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People of the Bus by Ed Grossman — last modified 03-28-2013 11:35 PM

As the newest members of Temple Micah to join this year's trip to Israel, I wonder whether I should actually be writing this article at all. Yet, after 15 days together with others from our congregation, I feel we now are a community of long-time friends.

The Greater Micah Community: One Member's Story by Ed Grossman — last modified 03-28-2013 11:41 PM

I had been a member of Temple Micah for less than a year when I showed up for a Friday evening service and noticed that Teddy Klaus, the music director, had a broken wrist.

Hineni Hosts Upcoming Discussion: Visiting the Sick and Bereaved by Ed Grossman — last modified 03-28-2013 11:43 PM

Do you ever feel uncertain about what to say or do when visiting someone in a hospital or in mourning? Then come to a discussion, "Visiting the Sick and Bereaved: A Guide for the Perplexed," on Sunday, March 10 at 10 a.m., when your questions philosophical and practical will be answered. The conversation is hosted by Temple Micah's Hineni committee.

Rabbi Zemel's 30 Years at Micah by Ed Grossman — last modified 11-09-2012 12:26 AM

At the Ask the Rabbis session on Yom Kippur afternoon, a congregant inquired of Rabbi Zemel: What has made you the happiest during the last year? The question remained on his mind and several days later he said, "Coming to Temple Micah every single day, even when I have a headache. That's what makes me happiest. It is a great environment. What I do is very exciting. I love Temple Micah."

Member Profile: Aurie Hall by Ed Grossman — last modified 11-09-2012 12:38 AM

Aurie Hall is just the sort of person Temple Micah needs, especially at this time of year. As co-chair of the synagogue's High Holy Days Committee, Hall makes the temporary move from Temple Micah to the Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church (MMUMC) for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services work.

A History of Micah: The Search For A Home by Ed Grossman — last modified 11-09-2012 12:30 AM

As part of marking our congregation's 50th anniversary, the Vine is proud to publish the second in a three-part series on the history of Temple Micah adapted from Brenda Levenson's 2003 book, Derech Micah (Micah's Journey). Part One, "Sowing the Seeds," appeared in the August/September issue.

Temple Micah Welcomes New Machon Micah Fellows by Ed Grossman — last modified 11-09-2012 12:48 AM

Introduction to Caitlin Brazner & Vanessa Harper, new Machon Micah Fellows

Temple Micah Celebrates 50th Anniversary by Ed Grossman — last modified 09-11-2012 07:37 AM

1963 witnessed the first flight of a 727 jet, Father Knows Best was a top TV show, and the Postal Service introduced the ZIP code. The year also was full of tumult: the Ku Klux Klan bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church in Alabama, killing four little girls; the US committed military and economic aid to a new government in South Vietnam; and President Kennedy was assassinated. Our home town saw the iconic March on Washington and the emergence of the civil rights movement. In the midst of this vibrant and unsettled time, a small group of visionaries imagined a Jewish community that would provide a home for urban Jews and a platform for repairing the world.

Adult B'nai Torah Alumni Study Groups Welcome New Members by Ed Grossman — last modified 09-11-2012 08:13 AM

When alumni of the four past Adult B'nai Torah classes met last February to build on the connections and teachings of their B'nai Torah classes, they discovered that their interests for further group study ran the gamut, from cooking and conversion to theology and prayer. Two groups have continued their study.

Temple Micah Library Gets Reinvigorated by Ed Grossman — last modified 09-11-2012 08:04 AM

Exciting things are happening in the Temple Micah library. Over the past few months, other volunteers and I have done a complete inventory of the approximately 3,000 books located both upstairs and downstairs at the temple. Among them are novels of Philip Roth, poetry of Marge Piercy, biographies of famous people like Moshe Dayan, beautiful coffee table books with the art of Marc Chagall, and hundreds of books to please children of all ages.

Member Spotlight--Mort and Roberta Goren by Ed Grossman — last modified 09-11-2012 08:10 AM

Most Saturday mornings you will find Mort and Roberta Goren at Torah study and then at services – unless they are visiting their nearly 4-year-old twin granddaughters, Hannah and Elani, or other family across the country.

One Jewish Family, Two Jewish Camps by Ed Grossman — last modified 09-11-2012 08:16 AM

One family--camping stories from Camp Moshava and Camp Harlam (and Israel)

A History of Temple Micah: Sowing the Seeds by Ed Grossman — last modified 09-11-2012 07:54 AM

As part of marking our congregation's 50th anniversary, the Vine is proud to publish a three-part series on the history of Temple Micah adapted from Brenda Levenson's 2003 book Derech Micah (Micah's Journey).

Community Conversations Initiative Begins Next Phase by Ed Grossman — last modified 06-06-2012 08:15 PM

"We're here to build a new sanctuary out of our sacred stories and use them to act together, to transform ourselves and our community, and our neighborhoods." With these words, Rabbi Lederman kicked off a Saturday afternoon discussion with roughly 65 Temple Micah members about the Community Conversations project.

Temple Micah Welcomes New Intern, Josh Beraha by Ed Grossman — last modified 06-06-2012 08:26 PM

Rabbinic student Josh Beraha wants to teach Judaism to a new generation. "I want to make a Judaism that is not the Judaism of my parents."

Member Spotlight: Carrie Langsam by Ed Grossman — last modified 06-06-2012 08:28 PM

 

Faith Snyderman Honored with Ben Topus Award by Ed Grossman — last modified 06-06-2012 08:21 PM

The passion and energy Temple Micah's Faith Snyderman brings to regional Jewish youth group events has earned her the prestigious Ben Topus Award.

Micah Members Participate in Advocacy with Good Faith Communities Coalition by Ed Grossman — last modified 06-06-2012 08:33 PM

In the spirit of tikkun olam, Micah members joined the D.C.-wide Good Faith Communities Coalition (GFCC) this spring to advocate for funding for safety net services, such as emergency shelter, as well as investments in affordable housing.

Micah House Steps Out at the Kennedy Center by Ed Grossman — last modified 08-01-2012 08:20 PM

On Monday, April 30, a group of 15 women connected with Micah House including all four current residents, the case manager, five alumnae, and several members of the Micah House Board attended the premier of "My Soul Look Back and Wonder: Life Stories from Women in Recovery" at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theatre.

Expanding Volunteer Opportunities at St. Luke's Shelter by Ed Grossman — last modified 06-06-2012 08:24 PM

One of Temple Micah's closest neighbors, literally and figuratively, is St. Luke's Shelter for homeless men. The shelter, located just a few blocks south of the Temple, was established over 20 years ago, before Temple Micah moved to our current home.

Tote Design Winner Selected by Ed Grossman — last modified 03-26-2012 07:54 PM

Green Team's selection of winning design in Tu B'Shvat Tote Design competition.

Temple Micah's Lasting Influence by Ed Grossman — last modified 03-26-2012 07:31 PM

When I started the college application process, I never thought that I would end up choosing the Joint Program at the Jewish Theological Seminary and Columbia University, where I am currently in my first year. Each semester, I take classes at both schools and will earn two bachelor degrees in four years. There are many things that pushed me in this direction, one of which is definitely Temple Micah.

Larry Hoffman Picks 100 Great Jewish Books by Ed Grossman — last modified 01-24-2012 11:51 PM

As the featured speaker at the Temple Micah Book Fair in November, Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman talked about his new book, One Hundred Great Jewish Books: Three Millennia of Jewish Conversation.

Member Spotlight--Betsy Broder and David Wentworth by Ed Grossman — last modified 01-24-2012 11:56 PM

The Vine is proud to begin a new feature, Member Spotlight. Every issue will introduce readers to a current Micah member, with the intention of discovering something new about long-time congregants and getting to know newer ones. The range of individuals, couples, and families highlighted will illustrate the diversity and depth of our membership.

Blending the Familiar and the New by Ed Grossman — last modified 12-10-2011 01:09 AM

To sit or to stand. How to utilize the abundant rich material in Mishkan T’filah. The role of music to establish a mood and enhance a service.

A Shabbat with Ron Wolfson by Ed Grossman — last modified 12-10-2011 01:22 AM

"Did you deal honestly with people in your business practice?" That is one of the seven questions you expect to be asked in Heaven, and perhaps the most important one, according to Dr. Ron Wolfson, a visionary Jewish educator and co-president of Synagogue 3000.

Micah House Celebrates Successes, But A Challenging Year Lies Ahead by Ed Grossman — last modified 12-10-2011 01:26 AM

Three great things happened at Micah House this fall. First, despite the loss of Fannie Mae support, our Temple "Walk for the Homeless" broke participation records and was a joyous event. Second, one of our residents moved into her own home two months ahead of schedule, with a full-time job, her own car, and money in the bank. And Frances Young, a 2010 graduate, shared some of her experiences and her gratitude at Kabbalat Shabbat services.

Reflections on Next Dor High Holy Day Services by Ed Grossman — last modified 12-10-2011 01:29 AM

 

Community Conversations: Temple Micah's Listening Project by Ed Grossman — last modified 09-18-2011 09:53 AM

In Jewish and Christian congregations throughout the country, members' personal stories have led to the discovery of deeply held concerns.

December 2012 Trip to Israel Planned by Ed Grossman — last modified 09-18-2011 10:59 AM

Planning for the next Temple Micah trip to Israel is underway!

Next Dor Continues to Build on Early Success by Ed Grossman — last modified 09-18-2011 10:30 AM

They are the future, the young singles and couples attracted by the Next Dor project, who are a growing presence at Temple Micah.

It's A Girl Thing by Ed Grossman — last modified 09-18-2011 10:17 AM

Temple Micah is reviving a group for 6th and 7th grade girls called "Rosh Hodesh: It's a Girl Thing" designed to empower Jewish girls to navigate the challenges that they will face in the upcoming years.

Reinvigorated Green Team Sets New Goals, Seeks New Members by Ed Grossman — last modified 09-18-2011 10:06 AM

Temple Micah recognizes that environmental issues are an essential part of tikkun olam.

Summer Camp Immerses Micah Youth in Fun and Jewish Experiences by Ed Grossman — last modified 09-18-2011 10:35 AM

Many a bright and happy Temple Micah face could be spotted this summer at Camp Harlam, our regional Union of Reform Judaism camp in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Micah campers, from the youngest to the oldest, took part in a broad variety of Jewish, athletic and arts-focused activities.

Funding the Synagogue of the Future by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-25-2011 07:44 PM

At a recent conference of synagogue executive directors, I attended a session called, "Who is Paying the Bills? Is Our Synagogue Revenue Model Working?" We discussed questions such as: Where is the synagogue earning its revenue? Do models that worked in the past continue to work now? Is it sufficient to rely on a dues structure or should we move to a different model?

Am Yisrael Chai! Personal Reflections on the Micah Mitzvah Mission to Poland and Israel by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-25-2011 07:31 PM

Am Yisrael Chai! Never did those words mean more to me than at Birkenau, the apotheosis of the Nazi's murderous efficiency.

Adults Called to the Torah for the First Time Enriched by Their Journey by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-25-2011 07:36 PM

Life is a journey, says the traditional Jewish prayer, and for the ten members of the 2009-2011 Adult B'nai Torah class, being called to the Torah on Saturday morning April 30 culminated a two-year individual and collective journey to a deeper understanding of the Torah, Jewish prayer and Judaism.

MiTY Guys Keeps Teen Boys Engaged in Jewish Life by Ed Grossman — last modified 04-29-2011 11:35 PM

Imagine yourself as a 14-year-old Jewish boy. You just became Bar Mitzvah last year. That was a great accomplishment, but what's next? What sorts of activities would you choose to occupy your free time? Sports, video games, hanging out with friends, synagogue youth group?

A Man of Many Words: Legendary Senator Is Chronicled through a Lifetime of Letters by Ed Grossman — last modified 02-03-2011 06:26 PM

The remarkable life of Daniel Patrick Moynihan stands in stark contrast to today's polarized, tweeting and texting political atmosphere.

Helping the Homeless Is a Way of Life for Micah Members Elka and Sid Booth by Ed Grossman — last modified 02-03-2011 06:37 PM

"If you can't be Melinda Gates, you do what you can do," says Micah member Elka Booth. What Elka and Sid Booth do is help people in need.

More than 100 Attend "Celebrity" Dinners, Raise Thousands for Machon Micah by Ed Grossman — last modified 02-04-2011 08:14 AM

Temple Micah's inaugural "Evening of Dining and Discovery," at which members and friends paid to dine with interesting and well-known Washingtonians, raised about $17,000 for Machon Micah.

Two Decades Later, Micah House Continues to Make a Difference by Ed Grossman — last modified 02-03-2011 06:32 PM

"A gift from God." With those heartfelt words, Peggy W. described the year and a half she spent at Micah House, pulling her life together.

Days of Awe Recipe Tasting by David Diskin — last modified 06-14-2010 01:43 PM

 

Celebrating 70 as the New 4 by David Diskin — last modified 06-11-2010 06:17 PM

 

Israel Independence Day Celebration Features Storyteller Noa Baum by David Diskin — last modified 04-21-2010 11:24 AM

 

20 Years of Micah House by David Diskin — last modified 04-19-2010 07:33 PM

 

The Auction is Coming. Don’t Dare Miss It! by David Diskin — last modified 04-18-2010 01:08 PM

 

Yom Ha'shoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day (Machon Micah - Whole Community) - April 10, 2010 by David Diskin — last modified 04-12-2010 05:16 PM

 

Rebecca Dubowe to Speak About Being a Rabbi who is Deaf by David Diskin — last modified 03-23-2010 11:12 AM

 

How Rabbi Zemel Thinks About God by David Diskin — last modified 03-18-2010 10:58 AM

 

Haiti Relief by David Diskin — last modified 02-15-2010 01:50 PM

 

Eat, Sing, Learn—Shabbat Shalom Around Town and Machon Micah by David Diskin — last modified 02-01-2010 10:17 PM

 

In Their Telltale Purple Aprons, Micah Cooks Cater Events and Raise Money for Temple by Ed Grossman — last modified 11-30-2009 12:26 AM

Which brownies are the best? The classic gooey ones? Elka's peppermint-iced morsels? Sheri's over-the-top-with-cranberries?

Micah's First Shaliach Hopes to Foster Connection Between American Jews and Israel by Ed Grossman — last modified 11-30-2009 12:19 AM

"Good morning, I'm Tal. We're going to be talking about Israel and the events leading to the Gaza war."

Synagogue 3000 Awards $40k grant to Temple Micah by David Diskin — last modified 11-23-2009 09:34 PM

 

Machon Micah Sukkot Gathering For Everyone by David Diskin — last modified 10-07-2009 01:36 PM

 

Selichot Becomes a Time to Learn--At a Reasonable Hour by David Diskin — last modified 09-07-2009 03:17 PM

 

10 Minutes a Week to Better Hebrew by David Diskin — last modified 09-07-2009 03:16 PM

 

Highly Competitive Grant Awards Micah “Educational Emissary” from Israel by David Diskin — last modified 09-07-2009 03:13 PM

 

Temple Micah Takes Big Step Toward Going Green by David Diskin — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

Board Announces New Paperless Initiative!

Micah Celebrates Simchas with Laughter, Tears and 7th-Inning Stretch by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

Two simchas: One inconceivable without the other: The 25th anniversary of the leadership of Rabbi Zemel and the physical expansion of Temple Micah--the connection was inescapable as more than 300 members gathered Feb. 8 to celebrate both milestones and to usher in the next stage in the life of the congregation.

At Last: Construction Set to Start in June by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

After years of planning, Temple Micah has hired a contractor to oversee a major building expansion that will provide space for more than a dozen additional multi-use classrooms, an enlarged social hall with flexible space, more offices for staff, and an enhanced galleria and board room to facilitate services and onegs.

Micah Board Votes to Hire Full-Time Assistant Rabbi by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

Temple Micah members were notified last month that associate Rabbi Toby Manewith would be leaving the congregation a little more than a year from now. The temple board voted to restructure the position in order to hire a full-time assistant rabbi, most likely somebody fresh from rabbinical school.

Journalist-Prison Guard to Address Israeli-Palestinian Divide by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

In the Israeli wilderness not far from Kadesh-Barnea, the site where the Tanakh says Moses angrily struck the rock and incurred God`s displeasure, is another place ruled by anger: Ketziot, a sprawling Israeli military prison. It was at Ketziot that a young, idealistic American named Jeffrey Goldberg served a tour in 1990 as a guard in the Israeli army.

Kesher Dorotainu Strives to Forge Connections Between Seniors, Religious School Students by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

To forge lasting connections between the temple's older and younger generations--two segments of the congregation that have much to offer each other but rarely have the opportunity to interact--a new program is underway, Kesher Dorotainu: Connecting the Generations. The program is part of an ongoing effort to build community that is inclusive and meaningful for people at all stages of life.

In The First Person: On Vacation in Beijing, Micah Members Attend Shabbat Services, Sample Kosher Restaurant by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

Shabbat services at Kehillat Beijing began with members of the congregation introducing themselves and saying where they were from. There was a group from Canada, a couple from New Jersey in town to see their newborn grandchild, tourists from the Midwest and three members of Temple Micah.

Community Council For The Homeless Says Thanks! by David Diskin — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

from the CCHFP Fall 2007 Newsletter

Music Educator to Examine the Role of Jewish Women in Music Throughout the Millennia by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:25 AM

Marsha Bryan Edelman, professor of music and education at Gratz College in Philadelphia, will discuss the role Jewish women have played in the creation of Jewish music during a Kol Isha gathering Dec. 9.

Underwear Drive Sets “World Record” by David Diskin — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

6th grade thanks Temple Micah members.

Provocative Speakers Help Micah Commemorate Israel's 60th Year by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

One is a well-known peace negotiator who has worked alongside American presidents. Another is a rabbi, a trailblazer in Israel's nascent Reform movement. One is a journalist who brings to life, through his own personal lens, the passions of Israelis and Palestinians. Another is a professor who has deemed some liberal Jewish writers anti-Semitic. The last works to gain support for Israel among American college students.

Micah Works to Build Community, Create Haven for Exploration by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

At the start of Shabbat services on Friday nights, Temple Micah's rabbis customarily offer cups of Kiddush wine to newcomers. When Micah children study for b'nai mitzvah, their parents meet regularly to prepare for and share the experience. When members are ill, others--perhaps total strangers--take them food or drive them to the doctor. Instead of dropping their children off at religious school, Micah parents join them for 45 minutes of family classes. Many hang out afterward for bagels, coffee and kibitzing.

Adults Study Hebrew to Follow Services, Read Torah, Travel to Israel by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

There's no sign of "summer lightning" in the Tuesday evening adult language classes at Temple Micah. Just a lot of determination and hard work.

Rising Construction Costs Force Micah to Reassess Details of Expansion by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

Faced with cost estimates more than $1 million higher than anticipated, Temple Micah plans to open the building expansion project to competitive bidding to obtain "real-world numbers" that will help determine how to proceed.

Frank Rich, Robert Satloff to be Featured at Micah Book Fair by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

The Temple Micah Book Fair takes place at Politics & Prose on Sunday, Nov. 19. This event raises money for the temple through book purchases, and is also an opportunity for members to socialize in the cafe, hear the youth choir and listen to two prominent authors discuss their provocative and noteworthy new books.

Torah Study Group Shifts Focus This Year by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

Torah/Tanach Study Group, the popular self-led session that meets each Saturday before Shabbat services, is taking a break from Torah this year to consider other books of the Tanach (Hebrew Bible). Beginning Oct. 7, the group will focus primarily on the historical books that follow Deuteronomy: Joshua, Judges, I and II Samuel and I and II Kings. Interspersed at appropriate places, TSG will also read Ruth, Job, Song of Songs and the first half of Isaiah.

Kol Isha, "A Woman's Voice," Heads into Its Sixth Year with Plans to Study God by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

This past May, a group of women and one man, members of the study group Kol Isha--a woman's voice--met at the home of fellow member Dawn Feldman-Lehker for the annual Kol Isha retreat. After helping themselves to an array of nibbles, group members climbed the steps to a lovely outdoor deck where they began the afternoon's study, the culmination of their year-long study of psalms. Group member Jan Greenberg, serving as the day's teacher, passed out pages of contemporary psalms she had gathered from a variety of sources, and for the next two hours the group read and discussed these beautiful writings. A pot-luck dinner followed, during ich group members discussed approaches to their next year's study on God. Film, someone suggested. Music, another offered. One member had brought a helpful annotated bibliography of Jewish writings on the subject.

Micah House Graduate: "This Time, I Had Hope" by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

After two years rebuilding her life and confidence at Micah House, "S" is ready to graduate. "I have met every goal I set since coming to Micah House," she said, and she is eager to meet her next goal of independent living.

Donations for Hurricane Katrina Relief by Ed Grossman — last modified 07-14-2009 09:26 AM

Temple Micah's Katrina Disaster Relief Project--in conjunction with the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) is to collect money to supply diapers to those in need. Please make checks payable to Temple Micah and write "Katrina" on the memo line.