NOVEMBER 2017

CHESHVAN/KISLEV 5778
NUMBER 3 HOW TO TALK TO YOUR
THE BULLETIN CHILDREN ABOUT
ANTI-SEMITISM AND RACISM
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19 | 10:00 A.M.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION
2908 VALLEY DRIVE, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22302

Agudas Achims Social Action Committee presents a forum

on the rise in anti-Semitism and racism. Our children have
been experiencing incidents of hate and bias. This program
will help us learn how to recognize it and respond to it as
individuals and a community.

Following the presentations will be a question and answer

period after which we will break up into small groups and
AGUDAS ACHIM share strategies for talking with children of all ages from
CONGREGATION preschool, elementary school, middle school and high school.

To RSVP online go to http://bit.ly/2yJPmpN or call the

Agudas Achim office at 703-998-6460.

Confirmed speakers include:

RON HALBER, DORON F. EZICKSON,

Executive Director of The Director of
Jewish Community Relations The Anti-Defamation League,
Council of Greater Washington Washington, D.C. Office

2908 Valley Drive

Alexandria, V
A 2 2302
 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
RABBIS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 MESSAGE
Candlelighting.......................5:48 p.m.
Shehecheyanu Service...........6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m. Since creation, Shabbat is the gift that keeps on giving. Having labored for six
Mincha....................following Kiddush days, God rested to reflect on the busy week just passed and to gain renewed
Havdalah Time......................6:46 p.m. strength for the week to come. Our Jewish observance of the day of rest is our
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 opportunity to thank God for modeling the importance of taking a break from the
Candlelighting...................... 4:41 p.m. frenetic pace of our week. We release our grip a little, we reconnect with family
Kabbalat Shabbat...................6:30 p.m.
and friends, and we bond as a synagogue community. In a single word, the message
of Shabbat is renewal. Not only once a year at Rosh Hashanah, but every week,
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m. we allow for the possibility that both we and our world are capable of rebirth and
Mincha....................following Kiddush revitalization.
Havdalah Time......................5:40 p.m.
As we begin a new programmatic year, I am excited to announce our plans to
BAR MITZVAH OF URIEL YEHUDAH create even more opportunities for engagement on Shabbat morning. What better
KOLOSOSKI RICHMOND
URIEL YEHUDAH BEN way to signal our commitment to re-Jew-vination than to take a fresh look at our
SHIMON RAFAEL VRACHEL day of renewal!
PARSHAT CHAYEI SARAH
In addition to our engaging and participatory Kabbalat Shabbat (Fridays at
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17 6:30 pm) and Shabbat Morning services (Saturdays at 9:30 am) there will be a
Candlelighting...................... 4:35 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat...................6:30 p.m. variety of opportunities to engage in prayer, learning, and community building.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Parashat Hashavua, 9:00 am
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m. Every Shabbat you can participate in a lively discussion of the weeks Torah
Mincha....................following Kiddush portion for half an hour before the start of Shabbat morning services. Led by Rabbi
Havdalah Time......................5:35 p.m.
Steven Rein
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21
THANKSGIVING INTERFAITH SERVICE Learners Minyan, 10:00 11:00 am (Nov 4, Jan 6, Mar 3, Apr 21, Jun 2)
Westminster Presbyterian Church Learn about the meaning and choreography of the Shabbat morning service.
7:30 p.m.
Become more comfortable with the Hebrew text. Using Siddur Lev Shalem, we
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24 will learn, discuss, and pray, becoming a community of pray-ers. No prior
Candlelighting.......................4:31 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat...................6:30 p.m. knowledge of prayers or Hebrew necessary. Led by Rachel and Rich Albert, and
Pablo Zylberglait.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m. Kavanah Minyan, 10:00 11:00 am (Dec 2, Feb 24, May 5)
Mincha....................following Kiddush An hour-long exploration of Jewish meditation, chant and other spiritual practices.
Havdalah Time......................5:32 p.m.
No prior experience is necessary. While each session formally begins at 10:00 am,
MINYAN SCHEDULE the chapel will be available as early as 9:30 am for a period of silent contemplation.
Mornings................................7:30 a.m. Led by David Blumenstein and Doug Fagen.
Monday through Friday Windows on Israel, 10:00 11:00 am (Nov 11, Dec 16, Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10,
Evenings................................7:50 p.m.
Sunday through Thursday Apr 7, May 12, Jun 9)
Sundays and Federal Monthly discussion on interesting aspects of Israeli society. Topics to include:
Holidays.............................9:00 a.m. religious feminism in Israel; the generational revolution in the Bedouin
community; how the Russian immigration wave transformed Israel; a personal
AAC OFFICES CLOSED presentation about life on the Gaza border, Israel's humanitarian involvement in the
Syrian civil war, and more. Led by Miri Bernovsky.
ALL DAY - FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 10 Your attendance is what will determine the success or failure of this initiative.
Every Shabbat morning is special, but this year I urge you to mark these Shabbatot
1:00 P.M - WEDNESDAY on your calendar and to come. Celebrate Shabbat! It is not a new idea. It has been
NOVEMBER 22 around since time immemorial. How wonderful it is that this year we are renewing
ALL DAY - THURSDAY our commitment to being renewed!
NOVEMBER 23
1:00 P.M. - FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 24

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 2

 MENS CLUB MENSCHENINGS
Elliot Parkin
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE Mens Club President
Kenneth Labowitz Mens Club continued to provide
service to the Agudas Achim
community. Yasher Koach to the many
It has never been easy being Jewish. who served as ushers for the High
This comes to mind as the schools in Montgomery County, Maryland, Holidays under the guidance of Usher
debate whether to change the policy under which schools are closed for the Gadol Doc Shantz and to Sam Ashkenas,
High Holidays. Two forces are operating to focus the reconsideration: other Jack Chesley, Don Melman, Judith
faiths are seeking accommodations for their own holidays, and the mandated Fogel, Ken Notis, and Alex Perry who
start of school after Labor Day limits the number of off days that are available. erected the Sukkah under the direction of
Chief Architect Brian Kolstad.
The policy of closing for the High Holidays came into being when I was a
senior in a Montgomery County high school, one-third of whose students were Supper in the Sukkah, a joint event
Jewish. So we experienced the days when school was open but most of the with Sisterhood, was attended by over 80
students were absent-- the Greek Orthodox kids figured out that no one would congregants. Many thanks to Louis
question their absence on Jewish holidays. Marcus, Mens Club Social Vice
President, Judith Fogel, Sisterhood
Nothing was going to get done anyway, so no schoolwork was missed.
Programming Vice President, and all who
That reality, and the absence of Jewish teachers and administrators, led to helped to make this an enjoyable evening
the implementation of the policy to close the schools. Now that is being so enjoyable that you can anticipate we
revisited for plausible reasons. will do it again next year.
I know from my children's experience in Alexandria schools that there is a On Sunday, November 5, State
lack of understanding among many teachers and administrators as to why Jew- Senator Adam Ebbin will be our guest
ish kids needed to miss school. Put another way, there appeared to be an speaker at our first brunch of 5778.
implicit question from on high: why can't Jewish holidays take place on Senator Ebbin will provide his insights
weekends or during regularly-scheduled breaks? What makes the Jewish kids on the Virginia gubernatorial election
so different? and upcoming legislation in the Virginia
I grew up in an era in which assimilation was the overwhelming message Statehouse that might affect the lives
that the Jewish kids lived with- don't call attention to ourselves, don't ask for of his constituents and Northern
special treatment. It did not occur to any of the hundreds of Jews taking the Virginians. Join us in the Lainof
SATs in my year to request a date other than Saturday morning to take the auditorium at 10 a.m. and bring a hearty
tests, to cite one example. appetite for bagels, lox, and politics.
Among the most shameful things I have ever done was play a college soccer The Mens Club Israel Pilgrimage
game on Yom Kippur. Whoever scheduled such things at Grinnell College at Scholarship Program provided six
that time gave no thought to the notation "Yom Kippur" on the master calendar scholarships this past year to teens of
when that game was scheduled. The internalization of the avoidance of the Congregation for Israel experiences.
conflict among the four Jewish starters on the team- Steve Hirshorn, Dave Scholarship recipients will speak to the
Coron, Marty Wice, and me- was so strong that we said nothing about the Congregation on January 6, 2018
scheduling of the game and we did not even discuss it among ourselves. We during Shabbat services. If you have a
just got on the bus and played the game. teen who is interested in a peer trip to
Israel, please contact Mike Scheinberg
I don't remember who we played or what the score was, but I felt at mike@schuschein.com for details.
shame then and it persists to this day.
We would greatly appreciate your
That experience ended my hesitation about speaking out about who and support for our Mens Club this coming
what I am and what I need to be what I am. year by sending in your membership
MONTHLY LIBRARY LUNCH AND LEARN dues for 2017-18 (5778). Our nominal
Thursday, November 9 | 12:00 noon dues for the year are $36, but please
consider donating a Chaier amount
Barry will lead an introduction to Jewish genealogy. Barry is a member of such as $54 (i.e., triple Chai). If you
the Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Washington and has been researching have any suggestions for events or
his family for over twenty years. He will share basic techniques and answer would like to help with any of our
questions to help uncover the mysteries of family histories. He will also bring activities, please contact me at
reference books that attendees can look through for research. elliot.parkin@gmail.com.
NOVEMBER 2017 P AGE 3
 TODA RABAH!
Many thanks to all the congregants
who contributed non-perishable food to
Operation Isaiah to support the ALIVE!
Family Emergency Program. Kol
Hakavod to Kitah Hey, the 5th graders
who sorted all the food and boxed it for
ALIVE! to take to the warehouse.
This year our congregation donated
1,869 pounds of canned and other non-
perishable food, an increase of more
than 440 pounds from last years
collection. Yasher Koach to everyone
who participated in this mitzvah.
The ALIVE! Family Emergency
Program feeds more than 2,000
Alexandrians every month and
distributes more than 650 tons of food
each year.
If you are interested volunteering
for ALIVE! visit http://www.alive-
inc.org or call: 703-837-9300.
Dee Dee Quigley and Jacob Benson
help sort and pack donations.
Jacqueline Drobnis helps organize the
food items.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION
MAH KOREH - WHATS HAPPENING IN
THE EDUCATION AND YOUTH DEPARTMENT
Chaya Silver
Youth/Education Director
Whoever teaches his son teaches not only his son, but also his son's son - and so
on to the end of generations. - Talmud, Kiddushin 30a
For anyone who has ever been immersed in a project, there comes a
moment when, while talking to someone not involved with your project, you
realize that despite the fact that you are up to your eyeballs in bat mitzvah plans or
the new fiscal years budget, the person you are talking with has no idea what you
are talking about. I call this project myopathy. I am not proud to admit this, but,
it is a condition that I suffer from every now and then. Recently my nearsightedness
was brought to my attention when I was asked What is the Bnai Mitzvah Task
Force? I was caught by surprise, how could anyone in the congregation not know
about this wonderful initiative which involves people from all walks of synagogue
life? I started to give a terse answer when, thank heavens, I realized I was suffering
from project myopathy. I took a deep breath and slowly explained this project.
When I was finished, my companion was as excited about the work as I am. As I
walked away, I realized there are probably many people in this community that
dont know about the Bnai Mitzvah Task Force (BMTF).
To fully appreciate the work of the BMTF, I will start with comments made
in 2015 when I began at Agudas Achim. At that time, most people I interviewed
about the strengths of the Religious School program agreed that the year a family
spends on their childs bar or bat mitzvah was a highlight of their time as a member
in the community. Thanks to wonderful kitchen bonding, hanging out with others in
the class socially and educationally, families, parents, and teens grew close. In the
same way, when I asked people what their concerns were for our program, many
mentioned that the post bnai mitzvah program was not capturing our students. We
were hemorrhaging students from the community after their bar or bat mitzvah.
There were many things folks loved about this program, as well as concerns.
Since the beginning of my journey, I have had many conversations with
members - both those with children and those without - about our synagogues
bnai mitzvah program. It seems clear that we are doing many things right, yet
there is room for improvement, inspiration, and innovation. Thanks to a methodical
visioning process conducted by the Youth and Religious School Committee
(YRSC) in 5777, the idea of a Bnai Mitzvah Task Force, was born.
This past summer, notices were sent community wide asking people to let
us know if they would join this task force. To our delight, we have a large number
of people from many different areas of synagogue life who are willing to roll up
their sleeves and do this detail oriented work. BMTF Phase One has taken on the
task of reviewing our current program, looking at its strengths and weaknesses, and
creating a succinct list of areas for improvement which they will present to the
YRSC in early 2018. Once this is done, the BMTF will move to Phase Two in
which people will take an even closer look at very specific areas, suggest real
improvements, and along with the YRSC, make changes and improvements that
will begin in summer 2018.
This is one of the many efforts volunteers are doing to work alongside the
professional staff to improve Jewish education at our synagogue. I look forward to
sharing more of the work that is happening behind the scenes at our school. If you
have ideas about the bnai mitzvah program at our synagogue, I strongly encourage
you to speak with the clergy, with other senior staff, and with members of the
YRSC. We value your ideas, suggestions, and good will. Help spread the word and
reduce project myopathy!
PAGE 4
 MUSICAL EVENTS AT AAC:
DEAR HAZZAN
Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey Artist in Residence - Save the Date
Jan. 26-27, 2018
Save the Date for our Artist-in-
Residence Shabbat with Jewish musician
YOU, TOO, NEED YOUTUBE extraordinaire, Josh Warshawsky. This
Rosh Hashanah has come and gone, but the feeling of celebrating another cycle Shabbat Shirah, Shabbat of Song, come
of our year still lingers. Now, as we are preparing to invite family and friends to away from services humming and
our tables for Thanksgiving, Hanukah, or a special Shabbat meal, we can take a smiling. The Shabbat will end with a
moment to reflect on this New Year another year of joys and sorrows, another concert featuring Mr. Warshawsky and
year of community and alone-time. Another opportunity to start again. Here are our own Ein Lanu Zman. Plan to join us
four youtube videos wishing us a Shanah Tovah in different ways and invite your friends!
1. Shanah Tovah from above: This one will surprise and delight:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwt5kFb6hEw MUSICAL EVENTS OUTSIDE AAC:
2. We all need to laugh this one does the trick: Bimah to Broadway to Beltway
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7vPyXaTrz4 Sunday, November 5, 7:30 PM |
Edlavitch DCJCC
3. While we are busy preparing for our family and friends during the Three of the leading female cantors in
holidays, what do all of those robots at the Technion in Israel do? Find out the DC area perform a soulful and
here: moving medley of Israeli standards, hits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6bhPzT4mjs from the Yiddish Songbook, Broadway
4. Finally, no holiday is complete without our voices raised in song. The tunes, and traditional liturgical song.
Maccabeats shared this Rosh Hashanah message: Adas Israels Arianne Brown arranges
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn9QgBNgl1w with support from Elisheva Dienstfrey
of Agudas Achim and Hinda Labovitz
Enjoy these YouTube videos as you make your memories (and maybe some
of Ohr Kodesh. This event is presented
YouTube videos of your own) in 5778!
as part of the 19th Washington Jewish
*Please Note: This column will alternate between music Music Festival. You may browse the
reviews/recommendations and Dear Hazzan letters. If you would like to full lineup at WJMF.ORG and purchase
introduce or recommend recordings, or if you have a question for the Hazzan discounted group tickets (10+) by
regarding the ritual, liturgy, and/or music of the synagogue, please write Hazzan emailing alexisr@edcjcc.org.
Dienstfrey at the synagogue (2908 Valley Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302) or email
her at HazzanERLD@hotmail.com. 19th Annual Washington Jewish Music
Festival
November 2-12
SISTERHOOD DOINGS The 19th WJMF has announced an
NETWORKING TO ENGAGE AND EMPOWER CONSERVATIVE JEWISH WOMEN.
BY JUDITH FOGEL exciting line-up of concerts showcasing
the diaspora of global Jewish music. The
NOVEMBER EVENTS Festival spans genres including hip-hop,
Sisterhood Soire classical, and bossa nova. Purchase
Sunday, November 5, 2017 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. concert tickets or a Festival Pass today at
Lainof Auditorium. WJMF.ORG. Group discounts are
You are invited to Sisterhood's paid up membership dinner. Featuring a Greek available for groups of 10+ when you
buffet, wine, good conversation, and sisterhood. $36 dues in advance or bring a contact alexisr@edcjcc.org.
check to the party. Please RSVP to Mackenzie Silverman, Sisterhood
Membership VP by Wednesday November 1. mckenz613@aol.com. 315-868- KNITTING CLUB
9232.
November 19 | 12:00 noon
AAC Lobby
Signature Theatres Production Crazy for You
Sunday, November 19 | 7:00 pm If you love to knit or have ever
Signature Theatre in Shirlington wanted to learn, join us on the third
The deadline to purchase tickets has come and gone but please contact Gloria Sunday of the month for fellowship
Canter to be placed on a wait list. (gloriacanter@comcast.net or 703-966-1602). and creativity.

NOVEMBER 2017 P AGE 5

 SISTERHOODS JUDAICA SHOP
WELCOMES YOU! PRESCHOOL NEWS
The Judaica Shop is Starting to Jen Halpern, Director
look a lot like Hanukkah! Visit us on
Sundays during Religious School
hours (9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) to get a
jump on your holiday purchases.
Every now and then Ill come across a study that seems to confirm the
Hanukkah Bazaar Sunday Dec. 3 importance or validity of a Jewish tradition. This happened a few years ago when I
from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon in the read about the research promoting the importance of the family dinner and
Lobby. Perfect timing to do your immediately connected it with the Friday night Shabbat meal. In addition to the
Holiday shopping. traditional and spiritual benefits of celebrating Shabbat as a family, there are
countless other benefits to simply sitting down together a few times a week to enjoy
a meal together.
From The Family Dinner Project (thefamilydinnerproject.org): Over the past 15
years researchers have confirmed what parents have known for a long time:
sharing a family meal is good for the spirit, the brain, and the health of all family
members. Recent studies link regular family dinners with many behaviors that
Questions or want to place a parents pray for: lower rates of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and depression,
special order? as well as higher grade-point averages and self-esteem. Studies also indicate that
Susan sravitz@comcast.net dinner conversation is a more potent vocabulary-booster than reading, and the
703 489-5068 stories told around the kitchen table help our children build resilience. The icing
Michelle mshwimer19@gmail.com on the cake is that regular family meals also lower the rates of obesity and eating
202 288-9856 disorders in children and adolescents. Shabbat affords families the perfect
opportunity to reap these benefits.
One way that we promote the value of Shabbat and the family dinner in the
MONTHLY PROGRAMS WITH MIRI preschool is by sending home Shabbat Bags. Every week a different family gets
the chance to take home the classs Shabbat Bag. Each bag contains two small
Israel Book Club
challahs, a small bottle of grape juice, a Kiddush cup, candle sticks, and candles.
November 2 | 10:00-12:00 p.m.
There is a small blessings booklet, a Shabbat storybook, and a binder for each
Miri Bernovsky
family to write a little about their Shabbat experience. Each week that the bag goes
Inspire a lasting, personal connection
home, another family adds their story for the next family to enjoy the following
to Israel through Israeli Literature. Each
week.
month we will engage in meaningful
dialogue about Israeli History, reflect I was so impressed with this school tradition last year that I wondered why we
on the personal hopes and dreams from waited until mid-year to start it. This year well start after the high holidays and
Jewish authors, share thoughts on the before Thanksgiving, providing each family at least two or three opportunities to
triumphs and tragedies of Israeli heroes, take home the Shabbat Bag. Each class is also going to work on creating an element
and celebrate our passion for reading to go into the bag (like a challah cover or candlesticks) so that the children in the
and learning about the meaning of Israel class take ownership of their bag and take extra pride in it when they take it home
through the written word. to share with their families.
All books will be read in English. While there are certain customs associated with the Shabbat meal, in my
opinion theres really no wrong way to celebrate Shabbat. Families shouldnt feel
Israel Film Series so overwhelmed by the dos and donts of Shabbat that they hesitate to give it
November 29 | 7:00 9:00 p.m. a try. Start with what is familiar, and build from there. Youre worried that you
Lainof Auditorium dont have time to make a traditional meal? Or no one will like it? If your kids love
Join your fellow film lovers and pizza, and if ordering a pizza gives you the time to sit down as a family, then order
Agudas members for the 2017/2018 the pizza. And have Oreos for dessert. Maybe some of the meals rituals dont
AAC Israeli Film Series, a notable resonate with your family for whatever reason. Dont force it. Find or create
selection of Israeli films. All films will traditions that do have meaning for your family. Maybe instead of reciting the
include a brief introduction and traditional priestly blessing for the children you tell them something about
discussion with our Shlicha. All films themselves that makes you proud. Whatever your family make-up or level of
will either be in English or have English observance, its about finding the time to be together as a family thats most
sub-titles. important.

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 6

 weekly spoken Hebrew class for adults
who want to improve or practice; a
BRINGING ISRAEL TO monthly Israeli Film club, where we'll
AGUDAS: OUR SHLICHA, MIRI watch the best Israeli movies and hold
discussions about them; a series of
lectures titled "A Nations of
Anyone who has ever visited Israel during the High Holidays, has probably heard Immigrants" on the history of Israel's
the phrase "ahrey ha-chagim," Hebrew for "after the holidays." In the weeks Aliyot, or main immigration waves;
between Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot, it can be heard as often as "Shana Tova" and and much more. Information about
"Chag Sameah." During the High Holidays, almost the entire country is on these activites and others will be
vacation. Schools are closed, government institutions take a break, and many available on the Agudas Achim
private companies also minimize their operations. website, but please feel free to also
approach me directly with questions,
That's why, starting from early September, any future project or long-term plan suggestions, and ideas.
that is being discussed, usually starts with "ahrey ha-chagim" - after the holidays.
Even if that means more than a month from when it is being discussed. With time, Wishing us all a wonderful year and a
Israelis have adopted this phrase, which originated in the business world, to their successful "ahrey ha-chagim" period -
private lives as well. Starting a new diet and getting in shape? "Ahrey ha-chagim." at least until Hannukah.
Getting rid of old junk that we've stored somewhere in the house? "Ahrey ha-
chagim." And so forth. CONVERSATIONAL HEBREW
WITH MIRI
Personally, I love when "ahrey ha-chagim" finally arrives, becasuse that's when a
lot of exciting and interesting stuff that has been put on hold actually starts to WEDNESDAYS
happen. And that's true not only in Israel, but also here at Agudas Achim, where 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
many activites related to Israel are now finally beginning. We'll be holding a FLAX FAMILY CHAPEL

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

 YOUNG FAMILIES
Programming and community
focused on families with children
ages 0-5.
ONGOING EVENTS
Gan Shabbat
Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon,
Rooms 1 &2
Volunteer led service for kids
ages 0-5, accompanied by an adult.
Looking for volunteers to lead no
experience necessary.
The only day of the year Gan
Shabbat does not meet in 2017 is
Saturday, November 25.
Oh Say Shalom Sing-a-Long and
Playgroup
November 5, | 11:00 a.m.
Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey leads
songs for the first half hour with free
play after. No Jewish knowledge or
experience necessary. Each child
requires a grownup.
Shababy Kabbalat Shabbat
November 17 | 5:30 pm
Friday night service for kids 0-5 and
parents with songs, instruments, scarves,
dancing, parachutes, challah, and juice.
If you are interested in volunteering to
lead visit the AAC website Young
Families page.
CONNECT WITH YOUNG
FAMILIES
FindusontheFacebookAgudas
Achim Young Families Group to
keep track of what is going on and
receive the latest updates! For more
information or to get involved contact:
Hannah Kraushaar
at hannah.kraushaar@gmail.com
Sarah Leffler
at lefflersarah@hotmail
Debbie Perry
at Debbiekperry@gmail.com
Pam Kesner
at phkesner@hotmail.com.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
MESSAGE
Barry Nove
I would like to thank the many volunteers and staff who made Sukkot
and the recent Jack Moline Lecture, chaired by Janet Barnett, featuring
Ari Roth so wonderful. It was great seeing people come together
especially at the Sukkot Dinner, chaired by Judith Fogel and Louis
Marcus sponsored by Sisterhood and Mens Club. Louis Marcus and Al
Forman also went the extra mile adding new LED lighting to the Succah,
which will enhance our Succah for years to come and made for lovely
mood lighting (the lights have a variety of color settings, which has
implications for other uses as well during the year).
As many of you may know, weve been working on a number of
challenges. In August I let go our bookkeeper who had been with us for
six months and brought in a temp-to-hire and a consulting comptroller to
review our accounts and streamline our accounting systems. In October,
unsatisfied with the temp-to-hire, I brought in another temp-to-hire
bookkeeper from a different staffing agency. That has not been the only
staffing change in the office. The administrative assistant at our front desk
is now Tonie Gross, who replaced Sheila Thomas, who recently got
married and moved to North Carolina. Sheila joined the staff in June.
The consulting comptroller weve brought in through Your Part-time
Comptroller Inc., who has been reconciling our accounts and identifying
issues so we can produce top-notch, easy to understand monthly financial
reports has also been working on a plan to streamline our policies and
procedures. In order to expedite the process, Ken Labowitz, President of
Agudas Achim, John Ehrman, Vice President of Finance, and Meredith
Ludwig, Vice President of Administration, authorized extending the
comptrollers work to two days a week. This entails changing the
formatting of how weve been using Quickbooks for years, allowing us to
properly utilize its reporting functions to full effect.
As we move forward on a number of different fronts, Id like to let you
know how our office is structured to better help you know who has which
responsibilities.
The front desk administrative assistant, Tonie, is responsible for
answering questions or directing questions to those who can best help our
members with day-to-day issues. Among her duties, she handles dues
statements, accepts and processes donations (including those made by
credit card), and works closely with the bookkeeper and myself.
Doris Parker is the Rabbi Reins Administrative Assistant. Among her
many duties are: working with members who would like Yartzheit
plaques or permanent seats in the Sanctuary for the High Holidays. Doris
is a great person to call when you wish to reach the Rabbi on any critical
issue. (Continued on page 12)
PAGE 8
IN THE FAMILY
SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO: HAZZAN'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Mark Richer and family In appreciation of Hazzan Dienstfrey leading the service at which
on the death of his mother, Lillian Richer our granddaughters were given Hebrew names
Sharyn Tureck and family Donald and Marilee Perkal
on the death of her brother, Howard Raiten In memory of Andy's grandfather, Ralph Herman
Ellen Wayne and family Andrew and Michele Swers
on the death of her father, Jack Kabcenell SCHONBERGER LIBRARY FUND
A donation to the AAC Library
REFUAH SHLEMAH TO:
Lenny Goldberg Samuel Ziskind
PRAYERBOOK FUND
MAZEL TOV TO: In honor of Don Sandler's 90th birthday
Marilyn Davis and family Jerome and Bunny Chapman
on the birth of her grandson. William Cooper Davis Mr. & Mrs. Baruch Fellner
Ellen and Charles Wayne and family In loving memory of my husband, David
on the birth of their twin granddaughters, Hazel and Vivian Wayne Sheila Bicoff
HENRY H. KREVOR SOCIAL ACTION FUND In memory of Dr. Harold Bernanke
In memory of Jerry Ainsfield David and Judith Bernanke
Neale Ainsfield In memory of Jocelyn Pearl
In memory of Maurice Frank, Dianne's father Agudas Achim Sisterhood
Ronald and Dianne Spector CAMP RAMAH FUND
ENDOWMENT FUND With thanks to Rabbi Rein for suggesting Camp Ramah in the
In honor of the birth of great-grandmother Anita Turk's twin great Rockies
grandsons James and Elizabeth Robbins
Paul and Elizabeth Frommer RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
SCHIFF ENDOWMENT FUND Get well wishes to for a good recovery to Mickey Lazarus
In memory of Phillip Bernanke Robert and Judith Bregman
David and Judith Bernanke In appreciation of Rabbi Rein for doing the invocation at Tony's
SPIRO ADULT EDUCATION FUND military retirement
In appreciation of Rabbi Rein for overseeing the ritual immersion Arden Levy and Anthony Sanchez
of our grandchildren In honor of Don Sandler's 90th birthday
Donald and Marilee Perkal Harvey Stoler
SAM & ANITA TURK FUND In honor of Mel and Elaine Stokols' 55th anniversary!
In celebration of the births of Ari and Samuel Feuerstein, Gwen Stokols
AnitaTurk's great grandsons In memory of Andy's grandfather, Ralph Herman
Philip and Lenore Garon Andrew and Michele Swers
Carole Pollner and Jay Warshawsky In memory of Sam Turk, Morris Turk, Jerome Turk and Esther
Howard and Sherri Kohr Gumnit
Patricia Franklin Anita Turk
Michael and Edith Quint In memory of my dear father, Hyman Samuel Schwartz
Howard and Lois Silberberg Gordon and Ellen Horwitz
Philip and Szeina Lurie SYNAGOGUE FUND
In honor of of the birth of grandson of Ellen Whitten and great A donation
grandsons of Anita Turk Amy Godin
Anita Turk In appreciation of Agudas Achim Congregation
In memory of Margaret Marcus, mother of Louis Marvin and Ann Chadab
Robert and Maureen Shapiro In appreciation of Rabbi Moline for his help and guidance towards
CEMETERY FUND our 3 grandchildren becoming Jewish
In memory of James J. Kelly Donald and Marilee Perkal
Patricia Franklin In appreciation of minyan so I could say Kaddish for my dear wife
In memory of Jocelyn Pearl Gloria
Gordon and Ellen Horwitz Philip Rosenthal
In memory of Louise and Issac Chapman In appreciation of the family reunion we had in the Lainof
Jerome and Bunny Chapman Auditorium
COMMUNITY CARING FUND K. Wayne Lainof
Get well wishes to Lenny Goldberg In honor of Don Sandler on his 90th birthday
Barry Landau Edmund and Marcia Berkowitz
In memory of Melissa Doniger Alan Young and Sharon Bob Young
Mark Merzberg In honor of Mirza Lopez
Steven Hamberg and Nicole Yakatan

NOVEMBER 2017 PAGE 9

SYNAGOGUE FUND KITCHEN FUND
In honor of the birth of Anita Turk's great grandsons In memory of Carlyn Herman
Elliot and Karen Parkin Lynne Sandler
In honor of the birth of twin grandsons for Ellen Whitten MUSIC FUND
Howard and Lois Silberberg In honor of Anita Turk's great grandsons, Ari and Sam
In memory of Milton Malyn Vict and Judy Tynes
Elaine Malyn In memory of Julian Lazrus
In memory of Rose Weinstein Sophie Krasik
Helene Schrott PRESCHOOL DONATIONS
In memory of Shirley Silberberg In memory of my mother in law, Bernice Levy Kelly
Howard and Lois Silberberg Patricia Franklin
In memory of father, David Terner RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DONATIONS
Elaine Malyn In appreciation of Chaya Silver for mentoring our granddaughter,
SEFER TORAH FUND Adella, in the Jewish faith.
In honor of Don Sandler's special birthday Donald and Marilee Perkal
Vic and Judy Tynes RECEIVED FOR SISTERHOOD
In honor of Miriam Perlberg In honor of Mickey Lazarus
Patricia Franklin Mrs. Bunny Chapman
In honor of Phil Lurie reading Torah and chanting Haftarah In memory of Max Gazin
Patricia Franklin Doris Gazin
KIDDUSH DONATION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
In memory of my husband, Ray Kelly In honor of Alice Quint's birthday
Patricia Franklin James and Elizabeth Robbins
KITCHEN FUND In honor of of Don Melman's Blue Yarmulke award
In honor of Diana Weil and her kitchen crew Robert Lipnick and Sophie Krasik
Donald and Lynne Sandler In memory of Lena Finn
In honor of Jack Berman and his awe-inspiring shofar blowing Russell and Carolyn Finn
during the month of Elul In memory of Rose Zafren
Donald and Lynne Sandler Jonathan and Ruth Ruskin

AAC PICKS 900 POUNDS OF APPLES FOR LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES

On Sunday, October 22, twelve AAC
members spent a fun fall afternoon gleaning apples
at Heartland Orchards. Miri Bernovsky, our Shlicha
led a discussion on the biblical basis of gleaning and
the mitzvah. In the Book of Ruth, Ruth met her
future husband when she asked permission to glean
from his fields. She followed the grain cutters,
gathering the seed kernels that had fallen to the
ground. In this likeness, the group picked the good
quality apples that had fallen to the ground and, in
turn, donated them to local food pantries.
An entire truck bed was filled with 900 pounds
of apples and distributed to the food insecure in our
area. Be sure to join us next year!

USY NOVEMBER EVENTS MORNING/EVENING MINYAN

Wednesday, November 8 | 6:30 p.m. Please help us to maintain our daily minyan. If someone
Lounge Night/Make our chapter banner is saying kaddish and we dont have ten people, kaddish
cannot be recited. Morning minyan meets at 7:30 a.m.,
November 17-19 Monday-Friday (9:00 a.m. on Federal holidays). Evening
USY Fall Convention at Capital Camps, Waynesboro, PA minyan meets at 7:50 p.m. Sunday - Thursday.
Wednesday, November 29 | 6:30 p.m. There is no evening minyan on Thanksgiving.
USY/Kadima Peer-led Ed
Questions or interested in joining? Contact Kyra Schuster at
kyra@schuschein.com.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 10
 ProfilesofOurLEADERS
BarryNove by Carol Backman
AACs Executive funding for scholarly works, Midrash, and childrens stories.
Director, Barry Nove, is a He became the Director of Development for the Jewish
native of St. Louis, Missouri. Reconstructionist Federation (JRF), where he served as their
He has worn many hats national fundraising consultant to their 100 Jewish
serving Jewish communities congregations and also organized the next phase of their
around the U.S. for the last camps capital campaign.
30 years. Barry has worked Following his job at JRF, he took a one year position at
with Jewish Federations for the Jewish Federation in Rockville, Maryland. Next Barry
much of his career. Early in worked for six and a half years as Executive Director of Oseh
his career he was director of Shalom in Laurel, Maryland. The highlight of my time there
the Jewish Federation of was raising $ 200,000 to replace the fiberglass dome above
Peoria, IL and went on to work at UJA-Federation of New the synagogues sanctuary. The new dome is translucent and
York (Westchester Region), where among his responsibilities allows nine percent of the light from the outside to come
he ran leadership training programs. through it. The original one let in less light and was at the end
He served as Assistant Director in Toledo, Ohio; Financial of its life. Oseh Shalom thinks of that dome as their kippah,
Resource Development Director (Campaign Director and Barry notes.
Planned Giving Director) in both Dayton, Ohio, and St. Paul, He also did a renovation of the oldest Torah in the
Minnesota; and worked at the Jewish Federation of Greater synagogue. I got a grant, hired a sofer, and people from all
Washington. During that span of years, he also served as the walks of life contributed money and participated in the
Director of Development for the Jewish Publication Society process. It took seven months to complete the project, he
(JPS), where he honed his grant writing skills and in 2002 remarks. Barry explains that the progressive sofer provided
launched the Torah for Troops Campaign, which provided erasers for people to clean any page covered with soot due to
JPS pocket Torahs and Books of Psalms to Jewish U.S. the ink breaking down. After cleaning, they rewrote letters in
Service personnel being sent overseas to Iraq. calligraphy to fix it. I always wanted to do a Torah project,
At sixteen, Barry attended the Block Yeshiva High School and that was the one I have always dreamed about, he says.
in St. Louis and was a member of its first graduating class. He Seeing an article about the project in the local newspaper,
earned a B.A. in economics, an A.A. in Judaic Studies, and an a widow who was not Jewish contacted the synagogue saying
M.S.W. in community organization from Yeshiva University that the over one hundred and twenty-five year old Torah
in New York. I have been involved with social work and scroll had been purchased in memory of her late father-in-law
group dynamics all my life. My specialty is Jewish back in 1967. She provided all the documentation on the
community, says Barry. During his six years in New York, Torahs history. I would not have known anything about the
he ran a young leadership training program in Westchester Torahs history if she had not come forward and shared that,
County for the UJA-Federation of New York, where he also explains Barry.
ran Super Sunday and a lecture series, that featured Eli Wiesel
and Alan Dershowitz. When asked why he wanted to come to Agudas Achim,
Barry said, I was looking for a bigger synagogue with more
Barry says the highlight of his work in New York was challenge. I had to do everything before, now I have to know
sponsoring a multi-generational re-enactment tour to Ellis about everything, laughs Barry. He says he likes getting to
Island for families in 1994. A PBS documentary crew know the members and hear their stories, and he is excited to
followed the group, which included 120 people representating explore Northern Virginia. Barry says he loves working in a
three generations - children, parents, and grandparents. PBS Conservative congregation and feels comfortable here.
aired the footage as part of an Ellis Island documentary series
called Ancestors in 1997. Barry wrote a book about Another area of Barrys expertise is Jewish genealogy.
researching Ellis Island, published in 2014, called, The Ellis He is currently a member and a speaker for the Jewish
Island Experience: A Sampling of Stories and How You Can Genealogy Society of Greater Washington and speaks on a
Research Your Own. The book offers tips and insights on number of topics. Barry is well known in genealogy circles as
how to document your own ancestors story on Ellis Island. a Jewish storyteller. I have done talks all over the country,
After working for the Jewish Publication Society, co-
publisher with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaisms (Continued on page 12)
Etz Hayim, our current Chumash, where Barry secured
NOVEMBER 2017 P AGE 11
 PROFILES OF OUR LEADERS
(continued from page 11)
and one talk that might be interesting to
the congregation is How to Get Started ups for our maintenance staff. If you are planning a meeting or program,
in Researching Family, he says.
Barry is currently working on a
Jewish childrens book of about 36
pages called The Littlest Cohen Gadol,
appropriate for kids ages 4-13. He has
also written a Chanukah story called,
The Goil who saved the Oil, which he
hopes to publish after that. Hes
working with an illustrator on the first
book now. Barry is divorced and has a
15-year-old daughter living in Olney,
Maryland. She is an honor student at
Sherwood High School and a member
of Shaare Tefilah Congregation. He has
recently moved to Alexandria to be
closer to Agudas Achim.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS MESSAGE
(continued from page 8)
Diana Weil manages the kitchen and room requests, coordinating set-
you should be in contact with Diana as well as any staff member involved
with any of the committees. For example, Chaya Silver, the Director of
Youth Services and the Religious School, staffs Young Families and Social
Actions.
In addition to contacting Diana about room and catering needs for
programs, meetings, and simchas, Marya Runkle, our Marketing and
Communications Director (who also serves as the Religious School
Administrative Assistant) handles the congregation calendar. When seeking
to plan a meeting, Marya will double check the calendar and add your
meeting or event to the calendar, noting which room has been requested for
or assigned.
To conclude, please know the senior staff is more than happy to answer
questions and help members and prospective members at any time. To
contact us, call the synagogue office at 703-998-6460 or contact us through
our email addresses (which can be found on the Agudas Achim website:
agudasachim-va.org). Were all here to help. Thank you.

Contact Benjamin Rancman to place an ad today!

brancman@4LPi.com or (800) 950-9952 x5857

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 IN MEMORIAM
NOVEMBER 1, 2017 HESHVAN 12, 5778 NOVEMBER 10, 2017 HESHVAN 21, 5778 NOVEMBER 20, 2017 KISLEV 2, 5778
Anna Helman Fatima Frapolli Jack Meritz
Michal Kamely NOVEMBER 11, 2017 HESHVAN 22, 5778 * Dora Rabinovitz
Minnie Miller * Judith Arkin Alvin Rosenbloom
Florence Rawson * Frieda Cohen * Ann Sanders
Cynthia Reiser Robert Morris Feller NOVEMBER 20, 2017 KISLEV 2, 5778
Israel Moses Sherry Arne Fliflet * Jennette Sherter
NOVEMBER 2, 2017 HESHVAN 13, 5778 * Helen Singer * Rose Tauber
* Samuel Blum NOVEMBER 12, 2017 HESHVAN 23, 5778 NOVEMBER 21, 2017 KISLEV 3, 5778
Bebe Levin * Nathan Botuck * Meyer Abraham
* Ida Lewis * Jacob Finn Susan Gal-Edd
Norman N Perlberg * H. David Kafka Isidore Goldberg
Phoebe Saperstone * Harry Laurence Richman Joel Alan Opper
Athel Serra * Leah Spiro Lois Ranck
Fay Stoler Sara Warshawsky NOVEMBER 22, 2017 KISLEV 4, 5778
Dorothy Zitrin NOVEMBER 13, 2017 HESHVAN 24, 5778 Theodore Weiss
NOVEMBER 3, 2017 HESHVAN 14, 5778 * Sophia Abramson NOVEMBER 23, 2017 KISLEV 5, 5778
Miriam Greenblum Leonard Sattler
Kay Claire Shapiro Shirley Cutler
* Julius Stier Celia Goldenberg
Samuel Sutin NOVEMBER 14, 2017 HESHVAN 25, 5778 Terri Hirsch
NOVEMBER 4, 2017 HESHVAN 15, 5778 Judy Chesley NOVEMBER 24, 2017 KISLEV 6, 5778
Lena Baker Meyer Klestzick
* David Freed Emanuel Fusfield
* Robert Rumshin * Murray Goldberg
* Anita Rochelle Friedman Marc Walter
Irving Gerstein Michael Kushnick
Phil Weinkrantz Irving Marcus
* Roslyn Lurie NOVEMBER 15, 2017 HESHVAN 26, 5778
Ray Wiener * David Cohen
NOVEMBER 25, 2017 KISLEV 7, 5778
* Joseph Kleinman
NOVEMBER 5, 2017 HESHVAN 16, 5778 Claire Elias * Caroline Z. Lossef
Melvin Passner * Evelyn Levine
* Max Stein June W. Stier (Steer) NOVEMBER 26, 2017 KISLEV 8, 5778
NOVEMBER 6, 2017 HESHVAN 17, 5778
* Ada Wachtel * Dan Kerbel
* Jennie Biron Clayman * Israel Kleinman
Louis Cylinder NOVEMBER 16, 2017 HESHVAN 27, 5778
* Israel Krevor
Louis Finkelstein * Judith A. Friedel * Lilly Lainoff
Herman (Hy) Garbowitz * Mildred Evelyn Kaufman Elayne Latish
David Kraushaar George Kornfein Rose Potts
Robert Kushnir Lillian Rosenthal * William Rosen
Itzhak Lieberman NOVEMBER 17, 2017 HESHVAN 28, 5778 * Moshe Shapiro
NOVEMBER 7, 2017 HESHVAN 18, 5778 Albert Arsenault * Leo Wachtel
Isadore Bob Nathan Perlman NOVEMBER 27, 2017 KISLEV 9, 5778
Vivian Eicher Isabell Strasburger Fred Edelson
Florence Esbin Helen Trockman * Beatrice Heller
* Ethel Frommer * Nora Woolf Morris Weinkrantz
Judith Katz-Berger NOVEMBER 18, 2017 HESHVAN 29, 5778
NOVEMBER 28, 2017 KISLEV 10, 5778
* Kit Rackmales Augusta Dorsen Harvey Baum
Nathan Rosenblum Eleanor Roth Faye Bloom
Henrietta Rustwijk Rubin Zwirn Burton Borden
NOVEMBER 8, 2017 HESHVAN 19, 5778 NOVEMBER 19, 2017 KISLEV 1, 5778 * Sara Lea Cohen
Phillip Abraham * Jacob J. Brown * Abraham Friedel
* Ida Evans Kerbel Donald Hirschfeld Carl Palman
* Anna Kramer * Allan Labowitz Anne Sandler
Rafael Lopez, Sr * Sandor Weiner
NOVEMBER 9, 2017 HESHVAN 20, 5778
* Pearl Pinson Norman Kenneth White
Selma Borger * Isidore Shapiro
* Louis Cooper Edward Yalowitz
NOVEMBER 29, 2017 KISLEV 11, 5778
Oscar Fiedler * Mildred Friedlander
Harold Yatt * Morris Louis Kerster
* Jennie H. Flax
David Kamely NOVEMBER 20, 2017 KISLEV 2, 5778 * Esther Siegel (mother)
Victor Levine * Dr. Leo O. Bierman Jack Zitrin
Bertha Lieberman * Abraham L. Cohen NOVEMBER 30, 2017 KISLEV 12, 5778
Laura Polly Ziegeler * Ruth Frank Julius Barder
* Goldie Levinson Gary Bob
* Ethel Drooz Rosenblatt

* A memorial light will be lit in the synagogue for those names marked with an asterisk

NOVEMBER 2017 P AGE 13

 SENIORS LUNCH AND LEARN
PROGRAM
Tuesday, November 14
12:00 noon 2:00 p.m.
Lainof Auditorium
Join us November 14, 2017 when
the AAC Seniors welcome Harrison
Smith, a member of the Washington
Post obituary section staff. Mr. Smiths
presentation entitled: The Dead Beat:
Inside The Washington Posts obituary
section will review all aspects of how
the Post selects its obituary subjects, to
what makes an engaging obituary.
Please reserve early and come prepared
with your questions for the Q&A ses-
sion following his presentation.
We will serve lunch at Noon in the
Lainof Auditorium at Agudas Achim
Congregation, followed by the pro-
gram. This event is open to the AAC
Active Seniors and the JCCNV Active
Retirees. Reservations are required
and must be made no later than Thurs-
day, November 2.
RSVP to Jane Bergen at 703-861-6419
(janebergen@verizon.net) or
Nancy Siegal at 703-671-0957
(nsiegal@comcast.net).
Please let us know if you can help in
the kitchen or can provide transportation.
UNDERSTANDING JEWISH MEDICAL
DIRECTIVES FOR HEALTH CARE
Wednesday, November 15 | 7:00 p.m.
Flax Family Chapel
Modern advances in medicine have
raised many new questions. Normally
we make decisions about our own
health care as the situation arises, but in
some circumstances we lose the ability
to make such decisions. It is therefore
important for us indicate our wishes in
advance so that those who care for us
can know what we want. In doing this,
we should be guided by our commit-
ment to Judaism, to its law (halakhah),
and to its moral values. Each session
will provide an introduction to Jewish
Medical Directives as well as provide
copies for personal use.
Rabbi Steven Rein
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Tikkun Olam (Repair the World)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Social Action Committee Monthly Meeting
Thursday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Forum on Gun Violence from a Jewish Perspective
Sunday morning, December 3 at 10:00 a.m.
Northern Virginia Legislative Reception
Tuesday, December 12 7:00 9:00 p.m.
Social Action Shabbat
January 12 15
To recognize the Jewish role in the fight for racial equality, civil rights, and
social justice, Agudas Achim will honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with
Social Action Shabbat. Activities will include special Shabbat evening and
morning speakers, programs for youth on Tikkun Olam, AACs 5K Race benefit-
ting ALIVE, and a Sunday evening program of comedy and conversation by the
Black-Jew Dialogues on Diversity.
SAVE THE DATE
Save-the-Date for the "The Black-Jew Dialogues," a unique blend of education
and entertainment. The Social Action Committee with sponsorship by the Krevor
Social Action Fund is bringing this nationally acclaimed two-man show to Agudas
Achim Congregation on Sunday Evening, January 14. From the inception of the
N.A.A.C.P to black newspapers being first in decrying the abuse of Jews in Nazi
Germany to the civil rights movement here, blacks and Jews have been arm-in-arm
in their fight for social justice. Through laughter, honesty, conversation (and a little
nosh), The Black-Jew Dialogues is this Social Justice Theatre Company's attempt
to revive this all-important union.
The Black-Jew Dialogues explores the absurdity of prejudice and racism. The
actors engage in a cross-cultural and cross-generational dialogue and use the light
touch of humor to challenge long-established taboos. Through fast-paced sketches,
improvisations, puppetry, a game show, and other multimedia arts, the program
primes viewers for a post-show discussion where stereotypes and bigotry are
confronted and disposed of.
HELP SUPPORT JACOB SANCHEZ'S BAR MITZVAH TZEDAKAH PROJECT
Jacob Sanchez is supporting the Alexandria Animal
Welfare League (AAWL) for his bar mitzvah tzedakah
project. He is collecting NEW animal toys and supplies
throughout the month of November. The shelter has a list
of needed toys and supplies posted on Amazon -
http://amzn.to/2yJXoxd. There
will be a box in the synagogue
lobby during the month of No-
vember to collect donations. Alternatively, if you
would like to give a monetary donation, Jacob has an
online page with the AAWL - http://bit.ly/2lc1SJJ. The
funds raised will help with adoption fees for dogs and
contribute to the shelter's medical needs fund.
PAGE 14
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Agudas Achim Congregation WHATS INSIDE . . .
2908 Valley Drive
Alexandria, VA 22302 HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN..page 1
Phone: 703-998-6460 Fax: 703-998-5843 SERVICE SCHEDULE.........................page 2
RABBIS MESSAGE...........................page 2
The Bulletin is published monthly - ISSN1084-9858 PRESIDENTS MESSAGE...................page 3
MENS CLUB MENSCHENINGS...........page 3
Rabbi ......................................................................Steven I. Rein LIBRARY LUNCH AND LEARN............page 3
Hazzan..........................................................................Elisheva R. Dienstfrey MAH KOREH....................................page 4
Rabbi Emeritus...............................................................................Jack Moline TODA RABAH FROM ALIVE..............page 4
Executive Director......................................................................Barry Nove DEAR HAZZAN.................................page 5
Youth/Education Director.............................................Chaya Silver SISTERHOOD DOINGS.......................page 5
Preschool Director.............................................................Jen Halpern KNITTING CLUB...............................page 5
Shlicha.Miri Bernovsky PRESCHOOL NEWS..........................page 6
President..Kenneth Labowitz JUDAICA SHOP................................page 6
Sisterhood President...............Lenore Garon MONTHLY PROGRAMS WITH MIRI......page 6
Mens Club President............................Elliot Parkin BRINGING ISRAEL TO AGUDAS.........page 7
Communication Specialist......Marya Runkle EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS MESSAGE...page 8
YOUNG FAMILIES.............................page 8
Email: synagogue@agudasachim-va.org IN THE FAMILY.................................page 9
Web: www.agudasachim-va.org Facebook: facebook.com/agudasachim
AAC GLEANS 900LB OF APPLES...page 10
USY NOVEMBER EVENTS...............page 10
WHATS AHEAD . . . PROFILES OF OUR LEADERS..........page 11
Fridays, 9:00 a.m...........................................................Talmud Study Class YAHRZEITS....................................page 13
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. ....................................................Parashat HaShavua SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE .........page 14
Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.................................................................Gan Shabbat SENIOR LUNCH AND LEARN...........page 14
SUPPORT SANCHEZ BAR MITZVAH. page 14
Thursday, November 2, 10:00 a.m......................Monthly Israel Book Club
Saturday, November 4, 10:00 a.m....................................Learners Minyan
Sunday, November 5, 10:00 a.m....................................Mens Club Brunch
Sunday, November 5, 5:30 p.m..........................................Sisterhood Soiree
Sunday, November 5, 11:00 a.m.........................Oh Say Shalom Playgroup
Thursday, November 9, 12:00 noon....................Library Lunch and Learn
Tuesday, November 14, 12:00 noon......................Senior Lunch and Learn
Wednesday, November 15, 7:00 p.m...................Jewish Medical Directives
Friday, November 17, 5:30 p.m.........................Shababy Kabbalat Shabbat
Sunday, November 19, 10:00 a.m................How to Talk to Your Children
Sunday, November 19, 10:00 a.m............................................Knitting Club
Sunday, November 19, 7:00 p.m................Sisterhood to Signature Theatre
Wednesday, November 29, 7:00 p.m.................Monthly Israeli Film Series

Time Value
Alexandria, VA
Permit No. 263 Address Service Requested
PAID
U.S. Postage Alexandria, VA 22302
Non-Profit Org. 2908 Valley Drive
Agudas Achim Congregation