For all its well-known problems, modern Israel may be the most remarkable creation in the long history of our people. As age-old Jewish societies in Europe and the Islamic world were being transformed by modernity and ultimately dismantled by our oppressors, our people has returned to its ancestral homeland, speaking an ancient language, gathering together millions of our exiles and building a new Jewish society.

This homeland, this history, this culture, this language belong to all Jews everywhere. We American Jews are not citizens of Israel and don’t bear its burdens as Israelis do. But participating in the life of modern Israel remains our BIRTHRIGHT.

As most AC members probably know, the organized Jewish community has affirmed this heritage by offering free trips to Israel for every Jew aged 18-26, through a program called TAGLIT (i.e. “Discovery”) BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL.

Registration is about to begin for the Summer, 2007 Birthright trips.

YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A FREE . . .YES, FREE . . .10-DAY TRIP TO ISRAEL THIS SUMMER if:
 

• You will turn 18 before your departure date and have completed high school
   

• You will be no older than 26 on your departure date
   

• You have never previously attended a peer-trip or study-trip in Israel while above the age of 12 (such as a class trip, teen tour or semester abroad. Family and personal trips do not affect your eligibility.)
   
  • Israeli citizens living abroad are also eligible, if they moved from Israel before age 12.

  The only costs to you are a refundable $250 deposit (which you receive after returning home) and your incidental expenses. Airfare, hotels, touring and most meals are covered.

  HOW CAN YOU PASS THAT UP?
  REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER TRIPS RUNS FEBRUARY 15 TO MARCH 8.

  THE BEST WAY TO REGISTER IS THROUGH THE INTERNET, AT WWW.BIRTHRIGHTISRAEL.COM. ACT NOW, since spaces are limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. DON’T DELAY! APPLY ON LINE WHEN REGISTRATION OPENS.

  Here is how the program works:

  Birthright does not lead trips itself. Instead, Jewish groups from across the religious and social spectrum run trips under the Birthright umbrella. The basic itinerary of the different trips is comparable – including time in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Masada and the Dead Sea, and meeting time with Israeli peers – but different tour providers will bring their own style to the material, omitting some sites and adding others. You choose the tour provider that suits you best.

  You can take a Conservative trip run through Hillel International, for instance; or Orthodox and Reform trips, each bringing their own approach to Judaism. Other groups focus their itineraries on specific issues. For instance, the trip of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel includes greater exposure to political and environmental issues; the March of the Living tour includes visits to concentration camp sites in Poland; the Tlalim trip includes more hiking, biking and outdoor adventure. Find the complete list of more than 20 tour providers on the Birthright web site.

  Please consider taking advantage of this astonishing gift. More than 110,000 Jewish young adults from 51 different countries have gone on Birthright trips to date. Please join them to discover the land, language and culture of our people. And feel free to pass this information via the Web to anyone who might be eligible.

  I myself will be visiting Israel this month. I know that – as with each of my many trips there – this visit will touch my heart and mind. You’ll see that these trips can do the same for you.

  --Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky

By Vivian Awner

On Sunday, January 14th, the day before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I joined nine others from Ansche Chesed to volunteer at a site in Brooklyn being developed by Habitat for Humanity. Jeremy had arranged for volunteers from AC to work with Habitat that day to commemorate Dr. King and his vision. While I have supported Habitat monetarily for quite a number of years, I have never worked at one of their sites. So when Jeremy's email went out seeking ten volunteers, I immediately signed up, having no idea how meaningful the experience would be to me.

We all met at 7:15 a.m. in the 96th Street subway station and traveled together to rapidly gentrifying Bedford Stuyvesant, exiting into an area of well-tended row houses. We passed a number of vacant houses with "For Sale" signs, probably going for prices that would have been unbelievable just a few years ago. Our site consisted of three 3-story attached houses, with one unit per floor. The exterior walls were already in place. A Habitat employee by the name of Mamadou quickly introduced the four groups present: the paid Habitat staff who were knowledgeable about construction and supervised the rest of us; the Americorps workers who have been on the site since the beginning and were now old pros at the tools, techniques and jargon of construction; the families who would eventually be living in the subject units; and the rest of us volunteers - from AC and another synagogue group. Mamadou, who stands out for his winning blend of complete authoritative manner mixed with evident pride in Habitat's work, proceeded to divide us into groups and we began.

Kathy, a fellow AC volunteer, and I were assigned to install framing for closets under the supervision of Sarah, a sweet yet focused Americorps worker. Framing entailed the use of a heavy power drill and a fair amount of dexterity. Two African-American women, Andrea and Jackie, were already at work on our floor. Jackie was to be the occupant of one of the units, and Andrea was her friend. Their skill with the various power tools belied the fact that Monday through Friday they both worked as Special Education teachers in the NYC public school system. They later told us with incredible pride how one of their students had transitioned out of the special ed program and was now doing well in a regular classroom. Memorably, they both became incredible cheerleaders when late in the day I doubted that I had the strength to continue drilling in one particularly intransigent screw.

While I expected to feel that I had performed a mitzvah, the experience was that but so much more. I cannot imagine a more fulfilling way to commemorate MLK day. Jackie could not get over the fact that complete strangers were giving so much of their time to help them build their homes. While she was so filled with obvious gratitude towards all the volunteers that have helped her and her future neighbors, I tried my best to express my gratitude at having the opportunity to be there for her. At one point I explained to Jackie and Andrea how Judaism believes that we are all created b'tzelem Elohim, in the image of God, and about tikkun olam, letting them know that by being there, helping them, we were living AC's vision of tikkun olam and Dr. King's dream. They understood.

The following day I phoned Jeremy to express my gratitude for arranging this. I commented that I believed that the experience had been positive and meaningful to all those involved; in terms of black-white relations, black-Jewish relations and human being to human being relations. It pleases me so that in a gentrifying part of the city where homes sell for well over a million dollars, AC volunteers were able to make a difference to wonderful women like Andrea and Jackie.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9

As theologian, scholar, teacher and social activist, Abraham Joshua Heschel’s work was marked by a profound poetic sensibility and dazzling way with words. But while his theological works remain widely read, Heschel’s first writings – his Yiddish poetry – are only now available to English readers. These early works were published in Warsaw in 1933 as Der Shem HaMeforesh: Mentsch, when Heschel was 26. Ansche Chesed member Rabbi Morton Leifman has translated and published this book in English for the first time, as The Ineffable Name of God: Man.

Join us to mark the 100th anniversary of Heschel’s birth by studying these poems, an intimate spiritual diary of a devout and modern Jew, who listens for God’s commands, who feels lonely at God’s distance, who sees the sacred in human life, who sees wonder in nature, who is committed to tikkun olam.

As a special treat, Brandeis’s Jewish a cappella group, Manginah, will entertain us during dinner.

Schedule:
Services 5:30 p.m.
Dinner 6:30 p.m.
Program: 7:45 p.m.

Cost:
AC members $25
Non-members $30
Children 4-10 $10
Program only $10

RSVP to Sharri Posen at 212.865.0600 ext. 205. by Tuesday, February 6. You may pay online by going to www.anschechesed.org. Click on "Donate Now" and indicate in the special instructions box what your payment is for.

SHABBAT LEARNING

SHABBAT MORNING PARSHA STUDY
The Way of Truth: Nahmanides’ Torah Commentary
Ramban brings literary taste, linguistic precision, halakhic breadth, and mystical depth to his Bible interpretations. Rabbi Kalmanofsky’s Shabbat morning discussion group based on his writings will continue through February 24. Rabbi David Gedzelman will resume his Shabbat morning parsha study group based on the teachings of Hasidic masters on March 3. The group meets from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Newcomers are always welcome, as are drop-ins to any session.

SEUDAH SHLISHIT: SHABBAT’S THIRD MEAL
Join Rabbi Kalmanofsky to end Shabbat with song and study, food and drink. If you would like to sponsor this month’s seudah in honor of a happy occasion or in memory of a loved one, please contact Sharri Posen in the AC office.
February 10 at 4:30 p.m.

 

CLASSES

NEW! PRAYERBOOK HEBREW
Marcia Talmage Schneider
Practice your Hebrew reading while learning the core vocabulary of the siddur.
6 Tuesdays, 7:15-8:45 p.m., beginning February 6.
AC members $90 / Non-members $120 Advance registration required. Call Sharri Posen at 212.865.0600 ext. 205 or email sposen@anschechesed.org.

THE FIVE MEGILLOT
Rabbi Marion Shulevitz Please note: You are welcome to attend any session. Cost: $15 per session. January 29: Ruth. February 5: Lamentations. February 12: Ecclesiastes. February 26: Esther. (No session February 19, Presidents’ Day). Each session consists of an introductory overview of the book and some close reading of text, with class discussion and participation.

 

STUDY AND READING GROUPS

SENIOR ADULT PROGRAM
Tuesday, February 6, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
(Note different day of week and time for this month)
TWO FABLES OF THE LAND OF ISRAEL BY S.Y. AGNON
Join Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky to read and discuss two brief stories: “The Tale of the Goat” and “From Enemy to Friend.” The stories are very short, but if you would like to read them in advance, they are available in the office. You may bring a dairy or parve lunch. We will provide coffee, tea, seltzer, and cookies.

YIDDISH AS JEWISH VERNACULAR
Alyssa Quint
In contrast to Hebrew – appropriate for sacred books – Yiddish was the Jewish people’s funny, ironic and bawdy voice of the street, often undermining strict social discipline and revealing anxieties beneath. This group reads and discusses samples of Yiddish literature, with each class focusing on a different genre.
Monthly: Remaining classes: February 20, March 20, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. $15 per session.

Alyssa Quint writes and lectures on modern Yiddish and Jewish literature, currently at Princeton University. She holds a Ph.D. in Yiddish Literature from Harvard, and is the managing editor of Jewish Studies Quarterly and a contributor to the English-language Forward.
 

Lunchtime Learning:
MONARCHY, MAYHEM, AND PROPHETIC MASTERS: THE BOOKS OF KINGS
Rabbi Shmuel Sandberg
Learn about the religious and political life of Jews in Judah and Israel, from King Solomon to Gedaliah by reading selections from Kings I and II.
Mondays, 12:30 p.m.

ISRAELI LITERATURE IN TRANSLATION READING GROUP
The group will discuss several short stories by women writers. Stories are available from the office. Led by Prof. Janet Burstein.
Tuesday, February 6, 7:30 p.m.

AMERICAN JEWISH LITERATURE READING GROUP
This group discusses novels, short stories, and autobiographies that explore the American Jewish experience. This month the group, led by Rabbi Shmuel Sandberg, will discuss three stories from the Scribblers on the Roof anthology: Norma Rosen, "What Must I Say to You"; Jonathan Levi, "The Scrimshaw Violin"; Dara Horn, "Readers Digest." The anthology is available from the office for $12.
Tuesday, February 20, 7:30 p.m.

ISRAEL-ZIONIST READING GROUP
The group will discuss the final three chapters of Gershom Gorenberg’s The Accidental Empire.
Monday, March 5, 7:45 p.m.

TU BiSHEVAT FAMILY KIDDUSH
In honor of Tu BiShevat, the Tots and Middle Kids services will have a special fruit kiddush jointly this Shabbat, February 3 in 2N. AC will provide some fresh and dried fruit; your family is invited to bring fresh fruits and veggies to share with the community as well!

TU BiSHEVAT CELEBRATION FOR 3rd-5th GRADERS
Sunday, February 4, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Join us for a crazy synagogue scavenger hunt, silly indoor nature games, and make-your-own ooey gooey caramel apples. $5 per child at the door.

MINYAN YIGDAL
A New Minyan for Families with children Ages 3-9
Join us on Saturday, February 10 and 24 at 11 a.m. for the inaugural session of a new service led by Rabbi Lauren Kurland, featuring Torah-in-the-Round and special honors for February birthdays. After the service we will have a sweet oneg and a chance to shmooze. Service for Tots and Big Kids (ages 10-12) will run as usual.

DINNER AND A SHOW
For 7th-9th Graders
Hang out with friends, eat pizza and watch TV. The ACT Foundation will meet afterward until 8:00 p.m. All others are invited to stay to cook for residents of the Dorot Homeless Prevention Program. Bring a friend!

FOOD AND SHELTER
For families with Children in Grades 3-7
Sunday, February 11, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Fulfill the mitzvah of feeding the hungry by baking muffins for AC's shelter and by learning more about homelessness. Hear the story of a formerly homeless man's experiences, followed by child-appropriate discussion and interactive role-play with Jerry Raik. Please bring individual-sized toiletries for shelter guests. RSVP to Deborah.Pastor@Privateeram.com

 

Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 4 for a fabulous fun-filled family Purim celebration, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The festivities will begin with a performance of "The King's Ball," starring the children of Ansche Chesed, followed by games and crafts: Esther's Nail Salon, Throw-a-Pie-at-the-Rabbi, Morcechai's Maze, Karaoke, Used Book Sale, Face Painting, Grab Bag, Basketball Throw, and More!

$10 per child over age 3, includes show and 36 game tickets. Additional tickets 25 cents each. Food for purchase. All are invited!

Sunday, February 11: Tango Fever!
Learn the basics of the sensational and romantic tango with expert teachers from Empire Dance. No partners or reservations necessary. Everyone is welcome.
 

Doors open at 7 p.m. Lesson from 7:30 to 8:30 followed by open dancing until 10.
Cost: AC and MOMC members $15, others $20

MAZAL TOV TO:
January’s b’nai mitzvah and their families:
Aaron Landesman
Rachel Ernst
Gabriel Freilich
Jacob Rosenberg
Zachary Behrman
Liz Chernov
Joshua Poretz

Hazzan Natasha Hirschhorn, Rabbi Shimon Hirschhorn, and sister Miriam on the birth of Racheli Shlomit Perl.

Allan Tulchin and Judith Miller on their marriage.

CONDOLENCES TO:
The following members and their families:
Miriam Benhaim on the death of her mother, Malkah Benhaim.
Richard Cantor on the death of his mother, Elaine Cantor.
Eric Gertner on the death of his wife, Nina Yahr.
Anne Mintz on the death of her father, Kalman Mintz.

TODAH RABBAH TO:
The 33 people who came to donate blood at the Winter Blood Drive on Sunday, January 7; to Blood Drive co-chairs Gail Mota, Linda Messing, and Karen Sawitz, and to Sylvia Ortiz.

The sponsors of January’s family kiddush: Hebrew school parents Cheryl and Seth Bressman, Michael Wise, Deborah Pastor and Aaron Brown, April and Daniel Goldberg.
 

JANUARY'S SHELTER VOLUNTEERS
(Names in bold indicate AC members)
 

Lauren Allerhand, Maurice Appelbaum, Trudy Balch, Arnold Blank, Eliav Bock, Geoffrey Claussen, Yonina Creditor, Janet Curley, Alan Divack, Sabina Ellentuck, Matthew Feigin, John Frasier, Woody Freiman, Avi Green, Marilyn Gunner, Kareen Halper, Yair Harel, Erez Hoffman, Kehillat Hadar, JTS Students, Gary Kallman, Joy Karagu, Ken Karan, Shlomy Kattan, Kathy Kendall, Justin Kolhagen, KOE Minyan, Joyce Mann, Martin Mann, Naomi Martin, Jocelyn Maskow, Michael Meric, Linda Messing, Michael Mortenson, Rachel Obenshein, Jennifer Raider, Anne Rudder, Dan Schwarzbaum, Kate Sharp, Shira Silton, Becca Stern, Phyllis Townley, Amanda Wolf, and Bonnie Zaben.

And special thanks to Shelter Coordinator Charlie Davidson and Assistant Coordinator Michael Bloome.