Brochure - The Jewish Center

Yosie Levine
Rabbi
Dovid Zirkind
Assistant Rabbi
Daniel Fridman
Resident Scholar
Yael Leibowitz
Resident Scholar
Ari Lamm
William Fischman
Rabbinic Intern
Aaron Strum
Executive Director
Eliane Glassman
Director of Programming
& Communications
OFFicerS
Virginia Bayer Hirt
President
Avi Schwartz
First Vice President
Andrew Kaplan
Vice President
Rachel Ringler
Vice President
Mark Segall
Vice President
Len Berman
Assistant Vice President
Adina Spiro Wagman
Treasurer
Yaron Kinar
Assistant Treasurer
Andrew Borodach
Secretary
The Jewish Center
131 West 86th Street
New York, NY 10024
Telephone: 212.724.2700
Fax: 212.724.5629
www.jewishcenter.org
The Jewish Center, a cornerstone of Modern Orthodox Jewish
Life on the Upper West Side, inspires its members and
embraces the broader Jewish community through vibrant prayer,
serious Torah study, spiritual inquiry, charitable endeavors,
appreciation of world culture and an abiding commitment to the
State of Israel.
In these pages, you will discover a Center that is the religious,
intellectual and spiritual home for each of its members as well
as a Modern Orthodox Center for Jewish Life and Learning that is
welcoming to all.
We invite you to explore this brochure and we look forward to seeing
you at The Jewish Center.

T h E J E W I S h C E n T E R S P R I n g P R O g R A M g U I d E 2 0 1 3 / 5 7 7 3
Throughout its storied history, The Jewish Center
has prided itself on its innovative and creative
programming. This Spring we will build on our
continuing success to both broaden and deepen the range
of our Center’s activities.
We invite you into the world of Torah study and Jewish
activism. Our mission is to make participation eminently
accessible to both our members and the broader Jewish
community.
Inside these pages, you will find opportunities to:
T a b l e o f c o n T e n T s
• Engage your children in enriching and meaningful
Jewish activity
• Attend talks by top scholars and leading Jewish
professionals
• Celebrate the State of Israel
• Join us for Torah study in Central Park
• Spend Shabbat with Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau
We invite you to explore the full range of our
fresh classes and new programs here at
The Jewish Center. Find the activities best
Upcoming events
and Programs .......................Page 4-5
Keter Torah Awards...............Page 6
Tefillah at The Jc ..................Page 7
Jc Youth Department............Page 8-9
Spring Lecture Series ..........Page 10-11
JcU course Listings
and Descriptions ...................Page 12-15
Spring Seudah Shlishit
Speaker Series. ....................Page 16
May & Samuel
rudin Lecture .......................Page 17
Membership ..........................Page 18
suited to your personal preferences, and join
us as we embark on a journey brimming with
possibility. In the process, we are certain that
you will discover why The Jewish Center is
where you belong.

Page 4
UpcomIng evenTs and programs
READING OF THE NAMES:
UWS Yom Hashoah
Commemoration
SUNDAY, APRIL 7 AT 10PM –
MONDAY, APRIL 8 AT 6PM
Lincoln Square Synagogue (200
Amsterdam Avenue). The Jewish
center’s time slot will be from
4:30-5:00AM on Monday, April
8th. For more information visit
www.jewishcenter.org.
SHABBAT MORNING
PUBLIC LECTURE
with Rabbi Daniel Fridman
SHABBAT, APRIL 13
At a Crossroads: The Fourth
Generation of American Religious
Zionism.
YOUNG COUPLES &
FAMILIES MINYAN
AND LUNCHEON
SHABBAT, APRIL 13
Join other young couples and
families for a special Minyan
and luncheon. Please visit
www.jewishcenter.org to register.
For more information contact
Miri Lipsky and Josh Schainker
at ycf@jewishcenter.org.
A CONVERSATION WITH
AMBASSADOR DENNIS
ROSS: ISRAEL AND THE
MIDDLE EAST IN 2013
SUNDAY, APRIL 14 • 7:30PM
Seating is limited so please register
in advance. See page 10 for
more information.
SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE
Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv and
Former Chief Rabbi of Israel,
Israel Meir Lau
SHABBAT, APRIL 19-20
With thanks to our sponsors:
The Gibber family and l'ilui nishmat
Harav Shmuel Tzvi ben
Yosef HaLevi. For more information
please see page 10.
BOOK CLUB MEETING
SUNDAY, APRIL 21• 7:30PM
This meeting will focus on My
Russian Grandmother and Her
American Vacuum Cleaner: A
Family Memoir by Meir Shalev. To
be held at the home of Maureen
& Laszlo Marcus: 645 West end
Avenue. The discussion will be
led by Professor Jerome chanes.
START-UP SUNDAY
SUNDAY, APRIL 21 AT
10AM
The Births committee and the
Young couples and Families
committee are excited to introduce
Start-Up Sunday. This event
will focus on health and nutrition
for moms and expectant moms.
Women will participate in short
training sessions, learn massage
techniques, learn about nutrition,
enjoy a healthy brunch and take
part in a raffle. For more information
visit www.jewishcenter.org.
NOSH AND DRASH:
The Kabbalah of Cooking–
An Evening of Challah
Baking and Learning
THURSDAY, APRIL 25
7:30PM
Join The Jewish center, in conjunction
with Kol HaNeshamah, for
an evening of challah baking and
learning (for women only). Featuring
a panel of bakers who will
demonstrate a variety of challah
recipes and learning with Dr.
Adena Berkowitz including spiritual
traditions (segulot) connected
with challah baking. Address
provided upon registration at
www.jewishcenter.org.
ADVANCED LEADERSHIP
LUNCHEON FEATURING
TheHonorableAlvin
Hellerstein, Problems of
Judging: Lies People Tell
SHABBAT, APRIL 27
For more information email rose
Lynn Sherr at al@jewishcenter.org
or visit www.jewishcenter.org.
An Armchair
Conversation on
Contemporary Ethics-
Featuring
Dr. Hannah Lipman
and
Rabbi Jeremy Wieder.
Sponsored by Hanno Mott
For more information
see page 11.

UpcomIng evenTs and programs Page 5
BIKKUR CHOLIM
LUNCHEON
SHABBAT, MAY 4
Join us for this special Luncheon.
if you would like to help organize
the luncheon, please contact
bikkurcholim@jewishcenter.org.
MARTHA SONNENSCHEIN
MEMORIAL LECTURE
Dr. Tova Ganzel
SHABBAT, MAY 4
FOLLOWING 9:00AM SERVICES
Evolution or Revolution?
A Historical Look at the Evolving
Role of Women in Religious Life
and the Halachic Process. For
more information see Page 11.
SISTERHOOD SPRING
BRUNCH
SUNDAY, MAY 5
The Sisterhood's annual brunch
will be held on Sunday, May 5th
and will be hosted by Nicole
Pfeffermann. More details to
follow.To get involved, contact
sisterhood@jewishcenter.org.
MAY & SAMUEL RUDIN
LECTURE: CORY BOOKER
TUESDAY, MAY 7 • 8:00PM
Seating is limited. registration
required at www.jewishcenter.org.
KETER TORAH AWARDS
SHABBAT, MAY 11
See page 6 for more information.
TIKKUN LEIL SHAVUOT
WEDNESDAY NIGHT,
MAY 15TH
WOMEN’S MEGILLAT
RUTH READING
THURSDAY, MAY 16TH
Join Jc women of every generation
for this special event in the
main sanctuary following Teffilah.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 20 • 8:00PM
Join us for The Jewish center
Annual Meeting.
COMMUNITY MEMORIAL
DAY COMMEMORATION
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22
7:00PM
co-sponsored by The Jcrc
and council of Young Jewish
Presidents. Featuring keynote
speaker former Major General
Larry S. Taylor. See page 11 for
more information.
SALUTE TO ISRAEL PARADE
SUNDAY, JUNE 2 • 11:00AM
Join The Jewish center at one of
the largest gatherings in the world
in support of israel. celebrate the
65th anniversary of the State of
israel as we march up Fifth
Avenue. Join Young Leadership
at The Jc for a rooftop BBQ following
the parade.
YOUNG LEADERSHIP BBQ
SUNDAY, JUNE 2
Join YL for our annual rooftop
BBQ following the Salute to israel
Parade. For more information,
please contact yl@jewishcenter.org.
GRADUATION KIDDUSH
SHABBAT, JUNE 8
celebrate the accomplishments
of our community’s graduates. To
be listed among the graduates or
to become a sponsor, please
contact eliane at eliane@jewishcenter.org.
SAVE THE DATE
THE JEWISH CENTER ANNUAL DINNER
Guest of Honor
Hanno Mott
rabbi Dr. Leo Jung Memorial Award
Judy Federbush Greenwald
& Rodney Greenwald
community Service Award
Elizabeth & Paul Towb
MONDAY, JUNe 17, 2013
MUSeUM OF JeWiSH HeriTAGe
JC volunteers surrounded by over 100 bags of
clothing at our Clothing Drive benefitting the new
Upper West Side Gemach and the victims of
Hurricaine Sandy.
For more information on events and programs at The JC, contact Eliane glassman at
eliane@jewishcenter.org or call (212)724-2700x110.

Page 6
KeTer Torah awards
Following the resounding
success last year of our first
annual Keter Torah Award,
which was presented to Elza
Weinman and Joan Kagan, we
look forward to recognizing two
other women in our community
this year. Again, in the spirit of
Shavuot, which celebrates two
great Jewish heroines, Naomi
and Ruth, the Keter Torah
Award ceremony will immediately
precede Shavuot. The
ceremony provides a unique
opportunity for The Jewish
Center family to show its high regard
for the outstanding commitment
and leadership of
women in our community. This
year’s Keter Torah Award will be
presented on Shabbat, May 11th,
2013, following Shabbat morning
services in The Jewish Center’s
main sanctuary.
Pleasemarkyourcalendars
andjoinusforthisspecial
event!
If you would like to acknowledge
the women of our synagogue,
and our honorees, please visit
www.jewishcenter.org. Your
donation will contribute towards
honoring these women, as well as
to support the work of The
Jewish Center. Your name will
be published in the program that
will be distributed at the presentation.
Keter Torah Sponsor-$180
Rimon Sponsor-$72
RoSE LYnn SHERR
When rose Lynn
Sherr and her husband,
Jack Pollock, z’’l,
joined The Jewish
center in 1997, she
quickly made new
friends, many of whom
had belonged to the shul for forty years.
However, her friends complained that
they somehow didn’t feel as if they belonged.
Sherr, who in comparison to
them was truly an outsider, had the answer,
and she named it Advanced Leadership.
From 60 to 100 members attend
Advanced Leadership’s programs, the
most popular of which is the annual Kiddush
luncheon. Likewise, when the
women’s Tehillim group began meeting
about fifteen years ago, Sherr joined in,
adding her voice to that of the other
women to recite psalms on behalf of the
ill. Sherr worked for forty years at the
rusk institute of rehabilitation Medicine
NYU Medical center as the director of
outpatient psychology. With a PhD in
psychology, she specialized in treating
people with acquired brain injuries.
She’s served as a mentor to any number
of women in her profession, and she
credits her grandmother, Mindle, for inspiring
her and serving as a role
model.Her grandmother passed down
her candlesticks to her, saying, “My relationship
with you is like my relationship
with my grandmother.” The candlesticks,
which originate from her great-great
grandmother, are a weekly reminder of
the strong women in her family, women
whose motto was, says Sherr, “if you
have to get something done, you do it.
That’s how i got my PhD. That’s how
i’ve lived my life.”
Rabbi Shimon said, “There are three crowns:
the crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood,
and the crown of kingship. And the crown
of a good name is superior to them all.”
S H A b b A T, M A y 1 1
JEAnniE R. FiSHER
if there’s a common
thread that runs
through Jeannie r.
Fisher’s life, it’s her
fascination with and respect
for history, and
her desire to pass it
down to the next generation. As an arts
and culture writer, her subjects have
encompassed everything from ancient
jewelry and Hebrew manuscripts to
Jewish carpets and Judaica. in that
same vein, she and her husband, Scott
Fisher, joined The Jewish center twelve
years ago not only because it was intellectually
and spiritually stimulating but
also because she loved the sense of tradition
and ancestry in the sanctuary
itself. Growing up with grandparents
who’d survived the Holocaust, Fisher
was keenly aware of the violence that
had ripped her family from their own
traditions and roots. So it’s no surprise
that she’s embraced The Jewish center’s
intergenerational Purim mishloach
manot project. Kids, including her three
children, dress up in costumes and
deliver mishloach manot to older members.
“They built the shul,” Fisher points
out, “they paved the way for us, and
being with them makes us feel as if
we’re part of the legacy.” Her children,
in turn, are following their mother’s longstanding
tradition, one that has its roots
in Staten island and Flatbush where she
fondly recalls visiting nursing home residents
before holidays and delivering
Shabbat packages to elderly neighbors
“to pay it backwards, not pay it forward.”
For moreinformation on events and programs at The JC,
contact contact ElianeGlassmanat (212)724-2700 x110 or
eliane@jewishcenter.org.

TefIllah aT The Jc Page 7
MJE Beginners Service 9:30AM
A Saturday morning service
designed for people who know little
or nothing about Jewish
prayer. The Beginners Service is
an anxiety free, “no Hebrew-necessary,
user friendly” prayer experience
that will keep you looking
forward to Saturday mornings.
Service is followed by Kiddush,
refreshments and socializing. Led
by rabbi Mark Wildes.
No charge.
co-sponsored with NJOP.
Shabbat Services
MAin SAnCTuARY 9:00AM
This beautiful service is the cornerstone
of The Jewish center.
rabbi Yosie Levine’s weekly sermons
address timely and timeless
issues and speak to the congregants’
relationships with one another
and with Hashem. cantor
chaim David Berson leads the
service with melodies and songs
that never fail to inspire. All are
welcome to join.
HASHKAMA MinYAn
7:45AM
This early minyan meets on
Shabbat morning. With a closeknit
feel, this minyan features a 15
minute shiur taught in conjunction
with a hot Kiddush immediately
following davening. it is an ideal
service for early risers, spouses
who want to help acclimate their
children to Shabbat morning
groups and people looking for a
spirited Shabbat morning mini
shiur.
YounG LEADERSHiP MinYAn
9:30AM
This weekly Shabbat morning
minyan is the nucleus of the
Young Leadership committee’s
social and religious programming.
The minyan hosts a weekly kiddush
and provides a wonderful
venue for young community leaders
to interact after services every
week.
CARLEBACH MinYAn
This monthly Friday night service
meets every Shabbat Mevarchim.
Led by cantor chaim David
Berson, this minyan uses the
tunes of Shlomo carlebach to inspire
us and transform our Friday
night experience.
SunDAY AnD WEEKDAY
SERViCES
On Sundays and legal holidays,
Shacharit is held in the Max Stern
Auditorium at 8:30AM. On weekday
mornings, Shacharit is at
7:00AM and 8:00AM in the Marion
and Max Grill Beit Midrash
(4th floor). On rosh chodesh,
fast days, chol Hamoed and Selichot
days the times are adjusted
(see calendar). Minchah and
Maariv follow the schedule on the
calendar.
WoMEn’S TEHiLLiM
7:15PM
Join us every other Monday
evening as we recite the entire
Book of Tehillim (Psalms) for
those who need our spiritual support
and for the safety and wellbeing
of our brothers and sisters
in israel. We divide the Psalms
among all members present so
that we may articulate a meaningful
and complete prayer as a
group. contact: Joyce Weitz at
(212) 877-1176.
FRiDAY niGHT LATE MinYAn
8:00PM
This minyan meets in June and
July.

Page 8
YoUTh deparTmenT
WEEKLY SHABBAT GRouPS
10:00AM-12:00PM
each Shabbat morning our
youth department enhances and
enriches our children's Shabbat
experience. Morning groups are
back for our children to take part
in tefillah services led by our
enthusiastic and skilled group
leaders!
EARLY CHiLDHooD
PRoGRAM
Toddlers: Lower level
Under the guidance of Morah
Judy, toddlers accompanied by a
parent or caregiver will learn to
love Shabbat. Your child will play,
enjoy tefilah, sing, and enjoy delicious
challah and grape juice.
3-5 year olds: Lower level
Nursery and kindergarten-age
children will enjoy free play,
tefillah and learning about the parshah.
They will also play games
in a fun and engaging environment.
Your child will leave each
week with a passion for Shabbat!
JunioR MinYAn
1st - 3rd grade: 7th floor
This group for boys and girls in
1st-3rd grade will enrich your
child’s Shabbat morning experience.
children will participate in
an extended Tefillah, introducing
them to the Shabbat morning
service. each week, your child will
learn about the parshah or upcoming
holiday, leaving him/her
with a deeper understanding and
love of Jewish life. When the
weather outside is nice, your child
will play with friends on our Jc
rooftop.
TWEEn MinYAn
4th - 6th grade: 5th floor
This group for kids in 4th-6th
grade aims to create a welcoming
environment for tweens from a
variety of schools. Group games
and sports build camaraderie and
Shabbat 4 Tots
celebrate Shabbat a little early on Fridays at
The Jewish center as you sing and sign with your
child! You and your child will enjoy a special pre-
Shabbat experience, complete with instruments,
puppets, storytelling, tzedakah, challah and grape
juice. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other new parents,
grandparents, aunts, uncles and young children in the community.
classes are taught by our guitar-playing chazzan chaim David Berson
and a fabulous musical co-teacher. For more information, contact Hod
Klein at hod@jewishcenter.org.
allow kids to make new friends.
Your child will also spend time
learning with Jc resident
Scholar, rabbi Daniel Fridman.
Led by our dynamic duo, Shira
and Mike, this is the place for your
tween to be on Shabbat mornings!
TEEn MinYAn
4th floor
The Jewish center teen minyan,
which meets once a month, is a
forum for young men and women
to take leadership roles in their religious
lives. Davening and layning
are led by the young men, and
our young women deliver divrei
Torah exploring the Kriat HaTorah
and explicating Shabbat Te-fillah.
The minyan is followed by a wonderful
kiddush which includes
vegetarian and gluten free options,
and a chaburah led by
a teen. Please join us for the
next minyan on May 4th!
AFTERnoon GRouPS
5th floor
For boys and girls in 2nd-7th
grade there’s no better way to
spend Shabbat afternoons in
NYc. With full access to the Jc
gym and interactive games, your
child will play with friends in a fun
and safe environment. Led by our
experienced teacher, Yael Kahn
Pinto, and her husband Tony, your
child will have a great time playing
sports and games, munching on
healthy snacks, and discussing
topics in Jewish life.
*Times vary according to Minchah schedule.

YoUTh deparTmenT Page 9
PAREnT & CHiLD
LEARninG
SHABBAT, APriL 6 –
SHABBAT, JUNe 22
come learn Pirkei Avot with rabbi
Daniel Fridman on Shabbat afternoons.
YoM HA’ATZMAuT
FAMiLY BBQ
THUrSDAY, APriL 16
Join us for a special Jc rooftop
family BBQ in celebration of
israeli independence Day.
iSRAEL SHABBAT
SHABBAT, APriL 20
All groups will spend the Shabbat
before Yom Haatzmaut engaging
in israel-themed interactive educational
programs.
MARCH AnD APRiL
BiRTHDAY KiDDuSH
SHABBAT, APriL 27TH
if you would like to sponsor the
Kiddush in honor of your child’s
birthday, please contact Hod.
LAG BAoMER FAMiLY BBQ
SUNDAY, APriL 28
celebrate Lag B’Omer with a Jc
rooftop BBQ!
TEEn MinYAn
SHABBAT, MAY 4
All Jewish center teens and their
friends are invited to participate.
Jewish center teenagers will lead
the services with guidance from
rabbi Daniel Fridman. For more
information, or to volunteer to
lead part of the service please
contact rabbi Fridman at
dfridman@jewishcenter.org.
MoTHER & DAuGHTER
SEuDAH SHLiSHiT
SHABBAT, MAY 4
A special opportunity for mothers
& daughters to learn together and
enjoy a beautiful seudah shlishit.
SHAVuoT PAREnT &
CHiLD LEARninG
WeDNeSDAY, MAY 15TH
1st-3rd meet on the 4th floor, 4th-
6th meet on the 5th floor. Kids will
take turns learning and playing
games in the gym, followed by a
make-your-own-ice-cream-sundae
party!
FAMiLY SHAVuoT LunCH
THUrSDAY, MAY 16TH
Join us for a delicious dairy lunch
on the second day of Shavuot.
EnD oF THE YEAR
FAMiLY LunCHEon
SHABBAT, JUNe 15
Join us for the last family meal of
the year and a special opportunity
to thank our group leaders!
Host Your Child’s
Birthday Party at The JC
With Super Soccer Stars, or
Elliot’s Gymnastics
Jewish Center members receive
a 10% discount on birthday
parties and classes.
Contact Aaron Strum at
astrum@jewishcenter.org
for more info.
For more information on
Youth events or to become
a sponsor, please contact our
Youth Director
Hod Klein
at hod@jewishcenter.org

Page 10
sprIng lecTUre serIes
A Conversation
wiTHAMbASSAdor
dEnniSroSS
Moderated by
Gary Rosenblatt
israelandtheMiddle
Eastin2013
SundAy,APril14TH
AT7:30PM
For more than twelve
years, Ambassador Ross
played a leading role in
shaping U.S. involvement
in the Middle East
peace process and dealing
directly with the parties
in negotiations. Join
the Upper West Side
Modern Orthodox community for a discussion
with Dennis Ross on the deep connection between
our people and Israel as well as our two
countries: The United States and Israel.
Seating is limited. Visit www.uwsisrael.org to
register.
Co-presented by Congregation Ohab Zedek,
Congregation Ramath Orah, Kehilat Rayim
Ahuvim, Lincoln Square Synagogue,
Congregation Shearith Israel - Spanish &
Portuguese Synagogue, The Jewish Center,
West Side Institutional and Young Israel
of the West Side.
Scholar in Residence
CHiEfrAbbi
iSrAElMEirlAu
HaAm V'hamidina: Building a Democratic
State While Maintaining our Jewish Identity
SHAbbAT,APril19-20,2013
The chain of rabbis in this European
family stretched back
1000 years and included Rashi,
but was almost broken in
Buchenwald. There, eight year
old Yisrael Meir Lau miraculously
survived and went on to
serve in many rabbinic capacities,
including the Ashkenazi
Chief Rabbi of Israel, Chief
Rabbi of Netanya and currently,
Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv.
Born in June 1937 in the Polish town of Piotrków
Trybunalski, where his father, Rabbi Moshe Chaim
Lau, was Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Lau immigrated to Israel
with his brother Naphtali in 1945 after liberation. He
studied in the famous Yeshiva Kol Torah under Rabbi
Shlomo Zalman Auerbach as well as in Ponevezh and
Knesses Chizkiyahu. He was ordained as a rabbi in
1961.
Rabbi Lau married the daughter of Rabbi Yitzchok
Yehdidya Frankel, the Rabbi of South Tel Aviv. They
have three sons and five daughters. Rabbi Lau’s eldest
son, Moshe Chaim, took his place as Rabbi in Netanya
in 1989; his son David became the Chief Rabbi of
Modi’in and his youngest, Tzvi Yehuda, is the Rabbi
of North Tel Aviv.
Rabbi Lau is widely revered in the Jewish community
for his scholarly achievements, his progressive ideals,
his compassion and his efforts to promote interfaith
dialogue. In 2005 Rabbi Lau won the prestigious Israel
Prize for lifetime achievement and special contribution
to society and the State of Israel. The author of
numerous scholarly works, Rabbi Lau’s memoir, “Out
of the Depths,” details his experiences in the Holocaust
and how that has influenced him throughout his
life. He currently serves as Chairman of the Yad
vaShem Council.
With Thanks to our Sponsors: The Gibber family and
l'ilui nishmat HaRav Shmuel Tzvi ben Yosef HaLevi

sprIng lecTUre serIes Page 11
An Armchair Conversation on Contemporary Ethics
clinical Bioethics and the organ Donation Debate
Featuring Dr. Hannah Lipman and Rabbi Jeremy Wieder
TUEsDAy, APRIL 30 • MEMBERs-oNLy RECEPTIoN AT 7:30 PM
8:00PM CoNvERsATIoN
Sponsored by Hanno Mott
Memorial Day
Lecture
Dr. Hannah Lipman is a geriatrician-cardiologist-bioethicist.
In June 2009, Dr. Lipman became the Associate Director
of the Montefiore-Einstein Center for Bioethics and Chief
of the Bioethics Consultation service. In this role, she
teaches ethics throughout the medical center, in the first
year medical school bioethics courses and to lay leaders
in the broader community.
Rabbi Jeremy Wieder is the Joseph and Gwendolyn straus
Professor of Talmud in yeshiva University's Mazer yeshiva
Program and is an Adjunct Professor of Bible in yeshiva
College. He was ordained by RIETs and holds a PhD in
Judaic studies from New york University.
Martha Sonnenshein Memorial Lecture
DR. toVA GAnzel
SHABBAt, MAY 4 folloWInG 9:00AM SeRVIceS
Evolution or Revolution? A Historical Look at the
Evolving Role of Women in Religious Life and the
Halachic Process
Dr. Tova Ganzel received her doctoral degree in Bible
from Bar-Ilan University in 2005 and is also one of the
two first certified halakhic counselors on family purity. In
Israel she divides her time between her positions as deputy director of
the Midrasha for Women at Bar-Ilan University and adjunct lecturer in Bible
at Bar-Ilan University and Herzog College. As a halakhic advisor on
women's issues, she has taken part in the process of institutionalization
of halakhic decision-making by women. In Bible, her main fields of research
are the prophetic books, with an emphasis on the theological world
of the Bible, and nineteenth-century biblical criticism. This year she is a Tikvah
fellow living with her husband and six children in North Riverdale.
SAvETHEdATE
Shabbat with Resident Scholar
YAel leIBoWItz • SHABBAt June 15
Shabbat Morning Public lecture:
the enduring nature of King David's legacy
MAjorGEnErAl
lArryS.TAylor
Sponsored by The JCRC and
Council of Young Jewish Presidents.
wEdnESdAy,MAy 22
7:00PM
Major General Larry S. Taylor served as a
United States Marine for 38 years – 5 on active
duty and 33 years in the reserve. Taylor
was the grandson of russian Jewish immigrants
who migrated to America in the early
1900s. He retired on October 1, 1997 and
was recalled from retirement in November
2001 to assume command of the Marine
corps reserve Support command. He relinquished
his command in May 2002, to
serve as Deputy commander, Marine
Forces reserve in New Orleans.Taylor was
graduated from Georgia Tech in 1962, with
a BS degree in industrial management. After
receiving his commission as a Naval Aviator,
he became a squadron pilot with Marine
Medium Helicopter Squadrons 264 and 263
in 1964 and 1965. During this service he
was involved in operations in Santo
Domingo during the Dominican republic crisis.
When he completed his initial active
duty in December 1966, he was a Platoon
commander, Air/ Naval Gunfire Platoon, 2nd
Marine Division. in civilian life, he was a captain
for Northwest Airlines flying the Boeing
747/400. He retired from Northwest Airlines
in March 2001.

Page 12
JewIsh cenTer UnIversITY sprIng semesTer 2013
SEMESTER RUnS FROM
aprIl 8th to
JUne 20th UnLESS
OThERWISE nOTEd
DePArTMeNT OF HALAcHAH
f39 Melachot: From Concept
to Practice
rabbi Dovid Zirkind
Shabbat afternoons 45 minutes
before Minchah
plore these questions as well as
others that undergird contemporary
debates about issues such
as surrogate pregnancy and
organ donation. The series capstone
on April 30 will feature an
armchair conversation on contemporary
bioethics with Dr. Hannah
Lipman and rabbi Jeremy
Wieder.
DePArTMeNT OF TANAcH
fWomen of the Bible
rabbi Yosie Levine
Wednesdays at 11:00AM
Beginning with eve, this class will
explore the lives and legacies of
the women of Genesis. Through
close textual readings and exploration
of the classic Biblical commentaries,
this class for women
will attempt to gain a deeper
understanding of the characters
we know so well.
fThe Sweet Songs of David
rabbi Daniel Fridman
Wednesdays at 8:00PM
The Book of Psalms may be
described as having a triple iden-
Join rabbi Zirkind for this interactive
source based discussion
about the laws of Shabbat. continuing
from this past winter, the
class begins with a discussion of
the Hebrew sources and addresses
real-life applications we
face every week. The group
meets in the main sanctuary 45
minutes before mincha.
F TANAcH
fFor the Matters of Life and
Death: Modern orthodox
Perspectives on Bioethics
rabbi Yosie Levine
Tuesdays, April 9-23, at 8PM
When does life begin? When
does it end? And how do we integrate
what modern science has
taught us with our Halachic tradition?
calling on both classic and
modern texts as our guides, this
special three week series will extity;
first, as one of the twenty-four
canonical works, the first of the
sacred Writings, second, as the
foundation of large tracts of Jewish
liturgy and third, as the
favored text of the individual Jew
in distress, hallowed by generations
of desperate prayers and
tears of those in dire straits. This
series will explore this stirring
work of Biblical poetry, focusing
each week on a different Psalm.
fnosh and Drash
Dr. Adena K. Berkowitz
Tuesdays at 10:15AM
Join us for this weekly Parsha
shiur focusing on the intellectual
and spiritual insights from the
Torah. For women only.
fTemples in israel
Yael Leibowitz
Resident Scholar
Wednesdays, May 22-June 12
at 7PM
This course will look at the institution
of the temple in Ancient
israel, from its earliest inception
through its final demise in the First
century c.e.

JewIsh cenTer UnIversITY sprIng semesTer 2013 Page 13
fTheSecond Temple Period –
From Yehoyakhin to Yavneh
rabbi Ari Lamm
William Fischman Rabbinic Intern
Nearly the entirety of the modern
Jewish experience is rooted in the
religious and cultural ferment that
characterized the period of Bayit
Sheni. Through close readings of
primary texts, as well as careful
examination of the relevant historical
and archaeological data, we
will explore together an era in
Jewish history that saw the rise of
rabbinic Judaism, the beginning
of Jewish geopolitics, as well as
the birth of religious Zionism and
religious anti-Zionism. No prior
background in this period of history
is required.
DePArTMeNT OF TALMUD
fExploring Jewish identity
rabbi Dovid Zirkind
Mondays at 8:00PM
A heated topic in each generation,
conversion contributes to our
outlook on the broader community
as well as helping to define our
Jewish identity, its origins and
trajectory. The class will begin
with a detailed analysis of the
Talmudic texts and traverse the
halachic literature that has
ensued ever since; the controver-
sies and sociological factors that
have impacted its implementation.
fAdvanced Gemara Chabura
rabbi Daniel Fridman
Tuesday and Wednesday
at 7:45AM
We will be studying the Yahrzeit
Shiurim of the rabbi Joseph B.
Soloveitchik, zt'l, in advance of
the 20th Yahrzeit this coming chol
HaMoed Pesach. These shiurim
represent the written manuscripts
of the rav's annual shiurim on
3 Shevat, in memory of his father
and teacher, rav Moshe Soloveitchik,
zt'l. As has been widely
noted, they represented the pinnacle
of the Torah calendar for our
community for over two generations,
as thousands would flock to
Lamport Audiotrium to hear the
rav. We will devote 3-4 weeks at
a time to each shiur, proceeding
from covering the basic sources
in the Talmud and rambam, to
advancing through the rav's line
of argumentation, and ultimately,
chiddushim.
fRabbi israel Silverstein
Mishnayot Class
rabbi Yosie Levine
Shabbat Morning at 8:30AM
A freewheeling discussion of
Jewish law and custom. This year
we are studying Mesechet Sanhedrin.
fMinchat Chinuch and the
World of 19th Century
Halachic Thought
rabbi Daniel Fridman
Shabbat Mornings at 9:15AM
Taught in conjunction with a hot
Kiddush every Shabbat morning,
this highly participatory class uses
the classic 19th century halachic
work as a jumping off point for an
in-depth discussion of Jewish law
and its development. Topics relate
Dozens of JC members and friends joined Rabbi Levine for a private tour of the Roman Vishniac
Rediscovered Exhibit at the International Center of Photography. The exhibit holds the most widely
recognized and reproduced photographic record of Jewish life in Eastern Europe between the
two World Wars.

Page 14
JewIsh cenTer UnIversITY sprIng semesTer 2013
to the weekly Parsha as well as
pertinent contemporary halachic
issues.
fisrael Friedman Daf Yomi
rotating JcU Faculty
Weekdays at 7:45,
Shabbat afternoon 45 minutes
before Minchah
At the First World congress of the
World Agudath israel in Vienna in
1923, rabbi Meir Shapiro proposed
a revolutionary idea: study
one page of Talmud every day
and in just over seven years,
complete all 2,711 pages! 31. Join
us now as we are midway through
Mesechet eruvin.
For more information
about these courses,
or to register, please
contact
Rabbi dovid Zirkind at
dzirkind@jewishcenter.org
or call
(212)724-2700 x119
Additional
Classes
fYoung Leadership Living
Room Learning
rabbi Dovid Zirkind
every other Tuesday at 8:00PM
This bi-weekly course for people
in their 20’s and 30’s shifts
between the practical and conceptual,
as we discuss issues relevant
to our times. each week we
meet in a different member’s
home. LrL is a great opportunity
to learn and get to know each
other outside of shul. For more
information, or if you’d like to
host a LrL please contact
yl@jewishcenter.org
fPerek in the Park
JcU Faculty
Shabbat Afternoons
before Mincha
This course offered between
Pesach and Shavuot examines
selections from ethics of Our
Fathers. What does it mean to live
an ethical life? How should we
behave towards our families and
co-workers? What is the relationship
between Jewish ethics and
ethics of American society today?
Join us each week as we venture
out to central Park’s Arthur ross
Pinetum for this seasonal favorite.
fTaharat HaMishpacha:
Spring Semester
Mrs. Ariella Zirkind
April 15—May 20
Ariella received a BA in Judaic
Studies from Stern college and
is a certified kallah teacher
through the National council of
Young israel. Ariella offers a textbased
curriculum that provides a
thorough understanding of the
halakhot of family purity. Non textbased
classes are also available
for students more comfortable
learning without Hebrew sources.
courses will be offered in both
group and individual settings. The
Spring Semester for group
classes will begin the week of
April 15th. The schedule will be
set according to preferences of
the participants. Please contact
Ariella directly at
ariellazirkind@gmail.com. it is
best to get in touch as early in
your wedding planning process as
possible.
chattan classes are also available
with rabbi Dovid Zirkind.
Those interested should contact
him at dzirkind@jewishcenter.org

JewIsh cenTer UnIversITY sprIng semesTer 2013 Page 15
MARTHA SonnEnSCHEin
MEMoRiAL LECTuRE
Dr. Tova Ganzel
noSH & DRASH: WEEKLY
inSiGHTS inTo THE
PARSHAH
Dr. Adena Berkowitz
WoMEn oF THE BiBLE
rabbi Yosie Levine
TAHARAT HAMiSHPACHAH
Mrs. Ariella Zirkind
SCHoLAR in RESiDEnCE
Yael Leibowitz, resident Scholar
An ARMCHAiR ConVERSATion
on ConTEMPoRARY ETHiCS
Dr. Hannah Lipman
SiSTERHooD BRunCH
KETER ToRAH AWARDS
START-uP SunDAY
Births committee and the Young
couples and Families committee
The UWS Gemach is now well-stocked and open to all!
We invite you all to volunteer!
Children gather to recite Havdallah before
Parent & Child Learning
Young Couples and Families
Committee movie night.
The Hamptons Synagogue Choir preparing
for Shabbat of Song at The JC.

Page 16
sprIng seUdah shlIshIT speaKer serIes
APril13
Seudah Shlishit with MJE: Spiritual Journeys:
Personal Reflections from MJE Participants –
Featuring Josh Gold and Elyse Hershenson
Joshua Gold has been teaching High
School History in the New York city
Department of education for seven
years and has been teaching part-time
in Jewish Day Schools for the past two
years. He is married to Kathy and they
are expecting, b’sha’a tova, their first child.
elyse Hershenson is a freelance reporter
and anchor for News12 Long
island.
APril20
MAy4
Dr. Tova Ganzel
Jerusalem: From Destruction to
Redemption
See page 11 for full bio.
A two week Seudah Shlishit mini-series exploring the rich culture,
history and future of the Sephardic community. Join us for an interactive
learning experience with a taste of authentic Sephardic
cuisine and inspiring melodies of the communities we study.
On Shabbat, May 18th we will
welcome members of
congregation Shearith israel,
along with their Shamash,
Zecharia Edinger, who will
discuss the rich traditions of
our West Side neighbor.
Chief Rabbi Lau
M'Shoa L'tkuma: From the
Holocaust to Today
See page 10 for full bio.
junE1
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
For more information please contact rabbi
Dovid Zirkind at dzirkind@jewishcenter.org
APril27
Eran Schwartz
Zionism, Secularism and
The Future of Israeli Culture
eran Schwartz completed his BA with
honors at Haifa University and is currently pursuing a dual
MA in communications and political science at Haifa University
and the institut d’Études Politiques in Paris. A
major in the iDF, he is a pilot and commander and has
served as an instructor in the iAF Flight Academy. eran
initiated various volunteer programs serving underprivileged
israeli youth and a public-diplomacy (hasbara) program
in collaboration with the israeli embassy in Paris.
He hopesto take an active role in shaping israel’s future
political landscape, with a special interest in education.
He is currently a Tikvah Fellow.
Jerome Chanes
Gedolim on Public Affairs: The Netziv,
Rav Hutner, and Rabbi Soloveitchik on
Contemporary Issues—and on “Da'as
Torah”
Jerome chanes is a senior fellow at the center for Jewish
Studies, cUNY Graduate center, the author or editor of four
books on American Jewish history and public affairs, and has
taught at the university level in the United States and abroad.
His articles and reviews appear regularly in the
Forward and The Jewish Week.
junE15
Yael Leibowitz, Resident Scholar
The Enduring Nature of
King David’s Legacy

maY and samUel rUdIn lecTUre
Page 17
SPrinG2013MAyAndSAMuElrudinlECTurE
The Honorable Cory A.
Booker is the Mayor of
Newark, New Jersey,
the largest city in the State of
New Jersey. Mayor Booker is
presently serving in his second
term.
Elected with a clear mandate
for change, Mayor Booker
began work on realizing a bold
vision for the city. Newark’s
mission is to set a national standard
for urban transformation
by marshalling its resources to
achieve security, economic
abundance and an environment
that is nurturing and empowering
for individuals and families.
Mayor Booker and his Administration,
together with the city’s
residents, have made meaningful
strides towards achieving the
city’s mission by tackling significant
challenges with innovation,
new coalitions, creative
public private partnerships and
building on the already existing
great foundation in New Jersey’s
most historic city.
For all his efforts and those of
countless Newark residents and
activists, Newark is fast becoming
recognized as one of America’s
rising cities of hope and
promise.
ThE hOnORAbLE
corY a. booKer,
MAyOR,
CITy OF nEWARk
Blacks and Jews –
From Exodus to
Tomorrow
TUesdaY, maY 7Th
doors open aT 7:00pm
lecTUre aT 8:00 pm
This event is free and open to
the public. 22.Seating is
limited. Please visit
www.jewishcenter.org for more
information. Early access for JC
members through April 15th.
May and Samuel Rudin
Lecture Series
The May and Samuel rudin
Lecture Series at The Jewish
center was established by Mr.
Jack rudin in memory of his
beloved parents, longtime members
and leaders of The Jewish
center. it was designed to provide
the New York city community with
the opportunity to hear from
renowned religious leaders,
prominent public figures and outstanding
scholars on issues of
critical importance to contemporary
society and religion.
Our most recent speakers have
included: Lord Jonathan Sacks,
chief rabbi of the United Hebrew
congregations of the commonwealth;
Ambassador Yehuda
Avner, israeli diplomat; The Honorable
John Ashcroft, Former U.S.
Attorney General; David Brooks,
New York Times columnist; General
colin Powell, former Secretary
of State; Lee Bollinger,
President of columbia University;
John Sexton, President of New
York University; richard Joel,
President of Yeshiva University;
edward cardinal egan, Archbishop
of New York; rabbi Norman
Lamm, chancellor of
Yeshiva University;and Governor
Thomas Kean, chairman of the
9/11 commission.

Page 18
sUpporT The JewIsh cenTer
sUpporT The
JewIsh cenTer
The Jewish Center is pleased
to offer so many classes and
programs to the Jewish community
free of charge. To continue
to fulfill our mission as
the Center for Jewish Life and
Learning on the Upper West
Side, we depend on the munificence
of our participants. We
invite you to join the growing
number of members and
donors who so generously
support us.
For more information on
membership, or to make a
donation, visit www.jewishcenter.org
membership at The Jewish center provides a
wide array of outstanding social, cultural,
recreational, educational and religious
activities for people of all ages. our programs
and services celebrate Judaism, community,
family and the creation of friendships.
The Jewish center is the modern orthodox
center for Jewish life and learning that is
welcoming to all and it’s where you belong.
Join today!
Apply online at www.jewishcenter.org
or pick up a membership application
in The JC lobby.
if you are interested in joining The Jewish center and would like more information, please fill out
the form below and mail it to The Jewish center office:
131 West 86 Street
New York, NY 10024
Name_________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
Phone number__________________________________________________________________
email address______________________________________
How did you hear about The Jewish center?__________________________________________

SAvETHEdATE
THEjEwiSHCEnTErAnnuAldinnEr
MOndAy, JUnE 17, 2013 • MUSEUM OF JEWISh hERITAgE
guest of honor
Hanno Mott
Rabbi dr. Leo Jung
Memorial Award
Judy Federbush Greenwald
& Rodney Greenwald
• JOIn US FOR ShAbbAT MEALS..........................................PAgE 4-5
• yOM hA’ATZMAUT WITh
AMbASSAdOR dEnnIS ROSS.............................................PAgE 10
• ShAbbAT WITh ChIEF RAbbI ISRAEL
MEIR LAU....................................................................................PAgE 10
• An ARMChAIR COnvERSATIOn
On bIOEThICS ........................................................................PAgE 12
• An EvEnIng WITh MAyOR CORy bOOkER...............PAgE 17
The Jewish center
131 West 86th Street
New York, NY 10024
Telephone: 212.724.2700
Fax: 212.724.5629
www.jewishcenter.org