APRIL 2018

NISAN/IYYAR 5778
NUMBER 8

THE BULLETIN

APRIL 15, 2018

Agudas Achim is celebrating our Second Annual Community Wide
International Good Deeds Day by volunteering on April 15, 2018 alongside
Jews across 93 countries worldwide. All congregants, teens, children, and all
preschool families are invited to join us by signing up at the link below.

VISIT THE AAC WEBSITE TO SIGN-UP!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
● Home Repair for a Low Income Family
Project leader: Howard Frank
● Painting and other projects for Alive Child Development Center
AGUDAS ACHIM Project leaders: Jennifer Munz and Roger Landsman
CONGREGATION ● Agudas Teens helping at DC Central Kitchen
Project Leader: Rachel Albert
● Young families visiting homebound congregants
Project leader: Hannah Kraushaar
● Knitting and Crocheting for babies and children at Fairfax Children's
Hospital
Project leaders: Patti Rounsevell and Andi Bregstone
● Four Mile Run Stream Cleanup
Project leader: Jay Berman
● Religious School Learns About Food Insecurity and Makes Sandwiches
Project Leader: Chaya Silver and Religious School Staff
COLLECTIONS
We are collecting the following essential items in boxes in the AAC lobby:
● New socks and underwear for homeless individuals served by Pathways
to Housing, DC
● Bras and feminine hygiene products for Guest House, (transitional
housing for women leaving prison)
● Diapers for the DC Diaper Bank
● Cell phones for victims of domestic violence served by the Jewish
Coalition Against Domestic Violence
● Used jeans to be recycled into insulation for Habitat for Humanity.
(condition does not matter).
We look forward to seeing you at Good Deeds Day. We hope to make this
year's event even more successful than last year. If you have any questions,
please contact one of us.
Thanks.
Barbara Elkin, bjelk@aol.com
2908 V•alley D•rive Esther Miller, nykoftyme@gmail.com
Alexandria, V•
A 2• 2302 Co-chairs, 2018 Agudas Achim International Good Deeds Day
 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
SUNDAY, APRIL 1 - PASSOVER 2
Pesah Day 2 Service..............9:30 a.m.
Mincha....................following Kiddush
Holiday Ends.........................8:12 p.m.
Evening Service.....................8:15 p.m.
THURSDAY, APRIL 5
Candlelighting.......................7:12 p.m.
Evening Service.....................6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, APRIL 6 - PASSOVER 7
Pesah Day 7 Service..............9:30 a.m.
Mincha....................following Kiddush
Evening Service.....................6:30 p.m.
Candlelighting.......................7:19 p.m.
SATURDAY, APRIL 7 - PASSOVER 8
Pesah Day 8 Service..............9:30 a.m.
Mincha....................following Kiddush
Holiday Ends.........................8:18 p.m.
Evening Service.....................8:20 p.m.
FRIDAY APRIL 13
Candlelighting.......................7:25 p.m.
Friday Evening Service ........6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, APRIL 14
Shabbat Services ...................9:30 a.m.
Mincha 45 minutes after services
Havdalah................................8:25 a.m.
MEN’S CLUB SHABBAT
FRIDAY, APRIL 20
Candlelighting.......................7:32 p.m.
Friday Evening Service ........6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, APRIL 21
Shabbat Services ...................9:30 a.m.
Mincha 45 minutes after services
Havdalah................................8:33 p.m.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL SHABBAT
FRIDAY, APRIL 27
Candlelighting.......................7:39 p.m.
Friday Evening Service ........6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, APRIL 28
Shabbat Services ...................9:30 a.m.
Mincha 45 minutes after services
Havdalah................................8:41 p.m.
ADULT B’NAI MITZVAH
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
THREE TRIPS - THREE ISRAEL’S
My first trip to Israel took place during my senior year of high school. I enrolled
in USY High which was part of the Alexander Muss High School in Israel. For two
months I lived in Hod Hasharon and learned about the vast history of the Land and
State of Israel. We traveled the country and walked in the very paths of our
ancestors. Climbing Masada we retold the story of ancient zealots and their
martyrdom. Navigating the Kotel tunnels we imagined what the Temple was like
before its destruction. A stirring visit to Yad Vashem reminded us of the hatred in
the world and the resulting near-annihilation of European Jewry. Walking among
the stones at Har Herzl made clear the price of freedom. With every passing day,
my knowledge and depth of understanding grew. Yet I was troubled. Wherever we
went, the lesson was depressing. This is where we died, this is where we used to
thrive, this remembers pogroms, and that is a sacred cemetery. I knew there must
be more to Israel than the past - more to learn than death and historic destruction.
In 2006, Jodi and I embarked on the journey of a lifetime. We lived in Israel for
an entire year as I continued my rabbinic studies. Living in Israel, I encountered a
very different perspective than my previous journey. We learned the consequences
of misreading Hebrew signs in the grocery store (inadvertently buying 5kg of
schnitzel). We had the pleasure of figuring out how to pay municipal taxes. We
argued with taxi drivers and squeezed onto public busses. We also indulged in
spectacular cafes, imbibed at numerous wineries, danced at the annual spring Dead
Sea concert, and walked the beaches of Tel Aviv. As anyone who has spent
significant time in Israel knows, not everything is rosy. But the country is more
than old stones and ruins. We discovered a modern, thriving, challenging, and
exciting place to live.
This year during Hanukkah, a group of Agudas Achim congregants will travel
together to Israel. We will visit the Israeli Innovation Center and learn how Israel
is a trailblazer in science and technology. We will understand how Beit Issie
Shapiro is effecting social change by breaking down the barriers preventing people
with disabilities from full societal integration. We will see first hand how Beit
Hagefen in Haifa works to foster bonds of friendship and intercultural dialogue
between Jews and Arabs. We will delight our senses at Tulip Winery - a winery that
integrates individuals with special needs in the production of fine wine. We will
study with the Rabbi Yoav Ende at Kibbutz Hanaton - one of the leading Masorati
(Conservative) rabbis in Israel at Israel’s Masorati kibbutz. We will witness
humanitarian medical care for wounded Syrian civilians at the Ziv Medical Center
in Tzfat. We will visit Kibbutz Nachal Oz - the kibbutz that Miri and Amir will
return to and build a family. For a full itinerary, visit http://bit.ly/AAC_Israel. Yes,
we will visit the Kotel, yes we will stop at Rabin Square, yes we will enter the ancient
synagogues of Tzfat. Of course we will enjoy shopping at the bustling Machane
Yehuda Market, dining together at some of the best restaurants, and learning about
Israel’s lively democratic system at the Knesset. However, the primary focus will be
understanding not only the past and the present, but Israel’s future.
Three trips to Israel and three Israels are revealed. The Israel of the past justifies
and puts into context the Israel of today. While there are challenges, the work and
effort of the present gives us hope for the future. As we celebrate Israel @ 70, let
us commit to learning about the Israel of our past, visiting and experiencing the
Israel of today, and investing in the Israel of the tomorrow.
PAGE 2
 (Continued from previous column.)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S
As many of you know, Doris
MESSAGE Parker, who has been the Clergy
Barry Nove Administrative Assistant for the past 17
years retired on March 30. Anyone who
As we begin this month’s issue, I would like to wish everyone a Chag Zissen would like to make a donation in her
Pesah, a sweet Passover. It is a very busy time at Agudas Achim. During the wind honor is being asked to send
storm in early March we had no power for about 24 hours and only lost one tree, contributions to her rowing association,
one of our oldest behind the building. We also needed a very minor repair to the We Can Row DC, details at:
Flax Chapel’s HVAC, which needed a circuit replaced. I would like to give kudos http://www.wecanrowdc.com/, where
to the staff. Everyone went above and beyond to make certain the Bar Mitzvah for Doris coaches a team on the Potomac
that Shabbat went off as smoothly as possible, even if Friday night services had to River, basically year around. Though,
be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Shabbat family dinner I’ve only had a chance to work with her
delivered to the Bar Mitzvah family’s home, though it was cooked before Shabbat since last summer, Doris’s advice and
in the Agudas Achim kitchen on just the gas stove and oven. institutional knowledge have been
We have a lot happening and more after Pesah. We are on schedule for the invaluable not just to me–but as I’ve
replacement of Lainoff Auditorium’s roof, May 1 – 15, which I talked about in last seen–to the entire congregation. She
month’s article. As I mentioned then, during this two week period the Cohen will be greatly missed.
Sanctuary will not have air conditioning or heating. Shabbat morning services will I will share news about her
be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on May 5 and May 12. The Lainoff successor shortly. Thank you and have
Auditorium and playground will be closed during this renovation when work is in a wonderful Pesah,
progress or there is a crane on the property.
Barry Nove
Additionally, in the next week or two we will be installing new vinyl bnove@agudasachim-va.org
replacement windows at the Rabbi’s house, which are not only energy efficient but
look wonderful with the new shutters. The project, which was a planned last year, MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING
is coming in under budget. Sunday, April 29 | 9:30 a.m.
Since last summer Jen Halpern and I have been discussing how we might Schonberger Library
renovate her Preschool Director’s office, which had a ventilation issue we needed If you are interested in member
to resolve. The office was originally a supply closet and was converted into an engagement, have ideas or are interested in
office when the Preschool was started over a decade ago. There was a small closet connecting with your fellow congregants,
created during that conversion. We have removed that closet, expanding the please join us.
office’s footprint, changed out the old ceiling panels for new ones and repainted the If you have any questions, email
office. The space now has improved ventilation and offers Jen much better use of Co-Vice Presidents:
the space. We utilized some of the cost savings from the window replacement Mindi Maline
project for this renovation. The other project now in the works is electrical re- m_maline@yahoo.com
wiring of the patio. In February there was water damage to the outdoor electrical Jane Shichman
lines, which shorted out the electricity for the Sukkah. Nearly all the outlets are Jane_Shichman@yahoo.com
being replaced and new waterproofing for the wiring is being installed.
As to our accounting projects, we have now presented fiscal year financials FAMILIES WITH ADOPTED CHILDREN
Sunday, April 29 | 9:45 a.m.
through December 31, 2017, to the Board. The January financials will be completed
Are you the parent, grandparent, or
shortly. The budget process has also begun, utilizing budget reports from our new
friend of a child who has been
accounting system. The budget meeting schedule has also been announced and, as
adopted? Do you want a better
ever, all members are welcome to attend the meetings. We are also now in the
understanding of some of the identity
processing of schedulilng the congregation to a meeting showing our financials to
issues children of adoption might face?
the membership in the new reporting formats.
Are you thinking of adopting a child?
At the end of February we also began our transitioning process to a new Would you be interested in developing
browser based membership database called jManage. We expect to complete the a support group of others who share
transition by June 1. We will shortly be transitioning our financial data at which some of the same interests? If so,
point we will be stopping transaction entry for a time as we review and test all the please attend an introductory meeting
transaction data to assure it has come across perfectly. This will mean that there to share your ideas. If you have any
may be a delay in providing statements at the end of April. questions or comments beforehand,
please contact Deborah Rosen at
deborah.rosen@aol.com or Stacey
(Continued next column.)
Bromberg at sbromberg@hotmail.com.

APRIL 2018 PAGE 3

 “MAH KOREH” - WHAT’S HAPPENING IN
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL SHABBAT
SATURDAY, APRIL 21 THE EDUCATION AND YOUTH DEPARTMENT
Chaya Silver
Join us for our third annual Religious Youth/Education Director
School Shabbat when our Religious
School students will participate in every The golden ring for Jewish Educators is a successful post-bar and bat mitzvah
part of the Shabbat morning service as a program. Successfully keeping teens involved with synagogue life in all its
capstone to their learning this year. iterations is challenging. There are some successful teen programs–including
movement sponsored youth programs such as USY and NFTY–and unaffiliated
teen programs like BBYO. However, building a successful teen program for a
synagogue supplemental school is exceptionally difficult. Stumbling blocks include
ANNOUNCING THE AGUDAS ACHIM
teens who are overbooked with extracurricular activities, academic pressures, and
DISABILITY INCLUSION COMMITTEE
college admissions demands. Some teens don’t want to be part of a synagogue
The Agudas Achim Disability program because they are committed to a youth group program not associated with
Inclusion Committee was formed this the congregation. Many teens decline to participate in post b’nai mitzvah
past February on the heels of our very programming because they are burned out by the intensity of their b’nai mitzvah
successful Disability Inclusion and preparation and feel they have put off individual pursuits for years while preparing
Awareness Shabbat weekend. The for this life cycle moment.
purpose of the Committee is to promote
Several elements are needed to keep our kids involved beyond 7th grade. The
inclusion and access for individuals
program staff must listen to teens and discover what they care about and what they
with disabilities at Agudas Achim.
want to do, then take those ideas and suggestions and turn them into programs. Staff
The committee held its first meeting must keep in mind that teens benefit from having autonomy and ownership over
in early March and is chaired by their time. Providing experiences that have “value added” is also a draw. If the teen
Barbara Elkin. Within the next month, feels that they are involved with activities that will help them in the future they are
Congregants will be invited to more likely to participate. A successful program also requires having a charismatic
participate in Agudas Achim’s first program leader with great communication skills (both verbal and social media),
inclusion survey, which will seek enthusiasm for spending time with the teens socially as well as academically, and a
feedback about the needs of commitment to Jewish life so they lead by example. Another ingredient for
congregants for accommodations in all successful teen programming is allowing young people to spend time with peers
aspects of congregational life. The from a large geographic area. Teens are very social, and if a program is to succeed,
survey is available on the Agudas there needs to be ways for Agudas teens to expand their social circle.
Achim website or call the AAC office if
We are lucky to have senior staff that understands the need for a strong post
any Congregant prefers a survey mailed
b’nai mitzvah program and a board that understands that to build such a program
to them. Please watch the weekly
requires significant financial resources. Even with these pieces in place, we still
update for the announcement about the
need the support of membership - particularly parents. At this time we have over
survey going live on the website.
120 member teens who could enroll and just 29 who currently enroll in the program.
The Committee will also be For the next several months staff and volunteers will work on revising the ATID!
working with staff and leadership to Program for academic year 5779. If you are a teen who is interested in making a
implement a self-assessment, using the difference, if you are a parent who is willing to teach or organize, if you are that rare
Disability Self-Assessment Toolkit charismatic teacher who wants to spend time with teens...pick up the phone or stop
developed by Federation. If you are by my office. For the next several months, ATID! 5779 will be built. Why not get
interested in being on the committee, or involved. The future you save will be ours.
want more information about the work
of the committee, please contact
Barbara Elkin at bjelk@aol.com.

SAVE THE DATE

THURSDAY, MAY 24 Sunday, April 8 | 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
ANNUAL AAC RED CROSS Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia
BLOOD DRIVE ● Teen Program
● Art Exhibits “Unto Every Person There is a Name”
● Community Commemoration
www.jcouncil.org/YomHaShoahVA

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 4

 shared with us contemporary music for
DEAR HAZZAN the Shabbat service. In the evenings, we
Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey were treated to performances by
premier Jewish performers like Natalie
Young, Sue Horowitz, Mikey Pauker,
SLBC – TAKE 2 Billy Jonas, Naomi Less, and Doni
Zasloff and Eric Lindberg. Every lunch
Dear Hazzan,
ended with a song session that got
I know you just attended SLBC (Songleader Boot Camp) for the second time. Was everyone off their feet and dancing.
it as inspiring as last year? Music was everywhere and
-Hee Neini accompanied everything. For me, this is
Dear Hee, heaven.

The short answer is YES! I had another amazing learning experience at Song The People–I was a bit nervous
Leader Boot Camp. In case there are readers who are not sure what SLBC is, here about going to SLBC this year, because,
is a wonderful summary from the Songleader Boot Camp website: although I knew people who were
going, I did not have any close friends
“Songleader Boot Camp (SLBC) provides powerful Jewish leadership training attending like I did last year. But my
for clergy, Jewish educators, family engagement specialists, veteran and new worries were put aside almost
songleaders, teen leaders, and Jewish camping staff. Led by nationally renowned immediately. On the bus ride from the
Jewish leaders, educators, and music artists, SLBC teaches participants specific airport to the JCC in St. Louis, I met
skills and strategies to inspire transformative change in their Jewish communities.” someone who then became my ‘go-to’
After SLBC, I feel as though I have had a spiritual realignment – like I have person for the entire conference.
been to a spiritual chiropractor. Between the beautiful music, the remarkable Someone remarked, after attending
learning, and the extraordinary people, I am filled with innovative ideas, new SLBC, that he was impressed by how
songs, and immense joy and gratitude for my chosen profession. everyone became so close so quickly. I
think it is because everyone at SLBC
The theme of this year’s SLBC was ‘hineini,’ ‘Here I am.’ With each part of
allows themselves to be vulnerable.
the conference, I felt truly present.
Usually, this is difficult for people to do
The Learning–There were three scholars there from whom I learned a great – we want to protect ourselves from
deal about forming relationships within our community as well as with God: Dr. embarrassment, judgement or
Ron Wolfson, author of Relational Judaism (among dozens of other books), Rabbi discomfort. But at SLBC, we come
Ed Feinstein of Valley Beth Shalom in Los Angeles, and Rabbi David Ingber of together and leave the walls behind. We
Romemu in New York City. Dr. Wolfson taught us the nuts and bolts of building trust that we will be there for one
community through storytelling and creative customer service. Rabbi Feinstein another, even if we have just met.
used traditional Jewish texts to illustrate how we have the tools within our tradition
And now I am home, ready to share,
to talk to our communities about prayer and about God. And Rabbi Ingber inspired
ready to bring everything I learned at
us not just to pray but to act, and showed us how the combination of our spirituality
SLBC to Agudas. Hineini – Here I am.
and our activism will bring us closer to God.
L’shalom,
The Music–I had the
Hazzan Dienstfrey
great privilege of attending a
session with Josh Warshawsky, *Please Note: This column will
who shared his music as well as alternate between music reviews/
the music of two other recommendations and “Dear Hazzan”
musicians, including the letters. If you would like to introduce or
brilliant Chava Mirel. We sat in recommend recordings, or if you have a
a circle, closed our eyes, and let question for the Hazzan regarding the
the music fill our heads and our ritual, liturgy, and/or music of the
souls. Cantor Lisa Levine synagogue, please write Hazzan
taught a session on Music and Dienstfrey at the synagogue (2908
Chaplaincy that opened my Valley Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302)
eyes to how powerful music can or email her at
be for those for whom life is counted by the days or even the hours, and for their HazzanERLD@hotmail.com.
loved ones. Musician Craig Parks gave us ideas on how to create teen involvement
through music and prayer, and Hazzan Joanna Dulkin and Cantor Ellen Dreskin

APRIL 2018 PAGE 5

 YOUNG FAMILIES A LETTER FROM DORIS PARKER
Programming and community Dear Friends,
focused on families with At the end of March I will “pass over” to retirement from my role as Clergy
children ages 0-5.
Assistant for the synagogue. It was a hard decision to make, but ultimately, it’s
ONGOING EVENTS time for me to pursue other causes and interests and for the synagogue leadership
Gan Shabbat to realign administrative duties in the office.
Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon I was hired at AAC in November 2001. It’s hard for me to believe it, but the
Rooms 1 &2 babies who were named at the synagogue my first year here have had their B’nai
Volunteer led service for kids ages Mitzvah and are now getting ready to graduate from high school. I have worked
0-5, accompanied by an adult. Looking with 2 rabbis, 3 executive directors, 3 religious school principals, 6 preschool
for volunteers to lead – no experience directors, 4 catering managers, and countless admin staff (but only one Hazzan)!
necessary. All of them, along with the volunteer leadership, members, and their children have
Oh Say Shalom Sing-a-Long and contributed to my learning and appreciation of Jewish traditions and the power of a
Playgroup community.
Sunday, April 8 | 11:00 a.m. As my time working at Agudas Achim comes to an end, I want this
Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey leads congregation to know what it has meant to me to be an adopted member of AAC.
songs for the first half hour with freeJust as I have assisted with your many life cycle events, you have seen me and my
play after. No Jewish knowledge or family through ours. In the 16+ years I have been with the shul, we have lost family
experience necessary. Each child members, faced health challenges, and celebrated transitions, and you have been
requires a grownup. there to support me, my husband, Michael, our son and daughter in law, Andy and
Shababy Kabbalat Shabbat and Oraly, though all of it. Thank you for feeding us, praying for us, and mostly for
Shabbat Dinner being our friends.
Friday, April 20 | 5:30 p.m. We moved to Alexandria only shortly before I started working at Agudas
Friday night service for kids 0-5 Achim. Before that time, we were typical military vagabonds, moving every few
and parents with songs, instruments, years. Finally we found a place to root ourselves, and now I rarely run an errand or
scarves, dancing, parachutes, challah, take a walk in this town without encountering someone I know. So even though I
and juice. Information to sign-up for won’t be on the other end of the phone when you call, hopefully I will be seeing
Shabbat Dinner will be coming in you around!
future weekly emails and on our With love and gratitude,
Facebook page. Doris
CONNECT WITH YOUNG
FAMILIES SYNAGOGUE BUDGET PROCESS
  Find  us  on  the  Facebook  ‟Agudas It is time to begin preparing the Agudas Achim Congregation FY 2018-2019
Achim Young Families” Group to keep budget. We will start the process by identifying expenses and projected income for
track of what is going on and receive the the synagogue. The Budget Committee will hold a series of meetings where budget
latest updates! For more information or to submissions will be reviewed, drafts of the overall budget will be discussed, and
get involved contact: recommendations regarding dues will be considered. The goal is to prepare a
balanced budget which will be presented to the Board of Directors. Congregant
Hannah Kraushaar
participation is valued and welcomed. Please consider attending one or more of
at hannah.kraushaar@gmail.com
these meetings:
Sarah Leffler
at lefflersarah@hotmail ● Thursday, April 12 | 6:30 p.m. - Presentation of initial consolidated budget,
Debbie Perry including review of requested expenses and projected income. Discussion of
at debbiekperry@gmail.com dues according to membership categories. Review of budget submissions for
Pam Kesner Religious School, Preschool, and Kitchen.
at phkesner@hotmail.com. ● Thursday, April 19 | 6:30 p.m. - Review of budget submissions for Synagogue
Administration/Property, Member Services, Lifelong Learning, Music, Ritual,
Communications, Cemetery, and Library.
AAC OFFICES WILL BE ● Thursday, May 3 | 6:30 p.m. - Balance the budget.
CLOSED ON FRIDAY, ● Thursday, May 10 | 6:30 p.m. - Additional meeting, if needed, to balance the
budget
APRIL 6 IN OBSERVANCE ● Tuesday, May 15 | 8:00 p.m. - Presentation of the budget to the Board of
OF PASSOVER DAY 7. Directors.

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 6

 I'm very excited about having the
BRINGING ISRAEL TO opportunity to show her the community
AGUDAS: OUR SHLICHA, I've become a part of, and introduce her
MIRI BERNOVSKY to all the friends that Amir and I have
met here since the summer.
This year, I got the perfect gift for Passover. I know, gifts aren't one of the Passover in Israel is first and
official holiday rituals. Most people associate Passover with reading the Haggadah, foremost a holiday devoted to family.
not eating bread for a week, and reliving the story of the exodus. But for me, this It's that time of the year that everyone
year's Passover comes with one major highlight: my mom and my sister have come gets together to celebrate together, and
all the way from Israel to celebrate the holiday with me. do all the other things that families do -
For both of them, it's their first-ever visit to America. My mom was born in eat, drink, pray, fight about politics,
Russia, and immigrated to Israel when she was in her 20's. My sister, who is gossip, sing, and start all over again. I
younger than me, was born in Tel Aviv. They have both heard a lot about the place feel grateful that I'm spending this
where I've been living and working for the last eight months - and now, they are holiday with my family, here in
finally getting to see it. We spent the Seder with relatives in New York, and I'm Alexandria. It's a great reminder of how
thrilled about introducing them to Washington and to my friends at Agudas. important family is, and how much
My sister is currently serving in the IDF, and she got a special leave for one comfort it brings to our lives. Chag
week to come and visit me. We've never been separated from each other for so long sameah!
before, ever since she was born, and I won't lie - it hasn't been easy for me. I'm very
proud of her service and her years of volunteering with disabled children in Israel.
All those things she will discuss with the teens of the "ATID!" group in Agudas,
and I know she's also proud of my work here. But we miss each other, and it's fun
to finally spend some time together.
My mom is my personal hero. She is a speech therapist that specializes in
assisting children with autism. She has helped hundreds of kids over the years
overcome challenges. She also gave me the inspiration to become a social worker.

THIS SPACE IS

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

 SISTERHOOD DOINGS New York Times Sunday Book Review, Forbes, Psychology
NETWORKING TO ENGAGE, ENRICH AND EMPOWER Today, Parade, and The New York Post.
CONSERVATIVE JEWISH WOMEN. Claudia will be signing and selling her book after the
BY JUDITH FOGEL
program.
Donations for BRAWS
MARCH RETROSPECTIVE **Bring your donations to the Sisterhood brunch on
Purim Carnival Sunday, April 22! **
Thanks so much to everyone who helped us put on another Sisterhood is collecting tampons, pads, panty-liners as
successful Purim carnival! Well over a hundred children - well as new bras and underpants (please leave tags on) for
members and non-members - came to have fun this past BRAWS. The Mission of BRAWS (Bringing Resources to
Sunday: playing games, winning prizes, eating falafel, and Aid Women's Shelters) is to bring dignity and empowerment
joining in the festive atmosphere. As usual, we owe that to women and girls living in shelters by providing new,
success to the many volunteers who helped make it a success. personally fitted undergarments and menstrual supplies. We
Particular thanks to Hannah Kraushaar (Volunteer will direct you to our collection box that morning.
Coordinator), Haley Crittendon-Gordon (Game coordinator) Questions? Contact Mindi Maline at m_maline@yahoo.com.
and Karen Maline (kitchen) -- and to all of our spouses and Hillwood Estates Tour
children! Special thanks also for ticket table set up and money Sunday, April 29
management -- Arlene Lechner, Sandy Cohen, Barbara Lavine Sisterhood invites you to a late morning tour of the
and Gayle Weiss; to Lynn Rosenblum for taking the lead on beautiful mansion, museum, and gardens followed by an
putting stickers into 20 dozen plastic eggs; and to Rachel artful afternoon tea (delicate tea sandwiches, exquisite
Goldberg and the Quigley children for helping out so much delights) outside under cover. Carpool from AAC. Watch
with set up, clean up, and running games. Thank you to our our online spaces and communications for details about cost,
fearless leaders in the kitchen–Louis Marcus, Gary time and trip.
Zuckerman, and Al Foreman–to art/makeup table coordinators
-- Barbara Elkin and Mindi Maline; Prize Table overseers -- Sisterhood Ensemble - Good Deeds Day Concert
including Allena Kopper and Uri Arkin, as well as to all the Sunday, April 15 | 2:00 p.m.
countless other members. Many thanks also to all the teens Woodbine on King Street
and rising teens who ran games, volunteered, carried things, SAVE THE DATE – FUTURE PROGRAMMING
set up, and were generally great helpers. Thank you everyone!
- Arden Levy and Mackenzie Silverman, co-chairs Seaboard Region Women's League Spring Retreat
May 6-7 in Richmond, Virginia.
Sisterhood Senior Outreach 2018 Purim Project Transportation available. Watch our online spaces and
Thank you very much to Susan Auerhan, Jane Bergen, communications for registration and deadline details.
Jack Berman, Nan Berman, Andi Bregstone, Szeina Lurie,
Anita Turk, and Diana Weil for making the Sisterhood Senior Cheesecake and Chat
Outreach 2018 Purim Project a success. Purim gift bags were Sunday, May 20 | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
delivered to 76 Jewish residents in 9 Northern VA facilities. Please join Sisterhood for a Shavuot afternoon gathering.
-Nan Berman, Senior Outreach Chair Todah rabah to Jodi Rein for opening her home to us. We
will munch on cheesecake and other dairy delights. We'll
APRIL EVENTS also provide a spread of pareve selections, including veggies
Special Book Brunch Event with Author Claudia Kalb and seasonal fruits. Then grab a cold drink and sit outside
Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder: Inside the Minds of History's with us as we explore the holiday of Shavuot, the Jewish
Great Personalities Festival that celebrates the giving of the Torah to the
Sunday, April 22 | 9:30 a.m. Israelites at Mount Sinai.
Lainof Auditorium Tallit and Tassles with Chaya Silver
Was Andy Warhol a hoarder? Did Albert Einstein have Sunday, June 10 | 9:30 a.m.
autism? Was Frank Lloyd Wright a narcissist? Award winning Lainof Auditorium
author and journalist Claudia Kalb will take us on a fascinating Our AAC Religious School Director introduces us to her
journey into the lives and minds of twelve famous figures, tallit-making project.
from Charles Darwin, Howard Hughes and Albert Einstein to Supper in the Sukkah
Marilyn Monroe, Frank Lloyd Wright and Princess Diana. Thursday, September 27 |7:00 p.m.
New York Times Bestseller Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder Sisterhood is once again teaming with Men's Club to
was named "Book of the Week" by People magazine and has bring you Supper in the Sukkah! Due to popular demand, we
been featured on NPR's Weekend Edition and CBS This are reprising this event for the second year in a row. Watch
Morning and in a wide range of publications, including The this space and our newsletters for registration information.

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 8

IN THE FAMILY
OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO : PRAYERBOOK FUND
Jack Chesley and family In memory of Harold Sugarman
on the death of his father, Col John W. Chesley Scott Sugarman
Amir Tibon and family In memory of Herbert Frommer, brother of Paul
on the death of his grandmother, Rela Mir Gloria Canter
CAMP RAMAH FUND
REFUAH SHLEMAH TO: In memory of Herbert Frommer
Arnold Moore Robert and Maureen Shapiro
Jen Halpern RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
ENDOWMENT FUND In appreciation of the rabbi for the aliyah on my father, Sidney's
In memory of Benjamin Frommer yahrzeit
Paul and Elizabeth Frommer Harold and Caryl Salters
In memory of Eugene Davidson In honor of Rabbi Rein for Aviva's Bat Mitzvah
Paul and Elizabeth Frommer Richard and Rachel Albert
In memory of Sondra Ainsfield In memory of David Sattler
Neale Ainsfield Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog
SCHIFF ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of Eugene Davidson
In memory of Solomon Singer Scott Sugarman
Sonya Singer Livingston Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog
SPIRO ADULT EDUCATION FUND In memory of Florence Brown
A donation Bruce and Marcia Brown
Donald Melman and Elizabeth Margosches In memory of Harold Sugarman
In honor of Elaine Stokols on her birthday Scott Sugarman
Lester and Joan Edelman In memory of Herbert Frommer
In honor of Robert Bregman on his birthday Robert and Barbara Lavine
Lester and Joan Edelman Lester and Susan Ravitz
Mazel tov to Ann and Rabbi Jack Moline on the birth of their Howard and Sherri Kohr
grandson In memory of Lisa Lange, sister in law of Elinor Abraham
Lester and Joan Edelman Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog
SAM & ANITA TURK FUND In memory of Naomi Decter, aunt of Deb Gilman
In memory of Dr. John H. Siegel Arden Levy and Anthony Sanchez
A. David and Judith Bernanke In memory of Nettie Greifer
In memory of Eva Pack Amy Godin
Robert and Maureen Shapiro In memory of Ramon Ruiz
CEMETERY FUND Norman and Edith Kaufman
In memory of Frances Barth Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog
Hirsch Barth Arden Levy and Anthony Sanchez
In memory of Richard Froelke and Regina Rothleder In memory of Sidney Sulak
Hilda Froelke Stanley and Rhoda Sulak
In memory of Shirley Buns In memory of mom, Rose Shapiro and aunt, Mollie Koffler
Leonard Lehman Anita Turk
COMMUNITY CARING FUND In appreciation of Rabbi Rein
In honor of the kitchen staff of Agudas Achim Mitchel & Jill Neurock
Richard and Rachel Albert SYNAGOGUE FUND
HAZZAN'S DISCRETIONARY FUND A donation
In memory of Harold Sugarman Wilma Probst
Scott Sugarman In honor of Doris Parker
SCHONBERGER LIBRARY FUND Aviva and Ariella Lieberman
In memory of Eugene Davidson In honor of Wilson Weingast becoming a bar mitzvah
Phillip and Farideh Schonberger Susan & Kenneth Wolkon
In memory of Miriam Rein, Rabbi Rein's grandmother In memory of Edgar Alster, uncle of Richard Fogelson
Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog Vic and Judy Tynes
In memory of Paul Frommer's older brother, Herbert In memory of Eugene Davidson
Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog Vic and Judy Tynes
In memory of Phil Schonberger's uncle, Phillip Stein In memory of Herbert Frommer
Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog Sonya Singer Livingston
Marilyn Levine Michelle Shwimer
Robert and Maureen Shapiro Nancy Siegal
Vic and Judy Tynes Philip and Lenore Garon
PRAYERBOOK FUND
In memory of Herbert Frommer
In memory of Dorothy Moss Lipnick
Howard and Sherri Kohr
Robert Lipnick
APRIL 2018 PAGE 9
SYNAGOGUE FUND
In memory of Herbert Frommer MEN’S CLUB MENSCHENINGS
Vic and Judy Tynes Elliot Parkin, Men’s Club President
In memory of Irving Spatz
Michael Spatz & Doris Parker
In memory of Jack Chesley's father, John Chesley We were saddened by the death of Art Gershman z”l who
Harvey Stoler served as Beth El Brotherhood liaison to the Men’s Club
In memory of Ram Singh Board. Art is the father of Simon Gershman who teaches in
Lisa Singh the Agudas Achim Preschool. We are pleased to recognize
In memory of Robert Fogelson, father of Richard that Neale and Donna Ainsfield have made a generous
Vic and Judy Tynes donation to Men’s Club in Art’s memory.
In memory of Ruth Greifer
Amy Godin On April 14, please join us for prayer during Men's
In memory of Solomon Singer Club Shabbat. Paul Frommer will be speaking during the
service on the acquisition of Agudas Achim's Czech Torah
Sonya Singer Livingston
JACK MOLINE LECTURE SERIES scroll. Any men who would like to participate in the service
In honor of the birth of Miles Dominic O'Holleran, grandson of should contact Mike Scheinberg at mike@schuschein.com.
Rabbi Jack and Ann Moline
Arden Levy and Anthony Sanchez Please join us for two exciting, upcoming brunch
In memory of Eugene Davidson programs. On Sunday, April 29, marketing consultant and
Janet Barnett university lecturer turned mystery writer Angie Hausman
Allan and Mickey Lazarus will speak on her journey to becoming a writer of fiction
MUSIC FUND and will read from one of her books. On Sunday, June 3,
A donation National Journal political editor Josh Kraushaar and
Stanley and Rita Blacker
Haaretz Washington correspondent Amir Tibon will be
In honor of Hazzan Dienstfrey and the January concert
Anita Turk
discussing the state of the Jewish vote in the United States
In honor of Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey for Aviva's Bat Mitzvah and Israel and the views of American Jews and Israelis on
Richard and Rachel Albert the Trump administration.
In honor of Jacob Sanchez's bar mitzvah The 2018 Seaboard Region FJMC Blue Yarmulke
Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog Person of the Year dinner will be held on May 6 at B’nai
In honor of Leor Quigley's bar mitzvah
Israel Congregation in Rockville. Our well-deserving
Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog
In honor of Josh Warshawsky and ELZ for their amazing honoree is Mike Scheinberg. Dinner reservations and
performance tributes in Mike’s honor can be made at
Judy Tynes https://www.wizadjournal.com/fjmcseaboard2018/.
In honor of Rabbi Rein's promotion Save the date for Scotch, Steak, and More on Thursday
Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog evening, June 14. Men’s Club third reprise of this popular
In honor of Sherri Kohr's birthday
event will broaden the menu to include salmon and
Melvin and Elaine Stokols
Gwen Stokols additional popular beverages. The price will be $50 per
In honor of Wilson Weingast's bar mitzvah person.
Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog The Men’s Club Israel Pilgrimage Scholarship
In memory of Karen Klestzick Program provides scholarships for Israel experiences for
Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog
our teens. Emphasis is on trips sponsored by the
PRESCHOOL DONATION
In honor of the Moline's new grandson Conservative Movement and Jewish day schools. If you
Vic and Judy Tynes have a teen who is interested in a peer trip to Israel in 2018,
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DONATIONS please contact Mike Scheinberg at mike@schuschein.com
In honor of Sisterhood Shabbat for scholarship details.
Arden Levy and Anthony Sanchez
RECEIVED FOR SISTERHOOD We greatly appreciate your support for Men’s Club
In memory of Joseph Lazarus on his yahrzeit through your paid memberships or donations. Membership
Allan and Mickey Lazarus dues for 2017-18 (5778) are $36, but please consider
TZEDEK FUND donating a Chai’er amount such as $54 (i.e., triple Chai).
A donation If you have any suggestions for events or would like to help
Robert and Barbara Lavine with any of our activities, please contact me at
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
elliot.parkin@gmail.com.
In memory of Ellen Issner Levine, beloved wife and mother
Robert and Jaime Levine
In memory of Herbert Frommer
Robert Levine and Robin Miller
Elliot and Karen Parkin
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 10
 ProfilesofOurLEADERS
HAZZANSIDNEYGERSHWINRABINOWITZ
Hazzan Sidney Gershwin
Rabinowitz was born and grew
up in a traditional Jewish home
in Orange, New Jersey.
Because his parents loved
music, they gave him the
middle name Gershwin, and his
father began taking him to
cantorial concerts when he was
only five. When he was older, he joined the boys’ choir at
Congregation Agudas Achim in Orange.
Sidney spent his middle school years at the Lubavicher
Yeshiva in Newark, New Jersey. After graduation from Orange
High School he spent two years at Upsala College in New Jersey.
In 1952 Sidney traveled to Israel as a leader of a Young Judea
group and as a singer at the first Zimria Choral Festival with
choirs from throughout the world.
“I was one of 1900 singers under the baton of one conductor.
We sang at the bottom of a hill filled with thousands of Israelis
there to hear us. Individual choirs visited concert halls
throughout the country. This experience made me decide to enter
the cantorate,” recalls Sidney.
In 1953 Sidney entered the Cantor’s Institute at the Jewish
Theological Seminary, now the H.L. Miller Cantorial School. He
concluded his secular studies at Columbia University and
graduated in 1958.
While still a student in 1955, Sidney took a position at
Congregation Shomrei Emunah in Montclair, New Jersey. After
graduation he became their full time hazzan, education director,
youth director, and “master of the broom.” For three years.
Sidney served congregations in Massachusetts, New York, and
Connecticut from 1961-1969.
The Hazzan began a 32-year career at Temple Beth El in
Stamford, Connecticut in 1970. He conducted three choirs and
trained over 1,500 children and adults to become Bar or Bat
Mitzvah. In 1985, among other awards, he received the Mitzvah
Award presented by Jewish Family Service of Stamford for his
humane contributions to the community. While at Beth El, Sidney
organized a wedding for eleven Russian couples who could not be
married by Jewish law in Russia. The Counsel of Churches and
Synagogues of Stamford honored the Hazzan with the Clergy of
the Year Award; Sidney being the first Jew to be so honored.
He has led multiple congregational tours to Israel. On an
Eastern European tour he arranged for a student to become a Bar
Mitzvah at the famous Dohani Synagogue in Budapest.
In 1995 Temple Beth El honored its hazzan for twenty-five
years of service and installed a system for the hearing impaired
in his honor. In 2002 Hazzan Rabinowitz was honored by the
Stamford Jewish Community at his retirement after thirty-two
APRIL 2018
by Carol Backman
years of service. He was again honored in 2006 with the
degree of Doctor of Music Honoris Causa by the Jewish
Theological Seminary. “Here in Stamford is where I
raised my children and had my best years in the
cantorate,” recalls Sidney.
Hazzan Rabinowitz was married to Sandy Resnick,
of blessed memory, and is the father of three daughters,
Tamar, Alissa, and Ilana who passed away at twenty-nine
from Cystic Fibrosis. He also has eleven grandchildren
and two great granddaughters.
Sidney moved to Virginia to be near his daughter,
Alissa, who is now living in Maryland. “I still drive, and I
continue to do life cycle events in Stamford when requested.
I am thankful to Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey for being so
generous in allowing me the honor of participating in
religious services at Agudas Achim,” says Sidney.
In addition to these activities, Hazzan Rabinowitz is
an active volunteer at the Capital Area Hospice as a
visiting Jewish clergy member. He also purchases food
for the Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO),
a local charity organization which provides food, clothing
and financial assistance to those in need.
DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE
VICTIMS OF THE HOLOCAUST
31ST ANNUAL CEREMONY OF COMMEMORATION BY
THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
THURSDAY, APRIL 12 | 12:00 NOON
MARKET SQUARE
301 KING STREET, ALEXANDRIA, VA
Refreshments served following the ceremony.
Each year since 1988, the City of Alexandria has
sponsored a civic ceremony observing the Day of
Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust. The
City’s ceremony, which is planned by a committee of
Alexandria residents, was the first local government
sponsored commemoration of the Holocaust in the
Washington metropolitan area.
For additional information call 703-746-5592 or
visit alexandriava-gov/Recreation.
This free program is sponsored by the City of
Alexandria and coordinated by the Department of
Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Office of
Special Events.
P AGE 11
 BIMA TO BROADWAY TO BELTWAY
SUNDAY, APRIL 22 | 4:00 P.M. AT AAC
Three of the leading cantors in the DC area perform a
soulful and moving medley of Israeli standards, hits
from the Yiddish Songbook, Broadway tunes, and
traditional liturgical songs.
We will begin with a Yom
Ha’atzma’ut presentation by Israeli
shlicha, Miri Bernovsky.
FEATURING
Mike Langlois - piano
Ari Brown Katherine Allen - oboe
Alex Perry - percussion

TICKETS
$18 in advance (ages 13 and up) Elisheva
$25 at the door (ages 13 and up) Dienstfrey
Children 12 and under are free.
$180 to sponsor (2 tickets; preferred seating;
acknowledgement in program; special gift)
To purchase tickets visit http://bit.ly/Bima_to_Broadway
Hinda Labovitz

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 IN MEMORIAM
APRIL 1, 2018 NISAN 16, 5778 APRIL 10, 2018 NISAN 25, 5778 APRIL 20, 2018 IYAR 5, 5778
Ruth Leekoff Mary Miller Kesner * Miriam Bass
Claire Meller Elizabeth Wiseman * Shirley Brown
Gustav Salomon APRIL 11, 2018 NISAN 26, 5778 Edith Dinerstein
* Lipman Woolf Gideon Ahiassaf Oren * Tirza Hitta Evans
APRIL 2, 2018 NISAN 17, 5778 Rose Lubin Pollner * Milton A. Pearl
Hilda Kotler * Beatrice Siegel Louis Quint
Edward J Liebman * Max Sklarewitz Leah Zedd
* Fannie Scholl * Irving Weinberger APRIL 21, 2018 IYAR 6, 5778
Lina Weiss APRIL 12, 2018 NISAN 27, 5778 * Benjamin Abramson
APRIL 3, 2018 NISAN 18, 5778 * Simcha Perlmutter * Henry Chunowitz
* Sara Berman * Israel Shapiro Grace Schonberger
Morris Eisenberg APRIL 13, 2018 NISAN 28, 5778 APRIL 22, 2018 IYAR 7, 5778
Mildred Feinmel Rose Gerstein * Jacob Kline
Sheila Arons Hefferan * Eleanor Goldberg * Edward R. Mogel
* Joseph Levinson Louis Ludwig * Adeline Sandler
* Rose Cohen Lublin * Bennie G. Mendelson * Libbie Scherr
Paul Schindler Bruce Sternberg * Sadie Schmier
Mira Weingast * David Schrott
APRIL 14, 2018 NISAN 29, 5778
APRIL 4, 2018 NISAN 19, 5778 Melvin Davis APRIL 23, 2018 IYAR 8, 5778
Abe B. Berman Harry Victor Gelboin Max Goldenberg
* Joseph Fagelson Ruth Lucas Frances Senkfor
Lillian Levine Sarah Marcus Rose Wagner
* Ida G. Roberts Arthur Sternberg Saul Weiss
Miriam Sinai APRIL 24, 2018 IYAR 9, 5778
APRIL 15, 2018 NISAN 30, 5778
Evelyn Marie Zahler Ruth Seewald Amchan
* Dorothy Kramer Levy
APRIL 5, 2018 NISAN 20, 5778 Ruth Pentelnik * Saul Brooks
Rose Glasser Irving Perlman Louis Savenelli
APRIL 6, 2018 NISAN 21, 5778 Isidore Siegel Avigdor Sinai
* Chaya Esther Bas Naftali Gloria Sitrin Ray Weinstein
* Sadie Brown APRIL 16, 2018 IYAR 1, 5778 APRIL 25, 2018 IYAR 10, 5778
* Louis Fendrich Vera Davis Ann Bliss
* Bertha Rosenblatt * Levia Kwerel Nettie Kidorf
Margaret Wolin * Martin Pinson Joseph Tudor
APRIL 7, 2018 NISAN 22, 5778 * Celia Worthman Lillian Ruth Zuckerman
* Thomas Ainsfield APRIL 17, 2018 IYAR 2, 5778 APRIL 26, 2018 IYAR 11, 5778
Erika Greenblum Nettie Biss * Zelda Fagelson
* Herman Gross Miriam Lopez Sidney Forstater
Hannah I Kaplan Pearl Solomon Lillian Gollomp
Joseph Loeb Bess Walden * Beatrice Tolleris
* Edith Salkin * Ralph Tolleris
APRIL 18, 2018 IYAR 3, 5778
* Evelyn Willig
Arthur Arbesfeld APRIL 27, 2018 IYAR 12, 5778
APRIL 8, 2018 NISAN 23, 5778 * Dr. Monroe Sidney Brown * Jeanette Fierstein
* Tillie Fagelson * Robert Fagen * Rosalie Gasson
* Aaron Rapoport * Ida Kafka * Lillian Raiten
Dorothy Schuchalter Stephen Jon Kushnir APRIL 28, 2018 IYAR 13, 5778
APRIL 9, 2018 NISAN 24, 5778 Oscar Rothberg Sylvia Fogelson
Morris Baker * Ralph Siegel * Samuel Hoffman
Judith Hartman APRIL 19, 2018 IYAR 4, 5778 Ely Shor
Morris Warshawsky Herman Jacob Flax APRIL 29, 2018 IYAR 14, 5778
* Theodore Harry Worthman * Peshe Ida Frankle Harry Levitt
* Ruth Kahn Yellin Leo Helman Gustave Benjamin Linden
APRIL 10, 2018 NISAN 25, 5778 Dolly Kuczynski APRIL 30, 2018 IYAR 15, 5778
* Samuel Friedlander * Louis Levinson Jack Trevor Lawson
* Abraham Hatami Hannah L.B. Moore * Nathan Paulson

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

APRIL 2018 P AGE 13

 TOBY BERMAN CREATES AN OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AT AAC
FOR EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT
Questions asked by Marya Runkle and answered by Toby Berman.
1. Explain the Eagle Scout project and its requirements.
The Eagle Scout project is the culminating volunteer and leadership experience for a Boy Scout. Scouts are asked to
lead a group of people toward a shared goal by giving back to their community. I therefore immediately thought of Agudas
Achim. On March 11, I led a crew of about 10 scouts to build an outdoor classroom that consists of an 8 by 10 foot stage
for presenters and eight surrounding benches to seat 25-30 congregants. The project required almost a year of preparation
from thinking of designs and presenting those ideas to the synagogue’s clergy, Board, and scout officials, to purchasing the
materials and planning the construction logistics.
2. How did you come up with the idea of an outdoor
classroom?
I knew I wanted to do something for the syna-
gogue, so it was just a matter of figuring out what to do.
After initially meeting with Rabbi Rein and Mr. Larry
Altenburg (an Eagle Scout) several times, we collective-
ly decided on an outdoor classroom. I then researched
different ideas, drafted alternative designs, and after pre-
senting the ideas to the Board, together we settled on a
location and design.
3. What were one or two lessons you learned while
taking this project from conception to completion?
One lesson that I learned is the importance of hard
work and being prepared. Before my meeting with the
synagogue board, I created and rehearsed my presenta-
tion. I was therefore able to answer questions and work with the board to reach our common goal. Before my project, I vis-
ited the synagogue many times to measure the space, design the classroom, and mark the distance and location of the
benches and stage, ensuring everything was symmetrical. I also rehearsed the project steps many times, which resulted in
everything running so smoothly that we finished the entire project in 4 hours.
4. What was the most rewarding aspect of the project?
The most rewarding part of my project was seeing an idea that I spent almost a year working on be efficiently built as
planned and seeing it turn out exactly as I had envisioned. During the construction, I particularly enjoyed guiding a group of
4 younger scouts to build the platform.
Seeing them take ownership of the proj-
ect was extremely fulfilling. Telling my
older friends to dig 16 post holes, 2 feet
deep was also fun.
5. Is there anyone you would like to
thank?
I would like to thank my parents,
Rabbi Rein, Mr. Altenburg, Hazzan Di-
enstfrey, Chaya Silver, Jen Halpern, the
synagogue’s Board of Directors, and ev-
eryone else who met and supported me
throughout this project. Thank you all
for giving me the opportunity to give
back to the community that has had such
a positive influence on me. I hope the
congregation enjoys this project as much
as I did building it.

AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION PAGE 14

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 WHAT’S INSIDE . . .
Agudas Achim Congregation GOOD DEEDS DAY...........................page 1
2908 Valley Drive RABBI’S MESSAGE...........................page 2
Alexandria, VA 22302 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES..................page 2
Phone: 703-998-6460 Fax: 703-998-5843 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE...page 3
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE................page 3
The Bulletin is published monthly - ISSN1084-9858 ADOPTIVE FAMILIES.........................page 3
DISABILITY INCLUSION COMMITTEE...page 4
Rabbi .....................................................................….…………Steven I. Rein MAH KOREH....................................page 4
Hazzan..........................................................................Elisheva R. Dienstfrey NOVA HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE page 6
Rabbi Emeritus...............................................................................Jack Moline DEAR HAZZAN.................................page 5
Executive Director.....................................................................….Barry Nove A LETTER FROM DORIS PARKER.....page 6
Youth/Education Director...........….……….................................Chaya Silver YOUNG FAMILIES.............................page 6
Preschool Director……............................................................….Jen Halpern BUDGET PROCESS AND DATES........page 6
Shlicha.………………………………………………………Miri Bernovsky BRINGING ISRAEL TO AGUDAS.........page 7
President……..……………………………………………Kenneth Labowitz SISTERHOOD DOINGS.......................page 8
Sisterhood President.….……….........….……………………...Lenore Garon IN THE FAMILY.................................page 9
Men’s Club President..........................…..………………………Elliot Parkin MEN’S CLUB MENSCHENINGS.........page 10
Communication Specialist.....………………….………………Marya Runkle PROFILES OF OUR LEADERS...........page 11
Email: synagogue@agudasachim-va.org DAY OF REMEMBRANCE.................page 11
Web: www.agudasachim-va.org Facebook: facebook.com/agudasachim JTS EVENING OF LEARNING...........page 12
BIMA TO BROADWAY TO BELTWAY.page 12
WHAT’S AHEAD . . . IN MEMORIAM................................page 13
Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m............................................Conversational Hebrew TOBY BERMAN’S PROJECT.............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

Sunday, April 8....................................................Oh Say Shalom Playgroup

Sunday, April 8......................................NOVA Holocaust Commemoration
Thursday, April 12.............................Alexandria Holocaust Remembrance
Thursday, April 12................................................................Budget Meeting
Saturday, April 14.........................................................Men’s Club Shabbat
Sunday, April 15..................................................................Good Deeds Day
Thursday, April 19................................................................Budget Meeting
Friday, April 20...................Young Families Shababy and Shabbat Dinner
Saturday, April 21.................................................Religious School Shabbat
Sunday, April 22..............................................................Sisterhood Brunch
Sunday, April 22...............................Bima to Broadway to Beltway Concert
Saturday, April 28...........................................Adult B’nai Mitzvah Shabbat
Sunday, April 29............................................................Men’s Club Brunch
Sunday, April 29......................................Sisterhood Hillwood Estates Tour
Sunday, April 29........................................Membership Committee Meeting
Sunday, April 29.................................................Adoptive Families Meeting

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