Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
This is my third speech
at Yom Kippur services.
This one, unlike the
others, was dicult to
put down on paper.
Typically, I kick around
ideas in my head for
a few weeks, start
writing my message a few weeks before
the service, and tweak it up until the actual
service. This year was completely dierent.
As I started to think about what to speak
about, I thought of everything that has
happened to us in 2020, and by ‘us’, I mean
the world, America and everyone watching
me during the services. For the life of me, I
could not come up with anything that has
happened that was worth talking about.
That right there is the rst item I want to
address. Lying - everyone does it; it can be
little white lies to full blown, “Hey, it’s wasn’t
me”. We are taught at a young age that
we better get to bed because if we don’t,
(insert several names here) won’t come and
do what they do. We lie to infants, “Here
comes the airplane,” when it’s really
a spoon.
Now, I am not saying that we should tell
the truth every time. That is not realistic.
Things happen, and things change. So,
you tell your kids that you are going to
Hershey Park tomorrow, and then it rains,
and you don’t go. At a certain age, they can
understand, but the younger one would
be devastated. But what is important to
understand is that everyone lies. There
are some individuals for which lying is the
only thing that they do. However, in this
current pandemic situation with people
staying indoors and not seeing friends or
family, people are developing depression.
If you speak to a friend via phone, zoom or
socially distanced visitations and they say
‘I’m Fine,’ and you just know better, don’t
stop there, go further and get them to talk,
keep checking in on them. There are too
many people that are in a bad place these
days. It is our mitzvah to make sure that
they make it through.
The second and just as important issue that
we are facing is the loss of social discourse.
Right or wrong, left or right, black or white,
I do not recall in all of my years that it was
ever this bad. There is an old saying, “Don’t
talk about politics, religion and her. They
are discussions that you just can’t win.”
My question is what happened to having
any discussion, using truth and facts, and
being friends at the end. These days it
seems that you cannot be on the other
side and be a nice person, someone that is
smart, someone that seeks to understand.
Instead, you are just wrong. It seems that
violence is the answer for some people.
If you are wearing the wrong jersey at a
sporting event, you get beaten up. If you
are gathering and someone does not like
you, your point of view, or that you are in
their area, then they use their car to make
a point.
I look back to a point in our history when
I can say being dierent, having dierent
views on how something should be
done, did not stop things from getting
done. When the Republican President
Ronald Reagan and the Democratic House
Leader, Tip O’Neil were both in power,
they did something that just seems to be
unattainable today -They Worked Together.
They worked on items that put the country
rst, not their party, the Country. That is
what we need to get back to. Everyone
today needs to look at the issues at hand,
decide what is best for the country, state,
Oce and Worship: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick (UUCF), 4880 Elmer Derr Rd., Frederick, MD 21703
A Member of the Union for Reform Judaism
congregation
Kol Ami
of frederick
A Member of the Union for Reform Judaism
The Voice
congregation
Kol Ami
of frederick
A Member of the Union for Reform Judaism
The Voice
November/December 2020
Thanksgiving –
America’s Sukkot
Rabbi Marc A. Gruber
Thanksgiving is
unique among
our American
holidays. Most
of our national,
patriotic
observances
are secular.
Thanksgiving is a religious holiday.
Incredibly, it is a religious celebration
that is not limited to any singular
group. All Americans no matter
religious aliation or ethnic origins
celebrate Thanksgiving; each year we
are united in gratitude. The Pilgrims
based the original Thanksgiving
celebration on the Biblical harvest
holiday that we still celebrate
millennia later - Sukkot.
Sitting in the imsy, fragile sukkah
that will protect us from the heat
of the sun, but not the rain, we
think about the vulnerability of this
structure and the fragility of our
lives. This awareness could lead us to
depression, or we could develop a
sense of appreciation. Let us choose
awareness and appreciation; let us
savor the abundance we enjoy and
My High Holiday Message
Dan Sieger, President
Continued on page 2
Our Mission
To be an inclusive Reform
Jewish congregation that is
family-focused, community-
oriented, emphasizes spiritual
and cultural identity, and is
dedicated to the Jewish
education of all generations.
Continued on page 5
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
2
From Rabbi Marc Gruber
Continued from page 1
give thanks. Let us learn to live each day in meaningful ways.
The most dicult aspect of Jewish life in America is creating
Jewish rhythms in our lives. I believe that it is important to
remember Thanksgiving not simply as an American holiday, not
just as part of our civic culture, but as a time to thank God for the
bounty of the harvest. We can do this in our homes.
This year, consider both our Jewish and American heritages.
When your family sits down to dinner, pause for a brief service
before partaking of your holiday meal. I provide three readings
below. To open your service, you could read an excerpt from
George Washington’s letter to the Hebrew congregation of
Newport, Rhode Island. The letter focuses our attention on the
freedoms of religion and conscience that we cherish. Next read a
poem. I suggest the ‘Colossus’ by Emma Lazarus. This poem is
engraved on a tablet axed to the Statue of Liberty. It is a poem
of Thanksgiving and a celebration of liberty. The poem by Rabbi
Sheila Peltz-Weinberg below is another possible selection. Take
turns around the table, have each person share one blessing for
which she or he is thankful. Bless the food, pray Shehechiyanu, and
delight in a joyous feast. This brief service will add much to your
Thanksgiving commemoration.
From our home to yours, Renee joins me in sending each of you
good wishes for a meaningful and healthy Thanksgiving holiday.
B’vrakha (with blessing) - הכרבב
Rabbi Marc A. Gruber
Washington’s commitment to religious liberty, the involvement of all people in the new democracy and the campaign for passage
of the Bill of Rights combined on that August day in Newport, Rhode Island. The result is the Letter to the Hebrew Congregations of
Newport, a profound statement of the values that make America an example to the world.
President Washington’s Letter to the Hebrew Congregation
of Newport, Rhode Island, August 21, 1790
Gentlemen:
While I received with much satisfaction your address replete
with expressions of esteem, I rejoice in the opportunity of
assuring you that I shall always retain grateful remembrance
of the cordial welcome I experienced on my visit to Newport
from all classes of citizens.
The reection on the days of diculty and danger which are
past is rendered the more sweet from a consciousness that
they are succeeded by days of uncommon prosperity
and security.
If we have wisdom to make the best use of the advantages
with which we are now favored, we cannot fail, under the just
administration of a good government, to become a great and
happy people.
The citizens of the United States of America have a right to
applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples
of an enlarged and liberal policy—a policy worthy of
imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and
immunities of citizenship.
It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were
the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed
the exercise of their inherent natural rights, for, happily,
the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry
no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only
that they who live under its protection should demean
themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions
their eectual support.
It would be inconsistent with the frankness of my character
not to avow that I am pleased with your favorable opinion of
my administration and fervent wishes for my felicity.
May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this
land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other
inhabitants—while every one shall sit in safety under his own
vine and g tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.
May the father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness,
upon our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful
here, and in His own due time and way everlastingly happy.
G. Washington
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
3
Emma Lazarus was a passionate immigration activist, becoming particularly involved in the plight of Russian Jewish refugees. She
wrote the poem in 1883 to help raise funds for the construction of the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal. Twenty years later (1903) the bronze
plaque with this poem was axed to the pedestal.
The New Colossus
By Emma Lazarus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose ame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
This Poem by Rabbi Sheila Peltz-Weinberg can help us to focus on the mitzvah of gratitude to God for the mysteries of life and the
bounties of creation.
A Poem For Home Use on Thanksgiving
To smell and taste cinnamon and nutmeg spicing
apples, chestnuts, pumpkin, squash,
buttered beans, corn, sweet potatoes.
To pause in the presence of ripeness
and give thanks.
To say YES to
Interdependence, harmony, connection.
YES to belonging, to receiving, to giving.
YES to the aroma of baking bread.
YES to the eternity of love and kindness.
Thanking is reaching, climbing over the
wall/boundary of me
and you, person/planet, to hold hands, ngers
interlacing.
Thanking is dancing with the elements of life - earth
air water re water re earth
breath sun tears bones.
Dancing with
oceans, streams, milk, tears, sweat, rain - juices of life.
Singing with sun, passion, cooking, warming,
candles stars
hearth of life.
Laughing with
breath, wind, wings, weather, smelling, sailing -
waving of
life.
Playing with
bones, dust, mountains, grass, mud, desert - clay of life.
Thanking is amazement at the bounty
and grief at the waste.
Thanking grows on more thanking. It is a daily practice
we need to teach ourselves and our children.
Thanking is forgiving ourselves for not being perfect.
Thanking is walking toward and hugging.
Thanking is stretching the bers of our souls until we
barely recognize ourselves.
Thanking is remembering.
Remembering that we come from the earth and unto
her bounty we shall return.
May thanksgiving be our travel guide, our friend
Teaching us to take only what we need.
To walk with gentle steps.
And to pause in the presence of ripeness.
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
4
Religious School
T
hings look very
dierent for our
school than they
did last year. We have
moved to all remote learning. We have
purchased a new curriculum for the year
that is designed to be used remotely.
The curriculum also enables students to
login and practice their Hebrew at their
convenience and gives feedback when
they complete something correctly or
not. The Jewish Values curriculum is built
on providing Jewish values through
an age appropriate lens. For example,
the lens for 4th grade is Self, for 6th is
Community, and for 7th is Tikkun Olam
(repairing our world).
Each issue, I will share 2-3 of those values
and how dierent grades may be taught.
The seven values are Teshuvah, B’Tzelem
Elohim, Gevaurah, Achrayut, Hakarat
Hatov, Koach Hadibar, and Shalom.
For this issue, let’s talk about Teshuvah –
taking responsibility for your actions and
B’Tzelem Elohim – honoring the image of
God in ourselves and others.
[from the Shalom Learning curriculum]
Teshuvah for 7th Graders (the lens of
repairing our world), the concept of
repentance is powerful for students in
the middle-school age group. Rumors
and gossip are widespread and can
signicantly impact students’ lives.
Seventh grade is a time of incredible
growth and a strong understanding
of the concept of teshuvah can help
students navigate the often tough and
unfair world of middle school. Words
are extremely powerful, especially the
words, “I’m sorry.” In a world culture
where “talk is cheap,” where chatting with
someone usually takes place in a digital
room, and where “I’m sorry” becomes a
meaningless line, the idea of genuine
sincere repentance initiated by self-
analysis and reection is a critical life skill
for middle school aged students to learn.
The High Holidays give us a timeframe,
boundaries, and a method for practicing
teshuvah. The concept of teshuvah helps
students understand that when they
make a mistake, spread a rumor, gossip
about a classmate, or even just standby
as others use their words in a negative
way, teshuvah is a means through which
they can right a wrong, bridge a gap, or
heal a wound.
B’Tzelem Elohim for 3rd grade (the lens of
family) – honoring the image of God in
ourselves and other is the underpinning
of the Jewish value system, the notion
that humans were created b’tzelem
Elohim (in God’s image). This unit explores
how we can honor the image of God in
ourselves and in others and how that
aects the way we behave in the world.
This unit is building the argument that
humanity–and particularly the Jewish
people who have embraced this aspect
of their master creation story–have a
purpose and mission to their lives of
divine proportions. This value underlies
the units that we will study the rest of
the year; our status as images of God
will help us summon the courage to
act when needed, will clearly point to
our responsibilities towards others, will
remind us of the power in speech and
words, and will make us seekers of peace
and wholeness.
I am happy to answer questions
about our new curriculum. Please
feel free to contact me at education@
kolamifrederick.org
Our religious school program goes beyond the “walls” of our school. Participating
in synagogue activities and service attendance are important parts of being in a
Jewish community. The following students will receive a certicate and free child’s
meal courtesy of Texas Roadhouse.
Our School Virtually …
Joanna Sieger, Director of Education
The following students
are in grades 5-7 and have
attended at least six services
this school year:
Dylan Lavo
Joshua Lavo
Bailey Smith
I would like to recognize the following
students in grades K-4 who attended
more than two services in September
and October:
Anna Anderson
Alexis Fogelson
Micah Friedman
Sophie Friedman
Zachary Haldeman
Gavin Lavo
Jacob Levitan
Hunter Lieberman
Olive Medovoy
Poppy Medovoy
Balian Vaughan
Hadrian Vaughan
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
5
Brotherhood hosted tournament to pick next post-pandemic dinner location
Je Feiertag
Unable to have our monthly dinners at area restaurants, the
Congregation Kol Ami Brotherhood held a 16-team bracket style
tournament through part of the pandemic. We began with a
partial list of restaurants we have visited over the last few years
and grouped them into four categories: Bar Food, Mexican, Italian
and Asian.
The rst round featured several routs, with Oscar’s Alehouse,
Lucky Corner and Modern Asia all earning over 80% of the votes
in their respective match-ups. Into the next round, we saw two
upsets as California Tortilla edged out La Paz by one vote and
Modern Asia overcame Lucky Corner by the same margin.
The nal four gave us Oscar’s Alehouse over California Tortilla
with a dominant win, as the former’s fans counted for over
three-fourths of the votes. The second match-up was not very far
o from the rst, with Manalu topping Modern Asia to head into
the nals.
The last pairing was a classic match-up of comfort foods in a time
of uncertainty: Oscar’s Alehouse against Manalu, each a number
one seed from their respective regions. Voting ran for several days
and was even tied, heading into the later part of the week. When
all was said and done, though, Manalu took the title (58% to 42%
of the vote).
When it is safe for the group to head back to our monthly dinners
on the town, Manalu will be our rst stop. We will share a good
meal and tell some stories – all for the cost of a few pennes.
From the President
Continued from page 1
Trivia Night– Kol Ami Social Distancing Style
David Silberman
On Saturday Oct 10, the 2nd Congregation Kol Ami Trivia Contest-
Social Distancing Style, was held to benet Kol Ami and to
provide some challenging questions to the participants. There
were 23 people who signed up to play via e-mail, and they had to
answer such questions as:
What lm did Steven Spielberg win his rst Oscar for
Best Director?
What is the oldest active ballpark in Major League Baseball?
What was the rst state to ratify the US Constitution?
Each participant was asked to not look up the answers, but to
guess based on their own knowledge!! The winner, who got 18
of the 20 questions correct, was Steve Lazerowich. Steve won
a Dunkin Donuts giftcard. Honorable mentions go to Ralene
Damanti and Brenda Silberman, who each got 17 correct answers,
and to Anne Cohen, Michael Cohen, and Gerald Cohen, who each
got 16 correct answers.
(The answers to the above trivia questions-- Schindler’s List;
Fenway Park; and Delaware.)
local, community, your own household and work together with
all sides to achieve the result. You may not ‘like’ the way that it
is decided to be done, but if the results (legally and ethically)
achieve the goal, that is what we need to do.
Over the past year, we have had some major changes at Kol Ami.
Each year we gain new members, and, on the ip side, we lose
some. There are members that move out of the area, members
that just have outgrown Kol Ami and recently, one member
stated that they left because over the past few years, events were
either never announced or cancelled due to lack of participation.
This last reason is concerning to me, as that member did not
attend the events that we did have and never oered to help or
volunteer to help make those events happen. We are not a huge
1000+ member congregation. We are not a congregation with a
long history that has had money and/or property gifted to them.
We are not a congregation that charges large membership fees
and therefore, we are not able to hire several full-time individuals,
whose job is to plan and make events happen. We are a small,
caring, community that must come together to make Kol Ami
grow and prosper. I ask that you take a moment to get involved.
I ask that you take a moment when we get back to in person and
attend an event. I ask that you keep your friends and family at Kol
Ami in your thoughts during this time and do what needs to be
done, for us all to make it to the other side of this.
So, in conclusion, do not believe people when they lie that
everything is ok. Just because you are right, does not make me
wrong and vice versa. Let us work together to make the world
a better place. And lastly, your membership fees and donations
are welcomed and needed, but please do not feel that is all. We
want to see and be with you as well. That is what it means to be a
family, and we are all Kol Ami family.
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
6
November 7- Veyeira, Genesis 18:1-22:24
Three visitors tell Abraham he will soon have a son. Abraham
argues with God about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Lot’s wife becomes a pillar of salt. Isaac is born. Ishmael is sent
away, and Abraham is tested by the Akeda.
November 14 – Chayye Sarah, Genesis 23:1-25:18
Abraham purchases the cave at Machpelah to bury Sarah. Isaac
marries Rebekah. Abraham dies and is buried with Sarah.
November 21 – Toledot, Genesis 25:19-28:9
The birth of Esau and Jacob. Rebekah and Jacob conspire to steal
Esau’s blessing. Jacob ees to Haran.
November 28 – Vayyetze, Genesis 28:10-32:3
Jacob’s dream. Jacob works 7 years for Laban for the right to
marry Rachel, is tricked into marrying Leah too and must work 7
more years. Jacob and his family leave Laban’s household with
great wealth.
December 5 – Vayyishlach, Genesis 32:4-36:43
Jaco wrestles with God and then meets Esau. Dinah is raped at
Shechem, and her brothers retaliate. Rachel dies giving birth to
Benjamin. Isaac dies and is buried in Hebron.
December 12 – Vayyeshev, Genesis 37:1-40:23
Jacob favors his son Joseph, but his jealous brothers sell Joseph
into slavery and suggest to Jacob he has died.
December 19 – Mikketz, Genesis 41:1-44:17
Joseph correctly interprets Pharaoh’s two dreams. Pharaoh
places Joseph in charge of food collection and distribution.
Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt looking for food and eventually
are ordered (by Joseph) to leave Egypt without Benjamin.
December 26 – Vayiggash, Genesis 44:18-47:27
Judah pleas for Benjamin’s freedom and oers himself instead.
Joseph reveals his identity. Jacob learns Joseph is alive, comes to
Egypt and settles in Goshen. The Israelites thrive in Egypt.
Torah…“It is a tree of life to all who grasp it, and whoever holds on to it is happy; its ways are
ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace. (Proverbs 3:17-18)
The Parshyot for November and December are as follows:
December Birthdays
c Michelle Baird
c Liberty Black
c Lieba Cohen
c Susan Davis
c Ruth de La Viez
c Scott Friedman
c Beckett Gordon
c Hyatt Gordon
c Tom Griesacker
c Chris Haas
c Ellen Koitz
c Gavin Lavo
c Robert Lazorchak
c Sam Levitan
c Grant Lieberman
c Hunter Lieberman
c Gabe Maymon
c Linda McMullen
c Laurel Messite
c Alexia Nickol
c Robert Parnes
c Franna Ruddell
c Haley Smith
c Ilene Smith
c Lee Smith
c Al Steinbach
c Rachel Whitaker
c Avery Yancer
January Birthdays
c Anna Anderson
c Tess Blumenthal
c Howard Buxbaum
c Wendy Cary
c Jill Cody
c Tom Evans
c Matthew Fogelson
c Marjorie Haas
c Ilise Haldeman
c Bernard Loeb
c Cli Miller
c Lee Nelson
c Joseph Schwinger
c Talia Seidman
c Brenda Silberman
c Mayson Smith
c Jack Star
c Joshua Yancer
c Matthew Yancer
Wish your friends a ‘Happy Birthday’ and benet Kol Ami
Everyone likes to be remembered, and it’s time to celebrate our December and January birthday congregants.
All you have to do is cut out the list, place a checkmark next to the name(s) of those you want to send a greeting, (at $1.00 per
greeting), and sign the list the way you want your name written on the card. Please make your check out to Congregation Kol
Ami of Frederick, and mail it to
Judi Feldman,5005 Small Gains Way, Frederick, MD 21703.
Judi will send out a festive card, to each recipient, with the names of those sending birthday wishes. Please respond ASAP and
before Nov. 25 for both months.
Very Important: Please check the list and make sure we did not omit your name or the name(s) of your family members. If you
have any questions, please call Judi at (216) 402-5543.
Thank you very much!
Birthday greetings from: _____________________________________________________________________________________
(Please indicate how the cards should be signed, i.e. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Jane Smith, or The Smith Family)
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
7
The Well
Kerry Reynolds
Given Middle Eastern climate and topography, it is not
surprising so many important Torah stories involve water.
This includes several of the most iconic Biblical moments,
such as Noah’s ood (Gen. 7), Moses at the Red Sea (Exod.
14) and Joshua preparing to cross the Jordan (Deut. 34).
Meanwhile, routine daily village life tended to revolve
around a well, which – as the oce water cooler of its
time – served as a place to meet and greet and for many
Torah ancestors to begin courtships. On November 14,
Reform Jews will read Chayye Sarah, wherein Abraham
sends his servant to nd a wife for Isaac. The servant
encounters Rebekah at a well near Nahor (Gen. 24), and
she will become pivotal in sustaining our faith. One
generation later, Jacob meets Rachel at a well near Haran
(Gen. 29), after which he receives an unexpected two wives
and fathers the Twelve Tribes. In the next book, Moses
will meet Zipporah at her local well in Midian (Exod. 2),
launching a sojourn that includes a burning bush.
These were all happy stories, but, due their importance,
wells also became the scenes of conict. In Toledot, we
learn the Philistines stopped all of Abraham’s wells and
lled them with dirt (Gen. 26), and Isaac struggled to
reopen or build one he could secure – nally settling on
one near Beersheba. In addition to ownership issues, there
also was a pecking order for watering livestock. Moses
came to Zipporah’s attention when he prevented other
shepherds from bumping her family’s ock from
the queue.
On November 7, we will read Vayera. During this parashah,
Abraham and God draw closer after an awkward series
of tests that perplex us to this day. The nal (and most
consequential) test is the Akedah, found in Genesis 22.
That story may be the headline attraction, but two other
stories – both involving wells – serve as useful precursors
in Chapter 21.
At the beginning of Gen. 21, “Sarah conceived and
bore Abraham a son in his old age.” Both parents were
delighted, and Sarah said, “God hath made laughter
for me.” The happiness did not last long, though. At the
ceremony for Isaac’s weaning, Sarah decided she did
not want Hagar and Ishmael around anymore and asked
Abraham to cast both into the wilderness. Abraham was
reluctant to dismiss his rstborn son, but God supported
Sarah – while assuring Abraham that Ishmael would “make
a nation.” In short order, they were in the desert, “the water
in the bottle was spent,” and Hagar wept in despair. At that
point, God appeared and “opened her eyes and she saw a
well of water.”
So, problem solved; right? Abraham passed the test, God
kept His word, Ishmael thrived in the Wilderness of Paran,
and Isaac had an unencumbered inheritance. I have
another take on this passage. Perhaps Hagar is a metaphor
for us all. The solution to her problem (the well) was in
plain sight. But she did not see it because of her emotional
state. Sound familiar?
The second story in Genesis 21 is vastly dierent.
Abimelech, a local chieftain who has had a mixed history
with Abraham, proposes a form of peace treaty between
them. Abraham uses the moment to complain that
Abimelech’s servants have violently stolen one of his wells.
The two manage to negotiate an amicable settlement,
and Abraham plants a tamarisk tree to commemorate
their ability to put aside past dierences. Conict need
not always end badly if the participants are open to
compromise and resolution.
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
8
Sisterhood Coee
Wednesdays, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2
Come meet your friends and let us know what is
happening in your life. Go to this Zoom link for
our September coee.
https://zoom.us/j/92495529673?pwd=eTA0RWNK
cVN3eHdFZDdBcDl0YXJEZz09&status=success
Sisterhood Book Club
Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 12:30 p.m.
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of
America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson
In this epic, beautifully written masterwork, Pulitzer
Prize–winning author Isabel Wilkerson chronicles one of
the great untold stories of American history: the decades-
long migration of black citizens who ed the South for
northern and western cities, in search of a better life.
Look for the Zoom link in the weekly Bulletin.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fundraising Committee Update
David Silberman
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick has been on a hiatus
during the COIVD-19 pandemic but will get to work as soon
as things are back to normal. We hope to have another
successful season at the Frederick Keys concession booth
next year, which was our biggest fundraiser in 2019. Birthday
grams, organized by Judi Feldman continue, and we hope
you take advantage of these to oer birthday wishes to congregants and their families!
Other possible fundraising ideas in the future include a new casino night, an axe throwing
evening, tubing down the Potomac River, Judaica Pottery Arts, a pickleball tournament, and
several more. Any new fundraising ideas would be greatly appreciated! Please email your
ideas and suggestions to [email protected]
Special thanks to the fundraising committee, who until this past March, were meeting
monthly to plan new and exciting events. Members include Anne Cohen, Ralene Damanti,
Harriet Buxbaum, Bertie Farbman, Ruth de la Viez, Judi Feldman, Val Lazerowich, and
Charolette Mayberry.
Bat Mitzvah of
Violet Nelson
November 21, 2020
Violet is the daughter of
Jessica and Lee Nelson
and sister to Zachary
(18) and Eliza (15).
She is in 8th grade at Folly Quarter Middle
School. Violet enjoys playing her marimbas
in the school band and at home. She likes
music in general and singing, especially with
Taylor Swift. She also loves making friendship
bracelets, being outdoors, and cooking. She
loves her two dogs, Ceci, a Rat Terrier, and
StanLee, a rescue Chihuahua. She plans to
study education in college and wants to be an
elementary school teacher.
Join us for Torah Study
Mondays at 12:30 p.m.
November 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
December 7, 14, 21, 28
Join us for Services
November 13, 20 and 21
December 4 and 18
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
9
Please welcome new members!
Sybil Schiman
Roni and Charles Shinderman
Stacey and Travis Steinmetz
Sean and Daniel
Many thanks!
Jodi Duckhorn
Tom Brancato
Betsy Maymon
for coordinating the High
Holidays in the virtual format
so all could celebrate together.
Ocers
Dan Sieger, President
Mary Cat Lasko, Vice President
vicepresident@kolamifrederick.org
Anne Cohen, Membership Vice President
Faith Miller, Treasurer
treasurer@kolamifrederick.org
Ralene Damanti, Financial Secretary
Lisa Stickley, Secretary
Joanna Sieger,
Immediate Past President
Trustees
Joe Anderson
David Bass
Harriet Buxbaum
Jodi Duckhorn
Amy Gordon
Ali Lazorchak
Samantha Lieberman
Charlie Nail
Jordan Schneider
2020-2021 Board of Trustees
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
10
Powered B y
301.208.2288
We Do More Before 9am
Than Most Real Estate Agents
Do All Day
info@tlgestates.com
www.tlgestates.com
Aaron LaMere
240.668.4179
REALTOR, U.S. Army Veteran
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
11
MARK S. HOFFRICHTER, D.D.S.
BOARD CERTIFIED, ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
301-698-5208
WWW.MOSA4OS.COM
MARK S. HOFFRICHTER, D.D.S.
BOARD CERTIFIED, ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
6550 MERCANTILE DRIVE E, SUITE 101
FREDERICK, MD 21703
301-698-5208
WWW.MOSA4OS.COM
6550 Mercantile Drive e
S
uite 101
F
reDerick, MD 21703
MARK S. HOFFRICHTER, D.D.S.
BOARD CERTIFIED, ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
301-698-5208
WWW.MOSA4OS.COM
161 Thomas Johnson Dr.
Suite 295
Frederick, MD 21702
Robert E. Parnes, M.D.
Adam T. Gerstenblith, M.D.
Specializing in the treatment of Diabetic
Retinopathy, Macular Degeneration, Retinal
Detachment and other Retinal Diseases
174 Thomas Johnson Drive
Suite 204
Frederick, MD 21702
www.maretinas.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
PLEASE CALL:
301-671-2400
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
12
Garden of Solomon
Serving our community for more than 50 years
*$500. pre-planning certi cate for Kol Ami members.
Visit us online at resthaven.us
Call us at (301)898-7177
9501 Catoctin Mountain Highway, • Frederick, MD 21701
Open Daily: Monday-Thursday 9 AM -5 PM,
Friday 9 AM-4 PM, & Sunday 11 AM -2 PM
&
MAKE YOUR TRIP EXTRAORDINARY
Recharge, Unplug
Discover Frederick in style
Relax under the stars at your Frederick Marriott Hotel.
Group Sales 240-215-2066 • PlamondonHospitalityPartners.com
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY Plamondon Hospitality Partners
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
13
We are grateful for your support! A
heartfelt thank you – Todah Rabah!
General Fund
Ed and Jodi Duckhorn
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Messite
Jennifer Mykytyn
Howard and Harriet Buxbaum, in
celebration of the birth of Emmett
Harvey, grandson of Carol and Kerry
Reynolds
Michael and Anne Cohen, in memory
of Barry Goldstein, uncle of Jordan
Schneider
Glenn Damanti, in appreciation to David
Silberman for his 200 fantastic days of
trivia
Eric Dubbin, in gratitude for Rabbi Gruber
Kasey Friel, with gratitude to David
Silberman for 200 days of trivia
Les and Barbara Gilbert, in honor of Rabbi
Marc Gruber joining your congregation
Angela Spiegel Kearney, in memory of
John K. Sieger, brother of Dan Sieger
Mike and Lili Loube, in memory of our
parents, Nathan and Helen Loube, and
Joseph and Victoria Nahoum
Mike and Lili Loube, in honor of Charles
Nail’s 50th birthday
Mike and Lili Loube, In memory of Lucille
Finley, mother of Charles Nail (Sabrina),
grandmother of Joshua, Aaron, and
Noah Nail
Mike and Lili Loube, in honor of Ruth
Stuart’s academic achievement on her
path to a second master’s degree
Bernie and Betty Loeb, in memory of
Lucille Finley, mother of Charles Nail
(Sabrina), grandmother of Joshua,
Aaron, and Noah Nail
Bernie and Betty Loeb, in honor of Carolyn
& Newt Plaisance’s move to their new
home
Jennifer Mykytyn, in memory of Lucille
Finley, mother of Charles Nail (Sabrina),
grandmother of Joshua, Aaron, and
Noah Nail
David and Brenda Silberman, for the
recovery of Allan Feldman
David and Brenda Silberman, for the
recovery of Howard Buxbaum
David and Brenda Silberman, in memory
of Jean Silberman, mother of David
Silberman
Wilma and Warren Lasko, in honor of our
grandchildren: Mitchell, Caelyn and
Eliana
General fund - Birthday greetings
Howard and Harriet Buxbaum
Michael and Anne Cohen
Frank and Ralene Damanti
Ruth de la Viez
Tom Evans and Charolette Mayberry
Berta Farbman
Allan and Judi Feldman
Scott and Amy Gordon
Jerey and Mary Cat Lasko
Bernie and Betty Loeb
Cli and Faith Miller
Jaques and Cathy Reifman
Michael and Diane Rifkin
David and Brenda Silberman
Jeremy Yospin and Elizabeth Powell
High Holidays Donations and Greetings
Gerald & Lieba Cohen
Michael and Anne Cohen
Berta Farbman
Je Feiertag
Ilene and Philip Freedman
Dick and Frannie Kessler
Marcia Miller
Sabrina and Charlie Nail
Arlene Perkins
Michael and Anne Cohen, in honor of
Rabbi Gruber, Dr. Eric, Jodi Duckhorn,
Tom Brancato, and Dan Sieger for High
Holiday Services that were meaningful,
musical, and a technological
masterpiece!
Barry and Ellen Koitz, in appreciation of all
those Zoomers who made possible Kol
Ami’s HH services
Barry and Ellen Koitz, in appreciation of
Rabbi Gruber leading the congregation
in HH prayers
Barry and Ellen Koitz, in appreciation of
Cantorial Soloist Eric Dubbin in bringing
music into our prayers
Samantha and Michael Lieberman,
Hoping for a great new year to come!
Mike and Lili Loube, in honor of the
holidays
Cli and Faith Miller, in honor of Jodi
Duckhorn and Tom Brancato for making
our High Holiday services so meaningful
Carolyn Plaisance, for the honor of my
reading on Yom Kippur Day
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
Susana Isaacson, in honor of Rabbi Gruber
Faith and Cli Miller, in honor of Dr.
Eric Dubbin and Rabbi Gruber for
making our High Holiday services so
meaningful.
Julie and George Saxon, in memory of
Paul and Irene Harris, parents of Julie
Saxon
Je and Vera Wurst, in honor of Rabbi
Marc Gruber
Trivia Night Fundraiser
Harriet and Howard Buxbaum
Michael and Ann Cohen
Frank and Ralene Damanti
Ruth de la Viez
Mike Donovan
Tom Evans and Charolette Mayberry
Berta Farbman
Allan and Judi Feldman
Angela Spiegel Kearney
Steve and Valarie Lazerowich
Cli and Faith Miller
Newt and Carolyn Plaisance
David and Brenda Silberman
Yahrzeit Donations
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Binder, in memory of
Ruth Binder, mother of Stanley Binder
Harriet and Howard Buxbaum, in memory
of Herman Buxbaum, father of Howard
Buxbaum
Harriet and Howard Buxbaum, in memory
of Victoria Cohen, mother of Harriet
Buxbaum
Gerald and Lieba Cohen, in memory of our
fathers - Benjamin J. Cohen and Leon C.
Sanzel
Michael and Ann Cohen, in memory of
Douglas Kahn, father of Anne Cohen
Brett and Nick Dabruzzo, in memory of
Paula Rosenthal, grandmother of Brett
Dabruzzo
Tom Evans and Charolette Mayberry, in
memory of Charles Evans, father of Tom
Evans
Je Feiertag, in memory of Helen Danchik,
grandmother of Je Feiertag
Barry and Ellen Koitz, in memory of
Manuel Koitz, father of Barry Koitz
Barry and Ellen Koitz, in memory of Daniel
Garnkel, father of Ellen Koitz
Cli and Faith Miller, in memory of Rosedel
Miller, Bea Glass, Mylene Adler
Newt and Carolyn Plaisance, in memory
of David Forman, brother of Carolyn
Plaisance
Ruth Stuart, in memory of Jacob
Vogelman, nephew of Ruth Stuart
Ruth Stuart, in memory of Joseph Stuart,
father of Ruth Stuart
Donations
Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick • kolamifrederick.org • 240.575.9690
14
congregation
Kol Ami
of frederick
A Member of the Union for Reform Judaism
The Voice
4880 Elmer Derr Rd.
Frederick, MD 21703
Return Service Requested
November/December 2020 Upcoming Events
November 2020
Sun., Nov. 1 10:00 am Religious School
Mon., Nov. 2 12:30 pm Torah Study
Wed., Nov. 4 10:00 am Women’s Coee
Sun., Nov. 8 10:00 am Religious School
Mon., Nov. 9 12:30 pm Torah Study
Wed., Nov. 11 12:30 pm Sisterhood Book Club
Fri., Nov. 13 6:30 pm Family Shabbat Service
Fri., Nov. 13 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service
Sun., Nov. 15 10:00 am Religious School
Mon., Nov. 16 12:30 pm Torah Study
Thurs., Nov. 19 7:30 pm Girls’ Night In
Fri., Nov. 20 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service
Sat, Nov. 21 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service
Bat Mitzvah of Violet Nelson
Sun., Nov. 22 10:00 am Religious School
Mon., Nov. 23 12:30 pm Torah Study
Mon., Nov. 23 7:00 pm Board of Trustees Meeting
Thurs., Nov. 26 Thanksgiving
Sun., Nov. 29 10:00 am NO Religious School
Mon., Nov. 30 12:30 pm Torah Study
December 2020
Wed., Dec. 2 10:00 am Sisterhood Coee
Fri., Dec. 4 6:30 pm Family Shabbat Service
Fri., Dec. 4 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service
Sun., Dec. 6 10:00 am Religious School
Mon., Dec. 7 12:30 pm Torah Study
Fri., Dec. 11 First Day Hanukkah
Sun., Dec. 13 10:00 am Religious School
Mon., Dec. 14 12:30 pm Torah Study
Thurs., Dec. 17 7:30 pm Girls’ Night In
Fri., Dec. 18 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service
Sun., Dec. 20 10:00 am Religious School
Mon., Dec. 21 12:30 pm Torah Study
Mon., Dec. 21 7:00 pm Board of Trustees Meeting
Fri., Dec. 25 Christmas Day
Sun., Dec. 27 10:00 am NO Religious School
Mon., Dec. 28 12:30 pm Torah Study
Look out for more event information and updates in the weekly bulletin.
