Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
W
hen I started
to think
about writing
this article, a tragedy
happened, and I was at
a loss of words. It was
a helicopter accident
that claimed the life of
Kobe Bryant. I am the rst to tell you that
I am not an NBA fan or even a basketball
fan. I, of course, knew who Kobe Bryant was
and how he went right from high school
to the NBA. He won 5 NBA championships
and then he was the executive producer
of an animated short, based on a letter he
wrote when he retired, that won an Oscar.
He was really making a name for himself
after basketball.
It was originally announced that Kobe had
died in the accident. Then as more and
more information came out about the
accident, it was added that his daughter
was with him. As a father, it really hit me
that they were together when it happened.
Then it was announced that there were a
total of nine aboard the helicopter when
it went down. It was nally reported that
Kobe and his daughter Gianna, John and
Keri Altobelli and their daughter Alyssa
(Gianna’s teammate), Sarah Chester and
her daughter, Payton (another teammate
of Gianna), Christina Mauser and pilot Ara
Zobayan were the victims. It was natural to
see the reports that Kobe died and eight
others … then Kobe, his daughter and
seven others died. He was the name
everyone knew.
What really got to me was that of those
nine people, three were children. I thought
about what would have gone through my
head, if I had been Kobe, in that situation.
Sitting next to or across from my daughter,
knowing that the crash was about to
happen. I could only think of one thing
that would have been worse: to be Vanessa
Bryant, to have lost your husband and
child. Knowing that you were not there
to comfort your daughter, to tell her that
she would be ok and to do something,
anything that could have prevented or
saved her after the accident. It really got
to me – it took me a while to get back
into the right head space to write this. The
Kobe Bryant incident made me remember
another celebrity whose death, by his own
hand, really shook me to the core.
Anthony Bourdain was a celebrity chef
turned author and television host. I really
enjoyed his personality and what he
brought to me in those shows. Joanna
would always ask me, “Why do you watch
those shows? You will never cook or eat
those foods.” She was right, but through
Anthony, I was cooking and eating those
foods. His death in 2018 really got to me,
like no one had before.
So, after a few days, I was ready to sit down
and write an article about how we need
to volunteer more, get together more,
and nd ways to raise more money for the
congregation. But then, I was at a loss of
words, again.
For those of you who attended the Yom
Kippur service and heard me talk about
those two individuals with cancer, I am
happy to say that the beautiful young
seventeen-year-old is still battling and
Oce and Worship: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick (UUCF), 4880 Elmer Derr Rd., Frederick, MD 21703
A Member of the Union for Reform Judaism
congregation
Kol Ami
of frederick
A Member of the Union for Reform Judaism
The Voice
congregation
Kol Ami
of frederick
A Member of the Union for Reform Judaism
The Voice
March/April 2020
An Exploration of
Gratitude
Rabbi Simon Stratford
A
few weeks
ago, we
began
reading the book
of Exodus, the
second of the
ve books of
Moses. The book
of Exodus is a
riveting narrative
that tells of the Israelites’ journey
from enslaved persons in Egypt to a
nation of chosen people, under the
leadership of Moses. The ten plagues
are central to the story of the Exodus.
Without them, neither Pharaoh, the
Israelites, nor even Moses, would
have been convinced of God’s power.
Whereas Moses is the mouthpiece
of God and the leader of the Israelite
people, when we take a closer look
at the narrative of the ten plagues,
we see there is a discrepancy in the
text from one verse to the next. This
discrepancy oers us the opportunity
to explore what our tradition teaches
us about gratitude.
In Exodus 7:17, God tells Moses to
say to Pharaoh, “I will strike the water
Loss for Words
Message from Dan Sieger, President
Continued on page 2
Our Mission
To be an inclusive Reform
Jewish congregation that is
family-focused, community-
oriented, emphasizes spiritual
and cultural identity, and is
dedicated to the Jewish
education of all generations.
Continued on page 3
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
2
From Rabbi Simon Stratford
Continued from page 1
in the Nile with the rod that is my hand,
and it will be turned into blood.” Yet two
verses later, we read that it is Aaron, not
Moses, who activates the plague of Blood.
The 11th-century medieval commentator
Rashi poses the question, why does
Aaron enact the plague of Blood and not
Moses? Rashi’s explanation, “Since the Nile
protected Moses when he was cast into
it, it was not smitten by him, neither with
blood nor with frogs, but [the Nile] was
smitten by Aaron [and therefore, turned
into Blood] (Tanchuma Va’era 14).” Rashi’s
commentary oers us insight as to what
it means to express gratitude to not only
other people in our lives but also the
importance of showing appreciation
to the objects or non-human pieces of
our lives.
Gratitude is an essential value in Jewish
tradition, and more often than not, we
tend not to express our gratitude for
the people and things in our lives. The
philosopher Bachya Ibn Pekuda wrote in
his work, Duties of the Heart, about the
human tendency not to appreciate our
blessings and not to express our thanks.
He writes it is because:
1) We quickly get used to our comforts
and seek more.
2) We take our life and the people and
things around us for granted: our home, a
safe neighborhood, our beating heart.
3) We focus on the negative. We notice
the mistakes of the people around us, but
not the positive things that they do for us.
Bachya was writing in Spain in the
eleventh century, but his words still ring
true for us today. Far too often, we don’t
take the time to count the blessings in
our lives. In times of personal diculty,
we can choose to dwell solely on the
negative or consider the big picture
and remind ourselves that momentary
setbacks and challenges are a part of
being human, and we can become
stronger as a result of experiencing
life’s diculties.
In the Talmud, the rabbi asked, “What is a
blessing?” The answer provided is that a
blessing is words of acknowledgment and
action bestowal of prosperity. The Talmud
adds “every pleasing thing requires a
blessing (BT, Brachot 35)”. Consider taking
the time to think individually or share
with family or friends three things for
which you a grateful: a person in your life
for whom you are thankful, an object in
your life for which you are appreciative,
and a challenge or a diculty in your
life that is worth appreciation. Regular
expression of gratitude is an excellent
practice to incorporate into our daily lives.
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
3
holding strong. However, the
other one, the forty-ve-year-old
scientist, husband and father of
three young children, lost his ght
with brain cancer on February 10.
I was again shaken and distracted
as I sat down in another attempt to
write my message for the Voice. He
fought to the end…
I just don’t know what to write.
How can I express what people
mean to me, some of whom I never
met and one, I was lucky enough to
call ‘friend?’ These individuals have
forever changed me. So, don’t take
what you have or who you know
for granted.
Get Involved
A letter to my Community, Joanna Sieger
A story about Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody: there was an important job to
be done, and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it,
but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought
that Anybody could do it. But Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up
that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick is made up of volunteers. We have no sta - no paid
employees – only the Rabbi, Cantorial Soloist, Education Director and teachers. And all of
those people are members of the community. There is no outside help. Those people, in
addition to our board and committee chairs, are in those positions because they want to
be – it’s not for the money. And many of those people hold more than one position in the
synagogue – because there was a need, and they came forward to ll it. They are all working
for the community – for you. If you’re enjoying your experience, please praise those working
for you. A simple word of encouragement is very appreciated. Unhappy about something,
get involved and work toward a solution. We are all in this together. No one leaves that day
and separates from their job because they are part of the community. It aects all of us –
good and bad.
I encourage you to get involved. We have so many wonderful things we want do to, and
we need you to do them. We need everyone, and everyone’s voice is important. Don’t know
how to get involved? Contact me, [email protected]. I can help you. Or visit
our website kolamifrederick.org/get-involved.
Forever Youngsters
Celebrated a Caring and
Sharing Hanukkah
Judi Feldman
Thirty Forever Youngsters gathered and
enjoyed an ‘ugly Hanukkah sweater’
Caring and Sharing Hanukkah party. The
evening began with a beautiful Havdalah
service led by Rabbi Leila. The group then
enjoyed a deli dinner complemented
by a variety of delicious and unique
potato pancakes. The sweets of the
evening were home-baked cookies.
After dinner, everyone was presented
with an envelope containing all of the
cookie recipes that were enjoyed at
the party. A lively white elephant gift
exchange followed. Believe it or not, the
most desirable gift was a Pyrex casserole
dish. You would think at our age we
would prefer a gift card to a restaurant.
A vital part of our sharing was a large
suitcase that was overowing with
items that were taken to SHIP (Student
Homelessness Initiative Partnership) to be
shared with those homeless students in
Frederick County.
From the President
Continued from page 1
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
4
The Sisterhood Book Club
Wednesday, March 11 at 12:30 p.m.
Note New Location:
Old Dominion Grill And Sushi
Evergreen Square, 5732 Buckeystown Pike (Route 85)
Frederick, MD
Mrs. Everything
by Jennifer Weiner
Go the following link to RSVP and read a
synopsis of the book:
https://www.signupgenius.com/
go/4090a45a9a92d6-kolami2
Women’s Coee
Wednesdays, March 4 and April 1
10:00 am at Panera on Route 26
Women of Kol Ami meet on the rst Wednesday of every
month, unless otherwise noted. Come meet your friends and
let us know what is happening in your life. Check this link for
the latest coee date: RSVP: https://www.signupgenius.com/
go/4090a45a9a92d6-monthly
Tuesdays, March 3 and April 7
Brotherhood Dinners
Join us for the upcoming Brotherhood dinners.
Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30 pm
Kittiwat Thai Kitchen
5205 Presidents Ct. (near Manalu)
Frederick, MD 21704
Tuesday, April 7 at 6:30 pm
Location TBD
Interested and able to join us? Please RSVP, using the
following link so that we have an accurate head count:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JSRYR5B
Upcoming Events
Rabbi Simon Stratford rabbi@kolamifr e d e r ick.org or
(240) 575 - 9690
AN ADULT EDUCATION FILM SERIES
MOVIES & MIDRASH
MARCH 14, 2020: A PRICE ABOVE RUBIES (1998)
MAY 9, 2020: EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED
(2005)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
Popular Film and Jewish Religious Conversation.
Using cinema as a springboard to discuss central
Jewish texts and matters of belief. Join us as we
explore what Jewish tradition, text, and theology
have to say about the lessons and themes arising
from influential and compelling films.
March 13th - 15th, 2020
NFTY-MAR TheVent
Open to 8th - 12th Graders)
Join dozens of your peers from across the
region and take part in a transformational
Shabbat experience.
"Escape This" Escape Room
A live-action adventure game where you and
your friends compete to find
clues, solve
puzzles, and escape the room within 60
minutes.
Join us for Torah Study
Fascinating topics, interesting discussions.
Mondays at 12:30 p.m. at the oce
(March 2 and April 6 is at Buckingham’s Choice)
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
April 6, 13, 20, 27
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
5
Casey Wehr
March 21, 2020
Casey is the daughter of Hannah and
Duane Wehr and sister of Jenna. She
is in seventh grade at Urbana Middle
School. For the last two years Casey has
participated on the Science Olympiad
team at Urbana Middle School. She competes in events like
Meteorology, Density Lab, and Mission Possible. She will be
representing her school in the state competition on April 4th.
In her spare time Casey enjoys riding horses, playing softball,
and participating in her school’s Science Olympiad team. On
most Saturdays, Casey can be found at the Urbana Riding Club,
either side-walking for younger riders or taking part in her own
lessons. Casey has played softball for three years, honing her
skills in a variety of positions including rst base and pitcher.
She is a loving owner of a puppy, Bailey, and guinea pig, Chase.
Liam Berkowitz
April 4, 2020
Liam is the son of Beth and Jared
Berkowitz and brother to Maya. He is in
7th grade at Urbana Middle School. Liam
enjoys playing golf, basketball, and skiing.
He loves reading, math, and watching movies in his free time.
He’s learned a lot this year from Rabbi Simon and his Sunday
School teacher, Miss Sam!
Cody Jase Duckhorn
April 18, 2020
Cody is the son of Jodi and Ed Duckhorn
and brother of Riley and Brady. He is a 7th
grader at Windsor Knolls Middle School.
Cody loves all animals (mammals, birds,
and marine life), especially dinosaurs! The family dog, a Tibetan
terrier named Simon, is 11 this year. Cody loves chatting with
friends online as they play Minecraft and Roblox. He enjoys
tennis and has been going to Camp Airy for four summers. For
his mitzvah project, Cody raised money for people to attend
Camps Airy and Louise.
Kol Ami supports Frederick County
youth through SHIP
Tricia Kennedy
Thank you to Congregation Kol
Ami for your generous donations
of personal hygiene items to
Student Homelessness Initiative
Partnership! These donations
will be stored and delivered
throughout the year to homeless
youth in Frederick County.
Your donations are crucial
for the health and wellbeing
of homeless youth. Read more about SHIP at https://
shipfrederick.com/about-us/
SHIP provides emergency, short and term housing
to homeless youth who are ineligible for foster care
services. Learn more about SHIP’s Thrive housing
program and volunteer opportunities at https://
shipfrederick.com/thrive/.
Reminder from Rabbi Stratford about
the World Zionist Congress
The World Zionist Congress elections are here, and it is
time to have our voices heard in Israel! Each and every
vote from our congregation is crucial to maintaining a
strong Reform presence. This is our chance to combat
the discrimination the Reform Movement faces in Israel.
Together we can grow our Reform Movement and work
towards making progress on the issues we care about:
religious freedom, equality, and many more.
Voting is open now until March 11, 2020. Go to: www.
ZionistElection.org and click on ‘Register & Vote’. Your
vote in this election is the only democratic opportunity
you have to inuence Israeli society.
Join us for Services at the UU!
March 6, 20, 21 and April 3, 4, 17, 18
Upcoming B’nai Mitzvah
Please stay tuned to the weekly
Bulletin for details about the
following upcoming events:
2nd Night Passover Seder
Yom Hashoah program - April 26
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
6
Pickleball
Tournament
The 2nd Pickleball Tournament
to support Congregation Kol
Ami of Frederick will take place
on Sunday, April 19 from 9am
to 12 noon, on the courts of
Worman’s Mill. Those who participated last summer had a great
time and we raised funds for Kol Ami.
Cost is $20 a person, and you will be matched up with a partner.
For more information, or to signup, contact David Silberman at
Frederick Keys Fundraiser
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick
and the Frederick Keys will partner
again for the upcoming 2020
season. As we did last year, we will
be able to man the Dugout Dogs
concession booth as a fundraiser
for Kol Ami. In 2019, we had
45 volunteers who worked the
concession booth at 46 games.
This year, we would like to have even more participation from
Kol Ami as it is potentially our largest fundraiser of the year and
the funds earned could help to reduce dues increases. Each
volunteer works 4 hours at the booth, and we earn $42 for their
eorts. Our participation involves handling the cash register and
pouring beverages–there is no food prep involved. It is easy,
fun, and a great way to support our synagogue. You and your
signicant other, family and friends (18+ years) can volunteer for
1, 5, 10, or as many games as ts your schedule!
More information about the games for volunteering, including
the dates and times, will be forthcoming once the full Keys
schedule is released.
If you have any questions about this, please contact Val
Lazerowich at valarie_lazerowich@yahoo.com
Fundraising Events
Our next Trivia Night will
take place on Saturday,
April 18 at the Urbana
Clubhouse.
Create a team of 8, or we
will place you with some
“trivia experts”! Come nd
out why trivia has become so popular and fun!!
Trivia is open to all including family and friends, as well as
KATY age. Snacks and drink will be served (and BYOB too).
Prizes will be awarded to the winning team.
For additional information, contact David Silberman at
Cost by April 17
$10 for Kol Ami members
$12 for non-members
Cost after April 17 and at the door
$12 for Kol Ami members
$14 for non-members
Trivia Night Fundraiser
Have you responded to Not-A-Party?
There is still time to send in your donation. Remember all
donations of $72 or more will automatically be entered in a
drawing for gift cards at the Annual Meeting in June. We will
have 5 winners, receiving gift cards for Madrones, Modern Asia,
and Wegmans.
Donate online at kolamifrederick.org or mail a check. Please
note Not-A-Party in the memo or note section.
Members, family and friends of Kol Ami, you are
cordially invited, and encouraged, to participate in our
March Madness brackets pool! The input of all data will
be done via a March Madness website. Specic details
will follow. This is an all synagogue fundraiser and it’s
fun ... Everyone can participate! We are just ‘guessing’
and hoping we are right, upsets happen all the time!
Participation fee is $20 per person. All funds go
directly to Kol Ami. Internet involvement is free. Payout
will be as follows ... 50% payout (1st - 60%, 2nd - 25%,
3rd - 15%) and 50% to benet the synagogue. Watch
for details ... Coming soon!
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
7
Tu B’shevat – Celebrating the Fruits from the Trees
Joanna Sieger, Director of Education
L
ast month, our students participated in a
Tu B’shevat seder led by Rabbi Stratford.
The students enjoyed three dierent types
of foods that we get from trees. We ate Pomegranate seeds
representing foods with a hard exterior that have good things
underneath. We can relate to this in real life to “Never judge a
book by its cover.” The second food was olives. Olives represent
foods that have a pit, a seed that we do not eat. However, that
seed can be planted and grow again. This reminds us that
things that start out as small can become something great, and
we should not overlook things because they seem insignicant.
The third food was raisins. They represent fruits that we can
entirely eat, where nothing is wasted.
In an article entitled Planting a Tree as an Act of Hope by Roslyn
Ann Duy, she wrote, “Trees are the lungs of our planet. They
take carbon dioxide out of the air and send oxygen back
into the air. They breathe in the molecules responsible for
overheating out planet and breathe out the pure air that all
life needs.” We should always celebrate trees. Celebrating Tu
B’shevat helps us to appreciate all that they give us.
Want to add value to your child’s religious school experience?
Attend services! Our students are learning the prayers we say
in services. The shabbat services are your child’s connection to
why we have religious school. There are may opportunities in
the coming months to attend not just Friday night services, but
Saturday mornings as well. We have many students becoming
Bat or Bar Mitzvah. I hope your family will join me!
Another way is to get involved. Attend events. Participate in
activities. Our congregation is always looking for help. We need
YOU on committees! We need you at fundraising events! We
want to see you at Girls Night Out and Brotherhood dinners. I
am always looking to enhance my substitute list. Want to get
involved and don’t know where to start? Catch me on Sunday
mornings, I’ll help you!
Tu B’shevat Celebration
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
8
Join Kol Ami friends for a
Purim Carnival
NEW Location
Clover Hill Clubhouse
8122 Glendale Dr.
Frederick, MD 21702
When
Sunday, March 8, 2020
3–5 p.m.
Your Purim Passport includes:
Esther’s Salon
Hamentashen Walk
Hamentashen Bake Sale
Purim Bingo
Pin the Hat on Haman
Sand Art
Mask/Crown Making
Sinking Coin
Ring Toss ... and more!
There will be a Hamentashen
baking and costume contest, Purim
Spiel, a 50/50 rafe and snack bar.
Costumes are encouraged for all.
Fun for the whole family!
Cost:
Members: $5/child
Non-Members: $7/child
Any questions, please contact
Joanna Sieger at
education@kolamifrederick.org.
Sign up at: signupgenius.com/
go/10C0A48AFA72FA57-ckaf16
Hamentashen Baking and
Costume Contest!
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
9
Rabbi Search Committee Update
By Joanna Sieger
The search committee has been working hard and meeting
regularly to discuss our ideal rabbi. We have received three
resumes at the time of this writing. Two of the candidates have
been interviewed twice, and one has been brought in for a visit,
which included teaching our conrmation class and leading
Torah Study. We are working on scheduling an interview with
the third candidate, whose resume was just received.
You may have heard that the position we are seeking to ll is
part-time. This is correct. After much discussion and direction
from the Board of Trustees, we feel that the congregation will be
well served by a part-time rabbi. So… what does that mean for
our congregation? We do not anticipate any change in the level
of service you have come to expect. The rabbi will always be
available for emergencies. The rabbi will be present at religious
school regularly and our services will continue as scheduled.
Our interim rabbi, Rabbi Scott Sperling, helped us in a time
of crisis as a part-time rabbi in 2016-17. He continued to be a
constant presence, and we had no reduction in support. We
also have volunteers on the Board of Trustees who work hard
to make sure things run smoothly.
As always, we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to
reach out to me or Dan Sieger (pr[email protected])
or to any board member with questions or concerns.
Coming Home to Franklinton Center
Lisa Stickley
W
hat is Franklinton Center at Bricks (FCB)? It is a place
of learning. It is a place of teaching. It is a place of
gathering. It is a place of hope. It is a place many
call home.
Congregation Kol Ami was rst introduced to FCB about ten years
ago when our Rabbi and the Pastor of the Evangelical Reformed
United Church of Christ (ERUCC) thought it would be a wonderful
opportunity to get both of our youth groups together to go on a
mission trip to FCB. I don’t think either of them realized what an
enormous impact this trip, and the ones to follow, would have on
not only our youth, but on our adults as well. In the decade that
our congregations have been making the annual trip to FCB, we
have xed, repaired, replaced, built and donated our time, skills
and hearts to the communities in and around FCB. Our youth
have learned from our dedicated adults how to use power tools,
power wash, hang drywall, paint, stain, install suspended ceilings,
install electrical xtures, repair roofs, lay ooring, plumb and
learn carpentry, including building ramps, benches, tables and
repairing windows, sills and sots.
The skills, lessons and friendships that are made on this trip are
irreplaceable. Those who have gone on this trip have learned
about an impoverished community that is so thankful for our
help. The community looks forward to seeing us each year at the
traditional Monday morning Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast that
FCB hosts to meet us and tell us “thank you”. They are amazed at
the amount of work our group can accomplish in just a weekend.
I think the community members are even more amazed when
they realize that the majority of our group are children.
I have had the pleasure of watching so many of our youth grow
up on this annual trip. It makes me so happy and proud to
see that the teens want to come back each year to learn new
things and prepare to teach the next age group what they
themselves have now mastered. FCB is rich in history, and now
our congregations are a part of that history. Miss Vivian (FCB’s
director) always welcomes us back with her famous greeting,
“Welcome Home.”
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
10
March 7 – T’tzaveh, Exodus 27:20-30:10
Israelites are commanded to provide oil for the ner tamid; Aaron
and his sons are chosen to be priests, and they are ordained in a
seven-day ceremony.
March 14 – Ki Tisa, Exodus 30:11-34:35
The rst census; Israelites are instructed to keep Shabbat; God
gives Moses the two tablets; the Golden Calf incident, followed
by a plague; Moses receives a new set of tablets and returns from
the mount with a radiant face.
March 21 – Vayak-hel and Pekudei, Exodus 35:1-40:38
Moses teaches the rules of Shabbat and asks the Israelites for a
donation of gifts and for those who are skilled to help build the
Tabernacle. With God’s instruction, Moses sets up the Tabernacle.
Priests are anointed and consecrated. Description of cloud and
re, which show God’s presence at the Tabernacle.
March 28 – Vayikra, Leviticus 1:1-5:26
God instructs Moses on the 5 dierent sacrices to be oered in
the sanctuary.
April 4 – Tzav, Leviticus 6:1-8:36
Details on performing the 5 sacrices. Limitations on meat
consumption. Ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests.
April 11 – Reading for Pesach, Exodus 33:12-34:26
Moses asks to see God. God replies, “I will make My goodness
pass before you.” The 13 attributes of God.
April 18 – Shemini, Leviticus 9:1-11:47
Two of Aaron’s sons oer “alien re” to God, which is a permanent
career-ender. Limitations on priestly behavior. Laws to
distinguish between pure and impure animals.
April 25 – Tazria and Metsora, Leviticus 12:1-15:33
Rituals of purication for women after childbirth. Methods for
treating skin diseases and purifying clothing. Rituals to cure
human skin conditions. Male and female impurities.
Torah…“It is a tree of life to all who grasp it, and whoever holds on to it is happy; its ways are
ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace. (Proverbs 3:17-18)
The Paryshot for March and April are as follows:
Gratitude By Kerry Reynolds
In 2003, Copper Canyon Press published a book of poems by Jim
Harrison and Ted Kooser titled, Braided Creek. The two friends had
corresponded for years, but when Kooser (U.S. Poet Laureate from
2004-06) was diagnosed with cancer, they began to write solely in
rather vivid short poems, or aphorisms. An example of their work
is found on page 38: “The nightmare we waken from, grateful, is
somebody else’s life.”
On January 18, our annual Torah cycle brought us to Shemot,
the beginning of the Book of Exodus. The previous week, we
concluded Genesis with Jacob’s death – at which time his family
seemed safely ensconced in the Land of Goshen in Egypt,
protected by Joseph. By the time of Exodus, however, some 300-
400 years had passed and “there arose a new king over Egypt, who
knew not Joseph” (Exod. 1:8). In short order, the Israelites were
living the nightmare. We are introduced to Moses in Exodus 2:2,
but he reaches adulthood and ees Egypt to the land of Midian
in the space of just 14 verses. A new king of Egypt was even more
oppressive, and the children of Israel cried unto God (Exod. 2:23).
For the rest of Exodus, indeed the remainder of Torah, Moses
would seek to lead them from their nightmare to security in the
land of Abraham.
Torah contains numerous instances where God assists the Israelites
in their escape. These include the parting of the Red Sea (Exod. 14),
the gift of manna (Exod. 16), the Ten Commandments (Exod. 20),
and help in countless military engagements with warring tribes
during their decades-long wandering in the Wilderness. And yet,
almost without fail, the Israelites displayed an amazing talent for
kvetching at the inadequacy of God’s gifts. Just two chapters after
God destroyed Pharaoh’s army, “the whole congregation of the
children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron in
the wilderness,” saying, “Would that we had died by the hand of the
Lord in the land of Egypt” (Exod. 16:2-3).
It is easy to read Torah and ask, “What is wrong with these people?”
And when will they realize that every time they complain about
God’s inadequacy they get slapped up side the head? As always, it
is important to put things in perspective. Turn on your telly tonight
for the local evening news, and you’re likely to see ve segments
on murder, arson, carjacking and other mayhem in the D.C. area.
Does that mean everyone in the region has gone nuts? Of course
not. We know intuitively over 90% of the populace is behaving
itself. It’s just that bad boys make news. Wouldn’t it have been
the same back then? We have to search a little in Torah to nd
examples of Israelites showing gratitude, but they are there. For
example, when the Sanctuary is constructed at the end of Exodus
(Chap. 35-38), the people give unconditionally of their time, skills,
and treasure to make it a reality. It seems to me those gifts were
based on respectful awe and gratitude.
We probably are way too critical of the Originals. They endured
slavery, ten plagues, a long trek in the Wilderness, the terror of
Pharaoh’s approaching army and near starvation just to receive the
Commandments. They then experienced Torah by actually LIVING
it – often in nightmarish conditions. We experience Torah for free
simply by attending shul. This spring at Pesach, we once again
remember those who marched into the desert, glad we don’t have
to do the same. And we’ll awaken the next morning not having to
worry about dreaded Amalekites. All the more reason, then, to say
the Shema. And to add at least one “Todah.”
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
11
April Birthdays
c Michelle Anderson
c Micheala Black
c Sandra Brenner-LaMere
c Lance Cary
c Michael Cohen
c Nick Dabruzzo
c Brady Duckhorn
c Jonathan Gober
c Drew Goldstein
c Mark Horichter
c Dana Holman
c Balian Jones
c Mitchell Lasko
c Michael Lieberman
c Betty Loeb
c Betsy Maymon
c Poppy Medoyoy
c Herbert Messite
c Joseph Miller
c Molly Sieger
c Lisa Stickley
c Adina Twenhafel
c Megan Yancer
May Birthdays
c Atlas Black
c Denver Black
c Alyssa Bolen
c Judi Feldman
c Heather Fogelson
c Micah Friedman
c Sophie Friedman
c Alias Haas
c Andrea Kelleher
c Chase Kelleher
c Francine Koitz
c Aaron LaMere
c Eliana Lasko
c Brendan Manetz
c Alex Maymon
c Je Maymon
c Kevin McMullen
c Kenneth Meehan
c Jessica Nelson
c Violet Nelson
c Lela Nickol
c Carol Reynolds
c Diane Rifkin
c Lisa Schwinger
c David Silberman
c Riley Smith
c Jonah Twenhafel
c Josh VerStandig
c Ben Vivari
c Finn Yancer
Everyone likes to be remembered, and it’s time to celebrate our April and May birthday congregants.
All you have to do is cut out the list, place a checkmark next to the name(s) of those you want to send a greeting, (at $1.00 per
greeting), and sign the list the way you want your name written on the card. Please make your check out to Congregation Kol Ami of
Frederick, and mail it to Judi Feldman, 5005 Small Gains Way, Frederick, MD 21703.
Judi will send out a festive card, to each recipient, with the names of those sending birthday wishes. Please respond ASAP and before
March 25 for both months.
Very Important: Please check the list and make sure we did not omit your name or the name(s) of your family members. If you have
any questions, please call Judi at (216) 402-5543.
Thank you very much!
Birthday greetings from: _____________________________________________________________________________________
(Please indicate how the cards should be signed, i.e. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Jane Smith, or The Smith Family)
Wish your friends a happy birthday and give to Kol Ami!
Member Finances
As a volunteer-run organization, Kol Ami relies heavily on its
members to do everything from setting up onegs on Shabbat
to coordinating social programming. While everything we ask of
members is important, honoring nancial commitments to the
congregation is consistently among the most important thing
we ask of our congregants. Without your nancial support, there
could be no Kol Ami.
Remember that nancial assistance agreements are valid for
one scal year (July through June). While we are aware that
some members may need help from year to year, we require
that you resubmit a new application each year, as we do not
make assumptions regarding who requires assistance. No one
will receive nancial assistance without having submitted
an application. Applications, found on our website, must be
submitted annually by August 15.
Some of our members nd it easy to budget regular monthly
dues/tuition payments. All you need to do is notify your bank
online, and they will mail a check to Kol Ami. No charge to you, no
postage, no fuss.
Please direct any questions or concerns about your specic
account and charges to Ralene Damanti, Financial Secretary,
at nancialsecretary@kolamifrederick.org.
Contributors to The Voice
A team of many talented members works up front to write the main articles and behind the scenes to gather and report information,
write content, design graphics and announcements, and perform essential editorial tasks to generate each issue. The Voice thanks the
sta and contributors for their service in 2019.
Volunteer Sta
Editor – Elizabeth Powell
Graphic Designer – Betsy Maymon
Advertising– Aaron LaMere
Copy Editor – Mark Horichter
Writers and Reporters
David Bass, Bob Blumenthal, Harriet Buxbaum, Anne Cohen, Ralene Damanti,
Jodi Duckhorn, Je Feiertag, Judi Feldman, Ilene White Freedman, Valarie Lazerowich,
Charolette Mayberry, Carolyn Plaisance, Kerry Reynolds, Diane Rifkin, Andie Sante,
Dan Sieger, Joanna Sieger, David Silberman, Rabbi Simon Stratford
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
13
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FREDERICK, MD 21703
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uite 101
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MARK S. HOFFRICHTER, D.D.S.
BOARD CERTIFIED, ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
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Suite 295
Frederick, MD 21702
Robert E. Parnes, M.D.
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Specializing in the treatment of Diabetic
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174 Thomas Johnson Drive
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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
PLEASE CALL:
301-671-2400
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
14
Garden of Solomon
Serving our community for more than 50 years
*$500. pre-planning certi cate for Kol Ami members.
Visit us online at resthaven.us
Call us at (301)898-7177
9501 Catoctin Mountain Highway, • Frederick, MD 21701
Open Daily: Monday-Thursday 9 AM -5 PM,
Friday 9 AM-4 PM, & Sunday 11 AM -2 PM
&
MAKE YOUR TRIP EXTRAORDINARY
Recharge, Unplug
Discover Frederick in style
Relax under the stars at your Frederick Marriott Hotel.
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Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
15
General Fund
Bernard and Betty Loeb, for the speedy
recovery of Newt Plaisance
Bernard and Betty Loeb, in memory of
Michael Segal, father of Betty Loeb
Michael and Anne Cohen, for the speedy
recovery of Newt Plaisance
Steven and Valarie Lazerowich, in memory
of Ida Zinn-Madnick, mother of
Valerie Lazerowich
Daniel and Joanna Sieger, oneg sponsor
General fund - Birthday greetings
Howard and Harriet Buxbaum
Michael and Anne Cohen
Frank and Ralene Damanti
Ruth de La Viez
Mark and Barri Horichter
Tom Evans and Charolette Mayberry
Berta Farbman
Allan and Judi Feldman
Richard and Frannie Kessler
Jerey and Mary Cat Lasko
Steven and Valarie Lazerowich
Bernard and Betty Loeb
Cli and Faith Miller
Joseph and Anne Miller
Newton and Carolyn Plaisance
Jaques and Cathy Reifman
Kerry and Carol Reynolds
Michael and Diane Rifkin
Daniel and Joanna Sieger
David and Brenda Silberman
Jeremy Yospin and Elizabeth Powell
Membership Relief Fund
Kerry and Carol Reynolds, in memory of
Herbert Harvey, father of Carol Reynolds
Not-A-Party Fundraiser
Michael and Anne Cohen
Tom Evans and Charolette Mayberry
Mark and Barri Horichter
Steven and Valarie Lazerowich
Cli and Faith Miller
Jennifer Mykytyn
Jaques and Cathy Reifman
David and Brenda Silberman
Ruth Stuart
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
David and Saleena DeVore, for the
Mikvah of Saleena DeVore
Yahrzeit Donations
Howard and Harriet Buxbaum,
in memory of Meyer Cohen,
father of Howard Buxbaum
Howard and Harriet Buxbaum,
in memory of Rhea Cohen,
mother of Howard Buxbaum
Richard and Jill Cody,
in memory of Francis Cody and Lewis
Cody, parents of Richard Cody
Richard and Jill Cody,
in memory of Regina Wolfson
Michael and Anne Cohen,
in memory of Marilyn Cohen,
mother of Michael Cohen
Ruth de La Viez, in memory of Morris
Kushner, grandfather of Ruth de la Viez
Je Feiertag, in memory of Sol Danchik,
grandfather of Je Feiertag
Phillip and Ilene Freedman,
in memory of Roberta Freedman,
sister of Philip Freedman
Barry and Ellen Koitz, in memory of Freda
Koitz, mother of Barry Koitz
Steven and Valarie Lazerowich,
in memory of Thomas Zinn,
father of Valerie Lazerowich
Steven and Valarie Lazerowich,
in memory of Miriam Lazerowich,
mother of Steven Lazerowich
Marsha and Kenneth Meehan,
in memory of Joseph Hoer,
father of Marsha Meehan
Joseph and Anne Miller, in memory of
Leo Miller, father of Joe Miller
Arlene Perkins, in memory of
Dorothy Sager, mother of Arlene Perkins
Michael and Diane Rifkin,
in memory of Marian Millhauser,
mother of Diane Rifkin
Keith and Lisa Stickley, in memory of Iris
Pieniek, mother of Lisa Stickley
Dennis and Rachel Whitaker,
in memory of Laura Brodsky,
stepmother of Rachel Whitaker
Donations
Ocers
Dan Sieger, President
Mary Cat Lasko, Vice President
vicepresident@kolamifrederick.org
Anne Cohen, Membership Vice
President
Faith Miller, Treasurer
treasurer@kolamifrederick.org
Ralene Damanti, Financial Secretary
Lisa Stickley, Secretary
Joanna Sieger,
Immediate Past President
Trustees
Dan Bilow
Jodi Duckhorn
Amy Gordon
Ali Lazorchak
Samantha Lieberman
Lee Nelson
Cathy Reifman
Jordan Schneider
2019-2020 Board of Trustees
Sponsoring an Oneg
Are you celebrating a special anniversary,
birthday, graduation, or promotion? Or would
you like to honor someone? Sponsoring an
oneg is a great way to do that! For $80 we will
provide a cake with a message of your choice,
with other snacks after services. You can also
do the preparations yourself, if you prefer.
We will publicize it in the weekly bulletin, so
your friends and family will be sure to come
to services to be part of the celebration. Your
name and the occasion will be announced
during services.
To sponsor an oneg, please contact Joanna
Sieger, at [email protected].
Joanna make sure the date is available, order
the food, and get the information in the
weekly bulletin.
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • www.kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
16
congregation
Kol Ami
of frederick
A Member of the Union for Reform Judaism
The Voice
4880 Elmer Derr Rd.
Frederick, MD 21703
Return Service Requested
March/April 2020 Upcoming Events
March 2020
March 1 9:30 am Religious School
March 2 12:30 pm Torah Study
March 3 12:30 pm Fundraising Meeting
March 3 6:30 pm Brotherhood Dinner
March 4 10:00 am Women’s Coee
March 6 6:30 pm Family Shabbat Service
March 6 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service
March 8 9:30 am Religious School
March 8 2:00 pm Introduction to Judaism Class
March 8 3:00 pm Purim Carnival
March 9 12:30 pm Torah Study
March 11 12:30 pm Sisterhood Book Club
March 14 5:00 pm Movies and Midrash
March 15 9:30 am Religious School
March 16 12:30 pm Torah Study
March 20 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service
March 21 10:00 am Shabbat morning Service and
Bat Mitzah of Casey Wehr
March 22 NO Religious School
March 22 2:00 pm Introduction to Judaism Class
March 23 12:30 pm Torah Study
March 23 7:00 pm Board of Trustees Meeting
March 26 6:30 pm Girls’ Night Out
March 29 9:30 am Religious School
March 30 12:30 pm Torah Study
April 2020
April 1 10:00 am Women’s Coee
April 3 6:30 pm Family Shabbat Service
April 3 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service
April 4 10:00 am Shabbat morning Service and
Bat Mitzah of Liam Berkowitz
April 5 9:30 am Religious School
April 5 2:00 pm Introduction to Judaism Class
April 6 12:30 pm Torah Study
April 7 12:30 pm Fundraising Meeting
April 7 6:30 pm Brotherhood Dinner
April 11 TBD KATY event
April 12 NO Religious School
April 13 12:30 pm Torah Study
April 17 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service
April 18 10:00 am Shabbat morning Service and
Bat Mitzah of Cody Duckhorn
April 18 7:00 pm Trivia Night
April 19 9:00 am Pickleball Fundraiser
April 19 9:30 am Religious School
April 19 2:00 pm Introduction to Judaism Class
April 20 12:30 pm Torah Study
April 23 6:30 pm Girls’ Night Out
April 26 9:30 am Religious School
April 26 1:00 pm Yom HaShoah program
April 27 12:30 pm Torah Study
April 27 7:00 pm Board of Trustees Meeting
