MARCH 2019

ADAR I & II 5779

NUMBER 7 CELEBRATE PURIM WITH AAC
THE BULLETIN

PURIM CARNIVAL
SUNDAY, MARCH 17
10:30 -11:30 A.M. FOR PRESCHOOL AGES 0-5
11:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. ALL AGES
TICKET PRICES
$25.00/ALL ACCESS BRACELET
$1.00/TICKET; $5.00/10 TICKETS; $15.00/30 TICKETS

MEGILLAH READING AND SCHPIEL

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20
6:00 P.M. IN THE COHEN SANCTUARY

MEGILLAH READING AND MORNING MINYAN

AGUDAS ACHIM THURSDAY, MARCH 21
7:00 A.M. IN THE FLAX FAMILY CHAPEL
CONGREGATION

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY

SOCIAL JUSTICE SEDER
FREEDOM SEDER
SUNDAY, MARCH 31
3:00 - 5:00 P.M. IN THE LAINOF AUDITORIUM
JOIN THE AGUDAS ACHIM COMMUNITY AND ALFRED STREET BAPTIST
CHURCH FOR OUR THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY SOCIAL JUSTICE SEDER.
“WHY IS THIS SEDER DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SEDERS?”
THIS SEDER IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO FOCUS ON CONTEMPORARY
STRUGGLES FOR JUSTICE AND EQUALITY IN THE PRESENT, AND DISCUSS HOW
WE CAN SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER FOR A BETTER FUTURE.

THIS EVENT IS FREE.

RSVPS ARE REQUESTED BY MARCH 17
AT BIT.LY/FREEDOM-SEDER.

2908 V•alley D•rive DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE

Alexandria, V•
A 2• 2302 HENRY H. KREVOR SOCIAL ACTION ENDOWMENT FUND.
 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
FRIDAY, MARCH 1
Candlelighting.......................5:43 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat Service......6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 2
SHABBAT SHEKALIM
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha........45 minutes after Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................6:42 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 8
Candlelighting.......................5:50 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat Service......6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 9
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha........45 minutes after Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................6:49 p.m.
BAT MITZVAH OF FAYE RUBIN
MICHAL BAT CHANAN V’SHOSHANA
PARSHAT PEKUDEI
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS
FRIDAY, MARCH 15
Kabbalat Shabbat Service......6:30 p.m.
Candlelighting.......................6:57 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 16
SHABBAT ZAKHOR
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha........45 minutes after Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................7:56 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20
EREV PURIM
Purim Evening Service..........6:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, MARCH 21
PURIM
Purim Service........................7:00 a.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 22
SHUSHAN PURIM
Kabbalat Shabbat Service......6:30 p.m.
Candlelighting.......................7:04 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 23
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha........45 minutes after Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................8:03 p.m.
BAT MITZVAH OF SHOSHANAH LEVY
SHOSHANA AVIVA BAT TZVI MICHAEL
HALEVI V’ ELISHEVA GILA
PARASHAT TZAV
FRIDAY, MARCH 29
Kabbalat Shabbat Service......6:30 p.m.
Candlelighting.......................7:11 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 30
SHABBAT PARAH
Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.
Mincha........45 minutes after Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................8:10 p.m.
DAILY MINYAN SCHEDULE
(UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ABOVE.)
Monday through Friday
Mornings................................7:30 a.m.
Sundays and Federal Holiday
Mornings............................... 9:00 a.m.
Sunday through Thursday
Evenings................................7:50 p.m.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION
RABBI’S
MESSAGE
WHEREVER WE STAND, WE STAND WITH ISRAEL
One of the most moving moments at last year’s AIPAC Policy Conference was
when Natan Sharansky walked onto the stage with his daughter for a ten-minute
conversation. I immediately thought about Sharansky’s book Fear No Evil,
detailing his experience in a Soviet prison for nine years – Sharansky as refusenik,
what he symbolized, what the movement to free Soviet Jewry meant. Sharansky’s
release was one of the great liberation movements of this century. Most notable
were Sharansky’s first moments of freedom. Freed in a prisoner exchange, he
crossed the infamous Glienicke Bridge (the "Bridge of Spies") from East Germany
to West Berlin. The Soviets told him to walk straight ahead; he zigzagged. A final
act of defiance. A first act of freedom.
What an amazing moment. A peak moment. We know these kinds of moments.
Moments of freedom. Moments of liberation. Moments of redemption. Our
tradition, our stories, are filled with them. The question I always have is, what
happens next? What happens the day after? In many ways, that is the most
significant day. In Sharansky’s case, he could have said, “You know what, I’ve
been through a lot. I am going retire and enjoy the good life.” Would anyone have
blamed him? But we know what happened. After zigzagging across that bridge,
Sharansky made aliyah and continued to advocate for Soviet Jewry. He was the
driving force behind the historic rally in December 1987 that brought 250,000
marchers to Washington, D.C., pressuring Soviet President Gorbachev to ease
emigration restrictions. For his struggle to promote human rights, he was awarded
the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Thinking about Sharansky and this year’s AIPAC Policy Conference I am
reminded that the work we do as activists for the State of Israel is sacred work. That
we can come together in our nation’s capital and lobby our elected officials on
behalf of Israel is one of the great blessings of living when we do. But let us
remember, as inspiring as it is to stand with 18,000 members of the pro-Israel
community, what really matters is what we do the day after. Will we continue to
fight on behalf of the Jewish state, even though it seems at times that the world is
against us, or even when the people of Israel don’t live up to our highest aspirations?
I don’t have the answers, and I don’t know where this story ends. But I will tell
you what I do have: stamina. And I encourage you to have the same. If you are
attending the AIPAC Policy Conference this year, great. If not, then join me next
year. Engage with Miri in our wide range of Israel programs, classes, books, and
movies. Enjoy Shabbat dinner with Miri and Amir at your table. Find what it is that
will help you deepen your connection to the Jewish state. Whatever it is, you’ve
got to show up. Take a lesson from Sharansky. Today is today. It is important. It is
sacred. It is special. But we have work to do when it comes to closing the gap
between what Israel is and what it ought to be as a Jewish democratic state.
Remember, what really matters is tomorrow. Tomorrow, let us show up and be
counted, and remember that wherever we stand, we stand with Israel.
PRE - KABBALAT SHABBAT MUSIC, MINGLE AND NOSH
Friday, March 15 | 6:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Join us as we wind down from the week and prepare for Shabbat.
Enjoy music by AAC members with a glass of wine and a little nosh.
Intersted in contributing your musical talents? Contact Pablo
Zylberglait (pmzmail@gmail.com).
PAGE 2
 DEAR HAZZAN MUSICAL EVENTS OUTSIDE AAC
Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey Maryland Jewish Choral Festival
Sunday, March 3
Ohr Kodesh Congregation, MD
GET READY FOR PURIM! If you love to sing Jewish choral
music, this is a fantastic opportunity to
Purim is happening this year on Wednesday night, March 20 and Thursday study with some of the best Jewish
morning, March 21. You are probably thinking: “How in the world can I get ready musicians in the area. Dr. Joshua
for Purim this year?” No worries! I have just the thing. Someone (his name is Jacob Fishbein of Beth Tfiloh and Chizuk
Richman, actually) has put together lists and lists and lists of Purim videos for us Amuno Congregations in Baltimore,
to watch in preparation for the holiday of Purim. Here are four of my favorites from Hazzenet Hinda Labovitz of Ohr
2018 (since, as I write this, there are no videos out yet for 2019): Kodesh Congregation in Chevy Chase,
Enter some of the key words from the titles below into your search engine and and Hazzan Dr. Ramón Tasat of Shirat
the YouTube video will be one of the first links. HaNefesh in Chevy Chase will be
"LA FIESTA" PURIM 2018 - YESHIVA GUEVOHA [ACAPELLA - SOMENTE VOZ] teaching and conducting. There will be
This music video features a group of Yeshiva singers from Sao Paulo. It may classes about and new choral settings for
be that this song is a parody, but since I’m not familiar with the song, I just enjoy Shabbat, holidays and psalms, all
listening to this, and dancing/singing along. It seems I am not alone in enjoying this composed by honorees from Shalshelet’s
video, as it has been viewed more than 14,000 times. International Festivals. Anyone interested
in singing can participate. There is no
RABBI JONATHAN SACKS & ASHLEY BAKLER ACCORDING TO PURIM
If you are interested in hearing the Chief Rabbi of England (Rabbi Sacks) and requirement to belong to a choral
the self-proclaimed “Greatest Jewish Comedian” in an in-depth conversation about organization, to be Jewish, to be an
Purim, this is the video for you. This is 7 minutes that will make you giggle while experienced singer, or to live within the
you learn little tid-bits about Purim. Greater Washington area. All are
welcome. Advance registration is
EASY HAMANTASCHEN TUTORIAL required. Admission is $20/person.
Who doesn’t want an easy hamantaschen recipe for Purim? This is perfect. Not Light refreshments will be included.
only is it simple, but there are only 6 ingredients – can’t get any more simple than Register and pay at:
that. www.Shalshelet.org/product/maryland-
AGAGITE NAMED HAMAN (ALEXANDER HAMILTON PARODY FOR PURIM) jewish-choral-festival.
For those “Hamilton” fans out there, this is the Purim Parody for you. I was
very impressed with the quality of the performers, the performance, and the MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
material, itself. This is very clever, although please note that some of the language
MINDI MALINE AND JANE SHICHMAN
may not be appropriate for small children. I would rate this PG-13. Parental
Guidance encouraged. The membership committee is busy
planning some spring/summer activi-
This year’s Purim theme is “Broadway” so start thinking about your costume
ties. Watch for more information on
now. Our staff will once again entertain us with a Purim Spiel and we will read
another Share-A-Shabbat dinner in
Megillat Ester on Wednesday, March 20 starting at 6:00 p.m. The fun continues on
June. Through these dinners, we hope
Thursday, March 21 when we read Megillat Ester again during morning minyan
congregants will meet each other in a
which begins at 7:00 a.m. (notice the earlier time for minyan that day). And the
more intimate setting. All are welcome
Purim Carnival is on Sunday, March 17. Mark your calendars, watch these videos,
to participate.
and have fun dancing, singing, learning, laughing, baking hamantaschen and
Join us in giving a warm welcome
preparing for the best Purim EVER!
the following families who have joined
*Please Note: This column will alternate between music Agudas Achim since September.
reviews/recommendations and “Dear Hazzan” letters. If you would like to
Cheryl & Fred Blum
introduce or recommend recordings, or if you have a question for the Hazzan
Illa & Preston Brown
regarding the ritual, liturgy, and/or music of the synagogue, please write Hazzan
Adele & Nicholas Doperalski
Dienstfrey at the synagogue (2908 Valley Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302) or email
David Fisher
her at HazzanERLD@hotmail.com.
David Godfrey
Levi Goldfarb
Lauren & David Gornish
Robert & Susie Isen

(Continued on page 5.)

MARCH 2019 PAGE 3

 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
Volunteer-led service for kids ages
0-5, accompanied by an adult. Looking
for volunteers to lead – no experience
necessary.
Oh Say Shalom Sing-a-Long and
Playgroup
Sunday, March 3 | 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 an accompanying grown-up.
Shababy Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, March 15 | 5:30 p.m.
Friday night service for kids 0-5 and
parents, with songs, instruments, scarves,
dancing, parachutes, challah, and juice.
CONNECT WITH YOUNG
FAMILIES
  Find  us  on  the  Facebook,  ‟Agudas
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:
aacyoungfamilies@gmail.com
Hannah Kraushaar
Jennifer Munz
MacKenzie Silverman
YOUNG FAMILIES
PURIM SONG AND STORYTIME
Sunday, March 17 | 10:00 a.m.
Room 5 in the Education Wing
Join Young Families before the
carnival for Purim-themed songs,
stories and a costume parade. We will
come together until 10:30 a.m. when the
carnival is open to younger children.
Children ages 0-5 are encouraged to
attend. All children must be joined by
an adult. Older siblings are always
welcome.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION
“MAH KOREH” - WHAT’S HAPPENING IN
THE EDUCATION AND YOUTH DEPARTMENT
Chaya Silver
Youth/Education Director
Recently while preparing for a school program, I came across a Jewish
concept I know very little about. The Hebrew phrase tocho k’boro (one’s inside
and outside should match) comes from Shemot (Exodus) 25:11 which
describes the construction of the wooden ark. The text tells us that the ark
should be covered both within and without with gold. Rabbi Ben Ish Chai, Ben
Yehodyada, a first century Torah scholar suggests this verse means that a
person, who is outwardly righteous and pious but is resentful and disdainful on
the inside, cannot be a truly righteous person. Likewise, it is inappropriate to
misrepresent oneself by presenting a false façade in order to manipulate a
situation or mislead other people. Only when tocho k’boro, when our behavior
and our inner intentions match, are we able to be our best selves and “Do
Jewish” in a genuine way.
When I look at pictures of Agudas Religious School students, I am touched
by their authenticity. The joy you see on the faces of our students reflects their
emerging Jewish identity and pride. The entire staff of our school works
diligently to give our students tools to know Jewish values (forming a solid
inner core) and then offering them opportunities to put these values into
practice (the outward manifestation of these teachings). For our school to be
successful, we must educate students so that their behavior reflects the best
teachings of our tradition in the classroom, at home, and in their daily lives.
MACHAR AND SHORESH MAKE TU B’SHEVAT PLANTERS
Esther and Manny Raya Yellin and Sivan
Elliot Perry
Fusfield Ziv-El Boral.
JEWISH TEEN PHILANTHROPY PROJECT
This year’s B’nai Mitzvah
Class (along with a few eighth
graders) is participating in a
Jewish Teen Philanthropy
course taught by Educational
Director, Chaya Silver. The
class will culminate in the group
deciding where to donate the
class b’nai mitzvah contribution.
Here students are sorting
charities into different categories.
PAGE 4
 BRINGING ISRAEL TO Shulchan Ivrit
Saturday, March 9 | During Kiddush
AGUDAS: OUR SHLICHA, Sit with Miri at Kiddush and practice
MIRI BERNOVSKY your Hebrew. Look for the table labeled
“Shulchan Ivrit.”
PURIM Windows on Israel
March is here and with it the most fun holiday, Purim. I have a great costume Saturday, March 16 | 12:30 p.m.
idea this year and I really want to write it in the bulletin, but I’m going to restrain Flax Family Chapel
myself from doing so, because then I will ruin the surprise. If you’re curious you Our upcoming Windows on Israel
will just to wait a few more weeks until you see the “Purim version” of me with will deal with the hot subject of the
everyone else in the synagogue. upcoming Israeli election. Miri will
In Israel, Purim is a day kids wait for all year long. And honestly, so do many present the rules of how the election
adults. Everyone comes to school or work - depending on their age - with a works in Israel, where there is a
costume, and you’re generally not expected to use the same one year after year. The parliamentary system, and why it is so
whole point is being original and surprising everyone with your choice. different than elections in the United
States. She will also explain the main
Even soldiers in the military prepare costumes for Purim - on top of their parties running in the election (at least
uniforms. Members of the Knesset from all different parties also put on costumes ten of them are expected to win seats in
(although some people would say a politician is already in a costume when they go the Knesset).
to work every morning...).
In Kibbutz Nahal Oz, where Amir and I lived before I came here for the Israeli Movie Club
Shlichut, there was an annual Purim costume competition every year. The year after Wednesday, March 27 | 6:00 p.m.
we moved to the Kibbutz, we were close to winning it, when we and our next door Flax Family Chapel
neighbors dressed up as jellyfish (Meduzot in Hebrew). I still consider that one of Our next movie is “Maktub” (“fate”
my greatest achievements. I think if we hadn’t moved to the U.S., we could have in Arabic). The biggest Israeli blockbuster
won the next year’s contest. since 1986. Steve and Chuma, two
criminals are the sole survivors of a
Holidays like Purim are usually the times when I most miss being home - with
terrorist attack at a restaurant in Jerusalem.
family and friends and familiar traditions. But I know that we’re going to have a fun
They decide to change their ways and
and exciting party at Agudas, which will make my blues go away. So if you’re
become flesh and blood angels. They
thinking twice whether or not to invest in a costume this year - don’t hesitate; think
begin collecting “wish list” pieces of
about the fact that you’ll make me and many other members laugh and smile. Hope
paper that people stick into the Wailing
to see you all!
Wall in Jerusalem, and then they try to
go and fulfill those people’s wishes.
MONTHLY PROGRAMMING What could possibly go wrong?
WITH OUR SHLICHA, MIRI
Everything, which is why this movie is
Book Club so funny, heartwarming and successful.
Wednesday, March 6 | 10:00 a.m.
Schonberger Library MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
This month, our Israeli book club will feature “The Dove Flyer” by Eli Amir, (Continued from page 5.)
one of Israel’s most beloved authors. The book take place in Iraq in 1949, a year
after the foundation of the state of Israel, and it focuses on the local Jewish Kimberly Fischer & Gabriel Key
community, which is stuck between its homeland for the past centuries - Iraq - and Sarah Manthey & Yoni Elmalem
the new country it will soon immigrate to, Israel. Melissa & Jeffrey Shapiro
Chaya Siegelbaum
The book beautifully portrays the love of the Iraqi Jewish community to the Bernard & Irene Silver
culture, the sights, the sounds and the tastes of Baghdad, which was home to tens Christine Trevaskis
of thousands of Jews before the local community left for Israel and other Suzan Zimmerman
destinations. At the same time, it tells of the fear, anxiety and persecution
experienced by Jews in Iraq - especially in the aftermath of the 1948 war and If you have any interest in working
Israel’s victory over the Arab armies. on the membership committee, please
contact Mindi Maline
Eli Amir has a sensitive and gentle style of writing that is necessary for telling (m_maline@yahoo.com) or Jane Shich-
this kind of story. I invite everyone to join us in reading and discussing this man (jane_shichman@yahoo.com). We
masterpiece. are happy to have more volunteers!

MARCH 2019 P AGE 5

 PURIM CARNIVAL NEEDS YOU CHEVRA KADISHA AT AGUDAS ACHIM
Sunday, March 17
We need the entire AAC Community Our Chevra Kadisha Committee was established in 2001, with a mission: “To
to make this a success. Here is how you honor the dead, by caring for them according to the dictates of our Jewish Law. To
can help: honor the living, by caring for them according to the dictates of our humanity.”
Volunteer - http://bit.ly/purim-sign-up A typical chevra kadisha consists of three parts: shomrim (the people who
Thursday evening, March 14 - set up “guard” or watch the deceased before the funeral); tahara, (the people who prepare
Friday, March 15 - set up shifts all day the deceased for burial by performing ritual washing and dressing of the deceased);
Sunday, March 17 - kitchen help, food and bereavement or chaverim (the group that gives support to the family before and
prep and service, game assistants, art during shiva). Funeral and burial arrangements have traditionally been viewed as a
table coordinator, clean up responsibility of the community.
Donate
Small toys, large stuffed animals, We have been fortunate to be working with Jefferson Funeral Home, which has
beanie babies, etc., in good condition a room set aside and equipped for tahara, and a room where the shomrim sit,
from non-smoking homes can be complete with appropriate books to read while sitting. The staff there is very
dropped off in the coat closet. knowledgeable about Jewish funeral practices and is very cooperative with any of
Co-Chairs our requests.
Arden Levy When a person in our congregation or an immediate family member of a
(levyab@hotmail.com) congregant dies, a whole process is set in motion. If the family requests a traditional
Mackenzie Silverman funeral and burial, we determine if they would like shomrim and tahara. When a
(mckenz613@aol.com) death occurs, the first thing that happens after the family informs the synagogue is
Volunteer Coordinator the e-mail notice on our list serve. If shomrim are requested, we broadcast that
Hannah Kraushaar request to the list serve. We have a set of guidelines that we send to newcomers to
(hannah.kraushaar@gmail.com) shomrim – we find that most people are terrified of doing it. Once they’ve done it,
however, they usually sign up again whenever they are able, stating that they found
AAC ACTIVE SENIORS the practice very peaceful to perform.
LUNCH AND LEARN PROGRAM Our bereavement committee, which was the last part to be established, helps the
Tuesday, April 2, 2019 family deal with shiva and the emotional side of their grief. They are available to
12:00 noon – 2 p.m. answer questions, to help set up the shiva house, and anything else that comes up.
Lainof Auditorium Our Sisterhood provides the meal of consolation (the meal served to the mourners
Many of you have heard of the when they return from the cemetery). If the funeral is out of town, a platter or a
Sunflower Bakery and perhaps you meal is arranged for the family when they return home.
have even tasted some of their delicious When we do tahara we usually need 5 participants. Our tahara team for the
treats, but do you know the story behind women consists of 20 women – so we seldom have a problem finding 5 when we
the business? Join us as we welcome need tahara. However, the men’s team has only 10 people, and we frequently have
Sara Portman Milner, co-founder of difficulty finding enough participants for tahara. Men’s Club has graciously
Sunflower Bakery, as she shares with allowed us some time to talk about chevra kadisha and particularly tahara at the
us her vision to expand the range of March 10 brunch, in hopes we can recruit a few more people to join our group. So
employment training and opportunities please come to that brunch to hear our talk in addition to the scheduled program.
for young adults with learning We will be having a training session for men and women at Jefferson Funeral Home
differences and challenges. We have on Wednesday, April 3, at 7:30 p.m. If you are interested in learning more or
been told to expect samples…yum! attending the training session, please contact Lynne Sandler, invite01@verizon.net
Reservations are required by or call her at 703-548-0427.
Tuesday, March 19. RSVP to MAHLOKET MATTERS WITH RABBI REIN
Jane Bergen 703-861-6419 HOW TO DISAGREE CONSTRUCTIVELY
janebergen@verizon.net or
Nancy Siegal 703-671-0957 Thursdays, March 14, 21, 28; April 4, 11
nsiegal@comcast.net 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Flax Family Chapel
Many of the most heated ideological and political conflicts in the world
This program is funded by today arise from the contradictory ways various groups interpret their reality
Sisterhood. Donations are welcome. and texts. Each class revolves around a conceptual question that is currently
Please let us know if you can help in the under ideological and political debate in Israel and the United States. The end
kitchen beforehand or clean up goal is to increase our curiosity, motivation and ability to understand competing
afterwards. ideological and political narratives today.

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 6

 INTERNATIONAL GOOD DEEDS DAY - SUNDAY APRIL 7 ATID! TEEN ART
MEZUZAH
Once again, Agudas Achim will be participating in International Good
Deeds Day. Intergenerational friendly activities will include: Jeremy Fagen, Isaac Saiger, and
● Cleaning up Four Mile Run near Shirlington with Congregation Kol Ami Benjamin Wilson created this art in
(All ages) an ATID! course taught by Rachel
● Fixing up a home for a senior citizen in Washington, D.C. with Yachad and Albert. They were inspired by the
Etz Chaim Congregation (16 and older) principle of “hiddur mitzvah”, which
● Sprucing up the playground on the grounds of ALIVE Child Development means “to make religious objects
Center (adults and children). aesthetically pleasing.”
● Young families writing get well cards for homebound congregants
● Performing a concert at a local nursing home. (children and teens)
● Knitting hats and blankets for Children at Fairfax Children’s Hospital (all
ages)
● Preparing meals at DC Central Kitchen (Agudas teens and chaperones)
● Religious school activities related to helping refugees and immigrants
Registration opens in early March. Watch for the announcement in the
weekly updates and Shabbat announcements. We will also be collecting items
for various organizations including:
● Diapers, wipes, and feminine hygiene products for the DC Diaper Bank
● Art supplies for children in the hospital
● Gently used pots and pans and kitchen utensils for individuals
● Cell phones for victims of domestic violence (JCADA)
If you would like to be on the Good Deeds Day committee or need more
information, please contact Barbara Elkin at bjelk@aol.com or Esther Miller at
nykoftyme@gmail.com.

THIS SPACE IS

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

 TEXT OF OUR LIVES MEN’S CLUB MENSCHENINGS
WITH RABBI JACK MOLINE
ELLIOT PARKIN, MEN’S CLUB PRESIDENT
Tuesday, March 12 | 7:15 p.m.
Flax Family Chapel On behalf of Men’s Club, I would like to thank the over 80 congregants and
friends who attended the second edition of Meet Our Press at our February 3 brunch.
Everyone has encountered a text Agudas Achim’s noteworthy journalists Josh Kraushaar and Amir Tibon were
that helped to shape their perspective on amazing as they tactfully navigated us through important political issues in the U.S.
life. Perhaps it was from the Bible or and Israel. I expect to have Josh and Amir back for a third edition sometime in 5780.
rabbinic literature, a classical author or
contemporary thinker, a film or a song. Our next bagels and lox brunch will be on March 10 at 10 AM when Sam
Join Rabbi Jack Moline as he engages Ponczak, member of Etz Hayim and a volunteer at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial
with members of the congregation from Museum, will tell his story of survival as a child during the Holocaust in Central and
different generations about the texts of Eastern Europe and his family’s experiences with anti-Semitism as they migrated
their lives and leads a discussion about across the globe. The brunch will also be the kickoff for our 2019 Yellow Candle
them with those attending. This month's campaign. Come and hear a compelling personal history and take home your candle
guest is Suzie Smith. to be lit prior to sundown on May 1.
The Men’s Club Israel Pilgrimage Scholarship Program has provided 105
CORRECTION
scholarships over the past 32 years to teens of the Congregation for Israel
PRESCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND experiences. If you have a teen who is interested in a peer trip to Israel, the Israel
In Loving Memory of Richel and Gerry Pilgrimage Fact Sheet for 2019 can found on the Men’s Club page of the AAC web
Serody Robin Serody
site. Please contact Mike Scheinberg at mike@schuschein.com or me if you have
any specific questions.
We would greatly appreciate your support by sending in your membership dues
if you have not already done so for 5779. Our nominal dues are $36, but please
consider donating “Chai’er” amounts, such as $54, $72, $90, or $108. We welcome
your ideas for future events as well as your help with activities. Please contact me
at elliot.parkin@gmail.com or 703-575-7879 with your particular interests.

SPRING CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

APRIL MAY JUNE
April 2 Senior Lunch and Learn May 1 Israel Book Club June 1 Kavanah Minyan
Text of Our Lives Depression Support Group June 2 Men’s Club Brunch
April 3 Israel Book Club May 2 Yom Hashoah Oh Say Shalom Playgroup
Bereavement Group May 2, 9, 16, 23 June 4 Senior Lunch and Learn
Depression Support Group Class with Rabbi Rein June 5 Israeli Book Club
April 6 Men’s Club Shabbat Theodicy Understanding Depression Support Group
April 7 Good Deeds Day Suffering in our Day June 7 Ein Lanu Z’man Concert
Oh Say Shalom Playgroup May 4 Shulchan Ivrit at Kiddush June 8 Education Shabbat
April 10 Divorce/Separation May 5 Oh Say Shalom Playgroup Leil Tikun Shavu'ot
Support Group May 8 Divorce/Separation June 9 Shavuot
April 13 Kavanah Minyan Support Group June 10 Shavuot & Yizkor
Windows on Israel May 9 Yom Ha’atzmaut Evening June 12 Divorce/Separation
April 14 Young Families Passover with Hazzan Dienstfrey Support Group
Fun and Miri June 14 Shababy
April 16 AAC Board Meeting May 17 Shababy and Young June 16 Knitting Club
April 17 Israel Movie Night Family Dinner June 18 AAC Board Meeting
April 19 Siy’yum of First Born May 18 Windows on Israel June 22 Shulchan Ivrit at Kiddush
First Seder May 19 Knitting Club June 26 Israel Movie Night
April 20 - April 27: Passover May 21 AAC Board Meeting
May 29 Israel Movie Night

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 8

IN THE FAMILY
MAZEL TOV TO: RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Ira Forstater and Robin Fradkin In Memory of My dear Mother, Rose Shapiro and dear Sister,
Harriet Bondareff
on the birth of their granddaughter, Talia Isabel Blumenthal-Forstater.
Stephen Kahn and Aimee Holleb Anita Turk
on the birth of their daughter, Matinel Hannah Kahn. In Appreciation of AAC Congregation for providing a place for
Colin and Stephanie Harley me to attend minyan
on the birth of their son Sean Alexander Harley. Deborah Bash
BUILDING FUND
In Honor of Hadley Maya Bondy new granddaugther of Paul and
In gratitude to Agudas Achim Congregation Liz Frommer
Lisa Singh Howard & Sherri Kohr
CAMP RAMAH FUND Get Well Wishes to Barbara Elkin
In Memory of our Beloved Grandson, Taylor Lazarus Michael Quint
Allan & Mickey Lazarus In Memory of Brian Forman Yahrzeit
In Loving Memory of Harriet Bondareff Allen Forman & Marion Wachtel
Michael & Debbie Turk In Loving Memory of Joseph Lazarus on his Yahrzeit
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FUND Allan & Mickey Lazarus
In Honor of Harriet Finn RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND
Russell & Carolyn Finn In Honor of Paul & Liz Frommer's new Granddaughter, Hadley
In Memory of Bernard Brenman Maya Bondy
Stephen Newman & Barbara Brenman Lester & Susan Ravitz
In Memory Of Beverly Flax In Memory of Bette Levin, Sister of Don Sandler
Neale Ainsfield Barry Landau
CEMETERY FUND SAM & ANITA TURK FUND
In Memory of Rita Schmier In Memory of Beverly Flax
Max Abraham Maureen & Bob Shapiro
In Memory of my mother Miriam Abraham In Loving Memory of Rose Shapiro
Max Abraham Michael & Debbie Turk
In Memory of Shirley Buns SCHIFF ENDOWMENT FUND
Leonard & Paul Lehman A Donation Yahrzeit
In Honor of Mom on Valentine's Day Alan & Mindi Maline
Michael & Debbie Turk In Honor of the birth of our grandchild, Sophie Hannah Korschek,
CEMETERY FUND daughter of Alexandra Levy & Michael Korschek
In Memory of Elaine Lubert Suzanne Schneider & Robert Levy
John Scherpereel In Memory of Anna Barth
HAZZAN'S DISCRETIONARY FUND Mindi Maline
In Memory of Harriet & Harry Bondareff SEFER TORAH FUND
Dr. Erwin A. Bondareff In Memory of Joseph Shuman
In Memory of Betty Jean Linver Jay & Paula Grossman
Barry S. Landau SPIRO ADULT EDUCATION FUND
HENRY H. KREVOR SOCIAL ACTION FUND In Memory of Anita Auerhan
In Memory of Joseph Livingston Arnold & Susan Auerhan
Sonya Singer Livingston SYNAGOGUE FUND
In Honor of my 37th birthday In Honor of Birth of Hadley Maya Bondy, Granddaughter of Paul
Sarah Blumberg & Liz Frommer
KIDDISH FUND Elliot & Karen Parkin
In appreciation of the Agudas Chevra Kadisha for their care and support In Memory of Bertha Schrott
Deborah Selmonosky & Family Helene Schrott
MUSIC FUND A Donation
In Memory of Maurice Dunie - I'm so sorry about the death of your father Hirsch Barth
Barbara Klestzick & Lew Cohn In Memory of June Israel
In Honor of Frommer's Granddaughter's birth - Congratulations Robert Diamond & Amy Pullman
Mike Davis In Memory of Lawrence Friedman
PRAYERBOOK FUND Barry Landau
In Memory of Lawrence Friedman, Gerry Friedman's Father In Honor of the upcoming Bat Mitzvah of Shoshana Levy
Barbara Klestzick & Lew Cohn Phyllis & Ed Miller
PRESCHOOL FUND In Memory of Ruth Kraushaar
In Memory of Bette Levin, Aunt of Miriam Berkowitz Deborah Bash
Maureen & Bob Shapiro Neale Ainsfield
RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND TURK MUSIC ENDOWMENT FUND
In Loving Memory of my beloved mom, Sonia R. Selmonosky In Memory of my beloved mother, Selma Silverman
Deborah Selmonosky & Family Barbara Silverman

MARCH 2019 PAGE 9

 SISTERHOOD FACILITATES GIFT OF
MICROWAVE TO CARPENTER’S
SHELTER
Agudas Achim Sisterhood added an
extra gift this past year to its annual
Christmas Eve dinner at Alexandria’s
Carpenter’s Shelter—a microwave
oven. The shelter is in temporary
quarters without a full-service kitchen
as it expands its programming and
rebuilds its facility on North Henry
Street; Sisterhood member and current
dinner coordinator Lisa Bregman
recognized it would be hard to serve a
hot holiday meal without supplementing
the shelter’s equipment with a large
capacity microwave to reheat the
donated dishes congregants prepare and
contribute.
M&M Appliances, a longtime local
sales and service company, generously
gave the shelter a brand new, in-the-box
microwave after a Sisterhood member
asked about a possible donation or
discount, perhaps on a “dented and
scratched” floor model.
Sisterhood began providing
Christmas Eve dinners for the shelter in
the early 1990s when AAC’s then-new
rabbi, now Rabbi Emeritus Jack Moline,
saw an opportunity for the congregation
to serve the broader Alexandria
community. In the mid-2000s, they
expanded the tradition to include as
many congregants as wished to
participate.
AAC’s support for the shelter grew
again several years later when Julie
Keller and Debi Leekoff spearheaded an
effort to include the congregation in
ALIVE’s rotating provision of evening
meals for shelter residents. That effort is
ongoing and now a part of the
congregation’s robust Social Action
programming. Additional volunteers are
always welcome.
Sisterhood Co-President Lenore
Garon tucks a bowl of pasta and sauce
into the new microwave as Christmas
Eve dinner coordinator Lisa Bregman
looks on.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION
SISTERHOOD DOINGS
BY JUDITH FOGEL, PROGRAMMING VICE PRESIDENT
FEBRUARY RETROSPECTIVE
Sisterhood celebrated its annual Sisterhood Shabbat on February 2. Women’s
League of Conservative Judaism conducts this international program each year.
Sisterhood members lead the entire Shabbat morning service, from P’Sukei
D’Zimrah to Adon Olam. Sisterhood Ensemble, under the direction of Hazzan
Elisheva Dienstfrey, delighted the congregation with their beautiful voices. As is
Sisterhood's long-time tradition, the bimah was decorated with toys and other needed
items donated for Children’s Hospital.
Yasher Koach to all the women who worked diligently to perfect their parts in
the services. Thank you to everyone who brought in toys and other goods. Hats off
to Sara Krumbein, Sisterhood Shabbat Coordinator, who put the whole thing together.
SPRING FEVER
Sisterhood goes to the Theatre - Grand Hotel
Sunday, April 28 | 7:00 p.m.
Signature Theater, Shirlington
It is 1928 and Berlin is at the center of a razzle-dazzle world between two wars.
At the bustling Grand Hotel a series of eclectic guests and staff including a fading
ballerina, a destitute baron, a wannabe-starlet typist, and an ailing bookkeeper
collide in a non-stop musical toast to the high life.
Sisterhood is selling a limited number of tickets at $70.00 each. This is always a
splendid night out on the town with your sisters and significant others. Shirlington
has a plethora of restaurants, mere doorsteps from the theater. Parking is nearby and
free! To purchase tickets, send an email to Gloria Canter (gloriacanter@comcast.net).
Trip to a Winery
Outing to a kosher winery or distillery has been postponed to not conflict with
the community Yom Hashoah program. Stay tuned.
Cheesecake and Chat
Sunday, June 9
Come celebrate the holiday of Shavuot at the home of Rachel Goldberg, minutes
from Agudas Achim.
JOIN SISTERHOOD
It is not too late to join Sisterhood. Send a $36 check to the shul, made payable
to Sisterhood Agudas Achim or drop it off in the Sisterhood mailbox behind the front
desk in the office workroom.
Want to know the latest Sisterhood happenings? Send an email to Jodi Wittlin
at jlwittlin@yahoo.com to be included in Sisterhood’s TinyLetter. Don’t miss
Sisterhood’s Facebook updates. Join the group at Agudas Achim Sisterhood of VA.
THANK YOU TO
STACY KREPPEL AND
PAMELA MANDEL FOR
PROOFREADING THIS
MONTH’S BULLETIN.
PAGE 10
 ProfilesofOurLEADERS
JENNYanddanMUNZ by Carol Backman
Jenny and Dan Munz are one of a growing number of 0-5. They offer programs weekly, yearly, and at holidays.
young families who joined Agudas Achim Congregation to Members and non-members are invited to the activities,
find a good Jewish environment for themselves and their and they often attract people from the JCCNV community.
pre-school aged daughter. "We wanted to find a comfortable "Many times these wonderful programs are a family's first
community for us and our daughter, Ava, 4. After looking at exposure to AAC, and we have brought in so many
other places, we felt a welcoming atmosphere in the young potential lifelong synagogue members through our
families' community at AAC," says Jenny. Since joining the programs," says Jenny.
synagogue in 2016,
For example, in January, the Young Families Group
Jenny has become one
hosted a Tot Shabbat Hop in coordination with the JCCNV
of the volunteer leaders
where families from all over Virginia were invited to join
of the Young Families
the weekly Young Families Gan Shabbat service. The
Group and Dan serves
preschool Assistant Director, Simon Gershman, led the
on the Agudas Achim
service, which included prayers, songs, and stories as well
Board.
as challah and juice.
Born in Atlanta,
The group holds regular events for children aged 0-5,
Georgia, Jenny attended Auburn University in Alabama. She
including: Weekly Gan (Tot) Shabbat services, Saturdays
met Dan before her senior year of college, while they were
from 11-12; Monthly ShaBaby Kabbalat Shabbat on the
both on a study-abroad trip in Eastern Europe. Jenny and Dan
third Friday of each month at 5:30 p.m.; Oh Say Shalom
moved to Alexandria in 2011 after Jenny attended graduate
Sing-A-Long Playgroup with Hazzan Dienstfrey on the
school at George Washington University. Today, Jenny works
first Sunday of each month from 11-12; and Holiday
as Branch Chief for Executive Services at the National Science
programs for major Jewish holidays.
Foundation in Alexandria where she handles executive hiring
and performance management. "Our High Holidays services under the tent draw in a
huge number of families with young children, many of
Dan, who is from Queens, New York, majored in Political
whom join AAC after attending," says Jenny. They offer
Science at Yale University. After working for various non-
story reading, prayers, songs and crafts. Jenny also
profits and political campaigns, Dan spent five years working
volunteers with the preschool and helped coordinate the
for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as a founding
preschool's participation on Good Deeds Day 2018 with
member of its technology and consumer engagement teams.
the ALIVE preschool in Alexandria. Preschool parent
He's currently a Senior Advisor at the State Department's
volunteers did painting and gardening at the ALIVE building.
Public Diplomacy Bureau of International Information
Programs, responsible for informing, engaging and persuading Jenny says that her daughter, Ava, who attends the
audiences around the world to advance U.S. foreign policy. AAC preschool, loves seeing familiar faces like her
teachers and Rabbi Rein at services on Saturday mornings
Jenny's father was an epidemiologist at the Centers for
as well as at the preschool's Shabbat service. "The
Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Her mother was a
preschool holds a mini-service on Friday afternoon in the
teacher at the Hebrew Academy there but is originally from
Chapel for two, three, and four-year-old's. My daughter
Baltimore, Maryland, and still has many relatives there. Both
lights up when the Rabbi visits her class, gets down on
of Dan's parents grew up in New York City and were public school
their level, and jokes around with them. "He is very
teachers there for decades before retiring together in 2012.
approachable, and that's a big reason she likes to go
Both sets of grandparents spend much of their time in services," she says.
Virginia to be close to their children and granddaughter.
"My daughter's favorite activity was when the Rabbi
Jenny's sister, a nurse at MedStar Georgetown Hospital, also
blew the shofar in her class and held his breath for what
lives three blocks away from her home in Old Town
seemed like an eternity to the preschoolers," observes
Alexandria. Dan often jokes that when he and Jenny moved to
Jenny. Jenny and Dan feel that Agudas Achim's welcoming
Virginia, "we brought the whole family with us!"
approach to Shabbat and holidays will help Ava build a close,
Jenny, along with Hannah Kraushaar and Mackenzie joyful relationship with Judaism as she grows older.
Silverman, is part of a committee of three that leads the Young
To find out more about the Young Families Programs
Families Group at AAC. It is a volunteer and parent-led group
visit the AAC website or the AAC Young Families
that works with a small budget but provides excellent,
Facebook page.
engaging programs for the youngest synagogue members, ages

MARCH 2019 P AGE 11

 SISTERHOOD’S USY/KADIMA (GRADES 6-12)
KYRA SCHUSTER, ADVISOR
JUDAICA SHOP
Open on the Sundays Religious Save the dates for these upcoming programs:
School meets from 9:00 a.m. - ● Saturday, March 2 - Oreo March Madness (grades 7-12)
12:00 noon and by appointment. ● Wednesday, March 6 - Hamantaschen baking (grades 6-12)
● Sunday, April 7 - Seaboard Region Kings Dominion Day (grades 6-12)
We are… ● Wednesday, May 8 - Israel Breakout Room (grades 8-12)
● the place to shop for everything ● Friday - Monday, May 24-27 - Seaboard USY Spring Convention (grades 8-12)
from Tallit to Toys.
● the place to shop and support *More information on the AAC website
Sisterhoods activities.
● the place to shop instead of the
net.
Contact our Chairs:
Michelle Shwimer at 202-288-9856
mshwimer19@gmail.com; MACHAR AND SHORESH (GRADES K-5)
RACHELLE KROMASH, ADVISOR
Susan Ravitz at
703-489-5068
Save the dates for these upcoming programs:
sravitz@comcast.net
● Saturday, March 2 - Origami and Paper Airplanes, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
● Sunday, March 10 - Trip to Building Museum, 12:00 - 2:30 p.m.
(Drivers/Chaperones Needed)
● Saturday, April 13 - Passover Trivia, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
● Sunday, June 2 - End of Year Party 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
*More information on the AAC website.

Contact Scott Messner to place an ad today!

smessner@4lpi.com or (863) 875-1101

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


MARCH 3, 2019
* Celia Yuter
MARCH 4, 2019
* Ilene Sandler
MARCH 5, 2019
* Celia Worthman
* Ida Lehman
* Eugene Schonberger
Stanley Zedd
MARCH 6, 2019
* Joseph Amorky
Freda Shevitz
* William Kasenetz
MARCH 7, 2019
Florence Pickell
Leo Herskovitz
Louis Wiseman
Esther Aronovitz
MARCH 8, 2019
* Rebecca Lehman
John Siegel
Aaron Duberstein
* Selma Wishnatzki
MARCH 9, 2019
* Leon Flax
* Abe Mendelson
* Abeh Mendelson
* Abraham Nachman
Sam Goldberg
Louise Fradkin
* Minnie Kasse
* Alfred Landau
Floyd Holloway
MARCH 10, 2019
Bernard Rapoport
David Ziskind
MACH 11, 2019
* Samuel Borden
Thelma Sanders
* Sydney Scholl
* Yetta Stokols
MARCH 12, 2019
* William Goldberg
Peter Rosenbaum
* Stanford Weiss
Regina Newman
* Gloria Shimberg
Abe Goodfarb
Annette Goodfarb
MARCH 13, 2019
* Shara Kerbel
Father Isen
Irene Margosches
* Harry Meyerson
* Aaron Joseph
MARCH 14, 2019
* Phillip Weinberger
Sidney Backman
John Chesley
Melvin Bernzweig
* Esther Kramer
Sarah Perlman
Carol Stellings
* A memorial light will be lit in the synagogue for those names marked with an asterisk.
MARCH 2019
IN MEMORIAM
26 ADAR I 5779 MARCH 15, 2019 8 ADAR II 5779 MARCH 24, 2019 17 ADAR II 5779
* Solomon Ruskin * David Chadekel
27 ADAR I 5779 * George Goldhirsch * Lawrence Charles
* Solomon Singer * Sidney Donner
Victor Cohn * Sol Heller
28 ADAR I 5779
Eva Peltz * Albert Isaacs
MARCH 16, 2019 9 ADAR II 5779 Sheldon Sandler
* Abraham Frankel Goldy Pritzker
* Kate Lainof MARCH 25, 2019 18 ADAR II 5779
* Selma Lowell * Chane Hoffman
29 ADAR I 5779
* Regina Rothleder * Phyllis Shapiro
Richard Bob Libby Brin
Louis Switzer Peggy Frost
Audrey Yalowitz Bernard Gollomp
30 ADAR I 5779 * Patricia Kasenetz, MD Betty Saks-Lotstein
Jeanette Rose
MARCH 17, 2019 10 ADAR II 5779
* Joseph Schonberger
* Albert Gelfand
* Blume Lieberman MARCH 26, 2019 19 ADAR II 5779
Bernard Fagelson Faye Snowhite
1 ADAR II 5779 Henry Yalowitz William Feinstein
Edna Salzberg * Rhoda Labowitz
Edna Salzberg * Alan Silverman
Marvin Pullman Sidney Sulak
Barbara Wilson Gerald Payeur
2 ADAR II 5779 MARCH 18, 2019 11 ADAR II 5779 MARCH 27, 2019 20 ADAR II 5779
* Adolph Berg * Jennie Siegel
* Julius Berg Rita Banov
* Hilda Kerster Harold Deutsch
Rose Katz
MARCH 19, 2019 12 ADAR II 5779
Francis Mulligan
* Sarah Amorky
* Doris Scher
* Eleanor Cooper
* Goldie Rimson
* Ruth Greifer
Gretel Biel
Fannye Passamaneck
Blanche Willenz
* Jerome Grossman
3 ADAR II 5779 Marcia Melnick MARCH 28, 2019 21 ADAR II 5779
* William Steiner * Maurice Ezrine
* Anna Bernanke
MARCH 20, 2019 13 ADAR II 5779
4 ADAR II 5779 * Jacob Appel Ethel Shapiro
* Frieda Ezrine Florence Appell
* Ethel Koffler George Horsefield
* Charlotte Shapiro Emanuel Walter
Harold Ashkenas * Jacob Schwarzber
5 ADAR II 5779 MARCH 21, 2019 14 ADAR II 5779 MARCH 29, 2019 22 ADAR II 5779
* Helen Brown * Toibe Shain
* Samuel Hoffman Lynn Esformes
* Menachem Levinson * Joseph Schifrin
* Miriam Shapiro Harriett Gutterman
Sylvia Esformes Betty Weiss
Barbara Spelman Mary Blecher
Edith Wolfe MARCH 30, 2019 23 ADAR II 5779
6 ADAR II 5779 Evelyn Berman * Jerome Greenbaum
MARCH 22, 2019 15 ADAR II 5779 * Anna Kutchinsky
* Edith Kramer Richard Lax
Ben Pollner * Ellen Levine
Frances Passner Beverly Shulman
* Dennis Wilson
MARCH 23, 2019 16 ADAR II 5779
7 ADAR II 5779 * Miriam Smith MARCH 31, 2019 24 ADAR II 5779
Frank Cassens * William Amorky
Isadore Schifrin * Rebecca Busch
Marie Shor * Samuel Friedlander
* Jean Richman * Jacob Kamerow
* Albert Silver Gertrude Kugelman
Hyman Seidenberg
P AGE 13
 SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
VOLUNTEER. ORGANIZE. ADVOCATE.
SAMARA WEINSTEIN, CHAIR

LEARNING – CONVERSATION – ACTION

Join the Social Action Committee and build connections with those who care
passionately about the values of tikkun olam – repairing the world. We invite you to
attend our monthly meeting on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the
AAC Library. Our next meeting is Thursday, March 14, 2019. Please join us! We
welcome new ideas, new participants and new leaders! Attend an event or sign up Katherine Allen introduces Michael Twitty
to help with a project or event. Here are some highlights from February. at the pre-show reception.

Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day

Every year the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater
Washington participates in Jewish Advocacy Day in Richmond, Jewish
organizations from around the state send advocates to speak with legislators during
the General Assembly. On Wednesday, February 6 a dedicated group from Agudas
Achim took buses from Northern Virginia, heard from the Governor, Lieutenant
Governor and Attorney General and lobbied our state representatives on a range of
issues including combating bias, preventing gun violence, faith community issues,
and criminal justice reform. Finally, we asked each legislator we visited to sign on
as a cosponsor of a joint resolution to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Michael Twitty signs books for Lynne
Kristallnacht. To learn more about the JCRC's 2019 Virginia legislative priorities Sandler and June Krevor.
visit their website www.jouncil.org.
Descendants of Abraham: Muslim-Jewish Conversation
Based on the extraordinary response and interest at the Celebrating Sisterhood
December Brunch featuring the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, the Social Action
Committee reached out to Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church to build on
and continue this kind of interfaith conversation. On Sunday afternoon, February 24,
AAC congregants welcomed our Muslim neighbors for a conversation on “Love and
Relationships: Dating, Marriage and Divorce.” Using texts from the Torah and
Quran as a jumping off point for interfaith dialogue, we explored each other’s
culture, customs and traditions. Samara Weinstein and Sharita Cooper
begin the show.
Join the second Muslim-Jewish Conversation on Sunday, April 28 at the Dar
Al-Hijrah Islamic Center. At this second session participants will discuss “Food and
Fasting: Kosher and Halal.” For more information, please contact Samara Weinstein
at samarajw@yahoo.com. This event is free, RSVPs requested by April 18 at
bit.ly/aac-dar-conversations.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Freedom Seder - Sunday, March 31
Third Annual Community Social Justice Seder
See front page for information.
Good Deeds Day - Sunday, April 7 Michael Twitty makes black eyed pea
See page 7 for information. hummus.

2019 StepALIVE! Walkathon

Sunday, May 5
ALIVE! (ALexandrians In Volved Ecumenically) is comprised of volunteers
from over 40 religious congregations and the community working together to help
those in need in Alexandria. StepAlive! proceeds support a tuition assistance
program that helps bridge the gap between what low income families can pay and
what it costs to provide a quality education to students in ALIVE!’s Child
Development Center. Last year, the 2018 StepALIVE! Walkathon raised over
$100,000. Help celebrate ALIVE!'s fiftieth anniversary. Join Agudas Achim’s team
of walkers. For more information, please contact Rachel Goldberg at Don and Merilee Perkal have their book
rachel@quigberg.com. signed by Michael Twitty.

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 14

 Enjoy the Carefree Lifestyle You Deserve! RABBI MICHAEL HENESCH
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Agudas Achim Congregation
WHAT’S INSIDE . . .
2908 Valley Drive PURIM.............................................page 1
Alexandria, VA 22302 SOCIAL JUSTICE SEDER...................page 1
RABBI’S MESSAGE...........................page 2
Phone: 703-998-6460 Fax: 703-998-5843
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES..................page 2
The Bulletin is published monthly - ISSN1084-9858 DEAR HAZZAN.................................page 3
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE................page 3
Rabbi ...….................................................................….………Steven I. Rein DEAR HAZZAN.................................page 4
Hazzan..........................................................................Elisheva R. Dienstfrey MAH KOREH - EDUCATION...............page 4
Rabbi Emeritus...............................................................................Jack Moline YOUNG FAMILIES.............................page 4
Executive Director.....................................................................….Barry Nove BRINGING ISRAEL TO AGUDAS.........page 5
Youth/Education Director...........….……….................................Chaya Silver CHEVRA KADISHA............................page 6
Preschool Director……............................................................….Jen Halpern AAC ACTIVE SENIORS LUNCH.........page 6
Shlicha.………………………………………………………Miri Bernovsky
INTERNATIONAL GOOD DEEDS DAY..page 7
President……..……………………………………………Kenneth Labowitz
MEN’S CLUB MENSCHENING.............page 8
Sisterhood Co-Presidents..............................Lenore Garon and Susan Auerhan
Men’s Club President..........................…..………………………Elliot Parkin SPRING CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS....... page 8
Communication Specialist.....………………….………………Marya Runkle IN THE FAMILY.................................page 9
SISTERHOOD DOINGS.....................page 10
Email: synagogue@agudasachim-va.org Twitter: @agudasachim PROFILES OF OUR LEADERS...........page 11
Web: www.agudasachim-va.org Facebook: facebook.com/agudasachim JUDAICA SHOP..............................page 12
YOUTH GROUPS.............................page 12
WHAT’S AHEAD . . . IN MEMORIAM................................page 13
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE..........page 14
Fridays, 9:00 a.m...........................................................Talmud Study Class
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. ....................................................Parashat Ha’Shavua
Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.................................................................Gan Shabbat

THE MONTH AT-A-GLANCE

Sunday, March 3,11:00 a.m.............................Oh Say Shalom Sing-a-long
Wednesday, March 6, 10:00 a.m........................................Israel Book Club
Saturday, March 9, During Kiddush.....................Shulchan Ivrit with Miri
Sunday, March 10, 10:00 a.m.......................................Men’s Club Brunch
Tuesday, March 12.............................................................Text of Our Lives
Thursday, March 14................................Rabbi Rein’s Spring Class Begins
Friday, March 15, 5:30 p.m...............................Shababy Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, March 15, 6:00 p.m..................................Music, Mingle, and Nosh
Saturday, March 16.........................................................Windows on Israel
Sunday, March 17.................................................................Purim Carnival
Wednesday, March 20, 6:00 p.m..................Megillah Reading and Schpiel
Thursday, March 21, 7:00 a.m.........................................Megillah Reading
Thursday, March 21............................................Rabbi Rein’s Spring Class
Wednesday, March 27, 6:00 p.m.....................................Israel Movie Night
Thursday, March 28............................................Rabbi Rein’s Spring Class
Sunday, March 31.....................................Community Social Justice Seder

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