DECEMBER 2019

KISLEV/TEVET 5780 COMMUNITY HANUKKAH CELEBRATION

VOLUME 14 NUMBER 3
December 15 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
THE BULLETIN Join our Agudas Achim Community for a Hanukkah celebration. Enjoy
latkes and soufganiyot, a candle lighting demonstration with Rabbi Rein
and children, music with Ein Lanu Z’man, and a performance by our
in-house drama group led by Chaya Silver.
All are invited. This is a time for community and celebration (but not a
carnival). Please register by December 2 so we can have plenty of food.
Supported in part by donations from our synagogue funds, the Youth and
Religious School Committee (YRSC), Men’s Club, and Sisterhood. Event
is free; donations welcome at the event -- look for the Hanukkah gift basket.
Questions? Email Rachel Goldberg, rgoldberg@agudasachim-va.org,
or Meredith Ludwig, presidentml@agudasachim-va.org, or call the
synagogue office at 703-998-6460.

AGUDAS ACHIM
CONGREGATION VOTE MERCAZ IN THE UPCOMING
WORLD ZIONIST CONGRESS ELECTION
\Myxa [Tdvga [TTlyhqOOP Elections have consequences in Israel and here in the United States;
however, as Americans, we have few opportunities to affect change in Israel.
Here is our chance – and it is one that comes only every five years.
Beginning January 21, 2020, we can vote to elect MERCAZ
representatives to the World Zionist Congress, where they will champion the
need for a vibrant, pluralistic movement in Israel and specifically
demonstrate American support for the core values of religious pluralism,
democracy, and equality for all Jews.
MERCAZ is the official slate of the Conservative Movement. The World
Zionist Congress is the governing body of the World Zionist Organization
which strives to enhance the impact of Zionist ideology and activity in
Jewish communities around the world, including in Israel.
With the Congress meeting once every five years, making a strong
showing in this election for the Conservative Movement will secure
leadership positions and influence critical funding decisions for the future of
the Conservative/Masorti Movement. Your vote for MERCAZ couldn’t be
more important.
Voting begins on January 21, 2020, but you can sign-up now by
pledging to vote, which will give you updated information on the campaign
and reminders when the election begins. Go to MERCAZ2020.org or text
“VOTE” to 917-336-1162. Sign up family, friends, and colleagues too.
MERCAZ needs a strong turnout from this congregation.
If you would like to get more involved in the campaign, please reach out
to Rabbi Rein at srein@agudasachimva.org or contact MERCAZ at
2908 VALLEY DRIVE votemercaz@mercazusa.org.
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22302
703-998-6460
Please make sure your voice is heard and pledge
your vote today at MERCAZ2020.org.
WWW.AGUDASACHIM-VA.ORG
 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
DECEMBER
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
Kabbalat Shabbat Service......6:30 p.m.
Candlelighting.......................4:28 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha..........45 minutes after services
Havdalah Time......................5:36 p.m.
BAT MITZVAH OF HADASSAH RICHMOND
HADASSAH SHIRA BAT SHIMON V’ RACHEL
PARSHAT VAYETZE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13
Kabbalat Shabbat Service......6:30 p.m.
Candlelighting.......................4:42 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha..........45 minutes after services
Havdalah Time......................5:37 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
Kabbalat Shabbat Service......6:30 p.m.
Candlelighting.......................4:31 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha..........45 minutes after services
Havdalah Time......................5:40 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27
Kabbalat Shabbat Service......6:30 p.m.
Candlelighting.......................4:35 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha..........45 minutes after services
Havdalah Time......................5:44 p.m.
DAILY MINYAN SCHEDULE
Monday through Friday
Mornings................................7:30 a.m.
Sunday and Federal Holiday
Mornings................................9:00 a.m.
Sunday through Thursday
Evenings.................................7:50 p.m.
Note: No evening minyan on New Year’s
Eve, December 31.
Regular office hours:
Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. -5 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION | WWW.AGUDASACHIM-VA.ORG
RABBI’S MESSAGE
RABBI STEVEN I. REIN
LIGHTING THE WAY AHEAD
Nearly every Jewish holiday provides us with both male and female role
models: Rosh Hashanah – Abraham and Sarah; Purim – Mordechai and Esther;
Passover – Moses and Miriam (and the midwives). While the longstanding
patriarchies of our rabbis may have unduly tilted our focus to the male side of the
story, as an egalitarian community we have the right and responsibility to correct
this gender imbalance.
Hanukkah is no different. As important as the heroics of Judah Maccabee are,
the steadfast faith of Hannah is also cause for reflection and inspiration. In II
Maccabees, chapter 7, the story is told of seven brothers whom Antiochus ordered
to eat forbidden food. Bolstered by their mother’s faith, they chose painful death
over betrayal of their heritage. Even when the king demanded that she convince
her sons to do otherwise, Hannah held fast to her faith and died herself shortly
after her children. The martyrdom of Hannah and her seven sons, gruesome as it
is, serves as a powerful and inspiring narrative of our ancestors’ willingness to
keep their faith even in the most adverse circumstances. Unlike the more
traditional Hanukkah stories, it communicates the central message of the festival
with a woman at the center.
As we count down until 2020 we are gearing up to celebrate and honor a truly
remarkable woman – Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey. The year ahead will include
many opportunities to celebrate Hazzan Dienstfrey’s 20 years at Agudas Achim.
Mark your calendars for Sisterhood Shabbat (January 18), Hazzan-in-Residence
weekend (February 7-8), and our inaugural David Sattler (z”l) Spring Concert
(May 17). For more information on Music@Agudas, please see www.
agudasachim-va.org/community/music-aac.
If indeed the message of Hanukkah is to keep our faith no matter what, as did
Hannah, then how much more so are we, with the blessings of our lives, called on
to strengthen our stake in our tradition. There is no better way to do that, for men
and women, than by engaging with the learning, prayer, and community building
taking place this year at Agudas Achim. I encourage you to avail yourself of the
opportunities at hand. I wish you a Hag Urim Sameah, a joyous Festival of Lights!
CONGREGANTS ENERGIZED
AT SCHOLARS WEEKEND
What a dynamic, well-attended,
energizing and thoroughly commu-
nal event it turned out to be! In four
dynamic sessions we were led on an
exploration and conversation about
Tribalism and the Shifting Politics
of Israel and America by our own
Josh Kraushaar and Amir Tibon,
well-respected journalists and recognized experts in our discussion topics. What
a joy it was to have them lead us. Congregants engaged deeply with our scholars
in meaningful Q&A sessions. Josh and Amir are well informed, great communica-
tors and showed great patience to answer all of our questions.
Share your thoughts about the weekend and whether we should do more of
these types of programs. Contact Ilana Rothberg, ilanahrothberg@yahoo.com
or Rachel Goldberg, rgoldberg@agudasachim-va.org.
PAGE 2
 *Please Note: This column alternates
DEAR HAZZAN between music reviews/recommenda-
HAZZAN ELISHEVA R. DIENSTFREY tions and “Dear Hazzan” letters. To
introduce or recommend recordings, or
if you have a question for the Hazzan
‘GOOGLE, PLAY ME SOME HANUKKAH SONGS!’ regarding the ritual, liturgy, or music of
the synagogue, please write Hazzan
As Hanukkah approaches, I like to get into the holiday mood through – you Dienstfrey at the synagogue or email
guessed it – music! Instead of reaching for some of the familiar CDs and other HazzanERLD@hotmail.com.
recordings I know I like, I thought I would see what Google recommended. I put
“Hanukkah Songs” in the search box and waited to see what would pop up.
I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, modern songs like “The Chanukah Song” by UPCOMING MUSICAL EVENTS
Adam Sandler and popular parodies from the Maccabeats and Six13 were on the Hanukkah at AAC!
list; but, there were also some original Hanukkah songs sung by some unexpected December 15 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
artists. The Barenaked Ladies sing a song entitled “Hanukah Blessings”; Tom Join the Agudas Achim community
Lehrer sings “(I’m Spending) Hanukah in Santa Monica”; and even Woody to celebrate the upcoming holiday of
Guthrie has one called “Hanukah Dance.” And there were some other interesting Hanukkah including songs with Ein
songs out there that I had no idea existed. A clean-shaven Matisyahu recorded a Lanu Z’man. See page 1 of this bulletin
song called “Happy Hanukah,” and a relatively unknown group, the LeeVees for details.
(who have recorded with Matisyahu on occasion), created a cute song/Electric Learning the Language: Hebrew
Company inspired YouTube video called “How Do You Spell Channukkahh?” and Arabic, Prayer, Movement, and
And if you are in the mood for a funky, soulful Hanukkah experience, you should Music
listen to/watch “8 Days of Hanukkah” by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. February 2
ReformJudaism.com lists 11 of their favorite Hanukkah songs in an online Mark your calendars for our next
article written in November of 2013. The first is “The Dreydel Song” sung by program with our brothers and sisters of
singer/songwriter Julie Silver – a bluesy/folksy rendition that gets your toes the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center. See
tapping and your fingers snapping. Of course, you can’t have a dreydel song page 11 for details.
without “The Latke Song” by Debbie Friedman, and who doesn’t like to sing
Artist-in-Residence Shabbat
about latkes? Also on this list is Michelle Citron’s “Pass the Candle (from Left to
February 7-8
Right)” which is accompanied by an adorable video and SoulAviv’s “Candles of
For our annual Artist-in-Residence
Chanukah,” a short and sweet 4-part arrangement of a simple and beautiful
Shabbat, Cantor Elana Rozenfeld, of
melody. And one of my personal favorites on this list of songs is Matisyahu’s
Newton, MA, will lead services,
“Miracle,” filled with lyrics that bring out the message of Hanukkah.
introduce us to new melodies, teach us
Whatever music you listen to this Hanukkah season, I wish you a joyous
about the music of our tradition and
holiday filled with light!
inspire us with her beautiful voice.
Hanukkah Sameah - Happy Hanukkah!
The weekend will conclude with a
concert on Saturday night.
TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON
20TH ANNIVERSARY HAZZAN DIENSTFREY TRIBUTE AND
INAUGURAL DAVID SATTLER SPRING CONCERT
May 17, 2020, will be a Day of Blessings for Our Community, Brachot Kehilateinu. We will gather to celebrate
Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey’s 20 years at Agudas Achim and to enjoy the inaugural David Sattler (z”l) Spring Concert
featuring Cantor Azi Schwartz.
The concert will be at 4:30 p.m. followed by a dinner celebration by reservation only at 7 p.m.
At a reception immediately after the concert, you will be able to extend your congratulations to
Elisheva on the many blessings she has brought us over the past two decades. Cantor Schwartz also
will be on hand to greet you as the first artist to represent David Sattler’s eclectic musical tastes.
Cantor Azi Schwartz is the Senior Cantor of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York. He is a
world-renowned vocal performer and recording artist whose music reaches both Jewish and interfaith
audiences internationally. His craft of Jewish liturgical music has been described as emotionally
moving, spiritually uplifting, and artistically dynamic.
Watch your mailbox and email inbox in early 2020 for information on purchasing tickets for these
events on this special day.

DECEMBER 2019 PAGE 3

 SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S
HELP RE-OPEN AAC LIBRARY
We need two volunteers to catalog MESSAGE
BARRY NOVE
the library collection. Training will be
provided. Commitment is two hours per
week. A computer and supplies are MAKING PROGRESS
available on site, or bring your own
As we approach the end of the calendar year, there are a few things to share.
laptop. Please contact Susan Freiband,
First, we continue to integrate new features of our online membership database.
sjfreiband@hotmail.com, 571-312-
In order to maximize the online capabilities I encourage you to update your
5029.
account. To assist with this, on Sunday morning, December 8, Cheryl Tischler
OFFICE SEEKS FRONT DESK SUPPORT and I will be offering a tutorial on how to access the features of our online system,
The AAC office is looking for including how to indicate preference for USPS mail notifications or email.
volunteers who would like to lend a ONLINE TRANSACTIONS
hand answering phones, greeting Moving toward more efficient and environmentally friendly methods, as of
visitors, and performing light Bulletin publication, we are planning to mail December statements and send
administrative tasks as they arise. Shifts duplicate email statements to members to test the new system. Watch for a
of any duration are available Mondays message from “Agudas Achim Billing.” Each emailed statement will have a
through Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and personalized link directly to the member’s account to facilitate ease of payment.
Fridays, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Interested? Our long-term goal is to move to email-only statements (for members who select
Please contact Barry Nove, bnove@ this option) for accuracy, timeliness, reducing use of paper, and cost savings.
agudasacim-va.org, 703-998-6460. SECURITY UPDATE
The second item to share is security updates that began last month. We have
been replacing a number of emergency exit doors which will make it easier to
SHARE YOUR NEWS egress in an emergency, and have added emergency medical response kits
We want to support you and throughout the building. We are also purchasing a second AED (automated
celebrate with you. To share a external defibrillator) for the education wing. These are just some of the changes
newsworthy or noteworthy happening made possible by contributions to this year’s Security Appeal.
with the Agudas Achim community, FLAX FAMILY CHAPEL REFRESH
please contact the synagogue office at Looking ahead, more visible changes to the building are scheduled for this
703-998-6460; email Erica Jacobs at coming summer, which are outgrowths of the Strategic Plan we completed last
ejacobs@agudasachim-va.org to year. Now that Phase One of the refresh – the Dora & Jacob C. Cohen Sanctuary
make an appointment with the clergy; – has been completed, here’s what is in store for Phase Two. The Flax Family
or Rachel Goldberg at rgoldberg@ Chapel and the lobby will be getting new carpeting as part of the same anonymous
agudasachim-va.org to put an item in gift that underwrote the Cohen Sanctuary carpeting and major aspects of the
the weekly enews Kvelling Corner. “Refresh.” The Flax Chapel, for the first time, will have a hearing loop installed
Please call the Synagogue Office: like that in the Cohen Sanctuary, courtesy of an anonymous gift and the Spiro
● To have an aliyah during Shabbat Endowment Fund. This will allow those with hearing disabilities and loop
or holiday services. enabled hearing aids to enjoy programs and classes held in the Flax Family
● To share news of a joyous occasion, Chapel as never before. Yes, I do mean that. Members with hearing impairments
such as a birth, engagement, gradu- shared during the Strategic Planning process that they do not attend programs held
ation, marriage, or a personal or in the Flax Family Chapel since they’ve been unable to hear. This upgrade will
professional accomplishment. address this issue. We will also get new LED lighting in the chapel; fresh paint in
● To share news of illness or the death the chapel and lobby; new lighting and ceiling panels; and blinds throughout the
of a loved one. lobby. Many of these items are not yet sponsored.
● When a friend or acquaintance Finally, I would like to wish you and our entire community a Happy
wishes to make contact with the Hanukkah and thank you for your support of our congregation.
synagogue or the rabbi. Barry
● When you have a question of a bnove@agudasachim-va.org
personal or religious nature to
discuss with the rabbi.
● Anytime you would like to speak to
a member of the professional staff,
Xxmw hkvnx gx
please call 703-998-6460.
Happy Hanukkah
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION | WWW.AGUDASACHIM-VA.ORG PAGE 4
 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
MEREDITH LUDWIG

BOARD TAKES ACTION ON STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Greetings! Since June, we have welcomed 23
It’s customary for the President’s column to appear in the Bulletin each new member families and 10 trial
month. I have needed a bit more time to get into this routine. Thank you for your members (3-month membership).
patience. COMMUNICATIONS
We began our board year in July with a focus on norms of interaction, Internal and external communica-
responsibilities, and strategic planning priorities. With our consultant, AAC tions objectives and priorities were
member Alan Zucker, we introduced a framework for decision making. Building identified by two task forces in our
the monthly agenda, the officers consider the goals and outcomes of agenda items, Strategic Planning process. Our goal is
identifying them by categories of information, consultation, and decision making. that our members have access to
The board meeting in August invited the participation of committee chairs information that is consistent, accurate,
(standing and special focus). Chairs and committee representatives met in small and meaningful. With effective
groups with board members and discussed the Strategic Plan objectives and communication we believe we can
priorities (available on our website). Within mixed small groups, committee expand our membership and increase
leaders and board members identified their plans to complete priorities by our reach and impact in the broader
specifying actions, evidence of progress, challenges, and an anticipated end date, community. Our communications
that is, what “done” would look like. committee is newly formed this year.
Alan Zucker demonstrated how to use an online project-planning application The development of a communications
called Trello to document monthly progress. In September and October, plan is underway. The committee
committee chairs and vice presidents gave brief Strategic Plan updates. We also identified consistent messaging and
discussed next steps for strengthening our financial operations. The chair and vice branding for all of our communication
chair of our Fundraising and Development Committee reported on the recently media as a priority when meeting with
reinvigorated committee and its goals. our board members in August. Rachel
Together with Larry Altenburg, senior vice president, we have tentatively Goldberg has been exploring strategies
scheduled the focal issues for each meeting. In November, I planned to report on to enhance our communications.
the examination of our policies and governing documents (one of our Strategic
Plan priorities). Look for a note in our enews each month about the central topic We welcome AAC members at
for the upcoming meeting. We will also work on providing committee board meetings to observe and hear the
information using the website when appropriate. discussions, and questions. The meeting
schedule is on the AAC website. We
Our efforts to meet our Strategic Plan priorities have recently picked up steam
as chairs and committees recognize that the board expects work to be done in start promptly at 7 p.m., on the third
committees and supports them in achieving the Strategic Plan priorities. I will Tuesday of each month. We break for
report on two of the eight priorities each month. minyan and try to end by 8:45 p.m.
I welcome your thoughts, feedback,
MEMBER ENGAGEMENT and suggestions. Please email to
Member engagement is one of the specific drivers identified through our presidentml@agudasachim-va.org.
Strategic Planning process. Among the action priorities are aligning programs to
our vision, engaging members, and delivering programs imbued with hospitality.
Member Services VP Ilana Rothberg, together with the Member Services
Committee members, has been immersed in planning and implementation with AAC OFFICE CLOSINGS &
these results: SPECIAL MINYAN TIMES
▪ hosting a successful new member reception at our Annual Barbecue;
conducting ongoing outreach to new and prospective members; CLOSED WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2019
FEDERAL HOLIDAY
▪ launching the New Member Buddy program; MORNING MINYAN AT 9 A.M.
▪ revamping the membership packets with Rachel Goldberg, our new
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31,
communications coordinator; NO EVENING MINYAN
▪ assisting with logistics for the Scholars-in-Residence weekend in November;
CLOSED WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2020
and NEW YEAR’S DAY
▪ planning a Share-a-Shabbat event for December 6. MORNING MINYAN AT 9 A.M.
EVENING MINYAN AT 7:50 P.M.

DECEMBER 2019 PAGE 5

 YOUNG FAMILIES “MAH KOREH” - WHAT’S HAPPENING IN
Programming and community focused THE EDUCATION AND YOUTH DEPARTMENT
on families with children ages 0-5. CHAYA SILVER, YOUTH/EDUCATION DIRECTOR
HANUKKAH CELEBRATION
December 22
For details, visit the Agudas KIDS AND GOD TALK - PART 2
Achim website, www.agudasachim- “We must keep in mind the fact that the Torah preceded science with one very
va.org/community/young-families or significant piece of information. Science only recently discovered that the universe
the Young Families Facebook page, was created; it still cannot say what caused that creation. As Professors Paul
‟Agudas Achim Young Families” Steinhardt and Allan Guth, who developed the revolutionary theory of the
inflationary universe in the 1980s, declared: ‘The moment of creation has no
ONGOING EVENTS explanation.’ ” - Creation, Big Bang, or Was it Always There? All the Answers to
GAN SHABBAT the Biggest Question in the World. Rabbi Zamir Cohen, April 11, 2015
Saturdays | 11 a.m. to noon Last month’s article shared the reality that our children struggle to balance
Volunteer-led services for kids ages science and faith. I suspect they are not alone in their quest. I recently had the chance
0-5, with an adult. We are looking for to discuss this matter with a group of students. I asked them to write questions they
volunteers to lead – no experience have about God and their thoughts about God and science. Here is a sample of their
necessary – leaders can sign up at: wonderful comments and questions; I only wish I could share them all.
www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4aa4 · Does God care if I have a bad day? -grade 3
ac2ea4fc1-ganshabbat · Why do we pray to God and why can’t we just be thankful? - grade 5
OH SAY SHALOM SING-A-LONG AND · Why did God make 2 sides of belief, the scientific way and the religious
PLAYGROUP way? - grade 6
No playgroup in December and · Why is there no science in the Torah? - grade 4
January. We will meet again on · Why did God diside [sic] to create us and the earth? - grade 4
Sunday, February 2, 2020, at 11 a.m. · How did God get made? - grade 3
Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey · Why is [sic] there so many religions?- grade 5
leads songs for the first half-hour · Is God dead? - grade 5
with free play after. No Jewish · Why do we continue, even with all this science proof, do we continue with
knowledge or experience necessary. believing in God, why wouldn’t we grow into the science belief? (I mean
Each child re-quires an accompanying this in the most respectful way.) - grade 5
grown-up. I have heard most of these questions over the course of my career and thus have
had time to consider my answers. The first thing I share is that science and faith can
SHABABY KABBALAT SHABBAT
coexist quite comfortably as long as one understands that they answer different kinds
Friday, December 20 | 5:30 p.m.
of questions. In a compelling article by Francis Collins, the geneticist who is behind
Flax Family Chapel the Human Genome Project and the founder of BioLogos, a group that fosters
Friday night service for kids 0-5 and discussions about the intersection of faith and science, he writes, “I am privileged to
parents with songs, instruments, scarves, be somebody who tries to understand nature using the tools of science. But it is also
dancing, parachutes, challah, and juice. If clear that there are some really important questions that science cannot really
you are interested in volunteering to lead, answer, such as: Why is there something instead of nothing? Why are we here? ….
sign up on the Young Families page of the I find it oddly anachronistic that in today’s culture there seems to be a widespread
AAC website, www.agudasachim- presumption that scientific and spiritual views are incompatible.” Science and faith
va.org/ community/young-families. can actually be mutually enriching and complementary once their proper realms are
understood and respected.
CONNECT WITH YOUNG FAMILIES I hope that through our ongoing NOAM discussion I will be able to offer
Find us on the Facebook Group children a path to spirituality and faith that includes God. Once we can have common
‟Agudas  Achim  Young  Families”  to ground, it will be easier to discuss the God of their understanding, to consider the
keep track of events and receive updates! ideas of a personal God versus non-personal God, and learn respect for those who
For information or to get involved contact disagree with their point of view.
aacyoungfamilies@gmail.com I hope that those who believe faith is a concept which should be replaced with
- Rachel Brown logic and science will find that our modern world needs both science and God to
- Jennifer Munz navigate the challenges we face as a species on this planet. I have frequently said that
I would not go to a Rabbi to perform heart surgery and I would not go to a surgeon
- Mackenzie Silverman
to understand why they have been put on this earth.
Parents and others are welcome to attend NOAM any Shabbat morning as we
build holy community based on faith, respectful conversation, and deep inquiry. It
is a safe place to talk about some of the most difficult concepts we face as Jews.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION | WWW.AGUDASACHIM-VA.ORG PAGE 6
 PRESCHOOL NEWS KADIMA AND USY AT AAC
JEN HALPERN, DIRECTOR KYRA SCHUSTER, COORDINATOR
Seaboard Region USY (grades 9-
12) and Kadima (grades 6-8) youth
groups spread throughout all of
Maryland, Virginia, the District of
STRUGGLING IS LEARNING Columbia, and northeastern North
Jacob famously wrestles with one of God’s messengers in an upcoming
Carolina. Empowering teens to lead
parsha, Vayishlach. After the nighttime encounter, an angel renames Jacob Israel,
meaningful Jewish lives through fun
which means,”He has struggled with God.”
programming, prayer, social action,
Historically, the Jewish people have also been known as the people of Israel,
leadership development, and immersive
a reference to our ancestor Jacob/Israel. Just as Jacob struggled with God that
travel. Our AAC USY Chapter is
night long ago, as Jews we continue to struggle with God as we try to make sense
coordinated by Kyra Schuster and
of this world, our place in it, and our role in making it a better place.
Chapter President Avi Scheinberg.
Anything that is worth doing is worth struggling over. Most things that are
Questions? Contact Kyra Schuster at
worth doing, that are important, are hard. When our children struggle, with
kyra@schuschein.com.
sharing, tying their shoes, or building a tower 6 feet tall, they are doing something
important. They are learning, which is certainly worth doing. UPCOMING
When we don't allow our children to struggle, when we try to help them so December 14: Northern Virginia USY
that they don’t experience frustration (or to make things easier for us), we take Hanukkah Rap Battle @ Agudas Achim
away their opportunity to learn. It’s hard to see our children struggling, but it’s
important that we let them.
There’s a poster that hangs in my office with a message worth remembering:
When you:
Cut it for me / Write it for me / Open it for me / Set it up for me / Draw it for
me / or Find it for me,
All I learn is that you do it better than me.
IN THE FAMILY hxpwmb
SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO: HAZZAN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In honor of Elisheva Dienstfrey
Samantha Seigman and family Stanley & Rhoda Sulak
On the death of her uncle In memory of Morris Turk
Neil Bodzin Anita Turk
In memory of Dr. Marshall Flax
Rabbi Larry Bazer, JWB Chaplain CH (COL) Debra Flax
On the death of his mother In memory of Esther Bondareff
Charlotte Bazer Erwin Bondareff
In memory of Nettie Finklestein
Jonathan & Ruth Ruskin
MAZEL TOV TO:
HENRY H. KREVOR FUND FOR SOCIAL ACTION
Sherri and Howard Kohr Get well wishes to Nan Berman
On the engagement of their daughter Arielle Hannah Gloria Canter
to Jake Graffe In honor of Rebecca Cofman’s hospitality
Jack & Nanette Berman
Sherri and Howard Kohr In memory of Sheldon Kaplan
On the engagement of their daughter Shoshana Katherine Marty Hallowell
to Dani Baronofsky In memory of Ruth Welland
Marty Hallowell
Ellen and Charley Wayne JACK MOLINE LECTURE SERIES
On the birth of their granddaughter, Eva Barbara Wayne In honor of Max’s marriage to Jenny
Anita Turk
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FUND In memory of Maurice Wolf
In honor of the birth of Phil and Lenore Garon’s granddaughter, Yolanda Wolf
Astrid Livia Hodge
Arden Levy & Tony Sanchez & Family KOL NIDRE PLEDGE
In honor of Joel & Meryl Goldhammer
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT – SPECIAL DONATION Valerie Cooke
Get well John Ehrman
Sam Ozeck MUSIC FUND
In appreciation of Elisheva; Thank you so much for your
CEMETERY FUND beautiful davening for the holidays. Agudas is so lucky you are
In memory of Sam Shapiro, father of Bob Shapiro part of our family.
Maureen & Bob Shapiro Bernard & Veda Engel
In honor of Elisheva Dienstfrey
CHEVRA KADISHA Klas Ringskog & Paula Hersson-Ringskog
In honor of Ed Newberger’s hospitality In memory of my beloved sister, Barbara Tregub
Jack & Nanette Berman Gordon & Ellen Horwitz
In memory of Neil Bodzin
COMMUNITY CARING FUND Victor & Judith Tynes
In memory of my beloved mother Minnie Miller
Victor & Judith Tynes PRAYERBOOK FUND
In memory of Dorothy Ruth Levine
ENDOWMENT FUND Marilyn Levine
In honor of the birth of Phil and Lenore Garon’s granddaughter, In memory of Dr. Victor Tynes, Sr.
Astrid Livia Hodge’s Victor & Judith Tynes
Paul & Elizabeth Frommer
PRESCHOOL DONATION
HAZZAN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In memory of Naomi Lable Stern
In appreciation of High Holiday services Arnold & Susan Auerhan
Janet Barnett PRESCHOOL DONATION
In appreciate of beautiful holiday services In memory of Louis Horowitz
Victor & Judith Tynes Landsman Family

(Continued on page 9)

DECEMBER 2019 PAGE 8

IN THE FAMILY hxpwmb
(Continued from page 8)
SIMCHA SHABBAT DONATIONS
PRESCHOOL DONATION In honor of Don Melman’s birthday
In memory of Otis Caswell, father of Steven Caswell Donald Melman & Elizabeth Margosches
Maureen & Bob Shapiro
In memory of Sam Pack, father of Maureen Shapiro SYNAGOGUE FUND
Robert & Maureen Shapiro In appreciation of your inspiring and meaning high Holiday
services
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND David Bayer
In appreciation of Rabbi Rein for the Cemetery Prayers In appreciation of Kallat Bereishit
Anita Turk Nancy Siegal
In appreciation of the funeral service led by Rabbi Steven Rein In appreciation of the Honor Captains, Clergy and Agudas
for our beloved mother, Elsie Cooperman in April of this year Achim staff who made our job as High Holiday Honor Co-
Cathy Berman chairs so much easier
Michael & Sally Cooperman Sherri Kohr and Marilee Perkal
In appreciation of the Rabbi for his caring advice and guidance In honor of the birth of the granddaughter of Lenore and Phil
Jerome & Burnham Morse Garon, Astrid Livia Hodge
In appreciation of Rabbi Rein for his wonderful calls when I was Elliot & Karen Parkin
ill In honor of Miriam Perlberg for reading Torah and chanting
Sheila Bicoff Haftarah
In appreciation of the beautiful holiday services Patricia Franklin
Victor & Judith Tynes In honor of Melvin Finn
In honor of their Rosh Hashanah honor Russell & Carolyn Finn
Leonard & Sandra Goldstein In honor of our aliyot on Shemini Atzeret
In memory of Les Esbin Victor & Judith Tynes
Barbara Esbin & Kostas Liopiros In memory of Susan's mother, Naomi Lable
In memory of Raymond Wenick Arnold & Susan Auerhan
David & Sandra Chernin In memory of Morris Gutterman
In memory of Dr. Marshall Flax Hanna Gutterman
Debra Flax In memory of Francis Siegal
In memory of my dear mother, Anne Schwartz Nancy Siegal
Gordon & Ellen Horwitz In memory of Meyer Diamond
In memory of Nettie Finklestein Robert Diamond & Amy Pullman
Jonathan & Ruth Ruskin
In memory of Samuel Gerstein SAM AND ANITA TURK MUSIC ENDOWMENT FUND
Linda & Dale Otterness In memory of my beloved father, George Silverman
In memory of Stephanie Larson Barbara Silverman
Stanley & Rita Blacker In memory of my mother-in-law, Ruth Krevor, on her yahrtzeit
June Krevor
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL In memory of my father, Jacob Abraham
In honor of Sharon and Arnie Rosenblatt’s 50th wedding Max Abraham & Jasen Melson
anniversary
Stanley & Rita Blacker YOUNG FAMILY CONTRIBUTIONS
In appreciation of Rabbi Rein performing our daughter Lior’s
SCHIFF ENDOWMENT FUND Brit Bat
In honor of Schiff Holocaust Memorial Fund with its mission The Kastners
Agudas Achim Men’s Club
In memory of Dora Chadab YOUTH ENRICHMENT SCHOLARSHIP
Marvin & Ann Chadab In appreciation of Chaya Silver
Anonymous
SCHONBERGER LIBRARY FUND __________________________________
Get well wishes to Phil for a speedy recovery To make a donation in honor or in memory of someone,
Victor & Judith Tynes send a check to the synagogue office with the fund
indicated on the memo line or visit www.agudasachim-
SIMCHA SHABBAT DONATIONS
In appreciation of Lynne Rosenblum, Thanks and Happy & va.org/payment.php.
Healthy New year
Jerome & Bernice Chapman

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION | WWW.AGUDASACHIM-VA.ORG PAGE 9

 MARK YOUR CALENDAR
IMPORTANT DATES
DECEMBER 2019
Monday, December 2
▪ Preschool priority registration for
returning families opens
▪ Depression Support Group
Saturday, December 7
▪ Youth group lunch & fun
Sunday, December 9
▪ Hanukkah Bazaar
▪ Inclusion Committee meeting
Wednesday, December 11
▪ Preschool open house
Friday-Saturday, December 13-14
▪ Social Action Shabbat
Sunday, December 15
▪ Social Action/Sisterhood Event
▪ Community Hanukkah Celebration community in Israel – mostly Arab Israeli Christians, who are about 2% of the
▪ Inclusion Parent Coffee
▪ Knitting Club
Sunday, December 22
▪ Sisterhood Brunch
▪ Young Families Hanukkah event
Wednesday, December 25
▪ Office Closed
Wednesday, January 1
▪ Office Closed
JUDAICA HANUKKAH
BAZAAR
Sunday, Dec. 8 | 9 a.m. - Noon
AAC Lobby
Large selection of candles and
cool gifts for one and all. Interesting
menorahs, gelt, toys, games,
books… We have it all! Come shop
with us.
JUDAICA SHOP
All proceeds from Sisterhood’s
Judaica Shop go to help AAC and
other worthwhile causes supported by
Sisterhood. Open on Sundays when
Religious School is in session (9 a.m.
- noon). Contact Michelle Shwimer at
202-288-9856 or Susan Ravitz at
703-489-5068.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION | WWW.AGUDASACHIM-VA.ORG
BRINGING ISRAEL TO AGUDAS
OUR SHLICHA, MIRI BERNOVSKY
DECEMBER, A MONTH OF MIXED FEELINGS
December is a month that I have always had mixed feelings about. I like the
holidays it includes – Hanukkah for us, Christmas for Christian friends, and all
the shining lights that they create. I don’t like the cold weather and the early
darkness. Maybe that’s why in the past two years, I made plans to fly back for a
home visit in Israel in December. If the days are short, at least it’s better to be in
the relatively warmer weather of Tel Aviv than in the freezing American winter!
But this year, because it is our last year here in the U.S. before moving back
home to Israel, Amir and I decided not to fly back in December, and try instead
to do something fun on this side of the ocean. I’m not sure yet what it will be, but
hope we can find our way to someplace warmer, even if only for a week. Two
years and still not enough for an Israeli like me to fully adjust to the weather here.
One exciting thing about this year’s December is that the dates of Hanukkah
and Christmas are in correlation. Back home in Israel, I always love when this
thing happens. We even have a word for it – “Hanuchristmas.” The Christian
total population – hold beautiful celebrations during Christmas in cities like
Nazareth, Haifa, Jaffa, and Jerusalem. When those celebrations happen at the
same time as Hanukkah, it feels like entire cities are filled with light and joy –
something we all need in the dark and cold days of late December…
I look forward this year to celebrating my third and last Hanukkah with my
friends at Agudas, and also to see for the first time what Christmas looks like in
America. I am a bit sad, however, that I won’t get to enjoy sufganiyot back home
in Israel, because Israeli bakeries bring out the best of the best for Hanukkah, and
with all due respect to the classic “jelly donuts” one can find here in America, it’s
just not the same…
Apart from the holidays, we are also going to have great programs, including
one that I’m particularly excited about: Israeli poetry nights. If you love poetry,
Amir and I invite you to join a small group (space is limited) for an evening in
which we will read together some of our favorite Israeli poets and discuss them
over cheese and Israeli wine. I have already decided which poems will be
discussed on the first night, and I can’t wait to see how they will be received!
You can find more details on the Agudas Achim website, www.agudasachim-
va.org. Meanwhile, stay warm – and see you in shul!
ISRAELI MOVIE CLUB
Wednesday, December 11
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Flax Family Chapel
Our movie in this month’s Israeli movie club is “The Band’s
Visit,” a beautiful drama that won numerous awards in Israel
and around the world. The band in the movie’s title is an
Egyptian state-sponsored orchestra that arrives in Israel for
a ceremonial concert, shortly after the signing of the peace
agreement between Israel and Egypt. After entering Israel,
the band accidentally goes to the wrong town, and ends up
being stuck far away from the site of the concert. What
happens next is a fascinating meeting between former enemies, who aren’t
exactly friends, but have to somehow learn to work together.
PAGE 10
 SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
KATHERINE ALLEN, CHAIR

SUPPORT FOOD SECURITY AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING INTERFAITH DIALOGUE

Social Action Shabbat | December 13-14 LEARNING THE LANGUAGE:
According to Rabbi Israel Salanter, “A person should be more concerned with HEBREW AND ARABIC
spiritual matters than with material matters, but another person’s material welfare Sunday, February 2 | 1:30 p.m.
is his own spiritual concern.”
This December, we celebrate Social Action Shabbat with a focus on service in Please join us at our next Muslim-
our local community, especially regarding the problems of hunger and insufficient Jewish Conversation. We will learn
affordable housing. One in 10 residents of the Washington metro area lacks more about and share our faith
sufficient access to nutritious food. In addition, Alexandria has lost 90% of the traditions on Prayer, Movement and
affordable housing stock it had available in 2000. Friday night, December 13, we Music. This session will be led by
will hear from Lisa Hershey, the Program Director for Yachad, and Saturday Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey and her
morning, December 14, Jennifer Ayers, the Executive Director of ALIVE! counterpart from the mosque.
(ALexandrians InVolved Ecumenically), will speak to us about their work to On Sunday afternoon, October 27,
address hunger and the broader problems of poverty in our community. one year after the shooting at the Tree
20,000 Meals in 2020! | Monday, January 20, 2020 of Life Synagogue, 30 Agudas Achim
The Agudas Achim Congregation Social Action Committee invites you to members and brothers and sisters from
participate in a very special effort as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of the Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center came
Service 2020. On Monday, January 20, 2020, we will be hosting “20,000 Meals together to learn, build trust,
in 2020” – a community food-packing event to provide more than 20,000 understanding and break down
nutritious meals for hungry neighbors in our region. This event is organized in barriers. We shared a moment of
fellowship with Alfred Street Baptist Church and supported by the Henry H. remembrance and honored the memory
Krevor Endowment Fund for Social Action. of those killed in Pittsburgh, Poway, Sri
Hunger is often difficult to recognize. Some hungry people are homeless, but Lanka, and Christchurch. Using texts
many are not. They could be your neighbors, your children’s classmates, sitting from the Torah and Quran, Rabbi Rein
next to you on the Metro, or greeting you at a local business. By packing and Imam Mohammed Abdelilah, led
thousands of meals this coming MLK Day, we can address this significant need an engaging conversation on the topic
right here in our community. of Forgiveness.
With just $4,000, we can pack and distribute 20,000 meals to hungry Photos from the Oct. 27 Interfaith Dialogue.
families! Help us reach this goal, or even exceed it. Please consider
sponsoring this effort or donating to support future Social Action
organizing. Any amount you can give gets us closer to 20,000 meals!
· A Tzedek/Justice sponsorship of $518 ensures more than 2,500 meals
for hungry people in our region!
· A Mazon/Sustenance contri-
bution of $236 covers 1,000+
meals.
· A Ra’av/Hunger donation of
$118 funds almost 600 meals.
· A Lechem/Bread donation of $54
provides 270 meals.
Please make your donations
specifically to the Henry H. Krevor
Social Action Endowment Fund.
There is no requirement to donate
in order to volunteer, but your financial
support makes possible the purchase of
supplies and food and supports the broader work of the
committee. Please give generously to support our D.C.-metro area
neighbors. Your support of this community event and the
committee’s efforts is so appreciated!

DECEMBER 2019 PAGE 11

 ACTIVE SENIORS PROGRAM
Tuesday, January 14 | 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join us for an encore performance
of Helping Hearts Through the Arts
(HHA), a non-profit organization
dedicated to connecting individuals and
groups within our community in artistic
and meaningful ways. This all-
volunteer outreach group is composed
of dedicated technically trained dancers
whose ages range from 40-70+. They
will perform dances taught to them by
professional local choreographers in
styles of musical theater, contemporary
dance, and tap.
Visit HHA online at www.Helping
heartsthroughthearts.com.
Reservations are required by
Tuesday, December 31. Contact Jane
Bergen (703-861-6419; janebergen@
verizon.net) or Nancy Siegal (703-
671-0957; nsiegal@ comcast.net).
Suggested donation of $5/person is
appreciated.
Volunteers for set up and clean up
are welcome. Contact us if interested.
MEN’S CLUB
MENSCHENINGS
ELLIOT PARKIN, MEN’S CLUB PRESIDENT
MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN
Men’s Club paid-up membership for 5780 (2019-2020) has reached 83, well short
of last year’s 114 and this year’s goal of 125. Your support enables us to carry on our
programs. Our nominal dues for the year are $36, but please consider donating
“Chai’er” amounts, such as $54, $72, $90, or $108. Checks should be made payable
to Agudas Achim Men’s Club. We welcome your ideas and participation for future
events. Please contact me at elliot.parkin@gmail.com or 703-575-7879 with your
particular interests.
GIVING THANKS
Thanks to the more than 100 congregants and friends who attended the joint
brunch with Sisterhood on October 27. The turnout for the event was a testimony to
how dearly we still hold Charlene Schiff, and her husband Ed, in our hearts. A special
thanks to those who shared their personal memories of Charlene. I would also like to
thank Sisterhood Programming Co-Vice President Judith Fogel for the effective
publicity on social media and managing the RSVPs, and Men’s Club Social Activities
Vice President Louis Marcus for ensuring that we all could enjoy the traditional
brunch buffet.
ISRAEL PILGRIMAGE SCHOLARSHIPS RECIPIENTS TO SPEAK
Come hear some of our recent Men’s Club Israel Pilgrimage Scholarship
recipients speak to the congregation during Shabbat services on January 11. The
program has provided 105 scholarships over the past 32 years to AAC teens for Israel
experiences. The program is now self-sustaining. Consult the Pilgrimage Fact Sheet
on the Men’s Club page of the AAC web site for application details.
 IN MEMORIAM
DECEMBER 1, 2019 3 KISLEV 5780 DECEMBER 11, 2019 13 KISLEV 5780 *Stanford Levin
*Meyer Abraham *Hyman Brown Herbert Moline
Susan Gal-Edd *Mildred Isaacs B. Sherry
Isidore Goldberg Nathan Kahn Rose Sokolove
Lois Ranck Philip Kay
DECEMBER 21, 2019 23 KISLEV 5780
*Ellis Rabinowitz
DECEMBER 2, 2019 4 KISLEV 5780 *Mary Edelstein
Theodore Weiss DECEMBER 12, 2019 14 KISLEV 5780 *Bashe Fagelson
*Ernest Ceisler *Bessie Fagelson
DECEMBER 3, 2019 5 KISLEV 5780
Edith Goldfarb *Victoria Landau
Shirley Cutler
John Krieger Esther Ludwig
Terri Hirsch
*Doit Shotts
DECEMBER 22, 2019 24 KISLEV 5780
DECEMBER 4, 2019 6 KISLEV 5780
DECEMBER 13, 2019 15 KISLEV 5780 Fallon Harris
Emanuel Fusfield
*Ruth Blacker Mary Meritz
*Murray Goldberg
*Morris Schwarzman *Albert Rubin
*Caroline Lossef
*Max Snyder Anna Shapiro
DECEMBER 5, 2019 7 KISLEV 5780 *Harry Stych Meyer Shapiro
*Sandor Weiner Hazel Tynes Sam Shapiro
Flora Switzer
DECEMBER 6, 2019 8 KISLEV 5780 DECEMBER 14, 2019 16 KISLEV 5780
*David Tauber
*Dan Kerbel *Rita Dorsen
*Israel Kleinman *Allan Goodman DECEMBER 23, 2019 25 KISLEV 5780
*Israel Krevor Bruce Millen Sylvia Ashkenas
*Lilly Lainoff Nancy Miller *Samuel Jurin
Elayne Latish Abraham Rosenfeld *Soloman Rossio
Joel Opper
DECEMBER 15, 2019 17 KISLEV 5780 DECEMBER 24, 2019 26 KISLEV 5780
Rose Potts
*Sonya Dunie Maurice Dunie
*William Rosen
Seymour Goldhammer
*Moshe Shapiro DECEMBER 16, 2019 18 KISLEV 5780
*Felix Lieberman
*Leo Wachtel Joseph Graboyes
Israel Levitan
Arlene Katz
DECEMBER 7, 2019 9 KISLEV 5780 *Ruth Rickard
Lawrence Salzberg
Fred Edelson David Spector
*Jacob Serody
*Beatrice Heller
DECEMBER 25, 2019 27 KISLEV 5780
*Joseph Kleinman DECEMBER 17, 2019 19 KISLEV 5780
Nathan Newberger
Galina Kreynin *Julius Abramson
Helen Quint
Shirley Sulak Joseph Chapman
Stanley Weingast
Morris Weinkrantz *Michael Friedson
*Hyman Zalkind
Norman White Sadelle Lazarus
Eve Mamber DECEMBER 26, 2019 28 KISLEV 5780
DECEMBER 8, 2019 10 KISLEV 5780
Sylvia Saiger Fred Bergen
Harvey Baum
*Pearl Stokols Louise Chapman
Faye Bloom
Aaron Wigutow Lena Kaback
*Sara Cohen
Morris Labowitz
*Abraham Friedel DECEMBER 18, 2019 20 KISLEV 5780
*Cecelia Sheinoff
Lisa Lange Helene Alper
Ethel Zenn
Carl Palman *Judith Goldberg
Anne Sandler *Mildred Kutner DECEMBER 27, 2019 29 KISLEV 5780
Morris Yutz Rebecca Axelrad
DECEMBER 9, 2019 11 KISLEV 5780
Roslyn Meyers
*Mildred Friedlander DECEMBER 19, 2019 21 KISLEV 5780
Frances Myerson
*Morris Kerster *Maurice Binder
Harry Tropp
*Esther Siegel *Isadore Bregman
Dorothy Wiener
Jack Zitrin Sanders Levine
*Theodore Lurie DECEMBER 28, 2019 30 KISLEV 5780
DECEMBER 10, 2019 12 KISLEV 5780
Esther Heitin
Julius Barder DECEMBER 20, 2019 22 KISLEV 5780
Bernice Morse
Gary Bob Helen Andler
*David Sattler
*Jack Koso Martin Bookfor
Samuel Wagner
*Ethel Rosenblatt Libby Diamond
*Sonia Selmonosky Shimon Frost DECEMBER 29, 2019 1 TEVET 5780
*Louis Teitelbaum Shirley Graboyes William Foor
Judith Wengrovitz Ivan Hamberg Morris Friedman
Helen Krieger Arthur Iller

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

DECEMBER 2019 PAGE 13

 IN MEMORIAM SISTERHOOD DOINGS
JUDITH FOGEL, PROGRAMMING VICE PRESIDENT
DECEMBER 29, 2019 1 TEVET 5780
*Reva Kramer
Linda Morse
*William Narden CARPENTER'S SHELTER CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER
Robert Potash
Agudas Achim Congregation will host the Carpenter's Shelter Christmas
DECEMBER 30, 2019 2 TEVET 5780 Eve dinner on Tuesday, December 24. As in years past, donations of food,
*Milton Alexander
*Frieda Friedson
drinks, or monetary donations to purchase such items, and volunteers for kitchen
Mark Goldman set-up, serving, and clean-up are needed to make the event a great holiday
*Rae Levy meal. The shelter is still housed in its temporary location at the Macy’s Building
Laurence Pitkin at Landmark Mall, so there are no ovens, limited microwaves to heat food, and
DECEMBER 31, 2019 3 TEVET 5780 restrictions on leftovers.
*Miriam Friedman Questions or to sign up for food donations or hands-on support may be
*Edward Goldberg directed to Lisa Bregman at lisa.bregman@verizon.net or 571-218-4526 (day)
*Eleanor Pearl
or 571-643-8272 (evenings and weekends).
*Bella Schwarzber
*Hyman Stokols Monetary donations should be submitted no later than December 19 to be used
specifically for the dinner. Unused funds or funds received after December 24 will
* A memorial light will be lit in the be used to purchase Target gift cards for shelter residents to use during the year.
synagogue for those names marked with an Checks made payable to Agudas Achim Sisterhood with “Carpenter's Shelter
asterisk. Dinner” on the memo line, cash or Target gift card donations (no grocery store
To add a family member to the gift cards) can be mailed or delivered to the synagogue office marked for “Agudas
yahrzeit/memorial list, go to www. Achim Sisterhood Carpenter Shelter Dinner.”
agudasachim-va.org, click on the “My Drop off food on December 24, 10 a.m. - noon at:
Account” tab; then click on the “My ▪ Nan Berman, 2420 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria 22302
Yahrzeits” button and update your list; ▪ Ellen Balis, 2703 George Mason Place, Alexandria 22305
or call the Agudas Achim office, 703- ▪ Lisa Bregman, 5864 Lowell Avenue, Alexandria 22312
998-6460.
UPCOMING EVENTS
A Chorus Line @ Signature Theater | Sunday, December 1 | 2 p.m.
SISTERHOOD IN REVIEW If you did not secure tickets and would like to go, please contact Gloria Canter
Author Brunch | October 27 for word of cancellations: gloriacanter@comcast.net, 703-966-1602. Cost: $85.
Sisterhood teamed up once again Sisterhood Brunch | Sunday, December 22 | 9:30 a.m.
with Men’s Club for a joint program. We will learn about the mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim, visiting the sick. Alice
Our keynote speaker was Jack Quint, our late and beloved member, was a devoted practitioner of the mitzvah of
Grossman, author of Child of the this mitzvah. In her memory, we will study text with Chaya Silver, discuss how
Forest, a book inspired by the gripping to perform the mitzvah and the work of Agudas Achim’s Bikkur Cholim
story of our own Charlene Perlmutter committee; and hear reminiscences from Alice’s son Michael Quint. All are
Schiff, z"l, who was a teenager when welcome, although to guarantee enough food we urge RSVPs to Deborah
the Nazis seized power. Thank you to Altenburg (deborah_altenburg@yahoo.com) or Judith Fogel (jfogel2000@
all who volunteered to make the aol.com).
program a success! Sisterhood Shabbat | January 17, 2020 – January 18, 2020
Sisterhood Soiree | November 10 Join us as our Sisterhood members lead services and Sisterhood Ensemble
We enjoyed some “us time” with delights with several musical selections. Margie Miller, international president of
our sisters and a fun filled Flamenco Women's League of Conservative Judaism, will deliver the address.
themed night with a Flamenco perfor- For the first time, we bring you a Friday night dinner as we welcome our
mance and a short lesson. Yasher weekend Scholar-in Residence Margie Miller.
Koach to chairperson Sharon Sisterhood will again have its annual toy drive for Children’s Hospital,
Montanez for orchestrating this event. through January 19. The Hospital’s wish list is at http://childrensnational.org/
Special thanks to the AAC kitchen crew giving/get-involved/volunteer#tab-5. Donations must be NEW, non-toxic, and
for the authentic paella dinner! meet consumer product safety codes. Please place your donations in the baskets
Yasher Koach to Nancy Siegal who in the lobby.
was honored as Kalat B’reisheet during
Simchat Torah Services. The Hanukkah Senior gifting event is directed by Nan Berman

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION | WWW.AGUDASACHIM-VA.ORG PAGE 14

ADS
Agudas Achim Congregation WHAT’S INSIDE . . .
2908 Valley Drive
Alexandria, VA 22302 COMMUNITY HANUKKAH EVENT........page 1
Phone: 703-998-6460 Fax: 703-998-5843 VOTE MERCAZ...........................page 1
RABBI’S MESSAGE...........................page 2
The Bulletin is published monthly - ISSN1084-9858 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES..................page 2
Rabbi ......................................................................................... Steven I. Rein JUDAICA SHOP................................page 2
DEAR HAZZAN.................................page 3
Hazzan ......................................................................... Elisheva R. Dienstfrey
MUSICAL EVENTS............................page 3
Rabbi Emeritus ............................................................................. Jack Moline
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE...page 4
Executive Director ........................................................................ Barry Nove
Youth/Education Director ........................................................... Chaya Silver PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE...................page 5
Preschool Director ........................................................................ Jen Halpern YOUNG FAMILIES.............................page 6
Shlicha .................................................................................... Miri Bernovsky EDUCATION AND YOUTH...................page 6
President .............................................................................. Meredith Ludwig PRESCHOOL NEWS..........................page 7
Sisterhood Co-Presidents .......................... Lenore Garon and Susan Auerhan IN THE FAMILY.................................page 8
Men’s Club President ................................................................ Elliot Parkin BRINGING ISRAEL TO AGUDAS ......page 10
Communications Coordinator ............................................... Rachel Goldberg MARK YOUR CALENDAR................page 10
ISRAELI MOVIE CLUB.....................page 10
Email: synagogue@agudasachim-va.org | Twitter: @agudasachim SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE..........page 11
Web: www.agudasachim-va.org | Facebook: facebook.com/agudasachim
MEN’S CLUB MENSCHENINGS.........page 12
SENIOR LUNCH AND LEARN...........page 12
WHAT’S AHEAD . . . IN MEMORIAM................................page 13
YOUTH GROUPS............................page 14
Fridays, 9 a.m. ..............................................................Talmud Study Class SISTERHOOD DOINGS.....................page 14
Saturdays, 9 a.m. .........................................................Parashat Ha’Shavua
Saturdays, 11 a.m. ....................................................................Gan Shabbat
Saturdays, 10 a.m. ..................................................NOAM Shabbat Service
Tuesdays, 8 p.m. ..................................................Basic Jewish Ritual Class
Wednesdays, 7 p.m. ...................................................Intro to Judaism Class

THE MONTH AT-A-GLANCE

Friday, December 6.....................................Shehehiyanu/Birthday Service
Saturday, December 7......................................................Windows on Israel
Sunday, December 8.................................Judaica Shop Hanukkah Bazaar
Wednesday, December 11...............................................Israeli Movie Night
Saturday, December 14..............................................Social Action Shabbat
Sunday, December 15..........................Community Hanukkah Celebration
Thursday, December 19.................................................Israeli Poetry Night
Friday, December 20..........................................Shababy Kabbalat Shabbat
Sunday, December 22..............................Young Families Hanukkah Event
Wednesday, December 25..........................Federal Holiday (offices closed)
Wednesday, January 1...............................Federal Holiday (offices closed)

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