NOVEMBER 2016

TISHREI/CHESHVAN 5777
NUMBER 3

AROUND AAC

THE BULLETIN
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION
Presents

"I was lucky enough to see Joel in person at a Hadassah Convention and he
was fabulous -- his book was so funny I laughed out loud at the Pentagon!"
-Jodi Wittlin, Agudas Achim Member

Hip. Daring, Edgy, Smart and Hilarious

Joel finds humor in all things Jewish
6:15 pm VIP Reception
8:00 pm Comedy Show
Dessert and Book Signing follows

Tickets: $54-Reserved Seating; $36-General Seating

Deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, December 2 by 3:00 pm.
Reserve your seat early!
After December 2: Tickets available at the door if seats remain
@ $65 Reserved; $50 General
Please send checks to the AAC office. On-line invitation/RSVP:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-comedy-featuring-joel-chasnoff-tickets-29047560034

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS*:
$1000 4 tickets VIP Dinner, recognition in program, special seating
$500 2 tickets VIP Dinner, recognition in program, special seating
$250 1 ticket
VIP Dinner, recognition in program, special seating
*Exclusive dinner reception and private pre-show with the comedian.
Please contact Nicole Yakatan.

EVENT CHAIRS
Judith Fogel: JFOGEL2000@aol.com
Nicole Yakatan: nyakatan@aol.com

2908 V
alley D
rive
Alexandria, V
A 2
2302

Agudas Achim Congregation

2908 Valley Drive
Alexandria, VA 22302
703-998-6460

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
RABBIS
MESSAGE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

Candlelighting.......................4:28 p.m.
Shehecheyanu Service...........6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.

Mincha following Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................5:30 p.m.
BAT MITZVAH OF EMMA CELIA BORT
ADINA TZIPORA BAT
BARAK UDEVORA ESTHER
PARSHAT TOLDOT

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

Candlelighting.......................4:28 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat...................6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

Shabbat Services...................9:30 a.m.

Mincha....................following Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16

Candlelighting.......................4:30 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat...................6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17

Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.

Mincha....................following Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................5:32 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23

Candlelighting.......................4:33 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat...................6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24

Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.

Mincha....................following Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................5:36 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

Candlelighting.......................4:38 p.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat...................6:30 p.m.

WHY AGUDAS?
Why are you a member of Agudas? Why are you a member of a synagogue?
If you are interested in Social Action, you can go over to ALIVE, DC Kitchen,
Jews United for Justice or any other organization to make a difference. If you want
to advocate for Israel join AIPAC. If Adult Education is what you want take a
class at George Washington University, Georgetown, or the JCC. You like music?
The Kennedy center has something every night of the week. Need a rabbi? I can get
you a Chabad rabbi within 24 hours. Looking for a social circle? There are golf
clubs looking for members. Tot programs? PJ library has an event for you! In an
age of DIY, who needs a synagogue?
Some 3,000 years ago, God said: make for me a sanctuary so that I may dwell
amongst them (Ex 25:8). This was not a building project of one but a communal
endeavor. Gods desire was to dwell amongst the entire community. Only in this
synagogue or any synagogue worth maintaining is the unique and infinite
divinity of every human being expressed in a communal context. Only here is the
operating assumption that everyone (young/old, rich/poor, single/married) exists
equally in Gods presence. Only here do we sustain our sacred mission from cradle
to grave. It is our collective responsibility to work and support each other so that
we can create a synagogue (and by extension a greater community) that God would
want to dwell in. Together we must ensure that the divine light of Agudas Achim
Congregation radiates beyond our walls for all to follow.
This month lets celebrate together as a community at the Agudas Achim Comedy
Night on December 10; lets learn from The Forwards Editor Jane Eisner at the second
annual Rabbi Jack Moline Lecture Series on Sunday, December 18; lets comfort each
other at the Lights in the Darkness Hanukkah Program on Tuesday, December 13;
lets kvell together as our 3rd graders are presented with a siddur on Saturday,
December 17; lets help those less fortunate at the Carpenters Shelter on Sunday,
December 25; lets join together on Shabbat every seventh day, 365 days a year. For
these reasons, and so many more, you are a member of Agudas. your synagogue
our community.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31

Shabbat Services....................9:30 a.m.

Mincha....................following Kiddush
Havdalah Time......................5:40 p.m.

MINYAN SCHEDULE

Mornings................................7:30 a.m.
Monday through Friday
Evenings................................7:50 p.m.
Sunday through Thursday
Sundays and Federal
Holidays.............................9:00 a.m.

LIFE LONG LEARNING CLASSES

FALL/WINTER 2016
Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
A Shalom Hartman Institute Lecture and Study Series
One of the most divisive issues affecting the Jewish people today is the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Through the study of Jewish narratives about Israel and the
unpacking of the complex meanings of peace in Jewish tradition, we will explore
the ideas and values that animate different attitudes toward the conflict and how
these values shape our own political understandings. Though a shared political
platform may not be attainable, this course strives to achieve a shared respect for
our differences.
Note: in partnership with the Federation of Greater Washington, this class will also
include priority registration to two public lectures by Hartman Scholars.
Thursdays | December 1, 8, 15; January 5, 12, 19, 26; February 2, 9 | 7:00 pm
Rabbi Steven Rein

A G U D A S A C H IM C O N G R E G AT I O N

P A GE 2

LIFE LONG LEARNING

Co-PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

SIGNIFICANT HEALTH CHALLENGES

Jeffrey Goldstein & Jonathan Saiger

At any stage of life, we may

encounter significant health challenges.
These challenges range from medical to
social and emotional to developmental.
We encounter these challenges
ourselves, through those we love and
care for and in the meaningful
relationships we create with others.
Each of these forums will create a safe
space to learn from professionals, ask
questions, share concerns, and connect
with one another.

As we begin to prepare for long winter nights, we reflect back on a number of

exciting initiatives and projects that enhanced our thriving synagogue community
this year; bustling preschool and religious schools; a new sound system for the
Cohen Sanctuary and Lainof Social Hall; a newly paved parking lot; new kitchen
appliances, equipment and a coat of paint, and various other completed projects,
ensuring our facilities stay up to date and safe. More capital projects and a
redesigned website will follow next year.

Topics to include: Living with Cancer;

Understanding Autism, Aspergers and
Special Needs; How to Recognize the
Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression and
Other Related Conditions; Memory Loss
and Other Symptoms Associated with
Dementia.
Tuesdays | January 24; March 14:
May 23 | 6:30 pm
Adena Levy, LCSW, JSSA
Rabbi Steven Rein
ALIBA DRAV
Monthly learning and discussion
with Rabbi Jack Moline.
Mondays | December 12; January 9;
February 13; March 13; May 15 | 7:00 pm
December Topic: Is It Better to be
Good or Obedient We the People
(Bava Kamma 87a, 37a-38b, Kiddushin
31a and Avodah Zarah 3a)
Rabbi Jack Moline

But Agudas Achim is much more than just a building. Its people who are the
heart and soul of our community. This year we welcomed a new preschool director,
Jen Halpern, and Jack and Diana Weil took over the kitchen. And we want to
thank Lynne Sandler, who, after 22 years of incredibly loyal and wonderful
service, will turn some communications activities, including this newsletter, over
to Marya Runkle. Marya has been working with the Religious School and now
will add the newsletter, weekly emails, and website to her portfolio. Lynne will
continue to serve as the contact for those in need of healing or when there is a death
in the Agudas family, but, starting now, all other publicity and newsletter items
should be directed to mrunkle@agudasachim-va.org.
It is also time for Agudas to begin the process of renewing its leadership. We
are all responsible for building the Agudas community into a stronger institution,
and we want to invite you to be part of the leadership team. If you are interested in
serving on either the Nominating Committee or joining the Board of Directors,
please reach out to the office, Jeff Goldstein at jgoldstein8@yahoo.com, or
Jonathan Saiger at jonathansaiger@aol.com. We will be forming the
Nominating Committee over the next month.
We are looking forward to a fantastic 2017.

A Special Invitation
To honor and commemorate
Rabbi Jack Molines many years
of dedicated service and leadership to
Agudas Achim Congregation.
You are cordially invited to the
.
Our speaker will be
distinguished editor of
.
Please join us for the lecture and reception

PARASHAT HASHAVUA
Participate in a lively discussion of
the weeks Torah portion for half an
hour before the start of Shabbat
morning services. Newcomers always
welcome!

Agudas Achim Congregation

2908 Valley Drive Alexandria, Virginia
RSVP to 703-998-6460

Shabbat/Saturdays | 9:00 - 9:30 am

DECEMBER 2016

AGE

AAC CAN EARN MONEY

THROUGH AMAZON.SMILE
When you shop on Amazon.com, if
you use this URL to enter Amazon, the
synagogue will earn cash from your
sale:
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/54-0581100

Once you have joined, your eligible

shopping will benefit Agudas Achim
Congregation.

MORNING/EVENING MINYAN
Please help us to maintain our daily
minyan. If someone is saying kaddish
and we dont have ten people, kaddish
cannot be recited.
Morning minyan meets at 7:30 am,
Monday-Friday. Evening minyan meets
at 7:50 pm every night except for Friday
when we have Kabbalat Shabbat, and
Saturday (unless someone requests a
minyan on Saturday evening for saying
kaddish).
Some of the regulars say that
attending minyan gives them a
wonderful start or end
for the day, and that the
friendships they have
made there have been
true and lasting. Check
for yourself join us at
one of these times whenever you can.

SHARE YOUR
NEWS WITH AAC
Your congregational family wants
to share in your joys and support you
during difficult times.
Please contact the synagogue office
at 703-998-6460 with information
about your familys engagements,
accomplishments, illnesses, hospitalizations, awards, marriages,
and
bereavements.
When it is appropriate, and with
your permission, we will include this
news in The Bulletin.

MAH KOREH - WHATS HAPPENING IN

THE EDUCATION AND YOUTH DEPARTMENT
Chaya Silver
Youth/Education Director

It is not unusual for children, when asked to name their favorite Jewish
holiday of the year, to cheerfully announce Chanukah! Many of us can guess
the reasons which include latkes, jelly donuts, presents and chanukiot (Chanukah
menorahs) with candles blazing! I confess to being somewhat of a latke devotee,
and I love giving presents, but my very favorite part of the eight days celebration
is the candles.
Many of you know of the famous debate between the academies of Hillel and
Shamai in which they debated how candles should be lit over the eight days.
Shamais preference was to start with eight candles and reduce the number by one
each night reminding us of the way the temples oil dwindled day by day until
new oil was pressed. Hillels method, the one we practice today, is to add one
candle each night, increasing the amount of light we are bringing into the world.
Light and fire as metaphor for holiness, goodness, and love have been part of
our heritage since Moses took off his shoes and listened to the burning bush. The
prophet Isaiah described the Jews as a light unto the nations. In Proverbs, it is
written that the human spirit is Gods candle. Again and again, our tradition
teaches that each of us has the capacity to bring light into the world. Through our
thoughts, actions and relationships, through our efforts to restore balance, justice
and dignity in the world, we have the power to illuminate and inspire, even in the
darkest of times.
This year when you light the shamash (the elevated candle on the menorah
that lights the other candles), imagine for a moment that you have the power to
become Gods candle. What would it mean to light up the world around you
with hope and possibilities? What could you do to light up our world? Your
efforts dont have to be time consuming or expensive, but consider these eight
small efforts that can make a world of difference and a difference in our world:
Show respect for others ideas, even when you disagree with them.
Laugh at yourself, but not at others.
Avoid harmful speech and gossip.
Tell someone you love them.
Share a smile with someone who is forlorn.
Visit a friend who is lonely or sick.
Say youre sorry when you make a mistake.
Stay present to the blessings in your life and be grateful.
We have the potential to be bits of light that help bring God, holiness,
goodness, and love into a dark world. The Sefat Emet, an early 20th century
Chassidic master, wrote when discussing Chanukah, that A human being is
created to light up this world (Chanukah, 1874). This year, when you light your
candles remember that Chanukah is the only holiday when we wish each other
Chag Urim Sameach a joyous holiday of light!
From all in my family and on behalf of the entire religious school staff, I
send this greeting to all of you and to the world.

A G U D A S A C H IM C O N G R E G A T I O N

PAGE 4

DEAR HAZZAN
rehv izjv
Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey
This column was originally published in November of 2000.

HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN

DEAR HAZZAN,

In the middle of the Amidah, there is a line that we change, according to

Siddur Sim Shalom, on December 5th. We insert or omit other lines in the
Amidah according to holidays on the Jewish calendar, but this is not a
Jewish date! How was this particular date, seemingly not attached to the
Jewish calendar, chosen?
- Amy Day
DEAR AMY,

Within the weekday Amidah, there is a blessing we say for a year of

prosperity, called, in Hebrew, Birkat HaShanim. In the summer, this
blessing reads: Lord our God, make this a blessed year. May its varied
produce bring us happiness. Grant blessing to the earth Whereas, in the
winter, the blessing changes: Lord our God, make this a blessed year.
May its varied produce bring us happiness. Grant dew and rain to bless the
earth

MUSICAL EVENTS AT AAC:

NEW COMMUNICATIONS
CONTACT

Beginning December 1, our new

Communications Director, Marya
Runkle, will be handling the following
items: email list serve, The Bulletin,
Shabbat Announcements, the web page,
and the synagogue calendar. Please send
all information for the above to Marya at
mrunkle@agudasachim-va.org.
Please do not use Lynne Sandlers
email invite01@verizon.net any more.

The question is, what is summer and what is winter? How are these
defined on our complicated calendars?
Outside of Israel, the rabbis defined summer as the period from Pesah
to sixty days after the fall equinox, which comes out to December 5th, if there
are 28 days in February of that year or December 6th, if there are 29 days in
February that year. The period from December 5th or 6th to Pesah is
therefore winter, the season in which we need rain, during which we make
this special request for dew and rain to bless the earth.
In the Land of Israel, however, the definition of winter is different.
Rain is needed in early fall in Israel, so the recitation of this request for dew
and rain to bless the earth begins on the 7th of Heshvan, exactly two weeks
after Simhat Torah.
Here in Virginia, it seems that we are more than ready to welcome dew
and rain. And, although we have already recited Geshem, the annual plea for
rain on Shmini Atzeret, we could use some extra help in our daily prayers.
Sadly, we must wait until December. Until then, may we enjoy these last few
days of sunshine.
Bshalom,
Hazzan Dienstfrey
*Please Note: This column will alternate between music reviews/
recommendations and Dear Hazzan letters. If you would like to introduce
or recommend recordings, or if you have a question for the Hazzan regarding
the ritual, liturgy, and/or music of the synagogue, please write Hazzan
Dienstfrey at the synagogue (2908 Valley Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302) or
email her at HazzanERLD@hotmail.com.

DECEMBER 2016

DAF HASHAVUA WEEKLY

TALMUD STUDY
And God blessed the seventh day and
declared it holy, because on it God ceased
from all the work of creation that God had
done (Gen 2:3). Shabbat, the most sacred
day of all, has been adorned with the aura
of legend; it is a day of rest and sanctity,
Gods gift to all of us. The laws, narratives,
and theology of Shabbat will crystalize in
our study of Masekhet Shabbat Tractate
Shabbat. (No prior Talmud study required;
texts will be in English)
Fridays | 9:00 -10:00 am
Rabbi Steven Rein

PAGE 5

PRESCHOOL NEWS
Jen Halpern, Director

How do we teach our children right from wrong? How do we teach them that
bullying is unacceptable? How do we teach them to stand up for what is right, that if
they find themselves in a situation where bullying or harassment is happening they
should be upstanders and not bystanders? How do we teach them to respect others,
especially those who might be of a different religious or ethnic background? How do
we teach them that differences are to be celebrated, not condemned? How do we
teach our children to be good, decent, moral individuals? How do we teach them
empathy?
We teach them Jewish values, of course, values like btzelem Elohim and kavod.
We teach them that all of us are made in the image of God and therefore all of us are
deserving of respect. We model kind and generous behavior. When theyre ready,
we honestly answer their hard questions about the world, and why things are
sometimes the way they are and not the way we think they should be. We teach them
to volunteer, to participate, to stand up and make a difference.
There is another, scientifically proven, way to teach our children empathy, how
to understand and share the feelings and experiences of others. How to make sense
of and respect people whose lives are so different from theirs. We read to them.
Specifically, we read fiction.
Numerous studies* have shown that reading fiction teaches empathy. Simply,
people who read fiction score better on empathy tests. When we lose ourselves in a
good story, when we identify with or relate to the protagonist, when we laugh or cry
with our favorite characters, when we get into their heads and feel what theyre
feeling, were exercising the same parts of our brains that we use in the real world
when we to try to understand how and why someone thinks and feels the way they
do.
Any of my Gesher students will tell you that Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott
ODell is my favorite childrens book. Based on true events, its a fictionalized
account of a 19th century Native woman left behind on an island off the coast of
California when her people leave for the mainland. Named Karana, she lives alone
for 18 years. She tames a wild dog who becomes her pet, Rontu.
I read this story aloud to every class I had, and every year I wept uncontrollably
when Rontu dies. Every year Id psych myself up when that chapter rolled around;
Id tell myself to keep it together. But I couldnt. Ever. In reading the story aloud, I
had become Karana, and her profound loss was mine, too. Just about every year my
students would sit in stunned silence as I cried; some years, some would cry with me.
I knew it was somehow important to share this experience with them, but it wasnt
until I became familiar with these studies about fiction and empathy that I really
began to understand why.

WHEN A SIMCHA OCCURS

When a child is born, please
contact the synagogue office as soon
as practical to arrange for Brit Milah
and/or naming. The rabbi will be
happy to advise you regarding
scheduling and name selection.
Also, please contact the synagogue office and the rabbi regarding
arrangements for weddings or other
life-cycle events before announcing
your plans.

LIGHTS IN THE DARKNESS:

A HANUKKAH PROGRAM
After a loved one dies, the
holiday season can bring to the
surface painful reminders of the loss.
Participate in a meaningful
discussion designed to explore ways
of preparing for Hanukkah while
honoring those you have lost in the
context of the holiday. Join other
bereaved Jews to talk about ways to
allow for grief, while still seeking
meaning and comfort in the themes
of the season.
Tuesday | December 13 | 6:30 pm
Adena Levy, LCSW, JSSA
Rabbi Steven Rein

THIRD GRADE KABBALAT

SHABBAT
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16
Please join us for Kabbalat Shabbat
services on Friday, December 16th to
celebrate our third graders as they
participate in services and put their
Hebrew learning into action.
6:30 p.m. | Flax Family Chapel

So, if you needed another reason to read to your child, or encourage them to read,
this is it. Reading doesnt just improve our focus and expand our vocabulary, it
actually makes us kinder, better people. Read on.
*Visit the link below for an article about these studies and links to others.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-ofscience/wp/2016/07/22/does-reading-fiction-make-you-abetter-person/

A G U D AS A C H IM C O NG RE G ATI O N

PAGE 6

MENS CLUB MUSINGS

Barry Landau, President
Mens Club again showed its worth to the congregation by taking the lead
on raising the congregational sukkah. Thanks to all those who helped, especially
Jason Rubin and Brian Kolstad, who provided guidance to all.
Mens Club sponsored a very enjoyable Scotch and Steak dinner in the
sukkah on October 20. Good conversation, food and, drink were had by all.
UPCOMING EVENTS:

December 4 Bagels and Lox Brunch (Topic to be announced.)

December 11 Its Academic Competition at Shaare Tefila, Olney 10:00 a.m.
December 12 Board Meeting 7:30 p.m.
January 15 Regional Event Beth El Montgomery County

Best wishes to all.

SOCIAL ACTION
RACE AND RECONCILIATION
CONVERSATION SERIES
Join us in the Flax Chapel for the first of
this four-part series. Well look at the
terms we read and hear in news stories,
articles, reports and books about our
racial divide. Well view brief videos
from a series created by the Seattle
Times and explore their relevance to our
own thinking as individuals and Jews.
Sundays | December 18; January 8;
February 25; March 5 | 11:00 a.m. to
12:00 Noon

SYNAGOGUE OFFICE
CLOSED ON MONDAY,
DECEMBER 26 AND
JANUARY 2 IN OBSERVANCE
OF FEDERAL HOLIDAYS

3-D-4-5

For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 www.4lpi.com

14-0995

SISTERHOOD DOINGS
Agudas Achim Sisterhood: Networking to engage, enrich and empower Conservative Jewish women.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Saturday, December 10 6:15 PM Lainof Auditorium
Jewish Stand-Up Comic Sensation Joel Chasnoff (AAC-wide fundraising event)
Sunday, December 11 9:00 AM 12 noon
Judaica Shop Bazaar: Chanukah items and much more
Thursday, December 15 7:30 PM Busboys and Poets, Shirlington
Fall Ladies Night Out

DECEMBER EVENTS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15 - 7:30 P.M.
Ladies Night Out
Join your Agudas Achim sisters for a relaxing night out at
Busboys & Poet in Shirlington. You'll enjoy great food (with a
varied menu that includes vegan and gluten-free options) and
even greater company. Catch up with your friends and meet
some new ones! Hope to see you there!
RVSP: To Ellen Bayer, ebayer414@gmail.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25
Carpenters Shelter Christmas Dinner
The AAC Sisterhood is pleased to be providing dinner on
Christmas Day to clients at the Carpenters Shelter, Sunday,
December 25. The people at the shelter are always most grateful
for the meal we provide. To make this a real holiday meal, many
hands are needed. To join the effort, keep an eye out for a Signup
Genius link, which will be available by Dec 1.
For information contact Rachel Goldberg,
rachelfgoldberg@gmail.com.

SAVE THESE DATES

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17
Seniors Get Together
Lainof Auditorium, 12:00 noon 2:30 p.m.
A screening of the movie American Jerusalem: Jews and the
Making of San Francisco. Sisterhood will provide a light lunch

and program for the Agudas Achim Seniors and the

JCCNV Active Retirees. Please let us know if you can
help in the kitchen, or provide transportation.
RSVP required by Friday, January 6: Mickey Lazarus
703-866-5881 or Sharyn Tureck, 703-644-1931.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21
Sisterhood Shabbat
Look for more information and how to sign up for
honors in the future.
CHILD CARE: If you would like to participate in a Sisterhood

event but are unable to do so because you do not have

child care, let us know at least 5 days in advance of the
event and we will work to accommodate you.
T-SHIRTS ($10): Contact Mackenzie
Silverman (mckenz613@aol.com) to get yours and
show your Sisterhood pride!
SISTERHOOD

Sisterhood collects travel-size toiletries and unopened

cosmetics for the Carpenters Shelter throughout the
year. You may drop them off in a box on the left side in
the Coat Room. Thank you!
Facebook: Agudas Achim Sisterhood
www.tinyletter.com/AgudasSisterhood
www.WLCJ.org

of

VA

CONGREGATION FUNDS
Celebrate the good times make a contribution to an Agudas Achim fund
in honor of a birthday, an anniversary, a special occasion or just because
you care. And, remember the sad times make a contribution in memory
of a loved one. Contributions in any amount may be made to these funds.
A minimum donation of $10 is requested for an acknowledgement card to
be sent by mail. All donations will be acknowledged in the In the
Familycolumn in The Bulletin. We thank you.
A G U D AS A C H IM C O N G R E G AT I O N

PAGE 8

IN THE FAMILY
SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO:
Tamara Gelboin and family
on the death of her mother, Marlena Gelboin

In appreciation of an honor on Yom Kippur

In gratitude for my High Holiday honor

Eileen Aronovitch, Lori Sher and family

on the death of their mother and grandmother, Dora Rutman
MAZEL TOV TO:
Deborah and Justin Silverman and family
and Robert Lipnick and Sophie Krasik
on the birth of their son and grandson, Zev Alexander Silverman
REFUAH SHLEMAH TO:
Sonia Selmonosky
HENRY H. KREVOR SOCIAL ACTION FUND

In honor of my participation in the Yom Kippur Avodah service

Neale Ainsfield
In memory of Harry Langbart
David Langbart
ENDOWMENT FUND

Paul and Elizabeth Frommer

SAM & ANITA TURK FUND

A donation

Anita Turk
In appreciation of Mirza Lopez's many kindnesses
Amin Mourad and Ellen Whitten
In memory of my beloved father, George Silverman
Barbara Silverman
CEMETERY FUND

Erwin Bondareff

HAZZAN'S DISCRETIONARY FUND

Mr. Scott Sugarman and Mike Sugarman

In memory of Shirley B. Silberberg
Howard and Lois Silberberg
In memory of father, Francis Siegal
Nancy Siegal
In memory of our beloved husband and father
Mrs. Helene Schrott and Howard Schrott
In memory of sister, Janet Distler
Robert and Judith Bregman
SEFER TORAH FUND

In honor of Lynne and Don Sandler for their kindness

Patricia Franklin
In honor of Miriam Perlberg for reading Torah
Patricia Franklin
In honor of the Ritual Committee
Patricia Franklin
In memory of Shari and Irving Weinberger
Leonard Guedalia and Rochelle Weinberger
JACK MOLINE LECTURE SERIES

In honor of Rabbi Moline

Andrew and Barbara Effron

KIDDUSH DONATION

In gratitude for an honor at Rosh Hashanah

Klas Ringskog and Paula Hersson-Ringskog
In memory of Ray Kelley
Patricia Franklin
In honor of Hazzan Sidney Rabinowitz for his kindness
Patricia Franklin
In memory of Susan's father, Eugene Loble
Arnold and Susan Auerhan
PILLAR IN HONOR OF RABBI MOLINE

In honor of Rabbi Moline

Andrew and Barbara Effron

PRESCHOOL DONATIONS

Anita Turk

A donation

Anita Turk
In honor of Carol and Sam Backman's 50th wedding anniversary
Shulamith Shafer
In memory of Dianne's father, Maurice Frank
Ronald and Dianne Spector

DECEMBER 2016

Allen Forman

Anita Turk

RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND

In appreciation of the cemetery services

In memory of Alvin Ring

Nancy Siegal

In memory of Naomi Loble Stern, Susan's mother

Arnold and Susan Auerhan
In memory of Gus Rosenberg
David Langbart

PRAYERBOOK FUND

In memory of our parents

In honor of Al Forman's birthday

Helene Schrott

MUSIC FUND

Anita Turk

In honor of a good woman, Joan Edelman

Lawrence and Edith Gollomp
In honor of a mensch, Bunny Chpaman
Lawrence and Edith Gollomp
In memory of Leo Esbin and Florence Esbin
Barbara Esbin and Kostas Liopiros
In memory of Nettie Finkelstein
Jonathan and Ruth Ruskin
In honor of our children

Jonathan and Ruth Ruskin

SYNAGOGUE FUND

Nan Berman and family

on the death of her aunt, Corinne Coen

In appreciation of the cemetery services

Anita Turk

Linda, Dale and Michelle Otterness

Thanking Rabbi Rein for his thoughtfulness and kindness
Jack and Elinor Abraham

Beverly Kramer and family

on the death of her aunt, Kay Hill

In memory of Harriet Lee Faye Bondareff

In memory of Nettie Finkelstein

In memory of Samuel Gerstein

Julie Kelly and family

on the death of her father, Alvin Ring

In memory of Ethel Frommer

In memory of Morris Turk and Jerome Turk

YOUNG FAMILIES PROGRAMMING

Stanley and Rita Blacker

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

In memory of Alvin Ring, father of Julie Keller

Robert Levine and Robin Miller
In memory of Mary Mogel
Russell and Carolyn Finn
In memory of Melvin Finn

P AGE 9

ProfilesofOurLEADERS
MeetJeffGoldstein
Co-President Jeff Goldstein grew up in Niskayuna, New
York, near Albany, was raised in a kosher home and attended
Hebrew school until the eighth grade. Jeffs family belonged
to a Conservative congregation coincidentally named Agudat
Achim where his parents were active participants. Jeffs
mother served on Sisterhood, as treasurer, and as a
synagogue administrator. His father was the House Chair
who oversaw the maintenance of the building and grounds.
As an undergraduate at Cornell University, Jeff studied
industrial and labor relations at Cornell University and
earned a masters degree at Syracuse Universitys Maxwell
School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Jeff started his
professional career at the Department of Defense, including
a detail to Congress. He later moved to the Office of
Management and Budget where he worked on military and
civilian pay and personnel policy and more recently on
veterans issues.
Jeff is married to Samara Weinstein who heads the
synagogue Social Action Committee. They have two
daughters, Hannah, 15, and Shira, 12. Shira will have her Bat
Mitzvah at Agudas Achim next June. Both daughters have
picked up their parents enthusiasm for helping others.
Hannah volunteers with Project Five, a program to assist
kids with additional needs. Shira works with students in the
Life Skills class at school through Best Buddies, a group
that pairs regular students with kids that have special needs.
Samara and Jeff were married at Agudas Achim in 1999 by
Rabbi Jack Moline. We affiliated here before we got
married through the JCCNV Kehilah program. It allowed us
lower our membership costs for the first year until we
decided if this was the right place for us, explains Jeff. Both
of their daughters started pre-school at Etz Chaim, and they
have remained friendly with many families they met there.

by Carol Backman
Before becoming co-president of the congregation, Jeff
served on the Board as treasurer and executive vice
president. He also helped run Abba and Me, an activity for
kids and their dads to go museums, games, and similar
activities once a month with other synagogue families.
One of Jeffs goals for the congregation is to bring
together all segments of the synagogue to form a sense of
community. Our older members have carried us for years
through their experience, knowledge, and financial support.
We have been able to do lots of things through the
generosity of these members, says Jeff. He is also proud
that this year, the AAC kindergarten has an enrollment of 22
kids, one of the largest around. Jeff sees it as an important
balancing act to maintain our current membership while
also building for the future.
In 2015, for Samaras Jubilee Year (50th birthday), the
Goldstein Family went to Israel for nine days with a family
Hannah met at Camp Ramah. They toured the Golan where
they made chocolate, went horseback riding and white water
rafting. They also met Samaras cousins and toured the
ancient caves of the Sanhedrin together. They spent Passover
at the home of another relative who hosted them for a seder.
This was a special way to end our trip, Jeff notes.
The Goldsteins also stayed several days at the Beit
Shemesh home of longtime Agudas Achim member,
Rebecca Cofman, who lives half of the year in Israel and half
in Alexandria. Rebecca generously offered her home as a
prize for the Synagogues silent auction. They bid on this
part of their trip, won the auction, and then went to Israel
about three weeks later to claim their prize. We learned a
lot about the religious practices of that area, and Rebecca
was a wonderful hostess, exclaims Jeff. Jeff is looking
forward to many more great years with his family and the
entire Agudas Achim Congregation.
(See page 13 for Jonathan Saigers profile)

SISTERHOODS JUDAIC SHOP

SISTERHOODS JUDAICA SHOP PRESENTS
THE HANUKKAH BAZAAR
SUNDAY DECEMBER, 11, 9:00AM TO 12:30PM
The place to purchase items you need for holiday observances, lifestyle events , gift-giving occasions
while supporting your Synagogue through the efforts of Sisterhood.
Regular Judaica Shop hours on Sundays during Religious School.
Watch our door for additional openings please
Questions? Appointment? Special Orders?
Contact either Michelle (202-288-9856) or Susan (703-489-5068).

A G U D AS A C H IM C O N G R E G AT I O N

P AG E 1 0

IN MEMORIAM
DECEMBER 1, 2016

*
*
*

KISLEV 1, 5777

Jacob J. Brown
Donald Hirschfeld
Allan Labowitz
Ida Livstone
Rafael Lopez, Sr
Pearl Pinson
Isidore Shapiro
Edward Yalowitz
Harold Yatt

DECEMBER 2, 2016

*
*
*
*

*
*
*

*
*
*

*
*

KISLEV 4, 5777

Theodore Weiss

KISLEV 5, 5777

KISLEV 6, 5777

Emanuel Fusfield
Murray Goldberg
Michael Kushnick
Irving Marcus

DECEMBER 7, 2016

KISLEV 7, 5777

*
*

KISLEV 8, 5777

DECEMBER 8, 2016

*
*
*
*

Dan Kerbel
Israel Kleinman
Israel Krevor
Lilly Lainoff
Elayne Latish

DECEMBER 9, 2016

*
*
*

KISLEV 10, 5777

Harvey Baum
Faye Bloom
Burton Borden
Sara Lea Cohen
Abraham Friedel
Carl Palman
Anne Sandler
Sandor Weiner
Norman Kenneth White

DECEMBER 11, 2016

*
*

Rose Potts
* William Rosen
* Moshe Shapiro
* Leo Wachtel

KISLEV 9, 5777

Fred Edelson
Beatrice Heller
Morris Weinkrantz

DECEMBER 10, 2016

Rita Dorsen
Rose Fishel
Allan Goodman
Bruce H Millen
Nancy Miller

DECEMBER 17, 2016

DECEMBER 6, 2016

Joseph Kleinman
Caroline Z. Lossef

KISLEV 11, 5777

Mildred Friedlander
Morris Louis Kerster
Marti Lurie
Esther Siegel (mother)
Jack Zitrin

Sonya Dunie
Marie Langbart

DECEMBER 18, 2016

*
*

Helene Alper
Judith Goldberg
Mildred Kutner
Freda Langbart
Morris Yutz

DECEMBER 21, 2016

*
*
*

KISLEV 16, 5777

KISLEV 17, 5777

KISLEV 18, 5777

Helen Andler
Martin Bookfor
Libby Diamond
Shimon Frost
Shirley Graboyes
Ivan Hamberg

*
*
*

Bashe Fagelson
Victoria Landau
Esther Ludwig

DECEMBER 24, 2016

*
*

*
*

KISLEV 21, 5777

KISLEV 22, 5777

DECEMBER 30, 2016

Morris Friedman
Lee Harris
Esther Heitin
Arthur John Iller
Reva Kramer
Joseph Langbart
Bernice Morse
Linda Morse
William Narden
Samuel Wagner

DECEMBER 31, 2016

*
*

KISLEV 27, 5777

KISLEV 28, 5777

Fred Bergen
Louise Chapman
Lena Kaback
Morris Labowitz
Cecelia Sheinoff
Myer Simon Tulkoff
Ethel Zenn

Rebecca Axelrad
Roslyn Meyers
Frances Myerson
Daniel Sprecher
Harry A. Tropp
Dorothy Wiener

KISLEV 26, 5777

Felix Lieberman
Nathan Newberger
Helen Quint
Stanley Weingast
Hyman Zalkind

DECEMBER 29, 2016

KISLEV 20, 5777

KISLEV 25, 5777

Seymour Goldhammer
Rabbi Israel Meyer Levitan
Ruth Rickard
David Spector

DECEMBER 28, 2016

KISLEV 24, 5777

Sylvia Schwartz Ashkenas

Anna Gerner
Samuel Jurin
Soloman Rossio

DECEMBER 26, 2016

KISLEV 23, 5777

Mary Lee Edelstein

Bessie Fagelson
Mary Meritz
Anna Shapiro
Meyer Shapiro
Sam Shapiro
David Tauber
Maurice Wolf

DECEMBER 25, 2016

*
*

KISLEV 22, 5777

Helen Krieger
Stanford M. Levin
Herbert Moline
B. Pat Sherry
Rose Kramer Sokolove

DECEMBER 23, 2016

KISLEV 19, 5777

Maurice Henry Binder

Isadore Bregman
Sanders Levine
Theodore Lurie
Robert Scott

DECEMBER 22, 2016

DECEMBER 22, 2016

DECEMBER 27, 2016

Julius Abramson
Joseph Chapman
Michael Friedson
Sadelle Lazarus
Eve Mamber
Sylvia Zetkin Saiger
Stanley Stier
Pearl Stokols
Aaron Wigutow

DECEMBER 20, 2016

*
*

KISLEV 15, 5777

Joseph Graboyes
Arlene Katz
Lawrence Salzberg
Jacob Serody

DECEMBER 19, 2016

KISLEV 14, 5777

Ruth Blacker
Morris Schwarzman
Max Snyder
Harry Stych
Hazel Tynes

DECEMBER 16, 2016

DECEMBER 5, 2016

Shirley Cutler
Celia Goldenberg
Terri Hirsch
Ethel Sandler

Ernest Ceisler
John Krieger
William Kushnick
Doit Shotts

DECEMBER 15, 2016

*
*
*
*

KISLEV 13, 5777

Hyman Nathanson Brown

Geraldine Caplan
William Foor
Mildred Isaacs
Nathan Kahn
Philip L. Kay
Jack Koso
Ellis Joel Rabinowitz
Louis M. Teitelbaum

DECEMBER 14, 2016

KISLEV 3, 5777

Meyer Abraham
Susan Gal-Edd
Isidore Goldberg
Joel Alan Opper
Lois Ranck

KISLEV 12, 5777

Julius Barder
Gary Bob
Ethel Drooz Rosenblatt

DECEMBER 13, 2016

Dr. Leo O. Bierman

Abraham L. Cohen
Ruth Frank
Goldie Levinson
Jack Meritz
Dora Rabinovitz
Alvin Rosenbloom
Ann Sanders
Jennette Sherter
Rose Tauber

DECEMBER 4, 2016

KISLEV 2, 5777

DECEMBER 3, 2016

DECEMBER 12, 2016

KISLEV 29, 5777

TEVETH 1, 5777

TEVETH 2, 5777

Milton Alexander
Frieda Friedson
Mark Goldman
Rae Levy
Laurence Pitkin

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

DECEMBER 2016

PAGE 11

SENIORS GET-TOGETHER
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017
12:00 NOON 2:30 P.M.
AGUDAS ACHIM CONGREGATION

ITS MOVIE TIME!

AMERICAN JERUSALEM:
Jews and the Making of San Francisco
A light lunch, program and POPCORN provided by Sisterhood for the Agudas Achim Seniors and the JCCNV Active
Retirees
RSVP to: Mickey Lazarus, 703-866-5881 or Sharyn Tureck,
703-644-1931, no later than Friday, January 6. Please let us
know if you can help in the kitchen, or provide transportation.

E-MAIL LISTSERVE
Our e-mail list serve circulates
synagogue news, life cycle
events and other information to
those members who register
their email addresses with the
congregation. We send updates
every Thursday afternoon (and sometimes
more often). To join, just send an e-mail
with your full name and address to:
mrunkle@agudasachim-va.org, or sign up
through the synagogue web page at
www.agudasachim-va.org.

ONLINE DONATIONS
TO AAC
Did you know you can make a donation
online to Agudas Achim online? Go to:
http://www.agudasachim-va.org/supportus/tributes/
You can also find this on our web page
www.agudasachim-va.org under Support Us.

THIS SPACE IS

Patrick Cavanagh
703-354-3531

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JLusk@4LPi.com or (800) 477-4574 x6302

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DECEMBER

PAGE 12

14-0995

ProfilesofOurLEADERS
MeetJonathansaiger
AAC Co-President Jonathan Saiger spent his junior college
year abroad in Israel. He studied both on a kibbutz and in
Jerusalem through a Hebrew Union College program for
undergraduates. He was between majors at Stanford when his
brother, who was ordained by Hebrew Union College,
suggested the program. This gave me a closer connection with
Israel, and I even became lightly conversant in Hebrew,
observes Jonathan. When I was in Beer Sheva years later, I
asked for directions in Hebrew and they understood me.
Jonathan grew up in Monterey Park, California, a suburb
east of Los Angeles. His family were members of a Reform
synagogue where he studied and had his Bar Mitzvah and
Confirmation. As a young child, Jonathan also attended afterschool kinder schule for several years, and went to quite a few
different Jewish sleep away camps: JCA, Hess Kramer, Swig,
and Hashomer HaTzair, and was on staff at Kutz Camp, the
Reform national camp. (He met his wife of 36 years in the
library at Jewish summer camp: theres an advertisement!)
An avid trombone player, Jonathan participated in
numerous prestigious festivals and ensembles including an
all-state high school band and the American Youth Orchestra
under Zubin Mehtas father. He was president of his senior
class and played varsity tennis in high school and for a number
of years beyond until he took up squash and then golf.
Jonathan started out in pre-med and philosophy at Stanford
University (and was a member of the trombone section of the
notorious marching band, performing in the Rose Parade and
Rose Bowl), but after his junior year in Israel, he dropped the
pre-med and graduated with a double major in philosophy and
economics. He focused on energy economics, interning at the
Stanford Western Energy Policy Study at the business school
that started his interest in the power sector. While at Stanford,
Jonathan became involved with Hillel and was active
campaigning against the Zionism is Racism position
promoted on campuses that time.
Jonathan is married to Libby Anne Russler, a theatre
professional who now regularly judges regional theater
competitions. Jonathan and Libby lived in San Francisco for 20
years before moving to Northern Virginia. In San Francisco, they
temple shopped for several years and were members of either
Reform or Conservative Synagogues. Jonathan was active in the
Federation where he was involved with their innovative direct
assistance work in Kiryat Shmona and participated in the UJA
Young Leadership Cabinet for four years.

DECEMBER 2016

by Carol Backman
Their son, Isaac, is a seventh grader at Oakwood
School. Isaac sees the world differently than Libby and
me, and we both enjoy his perspective, says Jonathan.
Isaac celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on November 19 at
Agudas Achim Congregation.
Co-President Jeff Goldstein had the honor of being on
the Bimah with Isaac as he celebrated his Bar Mitzvah,
and Co-President Jonathan Saiger will share the same
honor when Jeffrey Goldsteins daughter, Shira, becomes
a Bat Mitzvah next June.
As president, Jonathan hopes to promote the
effectiveness of the synagogue committees that develop,
manage and deliver services to our congregation. One of
his favorite events at the synagogue was participating in
the Torah Project when families learned about the process
of writing a Torah; Jonathan, Libby and Isaac completed
the final letters in the new Torah together.
For the first twenty-five years of his career, Jonathan
was involved in banking and energy finance, traveling as
far abroad as China, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan and South
Africa. During that time he also produced two theatre
pieces, was on the board of an award winning literary and
arts magazine. In the early part of his career, Jonathan
went from real estate consulting to liabilities management
in banking but kept up his interest in utility financing.
During a trainee program at Bank of America, he studied
the US energy market and focused on how he might help
improve utility efficiency through deregulation. He
financed some of the earliest commercial scale renewable
energy projects in California including projects using an
Israeli solar thermal technology. A specialist in project
finance, he has published articles in trade journals and
taught at Georgetown University as well as at programs
in the Philippines, Panama, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
For the last eleven years, he has worked in various
capacities as an infrastructure specialist and manager at
the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a government
agency created through bipartisan legislation to pursue
poverty reduction through economic growth. This agency
uses a new model that challenges poor countries to
improve their records in fighting corruption and investing
in people (among other independent indicators of good
governance) and provides those selected countries with
the opportunity to receive large grants targeted at
identified binding constraints to overcome poverty.
(continued on page 14)
PAGE 11

YOUNG FAMILIES EVENTS

CONNECT WITH YOUNG

SPECIAL EVENTS
FAMILIES
Save the Date for Young Families Chanukah, Sunday morning, December 25th. Find us on Facebook Agudas
Join us for family fun (and get out of the house).
Achim Young Families Group: to
keep track of what is going on and the
ONGOING EVENTS
Shababy Kabbalat Shabbat: Friday night service for kids 0-5 and parents with songs, latest updates!
instruments, scarves, dancing parachutes, challah and juice
For more information or to get
3rd Friday of the Month, 5:30 p.m.
involved contact:
Upcoming Dates: 12/16/16
Hannah Kraushaar
Oh Say Shalom Sing-a-Long and Playgroup: Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey leads
songs for the first half hour with free play after. No Jewish knowledge or experience
necessary. Each child requires a grownup.
Typically the second Sunday of the Month, 11:00 a.m.
Upcoming Dates: 12/11
Gan Shabbat: Volunteer-led service for kids ages 0-5, accompanied by an adult
Saturdays 11:00-12:00 AM Rooms 1 & 2

at hannah.kraushaar@gmail.com,
Sarah Leffler
at lefflersarah@hotmail,
Debbie Perry
at Debbiekperry@gmail.com, or
Pam Kesner

GET INVOLVED
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Leaders needed for Gan Shabbat and Shababy. All volunteers welcome, you need (from previous column)
not have a young child. Contact lefflersarah@hotmail.com to sign up or for info.
These videos have been made
available online to the public at the
website Under Our Skin, which
MEET JONATHAN SAIGER
explains that while Discussions about
(from page 13)
race, inclusiveness and sensitivity . . .
As part of his job, Jonathan often travels to cities and remote locations in Africa, can leave us feeling depleted and
Eurasia, Asia, and South Asia (according to the app been.com, he has been to 25% wondering whether anything has
of the worlds countries and that excludes airplane stops). In 2011 and 2013 when he really changed[,] . . . we believe the
was temporarily assigned to represent the Millennium Challenge Corporation in personal reflections and stories from
Tanzania, Jonathan brought Libby and Isaac along so they could see what it was like the people who participated . . . will
to live and work in a poor country. These travels have also afforded Jonathan an inspire all of us to think and talk about
opportunity to visit synagogues in several unusual places including Namibia, these issues in a deeper way.
Mozambique, the Republic of Georgia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. Of course,
Well view one video each month,
he is always happiest when he is with his family in Alexandria at Agudas Achim explore our reactions and discuss its
Congregation.
relevance to our own thinking as
individuals and Jews, meeting in the
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Flax Family Chapel from 11 a.m. to
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
noon.
Taking as its call to action racial injustice in Ferguson, Baltimore and elsewhere,
The committee is planning
Agudas Achims newly formed Social Action Committee hopes to include every additional events for the Spring,
congregant in opportunities to further social justice. Were focusing this years occasions to engage with our African
programming on a Dialogue on Race through Learning, Conversation and Action.
American neighbors in meaningful
Join us as we open a year of engagement with a Shabbat speaker December 10 ways. Watch this Bulletin and weekly
(International Human Rights Day). Watch for details in upcoming weekly announcements. updates for news of programming. To
learn more and to get involved in the
Then, participate in a series of four Sunday conversations on Race and committee, please contact Samara
Reconciliation. On December 18, January 8, February 26 and March 5, well look Weinstein at samarajw@yahoo.com
at the terms we read and hear in news stories, articles, reports and books about our or call 703-243-9099. Also, we plan to
racial divide. Well view brief videos from a series created by the Seattle Times as its have an AAC Social Action page on
staff has struggled with the tragic shootings occurring repeatedly across the country our website. More information in our
and wrestled with such concepts as people of color, all lives matter, January issue,
micro aggressions and white privilege.
(continued in next column)

A G U D AS A C H I M C O N GR E G ATI O N

P A GE 1 4

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14-0995

Agudas Achim Congregation

2908 Valley Drive
Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703-998-6460
Fax: 703-998-5843
The Bulletin is published monthly - ISSN1084-9858
Rabbi ..........................................................................Steven I. Rein
Hazzan...........................................................................Elisheva R. Dienstfrey
Rabbi Emeritus...............................................................................Jack Moline
Executive Director.........................................................................Mirza Lopez
Youth/Education Director.............................................Chaya Silver
Preschool Director..............................................................Jen Halpern
Co-Presidents........................Jeffrey Goldstein and Jonathan Saiger
Sisterhood President................Lenore Garon
Mens Club President..............................................................Barry Landau
Communications ....Marya Runkle
E-mail: synagogue@agudasachim-va.org
Web: www.agudasachim-va.org Facebook: facebook.com/agudasachim
WHATS AHEAD . . .
Fridays, 9:00 am............................................................Talmud Study Class
Saturdays, 9:00 am......................................................Parashat HaShavuah
Sunday, December 4...........................Mens Club Bagels and Lox Brunch
Saturday, December 10...................A Night of Comedy with Joel Chasnoff
Sunday, December 11..............Sisterhood Judaic Shop Hannukah Bazaar
Sunday, December 11..........................................Mens Club-Its Academic
Tuesday, December 13............Lights in the Darkness Hannukah Program
Thursday, December 15...................................Sisterhood Ladies Night Out
Saturday, December 17...........................................3rd Grade Matan Siddur

WHATS INSIDE . . .
EVENING WITH JOEL CHASNOFF..... page

1
WEEKLY SERVICE SCHEDULE....page 2
RABBIS MESSAGE..........page 2
PARASHAT HASHAVUAH.,..page 3
CO-PRESIDENTS MESSAGE......page 3
RABBI MOLINE LECTURE..page 3
AMAZON SMILE.......page 4
MORNING/EVENING MINYAN..page 4
SHARE YOUR NEWS........page 4
MAH KOREH..........page 4
DEAR HAZZAN............................page 5
DAF HASHAVUAH........................page 5
NEW COMMUNICATIONS CONTACT..page 5
PRESCHOOL NEWS......................page 6
WHEN A SIMCHA OCCURS........page 6
LIGHTS IN THE DARKNESS.page 6
THIRD GRADE MATAN SIDDUR.page 6
MENS CLUB MUSINGS..........page 7
SOCIAL ACTION SERIES.page 7
SISTERHOOD DOINGS.......page 8
CONGREGATION FUNDSpage 8
IN THE FAMILY....page 9
SISTERHOOD JUDAICA SHOP...page 10
PROFILE: JEFF GOLDSTEIN......page 10
YAHRZEITS......page 11
SENIORS GET TOGETHER.......page 12
EMAIL LIST SERVE....................page 12
ONLINE DONATIONS...........page 12
PROFILE: JONATHAN SAIGER....page 13
YOUNG FAMILIES EVENTS...........page 14
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE.page 14

Sunday, December 18.........................Discussion: Race and Reconciliation

Sunday, December 25.........................Carpenter Shelter Christmas Dinner

Time Value
Address Service Requested
Agudas Achim Congregation
2908 Valley Drive
Alexandria, VA 22302

Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 263
Alexandria, VA