Shortly after I officiated a wedding, my four-year-old asked me, “How many Davids do you have?” I was confused – I have one brother named David. “No! Not Uncle David! How many Davids do you have?” I couldn’t think of who else named David she was thinking of.
Finally, she reached for my necklace and said, “How many Davids do you have?!”
I rarely wear jewelry, but for the wedding I wanted to dress up a little more, so I put on the necklace my parents gave me for my ordination – a Star of David. As of the writing of this article, I haven’t taken it off. On the rare occasions I put on a necklace and leave it on for days or weeks, I rarely notice it. It fades into the background – an extension of my body. Maybe I notice it a bit when it bumps against my collarbone when I’m on a run. Otherwise, it just blends in.
But I think a lot about “My David.”
Not just because I have a four-year-old who is deeply interested in it and an eight-month-old who loves pulling on it.
But because I have a heightened awareness of being Jewishly visible in the current climate’s continual rise of antisemitism.
I read the news reports about attacks against Jews in Canada, in Europe, in Michigan. I listen to our students talk about the rise of antisemitism in their schools and I wade through the incidents that get reported as I try to decipher what is hate, what is ignorance, and what is a lack of a fully developed prefrontal cortex. I have endless meetings about security.
I worry as I drift off to sleep that another day went by in which I forgot to renew my passport.
And I wonder whether, where, and around whom it is okay for My David to be visible, my Jewish Sports Camp shirt to be worn on a run, or if my Brandeis University baseball hat will bring unwanted attention (or worse).
As I walk my six-year-old home from school, My David elicits warm hellos from passersby who see another Jewish person in our neighborhood.
But I’d be lying if I say it didn’t feel a bit heavier when I waited for my Yemeni Chai in a Muslim-owned coffee shop in Carmel, Indiana. And I definitely felt its imprint as we spent a few days meandering around Luray, Virginia.
And then, of course, I feel the guilt of my own implicit and explicit biases and assumptions sometimes posing as self-preservation.
You can read a lot about the antisemitism of this moment from scholars–historians, professors, Jewish communal professionals, sociologists – who have great knowledge to share. That’s why we invited Dr. Steven Windmueller to speak with us at our April Beit Midrash. I can’t recommend his publications enough ( www.thewindreport.com ). His wisdom can help us understand what led to this moment and where we might go from here.
I’m not a scholar. I’m just a rabbi. I don’t know if I have any brilliance to offer.
But I feel it. I feel what many of you are feeling. It is real. It is scary.
“How many Davids do you have?”
I do have more than one.
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But don’t tell my four-year-old. Because she might want to borrow one and flaunt it, donning it proudly. And I’m not sure I’m okay with that right now.
I yearn for the day when I can answer, “I have two Davids. Would you like to wear one?”
Sermons given by our clergy are on Temple Shalom’s website
The Pieces We Carry for One Another
By Cantor Ze’evi Tovlev
Each of us is made up of a collection of jigsaw pieces which we fit together into a puzzle throughout our lifetime. For some there are more pieces. For others the puzzle is harder to assemble. But here is the heart of it: none of us carry within ourselves all the pieces of our own puzzle. We each hold at least one piece belonging to someone else. When we give another person a missing piece to their puzzle, we are engaging in the sacred act of tikkun olam, repairing the world.
We rarely know when we are carrying someone else’s puzzle piece, and we often don’t know when we present it to them as a gift.
Last High Holy Days, after the Healing, Eleh Ezkera (“This I Remember”), and Yizkor services, a member of our community shared something that has stayed with me. Watching another person let their tears fall freely had given them permission, perhaps for the first time, to sit fully in their own grief after a loss. They’d been given a piece of their puzzle without a single word exchanged.
Another congregant remarked that the Blessing for Members of Our Community Who Are Not Jewish on Yom Kippur morning was a turning point for them.
Seeing so many people standing proudly on the bimah , blessed as sacred members of this community, they began to feel that they too truly belong here at Temple Shalom. The people on the bimah simply showed up as exactly who they were. They had no idea they were carrying a piece of someone else’s puzzle.
I have heard similar stories about the impact of a passing smile in the lobby, or the quiet power of being greeted by name at the door. Very few of these are large, dramatic moments of connection. Most require only a small kindness to make people feel seen.
We each come to High Holy Day services with different expectations and different needs. Some of us arrive seeking comfort; some arrive guarded; some arrive simply tired. And yet, gathered together in this sanctuary, it is very possible that each of us is unknowingly carrying at least one piece that could help make another person’s puzzle a little more complete.
May we, in this new year, continue to show up as exactly who we are. May we lean gently into our vulnerability. And in doing so, may we find, somewhere in the faces gathered around us, a long-missing piece of our own sacred puzzle.
Message from Our Rabbi Educator
By Rabbi Josh Gischner
"But Twix ® and Peanut Butter Cups® would HAVE TO form a coalition with other CHOCOLATE candies like M&Ms®: AGAINST the FRUITY-FLAVORED candies like Twizzlers® and Sour Patch Kids®…"
No joke, that is a fifth grader’s understanding of coalition building following an election for the Israeli government.
One of my favorite times in the Religious School year is our Candy Knesset program, where our fifth graders and their families model how the Israeli government is built after an election. After learning how coalitions would form if they were candy, students get a chance to explore the real parties, their platforms, and then negotiate coalitions. They learn how parties with vastly different ideologies can come together against a common "enemy." Each year, we are grateful for Alexis Schwartz, who collaborates with us on this program, and Rabbi JoHanna Potts and Sherry Doggett who lead our parent discussion.
Each year, our students impress me with how quickly they grasp the multi-party system that confuses most adults. What I love most about this program isn't the civics lesson. It's that it asks them to do something genuinely difficult: to argue for and against ideas that they might not agree with, and to take those ideas seriously enough to understand them.
Some political parties make this especially challenging for your average American Jew, let alone a fifth grader! Take Ra'am , the conservative Arab party. They are anti-occupation, pro-Palestinian statehood, against the ongoing assault on Gaza. They are deeply homophobic, transphobic, and opposed to non-Orthodox Judaism in Israel. For our students, many of whom hold liberal values, dealing with that contradiction is real work. It's not comfortable. That's the point.
Machloket l'shem shamayim , argument for the sake of heaven, is a concept from Pirkei Avot (5:17) that inspires me when I feel uncomfortable in the world of Israeli and, frankly American, politics. In discussing the schools of Hillel , whom Jewish tradition most often sides with, and Shammai , whom our tradition usually does not, the rabbis argue that even when Hillel's position is more sound, we must still hear Shammai's point. When I watch our fifth graders wrestle with ideologies that don't fit into their worldview and doing the difficult work of exploring nuances and contradictions, I see them practicing our tradition's sacred disagreement through study.
These students have such a bright future ahead of them; I can't wait to watch them continue to grow as they begin middle school, join our evening Religious School sixth grade class, and prepare for their B'notai Mitzvah in the months to come. They make me so proud to be one of their rabbis.
Message from Our Executive Director
By Andrew Maayan
For many people, the arrival of July feels like the true beginning of summer. Sure, the actual start is June 21, but June is still a time of busy lives and everextending school years (we’re looking at you MCPS!).
July, however, is when the year resets a bit. We take vacations, we spend time with friends, we plan for transitions to new schools and universities, and we look ahead at the coming year.
The same reset happens at Temple Shalom; it is a time of renewal in many ways. July is the start of our annual programming calendar, our fiscal year and our new membership year. These last two things— our fiscal year and our membership year—are of course deeply intertwined. As many of you know, our congregation's operating budget runs almost entirely on the dues contributed by our membership. It is through these dues that we sustain our community and all that we do.
For those of you that have already made your pledge for the coming year, we thank you for sustaining us.
For those of you who have not, the time is now. The beginning of our membership year is when we get the first look at how pledges will shape our budget for the coming year. It is when we know if our programming schedule is achievable, if our staffing levels are maintainable, and if we can sustain all the services, programs, schools, and events that our members count on us for.
Membership renewal demonstrates the importance of this community to each of us. Our dues pledge is a statement that we know a Jewish community such as ours depends on every one of our members and that we know the continued existence of our community has value not just for us personally, but for everyone else at Temple Shalom.
Again, thank you all so much for your support of our Temple community. We literally could not do everything we do without you.
Message From Our President
By Matt Andelman
A year ago, our community faced real uncertainty. Many of our members (federal workers and contractors, research scientists, and others) were grappling with employment and income questions that rippled into our Temple’s budget, since our dues are tied to income. Beneath that immediate challenge lies a longer running one. Our need to draw on reserves to cover short-term deficits and large, one-time costs left us with a very little cushion.
I’m proud to report that this year we worked hard to rebuild. Executive Director Andrew Maayan secured over $100,000 in grants for security improvements, allowing us to protect our building and our operating budget. The IRS finally released about $400,000 in
pandemic-era ERC tax credits long owed to us, which we used to repay what we had borrowed from our endowment and to restore our reserves. We made $60,000 in capital improvements: new classroom air conditioning; and a brilliant new sound system in the sanctuary that debuted at the High Holidays. A mortgage refinancing to pay down our principal by about $200,000 is a meaningful step toward longterm financial health. The bones of this institution are genuinely stronger than they were a year ago.
Yet . . . there is more to do. Our budget is lean. Contract renewals for our clergy and senior staff will bring increased expenses in the next budget. We want to grow our reserves further. To do any of that, our dues must keep pace.
We ask our members to contribute between 1.8% and 2% of household income – the whole household, because this is a community that shows up for every member of every family, regardless. We know that many of you also pay religious school tuition and b’notai mitzvah fees on top of that, and we are genuinely grateful. But those are separate commitments, with separate budgets. It is the dues that fund the life of this congregation. If you haven’t reviewed your dues calculation recently, we humbly ask that you do. If circumstances have changed and you can give more than the minimum, please consider it. Every dollar strengthens our shared home.
I’ll have shared much more detail at our Annual Meeting in June, by the time this Message is published. Thank you for your trust, your generosity, and your commitment to this community.
THE GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL High Holy Days Community Memorial Services
Sunday, September 6, 2026
10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Live-Stream Available at Gardenofremembrance.org
“May the Source of peace send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.”
❛This is a time we gather to remember someone who gave meaning to our lives. This is the time we recall the bonds that hold us, the love shared, the memories that sustain us.’❜
You are invited to attend either service, both led by community Rabbis and Cantors.
Live-stream of both services available at www.gardenofremembrance.org. To submit names of loved ones to be remembered and announced at the memorial service, please visit gardenofremembrance.org or email to info@gardenofremembrance.org by September 3rd.
Erev Shabbat Vayinafesh and Erev Sukkot Service, 6:00pm
Saturday, September 26
Shabbat Morning Service/Torah Study, 10:00am
Sukkot Community Festival Service, Temple Sinai, 10:00am
Wednesday, September 30
Morning Minyan, 8:00am (in-person/Zoom)
Temple Shalom Adult Education
JULY - SEPTEMBER
Adult education offerings are grouped into three categories – regularly scheduled sessions/topics to which you may just drop in; multi-session courses for which registration is required; and “pop up” one-time sessions. Within the first two categories, sessions are listed by the day of the week. For “pop up” sessions, they are listed chronologically by date. All in-person sessions are at Temple Shalom.
ONGOING REGULAR STUDY/DISCUSSIONJUST DROP IN!
Shabbat Morning Worship and Torah Study, Saturdays, 10:00am (In person and by Zoom)
Experience the Joy of Shabbat Torah Study! Join us for Shabbat morning services at 10:00am, followed by a stimulating community Torah study at 11:00am. Deepen your understanding of the weekly Torah portion and connections with your community. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Sukkat Shalom (In person), Friday, August 14, following 6:00pm service; Additional dates TBD)
This is a unique program started by a core group of Temple Shalom members to hold facilitated discussions about Israel. Trained moderators aim to bring understanding of different viewpoints -- with the goal of discussing topics openly without a need to come to a consensus. We recognize that support for Israel may be complicated, emotional, and takes many different forms, and we understand that many struggle with what supporting Israel means. For more information, email SukkatShalom@TempleShalom.net
News and Views, Thursdays, 10:30am-11:30am (Zoom only)
Join this lay-led group discussion of current news issues, providing an opportunity for thoughtful reflection on the world around us. Contact info@TempleShalom.net to register.
Sisterhood Book Club, Thursdays, 7:00pm; July 9, August 13, September 17 (Zoom only)
To get the link for the meeting: sign into your Temple account; click this link; and follow the prompts to have the Zoom link sent to your email. For more information, email Sisterhood@TempleShalom.net.
Book Club, starting back up on Sunday mornings, during the school year
Dive deeper into Jewish literature! Temple Shalom’s Book Club explores a variety of fiction and non-fiction with lively discussions and friendly faces. Join us for stimulating conversation and new perspectives. For more information, email BookClub@TempleShalom.net.
POP-UP ADULT EDUCATION
Sukkat Shalom Conversation, Friday, August 14, following 6:00pm Service
Join us for a thoughtful facilitated conversation about Israel. All opinions are welcome. Trained moderators will create space for honest, open dialogue where diverse perspectives are heard and respected. No conclusions required, just community.
Learning with Rabbanit Sara Wolkenfeld Beit Midrash: Learning & Dinner, Wednesday, September 2, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Rabbanit Sara Wolkenfeld is the Chief Learning Officer at Sefaria.org, an online database and interface for Jewish texts that our Temple clergy use often. Rabbanit Wolkenfeld is a Senior Rabbinic Fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute and a Scholar in Residence at Ohev Sholom. She is particularly interested in the cross sections between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Torah, and we are excited for her to share her unique perspective on the topic.
Selichot: Educational Program and Service, Saturday, September 5, 7:00pm refreshments, 7:30pm educational program, and 9:00pm candlelit service
Join your Temple family for a meaningful evening as we prepare our hearts for the High Holidays. The night begins with refreshments and a meaningful program, followed by a beautiful candlelit Selichot service which will include Havdalah and the installation of our incoming Board of Trustees.
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Temple Shalom Adult Education
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Yom Kippur Afternoon Study and Learning Sessions, Monday, September 21
Come reflect in community through dynamic learning on the themes of this sacred day. Specific topics and times to be provided with High Holiday materials.
SAVE THE DATES: POP-UP ADULT EDUCATION 5787
End of Life: What You Need to Know: Kehilat Shalom 5787, Sundays, 9:30am; October 11, November 22, December 20, February 21, March 7, and April 25
Death is a part of life—yet most of us are unprepared for it. This series brings together clergy and other professionals to help you navigate the practical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of end-of-life planning. From estate planning and logistics to Jewish text and tradition, this year’s Kehilat Shalom theme will give you and your family the tools, knowledge, and community support to face the future with clarity and peace of mind.
• November 4, Yolanda Savage-Narva, Vice President for Diversity, Racial Equity, and Inclusion (REDI) for the Union for Reform Judaism. Cosponsored by the Brotherhood, Sisterhood, and Tikkun Olam Committee
• December 2, Topic/Speaker TBD
• January 6, Topic/Speaker TBD
• February 3, Dr. Mirele B Goldsmith, environmental psychologist, educator, and activist.
• March 3, Rabbi Lauren Tuchman, local rabbi and educator and leader in disability access and inclusion in the Jewish community.
• April 7, Rabbi David Saperstein, Director Emeritus of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, and appointed by President Obama as a member of the first White House Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and to serve as the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.
MULTI-SESSION CLASSES REQUIRING REGISTRATION
Introduction to Judaism, Tuesdays, 7:00pm (in person / on Zoom), beginning September 29
Deepen your understanding of Judaism through a Reform lens. Ideal for interfaith couples, parents, and spiritual seekers of all backgrounds, this inclusive course helps give people from all walks of life an introduction to Judaism and the Jewish People. Discover Jewish holidays, values, and the rich tapestry of Jewish experience including our history and contemporary life. Register here.
Hebrew 1: Introduction to the Aleph Bet, Mondays, 7:00pm, beginning October 12
Learn to read the Hebrew alphabet - the names and sounds of the Aleph Bet. Begin to read the Hebrew words you know and add new ones. For more information, contact Rabbi JoHanna Potts at jPotts@templeshalom.net.
Hebrew 2: Hebrew Prayer Fluency, Mondays, 8:15pm, beginning October 12
Sitting in services and enjoying the music is an important aspect to experiencing the spirituality of the service. Add another important aspect - the ability to read and understand the Hebrew of the prayers. For more information, contact Rabbi JoHanna Potts at jPotts@templeshalom.net.
Adult B’notai Mitzvah Class
It’s never too late. Deepen your Jewish journey through Temple Shalom's Adult B’notai Mitzvah program. Embark on a transformative two-year journey of Torah study and spiritual growth. Whether you are new to Judaism or seeking a deeper connection, experience the joy of becoming a leader in your community and celebrating our heritage with a meaningful ceremony. For more information, contact Rabbi JoHanna Potts at jPotts@templeshalom.net. The class date and time will be set after enrollment.
Temple Shalom Sisterhood
By Sisterhood President Juliana Horowitz
This past year, the Sisterhood continued to show up for Temple Shalom. We contributed gelt and Hanukkah candles for Religious School families, gave gifts to each B’notai Mitzvah student, and helped support the Community Kickoff and the end-of-year picnic. We co-sponsored Noa Baum's performance of "A Land Twice Promised," the screening of "Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round," and Beit Midrash speakers. In addition, thanks to a longstanding surplus in the Sisterhood budget, we were able to make a $5,000 gift to the Opening the Gates campaign.
I also spent time this year holding listening sessions and one-on-one conversations with women across the Temple to hear what they want from the Sisterhood. Two themes came through loud and clear. First, women are juggling a lot. Between work, kids, aging parents, and everything else, it's hard to find time to get involved. But at the same time, they're looking for connection. They want to know that there’s a place for them here, whether they’re new to Temple Shalom or have been here for years.
I'll be honest: hearing all the great ideas that came out of those conversations was a little daunting (did I mention women are juggling a lot?). But it was also energizing. Casual game nights, potluck dinners,
Mazel Tov to . . .
FEBRUARY - APRIL
theater outings, women's Seders, weekend retreats, a Sunday morning walking group, a Sisterhood Oneg Shabbat , a WhatsApp group for staying connected between events. The ideas kept coming. And best of all, so many people said, "I can't be in charge, but I'd be willing to help."
That's exactly the spirit I want to build on. I'm putting together a small committee of women from different ages and life stages to help bring some of these ideas to life. Each member will take the lead on one event or activity and pitch in on at least one other. We'll all help recruit volunteers along the way so that no one is carrying the load alone.
In the coming months, we'll be sharing dates and activities through the Temple's weekly email, the Sisterhood email list and other channels. All women at Temple Shalom, as well as anyone who is comfortable in predominantly women's spaces, are welcome to participate, whether you're a duespaying Sisterhood member or not. You don't need to commit to everything. Just show up when you can. In the meantime, reach out to me at sisterhood@ templeshalom.net if you’d like to get involved or have any questions.
Simon Blechman and Reed Leventis, on being accepted to the rabbinical program at Hebrew Union College
Lori Simon-Rusinowitz on the marriage of her daughter
Ilana Simon-Rusinowitz and Seth Dintzer
Tikkun Olam Committee
By Co-Chair Betsy Kingery
In February, members of the Tikkun Olam Committee met to discuss where to focus our energies for the upcoming Temple Shalom fiscal year. We selected three main areas of concern: Democracy; Food Insecurity; and Immigration/Refugee support. We plan to frame these with opportunities for education, advocacy, and direct service.
We will continue to address other important issues such as climate change and gun violence prevention.
There will be lots of ways you can participate:
• Write postcards to Get Out the Vote for the upcoming mid-term elections (to read about Judaism and Voting click https://www.ncjw.org/ wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Judaism-andVoting.pdf )
• Volunteer at Shepherd’s Table on the first Monday of the month
• Donate blood at our biannual Blood Drives (October and April)
• Donate to our school supply drive in late August and our winter coat drive in December
• Continue to work with Homes Not Borders to support refugees and asylum seekers
• Help maintain the new native garden above the Hal Bruno patio and remove invasive species from the Temple grounds
Consider participating or taking a leadership role in any of the above activities!
Stay tuned for updates in our monthly newsletter and Temple Shalom weekly emails. Please reach out to us for more information at tikkunolam@templeshalom.net.
Mazel
Tov to Our Students on
Their
Confirmation and Graduation from Post-Confirmation
Confirmation Students
Aviva Hope Breman
Joseph Daniel Brownlie
Elias Henry Cohen
Rafael Alexander Davis
Mackenzie Hope Efrom
Jaden Zachary Feuer
Tessa Emily Gehl
Max Rose Hutton
Abigail Rose Kasper
Lena Helen Lourenco
Sarani Watts Neravanda
Siena Nirmala Schaner
Eli Valk Waldstreicher
Kate Stromberg Waldstreicher
Shea Ramsey Wolinetz
Post-Confirmation Graduates
Jonah Nadler Cohen
Maxwell Landon Dennis
Seth Jacob Gehl
Kaylee Beth Hopkins
Leander Zane Issenberg
January Kay Lidz
Kenji Bayley Rath
Lila May Shaw
Solomon Schwirck Silver
Rose Helen Slade
Mattea Louise Smith
Benjamin David Szekely
The Book Of Numbers– Bemidbar
By Michael Schwartz
Numbers may be the most difficult book of the Torah to understand in a comprehensive way because it has so many parts. The other four books are more straightforward. Genesis has the story of Creation, of early humanity, and the patriarchs and matriarchs. Exodus has the departure from Egypt, Revelation at Sinai, giving of the Torah, and the beginning of the Jewish people. Leviticus gives us a description of the priestly duties with a formal structure for worship and the towering ideals within the Holiness Code. Deuteronomy gives us Moses’s final, magnificent discourses as he reviews the previous 40 years in the wilderness.
Numbers contains many laws and codes of conduct, as well as a narrative of people wandering in the wilderness, discouraged, angry, and at times rebellious. It takes place in the wilderness, a place that isn’t here or there—a liminal setting full of openness and possibilities, as well as dangers.
It is often read during the summer months and it seems to be less well known than the other four books in the Torah. Its English name derives from a description of a census taken at the beginning of the book. Its Hebrew name, Bemidbar , means In the Wilderness. It chronicles the 40 years of wandering from Mt. Sinai to the edge of the Jordan River with the Land of Israel in sight.
What makes Numbers a difficult book to follow? Rabbi Jonathan Sacks notes that Numbers does strange things with time. The first 11 chapters cover just 20 days in the story of the Israelites. Later, 38 years in the wilderness have disappeared. Initially, the Israelites are just a year from the liberation from Egypt. Next, we read of them getting close to their destination at the Promised Land almost 40 years later.
Despite this time leap, Bemidbar contains some of the
central themes of Torah. One is the tension of chaos and order in the universe. Another is the importance of laws and rules of conduct after humans were given freedom of choice, giving them the freedom to act. God’s laws could be obeyed or could be broken. In Numbers, we see multiple examples of the dangers of chaos and disobeying God’s laws.
There is Koach’s rebellion against Moses. There is the misrepresentation of what the scouts saw during their mission inside the Land of Israel that sets off panic. The Book ends with order restored: a new generation entering the Promised Land, not the generation that left Egypt. It shows that time is the essential element in learning to be a free people—time to make the psychological journey from slavery to freedom.
Maybe take time this summer to look at this remarkable part of the Torah.
Worship Committee
The Worship Committee will meet next on Tuesday, August 18, from 6:00pm-8:00pm in the Chapel.
We'll discuss aspects of services –regular, special, tot, morning, evening, and others! Come join us – no need to RSVP but if you have questions or want to add something to the agenda, email co-chairs Sarah Leavitt leavitt.sarah@gmail.com and Megan Parker meganrk@gmail.com .
Belonging Committee
By Co-Chairs Dana Larkin and Megan Parker
The Temple Shalom Belonging Committee invites all new and newish members, as well as anyone looking to find new ways of belonging at Temple Shalom, to the Belonging Committee Shabbat on July 24. Join us after services for a BYO dinner and celebrate the sweetness of community with an ice cream social. Services will be at 6:00pm, dinner at approximately 7:30pm.
We also welcome any current members to join our new initiative called the Belonging Crew . The Crew is a group of volunteers who welcome folks at Shabbat services and other holidays and programs. Different
Temple Shalom Brotherhood Events
JULY - SEPTEMBER
July
No meeting scheduled
August
August 5, 6:30pm Dinner, 7:00pm Meeting
Exact Location TBD—likely an off-site social dinner or gathering—details to come
A second Social Event/Outing to be announced—details to come
FPO
September
September 9, 6:30pm Dinner, 7:00pm Meeting in Social Hall
from ushering, the Crew is an opportunity to be a friendly face greeting people prior to services, visiting during Oneg, and interacting with members at programs. We will answer questions and encourage engagement at Temple Shalom. Maybe you already do all of this! Joining the Belonging Crew is an easy way to signal your willingness to help others find their sense of belonging at Temple Shalom. If you are interested in joining the Belonging Crew, please contact Dana or Megan at membership@ templeshalom.net .
Many Voices, One Movement
Registration Now Open for URJ Biennial 2026!
Join thousands of clergy, synagogue professionals, and lay leaders, and engaged Reform Jews from across the Reform Movement for four unforgettable days. The 2026 URJ Biennial is an immersive gathering filled with bold conversations, transformative learning, spiritual renewal, and joyful Jewish experience.
Biennial creates space to reconnect with our shared values, deepen relationships across communities, and return home energized with fresh ideas, practical tools, and renewed purpose. At a pivotal moment for Jewish life, this gathering brings us together to learn, celebrate, and strengthen the connections that sustain vibrant congregations and Jewish communities.
Register now and secure your spot! Join us December 10-13, 2026 in Philadelphia as we gather as a Movement for an unforgettable four-day immersive experience.
Why Biennial? Why Now?
Jewish communities are navigating complexity, opportunity, and change. Biennial offers intentional space to come together with openness and belonging — to explore perspectives, connect meaningfully, and grow together. Participants will:
Join Reform Jews from across North America, December 10-13, 2026 in Philadelphia.
● Feel part of something larger than themselves: a Movement rooted in shared purpose.
Register now! URJ.org/BIENNIAL26
● Engage in thoughtful dialogue across perspectives.
● Experience Jewish joy, spirituality, culture, and music alongside rigorous learning.
This is a great opportunity for connection and Jewish learning. Hosted by the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ).
● Hear from inspiring voices addressing today’s challenges and opportunities.
● Strengthen relationships that support thriving communities.
Please email Anne Feinberg afeinberg@mindspring.com for any questions.
● Return home re-energized, with clarity and actionable ideas.
Biennial isn't just an event you attend: it's an experience. It’s where we gather to celebrate who we are, strengthen our shared purpose, and imagine what comes next together.
Biennial isn't just an event you attend: it's an experience. It’s where we gather to celebrate who we are, strengthen our shared purpose, and imagine what comes next together.
Mitzvah Corps
Temple Shalom’s Mitzvah Corps is here to help.
Has there been a new baby? Is someone ill and would like a visit? Has there been a death in the family and you would like to have a shiva minyan? Do you need a ride to a medical appointment?
For these and other things our Temple’s caring committee will try to help. Call the Temple office or Wilma Braun (301-461-0856) or Carolyn Shargel (301-299-2244).
Join the Generation to Generation Circle’s legacy program for the future of Temple Shalom. Legacy gifts of any amount are a way to express your support for the continuation of our Temple’s Jewish studies, values and community.
A legacy gift can be very easy to do through a designation in your retirement fund, bank account, life insurance policy or donor advised fund. For information about the easiest ways to make your legacy gift, email Rachel Miller or call her at 516-754-7439 for a private discussion.
We are grateful to all our members and look forward to building a bigger and stronger circle to take us into the decades ahead.
Temple Shalom Funds
Tzedakah is a central mitzvah of Judaism. Donors benefit as much as, or more, from giving as does the recipient. Donating tzedakah can recognize a special event, honor an individual, memorialize a loved one or community member, or thank the Temple or an individual for something particular. All contributions made to Temple Shalom funds are fully eligible for a tax deduction and all amounts are welcome.
GENERAL FUND
These gifts have a great impact due to their flexibility and help ensure that our Temple is open to all, regardless of financial ability.
CAPITAL FUND
Capital projects support ongoing long-term work to improve our building and grounds.
ENDOWMENT FUND HONORING
RABBI EMERITUS BRUCE E. KAHN
Supports the long-term financial health of Temple Shalom for generations to come.
CLERGY MITZVAH FUNDS
This is a traditional way to say thank you for support with a lifecycle event or other personal guidance, service or inspiration. Clergy use them for tzedakah projects at the clergy’s discretion.
Senior Rabbi Rachel Ackerman
Cantor Ze’evi Tovlev
Rabbi Educator Joshua Gischner
Rabbi Emeritus Bruce E. Kahn
SPECIAL PURPOSE FUNDS
There are 12 Special Purpose Funds, each uniquely dedicated to supporting specific projects and/or activities to supplement Temple funding.
Adele D. Lewis Memorial Teachers Fund
Professional development for religious school teachers and the betterment of the religious school.
Burton Hoffman Memorial Fund
Special projects to support our Temple community related to worship, education, youth engagement, life cycle events, films/media presentations and adult b’nai mitzvah program.
David Mark Gildenhorn Fund
Scholarships for Temple youth to participate in programs in Israel.
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Temple Shalom Funds
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David Rivkind Memorial Flower Fund
Floral and other decorations are used for Temple Shalom’s services/programs and for the general beautification of the Temple and its grounds.
Eli Newberger Speakers Fund Speaker programs for Temple Shalom, including its Brotherhood.
Herman Rosenfeld Memorial Resettlement Fund Funds or loans to Jewish immigrants resettling in the United States; support Temple Shalom’s pursuit of social justice (including Mitzvah Corps).
Levinsohn-Feinberg Youth Educational Program Fund Scholarships for Temple members to attend Jewish summer camps and programs for Temple youth.
Opening the Gates Campaign Fund
Supports Temple Shalom’s capital
campaign to transform our physical space to match our values of community, accessibility, and inclusivity.
Oscar Felker Memorial Educational Enrichment Fund
Educational enrichment for adults and youth, including scholarships for college/rabbinical/cantorial school, special projects for the religious school, purchase of books/reference materials, educational trips for members, and Scholars-in-Residence.
Sigmund Mayer Jr. Prayer Book Fund
For the purchase of prayer books, ritual items, and other ways to enable participation in religious services at Temple Shalom.
Phyllis and Stanley Nehmer Fund for Special Events
Temple programming/special events to expand Judaic knowledge, social interaction, continuing education, and arts enrichment.
The Tretter Family Music Fund
Supports the Temple’s music programming, including Artistsin-Residence, scholarships for song leaders, shaliach tzibur , music training camps, musical community outreach, commissioning of music for Temple Shalom, musical education for Temple music groups, and audio-visual equipment not covered through other means.
Torat Shalom Fund
Torah-related education and programming, including Shabbat morning Torah study.
Yvonne Wagner Emergency Needs Fund
Enables our clergy to support members of our congregation in need.
To make a donation, click here .
Donations may also be mailed to: Accounting Manager, Temple Shalom, 8401 Grubb Rd., Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Please specify the occasion or person being honored or remembered, the fund for your donation, and the name and address of the person who should be informed of your contribution.
Donations
FEBRUARY – APRIL
Tzedakah humanizes both the giver and the recipient. It acknowledges an important occasion, thanks someone for a particular thing or pays tribute in sympathy. Temple Shalom thanks all who have generously donated to our community. These acknowledgments generally do not include donations to our Capital Campaign, which will be acknowledged separately.
IN LOVING MEMORY
In loving memory of Fran Berger
Maurice Axelrad
Joan and Earl Becraft
Michelle Berger
Phyllis and Thomas Dietz
Edward Dosik
Steven and Brenda Friedman
Amihan Huesmann
Carol Jimenez
Joan Kalin
Fred and Marie Kaplowitz
Alan and Judith Lewis
Luella Mast
Walter and Rachel Miller
Judith Morenoff
Jerry and Deborah Nedelman
Julian Rich
Stephen and Helene Sacks
Myra Schnur
Marcia and Stu Sherman
Howard Silberberg
Steven and Helen Spindel
Carl and Beryl Tretter
Jackie Tyson
Myrna Wagman
Richard Weitzner and Vickie Gaul
Matt and Jen Andelman in honor of Werner Buckold
Maurice Axelrad in memory of Joe Salus
Harvey Berger in memory of Ben Schaeffer and Harriett Shulman
Lynn Brooks in memory of Hank Kravetz
Jeff Freedman in memory of Eli Aptaker and Mark Freedman
Robert and Alice Goodman in memory of Anne Goodman and Isaac Lowenstein
Karl Held and Fran Paver in memory of Daniel Paver
Stephen Horowitz and Linda Chang in memory of Wynne Wu
Barbara Jacobowitz in memory of Edith Pearl Esterman and Herb Jacobowitz
Miles and Paula Kahn in memory of Mildred Kahn
Rabbi Bruce E. and Toby Kahn in memory of Irving Levin
Joan Kalin in memory of Leo Hamburger, Solomon Hamburger, Esther Miller and Joe Salus
Joan Kalin in honor of Laurie Nada, Garrett Nada and Family, and in memory of their husband, father, and grandfather Bill.
Lynn and Temma Kanowith in memory of Ira Kanowith
Fred and Marie Kaplowitz in memory of Roslyn Coven, Mildred Kaplowitz, and Allen Robinson
Robin Kragen and Gabriel Sussman in memory of Beverly Kragen
Michael and Barbara Krause in memory of Leonard Paymer
Scott Kravetz in memory of Herman Kravetz, Elizabeth Baywood, Gabriel Swart and Tressa Swart
Stuart Leven in memory of his mother, Sari Leven Camras
Myles R. Levin in memory of Abraham Levin, Louisa Levin and Evelyn Levin
Karen and John Lowe in memory of Irwin Lowe
Craig Lustig and Pete Carter in memory of Leonard Lustig
Walter and Rachel Miller in memory of Ethel Miller and Joe Salus
Jerry and Deborah Nedelman in memory of Kimberly Custin, Max Gavzy, and Eugene Luttenberg
Eric Pianin and Laurie McGinley in memory of Mary McGinley and Larry Pianin
Lydia and Peter Schlosser in memory of Susan Schlosser and Wil Schlosser
Martin and Carolyn Shargel in honor of Kimberly and Jeane Custin
Benjamin Smith and Doreen Sterling in memory of Ruth Mitchell
Steven and Helen Spindel in memory of Florence Spindel and Lourdes Nisce
Dianne Tencer in memory of my loving Dad, Philip Milstein
Janice Zalen and Jared Wermiel in memory of Nathan Wermiel
Rita Zucker in memory of Betty Zucker
GENERAL FUND
Carrie Feibel and Eric Kayne for sponsoring the Oneg Shabbat in honor of Joni's Bat Mitzvah
Laura and Ryan Gehl in honor of the confirmation class of 2026 and the wonderful teachers and clergy who supported them this year
Barbara Jacobowitz for sponsoring the Oneg Shabbat in memory of Herb Jacobowitz on his yahrzeit
Megan and Austin Parker in honor of Andy Mark, for everything she has done to help Ginny reach the milestone of her Bat Mitzvah
Earl Steinberg and Claire Reade
Temple Shalom Brotherhood with thanks to Elliot Waxman, Karen Miller, and Jeff Waldstreicher for participating in the March 2026 Brotherhood Retreat
SANCTUARY MEMORIAL PLAQUE
Barbara Jacobowitz in memory of Herb Jacobowitz
Therese Salus in memory of Joseph Salus
CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
Peggy MacKnight in memory of Fran Berger and Joe Salus
ENDOWMENT FUND HONORING RABBI EMERITUS
BRUCE E. KAHN
Harvey Berger in memory of Pearl Axelrad
Patricia Eisen in memory of Fran Berger
Richard and Debbie Gittelman in memory of Fran Berger
Brian Handelman in memory of Beverly Handelman
Lynn and Temma Kanowith in memory of Gary Bassin and Fran Berger
Karen and John Lowe in memory of Fran Berger
Megan and Austin Parker in honor of Michael Schwartz for shepherding Ginny so beautifully through her Torah teachings as her Bat Mitzvah Madrich
CLERGY DISCRETIONARY FUNDS
Senior Rabbi Rachel Ackerman Mitzvah Fund
Stuart Bassin and Audrey Adamson in memory of Gary Bassin
Stuart and Jeannette Gordon in memory of Fran Berger
Karl Held and Fran Paver in honor of Jane Rosov's special birthday
Elizabeth and William Kingery in memory of Fran Berger
Rita Klein thanking Rabbi Ackerman for leading the shiva service for her mom and for her support in a difficult time
Leah Markowitz and Raymond Budd in honor of Andrea Mark
Bela Saxonov Moore praying for the speedy recovery of Irina Saksonova
Megan and Austin Parker to celebrate Ginny's Bat Mitzvah and to honor everything Rabbi Rachel has done to help Ginny reach this milestone
Mark and Diane Ross in memory of Serene Freier
Martin and Carolyn Shargel in memory of Earl Shargel
Cantor Ze'evi Tovlev Mitzvah Fund
Rabbi Rachel Ackerman and Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin with gratitude to Cantor Tovlev for Shir's naming and support while on leave
Amy and Adam Levner in honor of Ellie Levner's Bat Mitzvah
Leah Markowitz and Raymond Budd in honor of Michael Schwartz
Megan and Austin Parker in honor of Ginny's Bat Mitzvah, with thanks for all that Cantor Ze'evi has done to make this milestone happen.
Michelle Windmueller and Mike Landweber to celebrate their wedding and to thank Cantor Ze’evi for officiating
Rabbi Educator Josh Gischner Mitzvah Fund
Rabbi Rachel Ackerman and Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin with gratitude to Rabbi Josh for Shir's naming and support while on leave
Shanna and Michael Hirsch in memory of Averell Eisner and with thanks for his support
Amy and Adam Levner in honor of Ellie Levner's Bat Mitzvah
Temple Shalom Brotherhood with thanks to Rabbi Josh for leading services at the Brotherhood Retreat
Rabbi Emeritus Bruce E. Kahn Mitzvah Fund
Miles and Paula Kahn in memory of Fran Berger
Lynn and Temma Kanowith in memory of Leon Schor, Jack Kanowith, and Lenore Rosen
Pauline Robinson in honor of Rabbi Kahn's guidance and understanding during Al's final illness
Martin and Rachel Small in support of the great work that you do
Temple Shalom Brotherhood with thanks to Rabbi Kahn for leading services at the Brotherhood Retreat
SPECIAL FUNDS
Eli Newberger Speakers Fund
Robert and Linda Krauss in memory of Francine Berger
Herman Rosenfeld Religious School Scholarship and Social Justice Fund
Scott Kravetz in honor of and with sincerest thanks and appreciation for your part during our Yom HaShoah service by participating in the important mitzvah of honoring our congregants' family members who perished in the Holocaust. Honorees: Joseph Brownlie, Jaden Feuer, Abby Kasper, Eli Waldstreicher, Kate Waldstreicher, Sarani Neravanda, Shea Wolinetz, Siena Schaner, Ruby Spencer, and Tessa Gehl
Levinsohn-Feinberg Youth Educational Program Fund
Rabbi Rachel Ackerman and Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin in honor of Andrew Maayan, Rabbi Kahn, Rabbi Potts, and Rabbi Emily Meyer with gratitude for Shir's naming and support while on leave
Matt and Jen Andelman in honor of Temple Shalom Brotherhood
Harvey Berger in memory of Allen Robinson
Ann Rubin Goldman in memory of Joost Oppenheim
Rita Klein in memory of Fran Berger
Myles R. Levin in memory of Bernard Levin and Fran Berger
Opening The Gates Campaign Fund
In memory of Fran Berger
Barry Molar and Juliet Mellow
Michael and Leslie Rubin
Alan and Amy Shaffer
Lois Simpson
Dianne Tencer
In memory of Suzanne Klein
Carol Jimenez
Randee Hilton
Paulette and Manny Miller
Michael and Leslie Rubin
Jean Waxman
Scott Kravetz in honor of Karen Lowe for speaking with the 10th grade about our new Torah mantels
Barry Molar and Juliet Mellow in memory of Shirley and Noah Molar
Oscar Felker Memorial Educational Program Fund
Richard and Vivian Kramer in memory of Fran Berger and Sam Brown
Linda Newman in memory of Rita Klein's mother, Susan Klein
Tretter Family Music Fund
Pauline Robinson in honor of Barbara Jacobowitz for organizing and setting up the funeral lunch and shiva services for Allen Robinson
Yvonne Wagner Emergency Needs Fund
Elizabeth S. Wagner, with great honor and pride that this fund is established in memory of my mother who had a gift for helping others in need at Temple Shalom
Condolences
FEBRUARY – APRIL
Stuart (Audrey Adamson) and Emma Bassin on the death of their father and grandfather Gary Bassin
Harvey Berger on the death of his wife Francine Berger
Alex Custin (Amanda McCrea) on the death of his mother Kimberly Custin
Scott (Sarah), Noa and Elliott Fleischer on the death of their grandmother and great-grandmother
Pearl Goldstein
Alisha Greenberg (Chris Farley) and Jacob Farley on the death of their grandfather and greatgrandfather Bert Greenberg
Rita Klein on the death of her mother Suzanne Varon Klein
Randall (Heidi Lovett), Isaac and David Luttenberg on the death of their father and grandfather Eugene “Gene” Luttenberg
Sharon (Emily Hecht-McGowan), Sadie and Shaia McGowan on the death of their mother and grandmother Marie McGowan
Garrett (Lital), Shiran and Lior Nada on the death of their father and grandfather Bill Nada
Diane Ross (Mark) on the death of her mother
Serene Freier
Sharon Salus on the death of her husband
Joseph Salus
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