jewish reconstructionist congregation
jrc year in
Rev
fa l l 2015 – summer 2016 5 7 7 6
iew
Thank You to Rabbi Don — Jennifer Brody,
IN THIS ISSUE
Communications Coordinator
3 rabbi’s commentary
For your guidance, healing spirit and awesome flute playing
5 a note from our
cantor
He’s an awesome flute player. He’s the facilitator of a healing
group. He can create a Purim costume at a moment’s notice.
6 gavel in hand
7 purim nu’s
We know him as Rabbi Don. And, in one year, he’s made a big
difference at JRC. That’s why when June 30 arrives, it won’t be
easy to say goodbye.
choir
israeli movie night
JRC members weighed in on the many ways Rabbi Don Rossoff—a
spiritual leader with 35 years of experience—has contributed
to our congregation moving forward during a challenging
transition period—and why he deserves our gratitude.
President Robin Trilling remembers that from his first day,
July 1, 2015, he was a collaborator with the membership.
9 early childhood
center
10 religious school
11 youth group
12 b’nai mitzvah profiles
Like a circus performer walking a tightrope, he brought the ability to balance the
heavy emotional burdens that many members carried with the need to move forward.
And that’s no easy feat.
16 kvell korner
17 new & returning
members
oneg hosts
18 tzedakah
Rabbi Don came on board during a difficult transition when many members still
carried raw feelings—pain, anger and disappointment—following the departure of
a beloved rabbi, whose personal position on Israel and other events had polarized
members into different camps.
22jrc funeral plan
jrc information
Rabbi Don’s healing presence has been one of his greatest strengths as JRC’s interim
rabbi, agreed Stan Cohn, a member of the Israel Programming Committee and the
Rabbi’s Advisory Group.
“I was impressed with the way he immediately started working with congregants in
a pastoral way. He learned which congregants he could help and he’s been a healer,”
he said.
In late September, the congregation was showing signs of healing: members were
able to celebrate the High Holidays with joy and simcha because of Rabbi
Don’s healing presence. By November, the Torah of Reconciliation
class was created as a safe space for members to discuss difficult
issues—reconciliation and forgiveness, empathy and mutual
understanding, and dialogue through the lens of Torah.
“He gave us the space to look at these tender
feelings, and his joy, his sensitivity and his
gentle presence that allowed us to move
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reconciliation
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forward,” said JRC President Trilling. “He may have only been here for one year but
his impact will be felt for many years to come.”
The idea for the class came from JRC Member Kirsten D’Aurelio, who was deeply
affected by the divisions within the congregation and losses. She reached out to
Rabbi Don after being inspired by his Yom Kippur sermon, his own story of a rift at
his previous synagogue.
That story opened many doors. And D’Aurelio walked into the rabbi’s office to seek
his guidance on exploring ideas in the book, Torah of Reconciliation.
“I walked into his office with this tremendous emotional burden,” she recalled. “It
means so much to me to have received such immediate support, warmth, and respect
from him.”
Their meeting led to another door—creation of a yearlong class—through which JRC
members would find healing. Thirty people showed up to the first class, and they
have had guest speakers and created a draft of a Covenant of Speech.
Beyond the Torah of Reconciliation class, there are so many other ways he has
contributed. Robin Trilling, Cantor Howard and others shared fond memories of
how Rabbi Don arrived at JRC’s first summer Shabbat service in July on the beach,
with his flute in tow.
The other thing that distinguishes him is that he and his wife, Fran, make a great
team. If Rabbi Don nurtured the congregation’s emotional and spiritual healing,
his wife gave us her own brand of soul food. Members loved Fran’s cooking—from
the salmon to homemade mandel bread and brownies.
Cantor Howard Friedland has co-led dozens of Shabbat and holiday
services alongside Rabbi Don, both with adults, school-age and
preschool kids, and he’s learned some great lessons along the way.
Among them are teaching through storytelling and new ways to
problem solve.
“He’s always led by example, and he really thinks through a problem and
searches for viable solutions. If there is a way to say, ‘yes,’ he does it,”
said Cantor Howard.
Rabbi Don also has a way of storytelling that captivates minds, young
and old. That’s what
happened on so many
Friday mornings during
Early Childhood Shabbat services.
“If he wasn’t there, kids would ask,
“Where’s Rabbi Don?” I would say,
“He’s out of town, and they’d be really,
really disappointed and say, ‘Oh man,’”
Cantor Howard recalled with a chuckle.
That’s why it’s so hard to say goodbye.
Our hats are off to you, Rabbi Don,
and we thank you for all you’ve done
for JRC. Our best wishes in your next
adventure as interim rabbi of Temple
Beth Am in Framingham, MA.
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The House of JRC Remains Resilient — By Rabbi Donald Rossoff
At the end of April, 2015, I came to JRC for my interview
weekend. The Torah portion was Tazria- Metzora, that never popular
treatise on how our ancestors coped with outbreaks of various skin
afflictions and the flowing of bodily fluids, as well as mold and
fungi that grew on clothing and the walls of the house.
In my sermon for that Friday evening, I used the Torah’s
description of how the ancient priests helped people confront
the plagues that afflicted their homes as a metaphor for how an
Interim Rabbi might help the house of JRC get through its particular situation at the
time. I entitled the sermon “The Resilient House,” interpreting the meta-message
of Tazria-Metzora as resilience. Resilience is the ability to respond in life-affirming,
positive ways when beset by the messiness which sometimes plagues our bodies, our
homes, our communities, and the deepest recesses of our souls.
Let’s look back now to see how far we have come. The “Lessons from the priest” are
texts taken from last year’s sermon.
Resilience is the ability to
respond in life-affirming,
positive ways when beset
by the messiness
which sometimes plagues
our bodies, our homes,
our communities, and
the deepest recesses
of our souls.
Text 1: Leviticus 14:34–35
When you come to the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the disease
in a house of the land of your possession; And he who owns the house shall come and tell the priest,
saying, It seems to me there is a disease in the house.
Interpretation: According to Rashi and others, going to the priest is a sign of
humility. The owner admits that he does not know everything.
Lesson from the priest: “There may be various ways of seeing the same thing,
different perspectives to consider. We admit that what may seem to be one thing
could in fact be something very different. Perception may not be reality. It’s funny
– as soon as we each back away from the illusion of certainty, we see each other in
a little different light. We all want the same thing. We want our house to stand. We
want the life within it to continue. We want our family to endure.”
Looking back: This year we learned that there are different narratives about the
past, each one real and true to some. Listening and appreciating what the narrative
means to the speaker calls, not necessarily for agreement, but for humility and
empathy. We may hold differing perspectives on a variety of issues, yet we found that
we are all committed to the common goal of maintaining JRC as the exceptional
community it has always been.
Text 2: Leviticus 14:36
Then the priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest goes into it to see the
disease, that all that is in the house not be declared unclean.
Interpretation: Those things not infected should be separated from those which
were infected, so that that which was still clean not be lumped together with that
which was unclean.
Lesson from the priest: “Find, affirm, and appreciate that good that you have.
Identify what is important to preserve and protect. We don’t want the good we have—
or the good we are—to be compromised as we identify and work on that which needs
to be made better…. Make sure that as we examine that which is not life-affirming
we truly appreciate what we have and what we are together that is.”
Looking back: JRC has had a great year. Not surprisingly, numbers have been
somewhat down, but JRC maintained and enhanced the programing that members
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deserve and have come to expect. We have witnessed continued excellence in all
areas of JRC’s life, from the Religious School and Early Childhood Center to Adult
Education, Shabbat and Holy Day Services and special events, the Crystal Ball Gala,
programs from the Israel Programming Committee, the ongoing work of the Board
in pursuit of JRC’s mission, involvement in community and social justice, and so
much more.
Text 3: Leviticus 14:38
Then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and quarantine the house seven days.
Interpretation: Time has healing power
Lesson from the priest: “You need some time, some distance, and some
perspective, to best understand what the next steps might be. We need time to
examine it. Maybe with time we will discover it’s not as bad as you think. Maybe it
will simply pass. That’s part of discernment as well. If we come back after a week and
see that it is still there and growing, we’ll deal with it. Sure,” he says, “if it remains
a persistent plague, we may have to tear down the house, but it’s not going to come
We may hold differing perspectives on a variety of issues,
yet we found that we are all committed to
the common goal of maintaining JRC as
the exceptional community it has always been.
to that, because you are going to give it the care that it needs. Your foundation is
strong, your family is committed to a common vision, and your home is a place of
life. You have already identified what is good and what is precious to you. Work
together,” he tells us, “and you will get through this!”
Looking back: Time indeed has had a healing effect at JRC. Not for all people and
all things, to be sure, but much healing has been done. A number of members who
had been alienated have slowly made their way back home to JRC. There is still work
to be done and the process of healing and reconciliation will continue to take time.
The JRC Board, staff, volunteers and donors have done a remarkable job of carrying
on and creating a new normal, a calmer and more hopeful normal. And through
their ongoing dedication, they have given reason to be confident in the continued
vitality of the synagogue. And during this time, the Rabbi Search Task Force
completed its task of securing just the right rabbi, Rachel Weiss, who will help the
congregation recapture the best of the past while creating with the leadership and
the staff an exciting and exceptional JRC future.
As I have written before, in my estimation, JRC is in a different place than it was
last year. I believe that this year, you, as a congregation as well as many of you as
individuals, have shown inspiring resiliency while experiencing a greater degree
of healing, restored connection and hope. But that is not to say that there is
not brokenness in the hearts of congregants still. JRC remains on a journey, an
amazing journey, with an overall past of which to be proud and an exciting future
towards which to strive. I am grateful for the privilege of walking part of that
journey with you.
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A Note from Our Cantor — Howard Friedland
A year of friendship with Rabbi Don
This year has been a whirlwind. We said goodbye to our long-term
rabbi, who is my friend. We’re about to welcome, with much excitement
and anticipation, our new long-term rabbi, who is also my friend.
What I was not prepared for was the close friendship I came to have
with Rabbi Don Rossoff this year.
Yes, I knew Don and I would click when we first spoke over the phone. There was
even a tone in his e-mails that I loved. Don has been a great clergy partner. He has
also been my rabbi, friend, big brother, and mentor rolled into one. I have learned
a great deal from him this year about how to do this job and how to be a mensch, as
I learned from Brant Rosen, and as I will learn from
Rachel Weiss.
It would be easy to pass off the interim rabbi as the
person just keeping the seat warm in the corner office.
The job is, of course, much more difficult than that.
Don came here in July with his wife, Fran, who also
played a big role at JRC this year. Within a month of
being here, she gained the trust of a hurt and splintered
congregation.
I remember B’nai Mitzvah families feeling
understandably nervous at the prospect of a “stranger”
officiating at their children’s ceremonies. Their anxiety
quickly melted away upon meeting Don, whose warmth,
sense of humor, lightness of touch, and depth of
knowledge and wisdom was impossible to resist. Don’s
genius is something that seems simple, but is difficult
to execute: He doesn’t assume a bimah persona, which
some rabbis wear like a ham actor. He is able to just be
himself.
Don comes from the Reform movement and, though
it is not oceans apart from Reconstructionism, the
cultures are different. Nonetheless, Don jumped right
in. I never used the term “interim,” which sounds much
too clinical and distant to describe Don. He was our rabbi this year, totally and
completely. He led us from a place of darkness into the light.
Don and I laughed a lot this year; a year in which it seemed at first there wasn’t a
lot to laugh about. We played some great music together. I loved his stories and his
teaching. His wife, Fran, brought so much warmth to our congregation. I loved her
hugs and her delicious salmon at the potlucks. I also loved getting the chance to meet
their children.
We learn lessons from every person we encounter in life. Don came to JRC with an
open heart. As he himself says, “What comes from the heart goes to the heart.”
All of our hearts are open wider because he was here.
Cantor Friedland can be reached through the JRC office: 847.328.7678. In case of emergency, he can be reached at home:
847.832.1423 where an answering machine will record your message if he is out. Email address: [email protected].
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Gavel in Hand — Robin Trilling
As we prepare for JRC’s annual meeting on May 22, I am struck
by the fact that the date falls on 14 Iyyar—Pesach Sheni, “the second
Passover.” The Torah describes how G‑d created this holiday at the
request of those who, for reasons beyond their control, were unable
to offer the paschal sacrifice at its proper time. One month later,
they received a second chance. So yesterday’s missed opportunity can become
today’s achievement. Or as my mother is fond of saying, “It’s never too late.”
I have said it before and I’ll say it again: there has never been a better time to be a
member of JRC.
We are blessed to have Rabbi Rossoff as our interim rabbi. His thoughtful
guidance and joy have carried us through a difficult transition. He has always
been willing to listen to our members and been responsive to our congregational
needs. Among other things, he created and continues to facilitate the Torah
of Reconciliation class for ongoing discussions on issues of forgiveness and
reconciliation in our lives and in our community. Attendees have engaged
in dialogue and explored issues of reconciliation, empathy, and mutual
understanding through the lens of Torah.
The work that JRC’s Board of Directors engages in is sacred. I
am grateful for the intelligence, commitment and courage of its
members. This year, we have 439 member households, compared to
At the heart of our discussions
506 last year. Plainly put, membership and money go hand-in-hand.
is JRC’s Strategic Plan Goal 1:
So, when confronted with a deficit budget this past year, the Board
to serve, engage and retain
faced it head on and was guided by our strategic priorities. Always
at the heart of our discussions is JRC’s Strategic Plan Goal 1: to
our diverse membership.
serve, engage and retain our diverse membership. We, as a spiritual
community, must be mindful not only of our financial bottom
line, but also of the vital programs and services we offer. And we
considered not just the numbers, but the more important values-based aspects of
JRC’s finances.
Despite this year’s deficit budget, we maintained our robust level of B’nai Mitzvah
celebrations, religious services, educational programs, and numerous activities as
evidenced by the bountiful JRC calendar.
Here are a few of my favorite memories from this past year. (This is not meant to
be a complete list, so apologies if you think I missed something meaningful or
important to you. Please send me your favorite memories so we can share them
with our community in one of the up-coming president’s emails.)
• It was truly a new year at JRC as demonstrated by the vast attendance at Open
Mic on Yom Kippur. I have never seen that many people stay for Open Mic.
We almost filled the main floor.
• Rabbi Don on the flute and Cantor Howard on the guitar at Friday night
services.
• Israel Programming Committee’s series, What Are They Really Saying? A Spectrum
of Jewish Organizational Voices on Israel/Palestine, featured Jewish Voice for Peace, J
Street, Jewish United Fund and AIPAC. Each program included small group
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discussion that embodied mahloket l’shem shamayim—sacred disagreement—which
truly represents the goals of our congregation.
• Friday night Shabbat potluck dinners, a great opportunity to meet new people
and enjoy one of the best smorgasbords I’ve ever attended.
• Raising a glass of champagne along with 150 JRC members to toast our
congregation on February 7 when we voted to engage Rabbi Weiss.
• The March 5th Crystal Ball, a resounding success that drew over 200 guests in
our beautifully decorated social hall as we celebrated our community and our
bright future.
Looking forward, we will have the opportunity to say a heartfelt goodbye and thank
you to Rabbi Rossoff on Friday, June 3 at a special service and oneg honoring
him. Then, we will begin preparations for the August 1 arrival of Rabbi Weiss.
I want to thank the JRC community for your amazing support. Thank you to
Cantor Howard for your steadfast heart and soul. I am deeply grateful for the
entire JRC staff, particularly Sharon Díaz, our unflappable Executive Director.
We are a thriving community that has a lot to be proud of and an exciting year to
look forward to. There has never been a better time to be a JRC member—it’s never
too late to join.
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Purim Nu’s
Did you miss the JRC Purim Nu’s letter in March?
Don’t cry! Just click here.
Join the JRC Choir
It’s not to early to think about High Holidays—
and it’s not too late to join the JRC choir! Contact
Danny Wallenberg before your next shower.
Israeli Movie Nights
See current and classic Israeli movies in the small chapel on the first
Wednesday of each month. Contact Michael Sehr or Lisa Pildes to be
put on the email reminder list.
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Torah of Reconciliation
In January, Rabbi Rossoff and Kirsten D’Aurelio initiated a bi-weekly class entitled “Torah of
Reconciliation” and based on the book of the same title by Rabbi Sheldon Lewis. Designated a safe zone
for open dialogue, this class explored issues such as Jewish approaches to peace, reconciliation, empathy,
forgiveness, the nature of truth and narrative, as well as the best approaches to creating passionate and
compassionate conversations.
The events at JRC during the last few years were always in the background of many of our discussions. In
this safe zone, unresolved feelings and disagreements came to the foreground in open, sometimes painful,
and somewhat healing exchanges. The class recognized that the work of reconciliation was not complete
and might never be, but noted the progress the class and the congregation had made in coming together and
moving forward as a sacred community.
Reflections on Reconciliation by Ray Grossman
One and a half years ago our congregation was torn apart over our Rabbi’s position
on Israel and questions about whether his social action agenda conflicted with the
commitment to pastoral duties.
Great anger arose between members and many left our congregation. Those members that
remained wondered, ‘How could JRC survive?’
Many months later, JRC has not only survived but thrived, thanks to the Torah of Reconciliation
class, led by Rabbi Don Rossoff on Sunday mornings. Together, we created an environment of
listening, learning and caring. The class became a space where members not only learned
about sacred texts but, also, how to apply lessons to healing the divisions that had nearly torn
the congregation apart. We learned so much about the humanity and sincerity of those with
whom we may have disagreed and brought members with strong opposing feelings together.
Jewish life has not only
survived internal
disagreement but has
most often thrived on it.
This class, along with the many ways that many congregants stood up and supported each other,
has regenerated a new dynamic congregation, moving forward with great spirit.
Reflections on Reconciliation: Lessons from a year of study and dialogue by Kirsten D’Aurelio
During this year in the Torah of Reconciliation class, I learned that people in this
congregation are in a wide variety of places—still hurting, ambivalence and even hope—with
regard to processing the changes and losses that have happened at JRC.
Some members have taken the long view and recall previous rabbi transitions; they have a
practical “we are bigger than the rabbi” perspective and are able to compartmentalize recent
events as just one chapter in their shul’s history. Others seem to still be waiting for the dust
to settle, and are ambivalent about JRC’s future—and their own within JRC.
Others are actively searching for repair mechanisms, because they are still hurting from the
loss of the rabbi or adjusting to the absence of former fellow congregants who have left JRC.
They have very candidly expressed their inability to feel the same way they once did about
certain JRC members and don’t know where to put that pain or how to resolve it. Some are
fearful that history could repeat itself with future controversies, because we have not put
enough new pathways in place to prevent the sorts of hostilities we experienced in recent
years. But there are also members who feel a sense of hope in new beginnings.
Through this year of ongoing discussions, we learned that forgiveness is a complicated,
subjective, highly-contextual process. Because of these insights, I’ve concluded that no one
should be shamed or coerced into moving the forgiveness and reconciliation process along
any faster than it authentically wants to go. The biggest takeaway for me has been that we
occupy many different spaces, and that emotional reality must be respected.
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JRC’s Early Childhood Center:
A world of engaged, passionate play — Claudia Rozenberg, Director
Walking into one of our classrooms, I am immediately drawn into a world of
engaged, passionate play. Some students are reenacting Shabbat in the kitchen area.
Others are launching their own mission to space in a rocket. Many are engaged in
deep conversation with friends.
At first glance, it might seem like they are simply “playing.” But this pretend play is
where children learn skills that help them throughout their entire lives: negotiating,
learning to control emotions and impulses, and creating ideas and stories with peers.
While it can be frustrating to hear “we played” when you ask your children what they
did at school, it is in fact the answer we strive for here at JRC.
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Top row: pre-Kindergarten menorah, sofer (scribe), Shabbat challah blessing
Middle row: 6th Grade wimple and (below) tefillin; 3rd Grade seder plates
Bottom row: 5th Graders; pre-Kindergarten sukkah
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Religious School — Terri Bernsohn, Director
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Youth Group — Chantal Blaustein, Director
It has been a year of friendly competitions, social action and bonding on our
annual kallah.
We started the year with a cooking competition, during which our kids used
their creativity to make delicious creations in the kitchen. In December, we
watched some serious competition from the sidelines of Northwestern’s basketball
court. Being invited to a Northwestern game in honor of Jewish heritage day was
definitely one of the highlights. And, let’s not forget broomball! Our kids enjoyed
an intense game—Mr. Arnet vs Cantor Howard! (But I do not want to shame them
by sharing who won that night.)
In March, we were back to relays, pizza and prizes at our “Minute to Win It” event.
We played some crazy games, including gaga and human Hungry Hippos.
On May 22, we will transform our beloved sanctuary into a giant playhouse for
one last hurrah before summer vacation—the annual Hagiga Extravaganza. Our
kids had a blast completing the inflatable obstacle course and bungee run.
I am so proud of our kids and their social action project this year; they made fleece
pillows for the shelter at the Evanston/North Shore Y WCA.
Last but not least: A big thank you to all our parents for their support. They
are always willing to chaperone our events and help whenever they are needed—
including lending me their kids for these events.
It’s hard to believe another wonderful year of Youth Group is coming to an end,
but I am already looking forward to next year and would love to hear suggestions
about new events and social action projects.
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B’nai Mitzvah Profiles
Miriam Sophia Bloom
Feb. 13, 2016
Miriam is the daughter of Michael and Diane Bloom. She attends the
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and is in the 7th grade. Her
interests include cupcake making, softball playing and art. She likes
meeting friends through Hebrew school and learning about her culture
and religion. For her tzedekah project, she is baking cupcakes for the
Hilda’s Place Shelter. With these homemade treats, she hopes people
staying there can celebrate birthdays and holidays. Friends and family who
attended her Bat Mitzvah created over 100 pieces of art with the theme of
“welcome” to create an art installation for shelter residents.
Maddie Burroughs
June 25, 2016
Maddie Rose, the daughter of Elie Cahan and Caleb Burroughs, attends
7th grade at McCracken Middle School in Skokie. She is a student with
a 4.0 GPA, splitting time between studying, playing on multiple soccer
teams, spending time with friends and being a devoted big sister. While
preparing for her Bat Mitzvah, Maddie has taken the time to examine her
beliefs and discover her own spirituality which makes her parents very
proud. Maddie’s tzedekah project is closely connected to her passion for
soccer; she is collecting uniforms for underprivileged soccer teams and
raising money through the US Soccer Federation.
Asa Buzil
February 20, 2016
Asa is the son of Debi and Ron Buzil and is a student at Chiaravalle
Montessori in Evanston. He is a rock drummer, and likes to make legos
and play hockey. He likes being Jewish for the community it offers. His
tzedakeh project involved overseeing the manufacture and selling of beaded
bracelets to benefit the Tibetan Monks at the Drepung Gomang Monastery
in India. The Monks travel to the States every year and stay with the Buzil
family. Jasmine Dauphine
Dreller
January 16, 2016
Jasmine Dauphine is the daughter of Jen and Josh Dreller and older sister
to Summer Dreller. She is in the 7th grade at Martin Luther King Jr.
Arts & Literary School in Evanston. She enjoys baking, DIY projects &
crafts, singing in her school choir, performing in school plays and Girl
Scouts. Her favorite part about being Jewish is her connection to other
Jewish people and her connection to her Jewish identity. For her tzedakah
project, she wanted to bring some happiness to sick children. So, she made
“Smile” Sock Dolls by hand and donated them to sick children at Evanston
Hospital.
Joshua Finkelstein
December 5, 2015
Joshua is the son of Rebecca and Adam Finkelstein and attends Nichols
Middle School in Evanston. He is interested in history, traveling, food,
movies, learning and swimming. He enjoys Jewish traditions relating to all
the special foods you get to eat during the holidays. His tzedakah project
involved volunteering and visiting with residents at a senior home that was
originally started for Holocaust survivors.
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B’nai Mitzvah Profiles (continued)
Emily Feingold-Fisher
October 3, 2015
Emily is the daughter of Deborah and Michelle Feingold-Fisher and
attends 7th grade at Baker Demonstration School. When Emily is not
at school or with her friends, she is dancing at Supreme Dance Studio,
drumming, or listening to music. She also loves science and playing
softball. What she likes most about being Jewish is sharing the Jewish
traditions, because it brings people together. For her tzedakah project, she
raised money for and volunteered with the summer camp she loves--Girls
Rock! in Chicago.
Rachel Gladstein
October 17, 2015
Rachel, daughter of Michael and Beth, is a 7th grader at Wilmette Junior
High School in Wilmette. Rachel is an avid dancer and can’t get enough of
ballet, jazz, and modern. She cherishes her Jewish community (both peers
and adults) and remarks that her JRC community cannot be replaced. For
her tzedakah project, Rachel volunteered her time at Bernie’s Book Bank
sorting books for underprivileged children. She ended up collecting and
donating over 1,000 books to Bernie’s that will be distributed
to schools.
Jonah Gross
April 16, 2016
Jonah is the son of Rachel and Devin Gross. He is in 7th grade at Francis W.
Parker school in Chicago. He plays soccer, judo, basketball and piano. Jonah
is also an avid sports fan - all Chicago teams. His favorite part about being
Jewish is learning about the culture. For his tzedakah project, he is helping
kids with special needs in judo.
Talia Gooze
November 22, 2015
Talia is the daughter of Jennifer Gooze and Adam Gooze. She is in 7th
grade at Wilmette Junior High. Talia has been a singer in the Chicago
Children’s Choir since 3rd grade. She loves learning about the history
of the Jewish people. Talia is raising money to fund scholarships for the
Chicago Children’s Choir.
Madeline (Maddie)
Lee
January 9, 2016
Madeline is the daughter of Nancy-Ellen Zusman and Bob Lee. Maddie is
older than her twin brother Jacob by a minute. She is a 7th grader at Bessie
Rhodes School of Global Studies in Skokie, and her favorite hobbies include
gymnastics, dance, and taking selfies. Her favorite thing about being Jewish
is, of course, the food served on Jewish holidays, especially matzo ball soup.
For her tzedakah project, she helped parents taking ESL classes in the
Skokie area by providing community babysitting services for their children.
Maddie has attended JRC educational programs beginning with JRC preschool and has made some very special friends.
Gabriel Karsh
May 7, 2016
I am the son of Josh Karsh and Carolyn Shapiro and attend 7th grade at
Nichols Middle School. I am interested in music, history and running. My
favorite part about being Jewish is spiritually connecting with my religion.
For my tzedekah project, I decided to help the LGBT community in
Chicago and across the country.
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B’nai Mitzvah Profiles (continued)
Jacob Lee
January 9, 2016
Jacob is the son of Nancy-Ellen Zusman and Bob Lee. Jacob is Maddie’s
“younger” twin brother by a minute. He is a 7th grader at Bessie Rhodes
School of Global Studies in Skokie. Jacob enjoys golf, fishing, and
playing video games. Jacob’s favorite thing about being Jewish is also
“food”; although unlike Maddie, he loves all kinds of Jewish holiday food,
including gefilte fish. Jacob’s tzedakah project was providing community
babysitting services for children whose parents were taking English as a
Second Language classes in Skokie. Jacob has been attending JRC since
pre-school and has made some great friends.
Rachel Lichter
December 12, 2015
Rachel is the daughter of Ann and Seth Lichter, and the younger sister of
Isaac and Naomi. She goes to Haven Middle School and is in 7th grade.
Some of her hobbies are playing the piano, baking, and running. My
favorite thing about being Jewish is eating bagels and matzah brei, and
going to JRC! Her tzedakah project was collecting school supplies and
donations for the Syrian Refugee Network, an organization that helps
refugee families adjust to their new home in Chicago.
Dylan Partner
April 2, 2016
Dylan is the son of Julie Victor and Clyde Partner. He is a 7th grader at
Lane Tech Academic Center. His interests include reading anything he
can get his hands on, computer games, piano and travel. Dylan likes the
values of Judaism. For his tzedakah project, he volunteered for Bernie’s
Book Bank, because their mission of providing books to low-income
students fits with his interest in promoting literacy.
Abigail Persell
June 4, 2016
Abby is the daughter of Heather Heiman and Steve Persell and attends
Chute Middle School in Evanston, where she is a 7th grader. She enjoys
swimming for the McGaw YMCA team and playing piano and clarinet.
What she likes most about being Jewish is the community at JRC. For her
tzedakah project, she is raising money for the Flint Child Health and
Development Fund, which supports the short and long-term health needs
of children in Flint, Michigan, who have been exposed to high levels of
lead.
Ruby Rogers
January 16, 2016
Ruby is the daughter of Jennifer and Mitchell Rogers. She is in 7th grade
at Martin Luther King Jr. Literary and Fine Arts School in Evanston. She
enjoys soccer, softball and camping with her cousins. Some of the things
Ruby likes about being Jewish are celebrating Passover and playing Yiddish
Lotto with her grandparents. Ruby’s tzedakah project was raising money for
the organization Soccer for Peace, which brings Jewish and Palestinian kids
together for a soccer camp to give them an opportunity to learn more about
one another and begin to build friendships.
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B’nai Mitzvah Profiles (continued)
Emily Simon
October 24, 2015
Emily is the daughter of Cheryl and Craig Simon. An interest in music and
sports keeps this Francis Parker 7th grader busy! She plays the trumpet,
enjoys soccer, basketball and competing in gymnastics, and still finds time
to bake with her friends. Some of the things Emily likes most about being
Jewish are performing mitzvahs and being part of a great community. For
her tzedakah project she raised money for the Jesse White Tumblers by
running bake sales and arranging a performance at her school.
Nathan Straus
December 19, 2015
Nathan, the son of Nancy Zwick and Joel Straus, attends 7th grade at
Nichols Middle School in Evanston. He enjoys a wide range of activities,
including lacrosse, hockey, theater and violin. For his tzedakah project,
Nathan ran a winter clothing and coat drive for Care For Real, is a social
service organization in Chicago that provides resources to new immigrants
coming to Chicago. Nathan feels proud to be Jewish—he loves spending
time with his family, his JRC friends and Camp JRF communities.
Nathaniel Zuger
March 19, 2016
Nathaniel (Nate) is the son of Lawrence Zuger and Sherri Sipes and
is a 7th grader at Haven Middle School in Evanston. He loves playing
basketball, baseball, video games and playing with his dogs, Charlie and
Gryphon. He’s a big sports fan but as far as food goes, he loves bagels
and challah. Being a part of the JRC community has made being Jewish
meaningful and fun for Nate. For his tzedakah project, he collected and
donated supplies and much needed financial support to Wagging Hearts,
a foster-based animal rescue and adoption organization. Nate chose this
cause, because it is important to him and his family. In past year, the
Zugers have served as fosters to more than 15 animals.
Ally Baron
May 14, 2016
Daniella Holstein
February 27, 2016
Noam Hasak-Lowy
November 7, 2015
Emil Weisfeld
October 10, 2015
Charlie Fox
April 9, 2016
Anna Levy
June 11, 2016
Garrett McNelis
September 26, 2015
Frances Wharton
May 21, 2016
Noah Glick
September 5, 2015
Emily Libman
February 6, 2016
Dakota and Gabriel Stern
January 23, 2016
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To kvell (or shep naches)
means to be proud of. This column
is devoted to letting our community
know about the wonderful things
happening in the lives of JRC
members.
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Good wishes to our very own Rabbi Don Rossoff who has accepted a position as
Interim Rabbi at Temple Beth Am in Framingham, Massachusetts.
Congrats to our very own Carol Goldbaum, PhD, LCSW who received a Lifetime
Achievement Award from the National Association of Social Workers.
Yasher koach to all the JRC members who took a public stand against Islamophobia at
the rally in downtown Evanston, March 22, 2016.
Becky Mitchell and Zeck Zeckhauser announced the engagement of their son,
Danny, to fellow JRC Choir member Natalie Blaser. Danny proposed on his
birthday while they were in Israel kneeling in the Mediterranean Sea.
Mazal Tov to:
• Linda and Bruce Kaskel on the marriage of their daughter Beth Kaskel, to
Mike O’Neill
• Alan Goldberg and Cookie Gluck on the marriage of their daughter, Rachel to
Mouse Saviano on December 12, 2015
• Reese and Joel Gratch and Sallie and Alan Gratch, on the wedding of their
daughter and granddaughter, Stephanie to Henry Mooney on March 13, 2016,
in Australia.
• Danny and Nina Wallenberg on the birth of their grandson, Adam William Ost.
• Jessica and Julian Lapkus on the birth of their child, Ezra.
• Keren Fraiman Steiber and Eitan Steiber on the birth of their child, Noam.
• Katie Dealy and Alan Polansky on the birth of their child, Jesse.
• Veronica Vyazovsky and Ariel Zamir on the birth of their child, Ami Naomi
• Susan Stone and Jay Levy on the birth of their twin granddaughters, Sydney and
Hannah Levy.
• Michael and Sherry Strom on the birth of their first grandchild, Theodore
“Teddy” Patrick Hibbs.
• Suzanne and Scott Hawley on the birth of their daughter, Elisheva Mae.
• Grandparents Tina and Gonzalo Escobar and parents Maya Escobar and Loren
Wells, on the birth Elias Eduardo.
• Jeany Soshnik, on the birth of her grandson, George Maxwell Soshnik, born
August 20, 2015. ( Jeany made it to Ohio for the birth and had a wonderful visit.)
Marie Davidson is retiring in June after 25 years at her job as a psychologist at
Fertility Centers of Illinois. Post retirement, after 6 months of committing to
nothing, she is open to a part-time job—anything that utilizes her skills but does not
require her to be a licensed psychologist.
Rick and Carol Friedman are celebrating the marriage of their oldest son Aaron to
Elisha Joy Gutmann of Long Grove in May. Brothers Gabriel and Daniel, who are
in medical school, have been awarded research scholarships. And Carol herself was
selected to be a summer scholar with the National Endowment for the Humanities
Landmarks of American History and Culture Workshop, Civil Liberties in Times of Crisis: The Japanese
American Internment.
Lori Lippitz and the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band received the 2016 Skokie Award
for Artistic Excellence, Group Recipient, by the Skokie
Fine Arts Commission. A reception will be held in
their honor at the 2016 Village Board meeting. The
Band will receive a trophy and their name will be added
to a perpetual plaque at the North Shore Center for the
Performing Arts in Skokie.
Lou Weiss and Vicki Seglin and Marcie Weiss-Good
are thrilled that Rachel, Julia, Hannah and Norah will
be returning to Evanston for a great job opportunity!
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Welcome New Members
Catie and Russell Gillespie
Rebecca Spivack and Dario Walker
Mercedes Baker-Kulp
Dan and Robyn Gold-Kessler
Inbar and Itamar Tairy
Mollie Bass and Ben
Swartzendruber
Amy Bogl Harris and Mitchell
Harris
Jeff Weiss
Nicki Bazer and Luke Adams
Suzanne and Scott Hawley
Chai and Mandi Wolfman
Susan Behrmann
Deb and Larry Kaminsky
Stephen Zvolner
Cara Buffa and Josh Weitzman
Gail Katz-Frech and Bob Frech
O’Bryan Bvute and Shanna
Gordon
Keven and Shannon Keys
Returning Members:
Lou and Rebecca Lapat
Linda Chessick
Alissa and Jin-Ho Chung
Jessica and Julian Lapkus
Aaron and Sheila Cohen
Ryan and Stacey Cloud
Patrick Montag and Hannah
Scherberg
Florence and Norman Ferber
Lisa Ehrlich-Menard and Jason
Menard
Dawson and Melissa Prater
Mindy Ferber and Larry Marks
Emily and Eli Robb
Pam Ferdinand and Mark Thomas
Cory and Scott Eisenberg
Kathi and Jonathan Samuels
Ruth Gilbert
Michelle and Andy Farra
Keegan Sherlock
Jorge Kurganoff and Judy Mendel
Sara Fischer
Annie and Rob Sindelar
Candace Tesler
Scott Foutz and Edie Rubinowitz
Jarred and Sarah Sparber
Pamela and Elliot Young
Erev Shabbat:
Greene and Lisa Meyerowitz, Liz
Wendy and Tony Fox, Rachel
Jordana Binstock and Henry
Pleshette and Josh Teweles, Joey
and Devin Gross, The Adult Ed
Nutkevitch, The McNelis Family,
Garfield and Becca Waller, Martin
Committee
The Glick Family, The Weisfeld
Okun, The Dreller Family, The
Shabbat Minyan:
Family, The Feingold-Fisher
Rogers Family, The Bloom Family,
Helga Low-Harper, Vickie Korey,
Family, Membership Committee,
The Edwards-Mizel Family, The
Jeany Soshnik, Susan Stone, Ruth
The Gladstein Family, Beth
Straus-Zwick Family, The Hasak-
Wenger and Jonathan Markowitz,
Lange, Robert Lange, The Simon
Lowy Family, Rabbi Search Task
Bonnie and Mike Nolan, Ann
Family, Judith and Peter Greene,
Force, The Bloom Family, Paula
Leiner, Ilene Lebovitz, Ben and
Arnold Pritsker, Tamar and
Kamen and David Beazley, Debi
Diane Melnick, Carol and Rick
Elliot Frolichstein-Appel, Israel
Buzil, JRC Peace Dialogue, Kim
Friedman, Adrienne Lieberman,
Programming Committee, Rhita
and Scott Holstein, Judy Mendel
Eva Eisenstein, Darlene and Ray
Lippitz, The Lippitz-Chinitz
and Jorge Kurganoff, The Bass-
Grossman, Esther Kaplan, Nina
Family, The Gooze Family, The
Schwartzendruber Family, The
Raskin, Dan Joseph, Marilee
Finkelstein Family, Sara and
Fogel-Moreno Family, The Miller-
Cole, Rebecca Rubin, Marla Baker
Stan Cohn, The Morrison-Zivin
Sukalski Family, Jeffrey and Juliet
and Rick Kulp, Marie and Gerry
Family, Nancy Freedman, Cory
Berger-White, Sherri Sipes and
Davidson, Carol Hirsh-Blechman
and Scott Eisenberg, Michelle
Larry Zuger, Julie Victor and Clyde
and Joel Blechman, Cookie Gluck
Brodsky and Ed Kaplan, Danny
Partner, The Libman Family,
Reni Dickman and Aaron Nessel
Shana and Al Whortenberry
Lauren and Fred Levy
Thank You to Shabbat Oneg Hosts
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Tzedakah is a central mitzvah of Judaism, humanizing both the donor
and the recipient. JRC has established a series of tzedakah funds in
response to members’ interests, aiming to serve three functions:
• To support the congregation. All are welcome to membership, to
worship, to our school—even those unable to pay full dues. Your
contributions make this possible.
• To support important extra-budgetary activities.
• Most importantly, to provide a convenient and meaningful way for
JRC members and others to fulfill the traditional obligation of
tzedakah as we honor, commemorate, and express gratitude.
To donate online, please click here.
Rabbi Donald Rossoff
Cantor Howard Friedland
Robin Trilling, President
Mazel Tov to:
our September, October,
November, December, January,
February, March, April, May
and June B’nai Mitzvah and their
families: Noah Glick, Garrett
McNelis, Emily Feingold-Fisher,
Emil Weisfeld, Rachel Gladstein,
Emily Simon, Noam HasakLowy, Joshua Finkelstein, Rachel
Lichter, Nathan Straus, Jacob Lee,
Madeline Lee, Jasmine Dreller,
Ruby Rogers, Dakota Stern,
Gabriel Stern, Emily Libman,
Miriam Bloom, Asa Buzil,
Daniella Holstein, Nathaniel
Zuger, Dylan Partner, Charlie Fox,
Jonah Gross, Gabriel Karsh, Ally
Baron, Frances Wharton, Abigail
Persell, Anna Levy
Condolences to:
Bill Hirsch and is family on
the death of his aunt, Carolyn
Weinstein
Don Seeley and his family on
the death of his father, J. Donald
Seeley
Jerry Herst and his family on the
death of his father, Milton Herst
David Block and his family on
the death of his mother, Judith
Matisoff Block
Carol Ellegant and her family on
the death of her aunt, Gertrude
Odenheimer
Steven Fox and his family on the
death of his uncle, Paul Zavod
Stewart Weiss and his family on
the death of his mother, Pepper
Aronoff
Mollie Bass and her family on the
death of her mother, Ilene Bass
Jackie Kaplan-Perkins and her
family on the death of her aunt,
Elena Shindman
Dianne Sperling and her family
on the death of her mother, Ruth
England
Linda Hewitt and her family on the
death of her mother, Ruth Barrash
Kirsten D’Aurelio and her family
on the death of her grandmother,
Mary Kay Scherff
Sarah Lovinger and her family on
the death of her father, Charles
Pressman
Art Goodfriend and his family
on the death of his father, Julian
Goodfriend
Susan Siebers and her family on
the death of her husband, Bill
Siebers
Louis Leblanc and his family on
the death of his brother, Ernest
Leblanc
Michael Niederman and his family
on the death of his father, Allan
Niederman
Robin Trilling and her family on
the death of her aunt, Mildred
Allen
Carol Hirsh-Blechman and her
family on the death of her cousin,
Ann Zeidman
Bob Lee and his family on the
death of his father, Carl Lee
The family of Rochelle Bernstein,
beloved JRC member
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Bob Hewitt and his family on the
death of his beloved mother, Anne
Hewitt
Stan Cohn and his family on the
death of his beloved father, Lou
Cohn
Jeff Berger-White and his family
on the death of his beloved
grandmother, Sari Zarov
Beth Lange and Robert Lange and
their families on the death of their
aunt, Shirley Lange
Caryn Jacobs and her family on
the death of her mother-in-law,
Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum
Judy and Dan Solomon and their
family on the death of their sonin-law, Dominique Loriaux
Dori Conn and her family on
the death of her mother, Marilyn
Conn
Rich Katz and his family on the
death of his father, Jerome Katz
Rich Katz and his family on the
death of his sister, Heidi Katz
David Forte and his family on the
death of his father, Joseph Forte
Pam Margules Mark and her family
on the death of her mother, Jeanne
Margules
Ron Deitch and his family on
the death of his wife, Beth Jacoby
Deitch
Marla Baker and her family on the
death of her mother, Sonia Baker
Rabbi Discretionary Fund
The Trilling Family
In loving memory of Mildred
Allen
Anonymous
Sara and Stan Cohn
With gratitude to Rabbi Don
Charlene and Howard Gelber
In loving memory of Rochelle
Bernstein
Carol and Howard Ellegant
Rebecca and Adam Finkelstein
In honor of Josh becoming a Bar
Mitzvah
Susan Stone
In honor of Rabbi Rachel Weiss
becoming our new Rabbi
Sherri Sipes and Larry Zuger
In appreciation of Rabbi Rossoff
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Marie and Gerry Davidson
In honor of Cantor Howard
Dori Conn and Jeff Balch
Helga Low-Harper
Jacki and Shelly Kimel
Condolences to Kirsten
D’Aurelio on the death of her
grandmother, Mary Kay Scherff
Ann and Jackie Kaplan-Perkins
In loving memory of Elena
Shindman, Jackie’s aunt, on her
Yahrzeit
Tessa Fischer and Richard Rosen
Susan Cherry and John Shuler
In honor of Emil Weisfeld
becoming a Bar Mitzvah
Condolences to Rich and Heidi
Katz on the death of Rich’s
father, Jerome Katz
Laurie Goldstein and Jonathan
Marshall
In appreciation of Cantor
Howard
The Dorfman-Herst Family
In appreciation of Cantor
Howard
Marc Cooper
In loving memory of Fern
Cooper, Marc’s mother, on her
Yahrzeit
Julia Talbot
In honor of Bob Zofkie
Linda and Bob Hewitt
In loving memory of Ruth
Barrash
Suzanne and Alan Saposnik
Condolences to Linda Hewitt on
the death of her mother, Ruth
Barrash
Norma Neaderthal
Condolences to Michael
Niederman on the death of his
father, Allan Niederman
Elise and Jim Straus
Condolences to Michael
Niederman on the death of his
father, Allan Niederman
Reta Guttman
Condolences to Michael
Niederman on the death of his
father, Allan Niederman
Anonymous
Robert Lange
In loving memory of Rochelle
Bernstein
Linda Mathias Kaskel and Bruce
Kaskel
In honor of Cantor Howard
Francie Niederman
In appreciation of Cantor
Howard
Carol Goldbaum
In loving memory of Rochelle
Bernstein
Kim and Brad Moldofsky
JRC Choir
Mazel Tov to Danny Wallenberg
on the birth of his grandson,
Adam William Ost
Baila and Irv Miller
In loving memory of Sol Miller,
Irv’s father, on his Yahrzeit
In loving memory of Anna
Miller, Irv’s stepmother, on her
Yahrzeit
In loving memory of Harry
Milner, Baila’s father, on his
Yahrzeit
Sara and Stan Cohn
With gratitude to Cantor Howard
Rebecca and Adam Finkelstein
In honor of Josh becoming a Bar
Mitzvah
LA-CO Industries
Rebecca and Spencer Stern
Sherri Sipes and Larry Zuger
In appreciation of Cantor
Howard
Audrey Eisenmann and David
Pepperberg
Ellen Rosen Kaplan and Leonard
Kaplan
In honor of Jonah Gross
becoming a Bar Mitzvah
General Fund
Judith and Richard Levy
In honor of Rebecca Osborn’s
good health
Cathy and Ted Rechtshaffen
Thank you for the tour
Vickie Korey
In honor of the Short Term
Transition Task Force for all
their hard work
Barbara and David Pinzur
Mazel Tov to Sara Cohn on her
special birthday
Condolences to Susan Siebers on
the death of her husband, Bill
Siebers
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Terri Bernsohn and Steven Fox
In honor of Sara Cohn on her
birthday
In honor of the Rabbi Search
Task Force for their hard work
and great success on behalf of
our community
Condolences to Rich Katz on the
death of his father, Jerome Katz
Sherry and Mel Lopata
Condolences to Carol Ellegant
on the death of her aunt,
Gertrude Odenheimer
Michelle Brodsky and Ed Kaplan
Jordan Razowsky
Cheryl and Mark Kaplan
Condolences to the SmolevitzStein family on the death of Ed’s
mother, Ruth Smolevitz
Condolences to Adrienne
Lieberman on the death of her
husband Syd Lieberman
Condolences to the MarshallGoldstein family on the death
of Jonathan’s mother, Maxine
Marshall
In honor of Cantor Howard for
his dedication to JRC during our
community’s time of transition
Rachael Russ
In honor of Noah Glick
becoming a Bar Mitzvah
Ginger and David Russ
In honor of Noah Glick
becoming a Bar Mitzvah
David Pepperberg
In loving memory of Louis E.
Pepperberg, David’s father, on
his Yahrzeit
Barbara and Jerry Israelite
Happy birthday to Fran and Mel
Green
Condolences to Susan Siebers on
the death of her husband, Bill
Siebers
Happy birthday to 95 year old
Aunt Edna Nelkin
In honor of Elliott Goldstein’s
successful hip surgery
Condolences to Rich Katz and
his family on the death of Rich’s
father, Jerome Katz
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Stuart Miller and Charles
LaGrutta
In loving memory of Rochelle
Bernstein, beloved JRC member
Anonymous
Tamar and Elliot FrolichsteinAppel
Mazel Tov to Linda and Bruce
Kaskel on the marriage of their
daughter Beth
David Kleiman
In loving memory of Rochelle
Bernstein
Karen Engelhardt and Richard
Stern
Condolences to Bob Hewitt on
the death of his mother, Ann
Hewitt
Carol Friedlander
Condolences to Stan Cohn on
the death of his father, Lou Cohn
Carol and Howard Ellegant
Marcie Weiss-Good
Condolences to Rich Katz and
his family on the death of Rich’s
father, Jerome Katz
Condolences to Dan Cedarbaum
and his family on the death of
his mother, Miriam Goldman
Cedarbaum
Adrienne Lieberman
Condolences to Rich Katz on the
death of his father, Jerome Katz
Linda and Len Rubinowitz
Condolences to Rich Katz on the
death of his father, Jerome Katz
Beth and Marvin Najberg
Condolences to Dori Conn on
the death of her mother, Marilyn
conn
Anne Goldberg
In loving memory of David
Goldberg, Anne’s father, on his
Yahrzeit
Beth Lange
In loving memory of Eugene
Lange, Beth’s uncle, on his
Yahrzeit
In loving memory of Shirley
Lange, Beth’s aunt, who recently
passed away
Jamie Uppenberg and Erik
Uppenberg-Croone
The Barbe-Eisen Family
From their family pushke
The Froman Family
From their family pushke
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Monica Lasky and Jonathan
Goldman
Condolences to Jerry Herst on
the loss of his father, Milton
Herst
Condolences to Dori Conn on
the death of her mother, Marilyn
Conn
Laurie Goldstein and Jonathan
Marshall
In appreciation of the JRC
Chesed Committee for its acts of
kindness
Condolences to Stan Cohn on
the death of his father, Lou Cohn
Edith Margolis
In loving memory of her loved
ones
The Doppelt Family
Tzedakah from their pushke
Kai Stern
Tzedakah from his pushke
The Eichhorn-Tabak Family
Tzedakah from their pushke
Francie, Michael, Aaron, Natalie
and Hannah Niederman
Tzedakah from their pushke
The Lippitz-Chinitz Family
Valerie and Robert Schreck
Janie and Barry Winkler
Condolences to Susan Siebers on
the death of her husband, Bill
Siebers
Lisa Pildes and Michael Sehr
Condolences to Susan Siebers on
the death of her husband, Bill
Siebers
In loving memory of Sylvia
Pildes, Lisa’s mother, on her
Yahrzeit
In loving memory of Ralph
Pildes, Lisa’s father, on his
Yahrzeit
Herbert Wander
Condolences to Susan Siebers on
the death of her husband, Bill
Siebers
Margie Morrison Zivin and Mark
Zivin
In loving memory of Arthur
Morrison, Margie’s father, on his
Yahrzeit
McCormick Theological Seminary
Thank you for a wonderful tour
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Beryl Michaels and John Bach
Condolences to Rich Katz on the
death of his father, Jerome Katz
Kate and Alvin Spector
Condolences to Rich Katz on the
death of his father, Jerome Katz
Margie Morrison Zivin and Mark
Zivin
Condolences to Rich Katz on the
death of his father, Jerome Katz
Accessibility & Inclusion Fund
Anne Goldberg
In loving memory of Pearl Zaret,
Anne’s aunt, on her Yahrzeit
Adult Education Fund
Beth Lange
In loving memory of Charlie
Lange, Beth’s grandfather, on
his Yahrzeit
In loving memory of Maxine
Lange, Beth’s mother, on her
Yahrzeit
In loving memory of Hyman
Horn, Beth’s grandfather, on his
Yahrzeit
In loving memory of Paulee
Lipsman, Beth’s cousin, on his
first Yahrzeit
Robert Lange
In appreciation of Todd HasakLowy
Anne Goldberg
In loving memory of Ida
Pollack and Cecelia Goldberg,
Anne’s aunt and sister, on their
Yahrzeits
Suzanne and Alan Saposnik
Condolences to Stan Cohn on
the death of his father, Lou Cohn
Michael and Rhoda Kamin
Condolences to Stan Cohn on
the death of his father, Lou Cohn
Katerina Altenberg
Lisa Pildes and Michael Sehr
In memory of Miriam
Cedarbaum
David Gassel Music Fund
Debbie and Lee Spector
In honor of the late David Gassel
Early Childhood Education Fund
Harvey Nixon
In loving memory of Shellie
Nixon, Harvey’s wife, on her
Yahrzeit
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Green Initiatives Fund
Illinois Institute of Art
Thank you for a wonderful tour
JRC Foundation
Tamar and Elliot FrolichsteinAppel
In memory of their son, Joseph
Reuben Frolichstein-Appel, on
his Yahrzeit
Landscape Fund
Beth Lange
In loving memory of Chuck
Lange, Beth’s father, on his
Yahrzeit
In appreciation of Jerry Herst’s
hard work on the NWF Certified
Wildlife Habitat process
Julie Dorfman and Jerry Herst
Condolences to Heidi Levin on
the death of her aunt, Jean Leff
Katerina Altenberg
In honor of Syd Lieberman
Marie and Gerry Davidson
Peninnah Schram
Corinne Stavish
Nan Kammann-Judd and
Dennis Judd
Charlene and Howard Gelber
Daniel Appelbaum
Heidi Levin
Sherry and Mel Lopata
John Dunn
Religious School Fund
Steven Fox
In loving memory of Selma Fox,
Steven’s mother, on her Yahrzeit
Condolences to Stan Cohn on
the death of his father, Lou Cohn
Sister Mary Bridget Murphy
Library Fund (Sidney and Leota
Hirsch Memorial Fund)
Susan Siebers
In loving memory of Elinore R.
and Philip Pollay, Susan’s parents
and Eli Spector’s grandparents,
on their Yahrzeits
Pat Lane and Peter Silverman
With gratitude to Pat’s dinner
angels: Heidi Katz, Susan
Stone, Rebecca Rubin, Nina
Wallenberg, Jil Levin Deheeger,
Nina Raskin, Darlene Grossman
Terri Bernsohn
Condolences to Dianne Sperling
on the death of her mother, Ruth
England
In loving memory of Rochelle
Bernstein
Robyn and Elliott Hurtig
In loving memory of Anita
Landau Hurtig, Elliott’s mother,
on her Yahrzeit
Charlene and Howard Gelber
In loving memory of Sam
Gelber, Howard’s father and
Morris Powitz, Charlene’s father,
on their Yahrzeits
Eva Eisenstein
In honor of Bonnie Stone Stern
Sue and Steve Rasher
Condolences to Susan Siebers on
the death of her husband, Bill
Siebers
Vickie Korey
Condolences to Susan Siebers on
the death of her husband, Bill
Siebers
Rhoda and Michael Kamin
Condolences to Susan Siebers on
the death of her husband, Bill
Siebers
Susan Stone
In honor of Rachel Goldberg’s
marriage
In honor of Joel Blechman’s
birthday
Condolences to Dan Cedarbaum
and family on the death of Dan’s
mother, Miriam Cedarbaum
In honor of Daniella Holstein
becoming a Bat Mitzvah
Esther Shir
In loving memory of Rochelle
Bernstein
s
s
Terri Bernsohn
Condolences to Mollie Bass on
the death of her mother, Ilene
Bass
In honor of Tamar and Elliot
Frolichstein-Appel on their
birthdays
Carol and Howard Ellegant
Douglas Segal
Ulrich Meyer and Harriet
Horwitz-Meyer
In honor of Claudia Rozenberg
s
21
Marie and Gerry Davidson
In loving memory of Rochelle
Bernstein
Linda Mathias Kaskel and Bruce
Kaskel
Condolences to Susan Siebers on
the death of her husband, Bill
Siebers
Condolences to Stan Cohn on
the death of his father, Lou Cohn
Edie Canter and Fred Wellisch
In loving memory of Nancy
Canter, Edie’s mother, on her
Yahrzeit
Social Action Fund (Tikkun Olam)
David Kleiman
Welcome to Rabbi Don Rossoff
Best wishes to Robin Trilling
as president of JRC’s Board of
Directors
Condolences to Susan Siebers on
the death of her husband, Bill
Siebers
Heidi and Rich Katz
Condolences to Jerry Herst on
the death of his father, Milton
Herst
Tessa Fischer and Richard Rosen
Robert Lange
In loving memory of Bill Siebers
Laurie Goldstein and Jonathan
Marshall
In honor of Pam Margules
Mark and Josh Mark for their
dedication to the JRC soup
kitchen
Suzanne and Alan Saposnik
Condolences to Bob Hewitt on
the death of his mother, Anne
Hewitt
Judy and Bob Holstein
Condolences to Stan Cohn on
the death of his father, Lou Cohn
Condolences to Elliott Goldstein
on the death of his brother,
David Goldstein
Jordana Binstock and Henry
Nutkevitch
In honor of Deborah Drache’s
birthday
Terri Bernsohn and Steven Fox
In honor of Carol Goldbaum for
receiving a lifetime achievement
award from the National
Association of Social Workers
s
s
s
22
Social Action Fund (Soup Kitchen)
Laurie Goldstein and Jonathan
Marshall
In appreciation of Ray
Grossman’s kindness in leading
the shiva minyan for Maxine
Marshall
Condolences to Rich and Heidi
Katz on the death of Rich’s
father, Jerome Katz
Diane and Ben Melnick
Condolences to Dianne Sperling
on the death of her mother, Ruth
England
Condolences to Rich Katz and
his family on the death of Rich’s
father, Jerome Katz
Robyn and Elliott Hurtig
With gratitude to Maxine Topper
for helping Leo with his D’var
Torah
Sherrie Tikvah Mack
In honor of Sherrie’s son,
daughter-in-law, and
granddaughter
Beth Lange
In loving memory of Ruth Horn,
Beth’s grandmother, on her
Yahrzeit
Tzedakah from Beth and
Eleanor’s pushke
Lisa Pildes and Michael Sehr
Julie Dorfman and Jerry Herst
In loving memory of Rochelle
Bernstein
Condolences to Rich Katz on the
death of his father, Jerome Katz
Condolences to Dan and Judy
Solomon on the death of their
son-in-law, Dominique Loriaux
Condolences to Dori Conn on
the death of her mother, Marilyn
Conn
Condolences to Stan Cohn on
the death of his father, Lou Cohn
Hildette Rubenstein
Sara and Stan Cohn
With gratitude to Chesed for
helping with the shiva
Barbara Santarelli
In honor of Deb Drache on her
birthday
JRC Funeral Plan
The purpose of the JRC Funeral Plan is to simplify the process and reduce the cost
and stress of making funeral arrangements when a loved one dies.
Administrator: Chicago Jewish Funerals, Ltd.
195 North Buffalo Grove Road,
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
847.229.8822, or toll free 888.509.5011
At your time of loss, call them at any hour of the day. Cantor Friedland will be
contacted immediately, or you may also call him directly.
JRC STAFF
cantor
Howard Friedland • x2232
religious school director
Terri Bernsohn • x2225
president
Robin Trilling
youth group advisor
Chantal Blaustein
[email protected]
executive director
Sharon Díaz • x2224
librarian
Eva Eisenstein • x2255
asst. executive director
Jill Persin • x2222
administrative assistants
Bonnie Stone Stern • x2220
Robyn Hurtig • x2226
communications and program
coordinator
Jennifer Brody • x2229
early childhood director
Claudia Rozenberg • x2227
bookkeeper
Megan Baldeshwiler • x2235
JRC ESSENTIALS
office hours
Monday–Thursday • 9 am –5 pm
Friday • 9 am –1 pm
phone
847.328.7678
fax
847.328.2298
website
www.jrc-evanston.org