Sukkot in Spring is Evolving

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Features

Religious School...2

Preschool Primer..3

B’nai Mitzvah

Spotlights..……...4

Welcome New Members…….…...4

Modim Minute.…...4

JCCNV Outreach Program for 55+

Adults….…..……...5

Teen Athletes Sought for JCC Maccabi Games....5

Tzedakah Touts….6

Mazon presents:

Myths About

SNAP...…………...8

May Calendar…....9

Sukkot in Spring is Evolving

By John Faith

For at least the past decade, Congregation Etz Hayim has partnered with Temple Rodef Shalom and Rebuilding Together(http://

rebuildingtogether.org/) for an annual fixup/cleanup project benefiting folks in our local communities known as Sukkot in Spring.Rebuilding Together puts it best:

“Rebuilding Together is a national US non profit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing free home repairs and modifications to lowincome

homeowners.” The annual Sukkot in Spring project brought volunteers from CEH and TRS, “Jews With Tools,” together for a “one day project” that usually morphed into a Herculean effort requiring 34 days in actuality.

We’re currently working with Rebuilding Together to change the focus of our efforts from this one major annual project to a handful of smaller, more manageable projects spread throughout the year. This will, hopefully, enable us to engage a larger number of congregants over the course of the year, and will also relieve the aging, long

suffering senior members of the CEH/TRS team from the more onerous aspects of this very worthwhile endeavor.We also hope to entice more of our younger congregants to participate.

As soon as we have more details, we’ll get a message out to the congregation. In the meantime, should you have questions about Rebuilding Together or our participa- tion, please contact John Howard, John.A.Howard@em.doe.gov; John

Faith,john.faith@gmail.com; or Brian Stern,bsternbiz@gmail.com.

If you or someone you know is possibly in need of Rebuilding Together's services,

you can contact them directly:

Phone:703.528.1999 Virginia Relay: 711

Email:info@rebuildingtogetheraff.org

To be considered for home repair services you must meet the following requirements:

• Own and live in the home to be repaired located in Arlington, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, or the City of Falls Church,

• Intend to live in your home for at least two more years,

• Meet the income guidelines on the application, and

• Complete an application and provide proof of ownership and total household gross income.

The link for applying for Rebuilding Together's services can be found here:http://

rebuildingtogetheraff.org/wpcontent/uploads/2013/03/VHR2016Homeowner Applicationfillable042016.pdf

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Congregation Etz Hayim

2920 Arlington Blvd.

Arlington, VA 22204 T 703-979-4466 F 703-979-4468 www.etzhayim.net

Services Schedule

Leil Shabbat Fridays, 6:15PM

Yom Shabbat Saturdays, 10:00AM

Minyan Thursdays, 7:00AM

Sundays (during Religious School) &

Holidays, 9:30AM

Chronicle Editor

Marni Corsaro office@etzhayim.net

SPONSOR TIME

To sponsor flowers on the Bima, an Oneg, or Kiddush in honor of a special event or in memory of a loved one, please email

britcoon@netzero.net

or call the Etz Hayim office at 703 979 4466

By Laura Naide, Director of Religious Education

Thank you to all the volunteers and lay leaders who made our Purim services and celebrations such a success! Thanks to Jill Shenk for once again coordinating the Purim Carnival, which took place on Sunday, March 12, and to Lyn Shenk for building many of the games.

Religious School: Purim Carnival Pictures

Photos by Jill Shenk and Stacey Viera

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Tikkun Olam

Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC): Our synagogue collects dry and canned goods for AFAC. Specific items needed include cereal, pasta, rice, macaroni &

cheese, peanut butter, jelly, baking products, canned vegetables, etc. Collection baskets are located in the vestibule.

Bikkur Cholim (Helping the Ill) &

Bereavement Committees

These committees are on standby to help in the hour of need for those who are ill or recuperating by visiting, calling, helping with grocery shopping, providing transportation to doctors or the synagogue, bringing meals, etc. (Bikkur Cholim) or to assist a bereaved family in arrang- ing for the funeral, Shiva Minyan, and meal of condolence. Notify the Etz Hayim office or Rabbi Bass about your needs. In the event of a death, Rabbi Bass should be notified immediately (but not on Shabbat). Please contact Sherri Edgar (Bikkur Cholim) or Jerry Jacobs (Bereavement) if you'd like to join their committees.

Contact Jerry Jacobs:

301-340-8144 or Jerold.Jacobs.Esq

@verizon.net

Contact Sherri Edgar:

571-338-4712 or Slemsw@gmail.com

Preschool Primer: Day Without Immigrants—

February 16, 2017

By Alexis Joyce, Preschool Director

From Wikipedia: “Day Without Immigrants was a protest andboycottthat took place on February 16, 2017, to demonstrate the importance of immigrants to the economy, and also to protest possibleracial profilingof U.S. citizens by immigration enforce- ment. The strike called for immigrants not to go to work, to avoid spending money, and keep children home from school.”

A heartfelt thank you to all the parents, volunteers, and substitutes who staffed the preschool so that our teachers who are immigrants could participate in the protest.

We could not have held preschool that day without your help! We thank you for helping us send the message that we appreciate and acknowledge the contributions of the immigrants in our community and specifically those on our staff.

Photos by Stacey Viera

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B’nai Mitzvah Spotlight:

Ethan Kimelheim

What is your full name?

Ethan Mica Kimelheim

Where were you born?

Fairfax, VA

What is the date of your Bar Mitzvah?

April 22, 2017

How long have you been in our Religious School? What is your favorite subject?

I’ve been at Etz Hayim since 4th grade. It was interesting to learn more about the Holocaust.

What Haftorah will you be chanting?

I will be chanting 2 Samuel as my Haftorah.

Has anyone else in your family become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah here?

My sister (Jeana) became a Bat Mitzvah at Etz Hayim.

What school do you attend? What is your favorite subject?

I attend Williamsburg Middle School and don’t really have a favorite subject. All my classes are pretty good.

What are your hobbies or extracurricular activities?

I like to play football and hang with my friends. I also watch a lot of TV.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

I’m proud of getting good grades in school and of preparing for my Bar Mitzvah. I also stayed up all night once!

Please write a thoughtful statement about what becoming a Bar Mitzvah means to you.

Becoming a Bar Mitzvah means that I am now counted as an adult in the Jewish community. Being an adult means having more responsibility for myself and my community.

B’nai Mitzvah Spotlight:

Jacob Singer

What is your full name?

Jacob Gregory Singer

Where were you born?

Arlington, VA

What is the date of your Bar Mitzvah?

April 8, 2017 How long have you been in our Religious School? What is your favorite subject?

Since 1st grade. I like learning about the Jewish holidays.

What Haftorah will you be chanting?

Shabbat HaGadol

Has anyone else in your family become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah here?

No, not yet. I have two younger sisters.

What school do you attend? What is your favorite subject?

Swanson Middle Schooland my favorite subject is Science.

What are your hobbies or extracurricular activities?

Bicycling, reading, playing trumpet,spending time with my family andthe card game Magic the Gathering.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

I've biked more than4,300 miles in the last three years, bymyself and with my family.

Please write a thoughtful statement about what becoming a Bar Mitzvah means to you.

It's helped me learn more about Judaism andlets me express my Jewish identity in a good way.

Welcome New Congregation

Members!

Evan Vanderveer & Julia Krieger

Modim Minute

(A Moment of Gratitude)

• From Sylvia Gordon: A heartfelt thank you to Edgar and three anonymous men who chipped out the ice under my car when it got stuck in front of Etz Hayim on Shabbat, March 18. It was stuck, wouldn’t move, andwas in the path of traffic.

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For programs at the synagogues, bring a dairy lunch and stay for coffee and dessert. Unless otherwise specified, cost is $2M JCCNV or any synagogue, and $4/NM.

This program is a warm and friendly group of men and women age 55+. They are funded by the JCCNV and graciously supported by Beth El Hebrew Congregation and Etz Hayim Congregation. For more information contact Shelly at Shelly.Rosenstein@jccnv.org or 7035373062.

JCCNV Outreach Program for 55+ Adults May Bulletin

By Shelly Rosenstein

Wednesday, May 10 Cuba: Up Close and Personal with Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer

Presenter: Sunny Schnitzer, Rabbi, Bethesda Jewish Congregation; President, The Cuba America Jewish Mission

While visiting Cuba is currently all the rage and many American Jewish tourists stop by the Havana synagogues, the Cuban Jewish community faces unique pressures concerning its future. Will new freedoms and the tourist economy trickle down to alleviate the poverty experienced by most Cubans? Will freedom to emigrate reduce the Cuban Jewish population further? Will it survive the 21st Century? Join Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer, a 15time visitor to the island, for an indepth look at Cuban Jewish history, an update on Cuba today and the outlook for the future.

10:30am ±12:00pm. Beth El Congregation

RSVP: Shelly.Rosenstein@jccnv.org or 703.537.3062

Tuesday, May 16 Joint Program with Agudas Achim Congregation: Jewish Composers and Their Music from the 1920s1940s

Presenters: Shelly and Jay Rosenstein NOTE CHANGE OF DAY, TIME AND LOCATION)

Join us as Shelly (our J/Beth El coordinator) and her husband Jay present a program about great Jewish composers and lyricists who created some of the most memorable music between the 1920s and the 1940s. Come learn what the real names of some of these musicians were, or why so many Christmas songs were written by Jewish composers.

Shelly will serenade you on the piano, and for extra fun, song sheets will be given out so anyone can sing along. What a nice, relaxing way to end the season! A free, kosher lunch will be provided prior to the program.

12:00pm ±2:00pm. Agudas Achim Congregation, 2908 Valley Drive, Alexandria RSVP by May 6: Shelly.Rosenstein@jccnv.org or 703.537.3062

Wednesday, May 24 The Minorities in Israel

Presenter: Na’ama Gold, JCCNVJAFI Shlicha (Israeli Emissary) NOTE LATER START TIME

As Jews, we know the struggles of being a minority. But how is it to be a Jewish minority in Israel, the land of the Jews? Join us as Na’ama returns to talk to the group about Mizrahi Jews, Ethiopian Jews, women, members of the LGBT community and other minorities in Israel. Learn about their rights and duties as Israeli citizens. Na’ama presents wonderful programs so don’t miss out on this important one!

10:45am ±12:00pm. Beth El Congregation

RSVP: Shelly.Rosenstein@jccnv.org or 703.537.3062

Wednesday, May 31²No program

Calling Teen Athletes: Compete in the JCC Maccabi Games!

Join JCC’s Northern Virginia delegation as they head to Albany to compete in this oneofakind Jewish experience! Maccabi athletes must be 1217 years old and MUST NOT have reached their 17th birthday by 7/31/17. If you are an athlete and are interested in participating in this year’s Maccabi Games, please contact Allison Merims at Allison.Merims@jccnv.org or 703 5373097.

More information on the Maccabi Games can be found here: www.albanyjcc.org/maccabigames/maccabigameshome/

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Tzedakah Touts

Annual Fund

Barry & Jeanette Astrow in honor of Laura Naide's special birthday (contribution to Religious School Fund)

Lester Droller in memory of Gerard Droller

Allen Elstein in memory of Lea Elstein Albert and Miriam

Elstein

Elise Kane

Adrienne Levinson in honor of Beth Wolffe

Jack & Susan Pevenstein in memory of Luba Billowitz, Philip Billowitz, Laura Marsh, Anna Hillman and Sylvia Billowitz

Ray & Roslyn Samuelson in memory of Rose

Samuelson

Alan Savada & Will Stevenson in honor of the Roismans' new baby

Perry & William Schlosburg in memory of Mae Shulman Beth Wolffe in gratitude for Rabbi Julia Watts Belser's adult education class

Beth Wolffe in memory of Linda Sparke's mother Beth Wolffe in honor of the birth of Roberta Wasserman and Philip Abrams' granddaughter, Mikayla

Sussman

Jean Koshar Rothstein Memorial Fund

Robert Rothstein & Christie Phillips in memory of Hazel

Miller

Robert Rothstein & Christie Phillips in memory of my mother on Valentine's Day

Molly Sandler Children’s Book Fund

Sylvia Gordon in honor of Roberta Wasserman's newest granddaughter, Mikayla

Phyllis Sandler and Family in loving memory of Molly Sandler, beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother & friend

Perry Schlosburg in memory of William Schlosburg Stephen Sousk & Phyllis Sandler in loving memory of my mother, Ethel Sousk, my father, Philip Sousk, and my grandmother, Jennie Guterwill Stephen Sousk & Phyllis Sandler in loving memory of my dear soninlaw, Ezra Cooper. He was loved

by all.

Stephen Sousk & Phyllis Sandler in memory of my father, Jacob Sandler, forever loved and missed

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

Jo Ann Cadeaux in memory of Gussie Firestone Phyllis Cassell in memory of William and Helen Davis, Irving Cassell and Ronald Grandon

Brian Stern in memory of Sadie Sternstein Mimi Youkeles in memory of Alan Youkeles

Scholarship & Awards Fund

Mathilda Esformes in memory of Morris Esformes The following represents contributions made to the synagogue from February 1 to February 28, 2017. We apologize for any errors or omissions.

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Mazon presents: SNAP Series #3: Three Common Myths about SNAP

Modified from Mazon.org

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, our nation’s frontline defense against hunger, suffers from some pervasive myths about the program and the people in our nation who struggle with hunger.

Let’s take a moment to identify and understand the truth behind three common myths about SNAP.

MYTH ONE: SNAP RECIPIENTS ARE LAZY MOOCHERS

Detractors often portray those who rely on SNAP as those who are “just after a free lunch.” In reality, the majority of SNAP recipients (75%) who can work, do so. Those who are employed, often at multiple jobs, simply cannot always earn enough to cover their costs and afford the nutrition necessary for themselves and their family. And many of those who are not employed want to work, if only jobs were available to them. It’s also important to know that the majority (64%) of those on SNAP are senior citizens, people with disabilities, or children, and working is simply not an option for them.

MYTH TWO: ONLY CERTAIN PEOPLE DESERVE FOOD ASSISTANCE

Some opponents to SNAP single out ABAWDs±AbleBodied Adults Without Dependents. These are individuals who are between 18 and 49 who, according to critics, “should be able to work;” as such, they are subject to strict time limits, allowing them to receive SNAP benefits for only 90 days in three years. The ABAWD classification, however, covers a wide range of individuals and circumstances, not all of whom fit neatly into a simplified para- digm. ABAWDs include single parents of children over the age of 18. They are college students, and veterans, and people with undiagnosed disabilities. They are homeless people who struggle to find employment and 19 yearolds who have aged out of foster care and have no family on whom to rely.

MYTH THREE: FOOD INSECURITY ISN’T THE GOVERNMENT’S PROBLEM

Some policymakers like to point to charity as a better answer to addressing hunger in our nation. But the math simply doesn’t support their theory. According to The National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS), in Decem- ber 2015 there were 3,073 public charities that provided food to hungry people as identified in their Form 990 with the IRS. In total, their 2015 revenues totaled $11.47 billion. Total federal spending just on SNAP in 2015 was

$75 billion. For these charities to replace SNAP, they would have to increase their annual revenues by more than 650%.

Please listen carefully to our nation’s policymakers when they talk about SNAP and the people who rely upon it.

We hope this information helps you discern at least a few facts from myths. You can find answers for dispelling more common myths here: http://mazon.org/therealityofhunger/hungermyths

SIGN OUR SNAP PETITION: http://thisishunger.org/takeaction/protectsnap2/

May 2017

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Yom Hazikaron 2 Yom Ha’atzma’ut

3

Religious School:

4:45pm

4

Minyan: 7:00am 5

Shabbat Services w/Potluck:

6:15pm

6

Shabbat Services w/Bar Mitzvah of Kyle Wilson:

10:00am

7

Religious School: 9:30am

Minyan & Muffins for Families with Preschool- ers: 9:30am

Adult Education class

“Discovering Israel with an Israeli” part 2: 10am

“Parent-Child Yoga”:

3:00-4:30pm

8 9 10

Religious School:

4:45pm

11

Minyan: 7:00am

Religious Committee Meeting: 7:30pm

Israeli Folk Dancing Class: 8:00pm (BOS)

12

Musical Shabbat:

6:15pm

13 9:30 Club Meditation: 9:30am

Shabbat Services:

10:00am

Adult Education:

Shabbat Book Club: 12:30pm (after services)

14 Lag Ba’Omer Mother’s Day

Lag Ba’Omer Preschool &

Religious School Event:

9:30am

3:00-4:30pm

15 16 17

Religious School:

4:45pm

18

Minyan: 7:00am 19

Young Children’s Shabbat & Dinner:

5:30pm

Shabbat Unwrapped:

6:15pm

20

9:30 Club Parashat HaShavuah: 9:30am

Shabbat Unwrapped:

10:00am

21

Executive Committee Meeting: 10:00am

Preschool End of Year Picnic: 10:30am Board Meeting: 11:00am

3:00-4:30pm

22 23

Preschool Open House: 10:00am

24 Yom

Yerushalayim

Religious School:

4:45pm

25

Minyan: 7:00am

Israeli Folk Dancing Class: 8:00pm (BOS)

26 Shabbat Services: 6:15pm

27

Shabbat Services:

10:00am

28

Religious School CLOSED

29

Memorial Day

Office & Preschool CLOSED

30

Erev Shavuot

Ben & Jerry’s Shavuot Ice Cream Torah Study: 8:30pm (at the home of Rabbi Bass)

31 Shavuot 1

Office, Preschool

& Religious School CLOSED

Shavuot Services: 10:00am

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2920 Arlington Boulevard Arlington, VA 22204

Unless otherwise indicated, the opinions expressed herein are those of the indicated author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Congregation Etz Hayim, its Trustees, Directors, or officers.

Joseph Abrenio Nathan Ainspan Julie Alexander Malcolm Alexander Jonathan Arden Jennifer Bachus Rabbi Lia Bass Sharon Beth

Bronheim

Katerina Carleton Jessie Coleman Daniel Cullen Chuck Davidson Laurie Effron Adam Faust Evan Faust Draken Garfinkel Jared Garfinkel Raphael Golner John Goodman Stephen Grand Ethan Grossman

Daniel Herzfeld Rachel Jacobs Elise Kane Rachel Kane Dina Land Carrie Lewis Sam Newell Sarah Pohl Laura Ragins Jonah Rosman Ally Shenk Lyn Shenk Benjamin Simon Philip Singer Linda Sparke Brian Stern Dagny Viera Erica Walther Bernard Wexler Rebecca Wroblewski Suzan Zimmerman

April Birthdays

Save the Date!

Sunday, May 7

Minyan & Muffins for Families with Preschoolers: 9:30am Adult Education class “Discovering Israel with an

Israeli” part 2: 10:00am

Sunday, May 14

Lag Ba’Omer Preschool & Religious School Event: 9:30am

Friday, May 19

Young Children’s Shabbat & Dinner: 5:30pm

Tuesday, May 23

Preschool Open House: 10:00am

Tuesday, May 30—Erev Shavuot

Ben & Jerry’s Shavuot Ice Cream Torah Study: 8:30pm (at the home of Rabbi Bass)

Wednesday, May 31—Shavuot I Shavuot Services: 10:00am

Thursday, June 1—Shavuot II Shavuot Services with Yizkor: 10:00am

Sunday, June 4—Last Day of Religious School State of the Shul Spring Meeting: 10:00am

Friday, June 9—Last Day of Preschool

Saturday, June 10

Shabbat Services with Board Installation: 10:00am

Sunday, June 11

Capital Pride Festival: 12:00-7:00pm Volunteers needed for Etz Hayim booth!