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Kehillah The Newsletter of the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s Shirley and Jacob Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center Issue 5 • www.uscj.org.il Spring 2007 • 5767 DIANE AND HOWARD WOHL A Passion for Securing Jewish Continuity In June 2005, two of Diane Wohl’s personal friends, Temma Kingsley and the late Kenneth Kornhauser, invited her to lunch with United Synagogue’s Executive Vice President Jerome Epstein and Director of Campaign Development and Marketing Ron Friedman. Their aim was simple and straightforward — to inform Diane about the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center. Knowing that Diane is a committed Conservative Jew with a passion for Israel and Jewish continuity, they thought the Center and Diane would be a perfect fit. THE CONSERVATIVE YESHIVA Creating a Knowledgeable Jewish Laity They could not have been more right. Two weeks later, Diane visited the Fuchsberg Center. After touring the complex, meeting with students, faculty and administrators and lunching in the Temma and Alfred D. Kingsley Dining Hall, Diane knew exactly what she wanted to do next — to join her friends in supporting the Center. About a decade ago, Iris Lav began taking classes with her synagogue rabbi — an experience that triggered her enduring interest in Jewish learning. So, three years ago, Iris enrolled in an intensive, three-week summer program at the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center’s Conservative Yeshiva. The classes proved so invigorating that she returned last summer for another three-week session. Since opening in 1995, the Conservative Yeshiva has welcomed an ever-increasing number of men and women to learn for the pure joy of learning. Within its growing complex of classrooms and a beit midrash, the yeshiva offers courses on everything from psalms to advanced Howard and Diane Wohl halakha to midrash. The yeshiva runs two three-week summer sessions and a yearlong program, and, through its volunteer program, Gemilut Hesed, students’ efforts include visiting the elderly and assisting in an environmental project. “To be part of the Fuchsberg Center is to be part of a strong Conservative movement worldwide,” says Diane. “The Center stands tall and proud, providing Conservative Jews with a place where we can all feel comfortable.” While visiting the Center, Diane was “taken with the warmth and beauty of the Fuchsberg Center and what was being accomplished within its walls,” she says, and she also enjoyed having lunch with USY teens, becoming immersed in their songs and reflections about their summer in Israel. So last year, Diane and her husband, Howard, decided to make a $500,000 gift that names the Diane and Howard Wohl Main Lecture Hall in the Center’s headquarters building. While Diane spearheaded the family gift, Howard says it dovetails with his own profound interest in Jewish continuity. As he sees it, the Center provides North America’s Conservative Jews with another — and much-needed — entry point for accessing Jewish knowledge and connecting them to Judaism. “The Conservative movement must be able to offer multiple gateways that will Last summer, Iris Lav studied at the Conservative Yeshiva. “The only reason people come and study at the yeshiva is because they want to; we don’t give graduate degrees or certificates,” says Rabbi Daniel Goldfarb, the yeshiva’s engage and inspire individuals to deepen their relationship with Conservative Judaism, and the Center clearly does that,” says Howard. “Our gift to the Center expresses our passion and involvement in engaging the Jewish people in different ways and at different times in their lives.” director. The yeshiva is dedicated to creating an informed As part of their deep-seated interest in making Conservative Jews and the greater Jewish and knowledgeable Jewish laity, although some students community more aware of their Jewish connections, Diane and Howard support many become rabbis and cantors. charities in New York, Israel and across the globe. The Wohls, who live in Mill Neck, NY, (Continued on next page) are Long Island overall chairs for UJA-Federation of New York’s 90th anniversary mission to Israel. Among his philanthropic efforts, Howard serves as international chair of BBYO Inc. (B’nai B’rith Youth Organization) and is a member of UJA-Federation of New York’s Commission on Jewish Identity and Renewal, heading its Task Force on Congregational (Continued on back page) THE CONSERVATIVE YESHIVA Creating a Knowledgeable Jewish Laity The Conservative Yeshiva: Summer Learning (Continued from front page) “We are providing an opportunity to study at any age A Pittsburgh native, Jen Feder enrolled in the year in a non-Orthodox institution that reconnects Jewish program last September after graduating from This year, the Conservative Yeshiva’s two summer laity to original Jewish texts,” says Rabbi Shmuel Washington University in St. Louis. “Studying at the sessions, which run from July 1 to July 19 and “Richie” Lewis, the head of the yeshiva. Conservative Yeshiva has given me the tools I need to from July 22 to August 19, will provide participants with an opportunity to study classic Jewish texts, including rabbinic literature, Bible and philosophy. The courses will incorporate the traditional model of chevruta, learning one-on-one with a study partner, and shiur, a seminar-style class. Participants hail from all walks of life and from North America and throughout the world, and they may enroll as full or part-time students. Last year’s summer sessions drew 120 students, with the average of above 40-years-old. In contrast, students in the year program are younger, usually one to five years out Classes run from Sunday through Thursday and are held in the mornings and afternoons. Faculty members are also available to assist students in independent study, which can be done with or without a study partner. This summer’s first session will include three of college. Currently, about 70 students are enrolled in the year program, with half of them engaged in all-day continue learning Jewish texts on my own,” says Jen. “Studying at the Conservative Yeshiva has given me the tools I need to continue learning Jewish texts on my own.” — Jen Feder study. The rest are part-timers. “For both the summer and year programs, tuition is set at reasonable levels so that students of all ages and The Conservative Yeshiva also runs the Kollel, an advanced study program with generally five participants, some with doctorates in their fields. levels of ulpan, introduction to rabbinics, advanced backgrounds can participate, and thanks to the Talmud, advanced halakha, and tefilah/prayer. generosity of our donors, the Center is able to provide “They are inspiring role models for young people who, The second session also will feature three levels scholarships to many students,” says Rabbi Gail in theory, have finished their education but still want of ulpan, as well as courses on biblical Elijah, Diamond, the yeshiva’s assistant director. to learn more,” says Rabbi Lewis. the midrash, advanced halakha, psalms, and six Hasidic masters. For more details about the summer session or year program, please email Rabbi Daniel Goldfarb or Rabbi Gail Diamond at [email protected]. Regional Presidents Committed to Raising Support for Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center Kehillah In January, the United Synagogue Council of Regional videos and brochures, but to actually be there is Presidents’ annual multi-day meeting was held in something else.” Israel, and for many, it was their first visit to the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center. The Newsletter of the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s Shirley and Jacob Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center Issue 5 • www.uscj.org.il Fall 2007 • 5767 Alexandra Cyngiser, the new president of the Pacific Northwest region, helped organize the multi-meeting. Now that they’re back home, council members are “It was heartwarming and inspiring to see young working within their regions to raise awareness and Conservative Jews from across North America so financial support for the Fuchsberg Center. committed to Judaism and our movement,” says “All of us were very much impressed by the facility,” Alexandra. says Irwin Scharf, president of United Synagogue’s Metropolitan New York region. “Before visiting the Center, we really had no idea about its magnitude, so now when I visit different congregations, I will be very Raymond B. Goldstein, PhD proactive in trying to raise money for the Center.” International President Temma Kingsley Traditionally held in North America, the meeting took Chair Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center Campaign place in Israel to support the Jewish homeland and the Franklin D. Kreutzer institutions and aspects of Israeli life. Chair Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center Operations The event attracted more than forty participants, Rabbi Jerome M. Epstein members and spouses. Executive Vice President Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center, as well as to acquaint participants with Conservative and Masorti including United Synagogue international board Rabbi James M. Lebeau Along with meeting with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Director of Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ronald Friedman Fuchsberg Center’s many amenities, including Director of Campaign Development and Marketing Tourism Minister Isaac Herzog, the group enjoyed the (From right) Paul Kochberg, president of the Council of Regional Presidents, Benjamin Netanyahu, former prime minister and current head of the opposition party, and Dr. Ray Goldstein, international president Margie Pomerantz, president of the Northern California region, was excited about her study session with a rabbinic student in the yeshiva’s beit midrash. Shabbat meals, services at Congregation Moreshet Steve Golub, president of the Connecticut Valley region, Yisrael, study sessions at the Conservative Yeshiva, and his wife, Louise, were also impressed. “I will be Barry Mael and a Monday Evening Forum lecture by David trying now to drive up support for the Center by Director of Regional Activities Horovitz, The Jerusalem Post editor. Some members encouraging people to spend a day there,” says Steve. Joanne Palmer also stayed in the Center’s guesthouse. Director of Communications Deborah Cheerman Development Associate Cara S. Trager Writer Richard Helfand, president of the Mid-Continent “Everyone was very inspired,” says Paul Kochberg, region, says, “The Center is an amazing place.” He chairman of the Council of Regional Presidents, who plans to promote the Center in many ways, including spearheaded the change of venue. “It’s one thing to on listserves and in visits to synagogues by the hear about the Fuchsberg Center and to see it in region’s executive director and himself. Major Contributors With their vision and generosity, the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center’s major contributors play a pivotal role in securing and strengthening the Conservative movement’s home in Israel. New Major Gifts United Synagogue expresses its appreciation to the newest major contributors to the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center: Congregation Beth T'fillah of Overbrook Park, Philadelphia, $50,000 Rabbi Ed Romm’s office Shari & Harold Levy, $18,000 Library bookshelves Founders Roberta & Irwin Chafetz $5,000,000+ Congregation Beth T’fillah of Overbrook Park, Philadelphia PA Rabbi Ed Romm’s Office Fuchsberg Family Foundation – Robin & Alan Fuchsberg – Rosalind & Richard Kaufman – Janet & Peter Levine – Susan & Ralph Raphaelson The Center Benefactors $2,500,000+ Cobey & Robert Rapaport The United Synagogue Headquarters Building Kathy & David Cullen, $10,000 Adrienne & Julian Brook, $5,400 Mezuzah Patrons The Morris and Beverly Baker Foundation, $5,000 Mezuzah Lois & Leonard Green Overall Pavilion Courtyard $1,000,000+ Joan & Ted Cutler Meryl & Ron Gallatin Rae & Joseph Gann Entrance, United Synagogue Headquarters Building The Aaron and Cecile Goldman Family Foundation Main Student Lounge In Long Term Residence Building Doris & Ernest Goodman Entrance, United Synagogue Headquarters Building Charlotte & Louis Kaitz Barbara & Leo Karas Student Lounge (C510) in Residence Hall and Learning Center Arthur Koven Alexandra & Harvey Cyngiser & Family, $5,000 Library bookshelf Guardians Harriet & William Freedman, $5,000 Brooklyn Jewish Center The Sanctuary in the Religious Center, Beit Midrash Furnishings Laura & Jerold Jacobs, $5,000 Barbara & Paul Kochberg, $5,000 Library bookshelf $500,000+ The Oran Family Aron Kodesh in Religious Center, Entrance Lobby in Residence Hall and Learning Center Temple Zion Israelite Center, Miami, FL Franklin D. Kreutzer, President Amphitheater, Auditorium, Hanukkiah Diane & Howard Wohl Main Lecture Hall in United Synagogue Headquarters Building Naming Opportunities The Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center represents the heart of Conservative Judaism for North Americans in Israel. You can be part of its exciting development with a generous gift that will forever convey your commitment to securing a vibrant home in Israel for Conservative/Masorti Jews. Here are some naming opportunities for your consideration: Long-Term Residence Building — $3 million Main Campus Entrance — $750,000 Multi-Purpose/Dining Room — $500,000 Gallery — $100,000 Lobby (Religious Center) — $75,000 Dormitory Floors — $75,000 each Student Lounges — $50,000 each Dormitory Rooms — $36,000 each Mezuzot — $5,000 each Architects $250,000+ Epstein/Geller/David Families Beit Midrash Catherine & John Farahi Harold Kalb Memorial/ Temple Beth Sholom Campaign The Cantorial Room Lynette & J.B. Mazer Corner Terraces in Residence Hall and Learning Center Marjorie Shuman Saulson Judy & Mark Yudof $100,000+ Family of Theodore Kirshner Mezuzot Benjamin Z. Kreitman Study Halls in Residence Hall and Learning Center Gloria & Eugene Landy Ner Tamid in Religious Center Marjorie & Joseph Hess Garden Area Behind Building Y Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties, NJ Library Bookshelf Felecia & Harold * Kalb Rosalind & Gary Judd Gertrude & Elmer Kaplan Mollie & Jack Karlin Shelly & Michael Kassen Corridor in the Residence Hall and Learning Center Arlene & Seymour Katz Barbara & Paul Kochberg Library Bookshelf Rabbi’s Study in Religious Center Farla & Harvey Krentzman Barbara & Jerome Levin Kitchenette in Long Term Residence Building Dorothy & Rabbi Meyer Kripke Mezuzah Shari & Harold Levy Library book shelves Henia & Marc Liebhaber Ann & Bruce Littman Roz & James Marks Dormitory Room Terrace in Residence Hall and Learning Center Dianne & Martin Newman Dormitory Room Terrace in Residence Hall and Learning Center Nina & Harvey Mintzer Beth & Gabriel Nechamkin Jack Porter Laurie & Eric Roth Melissa & John Rosen Dormitory Room Terrace in Residence Hall and Learning Center Bruce Sholk Joseph Pressman Donald J. Fleishaker Ner Tamid in the Beit Midrash of The Conservative Yeshiva Temple Emanu – El, Closter, NJ David Renzer Lectern in Conservative Yeshiva Beit Midrash Esta Fuchsberg The Morris and Beverly Baker Foundation Mezuzah Joan & Harry Samet Susan & Michael Gelman Torah Holder in Religious Center Fran & Butch Weaver Lisa & James Schlesinger Samuel Weinberg Mel F. Seidenberg Amy & Perry Weinstein Kathy & Henry Sender Dormitory Room Terrace in Residence Hall and Learning Center Cherie & Alan Weiss Alice Goldfarb Rosalind & Mervin D. Gray Shelley & Scott Kaplan Shari & Harold Levy Library Bookshelves Helen R. & Sydney J. Shuman Lectern in Residence Hall and Learning Center David Sholk Ttee Jan & Charles Nirenberg Sherry & Richard Skolnik Anonymous Dormitory Room in the Residence Hall and Learning Center Bette-Ann & William* Spielman Small Seminar Room in Residence Hall and Learning Center Irene & Norman Sholk Joyce & Allan Sugarman Silver Family Window in Religious Center Temple Beth Sholom, Roslyn Heights, NY Sosland Foundation Patricia & Arthur Werschulz Library Bookshelf Arleen & Marc Sternfeld Sutton Place Synagogue, New York, NY Window in Religious Center Brenda & Alexander Tanger Bracha & Martin Werber Ner Tamid in Residence Hall and Learning Center Marilyn & Gary Wind USY Lounge in Residence Hall and Learning Center Merritt, Mildred S. & Davita Yoelin Dormitory Room Terrace in Residence Hall and Learning Center Harold Zatz Friends $5,000+ Phyllis & M. Barry Bochner Alfred Viertel* Entrance Doorway – Long Term Residence Building Staircase To “A” Entrance Maxine & Jack Zarrow Bobbi & Barry Coller Barbara & Jay Wiston Reception Area in Residence Hall and Learning Center Contributors $10,000+ Jane & Dennis Carlton Dormitory Room Terrace in Residence Hall and Learning Center Ruth & Irving Claremon Supporters Bernice & Alan Cohen $50,000+ Kathy & David Cullen Lila & Rabbi Mendel Abrams Bima in the Religious Center Micha Dorfzaun Palphot LTD Mosaics above Netilat Yadayim Council of Regional Presidents Student Lounge in Long Term Residence Building Phyllis & Kalman Miller Library Bookshelf Irving Pozmantier Anne & Henry Zarrow Terrace in Long Term Residence Building Jacqueline Bodin Betty & Lou Meltzer Congregation Ahavath Achim, Belleville, NJ Harold Rosen* Computer Lounge in Long Term Residence Building Ruth & Alan Ades Netilat Yadayim in Residence Hall and Learning Center Nat Landes Norma & David Schechner Carol & A. Mark Rosen Main Kitchen in Residence Hall and Learning Center Elysia & Stephen Wolnek Aron Kodesh in United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva Sheryl & Fred Katzenstein Suzette & Rabbi Harold Kushner Women’s League for Conservative Judaism Meeting Room/Shelter in Residence Hall and Learning Center Deede & Stephen J. Lovell Lois G. & Barry Jacobs Vicki B. & Gary Phillips Reception Desk in Residence Hall and Learning Center Morrine and Dan Marantz Yeshiva Library Builders Laura & Jerold Jacobs Frances & Hubert J. Brandt Meeting Room in Residence Hall and Learning Center Judy & Franklin D. Kreutzer USCJ Youth Activities USY Complex Alice Gurwitsch $25,000+ Diane & Harold Grinspoon The Tichnor Family – Marjorie & Alan* Tichnor – Susan & Dr. Howard Alfred – Karen & Michael Tichnor – Amy Tichnor – Nancy & Sidney Lejfer Patio Entrance to Residence Hall and Learning Center Nancy & Sheldon Gilman Bed in Residence Hall and Learning Center Suzanne & Joseph Gruber Seymour Panitz Torah Holder in Residence Hall and Learning Center Sponsors Temma & Alfred D. Kingsley Main Dining Hall in Residence Hall and Learning Center, Sukkah Susan & Jack* Becker Project Oded For more information about these and other naming opportunities, please call Ronald Friedman, United Synagogue’s director of campaign development and marketing, at 646.519.9260, or email [email protected]. Lippman Kanfer Family Foundation Netilat Yadayim in Residence Hall and Learning Center Michelle & Marc Gary Torah Holder in Residence Hall and Learning Center Marcy & William Forster Dormitory Room Terrace in Residence Hall and Learning Center The Fraade Family Dormitory Room Terrace in Residence Hall and Learning Center Rosalie & Meyer Fuchsberg Dormitory Room Terrace in Residence Hall and Learning Center Arthur Ainsberg Leonora & Leonard Ayre Rhoda & Jordan Baruch Adrienne & Julian Brook Mezuzah Conservative Synagogue of Jamaica Estates, NY Library Bookshelf Alexandra & Harvey Cyngiser and Family Library Bookshelf Sybil & Alan Edelstein Mezuzah Harriet & William Freedman Esther & Seymour Fuchsberg Jody and Raymond Goldstein Library Bookshelf David Gortz James Gould Jacqueline Saltz Library Bookshelf Eunice & Jay Shapiro Library Bookshelf Alfred Weissman Clarence Wolf Jr. and Alma B. Wolf Foundation Inc. Ruth & Melvin Wolzinger Lea & Saul Zatz Shira Zeller Roberta & Eugene Zinbarg *Deceased USCJ deeply appreciates every contribution, but space does not permit a complete listing of all contributors to the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center. DIANE AND HOWARD WOHL A Passion for Securing Jewish Continuity (Continued from front page) Education. Howard is also involved with the Board of credits her first visit — in 1985 — with cementing her wife and my business partner, Larry Simon, there,” Jewish Education of Greater New York, SAJES enduring love for the land and its people. At that says Howard, who earned his undergraduate degree in (Suffolk Association for Jewish Educational Services), time, the Wohls had traveled to Israel to celebrate accounting from Brooklyn College and master’s in the Brooklyn College Foundation, Brooklyn College’s their daughter becoming a bat mitzvah. taxation from Baruch College. “I always felt strongly about Israel, and even as a After six years as an accountant, Howard, along with teenager I felt committed to the notion that as Jews, Larry, started Wall Street Concepts, an early data we have a place that we can call home. So when I processing firm that provided record-keeping for went to Israel for the first time, I immediately felt investors. Fourteen years later, having sold Wall Hillel, International Hillel, and the Solomon Schechter Day School of Nassau County. Through the years, he has held executive board positions at the Wohls’ Conservative synagogue, Temple Beth Torah in Westbury, NY. very comfortable, and I wanted to know more about Street Concepts, Howard and Larry co-founded Ivy For her part, Diane is a past Sisterhood president and the country and to be more connected to it,” she says. Asset Management, one of the pioneering firms president of Temple Beth Torah, and she holds “I always feel happy when I’m in Israel, and a investing funds in many hedge funds. “The concept leadership positions in Hillel International, List calmness sweeps over me.” was in its infancy at the time,” he says. Married 37 years, the Wohls are the proud parents of In October 2000, the Bank of New York bought Ivy three grown children. Alexander works in finance and Asset; Howard and Larry stayed on to co-manage the is married to Allison, who holds a master’s degree in business. Last year, Howard was named vice special education; Hilary is married to Zack, and both chairman, a position that gives him more free time to are launching an Internet company; and Pamela works pursue his nonprofit interests, including supporting for a healthcare hedge fund. Diane and Howard have institutions that strengthen the Jewish community, four grandchildren. such as the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center. Their mutual commitment to Jewish life aside, it seemed “While Jews today are among the most literate, we are inevitable that Diane and Howard would someday not as informed when it comes to our own religion, meet and marry. Not only were they born in the same and the Fuchsberg Center plays an important role in Brooklyn hospital, within 36 hours of one another, but supporting the lifelong pursuit of Jewish learning,” they also lived in the same neighborhood, Bensonhurst, says Howard. “How can we be a light unto other albeit at different times. In addition, Diane and nations unless we are connected to the power source?” College, and Hillel at Hofstra University on Long Island. Diane also serves as a member of the national board of directors of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism and its Torah Cabinet, and she sits on the board of Project Kesher, which connects women in the former Soviet Union to their Jewish roots. Other organizations benefiting from Diane’s support include higher education and health care institutions in Israel, as well as Livnot, which connects marginally affiliated college graduates to Israel and their Jewish heritage. Diane is also committed to UJA-Federation of New York and on Long Island and has served on many of its committees, including the Caring Commission and its board of directors. In addition, Diane is a member of the Jewish Women’s Foundation. Howard worked in buildings that faced each other. The two finally came face to face at an accounting Though Diane has traveled to Israel about 20 times firm, where Howard says he met his one true love. (“not as many times as I would like,” she says), she “That place launched my life as I met both my future And clearly a bright light shines on the Jewish community — here and in Israel — thanks to Diane and Howard Wohl’s illuminating vision and leadership. Calendar of Events in Jerusalem Continuing Education Series Tarbut Conservative Yeshiva Activities The Monday Evening Forum – A weekly event, throughout the year, each with a different guest lecturer Cultural programs every Sunday and Tuesday evening July 1: First summer session begins. July 1: Wine & cheese reception for United Synagogue visitors to Israel Septemebr 2: Fall semester begins. July 6, 13, 27, and August 3: Friday morning trips around Jerusalem Nativ – Year-Long Program Date to be announced: Barbecue reception for Conservative/Masorti rabbis Semptember: Students arrive to begin their studies in Jerusalem. Center On Campus Happenings For the latest information about the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center’s events, call 212.523.7800, ext. 8, or go to www.uscj.org.il. May 22: Tikun Leyl Shavuot. All-night study to commemorate Shavuot for the general public Project Oded Continuing Education Program – Through June, an ongoing series of classes from Sunday to Thursday July 1: First day of Project Oded summer program August 19: First day of Project Oded Elul program Wednesday Evenings Hevruta learning community meets through May USY Israel Pilgrimage May 22: Tikun Leyl Shavuot is preceded by dairy dinner for overseas students. June through August: The Fuchsberg Center hosts USY’ers and staff. May 30: Barbecue marks the end of the semester. July 22: Second summer session begins. August 5: Summer ulpan programs begin. Kehillah The Newsletter of the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rapaport House 155 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10010 NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEW YORK, NY PERMIT NO. 7906