The Honey Jar - Congregation Ohev Shalom

צנצנת דבש News from Congregation Ohev ShalomVolume 5, No. 8 Page 1The Honey JarCommunity with a Purpose: Torah, T’fillah, Gemilut Chasadim (Torah, Prayer, and Acts of Lovingkindness)TzentzenetDvashOhev Shalom welcomes our new Executive Director Joshua Laster,wife Erica, and baby.Volume 5, No. 8April 2010See p.7 for aletter fromJosh Laster.Special Interest: Morah JillLebowich bio, p.5 Photo membershipDirectory, backcoverThis issue of The Honey Jar is sponsored bythe Himelstein family in honor ofJeffrey’s Bar Mitzvahand by the Kovacs family in honor ofMelanie’s Bat MitzvahInside this issue:SHABBAT SERVICE SCHEDULE (Kabbalat Shabbat services at 6 p.m.Shabbat morning services at 9 a.m., unless otherwise noted.) April 2/3. April 9/10. April 16/17. Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m. April 23/24. Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m. April 30/May 1.Rabbi’s Message 3President 4Cantor 6Mispallelim 8PracticallyJewish9Sisterhood 9

Page 2The Honey JarThe Honey Jar is published 10X/Yrby Congregation Ohev Shalom2 Chester RoadWallingford, PA 19086610-874-1465 ▪ Fax: 610-874-1466www.ohev.net ▪ exec@ohev.netSubmissions accepted at:TheHoneyJar@hotmail.comAmy Larchuk, EditorJeremy Gerber, RabbiLouis Kaplan, Rabbi EmeritusSteven Friedrich,Cantor and Education DirectorJoshua Laster,Executive DirectorDavid Pollack, PresidentAffiliated withthe United Synagogueof Conservative JudaismPlease Note:Acme Supermarketswill be discontinuingthe 1% rebate program(the register tapesprogram) effectiveApril 30.If you still havereceipts, please turnthem into the office byApril 26.Thank you for yourparticipation.Chesed CommitteeThanks go to Marianne Glanzman, Frances Sheehan, and SherryZigon for Chesed meals to Bea Ernest.Edie McFall

Volume 5, No. 8 Page 3Rabbi’s Message: Return on InvestmentJudging by the last couple ofmonths here at Ohev, I think it'sfair to say we've had a pretty busywinter. There have been a lot ofjoyful events, such as B'naiMitzvah celebrations, Jubileeevents, Purim carnivals, andPassover Seders. But there hasalso been sadness and concerndue to illnesses and funerals. AsI've watched our congregationcome together to dance and sing,as well as comfort and mourn, Ihave given a lot of thought to themeaning of community, and I'dlike to share a couple of thoughtswith you this month.With the ominous deadlineof tax season bearing down onus, I know that we all havefinances and W2s on our minds.So I thought I might use a coupleof money-related metaphors, inhonor of our hard-workingaccountants.We all approach Jewishcommunal life from differentperspectives, just as we oftenapproach organized religion fromdifferent perspectives. Butsubconsciously, I think there aretwo underlying models thatgovern how we view the purposeof community. The first is as aninsurance company: "Like a goodneighbor, Ohev is there!" For a lotof people, joining a Jewishcommunity means knowing thatwhen you need a service - babynaming, Bat Mitzvah, wedding,hospital visit, funeral - you havesomeone to call. You don't takeout an insurance policy becauseyou want to have coffee withyour insurance agent on a weeklyor monthly basis, you just want toknow she'll be on the other endof the receiver (or Blackberry),when you need her.And quite frankly, I don'tmind this model. It may not be myideal (as you'll see in a minute),but I fully understand and respectpeople who choose to go thisroute. There are plenty of peoplewho don't join at all, who think: "Idon't need insurance! I'mperfectly healthy. This wholething is just a scam anyway!" AndGod forbid they lose a loved oneor find themselves in crisis;suddenly they realize that theydon't have anyone to turn to. I'vemet people who unexpectedlyfind themselves in need ofcommunity, but who never hadone to begin with, so they feellost and alone. They are in themidst of chaos, and even though Itry to help as best I can, I am astranger to them. People who joinOhev for the insurance are, Ihope, making a good investment.We WILL be there for you. If youneed something, we will doeverything in our power to help.You are choosing to affiliate withus, and we know there are otheroptions out there. Thank you forputting your trust in us, and forputting your family in our trust.There is, however, anothermodel to which some peoplesubscribe. Rather than insurance,they see Ohev as a high-yielding (Ihope) savings account. But theyaren't just saving money, they areputting aside time, effort, care,support, and dedication into thisfund. They have discovered thatcommunity can be about buildingequity, in the form of relationshipsand shared experiences. Whatyou put into this account is whatyou'll get back, but hopefully witheven greater return. Whensomebody in the community iscelebrating a lifecycle event, butthe Snowpocalypse hasdemolished our roads, peopleshovel out their cars forsomebody they care about,somebody who would do thesame for them. When acongregant has lost a loved oneand wants to sit shiva for a wholeweek, people will be there nightafter night for a close friend whohad supported and cared forthem.I like to think of it asbuilding "social capital." We spendyears dancing at other people'sweddings, putting out tuna andegg salad at their father'smemorial service, and sendingflowers when they've recoveredfrom illness, and in return weknow that they will do the samefor us. In some ways, this can be alot harder than a savings account,because you can't just have the"funds" transferred automaticallyon a regular basis. This involvesconscious and concerted effort;but I'd also like to think that thereturn is much more stable, and inthis community it is guaranteed.I've seen what our congregantsdo for one another, and I knowthat we're marketing a very highquality product.The choice is yours. Howdo YOU view this congregation,and the role you play in it? Areyou getting everything out ofyour investment that you'd liketo? On a personal, social,philosophical, AND theologicallevel, I'd like you to ask yourself aquestion you might recognizefrom a TV ad for a different kindof insurance:Are you in good hands?Sincerely,Rabbi Jeremy Gerber

Page 4Board Elections --Slate To Be DeterminedDear Fellow Congregants,In accordance with Article VIIIof Congregation Ohev Shalom,I have formed this year’sNominating Committee.Committee members are asfollows:Doris Elofer, ChairFrances Sheehan (ex officio)Matt Tashman (ex officio)Bonnie Breit (ex officio)Paula LehrbergerReisha FreedmanSteve FischerBy April 15, the committeewill recommend our 2010-2011 slate of officers so thatour Board of Directors mayvote to approve the slate byApril 30 th .Nominations from thecongregation at large must bein writing and received by theChairperson of theNominating Committee nolater than seven (7) days priorto the CongregationalMeeting. No nominations willbe entertained at the annualmeeting.Please feel free to contactme if you have any questions.Sincerely,Doris EloferSee the color (andabridged) versionof The Honey Jaron theOhev Shalomwebsite!The Honey JarPresident’s CompassChaverim,This article will probably arrivein your mailbox during Pesach,perhaps even in time to join usfor our Second Family Seder onTuesday evening, March 30.That event was/will be(depending upon your HoneyJar delivery date) certainly theculmination of a very movingmonth at Ohev, includingShabbatot to welcome CantorFriedrich and honor RabbiKaplan. In addition, I want tomention one other Marchcelebration which was lesspromoted but equallymeaningful to our community.On March 11, a smallcontingent from thecongregation (including Rabbi,Cantor, and myself) attendedthe annual Jewish EducatorsAssembly Gala Dinner atCongregation Beth El inVoorhees, New Jersey. Themission of the organization is topromote excellence amongeducators committed toConservative Judaism byadvancing professionalism,encouraging leadership,pursuing lifelong learning, andbuilding community. HonoringJewish education throughoutthe tri-state region, tribute waspaid to teachers and lay leadersfrom seventeen neighboringshuls, and I was incrediblyproud to have Ohev countedamong them. Thanks to theefforts and focus of CantorFriedrich in his role asEducation Director, he haslooked for every opportunity toput Ohev on the map of Jewishinstitutions in this region and tohonor teachers and volunteerswho have really made apositive difference in the lives ofour children throughMispallelim.Two of our congregantswere among the group ofamazing honorees.Mark Paikoff was honored forhis long-standing and excellentwork as one of our teachers. Inthe JEA tribute to him, thefollowing was read to theaudience of 250+ attendees(including his mom up fromBoca and wife Miriam):“Mark has been a 5 th gradeteacher now for eight years, inaddition to his public schoolteaching position at theGlenwood Elementary Schoolof the Rose Tree/Media SchoolDistrict. He single-handedlymaintains our school website,providing for enrichmentdownloads to all of ourstudents. Mark is very popularwith his own students and isoften asked to be the speakerat various student assembliesand functions.”In addition, Bonnie Kaplan wassimilarly honored as acongregational lay leader forthe tremendous work she didlast year in resurrectingMispallelim as its InterimDirector. Her comments read:“Bonnie has been ourKindergarten teacher for overten years and is affectionatelyknown to her students as the‘Alef-Bet Bubby.’ She has alsoserved as School CommitteeChair for part of that time. Lastyear, as Interim School Director,she voluntarily spent a greatdeal of time reorganizing andrevitalizing the school, in

Volume 5, No. 8 Page 5addition to providing the timeand resources for a smoothtransition for the new EducationDirector this past summer.”The evening was arevelation of the great work ofthe JEA as a forum for theexchange of ideas, programs,and materials. Through a varietyof seminars and workshops, ithelps to establish and maintainthe highest professionalstandards, enhancing thedevelopment of Jewisheducational programming incongregations like our own. Itwas wonderful to see ourselvestapping in, promoting some ofour own stars, and sharing in thesuccesses of others. Yasher Koachto Bonnie and Mark, and a warmtodah rabbah to Cantor, formaking the evening possible andgiving such well-deservedrecognition to our invaluableteachers and congregants.One last note for this Apriledition:I cannot be more pleased towelcome Josh Laster to ourcommunity as Ohev’s newBet Class (Second Grade) SundaysMorah Jill (Ms. Jill Lebowich):Executive Director. Josh himselfhas written a letter ofintroduction for this issue of TheHoney Jar, but on behalf of theBoard of Directors, as well as ourentire congregation, I want toextend my own gratitude for hisarrival. It is our hope that all ourstaffing searches are now over;that we finally have a cohesive,dedicated, and creative team ofprofessional leaders in place; andthat in their hands, the future ofour congregation is as bright as ithas ever been before. Pleasemake it your business to stop bythe synagogue office, warmlywelcome Josh yourself, and seewhy we are so optimistic aboutour prospects for the comingyears.As we head into the spring,I wish you best wishes for ahappy and delicious Pesach,hoping to see you at services orsome other wonderful event onour calendar brimming withspirituality and activityDavid Pollack,PresidentShe comes to us as a member of the Ohevfamily. Her parents and grandparents are activein the synagogue. Jill has done Rosh HaShanaHoliday services for Ohev. She is also anaerobics instructor. We are very lucky to haveJill as one of our excellent teachers.Chesed CommitteeOhev Shalom’s Chesed Committee helps to provide meals tocongregants in need. Thank you to the Graham family fordonating food from Alyssa and Kaitlin’s recent b’not mitzvah toChesed. The Grahams’ generosity will benefit sick or elderlycongregants in the coming months and is greatly appreciated.Jeffrey HimelsteinBar MitzvahApril 17, 2010Jeffrey is a 6 th grade studentat Media Providence FriendsSchool. Jeff playscompetitive tennis at theHealthplex, Levy, and on hisschool team. His other mainsport is sailing. This summer,he will be racing a Club 420sailboat in regattas off LongBeach Island. His otherinterests include playingviolin in both a chambergroup and a rock band. Healso volunteers as a docentat the Barnegat LightHistorical Museum.Jeffrey has always beeninterested in history. For hisBar Mitzvah project, he choseto participate in theHolocaust AwarenessMuseum’s Witness to HistoryProject. Earlier this year, heinterviewed MichaelHerskovitz, a Holocaustsurvivor. Jeff will presentwhat he has learned at hisBar Mitzvah.Jeffrey would like tothank Rabbi Gerber, CantorSkobeloff, and CantorFriedrich for helping himprepare for this special day.

Page 6The Honey JarMelanie KovacsBat MitzvahApril 24, 2010Melanie Kovacs is a seventhgrader attending EpiscopalAcademy in Newtown Square.Her interests include icehockey, horseback riding andfashion. Melanie is an avidreader. Some of the manythings that she enjoys arespending time with herfriends, her family and herpets. She enjoys the shore andother sunny places.One of the many challengesthat Melanie took on this yearwas joining the EpiscopalAcademy Middle School IceHockey team (the only girl!).The team is now in first placeand has just won the first offour playoff games. She is veryproud of this accomplishment.Melanie also participated inthe Episcopal Academy candrive to benefit thePhiladelphia food pantry.Melanie is looking forwardto her Bat Mitzvah and sharingit with her parents, sister Zoe,brothers Adam and Ben, andher family from Israel. Shewould like to thank RabbiGerber and Cantor Friedrichfor all their help getting readyfor this very special day.Seder MagicPesach is, without question, myfavorite holiday of the year. It'snow definitely springtime after along arduous winter, the daysare once again longer than thenights; the air is warmer andseems cleaner; crocus, daffodilsand hyacinth plants areblooming in our flower beds,leaving mild scents in airrecently scrubbed clean by theMarch rains. And these last fewweeks have seen all in ourhousehold work hard to achievea chametz-free state ofcleanliness inside our home tomatch the newly-cleanedenvironment outside. All of therecently purchased Passoverfoods now line our pantry,promising a diet that, for eightdays, will guarantee a bodythat's as clean on the inside as isthe kitchen in which we eatthem.But the thing that makesPesach really special to me is tosit at the Seder meals with ourfamilies and to listen to ourchildren sing Seder songs to thesame tunes that mygrandfathers taught to me. I canhear in my mind and in my soul,the same tunes being used bymy grandfathers' grandfathersand so on, so that I can wellimagine that these same songswere sung the same way at thatfirst Seder so long ago. It seemsthat these songs have beensung for so many ages in ourfamily that they must haveoriginated on Mt. Sinai, havingbeen given to Moshe Rabenu(Moses Our Teacher) along withall those commandments.When my children first startedbringing new melodies to theSeder table I was a bituncomfortable with them (thetunes and my children). After all,my Zaydes didn't sing it thatway! But the next year theweaker tunes would disappearand only the good onesremained in our Seder. And bythe third year an amazing thinghappened: those same tunesthat my children taught me, aswe sang them, I could hear inmy soul my Zaydes singingalong with us. I could actuallyvisualize them sitting with us atthe Seder table tapping withtheir fingers or feet to the newrhythms. And they would wink,and whisper to me. And thewhispers said, "It's OK. Thesetunes come from Sinai, too."Chag Same’ach,Cantor Steven FriedrichDear Ohev Shalom Mishpachah,Thank you for your delicious Shelach Manot that I was able toshare with my family at home.Thank you also for making our Purim celebration so festive.It was so wonderful seeing so many children and adults dressingup and enjoying all our Purim activities.Todah Rabbah.Cantor Steven & Ann Friedrich and family

Volume 5, No. 8 Page 7A Message from Your Executive DirectorThere are dates throughout mylife that I will never forget. Myfirst date with my wife Erica wasSeptember 10, 2003. If I had notgone on that date, I would nothave met her wonderful family.If I had not met her family, Iwould not have joined them forservices at Ohev Shalom for theHigh Holy Days in 2004. If I hadnot joined them for thoseservices in 2004, I am fairlycertain that I would not havebeen there for High Holy Dayservices in 2009. It was at thoseservices that I heard theannouncement that the mostrecent Executive Director wasno longer at the synagogue. If Ihad not been at those services, Icertainly most likely would havemissed the opportunity to applyfor the position when theystarted interviewing. Looks like Ihave to thank my wife again.Thank you for going out withme Erica!Erica’s father, Al Chazin, hasregaled me with stories of all ofthe wonderful things going onat Ohev Shalom since we met in2003. Because of Erica’s familyand close family friends, I’vebeen exposed to the culture thatmakes this such a special place.My fondness for this communityhas grown over the past sixyears, because I’ve beenfortunate to meet some of thevery special people that makeOhev Shalom such an amazingcommunity. It started with Al,and then the Kotzens and thenthe Graumans and it justcontinued to grow with eachand every visit. Now, to top it alloff, my 10-month-old daughterIsabella is enrolled in Kehillah.To be quite honest, when theyfinally made the search for yournext Executive Director official, itwas not a question of should Iapply for the position, it wasvery simply why wouldn’t I?My passion for workingwithin the Jewish communitycomes from many sources. Oneof the most influential was myfather’s role as an ExecutiveDirector when we lived in theWashington D.C. area. Iremember so clearly how hepartnered with the clergy tocreate a sacred community forthe members of the synagogue.He wasn’t just an ExecutiveDirector. He was a leader, aneducator, a confidant, a rolemodel and a mensch. Althoughmy father is no longer alive, mymemories of how he served thatcommunity will be my guide as Iserve yours. My friends andfamily have joked to me that Ihave to do well in my newposition, because my father inlawis so involved at thesynagogue. You should alsoknow that my integrity will allowfor nothing less, and I will striveto be the best Executive Directorso that I can honor thememories of my father as well.Thank you for theopportunity to serve as yourExecutive Director. I am excitedto officially join your communityand for the opportunity topartner with Rabbi Gerber,Cantor Friedrich and the layleadership. We will worktogether to examine, and wherenecessary, improve systems andprocesses. With a solid teamapproach, we will continue theeffective communication andopen dialogue that is alreadytaking place. It is my sincereintention to partner with thisdynamic team and increasefiscal stability, programmaticsuccess and membersatisfaction. I’d love to meetevery member, and I welcomeyour stories, your questions,your comments, and yoursuggestions. Please reach outand introduce yourself anytimeyou are in the building. My dooris always open. Chag Sameach!B’shalom,Joshua LasterExecutive DirectorDirectory ChangeAlan GoldmanMartins Run, #A10611 Martins RunMedia, PA 19063610-353-7496Thank YouThere aren’t words enough to show ourappreciation for all your prayers, goodwishes, and support.Thank you to our wonderful Ohevcommunity.Bev and Henry Dickson

Page 8The Honey JarCorey ZiringBar MitzvahMay 1, 2010Corey Ziring will be called tothe Torah as a Bar Mitzvah onSaturday, May 1. Corey is theson of Barry and Deborah andbrother to Jeremy and Daniel.Corey, a seventh gradehonor student at Strath HavenMiddle School, enjoys soccer,basketball, skiing and (ohyeah) BASEBALL. He isespecially proud of playing onthe Media Little LeagueDistrict baseball team the lasttwo years and is lookingforward to another season.Corey has always had aspecial interest in animals.For his Bar Mitzvah project, hecombined his love of sportsand animals to create avolleyball tournamentbenefitting the SPCA. Heorganized teams into anAugust round robin afternoonof play, collecting more than$500 for the SPCA. Thank youto everyone who contributed.Corey would like to thankRabbi Gerber and CantorFriedrich for their help with hispreparation. He can’t wait toshare this day with all of hisfamily and friends.Mispallelim Has Spring Fever!I don’t know about you, but Ican’t ever remember wantingspring to arrive with the urgency Iseem to have for it this year. Wehave survived what is mostassuredly the harshest winterseason to be experienced in ourregion for at least the pastcentury. But the arrival ofPassover (and Major LeagueBaseball) is a sure sign that thewinter has passed and that thewarmth and extended daylight ofthe spring months has finallycome.Mispallelim starts off themonth of April with its SpringRecess. Classes will resumefollowing Passover, beginningwith the Wednesday session onApril 7 for grades 3-7, then onSunday, April 11 for all grades.Junior Congregation will be onSaturdays April 17 and April 24.There is only one more JuniorCongregation session scheduledin May, so be sure to get in yourrequired number of services(75%). Tot Shabbat forpreschoolers thru grade 1 willtake place on April 17.On April 11, our 7 th gradestudents will spend the day inPhiladelphia, participating withother area teens in Federation’s“Breakfast with a Survivor”program and the “March of theChildren.” Both events willcommemorate Yom HaShoah –Holocaust Remembrance Day.Students must have signedpermission slips to attend.On Sunday, May 2, all ourMispallelim students will betreated to a Lag B’Omer festivalincluding outdoor games(weather permitting), IsraeliDancing, Lunch and a trip toSwarthmore Players Theater tosee a production of Joseph andthe Amazing TechnicolorDreamcoat. Students will attendthe play at no charge thanks tothe Starer Fund. Friends andrelatives are also welcome toattend. Please contact CantorFriedrich (school@ohev.net) fordetails.Mazal Tov to JeffreyHimelstein, Melanie Kovacs, andCorey Ziring, who will bothbecome B’nai Mitzvah soon. Wewish them great success incontinuing their Jewisheducation.It seems that we have quitea spring ahead of us to befeverish about!!B’Shalom,Cantor FriedrichMispallelim Calendarfor APRILINFORMATIONUNAVAILABLEonlineApril 1-6 no school, PassovervacationApril 7 – classes resume grades3 thru 7April 10 – classes resume gradesK thru 2April 14 – regular WednesdayclassesApril 17 – Bar Mitzvah, JeffreyHimelstein; JuniorCongregation 10 a.m.; TotShabbat 10:30 a.m.April 18 – regular Sunday classesApril 21 – regular WednesdayclassesApril 24 – Bat Mitzvah, MelanieKovacs; Junior Congregation

Practically JewishYom Ha-Shoah: To Fast or Not to Fast?On Sunday, April 11, we will be commemoratingHolocaust Remembrance Day, or "Yom Ha-shoah"in Hebrew. Since World War II ended only 65years ago, it is perhaps not surprising that there isno "official" observance of this day. Everycommunity acknowledges it differently; somewith interfaith services partnering with Christianand/or Muslim groups, some with quiet vigils orcandle lighting ceremonies, some with moviewatching or panel discussions, among others. Iimagine that other, more established holidays likePurim and Chanukah went through similargrowing pains in the centuries immediately aftertheir occurrences, and it is fascinating to watchcustoms and traditions grow and becomeestablished before our eyes.One that especially intrigues me is fasting.Some communities have begun to fast on YomHa-shoah, as a sign of our grief over what tookplace, and personally I think it will be aVolume 5, No. 8 Page 9ubiquitous practice in another 100 years. Buthow does such a thing gain acceptance? Shouldwe begin to fast at Ohev Shalom? TheConservative/Masorti movement has also createda scroll, Megillat Ha-shoah, which can be read onthis day; should we do that as well?Yom Ha-shoah has also become ameaningful day for another, somewhatunexpected reason. Who is a survivor? Can thisterm be viewed in a broader sense without losingits original meaning? Perhaps it can. Maybe wecan also acknowledge the genocides of Rwandaand Darfur on this day? And maybe we can alsoinclude survivors of trauma, domestic abuse,physical abuse, drug and alcohol addiction, orany other tragedy that plagues our world. We arestill figuring out how to incorporate YomHa-shoah into our lives. This year, please thinkabout how to include it in yours.Rabbi Jeremy GerberSisterhood Scoop: Membership News and Upcoming EventsThank youWe wanted to send a special thank you outto all of our Hamantashen bakers. We had suchan enthusiastic and dedicated bunch of sifters,stirrers, bakers, pinchers, fillers, folders, timers,purchasers, and supervisors that we could nothave accomplished all the preparations for theShalach Manot bags without you. As we don’twant to leave anyone out and we had manyvolunteers come and go, please accept this as ourpersonal thank you to those who joined us andfor those that didn’t have time this year, pleaseconsider helping us out next year.We also wanted to thank Barry Estrin for hisriveting presentation about growing up as theson of partisans and the parallels between hisparents’ experiences and those described in thebook, The Bielski Brothers, by Peter Duffy. Thereare still a few copies available in the Gift Galleryfor those who haven’t read it yet. We are stilllooking for volunteers for the Gift Gallery. Pleaseconsider donating an hour or two of your time.Look for your invitation to our Year EndCelebration to be held May 23, coming soon.B’Shalom,Paula Lehrberger and Sheri WhelpleyCo-PresidentsThank YouThanks to everyone who expressed sympathy over my father-in-law’s recent passing. He had beensick for a long time, and his passing was peaceful.Amy Larchuk and the Larchuk family

Page 10The Honey JarContinuing Education Opportunities:Cantor Friedrich’s Schedule of ClassesCantor Friedrich will be teaching everyWednesday evening 7-8:30 p.m. from April andMay on the following dates:Apr 7 – Trope ClassApr 14 – Glee ClubApr 21 – Trope ClassApr 28 – Glee ClubMay 5 – Trope Class*May 12 – Megillat Ruth (X-rated version)Trope Class and Glee Club will meet in Room 8 andare open to everyone.* Adults onlyMessage from Henry DicksonBy now, we should all be aware that Josh Lasterstarted in his new position as executive directoron March 22.I accepted the Interim Executive Directorposition somewhat reluctantly, but came to enjoythe challenge. I often said that the main task wasthreefold: to keep the rabbi happy, to keep thecantor happy, and to keep the ship from sinking.To that end, we three developed a workingrelationship based on trust and admiration that Iwill always cherish.I have so many special thank-yous that Ifear I might leave someone out. To the ExecutiveCommittee, who tolerated my complete lack ofunderstanding of the inner workings of Ohev; tothe Board members, who treated me with kidgloves; to Phyllis Lebowich and Steve Smith, whohad to endure endless questions, to each of you Ioffer my heartfelt appreciation.All the volunteers deserve recognition. It isthe cadre of volunteers who are the true strengthof Ohev. Special plaudits for Amy Larchuk,whose tireless work guided us through TheHoney Jar transition. Debbie Consoli’s help withthe scrip program was invaluable.As Josh and I transition, I look forward toeveryone’s continued support as we enter a newphase of our growth.B’shalom,Henry Dickson(former Interim Executive Director)Havurah Groups FormingIn the past, many of you have expressed aninterest in becoming part of a havurah. Theword “havurah” comes from the Jewish word“haver” which means friend. The havurahexperience can be a wonderful way to socializeeither with or without a Jewish theme. Yourhavurah can meet once a month, every othermonth, or as often as your group agrees upon.This havurah committee hopes to help eachgroup, once organized, to plan their first event,and hopefully, from then on, your group willcontinue to plan its own gatherings, doing thethings that interest you most: educationalpursuits, tikkun olam, athletics, or just gatheringfor a mral and camaraderie.Havurah applications are available onlineon our website (www.ohev.net) or in thesynagogue office. Please return it as soon aspossible so you can begin your havurahexperience.Sincerely,Judy Young and the HavurahCommittee

Managing Your Child’s Behavior in PublicVolume 5, No. 8 Page 11Message from Federation Early Learning Services (FELS)Federation Early Learning Services, 10700 Jamison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116phone: (215) 676-7550 ext. 116, fax: (215) 676-9498, fsatinsky@FelsKids.orgThe best of everything, from the beginning.by Shannon Rosenman, Kehillah Early Learning Center (FELS)Every parent has an embarrassing story about their child’s public meltdown. You know – your daughterscreams, “I hate you!” or worse, “Don’t hit me!” even though you never raised a hand to her in her life!First …. Don’t panic!! Every parent has experienced this humiliation.Second … Take a deep breath! Don’t speak to your child as s/he tantrums when you refused to buy thejunk cereal advertised on the only show you allow him to watch! If you yell, “Behave!” He willprobably model your behavior and yell too.Third …. Take another deep breath!Fourth … If the crying continues, hand her the box. Say, “I see you really want these cookies! Youmay hold them while we shop.” This should defuse the tantrum. Continue shopping and then engageyour child in the process by saying things like “Look at these berries – should we get blue or red ones?Can you hold the bag?” Eventually, we hope that your daughter forgets the cookies and you can putthem back on a shelf. If you realize that she will only focus on the offensive item, you need a plan B!PLAN B – Go to the deli counter and buy lunch meat (protein!) Give your preschooler a slice of turkeyand find a quiet place to sit and chat. Take a few minutes while Marcus eats some protein and you takeanother breath. Talk calmly about the problematic item. DON’T LECTURE!!! Ask what it tastes like,why he likes it. Adapt questions depending on your child’s age. A 2-year-old is easier to distract. Offerfood to eat immediately and something really fun to do immediately like “Put the oranges in the basketfor mommy.” A 3-or 4-year-old favors their own ideas! Help them favor something else. Say “Knowwhat your Daddy/Pop-Pop loves to eat? He loves _____! Fill in the blank with anything acceptableand go get it. A 4 or 5 year old might listen to reasons why you don’t want to buy the candy, especiallyafter eating a snack and getting positive attention.It is not fair to expect your child to “like” that you have denied her this “favorite” candy! Praise hergood choices; compliment how she takes care of her teeth. Congratulate her again at dinner. Makingwise choices is something to nurture in young children! Start this lesson early.Just in case …. If tantrums continue, leave the groceries; calmly carry your child to the car so he cantantrum without embarrassing you. That will also give you a chance to calm down too!Shannon Rosenman is a licensed Occupational Therapist with over 35 years of experience. She is the FELS Director ofChild Development Services and spends time at Kehillah ELC in classrooms shares strategies with teachers to help themmaximize each child’s potential and expand their skills. She also observes children who may struggle with an area ofdevelopment. Kehillah strives to adapt our programs so each child experiences success while they learn and play.

Page 12The Honey JarYour Contributions for the Month of February 2010INFORMATIONUNAVAILABLEOffice Volunteers Needed!Any Ohev Shalom member with a few hours to spare each month, willing to take calls, etc., in our synagogue office, please callCathy Yeager, Volunteer Coordinator, for details.610-565-2024

Volume 5, No. 8 Page 13Yad LaKashish (Lifeline for the Old)Yad LaKashish (Lifeline for the Old) is a non-profit organizationthat provides creative work opportunities and invaluablesupport services to over 300 needy elderly and disabledJerusalem residents on a daily basis. The majority of participantsare immigrants from areas such as the Former Soviet Union,Ethiopia, and South America, and all have found renewedmeaning and purpose through their involvement in ourprograms.Founded in 1962, Yad LaKashish provides a warm, supportive,and stimulating environment. in which our participants are given theopportunity to utilize their skills, discover new talents, and maintain asense of self-sufficiency.Yad LaKashish does not receive any government funding.Approximately 30% of our annual budget is covered by sales of ourbeautiful, handmade items in the Yad LaKashish Gift Shop; for theremainder, we rely upon contributions from individuals andorganizations from Israel and abroad.Now more than ever, we need your help in enabling Jerusalem's needyelderly men and women to lead long, meaningful, and productive lives,filled with dignity and self-respect.The crucial factor in giving Tzedakahas stated by the Rambam is ensuringthat help is given in a manner thatenables the person receiving it tomaintain his dignity. This is throughproviding work so that the person canbecome self-supporting.Support Yad LaKashish at the Ohev Shalom GiftGallery, which features their imported crafts.

Page 14The Honey JarCongregation Ohev ShalomIsrael Trip 2.0Summer 2011Join Rabbi Jeremy Gerber when Ohev Shalom returns to Israel, building on thesuccessful 2008 trip, when 50+ individuals experienced many of the wonders Israelhas to offer.This trip is in the earliest of planning stages. It will offer something foreveryone, those who have already been to Israel and those who have not. If youhave any interest in participating, please contact Rabbi Gerber at rabbi@ohev.net,or 610-874-1465, or Rich Kaplan at rzanek@msn.com, or 610-892-0122. Anyone witha desire to be part of the Planning Committee, please make contact as soon aspossible.WHERE is your leaf?LEAVESעליםWHERE is your brick?Contact the office forpurchase andcommemoration details.Leaves $200 ea.Bricks $118 ea.SUKKAH BRICKSלבנים ביסכהPLEASE NOTE!Think of sponsoring an issue of The Honey Jarto commemorate your next simcha! Only $180 for a print remembrance that willforever be in the synagogue’s archives (not to mention the kvell-factor)!Thank you.

Volume 5, No. 8 Page 15Farewell to theWinter of 5770!See Us At Our NEW SHOWROOM!WERTHEIMERLIBERTY MONUMENTSAnyone can shop!Anyone can join!Check out theSWARTHMORE CO-OP!Open 8 to 8 Mon-Sat, and 8-7 Sunday610-543-9805758 Second Street PikeSouthampton, PA215-396-7470Fax: 215-396-7473Monday, Tuesday, Thursday9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.CLOSED Shabbat and Yom TovConvenient off-street parking341 Dartmouth AvenueSwarthmore, PA 19081swacoop@comcast.netswarthmore.coop

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Volume 5, No. 8 Page 17From a small, intimate gourmet dinnerto a banquet for several hundred…from a cocktail party to a formal dinner…Boscov’s A La Carte makes entertaining easy.We’ll bring the party to you…or prepare it in your kitchen, if you prefer…perfectly tailored to your specificationsand very affordably priced.The best party you ever gaveis just a phone call away610-370-37186410 N. Broad StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19126(215) 927-5800Albert MendelFuneral DirectorBennett GoldsteinSupervisor

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Page 20Congregation Ohev Shalom2 Chester RoadWallingford, PA 19086RETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDThe Honey JarTime Sensitive MaterialNon-Profit Org.U.S. Postage PaidWallingford, PAPermit No. 225NEW Photo Membership DirectoryAre you new to Congregation Ohev Shalom?Are you an experienced member -- note, we didnot say “old”? And have you ever been unable toremember someone’s name at the synagogue?Having a picture of our members wouldreally help those moments of forgetfulness or toget to know someone new! Well, it turns out 10years have passed since we made the MilleniumSynagogue Photo Directory.Nothing like the present, so we areplanning to create a photo membership directoryfor the new year of 5771. We are in the processof selecting a vendor and finalizing dates for thephoto shoots in late May and early June. Therewill be NO cost to have your picture taken andthe directories with our addresses will still be free.Start looking in the weekly announcementsfor more information soon. We want everyone toparticipate so when the dates are out, please signup quick and “Say ‘cheese’”!