OCTOBER 2013 CHESHVAN / KISLEV 5774
CONTENTS RABBI’S MESSAGE 1 RABBI’S MESSAGE: PRESIDENT’S We’re Puttin’ the Band PERSPECTIVE 3 Back Together (And, yes, we’re on a mission from God) CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING 4 Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg
CANTOR’S During our Beth Am Israel trip this past June, we ate at a CORNER 6 restaurant called Blackout which, as the name indicates, UPCOMING features a sumptuous meal eaten entirely in the dark. After EVENTS 8 pre-ordering food and drinks, patrons are led in a human chain to their tables. The experience was “enlightening” in CALENDARS 10 many ways, including the opportunity (devoid of visual CONTRIBUTIONS 14 distractions) to have meaningful conversations with one another and to focus intently on other senses like taste and COMMUNITY sound. Each of the servers at Blackout is blind or visually NEWS 16 impaired so listening became critical as they guided us with their hands and voices: “Your glass is at your right hand, above FUND DESIGNATION 19 your plate.” “Your fork is here, at your left hand.” “Hold still as I clear your plate.”
Our synagogue (and sanctuary in particular) is a visually stunning space, drawing the eye upward to the heavens, but sight is just one important sense and sound is of great help Visit us on line at: in creating a meaningful davening experience. This year, Beth bethambaltimore.org Am will celebrate a Year of Music focusing on sound and and now you can: melody as we engage our liturgy, one another and God. Make sure you mark your calendars and sign up for our Shabbaton US and Musician-in-Residence Weekend, both happening in ON November. This month of October features two musical facebook.com/ events: BethAmBaltimore • Eutaw Place kicked off its second full season October 5, with the very talented Aoife O’Donovan (joined by The Sweater Set).
cont’d on page 5 1 Standing Committees Adult Ed Chair Elaine Weiss BETH AM BOARD Adult Ed Co-Chair Carla Rosenthal Finance Chair Alan Kopolow Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg Finance Co-Chair Joe Wolfson House Chair Sam Polakoff Officers Kiddush Chair Meg Hyman President Scott Zeger Membership Chair Sharon Nathanson 1st Vice President Julie Gottlieb Membership Co-Chair Robin Katcoff 2nd Vice President Alyson Bonavoglia Religious Services Chair Joe Wolfson Treasurer Alan Kopolow Social Action Chair Arthur Shulman Secretary Elaine Weiss Social Action Co-Chair Jackie Donowitz Youth Education Chair David Lunken Trustees through 2014 Betty Chemers Ad Hoc Committees Jerry Doctrow Annual Fund Honorary Chair Gil Sandler Emily Demsky Annual Fund Chair Eliza Feller Ashley Pressman Annual Fund Co-Chair Jim Jacobs Baltimore Jewish Council Ben Rosenberg Trustees through 2015 Beth Am Connection Joanne Katz Eliza Feller Risa Jampel Cheri Levin BAYITT Co-Chair Jeff Wachter David Lunken BAYITT Co-Chair Erica Allen Lynn Sassin Congregant to Congregant Joyce Keating Eutaw Place Ellen Kahan Zager Trustees through 2016 Jack Zager Neil Kahn In, For and Of Lisa Akchin Cindy Paradies Maggi Gaines Desiree Robinson Marketing Chair Ellen Spokes Jim Schwartz Operations Co-Chair Ashley Pressman Operations Co-Chair David Demsky Past President Cy Smith Past President Jack Lapides Honorary Life Member Lainy LeBow-Sachs Honorary Life Member Efrem Potts
Office Hours After hours office phone numbers: Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00-4:00 Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg Friday: 9:00-3:00 443.202.0912 (cell) (emergencies only, please) or [email protected] Phone: Tel: 410.523.2446 Cantor Ira Greenstein Fax: 410.523.1729 443.759.7807 (home) Extentions: [email protected] Rabbi Burg - 14 Rabbi Gludt - 15 Rabbi Kelley Gludt, Director of Henry Feller, Exec. Dir. - 20 Congregational Learning Linda Small, Coordinator - 12 520.248.9541 (cell) Norm Weinstein, Bookkeeper - 17 [email protected] Marsha Blank, Educator - Gail Wohlmuth, Admin. Spec. - 21 Scott L. Zeger, Board President Nakia Davis, Admin. Assist. - 11 410.868.7761 Valerie Tracy, Marketing - 10 [email protected]
In case of an emergency, please contact: E-mail: Henry Feller [email protected] Email: [email protected] Executive Director 410.602.2124 (home) Web site: www.bethambaltimore.org 2 3 PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Scott Zeger
With the High Holydays and 5773 I have already written about the third behind us, the Beth Am Board has a priority - Campaign for Beth Am. With short list of priorities on which to focus Lainy LeBow-Sachs as Chair and Cy its energy in 5774 to build an even Smith as Co-Chair, the Campaign has stronger spiritual home for learning, now set the stage for major achievements prayer and advancing social justice so that in 5774. Stay tuned. we can reinvigorate urban Jewish life in Baltimore, starting in our own Reservoir The second goal is to further Hill (http://bethambaltimore.org/ professionalize Beth Am’s operations. whoweare/vision): Beth Am now has an annual budget • strengthening Beth Am learning of about $1.2 million. Through the programs Campaign for Beth Am, you are • improving Beth Am’s operations entrusting the Board with pledges that • advancing the Campaign for Beth now exceed $6 million and that will Am. grow substantially in the next year. To be responsible with your investments, our At Beth Am, learning occurs in administration from top to bottom must classrooms and through our actions. The be first-rate. One key measure of process first goal is well underway, superbly led quality is that Beth Am remains intimate, by Rabbi Kelley Gludt. Since arriving just eclectic, welcoming...that it feels like 18 months ago, she has worked closely home. with the Youth Education committee, chaired by David Lunken, to design To advance the professionalism goal, and implement the Jewish Discovery the Board has created the Beth Am Lab, a transformed Beth Am school Operations Committee affectionately for Jewish and Hebrew education. This called “Ops Com”, chaired by Ashley year, she is turning to the more complex Pressman and David Demsky, with task of understanding and addressing members Lynn Sassin, Ellen Spokes, the congregation’s diverse aspirations Sharon Nathanson, Betty Chemers, for adult learning. The Board will work and Henry Feller. Ops Com will guide closely with Kelly and the Chairs of Adult process improvement at all levels. The Education, Social Action, and with the members have started by making a list multiple learning-focused task forces of low-hanging fruit including using to serve you better. The unifying theme names on staff emails (say goodbye to for 5774 is Music. A future President’s “office123”), implementing an on-line Perspective (PP) will address learning in payment system, succession planning for more detail. committee chairs, and training for lay leadership. Special thanks to Henry Feller cont’d on page 7 3 CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING Rabbi Kelley Gludt
I have been asked by many people, And they did. I walked into services friends and family, neighbors and and was able to participate in prayer, to strangers, why I picked up and moved deliver a sermon and lead a discussion, all my family all the way across the country knowing that this is Beth Am and that our to come to Baltimore and to Beth Am. members would step up and take care of They want a quick answer when the it. Yachad went swimmingly that morning. truth is long and detailed. I have no short, satisfying answer to pull out of my In the past few months, Claire Stolze pocket. But what I do have, and offer up, mended and repaired the children’s Torah is a true story that exemplifies why I am scrolls. Erica Bloom organized a cadre of here. volunteers to prepare and serve lunch to the children on Yom Kippur. Beth Winters Rabbi Burg was out of town and had organized a myriad of parent volunteers asked if I would do the D’var Torah on to supervise in the social hall on all three a Shabbat morning this past summer. I days of the High Holydays. Sarah Pardue, willingly agreed, happy to stretch some Rebecca Pardue and Tobiah Robinson led latent rabbi muscles. That same day Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services was our end of the year Shabbat Yachad for our families. Various teens and tweens service, and unfortunately our lay leader collected pledge cards for Israel bonds on was called out of town. I figured, with a Yom Kippur in the balcony while Leah bit of help, I could swing both, so I asked Smith, Anna Levin, Julia Gross, Bennett a competent teenager in our community Demsky, Hannah Berman, Tobiah if she would cover the service for our little Robinson, Isaac Spokes and Kiri Maza all ones when I had to step out and then she read parts of Jonah at afternoon services promptly got sick. on Yom Kippur. Kristi Aho employed her considerable expertise in setting up our I showed up at Shabbat services with a online teacher training program. And the sermon in hand and two places to be. I list goes on. looked around, found Ashley Pressman and Jason Katcoff, and explained to them Beth Am is an amazing place, with active the situation in which I found myself. I participation, committed leaders, and was flustered and stressed and probably talented lay people. We are a community not all that coherent when Jason looked which steps up, helps out, pitches in, and me in the eye and in a reassuring voice really cares. We’re Beth Am and we’ve got said, “We’re Beth Am. We’ve got this.” this.
4 5 Rabbi from page 1 • October 18 is the first of six 5774 dates for Klei Kodesh, Beth Am’s YOUTH SERVICES instrumental and joyous Friday night October / November services and dinner. Shabbat Yachad Saturday, October 12 Music has always been a huge part of Saturday, October 19 what we do at Beth Am, from Cantors Saturday, October 26 Saturday, November 9 Weisgal, London, Weiner and Sachs Saturday, November 16 to our own Ira Greenstein. This year, Saturday, November 23 our hope is to connect existing musical Saturday, November 30 offerings with new ones, providing a framework for a deeper and more Shabbat Lab has resumed on the first frequent exploration of music. Saturday of each month. October 6 The first century Jewish philosopher, November 2 Philo, suggests the heavens are always making music, in perfect harmony and in “accordance with the celestial motions.” JEWISH DISCOVERY LAB When Moshe ascended Mount Sinai, October “strains of this heavenly music reached his Sun., Oct. 13 - Lab, B’nai Mitzvah Family ears, along with the words of the Torah as Class God recited them. It is said that for the Wed., Oct. 16 - Lab rest of his life Moshe heard this unearthly Sun., Oct. 20 - Lab, Stay and Play music, just as the light that shone from Wed., Oct. 23 - Lab Sun., Oct. 27 - Lab, B’nai Mitzvah Class his face after Sinai always remained with Wed., Oct. 30 Lab him.” We may not merit, as Moshe did, to November Sun., Nov. 3 - B’nai Mitzvah Class ascend Mt. Sinai, but we too, can attune Wed., Nov. 6 - Lab our spiritual selves to heavenly music Sun., Nov. 10 - Lab, Kadima and it, too, can stay with us as we walk Wed., Nov. 13 - Lab through the world. We often speak Fri., Nov. 15-17 - Shul Shabbaton about “Jewish Music” which I am not Wed., Nov. 20 - Lab convinced is an actual category, being Sun., Nov. 24 - Lab so diverse and diffuse as to signify little. Wed., Nov. 27 - NO LAB (Thanksgiving) But “Musical Judaism” is something to which we can aspire. Jewish lives infused with notes and melodies are richer lives. Congregations seeking unearthly music are platforms to reach heavenward.
5 CANTOR’S CORNER: Role Playing Our Way through B’reishit Cantor Ira Greenstein
The holiday of Simchat Torah is just cattle for some crops. What do I tell these concluded and we are now reading the first people, when they see me building this book in the Torah, B’reishit (Genesis). It “thing” in some dry-dock, perhaps even starts with the Creation story, which sets in the middle of a land-locked area? Is the stage for the adventures of humankind not the lesson of Cain and Abel that we starting with Noah this month. The idea are responsible, one for the other? Should of Creation is to get us into the ostensible I become somewhat of a prophet, telling historical narrative that follows, and it is people to clean up their acts before they difficult to think of ourselves in the role get wiped out? If I do that, what will they of Adam or Eve in Eden, or in the role of think of me? What will GOD think of me? Cain or Abel or even the residents of Babel. Can I feel that accountable, or alternatively They are characters with which it’s hard to that independent and disconnected? personally identify … if the Torah ever even intended that objective. But Noah initiates What do I tell my own family? What does a different kind of narrative, one where my wife think of what I am doing, and how we in contemporary times can perhaps does she assess my personal sanity since see ourselves confronted by the dilemmas SHE did not hear “the voice?” How about experienced by the Torah personalities. the kids … are they not the least bit curious about their old man? The text gives us scant Noah hears God tell him to construct a clues, which can be more puzzling than boat to carry the animal world, including silence. Noah is described as “a righteous humankind, past the sins of the community person in his generation.” Does role-play and start anew. Clearly, from a theological allow us to speculate about the translation, perspective, we can envision the evils of creating maybe our own midrash to help those in the community around us and explain the text and its meaning, filling in quietly go about the activities that will some of the blanks with invented detail? rescue animals from the flood. That is, we can put ourselves into the minds of the Moving ahead to Abraham, our sages did players in this saga, identifying with the much to fill in the blanks in the Torah text problem and with what the solution means … to the point that we confuse what is to us. For example, let’s pretend to be invented and what is actually in the source Noah. I am living among people for many text. The text begins to fill in some of its decades before I am asked to build the ark, own lines here, giving a description of how then realizing that these neighbors are going Abraham feels (or does NOT feel) when to be drowned. I see these people walking by all the time, perhaps even stopping to hold a conversation or barter some of my cont’d on page 7
6 7 Cantor from page 6 ordered about. Two examples: we learn where we can better begin to coordinate that Abraham listens unquestioning to and prioritize our activities. Thanks to God when told to sacrifice Isaac, but argues Rabbi Burg, Bob Leventhal from United when told that Sodom and Gomorrah will Synagogue of Conservative Judaism be destroyed. Abraham also frets when (USCJ) was the retreat moderator. Julie asked by Sarah to toss out Hagar and will document for you what we learned Ishmael. There is a lot to role-play here, in a major rewrite of our strategic plan, putting ourselves into the roles of Abraham, in order to incorporate the changing Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, or Ishmael … and a lot landscape and multiple planning efforts to appreciate in the process. In the past, that have been conducted in recent years. I have found that our kids respond well to such questioning, and I might suggest Third, Beth Am has accepted an trying some of this role-play at the Friday invitation from The Associated to be one dinner table each week. of four local organizations to constitute The entire first book of the Torah is replete a pilot version of the Engagement with creative opportunities as we hear Partnership, a customized process for the text chanted and read the translation. Jewish organizations to develop strategies I encourage you to take advantage of to better engage their members by these opportunities. By role-playing the balancing people’s needs and interests personalities in B’reishit we can gain a with organizational needs. Second better understanding of how the Biblical Vice President Alyson Bonavoglia has personalities might feel. Walk a mile in generously agreed to lead this initiative, their shoes. Imagining the story between working closely with the Membership the text’s lines has been a pastime of our Committee led by Sharon Nathanson, scholars, and we, too, can participate in the with Ops Com and with Henry Feller game in order to better explore our own and his staff. Beth Am will be eligible values and feelings in Torah-created but for small Associated grants to implement identifiable situations. improved processes arrived at through the Engagement Partnership. President from page 3 and his staff, and to all of the committee In summary, Beth Am’s professional and and task force chairs for welcoming (or lay leadership is using 5774 to become at least tolerating) this initiative that, best-in-class at serving its vision and each by its nature, is disruptive and requires of you. We want to enhance your Beth extra work for a brief period, in order to Am experience and ensure our collective achieve higher proficiency in the longer future. term.
Led by First Vice President Julie Gottlieb, the Board held a one-day retreat on October 6, at the Pearlstone Center. Each committee and task force presented its mission and goals for the year, to see
7 BAYITT
UPCOMING EVENTS: Second Fridays Return! Friday, October 11 at 6:30 pm Services and Free Dinner Featuring Dr. Steven David, professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University, leading a discussion about Syria. Beth Am Young Adult Initiative for Twenties and Thirties BAYITT Hang Out in Druid Hill Park Saturday, October 19th, following services (around 1 pm) Meet by the statue of William Wallace. Bring your Frisbee/ball/picnic blanket/etc! (If it rains we’ll meet at Beth Am and walk/drive to the Allen house)
Halloween Havdalah Saturday, October 26, 6:45 pm Followed by drinks - Location TBD
For more information about BAYITT events please visit our website, bayitt.org, or contact us at [email protected].
SANGRIA & WOOT! Beth Am Chix - Post-Sukkot Sangria and Woot Sunday, October 13, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Beth Am Chix, a dynamic group of women in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, is gathering for Post-Sukkot Sangria and Woot. Since the holidays fell so early this year, the Beth Am Chix got off to a late start. But we didn’t want to miss an opportunity to gather and enjoy a glass of Sangria together! And one of our own, Gail Fishman, is launching a new culinary endeavor -- WOOT!, homemade granola -- so we thought we would combine the two into one really fun event!
Please come for a glass and a nibble and feel free to bring a friend! RSVP by Oct. 11 to Ellen Spokes: [email protected]
Brought to you by: Alyson Bonavoglia, Emily Demsky, Melissa Cordish, Jessica Lunken and Ellen Spokes
8 9 dec. 14: liz longley w/bob sima ; jan. 11: chris ayer w/ellen cherry
EUTAWMUSIC feb. 1: guy davis* ; mar. 1: ernie halter w/victoria vox ; apr. 5: 2nd anniversary concert: TBA may 3: peter bradley adams w/ruut PLACE 2013-14 {at beth am} nov 2 /8 pm: singer/songwriter toby lightman w/ doug wamble beer. wine. coffee. tea. homemade cookies.
toby lightman’s first album little things was released in 2004 on lava/atlantic, featuring the hit single devils and angels, which enjoyed considerable airplay in the summer of 2004. during her career, she has toured and performed with bands such as oar, rob thomas, jewel, gavin degraw, train and prince. since becoming an independent artist, her music has been featured on national tv and she has appeared on letterman, conan, gma, and the cbs morning show. she’s released 4 albums. her new ep, holding a heart, has just been released. a native of memphis, doug wamble lives in new york where he has performed and recorded with artists such as wynton marsalis, cassandra wilson, norah jones, natalie merchant, branford marsalis, bill frisell and charlie hunter and epic recording artist morgan james. he has composed and performed original works for the lincoln center jazz orchestra, chamber music america, and film soundtracks for acclaimed documentarian ken burns including the tenth inning, prohibition and the central park five. his first independent release, fast as years, slow as days” came out in 2013.
410- 484- 9110 tix & info EUTAWPLACE.ORG
CONCERT OPERA PERFORMANCE Lost Childhood Saturday, November 9, 2013, 8 pm Music by Janice Hamer Libretto by Mary Azrael (a Beth Am member) with the National Philharmonic Piotr Gajewski, conductor The Music Center at Strathmore North Bethesda, Maryland
The opera Lost Childhood is based on child Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist Yehuda Nir’s memoir, The Lost Childhood, and his friendship with Gottfried Wagner.
A free pre-concert lecture will be offered in the Concert Hall at 6:45 pm.
Ticket Office Phone: (301) 581-5100 [email protected] | www.strathmore.org
9 SUNDAY MORNING KLEI KODESH MINYANIM BETH AM After a summer hiatus, YEAR OF Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Sunday Minyanim Friday, October 18 and return to Beth Am, MUSIC Friday, December 6 - 6 pm EVENT with bonus monthly Please join Rabbi Daniel Burg, Cantor Ira Greenstein and Learning Minyan: guest musicians for a Musical Kabbalat Shabbat. Open to the community! Location: Beth Am Chapel Minyan followed by breakfast and great conversation - every Sunday - 9:30 am 7 pm dinner to follow services with Israeli / Mediterranean Fare Minyan followed by breakfast and Learning Minyan - the first Sundays of each month - 9:30 am Adults - $16 | Children 6-12 yrs. - $10 Household maximum - $56 Your Mitzvah Minyan - To help make a quorum each week, we are asking Children 6 and under are free! each Beth Am member to attend minyan at least once a year – the week of your birthday. See you in shul! RSVP by October 15 - 410.523.2446 or [email protected] RSVP the dates you expect to attend to [email protected] or 410.523.2446 2013 OCT. HESHVAN 5774 OCT. HESHVAN
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 4:15 pm - Jewish 6:26 pm Candle 8:45 am - Torah Study Discovery Lab lighting 9:30 am - Sanctuary Ser- vice with Kiri Maza’s Bat Mitzvah 10:30 am - Shabbat Lab 8 pm - Eutaw Place
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 9:30 am - Minyan 12 pm - Lunch & Learn 4:15 pm - Jewish 6:15 pm Candle 8:45 am - Torah Study followed by Learning Discovery Lab lighting 9:30 am - Kesher Service Minyan 6:30 pm - BAYITT 10:30 - Shabbat Yachad 4 pm - Dr. Louis L. FREE Services and Kaplan tribute Dinner 7 pm - Cyber-parenting
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 9:30 am - Minyan 4:15 pm - Jewish 9 am - Our Daily Bread 6 pm - Klei Kodesh 8:45 am - Torah Study 9:30 am - Jewish Dis- Discovery Lab 6:05 pm Candle 9:30 am - Sanctuary Ser- covery Lab lighting vice with Gabe Samuels’ 3:30 pm - Sangria and Bar Mitzvah Woot! 10:30 - Shabbat Yachad 1 pm - BAYITT Hang Out in Druid Hill Park
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 9 am - Our Daily Bread 12 pm - Lunch & Learn 4:15 pm - Jewish 5:56 pm Candle 8:45 am - Torah Study 9:30 am - Minyan Discovery Lab lighting 9:30 am - Sanctuary Ser- 9:30 am - Jewish Dis- vice with Rose Bridger’s covery Lab Bat Mitzvah 10:30 - Shabbat Yachad 6:45 pm - BAYITT Hallow- een Havdalah
27 28 29 30 31 9 am - Our Daily Bread 4:15 pm - Jewish 9 am - Our Daily Bread 9:30 am - Minyan Discovery Lab 9:30 am - Jewish Dis- covery Lab NOV.2013 LUNCH
LEARNDecember Novembe r October Baltimore, MD21210 Square38 Village ofCrossVillage Keys Banker Res.BrokerageColdwell Karin Batterton’s Office December November Baltimore, MD21202 floor 26th 100 EPratt, Tydings &Rosenberg, LLP Garageparkingavailableforafee. very limited. Richard Rosenthal’s Office- &of Oct,Dec,Feb,andApril. months leadduringthe will Gludt Rabbi Kelley ofNov,months Jan,Mar, andMay. Rabbi DanielCotzinBurg leadduringthe will areAll welcome,pleasebringafish/dairylunch. LUNCH &LEARN 2013 Schedule Noon -1pm
17 26 22 10 12
On-street parkingis RKG RDB RKG RKG RDB EVENT MUSIC BETH AM YEAR OF 7 pm 6 pm Friday, November1 workshop. teach hispopular‘Spontaneous JewishChoir’ Synagogue asamusician-in-residence to singer andpercussionist Am visitBeth will Joey Weisenberg, guitarist, mandolinist, More detailstofollow… Kiddush luncheon duringshabbat servicesandafterthe Participating Saturday, November2 8 pm Congregational Dinner Musical KabbalatShabbatService Post-dinner songsession Post-dinner MUSICIAN INRESIDENCE KISLEV Beth AmSynagoguecelebrates a Weekend ofSongwith its “Year ofMusic” with Joey Weisenberg
5774 NOV. KISLEV
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 5:47 pm Candle 9:30 am - Sanctuary lighting Services w/ Musician in 6 pm - Musician in Residence - Joey Weisen- Residence - Joey berg Weisenberg 10:30 am - Shabbat Lab 8 pm - Eutaw Place
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9:30 am - Minyan 6 pm - RHIC’s Annual 4:15 pm - Jewish 4:40 pm Candle 9:30 am - Sanctuary followed by Learning Meeting Discovery Lab lighting Services Minyan 10:30 am - Shabbat NO Lab Yachad
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 9:30 am - Minyan 12 pm - Lunch & Learn 4:15 pm - Jewish Shul Shabbaton Shul Shabbaton 9:30 am - Jewish Dis- Discovery Lab 4:34 pm Candle 9:30 am - Kesher Services covery Lab lighting 10:30 am - Shabbat Yachad
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Shul Shabbaton 4:15 pm - Jewish 9 am - Our Daily Bread 4:30 pm Candle 9:30 am - Sanctuary 9 am - Our Daily Bread Discovery Lab lighting Services with Prof. Edward 9:30 am - Minyan 6 pm - Services Greenstein followed by dinner 10:30 am - Shabbat followed by Scholar Yachad Program with Prof. 6:30 pm - Whitelock Farm Edward Greenstein Fundraiser
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 9 am - Our Daily Bread 12 pm - Lunch & Learn Chanukah (1) Chanukah (2) Chanukah (3) Chanukah (4) 9:30 am - Minyan NO Jewish Discovery Thanksgiving 4:27 pm Candle 9:30 am - Kesher Services 9:30 am - Jewish Dis- Lab lighting 10:30 am - Shabbat covery Lab Yachad AUGUST 2013 CONTRIBUTIONS Adult Education Fund • Ellen and Susan Patz - In memory of Lester S. Levy, their father and grandfather, • Vickie Dorf - In memory of Lillian Dorf, her on his yahrzeit mother, on her yahrzeit • Paula Singer & Michael Pearlman - In • Marcia & Robert Kargon - In memory of memory of Lynn Kotzen, mother of Samuel Meyer Rose and Ira Kargon, their Ellen Spokes fathers, on their yahrzeits Cantor’s Discretionary Fund Building Preservation and Ritual • Diane & Howard Berg - In memory of Ruth Enhancement Fund Asnis, her mother, on her yahrzeit • Rebecca & Perry Bridger - In memory of • Judy & David Drager-Davidoff - In honor of Myrna Lapides, sister of Jack Lapides Abigail Drager-Davidoff on her Bat Mitzvah • Bette Cohen - In memory of David Traub, husband of Carol Traub; In honor of Tony Perlman on his birthday Garden Fund and Patsy & Tony Perlman on their • Sheila & Steve LeMel - In memory of anniversary Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy • Emily & David Demsky - In memory of LeBow-Sachs Sylvia Levitov, mother and grandmother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs and Carrie LeBow; In memory of Lynn Kotzen, mother of General Fund Ellen Spokes • Ann & Duke Frazier - In honor of Sam • Herbert Garten - In memory of Frazier, on his marriage to Brooke Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy • Nancy & Harris Goldberg - In appreciation LeBow-Sachs of Beth Am Synagogue • Barry Glass - In memory of Morris Glass, his • Skylar Hogan & David Boonie - In father, on his yahrzeit appreciation of Nancy Shuger • Chickie Grayson - In memory of • Andrea Krupp and Tom Hooper - In Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs LeBow-Sachs • Shelly & Jeff Hettleman - In memory of • Pamela & Eric Loeb - In memory of Lynn Kotzen, mother of Ellen Spokes; Bessie Bondy and Elisa Litchgarn, his In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of grandparents, on their yahrzeits Lainy LeBow-Sachs • Roz & Nelson Hyman - In memory of I. William Schimmel Myrna Lapides, sister of Jack Lapides; Student Scholarship Fund Etta & Louis L. Kaplan In memory of Debby Freeman, wife of Harold Freeman • Judy Miller - In memory of Myrna Lapides, Education Fund • Sheila & Steve LeMel - In memory of Max sister of Jack Lapides Grossfeld and Irvin LeMel, their fathers, on their yahrzeits Kiddush Fund • Pamela & Eric Loeb - In memory of • Sarajane Greenfeld -In memory of Sylvia Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs; LeBow-Sachs In memory of Doris Gold and Martin B. In memory of Lynn Kotzen, mother of Greenfeld, her mother & husband, on their Ellen Spokes yahrzeits • The Harvey M. Meyerhoff Fund, Inc. - In • Harriet Miller - In memory of Myrna memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy Lapides, sister of Jack Lapides LeBow-Sachs 14 15 • Barbara Udell - In appreciation of • Leslie Sporn-Symonds & Phillip Symonds - Harriet Miller In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy • Gail & Lou Wohlmuth - In memory of LeBow-Sachs Debby Freeman, wife of Harold Freeman • Carol Traub - In appreciation • Gail & Lou Wohlmuth - In memory of Alan Yoffee, her brother, on his yahrzeit Prayer Book Fund • Mayer & Evelyn Posner - In memory of Myrna Lapides, sister of Jack Lapides Social Action Fund • Judy Miller, Arna Desser & Mara Baraban- • Kim Andrews & Andy Hartwig - In (Chumash) In memory of Debby Freeman, appreciation of Beth Am Synagogue wife of Harold Freeman • Lisa & Don Akchin - In memory of • Paula Singer & Michael Pearlman - Gerald Weinstein, late husband of (Mahzor) In memory of Harold Martin Irma Weinstein Singer, her father, on his yahrzeit • Mimi Davidoff - In memory of Shirley Davidoff, her sister-in-law, on her yahrzeit Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund • Mimi Davidoff, Amy Davidoff & Judy Drager-Davidoff - In memory of Florence • Rheda Becker - In memory of Mirantz, their mother and grandmother, on Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow- her yahrzeit Sachs • Cheri & Ed Levin - In memory of Lynn • Patricia Fradkin-Berman & Michael Berman Kotzen, mother of Ellen Spokes; In appreciation In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of • Shirley Braverman - In memory of Jerry Lainy LeBow-Sachs; Goldman, her brother, on his yahrzeit In memory of David Traub, husband of • Judy & David Drager-Davidoff - In honor of Carol Traub Abigail Drager-Davidoff on her • Jo-Ann Orlinsky - In memory of Sylvia Bat Mitzvah Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs; • Karen Egorin & Martin Yaker - In In memory of Myrna Lapides, sister of appreciation Jack Lapides • Rikki Fleisher Family - In appreciation • Georgia Parker - In memory of Myrna • Roz & Nelson Hyman - In memory of David Lapides, sister of Jack Lapides Honick, brother of Al Honick • Leslie Sporn-Symonds & Phillip Symonds - • Mary Jacobs - In memory of Herman In memory of Lynn Kotzen, mother of Wortsman, her father, on his yahrzeit Ellen Spokes • Mimi & Richard Joseph - In memory of Lillian Silbert, her mother, on her yahrzeit • Lainy LeBow-Sachs & Leonard Sachs - In Youth & Teen memory of Myrna Lapides, sister of Education Support Fund Jack Lapides; In memory of Debby Freeman, wife of • Alyson Bonavoglia & George Wittenberg - Harold Freeman In memory of Lynn Kotzen, mother of • Nadja & Albert Pats - In memory of Leah Ellen Spokes; Leavey, his sister, on her yahrzeit In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of • Doreen & Richard Rosenthal - In memory Lainy LeBow-Sachs of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs • Elaine & Sol Snyder - In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs; In memory of Ruth Singer, wife of John Singer; In memory of Myrna Lapides, sister of Jack Lapides • Ellen & Jeff Spokes - In memory of Marvin Kotzen, her father, on his yahrzeit
15 PRAYERS FOR HEALING Harry Adler, friend of Roberta and Cantor Ira Greenstein Burt D’Lugoff Judy Smith, associate of Roberta Greenstein (Cantor Ira Greenstein) Ken Salzman, brother-in-law of Gail & Lou Wohlmuth Ofra Shipman, cousin of Roberta Greenstein (Cantor Ira Greenstein) Michael Weise Joel Young, friend of Roberta and Cantor Ira Greenstein Rachel Pines Leroy Hoffberger, friend of Debra Furchgott Harry Rossen Donald Allen, father of Lisa Minick (Chris) Ann Neuman Libov, friend of Debra Furchgott Norma Gaines, grandmother of Emily Gaines Demsky (David) Steven Kraft, brother of Jim Kraft (Kristi Aho) Judah Salzberg, grandson of Alan & Francine Krumholz Jerald Lipsch, brother of Harriet Goldman (Herb) Barry Glass Cyndi Lee Haaz, mother of Stephany Moonaz (Robert) Robin Leidner & Sue Martin, friends of Amy Davidoff & Steve Gore Alan Gross Robert Katz, father of Joanne Katz (Scott Zeger) Hilda Coyne Vickie Dorf Renee C. Riley, friend of Beth Am Fran Kanterman Steven Eisenberg, friend of Les Stellman
MAZEL TOV • Cy Smith for being recognized in the 2014 edition of Best Lawyers in America. • Eutaw Place for your feature on Toby Lightman in the Jewish Times. • Connie Baker for being honored by HopeWell Cancer Support, Oct. 17, for her 14 years of Board service. • Jackie Donowitz, Dan Richman and Joe Nathanson on your feature in the Baltimore Community Foundation Annual Report • Ana Pavich & Adam Geroff on the birth and naming of their daughter, Hedy Lucia. • Ronald Shapiro and Rabbi Jacob Agus, z”l (father of Deborah Agus) for being inducted into the Baltimore Jewish Hall of Fame • Laura Fine Liebman on being named assistant coach of the Israel national lacrosse team. Parents are Bailey & Stanley Fine • Josh Bender on being hired as the new head of the lower school at Krieger Schechter Day School. • Ann & Duke Fraizer on their son, Sam Fraizer’s marriage to Brooke Fraizer. COMMUNITY NEWS
16 17 70+ BIRTHDAYS RECENT DEATHS Sally Neustadt 2-Oct Raymond Zager, father of Jack Zager Joan Sills 2-Oct (Ellen Kahan Zager) Debra Furchgott 3-Oct Judy Miller 6-Oct Ed Wallach 8-Oct Efrem Potts 11-Oct Harriet Goldman 13-Oct Sidney Levin 16-Oct Betsy Hess 18-Oct KIDDUSH LUNCHEON Robert Kargon 18-Oct AND BIMAH FLOWERS Rena Konheim 23-Oct Sponsorships and Donations: Paul Hollinger 27-Oct • Aug 17 - A special donation was Joyce Keating 28-Oct made to the Kiddush Fund by the Shirley Leaderman 30-Oct Schimmel and Desser families in memory of Blanche Schimmel • Sept. 7 - The Kiddush luncheon was lovingly sponsored by Judy Miller’s 50+ ANNIVERSARIES children, grandchildren and great- Monica & Arnold Sagner 22-Oct grandchildren in honor of her special birthday. • Sept. 28 - The flowers on the Bimah were in memory of Aaron Priel, Yoav Paz-Priel’s grandfather; Kiddush luncheon was sponsored by WELCOME NEW the Paz-Priel family in honor of Yoav MEMBERS Paz-Priel’s Bar Mitzvah. Beth Am welcomes • Oct. 5 - The flowers on the Bimah our newest members! were in memory of Michael Maza, August - September 2013 Kiri Maza’s uncle, and Frank Maza, Linda & Howard Berg Kiri’s grandfather; Ilene & Neri Cohen Kiddush luncheon, sponsored by David Davis Dianne Schwartz and Jim Maza in Hillary Ross& Jonathan Epstein honor of Kiri Maza’s Bat Mitzvah. Elissa Golin & Simeon Goldblum Melinda Goodman & Matthew Adler Honor a family member or friend by Lena & Josh Hershkovitz sponsoring Shabbat bimah flowers or a Stephanie Hershkovitz Kiddush luncheon. Lori Jenner & Ira Gottlieb Sarah & Ben Kelley Abby Krolik Laura & Jim Larson Thank you Jeremy Lautman Sarajane Greenfeld and Marsha & Dick Manekin Betty Seidel for your Becky Pearlman & Peter Evans continued support Rachel Webb & Ben Slivnick proofreading for Beth Am!
17 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Attention Busy Beth Am-ers! • The School and Rec. Leadership This probably describes many of us. Team (under the umbrella of We are totally overcommitted with Reservoir Hill Improvement family and work responsibilities, but Council) is looking to broaden we would like to make a meaningful its scope this year to increase contribution to the Reservoir Hill recreational options for all community. So, here are two ways in who live in the Reservoir Hill which you could make a meaningful, community. sustained contribution in a targeted, Your expertise, your energy, your grant specific way: writing experience, and, yes, possibly • John Eager Howard Elementary your contacts in the city could make School has started a Wellness a tremendous difference with one of Committee. Jon Kaplan (B'more these worthy initiatives. Fit) is partnering with the school If interested in joining either of to introduce a healthier way of these committees, please call Jackie living. Parents and staff have Donowitz at 410-235-5761. already volunteered to be on this committee. Community members are welcome and needed.
#01429 OUR DAILY BREAD Support John Eager Howard Volunteer at Our Daily Bread Students and Staff!!! 9 am - 1 pm When you check out at your local If you want to volunteer, contact Giant, use the John Eager Howard Victoria Dorf by noon the Friday #01429. Giant Foods will then direct before. Must be 14 or older and a portion of their profit from your accompanied by an adult. purchase to the school. Nothing big; [email protected] or but it all adds up! Funds could be used daytime: 410.965.9245 for additional purchasing additional evenings and weekends: 443.310.5310 playground equipment, stocking the school store, sponsoring a drama/ music/dance group performance... October Sundays - Oct. 20 and 27 there are so many possibilities! Thursdays - Oct 17 and 31
November Sundays - Nov. 17 and 24 Thursdays - Nov. 21
18 19 FUND DESIGNATION Accessibility Fund - Used to make the General Fund - Applied to the facility accessible to those with impaired operating budget of the congregation physical abilities I. William Schimmel Student Scholar- Adult Education Fund - Supports ship Fund - Assists students in their educational programs for all adults educational pursuits BAYITT Fund - Beth Am’s Young Adult Kiddush Fund - Used for luncheons Initiative for 20’s and 30’s following Sabbath and holiday services Building Preservation and Ritual Prayer Book Fund - Supports the Enhancement Fund - Supports the purchase of prayer books and preservation and renovation of the Chumashim building and the ritual items Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund - Allows the Cantor’s Discretionary Fund - Allows Rabbi to support special programs and the Cantor to support special programs individuals in need and individuals in need Social Action Fund - Supports social Etta & Louis L. Kaplan Education Fund action activities in the Reservoir Hill Supports the purchase of furniture, area and the general community equipment and capital improvements Tiny Tots Shabbat Fund - Supports for the Jewish Discovery Lab Shabbat programs for our preschoolers Floral Fund - Beautifies the Bimah Youth & Teen Education Support Fund Garden Fund - Beautifies grounds Supports educational programs for all of Beth Am’s youth
ACKNOWLEDGE THE OCCASION THROUGH BETH AM We encourage all congregants to send their contribution requests directly to Nakia Davis, [email protected] so they can be processed in a timely manner.
First & Last Name(s): ______
______If your contribution is from a couple or family, please list all names (use additional paper if necessary)
Telephone: (______) ______- ______
Address: ______
City/State/Zip: ______
Date: ______Amount of Donation: ______($10 minimum requested; please make checks payable to Beth Am)
Fund Designation______
In honor/memory/appreciation of ______Send Acknowledgement Card To:
Name: ______
Address: ______
City/State/Zip: ______
19 2501 Eutaw Place Baltimore, MD 21217
Beth Am Synagogue is a member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Look for the USCJ on-line at: www.uscj.org.
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