Yom Ha-atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim?

The Torah Service -- Choreography, pageantry and meaning.

The Binding of Isaac -- From Kierkegaard to Spiegel and beyond, this class will explore the Akedah from a modern perspective.

Rabbi Joshua Haberman, the rabbi emeritus of Washington Hebrew Congregation, offered a touching and instructive lecture on "The Mixed Blessing of Aging" at Ohr Kodesh on Sunday, January 24. His presentation was part of the special Sunday Scholar series being offered by friends of Rabbi Fishman to honor his 25th anniversary with the congregation.

Rabbi Haberman suggested at the outset that he has the bona fides to speak on the topic, having recently celebrated his 90th birthday. He began by asking whether we truly want the Biblical "meyah v'esrim" - the fabled "120 years" of life. Are the final years worth living? He answered with a resounding "yes!"

He noted that while traditional western culture denigrates the aged, the Biblical view is expressed by the aphorism "a gray head is a crown of glory." He noted that in the United States, the elderly often suffer from a high degree of social ostracism, and warned that the "attitude of the environment may become one's self-image." He acknowledged that old age does bring with it changes in mental acuity and physical capability, but argued that these changes are not all negative. He pointed to many examples of elderly individuals who continue to be creative and actively contribute into their 8th 9th and even 10th decade, and suggested that all institutions, including Jewish communal institutions, should "recruit, rather than retire the elderly" and take advantage of their accumulated wisdom.

Pointing to what he called the "compensations of aging," Rabbi Haberman suggested that the elderly can gain tranquility, enjoy the cooling of passions, and gain the ability to let things go. Further, having faced the greatest challenges of life (career, marriage, raising children, etc.) the elderly can take the opportunity to savor life without also having to withstand the pressure to succeed. More humorously, he suggested that the elderly can be "liberated from the compulsion of setting everyone straight."  He also opined that old age can, for the fortunate, be a time to rejoice in children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren.

Following his remarks, Rabbi Haberman engaged the attendees in a spirited and insightful round of questions and answers.

The next in our Sunday Lecture Series will take place on Sunday, February 21 at 7:00 PM with Dr. Erica Brown speaking on Spiritual Boredom: Rediscovering the Wonder of Judaism (re-scheduled from the December snow cancellation). This session will explore the nature of boredom through general philosophy, psychology and Jewish texts in an attempt to understand what boredom is, how it affects the spiritual life, pervades our parenting, impacts our Jewish institutions and limits our discovery of wonder within our tradition. 

For the text of the talk, please use the following link: http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/flash/health/newoldage/haberman.sermon.pdf

Helping Sunflower Bakery

The Sunflower Bakery is an exciting program in the community which provides on-the-job training for individuals with developmental disabilities, helping them learn skills needed for success as bakery employees. Their excellent products are kosher. OKC member  Deena Leener, advises that they are in need of volunteers to assist trainees and to produce cookies. They will be baking Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30-12:30 and 1:00-5:00. Please contact Deena at dinarl3@aol.com

Learner's Service - A Great Opportunity

A Learners’ service was held in the Cohen Chapel at 9:30 AM last Shabbat (January 16). Led by Rabbi Fishman, this service included singing and a lively discussion of the structure and meaning of the Shabbat Torah Service. The service is great for both novice and experienced. The next Learners' service will be on April 10, led by Rabbi Israel. All are cordially invited to attend, and it's a service where all of - regardless of our current knowledge - can learn more!

Rabbi Steinsaltz Draws Huge Crowd, Salutes the Memory of MLK

In a truly transcendent opportunity, more than 500 members of Ohr Kodesh and the DC Metro Jewish Community attended a memorable and moving event: a presentation by world-renowned scholar, teacher, and Talmudist, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz. His presentation was entitled: Dreams of Freedom - Honoring the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Rabbi Steinsaltz was joined by Ohr Kodesh member Arthur Spitzer, who heads the Washington Metro area chapter of the ACLU at Ohr Kodesh on Monday, January 18.


By turn approachable, witty, passionate and professorial, the soft-spoken Steinsaltz made his presentation in Ohr Kodesh's social hall to the highly attentive throng. Following a very brief introduction by Rabbi Lyle Fishman, Rabbi Steinsaltz slyly thanked Rabbi Fishman for not giving a eulogy as an introduction - without a recital of his achievements, he explained, expectations for his remarks would be lower!

Rabbi Steinsaltz suggested that Dr. King was greatly influenced by the tradition of the Hebrew Bible (which Rabbi Steinsaltz apologetically referred to as "The Old Testament" since it was known by that name to King in particular and as such to Americans in general). He remarked that while Christian theology is based on mercy (he called it "offering a second cheek"), Jewish tradition is based on the concept of Justice: "Tzedek, Tzedek tirdof" he quoted from Leviticus ("Justice, Justice you shall seek!"). According to Rabbi Steinsaltz, Dr. King demanded justice for his people; in so doing, he reflected the Jewish tradition of taking action, and not simply waiting prayerfully for help.

Rabbi Steinsaltz taught that Jewish tradition demands that we obey the laws of the land in which we live, but he noted an important caveat: where the law creates inequality, it is not a law we need observe. In fact, he stated, when a law is unjust, it is our religious obligation to oppose it.

Rabbi Steinsaltz stated that while King (and Gandhi before) him were able to overcome the oppression of their peoples through non-violent protest, such a course of action can only work when the "oppressor" society is essentially just. While England and the United States were moved to change through non-violence, he opined that such could not take place in Iran today or in Nazi Germany. Sometimes, he suggested, we must do what we must do, citing both Abraham and Moses as Biblical figures who took to arms when necessary.

In his remarks, the ACLU's Spitzer suggested that non-violent protest may indeed have worked "too well," as those seeking confrontation with authority have found that the laws they must break to gain notoriety often have no relationship to the object of their protest. While activists in King's day could march because they had improperly been denied a parade permit (a clear link), or sit in a restaurant which refused to serve African Americans, today’s protestors may seek arrest by sitting on the sidewalk in front of the White House in order to publicize their opposition to a range of governmental policies unrelated to limits on movement hear the White House.

The evening was co-sponsored by Ohr Kodesh and by the Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning. On behalf of PJLL, Dr. Erica Brown was on hand to greet the crowd. She announced future educational opportunities being sponsored by PJLL, including the Routes Program on Sunday, March 7. For more information, please go to pjll.org.

Lotsa Helping Hands: Chesed in Action

Ohr Kodesh Chesed Committee's Lotsa Helping Hands website!


The Pledge 25 Committee is very happy to provide information on a new initiative of the Chesed Committee: Lotsa Helping Hands, which coordinates greetings and assistance for members welcoming a new child, going through an illness, or otherwise needing support. Primarily, this site coordinates dinners and services to help members get on the road to their new fuller life. What a terrific way to honor Rabbi Fishman this year!

Volunteering is simple: Sign up for a short-term commitment, with minimal effort, matching your availability with a congregant’s need. Meals can be home cooked, store bought, or taken-out from a restaurant respecting the kashrut requirements in the request. Coordinators are listed at the site. Do contact them with any questions.

Register at http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/615958/.
You will receive an email confirmation with details about accessing the site, and you will be on your way.

Blood Platelet Donation - An Act of True Chesed

Our member, Marvin Szymkowicz, has decided to participate in platelet donation as an act of chesed for Pledge 25. He has allowed me to share this in the hope that others may also participate.



Blood platelet transfusions are used to treat people with certain serious illnesses (e.g., patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation or patients with leukemia or aplastic anemia). Unlike whole blood, which has a "shelf life" of six weeks, platelets must be used within five days of donation. In other words, the supply has to be constantly and rapidly replenished. Because of advances in treatment, the demand for platelets is growing.

Although some platelets are extracted from whole blood donations, it is vastly more efficient to collect platelets from platelet donors. One can safely donate platelets every two weeks. The process takes about 2 to 2-1/2 hours: 90 minutes for the actual donation, plus time to review the written materials presented to any blood donor and time for a staffer to give the donor a mini-physical and interview the donor. The Red Cross has special centers for donating platelets. The nearest one to OKC is in the White Flint area.

The Red Cross also has a dedicated number for platelet donation: 1-800-272-2123. Call that number for more information or to volunteer or visit http://www.my-redcross.com/

This is -- in my humble opinion -- a good Pledge 25 project because of the time commitment (not trivial but certainly doable over one year) and the immediate benefits for the recipients.

Rabbi Fishman's Class for December: Yehuda Amichai

Topical Tuesdays with Rabbi Fishman got off to a great start on December 1. This month's classes will be held on December 8, 15, & 22 at 8:30 PM. The subject: Poetry of Yehuda Amichai. Considered by many as Israel’s greatest modern poet, this class will read (in English translation) and discuss many of Amichai’s illuminations of Israeli & Jewish life.

Please join in!

Jewish Science Fiction - A Hit!

Jerry Kiewe, Ohr Kodesh' executive director and science fiction fan, led off the first of three sessions on Jewish Themes in Science Fiction on Tuesday night with an excited group of attendees. This first session was mostly a backdrop of Jewish SF roots (the Golem) and  the portrayal of Jews in early sci fi.
The next two sessions will deal with: Jewish themes in more contemporary SF works; the Jewish future in Star Trek vs. Babylon Five; influences of Jewish writers & actors;  and what Star Trek has to teach us about canonization of the Torah!

"Future" sessions are scheduled for Tuesdays, Dec. 8 & 15 at 7:15 PM.

Learning to Chant Torah

Cantor Ed Gerber has let us know that several adult members of Ohr Kodesh have begin learning to chant Torah under his careful instruction. What a wonderful skill to learn, and what a terrific way to honor Rabbi Fishman as part of Pledge 25!

Cantor Gerber has let us know that he'd be happy to teach others who have an interest. You can reach him at Cantor@ohrkodesh.org

Bethesda REALLY Cares

Our member Andy Shoyer has been organizing a group of volunteers at Bethesda Cares, helping to feed the hungry by preparing sandwiches. Volunteers purchase ingredients, prepare lunches (thirty each of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, pieces of fruit, cookies) and deliver them each Sunday for distribution by Bethesda Cares. Volunteers (individuals and families) sign up for two Sundays a year. You can contact Andy Shoyer at ashoyer@sidley.com


In part because of our Pledge 25 effort, Andy reports a record number of families have decided to participate in this effort.

Kol Hakavod to Andy and those who are participating.

Paula is the Best!

The smell of baking challah was only outdone by the aroma of chocolate babka at Paula Shoyer's class on Jewish baking. We all knew that she was a wonderful baker, but we didn't all know what a wonderful teacher she is! Her enthusiasm was wonderful, and we all enjoyed our "hands-on" participation.  We are all eagerly awaiting the publication of her forthcoming book. What a great addition to Pledge 25.

Dvar Torah Shabbat Vayera: Hachnasat Orchim Begins at Home

The following is an excerpt of a d'var Torah presented by Ohr Kodesh Board member Ellen Elow-Mintz.  Consider fulfilling some of your Pledge 25 hours by extending hospitality to fellow congregants and guests.

Long before Sinai and the handing down of the commandments, Parshat Vayera lays out two fundamental mitzvot that help define g’milut hasidim, acts of lovingkindness, and God’s day-in-day out expectations of the Jewish people.  God appears as Avraham is recovering from his circumcision, modeling for us the importance of bikkur holim, visiting the sick. In the midst of this visit, Avraham notices the approach of three men and redirects his attention from God to welcome and attend to these visitors. Rather than taking Avraham to task for looking away from God, the rabbis teach that hospitality to others, hachnasat orchim, is greater than welcoming the Divine Presence. In welcoming strangers we are doing God’s will and if we were to focus solely on God we would be ignoring those in need. In the context of a synagogue community, hachnasat orchim should mean more than recognizing and welcoming those who are visiting from the outside.  Despite sitting in the same “Shabbat neighborhood” each week, we often have forgotten or never learned the names of our neighbors.  Please take a moment and look around your neighborhood and identify one or two people whose names you may have forgotten.  During kiddush, please make a point to go up and ask his or her name and provide yours.

Food Drive a great success!

Last week’s food drive at Whole Foods to support the Neighbors In Need Montgomery Fund resulted in a donation of $18,317 to the Fund, which is being matched, dollar-for-dollar by an anonymous donor. Additionally, shoppers donated over 2,600 pounds of food to the Manna Food Center and Shepherd’s Table that day. And furthermore, thanks to everyone’s enthusiasm, many shoppers went home and made online donations to support the cause, totaling almost $800.


Mazal tov to the Ohr Kodesh volunteers who participated in the activity.

300 Families Already Participating - Are You Next?

We're pleased to report that almost 300 families handed in the Pledge 25 cards at High Holiday Services, and that more have indicated that they will be joining the effort to honor Rabbi Fishman this year.

If you plan on participating in any events or activities, please let us know at pledge25@ohrkodesh.org

Here is information about upcoming events:

"Mini Courses"
The Sh'ma
Every Tuesday evening in October with Rabbi Fishman after the evening minyan.

Why Practice Judaism?
Thought from the Biblical, Rabbinic, Medieval and Modern Ages. In this course, we will address some of the central questions that each of us faces as a Jew in the modern world: What are our motivations
for participating in Jewish observance and Jewish life? What beliefs underlie our actions? How have these ideas evolved over time? We will explore texts from the ancient period through today, including founding thinkers from several modern denominations, and use them as a basis for discussing our own viewpoints.
Leader: Michael Kay
Sessions: Two one-hour sessions Thursdays, immediately after
minyan
Dates: October 15 & 22

You Can Write and Deliver a D’var Torah
Dates: Tuesdays, October 20 and 27
Two one-hour sessions immediately after 8 pm minyan
Leader: Gary Simms
Writing a d’var torah is really not difficult once you learn some of the basic research tools. In addition to some suggestions about sources and methods, the class will be doing some text study which will be lots of fun. Participants will be encouraged (but not required!) to share their work with other members of the congregation through blog postings or in person. Teenagers are welcome.

“Social Action Opportunities”
Wednesday, October 21: Shop for food, give to your Montgomery County neighbors in need. On Wednesday, October 21 between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Whole Foods (Silver Spring, Bethesda, Rockville and Kentlands) will donate 5% of all purchases to the Neighbors in Need Montgomery Fund, which helps nonprofits deliver critical emergency services. Your 5% donation will be matched $1 for $1. We are also encouraging all shoppers to purchase recommended food items to be donated to Manna and Shepherd’s Table to feed hungry families. Volunteers will be on-site to help you with purchases! If you would like to volunteer to help at one of the stores, please contact Gary Simms at garydsimms@comcast.net immediately.


Sunday, October 25 - Community Service Day The Montgomery County Volunteer Center has invited the community to participate in this very important event. How can you help? Join other Ohr Kodesh members who will be participating. This year, the Community Service Day is part of President Obama’s “United We Serve” national campaign. To participate with Ohr Kodesh, contact Gary Simms, at garydsimms@comcast.net.


JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency) seeks Volunteers for its Thrift Shop, Bombé Chest, in Northwest DC.
Bombé Chest is a totally volunteer-run shop located across from the Woodley Park Metro station at 2629 Connecticut Avenue, NW. The shop sells donated items including: paintings, crystal, glassware, china, silver, mirrors and other collectibles. People with an interest in antiques, as well as those who would like to learn, are welcome and encouraged to volunteer. The shop is looking for extra help, preferably but not limited to Fridays. New volunteers are asked to make a weekly time commitment. The proceeds from Bombé Chest go directly to subsidize JSSA’s services for individuals and families in greatest need. For further information or to volunteer, call Diane Hays-Earp, 301-816-2639.

Pledge 25 Off to a Fast Start

Below are remarks about Pledge 25 that were delivered at this year's Rosh Hashanah services by Brian Israel.

Rosh Hashanah 5770 Brian D. Israel In the ancient text Pirkei Avot, Ethics of our Fathers, the High Priests of the Second Temple period share with us short sayings that express important views about Jewish living and life in general. These proverbs provide a rich collection of delicious philosophical nuggets which can guide us through so many aspects of our lives. Today I wish to focus on a famous saying from the first chapter of Perkei Avot. In this section, we learn from Shimon the Righteous that the world rests on three things: on Torah, Service to God and Acts of Loving-kindness. It is commonly understood that Torah refers to study, service to God refers to prayer, and acts of loving-kindness refers to the perfection of creation through generosity and loving acts extended to others. Thus we have, from Rabbi Shimon, a three legged stool. Sitting atop this stool will not solve the mysteries of the universe, but it provides a stable perch from which we can approach God and peer further over the horizon of daily life. And this three-legged stool also forms the foundation of our community. Our Ohr Kodesh mission statement explicitly references, as the objective of our institution, to pray, to study and perform acts of kindness together as a Jewish community. In so many ways Ohr Kodesh achieves its mission. We are a community of warmth and caring, service to others, where all are welcome, and where love of Torah is embraced, encouraged and enabled. We are a place where the ladder of Jewish learning and prayer extends infinitely. There is no limit to how high you can climb. And yet, it does not matter where you are on that ladder. Ohr Kodesh is not a place of judgment. Where-ever you may be on that ladder, you belong here. Whether you have been a member for 6 days or 6 decades, the goal of this synagogue is to provide a place where each of us can develop and grow our own expression of Judaism, our own unique blend of learning, of prayer and acts of loving-kindness.

Welcome to the Pledge 25 Ohr Kodesh Blog

We want to give you a hearty Shalom to the Pledge 25 Ohr Kodesh Blog. if you managed to find us, you probably have some notion what it's all about. But to clarify: Pledge 25 is an effort of Ohr Kodesh Congregation (Chevy Chase, MD) to honor our spiritual leader, teacher and friend, Rabbi Lyle Fishman, upon the celebration of his 25 years of service to our congregation. While some suggested that we celebrate in a traditional manner (a fund drive, a gala celebratory dinner, etc.), we've instead decided on a different kind of tribute - one which challenges each and every individual in the Ohr Kodesh Community to undertake their own efforts to mirror the attributes which Rabbi Fishman has brought to us: Prayer, Study, and Acts of Lovingkindess. We've asked each member - men, women, old and young - to pledge that over the next year, they will engage in 25 hours of activity among these three areas to honor Rabbi Fishman's 25 years of service. We are looking for 25 ADDITIONAL hours of activity beyond what you would otherwise do. In coming weeks, we'll be putting together a list of activities within each category which will be of interest to all. The big kick-off for the program will be during the High Holy Days. The purpose of this blog is to provide everyone with information - but also to ask members to share through this blog activities in which they are already engaged, and which might be of interest to others. For example, if your family makes sandwiches for a local institution one Sunday a month, use this blog to let others know about it - perhaps they'll join you! If you'd like to organize a neighborhood Shabbat dinner or lunch, perhaps you can get ideas from others in this blog. Or if you are looking for information about our new upcoming "mini-courses," this is the spot to learn more. Abby and Gary Simms are chairing this effort, and could use all of the help you might be able to offer. You can contact them (off-blog) at garydsimms@comcast.net or abbypsimms@comcast.net.